12.11.2023

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Today’s Forecast

41º | Partly cloudy | 6% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:17 p.m.

Play that folky music

The storied past of the Appalachian dulcimer

Take a look at these stringed beauties. | Photo via Flickr

If you’re a fan of folk music, you’ve probably heard a dulcimer before — even if you don’t know what it is. Specifically, you’ve probably heard the Appalachian dulcimer (see: the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton).

First things first

Before we get deep into dulcimers, let’s get one thing straight. Today we’re talking about the Appalachian dulcimer (aka the mountain dulcimer), not to be confused with the hammered dulcimer. They might be similar in name, but they vary in origin and how they’re played.

With that squared away, let’s get down to business. The Appalachian dulcimer is a fretted instrument of the zither family (aka an instrument that has strings stretched across its body). To play it, you lay it across your lap and strum or fingerpick the strings. And if you think it sounds oh-so-beautiful, its name reflects that sentiment, too — the Latin word dulce means sweet, while the Greek word melos means song or tune.

To explore the origins of the Appalachian dulcimer, we have to take it way back to the early 18th century. Historians believe the instrument was created by people of Scottish and Irish descent who settled here in the Appalachian Mountains — but as is the case with many folk instruments, its inspiration goes back even further.

Although the instrument is considered a distinctive piece of Appalachian culture now, many music historians believe it to be an evolution of other European instruments that came centuries before it, like the German Scheitholt, an ancient member of the zither family.

Tune in

If all this talk of the dulcimer is making you eager to hear it in person, you’re in luck. Head to the Enka-Candler Library on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to bask in the sounds of the 17-piece Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra for its Holiday Concert. You’ll hear seasonal tunes spanning a variety of cultures and time periods at the free, family-friendly show.

Events

Monday, Dec. 11

December Live Series: Monique Pinelli | Monday, Dec. 11, Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Sq., Asheville | Free with admission | Hear Pinelli play the violin in the Beyond the Lens and Intersections in American Art exhibitions — tickets to see Beyond the Lens are $7 for members and $10 for nonmembers.
Music Bingo | Monday, Dec. 11 | 7-9:30 p.m. | The Whale Outpost, 2 Beverly Rd., Asheville | Free | If you think you’re the human equivalent of Shazam, put your skills to the test — all winners will receive prizes.

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Community Choice | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., Asheville | Free | Join the community for open time with family activities, puzzles, board games, and arts + crafts.
Tap into ASL | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville | Free | Get instruction on American Sign Language, then practice your skills with fun activities.
New Moon Circle with Sierra | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 7-9 p.m. | West Asheville Yoga Studio, 602 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $25-$35 | Attend in person or virtually for a yoga experience that’s sure to be illuminating.

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Christmas Mediterranean Wine Dinner | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Asheville Mountain Kitchen, 332 E. Sondley Dr., Asheville | $145-$155 | Eat your way through the Mediterranean region with Greek, Spanish, and Lebanese dishes on the menu.

Events calendar here

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Shop

Add to cart is the best part 🎁

Graphic by 6AM City

Jingle bells might be ringing, but the clock is also ticking to snag one (or all) of our best-selling items from our online shop Six & Main.

So, what products are flying off of our virtual shelves? Take a look for yourself…

The Savvy Oak Dough Bowl Candle is unique and smells amazing.
Holiday parties just got better with the savory Appalachian Trail Mix.
Glassware featuring our city’s skyline is a festive way to toast to the holidays.
Celebrate the city and state we all love with artwork great for any home or office.
Perfectly curated gift sets are excellent go-to presents for the holidays.

Don’t leave these items in your cart for too long — order by noon on Friday, Dec. 15 for delivery by Monday, December 25.

Get the good stuff

News Notes

Open

Asheville Hemp Farms has made the move from its former Lexington Avenue store to the Grove Arcade. You can check out the new digs at 1 Page Ave., Ste. 124, filled with tinctures, topicals, and CBD goodies galore.

Transit

The US Department of Transportation has awarded $500,000 to Amtrak to study the Asheville-to-Salisbury rail corridor, which would follow a path that hasn’t hosted passengers since 1975. Plus, in a survey that hasn’t yet been released, the NCDOT names Asheville as the most requested location for NC by Train Amtrak service. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Outdoors

The Geminids meteor shower is predicted to peak on Wednesday, Dec. 13 + Thursday, Dec. 14. According to NASA, this dazzling annual shower is considered “one of the best and most reliable.” Read up on where and when to catch the cosmic light show. (NASA)

Community

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) has plans to create two permanent housing developments for people experiencing homelessness. ACCBM will add 122 apartment-style units to the Veterans Restoration Headquarters and Transformation Village. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Award

Local biologist JJ Apodaca recently received the coveted Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Apodaca received the award in the Preventing Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking category for his work in returning poached turtles back into the wild. (Mountain Xpress)

The Buy

Here’s your chance to snag high-quality furniture at a serious discount. Ambiente Modern Furniture just announced its end-of-year Warehouse Clearance Sale, and everything from couches to dining chairs is available. Tip: Keep an eye on their stories to ask about any pieces that catch your eye.*

Eat

Bon appétit. Start planning the ultimate foodie getaway to Greenville, SC. Choose from 200+ restaurants in downtown Greenville, a quarter of which are international dining destinations.*

Featured Deal

Choose from luxurious retreats with beautiful views to affordable escapes close to the action. Book a stay in Greenville, SC.*

Biz

Business

New and coming soon in Biltmore Park

Up your golf game with custom clubs from Club Champion. | Photo via Club Champion

Next time you’re in Biltmore Park, you’ll have the chance to embrace your sporty side — and soon, you’ll have another spot to satisfy your sweet tooth. There’s a lot happening in the shopping center, so here’s what’s new and what you can expect to see soon.

Now open

Club Champion opened its doors at 27 Schenk Pkwy., Unit 120, offering appointments for custom-fit golf clubs. The studio has two indoor hitting bays that analyze your performance so the experts can help find the perfect clubs for you and your game.

Coming soon

Ice cream-topped bubble waffles and decadent milkshakes are just around the corner thanks to Dolly Llama Waffle Master. WLOS shared that the owners of the Los Angeles-based franchise expect the Biltmore Park location to open at 2 Town Square Blvd., Ste. 130 in the first or second week of January.

The Buy

The Buy 12.11.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A stocking stuffer from this unique collection. Think: sleep mist, beard combs, satin scrunchies, and specialty seasoning packs.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

When I saw that Session Café & Bar’s new menu included a falafel waffle — a combination of two of my favorite things — I knew I had to try it immediately. And let me tell you, it’s crispy, herby perfection.

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