DWT announces new Intersections Series of classes, discussions, and performances

The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville, North Carolina announces the schedule for its 2013/2014 Intersections Series, a series held in The Forum at Diana Wortham Theatre. Featuring a full season of classes, discussions, and performances, Intersections is an opportunity for patrons to connect more deeply with the arts, artists, and each other. The Forum, a large multi-purpose space adjacent to the theatre and accessible from the theatre’s main lobby, is the venue for all Intersections events unless otherwise announced.

Performances: The Intersections Series features two performing artists in the 2013/2014 season. The ultimate troubadour Jim Malcolm (November 20, 2013) performs “Just Flown In From Scotland.” Malcolm warms the soul with masterful guitar and harmonica peppered with funny stories and engaging wit. And Dirty Barbie (January 23-25, 2014) written, directed and performed by Denise Stewart is a fun and poignant one-woman show that speaks to the secret lives of girls, the way we play, and the unsupervised side of childhood. Tickets are available through the Diana Wortham Theatre at www.dwtheatre.com and (828) 257-4530.

The Sing Together Series is designed for family and friends to celebrate the joy of music and singing in spirited sessions with musicians Beth and Jim Magill. All skill levels are welcome. Bring family and friends, make new friends and create community through song. The 2013/2014 Sing Together Series offers themed gatherings from October 2013 to May 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in The Forum at Diana Wortham Theatre including: 60s Folk Revival (adults, October 11, 2013), Winter Songs (families, December 13, 2013), Freedom Songs & Spirituals with guest artist Becky Stone (adults, February 7, 2014), Get Your Irish On (families, March 7, 2014), Campfire Songs (families, April 11, 2014), and Mitch Miller (adults, May 23, 2014). $10 adults/$8 children 12 and under; children 2 and under are free.

The Book Discussion Group is an opportunity for book lovers to gather regularly for lively and insightful discussions on selected books. Meet new friends as you deepen your literary experience. Dates for the 2013/2014 Book Discussion Group are September 17, 2013; October 15, 2013; November 12, 2013; January 21, 2014; February 18, 2014; March 18, 2014; April 15, 2014; and May 20, 2014. Visit www.dwtheatre.com for book selections and updates.

The Craft Group, presented in partnership with Handmade in America, meets monthly to create a work of art under the direction of a local artist. Dates for the 2013/2014 Intersections Craft Group are: September 10, 2013, Indigo Shibori Dyed Cotton Scarves with Linda LeBelle; November 5, 2013, Ceramic Tea Pots with Donna Flanery; December 10, 2013, Holiday Crafts with Ruth Ingram; February 4, 2014, Gifts from the Heart with Ruth Ingram; March 11, 2014, topic t.b.a.; April 8, 2014, Light Up Your Intentions Candle Making with Kate Stockholm; and May 13, 2014, topic t.b.a. Check Diana Wortham Theatre’s website for updated information.

Pre-performance discussions are once again offered in association with the Mainstage Dance and Theatre performances. Ticket holders of these performances are invited to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of select performances in the Mainstage Series by attending this free pre-performance discussion, lead by a professional from the community or an associate with the creative staff of the performing artist. Pre-show discussions are held at 7:00 p.m. prior to the performance and include: Shakespeare on Trial on November 23, 2013; Eisenhower Dance on January 17 & 18, 2014; and Aquila Theatre in Fahrenheit 451 on January 31, 2014, and in Twelfth Night on February 1, 2014. A Master Class will be offered with The Chase Brock Experience on March 22, 2014. More details regarding this opportunity will be made available on the Diana Wortham Theatre website.

To obtain more information on the Diana Wortham Theatre’s Intersections Series, reserve a space in a class or group, or purchase performance tickets, call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.

Award-winning blues artist Ruthie Foster opens 2013-14 Mainstage Series at DWT - Sept. 20th

Winner of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Koko Taylor Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist, Ruthie Foster, and her band open the Mainstage Season at Diana Wortham Theatre on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. The evening begins with a 7:00 p.m. opening night party sponsored by Pack’s Tavern, and an opening act, blues and roots artist Seth Walker.

An electrifying artist bristling with soul, Grammy-nominated Foster smolders with an intensity born from her vibrant voice and indelible presence. Backed by her excellent band including Tanya Richardson (bass) and Samantha Banks (drums), Foster can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel.

Foster was Grammy-nominated for her last two albums: The Truth According to Ruthie Foster (2010) and Let It Burn (2012). With an unexpected collection of songs including selections by Adele, Black Keys, Los Lobos, Johnny Cash, The Band, Pete Seeger, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Foster creates a sound with the irresistible fire of the great women of soul, but with a freshness all its own.

From humble beginnings in a rural Texas church choir, Foster’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride including a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Band and time absorbing the musical influences of the New York City music scene. Back in Texas she became a regular nominee at the Austin Music Awards winning Best Folk Artist in 2004-05 and Best Female Vocalist in 2007-08. Also, in a nod to her astounding range, she won Blues Music Association awards for Best Traditional and Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist in back-to-back years. She has collaborated on stage and in recordings with a diverse list of artists including Warren Haynes, Bonnie Raitt and Paul Thorn, and is a favorite at festivals including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Monterey Blues Festival and Merlefest.

Ruthie Foster’s Asheville performance is made possible by Performance Sponsors Dianne & David Worley and Parsec Financial, and by Mainstage Music Series Sponsors Henry LaBrun and Arby’s, with additional support from Media Sponsors The Laurel of Asheville and WNCW 88.7FM. 

The new entrance for the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is marked by the location of the theatre’s new marquee between 12 and 14 Biltmore Avenue. Patrons enter the theatre through the breezeway between Marble Slab Creamery and Circle in the Square restaurants, and into a large interior courtyard for Pack Place with multiple glass doors to the theatre’s lower lobby and new box office. The intimate theatre seats just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in all of Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2013/2014 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Scene, Blue Moon Water, Creative Energy, Laurey’s Catering and Gourmet-to-go, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. To obtain more information on the Mainstage Series or to purchase tickets, call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.

New series at Grateful Steps helps ABCCM's Steadfast House

Joanie Dickson is coordinating a new series of events with the advisory council at ABCCM's Steadfast House. This is a homeless shelter for women and children. A portion of the current twenty-four beds is reserved for female veterans. Funds are being raised to sustain the activity and help its growth by eventual creation of Transformation Village to accommodate needy regional families. Currently, males are at a men's shelter in a different part of town.

The monthly series, to be held on the fourth Thursday of each month, will consist of vendors, such as Thirty-One Bags, Avon and Mary Kay, that will sell products with a portion of proceeds going to the project. 

For more information, please email gratefulsteps@gratefulsteps.com