08.13.2024

Today’s Forecast

80º | 35% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 8:20 p.m.

Renovations for Nina Simone’s childhood home

Renovations underway at Nina Simone’s childhood home in Tryon

At three years old, Simone taught herself to play piano here. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

About 45 miles from Asheville, in the town of Tryon, a ~650-sqft, three-room house sits on East Livingston Street. It’s where legendary singer, composer, and civil rights activist Nina Simone — born Eunice Kathleen Waymon — grew up, from 1933 to 1937.

The 2000s saw several attempts to restore the home, but NY-based artists Adam Pendleton, Rashid Johnson, Ellen Gallagher, and Julie Mehretu came together in 2017 to purchase it. A year later, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated it a National Treasure. And with a recent announcement from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, work to rehabilitate parts of the home will be completed soon.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Historic Trust for Preservation, partnered with the artists to rehabilitate the home. The plans maintain the original structure of the building, which is protected under a preservation easement, as well as the original furniture.

Phase one of the project began last month. General contractors Every Angle Inc. will install an ADA ramp outside of the house (while protecting a ~100-year-old magnolia tree), a geothermal heating and cooling system, and will add interpretive landscaping that replicates elements uncovered during an archaeological survey. The work is expected to be completed this fall.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is also working with preservation organizations to envision a cultural district near the home for immersive and educational experiences. Learn more about Nina Simone’s legacy and stay up to date with news about the home’s renovation by signing up for the Action Fund’s newsletter.

Events

Tuesday, Aug. 13

Asheville Symphony Chorus Summer Auditions | Tuesday, Aug. 13, Wednesday, Aug. 14, Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 5-7 p.m. | First Congregational Church | Free | Sign up to show off your singing skills for a chance to join the Asheville Symphony Orchestra’s performance partner.
Yoga for Creative Expression | Tuesday, Aug. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | ArtPlay Studio | $24 | Bring a mat and connect with your creative self through gentle yoga and reflective rest.
Flatfoot Dancing for Beginners | Tuesday, Aug. 13 | 6-7 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Learn the basics of this traditional mountain movement from Linda Block of Green Grass Cloggers.

Wednesday, Aug. 14

Tech Time | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Pack Memorial Library | Free | Drop in to get one-on-one tech help from library staff.
Latin Night | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 8 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville | $5 | Get dance lessons in styles like salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia before the open dance starts at 9 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 15

Simply Charmed | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 1-3 p.m. | Ignite Jewelry Studios | $25+ | Choose from more than 50 styles of stamps to hammer your own charm.
Third Thursday | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 5-9 p.m. | Asheville Art Museum | $0-$15 | Get ready for an after-hours exploration of the museum with special cocktails from the Perspective Cafe, an artist-led tour, a film screening, and live music from Jazzville.
Comedy Open Mic featuring Cayla Clark | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Pulp | $15 | You’ve seen her Asheville-inspired comedy videos on Instagram — now, catch Clark taking the stage for a night of stand-up, hosted by comedian Hilliary Begley.

Friday, Aug. 16

Downtown After 5 | Friday, Aug. 16 | 5-9 p.m. | North Lexington Avenue | Free | LEAF Downtown will return for the night, with music from Tito Puente Jr. and the LEAF Kono Band.

Add some fun to your Tuesday to-do list

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Eat

As Baba Nahm makes the move from the Grove Arcade to a larger location at 60 Broadway St., you can still get your fix of its Middle Eastern fare. The restaurant is popping up at Bottle Riot every Saturday in August from 3 p.m. until the food runs out.

Civic

The City of Asheville has introduced “The Progress Report,” sharing updates on the status of community projects, like the Carrier Park playground renovation and the installation of the 24/7 downtown public restroom. Read up on the latest report.

Community

You have a chance to play interior designer at the Weaverville Library. Through Friday, Aug. 30, you can head to the library to vote on a paint color for the walls. After the library’s Saturday, Aug. 31-Friday, Sept. 13 closure for painting and furniture installation, return to see if your favorite hue gets featured.

Read

Tonight, Aug. 13, local author Jessica Leigh will be at New Belgium Brewing for a book signing + meet and greet. Leigh penned “Daughter Forged in Fire” and “Destiny Spun in Silver,” part of her “Chronicles of the Tuatha” series. After speeding through those mythology + folklore romance novels, check out more locally written reads.

Edu

Tanger Outlets Asheville launched the 2024 TangerKids Grants Program, inviting local teachers and community leaders to apply by Friday, Oct. 18 to receive money for educational resources and inclusive learning environments. This year, 70% of funds will go to underserved schools, accessibility programs, and student needs.

Plan Ahead

Local indie rock musician MJ Lenderman will celebrate the release of his upcoming album, “Manning Fireworks,” with a party at Harvest Records on Monday, Sept. 2. Be there for a signing, cookout, and acoustic performance. You can also grab tickets for MJ Lenderman’s Friday, Nov. 1 show at The Orange Peel.

Older Adults

Embrace your next adventure in retirement by volunteering with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. Use your skills to make a difference, stay active, and gain physical, mental and social benefits. Assist neighbors with grocery shopping or offer companionship to those in need, all while enriching our community (and yourself).*

Home

Let go of HVAC hassles forever with a Preventative Maintenance Membership from MB HAYNES. Their team comes twice a year so that your unit lasts twice as long.*

Biz

Thinking inside the box

Asheville startup Fuel Goods brings sports nutrition to your doorstep

An assortment of foods and snacks from a Fuel Goods box.

You can customize boxes to fuel your training. | Photo via Darby Communications

Local duo Laura Jorgensen and Courteney Lowe are here to fuel your fire — when it comes to sports nutrition, that is. In 2013, they created The RunnerBox, a subscription-based box filled with a myriad of items like healthy snacks, body care, and recovery products. In 2015, The RiderBox, which was geared toward cyclists, was introduced. Now, the Asheville startup is expanding its offerings and launching Fuel Goods.

The RunnerBox and RiderBox are still around — but now the company offers customized boxes on a personalized schedule, new curated boxes like the SwimmerBox or Pickleball Power Pack, and individual items from the Fuel Goods site.

To celebrate the launch of Fuel Goods, the company is teaming up with sportswear company Pressio for a party at The Mill (2000 Riverside Dr., Woodfin) with a food truck, up to 75% off nutrition products and sports apparel, and a one-mile fun run or 3.5-mile run. RSVP to reserve your spot at the free event.

Some places to take your goodies

The Buy

The Buy 8.13.24 (Affiliate)

A plant-based, outdoor mosquito repellent. Within minutes, this two-in-one night light and bug repellent keeps mosquitos away from your patio at the tap of a button, thanks to all natural, advanced technology.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is coming up this week, running from Thursday, Aug. 15 through Saturday, Aug. 17. Tickets are running low, but there’s still time to secure your spot for a hauntingly good time.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

›

Advertise with us to stand out.

›

Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY