Arts + Entertainment

 

Spread it heavy: WNC rockers Porch 40 return

It was a special time and place when rock-n-funk act Porch 40 emerged onto the vast, vibrant Western North Carolina live music scene. In a landscape of mostly bluegrass, Americana and country acts, to see something of local origin with loud electric guitars and amps cranked to 11 was, well, refreshing. 

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A scary, page-turner of a story

Sometimes life seems too short to read every novel and author on your list. Oftentimes, I tend towards classics and literature. After all, you only live once so why would I not go straight to the greats?

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Rock rolls into Boojum

Asheville rock group The Andrew Thelston Band will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville. 

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Mission in the Rain: Sam Grisman Project to play Earl Scruggs Fest

When stand-up bassist Sam Grisman wanted to start his band, aptly titled the Sam Grisman Project (SGP), he had one simple goal in mind. 

“I’ve always wanted to play bass in a great band full of my friends,” Grisman said. “And I’ve been a bass player in many bands over the years, but never had much creative input regarding what material was being played.” 

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‘An Imaginative Proclivity’: Gary Carden and “Stories I Lived to Tell”

In “Stories I Lived to Tell: An Appalachian Memoir” (The University of North Carolina Press, 2024, 152 pages), 89-year-old storyteller and writer Gary Carden spends much of his time revisiting his youth and childhood.

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Porch 40 returns to the stage

After an extended hiatus, one of Western North Carolina’s most popular rock acts, Porch 40, will host a special performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Lazy Hiker Brewing outpost in downtown Sylva. 

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AVLfest returns to WNC

Any live music fan knows the feeling of the energy in a crowd before a show begins. And, despite its newness in only its second year of existence, that energy was in full effect at AVLfest this past weekend in Asheville. 

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Jokes, laughter, happiness and good health

As part of my gifts for Father’s Day this year, my daughter bought me a book. She apologized before handing it to me, saying “It’s really terrible and silly, and I almost didn’t give it to you.” 

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HART to present ‘Inherit the Wind’

A special production of “Inherit the Wind” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22-24 and 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. 

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