Downtown Asheville Blog

No doubt, many fans are excited about catching opening night of “Sex and the City,” the movie, Friday night. But for those who would rather catch a movie at Downtown Asheville’s Fine Arts Theatre, some equally compelling films open this weekend: “Son of Rambow” and “The Visitor.”

Don’t roll your eyes just yet at “Son of Rambow.” This is not an ill-conceived parody of the action film, but rather a unique story about two young boys making a home movie. The creators of “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” have received a lot of buzz for this, their second outing, at the film festivals this year. They tell the story of a boy whose religious family shields him from the outside world - including movies - until a school friend exposes him to “First Blood” and suggests they make their own Rambo movie. It’s a coming-of-age story with an unusual angle.

“The Visitor” tells a story of passion for life rekindled in an unlikely way. No, it’s not a romance. When a middle-aged economics professor finds that a scam artist has rented his apartment to an immigrant couple, he is at first taken aback. Of course, he feels sorry for them, and before long, they forge a friendship. That friendship - and the professor’s will - are tested when one of the immigrants is threatened with deportation.

Check the Fine Arts Theatre website for showtimes.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, Asheville real estate broker.

Tonight is Thirsty Thursday, one of the busiest days by far at this red brick stadium on Downtown Asheville’s south side. Some fans come for the baseball, of course, but most people come for the cheap beer - $1 domestics and $2 microbrews. Tickets only cost $6.

Still, the Asheville Tourists have offered plenty to get excited about this season. They have won the past five of six games, cementing their lead in the Southern Atlantic League’s Southern Division. Pitcher Jhoulys Chacin has tied for the lead in wins for the league. These sluggers have also played 17 games above the .500 mark.

Last night, they rallied from behind to beat the Rome Braves. The two teams face off again tonight at 7:05 p.m.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, a home-run hitter among Asheville real estate agents.

When in Rome… well, you know. So it should be no surprise that a standup comic who finds himself in a Downtown Asheville venue will lace his humor with politics and current events. Such is the brand of Tim Simmons, who will headline Laugh Your Asheville Off this Friday at the Diana Wortham Theatre.

Dennis McDonough, Tom Chalmers, Greg Brown and Joe Zimmerman will open. The event will also include additional performances throughout the year. This weekend’s show benefits refugees in Burma hit by the recent typhoons.

Simmons has been on Comedy Central, Showtime, BET and NBC. He’s unabashedly liberal, so his material isn’t for everyone. But if that’s your political bent, Mainstage Comedy called his act “the kind you love to chew on,” and Twisted Radio called him the “funniest comedian you’ve never heard of.”

Tickets are available at the Diana Wortham Theatre and cost $15 each.

Posted by Mark Vanderhoff, a Realtor in Western North Carolina.