Asheville Choral Society, Bravo, HART, NC Stage, SART, and More Beginning on Page 5

David Todd, owner of A Boy and His Dog Fine Art gallery. page 6

Asheville Choral Society, Bravo, HART, NC Stage, SART, and more beginning on page 5

Keowee Chamber Music presents two “Elegy” concerts featuring music, song, poetry, and historical presentation. page 10

Chris Perryman, craftsman and owner of Domus Aurea. page 13

Rare purple diamonds at gallery blue in Biltmore Village. page 21 RAPID RIVER ARTS ART Talk Asheville’s First Co-op Art Gallery Celebrates 20th Anniversary

hen the Asheville Gal- by Pam J. Hecht lery of Art — the city’s first co-op fine art gallery — opened its doors on downtown College Street twenty years ago, Wmost of the stores nearby still had craft paper covering the windows, says artist Cathy Searle, one of the three original members of the gallery who still exhibit there. “It was quiet and we were virtu- ally alone, except for a wig shop and an architect,” Searle says. “That was before the town started getting popular.” Gloria Affenit and Pauline Tennant are the other two original artists at the Gallery, working hap- pily in a place where business has been increasing every year since the beginning, adds Searle. The Gallery is home to 28 different artists from Western North Carolina, each with a six-foot wall space, featuring original oils, water- Robert Mahosky, one of the many colors, acrylics, lithographs, mixed local artists to show work at the gallery, media and etchings. Artists are se- is painting oil on clay board. lected by a jury process — most stay for several years or more — and four the gallery, cost $25 to $50 and originals are currently on the waiting list. range from $125 to $1800. “Co-ops usually don’t stay long — most have trouble with the mechanics,” says Searle. “But we’ve always en- “We’re inspired to joyed working together and appreciate the paint more and keep venue to show our art. “Making art can be a lonely occupa- our art growing.” tion and it’s fun to be part of a group and have reinforcement from other artists — We’re inspired to paint more and keep Gallery members sign a contract, pay our art growing.” dues, and work at the gallery one day each month, which makes it “more personal,” says Affenit. Artists staffing the gallery can If you go: New Member Reception, talk with visitors, who enjoy the conversa- Sunday, November 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. tions about art, she says. Every three months, the artists rotate New Member Exhibit: Three new artists to a new space, which keeps things fresh will be featured throughout the month of and inspires new work, says Bill Weldner, November at the front of the gallery: Hal president of the Gallery’s board of direc- Boyd (acrylics with bold, surreal figures), Cindy Walton (colorful oil abstracts and tors and one of the resident artists. mixed media) and John Anderson (realistic “It’s great for visitors — you can watercolors.) come back every three months and it’ll look different,” he says. “And there’s a real diversity in the work — a range of different styles, subject matter and tech- Asheville Gallery of Art niques.” 16 College Street, Asheville “We have a variety to compliment (828) 251-5796 every style of architecture and décor,” www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com adds Searle. Advertise with Rapid River Magazine Gallery visitors will also find a broad Tuesday – Saturday price range: small, original pieces up to 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (828) 646-0071 18" x 24", framed or matted, are $25 and Portraits and site specific or Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing up. Reproductions, located in the back of general commissions available.

November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3

Message from the Publisher Rapid River ®

Although for the past 50 or ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE so years Western North Caroli- Established in 1997 • Volume Twelve, Number Three na has been known for its visual arts — mostly artists rather than Distributed at over 390 locations throughout eight counties galleries to be honest — the per- in WNC and South Carolina forming arts have always been the soul of the area. Within the past decade the Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray quality and quantity of perfor- November 2008 Managing Editor: Beth Gossett www.rapidrivermagazine.com mances which come here, or the Art Director: Dennis Ray ones which are locally produced, has dramatically increased. Print Production: Simone Bouyer Since about 2003 I’ve been Proofreader: Mary Wilson saying that WNC is becoming Marketing: Dennis Ray Inside more of the “Broadway of the Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray Fine Art South” than the “Paris of the Accounting: Sharon Cole 2 Asheville Gallery of Art . . . . 2 South” or the “San Francisco of Distribution: Dennis Ray the East.” These names are cute A Boy & His Dog Gallery . . . . 6 but quite broad, and while say- Chris Perryman ...... 13 Dennis Ray, publisher, and son ing Asheville is like something, Contributing Writers Asheville Art Museum . . . . 19 Harrison Graham Ray. we never actually say what Ashe- H. Byron Ballard, Sierra Bicking, Toe River Studio Tours . . . . 30 ville actually is. Paula Hutchens Bolado, Fast Frame . . . . 33 Putting a label on any area is bad because it eventually characterizes a place, Jenny Bunn, Peter Carver, Woolworth Walk . . . . 33 keeping it from freely evolving on its own. But for marketing sake I feel those James Cassara, Amy Downs, Folk Art Center ...... 35 in charge should focus more on the Broadway and performance characteristics John Ellis, Jonas Gerard, of the area to attract visitors. A good tagline for Asheville (and I mean the entire Beth Gossett, Max Hammonds, MD, WNC area) is “If it’s performrance you want, you’ll find it in Asheville.” Phil Hawkins, Pam J. Hecht, 5 Music & Stage Asheville arguably has one of the best music scenes in the country and Jill Ingram, Erica Jourdan, Asheville Choral Society . . . . 5 could easily be referred to as “Memphis 2.”. For a city to be successful in the Phil Juliano, RoseLynn Katz, Bravo Concert ...... 5 arts everything must be strong. Basically, New York has more than just Broad- Chip Kaufmann, Michelle Keenan, Telebration ...... 7 way, as Memphis has more than just music. Asheville has more than just the Amanda Leslie, Ingrid McNair, Storytelling Festival ...... 7 visual arts and will continue to grow. Amanda P. Meyers, Rob Miller, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet ...... 8 To those who bring us the performing arts — those who sing, act, dance MariJo Moore, April Nance, NC Stage Company ...... 9 and create to make our lives better — I thank you. Trust me, I know that what Michael Parker, Dennis Ray, SART ...... 10 you do is not easy. Of course, I also know that what you do is quite rewarding. Erin Scholze, Jane Sims, Keowee Chamber Music . . . 10 Megan Stone, Bill Studenc, HART ...... 14 Looking forward to seeing you at the theatre, Rita Vermillion, Bill Walz, Billy Bragg ...... 17 ~ Dennis Ray, Publisher Rapid River Magazine Susan West, Cheryl Winston, Countrypolitan ...... 24 Kim Zdanowicz, Joe Zinich. E.Normus Trio ...... 24 Asheville Puppetry Allliance . . 38 INFO Rapid River Art Magazine is 21 Asheville Shops Peter Loewer a free monthly publication. Gallery blue ...... 21 Printmaker Graphos=Studio Address correspondence to: [email protected] or write to: 15 Columns Max Hammond, MD - Health . . . 15 Rapid River Art Magazine, James Cassara - Music . . . 16 85 N. Main St.., Canton, NC 28716. H. Byron Ballard - Books . . . 22 MariJo Moore - Poetry . . . 23 Phone: (828) 646-0071 Michael Parker - Wine ...... 29 www.rapidrivermagazine.com Bill Walz - Artful Living . . . 31 All materials contained herein are Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 32 owned and copyrighted by Rapid River Art Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. 25 Movie Reviews Opinions expressed in this magazine PO Box 5039 ~ Asheville, NC 28813 do not necessarily correspond with the email: [email protected] opinions of Rapid River Art Magazine 34 Noteworthy or the advertisers found herein. Historic Johnson Farm . . . . 34 © Rapid River Magazine, Etown Honors LEAF . . . . 39 November 2008 Vol. 12 No. 3 Cover illustrated by Dennis Ray 36 What to Do Guide™ Best in Show by Phil Juliano. . . 37 Shown are Jester and Woman from the Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . 37 2007 SART production “Incorruptible,” Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . 37 Lenora Thom, Marvin Cole, and members of the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.

November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE COVER STORY Magnificent Christmas Concert Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano

Plus Drawing! Presented by Asheville Bravo Concerts

Exclusive Drawing for a Pair of Tickets to the ecognized worldwide These signature roles have Asheville Choral Society’s March and May Concerts as one of today’s brought Ms. Graves to the most exciting vocal Metropolitan Opera, Vienna lways one of the top be presented Saturday, stars Denyce Graves, Staatsoper, Opéra National holiday concerts in December 13 at 8 p.m. and will perform Decem- de Paris, and the Lyric Opera Western North Car- Sunday, December 14 at ber 6 at 7:30 p.m. at of Chicago, among others. olina in December, 4 p.m. at Central United R the Thomas Wolfe In addition to this per- the Asheville Choral Methodist Church, 27 Auditorium. formance, Bravo includes, Society’s Christmas Church Street in down- Denyce Graves made her one hour prior to the show, Aperformance will trump that town Asheville. Asheville professional debut at the Met- a complimentary educa- reputation this season with Savings Bank is sponsoring ropolitan Opera in 1995 and tional lecture regarding the its “Magnificent Christmas” the Saturday evening per- has appeared in many interna- performance. These lectures concert on December 13 formance; SunTrust Bank tional opera houses. Though will take place in the Ban- and 14. is the Sunday afternoon her repertoire is extensive, her quet Hall of The Asheville Rapid River readers concert sponsor. signature parts are the title Denyce Graves Civic Center. who purchase one ticket for To receive the 10% roles in Carmen and Samson this concert will be eligible discount on a pair of tickets, et Dalila. She is sheer elegance, an oper- exclusively for a drawing of Lenora Thom Rapid River readers must atic queen, who has the ability to vocalize If you go: Tickets to all Bravo perfor- a pair of tickets to both the Photo by Lynne Harty order online at the Asheville a wide breadth of characters. mances are on sale now at the Asheville March (GAIA: A Celebration Choral Society’s website The presence of Ms. Graves has Civic Center Box Office, through www. of the Earth) and May (Colors of My www.ashevillechoralsociety.org by resonated with the world of perfor- ticketmaster.com, or call (828) 251-5505. Life) concerts. clicking on the “Contact” button on the mance, and has garnered popular praise Ticket prices range from $30-$65, with Music Director Lenora Thom has home page and completing the “send a from the world’s great opera houses and student half-price seating. For more infor- crafted an engaging program around note” form with your email address and concert halls. To these audiences, she is mation about Asheville Bravo Concerts call four meaningful seasonal themes: contact information. The deadline for well-known for her portrayals of the title (828) 225-5887 and visit them on the web Magnificence, Light, Joy and Mirth, and the discount is November 15, 2008. roles in Carmen and Samson et Dalila. at www.ashevillebravoconcerts.org. has selected music to fully exploit the poignancy of each sentiment. Highlights include a set of Magnifi- If you go: The adult ticket price for cats by major composers Mozart, Bach, the ACS holiday concert is $25; for stu- Pachelbel, and Pärt. The Seven Joys of dents, $15. Tickets for groups of ten or Christmas by American composer Kirke more are $20. Mechem and holiday works by John It’s the perfect time for long-time fans and Rutter and Sir William Walton bring newcomers to the ACS to receive a sub- this special concert to its finale: “A Mu- scription to all three concerts at a signifi- sicological Journey through the 12 Days cant savings — 20% off the single concert of Christmas.” ticket price. Student subscriptions will save Composer Craig Courtney takes the even more. The season subscription for traditional holiday song and wittily turns adults is $60; for students, only $35. it into a playful caricature of well-known All tickets may be ordered at the ACS musical styles and eras across the world. website www.ashevillechoralsociety.org or “Magnificent Christmas” will by calling (828) 232-2060.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 RAPID RIVER ARTS now open A Boy and His Dog Fine Art

here is a new by Paula Hutchens Bolado gallery in downtown Asheville be- Along with the tween Jack in friendly service, one feels the Woods and welcomed and attracted TTupelo Honey. If you to this gallery. Three haven’t noticed their painters of great inter- polka-dotted canine est on display include mascot, then you have Russian classical painter, unseeingly walked Alexander Sheversky, right past A Boy and Cretan realist, Vangelis His Dog Fine Art. Andriotakis, and Don Inside this new Dahke, with his Carib- gallery, Simon, a bean inspired themes and Dalmatian/Chow mix, color choices. Although is Asheville’s new- these painters are not est celebrity. Both regional, they can in- Simon and the gallery David Todd and Simon spire regional artists. In are owned by David with “Raindrops Keep Falling” particular, Sheversky’s Todd, a gallery owner by Vangelis, original oil on pieces on the figure are canvas, $21,500. for over 12 years with truly mathematic (each career roots starting in line precise from wrist Key West, Florida. The look and feel of to ankle); any artist trying to achieve the A Boy and His Dog Fine Art is reminis- human form on paper will be impressed cent of Key West splendor; it is a colorful by the selection of paintings on display. gallery located between restaurants and music lounges, yet in an artsy neighborhood with people strolling along and smiling at one another. As Simon rests his weight against David, it is clear that they are inseparable and great business partners. Inside, the spot lighting affects each painting intensely by bringing out the depth of each painting, highlighting areas of interest, and achieving consistency in the overall spatial lighting of the gallery. Vangelis Andriotakis’s work is the Even the warm lights blend well with the most eye-catching. Andriotakis paints cool colors of gray walls and black decor. orchids with perfect magical detail. It is easy to believe he spent nine years as the apprentice to the great surrealist Salvador Dali. Vangelis has developed into one of the world’s greatest hyper- realists. His floral paintings are renowned and he has achieved the status of official artist for the American Rose Society and the American Orchid Society. His paintings have graced the walls of Ritz Carlton and Macy’s NY. In 2006, Vangelis was commissioned to paint a beautiful hybrid tea rose named for HIH Princess Nobuko. “Golden Sequin” by Alexander Sheversky fine art print on canvas, $3,925. ‘A Boy & His Dog’ continued on pg. 7

November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE performance

‘A Boy & His Dog’ continued from pg. 6 Storytelling Goes Global Right Here in Asheville The painting “The Princess Nobuko Rose” was presented to The Princess Yo- ellabration, a storytelling event Twain for over 30 years by RoseLynn Katz hko of Mikasa, the 23 year old daughter at the Folk Art Center on Sun- in 20 states and aboard of the beloved Princess Nobuko, Patron day, November 23 at 3 p.m. is all the major riverboats of the Japan Rose Society. Vangelis crated Featured tellers just one of thousands of other of the Mississippi River. include Marvin the 4’ x 6’ painting and was present when storytelling programs to be held Born and raised in Can- the ceremony took place in Osaka Japan. Cole, who’s been all over the world on the very dler, Cole retired from telling the stories His tremendous talent for realist floral same day. an illustrious career in paintings is unrivaled. T of Mark Twain for From Asheville to New York to higher education to re- over thirty years. Soon at A Boy and His Dog Fine Art, London to Japan and onto South Africa, turn home and reside on a new series of fashion-inspired paint- Born and raised the ancient, but still vibrantly alive, art his grandfather’s farm. in Candler, Cole ings by Andriotakis will be on display. of storytelling will be celebrated simul- Carrie Foreman is a David is proud to represent this work to retired from an taneously. children’s librarian who illustrious career Asheville’s patrons of the arts. David’s “The purpose is not only to honor has been writing and in higher education hope is to attract the community to the storytelling, but to demonstrate how telling professionally to return home gallery and is excited to be sharing the universal it is,” explains Jane Sims, past since 1994. Although and reside on his gallery stage with outstanding talents he president and current publicist for the her roots were forged Grandfather’s farm. sees in other local galleries. Asheville Storytelling Circle, which is in the orange groves Artists and buyers are welcome to sponsoring the program. “All people of central Florida, her It’s a great way participate in the showcase of paintings have stories and to hear a story from passion for Southern to spend a Sunday on display. Local artists are also encour- a different culture can build a power- Appalachia and its cul- afternoon! aged to submit their portfolios for the ful bridge linking people of diverse ture drew her to claim upcoming year. Stop by and meet Simon, cultures together.” Brevard as her home. the dog, David Todd, owner, Gary On a stage colorfully decorated for Marilyn McMinn-McCredie, a If you go: Tellabration, Sunday, Muzechuk, Gallery Director, and David the season with bales of hay, bushels of member of the Asheville Storytelling November 23 at 3 p.m., at the Folk Art Lee, Art Consultant. apples, pumpkins and gourds, members Circle, grew up in Henderson County Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. of the Asheville audience can expect to steeped in the traditions and folkways Tickets are $5 each, there are no reserva- laugh a lot and to cry a little, too, as tell- of Appalachia. She has been spellbind- tions. Audience members are advised to If you go: Opening Reception Friday, ers spin yarns from Appalachian folk- ing audiences for over 30 years. A come early to make sure of getting seats. November 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. lore as well as from their own personal relative newcomer to storytelling, Pete Tellabration is sponsored by the Ashe- For further information call A Boy and His histories and family experiences. Koschnick, also a puppeteer, is adept at ville Storytelling Circle, the Southern Dog Fine Art at (828) 254-4051 and visit the Storytellers include Marvin Cole, outrageously tall tales that produce gales Highlands Craft Guild and the National gallery at 89 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC. who’s been telling the stories of Mark of laughter from his listeners. Storytelling Network.

10th Annual Fall Storytelling Festival If you go: Saturday, November 15, ales will be told and laughter ring all that I do while I’m living.” Davis is Stephen Boyer and Mica White. Transylvania County Library, 212 S. Gaston Street, in Brevard, NC. FREE and open to through the rafters as renowned undoubtedly one of the best loved story- The Family Storytelling Concert, the public. Sponsored by the North Carolina storytellers gather Saturday, No- tellers practicing his craft today. emceed by Terry Rollins, starts at 2 p.m., Storytelling Guild and Transylvania County vember 15, at the main Transyl- In addition to Davis, the festival fea- and features Donald Davis and the Re- Library Friends of the Library. vania County Library in Brevard, tures four professional storytellers from gional Tellers. NC for the 10th annual NCSG the North Carolina Storytelling Guild A traditional highlight of the Festival 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. TFall Storytelling Festival. All events are sharing classic folktales, legends, literary is always the Evening Concert for Youth Stories for Young Children free and open to the public. tales, as well as original stories during and Adults at 6:30 p.m., also headlined by 10:30 a.m. – Noon Sponsored by the North Carolina afternoon and evening activities. Regional Davis and the NCSG Regional Tellers. Donald Davis: Storytelling Workshop. Storytelling Guild and Transylvania tellers from the Carolinas include: Mi- Bath, NC resident, Terry Rollins, emcees 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. County Library Friends of the Library, chael “Badhair” Williams, Zirconia, NC; the afternoon and evening concerts. Youth Storytelling Showcase. the festival features tellers from across Ron Jones, Durham; Jane Hauser, Chapel The North Carolina Storytelling 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. the state including North Carolina’s Hill, and Tim Lowry, Charleston, SC. Guild is a non-profit organization dedi- Pre-Concert Showcase of NCSG Tellers. internationally renowned storytelling son, The day-long event kicks off at 10 cated to celebrating and affirming the val- 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Donald Davis, who shares the stage with a.m. with Stories and Puppetry for Young ue of storytelling and the importance of Family Storytelling Concert, featuring four NCSG professional regional tellers Children, followed by a 90-minute Sto- story listening. For over ten years NCSG NCSG regional storytellers and special guest during afternoon and evening concerts. rytelling Workshop with Donald Davis, has worked to support and promote NC Donald Davis. Special Guest Storyteller Donald “Recovering Forgotten Childhood.” storytellers. The organization is made up 6:30 – 9:15 p.m. Davis was born in a southern Appala- Then beginning at 12:30 p.m., Transyl- of amateur and professional storytellers as Storytelling Concert for Youth and Adults, chian mountain world rich in stories. “I vania County school children will share well as storytelling enthusiasts. featuring Donald Davis and NCSG regional didn’t learn stories, I just absorbed them,” stories during the Youth Storytelling In addition to the annual fall sto- storytellers. he says as he recounts tales and more Showcase. rytelling festival, each year NCSG also tales learned from a family of traditional Story lovers will settle in for an after- sponsors two storytelling workshops for storytellers who have lived on the same noon of tales at 1 p.m. with the all-new beginning and experienced tellers. The Western North Carolina land since 1781. Pre-Concert Showcase, as they listen to Journal of Tar Heel Tellers- NCSG’s More information about the North Carolina For Davis, storytelling is a way of giving stories by Sylvia Payne, a Newton, NC quarterly publication- is a recognized as Storytelling Guild, its programs, and membership are available by visiting and living life. He says storytelling “…is storyteller, Cynthia Moore Brown from one of the best storytelling journals in the www.ncstoryguild.org. not what I do for a living… it is how I do Summerfield, and Asheville area tellers country.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW The Energetic and Sophisticated Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

he internationally touring dance by John Ellis company Aspen Santa Fe Ballet performs at 8 p.m. November was created for Aspen Santa Fe Ballet as a 11-12 at the Diana Wortham commissioned piece. Theatre at Pack Place, kick- Pendleton, artistic director of MO- ing-off the theatre’s Mainstage MIX, took this piece and created the DanceT Series for the 2008/2009 season. full length work Lunar Sea, which was Renowned as an eclectic, innovative performed at Diana Wortham Theatre dance company with a February, 2008. solid foundation in classical ballet, Aspen

Santa Fe Ballet has made a lasting impression Photo by Lois with its versatile, Greenfield energetic dancers performing a sophisticated repertoire of works by some of the world’s foremost “If there’s a classically trained choreographers such as Twyla Tharp and Moses Pendleton. company of the future, it’s Based dually in Aspen, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.” Mexico, the company per- ~ The Boston Herald forms throughout the United States and abroad earning glowing reviews and enthu- siastic audience response. The Boston Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Founder and Herald predicts, “If there’s a classically Artistic Director Bebe Schweppe grew up trained company of the future, it’s Aspen dancing in Augusta, Georgia until the age Santa Fe Ballet.” of 11 when she was invited by Robert Jof- Aspen Santa Fe Ballet comes to frey to study at his prestigious New York Asheville following performances at the academy on a full scholarship. Schweppe American Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow, moved to Aspen in 1975 and fifteen years and The Kennedy Center. For its No- later founded the Aspen Ballet School. vember 11 and 12 performances the dance Her presence was a catalyst in the region’s company presents three works. arts scene. In 1996, she invited Jean- The first, Sweet Fields, by choreog- Philippe Malaty and Tom Mossbrucker rapher Twyla Tharp, is set to a group of to develop a professional dance company deeply moving 18th-century hymns by in Aspen. William Billings and others. The second Through their combined energies work, 1st Flash, by the edgy and contem- the Aspen Ballet Company was born. porary Jorma Elo, uses dynamic lines of Shortly after, new performing opportuni- bodies moving elegantly in unison and ties beckoned in Santa Fe, upon which canon. the company was renamed Aspen Santa Elo, a world-renowned Finnish Fe Ballet. choreographer, sets this work to music by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The final Pre-Performance Discussions: work, Noir Blanc, will ring familiar with To enhance patrons’ understanding Asheville audiences. Choreographed by the famed Moses Pendleton, Noir Blanc ‘Ballet’ continued on pg. 9

November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW

Family-Friendly Musical Free To Be… You and Me

orth Caro- by Amanda Leslie lina Stage Company professional theatre and The- for young audiences atreUNCA in Tempe, Arizona. present a co- She has directed production N dozens of plays for of Free To Be…You TheatreUNCA. and Me, a stage Free To musical based on the Be…You and Me beloved children’s al- features a cast of six. bum and TV special. Three professional Free To Be… actors lead the cast: You and Me runs Stephanie Hickling, November 12 – 23 at Willie Repoley, the Carol Belk The- and Trinity Smith. atre on the campus of They are joined by UNC Asheville. The four undergraduate production features a mix of professional students from UNC Asheville: Caitlin actors and students, and is directed by Byrd, John Coggin, Carly Crawford, and Patricia Snoyer-Black. Chip Davis. Free to Be…You and Me is adapted TheatreUNCA is the drama depart- for the stage by Douglas Love and Regina ment of UNC Asheville, and has had a Safran, from the book of the same name, close working relationship with NC Stage which was conceived by Marlo Thomas. since its inception. This collaboration The musical features some of the classic between a professional theatre and an songs from the album and TV special, in- educational institution allows students to cluding “It’s All Right To Cry,” “Parents gain professional experience. Are People,” and “Glad To Have a Friend Like You.” It also includes skits like “Ata- lanta” and “Ladies First” originally made famous by Marlo Thomas, Mel Brooks, If you go: Free To Be… You And Me Carol Channing and more. runs November 12 - 23. Wednesdays at 10 Director Patricia Snoyer-Black a.m., Thursdays & Fridays at 7 p.m. and was on faculty at UNC Asheville for Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m. All tickets many years, where she directed student are $10. Call Theatre UNCA at (828) 232- productions and taught in the theater 2291 for tickets. Group discounts for school department. She is currently the Direc- groups are available. Contact Angie Flynn- tor of Artist Residencies for Childsplay, a McIver at (828) 239-0263 ext. 14.

‘ballet’ continued from pg. 8 formance space in all of Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is sup- and enjoyment of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s ported by a grant from the North Caro- Asheville performances, pre-show discus- lina Arts Council, a state agency. sions are held in The Forum at Pack Place 7 p.m. each evening prior to the performances. Free for ticket holders. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s Asheville If you go: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, part performances are made possible by per- of the Mainstage Dance Series. November formance sponsors Joel & Deborah Bohan 11-12 at 8 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place Berkowitz, and by dance series sponsors Tina & John McGuire, Hedy Fischer & Regular $35; Seniors $33; Students $30. Randy Shull, and the Art Fryar Charitable Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid Trust Fund, with additional support from ID) $10. media sponsor WNC Magazine. For more information on Aspen Santa Fe The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Ballet’s Asheville performance or to pur- Place is located in the center of downtown chase tickets call the theatre’s box office at Asheville on historic Pack Square within (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. walking distance of many shops and The Mainstage Series 2008/2009 season restaurants. The intimate theatre seats just sponsors are Asheville Citizen-Times, Cre- over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics ative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gour- and sightlines, making it the premier per- met-to-go, and Renaissance Asheville Hotel.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE STAGE PREVIEW

an Angel Award as by Rob Miller Miracle In Bedford Falls a producer and is a member of The member Wil- outhern Appalachian Repertory atre Arts Department are joining forces National Academy of liam Gregg. Theatre presents an adaptation of to co-produce a new musical version Recording Arts and Professional the classic movie It’s A Wonderful of this classic film. Miracle In Bedford Sciences (NARAS) cast members Life. Professional performers and Falls is the title and it’s written by a and the Gospel Music will include a student performers will be cast in Mars Hill College celebrated alum Mark Association (GMA). few of SART’s this world premiere production. Cabaniss and Atlanta-based composer His work in favorite veteran SBedford Falls? Where? What’s that? Lowell Alexander. music business and performers Mi- All right, how about George Bailey, mean Miracle In Bedford Falls captures the broadcasting has led chael Mattison, Mr. Potter, the ‘ole Building & Loan, Bert same universal truths of the film: being to collaborations with Brian Scharf- the cop & Ernie the cab driver, Clarence “here” when we’d rather be “someplace Andy Griffith, Acad- enberg, Kelly the angel, Uncle Billy with strings tied else,” and because of it we miss what’s emy-Award winner Christianson on his fingers, make a wish and throw a important in life right in front of us. Shirley Jones, pop and and Bradshaw rock through what is left of the broken This world premiere musical production Broadway songwriter “The Fantasticks” SART 2007 Call. windows of the old Granville house? promises to delight every member of the Rupert Holmes, late If you have a TV set and have it family and bring to life on stage this cher- jazz pianist Loonis McGlohon, gospel turned on anytime around the holiday ished story for the holiday season. singer Cynthia Clawson and others. season each year, you are going to at Writer Mark Cabaniss, native of Mark is a “proud product” of the If you go: At the historic Owen The- least catch a glimpse of Jimmy Stewart Shelby, NC earned his music education public school music education system and atre on Mars Hill College campus. Perfor- and Donna Reed “lassoing the moon” degree from Mars Hill College and was his music education from Mars Hill Col- mances will be December 6, 11, 12 and 13 at or “searching for Zuzu’s petals” in the named Alum of the Year for 2007. He is lege in North Carolina. He says all those 7:30 p.m. with two matinees on December black-and-white world of Bedford Falls, president of Shawnee Press, Inc., one of piano lessons, music rehearsals and theory 13 & 14 at 2:30 p.m. USA. It’s A Wonderful Life has become the world’s largest music publishing and classes prepared him perfectly for what All seats are $25 with group discounts avail- a timeless story and movie to stir up the recording firms producing printed and was to follow in his professional career. able. Tickets go on sale November 17. Call holiday spirit. recorded music and video DVDs. Miracle In Bedford Falls will be the Box Office at (828) 689-1239 or visit Southern Appalachian Repertory Mark is a multiple recipient of directed by SART’s artistic director and www.sartplays.org. For more information Theatre and the Mars Hill College The- ASCAP’s Popular Music Award and Mars Hill College Theatre Arts faculty call SART at (828) 689-1384.

Keowee Chamber Music’s “Elegy” Concerts

legy is a multi-artist performance introduce Alice Herz Sommer’s work featuring music, song, poetry, and and biography. Spragins will share historical presentation. The public how Sommer saved herself and her has two opportunities to see Elegy. son by playing piano. The concert honors the lift music 4 Mara Simmons, children’s librarian at gives to people’s spirits during Pack Library, will read Paul Celan’s Etimes of adversity. poetry. At the end of WWII, after The concerts feature: Celan’s release from a concentration musical theater and is a professional • The talent of 2 Czech composers who camp, he discovered he was the only performer and college voice instructor. died during WWII and left remarkable (Left) Pianist Alice Herz Sommer, member of his Jewish Romanian fam- legacies still playing Beethoven at 104! ily to have survived. He wrote post- About Keowee Chamber Music war poetry in German to reconcile his • Poetry of Paul Celan, a French-Ro- (Right) Alice before the Holocaust. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, experiences. Keowee Chamber Music is an artist-run manian Jew who survived internment pianist and composer, was critically 4 in the camps Karen Sams will play from the rep- collective committed to connecting the acclaimed in the years before her death ertoire of Frédéric Chopin, a 19th local community with global chamber • Alice Herz Sommer’s inspiring story in exile at age 25. She was also lauded century Romantic composer. Sams music. Keowee Chamber Music annually of surviving the Holocaust as a con- as a conductor — when women did not is a Candler native and the owner of produces a 2-week festival in June. The servatory-trained pianist. Still alive, often conduct — and her compositions SoliClassica music store. She re- 2009 Keowee Chamber Music Festival Sommer continues to play at age 104 preserved a regional style that was extin- ceived her training at Oberlin College will take place June 9-21. and is model of optimism. guished with the war. Conservatory and the Johns Hopkins’ • Chopin’s Études — which gave hope Erwin Schulhoff, pianist and com- Peabody Institute. to Sommer while she was interned in poser, died at age 48 during his intern- 4 ment at the Wülzburg concentration Kate Steinbeck, Keowee Chamber a concentration camp Music artistic director and flutist, and If you go: Sunday, November 9 at 4 camp. He was a controversial figure, be- p.m. at UNCA’s Reuter Center. Thursday, Elegy focuses on the creative spirit of cause he incorporated jazz and other 20th Tena Greene, soprano, join Karen artists who overcame dire circumstances Sams to present the music of Czech November 13 at 7 p.m. at downtown Ashe- century influences into his classical work, ville’s Pack Library in the Lord Auditorium. and continued to practice their art. It and was considered “a bright star.” composers Kapralova and Schulhoff. The Reuter Center is part of the Center joins biographical stories with music and Local scholars and musicians are Steinbeck was raised in Western writing by Europeans of Jewish ancestry North Carolina and, after her conser- for Creative Retirement on Campus Drive, featured — a historian, librarian, vocalist, UNC-Asheville (use 1 University Heights whose lives were cut short or changed by pianist, and flutist. vatory training abroad and a transna- Nazi invasion. tional career as a flutist, returned to Drive for online mapping). Two extraordinary Czech compos- 4 Elizabeth Spragins, retired Appala- Asheville to raise children. Greene, a Pack Memorial Library is located at 67 Hay- ers are highlighted. Vítzslava Kaprálová, chian State University professor, will Tryon native, has studied opera and wood Street in downtown Asheville.

10 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 11 12 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS Fine Art Chris Perryman: Artist, Craftsman

hris Perry- by Beth Gossett man, owner of Domus Aurea, located inside of Interiors of different’ and that Asheville in inspired me about CBiltmore Station, is not the feet. I was only a wonderful crafts- making a gift for man, but a thoughtful my girlfriend and and serious artist. it just material- Perryman specializ- ized. I’ve perfect- es in custom handmade, ed my technique creative designs in both for doing the feet wood and mixed media. since then.” His works include furniture, architectural pieces and pet furnishings. He also loves working with wood to make figurative art pieces. As Perryman says, “My quest for poignancy in craft is a goal but the majority of the time I am rather content making well-designed and useful pieces of furniture.” When asked how he got started in woodworking Perryman said, “ I was a Fine Arts major at UNCA and working for Sluder Furniture/ Ambience Interiors (now just Ambience Interiors). I saw and was part of many installations of Something Perryman furniture and artwork and I just got is very cognizant of is hooked on working with wood. It what he uses on his wood wasn’t part of my curriculum, but to stay green. He uses a I started working with wood and bio-friendly paint, made Ambience Interiors let me work in locally in West Asheville. their storage area. It was like having “It’s more expensive, but a studio. Also, I’m a fourth genera- I like what it does on the tion woodworker and that makes wood and it makes the me proud. It’s like it’s in my blood pieces and the world a to do what I’m doing.” little safer.” In addition, Perryman began So, the next time to perfect his craft living abroad in you’re in the Biltmore Italy. In fact, he even had a show area, stop by Interiors there. He also worked in New Or- of Asheville, BlackBird leans for some time before moving Frame & Art or the back to Asheville and opening Funky Mutt and take a his own studio. We’re lucky to have him look at what he’s made. because he almost moved to Charleston. His prices range from $50 for a If you haven’t seen Perryman’s work, specially crafted dog bowl to whatever the you’re really missing something. Most of budget of your project may be. Perryman Perryman’s work comes as commissions may be reached at (504) 458-7476 or gold- or referrals from such local businesses as [email protected] if you want to make BlackBird Frame & Art and Ambience In- an appointment to meet at his studio. teriors, but BlackBird, Interiors and now the Funky Mutt carry Perryman’s work. According to Perryman, “I do If you go: Chris Perryman’s studio, everything from functional furniture to by appointment only, (828) 318-6334. the figurative art pieces.” In fact, some of Businesses carrying Perryman’s work: Perryman’s pieces, like crafted tables, have real carved feet for the…well, feet. It’s • BlackBird Frame & Art, 159 S. Lexington, really very cool. Perryman said, “The feet Mon.-Fri., 9:30-5:30 p.m.; Sat. 10-3 p.m. came out of something my friend said, • Interiors of Asheville, 2 Biltmore Station, which was, ‘You can look at something Mon.-Fri., 10-5:30 p.m.; Sun. 11-5 p.m. one way and think one thing, then look • The Funky Mutt, 30 N. Lexington, at it another and see something totally Mon.-Sat 11-6 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW

HART presents Alfred Uhry’s The Last Night of Ballyhoo

he Haywood Pulitzer Prize. The Arts Regional movie with Freeman Theatre will and Jessica Tandy conclude its won Best Picture 2008 season and Uhry received with the the award for Best TonyT Award Winning Screenplay. comedy “The Last Another decade Night of Ballyhoo.” went by before “The The play was writ- Last Night of Bal- ten by Alfred Uhry lyhoo” opened in who is best known for 1997, and “Parade” “Driving Miss Daisy”. followed a year later. His Atlanta trilogy, “Ballyhoo” premiered which includes “Miss at the Alliance Daisy,” “Parade,” and Theater in Atlanta “Ballyhoo,” presents a before transferring view of life in Uhry’s to New York where home town, Atlanta, it also won the Tony from a Jewish perspective. Award for Best Play and the Outer Crit- In “Ballyhoo” we are introduced to ics Circle Award. Uhry has also written a a well-to-do Jewish family at Christ- number of screenplays including 1987’s mas time, on the eve of the premier of “Mystic Pizza” which made a star out of “Gone with the Wind,” and everyone in Julia Roberts. the family is excited about both events. HART’s production is being direct- The play is funny and touching, much ed by Art O’Neil and the cast includes a in the spirit of Neil Simon’s “Brighton number of new faces, including: Susan Beach Memoirs.” Rudniak, Kay Edwards, Christi Mar- Uhry was born in Atlanta in 1936 sico, Grace Williamson, Patrick Tinsley, and attended Brown University. He Leslie Jones, and HART veteran Roger relocated to New York after graduating, Magendie. Is the Air taught school and began writing with little success. Then in 1975 he collabo- rated with Robert Waldman to adapt If you go: Performances are November in Your Home Eudora Welty’s short novel “The Robber 7, 8, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday No- Bridegroom” into a musical and won his vember 17 at 3 p.m. To make reservations Making You Sick? first Tony Award. contact the HART Box Office at (828) 456- It was a long wait for his next suc- 6322. Box Office hours are Monday through cess. “Driving Miss Daisy” didn’t come Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Trapped Moisture and Gases until 1987. The original production fea- Reservations can also be made on-line by tured Atlanta native Dana Ivey and Mor- visitng the HART web site at www.hartthe- Can Be Harmful! gan Freeman and won Uhry the 1988 atre.com. Remove Unhealthy Air

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14 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Healthy lifestyles

by Max Hammonds, MD Buncombe County DSS Obesity in Children and WNC Foster Care Agencies present the major medical controversy is Some families harbor the genetics for milk for children 1-2 years old with fam- brewing over whether young metabolic syndrome, a combination of ily history of heart disease, 4) use weight children, eight or younger, all these problems: insulin resistance, management as primary intervention in WNC Foster/Adopt should be placed on cholesterol obesity, high blood pressure, elevated overweight kids, 5) consider medications lowering medications. The rea- cholesterol and increased clotting. But in children over the age of 8 who have Fall Festival son for this controversy? Heart not everyone who carries the genes gets high risk for cardiovascular disease. Aand cardiovascular disease, heart attacks the disease. The disease process is trig- But how to prevent this from hap- Saturday, November 15 and strokes are now appearing in children gered by being overweight. pening in the first place? What can par- from 3-6 p.m. in their teens and early twenties, diseases This disease process tends to occur ents do when they see obesity appearing Have you ever thought about ways that didn’t appear until age forty or older. in families but not all family members in their three or four-year-old? that you could help children in our The reason? We have a tremendous epi- get the disease. Eating habits, exercise The same preventive strategies work community? Come to the WNC Fos- demic of obesity in children, and a lot of and sedentary habits, computer and TV in children that work in adults: increased ter/Adopt Fall Festival! This fun, free these kids now have type 2 diabetes. What habits are taught in the family by exam- exercise, decreased fats and simple sugars, event focuses on the many ways in is the best way to manage them?” ple, adults to the children. Those family weight loss. But in children it is easier: which people can help kids – includ- The underlying problem? Obesity members who stay active, control their the child’s metabolism responds more ing foster care, adoption, therapeutic is increasing at an alarming rate in young diet and do not become obese avoid the quickly and the interventions are carried respite, mentoring, sponsoring, etc. children, double the rate in the 1960’s, problem. out by the adults. 4 Learn how to become a foster over three times higher than in the 1990’s, For those who give in to the life style How does this work? 1) Adults and/or adoptive parent and even higher in some ethnic groups. habits of their families and friends and control the television set and the com- Obesity brings in its wake elevated cho- have the genetics which allows the disease puter. Do not use these electronic devices 4 Find out more about children lesterol, high blood pressure, elevated tri- processes to appear, the result is disaster. as babysitters. Limit the time with these who need a family right now glycerides, sleep apnea, decreased physical As this epidemic of obesity and its resul- devices. Take the children outside and 4 Talk to families who have fostered activity. All are causative factors for heart tant diseases play out, some are predict- play with them. 2) Adults buy the food, and adopted and vascular disease. In addition, the fat ing that these children will be the first not the children. Improve house nutri- 4 Enjoy arts & crafts, face painting cells of obesity make the body resistant to generation to have a lower life expectancy tion. Do not bring and do not allow foods and more! insulin, causing type 2 diabetes, a disease than their parents. in the house that are high in sugars and At the Coleman Place – upstairs at the of small blood vessels which increases the What to do? The American Acad- fats. Look on the box; it tells what is in Asheville Chamber of Commerce, risk of heart and vascular disease another emy of Pediatrics has made the following the product. Do not allow others to give 36 Montford Avenue in downtown two times. recommendations: 1) screen with blood children these kinds of foods. Result? Asheville. Admission and parking are Genetics plays a role in this epidemic. tests those children with a family history The children will decrease in weight FREE! Some families carry the genetic make up of high cholesterol or early heart disease, and in their risk of diabetes and heart dis- for heart disease, some for hypertension 2) provide nutritional counseling for ease. And, oh, yes, so will the adults who For more information contact Erica and some for dysfunctional handling of children (and their parents) with elevated are setting the example. Jourdan by calling (828) 250-5513. blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides). blood fats, 3) recommend decreased fat

I’m Bleeding Again! by Max Hammonds, MD

oney! I’m bleeding again!” von Willebrand’s disease, the most com- tions can cause this problem, the most heavily, major bleeding after relatively A man, shaving, has nicked mon form of bleeding disorder. For most common cause – like the scene described minor surgery, like tonsillectomy, recur- himself with his razor. The Americans a little bleeding is normal, or above — is von Willebrand’s disease. rent heavy nose bleeds or heavy bruising couple are getting ready to the wound was deeper than they thought, First described in 1926, the von or bleeding after every small bump. go to the theater and on a or they just don’t give it any thought at Willebrand factor in the blood is a glue- Any of these occurring over and night out. Now his shirt is all. Most don’t know that, what can be a like protein that holds platelets in place over again is a cause for alarm and a good “H a bloody mess and there is mild bleeding problem in some, can be to make the first beginnings of a clot. reason to check with a blood disease blood all over the sink. life-threatening in others. The other clotting factors join this initial doctor — a hematologist. Many general “Why do you bleed so much?” she Human blood has a safety mecha- “platelet plug” to make a more perma- practitioners hear about people who have cries out in frustration as she hands him nism to plug up holes in blood vessels if nent clot. If the initial plug does not a bleeding problem but write them off as another white shirt, taking the one he has they should spring a leak. At least twelve hold together, the other clotting factors just a one time occurrence. to soak in peroxide. “My father nicked different proteins or chemicals in the have nothing to attach to and the person “Everyone has a little bleeding once himself shaving and he didn’t bleed all blood, interacting with platelets, form continues to bleed, sometimes uncon- in a while.” “You’re probably taking too over the place.” a complex series of interactions which trollably. much aspirin.” “You need to be more “I don’t know,” he says, holding eventually leads to a clot being formed. Von Willebrand’s disease is in- careful.” While all of this is true, if it hap- folded toilet paper against his face. “It This means that at least twelve different herited equally by men and women, so pens repeatedly, don’t be put off. Insist used to happen all the time when I was a proteins or chemicals – clotting factors – there is usually some history of excessive on a bleeding disorder work up or see a boy on the play ground. Made for some can be interfered with, malformed or not bleeding in family members. The disease doctor who will do the work up. real entertainment.” formed at all and mess up this important takes several different forms, some more The human body was not meant to “Well, it’s not very entertaining bodily function. And the platelets them- serious than others. But it is women who bleed out after every little injury. Recur- now.” selves can be malformed, not formed, or are more at risk of serious consequences rent bleeding is not normal. If the bleed- Conversations like this take place prematurely destroyed and prevent the because of their monthly menstrua- ing recurs multiple times or in multiple every day — because most people don’t blood from clotting properly. tion. Other bleeding problems that arise family members, insist that your doctor know that 1 in a 100 Americans, some 2.6 While some forms of leukemia, – seemingly normally – include tooth in- finds out why. million, are afflicted with some form of hemophilia, and certain platelet malfunc- jury or extraction that continues to bleed

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE MUSIC

November CD Reviews by James Cassara

Be it given one star of five, rest assured it’s all good: If you read about it here, why not skip over to your local independent record store and give it a try? These are the folks who most deserve our support and appreciation!

The Walkmen the BBC, is a bit inaccurate. The risks unlike those she yet conceived. Ei- You & Me shows weren’t performed exclu- ther way, for fans, this volume is of the sively for the radio network but essence. It captures an artist at her most Gigantic Records simply broadcast across the UK daring, inventive, and confident, which On their previ- via that avenue. is all anyone could ask for. **** ous outing the Walk- No matter. Recorded in men took a work- 1991 and 1993 respectively these The Bittersweets ing holiday from shows represent McKee at her their usual sound post Lone Justice best, a trea- Goodnight, San Francisco – creating a note by sure trove of delights for those Compass Records note replication of of us who love the grit and soul There’s something wonderfully com- the Harry Nilsson McKee has always brought to her fortable about the edgy pop sounds of the masterpiece Pussy Cats – which, while music. The first date, represented by the Bittersweets, a sensation not unlike wear- it showcases the bands inherent knack first seven songs here, feature McKee the ing your favorite sweatshirt – however for translucent pop, likely left their most expatriate, living in Dublin and backed by ragged it may be – while staring through ardent followers scratching their heads. fellow Dubliners Moby Dick. a window It was a fine listen, though entirely The material is gathered from her at the busy too beholden to the source, but seemed days with Lone Justice and includes world designed more for their pleasure than “Good Heart,” “Shelter,” and “I Found outside. ours. This is why You & Me marks not Love,” as well as her chart-topping U.K. On their only a return to familiarity, but a distinct hit “Show Me Heaven.” There are also a second step forward. It hearkens back to Bows couple of cuts from her self-titled debut, album and Arrows, their 2004 homage to the released almost two years earlier: “I’ve the band, swinging sixties, (even recorded in the Forgotten What It Was in You (That Put reduced same studio) while building upon the the Need in by one band’s steadily growing musical repertoire. Me),” and member It’s a sonic travelogue, stopping along “Drinkin’ in but nicely beaches, inlets, and the holidays that My Sunday augmented by a bevy of artful session mark time’s passing, a theme that plays Dress.” players, continue to hone their deceptive- perfectly into the band’s gift for visual For the ly straightforward approach to buoyant imagery. “Donde Esta La Playa,” from its uninitiated pop and clever ballads. upbeat tempo set to surf guitars, is a per- they give a While the sonic tone is purposely all fect example: lyrical gems such as “there pretty good over the map – wistful quiet is interrupt- is still sand in my suitcase/there is still salt glimpse ed by gushing guitars – the quality of the in my teeth,” play like blurry but vivid of McKee songwriting consistently carries the day. memories in a way worthy of Ray Davies. the singer, Hannah Prater’s voice (and what a voice Grotto-like reverb gives “Postcards from but it’s the it is!) falls somewhere between Kasey Tiny Islands”’ riotous guitars a nostalgic final eleven tracks that really set the stage. Chambers and Dusty Springfield, an into- twinge only heightened by small but Recorded during her post You Gotta Sin nation that shines best on such numbers telling details like “the bar band and their to Get Saved era it includes most of that as the roots rocking “Wreck,” the quietly sorry songs.” album-considered by most her finest intricate “My Sweet Love,” and the tearful Their newly discovered sense of – alongside a pair of unexpected but wel- resignation of “When the War Is Over.” adventure is reflected throughout You & come Van Morrison covers: “My Lonely It’s only when the band stretches too Me; gentle acoustic guitars couple with Sad Eyes” and “Young Lovers Do.” far from their strengths, such as the me- brass and strings, suggesting a world beat Both of these selections feature top- andering and mildly self absorbed “45” or that fits right in with their flair for the notch recordings and are fine perfor- the overly twangy “Tidal Waves” – which catchiest of hooks. You & Me consistently mances, but the latter recording shows sounds like an early Wilco castoff – that delves deeply into the evocative ballads how great McKee and Moby Dick sound the Bittersweets slip up. But there’s no that have long been the band’s trademark, together. By then they’d spent four arguing with the tender mercies of “Blue” but this time around they’re couched in years as her backing band, a time during or the elegant and pulsing country rock of an ethereal pop that makes this album not which the singer and the band make “Birmingham.” only the loveliest, but the loneliest they’ve huge artistic strides. It is unlikely “Goodnight, San Fran- yet concocted. **** While the earlier set uses crackling cisco” will prove to be the band’s master- enthusiasm to make up for some of work – one gets the sense this is a band Maria McKee the sloppiness inherent in the perfor- that will only get better – but taken of its Live at the BBC mance, the latter is somehow both more own accord the Bittersweet’s second effort is chock full of engaging delights, nuanced Polydor polished and more spontaneous, and hooks, and plenty of promise. ***1/2 In truth the title of this compilation, nowhere can this be felt more than in documenting two distinct concerts done McKee’s tightrope walking vocals. The by the former Lone Justice songstress for band is her net, allowing her to take ‘CD’s’ continued on next pg.

16 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT'S HAPPENING

Billy Bragg Brings His Political Conscience to The Orange Peel by James Cassara

ew musicians of our generation as the “Bard of Barking” catalog and sung That’s rather heady stuff for a work- can rightfully claim to have carried by the British press. his heart out doing ing class lad from east London, but it is on the torch first lit by Woody He has worked, and so. He has appeared one more indication of the commitment Guthrie. Bob Dylan can do so, worked is the operative on MTV and late Bragg has made to use his talents for the as might Ellis Paul, Odetta, Joan verb here, alongside night highbrow chat common good. “What skills I have, and F Baez, and a scant handful of select British parliamentarians, shows, singing his mine are no more important than those others. But on the other side of the pond unskilled unemployed mind on the first and of a good carpenter or electrician” he Billy Bragg, born Steven William Bragg workers, members of speaking his mind on tells me, “I’ve been given for a purpose. in Essex, England, can proudly declare the Rock & Roll Hall the latter. To squander that purpose would be the himself a worthy successor to Woody, Of Fame, young music As an astute worst sin I might commit.” both in political aesthetic and, as impor- hopefuls, unsung street observer of cultural That Billy Bragg can make such tantly, sheer artistry. troubadours, incarcer- trends he has written statements without the slightest bit of self First made aware of “the magic of ated convicts, newly essays for many daily importance or insincerity is perhaps the voice and guitar” around the time the liberated refugees, punk newspapers of record best evidence of his worth as a musician, Soviet Union was launching Sputnik 2, rockers and striking and several notable advocate, and musical pioneer. When Bragg was raised in a family that both dock workers. In short, weekly journals of Bragg makes his first official visit to Ashe- nurtured and actively supported his the very people Guthrie comment. One such ville-he previously played here as part of a sonic inclinations. “Music was always a would have been proud column addressing National Public Radio entourage-you can part of our household” he says via a brief to call comrade. the public demand bet we’ll see a bit of all that and more. phone conversation, “as well as a sense of Steven William for general reform rage over the social injustices of the day.” Bragg has recorded hit within the House of Billy Bragg Today, on the verge of the release of singles, composed Top Lords, the emphatic If you go: Billy Bragg and his band his eleventh and best album, Mr. Love & Ten albums, penned and eloquent, “A with guests The Watson Twins, at The Justice, he is known as Billy Bragg by his political anthems sung at rallies, kept Genuine Expression of the Will of the Orange Peel, Sunday, November 2, 8 loyalists worldwide yet he is still called alive traditional English folk songs, put People” was officially entered into the p.m. (7:00 p.m. doors). Ticket prices, $22 Steven by his Mother and still referred to his own spin on America’s greatest folk written record for the British Parliament. advance / $25 door. Ages 18+.

‘CD’s’ continued three too many – but the engag- decency, and truth that seems rampant. ing nature of Mullin’s songs still “Mission Accomplished (because Dar Williams and Shawn carries the day. you gotta have faith)” is a scorching Shawn Mullins Unfortunately lost is the rocker, kicking off the collection while Mullins at the Orange Peel Live at the between song banter, kept here- giving clear indication that the singer Shawn Mullins continues his musi- Variety Playhouse in to a minimum, that make his means business. “Is This Thing Work- cal journey, a troubadour in the Vanguard Records shows such cozy affairs. But by ing” a spoken word story of school yard purest sense of the word, with his Those expect- the time Mullin rolls up to the bullying in which the perpetrators power new release ing Mullins’ first live finish line, a tortured and pow- is emasculated by the compliance of his “Honeydew,” erful take on “House of the Ris- victim, is later recast to music as “Is This album, recorded at one inspired by of his favorite haunts ing Sun”, such minute quibbles Thing On?” Likewise do “Stuck On The hardly matter. ***1/2 Corner (prelude to a heart attack)” and (and recorded in front of an adoring in) his native audience, to offer the sort of intimate “Dividing The Estate (a heart Georgia, and acoustic affair typical of his solo perfor- Todd Snider attack)” tell differing moments of the same life, a sort of be- the brand mances will likely be caught off guard by Peace Queer the sheer power of pop ferocity that revs fore and after warning shot. new “Live at Mega force Records up Live at the Variety Playhouse. Yet for all his tuneful acu- the Variety “Beautiful Wreck”, which opens the Todd Snider has men – and Snider is certainly Playhouse.” never overtly sought Dar Williams disc in splendid fashion, is Mullins at the among the premier songwrit- Sharing the controversy, nor has he ers in the United States – his Photo by jauntiest: killer hooks matched to smart evening will be lyrics that seem to indicate the influence shied away from it. His somber recasting of John Joel Siegfried latest offering – with its’ Fogarty’s “Fortunate Son” Dar Williams. of palling around with Matthew Sweet. She recently released “Promised Divided nicely into full band followed unsettling title, (taken provides the disc’s most telling Land,” her first album of original by solo guitar and back to the band, the from a poem by Vietnam moment. disc, by capturing Mullin’s best tunes veteran turned activist It’s not necessarily the material in over three years. The and mannerisms, manages to be both a Mark Marchetti) and cover, (a rail thin best performance on the album – al- album showcases William’s sig- primer for the uninitiated and a delight and shirtless Snider, gun in hand, holding though choosing one would be damn nature wide range of stories and for the long time fan. a blindfolded long hair hostage) is certain hard – but no song better summarizes social themes. to grab attention. Given that many of his earliest re- the underlying themes and implications It promises to be an evening of This is how it should be, as not only of Peace Queer. It’s a highpoint on an cords are tough to find, Live at the Variety songwriting, audience engage- Playhouse is also a great reintroduction are the messages found within of great album that has nothing but highpoints, import, but this eight song mini-album a stirring collection that sends a power- ment, and harmonic strumming at to such gems as “Fraction of a Man” and its finest. the down and out blues of “Lonesome I packs more wallop than do many double ful message: Todd Snider is mad as hell, discs. Rather than take a few all too easy Know You Too Well.” It might suffer a and he’s going to do something about Monday, November 3 at 8 p.m. (7 shots of our current political climate bit from an over reliance on cliché – four it. Like write and record a really terrific p.m. doors). Tickets $23 advance / songs referencing beer drinking sadness is Snider casts a wider net, creating a scath- batch of songs. **** ing indictment of the decline of civility, $25 door. Limited seating.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 17 Have That Special Item Framed While You Visit Ornament for With “Rafferty” the Season at Grovewood Gallery November 14 – December 31 Each year, artists from around the county are invited to create and exhibit a piece, or a collection of work, that represents their own holiday traditions. Ornament for the Season will feature tree ornaments, me- norahs, dreidels, nativity scenes, wreaths and much more. Stop in to enjoy the exhibit – the Grovewood Café has delicious gin- ger cookies and you can warm up with a cup of hot spiced apple cider.

OFFERING: Expert Picture Framing Shadowboxes ~ Mirrors Local Artists Work Pet Portraits by Maggie 900 Hendersonville Rd. Suite 102 Asheville Grovewood Gallery 111 Grovewood Road in Asheville 247-5176 (828) 253-7651 www.fastframeasheville.com www.grovewood.com

18 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FINE ART Explore William Christenberry: Site/Possession Jonas Gerard he Asheville Art Museum invites Fine Art in by Kim Zdanowicz you to explore the influential works of William Christenberry River Arts District in the exhibition titled William Christenberry’s Kodak Brownie Christenberry: Site/Possession photographs are touring under the Studio Stroll opening Friday, November 7, auspices of Aperture. A major exhibition onas Gerard Fine Art will participate T 2008 with an opening reception featuring these photographs recently in the River Arts District Studio Stroll from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. that evening. closed at the Smithsonian Institution on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 Christenberry is frequently the American Art Museum in Washington, and 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. subject of national acclaim for his D.C. Christenberry has been a member In the tradition of abstract expres- photographs of rural Alabama, but this of the art faculty at the Corcoran College sionism and in his latest abstracted exhibition offers the chance to experi- of Art and Design since 1968 and lives J landscapes, Jonas Gerard creates bold ence a more complete representation of and works in Washington, D.C. and colorful paintings that resonate his life and work. In addition to 50 drawings, the with the energy obvious in every brush This exhibition reveals the complex- exhibition William Christenberry: stroke. He allows himself the freedom to ity of the artist’s very personal investiga- Site/Possession also features paintings, take risks which create happy accidents that tion of both the American South and photographs, constructions and the Klan open the non-judgmental space for letting his own family heritage. Christenberry’s Room Tableau. The work included the painting go where it wants to go. theme is the narrative of place. shows the many sides of rural Alabama, “What I really feel very strongly both positive and negative, and includes about, and I hope reflects in all aspects many drawings from the artist’s collec- of my work, is the human touch, the tion that have not been previously exhib- humanness of things, the positive and ited. William Christenberry: Site/Pos- sometimes the negative and sometimes session will be presented from Friday, William Christenberry, Untitled, the sad,” Christenberry is quoted saying November 7, 2008 through Sunday, 2006, German ink with two brushes in a 2006 article by NPR’s Michele Nor- January 18, 2009. in tandem, 40 x 32 inches. Courtesy ris. It is this very “humanness of things” This exhibition is organized by the of the Artist and Hemphill Fine Arts, that William Christenberry: Site/Posses- University of Virginia Art Museum. Washington, D. C. sion conveys. This exhibition is sponsored in part by For more than four decades, the Chaddick Foundation and Ms. Hedy Christenberry has explored the regional Fischer and Mr. Randy Shull. If you go: Opening Reception, Fri- identity of the American South, focus- The Asheville Art Museum is cen- day, November 7 at 5 p.m. ing on his hometown area around Hale trally located in downtown Asheville on Art Break: William Christenbery: Site/Pos- The River Arts District artists open County, Alabama. Pack Square. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., session, Friday, November 14 at 12 noon. their studios to the public twice a year He photographs ramshackle build- Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to during the second weekend in June and 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Museum is open Up for Discussion: Mike Smith, Photogra- ings, weathered commercial signs, lonely pher, Friday, December 5, 6 p.m. November. This Studio Stroll provides back roads, white-washed churches and every Friday until 8 p.m. a unique opportunity to see and hear the Film Screening: William J. Christenberry, decorated graves. Dutifully returning to Admission to the Museum is $6 for sights and sounds of creativity surround- the same locations annually, the green adults and $5 for seniors, students with Jr.: A Portrait, Saturday & Sunday, Decem- ber 6 & 7 at 2 p.m. ing you as you stroll through more than barn and the Bar-B-Q Inn, among oth- ID and children 4-15 (children age three 90 artist studios. ers, Christenberry fulfills a personal rit- and younger are admitted free). Mem- Art Break: William Christenberry: Site/ A wide array of fine art and craft can ual and documents the physical changes bers are admitted free to the Museum. Possession, Docent-Led Tour, Friday, be purchased, including paintings, sculp- brought on by the passing of time. January 16, 12 noon. ture, functional and decorative ceramics, glass, jewelry, furniture and much more. Come meet the artists, have a cup of coffee at Clingman Café and stop next door to visit Jonas’ studio and gallery. There will be live jazz performed by the Mark Asheville Art Museum’s November Events Guest Quartet throughout the afternoon Tuesday – Sunday, November 11-16 painter, textile artist, and children’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. on Saturday, November 8 in the open air entrance to the Gallery. Holiday Market Extravaganza book author explores the African- American experience both personally Diana Wortham Theatre, $24 General On Friday, November 7, before Eat, drink, shop and be merry at our Admission, $16 Students and $20 Mu- and in a more universal way. the Stroll officially starts, there will be a Annual Holiday Market. Shop for seum Members. special preview at the Gallery from 5 to 8 fabulously creative finds and enjoy sea- Current Exhibitions p.m. Jonas Gerard Fine Art is open seven sonal refreshments in the Pack Place Tuesday, November 18 at 7 p.m. days a week, Monday through Saturday Front Gallery. The Museum will offer Faith Ringgold Art Talk Life’s Rich Pageant: A Centennial Cel- 20% off all sales for our Members on ebration of The Eight, in Gallery 6. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from Friday, November 14. She has written and illustrated eleven 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery exhibits the children’s books and is best known for Ashcans, Trains and Factories: Stu- work of Jonas Gerard and the photography her story quilts which bridge craft and dents and Followers of The Eight. In and paintings of Linda Greenup. Tuesday, November 18, from 7-9 p.m. fine art by combining painting, quilted the Holden Community Gallery. Faith Ringgold: More Than fabric and storytelling. Expectant Gaze – Art from the Eye and 50 Years Ringgold will talk about her more than Mind, in the 2nd Floor Galleries. If you go: Jonas Gerard Fine Art, 240 “Personal Narrative” is the theme of Clingman Ave. For more information, please 50 years as an artist and writer explor- Visit www.ashevilleart.org for more the constellation of programs for the ing the African-American experience. visit www.riverdistrictartists.com, www. artist Faith Ringgold. Her work as a This event is part of the Museum’s information. jonasgerard.com, or call the gallery at (828) 350-7711 with questions.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 19 20 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS Asheville Shops Purple Diamonds… Rarer Than Rare hen one thinks For example as of diamonds blue diamonds have the they inevitably famous Hope diamond think white as their centerpiece and sparkly stones green diamonds have the that dazzle ev- Dresden diamond, there is Weryone and are reported to no purple diamond of any be a girl’s best friend. notable size to point to as When pushed, most of the prized example. us can recall hearing about One of the reasons or maybe seeing yellow, pink for this is that purple and blue diamonds, mostly diamonds in any sizable because of the famous Hope source have only been diamond and engagement found in the Argyle mine rings worn by celebrities. in western Australia. This Even fewer of us know about mine was opened as a true champagne and cognac dia- source of colored and monds but beyond that most beautiful white and color- of us have never seen natural less diamonds in 1985. color diamonds. Purple or pink purple It might surprise you to diamonds prior to this find know that diamonds actually were so pale in color that appear in more than 300 distinct colors they had just a hint of lavender. as every shade of every colored diamond The Argyle mine is now the world’s exists in nature. Obviously the traditional largest source of pink, purple pink, four Cs of diamonds do not apply to col- brownish pink, pink champagne, cham- ored diamonds so the color codes from pagne and brown diamonds. D to Z are not used. Instead they have The owners of the gallery, blue, in come up with descriptive words such as Biltmore Village, Lynn Daniel and Susan pinkish purple or purplish pink or even West, were very fortunate early in their intense pink purple to describe just a few careers to make friends with a family who purple diamonds. not only has an interest in the Argyle All natural colored diamonds are very mine but who are diamond cutters them- rare and each one is unique. They are a selves and whose family has been cutters true product of chance, made by millions for four generations. of years of crystallization and tremen- This fall, as a way to celebrate Lynn’s dous pressure exerted on each stone deep 20th anniversary making jewelry, the two in the earth. That pressure abnormally award winning artists have been given a compresses the diamond’s structure and once in a lifetime opportunity to show- thereby changes the color. The grain- case a considerable quantity of purple ing within the diamond is believed to be diamonds of many different hues. evidence of that tremendous pressure and Some of the stones are definitely a the presence of hydrogen produces the distinct purple color, some with a hint unique violet colors. No two colored dia- of pink and some are even closer to pink monds are ever identical and it is precisely than purple. Each stone has been care- that rareness that gives them such value. fully handcut and although some of the Natural colored diamonds have remained diamonds have already been eagerly and a stable investment that has significantly beautifully set by the women in very increased over the past 25 years (unlike a unique settings, Lynn and Susan still have lot of other investments right now!). a good amount of loose purple diamonds In 1947 Queen Elizabeth received a 54 to chose from to make this a Christmas to carat intense pink diamond as her engage- remember forever. ment ring and singlehandedly popularized Take advantage of this rare oppor- colored diamonds. That stone was later tunity to see one of Mother Natures’ made into a brooch by Cartier, and Queen most unusual creations... natural handcut Elizabeth to this day remains one of the purple diamonds from the safe and happy world’s largest collectors of natural colored Argyle mine in Australia! You can also diamonds. view Lynn and Susan’s beautiful creations As rare as pink diamonds are, purple on their website, bluegoldsmiths.com. pink and pink purple and true purple diamonds are even more rare. Since the color is correlated to internal grain formation, blue the cut influences the ultimate color in a major way. Another indication of the rare- 1 Swan Street in Biltmore Village ness of purple diamonds is the fact that Monday thru Saturday 10:30 a.m. there are no large historically important to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. pure purple diamonds found as of yet.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 21 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE BOOKS

Thinking About Home by H. Byron Ballard ing, we are neither noble sav- Heading home this month? Take some reading material with you. ages nor inbred stereotypes Just in case. but characters living in a place and time, bearing skills ovember is so problematic in are privileged to spend time among and weaknesses that inform November 2008 modern America. Few people the armies of the Revolution and living, as well as dying. Monday, November 3 at 7 p.m. believe the old mythology of there are hilarious moments and “Serena” gives us the LINDA STAR WOLF discusses her new book Pilgrims and kindly Natives moments that will take your breath gift of a fascinating female and tarot deck, The Anubis Oracle. — most of us instead bear a away. Read it. Go out and get it right character against the backdrop of the Thursday, November 6 at 7 p.m. piece of conqueror’s guilt. now. Plan to give it to someone who loves mountain timber industry of the last cen- JOHN SHELTON REED and DALE VOLBERG The weather has made a history or war stories or excellent writing. tury. The story is excellent, the characters REED will discuss Holy Smoke: The Big N sharply etched and the writing superb. Book of North Carolina Barbecue. definite change here in western North Or keep it for yourself. Carolina and we can no longer deny that Children, “Cabins & Castles” is Sunday, November 9 at 3 p.m. winter is a-coming soon. And, for better back at last. It was first published in 1981 “A Voyage Long and Strange: HOWARD LEE the first black mayor of or worse, November is the beginning of by the Historic Rediscovering the New World” Chapel Hill will discuss and read from his by Tony Horwitz book The Courage to Lead. the family season. Even if you can avoid Resources a family entanglement on the fourth Commission This is one weird book and I loved Wednesday, November 12 at 7 p.m. Thursday of this month, the winter holi- and the NC it. Horwitz’s “Confederates in the Attic“ DR. PETER KINGSLEY reads from his books went down another quirky historical path Reality and In the Dark Places of Wisdom. days loom only a few weeks away. Over Department the river and through the woods — you’ll of Archives but his new book came from the author’s Thursday, November 13 at 7 p.m. never hear that from your car’s GPS and History. realization that he’d somehow missed a James P. Hendrix will discuss his recent system. So, in this season of gratitude and Four wide swath of American history — that book, Green Jobs, which he coauthored time before the Mayflower. He calls it with A. Bronwyn Llewellyn and K.C. Golden. enforced history, let’s take a look at the local legends harvest of local books you can find at your worked together to “The Lost Century” and he goes on his Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. independent bookstore. make this lovely book — Mary Jo Brezny own voyage of exploration. He interviews DANA LYONS will sign copies of Heart of lots of people, he’s done a lot of research the Druae, her debut novel. photographed the places, Doug Swaim “Southern Appalachian Poetry: supplied local architectural history and and it is highly readable. You will learn Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m. An Anthology of Works by 37 Poets” John Ager and Talmage Powell told some more about pre-USA America than you GIOIA TIMPANELLI reads from her latest edited by Marita Garin ever thought possible. book, What Makes a Child Lucky. of the stories of the area. This is a nice It is a rich little book in so many ways Sunday, November 16 at 5 p.m. series of books and I am grateful to Bright Mountain AMY BLOOM reads from Away. Wine and that includes a Byron Ballard is a bookseller, organic cheese reception before the reading! Books for the reissue. This is a WNC that recent history of is lost in time and there is sadness in re- gardener and a beekeeper. Her writings Wednesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. Asheville by Nan membering some of the things that were have appeared in local and national print and electronic media. She blogs for the BARBARA DUNCAN will read, recite, and Chase. Garin has and are no more. discuss stories from the Cherokee tradition. done a heart-felt Asheville Citizen-Times as “the Village Thursday, November 20 at 7 p.m. job of selecting “When the Witch”. Byron lives on an urban farmstead CECIL BOTHWELL reads from Pure Bunkum: and arranging Dead Dream” in Asheville’s historic West End with her husband Joe and daughter Kate. Reporting on the Life and Crimes of some remarkable by MariJo Moore Buncombe Co. Sheriff Bobby Lee Medford. poems. Sure, First, I need Friday, November 21 at 7 p.m. Fred Chap- to level with you. MARIJO MOORE reads from When the Dead pell and Robert MariJo Moore Dream, sequel to The Diamond Doorknob. Byron Ballard, Asheville’s Village Witch Morgan are here but the wonder of this writes for this http://blogs.citizen-times.com/blogs/ Sunday, November 23 at 3 p.m. book are the poets I never knew and I paper and she is index.php?blog=18 STEVE CRIMI reads from Talks on found myself grateful for the introduc- a friend of mine. Biodynamic French Intensive Horticulture. tion. It’s the kind of book you can snuggle “The Diamond Sunday, November 30 at 3 p.m. up with and lose yourself in the evocative Doorknob” was THOMAS RAIN CROWE will discuss his language of home. There are also notes the place where she began to forge her recent book, The End of Eden: Writings of for those obscure phrases that are being personal history into dark fiction. an Environmental Activist. lost in the rush to modernity. Its sequel continues the story and the I have been a fan of Charles F. Price experiment. It is rich and dark — don’t Accent on Books 55 Haywood St. since his excellent tale of mountain may- pick it up unless you are prepared to go Accent on 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 hem “Hiwassee.” Price has taken family deep. Moore is a poet and her fiction re- Books will host Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8am-9pm legends and characters and woven them flects that skill. The characters are quirky, a “Welcome Fri & Sat, 8am-10pm; Sun, 8am-7pm into the most readable unusual and the way Back” party for historical fiction. she transports the the publisher His new book everyday parts of and some of “Nor the Battle poor folks’ lives is the writers to the Strong: deft. of “Cabins and Castles” on Friday, A Novel of the November 7 at 6 p.m. “Serena” American Revolu- The bookstore is located in north tion in the South” by Ron Rash I have often Asheville, in the shopping center leaves the Civil War underneath SteinMart. For more behind and takes said that Rash “gets” us mountain information on the store visit www. us deeper into the accentonbooks.com. nation’s past. We folk. In his writ-

22 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE poetry Poetry That Adheres bitter words of those who A sacred fury... choose to disagree. And Bookstore Happenings or years now I have been collecting should rest in reason and an uncommon madness... this morning, because years copies of books by Kahlil Gibran. I move in passion.” 1 ago a gifted Lebanese poet find them at local bookstores, yard Friday, November 7 I then took a walk and took the time to listen to 7 p.m. – Meet the Author sales, Goodwill, and occasionally I thought about what I had his soul and share what he James Taylor exposes what science will receive a copy as a gift. just read. had gleaned from combin- actually knows about human energy I prefer the older versions, cof- Reason enlightens me. ing reason and passion, I and how it works in his new book, F fee stains and all, because I know Passion empowers me. a scattering of birds... know I will remember to The Assumptions. that at one time, someone read the pro- Have I recently neglected look outward as well as by MariJo Moore phetic poetry and was perhaps touched the rapport these two inward. Reason and passion Saturday, November 8 somewhere deep in his or her soul, just as entities offer? If I believe are both wholly necessary 7-9 p.m. Enjoy Americana and I am when I reread it. in total interconnection (and I do) of all when making decisions. Blues, with original songs by Lor- In 1970, I received my first copy of things in this world, have I tried to divide I would like to share a quote from raine Conard. The Prophet for my high school gradu- these two? I have stated many times that I Gibran’s essay “The New Frontier,” ation; I had asked my mom for the book work from total intuition. which was written and first published Thursday, November 13 and she gifted me with a beautiful copy. But I realize now, I don’t always do in 1925 in Arabic. It may have a familiar Noon – Writing Workshop with I must have read that book over one this when making decisions. For exam- ring if you think of a famous presidential Shelley Lieberman hundred times in the next twenty or so ple, if I am driving my car and come to a inaugural address in 1961. 6:30 p.m. – Meet the Author years. And in 2001, at my son’s wedding red light and feel compelled to turn right “Come and tell me who and what are you. Kerry Madden reception, I read from that same copy the instead of going straight through as I had section speaking of children, and dedi- Are you a politician asking what your planned to do, do I run the stoplight and country can do for you or a zealous one Saturday, November 15 cated it to Lance and his bride, Katie. pull in front of the car barreling down 3 p.m. – Anne of Green Gables High Though lately, instead of read- asking what you can do for your country? the road in front of me? I suppose there If you are the first, then you are a para- Tea. Join us for high tea to celebrate ing Gibran’s poetry, I have been more was a time when I would have done this. 100 years of this classic book. Dress concerned with collecting copies of his site; if the second, then you are an oasis in When I was so determined to listen to in- a desert.” 2 in your best “Anne” style and brush books. But this morning, I picked up a tuition that passion would have overruled up on your “Anne” trivia before you small copy of The Prophet I had recently reason and I would have gone ahead, As I stated above, everything is income! Tickets are $10 and must be found at Goodwill and opened it at ran- ignored the red light, and barely missed terconnected. Just try to look with reason purchased in advance. dom. These are the lines that climbed off hitting the other car. But today, I know and understand with passion, and as the page and in to my day: to pay more attention. Gibran suggests, rest in reason and move Saturday, November 22 “Among the hills when you sit in the cool No doubt reason and passion are ab- with passion. Noon – Lunch with an author. Call shade of the white poplars, sharing the solutely connected. They are, in Gibran’s 1 The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran © 1926 The ahead to reserve your seat and enjoy peace and serenity of distant fields and words, “the rudder and the sails of your National Committee of Gibran a discussion with Terrell Garren, meadows — then let your heart say in seafaring soul. If either your sails or your 2 “The New Frontier” by Kahlil Gibran © author of The Secret of War. Lunch silence, ‘God rests in reason.’ rudder be broken, you can but toss and 1925 The National Committee of Gibran is $10. Seating is limited to 14. And when the storm comes, and the drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid- 1 p.m. Author Reading and Signing mighty wind shakes the forest, and thun- seas. For reason, ruling alone, is a force Terrell Garren, will sign and discuss confining; and passion, unattended, is a MariJo Moore is the author of a dozen his new novel, The Fifth Skull, der and lightning proclaim the majesty of books including three books of poetry: the sky, -then let your heart say in awe, flame that burns to its own destruction.” which tells the story of the “lost boys Spirit Voices of Bones, Confessions of a of the Confederate Junior Reserve.” ‘God moves in passion.’ Again, I have been reminded that Madwoman (now available on CD), and the everything I need is right in front of me. forthcoming Poets Inhale The Darkness 3 p.m. – Meet the Authors And since you are a breath in God’s Whether in a book, a dream, the kind sphere, and a leaf in God’s forest, you too Artists Breathe. www.marijomoore.com Thomas Raine Crowe and Nan words of a friend, or, even at times, the Watkins will discuss their new book, Rare Birds: Conversations with Leg- ends of Jazz and Classical Music.

Friday, November 28 Saturday, November 29 It’s officially time to begin your holiday shopping! Bring your Thanks- giving guests and come see what we have on sale!

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

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

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 23 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Noteworthy Southern Culture on the Skids brings Heart Countrypolitan to the Grey Eagle of the Druae hat is Countrypolitan? Darn by James Cassara good question. Like most Written by Dana Lyons, review by Beth Gossett ethereal forms of cultural en- lightenment Countrypolitan Assisted by his cohorts in white trash I’ve always loved transcends music. renaissance – drummer Dave Hartman a good romance “It’s a lifestyle, not a cat- and bassist/singer/heartbreaker Mary Huff novel and I was ex- Wegory of music,” says Southern Culture – Miller and crew have been prolific and on the Skids front man, Rick Miller. “It’s ubiquitous for over twenty years. From tremely excited when The Brothers Countrypolitan Heart of the Druae, where rural and urban sensibilities meet. their 1985 debut Voodoo Beach Party, to by Dana Lyons came I mean, it’s when you see trucker hats the widely acclaimed, Dirt Track Date across my desk. After being sold in Beverly Hills boutiques or (featuring “Camel Walk” their lone hit standout track, featuring Mary Huff’s sul- reading the first two chapters I knew notice folks eating pork in my hometown single), and up to their last studio album, try lead vocal, and her duet with Rick on my expectations were not only going of Mebane. Or best yet, when you see 2004’s barnstormer Mojo Box, the band the swingers-on-the-rocks classic, “Let’s to be met but highly exceeded. a motor sport invented by backwoods has continued to throw what Rolling Invite Them Over” (an Onie Wheeler It has been a long while since I moonshine runners and bootleggers Stone dubbed “a hell raising rock and roll original), explores the relationship of a fell this much in love with a novel broadcast on Sunday afternoon into party.” couple who don’t love each other, but do or the characters that I didn’t want potentially every living room in America, “The live album was so raunchy, love their best friends. It’s as if, relieved to finish the book. Actually I found there ain’t no doubt it’s a countrypolitan which was fine for what it was” Miller of the responsibility of writing new songs, myself reading as slow as I possibly world.” And, of course the new and aptly tells me. “But on this one we wanted the band gets to kick back and play their could without stopping, to savor the named Southern Culture on the Skids the production to be slick.” Recorded at backsides off. final 50 pages. I envy those who have album Countrypolitan Favorites is the Miller’s own studio (The Kudzu Ranch), “Homogenization, though prob- the opportunity to read this book for soundtrack for it. Countrypolitan Favorites might be slick ably not a good thing, makes for some the first time. Long considered the bards of down- in spots, but there’s no mistaking that this interesting observations.” Sounds like a The plot is simple – Archeolo- ward mobility, Southern Culture on the is the group who wrote and recorded the true academic. But then Miller added, gist Eric Beck has always found love Skids have always embodied a delicate deliriously suggestive “Eight Piece Box.” “But we’re not sociologists or anything. I to be hard to find – and when he did balance of redneck and refinement. T-Rex’s “Life’s a Gas” appears here mean, we just want to party.” find it it wasn’t right. One day while Recently described in Filter Magazine by with country harmonies atop heavy And so, let us party, with Southern examining an unexplored hill near Bakersfield’s own Dwight Yoakam as “re- synthesizer; “O Lonesome Me” has an Culture on the Skids’ Countrypolitan Stonehenge (one of the most famous ally on the outside, like Dick Dale meets upbeat twist, again with the harmony Favorites. The brew will be flowing, the prehistoric sites in the world), he Hank Thompson,” the band have long vocals; “Tobacco Road” sounds like CCR, juke joint will be jumping, and Southern discovers he can travel back in time mixed high and low culture, endlessly while CCR’s “Tombstone Shadow” gets Culture will be doing what they do best. and that his true love awaits him touring, serving up moonshine martinis stacked with three part bluegrass har- more than 4000 years ago. and poultry picking for fans everywhere. monies, and “No Longer a Sweetheart Lyons will be at Malaprop’s Now, with their new fifteen track cov- of Mine,” originally a bluegrass tune by Bookstore in Asheville, November ers collection, they’ve given the Go-Go Reno and Smiley, gets rocked up with If you go: Southern Culture on the 15, 2-4 p.m. For more details visit country treatment to some of their favor- surf guitar and honky tonk piano and Skids at the Grey Eagle. Friday, November www.blacklyonpublishing.com. ite songs, recasting tunes by artists from more harmony vocals. “Funnel of Love” 7, 9 p.m. Call ahead for tickets as this show Don Gibson to T-Rex. (made famous by Wanda Jackson) is a is very likely to sell out.

Rapid River ® E.Normus Trio Recording Live at The Rocket Club ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE th he E.Normus Trio is an adven- is known for his complex yet hauntingly by Erin Scholze Annual turous Jazz spirit comprised of lyrical melodies and chord progressions. Steve Alford on alto clarinet, Alford is a Chicago ex-patriot bass 12 Poetry Contest have both spent some time in Chicago’s Jay Sanders on bass, and Billy clarinetist and saxophonist who now Any unpublished poem Seawell on drums. They will be teaches the jazz program at Mars Hill independent musical scene. Recording engineer for the show, 35 lines or less is wanted! joined on the fender rhodes by College and is (to his knowledge) the Tnoted Chicago jazz composer Charles D. only musician currently developing the Nessle, has worked with Etta James, Bayne who has written a suite of tunes alto clarinet as a lead voice instrument. Dave Brubreck, and Pat Metheny among 5 Winners – Prizes Include: for the E.Normus Trio to perform and The fusion of Alford with one of others. In today’s age of digital recording, Tickets to the Opera; Mellow record live at the Rocket Club. the most spontaneously creative rhythm the art of the live improvised recording is Mushroom Gift Certificates; “The group’s remarkable creativ- sections to come out of Western North being resurrected right here in Asheville. and books from Malaprops. ity and wit were a big inspiration for the Carolina, Asheville locals, Sanders (bassist music I composed for this project,” states for Acoustic Syndicate and Donna the Bayne. This live recording of original ma- Buffalo) and Seawell (drummer for Snake If you go: Asheville Meets Chicago Deadline December 12th. Winning terial emphasizes the emerging crossover Oil Medicine Show and CX1), created Jazz: E.Normus Trio recording live at The poems will be printed in the February sound of Chicago’s Independent Music Asheville’s E.Normus Trio. Rocket Club on Tuesday, November 4 and 2009 issue. Fee: $5 for five poems. Scene with Western North Carolina’s The Rocket Club, an exceptionally Wednesday, November 5. 10 p.m. each For more info call (828) 258-3752. Appalachian Roots and will be released on rare music and lounge venue allowing for night, no charge. Send poems to: Luminescence Records. state of the art recording quality during 401 Haywood Road in Asheville. (828) Bayne is a fourteen year Chicago na- live performances, became the perfect 505-2494. For more information visit www. Rapid River Poetry Contest, tive, keyboardist, band leader and owner choice for this show. The Rocket Club enormustrio.com or www.myspace.com/ 85 N. Main St., Canton, NC 28716 of Luminescence Records. As a writer he owners, Kevin Nessle and Ken Klehm, enormustrio

24 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 Reel Take Reviewers: For the latest reviews, Chip Kaufmann is a film historian who theater info and also shares his love of classical music as , visit a program host on WCQS-FM radio. movie show times www.rapidrivermagazine.com Michelle Keenan is a long time student of film, a believer in the magic of movies and a fundraiser for public radio. ∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic Sierra Bicking, our Teen Reviewer, ∑∑∑∑ - Pretty darn good prefers movies that show teenagers as brilliant and brave. ∑∑∑ - Has some good points ∑∑ - The previews lied ∑ - Only if you must Questions/Comments? M- Forget entirely You can email Chip or Michelle at [email protected]

An American Carol ∑∑∑ Kevin Farley) is an ideal target for parody death in his wake, he is a man of morals Short Take: Typical scattershot since he has already become a parody of and sensitivity to the chaos, struggles and comedy from the Airplane people has himself. Instead of Christmas, it’s the culture in the Middle East. In contrast, its moments but may not be what its Fourth of July that this “Scrooge” wants Hoffman is the long distance puppet creators intended. to do away with. The left wing jabs taken master who couldn’t have less regard for by the film make the ones in Bruce collateral damage be it Iraqi or American. Reel Take: From all the advance re- Tinsley’s Mallard Fillmore comic strip Interestingly almost every time we see views I read about this movie, I went in seem like Oscar Wilde. Hoffman barking orders (which result in expecting to see some heavy duty right Personally I found An American the death of others) he’s shuffling his kids wing propaganda but came out thinking Carol to be funnier and far less offensive to school, helping them at the potty, or this should be called National Lampoon’s than Sasha Baron Cohen’s Borat even being soccer dad and essentially living the American though Borat is the better movie. In the American dream. Carol. final analysis it’s all a matter of taste and When Ferris is assigned to Jordan to It could Shia LaBoeuf and Michelle Monaghan all about your sense of humor but only infiltrate a terrorist mastermind’s net- on the run in EAGLE EYE. just as someone like Sarah Palin could take An work, he joins forces with the Chief of easily be American Carol’s right wing point-of- Jordanian Intelligence Hani Salaam (a Eagle Eye ∑∑∑∑ a liberal view seriously. riveting and meticulous performance by version Short Take: This Hitchcock style Rated PG-13 for rude and Mark Strong). With Fer- thriller delivers the goods and makes a of what ris in alliance with Hani, a right irreverent content and for statement as well. language and drug use. Hoffman makes waves wing which sever the tenuous Reel Take: Shia LaBeouf returns in Review by Chip Kaufmann comedy bonds between Salaam another slam-bang action adventure like should Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the ∑∑∑∑ and Ferris. From there be. Body of Lies on, not knowing who to Crystal Skull or Transformers but Eagle All Short Take: Very well done trust, Ferris sets his sights Eye is better than both of those movies. the intelligence drama set in the on his original mission It’s even better than Wanted which it clichés Middle East but fails to truly and shoots from the hip. resembles in many ways. Jon Voight as expected connect with the audience. Along the way Ferris The central idea underpinning Eagle George Washington Eye is that of the rogue computer which of right Reel Take: The last time befriends and begins a and Kelsey Grammer must be stopped. This has been the raison wing Russell Crowe and Leonardo romantic flirtation with an as General Patton in d’etre behind several movies over the humor DiCaprio worked together Iranian nurse Aisha (Gol- AN AMERICAN CAROL. years from Demon Seed with Julie Chris- are there was in 1993’s The Quick and shifteh Farahani) who tie (1977) to Will Smith’s I, Robot (2004) includ- the Dead with Sharon Stone works in Jordan. This and of course who can forget HAL from ing gay jokes, fat jokes, racist humor, and and Gene Hackman. Crowe sweet sub-story brings Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Bill O’Reilly (although he’s not funny the and DiCaprio were the relative unknowns with it another set of interesting cultural (1968). way he thinks he is). And let’s not forget in the film and as such apparently formed clashes and perceptions. This time around LaBeouf is a low David Zucker’s patented lowbrow slap- a camaraderie. Fifteen years later and both Body of Lies is perfectly named and key loser hiding out from the acclaim stick found in everything from Airplane of them megastars, that early camaraderie very well done. Scott’s direction and pac- and success of his twin brother. When to The Naked Gun to Scary Movies 3 & still shows in Body of Lies, a story that ing in the film is tight and fast but to me the brother is killed, LaBeouf is suddenly 4. Even the 82 year old Leslie Nielsen is ultimately pits them against each other. that served as both an asset and a detri- arrested and then broken out of custody on hand. Body of Lies is the latest espionage ment. The pacing is tight and smart, but by a mysterious voice that can apparently From my perspective, the “Far Right” novel adapted for big screen. At the helm fast enough that it detracts from our emo- monitor and control anything electronic. comes out of this a lot worse than the lib- of the movie is the now legendary Ridley tional connection to the story because He is then thrown together with single eral media does. That may not have been Scott. Scott enlisted his favorite leading we are too busy just keeping up with the mother Michelle Monaghan for an un- Zucker’s intention but when you have man Russell Crowe to play second fiddle dizzying events. This element helps us known purpose (shades of Alfred Hitch- Kelsey Grammer as General Patton, Jon on this one and cast Leonardo DiCaprio feel the uncertainty and confusion, but cock) which is spelled out over the course Voight as George Washington and Dennis in the lead. DiCaprio is Roger Ferris a unfortunately prevents us from connect- of the movie. Hopper as a right wing judge defending CIA operative in the Middle East. Crowe ing to some pretty interesting characters. In addition to the standard CGI the Ten Commandments (one of the is Ed Hoffman, DiCaprio’s ruthless, fat, Rated R for strong violence including special effects and pulsating music one funnier scenes), it’s hard not to come to middle-aged boss back at Langley. some torture and for language through- now has to put up with in movies of this that conclusion. We quickly learn that while Ferris Filmmaker Michael Moore (here out. type, there is actually a storyline and it’s is a deft operative who has left a trail of Review by Michelle Keenan called Michael Malone and played by ‘Movies’ continued on pg 26

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg 25 celebrated war of words over the matter at least remem- and allowing of corruption in the force which has been duly covered by the Press bered that it but has never partaken of it himself. His handled very well. It progresses in a linear but this does Miracle a great disservice. was a Nicholas eldest son Francis Tierney, Jr. (Noah fashion, is easy to follow, and creates Now critics will constantly be comparing Sparks novel Emerich) is a precinct commander and characters that we come to care about. the two films and that’s unfair because in the first husband to a dying wife (Jennifer Ehle). If you examine it closely, Eagle Eye is they are coming from two totally differ- place (a writer The younger Tierney son, Ray (Edward totally outlandish but strangely plausible ent perspectives. renowned for Norton) is a former street cop now physi- giving the picture a certain edge missing The film opens in 1983 with the his hopelessly cally and emotionally scarred from the from recent action fare which makes it a apparently unmotivated murder of a romantic but job. He reluctantly goes back to the street cut above. But don’t think too hard about customer by a postal worker. Back in his formulaically beat to find out who killed four officers it. Just allow yourself to be propelled apartment, an antique stone head is found devastating love that were under his brother’s command. along like LaBeouf and Monaghan not but the postal worker refuses to say any- stories). Rounding out the Tierney family of cops knowing where you’ll wind up until the thing. From this framing device Miracle Gere and is Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell) loving very end and you’ll enjoy the ride. moves forward to its principal story by Lane turn in husband of Megan Tierney (Lake Bell), going back to World War II. fine performances as two middle aged Francis and Ray’s sister. Rated PG-13 for action and violence and It is Italy during the Allied invasion. people coming out of failed marriages and Pride and Glory is a tangled web of for language. A quartet of Buffalo Soldiers advances on going through their own personal chal- corruption and decency and is cliche in Review by Chip Kaufmann a small town. The postal worker (Derek lenges. They meet at a truly waterfront both the elements of cop culture and the Lee) is now an Army sergeant trying to B&B in a small town on the Outer Banks. Irish American family. But somehow bits Miracle at St Anna ∑∑∑∑ keep his unit together in hostile terri- The unhappily married, self sacrificing and pieces of it draw the viewer in. At one Short Take: Spike Lee’s sprawling tory. One of them, a gentle giant of a man mom, Adrienne Willis (Lane), is mind- point I consciously shifted from movie World War II saga is a little too long and (Omar Benson Miller) has rescued an ing the place for her friend Jean (Viola critic mode to moviegoer mode, knowing occasionally heavy Italian orphan and is Davis). Dr. Paul Flanner (Gere), the only that this tiresome premise was going to handed, but has many trying to protect him. guest, has come to make amends and appeal to the non-critics who will enjoy a fine moments. In the village are parti- avoid a lawsuit with the husband of a movie that entertains, resonates with their Reel Take: It’s always sans, suspicious towns- patient that died on his operating table. family value system, and still has a little interesting to watch a people, and a former Gere and Lane become fast friends edge to it. Believe it or not, making that director step outside Fascist and his daugh- while waiting out a Hurricane. In the shift made the difference in this movie his traditional genre ter. Retreating Germans course of their long weekend together, he for me and is important to note in my and try something dif- come to the village and helps her rediscover her own self worth. observations to you. ferent. Spike Lee is best conflict arises. She helps him see the errors of his ways, There are two aspects that lift Pride known for his gritty It is from this not as a doctor but in his bedside man- and Glory from rote territory, to making urban dramas like Do standard war movie ners. This in turn gives him the meeting the average moviegoer feel like they’re the Right Thing and scenario that Lee crafts he needs with the angry widower (played watching something really good – the Derek Luke (center) and his Jungle Fever but noth- his film and he does to a T by Scott Glenn) and ultimately the director of photography Declan Quinn squadron in MIRACLE AT a remarkable job. He reparation he needs with his estranged and the caliber of the film’s actors, ing like this. ST ANNA. Miracle at St Anna not only authentically son. Along the way they fall in love. especially Edward Norton among the is Spike Lee’s answer to Clint Eastwood’s recreates the period but So what’s wrong with this mush leads and Jennifer Ehle in the supporting lack of Black characters in Flags Of Our he gets good, solid performances from his fest? In two words – the ending. As I roster. Norton, who dexterously switches Fathers. The two have certainly had a ensemble cast. Although the film is too heard the sniffles of every woman in the between playing insidiously evil and long and the overt racist scenes are pre- theatre, myself included, I was completely sincerely good characters, is the good cop cisely that, I found it compelling through- annoyed, knowing that our XX chromo- and central figure at the heart of Pride & out and so did most of the audience. The some emotions were being deliberately Glory. As the story evolves, he discovers Theatre Directory ending was particularly fine. Miracle at manipulated by sophomoric schmaltz. the corruption that led to the deaths of Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company St. Anna is solid fare for those who enjoy Pass the hankies please! the four men is rooted in his own family. Movieline (828) 254-1281 character driven films in period settings. Rated PG-13 for some sensuality. Loving family men, twisted cops, blurred lines of good and bad, allegiance, morality www.ashevillepizza.com Rated R for war violence, strong lan- Review by Michelle Keenan guage, and nudity. and life and death are the pulse points of Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) Pride and Glory. Movieline (828) 298-1234 Review by Chip Kaufmann Pride and Glory ∑∑∑1/2 Rated R for strong violence, pervasive Carmike 10 (Asheville) Short Take: Familiar NYPD good cop, language and brief drug content. Nights in Rodanthe ∑∑∑ bad cop, we-take-care-of-our-own Movieline (828) 298-4452 Review by Michelle Keenan www.carmike.com Short Take: Uber chick flick in classic action drama is taken beyond the basic Nicholas Sparks style. stereotype by strong performances. Cinebarre (Asheville) Reel Take: There was a good bit The Duchess ∑∑∑∑ www.cinebarre.com Reel Take: of buzz surrounding the re-teaming of Pride and Glory Short Take: A beautiful looking 18th The Falls Theatre (Brevard) Diane Lane and Richard Gere for Nights centers around century costume drama of a bad Movieline (828) 883-2200 in Rodanthe (previously seen together in the Tierney marriage, the search for love and a very strange arrangement. Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) The Cotton Club and Unfaithful). I have family, a multi- Movieline (828) 232-1536 to admit they make a pretty couple and generational Reel Take: In the late 1700’s the Duch- www.fineartstheatre.comm it’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed clan of NYPD’s ess of Devonshire was the Princess Diana the guilty pleasure of a really good chick of her time. (Ironically, they are from the Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) finest. Jon flick. Suffice it to say, I had pleasant same line of blue blood.) Like Diana she Movieline (828) 697-2463 Voight is Francis hopes for this one. was a trend setter, people followed her www.flatrockcinema.com Tierney, Sr. a If your definition of a good chick hard drinking, every move, she loved her children, and Four Seasons (Hendersonville) flick is a tragic love tear jerker, then you high ranking, she was trapped in a loveless marriage. Movieline (828) 693-8989 won’t be disappointed. (Am I giving away old style cop anything here?) I guess I should have read who is aware ‘Movies’ continued on next pg Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) the Nicholas Sparks novel beforehand or Movieline (828) 452-9091

26 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg 26 The Remarkable Charley Bowers: Bowers. Fortunately for Diana, she was able to Of the 20 short films leave hers and enjoy a few years before by Chip Kaufmann her premature and tragic death. A True American Original he made, As for Georgiana, The Duchess only 9 of Devonshire, her tale is a little more survive to- ith Thanksgiving coming up in a survive). Along the way he patented a interesting though no more heart day along few weeks, fans of silent mov- form of stop motion animation which warming. While the rest of England with a ies have much to be thankful was named after him. loves the beguiling, intelligent bauty, few of his for. It seems that every month In the mid 1920s he had formed his who influenced politics and fashion W cartoons some new silent film release or upgrade own company and began producing a se- in equal measure, her husband does from the is making its way to DVD. No release ries of silent comedy shorts that featured not. To add insult to injury the Duke World War however has been met with more curi- him as a Rube Goldberg type of inven- does fall in love with her best friend. I era and osity and wild enthusiasm than Charley tor. His inventions, which were brought She becomes his mistress and lives his 1939 Bowers: The Rediscovery Of An Ameri- to life by his stop motion animation pro- with them. However, when Georgiana World’s can Comic Genius. cess, created a variety of comic situations makes a play for love with a young Fair short Who is Charley Bowers and why which invariably ended badly. politician whom she knew before about the history of oil, “Pete Roleum can’t I get him out of my head? That’s For his screen character, Bowers bor- her marriage, her hopes are cruelly And His Cousins.” the question you’ll be asking yourself rowed bits from the leading comedians crushed by the same man who does Most of this surviving material has once you run across anything by this of the day. He wore Chaplin’s tattered not love her but will not let her go. been issued on a 2 DVD set by Image remarkable, multi-talented, but totally clothes, had Harold Lloyd’s exuberance, Keira Knightly plays the Duchess Entertainment and is a real eye-opener. forgotten individual. Rediscovered in and wore a deadpan expression similar to of Devonshire and turns in her first 3 of the comedies, “Egged On, Fatal France in the 1970s, we are only now Buster Keaton. Yet he was his own man truly mature performance as an actress. Footsteps,” and “Now You Tell One” just beginning to realize what an origi- and was very successful as an independent Ralph are unlike any silent comedies you’ve nal, creative artist he was. producer-director until 1929 when the Fiennes, ever seen. Charles K. Bowers was born in Iowa arrival of sound and the Stock Market who plays If you love silent comedies and want in 1889 (the same year as Chaplin) and Crash brought about an end to his career. the Duke, to look beyond Chaplin, Keaton and grew up in a circus where he was walk- He soldiered on through a few proj- masters yet Lloyd then check out Charley Bowers: ing a tightrope at the age of 6. Although ects in the 1930s (including a stop motion another The Rediscovery Of A True American he only had a grade school education, piece for the 1939 New York World’s disturbing Bowers had a remarkable gift for under- Fair) but ill health forced him to retire in charac- standing mechanics and for drawing. 1940. By the time of his death in 1946, he ter with Section co-editor Chip By the age of 21 he had become a and his films were forgotten. understated Kaufmann is a film histori- comic strip artist and in 1913 he made Flash forward to the 1960s when a brilliance. an who also shares his love the jump to animation. He drew and French film scholar discovers a trunk- The sup- of classical music on public animated more than 300 cartoons by load of films featuring a mystery char- porting cast, radio station WCQS-FM. 1916 including the then popular Mutt acter known as Bricolo. A little research including and Jeff series (most of these do not showed this character to be Charley Charlotte Rampling and Hayley Atwell is quite good, but it’s Dominic Cooper as Charles Grey, the Duchess’ lover and future Prime Minister of England, TEEN REVIEW by Sierra Bicking who really shines. The acting is good, the story held my attention and the costumes and The Secret Life of ends up discovering herself sets are beyond extraordinary, even Bees ∑∑∑∑ as well along the way. for a big budget costume drama, yet it Previews for The The Secret Life of ultimately misses the mark. I think it Secret Life of Bees Bees is one of those movies has something to do with the fact that have been shouting for that stays with you. With some of the most interesting and dis- months that one of the its complex plot and deep turbing moments were more intimated strong points of this characters, the audience is than explored. For instance, we only movie is that it holds drawn in by this powerful Sierra Bicking is tale, and is taken along on just start to understand the emotional- many acclaimed ac- Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer ity of the Duke by the movie’s end. tresses, including Queen an arte aficionado the journey with Lily. extraordinaire. Queen Latifah especial- Hudson, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning Then in the epilogue we read that the Latifah, Alicia Keys, star in the Secret Life of Bees. Duke and Duchess went on to live an Jennifer Hudson, and ly hooks the audience with amicable life together even though she Dakota Fanning. These previews did her performance. She commu- represented in the film. I experienced was not allowed her love, but his mis- not mislead its audience, for the actors nicates with her eyes, and it helps the the same powerful emotions I had felt tress continued to live with them and brought to life a beautiful story. audience members to stop feeling like when I spun through the pages of the remained her closest friend… The Secret Life of Bees takes place they are stuck in a cold, dark theatre and original tale. Huh?!? in racist South Carolina in 1964, when a are actually out on a honey-farm, both The only downside to seeing this laughing and crying right along with the Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief girl, Lily (Dakota Fanning), has acciden- movie is that it is a lugubrious one. As tally killed her mother and now lives Boatwright sisters. I heard one audience member exclaim nudity and thematic material. The Secret Life of Bees is based on Review by Michelle Keenan with her abusive father. She sets off on the way out, “Bring some tissues, for with her fugitive housekeeper, Rosaleen a book by Sue Monk Kidd. I read the this a both beautiful and sad movie; the (Jennifer Hudson), on a journey to find novel a couple years ago, and was hap- greatest combination there is.” pily surprised at how well the novel was ‘Movies’ continued on pg. 28 out who her mother really was, and

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‘Movies’ continued from pg 24 Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: “Winter Kills” DVD Picks of the Month “The Candidate” (1972) W. ∑∑∑∑1/2 Short Take: A surprisingly subtle film from Oliver Stone with killer Winter Kills lowed in its wake. In that sense it is the Robert Redford and director Mi- performances. Although “mother of all conspiracy movies,” even chael Ritchie had previously teamed up the election will more so than Oliver Stone’s JFK. for Downhill Racer in 1967. When they Reel Take: Oliver Stone’s W. is a truly In watching the film again recently re-teamed to produce The Candidate, remarkable film in many ways. It’s re- be over by the time most of I was struck by how much it resembles they used Ritchie’s directing talent and markable for its subject, remarkable for its a Coen Brothers movie. While not up to Redford’s recent mega-stardom to make performances and, most of all, remarkable you read this, politics will still their technical level, the absurdist hu- quite a statement. for the restraint shown by director Stone. mor underlying the proceedings could Political handlers and strategists, in What could easily have been a hatchet be on everyone’s mind so why not be considered vintage Coen (they must particular Peter Boyle as the liberal ide- job (those expecting one will be disap- have known this film). alist and campaign strategist Lucas, hand pointed) in the most heavy-handed be entertained by one of the Recently released on DVD in a pick Bill McKay (Redford), a good look- manner possible (the majority of Oliver beautiful print, Winter Kills is one of ing, legal aid worker and son of a former Stone’s movies make their points with most interesting political con- those movies that makes you think while California governor to run for the U.S. sledgehammers) emerges as a relatively displaying a twisted sense of humor. If Senate and infuse the Democratic Party balanced portrait spiracy movies ever made. that’s your kind of film then become the with new energy. of a flawed indi- part of the audience that this film was Starting off strong and independent, vidual. Flawed Back in 1977 a young “maverick” director named William Richert secured denied when it came out in 1979. McKay falls prey to the political machine but by no means and the usual temptations tragic. funding and began shooting a version of Richard Condon’s Winter Kills with a The Candidate (1972) along the way. When he In between realizes no longer recog- a series of flash- dream cast of Hollywood veterans. Con- When Chip and I decided don wrote The Manchurian Candidate to pick political flicks for this nizes what he stands for any backs and fanta- more and it’s not working, sy sequences, we and if you’re familiar with that film then month’s DVD picks, there you know what to expect here but even was good lot to choose from, he takes back his campaign follow George in his own way and in do- W. Bush from more so. Mr Smith Goes to Wash- A young Jeff Bridges is joined by the ington, The Last Hurrah, ing so wins the people. The his days at Yale, vulnerable and honest last through a failed likes of John Huston, Anthony Perkins, The Manchurian Candidate, Dorothy Malone, and Elizabeth Taylor Primary Colors and so on and line of the movie strikes a series of jobs, shocking chord in the heart to a failed bid and that’s just for starters. Some of the so forth. Eventually I decided Josh Brolin as roles are little more than glorified cam- of the American voter. President Bush in for Congress. on The Candidate. eos, but each performer brings some- The dialogue, camera Oliver Stone’s “W.” These are all The reason is twofold. thing of to the table for all of us to share. When you watch it now, you work and performances by provided by his Redford, Boyle, and Don father who doesn’t hide his disdain over Although it uses the JFK assassina- realize this film paved the way for the tion as a reference point, the film is not future of independent film, particularly Porter are outstanding. Whether you’ve Junior’s failures. When he finally defies voted many times or just recently for the him and runs for Governor of Texas, we so much about the about the Kennedy in its dialogue and camera work. The family (here called the Kegans) as it is second is that even though it was made very first time, The Candidate is worth know what happens. And we know what a look. happens after that. about all the conspiracy theories that fol- in 1972, it stills holds up today. What keeps W. so engrossing and so entertaining despite its length are the performances by an ideal cast. James Cromwell and Ellen Burstyn make a Imagine a School… Summerhill fine George Sr. and Barbara Bush with Elizabeth Banks a solid Laura Bush. The Film by director William Tyler Smith will have its debut film’s juiciest moments however belong to screening at this year’s Asheville Film Festival. Richard Dreyfus as Dick Cheney (an Os- car worthy performance) and Toby Jones he feature documentary, pro- Imagine a School... Summer- as Karl Rove. Also Oscar worthy is Josh duced by 418 films ltd. and hill follows four students from Brolin as W himself. His central perfor- represented by Reflection Media, the ages of eleven to sixteen as mance drives the film along and gives you Inc., was filmed in England over they grow up and make impor- a definite picture of a sincere but limited a period of seven years: tant decisions about life and their man who is used by others. “In 1997, Tony Blair’s New education at the same time that W. is doing respectable business but TLabor government took steps to live up they become involved in the legal who knows how long it will be around to its promise to improve standards in and political fight to save their after Election Day. No matter what your education. Ironically, this would threaten school. feelings about President Bush are, you the existence of an unusual little school The film follows the same children owe it to yourself to see this provocative, in Suffolk called Summerhill...” who sneak out of their dorms at night performance driven film from one of So begins this extraordinary docu- and dance to The Spice Girls at the end If you go: Imagine a School... America’s most outspoken high-profile mentary about an exemplary school of term party as they go on to help run Summerhill, Friday, November 7, directors. It explains a lot without excus- in England, in which the students, the the democratic processes of their school, 3 p.m. at 35 below, Asheville Commu- ing a thing. staff and a few formidable barristers give a press conference at the Houses of nity Theatre. 35 E. Walnut Street (828) take on OFSTED (Office for Standards Parliament and, finally and triumphantly, 254-1320. Rated PG-13 for language, sexual refer- in Education) and Tony Blair’s Labor turn the high court into an unprecedent- Asheville Film Festival, November 6-9. ences, alcohol abuse, and war imagery. Government to fight for its existence ed and historical Summerhill general For screening schedules, events, ticket Review by Chip Kaufmann and the lifeblood of alternative education meeting to decide whether or not to ac- information and more, go to www. throughout the world. cept the terms of the British government. ashevillefilmfest.com.

28 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE REstaurants & Wine

‘Tis the Season for Wine Tastings Party Season is on getting Your Notes Ready is a Priority by Michael Parker The Way! We’re working harder than ever he local wine shops are hyper- else’s open bottle before you spend the Michael David, Petite/Petit ($23) A to bring you terrific wines at the stocking, and it is your burden to money. However, this particular Brach- fun blend of petite sirah and petit verdot, best possible prices and deliver the wade through deeper and deeper etto shows good structure. If you like red there is raspberry in this dense, dark, red best customer service you’ll find. selections. fizz, you will like this one. When you are planning your holiday At this time of year especial- wine. I love raspberry nuances, especially in rich California reds. Big stuff - serve parties, consider asking The Wine ly, you need your friendly local Pink Guy to host a tasting in our tasting Twine retailers to guide you, but even then, with a big meal. The petit verdot, fifteen Alta Vista, Malbec Rose ($12) Don’t room, or in your home or business. with so much new stock coming in, they percent of this wine, adds a shot of Bor- let seasonal rules rule what color you We can also may not have time to know everything. deaux-like tannin. drink. If pink is your color, consider roses Corte Majoli Valpolicella Superiore help with menu Check with the shops for their tasting made from a variety of red grapes. In this schedules, mark your calendars, and keep Ripasso 2005 ($16) There is a magic word selection, and case, a malbec rose will offer a slightly answer questions good notes. heavier mouth feel and flavor. on this label for shoppers who will not This is a shopping season where you pay the big bucks for Amarone - “ripas- you may have can buy good wine, but not the wine you White so”. I’m not saying this is the same, but it regarding amounts mean to buy. Let’s say you prefer grassy delivers an intense valpolicella taste for an of wine for your sauvignon blanc to grapefruity sauvignon Seifried, Gewurztraminer, Nelson, affordable price. function. Let us make it easy for you! blanc, or milder-mannered zinfandel to a New Zealand 2007 ($13) If you like com- Sausal Family, Zinfandel 2004 ($22) Call or visit either of our locations. style that’s in-your-face. Wine shop staff plexity in a white wine, you will get your There seems to be a new fashion in money’s worth here, even at a restau- do not have the time or opportunity to zinfandel, with the volume turned down The Wine Guy rant wine list price. This also is another taste it all, so it is wise to go to the tast- a couple of notches from the in-your-face 555 Merrimon Ave. ings and get your own knowledge before example of how New Zealand’s soils can really compete with the world’s older, style we’ve been bombarded with for the (828) 254-6500 spending on the bottles. past decade. It is still a man’s glass of red established wine producing regions. 1200 Hendersonville Rd. wine, but it is nice to taste its subtler nu- Fizz Cave de Vignerons de Saumur, Sau- (828) 277-1120 mur, Reserve de Vignerons 2006 ($10) ances this way. Willm, Cremant de Alsace Brut For people who drink white in winter and NV ($13) This is a nifty before-lunch avoid chardonnay, this is a good ten dollar or dinner sparkler for people who like bottle with apple here and pear there, and lighter-styled fizz, with a particularly ap- a few delightful minerals. petizing whiff of pear. It’s actually kind of November Events at the Weinhaus complex. Red Reservations are required. Call the Weinhaus at (828) 254-6453. No. 1 Family Estate, Cuvée Num- Hope Estate, Shiraz, Hunter Valley, ber Eight, New Zealand NV ($25) This Wednesday, November 12 Saturday, November 22 Australia 2006 ($13) Dense, with dark sparkling wine from the world new- A gala wine tasting dinner featur- The Weinhaus will have a free tast- est land is surprisingly big in style, very fruit and nice spice. Good pepper on the nose. Good with hearty winter food, but ing St. Supery wines at Vincenzo’s ing to celebrate the release of Beaujo- Champagne-like with a load of bread-like Restaurante, a representative of the lais Nouveau for 2008, come and join nuances you get from real Champagne. could actually benefit from a little ageing. The market has been flooded for years winery will present the wines and us for this sentinel event. From 2 to 4 Impressive. pair them with Vincenzo’s delicious p.m. at the Weinhaus. Sant’ Evasio, Brachetto d’Acqui ($18) with shiraz choices we should not have had before us. cuisine. Time is 7 p.m., price is $60 all Red sparkling wine is not for everyone. inclusive. Personally, I am not a fan. But it sells, When facing an unfamiliar selection, which means there are plenty of people I usually go with a Cabernet-shiraz blend to be safe. Here, however, Hope is a label The Weinhaus who do like it. It is best to score a taste 86 Patton Avenue • Asheville, NC • (828) 254-6453 at a wine tasting or mooch off someone I depend on for full-on shiraz.

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

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

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS FINE ART Toe River Studio Tours Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7

ell over 500 artists and crafts- men have made their homes and studios in Mitchell and Yancey counties, North Carolina. Crafts provide the main- Wstay income for many of these artists, while for others it may be a second income or an opportunity upon retirement to pursue a lifetime dream. Their work is sold and collected in local, regional and even world markets. Penland School of Crafts, the sup- Rob Levin’s glass studio is located in portive nature of a growing peer com- the Celo area of Yancey County. munity, the beauty and inspiration of our mountains, and the opportunity for a less- relatives from other parts of the country hectic life-style are some of the reasons – making it a reunion, as well as a per- they are drawn to re-locate here. sonal and fun trip. The studios are cleaned and readied for the visitors. Food is prepared and there’s even a challenge between artists to offer the “best” food on the tours. The Tours take place the second weekend in June and the first weekend in December with the next Tour taking place on Saturday, December 6 and Sun- day, December 7. The sites are open both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a gala reception where you can meet the artists takes place on Friday, December 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Spruce Pine TRAC Center Gallery. Participants display samples of their work in an exhibit arranged geographically at the TRAC Center Gallery in Spruce Pine from November 8 through January 3, 2009. Visitors also can stop by the Burns- ville TRAC Gallery and view the oversized map and book that includes pictures of the Ron Slagle Studio featuring the clay and artists and work. Both TRAC Galleries and paintings of Ron and Maria Slagle, is Galleries on the Tour will help guide visi- located in the Bakersville area. tors to their destinations and have samples of local artwork on display. All you need to take this self-guided The Toe River Studio Tours provide tour is a map, and then follow the arrowed a rare opportunity to visit these studios “Tour” signs that are placed on various and to talk with the artisans about their roads and intersections that weekend. work. The Tours also provide an opportunity for visitors to come to our community to enjoy not only the rich treasures that await them, but an opportunity to If you go: Pick up a map ahead of the travel down our beautiful winding roads Tour at either TRAC Galleries or participat- and explore hidden coves and amazing ing studios. The TRAC Center Gallery in vistas. Visitors enjoy our quaint towns and Spruce Pine is located at 269 Oak Avenue the friendliness of our communities. and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays The Toe River Arts Council co-ordi- from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (828) 765- nates the Tours, prints a postcard an- 0520 for details. nouncing the event that is distributed all The Burnsville TRAC Gallery is located at over the country, and prints a Tour Map 102 West Main Street and is open Mondays Brochure that is placed at various sites in through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the region and at many local businesses. Phone (828) 682-7215. A map and studio Visitors plan annual treks to our commu- listing will be posted on the TRAC website nity, meeting up with other friends and www.toeriverarts.org.

30 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE ARTFUL LIVING

Hope For Humankind by Bill Walz “The Ecozoic (era) is the period when human conduct will be guided by the ideal of an merican society, and human tory, we have greatly overcome integral earth community, a period when society generally, faces a critical tribalism, hereditary aristocracy, time. We have lived and created ethnicism, religious intolerance, humans will be present upon the Earth in a our cultures and societies since sexism and other forms of mutually enhancing manner.” ~ Thomas Berry the dawn of civilizations from an division to have an ever- A egocentric perspective, that is, hu- expanding and increasingly man consciousness has constellated, like stable sense of inclusion dhism and Buddha, is ex- planets circling a sun, around the per- within the human family. Bill Walz is a UNCA adjunct actly the awakening into the faculty member and a private- spective that me, my family, my group, Glaring remaining trans-egoic consciousness, practice teacher of mindful- my country, my species is important over exceptions give validity to the rediscovery of “original ness, personal growth and all that is “other”. the rule. de Chardin noted nature” within every per- consciousness. All of our social, cultural and eco- that the ultimate evolu- son, that is required nomic systems have developed from this tionary perspective He holds a weekly meditation to take human- class, Mondays, 7 p.m. at the perspective. This abstracted “me” as an will arrive when the ity and its home Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood. entity separate and struggling for signifi- experience of “I” planet with all its cance and preeminence in the universe is as entirely separate occupants forward He will speak on “Hope for Humanity” at what is psychologically known as ego. from “other”, not Jubilee! Church, 46 Wall St., on Sunday, into the future. It is November 16, from 2-5 p.m. ($10). From a psychological perspective, only between hu- the core of these this post-hunter-gatherer period could be man groups, but philosophies to A special extended meditation and discus- called the beginnings of the Egocentric humanity and grasp the inter- sion event will be held at the Friends Meet- era of human evolution. It has lasted ten all that exists, connectedness ing House on Saturday, November 22, from 1-5 p.m. (donation). thousand years. Ever since small bands is overcome and inter-Be- of humans stepped out of the forests completely. ingness of all Info on events, classes and personal growth and a wholly symbiotic relationship with For this to who share this ecosystem. and healing instruction or phone consulta- nature, and began to cultivate crops and occur, one “ism”, for which there is As Eckhart Tolle writes in A New tions at (828) 258-3241, or e-mail at heal- to develop increasingly refined tools barely a glimmer of realization, must be Earth, “Awakened doing is the outer [email protected]. Visit www.billwalz.com for manipulating nature, humanity’s acknowledged. It is species-ism, human- aspect of the next stage in the evolution of unique evolutionary trait for abstracted ity’s failure to recognize the rights and consciousness on our planet.” consciousness has also ever-increasingly needs of all on this planet, including Meditation and mindfulness are the separated human identity from nature. the planet, which is not human. It is a irreplaceable practices that lead to this What follows, are eras noted by hu- form of collective egocentricism. For consciousness of “awakened doing”. To manity abstracting individual and social/ humanity to have a humane long future, meditate on our present economic, politi- cultural experience further out of nature, a leap of consciousness is required that cal, social and psychological crises leads to increasingly identifying with technology will first, enfold all humanity, and then, the inescapable recognition of this truth. that manipulates nature to enhance hu- the ecosystem of humanity, within one To meditate on our individual man power. reverential system. consciousness is to inescapably realize We have, heretofore, mostly believed that we must “awaken” into an ex- this to be a good thing. It is more and panded, evolved awareness-and-doing more, however, being noted as a disaster, For humanity to have a to transcend our individual anxious, first for the planet and its non-human oc- competitive egocentric tendencies. And cupants, and finally, as the sword of Da- humane long future, a leap of to meditate is to discover the irrefutable mocles that hangs over humanity’s head, consciousness is required… path that leads to this awakening. These it’s supporting thread about to break. And insights are what Buddha described as so it is. An evolutionary crisis is at hand. the result of his meditation in the fa- The species, Homo Sapiens, the term There is required a new conscious- mous “Four Noble Truths”, the doctrinal itself, in the Latin meaning “wise or intel- ness that synthesizes the Nature rever- core of Buddhism. ligent man”, has unwisely, unintelligently ence of primitive humans with the tech- There is hope for humankind, and come into existential disharmony with nological and democratic advancement it has been ensconced in the background the planet that is its home. We cannot of modern human civilization, creating of human history for thousands of years, project our species into the future fol- a highly sophisticated world culture that locked away within the protective shell lowing this course another one hundred applies its inventiveness not to the domi- of these ancient religions, waiting until it years, let alone ten thousand, without nation of Nature, and of other human, was needed. It is now needed. It is time seeing a severe diminishment of the non-human groups and the planet, but to crack the anachronistic religious husks quality of life on this planet. As in every to the harmonious support of all: “when and claim the inner fruit. evolutionary crisis for a species, either an humans will be present upon the Earth in Humanity is of Nature. Nature is the evolutionary leap is made, or devolution, a mutually enhancing manner.” home and source of humanity. Hu- possibly extinction results. Ironically, there is an existing and manity’s “original nature”, as Buddhism There is, however, hope for human- ancient vein of human philosophy that refers to it, must awaken. The rebirth kind. The evolutionary trait of humanity is capable of exactly this vision. It is the and contemporization of this philosophy is consciousness, and as the great paleon- Hindu/Buddhist/ Taoist traditions of Asia and its meditative practices will result tologist/theologian, Teilhard de Chardin that emerged just as complex civilizations in what Thomas Berry refers to in The noted, the evolution of consciousness is were being born. They are a bridge to a Great Work, as the next phase of human an ever-expanding convergent process. time when humanity still identified with evolution, the Ecozoic era, as the ancient This means that the sense of “I” incorpo- Nature as its source and context. and modern reconcile and synthesize into rates that which had been previously ex- The “awakening” that is the meaning a new flowering. iled to “other”. In the track of human his- of the Sanskrit root of the words, Bud-

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Joe’s brew Notes

Asheville’s Breweries: Winter Seasonal Brews Appalachian Craft Brewery and Brewery News Brewmaster Andy Cubbin is a former professional photographer, s the seasons change so do the by Joe Zinich an avid cook, home-brewer, and beer beers from our breweries. Some enthusiast. He and wife Kelly pur- new, some unusual, some back chased Appalachian Brewing Com- by popular demand and all Rich and Warming pany’s equipment, moved it from brewed for your winter/holiday Brews (alphabetically) Brevard to Fletcher, and introduced taste-pleasure. their beers to the Asheville market in AWe’ll review the season’s offerings, Appalachian Craft Brew- the fall of 2007. report the latest news from each brewery presents a new, brown, ery, and introduce Asheville’s newest, rich and full bodied Winter Appalachian Craft Brewery. Let’s see Belgium Ale (malty, com- what’s brewing. plex, 7-8% alcohol) which is I tend to think of winter brews in similar to a Belgian Double. three classes — rich and warming, spicy French Broad Brewing and festive, light and flavorful. Rich and Company returns their Pisgah Brewing Company: (Left to right) Bartenders warming brews fill and warm us on cold brown/black, medium-bod- Tommy Tepper and Tom Lounsbury, Owner Jason winter days. Spicy and festive brews ied Wee Heavy-est, Scot- Caughman, Head Brewer John Silver. enhance our holiday foods and moods. Light and flavorful brews are the beers to drink when our belt reminds us of the word moderation but our taste-buds Light and demand pleasure. Flavorful Brews Because the seasonal beers men- tioned here are combinations of both French Broad introduces Brewmaster Andy Cubbin of new and returning brews, the beer a reddish brown Rye Appalachian Craft Brewery. descriptions below are either my tasting Hopper (malty sweetness, experience or the brewer’s profile of the rye adds nice pucker with Enjoy the quality and flavor of their brew. Release dates and sales locations for no hop bitterness) and Copperhead Ale, Black Bear Stout draught, growlers, or bottles (12 and/or returns a rich, light-bod- and Winter Belgium Ale at the Bier 22 oz.) are available at the brewery or the ied, dark brown Harvest Garden, Carmel’s, or at a dozen other brewery’s website. A less efficient but Porter (formerly Rose Bud places listed on their website. Watch equally effective method — ask for local, Porter, malty flavor, 5%), for a full review in a future issue. seasonal brews at every restaurant, pub, or and a black, full-bodied beer store you visit — can be used as well. Belgian Stout (chocolate- covered cherry, 6%). Carl Melissas, Brewmaster at the Wedge Brewery. Green Man introduces Brewery News Appalachian Craft Brewery Hefe-Weizen, a cloudy, (828) 684-1235 tish-style ale made with Belgian yeast yellow, light-bodied wheat-beer (spicy Asheville Pizza plans to install a 22-ounce www.acbrewery.com (smoky, fruity, 9%). with fruity esters, 5%). bottling line soon. Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. Green Man Brewing Company is re-issu- Highland has a new golden, light-bodied French Broad has a new cask system, a ing two of last year’s favorites. Their Im- pale ale called Black Mountain Bitter $2.50/pint night (Monday); board-game (828) 254-1281 perial Stout, often called Russian Imperial (crisp and clean, 4.5%). nights (Tuesday/Wednesday), and live- or (828) 255-4077 Stout, is a black, full bodied, rich tast- music nights (Thursday — Saturday). www.ashevillepizza.com ing delight (chocolaty, 9% alcohol) and Pisgah will introduce a Helles/Pilsner- style, golden-light lager described as a Green Man/Jack of the Wood installed a French Broad Brewing Co. their medium-bodied Belgium Golden (slightly sweet and spicy, 8.5%). crisp session beer and a medium bodied cask system at Jack of the Wood and will (828) 277-0222 IPA (hoppy, 7.5%) made to style. introduce single-hop, cask, specialty ales www. frenchbroadbrewery.com Pisgah Brewing Company returns their — unique taste treats. rich, very smooth, jet black, full-bodied Spicy and Festive Brews Green Man Brewing Co. Vortex II, an Imperial stout (chocolate Highland made twice the amount of Cold (828) 252-5502 and coffee, 11.7%), and their golden Bap- Highland Brewing Company returns Mountain this year and plan to make www.jackofthewood.com tista, a Belgian style Christmas ale (spicy, Cold Mountain Winter Ale, a wonderful, other seasonal/specialty beers year-round. fruity, 11.5%). Both brews are so smooth light-bodied, spiced holiday-ale (malty, a Pisgah’s tasting room evolves toward a Highland Brewing Co. the alcohol can surprise you. variety of spices, 5.8%). This ale is great pub and starting November 4, Pisgah (828) 299-3370 Wedge Brewing Company introduces four by itself and even better with meat and opens Tuesday — Friday with live music www.highlandbrewing.com seasonal brews — an amber, rich Doppel fruit sauces (think turkey and cranberry on Thursdays and Fridays. sauce, duck and plum sauce, etc.). Pisgah Brewing Co. Bock lager (malty, 7.5%); a near-black, smooth, robust Oatmeal Stout (roasted Pisgah re-introduces their golden, medi- (828) 582-2175 malt, chocolaty, 5.5%), “a meal in a glass”; www.pisgahbrewing.com um-bodied, smooth Red Devil Belgian- For five years, Joe Zinich an amber, silky-smooth, rich Abbey style ale made with cherries and raspber- has been taking a self- Wedge Brewing Co. Dubbel Beer (fruits and caramel, 7.1%), ries (fruity, slightly sweet, 8%). This ale guided, high-intensity tour “the burgundy wine of beer”; and a black, (828) 505-2792 is delicious alone or with chocolate- or of Asheville’s beer world. smooth, rich Imperial Stout (chocolate fruit-based deserts. Contact him at: jzinich@ www.wedgebrewing.com torte with raspberries, 10%), dessert-like. bellsouth.net

32 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS Asheville Shops Rip Squeak, The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

ondering what to get those “special” little people in your life for Christmas? Something new, unique AND Weducational. The answer is Rip Squeak, this book series and art is irresistible to children between 3 and 8. The customers who have bought the books and art for the children in their lives cannot say more about the wonderful books, which also come in CD format. One of my customers commented that her little granddaughter falls asleep listening to the CD every night. Fast Frame The books and art are available 900 Henderson Road through Maggie and Bob at Fast Frame. Forest Center North Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday (828) 274-5176 by appointment. www.fastframeasheville.com

“Nature and Light” on Display in the FW Front Gallery at Woolworth Walk

or the month of November, the by Megan Stone F.W. Front Gallery at Woolworth Walk will feature encaustic paint- Her paintings often contain sweet ings by local artist Sarah Faulkner images of flowers, birds, trees and other in the show “Nature and Light.” nature scenes. Sarah seeks to capture the Sarah begins her paintings by important relationship humans have with Fbuilding up the surface with wood putty the natural world and strives to bring and glue. She then applies up to ten layers forth a sense of positivity and simplicity of paint starting with darker colors then through her work. lighter and lighter colors are added. She Come meet the lovely and talented finishes with a coat of paraffin to bring Sarah Faulkner at the opening reception the piece softness and depth. on November 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. Wireless Internet If you go: Sarah Access! Faulkner: Encaustic Paint- ings. Opening Reception Sunday, November 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. On display from November 7–December 10. Delicious Woolworth Walk, 25 Hay- Specialty Pizzas wood Street in Asheville, (828) 236-9800 Spring Water Dough NC. (828) 254-9234 Appetizing Salads Gallery Hours: Open 7 Days a Week Fresh-Baked Calzones Mon.- Thur. 11-6, Fri. & Sat. 11-7, Sun. 11-5. Hoagies & Pretzels 50 Broadway ~ Asheville, NC Healthy Ingredients Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS Buried Noteworthy in Christmas at Credit Card Debt? the Historic Johnson Farm Over $10,000 in credit card bills? ith the hustle and bustle Only making the minimum payments? of the holiday season, we often find ourselves We can get you out of debt in months longing for a less com- plicated Christmas. This instead of years year, there is an oppor- Wtunity to step into Christmas of yes- We can save you thousands of dollars terday, and experience the holiday We can help you avoid bankruptcy season on a 1880s farm. The property is a National Reg- ister of Historic Places farm, deco- Not a high-priced consolidation loan or one of rated for the holiday season. The those consumer credit counseling programs event will include a tour of the oldest brick home in Henderson County. Enjoy seasonal music, refreshments, Call bake sale and a visit and photos with Santa in the Interpretive Center. Credit Card relief Dress warmly for a horse-drawn son County Education Foundation. for your FREE consultation wagon ride through the farm and nature The farm and the foundation de- trails. Stop by the barn to visit Chelsea and pend on public support. Donations are Not available Lester, the donkeys, their new baby April, tax-deductible. The farm has two nature in all states and the farm’s sheep, Jacob. (The property trails, an 1880s boarding house, a barn- 800-845-8758 is an alcohol and tobacco free site. No pets loft museum, 10 historic buildings, and please.) Live musicians will perform in the 15 acres of fields, forests and streams. Interpretive Center where refreshments The property was given to area school- will be served and a cake sale will be held. children in 1987 by the late Vernon and For $2, guests can purchase a hot dog/ Leander Johnson. drink lunch. Children can make a Christ- mas ornament to take home. Special features of the event are a walk down the Christmas Tree Trail If you go: Historic Johnson Farm will that leads to the 1880s brick farmhouse. hold its holiday event, “Christmas at the Trees on the trail will feature handmade Farm”, on Saturday, December 6, from noon ornaments made by area schoolchildren to 5 p.m. in the elementary grades. There will also Admission is $5 for Adults and $3 for be decorated trees in the house by middle students K-12, preschoolers free. Historic and high school students. Johnson Farm is located at 3346 Haywood Today the farm is operated as a heri- Road, in Hendersonville, NC. tage education center. It is owned by the Contact Farm Coordinator Ingrid McNair at Henderson County Public School System (828) 891-6585 for more information or the and managed by the non-profit Hender- publicity volunteer at (828) 692-3379.

Voorhees Family Art Show and Sale collection of paintings and art- David and Molly Vorhees own work by Voorhees family mem- Hand in Hand Gallery in Flat Rock. bers will be on exhibit and for They are both members of the South- sale at this exciting event. Meet ern Highland Craft Guild. A this extraordinary family of artists known throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. If you go: Saturday, November 22 The arts legacy began with Edwin from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, No- Voorhees, known for his watercolor vember 23 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. seascapes, and was continued through at the Voorhees home, 43 Woodward his wife, Mildred and now their chil- Avenue in Asheville. dren and grandchildren. Reproductions For more information visit www.hand- of Edwin and Mildred’s artwork will be inhandgallery.com or call Hand in Hand available for sale. Gallery at (828) 697-7719.

34 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS FINE ART November at the Folk Art Center

scape the commercial chaos of the by April Nance malls and big box stores during the holiday season and come to the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk EArt Center in east Asheville! The center is hosting three new exhibitions which are sure to delight and inspire. Allanstand Craft Shop, located in the lower level of the Folk Art Center, is hosting the 6th Annual Doll Makers of the Southern Highland Craft Guild Exhibition. This showcase of figurative works will include works by Gabe Cyr, Dee Dee Triplett, Gail Holt and Chris Kamm Dee Dee Triplett Sandie Bishop as well as many other artists. From whimsical to traditional, the dolls on display prove that their creators are masters in the contemporary art doll world. The Folk Art Center’s Focus Gal- lery on the upper level will host the fiber art of Heather Allen-Swart- touw and the astropho- tography and glasswork of Robert Stephan through December 2. Heather Allen Swarttouw “ InwardSpiral” New Traditions: Cabinetmaking by Members of the Southern Highland Craft prices. This is an opportunity for artists Guild is on display now in the Main Gal- to reduce overstocks or seconds and the lery of the Folk Art Center. The exhibi- chance for customers to get great deals tion highlights work by regional masters just in time for holiday shopping! in the studio craft movement. The workmanship and design represented is awe-inspiring. In addition to fine If you go: The Folk Art Center is furniture the show also features the work located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge of Guild artists who have taken the theme Parkway, just north of the Hwy 70 entrance of the show in different directions. For in east Asheville, NC. example, Alice Schlein’s tapestry, “George Washington’s Cabinet” uses the definition of cabinet as a body of advisers to The Southern Highland Craft Guild is a the President. Fiber artist Martha Owen non-profit, educational organization estab- contributed “A Pair of Drawers” to the lished in 1930 to bring together the crafts show which are hand knit undergarments. and craftspeople of the Southern High- Other media represented in the exhibition lands for the benefit of shared resources, are glass, quilting and jewelry. education, marketing and conservation. Coming up December 6 from 10 The Southern Highland Craft Guild is am to 4 pm at the Folk Art Center is the authorized to provide services at the Blue highly anticipated Guild Artists’ Holi- Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center under the day Sale. Craftspeople will set up in the authority of a cooperative agreement with Center’s auditorium to sell select items at the National Park Service, Department of discounts ranging from 10-50% off retail the Interior.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT TO DO GUIDE ™

mystical tradition in today’s ‘Of Thee I Sing,’ a Lampoon of U.S. Politics world. Details and registration: (828) 505-4888 or www.peterk- Nuncrackers, the Doors of Asheville What better way to entertain director at Flat Rock Play- ingsley.org Christmas Musical yourself around Election Day house, directs the play. The Thursday, November 6 Saturday, November 15 than with a musical farce about cast and crew of approximately November 14-30 The 2008 Doors of Ashe- – of course – an election? “Of 100 include an orchestra, the Dana Lyons Signing The nutty nuns are back! ville art auction is an annual Thee I Sing” is the satirical WCU Concert Choir and 2 p.m. – Local author Dana Performances are held on fundraising event that brings story of John P. Wintergreen, visiting students from Appala- Lyons will sign copies of Heart Friday and Saturday nights at together regional artists, who runs for president on a chian State University. of the Druae, her debut novel in community leaders and 8 p.m. and Sunday after- friends to bid on outstanding platform of worldwide love. “Of Thee I Sing,” 8 p.m. the spirit of Diana Gabaldon’s noons at 2:30 p.m. Conflict arises when he re- Outlander. Archaeologist Eric themed works of art. Online Monday, November 3, and Opening weekend will fea- catalog of art for auction is neges on his promise to marry Tuesday, November 4, in Beck stumbles through time the winner of a pageant to se- to find a passion he had only ture a champagne reception, available at www.mtnhous- the recital hall of the Coulter dessert tasting, and a talk- ing.org/doors. lect the most beautiful woman Building on the WCU cam- dreamed about in this fantastic in the world. and fascinating story. back session with the cast pus. Ticket price is $10, $5 for and director. This annual event raises The WCU performance stars students. awareness for affordable Friday, November 21 Asheville Community The- housing. Presented by students Patrick Detloff, For more information, please Christy Waymouth, Leslie MariJo Moore on atre is located at 35 E. Walnut HomeTrust Bank the event contact Bradley Martin by call- St. in downtown Asheville. supports the programs and Putnam and Brian Nicholls. ing (828) 227-3726. The Read on WNC! Paige Posey, associate artistic Reading and signing of When For more information please services of Mountain Hous- The Dead Dream, the sequel to visit the Asheville Communi- ing Opportunities (MHO). the novel The Diamond Door- ty Theatre at www.asheville- At the Orange Peel, 101 Thursday, November 6 Manna Food Bank. There will knob. Organized by rEnegade theatre.org, contact Program Biltmore Ave. in Asheville. A Taste of Good Will be several wine experts on hand Planets Publishing, Malaprops at Director Jenny Bunn at (828) Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions and help 7 p.m. 254-2939, or email jenny@ Reservations accepted online, Earth Fare, market and café, you assemble the perfect case of hosts A Taste of Good Will, a ashevilletheatre.org. by mail or phone. $55 per wine for the holidays. Earth Fare Saturday, November 22 person; $100 per couple. benefit wine tasting on Thurs- is offering a 20% case discount day, November 6th from 6-8 pm on all featured wines and a 10% A Precious Window To request an invitation or in the café of their Westgate loca- discount on all half cases. of Time to make a reservation, please tion. This evening of wine and help raise money for their end of Local authors Howard Hanger year trip. contact MHO at (828) 254- fabulous finger food will benefit This special evening will appease and Dr. Vicki Garlock will 4030 or email us at info@ your appetite for good wine and discuss their new book, A Pre- The event will take place from mtnhousing.org. good deeds as the 4 cans of food cious Window of Time. 7 p.m. 10 a.m - 3 p.m., at 50 Bell Rd., How to place an event/ you donate will benefit Manna at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, in Asheville. There will be up to classified listing with Food Bank. 55 Haywood Street in Asheville. 40 local handmade arts and crafts Rapid River Art Magazine Founded in 1982, MANNA Call (828) 254-6734 or visit booths, food, and crafts prepared Gioia Timpanelli Food Bank is a private, not-for- www.malaprops.com. Free and and sold by the fourth graders Any “free” event open to the public themselves. Admission is free! at Malaprop’s can be listed at no charge up to 30 profit service organization that open to the public. links the food industry with Please come and support our lo- words. For all other events there is cal artists and fourth grade class! a $9.95 charge up to 30 words and over 342 member agencies in Saturday December 6 Saturday, November 15 10 cents for each additional word. 17 counties of WNC. MANNA Holiday Bazaar 40 local handmade arts/crafts A scholar and a master of 160 word limit per event. Food Bank is involving, educat- Evergreen Community Charter booths, food, and more. Ev- the ageless art of storytell- Sponsored listings (shown in ing and uniting people in the School’s 4th Graders are hosting ergreen Community Charter ing, Gioia Timpanelli is the boxes) can be purchased for $12 work of ending hunger in WNC. the 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar to School, 50 Bell Rd. winner of two Emmy Awards per column inch. as well as a Maharishi Award Deadline is the 19th of each Friday, November 7 for “promoting world har- month. Payment must be made Maggie Bishop Forensic Anthropologist Kathy Reichs mony wherever she goes by prior to printing. at Malaprop’s enlivening within the listener Email Beth Gossett at: to Visit Western Carolina University that field of pure conscious- [email protected] or At 1 p.m. author Maggie Bishop will sign copies of her new ness that is the source of all mail to: 85 N. Main St, Canton, Tuesday, November 18 partment at the University of stories.” NC 28716. Or Call: (828) 646- mystery, Perfect for Framing. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Kathy Reichs, the best-selling North Carolina at Charlotte, 0071 to place ad over the phone. author whose mystery novels Reichs will speak at 7:30 p.m. Timpanelli will read from Haywood Street in Asheville. her latest work, What Makes – Disclaimer – Call (828) 254-6734 or visit inspired the hit Fox television in the main performance hall series “Bones,” will visit WCU of WCU’s Fine and Perform- A Child Lucky. The tale’s Due to the overwhelming number of www.malaprops.com for more fictional narrator is a rural local event submissions we get for our details. Free and open to the as part of the 2008-09 Chan- ing Arts Center. “What to Do Guide” each month, we cellor Speaker Series. Sicilian boy who witnesses can no longer accept entries that do not public. Admission is free of charge, the violent murder of his specifically follow our publication’s Reich’s fiction chronicles the but there is a limit of four best friend and is kidnapped format. Non-paid event listings must Saturday, November 15 adventures of forensic anthro- tickets per person. To reserve by the killers. be 30 words or less and both paid and Coming Home: Returning pologist Temperance Bren- a seat for the event contact non-paid listings must provide infor- the Fine and Performing Arts 7:00 p.m. Malaprop’s Book- mation in the following format: date, to Our Sacred Source nan. Her latest thriller, “Devil store/Café 55 Haywood time, brief description of what your 1 to 5 p.m. – First one-day event Bones,” is hot off the presses. Center box office at (828) 227- 2479. Ticket holders must be Street in Asheville. Call (828) event is and any contact information. in NC with acclaimed classicist 254-6734 or visit www.mala- Any entries not following this format A faculty member in the an- seated by 7:15 p.m. and spiritual teacher Peter King- thropology and sociology de- props.com will not be considered for publication. sley. Living the ancient western November Events ~ Announcements ~ Classifieds

36 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT TO DO GUIDE ™

UNCA Events Black Mountain Youth Chorale Fall Concert Flat Rock Music

November 5 – “Kristalln- The Black Mountain Choral Society in their Thursday, November 6 ach, Night of Broken Glass, Youth Chorale begins spring 2008 concert, 8 p.m. – The Family Eversole, in theory and Beginning of a Nightmare: its second season with and most recently with method, is a bluegrass band. Hot instrumen- Tales of Shame and Tales of a concert on Sunday, the Hilton Head Choral tal pickin, good vocal harmonies, and great Heroism,” Dr. Walter Ziffer, November 23 at 3 p.m. Society Youth Choir in tunes make it easy to move your feet. 7 p.m., UNC Asheville’s at the Black Mountain South Carolina. Their Reuter Center, free. Center for the Arts. The accompanist is Penny Friday, November 7 Center is located in the Rose. 9 p.m. – Garry Segal and the To Dye for November 7 – “Environ- Band, $5 cover. Expert and innovative har- mental Ethics,” Grace old City Hall at 225 W. State Street. The fall concert – a mix monica playing. His soulful singing com- Campbell, 11:25 a.m., UNC of classical and con- bined with a fresh twist to traditional genres Asheville’s Humanities Lec- Composed of students temporary choral has been pleasing audiences for years. ture Hall, free. in public, charter, private and home music – will include works by Spevacek, November 13 – “Women’s schools, it provides an opportunity for Thompson, Beery, Mozart arranged by Saturday, November 8 Rights Activism in 1968,” Dr. students in grades 4-8 to learn more about Moore, Tucker, Britten, Lightfoot, and 9 p.m. – Dave Desmelik has established Sarah Judson, 12:30 p.m., unison and 2 and 3 part singing, as well as Praetoruis. The music ranges from the himself as an accomplished and rising UNC Asheville’s Laurel making friends who like to sing. beautiful to the fun. These young, pure singer/songwriter whose music might best be described as Americana or Alt/Country. Forum, Karpen Hall, free. Directed by Aline Carillon, a music voices are truly “music to the ears.” November 13 – An evening educator who also teaches music at The More information is available at (828) Wednesday, November 12 with poet and musician Learning Community Private School, the 669-0930. Admission is by donation at the 8 p.m. – Open Mic Keith Flynn, 7 p.m., UNC Chorale performed with The Asheville door, with a suggested donation of $5. Asheville’s Laurel Forum, Thursday, November 13 139 Karpen Hall, free. 8 p.m. – Charles Wood and The Lonesome November 14 – Symphony Road Band. Everything from Bill Monroe’s Talk: “The Three Bs?” Ashe- “My Sweet Blue Eyed Darlin’” to the ville Symphony Conductor Best in Show by Phil Juliano Moody Blues’ “Nights In White Satin”. Daniel Meyer, 3 p.m., Reuter Friday, November 14 Center, free. 9 p.m. – David Earl and the Plowshares November 14 – An after- Back Room show will feature members of noon with author Robert the Firecracker Jazz Band and the Katt Wil- Morgan, 3:30 p.m., UNC liams band. Asheville’s Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall, free. Saturday, November 15 9 p.m. – The Hand Me Downs blend Folk, November 15 – Choreogra- Pop, Rock and Indie. The result: mellow- pher Jonah Bokaer presents toned acoustic rock creating an organic “Three Cases of Amnesia,” sound that’s easy to relate to and reflects the 8 p.m., UNC Asheville’s different sides of life. Lipinsky Auditorium, $18. Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins November 16 – University Wednesday, November 19 Singers and Chamber Sym- 8 p.m. – Open Mic phony in Concert, 2:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 5 Oak Thursday, November 20 St., Asheville, $5 (students 8 p.m. – The Pisgah Forest Pickers play a free with ID). variety of tunes from bluegrass, classic country, reggae and rock and roll in a way that is November 16 – Writers at all their own. Home: Readings by local authors Laura Hope-Gill Friday, November 21 and Marjorie Klein, 3 p.m., 9 p.m. – The Galen Kipar Project brings Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, something special to music, keeping things 55 Haywood St., downtown fresh, spontaneous, and energized. Asheville, free. Callie & Cats by Amy Downs Saturday, November 22 November 23 – University 9 p.m. – Abi Tapia delivers catchy Ameri- Wind Ensemble and Percus- cana — made for singing along to with the sion Ensemble in Concert, windows rolled down. Her undeniable skill 4 p.m., UNC Asheville’s at crafting simple, honest tunes satisfies fans Lipinsky Auditorium, $5 of Dolly Parton and Patty Griffin. (students free with ID). Call (828) 251-6432 for Held on Little Rainbow Row’s back deck details and information on Behind the shops, corner of Greenville Hwy. any of these events. and West Blue Ridge Rd.

Classes ~ Lectures ~ arts & crafts ~ readings

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW Celebrate the Holidays with the Legend of La Befana

he Asheville puppeteer whose credits Puppetry Alli- include Jim Henson ance presents its Productions, Lucasfilm, holiday show, Walt Disney Imagineer- “La Befana” on ing, NBC, PBS, the Ice Friday, Novem- Capades and the Lyric Tber 28 at Diana Wortham Opera of Chicago. Theater in downtown Sturz holds an Asheville. MFA in puppetry from The Legend of UCLA. Her work has La Befana (the female been supported by the Italian Santa Claus), National Endowment embodies the Holiday for the Arts, the Jim spirit of giving, goodness Henson Foundation, the and hope. Nothing could Puppeteers of America be more apropos for this and many State and local year’s holiday season. arts agencies. Red Herring Pup- Catherine Haas Ri- pets have created an ley, composer, grew up original version of the in a creative family. Her popular Italian legend with over fifty piano teacher mother married a Viennese puppets mixing hand, rod, shadow, and artist with a passion for music. Cathy black-light figures. The story is set in a majored in art at Brandeis University and Byzantine style and features a procession then did her post -graduate studies in mu- of animals, a glowing sequence of magical sic. She became certified in Orff-schul- stars, and an animated journey through werk music in 1983 and presently teaches the world in the Year One. piano, guitar and voice in the Asheville Following a visit from the Magi, La area. She has recorded several compact Befana puts down her broom in search of discs of her own music. a magical star which should lead her to a Marston Blow, puppeteer, has been III Corps Images miraculous child. She never catches up performing with Red Herring Puppets for with the star; but finds inspiration in the ten years. She has years of experience as realization that all children personify the a technician in theatre and circus and is a “I am a veteran and I am quietly proud of my service.” spirit of love and hope. She spends the professional potter. rest of her life offering gifts to children Asheville Puppetry Alliance is a everywhere. non-profit arts organization sharing the Red Herring Puppets, founded in ancient art of puppetry with Western 1988 is based in the Blue Ridge Moun- North Carolina. tains of Western North Carolina. They delight young audiences with their lively and informative “edu-tainment.” They If you go: Friday, November 28 at have been featured at many Puppetry Diana Wortham Theater. Festivals and at the Center for Puppetry Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children Arts in Atlanta. and seniors, available online and in person at Lisa Sturz, Artistic Director and the Diana Wortham Theater (www.dwthe- Happy Swallowtail P-51 Mustang puppeteer, is a nationally recognized ater.com).

Book Artist to Deliver Talk on Art, Conservation rintmaker, book artist and rare dition to pursuing her studio work, she book conservator Denise Carbone holds a full-time position as a book con- will give a slide lecture about servator at the American Philosophical her work at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Society Library in Philadelphia. P November 11, in Room 130 of “Her sensibilities about the book as the Fine and Performing Arts Center an object and her skills in the book arts Laundry Day, Khe Sanh The Fleet on the campus of Western Carolina demonstrate a link between her work as University. The lecture is free and open a conservator and her vision as a creative to the public. artist,” said Matthew Liddle, art and Photography, Digital Painting and Retouching Carbone, of New Jersey, is the design professor. School of Art and Design’s artist-in- For more details call Matthew residence from Monday, November 10, Liddle at (828) 227-3594. Lonnie Darr www.3corpsimages.com through Friday, November 14. In ad-

38 November 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Noteworthy Etown Honors Founder of Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) with E-Chievement Award town, the popular national radio by Cheryl Winston show that mixes live music and conversation (now in its 18th season), is proud to announce ments, and cultural enrichment into the a recent winner of its coveted lives of at-risk and under-served kids in E-Chievement Award: Jennifer North Carolina as well as to other domes- E Pickering, founder of the Lake tic and international locations. Since start- Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) and its youth- ing these programs in 2004, over 13,000 directed nonprofit outreach programs, young people have been reached. LEAF in Schools & Streets and LEAF “Jennifer is using music and the International. creative arts to bring wholesome and The E-Chievement Award is a listen- self-esteem building opportunities to the er-nominated honor given to individuals youth in her community, and around the globe. Her successful programs are having J. Pickering on Etown with hosts who are working hard to make a posi- Helen & Nick Forster. tive difference in their communities and documented positive results in the lives of beyond. Ms. Pickering was interviewed these kids,” said Helen Forster, Etown’s in-person during a sold out evening Executive Producer and Host. “Ms. Pick- taping of the Etown radio show at The ering is a true hero, the kind of individual Boulder Theater. The show, hosted by that Etown is so very proud to recognize radio personalities Nick & Helen Forster, and acknowledge each week with the E- also featured popular musical guests Ray Chievement Award.” LaMontagne and Ingrid Michaelson. For more information about LEAF Jennifer is a documentary photog- visit www.LakeEdenArtsFestival.org. rapher, music lover, world traveler, and About Etown founder of the North Carolina-based Founded in 1991, Etown is a na- nonprofit LEAF music festival. She began tionally-syndicated radio show heard 52 LEAF in Schools & Streets and LEAF weeks a year on over 260 public, com- International as nonprofit outreach pro- munity and commercial stations across grams. Through these programs Jennifer North America, via XM Satellite Radio, engages festival performers and other and also through podcasting. For more artists and mentors to bring music educa- information, visit www.etown.org. tion, performance opportunities, instru- A-B Tech Drama Club Opens the Carriage House Theatre by Peter Carver sheville-Buncombe Technical daughter of a count, attempts to escape Community College and A-B her cramped existence of social mores Tech Drama Club announce the and have a little fun while her father is grand-opening of the Carriage away. She dances at the servants’ annual House Theatre with the opening midsummer party, where she is drawn of the company’s seventh produc- to a senior servant, a footman named tion,A Miss Julie, a naturalistic drama by Jean, who is particularly well-traveled, heavyweight August Strindberg. well-mannered and well-read. Flirtatious Miss Julie opens Asheville’s newest behavior rapidly escalates to a struggle for black box space, the Carriage House The- love and power, all in the kitchen of Miss atre. The striking building was erected Julie’s father’s manor. by Mr. and Mrs. John Curran in 1933 The A-B Tech Drama Club was as a garage for “Viewmont,” their name founded in 2003 to encourage students to for the remodeled colonial Fernihurst participate in drama at the community’s mansion. Now a small theatre complex, college. the building features a 35-seat black box theatre/classroom in what was once the garage. The second floor, originally the If you go: November 13-15, 20-22, gardener’s apartment, now houses a green Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. room/design classroom, a costume shop, The Carriage House Theatre (Fernihurst and two offices. The aesthetic highlight is Annex A, behind the big mansion on the A- the original garage door on the south side B Tech campus). of the building. A cupola and weathervane $3 A-B Tech students and staff, $5 students, top the newly remodeled exterior. $10 adults. Call (828) 254-1921 x890 or On a midsummer night of 1888 in [email protected] for tickets and addi- a small town in Sweden, Miss Julie, the tional information.

Vol. 12, No. 3 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — November 2008 39