Community News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Bullington grant, Music in the Pines, Lookin' Good benefit

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 25, 2023

Grant will help Bullington Gardens expand parking

Bullington Gardens, a nonprofit horticultural education center and public garden, thanked the Community Foundation of Henderson County for a grant of $17,050 from the Perry Rudnick Foundation to expand parking due to increased visitation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Perry N. Rudnick Foundation, a component of the Community Foundation of Henderson County,” said Annie Higgins, administrative director of the public garden. “Their gift will help us to add much needed parking spaces and improve drainage in our existing parking lots.”

The Perry N. Rudnick Endowment Fund is dedicated to supporting organizations that promote the arts, education, and community engagement. The foundation’s gift will help improve visitor experience and add to the safety during events, classes, and workshops. The Fairy Trail has been a popular addition to the gardens and often requires guests to park on the grass. The new addition will offer guests new parking areas instead.

“We are pleased to support Bullington and the important work they do in the community,” said McCray Benson, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Henderson County. “Their commitment to horticultural education and environmental stewardship is essential, and we hope our gift will help them to continue to grow and thrive.”

Music in the Pines series starts Sunday

Kanuga’s 2023 Music in the Pines series kicks off on Sunday, March 26, with “Sounds for the SOULstice,” a performance by Free Planet Radio, with special guest Simon de Voil.
“We want to offer a beautiful alternative to the greater community for live music,” said Aimee Bostwick, Kanuga’s coordinator of community & spiritual life. “It’s a meaningful way to enjoy quality music in a special listening space where people can connect with each other and Creation.”
The event offers a pre-show guided hike at 3 p.m. on the 1,400-acre property as well as a buffet following the performance. The concert is at 4:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25-$75. For information or to buy tickets visit Kanuga.org/Music.

Lookin’ Good benefit for Thrive set for April 2

The 2nd Annual José’s Lookin’ Good Showcase 5-8 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at Continuum Art, 147-C First Avenue East, will feature singer/songwriter Paleface, who has performed with big-name artists like Beck and the Avett Brothers. The showcase also includes country/folk band Carolinabound as the opening act.
Waverly Inn owners Mike and Tracey Burnette partnered with local celebrity José Case last year to host a benefit concert for Thrive, a nonprofit that helps people with mental health and housing needs. The event was such a success that they decided to make it an annual affair. They’ve moved the event to the larger downtown space to accommodate a bigger crowd.

Tickets for the show can be purchased online at Eventbrite.com and are just $20 per person. There is also an option to buy a BBQ dinner and a concert ticket for $40 per person. Event T-shirts featuring own José Case, can also be purchased at Eventbrite.com.