W. Asheville block party to overtake Hanover Street

With its strong neighborhood identities, West Asheville has so much community to celebrate but relatively few events. A new block party event organized by residents aims to change that, at least for one Sunday.

The first ever Hanover Hangout comes to Hanover Street between Alabama and Indiana avenues on Oct. 4 with 14 bands plus vendors and artists. The free community event begins at 3 p.m., and bands will play inside private residences (which will open to the public). At 7 p.m., that block of Hanover Street will be closed to make room for bands to play outside.

Lexy Rae, who lives nearby and works at King Daddy's Chicken and Waffles on Haywood Road, organized the event out of affection for the neighborhood.

"I had thought about having a block party for a long time and always thought it would be so unique and fun to put together an event that would attract all sorts of people from all over the community," she said. "It sort of transformed into this DIY festival, where artists could come out and sell their art, people can learn to screen print (there will be a DIY screen printing workshop) and people can see music of multiple genres. I have 14 bands ranging from psych rock, surf rock, metal and ragtime. Not to mention, the whole thing is donation based, which I think appeals to everyone."

Bands include The Krektones, Charlie Megira, Axxa/Abraxas, Ouroboros Boys, Shifty Drifters and others.

The block party concludes at 10 p.m., but The Double Crown on Haywood Road will host an after party. The $5 suggested admission donation will support the bands.

Rae said she's pleasantly surprised by the community's support of the event. Thirty people have already signed up to volunteer.

"I love the idea of organizing something that will be totally positive for the neighborhood and bring people together to have fun," she said.

To get involved with the event, search for the Hanover Hangout Facebook page or visit its Go Fund Me site.