Hayley Benton

hbenton@citizen-times.com

1. Comedian Jon Reep at The Millroom.

North Carolina native Jon Reep grew up in rural Hickory, using his small-town Cackalacky experiences for his hillbilly-inspired stand-up routine (though — don't worry — he's no Larry the Cable Guy). You may recognize Reep from a number of television appearances, including his season five win in NBC's "Last Comic Standing." He's got his own comedy special on Comedy Central and, if he's still not ringing a bell, you've likely seen him roll down his window and shout, "That a HEMI?!" in Dodge Ram commercials. He'll have you laughing at two shows on May 6 at The Millroom, one at 7 p.m. and the other at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance at ashevillemillroom.com and $22.50 at the door.

2. Walk a Mile in Pack Square Park.

No, we don't mean in your hiking boots. Walk a Mile is an international march against rape, sexual assault and gender violence — and while the message behind the march means business, the seventh annual event has historically been a great time for the Asheville community, benefiting local nonprofit Our Voice. Walking a mile in another person's shoes "is a symbolic gesture of responsibility and solidarity, as well as a great way to raise awareness about a very serious issue in a fun, family-friendly environment," reads Our Voice's event page. Can't find any heels in your size? Don't put away your running shoes just yet. While participants in the march are encouraged to swap their foot-gender that morning, it's not required. The organization writes that the important thing is to come and support the cause. The Hop will be there serving ice cream, and Izzy's Coffee Truck will be on site to get walkers ready to go. To walk, register at ourvoicenc.org ($30 per person, $15 for students), create a fundraising page and be at Pack Square Park on May 7, 10 a.m.

3. Matthew Logan Vasquez at The Mothlight.Heard of Delta Spirit? If not — well, for one, you're missing out — but you probably also won't be phased with the news that lead singer/guitarist Matthew Logan Vasquez has split from the group. The Delta frontman has gone solo, taking his new material in a totally different direction. Delta's almost lazy strumming and drunken vocals (meant in the best way possible) on 2008's "Ode to Sunshine" is replaced by Vasquez's hard-rock riffs and coarse, but still recognizable, singing in the song "Everything I Do Is Out" — while also creating some classic rock-style ballads on his new album "Solicitor Returns." Vasquez will be joined on May 7 by California bluesy alternative folk artist Reverend Baron. Saturday's show starts at 9:30 p.m. and is $12 in advance at themothlight.com — $15 at the door.

4. Celebrate mom at Isis Music Hall with Danika Holmes. Have you called your mother lately? Dial her up to chat and, while you're on the line, invite her to a soulful acoustic show at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall on Mother's Day, May 8. Sit down, order dinner and relax to the tunes of Danika Holmes and accompanist Jeb Hart. The Nashville duo blends together soul and alternative country in a simplistic, acoustic mashup of styles. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the music starts at 5:30 p.m. Get your tickets at isisasheville.com or call 575-2737 for a dinner reservation. Or you could take mom to a punk show, if she's into that.

5. Brave New World debuts at NC Stage. Enter the World State, where the population is chemically engineered, technologies control emotions and perpetual happiness is just a small pill away. Savages still live beyond the border, practicing “old-world" lifestyles, fenced-in with no knowledge of this perfect new world. One man is given special permission to leave and experience the wonders of civilization. Two worlds collide in Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," and the world premiere of the based-on-the-book musical is set to debut at North Carolina Stage Company on May 11. This big-name production is an equally big deal for Asheville. Broadway's Justin Matthew Sargent leads the cast (yes, that Broadway) with Grammy and Emmy awards winner John McDaniel co-producing music for the production (among other big names). Tickets range from $16-40 and can be purchased at ncstage.org.