The A-List: Unique, arty things to see + hear around WNC for Nov. 5-8

In a region sporting far more improv than many cities multiples our size, Adesto Theatre levels up where few companies anywhere go—full-length, fully improvised plays.

Their newest iteration brings performers into the workplace (audiences will decide the exact workplace on the spot for each performance). But here, the workplace really is a pretext for bringing characters into discovering and feeding relationships with each other. It’ll be funny. But more than that, you’ll probably find something (or someone) to relate to from your own work experience.

If you come to Sunday’s matinee, come say hi—I’ll be in that performance.

Story Parlor is expanding beyond the confines of its own intimate home in West Asheville to produce its first show in Madison County, in the spacious environs of Mars Landing Arts Center.

Frank Salzano and William Elan DeHaro team for a contemporary telling of Layla & Majnun, a classic Sufi folktale popularized by Nizami, the great 12th-century Persian poet. The story, underscored by Persian fiddle, melds the devotional and mystical heart of the medieval Islamic world with the romanticism of Romeo & Juliet. The producers say it “weds together longing, love, and grief with mystery, annihilation, and the cosmic heart breaking open.”

That’s a lot for one story. Bring something to dab your tears.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Tuesday’s blue tsunami than an evening of stoner metal. Fleetwood’s has you covered with this triple bill headlined by Nashville’s Dead Runes.

From their own words, Dead Runes “bring the frantic anxiety of Mastodon mixed with the chill majestic vibes of The Sword. Head-bangable, dynamic, fuzz-drenched rock'n'roll.” Their debut platter, “Raidho,” shows a promise in that direction, though I’m hearing far more of The Sword than Mastodon here.

Asheville trio Weight Shift, second on the evening’s bill, has it going on with the tunes you can hear on their Bandcamp.

When he isn’t teaching music at Warren Wilson College, Jason DeCristofaro doubles as an in-demand vibes player for jazz outfits. Here, he’s fronting a quartet featuring vocalist Wendy Jones, a longtime local favorite who’s performed in big band outfits and other ensembles around the world.

This is a fundraiser for the Madison County Community Housing Coalition (hence, the pricetag), but it’s a unique evening of music that will close the year of performance at Mars Landing Arts Center, so there will be special vibes all around.

Two of the most revered flatpicking guitarists of their generation have each pioneered their own distinct interpretations of bluegrass, introducing hints of roots, jazz, prog and beyond. Now, Keel and Stickley are teaming to celebrate their musicianship and pair their voices for a performance promising to reach new artistic territory.