Writers looking for an opportunity to hone their craft can do do so at the North Carolina Writers’ Network’s 2009 Squire Summer Writing Residency.

This weekend isn’t just any weekend. It’s a holiday weekend. A three-day weekend. A weekend that promises cookouts and fireworks. In that spirit, Weekend on a Shoestring kicks off with a Thursday rundown of $5-or-cheaper shows (because lots of you will be off work on Friday — or at least not working all that hard).

Now that the joy of no school has faded into that perpetual, annoying chorus of “Mom, what are we going to do today?”, I’m searching for entertainment.

Here’s what I think of when I remember the King of Pop. What about you?

Take the Asheville Disclaimer Downtown Master Plan Challenge, and score a pair of passes to a night of brews and music

Each week Xpress reporter Alli Marshall and WOXL DJ Pat Ryan team up to bring you their entertainment suggestions.

Don’t have much money? No problem, the following list means you can spend your nickels and dimes on a six-pack and a watermelon and still have enough to check out a band or three.

Asheville/Brevard-based bluegrass sensations the Steep Canyon Rangers team up once again with actor/banjo picker Steve Martin on NPR’s folksy variety show A Prairie Home Companion. Catch the show this Saturday.

Yep, we know it’s last minute, but sometimes that’s how we roll. Tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at Carrier Park, Xpress will be holding an impromptu Fourth of July photo shoot. We need enthusiastic participants: Come wearing your most patriotic/festive/cookout attire. Read on for more deets.

Many of you already are showing your concern about these draconian cuts by showing up at rallies, writing letters, signing petitions and calling state legislators. But more of us need to dive into the churning waters of state budget policy to protect education and our kids’ future.