Rediscover Asheville's Masterpieces at the Biltmore House PAGE 5

Home , Celtic Fest Chicago, Cherie Currie, Curse of the Fly

Karan Casey, the most soulful singer to emerge in Irish traditional music, performs Rediscover Asheville’s at Diana Wortham May 14. PAGE 15 Masterpieces at the

Biltmore House PAGE 5 Local experts, Rob Campbell (shown), Alex Buerckholtz, and Jason Atallah show us how to conduct a tasting. PAGE 33

Asheville Community Theater’s ill- tempered, R&B- singing carnivore takes the stage. PAGE 10

Michelle & Chip’s Reel Takes Movie Reviews PAGE 23

Walled Gardens at Biltmore House Image: The Biltmore Company RAPID RIVER ARTS noteworthy National Day of Puppetry – May 1 Puppet shows, puppet themed games, and puppet building activities for the entire family!

his is a special op- Over 11 Million Victims portunity to see BY SUSAN VANDEWEGHE several shows by of Identity Theft Last Year. some of Carolina’s tive improvisation, drawing emerging pup- on his diverse background Source: Javelin Strategy & Research. “2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report.” February 2010. Tpeteers and build a puppet of fine art, ecology and or two of your own in our puppet construction. family friendly make and Help Protect Yourself Today. take. Throughout the day Pam Gabler performs Wolf Tales there will be puppet build- Wolf Tales by Pam Gabler ing for young children, ENROLL TODAY AND GET: Pam Gabler performs tra- puppet themed games, and puppet manipu- PROMO CODE: ID ditional favorites such as “The Three Little 30 DAY RISK-FREE* TRIAL lation for all ages. Pigs” and “Little Red Roding Hood” with PERFORMANCES charming hand puppets. CALL NOW: 1-888-252-5862 The Boy Who Had A Turnip For A Nose Kids On The Block *At the end of the 30-day free period your card will be billed automatically ($10.00 by Toybox Theatre Internationally acclaimed Kids on the Block, monthly/$110.00 annually) unless you cancel within the 30-day period. You can cancel anytime without penalty by calling 1-800-LifeLock. Offer is for new LifeLock members only. Performed with Czech style marionettes, Inc. originated in 1977 to help children with this show is a collection of bits from faerie disabilities to have their non-disabled peers tales, childhood recollections, and dreams. understand and accept them. They offer It tells the tale of a boy whose nose is a programs on disabilities such as cerebral turnip and the colorful characters he meets palsy, spina bifida and visual impairment, on his journey for acceptance. medical differences such as leukemia and AIDS; educational differences including Strings Attached learning disabilities and ADHD, and social Marionettes concerns including sexual abuse prevention, by Madison J. and alternatives to violence. Cripps Enjoy this vintage cabaret style IF The 12th Annual National marionette show Day of Puppetry, Saturday, full of tricks and YOU GO May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 Strings Attached surprises! Meet p.m. at the Folk Art Center, Sam E. Miner, the Milepost 382 Blue Ridge street sweeper, Parkway, Asheville, NC. Pinky the Mayor - part man and part hare, General Admission: $7 (includes 3 game and Charlotte the Dancer who sings about tickets); Children under three years $3. No her favorite letter. A champion of the people charge for infants. For more information and environment, Madison’s unique style visit www.ashevillepuppetry.org or call the weaves together dynamic songs and interac- Folk Art Center, (828) 298-7928.

MOOG-INSPIRED VISUAL ART EXHIBIT At the Orange Peel, May 27 BY MICHELLE MOOG-KOUSSA Asheville artists spotlighted in benefit auction and event with works all pertaining to Moog instruments, vintage forming with a virtuoso synthesist from or new, (synthesizers, theremins, sound California, a legendary Moog modular design elements, analog circuitry, etc), or synthesizer from 1967, and a MoogLab were inspired by Dr. Robert Moog and interactive exhibit. his legacy of electronic music innova- All proceeds from the event will go tion. Exhibited works will be featured in to benefit the projects of the Bob Moog an online auction. Foundation. The Ebay auction goes live Computers provided by City Mac on May 20. will be available, allowing attendees to IF YOU GO: For more information about participate in the auction which will the event or about the BMF, please visit close at the end of the evening. The moogfoundation.org or send an email to evening will feature local musicians per- [email protected].

2 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 3 RAPID RIVER ARTS we love this place The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary The Blue Ridge Parkway will be showcased as one RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE of America’s most beautiful motorcycling roads with events in North Carolina and Virginia during the motor Established in 1997 • Volume Thirteen, Number Nine road’s 75th anniversary. For more information visit www.blueridgeparkway75.org. Asheville Bikefest and Blue Ridge Run takes place MAY 2010 2 Noteworthy May 13-16 at the Western North Carolina Agricultural www.rapidrivermagazine.com National Day of Puppetry ...... 2 Center in Asheville. The event includes scheduled rides Diva*licious ...... 9 along the Parkway, dealer displays, stunt shows, live Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray Photo: the National Park Service bluegrass music, and seminars on motorcycle safety. For Managing Editor: more information, visit www.ashevillebikefest.com. Beth Gossett Marketing: Dennis Ray 5 Fine Art Motoring the Blue Ridge Parkway, a year-long exhibition at the 5 Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, opens June 11. Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray The Biltmore House ...... The exhibit showcases Parkway history, construction, and the road’s Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer Folk Art Center – Fiber Weekend 18 role as the most visited of the national parks. Period Wheels Through Book Editor: Cauley Bennett Studio B Custom Framing ...... 18 Time machines driven and ridden on the Parkway during the past 75 William King Museum ...... 38 years will be on display. The museum houses a collection of more than Poetry Editor: Ted Olson 300 vintage motorcycles and other cycling memorabilia. Visit www. Photo courtesy of Proofreader: Mary Wilson Wheels Through Time wheelsthroughtime.com for more information. Accounting: Sharon Cole 7 Performance Harley Owners Group members will participate in a national HOG touring rally, Ridin’ the Distribution: Dennis Ray Asheville Symphony Orchestra . . . . 7 Ridge, July 12-16, riding the Parkway from Roanoke, VA, to Asheville, NC. Welcoming nearly Hendersonville Chamber Music . . 7 600 riders during the five-day event, the rally includes a visit to Biltmore Estate. Registration is CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: open through May 7, visit www.members.hog.com. Bua, Irish Music Ensemble ...... 8 Amy Ammons, Cauley Bennett, The Muses of Terpsicorps ...... 12 Western Carolina University’s Galaxy of Stars Dale Bowen, James Cassara, Michael Cole, Alice in Wonderland ...... 12 Rebecca D’Angelo, LeeAnn Donnelly, Fiddling siblings, performing cats, and a master juggler who incorporates Amy Downs, John Ellis, Beth Gossett, 3-D technology into his act are on the bill for the 2010-2011 Galaxy of Stars season at Western Carolina University.The event features world- Steven R. Hageman, Max Hammonds MD, 10 Stage Preview class theater, music and dance staged in WCU’s Fine and Performing Arts Phil Hawkins, Jill Ingram, Carl Iobst, ACT – Little Shop of Horrors . . . 10 Center. Many of the performances are suitable for children 5 years of age Phil Juliano, Chip Kaufmann, NC Stage – What the Butler Saw . 32 and older. Tickets for season subscribers go on sale in June, and individual Michelle Keenan, Peter Loewer, tickets will be available in August. At $130 (and $40 for students and chil- Kathy Lowdermilk, Heather Maloy, dren), subscriptions offer a substantial savings over individual ticket prices Kay S. Miller, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Asheville Shops Popovich Comedy and allow patrons to select and keep preferred seats. To purchase tickets, or 11 Pet Theater for more information, contact the FAPAC box office at (828) 227-2479, or April Nance, Karen Nilsen, Ted Olson, Affordable Treasures ...... 11 visit www.wcu.edu/fapac. Michael Parker, Katherine Powell, The ARCH Relocates ...... 21 Joseph Rathbone, Dennis Ray, Elizabeth Sims, Clara Sofia, Megan Stone, Don Talley, William Tiernan, 13 Columns Susan VandeWeghe, Greg Vineyard, Bill Walz - Artful Living ...... 13 Bill Walz, Daniel Weiser, Joe Zinich. James Cassara - Music ...... 14 Greg Vineyard - Fine Art ...... 17 INFO Peter Loewer - Thoreau’s Garden . 19 Rapid River Art Magazine is a free monthly Joseph Rathbone - Culture ...... 22 publication. Address correspondence to: Advertising Sales Representatives [email protected] or write to: Ted Olson - Poetry ...... 27 Book Reviews by Cauley Bennett, Rapid River Magazine is Seeking Experienced Sales Personnel Rapid River Art Magazine 85 N. Main St. Dale Bowen ...... 28-30 Help us promote local arts, organizations, and businesses. Great for retirees needing extra income. Set your own hours – potential earnings are up to you! Canton, NC 28716 Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 33 Some experience necessary. Seniors are encouraged to apply. Phone: (828) 646-0071 Michael Parker - Wine ...... 34 www.rapidrivermagazine.com Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 39 INTERESTED? Call (828) 646-0071, or e-mail [email protected] All materials contained herein are owned and copyrighted by Rapid River Art Magazine and the individual contributors 15 Music unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed Karan Casey ...... 15 in this magazine do not necessarily corre- Horse Feathers ...... 16 spond with the opinions of Rapid River Art 31 Magazine or the advertisers found herein. Pianist Anthony Molinaro ...... Laura Reed ...... 31 © Rapid River Magazine, May 2010 Vol. 13 No. 9 23 Movie Reviews

™ About the Cover: 36 What to Do Guide Walled Gardens at Biltmore House Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . . . . 37 Image: The Biltmore Company Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . . 37 37 Illustration of Michelle Keenan and Chip Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . . . Kauffman by Brent Brown, a graphic Dragin by Michael Cole ...... 37 designer and illustrator. View more of his work at www.brentbrown.com.

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

4 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE asheville’s impressive arts & culture

THOUSANDS OF PRICELESS Biltmore WORKS UNDER ONE ROOF

If Mom is an art lover, where else in Asheville can she see:

• Renoir paintings • John Singer Sargent portraits • A chess set once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte • 16th century Flemish tapestries • The “Chariot of Aurora” ceiling painting • Ming Dynasty (circa 1500s) goldfish bowls Biltmore House Banquet Hall

The Biltmore House For more information, visit Images courtesy of The Biltmore Company www.biltmore.com

hese priceless objects are part of the BY LEEANN DONNELLY 50,000-plus pieces that make up George Washington Vanderbilt’s art collection inside Biltmore House, in Adding to the array of activities avail- Asheville. able to visitors, Antler Hill Village, Bilt- TThis veritable treasure chest filled with more’s newest guest venue, offers a glimpse rare and priceless possessions is an art lover’s into the history of the Vanderbilt’s love of dream destination. Repeat guests often say entertaining and travel. During the village’s they notice something different each time grand opening on May 20, Biltmore will they tour through the house. It’s no wonder. debut a rare 1913 Stevens-Duryea Model The details are both huge and minute in the “C-Six” seven-passenger tour car, which 175,000 square-foot home. belonged to the couple. A simple way for the art-loving mother “Our guests will be able to look in the — and visitors of all stripes — to become passenger seat door, the driver door and be a repeat guest to Biltmore is to present her within a foot or two of the car,” said Ellen with a 12-Month Pass to Biltmore. At $8.75 Rickman, director of guest and museum ser- per month, the pass allows for unlimited vices at Biltmore. Vintage clothing examples daytime visits to Biltmore House for a year; will accompany the display to enhance the access to all of the gardens, walking trails story of George and Edith’s love of car and hiking trails (dogs on leashes are also al- travel. Those pieces will include a woman’s lowed); discounts on tickets for friends and duster — the type of jacket Edith would family; and discounts on estate shopping have worn over her clothing to protect it and dining. from dust — plus a hat, scarf, boots and Starting May 20, vintage clothing from leather driving gloves. the Victorian Era will be part of the Bilt- For moms who love an outdoor chal- more House tour. Beautiful pieces repre- lenge, the Explore Biltmore pass includes senting the style and type worn by George everything the 12-Month Pass offers plus and Edith Vanderbilt and their friends will full access to the estate’s bicycle trails and be featured in several rooms. Some of the discounts on selected outdoor experiences items include a brown walking suit that such as off-roading through muddy acre- characterizes author Edith Wharton, author age with a skilled Land Rover Experience and frequent visitor to Biltmore House; a and Driving School instructor, fly-fishing cream and gold gown for George’s niece, lessons, Segway tours and sporting-clay Gertrude Vanderbilt, to support the story of shooting lessons. The Explore Biltmore pass her Christmas visit to Biltmore in 1895; and is $125. a riding jacket and boots for George’s friend Willie Field.

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 5 Western North Carolina’s Award-Winning Theatre

“West Side Story”

“Cabaret”

“Strange Snow”

www.harttheatre.com

On The Main Stage in 2010! 9>?97=E9>?97=E ÕÃV\Ê-Ìi« iÊ> iÀÌÞÊUÊÞÀVÃÊLÞÊÞÊ ÀiÃ ÕÃVÊLÞÊ Ê>`iÀÊUÊÞÀVÃÊLÞÊÀi`Ê LL Book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty ÞÊiÀÀÞÊ-«« Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse Weekends, April 23 - May 9 Weekends, June 4 - 13 Weekends, July 9 - August 1 A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza from Tony The star is out, the intern is in as understudy, then leading ÊÌ iÊ,>À}Ê/ÜiÌiÃ]ÊÊ«>ViÊÀ>Ài`ÊiÊ V>}°ÊÊ winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (“Ragtime” and lady and in the meantime, there could be a romance, but us as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly vie for stardom in this tale “Once On This Island”). They have lovingly brought to life sometimes the best you can hope for is to fall in like. “The of fame, fortune, murder and all that jazz. This full scale all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton dialogue fairly crackles with wit and theatrical in-jokes. The Broadway blockbuster is ﬁ lled with hit numbers, hot jazz, the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy show’s a must see for theatre people and a delight for the sizzling dance numbers and its own steam heat. Mayzie ... and a little boy with one big imagination. This rest of us.” Raleigh News and Observer hit show will delight all ages! (Not appropriate for very young audiences.) (Not appropriate for very young audiences.) Adults $22, Seniors $20, Students $10 Adults $18, Seniors $16, Students $8 Adults $22, Seniors $20, Students $10

By Laddy Sartin ÕÃVÊEÊÞÀVÃÊLÞÊ Õ``ÞÊÞÊUÊ ÊLÞÊ>Ê>iÃ By Lillian Hellman Weekends, August 27 - September 5 Weekends, September 24 - October 17 Weekends, November 5 - 14 The old ﬁ shing pier out on the end of Cypress Lake has just The music of an era comes back with all the excitement that In the midst of some families are little foxes, scheming fallen under the magic of another Catﬁ sh Moon. It was the made a generation “Rock Around the Clock.” Featuring and vying for the prize and feeding off the misfortunes of favorite hangout for three best friends when they were kids the music of Richie Valens, the Big Bopper and others who others. Regina is one of the most skilled and ruthless. When — skipping school, skinny dipping and even experiencing shared the stage with the legendary Buddy Holly, this hit she and her two brothers scheme mercilessly to make a the mysteries of kissing girls. Now, for adulthood. “… full of musical will take you back to a time when pop music made fortune on a new cotton mill, Regina will let nothing stand the most bodacious joviality … the ending is pure delight, you dance in the aisles. in her way — not even her husband’s life or her daughter’s comic writing as sweet as it comes.” Charlotte Observer love. Adults $18, Seniors $16, Students $8 Adults $22, Seniors $20, Students $10 Adults $18, Seniors $16, Students $8 Season Tickets Available!

For Tickets: Call 828-456-6322 or visit www.sellingticket.com/HART

I]ZEZg[dgb^c\6gih8ZciZgVii]ZH]Zaidc=djhZ 250 Pigeon Street Waynesville, NC 28786

6 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE performance Asheville Symphony Presents Hendersonville Chamber Music Heavenly Life, Earthly Pleasures May Performances May 2 - Pastyme he Asheville Symphony BY STEVEN R. HAGEMAN BY ROBERT WILEY Orchestra will conclude This versatile its 49th season of Mas- group’s eight highly near perfect delivery. She achieves trained voices takes its terworks concerts on Sat- Pastyme urday, May 15 at 8 p.m. tempos and long phrasing that are name from a madrigal TheT concert will consist of works usually only heard in violin and written by Henry VIII and sound of “name” by Rodrigo and Mahler, conducted piano virtuosos.” that extols the virtues quartets. Members in- by Music Director Daniel Meyer, The Asheville Symphony of “all goodly sport” in clude Amy Lovinger and with guitarist Ana Vidovic and will end its 49th season with a passing away the hours. Frances Hsieh, violins; soprano Deborah Selig as featured highly anticipated performance You’ll have to agree as Kara Poorbaugh, viola soloists. of the Symphony No. 4 in G Pastyme brings you an and Franklin Keel, cello. Soprano Major by Gustav Mahler. The exciting cross section of the wonderful The concert will begin with Deborah Selig Concierto de Aranjuez, written ASO is joining orchestras around world of a cappella song from Renais- in 1939 by Joaquín Rodrigo, one of Spain’s the world in celebrating the 150th anniver- sance and rock to Bach and Broadway. IF Concerts take place at First most beloved composers. Rodrigo lost virtu- sary of Mahler’s birth, and Maestro Meyer Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival YOU Congregational Church ally all of his sight at the age of three as the refers to this work as “a special journey into gave them rave reviews! GO on the corner of Fifth result of a diphtheria epidemic. However, [Mahler’s] own sonic world, richly sym- Avenue and White Pine in the composer later felt that this misfortune bolic of nature, and his own emotions.” May 23 - Opal String Quartet Hendersonville. Performances led him toward a career in music. A review written in 1901, when the Sometimes one finds an outstand- are on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. He began musical studies at the age of work was premiered, noted “amusing but ing treasure in one’s own back yard! Tickets are $17. Available at Hendersonville eight, later continuing with teachers at the subtle and technically ultra-refined chat- Based in Asheville, the Opal Quartet is Visitors Center, Opportunity House, and Conservatory in Valencia. The piece “evokes ter on the part of the orchestra, which one such. Formed in January 2006 by at the door on the day of the performance. a vast array of colorful imagery and feel- babbles, cackles, squeaks, burlesques, roars professional musicians who both teach For more information call (828) 697- ings,” Rodrigo said. “Being a history lover, and creaks in every corner.” After numer- and perform with area orchestras, their 0455, (828) 890-4411, or visit www. especially Spanish history, when I created ous mood-swings, the finale sings (literally) playing rivals the technique, excitement hendersonvillechambermusic.org. this concerto, I had in mind the courts of of the pleasures of heavenly life, imagined Charles IV, a Bourbon king of eighteenth through a child’s eyes. century Spain, whose summer holiday That finale will be sung by soprano residence was the palace of Aranjuez. Ev- Deborah Selig, a rising young star in the erything about it is awe-inspiring: its lordly world of opera. Her recent appearances in palace; its gardens and fountains; its majestic Carlisle Floyd’s opera Of Mice and Men at views. Bearing this in mind while listen- Kentucky Opera garnered a rave review in ing to the Concierto de Aranjuez, one can the prestigious magazine Opera News. Ms. clearly visualize the fair maidens, noblemen, Selig comes from Washington, D.C., and toreadors and commoners of the kingdom. has performed major roles in works of Mo- Each listener is free to seek his or her own zart, Rossini, Donizetti and Johann Strauss. interpretation.” Two free presentations will be offered on the music and its background. On Friday, May 14 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Reuter Center on the Campus of UNC- Asheville, Mountaine Jonas will speak about the lives and times of the composers, and Music Director Daniel Meyer will discuss the musical works and introduce the featured soloists. Then, on Saturday, May 15 from 7 to 7:30 p.m., Meyer will present an abridged version of his talk on the musical works, and will introduce the soloists, in the Banquet Hall of the Asheville Civic Center. Guitarist Ana Vidovic Both events are free of charge and open to 23-year-old Ana Vidovic will appear the public. as guitar soloist in the Concierto. Born in Croatia, Ms. Vidovic has already given over 1,000 performances. “It is difficult to know IF Tickets for the performance where to begin when discussing the enor- are available through the mous talents of Ana Vidovic,” said Stephen YOU GO Symphony office or the Griesbraber in the magazine Guitar Review. Asheville Civic Center box “Her dynamic range, beauty of sound, preci- office, and range in price from sion of articulation and virtuosity are such $53 to $10 (with discounts available for that listening becomes more of an absolute students). Visit www.ashevillesymphony.org musical experience.” And Brian Roberts, or call (828) 254-7046 for more information, Professor of Guitar at Wayne State Universi- and to inquire about subscription tickets for ty, has called her playing “the perfect balance the Asheville Symphony’s upcoming 50th between musical expression, excitement, and Anniversary season.

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 7 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance

The Diana Wortham Theatre 2010 Mainstage Celtic Series Concludes With Bua, America’s Premiere Traditional Irish Music Ensemble

he virtuosic musi- BY JOHN ELLIS cians of Bua, with Chicago. This is musical a group that has Troots in Ireland and established itself Chicago, bring their [both] individu- driving traditional ally and as a group Irish music to the in the eyes and Diana Wortham ears of the tradi- Theatre at Pack tional community. Place Saturday, . . . As other bands change, disband or May 29 at 8 p.m. Bua Photo by Tanya Tucka Presented in simply fade away, partnership with the tradition is The Swannanoa “The essence of a superb band” blessed by what Gathering at ~ Irish Music Magazine seems to be an Warren Wilson inexhaustible College, this pool of talent that quintet comprised of some of America’s comes to the front of the stage. It is Bua’s most talented, young musicians, has been time. Here they come.” described by Irish Music Magazine as “the Bua’s May 29 Asheville performance is essence of a superb band,” their sound “a presented in partnership with The Swan- throwback to the playing of the 1960s and nanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College, 1970s, keeping the music down the path of and is sponsored by Mainstage Celtic Series 2009-2010 tradition . . . where the musicianship is of sponsors Don and Nancy Ackermann Cole the highest quality.” It is no surprise then and First Citizens Bank, with additional SEASON that Bua, meaning “innate gift” in Gaelic, support from Media Sponsors WNCW 88.7 Daniel Meyer, has quickly risen to the status of America’s FM and Clear Channel Asheville. Music Director premier traditional Irish music ensemble. The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Singer Brian Ó hAirt’s evocative voice Place is located in the heart of the Pack has earned him great acclaim — the young- Square Cultural District in the center of Masterworks Seven Call est and only American to become an All- downtown Asheville. The intimate theatre now for Ireland Champion singer. His talent is a seats just over 500 and boasts exceptional Saturday May 15, 2010 rQN tickets! cornerstone of Bua’s unique sound. Along acoustics and sightlines, making it the with Chris Bain on fiddle, Seán Gavin on premier performance space in all of Western Thomas Wolfe Auditorium flute and uilleann pipes, Jackie Moran on North Carolina. bodhrán and Brian Miller on guitar, Bua The Mainstage Series is supported by RODRIGO & MAHLER have performed at numerous festivals in- a grant from the North Carolina Arts Coun- cluding Boston’s prestigious Irish Connec- cil, a state agency. The Mainstage Series Daniel Meyer, Conductor tions Festival, The Milwaukee Irish Fes- 2009/2010 season sponsors are Asheville tival, Cleveland’s Irish Cultural Festival, Citizen-Times, Asheville Renaissance Ho- Rodrigo: Celtic Fest Chicago and The Saline Celtic tel, Creative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Concierto de Aranjuez Festival. As individuals they’ve shared the Gourmet-to-go, and the North Carolina stage with a host of top Irish musicians Arts Council. Ana Vidovic, guitar including Martin Hayes, David Munnelly, Ana Vidovic Mahler: Liz Carroll, Larry Nugent, Paddy Keenan, Artist’s Website: Aoife Clancy, Pat Broaders, Dennis Cahill www.buamusic.com Symphony No. 4 and John Williams. Deborah Selig, soprano Bua’s most recent album, An Spealadóir — Gaelic for “The Harvester” or “Scythe- man” — draws from more than a century’s IF Mainstage Celtic Series worth of Irish traditional music and song YOU presents Bua, Saturday, May cultivated in both the Midwest and Ireland. GO 29 at 8 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. SPONSOR SEASON The collection, inspired by groundbreaking Deborah Selig SPONSOR Irish traditional melodies collected by Irish- For more information or to The Layden Family man Chief Francis O’Neill. Foundation purchase tickets (Regular $30; Seniors $28; Bill Margeson of the Irish American Students $25; Student Rush day-of-the- News captures Bua’s essence concisely: show with valid ID $10), call the theatre’s “Clearly, this group is no locally-based col- box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www. rwww.ashevillesymphony.org lection of musicians trying to break out of dwtheatre.com.

8 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER noteworthy Diva*licious THE MUSICAL THEATRE GALA AND FUNDRAISER OF ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE sheville Community Theatre is thrilled to an- nounce two dates for Diva*licious, the musical theatre gala and annual fundraiser. For those who just like a good show, the Diva*licious Concert on Friday, May 21 will be singing only. ABut for those who want the full Diva experience, the Diva*licious Gala on Saturday, May 22 will include a catered reception, signature cocktails, and the concert! The Diva*licious Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. for drinks and a catered reception. The performance will begin just after 8:00 p.m. Contestants will vie for the title of ACT Diva through the magic and outrageousness of musical theatre. The audience will vote on their favorite contestant by donating money to Asheville Community Theatre. The contestant who raises the most money for ACT takes the title and the crown! Each contestant will sing two numbers of their choosing and perform in several group numbers. From Broadway and beyond, the june 25 & 26, 2010 songs will range from silly to serious, from jaw-dropping The North Carolina Arboretum to heart-breaking. Asheville, North Carolina HandMade IF Diva*licious Concert in America more information at: YOU – Friday, May 21, 8:00 p.m. at ACT. handmadeinamerica.org/designexpo GO Diva*licious Concert & Gala Photo courtesy of handMade house at the raMble ©2008 stewart young – Saturday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. at ACT. Tickets: $20 Concert; $35 Concert & Gala reception. Available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org or by calling (828) 254-1320. Mother’s Day special

1SQ¸W8MQIXS7LMRI=SYV8MQIXS Works by Marie Hudson on Display at Asheville Community Theatre he work of artist Marie Hudson will be on display in the Asheville Community Theatre lobby through May 23, with a reception on May 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Marie Hudson has been referred to as one &PSSQWJSV1SQ Tof Asheville’s grande dames of painting. The scope of her work covers a lifetime of baring her soul and passions to the world, using +s/h paint on canvas. “I am often asked where I )PIKERX +PEWW:EWI get my inspiration,” Marie says. “I can only say that I paint Offer ONLY available at proflowers.com/family

who I am … limited. Not valid with any other offer. Supplies are what I am… or call 1.888.373.1915 how I feel . . Painting by Marie Hudson . causes and dreams. I never manage to come up to my own expectations . . . that masterpiece that will blow me away. So far, I haven’t got- ten there; but I will keep on trying.” Say HELLO Advertise with Rapid River Magazine to 35,000 of IF ACT is located at 35 E Walnut St. YOU in downtown Asheville. For more Our Closest (828) 646-0071 GO information please call (828) 254-1320 or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org. Friends! www.rapidrivermagazine.com

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview Little Shop of Horrors

sheville Community BY WILLIAM TIERNAN Theater presents the Little Shop of Horrors. A down- of 1950s sci-fi movies has and-out skid row become a household name. A Book and lyrics by Howard floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when Ashman, with music by he discovers an exotic plant Alan Menken. Directed by with a mysterious craving Mark Jones. Musical direc- for fresh blood. tion by Gary Mitchell. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, Little Shop IF foul-mouthed, R&B-singing of Horrors carnivore who offers him YOU runs through May 16, 2010. GO fame and fortune in exchange for feeding Performances Fridays and its growing appetite, finally revealing itself Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, to be an alien creature poised for global 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $22 adults; $19 domination! seniors and students; $12 children. Tickets One of the longest-running Off-Broad- available at www.ashevilletheatre.org or by way shows of all time, this affectionate spoof calling (828) 254-1320. The Trip to Bountiful A READERS’ THEATRE PRODUCTION BY THE AUTUMN PLAYERS OF ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE

he Trip to Bountiful, written by BY WILLIAM TIERNAN Horton Foote and directed by Anita Chapman, is the tale of the spiritual Enjoy Great Savings, Service and Benefits … and physical journey of Carrie Watts from knowing that the boundaries of life are with the as set in the South in the early 1950’s. closing around her, Carrie courageously con- TCarrie, an aging widow, lives with fronts her obstacles. With dignity, determina- AARP Auto & Home Insurance Program her son and his wife in a small apartment tion and a resilient spirit, she sets out to do in Houston. But she longs to return to the one thing in the world she most needs to from The Hartford. the source and inspiration of her life: her do for herself. Go home. birthplace, the land she farmed as a young woman, the place where she raised her child. The Trip to Bountiful, May Call The Hartford Toll-Free Today With her health failing and her anxious IF YOU 7-8 at Asheville Community to Request Your FREE Quote: son and self-centered daughter-in-law op- Theatre — 35below. May 9 at posing her, and the exigencies of an arduous GO the Reuter Center. All shows, bus trip, the path before her is uncertain. Im- 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $5 at the 1-877-547-1373 CODE: 471103 bued with a sense of urgency which comes door or by calling (828) 254-1320. Monday-Friday, 7AM-11PM Eastern Time Saturday & Sunday, 8AM-6PM Eastern Time Most AARP® members qualify for an immediate phone quote. Please have your policy handy. GET TICKETS TODAY FOR BARBEZ Barbez, unclassifiable black emperor! and icons of the downtown Russian composer New York scene, weave Alfred Schnittke. Visit FREE Calculator/Clock! a haunting mosaic of www.barbez.com for Take our savings challenge! See how much we can save old-world cabaret, East- more information on you over your current auto insurance, and you’ll receive this ern European folksong, the band. calculator/clock … just for requesting a quote. contemporary classical and experimental IF YOU GO: Barbez in concert, Thurs- The AARP Automobile and Homeowners Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, rock into a uniquely Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. CA License # 5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty beautiful and personal day, May 6 at 7 Insurance Company. In Texas, The Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford soundscape. p.m. Asheville Art Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products Museum Gallery 6. underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford With their unconventional lineup mix- payments for AARP’s license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the Tickets: $10 Members; $12 Non-Mem- Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. ing a rock rhythm section and theremin, bers. Limited seating; reservations highly AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not clarinet and classical percussion, one can qualify. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and recommended. For more information or applicable law. The Program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or Possessions. All first time hear echoes of such like-minded musical responders receive the free gift. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. The free gift offer is not available in Georgia, but residents to reserve your seat, call (828) 253-3227. may still request a quote. Homeowners product is not available in all areas, including the state of Florida. iconoclasts as Kurt Weil, Godspeed, you

10 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS asheville shops The Art of Soy Candles

ow many times have you bought a scented candle, lit it, and then smelled nothing? Have you burned a candle only to have to stand over it to smellH it? How about a buried wick that can’t be relit? How often have you had wax left over on the sides of the holder? Mary Elizabeth’s local line of candles will Mary Elizabeth, owner of ME Candles. change all of this. Tell them you saw it in Rapid River Magazine Elizabeth’s company, ME Candles founded in BY DENNIS RAY 2007, produces 100% soy candles that burn clean, These 100% soy last long and utilize all the candles burn wax in the jar. clean, last long, The word candle and utilize all the comes from the Latin word wax in the jar. “candere” which means to flicker. The Egyptians and Cretans made their candles from beeswax, as early as 3000 BC. In Europe and the U.S. early candles were first made from various forms of natural fat, tallow, and wax. In the 18th century spermaceti oil produced by the sperm whale became quite popular but was replaced in the late 18th century by colza oil and to remove paraffin wax from furniture or rapeseed oil because they were far cheaper. textiles. Soy wax spills can easily be cleaned By 1830 paraffin revolutionized candle- up with hot soapy water. making, as it was an inexpensive material “Paraffin has soot as a by-product of which produced a high-quality, odorless burning, which can blacken walls and place candle that burned reasonably cleanly. carcinogens into the air you breathe,” Eliza- The industry was devastated soon beth says. “Soy burns clean and is nontoxic. after by the distillation of kerosene in 1857 Soy candles last longer because of their and the light bulb in 1879. Candles were lower melting point, thereby enabling the destined to lose their reign as the “King of candle to burn three times longer.” Light” saved only for emergencies and the Each candle is scented and ME Candles occasional candlelit dinner. offers over 300 scents to choose from. Her In 1992, looking for a cheaper alter- triple scented candles have three times more native to beeswax, candle maker Michael pure fragrance oil in them than any retail Richards invented soy wax. He soon real- “store-bought” scented candle has. ized there was a growing demand for natural ME Candles are a great gift especially wax candles. to people that may have a respiratory disease The incorporation of soybean oil low- and love the scent of an aromatherapy-based ers the melting point of the candle, which candle. This is because the soy candle does translates into cooler burning candles and not put out the harmful fumes that a petro- faster scent dispersion. leum based paraffin candle does. “The lower melt- Soy candles are great to add to any ing point of soy wax room when you are planning to entertain results in a larger size friends and want to have the house filled of the liquid wax pool with the wonderful fragrance of your around the candle choice. Imagine the joy your guests will wick,” Elizabeth adds. feel when the candle brings back some “It is from this liquid childhood memory they may have forgot- wax pool that the es- ten about. sential oils evaporate into the atmosphere.” As anyone who ME Candles are available at has ever had to deal Affordable Treasures with spilt candlewax Located inside the Haywood Park Hotel know it’s very difficult (828) 505-4530

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 11 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE performance

Center Stage Dance Studio and Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance present The Muses of Terpsicorps, Stars of Tomorrow n Sunday, May 16, Ashe- ville’s professional ballet BY HEATHER MALOY company, Terpsicorps The- atre of Dance, and Michele to Asheville in 2003. Lee’s Center Stage Dance Since then, the school’s OStudio will come together to present a ballet program has grown show featuring five of the area’s most greatly and the students remarkable young talents. are not only winning Photo by Jeff Cravotta Lorraine Conti, Kelsey Lee, Logan awards at competitions, Ling, Sarah Margaret Qualley and but also gaining entrance Anthony Sigler comprise The Muses into programs that will push of Terpsicorps. The new company, in them further down the its first season, is starting off with an road to professional former Center Stage students intensely challenging show, even by careers in dance. In Emma Tilson, in her third year at professional standards. These preco- the past four years UNC School of the Arts, and Devon cious teenaged artists will be perform- alone, ten Center Kelly, in her third year at Florida ing a variety of works, displaying a Stage students State, will be returning to Asheville to range of abilities and strengths. have been apprentice with Terpsicorps. The program will include excerpts accepted Terpsicorps’ principal dancers are from Terpsicorps’ repertoire, original into the hand picked from professional com- contemporary work created for the UNC panies across the country and come to students by Heather Maloy, as well as School Asheville every summer to perform pas de deux from the virtuosic clas- of the Arts’ high school dance pro- works by Heather Maloy. Working sical works, “Don Quixote,” “Les gram, arguably one of the finest and with them is not only an inspirational Sylphides” and “Sleeping Beauty”. This most competitive in the nation, as learning experience for these young is the last year in Asheville for four of well as into the dance programs at apprentices, but also an invaluable the five students, three of whom will Florida State University and the Alvin networking opportunity. The danc- be moving on to the UNC School of Ailey School in NY. ers in June’s The Rite of Spring and the Arts’ high school dance program in The close tie that Center Stage has Other Works, will represent six of the Winston-Salem next year. Two rising with Terpsicorps brings with it many nation’s finest companies. sophomores and one rising senior, this benefits for their students. The sum- is a huge move for any young artist mer ballet workshop offers opportuni- with the dream of being a dancer. ties to see professionals rehearse, to Terpsicorps artistic director, take classes, and to perform with the troupe during the Terpsicorps outreach IF The Muses of Heather Maloy, has been teaching Terpsicorps, Stars matinee for disadvantaged youth. YOU alongside a talented staff of instruc- of Tomorrow – May tors at Center Stage since relocating This year, for the first time, GO 16, at 7:30 p.m. Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville. To purchase For more information on Center Stage Dance Studio and their pre-professional tickets, call (828) 257-4530 or visit ballet division, call (828) 654-7010 or visit www.centerstage1.com dwtheatre.com.

and Alice grows from tall to small and Alice in Wonderland back again, you’ll want to get your tickets today. And you just might get he students of New Studio of Hearts, but how long has it been to find out what is really going on of Dance and the Asheville since you’ve heard the story of the with that duchess and her pig/child! Contemporary Dance Theatre duchess and her pig/child? This dance bring you on a journey into theatre production will bring you Wonderland. This is not Walt back to the book where it all started, IF “Alice in Wonderland” Disney’sT Alice or even Tim Burton’s Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in YOU Dance Theatre for Alice. This is a dance theatre experi- Wonderland. all ages. BeBe Theatre, ence unlike any other interpreted by Alice in Wonderland runs for two GO 20 Commerce Street, the wacky and creative minds of Susan weekends at the BeBe Theatre, so there Downtown Asheville. and Giles Collard. should be plenty of opportunity to see May 14, 15, 21, 22 at 7:30 New Studio of Dance’s Alice in the latest from New Studio of Dance p.m. and May 16 and 23 at 3:00 p.m. Wonderland will be a surreal experi- and Asheville Contemporary Dance Tickets in advance: $10 student and ence that is epic yet playful, tongue in Theatre. These productions always sell seniors, $15 general admission. At the cheek yet filled with adventure and out so if you are looking for a playful Door: $12 students and seniors, $17 fun. You may already know about and colorful show where children turn general admission. Call (828) 254- Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen into doors, cats disappear and reapper, 2621 for tickets or more information.

12 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living

Awakening Our Deepest Nature looked upon as merely resources. BY BILL WALZ How much is enough? There is Do you know that you are Nature? – Zen koan never enough. The anxiety, anger, cynicism, the energy, the great quantum whole. selfishness, shallow consum- Humans in civilization, still holding hen I teach, I often will chal- human egoism or have sustainable civiliza- erism, boredom, ambition, the dim memory of this quantum lenge students with koans. tions as long as we have lost touch with the aggressive competitiveness, consciousness, place it outside Koans are statements or ques- Beingness of our Nature. quest for stimulation, and even themselves; as in our dualism tions meant to awaken insight Another way of addressing this is that despair that come with this way everything that is not our small into an entirely new perspective human egoic mind and the cultures and of life have become the norm. self must be outside, and we call Won the experience of being human. One of societies that the human egoic mind has We grab for happiness that it God and create religions. my favorites is: “Do you know that you are created are fundamentally dualistic. Dual- is fleeting and precarious, Buddhists call it the Big Nature?” I will often follow this by exhort- ism means that every experience is divided mistaking it for well- Self, Big Mind, the Bud- ing, “What else could you be!” Then I will into separate parts. Every experience is of being. We always need dha or awakened Self, explain, “I am not interested in whether the experiencer here, and that which is more and more and more and it is not out there. It is there is an intellectual understanding of this, experienced over there. There is no inher- of what we think will within and all around. It is I want to know – Do you know it? To know ent harmony, connectedness or unity. As bring our fulfillment, the Nature of Life that is not an intellectual understanding. It is a a self-aware civilized human, our primary all the while, push- humans are within, that feeling state. I want to know, Can you feel experience is of being alone in the vastness ing away and fleeing we humans are. that you are Nature.” of a universe made up of separate parts, of- from all that we think I look at Buddhism Two words in the title of this column, ten in antagonism, competition and violence will detract from us. as an ancient time capsule from “Awakening” and “Nature,” are at the with each other. Our individual and communal lives an era when civilizations were emerging heart of Zen. All of Buddhism is leave much to be desired. Meanwhile, as a into their full dominance over and separa- directed at “awakening” a human consequence of lifestyles of selfish consum- tion from Nature. It is a warning, a guide into their full potential, and into Our Being needs nothing. We are. erism, the damage to humanity’s home, this and a message of hope. It is a diagnosis and a prescription for humanity to heal itself of the realization that at the heart Nothing else is needed. planet, is approaching catastrophic and irre- of that potential is the balance, versible consequences and the environments this rupture. Its prescription is meditation harmony and unity of Nature. we occupy are less and less nurturing to our and mindfulness, becoming aware of aware- Buddhism diagnoses as the cause for hu- From this perspective, we look at souls, hungry for the harmony of Nature. ness as the essence of who we are beneath the insecure seeking and clinging of the man emotional suffering the grasping after Nature, and see it as dangerous, where What to do? There is only a remembering. identity, security and happiness in human everything lives off of the demise of ev- ever-turbulent egoic mind. It guides us to egoism, our abstracting mental capacity to erything else. Nature is something to be “Do you know that you are Nature?” awakening, to remembering, our true Na- ture and the true Nature of existence where separate, organize and prioritize the entire conquered and then tamed to our purposes, And what is Nature? It is everything. It world as it relates to our separate self. And it and we have been so successful that we have there is no anxiety. It points to the end of is the Universe unfolding as a single, unbro- destructive grasping where wise, compas- prescribes as the cure the “awakening” into even conquered, that is tamed, civilized and ken field of energy that is also infinite in its the knowing of our “deepest nature,” into forgotten our own nature within. We look sionate, joyous and sane living begins – even forms. Nature is the unbroken web of these within civilization. the realization of the ground of our funda- at each other and see either competitors for forms: animal, plant, rock, human, sky, wa- mental Beingness. significance and success, or resources for Look into the sky. Listen to a mountain ter, fire, in which individual forms arise and stream. Feel a cool breeze and the warmth The needs of our separate egoic self, our enhancement and pleasure. pass, arise and pass, arise into form and pass seeking security, not only for the physical Significance, acquisition and power of the sun and know – I am of this. Experi- out of form, are born and die, consume and ence your own breathing. Be in deep pres- organism, but also for our psychological become our coinage for security and hap- are consumed in an endless dance of Life. safety and significance, are endless. Awak- piness. Sometimes, the significance and ence with another human, and feel Nature This is Nature. This is the Universe. This in union. Be aware of awareness, and know ening into the truth of who we are is the acquisition seem to be helpful. Very often, is not dualistic. Forms come and go. The realization that beyond organismic needs, the significance and the acquisitions, and this is who I am and this is my place. Nature unbroken field of energy that is Nature does is my place. Nature is my nature. Medita- our Being needs nothing. We are. Nothing particularly the power, are very transient, not. Forms only change within the web that else is needed. Nature is like this, but not fickle and unstable. True to Nature, tion is for the purpose of penetrating the is Nature, that is Life. veil of separateness to experience the net of civilized human beings. Nature is whole however, there never is total taming, and Pre-civilized and mystical civilized and complete just as it is. There is no anxi- the outbreaks of our suppressed natural unity. It awakens us to know our deepest cultures, including Bud- Nature, not just when sitting in silence, ety in Nature. Even in dying of starvation, forces can be devastating. dhist culture, know that a bird or bear does not worry itself about In any case, even the best of but when in the world, vibrantly awake and the Universe is form and engaged, mindful that the unifying back- whether it has led a significant life, whether acquisitions do not bring any We must evolve… consciousness. Modern it accomplished all it wanted, will it be lasting security or happiness. ground to all our activity is life and Nature. civilized culture does not, To find yourself, you must stop running remembered well, does anybody care. As the Buddha pointed out, even though modern quan- The dilemma of humanity is that it has impermanence is in the nature of forms. around trying to get somewhere, trying to tum physics is discovering that at the most be somebody. You are already in the most forgotten that in addition to being civilized, And death is the fate for even the luckiest elemental level, all form and its underlying we are also Nature. The implications of among us, often, ignominiously accompa- important of places – your life in Nature. energy contains consciousness and unity. Stop and breathe. Listen to the silence within this are at the core of the strife and turmoil nied by old age, infirmity and the suffer- But this discovery remains intellectual. It that fills human history both for individuals ings of illness. and all around, find the silence beneath the is not yet known; it is not felt. Except for turbulent noise of self in the world. Find and societies. Today, the implications are This is the human dilemma. In such a mystics, not since humans left the forests more critical than ever as we face individual world, where is my safety and significance? the stillness that is dynamic and penetrates where we lived within Nature has this all movement. There you will find yourself, psychological insecurity and collective social Knowing no other way, we keep upping the been known. We must evolve, bringing to and ecological crisis. ante in the world of form. More for me and your true Nature. Then, you can engage the our civilization this remembering, going world, its circumstances, its civilization, and Buddhism, and particularly Zen, teaches mine is the unspoken guide of modern hu- forward braced with this wisdom from our us to awaken into the paradoxical condition man existence. Individuals, groups and so- you will not get lost. You will know who you forgotten past. are and what needs doing. of being human. We are civilized Human cieties keep grabbing for more, taking from Forms come and go. Consciousness Beings emerging within Nature. As we strive those “others” that are our competitors. All Take a brisk walk in the sunshine, does not. It is only manifested from form to a slow walk in the woods, break into a to master the conditions of our lives, it must around us, both human and non-human form. It is in the energy that morphs from be remembered that we can never master our denizens and manifestations of Nature are form to form, and it is in the unity of all Continued on page 16

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE spinning discs

I’m back again with an unusually diverse selection of albums guaranteed to challenge CD Reviews your notions of music and (hopefully) expand your horizons. Just be sure to expand them at any one of our local independently owned record stores. They’re the ones by James Cassara who help keep the music real!

Jason and the recordings have long displayed a certain re- Hawk”. “Where my legs go/I will follow/ Scorchers active charm – on one track he might sound Where the wind blows/I don’t care/As long a bit like Marshall Crenshaw while on as I know/That you love me/Wherever I go/ Halcyon Times another he might be channeling John Prine You’ll be there,” is the type of straightfor- Courageous – which has resulted in a sound that, while ward no nonsense lyrics Olney excels at, the Chicken Records fresh, suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. often lost art of saying more with less. Ditto It might be His latest effort does go a long way for “Little Sparrow” a gorgeous and under- tempting to casually dismiss Jason and The towards more clearly defining Will Kim- stated paean to the British singer Edith Piaf. Scorchers’ first album in nearly fifteen years brough the artist. Its universal themes of Not all the songs connect directly one to on principle alone: half the original band is family and parenthood (hardly original but another but that’s clearly by design. no longer on board – leaving originals Jason certainly worth re-exploring) resonate with Olney is too smart a writer to limit his Ringenberg and Warner Hodges to enlist a warm tone and affable delight. work to mere narration; he instead exam- a slew of replacements and guest musi- On the opening “Three Angels” he ines the lyrical heart of a song and fleshes cians – while (despite the lengthy lay off) reflects on the perfection he sees in his out the emotional connections therein. As the dearth of original songs might indicate children and the singular joys he finds in such the gently lolling “Mister Vermeer” they’ve run out of ideas and are soldiering them. It’s a pleasant groove (and one Kim- (seemingly based more on the book The on primarily for the memories and a steady brough likely mines a bit too often) but my Girl with the Pearl Earring than on any paycheck. But such assumptions would not preferences run towards the more soulful actual events) fits beautifully with ”Coving- only be wrong, they might deprive you of numbers. “Love To Spare” and “It Ain’t ton Girl”. the pleasures found in what is one of the Cool” display Kimbrough’s southern roots The relationship between songs is as stronger albums the band has ever released. by countering his own overly sweet voice complex and unpredictable as that between Ringenberg and Hodges are more sim- with some kick tail backing vocals. lovers, friends, or our own hearts and patico than ever, while the new kids on the “Let Me Be Your Frame” is a forceful minds. This is a major statement for Olney, block sound as if they’d been there all along. duet with Dawn Kinnard that adds some a huge leap forward in his already impres- Drummer Pontus Snibb (replacing long much needed fuel to a slowly smoldering sive catalog. It’s rarely wise to compare time stick man Perry Baggs) is especially fire. In fact it serves as a “what if” for the one artist to another but with the release impressive, adding a degree of firepower remaining tracks: it would be great to see of Dutchman’s Curve David Olney now that helps compensate for the sometimes Kimbrough record with a little less pol- compares favorable to Kris Kristofferson, perfunctory nature of the songs while ish, setting aside the smooth edges and J. J. Townes Van Zant, Jimmy Webb, and the bassist Al Collins anchors the low end with Cale vibe and really shaking things up. As other great storytellers of the day. ****1/2 certitude and finesse. it is Wings still leaves us wondering if Will Much of the album was recorded Kimbrough will ever make a record as good Allen Toussaint live in the studio – a smart approach that as his reputation. *** emphasizes the band’s swagger and kick The Bright Mississippi – and while Halcyon Days does sound David Olney too much like a warm up for the stage it Nonesuch partially recaptures much of the Scorchers’ Dutchman’s Records ethos. Songs like “Gettin’ Nowhere Fast,” Curve Although and “Better Than This” may not be instant Dead Beet he’s often skirted classics but they do remind us why we loved Records the edges of jazz – after all his native New the band so much to begin with. Even the While David Orleans does rightfully claim itself the quieter moments (well, as quiet as these Olney is highly birthplace of the form – Allen Toussaint has country thrashers ever get!) add a nice bit of respected for his uncanny ability to fuse recorded relatively few of his many albums soulful respite and charm. various musical influences into one, he is, as straight jazz collections. Dating back to I’d caution against labeling this a trium- at the heart of the matter, a folk artist. Even 2005 he ventured more directly into the phant comeback: Mr. R. is well ensconced while he consistently nudges the boundaries genre but The Bright Mississippi is the first in his Farmer Jason persona while the other of his songs in unexpected sonic directions of his forays to achieve wide distribution band members have moved on to new ven- (the multi-talented Olney plays an astound- and promotion. tures. But if they’re so inclined to occasion- ing number of instruments) it has never It’s also his first record since his highly ally get back together, plug in the amps, and been at the expense of a good song or, more successful duet disc with Elvis Costello and, kick out the jams, then Halcyon Days might importantly, a heck of a tale. as such, is likely to be heard by an audience just be a hopeful portent of greater things to With Dutchman’s Curve Olney has wider than might otherwise have been the come. ***1/2 taken this a step further, constructing a case. Toussaint is again teamed with pro- song-cycle around a single and explicit ducer Joe Henry and the results are nothing incident. It’s an approach that hearkens back short of fabulous. Will Kimbrough to the groundbreaking folk albums of the Henry’s unencumbered production Wings past (a la Alice’s Restaurant) and one that allows the music to flourish; it’s a bright Daphne Records compliments Olney’s scrappy baritone and and spotless sound that allows the precision While primarily literate wordplay. of Toussaint piano – not to mention that oh known as a go to guy The versatility of his song craft is evi- so soulful voice – to really shine. Teamed for some of country denced by the pacing of the thirteen tunes with some of the Crescent City’s finest, rock’s elite hipsters Will Kimbrough has found herein: the opening “Train Wreck” including clarinetist Don Byron, trumpeter certainly knocked around the not-so-far is a full throttle rocker but stands comfort- Nicholas Payton, guitarist Marc Ribot and edges of mainstream solo success. His ably next to the more reflective “Red Tail ‘CD’s’ continued on next page

14 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what’s happening

‘CD’s’ continued from page 14 saxophonist Joshua Redman, the eighty Irish Vocalist Karan Casey to year old Toussaint leads these “youngsters” through standards via Duke Ellington and enchant Diana Wortham Theatre Django Reinhardt by way of Louis Arm- strong and Thelonious Monk. If the choices seem a bit safe the ar- ike many from her part of the BY JAMES CASSARA rangements are anything but. Toussaint world (in her case the southeast- and company stretch these familiar gems ern side of Waterford in the Irish alongside notables such as Bela Fleck, in every which way they unexpectedly can. village of Ballyduff Lowe), Karan the Chieftains, and Iris DeMent. Everyone involved gets to show their stuff Casey grew up singing with her In the midst of this, Karan Casey but this is clearly Toussaint’s day (as well it family,L finding a communion and joy that still found time to record a solo should be) and if any further evidence of his helped counter the cloudy skies and long album (1997’s Song Lines) and per- royalty need be presented here, it is. winter nights of her homeland. form a slate of stand alone gigs. This While Toussaint would never hail him- As a child Casey sang in the church lead to a renewed interest in solo self as a jazz artist – the man is uncommonly choir but later took up piano. While work, eventually leading to the 2001 humble – his deft touch and supple tone is studying voice and piano at the University release of Winds Begin to Sing. perfectly suited for the nuance demanded by College Dublin – and later at the Royal To better control her demand- the form. Irish Academy of Music – Casey sang ing touring schedule – by this time Upon first listen The Bright Mississippi Ella Fitzgerald standards in a jazz duo at she’d become a wife and mother sounds like another impressive addition to a local pub in Dublin, and formed her – Casey eventually decided to the already staggering career of Allen Tous- own short-lived jazz group. She credits leave the band, albeit on very good Karen Casey saint. Repeated plays reveal even more, cast- jazz music for allowing her to “wholly terms. After playing shows in North ing it as a rich and varied compliment to the approach and understand her skill in sing- America and Europe (and appearing more depth,” she says. “You have to be encyclopedia of American Music. ***** ing traditional Irish folklore,” giving her as a frequent guest on Garrison Keillor’s A a lot more confident in your playing and a vocal dexterity uncommon among her Prairie Home Companion), Casey briefly singing to take an honest, direct, simple Various Artists peers. Dublin, however, was not the place returned to Solas for the group’s 2006 approach. You can’t hide anywhere and for her to continue her exploration. Crazy Heart release Reunion. there’s no room for error. It’s a very ex- In 1993 Casey immigrated to New Following a three year and much Soundtrack posed album.” The spare arrangements on York to again find herself studying music needed hiatus, her fifth solo album, Ships New West Records Exiles Return cut right to the heart of the as a jazz music major; this time at Brook- in the Forest, was released in 2008. Casey Those who music, and that was the point. lyn’s Long Island University. During this has on several occasions been given the “A song is very intimate,” adds Doyle, were ho-hummed period she rediscovered her fondness BBC Folk Award and has performed with by the movie should “even if it’s a very traditional song. Each for Irish traditional music and made the Peggy Seeger, Liam Clancy, James Taylor, song has a personal meaning.” On this be dazzled by the soundtrack. Under the rounds singing in local bars in Manhattan. and Tim O’Brien. USA Today has called auspices of T. Bone Burnett the Crazy CD, he says, “all the songs have an ele- Perhaps the geographical separa- her work “shiver-inducing and excellent”. ment of loss and yearning. At the end of Heart Soundtrack might well do for country tion from her homeland gave Casey a But like any artist it is her most recent what Oh Brother! Where Art Thou did for the day songs are what carry stories of fresh perspective on her own roots. Such work in which she is most excited. Early love, and all human emotions.” traditional bluegrass and gospel. Dedicated passion led Casey to briefly play with the this year Casey and former Solas member, to the late guitarist Stephen Bruton, an New York based band Atlantic Bridge, but John Doyle released the long anticipated extraordinary musician and lifelong friend by the end of 1994, Casey joined Seamus Exiles Return. On the album, the two IF Karan Casey and her band of Burnett’s who passed away shortly after Egan, John Doyle, John Williams, and former band mates reunite to create a writing many of the songs performed by YOU at The Diana Wortham Winifred Horan to form Solas. stripped-down collection that showcases Theatre at Pack Place: lead actors Jeff Bridges and Ryan Bingham, The band quickly received criti- the power of their collective voices and GO Crazy Heart’s new material sounds authen- Friday, May 14 at 8 p.m. cal acclaim, recording three albums for the songs they sing. Ticket prices are regular tically classic, while the hand picked older the Shanachie label, and in short order Casey describes the CD as a way $30, seniors $28, students $25, songs – including such gems as Waylon won several prestigious awards. Solas also of “pushing back a bit” to shine a bright and children $12. Go to www.dwtheatre. Jennings’ “Are You Sure Hank Would Have toured America, Europe, and Japan, playing light on the songs. Simplicity “takes much com for more information. Done It This Way?” and” Bucks Owens’ delirious two minute romp of everyman’s hurt and sorrow “Hello Trouble”. Most everything here clicks – only The rest of the set is filled out with ants of improvisation, free form If it weren’t for the credits Lucinda Williams’ monotonic “Joy” seems tracks from Townes Van Zandt, the artists whose best moments oc- you would swear there was more out of place. And while we all admire Jeff Louvin Brothers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and cur between the lines. They’ve a than one guitarist in the studio. Bridges as an actor/artist, who knew he Sam Phillips that weave perfectly into the long history between them, both What’s even more amazing is that could sing? It’s his performances that carry story’s narrative thread. Be sure to buy the as a duet and in various band the sessions were done without the day, delivering rollicking honky tonk deluxe edition, containing an additional incarnations, which sets a high overdubs or editing: what you numbers (“Somebody Else”), or weary on seven more cuts that only underscore the bar for this release. hear is what was played. the road love songs (the raucous rocker role of Burnett in bringing Crazy Heart to Recorded during a trio of Zorn gets a sharp, almost “Fallin’ and Flyin’”) with authenticity and life. Here’s to him, to Bruton, and to the unrehearsed sessions during harsh edge to his sound which real chops. rough patches of life that eventually lead to October of last year, Late Works is, surpris- perfectly matches Frith’s own atonal wail. Bingham, a songwriter and relative redemption and understanding. **** ingly, the first time the pair have brought The connections between the pair are al- newcomer, holds his own with the movie’s their improvisational approach to the studio. most frighteningly telepathic (the lingering theme song, “The Weary Kind” but the Zorn’s range of alto sounds is simply stun- “Slow Lattice” is a cagy delight) and both unexpected thrill is Robert Duvall’s a capella John Zorn and Fred Frith ning, even if time has lessened his breadth artists know when to vary the pace and set performance of Billy Joe Shaver’s “Live Late Works ever so slightly, while Frith continues to the mood. It’s a wild romp, and while this Forever” that should send shivers down Tzadik Records wring sounds from his guitar that are noth- sort of abstract cacophony isn’t for everyone your spine. John Zorn and Fred Frith are both gi- ing short of otherworldly. it’s a taste well worth cultivating. ****

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS music Oh, Horsefeathers!

he Portland, Oregon folk band BY JAMES CASSARA Horse Feathers are a bit of an anomaly, vocals and Broderick’s not only because baroque filigree. T Words Are Dead was they hail from a city better known for grunge and early released on Lucky Madi- punk but in attaining their son Records in September level of success the tradi- 2006. The band inked a tional way. Not by having a deal with the Kill Rock song on an iPod commer- Stars label the following cial (although they would (L-R) Nathan Crockett, Justin year and released House hardly be averse to such!) Ringle, Heather Broderick. with No Home in 2008. or with pretty boy maga- Photo: Alicia J. Rose House with No Home zine covers that say much became one of the highest about style and little about substance, but selling debuts in the label’s history. This- rather by incessant touring and a working tled Spring followed in 2010, marking the class commitment to making each record group’s first release without the recently better than the last. departed Broderick. Initially consisting of singer/songwriter The current line-up of Ringle, Nathan Justin Ringle (acoustic guitar, vocals, percus- Crockett on violin and saws, Catherine sion) and a rotating cast of supporting musi- Odell on cello and Sam Cooper on banjo, cians, including multi-instrumentalist Peter mandolin, percussion, violin, and harmo- Broderick and several string players, the band nium (all four contribute vocals) is a fully has had a most interesting evolution. rounded and diverse mix that beautifully Ringle grew up in Idaho and performed compliments the nature of the material. It in several short-lived indie rock bands before is also a testament to Portland itself. It may moving to Portland, where he began playing be known for Courtney Love and Gang of shows under the name Horse Feathers. It Four but Blitzen Trapper, Everclear, and was there that he met Broderick, a member Blind Pilot call it home. Not to mention the of the established local act Norfolk & West- Kingmen recorded “Louis, Louis” there! ern. The two spent much of 2005 writing Opening for the band will be Seattle- songs and honing their live performances at based musician Barton Carroll. Carroll be- various Portland open-microphone nights, gan touring with Crooked Fingers in 2002, effectively turning the “band” from a solo playing guitar, steel guitar, and upright project into a duo. What they soon discov- bass, appearing on their first three albums. ered was a shared love for much the same Carroll has recorded four solo albums and – although unusually paired – sounds. remains a vital part of the Seattle scene. Enamored by both the stark folk music of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska and the Horse Feathers and Barton work of Scandinavian composer Max Rich- IF YOU Carroll at the Grey Eagle. ter, the duo entered the studio in February Saturday, May 8 at 9 p.m., with 2006 to record Words Are Dead, a chamber- GO tickets priced at $8 in advance folk album featuring Ringle’s high, reedy and $10 day of show.

‘Awakening’ continued from page 13 Bill Walz teaches meditation spontaneous dance of nature, cultivate a and mindfulness at UNCA garden, contemplate a flower, sing like a and public forums, and bird, become still like snow falling in the is a private-practice night, even hug a tree. Love being alive and meditation teacher and life-coach for individuals in love the life around you. Love the life in mindfulness, personal growth others. Smile at and hug them too. Engage and consciousness. He holds a weekly your human world and its responsibilities meditation class, Mondays, 7 p.m., at the with a deep knowing of your own wild and Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood. wise nature. Revere and save the woodlands, wet- He will hold a program on “Awakening our lands, meadows, tundra, glaciers, lakes, riv- Deepest Nature” on Sunday, June 20 from ers and oceans. Revere and save the animals. 2-5 p.m. at JUBILEE Community Church, 46 Wall Street, downtown Asheville. Revere and save the planet. Revere and save yourself and others. Revere and help save Info on classes, talks, personal growth and humanity. There is no one else you need to healing instruction, or phone consultations be. There is nowhere else you need to go. at (828) 258-3241, or e-mail at healing@ You are home. billwalz.com. Visit www.billwalz.com.

16 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Central Heating & Cooling Systems Shameless Self-Promotion …BE YOUR OWN ART SPOKESMODEL!

joke with friends BY GREG VINEYARD SAVE about S.S.P. (“Shameless up and helping * ISelf-Promo- out increases tion”), but I’m experience with $ actually serious, as interacting with 325 telling the world the public. what one does 2. Identify ultimately helps your message and support that art learn how to habit. put it out there For many, consistently. Local creating art is ev- resources that erything, so it can specialize in this be a wise choice type of coaching to take steps to at can help greatly. least try to make 3. Have stuff it pay for itself. available. This The very confident includes not are able to answer only promotional in full sentences The wallflower-ish amongst materials, but also when asked about us cringe when someone INVENTORY. their work. To the asks: “WHAT DO YOU DO?” If someone says, rest of us, they are “Hey, I like your seemingly flying work, can you show effortlessly through me more?” and flaming hoops while juggling chainsaws. all you have in stock is that teacup you’re Amazing! We “Oooohhh” and “Aaaahhh”. drinking Ovaltine out of, you may not OFFER CODE: 809-R1-H8-245-HVAC And then we buy something. make the sale. 4. Locate your inner-passion for your The wallflower-ish amongst us cringe ® when someone asks: “WHAT DO YOU work. Expressing what you LOVE about • A full line of Carrier and exclusive UP DO?” It’s as if we’ve just been asked to your art and/or process can do just as much Kenmore® heating and cooling systems SAVE TO perform an interpretive art-sales dance. to connect with a customer as the art itself. Backwards! And in heels! In the parking Plus, it can be a self-esteem-boosting • ENERGY STAR® qualifi ed systems that lot. During rush hour. With onlookers’ journey to uncover those positive nuggets jaws agape. (Hint: it works best to Be- about yourself and your creations. may help save up to 20% on your $1,500 yonce’s “Put a Ring On It.” But no leotards 5. Be unique. You already ARE annual energy costs§ — please!) unique, so let that show through a bit. You WITH QUALIFIED ENERGY ++ The simple labels for these personal- don’t HAVE to dance in the parking lot, • Manufacturer’s limited product warranty TAX CREDIT. but what if a photo of you smiling with SAVINGS RANGE FROM $0 TO $1500. ity types are “Extrovert” and “Introvert”, ** respectively. “E” and “I” for short. But the your work (with a llama!) jazzes up your of up to 10 years situation is actually more complex than be- sales display? ing an E or an I. It is also about where we A little action goes a long way toward • Flexible fi nancing‡ and Satisfaction get our energy. feeling confident, which can improve inter- guaranteed+ E’s get it from interacting with others, actions with potential customers and future while I’s get their power from within. And fans. So many visitors to Asheville enjoy E’s are more Assertive (“A”), while I’s can both the art AND their chats with the art- HURRY! Offer ends 06/12/10. CALL NOW: feel inUndated (“U”). And even though ists. Trust that they are already interested, all artists are Outstanding (“O”), once we trust in yourself and your creations and have this intermingling of A, E, I, O and you’ll find that being your own art spokes- U, we have to ask, sometimes, “Why?” model is easy and fun! 1-888-668-5648 My apologies for the vowel soup, but *Offer not valid on prior sales or in combination with any other offer. **Ask your Sears representative about written limited warranty details. §ENERGY STAR® estimates that ENERGY the answer is that most of us are actually STAR® qualifi ed cooling equipment, when properly sized and installed, can save up to 20% on your annual energy bills with a properly sealed duct system. Energy effi ciency may vary a blend of all of the above, depending on Greg Vineyard is an depending on your home and climate. +See http://www.searshomepro.com/info/guarantee.aspx for Satisfaction Guarantee details. ++See http://www.energystar.gov/index. cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c1 for details. Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc. is a division of Sears Roebuck and Co. ±The following licenses are held by or on behalf of Sears the circumstances. By the way, I have this artist and creative Home Improvement Products, Inc. “SEARS”: AL (Res. Bldr. #3663; HVAC #8186); AZ (Res. Contr.#ROC117628; HVAC #ROC206649); AR (HVAC #1004181); CA (Gen. Bldg. Contr. theory that more Introverts like llamas, so I consultant in Asheville’s #B-721379, HVAC #C20-721379, Glazing C17-721379, Roofi ng #C39-721379); CT (HVAC #303642-S1; HIC #0607669); FL (Gen. Contr. #CGC012538; HVAC #CMC1249510); GA (HVAC #CN209991; HVAC #CN003489;Gen. Bldr, #G18720 - City of Columbus only); ID (HVAC #C-6134, HVAC#J-6133; Contracting Bus. #RCE-25219); IL (City of Chicago Home was going to work-in the word “ungulate” River Arts District. Find Repair #1248977); IN (Evansville Res. Remodeling Cont. #RRC0185); KY (Master HVAC #M04667); LA (Res. 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Limited. #47330; HVAC #15343 H-2, H-3-1, HVAC #26961 H-3-II); OH (HVAC #44752); OK (HVAC #106841); OR (Gen. Contr. do what I do!” group, there are some ways Studio & Gallery, 9 Riverside Drive in #113202); RI (Res. Contr. #27281); SC (Gen. Contr. #105836-BD4; HVAC Res. #RBH-919); TN (HIC #2319; HVAC Contr. #54995); TX (Res. Bldr. Remodeler #9566; HVAC Asheville. Open every day 11 to 4 p.m. Dallas #TACLB00020401E, Houston #TACLB27482E, Lubbock #TACLB00027780E; San Antonio #TACLB00024674E); UT (Gen. Bldg. Contr. #B-100318604-5501; HVAC #S-350 to get more comfortable. 318604-5501); VA (Class A Contr. #27-084717; HVAC #2710046587); WA (Gen. Contr. #SEARSHI011LA); Washington, DC (HIC #50006423); WV (Res. Bldr,. #WV025882, 1. Join an active art group. Showing Visit www.CURVEstudiosNC.com HVAC WV025882); WI (Dwelling Contr. Cert. #15151; Dwelling Contr. Qualifi er #982570; HVAC Contractor #15151). Some services performed by Sears’ associates. Other services and installation performed by Sears-Authorized licensed contractors; additional Sears license information available upon request. ‡Subject to applicant creditworthiness.

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 17 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE fine art

Patchwork Folk & Fiber Weekend at the Folk Art Center Fabric Festival SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 8-9 hroughout Mother’s Day BY APRIL NANCE During the Patchwork Folk and weekend craftspeople at the Fabric Festival held at the Jack- Folk Art Center will be sharing son County Recreation Center in their inspiration and expertise the years fiber in all forms has been a Cullowhee on Saturday, June 5, the in a variety of textile arts as the part of my life.” traditions of spinning, weaving, quilt- TSouthern Highland Craft Guild hosts Georgia Bonesteel of Flat Rock, ing, caning, blacksmithing, sewing, Fiber Weekend 2010. NC: Georgia has been a member of hand stitchery, Demonstrations on Saturday in- the Guild since 1974. For more than and other folk clude: quilting, doll making, weaving, 30 years she has been a leader in the arts will be mixed media fiber arts, clothing design, quilt world. As the creator and host of Liz Spear, Red Flair showcased and printing and surface design, and natural Lap Quilting with Georgia Bonesteel, Shirt with Marbling honored. produced with North Carolina Public by Laura Sims. dyeing. There will be hands-on activities Georgia Bonesteel Traditional for children hosted by Guild members Television (UNCTV), she has shared Model: Chery Cratty Photo: Paul Bonesteel Photo: Mary Vogel craft classes will Sandra Rowland and Jan Morris. Other her enthusiasm and love of quilting be given during artists participating include: on television since 1979. Lap Quilting the week before Martine House of Columbus, NC: with Georgia Bonesteel, Series 1100 and nizations such the festival, June Martine has been a member of the Guild 1200 continue to air on Create TV through- as the Friends of 1-4. Annie Lee since 2004. She uses embroidery, quilt- out the country. the Blue Ridge Bryson, age 88, For a complete listing of Fiber Week- Parkway, Inc. will Nan Smith, crocheting ing, beading and various mixed-media will be teaching techniques to achieve unique textures on end participants, visit www.craftguild.org. be participating corn shuck doll making, Dot Conner three dimensional pieces. On Sunday, the Folk Art Center’s in Fiber Weekend takes you to yester-year with old- Rebecca Kempson of Fairview, NC: auditorium will be transformed into a on Saturday. They fashioned tin punching, Judy Rhodes Rebecca has been a member of the Guild runway for the Eleventh Annual Fashion will be sharing will be teaching the skill of ballad since 2004. An expert doll Show of Wearable Art. Fiber artist Liz Spear information on singing, Ron Yount will teach wood maker, she writes in her will emcee the event. Participants in this Parkway history, carving, Judy Chliger’s students will artist statement: “My year’s show will be exploring the topics of the importance of quilt a “Rail Fence” wall hanging, mother put a needle recycling, repurposing and sustainability stewardship and and much more. in my hand when I through their fiber art. Styles showcased volunteer oppor- Rebecca Kempson, On Saturday, June 5, the talented was three years old will range from contemporary to traditional, tunities. “Bird Lady of Anne Lough will teach a two hour and the love of creat- from funky to classic, made by members of Sugar Hollow” class on the dulcimer. Students will ing from fabric has the Southern Highland Craft Guild. There Photo: Steve Mann assemble a sample dulcimer and learn never left me. Over will be two separate showings of the Fash- IF Fiber Weekend is a free event to play. Appalachian Homestead Farm ion Show, at 1 and 3 p.m. YOU on May 8 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and & Preserve will also host an after Fiber Weekend at the Folk Art Center GO May 9 (two fashion shows, 1 and school “Children’s Cultural Activi- Martine House, offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the 3 p.m.) at the Folk Art Center on ties” classes June 1-4 from 3:15 until “Mumtaz Blue Ridge Parkway, which is celebrating the Blue Ridge Parkway in east 5:15 p.m. Please Mahal” its 75th anniversary this year. In honor of Asheville. For more information, visit www. call (828) 399- Photo: Eli Warren the anniversary, Parkway volunteer orga- craftguild.org or call (828) 298-7928. 0958 to register for classes. Presented by Catch the Spirit of Appala- Studio B Custom Framing & Fine Art chia, Inc. (CSA), the Appalachian tudio B Custom pricing on anything from by Trudy Springer (Columbus, Ohio) and Homestead Farm Framing & Fine Art, a simple photo to your Amy Jacob (Charlotte, NC). Please stop by Faile Fields, quilter & Preserve, and the formerly in The most valued artwork or and see what we have to offer. Jackson County Parks & Recreational Shoppes at Beaver keepsake. All work is Department, the Patchwork Folk and SLake, has relocated done on-site by the Fabric Festival has drawn crafters in 2 miles up the road to 171 owner with attention traditional dress from the region for 5 Weaverville Highway into to detail. Studio B also years to showcase old-time traditions. a larger facility. offers consulting and This year’s festival holds excitement Patti Bell established hanging services for in its traditional demonstrations. As Studio B Custom Framing in 1981 in business, corporate and residential spaces. we celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Ohio and relocated to Asheville in Octo- The expanded gallery area show- 75th Anniversary, this festival exem- ber of 2006. Studio B specializes in mu- cases artwork by regional, national and plifies our mountain culture. seum, conservation, textile and shadow- international artists. Currently on exhibit IF YOU GO: Patchwork Folk & Fabric box framing and offers a large selection are original equine paintings by Patricia Festival. Classes June 1-5, Festival of framing choices, some exclusive to the Ramos Alcayaga (Santiago, Chile), small June 5. Festival and Classes take place Asheville area. quilts by Marla Hattabaugh (Scottsdale, Studio B at the Jackson County Recreation With almost 40 years of custom Arizona) and giclee prints by Asheville art- framing experience and 30 years of own- ists Ray Byram, Deborah Squier and Coralie 171 Weaverville Hwy., Asheville, NC Center, 88 Cullowhee Mountain Just 0.2 miles north of the Road, Cullowhee, NC. Call (828) ing a gallery/custom framing business, Tweed. The gallery also features original Merrimon Ave./Woodfin exit, on the right 293-3053 for more information. owner Patti Bell offers extensive knowl- porcelain ceramic by Sarah Jaeger (Helena, edge of color and design and competitive Montana) and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces (828) 225-5200

18 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE thoreau’s garden

The Ponytail Palm Ecology, Organic Farming, BY PETER LOEWER Trees & Gardens n rare occasions ponytail palms are swelling soaks found in the genus Nolina, bo- up water like Only fertilize once tanical nomenclature that’s easy to a sponge and or twice a year. Readings at Malaprops explain because this appellation is allows the plant The expand- Thursday, May 6, 7:00 p.m. in honor of P. C. Nolin, a French- to store water. If ing trunks will Anthropologist Shepard Krech III Oman who wrote on agriculture in the Paris watering house- adjust to crowded of 1755. Unfortunately for Monsieur Nolin plants is one of conditions but Brown University anthropology profes- most authorities include it in the genus those chores eventually they sor Shepard Krech III is the author of Beaucarnea which means beautiful flesh-col- you rarely re- have to be moved The Ecological Indian: Myth and His- ored something and because the flowers are member to do, to a larger pot. tory, which the New York Times Book Review called “a good story and first-rate usually white, I have been unable to find the a large outdoor Perform this true meaning. specimen pony- social science,” among others. He will be operation in early discussing his most recent book, Spirits The species found in cultivation is tail can some- spring before the in the Air: Birds and American Indians in recurvata, and that’s easy to explain because times trudge on new leaves appear. the South. the leaves cascade to the floor in gentle for up to a year. Many pony- curves (that on the way to the bottom often While a potted tails in cultivation Thursday, May 13, 7:00 p.m. curve again), making it a most attractive specimen will have leaves about The Organic Farmer’s Business plant to grow. Here’s one of those great not put up with 3 feet long and Handbook plants that make an architectural statement that intensity belong to the var. Organic Farmer Richard Wiswall, who especially in a modern home or apartment of neglect, it intermedia. started Cate Farm in East Montpelier, with lots of glass, chrome, and white walls will survive for Vermont where he has farmed since 1981, or in a place with the decor dedicated to the months without will share with us some of his knowledge best of the American southwest. water if the about operating a farm. His book, The In the wilds of southern Texas and basal swelling is Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook: A Mexico, this tree-like plant can reach a in excess of four Illustration by Peter Loewer Complete Guide to Managing Finances, height of 30 feet but in the usual home or five inches. Crops, and Staff – and Making a Profit, surroundings (where the owner can take ad- In fact there are two approaches involv- is a useful tool for anyone involved in or vantage of its ability to survive in a small pot ing care. The first is to provide the ponytail Peter Loewer, considering organic farming. and withstand forgetful watering), the height with an evenly moist soil and a spot with shown here, Tuesday, May 18, 7:00 p.m. rarely tops six feet — but what a stunning partial shade and the second is to keep the examining the six feet. Those twisting leaves are flat, about soil on the dry side and set the plant in a blossoms of Asheville’s Eco-Future three-quarters-inch wide, and often reach sunny spot. Just remember that a well-wa- early-blooming Come by to meet Yuri Koslen, the City a length of five feet. A well-grown ponytail tered plant will grow twice as fast. Lenten roses, of Asheville’s Transportation Projects has a Rapunzel-like quality. While ponytails can withstand tempera- is a well-known Coordinator, and Woody Eaton, founder The other common name is the tures in the high 40s, they prefer tempera- writer and botanical artist who has of Blue Ridge Biofuels, as they discuss elephant-foot-tree and refers to the ponder- tures between 55°F and 70°F. A good soil mix written and illustrated more than Asheville’s eco-future. twenty-fiv e books on natural history ous shape of the trunk’s base, a shape that consists of potting soil, composted manure, over the past thirty years. Monday, May 24, 7:00 p.m. resembles a balloon made of rigid bark. This and sharp sand or bird gravel, one-third each. Re-Greening America Keepers of the Trees: A Guide to Re- Greening America collects the stories of fourteen people – conservationists, loggers, tree doctors, and wood carvers SEVEN SISTERS CINEMA PRESENTS among them – whose lives have been irrevocably shaped by trees. Ann Linnea Documentary Films Focusing on herself has been an outdoors enthusiast and writer for many years and was the Local and Regional Culture first woman to circumnavigate Lake Su- perior in a sea kayak. even Sisters Cinema, a documentary Thursday, May 27, 7:00 p.m. BY DON TALLEY film series at White Horse Black A Southern Garden Mountain in Black Mountain North Carolina announces documentaries in of Ashevillians who decide to visit every Elizabeth Lawrence, the author of the classic tome, A Southern Garden, was a May and June. Full information about brewery in North Carolina. Micro-brewer- woman ahead of her time in the 1930s Sthe series can be found at www.sevensister- ies are a relatively new part of our regional and 40s. In Becoming Elizabeth Law- scinema.com. culture but they play an important role in tourism and the local economy. rence: Discovered Letters of a Southern The filmmakers will be present to dis- Gardener, editor Emily Herring Wilson All films are at 7 p.m. at the White cuss their work and answer questions at the opens up the world of this unique woman end of the program. Horse Black Mountain. Admission is $5 for through many letters to her friend and Films include “Why Old Time?” on adults, $3 for students with ID. mentor, Ann Preston Bridgers. May 20; a documentary about why young Seven Sisters Cinema is a project of folks are continually attracted to the older Serpent Child Ensemble, a Swannanoa- organization focusing on the power of Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café based 501c3 non-profit organization. The art for communities to tell their stories. styles of fiddle and banjo music of our 55 Haywood St. in Asheville forefathers. film series focuses on films of regional inter- The organization is currently working On June 17, Seven Sisters Cinema will est and films by regional filmmakers. Ser- on it’s own documentary production Phone (828) 254-6734 or visit feature, “Beer Y’all,” the record of a van full pent Child Ensemble is a community arts about Beacon Mill. www.malaprops.com

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 19 20 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS asheville shops The ARCH Relocates

he ARCH, your local showroom for architectural finishes, FSC-certified flooring, handmade art T tile, wood-fired ovens and a number of artistic home accents, has relocated just two miles north of their former location in North Asheville. In fact, you’ll find two new businesses at 171 Weaverville Highway — Studio B Custom Framing and The ARCH is also devoted to provid- Fine Art is right next door to The ARCH. ing sustainable flooring such as EcoTimber The showroom is conveniently located FSC-certified flooring, Vida Cork, and just off I-26, the neighborhood is friendly, Natural Fiber flooring. The ARCH refers the space is spacious and parking is plentiful. local skilled artisans, ranging from craftsmen New green building products have begun to of concrete counters, fine woodworking, arrive at The ARCH and the space can ac- textile weavings, and various design services. commodate larger workshops for a growing Catherine and Jim enjoy the creative line of natural finishes. design component of interesting projects. Whether finishing the walls of a bedroom with a rich earth clay finish, designing a handcrafted tile fireplace sur- round, assisting with the design installation of a wood-fired oven for the cooking enthusiast, or As dealers of American Clay Earth simply discussing copper house numbers Plaster, Catherine Silver and Jim Erskine for a new business front, it’s the design talk have an extensive product understanding and support among the community that is and Jim provides professional applications. most gratifying. Jim has worked on a number of Asheville homes and commercial projects with architects, designers and homeowners. Exciting The ARCH new finish options are now available such 171 Weaverville Hwy., Asheville, NC 28804 as a Natural Lime plaster for interior and 828 253 5455 exterior applications and Vermont Natural [email protected] Coatings- a premium natural waterborne www.thearchnc.com finish for wood surfaces.

Studio 103 Fine Art Gallery

Tif McDonald is an Asheville encaustic artist. Her work will be on display through May 26. It is lyrical and poetic. Sabrina Cabada, a figurative artist from Washington, D.C., will have an opening reception for her work on Friday, May 28 from 5-8. Her ex- Tif McDonald hibit runs through June 23. 103 West St., Black Mountain, NC. Phone (828) 357-8327 or visit www. studio103fineartgallery.com for more details. Sabrina Cabada

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 21 RAPID RIVER ARTS Custom Cabinet Refacing & Kitchen youth culture Remodeling JOSEPH RATHBONE RECOMMENDS

his spring’s release of Clash of the Titans is not so much a remake of BY JOSEPH RATHBONE, AGE 11 the 1981 original film of the same SAVE name as it is a “rethinking” or even necessarily better ac- what some will call a “re-imagin- tors). Some of the things * Ting” of the story. that were similar were Neither version will go down in both movies involved a city at risk of being $ cinematic history as being a great or even destroyed by the Cracken (a giant under- 500 “artful” action movie, but both are pure water creature), both had Medusa and the popcorn fun, none-the-less, the later version three Fates, both had Perseus as the main being more entertaining if not a better film. character, and both had Perseus’ pegus (a Still, I was impressed with the claymation flying winged horse). from the first and even enjoyed its corny dialogue at times, but felt the robot owl was added only because R2D2 the small robot in Star Wars had been such a big fan favorite at the time. Hollywood has no shame when it comes to ripping off other films. Clash of the Titans is not in any way affiliated with the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series as some kids in my school have drawn that conclusion. Anyway, both Sam Worthington as Perseus Clash films are based on Greek The old movie stayed true to the my- mythology involv- thology as far as some of the gifts from the ing Perseus the gods Perseus received and some plot twists I son of Zeus in don’t think I’ll mention here. However, the one of his most new one took a great deal more liberty with famous adven- mythology; like having Perseus’ pegus being tures, going after black, the river Styx was in the under world, OFFER CODE: 808-R1-K8-51-KITS the woman with a and using Hades as a major part of the story. head of snakes and I don’t think it is possible to compare eyes that can turn the two films other than to say they share any living creature the same title and basic plot outline. 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Other services and installation performed by Sears-Authorized licensed contractors; additional Sears license information available upon request. ‡Subject to applicant creditworthiness.

22 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 Reel Take Reviewers: ∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic CHIP KAUFMANN is a film historian who ∑∑∑∑ - Pretty darn good also shares his love of classical music as a program ∑∑∑ - Has some good points host on WCQS- ∑∑ - The previews lied FM radio. ∑ - Only if you must MICHELLE KEENAN is M- Forget entirely a long time student For the latest REVIEWS, THEATER INFO of film, a and MOVIE SHOW TIMES, visit believer in Illustration of Michelle www.rapidrivermagazine.com the magic of & Chip by Brent Brown. movies and a fundraiser for BRENT BROWN is a graphic Questions/Comments? public radio. designer and illustrator. You can email Chip or Michelle at View more of his work at [email protected] www.brentbrown.com.

Centurion ∑∑1/2 warrior Etain. She doesn’t to the first movie and to the original myth, livers on that front and effects geeks won’t Short Take: Standard speak a word of dialogue, her is reduced to a cameo appearance. be disappointed. Why it was even retooled sword and sandal tongue having been cut out as This isn’t really surprising when you in 3-D to make the effects more special epic recalls the days a young girl. The rest of the consider that in most of today’s fantasy/hor- (and ticket prices more expensive)? I did of Saturday matinees cast of little known perform- ror/action movies the story is there to serve it the old fashioned way and saw it in 2-D. except for its never ers do what is expected of the special effects rather than the other way For me the added dimension wouldn’t have ending parade them, which is primarily to around and most of the performances we made any difference. of brutal, bloody die, although Rachael Stirling see in films of this nature are in accordance Rated PG-13 for action violence, frighten- violence. as a Pict outcast provides a last with that fact. The fact that the major per- ing images, and brief sensuality. Olga Kurylenko as Etain in minute love interest. formances in Titans fly in the face of that REEL TAKE: Neil REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN the bloody Centurion. It was interesting to note fact is a testament to the performers Marshall’s Centurion and good to see that the film themselves who, in what was once the was chosen to open the first ever Actionfest was shot entirely in England and Scotland time honored tradition of movies like Death at a Film festival at the Carolina Cinemas here rather than in some East European coun- this, try to elevate the material they’ve Funeral ∑∑ in Asheville. It certainly qualifies for that try. The photography is gorgeous and is been given. honor as it is mostly non-stop action, or in Short Take: the film’s strongest asset, along with an Liam Neeson (Zeus) and Ralph this case non-stop violence with numerous An American effective score and less headache inducing Fiennes (Hades, who is not in the remake of the hacked limbs, head splatterings and the oc- editing than usual. The bottom line though original movie) know what to do ‘old’ (2007) casional sword, ax, or spear to the groin. remains that this is a picture with no heart with stuff like this and though some British farce. I’m trying to persuade myself that whatsoever. Even the cheapest of the Satur- may call it slumming, they are obvi- writer/director Marshall (The Descent) REEL TAKE: It’s day matinee features that Centurion tries to ously having a grand old time. Sam Martin Lawrence, Peter really intended to leave no cliché unused in amazing to see emulate had that. If you must see it, it goes Worthington (Perseus) is too ear- Dinklage, Tracy Morgan crafting this throwback to the Saturday mat- what projects ac- into general release this August. nest for his own good. He needs to and Chris Rock in Death inees of yore. Movies from The Long Ships tually get green- lighten up. This is Ancient Greece at a Funeral. and The War Lord to the Steve Reeves Unrated at this time but contains lots of lighted and not Pandora (even though he has his Hercules films come readily to mind, along bloody, graphic violence. funded in the movie industry. Big bucks are Avatar haircut), myth not fantasy (there is a with such weightier fare like The Magnifi- REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN spent on productions that really serve no difference), and he needs to act accordingly, cent Seven and The Dirty Dozen, not to point, while other worthy projects get re- although I really blame the triple screen- mention Gladiator. If that is indeed the case ∑∑∑ jected, circular filed or simply left to die. A Clash of the Titans writing team of Travis Beachem, Phil Hay, then it’s a sad day indeed when updating case in point is Neil LaBute’s recent remake Short Take: Pointless CGI laden remake and Matt Manfredi for his not doing so. an old action/adventure film means adding of Frank Oz’s 2007 Death at a Funeral. of the 1981 film is neither better nor My biggest complaint about the new videogame style violence to try and draw in The 2007 version was a dry British farce worse than the original. Titans is the shift in the focus of the original today’s more jaded audience. about the mayhem that ensues on the day of storyline. In 1981 and in the The story, for those of you who care, REEL TAKE: It came as the funeral of the patriarch of a dysfunction- original myth, Perseus was concerns survivors of a massacred Roman something of a shock to al, stiff-upper-lip-type British family. The motivated to undertake his legion in 2nd century Britain trying to get me that the new Clash 2010 version is an Americanized duplicate trials and tribulations by his back to their lines before being completely of the Titans was not of the story, replacing uppity Brits for upper love for Princess Androm- picked off by the enemy, who are led by a significantly inferior to middle class African Americans. The differ- eda which gives him the fearsome female warrior. It’s the standard the 1981 original (see ence? Vulgarity is now used to elicit laughs strength and the motivation plotline for many a war movie, which Cen- my DVD pick for the versus the ludicrous farce itself. to triumph against the odds turion qualifies as, but it’s not the familiar- month). The special Chris Rock plays the dutiful and re- (and the Gods). This time ity that bothers me as much as it’s the lack effects are technically sponsible eldest son of the bereaved family around, in accordance with of sympathy for any of the characters. If superior and are consis- Sam Worthington as Perseus in and Martin Lawrence the Prodigal son. A our more cynical times and we don’t care about them then it really is tent all the way through Clash of the Titans. menagerie of other characters round out emphasis on the negative, videogame style killing only on a big screen but they lack the charm the family and friends and include Tracey Perseus is motivated by hate and revenge for and with better graphics. and personality of Ray Harryhausen’s stop- Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Danny Glover and the murder of his family. This not only alters Michael Fassbender (300, Inglourious motion originals. The performances are James Marsden. Chaos (not be confused the focus of the story but the nature of the Basterds) fits right into this Romans-vs-Picts better overall this time around but there with hilarity) ensues from the get go; performances as well. story but to tell you the truth any actor with just aren’t enough of them. The Gods are among the highlights, the undertaker deliv- But who cares about the story anyway? the proper physique could have done it (al- reduced to a two man show (Zeus and ers the wrong dead guy, LSD is mistaken This movie was made to show off its CGI though with CGI even that isn’t necessary). Hades), there is no elderly sidekick to move for valium and ingested by more than one and from Medusa to the giant scorpions to Olga Kurylenko (Quantam of Solace) gives the story along and provide running com- character, and a dwarf shows up claiming to the all encompassing Kraken, it certainly de- the film’s best performance as the female mentary, and Princess Andromeda, the key ‘Movies’ continued on page 24

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 23 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 23 Date Night ∑∑∑ was not as good as I felonies to try to get out of trouble. be the long time lover of the dead patriarch Date Night is about hoped it would be. There were also a few sequences and tries to blackmail the family. Ironically a suburban couple, Claire The dialogue be- where the action went on far too long Peter Dinklage reprises his role as the secret and Phil Foster (Tina Fey tween the two leads without anything funny happening and lover. (Personally I thought this was odd at and Steve Carell), who was probably the that I found boring. However there were first, but then really liked that he is the one want to take a break from most enjoyable part some redeemable moments that were constant between the two versions.) their lives as parents and because Carell and funny enough to make up for the parts Much has been made about the decline decide to go to dinner Fey were obviously that dragged. of Neil LaBute’s career of late, with this film at a fancy restaurant in having fun working Date Night wasn’t a complete waste being touted as the nail in the coffin (pun Manhattan. When they together, but overall of time and is probably worth seeing completely intended). When Tracy Morgan’s Tina Fey and Steve Carell in the can’t get in, they steal action comedy Date Night. Date Night wasn’t once, especially if you are a fan of Tina hand is covered in Danny Glover’s sh!t, it another couple’s din- very special. Fey or Steve Carell or if you enjoy movies is hard to believe that this film is made by ner reservations and try to enjoy their I understand that most movies in the that incorporate action and comedy. It the same man who directed Possession and night. But it turns out that the couple action/comedy genre generally don’t make certainly does provide some good laughs In the Company of Men. However, more that they’re impersonating is involved in sense, but the plot of Date but unless you’re ex- people will go to see Death at a Funeral than shady business, and the night that they Night was illogical to the ceptionally eager to see ever went to see the aforementioned films. hoped would be romantic and glamor- point of annoyance. It it, I would wait until it Maybe I’m just having a ‘glass half full’ day, ous dissolves into a race from thugs who wasn’t clear to me why comes out on DVD. but kudos to LaBute for taking chances and TEEN want them dead. the characters, two fairly Rated PG-13 for sexual working to avoid ‘typecasting.’ I am a big fan of Steve Carell and straitlaced parents, con- While I’ve sounded less than kind so far REVIEW and crude content, lan- Tina Fey, so I was very excited to see tinued to run around the guage, some violence, about this film, it’s really not that bad. It’s this movie. But I have to admit that it city committing various by Clara Sofia actually exactly what I thought it would be. and a drug reference. The 2007 film (which I liked) certainly plays better as a classic farce. However, I couldn’t have cared less about any of the characters and I didn’t really laugh out loud. Per- That said, I still don’t quite see why he used to make back in his heyday. Much worth seeing for that aspect alone. In Ghost haps it’s just the difference of us ‘Yanks’ in this film was remade or at least why it was has been made about the similarities of this Writer he creates a bleak and windy land- general, but this version is warmer and you remade so shortly after the original. Many film to those of Alfred Hitchcock, and it is scape (supposedly the Massachusetts coast actually like some of the characters, in par- classic French and English farces have certainly there, but with one important differ- but shot in Germany since Polanski can’t ticular Chris Rock as the #1 son and James played community theatres the world over, ence. More about that later. come to the U.S.) that reinforces the isola- Marsden as the white, unwittingly acid-laced over and over again – maybe that’s what’s Like Hitchcock, Polanski is fascinated tion and growing fear that the protagonist suitor of one of the nieces. happening here. Maybe Almodovar or Ang with putting ordinary people into extraordi- feels and that we feel as well. Lee will redo it in another three years (with nary circumstances. Films like Rosemary’s I cannot close out this review without Peter Dinklage, of course). Baby, Chinatown, The Tenant and Frantic mentioning Eli Wallach. The legendary If you are an Anglophile or a movie snob, all exploit this theme to various degrees. actor is one of the last surviving members Theatre Directory you know you won’t like it so don’t even Ghost Writer follows our unnamed hero as of the Actors Studio group of method bother (unless it’s just to tout the Brit version he accepts the routine job of ghostwriting performers that included Marlon Brando, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company over the lesser American). If, on the other the autobiography of a famous politician Montgomery Clift and James Dean. He is Movieline (828) 254-1281 hand, Death at a Funeral sounds like a couple after the previous writer meets with an ac- now 94 years old and looks it but his brief www.ashevillepizza.com of hours of entertaining comedy, then have at cident. It doesn’t take long before he realizes appearance in the film shows that he still is Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) it. Either way you’ve been fairly warned. that maybe it wasn’t an accident and that the capable of delivering a performance. The Movieline (828) 298-1234 Rated R for language, drug content, and same thing could possibly happen to him. voice remains unmistakable. Biltmore Grande sexual humor. Ewan MacGregor continues to expand Finally, it just occurred to me that I 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 his acting horizons by appearing in a wide cannot keep my promise that I made at the REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN www.REGmovies.com variety of very diverse films. His ghost writer beginning about telling you the one im- is far removed from Angels and Demons but portant difference between Hitchcock and Carmike 10 (Asheville) The Ghost Writer ∑∑∑∑ Movieline (828) 298-4452 then so is the source material. MacGregor’s Roman Polanski without providing a major Short Take: Roman Polanski returns to www.carmike.com growing paranoia as he realizes what is hap- spoiler and giving away the end of the film. top form with this Hitchcock-like thriller pening is well handled by both actor and Therefore I suggest that after you see The Carolina Cinemas about a man who knows too much and director. Polanski has always had a way with Ghost Writer or rent the DVD when it (828) 274-9500 what happens as a result of it. actors, getting performances out of them that comes out, rent any of the classic Hitchcock www.carolinacinemas.com REEL TAKE: Roman you wouldn’t expect. Pierce thrillers like The 39 Steps, The Man Who Cinebarre (Asheville) Polanski is back in the Brosnan’s turn as the politi- Knew Too Much, Saboteur or especially www.cinebarre.com celebrity news again cian is also a testament to this North By Northwest and you can easily see The Falls Theatre (Brevard) as a result of his arrest fact. It shows him comfortably the difference for yourselves. Movieline (828) 883-2200 and imprisonment (he shedding the role of James Rated PG-13 for language, nudity, violence has since been released) Bond and settling in to be- and drug references. Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) come an established character and possible extradition REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN Movieline (828) 232-1536 actor following in the footsteps www.fineartstheatre.comm to the United States for a 30+ year old morals of Michael Caine. ∑∑∑ Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) charge. He is cur- In addition to his skill Harry Brown A wary Ewan MacGregor Movieline (828) 697-2463 rently being detained with actors, very few direc- Short Take: This harrowing story about www.flatrockcinema.com and bystander in Roman tors working today have the a geriatric vigilante is ugly, unpleasant, in Switzerland. All this Polanski’s The Ghost Writer. Four Seasons (Hendersonville) publicity has tended to pictorial skills of Polanski. All and unrelievedly grim despite fine Movieline (828) 693-8989 obscure his latest effort, The Ghost Writer, of his films, even the lesser ones like Pirates performances from Michael Caine and which is a return to the type of classic thriller or Oliver Twist are visually striking and are Emily Mortimer. Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) ‘Movies’ continued on page 25 Movieline (828) 452-9091

24 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from pg. 24 REEL Sharp as a Tack: The Films of Don Sharp TAKE: I have rom time to time I like to focus on remarkable movies together. been fol- the little guy, the unsung heroes Rasputin, The Mad Monk BY CHIP KAUFMANN lowing the behind the camera who have (1965) gave Lee one of his best career of given and still continue to give roles as the infamous Russian devil worship and teen suicide Michael us pleasure and satisfaction in the mystic and libertine. Although while having a healthy disre- Caine Fworks they created and left behind for us worthless as history (to avoid spect for just about everything. for over to enjoy. This time our unsung hero is the lawsuits), it was beautifully made It satirizes The Wild Angels and 40 years Australian director Don Sharp. and very entertaining. Next were Night of the Living Dead while Michael Caine as the title now. At Sharp was born in Hobart, Tasmania two films for sexploitation pro- giving Hollywood icon George character in the intense the age of (the same birthplace as Errol Flynn) in ducer Harry Alan Towers based Sanders a last memorable role as Harry Brown. 77 he has 1922. He began working in the theatre at on Sax Rohmer’s Oriental vil- a satanic butler who knows how become an icon who can pick and choose an early age but dreamed of leaving Aus- lain, Fu Manchu. The Face of Fu to deliver the witty and sardonic what work he wants to do when he wants tralia in order to make films abroad. Sharp Manchu (1965) and The Brides dialogue. You may not like to do it. I’m sure the idea of returning to came to England in the early 1950s and of Fu Manchu (1966) were Psychomania, but once seen you Britain to appear in the type of gritty, vio- began working first as an actor for the BBC good old-fashioned, politically won’t forget it, especially the lent, crime thriller that he more or less in- in some of their early TV programs and incorrect thrillers that featured out-of-left-field ending. augurated with the original Get Carter back then as a director of children’s theatre. Sharp’s trademark steady pace If Sharp’s movies could be in 1971 must have appealed to him if for no His first real break as a director came and visual mastery. summed up in one word that other reason than to show that despite his with Hammer Films in 1962. Hammer The 1970s saw Sharp move word would be “foreground”. advanced age, like Clint Eastwood in Gran was famous for its horror films, a Fran- away from horror films into Taking a page from the films Torino, he still has an edge. kenstein series with Peter Cushing and a tense thrillers for which he was of Fritz Lang, Sharp always Harry Brown is a British version of Dracula series with Christopher Lee. Sharp ideally suited. There was Dark seems to have something in Gran Torino which means that it’s a grim, had never seen a horror film when he was Places (1973) about hidden loot the foreground of his shots. unflinching look at contemporary urban asked to direct a non-Christopher Lee film and madness, Hennessey (1976) This not only makes his movies crime but without the other film’s redemp- called Kiss of the Vampire about a cult of about an IRA plot to blow up more interesting to look at, but tive qualities. It also does not attempt to vampires at the turn of the 20th century. Parliament and a remake of it subliminally creates a sense manipulate the audience the way Michael After viewing a few of the studio’s early Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps of depth that draws you deeper Winner did with Death Wish back in 1974. films, he jumped right in and gave Ham- (1978) which was more faithful into the film without your real- There is no rooting for Harry Brown as he mer a big success on a very small budget. to the original material but did izing it at the time. gets back at the lowlifes who inhabit his This success led to a costume picture poorly at the box office. By then Most of the movies men- tenement and murder his friend and chess (The Devil Ship Pirates) and then a couple he had moved into television and tioned in this article are readily partner. We watch him go into their world, of black and white B pictures for American directed a number of films there. available on DVD except for the do what he can about it (i.e., killing them), producer Robert L. Lippert (Witchcraft, His best known TV movie was a remake late 70s ones which are available in Europe and then try to reemerge. Curse of the Fly), which solidified his of The Four Feathers (1977) with Beau only for the time being. So if you enjoy Emily Mortimer plays a police inspec- reputation as someone who could get Bridges and Jane Seymour. disposable entertainment that turns out tor who is systematically subjected to sexism the most out of the least. These pictures It was in 1972 that Sharp made his not to be so disposable then check out the on her job (like Helen Mirren in Prime have since become cult classics especially masterpiece, the deliciously subversive movies of Don Sharp. They have a habit Suspect) but who still manages to take a in England. The success of these films black comedy Psychomania. The title is of staying with you long after they have humanistic approach to her police work in brought Sharp into partnership with meaningless and that’s part of the joke. It’s finished and plenty of movies with much spite of the hostile environment from her Christopher Lee and they made three a biker movie that contains elements of bigger budgets cannot make that claim. peers as well as the criminals. She wants to help Harry after the death of his friend, not realizing that he’s the one responsible for the recent spate of killings. Emily Mortimer, although much younger, tion used to be a Disney competitor. Their The criminal elements who inhabit How to Train Your Dragon is very similar. She can go from the heartfelt ∑∑∑1/2 features, especially the Shrek series, were the world of this film are every law abiding feelings of Dear Frankie to the slapstick of noted for their irreverence and the ability Short Take: This animated feature citizen’s worst nightmare. They are doped the recent Pink Panther movies to this grim to update the old Disney formula of all’s recycles old material but makes for up, sexed out, cretins who revel in every world of crime without batting an eye. May well that ends well and they all lived hap- violent act they can commit. What few a pleasant enough outing with the her career continue to flourish. occasional breathtaking 3-D effect. pily ever after by supplying an edge. But sentences they can speak are laden with Although the Brits are really good not this time. profanity. Compared to them the punks in at this down and dirty type of urban REEL TAKE: Having sat through some This is strictly a paint-by-the-numbers Gran Torino are Sunday School kids. Of thriller, most of the others have elements rather heavy fare for this month’s batch effort of the young misfit who must prove course Harry Brown eventually gets his of humor, or at least black humor, to ease of reviews, I decided I needed a break and himself to those around him and get the girl revenge, but we don’t cheer for him when the burden of sitting through the really looked forward to seeing something upbeat in the end. Not that there’s anything wrong they die. Harry’s odyssey through their unpleasant bits. Such is not the case with and positive as well as something that would with that scenario but somehow Dragon world, much like George C. Scott’s journey Harry Brown. It’s as harrowing and un- be just good old fashioned fun. How to just didn’t involve me the way I wanted through the world of porno in Hardcore, is relenting a film as I’ve seen in a very long Train Your Dragon was all of these things it to. Maybe it was the mood I was in. a trip through Hell. time, a film that can be admired for its look but ultimately I found it lacking. There were six others in the theatre for the Caine is able to invest this unfortunate and for its performances but not one that While watching this I was not only afternoon showing I attended, two different character with as much charisma as he can. you can enjoy (at least I hope not). reminded of countless other titles in this families, and they thoroughly enjoyed the Harry Brown is not unlikable, he’s just not genre (Pete’s Dragon and Cloudy with a Rated R for strong violence, language, drug film. In the long run, it’s their opinion and sympathetic. It’s another fine performance Chance of Meatballs to name two), but I their money that counts. showing that Caine can effortlessly play use, and sexual content. was struck by how Disneylike this Dream- almost anything and make it believable. REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN works offering was. Dreamworks Anima- ‘Movies’ continued on page 26

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 25 Mostly known for her Cherie Currie, on the cinating to watch. I don’t know if it was just music videos, Italian director and other hand, did not. a slightly naïve and maternal instinct, but I The story involves Hiccup (Jay Ba- photographer Floria Sigismondi As a young girl on the was aghast that no one looked out for these ruchel), a young, scrawny Viking who is the is a good fit for this vehicle. She threshold of woman- girls – no one at home, no one on the road. laughing stock of his village because of his adapted Cherie Currie’s autobiog- hood (as the first shot Regardless of how tough they were or how size and lack of ability. The village is con- raphy Neon Angel and serves as of the movie so aptly ready they thought they were, the record stantly being attacked by dragons and Hic- director. While the film is good, conveys), she grows industry slices, dices and calls the shots. cup’s father, the uber-macho Stoick (Gerald it’s a pretty standard bio-pic. A few up altogether too fast I was impressed at the performances by Butler) lives to destroy them. In the mean- startling shots and a rawness give when she’s handpicked Fanning and Stewart; the nuanced under- time Hiccup has to undergo basic training in it a certain edge, but do not elevate to be the part-Bar- standing of their characters belies their fighting dragons which, of course, he isn’t it to greatness. What is remark- dot, part-Bowie, part youth, and I look forward to seeing more any good at. Hardly the way to impress the able is how easily we forget that as school-girl lead singer from them both as they mature. Michael girl Viking Astrid (America Ferrara) that he’s recently as the mid-70’s societal of the world’s first all Shannon, (Revolutionary Road, Pearl fond of. One day while retrieving an errant attitudes still didn’t allow women female rock band The Harbor) turns in another wonderful and invention, he discovers a wounded dragon the freedoms we enjoy today. Runaways. She falls colorful performance as Kim Fowley, the he names Toothless and a friendship is At 15 years old Joan Jett had prey to sex, drugs and producer who launched The Runaways. born. This friendship transforms his life and a clear vision of what she wanted rock ‘n’ roll and loses All in all, The Runaways is a worth- those of the Viking villagers. to do; she wanted to rock and Dakota Fanning and herself by the ripe old while view, but, like the band itself, it she wanted to rock with women. Kristen Stewart rock it age of 17. doesn’t have staying power. She didn’t want to be part of a in The Runaways. The Runaways Rated R for language, drug use and sexual ‘boys club’ nor did she want to be caught me by surprise. content - all involving teens. manipulated by a male dominated world Standard bio-pic fare and drug addiction REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN or industry. As we all know, Jett had the don’t usually hold my attention or rouse my stamina and fortitude to survive and thrive. sympathies. Here though it was almost fas-

Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: Gerard Butler is the voice of Stoick (on May DVD Picks right) in How to Train Your Dragon. “Clash of the Titans” “Death at a Funeral”

It turns out that dragons aren’t really bad by choice. The real villain of the piece Clash of the Titans (1981) the new version it’s fun to compare the is a gigantic monster dragon who holds the Clash of the Titans was the last film two and the audiences for each. If you other dragons in bondage, forcing them to to be made by stop motion animation are someone who just knows you won’t do the bad things that they do like raid and specialist Ray Harryhausen and despite like the new version, you’re probably are burn the Viking village. Can Hiccup and some typically marvelous effects such someone who will like the other. Toothless defeat the monster and save the as Pegasus, Medusa, the scorpions and Frank Oz directed the 2007 ver- village? Can Hiccup and his father ever see the two headed dog, the film is seriously sion. It’s a dry, classic British farce. The eye to eye? Will Hiccup win Astrid’s love hampered by budgetary constraints and story is identical to the new version (see and respect? Is the Pope Catholic? the unfortunate decision to combine too review on page 23), but instead of upper It isn’t the predictability of How to many animated figures with live action middle class African Americans we have ones without properly matching them up. uppity Brits. Matthew MacFadyen (Pride Train Your Dragon that bothered me. A film just in time to cash in on the new film’s of this nature is supposed to be predictable. Bubo, the R2-D2 owl is also something & Prejudice) is Daniel, the eldest son of that’ll you’ll either love or hate. release but the first version was a less than a dysfunctional British family gathered That’s part of what we go to it for. What did sterling transfer which magnified the spe- bother me was the blandness of it all. Even Despite the occasional effects short- to mourn the loss of the patriarch of the comings, this Titans has a much better sto- cial effects deficiencies. The film looked family. He, like Chris Rock in the new the 3-D failed to hold my attention after much better on the big screen and hope- awhile, which just goes to show that you ry than the new one thanks to screenwriter version, is the central figure in a day Beverley Cross who knows his mythology. fully this new transfer will have made the of mayhem. The undertaker delivers need more than 3-D (real 3-D in this case) necessary corrections. to make a movie work. You need characters He even persuaded wife Maggie Smith to the wrong body, his cousin’s fiancé has perform in it and that is this film’s other Despite its flaws, Clash of the Titans mistakenly ingested hallucinogenic drugs, that the audience cares about and you need remains an ideal film for the young and to be able to tell a familiar story in such a strong suit. It has a much stronger cast and a dwarf that nobody seems to know (Laurence Olivier, Claire Bloom, Burgess the young at heart. It imparts a positive turns out to be his late father’s longtime way that it engages the audience and doesn’t message and features a cast of seasoned seem so familiar. Meredith, Sian Phillips) and a script that lover and is prepared to blackmail the actually gives the women characters (god- professionals who know how to get the family for a certain sum of money. Rated PG for action sequences, scary im- desses and mortals) something to do. most out of the mythological material. While it has a few guttural moments, ages, and some mild language. The major difference between the The sad thing is that soon everyone will the Brit version plays with less vulgarity REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN two is this film’s emphasis on Love as only think of the 2010 version and this and is straight farce. Hence it is the better opposed to Hate. It is Love that motivates one will appear outdated, its message of of the two farces, but perhaps the lesser The Runaways ∑∑∑∑ Perseus (Harry Hamlin) to seek out, win courage and hope lost among the CGI for laugh out loud comedy. Critically, spectacle of its successor. Short Take: Girls rock! the heart of, and eventually rescue the it is clearly the better movie, but many Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker) who more people will see the new version and REEL TAKE: Dakota Fanning is all grown is no shrinking violet and is definitely Death at a Funeral (2007) many more Americans will prefer it to the up and Kristen Stewart is free of vampires worth saving. The new film has Perseus After watching the recent remake of Brit version. If you are an Anglophile, or and werewolves in The Runaways. Both motivated by hatred and revenge and Death at a Funeral, I thought the 2007 if this simply sounds better than Tracy young actresses have left their former per- Andromeda is merely an excuse to trot version would be a great DVD pick for Morgan helping a crotchety old wheel- sonas in the dust to play Cherie Currie and out the monstrous Kraken. the month. Chances are you didn’t see chair bound Danny Glover in and out of Joan Jett. Innocence is shed and hard core I haven’t seen the latest DVD incar- it when it was out and you may not have the bathroom, then you may want to rent living is embraced in this story of the first nation of this film which was rolled out even known about it to rent it. If you see the 2007 version of Death at a Funeral. all-female rock band in the mid-1970s.

26 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE poetry & books

The Art of Teaching ... the Craft of Poetry Cold Rains of Spring The cold rains of spring major reason for the enduring cover. He is that rare teacher who cares come every year; BY TED OLSON relevance of poetry — an ancient art about students long after a class is over. Driving down from the heavens, form — in our routinized society is Recently, three decades after I took Flashing from the dark cloud masses, that certain people have dedicated Michael’s approach to critiquing such his class, I received notification that the Creating a muddy mess of bogs, puddles, their lives to keeping the spirit of formative efforts at poetry was markedly U. of M.’s Department of English would and torrential streams. A different. He recognized strengths in some poetry alive in our minds and hearts. I’m remark Michael’s retirement from teaching of my individual poems, and he intuited the Humans hunched over ferring to poets, public champions of poetry, by celebrating his extensive service to the against the gusts scurry about or teachers. And, of course, some people larger trajectory of my poetry. His writ- department, to the wider community, and ten comments on drafts of my poems were Encased in Gore-Tex and plastic serve in all three roles. to poetry. I received an email encouraging grimacing at the windy wetness. Truly dedicated poets are champions always spot-on, sensitive to human frailties me to reminisce about studying poetry of poetry and — whether or not they ever and generally positive in nature yet helpfully with Michael, an invitation apparently Cars and trucks driving on set foot in a classroom — teachers, because critical. Michael knew that the students in sent to 38 other former or current stu- dirt roads and grass driveways, by their example they dem- that class were writing po- dents (39 being the number of years he Spinning tires helplessly boring tracks onstrate to younger gen- ems for a purpose beyond has taught at that school). into the sodden turf. erations that words (even Words can wield the simply gaining college I was honored to be asked, and Cold winds whip the rain in our image-conscious power to make us credit, and he conveyed while jotting down my memories of society) still can wield the to each of us his sense of Michael’s influence on my own journey into a pagan frenzy, power to make us aware of aware of a deeper what that purpose might to and through poetry, I have realized Piercing every crack and cranny, — and perhaps inspire us experience of life. be if we applied ourselves. the considerable extent to which he has Thundering upon the rooftops, to move toward — a deeper As represented in been a role-model (to me and obviously battering against windows and doors, experience of life. Michael’s class, poetry to many others) of how to proceed into Wetting all, inside and out, like Any person who has discovered poetry was an exciting if ultimately mysterious poetry’s mysterious realm — without a the waves of a stormy merciless sea. (or perhaps I should say, any person whom realm — we students savored class gather- map, perhaps, but with a clear sense that Beasts of the fields huddle poetry has discovered) can remember a mo- ings, and several of us discussed poetry the journey is well worth taking. furtively under bushes and rocks; ment or moments when poetry awakened outside of class. We were all impressed with In their dens praying in him or her some transcendent revelation Michael’s ability to negotiate his roles as a with their primitive minds while (however grounded that revelation might gifted, widely published poet, a dedicated Hungry bellies rumbling, beseeching, advocate for poetry on and off campus, and Ted Olson is the have been in quotidian reality). I can recall author of such books cry out for a coming soon of an accessible and insightful teacher. a few formative memories in which my fate as Breathing in Sunshine, warmth, dryness was first cast to the powerful, unpredictable It was a sad day for us students when Darkness: Poems (Wind and life-giving food. winds of poetry. that class ended. As it turned out, Michael’s Publications, 2006) Only poets and madmen At the age of sixteen, having previ- support for my poetry continued. After I had and Blue Ridge Folklife ously written a range of juvenile poems, I left Minnesota, my mother very occasion- (University Press of wander around on such days produced the first of many failed attempts at ally crossed paths with Michael on campus Mississippi, 1998) and he is the Staring upwards with mouths agape, composing a “serious” poem. On my seven- (where she likewise worked), and he appar- editor of numerous books, including Feeling the pressure of the rain teenth birthday, my mother, a “Britophile,” ently would tell her that he thought I was a CrossRoads: A Southern Culture Annual on their upturned faces; gave me two paperback books that had in promising poet. (Mercer University Press, 2009). His Laughing joyfully, manically — common the distinction of being, as she put Such support meant a lot to me — I had experiences as a poet and musician are with complete abandon. graduated and was off working in a world discussed on www.windpub.com/books/ it, “important examples of modern British Wondering, hoping, willing that didn’t particularly care whether or not breathingindarkness.htm. poetry.” One book featured the exuber- for the wildness of it all, I would ever compose a single worthwhile ant poems of Dylan Thomas and the other The spiritual connectiveness poem. Many years later, after some of my the rather austere work of T. S. Eliot. I was Poets who would like for their poetry to to all things — praying that the poems had been published in periodicals and intrigued by the powerful communication be considered for a future column may Cold rains of spring last forever; after I had received an offer from a small- lurking within the words of those challeng- send their books and manuscripts to For at least this year… ing yet compelling poems. press publisher to collect those and some Ted Olson, ETSU, Box 70400, Johnson Three years later, in 1980, after trans- other poems into book-form, Michael gra- City, TN 37614. Please include contact Carl Iobst ferring to the University of Minnesota as a ciously offered to write a blurb for the book’s information and a SASE with submissions. March 17, 2010 second semester freshman, I enrolled in Mi- chael Dennis Browne’s class entitled “Ad- vanced Poetry Writing.” The first creative writing class I ever took, Michael’s class was a highlight of my time as a college student. APPRECIATING POETS AND TEACHERS Poet Susan Rebecca White Thereafter, any confidence I mustered in Appears in Asheville my ability to write poetry was a direct result Sunday, May 2 - 3:00 p.m. Wednesday May 12 - 7:00 p.m. of Michael’s encouragement. Poetrio – Featured poets are Joseph Bathanti, Men’s Poetry Workshop with Trey Moore Susan Rebecca White, author of Shortly before enrolling in that class, Ava Leavell Haymon, and Peter Blair. – Helpful feedback from fellow poets. Bound South, will be on tour in the while attending my previous college, I area promoting her latest book, A had given a group of my poems to another Tuesday May 4 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday May 20 - 5:30 p.m. Soft Place to Land. teacher, who had returned the poems to me Teacher Appreciation Night – Join us for an Women on Words – Members inspire and IF YOU GO: Friday, May evening with Danny Kofke, author of How to critique the presented poems. New members 21 at 5:30 p.m. Cyrano’s with the following hand-written note: “In Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher’s are always welcome. five years time you’ll disown every one of Salary, and Elizabeth Hubbell, author of Books, 390 Main Street, these poems; in ten years time you’ll forgive Learning: A Challenge to Parents, Educators, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St. Highlands, NC. yourself having written these.” However and Legislators. Enjoy free coffee, free books, in Asheville. Phone (828) 254-6734 or visit Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m. correct that assessment, I had begun to doubt free items for the classroom, and conversation www.malaprops.com. Malaprop’s, 55 Haywood I would ever discover “my own true voice.” with fellow teachers and our guest authors! Street.

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE book reviews

Going Rogue: An American Life MAY BOOK REVIEWS Written and read by Sarah Palin BOOK REVIEWS BY CAULEY BENNETT Bookstore Happenings ADDITIONAL REVIEWS BY DALE BOWEN ears ago, I listened to Nancy REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT Saturday, May 1 at 6:00 p.m. It’s a Reagan’s autobiography (My Zombie Crawl. Join children’s librarian Turn, the Memoirs of Two Readings Carol Dennis and author Eric Brown for Nancy Reagan), which she a night of the living dead. herself read. Although the “…short… by Author Y energetic… Tuesday, May 4 at 10:00 a.m. Book Babies. book didn’t change my politics, it David Madden did turn my head 180-degrees about snarky…” Thursday May 6 at 7:00 p.m. Meet Ann Mrs. Reagan and I now count her as Prolific novelist, Herendeen, author of Pride/Prejudice a personal heroine of mine. poet, critic and and Phyllida and the Brotherhood both So I hoped it was with an playwright David published by Harper Collins. open mind I ventured into Going Rogue, Madden will read Friday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. Art After Dark. the autobiography of Sarah Palin, former is standard interviewing technique when from his tenth novel, Abducted by governor of Alaska and Republican Vice- the subject is trying to be evasive. Couric Saturday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. Live Music. Circumstance. It tells the story of a Presidential candidate. I chose the audio was only doing her job. Ms. Palin needs to woman whose life is unraveling and Tuesday, May 11 version (Harper Audio, unabridged) on accept she was at fault for reacting with an- what happens when she glimpses a the theory that hearing Palin’s voice would noyance instead of diplomacy. woman who disappears. • 10:00 a.m. Book Babies tell me more about her than looking at By the end of the book, 8 hours on • 6:00 p.m. Mountain Writers. New disembodied words on page. 7 discs, I came away feeling I knew Sarah IF YOU GO: Saturday, May 8 at 7:00 members welcome. My first problem with the audio book Palin the person, a little better. I’d like to p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, was unexpected. Ms. Palin’s delivery is go hiking with her someday, just the two of Asheville. Saturday, May 15, at 1:00 p.m., Blue Ridge Osondu Books & Thursday, May 13 at 1:30 p.m. Afternoon folksy (“You betcha!”) and her wit is keen us and our dogs. I think we’d have a lot of Café, Waynesville. (828) 456-6000. Book Club. (“What’s the difference between a pitbull things to laugh about. Saturday, May 15 and a hockey mom? Lipstick.”) But her But her autobiography didn’t positively nasal, clipped speaking style is distracting. influence my opinion about her readiness • 11:00 a.m. Teddy Bear Picnic with our When she says “fill” for “feel” and “big dill for national office. In the entire book Palin very own Allison Best-Teague. Bring for “big deal,” I want to shout back “loosen did not say one thing that lead me to believe Historical Novelist your favorite teddy bear and come and up and love your vowels!” she has acquired the depth or self-analysis Ann Herendeen Reads at hear about bears. We may even have a The early parts of her life were the most that a true leader needs. “Don’t retreat — re- bear expert to talk with us. interesting. I learned Sarah Palin and I have load!” is not an expression of wisdom, it’s a Local Bookstores • 1:00 p.m. David Madden, author of a lot in common. We were born Catholic, sound bite. Abducted by Circumstance, will read and come from large, lower-income families Other than a brief tribute to Ronald If you like historical sign books. and worked our way through colleges that Reagan (“We win. You lose.), never does fiction with bi-sexual heroes and heroines • 6:30 p.m. Music with Jonathan Martin. weren’t fancy eastern finishing schools. We Palin discuss great men or women who have both love the outdoors, manly men, and influenced her. She never reveals the soul- you’ll be fascinated by Ann Herendeen’s Monday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. Nonfiction single color suits. I come from a military searching process, hard-won from education books. She’s making Book Club. New members are always family and married a Marine; she has a son and experience, that a person must take to welcome. in Iraq. We even wear the same eye glasses. be worthy to lead the #1 country in the a quick tour of WNC Photo by Fred Gary free world. No where does she indicate any bookstores. Tuesday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. Book I responded positively to all her personal Babies. stories of marriage to Todd Palin and moth- philosophy noble enough to inspire others, IF YOU GO: Thursday, May 6 at 7:00 ering a brood of five. She touched me deeply other than her conviction that when “one p.m. Blue Ridge Osondu Books & Thursday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. Spirit with the description of her decision not to door closes, another opens.” Café, Waynesville. (828) 456-6000. Seekers Book Club. seek an abortion when she found out the I enjoyed reading Going Rogue. It was Friday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. Malaprop’s Saturday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Live Music child would have Down’s Syndrome. Head- short and informative, and the energetic, Bookstore/Café, Asheville. For more with Chris Minick. on she dealt with the disappointment she felt sometimes snarky tone was entertaining. details call (828) 254-6734. at the news of daughter Bristol’s pregnancy. I I’m also glad I didn’t have to pay for it. I got Saturday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. City Sunday, May 23 at 3:00 p.m. Meet poet agree with her that Bristol should have been it for free in the library. You know, one of Scott Owens who will read from his Lights Bookstore, Sylva. For more off limits to press coverage. Children are those big, overblown government things. new collection Paternity. Books will be details call (828) 586-9499. available for sale. children even if they’re pregnant. – Cauley Bennett is an Asheville writer. Palin let the daggers fly in her version Tuesday, May 25 of what happened on the national campaign and it was interesting to learn her behind- • 10:00 a.m. Book Babies the-scenes viewpoint. It seemed obvious • 6:30 p.m. All Gender All Genre to me at the time that in the chaos of the A Literary Witch Awakens in the Blue Ridge Mountains Book Club. New members are always campaign she was mishandled and treated What happens when a novice witch Nilsen is currently revising Tapestry welcome. unfairly by some campaign staffers — I confronts the vengeful ghost of her Lion and writing the first draft of Saturday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. Live Music doubt a male candidate would have had to beloved’s long-dead mother? Phoenix Ashes, the next two novels in with Lorraine Conard. go through such indignities. the witch series. Visit www.karennilsen. Being a former journalist however, I In her recently published gothic fanta- com for more information. sy romance The Witch Awakening (426 Blue Ridge disagree with Palin’s interpretation of what happened with the infamous Katie Couric pages, $14.95), author Karen Nilsen IF YOU GO: Nilsen will be selling signed Osondu Books & Cafe interview. Among other things, Palin feels tells the story of Safire of Long Marsh, copies of The Witch Awakening at the Self- 152 S. Main St., Waynesville, NC Couric was demeaning by asking the same a young psychic whose unusual talents Published Book Fair (see article on page 30) are considered witchcraft and punisha- (828) 828-456-6000 question several times. For the record, re- on Saturday, May 15 at Kenilworth Presbyte- ble by death at the stake in her skewed rian Church in Asheville, NC. www.brbooks-news.com peating the same question in different ways Renaissance world.

28 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE book reviews Farewell Navigator REVIEW BY DALE BOWEN Debut collection of short stories by Leni Zumas

ive into Farewell Navigator (Open they are metaphors for lost souls The author weaves tiny City Books 2008), by local author/ tossed about in the murky sea of beads, threads, and bits of mari- Partial Listing – teacher Leni Zumas, and it’s guar- life. Zumas’ characters taste the time references to underscore her Visit malaprops.com anteed your people-watching skills picking of their own skin, they characters’ navigation through MAY 2010 for more events Dwill never be the same. Zumas ob- con and get conned, or they slip their rough currents. In Waste Friday, May 7, 4:00 p.m. serves her characters — often the oddball, the in and out of reality. A few are No Time if This Method Fails, a Wordfest poets reception and signing. zany misfit, the down-cast stranger — with suicidal, or anorexic or venge- mental patient keeps The Odyssey Sunday, May 9, 3:00 p.m. – Fred Flaxman attention so exquisite you’ll be unable to see fully overweight. One is addicted to tapi- on his nightstand “so his room- presents Sixty Slices of Life ... on Wry: The such people ever again without empathy. oca pudding. Another one commits bigamy mate will fear him.” Residents of a nursing Private Life of a Public Broadcaster. The ten stories in this collection aren’t on the run in an attempt to practice sorcery. home for the young take smoke breaks on high adventure on the salty yonder. Rather Since Zumas’ close inspection is tempered a porch in What a Wicked Son He Was, as Monday, May 10, 7:00 p.m. Curtis W. Wood, Jr. & Michael Beadle by compassion, readers feel compelled to “wind gusted off the great plains to churn present Haywood County: Portrait of a respond to her tales with awe and wonder. in frozen tiding against its rails.” One of the Mountain Community. Zumas’ protagonists search for that star young men senses another’s disdain for him. to follow to their personal port of home. In “I felt the contempt like a dull radar beam.” Friday, May 14, 5:00 p.m. Best-Selling Jeffrey Stepakoff presents his first novel, Farewell Navigator, the title story, a boy is Zumas’ unique talent is to spin poetical- Fireworks Over Toccoa. Novelist Brunonia the only child of blind parents. He’s highly ly into humanity’s secret darkness and steer Barry Appears at talented and at the age where he is consid- readers into the breaking light of its textured Friday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. ering his plans for college. The boy balks heart. In Heart Sockets, an older woman Poet Paul Guest presents One More Theory Malaprop’s About Happiness, a gripping memoir. when his school counselors goad him into lusts over a young man and says to him, Brunonia Barry, the New York going away to university. One day, tardy “What last thing did you think of last night Saturday, May 15, 7:00 p.m. Mike Roselle presents Tree Spiker: From Times bestselling author of The Lace from his classes, he contemplates the di- before sleep? Mine was black stars lashed to lemma of leaving his disabled parents alone. the bottoms of canoes.” Earth First! to Lowbagging: My Struggles in Reader, discusses her compelling new Radical Environmental Action. novel, The Map of He sees a small parade of blind children on a Insightful, outrageous, wildly inven- True Places. It’s the field trip, being carefully led by their teach- tive, hilarious — if you read only one short Sunday, May 16, 5:00 p.m. ers. All the children look happy and normal story collection this spring, let it be Farewell Emily Gould presents her new book, And the emotionally searing Heart Says Whatever. tale of a psychothera- except for the flutter of their eyes. The boy Navigator. then recognizes his lonely jealousy, “They Friday, May 21, 7:00 p.m. pist who returns to IF YOU GO: Leni Zumas and Travis Nichols her childhood home have teachers’ hands to pull them. Nobody Susan Kelly author of Now You Know and will have a joint reading Saturday, May 29 at How Close We Come, presents By Accident. in Salem, Massachu- expects them to know where to go.” 7:00 p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café. For setts, to find her true In Thieves and Mapmakers, another more information call (828) 254-6734. Saturday, May 22, 7:00 p.m. place in the world. proverbial star gazer is a teen girl bored sick Susan Rebecca White presents her latest by her town. “In those hot guts of August – Dale Bowen is an Asheville writer. novel, A Soft Place to Land. IF YOU GO: Wednesday, May 19 at I would wake up drenched with fears of 7:00 p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, Tuesday, May 25, 7:00 p.m. walking in the Town until I died. My sweat Join us for the Fret Knot Radio *LIVE* Asheville (828) 254-6734. smelled like rust.” Author’s website: www.lenizumas.com podcast from Malaprop’s Café! Wednesday, May 26, 7:00 p.m. Rice Freeman-Zachary will discuss Creative Time & Space: Making Room for Making Art. Friday, May 28, 7:00 p.m. Mountain Born Glenn Taylor presents his second novel, The Marrowbone Marble Company. A Recollection of Life and Language in Western North or I’m gonna get on you ‘like a hen on a June bug.’” Saturday, May 29, 7:00 p.m. Carolina. Written by Jean Boone Benfield Jealous women might com- Travis Nichols will read from his book Off plain about a prettier lass We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder. he hand-drawn map on the end REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT — “She was woman enough Tuesday, June 1 pages of Mountain Born illustrates to make a preacher lay his Malaprop’s 28th Anniversary Sale! the small world in the 1950s that Bible down.” local author Jean Boone Benfield incorporated into stories or a lavishly To put a “bee in your photographed cookbook. 55 Haywood St. remembers — from Boone Holler bonnet,” Ms. Benfield, I say, 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 Tand Bear Creek Road in West Buncombe to The final section is like an don’t “tarry” in non-fiction. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Haw Creek in the east. Concentrated in that archivist’s collection of moun- It would “behoove” you, and Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. isolated area, the centuries-old traditions tain expressions, their history and Asheville readers, to try your from England, Wales and Scotland lived on definitions written with academic preci- talented hand at fiction, in a collection of as if time stood still. sion. Some of the expressions I remember short stories or a novel. Benfield divides her book into three from my own childhood in rural Ohio. My Mountain Born is self-published by sections: her memoirs, food, and mountain mother was always warning me not to “get The Reprint Company in Spartanburg, It expressions. The memoir of her childhood up on my high horse.” Our school teachers can be ordered at local bookstores. is brief, almost pithy, written in a clear, ac- railed against my “ornery” brothers and me cessible style that makes you eager for more. because no matter how they tried to civilize IF YOU GO: Two Jean Boone Benfield The second section, plain as grits, without us, we were “set in our ways.” readings: Saturday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. recipes or photos, is about “vittles,” or the Other expressions are particular to the Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, Asheville. special food of the mountains. How mouth- mountains. An exasperated mother might Tuesday, June 9 at 8:00 p.m. Leicester watering all this info would be it if were shout at her unruly brood, “You cut that out Library.

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE book reviews Impatient with Desire “…extraordinary achievement Fiction version of an American tragedy written by Gabrielle Burton in historical fiction…” read this book because it has one of the most beautiful REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT covers I’ve ever seen. It was so attractive, I figured the A skilled artist and botanist, Tamsen drew designer must have been inspired by the book’s con- pictures of the flowers she saw along the way. She tents. Upon further inspection I noted a lovely map on enough to give it their all, then obviously it wrote letters to loved ones back home. She kept the inside front pages and an inviting design and lay-out was worthy of my attention. notes of the daily passage in a leather bound journal, Ithroughout. If the artistic team of the publishing company I began Impatient with Desire, a first whose cover she and her family would one day (Voice, a subsidiary of Hyperion Books) respected this book novel by Gabrielle Burton, and couldn’t have to eat. No one has ever found her journal. But put it down till I’d finished it early the next author Burton conjures it up as lucidly as if Tamsen morning. Burton’s prose shimmers. Her COMING NEXT MONTH – BLOODROOT, written by Amy Greene. A were channeling it. haunting debut novel set in the hills of East Tennessee. So lyrical scope is epic but her focus is exquisite. The Many years in the making, Impatient with you feel like singing its beautiful mountain language, and so characters she created, based loosely on historical figures, are Desire is not merely a labor of love. It’s an extraor- haunting you can’t stop thinking about it. uncannily full of life, even as they’re dying. It’s as if they’re dinary achievement in historical fiction. It stands as tribute telling their stories by appearing from the ether and materi- to all pioneers who made this great country. In the Author’s alizing before the reader. Notes at the end of the book Burton describes the long The story of the trek across the plains and then the process of writing the story and how she adjusted historical four horrifying months trapped by the Sierra Nevada snow, truths to imagine the creative fiction. If you enjoy knowing BOOK FAIR FOR SELF- would ordinarily depress me enough to stop reading. But history before its dramatization, you might want to read that in Burton’s hands the story spirals in time, back and forth, section first. In fact, the story behind Impatient with Desire PUBLISHED LOCAL AUTHORS rising and falling, amidst dreams and despair, while float- is so fascinating Burton wrote another book, a memoir ing like a rose petal a weary lover wishes to hold aloft with called Searching for Tamsen. If you’re like everyone else in Asheville, you’re urgent exhalations. The designer of the book jacket deserves to be named thinking of publishing a book. Now’s your chance to Forty-five year old Tamsen Donner, mother of five — she’s Laura Klynstra. Impatient with Desire is one of meet authors who already did it, buy their books, and daughters, wife of the expedition leader George Donner, several books produced by a publishing group dedicated to chat with them about their experience. It’s about time has an incurable wanderlust. Her husband didn’t have to women’s work. For more information about these authors we had a book fair like this one! talk her into venturing on the long, treacherous journey to see EveryWomansVoice.com. It’s BYOB: Bring your own books, you’re re- a new Promised Land. Tamsen was jumping to go. She was, – Cauley Bennett is an Asheville writer. sponsible for sales. Used books, goodies, and more. as people said of her always “impatient with desire.” Starting over again in a new land was a dream she would do anything Author’s website www.GabrielleBurton.com to accomplish. IF Self-Published Book Fair, Saturday, YOU May 15, from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at GO the Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenwilworth Rd., Asheville. The Girl Who Chased the Moon Fee is $10 for participants. Free to attend. Sponsored by the Candy Maier Scholarship Magical happenings in a North Carolina barbecue town. Fund for Women Writers. For more information Written by Sarah Addison Allen contact Cheryl Dietrich at (828) 277-1757 or email [email protected]. sheville author Sarah Addison Allen’s third novel, REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT The Girl Who Chased the Moon (Bantam Books 2010), is as enchanting as her two previous novels. Her fans will love it. Will all the secrets be It includes all the things we love about Allen’s revealed? Will everyone who’s storiesA — echoes of fairy tales, quirky southern ways, gentle hankering to fall in love get the magic, long-held secrets, tasty eats, characters in search of spunk to do it? Will the magic redemption, and a satisfying ending that makes closing the stay no matter how ordinary book an act of humans try to ignore it? Oh, of course — Allen’s books “Shining on everyone regret. Shining on are fun! is the seductive power everyone is the seductive power Author’s website: www.sarahaddisonallen.com and soothing touch of and soothing touch moonlight.“ of moonlight. Mullaby is a small southern town where barbecue is king, and the smell of hickory smoke wafts through the air morning and night. Local Author Ed Nielsen A new aroma enters — a siren-call of sweetness from the exquisite cakes baked by Julia. She’s a former punk teen at Accent on Books with pink hair who has returned to pay off her father’s debts Local author Ed Nielsen signs and — and maybe some of her own. discusses his highly praised first Young Emily comes to Mullaby for the first time to dis- book, Warriors, unique interviews cover the truth of her dead mother’s history. She stays with with 19 Vietnam War vets. her grandfather, a reclusive giant; flirts with a strange boy whose father hates her; sees ghostly lights dancing through IF YOU GO: Saturday, May 15, from the trees; and watches the wallpaper in her room eerily 3 to 6 p.m. Accent on Books, 854 Merrimon Ave., change to match her mood. Asheville. Call (828) 252-6255 for details.

30 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE music

Versatile Pianist and Jazz Artist Laura Reed returns to Asheville with to Perform May 14 Grammy Award-Winning Band eing hailed as “one of the hottest BY KAY S. MILLER young pianists in the world,” An- thony Molinaro’s stunning perfor- fter a year- BY KATHERINE POWELL mances and unique versatility have Gershwin collection featuring his own solo long hiatus captivated audiences and critics alike version of Rhapsody in Blue. Titled “New Laura Reed Laura has Bsince his victory at Blue,” the disc also A will be recently returned the 1997 Naumburg includes Three Pre- returning to the from a month long International Piano ludes and Molinaro’s international music trip in Brasil with Competition in New arrangements and scene with new many more musical York City. improvisations on projects and col- influences, as well Acclaimed for his the Gershwin clas- laborations. as a new proficiency “edge-of-the-seat bril- sics Summertime, Reed will be Laura Reed in Portuguese to liance” and “musically Someone To Watch appearing live at enhance her music imaginative mind,” Over Me, Embrace- The Grey Eagle on Friday, May 7 with and performances. Molinaro’s perfor- able You, and I Got her newest all-star band. The lineup From her sultry introductory mances have taken Rhythm. His most features the Grammy Award Winning ‘Hello, my name is Laura Reed...’ to him to major music recent recording, rhythm section comprised of Yonrico the final note of the evening, the air is centers throughout “The Molinaro- Scott and Todd Smallie, both of the infused with a spiritual energy that is the country includ- Levy Project, LIVE” Derek Trucks Band, with platinum al- immediately absorbed by the audience. ing Boston, Chicago, is a collection of bum producer Buzz Amato (formerly Laura’s soulful vocals incite dance, performances from Curtis Mayfield’s Music Director) on reflection and sometimes, even tears. Cleveland, Dallas, In- Classical pianist, composer, and jazz The Green Mill in keyboard. Laura holds much reverence for live dianapolis, Los Ange- artist Anthony Molinaro. les, Miami, Philadel- Chicago and a pair of Laura’s music has roots going performance and the power music phia, and New York’s venues in upstate NY. back to her country of birth, South can have on one’s life, and it comes Alice Tully Hall. He has been featured on Molinaro currently lives in his native Africa. Laura has absorbed a diverse through with every song. Ravinia’s Rising Stars Series, The Young Chicago. He studied at the University of range of musical influences through- “I find music to be medicine; it Artist Series at the Kravis Center, The Santa North Texas and Northwestern University out her deep travels. Her first public has changed my life and provided me Fe Jazz Festival, The Charles Vanda Master and has won several awards in addition to appearances at ‘open mic’ venues at the with insight and empathy that I feel is Series in Las Vegas, The Grand Teton the Naumburg Prize, most notably the Wil- age of 15 led to her debut as the front- a beautiful thing to share.” Music Festival and Eastern Music Festival liam C. Byrd International Piano Competi- woman for the soul/funk outfit, “Laura tion and the 1995 National Piano Fellow- Reed & Deep Pocket” in 2006. For more information on Laura Reed among many others. please visit www.laurareed.com. Recent concerto engagements include ship from the American Pianist Association. Musically Laura’s sound is diverse the Arkansas, Boise, Lake Forest, Louis- When he is not performing, Molinaro and encompasses the many rhythms ville, Napa Valley, Naples, Richmond, and devotes considerable time to music educa- and styles she has been exposed to and Syracuse Symphony Orchestras. He has tion. For three summers he has coordinated absorbed over the course of her young Laura Reed in a music program for physically challenged life. Laura’s influences range from IF also performed with the Canton, Cape Cod, YOU concert, Friday, May Eugene, Flint, Savannah, and Catskill Sym- children in South Hampton, New York. In North American soul/R&B/funk/jazz 7 at 8 p.m. The Grey phonies as well as with the Chicago Sinfo- August of 2008 Molinaro joined the music to South African Xhosa harmonies and GO Eagle, 185 Clingman nietta and Chicago Jazz Orchestra. Outside faculty at Loyola University in Chicago. He township music, to Brazilian Bossa Avenue in Asheville. the U.S. Anthony has recently played in is also an avid runner and recently took up Nova and samba. Her music is a per- (828) 232-5800 or visit www. France, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, the sport of triathlon. sonal reflection and fusion of these dif- thegreyeagle.com. Tickets: $8/ Switzerland, Austria, and Canada. For more information about the ferent styles, languages, and cultures. advance, $10 door. All ages. In addition to his traditional concert Anthony Molinaro concert as well as other repertoire, Molinaro is also a gifted com- programs or events, visit the Haywood poser and jazz artist, giving him a musical County Arts Council website at www. dimension uncommon to artists of his haywoodarts.org. The Concert is sponsored generation. He often plays his own caden- in part by WCQS Radio (88.1FM), John zas in Mozart and Beethoven concerti, and Highsmith, DDS and Mrs. Sandra Hayes, DIVAS AND DRAFTS Classicopia, has long been a strong his “free-wheeling” and “unconventional” and New Meridian Technologies. advocate for performing classical music rendition of Rhapsody in Blue features Mr. Molinaro will also be a guest on White Horse Black Mountain will in non-traditional venues. improvised cadenzas. In November 2004 WCQS Radio with host Dick Kowal on host a new series – Sunday Classics Kim Hughes, who co-founded he premiered his first Piano Concerto with Friday, May 14 at 2 p.m. Classical pianist, Concerts! Classic music from opera, White Horse Black Mountain with the Catskill Symphony and later that year composer, and jazz artist Anthony Molinaro art song, musical theatre, chamber and her husband, Bob Hinkle, is herself a returned to The Chicago Jazz Orchestra to will perform in Waynesville on May 14. chamber music. trained opera singer, having sung sev- debut his big band arrangement of Rhap- Daniel Weiser, a recent trans- eral “leading lady” roles in New York sody in Blue. plant to the Asheville area from New City, including Puccini’s Madame But- Molinaro records exclusively for The Haywood County Arts England, will co-ordinate the Sunday terfly, Tosca, La Boheme, and Gianni IF Schicchi. Nineteen-Eight Records, a label he founded YOU Council presents Anthony Classics series, with the aim of bring- in 2001 to support creative music of all GO Molinaro in concert, Friday, ing the highest quality chamber and IF YOU GO: Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. genres. His debut CD, “The Bach Sessions” May 14 at 7:30 p.m. The vocal music to this informal and more $12 adult, $8 student. Tickets available features The Goldberg Variations and the Performing Arts Center, 250 relaxed type of venue. at www.whitehorseblackmountain.com F Minor and A Major Concertos with the Pigeon Street, in Waynesville, NC. Weiser, who co-founded and still or by calling (828) 669-0816. White Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Cham- Concert tickets are $20 per person with a directs an award-winning chamber Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat ber Orchestra conducted by Andrew Litton. limited number of FREE student tickets music series in New England called Rd., Black Mountain, NC. His follow-up recording, “New Blue,” is a available. A reception follows the concert.

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview What the Butler Saw

hat the Butler Saw is a farce with a bite, even 41 years afterW its premiere. Dr. Rance: “Why are there so many doors? Was this house designed by a lunatic?” In Joe Orton’s bril- liantly subversive farce What the Butler Saw, the answer of course is “Yes.” All the hallmarks of a classic Dr. Prentice operates a successful psychiatry practice out of his Lon- farce, combined with biting social don home, but when he attempts to commentary. seduce his attractive new secretary, it sets off a chain of seductions, cover- ups, mistaken identity and double-crosses. thing, a truly revolutionary play.” What the Butler Saw has all the hall- Ron Bashoford directs a stellar local marks of a classic farce, including a higher- cast in this comedy: Matt Burke, Charlie than average number of doors. What sets Flynn-McIver, Casey Morris, Rebecca Mor- Orton’s work apart, however, is the biting ris, Graham Smith and Vivian Smith. social commentary underneath the absur- North Carolina Stage Company opens dity. No one escapes unscathed, as Orton the run of What the Butler Saw on Wednes- gleefully questions our assumptions about day, May 12 with a Pay What You Can psychiatry, government, sexual mores – even Night sponsored by Minx Boutique. On the concept of a nuclear family. Pay What You Can Night, tickets are sub- Before Orton’s untimely death, he sidized so that patrons can see the show for shocked, amused, and outraged audiences as little as $6. The only catch? You must call with his scandalous (and sometimes ma- ahead to get on the list, and when you get to cabre) comedies. At the premiere of What the show, you have to pay for your tickets in the Butler Saw in 1969, audience members cash, with exact change. actually shouted at the actors on stage, and tore their playbills to shreds. The Christian Science Monitor wrote that the play was IF “What the Butler Saw” “impregnated with evil.” by Joe Orton. Directed It was only years later that the play YOU by Ron Bashford. May 12 became considered a classic of 20th century GO - 30 at North Carolina Stage comedy. Of a 1989 revival of the play, the Company in downtown New York Times wrote “to settle for calling Asheville. Orton’s comedy funny is not to do it justice. Regular tickets are $16 - $26, varying by day In this work, the author of ‘’Entertaining of the week. Call (828) 239-0263 or visit Mr. Sloane’’ and ‘’Loot’’ wrote that rare www.ncstage.org.

32 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 CRAFT BEER, RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE A LOOK INTO joe’s brew notes THE FUTURE PART 2 Try and Compare: How to Conduct a Tasting with Friends

his second article of a four part occasion. Experience improved series looks into the future of Craft my taste preferences and flavor BY JOE ZINICH Beer. The first article was about became my objective. So why the dramatic growth of beer sales not use a robust porter to make goes well with both wine and T and number of micro breweries. a rich beef stew and enjoy it beer. The key is to provide That growth is driven by availability, va- with a Scottish ale instead of a food that does not overpower riety of styles and flavors, and the public’s cabernet. A quiet conversation the taste and aroma of the desire to try and enjoy new taste sensa- can be enjoyed with a barley beverage. Jason Atallah, owner of Bruisin’ Ales. tions. This and the remaining articles are wine or oak aged porter as Since a tasting is about intended to help expand your flavor palate readily as a top shelf brandy. Rob Campbell, wine the discovery of new flavors and influence your choices. One beverage type does not consultant and author, and aromas and why you like Alex Buerckholtz’s passion for home When I was younger, I selected bever- exclude the other but rather Wine Guy. them, supply a pencil and brewing and love of flavorful beers and ages based on the social situation; wine for provides additional options. paper or a scoring card (these wine led him to open Hops and Vines in food and family, beer for pizza and parties, To really appreciate what can be purchased or found West Asheville. Alex is an award winning liquor for conversation and contemplation. you eat or drink, it helps to online). Present a description home brewer, conducts home brewing As I learned about and sampled an ever-in- consider and discuss why of each beverage served; this lessons at his store, and is ranked as a creasing variety of imported and craft beer they are enjoyable — the will help participants to find recognized beer judge by the prestigious styles, I realized my old habits and prejudices look, the aroma, the flavor. words for flavors and aromas, BJCP organization. prevented me from full enjoyment of the Although my preferences enliven discussions, and help hopsandvines.net were developed over a long them remember their favor- period of time, yours might be ites. Plan for the tasting to Jason Atallah has been passionate about Brew News expedited by having a tasting take 1 to 3 hours (sometimes flavorful imported and American craft beers since the end of his college days. that features wine, beer, or a more) to complete. He and his wife Julie have researched Craggie Brewing unveils its Antebellum For a wine tasting, each combination of the two. For and traveled the country to find the beers Ale (based on an 1840’s American recipe advice and suggestions on sample should be 2 ounces that contained water, molasses, ginger, they enjoyed. Acknowledged “foodies”, how to conduct a tasting, I (or less); one 750-ml bottle many of their favorite recipes have beer a touch of yeast, and spruce tips), a pale spoke with some local experts; Alex Buerckholtz owner can serve 10 – 12 people. To ale spiked with the flavors of molasses, as an ingredient. Together they own Rob Campbell (Wine Guy), of Hops and Vines. prevent palate fatigue and Brusin’ Ales, an all beer (800 differ- ginger and spruce, 5%. They collaborated Alex Buerckholtz (Hops and potential inebriation, serve with The Hop Ice Cream Cafe (thehopi- ent kinds) and beer merchandise store Vines) and Jason Atallah (Brusin’ Ales). a maximum of 6 – 8 different wines (the ranked number three in the world. cecreamcafe.com) to produce a delicious The experts agree that first and fore- equivalent of 2 – 3 glasses per person). For Antebellum ice cream. bruisin-ales.com most a tasting should be simple and fun. A a more complex tasting, serve the wines in French Broad Brewing has opened a time when you and your friends discover flights of 3 (4 maximum) and don’t mix Rob Campbell successfully opened new beer oasis, their back patio. Buy a and enjoy new flavors and share why you red and white in a flight. A “reception” Atlanta’s first wine bar and restaurant. In beer and enjoy it and the weather out like them. It’s not what’s best in the show, wine (white for a white wine tasting, red 1999 he moved to Asheville and opened back. Opens 3 p.m. daily, weather permit- it’s what’s best in your show. All tastings for red, champagne for either) gets the the Wine Guy stores. A wine professional ting, through the fall. have a number of common elements — a palate ready for the tasting to come. Put a for over 25 years, he is a judge for local The Thirsty Monk has a pint night with theme (unifying factor), glassware or plastic numbered cover over the bottles and serve and international competitions, a writer Magic Hat Brewing that features rare and cups, water to drink, food to clean the pal- everyone a sample of each wine in the for the Laurel of Asheville, and a consul- unusual kegs with a custom Monk/Magic ate, paper and pencils, time to record and flight then ask them to record the number tant for wine related events. hat logo glass; week of May 10, both loca- discuss your impressions, and an amount of of their favorite. Tally the votes, uncover Contact him at [email protected] tions. On May 20 or 21, they will have a beer or wine appropriate for the number of the wines, and discuss the results. Repeat special event with Terrapin Brewing Com- people attending. Also provide a receptacle for the remaining flights. pany from Athens, Georgia. One of the for people to pour unwanted samples. For a beer tasting, each sample should founders, Brian “Spike” Buckowski, the The theme for a tasting can be as simple be 4 ounces (or less); one 12-ounce bottle experience. Follow that approach with the creative force behind Terrapin’s uniquely as presenting 3 bottles of red or white wines can serve 3 people. Plan to serve a maxi- lager and finally the porter. The discussion flavored beers, will be in attendance. that you enjoy, or as complex as a compari- mum of 8 to 10 beers; the equivalent of should prove to be fun. Most people find Wedge Brewing’s Witt bier is now on son of California, Australian, and French 2 – 3 pints per person. If a certain style of the flavors of the shiraz and the lager will tap; a delicious Belgian style wheat beer, cabernets (for example three of each priced beer is presented (example, all IPA’s), put a contrast with the roasty, caramelization of spiced with coriander and orange peel, under $15). For beer the theme can be a numbered cover on the bottles. If the tasting the meat, the flavors clear. However, the light and refreshing, 4.9%. The outdoor comparison of pale ales, one from each local is more about exploring beers from around roasty, caramely flavors of the porter en- movie series starts Saturday, May 1 and brewery or, more elaborate, styles that are the world, numbered covers may not be hance and harmonize with the flavors of the continues every Saturday through Sep- associated with a country, like a German necessary. Then serve, sample, record, tally meat, the flavors linger. tember. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy; pilsner, an English pale ale, an Irish stout, a and discuss. It’s all about flavor. Take the time to a drive in without the car. Belgian abbey, a Flemish sour, a U.S. IPA. As might be expected, a combined beer taste, enjoy, and explore. Asheville’s Beer City Festival – The Serve drink samples in order from lightest and wine tasting is best done with food. festival showcases the beer from 40 North to richest in flavor; which is normally light- This tasting is different than the others and South Carolina breweries and is est to darkest in color. because the combination of food and bever- For eight years, Joe Zinich scheduled for Saturday, June 5 at Roger Appetizers and water should be served age together is what’s being explored. As an has been taking a self- McGuire park in downtown Asheville. to refresh the taste buds. The food can be example, invite some friends, grill some red guided, high-intensity tour Tickets ($35 each) are available at all nine very simple; for example, serve a mild bread meat, select a shiraz, a stout, a porter, and a of the Asheville beer scene. local breweries, Brusin’ Ales and Barley’s. with a cheese selection that varies from mild lager. Have everyone take a sip of cabernet Contact him at: jzinich@ Buy early, it’s expected to sell out. to strong. Cheese is a good choice because it then eat a cube of meat and record their bellsouth.net.

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE restaurants & wine Not-So-Random Tales Involving Wine

lence. He named the restaurant “Osteria Wine Spectator BY MICHAEL PARKER L’Intrepido” (which translates to The Falls for a Hoax Fearless Restaurant), arranged a Google generously filled glass, which was later Map locator in Milan, and paid the $250 its way through the neck and oozed down The latest addition to my smart-alek found empty in a nearby alley, unbroken. application fee. He got the award. the outside of the bottle, creating the fro- hall of fame is wine critic and author The media made the wine, Chateau Goldstein posted the imaginary menu zen ring. Perhaps the burglar's first bottle Robin Goldstein, who totally fabricated a Malescot St-Exupery, the hero in this tale and wine list on the internet and listed of wine lent to his forgetfulness. Whatever, fictitious restaurant and applied for Wine rather than the quick-thinking Cha Cha. wines the Wine Spectator had actually it was a shameful, stupid waste that may Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excel- The wine alone is not due the credit - it denounced in previous wine reviews, have been prevented if Cha Cha had been took an ambassador from the world of wine including an Amarone that had been com- there to keep the red out of the freezer. (and probably one who goes by the name pared to paint thinner. There were even Cha Cha) to transform this potentially customer reviews about the nonexistent A Tale of Two Sakes May at the Weinhaus deadly situation. Either she possesses amaz- restaurant on the Chowhound website. I adore sake of all types. Brewed from ingly accurate intuition, or she is a damn Reservations are required for these events, There are two sides to this story. The rice, it is certainly not a wine, but we still lucky risk-taker who deserves a good slap please call the Weinhaus at (828) 254-6453 magazine has long been accused of giv- tend to call it that. I think that’s OK. We from a specific fourteen year-old girl. or 1-800-283-1544. ing higher ratings and better publicity to know it does not come from grapes, but I still wonder if she was trying to advertisers and paying applicants. Yes, they are comfortable calling it wine because it is Tuesday, May 4 distract him so another guest could have have lost some serious vineyard cred by a complimentary word for the drink. A fine wine dinner will be held at the Broad- the chance to knock him over the head. In falling for Goldstein’s hoax, but the awards I recently considered two brands side- moor Country Club near the Asheville a group-hug setting like that, there must have also drawn attention to deserving by-side on the store shelf, Gekkeikan for Airport in their clubhouse overlooking the have been a least one little concrete garden golf course. Catered by Dwight Butner of restaurants that have worked hard on their seven dollars and Hakutsuru for fifteen. Buddha within reach. But then again, that Vincenzo’s, the meal promises to be extraor- wine programs. I bought them both so some friends and would explain the absence of anyone with dinary. The time is 7:00 p.m. The cost is $60 There are thirty restaurants within 50 I could have a taste test. It was the same the fortitude to use it. Further, Cha Cha all inclusive. miles of downtown Asheville who have day as the Environmental Conservation did offer the robber the whole bottle. Per- earned the Wine Spectator award. Organization’s tour of green homes. Tuesday, May 18 haps she really did deserve a good slap. The two brands were almost identical Ophelia’s restaurant and chef Jamie Allred The press did not report the vintage, in taste and quality. Hakutsuru, which is will present a dinner of classic dishes paired How Fine Wine Foiled but there will be people who buy this label brewed in Japan, offered only a little more with classic wines provided by the Wein- for its temporary fame and a good story, a haus. The time is 7:00 p.m. The cost is $55 a Capitol Crime fragrance for twice the money. Gekkeikan story that will surely be mangled at most all inclusive. The international press went wild is brewed in California. of the dinner parties where it will be told. for a day in mid-July when a terrifying Sake breweries have long been up and Friday, May 28 I am interested in its age just to know Capitol Hill robbery got nullified by an running in America and are doing just fine. Friday night flights at the Weinhaus will whether it was drunk too soon. The cur- intuitive guest and a glass of fine wine. If you are loyal to Japan, then good for feature A Taste of Northern Italy. The price rent release needs a decade of ageing. Will An armed man crashed an outdoor Soirée, you, but for the green-minded (both envi- is $10 for a tasting and light hors d’ouvres. the robber return when he finds out he pointed the gun at the head of the fourteen ronmental and monetary), the green-bot- From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Held at the Wein- drank this wine before its time? haus, 86 Patton, Ave. Asheville. year-old daughter, and demanded cash. tled Gekkeikan better serves those goals. This took me back to a robbery in One guest, Christina "Cha Cha" a downtown Asheville loft in the fall of Monday, June 7 Rowan said to the robber: "We were just 2005. In that case, the burglar entered Sinbad Restaurant in Hendersonville with finishing dinner. Why don't you have a the house while the owner was away and They always buy the their fine classical and middle eastern food glass of wine with us?" will prepare a four course wine dinner with made himself quite at home. As he drank It worked. He accepted a glass and ten cent wine… appetizers on the deck. The time is 7:00 a bottle of white wine, he put a premium stuck the gun in his waistband. "Damn, p.m. The cost is $55 all inclusive. Silver Oak Cabernet in the freezer. that's good wine," he said. This story The liquid expanded during the pro- does not end before the robber asked for The Weinhaus cess, as water-based liquids do, and pushed Ernest Said Something 86 Patton Ave., in Asheville a group hug, and got one. He left with a About That (828) 254-6453 Michael Veseth, writing for his own excellent Wine Economist blog, tells the story in an April 28, 2008 post: “The story is told of a sales call that Great values & styles Ernest Gallo made to a New York customer in the dark days of the depression. He offered sample glasses of two red wines FREE Wine Tastings on Saturdays — one costing five cents per bottle and the from 2 to 5 p.m. other ten cents. The buyer tasted both and pronounced, ‘I’ll take the ten-cent one.’ Tasting wine is not only fun, but it presents a chance to learn about The wine in the two glasses was exactly wine and what it is about a particular wine that you like, or don't the same. Clearly, the customer wanted to like. You can sip while you shop. Find some new favorites — try buy an identity — the image of someone it before you buy it. We will usually have a few whites and a few who wouldn’t drink that five-cent rotgut reds open, with the occassional guest speaker. Please stop by! — even if he couldn’t actually taste the www.theAshevilleWineGuy.com difference. ‘They always buy the ten cent wine,’ Ernest Gallo said.” Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon Ave. I wouldn’t worry about Hakutsuru’s Great wines for any occasion and budget. (828) 254-6500 sales figures.

34 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

May 4-8 can be filled out at the time the work is Pastichio, Moussaka, Spanakopita Asheville Wordfest dropped off. etc. We will also have a variety of our HandMade: The Western North Carolina pastries, cookies and breads, like our Asheville Wordfest 2010 will take Grace Centre is located on Highway famous Baklava, Napoleons Kourabi- Craft, Architecture & Design Expo place downtown. This year’s visiting 280, three miles west of the Asheville ethes, Melomakarouna, Koulourakia, poets include Mark Doty, Natasha Airport next to the Land Rover. Con- Paximathia, etc. Our Greek folk dance Trethewey, Nickole Brown, American Friday, June 25 & tact Craig Lotz, Arts Director (828) troop will perform the traditional Greek Sign Language Poetry duo The Flying Saturday, June 26 231-2700 or [email protected] for dances dressed in the authentic cos- Words Project, Raul Zurita, Linda A two-day event inviting more information. tumes. Tours of our newly renovated Hogan, and David Whyte. You can also the public to join artists, Byzantine Style Sanctuary will also be hear your favorite local and regional Friday, May 7 architects, builders and available. poets including Holly Iglesias, Kath- The Megan and Moe Show designers to share and erine Soniat, Kathryn Stripling Byer, Local artists Moe Donnelly and Megan Carry out will be open from 10:30 learn about successful col- John Hoppenthaler, Glenis Redmond, Stone will be showcasing their work in a.m to 2 p.m. To place your order call laborations between craft Laura Hope-Gill and Keith Flynn. the F.W. Front Gallery at Woolworth Andrea Zourzoukis at (828) 258-3938 artists, home owners and Visit www.ashevillewordfest.org. Walk for the church office at (828) 253-3754 or industry professionals. the Hellenic Center at (828) 254-7424 the month Drawing from the tre- between 9 a.m and 1 p.m. May 5 - June 8 of May. mendous craft resources Juried Photography Exhibition Moe of AHEPA stands for American Hellenic that are a unique and vital HandMade in America is a nonprofit Sew Moe The 3rd Annual Juried Photography Educational Progressive Association, part of Western North Carolina, the organization whose mission is to Designs Exhibition will be held from May 5 and its mission is to promote Hel- event will emphasize craftsmanship grow handmade economies by creat- creates through June 8 at Grace Centre. This lenism, education, philanthropy,civic in architectural elements and design ing tools, markets, and partnerships unique event is open to all photographers. responsibility, family and individual for both high-end and mid-range that honor craft, cultural heritage, women’s Drop off dates for photograph entries excellence. Portion of the proceeds will home markets. and a spirit of community. Since its clothing. Megan uses collage, decora- are from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May benefit local philanthropic causes. founding, HandMade in America’s tive papers, paint, colorful threads Model home rooms utilizing 5, and 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, May vision has been to make WNC and more to decorate her handmade handmade objects will be featured. 6. Fee is $10 for one entry and $15 known nationwide as the center of books. Meet the artists on May 7 Educational sessions, craft demon- for two. the handmade object. from 5 to 7 p.m. Woolworth Walk, 25 strations inside and on the Arbore- The opening reception will be 7:30 Haywood Street in Asheville. Gallery tum grounds, and craft commission The North Carolina Arboretum, p.m. Saturday, May 8, where awards Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 opportunities for artists will also be 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, and cash prizes will be announced. to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 to 5 p.m. Phone: offered. Tours of homes and offices Asheville, NC. For additional infor- Jurors for the event are Asheville (828) 254-9234. that exemplify the use of craft in the mation please visit www.handmadei- photographers Jenny Bowen and Re- built environment will be scheduled namerica.org/designexpo becca D’Angelo. An entry form can be May 7-29 for both days. downloaded at www.graceinfo.org or River District Artists Exhibit Henderson County Arts Council, Karan Casey Photo: Robert Hakalski go to support the work of the Black Barry at (828) 338-0042 or visit www. 538 North Main Street, 2nd Floor, in Friday, May 14 Mountain Beautification Committee TheChristSoul.com. How to place an event/ downtown Hendersonville. Free and Karan Casey Band volunteers who plant and maintain the classified listing open to the public. public Town of Black Mountain gar- Saturday, with Rapid River Art Hailed as “the most soulful singer to den sites. There is no admission charge May 29 Saturday, May 8 emerge in Irish traditional music in to attend the Garden Show. Bua in Magazine Chuck Palahniuk the past decade” by the The Glasgow Concert Reading Herald, Karan Casey brings her warm Sunday, May 16 Any “free” event open to the public Described as can be listed at no charge up to 30 and evocative voice to Diana Wortham Amanda Horton and Chuck Palahniuk Theatre with her band. Mainstage “the essence words. For all other events there is will be reading from Dewitt Tipton in recital of a superb a $9.95 charge up to 30 words and Celtic Series. Diana Wortham Theatre and signing copies at Pack Place. 8 p.m. Friday, May 14. “First Love, Last Love”: Amanda Hor- band” by 10 cents for each additional word. of his new book Tell ton, soprano, and Dewitt Tipton, pia- Irish Music 160 word limit per event. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; All at 7 p.m. at the Children 12 & under $12; Student no, present music for piano and voice. Magazine, Sponsored listings (shown in Asheville High School auditorium, Rush day-of-the-show (with valid Music from Mozart, Grieg, Sibelius, the young 419 McDowell St. Tickets are $30 plus boxes) can be purchased for $12 I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 Liszt, Bernstein and the American Photo: Tanya Tucka and highly tax and include a signed copy of Tell per column inch. Deadline is the or online at www.dwtheatre.com. songbook. Sunday May 16 at 4 p.m. at talented 19th of each month. Payment All. There are 100 Golden Tickets the Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore quintet Bua brings driving traditional must be made prior to printing. (also $30) available. These 100 VIPS Saturday, May 15 Village, Asheville. Suggested donation: Irish music to Asheville. Mainstage will get to meet Chuck and have their Email Beth Gossett at: Black Mountain Garden Show $10 general public, $5 musicians. Celtic Series. Diana Wortham Theatre books personalized. Tickets available at Pack Place. 8 p.m. Saturday, May [email protected] at Malaprop’s Bookstore, or call 1-800- and Sale Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Can- Sunday, May 16 29. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student 441-9829. Books and tickets must be The Fifth Annual Black Mountain Up The River $25; Children 12 & under $12; Student ton, NC 28716. Call (828) 646- picked up prior to the event and are 0071 to place ad over the phone. Garden Show and Sale will be held Rush day-of-the-show (with valid available beginning Tuesday, May 4. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sutton Second Annual Studio Open House, I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 – Disclaimer – Avenue (across from the old train 2 to 5 p.m. Third Floor Studios, Riv- or online at www.dwtheatre.com. erside Business Park, 2000 Riverside Due to the overwhelming number of Sunday, May 9 depot). Local vendors will offer a wonderful variety of perennials, annu- Drive. For more information: randy@ Sunday, May 30 local event submissions we get for our Mother’s Day Greek Luncheon randysiegelart.com “What to Do Guide” each month, we & Bake Sale als, ornamentals, herbs – both kitchen Asheville Community Band can no longer accept entries that do not and medicinal, vegetable plants, native Thursday, May 27 specifically follow our publication’s The Annual AHEPA Mother’s Day trees and shrubs, gardening books, and The Asheville Community Band pres- format. Non-paid event listings must Luncheon will be held at the Hellenic garden accessories. Free Christ Meditation ents a free program of Patriotic music be 30 words or less and both paid and Center of the Holy Trinity Greek Teleconference Call at 3p.m. at the Folk Art Center on the non-paid listings must provide infor- Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Throughout the day there will be rain Blue Ridge Parkway. Seating is avail- mation in the following format: date, Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. barrel demonstrations and sales; free The Christ Meditation is being of- able in the auditorium or bring a picnic time, brief description of what your Children’s Activities from 1 to 4 p.m.; fered via free teleconference call on and enjoy the music on the grassy area event is and any contact information. As always it will be Cafeteria Style and a Silent Auction featuring house- Thursday, May 27th, 8-9pm, to anyone outside. For more details contact Ralph Any entries not following this format with a variety of Greek Gourmet hold and garden items. who wishes to experience blessings Campbell, (828) 254-2234. will not be considered for publication. dishes like Lamb Shank with Manestra, for greater oneness with their Christ Baked Chicken with rice, Spanakopita, Proceeds from the Silent Auction will presence. To sign up contact Mary &

MAY EVENTS ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ CLASSIFIEDS

36 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Hangout Beach Plein Air Painting with Concerts at St. Matthias Church Music and Arts Festival John Mac Kah Concerts start at 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Friday, May 14 - Sunday, May 16 Sunday, May 2 May 24 -28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a concert by a chamber The Hangout Beach, Music choir and orchestra performing Bach’s Cantata 214 and Arts Festival will take place Traditional methods in direct painting and Handel’s Coronation Anthem and more under on four stages including two (alla prima) and indirect painting on the direction of Milton Crotts. Soloists include: main stages located directly on location, Painting two days using each Kristina Pontin, Amanda Porter, Brandon Herder, the beach. Take in the diverse method. We start in studio, with one day for technical procedures and demos, summary and critique. and Jonathan Ross. This will be part of the First lineup, then go on a deep-sea Come prepared with a lightweight field easel, oil paints, folding chair, notebook, and a packed lunch. Sunday Classical Chamber Music Series. fishing adventure, putter around Tuition: $450. Space is limited, so register now to guarantee your seat in the class. You can also email Sunday, May 9 the Richard Schulman Trio will on a number of championship [email protected] or call (828) 252- 5050 for more information. Fine Arts League of the Caroli- perform a concert of jazz music for piano, bass and golf courses, enjoy fresh seafood nas, 362 Depot St., in Asheville. percussion. This will be part of the Second Sunday from a seaside restaurant, or build Jazz Series. sandcastles on beach. During this inaugural festival Sunday, May 16 the Horn Society of the Carolinas attendees will be treated to three will present a program for an all horn ensemble. days of music from national Best in Show by Phil Juliano Sunday, May 23 the Silverwood Trio will perform headliners and Grammy award a program of classical music for two flutes and cello. winners of rock, country, soul, The flutists are Jo Northup and Georgia Presseman, bluegrass, funk, and blues. and the cellist is Elizabeth Glatstein. Friday, May 14 – Zac Brown A free-will offering will be taken for the restoration Band, Alison Krauss and Union of the beautiful and historic church. St. Matthias’ Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Church is over 100 years old and is on the national The Black Crowes, North Mis- historic register. In some cases the offering will be sissippi Allstars Duo, Girl Talk, shared with the performing group. The church is Pnuma Trio, Orianthi, Brett located in Asheville just off South Charlotte Street Dennen, Jeff Austin and Friends at Max Street on the hill across from the Asheville featuring Larry Keel, Davy Public Works Building (1 Dundee St.). Knowles and Back Door Slam, Rachel Goodrich, Kirsten Price, El Cantador, Ben Arthur, and Callie & Cats by Amy Downs Hightide Blues. Saturday, May 15 – John Legend, Call for Artists and Food Vendors The Flaming Lips, Jakob Dylan The Haywood County Arts Council is seeking art- and Three Legs featuring Neko ists and food vendors for its 25th Annual Inter- Case and Kelly Hogan, Gov’t national Festival Day to be held Saturday, July 31 Mule, Funky Meters, Rodrigo y from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street in historic Gabriela, Grace Potter and the downtown Waynesville, NC. Nocturnals, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ozomatli, The Whigs, Toubab Food vendors selling international cuisine and artists Krewe, Moon Taxi, A.A. Bondy, in all media are encouraged to apply. All art must be Wild Sweet Orange, Jon Black, original work to be juried into the show. There will and Rustlanders. be over $1,000 in prizes awarded. Booth spaces are 10 x 12 feet and all are corner spaces. Interested art- Sunday, May 16 – Trey Anas- ists and food vendors can download an application at tasio and TAB, Ben Harper and Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins www.haywoodarts.org, or email info@haywoodarts. Relentless7, Ray LaMontagne, org, or call (828) 452-0593. Michael Franti and Spearhead, Guster, NeedToBreathe, Mati- syahu, Keller Williams, OK Go, Blind Boys of Alabama, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, ALO, Music at French Broad Chocolates Matt Hires, Kristy Lee, Roman Street, Rollin’ in the Hay, and Wednesday, May 5 – Wine Wednesday with Geoff The Cary Laine Band. Weeks and his talented soul / jazz piano stylings. Hightide Blues, Ben Arthur, Jon Friday, May 14 – The High Gravity Jazz Trio. Black, The Cary Laine Band, and Intimate jazz standards and originals, in the style of Rollin’ in the Hay, the winners of Chet Baker and Cy Touff. the Hangout band search hosted Friday, May 21 – Juan Holladay, guitar, and Eliza by Sonic Bids, will also perform. Dragin by Michael Cole Sydney, harp, will be playing at 8 p.m. at the Choco- Festival tickets are available online late Lounge, 1st floor. at www.hangoutmusicfest.com. Friday, May 28 – Paul Cataldo - This acoustic guitar 101 East Beach Boulevard at the player and singer will bring the house down! southern end of AL-Hwy 59, Gulf Shores, AL. Tickets: $159 Three- Friday, May 29 – The High Gravity Jazz Trio. Inti- Day Pass; $79 Limited Day Pass. mate jazz standards and originals. VIP travel packages start at $500. Phone 1-888-512-SHOW. French Broad Chocolates 10 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC • (828) 252-4181 www.hangoutmusicfest.com www.frenchbroadchocolates.com

CLASSES ~ LECTURES ~ ARTS & CRAFTS ~ READINGS

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Two Asheville Artists Featured in Virginia’s William King Museum

illiam King Muse- um opens its next BY KATHY LOWDERMILK exhibition, The Subject of Being, Gabriel Shaffer, “Dreamin, May 14, featuring Breathin, Berlin” Mixed Wworks by Megan Van Deusen media on box style canvas. and Gabriel Shaffer. Megan Van Deusen’s subtle, almost monochromatic celebrating the opening of figures evocatively emerge The Subject of Being: Mixed from the creases and folds of Media Works by Megan Van the material she works on. Deusen and Gabriel Shaffer. Her figures are suggestive of Free and open to the public. academic life-drawing, but the Megan Van Deusen process of layering and draping studied art at the Interlaken the fabrics transforms a tradi- School of Art, Stockbridge, tional two-dimensional work MA, Pratt Institute in Brook- into a sculptural installation. lyn, NY, and received her Similarly, Gabriel Shaffer’s paintings BFA in 2009 from the University of North on salvaged materials and collage emphasize Carolina at Asheville. She is a recipient of the object-hood of his work as well as the the 2009 Doris P. Deal Fellowship Fund journeyed process in which they are created. for Emerging Visual Artists administered by Theatre Art Galleries of High Point, NC. Gabriel Shaffer is the son of renowned folk/visionary artist Cher Shaffer. He was raised within the self taught medium and had contact with many folk and outsider artists as a young boy. Some of Shaffer’s most notable collectors include members of Home Security the rock bands Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Cat Power, and best selling Sci Fi/Fantasy author Tad Williams.

System! The exhibition will be on view through FREE October 24, 2010. At no cost to you for parts and activation with only a $99 installation fee and the purchase of alarm Megan Van Deusen, $850 Value! “Re-Presentation” Acrylic, oil, coffee, monitoring services. Terms & Conditions below. bleach, graphite on linen. IF William King Museum is Front and Back Doors Protected YOU located at 415 Academy Drive His figures are graphic, brightly colored and GO in Abingdon, VA. Free parking Infrared Motion Detection Sensor display wild and boisterous personas. While is available and the facility aesthetically dissimilar, both artists share an is fully accessible. Hours of Digital Keypad with Police, Fire, affinity for experimentation and the ability operation are Tues. 10-9, Wed. – Sat. to defy conventional views of figuration. 10-5, and Sun. 1-5. For more information, Medical, and Emergency Buttons Join William King Museum on Thurs- contact the Museum at 276-628-5005 or visit Warning Siren day, May 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a reception www.williamkingmuseum.org. Control Panel with Battery Back-Up Lawn Sign and Window Decals Contrast – FW Front Gallery at Woolworth Walk CALL NOW FREE Glass artist Kyle Keeler and fiber art- and to create with PANIC BUTTON! ist Brenda McVey will be featured in movement in her the F.W. Front Gallery at Woolworth work. She strives Walk for the month of June. Kyle cre- to create hand 1-877-694-8308 ates gorgeous functional and decorative woven articles Kyle Keeler Mon-Fri 9am - 10pm - Sat 9am-7pm - Sun 11am - 6pm EST glass pieces including but not limited which are artful to jewelry, vases, perfume bottles, and in design and elegant in function. Open- Ad provided by MediaBids.com. 1-866-236-2259. sculptures. ing reception, June 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. $99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only Providing a delightful juxtaposition to IF YOU GO: Woolworth Walk, 25 Hay- and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Licenses: Kyle’s glass works are Brenda McVey’s AL-08-1104, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CO-110357041, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE: 07-212, FL- EC13003401 GA-LVA205157, ID:PS070009, wood Street in Asheville. (828) 254-9234 IL-128-000169, IN-124-001506, KY-City of Louisville: 4836, LA-F1082, MD: 30339155,107-1375, MN- TS01807, MO-5870395,City of St. Louis soft fiber pieces. Brenda uses variegated Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11-6 p.m., LC7017450,CC354, MS-15007958, NC- 25310-SP-LV, NE-14451, NM-353366, NV-68518, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID# 12000286451, OH-Reg #AC86, OK-1048, OR- 170997 PA-3186237,RI-3428, SC- BFS.11674 BAQ, TN- C-1164, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, yarns to help expand the color palette Fri. & Sat. 11-7p.m., Sun. 11-5 p.m. VA-115120, VT-ES-2382 WA- 602 588 694/PROTEYH934RS, WI- City of Milwaukee M-0001599, WV- WV042433.

38 May 2010 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 13, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE healthy lifestyles

The Truth About Prostate Cancer BY MAX HAMMONDS, MD

artin Ware sat on the edge I’ll be talking with you about many can. So you aren’t in any of the high of the exam table, dressed areas of your life. Your prostate isn’t risk groups. And your chances of only in his underwear, even among the top three subjects.” prostate cancer are very small indeed. barely covered by a thin, “Second, you are uniquely you. Feel better yet?” paper examination gown. While there are guidelines for investi- “A little,” Martin said with a small M“I hope we get this over with soon,” he gation and treatment of many diseases, laugh. thought. Martin was worried. I have to take into account your unique Dr. Doren again checked the Dr. Doren breezed into the room, factors – your family history, your chart. “I did a rectal exam and an initial a patient chart in his hand and a smile propensity to disease, your other risk PSA on you two years ago – when you on his face. “Good morning, Mar- factors – in deciding what questions to turned 50. Your prostate was normal tin. How are we doing today?” The ask, what specific physical exams to do, size then and your PSA was 1.3. The doctor’s eyes quickly took in the stiff and what lab tests to order.” Dr. Doren PSA we drew last week is 1.5. So there posture and the worried facial expres- stared at him seriously. “Don’t make is no need to go any further. No rectal sion of his patient. medical decisions based on newspa- exam today.” “I’m a little worried – about per articles and discussions with your Martin laughed out loud. “Okay, what’s going to happen today.” Martin friends, Martin. If you are concerned, now I’m not worried.” fidgeted on the end of the table. come talk to me.” But Dr. Doren was still straight- Dr. Doren sat down on the little Martin shrugged his shoulders to faced. “However, if your PSA had roll around stool and crossed his legs. relieve the tension. So far, nothing he been over 2, we would be doing a “What about?” he asked. had heard had removed his worries. rectal exam. And if it had been over 3, “I’ve been reading in the papers Dr. Doren continued, “Now so I would be sending you to a urologist. about prostate cancer and I know you far as prostate cancer is concerned It’s not the PSA number so much as had them draw my PSA last week.” – this is a disease of older men, men it is how fast the number is climbing. Martin was talking rapidly, anxiously. over 60 or 70. You are . . .” He flipped When the PSA climbs rapidly, it’s wor- “And I saw that some doctors want to to the front of the chart he held in his risome.” Then he smiled, “But that’s do digital exams every year and some hands. “You are 52,” he said looking not your numbers and that’s not your don’t think you need to. And my up. “Your chances of getting prostate situation.” Then, shaking his head friends said that I was in for it today. cancer are very small.” Dr. Doren Dr. Doren mumbled to himself, “Lab And I just wondered . . . what would paused and held up his hand. “But let’s tests and exams should not be stopped happen.” ask. Did your father or your brother blindly or done arbitrarily by some Dr. Doren gazed up at the ceiling have prostate cancer?” non-personalized guideline.” for a long moment. “Well, let’s start at “No,” Martin answered. Dr. Doren looked up. “Now as to the beginning,” he began. “First of all, “Did your mother or any of your cholesterol levels – we have some you are here for a yearly physical exam her relatives have breast or ovarian talking to do.” – an exam of all of you, not just your cancer?” Martin took in a deep breath and prostate. So my concern is for your Martin thought about it. “No.” listened. total health, body and mind and spirit. “And you aren’t African-Ameri-

Vegetarian Dinner, Haywood County Silent Auction & Concert Quilt Trails Project Have You or One of Your Loved Ones Experienced Negative omen’s Wellbeing & De- vouchers and tickets, hand-crafted and The Quilt Trails projects help velopment Foundation will vintage accessories, table-top acces- communities find and tell their Side-Effects From Using Yaz®, host a Vegetarian Dinner/ sories, garden items, items for your stories. Quilt squares represent Yasmin® or Ocella®? Silent Auction & Concert children, jewelry, earrings, necklaces, a much-loved symbol of comfort, to benefit a local service and much more. family, heritage, and community. Wproject for women. The Women’s Wellbeing & The trails provide splashes of Women’s Wellbeing & Develop- Development Foundation Vegetarian color in the rural countryside. We Can Help. ment Foundation is an international Dinner, featuring international cuisine, If you would ® ® ® socio-spiritual organization whose will be held Saturday, May 15, 2010 at FDA Warning: Yaz , Yasmin or Ocella , the popular birth control like to pur- pill has serious risks. purpose is to elevate the status of the Unitarian Universalist Church in chase a quilt women worldwide. WWD-F contin- Asheville at 6 p.m. Silent auction bid- block for your Stroke Blood Clots Deep Vein Thrombosis ues to provide food, shelter, clothing ding ends at 8 p.m. World Music will barn or build- Heart attack Gallbladder disease Pulmonary Embolism and education to hundreds of Haitian be performed at 7:30 by Anjali Na and ing, applica- families. Locally, we are starting a rural Rene Ochoa. Tickets are $20. tions may be If you or a loved one has used Yaz®, Yasmin® or Ocella® and suffered self-sufficient community for women. requested any of the serious side-effects listed above, call Zimmerman Reed at This event is a benefit for work on this via email at info@haywoodarts. 1.888.313.1216. These are potentially life threatening complications. developing project. org, by calling (828) 452-0593, by visiting the Haywood County Join us on May 15 for a sumptu- For more information Attorney: Stacy Hauer IF Arts Council at 86 N. Main Street, 651 Nicollet Mall, Suite 501 ous feast, silent auction and concert! YOU visit wwd-f.org/events. Minneapolis, MN 55402 The silent auction features health and html, or contact Mirra at Waynesville, or by downloading wellness opportunities, entertainment GO: (828) 423-4909. an application from www.haywoodarts.org. Call now for the help you deserve. 1.888.313.1216

Vol. 13, No. 9 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — May 2010 39