Laurel Magazine

The Burnt Part Boys at Highlands PAC
2025-08-07 19:30, 2025-08-08 19:30, 2025-08-09 14:30, 2025-08-09 19:30, 2025-08-10 14:30 (America/New_York) | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Siblings from a mining town learn the power of self-reliance in this Appalachian, bluegrass-inspired journey.
Locally known as “The Burnt Part,” the Pickaway Coal Company’s South Mountain closed down after an accident in 1952 that resulted in the death of four miners. Ten years later, Jake Twitchell is an employee of that same company, doing the same job that took his own father’s life. Much to the dismay of his movie-buff younger brother, Pete, the Pickaway Coal Company is going to begin re-mining The Burnt Part and send down the next generation of young men. Inspired by his silver screen heroes, Pete sets out for The Burnt Part with his best friend, a pack full of dynamite, and plans to blow up the mine in hopes of protecting his older brother. This new musical is a dangerous and heartwarming adventure following the journey to discover the importance of the choices we make to protect our family.

Judging the Court: The Evolving Role of the Supreme Court in Modern America at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
In the Federalist 78 Alexander Hamilton called the Supreme Court an “intermediary” between the “People” and the legislature, as the Court served as a “bulwark” for a limited Constitution. Some contemporary judicial critics challenge this notion, as public opinion of the Supreme Court has decreased, long-standing precedents have been overturned, and personal issues with the justices have created controversies. Others see the Supreme Court as protecting the fundamental and essential principles of the United States’ founding. All perceptions, of course, are filtered by partisan ideology in these modern times.
This presentation will examine the current Supreme Court, putting these issues in historical context and placing emphasis on cases from the 2024-2025 term.

Elizabeth Locke Jewelry Showcase at Acorns
2025-08-08 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-09 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-10 10:00 - 17:00 | Acorns, 212 S 4th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
All of Elizabeth Locke’s pieces are handmade in 19K gold using coins from Greece, Rome, and forgotten empires, as well as luminous pearls from the South Seas.

Rug Show at Josephine’s Emporium
2025-08-08 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-09 11:00 - 17:00 | Josephine’s Emporium, 40 Burns St,, Cashiers, NC, 28741, United States
Come see Oriental Rug Specialist rugs on display at Josephine’s Emporium.
Free rug pad with each purchase!
40 Burns Street, Cashiers.

Friday Classes at Fusion Yoga and Wellness
2025-08-08 12:00 | Fusion Yoga and Wellness, 21A Lance Rd, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Join us for Friday classes at Fusion Yoga and Wellness.
Fusion Flow: Flow & Restore
9:00 AM
This class offers the best of both worlds, beginning with a mindful vinyasa flow to build heat, strength, and flexibility, followed by grounding restorative poses to help you slow down, release tension, and reset.
Fusion Flow: Gentle
10:30 AM
Slow down and unwind with this soothing class that focuses on gentle, flowing movements paired with mindful breathing.

Art Workshop - Creating a Watercolor Brush Painting in the Style of Japanese Tradition at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-08-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Create a work of art based on the tradition of watercolor brush painting! Practicing traditional techniques and using traditional design materials, class participants will produce a final project: a watercolor painting of a “sakura” cherry blossom tree on handmade paper. All materials will be provided for this class, and you will leave with a supply list for continuing your art exploration at home.

Live Music at Hummingbird Lounge
2025-08-08 17:30 - 22:00, 2025-08-09 17:30 - 22:00 | Old Edwards Inn and Spa, 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Plush easy chairs, sofas, and antique bistro tables invite you to sit back and embrace the carefree ambiance surrounding you. Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night with Cy Timmons.

Friday Night Live with McClain Family Band at Town Square
2025-08-08 18:00 - 20:30 | Town Square, Main Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Friday Night Live  Showcasing Traditional Mountain Music and Local Talent
McClain Family Band
Hailing from Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains, the McClain Family Band have become internationally known as one of the most spontaneous, creative and spirited groups performing original and traditional bluegrass music. Television appearances include NBC’s Today Show, the CBS Morning News and ABC’s Good Morning America. They have also performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center, and the Grand Ole Opry.

Live Music at Happ's Place
2025-08-08 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-08-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Happs Place, 5914 NC-107, Glenville, NC, 28736, United States
Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday at Happ’s Place in Glenville.

Vino & Vibes at High Country Wine and Provisions
2025-08-08 18:30 - 20:30 | High Country Wine & Provisions, 621 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us for Vino & Vibes with live music by Ezra & Katie!

Fiber Club at The Bascom
2025-08-09 10:00 - 12:00 | The Bascom, 323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Bascom’s Fiber Club is made up of an enthusiastic community of fiber artists who come together weekly to share patterns and stories at The Bascom. Meetings take place on the Terrace.
In inclement weather, the group moves inside to the Library, but their enthusiasm is never dampened.

Macon County Art Association | Artfest 2025 at Macon County Public Library
2025-08-09 10:00 - 16:30 | Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, NC, 28734, United States
Get ready! The Macon County Art Association (Uptown Gallery) invites you to a day of hands-on creativity and community fun at Artfest 2025, happening Saturday, August 9th from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Macon County Public Library (149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin, NC). This exciting FREE event is open to the public and welcomes families, kids, and art lovers of all ages!
What to Expect:
• Interactive art activities for children and families
• Face painting and make-and-take art stations
• A bake sale with homemade treats
• A raffle with creative prizes
Whether you’re a parent, a student, a supporter of the arts, or just looking for a fun and inspiring Saturday, Artfest 2025 has something for everyone—indoors and outdoors, rain or shine!
Hosted by the Macon County Art Association, this event celebrates local creativity and connects the community through the arts.
For more information, visit the Uptown Gallery at 30 East Main Street in downtown Franklin, or email us at franklinuptowngallery@gmail.com.

Full Moon Ceremony at Unfurl Wellness Spa
2025-08-09 18:00 | Unfurl Wellness Spa, 454 Dillard Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
At Unfurl Wellness Spa, our Full Moon Ceremony offers a sacred space to set intentions and invite new beginnings. Participants come together to reflect, release past limitations, and plant seeds for personal growth. This ceremony combines intention-setting rituals designed to align with the powerful energy of the lunar cycles.
We join together for Full Moon Ceremonies to harness the peak energy of the lunar cycle, promoting release and transformation. Gathering in community, participants engage in practices that facilitate letting go of what no longer serves them, celebrating progress, and embracing personal empowerment. These ceremonies provide a supportive environment for reflection, healing, and renewal under the illuminating full moon.
(6:15 pm; Facilitated by – Maxine Smith)

Live music at The High Dive
2025-08-09 21:30 | NC
Enjoy music by DJ Jimmy Shur at The High Dive Saturday evenings starting at 9:30 PM

Sacred Sundays at Unfurl Wellness Spa
2025-08-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Unfurl Wellness Spa, 454 Dillard Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Sacred Sundays is a 90 minute class of mindfulness movement and poses accompanied with an acoustic sound meditation held by Robert John Malone.
This is an all levels class focused of a variety of wellness practices to assist in raising our mind/body awareness through conscious movements and poses (1:00 – 2:30 each Sunday this season)

HCCMF | Gershon/Cohn Final Gala Concert & Dinner at Highlands PAC
2025-08-10 17:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
“CelloBration”
Bachianas Brasileiris #5 Heitor Villa-Lobos
Rococo Variations Peter Tchaikovsky

Monday Classes at Fusion Yoga and Wellness
2025-08-11 09:00 - 17:30 | Fusion Yoga and Wellness, 21A Lance Rd, Cashiers, NC, 28717, United States
Join us on Mondays at Fusion Yoga and Wellness!
Fusion Flow: Flow & Restore
9 AM
This class offers the best of both worlds, beginning with a mindful vinyasa flow to build heat, strength, and flexibility, followed by grounding restorative poses to help you slow down, release tension, and reset.
Fusion Flow: Gentle
10:30 AM
Slow down and unwind with this soothing class that focuses on gentle, flowing movements paired with mindful breathing.
Fusion Rx: Crushing PD
12:00 PM
This moderate-intensity class is designed for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and may also benefit those with other neurological disorders.
Fusion Flow: Vinyasa
5:30 PM
This class offers a blend of movement and stillness, combining the mindful pacing of Hatha holds with the breath-connected flows of Vinyasa.
Visit https://www.fusionyogaandwellness.com/schedule for more information.

Studio Alive at The Bascom
2025-08-11 10:00 - 13:00 | The Bascom, 323 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Studio Alive is a group of dedicated artists that share a passion for drawing from live models.
The group meets in The Bascom’s Adult Studio on select Mondays, year-round.

Our Dishonesty Crises: How Technology is Eroding Honesty at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-08-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Dishonesty has always been with us. But in recent years new technology has led to a variety of dishonesty crises, in which being dishonest is easier and more tempting than it has ever been in the past. We will look closely at three examples. In the first, deepfake videos which represent people saying and doing things they never did, are becoming easier to make and harder to detect, with implications for everything from our elections to the war between Ukraine and Russia. In the second, it has become easier than ever to become a celebrity due to TikTok and other forms of social media, but that also increases the threat of dishonest behavior. In the third, professors are drowning in a wave of academic cheating by students using ChatGPT and other AI. All is not lost, however, as we will also see some practical strategies to help us resist these dishonesty crises.

Behind the Scrubs: A Behind the Scenes View of the Operating Room and Hospital Quality Ratings at Center for Life Enrichment
2025-08-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Center For Life Enrichment, 348 S 5th St, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Ever wonder what actually happens in surgery? Many people have had surgeries, such as a hip or knee replacement, and they have no recollection of what happened until well into the recovery phase.
This lecture will cover all the stages of surgery from the other side, from the time a decision for surgery is made through recovery. We’ll talk about the use of robotics in surgery, how trainees participate in surgical care, and where we are headed with surgical care in the next 10-20 years. We’ll also discuss hospital performance ratings and what they really tell (or don’t tell) us about hospital quality. We’ll seek to clarify some of the common misconceptions about these ratings and explain why they often don’t tell the full story.

Effortlessly Elegant : The Appetizer Edition with Center for Life Enrichment
2025-08-12 14:00 - 17:00 | NC
Elevate your appetizer game in this stylish, hands-on class. Chef Susan Hansen will guide you through crafting three sophisticated yet simple starters that are perfect for any occasion. First, dive into the delicate art of making a Sushi Shrimp Bowl, featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp served atop a bed of sushi rice with fresh veggies, garnished with a splash of soy sauce and a hint of wasabi. Next, master the savory flavors of Sundried Tomato and Garlic Butter Bruschetta. Learn to make sundried tomatoes and garlic butter from scratch, then top them on crunchy toasted baguette slices for a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors. Finally, discover the art of making Pesto Pinwheels. Susan will show you how to create fresh pesto from scratch, which you’ll then spread on puff pastry and roll into perfect pinwheels, ready for baking into golden, flavorful bites. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills to make these elegant appetizers at home, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a personal gourmet treat.
