Sound Off

Asheville Bravo! Concerts
Asheville Bravo! Concerts kicks off its 80th year with an encore performance of the National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China on October 23. The season continues on November 12 with internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso Joshua Bell. On March 9, 2012, catch The Moscow Festival Ballet’s performance of Giselle, a story of young love, mistaken identity, and spiritual journey.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood St., Asheville; (828) 225-5887;
www.ashevillebravoconcerts.org

An Appalachian Evening Series
Three great bands take the stage at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center on Saturdays this month: Balsam Range, August 6, Dehlia Low, August 13, and The Jeff Little Trio, August 20. Part of the summer Appalachian Evening aeries, these shows are preceded by family-style dinners at 5 and 6:15 p.m.
121 Schoolhouse Rd., Robbinsville; (828) 479-3364; www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

Asheville Lyric Opera
The Asheville Lyric Opera begins its five-concert season on October 7 & 8, with the classic tragedy Madame Butterfly. The season continues with The Asheville Christmas Show, November 18; Cosi fan Tutte, February 17 & 18; Sound of Music, April 20-22; The Taste of Opera, June 9.
Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Sq., Asheville; (828) 257-4530; www.ashevillelyric.org

Harrah’s Cherokee
Harrah’s opened its 3,000-seat event center last September with a performance by Grammy-winning country group Lady Antebellum, and has booked big-name acts ever since. Upcoming performers include: Chubby Checker, August 20; George Jones, August 27; Travis Tritt, September 2; ZZ Top, September 4; and comedian Ron White, September 9.
777 Casino Dr., Cherokee; (828) 497-8899;
www.harrahscherokee.com

Mainstage Series
Diana Wortham Theatre’s Mainstage Series opens with comedy and improv troupe the Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company on September 24, as part of the new “LOL” Series. The season continues with more than 30 music, theater, and dance performances by impressive artists, including Doc Watson and David Holt, singer Julie Fowlis, singer/songwriters Susan Werner and David Wilcox, hip-hop troupe Rennie Harris Puremovement, Diavolo Dance Theater, and Celtic bands Solas and Lúnasa. Diana Wortham Theatre,
2 S. Pack Sq.; (828) 257-4530; www.dwtheatre.com

Tryon Concert Association
Tryon Concert Association begins its season October 7 with a performance by tenor Nicholas Phan. An alumnus of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, Phan has sung in operas all over the world and appeared with many of the leading U.S. orchestras. He takes the stage with pianist Myra Huang.
Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon;
(828) 859-8322; www.tryonconcerts.com