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Uncle Lucius with Cole Phillips | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $20+ | The Austin, TX band is bringing its “rock and roll and country soul” to Asheville, reprising after a farewell tour.
Rory Scovel and Friends | 7:30 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $25+ | Local comedians Hilliary Begley and Cayla Clark will join the comic + actor for a benefit show presented by Asheville Comedy Festival.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Black History Celebration | 1:30-3 p.m. | Harvest House Community Center | Free | Celebrate Black history in Asheville with quizzes, games, refreshments, and community.
Queer Open Mic | 6-8 p.m. | Ginger’s Revenge | Price of purchase | Whether it’s singing or storytelling, LGBTQ+ folks can share their talents and their voice at this event from Blue Ridge Pride.
Friday, Feb. 21
Asheville Pitch Partners | 7 p.m. | The Mule | $13 | Time to play wingman — whether they want a date, new bud, or pickleball partner, create a 3-5 minute presentation pitching your bestie, highlighting their best qualities.
Rouge: A Cirque and Dance Cabaret | 8 p.m. | Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | $30+ | See the aerial acts and astonishing acrobatics of this hypnotic dance performance.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Music of Grateful Dead for Kids | 12 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $19.45+ | Start ‘em early — share your love for The Dead with your kiddos as they start exploring the classic rock canon.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Annual Chili Cook-off at Wicked Weed West | 1-4 p.m. | Wicked Weed West, Candler | Free | Whether you think your chili recipe has what it takes to win it all, or you’re just looking to taste some good chili, enjoy this free event with live music from Cactus Kate.*
Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency as NC prepares for winter weather. While eastern and central NC are expected to get a decent snowfall, we’re expected to see about an inch or less of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
Featured
Operation Gateway founder Philip Cooper was recognized in TIME Magazine’s “The Closers 2025" list, highlighting Black leaders working to end the racial equity gap. Read about his nonprofit, which provides men leaving prison with mental health and job services.
Read
You can now pick up “Stronger Than the Storm: Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina” from Malaprop’s Bookstore. The collection of stories, essays, and art comes from more than 20 local survivors. Proceeds benefit recovery efforts.
Regional
The application deadline for FEMA Disaster Assistance has been extended to Saturday, March 8, and the deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance has been extended to Monday, March 10. If you need help applying or appealing a decision, Pisgah Legal Services can help.
Number
$20,000. That’s how much the Oberheim Matrix synthesizer is worth, and the Moogseum is auctioning the instrument, signed by Bob Moog, to make up for lost income. The synth can be yours if you purchase a raffle ticket. (WLOS)
Outdoors
If you need to log some more miles for Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Winter Hiking Challenge, the Pisgah Conservancy shared a list of the most-loved winter hikes in Pisgah. Hit the trails.
Arts
Artist Jenny Ellis of The Artful Chair is opening a new space on Main Street in Weaverville, also bringing in Brandy Clements and Dave Klingler of Silver River Center for Chair Caning. The artists lost their studios to Helene but will debut the space with a soft opening Friday, Feb. 21. (The Laurel of Asheville)
Concert
Alternative rock band Mt. Joy will take the stage at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville in September. To snag tickets, you can access the presale now or join the general sale this Friday, Feb. 21.
Asked
This Saturday, Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day. We’re curious — what’s your favorite spot to sip on a marg? Spicy and on the rocks from Mountain Madre? Frozen from Taco Billy? Let us know. After conducting our research, we’ll share some local favorites to celebrate the holiday.
Try This
Need a mid-week shell-ebration? Snag $2 house oysters every Tuesday during Oyster Nights at The Lobster Trap. Reservations are recommended, but locals know the bar is first-come, first-served.*
Health
The clarity is insane: That’s what people are saying about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even amid background noise. Join 540,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*
Business
Psst, small business owners — whether you’re investing in new equipment, hiring staff, or managing cash flow, Fora Financial has flexible funding options for you. Get funded fast.*
Category
Arts
Compassion through choreography
Submit your local heroes to be celebrated through dance. | Photo via Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance
In the wake of Helene, we all have witnessed special, heartwarming moments of compassion and empathy. And come summer, the acclaimed contemporary ballet company, Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, will give those moments new meaning through movement.
The company will debut “Appalachian Phoenix,” a production with choreography shaped by stories of local heroes. The theatre is currently seeking nominations for heroes through the beginning of July. Share the story of someone who positively impacted our region’s recovery to be interpreted through dance — they will also be invited to be celebrated at the show.
In another nod to our community’s resilience, the performance will be set in front of a backdrop made from reclaimed storm materials — including more than 6,000 plastic water bottles.
Get tickets for “Appalachian Phoenix,” running Thursday, July 24 through Saturday, July 26. Psst... the sooner you submit your WNC heroes, the better chance they have of influencing the production.
Speaking of Malaprop’s, the bookstore recently shared its bestsellers of 2024. See if there are any popular titles you missed last year as you look at your TBR list.
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