Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Some of what’s going around:
-Sims on the move: Sims Futon Gallery, which has been located at 109 Patton Ave. for years, is moving west to 167 Patton, the former location most recently of a bar and, before that, a woodworking shop. Sims will stay open at its current location until Jan. 31, which it makes the switch to the new location. Thanks to loyal reader Russ for the heads-up.
-Asheville Art Museum exhibition: Here’s a happy coincidence, as pointed out to me by loyal reader Arnold Wengrow: The New York Times on Sunday had a big feature on an accomplished and under-appreciated artist and musician Lonnie Holley, who also happens to be part of a new Asheville Art Museum exhibition that opened on Sunday. The exhibition is called Social Geographies: Interpreting Space and Place. The museum is trying to get Holley to visit Asheville for the exhibit. Click over to read the NYT’s excellent story on the fascinating Holley. A tidbit:
His work was soon acquired by curators at the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. Bill Arnett, the foremost collector (and promoter) of self-taught African-American artists from the Deep South — the man who brought worldwide attention to Thornton Dial and the quilters of Gee’s Bend, Ala. — cites his first visit to Holley’s home in 1986 as a moment of epiphany. “He was actually the catalyst that started me on a much deeper search,” Arnett says, adding bluntly that “if Lonnie had been living in the East Village 30 years ago and been white, he’d be famous by now.”
Had Holley’s story climaxed right there, with his discovery and celebration — however unfairly limited it has been, if you accept Arnett’s view — you would still be left with an immensely satisfying dramatic arc. But in 2012, at age 62, Holley made his debut as a recording artist.
-Angel Olsen’s Tiny Desk concert: Angel Olsen, who recently relocated to Asheville, got some big love from NPR, which just posted her Tiny Desk concert. From NPR:
Angel Olsen has already shared two standout tracks, “Forgiven/Forgotten” and “Hi-Five,” from her forthcoming album, Burn Your Fire for No Witness (out Feb. 18 on Jagjaguwar). These new John Congleton-produced songs represent a bolder, brighter, more commanding and expressive Angel Olsen and have captured the attention of everyone from Pitchfork and The Wall Street Journal, to Entertainment Weekly and The FADER. Now, NPR Music is proud to present Angel playing 4 brand new, previously unreleased songs for their Tiny Desk Concert series. The performance includes Burn Your Fire for No Witness songs, “Unf**ktheworld,” “Iota,” “Enemy,” and “White Fire.”
Angel Olsen’s “Hi-Five” stream: http://bit.ly/1euopTP
Angel Olsen’s “Forgiven/Forgotten” video: http://youtu.be/PinTAGbIsV4
Angel Olsen’s “Forgiven/Forgotten” stream: http://bit.ly/1fE0CSU
-Grocery commercial: Asheville’s well-known comedic actor David Ostergaard stars in a new Valentine’s Day commercial for Ingles.
-Dog food commercial: From Clingman Cafe on FB: “Asheville’s dog-loving reputation is out! A film crew from Purina was shooting a new commercial at the Cafe today. They were sighted at The Wedge yesterday… Won’t it be fun to see the RAD in the ad!”
As you know, Purina was here a few weeks back scouting Asheville dogs and their people for said commercial. Purina also recently launched a dog food marketing campaign in Asheville, which truly is a dog-lovers paradise.
-Celebrate the Chinese New Year: at Ben’s Tune-Up. They’ve got quite the party planned. Deets:
The Year of the Wooden Horse is upon us. It’s a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance… Celebrate the exciting year ahead with a Chinese New Year celebration on Friday, January 31st starting at 5pm at Ben’s Tune-Up. Enjoy the first ever Ben’s Tune-Up endless, banquet-style Chinese Buffet, martial arts demonstrations, parade and performance by the Asheville Second Line (
https://www.facebook.com/AshevilleSecondLine), a firecracker toast, and ninja star giveaway and throwing competition.More on our
Facebook page.
-Dating stories wanted: From whatshouldavlcallme on FB: “Please continue to write to me, either tumblr message, here message, or email me at [email protected] for more crazy Asheville dating stories. So far, I have a good collection of online dating stories, first date stories, and the weird “inbetween” stages of dating. I need more! I would also like some breakup stories! Thanks (all will be anonymous)”
-Casino concerts: A couple of concerts coming up at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino: There’s Merle Haggard on Feb. 7; Robin Thicke on Feb. 27; and Dolly Parton will play May 25, just to name a few.
