Hayley Benton

hbenton@citizen-times.com

1. Tune in to Magnetic Theatre for this fictional rocker's Q&A

In this hilarious production by Jamieson Ridenhour, aspiring journalist Olivia Blake finds out that meeting her heroes comes with some risks. The play, which opens at the Magnetic Theatre on March 2, is called "Terry Tempest: The Final Interview" and stars Hayley Heninger as Blake and Cody Magourik as her childhood idol, Terry Tempest, lead singer of the iconic punk band The Storm. This could jump-start Blake's career as a rock-journalist, but this punk-rocker is notorious for abusing interviewers (when he doesn't ditch the interview altogether). For emotional support, Blake brings along her friend Stacy, who is also a huge fan of the band — and the musician is not quite pleased to find the two "fangirls" in his hotel room for an interview. The show opens up with two discounted preview performances on March 2 and 3, with opening night (and free champagne) on March 4, continuing Thursdays through Saturdays through March 25. Tickets to the show are $21 online at themagnetictheatre.org and $24 at the door before the show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Magnetic Theatre is in Asheville's River Arts District at 375 Depot St.

2. Catch Allison Crutchfield and the Fizz at The Mothlight

Bob your head to the poppy beat of Allison Crutchfield and the Fizz at the Mothlight on Saturday night, March 4. Allison's sister, Katie Crutchfield, makes up the band Waxahatchee, and, lately, the sisters have been performing together as part of the other's bands. The show is opened by Vagabon, starts at 9:30 p.m. and costs $10 in advance or $12 online at themothlight.com.

Synth-tastic Crutchfield plays Asheville’s Mothlight

3. Get into psychedelic banjo rock

Haven't seen the magic that is Tall Tall Trees live? Now is your chance. The psychedelic banjo-playing one-man-band is heading to the Grey Eagle on March 5 for an album release show. Consider him a music pioneer, taking the folksy twang of a banjo and looping his riffs on top of one another to create a truly unique musical experience. The Sunday show starts at 8 p.m., and is opened by local musician Pierce Edens and "hillbilly gutrock" band Skunk Ruckus. Tickets are $10 in advance at thegreyeagle.com and $12 at the door.

4. Brush up on Irish drinking songs and head to the pub

Join the Musicians in the Round at South Slope's Catawba Brewing for a night of Irish drinking songs on the open mic. Each Monday, Catawba opens up its Banks Avenue brewery to musicians and their instruments from 5:30-8:40 p.m., and, as the bar fills up, the musicians get rowdier. On March 6, the open mic's special theme honors St. Paddy himself — in the form of Irish drinking songs and sing-a-longs. Get to the pub early to sign up to play or find the Musicians in the Round on Facebook events to get a spot to sing your favorite drinking tune.

5. Join Frugal Backpacker for some Spring hiking tips and ideas

Hoping to brush up on some hiking tips, tricks and trails before the warm weather sets in for the season? Head over to Frugal Backpacker on March 9 for a spring refresher-course on hiking essentials – from packing to must-see March trails. The event starts at 6 p.m. at 52 Westgate Parkway just West of downtown, and the outdoor goods store's expert staff will be on hand to discuss trails for waterfalls, bird-watching, scenic views and all sorts of hiking and camping gear and tips — and even some giveaways for those who attend. The event is free and open to the public.