Asheville City Council Member Sage Turner Connects Art, Community, and Music
The sun bore down fiercely as I met Asheville City Council member Sage Turner by the vibrant mural of Dolly Parton and RuPaul on Haywood Road in the charming neighborhood of West Asheville. The heat didn’t seem to faze us too much; Turner greeted me with two cans of LaCroix sparkling water, beads of condensation glistening on their surfaces. As I popped open mine, I felt fortunate to be wrapping up my series of interviews titled “On the Record” with her. She was hoping for reelection this year, just like her fellow council member Kim Roney, whom I had interviewed earlier.
A Musical Walk Down Memory Lane
Unlike the previous interviews, our meeting took place on the move. Turner suggested we stroll through her beloved neighborhood, which she’s called home for 25 years, while listening to an album she chose: The Doors’ self-titled 1967 debut album. As we walked, the opening track, “Break on Through (To the Other Side),” created a fitting backdrop filled with vibrant energy.
“You know, the first time I heard this album was at my cousin’s place in Cincinnati,” Turner shared, her eyes lighting up with nostalgia. She recalled picking up the vinyl and being awe-struck. “And then my cousin jumped on the drums, and it hit me — music is just this incredible force.” It’s clear that music has always been a significant part of her life.
Celebrating the Local Arts Scene
As we wandered further along Haywood Road, Turner spoke passionately about her love for music and swing dance. Most Friday nights, you can find her dancing away at popular spots like Cork & Keg Bar or Eda’s Hide-a-Way. Before her dancing shoes came into the picture, she created open jam nights at her home, where friends would gather and play music late into the night on her spacious deck.
The transformation of West Asheville over the past two decades captivated her. From humble dining options to a bustling street flourished with coffeehouses, restaurants, and even eye-catching murals, it’s evident that the character of this neighborhood has evolved tremendously. “We’re covered in artistic murals,” she noted while pointing to a giant fox adorning the side of the Haywood Country Club. Music venues, however, haven’t fared as well, with notable closures like The Mothlight in 2020 and Isis Music Hall in 2023. “It’s part of the ever-changing business landscape,” she remarked. “Not everyone can last forever.” Yet, she highlighted the bright side by celebrating the success of events like the second annual AVLFest, which showcased a vast array of talent earlier this August.
Addressing Housing Challenges
As our walk took us to Hudson Street and Sevan Court, Turner pointed out a development known as a cottage court. These smaller, single-family homes clustered around shared open spaces represent an innovative approach to addressing Asheville’s housing crisis. “It’s disheartening that so many artists can’t afford to live in the very places where they create,” she shared. “The loss of street performers is an example of that.” She was keen on learning from other regions, such as parts of California and Texas, and had even met with an organization called Artspace before the pandemic—though progress halted due to unforeseen circumstances.
Future Plans for the Community
COVID-19 also stalled the ambitious $100 million revamp of the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, a project that she hopes will return to the forefront soon. Discussions surrounding the auditorium’s future abound, pondering how best to keep it relevant while facing various community challenges. “It’s a tough situation,” she acknowledged, aware that other pressing issues weigh heavily on the city’s shoulders.
Despite these hurdles, Turner has seen many accomplishments during her tenure. Among them is the upcoming $38.5 million renovation of McCormick Field. Recently, a groundbreaking ceremony kicked off plans for the site, including live artistic events that promise to bring fresh energy to the stadium, and Turner is excited about welcoming new arts experiences during the off-season.
A Bit of Fun
As our conversation meandered like the very streets we walked, I learned more about Turner’s quirky jokes about using a tree for a meeting call while visiting Kentucky. We shared laughs as she detailed her unique hobby of restoring houseboats, as well as her years of volunteer service on various boards and committees. “Giving back has been so rewarding,” she remarked with a smile, noting how deeply invested she feels in the community.
Closing with a Laugh
Our walk concluded back in front of the mural of Dolly and RuPaul, where I learned it’s one of her favorite spots too. With the cans of LaCroix in hand and a smile on her face, Turner posed for a quick shot. Then, in a spontaneous moment, she leaped playfully between the two iconic figures. It was a true reflection of her vibrant spirit and commitment to her community.
Through this enlightening walk with Sage Turner, we got a glimpse of the heartbeat of Asheville—an artistically rich, continuously evolving city where the spirit of community thrives. It reminds us how interconnected art, music, and civic engagement truly are.
