Downtown Asheville Blog

Asheville has some interesting and entertaining events available to everyone this weekend. The mild climate keeps things hopping throughout winter, with various winter events and activities. Come join the fun filled festivities all located in downtown Asheville during the final weekend in January.

Naomi Wolf’s film

The End of America, which details the 10 steps used by aspiring dictators to move a country from democracy to tyrannical dictatorship, will be screened Thursday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. at Firestorm Cafe and Books

. A group discussion will follow. Info: 255-8115.

Come hear fascinating stories about Buncombe County’s architectural history as told by John Ager, Doug Swaim and Mary Jo Brezny, contributors to the book Cabins and Castles, on Friday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore and Café. Info: 254-6734.

Great Jazz available Saturday January 31st at the “All That Jazz Weekend” featuring The Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Al Jarreau & more. Located in the Grove Park Inn Great Hall. Grove Park Inn, Asheville • 252-2711
http://www.groveparkinn.com

Great winter activities, food and fun are available for everyone this weekend in downtown Asheville. If you are going to be in Asheville this weekend, get ready for some of these great events to make your trip more enjoyable.

Art at UNCA: Art exhibits and events at the university are free unless otherwise noted. Info: 251-6559. Blowers Gallery info: 251-6546. Highsmith University Union info: 232-5000.
• Through FR (1/30) - Environmental Impressions, linoleum prints by UNCA senior Monica Miller will be on display in Blower’s Gallery.

Asheville Beer Fest’s “Winter Warmer”: At Haywood Park Hotel, in the Grand Ballroom, downtown Asheville. $36, includes samples from more than 12 microbreweries, a souvenir mug and BBQ. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to RiverLink.
• SA (1/24), 3-7pm - Second annual “Winter Warmer.” In addition to the beer and the BBQ, Brushfire Stankgrass and Woody Wood will perform.

First Annual Creole Cook-Off: Asheville Mardi Gras fundraiser. At Greenlife Community Center, 90 Merrimon Ave.
• SA (1/24), 11am-2pm - Grits and grillades, red beans and rice, jambalaya. $10

Jan. 15, 2009.  If you are like most folks these days, on a tight budget, but would still like to get in some great entertainment there are some free and low cost options for Asheville music enthusiasts. Asheville Downtown Association will be sponsoring “Jazz After Five” Friday January 16^th from 5-8pm. The concerts feature local musicians and take place in the Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave. Beverages and appetizers are available. Come out for an evening of great Jazz and support Asheville’s local musicians. This week Red Light Trio and the Chuck Lichtenberger Trio will perform. 

If you miss the Chuck Lichtenberger Trio you can also catch them each Tuesday night in the “Jazz Jam” at Tressa’s on Broadway. 9pm to midnight. This event is sponsored by Piano Emporium and there is no admission. 

Also this weekend, the StereoFidelics, an Asheville-based duo, are working hard to promote their energetic sound along with their latest album, Only Sleeping. Don’t miss your chance to experience the unique sound produced by this talented pair. Saturday January 17^th a 9pm in the Westville Pub. Admission is only $5.

More great Jazz available this weekend for a great cause. St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Asheville, 1 Dundee St. will have the 17 piece UNCA Jazz Orchestra performing a big band concert. Donations will be accepted for the band as well as the restoration of this beautiful historic church.

Come out and enjoy the fabulous but economical music opportunities available in Asheville this weekend while supporting the local musicians throughout our area.<–>