Reduce, reuse…now what?

This story was co-written with Jessica Wooten.  Every year, according to a 2015 study, North Carolinians throw away 23.6 billion pounds of trash. That is enough trash to circle the earth twice.   It isn’t spite that makes NC residents throw away their recyclables, but ignorance. Ipsos, a market research company, performed a study in 2011 during […]

“Spread It Heavy” with Porch 40

From house party to premier venue, Porch 40 is increasing the size of their performances, as well as their unique repertoire. Porch 40 is a college town band taking the local music scene in western North Carolina to a new level. Andrew Duncan, Carter McDevitt, Spencer Bradley, Scott Burr and Mitchell Metz formed the progressive/funk/rock group […]

Local brew means big business in WNC

Brewing business is seeing a boom in industry, especially in the area of Western North Carolina. Twenty years ago, it was merely a hiccup in the draft market and today, according to The Asheville Citizen Times, it is a multi-million dollar business. The NC Brewers Guild estimates that there are around 100 breweries and brewpubs — […]

Behind the scenes with Porch 40

Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro was packed when Porch 40 played on Saturday, May 4, but when it’s Porch 40 it’s always packed. Porch 40, a funk/jazz/rock/energy band, has become a local favorite in the Sylva/Cullowhee area. Andrew Duncan (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Scott Burr (vocals, saxophone, synthesizer), Mitchell Metz (vocals, violin, bass, guitar), […]

Sylva Heinzelmannchen Brewery turns nine

by Randy Conn and Kathleen Kiser Heinzelmannchen Brewery turned it’s ninth birthday on Saturday and for that occasion they provided a dry and tasty place during the rainy Greening Up the Mountains 2013 Festival in Sylva. See the video story we’ve prepared and read some more information about it’s owner and the brew he makes. […]