Founder and CEO Gar Ragland shared late Monday afternoon that after five years in business — weathering a global pandemic and a local natural disaster — challenges have led Citizen Vinyl to “focus on the core segments of our business: vinyl manufacturing and studio recording.”
Both the record-pressing factory and Citizen Studios will remain inside the Citizen-Times building and tours will continue to be offered. As the team moves forward to focus on the music, there are plenty of projects on the horizon.
Citizen Vinyl has a growing list of services offered, like creating sustainable BioVinyl records, developing its recently patented vinylkey® technology, and launching a record label to supplement its recording and engineering work.
Stop by through Wednesday, April 30 to raise one last Negroni, grab one last record, and attend one last event.
Events
Events
Tuesday, April 15
Vibrational Astrology: A Live Introduction | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | West Asheville Library | Free, RSVP | The Asheville Astrology Club invites astrologer Michael Spremulli to talk about the core concepts of this newer approach and give mini-readings throughout the night.
Wednesday, April 16
UNC Asheville Millennial Campus input session | 5:45-8 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union, Blue Ridge Room | Free | The community is invited to provide remarks regarding the development of the college’s Millennial Campus properties — sign-ups begin at 5:45 p.m. on Reed Plaza.
Trivia Night | 7-9 p.m. | 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing, Arden | Free | True or false: your barbecue and beer intake directly correlates to your team’s trivia performance.
Standup Comedy Picture Show | 7:30 p.m. | Pulp | $17 | Bring out the projector — Cayla Clark will headline the night as comics perform with pictures to illustrate their sets.
Thursday, April 17
Toybox + Flutterbug | 7 p.m. | Sly Grog Lounge | $15 | America’s Favorite Cartoon Witch will headline the night of carnival chaos with trippy and twisty, puppet shows.
Friday, April 18
The Taylor Party | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $24+ | Tough week? “Shake It Off” by dancing the night away with other Swifties.
Saturday, April 19
4/20 Block Party | 12-8 p.m. | Asheville Dispensary | Price of purchase | Drop by the block party for live music, in-store deals, and good eats from The Royal Vegan and Dalaya Thai Cuisine.
Asheville Mindreading Show | 7-9:30 p.m. | Story Parlor | $30+ | Your thoughts are the stars of the night during this experience of mind reading, real-time hypnosis + mind-to-mind communication.
Today is Tax Day, but if you haven’t filed, don’t fret. The IRS issued an automatic extension for taxpayers in a disaster area (meaning all North Carolinians). The deadline to file 2024 federal and state returns is Thursday, May 1. (Blue Ridge Public Radio)
Coming Soon
Last week, we gave you the who, what, and where on Mountain Madre’s expansion into the former Avenue M space. Now, we have the when. The Mexican kitchen and agave bar hopes to open its second location by the end of the summer.
Arts
Asheville Fringe has partnered with Asheville Community Theatre (ACT) to keep the bold spirit of fringe going all year long. With ACT Late Night, you can catch even more avant-garde, immersive work at 35below, ACT’s mainstage, and more venues across the city. Up first is Carolina Quiroga’s “You Speak Very Good English,” this Saturday, April 19.
Listen
Finalists have been announced for this year’s LEAF Singer-Songwriter Competition, presented by NewSong Music. The eight musicians — including Swannanoa’s Jackson Grimm — will perform and compete at the LEAF Retreat next month. Get tickets.
Read
Beginning today, April 15, the North Asheville Library will be closed through Friday, May 9 for a fresh coat of paint and new carpet. You can still return items by the book at any other Buncombe County Public Library branch.
Edu
Helene’s impact on Asheville is inspiring new efforts in understanding resiliency planning. This spring semester, 16 Kennesaw State University architecture students will reimagine the River Arts District for their urban planning design studio. Learn how they will get guidance from local leaders in drafting proposals.
This cozy mountaintop home in Fairview features all-new everything — including a new roof, windows, HVAC, kitchen, primary bath, flooring, covered back deck, and driveway. And did we mention the six-person hot tub with views? 20+ enviable pics this way.*
Number
$1,300. That’s what you could spend on a brand new tablet, smart watch, and noise-canceling earbuds — or what you could spend overpaying for car insurance. If you like the former option, see what you could save by switching car insurance providers.*
Featured Deal
Restock your wine fridge ahead of spring + summer events. For a limited time, Swirl Wine Shop is offering up to 70% off premium collections of red, white, and mixed selections.*
Category
Environment
Be a force of nature
Asheville GreenWorks will keep busy with cleanups, education, and fundraisers. | Photo by Gary Peeples
Every year on April 22, Earth Day is marked by an estimated one billion people in 192 countries. Whether tree plantings, educational events, or fundraisers, participants work to do their part in keeping our world green and clean. So get ready to clean up your act and celebrate Earth Day in Asheville.
Lend a hand
MountainTrue Earth Day River Cleanup | Tuesday, April 22 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Location TBA | Free, RSVP | Help the French Broad Riverkeeper pick up trash and debris along Asheville’s riparian areas — wear closed-toe shoes, long pants + shirts, and waders if you have them. Bonus: MountainTrue is also hosting a weekend cleanup and plastic audit if you can’t make it on Tuesday.
2025 Explore Asheville Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup | Tuesday, April 22 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Various Locations | Free, RSVP | Hosted by Explore Asheville, Asheville GreenWorks, RiverLink, and MountainTrue the cleanup will take place throughout the city — check in at your venue for supplies, clean your neighborhood for an hour, then head back for some socializing.
New at Dancing Bear Toys, the City Editor action figures. Just kidding. Bethany and I had to try out this trend that’s been all over social media. My personal favorite part is the beer and coffee, which are both nearly as big as our heads. If you want to try out the trend for yourself, check out a tutorial from our friends at GVLtoday.
}})
