The space will be part coffeehouse, part listening lounge. | Photo via Joyful Noise
Partners from Hi-Wire Brewing, Vivian, and Summit Coffee are coming together to launch a new venture in the RAD. Joyful Noise Listening Lounge and Kitchen is set to open this spring in the former Bottle Riot in Wedge Studios.
Summit Coffee will operate in the space during the day, marking the shop’s return to the RAD after its Foundy Street location was lost to Helene. By night, the space will transform into a “sanctuary of sound,” with music played exclusively on vinyl, one full side at a time.
Chef Josiah McGaughey, a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast 2023 and former co-owner of Vivian, is leading the culinary operation with a menu of European and Asian-inspired small plates, along with a full bar program.
This sounds like music to our ears. We’ll share more updates as Joyful Noise gets ready to strike the first note.
A simple act. A powerful impact. Local lives depend on it. | Photos provided by The Blood Connection
Did you know? January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to recognize the everyday heroes who help save lives with a simple, selfless act: donating blood. At The Blood Connection (TBC), this month is dedicated to thanking donors and highlighting the critical role they play in supporting patients at local hospitals.
Winter can be one of the most challenging times to maintain a stable blood supply. Between holiday travel, seasonal illnesses, and unpredictable weather, donations often decline — yet the need for blood never slows down. Emergency procedures, cancer treatments, and chronic conditions rely on a consistent supply, no matter the season.
Thanks to generous donors, TBC continues to serve communities across the region and ensure hospitals have the blood they need when it matters most. Whether you’re a longtime donor or considering your first appointment, National Blood Donor Month is a powerful reminder: one donation can make a lasting difference.
800%. That’s how much visitation has increased at the NC Arboretum since Thomas Dambo’s “Trolls: A Field Study” exhibit opened, breaking all visitation records and resulting in 3,000+ new memberships. You have until Tuesday, Feb. 17 to see the trolls before they leave. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Development
Cotton Mill Studios is continuing to come back to life after sustaining major damage from Helene. Guajiro is chronicling the rebuild on social media, sharing photos of the new porch and entryway. Take a look.
Closed
Wedge Brewing has closed its Grove Arcade taproom, consolidating business to its Wedge Studios and Foundy Street locations after Helene-related challenges. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Concert
Indie folk band Lord Huron — best known for their track “The Night We Met” — is headed back to Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville on Sunday, June 14. Tickets are on sale now.
Gallery
The Northern Lights made an appearance Monday night. See the purple hues painted over WNC. (WLOS)
Job
Utopian Seed Project is seeking a full-time office manager to keep the nonprofit’s daily operations running smoothly. Check out the opening to see if it’s the right fit — if not, your next role may be on our Job Board.
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It’s looking like it’s time to start stocking up on eggs, bread, and milk. Snow chances are climbing this weekend as a cold system moves in.
Models show a likely mix of snow and sleet Saturday into Sunday, with potential accumulations from 3 to 20+ inches across WNC. Don’t let a winter storm catch you by surprise — here are some tips to plan from the National Weather Service.
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With Flour moving its biscuits to Wall Street in March, we were curious to know what Asheville wants to move into the food hall.
Here’s what you’re craving in order of votes: A vegan/vegetarian cafe, pizza by the slice, a bakery, and then a taqueria.
But some of your write-in choices were equally delicious. Here are some ideas readers suggested: Greek, Vietnamese, a Jewish deli, bagels, and a 100% gluten-free bakery.
I’m happy to say that I’m one of the 3,000+ people who got a membership at the NC Arboretum after seeing the trolls. I’d been meaning to for years, but these guys are the ultimate bonus.
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