A growing backlash against city staff, pit of despair vexations, downed trees, arcane communication strategies and a busking agreement as Council heads towards Halloween (and Election Day) Above: A slide from a presentation at the Oct. 25 Council meeting about the so-called “Pit of Despair” across from the Basilica of St.

For months, the Asheville Busker’s Collective has tried to deal with city staff in good faith to find common ground. But the latest busking proposal is more restrictive than ever, and will hurt our local culture and livelihoods Above: The Stillwater Hobos performing in a still from Erin Derham’s movie

With new restrictions possible, Asheville’s buskers become the latest flashpoint in the debate over the future of downtown and its culture. Above: The Stillwater Hobos performing in a still from Erin Derham’s documentary Buskin Blues. The movie delves into Asheville’s busking culture at a time when the city’s considering changing its