PARTIAL
TOP STORIES
DENYCE GRAVES: Named one of the “50 Leaders of Tomorrow” by Ebony Magazine, one of Glamour Magazine’s “Women of the Year.”
Bravo Concerts Presents Internationally Acclaimed Mezzo-Soprano Dec. 6
*DENYCE GRAVES has sung at almost all of the great opera houses of the world and will now appear in Asheville. | Graves has performed at the State Funeral for President Gerald Ford, at the White House on several occasions, and for Pope Benedict XVI on his first trip to America. She was the subject of an Emmy Award-winning profile on 60 Minutes. Graves also sang at the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony for the families of the victims, which led to her appointment as a Cultural Ambassador for the United States. She now travels around the world under the auspices of the State Department on good-will missions of musical performances, lectures and seminars. She has sung opposite most of the world’s great male vocalists, including several shows with Placido Domingo. | For tickets and more info, call 828-225-5887 or Click Here>
Same-Sex Marriage Discourse at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Dec. 6
*PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND 'A CIVIL DISCOURSE' -- a conversation between conservative Evangelical Christian broadcaster and publisher, Warren Smith, and liberal Christocentric Quaker, Peterson Toscano, regarding homosexuality and Christianity, including same-sex marriage | The event will be held on Sat., Dec. 6, 2008, beginning at 7 p.m. at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Ave, corner of Gracelyn Street. | For details, Click Here>
ONE-STOP FUN & HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT * Photo: Namaste
Children's Health & Harmony Expo Dec. 7
*FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY at Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin St. in Downtown Asheville | From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 7, 2008, this entertaining and educational expo celebrates all things good for children. Children and grandparents: free; adults: $5. This Namaste event promotes peace and harmony through entertainment, empowerment and education one family at a time. | For details, call 828-252-8149, visit namasteasheville.com, or Click Here>
'Faces You Might Know' by Vadim Bora
Not to Be Missed: Bora's Portrait Exhibition
*OVER 200 ORIGINAL PORTRAITS, SCULPTURES AND CARICATURES that celebrate the portrait genre will be on display through Dec. 14, 2008, at Vadim Bora Studio and Gallery | Internationally known artist, sculptor and educator Vadim Bora has gathered an impressive body of his paintings, caricatures and sculpture that spans many years, styles and mediums. The Dec. 4 reception of his current show, entitled “Faces You Might Know,” was well attended and dazzled. It is head and shoulders above so many others. It speaks loudly and softly, depending on his subject. It tantalizes and inspires. It makes one glad to be alive while examining what it is to be human. “Faces You Might Know” –- some of which are well-known Ashevillians who attended his reception -- celebrates the genre of portraiture. More importantly, “Faces” celebrates the diversity and power of the human spirit as only Vadim Bora can capture, articulate and amplify. The keen observer knows that Bora’s many “Faces” will surely grow legs and travel worldwide. Savor this tour de force of emotion and passion before it leaves town. –Byron Belzak/Mediabear | For details about the exhibition and gallery, Click Here>
Lake Julian Festival of Lights Begins Dec. 5
*FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY runs Dec. 5 - 19, 2008. | For details, Click Here>
Gingerbread House Display Open to the Public
*THE GROVE PARK INN'S ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION AND PUBLIC DISPLAY runs through Jan. 11, 2009. | For details, Click Here>
New Buncombe Commissioners Meet Dec. 16
*FRESHMAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HOLLY JONES AND RAY BAILEY along with new chairman David Gannt get down to work with old-timers Bill Stanley and Carol Peterson | David Gantt was installed on Dec. 1, 2008, as the new Buncombe County chairman. Joining him are newly elected commissioners Holly Jones and K. Ray Bailey, along with re-elected commisioners Bill Stanley and Carol Peterson. For background and contact info, Click Here> | The next regularly scheduled commission meeting is Dec. 16, 2008. It is open to the public and will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Room 204 of the Courthouse in Downtown Asheville. For details, Click Here>
FOCUS ON WNC NATURE CENTER
If you've never seen a real camel before, here's your chance. * Photo: WNC Nature Center
Visiting Camels Event Ends Dec. 10
*WNC NATURE CENTER FEATURES VISITING CAMELS Dec. 3 - 10 | On display at the Nature Center from Dec. 3 through Dec. 10, 2008, will be two, female, single-humped, dromedary camels, named Blue and Glory. | For more info or specific questions on camels, contact Henry Bulluck, animal curator, at 828-298-5600, ext. 311. | For more excitement at the Nature Center, visit wildwnc.org or Click Here>
WNC Nature Center Will Close Every Weds.
*THROUGHOUT THE WINTER, WNC Nature Center will be closed on Wednesdays from Dec. 17, 2008, through Feb. 25, 2009. | The Center, which is run by the City of Asheville, will remain open the remaining six days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | For more Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts info, visit ashevillenc.gov or Click Here>
SHOPPING ASHEVILLE
Featuring Independent Businesses
Saturday Tailgates Announce New Hours
*NEW WINTER HOURS at Tailgate Markets | Every Saturday morning, fresh local food is available at open air markets throughout the Asheville area. For example, find what's in season at Asheville City Market, Sat., during its new winter hours, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., beginning Nov. 29 (161 South Charlotte Street): Click Here> | Enjoy Downtown Asheville's oldest tailgate market at the French Broad Food Co-op, Sat., 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (76 Biltmore Avenue): Click Here> | Discover the North Asheville Tailgate Market, Sat., 8 a.m. - 12 noon (near Owen Hall on the UNCA campus): Click Here> | For Asheville area tailgate markets throughout the week, Click Here>
Mast General Hosts Co-Author of Bark House Style
*MEET CO-AUTHOR CHRIS MCCURRY, as she signs her new book, "Bark House Style," on Sat., Dec. 13, 2008, 12 noon to 4 p.m. at Mast General Store on Biltmore Ave. in Downtown Asheville | The practice of designing homes with bark originated in North Carolina in the late 1800s. After seeing old homes designed with bark, Chris and her husband resurrected the lost practice of bark home designing. McCurry and her husband have founded Highland Craftsmen, Inc. to implement bark styles in homes. They say that bark siding can last 100 years and is maintenance free. | For more event info, call 828-232-1883.
Swedish Massage by Brett Rodgers * Photo: Vitality Massage
Give (Yourself) the Gift of Massage
*ONE HOUR OF BODYWORK THERAPY FOR $35 BY A LICENSED ASHEVILLE PRO is one introduction that the weary shopper can't pass up to become revitalized | Treat yourself to a full range of massage by Brett Rodgers (NC License #7557). | Click Here>
New Discounted Memberships for 2009 Season
Promoting jazz in the mountains since 2003 | Click Here>
Local Coupons' Website Launched
*NEW MONEY-SAVING COUPONS ON CHAMBER'S NEW WEBSITE, SaveInAsheville.com | To download online coupons provided by local businesses and professionals, Click Here>
FOR MORE IDEAS AT SHOPPINGASHEVILLE.COM, Click Here>
