who: Pam Stone
what: Stand-up comedian and familiar face
where: Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center
when: Saturday, May 31 (8 p.m. $25, http://www.BRPAC.org or 693-0087)
why: Even if you don’t know her name, chances are you might just find something familiar about stand-up comic Pam Stone. The winner of an American Comedy Award and two Gracie Awards, Stone is probably best known for her six-year stint as womens’ basketball coach Judy Watkins, a reoccuring character on the ABC network sitcom Coach. Now a radio-show host, Stone brings her well-honed act to Hendersonville for a one-night-only performance.
who: Railroad Earth
what: Roots-oriented jam rockers
where: Orange Peel
when: Wednesday, June 4 (9 p.m. $20. http://www.theorangepeel.net or 225-5851)
why: Back on the road in support of their fourth studio album, Amen Corner, the Americana-and-roots-powered Railroad Earth pull in to Asheville this week. Like-minded jammers The Codetalkers open.
who: NC Stage presents Henry V
what: A readers’ theater version of Shakespeare’s historic drama
where: North Carolina Stage Company
when: Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1 ($10. http://www.ncstage.org or 350-9090)
why: Part of the NC Stage (For)Play Series, Henry V is a readers’ theater presentation of the story of Prince Hal, who spent the better parts of Henry IV parts 1 and 2 as a seemingly prodigal son, but who must now lead England in its war with France. Expect an intimate performance of this epic-scale story.
who: Rick Bragg reads from The Prince of Frogtown
what: A signing and reading from the man who brought you All Over But the Shoutin’
where: Malaprop’s
when: Sunday, June 1 (7 p.m. Free. http://www.malaprops.com or 254-6734)
why: A Pulitzer-prize-winning writer and memoirist, Bragg reads from his new book, which examines the relationships between fathers and sons.
who: Durango Songwriters’ Expo
what: A singer/songwriter convention and showcase
where: Crowne Plaza Resort (1 Holiday Inn Drive)
when: Thursday, May 29, through Saturday, May 31 ($299 registration fee. http://www.durango-songwriters-expo.com or 970-259-9747)
why: Now in its 12th year, the Durango Songwriters’ Expo is a combination of workshops, listening sessions, panel discussions, open mics and networking events aimed at connecting singer/songwriters with industry professionals. Hosted in Asheville this year, the event features special guests Mindy Smith, Sherri Austin, Chuck Cannon, Malcolm Holcombe (pictured) and many more.
who: Center Stage Dance Ensemble presents Pulses and Rhythms
what: A collection of diverse dance pieces
where: Diana Wortham Theatre
when: Friday and Saturday, May 30 and 31 (8 p.m. $25 adults, $15 children. http://www.dwtheatre.com or 257-4530)
why: Featuring many of the area’s gifted choreographers and dancers, Pulses and Rhythms showcases a variety of dance forms set to an eclectic selection of musical styles. From hip-hop to meditative drone, expect an evening of complex and creative movement-theater based expression.
