Public courses

Just puttin’ around

Take it indoors

• Beginner Ballroom Classes | Friday, April 12 | 6-6:50 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave., Asheville | $12 | Learn the fundamentals of dances like waltz, tango, foxtrot, and swing during this drop-in friendly class.
• Elise Testone’s Psychedelic Soul Party | Friday, April 12 | 7 p.m. | Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr., Asheville | $20 | Immerse yourself in the combination of soul, rock, attitude, and relentless funky grooves.
• “Matilda the Musical” | Friday, April 12-Sunday, May 5 | Time vary | Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville | $18-$36.50 | Unleash your imagination for this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story of a young, sharp-witted heroine with psychokinetic powers.

• Asheville Glass Market | Saturday, April 13 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Level 42 Gallery & Studio, 47 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Browse the works of regional glass artists with a drink in hand for the first of the thrice-yearly markets.
• Makerspace: Watercolor Flora & Fauna | Saturday, April 13 | 1-4 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville | Free with admission | Artist Aspen Johnston will guide you in creating a watercolor image capturing the essence of Appalachian botanicals + animals.
• Taylor Swift Silent Disco Party | Saturday, April 13 | 7-11 p.m. | The Event Space at Hi-Wire Brewing, 2B Huntsman Pl., Asheville | $12-$15 | Settle in for a night you’ll know all too well, celebrating Miss Americana herself.

• Fast & Loose: Intro to Comedy Workshop | Sunday, April 14 | 1-5 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company South Slope, 32 Banks Ave., Asheville | $40 | Femme + queer comics can take their sets to the next level, under the guidance of Erin Terry of Eyes Up Here Comedy.
• Poetry Slam Night | Sunday, April 14 | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Canopy at Art Garden AVL, 191 Lyman St., Asheville | $5-$10 | Take the stage to show off your poetry skills (and maybe win a cash prize), or support the artists from the audience.

• Trivia with Billy | Monday, April 15 | 7-9 p.m. | River Arts District Brewing, 13 Mystery St., Asheville | Free | Compete in eclectic trivia for a chance to earn 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place — plus, bonuses like best team name.

1. Visit our new self-service advertising portal, purchase a “Newsletter Promo,” and look for an email confirmation.
2. Request a run date (and we’ll confirm it).
3. Submit your key points + best horizontal photo.

• At its Tuesday, April 23 meeting, the Asheville City Council will hold a public hearing on the establishment of a business improvement district (BID) for downtown. The meeting will take place at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville to accommodate as many attendees as possible. Explore details of the BID before you join.

• A new gallery is off to a flying start. On The Wing, a gallery showcasing butterflies, birds, and entomological art, announced the grand opening of its flagship location at 20 Artful Way, #105. Explore the confluence of art + nature Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• The City of Asheville Neighborhood Advisory Committee is launching a monthly Volunteer Spotlight to honor locals making positive contributions in their communities. Each month, a volunteer will be recognized, and at the end of the year, three people will be celebrated as Volunteers of the Year. Nominate your neighbors.

• Help your garden branch out with the Native Tree Giveaway at Dr. George Washington Carver Edible Park. Community members can stop by to choose one tree from varieties like sweetgum, persimmon, and red maple. Join the giveaway on Friday, April 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. (and stay for the community workday).

• Fill up to give back. UNC Asheville’s Health and Wellness Department and Student Environmental Center are hosting Bountiful Bowls on Sunday, April 21. Purchase a handmade ceramic bowl to benefit Bountiful Cities, then fill it with soup or salad. RSVP, prepurchase your bowl, and register for a cooking class before you go.

• Trey Adcock, UNC Asheville associate professor of interdisciplinary studies + international studies and director of American Indian and Indigenous Studies, was chosen by the UNC Board of Governors as one of 17 recipients of the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Teaching. The award cites Adcock’s effective teaching strategies and mentorships.

• During the Monday, April 8 meeting, the Community Reparations Commission received a proposal for creating an independent Reparations Accountability Nonprofit Corporation to continue the Commission’s work after its final report in June. The proposal will be discussed further at the Monday, April 22 meeting. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

• Three prominent Ashevillians will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters, an honorary degree that will be awarded by UNC Asheville during the May 11 Commencement. See who is being recognized (hint: it includes a local brewer, a Grammy winner, and well-known author).*

• Need a spring refresh? Save up to 50% on furniture, mattresses, lighting, rugs, art, home decor, and more during Enza Home Furnishings + Mattress Gallery’s Spring Sale.*

• While you may have read the instructions within our Wednesday, April 3 newsletter, the link we provided in our original 2024 Poetry Contest article led you to a different edition — the newsletter used for last year’s poetry contest. If you submitted your poem based on that linked newsletter, please send us an email so that we can give instructions for resubmission. If you used the April 3, 2024 newsletter, your submission is in the clear.