The Laurel of Asheville

Wool Spinning Demonstration with Jamie Sparks
2026-09-05 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, 28801
Jamie Sparks is a multidisciplinary artist and educator with more than 30 years of experience teaching learners of all ages. She has spent more than two decades working with natural fibers, specializing in spinning and felting, and has taught throughout the southeastern U.S., including the John C. Campbell Folk School, Tryon Arts and Crafts School, assisting at Penland School of Crafts and numerous arts councils. Her fiber arts instruction emphasizes the transformation of raw fleece into finished pieces, combining traditional techniques with an accessible, hands-on approach. Jamie holds an Associates in Metalsmithing from Haywood Community College, where she developed her skills in metalwork and design. Prior to her work in the arts, she focused life as a herbal educator and plant biologist with a focus on the relationship between humans and plants—a passion that continues to influence her creative practice.

Hammered Wide Band Ring
2026-09-05 10:00 - 2026-09-26 12:15 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
Join us in this hands on class where you will make a hammered sterling silver wide band ring. One of Ignite’s fabulous instructors will take you through the process step by step including soldering, shaping, hammering, and finishing your ring. These also make great wedding bands! Come make your own wedding bands (or each other’s) in our fully equipped studio. Or just take this as a fun make-and-take in our amazing maker space. This class is a little taste of what it’s like to make jewelry as a profession. You’ll leave with a beautiful ring made to size in our downtown Asheville metalsmithing studio. $120 includes all materials Arrive 15 minutes early to sign the safety waiver and get settled. *Convenient parking is available just below the studio in either the Harrah’s Parking Garage or Rankin Parking Garage, 1st hour is free!

Ashley Heath & Her Heathens w/ Matthew Parsons
2026-09-04 20:00 - 23:00 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Ashley Heath & Her Heathens
Ashley Heath is often described as “Velvet Soul” with her prolific songwriting, strong and airy vocals, bluesy guitar playing, and has garnered national and international attention with her latest album “Something to Believe” released by Organic Records in Asheville, NC in 2022. She also has two previous albums; “Where Hope Never Dies” recorded with her full band Ashley Heath and Her Heathens and “A Different Stream” recorded solo. She has been voted Best of WNC by Mountain Xpress voters several years in a row for Vocalist, Songwriting, Blues, and Americana/Country and also winning Merlefest band competition in 2018. Heath has opened for headliners Pat Benatar, Anders Osborne, Black Joe Lewis, and many more acclaimed artists.
Matthew Sidney Parsons
Matthew Sidney Parsons is a songwriter, poet, and educator from Olive Hill, Kentucky. He wrote the title track on Bronwyn Keith-Hynes’ 2025 Grammy-nominated album I Built a World. Raised in a bluegrass family, Parsons performs solo and with his band Whistle & Fish and has taught songwriting and traditional music across Appalachia through Morehead State University, Berea College, and Hindman Settlement School. He has performed at events including The Bluegrass Jamboree in Germany, Kentucky Arts & Letters Day, WDVX Blue Plate Special, and Bernie Sanders’ Fighting Oligarchy Tour, touring with acts like Sarah Kate Morgan, The Local Honeys, and The Berea College Bluegrass Band. He has shared stages with Peter Rowan, Tim Stafford, Dale Ann Bradley, and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Parsons is the author of Mountain Roosters and Holy Land, and creates character-driven performances that celebrate mountain culture while addressing universal human experiences.

Don't Tell Comedy South Slope Asheville
2026-09-04 19:00 - 21:00 | The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave, Asheville, 28801
Show Details
This show will be at an indoor location.
No Outside Drinks permitted.. Drinks will be available for purchase.
Food available for purchase
Non-alcoholic drinks will be available.
This show will have chairs provided.
♿︎ This show is wheelchair accessible.
21+ show.
About Don’t Tell Comedy
Secret Locations.
Shhh…it’s a surprise. As you can see, we only advertise the general area or neighborhood for each show. The precise location and other important show details will be sent to you at 8:00 AM the day of the show. If you don’t see it in your inbox you can find the info on show day right here.
Secret Comedians.
No spoilers! All comedians remain unknown until the moment they take the stage. But don’t fret, we carefully curate lineups of 4-7 different comics to create a hilarious and diverse show. The best part is—you never know who might show up!
You might discover your next favorite underground comedian or see a fan favorite. We specialize in introducing audiences to the best-emerging talent from cities around the world through a mix of the best local and nationally touring comedians.
Unique Live Experience.
Honestly, we’re over the whole debt-inducing two-drink minimum thing. We’re dedicated to providing you with a unique and fun live comedy experience—one which doesn’t require you to take out a second mortgage. We thrive on good vibes and welcome you to be a part of the DTC community.

PATIO SHOW: Jesse Fox & Drew White
2026-09-04 17:30 - 20:30 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
JESSE FOX & DREW WHITE
North Carolina–born singer-songwriter Jesse Fox is carving a space of his own in the modern Americana landscape. His upcoming album Magnolia (2026) captures the warmth and weight of Southern storytelling; songs that move between heartbreak, renewal, and quiet resilience. Even before its release, the record has surpassed 100,000 streams through early singles like “Leave” and “If I’m Warm,” which have resonated with listeners for their emotional depth and unguarded lyricism. Produced by longtime collaborator Phil Amalong, Magnolia features Emerson Swinford (Rod Stewart) on guitar, mixes by Audrey Whitfield, and contributions from a wide circle of North Carolina musicians. Blending folk intimacy, indie texture, and soulful craftsmanship, Magnolia stands as Fox’s most confident and cohesive work to date, a testament to his evolution as an artist and to the creative community that surrounds him.
Drew White is a 28-year-old singer-songwriter and electric storyteller from Birmingham, Alabama, now rooted in Nashville, Tennessee. Shaped by the Gospel traditions and Rock ‘ n Roll grit of his hometown, White channels a sound that blends Y’ allternative Rock, Folk, and Americana into something both familiar and fresh. His music is anchored in community, self- reflection, and the spirit of storytelling, delivered with equal parts intimacy and energy.

Downtown Art District’s First Fridays
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Lexington Glassworks, 81 South Lexington Ave, Asheville, 28801
Get ready for an adventure on First Friday! Grab your Passport Card at any participating DAD location and embark on a fun-filled journey through downtown’s creative spaces. Collect 5 stamps along the way for a chance to win an exciting giveaway featuring gift cards to some of your favorite local businesses. Explore a fantastic array of arts businesses, each one buzzing with something special.
Whether it’s a captivating new exhibition, vibrant live music, hands-on workshops, or live demos, there’s always something fun waiting for you. Don’t miss the chance to visit your old favorites and discover new treasures! Join us and make this First Friday unforgettable!

GALLERY WALK – HOLLAND VAN GORES – WOOD & MIXED MEDIA ARTIST
2026-09-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio, 51 West Main Street, Brevard, NC, 28712, United States
(FREE) Meet and talk with Holland Van Gores about his process in creating incredible wooden sculptures.
Holland has spent the better part of his life working with wood. As a child, he had access to his father’s workshop and was able to use the tools and supplies. Learning these skills early in life, led him to choose a career in construction where he honed his skills in California before taking on construction work in remote Costa Rica and eventually the United States Virgin Islands. Holland and his family relocated to western North Carolina in 2012 where he built a studio surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. He is constantly experimenting with forms and textures, often inspired by organic themes. “Making something with my hands allows me to feel a connection to that piece, giving it a purpose.”

Mixed Metal Mountain Bracelet
2026-09-04 10:00 - 2026-09-25 12:30 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
Join us at Ignite Jewelry Studios in downtown Asheville for a hands-on brass and silver bracelet workshop. You’ll choose your design, then solder (yep with a torch), sand, polish, and more. By the end, you’ll leave feeling rather accomplished, having created your own piece using traditional metalsmithing tools and techniques—all guided by a skilled instructor. This is a great couples activity, unique bachelorette experience, team building event, or solo excursion in downtown AVL. *Workshop takes 2.5 hours +/- **Ages 12-14 A parent/guardian must sign safety waiver and also take the workshop ***Ages 15-17 must have a parent or guardian sign the safety waiver $185/person

American Aquarium
2026-09-03 20:00 - 23:00 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
STANDING ROOM ONLY
AMERICAN AQUARIUM
20 years. 20 records. Over 4,000 shows. And somehow, American Aquarium are still finding new ways to surprise us. On New Ways to Lose, frontman BJ Barham and his band of road warriors turn two decades of survival into a driving, deeply-felt rock & roll statement — one built on resilience, reinvention, and the hard-earned clarity that only comes with time.
“We’ve always been outsiders,” says Barham, whose songwriting has steered the group through lineup changes, heartache, addiction, recovery, a global pandemic, and every other obstacle imaginable. Long before algorithms and viral breakthroughs spelled out success in the music industry, American Aquarium earned their place the old-school way: through relentless touring and a stubborn refusal to disappear, even when the odds suggested they should. New Ways to Lose turns that outsider status into armor.
Produced once again by multi-time Grammy winner Shooter Jennings, the album was recorded in Los Angeles over a 10-day session that captured the band at their most immediate and alive. Much of the record was tracked live, with Jennings encouraging spontaneity and instinct over perfection, while a round of overdubs offered the opportunity to add three-part harmonies and horn arrangements to the songs. The result is a muscular, cinematic record that embraces both sides of American Aquarium’s identity: the bruised confessionals of a songwriter who’s already spent decades sharpening his craft, and the full-throttle release of an anthemic, amplified rock & roll band. Hot-wired with the same electricity as their live show, New Ways to Lose nods to heartland heroes like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Neil Young while remaining unmistakably American Aquarium.
For Barham — who formed the band in 2006 in Raleigh, North Carolina — the album isn’t just a snapshot on a band at its peak. It’s a personal turning point, too. “All of my records are yearbooks,” he says. “Twenty years from now, I’ll pull them off the shelf and remember exactly who I was when I wrote them.” If earlier albums offered glimpses of a man in his 20s, making his way through a haze of uncertainty, heartache, and bad behavior, then New Ways to Lose finds Barham writing from a place of hard-won maturity. He’s not just a songwriter anymore; he’s a husband, father, and bandleader who’s fully comfortable confronting the dark corners of the human experience. Across these ten songs, he tackles themes like the downfall of small-town America, the yearning for true connection, the socioeconomic wreckage of unconstitutional politics, and even the devastation of losing a beloved pet, making room for tenderness and gratitude amidst the sonic stomp of his band. “Twin Flames,” written for his wife, stands as one of the most vulnerable love songs of his whole career, a reflection of a full-grown man no longer afraid to say exactly what he means.
The album’s title comes from legendary NC State Wolfpack announcer Gary Hahn, whose on-air quips — “and NC State finds a new way to lose today” — became metaphors for both sports fandom and the music business. “No matter what success you find, you’re always looking up the ladder at what you don’t have,” says Barham, who’s hand-carved a fiercely independent career outside the traditional machinery of the industry.

Rooftop Comedy featuring Bill Squire
2026-09-03 20:00 - 22:00 | antidote, 151 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC, 27106, United States
Modelface Comedy brings the best comedians from all over the country to Asheville, NC. This week we are excited to have Bill Squire!
Chemist Spirts welcomes a group of Asheville top comedians for a night of laughs. Enjoy a stunning AVL sunset from the rooftop bar at Antidote while giggling and sipping a classic cocktail.
In 2004, at age 22, Bill Squire was just your regular old excommunicated Mormon Missionary trying to find his way through life. Returning from a two-year-long Mormon mission in the Philippines, Bill found his voice on stage traveling the country telling jokes as he relentlessly pursued stage time.
Bill has several Comedy Specials and Albums that have been viewed and listened to millions of times.
Bill has been seen on Comedy Central. He was a regular cast member on the cult favorite YouTube series Man in the Box, starring opposite Cleveland Comedy Legend and Red Lobster regular Mike Polk Jr. He has also appeared on tv shows like Laughs on Fox and Hulu.
Family is a priority for Bill, although his time on the road means a lot to him since 2013 Bill has co-hosted The Alan Cox Show, an afternoon drive talk show on 100.7 WMMS in Cleveland. He has become a part of a larger family of millions of devoted listeners/viewers on iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Pandora, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher.
He also co-hosts his wildly popular podcast Cleveland America with friends Tommi LC and OkPants.
ages 21+
Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm
Tickets $18

Open Hearts Art Center Presents: Greatest Hits - Studio Edition
2026-09-03 16:00 - 19:00 | Open Hearts Art Center, 217 Coxe Ave #4006, Asheville, 28801
Open Hearts Art Center is excited to invite you to the opening of our newest exhibit: 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙞𝙩𝙨: 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤 𝙀𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 on Thursday, September 3rd from 4–7 PM at our South Slope studio (217 Coxe Ave.)! ️
Inspired by music, rhythm, and all the creative energy that fills our studios, this collection features music-inspired works by our incredible OHAC artists.
Join us for opening night at 217 Coxe Ave for an evening of art, refreshments, light bites, and community! The exhibit will remain on display through November.
Thursday, September 3rd
4–7 PM
217 Coxe Ave, Asheville
We can’t wait to share our latest GREATEST HITS with you!
Open Hearts Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supportive art studio and gallery in Asheville, NC, dedicated to representing and empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to connect to and reach their full potential through the arts. To learn more visit: www.openheartsartcenter.org and follow us on social media: @openheartsartcenter

Meltt w/ Los Eclipses
2026-09-02 20:00 - 23:00 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
STANDING ROOM ONLY
MELTT
Meltt’s upcoming third album is the culmination of everything the Vancouver indie-pop quartet have accomplished so far, all the while pushing their sound in new and exciting directions. True to its title, Pathways finds Chris Smith [lead vocals, guitar, bass, keys], Jamie Turner [drums, percussion], James Porter [guitar, keys, bass, vocals], and Ian Winkler [bass, keys, guitar] at multiple forks in the road and deciding to take all of them, submerging their sound in new rippling textures while still retaining the warm, textured glow that their music’s contained since their debut EP Visions in 2017.
Thematically, Pathways approaches what Winkler refers to as “four men approaching their 30s and figuring out their paths and lives.” Big topics abound, from relationships and the aftermath of loss to the strange and uneasy feeling that accompanies navigating the modern world at large. “Our tone is usually pretty optimistic and hopeful, but this time we let some darkness in,” Porter says. “There are so many things we experience individually, but when we get in the studio, it’s clear that we’re on a journey together.”
Whether you’ve been with them since the beginning or are joining them at this very juncture, Pathways will make you thankful that you’re along for the journey.
LOS ECLPISES
Los Eclipses is a Franco-Mexican duo composed by French singer Eva de Marce and Mexican producer Dan Solo.
The frenetic combination of styles between its members creates a sonic layer full of contrasting nuances: from light to darkness, from melancholy to euphoria, from calm to celebration. Dan’s extensive production experience, along with Eva’s enigmatic and captivating voice, blend together to create a project that has quickly captured the attention of both the public and the media.
In just one year since their formation, Los Eclipses have performed more than 50 shows in 10 countries, gracing the stages of renowned festivals and venues such as El Palacio de los Deportes (MX), Francos de Montréal (CAN), Razzmatazz (ES), Viva Pomona & SXSW (USA), Festival Trópico (MX) among others. They have shared the stage with renowned artists such as Empire of the Sun, Underworld, Royskopp, Moodymann, Buscabulla and The Whitest Boy Alive, to name a few.
In 2024, Los Eclipses reached a major milestone with the release of their debut album, Eden Sauvage. Deeply inspired by the myth of Adam and Eve, the album fuses electronic and dreamlike tones, exploring the dualities that define the duo through hypnotic melodies and lyrics filled with mystery. With Eden Sauvage, Los Eclipses have established themselves as one of the most exciting and unique revelations in the contemporary electro-pop scene.

Everybody But You Bro Comedy Open Mic
2026-09-02 18:30 - 20:30 | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, 28801
Join Eyes Up Here Comedy & Modelface Comedy for the premiere open mic for the rest of us — Everybody But You Bro is a comedy mic for women, non-binary, queer and femme folks to take the stage and tell jokes — up to 5 minutes.
This is a queer and trans-inclusive mic.
We don’t punch down y’all!
Sign ups at 6pm and shows starts at 6:30pm and it’s show up and go up! Located in the Comedy Basement at The RAD Brew Co.
All are welcome for the audience, however hecklers will be asked to leave
Free event, Suggested $10 donations are highly encouraged
Hosted by Erin Terry, Danny Felix and Linda Barsi
Stick around after the mic for our Joke Writing Workshop at 8pm

Jewelers Social 5-8pm
2026-09-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
September Theme: Stone & Tool Swap
Have gemstones, tools, findings, books, or supplies collecting dust? Bring a few items you no longer use and trade them for something new to inspire your next project. You never know what treasure you’ll discover!
No pressure to swap—you’re welcome to come just to socialize.
Optional: Bring a small snack or dish to share as we enjoy a relaxed evening together. Come and go as you please.
Whether you’re new to jewelry making or have decades of experience, we hope you’ll join us for this fun, casual night of connection and community.
Free to attend • All jewelers welcome
Tagged Asheville event, jeweler

GUIDED OPEN STUDIO - SEPTEMBER EDITION - WITH ANNE STRUTZ, PSA, IAPS-MC
2026-09-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio, 51 West Main Street, Brevard, NC, 28712, United States
Wednesdays from 10-3
September 2, 9, 16, 23
Join Anne in the studio for an open-format pastel class designed to deepen your skills in this richly expressive medium. Each session begins with a guided morning exercise exploring essential artistic principles and techniques that bring depth, energy, and confidence to your work. Bring your own reference materials to create a personalized studio experience. Pastels, paper, and sketching and underpainting supplies are provided, with premium sanded paper available for purchase. You’re also welcome to bring your own pastels and discover which colors will best complement and expand your palette.
Class size limited to 6
ARTIST BIO:
Anne Strutz, PSA, IAPS-MC, is an artist in motion, pushing boundaries by infusing movement and energy into her paintings. For Anne painting begins with what you cannot see. She poses questions to herself before starting a painting. What is drawing me to this subject? What is the story I want to tell? What am I trying to express in each painting? No single mark is precious. No fear is allowed to enter the process behind the easel. All elements of the composition must work in unity. This process is critical for infusing energy into my work and allows me to respond directly to the piece as it evolves.
Anne’s journey as an artist has been a fulfilling adventure, leading her from fashion and textile designer in NYC, to teaching and developing art curricula for children in Philadelphia and Chicago. In 2013 Anne turned her focus to fine art. After viewing a pastel exhibition at the Noyse Museum of Art in Hammonton N.J. Anne began her journey with the pastel medium. The tangible aspects of the medium, with the ability to draw, paint, layer, and combine with other mediums has led her on an energetic journey pushing the qualities of pastel in her work. Anne’s work has been featured in the Pastel Journal multiple times, Pratique Des Arts and Strokes of Genius and the 2022 and 2024 IAPS Souvenir Book. She has also written multiple articles for the Pastel Journal and Artist Magazine.
Anne is the past president and workshop chair of the Piedmont Pastel Society. In 2019 she participated in the Dueling Demonstration event at the International Association of Pastel Societies convention which occurs every two years. In 2022 and 2024 Anne was invited back to be one of the faculty artists to demonstrate her techniques at the convention. Anne holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and currently lives in Pickens, South Carolina.

Drop-In Jewelry Making!
2026-09-01 11:00 - 2026-09-30 16:00 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
Join us in our downtown jewelry studio and create a piece of jewelry you’ll be proud to wear! Choose from a variety of projects, including rings, earrings, charms, pendants, and more. You’ll personalize your design with your own creative touches while learning basic jewelry-making techniques in a fun, welcoming environment.
Whether you’re making a keepsake for yourself or a meaningful handmade gift, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece and the satisfaction of saying, “I made that!”
*Drop in starting at 1pm. Arrive by 3 to be sure you have time to complete the piece you want!
Prices start at just $25 and vary by project, with options available in sterling silver, brass, and a selection of gemstones.
Kid-friendly! Suitable for ages 6 and up. Younger participants or certain projects may require assistance from a parent or guardian to ensure everyone stays safe while creating.
Great for couples, bridemaid parties, girls time out, and everyone in between!

Estimated Prophets: Grateful Dead Cover Show
2026-08-31 18:00 - 20:00 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Standing Room Only
Good Ole Grateful Dead Music!
The Estimated Prophets: featuring Spiro Nicolopoulos and Josh Blake on guitars, David Mulder on keyboards,
JD Smith on Bass, and Lee Kram on Drums.

DANCE. ACT. SING. with PACA!!
2026-08-31 16:00 - 21:00 | THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville | PACA, 174 Bradley Branch, Units 4/5, Arden, 28704
Join PACA for dance, acting, and music classes this fall! Classes are not yet full, and we would love to have you join us! Check out our class schedule and come visit us for FREE class week 9/21-9/26. If you want to make sure you have a spot, sign up now! Classes will fill up!
More information available on our website: https://www.thepaca.com/class-schedul

Ten Minute Movies
2026-08-30 20:00 - 22:00 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
– FULLY SEATED SHOW Ten Minute Movies returns for the first time since 2023! We take cult and classic movies and transform them into ten minute plays on the Grey Eagle stage, building ramshackle worlds out of old cardboard and thrift store castoffs. Whether you want to perform, help build sets, or you simply want to watch, we have room for you. Come join us! —————-This installment of TMM is a benefit for Asheville Bike Recyclery.

Take My Wife: 80's/90's style Comedy Show
2026-08-30 19:00 - 21:00 | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, 28801
Every Sunday Funday Modelface Comedy Club brings the best comedians from all over the country to Asheville, NC and this weekend we have a special time travel comedy show!
Take My Wife is a night of 80’s and 90’s comedy club style comedy. A night of ponderings on airline food and the wild differences between men and women.
A group of Asheville’s best comics will be doing their best impressions of old school comics despite being born in the late 90’s themselves.
Headliner Ryan Brown, They can’t get no respect
ages 18+
doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm
Tickets $15 advance, $18 day of

PATIO SHOW: Cordovas
2026-08-30 17:30 - 19:30 | The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE
CORDOVAS
Cordovas are an Americana rock band out of Nashville whose sound, equal parts soulful harmony, poetic craft, and cosmic improvisation, has long earned comparisons to The Band, Grateful Dead, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. But with their fifth studio album, Back to Life (out January 30, 2026, on Yep Roc Records), the group sharpens the edges of its identity: road- tested, deeply traditional in the ways that matter, and determined to be respected on its own terms. The band’s heartbeat lies between two places. In Todos Santos, Mexico, where Cordovas have lived, written, and built a small community of artists, the songs take shape in their most relaxed state, often amongst a circle of friends. Then it’s back to Nashville, where rehearsal, touring, and recording hammer those ideas into their final form. This cycle has defined the last three years of work, producing songs that are both varied and cohesive, each one revealing another side of the band’s range. At the center of Cordovas are songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joe Firstman and guitarist/vocalist Lucca Soria, partners in what they call a “musical friendship.” The new record is a testament to their growth not just as musicians but as people. “I’m extremely blessed,” Firstman says. “Everywhere I look is love, and I set it up that way. My whole life is designed around art, not around bills or phone calls. Everything is based on love and enthusiasm, and it radiates from there.” Soria frames it differently but with the same spirit of devotion: “People are at service to us, and we are at service to them. I am incentivized to do my best all of the time in the service of others. In Mexico, it’s also a community. Everyone has a role, and I want to do the best I can for the community.” That philosophy is embodied in the band’s communal compound in Todos Santos. Over the years, Cordovas have acquired five houses there—each designed by Firstman, each tailored to the people who live or pass through them. More than just residences, they function as creative havens: a space where friends, collaborators, and fellow travelers are invited in to write songs, make demos, stage impromptu shows, or simply live alongside the band in a shared rhythm of art and life. It’s not a retreat from the world but a way of reshaping it—an intentional community built around the belief that music thrives when it’s lived in, day after day, with others.

Flowers Everywhere! A Garden Party Fundraiser
2026-08-30 16:30 - 19:00 | Dr. John Wilson Community Garden, 99 White Pine Dr., Black Mountain, 28711
We are gathering for our annual Garden Party Fundraiser “Flowers Everywhere” on Sunday, August 30th from 4:30-7pm to celebrate renewal and flourishing in the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden.
Our Garden Party will be held in our very own Dr. John Wilson Community Garden at 99 White Pine Dr, Black Mountain. The event will feature live music from Becki and the Farm to Jazz, a locally sourced dinner, fresh jam tasting, pick your own flowers and bouquet making with Cindi Quay, medicinal tea tasting, cyanotype sun printing, and tours of the native pollinator garden with Emily Sampson and a tour of our Growing For Donation Vegetable Garden featuring crops from Utopian Seed Project!
Tickets
$40 in advance
$50 at the door
$25 student and needs-based tickets available
Tickets and more information at https://bmtcommunitygardens.org/flowers-everywhere-2026-garden-party-fundraiser/
Your ticket purchase goes directly to supporting integral garden systems like our Assistant Manager position, the internship program, community education programs, tools and supplies, and garden infrastructure needs, so that we can continue to build local food sovereignty by growing food to donate at no cost to those friends and neighbors who need it most, and along the way educating others about gardening and growing community.
Whether you have been a community gardener here since the beginning, or you have never visited us prior and want to learn more, everyone is welcome!

The Grey Eagle Classic Golf Tournament
2026-08-30 13:00 - 19:00 | The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course, 75 Club View Rd, Asheville, 28804
Join us on Sunday, August 30 for our 6th annual The Grey Eagle Classic Golf Tournament in Asheville, NC at The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course!
Grab your golf clubs and the best players you can find. This tournament welcomes local businesses, community partners, supporters of music and arts, and all of our river friends for a day full of golf, games, food, drinks, and lots of fun! Your participation and a portion of proceeds will directly support the Asheville City Schools.
LOCATION:
The Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course
75 Club View Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
SCHEDULE:
1:00 PM Registration, kick-off drinks and lunch from The Grey Eagle Taqueria
2:00 PM Shotgun Start
7:00 PM Scores, Awards and Prizes
———————-
Teams of 4, Captain’s Choice
Entry Fee Includes:
Green fees, golf cart, prizes, beer, lunch from The Grey Eagle Taqueria + tournament swag.

Trolls JR Auditions with PACA!!
2026-08-30 13:00 - 18:00 | THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville | PACA, 174 Bradley Branch, Units 4/5, Arden, 28704
Join THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville for our Winter 2027 production of Trolls JR! As one of the first youth groups in the country to be performing this show, we are able to set the bar for future productions. We would love to have you join us for our 2026-2027 All Company production. Limited spots available!!
All actors who audition will be cast! The audition is for placement purposes only. Please complete this application, and we will be in contact about next steps!
More information available on our website: https://www.thepaca.com/ajt.
Ready to sign up? Use this application to request registration information: https://www.thepaca.com/theatrical-overview#register!

Sunday Sounds: Steve Lapointe
2026-08-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, 28801
Join us for a live performance by Steve Lapointe, pianist-in-residence in the Windgate Foundation Atrium.
ABOUT THE MUSICIAN
Steve Lapointe’s nine years of classical piano as a youth grounded him in music theory. Jazz studies while in Ithaca, New York, opened his ears to extemporaneous improvisation and the music of Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Michel Petrucciani and the American songbook. Steve served as musical director of the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Fellowship of Vero Beach, Florida, and occasionally performed at the UU Asheville congregation.

Flush Setting 101 with Christina Kober Kauke
2026-08-30 10:00 - 17:00 | Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 W Walnut St Unit A, Asheville, 28801
Join us for this Guest Instructor Sunday workshop: Flush Setting 101 with Christina Kober Kauke
Have you ever wanted to add faceted stones to your work but didn’t know where to start? Flush setting is one of the best ways to dive right in!
Christine’s straight-forward technique includes simple steps that require accuracy and practice – and you’ll get all that in this workshop. She will show you each step, discussing why each one is important and go through common roadblocks and their solutions. You will not only learn how to flush set, but you will practice with her and receive one-one-one feedback, troubleshooting tips and tricks to make sure you are successful.
While this workshop focuses on the building blocks flush setting – you will also learn about various burs and how to use them, using precision measuring tools, using a loupe properly, how to make your own setting tools that aren’t available commercially, selecting the right materials and tools for the job, and tips on production setting.
I’m not gonna lie, this is one of those techniques that takes some practice, but I have a ton of tips and tricks up my sleeves and I’m ready and waiting for you to learn about one of my favorite jewelry techniques. -Christine
$200 plus $65 +/-materials fee (due at class)

COLD WAX ALCHEMY 2-DAY WORKSHOP WITH GINA LOUTHIAN-STANLEY - DAY 2
2026-08-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio, 51 West Main Street, Brevard, NC, 28712, United States
In this 2-Day workshop, discover the beautiful layers, textures, and marks that only oil and cold wax can achieve finding inspiration within your own marks, compositions and intuition. We will explore various techniques such as working methods, substrates, drying times, opaque and transparent color, pigments and powders, blending, color schemes, glazing, transfer/printmaking techniques, creating textures, adding collage and more. Plenty of demos and individual discussions as well as time to work on your own pieces.
All skill levels would benefit from this class, especially beginners. (Advanced techniques are an option for those who have taken a prior class.)
Gina will provide 4 oz. of cold wax, tools to borrow, and R&F pigment sticks for class use, 2 sheets of Arches Oil paper, various mark making tools to share and samples of materials such as stencils, pan pastels, and a few collage materials, etc. Additional wax will be available for sale. Please see the event website for additional supplies you will need to bring to the workshop.

Secret Saturday Late Nite Comedy Show
2026-08-29 21:00 - 23:00 | The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery Street, Asheville, 28801
Every Saturday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week it’s a secret lineup of amazing comedians!!!
A fun mix of local favorites and big city comics all the way from New York City and who knows who else might show up!!!
ages 18+
doors at 8:30, show at 9pm
Tickets $18

Haunts & Haints, a night of Appalachian Storytelling
2026-08-29 21:00 - 23:00 | Eda Rhyne, 101 Fairview Rd, Asheville, 28803
Modelface Comedy Presents: Haunts & Haints, a night of Appalachian Storytelling
Join us for a night of cocktails and ghost stories at Eda Rhyne Distillery. All are welcome to share their favorite ghost stories and tales of Appalachian folklore and history.
Share a story or just sit back and enjoy the stories, all are welcome.
Anyone who shares will receive a ticket for a comp drink.
Doors: 8:30 PM
Show: 9 PM
Tickets: Sliding Scale $5-$15
Ages 21+
SEATED EVENT

Roll of the Dice, Comedy Show of Chance
2026-08-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Every weekend Modelface Comedy Club brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This week we have an extra silly show!
Roll of the Dice is a comedy show of chance. Each comedian will roll a 20 sided die and whatever number it lands on is how much stage time they receive! One minute laughs to 20min sets, anything can happen!!!
Featuring Aaron Naylor, Cloud Hudson, Danny Felix, Isaac Truman, Linda Barsi and Min McWilliams
ages 18+
doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm
Tickets $18
