Beautiful Asheville Lyric Opera Has Something Beautiful Just for You

somethingbeautiful Asheville Lyric Opera has Something Beautiful just for you.

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The Asheville Area Piano The Ashville Ballet presents The award-winning string quintet The newly finished 6.5-acre Forum’s 10th Anniversary “Les Sylphides,” the pure white Bearfoot performs “new-timey,” Pack Square Park creates a Fall Benefit Concert at Diana classical ballet set to Chopin’s “post-bluegrass,” “newgrass” fun and vibrant showcase for Wortham Theatre. PAGE 17 beautiful music. PAGE 5 music September 25. PAGE 22 our city. PAGE 20

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS performance

Asheville Symphony Presents it’s 50th Season Opening Concert

he Asheville Symphony Orchestra BY STEVEN R. HAGEMAN will celebrate the opening concert of its 50th season on Satur- day, September 18 at 8 p.m., at Thomas Wolfe Au- Tditorium in downtown Asheville. The concert will consist of works by Tchaikovsky, Szymanowski, and Hindemith, conducted by Music Director Daniel Meyer, with violinist Rachel Barton Pine as featured soloist. Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Mr. Nicolas Kendall, originally scheduled to appear, will not be performing. The 50th season festivities will begin with the lovely Suite from The Sleeping Beauty, Opus 66a by Peter Ily- Led Zeppelin stars Robert Plant and Jimmy ich Tchaikovsky. The composer was elated Page, and a recording of her favorite rock by the results of his work on this piece, and songs entitled “Storming the Citadel”. wrote to his patroness, Nadezhda von Meck: The concert will conclude with Sym- “I think the music for this ballet will be one phonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl of my best works. The story is so poetic and Maria von Weber, written in 1943 by Paul so grateful to set to music that I have been Hindemith. Maestro Meyer describes this quite carried away by composing it and have composer’s most popular work as “power- written it with that warmth and enthusi- ful, brazen, and celebratory”. Hindemith asm which always determine the value of a emigrated from his native Germany to the work.” The original ballet is over 3 hours U.S.A. in 1940, and based this piece on some long, and the Suite is a condensation of its of the lilting melodies written by Weber, a major themes. Today, The Sleeping Beauty German early-Romantic composer (1786- is often described as the masterpiece among 1826). Although the idea was originally Tchaikovsky’s ballet scores, although the intended for a ballet to be choreographed by others are Swan Lake and Nutcracker ! the famed Leonide Massine, that project did The Violin Concerto No. 1, Opus 35 not reach fruition, and the plan came full by Polish composer Karol Szymanowski is a circle when George Ballanchine used this fascinating and dreamlike work. Written in music for his ballet Metamorphoses in 1952. 1916, its premiere was delayed by the Rus- Two free presentations will be offered sian Revolution, so the piece was not heard for those who enjoy having extra exposure until 1921, in Warsaw. The composer took to the music and its background. On Friday, inspiration from the poem May Night, writ- September 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at the ten by Tadeusz Micinski, and the expres- Reuter Center on the Campus of UNC- sionistic music suits the fantastical imagery Asheville, Music Director Daniel Meyer will in the poem. Szymanowski’s work has discuss the musical works and introduce the become popular in Europe in recent years featured soloist, and Mountaine Mort Jonas — his style is influenced by both the Ger- will speak about the lives and times of the man masters, and French composers such composers. Then, on Saturday, September as Debussy and Ravel. This will be the first 18 from 7 to 7:30 p.m., Meyer will present performance by the Asheville Symphony of an abridged version of his talk on the musi- one of his evocative pieces. cal works, and will introduce the soloists, American violinist Rachel Barton in the Banquet Hall of the Asheville Civic Pine has been described in The New York Center. Both events are free of charge and Times as “a greatly gifted young violinist,” open to the public. and in the Washington Post as “an exciting, boundary-defying performer — Pine displays a power and confidence that puts iF Tickets for the performance her in the top echelon of recitalists.” She are available through the has appeared as a soloist with many of the YOU Symphony office or the most prestigious orchestras, and has been gO Asheville Civic Center box featured on CBS Sunday Morning, and five office, and range in price from times on NBC’s Today show. In addition to $53 to $19 (with discounts available for her frequent appearances with orchestras, in students). Visit www.ashevillesymphony.org recitals, and in chamber music, her love of or call (828) 254-7046 for more information heavy metal music has led to many non-clas- on this concert, or to purchase subscriptions sical projects, including a performance with for the Symphony’s 50th season.

2 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1

prints color Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — September 2010

prints color Haywood Arts Regional Theatre Western North Carolina’s Award-Winning Theatre

A Hilarious Look at Fishing, Beer and the Meaning of Life

BALSAM RANGE IN CONCERT! August 14th at 7:30 PM at Eaglenest Entertainment in Maggie Valley, NC AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 5 Tickets: $15 at the Performing Arts Center This is a special event beneﬁ tting HART. THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THEATRE 250 Pigeon Street on Highway 276 S. in Waynesville Visit www.harttheatre.com or call 828-456-6322 for Tickets.

September 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS performance

Remarkable Asheville Ballet Productions Classical + Rock ‘n Roll + a Surprise

he Asheville Ballet opens its 2010- BY ANN DUNN 2011 Season with a double bill: the pure white classical ballet “Les Sylphides” set to Chopin’s beau- Ttiful music, and “Free Fall,” a world premier set to the music of the hot new Chapel Hill Post-Rock band, Kangaroo, who will perform live on stage. We continue our tradition of commissioning new work from promising young artists, creating an excit- ingly contrasting performance experience for our audience, and promoting the history of dance. And there is a surprise! “Les Sylphides,” choreographed by Michael Fokine for the impresario Dhiagilev, premiered in 1908. The ballet is a lyrical contemplation on the essence of ballet itself “Les Sylphides” – there is no plot, just twenty-five – separated from story. There minutes of breathtaking beauty. is no plot, just twenty-five minutes of breathtaking beauty. Our ver- Fokine. Four years later he premiered sion, in the tradition of evolutionary perfor- our first featured ballet, “Les Sylphides.” mance art, celebrates the original choreogra- Hmmm?! We will see the remarkable, phy while highlighting the strengths of The historical, and ground-breaking Duncan Asheville Ballet’s own soloists: Lyle Laney, solo set to Chopin’s “Mazurka,” danced by Allison Hertzberg, Fleming our own Amy Kohler. Lomax and Lisa Leithman. Then, when you see “Les Featured roles also go to Sylphides,” you will have senior teens Conner Hall and an interesting comparison Athaya Sriskul, our exchange with Fokine’s version. student from Thailand. The Asheville Ballet “Free Fall.” What to say? promotes professional You will be out of your seat. excellence in perfor- Your children will love it. mance and teaching, This is dance that never stops, promotes educational but also engages all your outreach to children and emotions along the way. The underserved groups, band Kangaroo is live on stage promotes audience edu- (violin, drums/percussion, cation in the belief that guitar, bass). They are part the community wants to of the choreography. Dick learn and grow through Kowal of WCQS is taping “Free Fall” will engage all their artistic experiences, them live, in performance. your emotions. and especially produces Going Beyond Racism So your response will be part memorable productions of Kangaroo’s next CD. An octet, a solo, a that stimulate, enthuse, and entertain. trio, a quintet, a pas des deux, and a nonet Through Understanding & Respect – all set to the driving, intricate, sometimes romantic, sometimes heart-pounding music iF Performances are at Diana Learn how YOU can make a difference! of Kangaroo. This is original choreography YOU Wortham Theatre, with (we have had so much fun all summer mak- gO curtain times of 7:30 p.m. on ing this movement) set to original music by Saturday, October 2 and 2:30 NEXT NINE WEEK SESSION a stunning young band. p.m. on Sunday, October 3. The surprise: We will open with an Ticket prices range from $20 to $40. Tuesdays at 7:00 pm at Asheville Middle School historically accurate Isadora Duncan solo All children’s tickets are $15. Bring the September 14th - November 9th by the Duncan-Certified professional, Amy entire family! Group rates are available. For Kohler. In 1904, Isadora premiered a collec- tickets, call the box office at (828) 257-4530. Register online at www.buildingbridges-asheville.org Visit www.ashevilleballet.com for more tion of solos set to Chopin’s piano music. 5HJLVWUDWLRQ)HHFor more information call 828-777-4585 Guess who was in the audience? Michael information.

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS we love this place Studio 10 Fine art gallery features two exhibits you don't want to miss! Moni Hill is quickly becoming one of Asheville’s most sought after artists for personal RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE collections. Her pieces are fun, colorful, and full Established in 1997 • Volume Fourteen, Number One of joy. In her work she seeks peace and resolu- tion in the midst of life’s contrast. Hill’s exhibit runs through September 22. Becca Midwood is an Austin, Texas artist who SEPTEMBER 2010 Performance began her career in L.A. Her reception will be 2 www.rapidrivermagazine.com Asheville Symphony ...... 2 held Friday, September 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Moni Hill Wine and cheese will be served. Midwood’s Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray Asheville Ballet ...... 5 exhibit runs through Ocotober 27, 2010 at Studio 103 Fine Art Gallery, 103 Managing Editor: Beth Gossett Asheville Lyric Opera ...... 7 West St. in Black Mountain, behind the town chamber, and next to Mac’s. BRAVO Concerts… ...... 8 Hours are Wednesday-Friday, noon to 6 p.m., most Saturdays, and by ap- Marketing: Dennis Ray Becca Midwood pointment. Phone (828) 357-8327 or visit www.studio103fineartgallery.com. Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray Asheville Area Piano Forum...... 17 Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer Local stained glass artist Cheryl Stippich will demonstrate her soldering techniques at Hand in Hand gallery on Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. She considers her glass pieces Proofreader: Mary Wilson 8 Music as “jewelry for your windows or walls.” With a flair for refreshing contemporary design, Cheryl Book Editor: Cauley Bennett Summer Music in Flat Rock ...... 8 combines a rich palette of colors and textures with traditional fine Poetry Editor: Ted Olson craftsmanship to create dynamic works in glass. The demonstration Ronny Cox ...... 11 is held in conjunction with the annual Fall Henderson County Open Accounting: Sharon Cole Stonehoney ...... 11 Studio tour, which takes place Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to Distribution: Dennis Ray Dougie Maclean ...... 22 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Bearfoot ...... 22 Hand in Hand Gallery is located at 2720 Greenville Highway in Flat CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Dave Desmelik ...... 2 Rock on “Little Rainbow Row.” Handicap and off-street parking are available. The craft demonstration is free and open to the public. For Timothy Arem, Judy Ausley, more information call the gallery at (828) 697-7719. James Cassara, Michael Cole, Karen Donde, Amy Downs, 9 Stage Preview Weavers love finding other talented weavers Ann Dunn, John Ellis, ACT presents Oliver! ...... 9 during their travels. So it wasn’t unusual for Jim Faucett, Polly Feitzinger, Bard-a-Thon Shakespeare Festival. . 9 Barb Butler, of sutherland Handweaving gal- Beth Gossett, Steven R. Hageman, HART presents Catfish Moon. . . . . 9 lery & teaching Studio in Asheville’s River Arts District, to wander into the studio of Wence Max Hammonds, MD, Phil Hawkins, and Sandra Martinez while attending a weav- Janna Hoekema, Phil Juliano, ing school in Door County, WI. She wasn’t, Chip Kaufmann, Michelle Keenan, 10 Columns however, expecting to fall in love with the Amanda Leslie, Peter Loewer, James Cassara - Music ...... 10 contemporary tapestry rugs being woven there April Nance, Ted Olson, 12 by Wence, a native of Oaxaca, Mexico. Judy Ausley - Southern Comfort . Michael Parker, Joseph Rathbone, Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 25 Before she left Door County, Butler had three Stained glass by Dennis Ray, Clara Sofia, Greg Vineyard - Fine Art ...... 26 of Martinez’ rugs in her car and a contract in Cheryl Stippich. Megan Stone, Ashley Van Matre, hand for a special exhibition of his work at Michael Parker - Wine ...... 27 Greg Vineyard, David Voorhees, Sutherland. Titled “Kindred Spirits,” the exhibit opens October 8 with 28 Bill Walz, Joe Zinich. Ted Olson - Poetry ...... a slide presentation, artists’ talk and reception from 6 to 9 p.m. CURVE Cauley Bennett - Book Reviews .29-0 studios & garden is located at 6 Riverside Drive in Asheville, NC. The Ginko leaves rug design 1 by Wence and exhibit will be on display from October 8 through November 7, 2010. INFO Bill Walz - Artful Living ...... Sandra Martinez Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine is a Peter Loewer - Thoreau’s Garden . 2 monthly publication. Address correspondence to Joseph Rathbone - Youth Culture . [email protected] or write to: Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 6 Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine 85 N. Main St. Canton, NC 28716 Advertise with Rapid River Magazine Phone: (828) 646-0071 13 Movie Reviews www.rapidrivermagazine.com (828) 646-0071 All materials contained herein are owned and copyrighted by Rapid River Arts & Culture 18 Fine Art Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing Magazine and the individual contributors unless Jon Dennis...... 18 otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this Folk Art Center ...... 19 magazine do not necessarily correspond with the Grovewood Gallery...... 26 opinions of Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine or the advertisers found herein. Susan Hutchinson...... 7 Cotton Mill Studios ...... 8 © Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine, September 2010 Vol. 14 No. 1 20 Explore Asheville New Pack Place Park ...... 20

34 What to Do Guide™ Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . . . . 5 Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . . 5 about the Cover: Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . . . 5 Andrea Adamcova performing at the Asheville Piano Dragin by Michael Cole ...... 5 Forum’s 9th Annual Fall Benefit Concert. Photo by Pavel Wlosok.

distributed at more than 90 locations throughout eight counties in WnC and South Carolina. First copy is free – each additional copy $1.50

6 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE something beautiful

Asheville Lyric Opera’s Exciting 12th Season asheville Symphony Children’s Chorus Beauty, Adventure, Passion. Delightful and BY DENNIS RAY 2010-2011 Season epic discovery for characters brought to life. If this sounds like what’s playing at the In addition to ALO’s he Asheville Symphony local cineplex then you haven’t really been five main stage events Children’s Chorus (ASCC) is this season, the ALO will paying attention for the past 11 years. welcoming past, present and continue to sponsor and T new members for the 2010-2011 support the Metropolitan season. Previous choral experience is or the Asheville “Carmen was the hardest Opera movie broadcasts, not required for membership, however Lyric Opera, excit- because of the sets and which are shown live at a placement interview is necessary for ing entertainment the costumes and the tal- the Carolina Cinemas anyone new to the ASCC. is business as usual ent needed, but probably on Hendersonville Road. The spring 2011 semester begins as the company was our most reward- Highlighting its season are on January 11 and concludes with a Fheads into its 12th sea- ing when it was done,” the Met’s new productions spring concert on May 3 and a perfor- son. A season that looks Starkey says. of Das Rheingold and Die mance for the Asheville Symphony to be the best yet. While the recession The Magic Flute Walküre, the first two in- Guild Luncheon on May 5. “We’re always striv- has forced many major stallations of Wagner’s Der Membership in the ASCC is open ing to be better,” says opera companies to cut back their number Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle). to qualified singers in elementary and General and Artistic Artistic of productions, such as the Atlanta Opera “The secret to creating a successful Director of middle school who desire a high-level Director of ALO, David who had to cut a quarter of its season, to production, either operatic or spoken, is to musical and choral experience. Re- Starkey. “This year in ALO, David three productions for the 2010-11 season, surround oneself with talent,” says Starkey. Starkey hearsals are Tuesday nights from 6 to particular we’re really ALO has managed to grow. It will pres- “That’s where ALO has been very fortu- 7:30 p.m. at Biltmore United Method- focusing on the singing.” That is saying a ent five main stage events and additional nate. Locally, the talent pool is quite deep. ist Church. Rehearsal time is devoted lot considering they have managed to pull supporting programs throughout western Through generous donations and sponsor- to teaching: fundamental musicianship in such heavy powerhouses as Scott Guinn North Carolina. ships and the continued support from the (sight singing of pitch and rhythm); from New York City Opera and Daniel ALO will begin its 12th season this community, we’ve been able to afford top healthy vocal production; and choral Meyer from the Asheville Symphony. October with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s performers from around the world.” repertoire for public performances. Eleven years has allowed Starkey and Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). It is The season will also feature the return Membership fees per semester are $85. his staff to fine tune the way they approach an opera in two acts composed in 1791 by of maestro Dr. Robert Hart Baker, former To register for a placement inter- each production. They have learned what Mozart to a German libretto by Emanuel Artistic Director of the Asheville Symphony, view and/or to request a registration works and what doesn’t, from certain types Schikaneder. Flute is done in a genre of opera Jon Truitt, Director of Opera at Univer- form for membership, contact Timothy of special effects to the kind of called ‘Singspiel,’ a German sity of Evansville and director David Carl Wilds at [email protected]. operas the community wants to word meaning both spoken Toulson of Los Angeles and Washington see. The design values are elab- and sung parts. National Opera companies. ALO Assistant orate but far from being over Flute will also feature the Music Director and director of the Brevard produced. Many of the people début of Maestro Daniel Mey- College Choirs, Dr. Michael Porter, will hearsal tickets are available for $18 (adults) who work behind the scenes er of the Asheville Symphony. lead soloists and ensembles in the Christmas and $12 seniors $5 for students. Tickets for have worked together multiple (The Asheville Symphony Concert, and will conduct Brundibár. Brundibár and the Christmas Concert range times and understand and know celebrates its 50th season an- As part of its dedication to making the in price from $18-$35. Tickets for the Taste each other’s strengths. niversary this year.) “Having arts affordable, ALO is offering subscription of Opera range from $41-$52 in price. ALO has been producing Meyer open with us during packages with varying subscriber discounts. two to three major productions the Symphony’s big season is a Buyers may purchase three tickets to any of a year since the beginning, wonderful blessing.” the five productions and receive $3 off of something truly remarkable La Bohème The ALO Christmas each production, four tickets to any of the iF For information on season when examined as a whole. Concert (November 19), a five productions and receive $4 off of each YOU or dress rehearsal tickets, The community has embraced tradition of the ALO, will production, or five tickets to all five produc- gO group discounts, or for a itself with this company and feature beloved solo and tions and receive $5 off of each production. season brochure, please contact the Asheville Lyric has been pleasantly rewarded ensemble music to ring in the Founded in 1999, the Asheville Lyric Opera at (828) 236-0670 or visit www. Opera is Asheville’s first opera company with elaborate stunning per- Holiday Season on the eve ashevillelyric.org. Single tickets will be formances from around the of the 64th Annual Asheville and is recognized for its excellent artistic sold through Diana Wortham Theatre box country and world. Holiday Parade, with special productions of operatic repertoire that office at (828) 257-4530, or online at www. “When you’ve been around support for ABCCM. entertain and inspire audiences, featuring dwtheatre.com. for 12 years,” Starkey says, “you Hans Krasa’s Brundibár, established and emerging operatic talent find that you’ve gotten the op- (January 28 & 29, 2011), an from across the nation. The state of North portunity to début some talent Asheville début, is a chil- Carolina has recognized ALO’s award win- that has gone on and has become dren’s opera, which will be ning educational programs — programs Magical Performances very successful, while realizing produced as part of the ALO that strive to bring opera to thousands of Asheville Symphony ...... pg. 2 you’ve brought in people who Brundibár Education Opera program. school-aged children each year throughout have been in the business for Giacomo Puccini’s La Bo- Western North Carolina. The ALO is also Asheville Ballet ...... pg. 5 decades, reminding people just how good hème (April 1 & 2, 2011), an opera classic recognized as one of the few opera pro- Bravo’s Wall to Wall Williams . . . . . pg. 8 the human voice can be when sung at these and reigning public favorite, will be the duction touring companies in the United ACT presents Oliver! ...... pg. 9 unbelievable levels of skill and talent. This is final fully staged opera. States, expanding to bring this fine art form NC Stage’s Annual Bard-a-Thon . . pg. 9 what is so incredibly rewarding for us.” Taste of Opera, the fifth main stage to the smaller communities of the South. Asheville Area Piano Forum . . . . . pg. 17 ALO has produced some of the most event, will feature performances of opera’s Season tickets are currently on sale. Diana Wortham Theatre ...... pg. 22 difficult productions for any company of any past, present and future vocal stars; gour- Tickets for The Magic Flute and La Bohème HART’s Catfish Moon ...... pg. 24 size to produce and they have done it well. met food and fine wine will be served. range from $24 to $52. Preview dress re-

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 7 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance A Long Time Ago, in a Galaxy Far, Far Away… n the mid-1970’s, in Hollywood, composer John Williams became a household name for his unmistakable themes from Jaws and Star Wars. In the near future — September 10 to be exact I— Asheville Bravo Concerts kicks off its 79th season with Wall to Wall Williams, a celebration of his most beloved film scores, at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. John Williams was already an established composer of Hollywood film music from the most popular Williams scores. Ms. — and had been for 15 years — when his Worby served as First Lady of West Vir- name became synonymous with that of ginia from 1990 to 1997, during which she director Steven Spielberg for their collabo- created the Governor’s School for the Arts, rations on those groundbreaking blockbust- and served for four years on the National ers, Jaws and Star Wars, followed by a long Council on the Arts. She is one of the very list of hit movies continuing to this day, first female professional orchestral conduc- from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, tors in the U.S. E.T. and the Indiana Jones series, right up through the Harry Potter films. Not one to let himself become pigeon-holed as iF Wall to Wall Williams: composer of fantasy/adventure scores, Wil- The Music of John liams has also lent his musical imagination YOU Williams. Season and Pick-3 to stirring dramas like Saving Private Ryan, gO Subscriptions are available Amistad, and Schindler’s List. now by calling (828) 225- Nearly 100 films boast music composed 5887. Subscribers receive a discount off by Williams, earning numerous Oscar and individual ticket prices, plus choice seating, Grammy awards and countless nominations and other exclusive benefits. over five decades, making him “the best Individual tickets range from $20-$60 and Enjoy Great Savings, Service and Benefits … known, most popular composer in history” can be purchased by calling the Asheville (New York Times). Bravo Concerts office at (828) 225-5887, with the Rachael Worby, Musical Director and on the web at www.ticketmaster.com, or Conductor for the Pops in Pasadena, Cali- in person at the Civic Center Box Office. AARP Auto & Home Insurance Program fornia, will lead the West Virginia Festival Students receive half-price tickets for all from The Hartford. Orchestra through this evening of selections Bravo concerts. Call The Hartford Toll-Free Today Summer Music in Flat Rock to Request Your FREE Quote: October Concert BY DAVID VOORHEES CODE: 471103 1-877-547-1373 eace permitting. Monday-Friday, 7AM-11PM Eastern Time Out will Great food and Saturday & Sunday, 8AM-6PM Eastern Time perform beverages will be Most AARP® members qualify for an immediate phone quote. an eclectic available from blend of Flat Rock Village Please have your policy handy. Pfolk, country, Af- Bakery (piz- rican, Celtic, gos- zas) and Hubba pel and children’s Hubba Smoke- songs in Flat Rock house (BBQ). on Saturday, Oc- This free outdoor FREE Calculator/Clock! tober 2, beginning concert will be Take our savings challenge! See how much we can save at 5 p.m. held in Flat Rock you over your current auto insurance, and you’ll receive this This lo- on Little Rain- calculator/clock … just for requesting a quote. cal group brings bow Row’s back together four friends: singer-songwriter deck (behind the colorful shops, corner of The AARP Automobile and Homeowners Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. CA License # 5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty Jenny Arch, Tania Battista, Duke Domingue Greenville Highway and West Blue Ridge Insurance Company. In Texas, The Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford and Sharon Stokes, who enjoy making a Road) from 5 to 7 p.m. Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford joyful noise together. Their performance is payments for AARP’s license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the sure to take you back and possibly move you Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. iF For further information, call AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not forward into a little jig or sing-a-long. YOU Hand in Hand Gallery at qualify. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and This is a casual, family oriented, bring- (828) 697-7719 or visit www. applicable law. The Program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or Possessions. All first time gO responders receive the free gift. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. The free gift offer is not available in Georgia, but residents your-lawn-chair, outdoor event, weather flatrockonline.com. may still request a quote. Homeowners product is not available in all areas, including the state of Florida.

8 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE stage preview

ACT Opens With Oliver! BY JANNA HOEKEMA he world famous musical Oli- smash hit Peter Pan – Director, Carl Kimbrough ver! bursts onto the Asheville Jerry Crouch and Musical Direc- respectively. All Community Theatre Main- tor, Chuck Taft – are teaming up four youngsters stage this fall with an all-new, once again to bring this wonderful may just steal your dazzling production featuring story of love – lost and found – to hearts when they Ta stellar cast of local talent. life on the ACT stage. The 1830’s sing “Who Will Oliver is a young orphan who London set is being designed by Buy?” and “Con- has the courage to ask for more food returning ACT veteran set design- sider Yourself.” in the workhouse run by Mr. Bumble er, Doug McKenzie. Costumes are Join us as a cast and Widow Corney. Rather than give by Deborah Austin. of 50 dancing, singing performers bring him more, this duo sells Oliver to an Heading up this award-winning this glorious musical play to life begin- undertaker where things just get worse musical cast is Rachelle Roberts and ning September 17 for a 3 week run. for Oliver until he escapes. Unwit- Richard Blue as “Nancy” and “Fagin”. tingly, Oliver gets drawn into the lives They played, respectively, “Belle” and of pickpockets and criminals. Howev- “Lumiere” in Beauty and the Beast er, an arrest focuses greedy and loving several seasons ago. Supporting them iF Oliver! ACT attentions on Oliver and makes you as the comic “Bumble” and “The Mainstage September wonder if things will ever work out for Widow Corney” – with fine operatic YOU 17-October 3; Fridays- this adorable little orphan. voices – are Michael Cheek and Ruth gO Saturdays, 7:30 p.m; Over 120 Channels The sensational score is full of Lio- Butler, last seen in The Big Bang and Sundays, 2:30 p.m. nel Bart’s irresistible songs including Nuncrackers respectively. Tickets: $22 adults; $19 $ .99 MONTH Food, Glorious Food, I’d Do Anything, The juvenile, double-cast roles of seniors and students; children $12. (For 1224 Months, Offer requires Agreement) Where is Love?, Consider Yourself, “Oliver” and “Artful Dodger” are be- Tickets available online at www. FREE HD FOR LIFE! and As Long As He Needs Me. ACT’s ing played by Lincoln Belford and Ja- ashevilletheatre.org or by calling (828) (Offer requires Agreement and AutoPay with Paperless Billing) artistic team who directed last year’s cob Hunt, and also by Tim Bates and 254-1320. $500 BONUS!$500 BONUS!

T FREE for 3 Months - T FREE Installation with DVR - Up to 6 Rooms! nORtH CaROLina Stage COMpanY pReSentS tHe Lowest Price Nationwide! FREE HD DVR Upgrade! ($6/mo DVR service fee applies) 48-Hour Bard-a-Thon Shakespeare Festival No Equipment to Buy!

orth Carolina Stage Com- which relies on BY AMANDA LESLIE CALL NOW! 1-866-506-6195 pany presents the 3rd annual donations for MB33.5 Bard-a-thon fundraiser Sep- 40% of its oper- Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. If service is terminated before the end of agreement, a cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies. tember 10-12, 2010. During ating expenses. in teams or individu- Programming credits apply during the first 12 months. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current ally. Prizes donated account; requires Agreement, AutoPay with Paperless Billing. HBO/Showtime offer requires AutoPay the 48-hour Shakespeare The with Paperless Billing; credits apply during the first 3 months ($72 value); customer must downgrade or by local businesses then-current price applies. Requires continuous enrollment in AutoPay and Paperless Billing. Free Nfestival, volunteers can sign up to read Bard-a-thon is Standard Professional Installation only. Monthly fees may apply based on type and number of are awarded based receivers. All prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Local channels Shakespeare for any amount of time modeled after may not be available in all areas. Additional restrictions may apply. First-time DISH Network customers on number of only. Offer ends 9/28/10. HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box they choose and raise money for NC a walk-a-thon Office, Inc. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a Stage, Asheville’s local professional, or crop walk. hours read, amount CBS Company. non-profit theatre. Participants can of money raised, The Bard-a-thon kicks-off this be professional number of donors year with an exciting collaboration actors, community members, or board recruited, and number of plays read. between NC Stage and Montford members. NC Stage has created a new Donors include family and friends of Park Players for the Asheville premier website, www.bardathon.ncstage.org volunteers as well as local businesses, of Double Falsehood, Shakespeare’s to allow pledges to be made any time who have also contributed prizes. This “new” play (recently confirmed by online before or during the event. year’s generous sponsors include Izzy’s scholars as authentic). Double False- North Carolina Stage Company is Coffee Den and Freaks and Geeks hood will begin at 5 p.m. at the NC a professional, non-profit theatre, now Tattoo Sideshow. Stage theatre before the marathon in its ninth season. The theatre hopes begins at 8 p.m. to raise $7,000 through the Bard-a- Sign up for readers can be done thon to support iF The Bard-a-thon in person or over the phone until the its professional is free to audience Bard-a-thon kicks off on Friday, Sep- theatre and YOU members who may tember 10. Roles in the plays are first- arts educa- gO attend any or all of the come, first served to all volunteers. tion programs. plays within the 48 Volunteers ask their family and All donations hours. Plays begin on the hour friends to pledge to donate a certain through the every four hours. Viewers can also amount based on the number of hours Bard-a-thon are watch the fundraiser on the theatre’s the volunteer chooses to read. The fully tax-de- website at www.ncstage.org. readings last for 48 hours beginning ductible. The Bard-a-thon begins Friday, Friday night and ending Sunday eve- Volunteers September 10 at 8 p.m. at North ning. Last year’s volunteers raised over may choose to Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage $6,000 to benefit NC Stage Company, sign up to read Lane in downtown Asheville.

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE spinning discs

Yet more musical delights guaranteed to challenge your notions of music and CD Reviews (hopefully) expand your horizons. There’s plenty to cover this month so I’ll be keeping my comments short and sweet. Thanks as always for reading and feel by James Cassara free to email me at [email protected].

John Mellencamp nearly alone in his unswerving commitment His previous album Thirty Year Run No Better Than This to the sounds of the heartland. That he has spent much of 2008 at the top of the Cana- yet to fully be given the critical platitudes dian charts while Alguire toured the United Rounder Records he richly deserves is an indictment of the States and tried breaking into the larger Having just industry rather than the man himself. market it offered. reflected upon his For those of us willing to listen with This, his third solo disc, blends straight career with a recent unaffected ears Mellencamp continues to ahead storytelling (Alguire is, first and and somewhat unorthodox boxed set (that fascinate. **** foremost, a teller of tales) with concise rarest of retrospectives favoring artistry over arrangements and structures that carry the commerce) John Mellencamp retrenches Nora Jane material in fine fashion. The emphasis is on with a deceptively laid back collection of Struthers the lyrics, anchored by a pleasant blend of what might be, start to finish, his strongest country and folk, Alguire’s throaty voice up album yet. What first grabs your attention Blue Pig Music front and center. is the sound, mixed in mono and recorded Blessed with “Are You Ready” kicks things off with on a single microphone into a vintage 1955 a voice that shines an allegorical rumination on life, death, and tape machine, but the real star of No Better of purity Nora Jane the importance of getting your house in or- Than This are the songs. Struthers seems to der, while “Hold On” is a less pensive dec- Mellencamp and producer T Bone have come out of some alternate backwoods laration of love and commitment. They’re Burnett cut the album on off days during universe. Her acoustic based songs and coy the concerns of a man looking ahead, and the singer’s Life Death Love and Freedom vocal phrasings are the perfect antidote for for much of Now Before Us that’s precisely tour, making use of such hallowed loca- much of the production heavy music that what Alguire does. tions as First African Baptist Church in these days pass as “country.” The hooks are catchy enough but, as Savannah, GA, Sun Studios in Memphis, This, her self titled debut, thrives on is all too often the case here, Alguire begins and the same hotel in San Antonio, TX, the use of traditional bluegrass instruments relying too heavily on what safely works and where Robert Johnson once recorded. But (banjo, fiddles, and mandolins) and while fails to expand his own musical horizons. it isn’t the means or locales that elevate the she isn’t in the strictest sense a genre artist While the songs are strong enough to album: what truly impresses is how mature there is little doubt that her grass is blue. largely stand on their own the arrangements and skillful a songwriter Mellencamp has She might best be described as a coun- tend to get repetitive; there’s no sense of become. try influenced folk-rock/Americana artist urgency here and although Alguire and his While the songs are rooted in the same and while a bit of pedal steel would have band are more than adequate musicians one Midwestern country, rockabilly, folk, and fit perfectly into this delightful effort the gets the sense they’re being underutilized. gospel sensibilities of their ancestors they absence of such is hardly a problem. The Much of this falls upon the shoulders reflect Mellencamp at his most focused songs herein (all except one were writ- of Alguire as producer; he really should and deliberate best. “Save Some Time to ten by Struthers) are top flight, beautifully leave that chore to an outside hand and con- Dream” quietly opens the set as the more constructed and performed. centrate on what he does best. As it is, Now grown up side of “We Are the People”. Such roots-laden gems as “Greenbrier Before Us seems a bit of a missed oppor- The anthem-like bravado of his earlier County,” “Look Out on the Mountain,” tunity for Alguire the musician to grab the songs is replaced with the reflections of a and “Cowgirl Yodel #3” display her strong brass ring that surely lies before him. **1/2 man now approaching 60 who knows all yet winsome voice while her lyrics evoke too well the fleeting nature of fame and the the rural imagery of a Thomas Hart Benton Tom Jones certainty that one’s muse might at any time painting. That’s not surprising given that desert him. Struthers is a former English teacher, but Praise and Blame “Coming Down the Road” and “Each considering she grew up in New Jersey Lost Highway Day of Sorrow” channel the primo rocka- and Brooklyn (to be fair she was born in Records billy sounds of Carl Perkins, early Elvis, Virginia) she still captures the ethos of the Anyone who and Johnny Burnette in delightful fashion rural south. thinks the music of and while “No One Cares About Me” has a Such labels and assumptions aside, Tom Jones begins lyric only Mellencamp could have written, this is the assured work of an artist whose and ends with “It’s Not Unusual” will be its sound hearkens directly back to mid- awareness reaches far beyond her young surprised by the depth and substance of his 1950s Johnny Cash. Likewise “The West years and whose future is as bright as a clear latest album. But for those who’ve been End” seems for all the world like an outtake Kentucky sky. ***1/2 paying attention – particularly anyone who from Dylan’s second album but the eerie saw his appearance in the PBS documentary banjo and discordant twang are a touch only Trevor Alguire “The Blues” – Praise and Blame seems like Burnett might have considered. Now Before Us a logical step forward for an artist who is as Mellencamp may be looking into the much a student as a performer. rearview mirror of musical styles but in no SoCan Records Sir Tom has long considered himself a way should No Better Than This be heard As front man devotee first and singer second. Of course as retro. It is rather the sound of a reinvigo- for the band Mer- what a singer he is. Here, his impeccable rated, strong-minded artist who is resolutely cury Pickup and as a taste reinvents such classic American num- determined to make music on his terms or solo artist, Canadian bers as Rosetta Tharpe’s “Strange Things” not at all. Trevor Alguire has gained a solid reputa- and John Lee Hooker’s “Burning Hell.” Hit singles or Chevy truck commercials tion as a gritty roots-rocking songwriter and Backed by a band of crackerjack play- be damned, John Mellencamp still stands performer. ‘CD’s’ continued on next page

10 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what’s happening

‘CD’s’ continued from page 10 ers, including the twin keyboards of Booker Ronny Cox at Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse BY JAMES CASSARA T. Jones and Augie Meyers, Jones turns in the vocal performance of a lifetime. There hile best known as a consum- roles in such shows “My new CD, is simply no way to adequately describe the mate character actor, one as St. Elsewhere and Songs With Reper- power and passion of his voice. whose presence on the large Star Trek: The Next cussions, is, more and small screen immediately Generation. than anything else, There is simply no way lifts the performances of But at age 72 about her absence. to adequately describe others,W among musical circles Ronny Cox Cox has understand- It is also a “studio” the power and passion is equally admired for his affable ability ably scaled back his album, with tight and to connect with audiences via a sound so screen work while precise arrangements of his voice. intimately comfortable that one listen is pursuing his music. and vocal harmonies. all that’s required to become an immedi- It’s a diverse mix I found a wonder- It has to be heard. Nowhere is this ate friend. of acoustic folk, ful group of players more evident than in a bold and burning Since the early 1970s Cox has western, jazzy-bluesy in South Carolina: take on Dylan’s “What Good Am I?” Jones worked steadily – a rarity given the and what he likes to refer to as “just plain Danny Harlow, Susan Taylor and Cary brings a smoldering regret into the song that fleeting nature of Tinsel Town – but has cornball stuff.” Taylor, and have allowed them great lati- is both shocking and wholly logical. Kudos never drifted far from his love of folk “I have always had pretty eclectic tude and encouragement in our approach to producer Ethan Johns (Kings of Leon) for music and storytelling. Born in Cloud- tastes in the music I like to listen to and to to the tunes. My “Southwestern” sensi- his simpatico treatment of the material, but croft, New Mexico, Cox graduated from play,” he states. “I have tried to approach bilities are always present, but there is also this day belongs to a 70 year old Welshman Eastern New Mexico University before each of my seven albums from a differ- a distinct “Southern” feel to many of the who has shown that time need not be our making his way to Hollywood and his ent perspective. My first album was for tunes and that comes directly from them. enemy and that true genius is in the ability long and respected acting career. Mercury Records in Nashville, and was I am extremely proud of this album.” to reinvent one’s self. Since his debut as Drew Ballinger in pretty much a “country record” . . . at least With a lifetime of stories to tell Ron- I’ve played this album at least a dozen the acclaimed 1972 film Deliverance (in it seemed so to me. But since then I’ve ny Cox brings that Southwestern sensibil- times in the past week, and each subsequent which he plays the instrumental “Duel- taken a more “folkie” approach.” ity to the mountains of Western North listen reveals its richness and command. As ing Banjos” on his guitar with a mentally “My next few CDs were a bit more Carolina. Come out and see a familiar amazing as it seems Praise and Blame may retarded banjo-playing mountain boy personal for me. I worked with my son face in what is for most of us an unfamil- well prove to be the crowning achievement named Lonnie) Cox has combined his John, who’s a record producer. We pretty iar setting. Ronny Cox: actor, musician, of Jones’ nearly half century career. And love of story and sound. much played all the tunes in my little two- humorist, and teller of tales. that, is most unusual ***** His role as the exasperated Lieuten- car studio here in my house and he and I ant/Captain/Chief of Police in Beverly played most of the instruments.” Treasa Hills Cop and Beverly Hills Cop II gained Since then Cox has continued to pro- iF Ronny Cox at the Levasseur him widespread attention while his work duce albums, including Cowboy Savant YOU Mountain Spirit Low Fidelity with director Paul Verhoeven in Robocop which was produced by Wendy Waldman. gO Coffeehouse, Sunday, A veritable melt- and Total Recall cemented his reputa- Two years ago Cox suffered the death of September 12. Hosted by ing pot of roots styles, tion as a Hollywood dependable. Cox his beloved wife Mary, to whom he had the Unitarian Universalist Canadian songstress has also starred in the sadly neglected been married since 1960. The loss was Church, 1 Edwin Place in Asheville, NC. Doors open at 6:30, music Treasa Levasseur first television series Apple’s Way (created understandably devastating but Cox has starts at 7 p.m. made her mark as an in-demand studio by Earl Hamner) and has had recurring persevered. vocalist and musician before branching out on her own. Equally comfortable playing folk, blues and country to sunshine pop, heavy metal and even a dash of hip-hop, Levasseur has BY JAMES CASSARA amazing command of her voice (although StOneHOneY at tHe LaB at times she seems to be holding it back) he group Stonehoney has been their collaborative spirit, striking and clearly loves challenging her own skills. fine-tuning their live performances, a balance between Americana folk Such versatility serves her well on her first touring relentlessly and giving Aus- and straight-on rock and roll. The U.S. release, recorded in 2008 and finally tin, TX another band to evidence record is a long time coming for making it down our way. whyT their adopted city is the live music the group, who have maintained It’s an engaging mix of styles, secured capital of the world. The band’s debut a heavy touring schedule and by such delights as the effervescent title album The Cedar Creek Sessions was cut performed at venues and festivals track and “Truth Will Set You Free.” When entirely live in the studio in a (successful) across the country. It was tracked she hits the right notes, as she does on most effort to capture the “in the moment” ener- live at its namesake, Cedar Creek of Low Fidelity, the results are enough to gy of their live shows. Released last month Recording in Texas, and guest leave you wanting more. on Austin-based Music Road Records, musicians include Earl “Poole” We’re different from a lot of bands in Her inventive use of horns/keyboards as The Cedar Creek Sessions showcases the Ball (Johnny Cash) and Ken Coomer that each of us writes songs.” Phil Hurley the primary backing instruments, along with intense vocals and smart, insightful lyrics (formally of Wilco). says, “One of my favorite aspects of this the chorus of background vocals, gives the of this four front-man band. Shawn Davis says, “It’s all about this band is that everyone seems to feel invited album a timeless big band sound. Comprised of veteran songwriters band and the songs. For four songwrit- in by our music, from teenagers to adults. Think a more modern June Christy and musicians Shawn Davis, Phil Hurley, ers and front men to come together and It’s like there’s something for everyone.” – which is high praise indeed – and you’ll David Phenicie and Nick Randolph, the shed as much ego as possible to be part of have some notion of what’s in store. Just group met at a songwriters-in-the-round something, instead of it all being about an iF YOU gO: Stonehoney at the Lexington don’t be too surprised when Low Fidelity and soon realized the strength of their individual, says it all for me and for us as Avenue Brewery, Saturday, September manages to surpass even those lofty expecta- musical rapport and personal chemistry. a team. The songs are deeply personal and 4. Show starts at 9 p.m. with seating tions. ***1/2 Seamless vocal harmonies embody reflect each band member’s experiences. available.

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 11 Get this RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE ExClusivE oFFEr Moonshiners in the Mountains ave you ever wondered how daddy. Moonshine got its name long BY JUDY AUSLEY books moonshine got its name? ago because it was cooked by the light for The late Willard Watson, of of the moon. Moonshiners thought 6 Deep Gap told me all about they were safe cooking at night, Watson In the latter years of his life he the process, when I inter- explained, because revenue officers gave up the ‘shine. “It was getting Hviewed him in 1993 for the Charlotte could not see the smoke coming from to be too dangerous, so I decided to ¢ Observer. the still in the dark of night. quit, Watson said. He started carving 99 wooden toys (another mountain art Watson, a cousin of folk singer, Just a simple recipe is needed. He Plus a FREE GIFT Doc Watson in Boone, was already only revealed, “It takes it no chemicals form), walking canes and bird houses. with membership pretty much a household name in and no sugar,” adding, “Just get yourself Arthritis in his hands prevented much Watauga County, back when he some mountain corn, grind it, ferment carving before he died. was interviewed by the late journal- it, and cook it.” Ora Watson was well known for ist Charles Kuralt for his “On the making beautiful original quilts. Road” television series in 1972. She was known for the quality of Enter code A5F147 Watson sold the home-brew joinDoubledayBookClub.com Prior to that Watson had al- her work and was honored at the ready taken his historic whiskey still for 25-cents a pint and a Smithsonian in Washington. Quilting is a fine art that many (or parts thereof) to Washington. gallon went for a dollar. D.C. in 1969, to hold a demonstra- of the women in mountain fami- tion about the art of making moon- lies shared with and taught to their shine for the Smithsonian Institute. Moonshiners in the mountains do children and grandchildren in those The museum called the festival feature not like to talk a lot about what they days. Fondness of “real homemade that year, “the corn culture” exhibit. do unless they think they can trust the quilts” from the mountains of NC Museum staff told Watson that he person. It was illegal. However, that is still popular today with younger must follow their strict rules before he would not stop writers trying to get women learning the trade from older put anything in the still; he was told the stories. quilters in the High Country. to only use water and nothing else to Watson sold the home-brew for Last time I was at their home in show his method of making ‘shine. 25-cents a pint and a gallon went for a Deep Gap, a really funny incident During my interview with him, dollar. Watson said, he was luckier than occurred. Loving to laugh, Willard Willard was rocking in an old chair most. He and his grandfather only were decided to play a trick on me that day. on his porch, dressed in an old worn ‘almost’ caught by revenue officers. That morning things were real pair of overalls and a flannel shirt. “Let me tell you, we were plenty scared quiet as I drove up to their house. I His wife, Ora, to whom he had been that night,” he said. knocked on the door and no one an- married for 68 years, sat next to him Watson said his children had to swered. Then I heard Ora yell to me, dressed in a simple frock. They were be fed so he followed in his family “Come on in.” HOUSing FOR Rent 20 and 17 when they were married tradition. There were not many choices So, unsuspecting anything un- and ultimately had 7 children. “And, for young folks in the early days of usual, I opened the door and the first North Asheville 2 bedroom 1 bath townhouse lots of grand kids,” Ora said, smiling. mountain life. thing I saw was Willard fully-dressed $495/mo. Close to downtown Asheville. Watson loved talking about his Watson said he never drank much in a black suit, hat and black boots, Includes water. (828) 252-4334 WNC Rentals life to folksy news reporters. I learned of his home-brew, because he knew sprawled out on the couch in the liv- early on when I started writing articles when he married “Orey” she was not ing room. He was not stirring at all. in the High Country of NC, that most going to put up with his drinking. I stopped still and looked at mountaineers really take to folks who “I had to make a few adjustments Orey and I said, “Is he dead?” I asked. listen to them tell tales. so I would not lose my good woman,” Before she could say anything, Willard Watson said he learned how to he smiled and looked over at Ora, who sat straight up, laughing and said to make moonshine from his grand- was smiling big. me, “Hell no, not yet, I am just practicing.” I hugged Orey and we all just about died laughing. That was the last time I saw Ora and Willard. I know in my heart that many of 51st aRt On Main FeStivaL these oldtimers in North Carolina is what makes these mountains such a The Arts Council of Hender- $1,000 cash award. Two new awards special place to call home. son County will present Art on this year are the Margo Nagel Fine Main along downtown Henderson- Art Award ($750) and the Hans Writer Judy ville’s historic Main Street, October Nagel Fine Craft Award ($750). ausley has been 2 and 3, 2010. Hours are 10 a.m. to “One of our goals is to present a reporter with 5 p.m. both days. a welcoming environment for the newspapers in Art on Main features both fine artist and the customer to connect,” nC for 0 years. arts and fine crafts, and in the past said Art on Main Co-Chair Kim She retired in has attracted artists from through- Adams. “We want the artists to feel 2005 and continues to freelance at out the Carolinas, as well as from appreciated in Hendersonville.” her home in asheville. She can be Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, contacted by e-mail at Judyausley@ iF YOU gO: For further information and Florida. aol.com. if you know a character please contact The Arts Council of Cash awards equal $4,500. The in asheville who has not had a Henderson County at (828) 693- conventional life, put them in touch top award is the Morris Broadband 8504. Applications are also available Best of Show which comes with a with Judy for an article in this at www.acofhc.org. column, Southern Comfort.

12 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 Reel Take Reviewers: ∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic CHip KaUFMann is a film historian who ∑∑∑∑ - pretty darn good also shares his love of classical music as a program ∑∑∑ - Has some good points host on WCQS- ∑∑ - the previews lied FM radio. ∑ - Only if you must MiCHeLLe Keenan is M- Forget entirely a long time student For the latest RevieWS, tHeateR inFO of film, a and MOvie SHOW tiMeS, visit believer in Illustration of Michelle www.rapidrivermagazine.com the magic of & Chip by Brent Brown. movies and a fundraiser for BRent BROWn is a graphic Questions/Comments? public radio. designer and illustrator. You can email Chip or Michelle at view more of his work at [email protected] www.brentbrown.com.

Coco Chanel & ultimately were unable to deal but haven’t yet had the experience? Still, HeY KidS! CaLLing aLL Igor Stravinsky make a commitment in the this exercise in extreme privilege and self ∑∑∑∑1/2 long run. Stravinsky needed absorption has consistently graced the NY FUtURe FiLM CRitiCS! his family and Coco her Times best-seller list since its release about What better way to hone your Short Take: A independence. four years ago. In the end I liked it more critical skills than to serve on the jury beautifully rendered The performances by than I thought would, and kudos to anyone for Asheville International Children’s period piece of 1920s Anna Mouglalis (Playing in who gets to spend a year as Gilbert did. Paris, perfume, and a Film Festival (AICFF)? The jury will the Company of Men) and For those that don’t know the story, revolutionary work of attend screenings throughout the Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Elizabeth Gilbert takes a year-long jour- classical music. festival and announce prizewinners Royale) are pitch perfect. ney to Italy, India and Bali after a bitter at the Festival’s closing ceremony ReeL taKe: Having They are everything I divorce. She wants to marvel at food, find November 14, 2010. been a classical music would imagine these two God, and somehow find herself. When I To apply for a spot on the jury, announcer for almost cultural icons to be and heard the book was being adapted for the kids ages 8-12 should write a top 30 years, it was a given Mads Mikkelsen and Anna their physical resemblance big screen with Julia Roberts in the lead, I ten list detailing the qualities of the that I would have to re- Mouglalis portray the title to them is remarkable. Two thought it just might work. The backdrops characters in Coco Chanel & perfect children’s film, and send it to view this film. Movies additional fine portray- would make it even more beautiful than its Igor Stravinsky. Artistic Director, Tim Arem, info@ about composers don’t als are given by Russian lead. Indeed, the film is truly stunning and aicff.org. Also include name, age, come along every day. There have been performers Yelena Morozova as Stravinsky’s Roberts may be at her most luminous yet grade, a short bio and complete con- a number of movies about Coco Chanel beleaguered wife Katya and Grigori Manou- (she is in fact so radiant throughout, it may tact information. Applications must including last year’s Coco Before Chanel kov as ballet impresario Serge Diaghilev. perhaps be one reason why it’s so hard to be received by September 31. but this is the first mainstream one about I’m not quite sure why the filmmak- believe she is so miserable). Stravinsky and it’s about time. ers chose to retain the rather generic title The first half hour recounts the scan- of Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky. I would she meets along her journey; I knew those dalous 1913 premiere of Stravinsky’s Rite have called it The Rite of Spring not only elements would be done well. The scenes in of Spring where the audience booed, jeered because of the ballet at the beginning but Italy are pure unadulterated food porn. So and eventually rioted to the degree that the because its music is used throughout to lovely in fact, they were all I needed until police had to be summoned and the theater highlight powerfully emotional moments Javier Bardem appeared on the scene as the cleared. Most people familiar with classical in the film. The film concludes with a 1920 ‘love’ in the Eat Pray. While Bardem simply music history or with ballet have heard this performance of Rite which is rapturously takes your breath away (he too has never story but to see it actually recreated was a received showing the changes that have been more beautiful), it is Richard Jenkins special thrill for me. I especially marveled at taken place in the characters and in the who is most perfectly cast as Richard from the choreography and the original costumes. world around them. Texas, a friend that she meets while staying Although based on a book, I’m not If you love 1920s Paris, modern classical at an Ashram in India. It is their scenes quite sure how historically accurate Coco music, and ballet, not to mention period together that best reflect the deeper level of & Igor is. In 1920 Stravinsky did accept pieces in general, then you need to see this Julia Roberts is radiant on a Gilbert’s memoir. At first he’s just someone decadently self indulgent journey in an invitation from Chanel to move his movie. It’s an excellent way to lose yourself in who finally calls her on all of her b.s., but Eat Pray Love. family into one of her country estates another world for a couple of hours, and you he is the character who helps bring her to a so that he could compose without hin- will have learned something when you come Unfortunately – and not for want reconciliation of sorts with her past, gets her drance. Whether they became romantically out. One can’t ask more of a movie than that. of talent or production value – it’s really to cease her incessant pity party, and nudges involved is highly debatable as none of Rated R for strong sexuality and nudity. hard to conjure feelings of sympathy for a her forward in life. the other films about Chanel mention this woman of such means and all-round good REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN Eat Pray Love is very pleasant to watch, fact. This is history as it should have been, fortune. Somehow her unhappiness in spite and I didn’t dislike it, but much more than not as it actually was. The filmmakers also of such a life was more palpable in the book. Eat, Pray, Love ∑∑∑ that I can’t really say. Not that much is left tie in Stravinsky with the creation of the The timing of this film may also be off — a to suspense, but the title says it all — along famous perfume Chanel No. 5. Short Take: The big screen adaptation year of such luxury and privilege, given the her journey she learns to eat, she learns to In real life both Chanel and Stravinsky of Elizabeth Gilbert’s best selling, albeit current economy, may just rub people the pray, and ultimately she learns to love (her- were very strong, self-absorbed personali- self indulgent, journey of self discovery. wrong way. In fact I found myself going, self and another). You can bet the filmmak- ties and anyone expecting a conventional ReeL taKe: Unlike most of my friends, I “Oh boo-hoo Liz! Boo freaking hoo!” and ers were banking on the built-in audience romance between the two is likely to be was not one of the biggest fans of Elizabeth I’m not usually someone to begrudge the for this film (essentially every women’s disappointed by the way their affair is Gilbert’s best-selling memoir of self discov- good fortune of others. book club in America), but what they didn’t portrayed in this film. It is full of lust and ery Eat, Pray, Love. How authentic can the On the plus side, there are the food bank on was the literary experience. I actu- sex and passion but not love. Each one used journey be when you’ve already got the book scenes in Italy and the wonderful characters the other for their own purposes but they ‘Movies’ continued on page 14

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

Seven Sisters Cinema Michael Cera does fast-paced montages to the interesting Scott Pilgrim a decent job with the camera work to the clever humor. On Thursday, September 16 Seven vs. the World lead role and, as Scott The whole movie is filmed in a style Sisters Cinema we will show the ∑∑∑1/2 is a member of a rock which could be seen as a videogame/ film Mountain Talk: Language and If you’ve found band, it allows him to comic book/ music video combo. It also Life in Southern Appalachia by the movies that seem fractionally less includes comic book style captions, and Neal Hutcheson. The film will be you’ve recently like a geek than he usu- while these provide some entertainment, shown at the White Horse in Black seen boring, then ally does. Nevertheless, they can grow tedious after a while, Mountain at 7 p.m. you may want to it is hard to watch the and some of it seems like exceedingly Mountain Talk lets the people of consider seeing film without constantly juvenile overkill. The action sequences Southern Appalachia tell their own Scott Pilgrim vs. the thinking, “that’s Mi- are very well done and there is a lot of stories, revealing the quick wit, World because it is chael Cera”. impressive choreography as well. You’ll good humor, and resilience that undeniably unique. Micheal Cera is in love with Mary Elizabeth find yourself marveling that they succeed sustained them through centuries. Set in To- Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Scott Winstead is a good in making it look like Michael Cera is Music, stories and candid conver- ronto and based Pilgrim vs The World. Ramona, but the actually fighting. sations convey the shared sense on the popular chemistry between her I recommend this move to most of place that defines the mountain Scott Pilgrim comic books by Bryan Lee and Cera is almost nonexistent. A standout teenagers, who will at least appreciate the people. O’Malley, the movie follows 23-year- among the other cast members is Kieran humor, and more widely, to anyone who The film features Popcorn Sutton, old bass guitar player Scott Pilgrim as Culkin, who plays Scott’s roommate and wants to see a fun movie that is not afraid Mary Jane Queen, Orville Hicks, Jim he struggles to make things work with provides a lot of the laughs in the movie. to laugh at itself. If you enjoy playing Tom Hedrick and many others, with his new girlfriend, Ramona Flowers. Like director Edgar Wright’s other video games, you’ll also probably enjoy back-porch music performances Everything seems to be going splendidly, movies, Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, it. But, whether you like Scott Pilgrim by Henry Queen, Mary Jane Queen, except for the small problem that to there is a constant stream of humor in Scott or not, I bet you’ll definitely agree that it Gilford Williams, Rufe Sutton, Leon properly date Ramona, Scott must fight Pilgrim, and it is impossible to get every stands out from other recent movies and Wells and others. The film is nar- and defeat her seven evil-exes. joke in one viewing. Although includes some rated by award-winning storyteller Scott Pilgrim caused a bit of a sen- some of the jokes are hit and good laughs. and folklorist Gary Carden. sory overload for me when I first started miss, the upside to so much Rated PG-13 for iF YOU gO: White Horse Black watching it, but as the movie progressed, comedy is that almost any teen stylized violence, Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd. I began to enjoy it more. I doubt that viewer will find something to sexual content, Phone (828) 669-0816 or visit www. there is a single dull moment in it. The laugh at. Wright’s quirky style RevieW language and drug whitehorseblackmountain.com. end of the movie does drag a little, but it can be seen in a lot of aspects by Clara Sofia references. is possible to remain engaged. of Scott Pilgrim, from the

theatre directory ‘Movies’ continued from page 13 watching the action flick veterans kick butt asheville pizza & Brewing Company one more time. Co-writer, director, and star ally think movie goers that didn’t hang on Sylvester Stallone has assembled a solid cast Movieline (828) 254-1281 Gilbert’s every written word will enjoy the www.ashevillepizza.com of genre favorites including Jason Stathan, film more than those that did. Jet Li, Terry Crews (the Old Spice dude), Beaucatcher Cinemas (asheville) and Mickey Rourke (still dressed in his Iron Movieline (828) 298-1234 PG-13 for brief strong language, some sexual references and male rear nudity. Man 2 get up). There’s even a quick ap- Biltmore grande REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN pearance by Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 beginning which is quite funny. Oh, by the www.REGmovies.com The Expendables ∑∑∑1/2 way, there are women in the picture too and Carmike 10 (asheville) one even has a bearing on the plot but they Short Take: Two thirds of a good are all played by scantily clad unknowns for Movieline (828) 298-4452 movie bogs down in the end with www.carmike.com this is a testosterone fest all the way. over extended action sequences and Stylvester Stallone and Jason Despite some choice dialogue and Eric Carolina Cinemas unnecessary carnage. Statham plot their next move in Roberts’ villainy (he absolutely made the (828) 274-9500 ReeL taKe: For two thirds of the way, The Expendables. movie for me), the film collapses in the last www.carolinacinemas.com The Expendables is a big budgeted choice Expendables in everything but name. half hour with a totally over-the-top mass Cinebarre (asheville) little B movie. If that sounds like a con- A group of aging professionals are hired extermination of the general and his special www.cinebarre.com tradiction in terms, it is, but then The by a mystery man (Bruce Willis in an amus- forces. Stallone knows his target audience the Falls theatre (Brevard) Expendables wants to have its cake and eat ing cameo) to take out a corrupt general on a and he directs and edits these final scenes Movieline (828) 883-2200 it too and except for the ending, it man- small remote island. Once on the island they as if they were a video game with heads ex- ages to do just that. ploding and bodies being ripped to shreds. Fine arts theatre (asheville) encounter a rogue CIA agent (played with As is often the case with me now, The synthetic hardcore violence almost ru- Movieline (828) 232-1536 lip smacking relish by Eric Roberts) involved when I see a new movie, I am reminded ined the movie, almost but not quite. In the www.fineartstheatre.com in drug trafficking and, true to form, all hell of several others. In this case merge two end I was more entertained than not and on Flat Rock theatre (Flat Rock) breaks loose. In between there are reflective 1979 films, Firepower with James Coburn moments, the occasional buddy bonding that level The Expendables worked for me. Movieline (828) 697-2463 and Sophia Loren about kidnapping a www.flatrockcinema.com scenes, several comic exchanges, and even a Rated R for strong bloody violence and for some drug lord from a remote island and The betrayal by a member of the group (Dolph language. Wild Geese with Richard Burton and Four Seasons (Hendersonville) Lundgren) which leads to another extended REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN Movieline (828) 693-8989 Richard Harris as mercenaries on a mili- action sequence back home. Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) tary mission in Africa and you have The The main appeal of The Expendables is ‘Movies’ continued on page 15 Movieline (828) 452-9091

1 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from pg. 14 fully understated and genuine performance. P 3-D’s heavy-handedness would make Stephen Rea adds a subtle bit of comedy. Oliver Stone gag. This time around the aSHeviLLe FiLM SOCietY Alison Barry is dear as Annie and Alicja little beasties are a natural phenomenon Bachleda is appropriately beautiful, alluring (instead of a government project) released SepteMBeR SCReeningS and distant. Jordan has stepped into some- by an underground earthquake. They head The Asheville Film Society, hosted what new ground here and it works. straight for the local vacation resort which by Mountain Xpress film critic Ken Ondine received little attention in this is in the midst of College Spring Weekend Hanke, meets Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. country which is a shame, for it is one of so we have lots of scantily clad, oversexed at Carolina Asheville Cinema. Tuesday the more interesting offerings of late. We students behaving like jerks while in addi- night screenings are free, but member- are fortunate in this area; the owner of the tion a porno producer is shooting his latest ship is only $10 a year and benefits Carolina Asheville Cinema is also the owner magnum opus there. include free members-only screenings, of Magnolia Pictures, and we have them to The story plays out like Jackass goes sneak previews and events. Alicja Batchleda and Colin Farrell thank for distributing this fine little film and to Cancun and meets Jaws (Richard star in the overlooked Irish indie for delivering it to our little corner of the Dreyfus even has a cameo). No political September 7 film Ondine. world. See it if you can. or social commentary here just a bunch Valentino (1977, of totally self absorbed twenty somethings Ken Russell) Ondine ∑∑∑∑ Rated PG-13 for some violence, sensuality and brief strong language. meeting their various gory ends. It is in In 1926 the tragic Short Take: Irish storytelling is taken to this last department that Piranha 3-D goes REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN and untimely death a new level when Irish lore meets harsh too far and ceases to be fun as it clearly of a silent screen actor caused female reality in Neil Jordan’s Ondine. goes into Saw and Hostel territory (Eli moviegoers to riot in the streets and ReeL taKe: Ondine is magical/mythical Roth appropriately has a cameo). One girl in some cases to commit suicide - that Irish lore meets brutal reality. With films is cut in half by a cable, another is scalped actor was Rudolph Valentino. such as The Butcher Boy, The Crying Game by a motorboat, and in the “poetic justice” and Michael Collins to his credit, Director category, the porn producer has his liveli- September 1 Neil Jordan is known more for the latter hood removed by a piranha and then spit Sunrise (1927, than the former. Here however he combines out towards the camera. F.W. Murnau) both deftly to make a fine little film. Colin I can’t decide if this was a 2-D movie later enhanced (there are plenty of scenes A married farmer Farrell is Syracuse, a down-on-his-luck falls under the spell Irish fisherman who finds a woman (Alicja where I removed my glasses and could see just fine) or if was deliberately done of a slatternly woman Bachleda) tangled in his nets one day and his from the city, who life is – of course – forever changed. that way to resemble 3-D movies of old. It doesn’t really matter. While I understood tries to convince him Immediately his catch improves and Porn producer Jerry O’Connell loses to drown his wife. financial burdens are lessened. He believes his livelihood in Piranha 3-D. what the filmmakers were doing, I just the mysterious woman he pulled from the didn’t go along with it. If you should wind September 21 up seeing this, rent the original (newly sea is the source of his good fortune. When Piranha 3-D ∑∑ Hedwig and the released) and then see which one you his precocious, wheelchair-bound daughter Angry Inch (2001, Short Take: Revved up remake has enjoy more. Annie (Alison Barry) discovers the mystery some solid 3-D effects but the sadistic John Cameron of the stranger, she quickly concludes the sleaziness of it all kept me from having Rated R for strong horror violence and gore, Mitchell) woman is a Selkie (seals that can transform any fun. graphic nudity, sexual content, language and into human form in Irish lore). Because she drug use. A transexual punk You don’t go to see a movie rock girl from East came from the sea, they call her Ondine. ReeL taKe: REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN Spliced between the pleasantries of get- called Piranha 3-D and expect it to be Berlin tours the US ting to know Ondine, a harsh life of drink good in a critical sense. That’s not what with her rock band as she tells her life a movie of this type is about. What you The Girl Who Played With Fire story and follows the ex-boyfriend/ and dysfunctional family is exposed. Annie’s ∑∑∑∑ mother and live-in boyfriend are both expect and usually get are some cheap sex bandmate who stole her songs. and violence thrills, some clever utilization Short Take: Sequel to The Girl with the drunks. Syracuse is a now sober drunk who September 28 does his best to do right by his daughter. of lighting/camerawork and memorable Dragon Tattoo is just as compelling Love Me Tonight For therapy he goes to confession and talks use of music for dramatic effect. These without being quite as graphic. elements are all available in Piranha 3-D (1932, Rouben to the local priest (Stephen Rea). Annie, ReeL taKe:The middle cinematic chapter Mamoulian) bright and resilient, keeps her spirits up as but the way they were done left me with a of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy has she endures dialysis and bullying. bad taste in my mouth and I couldn’t wait a different director but the same principal A Parisian tailor finds himself posing As Syracuse falls in love with his sea- to get out of the theater. players as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as a baron in order to collect a sizeable faring muse, Ondine buries her seal coat in Despite what you may have read minus the villains who were dealt with at the bill from an aristocrat, only to fall in hopes of staying for at least seven years on and heard this film is not a remake of Joe conclusion of the first film. There’s a new set love with an aloof young princess. land, determined to be devoted to her new Dante’s cult 1978 offering Piranha (see of bad guys to deal with this time and while family and perhaps even able to grant a wish DVD pick) or James Cameron’s debut this film is less graphic than Dragon, Fire is a to make Annie well. But just as it seems we offering Piranha II: The Spawning. Those lot grimmer in its outcome. have a fairy tale on our hands, we learn that films were totally low budget affairs in The film opens with titular character That’s the storyline that propels the Ondine is being followed and all is not what the best Roger Corman tradition (“Here’s Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) return- film but, just as in Dragon Tattoo, there it seems. $600,000. You can do anything you want, ing to Stockholm from the Caribbean and is a lot more that lies beneath the surface. The film has been criticized by some just don’t ask for more money.) They were crusading journalist Blomkvist (Michael Lisbeth’s relationship with another woman for its genre clashing change of course not only wildly creative due to those restric- Nyqvist) and his publication Millennium (Yasmine Garbi) shows us the depth of about three quarters of the way through tions but they had intelligent screenplays preparing to release a list of names involved emotion that she keeps hidden from every- the story. I found it jarring but interesting. with political and social undercurrents. in a sex trafficking scandal. When two one else. Then there’s the discovery that Yes it detracts from the ‘magic’ that we’d all That’s not the case here. members of his group are killed, Lisbeth her brutal father, whom she set fire to years love to believe in, but then again maybe it Piranha 3-D wears everything it has is suspected and most go into hiding while ago (hence the title), is still alive and may be merely shows a different magic, one based to offer openly on its sleeve and while Blomkvist and his friends work to find out this type of film isn’t meant to be subtle, in reality. Colin Farrell delivers a wonder- who the real killer is. ‘Movies’ continued on page 16

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 15 turned sociopathic, sadomasochistic killer is a great film, but because it does so much in rural 1950’s Texas. so well in spite of its ebbs and in spite of its Beautifully filmed and stylized, it’s film heinous brutality. Affleck throws himself noir like we haven’t seen in a quite a while. into the layers of Lou Ford’s psyche. Jessica Even so, I knew I was in for an uncomfort- Alba and Kate Hudson get props just for able, disturbing and possibly sickening ride, enduring the scenes they did. The rest of but it also seemed like it might be an intrigu- the supporting cast, including Tom Bower, ing one in spite of its content. While I found Elias Koteas, Bill Pullman, Ned Beatty and it fascinating throughout, the film itself is Brent Briscoe, all turn in top notch perfor- a bit of a bumpy ride – at times it is near mances. brilliance, at other times it misses the mark. By the time this issue comes out, The I’m not quite sure why it fails where it does, Casey Affleck stars in the disturbing Killer Inside Me may actually already be but part of this may have something to do but fascinating psychological drama gone from the theatres, but if it is at all in- with the director himself; Michael Winter- The Killer Inside Me. triguing to you, I encourage you to see it (I Noomi Rapace takes care of business bottom’s films often have a certain aloofness In doing so, we are allowed a glimpse into believe its DVD release date is for late Sep- in The Girl Who Played With Fire. to them. This attribute could prove both a his mind. Interestingly, this perspective tember). If there is not enough information service and disservice to this story. can insidiously manipulate the viewer into in this review for you to make your decision connected to the murders. Add an enigmatic Casey Affleck plays Lou Ford, a mild- thinking Ford isn’t that bad (at least for a and you are unfamiliar with the story, read a blonde giant of a man (Micke Spreitz) who mannered deputy sheriff in a rural Texas short while), when in fact he is a self justify- full synopsis on IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes is impervious to pain and you have several town. When charged with the responsibility ing, deranged and brutal monster. before you go; it is not for the faint of heart fascinating subplots waiting to be resolved. of running a certain whore (Jessica Alba) I’ve had more interesting conversations or for people who can’t abide any depiction As is usually the case with middle films out of town, long suppressed sadomas- with folks about this film than any other in of violence against women. of a trilogy (The Lord of the Rings: The ochistic memories and tendencies arise a long time. It also had more staying power Rated R for disturbing brutal violence, aberrant Two Towers immediately comes to mind), and his murderous descent into a sort of than most films of late (not necessarily a sexual content and some graphic nudity. it helps to have seen the first movie though madness begins. The first person narrative good thing in this case). I give The Killer REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN it isn’t a necessity. However there’s the is a particularly powerful tool for this story. Inside Me a four star rating not because it inescapable conclusion that Fire is just a set- up for the next film in the series as there is a significant storyline which has been left un- resolved at the end. The third and conclud- Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: ing installment, The Girl Who Kicked the September dvd picks Hornet’s Nest, has already been made and is “Piranha” “The Secret of Roan Inish” due for American release very soon. That film will also have the same director and screenwriter and was shot concur- Piranha (1978) the cruel real world, but even so Sayles rently with this one (just like Harry Potter With the arrival of Piranha 3-D in the- still manages to deliver a heartfelt dose and the Deathly Hallows) so the look and aters last month (see review on page 15), of rural Irish reality. Like Ondine, The feel should be the same. Director Daniel some enterprising folks decided to cash in Secret of Roan Inish also revolves around Alfredson lacks the visual flair of his pre- on that by reissuing Joe Dante’s original the prospect of a Selkie (a creature in Irish decessor, Niels Arden Oplev, but he keeps 1978 film on DVD this month. It had been lore who is part seal, part woman). things moving along at a reasonable pace on DVD before but now we have one in The story takes place in a fishing vil- and allows the actors to continue to develop the proper screen ratio with lots of special lage in Donegal, Ireland. At the center is their characters. As middle films go, The features including director’s commentary Fiona, a young girl who’s been sent to live Girl who Played with Fire is a very good and behind the scenes looks at the making with her grandparents. Her family is still effort and leaves you impatiently waiting for of the movie. This proves to be an eye mourning the loss of her baby brother, who was washed out to sea in a boat- the final chapter. opening experience as we see what Dante Even after 30 years Piranha still holds like cradle. When she hears rumors of a and company did with only $660,000. up well with interesting performances and Rated R for disturbing violent content, sexual small boy on Roan Inish being raised by Aside from the obvious budget dif- still startling gore effects that are sparingly material, nudity, and language. the seals and a legend that an ancestor of ferences between the two (P 3-D cost $24 used. Keenan Wynn’s death scene is far REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN theirs married a Selkie, young Fiona be- million), the principal difference between more real and disturbing than anything in comes consumed with learning the truth the two is in the screenplay. Piranha was the remake. Made in the days when the ∑∑∑∑ and the secret of Roan Inish. The Killer Inside Me written by John Sayles and he manages drive-ins still held sway, if you never saw Like Ondine, there’s no CGI tech- Short Take: A fascinating and disturbing to create a script that is funny, topical, the original or only remember it from nology or huge stars necessary to make an story of deputy sheriff turned killer in a political, and one that gives the characters early cable showings then check it out and entertaining, engaging and fine little film. rural Texas town in 1952. interesting things to say while making you see absolute proof that a big budget is no The Secret of Roan Inish certainly dis- care about them. substitute for a good script and imagina- ReeL taKe: The Killer Inside Me made plays the sweeter side of Sayles, and it is a A government project designed to tive low budget filmmaking. a bit of a stir at several film festivals earlier wonderful example of good old fashioned this year, apparently startling its audiences develop piranha that can live in cold and/or salt water for use in the Vietnam storytelling, something at which Sayles with the nature of its brutal violence and The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) excels. He is a subtle and quiet film- sadomasochistic elements. Perhaps that war is closed down and several years later Coincidentally, I too picked a John these fish escape and threaten a children’s maker, yet so articulate and adept at story, early reaction explains why the film was Sayles film for my DVD pick this month. character development and photography. pretty much ignored since its quiet release camp and a small recreational lake. A I was inspired to select The Secret of father (Bradford Dillman) and an inves- His films are remarkably effective and, earlier this summer. Clearly this film is not Roan Inish after watching Neil Jordan’s in this case, beautiful. If you need a true for everyone, and that should be consid- tigator (Heather Menzies) race against Ondine (see review on pg. 15). If you are time to warn people but are hindered by distraction from the day, rent The Secret ered when weighing your decision to see familiar with this title I’m sure you just of Roan Inish. It has a 98% fresh rating on it. Based on Jim Thompson’s s 1952 novel government officials (Barbara Steele and uttered some joyous exclamation about Bruce Gordon) who want to keep the Rotten Tomatoes, and I have yet to meet of the same title, The Killer Inside Me tells the film. It’s a magical film for those who anyone who disliked this film. the story of a straight laced deputy sheriff project secret. prefer the magic of Irish lore let alone by

16 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Asheville Area Piano Forum’s 10th Anniversary Fall Benefit Concert sheville has become known BY POLLY FEITZINGER throughout the country as a “Top 'JOEVTPO'BDFCPPL Arts Destination.” It also has become the city many professionally trained pianists have made theirA home. For ten years the Asheville Area Piano Forum has provided the public a glimpse of the amazing talents within the Forum membership by putting on two benefit concerts each year as fundraisers for student assistance awards. Tell them you saw it in Rapid River Magazine This year’s program will include 20 classical and jazz musicians performing solo and two-piano works, as well as the student winner of the advanced category of the Forum-sponsored Asheville Piano Compe- tition for pre-college students. The Asheville Area Piano Forum, with more than 80 members, includes both ama- teur and professionally-trained pianists. Since becoming a 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization, a number of members have joined who are not pianists but who wish to promote the charitable activities of the Forum. The Forum was started in 1992 by a group of Asheville piano teachers who Andrea Adamcova, AAPF member, performs during the 9th Annual Fall realized there was a need for piano teach- Benefit Concert. Photo by Pavel Wlosok ers to get together to share teaching ideas, thus forming the original Asheville Piano assisted the Asheville Symphony, donating Teachers’ Forum. A few years later, the funds to help with the purchase of their new name of the organization was changed to the Steinway Grand. Also, its performing mem- Asheville Area Piano Forum to reflect the bers have been soloists with the Asheville changing membership criteria. Symphony and the Blue Ridge Symphony, In addition to the two benefit concerts, and have appeared in the Asheville Art the Forum holds five general meetings Museum’s popular Pianoforte Series; they featuring outstanding lecturers on topics of also perform regularly in Symphony Guild interest to piano enthusiasts. These are open Musical Feasts. The Forum’s jazz pianists to the public. (Check the Forum’s website appear in many local and regional clubs. www.aapf.ws for a listing of this season’s programs and a list of local area piano teachers; also visit us at Asheville Area Piano iF The Asheville Are Piano Forum on Facebook.) Performance groups Forum’s 10th Anniversary are held monthly in members’ homes for YOU Fall Benefit Concert, members wishing to perform for a non-criti- gO September 26, 2010. Concert cal audience. Students have performance begins at 3 p.m. at Diana opportunities through Forum-sponsored Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack student recitals and those who need financial Square, Asheville, NC. assistance to continue their piano study are Tickets: adults $20; patrons $50; students eligible for student assistance awards. 13-21 years $5; children 12 and under The pianists in the Forum not only admitted free. Call (828) 257-4530 to reserve donate their services to the Piano Forum tickets.Tickets also available at the door and but also to other arts venues. The Forum at SoliClassica (828) 277-4111.

HandS in HaRMOnY: tHe COnCeRt Join us as we celebrate Tim Barn- iF YOU gO: Tuesday, September 14 at well’s photographs with performances by 7 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre, www. David Holt, Wayne Henderson, Laura dwtheatre.com. $10 General Admission. Boosinger, Don Pedi, Bruce Greene $8 Museum Members + Students. and others. Enjoy the music along with Photographs by Tim Barnwell on view projections of Barnwell’s captivating im- through October 10, 2010 at the Asheville ages. The artists will be available after the Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square. concert for a book and CD signing.

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 17

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Illuminating the Gourds of Art

ocal artist Jon Dennis uses BY DENNIS RAY wood or gourds to carve out the hours a day five or six life he sees here days every week. inL the mountains of “A few years ago Western North Carolina. my wife suggested I He captures the falling of might try and put lights leaves, the snapping of a in the gourds. She had trout jumping in a river seen a fountain and had or the graceful move- gotten the idea. So we ments of a butterfly as it tried a few different absconds into flight, all cordless types and found through his detailed carv- some that really looked ings. His sculptures are as good and we knew we much about movement, were on to something.” as they are about his love The light illuminates of nature. through the top of the His subjects may gourd and through the be varied but his style spaces where he has is uniquely his own. A made cutouts of leaves style that is both mature or flowers and these and youthful in spirit. beautiful shapes shine Every piece reflects life in against the ceiling and the mountains, captures walls of the room. “The feeling with symbols of Carved gourds by Jon Dennis gourds are perfect as each season, he allows the nightlights or to illumi- viewer to ruminate on their own memories. nate a corner or shelving.” Each piece tells a story and the story it tells With the addition of the lights his is different for everyone. gourds have exceeded in demand and even Today, Dennis carves mostly on gourds being as prolific as he is, Dennis finds it but also loves to carve from wood, his hard to keep up. original love. But gourds tend to be his most As to why he figures they sell faster popular and most recognizable form of his with the added lights, he says, “Most work, so for now they are his main focus. folks like functional art. They like how When he does choose to carve wood he the (gourds) create mood with shadows. chooses “Whatever I can get my hands on,” People also like the way light can change but prefers aspen, butternut, and cotton- art, making it more striking, creating an wood, for their ease in carving and for their almost different piece, the way lights can lustrous almost translucent textures. change a sculpture in a garden. Light is Art has always been a part of Dennis’s itself the purest art. life, but not always his livelihood. As a kid Light, throughout literature, has been he loved art and was fascinated by sculptures used as the symbol of life. Dennis uses light Fine Art and paintings and enjoyed them almost as within his art like a soul or perhaps a dream that is endlessly waiting to escape. And that High Quality much as he loved the great outdoors. But life has a way of cutting its own trench and too, as to what it is and what it symbolizes, Furnishings sometimes we have no choice but to follow. is up to each viewer. Pottery In ’75 although he graduated with a BFA The shell of the gourd, when dried, has from the University of Georgia he would a wooden appearance but has no grain. It spend the next 25 years as a paramedic and varies in thickness from paper-thin to well firefighter in metro Atlanta, dreaming of over an inch. “I prefer using a thicker gourd someday building a cabin in the woods and because they carve better.” living off the land. He explains that cutting open a dried “I loved being a paramedic,” he says. gourd can present hazards; the result- “Those were very good years. I loved living ing dust is extremely fine and can cause near Atlanta, but I also loved getting away respiratory problems, and requires adequate from Atlanta, away from the heat and the protection, which he is careful to use. busy fast moving life and we’d come up “It is quite pleasing to take an ordi- here to the mountains every year. Been do- nary gourd and turn it into something of ing that since ’71 or ’72.” beauty. I’m always surprised and dazzled as In 2001 he and his wife finally built it transforms into something new,” he says. that log cabin on Sheepback Mountain just Each gourd is elaborately carved and then 29 Biltmore Ave. Exclusive Parking in the Rear outside of Maggie Valley. “It’s literally awe stained. After the stain is dried he goes Located between Mast General Store and Doc Chey’s. inspiring out here,” he says. “Everyday I’m back and rubs in the different colors of the inspired to work.” Which he does with an carved leaves or flowers or butterflies. The (828) 281-4044 :: www.vandykejewelry.com industrious determination, working seven ‘Gourds’ continued on next page

18 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS Discover the Best of Regional Craft fine art A Celebration of Southern Appalachian Culture

he 30th Annual Heritage Weekend BY APRIL NANCE will be held September 18-19 at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Joiner Barbara Jewelry: Folk Art Center. This free Tfestival sponsored by the Southern Highland Craft Guild features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. Allanstand Craft Shop A highlight of the weekend at the Folk Art Center is the 30th Annual World Gee Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC Haw Whimmy Diddle Competi- Open Daily 9am-6pm | 828-298-7928 tion on Saturday, from 2 to 3 p.m. Joe “Colonel Buncombe” Bly will emcee the competition. Learn from area experts about Guild Crafts beekeeping, canning and preserv- 930 Tunnel Road/Hwy 70, Asheville, NC ing, coopering, heritage toy mak- Blue-Eyed Girl Photo: Stewart Stokes Open Mon.-Sat: 10am-6pm | 828-298-7903 ing, blacksmithing, natural dyeing, spinning, quilting, whittling, basket weaving with traditional mountain dancing. and folk pottery. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center is the ideal place for Heritage Weekend with plenty of free parking, access to hiking trails and grassy areas for a picnic. Spend an early autumn weekend in WNC The Southern Highland Craft Guild is authorized to provide services on the Blue Ridge Parkway honoring and learning about crafts of yester- under the authority of a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. year while enjoying the beauty of the region. For more information, including a list of participating craftspeople and musicians, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.

iF A Celebration of Southern Practicing for the Whimmy Diddle Appalachian Culture, 30th YOU Annual Heritage Weekend. Competition Photo: Stewart Stokes gO September 18-19. Hours: Musical entertainment will include Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. & the polished sounds of Buncombe Turn- Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Folk Art pike as well as Blue Eyed Girl. The Apple Center, Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Chill Cloggers will thrill the audience Asheville, NC.

‘Gourds’ continued from page 18 passed down for generations,” he adds. Who knows, perhaps some future archaeologist final look is nothing less than amazing. might find one of his gourds and will learn a Dennis continues his studies at the little bit about our lives here and understand Haywood Community College woodcarv- a little more about who we were. ing program and consults closely with Cliff If art is the capturing of life, the captur- Hannah, a world ing of the seasons, the capturing of mo- champion carver. ments for us to reflect upon years later, then Dennis’s work our need for art is more than ethereal, it has won awards becomes our only accurate means to com- in wood carving municate with the future. competitions and His work can be seen at Twigs and is held in private Leaves in Historic Downtown Waynesville. collections. He is a member of the National Wood Carvers Associa- twigs and Leaves tion. 98 north Main St., Waynesville, nC 28786 “My art, (828) 56-190 like most, is www.twigsandleaves.com Carved gourd by for enjoyment Hours: Monday - Saturday 10-5:0 p.m. Sunday 1- p.m. (seasonal) Jon Dennis today but can be

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 19

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS 2010-2011 SEASON Daniel Meyer, Music Director explore asheville

7£ÊUÊ- */ ,Ê£n]ÊÓä£ä "* Ê / New Park Brings More /V >ÛÃÞ Suite from “An exciting, Sleeping Beauty boundary-defining People Downtown -âÞ>ÜÃ Violin Concerto No.1 performer” Rachel Barton Pine, violin – Washington Post SA Today along `iÌ Symphonic with numerous BY DENNIS RAY Metamorphosis national publications ranks Talk of improving Asheville as one of and expanding the park’s Uthe most ideal places to live green space and making it SINGLE SPONSORS and retire in the country – a more accessible and safe TICKETS testament that the down- to the public was often Rachel Barton Pine FOR ALL town revitalization move- brought up during city CONCERTS ment over the past 30 years meetings and in planning " /" ,ÊUÊ "6 , ON SALE paid off. Asheville is valued groups. 7ÓÊUÊ" /" ,Ê£È]ÊÓä£äÊ NOW! for its Art Deco buildings, “In 1999 a water iiÌ Ûi½ÃÊ ÀV> exciting performing arts leak under a street in Walton Crown Imperial March scene, diverse restaurants, Pack Square brought the iÀÕ`> Trumpet Concerto Mark Clodfelter, trumpet galleries, shopping centers topic out in the open once Û >iÃÃ Prayer of St. Gregory and now the newly finished again,” says Giniat. “Be- Mark Clodfelter, trumpet cause it required exten- iiÌ Ûi Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” 6.5-acre Pack Square Park. “Locals and tour- sive repairs to update the 7ÎÊUÊ "6°ÊÓä]ÊÓä£ä ists already tell us how waterlines people saw an Ê `ÃÕiÀÊ } Ì½ÃÊ Ài>Ê much they love the park,” Julia Burr railing opportunity to talk about ÜÌ Ê Ê-Ì>}iÊ ° says Gary Giniat, Execu- updating the park.” tive Director of Pack Square Conservancy, Citizens launched a discussion about the non-profit which renovated the park. creating a more centralized and pedestrian rwww.ashevillesymphony.org “There are several water features, artworks friendly public park incorporating Pack and gathering places; also, a performance Square and City-County Plaza. A lengthy stage for outdoor concerts. Our landscape discussion ensued between the community, architect, Fred Bonci of LaQuatra Bonci As- business leaders and elected officials about sociates designed a dramatic showcase!” how to approach this problem. Giniat, who grew up in Chicago and The solution in October 2000 estab- resettled here in 2009, experienced firsthand lished Pack Square Conservancy as the non- the positive impact city parks have on both profit organization charged with designing, locals and visitors. building and funding the new park. “A well designed park,” he says, “offers “The citizenry wanted vibrant street life a city beauty, comfort, pride and individual- both for the fun of it and to attract busi- ity. “It’s as important to the city’s identity as ness,” says Giniat. “I the architecture or climate. We owe a lot to believe we’ve blended George Pack and his foresightedness.” the two quite well.” In 1901 philanthropist George Willis The Conser- Pack gave the county a plot of land for a new vancy’s mission is to courthouse on College Street. The terms of enhance and protect his generous gift required the county to use Pack Square Park as the land where the old courthouse stood as a vital urban green a city park for people of Asheville “forever.” space celebrating The park that bears his name underwent Asheville’s unique several transformations during the past 100 historic, economic, years, but remains steadfast as a symbol of and cultural character. Asheville’s perseverance. The City oversees the park and issues all permits for its use. Splasheville is “We plan to be the coolest place around for a long time in town. making certain this park continues to serve as a showcase for our city.” Splasheville, in front of the new stage, is the coolest place in town, especially on a hot day. The computerized interactive water feature fills the park with sounds of splash- ing water and laughing children. “We come here almost every day,” says Sharon Anderson of North Asheville. “My kids prefer the fountain to the pubic pool and I love just spending the day in the city. I catch Hoss Haley fountain in Pack Square

20 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS explore asheville

A 2001 Associated Press poll of 50 top executives of Fortune 500 companies rated quality of life — including parks and recreation, traffic, and climate — as one of the most important factors they consider when relocating. up on my reading as the kids play. After, we all grab something to eat, do a little shopping and sometimes take in a play or movie. This is something (referring to Splasheville) they should have built years ago.” “Four regional artists designed original works for the park,” Giniat says point- ing to hundreds of colorful tiles, created by Weaverville ceramicist Kathy Triplett, which adorn the back wall of the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage. They repeat the feather motif on the façade of Asheville’s art deco City Hall and echo the color palette of that landmark building. Smaller Pergola and County Building tiles created by Buncombe County school children feature stylized plant forms and textured, pebble-like surfaces suggesting FRee COnCeRt the region’s rocky terrain. The Asheville Symphony Orchestra West Asheville sculptor Hoss Haley and Pack Square Conservancy will created the attractive stainless steel pergola present a world-class concert in Pack forming the backdrop to the stage in front Square Park, Monday, September 6. of the County Courthouse and City Hall. His massive bronze and stone fountain in front of the Asheville Art Museum became a celebrated attraction as soon as the four-ton bronze ring was put in place. Water flows from grooves in the ring and cascades over the outer edge of the circle, much to the delight of the young and the young-at-heart. Like all the fountains in Pack Square Park, Asheville Symphony Music this one is turned off during cold weather Director, Daniel Meyer and reactivated in the spring. A whimsical railing encircles part of In celebration of the Symphony’s Reuter Terrace in the middle of the park. Its 50th Anniversary, members of the creator, Julia Burr of Black Mountain, says Symphony will perform on the new it’s all about the draw, “the pull people feel Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage in the toward our city.” Roger McGuire Green. The concert will be conducted by Symphony Music Director Daniel Meyer, featuring light classical selections including Rossini’s Finale to the William Tell Overture, Bizet’s Suite from Carmen, and selections from Rogers and Hammerstein, John Williams, and Sousa. Starting at 7 p.m. music will fill the park for 90 minutes. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, a picnic, and find a space on the lawn for free. Or, sit in Shindig on the Green comfort with a reserved seat up close to the performers for $20. Tickets to A bronze sculpture of a seated woman, a V.I.P. pre-concert reception with created by Jodi Hollnagel-Jubran of eastern hors d’oeuvres and beverages, plus North Carolina, draws visitors to the Vet- preferred seating are $50 and must be erans’ Memorial near the stage. The work purchased by September 2. A rain date represents the families of men and women is set for Tuesday, September 7. in the armed forces who worry and must iF YOU gO: Visit the Symphony wait at home. website at www.ashevillesymphony. “The overall design of the park is rather org or call (828) 254-7046 for more stunning,” says Ted Miller of Black Moun- information about the concert and to tain. “I love the way the park blends right purchase tickets. into the city. Everything is in harmony.”

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 21

prints color "4)&7*--&"3&"1*"/0'036. RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE live music

UI "OOJWFSTBSZ SCOttiSH FOLK pHenOMenOn Dougie MacLean on stage Thursday, 'BMM#FOF¾U Dougie Maclean September 23 maker,” is a collection $PODFSU he Diana Wortham Theatre of acoustic versions of BY JOHN ELLIS at Pack Place kicks off its MacLean’s songs filmed 4FQUFNCFS 2010/2011 Mainstage Series at Dougie’s home in But- CFHJOOJOHBU1. with a performance by Dougie Festival Theatre. terstone near Dunkeld in MacLean, 8 p.m., Thursday, MacLean’s unique the beautiful Tay Valley of 1FSGPSNJOHUIF$MBTTJDTBOE+B[[JO TSeptember 23 at the Diana Wortham blend of roots-based Scotland, and performed 4PMPBOE5XP1JBOP.VTJD Theatre at Pack Place in downtown songwriting and with various members of 'FBUVSJOH"TIFWJMMF"SFB1JBOP'PSVN Asheville. instrumental com- his band. .FNCFSTBOE(VFTU"SUJTUT Dougie MacLean, considered by position combine for unique, meaningful and *O.FNPSZPG many to be Scotland’s pre-eminent Mainstage Special %JBOB8PSUIBN5IFBUSF "OUIPOZ$PMJO)BZXBSE singer-songwriter and one of the emotion-filled music. His songs have 4PVUI1BDL4RVBSF "TIFWJMMF #FOF¾UJOH""1' been covered by hosts of artists, and iF Attractions Series $IBSJUBCMFBOE country’s greatest musical treasures, presents Dougie &EVDBUJPOBM is one of the most requested return- his “Caledonia” has become one of YOU "DUJWJUJFT MacLean, September ing performers in Diana Wortham Scotland’s most popular contemporary gO 23, 2010 at 8 p.m. Theatre’s Mainstage Series. Highly songs. MacLean’s music has been used Diana Wortham popular with Asheville audiences, in Hollywood films (e.g. his melody Theatre at Pack Place. Tickets: MacLean has built an international “The Gael” is heard in The Last of Regular $35; Seniors $33; Students reputation as a songwriter, composer, the Mohicans), has been recorded by $30, Student Rush day-of-the-show and extraordinary performer at con- hundreds of artists worldwide, and (with valid ID) $10. Info/Tickets: Box "EVMU"ENJTTJPO 1JBOP1BUSPOT certs and festivals worldwide including been the subject of three BBC televi- Office (828) 257-4530 or visit www. 4UVEFOUTUP 4UVEFOUTBOEVOEFS'SFF New York’s Carnegie Hall, Glasgow’s sion music-documentaries. Dougie dwtheatre.com. Artist website: www. Royal Concert Hall and London’s MacLean’s new DVD release, “Song- dougiemaclean.com $BMM UP3FTFSWF5JDLFUT 5JDLFUTBMTPBWBJMBCMFBUUIFEPPS Award-Winning “Newgrass” Quintet Bearfoot

he young, award-win- BY JOHN ELLIS ning, string quintet aiCFF tiCKetS On SaLe nOW Bearfoot, will perform Tickets to the 2nd Annual Asheville International “new-timey,” “post- Windows served as a turning Children’s Film Festival (AICFF) go on sale Septem- bluegrass,” “string point for the band; by the end Tband music for the 21st cen- of the year the band members ber 1 for the festival which will take place November 1-14, 2010. tury,” or “newgrass.” Whatever were ready to relocate outside The largest the name, there’s a revolution of Alaska in favor of a mostly children’s film under way where string band Nashville residence. festival in the traditions meet youthful cre- Under the wing of the Southeast, AICFF ativity, and Bearfoot epitomizes respected Nashville produc- celebrates the the movement. tion company Compass best and brightest The quintet, originally Records, Bearfoot launched in international from Alaska, have already made itself completely into the children’s cinema a mark with four strong re- musical territory it had already Creature Comforts with a 14-day leases and appearances at major begun to explore, and sealed the deal with the acquisition extravaganza of more than 100 films from 30 countires. festivals, winning the acclaimed Bearfoot performs live Saturday, September 25 This year’s fes- Telluride Bluegrass Band of two new members already tival includes contest in 2001. Now, as they Jorgenson is joined by an equally making names for themselves an impressive enter their second decade with a new talented crew of performers: Angela as spectacularly gifted young players, blend of pro- Nashville home and a new lineup, Oudean on fiddle/vocals; Jason Norris providing the perfect foundation for a grams, includ- Bearfoot have taken their place among on mandolin/vocals; Sam Grisman group headed straight into the future. ing animation, the best and brightest of a new genera- on bass, and Jake Stargel on guitar. tion of musicians reshaping American Together they are at the forefront of features, shorts, Mainstage Bluegrass historical films, roots music. a cultural shift that includes the past, Fiddler and lead vocalist Odessa iF Series presents children’s jury, present and future of bluegrass music. Bearfoot, Saturday, Jorgenson joined Bearfoot shortly and hands-on Bearfoot’s latest release, Doors YOU September 25, at 8 workshops for before work on Doors and Windows And Windows, debuted at the top of gO p.m. Diana Wortham began. Fresh from a two year stint Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart On My Way the filmmakers Theatre at Pack Place. of tomorrow. with the popular Weaverville, NC- in the spring of 2009 and features top Tickets: Regular $30; Seniors based Biscuit Burners, she helped the musicians of the genre: Andy Hall of $28; Students $25, Student Rush day- iF YOU gO: For tickets and more group to focus more on vocals while The Infamous Stringdusters playing of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. Info/ information visit www.aicff.org or adding her strong fiddle resume, dobro; banjo virtuoso Alison Brown; Tickets: Box Office (828) 257-4530 or call (828) 298-4789. which extends back to classical training Andrea Zonn of the James Taylor and visit www.dwtheatre.com. and extensive performance with youth Band on fiddle; and Larry Atamanuik symphony and chamber orchestra. on drums. The release of Doors and visit www.bearfootband.com

22 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE live music

Dave Desmelik Opening for Richard Buckner BY JAMES CASSARA

sheville singer/songwriter Dave De- Rapid River: Talk a bit about the shows and Dave Desmelik onstage smelik recently returned from his the tour in general. Wednesday, September 8 at the Grey Eagle. first overseas jaunt, playing a series dave desmelik: Our recent UK tour was an of concerts throughout the United incredible and valuable experience. Joining Kingdom. It was Desmelik’s op- me on the lap steel guitar was Josh Gibbs friends, the chance to hear, Aportunity to perform in front of an audience meet, and network with and his mournful, yet spirited playing was who, through the wonders of the Internet, a great compliment to the songs we per- some great musicians. were already familiar with his music. formed. I felt we had a very positive recep- Since landing back on our shores De- RR: Were there any bits of tion everywhere we played. The kind folks culture shock? smelik has continued to stay busy, playing a in England, Wales, and Scotland were ap- number of local and regional gigs while rel- preciative and eager to support independent dd: None at all, and we ishing in his most important role: as father to music. We got the opportunity to play some didn’t die driving on the his sixteen month old son Holmes. Desmelik, great venues such as the famous Halfmoon left side of the road in who later this month will open for Richard Putney in London, where such names as London directly after get- Buckner at the Grey Eagle, kindly shared Roger Daltry, Ray Davies, and Keith Rich- ting off the plane in the some reflections about his recent adventures. ards have performed, as well as the popular midst of the narrow lanes Belladrum Festival in the Highlands of and double decker buses. Scotland and numerous other shows. Just like the movies! Desmelik’s song “If It’s Good For You” was RR: How were the audiences? RR: Any new songs come out of the trip? chosen as one of the dd: Amazing! The gracious people, the land- dd: Not yet, but I can feel it coming based Dave Desmelik opening Top 25 Songs of 2010 scapes, and simply being in a different part of on the UK experience. It [songwriting] kind iF for Richard Buckner at the by Indie-Music.com. the world was humbling and will surely be a of comes in waves for me; it seems especially YOU Grey Eagle on Wednesday, Buy Desmelik’s new CD, Onlooker source of inspiration. We gained knowledge in the last couple years. It can be sporadic. I gO September 8 at 8:30 p.m. $10 at Karmasonics, 19 Biltmore Ave. in know though in my gut there are UK songs advance / $12 day of show. Asheville, (828) 259-9949. on how to go back in the future and build on the good reception we received. Lots of new that will come to life.

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 2

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview HART presents the Southern Comedy Catfish Moon

ART’s next play never played Broadway, or even New York, but it is one of the most popular com- edies being done today. “Catfish Moon” by Laddy Sartin tells the Hstory of a group of close friends who have had a break up and are working towards a reconciliation, or trying to. The entire thing is set on a fishing pier complete with cooler, beer, rods, lawn chairs and a full moon and plenty of laughs: An appropriate way to spend a summer evening. “Catfish Moon” was written by Laddy Sartin, currently a resident of Rock Hill Jackie Webb, Jack Ross, and Tom South Carolina and a Mississippi native. Dewees in “Catfish Moon.” Sartin holds a BFA in Theatre from the received national attention. The play was University of Southern Mississippi. An ac- also produced by the University of Southern tor and stage technician as well as a writer, Mississippi in September 1993 and by West Sartin has worked in theatre for the past two Georgia College in February 1994. decades. In the 1970’s and 80’s he appeared HART’s production is being directed as an actor on a number of TV series includ- by Allison Stinson and will feature Jessica ing “Matlock,” but then he became a father Bachar, Tom Dewees, Jackie Webb and Jack and things changed. His wife had been the Ross. This is a feel good comedy that will family’s principal money maker as a theatre leave you with some things to ponder and technician working on “A Chorus Line” but a greater appreciation for a full moon on a the family decided to leave the city and take summer night. a different direction. Sartin had been writing for years and he dug back into his trunk and found parts of what would become two celebrated plays, “Blessed Assurance” and iF HART presents “Catfish “Catfish Moon. Moon” by Laddy Sartin, Sartin was the 1991-92 recipient of the YOU Directed by Allison Stinson. North Carolina Arts Council’s Playwrit- gO September 2, 3, 4 at 7:30 p.m. ing Fellowship, the state’s most prestigious and September 5 at 3pm. individual artist award and then “Blessed As- Tickets are $18 for Adults, $16 for surance” was selected for the Eudora Welty Seniors, Student/child $8 with special $5 New Play Series at New Stage Theatre in discount tickets for Students for Thursday Jackson, Mississippi, and was performed and Sunday performances. there in March 1995. Box Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 1-5 In the fall of 1992 “Blessed Assur- p.m. Call (828) 456-6322 for reservations. ance” was produced by Catawba College Tickets available online at www.harttheatre. in Salisbury, NC, and was their entry in com. Performing Arts Center at the Shelton the American College Theatre Festival and House, 250 Pigeon St. Waynesville, NC.

Bring in this Ad and We’ll Take 15% Off Your Order Excluding Alcohol 1 Coupon Per Table (828) 236-9800 Delicious Open 7 Days a Week Hoagies & Pretzels Fresh-Baked Calzones 50 Broadway ~ Asheville, NC Specialty Pizzas • Spring Water Dough • Salads Wireless Vegan Soy Cheese, and other Vegetarian Options! Internet Access!

2 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1

prints color RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE joe’s brew notes A Beer Dinner Where “Plow to Pint Meets Farm to Table” hen the Thirsty Monk’s also removed the creative shackles the Fullsteam logo. His an- BY JOE ZINICH Pint House (monkpub.com) from Carolina’s craft brewers and swers were, “if the F weren’t advertised this dinner, I was gave beer fans ready access to new backwards, you wouldn’t have interested. When I read the about his background, “Pop styles. asked me about it.” The second details, I had to go. The event the Cap”, and the concept for Soon after attending a Great answer, “Our brewery revels in the past Wpresented the opportunity to speak with Fullsteam’s beers. American Beer Festival, Sean de- looking forward. “The F shows direction Sean Lilly Wilson of “Pop the Cap” fame, Born in New Jersey, Sean cided to showcase the top 5 NC and momentum, but from a contrarian, taste his Fullsteam Brewery’s “plow to pint”, graduated from Wheaton Col- beers from that festival at a num- backwards-looking starting position.” In southern-style beer, and enjoy the “farm to lege, IL and then earned an ber of tastings and dinners. At essence, the logo is good marketing, but it is table” food created by Asheville’s nationally MBA and a Master of Public one dinner he met home-brewer also reflects his creative, dynamic approach recognized chef Mark Rosenstein. A “can’t Policy from Duke University. Chris Davis. Over time they dis- to the brewing industry. miss” and it didn’t. After Duke, he worked at a cussed Sean’s idea to make beer Sean is a visionary, a person who Chef Mark’s food was as delicious as variety of jobs that included with local, seasonal, and organic believes in “what if” not “what is” and is it was creative (see menu, sidebar). He is Durham’s renowned slow-food Fullsteam ingredients like persimmons driven to achieve. He wants Fullsteam to the former owner and executive chef of restaurant the Magnolia Grill Brewing’s CEO or grits; use distinctly southern be a landmark brewery known for distinctly the Market Place restaurant in downtown and All About Beer Magazine. (Chief Executive foods to make distinctly southern southern flavors and styles. He foresees a Asheville and a pioneer in Asheville’s slow- Both had significant influence Optimist) Sean beers. That beer, with familiar time when all the ingredients in his beers are food movement. The food served that night on his life and future. At the Lilly Wilson flavors, could be an excellent way grown locally and is dedicated to help make was from farms within 50 miles of Asheville. restaurant he came to appreciate to introduce Southerners to craft that happen. I would not bet against him. Also, most of the beers Sean provided used the slow food movement – the value of local beer and help them connect the agricultural What a wonderful evening at a great ingredients from NC farms. My plan for foods and agriculture – and at the magazine side of beer with the industrial side. Their event filled with interesting stories, savory the dinner was to taste the beer and the food where the idea for “Pop the Cap” developed. conversations and ideas became the basis beer, and delicious food. Can’t wait till the separately and then in combination. He and co-workers agreed NC’s 6% alcohol for the philosophy and identity of a new next time. The El Toro cream ale was my favorite cap prevented too many of the world’s most brewery. beer of the evening. It was a refreshing beer flavorful beer styles from reaching NC beer Fullsteam (fullsteam.ag) is run by CEO made with roasted corn grits (25% of the lovers. They decided to get the law changed (chief executive optimist) Sean, zymolo- From plow to pint meets fermentable base) light in color and body. and formed “Pop the Cap” as a non-profit gist (fermentation skills) Chris, and opera- My favorite food was the carver-braised Im- with Sean in a leadership role. tions manager Brooks Hamaker (former Farm to table: the Menu ladris Farms rabbit ragout. And my favorite What started with a few people soon Abita head brewer). Their brewery has two grew to 35 and then, with hard work and Warm up: Curry Tossed Roasted pairing was the First Frost wild persimmon distinct series of beers, Plow-to-Pint and Vegetable from Mountain Harvest ale (20 pounds of persimmon in the mash) dedication, became thousands. In less than Worker’s-Compensation. Plow-to-Pint 3 years the law was changed and the cap was Organics & Full Sun Farms paired and the cinnamon and chili scone with dried brews are not bound by tradition or style with El Toro cream ale (made with cranberry and fresh peach compote. An increased to 15%. As Sean says, “We called, and are crafted with Southern-farmed ingre- we wrote, we conquered. We Popped the roasted NC corn grits) and Rocket unexpected (persimmons, chili, dessert ??) dients. Worker’s-Compensation brews are Science IPA. and tasty surprise. Cap.” The change opened economic mar- true-to-style, easy-drinking, session beers. Before the dinner, I spoke with Sean kets for brewers, pubs, and beer stores. It I asked Sean about the backward F in First Course: Basil and chive East for Farm egg salad on Farm & Spar- row whole wheat toast served with lum ice cream with MaLt (Mountain Ale and Lager Tasters; Summer Basil (made with local basil) BReW neWS Craggie’s Antebel- maltsters.org), Asheville’s home brew farmhouse ale. lum Ale. Proceeds club, hosts the 12th annual Blue Ridge Second Course: Carver Braised Brusin’ ales (brusin-ales.com) will benefit the Brew Off competition with the help and Imlardris Farms Rabbit Ragout and will serve a variety of beer YMCA of Western support of the fine people of Highland roasted Sweet Potato with Sage Blue floats that feature ice cream North Carolina. Brewery, September 11. Open to home Hill Farms Grit Cakes paired with from The Hop Ice Cream Cafe brewers from across the nation, it is a French Broad Carver Sweet Potato Beer (made with (thehopicecreamcafe.com) on qualifying event for the prestigious North NC sweet potatoes). September 3. Also, join them Brewery (french- American Masters Championship of Ama- on September 30 for an Abita broadbrewery.com) teur Brewing (MCAB) and is sanctioned Third course: Black tea, jasmine beer tasting that includes Save Food, friends, fun and beer. introduced their by the Beer Judge Certification Program rice and hickory smoked, barbecued Our Shore Charitable Pilsner Life is good. LAAFF (Lexington organization (BJCP). Sunburst Trout kohlrabi and nappa (SOS), a German Weizen Avenue Art and Fun Although the judging is not open to cabbage slaw paired with Hogwash (wheat) Pils. Abita is donating $0.75 from Festival) Ale in anticipation of the festival the public, the contest keeps the Asheville hickory-smoked porter (made with each bottle to the cause. Proceeds from on September 5. The beer is an unfiltered beer scene in the news and all the net house smoked barley). the sale of related retail items with also be pale ale crafted with 40 pounds of hops hand proceeds from the over 500 (expected) Dessert: Cinnamon and Chili scone donated. picked at the Winding River Hop Farm in entries help support the non-profit with dried cranberry & fresh peach Canton, NC. Enjoy the beer at the brewery “Helpmate” which support victims of compote served with First Frost wild Craggie Brewing (craggiebrewingco. or the festival. Also, look for their Zepptem- com) presents its Hendo Schwarzweiss, domestic violence. Kudos to both MALT persimmon ale (made with local berfest Ale, a savory twist on the Octoberfest and Highland. persimmons). a German-style black-wheat beer with lager style. The beer is a German pale ale subtle chocolate undertones and a with caramel malts and noble hops. the thirsty Monk (monkpub.com) pres- fresh applewood bitterness in the finish ents its version of a beer festival - Thirsty (3.7%). It’s a 100% wheat beer made Highland Brewing (highlandbrewing.com) Fest. Over 35 kegs and 3 casks of rare, For eight years, Joe zinich with chocolate- and white-wheat malts has released Brandon’s Kolsch created by unique, and obscure beers from across has been taking a self- aged on applewood from a Henderson- Highland Cup winner Brandon Dana. This the U.S. are available for your tasting guided, high-intensity tour ville orchard. Visit on September 23 for limited edition beer is delicious and will pleasure. The event began August 30 and of the asheville beer scene. the ice cream float night that features definitely go fast. Their Clawhammer Okto- continues till the kegs are gone. No cost Contact him at: jzinich@ The Hop Ice Cream Cafe’s Antebel- berfest seasonal is now available as well. to enter; just pay for the beer you drink. bellsouth.net.

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE contemplation & creativity Open Studio Tour at My Art-Filled Dream House Grovewood Gallery ReaL OR iMagined, tHeRe’S a pLaCe FOR eveRYtHing

oin the national celebration of Ameri- Industries’ love gallery- can Craft Week by taking a self-guid- tradition browsing at BY GREG VINEYARD ed tour of Grovewood Studios on of sup- events like the October 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. porting RAD Studio not the breakfast Both Grovewood Gallery and local craft- Strolls and meat), Baldessari, J Grovewood Studios are housed in speople. IDowntown’s Art Cornell, Modi- the historic Biltmore Industries complex. Today, Walks. Whether gliani, Kandinsky Biltmore Industries originated as a craft renowned out on my own, (two-sided!) and school in 1901 to better the lives of the studio art- or enjoying the Gordon, just to economically deprived youth of the Ap- ists design additional reactions name a few… A Painter Jessica Stoddart palachian region. It soon grew and gained and create and perspectives of special room con- a variety my artistic friends, tains just one work of works in glass, clay, metal, wood, and it’s fun! on each wall by mixed media, in the same workshops But what I’m Basquiat, Bleck- in which the famous homespun fabrics REALLY doing is ner, O’Keefe and were once created. secretly working on Diebenkorn. Open Studio Tour is a free, self- …The House. A Equally guided tour of the 8 artists’ studios on the “Maison D’Art” in important is art by Grovewood grounds. The tour presents my head, dedicated family and friends. an opportunity for visitors to interact with to art collecting. Collage featuring “Original Sin I” My existing col- professional artists, see artwork at the It’s ever-changing acrylic on canvas by Ben Betsalel. lection includes source, and expose them to the rich talent due to the constant a small ceramic that Asheville has to offer. question: “Where would this go in ... (rever- bunny, pink footprints on paper, conté ent pause)…The House?” To play this crayon smudges on newsprint, photography, Artist Peg Morar game, there are only two rules. One: Money watercolors, drawings… all priceless. And in iF Tour Grovewood Studios is no object! And, Two: Re-designs are en- addition to my Williams, Stephens, Welch worldwide recognition for its hand- October 9 from 10 a.m. to couraged. Mine is ridiculously HUGE. It’s and other collections, I also have a stunning loomed fabrics. In its heyday, Biltmore YOU gO 4 p.m. Private appointments really an art museum. Only with bedrooms. shino cup by Marian Parkes. I keep it next Industries housed 40 working looms in for studio visits are welcome And without docents. Obviously, one has to to the Edith Heath. All of these real items steady operation. throughout the year. Visit suspend disbelief to enter into this conver- have special stories and sacred spaces both Grovewood Studios were estab- www.grovewood.com for more sation. Years ago, I kept seeing Disneyland in reality and in The House. lished in 1992, continuing the Biltmore information or call (828) 253-7651. designs as entryways. Now it’s more “Neu- tra Meets Mountains”. My latest floorplan overhaul is thanks A special room contains just to seeing one of Ben Betsalel’s large face one work on each wall… WiLLiaM King MUSeUM WeLCOMeS paintings. It struck me so deeply that my Foyer instantly morphed into an open solarium – this painting is the first visual As I walk around looking at and fall- Artist Theresa Markiw that my imaginary visitors would see when ing in love with humanity’s creations, I Theresa woodcarvings, pysanky (decorated Easter attending my imaginary dinner party. envision where each item would go, from Markiw’s eggs), and Byzantine icons. My formative This major shift in the rooms also Kitchen and Bath, to Bedrooms, to Gardens. works will be years of art study heightened an appre- features a Lisa Clague figurative sculpture. However, M.B.A.’s (“Master Bedroom on display at ciation of nature and a capacity for close And a large Eric Knoche ceramic work in Acquisitions”) need to pass “The 2 AM the Willliam observation. My current work synthesizes the Bathroom Foyer (YES, my fabulous Test”. There’s a lot of amazing artwork on King Mu- these varied interests and influences with fake bathroom has its own foyer!). A Brian the planet that’s also somewhat unnerving; seum in Ten- a love of simple objects, which serve as Mashburn apocalyptic landscape is in the if I wake up in the wee hours and Francis nessee from a vehicle for the articulation of multiple entry, over a Cynthia Wynn hallway table, Bacon startles me, it’s probably best to hang September 7 meanings and more complex truths, ideas where I set my non-existent house keys in him in another wing. Watercolor by Theresa a large Ben Owen III “copper penny shino” Art appreciation is rewarding – and Markiw, Apples and through Oc- and emotions.” dish. Richard Serra’s massive steel sheet art creating a sky’s-the-limit home in your head Nectarines. tober 3, 2010. is out back by the studio. It’s small-ish for to house all your favorite real and wish-list An opening For more information on reception will be held September 7 from iF him, only 100 tons. That way the Henry items keeps the brain stimulated. If I see William King Museum Moore doesn’t get dwarfed. And in this you in a gallery with a faraway look in your 6 to 8 p.m. call (276) 628-5005 or visit YOU 20,000 square foot vision, my art history and eyes, I’ll know what you’re doing. The Panoramic Gallery is the new- gO www.williamkingmuseum. est exhibition space on Level 3 of the org. William King artist biography library is directly over the Museum, which showcases works by local Museum is located at 415 temperature and humidity-controlled art storage vault. greg vineyard is an artist artists. Jurors for the gallery include Pro- Academy Drive in Abingdon. and creative consultant fessor Gary Aday and Polly Mallory along One wall is all about my George Ohr Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday; 10 collection. It’s a great fake story: I found in asheville’s River arts with guest juror Sara Cole. a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. district. He and his them all at flea markets. Each piece is worth “Art has always been at the center of Wednesday through Saturday; and 1 to 5 Ceramics for Contemplation my life,” Markiw says. “The arts and cul- p.m. Sunday. Free parking is available and $10,000, and you can touch them. ‘Cause in & Creativity can be found at ture of my Ukrainian upbringing strongly the facility is fully accessible. Admission is this alternate reality, no one is a klutz. The Constance Williams gallery, 9 Riverside dr. influenced me — the rich colors and in- $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, members and House also features Van Gogh, Dali, Pi- Open every day from 11 a.m. to p.m. visit tricate designs of Ukrainian embroideries, student free. casso, Calder… along with Bacon (Francis, www.CURvestudiosnC.com.

26 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE restaurants & wine Explore! Learn Something! – BeYOnd CaB and MeRLOt. tRY SOMetHing neW. little over a decade ago, I witnessed a However, an attempt to introduce, say, BY MICHAEL PARKER testy interaction between a sassy bis- a Montepulciano, is commonly challenged petite Sirah – Remember the story of the tro owner and an under-informed by an ignorant response like, “I don’t like negligent waiter and you will never again herbed tomato sauce around the clock and customer who ordered Zinfandel. Italian wine.” The people who say they like confuse this wine with Syrah. The historical a red that would go with such hearty food. The owner, serving, brought out a Cabernet Sauvignon, no matter what the name is Durif, and the berries are indeed The grapes are Negroamaro and Malvasia Ared wine. style, are the same ones who will shun an small. Tannic and spicy, this is a great match Nera, and the wine typically shows a dark “Excuse me,” the customer said, “I entire nation with thousands of years of for hearty food. color and exhibits an appetizing tartness. ordered a Zinfandel, and you have brought viticulture and infinite variety. Red wine from the wider region is simply me a red wine.” This can be extremely frustrating to called Rosso di Salento. “Yes,” the owner retorted, “You ordered those of us who know better. The world’s a Zinfandel, and I brought you a red wine.” variety of reds is enormous and infinitely douro – It is often a challenge to convince September events at The customer decided to leave, but not enjoyable. How do we encourage our fellow others that not all red wine from Portugal is the Weinhaus before saying, “Evidently, you know nothing wine drinkers to “boldly” explore? fortified and sweet. The nation also produc- about wine.” The question underscores the issues of es plenty of quality dry wine. On the steep, tuesday, September 1 Fast forward to the present. Our clarity and trust — you cannot be like the ultra-rocky slopes of the Douro, they have Marco’s Trattoria in Brevard will host customers and friends annually bemoan smug or ignorant servers. The question also to drive stakes into the ground in order to a fine wine dinner. Chef Marc Dambax Beaujolais, branding it all with the no-no implies travel, and the metaphor of travel is a plant vines. Typically medium bodied with will provide his always innovative and word of the wine world, Nouveau. A waiter fun, effective method of introduction. good texture, this red is often priced very delicious cuisine for us. The evening recently explained Petite Sirah. “It’s Syrah, low, but an increasing number of Douro begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $65 all inclusive. Please call the Weinhaus for but the grapes are smaller.” A dessert recipe Consider these reliable and winemakers are working to create noble reds reservations at (828) 254-6453. for strawberries in red wine recommends recommended regional wines that merit a higher price. using especially fruity reds, including “red Beaujolais – Fact: there is a lot of Beaujolais With odd grape names like Bastardo, Friday, September 2 Zinfandel.” that is not Nouveau, and it is a good choice Mourisco Tinto, Tinta Cao, and many oth- Friday night flights at the Weinhaus Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz. No one for drinkers who seek a lighter style with lots ers, it may not be worth it to memorize them will feature The Kiwi Challenge, an questions or confuses their color. In spite of up-front fruit. Unfortunately, the annual (except for the one with the funny name). exploration of New Zealand’s finest. of the fact that each of these varietals come marketing of the Nouveau is as unfair to the The price is $10 for a tasting of four in cheap, medium, and bold versions, that image of Beaujolais as MTV’s “Jersey Shore” wines and light hors d’ouvres. From 5 to These grape varietals deserve to wood barrel and fruit flavors greatly vary is to the image of the Garden State. The 7 p.m. at the Weinhaus, 86 Patton Ave. be better known from label to label, buyers continue to invest grape of this French Appellation is Gamay. Asheville. in the comfort of a familiar word like Merlot Unlike Nouveau, regular Beaujolais can and Mourvèdre – This wine could easily become Wednesday, September 22 and will say, whatever they get, that they like should be aged, although it does not age as the favorite of anyone who pursues rich, The Orchard at the Broadmoor Country what they get. long as bolder reds. earthy, masculine red. It is a value to reds Club will present a wine dinner featuring There are many that are estate bottled, from the Rhone Valley in France, and is also the fine cuisine of chef Kenville of usually indicated by “Chateau” on the label, grown very successfully in California and Vincenzo’s fame. The dinner will be and they are often marketed by a négociant Australia. The Spanish call it Monastrell. held on the terrace overlooking the like Georges Duboeuf (whose name actually lovely French Broad River Valley. The Slow Food asheville’s adds a little to your challenge). nebbiolo – Typically with a whiff of violets evening begins at 7 p.m. The cost is $65 Mountain Fire Fundraiser and earth, plus layers of flavors including all inclusive. Please call the Weinhaus for Salice Salentino – It’s actually fun to raspberries, Nebbiolo is a deservedly famous reservations at (828) 254-6453. Gourmet dinner and silent auction introduce this wine as from the heel of wine of northwest Italy, and it also grows to support WNC delegates attending Italy. The rocky, ancient Mediterranean well in California. Nebbiolo is most often The Weinhaus the interna- land’s end of Italy, Puglia, unsurprisingly found under the prestigious Italian labels 86 Patton Avenue in Asheville tional Slow produces a red that is best described as rus- of Barolo and Barbaresco, and the lesser (828) 254-6453 Food confer- tic. Think of a Puglian chef simmering an known Gattinara and Ghemme. ence in Turin, Italy. During Slow Food Asheville’s fundraiser, Great values & styles you will have an opportunity to eat a home-grown, FREE Wine Tastings on Saturdays gourmet feast and bid on fine, local products and services. Experience from 2 to 5 p.m. for yourself this intentionally slower lifestyle centered around sustain- Tasting wine is not only fun, but it presents a chance to learn about able farming and heirloom produc- wine and what it is about a particular wine that you like, or don't tion techniques. like. You can sip while you shop. Find some new favorites — try it before you buy it. We will usually have a few whites and a few iF YOU gO: Event held at Sunswept reds open, with the occassional guest speaker. Please stop by! Farm Conservancy, (828) 622-7145, www.sunsweptfarm.net. Tickets: www.theashevilleWineguy.com $45 adults, children 10 and under free with adult purchase. Visit www. Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon ave. slowfoodasheville.org for more details. Great wines for any occasion and budget. (828) 25-6500

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE poetry & books annual Hobo Ball Poet Bill Brown: Solace in an Inner Space he Friends of Carl Sandburg ast month’s Rapid River poetry BY TED OLSON at Connemara will host their column lauded the efforts of one east third Hobo Ball fundraiser Tennessee publisher — Celtic Cat in Appalachia will find Brown’s Iris Press T on Saturday, September 11, Publishing — to make available to at the Kenmure Country Club in books to be of interest not only for their readers the work of two emerging po- intrinsic merits but also because they may Flat Rock, NC. Social hour begins Lets from Appalachia. This month’s column serve as an alternative model of how to as- at 6 p.m. will look at two recent poetry books from with sess a region’s “sense of place.” another praiseworthy east Tennessee-based Whereas many poems about Appala- compli- publisher: Iris Press. mentary chian places — at least in the past — have These books, entitled Late Winter been characterized by strains of romanticiza- beer and (2008) and The News Inside (2010), are a cash tion or mystical reverence, Brown’s poems, different in terms of tone and aesthetic while deeply respectful of their subjects, cycles in nature. Brown has found solace in bar, and approach, which is surprising when one an inner space, and he is now paying closer features are witty, vividly descriptive, and unabash- (L-R) Mike Mynatt, Richard considers that both books were published edly contemporary. In Late Winter, Brown attention to “the news inside.” He now Spicka, and Joe Abrell enjoy live two years apart and feature work by the looks out on the fallen world with empathy the 2008 Hobo Ball. enter- avoids overt sentimentality by grounding his same poet: Bill Brown. poems in the (sometimes hilarious, some- and bemusement, and he sees even ugly tainment. After dinner, renowned Founded in 1975 in Binghamton, New things as having their own beauty. singer, composer, and guitarist Tom times tragic) things of this world, and it is York (a city that, for what it’s worth, is clear that his acceptance of things as they are This “cosmic” perspective is evident in Fisch will perform. considered part of Appalachia by the Appala- the poem “Lake County, West Tennessee”: The Hobo-style buffet dinner provide psychic solace to help him endure chian Regional Commission), Iris Press was the difficulties of living in a complex world. At first they are snow geese will include complimentary wine. established “to give talented but underap- A silent and live auction will also be flown from Isom Lake, preciated writers an audience and to help Brown’s poems are witty, but no, white plastic bags, held. Dress for the evening is casual, them reach their potential.” Another early hobo attire encouraged! Proceeds vividly descriptive, and scores of them captured goal, according to the company’s website, by the sharp fingers of harvested will support the historical, literary, was to promote the work of George Scar- educational, and interpretive ac- unabashedly contemporary. cotton stubble. brough (1915-2008), an acclaimed author A thousand acres of furrows tivities of the Carl Sandburg Home who then lived in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. National Historic Site. One poem from Late Winter, “Prayer taper into the distance, In 1980, new owners moved Iris to for a November Morning,” typifies one shotgun shack vagrants the corner, iF YOU gO: Tickets are $75 per Tennessee, and then, in the late 1980s and Brown’s trust of the quotidian (a trust that its windows jagged, person and seating is limited. For early 1990s, the press changed hands three renders more believable the universal truth porch fallen in, a well pump more information visit www. more times, bought and sold in quick suc- of his poem): and two hogs rooting hardscrabble. friendsofcarlsandburg.org, or cession by two commercial publishing com- Frost glosses drought grass. Something desolate abides contact Kathleen Hudson at (828) panies in major Southern cities and then in a cotton field tattooed 698-5208. The stray cat waits on the porch by a small-press publisher in rural middle with plastic bags— Tennessee. In 1996, Iris Press was pur- for a handout. The house wren sings its T-shirt song. The little blue spruce surrender flags escaped chased by Robert B. Cumming, a resident of from the strip mall grocery Oak Ridge in east Tennessee. Cumming’s we planted last Christmas is dying, needles gone except for one green at the edge of a dying town, sustained stewardship has allowed the press each waving Rapid River to return to its roots, publishing the poetry branch that reaches out like an orphan. ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE What do I pray for this morning: Save A Lot and literary fiction of promising writers Save A Lot Save A Lot from Appalachia and the South while also to be a better husband, brother, th Annual promoting Scarbrough’s work. teacher? To be kinder, selfless? A poet’s gift — and responsibility — is Poetry One of several noteworthy poets whose For Ray, my neighbor stationed to see the cosmic as accessible and the acces- work has recently been published by Iris north of Bagdad? For families sible as cosmic. Bill Brown sees the whole 1 Contest Press (others include Appalachian natives of the five marines killed Tuesday? spectrum of his world, both the quotidian Ron Rash and Linda Parsons Marion and For families of the forty pilgrims place in which he lives and the inner space current North Carolina Poet Laureate Cathy bombed at a burned-out Mosque? in which he finds meaning. His poems are 5 Winners Smith Bowers), Bill Brown is the author For hurricane victims who lost fully realized expressions of one person’s of four earlier poetry collections for other their homes and jobs? For under- experience of being alive. prizes include: standing of terms like bad intelligence? tickets to local concerts; small-press publishers: Holding On By Letting Go (1986), What The Night Told (Dare I say it?) For thousands tickets to the Opera; Mellow maimed in the sweet name of liberty? ted Olson is the author of Me (1993), The Art of Dying (1996), and such books as Breathing Mushroom gift Certificates; I silence late night news and books from Malaprops. The Gods of Little Pleasures (2001). These in darkness: poems (Wind books contained strong poems, yet minimal that invaded sleep, and feed publications, 2006) and Blue distribution prevented them from garnering the cat that rubs her face Ridge Folklife (University press any unpublished poem 5 the readership that Brown’s poetry deserves. in my hand. I watch golden of Mississippi, 1998) and he is the editor of numerous lines or less is wanted! Fortunately, as Iris Press has a track record maple leaves shutter in the wind and bow my head. books, including CrossRoads: of bringing distinctive poetry to a critical a Southern Culture annual (Mercer University Deadline January 15, 2011. mass of people, Brown is steadily widening The News Inside is at the same time press, 2009). His experiences as a poet and Winning poems will be printed in the his circle of readers. more playful and more detached than Late musician are discussed on www.windpub. February 2011 issue. Reading fee: $5 Brown grew up in west Tennessee, Winter. In the title poem of the newer com/books/breathingindarkness.htm. for three poems. For more information about ten miles from the Mississippi River, volume, Brown ruminates that “the headline please call (828) 258-3752. and he lives today in middle Tennessee. Poets who would like for their poetry to be news / this morning is not new.” When con- considered for a future column may send their Send poems to: Rapid River Significantly, his poetry is fully as informed trasting the human and the natural world, books and manuscripts to Ted Olson, ETSU, Box Poetry Contest, 85 N. Main St., by the presence of place as the work of many the poet is guided by a belief that human 70400, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please include Canton, NC 28716 “Appalachian” poets. Poetry aficionados problems are as inevitable and eternal as the contact information and a SASE with submissions.

28 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE authors ~ books ~ readings

Gardening for a Lifetime, How to BOOK REVIEWS BY Garden Wiser as You Grow Older CAULEY BENNETT back. Voila! Gorgeous Written by Sydney Eddison, Illustrations by and simple. Kimberly Day Proctor The book includes many other tips as well We host numerous Readings, SepteMBeR Bookclubs, as well as poetrio! n older friend, an avid gardener, too old to do it all!” When an elderly gar- as plant suggestions, PARTIAL LISTING More events posted online. lamented to me. “Now that I’m dener is faced with sore joints and failing making it essential reading if you want to Saturday, September, at 7 p.m. retired I have tons of time to work eyesight, not working in the garden is akin Shamanic egyptian astrology with Star in the garden,” she said, “But I’m to giving up your driver’s license. It’s a change to (or start now, Wolf & Ruby Falconer. rite of passage that no gardener wants to if you’re smart) an easy- A Wednesday, September, 8 at 7 p.m. to-maintain garden. One of Eddison’s fa- think about. Roz Savage reads from and signs copies My friend was so distraught, she vorite “wise garden ways” is to use container of Rowing the atlantic. dOUBLe deLigHtS SatURdaY contemplated moving into a condo so she gardening, especially with bulbs. wouldn’t have to see her beloved garden There are many books in the library thursday, September, 9 at 7 p.m. at BLUe Ridge BOOKS Meet Merri Lisa Johnson, author of girl fall into ruins. There has to be a solution I on container gardening and I’ve read them Saturday, September 18 in need of a tourniquet: Memoir of a thought! And I found it — in a new book by all. I found that the best book is a small, Borderline personality. From 10-11:30 a.m. garden writer/teacher Sydney Eddison. In- simple volume, written by Peter Loewer, our spired by Gardening for a Lifetime: How to own Rapid River nature columnist. (This Friday, September, 10 at 7 p.m. Mickey Mahaffey presents Whispers of My It’s an animal party! Garden Wiser as You Grow Older (Timber month’s column is on page 32.) Small-Space Activities and games Blood, about living among the Raramuri Press, 2010), my friend revived her love of Gardening: How to Successfully Grow indians in the Copper Canyons, Mexico. and creature silli- gardening by changing her old habits. Flowers and Fruits in Containers and Pots ness. Special guest is told me everything I needed to know to start Monday, September, 1 at 12 noon As we both learned (I devoured the Roald dahl Read-a-thon. biologist Dawn Cusick, book before I gave it to her), you don’t have container gardening here in Asheville. author of Bug Butts, an award-win- to give up gardening when you get older, Saturday, September, 18 at 7 p.m. ning book on looking at bugs from you have to garden differently. You have to Michael Knight reads from and signs his latest novel, the typist. their behinds. Free. For ages 10 and weed out time-consuming patterns of the LUnCH at CitY LigHtS WitH under. For more information on past and make things easier for yourself. aUtHOR JenniFeR FRiCK-RUppeRt Sunday, September, 19 at 5 p.m. Cusick’s award-winning animal books Eddison, who daily nurtured a huge garden patti digh, author of Life is a verb visit www.earlylightbooks.com. at her house in New England for a half-cen- Wear your boots because presents her new book, Four-Word Self- Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives. tury, offers a handful of basic principles on you’ll want to go hiking im- From 2-4 p.m. how to garden wiser. mediately after having lunch tuesday, September, 21 at 7 p.m. Tennessee author Dr. Since perennials take up most of a gar- with author Jennifer-Frick Meet Betsy taylor & Herbert Reid authors Lin Stepp presents Tell Ruppert. Her new book is of Recovering the Commons: democracy, dener’s time, re-think your love of them. place, and global Justice. Me About Orchard You can replace perennials with shrubbery, a can’t-put-down look at Hollow, an upbeat which is almost care-free and looks great the web of interdependence Wednesday, September, 22 at 7 p.m. contemporary romance all year. And if you do want perennials, between the animals and Kyra anderson and vicki Forman, editors, read from and signs copies of gravity set in Tennessee. It’s whose foliage, for better or worse, stays plants of the region: Moun- tain Nature: A Seasonal Natural History of pulls You in: perspectives on parenting the second novel in her acclaimed put long after the flowers have stopped Children on the autism Spectrum. Smoky Mountain series. Visit www. blooming, then choose a selected few the Southern Appalachians (The University linstepp.com. whose foliage looks good all the time. And of North Carolina Press, 2010). Friday, September, 2 at 7 p.m. Meet psychotherapist Rob Jacoby don’t forget your shade garden. Eddison iF YOU gO: Thursday, August 19, at 10:30 and artist Brian Macgregor. prints by iF YOU gO: Blue Ridge Books, 152 streamlined her perennial shade garden S. Main St., Waynesville, NC. (828) a.m. City Lights Bookstore, 3 East Jackson Macgregor will be available for purchase. by using only two perennials, hostas and Street, Sylva, NC 28779. (828) 586-9499, 456-6000, www.brbooks-news.com thursday, September, 0 at 7 p.m. ferns. Hostas in the front and ferns in the www.citylightsnc.com eric g. Wilson reads from and signs copies of his book the Mercy of eternity: a Memoir of depression and grace. this CD instead of reading another how- Friday, October 01 at 7 p.m. Notes on the Art of Storytelling: vicki Lane, author of in a dark Season, to-write book. presents the day of Small things. Novak compares creating a good story The Garden Metaphor to growing a garden. For example, you want your story to be like a beautiful flower, but 55 Haywood St. Written and read by David Novak you have to make sure its roots are strong 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 and healthy — and the best way to do that Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ctor/storyteller David Buncombe County library is to nurture a story by discovering how it Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Novak is an on-stage system so anyone can enjoy resonates personally to you. Then you fertil- wizard, spinning his them for free. Notes on ize (or prune) it by telling it over and over tales with wild cre- the Art of Storytelling: The until it is ready to bloom. You place your ativity, intelligence, Garden Metaphor blew me story in its “landscape,” sometimes you go Aand wit, and with a voice away. Not only is Novak’s straight to it, sometimes you meander. so mellifluous it makes you advice terrific for storytell- Novak illustrates these simple princi- want to swoon. If he lived in ers of all genres — from ples and more with several stories — one of Hollywood, he’d be a huge myth and folk tale through which comes from his most fertile ground, star. Asheville is lucky that he Actor/Storyteller personal reminiscence his childhood in Florida. decided to settle here. David Novak — but for writers as well. And lucky I was to Short story writers could find that five of Novak’s CD’s are in the greatly improve their craft by listening to author’s website: www.novateller.com

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE authors ~ books ~ readings

SepteMBeR HigHLigHtS Beauty REVIEWS BY CAULEY BENNETT at MaLapROp’S A novel by Mindi Meltz anthrozoologist Hal Herzog Mickey Mahaffey Reveals Whispers indi Meltz is a name to remem- deer, as if she were Makes two Local appearances of My Blood ber, for someday she’s going to in an ecstatic union Hal Herzog, Ph.D., the be a well-known writer. Right with them. She Friday, September 10 co-founder of the field now, the young Hendersonville is assigned to the of anthrozoology and at 7 p.m. resident has taken the coura- raptor unit, where professor of psychol- Long-time local resi- Mgeous path of self-publishing her first she must kill other ogy at WCU, presents dent Mickey Mahaffey novel, Beauty. I don’t know if she tried the animals, mice, in his fascinating new presents the unflinching tale of his traditional path of seeking a mainstream order to keep the injured owls book, Some We Love, spiritual journey from child preacher publisher, but if she did, it had to be dif- and hawks alive. Death, as she makes clear, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why to acceptance into the sacred ways of ficult — most publishers would shy away is the partner to life, no matter how reluc- It’s So Hard to Think Straight about the native people of Copper Canyon in from her intense tale of a woman’s self-em- tant she is to accept that premise. Animals (Harper, 2010). Mexico. Whisper of Blood is a memoir powerment. It’s too unorthodox, too poetic, Into her isolation comes a young man, a • Tuesday, September 7 at 7 p.m. www. too sensual for the average reader. But what fellow worker at the center, whom she refers unlike any you’ve ever read. Visit City Lights Bookstore, 3 East mickeymahaffey.com a delight for anyone looking for a new, un- to as “the boy.” An expert tracker, but self- Jackson Street, Sylva, NC. (828) ashamedly committed, and unique voice. absorbed and cruel, he creates a painful hold 586-9499, www.citylightsnc.com. Monique Truong “When I die, I’m going to become an on the girl. Her passion for him is never re- Weaves Another animal,” announces the narrator of Beauty. turned, leading to some of the novel’s most • Thursday, September 16, at 7 Impossibly She is a young writer, with no name, who hypnotic language. The lyricism of the girl’s p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, Beautiful Tale spends a year of changing seasons at a longing is like a song of primal loneliness, 55 Haywood Street, downtown wildlife rehabilitation center, somewhere in cutting through her soul and splintering Asheville. (828) 254-6734, www. Wednesday, a northern forest. She’s like a nature mystic, across the wilderness landscape. Visit www. malaprops.com. September 15 able to connect with animals, especially hiddendoorpress.com at 7 p.m. Vietnam-born Monique Truong, author of the stunning bestseller, The Book of Salt, presents her second with little or no spousal love. novel, Bitter in the Mouth (Random Red Hook Road Waldman’s language, elegant and spare, House, 2010). It’s story of a woman nevertheless revels in the details of tradi- with a form of synesthesia, who A novel by Ayelet Waldman tional domestic virtues in a style I can only experiences words as tastes, and how call neo-Victorian. Especially interesting is that fascinating condition affects her yelet Waldman is a best-selling So it’s surpris- the way she weaves the subplots of violin and the people she knows. Visit www. novelist, an essayist, a popular ing that her latest playing and rebuilding a wooden ship as if monique-truong.com blogger, and a darling of the New novel, Red Hook they are twin versions of passionate obses- York literati, even though she lives Road, set on the sion. Red Hook Road, with its intensely Dick Spottswood in Berkeley. In 2005, she gained coast of Maine, limned characters and its ferociously realistic and the World’s Anotoriety, some might say infamy, for a is the tale of two portrayals of the power of nature, would Oldest Banjo New York Times essay declaring why she extended families who collide and make a wonderful movie. Player loved her husband, Pulitzer-Prize winning then are drawn together by a tragedy with I thoroughly enjoyed the audio ver- novelist Michael Chabon (The Amazing Ad- their children. The story’s matriarchs, the sion (Random House Audio 12 CDs, 14 ½ Friday, September 17 ventures of Kavalier and Clay), much more wealthy summer resident and the woman hours), enthusiastically narrated by Kim- at 7 p.m. than she loved her four children. who cleans her house, endure the tragedy berly Farr. Visit www.ayeletwaldman.com Musicologist and radio personality Dick Spottswood presents his lively musical biography of banjo player Wade Mainer, who was born in 1907. Banjo on the Mountain: Wade Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti eventS at aCCent On BOOKS Mainer’s First Hundred Years (Uni- versity Press of Mississippi, 2010) is Phyllis Galembo Wednesday, September 8 at p.m. The illustrated with photos and family Book Club: Tinkers, by Paul Harding, memorabilia covering Wade Mainer’s n this astonishing photo essay book, symbols and the surprise 2010 Pulitzer Prize win- incredible career in hillbilly, bluegrass the visions and the voices of the title ritual objects ner, is this month’s choice. represent voudo, Haiti’s national reli- — is so com- and sacred music. thursday, September 16 at 6 p.m. gion, which involves about 90% of the prehensive iF YOU gO: Malaprop’s Bookstore/ population. Phyllis Galembo, a fine art and respectful Monthly Writers Support Group. No Café, 55 Haywood Street, downtown Iphotographer who specializes in recording it should be criticism, just motivation! Asheville. Call (828) 254-6734, or visit ritual costumes in Africa and Haiti, shot required read- www.malaprops.com. iF YOU gO: Accent on Books, 854 for several years in Port-Au-Prince and its ing for anyone Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC. (828) countryside. Her images capture the star- traveling to 252-6255, www.accentonbooks.com. tling, almost hallucinogenic color combina- Haiti. tions unique to the island nation. The most amazing accomplishment of Rapid River Book editor The voices in the book are various: Vodou: Visions and Voices of Haiti (Ten Cauley Bennett is an chants and songs and the words of vodou Speed Press, reprint 2005) is the way it re- asheville writer. You can practitioners mix seamlessly with essays by veals how the richness of the vodou spiritual RevieWed neXt MOntH reach her by e-mailing scholarly contributors. The explanation of journey survives in the abject poverty of its Broken, by international bestselling crime [email protected] vodou — chapters on spirits, sacred places, surroundings. Visit www.galembo.com novelist, Karin Slaughter, who lives in georgia.

0 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living

to be slightly psychedelic. Enjoy it, Zen Sitting Meditation BY BILL WALZ but don’t be fooled that this eupho- ria is the point or end of meditation. “When in the Zazen posture, your mind and body Still, look deeper. Awareness of the rising and passing of thoughts. Awareness of awareness. have great power to accept things as they are, As you focus into the ever- present, very subtle sensations Our deepest nature has arisen, and whether agreeable or disagreeable.” of your breathing, all of your like all of Nature, it is attuned to senses begin to take on a quality the perfection of the moment. It ~ Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki (1905-71) of presence and subtlety that knows itself to be vast. It knows we do not typically experi- what is needed. ence as we rush from where Your very next thought n the story of the Buddha’s enlight- a tense focus, they would also quite possibly we have been in our life might not be some worry enment, after all his intellectual and miss many important observations, because situations to where we or calculation or absurdity. ascetic strivings, frustrated, but deter- a tense focus is a narrow focus. are going. We discover Your next thought may mined, he sat in meditation, completely Watch the breath coming and going. that we typically only pay well be exactly the thought settled in stillness, conquering all his Experience the rising and falling of your enough attention to our you need for deeper Idesires and fears until at last his awakening chest. Experience the slight breeze across senses and the present insight into some aspect occurred. This is the challenge and promise your nostrils. Exhale slightly longer than moment to move of your life, or Life for every student of Zen. you inhale. Allow a deepening of your relax- through the world, or itself, for you have Whether you sit cross-legged on a cush- ation with every exhalation and a sharpen- for the utilitarian pur- touched the essence of ion or upright in a chair, the posture and ing of the alertness of your awareness with poses of work or entertain- Life with your mind. You have attitude you bring to sitting in meditation is every inhalation. Secondarily, experience ment. No, in our Zazen, we have stopped discovered a much bigger you than you of greater importance than is readily appre- whatever comes along, but always, keep all that. We have, in a sense, stopped time. ever imagined. From being trapped in your ciable from a conventional perspective. The coming back to the breath. We are here. We are paying attention. And insecure little personal chattering mind, quality of your meditation will be greatly What keeps coming along are thoughts, in our paying attention, the world begins to you have found what Buddhism calls, “big affected by the posture of your sitting. emotions, fantasies, stray sensory distrac- open up. mind.” It could be said that your sitting posture tions, but, like a good sentry, you notice There are still thoughts, but now they And then it is gone. Distraction returns. is, in effect, the posture or stance you are this mental activity, and because they are are quieter. In fact, you may notice there The whole field of awareness collapses back taking not only to your meditation, but also not what you are looking for, you notice are moments when there are no thoughts. into something smaller. You are back to be- to life, to the entire issue of the possibility them and return awareness to what you There is just the breathing and the sensa- ing little you, “little mind,” again, reactive, of enlightenment. It is an attitude we take are watching for, your breath, coming and tions of the moment. Of course, then an- no longer sitting at one with the Universe. with the posture of our body that can steer going. The thoughts will pass, like travelers other thought will come along, but quieter, So — return to awareness of your breath- our minds towards deeper and deeper levels through the sentry’s field of vision. less insistent, and fewer of them. You may ing and start the journey over again. But of insight into our own deepest nature. It notice the inner quiet. You may discover a now, you know the destination. Over and is a posture of dignity, of uprightness, of Insights about the dimension of mind that is empty of thought, over, you make this journey. You confront relaxed alertness, of compassionate curios- a silent mind beneath and out of which the restlessness, boredom, ordinary and crazy ity, of welcoming openness to the secrets of qualitative differences of talking mind arises. thinking, the pain in your back and legs, existence. civilization and Nature You may notice now the sounds around even the allure of euphoric oneness. You We sit with an upright spine, a strong may arise. you are also arising out of silence. There return over and over to the breath, to the sense of the earth beneath us, the crown of is sound and silence. You enter the silence silence, to the stillness until you KNOW. our head reaching ever so lightly toward the with your awareness. A great feeling of As Master Suzuki says, “In this posture sky. Our hands are folded in our lap, shoul- Many thoughts/travelers will come well-being accompanies this. There does there is no need to talk about the right state ders relaxed. If sitting on the floor, our legs and go. Some will very strongly beckon not seem to be this solid, separate self with of mind. You already have it. This is the are crossed or folded beneath us. If sitting you to follow them. Let them go. Return to its thoughts and activity as all that there is conclusion of Buddhism.” on a chair, both feet are on the floor or with watching, to experiencing the breath rising to the experience of “me.” There is also si- And as 13th Century Zen Master Do- ankles crossed. and falling. As you settle into the posture of lence. There is stillness. There is awareness gen said, “If you cannot find the truth right At first, it is good to meditate with eyes relaxed alertness, watching the breath come of being aware. There may even be aware- where you are, where else do you expect to closed, although eyes half-open is tradition- and go, you begin to experience a heighten- ness of being the awareness. You are now find it?” al, and best after you have become experi- ing of all senses. You notice the sensations at the gates of Zen. You are at the precipice Welcome to the truth. Right where enced, but the focus in either case must be of your body sitting. You may notice the feel where the awakening beckons you toward you are sitting. Now stand up, walk, and straight ahead, about two to three feet in of your clothing on your skin, the feel of the the realization that, in the words of the Zen live Zazen. front of you, about navel height, focused air touching skin where there is no clothing. Master Haku’un Yasutani (1885-1973), on nothing, consciousness turned inward. The ambient sounds around you become “You and the Universe are one.” Sit with a relaxed jaw, the tongue lightly clearer and more distinct. But first, as novices, Master Suzuki Bill Walz teaches meditation touching the roof of the mouth. As the facial If you are indoors, you may hear the instructs us, with his famous sense of hu- and mindfulness at UnCa and muscles relax, perhaps a slight smile will ticking of a clock, the hum of a furnace mor, “When sitting, just sit. Above all, do public forums, and is a private- emerge as the face’s natural expression. Be- or air conditioning, the passing of traffic not wobble.” In the double entendre style practice meditation teacher and gin focusing awareness into the sensations outside. If you are playing music (let it be of Zen, to not wobble in sitting will lead life-coach for individuals in mindfulness, personal growth of your breathing. (Why the breathing? soft and quiet music) you may notice the to not wobbling in life. This is our goal. and consciousness. He holds We’ll discuss that another time.) notes with an increased clarity. If you are Relaxed, aware, not wobbling in the face of a weekly meditation class, Experience the subtle ever-present outside, you will notice the breeze rustling all the comings and goings of life, just as we Mondays, 7p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, sensation of your ordinary every-moment the leaves, the song of the birds, the hum learned to not wobble in the face of all the 227 edgewood. He will hold an autumn Satsang, breathing. Watch with the alertness of a of the insects – and of course, the sounds of comings and goings of thoughts, emotions Sunday, September 19, 2-5 p.m., a time for true- sentry the coming and going of breath. It is human civilization as well. and mental perceptions in our sitting. self exploration, discussion and meditation at the Friends Meeting House. Both by donation. important to remember that a good sentry Insights about the qualitative differ- “Show me your face before you were is not tense. A good sentry watches what ences of civilization and Nature may arise. conceived,” challenges the Zen Master. Pure info on classes, talks, personal growth and comes and goes with relaxed alertness, Meditating in Nature, away from civiliza- consciousness sits here. Awareness sits here. healing instruction, or phone consultations at (828) 258-21, e-mail at healing@billwalz. otherwise they would tire quickly, and with tion, is the best. The experience may begin Awareness of breath. Awareness of sitting. com. visit www.billwalz.com.

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE thoreau’s garden The Flowering Maple

e’ve always had a flowering maple in our window since BY PETER LOEWER the days that we lived in a five-flight walk-up in Manhat- hours of sun and night tempera- tan back in the late 60s. The tures of between 50 and 60°F are Wplants are extremely popular for pots as needed for the best winter flow- they flower over a long period of time and ers. When plants are not flower- can also spend productive summers in the ing during the winter, it’s best garden as splendid bedding plants. to keep the soil almost dry, just The generic name is Abutilon, an enough water to prevent wilting Arabic name for a species of mallow, which of the leaves. these flowers closely resemble. The com- Plants should be fertil- mon name refers to the shape of the leaf for ized every two or three weeks they closely resemble maple leaves both in throughout the summer and size and shape. benefit particularity from any commercial product from the Flower colors include Box Stores fish, as long as you coral pink, deep red, deep follow directions. Abutilon metgapotamicum or rose, pure white, lemon the trailing abutilon is from Brazil yellow, and orange. and will survive outdoors in the far South and southern California. One species, Abutilon theophrasti, ‘Variegata’ is an especially fine known variously as the velvet leaf, the but- cultivar with yellow and green ter-print, the pie-marker, or China jute, mottled foliage and yellow flowers is a naturalized wildflower — often called with a red calyx, perfectly suited Illustration by Peter Loewer weedy — found growing across the United for growing in hanging baskets. States and considered an important fiber Abutilon pictum ‘Thompsonii’ is origi- As the plant approaches 2 feet, move it plant in northern China. The whole plant nally from Brazil and bears bright orange to an 8-inch pot — remember, all this time is velvety with single inch-wide yellow flowers with mottled yellow and green foli- you have been forcing the plant upward, the flowers and an unusually shaped fruit that is age. The leaf colors in this case are caused roots have been growing, too. Now pinch often used in dried flower arrangements. by a transmissible virus for if a variegated off the terminal bud to force the plant into But those grown in windows are usu- shoot is grafted on a green-leafed stock bushy growth. The stem will develop a ally called Abutilon hybridum, a species the whole plant soon becomes variegated. woody look and you will have a beautiful that has given rise to an unusual number This particular plant is also a good subject flowering tree. of hybrids of many colors and qualities that for becoming a standard tree. Start with a include bloom for most of the year. Flower small plant of only one shoot and put it in colors include coral pink, deep red, deep a 3-inch pot, tying the stem to a foot-long peter Loewer, rose, pure white, lemon yellow, and orange. bamboo cane or stick that you have inserted shown here, Plants can be set outside after frost in the dirt at the pot’s edge. examining the danger is past and bloom throughout the Use one loop of soft cord about the blossoms of summer wanting only a spot in full or stem and one loop on the stake so the stem early-blooming partial sun and plenty of water. Then as is never crushed. When the flowering maple Lenten roses, is a well-known writer fall approaches, they can be dug up and put grows to about 10 inches, move it to a 6- and botanical artist who has written and inch pot, adding a longer length of stake. back into pots, pruned back by at least two- illustrated more than twenty-five books on thirds, and proceed to bloom in a sunny Now remove all the side shoots, leaving just natural history over the past thirty years. window for most of the winter. At least five one at the tip of the stem.

Old Favorite Honey Recipes Gets New Printing

oney is na- essence to culinary creations of every kind. to eat responsibly, more and more people using Old Favorite Honey Recipes. With ture’s perfect Old Favorite Honey Recipes features are choosing healthier, more sustainable new historical images, the special edition food, captivat- more than 250 recipes gathered over the whole foods. The “buy local” and “eat lo- by Bright Mountain Books brings a mar- H ing the senses years by American honey producers, re- cal” movements have increased the number velous collection of delicious recipes back with its flowing am- vised and updated for the modern kitchen. of farmers’ markets, tailgate markets, and into America’s kitchens. ber sweetness and a From the classic honey bun to more whole foods groceries across the country. variety of flavors and obscure dishes, this collection showcases Because of these changes, locally produced available at Malaprop’s Bookstore and aromas, from delicate honey’s versatility in breads, desserts, veg- honey is now more popular and more other fine bookstores, or online at www. to robust. Its diversity is limited only by etables, meats, and more. It also contains available than ever. Old Favorite Honey brightmountainbooks.com. Malaprop’s the many types of flowers visited by that recipe variations, interesting facts, and an Recipes makes it easy and exciting to take Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood Street, busiest of workers, the honeybee. While it abundance of helpful cooking hints includ- advantage of honey’s many benefits. downtown asheville. phone (828) 25- boasts a profusion of nutritional and healing how to substitute honey for sugar. There’s no better way to enjoy the 67 or visit www.malaprops.com. ing qualities, honey also adds a delightful With a growing awareness of the need bounty and variety of honey than to cook

2 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS youth culture JOSepH RatHBOne ReCOMMendS

his August I got an X-Box 360, so this month I will recommend BY JOSEPH RATHBONE, AGE 12 and/or review some video games. A very good game for about $20 as Halo 3, just with a is Star Wars the Force Unleashed. couple of new weapons TIf you are a huge Star Wars fan like I am, thrown in. Over 11 Million Victims you will absolutely love this game. It takes On September 14 Halo Reach (or place between Star Wars episodes 3 and 4. Halo 4 if you will) will be released. From of Identity Theft Last Year. Throughout the game you play as Darth everything I have seen both on-line and on Vader’s secret apprentice. The graphics are TV, this game will dominate all of the other Source: Javelin Strategy & Research. “2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report.” February 2010. good and the play level is fun. This game is Halo games, not to mention probably be rated Teen for violence. the best game ever. This game stands alone The Halo series is made up of a lot of as far as game play, weapon set, and other Help Protect Yourself Today. really good games. I have not played Halo 1 features go. since it is for the original X-Box, however, I All of the Halo games are rated M for ENROLL TODAY AND GET: have played a little bit of Halo 2. The graph- Mature, but really it’s not that bad, there’s a 30 DAY RISK-FREE* TRIAL PROMO CODE: ID ics are decent and the game play is fun. The little bit of language and blue, purple, green, storyline is pretty cool (albeit not entirely and a little bit of red blood. The violence original) and it leads on to the best game can be intense but that’s what makes the CALL NOW: 1-888-252-5862 I’ve ever played—Halo 3. games fun. It is about twice as good as Halo 2. The Some games that look to be good com- *At the end of the 30-day free period your card will be billed automatically ($10.00 graphics are great and has many new ways to ing out this fall are: Star Wars the Force monthly/$110.00 annually) unless you cancel within the 30-day period. You can cancel play the game like being able to build your Unleashed 2 (rated T) and Ghost Recon anytime without penalty by calling 1-800-LifeLock. Offer is for new LifeLock members only. own map, play on X-Box live, and it has a Future Soldier (rated M). new and improved USNC army. Then in 2009 Halo 3 ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Until next month, Trooper) came out. This game takes place your good friend, Joe before Halo 3. Overall this game is the same

BeaRS, BiRdS, and dOgS teaCH vaLUaBLe LeSSOnS

Ravenna REVIEWED BY BETH GOSSETT AND HARRISON By Stacey Curnow babies are and what children and their fami- Loosely based lies must do to take care of these babies to on the legend of keep them happy and healthy until they are Sir Gwain and the able to come home to live. Loathly Lady, Ravenna, is a story about Wonderfully colorful and delightfully a young boy who finds a best friend in a written, My Brother is Like a Baby Bird is talking bear and finds his heart’s desire. But definitely deserving of its Mom’s Choice when he learns that his heart’s desire may be Award! at the consequence of another’s happiness, he learns a lesson in compassion and discovers that if you love something, you must set dingle the it free. This is a great book before bedtime Helpful ice and kids can really relate. Cream Cone iF YOU gO: Stacey Curnow and illustrator delivery dog Daniel Nevins will host a debut party for Ravenna on Saturday, September, 25 at By Audrey Kinsella Malaprops Bookstore beginning at 3 p.m. Dingle the Helpful Ice Cream My Brother Cone Delivery Dog is a story about a dog that is clever and learns to make a carry pack is Like a to help a disabled woman. While brightly Baby Bird illustrated, the subject matter may be suited for kids older than 3. It is perhaps better By Amy Tiller designed to teach school age children about My Brother is Like a diversity and how physically disabled people Baby Bird is a helpful tool for children who can utilize the attendance of animals to help have a premature sibling. They learn how them with daily chores. delicate, wonderful and beautiful preemie

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Friday, September promotional materials to display or this year in the North Carolina Smoky piano Men of awakening divine Love hand out. Free for Mountain Biz- Jonas gerard Fine art Mountains and Blue Waters Mountain Works’ Members/$5 for public. Lodge (www.BlueWatersMtnL.com) asheville Mary and Barry Nadler from The formula on Lake Santeetlah. Cardinal is the first Aaron LaFalce a self- Mystic Heart Universe offer two Presented by Mountain BizWorks for an engag- from 6 to 8 p.m, 153 S. Lexington of two North Carolina-based feature taught piano player free monthly meditations via ing experi- films from Gaston Pictures Entertain- from Asheville, and teleconference calls. Avenue. RSVP by September 10 to ence is amaz- [email protected] or call ment. Visit www.GastonPictures.com singer songwriter Dave Wednesday, September 8 ingly simple. for more information. Turner will each play (828) 253-2834 ext.11. People be- Dave Turner From 8 to 9 p.m., The Joy of Join the cast and crew at 9 p.m. for a set of originals and Unity Meditation. fore product. then jam together on Sunday, September 19 Interaction over procedure. Jonas cocktails after the screening at Tressa’s, some of their favorite thursday, September 2 autumn Satsang with Bill Walz Gerard gets it. Focus on people 28 Broadway Street in Asheville. Enjoy Tressa’s one-night-only drink special: cover tunes. Show be- From 8 to 9 p.m., Mystic Heart Explore an afternoon of deep medi- and your product flows. gins at 8 p.m. at White Universe Meditation. the Flight of the Cardinal Martini. tation, trans-egoic psychology, and Abstracts in Bloom Exhibition on Tressa’s, (828) 254-7072. Horse Black Moun- The purpose of our work is awak- personal consciousness evolution display through September. tain, 105C Montreat ening Divine Love in all hearts. while opening into the discovery of thursday, Rd. Call (828) 669- your deepest and wisest self. Led by September 10, 6 to 8 p.m. Gal- Aaron LaFalce The mystic union of your outer September 2 0816 or visit www. human nature and inner divine Asheville consciousness columnist and lery Open After Hours whitehorseblackmountain.com. consciousness creates wholeness teacher and UNCA meditation and September 11, 2 p.m. dougie in oneness, through Divine Love. personal consciousness teacher Bill Saturday Painting Performance MacLean Saturday, September 5 Walz. Bring your questions. Get be- To sign up for the meditation november 1 & 1 One of Lexington avenue yond the trouble-making aspects of ego Scotland’s contact Mary and Barry at (828) as you discover and live your potential. Studio Stroll. For more details arts & Fun Festival 338-0042 or mary@mystichear- visit www.riverartsdistrict.com. most respected Lexington Avenue in Downtown tuniverse.com. The afternoon will begin with Gentle and popular Yoga warm-up for persons of all ages Jonas gerard Fine art musicians and Asheville from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. All www.MysticHeartUniverse.com local, all original. Bands, performances, and levels of yoga experience with 20 Clingman ave. asheville, nC a returning fa- and music on five stages. Beyond the Kirsten Walz, RYT. Asheville Friends (828) 50-7711 vorite to Asheville, songwriter, guitarist Meeting House, 2 to 5 p.m. 227 and fiddler Dougie MacLean kicks stage: Jenny Juice’s Songwriter Lounge Saturday, September 11 www.jonasgerard.com 1 to 8 p.m. in the Brownstone Court- Edgewood (off Merrimon). $10-20 off the 2010/2011 Mainstage Series at yard; Bike Jousting/Big Wheels for Sara gruen at Malaprop’s suggested donation. For more details Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place, 8 p.m. Mainstage Special Attractions Big Kids presented by 98.1 The River; Asheville author Sara call (828) 258-3241, or visit www. Valley Concert Series will be held at Series. Tickets: Regular $35; Seniors Miss Kitty’s Interactive Arts Area Gruen will present billwalz.com the pavilion next to the Maggie Valley $33; Students $30; Student Rush presented by FlyJBA; EarthFare Kid’s her latest work, Ape Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. The theme for day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. Universe. For more information visit House: A Novel (Spie- the concert is “Band Plus One,” and Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online www.lexfestasheville.com. gel & Grau, 2010), the features soloists with the band. at www.dwtheatre.com fictional adventures of Trumpeter Mike Leoni will play “Over a colony of language- the Rainbow,” Cliff Landress will play Saturday, September 25 competent bonobo “Carnival of How to place an event/ apes. The event is tick- Venice” on Bearfoot classified listing with eted and begins at 7 p.m. Readers may his baritone. Award-winning “newgrass” quintet receive one ticket with each purchase Oboist Pat Bearfoot performs as opening artist for Rapid River art Magazine of Ape House. The highly anticipated Stone will the new Mainstage Bluegrass Series at Any “free” event open to the public book will be officially released on accompany Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place, September 7, but you can preorder the can be listed at no charge up to 30 Friday, September 17 the band 8:00 p.m. Tickets: Regular $30; Seniors words. For all other events there is a book and get a ticket by calling 1-800- playing $28; Students $25; Student Rush $9.95 charge up to 30 words and 10 441-9829, or stop by the store. eliada’s annual Corn Maze “Gabriel’s Oboe,” and Saxophone day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. cents for each additional word. 160 Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Hay- grand Opening player Rhonda Wilson Kram will play Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online word limit per event. wood Street, downtown Asheville. “Fields of Fun” to feature 12 acres of “What A Wonderful World.” at www.dwtheatre.com. Sponsored listings (shown in (828) 254-6734, www.malaprops.com. maze trails and many new family at- Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a Sunday, September 26 boxes) can be purchased for $12 tractions! The grand opening celebra- beautiful Maggie Valley sunset. For per column inch. Saturday, September 11 tion will feature a scavenger hunt more information, visit www.Hay- the asheville area Deadline is the 19th of each end of Summer Blues Festival through the maze, with live music woodCommunityBand.org or call John piano Forum’s 10th and the chance to win nearly $3,000 in month. Payment must be made Camp Green Cove, Zirconia, NC. 11 Barrett at (828) 452-5553, or Bob Hill anniversary Fall prizes including a whitewater rafting prior to printing. a.m. to 10 p.m. R&B, Zydeco, Rock. (828) 452-7530. Our last concert of the trip, Biltmore tickets, a hot air balloon Benefit Concert Email Beth Gossett at: Food, drinks, crafts, & kid’s area. Ben- season will be on October 17. ride, rounds of Golf at Grove Park, Concert begins at 3 [email protected] efitting Autism House in Henderson- dinner for two at local restaurants, and p.m. at Diana Wortham Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Canton, ville. For more information visit www. Andrea Adamcova NC 28716. Call (828) 646-0071 to much more! Theatre, 2 South Pack endofsummerbluesfestival.com. performing. Photo Square, Asheville, NC. place ad over the phone. by Pavel Wlosok. The maze will be open each Friday, Tickets: adults $20; tuesday, September 1 Saturday, and Sunday through Hal- – Disclaimer – patrons $50; students 13-21 years $5; green Business alliance loween. Operating hours are 4 p.m. to children 12 and under admitted free. Due to the overwhelming number of 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. local event submissions we get for our networking Session Call (828) 257-4530 to reserve tickets. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tickets also available at the door and at “What to Do Guide” each month, we The Green Business Alliance is spon- Sunday. Ticket prices are $9 for adults SoliClassica (828) 277-4111. can no longer accept entries that do not soring quarterly networking events for 12 and over and $7 for children ages specifically follow our publication’s business owners who are either already tuesday September 21 format. Non-paid event listings must 5-11. Group admission is $7 for adults Saturday, October 16 doing “green business” or who have an and $5 for children. A group is consid- Flight of the Cardinal be 30 words or less and both paid and a Mountain Home Companion non-paid listings must provide infor- interest in becoming more environ- ered 20 or more individuals. Sneak preview mentally-friendly in their operations. mation in the following format: date, Film festival hit Flight of the Cardinal Join Song O Sky Chorus with guests time, brief description of what your Showcase your business within a group Sunday, September 19 will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Fine Clearwater Connection for an evening event is and any contact information. of green-oriented, small business own- Band plus One Arts Cinema, 36 Biltmore Avenue in of humor and close harmony. 7:30 Any entries not following this format p.m. Asheville Community Theatre. ers. Come prepared to introduce your The Haywood Community Band’s free Asheville, (828) 232-0257. will not be considered for publication. business and/or yourself in a structured For tickets and more information: concert, which is part of the Maggie Flight of the Cardinal was shot earlier five-minute timeframe. Also, bring songosky.org or 1-866-824-9547. SEPTEMBER EVENTS ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ CLASSIFIEDS

September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

great Smoky Mountains Moral Universe exhibit at Woolworth Walk Concerts at St. Matthias Church Railfest 2010 Reception: Friday, September from 5 to 7 p.m. Concerts start at 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted. September 17, 18, 19 Prepare yourself for sweater vests, saddles, hybrid creatures and September 5 – The St. Matthias String Quartet Railfest begins Friday, September the ubiquitous blonde women inhabiting will perform its annual concert featuring music by 17, with the Nantahala Gorge Ex- the imaginations of painters Alli Good Haydn (Op. 20 No. 2) and Mendelssohn (Op. 44). cursion at 10:30 a.m. At noon the and Julie Armbruster. Alli Good is a self- The players are: Brent Yingling and Judy Vlietstra, specialty rides begin all around the taught painter who creates narratives about relationships, unrequited feelings, violins; Brenda Phetteplace, viola; and Ron Lambe, Depot, including a Bouncy Train and distorted insecurities. Julie Armbruster’s creative vision often portrays the cello. unbalanced relationship between humans and other animals. and Slide for children. September 12 – The Looking Glass Brass Quin- The Mountain Craft Fair, with On display at Woolworth Walk’s Front Gallery, 25 Haywood Street in Down- tet will perform September 19 Musicke Antiqua quality craft vendors selling their town Asheville. Phone (828) 254-9234. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 Recorder Consort will perform to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 to 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 to 5 p.m. handmade products, along with September 26 – There will be a concert production railroad memorabilia, will open of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance under Saturday, September 18 from 9 the direction of Chuck Taft. p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 The production includes soloists, chorus and full p.m. Vendors and demonstrators Best in Show by Phil Juliano orchestra. There will be a free-will offering for the include chainsaw art, chair caning, St. Matthias restoration fund. The church is located wooden bowls, jewelry, gourd art, in Asheville just off South Charlotte Street at Max and much more. Street on the hill across from the Asheville Public Works Building (1 Dundee St.). The Heritage Alive! Mountain Youth Talent Contest begins on Saturday, September 18 at 9 a.m. The Hurleys will play two sets on Saturday, one at 12:30 p.m. and -day intensives with John Mac Kah another at 3 p.m. Special topics in painting in oils. The Queen Family performs two sets on Sunday, September 19, one September 22-2 – Phenomenal Painting. Full at 12:30 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. moon is September 23. We’ll start in the studio and weather permitting will paint on location. Learn to Other great entertainment will be Callie & Cats by Amy Downs paint weather phenomena: fog, rain, mist, clouds taking the stage on both days. Call and nocturnes. (828) 631-4587 for more informa- Optional Harvest tion, or visit www.spiritofappala- Moon tail-gate chia.org. painting event will be scheduled after moonrise, weather permit- Biltmore estate in autumn ting. October 20-22 October 7-9 – Focus on Fall A Plein Air arts workshop with Color. It’s easy to Richard Oversmith begins Octo- get overwhelmed ber 7 at 9 a.m. and ends October by the sheer abundance of lo- 9 at 4 p.m. Tuition is $400 and Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins includes a 12-month pass to Bilt- cal color. Learn to more. Maximum students: 10 control temperature and contrast This workshop will take place on to render the seasonal display here in western NC. the Biltmore Estate. The structure of this workshop is designed for Painting on location to capture the unique mood the intermediate student (draw- of color and change in mountains fauna, travel to ing and oil painting experience a unique sites in area parks, trails and gardens for a must) to improve their plein air three day intensive. oil painting skills. november 18-19 – Let’s Get Real: High Definition Students will explore paint- Painting. Painting in the studio, we will focus on ing from life in plein air in an texture, detail and contrast to create rich definition Alla Prima fashion. Working on and close focus for still-life that will add interest and smaller canvases (pochades) with depth to all your paintings. Learn to paint fur, feath- large brushes will help students Dragin by Michael Cole ers, grasses, bark, foliage, reflections and foreground focus on the bigger shapes of a details. composition. All workshops take place Wednesday through Friday Emphasis will be put on simplify- from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $150 plus $25 ing a composition, values, edges, studio fee. A $75 deposit is requested 7 days prior and color, and to create paintings to the workshop start date to reserve space. Register that have unity. Transportation online or call the studio. and easel necessary. Contact 122 Riverside drive, asheville, nC Richard for more information at (828) 225-5000 [email protected] or by phone at (828) 299-1066. kahartstudio.jmkah.com

CLASSES ~ LECTURES ~ ARTS & CRAFTS ~ READINGS

Vol. 14, No. 1 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — September 2010 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE healthy lifestyles

To Drink or Not to Drink BY MAX HAMMONDS, MD

– That is the Question the cells in the number of blood cells stay the recent newspaper article high- Heat cramps and heat exhaus- same, making the blood lighted the bravery of a young tion are caused by extreme loss of thicker. This can lead to 5 year old boy who saved his water and salts during excessive a stroke or a heart attack grandfather. The old man had sweating without replacement. — or increased work for worked all day in the Florida The body cannot continue to replace the heart quickly leading to congestive Asun without taking the time to drink. these losses from its own limited and heart failure. Over dinner his grandson noted rapidly depleted supplies. Treatment for heat exhaustion can that he looked pale and tired. By sup- Heat cramps result from loss and/or be as simple as fluid and salt replace- per time, the old man was sitting on imbalance in the salts of the body ment in milder cases and as emergent the couch, staring straight ahead and – mostly sodium, potassium, and as IV therapy for those who are lethar- non-responsive. According to the para- magnesium. While this problem is gic (don’t force them to drink — they medics, the boy’s 911 call got help for less devastating, the cramps are pain- might aspirate), in shock, or comatose. his grandfather’s heat exhaustion and ful. Treatment is to quickly replace Bottom line dehydration and probably saved him the lost salts and water – oral athletic AFFORDABLE, FLEXIBLE health insurance. from a stroke or worse. 1. When working in extreme heat, NO, REALLY. drinks or their equivalent can do this The take home message was not quite rapidly. drink. Just do it. about calling 911 in an emergency. How can HumanaOne help you? 2. Before symptoms appear, replace The take home message was about Heat exhaustion results from a de- sweat losses – both salt and water Short term GET A FREE QUOTE adequate water or other fluid intake crease in the amount of blood flow- – with oral drinks that contain both INDIVIDUAL plans are IN MINUTES while working in high heat and hu- ing around in the body. This is made PLANS AS LOW available water and salt. too! midity conditions. worse when the sun’s heat brings more AS Call Center Hours of the blood to the surface of the skin, 3. Don’t wait until symptoms appear. M-Th 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST The Basics – Heat-related Fri 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. EST making even less blood available for By then, one’s mental state may be Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST illnesses come in three varieties. circulation in the blood vessels. such that one cannot think clearly $ The result is a decrease of blood enough to drink appropriately. 78 Heat stroke or sun stroke is caused flow to vital organs — the heart, lungs, Is this you? by the heat of the sun disrupting the During the summer months, in • Self-employed kidneys, and brain. It is easy to imag- brain’s ability to regulate body tem- enclosed spaces, in the presence of • Early retiree ine how this could happen quickly in perature. Treatment is to get out of the extreme heat sources, these situations • Losing benefits at work someone who already has a decrease in sun (or away from the source of heat) can develop extremely rapidly. Victims body fluids (alcoholics, heart or kidney and to assist the body in cooling by can be overcome quickly and without patients on water pills, patients with physical means (ice water baths, alco- the intervention of someone else can be vomiting or diarrhea, patients taking 1-888-691-9689 hol baths, cool drinks, cool air blowing rapidly fatal. The little boy’s grandfather cocaine) or are on medicines that lower *Male, 39, NS, Chicago 60605, Monogram. Rates vary by age, location and plan selection. over the skin, etc). was extremely lucky, suffering noth- All applications are subject to underwriting approval. Waiting periods, limitations and blood pressure (diuretics, antihista- exclusions may apply. Insured by Humana Insurance Company, Humana Health Plan, This problem can quickly be fatal ing more than a night in the hospital Inc., Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan mines, antipsychotic medications.) of Georgia, Inc. and Humana Insurance Company or Humana Health Benefit Plan of if the body’s temperature gets above hooked up to IV’s. It could quickly have Louisiana, Inc. A further complication is that the For AZ residents: Insured by Humana Insurance Company. Short Term Medical plans are 106° F (40° C) and stays there for an become worse. Much worse. not renewable, do not cover pre-existing conditions, and refunds are not available (varies water part of the blood is decreased but by state). extended period of time. GCA07A2HH_A

appaLaCHian WOMen’S MUSeUM OpenS SepteMBeR 11 he town of Dillsboro, in partnership with the Appalachian Womens’ Museum (AWM) will celebrate the Grand Opening of the Canning THouse at the Monteith Farmstead in Dillsboro, North Carolina on Saturday, September 11 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Throughout the exhibit, “Womens’ Work: Pre- serving the Past, Educating the Future”, the AWM will host a series of programs, demonstrations, and hands- on activities showcasing the original purpose of the traditional Canning House. The exhibits to be presented include a tour of the kitchen, wood stove cooking, canning and preservation as well as an exhibit on the evolution of the home canning jar. Past and present aprons and cookbooks will be on display.

iF YOU gO: For further information, please contact Emma Wertenberger at [email protected].

6 September 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 14, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE fine art

FiRe, nOiSe, and SMOKe: When you can manipulate steel, it gives you an STEEL into ART incredible sense of accomplishment. usan Hutchinson makes her living by BY DENNIS RAY hammering on steel. She is a modern day artist-blacksmith—and like the tures this in her work in so many gentle and “Under-the-spreading-chestnut” line. While I was a dismal subtle ways that it’s hard to imagine that any blacksmiths of eons past, she finds failure at calligraphy, much of her pieces began as crude sheets or bars of S of my work involves making indifferent steel. fulfillment in the dramatic process of forg- ing steel with fire. steel lines seem like they Her work can be seen at Van Dyke Jew- Hutchinson came here to the moun- came effortlessly out of some elry and Fine Craft in downtown Asheville. tains in ’88 to study blacksmithing at Pen- huge sort of pen.” land School of Crafts while on a work-study Her influences come scholarship from Berea College. from the early 20th century penland School of Crafts “I learned what I wanted to study while art movements of Arts and 2687 Conley Ridge Road at Berea, but it was difficult to find men- Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Art Tendrail Hall Table. 42 x 32 x 12". Mild Steel and Bakersville, nC 28705 tors there. Penland and its incredible parade Deco. “The ironwork made Granite. Outdoor finish. Stone by Carolina Stoneworks. (828) 765-259 of talented, visionary, supportive teachers during that time was often John C. Campbell Folk School exquisite, but there wasn’t at Penland School of Crafts and the John saved my butt. 1 Folk School Road “Iron, as a medium, much produced, largely C. Campbell Folk School, passing on this primeval craft to anyone with a curiosity for Brasstown, nC 28902 has an appealing com- because it was so labor- (828) 87-2775 bination of attributes intensive, so expensive. iron and fire. “The workshops I teach are that cannot be found in Sometimes I think that more like an Outward Bound experience van dyke Jewelry and Fine Craft other media,” Hutchinson I am making what those than an art class,” she explains. 29 Biltmore ave. explains. “ It has tensile earlier smiths would have Hutchinson finds beauty in the world asheville, nC 28801 strength, malleability, and made if they had access around her, in the mountains and seasons, in (828) 281-0 durability. Ironwork, as a to propane forges, power the earth and what it produces. She cap- process, is dramatic — fire, equipment and laser-cut- noise, smoke, and a very ting technologies. What I physical involvement. do, and what those artists I am also a bit clumsy; were doing, is push and most other stuff breaks or squash hot steel like it’s burns. Iron is pretty much clay — and that takes forever. When you can ma- a whole lot of focused nipulate steel, it gives you energy.” an incredible sense of ac- Her studio is an complishment; something eclectic blend of the “old akin to hewing a barn from style blacksmithing” and the trees in your forest.” Large Vine Pedestal, 12 x 12 modern technology. Next “My art is a reflection x 32". Mild Steel with brown to the traditional big anvil, of life here in the moun- oxide patina, and Marble. coal forge and rack of tains,” she adds. “Living on Indoor finish. hand hammers and tongs a farm is a perfect way to sits a fancy pneumatic keep one’s vision focused and grounded.” power hammer and a big hydraulic press When she takes a break from work, she at- (which allow Hutchinson to work alone and tends to her small farm, driving the tractor also compete with what a team of Arnold around and caring for “the critters,” as she Schwarzenegger-like men could muscle calls them: 15 or so goats, a handful of aging through). chickens and a trick pony. “The revival of modern day smithing, Her ironwork is known for its undu- (which began in the ‘60’s) spawned a mass lating lines — steel tendrils twisting upon market for (relatively) small-scale tool- themselves like kudzu vines. “While func- ing, which translates into more and more tion is always important,” she says, “I love interesting types of tools being available at increasingly affordable pricing. This means I can have in my own shop, equipment that a few decades ago would only be available at an institution like Penland. While fancy tools don’t automatically make a smith, they certainly open up my options, in composition and size. Blacksmithing is an expensive, equipment-heavy craft. There really isn’t any way around that.” In addition to her current production line, Hutchinson also accepts private commissions. An accomplished instructor, Bathroom mirror, mild steel, 24 x 36" she conducts blacksmithing workshops

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Cotton Mill Studios Fall Open House Art with Craft & Craft with Art rtists of the Cotton Mill complex that housed the Studios will open their doors shipping department for for their Fall Open House, the mill’s output of denim Art with Craft & Craft with and cotton fabrics. Art, on Friday, Saturday and It was purchased in Sunday,A September 24, 25 & 26. 2002 by Eileen and Marty One of two to survive the Black of The Potter’s Asheville Cotton Mill fire in 1995, Mark as a home for their this building at 122 pottery. Riverside Drive is a Their The Potter’s Mark showroom. work site for 11 artists retail gal- who work in varied lery features functional eclectic cultural center. mediums: pottery, pots with distinctive An added element this year will painting, encaustic red glaze and serves be the Mill Gallery Upstairs, an infor- wax painting, jewelry, as an anchor for mal exhibition space for work created Rapid River Magazine Encourages music, dance and fiber the building. Each in the studios. arts. Made of stal- studio has a unique New work from students You to Support Our Advertisers wart brick with high flavor, a reflection of of John Mac Kah will also be on exhibit. “Teaching art forces me to Buying local helps keep money in the neighborhood. ceilings, steel beams the character of each and industrial-sized artist and their chosen think about my process,” says Kah, For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 “It’s exciting when someone picks up goes back into the community. Local businesses are windows, the building mediums, making the owned by people who are invested in our future. was the heart of the Painting by Genie Maples building a rich and ‘Cotton Mill Studios’ continued on pg. 39

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‘Cotton Mill Studios’ continued from page 38

Cotton Mills Studios Open House – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 24, 25 & 26. on what you are trying to do and uses it in their own way.” With four painters in the building, the range of styles is varied, from contemporary realism to abstraction. Genie Maples’ work is known for rich layered color, intricate surfaces, meticulous composition, and an evocative emotional range. She will be joined by two guest artists for the weekend: Cindy Walton and Susan Finer. Skip Rohde describes his work as contemporary narrative and includes work from his time in the service in the Middle East. He shares a studio with painter Christine Dougherty, recent recipient of the Painting by John Mac Kah. NC Grassroots Award for work to explore encaustic wax painting. his workbench are sought by artists world- Downstairs, Barbara Zaretsky, owner wide. It is rare to find both visual arts and of BZDesign & Cloth Fiber Workshop, performing arts represented in one building, is also new to the building. Barbara left making for a rich cultural mix. her job as a graphic designer. She says, “I Cotton Mill Studios Fall Open House NEEDED to make a dream come true. I will allow visitors time for a leisurely visit, had this honest hope that I could do what to meet artists and view works in progress, I love and take care of myself at the same new pieces, and perhaps discover a treasure time.” There are two elements to her warm from the kiln, or fresh off the easel work, teaching and production. or workbench. From intimate jewelry to wall-sized paintings, functional to inspirational, humorous to contemplative, the depth and range of activity in this creative building makes it well worth exploring. Neighboring studios along Riverside Drive, from the Curve to Cotton Mill, will also be open throughout what should be a beautiful fall weekend, just outside of downtown Asheville. Artists with work for sale and on exhibit include Eileen and Marty Black, Christine Dough- erty, John Mac Kah, Leonard Lopatin, Genie Maples (with Barbara Zaretsky’s showroom. guest artists Cindy Walton & Su- san Finer), Heather Maloy, Skip From Cloth Fiber Workshop, she Rhode, Robin Black Walder and Barbara hosts classes taught by professional textile Zaretsky. Ongoing during the event will be artists to students of all levels. “I’ve always informal demonstrations, including pottery, been fascinated with textiles and the influ- painting, fiber arts, and music. Refresh- ence they have on our culture, [inspiring ments will be featured during extended us with] color, movement, light, nature, twilight hours on Friday evening. architecture and design. Functional textiles can enhance our lives in subtle yet powerful ways.” Zaretsky’s BZDesign is the iF Fall Open House – Art source of her studio line of hand-dyed silk, YOU with Craft & Craft with Art. making pillows, table-runners, scarves, and Cotton Mill Studios, 122 gO Riverside Drive, Asheville, other wearables. NC. Hours: Friday, Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance Director September 24, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Heather Maloy has her personal office in the Saturday, September 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. building, and Lenoard Lopatin, a performer Sunday, September 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Asheville Symphony, is a master For more information contact The Potter’s flute-maker whose innovative flutes made at Mark, (828) 252-9122.

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