Arts + Entertainment
What remains: Following Helene flooding, MANNA FoodBank releases benefit album
In the seven months since Hurricane Helene ravaged the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina, there’s been one constant thought rolling through the mind of Guy Smith.
“In memorializing Helene’s savagery, the agony it caused, the grief and loss, but also the resilience and charity,” Smith said. “I’d like people to internalize that when things are the worst, people are the best.”
If it hadn’t been for love: The SteelDrivers to play MerleFest
Standing on the precipice of their 20th anniversary, The SteelDrivers aren’t looking over their shoulders at the road to the here and now. Quite the contrary, where the Americana/bluegrass icons are aiming headlong towards the unknowns of tomorrow. And with one simple, yet powerful, thought permeating throughout — what’s next?
Appalachian True Heritage Festival
The annual Appalachian True Heritage Festival will be held May 2-3 on Main Street in Waynesville.
Dubbed “An Evening Under the Arch,” Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen will take the stage at 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, underneath the arch on Main Street.
Asheville poet focuses on the ‘Now’
As a practitioner and student of poetry all my life, I’ve noticed that while there is a lot of poetry written well and with talented reach, at the same time, there is little current poetry that I’ve experienced that one would classify as being “wise” or “transcendent.”
Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival
The 22nd annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville.
Children’s activities, local growers and artisans/crafters, flowering baskets, herbs, outdoor decor, live music and more.
Americana, blues at Cataloochee Ranch
Musical duo Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean will perform from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.
Jones is a soulful singer, acclaimed guitarist and versatile touring songwriter, one whose guitar-driven blues and country tunes have been featured in film, television and radio.
‘Mother’s Day Gemboree’
The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 9-10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin.
Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and more.
Ready for classic rock, country gold?
Haywood County rock/country act Outlaw Whiskey will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Unplugged Pub in Bryson City.
Formed in Haywood County, Outlaw Whiskey has emerged as a popular band in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia.
