November – December 2025
Sunday, November 16
Let It Be Art!
Experience a celebration of creativity, humanity, and the enduring power of art with US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand. Lunch served at 12 noon with the performance beginning at 12:45 p.m. At 2 p.m., following the performance, join Rand for a reading and signing of his new poetry and art collection, The Marsh in May: and 30 Poems with 29 Paintings. Tickets are $25 and include lunch; $15 for youth under 18. The performance, lunch, and reading take place at the Center for Spiritual Living, 2 Science of Mind Way in Asheville. Purchase tickets at cslasheville.org/event/let-it-be-art.
Sunday, November 16
Becoming Compassionate Participants in our World
This program on deepening self-awareness will be presented by Sandra Smith at the meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:30–4 p.m. at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. The presentation will give focus to the nuance between being “present” and being “in presence” and the role receptivity plays in the quality of our lives. Q&A will follow the presentation. There will also be a hybrid Zoom option. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.EHSAsheville.org.
Tuesday, November 18
Simple Steps for Starting Your Business
Test your business idea and identify the key factors that influence start-up success. Get an overview of the skills and tools you need when deciding to start a business. In this session, you learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, the most profitable form for your business, and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources. This free online workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. Find more details at www.score.org/workshops-events/online-courses.
Friday & Saturday, November 28 & 29
Jazz & Soul Sessions
Every fourth Friday and Saturday, the historic YMI Cultural Center pulses with the vibrant rhythms of jazz, soul, and cultural memory. The Jazz & Soul Sessions, part of the Banjul-Banjo Music Series feature Kelle Jolly, a jazz singer who performs on her Affrilachian ukelele, and Will Boyd, a saxophonist. The duo will be joined by Cyril Foster and other performers to entertain and educate Asheville audiences monthly. The ensemble will perform Fridays 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays 3-5 p.m.
Upcoming Performance Schedule
• December 26 & 27, 2025
• February 27 & 28, 2026
• March 27 & 28, 2026
• April 24 & 25, 2026
The YMI Cultural Center is located at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-soul/sessions-ymi-tickets
Thursday, December 4
Cirque de la Symphonie
The Asheville Symphony will bring music and magic together this holiday season. Cirque de la Symphonie, a breathtaking fusion of symphonic music and aerial artistry, will perform at 7 p.m. at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center–Asheville. Conducted by Music Director Darko Butorac, this holiday concert pairs the full Asheville Symphony with world-class cirque performers in a dazzling display of acrobatics, aerial stunts, and elegant choreography set to timeless orchestral favorites. Tickets are available at ashevillesymphony.org or by calling the Asheville Symphony Box Office at (828) 254-7046.
Thursday, December 11
My Story
Tanya Davis discusses her memoir, Threads: A Tapestry of Life in the Black Community and Beyond. Journey into the heart of Shiloh with Tanya Davis from 7-8 p.m. at the West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Road. Hosted by the Wilma Dykeman Legacy, refreshments will be provided. The discussion takes place in-person and is also accessible via Zoom. For a free ticket, please visit www.eventbrite.com/e/threads-a-tapestry-of-life-in-the-black-community-of-shiloh-and-beyond-tickets-1824612859179.
Peer Living Room
Individuals 18 years and older who are looking for a safe and supportive environment as part of their recovery from substance use and mental health challenges are free to visit Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. It is a casual location for folks to socialize and attend groups and meetings. 356 Biltmore Avenue, Lower Level, in Asheville.
Hood Tours
Learn more about Asheville’s historically Black areas on walking, driving, and specialty tours led by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne Barton. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. Book your tour today by going to www.hoodhuggers.com/tours. Call (828) 275-5305 or email [email protected].
If your group or organization is hosting events, online meetings, courses, chats, or other programming, please submit them to [email protected].
