Mountain Xpress 03.04.26

to GREEN@MOUNTAINX.COM

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY

Kristi Knupp, a longtime music photographer, released her debut album, Long Overdue, in January under the moniker Pretty Little Saturday. “Being immersed in that fast-paced, creative environment really pushed me to finally chase a lifelong dream of making music myself,” Knupp says. “In those spaces, I was always known as ‘the photographer,’ because that’s the part of me I’d shared most openly. But I also wanted to show the musician side to people, too.”

COVER

KK Wurly

COVER

PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson

MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder

EDITOR: Gina Smith

OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose

STAFF REPORTERS:

Thomas Calder, Brionna Dallara, Justin McGuire, Gina Smith

COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Braulio Pescador-Martinez

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Jon Elliston, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS:

Emily Klinger Antolic, Christopher Arbor, Edwin Arnaudin, Danielle Arostegui, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Cayla Clark, Molly Devane, Ashley English, Merin McDivitt, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Troy Jackson, Bill Kopp, Chloe Leiberman, Anabel Shenk, Jessica Wakeman, Jamie Zane

PHOTOGRAPHER: Caleb Johnson

ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson

LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Caleb Johnson, Olivia Urban

MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Dave Gayler

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick

WEB: Brandon Tilley

BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler

OFFICE MANAGER: Mark Murphy

FRONT OFFICE: Phillip Brock

DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Dave Gayler

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Cass Kunst, Cindy Kunst, Courtney Israel Nash, Joey Nash, Carl & Debbie Schweiger, Gary Selnick, Noah Tanner, Mark Woodyard

Could Costco opportunity be salvaged?

[Regarding “Costco Withdraws Application for Highly Anticipated Asheville Location,” Feb. 19, Asheville Watchdog via Xpress, and “Costco Dropped Asheville Application Without ‘Any Sort of Discussion’ on Traffic Analysis, NCDOT Says,” Feb. 19, Asheville Watchdog:]

The recent announcement probably does mean the permanent loss of a Costco store in our area. Recognizing there were concerns by some neighbors, this is a genuine loss for the community and the loss of an excellent employer.

City leadership cannot control what a private company decides nor what the N.C. Department of Transportation lays out for transportation infrastructure. But it might have helped if the city had let all parties know from the start that we want this project to succeed and ask that all decisions be coordinated with the city. If city leadership had word of a pending cancellation and could have offered to host a meeting with Costco and NCDOT, a solution might have been found. Could this still be offered?

Mitigations and compromises are common and useful in such situations. We may have lost an opportunity to lead in the interest of all concerned.

— Bill Clontz Asheville

Disappointed by Costco’s change of plans

[Regarding “Costco Withdraws Application for Highly Anticipated Asheville Location,” Feb. 19, Asheville Watchdog via Xpress, and “Costco Dropped Asheville Application Without ‘Any Sort of Discussion’ on Traffic Analysis, NCDOT Says,” Feb. 19, Asheville Watchdog:]

For me, Costco’s withdrawal of its application for a store in our area is indeed a great disappointment. To have a store in the area that continues to support DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and offers a wonderful variety of products and services was so exciting. We are surrounded by Walmarts and their counterpart, Sam’s Club, which add to the problems of working people through their hiring policies and low wages. If our state would pass a budget, maybe the N.C. Department of Transportation would have not asked for such requirements. Have other companies been subjected to the same treatment? The timing is unfortunate and seems suspiciously biased.

I will continue to make the journey to Spartanburg, S.C., to shop, as I will not support Walmart or Sam’s Club. The

only bit of power I have in this case is where I spend my money.

— Mary Buttitta Asheville

Cyclists are also motorists who pay gas taxes

[Regarding “Asheville Cyclists, Mourning a Fatal Crash, Push for Federal Bill to Improve Road Safety,” Jan. 20, Blue Ridge Public Radio via Xpress and “Bikes and Cars Are Incompatible on Local Roads,” Feb. 4, Xpress:]

Woodfin letter writer Guy Smith is working on the assumption that cyclists are not also motorists who own automobiles, regularly purchasing gasoline and paying the same gas taxes as Mr. Smith to maintain roads for all vehicles.

I would like to clarify that this is an inaccurate assumption.

While our family owns a number of bicycles, we also own four motor vehicles (three of which are trucks). We regularly purchase gasoline, as we drive daily and pay plenty in gas taxes that support North Carolina’s Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund.

— Robin Nelson-Smith Weaverville

Electric vehicle owners pay taxes,

too

A recent letter to the Mountain Xpress editor stated that electric vehicles (EVs) don’t pay gasoline taxes [“Bike Riders Already Pay Share of Road Costs,” Feb. 18]. The writer failed to mention that North Carolina levies a $214.50 annual

EV fee that internal combustion vehicles (ICVs) don’t pay.

The state’s gas tax is 41 cents per gallon. My wife and I would have needed to drive over 42,000 miles in the 40 mpg ICVs we formerly owned to match the $429 it cost to register our EVs. We drove about 10,000 miles, so we’re paying North Carolina over four times as much road tax as comparable ICV owners.

That’s OK. We’re still money ahead because electricity is so much cheaper than gas, and EVs don’t require oil changes or any other engine maintenance. We’re also not responsible for oil wars or combustion pollution (our cars are solar-powered). But it is irritating when ignorant people accuse us of freeloading and downright offensive when lying politicians do it.

— Dave Erb Asheville

Ask congressional candidates about military spending

I greatly appreciate the voters guide to the candidates for the various offices that your paper publishes. This is a true public service to inform and to encourage participation in elections.

I have a concern about the questions asked to the candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives [“2026 Primary Voter Guide: U.S. House 11,” Feb. 18, Xpress]. Realizing the paper has limited space and that there are many, many issues that a candidate for the House needs to address, there is one glaring omission: a question about foreign policy and military spending.

Representatives vote on the military budget and, as part of Congress, should be consulted by the administration when it decides it wants to go to war. Congress is being bypassed by the current administration as it threatens war on Iran, which would be a disastrous foreign policy blunder. The U.S. military budget ($838.7 billion) is huge, and the U.S. military is the largest emitter of fossil fuel pollution. The Pentagon has never been able to pass an audit.

We will have little ability to solve the critical problems that face us, including Helene recovery, access to health care, climate change and a livable environment, economic inequality, the ever-increasing influence of the oligarchic technocrats, rising authoritarianism, etc., if we continue to ignore the “elephant” in our collective room. All politics, including the effects of the military/industrial complex, is local.

In a future voters guide including candidates for Congress, please include what I’m confident would be a well-crafted question about their responsibilities concerning the military budget and foreign policy. — Anne Craig Asheville

Editor’s note: This letter was written prior to the U.S. attack in Iran. With respect to the writer’s recommendations for future voter guides, we appreciate the input. We will keep this in mind for the November General Election Voter Guide, as well as future guides.

Forum would force leaders to justify reparations

With the recent 38 attempts of federal civil rights violations relative to their inside agenda of unlawful racist reparations, the Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, all 100% elected Democrats, purposefully voted to implement this criminal activity to accomplish their wants of reparations to special people. We are thrilled that Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice, was alerted and slapped them down hard, but without any accountability for their racist activities. Just how racist are all of these elected officials? We need to know.

Asheville/Buncombe County needs to host a big local forum for the citizens to come and ask their questions of these officials and hear what they may have to say about their heinous actions. Again, how racist are they?

Help us challenge and compel Asheville City Council and the county commissioners to join in this need to come clean. Do your part by contacting them as often as you can. We must

expose all this racism within our two governing bodies and use it to manipulate future behavior from these questionable city and county “leaders.” The city and county are slow to react to this. Let’s make them.

If these groups continue to avoid this forum, then we can only feature them as the most heinous humans in our midst. Will they play? Do they have the guts to go public?

— Fisher Caudle Asheville

Crisis pregnancy centers need greater oversight

Asheville is home to a crisis pregnancy center (CPC) — Ascend Women’s Center, a religiously based nonprofit, funded in part by taxpayer dollars, that advertises pregnancy services but offers far less than the full range of reproductive health services. In fact, Ascend, like other CPCs nationally, attempts to intercept women seeking abortions and shame or guilt them into forgoing the procedure.

CPCs often promote medically inaccurate information about abortion, such as: abortion causes breast cancer; abortion can lead to sterility or future preterm births; and medical abortion can be reversed. Such centers have been known to deceive women on how far along they are in their pregnancy to

eliminate options and choices as mandated by our state. They often locate their offices near hospitals as a way of misleading women into thinking they are getting care at hospital-based clinics (as with Ascend, which is near Mission Hospital).

CPCs are primarily religious, not medical, centers, even though they offer pregnancy and STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing as well as limited ultrasounds (for religious orientation of Ascend, see [avl.mx/fcm]). Ascend is listed on the Radiant Church website as a partner whose “mission is to be a relevant Christ-centered outreach ministry partnering with the churches of WNC.” And although CPCs may promise to protect health data, they aren’t bound by federal privacy law (HIPAA); they are free to share private medical information about patients, even to government authorities who may use the data to punish women. Unfortunately, CPCs have become an arm of the government in targeting vulnerable immigrant women; if any such women end up in federal custody and request abortions, they are sent to CPCs instead.

There are currently 100 CPCs in North Carolina, which is the third-highest state for contributing public dollars to these centers (The Assembly, Jan. 8). According to The Assembly, taxpayer money for these centers increased over the last decade from $300,000 a year to more than $12 million, and none of the funding

to CPCs was cut by DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Mountain Area Pregnancy Services (MAPS), doing business as Ascend Women’s Center, has received $740,516 in state funding since 2020 (The Assembly).

As writers of this letter, we are attempting to raise awareness about the travesty of CPCs receiving taxpayer dollars to promote religiously based services that do not include the full range of reproductive care options. We believe that CPCs need greater oversight and scrutiny by our elected officials. We encourage anyone concerned about the injustice of the current system of CPCs to contact their representatives about making changes that ensure that adequate reproductive health care is available to all women and pregnant people in this state.

— Claudia Jimenez Unitarian Universalist minister

— Kelly Wedell

— Wilma Oman

— Melissa Himelein

— Margaret McAlister

— Wanda Lanier all Asheville

— Linda Caulfield Lewis Arden

Editor’s note: Xpress reached out to Ascend Women’s Center with the writers’ points, and we received the following response from Executive Director Kristi Brown: “Ascend Women’s Center is committed to serving women facing

unexpected pregnancies with compassion, professionalism and integrity. We provide free pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds performed by licensed medical professionals, STI testing, parenting education, counseling and material support. Every woman who walks through our doors is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of her background or circumstances.

“Pregnancy centers across the nation collectively provide hundreds of millions of dollars in free services each year. A recent study found a 98% satisfaction rate among women served, reflecting the supportive, respectful care they experience.

“Any public funds received are used in full compliance with state guidelines. We welcome open conversation and transparency about our work and remain committed to offering accurate information, practical resources and compassionate care for women and families.”

Word of the week aquiline (adj.)

1. curving like an eagle’s beak; 2. of, relating to, or resembling an eagle

Speaking of eagles, you can read more about them on Page 14. X

Who or what is running Asheville?

Editor’s note: In this column, we aim to highlight contrasting views on local issues from two writers who come from different perspectives — and to encourage thoughtful discussion from our readers across the political spectrum. This time, we asked our columnists for their opinions on the following questions: Who or what do you think is running Asheville? Is that good or bad?

ON THE LEFT

Bill Branyon: In my 35 years of journalism, I’ve often written about Asheville’s growth issues. That’s made me conclude that it’s mainly legions of developers who run Asheville. And our dominant developer is John “Jack” Cecil of the famed Vanderbilt family. He’s the president of Biltmore Farms (the non-Biltmore Estate branch of the family business), originally launched by his great-granddaddy George Vanderbilt as an agricultural endeavor, which eventually morphed into a real estate development company.

Mr. Cecil has developed a good chunk of this inheritance, and, except for his militaristic Pratt & Whitney misfit, his other creations, such as The Ramble, Biltmore Park and Biltmore Lake, are much more ecological and elegant than most other developments. They preserve large swaths of urban forests and green spaces. If we must have developers endlessly exploit Asheville’s beauty and brilliance for a few dollars more, let’s hire Mr. Cecil as our zoning czar. Though he’d need to include the deeply affordable housing that his developments lack.

Asheville’s three-term mayor, Esther Manheimer, often aids the other, less graceful developers. She’s a lawyer in the Van Winkle Law Firm, which, as stated by its website, provides developers with “comprehensive legal services.” I often admire many of Mayor Manheimer’s brave accomplishments, such as kiboshing the Vance Monument or two-laning Merrimon Avenue and North Charlotte Street. Nevertheless, in her administrations, rectangular hotels, giant square apartment complexes and the skinny tall boxes of crammed-together infill are crushing the remaining urban forests and green spaces in many middle- and lower-income neighborhoods at an accelerating pace. Archcapitalist Ayn Rand’s architect character, Howard Roark, would go bombing ballistic in the face of such monstrous monotony.

UNC Asheville developers may soon displace the famous 45 acres of urban forest called The Woods with such tangles of rectangles unless someone permanently kiboshes that potential aesthetic and ecological outrage.

Then there’s Asheville’s most powerful political machine, the Sierra Club. Many of its members are dedicated defenders of nature; however, their

leadership often negates this with their political choices. When I was running for Asheville City Council, two of the club’s previous leaders once admitted to me:

“We love your environmental positions, but we’re only allowed to endorse candidates we’re pretty sure will win.” They seemed deaf to the irony that if you get a Sierra Club endorsement, you have a greatly enhanced chance of winning. Their policy often means endorsing environment-destroying incumbents. For instance, the Sierra Club endorsed Manheimer in the 2022 election and almost certainly will in this year’s race. Opposing some developments are Asheville’s environmentalists. They’re made up of NIMBYs (not in my backyard) NIABYs (not in anyone’s backyard) and some who believe endless development on a finite planet is maniacal madness. It’s a planet whose oxygen is being ostracized by development-related CO2, whose resources are rapidly being gobbled up and whose humans may soon kill every living thing on Earth in nuclear wars fought over dwindling development resources.

Then again, our Paris of the South, San Fran of the East and Beer City USA maybe should grow as gargantuan and garish as our artistry, diversity and buzz can make us, regardless of ecological, elegance and conflagration considerations. Car lot Charlotte, here we come! X

ON THE RIGHT

Carl Mumpower: Nobody? Everybody? Lots-of-bodies?

Running Asheville is assuredly a team sport.

Mind if I introduce the squad?

• A homogenous Council: If you believe diversity is good, note our mayor and City Council represent seven varieties of Coca-Cola. Lest you anticipate change, all 20 primary candidates pass the same taste test. Not a conservative 7UP in the bunch. Running a city from one angle of view is like flying an airplane with one wing.

• Turistas: A quick glance at Asheville’s skyline affirms the tourism lobby outgunned the Keep Asheville Weird movement. Money usually wins. This is not to suggest the annual passes the Biltmore House used to grant to City Council members were anything but a kindness.

• Left-leaning media: It’s a personal opinion that Asheville’s primary media outlets are habitually biased. There aren’t any alternative political voices to rag, so the best they can do is ignore/enable their brand and recycle trivia. That’s how pop-up $30 million budget holes appear.

• Drug culture: Our community has a fondness for substances promising timeout from life’s trials. With that affection comes crime, social harms and various evils that — try as we may — refuse to conform to pretense.

• The Democratic Party: Though the good folks on the left love to protest, it’s funny how the entity in charge of about everything in sight gets a pass from those attentions. Clearly, the fix is in.

• The fairy dust league: There are lots of people in our community who believe if you repeat something with adequate enthusiasm, it will come true. Unfortunately, reality is people stumbling through traffic on Tunnel Road; Black-on-Black murders in public housing; and our social safety net otherwise being overwhelmed.

• Spiritual country clubs: The hardest thing I know is being a Christian. Worshipping something we can’t see, touch or hear is just the start of the hard. Then comes loving our fellow man; obedience; skipping judgment and condemnation; transcending fear and worry; honoring mom and dad; controlling our pee-pees; and all those other Bible-based hurdles. Masquerading a house of comfort as a church betrays these challenges, strangles our ability to set an example and corrupts community impact.

Art by Brian Vasilik

• Elitists: Asheville’s leadership team continues to sell the myth that we can have equitable prosperity without accountability, constrained governance and an eye on balance. The result is a community of ruthless unaffordability.

• Middle schooler cartel: The average person builds their social/emotional coping skills in their early teens. These devotions are rarely modified. Witness the self-limiting impact of the cliques, malice, competitiveness, cruelty, subterfuge, denial and escapism practiced by so many.

• Special interests: In our community, the authentic notion of the common good has been crowded out by an army of clamoring nonprofits and special-interest groups. A relentless pattern of funding, eulogizing and catering to these folks is one reason that, for so many years, less than 20% of our community’s “it won’t matter” voters participated in city elections.

Sorry, Bill, I was only able to tag about half the folks deserving team-player recognition. Excuse my exuberance in anticipating future opportunities

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.”

— Buddha X

The $26.4M question

Residents weigh in on city budget

BY BRIONNA DALLARA

Faced with nearly a $30 million projected gap between next fiscal year’s revenues and expenses, Asheville City Council is entering a difficult budget season. At its Feb. 24 meeting, Council heard the first round of public comments on the issue.

“Budgets demonstrate values, and I know this is a challenging year,” said public commenter Vicki Meath, executive director of Just Economics, a local nonprofit. “We hope that you will value and prioritize an affordable and safe community for working-class people.”

At a work session prior to the meeting, Lindsay Spangler, the city’s budget and performance manager, told Council that staff now projects the gap to be $26.4 million, down $4 million from the $30.4 million presented Jan. 13.

In addition to comments on the budget, Council heard updates on capital projects as well as projects funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Council also added an amendment to its noise ordinance and made several appointments to its boards and commissions.

THE $30 MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION

During her presentation to Council, Spangler noted a number of factors that have led to the gap:

• One-time strategies from this year that cannot be repeated.

• Lingering impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.

• Inflationary increases in areas such as health care and transit provision.

During Spangler’s presentation at the agenda briefing, she also noted that $80 million in general obligation

Kids Issues

bonds, which were introduced and passed in November 2024, will need to be repaid. The city delayed increasing taxes last year due to Helene.

To balance the budget, the city will likely need a mix of revenue increases — such as property taxes and fees — and budget cuts that could reduce services, Spangler said.

Public commenter Paul Howell asked Council, “Why is it that the first fix for anything when it comes to the budget is to raise property taxes?” Howell encouraged the city to find alternative revenue sources, such as charging deposits for developers.

Last year’s budget included a 3.26-cent property tax increase. That increase was a 7.9% hike from the year prior, costing the owner of a $350,000 home about $114 more per year.

Property taxes make up half of the general fund, which reflects the city’s revenue and expenses, Spangler said. The second-largest revenue source comes from sales tax (23.1%), and remaining revenue is generated from fees and charges for services, as well as intergovernmental revenue from state and federal sources.

On the spending side, roughly 64% of the budget is used for personnel costs — including salaries, overtime and benefits such as health care. About 21% goes toward operating costs, and the remainder supports other funds and pays debt service for capital projects.

Just Economics calculates that the living wage for Asheville is $24.10 per hour, said Meath, who encouraged Council to pay a living wage to employees and emphasized the importance of investing in transit.

Transit was a priority for public commenter Rachel Cohen, member of the Sunrise Movement, who also spoke to maintaining funding for sustainability efforts.

“We cannot be allocating money for things like performing arts centers, which are really awesome but not necessarily essential, when we can’t have people being able to travel to the doctor and to the grocery store,” Cohen said, referencing the arts and entertainment facility project discussed by Council at the work session prior to the meeting (see more about the facility in “In other news” bulletins below).

Public commenter Canyon DeLuca suggested canceling con-

LIVING WAGE: At Asheville City Council’s first public hearing on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, Just Economics Executive Director Vicki Meath encouraged members to prioritize paying a living wage to city employees. The next public hearing on the budget is Tuesday, May 26.

Photo by Brionna Dallara

tracts related to the Asheville Police Department’s (APD) surveillance programs, citing Spangler’s quarterly financial report, which notes that the department is trending over budget due to higher personnel costs.

Two candidates vying for Council seats also spoke. Kyle Turner called for long-term solutions to address recurring expenses outpacing recurring revenues, and David Moritz urged the city not to expand staffing or revenue costs simply to restore current service levels.

Three City Council budget work sessions will be conducted in March and April. The next public comment will be held Tuesday, May 26, after the city manager’s proposed budget is released.

CURRENT BUDGET

In a presentation for the current fiscal year’s second quarter, Spangler said revenues from the current budget remain on target to meet fiscal year 2025-26 estimates, but revenue growth remains stagnant.

Other key takeaways presented by Spangler include:

• Sales taxes are expected to come in slightly under budget based on prior year trends.

• Staff estimates fund balance usage will be slightly less than budgeted, approximately $1.6 million compared with the $2.2 million budgeted.

• APD is trending over budget due to increased personnel costs.

• Staff continues to monitor health care costs.

PROJECT UPDATES

Walter Ear , the city’s public facilities division manager, updated Council on the status of the city’s 2025-26 capital projects. These longterm investments include repairs to buildings, streets and other infrastructure, financed through internal city resources as well as external funds from grants and partnerships. Ear also provided updates on infrastructure recovery projects funded by the federal government.

Projects under construction include: McCormick Field, the WNC Nature Center’s Gateway to the Southern Appalachians Enhancement project and Weaver Park and playground, as well as sidewalk improvements on Airport Road, Johnston Boulevard, New Haw Creek Road, Patton Avenue and Southside Greenway Connector. There are also improvements underway for College Street and Patton Avenue, as well as Nasty Branch and North Reed Creek greenways.

Coxe Avenue streetscape improvements, Malvern Hills Park pool and Walton Street Park improvements, along with sidewalk and other repair improvements to Lexington Avenue, London Road, municipal buildings and the Oakley Public Safety complex remain in the design stage.

There is community engagement happening now for the Walton Street Park pool area, Ear reported. The design team has rendered two options based on previous public comment that are available to review on the project’s website. The city is hoping to get input on what elements most align with the community vision. Construction on the pool is anticipated to start later this year.

Ongoing FEMA repair projects include the roof replacement at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and design for 8 River Arts Place and lighting for Biltmore Village.

City officials and consultants presented input they’ve gathered on rebuilding Azalea Park and the French Broad riverfront parks and sought guidance on the projects next steps at a Feb. 28 community design workshop.

Further online feedback opportunities and pop-up events are scheduled through Monday, March 16.

In other news

• Council unanimously approved a change to Asheville’s noise ordinance that specifies how sound-amplifying devices may be used near schools and medical clinics. The amendment does not apply to sounds originating from public schools or medical clinics themselves.

• At the Feb. 24 work session ahead of the Council meeting, Chris Corl, director of Asheville’s community and entertainment facilities, presented updates on the proposed arts and entertainment facility. Corl said the city would apply for a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support a roughly 2,500-seat performance hall and associated facilities. The potential 2.43-acre site, just south of Asheville City Hall and Pack Square Park, has been proposed the replacement site for the aging Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.

• Council approved an amendment to add affordable rental construction as a property need and goal in the 2025-26 Consolidated Plan.

A public hearing was held during the meeting, but there were no public commenters.

• Council voted on appointments to several boards and commissions, including the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Audit Committee, Board of Adjustment, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, Neighborhood Advisory Committee, Public Art & Culture

Commission and Sustainability Advisory Committee.

• Council authorized the Asheville Fire Department to expend donation funds in an amount not to exceed $45,266.38 to go toward fire programs, personnel and other fire initiatives.

This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing. X

Leave your resumes at the door

New series for women entrepreneurs prioritizes connection over advancement

BY BRIONNA DALLARA

bdallara@mountainx.com

When you’re launching a business, it’s easy to feel buried in information and stuck in decision fatigue.

What kinds of posts actually get seen? How do I reach the right audience for my brand? What’s the best way to update my website? How do I even make an Instagram Reel?

Sometimes, a fellow entrepreneurial traveler is all it takes to guide you through the avalanche of unknowns, build confidence and reconnect you with the heart of your business. Creating such connections is the primary goal of Better Together: The Inaugural WNC Women in Business Social. The free event takes place Tuesday, March 10, 6-8 p.m. at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage, 131 Sweeten Creek Road.

There will be 10 local women’s business organizations participating in the gathering. The evening will involve an open-floor format where guests can grab a drink and converse with members of the organizations to learn tricks of the trade, as well as connect with other attendees.

“It’s really a night to bring everybody together and let all of the women in business really know [they] have all of this support. You have 10 groups who are here to support you, and they all have different flavors of how they go about doing it,” says Ashley Sterken, co-founder of Hive Ambition, the organization behind the March 10 event.

Rather than competing for the same audience, the goal of Better Together

COMBINING FORCES: Hive Ambition co-founders Rachel Africh, left, and Ashley Sterken, right, are bringing together 10 organizations for Better Together: The Inaugural WNC Women in Business Social on Tuesday, March 10, 6-8 p.m. Photo by Brionna Dallara

is for attendees to leave feeling uplifted by other female entrepreneurs.

“Because for some reason, especially women, we feel like we have to do it all by ourselves a lot of times,” Sterken says.

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE

That collaborative mindset was what Sterken envisioned in 2024 when she launched Hive Ambition, a private social network that charges an annual fee for coworking sessions, workshops, digital events and a dedicated feed and group chat made of primarily local female business owners.

After years as a chief operating officer in technology, Sterken wanted to create a platform where women in business could build one another up.

“Being an entrepreneur truly can be so lonely. You feel like it’s just you chugging along, trying to figure it out,” says fellow co-founder Rachel Africh. “I think there’s just so much power in knowing that there’s a community of women just like you and that you have so much support available to you.”

While the pair share the title of co-founders, Sterken launched the first Hive event alone, meeting Africh

at the gathering. Africh, who at the time had 14-plus years of experience in the marketing world, fell in love with the mission, and the two joined forces.

“Having been to networking events before, that event was different,” Africh recalls. “Everybody was so brilliant and amazing and sweet and wonderful to talk to. And now, a yearand-a-half later, almost all of my best friends are in Hive. I genuinely connected with all of these women.”

WHO WILL BE THERE?

The March 10 event is open to all local women in business — from those with established brick-andmortar operations to those at the outset of navigating their market or conceptualizing their brand.

But contrary to what one might think, this is not a networking event, says Africh.

“So many networking events are just you putting on your blazer,” she notes. “It’s so nerve-racking, and it just feels transactional. We don’t want it to feel transactional. We want you to leave with connections and new friends.”

In other words, leave the elevator pitches and portfolios at home

and prepare for some candid social interactions.

In addition to Hive, there will be nine other organizations:

• AVL Digital Nomads — A community-based organization that hosts meetup events for remote and hybrid workers, traveling nomads and freelance and solo entrepreneurs.

• AVL Beauty Boost — A local chapter of an organization that hosts events, such as fitness classes and wellness workshops, as well as conferences and programming for women in business.

• She Owns It — A monthly gathering for women who want to grow, connect and feel inspired. Each meetup features a guest speaker.

• Woman Strong — A consulting group that provides tailored instruction and coaching services to help entrepreneurs and existing business owners with leadership skills, career transition and development.

• Empowerment Collective — A women’s networking and speaking series in Asheville that brings accomplished women together to share their transformative journeys, offering valuable insights, inspiration and a sense of community.

• WomanUp — An initiative from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce focused on women in business. The group hosts networking events and leads the annual WomanUP awards for women in business.

• Ladies Lifestyle Network — A group that hosts monthly events, courses and retreats to empower women in business.

• The Unofficial Connection Hub — Founded by Missy Frisch, the hub is a social network for Asheville women and includes happy hours, volunteering opportunities and more.

• Power of Women — A women’s collective that inspires collaboration among women in business in an effort to elevate female leaders. The group hosts small monthly meetings and mixers and records a biweekly podcast highlighting powerful women. To learn more about the event and to RSVP, go to avl.mx/fcy X

Hotels bounce back in Buncombe County as vacation rentals dip

READING THE ROOMS: In 2025, Buncombe County hotels saw increased bookings while vacation rentals dipped, Vic Isley, center, president and CEO of the Tourism Development Authority and Explore Asheville, said at a Feb. 25 board meeting. Photo by Ashley Greenstein

Buncombe County hotels experienced a rise in occupancy in 2025, while vacation rentals declined slightly, a shift driven by changing inventory and lingering post-Tropical Storm Helene demand from displaced residents and recovery crews.

Vic Isley, president and CEO of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and Explore Asheville, presented these lodging trends to the TDA board at its Feb. 25 meeting. Isley highlighted how shifts in hotel and vacation rental patterns affected the broader local economy, noting that hotels accounted for 56% of the county’s total room supply last year — the highest share since 2021 — while vacation rental inventory stabilized after rapid growth in recent years.

On average, the county recorded just under 10,000 hotel rooms per night in 2025, compared with roughly 8,000 vacation rental units, she said. Vacation rental occupancy fell about 5% from 2024, partially due to an 8% reduction in available listings.

“The hotel demand for the first half of calendar year 2025 was also still being significantly impacted by Helenerelated demand, including displaced residents, construction and recovery

crews,” Isley told the board. She explained that temporary housing programs contributed to hotel occupancy but that the lodging market is gradually returning to more typical patterns.

Visitor spending in Buncombe County extends well beyond lodging, Isley said. Hotels and rentals account for roughly 30% of trip spending, while the remaining 70% supports restaurants, retail, recreation and entertainment.

“Lodging demand is a precursor to the health of other categories in our community and travel and hospitality,” Isley explained.

Early 2026 data show January occupancy reaching 43%, down from 61% the previous year. Vacation rentals were at 38%, reflecting both seasonal patterns and reduced listings. Programs providing temporary housing accounted for a noticeable portion of demand during January 2025, illustrating how poststorm conditions continue to shape the market.

Revenue per available room and average daily rates for vacation rentals remained competitive despite the dip in occupancy. Hotels also saw modest gains in revenue, helping the county maintain strong lodging tax collections. According to Isley, Buncombe County’s lodging

performance continues to outpace most comparable regional markets, though some vacation rental metrics lag behind other areas.

Isley emphasized that monitoring these trends will be crucial for local business planning. Understanding shifts in both hotels and vacation rentals allows the county and its tourism partners to anticipate visitor needs, plan for peak periods and ensure that the tourism sector continues to support the wider economy.

Uneven project timelines

Board members also learned that 39 development projects are active through the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund.

Tiffany Thacker, vice president of partnership and destination management for Explore Asheville, said timelines for the projects have been uneven, which is largely attributable to Helene’s impacts, which varied widely among projects. Some — like the Swannanoa River Greenway —

required redesigns after physical storm damage. Others faced access constraints or remediation delays, including Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and the Black Wall Street AVL project, which remains paused due to building access limitations.

Thacker also noted several projects experienced indirect slowdowns when partner organizations shifted resources to broader recovery efforts. Examples included Ferry Road, RiverLink’s Gateway Park project and the N.C. Botanical Garden improvements.

Existing structures generally stayed on more predictable timelines:

• The John B. Lewis Soccer Complex restoration is substantially complete and hosting events.

• Improvements to the Western North Carolina Nature Center are expected to be finished next month.

• McCormick Field renovations and the Phase 2 expansion of the Enka Recreation Destination remain on schedule.

In contrast, some outdoor infrastructure requiring complex permitting, interagency coordination or federal land work — such as shoreline stabilization and riverfront enhancements — have seen extended timelines. Two previously approved projects will not move forward as originally proposed: the Media Arts Project’s Supernova Immersive experience and the African American Heritage Museum at Stephens-Lee Recreation Center. The decision was made following “a reassessment of feasibility after Helene” and other factors, Thacker said.

Their grants were relinquished, returning approximately $300,000 to the respective funds.

Looking ahead, eight projects are expected to be completed this year, 14 in 2027 and four more by 2029.

In other business

• Isley noted Asheville has been selected as the host city for the 2026 G20 Finance Track, part of the U.S.led meetings this year. Scheduled for August and September, the event will bring around 500 finance ministers and officials from across the globe. The conference is a targeted effort to support the region’s economic rebound following Helene, she said, with early estimates projecting $1.5 million to $2 million in direct spending benefiting area businesses. While the smaller finance-focused track is in Asheville, the main G20 summit will be held in Florida later in the year, drawing wider international attention.

— Justin McGuire

Birds of prey

BY JOHN DELUCA

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone, but love is still in the air. Literally.

Some types of raptors that you’re likely to see building their nests, incubating eggs or feeding their young at this time of year include hawks, eagles, owls and vultures.

But where can you go to behold the beauty of our local large lovebirds engaged in early bird romance?

THE LAKE IS CALLING

Take a trip to Lake Julian to behold the majesty of the breeding bald eagles that call that body of water their home. A great place to observe an eagle nest from a safe

distance is along the back bay of the disc golf course.

How to get there? Simply search, “Lake Julian disc golf course” in your favorite navigation app. Once you’re on the property, walk around the boathouse adjacent to the parking lot and onto the narrow peninsula of pines. After about 500 feet, you’ll come to the tip of the peninsula, which is covered in riprap rock.

Once there, look north across the bay through your binoculars or telephoto lens. With patience, you’ll find a giant nest at the top of the trees across the bay. I have observed eagles build on top of the same nest year after year, and they often achieve massive sizes of up to 6 feet in diameter.

Take your time at Lake Julian. It’s one of the three most species-rich birding hot spots in Buncombe

IN FLIGHT: “I feel a sense of awe and peace when observing these beautiful creatures in air," says local birder and photographer Lisa Squires. “It’s almost meditative.” Photo by Squires

County, with more than 221 bird species on record. With some effort, you’re likely to see or hear more than 100 species there at this time of year, according to eBird, a birding website.

Some Lake Julian specialties that are featured on the resident eagle’s breeding-season meal plan include American coot, ring-necked duck, bufflehead, hooded merganser and the horned grebe.

‘HOO’ IS THERE?

On the opposite end of town, walk through the UNC Asheville woods (of recent “Save the Woods” fame) near dawn or dusk, and you may hear the “hoo, hoo, hoo” of our local great horned owls defending their breeding territory.

Just be sure to keep a safe distance if you’re lucky enough to spot one —

100 yards is a good rule of thumb. If you observe a change in behavior from the owl, even something as subtle as a turning of the head or a nervous stepping motion, calmly and quietly back away.

Great horned owls are a fascinating bird, one of the largest in the area, and they’re known to even eat skunks. I hope you have the opportunity to witness their magical majesty.

IN THE SUBURBS

One last species to keep an ear out for (more so than an eye) is the red-shouldered hawk. A common sight in both suburban and rural landscapes, listen for its extremely loud and whiny shrill call — “keehyerr, keeh-yerr, keeh-yerr!”

Don’t be fooled by wily blue jays, though. They often imitate the red-shouldered hawk to scare squirrels, songbirds and other critters away in hopes of raiding their nests and food caches.

If you spot a pair of red-shouldered hawks, don’t look away. They often dance through the air, soaring and diving together in acrobatic delight.

Editor’s note: “Naturally Curious with John DeLuca” is an Xpress environmental series. DeLuca is an ecologist and conservation professional and the founder of Resilient Earth Alliance. For the next several months, DeLuca is focusing exclusively on birding in Western North Carolina. But the series will evolve and include other outdoor topics in future issues. X

MARCH. 4 - MARCH. 12, 2026

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.  Online-only events

 More info, page 25

 More info, page 26

WELLNESS

50+ Yoga

For individuals aged 50 and above, focusing on gentle movements and flexibility, taught by Barbara.

WE (3/4, 3/11), FR (3/6), MO (3/9), noon, Weaverville Yoga, 3-B Florida Avenue

Anahata Yoga

A heart-centered yoga practice focusing on the Anahata chakra, led by Barbara.

WE (3/4, 3/11), FR (3/6), SA (3/7), MO (3/9), 10:30am, Weaverville Yoga, 3-B Florida Avenue

Tai Chi Fan

The Tai Chi Fan class includes a short Flying Rainbow Single Fan form, partner work, and Flying Rainbow Double Fan form.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Synthesizer Sound Bath

Participants will be invited to sit or lay down in a meditative state and experience a wash of sound waves designed to facilitate relaxation, healing, and expanded awareness.

FR (3/6), 7pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue

Chinese Tea and Tai Chi Foundations

This is a class for all ages and all levels. No

experience is needed.

SA (3/7), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

What in the World is Buddhism?

Through a mix of teaching, guided meditation, and open discussion, we’ll explore where Buddhism comes from, what it teaches about suffering and freedom, and how its practices can be meaningfully woven into modern, busy lives.

SA (3/7), 9am, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd

Candlelight Flow Yoga

Unwind in our all-levels

Candlelight Flow Yoga class.

SU (3/8), 5pm, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210

Finding Calm Within The Storm

This evening we will explore how the Buddhadharma offers a Path through which we can navigate this changing world with dignity, maintaining our own agency in order to act with wisdom and compassion.

MO (3/9), 6:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd

Yin Yang Qigong

Together, we will balance the Yin and Yang within to effortlessly smooth out internal and external physical, emotional and mental

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

disharmonies.

MO (3/9), 10am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Heart Math w/Omri

Sitton

Learn how controlled breathing and mindfulness create physiological coherence—a measurable state of increased harmony in mind, emotions, and body.

TU (3/10), 10am, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd

Kinēsa Mat Class

Kinēsa focuses on retraining the brain and calming the nervous system to release habitual patterns of posture, movement, and body mechanics.

TU (3/10), 8:30am, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210

Qigong for Health and Resilience

We practice a variety of simple yet powerful standing movements that can be as deep and challenging as you wish.

TU (3/10), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Community Yoga w/ Carrie

A free hour of yoga, meditation and mindfulness with local yoga instructor.

WE (3/11), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas

NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave

Sound Meditation w/ Eric Lindstrom

A variety of instruments and techniques will be used to weave a sound tapestry that relaxes the nervous system and stimulates the heart space.

WE (3/11), 1:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd

SUPPORT GROUPS

Community Listening Circle

This free virtual listening circle offers a judgement-free, trauma-informed space to gather, reset and reflect-together. Register at avl.mx/f9u.

WE (3/4, 3/11), noon, Online

Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders Support Group

This support group is peer-led and facilitated by licensed therapists & dietitians specializing in eating disorders. Regiser at avl.mx/es6.

WE (3/4, 3/11), Online

Nicotine Anonymous

People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine. You don’t need to be stopped, just have a desire to attend. TH (3/5, 3/12),

STITCHERS UNITE: On Monday, March 9, local group Stitches of Love meets at Panera Bread on Hendersonville Road, starting at 2 p.m. This small group of dedicated stitchers, crocheters and quilters create a variety of handmade items, which are then donated to local charities. Community members are invited to bring their knitting, crochet or hand-sewing projects for a creative session. Everyone is welcome to participate. Photo courtesy of Stitches of Love

4:30pm, Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 1 Kenilworth Knolls Unit 4

Reconnecting Through Hard Times

This quick but valuable, interactive training offers simple, powerful strategies to support others after a crisis. Register at avl.mx/f9v.

TH (3/5, 3/12), Online Staying Grounded in Shaky Times

It will explore a variety of spiritual practices including meditation, breath-work, meditative movement and more.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 2pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave

Stroke Support Group w/Stronger Together Wellness Stronger Together Wellness empowers stroke survivors and their caregivers through shared experiences, fostering a vibrant community that inspires healing, resilience, and hope on the journey to recovery.

TH (3/5), 3pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave

Reconnect for Better Days

This free monthly presentation offers simple but powerful strategies to help us feel better and experience better days. Register at avl.mx/fbb. FR (3/6), noon, Online

Solutions Group

Daily living sober meeting. For more information, visit avl.mx/f91.

SU (3/8), 12:30pm, Virtual, Online

Sunrise AA Meeting Daily virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. For more information, visit avl.mx/f91.

SU (3/8), 7am, Virtual, Online

Families Anonymous Support group for those affected by someone else’s addiction.

TU (3/10), 6pm, Love & Respect, 350 Chadwick Ave Suite 300

The Men’s Nest Make meaningful human connections to strengthen your social health, cultivate compassion, and learn to use your power to give and receive authentic support.

TU (3/10), 5:15pm, SeekHealing, 50 S. French Broad Ave

WNC MS Support Group

This support group provides a chance for individuals with MS, their families, friends and other care partners to share common experiences and concerns, provide and receive emotional support, obtain information related to the disease and on various aspects of living and coping with MS.

WE (3/11), 1pm, CenterWell Senior Primary Care, 1425 Patton Ave

Dementia Partners Support Group

This community group offers support to those

with dementia or those supporting loved ones with dementia.

TH (3/12), 6pm, Ferguson Family YMCA, 31 Westridge Market Pl Caregiver Support Group w/Stronger Together Wellness Empowering caregivers through shared experiences, fostering a vibrant community that inspires healing, resilience, and hope on the journey to recovery.

TH (3/12), 3pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave

DANCE

Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ MTN VIBEZ

A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill levels.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd Nia Dance Class Nia brings the body, mind, emotions, and spirit to optimal health through music, movement, and self expression.

TH (3/5, 3/12), TU (3/10), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

We Line Dance Instructor Brenda Mills leads an all-inclusive exercise class using line dancing to get your body moving.

TH (3/5, 3/12), 6:15pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Fundamentals of Bellydance: Take up Space

Each month will feature technique focus and work on developing a deep relationship with that skill. The technique focus for March is external movements. Beginner friendly, drop ins welcome.

WE (3/4), 5:30pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue

Asheville Community Square Dance

A night of community social dance, music laughs and fun. The dances are all taught and are beginner and family friendly.

SA (3/7), 7pm, Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Rd

Steppin’ Out

The second Sunday of every month features line dancing. No cover charge, and no boots, partner, or experience needed.

SU (3/8), 5pm, Hi-Wire Brewing - Biltmore Village, 2A Huntsman Pl

ART

Highwater: Ceramics from the Gail & Brian McCarthy Collection

Highwater features ceramics from the collection of Gail & Brian McCarthy, celebrating the 45-year legacy of Highwater Clays as a pillar of the ceramics community in WNC and beyond. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through April 26, 2026.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Modern Bestiary: Creatures from the Collection

This exhibition explores the artistic legacy of the medieval bestiary through a selection of animals and fantastic beasts from the Museum’s Collection. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through March 15, 2026. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Women of the Pacific Northwest

This exhibition celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May 17, 2026. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Stitching Stories

Reimagined

This free traveling exhibit translates incarcerated women’s individual struggles into a symbol of resilience, healing, empathy, and advocacy. Gallery open daily, 9am. Exhibition through March 26. Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church St

The 58th Juried Undergraduate Exhibition This exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition

through March, 20, 2026.

WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr Dialogue: Lindenfeld & Lindenfeld

It features clay and mixed media work of Naomi Lindenfeld as she responded to a selection of her mother Lore’s innovative textiles. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through May, 9.

Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

Curves Ahead: Contemporary Art Exhibition

Discover Curves Ahead, a contemporary craft exhibition showcasing regional artists whose work explores form, movement, and organic shape across multiple media. Gallery open daily, 10am. Exhibition through March, 22.

Focus Gallery at the Folkd Center, Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy

Pink Dog Mardi Gras: Lovers, Sinners & Misfits

Twenty-eight artists present works encompassing a multi-faceted interpretation of the holiday: the European influence of masquerade, the exuberance of

New Orleans’ renowned parades, elaborate parties and unique Cajun and African American traditions. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through March 28. Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot St

MatchStrike Youth Arts Showcase

Attendees can expect spoken word poets, an art exhibition, music from indie singer/ songwriters, studio artists, filmmakers and photographers form the Asheville area.

WE (3/4), 6:30pm, Asheville High School, Arts Theater, 419 McDowell St

Formed & Fire Here: Opening Reception

The Art League of Henderson County gathers to celebrate the outstanding ceramic artists of the Stuart Glassman Clay Studio and their work which is shaped, glazed, and fired on site in Hendersonville.

FR (3/6), 4pm, Art Place Gallery, 730 Locust St

Slow Art Friday

Join our volunteer educator for this week’s Slow Art Friday and experience how close looking can foster relax-

ation and connection.

FR (3/6), noon, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Dusty Benedict: Never Seen Before

His new work is charcoal drawings that reflect on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

SA (3/7), 5pm, Little Animals, 31 Carolina Lane

Public Tour: Featured Exhibition

A guided tour of the museum’s current featured exhibition. SA (3/7), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Virginia Derryberry: Private Domain

Featuring large-scale narrative figure paintings, the exhibition will explore themes of duality, transformation, and human complexity through imagery drawn from alchemy, mythology, and contemporary life. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, noon. Exhibition through April 10, 2026.  Upstairs Artspace Gallery, 49 S Trade Street

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Jazz Showcase w/Dr. Bill Bares

The White Horse Jazz showcase with Dr. Bill Bares will spotlight outstanding regional vocalists, UNCA faculty jazz artists, and additional special guests.

WE (3/4, 11), Monte Vista, 308 W State St Asheville Choral Society Concert

Listen to Asheville Choral Society’s exploration of Sanctuary in song, featuring Faure’s Requiem paired with Serenade to Music, by Ralph Vaughan Williams. 125 singers along with a string quintet and organist will bring this music to life as we look ahead to spring.

FR (3/6), SA (3/7) 7pm, Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street

Pan Harmonia: Wonder

Pan Harmonia’s spring programming explores the universality of human experiences of awe and wonder, trauma and recovery, resilience, gratitude and joy through unique sonic combinations of voice, winds.

SA (3/7), 7pm, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Road

Pan Harmonia: Wonder

Pan Harmonia’s spring programming explores the universality of human experiences of awe and wonder, trauma and recovery, resilience, gratitude and joy through unique sonic combinations of voice, winds.

SA (3/7), 3pm, First Presbyterian, 40 Church St

Pan Harmonia: Wonder

Pan Harmonia’s spring programming explores the universality of human experiences of awe and wonder, trauma and recovery, resilience, gratitude and joy through unique sonic combinations of voice, winds.

SA (3/7), 7pm, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Road

Robert Jon & The Wreck

Robert Jon & The Wreck bring their signature blend of Southern rock and West Coast soul to the stage.

SA (3/7), 8pm, Diana Wortham Theater, 18 Biltmore Ave

Hendersonville Community Band Concert: Dancing Into Spring A first collaboration for Hendersonville Community Band and the Brevard College Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Nathan Tingler. This concert will welcome spring with a mixture of ethnic and traditional dance music.

SU (3/8), 3pm, Blue Ridge Community College Conference Center, 180 W Campus Drive

ALT ASO

From classic hits by Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cashto the timeless I’ll Fly Away, to modern anthems and more, you’ll hear a celebration of country and folk music reimagined through the rich, intimate sound of a chamber orchestra.

MO (3/9), 7pm, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave

WNC Pagan Choir: Winter Season In this folklore and pagan-focused experience, we sing together to celebrate the old gods, the animate forces, and the spirits of the wild.

TU (3/10-), Land of Sky UCC, 15 Overlook PL

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Welcome to Bridge Bridge lessons for beginners and those who want to review the basics. Register at the website or by emailing mailto:abrclubmanager@gmail.com.

WE (3/4,11), 10am, Asheville Bridge Room at Beth Israel Synagouge, 229 Murdock Ave

Inner Exploration Through Mindful Writing w/Jake Kramer Through the process of meditation we will pay close attention to what it’s like to be still, to write—and if we choose—to share our writing.

TH (3/5, 12), 1:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Blue Zones: A Weekly Cooking & Learning Series

Explore the world’s Blue Zones—remarkable regions where people live well into their 90s and beyond. We’ll uncover their eating habits and learn how to prepare delicious, affordable meals everyone can enjoy.

TH (3/5), 5;30pm, NC Cooperative Extension MAdison County Center, 258 Caorlina Ln

Sowing Circle Presents: Starting Seeds w/John Bowen EMGV

Learn how to start seeds indoors and care for young plants until they’re ready for your garden.

SA (3/7), 9:30am, Black Mountain Library, 105 N Dougherty St

Community Narcan Training

Learn how to use Naloxone, an introduction into harm reduction, what’s going on in our community and more.

TU (3/10), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave

Grow What You Eat, Eat What You Grow

This 8-class series teaches how to plant, grow, harvest and prepare delicious meals using your harvest from small and medium-sized gardens.

TU (3/10), 5:30pm, NC Cooperative Extension Madison County Center, 258 Carolina Lane

LITERARY

Poetry Open Mic Asheville’s longest-running open mic, welcoming all forms of creative expression. Sign-up at 8 p.m. for a 5 or 10-minute spot.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave

Denise Smith Cline Presents: The Resettlement of Vesta Blonik w/Heather Newton

Denise Smith Cline presents her debut historical fiction, The Resettlement of Vesta Blonik, in conversation with local author Heather Newton. WE (3/4), 6pm, Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe, 55 Haywood St

Elspeth Hay: Feed us w/Trees

A conversation with Elspeth Hay, author of Feed Us with Trees, a hopeful manifesto

about a brighter, more abundant future—and a critical look at the longheld stories we’ll need to rewrite to build it.

SA (3/7), 3pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

Pack Book Club

We read a variety of genres. Newcomers are always welcome!

SU (3/8), 10:30am, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St

Flooded Poetry

Mondays

Poetry-specific open mic, starring you plus weekly featured readers, every Monday. MO (3/9), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd #1200

Library Tour

We’ll take you behind the scenes at the library, highlighting things you may or may not know and sharing tips for making the most of your library.

WE (3/11), 3:30pm, Transylvania County Library, Brevard, 212 S Gaston Street

Jordan Greene Presents: How (Not) To Conjure a Boyfriend w/F.T. Lukens

NC author Jordan Greene presents his new YA fiction How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend, in conversation with local YA author F.T. Lukens. The event is free, but registration is required to reserve your seat. See p26

WE (3/11), 6pm, Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe, 55 Haywood St

Thomas Wolfe Short Story Discussion: The Child by Tiger Listen to a curated selection of Wolfe’s short stories, each paired with an engaging and informative discussion led by local experts. TH (3/12), 7pm, Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, 52 N Market St

THEATER & FILM

Tonya & Nancy: A Rock Opera

A high-energy, darkly comic musical that reimagines the infamous 1994 figure-skating scandal with over-thetop theatrical flair.

TH (3/5), FR (3/6), SA (3/7), 7:30pm, SU (3/8), 2:30pm, The BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St Honk! Kids

Based on the classic tale of The Ugly Duckling, the story follows one very different duck on a journey filled with humor, heart, and self-discovery.

FR (3/6), 6:30pm, SA (3/7), SU (3/8), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St

A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music & Dance Sensation A performance showcasing Irish music and dance.

FR (3/6), 7:30pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Made by Hand: Meet Artist Tom Haney Tom will share his creative process and inspiration. His work was recently highlighted on the PBS show, My Home NC. You’ll screen his episode and learn more about his impressive array of artwork, including sculpture, oneof-a-kind hand-crafted automata, kinetic figurative art, mechanical sculpture, static figures, and other works.

SA (3/7), 2:30pm, Black Mountain Library, 105 N Dougherty St

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Social

Seniors

A social gathering for seniors to engage in various activities and connect with peers.

Open Monday through Friday, 9am, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S Dharma in the Digital Age w/David Dixon

A guide to online Buddhist resources and “Bookstore Buddhism,” this program offers helpful websites, apps for sutta study, support for practice, and Dharma Talks.

WE (3/4), 6:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd

Hunter Gatherer: An Artist Talk w/Photographer & Cultural Curator David Ricci

This decade-long project reveals America’s complex cultural history through objects and scenes discovered at resale marketplaces nationwide, exploring themes of consumerism, objectification, racism, beauty and more.

WE (3/4), 5:30pm, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St WNC Sierra Club Monthly Meeting: Hope & International Energy Scientists and engineers have made renewable energy cheaper than fossil fuel energy all over the place. Scientists and engineers are creating new kinds of cheaper storage that will allow renewables, sometimes intermittent, to do it all.

WE (3/4), 7pm, Reuter Center, 300 Campus View Road

Prevent & End Child Trafficking in your Community You are invited to a powerful Town Hall Community Event to inspire, motivate, and educate our community on protecting children and strengthening families.

SA (3/7), 9am, The Horse Shoe

Atheists of WNC

This little Atheist group invites anyone who doesn’t believe in religions to come chat with like-minded people. Find out more at avl.mx/f8c.

SU (3/8), 10am, EarthFare - Westgate, 66 Westgate Pkw

Sunday Celebration

Join us for an uplifting Science of Mind Celebration.

SU (3/8), 11am, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science of Mind Way

Community & Belonging in American Jewry w/Peter Beinart & Rabbi Sandra Lawson

Carolina Jews for Justice invites you to a much-needed conversation about what it means to be an inclusive Jewish community in today’s America. This event is free and open to everyone.

MO (3/9), 7pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

True Colors Circle for LGBTQIA2S+

A monthly series of coffee and conversation gatherings for the WNC LGBTQIA2S+ folks age 50 and over. These gatherings are designed to support social engagement, peer support, shared learning, and access to local resources while helping reduce isolation.

MO (3/9), 2pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave

WNC Civil War Round Table Presents: Talk w/Stuart

This talk will be an in-depth exploration of the Cherokee Battalion organized in WNC, covering their recruitment, their service and fearsome reputation in East Tennessee, their surrender in Waynesville, and their postwar experience.

MO (3/9), 7pm, Shelton House, 49 Shelton St

Draft: Artistry in Conversation w/Katie Button, Silas Durocher & Keith Flynn

This event features a panel conversation hosted by local authors Tessa Fontaine and Thomas Calder. This month’s line up will feature Chef Katie Button, Musician Silas Durocher and Writer Keith Flynn.

TU (3/10), 10pm, Day Trip, 174 Broadway St

IBN Biz Lunch: Brevard/Pisgah Forest

A free business networking lunch event open to all, with no membership or attendance requirements. Attendees can promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.

TH (3/12), noon, Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom, 91 Pisgah Hwy

Knit Night

A laid back night of knitting, cocktails, food, and community, in partnership with Black Mountain Yarn Shop. All experience levels welcome.

TH (3/12), 6:30pm, Oak and Grist Distilling Co., 1556 Grovestone Rd

GAMES & CLUBS

Asheville Board Game Club Meetup

Play a wide variety of games—strategy, party, cooperative, and more—and we’re always happy to teach, so no experience needed.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 5:30pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101

Board Game Night Open, casual game night—come and go as you please. An assortment of board games available to play.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 5pm, Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St

Homeschooler’s Hangout Games help develop cognitive skills, including decision-making, problem-solving, and logical analysis.

TH (3/5, 3/12), 11am, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101

Adult Community Basketball

Come shoot some hoops or play a pick up game with friends.

SU (3/8), 1pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Southside After Praise After church, enjoy an afternoon playing spades or dominoes.

SU (3/8), 1:30pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

Weekly Sunday Scrabble

If you like Wordle, Boggle, Words with Friends or Scrabble online, this club may be a good fit for you. All of the games are provided.

SU (3/8), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Monday Night Music

Video Bingo

Come out for Monday Night Music Video Bingo with Jason. MO (3/9), 6pm, Mills River Brewing Co., 336 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River Pool Night Pool night, every Monday night with a $5 buy in. Must be signed up by 7 p.m.

MO (3/9), 6:30pm, Eda’s Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville

Magic: The Gathering Whether you’ve been playing for years or are just starting your

journey, this is your chance to battle, brew, and build community.

TU (3/10), 6pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101

KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS

Baby Story Time

A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.

TH (3/5, 3/12), 10:30am, Oakley/South Asheville Library, 749 Fairview Rd

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market

A year-round weekly market featuring local fruits vegetables, meats, bread, honey, eggs, pastries, flowers, crafts and more.

SNAP, Double SNAP, & Farmers Market

Prescriptions accepted here.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 3pm, New Belgium Brewing Asheville, 21 Craven St Weaverville Tailgate Market

This market features a selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, baked goods, artisan bread, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants.

WE (3/4, 3/11), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr

Carolina Ground: March Pop-Up

This pop-up will feature cheeses from Looking Glass Creamery, artisan breads, macarons, pate choux, scones, cookies, handpies, chocolate, walnuts, acorns, coffee and more. See p25

SU (3/8), 10am, Carolina Ground, 1237 Shipp St

Junk-O-Rama Vintage Market

Full bad, vintage clothes, jewelry, local art & more.

SU (3/8), noon, Fleetwood’s, 496 Haywood Rd

Pop-Up Market & Open House

A women-led pop-up market that will feature local pottery, art, jewelry, vintage and beauty. Silly Willies Hot Dogs will be serving up specialty hot dogs and Merrick Noyes will be serving up the ambience.

SU (3/8), 1pm, Light Room, 76 Glendale Ave, Ste 104

WNC Farmers Market

This year-round market features locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, plants, shops, arts and crafts, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily, 8am. 570 Brevard Rd

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

ArtSoup

A part of Mars Hill’s First Fridays, these fun nights will feature dance parties, games and music with free hot soup, local sourdough and bagels.

FR (3/6), 6pm, Modern Local Artsoup, 42 N Main St

Chai Pani Holi

Celebration

Holi is the Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of Spring, love, & renewal and will feature a DJ, food stalls, live pani puri, Holi color and a photo booth.

FR (3/6), 4pm, Banks Ave, 32 Banks Ave

2nd Annual First Responder Mental Health & Wellness Summit

The First Responder Mental Health & Wellness Summit recognizes the importance of supporting mental health and well-being for the men and women who serve and risk their lives protecting our communities.

TH (3/12), 5:30pm, Buncombe County Emergency Services Training Facility, 24 Canoe Ln CSA Fair 2026

You can ask questions about what products are included in the CSA box throughout the year, the farm’s growing practices, payment options, and pickup locations.

TH (3/12), 3:30pm, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

Winter Sound Music Fest ’26 Benefit Concert

A full-day music festival featuring 8 bands across a wide range of styles, this all-day event brings together local and regional musicians, great beer, and a shared goal of supporting the arts in our community. It will benefit the Arts Council of Henderson County.

SA (3/7), 1pm, Oklawaha Brewing Co., 147 1st Ave E

Mountain Valley’s Benefit Concert w/ Pierce Edens

Featuring performances by local bands The 40,20,10’s, Paint Rock, and Pierce Edens. Admission by donation at the door with all proceeds benefitting our continued work in natural resource recovery.

SU (3/8), 2pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave

Stitches of Love

Stitches of Love is a small group of dedicated stitchers, crocheters and quilters creating a variety of handmade items which are donated to local charities.

MO (3/9), 2pm, Panera Bread, 1843 Hendersonville Rd

On pins and needles

Community is key in local acupuncture clinic’s new fertility program

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN

jwakeman@mountainx.com

Navigating infertility can be a lonely process. That’s why two licensed acupuncturists in Asheville have started a community-building program for people struggling with fertility.

Autum Kirgan and Britta Memmesheimer are both doctors of Chinese medicine. In September, they started the fertility program at South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness. While there are several WNC acupuncturists who see clients for fertility, Kirgan says the community-supported model at South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness is the first of its kind in the region.

A LONELY EXPERIENCE

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing small, thin needles into the skin. The practice “has been used to enhance fertility for thousands of years in China,” according to the University of Connecticut’s Center for Advanced Reproductive Services.

Infertility, as described by the Cleveland Clinic, is when a woman is unable to conceive after six months to one year of regular, unprotected sex. Acupuncture is thought to increase fertility by stimulating blood flow to the pelvic region and calming the nervous system, according to New York University’s Langone Fertility Center, which includes acupuncture as part of its fertility wellness program.

A 2020 study published in the journal Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that three sessions of acupuncture significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women experiencing infertility.

Kirgan began practicing acupuncture in 2015 in Charlotte and started working with fertility patients. “There can be a lot of loneliness among people experiencing infertility,” and sometimes they feel as if they’re “being pushed through Western medicine without a lot of support,” she says.

“The person who is trying to carry the pregnancy is the one that has to go through all of the procedures, commit to a financial investment, an emotional investment, as well as a physical investment,” Kirgan continues. “Fertility treatments involve a lot of pharmaceuticals and regulating

FERTILE CONNECTIONS: Acupuncturists Autum Kirgan, left, and Britta Memmesheimer, right, recently launched a fertility program at South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness that focuses on community support. Photos courtesy of Kirgan and Memmesheimer

hormones, and that’s pretty taxing on the body.”

Kirgan wants the community aspect of South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness’ Fertility TEAM (Treatment, Education, Acupuncture and Mindfulness) Method to bring hand-holding and sensitivity to this trying experience. In her years of treating fertility patients — especially those working with reproductive endocrinologists — she says she’s seen a need to offer a place where people can feel comfortable crying and releasing emotions.

“Because that’s just not something they can do with their reproductive endocrinologist,” she says. “There’s not a lot of emotion talked about in those appointments.”

CONSISTENT CARE

To that end, the Fertility TEAM Method program includes monthly community support groups hosted by Memmesheimer, which are open to the public at $12 per person. Upcoming speakers will include a functional nutrition expert and a chiropractor.

Memmesheimer says she hopes the gatherings will lead to “folks creating a community where they’re meeting each other there, relating to

each other and sharing numbers and checking in.”

Kirgan says she aims to post the presentations online, so anyone who joins the group can access previous discussions.

The South Slope Acupunture & Wellness’s fertility services program offers multiple treatment tiers. One option includes 30 treatments over six months; another is 60 treatments over one year. There’s yet another tier for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination.

Each tier has different protocols, but typically patients visit for acupuncture once a week regularly and twice a week during ovulation. “There are a couple of different options, because Chinese medicine, by nature, is not a one-size-fits-all, and everybody’s having different needs,” says Memmesheimer.

Consistency is key to these weekly appointments. “The best way to support folks who are exploring fertility is to make sure that their care is really consistent,” says Memmesheimer. “It’s asking people to really show up for themselves and make the commitment to always having their weekly appointments.”

Interested patients can learn more at avl.mx/fbp. X

Spring is here, and Xpress has launched its monthly gardening feature based on reader questions. Please send all gardening inquiries to gardening@mountainx.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Photographic memory

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

earnaudin@mountainx.com

People take all sorts of routes to becoming recording artists, but few have followed the path that brought Kristi Knupp to the studio.

A longtime music photographer whose work has appeared in numerous publications over the past 12 years — including Xpress — Knupp released her debut album, Long Overdue, in January under the moniker Pretty Little Saturday. It’s the culmination of a lifetime of writing, dating back to her middle school days when an English teacher encouraged her to stick with the craft. That pursuit resulted in Knupp reading one of her poems in front of the student body at her high school graduation, though music was also in the mix during that time.

“I was in a few bands, reading books on songwriting and trying to emulate the artists I loved at the time — Sublime, No Doubt, Green Day, Paramore, etc.,” Knupp says. “Writing has always been how I process what’s happening in my life. I just didn’t always know how to bring the words, the music and my voice together into one cohesive expression until more recently.”

Providing the time and motivation to combine those artistic aspects was none other than the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world (and live music) came to a halt in 2020, Knupp says, she stepped away from touring as a photographer and in many ways hit “reset” on her life. She lost her job, ended a toxic relationship and was forced to relocate, leading to her returning to her family home while she figured out her next move.

More than ever, music became her way of self-expression during that difficult time. And as the pandemic subsided and a new normal emerged, an Asheville-based friend connected her with local producer Patrick Doyle “I reached out expecting to work on just one song, mostly to see if I could even do it,” Knupp recalls. “One song turned into four, and four turned into an entire album — and then some. Every day in the studio confirmed that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”

She continues, “Making music was the happiest I’d felt in a long time, and I just wanted to keep writing. It felt like I was finally making up for lost time after years of wanting to make music but not quite knowing how to get there.”

Imbued with insightful songwriting and catchy hooks, the 12-track dream pop collection is also significantly

Pretty Little Saturday and Alexa Rose release new albums

informed by Knupp’s time on the road photographing such artists as John Butler, Michael Franti and Nahko Bear’s world music project Nahko and Medicine for the People.

She describes herself as “a sponge,” paying attention to how front-of-house engineers run soundcheck; stage etiquette and best practices for not getting in the way while photographing; how to successfully live on a tour bus with 10-plus other people; and even the backstage rituals individuals lean into before and after a show.

“Being immersed in that fast-paced, creative environment really pushed me to finally chase a lifelong dream of making music myself,” Knupp says.

“In those spaces, I was always known as ‘the photographer,’ because that’s the part of me I’d shared most openly. But I also wanted to show the musician side to people, too.”

Honoring that side has, in turn, yielded prolific output. A follow-up album to Long Overdue is nearly complete, and Knupp is already preparing a third LP that she envisions as “more acoustic, more raw and more textural.”

“It feels like a whole new creative chapter,” she says. “And I’m already daydreaming about the instruments and percussion I want to explore.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fcv.

TRUST THE PROCESS

Alexa Rose writes songs so attuned to the human experience that they can’t help but feel prescient.

The most recent example is her latest album, Atmosphere, which was released in late October but has roots that date back well before Tropical Storm Helene. Nevertheless, the disaster played a major role in shaping the LP’s final form.

“It felt surreal because we had recorded most of the record already, right when it happened,” Rose says. “I knew that the album was going to be called Atmosphere. And I knew the theme of it was moving through storms in life — I wanted to have this narrative and this way that the songs moved that felt like lightness moving into heaviness, moving back in the lightness again.”

Rose was adamant about the track listing intentionally telling that full story as she crafted the record with fellow Asheville-area artist Ryan Gustafson (The Dead Tongues). The collaboration took place at Betty’s, the studio created by Durham-based electronic duo Sylvan Esso in rural Orange County outside Chapel Hill. And in that spot, where recent albums by Indigo De Souza, Flock of Dimes, Superchunk, Watchhouse and Mountain Goats were cut, the collaborators drew inspiration from the surroundings, adding — appropriately — subtle atmosphere to Rose’s singer-songwriter compositions.

“Ryan recommended [Betty’s] and thought it would be a great place to do this particular record — and I agree,” Rose says. “It’s a pretty special studio because it’s just out in

the woods. You have these nice, big windows and there’s pretty much one main room with the console and everything else.”

They were joined by instrumentalists Mat Davidson (Big Thief), Dom Billet (Dr. Dog), Jeff Ratner (Langhorne Slim), Hilary James (Matt Pond PA), Helena Rose (Holler Choir) and Josh Oliver (Tyler Childers) — all of whom were already friends with Rose. She adds that all of the artists are also songwriters outside of their more famous projects, a quality that grants them “the ability to be sparse” and, in turn, better collaborators.

In less than a week, this team tracked the bulk of Atmosphere. Shortly thereafter, Rose went on tour and was out west “in the desert” when Helene hit. The creek near her rented house just outside Burnsville flooded, washing out the bridge and blocking access to the entire holler.

Though she never moved back to that rental, Rose briefly operated out of Knoxville, Tenn., and made supply runs for her neighbors, meeting them and their four-wheelers in an Ingles parking lot. After settling into a new house in Haywood County, she reconnected with Atmosphere and decided to rerecord a few of the tracks at home, including the album’s bookend songs, “Atmosphere” and “Lighter.”

“I wanted there to be some kind of element of rawness on the record — and I think that very much had to do with the hurricane and the way that everything felt stripped back and back to basics,” she says.

Though Helene definitely disrupted Rose’s life, the artist continued to process her day-to-day experience through songwriting in the storm’s aftermath, much as she did beforehand. She’s currently combing through drafts that she’s penned over the past year or so — including several songs about Helene — in preparation for her next project.

But there’s no guarantee that such storm-centric works will make the cut. Rose says she occasionally reminds herself that a song “doesn’t have to be good or ever see the light of day or be heard by another person.”

“Sometimes we write something, and that’s just the role it has,” she says. “You wrote it, and you had a moment, and you processed something that made you feel better, made you feel like you did something about a situation that you couldn’t control — or it just takes you to a lighter place.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fcw. X

Let the music play

AVL Sounds Fest, Asheville BuskerFest emerge from AVLFest

AVLFest, the four-day music festival that took place in August 2023 and 2024 at venues across Asheville, is splitting into two events, with each run by one of its co-founders. And the name AVLFest is officially being retired.

Jeff Whitworth , owner of Worthwhile Sounds and talent buyer for The Grey Eagle, Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tenn., and other regional venues and events, will continue partnering with Wicked Weed Brewing to debut AVL Sounds Fest ThursdaySunday, Aug. 6-9.

“The event will continue to honor Asheville’s rich musical heritage while spotlighting the remarkable local venue ecosystem and the artists who make it so magnetic,” reads a press release from festival organizers. “Attendees can expect the same variety of stages, genre-blending lineups and strong spotlight on regional talent that has earned national attention and become a hallmark of AVLFest.”

The initial lineup and ticketing information will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, fellow AVLFest co-founder Bryan Matheny is launching his own production company, Streett Level, to present Asheville BuskerFest, Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3. The inaugural event seeks to celebrate the city’s street performers and will feature jugglers, magicians, musicians and other street artists at Pack Square, Pritchard Park and in the River Arts District. The festival will be free to attend and serve as a benefit for local nonprofit LEAF Global Arts.

“We’re incredibly proud of what AVLFest sparked,” Whitworth and Matheny say in a joint statement. “It showed what this community is capable

of building together. As we embark on our individual paths, we both remain committed to supporting Asheville’s music scene and celebrating the people and places that shape it.”

To learn more about AVL Sounds Fest, visit avl.mx/fdb. To learn more about Asheville BuskerFest, visit avl.mx/fdc.

River Arts District named best in the nation

The River Arts District was named Best Arts District in the United States in USA Today‘s annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in late February.

The awards spotlight top destinations across the country with winners decided by a nationwide public vote. The River Arts District was notable for its large number of working artists, accessible studio spaces and visitor experiences, according to a press release from the River Arts District Artists (RADA) organization.

“This recognition belongs to the artists of the River Arts District and to our community that refused to let disaster define it,” said RADA President Jeffrey Burroughs in the release. “This number one ranking is not just about art. It is about resilience, collaboration, and the belief that creative communities matter.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fa9.

ArtsAVL launches $1.2M nonprofit grant program

ArtsAVL, Buncombe County’s designated arts council and arts advocate for Western North Carolina, launched a Nonprofit Arts Recovery Grant Program on Feb. 25. Supported by $1 million from the N.C. Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund and $200,000 from Dogwood Health Trust, the investment will be distributed over grant cycles in spring 2026 and spring 2027 and focus on supporting the longterm recovery and stabilization of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations across WNC.

The first grant cycle will open Monday, March 9, and serve eligible nonprofit arts organizations located in the 16

AROUND TOWN

According to a press release, the course “focuses on the fundamentals that make ballet both beautiful and demanding: posture, alignment, turnout, port de bras and musicality.” Each class moves at a speed that invites genuine learning as opposed to performance pressure, “building strength, coordination and body awareness through structured yet supportive instruction.”

“Adults often come to us carrying the idea that ballet is something they missed their chance at,” says Claire Landis, instructor and BMCA program coordinator/dance studio manager. “This class is about letting go of that. We meet you exactly where you are and build from there.”

Tuition for the full session is $85. Sliding scale rates are available. Preregistration is required; walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd8.

Artists sought for Wall Street Steps Mural

WNC counties most severely impacted by Tropical Storm Helene: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cleveland, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey. Grant awards range from $2,500 to $20,000.

“These grants recognize that recovery for the arts is a multiyear process,” says Katie Cornell, executive director of ArtsAVL. “Nonprofit arts organizations are still working to stabilize operations, rebuild financial sustainability and restore programming while serving as essential contributors to community resilience and economic recovery.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd9.

Beginner adult ballet classes at BMCA

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA) offers Beginner Adult Ballet: Building Blocks, a six-week minimester built for adults exploring ballet for the first time or returning to it after an extended pause. Classes meet Wednesdays, March 11-April 15, 6-7 p.m., at the BMCA Dance Studio.

On Feb. 22, the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation (ADAF) and the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) launched a call for artists to submit qualifications to redesign and install a mural on the public staircase at 43 Wall St. According to a press release, the project seeks work that “increases pedestrian traffic, supports neighborhood vibrancy and improves public life along Wall Street.” The Wall Street Steps Mural project is made possible by grants from the Duke Energy Foundation and ArtsAVL.

“I’m thrilled we can bring this opportunity to Wall Street, and it would not be possible without the tireless advocacy of Wall Street businesses,” says Erica Waltemade, ADID deputy director. “This mural, together with sustained attention, the presence and stewardship of ADID Ambassadors and ongoing community engagement, is already shifting momentum. It is a symbolic step toward reenergizing Wall Street to its full potential as one of downtown Asheville’s most unique and charming public places.”

Submissions are due by Tuesday, March 10, at 5 p.m. A community selection panel appointed by ADAF and ADID leadership will then review submissions, prioritizing “diverse perspectives, technical knowledge and strong ties to Wall Street and downtown.” Final selection will follow a transparent rubric and involve a public design presentation before final approval.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fda.

Top honors Asheville wins state hospitality awards

Badger Bakes, Folk Saints, Stonewall Bakery, Beeswax + Butter, Asheville Nuttery and Le Bon Cafe. James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Sarah Owens and local poet David Gate will attend, selling and signing copies of their books. Free to attend.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd1.

Sample in-progress wines at Euda

Euda Wine in Old Fort will host a barrel tasting on Sunday, March 8, 3-5 p.m. Co-owner Michael McGeary will lead the relaxed, behind-the-scenes event, featuring tastings of wines that are not yet finished or available for purchase.

BEST IN THE STATE: Twenty North Carolina hospitality leaders were honored at the recent NCRLA 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards. Asheville winners were William Dissen, far right front row; Christopher Lovegood, back row, center; Brenda Durden and Thomas Barton, both pictured center, holding the award. Photo courtesy of NCRLA

Four Asheville restaurant and hospitality professionals were among 20 individuals honored at the N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) statewide 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards ceremony, held Feb. 23 in Durham, N.C.

William Dissen, owner and executive chef of The Market Place restaurant was named Restaurateur of the Year. Brenda Durden of Asheville Hotel Group received the Lodging Operator of the Year Award.

One of two Restaurant Employee of the Year awards went to Christopher Lovegood of Parks Hospitality Group, while Thomas Barton, also of Parks Hospitality Group, received one of three Lodging Employee of the Year awards.

“Being named N.C. Restaurateur of the Year is an incredible honor,” says Dissen. “It reflects the decades of hard work at The Market Place restaurant and the remarkable spirit of Asheville. This community has shaped me as a chef and a leader, and I’m proud to represent our vibrant food scene.” To learn more, visit avl.mx/fde.

Hi-Wire, NoDa collaboration benefits

Helene recovery

As a way of thanking Charlottebased NoDa Brewing Co. for helping Asheville in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and to benefit continued recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, Hi-Wire Brewing and NoDa are collaborating to brew Odyssey IPA. Teams from the two breweries worked

together during a brew day on Feb. 27, and the beer will be released on Friday, March 27.

According to a press release, when floodwaters from the French Broad River submerged Hi-Wire’s River Arts District facility in September 2024, the brewery lost 1.3 million unfilled cans, 200,000 filled cans and the capability to produce beer while Asheville’s water system was offline. NoDa trucked in supplies for the community and brewed over 1,000 barrels of Hi-Wire’s Hi-Pitch, Lo-Pitch and Hazy Pitch IPAs.

“NoDa had our backs when things were pretty dark around here. They helped us keep beer on shelves and helped our neighbors get much-needed supplies,” says Peter Batinski, Hi-Wire head brewer. “Getting to brew this beer with them and raise money for folks still rebuilding, that’s what the beer community is all about.”

Proceeds from draft and canned sales of Odyssey IPA will benefit Asheville Regional Coalition for Home Repair, which provides no-cost repairs to qualified low-income families whose homes were damaged by Helene. The beer will be available in four-packs of 16-ounce cans and on draft at Hi-Wire and NoDa taprooms, as well as from retailers throughout Hi-Wire’s eightstate distribution footprint.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd4.

Taste of Asheville tickets on sale

Tickets for Taste of Asheville, the signature event for the Asheville

Independent Restaurant Association (AIR), are on sale as of Feb. 19. The 2026 edition will be held Thursday, March 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the Mission Health Conference Center at A-B Tech. The event brings together around 60 AIR member restaurants, as well as beverage purveyors.

“Taste of Asheville is a standout event — not only for the incredible food and drink, but for the way it shines a spotlight on the passion and creativity of our chefs, restaurateurs and makers,” says Meghan Rogers, executive director of AIR, in a press release. “Every ticket purchased supports the independent restaurants that help define our community and keep Asheville’s culinary culture thriving.”

Tickets are $85.16 for general admission (6:30 p.m. entry) and $132.43 for VIP admission (5:30 p.m. entry).

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd3.

Pop-up market at Carolina Ground

Carolina Ground hosts a pop-up market on Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m-1 p.m.

The event features foods and culinary items from Looking Glass Creamery, French Broad Chocolate, Honey

“This barrel tasting offers a chance to slow down, taste through several works in progress and hear how these wines are evolving directly from the source,” McGeary says in the event description. “We will sample multiple barrel lots, talk through what you are tasting and leave plenty of room for questions and conversation.”

Tickets are $35 per person.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd2.

Mattie Lou’s looks to relocate

According to an Instagram post on Feb. 21 by owner and baker Mattie Grey, Mattie Lou’s Café & Bakery is searching for a new location. Since November 2024, the business has operated out of the former Geraldine’s Bakery spot on Merrimon Avenue.

“While I absolutely adore my location, the building is just a bit too expensive for us, and the aging building honestly needs someone with a little more capital to maintain it and not someone in their first year-and-ahalf of business,” Grey says.

In addition to the option of moving to a different building, she raises the possibility of shifting to a commissary kitchen, a shared kitchen or renting a house with a garage and converting the garage. Community members with leads on opportunities are invited to contact Grey.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/ec1.

— Edwin Arnaudin X

REGION

by Edwin Arnaudin

Jamie Laval

The name Jamie Laval conjures a wealth of sounds and imagery of Ireland and the British Isles. So it’s only appropriate that the Tryonbased fiddler flourishes as St. Patrick’s Day approaches.

On Friday, March 13, he’ll return to Story Parlor in West Asheville for his yearly holiday concert, during which he’ll take listeners on a musical trek across Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and the misty shores of Brittany. In the show, Laval blends traditional Celtic fiddle tunes and original compositions with storytelling, for a performance that appeals to a wide range of ages and tastes.

Jordon Greene

Based in Kannapolis, where he lives with his cats Genji and Freyr, Jordon Greene is a full-time software engineer and the author of eight novels. Four of those books have been young adult stories, including his latest, How (Not) to Conjure a Boyfriend.

Seating is limited to 47 in the intimate space, and tickets are $40 in advance and $45 day of show.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd6. X

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival

One of Western North Carolina’s most enduring and endearing celebrations of creativity, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival returns Sunday-Sunday, March 15-22, at venues throughout the city. Now in its 24th year, the showcase of independent artists performing in unconventional spaces features an unusually dense schedule designed for maximum participation, offering early performances, double features and numerous free events.

“This year feels like a homecoming for our beloved venues and artists, especially as our local community continues rebuilding during an uncertain time for the arts and for diversity in

general,” says artistic director Erinn Hartly in a press release. “It reflects the original spirit of Fringe — creating art outside the mainstream in response to disruption and enriching cultural life in the process.”

The 2026 edition launches with a free festival kickoff party on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m., at One World Brewing West, followed by an Artist Preview Party on Wednesday, March 18, at 6 p.m., at Sovereign Kava. After that, all ticketed shows and official after-parties will take place at downtown venues — as was the case in the festival’s early years. Tickets are $16 per show.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/cge. X

This new romantic comedy centers on a nonbinary teen kitchen witch finding romance and family after their crush slips on a wet floor at their job, resulting in a hospital visit where a little white lie makes the crush’s family think they’re a couple. The novel will be published Tuesday, March 10, and on Wednesday, March 11, Greene will be at Malaprop’s to discuss the work with fellow North Carolina author F.T. Lukens (Spell

Bound). The event starts at 6 p.m. and is free to attend, but registration is required.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/fd5. X

Are you a fan of the classic panel shows from the 1970s? The Trivia Challenge is the event for you.

The show comes from SuperHappy Productions, the production company behind acclaimed audio dramas The Flight of the Bucket and From Within: A Tale of the Macabre , plus the monthly sketch show The Radio Hour It debuted a decade ago, mixing trivia, improv and tomfoolery as four panelists — among the wittiest

performers in the local scene — are tasked with answering wacky questions and participating in other challenges to see who can make the audience laugh the hardest.

The latest participants are theater favorites Jill Summers, Rodney Smith , Jason Williams and Jeff Catanese , who will compete on Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m., at Attic Salt Theatre Company. Tickets are $20.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/a8s. X

MAMA’S BACK: Mama, an original blues project based in Asheville, performs a homecoming show at The Grey Eagle on Wednesday, March 4, starting at 7 p.m. Fronted by vocalist Melissa McKinney, Mama recently earned second place at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. Photo courtesy of Mama

For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

12 BONES BREWING

SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING Trivia Night w/King Trivia, 7pm

185 KING STREET

The 80s Themed Trivia & Karaoke Night, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wednesdays, 6:30pm

GALACTIC PIZZA Trivia Night, 6:30pm

HAIKU Kitty-Oke, 4pm

HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE

Weekly Trivia, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old-time Jam, 5pm

SHAKEY'S

SSIN w/DJ Ragga Massive, 10pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 8pm

TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Matt Smith’s WellCrafted Music Series:

Matt’s Birthday Jam (multi-genre), 6pm

THE GREY EAGLE

MAMA’s got the Blues: Back from Memphis, 7pm

THE ODD

• Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm

• Temptress & Friendship Commanders & Killiad (metal, noise, postrock), 9pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Quickchester (Americana, rock), 9pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Tab Benoit & Paul Thorn (soul, Americana, Southern-rock), 8pm

TURGUA BREWING CO.

Lightning Round Trivia w/Marty, 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic Night, 6:30pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

185 KING STREET

Congdon & Co. Season Finale (multi-genre), 7pm

CROW & QUILL

The Yard Sails (surfrock), 8pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm

EULOGY

Impending Joy, Cheeks & Paint Fumes (psych, punk), 8pm

FLOOD GALLERY

True Home Open Mic, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead Thursdays, 6pm

GREEN MAN

BREWING

Thursday Night Trivia, 7pm

HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE

Family Feud Style Trivia, 7pm

HI-WIRE SOUTH

SLOPE

South Slope’s Open Mic Night, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam, 7pm

LEVELLER BREWING CO.

Traditional Irish Session, 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

• Wesley Ganey (Americana), 6pm

• Thursday Karaoke, 9:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING Chlo! (multi-genre), 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Pythagoras (bluegrass), 7pm

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO.

Roots & Blues w/Peggy and Kelly (blues, roots), 6pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

Auto-tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch a Mic, 10pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS Hippie Love Party, Porcelain Parrot, Vroom & Scribblers (Emo, indie-rock, psych), 8:45pm

THE ODD

The Pentagram String Band, Yes Ma'am & Little Foot (bluegrass, rock), 8pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

The Crowded Table (rock, roots), 9pm

THE ORANGE PEEL SunSquabi & Manic Focus (electronic, funk), 8pm

TURGUA BREWING CO.

Alien Music Club Jazz Jam, 5:30pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Trivia Night, 6:30pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO. Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm

VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR

Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBucardi, 8pm

WRONG WAY RIVER LODGE

Don't Tell Comedy: West Asheville, 7pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

185 KING STREET

Songs From the Road Band w/Redbud (bluegrass), 8pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR PEDALS

Hot Riff's Comedy, 7pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Rock N Roll Rewind (rock'n'roll), 9pm

CROW & QUILL

Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers (blues, jazz), 8pm

ELEVATED KAVA LOUNGE

DOWNTOWN

Open Mic Night, 8pm EULOGY NOTHING w/Full Body 2, Cryogeyser & Violent Magic Orchestra (rock, shoegaze), 8pm

FLEETWOOD’S

Hans Condor, Small Doses & Oort Patrol (punk, rock), 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

The Congdon Griffin Band (blues, folk, rock), 8:30pm

LOBSTER TRAP

Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy, jazz), 6:30pm

MAD CO. BREW

HOUSE

Dan Trull (multi-genre), 6pm

Where mornings feel like home

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Scenic Radio (indie), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Anne Coombs & Company (funk), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Elonzo Wesley (Americana, folk), 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Joe Medwick & Monkey Butt Music

Present: For The Love of Levon & Lowell (multi-genre), 6pm

PRITCHARD PARK

DOWNTOWN

The Friday Drum Circle, 6pm

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO.

Exhale. (indie-rock), 7pm

SHAKEY'S

2000s Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 10pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Lazybirds (blues, jazz, roots), 8pm

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO.

Earl Scruggs Music Festival Kick Off Party w/Jacoozy & the Foreign Landers (multigenre), 5:30pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Lactones (rock, experimental), 9pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

C. Shreve the Professor w/OC , DJ Jet, & Hunter Bennet (hiphop), 9pm

TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

ALR Trio (blues, rock), 6pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Darrell Scott & Will Hoge (Americana, country, folk), 8pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Swanny & Johnny (multi-genre), 6pm

• Mojo Mountain (blues, country), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Donna the Buffalo (country, folk, rock), 8pm

THIRD ROOM

Chef Boyarbeatz w/ Rafeeki, Jakelov, Diamond Child, Name Drop (dubstep, experimental), 9pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

185 KING STREET

Kenny George Band (rock'n'roll), 8pm

The insider’s guide

27 CLUB

Leaving Echoes, Blistering Dissonance, Ton of A Bitch & The Hand Off (indie, punk), 9pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Grind (Alice in Chains tribute) & Core (STP tribute), 9pm

BURGER BAR

The Best Worst Karaoke in Asheville, 8pm

CROW & QUILL

Sirius. B (funk, Gypsyfolk), 8pm

EULOGY

Broadway Rave: A Musical Theatre Dance Party, 8pm

FLEETWOOD’S

Camel Cash, Mockery, Mania for Conquest, The Disgusting & Rest Home (hardcore, punk), 8pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

Eyes Up Here Comedy: 11th Anniversary Show, 7pm

GREEN MAN

BREWING

The Z-Man Experience (rock, Ska), 3pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Nobody’s Darling String Band (bluegrass, blues, swing), 4pm

• Adrianne Blanks & the Oracles (jazz, pop, soul), 8:30pm

MAD CO. BREW

HOUSE

Andy Buckner (country), 6pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

The Abbey Elmore Band (indie-pop, rock, soul), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

• Rhythm & Blues

Dance Party w/Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs Dance Band, 4pm

• Saturday Sessions: DJ Dance Party, 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING

Brooks Butler (multigenre), 7pm

PISGAH BREWING

CO.

Coyote Rodeo (bluegrass), 8pm

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO.

Secret Saturday Late Nite Comedy Show, 9pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Dayowfulf’s Zero Proof Dance Party, 9pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

Sanctum (dark-wave, Goth), 8pm

TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

The Dan Clare Collective (roots, soul), 5pm

THE GREY EAGLE Satsang (folk, reggae, rock), 8pm

THE ODD Party Foul Drag, 8pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

• Gil Francis (Americana, folk, pop), 6pm

• Smooth Goose (country, funk), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Evan Honer (Americana, country, indie-folk), 8pm

THIRD ROOM

An Evening w/Perpetual Groove (jam, rock), 8pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO.

70's, 80's and 90's DJ Dance Night, 7pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

185 KING STREET

Open Electric Jam w/ The King Street House Band, 5pm

BURIAL SOUTH SLOPE Mourning Mass, 2pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Open Mic Night, 6pm

FLEETWOOD’S

DD Island, Claire Whall & Idle County (folkrock, psych), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa (reggae), 3pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

Jazz Jam Sundays, 2:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Bluegrass Brunch w/ The Bluegrass Brunch Boys (bluegrass), noon

• Traditional Irish Music Session, 3:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Suns of Stars Sunday Residency (bluegrass), 2pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Sunday Jam: Spiro & Friends, 6:30pm PULP

Fringe Revival (psychrock), 6pm

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO.

RAD Comedy w/Jill Weiner, 7pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Bill's Garage, Matty Frank & Chilltonic (bedroom-rock, folk, grunge), 8:45pm

TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

M A R & The Marmeladies (folk, indie, Latin), 2pm THE GREY EAGLE Country Brunch w/ Hearts Gone South, 11am

VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR Freshen Up Open Mic Comedy, 7pm

MONDAY, MARCH 9

DIATRIBE BREWING Big Brain Trivia, 7pm

DIRTY JACK'S Traditional Old Time Jam, 5:30pm

EULOGY

Artikal Sound System w/ SensaMotion & Tobyraps (reggae), 8pm

HI-WIRE RAD BEER GARDEN

RAD Music Bingo, 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Mashup Mondays w/ JLloyd (funk, jazz, soul), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING Open Mic Downtown, 7:30pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

The Hot Seat w/C.J. Green & Cam (Comedy), 7pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS Generifus, Ben Asbury & Minorcan (folk, psych, rock), 8:45pm

TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Trivia Night W/Two Bald Guys & A Mic, 6pm

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

185 KING STREET Travis Book & Friends w/Maddie Denton & Harry Clark & Jon Stickley (multi-genre), 6:30pm

ARCHETYPE BREWING Trivia Tuesdays, 6:30pm

BURGER BAR C U Next Tuesday Trivia, 9pm

DIATRIBE BREWING Irish Session, 4pm

ELUVIUM BREWING Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Robert’s

SHAKEY'S

Booty Tuesday in The Office, 10pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Livekill's EVil & Ecstasy Tour (metal), 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Open Jam, 8pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING

All Arts Open Mic!, 6pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Ratboys w/Florry (alt-country, indie-rock), 8pm

THE ONE STOP AT

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Uncle Lenny's Krazy Karaoke, 10pm

THIRD ROOM

Open Decks, 8pm

TURGUA BREWING

CO.

• Irish Jam, 5:30pm

• Americana Jam, 5:30pm

WAGBAR Trivia Tuesdays, 6pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

12 BONES BREWING

SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING

Trivia Night w/King Trivia, 7pm

185 KING STREET

The 90s Themed Trivia & Karaoke Night, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wednesdays, 6:30pm

GALACTIC PIZZA Trivia Night, 6:30pm

HI-WIRE BREWING -

BILTMORE VILLAGE

Weekly Trivia, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old-time Jam, 5pm

SHAKEY'S

SSIN w/DJ Ragga Massive, 10pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 8pm

STATIC AGE

RECORDS

Cootie Catcher, Trust Blinks & An Orb (alt-folk, indie-tronica), 8:45pm

TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Matt Smith’s WellCrafted Music Series w/Michael Libramento (multi-genre), 6pm

THE ODD Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Tobacco Road (bluesrock), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Sold Out: Jordan Jensen, 8pm

TURGUA BREWING

CO.

Lightning Round Trivia w/ Marty, 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Open Mic Night, 6:30pm

VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR

Group Therapy w/ Neptune Spins, 9pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

185 KING STREET

Honky Tonk Thursday w/Alma Russ (country), 6pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Arkansauce w/Coyote Rodeo (bluegrass), 8pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm

EULOGY

Corey Ryan Forrester, 7pm

FLOOD GALLERY

True Home Open Mic, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead Thursdays, 6pm

GREEN MAN BREWING

Thursday Night Trivia, 7pm

HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE

Family Feud Style Trivia, 7pm

HI-WIRE SOUTH SLOPE

South Slope’s Open Mic Night, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam, 7pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

• J. Dunks & Julian (acoustic), 6pm

• Thursday Karaoke, 9:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING

Jared Nels & The Soggy Wisco Boys (bluegrass, soul), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

The Miller Sisters (indiefolk), 7pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

Auto-tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch a Mic, 10pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Glen Phillips (folk), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Gary Numan (electronic, rock, synth-pop), 8pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY Trivia Night, 6:30pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO.

Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm

VOWL BAR AT

DSSOLVR

Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBucardi, 8pm

KEEPING ASHEVILLE WEIRD

MON Ping-Pong Tournament, 6pm TUE

OPEN JAM: 7:30pm Signup / 8pm Show WED POETRY OPEN MIC - NIGHT

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Many ancient cultures had myths that explained solar eclipses as celestial creatures eating the sun. In China, the devourer was a dragon. A frog did it in Vietnam, wolves in Norse lore, and bears in several Indigenous American legends. In some places, people made loud noises during the blackout, banging drums and pots, to drive away the attacker and bring back the sun. I suspect you are now in the midst of a metaphorical eclipse of your own, Aries. But don’t worry! Just as was true centuries ago, your sun won’t actually be gobbled up. Instead, here’s the likely scenario: You will rouse an appetite for transformation that will consume outdated ideas and situations. Whatever disintegrates will become fuel for new stories. You will convert old pain and decay into vital energy. Your luminous vigor will return even stronger.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Maybe you have been enjoying my advice for years but still haven’t become a billionaire, grown into a potent influencer, or landed the perfect job. Does that mean I’ve failed you? Should you swap me out for a more results-oriented oracle? If rewards like those are the dreams you treasure, then yes, it may be time to search for a new guide. But if what you want most is simply to cultivate the steady gratification of feeling real and whole and authentic, then stick with me. PS: The coming days are likely to offer you abundant opportunities to feel real and whole and authentic. Take advantage!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1557, a Welsh mathematician invented the equals sign (=) to avoid repeatedly writing the words “is equal to.” Over the next centuries, this helped make algebra more convenient and efficient. The moral of the story: Some breakthroughs come not from making novel discoveries but from finding better ways to render and use what’s already known. I’m pleased to say that you Geminis are primed to devise your own equivalents of the equals sign. What strengths might you express with greater crispness and efficiency? What familiar complications could you make easier? See if you can find shortcuts that aid productivity without sacrificing precision.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): One benefit of being an astrologer is that when I need a break from being intensely myself, I can take a sabbatical. My familiarity with the zodiac frees me to escape the limits of my personal horoscope and play at being other signs. I always return from my getaway with a renewed appreciation for the unique riddle that is my identity. I think now is an excellent time for Cancerians like you and me to enjoy such a vacation. We can have maximum fun and attract inspiring educational experiences by experimenting. I plan to be like a Sagittarius and may also experiment with embodying Aries qualities.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In Scandinavian folklore, there's a phenomenon called *utiseta*. It involves sitting out at night in a charged place in nature, like a crossroads or border. The goal is to make oneself patiently available for visions, wisdom, or contact with spirits and ancestors. I suspect you could benefit from the equivalent of a utiseta right now, Leo. Do you dare to refrain from forcing solutions through sheer will? Are you brave enough to let answers wander into your midst instead of hunting them down? I believe your strength is your willingness to be still and wait in a threshold.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You are a devotee of the sacred particular. While others traffic in vague abstractions, you understand that vitality thrives in the details. Your attention to nuance and precision is not fussiness but a form of love. I get excited to see you honor life by noticing all of its specific textures and rhythms! Now, more than ever, the world needs this superpower of yours. I hope you will express it even stronger in the coming months. May you exult in the knowledge that your

BY ROB BREZSNY

refusal to treat the world carelessly or sloppily isn’t about perfectionism but about respect.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Architect Antoni Gaudí spent over 40 years designing Barcelona's Sagrada Família cathedral. He knew he wouldn't live to see it finished. It's still under construction today, long after his death. When he said, "My client is not in a hurry,” he meant that his client was God. I invite you to borrow this perspective, Libra. See how much fun you can have by releasing yourself from the tyranny of urgency. Grant yourself permission to concentrate on a process that might take a long time to unfold. What a generous and ultimately productive luxury it will be for you to align yourself with deep rhythms and relaxing visions! I believe your good work will require resoluteness that transcends conventional timelines.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The ancient Chinese philosophical text known as the Tao Te Ching teaches that "the usefulness of a cup is in its emptiness." A vessel full of itself can receive nothing. Is it possible that you are currently so crammed with opinions, strategies, and righteous certainty that you've lost some of your capacity to receive? I suspect there are wonders and marvels trying to reach you, Scorpio: insights, inquiries, and invitations. But they can't get in if you're full. Your assignment: Temporarily empty yourself. Create space by releasing cherished positions, a defensive stance, or stories about how things must be.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Yoruba concept of *ashe* refers to the power to make things happen. It’s the life force that flows through all things, and can be accumulated, directed, and shared. Right now, your ashe is strong but a bit scattered, Sagittarius. You have power, but it's diffused across too many commitments and half-pursued desires. So your assignment is to consolidate. Choose two things that matter most and fully pour your ashe into them. As you concentrate your vitality, you’ll get more done and become a conduit for blessings larger than yourself.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): What’s holding you back? What are you waiting for? A nudge from destiny? A breaking point when you’ll be compelled to act? A hidden clue that may or may not reveal itself? It’s my duty to tell you this: All that lingering and dallying, all that wishing and hoping, is wasted energy. As long as you’re sitting still, pining for a cosmic deliverance to handle the hard parts, the sweet intervention will keep its distance. The instant you claim the authority to act, you’ll see it clearly: the path forward that doesn’t need a perfect sign, a final push, or fate’s permission slip.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you’re anything like me, you wince as you recall the lazy choices and careless passivity that speckle your past. You may wonder what you were thinking when you treated yourself so cavalierly, pushed away a steadfast ally, or let a dazzling invitation slip by. At times I feel as if my wrong turns carry more weight in my fate than the bright, grace-filled moments. Here's good news for you, though. March is Amnesty Month for all Aquarians willing to own up to and graduate from their missteps. As you work diligently to unwind the unhelpful patterns that led you off course, life will release you from the heavy drag of those old failures and their leftover momentum.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In systems theory, “critical points” are moments when long periods of small changes gradually accumulate, and then suddenly erupt into a big shift. Nothing appears to happen for a while, and then everything happens at once. Ice becomes water, for instance. I suspect you’re nearing such a pivot, Pisces. You’ve been gathering strength, clarity, and nerve in subtle ways. Soon you will be visited by what we might call a graceful, manageable explosion. The slow, persistent changes you’ve been overseeing will result in a major transition.

MARKETPLACE

Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC TIMESHARE

CANCELLATION EXPERTS

Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees canceled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844-2136711. (NC Press)

EMPLOYMENT

PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION

MANAGER Dispatch & Services Inc. is seeking a Transportation Manager. Job Duties: Advise on FMCSA regulations, DOT compliance, and safety protocols. Guide clients and internal teams on structuring, launching, and operating motor carrier businesses. Manage and oversee processes related to freight booking, dispatching, and load board systems. Conduct internal audits and ensure consistent regulatory compliance. Leverage multilingual and

cross-cultural communication skills to support a global client base. Develop strategic recommendations and deliver actionable reports to stakeholders. Stay up to date on industry trends, rule changes, and best practices. Mentor junior team members and collaborate across departments for continuous improvement. Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Logistics, or closely related technical field 5 years’ prior employment experience as a consultant, compliance manager, or operations lead in the motor carrier, logistics, or transportation compliance industry. Other Special Skills or Requirements: Verbal and written fluency in Russian and Ukrainian. Experience with freight booking, dispatch operations, and carrier relations. Thorough understanding of FMCSA and DOT regulations. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities. Familiarity with transportation insurance, permitting, safety ratings, and compliance platforms. Experience

supporting startups or newly established motor carrier entities. Location and Travel Requirements: The position is located at 2348 Smokey Park Hwy, Suite 200, Candler, NC 28715. Travel is not required. Compensation: This position is salaried at $115,000.00 per year. How to Apply: Send resume and proof of meeting the above requirements to Dispatch & Services Inc. via e-mail to marissa.amos@ dispatchandservices.com

XCHANGE

AUCTIONS

FIREARMS AUCTION LIVE, ONLINE & PHONE BIDDING March 14th @ 10am Military, Modern, Sporting & Classic Firearms montroseauction. com 478-376-4559 Greensboro, GA GAL 2006. (NC Press)

SERVICES

COMPUTER

ALL-AROUND WEB DEV FOR HIRE OR CONTRACT WordPress web developer solves website problems or consults on related matters. If I can’t fix it, I can point you in the right direction. Send inquiries to hire@janine.fyi

from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-873-2215 (AAN CAN)

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? APPEAL! If you're 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help. Win or Pay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed. 877-553-0252 [Steppacher Law Offices

LLC Principal Office: 224 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503] (NC Press)

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-866-430-5905 (AAN CAN)

DIRECTV All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof!

Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package

$84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-855606-4520 (AAN CAN)

DONATE YOUR CAR

TODAY Running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free fast pickup. Max tax deduction. Se habla Español. Call now: 877-3173360. (NC Press)

GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855-869-7055 today! (NC Press)

GET DISH SATELLITE TV

+ INTERNET! Free install, free HD-DVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call today!

1-877-920-7405. (NC Press)

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?

Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast free pick up. All 50 states. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-833426-0086. (AAN CAN)

HOME BREAK-INS Take less than 60 seconds. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 1-833-881-2713. (AAN CAN)

MOBILEHELP America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety and peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call today! 1-877-667-4685. (AAN CAN)

NEED NEW WINDOWS?

Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy efficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-833-890-1293. (AAN CAN)

PEST CONTROL Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-406-6971. (AAN CAN)

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY With a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-866-381-0627 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (AAN CAN)

REPLACE YOUR ROOF With the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime!

Limited time offer – up to 50% off installation + additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st

responders). Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-585-1815. (NC Press)

STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no obligation quote: 1-833-399-1539. (AAN CAN)

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP

& RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! For a free estimate, call 24/7: 1-833-880-7762 (AAN CAN)

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP

& RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-833-9281861. Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (NC Press)

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS-IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Call today for your fair cash offer: 1-877-939-1331 (AAN CAN)

WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Call today for your fair cash offer: 1-919-925-6362. (NC Press)

WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS

Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6624

(AAN CAN)

WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS! Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin,

Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6577. (NC Press)

WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC TIMESHARE CANCELLATION EXPERTS

Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees canceled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 888-9601781. (AAN CAN)

WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC TIMESHARE CANCELLATION EXPERTS

Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees canceled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 888-9601781. (AAN CAN)

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

BODYWORK

FOR FEET'S SAKE!

Give the gift of healing. Carereflexology.com. 828808-2956.

MARKETPLACE

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS. GUARANTEED! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferable warranty. Call today 1-877649-1190 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10%. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. (NC Press)

ACROSS

1 Brazilian berry

5 Monster whose gaze remained lethal after her death

11 Genre for many a mixtape

14 It’s not hard!

15 Came down, in a way

16 Like some angsty teens

17 Article of furniture on which a plate of oats might be set?

19 Justice’s domain

20 Deserving a D, say

21 1,000 G’s

22 Difficult weather condition for driving

23 Thick, spiked outer covering?

27 Pay attention to, as warnings

30 Casting rod?

31 ___ Lady (translation of “Notre Dame”)

32 Number indicating position: Abbr.

33 Uttered

34 Teenager’s response to a dad joke, perhaps

37 Relatives in a sty?

39 “Throne” for a lion king?

40 Arctic fishing shelter

41 Dirk Nowitzki’s longtime team, to fans

42 Sustainability prefix

43 Chum

44 Royal term of address

45 Functions

46 Walk from one coop to another?

50 Vegetable resembling a spring onion

51 Vegas’s airport code

52 Letters in an envelope?

55 Co. name ending

56 Being flipped on its back, e.g.?

60 Lead-in to Check on a boarding pass

61 Commercial charges

62 Cookie containing about 50 calories

63 Tegan vis-à-vis Sara, in pop’s Tegan and Sara

64 Tyrannical ruler

65 Keep ___ on

1 It goes down in flames

2 Member-owned business

3 Hairstyle popular among the Black Panther Party

4 “How strange …”

5 “___ Robinson” (Simon & Garfunkel hit)

6 Score points in Pac-Man, say

Baseball venue 8 Remove the ropes from, perhaps

“Sex ___” (adage)

Ending with lemon or lime

Muff

Massive amounts of winnings, so to speak 24 Anticipate