Asheville Ballet Presents the Thrilling and Entertaining Performance, Billy the Kid

Asheville Ballet presents the thrilling and entertaining performance, Billy the Kid. page 12

Lenora Thom directs the Asheville Choral Society’s annual May Pop’s Concert, The Colors of My Life. page 9

NC Stage Company presents two hilarious comedies opening on May 26. page 10

Elizabeth Foley creates magnificent chocolate art sculptures at the Chocolate Fetish. page 18 RAPID RIVER ARTS FINE ART “Green” Art at its Finest ward winning embodies both dramatic artists, Libby and impact as well as a tran- Jim Mijanovich, scendent quality, offering from Marshall, are visual and visceral intrigue A exhibiting their on many levels. contemporary textile wall art Mija specializes in made from recycled materi- large installations and has als at the Asheville Area Arts extensive experience with Council during the month commissions in all palettes of May as part of the exhibit and sizes. Libby and Jim Identity Theft Hits 5-Year High “On the Verge.” are juried members of the Leader in I.D. Theft Protection Strikes Back with Free Protection Offer for All Being environmentally “Double Down” pieced Southern Highland Craft TEMPE, ARIZONA – Identity theft has topped are enrolling more than one member,” said Todd concerned, Libby and Jim vintage clothing, metallic Guild, Piedmont Crafts- the Federal Trade Commission’s list of consumer Davis, the CEO of LifeLock known for giving out base their art business Mija, thread embellishment by men and Carolina De- complaints for the past eight years. his real Social Security number in advertising to on the philosophy of using signer Craftsmen. Their Now, a stunning new survey shows a record 9.9 show his confidence in the service. “It’s that simple.” Libby and Jim Mijanovich million Americans were victims of identity theft last Immediately upon enrollment, all LifeLock Earth’s resources conscien- artwork has been shown year – a shocking 22% increase over the prior year members are protected by LifeLock’s $1 Million tiously. Working exclusively with recycled and sold nationwide and can be seen at – according to Javelin Strategy & Research. This Total Service Guarantee. vintage clothing for their raw material, their studio in Marshall by appointment, news mirrors a just-released report from the Federal they challenge themselves to transform 649-0200, and on their website at www. Trade Commission that cites a 21% increase in iden- Why should you protect your identity? Consider tity theft complaints during the same period. some of the Javelin survey’s specific findings: simple, plain, nondescript fabrics into mijafiberart.com. Apparently, individual consumers are not the According to the survey, more than one in every intricate and involved works of art. Their only ones at risk: a recent review cited by the Wall ten victims knew the person who stole their identity. decorative fiber wall pieces are construct- Street Journal reports that the cost of information The Javelin survey also revealed women are 26% ed by machine piecing numerous frag- Meet Libby and Jim at the breaches to U.S. companies was also on the rise, more likely to be victims than men. The survey also If opening reception on Friday, with the average total per-incident cost in 2008 ris- ments of vintage clothing and intricately named higher income consumers (households with embellishing with metallic threads. By You May 1 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. ing to $6.65 million*. combined incomes of $75,000 or more) to be at These studies send a clear message: in the wake The Asheville Area Arts Coun- higher risk. Latinos are 47% more likely to become using sublime color blending along with Go of the global economic crisis, identity theft is a big the full range of value, depth, motion and cil is located at 11 Biltmore business. It’s up to consumers to take proactive steps victims of new account theft, versus 32% of all vic- Ave. in downtown Asheville tims. It’s important to point out that no one can stop the illusion of radiant light unfold. to protect themselves. Hours: Tue-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays That’s why for a limited time, LifeLock, the all identity theft, but what LifeLock doesn’t stop, Their expansive designs are dy- industry leader in identity theft protection, is offer- they fix at their expense, up to $1 million. namic and the use of multiple panels 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is free. ing 30 days of guaranteed identity theft protection To get LifeLock free for 30 days during this adds negative space and numerous For more information about the exhibit, visit service at no cost. special offer, call 1-888-252-5862 for individual display variations. The resulting artwork www.wncmagazine.com/ontheverge “All you have to do is call 1-888-2525862 for an memberships, 1-888-261-1335 for multiple enroll- individual membership, or 1-888-261-1335 if you ments, and use promo code FREEMONTH. ECO-ART: Artists Respond Reclaim, Reuse, Recreate

n Friday, May 8, Hand in Hand by David Voorhees Gallery in Flat Rock will open an exhibition entitled “ECO- ART: Artists Respond – Re- earth home redefine our daily lives, so too, Oclaim, Reuse, Recreate.” it must affect our creativity. An artwork raffle will be ongoing Artists have been invited who: during the show with the drawing held on recycle, reclaim and reuse materials, “When I first learned about a “I’m a former chief of police of a Saturday July 4. A coin drive will be on- ideas, imagery, parts, techniques; reduce company called LifeLock that major city. I knew identity theft their energy needs required for their art, protects families from identity was a $50 billion a year business, going as well in an effort to both recycle theft, my husband was skeptical. and a prime focus of organized coins back into the economy (pennies or their use of highly refined or toxic I signed us up anyway, and for- crime. But they got me anyway. now cost 1.26 cents to mint, nickels, 7.7 materials; recreate the spirit of alchemy, got about it. A couple of months Even though I was a senior law cents each!) and redistribute their wealth transforming available materials; revital- later, on a family vacation, my enforcement official, it took weeks ize outdated artwork and concepts with a husband received a phone to clear my name. I decided: to a worthy cause. A large call asking if he was applying for a new credit card. never again. A reporter recommended LifeLock to me pottery bank has been made fresh approach. Someone was trying to steal his identity. LifeLock had and I tried them out. I’ve never had a problem since. I for this coin drive with an stopped the thief cold.” Kim Barnes highly recommend them to you.” Bobby Jo Harris estimated filled volume of $500. An opening reception will be This “green” art If held on Friday, May 8 from exhibition will explore You 5 to 7 p.m. The show will the artist’s response to the Go run through Sunday, July 5. world and times in which Hand in Hand Gallery, 2720 we live. An increased Greenville Highway (Hwy. Advertise with Rapid River Magazine awareness of our impact on 225) along Flat Rock’s Little Rainbow Row. the limited resources of our For more information, call (828) 697-7719 or visit www.handinhandgallery.com. Gal- (828) 646-0071 David Voorhees, lery summer hours are Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing ECO-ART 5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.

May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9

Message from the Publisher Rapid River ® Art is the Story ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE I’ve always felt that an “Arts and Culture” Established in 1997 • Volume Twelve, Number Nine publication should have an artistic cover, or at least one that told a story while also giving you Distributed at over 390 locations throughout eight counties an idea of what’s happening. Better than just put- in WNC and South Carolina ting some painting or pottery on the cover and slapping a masthead above it. The featured artist likes it. Certainly the gallery where the art is Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray May 2009 shown likes it. But, it’s really nothing more than Managing Editor: Beth Gossett www.rapidrivermagazine.com a slick ad. Art Director: Dennis Ray Harrison Graham Ray, son Creative covers confuse a lot of people be- Print Production: Simone Bouyer of publisher Dennis Ray. cause they don’t know who’s advertising. It’s like watching the great James Cagney film, One Two Proofreader: Mary Wilson Inside Three, and wondering “is this movie an ad for Coke or a commentary about Marketing: Dennis Ray people’s opportunity to choose capitalism over communism?” Of course it’s a Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray Fine Art little of both. Coke certainly benefited from the movie but I doubt they paid for 2 Accounting: Sharon Cole Green Art at AAAC . . 2 it. Coke simply represented capitalism on a worldwide scale in the 1960s. Most of the covers I design deal with symbolism and allegory and could Distribution: Dennis Ray Eco-Art ...... 2 upon first glance have nothing to do with the feature article. Instead of showing EAST Studio Tour ...... 13 an empty theatre stage with the title “Will the Performing Arts Save Asheville Contributing Writers: Folk Art Center ...... 17 from Economic Ruin,” I gave a nod to the Avengers comics of the 70s. Doreyl Ammons, Danna Anderson, 16 Patton ...... 17 Over the years I have depicted Asheville terrorized by spaceships, a 50-foot H. Byron Ballard, Sierra Bicking, Gayle Paul ...... 38 Ape climbing city hall, and flying violins the size of busses crashing into our Jenny Bunn, James Cassara, streets and buildings. So it wasn’t much of a stretch to have our Vance monu- Michael Cole, Amy Downs, ment and center of town ravaged by a hoard of fire breathing dragons. 6 Asheville Shops A couple months ago a local potter told me the magazine covers I did were Ann Dunn, John Ellis, Sibley's Florist ...... 6 not true art because I used a computer. I wanted to tell him that his pottery Beth Gossett, Max Hammonds, MD, blue ...... 8 wasn’t true art because he used a wheel, but figured he probably wouldn’t Phil Hawkins, PamJ. Hecht, Chocolate Fetish ...... 18 understand what I meant so I let it go. I’m sure with each new invention comes Jill Ingram, Phil Juliano, outrage from the purists. With the advent of the paintbrush, one caveman might Chip Kaufmann, Michelle Keenan, have said to another, “Me no like Goog’s art work. He uses thing called brush, Amanda Leslie, Peter Loewer, 5 On Stage and paints on leather not on cave wall with chipped bone.” Heather Maloy, Libby Mijanovich, The Who's Tommy ...... 5 I certainly do not consider what I create to be a work of great art that will be Lynette Miller, MariJo Moore, Asheville Choral Society . . . 9 around thousands of years from now. But, if art is the telling of stories then I’m April Nance, Bryan Paiement, North Carolina Stage Co. . . . 10 pleased with what I do. Michael Parker, Dennis Ray, Asheville Ballet ...... 12 Terpsicorps . . . . 12 ~ Dennis Ray, Publisher Rapid River Magazine Erin Scholze, Maureen Scullin, David Voorhees, Kay Waldrop, Asheville Symphony . . . . 16 Bill Walz, Susan West, Joe Zinich. 15 Music INFO Chatham County Line ...... 15 Rapid River Art Magazine is Linda Gentille ...... 13 Peter Loewer a free monthly publication. Faith Sung Blue ...... 19 Printmaker Graphos=Studio Address correspondence to: Teada - Celtic Music ...... 30 [email protected] Leah and Chloe RISE ...... 34 or write to: Fourchestra ...... 35 Rapid River Art Magazine 85 N. Main St. 7 Columns Canton, NC 28716 P. Loewer - Thoreau's Garden . 7 Phone: (828) 646-0071 James Cassara - Music . . . 14 www.rapidrivermagazine.com H. Byron Ballard - Books . . . 22 29 All materials contained herein are Michael Parker - Wine ...... owned and copyrighted by Rapid Bill Walz - Artful Living . . . 31 River Art Magazine and the individual Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 32 contributors unless otherwise stated. Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 39 Opinions expressed in this magazine PO Box 5039 ~ Asheville, NC 28813 do not necessarily correspond with the opinions of Rapid River Art Magazine 20 Restaurant Guide email: [email protected] or the advertisers found herein. © Rapid River Magazine, 25 Movie Reviews May 2009 Vol. 12 No. 9 36 What to Do Guide™ Best in Show by Phil Juliano. . . 37 Cover illustration by Dennis Ray Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . 37 Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . 37 Dragin by Michael Cole. . . 37

May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE COVER STORY The Superheroes of Asheville The Who’s Tommy

ousing prices have fallen, by Dennis Ray textile plants, businesses Can the Performing Arts Save Asheville and banks have closed, from Economic Ruin? and there is a lingering performing arts people would uncertainty that any job simply go to those other cities,” H McIver says. or profession is safe. Unemployment rates are ris- According to the National ing and might surpass the rates of Governors Association (NGA), the Great Depression. One thing consumers typically spend over is clear. No one is safe and things $10 billion on admission to will keep getting darker as we fall performing arts events annu- farther into this hole of fear and ally. That is 3 billion more than uncertainty. admissions to motion pictures But there is hope. There is a and $2 billion more than total group of dedicated people who are spending on spectator sports. doing what is needed to see that According to Michael by Erin Scholze our city and the nearby cities aren’t Kaiser, president of The Ken- Peter Townshend’s tale of a hit as hard as other places. They nedy Center, “The arts in the young boy’s journey from trial to tri- are the men and women who give U.S. provide 5.7 million jobs umph is one of the most electrifying us our performing arts. They are and account for $166 billion in evenings of rock’n roll ever to play the individuals who dedicate their economic activity annually.” in a theatre! A great night out for the lives for little money and recogni- “The performing arts enrich- whole family. tion to make our lives a little, if not es the community,” Starkey says. The full-scale Broadway version a lot, better. Illustration by Dennis Ray “It allows people an opportunity of the show will have a three night, Asheville’s performing arts to fill their children’s lives with one matinee run at Diana Wortham culture. It’s proven that children venues bring much needed money The performing arts are allowing Theatre from May 14-17. into our local economy in more ways who are given a strong arts back- Producer and director, Rock than just ticket sales. People tend to Asheville to thrive and possibly ground wind up more equipped Eblen, has joined forces with the think of ticket sales as the only way grow during these economic times. to handle life’s challenges, to think Asheville Arts Center owned by a production makes money and that creatively, to go on to college, to Heather and Chuck Taft. This com- would be inaccurate. be successful. Art begets art. If you munity showcase is Bioflyer’s annual “If we sold every seat for every perfor- David Craig Starkey, General and have a great symphony (which we fundraiser for the Eblen-Kimmel mance,” Charlie Flynn McIver, Asheville’s Artistic Director of the Asheville Lyric happen to have) then that attracts a mu- Charitable Group. Suitable for chil- NC Stage’s managing director says, “we’d Opera says, “We needed the public’s help seum, which attracts a theatre company, dren at least 7 years old. still not cover all of our costs. We’d have to and they came through. We’re going to which attracts an opera company, and all these wonderful entities attract people to charge more… that’s why we need spon- continue doing what we do but we just The Who’s Tommy sors. That’s why we do fundraising.” need more people to support us. Basically live or visit here.” If at Diana Wortham A typical North Carolina Stage pro- what we need is for everyone who has National Endowment for the Arts You Theatre, May 14-16 at 8 duction costs $25,000-$40,000 to pro- ever gone to one of our concerts to donate Chairman, Dana Gioia, said, “With two p.m., May 17 at 2 p.m. $50 or $100 and purchase one ticket, then million artists and thousands of arts orga- Go duce. And all that money goes right back Tickets $10 to $25. Stu- to the local economy. McIver says that we’d be able to reach our 2009-10 goal. nizations in the U.S. able to provide arts and education programs and assist with dent, senior, and group NC Stage has pumped over $2 million We are hoping this can happen, that’s why discounts available. Call (828) 257- into the local economy. we need as many people as possible to community development and tourism 4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. “We employ actors, directors, design- donate what they can.” activities, it makes good economic sense ers, and playwrights who make their “When folks come to see a play,” to incorporate the arts into statewide living in the field of theatre,” McIver McIver says, “they usually begin the planning.” says. “We also provide opportunities for evening with a dinner out, perhaps do a In Haywood county there is the Hay- just put that on hold. We will focus on local theatre professionals to work in their little window shopping, perhaps even buy wood Arts Regional Theatre (HART). more family and comedy shows.” chosen field. These people may otherwise something from one of the local shops. Founded in 1985 HART is a volunteer- In May, for their production of have to move away.” And after the performance they might go based community theatre showcasing the “Honk” about an ugly duckling, HART People’s wallets feel the pinch from out for coffee or drinks or dessert. The talents of the people of the region. Under will give free tickets to children under 12 from failing stocks and weakening invest- point is, the performing arts gives people the leadership of Executive Director with the purchase of one adult ticket. ments — those who usually gave $1000 another reason to come to Asheville. Steven Lloyd, HART has grown into one dollars now have trouble giving $250. When they come of the most active In late February 2009 the Asheville here they spend theatres in the For those interested in learning more about Lyric Opera found themselves in a very money.” On Stage This Month Southeast. how the performing arts helps strengthen a unusual position. They didn’t have enough Greenville, SC The poor community visit these websites: money to secure the finances for their is one hour away Asheville Choral Society ...... pg. 9 economy has af- www.nasaa-arts.org, www.exploreasheville. com, www.nga.gov, and www.nga.org spring production. ALO, which celebrated and Charlotte, NC North Carolina Stage Co...... pg. 10 fected HART but is a little over two not too bad. “We’re its 10th anniversary this season, found Asheville Ballet ...... pg. 12 Also, please read the book Performance in it needed $24,000 to produce Rigoletto. hours away and not cutting back,” Terpsicorps ...... pg. 12 America: Contemporary U.S. Culture and They did a quick and productive fund- both have incred- Lloyd says. “A year the Performing Arts by David Román. It raising drive that produced most of the ible performing arts Asheville Symphony ...... pg. 16 ago we wanted to argues for the significance of the perform- needed funds. The show ended up becom- venues. “If Asheville Mainstage Celtic Series...... pg. 30 build an additional ing arts in contemporary U.S. culture. ing their most successful spring opera. no longer had any structure. We’ll

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Asheville Shops

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere by Pam J. Hecht Enchanted Florist, in nearby Owner revitalizes Erwin Hills) works magic with her nimble fingers. While I was Asheville fixture there, she transformed fresh stems of freesia, bells of Ireland t a hidden oasis on Tunnel and lily grass into a striking Road in East Asheville, purple, green and white display. flowers, and happiness, John Lavender pitches in part- bloom. time as a silk flower designer Inside Sibley’s and works with customers A to ensure just the right color Florist, a beautiful garden awaits – a riot of cheery colors scheme and design. in artful combinations. For “Our challenge is to shake owner Dawn Jeglic, who in the image of the old-time florist three years has contributed selling carnations and daisies,” new digs and a fresh perspective Left to right: Dawn Jeglic, Owner says Jeglic. “We can do simple to the 50-year-old business, her Bett Despathy, delivery and part-time designer designs, but we can also get re- passion for flowers began when her Emily Frye, Lead Designer ally creative and do high style.” dad bought her a bouquet of gladiolas While Sibley’s Florist spe- for her 13th birthday. was to own a flower shop, she says. cializes in events and occasions, customers It was a dream she says she didn’t even can buy as little as a single stem, bouquet A New Beginning realize she had. or potted plant. Regular customers visit Meanwhile, the decision to buy So, equipped with a strong business weekly to buy arrangements for their Sibley’s Florist began with a sudden rev- background and a love of flowers, she did homes and will even call to let staff know elation, that for Jeglic has paid off. When some research, found Sibley’s Florist in an if they’ll be out of town, Jeglic says. her husband asked her to name her dream old, converted gas station, and bought it A computerized system she imple- job, the first thought to enter her mind with the initial intention to renovate, later mented has increased efficiency and en- moving it to its present, larger location. ables staff to easily keep track of customer Today, the shop has information and orders. plenty of room for a large variety of fresh flowers and Flowers Bring potted plants; fresh, dried Joy, Hope and silk arrangements in both But although traditional and contemporary Sibley’s specializes in styles; and an extensive as- flowers, clearly, it’s sortment of gift items includ- all about the people. ing pottery, balloons, candles, Like the desperate man cards and gourmet/fruit/other from out of town, who gift baskets. almost forgot Valen- “Our flowers are of very tine’s Day and called high quality and will last lon- at 6 p.m. that evening Emily designs an to order a delivery of ger than those you’d buy at arrangement with mango the grocery store,” says Jeglic. calla lilies, yellow roses, flowers for his girl- Most of the store’s inven- and blue thistle. friend in Asheville. tory is from local vendors and Or the young is hand-picked by Sibley’s soldier, preparing to staff. “Bucket trucks” pull into the park- leave for Iraq, who arranged in advance ing lot in front of the store several times for flowers to be delivered to his girl- each week and are like mobile nurseries, friend on Valentine’s Day, her birthday, jam-packed with an assortment of fresh their anniversary and one random day flowers and plants. Staff can also order “just because.” any type of flower if they don’t already Like one regular customer, whose have it, says Jeglic – “just wife had developed Alzheimer’s disease. give us time.” He would order six red carnations to be sent to her twice a week because he said it Floral Art was the only time she smiled, Jeglic says. In the back But at 90 years old, after a bad fall, he room, head passed away. “We still send her the flow- floral designer, ers occasionally,” says Jeglic, “So she’ll Emily Frye, (who remember him.” grew up in her family’s flower shop, The Flower Delivery Tip Jeglic cautions against ordering from online “order gathering” companies who Pam J. Hecht is a freelance writer and merely take orders for florists to fill – make editor based in Asheville, North Carolina. sure the company has a local physical ad- E-mail her at [email protected]. ‘Flowers Everywhere’ continued on pg. 30

May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Thoreau's Garden

Asheville Hops! by Peter Loewer pparently, when it comes to fruits called hops, grow in axillary spikes ers, especially when vegetation that beer Asheville has rejoined the on another. There is an attractive yellow disappears in winter is desired; and culinary ranks as more than just form ‘Aureus’ with yellow foliage. will soon run wild in almost any a kick in the can. And one of The Romans raised hops using the soil, among shrubs or hedgerows. A A the major ingredients for beer young shoots as a luxury food. In 1566, slender plant climbing up an apple revolves around the plant called hops. Dodoanaeus, a European herbalist, called or other fruit tree, near the mixed According to the Flora of Japan hops a kitchen herb and wrote: “Before its border, looks well.” (published by the Smithsonian Institu- tender shoots produce leaves, they are eat- On September 3, 1814, Thomas tion), there are two kinds en in salads, and are a good Jefferson wrote: “ — began to malt of this herb so important and wholesome treat.” wheat. A bushel will make 8 or 10 to the brewing of beer: But their connection gallons of strong beer such as will Japanese hops (Humulus to beer has been around keep for years, taking three-quarters japonicus), an annual vine since antiquity. In central of a pound of hops for every bushel and common hops (H. Europe, cultivation dates of wheat.” lupulus) a perennial. The from the middle of the He also wrote: “The best hemp first is a valuable ornamental 8th century. They were and the best tobacco grow on the plant often growing 30 feet introduced into England same kind of soil. The former article in a good year. The second from Flanders in 1524, but is of the first necessity to the wealth is the commercial source were not used in making and protection of the country. The of hops and deemed not as brew until 1530, during latter, never useful.” attractive. Humulus is from Peter examines the the reign of Henry VIII. So at least with the return of the Latin word humus, or blossoms of early- In 1919, hops were local hops and brewing, Jefferson ground, the place these blooming Lenten roses. still found in London’s would be delighted. plants will tumble to, if they Covent Garden, tied in lack support. small bundles for table use. The shoots Illustration by Peter Loewer Admittedly Japanese hops can be a were chopped very fine and dressed with rambling terror, and if kudzu is a Toy- butter or cream. ota truck, then this plant is a two-door C. Pierpont Johnson writing in Mazda, not only wild enough to cover an a most entertaining book The Useful unwanted trash pile but able to climb an Plants of Great Britain (a title of master- ugly garage in a single bound. ful understatement) wrote: “…before the The leaves are rough to the touch, use of hops, the beverage always went by deeply divided into five to seven lobes, the name of ale… brewed either from and the stems are serrate — a nice word malt alone, or from a mixture of the latter meaning covered with saw-like teeth with honey, and flavored, not with hops, — allowing them to cling to shirt sleeves but with heath-tops, germander, and vari- and garden gloves. The flowers are very ous other bitter and aromatic herbs.” small, green, full of pollen, and not par- Long after hops entered England ticularly attractive and usually hidden by any brew flavored the old-fashioned way the leaves anyway. was called ale. Perennial hops The German or are called Humulus In some rural communities, Dutch word Bier lupulus. The species before the common use of was only used is from the Latin when hops were lupus or wolf, be- commercial yeast, hops employed to pro- cause as Pliny said, were used for making bread. duce the charac- it strangles others by teristic taste. The its climbing em- hops and leaves brace, as a wolf does a sheep. The English were once also used when dried as a pil- name of hop is derived from the Anglo- low stuffing to treat insomnia. Saxon hoppan, to climb. In 1963 Julian A. Steyermark wrote Lupulus is a native of Europe and has in The Flora of Missouri: “In some rural naturalized in moist soil, especially along communities, before the common use river banks and waste places and ranges of commercial yeast, hops were used for from Nova Scotia to Manitoba, Mon- making bread.” tana and California, and south to North But back in the garden, William Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, much Robinson in his trend-setting book, The of New York and some in northern New English Flower Garden of 1883, wrote: Jersey. The fruits are used in brewing “H. lupulus, a well-known vigorous beer. Yellow glands that secrete the bitter twining perennial is admirable for bow- chemical lupulin are found in many parts of the plants but chiefly on the fruit. A fast grower, plants are dioecious Peter Loewer is a well-known writer which means the greenish-yellow male and botanical artist who has written and flowers bloom in panicles one plant while illustrated over twenty-five books on natural the female flowers, which produce the history over the past thirty years.

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 RAPID RIVER ARTS Asheville Shops Emeralds... North Carolina’s Greenest Asset

ho would believe that North as “Hill’s Emer- Carolina is the home of the ald.” James formed largest and most valuable NAEM (North emeralds in all of North America Emerald W America? Mines). His big find Emeralds were first discovered in came on Thanksgiv- Alexander and Mitchell counties in our ing Day 1995 when fair state. The first stones were found at he found a 71 carat Stony Point in Alexander county by Wil- emerald which is liam Hidden in 1880. This area came to now known as the be known as Hiddenite. The following “Royal Family Col- year more emerald crystals were found lection” and from in this area that were of excellent color this he had a 7.85 and clarity but slightly flawed. A crystal carat cushion cut found in 1882 was 8.5 inches long and stone named the was 9 ounces and was known for years as “Carolina Prince”, a the largest emerald ever found in North 3.37 carat oval, the America. It became part of a collection “Carolina Princess” of Bement-Morgan in New York and is and a 18.88 carat known as the Hiddenite Emerald. Two pear shaped emerald, other crystals in this collection were called the “Carolina good sized also and were acquired by the Queen”. This first American Museum of Natural History of pocket of emeralds New York. Unfortunately the 1,276 carat eventually yielded Hiddenite Emerald was stolen in 1950 over 3,000 carats of and to this day is still missing. fine emeralds. The This mine was bought and sold many quality of the material found is compa- times in the 20th century, but finally in rable to Colombian emeralds in color and 1954 as the Adams Mine, it was opened to clarity. Just after this discovery the U.S. prospectors. Many emeralds were found Government noticed his activities and there between 1954 and 1975 but most of put his operation on hold while they had them were too pale to be considered very him meet ecological requirements, hire a valuable. In 1969 a high quality emerald security team and obtain necessary mining was found by Wayne Anthony. It was 59 licenses. He also at this time was able to carats and was cut into a 13.14 carat emer- pay off $100,000 of debt he had incurred ald-cut gemstone known as the “Carolina making this find. Emerald” and is still one of the finest cut James Hill’s exploration has become emeralds in North America. It was later very sophisticated over the years. He purchased by Tiffany’s and came to be now has identified over 40 pockets where known as the “Tiffany Emerald.” It was emeralds are hiding. What makes these valued at over $100,000 in 1970. finds so exciting, besides the high quality Emeralds are the birthstone for May. of material being found, is that they are Originally emerald meant only chromium conflict free, not associated with drugs or based green beryl and most of it was from terrorists and naturally free of enhance- Columbia, South America. Early in 1960 ments or treatments. Most of what he beryl that was discovered in Brazil was has currently mined has been purchased colored by vanadium. It wasn’t until three for display at various museums across the years later these stones were recognized United States. as true emeralds. Vanadium lends a bluish cast to the beautiful green color of emeralds whereas chromium -based emeralds are more dark green. Lynn Daniel and Susan West, the two wom- The most famous emerald mine is a en goldsmiths at blue in biltmore village, very recent find. James K. Hill devoted look forward to the day when this material most of his life searching for emeralds from North Carolina becomes available to jewelers so they can make special one of a on his 94 acre family land in Hiddenite. kind pieces featuring these treasures. In 1990, going on an educated guess and using only a screwdriver James unearthed Currently their work incorporates natural a 298 pound mineral crystal, known as Columbian non-conflict emeralds, which the “Carolina Crystal”. This find encour- are available to be seen at their gallery aged him to study his land further and at 1 swan street, Tuesday thru Saturday in 1995 he found a pocket that produced 10:30 to 6 p.m., or visit their website, www. an exquisite 10.42 carat emerald known bluegoldsmiths.com.

May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW 140 Voices, 3 Concerts, One Amazing Experience

othing says “summer” like by Bryan Paiement the Asheville Choral Soci- ety’s annual pops concert, “The Colors of my Life.” based on four catego- The program’s title, a ries: a prepared piece, N vocalization, sight- ballad from the original Broadway musical Barnum, sets the tone for reading, and foreign musical theater at its finest. Choral language pronunciation. singers will be accompanied by a “The neat thing is professional show band and include that choral groups can innovative arrangements of “I’m acquire and achieve a Always Chasing Rainbows, Mood level of professionalism Indigo, Shakin’ the Blues Away, that is quite high even Mountain Greenery, and Yellow Sub- though many of them marine”...just to name a few. are not quote, unquote, The Asheville Choral Society Lenora Thom, Music professional musicians. (ACS), comprised of 140 voices, is Director, Asheville We’ve been known to celebrating its 32nd year of bringing Choral Society. cultivate relationships challenging choral masterpieces to Photo: Lynne Harty. with the high schools Western North Carolina. After the and colleges because retirement of founder and Music Director many of the high school singers are amaz- Emeritus Dr. Robert P. Keener, Lenora ing talents and capable of singing for the Thom took over as Music Director for the ACS,” Thom says. ACS in 2000. The ACS presents three concerts Before moving to Asheville in 1998, each season, with two performances of Thom enjoyed a busy and varied profes- each, usually Saturday night and Sunday sional career in the New York City area, afternoon. Beginning in September after where she held positions as Music Direc- Labor Day, the ACS meets once a week tor and Conductor of the New Jersey for rehearsals leading up to the December program. The performance venues are the Central United Methodist Church on Church Street and the Diana Wortham Theatre on Pack Square, Asheville. The December and March concerts have more classical arrangements, while the May program is more of an eclectic, musical theater performance. “Some of our guests attend all three programs and love all styles of music. Some people are more musical theater only and less classical and vice versa. I think a fair bit of our audience enjoys both types of music,” Thom says. The makeup of this volun- More than 140 passionate singers spend weeks teer, auditioned chorus is quite rehearsing for concerts. diverse with a core group of 35-40 professional players and Choral Society and Orchestra, of the more than 140 singing voices. Coupled Kean (NJ) Chamber Symphony and of with the eclectic taste of its Music Direc- the Riverdale (NY) Chamber Orchestra. tor and Maestra, Lenora Thom, the May Thom is not only the Music Director, pops concert, “The Colors of My Life,” she also works as conductor, pianist, vocal is a sure fire way to ignite the summer coach, and arranger. months ahead. Although the musicians in the ACS are hired professional players that travel “The Colors of My Life,” all over the region, the choral singers are If Saturday, May 30 at 8 p.m. all volunteers from the Greater Asheville You and Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Area. Prospective singers’ auditions are Go Diana Wortham Theatre in Pack Place, Downtown For more information on how Asheville. For tickets call (828) to schedule an audition, visit 232-2060 or online at www.ashevillechoral- ashevillechoralsociety.org society.org. Group discounts available.

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW

NC Stage Company Presents Two Hilarious Comedies in Repertory “Like Mother” and “I Wrote This Play To Make You Love Me”

orth Carolina by Amanda Leslie Stage Company presents a pair of funny, poi- Both Like Mother and Ngnant comedies I Wrote This Play… are by and about women: I written by women and Wrote This Play To Make address the complicated You Love Me by Anne relationships between Thibault, and Like Mother mothers and daughters, by Shannon Polly. The but they are also very two plays run in repertory, different. Like Mother is beginning May 26. a warm, family-friendly In theatre language, comedy musical, in a repertory schedule which Shannon Polly means more than one play pokes loving fun at her rehearsing and perform- over-the-top mom. I ing during the same time Wrote This Play… is a period – in this case, darker, edgier comedy, performing on alternat- recommended for adults ing days of the week. In only. The main character June, Like Mother closes Lysette is as frank about and NC Stage adds a third her family dysfunction comedy, A Beautiful View. as she is about her sexual Like Mother is the Anne Thibault wrote and escapades. funny recounting of Shan- stars in “I Wrote This Play Like Mother and I non Polly’s real-life wed- To Make You Love Me.” Wrote This Play… runs in ding, as planned by her repertory May 26 through overachieving Midwestern June 14; performance Mom. Every bride will schedule varies by week. recognize the frustrations Show times are 7:30 and joys of the occa- p.m. for evening shows, sion, and everyone with a and 2 p.m. for matinees. mother will appreciate the Like Mother closes June insanity that can spring 14, and is replaced by A from unconditional love. Beautiful View, which Subtitled “One Bride’s will run with I Wrote Musical Journey Through This Play… until July 19. 6 Showers, 3 Receptions, For the full schedule, visit and 1 Cheese Sculpture of www.ncstage.org. the Empire State Build- Sponsors: North ing,” Like Mother features Carolina Stage Company original songs, plus some is grateful for the support familiar show tunes with Shannon Polly in “Like of season sponsors The new lyrics – such as the Mother - One Bride’s Colorful Palate, Greenlife classic “Don’t Tell Mama” Musical Journey Through Grocery, Imaging Tech- from Cabaret. 6 Showers, 3 Receptions, nologies, Treadshots Pho- Anne Thibault wrote and 1 Cheese Sculpture of tography, and the North and stars in I Wrote This the Empire State Building.” Carolina Arts Council. Play To Make You Love Our ticket sponsor is The Me, a heartbreaking and hilariously Chocolate Fetish, and concessions are risqué play about motherlessness and provided by Izzy’s Coffee Den and Sugar promiscuity. Lysette is a marginally suc- Momma’s Cookies. cessful actress, possibly pregnant by her married boyfriend, and stuck in rural Vermont rehearsing a production of Ib- Tickets and show times: sen’s A Doll’s House. As she tries to pick If Tickets are $16-$26; ticket up the pieces of her family, she wrestles You prices vary by date. Call (828) with the memories of the mother who Go 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage. abandoned her. org for tickets. NC Stage chose to present these North Carolina Stage Compa- two plays (along with A Beautiful View ny is located at 15 Stage Lane, off of Walnut in June) in a repertory schedule because St. one block off Haywood St., next to the they have intriguingly similar themes. Rankin Ave. parking garage.

10 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 Support our local businesses.

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 11 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW

The Asheville Ballet presents Billy the Kid

he Asheville Bal- by Ann Dunn let presents Billy the Kid, Aaron Copland’s great live on piano and clarinet. Dunn’s ballet T composition of frontier is a tone poem reflection on the effect of America, as the featured ballet in jealousy and vanity on love. its Spring Concert, May 8 and 9 The Asheville Ballet is par- at 7:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham ticularly pleased by several Theatre. aspects of this Set in the western concert. United States of pioneer In these times, Billy the Kid difficult is the story of the times, optimistic Ameri- we are can Dream of pleased to be able to produce individualism a full-length ballet, a premier and eternal and a work by an international opportunity, choreographer. for better and We are pleased to work with for worse. outstanding local musicians. We Two other are pleased to welcome back ballets will be featured on renowned pianist John Cobb. the program. Lauda Jerusalem is We are pleased to continue the an exhilarating celebration of life tradition of collaboration among by international choreographer artists. And we are pleased to Rick McCullough, set to Vivaldi’s offer the community a thrilling, rousing score for two orchestras thoughtful and entertaining eve- and two choirs. ning of great dance. Echo is a world premier of a collaboration between Matthew Tickets are available at the Richmond (composer) and Ann If box office at (828) 257-4530. Dunn (choreographer). The bal- You Regular tickets range from let is based on the myth of Echo, Go $15-49. For information on Narcissus and Hera. Richmond’s special ticket rates call director rich composition will be played Ann Dunn at (828) 258-1028.

Terpsicorps Announces a Season of Giving Back by Heather Maloy 009 is proving to be a year of both sicorps is utilizing that same spirit of struggle and hope. Asheville’s collaboration by creating additional part- professional contemporary ballet nerships with Asheville Buncombe Com- company, Terpsicorps Theatre of munity Christian Ministry, MANNA 2 Dance, has been very lucky with six FoodBank, Mountain Housing Opportu- successful seasons under their belt, en- nities and Green Opportunities. Anyone thusiastic audiences and generous donors. who donates $45 or more to one of these The company feels that they owe much charities between April 13 and May 29 of their success to the people of Asheville will receive a buy one get one free ticket and this year they are looking to give back. voucher to “The Recession Blues & other The June show, entitled “The Reces- works,” June 25-27. sion Blues & other works,” is a collaboration with Asheville’s own Firecracker Jazz Band. It is a thoughtful and entertaining The Recession Blues, June look at some of the most resonant themes If 25-27, 8 p.m. at the Di- of the current recession. Set to Fire- You ana Wortham Theatre. To cracker Jazz Band’s upbeat show stopping Go purchase tickets, call (828) music, it calls to mind the speak easies 257-4530 or visit dwtheatre. and musicals of the Great Depression. com. For more information Known for creating innovative new on Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, works with musicians and artists, Terp- call (828) 252-6342 or visit terpsicorps.org.

12 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE noteworthy

May Day Festival EAST of Asheville istorically May Day has marked steps to unravel the ribbons. Studio Tour the end of the winter season by That will be followed at 12 celebrating the coming of spring noon by two bluegrass bands by Lynette Miller and summer. It’s good-bye to playing until 4:30 p.m. First on This year’s East of Asheville Hcold, windy days and welcome the schedule is the Moore Broth- Studio Tour (EAST) begins its fifth to those wonderful warm, flowerful sum- ers, featuring 11 year old Jacob season the weekend of May 2 and 3. mer days. In the early 1900s, May Day and his 6 year old brother Isaac. Hours for the spring tour are 10 a.m. was a community celebration of hope and Next will be the Southern Cres- to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. joy, and, was popularly celebrated. cent Bluegrass band playing in With the addition of several new This year, Biltmore Village is re- their traditional bluegrass style. members, establishing May Day as a special com- Bluegrass music has been specifi- 19 stu- memoration for everyone to enjoy. The cally chosen because of its happy dios will which will be donated to MANNA festivities will foot-stomping rhythms, open their Food Bank. begin at 11 a.m. and its origin in the hills doors to Restoring the May Day celebration on Saturday, of Appalachia. the public was inspired by a 1906 photo of a May- May 2 with During the af- this spring. pole dance occurring at the Biltmore music and ternoon, local a ca- A variety Village plaza and recounts of a 1905 New dancing around pella singing groups will of media York Times article that brought to light a the Maypole perform as they stroll is repre- colorful May Day celebration in historic Richard Oversmith’s in the Village through the Village. sented Biltmore Village. studio, #15 on the tour. Plaza. Maypole And back by popular including “The Village has a hundred plus dancers will demand, there’ll be car- glass, fiber, clay, metal, photography, year history of being one of Asheville’s circle the pole riage rides providing the painting, woodworking – and more. focal points. Celebrating the transi- each holding feel of yesteryear. The route extends from the vil- tion from winter to spring and summer colored ribbons Everyone who at- lage of Riceville, east through Swan- seemed like a great way to continue attached to the tends is urged to bring nanoa and that,” said Stan Collins, president of the pole and then canned food items for a Black Moun- Merchants Association. retrace their Southern Crescent Bluegrass Band special May Day basket tain, and south to the continental divide. Large yellow Linda Gentille’s “American Piano” signs will easily direct you ntertainer Linda along the way by Jill Ingram Gentille, whom “Birds” by to each artist’s the late Liberace Lisa Walraven studio. called the “piano during her worldwide Brochures princess,” will performances frequently with detailed maps are available at the E communicates with Black Mountain Visitor Center, Black perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, in the audiences in their native Mountain Center for the Arts, local Fine and Performing Arts tongue. She has recorded businesses, and at each artist’s studio. Center on the campus of more than a dozen CDs For more information contact Western Carolina Uni- and DVDs. Maud Boleman (828) 686-1011 or Soviet-Born Pianist versity. Teachers and home visit www.eaststudiotour.com. Gentille’s “American instructors are invited to Perform May 22 Piano Show” features to bring children to music of the great Ameri- Gentille’s matinee The Haywood County Arts can composers, including performances at 10 a.m. Council presents pianist Michael George Gershwin, Irving and 12:30 p.m., part of Berkovsky in concert on Friday, Berlin, Leonard Bern- WCU’s program “Learn- May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the stein, Hoagy Carmichael, ing Live,” designed to Performing Arts Center, 250 introduce students in the Rodgers and Hammer- Entertainer Linda Gentille Pigeon Street in Waynesville, NC. stein, Cole Porter, Scott region to the performing will perform her “American arts and to complement The program opens with a three- Joplin, John Philip Sousa Piano Show” at Western and Neil Diamond. classroom curriculum. minute piece by Bach entitled, Carolina University. Critics have called “Ich ruf zu dir.” Mr. Berkovsky Gentille “a virtuoso” and This family friendly show will also play Chopin’s “24 “as spectacular to watch as she is to hear.” Preludes, Op. 28,” and perform If is the final installment of Since she was a child, Gentille has im- FAPAC’s 2008-09 Galaxy of Mussourgsky’s monumental pressed teachers and audiences with her You “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Go Stars Series. Ticket prices are memory. Her repertoire includes more $25 for the general public; $20 Tickets are $20 per person with a than 2,000 songs, and each of her perfor senior citizens and WCU limited number of FREE student formances features a medley of audience faculty and staff; and $5 for all tickets available. There will be a requests that she plays from memory in students. For tickets and more information, the reverse order she received them. Gen- reception following the concert. call (828) 227-2479, or go online to www. tille speaks eight foreign languages and ticketreturn.com.

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE MUSIC

May CD Reviews by James Cassara

I’m back again with an assortment of music sure to offer something for the enlightened listener. I must say this has been a banner month for releases, so I’ll add a reminder to buy your music at one of Asheville’s many independent record stores. They are the ones who keep it real!

Bill Frisell appetite of those unfamiliar with this as- country’s most talented — if somewhat The Best of Volume One, Folk Songs pect of his career. It’s a superb collection, under appreciated — pairings. a worthy testament to a musician who is, Already established as the George and Nonesuch Records simply stated, without peer. ****1/2 Tammy of our day, it may well ensconce Anyone fortunate enough to witness the pair as this generation’s Johnny and Bill Frisell’s recent show at The Grey Buddy and June Carter. That is not intended to com- Eagle may have been surprised at how Julie Miller pare or diminish the contributions of ei- fluid the mas- ther, but rather to establish a base line for ter guitarist Written In Chalk the uninitiated as to just how good Buddy is at reinter- New West Music and Julie, and this record in particular, preting folk Both as duo are. I cannot think of any higher or better idioms. He is, and separately the deserved praise. ****1/2 after all, one husband/wife tan- of the world’s dem of Buddy and Diana Krall truly great Julie Miller have been recording for more Quiet Nights jazz players, tan two decades. Hard to believe then and no one that Written In Chalk is only their second Verve Records should be so good at so many things, official collaboration. It’s strong evidence While the right? But as evidenced by this sampler, that great things come to those who wait; music of Diana Frisell is. The first of what promises to be the pair seem to have pulled out all the Krall has often an ongoing series of retrospective collec- stops while assembling what might be danced around tions Folk Songs aptly demonstrates the their most intriguing and engaging set of the fringes of player’s restless spirit, both in the music songs yet. bossa nova, the appropriately titled Quiet he loves and the myriad ways in which he It is also amongst their most musi- Nights is the first of her many albums to interprets said music. cally playful. While previous albums have fully embrace the genre. Again working Culled from albums released between included strands of country, blues, rock, in tandem with arranger Claus Ogerman 1989 (the far ranging Is That You?) and and joyful swing, nowhere have the two — whose efforts with bossa nova spiritual 2002’s The Willies, this 15 song set only so skillfully woven them into one seam- leader Antonio Carlos Jobim certainly scratches the surface: Some albums are less sonic quilt. makes him no stranger to the gently sway- completely ignored while others are barely Recorded at their home studio in ing vibe the arrangements demand — the touched upon. Of course that speaks to Nashville, the low fidelity approach, songstress skillfully employs her sophisti- the sheer productivity and consistency of augmented by such friends and ses- cated and mellow growl to full effect. Frisell so, given the volume of available sion aces as Brady Blade, Matt Rollings, For his part Ogerman employs material, we can only hope subsequent Chris Donohue, Emmylou Harris, Patty many of the same constraints — relaxed collections will amend these oversights. Griffin, and the McCrary Sisters — not arrangements, muted strings and wood- What is here reflects the man’s abid- to mention such luminaries multi-in- winds, and an impeccable sense of time ing adherence to great music, regardless strumentalist Larry Campbell and some and space — that so distinguished his of the source. Hank William’s “I’m So singer named Robert Plant — suit the seminal efforts with Frank Sinatra. The Lonesome I Could Cry” may best be material to a tee. resultant effort, while perhaps playing it a known as a country weeper, but Frisell Eight of the dozen songs are written bit too safe, breezily recalls the era. explores its deeper folk roots, pairing by Julie, who is clearly the more sophis- Thus such 1960’s standards as “Walk it with a lively and raucous take of the ticated and emotionally intuitive of the On By” and “How Can You Mend A obscure “Raccoon Cat” that demonstrates pair, while Buddy gleefully plays his role Broken Heart?” sit comfortably astride how much the two have in common. as the “whatever sound you want I can such venerable classics as “The Boy From The tranquil twang of “We’re Not produce it” guy. Ipanema” and the little known Hart/Mer- from Around Here,” (with Jerry Doug- Opening with the stunningly elegant cer gem “Where or When”. It should be las on dobro and Victor Krauss on bass) “Ellis County” which features one of noted that the more familiar songs are comes right before the punk bluegrass Buddy’s most confident vocal perfor- wisely slotted into the album’s first half, of the Bad Livers; it’s the sort of daring mances, the feel of Appalachian spring likely a deliberate calculation to ease the move that only someone with Frisell’s abounds. The harmonies are gorgeous listener in slowly. It’s a brilliant strategy, deserved confidence might attempt. while the pure joy of the music is over- and one that immeasurably enhances the Woody Guthrie once said that all whelming. Not since the halcyon days of impact of the material. music is folk music, and in the sense that Delaney and Bonnie has southern twang Of course with bossa nova it’s as they tell stories he could not be more cor- sounded so good. The performances are much the singer as the song, and few rect. Frisell and producer Lee Townsend taut yet playful, the material is among the singers are better suited than Krall. She know this, selecting songs that seem to best they’ve yet concocted, and the overall instinctively knows when to tactfully push say “this is who I am, what I play, and track by track effect is nothing short of forward and when to let her ethereal voice where I come from.” mesmerizing. slide gently across the melody’s veneer; Volume One, Folk Songs may offer Written in Chalk is a lofty addition to that intuition is what places Krall in a class only a smallish bite of Frisell’s herculean the already corpulent canon of one of this oeuvre, but it should more than whet the ‘CD’s’ continued on next pg.

14 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT'S HAPPENING

Chatham County Line at The Grey Eagle by James Cassara

n a lot of ways the new record really pays homage to their own 60s that act as anchors. The gorgeous “One does feel like a coming out party” their influences spawned tastes More Minute” features harmonies from remarks Chatham County Line while not being with the musi- Whiskeytown alumnus Caitlin Cary songwriter and front man Dave overly beholden cal ancestry while “Sweet Eviction” tells a tale of IWilson. With a deliberate drawl and to them. It’s that abounds in bitterness amidst a landscape of ghostly a perfunctory fashion that moves at the a risky move: central North veiled gospel. It’s an album they could speed of cold molasses, he adds “Before, Some Bluegrass Carolina. To not have made five years ago; more to we were trying to fit into this one niche purists have achieve such, the point they weren’t yet ready to do so. because of the instruments we like to decried them they employed It’s an uncomplicated approach, but play. But now we just look at our instru- for selling out our own Echo one that continues to win over audi- ments as tools. It’s more about taking while others Mountain Stu- ences throughout the Southeast. “It’s no that and evolving into the band we are find them too dios, right here mystery. I just took the best songs and and want to be, and making the kind of steeped in the in beautiful put them on the album. That’s it. End of records we want to make.” past. Of course Asheville. story.” Not quite, as the band’s ongoing With the release of their aptly titled for their follow- Chatham saga continues with a series of summer fourth album IV, Wilson and com- ers Chatham County Line shows and festival appearances. Let the pany are ready to get down to business, County Line was spawned magic begin! “We started the group for all the usual represents the best of both worlds. in Raleigh at The Blue House, a long reasons; as a way to hang out, meet girls, For their new album the band re- standing crash pad for local musicians. and drink beer. Slowly it turns into a tained the services of producer and Cha- Wilson met up with his high school Chatham County Line career. This record is about growing up pel Hill indie legend Chris Stamey. Best friends Chandler Holt and John Teer; If at the Grey Eagle, with and becoming a band, bona fide musi- known as a founding member of the the three plunged into a series of sunrise You opener Greg Humphreys. cians who want to improve their craft.” DBs and for his savvy production efforts jam sessions and things began to jell. Go Friday, May 8 at 9 p.m. $10 And indeed they have. Over the with artists as varied as Yo La Tengo, Fast forward several years, countless advance/$12 day of show. course of a decade Chatham County Alex Chilton and Alejandro Escovedo, gigs, and four albums later. While up- Advance tickets available Line have steadily enhanced what they Stamey has been an ideal choice for tempo rockers do abound on their new- online and at our local outlets, already did well, making music that the band, satisfying their desire to link est disc, it’s really the album’s ballads standing room only.

they hadn’t gone and shacked up! for a glorious rendition of “I’ll Take You ladies they are by no means genteel. For ‘CD’s’ continued Shout! Live follows up with live There” that would have made the Staple starters, how many paisley dressed singers renditions of most of the songs included Singers proud. But make no mistake, do you know who’d kick off an album by by herself, while the friendly nature of its on its predecessor, and while the studio this is Farris’ record, and while he wisely declaring “I’m gonna take you home and dozen entries should easily invite in new versions sounded sacred the extended shares the workload it is his sensibilities, have my way with you”? listeners. Quiet Nights may not be her and exuberant treatments they are given talents, and arrangements that make this They do, and while such assertive most adventurous outing, but it’s certainly here elevate them to an entirely new album so revelatory. notions may dispel the image of waifish her most accessible. **** and joyous plane. They’re delivered in a Sound hyperbolic? I’ll go one better folk Sometymes Why are coming from Sunday morning country church fashion and pronounce Farris the most soulful a decided folk-rock/alt country point of Mike Farris that perfectly suits the subject, but instead singer I’ve heard since The Reverend view, one which is both righteous and of judgment and damnation there is only Al Green. Equal parts great songs, great fiercely independent. Its self-determining Shout! Live unbridled ecstasy and elation. band, great singing, and rapturous audi- aesthetic is born out by deliberately low Columbia Farris gives full album credits to ence makes Shout! Live one of the year’s key production, unadorned and setting When for- the Roseland Rhythm Revue featuring most powerful delights. ***** the vocals up front where they belong. mer Screaming the McCrary Sisters, which is both fair It’s complimented by the Cheetah Wheel- and noteworthy. Their contributions as Sometymes Why songs: purposeful, concise, and ies singer Mike players and back-up vocalists cannot be stripped to the lean. The disc Farris released overstated, lending so much vigor and Your Heart is a clocks in at a mere 35 minutes, his 2007 gospel energy to the performance that it is as Glorious Machine but sometimes less can be more. tinged masterwork Salvation in Lights the much theirs as it is his. The performances Signature Sounds Your Heart Is a Glorious Machine album became a bit of a sensation among themselves are culled from Farris’ shows Music stakes its claim, says it piece, and both secular and religionist camps. Not at the Nashville’s Station Inn club, a Drawing from never overstays its welcome. just for its soulful declarations of hope smallish venue that is transformed weekly the usual influences of Would be that more albums and deliverance but for the very ways in into a revival tent. Full horns are brought traditional British folk, would do the same, and do it this which it disrupted the status quo. in, the band and singers take the stage, Appalachian country, well. ***1/2 Different from anything he’d ever and away we go. and bluegrass, the trio of songstresses recorded it was — dare we say it — un- And what a glorious ride it is. Farris known collectively as Sometymes Why Bruce Piephoff like anything a white singer had dared to is in fine form, drawing from and giving have created a most unusual album. Its embrace in years. Rarely since Elvis or energy to his stage mates. The McCrary antecedents may reach far and wide but, Clockwork Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishman Sisters are given the spotlight for a stun- unlike much of its contemporary coun- Flyin’ Cloud Records (which this album often pays homage ning a cappella rendering of “Dig a Little terparts, Glorious Machine isn’t afraid Greensboro native Bruce Piephoff’s to) had black Southern gospel and white Deeper” (originally performed by the to stretch its muscles and kick a bit of best albums always seem to coincide rock and roll so completely co-mingled. Fairfield Four, with whom their father tail. Both musically and lyrically it stakes with the advent of baseball season. It’s They weren’t just dating, damned if sang) while all the backing singers erupt its claim that while the band may be all ‘CD’s’ continued on pg. 34

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS STAGE PREVIEW

Asheville Symphony presents Tempting Fate

he Asheville Symphony con- tional dance tinues to push the boundaries companies of what defines a concert when (Japan’s Pittsburgh’s premiere modern Nibroll T dance company, Attack Theatre, Collective, joins them for Spanish composer Manuel Belgium’s de Falla’s mysterious and colorful multi- Compag- media ballet El Amor Brujo (Love, the nie Matteo Magician.) Moles), In the story, an Andalusian gypsy thereby pre- Mezzo-soprano girl Candelas and her lover Carmelo are senting nearly Blythe Gaissert haunted by the ghost of Candelas’ former 100 original lover until they are able to break free. Fate works in likewise haunts their final composer of theatrical and site specific settings. the season in Tchaikovsky’s devastating Soloist Blythe Gaissert Symphony No. 6. After a faux-finale of brassy bombast, Tchaikovsky plunges you Blythe Gaissert has established her- into the depths of his psyche, desperately self as a young artist in great demand in searching for redemption in a world of the US for opera, concert and recital en- painful memories. gagements. This Texas native has received great praise from critics for her rich sound Attack Theatre and intense, dramatic interpretations of Under the artistic direction of Peter operatic roles. Of her recent performance Kope and Michele de la Reza, Attack in Transformations with San Francisco Theatre has been making personal, ac- Opera’s Merola Program, the San Fran- cessible and collaborative dance-based cisco Philistine said “The cannibalism aria performances with “ninja-like intensity” of mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert wetted (Pittsburgh Tribune Review) for more our appetite with her soft-edged voice.” than a decade. They combine modern dance, original live music, multimedia and interdisciplinary art forms to present Masterworks Seven, Tempt- work in traditional and nontraditional If ing Fate, Saturday, May 16, spaces both nationally and internationally. You 8 p.m. in the Thomas Wolfe They have collaborated with major Go Auditorium. regional theaters (Quantum Theatre), Call the Asheville Symphony NYC Broadway productions (Squonk), office for tickets from 9 to 5 museums (Carnegie Museum of Art, p.m. Mon.-Fri. (or on the day of the con- Andy Warhol Museum, Frick Art Mu- cert) at (828) 254-7046. seum, Mattress Factory), symphonies You may also purchase tickets at the (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), operas Asheville Civic Center, 87 Haywood St. in (Pittsburgh Opera, Opera Theatre of Downtown Asheville Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 Pittsburgh, Spoleto USA) and interna- p.m., or online through TicketMaster.

Regional Arts Festival Call for Artists Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc. where they will interact with the public invites regional Blue Ridge Mountain from 10 am until 4 p.m. artists to display and demonstrate their During the art festival the artists art form in the 1st annual event, Color- have the opportunity to demonstrate Fest, Art of the Blue Ridge. how their art is created, talk with the Beginning October 1, each par- public and sell artwork. This is a valu- ticipating artist will be given a prime able opportunity for the visitors and location inside the shops in Downtown residents of the Blue Ridge Mountains Sylva where his/her work will be spot- to see artists at work and learn about lighted during the beautiful Fall Color the creative process. Season in Western North Carolina. Interested artists call Doreyl Am- On the day of ColorFest, Art of the mons Cain at (828) 293-2239 or Amy Blue Ridge, Saturday, October 24, the Ammons Garza at (828) 631-4587. artists will set up easels on the street To receive an application, visit www. outside the shops, under awnings, spiritofappalachia.org

16 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS FINE ART

Fiber Weekend at the Folk Art Center

hroughout Mother’s by April Nance Day weekend the Folk Art Center will be bursting with auditorium will be trans- T color as craftspeople formed into a runway for share their inspiration and the Tenth Annual Fashion expertise in a variety of fiber Show of Wearable Art. Fiber arts. On May 9 and 10, the artist Liz Spear will em- Southern Highland Craft cee the event, walking the Guild will host Fiber Week- audience though a spectrum end 2009. of fashion and inspiration, This year, artists partici- sharing stories about how pating in the free event will color inspires design and focus on color with a wide technique. variety of demonstrations in Styles showcased range dyeing, weaving, spinning, Children's Activities from contemporary to tradi- knitting, broom making, cro- Photo: Stewart Stokes tional, from funky to classic, cheting, beadwork, printing made by members of the and surface design. Not only will visitors Southern Highland Craft Guild. There learn about the process and technique, will be two separate showings of the Fash- but they will also see how color inspires ion Show, at 1 and 3 pm. and influences the craft. The spring hues A colorful backdrop for the show of wildflowers may weave their way into a will be an exhibition organized by SHCG tapestry, or the reds, oranges and yellows member in beadwork Amolia Willow- of a sunset may become the palette of a song. The exhibit will be a rainbow of scarf. See how color speaks to the artist fine fiber craft including beadwork, quilts, and how this inspiration can influence baskets and pillows. your own creative life. Other themes the artists will explore Fiber Weekend is a free on Fiber Day are recycling, repurposing If event on May 9 (10 a.m. to and sustainability and how they influence You 4 p.m.) and May 10 (two design and object-making. Hands-on dem- Go fashion shows, 1 and 3 p.m.) onstrations will delight children and adults at the Folk Art Center on the alike as they are encouraged to take part in Blue Ridge Parkway in east the creative process. Some of the activities Asheville. include weaving a bookmark, building col- For more information, including a list of lages, and surface design on fabric. participants, visit www.craftguild.org or call On Sunday, the Folk Art Center’s (828) 298-7928.

16 Patton presents Artists Choice

he group exhibition “Egret,” oil on canvas Artists Choice runs by Jerry La Point. May 2 - June 7 with a Drawings: Foundations reception on Saturday, of Fine Art May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. T August 29 - October 4, 2009. Unfettered by theme or subject Reception: Saturday, August 29, matter, 16 Patton artists display 6 to 8 p.m. subjects and mediums of their choosing constrained only by John Mac Kah: Here and Now the artists’ imagination, creativ- October 10 - November 14, ity, heart, and soul. 2009. Reception: Saturday, October 10, 6 to 8 p.m. 2009 exhibits Signe Grushovenko: Inspirations Contemporary Representation November 21 through January June 13 - July 12, 2009. 2, 2010. Opening Reception: Opening Reception: Saturday, June 13, Saturday, November 21, 6 to 8 p.m. 6 to 8 p.m. Richard Oversmith: Recent Works For more information please July 18 - August 23, 2009. Opening Re- If contact Danna Anderson, 16 Patton Fine Art Gallery (828) ception and debut book signing: Saturday, You Go 236-2889. 16 Patton Avenue or July 18, 6 to 8 p.m. Still Life Demonstra- email [email protected] tion: Friday, August 7, 5 to 8 p.m. or visit www.16patton.com.

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 17 RAPID RIVER ARTS Asheville Shops Elizabeth Foley’s Sweet World of Chocolate Art by Dennis Ray merican humorist (or pseudonym of perhaps many writers) Arnold H. Glasgow wrote “Art serves as a reminder that we can’t capture moments while giving the illusion A all the while we can.” Elizabeth Foley finds it amusing when asked if it bothers her that her chocolate art which takes sometimes weeks to create, is smashed and devoured in an evening. “I don’t find it upsetting at all,” Elizabeth says. “A lot of art is temporary. What I do is quite similar to ice sculpture only I don’t freeze. Most of my enjoyment comes from the creating not just the final product.” Elizabeth is the general manager of Asheville’s premier choco- Elizabeth Foley accepts her late boutique certificate from master Belgian The Chocolate chocolatier Jean-Pierre Wybauw. Fetish in down- In the summer of 2002 her parents, town Asheville Bill and Sue Foley, bought the Choco- where her many late Fetish which had been founded in duties include 1986, and during that summer vacation creating original Foley flew out to help them with their chocolate art new business. such as one- “At first the job seemed like a million of-a-kind cen- miles away from what I’d been studying at terpieces or school,” she says, “but I soon discovered I hand painted could use my ceramic teachings to create chocolate Delicious and these incredible chocolate sculptures.” shoes or the lovely chocolate art In 2007 she moved back to Ashe- shop’s signa- sculpture from the ville to work full time at the Chocolate ture “Smash Chocolate Fetish. Fetish. In January 2008 she studied with Cakes.” Jean-Pierre Wybauw (author of the books “I loved creating art since early child- Small Chocolates - Great Experience, hood,” Elizabeth says. “My grandmother Chocolat sans Frontières was a great artist. She could and Chocolate Decoration paint the most mesmer- techniques) at the Univer- izing oil paintings. I knew sity of Chicago’s French I too wanted to be an artist. Pastry School. I just didn’t know what “I learned a lot from direction I would take.” Jean-Pierre Wybauw. Elizabeth’s desire to He is a true master in create her own art took the chocolate business.” her to the University of Elizabeth admits that a Oregon, where she lived lot of her work consists and studied on the same This full size high heel of building and improv- campus where the classic chocolate shoe will make ing the business. The movie Animal House had any woman feel a bit like Chocolate Fetish serves been filmed years earlier Cinderella. tens of thousands of loyal in 1977. Here she studied customers annually, ships ceramics and discovered all over the U.S. and supports many local she had an exceptional gift to create out of charities and non-profit organizations. clay what she could see in her mind’s eye. “Sometimes things get really hectic “It’s funny how we end up doing especially around the holidays and I just what we once dreamt but in ways we love when the opportunity comes along never planned. Knowledge in the arts for me to create a piece of art. A lot of my doesn’t limit your career choices,” Eliza- sculptures look like they are made from beth adds, “rather it opens many doors cloth or plants or other objects but are and opportunities that were before not completely made from chocolate. The even imagined.” ‘Chocolate Art’ continued on next pg.

18 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance A Gift for Our Community Faith Sung Blue - Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music Live

ot known to many, by Maureen Scullin but in the last years of Duke Ellington’s life, the jazz mae- Duke Ellington performs stro explored the his first Concert of Sacred N Music at the Fifth Avenue spiritual side of his extraordi- Presbyterian Church in nary musical gifts. Ellington New York City, December wrote with combined ele- 27, 1965. ments of jazz, classical music, choral music, spirituals, gospel, blues and dance to and strength. Through create his “sacred concerts” community we join to which were performed in make it through the tough churches around the world. times. Join us on Sunday, May 17 at 7 p.m. “Music in Anxious Times: at the First Baptist Church of Asheville If A Spiritual Night of Duke for a free event, “Music in Anxious You Ellington Music.” Sunday, Times: A Spiritual Night of Duke Elling- Go May 17, 7:00 p.m. First Baptist ton Music.” The Asheville Jazz Orchestra, Church of Asheville. First Baptist Church Adult Choir, soloists Free childcare for ages 3 and and tap dancers make the evening even under is available during the event. For more better. Bring canned or nonperishable information visit www.fbca.net or call (828) food donations for Manna Food Bank. 252-4781. First Baptist Church of Asheville, Through music we join to find joy 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC.

‘Chocolate Art’ continued late confections or a special gift. “A little while back,” Elizabeth says, challenge is finding creative ways to do this “someone ordered a cake for a music convincingly and of course…” she pauses teacher’s 50th birthday and we had the and smiles, “make it taste incredible.” inside of the cake filled with tiny choco- One of the cakes on display in late musical notes.” their showroom looks to be delicately Advice she gives to aspiring artists, wrapped in a rose pattern cloth ribbon “Follow your heart. Follow your dreams. and tied at the top into a bow. Only the You’ll always wind up on the right path.” ribbon and bow are made entirely from This Mother’s Day (according to chocolate. To get the rose pattern on the IBISWorld, a publisher of business ribbon Elizabeth used a special trans- research, U.S. citizens will spend approxi- fer sheet made to put edible images on mately $5 billion on gifts — making it one chocolate. These transfer sheets, now of the largest commercial holiday’s of the used all over the world, were invented in year and certain to help boost our local 1965 by Jean-Pierre Wybauw. economy) the Chocolate Fetish is selling Cakes like the one mentioned above special gift boxes with “Pick your own are great for anniversaries, weddings, Chocolates,” starting at $19.95. Also, quite and birthdays and are simply called popular are the hand-painted chocolate “Smash Cakes” since they are not cut shoes for only $24.95. in the traditional way but are smashed “Flowers and chocolate are a won- with a ceremonial mallet. These luscious derful way to thank the most special per- three-tier cakes are incredible works of son in your life,” Elizabeth says. Choco- art, appealing to the eyes as well as the late is a wonderful way to celebrate any palate. They consist of a occasion and a perfect gift for hard to solid chocolate shell and buy for people. can be filled with choco-

This “Smash Cake” The Chocolate Fetish Inc. has a thin shell of chocolate 36 Haywood St. that is smashed Downtown Asheville with a special Mon-Thurs. 11:30-6 p.m.; Fri-Sat hammer 11-9 p.m.; Sun Noon-5 p.m. – the pieces shared with (828) 258-2353 guests. www.chocolatefetish.com

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 19 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE

Cucina 24 Vincenzo’s Accomplished Italian food, Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro is Rapid River Restaurant Guide from antipasto to dessert. Cucina neither pretentious nor over simplis- 24 is the creation of chef/owner tic. The menu is reasonably priced Brian Canipelli and general man- and is quite extensive. They feature ager Brian Candee. “We wanted a smaller versions (piccolos) of some restaurant that offered incredible of their more popular plates. You can Italian food that was served in a also order side portions of practically comfortable atmosphere,” Canipel- every entrée. li said. Considering the splendid Their signature dish is the Filetto service, high-quality ingredients Gorgonzola ($25), two seared filet and integrity of preparation, din- medallions accompanied by a Gor- ing here is a delicious bargain. gonzola cream sauce, pine nuts and Details – Pastas are all made in caramelized shallots. house, as well as all their bread and Details – The restaurant fills up fast Limones Curras D.O.M. desserts. so call for reservations.The Bistro is An established restaurant featur- Curras D.O.M. puts Mexican California casual in style and offers ing a mix of Californian and Mexican Cuisine on the culinary map by of- The Crowd: Affluent but casual, cuisine, in a cozy and classy atmo- fering Modern Mexican Cuisine in even boisterous on busy nights. live music seven nights a week. The upstairs restaurant is smoke free. You sphere where the service is both a friendly, casual fine dining atmo- The Staff: Young, well trained and can smoke in the Bistro after 9 p.m. professional and personable. sphere. It’s a great place to relax, un- eager to please. The Bar: Magnifi- The old cherry floors and lac- wind and have a great meal. Only 10 cent on all counts. The bar itself is Hours: Monday - Thursday 5:30 quered wood tables give the feeling of minutes from downtown Asheville. gorgeous and inviting. Try a des- p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday modest, unassuming elegance, setting They offer a seasonal menu of sert martini – well worth the price. 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 5:30 the stage for meals that please the authentic dishes from the interior of p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: Lunch entrees, $6 to $11. palette and provide something a little Mexico using locally grown ingredi- Dinner entrees, $15 to $23. different and apart from the ordinary. ents. They also have an excellent wine Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro The word about town is that chef list and a full bar. If you are adventur- Cucina 24 10 N. Market Street and owner Hugo Ramirez, a native ous, go ahead and try their very own 24 Wall Street in Asheville (828) 254-4698 of Mexico, graces his ever-evolving Avocado Margaritas. menu with local, organic vegetables, (828) 254-6170 www.vincenzos.com Details – Outstanding service. Lunch: hormone-free meats and wild sea- Appetizers and salads $2.50 to $7.50; food. Ask about the Tres Leches cake Entrées: $7 to $9.50. Dinner: Appetiz- for a special dessert treat. ers and salads $7 and up; Entrées: $17 Details – Dress: nice casual. Serv- and up. ing brunch ($10-15), and dinner Open Tuesday through Saturday for ($15-20). Wine, beer, and cocktails. lunch and dinner, and Sunday’s for Reservations accepted. brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reser- ® Hours: Monday - Sunday 5-10 p.m., vations are strongly suggested. Sunday brunch 10:30-2:30 p.m. Curras D.O.M. Your Mother’s Day Headquarters Limones 72 Weaverville Road 13 Eagle Street in Asheville We Ship Nationwide ~ Order Online Now (828) 253-2111 www.chocolatefetish.com (828) 252-2327 www.currasdom.com

Voted Best Chocolate Shop in Western North Carolina Twelve Consecutive Years

36 Haywood Street • Downtown Asheville, NC • (828) 258-2353

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20 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS Rapid River Restaurant Guide

Forest Blue Flying Frog Eclectic menu with a twist: Sea- food Spinach Dip; Inside-out burger Café stuffed with cheese; mixed berry tira- The Flying Frog Café is one of misu; Panko Breaded Ahi Tuna with Asheville’s most unique upscale dining wasabi cream sauce; Stuffed Chicken establishments, featuring a culmination with prosciutto, tomato, pesto, olives of flavors resulting from more than and smoked Gouda cream sauce; and two decades of experience in Asheville. Almond-Encrusted Pork Chops with Owned and operated by veteran res- a sweet raspberry sauce. taurateurs Jay and Vijay Shastri. Details – Clean, open, modern meets Passionate about great food warm and woodsy. Non-smoking. and wines, chef and certified som- Down-to-earth atmosphere. Full-ser- melier Shastri showcases European vice bar for appetizers, mixed drinks, and Indian cuisines, both classic and beers on draft and local wines. innovative, enhanced by his deft hand with spice. The restaurant also Appetizers and salads - $7.99 to $10.99; features a boutique wine list with sev- Lunch: $7.99 to $15.99; Dinner: $16.99 eral hundred vintages of great wines. to 25.99; Brunch: $6.99 to $10.99 The intense menu is matched by a Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 a.m. to 9 professional wait staff of food enthu- p.m.; Fri 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat 4 p.m. siasts who know and understand what to 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 composes each dish. p.m. Reservations suggested. Catering The Flying Frog Café has earned and private party space available. an impressive list of reviews from almost every major newspaper and cu- Forest Blue Restaurant & Lounge linary magazine in the United States. 900 Hendersonville Rd. Flying Frog Café & Wine Bar (in Forest Center North complex) 1 Battery Park in Asheville (828) 505-7055 (828) 254-9411 www.theforestblue.com

Flying Frog Café & Wine Bar

Continental, German, Urban Indian

Wed-Mon 5:30-11 p.m. Reservations recommended 1 Battery Park in Asheville (828) 254-9411

Advertise in the Restaurant Guide ~ Free Web Links ~ Free Ad Design ~ Call (828) 646-0071

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 21 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE BOOKS

Little and Great Men “Homunculus” Meet Jerry Stubblefield and “Little men don’t just come out of your body hear about the process of creating without a pretty good reason.” “Homunculus” when Accent on Books throws a party in honor of the author and book on Friday, May 22 aveat Number One May 2009 by H. Byron Ballard at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m. — I know both of these authors personally, am Accent on Books is at 854 Merrimon POETRIO: 3 READINGS BY 3 POETS Strong: a Novel of the American Ave., under Stein Mart. For more In honor of WordFest, this month’s featured fond of them both and poets are Paul Allen, Landon Godfrey, and have great respect for Revolution in the South”. Price information call (828) 252-6255 or C is well-known for taking family email [email protected]. Deborah Kingsland Foerst. their work. So this will be more lore, tossing it into the keen Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. a report than a review and an MALAPROP’S TEACHERS’ NIGHT introduction to those of you crucible of his storyteller’s mind Tons of free books and other goodies! who may not know their work. and producing history that is characters is a strong point in the readabil- readable, accurate and compel- ity of all his work, his genius lies in his un- Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. I knew Jerry Stubblefield RACHEL KEENER will present her as a playwright many moons ling. derstanding of the battlefield. A good writer debut novel, “The Killing Tree.” ago. And his novel “Homun- The first work I read of his can give us a feel for what went on, a strong was “Hiwassee”. Blasting away writer can help us feel all the emotions and Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. culus” (Black Heron Press) JESSICA HANDLER will read from and is about a playwright who what we thought we knew about the adrenaline rush of the field. sign her memoir “Invisible Sisters.” lives in Asheville. It is my the Civil War in the southern It takes a great historical writer to syn- fervent hope that the resem- Appalachian mountains, it was thesize all that we know, all that she or he Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. nonetheless familiar territory. MICHAEL MALONE will discuss his latest blance stops there. knows and give the reader an almost Cub- book, “The Four Corners of the Sky.” What a beautifully crafted Love and loss, to be sure, but ist sense of being in many places at the and deeply weird book. For the familiarity of the day-to- same time. As reader, historian, participant Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m. day grinding down of souls and priest, we are allowed the complexity ANN B. ROSS will present the latest once, you really can judge a book in her beloved Miss Julia series, book by its cover — the art through wartime deprivation of these courses of war — and we begin to “Miss Julia Delivers the Goods.” here is striking and slightly and general poverty was stun- understand why we choose to engage in ning and personal. this. Price captures Greene’s own antipa- Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. disturbing. KEVIN WILSON reads from and signs “Homunculus” is about Price has been chewing thy and passion for the work of freedom “Tunneling to the Center of the Earth.” the little manikin that is born on a Revolutionary War story and allows us to feel it, too. — along with some graphically for a while and the events of Your assignment (besides reading Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m. Sept. 11, 2001 galvanized his resolve. The JOANNA CATHERINE SCOTT will discuss nasty goo- from Hector Owen’s this book) is to do some research into her novel, “Child of the South.” navel. The little man’s name is Robin and result is a book that has a host of Pricean the concept of indentured servants. This I could almost hear a diminutive Alan characters — neither terribly good nor peculiar immigration practice was vital to Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m. terribly bad, they are creatures of their the cultural make-up of this country and it DANNY BERNSTEIN will discuss Rickman delivering his sarky, funny lines. her latest book “Hiking North Carolina’s The publisher’s blurb intimates that times and places. is little studied in general education. Blue Ridge Heritage.” this is science fiction or horror but the “…are we — and were they Well done, my friends. “The Para- clete” is next for Stubblefield but I haven’t Saturday, May 23 at 7 p.m. author disagrees somewhat and I have — merely human; and is it the pur- TIM JOSEPHS presents his book, “A to side with him. It’s a psychological ex- pose of history to put our humanity heard what Price is mulling over. Camouflaged Fragrance of Decency.” ploration of someone you can’t like very constantly to the test?” ~ Nor the Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. much, even if he is tormented by his little Battle to the Strong Byron Ballard is a bookseller at indie Accent on RABBI JEFF ROTH will discuss his new book, creation. The book does have a creep- Greene rides at the head of the Books, a writer and an organic gardener. Her “Jewish Meditation Practices.” ing-dread quality but never leaps over the Southern Continental Army in SC and writings have appeared in local and national Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. fence into the horror genre. Johnson is serving as a soldier under print and electronic media. She is currently at PAUL VON WARD discusses his book “The The slow build from the discovery of Lafayette. Their stories converge for the work on a primer called “Earth Works.” Soul Genome: Science and Reincarnation.” the hypodermic needle in the still-packed horrific battle of Eutaw Springs (1781, in Byron blogs for the Asheville Citizen-Times Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. boxes to the murderous attentions of the South Carolina). little man towards Owen’s wife is eerie as the Village Witch (www.citizen-times.com/ LISE FUNDERBURG will read from and sign Throughout the book, we see Greene villagewitch) and lives in historic West End her book, “Pig Candy: Taking My Father and very well done. But the larger story is not as a larger than life figure but as an with her husband Joe and daughter Kate. South, Taking My Father Home: a Memoir.” about Hector and Robin and who they are intelligent and conflicted man (he was to each other. brought up in the Society of Friends in 55 Haywood St. It’s about how we set ourselves up Rhode Island) and a brilliant war leader. 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 for failure, then deal with it (or not) and Price’s research included Greene’s own Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. about the lack of true intimacy that has letters and the voice of this chief character Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. become a hallmark of the early 21st cen- is clear and terribly human. Stitch-n-Bitch tury. How can we really know each other Though Price’s ability to create full when every jot of nuance is aired through Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Face Book and Twitter. How do any of Monthly gathering with host and us know what we really feel and who we local yarn maven Stacey Budge-Ka- really are, when we are creating “pro- Coming Next Month mison. Bring your crafting projects, files” accessible to a million of our closest Get ready for some choices in and settle in with a cup of tea. Se- cyber-friends? lected craft books will be discounted! Do we all have a homunculus ready “anti-summer reading” — instead to emerge? That certainly wasn’t the issue of light and fluffy, why not take Malaprop’s, 55 Haywood St. for Nathan Greene and James Johnson something dense, chewy and mean- (828) 254-6734 in Charles Price’s “Nor the Battle to the ingful for that trip to the beach? www.malaprops.com

22 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE

Inside The Poem poetry A sacred fury... an uncommon madness... oems tell stories; sometimes it is whenever they would laugh, I am sure at one time And when he died easier to write a poem than the point at us and demand, Granddaddy was extremely his eyes no longer shone, entire story. But if time is taken “Talk some Mexican!” proud of his Indianness, his hair was dirty, matted, to look inside the poem, one can but because others con- and the smooth stones determine what is the true gist Granddaddy stood five-feet-four stantly put him down, this in his voice P inches and was slight of stature. “Pa- of the story. I wrote the following poem changed. People often were muddied gravel. long before I was able to fill in the blanks per-sack-brown” was how my family make fun of what they a scattering of birds... Granddaddy died between the lines. But then, one day, I was described his coloring. Shiny, crow-black don’t understand. Grand- drunk and alone ready to share. hair and eyes, he called himself a “full- daddy preferred to pray by MariJo Moore speaking his language bloodied Cherokee.” Many times people down by the Obion and to the stars. Everyone Needs Someone mistook him for one of the Mexicans who Forked Deer rivers or in came to the rich bottomlands of western the woods. I think these were the only two Conceivably, Granddaddy was right My granddaddy was Cherokee Tennessee every fall to pick cotton. He about everyone needing someone to look with eyes and hair black as tar places he felt safe and at peace with the never bothered to correct them. world. He was often ridiculed and, more down on to feel better about the odds life and shiny as a crow’s back. When I was growing up in western presents. If so, then are we all possibly My Irish grandmother said often, ignored. Indifference is so much Tennessee during the fifties, it wasn’t as worse than hate. the same inside, regardless of race, skin I looked like him. acceptable to be American Indian as it is color, or social status? Is the idea of need- I hoped so because I liked him. now. There was no “Dances with Wolves” But Granddaddy died ing someone to look down on a Jungian long before I learned the truths behind Memories of my paternal Cherokee over which non-Indians romanticized. theory? Perhaps. I’m almost certain Grand- No one looking to become a “medicine stockade forts made of greed daddy never heard of Carl Jung, but he granddaddy often float into my writings. thousands of tears trailing in the snow I see his faint outline in a ragged gray suit healer,” “shaman,” or “pipe carrier” over- sure knew how to read the hearts of others. night. And very few who wanted to claim unwanted lands reserved Maybe we all should look into our and worn fedora hat as he stands on a the ridiculous act of termination street corner in front of my grandmother’s Indianness in order to escape the accusa- own hearts and see if we are indeed look- tion of the raping of the environment. and the never-ending stings ing down on others, and if we are, ask tiny shotgun house. He is drunk and of discrimination. smiling. I am five years old, and he tells Indians were looked down on even more ourselves why. Isn’t it time we concentrate me not to trust white people. “They’ll take so than today. I still carry a bit of the pain Long before he finished telling me the on the similarities we share instead of the everything you’ve got and then give you of having Indian blood, although I have stories of how our family had to hide out differences? To realize we are all part of something else so they can take that away, learned it is not only my pain I am carry- in the caves of western North Carolina. the whole? This just might be one of the too,” he says. Although I was taught never ing, but also Granddaddy’s and those who answers to stopping some of the hate in to look into his eyes or speak back, I can have gone before. Long before the Cherokee blood in my the world. veins began to truly overflow the Irish. hear the screaming in my heart, “But my “Sometimes,” “Everyone Needs Someone” mama is white!” he would tell me, When Granddaddy passed to spirit, © MariJo Moore 1994 I liked the way his voice sounded touching my crying eyes I was still quite young. My parents were like soft running water with a copper-colored hand, divorced, and my dad, who never wanted over smooth pebbles “it’s better not to claim you’re Indian to talk about being Indian, moved out MariJo Moore is the author of a dozen whenever he would tell me in these parts of Tennessee. West. For a long time, I wandered through books including three books of poetry: to ignore the poor black children Everyone needs someone my life searching for a way to belong to Spirit Voices of Bones, Confessions of a living down the road to look down on. two worlds. Poetry has helped me build Madwoman (now available on CD), and the Everyone.” the bridge. forthcoming Poets Inhale The Darkness Artists Breathe. www.marijomoore.com

Poetry and Rhythm: Finding Your Inner Voice Four poetry workshops/ one poetry performance with Keith Flynn (1), Sebastian Matthews (2), and Laura Hopegill (3). 1 Thursday May 7, 14 and 17, Randolph Learn- ing Center, 7 to 9 p.m. Public performance on Saturday, May 23, Unitarian Church, One 2 Edwin Place. Workshop 1 to 4 p.m., public performance 6 to 9 p.m. $45 For All 4 Books! To register visit www. (Includes autograph and S&H) pramainstitute.org, or To order call Jaileen at (828) 488-8216 call (828) 649-9408. www.tictocproductions.com 3 Order MoonBow and Meek-El online at Amazon.com, Alibris.com, and BarnesAndNoble.com

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 23 RAPID RIVER ARTS book Reviews When I Married My Mother written by Jo Maeder

hen I first began reading reviewed by “When I Married My Moth- Beth Gossett er” in preparation for this review, I wasn’t sure what I with her mother in was getting myself into. W a house in North I thought it was going to be one of Carolina and be- those books about a person who decided to come her full-time care for their ailing parent and depressed caretaker. and vilified every person out there who for Jo was skepti- one reason or another simply can’t. cal about living However, I was bowled over by the with a mother she’d been mostly es- way Jo Maeder comically and sensitively tranged from since her teen years, but once told the story of coming to care for her the dust settled, she had some of her best ailing mother, Mama Jo through good times, best memories and best adventures times and bad. Little Jo is a self-pro- with Mama Jo. claimed “story junkie” and a good thing, This was a great read, a real page too, because each word she penned was turner and I highly recommend to anyone interesting and able to paint a picture looking for a great story that will tug at of Mama Jo as she really was and as she your heartstrings to pick up a copy of deserved to be remembered. That’s not “When I Married My Mother.” to say that Mama Jo didn’t put a series of hurdles in Little Jo’s way. Mama Jo was known to be something of a pack rat. She, in her own house, had Book Signing a huge collection of dolls and every scrap of paper, trinket and little nothings that Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m. even Mama Jo didn’t know where they Author Jo Maeder presents her mem- came from anymore, when her house oir, “When I Married My Mother.” was deemed a fire hazard. That combined Malaprop’s, 55 Haywood St. with Mama Jo’s decline into dementia (828) 254-6734 were what prodded Jo to leave her life www.malaprops.com as a popular DJ in New York to move in

The Ocean Inside written by Janna McMahan

he Ocean Inside is a gripping tale reviewed by of a South Carolina family, the Beth Gossett Sullivans, who’s biggest worry, up until now, has been the rising taxes engrossing and on their Victorian beach house. T involving book. That is until they discover that their nine- It takes the reader year-old daughter, Ainslie, has a rare form on every emotional high and low imagin- of cancer and the insurance company is able and makes him or her feel like they unwilling to pay for her treatments. are walking in the character’s shoes. I While Emmett and his wife Lauren highly recommend this book with my try to deal with the situation as best they compliments to the author. can, their older daughter, Sloan, finds herself mixed up with the son of one May 9, 11 to 1 p.m. of the wealthiest land developers in the Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 4345 Barclay area and running wild with him and his Downs Drive, Charlotte, NC. Contact: friends at the College of Charleston. Soon Caroline Crownover, Marketing Man- the family unit is falling apart at every ager, [email protected] angle, Emmett and Lauren are constantly fighting, Ainslie is tired of the painful May 21, 2 to 3 p.m. treatments and Sloan pops in and out Meet the author, Sun City, Hilton Head, of the family’s lives but tends to be an SC. Contact: Phyllis M. Sippel, Ph.D., anchor for her sickly sister. (843) 705-6346, [email protected] “The Ocean Inside” is a particularly

24 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 Reel Take Reviewers: For the latest reviews, Chip Kaufmann is a film historian who theater info and also shares his love of classical music as , visit a program host on WCQS-FM radio. movie show times www.rapidrivermagazine.com Michelle Keenan is a long time student of film, a believer in the magic of movies and a fundraiser for public radio. ∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic Sierra Bicking, our Teen Reviewer, ∑∑∑∑ - Pretty darn good prefers movies that show teenagers as brilliant and brave. ∑∑∑ - Has some good points ∑∑ - The previews lied ∑ - Only if you must Questions/Comments? M- Forget entirely You can email Chip or Michelle at [email protected]

The Class (Entre of teaching and discipline. you can expect. Of course this is inten- screen and puts us back in touch with les mur) ∑∑∑∑ There are parent teacher tional as is everything else about this the sheer majesty of our planet as well meetings that help us over-the-top, in your face, deliberately as the harsh Short Take: A understand some of the insane assault on your senses. reality of the documentary-style story students. Over the course As I mentioned in my review of The hunter versus of a year in the life of a the hunted. French teacher and his of the school year we see Haunting in Connecticut, I’m getting insolent students in a him get through to a few, too old for this job or at least for certain Reel Take: multi-cultural, rough inner but we also see conflicts types of movies. We’ve come a long way Earth isn’t city Paris public school. Francois Begaudeau is a and frustrations escalate. since 1965 when Tony Richardson’s The exactly the Francois is fascinating to Loved One was billed as “the movie with kind of film Reel Take: The Class was real-life teacher who wrote and stars in The Class. watch — his observations, something to offend everyone” (see my that one ‘re- the winner of the Palme thoughts and emotions DVD pick). views’ per se. d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival register in his face in subtle ways and he Forget the plot which is beyond I’ve chuckled and was directed by renowned French is most compelling. ridiculous. The action and P.O.V. editing while listen- director Laurent Cantet. It’s a subject It struck me though that the same makes most video games look tame. Add ing to critics we’ve seen many times before, but not things that make this film work are the to that liberal doses of ultra violence (in- who suffer since 1967’s To Sir with Love have we same things that may hinder it. The Class cluding the slicing off of nipples) and sex from a chronic seen an inner city classroom drama as real is so refreshingly honest and human, and that borders on the pornographic and you case of snark as this one. The Class is a drama done in it is certainly a worthwhile endeavor. have the ultimate d#*k flick (as opposed syndrome. My favorite issue from such a documentary-style, so realistic I heard However, while its documentary-style to a chick flick). curmudgeons is the issue of so-called someone in the theatre near me whisper, is part of what makes it so real and the There’s no attempt to hide the fact anthropomorphizing of animals. Appar- “I didn’t know this was a documentary.” story draws us in and holds our attention, that this is a send-up of the first Crank ently when you see a mother polar bear This is an understandable remark. the elements of this style never really let and all mindless action flicks in general climb out of her frozen den with two new The actual teacher that wrote the story us connect emotionally with the charac- (there’s even a Godzilla parody near the cubs in tow, they are not a ‘family.’ The (Francois Begaudeau) also stars in the ters (or maybe we rely more on moving end of the film) but that leaves us with fact that several critics found fault with film as the teacher, and the kids playing soundtracks and Hollywood endings than what I call the Borat dilemma. How far the film, when James Earl Jones’ dulcet his racially and culturally diverse students we realize). do you go in the name of comedy to baritone, narrative voice refers to the are not actors. On second thought however, this shock and outrage your audience without animals as ‘mom’ and ‘dad,’ is ludicrous. Hand held camera work (without deliberate style reflects the teacher’s ultimately desensitizing them to the same Moreover the fact that global warming is being too artsy or indie), rapid-fire, free- experience in these schools – they care sex and violence and encouraging them to mentioned from time to time throughout flowing, simultaneous and overlapping and they try, but the truth of the matter do likewise? the film doesn’t make it a message docu- conversations in the dialogue make it is they can’t reach them all, and for their I left the theatre with a sizable head- mentary a la Al Gore. Enough already! seem unscripted and creates the absolute own sake, they can’t let themselves care ache, due not only to the ADD editing The one thing that everyone can chaos of the irreverent classroom. too much or get too involved. and the pounding, pulsating soundtrack, agree upon is that the photography is There is a script of course, but they Rated PG-13 for language but also because of the sad realization heart stopping and breathtaking. While left a lot open in order to create the noise. that we HAVE become so desensitized to the narration and booming soundtrack Review by Michelle Keenan Perhaps all that noise is why there isn’t a sensation that we have to keep enhance the story the filmmakers wish to soundtrack. It seems Cantet and Begaud- pushing the envelope for more tell us, the images convey the majesty life eau wanted us completely swallowed by Crank: High hardcore thrills. For what it’s and nature on our planet as nothing else the swirling classroom and frustrations and Voltage ∑∑∑ worth, Jason Statham seems to ever could. Quite simply Earth is a docu- challenges facing the school’s teachers. Short Take: The most be having the time of his life in mentary that celebrates all of the regions We follow Francois throughout mindless, testosterone this movie. I wish I could say of our planet and its non-homo sapien his day over the course of the year at a fueled action-comedy the same. inhabitants. multicultural inner city public school to date. Filmmakers Alistair Fothergill and in Paris. The diverse backgrounds of Rated R for strong, bloody vio- Reel Take: OK! lence, graphic sexual content, Mark Linfield paired down their 12 hour the kids in this school make the Great television documentary in order create a American Melting Pot look not so great That’s it! Stop! I can’t Jason Stathan gets and pervasive language. take it anymore! Can Review by Chip Kaufmann larger than life feature film. Earth takes and certainly not so melted. We see the a charge out of Crank: us on a globetrotting journey around the staff meetings with teachers and faculty, you say “Enough High Voltage. already!” These and ∑∑∑∑ world throughout the course of a year the ebb and flow in the daily classroom as Earth and returns seasonally to three animal Francois earnestly attempts to reach his other short knee jerk responses not only reflect my initial reaction to Crank: High Short Take: The BBC produced 12 hour families in particular; a polar bear fam- students every day. We also watch him documentary for The Animal Planet has Voltage, but they also reflect the dialogue butt heads with faculty over philosophies been paired down and re-edited for big ‘Movies’ continued on pg. 26

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg. 25 The Great Buck Howard ∑∑∑ The Haunting In Connecticut The Soloist ∑∑∑∑ Short Take: A law school drop becomes ∑∑∑ Short Take: The screen adaptation of ily, a mother elephant and her calf, and a the road manager for a self absorbed Short Take: Effective but remarkably the story of the unlikely friendship mother humpback whale and her calf. The mentalist / entertainer whose star has grisly thriller that is supposedly based between an LA Times columnist and narrative by James Earl Jones is peppered long since faded and longs for his on true events. mentally ill homeless man who once with bits of geological, meteorological and comeback. attended Julliard. Reel Take: I’m a big fan of PG and biological scientific factoids. Reel Take: The Great Buck Howard Reel Take: The Soloist is the story of Some consider these bits of informa- PG-13 horror films which have become a is in no way great but it’s pleasant and dying breed these days (no pun intended the unlikely friendship between LA Times tion the over-messaging and manipulative amusing. These were my thoughts after journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey, elements [about global warming]. I did but too good to resist). It’s so much hoping for more of a challenge to express something Jr.) and the not find the information heavy handed something mentally ill or disruptive, actually quite the contrary. without showing everything. I realize that much puts me in the minority and sometimes I Nathaniel Whether the information is meant to better, Anthony Ayers explain the migrations and challenges feel like I’m too old for this job, but more something about that in my review of Crank: High (Jamie Foxx), a that face many species, or whether they kind of … colorful charac- are stark, dare I say inconvenient, truths Voltage. well, great. Like State of Play (also reviewed in ter in LA’s Skid [about global warming] that place many Row. The So- species in great peril, facts are facts. In this The this issue), Haunting is a formulaic film premise that recalls several other horror movies loist was writ- case they enhance the journey, so be care- John Malkovich stares ten by Lopez Jamie Foxx and ful kids you might just learn something! agape, flanked by Colin and the most notably The Amityville Horror and cast were Poltergeist. after writing Robert Downey Jr. in As a film reviewer I’ll tell you that Hanks, Emily Blunt and The Soloist. reason A family many columns Earth is not as good a film as March of the Steve Zahn in The Great throughout Buck Howard. enough to rents an Penguins. However as a filmgoer, I will the forging of his friendship with Ayers. tell you that Earth is visually spectacular hope — a old house young, idealistic, fresh faced law school to be near Although he did not write the screenplay, and not to be missed on the big screen. Lopez is pleased with adaptation. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (or at least well up drop out (Colin Hanks) goes on the road a hospital with a self absorbed mentalist/magician/ so their Lopez meets Ayers in a city park one a bit), you might even bite a nail or two, day, near a statue of Beethoven. Ayers is and you will most certainly behold the entertainer (John Malkovich) whose star teenage has long since faded. He’s all but forgot- son can diddling away on a violin and rambling on spectacle that is Earth. about many subjects simultaneously, but p.s. Stay for the end credits. ten in the minds of a few, including his receive own. While it’s in no way a bad film, I Virginia Madsen hears cancer mostly about Beethoven. “Isn’t it great to Rated G just can’t get all that excited about it and, strange noises in The treatments. know that a man as great as Beethoven Review by Michelle Keenan with the exception of having to write this Haunting in Connecticut. Once there looked after this town?” he says gesturing review, very quickly forgot about it. he begins to see and hear strange things to the statue of his musical idol. Lopez is John Malkovich is spot on as Buck related to shocking events that took place about to blow him off as just another nut Howard a mentalist, magician and enter- in the past. on the street, when he asks Ayers who Theatre Directory tainer a la The Amazing Kreskin. His star While the past history is no great the names are on the pole next to him. surprise (the house was a former mortu- “Those were my roommates at Julliard.” Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company (whatever of it there once was) has long since faded, but he hasn’t thrown in the ary where séances were held), the way The journalist steps back, listens and so Movieline (828) 254-1281 they are depicted is. They are astonish- begins their friendship. www.ashevillepizza.com towel. Buck’s schmaltzy lounge act is his identity. Without it Buck would be lost, ingly grisly for a film with a PG-13 rating. The Soloist is the kind of film that Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) so he presses onward doing more shows a However my fellow reviewer pointed out, could have very easily become emotion- Movieline (828) 298-1234 year than Wayne Newton. if there’s no sex and no language they can ally manipulative, Hollywood fodder. It does not. In fact, some may leave the Biltmore Grande All of this makes Buck sound like a do whatever they want. This has been a loser, but he’s actually [kinda, sorta] not; growing trend in movies of late. More theatre a little bereft of over-emotional 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 melodrama. That is not to say the movie www.REGmovies.com He’s remarkably charming, albeit with and more films are receiving a milder rat- fits of emotional swings and prima dona ing for their content (for example Harry lacks heart or emotion. Rather, it seems Carmike 10 (Asheville) tendencies. As Buck travels from town to Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is going there was a conscious effort to keep it Movieline (828) 298-4452 town performing for dwindling audi- to be rated PG) in order to attract a wider fairly real. To this end, Brit Director Joe www.carmike.com ences, he’s in his element. He loves each audience. Wright (Pride & Prejudice and Atone- Carolina Cinemas town and he loves what he does. I did find the film to be creepy and ment) fought to employ actual residents (828) 274-9500 Troy Gabel (Colin Hanks) sees all very effective though not in the same of LA’s Skid Row neighborhood to play www.carolinacinemas.com these intriguing and contradictory quali- league as the recent The Uninvited. Any- themselves instead of hiring actors. ties in Buck and he is fascinated by him. one familiar with the early New England Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx Cinebarre (Asheville) both turn in fine performances. The www.cinebarre.com Troy, who is jaded after dropping out of horror stories of H. P. Lovecraft will have law school, seems struck by Buck’s single- some idea of what to expect in the film’s fragility of Ayers is immediately appar- The Falls Theatre (Brevard) minded dedication to his craft. Moreover, finale. The performances are better than ent for obvious reasons. His mystery lies Movieline (828) 883-2200 despite the ups and downs of working you would expect in a movie of this type, in the pathos of mental illness and in his Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) with Buck, Troy is one of the few that especially the two principal parts of the passion for classical music. Lopez’s fragil- Movieline (828) 232-1536 believes in Buck, not just as an entertainer mother (Virginia Madsen) and the son ity is more typical per the typical Ameri- www.fineartstheatre.comm but as an actual Mentalist. (Kyle Gallner). Good but not great, The can, divorced & burned middle aged man Does Buck’s star shine again? Well Haunting in Connecticut is no better and reveals itself in vulnerability most Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) than it tries to be, but the vivid imagery profoundly felt when Ayres tells Lopez Movieline (828) 697-2463 for that, you’ll have to buy a ticket to The Great Buck Howard. may stick with you longer than you’d like. that he loves him (not in a romantic way). www.flatrockcinema.com He just loves him, in gratitude and true Rated for PG for some language including Rated PG-13 for sequences of terror and friendship. To Nathaniel Ayres, Mr. Four Seasons (Hendersonville) disturbing images. Movieline (828) 693-8989 suggestive remarks, and a drug reference Lopez is right up there with Beethoven. Review by Michelle Keenan Review by Chip Kaufmann Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) ‘Movies’ continued on next page Movieline (828) 452-9091

26 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg. 26 Best of all, there are no miraculous cures or magical endings, both lives are simply Wb Archives: A Movie Lover’s better because of their friendship. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some Dream Come True drug use and language Review by Michelle Keenan ver since DVDs first appeared by Chip Kaufmann and we all dutifully switched State of Play ∑∑∑∑ over to the new technology, one Short Take: A transplanted (from thing has been lacking for the the bargain bins at Wal-Mart. England to America) political thriller that true movie lover and that is the These are authorized DVD- E Rs made directly from the succeeds in spite of a few missteps. availability of certain titles. Even at this late date, there are a original source materials. The Reel Take: State of Play is based on a number of movies, good movies, classic visual quality is absolutely 2003 six hour BBC miniseries. Instead of movies that have yet to make it to DVD. stunning and I’m just talk- London the setting is now Washington Some never even made it to VHS. That ing about the films from the D.C. and the central figure (Ben Affleck) is all about to change. 1920s (my primary interest). is a U.S. Congressman who is suspected Warner Brothers, thanks to their I can only imagine what the of killing an aide he was having an af- acquisition of Ted Turner’s various en- later films must look like. fair with. Enter Cal McCaffrey (Rus- terprises, now owns or holds the rights The DVD-Rs retail for sell Crowe), a longtime reporter for the to the largest collection of movie titles $19.95 and are processed as Washington in the world. Many of these films are soon as your order is placed Globe and shown only on Turner Classic Movies and generally arrive in a few friend of (TCM) and now they are being made days (mine did). As I mentioned earlier, uled, and then if you’re a true collector, the Con- available on DVD for the first time. the audio/video quality of these discs copying the movie and nothing else. gressman. Not just a few movies but 165 of them is superb and why shouldn’t they be as Then there’s the issue of such particulars Along with in every genre with 15 new ones to be you are getting them straight from the as background information, length of blogger added each month. Everything from source. To check out the various titles film, aspect ratio, plot description, and Della Frye Greta Garbo silents in the late 1920s to just go the WB website and click on other items that only the official liner (Rachel movies from the 1980s such as Diane Warner Archives. The 165 titles that notes can provide. Russell Crowe confronts McAdams) Keaton’s The Little Drummer Girl and are currently available can be viewed by With places like Movie Gallery Ben Affleck in State he begins to Paul Simon’s One Trick Pony. genre, by decade, or all at once. You can and Blockbuster going the way of the of Play. investigate The trick here is that these titles even sample a video clip of each one so Edsel and the success of red kiosks and and uncovers more than he expected. can only be ordered direct from the you can check out the quality. Netflix, ordering your movie this way is State of Play recalls a number of ear- Warner Brothers website (WBshop. Of course if you have a high quality the wave of the future. If you’re a true lier political thrillers such as The Parallax com) and they are DVD-Rs. This way DVD recorder (most people don’t) you movie lover than you can rejoice at the View and All the President’s Men. The WB only has to make enough copies to could make the copies yourself. Howev- number of titles never released before basic ingredients are there — the crime, meet demand and won’t be stuck with er that involves waiting for the movie to and have renewed hope for all of those the cover-up, the paranoia, and of course hundreds of copies which wind up in be scheduled, knowing when it is sched- that haven’t been. the double-cross. Along with those staples, there are the interconnected personal relationships between the characters that give the movie an added resonance. Director Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland), in addition to having a Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You! quality script to work with, has been given he former Hollywood Cin- to be different and better, and it will of the place will be unlike any other a solid supporting cast that includes Jeff emas at 1640 Hendersonville be. First and foremost, our theater will movie theater in the country. The the- Daniels, Robin Wright Penn (who is very Rd. is under new (indepen- be dedicated to the highest quality of ater will be programmed roughly 40% good as Affleck’s wife), Jason Bateman, dent) ownership and it’s customer service delivered with care, art films and 60% commercial films. and Viola Davis. They make the film more getting a makeover and new friendliness, individual pride, and It will become a distinctive choice for interesting by giving extra depth to the T name. We thought you might want company spirit.” the sophisticated audience wanting to proceedings. to know a little bit more. Here’s what RT: We’ve heard it’s getting a face see the latest films. State of Play is not without its prob- new owner Bill Banowsky had to say. lems. The biggest one is trying to con- lift… RT: Anything else you’d like our read- dense a 6 hour script into a 2 hour one. So Reel Takes: What are your plans for BB: People won’t recognize the place ers to know? much happens so quickly (even more so the Carolina Cinemas - Hollywood 14 when we’re done. It will include a BB: Sure. We’ll be offering new ways towards the end), it’s hard to keep track and how do you plan to re-brand it in complete cosmetic makeover for the to utilize our theater facilities, be it of things. Also, why does the American our area? exterior of the building, it will include for film festivals, single night events, newspaper editor, played by Helen Mir- Bill Banowsky: The Hollywood 14 a completely renovated lobby (stained midnight shows, church services, and ren, talk in British slang? Nevertheless it’s in Asheville is undergoing significant concrete floors, wine/beer bar, certain partnering with business in our mar- a noteworthy effort that will reward those changes. This theatre was “left for hot food items, use of the upstairs ket area. We intend to be vibrant part looking for more literary fare. dead.” My plan for Carolina Cin- mezzanine space (formerly video of our local community. Rated PG-13 for violence, language, sexual emas is to re-position this theatre as a game space) as a bar with with lobby sophisticated, adult film venue in the screen showing classic movies, retail Carolina Cinemas is open during renova- references and some drug use. tions, but the grand re-opening will be the Review by Chip Kaufmann market, catering to the more discrimi- space, etc.) renovated auditoriums first week of June. nating theatergoer in Asheville. It has with new seats, etc. The look and feel ‘Movies’ continued on pg. 28

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg 27 17 Again TEEN REVIEW by Sierra Bicking Sunshine Cleaning ∑∑∑∑ Short Take: My idea of what an independent film should be. 17 Again ∑∑∑∑1/2 his old high school to stars the Disney heartthrob Zac Efron reminisce, he meets a (playing basketball yet again) and other Reel Take: Few independent films are I don’t know about you, but the thought of repeating creepy janitor and next lesser-known Disney stars, like Ster- able to juggle all their different elements thing you know he is ling Knight (Sonny with a Chance) and as well as Sunshine Cleaning does. It’s high school scares the living daylights out of me. A lot of 17 again! He decides to Michelle Trachtenberg (Ice Princess). clever but not quirky, honest in its treat- redo his life and fix all Don’t go see this movie expecting a ment of the characters but not preachy in the clichés are true about high school (popular kids, jocks, his children’s prob- deep plot with underlying truths. Yes, its message and like all really good movies, lems along the way, the story has a moral, but the strong it is story and performance driven. cliques, etc.), and most people are glad to get the heck out of making for a points of this movie are the Having recently viewed John Ford’s very interesting comedic situations young/old The Grapes of Wrath (a mainstream film there. Well, except for Mike O’Donnell… and comedic Mike manages to get himself from 1940 that would be an independent adventure. into. Go see a matinee show film today), Mike O’Donnell (Zac Efron, Matthew Perry) “learned the truth at One of the reasons I on a lazy day, reminisce or I was again saw this film was to see if its maybe even relate, and laugh reminded 17” that success belongs to basketball kings. When he was 17, Mike threw depiction of teenage life was right along with the char- that less accurate. Surprisingly enough, acters. After all, you’re only is more. his dreams away because he got his girlfriend Scarlett (Allison Miller, a lot of it was (with a few Hol- young once… Or are you? Fancy lywood moments thrown in, camera- Leslie Mann) pregnant. His regret Rated PG-13 for language, dogged him for another 17 years, mak- of course). 17 Again is a fun Sierra Bicking is some sexual material and work and afternoon movie that younger an arte aficionado ADD editing his marriage so unhappy that they teen partying. are about to divorce. When Mike visits teens will especially enjoy. It extraordinaire. The dysfunctional ing (like family all together in the recent Sunshine Cleaning. Rachel’s Getting Married) are no substitute for good story- Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: telling. If we are to relate to the characters “The Loved One” DVD Picks for May “A Good Year” then we have to get to know them. Amy Adams and Emily Blunt play movies, but because they are simply two sisters who were traumatized by their The Loved One (1965) Having said what I did in my re- lovely stories, beautifully photo- mother’s suicide when they were children. graphed and well done. She was an actress whose only legacy is view of Crank: High Voltage (see page 25), it seems only fair to mention the A Good Year was met with lack a bit part as a waitress in a movie that luster reception by many when it was they are constantly trying to catch on TV. mainstream movie that for so many years was considered the pinnacle of released, myself included (in spite of Adams is a single mother who works as a my “What did we do before Rus- maid. She’s also having an affair with her bad taste and sick humor. How times have changed. sell Crowe?” devotion). The film is old high school sweetheart. Blunt can’t loosely based on Peter Mayle’s book hold down a job and her favorite pastime In 1965, flush from the success of the multi-award winning Tom Jones “A Year in Provence.” Crowe plays is to climb up a railroad trestle and feel the Max Skinner a high powered, no-non- train go by overhead. (1963), Brit director Tony Richardson decided to film The Loved One. This sense English investment executive. A tip from her boyfriend, about good fascination with death. Because of its wickedly perverse satire of the funeral Max has long since lost touch with his money being made by those who clean literary source, this is a comedy that business in California was written by beloved Uncle Henry (Albert Finney) up after crime scenes, gives Adams and is character driven rather than action Evelyn Waugh (Brideshead Revisited) and the summers of his youth on his Blunt the opportunity to try and improve driven. Check it out and see what after a visit here in 1948. Billed as “the Uncle’s vineyard in Provence. their fortunes and so “Sunshine Clean- used to outrage people back in the motion picture with something to of- When Max learns of Henry’s ing” is born. Meanwhile their father 1960s. Parts of it still can today and fend everyone,” it proceeded to do just death, he flies to Provence to settle the (Alan Arkin) tries a number of get rich that’s saying something. estate. There, surrounded by memo- quick schemes while the young son (Ja- that when it was first released. The most fascinating aspect of ries and a different world, Max’s life son Spevack) gets thrown out of elemen- is changed forever. Predictable? You tary school for being too strange. The Loved One is the fact that it’s an A Good Year (2006) oxymoron. It is in bad taste but in the I’m not sure what’s wrong with betcha, but in the best possible way. That’s only the tip of the iceberg in Directed by Ridley Scott, the this multi-layered comedy-drama that most refined way imaginable (especial- me lately. Perhaps it’s the dreary ly in lieu of what would come after it). weather we’ve had for most of March story alternates between present day explores the various relationships between and Max’s memories of his time there several different characters that gradu- The English have always had a sense and April or maybe it’s been a very of reserve hidden beneath their black girlish case of spring fever, but lately as child. The supporting cast includ- ally become interconnected. The perfor- ing Finney, Freddie Highmore as mances are strong, the writing is memo- comedies and that’s what makes them when I’ve wanted to watch a movie, so funny. When there are no restraints, I’ve wanted to see things lush, beauti- the young Max, Marion Cotillard rable and the direction is refreshingly and Tom Hollander are all wonder- unadorned. Sunshine Cleaning is one of then there’s no comedy either. ful and romantic – yes, chick flicks. An all-star cast featuring Rob- From last month’s DVD pick, the ful. The scenes between Finney and those movies that really lingers after you Highmore are particularly delightful. leave the theatre. ert Morse, Rod Steiger, Jonathan utterly gorgeous Pride & Prejudice Winters, John Gielgud, Milton to this month’s pick A Good Year, Though not their forte, it was a nice Rated R for language, drug use, sexuality, Berle, and even Liberace (as a coffin I’ve been quite happy with my sweet to see Scott and Crowe tackle some- and disturbing images. salesman!) provide the laughs in this indulgences and a corner of my soul thing far lighter and sweeter than their Review by Chip Kaufmann warped observation on the human soothed, not because either are great normal fare.

28 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE REstaurants & Wine

Yes, Virginia, There is Good North Carolina Wine If You’re Thinking About Buying Local…

t was April 18 in Blowing Rock, you would not leave with such a bad taste by Michael Parker North Carolina, the weekend of the in your mouth.” Why in the world would Events at the Weinhaus Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival. he link to that? The Grand Tasting was set up in an This partly illustrates the problem RayLen, SMV Chardonnay, Burke Coun- Reservations are required for these Ienormous tent in a downtown park- with the image of North Carolina wines. ty ($15) The South Mountain Vineyard events, please call the Weinhaus at ing lot and scheduled to run from noon A lot of time is going to have to pass be- Chardonnay is grown on the hills south (828) 254-6453. to four. The local police who were pres- fore many wineries reach advanced levels of Morganton, and the growing condi- ent appeared a bit stiff, as if they sensed of quality, and attitudes like that only hurt tions there are ideal. Chardonnay lovers Thursday, May 7 some looming trouble. the cause. Also, in the meantime, a lot of will appreciate this style, influenced by The Grovewood Café next to the Inside, just before the prices are high. French Oak, and delivering $15 worth of Grove Park Inn will serve a spring noon, I was talking In general, find- creamy Chardonnay flavor. dinner paired with wines from the shop with some maga- We have 60 wineries ing truly red wine Brushy Mountain Winery, Booger Weinhaus. The time is 7 p.m. The zine people when a in the state, but little red from North Carolina Swamp White Wine, Yadkin Valley ($15) cost is $65 all inclusive. man approached me that’s actually red. requires a search. We A blend of Chardonnay, Niagara, and wearing a shirt em- have 60 wineries in Riesling, and an easy drinking white. It’s Thursday, May 2 broidered with the the state, but little red a bit pricey, but it comes with a good The Cedar Crest Inn at Biltmore hokey name of his North Carolina winery that’s actually red. Many taste like there Civil War era story. The swamp is a real will host a fine wine dinner, (which shall remain nameless here). “We was heavy rain during the harvest. Many place south of Elkin, where children were weather permitting it will be on are number three in the state of North NC reds made from noble grapes like warned about spirits, called boogers in the porch overlooking the French Carolina!” he declared. Showing inter- Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc those parts. Broad River. Time is 7 p.m. Cost is est, I asked if Childress Vineyards was in still have a mysterious whiff of the native $60 all inclusive. that top three with him. (That would be grapes that deliver a so-called foxy flavor Biltmore Estate, sparkling wine. All of them. This is their specialty. You can, a compliment. They have a good wine- to their wines. On top of that, prices are Friday, May 29 maker and an immeasurable amount of high. However, these wineries are staying with this style of wine, support your local winery and get your money’s worth. Come to the Friday night flight tast- NASCAR money.) It fell apart here. He open, which means they have adequate ing at the Weinhaus, featuring “Shi- didn’t like the comparison. Suddenly, I local support. Good for them. In the meantime, what is with the name raz from the Southern Hemisphere” was talking to Peter Griffin. There are very clear winners in change from Biltmore Estate to Biltmore? paired with samples of chocolate I was about to change the subject to North Carolina, though, winemakers Do they think this is trendy? It’s stupid. truffles from the Chocolate Fetish. his operation and emphases when he said, with extensive experience and strong Did they forget that there is a very real, The price is $10 for a tasting. Time “I can see you don’t know a lot about skills. Good wines, very good wines, with enormous estate attached to their opera- is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Held at the Wein- wine, but our table is over there if you North Carolina labels are available. tion? haus, 86 Patton, Ave. in Asheville. Childress Vineyards, Pinnacle, Meritage want to learn more.” I got around to his I liked these North Carolina wines: table, but never learned which wineries Red Wine ($15) This is a Bordeaux-style Sunday, May 31 were the top two. It was clear, though, RayLen, Riesling, Yadkin Valley ($10) blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvi- Beer, Barbeque, and Baseball at Mc- that from whatever competition he took Echoing my last column about Riesling, gnon, and Merlot. I would call it a claret. Cormick Field. Come to a Tourists home the bronze, there were only three do not assume this is sweet. The wine- Lighter in style, and a good red wine to game complete with local craft beers contestants. maker describes it as semi-sweet, but I help white wine drinkers cross over. and barbeque for the pittance of $35. And I am not alone in this opinion. A even think it is drier than that. There is a Time is 1:30 p.m at McCormick delightful floral nature here, what I expect Hanover Park Vineyard, Port Hanover, Field in Asheville. link on his website led to this rather acidic Yadkin Valley ($17) Made from Cham- review of his winery: “Leave some time from Viognier. Growing Riesling in North Carolina is a difficult task. While bourcin grapes, if you like port-style The Weinhaus for this winery, you’re going to get a long wine, you will like this. It’s a bit pricey, 86 Patton Ave., in Asheville dissertation about wine. Perhaps if they the price is where I like it, I am surprised but it’s very, very good. (828) 254-6453 concentrated more on their concentrate, he isn’t asking for more.

Great values & styles Free Tasting at The Wine Guy South Every Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Every week we invite a different distributor to pour 4 or 5 new wines from their portfolio for us to sample. Light hors d’oeuvres are served and all wines poured will be specially priced. The Wine Guy stocks a diverse selection of wines from around the world. www.theAshevilleWineGuy.com Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon Ave. (828) 254-6500 Great wines for any occasion and budget. 1200 Hendersonville Rd. (828) 277-1120

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance

The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place Mainstage Celtic Series presents

Téada, Lush Traditional Irish Music

ronounced by John Ellis “TAY-duh” and meaning “strings” “Yesterday/Tomor- in the Irish row”, brilliantly P showcases their language, Téada revels in the vibrant uncanny ability to traditional music blend the modern of Ireland. Deftly with the traditional. playing up its Although no words structural intricacies are spoken, stories while preserving the are certainly being contagious energy told through the inherent in the repertoire, the group eleven sets of reels, jigs, marches, polkas strives to capture a sense of the rawness and slips. Outstanding and electrifying and individuality of the solo artist, within tracks include the hornpipes on “The Ebb a modern group context. Tide/Peter Wyper’s” and the slip jog/hop One of Irish music’s leading expo- jig set starting off with “The Tenpenny nents on the international world music Piece.” The accompanying DVD is an ad- stage, Téada revels in the timeless, expres- ditional window into the band’s influences, sive force of traditional tunes inherited live performance style, and their connec- from previous generations of musicians. tion to Sligo. Founded by Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Téada’s Asheville performance is Diarmada, Téada first came together presented in partnership with The Swan- in 2001 to make an appearance on the nanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson Col- innovative Irish television series ‘Flosc’. lege, and made possible by Celtic Series The young musicians shared a passion for Sponsors Arby’s/The Winning Team and a deeply traditional approach, and follow- BB&T, with additional support from ing their initial gig opening for the Sharon media sponsor WNCW 88.7 FM. The Shannon band at Dublin’s Celtic Flame Mainstage Series 2008/2009 season spon- Festival in February 2001, Téada was sors are Asheville Citizen-Times, Creative off and running. Their self-titled debut Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gourmet- CD in 2002 brought popular and critical to-go, and Asheville Renaissance Hotel. raves, with The Irish Times applauding the band for “keeping the traditional flag Téada, May 22 at 8 p.m. at flying at full mast.” If the Diana Wortham Theatre Téada’s latest CD, Inne Amarach You at Pack Place. (In-ay A-moor-ak), which is Irish for Go Ticket Prices: Regular $28; Seniors $26; Students $23. For more information about Student Rush day-of-the- Téada go to www.teada.com show (with valid ID) $10. Info/Tickets: Box Office (828) 257-4530, www.dwtheatre.com.

‘Flowers Everywhere’ continued from pg. 6 prior to 1 p.m. Floral arrangements for funerals, weddings, corporate gifts and other occasions. Sibley’s has a daily cash dress and an on-staff floral designer, she n’carry rose special, just $24.95/dozen, says, “otherwise, you’ll overpay and won’t and a vase recycling program. Bring in have a contact if there’s a problem.” used vases and receive credit for future Studies Have Shown that purchases. Flowers Make People Happier Sibley’s Florist Sibley’s Florist ships 1011 Tunnel Rd. Ste. 170 worldwide. Four Seasons Plaza, Asheville Order up to (828) 298-0488 1 day prior (800) 585-8718 to major holidays. www.SibleysFlorist.com Same-day Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; delivery on Sat, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. orders placed

30 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE ARTFUL LIVING

by Bill Walz not insisting that Life meet your condi- American Zen tions for happiness. In Zen, you become increasingly aware that you are Life, that Zen is waking up out of the unconscious us encountering and entering the you are Nature. You no longer feel sepa- sacred in the World, transcending rate, dissatisfied and afraid. patterns of our lives and into heightened the experience of separateness, for Zen is waking up out of the un- presence, awareness and clarity - then, the sacred cannot be divided conscious patterns of our lives and into living life right here as it is. Nothing into “me” and “other”. Zen is heightened presence, awareness and clarity meant to awaken us into the - then, living life right here as it is. Noth- special, and, oh, so special. spiritual dimension of life ing special, and, oh, so special. Stop being while living our ordinary trapped by your past story of who you secular lives. think you are, and begin living vitally in teach and guide people in a way of how each moment has its American Zen, then, the present. Open your mind beyond the living that draws on the wisdom own uniqueness, but that is American life, done limits of its family and social conditioning and skills of Zen Buddhism, yet is we miss this unique- with a Zen twist. into life’s full potential, which allows life thoroughly contemporary. I call it ness projecting our The traditional to be markedly more meaningful, satisfy- American Zen because America is own concepts of Japanese Zen ing and manageable. Then, just live life, I instruction that wherever you are. Only now, life is saner the contemporary culture in which I live self and the world and teach. It could be European, or Asian onto the moments Zen is in “chopping and has a joy, spontaneity, spirituality and or Latin or African because Zen doesn’t of our lives. wood and carrying peacefulness that is lacking in the typical have to be bound to a culture. Zen is then water”, means it conventional modern experience. Right It is a way of approaching life that about learn- is to be found here in America, living American Zen. transcends culture. Likewise, while Bud- ing to bring in the sim- dhism is a religion that originated in Asia, the openness plest of life’s I have always found it a little off-putting and focus we tasks when that Buddhism is often practiced in the experience in those tasks are Bill Walz is a UNCA adjunct West continuing to emphasize its Asian meditation into everyday approached with relaxed faculty member and a trappings and rituals. The Asian trap- life. The practice of sitting meditation is alert awareness and a sense of sacredness. private-practice teacher of pings and rituals are not Buddhism. That a powerful practice for learning the mind American Zen, then, is chopping mindfulness, personal growth and consciousness. said, to absorb fully a statue or picture and opening into discovery of who we are wood and carrying water modern Ameri- of the Buddha can be an experience of at our deepest level. But for our sitting can style. It is about walking in nature He holds a weekly meditation wholehearted presence, an example of the meditation to achieve its full transfor- or just down the street, driving your car, class, Mondays, 7 p.m. at the clarity, peace and calmness that commu- mational potential, the consciousness washing the dishes, eating a meal, garden- Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood. nicates a great deal about Buddhism. achieved in the sitting must then enter ing, sports and recreation, doing your job, Info on classes, personal growth and Buddhism is about living life in an our ordinary everyday life as mindfulness, interacting with people. The Zen is in be- healing instruction, or phone consultations “awakened” manner, which is what the the practice of knowing with a deep pres- ing very present, very aware and reveren- at (828) 258-3241, or e-mail healing@ word Buddhism means, and this awaken- ence what we are doing as we do it. This tial, not distracted, as you do whatever you billwalz.com. Visit www.billwalz.com ing is not about some theological dogma, connects us powerfully to life as we live it. do. It is about embracing Life just as it is, but about seeing and living life natu- If all our neurosis is created by the rally, vitally and skillfully, not caught in conflicting messages we get from family the shallow experience of life only as a and society about who we are and what is backdrop to all of our hectic activity and right and true, then Zen seeks to liber- thinking about life. ate us by instructing us to experience Declare it Nationally, Celebrate it Locally! Fundamental to the teachings of life directly, and to, as one Zen exhorta- Buddhism, the phrase “be here, now,” is tion instructs, “show original face”. This ay is Preservation Month and standing historic property restoration often applied, and to me, here and now means to live in a manner emerging from Asheville will celebrate again achievements. means just that. Not there and then, in capacities within us that are natural and this year with a kick-off event You could also visit one of the some other cultural and time perspec- fundamental rather than solely acting out M at the newly renovated and his- City’s fabulous historic sites such as the tive. Buddhism, and its Zen expression, the influences and conditioning of family toric Aston Park on May 1, 11:30-3:00 Biltmore House and Gardens or the is really much more a philosophy of life and social experience. In this way, Zen is with music and refreshments. Smith McDowell House Museum or and a psychology of the Human experi- a psychology with powerful transforma- The theme this year is Preservation enjoy the spring sunshine with a walk- ence than an anachronistic religion. It can tional capacity. It opens us to experiencing Naturally, Celebrating Heritage Sus- ing tour of historic Montford, River- be applied in any cultural, historic or even life anew, with immediate, open curiosity tainably. Join us at Aston Park where side Cemetery or downtown Asheville religious context. American Zen then is and wonder, getting out of the mazeway there will be information available on with its outstanding collection of Art the development of the concept of “here of our minds, greatly freed of neurotic Asheville’s historic neighborhoods and Deco architecture. and now” to its full transformational thought and emotion. landmarks, rehabilitation tax credits Check out our calendar at www. potential within the cultural context of Simplicity, naturalness, presence, and sustainable building practices. ashevillenc.gov/preservationmonth for contemporary America. connectedness and compassion are The picnic is the first of many more ideas and events. The month is Central to Zen, but not as some hallmarks of the Zen life. Zen is a living events in the month of May to enjoy sponsored by The Historic Resources ritual, is meditation. Meditation is the philosophy, a way of experiencing life in and appreciate both our unique natural Commission of Asheville and Bun- practice of deepening our capacity for freshness and wisdom. It is not meant to and cultural heritage. Each day in May combe County, Asheville Historic relaxed, yet very alert awareness. It opens be an arcane religion, but it is meant to you can choose a preservation related Tours, Friends of Mountain History, us to profound conscious contact with awaken spiritual connectedness. In that activity or event to enjoy such as the Joan Richards Art and Frame, Asheville the present moment where our lives are way, Zen is the experience and expression 6th Annual Montford Music and GreenWorks, Friends of Mountain actually lived, while gaining in insight as of life as a sacred dance, here and now. Arts Festival in the historic Montford History, Beverly-Hanks & Associates to how our psychologically conditioned Even the simplest of acts and experi- neighborhood, or the Griffin Awards and the Preservation Society of Ashe- minds create a very artificial and limited ences is imbued with the wonder of the sa- ceremony, sponsored by the Preserva- ville and Buncombe County. relationship with life. It is about learning cred. Zen is the experience of the sacred in tion Society which recognizes out-

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Joe’s brew Notes Ahhh Spring – New Brews, Brewery News, and Brew Names

pring is a time of rebirth, renewal French Broad Brewing Company Wedge Brewing (wedge- by Joe Zinich and change, in nature and at our (frenchbroadbrewery.com) will have a brewing.com) will re-in- local breweries. new seasonal beer available in late sum- troduce their excellent Witt The new season brings a switch mer. Their beers are now distributed by Bier. Live music is planned Green Man Porter. The S from the rich, dark beers of winter Empire Distributors into new outlets in for Sunday’s and one week- names are fundamental but to the brighter, lighter beers of summer Georgia and Western North Carolina; day. In May, outdoor movie the beers are exceptional. – both new and old favorites. It’s a good checkout local Ingles, Harris Teeter, etc. nights return and will con- Highland Brewing time to look for changes at the breweries, Green Man Brewing Company (jack- tinue through October. considers the heritage of the discover their new offerings, and learn the ofthewood.com) introduces a Belgian Scotch Irish settlers of our origin of brew names. brown ale and a Belgian white both with Brew Names mountains when naming Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company the fruity esters expected in a Belgian Names of beers have their beers. An example (ashevillepizza.com) will introduce beer- style brew (about 4-6%). They also plan always intrigued me. All is Highland Gaelic Ale, a related foods. Their first two are a Ninja to introduce true session beers (3.5 - 5%) brewers want the beer name salute to the Irish Language Porter Mustard and a brewer’s crust pizza in the British tradition. Various styles will to be as memorable as the and their love of words. dough. Cask Fridays begins in May at the be available in early summer. beer itself and develop nam- Their seasonal beers are Coxe Avenue location. Highland Brewing Company’s (high- ing strategies. In general, lo- Oyster House Brewing, named after area mountains; Craggie Brewing Company (craggie- landbrewing.com) new tasting room is cal brewers name their beers Asheville’s newest Cold Mountain Winter Ale, brewingco.com) plans their grand opening planned to open in early 2006 and the with reference to style, local brewery. Cattail Peak Wheat, Shin- this summer. Until then they offer free winner of their Highland Cup (Alex area (Asheville, Mountains, ning Rock Lager, etc. tastings to their Facebook friends. The next Buerckholtz’s Smokey Mt. Porter) will flora and fauna), and/or personal icons. Oyster House Brewing names beer to tasting is in mid May so join and enjoy. be available in late summer. Their Cattail Appalachian Craft Brewery (acbrew- reflect their location in a downtown sea- Peak Wheat beer is back and, now, all ery.com) chooses names from local flora food restaurant. The Downtown Brown organic. and fauna. Their Black Bear Stout, robust and Patton Avenue Pale captures their lo- Special Beer Event Oyster House Brewing Company (th- and full bodied, is a tasty example. cation and the beer style (Brown Ale, Pale elobstertrap.biz) will introduce their Dirty Asheville Pizza and Brewing tend to Ale) while the Moonstone Stout (made Dogfish Head Mountain Weekend, Blonde Ale. It is dark gold with slight hop name their beers after roll models/icons with Moonstone oysters) is the perfect May 15-17 in Asheville, NC bitterness and a sweet finish (about 5%). that reflect the character of the beer. beverage to enjoy at the raw bar. Pisgah Brewing Company (pisgah- Shiva IPA was named for a Hindu god, Pisgah Brewing beer names are as Sam Calagione, founder and Presi- brewing.com) will offer Pisgah Pale in a strong name for their strongest (5.5% varied as their beers. Names can be basic dent of Dogfish Head Craft Brewed 6-packs and a new Abbey Ale, a golden alcohol) beer. Rolland’s ESB is named for (Pisgah Pale Ale), reflect the local flora Ales, is well known in the brew (about 7%), early this summer. A new the brewer’s beloved Rottweiler dog that and fauna (Hellbender Barleywine – Hell- universe as one of America’s most beer, LEAF Amber, with a portion of its looked fierce but had a mellow, friendly bender is a large Appalachian Mountains vocal supporters of the craft beer proceeds going to support the Lake Eden disposition - much like the beer – expect- salamander), honor icons (Valdez – a movement. He’s written three books, Arts Festival schools and street program is ed to have a hop bite but instead is a well stout made with coffee, named for Juan Brewing Up a Business, Extreme now available. balanced, savory brew. Valdez of TV-coffee-ad fame), or the Brewing, and He Said Beer, She Craggie Brewing looks to local history joyful (Dancing Hobo – a tribute to the Said Wine, co-authored with Marnie and location for their names. The ground hobos of old who reveled in the freedom Old, and featured in the NY Times. on which the brewery sits is soil from of their lives). Calagione was also interviewed on Battery Hill, thus Battery Hill Bitter – a Wedge Brewing considers their loca- The Today Show. light, flavorful pale ale. tion (the River Arts District), their pub Events scheduled are a private tast- philosophy (a relaxed place to converse ing, talk, and book signing at Brusin’ and have a beer) and local icons for their Ales, a Pint Night at The Thirsty beer names. Community Porter reflects Monk (www.monkpub.com), and the art community and the spirit of their a Beer Brunch at Zambra (www. pub and Payne’s Pale is named for John zambratapas.com). Payne, a former artist and supporter of the arts community. However, the name for The private tasting and dinner are their Belgian Golden, Golem, was pulled ticketed events. The Pint Night is Pisgah’s LEAF Amber, part of sales from the lyrics of a Led Zeppelin song, free to attend. Details are posted at proceeds support Lake Eden Arts Ramble On – a brewmaster favorite. www.bruisin-ales.com/beerblog. Festival children’s program. So, when you get a chance, visit our local breweries and enjoy their offerings then consider: When you see a brew new to you Craggie Brewing, Opening this summer that you think appealing, Try the brew and read the name Sanctuary of Stuff – 5th Birthday Celebration French Broad Brewing uses brewery for what it is revealing. name/beer style for most of their new Sunday, May 17 enjoy our celebration. Many Woodfin brews but one earlier name is more color- Come enjoy an afternoon of music by merchants will be showcased during ful – 13 Rebels ESB. This English style ale Buncombe Turnpike to celebrate our our birthday Celebration, come ex- was named in honor of the rebels of the For five years, Joe Zinich 5th birthday. Artists, vendors, cake, plore what Woodfin has to offer you! original 13 colonies. has been taking a self- art demonstrations, tailgate market, Green Man Brewing (jackofthewood. guided, high-intensity tour From 2 to 5 p.m., Sanctuary of Stuff, of Asheville’s beer world. door prizes, food samples and so much 116 N. Woodfin Ave. (828) 255-8388. com) names their beer in a very basic more. Bring a lawn chair and come manner of brewery name/beer style, i.e., Contact him at: jzinich@ bellsouth.net

32 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Four seasons plaza

Cafe Azalea Come check out our healthy approach to finding the right balance for positive food enjoyment. Azalea Lunch Specialties Chipotle turkey meatloaf - portabella gravy and olive oil sweet potatoes. Bison patty melt - A half pound patty with provolone and grilled red onions on toasted rye bread. Shrimp and grits - with creole tomato sauce over goat cheese grits. Spice rubbed pork loin - Pablano corn salsa and olive oil sweet potatoes. Now serving liquor, beer and wine. Featuring house specialty cocktails. Come join us late night. Cafe Azalea 1011 E. Tunnel Rd., Suite 100 Bar and shop, wine by the glass or bottle, beer on tap, wine and beer accessories. (828) 299-3753 www.cafeazaleaasheville.com (828) 505-1814 • Open Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS Buried Music in RISING to the Occasion Credit Card Debt? Leah and Chloe at Hookah Joe’s Over $10,000 in credit card bills? fter a brief sabbatical the by James Cassara Only making the minimum payments? Atlanta based sister/duo the newly emerging We can get you out of debt in months A Leah and R.I.S.E. with the sen- Chloe return to their sual prowess of their instead of years southern roots, where stage delivered songs they will complete complete with poetic We can save you thousands of dollars their transforma- voices, divine har- tion into the group monies, spoken word We can help you avoid bankruptcy R.I.S.E. by touring in rallies, banjos, fiddles, support of their third and many beats from Not a high-priced consolidation loan or one of CD Evolutions in many drums. Sound: LIVE. With an array those consumer credit counseling programs Named “Best of incredible col- Local Folk Act” for laborators, R.I.S.E. is Call two years running by joined by everything Creative Loafing Atlanta’s “Critics Picks” from stand up bass, to the jazz trumpet, R.I.S.E. will perform at Hookah Joe’s on djembe, baliphone, congas, didgeridoo, Credit Card relief Thursday May 14. It’s the first gig of a tablas, harmonica, beatboxing, live poets, for your FREE consultation national tour that will take them up and even fire-spinning and more as their style down the West Coast before crossing the branches out to form entirely new ways to Not available country to the northeast and heading back make the stage electric. They best de- in all states down south. scribed themselves as “sound champions 800-845-8758 R.I.S.E. will eventually return to At- the ageless souls of all of us, seeking to lanta to perform the new material, much find connection through song and voice, of which is captured on the new release. moving from the cracked concrete of hu- Evolutions in Sound: LIVE features 14 manity to the luminous realms of spirit... songs — originals and standards — in- Song is our global tongue.” cluding the topical tunes “All Fence and No Doors” and “Rage Breeds Rage.” Leah and Chloe (RISE) at Recorded in venues ranging from If Hookah Joe’s, 38 N. French the concrete jungle of New York to the You Broad Ave. in Asheville. mountains of North Carolina under their Go Thursday, May 14. previous name Rising Appalachia, Evolu- For more information go to tions in Sound: LIVE offers insight into www.risingappalachia.com

‘CD’s’ continued from pg. 15 “Mouse in the house” is a delirious excursion into be-bop name dropping (one cannot only fitting, as each chronicles help but think of Dr. Seuss) the American landscape in their while the title track’s sardonic telling of stories that are both word play reinforces Piephoff’s universal and singular. Clock- rep as one of North Carolina’s work was originally intended as finest songwriters. a live release but scheduling difficulties Now past sixty, he retains a youth- precluded that notion. Still, it retains ful exuberance and love of words that the breezy casualness of a Piephoff show takes a backseat to no one. When I last without sacrificing any of the skillful spoke with Piephoff, at a recent Asheville adornment that makes his records such performance, he marveled at the creative delights. longevity of his mentor and hero Bob Roughly half the tracks are vintage Dylan, and felt blessed at his own good Piephoff — astute and user friendly fortune in doing what he loves. observations of the world he inhabits “As long as he keeps making records, — while the artist demonstrates his will- I’ll do the same,” he told me. Here’s ingness to stretch out a bit by including a hoping they both keep them coming for a quintet of spoken word poems. long time to come. **** Set to the strands of Scott Adair’s stylish saxophone playing their pres- Editor’s note: For more info on this and other ence adds a nice beat generation vibe that fine Bruce Piephoff records go to www.flyin- should resonate with those of us in the cloudrecords.com aging baby boomer crowd.

34 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Music Jonathan Scales Fourchestra plus Futureman Jean Calvert he music world was introduced on Sax and by Erin Scholze to Jonathan with his 2007 re- wind instru- and Company lease, ‘One-Track Mind’, which ments, and brought him acclaim from steady Futureman to bring many The 2009 Summer Music in Flat regional press, consistent radio on Electronic gifts to his music. Rock series will kick off Saturday, T While widely ad- airplay, and a jammed schedule of live and Acoustic May 2 featuring Jean Calvert and performances ranging from small clubs to Drums and mired for his inge- Company. This free outdoor con- packed theaters. Percussion. nuity, imaginative cert series will be held in Flat Rock This year ushered in the release of Future- spirit, and eclectic on Little Rainbow Row’s back deck Jonathan’s second studio album ‘Plot/ man is one style, it is his (corner of Greenville Highway and Scheme’, featuring drum guru Jeff Sipe of the most world class musi- West Blue Ridge Road) from 6 to and Grammy-award winning sax man Jeff innovative, cianship and stage 8 p.m. on the first Saturday of the Coffin. Jonathan Scales has performed forward think- presence that has month through with acts such as The Wooten Brothers ing figures earned him the September. Jonathan Scales - Steel Pan respect of some of Band, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, in modern Calvert and Com- the best musicians Matt Butler’s Everyone Orchestra, The music. Part of what makes Futureman pany is a Green- in the industry, and fans alike. Duhks, Jon Fishman, Toubab Krewe, and such an innovative musician is the incor- ville-based jazz Keller Williams. poration of science and invention into and blues band Roy “Futureman” Wooten is an artist his work. His first invention, called the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, featuring vocal- known for bridging the gap between the Drumitar allows him the ability to repli- If Friday, May 15, with special ist Jean Calvert past, the present and the future. From a cate the sound of an entire contemporary You guest Futureman. doing standards rich musical background, Futureman is drum kit, with the movement of just a Go 8 p.m., all ages. $10 in advance, from both genres. an inventor, scientist, musician, composer few fingers on a guitar shaped instrument. $12 at the door. The Grey and four time Grammy award winning His second invention, the “RoyEl,” Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., in For details call performer with Bela Fleck and the Fleck- resembles a piano but plays notes not Asheville. For more information call (828) Hand in Hand Gallery at (828) 697- tones. The group includes Bela Fleck on found in the traditional western music 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com, or 7719 or visit www.flatrockonline.com. Banjo, Victor Wooten on Bass, Jeff Coffin scales. Futureman is an artist that is able www.jonscales.com.

Celebration Singers The acclaimed ensemble Cel- ebration Singers of Asheville presents Children Are the Future of The World on Thursday, May 21, 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. in Asheville. The premier children’s chorus, under the direction of Ginger Haselden, will present such favorites as De Colores sung in Spanish and accompanied by flute and violin, and a rousing gospel arrangement of Feel Good. Other songs include Sweet Happy Life, a choreographed inter- pretation of Turn the World Around, and For Good from the Broadway show Wicked. Witness some of the amazing creativity found in area students. Many are of elementary school age, and already exhibit the finesse and confidence of seasoned performers. Although the show is free, donations are encouraged.

Celebration Singers of If Asheville present Chil- You dren Are The Future on Go Thursday, May 21st, at 7pm. This free event takes place at The First Con- gregational Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. in downtown Asheville.

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT TO DO GUIDE ™

Friday & Saturday, May 1-2 encounter real life rather than a information visit www.haywood- Annual Garage Sale Auditions for scripted production. The actors Noon Concert Series communityband.org, call John improvise, guided and inspired Barrett at (828) 452-5553, or Bob This is a two day event begin- “The Producers” by true life stories contributed by at Grace Church Hill at (828) 452-7530. ning Friday, May 1 from 8:30 the audience. a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m. until noon. May 3 & 4 at 6:30 p.m. Price $10 ($5 student/seniors), Thursday, May 21 May 25 – August 10, 2009 The sale will feature more than The Haywood Arts Regional no one turned away for lack of “Classy Brass” a program of Dual Personalities 10,000 unique items collected Theatre will hold auditions funds. 8 p.m., BeBe Theatre, 20 music for brass instruments Multifunctional Contemporary from several hundred donors. for its July production of the Commerce Street, Asheville, NC will feature brass instrumen- Furniture Exhibition. How many First United Methodist Church hit Broadway musical “The This is the last public perfor- talists from the Haywood personalities does your chair at the corner of 6th Ave. and Producers”. The show is mance of the 2008-2009 season. County area. Many of the have? Grovewood Gallery in Buncombe St. in downtown scheduled to open July 10 for For more information contact participants have had profes- Asheville presents Dual Person- Hendersonville, NC. a four week run. Raphael Peter (828) 779-3062 or sional experience and all are alities – a unique studio furniture The show has roles for visit www.ashevilleplayback.org members of The Haywood exhibition chop full of character. Sunday, May 3 men and women of all ages Community Band. The exhibit will feature a variety Friday, May 8 of one-of-a-kind, multifunction- Chamber Music Concert including a large dance The concerts begin minutes chorus and major production Response and Memory after 12:00 noon in order al pieces by leading North Caro- There will be a concert by a lina furniture makers. For more 20-voice chamber choir and numbers. Anyone interested Asheville Art Museum’s solo to permit those on lunch in being involved, on stage or exhibition opens with a reception break to attend. Many people information call (828) 253-7651 34-piece orchestra at 3 p.m. at St. or visit www.grovewood.com. Matthias Church in Asheville. off, are encouraged to attend. with artist Beverly Buchanan have enjoyed lunch during Those interested in being in the performances which The concert will feature Bach’s from 5 to 7 p.m. Her drawings the cast should be prepared and sculpture will be on display conclude about ten minutes Thursday, May 28 Cantata No. 137, Lobe den Her- to sing with sheet music. before the hour. All perfor- ren, Dvorak’s Te Deum, and an through September 13, 2009. Adult Spelling Bee mances are free and “diners” The Literacy Council of Bun- Ave Maria by Biebl. The soloists For more details please call are welcome. Sponsored by include Andrea Blough, soprano; (828) 456-6322 or email Saturday, May 9 combe fundraiser. This year’s Grace Episcopal Church and goal is $37,000 with all earnings Amanda Porter; alto; Trevor [email protected] The Grand Puppet Gala The Downtown Waynesville Worden, tenor; and Kevin going to support basic literacy & Merrie Entertainments Association. and English language instruction Doherty, bass. The ensemble will The Asheville Puppetry Alliance be conducted by Milton Crotts. accepted for the restoration of as well as drop-out prevention the beautiful and historic church. (APA) is celebrating ten years programming for area teens. There is no fixed charge for the The church is located in Ashe- of exciting puppetry. Entertain- Historic Site to honor this amaz- concert, but donations will be ing annual phenomenon. At 9 At the Laurel Auditorium 7 p.m., ville just off South Charlotte ment by Telly Monster and his $5.00 at the door. Contact Mi- Street at Max Street on the hill puppeteer Marty Robinson, short a.m. we’ll offer a guided walk to practice identifying birds. Reg- gnon Durham (828) 254-3442, across from the Asheville Public puppet films, a performance of or [email protected]. How to place an event/ Works Building (1 Dundee St.). “Junk Palace” by Lyon Hill and istration is requested by calling classified listing with an auction of Fine Arts and other (828) 877-3130. Friday, May 8 Treasures. Sample the best of At 2 p.m. a guided walk, Bird- Rapid River Art Magazine local spirits and food. ing for Beginners, is open to all Any “free” event open to the public Building a Community interested in learning about birds. Call for of Neighbors At Blue Ridge Motion Pictures can be listed at no charge up to 30 Studio in East Asheville from 7 From 1 to 5 p.m. we’ll play games Performance Artists words. For all other events there is Improvisational Theatre based that show the wonder of birds. a $9.95 charge up to 30 words and on audience members’ true to 10 p.m. Suggested donation 10 cents for each additional word. $50 per person. Located on Hwy. 276 near Slid- Looking for painted people, stories. All stories welcomed. folks dressed up in funky 160 word limit per event. At a playback show you will ing Rock and Looking Glass Sponsored listings (shown in Sunday, May 10 Falls in Pisgah National Forest costumes, mimes, clowns, jugglers, artist with special boxes) can be purchased for $12 Mother’s Day Greek outside Brevard. Admission is $5 per column inch. for ages 16 and older. Visit www. talents, dancers, gymnasts, Hendersonville Luncheon & Bake Sale cradleofforestry.org. unicyclists, etc. etc. etc., Deadline is the 19th of each Held at the Hellenic Center of month. Payment must be made Chamber Music anyone that is unique in a prior to printing. the Holy Trinity Greek Ortho- Sunday, May 17 particular way that can put dox Church, 227 Cumberland Email Beth Gossett at: a tip jar or hat out for the Sunday, May 3 Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Maggie Valley Asheville Art Museum’s 60th [email protected] or Concert Series mail to: 85 N. Main St, Canton, Fresita, pianists from Spain. Our Greek folk dance troop will Anniversary Celebration. The Haywood Community Band NC 28716. Or Call: (828) 646- perform dressed in authentic The party is June 27 at the 0071 to place ad over the phone. Sunday, May 24 is pleased to announce its first Degas String Quartet costumes. Cafeteria style lunch concert of the Maggie Valley Orange Peel and will have – Disclaimer – with a variety of Greek dishes, music and dancing. We want Concerts will be held in the Concert Series. Free concerts are Due to the overwhelming number of pastries, cookies and breads. offered on the third Sunday of to add a visual element to the local event submissions we get for our Patton Auditorium, Blue Carry out from 10:30 a m to 2 party. It is a celebration of 60 Ridge Community College, each month May through Octo- “What to Do Guide” each month, we p.m. For more information call ber. “Humor In Music,” will be years of the Arts in Asheville. can no longer accept entries that do not 3 p.m. Tickets are $17 and (828) 253-3754 between 9 a.m held at the Maggie Valley Town I’m looking for all the artists specifically follow our publication’s are available at Henderson- and 12 noon or (828) 254-7424 that help make Asheville the format. Non-paid event listings must ville Visitors Center, Oppor- Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. be 30 words or less and both paid and the day of the luncheon. unique, art-centric place that tunity House, and at the door The Pavilion is located next it is and to help dance the non-paid listings must provide infor- to the Maggie Valley Town mation in the following format: date, on day of performance. night away! Call Hillary or Saturday, May 16 Hall. Refreshments will be avail- time, brief description of what your Contact Robert L. Wiley Kim at (828) 253-3227 ext. event is and any contact information. Celebrate the able for purchase. Bring a picnic 116 for more details and to Any entries not following this format (828) 890-4411, or email dinner and enjoy a beautiful [email protected] Return of Birds find out if you can sign up. will not be considered for publication. Come to the Cradle of Forestry Maggie Valley sunset. For more

May Events ~ Announcements ~ Classifieds

36 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT TO DO GUIDE ™

Friday, May 29 Diva*licious Concert Art After Dark Begins in Waynesville The Back Room Presents The annual fundraiser for Open Mic, 8:30 p.m. Asheville Community Theatre. The Waynesville Gal- Historic Frog Level. Artisans will demon- Every Wednesday, Performance begins at 8:12 p.m. Every Tuesday, Dinner Music, 6:30 p.m. lery Association will strate a variety of media including jewelry, Bluegrass, 8:30 p.m. $20 includes performance only. kick-off this year’s Fri- metal, and fiber. Every Thursday, day night celebrations Fri. May 8 – Jon Durham, 9 p.m. Saturday, May 30 Light refreshments are served in many of all things creative galleries and shops. Art After Dark takes Sat. May 9 – The Space Heaters, 9 p.m. Diva*licious Gala on Friday, May 1. Shops and galleries stay place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday Hannah Miller, 9 p.m. Catered reception begins at 7 open late to bring you sculpture, pottery, Fri. May 15 – of each month through November 2009. Ten Toe Turbo, 9 p.m. p.m., performance begins at weaving, paintings, drawings and more. The next Art After Dark event will be held Sat. May 16 – 8:12 p.m. $35 includes pre-show Stroll through working studios and galler- on Friday, June 5. For more information Fri. May 22 – Angela Easterling, 9 p.m. catered reception and cocktails, ies on Main Street, Depot Street, and the call (828) 452-9284. performance. The Back Room For tickets or more information Behind the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe, just down contact the Asheville Community the street from The Flat Rock Playhouse. Theatre Box Office, 35 E. Walnut www.flatrockwineshoppe.com Street, (828) 254-1320, or visit Best in Show by Phil Juliano www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Saturday, May 30 White Horse Black Mountain Gateway to the Arts Every Thursday – Free games, free music Fine Arts & Crafts Show with local artists! Wii, Trivia, board games. 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional Every Tuesday – Celtic & Blues Night, $5 artists will be exhibiting and sell- cover. 6:30 p.m. – Irish Sessions ing their works from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Gateway Club, 37 Fri. May 8 – Laura Boosinger & Josh Church Street in Waynesville. Goforth, old-timey mountain music, $7. Sat. May 9 – Comic Hypnotist Gary Conrad A portion of the proceeds will by Amy Downs provide scholarships for stu- Callie & Cats Fri. May 15 – The Buckerettes, $8 dents of Haywood Community Sat. May 16 – Bob Hinkle Stories/Songs, $10 College’s Professional Crafts Fri. May 22 – High Windy, $8 Program. The art show is open The Cheeksters, $10 to the public, tickets are $5 each. Sat. May 23 – For more information, please call Fri. May 29 – Larry Keel, $12 (828) 456-6789 or email Angela- [email protected]. White Horse Black Mountain 105C Montreat Rd. (828) 669-0816 www.whitehorseblackmountain.com Women’s Art Group

Applications are being ac- Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins Flat Rock Art and Wine Festival cepted for “Women in Art”, a new group of professional Artists and craft persons are invited to sub- women artists. Members will mit work for a juried show celebrating great exhibit alongside other art wine and local artists. The event will take professionals, share experi- place on Saturday, October 3 from 10 a.m. ences, marketing tips, pro- to 6 p.m., rain or shine. The festival will fessional affiliations, mate- also feature food, wine tastings, a raffle, and rial resources, business and entertainment. promotional contacts. You are invited to submit an application and There will be a limit to the pictures of your original work. We ask that number of artists per me- all arts and crafts be hand-made; no resale dium (2-3) so artists will not items are allowed. Vendors will be required be in direct competition with Dragin by Michael Cole to donate one item for a silent auction to be each other. held at a later date. The rental fee for a 10' x Details and application are 10' booth is $50. Deadline for applications is available at www.womenin- July 31, 2009 at 5 p.m. art.org. Deadline for ap- Applications are available at the Flat Rock plications is May 31, 2009. Wine Shoppe, located in the Singleton Cen- Contact Susan Stanton, (828) tre in Flat Rock, by email at flatrockwine@ 808-1414, or email info@ gmail.com, or by calling Kay at (828) 697- womeninart.org 7086, or Lee at (828) 779-2814.

Classes ~ Lectures ~ arts & crafts ~ readings

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS FINE ART The Colors, Textures, and Contrasts of Gayle Paul by Bryan Paiement

ayle Paul is an abstract painter who creates solely using her imagination. She has painted most of her G life and although she has worked in other mediums, she has always returned to painting. “I love everything about paint: Abstract Painter Gayle Paul the richness of its color, the many ways it can be applied to a surface Blackbird Frame and Art on Lexington and the seeming endless effects to be Avenue. “I am lucky to be sharing a studio discovered. There are several elements with a friend in Biltmore Village. We that I love. I love the concept of line and work there and enjoy people coming in to the contrast between black and white. I see our work and talk with us,” she says. like to bleed other colors with that black Before moving to Asheville three and white.” years ago, Paul lived in Des Moines, Iowa. “There’s a terrific art scene here in Asheville and lots of artists. As an abstract artist, it’s a little more difficult here than it was in Iowa.” As an abstract painter, Paul knows her work is not always easy to understand. She asks the spectator to find meaning for themselves. Like the regulator clock from her art school, Paul keeps going, always pushing herself to keep her paintings fresh. Paul’s paintings are her passion, her Abstract works by Gayle Paul life. “I cannot imagine how it would feel if I could not paint. I dream ideas. I spend Paul’s inspirations range from Al- my waking hours thinking about my exander Calder, the American sculptor, paintings. There have been times when painter and lithographer most famous I was not able to paint, but during those for inventing the mobile and Gustave times I always tried to journal my ideas in Moreau, the French symbolist painter my sketch books.” whose art featured biblical and mytho- logical figures. Paul attended art school in the sixties and always knew she wanted to pursue a career in a creative field. “I attended Drake University in the 60’s. The art department was in a hut with a big regulator clock you could hear ticking from every studio. We were not very green. There was no ventilation and we were mixing turpentine and linseed oil with oil paint and half the people in the studio were smoking. I learned the importance of experimenting then and that my work would come from my visual imagination.” Untitled Red, 30"x40", Gayle Paul Now, her imagination pays the bills. Along with a friend, Paul opened a studio in Biltmore Village. She is featured on the 1,000 Markets website of North Carolina Gayle’s works are on display at (1000markets.com), an Internet site that BlackBird Frame and Art, 159 S. Lexington caters to small, independent merchants in Asheville. Studio, by appointment only, and artisan businesses built by those who 1 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village. love their craft. Paul also has work at Phone (828) 658-8383.

38 May 2009 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 12, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS YOur health A Young Child’s Bad Food Habits ome health articles just beg to be by Max Hammonds MD repeated. Such is the recent article from Parents Magazine, entitled “Breaking Your Kid’s Bad Food a day and stick to it. Offer choices about Habits.” what is to be eaten or when it is to be SThe following is a summary of some eaten. “Eat it now or after dinner.” But of the high points – which were sum- stick to the limits. 2) Scout out the sugar marized from the book Good Kids, Bad – in cereals, in snacks (like fruit yogurt), Habits by Jennifer Trachtenburg, MD. in condiments and additives (like catsup) While this column speaks to few child- and eliminate them. Offer spiced-up hood health problems, this grandparent bananas or fruit with whipped cream could not resist these timely, helpful tips. instead. Constant Nibbling – means the child Carbs don’t satisfy hunger nearly as won’t be hungry at meals when the nutri- long as fat or protein foods and children tious food is served. It also prevents the get hungry sooner (See Constant Nib- child from recognizing her own feelings bling above.) of hunger and fullness – a skill she will How to break this habit? 1) Many need throughout life. kids don’t like the tough texture of meat. How to break this habit? 1) Set a Braise, chop up or slow cook meats to schedule for meals and for snacks (if make them easier to chew. 2) Use other needed) and stick to it. The payoff is protein sources such as beans, eggs, and a child who learns to recognize and to low fat diary products. 3) Don’t obsess self-regulate true hunger – a valuable over the protein. Everything that was once life skill. 2) Add fat or protein to meals alive has protein and the average tod- to keep the child satisfied longer. 3)Keep dler needs only 16 grams of protein and junk food out of sight. This helps more the preschooler about 24 grams. A cup than the child. of milk has 8 grams; two tablespoons of Drinking juice 24/7 is a bad habit peanut butter has 7-8 grams. – because the juice has calories, caus- Not Eating Veggies – deprives the ing the child to not be hungry at meals child of his vitamins, minerals and fiber – because the juice has calories causing that is available almost exclusively in these unhealthy weight gain – because the juice sources. Yes, some of them are available has high sugar content which is constantly in fruits, but learning to eat veggies is a bathing young teeth and causing cavities. life style habit that pays huge dividends Is the Air How to break this habit? 1) Don’t as an adult in healthier weight control, serve juice in sippy cups that a child car- better diet choices and lower risk of major ries around with them constantly. Serve diseases. in Your Home juice at the table from a regular glass. How to break this habit? 1) Spruce 2) Offer water instead of juice to truly up the veggies with spices or a small Making You Sick? thirsty children. Let him enjoy juice later amount of light margarine or cheese. 2) when he’s not so likely to guzzle it down. Let the kids help make and eat the “appe- 3) Dilute juice by half with water. Let tizer tray” of veggies with hummus dip or Trapped Moisture and Gases them get their calories from food with low fat ranch dressing. 3) Don’t pressure fiber and less sugar. or punish. Set the example by eating the Can Be Harmful! Eating too much sugar – means the veggies yourself. 4) Serve new veggies child is getting a lot of calories without alongside “safety” veggies that are known Remove Unhealthy Air nutrition and setting the habit pattern and liked by the child. for a sweet tooth later in life that can be The eating habits formed by a child disastrous. stay with him or her for a lifetime. Help Moisture Control Unit Reduce Molds and Musty Odors How to break this habit? 1) Set limits them form good ones. of one-sweet-treat-a-day or one dessert • Expels stale, musty air, replaces with fresher, healthier air • Reduces harmful gases and pollutants • Quiet, safe, environmentally friendly Yoga with Cindy Dollar • Maintenance-free—no filters or buckets • Uses less electricity than a 40-watt light bulb Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m. for three consecutive years and is Malaprop’s is pleased to welcome the beloved for the warmth and humor in Improve the air quality in your home, satisfaction guaranteed wonderful Cindy Dollar of One Cen- her instruction. Free and open to all ter Yoga to lead us in some simple yoga ages and experience levels. and meditation techniques for stress Call for a FREE Humidex phone consultation release and rejuvenation. Malaprop’s, 55 Haywood St. Cindy has been voted Best Yoga (828) 254-6734 Teacher in Western North Carolina www.malaprops.com 1-800-663-2721

Vol. 12, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2009 39