Community Calendar

Southern poets Hannah Bonner (Another Woman, 2024) and Julia Anna Morrison (Long Exposure, 2023) read from their recent collections, exploring topics that include female sexuality, abjection within the decline of a romantic relationship, familial grief, addiction, and mental illness.

Hannah Bonner is a 2023-2024 National Book Critics Circle Emerging Fellow, and her criticism has been published in The Brooklyn Rail, Cleveland Review of Books, Literary Hub, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Reverse Shot, The Rumpus, Senses of Cinema, and The Sewanee Review. She has an MA in Film Studies as well as an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of Iowa. She is the author of Another Woman.

Julia Anna Morrison is a writer and filmmaker from Atlanta, GA, with an MFA from the University of Iowa. Her work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and the Best of the Net, and has recently appeared in Best American Poetry, The Adroit Journal, and Narrative. She is co-founder of Two Peach and teaches at the University of Iowa. Long Exposure is her first book of poems.

The Spring Equinox Concert, held on Kanuga’s labyrinth, ushers in the season of renewal with music to soothe the soul and nourish the spirit. As dusk falls to starlight and birdsong gives way to the frog chorus, Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil invites guests to honor the balance and energy of spring while immersed in nature under the open sky. The buffet-style dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the concert follows at 7:15 p.m.

Mercy in the Mountains: Ashes and Arrows w/ Abby Bryant (benefitting Habitat for Humanity and LEAF Global Arts)

ASHES AND ARROWS

Ashes & Arrows, the dynamic country-rock band with roots stretching from the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, to the alps of Arrowtown, New Zealand, captivated audiences nationwide as semifinalists on Season 19 of NBC's "America's Got Talent" (AGT). The band showcased their original music, earning acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Known for their soaring harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying stage presence, the band delivers a sound that captivates audiences far and wide. Drawing inspiration from acts like NEEDTOBREATHE, Judah & The Lion, and The Avett Brothers, Ashes & Arrows creates music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant; songs that leave a lasting impression.

The band’s journey began in 2021 at an open mic night in downtown Asheville, where Ciaran McMeeken and Jonathan Calhoun discovered a shared passion for storytelling through music. Their chemistry was undeniable, sparking a creative partnership that would define their early years.

Ashes & Arrows released their debut EP, Forward, in 2022 to widespread acclaim, amassing thousands of streams and millions of video views across platforms like TikTok and Facebook. Their blend of authenticity and artistry has resonated with listeners worldwide.

Now, with their debut album Chapter One: The Long Road North, produced by Jamie Tate in Nashville, the band is stepping into an exciting new chapter. Combining influences from their diverse origins with their signature sound, they aim to connect with listeners on a global scale, offering music that is as meaningful as it is memorable.

From their humble beginnings to their ambitious aspirations, Ashes & Arrows forges ahead, charting a course through the ever-evolving landscape of modern music, crafting songs that promise to echo far beyond their mountainous origins.

Ashes & Arrows continues to write and perform original music, drawing inspiration from their experiences and the support of their fans. Their time on AGT has opened new avenues, and they are excited about the future, with plans for upcoming performances and new releases.

ABBY BRYANT

A music minister’s daughter turned fierce frontwoman on the festival scene, Abby Bryant found her true love for performing while attending Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Quickly forming a touring band and playing the Southeast and beyond, Bryant released her debut album Not Your Little Girl which garnered critical acclaim and Americana chart success with themes of growing up, leaving home, and finding her own identity outside of her traditional upbringing. Abby and her band are now based in Asheville, and her most recent album, Glowing, was released in September, 2024.

Cosmic Charlie

Saturday, March 22

Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm

The Orange Peel

Ages 18+

Join us for a square dance in MHU’s Loft in McConnell Hall (https://www.mhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Campus-Map.pdf) with live old-time music! Absolutely no experience is necessary – first-timers are welcome and encouraged. The caller will tell you what to do. Aaron Ratcliffe will call the dance and Maddy Mullany, Clarke Williams, Rob Fong, and Maggie Schroder will provide tunes.

This dance is free and open to all – both on campus and community. A great way to unwind and be a part of an Appalachian tradition. Brought to you by the Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies with support from the Madison County Tourism Development Authority.

Some years ago I happened to see Paul Thorn performing on an outdoor stage at a street festival in the heart of a small Mississippi town. Suddenly, in mid song, Thorn stopped playing and looked down at the upturned, sugar-splattered face of a fan on the front row. “I sure would like me a funnel cake,” Thorn announced. The crowd exploded with laughter. By the end of the next song, someone in the audience had responded, and soon Thorn was happily munching on the doughy confection.

And that, dear people, is one more shining example of how Paul Thorn is able to breathe in the air around him, everyday and commonplace, and exhale something original and often side-splitting funny. It’s a kind of genius, and it’s there plain to see, in his music, his art and through his performances, which not only showcase his chops as a singer-songwriter, but as a pitch-perfect improv comic.

His audiences love it. And they come back for more because no two Paul Thorn performances are alike. For further confirmation of this, check out Thorn’s YouTube videos, though I warn you. You will find yourself a long time in this rabbit hole.

We live in a world where the terms “artist” and “genius” have been rendered meaningless through overuse. To use either in describing Thorn, though, is not overreach. Pick up any of his dozen or so CDs. The evidence is plain to see. Just listen.

Born continents and cultures apart, this dynamic duo delivers a captivating fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas and more. Venezuela-born Larry Bellorín is a legend of Llanera music, a rhythmic folk tradition from his home country. Forced to seek political asylum in North Carolina, the multi-instrumentalist met Grammy-nominated bluegrass and old-time musician Joe Troop, founder of the acclaimed “Latingrass” band Che Appalache. Together, their stories converge through a unique blend of musical traditions — demonstrating that music truly knows no borders.

LISTEN: Hear the artists perform and learn more about their unique stories — including how their destinies intertwined — in this episode of NPR’s Here & Now: wbur.fm/3X2fB6e

“Their virtuosity is jaw-dropping live … they both take great, transcendent joy in making this music together, and that kind of joy is contagious.” — Folk Alley

Join us to honor the 6 month commemoration of the day of the flood, reconnect with neighbors and friends, and learn about recovery efforts rebuilding your community. Relief organization tables, food by donation, old-time music. Lantern procession over bridge at sunset.

LEAF’s Artist ReLEAF series is hosting Eli Kahn on March 22nd!

Eli Kahn is a guitarist, producer, & improviser from the Midwest, now living in Asheville, NC. Through the use of looping, drum machines, effects, & a 7-string hybrid guitar, he is able to paint landscapes of grooving bass lines & melodic guitar parts that work together seamlessly to create a unique blend & sound.

Saturday March 29, 4-6pm
Address: LEAF Global Arts downtown, 19 Eagle Street Asheville, NC 28806

Duncan Trussell Net proceeds to benefit Asheville recovery efforts

Saturday, March 29

Show: 7pm | Doors: 6pm

$30 - $40

The Orange Peel

Ages 18+
FULLY SEATED SHOW

Witness the exceptional performance of Cirque de la Symphonie with the Brevard Philharmonic on March 29, 2025. Blending the elegance of the orchestra with the awe-inspiring magic of Cirque. Be blown away by breathtaking acrobatics and stunning music performed live. An unforgettable experience that will leave you and your family in awe!

The Dancing Fleas are bringing fun music and dance to FAB Friday in Rutherfordton, where there will also be artisan vendors and food trucks.