Arts + Entertainment
Lonesome wind: Upstream Rebellion to play Folkmoot Center
At the recent MerleFest, the nation’s premier Americana/bluegrass festival in Wilkesboro, an emerging act from our region, Upstream Rebellion, not only made its debut at the gathering as part of the band competition, the members also walked away immensely inspired.
Blow the tannery whistle: Bradbury still burns, 72 years later
I first read “Fahrenheit 451” around 1953 when we were dealing with the McCarthy era. This country was in the grips of a politician who preached a dangerous message. He said that America was being invaded by communism and he urged everyone to assist him in seeking out and removing anyone who had joined this dangerous movement.
A comic read that defies pigeon-holing
In the course of human events, there does come a time when comedy is in order. Such was a time last month for me. I was choosing a book to read and I needed comedy.
“Morte D’Urban,” a novel by J. F. Powers (Doubleday, 1962), had been recommended by a trusted friend. It is brilliantly funny and, how wonderful, much more than that.
‘Stronger Than The Storm’
A reading for “Stronger Than The Storm: Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina” will take place from 5–7 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The collection features work from over two dozen contributors reflecting on last fall’s storm. Proceeds support ongoing Helene relief efforts.
How did we do it: Graham Sharp of Steep Canyon Rangers
During his recent solo album release show at 185 King St. in Brevard, singer-songwriter Graham Sharp was not only surrounded by a murderers’ row of bluegrass musicians; he was encapsulated by time and place itself — of people, purpose and passion.
Following Helene, Big Pillow Brewing crafts its next chapter
On a recent sunny afternoon in Hot Springs, it was almost impossible to find a parking spot within vicinity of Big Pillow Brewing in downtown. And, for the tiny mountain town, this was a joyous sight compared to what the community has gone through as of late.
An insightful look in apartheid, South Africa
Sometimes fictional books, when they’re written well, can give the same, if not more, insight to a people and culture than a history book can. Alan Paton’s “Cry, the Beloved Country” (Scribner, 2003, 316 pages) is one of those novels.
Chappell statue unveiled
The Haywood County Public Library recently unveiled a memorial to Fred Chappell at its Canton branch, which honors his literary achievements and dedication to teaching creative writing.
Gone for good: The Last Revel to headline Cold Mountain Music Festival
Much like their sorrowful, purposeful melodies, the members of The Last Revel contain this thick thread of self, and of place, when it comes to the underlying trait in the sounds and scope of their intent, onstage and in the studio — survival mode.
