Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Here’s some of what’s going around:
-New Studio Chavarria: Guadalupe Chavarria celebrated the opening of his swank new hair salon, Studio Chavarria, this past weekend. The space looks wonderful and, in typical fashion, Chavarria did it up with delicious food, thumping music, bright lights and cameras. Chavarria has been a downtown stalwart for years. I’m looking forward to talking with Mr. Chavarria later this week, and I’ll have more on his new salon at 17 Rankin Ave. in downtown.
-What is the Showtime Saloon in Fletcher?
-New Earth Fare commercial: The string of funky Earth Fare commercials continues. My colleague Sara does a great job in the latest.
-Paste on Asheville beer: Paste magazine just published its Craft Beer Guide to Asheville by Graham Averill.
-Asheville bank buys Charlotte bank: The Charlotte Observer reports that Asheville’s Home Trust Bancshares will acquire Charlotte-based Bank of Commerce in a deal worth $10 million. From the Observer:
The acquisition marks the latest move in a steadily consolidating community and regional banking industry. By last fall, the number of banks in North Carolina was shrinking at the fastest pace in two decades.
-New food truck: It’s called Root Down. More from their website of the creators, who are both UNC Asheville grads:
Root Down was created in the spring of 2012 by Gypsy vagabonds Dano and Julie Holcomb. Their version of street food will focus largely on local and regional ingredients transformed into Creole, Southern and Soul influenced comfort food.
-VegHeads closed: VegHeads restaurant on Merrimon Avenue closed recently. From VegHeads on FB:
Dear valued customers, we are so very sorry to inform everyone that next Friday, February 28th, will be our last day of operation as we have been forced to close.
We have enjoyed all of your smiling faces and have appreciated all the support we’ve received.
Eat well, stay well! We love you all!!!!
-Take me out to the ballpark: The Asheville Tourists are auditioning National Anthem singers. More:
National anthem auditions for the Asheville Tourists’ 2014 baseball games will be held this Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at McCormick Field. Potential game-day singers will perform “The Star Spangled Banner” a cappella on the field during their audition.
Talented singers are always in demand to perform “The Star Spangled Banner” prior to the baseball games. Those interested should go to the field after entering the ballpark. Auditions will be conducted behind home plate.
“We have a number of returning singers from last season, but we’re always looking for new voices,” said Tourists Community Relations Manager Michelle Buss.
The Tourists open their 2014 season at McCormick Field on April 3 against the Delmarva Shorebirds, beginning at 7:05 p.m. Single game tickets are currently available. For more information, contact the Tourists Front Office at (828) 258-0428 or visit theashevilletourists.com.
What is the Showtime Saloon in Fletcher???
What’s new about Studio Chavarria? That place has been there for years.