Larry Keel and Natural Bridge will be performing at the Catawba Valley Brewing Company [map ] in Morganton, NC.  Make your plans for Saturday, October 10 2009 from 7:00 - 11:00PM.  The price is $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

 

Connecting traditional songs of yesterday with their own original and inventive sounds of today, Larry Keel & Natural Bridge create astonishingly powerful acoustic music rich in heritage, heart and hot licks! With a style that evokes both atomic rock energy and dynamic tonal purity, Keel and his ensemble are intent upon taking their instruments and their voices to their fullest potential for emotion and amazement. While paying respect to the legacy left by the forefathers of bluegrass, Keel bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary American Mountain Music.

 

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The Downtown Independent Groove Festival, a.k.a. the DIG Festival is coming to Asheville next month and I for one can't wait.  The festival spans 2 nights and includes a wide variety of musical acts appearing all over Asheville.  Check out the lineup:

 

Night 1 - August 20, 2009

The Orange Peel - The Enemy Lovers, Chris Cates & The Master Plan, Kovacs & The Polar Bear.
Mo Daddy’s - Pierce Edens & The Dirty Work, Ian Thomas, Lewis
The Emerald Lounge - Sol Driven Train, Wilsin, The Pond Bros.
Bo Bo Gallery - Moses Atwood, Now You See Them.

Night 2 - August 21, 2009

The Orange Peel - Josh Phillips Folk Festival, Josh Blakes Big Money Band, Ralph Roddenbery, Grant DaSantos & Fatback
Mo Daddy’s - Soulgrass Rebellion, Pierce Edens & The Dirty Work, Erika Jane & Remember The Bees
The Emerald Lounge - David Earl & The Plowshares, The Trainwreks, The Humbuckers
Bo Bo Gallery - Galen Kipar Project, Nikki Talley, Jeff Santiago

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July 24th will mark the start of Asheville's 31st annual 'Bele Chere' Music and Art Festival and the influx of 350,000 estimated  festival-goers. According to their website, "The festival features four stages of free- live music and an impressive array of arts and crafts; as well as entertainment and activities for children. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains of Western North Carolina- come join us for one of the Southeast's largest free outdoor street festivals."

Though still a couple of months away, here at AshevilleLive we are keeping this festival on our radar and plan on bringing you a series of reports ranging from exciting events to see and participate in, to some of the changes being made for 2009. One of the additions to this year's festival will be a "battle of the bands-style contest" conducted in conjunction with WNC Magazine and the Asheville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department called "Last Band Standing: Road to Bele Chere 2009".

Other events we'll be keeping an eye on include the 30th Annual Bele Chere 5k, the Lexington Avenue Drumming Tent, and Rashad McCant's "Shoot for the Cure", in which one lucky festival-goer will have a chance to win $10,000 with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research. 

 So stay tuned to AshevilleLive for upcoming reports with more information on how to maximize your fun at the largest street festival in the southeastern United States.

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Phish Comes to Asheville~ and is bringing a following of nearly 15,000 fans. The City of Asheville is planning ahead for a Tuesday, June 9 concert (with a ticketed attendance of 7,200) by the band Phish that is expected to cause traffic delays and result in limited parking. Officials have released a memo via Citizen Times warning downtown drivers to "avoid parking in lots marked with signage as towing zones, even if the lot is empty." and advising that concert goers "carpool to the concert and to arrive early."

The memo goes on to say: "In order to ensure the most efficient traffic flow and pedestrian safety during the event, streets surrounding the Civic Center will be closed June 9, 9:30 a.m. –midnight. These streets include Flint Street from Haywood Street to Cherry Street and Hiawassee Street from Rankin Avenue to Flint Street."

Another option for getting around downtown on June 9th is always the Asheville Transit System. Though the street closures may affect their service by re-routing lines, chances are pretty good that you'll still get to where you need to go. For a bus maps and schedules, just click here or call (828) 253-5691.

Several nights before and after the actual Phish show local bands will be performing all over town. Its sure to be a crazy weekend! Get out there and enjoy yourself, and be safe!

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For the first time EVER on planet earth, the 23 Skidoo DVD will be available, with award winning videos and uncut, vivid footage of the one-year anniversary show........WERE YOU THERE??? Maybe you are on it!! So come on out May 16th to the Grey Eagle from 12:30-3pm. Tickets are only $7 and children under 3 are free. Puppet Master Hobey Ford (our wonderful Evergreen music teacher Sue Ford's hubby) is the opening act with a puppet ballet called "ANIMALIA" Come and get ready to sing and dance with the whole family!

If you don’t know about this Local Kid-Hop Sensation check out this previous post introducing Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. You are sure to love songs like The Last Dragon Left on Earth and Luck. 23 Skidoo sends out a positive message with songs like I Gotta Be Me and It’s a New Day. My all time favorite song though is Family Tree in which his daughter Saki raps along with him.

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Just around the corner and its time for the Montford Music & Arts Festival. Come out and witness Montford come to life. Bring the kids, comfy shoes and be ready to enjoy some great music and good times. There are  going to be some great performers at this year’s event, including; Snake Oil Medicine Show, Pure Fiyah Reggae Band, the Good Ole Boys, Westsound and more, so do not miss it!

You will also find incredible local pottery, jewelry, fabric arts, hand carved wood, and amazing paintings. Have some fun and help paint the community mural, get a massage, and buy some fresh plants for your garden. Do not forget to bring your appetite, you’ll discover Jamaican Pasta, Greek Cuisine, and a sampling of Thai Foods as well.

Visit the Montford Festival website for more details:

This street festival, including musical acts and a juried art show, highlight the artistic strength of one of Asheville’s oldest neighborhoods.  Celebrating its sixth anniversary, this festival is free to the public, and sponsored by the Montford Neighborhood Association. For more information, call or email Sharon Fahrer at 828-777-1014 or Ben Scales at 828-225-4840 for directions or more info. 

Montford Music & Arts Festival Schedule:
10:00 Tater Diggers
11:00 Kon Tiki12:00 Ira Bernstein & John Herrmann
1:00   Vollie McKenzie & the Lead-Foot Vipers
2:00    WestSound
3:15   Good Old Boyz
4:45   Snake Oil Medicine Show
6:15   Pure Fiyah Reggae Band

Plus, the Mountain Dragon Lion Dance Troupe will perform complete with gongs, drums, and a spectacular display of martial arts; Hoop dancing; and Morris Dance by Asheville Morris Men and Ash Grove Garland, featuring a Maypole celebration at around 1:00p.m.

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Come on out to Hot Springs this weekend for the 12th annual French Broad River Festival. Three days of absolute magic. The line up is going to make for a great festival. Reverend Horton Heat, Acoustic Syndicate, Larry Keel and the Natural Bridge, Snake Oil Medicine Show, Josh Phillips and the Folk Festival and Jen and the Juice are just a few of the musicians performing. And with this weather, is there any place better to be than in Hot Springs.

You will also be able to shop for some really good outdoor gear at the Silent Auction or with the vendors. There will also be a raffle so bring some cash for the Live Auction too.  And if you are up for it, join one of the races. The “Paddle with the Pros,” the 12th Annual French Broad River Raft Race or the 5th Annual FBRF Mountain Bike Race. If you are not up for the race, you can enjoy the excitement as a spectator.

The festival crew is requesting everyone carpool to cut down on waste as well as save as much room for camping.  There will be a $10 charge for all vehicles that you will get back if you park at the farther lot once you unload your car. The weekend is sure to be a great time, I hope to see you there.

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The Asheville Arts Center is a school based on unlimited opportunities for students to explore their interests in music, dance and drama. They offer a variety of classes, including everything from Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop Dance Lessons to Children’s and Adult’s Theater collaborations. They even offer a creative arts preschool for the younger generations.

I personally recommend their Kindermusik program.

“Kindermusik® is a music and movement program for newborns up to age 7. Kindermusik® is a great opportunity to be a part of a child centered and age appropriate program that creates musical children by letting them explore all the possibilities that surround them.”

The Asheville Arts Center also brings you high-quality instructions on a variety of instruments that are student centered with a focus on individual learning styles. You will have access to group instructions, recitals and a great performance space! Lessons in Bass, Guitar, Violin, Piano and other instruments are available.

Check out their "Parent's Night Out" program every 2nd and 4th Friday night. Now this is Very Cool for the whole family!

With two locations, the Asheville Arts Center is conveniently located. One location is at 308 Merrimon avenue just a few blocks down the street from Claxton Elementary School and directly across the street from Musicians Workshop. The second location is in South Asheville just off Hendersonville Road behind Quiznos.

Come check them out, here is a list of their Upcoming Events for May 2009:

The Wizard of Oz Performance  at  Montford Park  
Friday, May 1 @ 6pm
Saturday, May 2 @ 2pm & 6pm
Sunday, May 3 @ 2:00pm 

Jr. Company Showcase-- Great Hall, AAC
Tuesday, May 12 @ 6:00pm   

Academy Showcase    -- Great Hall, AAC
Thursday, May 14 @ 6:30pm   

Dance Recital-- Diana Wortham Theatre
Saturday, May 16 @ 10:00am & 11:30am
           
Music Recitals-- Great Hall, AAC
Sunday, May 17 @ 1:00-3:00pm   

Irish Dance Concer --  Diana Wortham Theatre
Wednesday, May 20 @ 7:00pm   

Academy Dinner--  Great Hall, AAC
Thursday, May 21   

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Come one come all; have some healthy, family fun at Martin Luther King Park today, Saturday April 18th

Join us for the Second Annual AED: Asheville’s Earth Day Celebration! Just Announced: the fabulous musical line up; Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Laura Reed & Deep Pocket, Zach Deputy, Jen and the Juice! It’s going to be a great day!

Asheville Earth Day: 

This FREE, all day event is focused on providing a fun, entertaining setting to educate and promote conscious awareness and green living for the families and individuals of the Asheville community. The mission of Asheville Earth Day is to provide a FREE activity for people of all ages and backgrounds of the Asheville community, gathering to educate and celebrate that every person can make a difference for environmental change. And together we can make a difference globally. Asheville has long been known for its music and beautiful scenery…BUT more importantly, for its eclectic, environmentally conscious, health oriented citizens and community.

Earth Day Event Overview:
Fun full day celebration, of environmentally conscious individuals and families gathering together in support of healthy living and community collaboration of effective “green practices. The Eco-Village will highlight Asheville’s numerous Earth Friendly businesses and local non-profit organizations. A Kids-Village will be encouraging environmental awareness for children and young adults, including fun activities and games that focus on “Living Green”

 "AED is fun for children and their parents at the 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration!! While wonderful music fills our ears and moves our feet let's play and celebrate our planet. Activities include face painting, clay sculpture, field day games, and arts and crafts out of recycled materials. The showcase "re-creation" will be a big sized bug to help us catch the bug of less human impact on the Earth and will be in a skit the children create with adult help. So bring recyclables from your home. For instance if you have alot of tupperware lids with no container bring those? Got alot of empty egg cartons? You get the drift. Come out and ENJOY!"   --- Kids Area Management

You will not want to miss this fun family event, starting at 10:00am today, Saturday April 18th at Martin Luther King Park. Also check out Asheville’s Earth Day after party at Stella Blue. I look forward to see lots of you there this year!
 

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A dozen local artisan bakeries celebrate bread!

Come on out to GreenLife for the bread sale and workshops on baking.  You will be able to taste bread from 13 local, artisan bakeries. Meet your local bakers and taste a variety of cheeses from two local dairies. And the best part, if you buy a loaf of bread you’ll get a ticket to any of the following workshops:



Asheville Artisan Bread Festival Schedule
Each workshop has space for 35 people; a separate ticket is required for each session. You can get a workshop ticket for each of loaf of bread you purchase (as long as tickets are available).

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The Home Team Network was created by Josh Blake, an Asheville dad and musician who wanted to find a way to serve the needs of our local businesses while supporting local non-profits too. Home Team Network does just that.

Offering credit card processing machines and credit card services the Home Team Network, keeps processing fees local and then donates 10% of its profit to an Asheville based non-profit, featuring a new one each quarter. At the moment proceeds are going to Dogwood Alliance to help protect Southern Forests and promote sustainable forestry practice.

The great part about Home Team Network is the business owner now has a local contact and personal relationship with their credit processing services. This makes customer support a breeze and allows the Home Team Network to share proceeds in support of a good cause.  Here’s a list of all those who are already on the ‘home team’

Adorn Salon & Boutique, Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism, Bobo Gallery, Emerald Lounge, Feel Good Foods, Growing Young Café,  Haywood Road Market, Honeypot, Over Easy Café , P.C. Dharma, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Sugar Beet Café, The Dripolator , The Rocket Club, The Spotted Dog Farm, Echo Mountain Records, and several musicians Malcolm Holcombe, Arizona and Tyler Ramsery.

When you support these businesses you will be promoting a local non-profit as well. Need merchant services? You can join the Home Team Network too!

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This talented Asheville father,  inspired by his daughter has created positive hiphop music for kids with a sound that’s all grown up. After touring in a hiphop band for over ten years, Agent 23 has transformed his lyrical genius and original sound  into Asheville’s favorite family funk.

At the recent one year anniversary show all of Asheville came out for a gloriously grand time at the Grey Eagle.  Check out the MountainXpress slideshow. Family and friends joined Secret Agent 23 Skidoo for some booty shaking that captivates a child’s imagination with a beat that even babies move to.

From Hot Lava, sleepovers and mermaids to The Last Dragon Left On Earth & Luck, there’s something for everyone. 23 Skidoo sends out a positive message with songs like I Gotta Be Me and It’s a New Day. My all time favorite song though is Family Tree in which his daughter Saki raps along with him.

This is a special treat for the entire family. You've got to check it out, the album Easy is 23 Skidoo’s first release and all us fans are eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece.

To hear a few songs, watch some music videos and check out show dates visit the website at www.secretagent23skidoo.com

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Evergreen Charter Community School’s 6th annual CAFÉ is March 7th  7:30 pm at the Haywood Park Hotel Ballroom. Evergreen celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and is going all out with a spectacular line up of musicians, artists and food. Caring Artists For Evergreen is a fun-filled fundraising event.

The silent auction is an impressive display of local artist’s finest work, from oil paintings to ceramics, there is something that will strike everyone’s fancy. The musical guests this year is an incredible line up of local bands. Woody Wood (Hollywood Red) and Je Widenhouse (Squirrel Nut Zippers and Firecracker Jazz Band) and other members of the Mad Tea Party, Firecracker Jazz Band and the Snake Oil Medicine Show.  This collection of talent will have everyone dancing all night.

Some of the many local contributors are the Red Orchid, Ruby’s BBQ, Early Girl Eatery, West End Bakery, French Broad Brewery, Highland Brewery and many more. Check out the evergreen site to see all sponsors.

Of course all proceeds go to Evergreen Charter Community School. The event is open to the public, general admission tickets are $25, $30 at the door, so plan ahead. You can purchase tickets on the school website at www.evergreenccs.org or by calling Evergreen at 298-2173.

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Asheville celebrates Mardi Gras season with parties and a big Sunday parade.  Feb. 22, 2009 was Asheville’s Mardi Gras Parade. Everyone gathered around 4 at the beginning of Spruce and College St.  This year’s theme was Riches to Rags and nearly everyone came dressed up! The parade route continued around Prichard Park and Jack of the Wood.

Check out the Citizen Times Article:

   " Fat Tuesday and the related Mardi Gras celebration have a legendary history in New Orleans. But the party is equally alive and well in Asheville.

 “To share in the fun, head downtown this weekend for Asheville's second annual Mardi Gras parade or stop by one of the Mardi Gras balls happening around town at Jack of the Wood, the Grey Eagle, Mo-Daddy's and more. Louisiana native and Asheville resident Lesley Groetsch spoke recently about the traditions.

Question: What is a Mardi Gras krewe?

Answer: A krewe is a social aid and pleasure club. It started in New Orleans as a Mardi Gras tradition. It used to be very neighborhood-oriented; now it is just a group that gets together to celebrate Mardi Gras. There are usually good works involved — that's the social aid part. The pleasure club is what happens at Mardi Gras and the parties that lead up to it. “

Everyone had a blast this Sunday afternoon! Have a look at some fabulous Mardi Gras Parade photos captured by Wendy Lou!

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1.    These beautiful mountains, what an incredible blessing it is to live in these old mountains,with our hiking trails, waterfalls and vistas.

2.    The abundance and diversity of trees,  plants and native wildlife.

3.    The most beautiful seasons, we really experience all four in their full glory here.

4.    The music scene, there are so many incredible musicians, you can always go hear good live music, most days you can’t walk down the street without hearing a street musician.

5.    Blue grass and the whole Appalachian culture.

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