Sunday, March 29, 2009

Ananda Hair Studio in Asheville North Carolina





I stopped by Ananda Hair Studio in Asheville North Carolina with the Flip Video Camera and started shooting away, no notice, just on the spot action. As usual, the gang was cutting hair and styling like pros. This is one of the top hair studios in Asheville owned and operated by Larry himself (top photo), and is a favorite of many of my friends. Stop by and check it out sometime. He has a few great offers for first timers, repeat clients, etc. On the walls of the studio you will see some paintings and artwork from local Asheville Artists as well.

Skinny Legs & All, Ruby Mayfield, Aaron Ratliff, and Aaron LaFalce

Skinny Legs & All's Jesse - Dances and Sing like a Star!

Local Legend Ruby Mayfield Plays and Sings The Blues!

Aaron Ratliff Sings Up A Storm at Tressa's

Aaron LaFalce Plays and Sings at Tressa's for the Suzanne Prince Foundation

18 Month Old Drummer from Asheville North Carolina

What I liked most about "Max" is that he carefully schemed the scene, waited for the band to take a break, climbed up on the seat, and started drumming away. It wasn't but 30 seconds and he had the crowd cheering. His mom was like "should I get him down?". I pulled out the Flip HD Cam and said "NO!". Great time at Phil Mechanic Studios in Asheville. I just call it Art Heaven with many levels and rooms of Art. See Video of Max playing the drums on www.YouTube.com/AskAsheville

Asheville Models Sport Clothing from Terra Diva

Terra Diva was one of the local boutiques in Asheville North Carolina that joined in on this great event called PUSH Asheville Fashion. Aaron Funk and Sonia Lida Hendrix were the main organizers and did such a fabulous job! Thank you.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

PUSH Asheville Fashion - Next Friday - Asheville Fashion Show by Sonia Lida K. Hendrix











PUSH Asheville Fashion show coming up this next Friday March 27, 2009 at "The Garage at Biltmore". Here are some photos that were taken recently at "Hip Replacements" which is one of the 12 clothing boutiques and shops that are involved in this great event. I hear that Afromotive is going to be there as one of the bands, Miss North Carolina 2008 Melissa Chambers will be on the Runway, and so many more great people... you will want to be there! Thank you to Mountain Xpress for their article and also to Scott Lessing for his great photography. This event will also show you (male or female) how to dress cool, hot... and classy without burning a hole in your pocket. Affordable style. Yes!
From PUSH Asheville Fashion:
PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUES: Hip Replacements, Terra Diva, Fashionistas. Virtue, Frock, Union, Hunk, Honey Pot, Vintage Moon, Custom, Wink, Va Va Voom, Boga Global Fashion $10 Cover Doors open @ 9pm 18 yrs old and over please.
15 LOCAL DESIGNERS SHOWCASE OUTFITS UNDER $120
PERFORMANCES BY: Asheville Dance Revolution Ras Berhane of Krystal Kind Jen & the Juice followed by electronic funk group Plaza Real
This event is sponsored by ABTech's business club, PHI BETA LAMBDA who are partnering with COMAGUN MUSIC (Winter Solstice 2008) for the first time ever to bring local Ashevillians the opportunity to support our economy by SHOPPING LOCALLY. PUSH ASHEVILLE FASHION brings people together to take a look at what our designers have to offer while jamming out to some of Asheville's hottest musicians. The fashion show alone will showcase the works of 15 designers for a total of 30 winter fashions. The fashion show is not going to represent one style~~through this show, PUSH will illuminate 15 different Asheville styles commonly seen in our unique little city. March 27, 2009 @ the Garage at Biltmore---be prepared to be impressed.

Darnell Brittingham "King Tut" RIP Viewing & Homegoing Times, New York & Asheville

New York Viewing will be Monday March 23 rd from 2pm - 8pm at 2352 8th Avenue in Manhattan, New York NY 10027

Asheville Viewing and Homegoing will be Thurday March 26 th at Tridestone Missionary Baptist Church at 100 Carroll Avenue in Asheville North Carolina 28801. 1 pm for the viewing and 2 pm for the funeral.

Please make plans to come to one or both of these.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Asheville - Beer Tasters & Testers Needed - Saturday 3/21/09


This Saturday, March 21st from 12 to 5, Vino Vino will be tasting three very tasty beers that range from the lighter and sweet hefe-weizen to the dark and tantalizing porter. Don't worry all you wine enthusiasts... we will also be featuring two of our great reds!

For beers, get to know Germany's Pinkus Organic Hefe-weizen, an unfiltered wheat beer with a light and fruity taste. Also try California's Triple hoppy"Hopsickle," an imperial ale that will send your taste buds soaring. Then try the Duck-Rabbit Porter from local Farmville, NC and test their claim as the"Dark beer specialist."

On the enomatic, try California's Montevina Merlot, an easy drinking and quitetasty wine. Also try Crios' Malbec, a big and bright red from Mendoza, Argentina.
As always, all the featured wine and beer will be offered with a 10% discount.
We hope to see you Saturday!

Vino Vino is on the North Side of Asheville. 19/23, get off on the New Bridge Exit, and it is about 1/2 mile past the Woodfin ABC store on the left. Come One, Come All! Lets Clear This Beer Out!

Ex-Resident confronts HACA and Deaverview Apartments in Asheville

Back in December, we posted an article about the Deaverview Apartments in West Asheville. Click HERE to view it. Last night we received this comment below and wanted to see if anyone else in the community has information about these situations. Or, feel free to post your experience whether good or bad about the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville. Please comment. Thank you.

Anonymous said...
Lets hope that either the Housing Authority goes under new management completely so that the people in here are treated like human beings or better yet, plow over the whole dang thing and rebuild. The apartments are falling apart, and good luck getting the HACA to help you in any other way other than to ignore you. I used to live in there when I was in a rough place last year, and moved out VERY quickly afterwards...and it wasn't the people LIVING in there, but the people in charge! Put it this way, the cable co. doesn't even want to continue providing service here....the place is a dump. Trash everywhere, and the smell on certain nights smells like raw sewage...I pity ANYONE who gets stuck in this rat hole even for 1 day. The people, for the most part, are VERY nice...kept to themselves and watched out for each other. If it wasn't for the way the owners treated the residents, it wouldn't be all that bad. In fact, they have a part of the lease that says they can go into your apartment at any time they want, whenever they want, if they deem it necessary. Not to mention that the maintenance is 90% (if not more) male, and some of these residents are young females. Seems a little, well wrong, that a grown man can go into a female's house (even with them not there) and "fix" things. Honestly, it disgusts me...I am VERY happy I am out of there and was only stuck there for a short period of time. For those who have to move in there...say goodbye to a few things... 1-your privacy, 2-your self respect. HACA, you can get mad about what I have written, I could care less. I just wish more people had the GUTS to speak up against what is REALLY going on, because maybe then there would be what they say... "Each Development strives to offer a safe and unique environment for its residents by fostering personal and professional development and growth." Treating the residents like a lower class citizen does NOT foster personal development and growth. For any resident of ANY HACA development, don't let HACA bully you into staying quiet. Stand up for what is right, stand up for yourselves. The more we speak up, the faster things will change!
March 19, 2009 10:50 PM

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Asheville Rapper Darnell Brittingham, Streets, King Tut - Rest In Peace

Many of us in Asheville know Darnell personally. He grew up in Asheville, went to Asheville High School, and was looking forward to a Football scholarship. Things happened, his opportunity started decreasing, and he ended up trying to hustle to survive. After several years of running around Asheville, Streets ended up in prison for a few years. When he was released, less than a year ago, he had nothing but aspiring dreams of getting "out of this bad life and mentality" and getting "his music" on the charts. He used to brag that "nobody has the hip-hop that is coming from my heart", simply encouraging himself with the wording and rhymes he had written (He had books filled with his work). Darnell was about to enter Life on Life's Terms, a residential support and life rehabilitation center run by Matt Bacoate and David Perry, on Flint Street in Asheville when a "bigger and better" opportunity arose. Like many of us would have done, he took it. Streets had many hopes and dreams that were soon smothered and choked by circumstances. He was considered a "leader" by many who know and have met him. He has family and many friends in the Asheville North Carolina community including his best friend "Gudda".


Darnell started working the 730 Diplomats (730 Dips), assuming the name "King Tut" and was in line to release some of his music singles soon. He began dating a model in New Jersey and ended up in some bad company. He was arrested in February on a drug charge, was released on bail, and ending up in a stabbing incident with the woman who bailed him out a few hours later. King Tut was now on the run.

Here is the piece off of ThisIs50.com: "Dipset affiliate King Tut shot himself in the head on a New York highway last night (March 17) after being surrounded by police.... According to The Journal News, police discovered that King Tut had been hiding at a local motel and they followed him leaving the motel in a taxi with an unidentified woman. The police would pull over the taxi and while the driver and the female were coming out of the car, King Tut killed himself. King Tut is a member of the 730 Dips which is affiliated with The Diplomats."

Here is a piece taken from Jazimine, a California and New York model that King Tut was with at the time of his death:
"I promised you i would ride or die for you until death do us part. But it happened so soon and so fast right before my very eyes. I tried to control you at that moment but it was too late. Though your dead your not gone from my heart, mind and soul. I ride for you forever. I love you. I just wish you wouldnt have left me the way you did. We had plans for our life. You took our life away. It was going to be ok. I held you down and we accepted each others faults and saw the real in each other. You always told me you could tell we were meant for each other through our eyes and you knew I was real. You f... with Luck and he told you it was destined in the stars. Why Honey? Why did you leave us? I have you in my heart for eternity. I try to stay strong because you told me if anything happened to you, dont cry. But how can i hold it inside honey? When i close my eyes at any moment of my day i just see that very moment where you took your life away. I told you please don't do this. I see it, but think its a bad dream and i'm waiting for you to wake me up from it. Prince Tut misses you too. His ears are still ringing from the shots. He lays in your T-shirt everynight. He misses you. We miss you. But i'll make this Muga as you say and keep my head up high. We fly high right? I tell myself everything you've told me to recite in the mirror 20 times a day. You're my angel. I love you."

The funeral will be held in Asheville in the next week or so. 730 Diplomats, Pastors and many others are planning on getting involved. While talking to one of the "Dips" earlier today, he mentioned that he was in pieces over this bad situation, he will not let this death be in vain, and King Tut will live on... teaching many of us some valuable lessons that may save another life or two in the future.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

NextCare Urgent Care - Asheville Technology Convenience & Service!


When NextCare Urgent Care contacted AskAsheville on Twitter, we thought for a minute that this was another nationwide company that was simply soliciting us and telling us about their business (which is fine). We come to find out that NextCare has taken over many Nationwide offices including the previous ProMed building in West Asheville right off of Patton Avenue at 136 Mimosa Drive 28806. This is great news for Asheville North Carolina! Wait until you read this...

WAIT TIMES DECREASE 50 PERCENT THROUGH NEW URGENT CARE PATIENT INITIATIVES
Time, Cost, Convenience behind Launch of NextCare Urgent Care’s Two New Programs
News Facts:
NextCare clinic wait times decrease 50 percent due to new programs
WAHOO service allows patients to check in online, wait in the comfort of their own home
We Care Specialist program provides personalized attention to each patient

PHOENIX (March 16, 2009) – NextCare Urgent Care rolled out two innovative programs last week to increase patient comfort and convenience. The new “Wait At Home Or Office” service, known as “WAHOO,” and the “We Care Specialist” program were implemented to decrease clinic wait times and provide patients with increased personalized attention and care. Results from the first week demonstrate wait times are down by more than 50 percent, while patient satisfaction remains high.
“As a practicing emergency room doctor, I’ve witnessed over-crowding in waiting rooms and have seen health care providers struggle with offering individual attention to patients,” said Dr. John Shufeldt, founder and chief executive officer of NextCare Urgent Care. “At NextCare, we have made a concerted effort to alleviate these frustrations for both the patient and the provider and these programs are helping us achieve this goal.”

The WAHOO and We Care Specialist programs are the first of their kind in the urgent care industry, and exemplify NextCare’s patient-centric approach. Both programs are expected to resonate with those looking to make the most of their health care dollars by offering the following amenities:
WAHOO Program: This service allows patients to check into NextCare clinics online, affording them the opportunity to wait in the comfort of their home or office (or wherever) and minimize disruptions to their busy schedules. Once the appointment request is submitted, patients receive a follow-up call notifying them of a specific time their exam room will be ready. Last week alone, WAHOO users were able to spend 90 to 95 percent of their wait time away from the clinic, in a location of their choice.

We Care Specialist: The We Care Specialist serves as a patient advocate, and provides one-on-one attention and care throughout a patient’s visit. These highly-trained specialists are located in each of NextCare’s 49 clinics across the country to ensure patient needs are met in a timely manner and the quality of treatment they receive exceeds expectations.

“These programs speak to the heart of health care, taking people back to a period when providers took the time to listen to patients, validate their needs and provide focused care,” said Deborah Handford, RN, clinical educator for NextCare Urgent Care. “NextCare has made it a priority to put the patient first, and the development of WAHOO and the We Care Specialists honors the organization’s mission to treat every patient with compassion, while providing them with prompt, affordable care.”

About NextCare Urgent Care: NextCare Urgent Care offers convenient walk-in medical clinics that are open 365 days a year providing patients with qualified, board-certified doctors who are available to treat any non-life threatening illness or injury that needs immediate attention. NextCare is an affordable health care solution for families and individuals of all ages, including those who can not immediately see their primary care doctor, are visiting from out of town, or are new to the area and currently do not have a doctor. Visit NextCare at http://www.nextcare.com/ to find which of the 49 clinics is closest to you.

Asheville Flood Gallery News and Events

"Samples" Unique Finishing Techniques


Please join us for the opening reception of “Samples” on Friday, March 20, 2009 from 7pm to 10pm in the Flood Gallery of Phil Mechanic Studios at 109 Roberts Street in the River Arts District. The exhibition will be up through April 15. Flood Gallery is proud to present “Samples,” a collection of decorative painting styles that will transform the ambiance of your home or business.


Jesi Trentham has a passion for paint. After nearly thirty years of painting professionally, she still takes pride in a freshly painted, well done room. Both the process of painting and the resulting transformation please her. She has worked in mansions, churches, restaurants, bars, paper mills and power plants. She has also worked on motorcycles, cars, signs, furniture and theatrical sets. She has done new construction, repaints, restorations, renovations, designs, decorations and murals. Not only does she have a knowledge of a wide variety of materials, but she has mastered many different brushes and techniques and solved many ever present problems. She has worked with talented, creative people and for imaginative clients that have let her play in their homes and businesses. They have often become part of each other’s lives.Jesi’s husband, Hawg, has utilized his excellent eye for combining color and texture to their work. Using the inherent qualities of the surfaces, the input of their clients, and considering the necessity of maintenance, the two have discovered “natural” finishes that compliment the spaces. Their work is not limited to the two dimensional functionality of paint. They boldly investigate new vistas and stretch boundaries. “Samples is a collection designed to show techniques and ideas for paint and to inspire you to challenge us,” Jesi said. Laura Decker grew up in Asheville, and has seen the city mature into a hub of creativity and diversity. She has always been intrigued by the artistry of painting and design, and over the past ten years, has developed and applied her abilities into becoming a successful interior finisher. Laura has attended Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia and Otis College of Art and Design in California. She graduated from UNC-A this December, and is excited to now have the time to incorporate an artistic quality into her trade. “I really enjoy working with bold colors. What I love the most about my job, is the tremendous transformation that can occur. The right wall and trim colors can give new life to existing accessories, artwork and furniture,” Laura says. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to display a wide range of painting techniques and finishes that can be used in any home or business. One thing I would like to emphasize about the techniques in this show is that they can be mixed and matched. Most techniques can be tweaked to fit an individual’s style. One person may find a softer look appealing, while someone else might want to incorporate lots of shading and texture. Either way, we can achieve the look that best complements the client’s taste.”


SUNDAY MASS. . . OF DESTRUCTION! COMES OUT OF WINTER HIBERNATION!


This is a call out for volunteers who are excited about contributing to the collaborative project between Riverlink and Flood Gallery to install a permanent sculpture garden in Asheville. Meet us at the Blue Building (115 Riverside Drive – across from Cotton Mill Studios) on Sunday, March 22nd, at 10:00am. Thanks to those of you who helped last fall, and we surely hope to see you out with us again!


LOOKING FOR SPRING BREAK CAMP FOR YOUR KIDS?


Concept Camp is Coming!
Concept Camp is a weeklong spring break camp (running April 13-17, 2009) that provides a valuable opportunity for local children to engage in philosophical inquiry through meaningful artistic endeavors. This project incorporates the educational benefits of both the philosophy and art disciplines into a unified program. Our mission aims at a sincere encouragement of our community’s children to utilize critical thinking skills, by means of an innovative educational program. Each day of camp will have a theme which will incorporate a philosophy lesson and an art project. Themes will include: Ancient Philosophy – The kids will learn about Socrates, Plato & Aristotle and incorporate Greek Art: painting Plato’s Forms, what does justice look like, etc. Aesthetics – The kids will learn about Beardsley and Artist Intentionality & Art Era’s, i.e. Abstract Impressionism, Impressionism, Bauhaus; and incorporate things like holding a mock art contest to demonstrate the difficulties in judging and talking about art. They will learn about the Black Mountain Artists, they will interview local artists and participate in artistic demonstrations. They will learn to paint emotions, and create self portraits without using images of themselves. Sound exciting? It will be. Flood Gallery is looking to enroll children from 8 to 14 years old for this camp. Interested? Contact us at
info@floodgallery.org or call us at 828.254.2166. Call soon – limited space available.


The PUMP Gallery Presents... One - New Work from Christopher Jones


Opening reception on Friday, April 3rd, from 7:00-10:00pm.
Exhibition will remain up until April 28th. Until 3 years ago, Christopher Jones had never picked up a brush with any true intentions of doing anything other than painting a door jamb or touching up the scratches on his truck. A watercolor Jones did in high school still hangs in his Mother’s home. As he grew up, Jones learned through his family’s frequent moves that drawing caricatures was a great way to make friends. It was an easy icebreaker. He never really thought of it as art. Then Jones lost his younger brother, Ryan, to a congenital heart failure when Ryan was just 25 years old. Expression through art became Jones’ way to deal with the pain and sorrow from that loss. “I would take out my anger, anxiety or sadness on the canvass. It became the outlet I so desperately needed in order to heal,” he says. As with most artists, the creative process for Jones is an emotional encounter. It’s about the excitement of living in the moment, for the moment and the rush of the experience. “It’s the weight of the brush, the smell of the oil, the resistance of the paint and the sound of the bristles as they cross the canvas. The metallic snap of the shutter, the weight of the camera and the hollow pop of the flash is what stirs my soul.” says Jones. Somehow the art takes care of itself. . . Christopher Jones is a manager in the emergency department at Mission Hospital when he’s not making art. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Montreat College.

Welcome to Asheville Brews Cruise



Welcome to Asheville Brews Cruise. Asheville’s brewing community is growing and we are here to give you an insider’s take on the best craft brewed beer that Asheville has to offer. Come join us on one of our evening cruises and taste the beers that make Asheville one of the craft beer hubs of the south east.

Whether you are a local or just visiting, Brews Cruise will provide you with a personalized tour and VIP treatment at three of Asheville’s finest breweries. Enjoy fresh samples of beer that are brimming with personality. From Pales to Porters, ESBs to IPAs, local favorites like Gaelic to Shiva, there will be a beer that fits your mood. So sit back, relax, enjoy the stops and the ride, because we are doing the driving. All this sampling will surely work up an appetite, so our last stop will provide you the opportunity to dine. Snacks and water will be provided in between tour stops for your convenience.

Pricing: $39 pp, $74 couple (inquire about Asheville local discount)

We require a minimum of 4 cruisers per trip, so we will take your reservation for any number of passengers, and contact you if the minimum passenger load has not been met. And remember, we do offer discounts for groups of 6 or more - contact us for more information.

*Information taken from the Asheville Brews Cruise website. Click
HERE to shoot over there.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Liz Cyriac Sings the Blues at Tressa's

The band was truly awesome!!! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the evening.

Ask Asheville got to meet Ms Liz Cyriac the other evening in Tressa's at the All Star Blues Jam for the Suzanne Prince Foundation. Great singing and dancing, Terri and Tressa all over the place working, having fun, and taking pics. This is the top cool, classy, chill, hanging spot for many in the WNC area. If you like Jazz, Blues, and some random mixes... Tressa's is perfect and has the atmosphere many yearn for. Safe, fun, and comfortable! http://www.tressas.com/. See videos of Liz and the night shown on AskAsheville's YouTube Channel.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Asheville Fashion Runway Show by Push Asheville Fashion - by Sonia Hendrix - March 27, 2009

Phi Beta Lambda at AB Tech is announcing the launch of “Push Asheville Fashion,” a promotional campaign to support local businesses and designers at a not-for-profit event that will showcase the best local talent in Asheville along with an over the top Asheville runway fashion show. The show will take place March 27, 2009 starting at 9:00 pm at the renowned venue, The Garage at Biltmore, and will feature designers, boutique representatives, and musicians all of whom are locally based. Both local and regional press is invited to cover the event.


The fashion show is primarily a showcase for local designers who create an array of clothing styles with a focus in professional business wear, casual business attire, casual wear, and summer wear. In addition to being a unique opportunity for local fashion designers, the event promises to attract local fashion and music enthusiasts and stunning runway models.

This is a positive event for Asheville, creating job opportunities for stylists, models and others involved in local fashion. Designers can show their collections on the modest budget of $120 and under per outfit. Travelers to Asheville will have a resource for supporting the local economy once a brochure is developed featuring local fashion boutiques. Local Ashevillians will have a fun event to attend that will showcase a performance by Asheville Dance Revolution and musical performances by Ras Brohan of Krystal Kind, Jen and the Juice, Afromotive members; Ryan Knowles and Jacob Keller in their group Plaza Real, local fashion, models, and a great foundation for networking.

“During this time of great economic strain the community must support its local businesses. What better way to showcase clothing than with a fashion runway show; a marketing method used at all levels in the fashion industry,” says Sonia Hendrix who is organizing the event with Phi Beta Lambda at AB Tech. “The desire of PBL’s project, PUSH ASHEVILLE FASHION, is bringing the attention of students to shopping locally by strategically marketing, campaigning, and showcasing participating boutiques/designers to students at ABTech, UNCA, and the citizens of Asheville.”

The thirteen boutiques showcasing outfits from their stores and outfits of local designers are: Wink, Custom, Hip Replacements, Fashionistas, Va Va Voom, Terra Diva, Frock, Union, Virtue, Boga, Vintage Moon, Hunk, and Honey Pot Contact: Sonia Hendrix - AB Tech Phi Beta Lambda VP of Projects (828)-713-5459

Friday, March 27, 2009 at 9:00pm to Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 3:00am
The Garage at Biltmore - 101 Fairview Rd. Suite B. Asheville, NC 28803

Tressa's ALL STAR BLUES JAM! Sunday March 15th 7pm Downtown Asheville

Tressa, Terri and hundreds of people are preparing for this BIG All Star Blues Jam tomorrow (Sunday) evening. Club opens at 7pm, shows begin at 8pm. Everyone... you must be 21 (or older of course) with ID. Tressa's is located 28 Broadway Street Asheville NC 28801 (a few hundred feet down the hill from the BB&T building, right below Ananda Hair Studio, right above the Over Easy Cafe, right across from Finkelstein's Pawn Shop). Or if you have GPS, just set it and be there!

This is going to be a very good night people. I am talking about the finest Blues Artists in the region coming together to support the Suzanne Prince Foundation, which is a non-profit organization focusing on curing unique cancers.

Downstairs will be packed with shows, appearances, and live fun. Get your life on and come out and support this! Upstairs... there will be Silent Auction, Complimentary Buffet, and Complimentary Chair Massages... WOW! Tressa is trying to outdo herself yet AGAIN.

Tressa... thank you for everything you do in Asheville. The networking, giving so many bands so many opportunities, opening the community up to such a cool balanced world whether they are 21 or 70 years old... everyone is so chill! Shout out to Travis and Skull too! Even recently when I was talking to DJ Carlos Carmona (The Salsa DJ of Asheville), he mentioned that Tressa's was the first place to feature Salsa in the WNC area. Very Nice! You can visit Tressa's at http://www.tressas.com/, but you really need to come dance & shout the house down and fight cancer with us Tomorrow Night! $10 is the Suggested Donation, but freely give as you will and wish.

*Tressa's always supports safety and will assist you in calling a taxi cab, calling a friend, and finding a safe ride home. Please Do Not Drink & Drive! Thank You.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Costco Coming To Asheville? Sam and Bob Beware!


Costco has always been the preferred place for me to shop when it is accessible. Greenville South Carolina Costco is nice if I have to be out that direction for one reason or another, but when they come to Asheville... I am there! Check out this cool video I took of Costco in Greenville. Costco.com

Asheville News Friend Feed Twitter Badge

Green Tea Sushi in Asheville NC - Japanese Food!

Sushi Bar Chefs at Green Tea Sushi off of Patton Avenue in Asheville NC.

I love to watch these guys at work. The place was packed and they were on the move laying out food that made me want to pull my camera out and start taking pics... and I did!

Love the food at Savoy Restaurant in Asheville!

The Kitchen at Savoy. It was all I could do to keep from grabbing those plates ready for pick up!

The dining area at Savoy. Owner, Eric Scheffer, sits with guests on a table to the right.
View of Savoy Restaurant from Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville.

Greenlife Grocery in Asheville North Carolina

Greenlife has such a great selection of healthy, great looking prepared foods!
The Greenlife Grocery sign off of Merrimon Avenue, across from Staples.

Asheville Walgreens on Merrimon Avenue - North Side



Walgreens came to Asheville, planted stores in several directions, and continues to be one of our favorite stores to browse around. They have a little bit of everything!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Lark Labs, Books - Plush Social with John Murphy - Stupid Sock Creatures

Hi, everyone.
On Saturday, March 14th, from 1-3, Lark Labs is hosting a Plush Social with John Murphy, author of Stupid Sock Creatures.

* Learn how to sew a one-sock monster. (BYO sock!)
* Watch John race the clock to make a creature from scratch in 20 minutes.
* Bring in the creatures you’ve made for a special Show ‘N Tell.
* Meet John and his cast of creatures!
* Book signing and Q&A to follow the demos.

On Facebook? Invite your friends to this FREE, kid-friendly event:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=71070487036

Hope to see you there!

Kathleen McCafferty
Editorial Assistant

Lark Books
67 Broadway
Asheville, NC 28801

Email kathleen@larkbooks.com
Web www.larkbooks.com

Frock - Asheville Women's Store


Frock, the women's store of Asheville North Carolina is located right across from The Flying Frog Cafe on Battery Park Avenue, right below where the Flat Iron was, is, whatever, lol. Ladies... you need to stop by and check out the selection and vibe, nice. Actually met them first online... on Facebook to be exact. BeFrocked.com Took this info from the "About Us" page on Betsy's website...

The story of
f r o c k
by Betsy Bradfield

In my eighth grade year, David Millard Junior High stood proudly atop a hill on Woodfin Street where Beverly Hanks Office Park currently sits on the now level site. Every school day, as the afternoon bell rang out its freedom to us students, my friends and I walked the few blocks up to Woolworth’s, went straight to our big red booth and ordered Cokes and french fries. This had less to do with a great thirst or hunger than it did with the point of being seen downtown. My eyes, in particular, were searching for a particular yellow MG Midget with big white dots painted on it…my crush of the year behind the wheel.

Memories of these times fuel my love for this town which I am fortunate enough to have called home since my birth. There are five generations of women in my family from my 96-year-old grandmother down to my two beautiful granddaughters…and we all still live here in Asheville!

I’ve had two businesses since my three children- Jenny, Stephen, and Laura- were school age. My first business was custom sewing and design for homes, and the second and more recent was jewelry design. My daughters and I have discussed the idea of a boutique a few times over the past few years, and I’m glad to have Jenny as my partner in this adventure. Our different ages and ideas blend perfectly to bring a little something for all who appreciate style and individuality.

I chose “frock” as the name because my grandaddy, Clovis, used to notice if I wore something other than worn out jeans and workboots (”brogans” to him). He’d say, “That’s a mighty pretty frock you’re wearin’ today.” His tendency to rarely speak--between chopping wood, playing checkers, cracking black walnuts, or smoking a pipe-- made those words all the sweeter. They made me feel like a girl…instead of the tomboy I was.

It’s funny how a life of random memories and events can lead to me putting everything I have into a new venture like this store, but it’s not just the past that led up to it. The future feels brighter and full of possibilities…meeting new people, learning new things (like Quickbooks!), and speaking a whole new vernacular…(at my first trade show, the vendors were saying things like 3-15, 4-15, etc. and it was the end of the day before I realized I’d just been saying, “yea, sure” to shipping dates). Before the store even opened, I had a room full of clothes, handbags, hangers, and mannekins at my house.

Another thing that means a lot to me is that my store is located in the historic Miles Building, which has fared a better fate than David Millard Junior High School. The new owners of my building have put their energy into seeing the original vision of the Miles family, which was to keep it a space for small retail businesses instead of more downtown condominiums. I’m proud to be part of that kind of preservation of Asheville’s heritage.

There’s a lot at frock…not just clothes, jewelry, belts, scarves and handbags, but all my hopes and wishes for everyone to feel good. Plus, I even get to look at Woolworth’s from the front window all day!

Enjoy!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Asheville's Bike of The Irish on Saturday 3/14/09 at 2pm


Asheville on Bikes
Saturday, March 14, 2009 Time: 2:00pm - 6:30pm at Carrier Park on Amboy Rd. Asheville, NC
Email: ashevilleonbikes@gmail.com

Pedal your bicycle along Asheville’s sprouting greenways systems. Along the way, fill your cup, frolic with friends and celebrate the liberty of cycle power. Gather at Carrier Park’s parking lot closest to the Velodrome at 2pmFrom there, we’ll pedal the greenway and circuitously roll about town. The ride culminates at the Wedge’s tasting room around 6:30. After the ride enjoy corn beef hash, good company and tales aplenty.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Asheville - WNC magazine’s Home & Garden Issue out now!


WNC magazine proudly celebrates its 2nd anniversary and Home & Garden issue, on newsstands now.

Explore new trends in environmentally-friendly living and home design in “Green Revival” while learning how households are living large in smaller spaces in “Less Means More”. This month’s bonus eco-friendly home section is chock-full of ideas and resources everyone can use whether you live in a downtown loft, or cozy cabin in the woods.

In “Four Lanes to the Future”, writer Jess Clark dissects the concerns over the widening of US-19 from Interstate 26 to Boone. Learn more about how Madison, Yancey, and Mitchell counties are dealing with growth and its consequences.

Also in our March/April issue, travel to downtown Tryon where small-town allure melds perfectly with cosmopolitan convenience. The Dining Review heads to Spindale to sample creations of Chef Robin Healey at Restaurant M2 (M Squared), and join a Waynesville family for their Sunday supper of native Romanian dishes.

For information on this, or any past issues of WNC magazine, call 828-210-5030 or email info@wncmagazine.com

- WNC magazine
WNCmagazine.com

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Asheville Custom Home Builders, Local Investor, and Asheville Framing


Asheville home builders discuss this project in Weaverville North Carolina (about 15 minutes North of Downtown Asheville), the current market, and some future ideas. Home is for sale at about $270k. You can email purchase inquiries to Serendipity58@charter.net. No listing inquiries please. Thank you.

Weaverville's Melissa Chambers passes the Crown to Miss North Carolina 2009

Ask Asheville has had the pleasure to network (and work) in these past few months with Melissa Chambers, Miss North Carolina 2008. Here Melissa is crowning Julie Tesh, the new Miss North Carolina 2009 just a few days ago.

Asheville - Friends of Shayla's Music Festival - Support Children with Cancer

Friends of Shayla's Music Festival - Because Children with Cancer and their Families need our support!

Host: Jubilee World Beat Band
Sunday, March 15, 2009 from 3:00pm - 10:00pm - JUBILEE! at 46 Wall St. Asheville North Carolina. Phone: is 8282751130 and Email: is shaylafriends@gmail.com or danthelion@hotmail.com


Listed last to earlier in the afternoon... Menage 9:15 - 10:00 pm, Skinny Legs and All 8:15 - 9:00, Kat Williams with Jubilee's WWB 7:00 - 8:00, Current Invention 6:00 - 6:45, Richard Shulman's Trio 5:00 - 5:45, Shod My Feet 4:00 - 4:45, Atomic Sauce 3:00- 3:45pm

CAFE STAGE: Food and Beverages and Music!

Miriam Allen 6:30 - 7:00, Denise Ostler 5:55 - 6:25, Delia Lytle & Friends 5:20 - 5:50, Steve Becker Neoh & Delia 4:40 - 5:15, JENN WO! 4:00 - 4:35pm


Shayla is a vibrant 4 year old child who has united her community by just being her special young soul with inherent strenght, loving gifts and talents for vibrancy of LIFE! She was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer in October of 2008. She is battling with challenging gusto and responding to treatment in spite of bumps in the road complications which she continues to overcome! She is an Inspiration to us ALL! She is doing her job, we are supporting her, family AND OTHERS like her by contributing with this event. Proceeds will help her family and programs which assist her. Suggested (minimum) donation of $15 dollars per adult. Children under 12 free. Scholarships available on a need basis.

The Golden Age - Mambo Nights at The Asheville Ballroom

Salseros828 & LatinFactor
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 8:30pm till Midnight at the ASHEVILLE BALLROOM
991 Sweeten Creek Rd Asheville, NC - Phone: 8283356849 Email: latinfactor@hotmail.com


Take a trip back in time to understand the rhythms and roots of Modern Salsa.
This is the first event of its kind in the Mountains.
This very special monthly event has been created to invite and inspire new and seasoned dancers in the mountains under the latin musical influence of Mambo and Salsa, with an enhanced understanding of the rhythms of origin, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son, Rumba, Pachanga, Boogaloo, and more.... Expect something new every night! SALSEROS828.COM along with Salsa DJ Carlos Carmona are Looking Forward to creating an even more Energetic and Talented Dance Community in Asheville. Come join the experience! SALSEROS828 Instructors: Maria "Guajira" Voisin, Hector Gutierrez, and Deyanira Chavez. Also see the YouTube page of DJ Latin Factor by clicking HERE!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Blue Ridge Rollergirls Host Season Kickoff Party and Art Auction



Mark your calendars! The Blue Ridge Rollergirls are hosting a season kickoff party and art auction on Saturday, March 21st at Stella Blue in Asheville North Carolina. Festivities will commence at 9 pm and will feature a performance by 'Bombs Away Cabaret' and music by DJs Crick Nice and Adam Strange from GFE. There will be a silent auction of art donated by local artists and all proceeds will go to the production of the Blue Ridge Rollergirls' 2009 season.
The rollergirls' season begins April 4th at the Asheville Civic Center. Doors open at 6 pm and the bout begins at 7. All kids 12 and under get in free.
Founded in June of 2006, the Blue Ridge Rollergirls make up Asheville , NC 's first all-female, flat-track roller derby league. The league’s mission is to actively create, promote, and sustain an environment that fosters strength, courage, vitality, and the empowerment of women in the roller derby sport. The Blue Ridge Rollergirls are a not-for-profit organization and foster community outreach through our support of local charities. In addition to supporting local causes with our time, we also donate 10% of ticket profits from each of our home bouts to a local charity. We love to give 'til it hurts! The Blue Ridge Rollergirls runs itself by the association’s motto, “for the skaters, by the skaters.”

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Asheville Eyeglasses by L' Optique on Wall Street


This has been our primary Asheville eyeglasses and sunglasses stop for years, and we plan on it staying that way. Janice, the Owner, has always been so personable, helpful and accomodating when it comes to choosing the right set of glasses. Thank you. You will also see Latoya in the video assisting a client that stopped by for a new set of LaFont eyeglasses. Dr. Bruce Pope is available as needed also. So many great brands of frames are available here. Watch the video and then stop by and see for yourself. LOptique.com

Open House / Building Answers, Wed 3/4/09, North of Asheville, Asheville Custom Home Builders, LLC


Maybe you have some questions about designing your own home from scratch, building green, building a very large home, or about the home building process. One of the local Asheville home builders that we have had the great opportunity to network with is having an open house, meeting and discussion at 33 Ballard Road in Weaverville North Carolina this coming Wednesday. The home (shown in the photo above) is a smaller home, with the daylight basement constructed as finished living area, giving this home a total of about 1900 cozy square feet. Asheville Custom Home Builders actually worked with the Investors, built exactly what they requested, and allowed them to complete certain phases of the project where they desired to add their personal touch.

The Town of Weaverville North Carolina and the surrounding neighborhood is beautiful with quick access to Asheville. This particular house is less than 15 minutes to downtown Asheville (about 1 minute to downtown Weaverville, 2 minutes to Weaverville shopping and about 3 minutes from the new North Wal-Mart Supercenter location coming real soon). Prime location people! There are 3 other lots available in this cul-de-sac that are ready to be built on. Asheville Custom Home Builders, LLC also has several other lots about 7 minutes North of these off of the Flat Creek exit in Weaverville. They also network with some great local Realtors in Asheville and the surrounding areas.

If you are interested in coming to this "Open House" to see the home shown or to just ask some home building and real estate questions, it is on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 33 Ballard Road in Weaverville NC from 5pm - 7pm. And please... do not worry about 5 salespeople ready to jump you either, as this company does not work that way. They believe in the actual General Contractor meeting with you face to face, answering questions, establishing a relationship, and moving forward if it is the proper fit. Nice! AshevilleCustomHomeBuilders.com

*Realtors may visit with notice, but not to solicit for properties or home listings please. Thank you. Investors may also visit to speak to Asheville Custom Home Builders, LLC about future development plans, etc.

Asheville Framing Asks Asheville Commercial Contractor for Resolution ASAP

Asheville Framing and Building has had a lot of problems with getting paid lately and has just requested a serious remedy and resolution. Please continue to keep AFB in mind as what they had planned on being their best year yet has turned into a nightmare (of many nights). AFB has always strongly supported the Asheville community and Worldwide Internet community. They have a company out of San Diego who was prepping their next market approach and some connections in NYC that are planning on assisting them in several other areas. But home base in Asheville is beating them up. They assisted ABandRE.com in getting started, so many of your local companies and people have benefited from their backround work and the many seeds they have planted. Not to mention all of their local supporters and friends... that are well needed in this time of crisis. Thank you to everyone who has responded, contributed information, and stand ready to help. Visit them at AshevilleFraming.com

 
AskAsheville.com | AskAsheville Youtube | Follow AskAsheville on Twitter |