A deep love for the music of the late American artist John Prine is something Mandrel And Gill Knott shared in common when they first met in 2017. The husband and wife duo, known as Knotty G’s, will perform their second annual tribute to Prine on his birthday, Tuesday, October 10 at 7 p.m., at the Gray Eagle.
Celebrating John Prine with The Knotty G’s, an all-ages, partially seated show, will also feature local heavy hitters. Felix Pastorius, Lyndsay Pruett, Jackson Dulaney, Daniel Combs, Jeff Sipe and other special guests.
Prine’s music became a staple of the Knotty G’s repertoire, and during the pandemic, they hosted a social media livestream called “Gospel Sundays,” which also included many of his songs. After his death, Chuck said, they wanted to throw a party honoring Prine’s writing in Asheville with some of their favorite musicians. “Gill pitched the idea to The Gray Eagle. …We couldn’t imagine a better venue in Asheville to play such revered songs, because it’s the perfect balance of a listening room that can transform into a nanny in no time.
“We have some sparse, emotional arrangements in the works and some reworkings of some songs that we think will tickle a lot of people’s imaginations,” says Gill. “We’ve also really beefed up our special guest roster this year to showcase some totally different tones. We’ve got some bluesy, soaring lead musicians coming in, and we even have a horn section joining in for some really funky arrangements of some of our favorite upbeat John’s songs.
Chuck adds that they are excited about the house band, including the new addition of drummer Jeff Sipe. “Talking about music with him is simply the most invigorating thing.”
American highway gospel musician KM Fuller of the group Gold Rose will open the evening on the patio of the room with songs by Prine as well as originals.
The Gray Eagle is located at 185 Clingman Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/d19.
A play about marriage
A new play by a local playwright David Brendan hopes and director Steven Samuels, Ben and Angelawill debut at BeBe Theater on Thursday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Sublime Theater’s production stars two Asheville actors who are also a real-life couple, Scott Fisher And Kirby Gibson.
“No matter how long people have been practicing it, marriage remains a mystery,” Hopes says. “In Ben and Angelaa young couple follows the winding, sometimes hilarious road from first infatuation to the difficulties and perils of long-term life together.
“Plays about true love tend to be… gross,” Samuels says. “Ben and Angela is anything but. …There is darkness, yes, but it rises toward the light.
The show runs Thursday to Saturday, October 5 to 21, at 7:30 p.m.
BeBe Theater is located at 20 Commerce St. For more information, visit avl.mx/d1b.
Read about religions
The Reverend. Vicki Michela Garlockaward-winning local author and founder of the educational organization World Religions for Kids, has written a new children’s book.
ABC of world religions, which focuses primarily on Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – with the Bahá’í Faith and indigenous/polytheistic traditions included – is aimed at school-age readers but is informative for all ages, says Garlock. “Religion and culture are inextricably linked,” she said in a statement. “To be an informed global citizen and a compassionate neighbor, one must truly know the world’s religious traditions. »
Garlock was the curriculum specialist and ordained Minister of Education for Jubilee! Community Church, where she developed a multifaith program for children.
Dogs and heritage
Plott-Toberfest 2023, a fundraiser benefiting the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society and the Canton Historical Museum, will take place Thursday, October 5 through Sunday, October 8 at Sorrells Street Park in Canton. This inaugural event will celebrate North Carolina’s state dog, the Plott Dog, as well as Haywood County’s German heritage.
The celebration will begin with an opening ceremony Thursday at 3:15 p.m. with speakers including Zeb Smathersmayor of Canton, and Bob Plot — a descendant of Henri Plottwho brought the dogs to the area when he and his wife settled along the Pigeon River in the early 1800s.
Live performances Friday and Saturday will include the Steubenville Tootlers, J. Creek Cloggers, JackTown Ramblers and An Evening of Bluegrass featuring Darren Nicholson, Marc Pruett, Reed Jones And Audie Blaylock. Food trucks, live craft demonstrations, a children’s area and free shuttles to the Haywood County History Museum in Clyde will be available at various times both days.
Saturday’s highlight is Plott Fest, a dog show that includes a coon treeing event and a panel discussion with Plott.
The festival will conclude at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Morning Star United Methodist Church with a shaped-note singing demonstration. June Smathers Jolley & Friends will sing Christian Harmony Songbookpublished 1873. Jolley is a member of the board of directors of a genealogical society.
A night to write
Tracey Morgan Gallery will host its second Write Night on Friday, October 6 at 7 p.m. The event, created by the writer Elaine Bleakneyinvites up to 50 participants to choose a work from the gallery and spend 30 quiet minutes writing it.
“Visual art is often a strong source of inspiration for me,” says Bleakney. “There are experiences of wonder when looking at another person’s visual work. I wanted to create a place for this in a gallery, formalize it somewhat as an alternative to a reception, and give introverts a chance to engage in ekphrasis together.
Bleakney says she contacted Tracey Morgan because it features so many local artists. “The embroidered textiles she has at the moment Orly Cogan are wild, layered, hot, strange – perfect for storytelling. And for more lyrical souls, Cole CaswellTintypes provide great opportunities for interaction in the back room. I can’t wait for anyone with a notebook and pen to write with us on October 6th.
The Tracey Morgan Gallery is located at 188 Coxe Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/d1g.
Community fundraiser for carjacking victim
A benefit show and silent auction for Therese Ramsaypostman carjacked September 5 in Mars Hill, will take place Thursday, October 5, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Mars Theater Brewing Co.
The event will feature live music from 3 Little Birds, The Cinners, Generous Electric, Dirty Dawg and White Oak Splits, as well as items donated locally and available for purchase.
Ramsay, who was shot while delivering mail, is currently recovering from his serious injuries. All proceeds will go to help her and her family.
Jamie McHone, organizer of the benefit and Ramsay’s best friend, says Ramsay is grateful for his support. “She continues to be inspired by the outpouring of love from her community,” McHone said.
Mars Theater Brewing Co. is located at 70 N. Main St., Mars Hill. For more information, visit avl.mx/d1a.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium FAQ
A new FAQ page covering renovations to the historic Thomas Wolfe Auditorium was launched on the ArtsAVL website last month.
Questions were collected from the community during ArtsAVL’s first public meeting, held on August 21. The page will be updated as plans for the auditorium progress, and questions and comments are always accepted.
Maintenance needs have forced the venue to temporarily reduce its operating capacity, leading to lost revenue and questions about future performances.
The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center is located at 87 Haywood St. Visit the FAQ page at avl.mx/d1h.