Community Calendar

Michelle Cassandra Johnson returns to Firestorm for a dynamic conversation with Rev. Marshall K Hammer on the occasion of her newly published book You Are Protected.

Johnson knows firsthand that we can't pour out of an empty cup—that we can't show up fully in our lives, care for others, or hold space for change if we're not strong within. You Are Protected: Invoking Spiritual Support to Sustain Your Energy shares the resources and guidance that are available to protect us at any time. Through this heartfelt book, Johnson helps us recognize and connect with that support, offering a range of potent protection practices and tools—from somatic practices to natural curios.

Michelle will be joined in conversation by Rev. Marshall Hammer for a book discussion, ritual, and Q&A.

“Michelle Cassandra Johnson skillfully reminds us that we all have a right to feel and be protected. If you struggle to meet the chaos of the world with courage and tenderness, then this book is the medicine you need.”—Lama Rod Owens, author of Love and Rage and The New Saints

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is a beloved teacher, activist, and clinical social worker with a background of over two decades of practice. She has led dismantling racism work in many settings and her work centers on healing from individual and collective trauma, coming back into wholeness, and aligning the mind, body, spirit, and heart. She is the author of several books, including Illuminating Our True Nature.

Rev. Marshall K Hammer has served in therapeutic environments for more than 10 years. She is the owner and sole practitioner of Reiki for Today and For Today Ministry, located on the unceded East Cherokee territory known today as Asheville, North Carolina. Her specialty is animal reiki, working with animals in many situations, including anxiety, chronic pain, aging, and those adapting to changing habitats or newly adjusting to losses in the home. In addition to her animal clients, Marshall also performs reiki for people seeking general well-being, energetic balance to complement their recovery, and those who are grieving. She also works with queer folks and those caregiving in their careers or in their personal lives.

The Jazz Showcase is curated by esteemed pianist, scholar, and UNC Asheville music professor Dr. Bill Bares; this showcase series is dedicated to bringing the region’s finest jazz musicians and most compelling sounds to our stage in a true listening room experience.

It is well known that roots music is passed down from generation to generation. From grandparents to parents and from parents to their children. The inevitable collision between the traditional past and the enormous catalogue of modern music, both spiritual and psychedelic, is the fertile plain that sprouted the roots of The Grass Is Dead. Initially formed as an acoustic offshoot of one of the country’s most beloved GD tribute bands, Crazy Fingers, The Grass Is Dead has evolved over the past ten years into a juggernaut of sound and a festival favorite up and down the east coast, to Colorado and back. Their live performances bring into view a traditional sensibility of bluegrass, swing, and folk music launched directly onto a psychedelic paintbrush of modern influences, most importantly, the music of the Grateful Dead. Captivating audiences with their unique interpretations and thoughtful arrangements of songs by the GD, Jerry Garcia, and many others, as well as their extensive file of traditional roots music at their command, The Grass Is Dead are very much alive and well, rocking out and and picking their way across this great country.

"At the core of The Grateful Dead is the heart of American music, which is bluegrass and folk. You cannot hide behind these two genres. What you get in the studio is what you get onstage. And it's that vulnerability and honesty that sets the tone and attitude apart from the haphazard and polished nature of pop radio. Putting their music through the prism of string music, The Grass Is Dead showcases how Jerry & Co. buried innumerable gems of wisdom — sonically and spiritually — in the rich tapestry of their melodies and lyrics, all of which radiates in intimacy and inclusiveness of The Grass Is Dead when they stand in front of the microphone, and also the unknown night of curiosity and exploration that they seek out and grasp with such ease." — Garret K. Woodward, Music Editor - The Smoky Mountain News , Rolling Stone Contributor

“The Grass Is Dead allows me to play both traditional and Dead-like vibes on their show. It’s great energy and intent and we know a million tunes between us. They really play bluegrass, yet they also are Deadheads. Their music is not just rock spiced up with bluegrass instruments. They have well-thought-out arrangements that draw on bluegrass but are accepted by even the most hardcore Dead fan. I never feel like I’m playing in a Grateful Dead cover band when I’m with them. Because of their intention and the way they put the songs together, it’s a real tribute to both bluegrass music and the Grateful Dead at the same time.”

— Rev. Jeff Mosier

Doors: 4 pm // Show: 7 pm

FULL BAND ALBUM RELEASE SHOW: Admiral Radio, the award-winning folk/Americana act from South Carolina, is the creative partnership of Coty Hoover and Becca Smith. Named after their old wooden radio, this husband-and-wife team blends heartfelt harmonies, storytelling, and raw sincerity. Having met while waiting tables in the Lowcountry, their sound is straightforward yet powerful—rooted in tight vocal interplay, finely picked acoustic instruments, and songs that explore the quiet hustle of ordinary life and the dogged optimism that drives it all.

They are excited to bring their full band to Brevard for this special evening of songs and stories to celebrate the release of their new full-length album Heirloom, released on Too Fine Records out of Nashville. From humble beginnings to their growing buzz, Admiral Radio is redefining the folk tradition with every mile down America’s backroads.

Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) w/Tin Roof Echo: An Evening of Songs & Stories

– STANDING ROOM ONLY

LET HER FLY…HONORING THE LIFE OF DOLLY PARTON
w/ No Man’s Band, Underhill Rose, Whitney Mongé, Rebekah Todd, Reggie Headen, Fancy, Ménage, and Abigail Lipscomb. Curated by Melissa McKinney

All throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists as they count and celebrate the annual spectacle of fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration from viewing locations on Linville Peak (across the Mile High Swinging Bridge) and Half Moon Overlook (the first major overlook when entering the park). Included with admission.

The word craft-itarianism was coined by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez to name artistic projects that generate employment, raise awareness, or offer therapeutic support through craft. These programs provide a space where people affected by addiction, incarceration, and gun violence can find solidarity while learning a skill.

Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft celebrates nonprofits and artists who believe in—and actively practice—the power of craft to support and empower individuals and communities.

This exhibition was curated by 2026 Center for Craft Curatorial Fellow Alyssa Velazquez. Launched in 2017, the Curatorial Fellowship supports emerging curators exploring new ideas about craft with mentorship, professional development, and a $5,000 honorarium to realize an exhibition.

On view February 27, 2026–September 27, 2026.

Join us at Ignite Jewelry Studios in downtown Asheville for a hands-on brass and silver bracelet workshop. You’ll choose your design, then solder (yep with a torch), sand, polish, and more. By the end, you’ll leave feeling rather accomplished, having created your own piece using traditional metalsmithing tools and techniques—all guided by a skilled instructor. This is a great couples activity, unique bachelorette experience, team building event, or solo excursion in downtown AVL. *Workshop takes 2.5 hours +/- **Ages 12-14 A parent/guardian must sign safety waiver and also take the workshop ***Ages 15-17 must have a parent or guardian sign the safety waiver $185/person

Guten Tag! Join Fireforge for their 9th annual Oktoberfest Weekend in downtown Greenville September 25-27! Don your lederhosen, dirndl - or simply a tasty pretzel necklace - and be ready for Feats of Strength competitions like Stein-Hoisting and more! 

An array of our house-brewed German-style and fall seasonal beers will be on tap, with commemorative steins and themed merch available for purchase. Save room for schnitzel, brats, pretzels and other festy fare while enjoying a wide range of live music. They'll also host a Children's Activities tent once again early afternoon on Saturday.

Live Music Schedule: 

🪗 Friday, 9/25: The Foothills Oompah Band (6-9 p.m.)

🪗 Saturday, 9/26: Hammock Theory (2-4 p.m.)

🪗 Saturday, 9/26: Randomonium (5-8 p.m.)

🪗 Sunday, 9/27: Appalachian Freunde Polka Band (2-5 p.m.)

At-A-Glance Fest Hours:

😛 Friday, 9/25: 4-10 pm | $5 Entry Fee ages 13 & up (4-8 pm)

😛 Saturday, 9/26: 11:30 am-10 pm | $5 Entry Fee ages 13 & up (11:30 am-7 pm)

😛 Sunday, 9/27: 11:30 am-7 pm

Festival “Haus” Rules:

🐶 Please leave pets at home for their safety and the safety of other guests. Oktoberfest gets crowded. Service animals allowed.

🪪 Please bring your ID in order to receive your wristband for purchasing alcohol. 

👶 Please keep your children with you at all times. Oktoberfest is not a free-range event.

🚭 This is a non-smoking & non-vaping event.