More music will be recorded in this very room. | Photo via Echo Mountain Recording
In the spring, it was announced that Echo Mountain Recording would close by the end of 2025 — but come February, the studio will reopen in the historic North French Broad Avenue church under the ownership of longtime studio manager, Jessica Tomasin.
Previous plans also included relocating the studio, but were halted following founder Steve Wilmans’ retirement. Under Tomasin’s ownership, the studio can continue its legacy in its original location.
“I have spent nearly twenty years building this studio alongside Steve, our staff, and the community,” Tomasin said in a press release. “Letting it disappear did not feel right. This place matters to people, and I was determined to find a way to keep it alive.”
For nearly two decades, the independent, state-of-the-art studio has captured the voices of artists from Gladys Knight to Steve Martin to The Avett Brothers.
Echo Mountain Recording will reopen on Sunday, Feb. 1 to begin its 20th year of operation and welcome artists to continue making music magic.
ACS guidelines state that Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership + comprehensive care for all injuries. | Photos provided by Mission Health
Did you know? HCA Healthcare’s Mission Hospital has earned verification as a Level I trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
The verification means Mission Hospital provides the highest level of trauma care based on national ACS standards. ACS guidelines state that Level I trauma centers must be capable of providing system leadership and comprehensive care for all injuries.
Mission’s board-certified trauma team is celebrating 30 years of specialized experience and dedication to providing care with skill + precision.
Let us help you find New Year’s Eve plans in a pinch. Whether you’re looking for a lively party, festive feast, concert countdown, or wellness experience, use our guide to NYE events in Asheville to make the perfect start to 2026.
Civic
Asheville’s new city manager, DK Wesley, will be sworn in at a Thursday, Jan. 8 ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall’s council chambers. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and the following reception at Packs Tavern.
Community
The city will soon launch the design phase for a “cultural corridor” linking Pack Square with The Block, Asheville’s historic Black business district. The project aims to improve walkability, visibility, and create more accessible gateways, using grant and bond funding. Construction is slated for completion in 2027. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Festival
LEAF Global Arts shared its lineup of key events for 2026, including a Valentine’s Day LEAF Love Gala, a spring roots music festival, and a fall masquerade ball. The annual LEAF Global Arts Festival will return in October in a new location that’s yet to be announced.
Theater
The Acting Company — a Tony-winning NYC-based company that launched the careers of actors including Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, and Rainn Wilson — is headed to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. The company will perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Great Expectations” Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24.
The Word
Betwixtmas. That’s the new word for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve — aka a time period that many describe as feeling “meaningless.” If you’re struggling to fill your Betwixtmas, we recommend exploring our events calendar. (KVUE)
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Let’s play 26 questions
Here’s to learning more about our beloved city in 2026. | Photo by Michael Tracy
Happy (almost) New Year, Asheville.
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the stories we followed this year and looking ahead to what we’ll cover in 2026.
That’s why we’re polling the crowd for questions you want answered in 2026 — any piece of Asheville life you’ve always wanted to read into with your morning cup of coffee in hand.
Want to know where to get the best pho? What’s the construction site on your block going to be? The history of a local legend, or a piece of art you walk by every day?
Submit your question(s) to shape the stories you’ll read in the year ahead, and stay tuned in the new year as we bring you the answers you want most. It’s our New Year’s resolution.
A personalized weight loss plan from Noom. Begin the new year by trying Noom’s science-backed program that blends cutting-edge technology with expert coaching to drive lasting behavior change. Take this 5-minute quiz to receive a plan that’s tailored to your goals for 2026.
So many incredible albums have been created at Echo Mountain Recording, including two of my favorite albums by my favorite band: The War on Drugs’ “Lost in the Dream” and “Slave Ambient.” Take a look at the studio’s discography — there’s a decent chance one of your favorite records is on there too.
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