Western Carolina University, in cooperation with the Jackson County Green Energy Park, will offer three series of introductory glassblowing classes that teach participants to create simple blown and solid forms.

Participants may choose to attend classes from 9 a.m. to noon Fridays beginning June 3; 6-9 p.m. Mondays beginning June 6; and 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 7. Classes meet four times and cost $270, with the option of two additional meetings for a total of $390. All classes will be held at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

Western Carolina University has announced the lineup for its 2011 Summer Concert Series.

The concerts, sponsored by A.K. Hinds University Center, will be held on the University Center lawn at 7 p.m. on Thursdays in June and July. The events are free and open to the public.

A full schedule follows:

• June 2, Katharine Whalen and Chimney Choir. Whalen and her current band, The Fascinators, combine jazz with modern electronic effects and percolating rhythms. Also, musicians of the Colorado-based band Chimney Choir, who play instruments including mandolin, harmonica, accordion, guitar, flute, piano and banjo, will combine vocal harmonies, epic arrangements and imaginative lyrics.

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Hunter Coleman likes to quote St. Francis who once said, “Preach often and use words as necessary.” Coleman, who retired as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands in 2007, once preached some of the most meaningful sermons in the area, according to his former parishioners. Today, he still preaches beautiful sermons, but without words, using his camera.

Coleman’s career as pastor with a camera began to take shape in 2000, seven years before he retired.

“My wife Trudie, who could always see ahead better than I could, said to me one day, ‘Hunter, you need a hobby. The church has been your entire life. You need to have something to do when you retire.’”

SYLVA, N.C. – John-Luke Carter, a promising singersongwriter in the mold of John Mayer and Dave Matthews, takes the stage Friday, June 3, as part of the Concerts on the Creek summer series.

The 20-year-old Carter already has two albums under his belt and is gaining a steady following for his easy, alternative sounds and soulful voice. He moved to Sylva from Virginia four years ago and is majoring in English and professional writing at Western Carolina.

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