The Asheville Ballet introduces audiences to the wonders of dance for another season. page 16
The Asheville Lyric Opera will feature five main stage events for its 13th season. page 17
HART presents the comedy Hay Fever, along with a full year of sweeping plays and musicals. page 28
Elizabeth Foley pursues her passion for art and chocolate as manager and part owner of the NC Stage presents Chocolate Fetish. page 23 Hedwig and the Angry Inch Plus: Starring Michael Diana Wortham at Pack Place page 3 Susan West is the visionary Grovewood Gallery page 18 behind blue’s gallery, located Sheldon, AKA Cookie 16 Patton Fine Art Gallery page 19 in a historic cottage in the LaRue. page 6 Blackbird Frame & Art page 21 heart of Biltmore Village. Asheville Symphony Orchestra page 36 page 24 complete listing on page 5 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview Diana Wortham Theatre 2011/2012 Mainstage Season
he Diana by John Ellis Wortham Theatre at Pack Place Mainstage 2012) music is indica- Series presents a tive of its members’ first Twide range of top touring loves: gypsy, swing and artists in music, theater, klezmer music. dance, comedy, and other The 2011/2012 performing arts in an Mainstage Theatre Series intimate, 500-seat hall. features four compel- The 2011/2012 Aquila Theatre Company – The ling performances. L.A. Mainstage Series season Importance of Being Earnest. Theatre Works presents opens on September 24, The Rivalry (November 2011 with the Upright Citizens Brigade 16 & 17, 2011), Norman Corwin’s riveting – they’ll bring down the house and perhaps depiction of the Lincoln Douglas debates. the whole city with their outrageous sketch Enjoy an unforgettable night of litera- comedy. This performance is part of the ture and performance with Public Radio “Laugh Out Loud” Series, new to Diana International’s Selected Shorts (January Wortham Theatre this year. 28, 2012) featuring founder and host Isaiah The LOL Series includes Shakespeare Sheffer. Aquila Theatre Company will stage on Trial (October 27, 2011), an unwitting two performances. The Importance of Being Bill Shakespeare must defend his writing Earnest (February 3, 2012), Oscar Wilde’s to a court of some of his most memorable wildly funny portrayal of the British upper characters. The Adam Growe Comedy & class. The following night the renowned Quiz Showe (November 12, 2011) features company breathes fresh life into Shake- Adam Growe, host of Discovery Channel speare’s Macbeth (February 4, 2012). Canada’s hit show Cash Cab. With the right The 2011/2012 Mainstage Celtic Series answers, audience members can win money presents four unforgettable bands in the right out of Adam’s pocket. Scots-Irish tradition. Irish-American super group Solas (February 10, 2012) is ranked among the “most exciting bands anywhere silver in the world” by Irish Echo. With its bass driven grooves and inven- tive arrangements, Lúnasa (March 24, 2012) & was recently featured on Natalie Merchant’s landmark project, Leave Your Sleep. With gold lush orchestration, Téada (May 11, 2012) revels in the vibrant, traditional music of The Upright Citizens Brigade touring improv Ireland. Marvel at the sound of three world- comedy group. class musicians when The Teetotallers fea- The 2011/2012 Mainstage Dance Series turing John Doyle, Martin Hayes and Kevin presents world-renowned hip-hop dance Crawford (May 24, 2012) perform. company Rennie Harris Puremovement The 2011/2012 Mainstage Special At- (February 23 & 24, 2012), and Diavolo tractions Series showcases five performances Dance Theater (March 13 & 14, 2012) that cross multiple genres. Doc Watson & whose spectacular gymnasts, dancers, actors David Holt (October 15, 2011) share their and surrealistic props create a sense of dar- love of bluegrass, traditional American ing and risk-taking. Keigwin + Company music and stories. ‘Tis the season for A (March 30 & 31, 2012) will showcase a Swannanoa Solstice (December 18, 2011), knockout fusion of pop culture and high art. featuring Al Petteway, Amy White and The 2011/2012 Mainstage Music Series Robin Bullock who are joined by a wealth presents Julie Fowlis (November 11, 2011), of storytellers, dancers and special guest an intriguing performer whose crystalline musicians. vocals and Scottish Gaelic roots have earned Pianist Christopher O’Riley (March her the title of BBC Radio 2’s Folk Singer of 3, 2012) is not to be missed. Irish-born and the Year (2008). Dubbed “Musical Family of now-Asheville resident Danny Ellis holds America” by presidential decree, audiences spellbound with his powerful work The DePue Brothers Band (January 19, 800 Voices (March 9, 2012). The following 2012) gives new meaning to the term pro- night Danny Ellis and his band perform An Oxidized silver gressive bluegrass. Catch incredible singer- Irishman in America (March 10, 2012). and 18k gold songwriters Susan Werner & David Wilcox The 2011/2012 Mainstage Young Audi- www.jewelsthatdance.com (January 21, 2012) as they easily slide from ences Series is open to school groups, home- jazz to folk and pop. Sagapool’s (March 22, ‘Diana Wortham’ continued on page 4 (AYWOOD 3T s !SHEVILLE .# s s (OURS -ON 3AT
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS noteworthy Meet the Artist Tour with Hoss Haley
oss Haley’s rary feel and personality artwork is all of the city today. November 4-13, 2011 over Asheville The Meet the Artist TickeTs: $5 this summer Tour with Hoss Haley, — an impres- begins on the stage un- www.aicff.org Hsive granite and bronze der the pergola in front fountain in Pack Square, of the County Court- a shiny stainless steel per- house and City Hall at A treAsure trove of 70 gola over the stage with 5:30 p.m. on Monday, films from 25 countries, the County Courthouse August 8, rain or shine. and City Hall as a back- After the tour full of adventure, surprises, belly drop, a magazine cover Fountain created by Hoss Haley. Posana Café invites you laughs and stories that are sure to in July and an exhibit at to walk across the street make kids think and see the world Blue Spiral 1 Gallery through September. and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres created Grab this rare opportunity to meet the to satisfy your palette on a summer evening. in a brand new way. man behind these public and private works Continue to ask questions and relax with a of art on Monday, August 8 when Hoss beverage from the cash bar.
Above: tally Ho! Mobile. Left: Q and A. Below (L-r): into the Haley conducts a Meet the Artist Tour of Woods and Under the Sea, Legends come Alive his two works of art in Pack Square Park, in Asheville. Both pieces interpret the land- If You The tour with Hoss and reception scape surrounding the city. In the case of the Go at Posana Café are $25 per person. fountain, over five different ones have vied $15 for members of the Friends for attention in Pack Square since the park of Pack Square Park. Space is limited was created over a century ago. Haley knew so make your reservation today by calling he wanted something different from all of (828) 252-2300 by August 7. Everyone must Locations: Ashevillle Pizza & Brewing, Posana cafe, and Tryon Theater them — something reflecting a contempo- have a ticket to attend this event. For details visit www.aicff.org or call (828) 298-4789
‘Diana Wortham’ continued from page 3
INTERNATIONAL schoolers, and families. This year’s series includes: Yellow Brick Road (October 13 DAY OF PEACE &14, 2011); Seussical the Musical (October Dedicated to 18, 2011); Shakespeare On Trial (October Peace Lovers Everywhere 26 & 27, 2011); The Rivalry – The Lincoln Douglas Debates (November 16 & 17, 2011); Madeline and the Bad Hat (Novem- Wednesday, ber 21 & 22, 2011); Billy Jonas (December 19, 2011); Macbeth (February 6, 2012); September 21 Rennie Harris Puremovement (February 24, 2012); Diavolo (March 13, 2012); and 4:30 to 7:30 PM Charlotte’s Web (March 19 & 20, 2012). A Special Performance to Benefit The Diana Wortham Theatre – Possibilities: An Pack Square Evening with Linda Lavin & Friends – takes Downtown Asheville place April 28, 2012. The 8:30 p.m. perfor- mance is preceded by a special 7:30 p.m. VIP FREE MuSIC reception. Tickets for all performances available Open to All after August 18. Purchase three or more shows and take 10% off all regularly priced Great Folks tickets; purchase five or more shows and Speaking take 15% all regularly priced tickets; and purchase seven or more shows and take 20% Great Words off all regularly priced tickets. Youth Happenings Pinwheels for Peace If You Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Go Place. Tickets on sale August 18 for all events. For a season brochure Rachael (828) 505-9425 or more informaiton please call the box Come Declare PEACE in Asheville! Kasha (828) 252-1967 office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www. [email protected] internationaldayofpeaceasheville.wordpress.com dwtheatre.com.
August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS Joseph Rathbone Recommends
ello! This month I went to see RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE by Joseph Rathbone Harry Potter and the Deathly age 12 Established in 1997 • Volume Fourteen, Number Twelve H Hallows Part Two, and I give it five stars. If you are even a small fan of Harry Potter you will absolutely love movies I compare it to August 2011 3 Performance this movie. the book, and I must www.rapidrivermagazine.com Diana Wortham Theatre . . . . . 3 I have read all of the Harry Potter say that Harry Potter The Asheville Ballet ...... 16 books so every time I watch one of the and the Deathly Hal- Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray Asheville Lyric Opera ...... 17 lows Part Two compared very well with Managing Editor: Beth Gossett Asheville Symphony ...... 36 its corresponding book. Of course, the Marketing: Dennis Ray movie did differ in a few ways though, Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray but what movie doesn’t? Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer 4 Noteworthy This movie contained lots of action, Poetry Editor: Ted Olson Meet the Artist: Hoss Haley . . . . 4 a good bit of humor, and a few sad- Wine & Food Festival ...... 27 Proofreader: Mary Wilson dening moments. This movie is quite amazing and does an excellent job of Accounting: Sharon Cole summing up all the movies. I highly rec- Distribution: Dennis Ray 6 Stage Preview ommend this film for anyone 11 and up. Interview with Charlie Flynn-McIver . 6 I would also like to thank the Carmike Contributing Writers: HART presents Hay Fever . . . . 28 Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter 10 theater in Asheville for giving me a Judy Ausley, Sid Border, NC Stage Season Schedule ...... 28 and the Deathly Hallows Part Two. reviewer’s pass to see this movie. James Cassara, Michael Cole, Amy Downs, Ann Dunn, Columns Ayana Dusenberry, John Ellis, 8 Beth Gossett, Steven R. Hageman, James Cassara - Music . . . . . 8 Max Hammonds, MD, Phil Hawkins, Eddie LeShure - Jazz ...... 10 Gallery Guide Rick Hill, John Horrocks, Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 26 2011-2012 Phil Juliano, Chip Kaufmann, Ted Olson - Poetry ...... 29 Folk Art Center...... pg. 11 Peter Loewer - Thoreau’s Garden 30 Michelle Keenan, Eddie LeShure, Performing Arts Guide Grovewood Gallery...... pg. 18 Amanda Leslie, Peter Loewer, Bill Walz - Artful Living ...... 31 16 Patton Fine Art Gallery . . . . . pg. 19 Kay S. Miller, April Nance, Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 32 Diana Wortham Theatre...... pg. 3 blue Goldsmiths ...... pg. 24 Ted Olson, Joseph Rathbone, Judy Ausley - Southern Comfort . 33 NC Stage...... pg. 6 Dennis Ray, Jane Sims, Greg Vineyard - Fine Art . . . . 39 Blackbird Frame & Art ...... pg. 21 The Asheville Ballet ...... pg. 16 Clara Sofia, David Craig Starkey, Constance Williams Gallery. . . . pg. 39 Ashley Vandewart, Greg Vineyard, Asheville Lyric Opera ...... pg. 17 Bill Walz, Joe Zinich. 9 Music Haywood Arts Repertory Theatre. pg. 28 Albatross Party ...... 9 Stella Adler Studio of Acting. . . . pg. 32 Were You Left Out? INFO Angela Easterling ...... 10 Asheville Symphony Orchestra . pg. 36 Join us for Part 2 in September. Call (828) 646- Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine is a Firecracker Jazz Band ...... 10 Classicopia...... pg. 36 0071, or e-mail [email protected] for monthly publication. Address correspondence details. Affordable ads are still available! to [email protected] or write to: Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine 11 Fine Art 85 N. Main St. Wood Day at the Folk Art Center . . 11 Canton, NC 28716 Olga Dorenko ...... 15 Phone: (828) 646-0071 Grovewood Gallery ...... 18 www.rapidrivermagazine.com 16 Patton Fine Art Gallery ...... 19 All materials contained herein are owned and Blackbird Frame & Art ...... 21 copyrighted by Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect 12 Movie Reviews the opinions of Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine or the advertisers found herein. Asheville Shops © Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine, 23 August 2011 Vol. 14 No. 12 Elizabeth Foley ...... 23 blue Goldsmiths ...... 24 25 Local Favorites On the Cover: Happy Hill Restaurant ...... 25 The glam-rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch Bandidos in West Asheville . . . . 25 opens Wednesday, August 24 at NC Stage. Hedwig stars Michael Sheldon, ™ AKA Cookie LaRue. page 6 34 What to Do Guide Photo by Sebastian Collett Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . 35 Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . 35 Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . . . 35 Dragin by Michael Cole ...... 35
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Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE stage preview
Part 2 of a 3-Part Discussion Hedwig And The Angry interviewed by Dennis Ray ticular play, there are all sorts of concerns, commercially and financially. On some Inch Rock Asheville Conversations with shows we’re required to use a certain amount of union actors and stage managers by Amanda Leslie and that can raise the cost up quite a bit. Do we do a smaller show? Does that bring he glam-rock musical Hed- Charlie in as many audiences as a larger show? wig and the Angry Inch opens How much is it going to cost to build that Wednesday, August 24 at NC set, how much will shop rental be? Where TStage in downtown Asheville. Flynn-McIver will we rehearse it? Etc. This cult hit, about the transgendered We have tried to make a lot of those singer Hedwig, is by John Cameron harlie Flynn-McIver is the Artistic things second nature, using the same builder Mitchell, with music and lyrics by Director of the North Carolina for multiple shows, we have a dedicated re- Stephen Trask. It was later turned Stage Company in Asheville. In our hearsal and class space we pay for year round into a film starring Mitchell. July issue, Flynn-McIver shared the history of NC Stage Company and out at the Riverside Business Park. Those Ca few of his early experiences. kinds of things make it so we don’t have to find things like that as we start to develop a Rapid River Magazine: Before you were production. But, it adds to the overhead of able to support yourself wholly in the the- the organization. It’s a big balancing act that atre, what kind of jobs did you have? there isn’t a magic formula for. At least that Charlie Flynn-McIver: Oh man. Well, the Charlie Flynn-McIver in the comedy “What the I’ve discovered. Butler Saw.” Ron Bashford directed a stellar main day job I had in NY was data entry for cast: Casey Morris, Rebecca Morris, Graham RRM: Where do you see live theatre in the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. That Smith, Matt Burke, and Vivian Smith. was a great day job because they were all Asheville area in five years? theatre people and let you go on auditions producing for me. Not until we’re a little CFM: That’s a good question. When we and jobs and welcomed you back with open bigger. So I’d like to direct a little more and were first starting NC Stage, when it was arms. Plus, it was such a great cause. But be able to leave the theatre a little more. just Angie and me meeting in our Brook- I’ve done all sorts of things. Mainly I did But really, I’m only in about one show a lyn apartment with a full pot of coffee or Photo by Sebastian Collett temp work in offices around Manhattan. year. Last year I was in 2 but that was not three and talking about how we should go In between some of the catchi- But I’ve also done teaching work, educa- the norm. about this thing, there was an article in the est songs you’ll ever hear, Hedwig tional theatre performances for schools. paper about the boergoning theatre scene in tells her life story, from her start as a The weirdest job I had was for a private RRM: How is a play formed in your mind Asheville including, I think, 3 professional young boy named Hansel in com- investigator in NY. I did a lot of surveillance before rehearsals start, and what kind of theatres. 5 years later, there was only one munist East Berlin, to her botched work for him. I’m not at liberty to discuss criteria become important when you select a left. So there will be some attrition in the sex-change operation and marriage to it in detail…just kidding…it was really play to stage? theatre world but then others will pop up. a U.S. serviceman, to her discovery mundane stuff. A client would hire the PI CFM: We try to choose plays that we like. As it always does. of her musical gifts in a Texas trailer trying to prove something in court and the Seems kind of goofy to say that, but that’s We have at least two new theatre spaces park. She also reveals publicly, for the PI would send me out to scope out the situ- pretty true. And plays we like tend to be with as many theatre companies opening first time, her scandalous relationship ation. One time I had to put on a suit, drive plays that are entertaining but have some in the past 12 months and I think there’s with mega-rock star Tommy Gnosis, out to NJ, get on a bus, and travel to Wall substance. We also like plays that have another one in West Asheville that’s opened the love of her life. Street. All the time, writing down informa- harder themes but are also accessible. Our up. Theatre is the passion of a lot of people Hedwig and the Angry Inch stars tion about the bus route. goal at NC Stage is to figure out what the who feel it’s important to tell a compelling Michael Sheldon, better known to One time I had to sit in a car for 3 days intent of the playwright is and produce that story in this manner. Asheville audiences as drag legend and write down how many bottles and of on stage. We don’t try to put our stamp on Now, whether or not there is enough Cookie LaRue. He has worked with what color, were turned in to a recycling it or our own political views on it, like do- demand in the public for buying tickets Betterdays Productions, Asheville center in the Bronx. ing Shakespeare set in the White House or to such events is another story. There is a movement in theatre to find your tribe. Vaudeville, and more drag shows in RRM: You direct, produce, act and write. something like that. the Southeast than you can shake We are attracted to a story that tells Scott Walters talks a lot about this on his What is your first love and why not just act blog mentioned earlier. It’s different than a can of Aqua Net at! He currently or just direct or...? what we think is a truth about the human lives in Philadelphia with his partner experience. That’s not as limiting as it might finding the market niche you can sell to. Robert, so Hedwig is a rare chance for CFM: To be clear, I don’t really write. I’ve seem. It includes tragedies, dramas and It’s more about finding the people that Asheville audiences to see him. helped on a few things but not done the comedies. In fact, the truth of the human share your values and for whom you per- Hedwig is joined by her band original writing. I think the thing I have condition the playwright taps into is what form mainly. the Angry Inch, made up of some of the most experience with and am like a makes the play particularly tragic, dramatic, It feels like theatre is moving more Asheville’s hardest-working musi- fish in water is, is acting. I really love pro- or funny. toward this idea. But I think a lot of people cians: Aaron Price, Caleb Beissert and ducing though. We’re not attracted to dogmatic or who do theatre feel that this is not them. Matthew Kinne. Not to be over dramatic, but it really pedantic plays and we don’t like plays that They feel that everyone should love what takes it out of me to act. The hours of run- wrap everything up at the end in a nice little they do and flock to their performances. I If You Go: Tickets are $17 - $29, ning the theatre, raising money, managing think theatre folks should figure out who based on the day of the week, package. We prefer plays that raise more a staff, planning for future productions, questions than answers because we think they’re having this theatrical conversation with a Pay-What-You-Can Night dealing with cash flow and budgets, attend- with and continue that discussion and then Wednesday, August 24. Performances that’s the way life really is. Much more grey ing meetings, planning fundraisers, AND than black and white. maybe the individual tribes can branch out are Wednesdays - Fridays at 7:30 rehearsing 36 hours a week and doing 6 and experience other theatre companies. p.m.; Saturdays at 7 and 10:30 p.m.; shows a week…did I mention that I have 2 RRM: Do you have any commercial concern And a word about the word profes- Sundays at 2 p.m. Call NC Stage at sional. That word gets bandied about rather (828) 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage. kids?…it’s just too much sometimes. when you start to prepare a play? How does loosely. And it means different things to org. NC Stage is located at 15 Stage There was a stretch last year where I this affect the development stage of the play? different people. Lane, Asheville NC 28801. didn’t have a day off from work for about CFM: Sure. Aside from the question of 9 months. And there’s no getting out of whether anyone will come to see a par- ‘Charlie Flynn-McIver’ continued on page 28
August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE
As I mentioned last issue our theme this time around is: “Keep it local.” spinning We are so fortunate to have an abundance of fine musicians in the area, and Rapid River Magazine is committed to supporting them. Given the variety of styles covered, I am going to forego my usual rating system discs and simply share a bit about each album. Visit the artist’s website to sample or purchase a few tunes, and if you like what you hear, be sure CD Reviews to support the many local independent record stores that carry the CDs. by James Cassara “Keeping it local” should be more than just a bumper sticker!
Vince Junior moving and reserved. And while Van Bus- – typically holding the last tear kirk’s voice is somewhat limited in range, court as bassist for VinceJunior.com he smartly works within such restrictions, the Reverend Billy relying instead on his skill for engaging C. Wirtz – and has That Vince hooks and pleasing melody. In many ways played with as many Junior manages to this disc exemplifies the Asheville musi- regional bands as juggle fatherhood, cal community at its best. Van Buskirk has anyone. Walters is a career as a fourth always been a behind the scenes part of that the consummate grade teacher, and community, eager to lend a helping hand to utility man; these days he balances playing his musical outings is remarkable enough, others. Darkroom provides many of them keyboards with guitar great Les Dudek while but that he is able to make records – how- with an opportunity to give in return. They, plying his own guitar skills with an assort- ever infrequent – as satisfying as this one and Van Buskirk himself, have done so with ment of world/folk and jazz ensembles. is even more so. The last tear is a generous class and distinction. In the past year Walters has released a collection of sixteen songs (fifteen of which pair of fine discs, each distinct unto them- are originals) exploring such basic themes as Jamie Laval selves and each giving ample evidence of family, romance, and the seemingly mun- his talents and stylistic leanings. Invisible dane challenges of everyday life. Murmurs and Drones is deeply steeped in his love of 60s classic The overall tone is jaunty and upbeat, rock/blues:“Sense of Time” sounds for all threaded with a recurrent theme extolling JamieLaval.com the world like a lost tune from the Blues wise acceptance of the absurdities that inevi- While I confess Magoos (including some delicious psyche- tably come our way. “Cincinnati ‘79” is the that my affection for delic era flourishes) while the wounded obvious exception: it’s a mournful rumina- Celtic music is at heartbreak of “Belong” would have fit in tion on the tragic stampede at a concert by best minimal, there is an undeniable beauty nicely on either of Dennis Wilson’s solo The Who that left eleven young fans dead, to master violinist Laval’s playing that ren- albums. With a few exceptions Walters plays an event that the artist witnessed first hand. ders such prejudices meaningless. Having the entire affair, giving Invisible a consis- On hand to assist Vince Junior (whose worked extensively as a recording musician, tency that belies its genre hopping revelry. own blues-infused resonator guitar work all the while racking up an impressive num- Speak of Love leans a bit more towards is stellar) are a number of Asheville’s finest ber of awards and citations, Laval is the very Walters’ affection for Gypsy Jazz – best musicians, many of whom share the sacred definition of a consummate musician. But heard in “Europe Approaching (parts one calling of teaching and each of whom dem- what really elevates his music to a higher and two)”, but it’s no less intoxicating in onstrate just how sonically blessed our fair plane is the sincerity and exuberance he its reach and grasp. Both discs are sonic de- city is. The end result is a smart collection brings to the table. lights, replete with charming Beach Boy-like of songs that should appeal to the grown ups Having engaged in many a passionate harmonies and the sort of studio concoct- among us. Just don’t be too surprised if you concert with Laval, I can attest that the man ing that would make Jeff Tweedy blush. I find the kids dancing along! lives and breathes music; he’s in constant am simply amazed at Walters’ talents, and motion, looking for new and improved ways equally stumped as to how he’s managed to Charlie Van to express his art. That makes Murmurs and remain so woefully neglected. Buskirk Drones more than just a “pleasant” listen – a Without the slightest bit of thought I darkroom description that I suspect might make Laval can mention dozens of musicians whose cringe – but one that demands your atten- talents are dwarfed by his but no doubt out A longtime fix- tion and rewards such with continual depth sell him a hundred to one. I know life isn’t ture on the Asheville and rediscovery. fair but we can all do our part to balance the scene as both musical Each subsequent listen has revealed, scales by purchasing a Dan Walters CD or supporter and host, even to my Celtic-challenged ears, new two. You won’t be sorry. Van Buskirk has finally made good on his sounds, intonations, and subtle shifts in promise to record his own music. Assisted tenor that might yet help me see why Laval Albatross Party by local ubiquitous producer/ace of all trades is so in love with the generational tradi- Glass Chris Rosser, Van Buskirk has recorded tions of Scotland and Ireland. So while I’m a gathering of songs that speak directly to not yet ready to sell my home and move to AlbatrossParty.com matters of the heart. Brittany I will gladly admit that Murmurs From the open- The album is an unapologetic love song and Drones has made me realize there’s ing helter skelter to both his late wife Barbara and his beloved much more to Celtic music than bagpipes guitar/piano drive of daughter Sara, and while such personal and kilts. “Fall” to the clos- statements can often veer into mawkishness, ing dreamscape of Van Buskirk is too savvy a writer to allow Dan Walters “Rocketship,” this sophomore album is a things to teeter off the edge. Invisible/Speak of Love stunning revelation of just how ripe the The title track and the jaunty piano musical talent in our fair town is. Here’s a driven “Firepower” are perhaps the strongest DanWaltersMusic.net band that comes out of seemingly nowhere, cuts, but kudos too for his bold take on the While he may be a longtime resident of has been together for a relatively short time perennial “Over the Rainbow,” a beautifully central Florida, Walters’ connection to our and played only a handful of gigs, and yet sung duet with his daughter that is both area runs deep. He’s a Bele Chere fixture ‘CD’s’ continued on next page
August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what’s happening
Albatross Party: Making Their Musical Mark by James Cassara
Once of the nicest perks about covering the local music scene playing out. Brent and I had JUST started dating, and I happened to mention that I are the people I meet and the serendipitous ways in which played keys and sang a little. associations are made. It took a long time for Andy and Eddie to come around, but over beers one night we got to screwing around and n email I received a few weeks Tiziana and her husband/band mate made up a little rap song. Eddie said may- back from singer/pianist Tiziana Brent Baldwin are huge fans of the be we could play seriously some time, so Severse of the supremely talented medium and are themselves dabbling we found a drummer and Albatross Party band Albatross Party is one such in the field. Now, anyone who knows was born. example. She inquired about this faithful music writer is well Agetting some coverage for a few upcom- aware of my love of sequential art JC: As my review indicates, I am won- ing shows, a request which, despite my and keen interest in the panorama of derfully impressed by the album. It sure thinking I knew nothing about the band, comic books, graphic novels, and all doesn’t sound like a first effort. How I was more than happy to grant. things related. Connections number Albatross Party much recording experience did you guys Meeting over coffee (how *very* two! We also share a mutual affec- have? Asheville!) I was immediately struck by tion for The Decemberists (“Colin Meloy is then hearing from the artist herself? Ok, so TS: Albatross Party released its first self her boundless energy, creative intensity, the man,” I let slip out like some star struck here it goes. titled album in August 2009. But Brent and gregarious nature. In the course of twenty-something) and a shared opinion of and Andy have been making music to- our conversation I realized I had seen their newest album (“a bit too accessible but James Cassara: Talk about the band. How did Albatross Party come together? Were gether for over 10 years. Plus, Andy owns the band as an opener for The Cheek- still very good.”) and operates Giraffe Studio, a recording sters. “You guys were great!” I told her So while I make no claim that only you initially attracted by musical interests, friendships, or some combination thereof? studio in Hendersonville. He recorded with complete sincerity. At the time I in Asheville could these conversations both of our albums, so I think his experi- had intended to track them down but take place, it does seem there’s something Tiziana Severse: Albatross Party began in ence as a professional audio engineer re- somehow, in the rush of listening to the uniquely wonderful about a town small the summer of 2005, when The Shuffle ally contributes a LOT to the professional headliners and running into plenty of old enough for people to gravitate within Board City Allstars fell apart. That band sound of our final results. friends, I missed the boat. the same circles while attracting creative was Andy Bishop, Brent Baldwin (my then So here we are chatting away like individuals who might normally make their boyfriend, now husband) Eddie Knighton JC: You’re still at a stage where the band old friends when somehow the subject way to Greenwich Village or Berkeley. and Ted Salvatore. Ted quit the band, leav- of graphic novels comes up. It seems What better way to celebrate such a balance ing it sans drummer, which meant no more ‘Albatross Party’ continued on page 11
‘CD’s’ continued from page 8 The Cheeksters That’s the real beauty of this band: always *this* close to breaking through but The Golden The Cheeksters certainly don’t shy away never quite grabbing hold of that elusive I’ll stack Glass against any of the multiple of Birds from their influences but neither are they brass ring. Four decades later he returns with restrained by them. They gleefully bring in Anti Gravity, an effort that makes it seem as if discs that come across my desk each month. Encompassing Despite its six song brevity (or just as their own distinct touches, best exemplified those intervening years didn’t even exist. their dual influ- by drummer Brent Little’s fascination with Certainly his writing has grown and likely because of it) Glass packs an amazing ences of Brit pop wallop, like a prize fighter who knows when sonic tinkering and Shannon’s occasional the concerns of this stage in his life are far and Memphis Soul, but exceedingly welcome turns at singing different from the heady days of past. But to feint and when to let loose with his best principal Cheeksters shoot. The album overflows with taste- lead, all the while having one hell of a good his blue-eyed soul voice and song craft are as Mark and Sharon Casson return with their time that any spinning The Golden Birds sturdy as ever, making this brisk, eight song ful touches, bright nuances that give every finest disc yet. While Mark’s songwriting has indication of a band that is only scratching cannot help but soak up. This eleven song, disc an unexpected pleasure. Pousette-Darts’ long shown a knack for catchy hooks and thirty five minute party continues to ce- somewhat timid vocal style can be a bit off the surface of their potential. Witness the sturdy yet fluid melody, with The Golden middle eight thump of Andy Bishop’s bass ment The Cheeksters’ reputation as one of putting, but there’s no questioning his skills Birds his songwriting takes a huge step for- Asheville’s greatest musical gifts. as a writer and arranger. With stellar guest in “Fall” or the searing violin break of the ward. And not just in craft, which has always stunning “Sea Shanty”. Such moments are Darrel Scott joining Dart’s talented band the been there, but in the scope and maturity of sound is clear, slick (at times overly so) and judiciously placed, beautifully played, and the material. Jon wildly effective. I’ve given Glass six or seven Pousette-Dart thoroughly professional. Mixed in with the familiar buoyancy The title track is a welcome bit of up- plays in just a few days – a rarity given the and irrepressible “yeah, yeah, yeah” (I mean, Anti Gravity amount of music I receive – and it gets bet- beat fun while the piano laden “Me and the that is what makes this band so much fun!) Little Big Deal Rain” is an iridescent bit of bliss. The heavi- ter with every listen. of such tunes as “Why Don’t You?” and “A Records There are a small number of caveats: est moment belongs to “Who Am I”, a som- Couple of Years Ago” are the social concerns ber reflection on the ravages of Alzheimer’s I’d love to see lyricist Tiziana Severse write of The Kinks like “Mr. Witchall” and the First, I ac- fewer phrases and more extended sentences, knowledge that disease that only someone directly affected exquisite “Brand New Way” both of which by this scourge could have written. but that’s likely nothing more than a mat- deal with the generation gap in differing but Pousette-Dart isn’t from Asheville, but since ter of my own tastes. I’ve long considered this album came out three months ago I am Anti Gravity is hardly a “comeback state- equally persuasive fashion. Other high- ment” but it does show that, though he is Wayne Robbins and the Hellsayers as the lights are the killer guitar licks of “Thrill of a bit overdue in reviewing it. Now, on to most consistently intriguing band in Ashe- my comments! As founder of the country approaching 60, the artist has plenty more to a Lifetime”, in which Mark embraces his say He also still has a ridiculously full head of ville, but, based on this release, those gents inner Marc Bolan, and “How Do You Feel”, influenced soft rock band that bore his name, have some serious competition. And we one that toured with such heavyweights as hair, reason enough to be envious even if he which nicely riffs The Doobie Brothers but was not such a talented player. ***1/2 who love music are the big winners. doesn’t sound a bit derivative. The Byrds, Little Feat, and Bonnie Raitt, Jon Pousette-Dart lived on the edges of stardom,
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE music
The Very Talented and Beguiling sometimes in an illusory way. As with her previous release, the Angela Easterling record was produced by lauded singer- songwriter Will Kimbrough, currently hen no less an iconic figure serving as Emmylou Harris’ lead guitar- than Byrds founder and Rock by James Cassara ist and known for his work with folks and Roll Hall of Famer Roger like Rodney Crowell, Todd Snider and McGuinn dubs you one of the Angeles after college, hoping to further her Jimmy Buffett. Also helping out in the “bright shining stars on the ho- musical ambitions. She quickly learned the studio are bassist Byron House (from Wrizon,” the pressure to live up to such lofty Catch-22 of working in a music industry- Robert Plant’s Band of Joy) and noted expectations must be tremendous. heavy scene. “I had to work a day job to pay multi-instrumentalist Fats Kaplin. McGuinn has gone on to add, “Her my bills, but I spent so much time working, A pair of South Carolina songbirds, gift is so special [it] brought me back to the I couldn’t play music and totally lost track,” Starling McLean (longtime harmony time the Byrds recorded Sweetheart of the she says. “To get yourself out there, you singer for Emmylou Harris) and folk-pop Rodeo – tradition meets youthful exuber- have to tour, so why am I paying this high artist Hannah Miller are also on hand. ance.” That’s some high praise indeed, but rent if I’m never going to be here anyway?” While the diversity of musicianship is for Greenville, SC native Amy Easterling So Angela Easterling went back to different this go around, Beguiler keeps in it’s a call to arms, a challenge to recommit to the South, and in an almost providential Angela Easterling Photo © 2011 Coke Whitworth line with the themes of her other efforts. being the very best musician she can. Hers manner, found everything she needed in “I wouldn’t call myself a political has been a path best described as unconven- her own backyard, including a permanent that draws you in with gentle and well songwriter, but I’m a curious person, and if tional, rife with the type of good fortune and band and a constant stream of inspiration crafted songs. The lyrics might address po- I listen to an album in which all songs are timing that doesn’t mean a thing if the talent all around her. litical and social issues head on, but they do about one topic I get bored. I want to sing isn’t there. Fortunately for all of us it is. The result is a new album, nominally so without the slightest hint of proselytizing. about things that are important to me,” she Born and raised in Greenville, SC, named after the band she formed upon her Likewise the arrangements, while says, “But I don’t want to sound preachy or where she was exposed to a healthy dose return to Spartanburg. The trio, which fea- easily absorbed, are deceptively complex. trite. So I try to do this by telling a story that of music from the Carter Family, Loretta tures Easterling, guitarist Brandon Turner It’s an approach which serves her well. Lynn, and others, Easterling moved to Los and drummer Jeff Hook, are keen on music To “beguile” means to charm or enchant, ‘Angela Easterling’ continued on page 11
WNC Jazz Profiles: JE Widenhouse and the Firecracker Jazz Band by Eddie LeShure
Here’s the saga of WNC’s Firecracker Jazz Band…related by founder JE (pronounced “Jay”) Widenhouse: hall that could get a dance band. I want to do my part with The ’m from Concord, North Carolina. I and asked if they’d like to have music in Firecracker Jazz Band to grow a played trumpet in the marching band their restaurant. Immediately, many local dance culture and see it thrive!” in high school. Both there and in col- musicians came to our performances to sup- ~ JE Widenhouse lege I studied jazz with Bill Hanna, port the project. who still plays piano and trombone Our reputation has grown and ever “The audience has given I (the new) Firecracker Jazz Band in Charlotte. I studied for two years at since I’ve been leading the band, with a lot Appalachian State, but dropped out in of help from our trombonist Earl Sachais. a positive and welcome re- 1987 to start touring with a rock group We’ve had many personnel changes over the sponse. There’s always a chance with a horn section. I’ve been doing the years so there’s a growing list of Firecracker that when new members (in this performing music thing ever since. Alumni. To do a Traditional Band right, you case four, to be exact) come into The Firecracker Jazz Band idea need seven players. We’ve always had six live a group, they’re sometimes not started in the summer of 2003 when Bill and brought in a reed player to record when well received by the fans. This Smith, now with The Truth and Salvage we wanted to publish a CD. We’re planning Firecracker Jazz Band Photo by Seth Jacobson is not the case with FJB. They Company, came over to visit me. He on recording our fourth CD soon. come to dance and dance they thought we could put together a tradi- We sent out our second CD “Fire- do - they love the new songs tional jazz band with Reese Gray and Joe cracker Jazz Band Explodes” all over the “While traveling with the Squirrel Nut and the new singers. The dancers react to Edel. He and Joe had played around town country to traditional jazz festivals and the Zippers on our 2007-2009 victory lap tours, the strong rhythm and the high energy by with a local group called Scrappy Hamil- “Americana Radio” mailing list. I got an im- I managed to get the Firecracker opening getting out on the dance floor and danc- ton. Reese had performed with me in the mediate response from the Seaside Oregon slots in a half dozen East Coast venues. ing their butts off.” Squirrel Nut Zippers. Traditional Jazz Festival, plus the Sacra- We’ve played at Bele Chere, LEAF, Mont- ~ Drummer Russ Wilson Our first shows were at Tressa’s mento Jazz Festival, then we played at other ford Music and Arts Festival, White Squirrel downtown and grew out of a “Tradi- traditional jazz festivals in California. We’ve Festival in Brevard, French Broad River www.firecrackerjazz.com tional Jazz Night”. It was there where I also performed in Nelsonville, Ohio with Festival and more. After seven years, we’ve said to Bill, “I’d like to call our project Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks, and Willie accumulated quite a rap sheet. “The Firecracker Jazz Band”. Everyone Nelson.” I’m motivated to keep the band together Share Eddie LeShure’s was challenged to come up with a better “JE always plays with a raw, exciting by my own ambition to perform wherever I passion for jazz with name. No one did, so we stuck with it. sound and reminds me of Lester Bowie or can get a booking, and by my belief that peo- Jazz Unlimited on MAIN FM each Wednesday Shortly thereafter, Joe approached Chris Steven Bernstein...creating something new ple should experience live music. Tradition- Jones, who’d opened a New Orleans while drawing from the tradition.” 7-10 p.m., at 103.5 or al Jazz grew alongside a dance culture in the MAIN-FM.org. themed restaurant called “Thibadeaux ~ Bassist Zach Page early 20th century in New Orleans, New Jones” with his wife Ashley Thibadeaux, York, Chicago, LA, Texas and anywhere a
10 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS
noteworthy and
Daniel Meyer, Music Director Wood Day on August 13 present
he Folk Art by April Nance Center in east FREE* CONCERT Asheville will host its annual the Southern High- celebration of land Craft Guild, the Twood crafts at Wood Center also houses in Pack Square Park Day on August 13 three galleries, a from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. library, Allanstand The festivities in- Craft Shop and a clude live demonstra- Blue Ridge Parkway tions and the Eleventh information desk Labor Day and bookstore. Annual Carve-Off Wood turning. Competition from 1 The Southern Monday September 5, 2011 • 7pm to 3pm. For the con- Highland Craft test, participants have Guild is a non-prof- two hours to turn a it, educational orga- featuring members of the Asheville Symphony, conducted by Music Director, Daniel Meyer simple block of wood nization established into a work of art. in 1930 to bring with soloists from the Asheville Lyric Opera, Jennifer Davison and Scott Joiner, singing works Carvers must sign up together the crafts from West Side Story and Kismet. Audiences will enjoy selections from Richard Rogers, John by 12:30 to participate. and craftspeople of The Folk Art the Southern High- Phillips Sousa to Brahms, including a salute to the Armed Forces. Center’s auditorium lands for the benefit * Free Lawn Seating, $20 Reserved Seating will be filled with of shared resources, lathes, sawhorses, education, marketing wood tools and the and conservation. FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION master craftspeople Wood carving. The Southern High- who know how to land Craft Guild is 828.254.7046 U www.ashevillesymphony.org use them. Demonstrations include wood an authorized concessioner of the National turning, broom making and furniture design Park Service, Department of the Interior. and construction. The Carolina Mountain Woodturners will help visitors try working on a lathe. Southern Highland Craft Guild If members Sandra Rowland and Jan Morris You The Folk Art Center is located will host activities for children. Go at Milepost 382 of the Blue Ridge Admission to Wood Day and the Folk Parkway, just north of the Hwy 70 Art Center is free. The Folk Art Center is entrance in east Asheville, NC. For more located at milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge information, call (828) 298-7928 or visit Parkway in east Asheville. Headquarters to www.craftguild.org.
‘Albatross Party’ continued from page 9 JC: Have you easily fit into the Asheville music scene? is finding its wings. How much performing TS: This is a hard one. We’ve really struggled have you done and how have those shows to gain a footing in a musical environment shaped your sound? that seems to be predominately driven by TS: We’ve lost two of our original five folk, blue grass and jam bands. What we do members since our debut album in 2009, isn’t exactly classified as “easy listening” and guitarist Eddie Knighton and drummer with many venues flat refusing to book bands that don’t do covers or folk, it’s taken all this James Mitchell. We replaced James with our Easterling plans to spend most of the current drummer, Greg Latham, but elected time to eek out a foothold. But it’s all good! ‘Angela Easterling’ continued from page 10 Asheville has very eclectic tastes; its just year touring, charming new audiences with to go it alone without Eddie, leaving Brent her mix of past and present, personal and as the only guitarist. hard to make a name when there are SO will hopefully be compelling enough to get many great bands out there that are all so the point across.” political, disarming and provocative music However I feel our sound has gelled, and lyrics. When she heads back home, it’s with Brent as lead rather than rhythm. He different. Right now we need to get out and The artist’s songwriting has made her play more, but with four members and four a two-time Kerrville New Folk Finalist and guaranteed that Easterling will have bigger has a very distinct style which we’ve been surprises in store. She’s one to watch. able to really develop on our second release. lives that isn’t always easy. a 2011 Telluride Troubadour Finalist. Her We play out...maybe once a month at most, As of right now, the only shows we’ve music has roped in critical lauding from Ox- and have since the beginning. I used to be got on the books are August 28 at the Get ford American, The Philadelphia Inquirer, f so nervous I couldn’t even talk to the crowd Down in West Asheville, and a Sunday The Boston Herald, a prolific interview with I show at the Lexington Avenue Arts Festival You Amy Easterling at the White during our shows! But we’ve gained some NPR’s Bob Edwards, and heavy airplay on Go Horse in Black Mountain on (LAFF) in September. We post any and all confidence (though we’ve only played out of Sirius XM’s Outlaw Country. However, Friday, August 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets Asheville maybe three times in 6 years) and new bookings on our Facebook page, www. such praise is secondary to the riveting sto- priced at $10. For more information go I think our live show has really reached new facebook.com/albatrossparty and hope folks rytelling, deft Americana songwriting, and to www.whitehorseblackmountain.com. heights in the past 6 months or so. check there often. accessible persona she brings along.
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 11 Reel Take Reviewers: ∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic Chip Kaufmann is a film historian who ∑∑∑∑ - Pretty darn good also shares his love of classical music as a program ∑∑∑ - Has some good points host on WCQS- ∑∑ - The previews lied FM radio. ∑ - Only if you must Michelle Keenan is M- Forget entirely a long time student For the latest reviews, theater info of film, a and movie show times, visit believer in Illustration of Michelle www.rapidrivermagazine.com the magic of & Chip by Brent Brown. movies and a fundraiser for Brent Brown is a graphic Questions/Comments? public radio. designer and illustrator. You can email Chip or Michelle at View more of his work at [email protected] www.brentbrown.com.
Beginners ∑∑∑∑ Arthur is Hal’s dog, who becomes tension of himself and that by being patient Short Take: A humorous and heartfelt Oliver’s constant companion after and gentle with them instead of trying to story of a son coming to grips with Hal’s death. Arthur’s dialogue is even bend them to his will by harsh methods, he life and love in the wake of his father’s subtitled when he and Oliver ‘talk’. could achieve wonders. death. Aptly titled, Beginners is a story Buck is not just about Buck and the of new beginnings and fresh starts, horses he treats, it’s about the owners of Reel Take: Director Mike Mills’, Begin- none of which come with an in- those horses and how their treatment of the ners tells the story of a young man com- struction manual. The story and the animals is a reflection of themselves. We all ing to grips with life and love after his actors bring such honesty to their know that the way we treat our pets speaks father’s death. Oliver (Ewan McGregor) is parts it is truly touching. I liked the volumes about us as individuals but to see it a melancholy man in his late 30’s. After his film (a lot) and it’s a good film, but on display here with animals that we don’t mother’s death, Oliver’s father, Hal (Chris- I wanted to love it, and it could have think of us as pets allows us to view it in a topher Plummer), tells him that he is gay, been a great film. I’m not quite sure completely different and much more objec- that he has always been gay (even though Who says you can’t teach an old dog new what missed the mark to bring it to tive light. Just as in real life, the results are he was married to his mother for fortyfour tricks? Christopher Plummer and Ewan McGregor that level, but it did. It could have not always pretty. years), and that he no longer wants to be star in Beginners. been the combination of the stylized narrative sequences in conjunction ‘theoretically gay’. Hal throws himself into with the non-linear chronology. Perhaps Theatre Directory his new life only to learn shortly thereafter they should have chosen one over the other. that he is dying. Either way Beginners is good little film The story bounces back and forth be- Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company and it stays with you. It deserves to be seen tween Oliver’s current life (in 2003) and his and enjoyed. The blockbusters aren’t going Movieline (828) 254-1281 childhood, to his father’s coming out at age www.ashevillepizza.com anywhere any time soon, but little indie 75 and the final five years of his father’s life. gems like Beginners don’t stay long. Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) Oliver’s current mercurial relationship with Movieline (828) 298-1234 an unpredictable, vivacious French woman Rated R for some language and sexual content. (Melanie Laurent, Inglorious Basterds) Review by Michelle Keenan Biltmore Grande triggers the memories that allow the story to 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 unfold. The non-linear narrative is annoying Buck ∑∑∑∑∑ www.REGmovies.com at times, but the reason for it is far more ef- Short Take: Superb documentary on Carmike 10 (Asheville) fective than the non-linear non-narrative of Buck Brannaman, the inspiration for The original "Horse Whisperer" Buck Tree of Life (see review on page 14). Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer, Brannaman and one of his charges in the Movieline (828) 298-4452 remarkable documentary Buck. www.carmike.com There is a sweetness and humor in Be- is a textbook example of how to make ginners that makes it a very likable film. The a film about a living person and make it Like any good documentary we have Carolina Cinemas entertaining as well as informative. humanity and vulnerability of the story is lots of interviews of people who have (828) 274-9500 more than palpable. I was genuinely moved www.carolinacinemas.com Reel Take: Even people who are not into known or have worked with Buck over as Oliver watches in awe and dismay as his horses read Nick Evans’ novel The Horse the years including Robert Redford whose Cinebarre (Asheville) father embraces his new life whole heart- Whisperer and even more saw Robert Red- anecdotes about the making of The Horse www.cinebarre.com edly, going to nightclubs, dating and being ford’s 1998 film version thanks to the star Whisperer (on which Buck was technical open to love, even if it hurts a little. Plum- adviser) along with clips from the movie it- The Falls Theatre (Brevard) power of Redford himself. Very few people mer is a complete joy as Hal, bringing wit, self, help to give us a deeper understanding Movieline (828) 883-2200 know that the character is based on a real life grace and charm to the role, and it must be a person named Buck Brannaman who works about the man and his methods and show Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) lovely tip of the hat to Mills’ own father. with horses and achieves remarkable things us why he is successful. Movieline (828) 232-1536 McGregor brings no pretension to his with them (without whispering). Director Cindy Meehl has no cinematic www.fineartstheatre.com portrayal of Oliver. His melancholy ways One of the main reasons that Buck is tricks up her sleeve to try and fancy up evoke empathy, which is in complete con- her presentation and that comes as a relief. Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) such an interesting documentary is the man trast to the mopey, sad sack Sean Penn plays She has the “horse sense” to let the story Movieline (828) 697-2463 himself. Raised to be a rodeo performer in Tree of Life. Goran Visnjc (TV’s E.R.) is tell itself and thanks to her judicious use www.flatrockcinema.com (he did roping tricks blindfolded) by an very good as Hal’s flamboyant dancer boy- incredibly abusive father, he was eventually of editing and visual composition, we stay Four Seasons (Hendersonville) friend Hal and Melanie Laurent is spot on as placed in a foster home that gave him the involved emotionally and intellectually. My Movieline (828) 693-8989 the troubled free spirit Anna. love he had been denied up until then. This litmus test for a documentary on a subject I Last but not least is Arthur the dog in turn enabled him to see horses as an ex- Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) (played by Cosmo the Jack Russell Terrier). ‘Movies’ continued on page 13 Movieline (828) 452-9091
12 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews
‘Movies’ continued from page 12 Harry Potter and the know little about is how long before I check adrenaline-packed and violent Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 my watch. In the case of Buck it was twice. Deathly Hallows: Harry Potter film of all. is fun to watch and, despite the differ- Once when it began and once when it was Part 2 ∑∑∑∑ I was neither delighted ent style, the integrity of the characters over 88 minutes later. Very few documenta- Harry Potter is a phe- with Deathly Hallows: Part remains intact. Even the epilogue effec- ries that I have seen can make that claim. nomenon that has defined a 2 nor disappointed with it. tively connects the movie to the rest of Rated PG for thematic material, language, generation. I grew up with Sometimes the pace seems the series by modeling itself after earlier and an injury. Harry Potter, looking for- rushed, as though the direc- installments and playing the theme Review by Chip Kaufmann ward eagerly to each new tor wanted to fit in every music from the first film. book and movie but now, event but didn’t care about As an avid Potter fan, I cannot help Harry Potter and the Deathly it’s true that “it all ends the quality. The film has far but be harsh on the film that marks the Hallows Part 2 ∑∑∑∑1/2 here.” David Yates, the less dialogue than the other end of the franchise but let me be clear director of the last 2 Harry Potter installments, but the that, though I have my complaints, I am Short Take: The much anticipated, final Potter films, certainly has a few scenes with conversations generally happy with Harry Potter and chapter of the boy wizard versus ‘you tough task to tackle—tying seem to drag on. Still Yates the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. I am sure know who’. together all of the series’ does a fine job of including that audiences will thoroughly enjoy it loose ends and satisfying enough details to satisfy Potter and I recommend this film to anyone Rowling’s throngs of fans. devotees and while making nostalgic refer- with the exception of small children. Harry Potter and the Deathly ences to previous movies in the series. If you’ve never seen or read any Hallows: Part 1 ended with Voldemort The tone of the eighth movie is much Harry Potter, please start at the begin- acquiring the world’s most powerful different than the others. It has ning and then wand, the Elder Wand. All that remains an atmosphere that is very similar work your is for Harry to find the remaining to the Lord of the Rings films. In way up to this horcruxes and for the two adversaries fact my Dad and I both bemoan Teen movie. I prom- to duel. They do, amidst an epic battle the fact that this last movie seems ise you won’t at Hogwarts. In fact, Harry Potter and to have lost its distinctive Pot- Review regret it! the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the most ter identity. Nonetheless, Harry by Clara Sofia
Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) battles Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) one last time in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. book to satisfy most people. ter movies by John Williams. Last but not Reel Take: From its humble beginnings I confess to being grateful for seeing least, I do not understand why, after break- as scribbles on a cocktail napkin to liter- it in 3-D, not because it was necessary (it’s ing the last book into two movies, director ary phenomenon and box office smash, the fun, but it is not necessary), but because the David Yates literally rushed the film to its story of the boy wizard named Harry Potter large dark glasses hid my face awash with climatic end. After all these years and some has come to an end. It’s been ten years since tears at a few junctures of the story. Most of fairly long running times, this is THE film Warner Brothers first adapted J.K. Rowling’s the world has watched Harry, Ron (Rupert they could have taken just a bit more time first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) and with a few more details of the story. Stone”. At the time Rowling had not yet the rest of their Hogwarts friends grow from That said, the merits of the perfor- even completed the series of books, and childhood to adulthood. mances and the story outshine the negatives. Harry Potter fans anxiously anticipated each Over the years the most impressive of Harry Potter films have brought joy and book and film with equal enthusiasm. Seven the lot are Daniel Radcliffe and Matthew magic the world over and this one is no dif- books and seven movies later, fans broke Lewis as Neville Longbottom. Radcliffe ferent. J.K. Rowling could never have known Kevin Kline and Sandrine Bonnaire are unlikely teacher and surprising pupil in the box office records with final installment honed his chops immersed in the who’s the impact her creation would have, but the French chess comedy Queen to Play. of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly who of Britain’s thespians (as most have had world is the better for it. The boy wizard is Hallows Part 2. parts at one point or another in the Harry all grown up. Good triumphs over evil. Love ried about losing his job and a rebellious As audiences braced for the final Potter franchise). Now Radcliffe can go conquers all. What more is there to say? teenage daughter (Alexandra Gentil) who showdown between the boy wizard and “he toe-to-toe with them as a peer, as is evi- Rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense ac- hates everything about her parents’ dull and who shall not be named,” Warner Brothers dent in scenes with Professor Snape (Alan tion violence and some frightening images. routine lives. braced for its own vault of gold at Gringot’s. Rickman), Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) Review by Michelle Keenan One day, while cleaning the hotel, Neither filmgoer nor film maker were likely and Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). All of she notices an American couple playing disappointed with the result. Harry Potter the performances are strong, but ultimately Queen to Play ∑∑∑∑1/2 chess and becomes curious about the game. and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 delivers Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Short Take: Charming French film Curiosity turns to fascination which leads to exactly what most people expect and then 2 is Radcliffe’s and Rickman’s picture. obsession as the game takes her out of her some. It is a fitting, albeit slightly hurried, On the downside the battle scenes involving chess that is an interesting variation on the Pygmalion theme with humdrum existence. One of her cleaning ending to the franchise. between at Hogwarts against Voldemort’s standout performances from Sandrine clients is a widower named Kroger who has army of death eaters were a touch too Lord In rendering my opinion of the film I Bonnaire and Kevin Kline. a beautiful chess board being unused. After considered it from the perspective of a read- of Rings for my taste. I never pictured the discovering it, she asks him to teach her the er of the books and from the perspective of battles scenes quite like that and somehow Reel Take: Set on the island of Corsica, game which begins a deep and complicated someone who has only seen the films. This the Harry Potter movies have done well at Queen to Play or Joueuse (The Female but thoroughly platonic relationship. film picks up exactly where Harry Potter depicting exactly what Rowling conjures in Game Player to give the film its original Soon their “relationship” is the talk of and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 left off (if the mind’s eye. French title) tells the story of Helene the whole town. Her husband seems more you need me to explain that, stop reading I also didn’t care for Alexandre Des- (Sandrine Bonnaire), an ordinary wife and disturbed about her not having a standard – this movie isn’t for you). While it is not plat’s score. It too was a little too Lord of the mother who works as a maid in a local ho- affair for that would be normal behavior. the best of the films, it is thrilling and it Rings-ish and was not harmonious with the tel and as a cleaning woman around town. packs enough emotional wallop from the themes long associated with the Harry Pot- She has a husband (Francis Renaud) wor- ‘Movies’ continued on page 14
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews
‘Movies’ continued from page 13 stages of her transformation in subtle ways. I man who gave up his aspirations of being always find it a pleasure to watch a character a great concert pianist to live the American Her daughter, however, encourages her to discover his or her potential and then be dream. While affectionate and generally well keep playing as she notices the beneficial able to use it for their benefit. meaning, he is strict and unyielding and his changes in her mother. Under Kroger’s Like many European films, Queen frustrations get the better of him from time tutelage she blossoms and he encourages her to Play is more concerned with character to time. Those frustrations are taken out to enter a local tournament where she is the development and storyline than with fast mostly on his wife (Jessica Chastain), and only woman there. pace or hyperactive visuals. If you don’t his eldest son Jack (played Hunter Mc- Within this basic plotline derived from mind the leisurely pace, aren’t annoyed by Cracken) when he’s a boy, and Sean Penn Pygmalion, first time director Caroline subtitles, and have an interest in the game as an adult). Jack’s strained relationship is Bottaro makes a number of observations on of chess, then you’ll find Queen to Play a apparently stretched even further when his the nature of not only relationships but of game worth playing. little brother dies at age 19. Mind you’ve I’ve economic class differences and of people’s just explained this in a much more linear This film is not rated but contains adult situations Eeyore discovers that an umbrella is a poor ingrained attitudes. It is these observations and language. way than it is presented in the film, and sans the cosmic oratorio that interrupts the substitute for a missing tail in Disney's that help to give the film added resonance Review by Chip Kaufmann reboot of Winnie the Pooh. that keeps you interested and remains with proceedings. you after the film is over. When the film jumps to modern day, it Poppins. They appealed to adults as well as What is essentially a two character is the anniversary of the brother’s death. We to children and that is what is absent from screenplay rises or falls on the performances see snippets of Jack at work, Jack at home, this latest release. of the two leads and here the two perfor- Jack on the phone with his father. Jack has I was looking forward to seeing this re- mances cannot be bettered. Kevin Kline obviously grown from a tormented kid into boot as it was advertised as a return to hand embodies the widower who is brought back a mopey mess of a middle aged man. We drawn animation with a different animator to life by his cleaning lady’s interest in the never see Mr. or Mrs. O’Brien in modern for each character just like in the old days. game of chess, an interest he doesn’t expect day, but we hear their utterances to God (or That part of the film lived up to the hype. It her to have. Since this is a French film he whomever) throughout the film as well as is beautiful to look at with a certain person- speaks his lines in French and is completely Jack’s. Mrs. O’Brien, once so filled with a ality that no computer generated effort has believable going from crusty hermit to re- Brad Pitt gives a powerful performance in the childlike love of life, wonders about life and Terrence Malick’s Tree of Life. yet been able to match. Each character is awakened mentor. love. Mr. O’Brien, once so full of answers, brought to life without that annoying “out- Although named for a man, Pygmalion asks questions. Jack is never destined for line” that attempts to make them look more is ultimately a woman’s story (think Audrey Tree of Life ∑∑∑∑ peace and happiness until he walks onto a than two dimensional and so 5 stars for the Hepburn in My Fair Lady) and Sandrine Short Take: Arm chair philosopher and beach in dreamlike sequence that reunites look of the film and the characters. Bonnaire is simply stunning as Helene who occasional film maker Terrence Malick’s him with the 1950s version of his family and Then we have to dock the film half a goes from timid cleaning lady to confident Palme d’Or winning reflection on life. all is well. Or perhaps all is forgiven? Or star for its excessive length. Not that it’s too chess champion. Her change is gradual and maybe it’s a place where they all live in the Reel Take: Days of Heaven and Thin long at 69 minutes but the originals clocked Bonnaire allows us to witness the various love. in at 25 minutes each and so their single sto- Red Line director Terrence Malick doesn’t Perhaps Malick uses the abstract in direct often, but when he does he makes it rylines weren’t unnecessarily padded as this part as a reflection of the questions of life, one is which makes for some dull stretches count. I had heard that Terrence Malick’s creation and purpose. Perhaps he uses the Palme d’Or winning Tree of Life was a bit especially in the middle of the movie. There cosmic imagery in part as an answer to the are separate storylines but they are too Asheville Film Society of a cinematic sermon that you either love question. Either way, Malick creates a film or hate. I didn’t dislike it, but … I don’t drawn out and sometimes dispensed with Films are shown on Tuesday nights at that illustrates the miracle of life and the altogether which adds a subliminal sense of 8 p.m. Screenings are free. actually see how anyone could come out of awesomeness of the universe, but at the this film saying they loved it or declaring it frustration to the proceedings. same time shows how frail and small we My major objection, and this cost the August 2: Design for Living a masterpiece. To be sure, Tree of Life is a are, and asks, “Do we matter?” “What’s our beautiful film and a cosmic opus of sorts, film a full star, is the musical score. Rarely (1933, Ernst Lubitch) A woman can't de- purpose?” And, probably the most uttered have I encountered songs that made me cide between two men who love her. but it is also a deliberately and madly ab- prayer of all, “Are you there?” stract (maybe even pretentious) work. At its want to get up and leave. While I wasn’t Rated PG-13 for some thematic material expecting the Sherman Brothers, I was hop- August 9: The Scarlet Empress roots, Malick’s rumination on life is nothing any human hasn’t pondered before, and to Review by Michelle Keenan ing for something with a hint of intelligence (1934, Josef von Sternberg) Princess me, his abstractness might make it interest- and a decent rhyme scheme but this score by Sophia is taken to Russia to marry the half- Henry Jackman (I hope he’s no relation to wit Grand Duke Peter, son of the Empress. ing, but does not make it great. Winnie the Pooh ∑∑∑1/2 Tree of Life starts with the fade in of an Hugh) makes Raffi sound like Cole Porter. Short Take: Disney’s return to the Even Zooey Deschanel singing the theme Belle of the Nineties enigmatic light and a voice reading from the original Winnie the Pooh storyline has August 16: song doesn’t help. I should add that, looking book of Job, which gives way to the cosmic great hand drawn animation but suffers (1934, Leo McCarey) Ruby Carter shifts touchstones throughout the film. However, at other reviews, I’m in the minority here. her operations to New Orleans. from an unfortunate music score and the story (such as it is) is centered around from being aimed too squarely at kids. Bottom line…Winnie the Pooh is a must for those of us who remember and August 23: International House a family in Texas in the 1950s. Early on it looks like the O’Briens are the quintessen- Reel Take: The original Pooh films made enjoy hand drawn animation. Bring your (1933, A. Edward Sullivan) Assorted wacky tial American family — a beautiful young by Disney (The Adventures of Winnie the kids to see it so that we can continue to keep characters converge on a Chinese hotel. couple and their beautiful children living Pooh (1966), Winnie the Pooh and the the tradition alive. I just hope that, in future, Blustery Day (1968), Winnie the Pooh Disney will remember that a children’s film August 30: Horse Feathers in a quintessential American neighborhood and enjoying a quintessential American life. and Tigger Too (1974) were intended as has to appeal not only to children but to the (1932, Norman McLeod) Quincy Adams There is no narrative story and the film short subjects to be shown before regular child in all of us. I also hope that they will Wagstaff helps win the big football game. jumps in time from big bang to modern day, Disney features. They were collected into do better than come up with a music score but it’s the experiences of this family and the The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh that is not only unmemorable, it’s totally Carolina Cinemas, 1640 questions they pose to God which are at the (1977). What made them so outstanding was forgettable. Hendersonville Rd. (828) core of the film. not only the fine hand drawn animation but Rated G for nothing objectionable. 274-9500. For more also the songs by Richard M. & Robert B. Brad Pitt is Mr. O’Brien, a frustrated Review by Chip Kaufmann information go to Sherman who had done the songs for Mary www.ashevillefilm.org
14 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE noteworthy A Painter’s Quest to Become an American Artist s an immigrant one of her best Council’s Authors for Literacy Dinner from the Ukraine, talents – painting. and Silent Auction, to be auctioned at life in America has Dorenko wants to the end of the event. The painting will not always been ensure that other incorporate natural elements of the easy for artist and immigrants have Western North Carolina mountains, AAsheville resident Olga the opportunity which are an inspiration to Dorenko Dorenko. She arrived in the to learn English, and to the event’s keynote speaker, United States in 1998 with become American New York Times bestselling author, a 12-year-old son and what citizens and realize Ron Rash. they could fit into one suit- their dreams. case. She Painting by Olga Dorenko Dorenko is If The 4th Annual Authors for did not participating in You Literacy Dinner and Silent o speak English and a special event to benefit the Literacy G Auction will take place at had trouble finding Council of Buncombe County, an or- Crowne Plaza Resort, Friday, work. ganization that teaches basic literacy and August 26, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets Now a U.S. English language skills through instruc- ($75) are available by contacting citizen and suc- tion by trained volunteer tutors. Ashley Vandewart at (828) 254-3442 cessful artist, she She will create an original water- x205. Visit www.litcouncil.com for Olga Dorenko gives back by using color, live on August 26 at the Literacy more information. Special Free Book Offer! —Pat Boone Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: “The Secret Invasion” August DVD Picks “Bell, Book and Candle” Crashing the Dollar: How to Survive a Global Currency The Secret Invasion (1964) how cool I thought it would be a witch Collapse by Craig R. Having recently completed teach- (Bewitched had a lot to do with that) Smith was written to help ing a course on the Vincent Price- and have a cat named Pyewacket. save American families Edgar Allan Poe films of B Movie Kim Novak is Gillian Holroyd a from the economic death producer-director Roger Corman as rather bohemian and carefree, beauti- spiral of a falling U.S. well as shown a series of his films last ful witch living in New York City month at the Hendersonville Film with her mysterious Siamese cat (non dollar and rising Society, it seems only logical and fit- other than Pyewacket himself). When inflation. ting that I recommend at least one film she meets publisher Shep Henderson To help prepare Americans for the dollar’s demise now, I from this extraordinary individual who (Stewart), the fiancé of an old college watch them go through basic training, have been authorized to offer a FREE copy of Crashing changed the face of moviemaking in rival, she decides she’ll cast a spell Special Free Book Offer! —Pat Boone the last half of the 20th century. and then see them delivered to start on him to lure him away from the Corman has produced close to their mission. Along the way there are nasty Merle Kittridge (Janice Rule). Call 1-866-709-3643 today! 400 films to date (he’s still active at the various expected setbacks which Pyewacket doesn’t take to Shep, but all 85), directed 56 titles himself from lead to a surprising and still effective goes according to plan until she finds 1955-1990, and launched the careers conclusion. herself doing the one thing a witch of such Hollywood luminaries as While there is nothing new can’t do – falling in love. In this story, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Cop- here, the way the director utilizes his if a witch succumbs to love they lose pola, Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, resources, the social observations of their magical powers. and Sandra Bullock. He was given a the script (a Corman trademark), and Of course everything gets a bit lifetime achievement Oscar last year the remarkable performances allow silly as Shep realizes he’s been duped. and this year was a special honoree at The Secret Invasion to be placed in With Jack Lemmon as Gillian’s the Cannes Film Festival. the upper eschelon of War films. ne’er-do-well warlock brother, Elsa The film I have chosen to rep- Even the “ladies” won’t have too bad Lanchester as her Aunt Queenie, resent Corman is The Secret Inva- a time as one of the subplots is aimed and Ernie Kovacs as a writer of witch sion which embodies all of his best squarely at them. If you’ve never seen books, the ensemble is full of colorful qualities. The story about criminals it then you owe yourself the pleasure characters as the mayhem progresses. pressed into service during World War of observing a master filmmaker at the Will Shep love her if he’s not under a II sounds like The Dirty Dozen only height of his powers. spell? Will she keep her magic powers? it was made 3 years earlier and tells Bell, Book and Candle is much its story in 95 minutes as opposed to Bell, Book and Candle (1958) lighter fare than Vertigo, which paired 150. It is a textbook example of effec- Faced with life as a muggle and Novac and Stewart together earlier tive, efficient filmmaking that is also no more entries in the Harry Potter se- that same year, and was apparently entertaining. ries, I was jones’n for some magic like quite fun for them to make. It also Stewart Granger and Mickey a chain smoker for Pall Malls. It was shows the dawning of the beatnik Rooney head a cast whose job is to about this time that I revisited Bell, scene in Greenwich Village. Bell, rescue an Italian partisan from deep Book and Candle, a kitschy treat from Book and Candle is not the beguiling inside an impregnable fortress. Within 1958 starring Jimmy Stewart, Kim world of magic from the Harry Potter the first 20 minutes we meet the Novak, and Jack Lemmon. I hadn’t stories, but it’s an awfully fun time characters, see them try to escape, seen it in years and was reminded of capsule to 1958.
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Jewelry: Q. Evon Q. Jewelry: The Asheville Ballet’s 2011-2012 Family-Focused Season
he Asheville Ballet is Asheville’s A special, meet-the-dancers fund-raising year-long resident repertoire ballet event is planned, and will be held on site at www.CRAfTGuIlD.ORG company. Seasoned ballet fans and the distillery, with foods and drinks created novices alike have the opportunity with Moonshine by local chefs. to watch consummate professionals Tdance a wide variety of roles, from classical The Nutcracker to contemporary, in powerful, meaningful, The Nutcracker has been a holiday tra- memorable performances. dition in Asheville for 37 years. This all-time The Asheville Ballet has produced both favorite story of Clara’s magical midnight cutting edge interdisciplinary work and full- trip to the Land of Sweets is classical ballet length major work, collaborating with other at its best. The exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy local art agencies and working live with the and her handsome Cavalier dance their area’s major musical, poetic, and visual art- eternally lovely pas de deux, while beauti- ists. They are pleased to introduce audiences ful flowers waltz, waltz, waltz. This year Allanstand Craft Shop to the wonders of dance for another season. the ballet has new surprises you won’t want at the Folk Art Center to miss. Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC Friday and Saturday, December 10-11, and Open Daily 9am-5pm | 828-298-7928 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 11-12. School shows are available during the Guild Crafts day, Thursday, December 9. 930 Tunnel Road/Hwy 70, Asheville, NC Open Mon.-Sat: 10am-6pm Sleeping Beauty 828-298-7903 Sleeping Beauty will headline the Discover the Best of Regional Craft Regional of Best the Discover The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Spring Concert, held May 18-19, 2012 at Department of the Interior. 7:30 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s greatest ballet mu- sic is brought to exciting and romantic life by Asheville Ballet’s versatile dancers. The happy-ever-after fairy tale unfolds in pure classical ballet. In addition, a new contem- porary work has been commissioned by choreographer Lindsey Kelley.
Magic In The Moon Moonshine and Winnie the Pooh are the featured works in the season opener, Friday and Saturday, September 30 and October 1 at 7:30 p.m. Pooh retells the adventures of the loveable bear, Christopher Robin, and their forest friends, all set to the stunning music of Beethoven’s Sixth Sym- phony – The Pastorale. Moonshine is an original contempo- rary ballet that plays on a pun – Moonshine the secret mountain liquid that kept fami- lies alive and in good “spirits” in our re- The Asheville Ballet offers an annual gion, and Moonshine the mysterious force lecture series on dance appreciation. They that pulls at tides and the human “spirit.” have generated educational articles on dance Moonshine is a collaboration with Troy for national and local publications, and they & Sons Distillers, Troy Ball chairwoman. compiled a full library of dance-related ma- Troy & Sons, a craft distillery, is the first terials, some rare and otherwise unavailable. producer of legal white corn liquor, made with produce grown right here in Western North Carolina. If The abstract ballet, (don’t worry, You All shows are held at beautiful families), moves from lyrical to percussive, Go Diana Wortham Theatre. Ticket to powerful, to sad, to joyously triumphant information and sales are available – all set to the original music of the Chapel at the box office at (828) 257-4530. For more information about the company or the Hill Band Kangaroo, which will perform shows, call Ann Dunn, Director, at (828) live. We guarantee all ages will leave in good 258-1028, or visit www.ashevilleballet.com. “spirits,” with this wonderful combination.
16 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Asheville Lyric Opera’s Thirteenth Season he Asheville Lyric Opera (ALO) is pleased to announce its 13th season by David Craig Starkey for 2011-2012 which will feature five main stage events and addition- event, explores repertoire from opera, op- al supporting programs throughout eretta and musical theatre. Past and present TWestern North Carolina. favorite artists as well as new singers will fill the stage. The evening includes fine Madama Butterfly wine and gourmet food from 10 or more of Asheville’s finest restaurants. This one-of- October 7 & 8, 2011 at 8 p.m. a-kind event continues to draw appeal and Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini delight from a variety of audience members – an opera classic – features Jennifer Davi- throughout Western North Carolina. son, international soprano, as she makes her debut with the ALO in the title role. Jon Debuts and Staff Changes Truitt, acclaimed director of last season’s The 2011-2012 season features the de- The Magic Flute, returns to direct a beauti- but of director Pat Heuermann. Ms. Heuer- ful new production set in turn of century mann, now an Asheville local, is a founding Japan. An audience favorite among opera member of the Atlanta Opera and former fans, Madama Butterfly is a breath-taking president of the National Opera Association. and moving experience for all. Ms. Heuermann will direct Così fan tutte. Asheville Christmas Show The Asheville Lyric Opera staff has a new Associate Artistic Director, Kristen November 18, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Hedberg. Ms. Hedberg will stage direct The A tradition of the ALO, The Asheville Sound of Music alongside music director/ Christmas Show, now entering its 3rd year, conductor, Dr. Vance Reese. Ms. Hedberg presents seasonal solo and ensemble music and Dr. Reese collaborated the previous five on the eve of the 65th Annual Asheville seasons on the education opera project, and mounted ALO’s successful production of Holiday Parade. This year, ALO welcomes pg. 37 the Asheville Choral Society, Western Caro- Brundibár last season. B lina Rockettes, and Santa to the stage. ALO also welcomes new Chorus Master, Andrea Blough. A regular performer Così fan tutte with ALO, Ms. Blough was last seen as Su- (All Women Are Like That) sanna in ALO’s Le Nozze di Figaro. February 17 & 18, 2012 at 8 p.m. Opportunities Così fan tutte, by Wolfgang Amadeus An open audition call takes place for Mozart, includes the return of Dr. C. Mi- The Sound of Music on the evening of chael Porter, former assistant music direc- October 6 for any local professional artists tor for ALO. This Mozart classic showcases or students. All roles are open for casting. an ensemble cast in a battle of Venus vs. Interested persons may contact the opera Mars, exploring the stereotypes in relation- office directly for instructions. All auditions ships within the delightful angst of finding require a reservation. true love. ALO offers season subscriptions with discounts. Subscriptions are currently on The Sound of Music sale through the opera office. In addition to providing discounts, subscriptions allow April 20 & 21, 2012 at 8 p.m.; patrons to choose their seats for the entire April 22 at 3 p.m. season with the option of renewing the fol- support the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD world-class operatic talent performing fresh, The Sound of Music, by Rodgers and lowing season. movie broadcasts, shown at Carolina Cin- new productions. The ALO is also a leading Hammerstein, makes its debut at the Diana Individual tickets for all productions ema on Hendersonville Road. Highlighting touring opera company, endeavoring to Wortham Theatre. Produced in collabora- go on sale September 6 with the prices for the season are the Met’s new productions of bring this fine art form to communities in tion with the ALO Education Opera pro- Madama Butterfly, Così fan tutte, and The Anna Bolena, Don Giovanni, Faust and the the Southeast. gram, this family favorite combines a cast of Sound of Music ranging from $30 – $53. completion of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibe- children with professional artists from the Preview dress rehearsal tickets are available lungen (The Ring Cycle), featuring soprano Asheville area. ALO adds a Sunday matinee for student and senior citizen groups for If Deborah Voigt. You For information on season of this production to meet growing audience Madama Butterfly and Così fan tutte. Ticket Go subscriptions, tickets, auditions, or demands for this popular show. prices for the Christmas Show range from History to request a season brochure, please $21 – $36. Tickets for the Taste of Opera contact ALO at (828) 236-0670, or visit Taste of Opera range from $50 – $75. Student rates are Founded in 1999, the Asheville Lyric www.ashevillelyric.org. available for all productions with the excep- Opera is Asheville’s first opera company. June 9, 2012 – Food at 6 p.m., Single tickets are sold solely through Diana tion of Taste of Opera. It is recognized for its excellent artistic concert at 7:30 p.m. Wortham Theatre beginning September 6, In addition to ALO’s five main stage productions of operatic repertoire that 2011. Phone the box office at (828) 257- Taste of Opera, the fifth main stage events, the ALO continues to sponsor and entertain and inspire audiences, featuring 4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 17
prints color Asheville’s Biltmore Ave. RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art A Grovewood B Gallery C nter the rustic iron gates of Grove- D wood and discover a magical experi- ence of art, craft, history, and Old World charm. Grovewood Gallery was opened Ein 1992 to revitalize the Homespun Shops that once housed the famous weaving and woodworking complex of Biltmore Indus- tries. Located next to The Grove Park Inn American Dog, sculpture for the garden. Resort & Spa in a 1917 English-style cottage, the gallery exhibits traditional and contem- porary crafts by more than 500 artists from Events at Grovewood Gallery around the United States. 4th Annual Sculpture for the Garden Grovewood is noted for its beautiful June 4 – December 31, 2011 sculpture gardens and its impressive second Outdoor sculpture invitational featuring floor studio furniture collection of hand- contemporary sculptures by nationally-rec- crafted furniture, lighting, and decorative ognized artists. accessories for the home. Grovewood also presents rotating solo and group exhibi- A Wood Collector’s Home tions in their downstairs Spotlight Gallery, July 1 - October 2, 2011 including special exhibitions of regional im- Featuring handcrafted furniture and sculp- portance, turned and carved wood, jewelry, ture by 19 top wood artists from across fiber art, paintings and more. North America. Unique garden sculptures compliment the beautiful natural setting of the eleven Open Studio Tour acres that surround Grovewood. Stroll the October 8, 2011 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) meandering ivy-bordered pathway and the Free, self-guided tour of the artists’ studios immaculately maintained lawn and enjoy on the Grovewood grounds. the panoramic views across the valley to the nearby Blue Ridge. The Art of Making Music: Instruments Beginning the first Saturday in June Made in WNC Past & Present and going through December, Grovewood October 8 – December 31, 2011 hosts their annual Sculpture for the Garden Opening Reception (3 - 6 p.m.) exhibition. This outdoor sculpture invita- tional features contemporary sculptures by C nationally-recognized artists, perfect for the Grovewood Gallery home or corporate installations. 111 Grovewood Road Also located on the Grovewood grounds Asheville, NC 28804 are: The Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, (828) 253-7651 The NC Homespun Museum, Grovewood www.grovewood.com Studios, and the Grovewood Cafe.
Call for Artists: the Artery
Deadline: September 1, 2011 at 5 p.m. The Artery is open to artists and artist The Asheville Area Arts Council teams of all disciplines who are 18 years (AAAC) announces a call for visual artists or older. Youth proposals are welcome for one-month exhibits January-June with a sponsoring member. Extra con- 2012, at the Artery, a multi-purpose sideration will be given to programs and exhibition and event facility serving as exhibitions that serve disadvantaged or headquarters for the AAAC. under-served populations. Proposals for exhibitions are juried by For more information, or to apply, rotating panels of creative professionals please contact the Asheville Area Arts 29 Biltmore Ave. representing various disciplines. Their Council, 346 Depot Street in Asheville’s Exclusive Parking in the Rear selections are based on artistic merit and River Arts District. Visit www.ashevil- pursuant to the AAAC’s intent to illumi- learts.com or email info@ashevillearts. (828) 281-4044 nate the breadth and depth of Asheville/ com. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 D www.vandykejewelry.com Buncombe’s creative sector. p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Applicants must have an Alliance membership to the AAAC. Jewelry • Fine Art • High Quality Furnishings • Pottery
18 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS Patti Best fine art Realism in Oil Commissions 16 Patton Fine Art Gallery Accepted
Patton Fine Art Gallery features original work by regional artists presented in an intimate gallery setting. We specialize in fine art Original Oil Paintings for residential and private collec- Giclee Prints and Note Cards 16tors, including paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, and more. www.mountainbrushworks.com 2011 Exhibits
Through Sunday, August 7 Mark Henry (NC) Tickets on sale August 18th Oil landscapes and charcoal and pastel draw- ings on paper. Henry mixes a realistic look with a touch of impressionism. 2011/2012 Mainstage Series
Curly Girls. Karin Jurick. Oil on masonite. 12x9 in. image.
John Mac Kah (NC) Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company A Master nature artist – plein air landscapes t in the realist tradition. Teaches at the Fine Selected Shorts Diavolo Dance Theatre Arts League of the Carolinas. Rennie Harris Puremovement Urban Rhythm. Sterling Edwards. Saturday, October 22 – Saturday, Nov. 26 Liquid pencil and transparent watercolor on rag paper. Opening October 22, from 5-8 p.m. 22 x 30 in. image. Doc Watson & David Holt t Sagapool Friday, August 5 – Sunday, September 4 Karin Hollingsworth (GA) Opening August 5, from 5-8 p.m. Contemporary realism in the form of large Shakespeare on Trial t Solas oil “windowscapes” evoking a soothing feel- Sterling Edwards (NC) ing of serenity. Lúnasa t Christopher O’Riley Edwards is well known throughout the U.S. and Canada as an interpretive and Karin Jurick (GA) abstract artist working in oil and watercolor, Intimate painterly representational oils that Susan Werner & David Wilcox . . . perfecting his expressive and stylized way capture vibrant moments in daily life. of painting. His maturity of style and daring Suzy Schultz (GA) and more! to be original has earned him the respect Photo: Gabriel Bienczycki Photo: and admiration of art galleries, art aficiona- Intense representational paintings and draw- dos, and students worldwide. He is often ings contrasting tightly rendered figures and expressive backgrounds. called upon to jury regional and national art pg. 18 competitions and gives lectures, demonstra- www.dwtheatre.com A (828)257-4530 Friday, December 2 – Saturday, January 7 tions, and workshops on his style of painting Opening December 2, from 5-8 p.m. before large groups. Linda Cheek (NC) Friday, September 2 – Sunday, October 2 Masterly plein air and alla prima landscape Take Your Craft to Opening September 2, from 5-8 p.m. and representational paintings. Another Level Denise Stewart-Sanabria (TN) Signe Grushovenko (SC) Hyper-realistic oil paintings of fruit, veg- The balance of emotion and abstraction in Workshops and Core Programs etables, and pastries with an undercurrent of figurative paintings, based on posed subjects for Adults and Youth subversive humor; figurative and botanical in archival black and white photographs. drawings; “cut-outs”- full-scale figurative charcoal drawings on unpolished birch plywood. 16 PATTON Fine Art Gallery 16 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 The Only Professional Saturday, October 15 – Saturday, Nov. 19 Opening October 15, from 3-6 p.m. Danna Anderson (828) 236-2889 Acting Studio in WNC www.16patton.com James Daniel (NC) [email protected] Representational portraits and paintings in Gallery hours: 11-6 p.m. Tues-Sat. www.stellaadler-asheville.com the figurative tradition. Sundays May-Oct: 12-5 p.m. (828) 254-1320
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 19
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20 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art
“Mountain Groove” developing local music scene. Painter Marsha Hammel captures the musical In a style all personality of Western North Carolina her own, Marsha has captured much of the hen the music’s playing, move- by John Horrocks region’s musical ment and sound are all the flavor, a collec- energy Marsha Hammel needs is the picture plane that tion of paintings to take her pencil or brush in should be holistic in its that say as much hand…and Asheville’s music W presentation to the viewer. about the place scene provides plenty of that action. For “The line is the form” is an and the people decades, Hammel has portrayed musicians old mantra of mine. Each Painter Marsha Hammel who live here and dancers in her classic modernist style, brush stroke must have as the music but with a feel for the music that few paint- purpose…the groove is pure. There is no itself. All the characters in her ers can match. She describes “the groove” as deceit in balance or equilibrium. Trying to paintings are familiar faces, all it applies to both music and art: fake it or trying to express something that caught up in the music and, It’s that state wherein the body, mind Four-Part Harmony by Marsha Hammel. you don’t feel doesn’t work. like the artist who paints them, and brain are in equilibrium. Imagine a Oil on canvas, 48x36 in. A confessed non-talent when it comes feeling the Groove, whether it’s group of people harmonizing their voices to music, Marsha’s skill with the brush tells bluegrass, old-time or Asheville’s familiar and weaving the tones of their instruments the truth of her musical heart. Inspiration drum circle. If into a flowing fabric of sound. Their listen- u Opening Reception on Friday, has come from Muses as diverse as the jazz The paintings will debut at a reception Yo ers are experiencing this groove, too. It gives Go August 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. musicians of New Orleans’ French Quar- on Friday, August 12 at Blackbird Frame & me shivers just to think about it. On display through September ter, Miami’s latin rhythms and the classical Art. Violinist/fiddler Natalya Weinstein will The groove in painting is balance of 10, 2011. BlackBird Frame & Art is an strains of the Baltimore Symphony Orches- set the mood with some lively music. Be movement and rhythm, color and form, independent art gallery and custom frame tra. Now, several years after returning to her among the first to experience these unique line that engages the eye in a graceful dance. studio owned by Pat and John Horrocks childhood home state, Marsha has turned portraits, captured on canvas by one of the Texture and surface are part of the sound and located at 365 Merrimon Avenue in her interest and considerable talent to the best artistic talents of the mountain region. of a painting, too. The tone of the painting Asheville.
pg. 18 B
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 21
prints color ® Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence
1986 2011
Enjoy and Give the Best™
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22 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE asheville shops
The Taste of Success and the Love of Creating Fine Art An interview with Elizabeth Foley lizabeth Foley is the general man- interviewed by Dennis Ray ager and part owner of The Choco- late Fetish, which she owns with her parents Bill and Sue Foley. Chocolate flower sculptures created by E2011 is an exciting year for Elizabeth Foley. The Chocolate Fetish as they Our Easiest Starting celebrate their 25th year in EF: Much of my chocolate artwork can be 2-Cycle Tiller EVER! business. This family owned enjoyed as part of more everyday products With a lightweight Mantis Tiller, one machine enables you to tackle many tough jobs in your business has come a long way such as handmade flowers that adorn our garden and yard. And, when you choose the NEW FastStart since its humble beginnings Smash Cakes™ (A Smash Cake is a cake engine option, your tiller will start with 75% less effort. as a small boutique chocolate of thin layers of chocolate that is smashed Plus, so many advantages! shop in downtown Asheville. with a hammer and the pieces are shared P Easy to Use - Lightweight with guests). People also enjoy chocolate & Maneuverable Last fall they held a grand P Patented Tines are Guaranteed opening for the expansion of sculptures as centerpieces for table settings for LIFE Against Breakage their business. The new space, and showpieces at special events. P Handles Dozens of Gardening adjacent to their flagship store, I make a series of sculptures that in- & Yard Care Projects gives them more room to dis- clude hand sculpted chocolate flowers and Buy Direct from mantis! one-year money BacK play their chocolates and offers it’s great fun to break off the petals and dip Guarantee more “elbow room” for their them in a sauce for dessert. I also heard a fast free shipping Border edger & Kickstand with guests to relax and browse. great story the other day from a young girl your tiller purchase - $69.90 Value! They have also expanded their that had purchased a chocolate high heel free DVD & info Kit kitchen and shipping areas so shoe and, after shattering it because she 1-888-758-3096 they can keep up with demand tried to walk in it, [she] ate and enjoyed it mt116300 ©2011 Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. more efficiently. Elizabeth displays some of her recent work. anyway. Elizabeth, a second gen- eration chocolatier and local Asheville artist, doors and avenues for inspiration. RRM: How long does it take to make a cen- Mouthwatering Gifts took some time to speak with us about her terpiece and how long do they last? chosen medium. RRM: What sets your showpieces apart from EF: All of this work is very time consum- others? ing. There are moments that I have to just Rapid River Magazine: Your chosen me- EF: A major difference between my sculp- stand with my chocolate and hands in the dium requires you to create work using four tures is that I am committed to making mine freezer waiting for it to set up. It prob- of the five senses (taste, sight, smell and feel) completely edible and as delicious as they ably takes a couple hours to create just the to completely enjoy your creations. Tell us are beautiful. Many times people will use flowers that adorn some of the center- about meeting those challenges and why you products like modeling chocolate or gump- pieces. How long do they last? I guess it chose such a difficult medium to express aste. These products are edible but they just depends on how long you can resist the yourself as an artist. don’t really taste good. None of my sculp- temptation to devour them. 100% Satisfaction Elizabeth Foley: Since I was a little girl I tures have any sort of non-edible support- % Guaranteed! RRM: How has your work changed over the Save 20 have wanted to be an artist. I studied art ing forms and they are all made of the same Offer only available at: Over 20 Million Berries, years and has it become more or less dif- www.berries.com/big Hand-Dipped. throughout high school and college and high quality chocolate you’ll find in the rest or call 1.888.743.1347 ficult to acquire your desired results? *20% discount will appear upon checkout. Discounts may went on to work professionally as an artist in of the products at The Chocolate Fetish. not be used in conjunction with other special offers, coupons or discounts. Discount applies to item cost only and does not include discounts on shipping and handling or taxes. Discount a variety of different media. I’ve always been EF: When I began working with choco- only applies to items over $29. Valid now through 12/31/2011. drawn to 3-dimensional design, so when I RRM: What kind of training have you had? late I was mostly making abstract more returned to Asheville to work at my family’s EF: Since finishing Art School I have strived modern art type pieces and recently I have shop, I began to incorporate those skills and to continue my education. I did an intern- been more focused on recreating things learn how to sculpt with chocolate. It was ship with a professional potter and sculptor from nature like flowers and leaves. It has gifts for like a light bulb turned on when I realized and more recently have been studying with become more difficult to achieve my de- GLMPHVIR that I could pursue my passions for great some of the world’s top chocolatiers in- sired results because as I continue to learn For the best in baby & children’s gifts, look no further. From keepsakes to food and art at the same time. cluding Chef Jean-Pierre Wybauw (named more I continue to improve and set higher toys, we can help you fi nd unique and When I sculpt with chocolate I do face Chef of The Year by the Culinary Institute goals for myself. personalized gifts to fi t every budget. challenges because I am dedicated to using of America in 2002), Chef Donald Wressel high quality chocolate and making sure (Pastry Chef of The Year by The National RRM: Do you do custom work and do you great gifts starting at save that every sculpture or showpiece tastes as Pastry Team Championships in 2005), and work in any other mediums? $ 95 an additional 19+s/h
products. Discount will appear upon checkout and % great as it looks. Every medium including Chef Elaine Gonzalez (Author of The Art of EF: A lot of the work I do is custom work, ® chocolate imposes it restrictions on the artist Chocolate). This spring I attended a course whether it is designing a cake for someone’s 20 but I find that having limitations actually at The French Pastry School in Chicago with wedding or a unique sculpture for a special encourages me to think outside the box and Chef Stèphane Leroux, who is considered to event. I am even working on a custom To redeem this offer, go to www.RedEnvelope.com/down develop new solutions to overcoming those be the world’s foremost chocolate sculptors. design to be displayed in the lobby of a or call 1.888.506.9740 handprint canvas stainless steel wine challenges. Being able to include taste and local hotel. I have worked extensively with stoppers smell in my final products is exciting for me RRM: Tell us a little bit about your ceramics and also installation art. I hope because very few media allow an artist to sculptures and what they are used for in people’s lives. delve into these senses. It just opens up new ‘Chocolate Fetish’ continued on page 25 personalized personalized cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer expires 1/31/2012. expires or discounts. Offer cannot be combined with other offers *Discount does not apply cates, to same-day shipping gift delivery, and cards handling, or taxes, certifi third-party hosted products (e.g. wine), or Bose signs animal storybook
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 23
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS asheville shops
yellow, rose, and blue green, as well as eighteen karat yellow and green Goldsmiths gold. Many of Susan’s designs usan West is a visionary. She has been sport details in making custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry solid, twenty-four at blue in Biltmore Village for sixteen Rubys and Diamonds Diamond edged band Gold dimples karat gold which years. She began her career as an artist allows her custom- in design school, where she was an ap- ers to experience the ultimate in opulence. Sprentice for a blacksmith, an artistry she shared fying headpiece and a blackened face, looking much like a chimney sweep. The alloys used to create each color of gold are with her great-grandfather. Susan progressed Susan West, owner of blue the highest quality, never containing sub-par from a blacksmith to a silversmith, and eventu- While there is always a huge selection to choose from in blue’s jewelry cases, many “fillers” like nickel, which many are allergic ally to a goldsmith. Not only are each of blue’s her to offer a vast array of spectacular designs. customers decide to do a collaborative design to. Because of this, Susan is able to achieve the pieces completely individual, but the customer Susan’s studio is on the second floor of blue’s with Susan to make a custom piece. True to most impressively rich shades of white, yellow, can rest assured that the materials used were gallery, in a historic cottage in the heart of blue’s mission, Susan is always thrilled to use a rose, and green gold. obtained in a socially and environmentally Biltmore Village, and it is where all of the customer’s sentimental gold and family stones Not only does blue have a working studio conscious manner. magic happens. to make a one-of-a-kind modern heirloom. that produces exquisite jewelry, but it’s gal- Each one of Susan’s designs is completely Susan and her two apprentices, Ethan and For years, Susan would not use diamonds lery features some of the foremost fire artists unique: she never uses molds or repeats de- Nicholas, transform the rough hunks of metal in her work. It was not until she could ensure in North America. Proudly displaying the signs. This allows Susan to grow as an artist, to smooth, shiny, and/or textured pieces of art that the diamonds were truly conflict-free that southeast’s best selection of functional glass, and is equally rewarding for her customers using a lost wax casting method late at night. she added them to her repertoire of precious Susan is constantly looking for artists who use who appreciate their original piece. blue’s While downstairs in the gallery, customers and semi-precious stones. Historically, conflict fire to create cutting-edge work. With pieces uncompromised mission is to create exclusive, often ask if renovation is underway as there diamonds have fueled devastating civil wars ranging from 18’’ wide hand-blown cobalt ves- breath-taking designs that are environmentally is so much banging and noise coming from resulting in the loss of millions of lives. These sels with a base of crystallic thorns to 24 karat and socially responsible. overhead. No one ever expects the process of conflict, or “blood,” diamonds are closely as- gold infused champagne flutes and decanters, Susan’s designs are modern, simple, and making beautiful, small pieces of jewelry to be sociated with human rights atrocities including blue is sure to have the perfect gift for the elegant. She is inspired by everything from so loud or dirty! Often times, someone in an genocide, exploitation, and children’s rights person with everything. architectural elements to nature, which allows apron emerges from the studio with a magni- violations. Additionally, the process of acquir- blue is passionate about giving back to ing diamonds can contribute to irreparable the community that gave so much to them. environmental damage. They are proud to have contributed to the blue’s diamonds are from a known and American Cancer Society, the Climate trusted single source. Many diamond retailers Ground Zero, NC Equality, and many more claim that they offer conflict free diamonds. local and national organizations whose mis- However, many are mistakenly misinformed sions resonate with blue. For more informa- about the true origin of their stones. The tion about blue’s contributions, check out money exchanged in blue’s purchase of their “giving back” link on their website, stones goes directly to the communities www.bluegoldsmiths.com. where they are mined. blue is also active in the local animal Susan puts so much love and attention rights movement—a passion that runs deep into the metal work in each piece that she is through blue’s hands and into the bowls of the hyper-critical of the quality of stone used. She furry, four-legged friends who live at the store. does not accept stones that are not graded as The gallery is protected at all times by one or top of the line, “AAA grade, natural.” Susan more of Susan’s many animals who love to works with a variety of natural, hand-cut watch, get in the way, and greet customers colored stones, ranging from the seven natural to are delighted to get their “pet-fix” while colors of sapphires to natural alexandrites they’re on vacation and away from their own. that are free of heat or flame treating. Just as blue has been located in historic Biltmore with the diamonds, the colored stones are also Village for fourteen years. It was originally conflict-free. owned and occupied by the German sculp- In many areas of the world, stones are a tor Karl Bitter, who carved the friezes in the form of currency. This means that not only fireplaces at the Biltmore Estate. Through were people not harmed in gathering process extensive renovations (and one big flood), blue of the stones, but the money goes directly to still stands at 1 Swan Street surrounded by the people who harvested them. This helps giant hand-blown glass balls, sounds of happy boost the local economy, provides money for shoppers enjoying the deep history, and fantas- healthcare and education in mining communi- tic shopping that the Village has to offer. ties and guarantees job security for a popula- Blue can be found online at www. tion where a job might not be easy to come by. bluegoldsmiths.com, which showcases their In order to produce enough gold for a entire inventory of jewelry that is available at single gold ring, twenty tons of ore must be the gallery. mined. blue’s gold is 100% recycled and comes exclusively from post-consumer sources. blue Many mines are also associated with the release of mercury and cyanide into local water 1 Swan Street sources, showing a clear reckless disregard for Historic Biltmore Village local ecosystems. (828) 277-2583 Susan works in fourteen karat white, www.bluegoldsmiths.com
24 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS Bring in this Ad and We’ll Take local favorites 15% Off Your Order Excluding Alcohol Happy Hill Restaurant 1 Coupon Per Table A Tradition of Excellence Since 1967 (828) 236-9800 Delicious Open 7 Days a Week he best way to tell a good restaurant Hoagies & Pretzels by Dennis Ray is by the parking lot. If it’s full than Fresh-Baked Calzones you can pretty 50 Broadway ~ Asheville, NC much assure Specialty Pizzas • Spring Water Dough • Salads Wireless yourself that Vegan Soy Cheese, and other Vegetarian Options! Internet Access! Tthe food is good,” says Martin Coleman a visitor of Asheville from South Carolina. “When you’re new to or visiting an area you just have to drive around and the restau- Bandidos in West Asheville rant that has the filled lot with local (license) plates Incredible Latin Inspired Dishes is the one that not only will be serving the best andidos in by Rick Hill food, but usually offers West Ashe- better and faster service ville is locally than the slower ones.” owned and “There is I interviewed Cole- supports local something to be said man a little over a year Locals always know where to find Bagriculture to ensure about the complexity ago for an article on the best food. the freshest seasonal of Latin cuisine that tourism and the perform- ingredients. Every- is alluring, deli- ing arts. The above quote thing is made from cious, and of course, never ran but did stay with me because friends (is there really any difference?) ‘So scratch, in-house, healthy,” he says. when I travel I do the same. Truth is, the what are you going to call Happy Hill?’ ‘I daily, with the utmost “We also offer cater- locals always know where the good food is. don’t know,’ I told them. They kept asking care for quality and ing for private parties, In West Asheville the Happy Hill Res- and we kept trying to come up with a new consistency. They festivals, and any taurant fits this description. It is a charming name that would bring people in, that would feature their ever- other special event in dinner with incredible food and even more suggest what we are as a restaurant. Then changing menu on which we can better incredible service. The owners and staff greet one night it occurred to us that everyone their website as to not serve our customers.” everyone who comes in with a warm hello, including us kept referring to the place as waste paper. The menu and a lot they know by name. The business is Happy Hill. There you go.” Bandidos started changes frequently. family owned and was founded in 1967. In 2010 Happy Hill reopened and has as a local food cart All of the salsas are George Poulos came to Asheville from been an even greater success than the Law- selling scratch-made Justin Smudde, owner of Bandidos. made fresh daily. New York City looking to start his own res- rences even thought possible. “We’re just so tamales and quickly There’s also a small taurant and opened the Happy Hill just west grateful for all the support and love we have had to move into a brick and mortar restau- selection of local beers on tap and plenty of of Asheville on Patton Ave. At the time this received from this community,” Mike says. rant to keep up with the growing demand vegetarian options. part of Patton Ave. was residential. There Happy Hill offers daily specials and if for quality Latin food. were no gas stations, no supermarkets in the requested they will send you an email updat- “We are not a Mexican restaurant,” says area. Poulos bought an old house just off ing you on these specials. Happy Hill serves Bandidos owner Justin Smudde. “We simply Bandidos Burritos of the then two-lane road (now a four-lane a variety of sandwiches; home style food use Latin inspiration in all our dishes which 697 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 including meatloaf or fish or chicken dishes. road and usually bumper to bumper just reflect many different styles of cooking and Dine-in, Take-Out, & Delivery after five) and turned it into a small drive preparation. We only carry local beers to (828) 255-8681 through diner. He would later add on an ad- support our local breweries.” ditional dining room and purchase the house Before Bandidos, Smudde was best Tuesday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hill Restaurant Friday & Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. next door so he could build a parking lot. known for selling great Mexican street food 1400 Patton Ave Sunday, full menu and brunch noon to 5 p.m. Poulos ran Happy Hill for 14 years be- downtown at the Wedge and at the Green Asheville, NC 28806 fore leasing it to another family that kept it as Man Brewing Company. Smudde has been Happy Hill for about another decade, before (828) 258-0736 a chef for nearly 20 years and fell in love Next month Rapid River Magazine will it became a Mexican restaurant for a while. with Latin food. interview Justin Smudde, owner of Bandidos. In 1985 George Poulos’s daughter Em- ily and her husband Mike opened Georges’ Deli in Leicester a few miles away. “Our EF: We are always working on new products some really interesting displays of these in regulars followed us to George’s,” Mike ‘Chocolate Fetish’ continued from page 23 here at The Chocolate Fetish. Right now we our shop this holiday season. says. “And we built up a lot of new regulars. are busy developing a new line of truffles We had a wonderful time.” to continue this in the future but as the that will be unveiled later this year. I am also The Lawrences kept George’s Deli for 24 manager of a dynamic, growing business and working on fall and holiday centerpieces that years until they had “outgrown that location” a new mom I’ll have to be patient for when I The Chocolate Fetish Inc. will include handmade chocolate flowers and decided to renovate and revive Happy have a little more time. like mums and sunflowers, along with our 36 Haywood Street Hill at 1400 Patton Ave. where it all began. molded pumpkins and turkeys for thanks- Asheville, NC 28801 “The funny part was we didn’t know RRM: What new products/ideas/flavors are giving, and poinsettias with our molded (828) 258-2353 what to call our new restaurant,” says Mike. you working on that you care to share with trees for Christmas. We plan on having www.chocolatefetish.com “I kept hearing from our regulars and old us?
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 25
prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE joe’s brew notes Brews Cruise – Building Beer Communities One City at a Time
any cities and towns across the The Brews by Joe Zinich nation have vibrant beer scenes Cruise began slowly with craft breweries, beer din- as most businesses ners, beer festivals, beer stores, do, but, when tours etc. But few have what Asheville began to fill quickly, Charleston has five Mhas – a community of beer enthusiasts who more were added excellent breweries with take pride in the beer scene, seek and share and filled almost a sixth opening soon, an knowledge, and appreciate the social aspect faster than guides it encourages. There is no better beer com- could be hired all-beer store with more munity than Asheville’s, which has won and trained. With than 900 beers. the Beer City title three years in a row and this success they dominated in this year’s vote. decided to take the of VA, Meg found her way to Asheville and The “Brews Cruise” is one of the business concept to a job in the brewing industry with Ashe- pillars of the Asheville beer scene and a other cities. To that ville Pizza and Brewing. She happened to driver (figuratively and literally) in its beer end, the business meet Brent at a concert and they have been community. Started by Mark Lyons and his entity Brews Crew together ever since. Meg already knew Mark wife Trish about 5 years ago, the cruise is a Inc., (bruisecrews. Lyons through the Brews Cruise (Asheville guided tour of our local breweries. The idea com) was created. Pizza & Brewing was where tours began and for the business and its name came to Mark The (now) Ashe- ended), and introduced him to Brent. early one morning when he woke with the ville Brews Cruise When Mark pitched the idea of a idea for a beer tour that focused on beer license was sold to Meg Williams and Brent Horner, Charleston Brews Cruise. Charleston Brews Cruise, Brent and Meg education and a more personal connection Joe Sollazo (their both embraced the opportunity, in part be- between the participants, the brewers, and first employee), and the Charleston Brews His first change was to the website cause Meg has spent many days in Charles- their breweries. Cruise License was sold to partners Brent ashevillebrewscruise.com (it is a beauty ton with her family and continues to have A native of New Jersey, Mark, at age 5, Horner and Meg Williams. Mark and Trish – descriptive, easy to navigate, and fast). strong ties to the area, and Brent wanted to moved with his parents to Shelby, NC, later then moved to Bend, OR to focus on the Customers can conveniently book tours return to the surf and sand. More impor- served in the Air Force as a military police beer scenes in cities on the west coast. on-line. The tour schedule was tweaked to tantly, Charleston has five excellent brewer- officer, and then earned a degree in recre- New owner of Asheville Brews Cruise better accommodate the brewers’ busi- ies with a sixth opening soon, an all-beer ation management from Appalachian State Joe Sollazo’s first visit to Asheville was to ness schedules without affecting customer store with over 900 beers, and a variety of University. His travels around the world attend a Brewgrass Festival. Additional visits experience. Joe has added new tours, walk- taprooms focused on craft beer, good food, with the Air Force, coupled with the desire gave him a deeper appreciation of our beer ing tours, and tours that include Jack of the and good times. A Brews Cruise presented to drink locally (German beer in Germany, scene and the Asheville area. He moved to Wood, the Thirsty Monk, and breweries the chance to support a local beer scene, Mexican beer in Mexico, Japanese beer in Asheville shortly after retirement from the outside the Asheville area. help create a beer community, and make Japan, etc.) clearly demonstrated beer could Tampa police force. A self-termed “beer Charleston a beer destination. and should be delicious. He became a true guy” Joe loved the taste of good beer from The Charleston Brews Cruise offers a beer enthusiast, drank primarily local craft the start and is an avid home brewer. Tours include lots of beer variety of tours that include beer samples, beers, and sampled the unusual and unique. As a beer scene regular, Joe met Mark samples, information, a gift, education (both production and styles), and His employment in the resort/spa indus- at the French Broad brewery at about the and a grand time for all. a “goody bag” that contains coupons for try in Arizona time he found local businesses. The tour ends at a local ultimately led to retired life “just restaurant. Along the way discussions on a position at the a little too slow” Joe is very focused on an informative, beer-related topics entertain guests. Since newly opened spa and Mark had fun experience for his customers with con- many of the breweries are outside of center in the Grove Park found he needed tinued support for the beer community. His city, the tour not only quickly submerges Inn. a guide to help manager Shawna Brown, and seven guides, the cruiser into the beer scene; they’ll see In Asheville with the Brews are well trained, (some even work at local parts of the city unfamiliar to many. he and Trish Cruise. Joe was breweries), and know all the area breweries, The Brews Cruise Inc. has tours in enjoyed the local hired, trained, (their beer, their history), as well as local Denver, Asheville, Charleston, and willsoon brews, (they’re became increas- restaurants, attractions, the city, and its beer begin tours in Nashville and Bend, Oregon. both beer enthu- ingly busy, and scene. Their guides also encourage the social A great start for a business concept that siasts), witnessed had a lot of fun. aspect of the tour between the Cruisers and began with a “sudden awakening” just a few the growing beer After Mark sold the brewery employees. Tours include lots years ago. scene, and decided the Asheville of beer samples, information, a gift, and a If a trip takes you to Charleston or to start a business Brews Cruise grand time for all. Asheville, enjoy a cruise while you visit, for to complement or license to an The new owners of the Charleston good beers and good times. If you live there, participate in the individual who Brews Cruise, Brent and Meg, grew up as give it a try. If you already have, try it again; exploding popu- quickly lost next-door neighbors in Bristol, VA. After things change and it’s a great way to make larity of the local interest, Joe high school Brent attended Appalachian new friends. craft beers. When knew he had to State University and then moved to Maui, Mark awakened buy it. He had HI where he led kayaking tours. He left that “historic” ideas to build on Maui to move to Asheville and start Brown morning and Mark’s success Dog Adventure Tours, a guide company that For eight years, Joe Zinich has been taking a self- shared his idea, and improve the offered hiking, mountain biking, backpack- they both knew a experience for guided, high-intensity tour ing, and fly-fishing tours. He has been in the of the Asheville beer scene. beer tour could be the customer and Mark Lyons (left), Brews Cruise Inc., and guide tourism business for nearly 10 years. Contact him at: jzinich@ a winner. Joe Sollazo, Asheville Brews Cruise. the brewers. After finishing school at the University bellsouth.net.
26 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE restaurants & wine
Brew News The Asheville Wine & Food Festival
Tickets on Sale Now! August 2011 Events at the Weinhaus ickets are on sale now for the WNC by Ayana Magazine Asheville Wine & Food Dusenberry Festival taking place August 12 and Tuesday, August 23 13, 2011. Fine dining at The Corner Kitchen. Join T The weekend begins on August shops, the WNC us for an evening of presidential quality 12 with Sweet, a fun fête showcasing deca- Chefs Challenge in Biltmore Village at 7 p.m. Chef/ dent treats and drinks from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Finale, and more. Owner Joe Scully and staff will craft a at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. All wines and five-course feast for your enjoyment. For $35, guests can sample an array of locally many of the food The Weinhaus will choose wines to pair sourced desserts, as well as champagnes, products will also with each of the courses. This is a dinner which sells out, so be sure to make your Craggie Brewing’s beer will be specialty cocktails, spirits, wines, and more. be available for There will be live entertainment and the op- purchase. Parking reservations early. Held at The Corner featured at RiverFest, a festival to ben- Café. Price: $75 all inclusive. Please call efit River Link whose mission is to portunity for after-hours shopping, as many for the event is of the Arcade shops will remain open. free. the Weinhaus for reservations at (828) spearhead the economic and environ- 254-6453. mental revitalization of the French Participats of the inaugural Sweet event General ad- are Battery Park Book Exchange & Cham- mission tickets to Broad River and its tributaries. This Friday, August 26 family-friendly event and its “any- pagne Bar, Biltmore Cake Balls, Cardi- the Grand Tast- thing that floats” raft race will be held nal Gin, Carmel’s, ing are $40 and Friday night flights at the Weinhaus on Saturday, August 13. Find more Chorizo, City Bakery, include a comple- will feature an Italian tour. From the island of Sicilia to the vertical walls of details at www.riverlink.org. Creme Patisserie and mentary wine Flight Wood Grill & Wine the Dolomiti, Italy is covered in the vine Confectionery, French glass and wine Bar in Hendersonville The French Broad Brewery intro- Broad Chocolates, carrier tote bag. that has been the friend of man over the vs. Lexington Ave. centuries. Join us as we sample the liquid duces a new West Coast inspired IPA The HOP, King of VIP tickets are Brewery, Asheville splendors nurtured by the warm Italian made with 12 separate hop additions Pops, Modesto, Never also available for Photos by Jennifer Haynes of primarily Pacific Northwest hops. Blue Tapas Bar and $60 each which sun. The wine will be accompanied by light hors d’ouvres. The price is $10. It is smooth and fruity with a floral Grille, Nutz About allows entrance to the Grand Tasting at aroma and an apricot and persim- Time is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Held at the Fudge, Santé Wine noon and access to a private catered lounge. Weinhaus, 86 Patton, Ave. Asheville. mon finish (7%). This golden-copper Bar, Short Street Sweet/Grand Tasting combination tickets delight is French Broad’s first IPA in Cakes, Sweet Mon- and hotel packages are also available. The Weinhaus, 86 Patton Avenue their standard beer line up. key Bakery, Troy and Sons Distillery, True The Asheville Wine & Food Festival is Asheville, NC (828) 254-6453 Pisgah Brewing’s facility has grown Confections, and Ultimate Ice Cream Co. an organization devoted to enhancing the into a wildly successful music destina- On August 13, the Grand Tasting takes culinary reputation of its namesake city. A tion that at times stresses their beer place from 1-5 p.m. in the WNC Expo portion of the proceeds from the festival availability. To increase brewing ca- Center adjacent to the Asheville Regional benefits F.E.A.S.T. – a nonprofit that teach- Airport. Nearly 100 vendors will be in es children to grow, cook, eat, and enjoy pacity and also improve beer quality, If they recently installed a glycol-system, attendance offering pours of regional, na- food that is fresh, easy to prepare, affordable, You For more information and to which doubles their fermentation tional, and international wines and samples and sustainable. The program serves families Go purchase tickets to the Asheville capacity, (beer has to be cooled to of an array of foods from local restaurants in public housing communities, the YMCA Wine & Food Festival, visit www. the correct temperature before yeast and food producers. There will also be and YWCA, and schools. F.E.A.S.T. is a ashevillewineandfood.com or call WNC is added), and significantly improves live entertainment, food and wine work- program of Slow Food Asheville. magazine at (828) 210-5030. temperature control as the fermented beer finishes (a quality improvement). In August check out their new German-style Pilsner, which is cold fermented and lagered for 6 weeks. This straw-colored lager has a floral Great values & styles aroma and a dry, crisp, clean finish. Stop by the LAB to enjoy their new Free Wine Tastings on Saturdays Belgian Style Farm House ale. This Saison has a beautiful copper color from 2 to 5 p.m. and is bittered with German Hops Tasting wine is not only fun, but it presents a chance to learn about (7.25%). You may want to stay longer wine and what it is about a particular wine that you like, or don’t or visit again to enjoy a glass of their like. You can sip while you shop. Find some new favorites — try summer seasonal beers, a refreshing raspberry wheat or a flavorful Ameri- it before you buy it. We will usually have a few whites and a few can stout. reds open, with the occassional guest speaker. Please stop by! The LAB is now bottling their beers www.theAshevilleWineGuy.com to compete at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival in Denver on Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon Ave. September 29, 2011. Great wines for any occasion and budget. (828) 254-6500
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE stage preview HART Presents Haywood Arts Regional Theatre
Hay Fever he Haywood Arts Regional “Ah, Wilderness!” is his only comedy. Audi- Theatre, founded in 1985, is a tion dates: September 25 & 26. ugust is a time for a good comedy, volunteer-based community and no one writes them better than theatre showcasing the talents of HART 2012 Season Noel Coward. HART’s next pro- the people of the region. HART, duction, “Hay Fever,” directed by Tunder the leadership of Executive Direc- Look Homeward Angel HART’s home is a stunning facility Jeff Bachar, is one of Coward’s ear- tor Steven Lloyd, has grown into one of April 27, 28, 29, May 4, 5, 6. constructed in the style of the traditional lyA successes. From the 1920’s until his death Summer Stock playhouses of the 1920’s. the most active theatres in the Southeast, By Ketti Frings. Winner of the Pulitzer in 1973 he was the most popular British producing a year-round schedule of plays Prize. This classic drama, based on the book playwright of his age. “Hay Fever,” written and musicals. by Thomas Wolfe and set in pre-WWI Ashe- By Neil Simon. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. in 1924, opened on Broadway with Laura HART’s main stage performances ville, is one of the theater’s greatest adapta- Set in the 1930’s, this comedy is considered Hope Crews in the role of Judith Bliss, the take place in the James Auditorium, tions. Auditions March 11 & 12, 2012. one of Simon’s best and most reflective matriarch of a very odd family. The story a 255-seat theatre that operates April works. The story of two young boys, left to is simple. Each eccentric member of the through November. In the winter, The Marvelous Wonderettes be raised by grandma, who must learn to family has invited an unsuspecting guest for productions shift to the 75-seat Feichter May 25, 26, 27, and June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10. adapt and stay light on their feet in a chang- the weekend. Crews is best remembered as Studio Theatre for a second season of Hit off-Broadway musical by Roger Bean. ing world. Auditions June 24 & 25, 2012. Aunt Pittypat in “Gone With the Wind.” more experimental work. The Marvelous Wonderettes takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom The Light in the Piazza September 28, 29, 30, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 If HART 2011 Season where we meet the Wonderettes: four girls You HART presents Hay Fever, with hopes and dreams as big as their crino- There is love in the air in this story of a Go August 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 The 25th Annual Putnam County line skirts with voices to match. Classic ‘50s woman from Winston-Salem on vacation p.m., and August 21 and 28 at 3 Spelling Bee songs. After intermission the girls’ ten-year in Florence, Italy with her daughter. Set in p.m. Tickets: $18 Adults; $16 Seniors; Weekends, September 30 - October 16. reunion. The Wonderettes perform classic the 1950’s to a sweeping romantic score, this Student/child $8. It is time for the annual spelling bee and ‘60s tunes. Auditions April 1 & 2, 2012. was one of Broadway’s biggest hits. Audi- Special $5 discount tickets for students this year’s contestants are all out for the tions August 5 & 6, 2012. for Thursday and Sunday performances. big prize with no holds barred. This La Cage Aux Faux Box Office opens to season ticket holders hilarious show is full of heart and went July 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, August Osage County Wednesday, August 10, and to the general on to become one of Broadway’s biggest 26, 27, 28, 29. Tony Award-winning best November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 public on Saturday, August 13. hits. Audition dates: August 7 & 8. musical! This smash Broadway production By Tracy Letts. Tony Award-Winning Best Play, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Box Office Hours: Mon.-Sat. 1-5 p.m. by Jerry Herman, based on the French film Call (828) 456-6322 for reservations. Ah, Wilderness! “The Birdcage,” is shocking, daring, and drama. A sweeping family drama set in the Tickets available at www.harttheatre.com. Weekends, November 11 - 20. hilarious. Auditions May 6 & 7, 2012. mid-West, filled with humor and shocking Performing Arts Center at the Shelton O’Neill is possibly the greatest Ameri- revelations. Considered by many to be one House, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC can playwright, winner of three Pulitzer Lost in Yonkers of the greatest plays ever written. Auditions 28786. Prizes and the Nobel Prize for literature. August 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, September 1, 2. September 16 & 17, 2012.
‘Charlie Flynn-McIver’ continued from page 6 RRM: How can we get the government/peo- NC Stage 10th Anniversary Season ple to believe in theatre and that it is worth My feeling is, if your performers are: a) supporting? C Stage is Asheville’s only Live From WVL Radio Theatre: mainly people who have now or in the past I think we have to continue making the professional Equity theatre, and It’s a Wonderful Life been involved in theatre as their vocation, point to lawmakers and the general public since 2002 it has produced a Adapted by W.V.R. Repoley which includes mostly union members; that theatre is a valuable commodity in our N Mainstage season of four to six November 16 - 27, 2011 b) mainly people with extensive training community. But we also need tow work plays, as well as providing educational and professional experience in theatre; hard to make theatre a valuable commodity programming. For its 10th Anniversary Love Child c) mainly people who sustain the highest in our community. There are already impor- Season, NC Stage has pulled out all the By Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton expectations of a professional workplace and tant ways that the arts impact our daily lives stops with a line-up of some of the best February 15 - March 18, 2012 performance; then, as part of your busi- (see copy of speech I gave to Arts Day 2011 contemporary American theatre. participants in Raleigh this year, attached) Circle Mirror Transformation ness practice as a producer you: a) hold Subscriptions start at just $75 for a those performers to a very high standard; b) but we need to find other ways that theatre four-play FlexPass. The theatre is also of- By Annie Baker. Co-produced with Im- compensate those performers with a reason- becomes important to others than just the fering a “Super FlexPass” for just $12 per mediate Theatre Project! able, guaranteed salary, and safe rehearsal usual suspects. month, which allows patrons to see every March 28 - April 22, 2012 and performance space; and, c) pay payroll We need theatre and arts as part of the ticketed event in the theatre (including In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play) taxes and unemployment insurance for education process in schools. We need the special events and second stage offerings) By Sarah Ruhl your employees, THEN you are running a arts as part of the correctional system in the for one monthly price. May 9 - June 10, 2012 professional theatre. prisons. We need the arts to be a daily part If not, then it’s something else. And of everyone’s lives and theatre has to find a Hedwig and the Angry Inch there’s nothing wrong with being something way to do that without having to get people Music and lyrics by Stephen Trask If You Go: Tickets are $17 - $29, based else. But professional is a word that many to pay a lot of money and come to a theatre August 24 - September 25, 2011 on day of the week. Call NC Stage at people have worked a lifetime to achieve and somewhere. I don’t know how this is done (828) 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage.org. Angels in America: Millennium it’s not something you wear on your sleeve. per se but this is what has to happen. You know why? Cause no one cares. The Approaches and Perestroika NC Stage is located at 15 Stage Lane, audiences simply don’t care. You know who By Tony Kushner Asheville, NC 28801. To be continued in the September issue of cares? The person saying they are profes- October 12 - November 13, 2011 Rapid River Magazine. sional. That’s it.
28 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE poetry & poets / authors & books
by Ted Olson
Ron Rash’s Poetry municate to the reader Deeper Meanings Lurking Quietly Within a real and moving sense of place. A representative he recognition that author Ron this point in his career rather than with a We host numerous Readings, Rash has received to date for his national publisher makes perfect sense, as poem from Waking, August Bookclubs, as well as Poetrio! Partial Listing More events posted online. literary output is impressive by any he has strong personal connections with “First Memory,” typifies standard, yet closer inspection of that section of the Palmetto State, having Rash’s lucid and insight- readings & booksignings his many literary awards and honors been born in the South Carolina pied- ful evocations of the past. August 3 at 7 p.m. – Sarah Dessen author Treveals that they have been almost exclusive- mont textile town of Chester. Rash enlivens the past by of What Happened to Goodbye. ly for his work as a novelist or short story Eureka Mill featured a series of relat- imagining it in the present (note the use in “First Memory” of present- August 4 at 7 p.m. – Young Adult Panel & writer, not for his poetry. ed narrative poems that collectively explored Book Signing with Stephanie Perkins, Beth Two of his fictional works, for example, the lives of some Appalachian migrants who tense verbs), and the result is pure clarity, Revis, Myra McEntire, Victoria Schwab. have been selected as a finalist for the PEN/ moved to the piedmont to work in the cot- even when the memory is all about nature’s Faulkner Award for Fiction – for his 2008 ton mills. Rash’s next two poetry collections, profound mystery: August 5 at 7 p.m. – Books by authors from Vallodolid, Mexico, our sister city. short story collection Chemistry and for Among the Believers and Raising the Dead, Dragonflies dip, rise. Their backs his 2009 novel Serena. More recently, his both published by the Oak Ridge, Tennes- catch light, purple like church glass. August 6 at 7 p.m. – Richard Wirick, author of Kicking In: Stories. collection of short fiction, Burning Bright, see-based Iris Press, contained a range of po- Gray barn planks balance on stilts, received the Frank O’Connor International ems set in the Carolina mountains, with the walk toward the pond’s deep end. August 10 at 7 p.m. – Giraffes in Hiding: Short Story Award. Indeed, Rash is today latter book including poems that specifically A green smell simmers shallows, The Mythical Memoirs of Carol Novack. among the most recognized writers of seri- focused on the social impacts of the Jocassee where tadpoles flow like black tears. August 11 at 7 p.m. – Cindy Crab presents ous “regional” writing in the U.S. Valley flooding by Duke Power Company. Minnows lengthen their shadows. her new book, The Encyclopedia of Doris. Many readers, though, don’t know that Waking, on the other hand, collects Something unseen stirs in the reeds. Rash is a widely published poet, having pro- thematically unlinked poems on a range of August 13 at 3 p.m. – MariJo Moore reads The poet’s work is, to quote from (and from her Book of Spiritual Wisdom. Free duced four books of poetry thus far: Eureka subjects, most of which relate in some way intuitive reading with each book sold. Mill (1998), Among the Believers (2000), to Rash’s childhood in the western North perhaps somewhat liberally interpret) Wil- Raising the Dead (2002), and a new collec- Carolina Blue Ridge (though a few of the liam Blake, “to see the world in a grain of August 14 at 3 p.m. – Artist William tion of poems, Waking (September 2011). book’s poems reflect upon the legacy of the sand / and to see heaven in a wild flower” Mangum’s North Carolina Beautiful. The relative neglect of Rash’s poetry American Civil War or somewhat generally – that is, we expect poets to identify and to August 15 at 7 p.m. – James Reeves, the may be a result of the fact that his first explore the Celtic influences on Appala- celebrate the elusive spiritual transcendence Road to Somewhere: an American Memoir. that humans can experience living harmoni- three books of poetry had already been chian culture). August 18 at 7 p.m. – Realizing Genjokoan available for some time before the publi- The majority of the poems in Waking ously in and with natural places. with Zen priest Shohaku Okumura. cation of the specific fictional works that can be characterized as narrative poems, and Many of the poems in Waking grow out of Rash’s vision of the deeper mean- August 19 at 7 p.m. – Bobbie Ann Mason’s earned him acclaim; or his poetry books these poems recreate and interpret Rash’s new novel, The Girl in the Blue Beret. may be overshadowed by his books of fic- early experiences in Watauga and other ings lurking quietly within, and waiting to tion simply because of the comparatively western North Carolina counties (such as be conjured from, the quotidian world, as August 20 at 7 p.m. – Kim MacQueen, Out, Out: A Novel of Women and Apes. marginal status of poetry in the contempo- the revelatory poem “Price Lake”) or to in, for instance, “Woodshed in Watauga rary American publishing world. Regardless represent that region’s historical memory County,” one of the 58 powerfully alert August 21 at 3 p.m. – Chris McMillan of the reasons for such an oversight, now is (“Rebecca Boone”), material culture (“Trout revelations offered in Waking, discusses Backwards Off the Curb: Notes a good time to revisit his poetry given the in the Springhouse,” “Tobacco Barn”), and Leaking in the one window, of a Mad Woman Gone Sane. imminent publication of his first collection human characters (“Charley Starnes”). candle shallow, then deepened, August 22 at 7 p.m. – Amara Charles, The of poems in a decade. Other poems in Waking accentuate caught-light gathered on gray planks Sexual Practices of Quodoushka. Rash’s new book Waking is being issued emotion over storyline and thus can be like a bowl filling slowly, August 25 at 7 p.m. – Glenda Corwin by the Spartanburg, South Carolina-based considered lyrical poems. All of the poems a simmer of late summer presents Sexual Intimacy for Women: A Hub City Press, which also reissued his de- – whether primarily narrative or lyrical distilled to dull yellow glow, Guide for Same-Sex Couples. but poetry collection Eureka Mill. That Rash – employ regionally authentic yet strikingly thickening air like honey August 27 at 7 p.m. – Kevin Wilson chose to work with that particular press at employed images and metaphors to com- as mud daubers and dust motes presents his new novel The Family Fang. drifted above like moments August 30 at 7 p.m. – NY Times unmoored from time, and the world bestselling authors Jeaniene Frost, Kelley and the sun aligned, grew still. Armstrong, and Melissa Marr. Asheville Storytelling Circle: Telling More Tales! Ted Olson is the author of 55 Haywood St. sheville Storytelling Circle invites on Fairview Road (.7 mi.); right on NC such books as Breathing 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 in Darkness: Poems (Wind residents of Asheville and the sur- 81 (.7 mi.); right on Gashes Creek Road; Monday-Saturday 9AM to 9PM rounding area to a tell-off of “Folk- cross bridge; pavilion on left. For more Publications, 2006) and Blue Ridge Folklife (University Press Sunday 9AM to 7PM A tales and Foolishness,” Sunday, information please call (828) 299-0748 or of Mississippi, 1998) and August 21, at 6 p.m. (828) 667-4227. he is the editor of numerous The gathering is free and open to the The Asheville Storytelling Circle holds books, including CrossRoads: public, and will be held at the Buncombe meetings on the third Monday of each A Southern Culture Annual (Mercer University County Recreation Park Round Pavil- month at 7 p.m., in the Community Press, 2009). His experiences as a poet and ion #3. Listeners are reminded to bring Room at Asheville Terrace Apartments, musician are discussed on www.windpub. com/books/breathingindarkness.htm. chairs or blankets for seating. 200 Tunnel Road. New members and The Buncombe County Recreation guests always welcome. For more infor- Poets who would like for their poetry to be Park is located at 72 Gashes Creek Road, mation about the Asheville Storytelling considered for a future column may send their adjacent to the WNC Nature Center. Circle please call (828) 274-1123. books and manuscripts to Ted Olson, ETSU, Box From I-240 East: Take Exit 8. Turn left 70400, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please include contact information and a SASE with submissions.
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE thoreau’s garden For the Love of Beer, it’s Hops
emember that Thomas Jefferson by Peter Loewer grew both hops and hemp in his garden. Last month we read about hemp and now it’s the turn of hops. Lupulus is a native of Europe R According to the Flora of Japan and has naturalized in moist soil, es- (published by the Smithsonian Institution), pecially along river banks and waste there are two kinds of hops: Japanese hops places and ranges from Nova Scotia (Humulus japonicus), which is an annual to Manitoba, Montana and Califor- vine and common hops (H. lupulus) which nia, and south to North Carolina, is a perennial. West Virginia, Kentucky, much of The first is a valuable ornamental plant New York and some in northern often growing 30 feet in a good year. The New Jersey. But most importantly second is the commercial source of hops the fruits are used in brewing beer. and while not as attractive in the garden, Yellow glands secrete the bitter perennial hops is a must, at least when beer chemical lupulin and are found in consumption comes around. Humulus is many parts of the plants but chiefly from the Latin word humus, or ground, the on the fruit. place these plants will tumble to, if lacking A fast grower, this vine has support. been known to clock 30 feet in one Illustration by Peter Loewer Admittedly the annual Japanese hops season. Plants are dioecious with the can be a rambling terror, and if kudzu is a greenish-yellow male flowers hanging in don’s Covent Garden, tied in small bundles Toyota truck, then this plant is a two-door panicles on one plant while the female flow- for table use. The shoots were chopped very Mazda, not only wild enough to cover an ers, which produce the fruits called hops, fine and dressed with butter or cream. unwanted trash pile but able to climb the grow in axillary spikes. There is an attractive C. Pierpont Johnson in The Useful garage in a single bound. yellow form ‘Aureus’ with yellow foliage. Plants of Great Britain (a title of masterful The leaves are rough to the touch, The Romans raised hops using the understatement) wrote: “ . . . before the use deeply divided into five to seven lobes, and young shoots as a luxury food. In 1566, of hops, the beverage always went by the the stems are serrate — a nice word mean- Dodoanaeus, a European herbalist called name of ale . . . brewed either from malt ing covered with saw-like teeth — allowing hops a kitchen herb and wrote: “Before alone, or from a mixture of the latter with them to cling to shirt sleeves and garden its tender shoots produce leaves, they are honey, and flavored, not with hops, but with gloves. The flowers are very small, green, eaten in salads, and are a good and whole- heath-tops, germander, and various other full of pollen, and not particularly attractive some treat.” bitter and aromatic herbs.” Long after hops and usually hidden by the leaves anyway. But for beer, hops have been around entered England brews were still flavored Perennial hops are known scientifically since antiquity. In central Europe, cultiva- the old-fashioned way and called ale. The as Humulus lupulus. The species is from tion dates from the middle of the 8th cen- German or Dutch word Bier was only used the Latin lupus or wolf, because as Pliny tury. Hops were introduced into England when hops were employed to produce the said, it strangles others by its climbing em- from Flanders in 1524, but not used in characteristic taste. The hops and leaves brace, as a wolf does to a sheep. The English making brew until 1530, during the reign of were once also used when dried as a pillow name hop is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Henry VIII. stuffing to treat insomnia. hoppan, to climb. In 1919, hops were still found in Lon- But back in the garden, Robinson wrote: “H. lupulus, a well-known vigorous twining perennial is admirable for bowers, especially when vegetation that disappears in winter is desired; and will soon run wild French Broad Fall Fest – area breweries & music in almost any soil, among shrubs or hedge- new fall festival will take place of the hotels or B&B’s in town. rows. A slender plant climbing up an apple on the banks of the French Broad In addition to the festivities, festival- or other fruit tree, near the mixed border, River featuring a few of the area’s goers can also enjoy the 100 acre resort looks well.” A best resources: craft brew, great and spa’s modern Jacuzzi style hot tubs, At the Herb Garden of the Brooklyn music, and beautiful scenery. and a staff of massage therapists. Botanic Garden, tall tripods made of bam- Just north of Asheville, Hot Springs Tickets are $75 and include a 5 oz. boo stakes and intertwined with hop vines is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. commemorative souvenir sampling glass, and make an attractive summer display. Festival-goers can enjoy music, craft unlimited beer samplings in the exclu- So whether you are growing hemp or beers, and food, camping included. sive Brew Tent, camping, and nearly 12 hops, here’s to success in the garden. More than 12 area breweries will be hours of music. $60 ticket for music and onsite and festival-goers will receive camping only (no beer sampling). a commemorative souvenir glass for Peter Loewer, sampling beer. The musical lineup is If You Go: French Broad Fall Fest shown here, outstanding, featuring: The Lee Boys, will be held September 24, 2011 at Hot examining the Yarn, Josh Phillips Folk Festival, Eyes of Springs Resort and Spa in Hot Springs, blossoms of the Elders, Aaron “Woody” Wood, and NC. Beer tastings from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. early-blooming the Sons of Ralph. Visit www.FrenchBroadFallFest.com for Lenten roses, Camping is included with private details and ticket purchase info. is a well- known writer campsites, rv sites and cabins available Go to www.nchotsprings.com for and botanical artist who has written and on the festival grounds. Lodging is also information about the campground, spa reservations, and directions. illustrated more than twenty-five books on available within walking distance at one natural history over the past thirty years.
30 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living
in others. On the other hand, if you allow by Bill Walz your attachment to be in getting your way, Awakening indulging your ego, to exceptionalism for yourself and those you identify with, in van- what it is — what, in fact, it has to ity and materialism, you will inevitably cause be — because all the conditions of “When you become you, Zen becomes Zen. When you are you, you see and experience much suffering and reactive existence have led to it. things as they are, and you become one with your surroundings.” negative emotion, and it will detract from “When you are you (both your humanity and the totality of humanity ~ Shunryu Suzuki dimensions of you), you see in the world. things as they are, and you be- This capacity for enlightened living come one with your surround- does not, however, come about by intel- ings.” You are both active in eople ask me if I’m a Buddhist. My We suffer because we want lectual understanding alone. To awaken re- the personal dimension - seek- writing and my teaching contain a lot everlasting life with everlasting quires that, just as Siddhartha, we strengthen ing to shape events and of references to Buddhist masters, satisfaction, but, of course, it and focus our skill for illuminating aware- circumstances as you philosophy and meditation, so people isn’t to be had. Life keeps ness, that we penetrate the hypnotic hold see are needed — and expect me to be a Buddhist. I always being unsatisfactory. We that our egoic mind and its extension, Panswer that I am not a religious Buddhist, can never completely get you accept that, in a human society and culture, have on us and macroscopic perspec- but I believe Buddhist philosophy and psy- what we want. We can become free of it. tive, all circumstances chology are the best insight into the human never be completely free We must wake up! There is the world are perfect just as condition and the best path to psychological of what we don’t want. as you experience it, and the world as it is. they are, even the and spiritual health ever conceived. We experience loss, Do you know the difference? Do you know difficult and tragic Actually, from my take on Buddhism, it hurt, anxiety, anger, how they are connected and where there ones. You wake doesn’t seem particularly Buddhist to attach frustration and fail- is disconnect? Can you bring about their up into the truth ourselves to any religion – even Buddhism. ure. We get sick, we harmony? Meditation will help you discover of the paradoxical Buddhism is about waking up to a natural get old, and eventually, we the clarity of awareness that sees and knows. circumstance of Human Beingness. sanity and spirituality inherent in every die. So, we suffer. “When you are you… you become one with You “become one with your surround- person. That is all. So, I’m not interested in The teaching goes on to say there is a your surroundings.” This is Zen. And the ings” and you are not only the personal you, being a Buddhist. I am interested in what way out of this suffering through learning to end of unnecessary suffering. Buddhism says about me being me - at one understand this grasping nature of the mind you are also the ultimate you, an aspect of with my surroundings. “When you become and by releasing our identification with it, to the Universe unfolding. You can do what you, Zen becomes Zen.” I’d just as soon discover a deeper, completely wise and com- needs doing; live a relatively normal social leave it at that. passionate dimension of mind. Put more life, even fight injustice — while being Bill Walz is a private- largely immune to insults to your person practice meditation teacher Twenty-five hundred years ago, a psychologically, Siddhartha uncovered the and guide for individuals in young prince from the kingdom of Sakya human ego, and the mesmerizing hold it has and unwarranted attacks on your point of mindfulness, personal growth in India, named Siddhartha Gautama, set on humans as the source of suffering. In his view. Failure is a nonsensical concept. There and consciousness. He holds out to understand and overcome human intense meditation, he saw the truth of who is only what you do and how it turns out. a weekly meditation class, suffering. After leaving his sheltered and he was, the nature of the human condition, You can shape your life towards mean- Mondays at 7 p.m., at the Friends Meeting luxurious life, he spent time as an ascetic, and how humans become out of harmony ing, comfort and happiness while dealing House, 227 Edgewood in Asheville. totally rejecting any association or identifi- with life. He then prescribed how to restore with the problems of your life without being He will present a Meditation Intensive, cation with society and convention, totally the harmony. caught up in believing that if things do not “Awakening into our Full Human Potential” rejecting even the most meager of human He saw that, in truth, he was, we all turn out the way you want them to that it – Sunday September 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. comforts. But he did not find what he was are, awareness - that it wasn’t just Sid- will be a catastrophe. Both the personal and at the Black Mtn. Unitarian Universalist looking for. dhartha, with all his ideas about how ultimate worlds are present for you, and the Church, 500 Montreat Rd. Black Mountain He could not find the answers he things ought to be, that sat meditating. He ultimate begins shaping the personal to- (828) 669-8050. sought in either his princely life of un- saw that it was awareness that sat - with wards ever deepening enlightened compas- Info on classes, talks, personal growth and limited comfort, nor in the ascetic path of the body and mind of Siddhartha - but sionate living. healing instruction, or phone consultations rejecting comfort. So, in unwavering deter- was beyond any identification. Awareness So, as the Buddha said that to be human at (828) 258-3241, e-mail at healing@ mination, he sat to meditate on the nature was witness to all the ideas, thoughts and is to experience suffering, and this suffering billwalz.com. Visit www.billwalz.com of human existence. He focused his mind emotions that flowed through his mind, is caused by what we attach ourselves to, with illuminating single-pointedness and but these contents of the mind couldn’t be does this mean to attach ourselves to noth- experienced an awakening, and his quest the limit of who he was because they all ing? No. Remember, the teaching is that to was answered. Siddhartha became known came and went, and so could only be a very be human is to experience this suffering, and as “Buddha”, meaning “awakened one”. superficial dimension of self. we are, and the Buddha was, quite human. So to understand Buddhism, you have to He realized that he must be, we all (There is a statue of the Buddha weeping know that it means the study and practice must be, at our essence, awareness — that that I am particularly fond of.) No, I believe of waking up. which does not come and go. He realized, the teaching is reminding us that the quality This awakening teaches that hap- beneath the noise of mind, an immensity of our humanity is in the choices for attach- piness and suffering are mental states to of quiet and stillness, and that this dimen- ment that we make. be mastered, that a “middle way,” of life, sion and the Universe are one, far beyond If you dedicate your attachment to love, neither materialistic nor ascetic is best reactivity, complaint and suffering. He real- simplicity, wisdom, compassion, justice and for this practice, and the core teaching is ized that things are what they are, and that peace, these will be the meaning of life for traditionally passed on to us as the “Four when he was truly who he was, he and the you. Injury to, and assaults on, these valued Noble Truths.” It says that to be human circumstances – whatever they were – were states-of-being are worthy of your tears, is to experience a unique kind of suffering one, and there is no suffering in this. even your anger, and certainly your action caused by being attached to, identified with To “awaken” means we realize we live – but still, you do not have to suffer – if and grasping after the aspect of the human in two dimensions, both an egoic personal suffering means you feel diminished and de- mind that is built around a storyline of dimension, inside our historical story, where feated, thrust into reactive negative emotion. “me,” past, present and future, that wants events and circumstances need to be dealt There is no fear of feeling and express- to control life, wants life to be the way we with, and also, we exist in the ultimate or ing sadness or measured and appropriate want and emotionally need it to be. spiritual dimension where everything is just anger, or of confronting destructive behavior
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE healthy lifestyles / workshops Christians and Their Health – Why Be Healthy? hy be healthy? It seems ognizing that whatever illness affects by Max Hammonds, MD like an obvious answer one part of the human has an impact – to live longer and hap- on all other parts of the human. Heart pier. But to those who disease affects the brain. Depression relationship, the instruction of 1 Cor. already think that they affects spiritual thought. Spiritual 6:19 takes on enhanced meaning: “Or W do you not know that your body is a are planning to live forever in heaven malcontent affects blood pressure and – why be concerned about health now mental function. temple of the Holy Spirit . . . and you – here on earth – before the “forever” Expressed as a positive, the are not your own.” The Christian is starts? Won’t our bodies be changed Bible says that “a merry heart doeth not free to do whatever he chooses “in a twinkling” into immortal bodies good like a medicine” (Prov. 17:22). with his body; it doesn’t belong to him, at the Second Coming of Jesus (1 Cor. Even the growth of the child Jesus is but to God. More directly to the health 15:51-52)? What’s the Biblical basis for described in terms of a whole person: of the body are the instructions of 1 advocating a healthy life style for the “And he increased in wisdom and in Cor. 10:31: “Whether, then you eat or Christian in the “here and now”? stature and in favor with God and drink or whatever you do, do all to the Christian schools have been advo- man” (Luke 2:52). Expressed in medi- glory of God.” cating for a healthy life style for a long cal terms, the human body exists to For the Christian, the power that time. Harvard University, founded house and nurture the brain, through resides in him to enable him to be a in 1636 on the library and estate of which Man communicates with his Christian is affected, good or bad, by a young, Puritan minister; Oberlin God and his fellowman. Any defects in such simple things as drinking enough College, begun in 1833 by a Presbyte- the physical body will adversely affect water, eating a balanced diet, getting rian minister; Earlham College, begun the brain and the functions subserved adequate exercise. For the Christian, in 1847 by Quakers, these were all by that brain. the decision to learn and implement institutions of higher learning which This kind of health information healthful living principles is as impor- at their founding emphasized healthful applies to anyone – keep your body tant as the decision to read the Bible life style principles in addition to aca- healthy, and it will keep your mind or to pray or the decision to “love his demic excellence. Why the necessity of healthy and your relationships healthy. neighbor as himself.” a healthy physical body to accompany But Christians do not live unto Being a complete and effective a sharp mind and a pious spirit? themselves. Since the time of their Christian means giving attention to the From the beginning, Man was baptism, they have lived in a special re- health of the “whole person” – body, created as a whole being; body, mind, lationship to “the Father, the Son, and mind, and spirit. and spirit. Modern science confirms the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). Taking this “whole being” concept in rec- the “whole person” concept into this
Core Program Begins September 13!
he Stella Adler Studio of relationship with their natural Acting is pleased to accept impulses, consequently taking new students into our Core their awareness off of them- Program. The 12-week term selves and into the moment. beginning September 13 is the This course develops a solid Tfirst in a series of four terms. foundation for the actor that Each term will build upon the last, can seamlessly be applied to offering new and ever deepening skills more complex work. to strengthen the foundation of each The curriculum incor- student's craft. This is a professional porates Voice, Speech and level program designed for actors who Movement work that is based desire a stronger connection to the craft on the philosophies of several and a deeper understanding of the art of practitioners, including Laban, acting. Admission to the program is by Linklater, Berry and William- interview only. The Core Program uses a series son; the goal of this work is to free the Core Program of interdependent and progressively artist's instrument of constraints in complex exercises that build on top of order to connect more genuinely to the Instructors: Dusty McKeelan and one another. This progression is used experience. Richard Handy. Classes held Tuesdays to develop the artists' connection to Call now to register (828) 254- and Thursdays, September 13 through their fellow actors and surrounding 2939, x21. More information on this December 8, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. environment. and all of our programs is available at Cost: $550 ($495 if paid in full, one Through improvisation and text, www.stellaadler-asheville.com. week in advance). actors develop a deep and truthful Stella Adler Studio of Acting c/o Asheville Community Theatre “Growth as an actor and growth as a human being are synonymous.” 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville, NC 28801 ~ from the Mission Statement of the Stella Adler Studio (828) 254-2939, x21 www.stellaadler-asheville.com
32 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE southern comfort a Journal of Short Stories by Judy Ausley I Never Needed Marriage For My Identity!
or this month’s column I de- That would have been totally boring, I by Judy Ausley cided to share a few thoughts said to them. and opinions on certain subjects So, that was that and to college in the local news. Kinda like my I went head-on into my dreams and was free love and peace. All of us who friend, John Boyle, who writes loved each and every person as much survived those days are here to tell you Ffor the Citizen Times. I was really as I loved the other. It did not matter how it was or how it used to be. How worried about John recently when he what the gender was. We were the could things now have gone so wrong? took on the subject of gay marriage in generation that wanted to live free and There needs to be a whole new attitude his column. love “the one you are with,” as the late and if not, the world is truly MAD! He almost drowned in words Janis Joplin sang in those days. Do we need another war? No. Do before he got to the end and I guess I was a free spirit in life’s candy we need to see parts of this country for a straight man writing about issues land in those days. I did not give one homophobic and racial. No. What we that apply to certain special people, thought to feeling bad about my life need is a good laxative that works and very different from the world he lives or what I did in the name of being a one that makes people wake up. John peacefully in, it was the hardest task of free spirit. I never regretted not mar- Boyle, do not blame the Feminist or his life. Somehow he managed to pull rying nor did I have the desire to and some women’s support group. Femi- it off as gracefully as he could. still do not at 71. I will not be forced nism did not create Lesbianism. It is impossible in my mind to by some group into accepting some- I think if everyone would be sen- imagine the discomfort he suffered thing I do not want in my life. sible and try to love every one that you through. John is, from what I know of That is the way I have lived and meet each day, things would be a lot him, a nice family man and a talented most likely the way I will die. Still better. I spread love to people just by journalist when he sticks to city and chasing the dreams of my life only a taking up time with them and listening. county issues, like the incredible little slower this time. I do that each day wherever I go. amount of money we city dwellers pay No state legislature has the power Marriage is not superior to people for water service and the amount of to legislate people or lifestyles. What who choose not to marry. As a country money the Buncombe County Com- is the point in marriage? If two people we should all know by this time that missioners make. can not have a commitment that is leaving a certain segment of the popu- Next time the subject comes up, lasting, what is a piece of paper going lation out of decisions or laws is wrong. why not ask some one who is gay to to do for you? What is that going to We do not need another political fight write it. It will be easier on you and enable you to do? Not many people and we do not need to label people any there will not be any beating around gay or straight are going to stay in a longer. In my profession as a journalist, the bush on the issue. Gays will tell marriage that makes them unhappy. I used to say, “Well, I never felt respect you without hesitation what it means When you are tired of it and ready to until I hit 50.” Now, I am 71 and I do to them. Give a gay person a guest leave after a few years, then what? think that I have to explain my lifestyle editorial for a change. There are plenty There is one way to look at things to anyone. Whatever happens with the of gay writers in Asheville that would that I think most people do not, when gay marriage clause will not make one enjoy the privilege. you love spending time with someone, bit of difference in my life as it is today. Leave out the slogan tradi- you love that person. It’s easy. Who It is too late for many of us who are tional marriage between and man and goes by instruction guides when they now in our 70s. woman. In my day, we all had that pick who they want to date? Wonder I never wanted marriage and I still drilled into to our heads forever by if he or she has benefits? Normally we do not. I do not need marriage to make our own parents. Allow us to write our fall in love in many wonderful ways. me be a better person. I am happy with own amendment to the constitution. There are many gay women who my life just as I have made it. Some- Why not? Aren’t we all supposed to love the men in their lives, including times we need to create our own little be equal in this country? Doesn’t each their brothers and fathers and friends. nest. I do not need another label to and every single person have the right They are in our lives forever. Lesbians identify who I am. I especially think, to do what they damn well want to? In do not say to straight men or women, I don’t have to explain anything more my world they do. “I can’t be your friend because I am about the life I chose to live. Do we need another label? No gay.” That is crazy! we do not. I do not think like many Each person lives the way they younger generations of gays do. I do want and with whomever they may Writer Judy not think it is necessary to be married desire to share intimacy. It is each Ausley has been to a straight person or a gay person in person’s right to chose. Lots of gays a reporter with order for me to be happy in the time I already say they are married and they newspapers have left on this earth. do not have a piece of paper to prove in NC for 40 I never wanted to be married even it. That is the way it has always been years. She when I was naive and young in high in my life.You do not need marriage retired in 2005 school. It was not because I did not to prove you love somebody or you and continues have a chance to marry. I had many are staying with a certain person. to freelance at her home in Asheville. chances to marry the guy in the com- The way the world is today there She can be contacted by e-mail at munity my parents picked for me, but are so many important issues to be [email protected]. If you know a character in Asheville who has not had I stood strong and rebelled. I told my concerned with. Some days, it like the a conventional life, put them in touch parents in the fifties that I was going whole world’s population is mad. with Judy for an article in this column, to college and I did not want marriage. All we ever wanted in the 60s Southern Comfort.
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™
August 4-6 Friday, August 5 Friday, August 19 Mountain Dance Colorful Abstractions Summer Tracks in Hay Fever and Folk Festival of Intuitive Gestures Tryon’s Rogers Park A bright witty com- This three-day event “Spirals & Arches” a show of recent edy set in the Eng- showcases the best paintings by local artist Neil Carroll. Concerts run from 7-10 p.m. lish countryside in of the region’s old- Opening reception on August 5 featur- The concert is free, however, a the 1920’s. The play time and bluegrass ing the Twilite Broadcasters as musical voluntary donation at the gate is focuses on the Bliss musicians, moun- guests. Exhibit at Ananda Hair Studio, encouraged. Giardinis wood fired family, an eccentric tain dance groups, 22 Broadway in downtown Asheville. pizzas, water, and soft drinks will bunch, each of whom has invited a cloggers, and ballad Photo by On display through September 15, be for sale. guest for the weekend. The outrageous Jerry Nelson behavior of the hosts finally drives the singers. Thursday 2011. Photo by Tadd Clarkson August 12 – Gigi Dover & The through Saturday, 7 Big Love (Americana), plus the guests to flee. Directed by Jeff Bachar. p.m. nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre Friday, August 5 Saturday, August 6 Bob Sinclair trio (new standards). HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville. Visit www.harttheatre. at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. Reflections and UNTITLED (as of yet) Tickets $20, children 12 and under $10. September 2 – The Firecracker com or call (828) 456-6322. Three-night package $54. (828) 257- Refractions Black Mountain College Museum + Jazz Band (music from 1890-1940) 4530, www.folkheritage.org. An opening reception Arts Center presents UNTITLED, an For more information visit Saturday, August 20 for John Anderson evening of collaborative performance, www.tryonevents.org John Paul Keith August 4-7 will be held at the poetry, music and dance. Co-curated by Concert I Killed My Asheville Gallery Jason Andrew (NYC/ Norte Maar), and of Art from 5:30 to Alice Sebrell (BMCM+AC), the event Presenting songs from Watercolor by Saturday, August 13 Mother John Anderson 8 p.m. The public features artists from Asheville and New his new CD “The Man Theatre Y presents is cordially invited. York City, including director/choreog- Exotic Everyday - That Time Forgot.” a play by Andras Features new watercolors exploring the rapher Julia K. Gleich (NYC/London), A Tabletop View Songs so timeless and Visky at North effects of light on glass and crystal. On and Ann Dunn (Asheville Ballet). Per- well crafted you’d swear An opening reception Photo by Carolina Stage display through Wednesday, August 30, formance held at the Masonic Temple, Don Perry they were obscure ‘50s will be held at Con- Company. The 2011. The gallery is located at 16 Col- 80 Broadway in downtown Asheville or ‘60s B-sides. Concert stance Williams Gallery story of a teenage lege Street in downtown Asheville. For at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 / $10 for begins at 10 p.m. at Broadway’s, 120 for artist Angelique girl who was aban- more information, call (828) 251-5796 BMCM+AC members and students Lexington Ave. in Asheville. $5 cover. Tassistro from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whim- doned at birth by her mother, a gypsy or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art. w/ID. For tickets or more information sical functional wares. Free. Constance woman. Directed by Karin Coonrod com. phone (828) 350-8484 or visit www. Friday and Saturday, August 26-27 Williams Gallery & Studios, 9 Riverside and starring Melissa Hawkins and blackmountaincollege.org. Dr., in Asheville’s River Arts district. Fines Creek Blue Grass Jam Andrew Hampton Livingston. Tickets August 5-21 On display through September 8, 2011. A wholesome family event, the Blue are $15. $10 student rush tickets avail- August 6-7 The Honky Tonk Angels Phone (828) 225-1762 for more details. Grass Jam will take place on the festival able the day of the show. Performances Village Art grounds behind the old Fines Creek are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 This rollicking and touching journey follows three very different women and Craft Saturday, August 13 School on Fines Creek Road, just off p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Call (828) I-40 at exit 15. Tickets are $15 for 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage.org. NC with the same dream – to become a Fair Creating a World of Love country singer in Nashville. Written by adults, $10 for ages 16-18. Tickets for Stage, 15 Stage Lane, Asheville. This high Free teleconference guided meditation Ted Swindley, directed by Eric Mills. both nights are $25 for adults, and $15 quality at 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. est. Phone 213-406- On ACT’s Mainstage. Fridays and for ages 16-18. Children under 16 will craft fair, sponsored by New Morning 8520 with access code 457-2382#. For Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 be admitted free with a paying adult. Gallery and Bellagio, takes place on the more information visit www.LotusH- p.m. Tickets: $22 adults, $19 seniors/ Parking is free. Refreshments will be How to place an event/ grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls eartBlessings.com students, $12 children. (828) 254-1320, available. For more details, (828) 627- classified listing with in Historic Biltmore Village. Fair hours 1912, or visit www.finescreek.org. Rapid River Art Magazine www.ashevilletheatre.org. are Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun- Friday, day, noon to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Free August 19 Sunday, September 11 Any “free” event open to the public can Saturday, August 6 admission. Concessions available. For be listed at no charge up to 30 words. Stories on more information call (828) 274-2831. The Honey Meditation Intensive For all other events there is a $14.95 Dewdrops Bill Walz will present “Awakening into charge up to 35 words and 12 cents for Asheville’s Front Porch Sunday, August 7 in Concert our Full Human Potential,” from 2 each additional word. 65 word limit to 4 p.m. at the Black Mtn. Unitarian per event. Sponsored listings (shown Becky Stone serves Creating a World of Love Folk and old in boxes) can be purchased for $18 per country music. Special back-to-school Universalist Church, 500 Montreat Rd. up a smorgasbord of stories to delight Announcing a new prayer circle from Black Mountain, (828) 669-8050. column inch. people of all ages. Free event begins at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Phone 213-406-8520 concert begins at 7:30 p.m at the Black Deadline is the 19th of each month. 10:30 a.m. at Pack Place next to Diana with access code 457-2382#. Visit Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. Payment must be made prior to printing. Wortham Theatre, rain or shine. www.LotusHeartBlessings.com. State Street. $10 donation at the door, Email Beth Gossett at: no reserved seats. Doors open at 7 p.m. HART’s Annual Trip [email protected] Saturday, August 11-13 Friday, August 19 to Broadway Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Canton, August 6 The Last Laugh NC 28716. Call (828) 646-0071 to Sanctum Sully Steve Lloyd leads a trip to New place ad over the phone. Summer Meet Chuck Wiles, Music in the outrageously Tight and crisp 3-part harmonies light York to see the best Broadway has to offer. There is a limit on the – Disclaimer – Flat Rock gay, pot-smoking up the Due to the overwhelming number leader of a renowned stage, number allowed to travel. The of local event submissions we get for Nashville but impoverished while trip includes 4 days, 3 nights at the our “What to Do Guide” each month, singer/ comic theatre troupe. blues- Hotel Edison on West 47th St. in we can not accept entries that do not songwriter Sally Barris will perform The Last Laugh, A based New York, air from Greenville, specifically follow our publication’s beginning at 6 p.m. This free outdoor Photo: Peter Brezny Comedian’s Tragedy, guitar transfers to the hotel in New York, format. Non-paid event listings must concert is held in Flat Rock on Little written by and starring artistic director and and tickets to two new Broadway be 30 words or less, and both paid and Rainbow Row’s back deck (behind the Steven Samuels, opens August 13. man- musicals. non-paid listings must provide infor- colorful shops, corner of Greenville Preview performances August 11-12. dolin riffs set them apart from other The cost is $1250 per person based mation in the following format: date, Highway and West Blue Ridge Road) Tickets $12/14, previews $8. For tickets bluegrass bands. Asheville’s Sanctum on double occupancy. For more time, brief description of your event, from 6 to 8 p.m. For further informa- Sully performs with Papa’s String Band and any contact information. Any en- or reservations visit www.themagnet- information contact HART at tion, call Hand in Hand Gallery at icfield.com, call (828) 668-2154, or at MoDaddy’s, 77 Biltmore Ave. in (828) 456-6322 or visit www.hart- tries not following this format will not (828) 697-7719 or visit www.flatrock- Asheville. Phone (828) 258-1550 or be considered for publication. stop by The Magnetic Field, 372 Depot theatre.com. online.com. Street in Asheville’s River Arts District. visit www.modaddysbar.com
August Events ~ Announcements ~ openings ~ sales
34 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™
Artists Directory WCU’s School of Stage and Screen 2011-12 Lineup Concerts at St. Matthias Church Deadline: Friday, August 26, 2011 “I Hate Hamlet,” October 5-8 at 7:30 A modern retelling of “The Tam- Concerts start at 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted. p.m. in Hoey Auditorium. ing of the Shrew,” March 22-24 at The Arts Council of Henderson 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, August 7 – The Biltmore Brass Quintet. County is seeking applications “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber March 25 at 3 p.m. from visual, performing, and of Fleet Street,” November 10-12 at August 14 – The Asheville Tango Orchestra. literary artists from Henderson 7:30 p.m., and November 13 at 3 p.m. To order tickets, or for more infor- August 21 – Mark Yaxley will present a classical County and surrounding areas. “Music Is,” February 4, 2012 at 7:30 mation call (828) 227-2479 or visit guitar concert. Artists living outside Henderson bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. The Taming of the Shrew p.m., matinee February 5 at 3 p.m. August 28 – Baroque music with an ensemble of County may apply only if they are period instruments. members of the Arts Council of Henderson County. There is no There will be a free-will offering for the St. Matthias cost to be included in the direc- restoration fund. The church is located in Asheville tory. Applications are available Best in Show by Phil Juliano just off South Charlotte Street at Max Street on the online at www.acofhc.org. hill across from the Asheville Public Works Building (1 Dundee St.). For more information please contact Barbara Stock at (336) 510-0502 or the Arts Council at (828) 693-8504. Upcycle Artists Wanted Common Ground Emporium and resource center Scrapbooking 101 specializes in upcycled, upscale, elegant, whimsi- cal art. We are looking for artists that use at least New scrapbooking classes at Moun- 50% recyclable materials in their work to join us as tain Home Craft Collection taught by vendors. Unusual and creatively elegant hanging art, Debby Hills, a sculpture, housewares, outdoor/indoor mobiles, and certified SDU clothing will be featured. Scrapbooking by Amy Downs Callie & Cats From Asheville, take Merrimon past Beaver Lake. Instructor. From the lake, Common Ground is on the right Turn your pic- just past the Green Outdoors nursery. Drop by any tures of special Friday or Saturday between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or call events, photos Donna for an appointment, (828) 458-1566. of friends and family, and shots of scenic beauty into beautiful, cherished mile- stones along life’s path. Media Art Project Community Grant Learn to protect those precious Deadline: Monday, August 15, 2011 pictures, compose pages, journal the Western North Carolina based artists working in all-important stories behind the pho- the realms of Performance, Multimedia, Sculpture, tos, and add the finishing touches that Installation, New Media, Interaction, Sound, Photo make each page a work of art. / Video, and Web Art, are encouraged to apply for The first class takes place Saturday, Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins funding to support a new or current project. August 6, from 10 a.m. to noon. The All proposed projects should be realized by March first crop, or scrapbooking workshop, 1, 2012, so they can be shown as part of the will take place on Saturday, August {Re}HAPPENING 2012, www.rehappening.com. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. For detailed information and to download the grant Other classes will follow, including application visit www.themap.org/grants. cardmaking, Cricut 101, and tips and tricks. Sign up in the store or call (828) 456-5441 to reserve your place. Mountain Home Crafts Collection, Asheville Gallery of Art 110 Miller Street in Waynesville, NC. Now Accepting Applications ZaPow Gallery Deadline: Monday, August 15, 2011 The Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street in Seeks Artists Dragin by Michael Cole Asheville, invites area artists to apply for member- ship. The Asheville Gallery of Art (AGA) is an The region’s only gallery and artists’ cooperative which exhibits original, two-di- work space focusing on il- mensional works by twenty-eight member artists. lustration, books, and Pop Art. For more information, call (828) 251-5796 or e-mail Opening at 21 Battery Park in [email protected]. downtown Asheville in the fall. The ideal artists will have an eye towards visual narrative, illustra- tive, and pop aesthetic. Send a Black Mountain Music Scene portfolio of your work, between 6-10 images or a link to your Covering events at Straightaway Cafe, the Town website to [email protected]. Pump Tavern, White Horse Black Mountain, the EyeScream Ice Cream Parlor, and more. Visit www.zapow.net www.blackmountainmusicscene.com
Classes ~ auditions ~ Arts & Crafts ~ Readings
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE performance Asheville Symphony & pack Square Conservancy present the Second Annual Free Labor Day Concert in Pack Square Park
n Monday by Steven R. Hageman September 5, 2011 the Ashe- ville Sympho- plus preferred seating ny Orchestra and free parking are Oand Pack Square Park $60. Tickets must be Conservancy join forces purchased by Septem- to present a free concert ber 1, 2011. in Pack Square Park in The concert is Asheville, NC. Last year made possible by a more than 6,000 people grant from The Chad- enjoyed the world class dick Foundation and music. They described is a benefit for both the evening as a spec- 501(c)3 organizations. tacular event accessible Radio Media Sponsor is to all. WCQS 88.1 – Western Members of the North Carolina Public Symphony will perform The ASO performs during the Symphony in the Park concert of 2010. Radio. Any proceeds on the Bascom Lamar Photo by Michael Morel from the event will be Lunsford Stage in front shared by Asheville of the County Courthouse and City Symphony Orchestra and Pack Square Hall. The concert will be conducted The concert will be Park Conservancy. by Symphony Music Director, Daniel conducted by Asheville Meyer featuring soloists of the Ashe- Symphony Music ville Lyric Opera; Jennifer Davison, If Visit the Symphony website international soprano and tenor Scott Director, Daniel Meyer. You at www.ashevillesymphony. Go Joiner, singing selections from West org or call (828) 254-7046 Side Story and Kismet. Audiences symphonic music for the benefit, en- for more information about will certainly enjoy selections from joyment and education of the people the concert, to purchase tickets, or to Rogers and Hammerstein to Brahms, of Western North Carolina. inquire about subscription tickets for a salute to the Armed Forces, and a Starting at 7 p.m. music will fill the Symphony’s upcoming season. tribute to September 11th. the park for 90 minutes. Lawn seat- As a steward of the Pack Square ing is free. Concertgoers are encour- Park’s 6.5 acres, Pack Square Park aged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. To find out more about Pack Square Park Conservancy, the Friends of Conservancy is committed to provid- Or sit in comfort with a reserved Pack Square Park program, or to ing quality programs such as this seat up close to the performers for make a contribution please visit concert for the entire community. $20. Tickets to the V.I.P. pre-concert www.packsquarepark.org or contact The Conservancy supports the Sym- reception at the Renaissance Hotel the Conservancy at (828) 252-2300. phony as it performs and promotes with hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer,
CLASSICOPIA’s Summer Sonata Series Sonatas by Edvard Grieg and lassicopia, Asheville’s newest has expanded these programs into the The Summer Sonata Richard Strauss. This concert chamber music organization dedi- Asheville area while still continuing the Series continues with a can be heard at the White Horse cated to the highest quality music series in New England. concert for flute and piano in Black Mountain Friday, in intimate and non-traditional Classicopia concerts use a wide variety featuring flutist Sergio August 12 at 7:30 p.m., Satur- venues, is wrapping up their first of different performers, from strings to Pallotelli performing music day, August 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Cannual Summer Sonata Series. The series singers to woodwinds to brass, and always of Mozart, Mendelssohn, a private home, and on Sun- features a number of great concerts per- aim at breaking down any barriers be- Verdi, and more. This day, August 14 at 4 p.m. at the formed on four different solo instruments. tween performers and audience through concert can be heard on Altamont. Pianist and Artistic Director Daniel Weiser informal, accessible presentations, and Friday, August 5 at 7:30 The White Horse in Black collaborated with the musicians on each short discussions of each work before each p.m. at a private home, Sat- Mountain, www.whitehorse- program. Fun and interesting educational performance. urday, August 6 at 8 p.m. at blackmountain.com, tickets are talks take place before each concert. The Classical Voice of North Carolina the White Horse in Black $15. The Altamont, www.theal- Classicopia was co-founded in 2001 has praised Classicopia for the “incredible Mountain, and Sunday, tamont.com, tickets are $5-20. by Marcia Colligan and Daniel Weiser in vitality” of their concerts and the “wonder- August 7 at 4 p.m. at the Anna Wittstruck Reservations are required for Hanover, NH. They have performed more ful programs presented in such a natural Altamont. the private home concerts, call than 400 concerts in the past ten years in and unpretentious way.” For more on The Summer Sonata Series concludes Daniel Weiser at (828) 505-2903 or e-mail the New England area. Since moving to Classicopia and a listing of their concerts, with a concert for cello and piano featuring [email protected] for details. Asheville in the fall of 2009, Mr. Weiser visit www.classicopia.org cellist Anna Wittstruck performing great
36 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE guided fly fishing Trips waynesville & maggie valley
All Over the Map: Donna Rhodes’ Unique View of The World A The Haywood Arts Council pres- ents a visual journey that criss-crosses the multi-media landscape of artist, Donna Rhodes. The exhibition opens August 24 at the Arts Council’s Gallery 86 on Main Street in Waynesville, and runs through September 17. C Beginners WelCome! All you need to do is show up. All gear is provided. Our guides are G B excellent at casting instructions, relaying fishing techniques, and teaching basics or stream biology. If you have ever wanted to try E fly fishing and are intimidated, this is where to start. H Waynesville Fly Shop 168 S. Main Street • 28786 Dog House by Donna Rhodes www.waynesvilleflyshop.com An opening reception will be held [email protected] Friday, September 2, 2011 from 6 to 9 F p.m in conjunction with Waynesville’s Art After Dark. For more informa- 828•246•0306 E tion visit www.haywoodarts.org or call (828) 452-0593. The reception is free and open to the public. Call for Trip priCing
Young Artist Concert C featuring Award-Winning Russian Pianist Vassily Primakov The Haywood County Arts Council is proud to an- nounce Russian/American virtuoso, Vassily Primakov in con- cert on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Perform- ing Arts Center, 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville, NC. Mr. Primakov will be a guest on WCQS Radio with host Dick Kowal on Friday, August 12 at 2pm. Concert tickets are $20 per person with a limited number of FREE student tickets available. A reception fol- lows the concert. The evening’s program will include: Franz Schubert’s 14 Waltzes (Suite compiled by Vassily Primakov); Robert Schumann’s Grand Sonata No.3 op.14 in F Minor (Concert Sans Orchestre); and, Frederic Chopin’s Scherzo No.1 op.20 in B minor, Scherzo No. 2 op.31 in B -Flat Vassily Primakov Minor, Grande valse bril- Photo by Konstantin Soukhovetski lante in A- Minor op.34-1, Scherzo No.3 op.39 in C # Minor, and Scherzo No.4 op.54 in E- Major. The concert is sponsored in part by WCQS Radio (88.1FM), John Highsmith, DDS and Sandra Hayes, New Meridian Technologies, and The Windover Inn. For more information visit www.haywoodarts.org A
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 37
prints color RAPID RIVER local favorites pizza & HoagieS Family Special B 1400 Patton Avenue A in West Asheville (828) 258-0736
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38 August 2011 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 12
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Angelique Tassistro: Exotic Everyday - A Tabletop View
onstance Williams Working childhood memories. Tassistro’s re- plates, bowls, serving pieces and Artist Gallery presents new cent interest in yoga and India has led special items like cake stands. C work by on-site studio artist her to develop a new line, influenced More of her work can be seen at Angelique Tassistro for their “Sec- by Indian culture, and especially by its www.flycoopstudios.com ond Saturday” August opening. architecture. Tassistro’s functional wares are In Tassistro’s studio there is a If You Go: “Exotic Everyday - A about a connection between food chalkboard with the words: “Dream, Tabletop View” will run through and people, and the believe, love,” and September 8, 2011. An opening every day celebra- “Thoughts become reception will be held Saturday, tion of meals. things, so choose the August 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Her works are good ones.” You can feel Free and open to the public. known for breaking these philosophies as Constance Williams Gallery the rules of fashion, you observe and handle is open seven days from 11 combining colors, her delightful functional a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 9 patterns and figures creations. Tassistro is Riverside Drive, across from with glazes and becoming well known 12 Bones, in Asheville’s River decals, evoking the Angelique Tassistro’s for the whimsical glazes Arts District. Visit www. magical times of her whimsical, functional ware. that adorn her cups, constancewilliamsgallery.com
Vol. 14, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2011 39
prints color pg. 37 Guided Fly Fishing Trips E
Beginners Welcome!
Waynesville Fly Shop 164 S. Main Street • 28786 www.waynesvilleflyshop.com 828•246•0396
Find F on the Map on Page 37
pg. 39 G
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