Step Into the World of Pollinators at the 6th Annual Great Buzz Gathering!

Imagine a world without vibrant blooms, flourishing crops, or thriving wildlife. That’s the reality we face without pollinators—the tiny but mighty creatures essential to life on Earth. On Saturday, February 15, you’re invited to the The Mule at Devil’s Foot in Asheville to celebrate these unsung heroes and explore how we can all play a part in their conservation.

From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be immersed in a community united by a passion for biodiversity, native plants, and protecting pollinators. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just beginning to appreciate the beauty of bees, butterflies, and beyond, this event offers something for everyone.

You’ll enjoy five captivating 10-minute talks from experts on topics like the effects of climate change on pollinators, the best trees to plant for recovery after Tropical Storm Helene, and exciting updates on the Asheville Butterfly Trail. Each presentation promises to leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Come early to explore exhibitor tables filled with resources, tips, and tools to make your garden, neighborhood, or community a haven for pollinators. Grab a bite or a beverage, connect with like-minded attendees, and soak up the buzz of excitement.

Pollinators are more than just insects; they’re the foundation of ecosystems and essential to our survival. Yet, nearly half of them are at risk of extinction. That’s why Bee City USA, founded here in Asheville, has grown to a nationwide movement of 426 affiliates, all dedicated to safeguarding these vital creatures.

This isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action, a chance to learn, connect, and make a tangible impact on the future of our planet.

So, whether you’re passionate about gardening, fascinated by biodiversity, or simply curious about how to help, this is your opportunity to join the movement. Together, let’s create a world where pollinators—and all life—can thrive.

Doors open at 12 PM for lunch and networking. The program begins at 1 PM.

We can’t wait to see you there!

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

Travel through the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia where the White Witch has cast a spell of never-ending winter. When almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change and an even greater sacrifice. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy must battle the forces of evil and discover that love is the deepest magic of all.

A captivating night that explores the beauty of classic and contemporary compositions inspired by Carnival, soul, blues and the Caribbean. Immerse yourself in the playful rhythms of Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Suite” followed by a soulful fusion of worlds and cultures with “Baião ‘N’ Blues” by Clarice Assad. We are thrilled to showcase the exceptional virtuoso Jens Lindemann as our featured guest artist on trumpet in “Trumpet Concerto” by the esteemed Wynton Marsalis. Don’t miss this soul stirring performance that promises a symphony of emotions and musical brilliance.

In the intimate setting of a small music hall, Foothills Brass players take the stage showing the range of brass instruments from crisp to warm – bright to mellow – powerful to tender. And yes, brass players can make you weep. It’s a chance to experience how talented Foothills musicians are.

The audience is invited to visit the art displayed at the Gallery before or after the concert. Concert, art gallery and parking are all absolutely Free.

Eat, drink and be merry! Join us this Saturday (and every Saturday) from 7pm to 10pm as we host live local talent! The talent in our beautiful city is incredible, so come out for dinner and live music. Saturday, February 3rd we will have the acoustic sounds of Katie D. Check out our website for a list of all artists that will be playing!

A captivating night that explores the beauty of classic and contemporary compositions inspired by Carnival, soul, blues and the Caribbean. Immerse yourself in the playful rhythms of Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Suite” followed by a soulful fusion of worlds and cultures with “Baião ‘N’ Blues” by Clarice Assad. We are thrilled to showcase the exceptional virtuoso Jens Lindemann as our featured guest artist on trumpet in “Trumpet Concerto” by the esteemed Wynton Marsalis. Don’t miss this soul-stirring performance that promises a symphony of emotions and musical brilliance. All Converse faculty, staff, and students are eligible to purchase their tickets for half-price to this concert. To receive this discount, contact the Converse Box Office at 864-596-9018.

Billy Strings returns to ExploreAsheville.com at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on February 6-8 & 14-16, 2025.

A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. HAMILTON features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy^®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. HAMILTON is recommended for ages 10+ and contains some adult language and mature themes. Tickets $59-$199.

• Wednesday, February 5, 2025 7:30 PM
• Thursday, February 6, 2025 7:30 PM
• Friday, February 7, 2025 8:00 PM
• Saturday, February 8, 2025 2:00 PM
• Saturday, February 8, 2025 8:00 PM
• Sunday, February 9, 2025 1:00 PM
• Sunday, February 9, 2025 7:00 PM
• Tuesday, February 11, 2025 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, February 12, 2025 7:30 PM
• Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:30 PM
• Friday, February 14, 2025 8:00 PM
• Saturday, February 15, 2025 2:00 PM
• Saturday, February 15, 2025 8:00 PM
• Sunday, February 16, 2025 1:00 PM
• Sunday, February 16, 2025 7:00 PM

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)
Arias and ensembles live in concert with vocal soloists

Guests
Contessa: Bronwen Forbay, soprano
Susanna: Megan Stapleton, soprano
Cherubino: Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano
Narrator: Gary Malvern
Remaining cast to be announced soon.

The Marriage of Figaro is arguably one of the first true romantic comedies, beginning with its iconic and energetic overture. With a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, this story is an Enlightenment-era social commentary with lots of laughs thrown in. Many say the theme of this beloved opera is the beauty of forgiveness and redemption. Come see for yourself.

Gunter Theatre
Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 16 at 3:00 pm

PROGRAM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)
Arias and ensembles live in concert with vocal soloists

The Marriage of Figaro is arguably one of the first true romantic comedies, beginning with its iconic and energetic overture. With a libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte, this story is an Enlightenment-era social commentary with lots of laughs thrown in. Many say the theme of this beloved opera is the beauty of forgiveness and redemption. Come see for yourself.

GUESTS INCLUDE

Contessa: Bronwen Forbay, soprano
Susanna: Megan Stapleton, soprano
Cherubino: Rachel Calloway, mezzo-soprano
Narrator: Gary Malvern

Play by Talene Monahon

Directed by Anne Kelly Tromsness

It’s 1606. William Shakespeare is plagued…with writer’s block.  And also the actual plague, as he is holed up with his apprentice Francis without anything to do.  Through the window climbs Jane Anger, a writer with a dream to change history.  While Jane convinces Shakespeare to write KING LEAR, Anne Hathaway (his wife, not the one from DEVIL WEARS PRADA) arrives, having missed her husband for the past 10 years.  Constricted to one room, what creativity and conflict will explode between these four? Can Shakespeare write his masterpiece?  Will Francis be allowed to act in it despite his age (anywhere from 15 to 40, we’re totally not sure and he doesn’t seem to be either)?  Will Jane get to publish her masterpiece?  Will anyone ever respect Anne Hathaway?

Shows on Thur, Fri, and Sat are at 8pm. Shows on Sunday are 3pm.

Non-Musical: $35
Musical: $40
Reserved: Additional $5

Ranging from a rare 1840 poem jar by enslaved potter David Drake (c. 1800 – c. 1870) to an evocative
2020 abstract painting by Frank Wimberley (born 1926), the GCMA African-American Collection spans
180 years of American history, highlighting such artists as Romare Bearden, Beauford Delaney, William H. Johnson, Jacob Lawrence, Alison Saar, Merton Simpson, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Kara Walker, Hale Woodruff, and many more. A selection of these important works can be found in the museum’s current exhibition Say It Loud.