Rennie Harris Puremovement's this Weekend in Asheville

February 23-24, 8 PM at the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Square in Asheville NC.    Under the direction of Dr. Rennie Harris, hip-hop dance ambassador to the world, Rennie Harris Puremovement travels to Asheville this week on its 20th anniversary tour before heading to Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan this spring.

Puremovement is one of only four dance companies selected to represent 2012 DanceMotion USA, a tour designed to share the USA's rich dance culture with international audiences. Don't miss the movement, music, and magic of this revolutionary modern dance company this week.  Get  tickets here.

 

Read a feature article about Rennie Harris Puremovement in the Asheville Citizen-Times.

 

"Real" Political Debate at the Dianna Wortham Theatre

Novmeber 16 - 17, 8 PM, Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square • Asheville, NC - The Rivalry.  L.A. Theatre Works comes to Asheville with Norman Corwin's acclaimed portrayal of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates of the 1858 Illinios Senate race - a riveting time in America's history as the country steamrolled towards an enormous and costly war and struggled with issues of race, social and economic inequity, states' rights, and the "proper" role of the federal government in the lives of its citizens.

 

The Rivalry is also a stunning testament to the willingness of Lincoln and Douglas to put aside their differences and "reach across the aisle" for the good of the country - a painful yet powerful reminder of what is missing in the partisan politics we see today.

 

The cast* includes seasoned actors from television, screen and theatre: Josh Clark (TV's "Heroes," "Start Trek Voyager"); Robert Parsons (TV's "Nash Bridges" plus stage credits worldwide); Rebecca Mozo (TV's "Cold Case," "Medium"); and Diane Adair ("Happy Days" and "Babylon 5" on TV plus numerous stage appearences). Greensboro, NC native Shannon Cochran directs the superb cast.

 

Pre-show discussions will be lead by Charlie Metcalf, teacher of United States History, Civics, and Current Affairs at Asheville High School, in The Forum at Pack Place at 7:00pm each evening prior to the performances. Free for ticket holders.

Hayes Performing Art Center Labor Day Weekend Performances

Sept 2, 3 at 7:30 PM - Sept 4 at 2PM, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change will be presented at the Hayes Performing Art Center.  "Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit."

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is a musical comedy with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts. It is the second-longest running Off Broadway musical. The musical was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award as Outstanding Off-Broadway musical in 1997.

The cast for the two-act production includes Patrick Ratchford, Susan Roberts, Dan Brunson and Lisa Bradley. Technical staff for the production include Billy Ensley, director/choreographer; Ellen Robison, music director; Jennifer Hamilton, stage manager; and Jamey Varnadore, costumer.

Discount tickets for $5 off ticket prices are available to you as one of our VIP patrons. Just call the box office at 828-295-9627 and ask about our World Class Friends Club. The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Rd., (off Hwy 321) , Blowing Rock, NC

NC 4th of July Event: the Legend of Tom Dooley live Performance

June 30 - July 3   Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend   The Wilkes Playmakers puts on "Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend" each year to commemorate the local folk legend. Tom "Dooley" Dula was a former confederate soldier imprisoned as authorities searched for the truth. Dula was later tried, convicted, and hanged for the murder. Years later, he still is getting recognition with The Kingston Trio song "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley"  and interest from history buffs. Ticket sales begin May 1st. Wilkesboro NC

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival in Asheville

May 27 - 29  17th Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival  hosted by the Courtyard Gallery at several venues in the fast-growing River Arts District in Asheville NC. The main events will take place at the Phil Mechanic Studios. Official Selections and past favorites will be shown throughout the weekend.

Asheville's River Arts District hosts the Asheville Rites Project

May 21 at 7 PM in the River Arts District (RAD) of Asheville A Celebration of Spring, an original artistic project, takes place. A visit to the District right now will reveal a large pink mural being created inside the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza. That mural will serve as the backdrop for the Asheville Rites Project, a special live performance. This event is free and open to the public.

The project is a public performance collaboration between painter Milly Rose Freeman, dancer Garth Grimball, and musician Michael Libramento. In April, Molly installed a series of wall-sized panels and began painting. When complete the panels will set the stage for a dance piece choreographed by Garth. Michael will compose an original score for the piece that will be played live during the performance.

According to the artists, the overall themes for this project are Springtime, rites of passage, and the reemergence of life and color that are associated with the season. Springtime by nature is a celebration seeking to channel that energy into an art event that the whole community can experience. The colors will be vibrant, the movements will be lively, the music will be fresh. The creators want this project to be an occasion to explore and share in the vitality of the season.

Garth's piece will involve 15 or so dancers from various companies and studios throughout Asheville and the surrounding areas. His choreography will draw inspiration from Jerome Robbins' "Opus Jazz," as well as specifically from the mural design and original score.

Hayes Performing Arts Center Announces 2011 Season Schedule and Flex Package

Flex Packages Now Available for the Hayes Performing Arts Center 2011 season without the restrictions of Season Tickets. Flex tickets can be used any way you want. For example, you can use your tickets for different shows, you can use them all for one show, or you can use them in any combination. Pricing for Flex Tickets:
5-6 tickets purchased: 10% off total
7-8 tickets purchased: 12% off total
9-11 tickets purchased: 15% of total
12 or more tickets purchased: 20% off total

You must choose all the performances for which your tickets will be used at the time of purchase. You cannot switch shows once you've purchased your flex package. And as with individual tickets, there are no refunds. To save money and purchase your Flex Packages, click here or call the Hayes Center box office at 828-295-9627.

The Hayes Performing Arts Center 2011 season offers a slate of shows including a wide variety of performing arts.  CLICK HERE to see show listings with more descriptions, photos, videos, and ticket prices.

Thu - Sat., June 2 - 4 - Jan Karon Lectures and An Evening with Father Tim (FUNDRAISER)

Sat. & Sun., June 18 & 19 - DePue Brothers Band (bluegrass/rock & roll)

Fri. & Sat., June 24 & 25 - Mr. Broadway (Broadway cabaret)

Sun., July 3 - Kingston Trio (Grammy-winning folk group)

Fri. - Sun., July 8, 9 & 10 - Late Nite Catechism (one-woman comedy)

Sat. & Sun., July 16 & 17 - USO Liberty Bells (touring troupe for U.S. military)

Sat. & Sun., July 23 & 24 - Vocaldente (German a cappella group)

To Be Determined - Chuckleball (off-Broadway musical sports parody)

Sat. July 30 - Rhythmic Circus (tap, dance, percussion, and music)

Fri. & Sat., August 5 & 6 - The Bronx Wanderers ('50s & '60s tribute show)

Sat. & Sun., August 13 & 14 - Jeri Sager (Broadway cabaret)

Fri. & Sat., August 19 & 20 - To be Announced Soon Fri. & Sat.,

August 26 & 27 - Daniel Rodriguez (classical/Broadway/patriotic)

Labor Day Weekend beginning September 2 - To be Announced Soon

Sat. & Sun., September 10 & 11 - Taylor 2 (contemporary dance, an adjunct of Paul Taylor Dance)

Sat., September 17 - Plastic Musik (innovative percussion ensemble)

Sat., September 24 - Sally Mayes (legendary actress and Broadway cabaret)

Sun., September 25 - Commedia Cinderella (children's theatre)

Sat., October 8 - Katona Twins (acoustic classical guitar)

Fri., October 21 - Lonesome River Band (bluegrass)

Chuckleball Performance this weekend in Blowing Rock

April 15 head for Blowing Rock NC and Chuckleball. The hit comedy musical parody (think The Capitol Steps of sports) is part of the Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival in Blowing Rock. Where can you see all of your favorite teams and athletes roasted to the tune of your favorite songs? Sports lovers and sports haters both agree that Chuckleball is one of the most unique theatrical experiences, a musical twist at the corner of pop culture and parody.Chickleball is performed at the Hayes Performing Arts Center on Jamie Fort Road, just off US 321 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Ashe Arts Center Celebrates Martin Luther King Day

The Ashe County Arts Council is sponsoring a community celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King at 7 PM today, Jan. 17 at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson.

The featured performer for this event will be Mike Wiley, an actor based in North Carolina who has performed over 10 years in theatre, film and television.  He will perform excerpts from The Parchman Hour commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Riders. In 1961, the original 13 riders boarded a bus in Washington, D.C. bound for New Orleans via Mississippi and Alabama. Over the course of the next three months, approximately 300 other riders took up the mantle and followed the path of those first brave few. Many were arrested and instead of posting bail, chose to serve sentences in one of the most brutal prisons in the south, Parchman Farm, proving the Freedom Riders and the movement to desegregate interstate travel would not be deterred. The Parchman Hour is a celebration of bravery and a call to action through remembrance.

Other highlights of the celebration will be students and community members reading essays, speeches and tributes highlighting the message of Dr. King and his teachings of peace, unity and equality in society. Special music will be presented by a community chorus under the direction of Diane Bryan-Leeper.

The Ashe Art Center is located at 303 School Ave, West Jefferson NC.

NC Fall Event: The Legend of Tommy Hodges at The Cradle of Forestry

Oct 22 - 23 in Brevard NC The Cradle of Forestry Presents: "The Legend of Tommy Hodges".  It was Halloween night in 1906 when one of the students from the Biltmore Forest School, the fictitious Tommy Hodges, disappeared. The Cradle of Forestry will present this outdoor drama about the first forestry school in America. The audience will walk one mile along the trail to see the entire play, so audience members are asked to dress warm, wear walking shoes and bring a flashlight. This is a rain or shine event!

Remember September in the NC Mountains: Parkway Playhouse

September 10 - 11 at 7:30 PM on stage at the Parkway Playhouse is a hilarious new comedy by WNC playwright/performer ELISABETH GRAY!  Southern (dis) Comfort explores the foibles of the Southern Lifestyle.  Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students, Children, and Seniors For reservations, call the Box Office at 828-682-4285 or purchase online.


Remember September in the NC Mountains as warm days and cool nights bring the promise of fall. Savor pristine mountain trails and the serenity of quiet woods. The summer crowds are gone and the intense greens and blues begin to give way to fall's exciting colors. And you'll find exceptional specials and discounts on vacation cabin rentals and mountain inns in September.

Picnic and a Play Benefits Mayberry 4-Paws

June 18, Round Peak Vineyards, 765 Round Peak Church Rd,  Mount Airy North Carolina will host a play  benefiting Mayberry 4-Paws. a non-profit spay and nuetering organization. The event is free, although donations are encouraged. A portion of all wine sales will also be donated. So bring a picnic and watch The NoneSuch Playmakers perform "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten".  (336) 352-5595   http://www.RoundPeak.com

My Own Song at The Flat Rock Playhouse

March 31 - April 25, 2PM and 8PM, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock North Carolina. Flat Rock Playhouse presents a World Premiere "My Own Song" , staring Las Vegas sensation Clint Holmes, Evening Performances: Wed Sat: 8:00PM  with Matinee Performances: Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun: 2:00 PM. The Flat Rock Playhouse is the State Theatre of North Carolina. http://www.flatrockplayhouse.org/

See The Dixie Swim Club in Highlands

Feb 25-28, Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, Highlands North Carolina. Highlands Community Players present The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy-drama by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope & Jamie Wooten and Directed by Rick Siegel.  Evenings: 7:30 p.m. Matinees: 2:30 pm. Ticket Sales:
Subscribers: Thursday & Friday the week before the opening performance.
General public: Saturday the week before the opening performance, and at the door one hour before each performance as available.   828-526-8084    http://highlandscommunityplayers.org/

Wilkesboro has Hairspray

Feb 25, 6:30PM-9:30PM, The Walker Center, Wilkes Community College, 1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro North Carolina. Hairspray is about a big girl, with big hair, a big heart, and a big dream. Hairspray is based on the popular New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served as a creative consultant for the musical comedy. The production features an original score by Academy Award nominated Marc Shaiman, who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. http://www.walkercenteronline.org