Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
More of what’s going around:
-Franzi Charen, co-owner of Hip Replacements in downtown Asheville and founder of the Asheville Grown buy-local movement, was appointed to the Asheville Downtown Commission on Tuesday by Asheville City Council, the Mountain Xpress reports. The Downtown Commission is an influential City Council advisory board that reviews the design of downtown development projects and also works on downtown issues such as cleanliness and safety.
-James Fisher, who joined the Asheville Citizen-Times in 2012 as the advertising sales representative helming the then-new Asheville Scene weekend entertainment guide, has been hired as director of advertising for the Asheville Ale Trail. Before joining the Citizen-Times, Fisher was the long-time advertising sales director at Mountain Xpress. From the announcement:
James is a well know figure in Asheville’s entertainment Scene. Having worked in local media for more than 20 years, James is well acquainted with Asheville’s best breweries and craft beer culture. He also tells us he’s “seen it all and knows where the bodies are hidden” – so look out!
-The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is holding over several performances that were canceled in last week’s snowstorm. From the press release:
This Sunday at Toy Boat Community Art Space, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival will host the Fringe Puppet Showcase at 6:30 pm and A Tonguey Kiss for Samuel Davidson, by Anam Cara Theatre at 8:30 pm.
Come out and enjoy two awesome performances from the Festival that almost wasn’t. Tickets are only $12 per show, or $20 for both! There will be treats and pop-up performances between shows for audiences who stay for both shows. What a great way to enjoy your Sunday in Fringe style.
The Fringe Puppet Showcase features two pieces. Penelope Hillfrau presents Mr. Right Flag, A Passion – a solo puppet drama about the zoo of life. West of Roan presents the beautiful, dreamlike, Under the Hills.
A Tonguey Kiss for Samuel Davidson is a comic abstract theatrical performance set in the legendary utopia of Asheville.
Culturally adventurous audiences will enjoy both pieces. Come out and support the Fringe and Asheville’s innovative, local performing artists.
Tickets will be on sale at the door starting at 5:30pm at ToyBoat Community Artspace.
–Bonesteel Films, a local video production company, is currently casting for several projects that require “real people” for a series of short videos for network television, according to a press release. Here’s what they’re looking for:
Family with a new dog:
They are looking for a family with young children who have recently adopted a new dog to profile for a fun, short :30 second video! The family would ideally also have another pet or pets at home (for example: maybe they have an older cat at home and just adopted a new puppy). We would spend a day with them in their home, shooting on Thursday, February 25th, interview them about how they had to transition to having a new dog in the house, and how they stay healthy and active as a family.
The selected family will be reimbursed $1,000 for their time.
Submissions should include contact info, current photos of the family and pets along with info about when they were adopted. Send email to [email protected] by Thursday 1/28.
Two homes with renovation work done:
*These roles are non-speaking!
Young Family: A young couple in their mid 20’s through mid 30’s. Perhaps they have a first or second child on the way or have a young child or two. They own their home and have remodeled one or more areas within the home, but they have yet to update a bathroom or kitchen and would love to start that project next.
Empty-Nesters: A couple in their 50’s+. They own their home and have remodeled one or more areas within the home, but they have yet to update a bathroom or kitchen and would love to start that project next.
Rate is $750 for family and location.
Submissions should include contact info, current photos of family, remodeled areas, and un-remodeled areas. Send email to [email protected] by Friday 1/29.
-Tonic MRKT is opening a bottle shop at Asheville Outlets. More:
Asheville Outlets is pleased to welcome Tonic MRKT to its store offerings. The locally-owned bottle shop, growler filler and tasting room offers 1,000+ premier varieties of craft beer, wine, sours, ciders, specialty sodas, glassware and more.
Shoppers can build their own six-pack, grab a growler to go or enjoy draft beer and fine wine at a handmade tasting bar. A knowledgeable staff provides a unique personalized shopping experience for craft beer beginners and aficionados alike.
“It only makes sense in Beer City USA that Tonic MRKT has joined our family of stores,” said Sharon Morgan, General Manager, Asheville Outlets. “In addition to the variety of beverages, they have also added sandwiches and chips to their menu,” she continued.
Tonic MRKT also offers keg rentals and even full-service catering. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tonic MKRT is located near Field & Stream. For more information about Tonic MRKT visit www.TONICMRKT.com and find them on Instagram @TONICMRKT.
-Isa’s Bistro is holding a beer pairing dinner featuring Pisgah Brewing. More:
We wanted to reach out and share details on an intimate beer pairing dinner taking place at Isa’s Bistro featuring Pisgah Brewing Company, Executive Chef Duane Fernandes and Charleston guest Chef Jacques Larson of Wild Olive and Obstinate Daughter in Charleston, SC.
At 6:30 p.m., guests will enjoy an aperitif beer paired with hors d’ oeuvres and engage with Chef Fernandes and Chef Larson as they share their inspiration behind crafting the ultimate blend of cuisine and the unique selections from Pisgah Brewing Company. At 7:00 p.m., attendees will indulge in a special 4- course dinner perfectly paired with a combination of Pisgah’s seasonal beers.
Tickets are $65 (not including tax + gratuity). Please call 828.575.9636 to reserve your spot today!
We hope you may be able to share news of the dinner with your readers. Of course, please let us know if you have any additional questions or need high res images. The full menu and pairings will be available closer to the event.
-There’s an open art studio tour at Grovewood on Feb. 20. More:
Open Studios Art Tour on Historic Grovewood Grounds/Feb. 20 from 11 am – 4 pm
On Saturday, February 20, art lovers, architectural enthusiasts, and local history buffs are encouraged to go behind-the-scenes and take a free, self-guided tour of the artist studios on the historic Grovewood grounds (adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn). Visitors will have the opportunity to meet with our resident artists, learn a little about their process, and even delve into a bit of Asheville’s rich craft history.
Established in 1992, Grovewood Studios is a group of 9 workshops occupied by 11 artists who work across mediums. The studios are located directly next door to Grovewood Gallery, in the former weaving and woodworking complex of Biltmore Industries (built during 1917-1924). In its heyday, this Arts & Craft enterprise had a total of 40 looms in steady operation, producing some of the highest quality homespun fabric in the country – worn by U.S. presidents, movie stars and sports figures. Today, our studio artists create jewelry, pottery, sculpture, and more, in the same workshops where Biltmore Handwoven Homespun was once created.
The following artists will have their studios open to the public on Saturday, February 20: Kathleen Doyle & Thomas Reardon (shared studio), Lisa Gluckin, Carl Powell, Helen Purdum, Graeme Priddle & Melissa Engler (shared studio).
Private appointments for studio visits are welcome throughout the year.
About Grovewood:
Grovewood is a family-owned, fine crafts destination located in a beautiful historic setting in Asheville, NC, adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. We showcase traditional and contemporary craft, all handmade by American artisans. Grovewood Gallery has received several honors, including NICHE magazine’s Retailer of the Year and the 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.