ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — This year’s Blue Ridge Pride celebration will include a special, star-studded extension to Sunday.

To commemorate a year of community resilience on the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, BRP will host a Tea Dance & Drag Show at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Orange Peel. The event will be headlined by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Nicole Paige Brooks.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $30 for meet and greet. 100% of proceeds will go to support Blue Ridge Pride. Find tickets here.

(Courtesy: Bill Kaelin Marketing) Nicole Paige Brooks will host the Orange Peel drag show.

Blue Ridge Pride’s official closing party

According to a press release from Bill Kaelin Marketing, the partner presenter of the event, Bill Kaelin has known Brooks for years, giving the Atlanta, Georgia native some of her some of her earliest bookings.

“Their decades-long friendship is bringing her to Asheville for this special night, where she is donating her time complimentary to uplift the LGBTQ+ community at a moment when it is needed most,” Haily Jones, Bill Kaelin Marketing project lead, wrote in the release.

The show will feature drag performances from the House of Brooks, including Beulah Land, Indica Gemini, Josie Glamoure and Leo Scott. The newly crowned Mx. Blue Ridge Pride will also take to the stage. Music will be provided by Asheville local DJ Ganymede.

For more information, visit www.theorangepeel.net/event/nicole-paige-brooks.

Read more. . .

Infant’s death at center of Buncombe County murder trial

Father charged in death of 12-week-old daughter; mother expected to testify for prosecution
Stronger Through Water: Devil’s Foot unveils second Helene benefit beverage

In acknowledgment of the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina, Asheville craft soda company Devil’s Foot Beverage has united with the Charlotte-based NoDa Brewing Company to produce a new sparkling water in support of a local nonprofit.
How routine physical activity affects mental health

The physical benefits of routine physical activity may be most noticeable. However, regular exercise also has a profound effect on individuals’ mental health. To learn more about getting your regular exercise routine started, visit YogaSix Asheville.
Weaverville plans music, tributes at community center for 9/11 Observance

This week, the town of Weaverville will memorialize the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001 with tributes from community leaders and live music from local performers at the Weaverville Community Center.
Radically creative: Asheville Creative Arts on the next 10 years

This past August, artists and supporters of all ages gathered to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Asheville Creative Arts, a local organization devoted to creating arts that matter for all ages. Now, ACA is looking to the future, planning for the next 10 years of fostering community creativity.