Joe Rob, whose “Tales on Market Street” recently opened as his first Restored Dreams Project in Asheville – that of bringing diverse populations together through the arts – is staging a second event.  “Diamonds in the Rough,” a new multi-cultural showcase, will be Saturday, April 25, at 3 p.m., at Haywood Street Congregation, 297 Haywood Street.  The showcase will highlight the talents of Joe Rob’s up-and-coming local artist friends awaiting this kind of opportunity to bring a refreshing diversity to all. Weather permitting, the event will be on the grounds, otherwise in the Fellowship Room. The public is invited; any donations will benefit Haywood Street Congregation and the Restored Dreams Project.

Special guest headliners at 4 pm are the popular Blue Ridge musicians George and Brooke Buckner, who played at Merlefest in 2012, and have been regulars at the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival at Diana Wortham Theatre, the Lake Eden Arts Festival, and Shindig on the Green. George is a fourth-generation banjo player who learned from Ralph Lewis and Carroll Best, and who in 9th grade opened for Bill Monroe in Weaverville. Brooke grew up in Madison County singing at church; at age 18 she toured internationally with the Green Grass Cloggers. Her musical mentors were Roger Howell, Dellie Norton, Doug and Jack Wallin, David Holt, and her future husband, George Buckner.