Performers for Christmas in Appalachia: A Singin’, Strummin’ Family Show. From left: Anna Kate Cammack, John Hall, Miles Kexel and Travis Stuart
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA) is embracing a season of warmth, storytelling and community connection with a diverse lineup of December events. In the span of two weekends, audiences can enjoy improv comedy, local music, Jewish storytelling for Chanukah and an exploration of Appalachian holiday traditions.
The festivities begin on Friday, December 12, with Reasonably Priced Babies Improv Comedy Show, offering two performances at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The award-winning Asheville-based group returns to its Black Mountain roots with its original members and a long-standing comedic connection to BMCA, promising laughter and light during the darkest days of winter.
On Saturday, December 13, audiences can enjoy the 7:30 p.m. Kellin Watson’s Holiday Special, featuring homegrown musician Kellin Watson alongside Aaron Price and surprise musical guests. Inspired by classic TV holiday variety shows, this intimate, playful production invites viewers into a nostalgic evening of storytelling, music and seasonal magic. “I love playing the intimate room at BMCA because it allows for such great audience connection and fun on stage,” Watson says. “It’s always such a rewarding connection with performers that I really look forward to during the holiday season.”
Holiday programming continues on Sunday, December 14, at 2 p.m. with Tales of Chanukah. This special afternoon of Chanukah storytelling highlights joy, tradition and community spirit through tales from three local storytellers. “Chanukah, or the eight-day Festival of Lights, is a time of great joy and celebration for the Jewish community worldwide,” says Catherine Yael Serota, author and storyteller. “Three local storytellers, members of the Asheville Storytelling Circle, are excited to bring light into this season’s celebrations at BMCA.”
The month concludes with Christmas in Appalachia: A Singin’, Strummin’, Family Show! running Friday and Saturday, December 19–20, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, December 20–21, at 2 p.m. This celebration of mountain traditions features acclaimed old-time musician Travis Stuart, actor and storyteller John Hall, and fellow musicians and friends. “I’m pleased to feature terrific local old-time musicians Travis Stuart, Anna Kate Cammack and Miles Kexel in our show,” Hall says. “Plus, the addition of audience participation will make this a special event for families. The performance space at BMCA is perfect for this show!”
Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 West State Street, Black Mountain. Learn more and get tickets at BlackMountainArts.org.
