Calendar of Events

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 Jane Monheit

Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 8 p.m.

Drawn to Nature with Matt Reyna

ON-SITE  |  Sunday, March 16  |  10am – 12:30pm

Join us for a Sunday morning reserved for creative self-care. Using basic mark-makers (pencils, graphite, etc) we’ll explore the instinctual, yet undervalued act of drawing–through the lens of nature. Choose your own focus – capture grand mountain views from our classroom, work on a collective nature still life, or hone in on the small details of nature on your own. Weather depending, students may choose to sketch outside.

Basic art materials, hot tea, and a welcoming atmosphere will be provided. All skill levels welcome! Feel free to bring your own materials, but kindly keep wet media (paints, etc) at home.

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

CMI Entertainment Presents Celtic Angels Ireland – A History of Ireland

Late winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer gardens, and what better way to begin than with our Basics of Vegetable Gardening class! Join us to learn the essentials of starting your own vegetable garden, including information about plants that do best in our area.

In this class, experienced teacher and former director John Murphy will guide you through the fundamentals of vegetable gardening. You’ll discover the best practices for soil preparation, seed selection, planting, and maintaining a thriving garden. This class will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to grow your own fresh and healthy vegetables.

Get ready to dig in and start your journey to a bountiful summer harvest.

If you’re looking to grow your network and boost your business, join us on Tuesday, March 18, from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Holiday Inn Biltmore West for Mega Networking, a fast-paced, structured event designed to maximize your connections in just one morning.

Held only twice a year, Mega Networking’s round-robin format allows you to meet professionals from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your business, and leave with valuable leads – all in a friendly, low-pressure setting.

Registration is required. $50 for Chamber members, $85 for non-members. Space is limited to one attendee per organization and five per business category!

Spring can be a time where life starts to suddenly speed up as the winter chill melts away.  Take some time for a guided mindful walk through the garden with short therapeutic horticulture activities incorporated throughout the walk.  This class is great for anyone needing to take time to slow down, anyone curious about what therapeutic horticulture actually is, or anyone wishing to get to know Bullington Gardens better.

Two different dates to choose from!

Tuesday, March 18th, 9:00-11:00 or Wednesday, March 19th, 9:00-11:00. $20/$15 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.

Scouting the First Signs of Spring with Lauren Lampley

ON-SITE  |  Tuesday, March 18  |  2 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Elective Credit

Spring is an exciting time of the year and even more so this year after the destruction following Tropical Storm Helene last year. Join Lauren on an exploration to find the first signs of spring! During this class we will also discuss the study of phenology and it is important to record the timing of spring’s events especially for climate scientists.

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

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.

2024—Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician Gregory Alan Isakov will embark on a special headline tour next year, featuring Isakov and his band performing with full symphony orchestras in each city. Newly confirmed stops include Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Chicago’s The Auditorium, Asheville’s Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Charleston’s Gaillard Center, Atlanta’s Atlanta Symphony Hall (two nights), and Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall among others.

Spring can be a time where life starts to suddenly speed up as the winter chill melts away.  Take some time for a guided mindful walk through the garden with short therapeutic horticulture activities incorporated throughout the walk.  This class is great for anyone needing to take time to slow down, anyone curious about what therapeutic horticulture actually is, or anyone wishing to get to know Bullington Gardens better.

Two different dates to choose from!

Tuesday, March 18th, 9:00-11:00 or Wednesday, March 19th, 9:00-11:00. $20/$15 for Friends of Bullington Gardens.

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.

Leading a Nature Hike 101 with Lauren Lampley

ON-SITE  |  Friday, March 21  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge Naturalist – Capstone Credit

Leading a group on a hike in nature comes naturally to some people but for others it is a skill developed over time. In this class we will talk about best practices for how to safely and efficiently lead a group on a hike in nature as well as what planning is necessary before the day of the hike. We will discuss possible hazards to keep an eye on and what to do in case of an emergency in “front country” hiking areas such as many trails in the Asheville area.

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

“The Charlestones have taken the Holy City by storm.” This a cappella ensemble sings everything! From Renaissance to spirituals, country, jazz, pop, and Broadway, the Charlestones sing it.

Lead singer William Purcell started singing early; he was a member of the Charleston Youth Company and the Middleton Singers, earning a scholarship to the College of Charleston.

Baritone Stephen Spaulding is bass trombonist with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, teaches brass instruments to private students, and is Assistant Band Director at Moultrie Middle School.

Bass Todd Monsell is the son of a soprano and drummer who directs the Upper School Concert Choir in Greenville and teaches Upper School music at Christ Church Episcopal School.

Tenor Brink Norton directs Upper School Choirs at Porter-Gaud School and has performed all over the Southeast as ensemble singer and soloist.

The WNC Build and Remodel Expo is the one-stop destination for inspiration, advice, and practical tools to rebuild, remodel, or refresh your home. The Expo is set for Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 at the WNC Agricultural Center.  Learn practical tips and innovative ideas from building & remodeling professionals, discover the latest offerings from vendors and visit the Makers Market featuring local artisans. There’s fun for the whole family with interactive kids’ activities.  To learn more about the Expo and purchase a ticket, please visit https://www.buildandremodelasheville.com/.

Saturday, March 22 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, March 23 – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

WNC Ag Center – Davis Arena
Gate 5
765 Boylston Hwy
Fletcher, NC 28732

General admission $10. Free for kids 12 & under. Seniors 65+, Military, First Responders, Educators Ticket $5.

Purchasing a ticket gives you access to both days of the Expo. Tickets are non-refundable. Single day tickets will also be available at the event: https://checkout.map-dynamics.com/tickets/?Show_ID=8703

Soil Health for Gardeners with Laura Lengnick

ON-SITE  |  Saturday, March 22  |  1 – 4 pm

Blue Ridge EcoGardener – Core

Learn why healthy soils are critical to the well being of our communities and how to cultivate landscapes that promote soil health. This practical, hands-on course will teach you how to conduct simple soil tests using tools you can find in your kitchen to monitor the health of your soil. Participants can bring a soil sample from their garden to test in this class.

Gunter Theatre
Saturday, March 22 at 3:00 pm
Sunday, March 23 at 3:00 pm

PROGRAM
Julie Davila: Dimensions for Tambourine
Thierry De Mey: Musique de tables for Percussion Trio
Ivan Trevino: Watercolor Sun
Nebojsa Zivkovic: Trio per Uno

The percussion section of the orchestra is arguably the most fun to watch, with its moving parts, tight traffic patterns, and its cornucopia of instruments! We never cease to be amazed by the excitement they add to the orchestra, so why not feature them? Get everyone in the family together to enjoy this fun and interactive program that will have you on the edge of your seat.

GUESTS
Furman Percussion Ensemble
Omar Carmenates, Director

*perfect for ages 7 to infinity!

The WNC Build and Remodel Expo is the one-stop destination for inspiration, advice, and practical tools to rebuild, remodel, or refresh your home. The Expo is set for Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 at the WNC Agricultural Center.  Learn practical tips and innovative ideas from building & remodeling professionals, discover the latest offerings from vendors and visit the Makers Market featuring local artisans. There’s fun for the whole family with interactive kids’ activities.  To learn more about the Expo and purchase a ticket, please visit https://www.buildandremodelasheville.com/.

Saturday, March 22 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, March 23 – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

WNC Ag Center – Davis Arena
Gate 5
765 Boylston Hwy
Fletcher, NC 28732

General admission $10. Free for kids 12 & under. Seniors 65+, Military, First Responders, Educators Ticket $5.

Purchasing a ticket gives you access to both days of the Expo. Tickets are non-refundable. Single day tickets will also be available at the event: https://checkout.map-dynamics.com/tickets/?Show_ID=8703

Lunch + Learn: Wildfire Mitigation in Southern Appalachia with Troy Harrison

Sunday, March 23  |  12pm – 1pm

The Southern Appalachian ecosystem is home to a diverse landscape filled with a unique combination of wildlife and vegetation.  It is hardly surprising that Western North Carolina is a popular destination for those seeking a pace to settle down or build a second home.  However, living in close proximity to nature can carry a risk of damage or loss from wildfire.  This program will explore a brief history of wildfire suppression in our area, along with specific measures anyone can take to reduce risk of property damage.

Gunter Theatre
Saturday, March 22 at 3:00 pm
Sunday, March 23 at 3:00 pm

PROGRAM
Julie Davila: Dimensions for Tambourine
Thierry De Mey: Musique de tables for Percussion Trio
Ivan Trevino: Watercolor Sun
Nebojsa Zivkovic: Trio per Uno

The percussion section of the orchestra is arguably the most fun to watch, with its moving parts, tight traffic patterns, and its cornucopia of instruments! We never cease to be amazed by the excitement they add to the orchestra, so why not feature them? Get everyone in the family together to enjoy this fun and interactive program that will have you on the edge of your seat.

GUESTS
Furman Percussion Ensemble
Omar Carmenates, Director

*perfect for ages 7 to infinity!

Natural History Interpretation (3 sessions) with Brad Daniel

Tuesdays, March 25, April 1 + 8  |  12 – 4 pm

Natural history interpreters provoke interest and curiosity in our natural and cultural heritage. This course will introduce the basic principles of environmental interpretation and is designed for Blue Ridge Naturalists who will be leading nature walks, teaching natural history to adults or children, and delivering talks to community groups. Participants will learn how to create nature education talks or walks that are purposeful, enjoyable, informative and organized. Students will be given an opportunity to develop their own programs and practice their presentation and communication skills. This class fulfills a Capstone Core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate and should be completed near the end of a student’s studies in the program.

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.

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.

Wortham Presents Larry & Joe.