I realize that this is a presumptuous question that supposes that the reader did fall in love with the movies in the first place. Still, I’m assuming for argument’s sake that such a condition probably has something to do with the reason you’re reading this column in the first place. The question in my mind is whether this was a cumulative thing for people or if there’s some outstanding defining moment that brought this about.

Brian McGee of local country-punk outfit Brian McGee and the Hollow Speed interviews Fat Possum artist A.A. Bondy before his show at the Grey Eagle. Bondy opened for Elvis Perkins in Dearland on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Videographer Jesse Hamm filmed the exchange and Bondy’s performance.

Xpress correspondent Jake Frankel and Par D talk to Warren G at New York Fashions.

This weekend is nothing if not eclectic in the budget entertainment department. Art openings, a choral ensemble, a coat drive (set to a reggae beat) and bands, bands, bands.

Asheville High auditorium was packed to the gills with book-toting fans of Barbara Kingsolver, who spoke and read from her new novel, The Lacuna, this evening at Asheville High School auditorium. “Let there be no doubt,” reported @mountainxpress via Twitter, “Asheville is a town of book lovers.”

I recently had a conversation with a friend about how much life babies suck out of their mamas. Yes, they suck vast quantities of milk, but also, they suck away our time, energy, sleep and general equilibrium.

It’s become a tradition that Justin Souther and I undertake some kind of Halloween treat for this column. Well, it’s a treat for us, no matter what anyone else thinks about it. This year we opted to go to perhaps the very core of the horror film—death.

A new book by photographer Tim Barnwell captures 30 year of Appalachian musicians and artisans.

Because it’s Halloween weekend and you have the fab costume and you’re all raring to go, Shoestring brings you a few extra bonus pre-weekend events at which to revel. All budget-friendly like. Lots to do, so pace yourself.

The poet, awarded for her 2006 book Native Guard, will read at Posana Café at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29

The legendary 5k shopping-cart race is coming to Asheville in November. Get your team, find your cart and start sewing the sequins on your matching capes.

The spine-tingling thrill of watching people wandering around dressed up as monsters and villains makes me happy. What makes me less tingly is the rampant consumerism around Halloween.

I happened to be in the position yesterday to look in on the Saw marathon—you know, that less than stellar idea that it would be great to allow people to work their way through all five Saw movies with the big finish being the unveiling of Saw VI at midnight.

Correspondent Jake Frankel and photographer Jonathan Welch bring you a terrific video and photos from this fall’s LEAF.