Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, star and creator David Epley keeps crowds rolling with laughter through each of his highly interactive, educational and entertaining experiments. While this mad inventor certainly has a few tricks up his sleeve, his hilarious show uses no magic or illusions — just 100% pure science.

Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her upbringing in the Bronx, from alcoholism and drug addiction to prostitution — a journey from utter darkness to joy told with humor and unflinching honesty.

Connect with the artist in post-show discussions.

The Olivette Farm 5K & Fun Run, hosted by Asheville Cryotherapy and Recovery, will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM. This unique race offers an early spring challenge for both competitive and novice runners with an on-and-off-road course through the beautiful Olivette Community and Farm. After the race, attendees can enjoy an after-party featuring local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. All proceeds will support the sustainable farming mission of Olivette Farm.

Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her upbringing in the Bronx, from alcoholism and drug addiction to prostitution — a journey from utter darkness to joy told with humor and unflinching honesty.

Connect with the artist in post-show discussions.

Pan Harmonia, Asheville’s award winning chamber music company, presents their biennial Baroque concert featuring G.P. Telemann’s Suite in A Minor for flute and strings and C.P.E. Bach’s Flute Concerto in D Minor. This program highlights a major turning point in the history of music – from baroque to classical – and is a study in contrasts and similarities.
Telemann was a contemporary of J.S. Bach and, in fact, the Godfather of C.P.E. While Telemann’s suite is exemplary of the baroque style, C.P.E. concerto is a forerunner of the classical style. C.P.E. came from one of the most illustrious musical families in history (imagine having J.S. Bach as your father, and primary teacher!). Telemann was largely self-taught and his family disagreed with his pursuit of music. Both composers were highly regarded professional musicians of their time, though their reputation diminished in the 19th century. A renewed interest in their work, however, has revived an appreciation for their significant place in music history and contemporary performance.
This baroque ensemble is comprised of string quintet, harpsichord, and – a rare appearance – harp.

Kate Steinbeck flute · Mariya Potapova and Jonathan Urizar violins · Claire Gerhardt viola · Katherine Ruhlen cello · Matthew Waid bass · Jessica Schaeffer harp and Barbara Weiss harpsichord

The Basement Famous Tour – An evening of standup with TJ

March 13, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.

Wortham Presents The Comedy Zone – Collin Moulton

The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.

Headliner Collin Moulton
Collin Moulton is one of the most fun, personable, and sought-after Headliners today. His new family friendly album “COLLIN CLEANS UP WELL” garnered him COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH on LAUGH USA SIRIUS XM 98 the month of MAY 2018 and ALBUM OF THE MONTH on RAW DOG in MAY 2018 as well.

He had his own stand-up special on SHOWTIME IN 2012, His new CLEAN COMEDY Dry Bar Comedy special ANTI ANIMAL VEGAN (2017) has over 40 million views, he’s been on NICKELODEON, and was featured on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY. Touring for over 15 years Collin has gained an ease and enjoyment on stage that makes every show worth watching.

America knows and loves him. His familiarity and energy engages and relieves the audience before he even speaks and is always receiving a large volume of requests for specific material from his Rolodex of jokes!

His electric storytelling style makes you care about every topic he explores. Collin’s comedy is the release needed from our everyday lives. Come needing to laugh tonight, leave wanting to laugh forever!

You Are Here: Understanding Maps with Anton DuMars

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 15  |  1 – 3:30 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit

With GPS built into our phones and cars, we are increasingly in danger of losing our ways of navigating. Expand your understanding of topographic and geologic maps with this course taught by Geologist Anton DuMars. An in-class portion will focus on an investigation of map symbols, scales, dates, color-coding, water features, and other attributes that are used to interpret data on topographic and geologic maps into. Then the class will move outside for a skills session to interpret real-world features within a map, stepping off on some exploration at the Arboretum. If you have one, please bring a handheld compass with you to the class but we will have some for students to borrow if needed.

This program takes place both indoors and out. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil and folk artist Samara Jade honor the feast day of St. Patrick with an evening of Celtic music, story, lore and handcraft. In addition to the concert, guests can enjoy beverages, good company and a buffet — and try their hands at weaving St. Brigid’s cross for protection and well-being in the year to come. Tickets to the event are $30 for the concert and buffet or $15 for the concert.

Wortham Presents The Comedy Zone – Collin Moulton

The nation’s largest comedy club network is back! After a popular run in Tina McGuire Theatre the past two seasons, this hilarious collective returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of laughter. Some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today — seen in specials on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy, Netflix, Hulu and more — deliver witty one-liners, preposterous punchlines, and hysterical anecdotes that you’ll never forget. Contains adult content.

Headliner Collin Moulton
Collin Moulton is one of the most fun, personable, and sought-after Headliners today. His new family friendly album “COLLIN CLEANS UP WELL” garnered him COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH on LAUGH USA SIRIUS XM 98 the month of MAY 2018 and ALBUM OF THE MONTH on RAW DOG in MAY 2018 as well.

He had his own stand-up special on SHOWTIME IN 2012, His new CLEAN COMEDY Dry Bar Comedy special ANTI ANIMAL VEGAN (2017) has over 40 million views, he’s been on NICKELODEON, and was featured on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY. Touring for over 15 years Collin has gained an ease and enjoyment on stage that makes every show worth watching.

America knows and loves him. His familiarity and energy engages and relieves the audience before he even speaks and is always receiving a large volume of requests for specific material from his Rolodex of jokes!

His electric storytelling style makes you care about every topic he explores. Collin’s comedy is the release needed from our everyday lives. Come needing to laugh tonight, leave wanting to laugh forever!

Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil is an ordained interfaith/inter-spiritual minister, trained to be a sacred presence outside the conventions of traditional religion. As a sacred musician, spiritual mentor, and worship leader, he incorporates chant, ritual, poetry, storytelling, and mindful practice to create a space for profound connection and sacred witness. Simon provides music for worship, ceremony, and prayer in a wide variety of churches and non-religious spiritual communities. He particularly loves to create music for meditation, healing services, and rites of passage.

Simon is also an experienced workshop and retreat leader, drawing on 15 years of study, training, and practice that grew from his time living and working in Iona Abbey. Although influenced by many traditions, Simon’s spiritual path and teaching are deeply rooted in Celtic Christianity, the wisdom of the earth, and the Scottish land where he’s spent most of his life. simondevoil.com

Join Simon for his spring residency at Kanuga for this special retreat. With Kanuga’s beautiful forested landscape as our sanctuary, each day will include a blend of wisdom teachings in the Celtic tradition, contemplative practices including song, chanting, and silence, and personal time for reflection.

Other retreat highlights include:
*Daily Birdsong Vespers, an inclusive outdoor worship that welcomes the evening with song and prayer, online and in person
*Tools and practices to support finding our place in the web of creation
*Spring Equinox Concert in celebration of spring equinox: Thursday, March 20, 7:15 p.m.

As evening falls and birdsong gives way to starlight and the frog chorus, welcome the return of spring with music to soothe the soul and nourish the spirit. Rain location: Chapel of The Transfiguration.

TICKETS & LODGING INFORMATION

Rev. Simon Ruth deVoil at Kanuga

Birdsong Vespers offers an inclusive, informal and earth-based evening service with Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil. Guests are invited to sing, share poetry and prayer and experience the gifts of birdsong and the sounds of nature as spring returns to the mountains. Experience this free event in person or online. Learn more at kanuga.org/celtic.

The Spring Equinox Concert, held on Kanuga’s labyrinth, ushers in the season of renewal with music to soothe the soul and nourish the spirit. As dusk falls to starlight and birdsong gives way to the frog chorus, Kanuga’s musician-in-residence Rev. Simon Ruth de Voil invites guests to honor the balance and energy of spring while immersed in nature under the open sky. The buffet-style dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the concert follows at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the concert and buffet or $10 for the concert only.

Introduction to Appalachian Ecology with Dan Lazar

ON-SITE  |  Wednesday, March 26  |  1 – 4 pm

From the flood plain of the French Broad River to the summit of Mount Mitchel, we will explore the diverse ecological communities that make up the Blue Ridge Bioregion. We will learn why spruce trees are found only on the summits of our highest mountains: why the Southern Appalachians are the lungless salamander capital of the world; and how deer and ants determine where trilliums grow. Part illustrated lecture and part on-site field trip, this class serves as an introduction to all Special Topics in Ecology classes offered through the Blue Ridge Naturalist Program.

This program takes place in the classroom and outdoors. Please come prepared to walk on gentle, yet uneven terrain, and dress appropriately for the weather.

The Golden Girls are back in an all new show! 2024 finds Sophia out on bail, after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring at Shady Pines. Blanche and Rose created CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her much younger, sex-crazed love interest who turns out to be the district attorney prosecuting Sophia. What could possibly go wrong! Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends! This new comedy is for fans 18 and older…. because they’re not the same girls from the 80’s. Produced by Murray & Peter. Get tour info at GoldenGirlsTour.com

Thursday March 27, 7:00p-9:00p, doors at 6:30p

The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge
103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $17 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
These shows sellout!
Hosted by Hilliary Begley from Netflix & Amazon Prime!
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Free snacks while availability lasts! You may bring your own food in (no drinks)!
How it Works:
Comics who are on the show will do 3-5m of comedy depending on how many sign up to participate. The show’s top comics will be selected by the paid audience in an anonymous ballet after all comics perform their sets.
Audience will select their favorite top comics of the evening who will be brought back to compete in our next round, date TBA. There are 3 competition rounds and a finale 5 comic Pageant who will vie for the crown, Asheville top-comic title & cash prize.

Join Reiki Master Teacher and Yoga Nidra Facilitator, Kate Wargo of Woven Light in a soothing Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) practice guiding you into the “in-between”; that space between being awake and asleep. Within this space, a dream will be induced taking you into a state of consciousness that can bring about immense healing in your conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind.

The cave will transform into a “Nidra Nest” with comfy reclining loungers, blankets, and bolsters to fully support you, whether sitting or lying down, for the entire experience.

During this experience, Kate will also offer Reiki to those who desire it. Reiki feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. This divine energy treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and well-being.
Release stuck emotions, rest, and rejuvenate!

Hurricane Helene Recovery Panel & Discussion with MountainTrue

Thursday, April 3  |  5 – 8pm

Join MountainTrue and a panel of experts to discuss recovery in our area after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Panelists will address the impacts of natural disasters, what recovery means for our region, and how the community can support these efforts.

This event is free of charge, but if you feel moved to make a donation to support critical work in our area, we invite you to do so when you register. The North Carolina Arboretum is generously donating use of the Education Auditorium for this event. All donations associated with the registration of this event will be split 50/50 with the NC Arboretum.

The event will kick-off with social time from 5:30 to 6 pm with snacks and beverages provided for attendees. The panel will run from 6 to 7:30 pm.

Co-Existing with Black Bears with Tanya Poole

Wednesday, April 9  |  5 – 6 pm

It’s spring and you know what that means. Warmer temperatures, beautiful flowers and trees blooming, people venturing out to enjoy it all. And it turns out black bears are coming out in large numbers to enjoy the same things that humans enjoy. Learn about the conditions that contribute to the black bear population continuing to thrive in Western North Carolina in proximity to so many people. Tanya Poole, Conservation Initiatives Engagement Coordinator with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, discusses BearWise strategies recommended by wildlife experts that will help people better coexist with these amazing animals.

Bored Teachers are BACK with all new material on their “The Struggle is Real!” Comedy Tour. For years, Bored Teachers Studios has brought a sense of humor to teachers around the world to ease their daily struggle in the classroom. They’ve amassed over a billion views on their viral videos on social media, over 10 million followers, and the #1 ranked teacher-comedy podcast—#6 of all Stand Up Comedy shows on Apple Podcasts.

Since 2022, Bored Teachers has been selling out comedy clubs and major theatres across 49 states, bringing laughter to over 150,000 teachers throughout the school year and has become the main event to attend in all of teacher world. Even non-teacher fans have reviewed it as one of the funniest stand up shows they’ve ever seen! The Bored Teachers Show is a comedy powerhouse that anyone who’s ever been in a classroom can relate to.

Please note that PG-13 language is used during some sets.

From passionate tango to jubilant klezmer melodies, virtuosic showpieces to blazing Romani tunes, this unique and delightful classical quartet spans the globe through its repertoire, serving musical mastery and artistic passion with a side of sizzling energy and a dash of endearing humor. Each of the ensemble’s performances are a celebration of musical diversity — simultaneously showcasing classical elegance, folk tradition and contemporary flair.

Wortham Presents Karen Morgan — NEW DATE

Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” Mark Normand has quickly become one of the most talked about touring comedians on the scene.  Normand’s 2023 one-hour Netflix special, SOUP TO NUTS, was a staple in the streamers’ Top Ten for several weeks.  This follows Normand’s self-released special, 2020’s OUT TO LUNCH which amassed over 12 million views on YouTube.  He also starred on Netflix’s Season 3 of THE STAND UPS.

Normand’s popularity has also translated to tours internationally to such countries as Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Spain, Norway and Portugal.
An extremely prolific stand-up, the New Orleans born comedian previously had two Comedy Central specials and has made an unparalleled seven appearances on “Conan,” four appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” and has also appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Mark is a frequent guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” and hosts his own podcasts “Tuesdays with Stories” and “We Might Be Drunk.”

The purpose of the Hendo Earth Fest is to promote community education for all ages on environmental and sustainable practices, inspire action, and renew and expand commitments to protect our planet. Local and regional environmental allies focus on participation/hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to educate, renew and expand action to protect our Western North Carolina environment and natural resources. In our first inaugural 2023 festival, we saw approximately 2,000+ participants!

Calling all young storytellers ages 8-13!
Gallery Tales is a 6-week program where kids explore various art pieces in the gallery to spark their imaginations and create incredible stories. Each week, participants will engage in interactive writing lessons, write unique tales, and gain the skills and confidence to become published authors. At the end of the program, every young writer will leave with their very own professionally published book and the opportunity to share their work and accomplishments with an audience of family and friends at a special Kids Open Mic Showcase!

Pricing Tiers:
Standard Tier: $397 (Includes all program materials, publishing, and showcase support)
Supporter Tier: $500 (Covers program materials, publishing, showcase support, and helps provide scholarships for other young writers)
Scholarship Option: Available to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.

Limited spots are available for this unique program that celebrates art, and creativity, and inspires young writers to shine. Sign up today!

About the Gallery Tales Instructor:
Kate Wargo is a passionate educator with a decade of experience teaching in elementary classrooms. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, she brings her expertise in child development and creative learning to every program she designs. Kate is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, blending art, writing, and community to create meaningful and transformative experiences. As an advocate for bringing the soul and love back into writing and supporting children’s mental health and well-being, she strives to create safe and inspiring spaces where they can discover their voices and shine as confident, creative storytellers.