December 14, 2011

VOL. 28 / PUB 24 / FREE DECEMBER 14-20, 2011 WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

the give-back business Half United focuses on benevolent fashion

encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 1

hodgepodge| WhAt’s InsIDE thIs WEEk

thE GIvE-BACk BusInEss pg. 6-7 Local siblings launch fashion business to help fight hunger When Carmin Black interned at TOM’s Shoes a few years back, she left the company with a dream of her own: Carry forward the give-back business model and help combat child hunger. With the aid of her artistic brother, Christian, and $200 in their pockets, they launched a clothing company in 2009. Today, they’re going strong, working with nonprofits to help stop a world epidemic which plagues people of their most basic right—to be nourished. By selling fashion-forward tees, along with jewelry made of recycled brass bullets and handmade textile bracelets, Half United is finding its footing in a new trend reforming the American Dream: to own a business that makes a difference.

Read the Black siblings’ story on pages 6 and 7.

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news & views ....................4-8 shoppers last weekend, steering them out of local businesses and onto the mega retailer’s website.

LATE NIGHT FUNNIES

6-7 cover story: Shea Carver gets to know the

“Mitt Romney now says the gloves are coming off. And then Ron Paul said, ‘And my teeth are coming out.’” —David Letterman “The Library of Congress is home to some of the most important documents in history including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and now it will so include tweets from Gretchen44, who likes strawberry balsamic vinegar on her salad.” —Craig Ferguson “Donald Trump is hosting a debate in Iowa, but so far Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum are the only presidential candidates to RSVP. Rick Santorum actually requested a plus one—you know, so he could bring all of his supporters.” —Jimmy Fallon “This is kind of scary. This was in the paper today: According to the new federal guidelines, if you’ve had sex with more than one person in the past year, you might be ‘too promiscuous to be an organ donor.’ More bad news for Herman Cain.” —Jay Leno “The day before yesterday, Herman Cain suspended his campaign. That is a shame. He touched so many people.” —Stephen Colbert “One of the holiday decorations at the White House is a 400-pound gingerbread house. Isn’t that nice? And in front of that is a 400-pound ginger bread ‘foreclosed’ sign.” —Conan O’Brien

brother-sister team behind Half United, a clothing

WIn tICkEts!

is published weekly, on Wednesday, by Wilmington Media. Opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.

vol. 28 / pub. 24 / December 14-20, 2011

4 live local: Amazon offered an appalling deal to

on the cover

If you’re not already an encore fan on Facebook, you should be! We have ongoing contests on encore’s Facebook page, as well as on our home page, www.encorepub.com.

You can win a pair of tickets to concerts all over the area, such as from Soapbox LaundroLounge, Thalian Hall, Brooklyn Arts Center and

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company dedicated to fighting hunger for kids.

8 news of the weird: Chuck Shepherd shares the latest odd stories.

artsy smartsy ............. 9-23 9-10 theatre: Porch Theatre Company and Brooklyn Arts Center celebrate the season with ‘The Office Holiday Party’; Gwenyfar falls in love with the classic ‘The Sound of Music’ all over again.

12 art: Alex Pompliano feels the rhythym as Coast 97.3 presents its ninth annual spoken word Poetry Jam.

13 gallery listings: Check out what’s hanging in area art galleries.

15 film: Anghus gets all fuzzy inside with ‘The Muppets.’

16-18 music: Linda Grattafiori meets the conductor of the Girls’ Choir of Wilmington, Sandy Errante; Sarah Richter reminisces about the days of old with Drivin’ N Cryin’.

20-23 soundboard: See what bands and performers are playing in venues from Wilmington to Jacksonville.

grub & guzzle................24-29 24-29 dining guide: Need a few suggestions

WORD OF THE WEEK perscipacious: pur-spi-key-shuhs, adjective; 1. having keen mental perception and understanding; discerning 2. characterized by cleverness or originality of invention or construction

on where to eat? Flip through our dining guide!

30 grub: Shea Carver interviews Max Norton, manager of Okami Japanese Steakhouse.

extra! extra! ..................32-47 32 books: Tiffanie Gabrielse shares the insight of author Daniel Ladinsky in anticipation of his

Editor-in-Chief: Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

General Manager: John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

reading from “A Year with Hafiz.”

Editorial Assistant: Bethany Turner // music@encorepub.com

Art Director: Sue Cothran // ads@encorepub.com

34 fact or fiction: Ichabod C. offers another

Interns: Sarah Richte

Advertising sales: John Hitt // Downtown // john@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus Houvouras, Ichabod C, Jay Schiller, Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Christina Dore, Alex Pompliano, Fay Meadows, Kim Henry

Kris Beasley // Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington // kris@encorepub.com

Office Manager: Susie Riddle // susie@adpakweekly.com

Jennifer Barnett // Jacksonville

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

// jennifer@encorepub.com

2 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

Shea Carver // Midtown, Monkey Junction //shea@encorepub.com

installment of ‘It Makes Me Wonder,’ winning story of encore’s creative writing contest.

35 crossword: Brain game by Stanley Newman.

38-47 calendar/‘toons/horoscopes/corkboard: Find out what to do in town with our calendar; check out Tom Tomorrow and the annual ‘toons winner, Jay Schiller; read your horoscope; and check out the latest saucy corkboard ads.

Wilmington’s World-Class Concert Venue LiVe @ BaC

Drivin N Cryin

Friday, December 16 Doors 7pm, Show 8pm General Admission Floor - $15 / $18 day of show General Admission Balcony - $25 / $30 day of show Available Online www.brooklynartsnc.com and at the BAC Box Office

For Tickets and more information

BrooklynArtsNC.com 910-538-2939 There is abundant Free parking on north 4th St., or you can park in Historic Downtown Wilmington, two minutes away, and take the free trolley.

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC

Blackberry Smoke Saturday, December 17 Doors 7pm, Show 8pm General Admission Floor - $15 / $18 day of show General Admission Balcony - $25 / $30 day of show Available Online www.brooklynartsnc.com and at the BAC Box Office

encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 3

news&views|

7 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

6 COVER STORY 4 LIVE LOCAL

live local. live small.

Amazon sinks to a new low hler

by Gwenyfar Ro

ds

uts,’ with procee Promise of Pean he ‘T of or th Au ect Fully Belly Proj benefiting The

“E

vEryonE has a pricE,” so thE

old saying goes, but it is sad to learn just how low that price is for some. Amazon— as in the online mega retailer—seems determined to drive every retail business in America into bankruptcy.

Or they’re at least going to take down as many local economies as possible through their determination not to remit sales tax.

They found yet another plan to endear themselves to the hearts and minds of Americans. On December 10th, Amazon.com asked people to visit real brickand-mortar stores, find something they wanted to purchase, scan it with the Price Check phone app, and walk out without making the purchase. Amazon then offered to give them a $5 discount on the item, if it was purchased from Amazon that day. There were, of course, a host of restrictions which applied, including shipping—unless someone wanted to get an Amazon credit card, the modern-day equivalent of the company store that owns your life. Gas mileage would have burned the $5 credit. And, of course, time spent driving, scanning, returning home, logging on and ordering an item would have been worth more than the mere $5 savings.

More than likely, this affected chain stores more than small businesses. Chains compete on lowestprice offers, whereas small businesses can’t afford to “give away the farm,” so to speak. They try to offer better quality in service and community investment (take a look around at the next charity gala you attend and make a note of where the donations come from.

Hint: It‘s not located on Van Campen Boulevard.)

Now, I love getting a deal just as much as anyone else; I am still talking about a Japanese print silk jacket with a velvet collar, which I bought for $5 in 2001. I can understand how this promotion caught people’s atten4 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

tion. My mother taught me to comparison shop like life depended upon it. But this promotion wasn’t about simply looking for a good deal; it intentionally put consumers in a merchant’s store, for which the merchant pays rent and bills, has spent tens of thousands of dollars to make presentable to display wares, and even provides a bathroom for customers to use, along with paying for the water to operate it. These merchants pay innumerable taxes to the city, county, state and federal government, which provide such services as schools, roads and jobs for their communities. Amazon encouraged customers to take advantage of merchants, utilize their services, all with intent not to make a purchase and, even worse, subvert it entirely.

Short of shoplifting or destroying the merchandise in the store, they couldn’t do much worse. If there weren’t enough compelling reasons to shop locally, not the least of which is supporting local jobs and a local economy through sales tax, just treating our neighbors with respect should be reason enough.

I contacted Amazon’s public relations in an effort to ask questions about who had come up with this exceptionally diabolical plan—though I did word it more nicely. As of press time, no one had responded. So, I called Amazon customer service, which is listed on the promotion page as the contact point for questions.

I got a nice and confused man somewhere in central Asia who had never heard of this promotion. He kept asking me if I was trying to buy a towel with supersaver shipping. He confirmed repeatedly that Amazon has lots of promotions, but he had never heard of this.

As you can imagine there has been hot and heavy response from business owners about this. One of my colleagues in the book business in Florida suggested combatting the offer by paying people $5 to delete the scanning application from their smart phones. I’m not

going to do that, mostly because I can’t fathom the shame of realizing that I had just walked into a store that sells over 10,000 books for $1 each and tried to price scan Amazon’s $5 offer. To anyone who did that: There is no hope.

This shouldn’t be about the lowest price or getting $5 back from Amazon (which by the way, they made up for on the shipping and handling anyway). After two years of shopping with only small businesses, I couldn’t imagine treating Joey at Steven’s Hardware with such disrespect. I go there because when I need to know about moisture prevention for shoddy masonry, Joey will take 30 minutes to give me an honest, well-reasoned answer. He has extended me credit and special ordered things I never dreamed existed.

Sure, Amazon sells Singing Dog Vanilla—but so does both Tidal Creek and Sugar on Front. I couldn’t walk into Tidal Creek, talk with Raphael about his music, Craig about his son and Frieda about cooking with her daughter, price scan an item to purchase it on Amazon, avoid paying sales tax and sending money to a faceless corporation with OSHA problems. I would walk out feeling far too deeply ashamed of myself. I just couldn’t do that. I also know these places I love will disappear if I stop shopping there.

On Friday, Sen. Olympia Snowe (R.-Maine) called for Amazon to cancel its price-check plans and described the online retailer’s promotion as “an attack on Main Street businesses that employ workers in our communities. Small businesses are fighting every day to compete with giant retailers, such as Amazon, and incentivizing consumers to spy on local shops is a bridge too far. . . . During the busiest shopping season of the year, we should remember our local restaurants, bookshops, and hardware stores are the economic engines in our communities.”

VOTE ! encore

F O T S BE2012

N O T G N I M L I W Vote for your favorites and tell The Port City what makes our town special.

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the give-back business:

//NEWS

Half United focuses on benevolent fashion

F

amily,

Faith,

philanthropy.

For Carmin and Christian Black, such three components make up success for their current business, Half United, which sales fashionable wares, like necklaces, bracelets and T-shirts, for a cause. Trending among 21st century entrepreneurs—à la TOM’s Shoes, Fallen Whistles and Warby Parker—their business model gives back to the local and global community. At Half United, every penny received is split evenly into the business’ for-profit and non-profit sides.

Its foundation is rooted in the passion of combatting child hunger first and foremost, while its bottom line, i.e. profit margins, play second fiddle. Though it may seem mindboggling to traditional financiers, for this brother-sister team, it’s exactly the appeal of their reformed American Dream: working for themselves and the world at large toward betterment.

“We are really trying to create a sustainable model,” Carmin says. “There is no room for greed. We could [care less] about having a million dollars of profit sitting in a bank account when millions of people out there need to be fed.

“Our grandparents, who lived through the Great Depression, once said, ‘It’s no coincidence that when people have the least, they give the most,’” Carmin continues, referring to the bleak economic toll our country has taken over the past few years. “No one really notices anyone is doing poorly when the economy is doing well, but I think we are being reminded all the time that everybody is suffering right now—and somehow that pulls everyone together.”

It all began in 2009. Carmin had returned from an internship at TOM’s Shoes, a leader in the current business-scape of giving back.

TOM’s donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair bought. Carmin initially became inspired by the business blueprint after attending a ministry gathering, the Orange Conference in Atlanta, with her father, Randy, a pastor and self-employed contractor. The founder of TOM’s, Blake Mycoskie (who also happened to compete on the second season of CBS’s “The Amazing Race”), spoke at the conference.

“I had just graduated college the day before we went,” Carmin, who studied journalism at ECU, says. “When I heard Blake speak, I remember sitting in the audience, and it was like a bolt of lightning hit me. I thought, ‘This man is a genius!’”

Half United wouldn’t be born for another few years, though. First, Carmin took on a string of jobs, including a position at WECT.

by Shea Carver encore editor

Though she enjoyed the storytelling aspect of it and meeting the people, she wasn’t connecting or functioning fully on the spiritual path she and her brother were reared on. So, she hit the job search once again, which lead her to an intern opening with TOM’s. The competition was stiff, too: Out of thousands of applicants, they only accepted 13.

With Christian’s help making her audition video, she was selected to travel the nation, and public-speak about the cause and the innerworkings of corporate America in its altruistic reformation.

“I knew within the depths of my soul that [the internship] would lead to something else—something great,” Carmin beams with an infectious smile. While most people shy away from speaking publicly and with authority, Carmin’s vivacious personality was suited for it, even as an apprentice. Her work with TOM’s became the training and impetus she needed to carry forth the give-back archetype.

“When I got there and started seeing the buzz and excitement around this office because of how the business operates and how everyone was excited about their jobs, I knew I would start my own business under the same model,” she says. Upon the job’s completion, she called her brother.

“Christian, I have it!” she remembers saying. “We are going to help fight hunger.”

SIBLING BOND Carmin and Christian have always been tight. Christian fondly remembers his sister’s parental guidance as much as his mother’s or father’s, whom divorced when he was 4 and Carmin was 10.

“I was in kindergarten when Carmin was in 5th grade,” he shares, dark eyes gleaming.

Sharing his sister’s endearing disposition, only with a more quiet, reserved mien, he laughs at the thought of her Curious George debut in elementary school.

“She was the president of our school,” he says, “and she would do quirky events all the time. One day she came to class dressed as

6 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

UNITED FRONT: Siblings Christian and Carmin Black founded Half United in 2009 on the give-back business model, which utilizes business for philanthropic work. Photo by Shea Carver

Curious George, and I was in awe. I ran up to Curious George, and then I heard: ‘Christian, it’s me.’ I was like, ‘Carmin?’ And she asked me if I had lunch money. She was always looking after me.”

She still does, too. When the former Cape Fear Community College business major decided to start his T-shirt line, 1989, before Carmin’s internship, she invited herself to do his accounting. “We were at her apartment, and she said, ‘Yea, I am going to help you run this business.’” Among laughter, Christian reveals, “I didn’t want her involved at all.

But, as it turned out, I really needed her.”

“Oh, that’s the first time he’s ever admitted that,” Carmin chimes in.

1989 never made it into the ether. However, Christian’s brush-up on design and fashion certainly was priming him for Half

United’s launch—even if unbeknownst to him. In fact, both of their inspiration into the fashion world came early on from their mother, Sherry, a local interior designer.

“Our mom really raised us to understand fashion and embrace that industry,” Carmin says. “Even though I loved it, I never thought I would work in it—never had plans or a desire to.”

In the early stages of Half United, the only agreement Carmin and Christian made was that half their profits would go toward feeding kids. “We were not going to budge on that,” Carmin notes. In fact, they launched their business’ Facebook and Twitter accounts without really narrowing their product line.

“We wanted it to be a clothing company, but Carmin also wanted it to be all accessories, too—and home goods,” Christian says.

“I thought: fun coffee mugs, kitchen towels, weird cereal bowls...”

“Food-related,” Christian interjects.

“I thought it would be great because every time someone used the product, they would be reminded they fed a child,” Carmin explains.

The problem was neither had the ambition to become the next Martha Stewart. So, they started buying Tshirts and using them as blank canvases for Christian’s designs. They would spray paint and stencil them haphazardly. They also bought metals and items to make jewelry.

“We literally started the business with $200,” Carmin admits. “We haven’t had any investment made into us since the beginning.”

Naturally, they weren’t taking home a hefty pay check from the upstart (they both still hold other jobs), but the reward that they were helping others made up for it. With shirts bearing Aztec designs and Native American faces, along with an American flag shirt and one sporting a simple logo, their branding seemed all over the place.

Over the past few months, they have begun solidifying a more clear name and product line. They have an updated, clean logo, and they sell hand-designed textile bracelets, made from kids in Cambodia, who receive all funds from its sales.

For spring 2012, Carmin and Christian will continue to focus more attention on their signature bullet necklace, a brass shell hung

on a chain with a hand-painted ring and a Half United charm accompanying it. Sold for $29 at local boutiques Hallelu, Surf House, Oliver, Bloke, Life Community Church bookstore and UNCW’s Eco-Teal, Carmin searched high and low for an idea to become their trademark.

“It’s a bullet fighting hunger,” Christian, a self-taught artist, notes. “It’s a peaceful protest symbol.”

“Or it can be offensive,” Carmin adds, “because, quite frankly, hunger offends us.

It is appalling the overabundance of food we have in the world and the unequal distribution of it.”

At first, the siblings took on the task of hand-making every item. Today, they’re able to employ local artists, metalworkers and interns, along with their newly appointed chief of operations, Sarah Brown, to churn out the designs. With the help of local businesses, like Shooters Choice, they’ve also been receiving used brass bullets for their necklace design. “But now they want us to start buying them,” Carmin notes—which, essentially, cuts into feeding the kids, as brass doesn’t come cheap and is sold by weight. “We are looking at Camp Lejeune and the police force for donations.”

They’re already seeing far in advance to their next move: the 2013 spring line.

Then they will focus on structure of clothing, playing with various custom cuts and shapes over screen-printed designs. “We want to create great basics that can be worn all the time,” Carmin notes.

THE CAUSE Half United works with local non-profits, including Feast Down East and Vigilant Hope, Hillcrest public housing community and many churches across Wilmington. They also have worked with elementary schools, such as Snipes and Supply, planting gardens for the students to tend to, learn from and enjoy its harvest.

“We’ve done a book-bag buddy program, where we fill book bags with food and send them home to their families,” Carmin says. “We’ve adopted neighborhoods where we do special food events, like for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we’ve done pancakes in the park two summers in a row now, where we feed students and families.”

Overall, they’ve supplied around 35,000 meals to kids worldwide. They’ve built connections abroad through close family friends and ministry. They have sent food to an orphanage in Fiji and to the More Than Me foundation in Liberia, which was founded by Katie Meyler, out of Washington, D.C., who is working to keep kids off the street and fed.

“We’ve done tons of research,” Carmin says. “We’ve taken the average of all the places we feed [among our four partners] so if we sell something for $6, $3 goes to our for-profit to cover expenses and over-

PHILANTHROPIC WARES: T-shirts, necklaces and bracelets are for sale at halfunited.org, with half profits going to fight child hunger. Photo

by Shea Carver

head, and the other $3 goes to our nonprofit to feed the children two weeks of school meals.”

These meals help fights against statistics that shake the Blacks to their core: “925 million people worldwide suffer from hunger, that’s more than the populations of the U.S., Canada and the European Union combined,” and “Preschool and schoolage children who experience severe hunger have higher levels of chronic illness, anxiety and depression, and behavior problems than children with no hunger.”

More over, Carmin and Christian are spreading their business’ give-back model to anyone who wants to know more about it.

Actually, they admit to receiving hundreds of e-mails a month from all over the world from people interested in their story.

“We had some kids from UNCW contact us about starting a clothing company that feeds kids in needs,” Carmin says with a sincere laugh. “So, I met with them and gave them all of my contacts. When you are in this type of business, you virtually eliminate any negative competition.”

And how could one not? Who feeds the most kids worldwide sounds like a rewarding race in which to be involved. Carmin and Christian have faith and family to guide them through every decision they make, which keeps them grounded. And they’re not shy to admit it.

“Our dad very much walks by faith and lives by faith,” Carmin says. “He always tells us, ‘If it is meant to be, you will be blessed by it and doors will open.”

It inevitably has, too. Half United has caught notice of quite a few players in the fashion industry field already. They were represented at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and they’ve secured orders in showrooms in

L.A. and New York.

“We have a huge retail partnership coming up, too,” Carmin reveals excitedly. “It always works out. There have been times when I have had no earthly idea where money is going to come from to pay bills, but it does. . . . I believe that if you take a leap of faith and give, it will come back. And you don’t have to be a Christian to understand this.”

Though it’s the season of giving, Half United recompenses year-round. Folks

can shop smart for the holiday by purchasing a bullet necklace or T-shirt for a fashionforward person on their list. As they indulge on their holiday feast, they’ll rest assured knowing other kids worldwide are doing the same. Items can always be purchased online at www.halfunited.com or at one of the aforementioned local boutiques. It’s a threefer deal, too: Shopping local for locally made products for a worthy cause.

Folks also can donate to the cause forthright. Half United just launched an Indie-GoGo campaign in hopes of raising $20,000 to successfully find its footing. Like Kickstarter, the global funding site allows anyone to become a supporter or backer in the business.

Folks can donate $10 to $10,000, and will receive gifts ranging from tees and necklaces to donations of meals made from contributions. The Blacks have a little over a month to raise the entire amont. They’re hoping the funds won’t only allow them more product and capital to run the company, but will proved them the opportunity to travel overseas next year to meet the kids they’re helping internationally.

“We are passionate about using our gifts to learn and better ourselves,” Christian says. “We know we’re helping kids—and, in the end, that’s just really cool.”

For more information about Half United, visit them online at www.halfunited.com.

They are always accepting volunteers, intern applications or general interest queries from the public.

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NewsoftheWeird with Chuck Shepherd LEAD STORY Chinese Education Values: To get to their school, 80 children (aged 6 to 17) in the mountaintop village of Pili, China, near the borders with Tajikistan and Afghanistan, make a 120mile journey that includes 50 miles on foot or by camel. The most dangerous parts of the route are an inches-wide path cut into a cliff (over a 1,000-foot drop), a 600-foot-long zipline drop and crossings of four freezing rivers (easier in winter when they are frozen solid).

The kids must make the chaperoned treks four times a year coming and going for each of two long sessions. According to one teacher, Ms. Su, the kids generally enjoy the adventure. The government is building a road to the village, but it will not be finished until 2013.

Cultural Diversity Globally (except in Japan), family-run businesses underperform those run by professional managers. Japanese corporations often seem to have a talented son to take over for his father. The main reason for that, according to an August Freakonomics radio report, is that the family scions usually first recruit an ideal “son” and then adopt him, often also encouraging their daughters to marry the men. (Japanese adage: “You can’t choose your sons, but you can choose your sons-in-law.”) If the man is already married, sometimes he and his wife will both get adopted. In fact, while 98 percent of U.S. adoptions are of children, 98 percent of Japan’s are of adults.

At an October ceremony in the Satara district in India’s Maharashtra state, 285 girls were allowed to change their names, as each of them had originally been named the Hindi word “Nakusa,” which translates to “unwanted” (expressing their parents’ disappointment at not having had a son). In Satara, only 881 girls are born for every 1,000 boys, reportedly the result of abortion, given the expense of raising a girl (whose family is expected to pay for any wedding and give a dowry to the groom’s family).

Swedish Judges Get Tough: A court dismissed charges against two 20-year-old men in October, accused of having bared a passed-out, 18-year-old woman’s breasts at a party and taken photographs.

Since the woman was not “aware” that she was being molested, the act was not a crime, ruled the Stockholm District Court. Also in October, the Falun District Court in central Sweden convicted 23 women of possession of “large quantities” of child pornography, but gave them suspended sentences, merely fining them in amounts as low as the equivalent of $375. Their male “ringleader” was sentenced to one year in prison.

Dubai is a city of towering, architecturally brilliant skyscrapers, but since all were built only in the last several decades, the city’s central sewer system has not been able to keep up. Consequently, reported NPR’s “Fresh Air” in Novem-

ber, only a few are hooked up to the municipal system, and the remainder must hire fleets of tanker trucks to carry away the waste water.

The trucks then must queue up, sometimes for 24 hours at a time, to dispose of it at treatment plants.

Latest Religious Messages Factory worker Billy Hyatt, who was fired in 2009 by north Georgia plastics company Pliant Corp., filed a lawsuit in August alleging illegal religious discrimination. Pliant (now called Berry Plastics) required its employees to wear stickers indicating the number of consecutive accident-free days, and March 12, 2009, was the 666th day. When Hyatt refused to wear “the mark of the beast” (embracing that number, he thought, would condemn him to hell), he was suspended and then fired.

The International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Mo., recently celebrated 12 consecutive years of around-the-clock musical praying, which Pastor Mike Bickle and his evangelical congregation believe is necessary to fight the devil’s continuous infiltration of the realms of power in society (business, media, government, etc.). “To keep the music going,” according to an October Los Angeles Times dispatch, “the church has 25 bands playing throughout the week in two-hour sets,” divided between “devotional” music and “intercessions,” in which God is petitioned to help some cause or place. Bickle claims that there are “thousands” of 24/7 prayer groups in the world.

Israelis lately experience attacks not just from the outside but from its own ultra-Orthodox communities (about 10 percent of the country, and growing), whose activists have jeered and stoned “immodestly” dressed women and girls (as young as 6) on the street, defaced women’s images on billboards, forced illegal gender segregation in public facilities (including buses and sidewalks), and vandalized businesses that treat women as equals (such as one ice cream shop since female customers lick the cones in public). An especially violent minority, the Sikrikim, employ some tactics reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan in America.

Questionable Judgments Each August in Urakawa, Japan, a “hallucination and delusion competition” takes place among visiting alcoholics and sufferers of mental disorders, who in principle are helped by bonding with fellow patients and revealing their failures and successes. The Bethel Festival, named for its sponsor, brings about 600 people together for on-stage presentations (sometimes in the form of song or dance) and awards a grand prize to a standout visitor (one year, to a woman who lived for four days in a public restroom after a voice in her head told her to, and in another year, to a man who had overcome a 35-year stretch of never straying more than two yards from his mother). (Some mental-disorder professionals believe the festival is too-easily mockable by insensitive outsiders.)

15 FILM 16-23 MUSIC

artsysmartsy|

8-10 THEATRE 12-13 ART

rd er

by Bethany Turn ay Party The Office Holid mpany Porch Theatre Co 7 p.m.

Thurs., 12/15 • nter Brooklyn Ar ts Ce 516 N. 4th St. m rooklynartsnc.co $50-60 • www.b

oh holy night!

3Hole Paper gets their jingle on in ‘The Office Holiday Party’ Members of Porch Theatre Company perform in ‘The Office Holiday Party.’ Courtesy photo.

A

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awkward soirée when we’re expected to blithely converse with coworkers—people whom, though we have a common bond through shared paper work, would probably never spend time with outside of the break room. Typically we’re met with some sort of cheesy team-building game, and if we’re lucky, it takes more brainpower than a 6-year-old can manage. We don’t hold our breath.

There’s always a questionable potluck dinner, too.

One person might be the next Top Chef, but the rest serve store-bought sugar cookies with mountains of saccharine frosting or an unidentified dip.

There are a few bosses who get it, though. They are the ones who’ve booked the Porch Theatre Company (PTC) for a private, semi-scripted shindig.

Known for producing such comedy and mystery dinner theater as “Mulligan’s Wake” and “Murder in the Library,” PTC brings shows off the stage and into the house to interact with the audience.

The group formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, back in 2003. PTC moved to Wilmington in 2006, immediately taking off with performances around town.

“We do quite a few private parties each year, and the majority of them are office parties,” Suzzan Smith explains. “They have all been entertaining and some priceless. We have done three new murder mysteries this year, which adds some drama to the antics, but we wanted our holiday show to be just whimsical, campy fun.”

PTC will present “The Office Holiday Party,” a dinner theater comedy catered with a buffet of

low-country gourmet from Middle of the Island. At Brooklyn Arts Center on Thursday, December 15th at 7 p.m., the show follows the Christmas party for 3Hole Paper Company—loosely based on NBC’s “The Office” and its fictitious paper company, Dunder Mifflin. Upon arrival, the audience will be assigned a position at 3Hole, such as in accounting, sales or warehouse. They’ll be under the direction of its regional manager, Daniel Tripp (played

by Steve Rassin), a deluded and blindly insensitive leader, and his assistant, Marshall Steckle (Damond Nelson), a true brown-nosing sociopath.

Of course, no party is without a planner; thus folks will meet its senior accountant, Rochelle Martin (Suzzan Smith), who is all about the festive formalities. Rochelle’s attention to detail and numbers pays off in her role as head of the party-planning committee; she is a stickler for rules. She’s the cold and condescending type, according to Smith.

On her committee is the angelic receptionist, Pam Coriander, played by Belinda Bizic.

The cast is completed by Maxwell Paige II, who performs as the indifferent warehouse foreman Warren Shoemaker, and John Markas, who plays the IT guru Gordon Mozzela, better known as Mozzie. Unfortunately, Mozzie still lives with his mom, Camille (Denise Bass), a sweet woman who just wants to desperately rid the house of her son.

Naturally, the pent-up drama lends to the shenanigans for the evening.

This year’s holiday party for 3Hole Paper Company involves a dance contest, unusual games, ka-

raoke and a full-blown “Twelve Days of Christmas” sing-along. “All of our shows offer the opportunity to interact via games, toasts, singing or dancing,” Smith says. “It is never required. Some audience members are there to get involved and be part of the show, and many want to just watch the action.

Both are welcomed, and our actors are pretty good at reading the audience to know who wants to play along and who doesn’t.”

The stories are all developed by PTC hands alone, although the first draft usually sparks from one of Smith’s funny or unique observations. “We will then have a table read with cast members who will improv and add input,” she says. “During our rehearsal process, the script will grow with the actors…We literally cry from laughing at the improv.”

Still, the audience remains the star of every PTC show. “A script will usually get revised after a performance, because having the audience can bring out more funny that we did not see while rehearsing,” she shares. “We have had audience members be so amusing that we added what they said to the script. It is evolving, so it feels fun and fresh for the actors, and I hope the audience.”

Tickets for the comedy dinner theater “The Office Holiday Party” are $50 in advance or $60 on the day of the show, available at www.brooklynartsnc.com, 888-512-SHOW, or at the Brooklyn Arts Center box office. The cash bar will be open for the event. Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is limited.

encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 9

sounds of magic:

//THEATRE

Thalian Association closes the year with family classic

T

halian hall is ailve wiTh

“The

Sound of Music.” Packing the house with an exuberant audience and a talented cast, shows like this work because people love to sing along with their favorite songs. And they can introduce their children to the magic of theater through shows that captured their own imaginations as kids.

“The Sound of Music” is one of America’s classic feel-good shows several generations have grown up singing about their favorite things and learning scales with “doe-a-deer.”

Though every little girl—and former little girl—can describe the opening scene of the film, with Julie Andrews dancing and singing on a mountain top, that would be impossible to reproduce on Thalian’s main. So the show opens with an incredible chant by the nuns on Nonnberg Abbey. At this point my date, the only person I have ever met who had not seen the movie or the stage show, leaned over to me and said, “Great sets!” He was right, the sets looked fabulous. I love drops that fly in and out; it makes for quick transitions and adds a sense of wonder and magic from the audience.

hler

by Gwenyfar Ro usic The Sound of M

★ ★★ ★ ★

0 Chestnut St. Thalian Hall • 31 ., with Sunday 12/15-18, 8 p.m m. • $22-$25 matinees at 3 p. com www.thalianhall.

Shortly thereafter, we meet Maria, played by Wilmington newcomer Katie Sawhill. Though Mary Martin might have originated the role on Broadway—and recorded one of the most successful cast albums ever—everyone thinks of Julie Andrews when they think of this part. And, face it, no one will ever live up to it. Still, Sawhill can sing and she can act, and she really carries us through the story of her life with the children and the captain, as she wrestles with big questions. I can’t imagine trying to live up to my own or the audiences’ expectations with a role like this, but Sawhill makes

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FAMILY UNIT: The Von Trapp family sings and dances through the holiday season in Thalian’s latest hit, ‘The Sound of Music.’ Photo by Chris Ochs.

Maria a completely believable person.

Another new face for the Wilmington stage is Stuart Pike as Captain Von Trapp.

The stage production has several songs that were left out of the film, and Captain has a much expanded role than many people might remember. Also, a greater emphasis is put on the changing political situation in Austria during the 1930s than in the film.

Pike portrays a very special sort of man, who can break off an engagement with one woman for political differences and less than two minutes later get engaged to his children’s governess. Somehow, it works— and we are happy for them. Well, almost everyone is happy for them. During our showing, a distinct 7-year-old voice from house left emitted a perfect “ewwww!” when Maria and Captain finally kissed. The audience erupted into laughter, as we were reminded that this is fundamentally a show about children and for children.

And the Von Trapp children were wonderful! Molly Lankford, J.J. Nieman, Kiera O’Reilly, Bradley Barefoot, Ashley Lauren Ochs, Samantha Woodard and Matalin Bloomfield make the evening completely delightful, especially Bloomfeild as Gretl, who was just too cute for words! Thalian Association has pulled off a great show to take children to see—opulent and truly magica.

However, it’s not for the impatient, as it runs quite long. The show started at 8 p.m., with intermission at 9:30 p.m. It may be wise to put the kids down for a nap time to make it to the end of the evening.

Besides the surprises of new faces, the cast was really strong. The nuns of Nonnberg Abbey were wonderful. When Kaitlin

Baden, Jennifer Sugerik, Lauren Mazzola and Amanda Hunter discussed the question, “How do you solve a problem like Maria?”, it provided a fun exposition for the very question with which Maria herself was wrestling.

Hats off to costumer Debbie Scheu! I kept asking myself, How did she get all those nun habits made? As any mother of a large family could confirm, clothing seven children is no small accomplishment. Scheu’s children’s designs were as close to the movie as we remember. She knew exactly what the audience wanted to see, and she produced!

“The Sound of Music” has had an interesting journey, almost as interesting as the Von Trapp’s story. In real life Maria and the Captain married in 1928 and had 10 happy years and two more children together before leaving Austria. Maria’s memoirs became a bestseller in Europe and its translation in the States following the war. The Von Trapps had opened a lodge in Vermont (still in operation) by the late 1950s when development of a stage adaptation as a vehicle for Mary Martin began. As anyone who has read “Wicked,” by Gregory Maguire, can tell you, condensing a complicated full-length book into a two-hour musical stage show is well near impossible. The chronology was shortened, and the story simplified to make for dramatic tension and to move the plot forward at a pace more suited to the theater.

With the film script, an even finer chisel was applied and the story became what many of us remember today.

The Von Trapp family has done well for themselves, and four of the great-grand children (descended through Werner—in the script called “Kurt”) are still touring today. They frequently play dates in Williamsburg, Virginia, and are part of the Yankee Candle store promotions. Since coming to the states, their story is classic to Americans: immigrants in search of a better life (in this case, one that did not involve serving the Nazi regime), working hard, applying their skills and talents to build prosperous and successful lives. The story of their father’s character and conviction is inspiring, and their journeys as people and as a family, whether onstage or screen, continue to ignite a spark of hope and belief for people around the world.

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//ART

reactionary words: Poetry Jam continues its emphatic run at CAM

I

t was

1984

and marc smIth,

a Chicago-based poet, had finished an exhausting poetry performance onstage at the Get Me High Lounge, a now-shuttered bar in Wicker Park. This was well after Smith held several events around Chicago, and a new style of poetry reading began to garner attention. After the performance, a reporter asked Smith what these events were called. Likening it to the motion of a baseball player making a “grand slam,” Smith responded: “Poetry Slam.” And so the movement was born.

It’s been 25 years since the first poetry slam, but many enthusiasts remain virtually unaware of the phenomenon. The movement was first embraced by mainstream culture when HBO premiered the Mos Def-hosted “Def Poetry Jam” in 2002, which presented performances by more established spoken-word poets, as well as up-and-comers (one notable episode featured a then-unknown Kanye West spitting a sloppy, insecure stream-of-consciousness narrative that would later morph into his Grammy-nominated hit “All Falls Down”). A less refined version of the art form has recently been the topic of the 2010 documentary “Louder Than A Bomb,” which portrays troubled innercity kids from badly broken homes eloquently revealing their emotions onstage with a massive-scale high-school poetry slam in Chicago.

The movement’s foundation can be boiled down to two simple ideals: a defiant response to pretentious and effete poets whom recite their polished works without raw emotion or the acknowledgement that word “poetry” tends to repel people because of what public education has done to it. (See: forced “Beowulf” readings.) The response from the literary community has been mixed. Writer Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz wrote that slam poetry managed to “rescue poetry from its lowly status in the nation’s cultural life,” while literary critic Harold Bloom went so far to flatly call

no

by Alex Pomplia ast Poetry Jam Co d: Spoken Wor $3-$5 12/15, 8 p.m. • eum Cameron Ar t Mus St. 3201 South 17th (910) 395-5999 the movement “the death of art,” claiming its competitiveness comes uncomfortably close to that of sports.

Indeed.

Typically, poetry slams have judges who inevitably announce a winner. So maybe it’s more of a spectator sport. What Bloom fails to recognize is that the foundation and purpose of slam poetry is not—wait for it—about winning or losing; its purpose is for people to express themselves.

Bringing its spirit through crackling wordplay to Cameron Art Museum is the Coast Poetry Jam. Produced by “Yo Girl” Sandra McClammy and hosted by Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman, of Wilmington radio station Coast 97.3 FM, this invitational slam is the only Wilmington event that showcases slam poets from all over North Carolina.

“I think everyone needs a venue to express themselves,” Hickman says. He adds that in the past the most common themes explored are “politics, self-pride, love and relationships—always relationships.”

The Coast Jam got its start in 2003 at the now-defunct Hollywood East Cinema Grill, but over the past couple of years, it has found a home at CAM. It began as an idea for a poetry showcase by the Black Arts Alliance, and McClammy was enlisted as its producer.

“There is however a difference in a poet and a spoken word artist,” McClammy notes.

“Poets write, but spoken-word artists write

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WORDS TO LIVE BY: Poet Young Kashif at the Coast 97.3 Poetry Jam during the 2011 summer event. Courtesy photo.

and perform their words with the passion intended when the ink touched the page. In the past, I glanced at some of the work done by artists but when Russell Simmons’s Def Poetry Jam hit the screen in 2002, I really began to take notice. So, when approached about

doing it here, I said: Why not? Let’s go!”

Since its beginnings, the Coast Poetry Jam has had over 100 poets grace the stage, some even traveling from as far as Atlanta to perform. The jam sets itself apart from other slams by removing the competition aspect of the event and focusing solely on the emotion, charisma and words. All of the funds from the event go to the Black Arts Alliance, an advocate of African American arts and culture in the Wilmington area and host of the annual North Carolina Black Film Festival.

“We call it a ‘jam,’ not a ‘slam,’” Hickman clarifies, “because [the poets] just do it out of the kindness of their hearts and for the Black Arts Alliance.”

The roster of poets and lyricists are handpicked by Rhonda Bellamy, president of the Black Arts Alliance (and whose other titles and accolades would exceed these parentheses), after Hickman and McClammy put out an open call for all applicants through the radio. However, the applicants must first prove themselves via an impromptu telephone performance with Bellamy. According to Hickman, this process is crucial to ensure performers know how to bring their A-game fit for a stadium rather than an open mic at a coffeehouse.

“We want folks to perform,” Hickman stresses. “Not just get up [onstage] and read off a paper. We want to make it a show.

Once [Bellamy] gives the approval and puts you in—you’re ready to rock.”

“Spoken word is big in the north and in bigger cities down south, but rare in Wilmington,” McClammy says. “It is awesome to see the eyes of the audience light up when these artists blast the mic with their expressions of love, fear, hate and joy in a way that is much bigger than just saying: ‘Roses are red’ . . . It’s like bringing big city entertainment to Wilmington.”

galleryguide| Artfuel.inc

2165 Wrightsville Ave. • (910) 343 5233 Monday-Saturday, 12-7 p.m. www.artfuelinc.com Artfuel.inc is a multimedia studio and art gallery, now located at the intersection of Wrightsville Avenue and Dawson Street.

Our 29th art show features the folk art of Candy Pegram, photography by Tammy Haraga and Realyn Oliver, and graffitti art by Switch. Find some early Christmas gifts!

Artexposure!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC 910-803-0302/ 910-330-4077 Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment www.artexposure50.com From Wilmington, drive north on Highway 17 and you will encounter an art center unique to our area. Look for the big red barn!

A large open space hosts 2nd Friday Opening Receptions each month at 6p.m.

We represent over 40 local and regional artists in our member’s gallery and offer local arts and crafts in our gift shop ArtExposure presently has studio space rented to four working artists. In addition, there is a frame shop and art supply store.

ArtExposure is available for receptions, weddings, meetings and the like. Along with its large open space downstairs, there is a loft area upstairs suitable for smaller gatherings.

Our show in November and December, “Small Treasures”, will feature smaller works under 300.00 and will run through December 24th. Our annual “Art of the Car” is an invitational to all NC artists. Information about this show and registration can be found on the website. Click on the “Opportunities for Artists” page. The deadline to register is February 29th and the show opens on March 9th, 2012. This is a juried show and awards will be presented.

Along with our regular art classes and studio time, yoga classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. in the loft. Walk-ins are welcome to this gentle yoga class.

cAffe phoenix

35 N. Front Street • (910) 343-1395 Monday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday Brunch: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Currently showing paintings by local bellydancer Samra (Kelly Hawes) and Mio Reynolds. Live music by Perry Smith and Transtrum. The show will close with a second reception Wednesday January 11th from 6-9. For more information, visit www.kellyhawes.com or www.caffephoenix.com. Special thanks to Roy Clifton and Joel Finsel.

crescent Moon

332 Nutt Street In the Cotton Exchange (910) 762-4207 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday noon – 4 p.m. www.crescentmoonnc.com

Crescent Moon – want the unique gift for him? Or her? Come see the Drinking Dog Lying Down enjoying a Bud Light, one of many Yardbird’s junkyard dogs, cats and critters here. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah too! Wonderful hand-crafted ornaments are arriving daily from artists throughout the USA. Trees, Santas, Holly, Angels and more! Menorahs, Mezuzahs and Dreidels add to our holiday ideas. Remember Gift Wrapping is always FREE. 332 Nutt Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 Phone: 910-762-4207 www.crescentmoonnc.com Hours: Monday- Saturday 10am-5:30pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. Located in The Cotton Exchange where parking is free while shopping or dining. Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook by searching Crescentmoonnc!

new eleMents GAllery

river to seA GAllery

225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (FREE parking) (910)-763-3380 Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 1p.m. - 4 p.m.

River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. The current show is sure to enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry.

Our current exhibit “Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures. Experience Wilmington through the eyes of a local!

This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, N.C., features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South Carolina’s most creative,

Wicked, as we like to call it, concentrates on the darker and more “outsider” degrees of the art world, showcasing talented people from all over the US and world that shouldn’t have to struggle to be seen! We are redefining the obscure, the curious and the odd in art. Wicked is home to the Olympia Flaherty Photography Studio, and a brand new darkroom will be opening in the gallery in February 2012.

Currently hanging in Wicked is “Visions of Guadalupe.” Our Lady of Guadalupe’s story began in 1531 with a Mexican peasant, blooming flowers in the cold of winter, a beautiful and miraculous image, and a church built on a hill.

Her continuing message is of love, compassion and freedom. Artwork inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe will be presented by at least 22 artists, including pieces from Kate Sinclair, Ben Billingsley, Teresa Nemec Fawver, Samuel Guin, Tuki Lucero and Christina Cole. As well, an altar has been created in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The shrine will be available so that anyone and everyone can pay their respects to loved ones or ask for miracles, and added to through the rest of December.

Our next show features Gabriel Lehman, opening Fri., Jan. 6th at 8 p.m. Gabriel will teach two painting classes (Sat., Jan. 7th and Sun., Jan. 8th, 12-4 p.m.) They are limited to 15 people each, and registration is only $45. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit Wicked’s website or contact Christina Cole at (910) 547-0960.

25¢

The 27th Annual Holiday Show features recent works by over 40 of our talented gallery artists. Join us from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and discover an eclectic mix of paintings, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber work, wood and sculpture just in time for the holiday season! Artists featured include Bruce Bowman, Betty Brown, Ann Conner, Jeffrey N. Davies, Warren Dennis, Donald Furst, Vicki Gates, David Goldhagen, Kyle Highsmith, Fritzi Huber, Rebecca Humphrey, Catherine Lea, Susan Mauney, Ann Parks McCray, Hiroshi Sueyoshi, Sally Sutton, Janet Triplett, Michael Van Hout, Owen Wexler, Dina Wilde-Ramsing and Kee Wilde-Ramsing. This is a great opportunity to find one-of –a kind gifts and original artwork created by artists from within our local community and region.

The 27th Annual Holiday Show will remain on display through January 7th, 2012.

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com

205 Princess St. • (910) 960-7306 Tues. 12-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat. 6:30-11:30 p.m. www.onewickedgallery.com

successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisan-crafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, pottery studio, custom fra.m.ing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee With the Author series are also offered on-site.

216 N. Front Street (919) 343-8997 Tues.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or by appointment www.newelementsgallery.com

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celebration of silliness:

//FILM

‘The Muppets’ tugs at our nostalgic heart strings

T

he

greaTesT

lesson

learned

this year from film came in the gift that was Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris. “Nostalgia can be a noose. We can spend so much time mired in the past that we end up missing the moment. There has been a lot of cinematic strip-mining over the past few years. Every TV show, every old movie, everything is brought back, dusted off and carted out to see if there’s any magic still left to be wrung. The latest romp involves our good old friends The Muppets.

Kermit and company have fallen on hard times. The once inseparable group of crazy characters has gone their separate ways. Kermit lives a quiet life in an empty mansion. Miss Piggy is working for “French Vogue.”

Fozzy Bear is doing two shows a night in Reno, and Animal is enrolled in anger management, trying to control his more base impulses. The real world has done a number on our puppet friends They’re desperately in need of a revival; they need a reason to get back together.

Fate and convenience soon provide just such an excuse.

Gary (Jason Segel) is an average guy living in Smalltown, USA, a happygo-lucky, red-blooded American with a spring in his step and his beautiful girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), on his arm. Gary’s brother, Walter, is a different story. He’s just like Gary, with the same enthusiasm and lust for life.

The only difference is Walter is a puppet who has spent the vast majority of his life idolizing Kermit and his merry band of Muppet friends.

Walter, Gary and Mary take a trip to Hollywood. While touring the broken-down ruins of the old Muppet Theater, Walter learns that corporate tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) plans on buying the property and tearing it down to start digging for oil. Unless the Muppets can raise $10 million, their legacy will be destroyed forever. Walter and Gary find Kermit and explain the severity of the situation; before we know it, they’re off on a road trip to put the band back together.

There’s been a great deal of effort and care put into this project. It’s obvious that everyone involved is a fan of the puppets.

Star Jason Segel helped pen the script; his reverence for the characters shows in every scene. There’s still a great sense of lunacy to the Muppets. There seemed to be a long stretch where they were being turned into

by Anghus The Muppets

★ ★★ ★ ★

d

an gel, Amy Adams Starring Jason Se y Muppets those cute, craz

reel reel this week in film

manic world. She has a song in the middle of the movie called “Party of Me,” which could be the most salient example of a scene gone horribly wrong. It’s just terrible—and god love her for trying to sell it! She sings and dances her heart out, but the whole proposition is faulty. Adams acts like a bitchy theater drama queen who tries way too hard to be

A Christmas Carol Subversive Film Series Juggling Gypsy •1612 Castle St. (910) 763-2223 Sundays, 8pm • Free 12/18: Charles Dickens’ classic is brought to life in this made-for-television adaptation, starring legendary George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge and David Warner as Bob Cratchit.

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COLORFUL ROMP OF CRAZY: The Muppets bring their strange hijinks to the screen once again, in a fun, colorful romp of crazy! Courtesy photo.

bland family fare. This latest film returns them to their zany roots, a world where anything can happen—where people and puppets spontaneously break into song, where every scene features a wonderfully bizarre celebrity cameo from the likes of Alan Arkin, Jack Black and Dave Grohl. We even see a barbershop quartet mangling Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

I mentioned nostalgia earlier. People should take note of the tone in a movie like this. Sometimes a movie can be so reverent that it doesn’t end up covering any new territory. The Muppets is a perfect combination of old and new. Most importantly, it’s funny; at times it’s downright hilarious. Most of the songs work surprisingly well. A large number of them were penned by Bret McKenzie from “Flight of the Conchords” and combine just the right amount of “catchy” and “crazy.”

Not everything works, though. Amy Adams comes across a little strong, and she never seems completely comfortable in this

likable. While I appreciate the effort, the filmmakers could have cut a lot of her scenes and lost nothing. (And, yes, I realize I’m doing scene analysis in a movie where a frog and a pig are sexually compatible.)

The Muppets works so well because of the care taken with the characters. It also works because of the amount of weirdness they cram into 90 minutes. The most inspired of these scenes is watching Academy Awardnominated actor Chris Cooper break into a hip-hop number, which alone is worth the price of admission. The movie is chock full of talented actors embracing oddball tendencies. I don’t know why Zach Galifianakis is dressed like a hobo and screaming, “Everybody forgets Hobo Joe!” Frankly, I don’t care either. It’s highly amusing nonsense.

“The Muppets” dishes out a heaping helping of bizarre and still manages to tug at the heartstrings. Even the icy cold lump of coal where my heart should be was slightly warmed by a rousing rendition of “Rainbow Connection.” This is one of those rare revivals that takes everything that made the original so entertaining, but adding something new and relevant to the mix. This is a celebration of silliness—and a welcome one at that.

12/19-21: Investment-firm analyst Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) uncovers sensitive information that could easily plunge the entire business into peril, inadvertently destroying the lives and careers of his colleagues in this tense thriller set during the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. Over the course of the next 24 hours, Sullivan realizes that the decisions he makes will not only affect the employees of the firm, but the lives of everyday Americans from coast to coast as well. Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, and Paul Bettany co-star.

Working Films: Reel Aging Applications due: 1/6 Free • www.workingfilms.org/reelaging Working Films’ Reel Aging: Real Change is an initiative that will tie compelling documentary films and transmedia projects that explore aging to ongoing policy work and grassroots campaigns supporting older populations globally. Four-day residency begins 3/23—eight to ten media teams will sharpen their strategies for audience and community engagement.

3/27: Teams will present projects to regional, national and global NGOs, funders, government agencies, activists and policy makers, with a goal to embed the film and media projects into on-the-ground efforts by the advocates in the room. Hosted in Washington, DC., apps due from media makers for participation in Reel Aging: Real Change; no application fee. Residency includes lodging, meals, and materials. Participants responsible for own travel; limited stipends available. workingfilms.org/reelaging All AreA movie listings And pArAgrAph synopses cAn be found At encorepub.com.

encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 15

//MUSIC

passion for music: Girls’ Choir conductor Sandy Errante produces magic

W

atching sandy errante con-

duct the Girls’ Choir of Wilmington is like being on the inside of the most magical play between mother and child. Her arms, her face, her whole body moves to the notes and lyrics of the music, to bridge its power and intimate nuances to both choir and audience. Whether conducting her 85-strong choir at a peace rally (in “If I Had a Hammer,” Errante was Mary Travers incarnate) or at the most formal Christmas performance, Errante is unequivocally herself.

“Sometimes when I hear the girls sing the words or notes of the music, I sort of tear up, and they know that I’m melting and trying to keep myself together,” she says. “Or if I’m really happy, they know that, too. So there’s some kind of emotional connection, and I’m not really sure where that comes from. When I’m conducting, I’m 100 percent into communicating how I feel about the music to the girls and the audience, and I’m not really aware of anything else.”

One of the older choir girls, Maddison Sult, compliments her conductor as a “sweet woman with a big heart, lots of hope and a whole lot of patience. “The fact that she can turn 80 talkative, silly individuals into one voice is beyond my comprehension,” Sult continues. “She inspires me because of her dedication to better us. If we don’t get a song, she doesn’t give up but helps us through it until we get it right.”

Formed in 1997 by Errante, this “silly” group of girls has toured the Carolinas, Virginia and Washington D.C., including a powerful performance at the National Cathedral.

Errante credits her husband, Steven, music professor at UNCW, who is also celebrating 25 years as a conductor of the Wilmington Symphony, with adding to the wonderful sound of the Girls’ Choir.

“Steve has faithfully played the piano for

fiori

by Linda Gratta ilmington Girls’ Choir of W . g • 12/16, 7 p.m Caroling, Carolin S. 3rd an Church, 125 First Presbyteri Free! every music gig I’ve ever done,” Errante says. “The choir is lucky because a good accompanist can support it by adding a few flourishes here and there, making the performance the best it can be. Steve was my music theory teacher at the University of Richmond in Virginia, and I’ve been lucky to have him as my life-long accompanist.”

Each summer, the Errantes order preview music, sit down together at the piano and play through “lots and lots and lots” of choices. They put together a mix of classical, popular, sacred and holiday tunes. Most of the pieces played are orchestrated by the Julliard-trained Dr. Errante himself.

For this coming Friday’s performance of “Caroling, Caroling,” the Girls’ Choir will sing the traditional “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” Moravian carols, “O Sifuni Mungu” and three Hanukkah songs, “S’vivon,” “Al Shlosha D’Varim” and “Shalom Rav.” Soloist for “O Sifuni Mungu,” Lanielle Rivera remembers a Girls’ Choir winter retreat at Myrtle Beach. “Ms. Sandy, and a few of the other girls and I took a polar plunge into the ocean,” she says, “and it was the most fun—cold but fun! Sandy is a great person and I love her. She has put her own personal touch on my life and I will never forget her.”

Members of the Girls’ Choir range in age from 9 to 18 years. They audition for the group and attend weekly practices because they want to sing in the choir. The younger girls look up to the older ones, and are frequently mentored and encouraged to be good students and active citizens in sup-

GIRL POWER: Sandy Errante leads the Girls’ Choir of Wilmington in their annual holiday performance on Friday evening. Don’t miss this beautiful group of talent. Courtesy photo.

porting the community.

Many of the older girls have passed the five-year mark. They are celebrated with a limousine ride, a fancy dinner and other awards. “By the time a choir member is a senior in high school, she can drive and make choices about how she spends her time,” Errante says. “So it’s quite a compliment to the group that she chooses to stay with us.”

Last Christmas, some 20 alums rose from the audience and joined the choir in singing the closing Irish hymn, “May the Road Rise

VOTE !

TODAY

Casually Dining Fine 115 South Front Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 763-7773 www.aubrianas.com facebook.com/Aubrianas 16 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

BEST OF WILMINGTON

to Meet You.” Many of the young women are college graduates and accomplished in their work. Some are married, and most have formed life-long friendships.

For the unassuming yet confident Errante, sharing one’s talent is key to her own happiness and the well-being of those with whom she works and plays. When not planning or conducting for the choir, Sandy surfs with the Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association. She loves to work with very young children, and teaches at the Wilmington Academy for Arts and Sciences and St. Mark’s Montessori School. She is also the sole director for Kindermusik, a delightful program for children, newborn to 7 years of age.

When asked when she sleeps, Errante laughs and talks about her two early mentors, high-school choir conductor Deen Entsminger and college choir conductor Jim Erb, teachers who stand out in the crossroads of her life. “Both men were these wild, energetic characters who made us want to sing for them, and drove us until everything was perfect,” she says. “They had the kind of personality that made you want to work hard, give it your all and be the best choir you could possibly be.”

Join the Errantes and the Girls’ Choir of Wilmington this Friday night, December 16th at 7 p.m. at the beautiful First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. 3rd Street. Admission is free. The performance is priceless!

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encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 17

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nostalgic rock:

//MUSIC

Drivin’ N Cryin’ stick to what they know best for 25 years

W

hen asking someone their

favorite musicians, peppered in with the Billboard Top 100 hits are always artists and songs from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. A sense of nostalgia exists in holding on to the purity and novelty of the emergence of folk music and rock ‘n’ roll. Things are no longer shocking to our generation. The drug references, the flagrant disregard for authority of any kind and the conventions of propriety that dictated social codes disrupted the foundations of Western society.

The hip-swinging of Elvis that incited a raucous generation would be child’s play today.

In fact, music today has lost most of its shock value. From Madonna and Britney Spears’ lip lock at the 2003 VMA’s to more disheartening news, like when Chris Brown was arrested on domestic violence charges against Rhianna in 2009, society seems desensitized. Why people always find a connection to the iconic musical hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s is because they were revolutionary in their message, their legacy and their place in culture, all of which remains comforting in nostalgia.

Drivin’ N Cryin’ is a band that embodies many peoples’ favorite rock outfits.

More importantly, they carry on a legacy of monumental influence. They can easily make up a compilation of musical sounds found in standard favorites.

“We are a band that’s like your record collection,” Kevn Kinney, founding member, vocalist and lead guitarist, says of the Atlanta-based rock outfit.

And an excellent record collection they are. Drawing inspiration from The Ramones, The Clash, psychedelic bands of the ‘70s, Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy and R.E.M., their influences run the gamut. Formed in Atlanta in 1985, Kinney met local rocker Tim Nielsen who was playing with a popular band, the Nightporters.

“When I moved to Atlanta, I was working at a sewage plant, and Tim tried to help me find a band to join,” Kinney says. “After a few months, we said to hell with it, and just got together and formed our own band.”

They started playing together in local venues, most notably the 688 Club in Atlanta, named themselves after a song written by Kinney, “Drivin’ N Cryin’.” The 688 Club was so impressed they quickly

7208 Market Street, Suite 3 910-821-0096 18 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

r

by Sarah Richte Drivin’ N Cr yin’ h St. nter • 516 N. 4t Brooklyn Ar ts Ce 8 p.m.

7 p.m.; show at at s or Do 6: /1 12 nc.com 0 • brooklynar ts Tickets: $15-$3 signed Drivin’ N Cryin’ to their label, 688 Records. The band recorded their first album, “Scarred But Smarter,” in only five days. A combination of rock and bluegrass, in 1986 it became an instant success, particularly on college radio stations, because it was devoid of much of the processed production styles released during the late ‘80s. Although the album was successful in garnering Drivin’ N Cryin’ a considerate base of loyal fans, they were a few years away from achieving wide commercial success.

Some of their most well-known songs were released on their 1989 “Mystery Road,” including “Honeysuckle Blue” and the title track, which situated them as a standout in the music world at that time.

The band would later define their musical direction, but was reflective of their influence as an emerging Southern band.

With folk music’s influence on the South, alongside the radicalism of rock, much like the Rolling Stones and the rebellion of the punk movement inspiring them, DNC seamlessly fused their 1991 record,“Fly Me Courageous.” Certified gold, videos of its title track, along with “Build a Fire” and “Straight to Hell,” received extensive play on MTV. “Straight to Hell” gained widespread popularity among soldiers heading out on missions in Desert Storm.

While they never received celebrity on a national level, they have reigned supreme locally and most notably in Atlanta. They have come to epitomize the alternative music scene that emerged in the 1980s.

Manager Ken Green states that most alternative punk and country bands likely would cite Drivin’ N Cryin’ influential in their musical maturation.

“Although their name doesn’t resonate highly on a general-public level, they have influenced so many musicians and have developed a devoted following in their 25-year career,” Green says. “They’re a genre-bending band Part of the reason they were never over the top is that they are well-versed in country, pop, folk [and] punk. They began crossing music in the mid-’80s before anyone else. They established the genre of alt-country before anyone else.”

ALT-COUNTRY AT ITS CORE: Atlanta’s Drivin’ N Cryin’ return to a Wilmington stage for the first time in 10 years. Courtesy photo.

Drivin’ N Cryin’ has lived the rock-n-roll dream: Selling out shows and breaking fire codes, the band has toured with legends like The Who and Neil Young. Having almost all but been ignored by the 20th century, DNC continue to practice no-frills rock and to perpetuate guitar tones and monster drums set to overdrive.

Twenty-five years since the release of their first album, the band is not slowing down. Having just finished a tribute to R.E.M. on a fourtrack EP, featuring Kinney on guitar and vocals, Nielsen on bass, Dave Johnson on drums and their newest member, Sadler Vaden on guitar, it will be released over the summer. They also are the focus of a documentary appropriately entitled “Scarred But Smarter.”

After almost three decades in the music biz, these guys are just enjoying what it is they do and reaching fans, new and old. Playing music inspired by every conceivable genre, they pay homage to the greats while staying outside of the lines of nostalgia. Listening to the musical stylings of Drivin’ N Cryin’ reminds us that rock-n-roll isn’t dead, and we don’t have to turn to the past to retrieve it. In a culture where top artists are rappers or pop stars whose most insightful lyrics discuss the party they attended the night before, DNC’s music utilizes lyrics that are relatable across the ages and remind us of youth, emotional obstacles and the simple joys of an epic rock album. Isn’t that what rock ‘n’ roll is about anyway?

DNC will take over Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, returning to the local stage for the first time in 10 years, on the 16th. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets for the floor are $15 in advance and $18 the day of; balcony seating is $25 in advance and $30 the day of.

nta’s Drivin’ for the first

encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 19

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20 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

soundboard a preview of tunes all over town this week t the a lo F ’t n o D m!

Mainstrea WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 14

Robbie beRRy —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393 Acoustic JAzz PiAno with JAmes JARvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 oPen mic night —Genee’s, inside America’s Best Value Inn, 4903 Market St.; 799-1440 steven comPton —The River Rat, 1 S. Front St.; 763-1680 DJ JAy —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Josh solomon & cARy benJAmin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 Rob RonneR —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 KARAoKe with hellz belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 gARy Allen’s Acoustic oPen mic —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 live JAzz —Cameo 1900; 1900 Eastwood Rd.,910-5092026 DJbe eXtReme KARAoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Ron etheRiDge AnD Roy hARPeR —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 JeRemy noRRis —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 live Acoustic —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 KARAoKe with DJ bRewtAl —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 PRetty things PeePshow with Amy go go, eDDy PRince, stoyA —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

thurSDAY, DEcEmbEr 15

EARNING THEIR STRIPES: Southern Culture on the Skid, a Chapel Hill-based band serving up retro surf rockabilly boasts 13 albums and four EPs, including their latest, “Zombiefied.” They’ll play Soapbox Laundro Lounge on Friday, December 16th with Rural Swine and The Barnraisers. Courtesy photo

miKe o’Donnell —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 DJ loRD wAlRus —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 tRiviA with PARty gRAs DJ —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 DJ sweAt —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 tRiviA with DJ —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 DJbe eXtReme KARAoKe —Lazy Pirate Sports Bar and Grill, 701 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 458-5414 live Acoustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 DJ chomP —The Loft, 121 Grace St.; 467-7417

tom shARPe —J. Michael’s Philly Deli, Monkey Junction, 609 Piner Rd.; 332-5555 KARAoKe —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269 oPen mic with JeRemy noRRis —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 fiReDAnce & DRums @ DARK, DJ mit PsytRAnce (11Pm) —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 KARAoKe with DJ DAmon —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 PAle RiDeR —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 fAith colemAn, cAmmeRon bAtAniDes —Port City Theatre, 127 Princess St.; 772-2424 toP 40 DJ

—ibizA, 118 mARKet st.; 251-1301 Dueling PiAnos —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 DJ bAttle —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 live JAzz —Cameo 1900; 1900 Eastwood Rd.,910-5092026 coAst PoetRy JAm —Cameron Art Museum; 3201 South 17th St., 395-5999

friDAY, DEcEmbEr 16

KARAoKe with Ashley —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Dueling PiAnos —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133

Orbic FrOntiers —Reggie’s, 1415 S. 42nd St. DJ Dr. JOnes —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 DJ —Cameo 1900; 1900 Eastwood Rd.,910-5092026 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 DJ battle —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109 HOuse/tecHnO DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 DJ Willie stylez —Toolbox, 2325 Burnette Blvd.; 343-6988 KaraOKe —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 DJbe extreme KaraOKe —Lazy Pirate Sports Bar and Grill, 701 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 458-5414 artist sympOsium —Drifters Bar & Grill, 108 Walnut St.; 762-1704 acOustic Jazz pianO WitH James Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 live music —Projekte, 523 South 3rd St., 352-0236 KaraOKe —Gilligan’s; N.C. Hwy. 50, Surf City 910-3284090 DJ p FunK —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 l sHape lOt —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 Herb anD HansOn —Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road; 256-3558 tHe casserOle —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 FOrrest tabOr —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 Drivin n cryin —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 538-2939 susan savia —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 bOOtleg Dynasty —Port City Theatre, 127 Princess St.; 772-2424 FreD Flynn —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 styles & cOmplete; rOb banKs (Dubstep) —Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086 Jazz WitH benny Hill —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 ellen Drive —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 pseuDO blue anD tHe maJestics —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 DuenDO mOuntain DuO, psycHeDelpHia —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 sOutHern culture On tHe sKiDs, rural sWine, tHe barnraisers —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 blinD lemOn pleDge; DJ Dane britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.;

689-7219

Saturday, dECEMBEr 17

cOleman Daley (8 p.m.-12 a.m.)

—Drifters Bar & Grill, 108 Walnut St.; 762-1704 Dielectrics, tHe luvrs —Reggie’s, 1415 S. 42nd St. KaraOKe —Gilligan’s; N.C. Hwy. 50, Surf City 910-3284090 DJ sir nicK blanD —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 DJ —Cameo 1900; 1900 Eastwood Rd.,910-5092026 DJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 HOuse/tecHnO DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 DJbe extreme KaraOKe —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 DJ cHOmp —The Loft, 121 Grace St.; 467-7417 live music During bruncH (10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.)

—Saltworks II, 4001 Wrightsville Ave.; 392-1241 DJ sWeat —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 DJ battle —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109 b-WalK & Wl2F —Billy Goats, 6324 Market St., 392-3044 Dueling pianOs —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 balD Fury —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 miKe O’DOnnell —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 bellyDance sHOWcase —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Daniel parisH —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 susan savia —The Coastal Roaster, 5954 Carolina Beach Rd.; 399-4701 blacKberry smOKe —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 538-2939 tHe Fustics —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 live music —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 pianist allisOn Freeman —Playhouse 211, 4320 Southport Supply Rd. Ste 1, St. James; 200-7785 JeWell Family can Jam —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. aDDictive nature —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 peepsHOW cabaret: tinsel anD tassels —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 lOves it (austin)

—Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 marK DaFFer —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 DJ Dane britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS 100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832

MONDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm $2 Budweiser • $225 Heineken $3 Gin & Tonic TUESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm $2 White Wolf $250 Redstripe $350 Wells 35¢ Wings at 8pm WEDNESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm, 1/2 Priced Wine Bottle $250 Blue Moons $250 Corona/Corona Light LIVE MUSIC: ROB RONNER THURSDAY $250 Domestic Bottles, $3 Import Bottles, $3 Rum and Coke LIVE MUSIC: MIKE O’DONNELL 50¢ Steamed oysters and shrimp after 6pm FRIDAY ROOFTOP OPEN! DJ Sir Charles 2nd floor $3 Landshark • $3 Kamikaze $5 Bombs SATURDAY ROOFTOP OPEN! DJ Sir Charles on 2nd floor 10pm $2 Coors Light • $3 Fruit Punch shots SUNDAY $250 Corona Clay Crotts at 8pm

Sunday, dECEMBEr 18

DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 susan savia —Elijah’s, 2 Ann St.; 343-1448 clay crOtts —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 KaraOKe WitH Hellz belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 benny Hill anD FrienDs —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 satellite bluegrass banD —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 pianist pHil b —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. DJ battle —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 perry smitH (bruncH 12-2) —Aubriana’s; 115 S. Front St., 763-7773 cOcKagents —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

12.14 WEDNESDAY

karaoke night with dj be!

12.15 THURSDAY

trivia night plus

live acoustic 12.16 FRIDAY

ellen drive 12.17 SATURDAY

bald fury

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

Monday, dECEMBEr 19

steven cOmptOn —Barbary Coast; 116 S. Front St., 762-8996 KaraOKe —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Dance party WitH DJ p FunK anD cHeDr seleKt —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Open mic nigHt —Drifters Bar & Grill, 108 Walnut St.; 762-1704 KaraOKe WitH DJ @-HOle —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 DJ ricHtermeister —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 pengO WitH beau gunn —Mellow Mushroom, 4311 Oleander Drive; 452-3773 brett JOHnsOn’s Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Open mic WitH JOsH sOlOmOn —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 bring yOur OWn vinyl nigHt —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

tuESday, dECEMBEr 20

KaraOKe WitH miKe nOrris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 cape Fear blues Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 rObbie berry —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd.,

VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS

B-Dub’s

BINGO

Play for FREE during Monday Night Football!

TUESDAYS LIVE

TEAM TRIVIA

8pm

WEDNESDAYS

B-Dub’s

BINGO

Play for FREE during Monday Night Football!

WEDNESDAYS

LIVE TEAM TRIVIA 8PM - 10PM followed by

PINT NIGHT

Live Music on the Patio

2.75

10PM-12AM

ALL PINTS

JEREMY NORRIS

Monkey Junction 910.392.7224

206 Old Eastwood Rd.

$

(by Home Depot)

910.798.9464

MONDAY 22oz. Domestic Draft ALL DAY $5 Pizzas TUESDAY LIVE JAzz IN THE BAR Half Price Bottles of Wine Absolut Dream $5 • Pacifico $250 WEDNESDAY Miller Light Pints $150 Coronoa/ Corona Lite Bottles $250 Margaritas/Peach Margaritas $4 THURSDAY Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller $5 Red Stripe Bottles $250 Fat Tire Bottles $250 FRIDAY Cosmos $4, 007 $350 Guinness Cans $3 Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 Select Domestic Bottles $2 SUNDAY Bloody Marys $4, Domestic Pints $150 Hurricanes $5 5564 Carolina Beach Road, (910) 452-1212

encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 21

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS Pub & Grille

NFL SuNday TickeT $3 Domestic Schooners $2 Domestic Drafts $9.99 All You Can Eat Wings at the Bar 1/2 Priced Select Appetizers at the Bar

Moxology Sun. & Mon. $5 Specialty Cocktails 1/2 Price Apps (with entree purchase excludes carpaccio and mussels)

MoNday NighT FooTbaLL $3 Domestic Schooners $3.50 Margaritas TueSday-kidS eaT Free NighT $3.50 LIT’s • $2.00 Domestic Drafts WedNeSday $3 Domestic Schooners $3.50 Margaritas ThurSday $3.50 LIT’s • $2.00 Domestic Drafts Friday-TgiF $3.50 Cosmos $2.00 Domestic Drafts SaTurday-coLLege FooTbaLL $3 Domestic Schooners MoNday- Friday 1/2 Priced Appetizers from 4-7 pm & 9 pm -close at the bar Free Appetizer of the Day with purchase of a non-refillable beverage from 5-7 at the bar.

4126 Oleander Dr. (910) 792-9700

TueSday Choice $5 Wines by the Glass 1/2 Price Apps (with entree purchase excludes carpaccio and mussels)

WedneSday Ladies Day and Night! $5 Specialty Ladies’ Cocktail 16 Choices of Wine at $5 1/2 Price Apps (with entree purchase excludes carpaccio and mussels)

ThurSday $30.00 4-Course Prix Fixe!

Selections vary weekly.

Enjoy a dining adventure!

Friday & SaTurday All Desserts are $5!

Open Until Midnight with Full Service until 11.

35 n. FronT ST. doWnToWn WilMingTon

(910) 343-1395

Wrightsville Beach Pool ° Darts ° Foos ° Pong

Wednesdays

$3 Microbrews ∙ $10 WIne Btls $3.50 Moonshines ∙ $4 CCP Shot

Thursdays KARAOKE

$2 Red Stripe ∙ $4 Margaritas $4 Jose Cuervo ∙ $4 Captain

Fridays

$2 Coors Light • $2.50 Shock Top $5 Martinis • $4 Flavored Bombs

Saturdays

$2 Miller Lite • $2 Budweiser $4 Rum & Coke • $3 Surfer on Acid

Sundays

$2 Yuenglings • $2 Bud Lights $5 Jager Bomb • $3 Mimosas Free Pool & Shuffleboard after 9 pm 1/2 Off Late Night Menu @ 11 pm

BanksChannelPub.Com

Bar & Comedy Room

WedNeSdAY Nutt House Improv 9pm

ThurSdAY Open Mic Stand-up 9pm

Fri. & SAT. NATIONAL HEADLINERS December 16-17 charles walDen (BET, MarTin LawrEncE)

108 Walnut St. Downtown Wilmington (910) 762-1704

Open Mic Night EVERY MONDAY

Artist Symposium EVERY FRIDAY

December 30-31 JarroD harrIs

LIVE MUSIC

(cOMEDY cEnTraL)

January 6-7 KYle Grooms

Sat., Dec. 17 COLEMAN DALEY PHYLLIS JONES

(HBO, cHaPELLE SHOw)

and the

www.nuttstreet.com (910) 520-5520

JUGGERNAUTS driftersofwilmington.com

22 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

MONDAY Military Appreciation retired Military TUESDAY Ladies Night Out: $25 person four-course WEDNESDAY wines by the glass Bottomless cheese and chocolate fondue in the bar area $20/person SATURDAY Lunch Menu: 12pm - 3pm SUNDAY Lunch Menu: 12pm-3pm KIDS EAT FREE with adult purchase of our Big Night Out for two ALL DAY!

MILITARY APPRECIATION SUNDAY! DOGS WELCOME ON THE PATIO 885 Town Center Drive MAYFAIRE TOWN CENTER (910) 256-1187

JOIN US ON TUESDAY Karaoke @ 9pm All 36 drafts only $2.50 All day long!

Including Guinness, Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Southern Tier 2X IPA $5 Monster Bombs

Thursday $3 Bombs $3 SocoLimes $3 Whips N Kicks $3 PinkParty Cocktails $2 Bud Light

Friday

$5 RedBull/Vodka $2 Miller Lt.

Saturday

$6 Buckets(PillowTalk) $2 Kamikazes 920 Town Center Dr. Mayfaire Town Center (910) 509-0805

121 Grace St.

791-9393 KaraoKe with DJ Party Gras —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 inDie Music niGht —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 trivia with Dutch froM 94.5 the hawK —The Coastal Roaster, 5954 Carolina Beach Rd.; 399-4701 white wives, BroKen enGlish, alMost PeoPle —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 cary B —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 live acoustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 colleGe niGht KaraoKe —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 DixielanD allstars —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212

Wednesday, deCeMBeR 21

acoustic Jazz Piano with JaMes Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 oPen Mic niGht —Genee’s, inside America’s Best Value Inn, 4903 Market St.; 799-1440 steven coMPton —The River Rat, 1 S. Front St.; 763-1680 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Josh soloMon & cary BenJaMin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 roB ronner —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 KaraoKe with hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 Gary allen’s acoustic oPen Mic —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 live Jazz —Cameo 1900; 1900 Eastwood Rd.,910-5092026 DJBe extreMe KaraoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 JereMy norris —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 live acoustic —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 KaraoKe with DJ Brewtal —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 BaD news Beers —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

ShowStoppers:

255 N. FRONT STREET DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON WWW.THESOAPBOXLIVE.COM

Concerts outside of Southeastern NC

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & AT THE SOAPBOX OFFICE OPEN DAILY NOON-2AM

910.251.8500 FOR MORE INFO

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

PSYCHEDELPHIA

¡PRETEND SUPRISE! SIRENS FOR SLEEPING

DUENDO MOUNTAIN DUO

TANGERINE DREAM: Triangle-based folk duo Mandolin Orange, comprised of Emily Frantz and Andrew Marlin, take the stage at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC, on Friday, December 16th. They’ll be joined by Stickley Brothers and Phil Cook. Courtesy photo

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 South tryon StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 377-6874 12/15: Sequoyah Prep School, Bonneville, The Riverwinds 12/17: The Breakfast Club, Blue Monday 12/18: Protest the Hero, Scale the Summit, Last Chance to Reason THE FILLMORE 1000 SEaboard StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 549-5555 12/17: Bass Church NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE 511 E. 36th StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 358-9298 12/15: Chatham County Line CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MaIn StrEEt, Carrboro, nC (919) 967-9053

12/16: Mandolin Orange, Stickley Brothers, Phil Cook THE ORANGE PEEL 101 bIltMorE avEnuE, aShEvIllE, nC (828) 225-5851 12/14: Buen Viaje, Stumpwater, Jeff Santiago y Los Gatos Negros, The Critters, Zombie Queen 12/16: Blackberry Smoke, Sunny Ledfurd 12/18: Norma Jean, Oh Sleeper, Memphis May Fire, Stray from the Path, Lower than Atlantis

COUP DE GRACE

FREE ($5 UNDER 21) SATURDAY DECEMBER 17

DOORS: 9:00 FREE ($5 UNDER 21) FRIDAY DECEMBER 30

MASSIVE GRASS

D&D SLUGGERS

DOORS: 9:00 FREE ($5 UNDER 21)

DOORS: 8:00 $3 ($5 UNDER 21)

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14 GROSS GHOST/LAST YEAR’S MEN PRETTY THINGS PEEP SHOW EIGHT FOOT STRIDE FRIDAY DECEMBER 16 SILVER jUDAS/CLONE CYCLE SOAPBOX XMAS ON THE SkIDS FRIDAY jANUARY 13 SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SkIDS BUBONIk FUNk/THE LAMPING SHADES RURAL SWINE /THE BARNRAISERS jANUARY 13-15 SATURDAY DECEMBER 17 HITCHA OFF HIP-HOP WEEkEND PEEPSHOW CABARET WEDNESDAY jANUARY 18 MASSIVE GRASS (DOWNSTAIRS) EILEN jEWELL TUESDAY DECEMBER 20 WHITE WIVES (MEMBERS OF ANTI-FLAG) YARN (DOWNSTAIRS) WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21 FRIDAY jANUARY 20 DIRTY MEGA X-MAS SUMMER CAMP “SLOW SOUTHERN STEEL” MOVIE FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 PREMIERE HAIL HORNET / ASG COUP DE GRACE SUNDAY jANUARY 22 ¡PRETEND SUPRISE!/SIRENS FOR SLEEPING BOOMBOX FRIDAY DECEMBER 30 TUESDAY jANUARY 24 THE MOVEMENT NICOLAY WITH THE HOT @ NIGHTS D&D SLUGGERS (DOWNSTAIRS) FRIDAY jANUARY 27 SATURDAY DECEMBER 31 THE LOVE LANGUAGE THE ANNUALS/LONNIE WALkER

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 vIvIan St., durhaM, nC (919) 680-2727 12/15: Kenny G LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CabarruS StrEEt, ralEIgh, nC (919) 821-4111 12/16: The Breakfast Club 12/17: Weekend Excursion, Jonas Sees in Color, Michael Johns

WWW.THESOAPBOXLIVE.COM encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 23

grub&guzzle|

32-36 DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN BLUEWATER

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sun. during the summer months.

Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256.8500.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11am - 11pm; Sat & Sun 11am – 11pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ MUSIC: Music every Sun. in Summer ■ WEBSITE: bluewaterdining.com

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters to name a few. Larger Plates include Plancha grilled Painted Hills Steaks, Blackend Red Drum Filet, Charles-

24 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

ton Crab Cakes, Tempura OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Queen Trigger fish. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand Crafted seasonal desserts from Alan DeLovely. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm and Mon. Sat. 5pm-9pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

If you’re looking for good food and an atmosphere that’s fun for the whole family, Buffalo Wild Wings is the place! Award winning wings and 20 signature sauces and seasonings. Plus… salads, wraps, flatbreads, burgers, and more. Tons of Big screen TVs and all your favorite sports. We have daily drink specials, a HUGE draft selection, and Free Trivia all day every day. Come in for our Weekday Lunch Specials, only $5.99 from 11am-2pm. Visit us for Wing Tuesdays with 50 cent wings all day long, or Boneless Thursdays with 60 cent boneless wings all day long. Buffalo Wild Wings is a great place to dine in or take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon-Sat 11am-2am and Sun 11am-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 locations-Midtown (910-798-9464) and Monkey Junction (910-392-7224) ■ MUSIC: Live music every Friday and Saturday in the Summer ■ WEBSITE: www.buffalowildwings.com

C.G. DAWGS

For great traditional New York style eats with Southern charm look no further than C.G. Dawgs. You will be drawn in by the aroma of fine beef franks served with witty banter and good natured delivery from the cleanest hot dog carts in Wilmington.

Sabrett famous hot dogs and Italian sausages are the primary fare offered, with a myriad of condiments for all of your mid-day

or late night cravings.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11am– 5pm. Sat. at the farmers market. Thurs.- Sat. nights on Market St. between Front and 2nd St. from 10pm – 3:00am.Fibbers on Sun. nights Until 3am.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD Downtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch time delivery downtown

THE GEORGE ON THE RIVERWALK

Drop your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, your destination for complete sense indulgence. Watch the historic Cape Fear River unfold before you while you enjoy the best in Southern Coastal Cuisine. The menu combines elegance, creativity and diverse selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh seafood, including the best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. Warm in the sun on the expansive outdoor deck sipping an exotic, colorful martini, or unwind at the spacious bar inside boasting extensive wine and martini lists along with weekday appetizer specials from 4:00pm-6:30pm.

Don’t forget to try downtown’s best kept secret for Sunday Brunch from 11am-3pm. You are welcome to dock your boat at the only dock’n’dine restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or enjoy our free, front door parking (ask for pass!) Why satisfy when you can indulge? Find the George on the Riverwalk at 128 South Water Street, 910-763-2052.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues. – Sat. 11am – 9 pm.

Enjoy Sunday Lunch and Brunch 11am – 3pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Sunday Brunch / Wilmington’s only dock’n’dine restaurant.

■ WEBSITE: www.thegeorgerestaurant.com

HALLIGAN’S

“Failte,” is the Gaelic word for “Welcome,” and at Halligan’s Public House it’s our “Motto.” Step into Halligan’s and enter a world of Irish hospitality where delicious food warms the heart

and generous drink lift the spirit. Be sure to try Halligan’s house specialty, “The Reuben,” number one with critics and of course our customers. One bite and you’ll understand why. Of course, we also serve a full selection of other delicious entrees including seafood, steak and pasta, as well as a wide assortment of burgers, sandwiches(Halligan’s Cheese Steak), and salads. And if you are looking for a friendly watering hole where you can raise a glass or two with friends, new and old, Halligan’s Public House boasts a comfortable bar where fun-loving bartenders hold court daily and blarney fills the air. Stop by Halligan’s Public House today, “When you’re at Halligan’s....you’re at home.” With 12 beers on tap and 16 flat screen TVs, you can watch your favorite game and enjoy your favorite drink.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

7 Days a Week Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 2:00 am ThursSun 11:30 am - 2:00 am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Masonboro Loop ■ FEATURING: THE Best Rueben in Town!, $5.99 lunch specials, Outdoor Patio ■ WEBSITE: www.halligansnc.com

HENRY’S

A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because its going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. Henry’s is home to live music, wine & beer dinners and other special events. Check out their calendar of events at HenrysRestaurant.com for details. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. –Mon.11am10pm; Tues.- Fri.: 11am – 11pm; Sat.: 10am – 11pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ MUSIC: Live Music beginning at 5:30pm ■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com.

HolidaY iNN RESoRt

Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. (910) 256-2231. 1706 N Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.Sat..

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com

K’S CafE

Visit us in our new location on the corner of Eastwood

and Racine - 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109. “Where the people make the place” If you’re looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere with awesome home-cooked, freshly prepared meals, you can’t beat K’s Cafe. Serving Breakfast (from $3.50) and Lunch (including daily entree-and-two side specials for $6.95), and dinner.

K’s Cafe is the best deal in Wilmington. They offer chargrilled burgers, including their most popular Hot Hamburger Platter smothered in gravy! They also offer great choices such as fresh chicken salad, crabcake sandwich, soups, and even a delicious Monte Cristo served on French toast bread. K’s also offers soup, sandwich and salad combos and a great variety of homemade desserts. On Sundays they offer a great brunch menu which changes every week. A variety of choices will be on the menu such as Shrimp and Grits and Eggs Benedict. Visa and Mastercard accepted.

Give K’s Cafe a try...you won’t be sorry. 420 Eastwood Rd., Unit 109, 791-6995. Find us on Facebook or on our website, www.ks-cafe.net.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: 7 DAYS A WEEK. Open for dinner Wed. thru Sat. evenings ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Ever-changing brunch

tHE littlE diPPER

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: Tues.- Sun. 5pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 70s menu every Friday ■ MUSIC: Fri. & Sat. in summer ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

PiNE VallEY MaRKEt

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grownup banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du

jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Mon.-Fri.10am-7pm; Sat. 9am-6pm. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

tEMPtatioNS EVERYdaY GoURMEt

Temptations Everyday Gourmet draws diners in by droves thanks to their creative menu selections, an extraordinary inventory of fine wines (over 300 varieties all without restaurant markups) and trained staff that go beyond culinary excellence. Recognized as Best Lunch Spot by WWAY in 2011, as well as having its chef, Michael Comer, touted among the top three best chefs in Wilmington, according to StarNews’ Taste of Wilmington 2010, Temptations offers two locations to serve Wilmingtonians. Located in Hanover Center for 25 years, signature items include their Homemade Chicken Salad and Turkey, Brie and Apple Sandwich, as well as their Porter’s Neck location’s Pimiento Cheeseburger. The Porter’s Neck location also serves an expanded dinner menu, which changes weekly.

Their daily features, including specialty soups, salads, quiche and paninis, keeps patrons busy choosing healthy, fast foods whether dining onsite or back at the office. in fact, ask Temptations about their Office Party Menu for your next gathering. Their gourmet retail shop provides unique gourmet gift items featuring many locally made specialty foods, chocolates and goodies.

■ SERVING LUNCH: Hanover Center, 3501 Oleander Dr., Ste 13. Mon.-Sat., 11am – 6pm (Closed Sundays) ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Porter’s Neck Center, 8207 Market St., Ste F. Mon. Wed., 10am8:30pm; Thurs.-Sat., 10am-9pm. Dinner features begin at 5pm. (Closed Sundays) ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Midtown & North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.temptationseverydaygourmet.com ■ FEATURING: An expanded dinner menu, at the Porter’s Neck location, which changes weekly.

tRollY StoP

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a family owned franchise with six locations. Since 1976 they specialize in homemade chili, slaw and sauces, and as of more recent – a variety of gourmet sausages and burgers (at participating locations). The types of hot dogs include Beef & Pork, All Beef, Smoked Sausage, 98% Turkey, and Soy. Sausages include Bratwurst, Mild Italian, Spicy Beef and Polish Kiel-

basi. Locations are: 126 N. Front Street Open seven days from 11am-4pm, late night hours are Thurs., Fri., and Sat. night from 10pm-3am; (910) 343-2999, 94 S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach 11-5pm 7days a week, 6pm-9pm Sun-Wed, and 6pm-3am Th-Sat. (910) 256-1421; 4502 Fountain Dr., 452-3952. 11am7pm Mon-Sun; South Howe St. in Southport, (910) 457-7017 (CLOSED FOR THE SEASON UNTIL EASTER WEEKEND); 103A Cape Fear Blvd in Carolina Beach, (910) 458-5778; 1250 Western Blvd., Unit L-4 Jacksonville, (910) 228-0952, opened Mon-Sun 11am-9pm. Catering cart available all year from $300.

(910) 297-8416.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Throughout the Port City ■ FEATURING: Dog friendly locations

at Wrightsville Beach and Downtown Wilmington. Buy a hot dog, we’ll throw in an extra for your pooch. (Without bun.)

■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN BiG tHai aNd BiG tHai tWo

Now with two convenient locations to serve you, Big Thai features authentic Thai cuisine in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Their delectable menu includes items such as Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews, Roasted Duck in Red Curry, and several options for vegetarians and vegans. And don’t forget to try their famous Coconut Cake, made fresh in-house. You won’t regret it. Big Thai One (1001 N. 4th St. in the Brooklyn Arts District; 763-3035): Lunch M-F, 11-2. Dinner M-Th 5-9, F-Sa 5-10, Closed Sun.. Big Thai Two (1319 Military Cutoff Rd. inside Landfall Center; 256-6588) ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open for Lunch M-F 11-2:30; Dinner M-Th 5-9; F-Sa 5-10; Sun. 5-9.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown and North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Vegetarian/vegan options.

SZECHUaN 132

Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch Specials

HiRo JaPaNESE StEaKHoUSE

What better way to celebrate a special occasion or

encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 25

liven up a dinner out than to dine in a place where every meal is an exciting presentation. Knowing that a meal should be more than just great food, Hiro adds a taste of theatre and a amazing atmosphere to everyone’s dinning experience. Also serving sushi, Hiro surprises its guests with a new special roll every week and nightly drink specials to complement it. From 4-7pm enjoy half-priced nigiri and half-priced regular makimono. Nigiri makimono combos are only $7.50, while early-bird specials last from 4-6pm, where diners can choose two: shrimp, chicken or steak. Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570.

■ SERVING DINNER: Open Mon. thru Thurs.

4pm-10pm; Fri. and Sat. 4pm-10:30pm and Sun. 11am-10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Hibachi style dining.

■ WEBSITE: hirojapanesesteakhouse.com/hibachi

INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Tues.- Fri. 11am- 2pm; Sat. 12pm – 3pm for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5pm – 10pm for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Balinese dancer every Fri. night.

■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com

FRENCH CAPRICE BISTRO

Wilmington’s finest French cuisine can be found at Caprice Bistro, a small informal neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty food in generous portions at affordable prices. Simple is the atmosphere in the bistro, as plain white plates and tables dressed in white paper make up the decor. However, the food is far from simple, as a combination of fresh ingredients and innovative preparation delight the taste buds with a plethora of unique appetizers, entrées and desserts. The service is fast, efficient and non-intrusive, and the ambience is friendly and unpretentious. After dinner, be sure to venture upstairs into their cozy and relaxing sofa bar for an after-dinner martini, or enjoy your meal there, as a light-fare and full menus are served. Art is always on display in the sofa bar, so be sure to inquire frequently about their artist show receptions. Voted “Best French Restaurant” three years in a row! 10 Market Street, downtown Wilmington, (910) 815-0810.

■ SERVING DINNER: Sun.- Thurs.

5:00 – 10pm.; Fri. and Sat., 5pm – Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Upstairs sofa bar serving cocktails and lighter fare.

■ WEBSITE: www.capricebistro.com

OUR CRÊPES & MORE

The Crêperie of Wilmington! Our Crêpes & More a

family owned and operated French Crêperie, is serving authentic, homemade French cuisine to dine in or to go. Everything on their menu is under $10, and is a healthy alternative, while eating a savory meal or sweet treat. Open at 7 am Tuesday through Friday, Our Crêpes & More offers a delicious variety of breakfast combos, quickly served or to go. On the Savory side, the Uzès, Quebec, Forestiere Royale or Tahiti are among the most popular. Their homemade Ratatouille, South France type Sub like the Pain Bagnat are worth the detour too! On the sweet side, The Versailles, St- Tropez or Crazy Nutella (with homemade Nutella ice cream) will make you come back for more! They also serve Fresh Salads or Soups depending on the seasons, amazing all natural Homemade Sorbet & Ice Cream, Croissants & Chocolate Croissants.

Open all day with free WiFi and live French radio, Our Crepes & More is a pleasant yet casual place to unwind.

Our Crepes & More can accommodate large parties!

■ OPEN: TUESDAY – FRIDAY 7AM – 3 PM SATURDAY & SUNDAYS 8AM – 3PM! (Monday Closed.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Free Wi-Fi..

■ WEBSITE: www.ourcrepesandmore.com

INDIAN TANDOORI BITES

Located on College Road, just opposite Hugh MacRae Park, Tandoori Bites offers fine Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Try one of 74 dishes on their lengthy menu, featuring a large range of side dishes and breads. They have specialties, such as lamb korma with nuts, spices and herbs in a mild creamy sauce, as well as seafood, like shrimp biryani with saffron-flavored rice, topped with the shellfish and nuts. They also have many vegetarian dishes, including mutter paneer, with garden peas and homemade paneer, or baingan bharta with baked eggplant, flamed and sautéed with onions, garlic and ginger. Join their cozy eatery, where a far east escape awaits all diners, among a staff of friendly and helpful servers, as well as chefs who bring full-flavored tastes straight from their homeland. Located at 1620 South College Road, (910) 794-4540.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 11:30am2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sun 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown.

■ FEATURING: Lunch buffet, which now serves South Indian cuisine ($7.95 daily) ■ WEBSITE: www.tandooribites.net.

ITALIAN A TASTE OF ITALY

The authentic Italian cuisine served at Taste of Italy has scored them Best Deli in the Port City for years running now. The Guarino family recipes have been passed down from generation to generation to brothers Tommy and Chris, who serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry diners. They also cater all events, from holiday parties to corporate lunches, including hot meals, cold trays, handmade desserts and an array of platters, from antipasto to cold cuts. In addition, Taste of Italy sells Scalfani products, Sabrett hot dogs and Polly-O cheeses in their market, all the while serving top-notch hot and cold items from their delicatessen. In December, folks can enjoy specialties such as salted cod fish, dried sausage, Located at 1101 South College Rd., P. 910-392-7529, F. 910-392-9745.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

26 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

■ FEATURING: Ponatone, Pandora, Torrone and gift

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT:

baskets of all sizes!

■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com

11:30am-3am, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: The largest tequila selection in Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com

EDDIE ROMANELLI’S

is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas. Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak. Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.- Thurs. 11am – 10pm.; Fri. & Sat. 11am – 11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials ■ WEBSITE: RomanellisRestaurant.com.

ELIZABETH’S PIZZA

A Wilmington favorite since 1987! At Elizabeth’s you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine, as well as some of your American favorites. Offering delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, beer, and wine. Elizabeth’s is known for their fresh ingredients, where even the bread is baked fresh daily. A great place for lunch, dinner, a late night meal, or take out. Elizabeth’s can also cater your event and now has a party room available. Visit us 4304 ½ Market St or call 910-251-1005 for take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Open 10am-Midnight every day ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown (Corner of Market St and Kerr Avenue).

■ WEBSITE: www.epwilmington.com

GIORGIO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Giorgio’s is a locally owned, one-of-a-kind restaurant. Offering age-old traditions and timeless recipes, perfection is accomplished by combining the perfect cuisine and atmosphere for a dining experience that is not soon forgotten. With over 50 years of cooking experience under one roof, the smells of old-fashioned home cooking float through the air creating that comforting feeling of home-away-fromhome! From old world style dishes to modern day creations, the menu showcases multiple flavors that will tempt the palate of the most discriminating connoisseurs. A Monkey Junction landmark for over 12 years! 5226 S College Rd.,Wilmington (910) 7909954.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Mon.- Thurs. 11am. – 9:30am; Fri. 11am-10:30pm; Sat. 12pm-10:30pm Sun. 11:30am – 9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, kids menu and online coupons.

■ WEBSITE: www.giorgios-restaurant.com.

SLICE OF LIFE

“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 122 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and our newest location in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFE

Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue. 910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon Sat. 11am2:30pm and from 5-10pm. Closed Sunday.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Nightly specials ■ WEBSITE: www.sanjuancafenc.com

ORGANIC LOVEY’S MARKET

Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for Organic and Natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a Veggie Burger, Hamburger or a Chicken Caesar Wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar-which has cold salads and hot selections can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out. The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with Organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of Local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries Organic Grass-Fed and Free-Range meats and poultry. Wheat-Free and Gluten-Free products are in stock regularly, as are Vegan and Vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also carries Wholesome Pet Foods. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday 9am to 7pm; Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331. “You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!”

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.Fri., 11am–6pm; Sat. & Sun., 11am-6pm(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9am7pm; Sat., 9am-6pm; Sun., 10am-6pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, New Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. Newly expanded.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com.

SEAFOOD DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters!

Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

Fresh from the Farm

NOW ON SALE at WilmingtonTickets.com BUY YOUR TICKETS AT WILMINGTONTICKETS.COM OR CENTER BOX OFFICE AT THALIAN HALL

2012 CAPE FEAR Wildlife Expo

The Riverfront Farmers’ Market is a curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists & crafters.

• • • • • • • •

Fruits Vegetables Plants Herbs Flowers Eggs Cheeses Meats

• Seafood • Honey • Baked goods • Pickles • Jams & Jelly • Candy • Art & Crafts • Entertainment

DECEMBER 17

Live at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

www.wilmingtonfarmers.com

Murder Boat

By Stuart Anderson

NC Sorosis & NC Junior Sorosis Presents Join us for the eighth month of the Women in Business Speaker Series with keynote speaker Sandra Moulin.

Humor: The Holiday Drug of Choice Wednesday, December 14 11:30am - 1:00pm

ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE

December 16-17 at 8pm December 18 at 5pm

January 27-29, 2012

Coastline Conference Center • Tickets $7

A classic, sometimes campy “Who Done it?” sure to please audiences of all ages!

Friday, January 27 10:00 AM • 6:00 PM Saturday, January 28: 10:00 AM • 5:00 PM Sunday, January 29: 12:00 PM • 5:00 PM

Tickets: $15/ $10 students 111 Grace St. Wilmington, NC. 910-341-0001

PSYCHO

Presents:

BEACH PARTY

By Charles Busch

January 19-22 & 26-29 at 8pm January 23 & 30 at 5pm Tickets: $15/ $10 students 111 Grace St. Wilmington 910-341-0001

For more information call

538-6223 or visit

Wilmington Convention Center & Coastline Conference Center

PRESENTED BY STARNEWS MEDIA, THALIAN HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, AND DO IT DOWNTOWN IN COOPERATION WITH CITY STAGE.

KYLE The Farmers Market takes place on Sat., April 16 - Dec. 17 from 8am-1pm downtown on N. Water Street between Market and Princess Streets.

Fri. & Sat. 9am-6pm Sun.: 10am-5pm

Don’t miss the fun, excitement and entertainment plus all the awards for Wilmington’s “bes t in theater.”

Press 102 • 102 South Second Street

LINDLEY

March 16-18

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 • 8:00 PM

MLK Celebration Night at the Theater Thursday, January 12 • 7pm

Featuring Techmo’ja, a Dance & Theater Company

Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center $9.99 Individuals

www.mlkcelebration-senc.com

Rocky Horror

CLEAN GETAWAY

Picture Show

Friday December 9th Saturday December 10th FEATURING: JOHN FELTS AND MIKE SANTOS

The 2nd Thursday of every month at 10pm tickets $5

8pm Show | Doors 7pm | Admission: $8

255 North Front Street

Wilmington, NC 28401 • 910-251-7881

Bellamy Mansion MLK Celebration Reception

Friday, January 13 • 6:30pm

Jamaica After Dark Series December 17th

9pm - 1am • 21 and over • Price $9.50

SIX T H E

Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center

$15 Individuals • ww.mlkcelebration-senc.com

E V E N T

G R O U P

Jamaica’s Comfort Zone 417 S. College Road, Unit #24

Call Lori Harris at 910.343.2307 or email Lori.Harris@StarNewsOnline.com for more information. encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 27

Seahawk Sports Pass 5 Sports for $250 Admission to Over 72 Events!

Includes Men’s Basketball* A 25% Savings Less Than $5 Per event Order Today!

1-800-808-UNCW UNCWsports.com

* Sections 208, 209, 212, 214, 222, 223, 227, 228 (Upgrade Opportunities Available)

UPCOMING EVENTS MONDAy, DECEMBEr 19

Men’s Basketball vs Campbell 7pm

Sponsored by: McDonald’s Toys for Tots – Admission is just $5.00 with a new unwrapped toy ThUrSDAy, DECEMBEr 29

Women’s Basketball vs Xavier 7pm

SEAHAWK WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BUS TRIP

TUES., DEC. 20Th AT DUKE

50 per person

$

Sponsored by: EnterpriseAutograph Session after the game

Bus leaves from Trask Coliseum at 3:30 p.m. each day

FrIDAy, DECEMBEr 30

Reserve by Dec. 12th

Men’s Basketball vs Furman

Call UNCW Athletic Ticket Office at 910-962-3233

Sponsored by: Atlantic Marine and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program

28 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

EAST

The Blockade Runner offers an array of seasonal seafood specials, certified Angus beef, lobster menu on Fri. evening plus a spectacular Sun. brunch. Romantic al fresco dining is available on our dinner deck located in the center of a lush garden overlooking the ocean far away from the traffic and noise. Our lounge is eco-friendly and offers light fare nightly. 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256-2251.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach.

■ FEATURING: Lobster menu on Fri. ■ MUSIC: Live music on Sat. evening and Sun.

OCEANIC

Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best.

Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable wedding receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. Familystyle to go menu available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

brunch.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dining on the Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: OceanicRestaurant.com

HIERONYMUS

SOUTHERN

■ WEBSITE: www.blockade-runner.com

Hieronymus Seafood is the midtown stop for seafood lovers. In business for over 30 years, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by constantly providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in local seafood.

It’s the place to be if you are seeking top quality attibutes in atmosphere, presentations, flavor and ingenuity.

Sugnature dishes include Oysteronymus and daily fresh catch specials. Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering services. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2011. 5035 Market Street; 910-392-6313; hieronymusseafood.com ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Fireside oyster bar.

■ WEBSITE: www.hieronymusseafood.net

CASEY’S BUFFET

In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” coowner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive.

(910) 798-2913.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11am to 9pm and on Sundays from 11am to 8pm.Closed Mon. and Tuesdays.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING:For adventurous palates, pig’s feet and chitterlings.

SPORTS BAR CAROLINA ALE HOUSE

Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNCW, this lively sports-themed restaurant.

Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 South College Road, Wilmington, NC. (910) 791.9393.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD

projector TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: CarolinaAleHouse.com

FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE

Serving up the best bar food for any local sports fan, Fox & Hound has appetites covered. Located next to Mayfaire Cinema 16, it’s no question that Fox is a great place to go on date night, or to watch the big game on one of the restaurant’s six large projection screens and 19 plasma televisions. Guests can also play pool, darts or video games in this casual-theme restaurant. For starters, Fox offers delicious appetizers like ultimate nachos, giant Bavarian pretzels and spinach artichoke dip. In the mood for something more? Try the hand-battered Newcastle

fish ‘n’ chips or chicken tenders, or the grilled Mahi-Mahi served atop a bed of spicy rice. From cheeseburgers and sirloins to salads and wood oven-inspired pizzas, Fox has plenty to choose from for lunch or dinner. Finish the meal with a 6-inch Great Cookie Blitz, a chocolate chip cookie baked fresh to order and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s syrup. 920 Town Center Drive, (910) 509-0805.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11am– 2am, daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: $5.99 lunch specials and free pool until 2p.m. and $5 cheese pizzas after 10 p.m., both Mon.-Fri. ■ MUSIC: Trivia with Party Gras Entertainment DJ every Thursday at 9pm ■ WEBSITE: foxandhound.com

HELL’S KITCHEN

This is downtown Wilmington’s Sports Pub! With every major sporting package on ten HDTVs and our huge HD projection screen, there is no better place to catch every game in every sport. Our extensive menu ranges from classics, like thick Angus burgers or NY-style reubens, to lighter fare, such as homemade soups, fresh salads and vegetarian options. Whether meeting for a business lunch, lingering over dinner and drinks, or watching the game, the atmosphere and friendly service will turn you into a regular. Open late 7 days a week, with free WiFi, darts, and did we mention sports? Free lunchtime delivery on weekdays; we can accommodate large parties.

(910) 763-4133.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Dueling pianos Thurs., Fri., and Sat.

nights. and 1/2 priced select appetizers M-TH 4-7pm

■ WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

Open Christmas Eve 11am-3pm We’ve got carved ham, turkey and roast beef for your Christmas Eve dinner plus....

Over 20 Homestyle Vegetables and Fresh cooked Eastern North Carolina BBQ Pork cooked daily ALSO SERVED DAILY...

Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken, Chicken & Pastry, Catfish, Whiting, Clam Strips, Fat Back, Crinkle Fries, Pig’s Feet, Chitlins, Rutabagas, Green Beans, Mac-N-Cheese, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Cabbage, Boiled Potatoes, Corn, Field Peas, Turnips, Collards, Baked Beans, Green Peas, Lima Beans, Rice, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Pan Fried Okra, Rolls, Hushpuppies, Apple, Blueberry & Peach Cobbler, Cherry Cheesecake, Banana Pudding and Ice Cream

(910)798•2913 • 5559 Oleander Dr. Between Dogwood Lane & French Street, across from the batting cages

“Voted BEST BUFFET, SOUL FOOD & FAMILY RESTAURANT by encore readers”

OPEN: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday - 11-8pm CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 29

//GRUB

beyond hibachi: Okami Japanese Steakhouse caters fresh seafood and more

A

ccording

to

mAx

norton,

manager of Okami Japanese Steakhouse, the reason the latest entertainment eatery works well in Wilmington, among a sea of other restaurants of the same ilk, is because their attention to detail reigns.

From ensuring only the freshest ingredients to the most well-trained staff, and a layout which comfortably seats a small army of people, impressing customers has been easy—so much so regulars are already coming in droves.

“We have had a lot of very positive feedback so far,” Norton says—“everything from our portion size is so much larger, [to] the chefs and servers are more fun and entertaining.”

The real proof is in the product, of course.

And it doesn’t hurt they also have enticing specials during recessionary times. “We have a lot of happy people thanks to half price on all draft beer and hot sake all day, every day,” he says.

They offer a Sushi Happy Hour, featuring 22 Classic Okami Rolls, including simple rice, nori and choice of fish, like tuna, salmon, eel, along with vegetarian rolls. Diners can enjoy the offerings for half price from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays.

By receiving fresh shipments of high-grade fish for their sushi bar, brightly illuminated by a swarm of warm yellow, they take the Japanese steakhouse experience beyond hibachi. “We get deliveries three or four times a week, with fresh fish, scallops, and eel, ” says Norton, previous general manager for Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant. “Our prices are lower, too.”

During the lunch bunch’s visit to Okami in November, large plates of their Red Dragon and Volcano rolls arrived.

Bright but not so fiery, the dragon came topped with buttery avocado melting against the crisp

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by Shea Carver Steakhouse Okami Japanese ge Road 614 South Colle (910) 399-3366 dinner Open for lunch/ Price: $$-$$$$ house.com www.okamisteak bite of tempura shrimp and slices of neon-red tuna. The Volcano’s special sauce had a tangy kick of heat, fired by the peppered tuna tucked inside, topped by clean-with-a-hint-of-citrus hamachi (yellowtail, a white fish) and a rich, non-fishy salmon (a plus, seeing as salmon can be so fickle in pungency and fattiness).

“The sushi bar is a more traditional Japanese steakhouse staple,” Norton says, referring to Wilmington pre-sushi trend 10 years ago or more, when a restaurant dedicated to the delicacy was limited. “There

WOW FACTOR: (above) Sherwin shows off his fire skills at the hibachi grill; (left) the dumpliing appetizers are delicious, including the pork variety and shumai, consisting of sweet shrimp. Photos by Sue Cothran

used to not be anywhere to get sushi except at a Japanese steakhouse. Okami’s sushi is as fresh as it gets!”

Today, Wilmington is speckled by the hibachi movement, whether full-service dine-in or express carry-out. Norton says much of the excitement from the tradition has fallen from the service-expectancy grid. He ensures they work hard to see their chefs—who hail from a multitude of countries and backgrounds—train with a master of hibachi-style cooking. The current owners, including Jackie Lu, have been immersed in this style of cooking for years.

“When you come to a Japanese steakhouse, you expect more in your dining experience,” Norton says. “Our chefs put on a show—with tricks, jokes and fire. Many places have lost their flair for show, but this is what the guests want, and what they expect because they are paying for it.”

Our visit showcased as much is true as the

30 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

chef tossed spinning eggs from the flat top grill to a flat-end spatula, swirling about before flipping them into his tall toque. Eventually, a few cracked into the fried rice, just as expected. All smiles, Fani Fe Su—or as he likes to be called, Sherwin—asked our names and frequently teased us as he lit a volcano of onions on fire, the flame reaching far beyond the top of the tower as he greased it for added height. More surprises were in store as he asked if we liked garlic (unabashed “yes!”); apparently, Okami’s trying to stand out by adding a touch of the unexpected to their meals.

“Our chefs use the lightest of seasoning,” Norton explains. “This is where many Japanese steakhouses mess up. They over-season with too much soy or teriyaki sauce. If the guest wants more, they can put it on themselves.”

Many do with the white sauce—or shrimp sauce, as it’s known. Piles of grilled zuchhini, squash, beef, chicken or seafood become the canvas for a mayonnaise, sugar, spice and citrus concoction. The ginger-soy proved the most favorable at our table, a sweet and salty combination, balanced by the aromatic zingy root.

The filet mignon, cut thinner than most American steakhouse versions, came cooked a medium rare and took on an expected earthiness. The scallops could have been a bit less done, but, honestly, I am of the group who prefers a medium-rare/medium scallop because of its creaminess. It’s a texture for which many fear and others are unknowledgeable of, considering the one-too-many rubbery scallops they’ve eaten to determine it too “sponge-like.” Still, Okami’s scallops remained a delicate confection of flavor; diners should just ask the chef if they want them done less.

One of the nice additions to the steakhouse’s menu, outside of hibachi, teriyaki and sushi, are their noodle options. They offer soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat flour, and yakisoba, which are fried, served with veggies and choice of protein.

Our graphic designer’s shrimp noodle entrée came as a healthier version to any lo-mein, and it had a piquant bite.

Okami serves plump 36-40 count shrimp, too, something that according to Norton is larger than what most other places buy: 21-25. Each popped in perfect temperature.

“We use the freshest of product, from the meat to seafood to vegetables,” Norton notes, clarifying the appeal of Japanese cuisine: tasteful, flavorful and often healthier— especially when avoiding heavy sauces that mask its unadulterated freshness. From their appetizers (go with the steamed dumplings, decadent with minced pork and veggies, orshumai, another dumpling, fillled with sweet shrimp and seafood), to their desserts (try the fried ice cream, a green tea flavor encased in pound cake and topped with whipped cream and chocolate), to the decor, everything’s thoughtful. After nine months of renovating the old Farmhouse location on College Road, Okami has divided rooms, including two tatami rooms—traditionally constructed with woven rice straw to form their core. The dark wood is cozier than the previous country-style setting. Its dim lighting is interfused with Asian decor, including a very large gong center-room (they’ll bang it on your birthday or maybe even let you do it if you ask nicely). Twelve hibachi tables, an elongated sushi bar and a private room for parties makes it expansive.

“We can seat approximately 142 people,” Norton says, “and they all get what they are paying for: great food, an amazing show and wonderful service. We want every guest to leave with the wow factor!”

Christmas Parties Forget a boring , fixed venue for your Christmas gathering or cocktail party. Enjoy your party while you float on the majestic Cape Fear River.

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extraextra!|

32 BOOKS 34 FACT OR FICTION 35 CROSSWORD 36-47 CALENDAR, TOONS, ETC.

treasures of words:

ielse

by Tiffanie Gabr Daniel Ladinsky iz” reading “A Year With Haf ont t St. • 249 N. Fr on Fr on s ok Bo Old . • Free 12/17, 7:30 p.m erson.com www.luleenand

Old Books’ reading focuses on spirituality inspired by Hafiz

K

nown internationally for his ren-

derings of notably one of the best Persian Sufi lyrical poets of the 14th century, Hafiz, Daniel Ladinsky now brings his interpretations of Hafiz’s celebrated works to our port city. As a native to Saint Louis, Missouri, born in 1948, Ladinsky lived for six years in western India. While there, he worked in a rural clinic, free to the poor, and lived with the family of Meher Baba, another well-known spiritual leader. On December 17th at Old Books on Front St., from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., he will be in town to offer his unique and insightful perspective of Hafiz’s wisdom in his latest book, “A Year With Hafiz: Daily Contemplations.”

Called by Google Books, “A year’s worth of ruminations from one of the world’s most revered literary and spiritual teachers,” the poems of Hafiz, as understood and presented by Ladinsky, can be thought of as a daily guide which provides compelling wisdom. It’s warm in divination during a time in society where the spirit of self and that above seems to be dwindling. Offered in 365 moving poems—including a segment based on the conversions of Hafiz by Ralph Waldo Emerson—Ladinsky effectively brings Hafiz’s work to the English setting, all while maintaining the gripping tone of one of Islam’s most celebrated spiritual voices. “A Year With Hafiz: Daily Contemplations,” in its simplest description, is a body of work often humorous, yet insightful and emotional. Its reflection aims to guide and help everyone everywhere grow.

“At the very least Hafiz can be grand entertainment,” Ladinsky shared with encore last week. “There is great humor and charm in my

32 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

Courtesy photo

books. It is a rare person who will not laugh out loud.”

A best-selling author of five books with publishing giant Penguin, Ladinsky will speak about that which “the soul longs to hear” during his reading. He will also have on hand his 2002 anthology titled, “Love Poems From God,” which includes chapters on 12 of the greatest poet-saints (East and West) in recorded history.

“Hafiz brings a light to the eyes one can share with another in darkness,” Ladinsky continued. “He is really like a blessed rain to any parched earth (life). A line of his I excavated that has now become famous goes: ‘I am a hole in a flute that the Christ’s breath/moves though—listen to this music.’ To which I say: Knock my socks off, dear Lord, take my breath away, free me from myself. That is art’s duty, a primal reason for the splendor in nature and our innate, magnetic attraction to it. We need to hear God speak—and I feel great poetry is about as close as we can get, via words.”

Also joining Ladinsky for the reading, as well as autographs afterward, is local poet Luleen Anderson. Reading from her fourth book, “The Knack of a Happy Life: 9 Lessons Along the Journey,” Anderson’s contribution to the night will aid in completing its overall theme: How to live one’s most complete life in the best way possible. Stemming from a lifetime of her own experiences of patience, science, studying and exploring, Anderson admits the catalyst for her book stems from education.

Her readings with Ladinsky will coincide with how his teachings have affected her perspective.

“I hope many take away the awareness that happiness is a choice we make,” Anderson stated. A clinical psychologist in private practice for almost 45 years, with roots in Boston, Massachusetts, Anderson was a

monthly columnist for “Wilma”women’s magazine when she relocated to Wilmington.

“The tie-in from my work and his is my use of his renderings of Hafiz; they open each chapter,” she noted. “I call them lessons. We can be happy in the face of suffering, loss and disappointment if we understand what suffering has to teach us. We have choices we make every day. Life is a prospect, a lifelong path, to know ourselves and to grow.”

Known as, “the Tongue of the Invisible, or ... the one sanctioned to speak for the Sun,” both Anderson and Ladinsky believe the importance of Hafiz’s work holds dynamic secrets that were once intensely articulated within the world’s holy books. More than just a path to be taken spiritually, many of Hafiz’s confidences have unfortunately either been lost or hidden by prejudiced translations. That is, to say, until Ladinsky’s transcriptions. The importance of attending the reading Saturday night is to continue the process of sharing these remarkable teachings—to bring to light that which otherwise would be compressed and forgotten in the sands of time.

“For centuries, the poems of Hafiz have been used for teaching in multifarious ways, and they have very often been put into songs and performed in plays, and commonly consulted as something of a living oracle,” Ladinsky explained. “I hold dear many of his poems, I feel they are treasures, and I am very taken by what I believe are facts about his life.

To my mind, Hafiz shares some of the wild, and exquisite barroom chat and lingo he had with angels and God; thus, some of his poems are of remarkable value if studied and fully understood.”

Front

Downtown Business Alliance

Season of Celebration

Holiday Events in Historic Downtown Wilmington Friday, December 16 Downtown Wilmington, Caroling Reindeer drawn carriage rides Hannah Block Historic USO/CAC 70th Anniversary Celebration (a 1940’s Christmas) 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 17 Wilmington Railroad Museum’s Polar Express Holiday Show - 4:30 & 6:30 Burgwin-Wright House Museum’s Colonial Christmas – 10 am - 4 pm Sunday, December 18 Burgwin-Wright House Museum’s Colonial Christmas Noon – 4 pm

Visit DBAWilmington.Com encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 33

//EXTRA

it makes me wonder: Beginning of the end

“A

n’

everybody

here

got

their story, brah!” Joe paused.

“Some of ‘ems bitchin’ just to bitch, some of ’ems here to watch, an’ some of ‘ems here to antagonize. Most people, though, they really only want an answer to one question: Where’d it go? Where’d it all go—the American Dream that we’ve all been promised?”

Joe paused, his eyes wide, lips puckered, and jaws furiously clenching and releasing, creating dimples of anger just underneath both temples. “These people—they all want it back!

An’ this time around, it ain’t gonna be a changeth’-channel-change-th’-topic type o’ protest.

People’s aware, and they ain’t goin’ home!”

I was in search of the epicenter and had found it. Only it wasn’t a person—rather, an idea. It ran like a nerve, collectively, through this entire gathering and beyond, to the cities south and states east, underneath westward oceans and high onto northern mountain tops.

And the nerve was pinched, screaming in pain through crowds of the poor-and-lost all along the globe. People—millions of them, appar-

by Ichabod C. ’s annual Winner of encore ntest Fact or Fiction co ently—just like me, chasing their own dreams only to find that memories are the best things we have left. But growing old without anything to look forward to is something that none of us are willing to accept.

Maybe I am—we are: the entitled, expecting too much from a world that is not the way our parents left it.

Somehow, it didn’t feel right. Nope. Felt more like just coming to in a back alley and spitting out incisors while trying to remember exactly who beat the shit out of you...

And that’s what brought me here—thanks to Joe, and along with countless others, I was living in the moment and standing knuckle to knuckle with Portland’s Finest. They were battle-ready and well-armored. I looked at Joe and witnessed the fear: that same expression I wore in my classroom so, so long ago. And rightfully so. They were monsters, all of them.

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An entire human line of Nordic-bred, Vikingbuilt, stock-armored from foot to crown in gear that weighed half that of an average human; faceless print-less beings whose eyes betrayed their only relationship with humanity. Even still, most were indoctrinated with such a sense of duty that they avoided eye contact, so as not to communicate an understanding for empathy.

Many slapped old-school aluminum sidehandle batons (great for crushing the average citizens’ ribs or concaving a sternum) in the palms of their gloved hands, while other officers tapped them against their thighs and thermoplastic knee pads. Almost every belt line was weighted with weapons of war, and every action officially protected by badges sparkling atop their riot helmets while sheltered behind transparent riot shields. They were built to serve and protect, but, today, I wondered, For whom?

I looked over my shoulder to make sure I was seeing this clearly. A motley mob, while certainly outnumbering the uniforms, was armed only with 18x24 poster paper, filled with angry slogans and protected by layers of hemp clothing. Sure, the epicenter’s here in the heart of every protester who’s lined themselves face to faceplate with this army of police, but we would be no match for tear gas and bean-bag ammo.

Not even that elicited the fear so much as the wildcard at play. No, not mob mentality; instead, the dichotomy of these officers who stood in conflict against the very taxpayers (at least some of them anyway) they swore an allegiance to protect. Worse, still, many of them only stood out of a need for income and not necessarily because of a disagreement in philosophy.

And isn’t it the forced greed that eventually separates us all which only serves to strengthen the tense emotional knot that throttles this crowd.

Just then the mob swayed back and forth in

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unison, a surge of violence thrusting in a wave of kinetic energy, but the officers only held their ground. Megaphones whirred and screeched like mortars screaming toward earth, and the careful voices of nonviolent liaisons could be heard intermittently pleading above the complaints and general murmur of gathered protesters. Another wave rocked forth, and sporadic songs began accompanying chants of the disenfranchised.

Some officers twitched, caught off guard by this second wave. Several mounted officers tightened the reins of their horses that neighed and shuffled uneasily; others slapped their batons with an almost taunting motion into the palms of their hands. Members of the crowd responded by whipping out cell phones and reminding law enforcement that every nanosecond of time was now being documented into the annuls of digital history.

To make matters worse, the sun forced its way through low-cloud cover and beat off backs of the gathered masses while simultaneously baking the heavy dark wares of police officers. Things were literally heating up, and smells of dirty hair and unwashed body parts permeated the air, filling it with a scent of nausea and antagonism. I turned away from the parade of law enforcement to ask Joe a question, only to find that he was gone.

I was alone again.

I’d come here not knowing and trying to find myself through my past. Unhappy with what I had, too naive to realize it would be the best I’d ever get. Vicariousness wasn’t an answer, nor was finding out that my old love was a married mother of two.

So this might be it. My last chance to make a difference.

Standing on the precipice of a defining moment in full recognition of the gift of a lifetime, I clenched my fist and snapped back toward the line of officers.

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2011 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

12/18/11

THE NEWSDAY CROSSWORD Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

GET A GRIP: A tightly made puzzle

by Gail Grabowski ACROSS 1 Like some Sp. nouns 5 Out of patience 10 Crafts’ partner 14 Flabbergast 19 Little bit 20 Country singer Patsy 21 Italian “Toodle-oo!”

22 Sedan alternative 23 Find someplace to sit 25 Office-phone feature 27 Something to blow off 28 Admission of defeat 30 Make watertight 31 Distribute 33 Pokes around 36 Architectural details 39 Winter blanket 41 More likely to poke around 44 President before Polk 46 NEA grant recipient 49 Make a desperate attempt 53 Charter NATO member 54 Helpful URL link 55 Word-of-mouth 56 Show the ropes to 57 Doctor’s directive 58 Hints 61 Nest material 64 Compete in a slalom 65 Zenith 66 Get a whiff of 67 Rubbernecks 70 Cover thickly, as with mushrooms 72 Genesis locale 74 Common vacation duration 76 Model in a bottle 77 Studied intently 80 Like some roads 82 Occupied 85 Letters on a phone

86 88 89 90 91 94 96 97 98 102 103 105 106 108 110 113 116 119 121 123 128 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137

8 9 10 11 12

Total Prestigious prize Brutish people Chalet backdrop Sought-after guests Gutter locale Drain strength from Texter’s tee-hee Get everyone to agree Directional suffix Huge success Illinois city Rough guess How some learn music Seek advice from Twitch Money-saving, in product names Minneapolis suburb Seats, slangily Drive close to a sidewalk Fruit with a pit Hilo greeting “Summertime,” for one Compensate (for) Pet lovers’ org.

Paper repairers Poisonous snakes Charged toward Competitive group

Combination Public image Berlin wail Spanish river Bath-powder mineral Can in a cooler Works with marble Computer user’s shortcut Not at home USN rank Quiz whiz Jennings Surrounded by Clear tables Whistle sound Annual Pamplona runner Hushed “Hey!” Location Strapless handbag Seed source Frog features Timeline slices Store fixtures Movie critic, frequently Sgt.’s subordinates Soothing application Risky baseball strategy Took care of Flexible Fleeting desires Making quite full Church officials Vehicle with runners Cultivated Stitch into place Pull up stakes, slangily Navy builder Sandusky’s state Twangy

13 14 15 16 17 18 24 26 29 32 34 35 37 38 40 42 43 45 46 47 48

DOWN 1 Russian fighter planes 2 Major artery 3 Madame de __ (Swiss author) 4 Plotting groups 5 Media watchdog agcy.

6 Precollege, for short 7 Analog watch parts

50 51 52 57 59 60 62 63 68 69 71 73

75 77 78 79 81 83 84 87 92 93 95

Do a bakery job Aspirations Self-confidence Bed bulb Legendary toymakers Brown quickly NFL Live channel Silver source Guy from Glasgow Drive-__ window Digs in

98 Does a Latin dance 99 Lose energy 100 Railroad maintenance vehicle 101 Accept eagerly 104 Do a slow burn 107 Most meanspirited 109 Caviar source 111 __-Whirl (carnival ride) 112 Salsa ingredient 114 Give form to 115 Major tourist draw

117 Campus sports org.

118 For you and me 120 Tennis star Kournikova 122 Pretense 123 New Year’s Eve party handout 124 Suffix for form 125 DC contingent 126 Fabric flaw 127 Undergrad degs.

129 Catch on to

Reach Stan Newman at P.O. Box 69, Massapequa Park, NY 11762, or at www.StanXwords.com

5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700

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OPEN Mon-Thur 11am-8pm Fri Sat 11am-9:30pm 4306 Market Street www.ModeaStcoaSt.coM encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 35

holiday events WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM 12/14-23—Christmas Train & Light Spectacular. Fri. & Sat. eves. Fri. 6-9pm & Sat. 7:30-9:30pm. Train displays, lights, cider and Santa. Admission charge. • 12/1718—Polar Express Program. 4:30pm & 6:30pm. Story time, visits with Santa, cocoa, and more. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Admission charge. Advance tickets.

910-763-2634; www.wrrm.org CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA Free every Saturday at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, 5-9pm. Decorated covers by the sea, with cookies with Santa, carolers, fired marshmallows and more! Through New Years Eve! ENCHANTED AIRLIE Through 12/21: Enchanted Airlie will present its spectacular LEGO display, featuring more than 250,000 LEGO bricks. The gardens look to place an exclamation point on the entire experience

12/17: CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And every part of New Hanover County is proving as much true with their sparkling lights and endless cheer—Carolina Beach included. Don’t miss their Christmas By the Sea event taking place every Saturday through New Year’s Eve, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the boardwalk. They will have holiday decor, cookies with Santa, lots of lovely caroling and even fire-roasted marshmallows courtesy of the fire department. It’s a family-friendly event to make the holiday a tad more special. by rolling out LEGO trains constructed by Airlie LEGO campers. Also showcases a Poinsettia Paradise with more than 400 holiday plants; an elaborate setting of more than 300,000 festive lights; live musical entertainment; three massive model train exhibits and a meet and greet

with Santa. Complimentary coffee by Port City Java and concessions including hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies from the folks at David’s Deli and delicious wine from Noni Bacca Winery.

Dates: 12/8-10, 15-17 and 19-21 in two time slots: 5-7pm and 7-9pm. Tickets: (910) 7987700, airliegardens.org.

SANTA AT COTTON EXCHANGE Santa at the Cotton Exchange for photo ops, weekends through 12/24.

MAYFAIRE’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Mayfaire’s Polar Express Outdoor Train rides for just $3 per person. Every day is a different route, so there are many chances to experience all the holiday joy Mayfaire has to offer. Pick-up/ drop-off location in front of the Santa Village on Inspiration Drive (beside Belk). Hours: 12/1412/23: Mon-Fri, 2:30-7:30pm; Sat., 11am-8pm; Sun., noon-6pm. 12/24: Sat., 10am-2pm. • Visit Santa’s Village at Mayfaire for kids to have their photos taken by Mayfaire’s professional photographer. Located beside Belk and Reeds Jewelers on Inspiration Drive. Hours: 12/1416, Mon-Fri., 2:30pm-7pm. 11/17-23: Mon-Fri.,

11am-7:30pm; Sat., 11am-8pm; Sun, noon-6pm.

12/24: Sat., 10am-2pm.

TROLLEY TOUR OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS 12/14-23—Trolley Tour of Holiday Lights. 6pm & 7:30pm. Tours of Wilmington’s decorated neighborhoods. Departs Downtown at Dock & Water sts. Admission charge. 910-763-4483; www. wilmingtontrolley.com.

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 12/17, 2-7pm: The second annual Holiday Spectacular at The Dance Element of Wilmington will feature a show/sale of fine art from Wilmington artists as well as live music and a dance performance. Winter Open House, admission is free and the public is welcome. Additional Open House and Art Gallery viewing hours 12/14, 15, 16, 1-5pm. Ashley Barnes: fun@thedanceelement.com REINDEER-DRAWN TROLLEY 12/16-24—Caroling by “Reindeer” Drawn Trolley/Carriage. 6-10pm. Horse-drawn carriage tour & caroling Downtown. Departs at Market & Water sts. Admission charge. 910-251-8889, horsedrawntours.com CAPE FEAR CHORDSMAN SHOW 12/17, 7pm: Cape Fear Chordsmen present their 16 th annual show, “What the Dickens,” a parody on Dicken’s Christmas Carol. This hilarious parody will be part of their traditional Holiday Chorus Show. Also featured will be the Harmony Belles and the Azalea Coast Sweet Adelines Held at Winter Park Baptist Church, Community Center(new place this year). 4700 Wrightsville Ave (use Park Rd entrance). Tickets: $5-$7.50, w/proceeds going to local charities. Don: 910 799 5850 A CHRISTMAS CABARET 12/18, 6pm: Opera House Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Cabaret” at the Blockade Runner, 275 Waynick Blvd. Dinner and show: 7pm w/prix-fixe menu, $35. $15 to benefit Opera House Theatre Company. RSVP: (910) 256-2251 HOLIDAY CARD PROJECT Make a holiday card for Battleship’s Veterans.

By sending cards to veterans in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers during the holiday season, we let them know that they are not forgotten. All are welcome to participate—individuals, schools, organizations or churches. Create holiday cards wishing our veterans a happy holiday and thanking them for serving our country. Decorate the front of the card, and on the inside or back side sign your first name only, your school, church or group, and your city and state. Bring the completed cards to the Battleship by Mon., 12/19.

PORCH THEATRE CO. See page 8.

STOCKINGS FOR SENIORS New Hanover County Senior Resource Center and Comfort Keepers, a well-known in-home care franchise is kicking off its 5th annual “Stockings For Seniors” gift drive for older adults across New Hanover County. From now to December 19th local residents are asked to choose a Christmas stocking tag from a tree placed at the entrance in several local business, purchase

36 encore |december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

LIVE MUSIC 10PM - 1AM

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December 16th forrest tabor December 17th daniel parish

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December 31st jiminy kickit

Open Mic Every Sunday 7-10pm

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Choose two entrees for $20 from our menu.

Excludes platters and specialties.

Mon-Fri 11:00 to 2:30/lunch & 5:00 to 10:00/dinner Sat & Sun 11:30 to 3:00/lunch & 5:00 to 10:00/dinner

www.tandooribites.net

Voted “Best Indian Cuisine”

1620 South College Road • (910) 794-4545 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 37

Dock St. at Water St., Wilmington. 910-3431611, www.cfrboats.com.

the gift listed on the Christmas stocking tag and return the gift to the business location or the senior center by 12/19. Stocking can be selected from the trees: K&W Restaurant (New Hanover Shopping Center), Chick-Fil-A (Market Street), Chick-Fil-A (MayFaire), Tomlinson Warehouse (College Road), David’s Deli Restaurant (Eastwood Road), Big Gal’s Boutique (Kerr Ave) and New Hanover County Senior Resource Center.

The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center is located at 2222 South College Road. Faye Jacobs, 798-6400.

events 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF HISTORIC USO 12/16, 5:430-7:45pm: 70th anniversary celebration of Hannah Block Historic USO, with music, art and drama interpretations by New Hanover County schools,, along with children from the Community Boys and Girls Club, who will interpret the theme “Christmas 1944 at the Wilmington USO.” Skit by Army veterans, wax museum interpretations of life on ILM’s wartime homefront, war memorablia, jazz band and jitterbug routines, music by Julie Rehder, Katherine Rudeseal, Rebecca Rocco, and Jennifer Coxe as “The Andrews Sisiters,” and more, MC Donn Ansell. Second and Orange streets in downtown Wilmington—listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wilbur Jones, USNR (Ret.), Coalition chairman: 910-793-6393

ADOPT AN ANGEL FOR PETS Through 12/23: Girl Scout Troops 1348 and 937 are hosting an Adopt-an-Angel for pets tree at Paw Beach Pet Resort, 6101-B Market St. (next to KIA dealer). Handmade angel ornaments reveal a list of items needed at Pender County Animal Control. Participants can choose and ornament and return it with unwrapped needed supplies, such as blankets, towels, dog bowls, pet beds and more. Girl Scouts will collect and deliver the items to the shelter. www.pawbeachpetresort.com. (910) 392-0588.

HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING SOCIAL Holiday Tree Lighting Social, Thurs, 12/22, Rotary Garden at Greenfield Lake Park, 6pm.

(Rain Date: 12/23). Family and friends are welcomed. Salvation Army’s Community Brass Band to entertain with holiday cheer, refreshments, and warmth of many citizens, Rotarians and supporters of the Rotary Wheel Beautification Project. https://www.facebook.com/RotaryWheel ISLAND OF LIGHTS NEW YEAR’S PARTY 12/31, 9pm: The New Year’s Celebration will be held on New Year’s Eve, Sat., 12/31, at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk near the Gazebo. Don’t miss the giant lighted beach ball being dropped

at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration. Free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. Raffle, with thewinner taking home the original artwork for the 2011 official Christmas card and ornament.

Bring the family to Carolina Beach at 9 pm to join the festivities. www.islandoflights.org NEW YEAR’S NOON DOWNTOWN

encore

BE2S0T12OF

N O T G N I M L I W www.encorepub.com 38 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

12/31—New Year’s Noon Downtown! 11am.

Ring in the New Year at Noon with noisemakers, confetti and more. Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Admission charge. 910-254-3534, www. playwilmington.org NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE 12/31—New Year’s Eve Cruise w/music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, champagne. 9pm-12:30am.

Prepaid reservations only. Henrietta III Riverboat,

FARMERS’ MARKETS Weekly Farmers’ Markets feat. plant, food and crafts vendors;: Riverfront Farmer’s Market Sat., Downtown Wilmington, Water St., 8am-1pm.

April-Dec. www.wilmingtonfarmers.com • Poplar Grove Plantation Farmer’s Market Wed., 10200 US 17 N., Wilmington, through 12/14. Live music w/Cindy Rhodes; Pender County Master Gardeners clinic 2nd Wed/ea. mo.

charity/fund-raisers WHQR ONE-DAY PLEDGE DRIVE WHQR 91.3fm will have a one-day on-air fundraiser on Thurs, 12/8. This one-day campaign is

108 Walnut St. Downtown Wilmington 910-762-1704

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY Saturday, December 17 Free BBQ starting at 6 p.m.

Free pool, dart and corn hole tournaments!

LIVE MUSIC ColeMan Daley, 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

PhylliS JoneS

and the

JuggeRnauTS,

4 p.m.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING EARLY! The holidays cost a lot— Let Drifters save you money!

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part of the non-profit’s on-air fundraising efforts.

For this end-of year campaign, WHQR is supporting the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. The

WHQR by phone or online of any amount during this pledge drive, a local supplier will donate a 2x4 piece of lumber to Habitat for Humanity.

mission of Cape Fear Habitat is to provide affordable housing to those in need. WHQR is proud to support this mission. For every pledge made to

RANDALL POND CLEANUP 12/17, 9am: Randall Pond Clean Up: Join us and give your community the gift of clean water this holiday season. Join Stop Titan Action Network in cleaning up Randall Pond on Randall Parkway in Wilmington, NC. www.stoptitan.org

FIRST PHONE FREE. NEXT PHONE FREE.

BUNDLE UP BOOT CAMP Good Shepherd Center with our second annual “Bundle Up Boot Camp,” 12/17. In return for warm winter coats brought by each participant, HeadSTRONG Athletics will provide a free group workout. The primary goal of Good Shepherd Center is to “feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and foster transition of those in crisis to independence in the community.” Workout held at Ogden Park, 12/17, 9am. Shawn Manning: 910-231-5011

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To learn more, visit uscellular.com or call 1-888-BUY-USCC. Things we want you to know: While supplies last. Requires new account activation and a two-year agreement (subject to early termination fee). Agreement terms apply as long as you are a customer. Credit approval may apply. Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee applies; this is not a tax or government-required charge. Additional fees, taxes and terms apply and vary by service and equipment. See store or uscellular.com for details. Rewards Points: In order to receive 2,000 reward points, customer must register for My Account within 14 days of activation. Points may be redeemed for a phone (when eligible) or any other applicable reward. No cash value. Promotional phone subject to change. Tablets not included. U.S. Cellular MasterCard Debit Card issued by MetaBank pursuant to a license from MasterCard International Incorporated. Cardholders are subject to terms and conditions of the card as set forth by the issuing bank. Card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchants that accept MasterCard debit cards. Card valid through expiration date shown on front of card. Allow 10–12 weeks for processing. Smartphone Data Plans start at $30 per month or are included with certain Belief Plans. Applicable feature-phone Data Plans start at $14.95 per month. Application and data network usage charges may apply when accessing applications. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. ©2011 U.S. Cellular.

40 encore |december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com USC-PRD-11-227 USC-PRD-11-246

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BURST_4_Upper_V3_News ACCENT_3_5483_White_V1_News

VOTE FOR A CAUSE Vote for a Cause! Children draw a fall picture and we will display it at Teacher’s Aid through the end of November! You can either bring one in or create one at the store! Adults vote for your favorite picture, $2 vote. All entries due by 12/17. The funds that are raised will go to Oasis, an autism support and intervention service. You can learn more by visiting www.oasisnc.org. 831 South Kerr Avenue

BURST_4_Lower_V3_News

ROCK THE PROM SHOWCASE 1/21, 10am-6pm: Kenny Barnes Studios presents Rock the Prom Showcase and Expo at the Coastline Conference and Event Center.

Vendors of prom-related products and services will be on hand to showcase prom products and services available to view and purchase, including dresses, tuxes, limo providers, beauty salons, restaurants, jewelers, florists, d-jays and caterers for after parties and more. The school with the most representation will win $500 towards their own Senior Prom. Designer fashion shows held; young ladies will be able to try on and purchase one-of-kind designer prom dress from Isabella Grape with special Rock the Prom discounts and prom dress registry!Give away of three prom dresses and three tuxedo rentals!

Pre-register for drawing for drawing and save on admission ($5 to pre-register online and $7 at the door). All proceeds support Women of Hope. www.rockthepromnc.com or Suesan Sullivan at 910-620-3906 /suesansullivan@gmail.com.

ACUPUNCTURE HAPPY HOUR Wed., 5-6:30pm, Center for Spiritual Living, 5725 Oleander Dr., F1-1, in Oleander Oaks. 100 percent of proceeds benefit the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Camp Lejeune. (910) 392-0870.

STEP UP FOR SOLDIERS BBQ COOK-OFF Sat., 1/28, 25 teams will take to their grills, forks in hand, secret recipes folded and stashed in pockets, all for the glory of the title and the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped to raise a significant amount of money for Step Up For Soldiers. Everyone will have the same meats, be at same location and work within same time constraints. Individuals create rubs, sauces or marinades, grill temperatures and methods of cooking. Carolina Beach at the junction of Lake Park Blvd. and Atlanta Ave. and everyone is welcome.

Free admission; tickets available to sample the BBQs after the double-blind judging. Music, raffles, arts and craft vendors and additional food and drink for purchase. Gates: 11am and prizes awarded at 2pm. Benefits Step Up For Soldiers non-profit, dedicated to enhancing the lives of our disabled veterans and their families. To volunteer: Kevin Holton at kwholton@gmail.com or call 919-274-8617.

theatre/auditions

feature Wilmington soprano, Sara Westermark singing the Handel Gloria and some traditional carols. The TCO will also perform the Christmas Symphony by Gaetano Schiassi, Noels by Marc Antoine Charpentier and the Torelli Christmas Concerto. Free, with donations going to the Good Shepherd Center. Philip Singleton: 6207207. www.tallischamberorchestra.com

picture and ugh the endTHE SOUND OF MUSIC e in or cre- See page 10. our favorite 12/17. TheCITY STAGE , an autism The Full Monty, playing at Thalian Hall. Special u can learn New Year’s Eve Gala. 12/29-1/1, 5-8 and 12MUSIC INSTRUCTION 831 South 15. • Debbie Does Dallas, 1/12-15, 20-22, 2729 and 2/3-5 • Spring Awakening, 2/16-19, 24Music instruction at Modern Music with Lucian 26, 3/2-4 and 9-11 • Next to Normal, 3/22-25, Rowland, who has 20 years experience as a pro30-4/1, 4/6-8 & 13-15. Tickets: $18-$22. City fessional recording and performing musician. PriJoin us and Stage: (910) 262-0490 or www.citystagenc.com vate lessons available for guitar, mandolin, banjo, n water this OPERA HOUSE THEATRE COMPANY on Network all Parkway 12/17, 11am: Opera House Theatre Company announces auditions for the first g show of the 2012 Season, “The Producers.” Roles are available for women and A new collective of artists, all based out of NC, debuted ond annual men in a wide range of ages; no roles and left quite an impression on our scene. The Atomic n return for for children. Everyone should bring a participant, prepared song and sheet music; an acLime Project consists of Justin K. Bernal, Eric Justin White, free group companist will be provided. Also, come Justin Campbell and Melina Reed, each of whom work Shepherd prepared for a dance audition. Auditions the home- will be held at the Lucile Shuffler Center, toward giving a voice and place to artists within their in crisis to 2011 Carolina Beach Rd. Rehearsals becommunities. Their art works range from woodworking to orkout held gin Sat., 1/14. (910)762-4234 or operametalwork, sculpturally enriching in design and concept. n Manning: housetheatre@yahoo.com. Production They’re currently showing their works at Artful Living dates: 2/24-26.

NOW! ATOMIC LIME PROJECT

5pm. All classes are $10 per couple per class fun, professional, positive instruction. www. surfertango.com CONTRA DANCE Tuesday night dances, 5th Ave United Methodist Church on South 5th Ave at Nun, 7:30-9:30pm.

Social dance for all levels; singles and couples, families, college and high school students and folks of all dancing abilities are invited to come. $4. (910) 538-9711.

art/exhibits RAWL COLOR Art Soup and Tidal Creek Co-op present RawlColor: an art exhibition featuring Emily Rawl, December 2011-February 2012, at Tidal Creek Coop Community Center. Emily Rawl focuses on color and motion, with work that seems to dance across the canvas with delight. Her unconventional use of surrealism and form, capture a unique perspective that pushes the viewer into the work. Also an accomplished saxophone player, Rawl’s talent is showcased throughout her work, both audibly and visually. . 5329 Oleander Drive, Suite 204; 910-799-2667. art-soup.org

ATOMIC LIME PROJECT Group in Carolina Beach, 112 Cape Fear Boulevard.

FRAKTURED FAERY TALES Atomic Lime Project are the featured Decemudios pres- “Fraktured Faery Tales for a Mid-Winter’s ber artists at Artful Living Group. The collecnd Expo at Eve: Part Deux,” written by Zach Hanner; ditive exhibition features work by Justin K. nt Center. rected by Cherri McKay. Auditions: Sat., 12/10, Bernel, Eric Justin White, Justin Campbell and bass.

(910) 508-1111 or rockinrowland@hond services 11am-1pm and Mon., 12/14, 5-7pm. HBHUSO and Melina Reed. 112 Cape Fear Blvd. Carolina tmail.com. oducts and Community Arts Center. Casting before the HoliBeach. (910) 458-7822. atomiclimeproject.com. ase, includ- day * Rehearsals begin in Jan. Run dates: FebruMINIATURES 2011 beauty sa- ary 2/16-26. 910-399-2878 12/17-18. Sat., 6-11pm; Sun., 1-7pm. Opend-jays and ing reception, 11/19 and closing, 12/18, w/ The schoolNUTT ST. COMEDY ROOM food and drinks. An exhibition of pint-sized, 76’ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB n $500 to- Schedule: 12/16-17 Charles Walden (Def Comaccessible,affordable art from more than 18 Modern Western Style Square Dance. Club ner fashion edy Jam) Tickets: $8-$10 • 12/25 Closed • Evtalented local artists. Everything in the show is meets Thurs. nights at 7pm at the Senior Cene to try on ery Wed. Nutt House Improv Troupe, doors 8pm, 12” x 12” x 12” or smaller, and everything is ter for a new workshop on square dancing. Info: prom dress showtime 9pm, no cover charge. • Every Thurs. $50 or under. Items run the gamut from originals 270-1639 k the Prom Open Mic Stand Up, doors 8pm, showtime 9pm, and prints, to stickers, photographs, postcards, ve away of no cover. • Stand Up Comedy workshops: Learn CAROLINA SHAG CLUB gloves/scarves, and more. It is a great way for do rentals! the art from the stage of Wilmington’s only full DJs play favorite beach music and shag tunes Wilmingtonians to do their holiday shopping withnd save on time comedy club. A beginners/intermediate every Sat, 8pm to close. $4/members; $6/ out spending tons of money at a corporate meand $7 at class formed every 6 wks, covering basics, incl. guests. Carolina Shag Club, 103 N. Lake Park gastore. Show hangs for 4 weeks. Free admisen of Hope. public speaking and a comedy showcase in a Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 620-4025 sion. 6622 Gordon Rd, Unit N. Gaeten Lowrie: Sullivan at professional comedy club at end of 6-wk. classes. Ages 16 and up. 910-520-5520 for slots.

919-696-4345. ThriveStudios@gmail.com. www.

TANGO .com. $100/6-wk. commitment. Taught by Timmy SherThriveStudiosNC.com Tango classes and social dancing, Fridays, Carorill, club owner/working comedian. 255 N. Front lina Lounge of Ramada Inn. 5001 Market Street HARBOR ISLAND ART SHOW ual Living, St, basement of Soapbox. www.nuttstreet.com. (between College and Kerr). 7:30-9:30pm. $5 Harbor Island Arts presents exhibition in the ArOaks. 100 910-520-5520 lounge entrance includes beginners’ lesson, boretum atrium space through 4/2012, feat. 2D unded War7:30. art work depicting the New Hanover Arboretum.

392-0870.

Sold through the Arboretum Gift Shop and disSURFER TANGO -OFF played throughout the Hutaff Building Atrium Waterford Tango at the Clubhouse, Fri. at 7:30 their grills, Gallery Space. Work hangs in the Hutaff Hallway • Magnolia Greens Tango, Thurs, 7:30pm, Aernd stashedCHAMBER MUSIC ILM Dec.8th. HarborIslandArts@hotmail.com. obics Room • CF Country Club Tango, Sun., tle and the Tickets at Kenan Box Office, 910-962-3500. ed to raise www.chambermusicwilmington.org.

1/15, tep Up For 7:30pm, Beckwith Recital Hall, UNCW. CaroSee Us For e meats, be lina Piano Trio w/guest violist Jonathan Briggs. e time con- Musical “Paprikash” feat. Hungarian folk tunes, es or mari- delights and dances from Dohna`ny’s vibrant ds of cook- Serenade fro String Trio, and Barto`k’s intriguing Lake Park dance variations for strings. s welcome.

STONE SOUP CONCERTS PRESENTS sample the Fingerstyle guitar champion Richard Smith and Music, rafcellist Julie Adams, PRESS 102, Veranda Balltional food room, 102 S. Second Street, 1/18, 7pm $15, and prizes for cArs AND trUcKs GA. Full bar and dinner menu available. Purchase or Soldiers your tickets at www.WilmingtonTickets.com. he lives of www.stonesoupconcerts.com ies. To volTALLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA mail.com or Call Doug Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5pm The Tallis Chamber Orchestra will present a “Baroque Christmas Concert”, 12/19, 7:30pm, at 2803 Carolina Beach Rd. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, to benefit the Good 1 Block South Of Shipyard • Wilmington Shepherd Center of Wilmington. The concert will

dance

Kava is a tropical shrub with large heart-shaped leaves that originates from the Western Pacific.

Its thick roots are mashed or ground and made into a cold beverage. Above all other things, kava is drunk for primarily one reason; to relax.

Not only does kava seem to relax the mind, it also relaxes the muscles. It has similar effects to alcohol but without disrupting mental clarity.

Kava has been enjoyed for thousands of years by the Polynesian culture and is also used in traditional ceremonies. Best of all kava can be consumed by people of all ages.

So come on in and get a shell!

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/KAT5KAVA 123 GRACE STREET | 910.763.5582 OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 12:00 NOON - UNTIL

Arts & Antique District

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www.encorepub.com | december 14-20, 2011|encore 41

JOHN GUNN COLLECTION Randall Library will debut an exhibit focused on sports history and memorabilia from, during and after World War II. The John Gunn Collection will be on display in Special Collections through 12/15. Acquired from former Wilmington residents John and Joan Gunn, the collection is primarily focused on college and professional football and basketball, but also includes publications related to professional baseball and military sports programs. It includes books, magazines, periodicals, game-day programs, rule books and statistics, clippings, newspapers, correspondence, photographs and other associated sports memorabilia. Mon.-Thurs.y, 9am-5pm; Fri., 9am-noon.

FALL SENIOR EXHIBITION Fall Senior Exhibition at the Art Gallery at the Cultural Arts Building; on display through 12/17.

Features artwork by 10 graduating UNCW studio art majors. Commencement reception will be held Sat., 12/17, 3:30-5pm. Receptions are free and open to the public. Culmination of study in studio art. The exhibition is juried by the studio art faculty and mounted by graduating seniors. It is the capstone event for studio art majors.

VISIONS OF GUADALUPE Hanging at Wicked Gallery through 1/3/2012.

Artists include Nicolle Nicolle, Kate Sinclair, Theresa Nemec Fawver, Colleen Ringrose, Ben Billingsly, Jen McKee, Mike Watters, Kristi Howard and more. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s story began in 1531 with a Mexican peasant, blooming flowers in the cold of winter, a beautiful and miraculous image, and a church built on a hill.

Her continuing message is of love, compassion and freedom. An altar will be created in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with a shrine set up in the front window so that anyone and everyone can pay their respects. Bring anything resembles something personal or milagros to place at altar.

205 Princess St. www.onewickedgallery.com.

DAYDREAMS Sandra Burgman’s “Daydreams,” an Ann Flack Boseman Scholarship Show. Boseman Gallery (Fisher University Union, 2nd Floor). Student in Studio Art and Digital Art, the recipient of the 2011-12 Ann Flack Boseman Scholarship is endowed through the generosity of donors Mark Griffis and Dave Robertson in honor of Ann Boseman. Burgman is a Graphic Designer, Marketing and Social Media professional in the Wilmington. While practicing her profession and raising a family, Sandra decided to follow her dream of becoming a professional artist. Influenced primarily by contemporary artists like Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Angel Hurtado, Jesus Soto, Frank Gehry and Milton Glaser, Sandra combines

different media in multiple layers to create unusual shapes, and textures. A selection of her paintings was also published in the spring edition of Atlantis Magazine. Sandra has also received the UNCW Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Choice Award in 2010 and 2011 for her paintings. 910-962-7972 or www.uncw.edu/presents.

Exhibition hangs through 12/18.

HERE TO THERE AND BACK AGAIN Here to There and Back Again: A Retrospect

by Artist Diane Hause, a selection of paintings, drawings, woodcuts, collages and assemblages created over 32 years. New works such as “As the CrowFlies” are included and consists of sixteen, 11 inch square recycledmetal ceiling tiles painted and collaged. 621N4TH Gallery. 621 North 4th St. Hangs through Dec. FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT As we begin organizing the 2012 series of Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, we are searching for any and all galleries, studios and art spaces in the downtown Wilmington area that would like to be involved in this monthly event. Simply agree to open your doors to the public on the fourth Friday of every month, 6-9pm. If you have something else you’d need to take of on a certain month, simply close the door and post a sign.

Participation includes a nominal, one time fee, of which has been consistently low each year.

Business is added to all posters and 10,000 maps/brochures distributed throughout the year.

Print and radio advertisements included. Fourth Fridays are free self-guided tours, taking place monthly, where local galleries and studios open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture. www.art-soup.org or www.wilmingtonfourthfridays.com BIENNIAL FACULTY EXHIBITION 1/12, 5:30pm: Biennial Faculty Exhibition will be on view at the UNCW Art Gallery at the Cultural Arts Building, 1/12-2/17. Features current work by UNCW studio art faculty: Ann Conner, Donald Furst, Ned Irvine, Courtney Johnson, Eric Lawing, Casey Scharling, Vicky Smith, Andi Steele, Pam Toll, and Aaron Wilcox.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a full color catalog. An opening reception will be held Thursday, 1/12, 5:30-7pm. Reception is free and open to the public.

ARTIST’S RECEPTION 1/19, 6pm: Gabriel Lovejoy unveils his newest series of “visual poems”. The theme for this body of work is carried throughout using symbolic and nostalgic images woven together with an illustrative style. Industrial, domestic, and natural elements are all present, interacting with each other to create a visual dialogue. An artist’s

new and used digital and film cameras

reception will take place on January 19th, 2012 and the show will run through 2/29. www.gabriellovejoy.com IVEY HAYES UNCW is the first college in the state to host the artwork of native son Ivey Hayes, as the result of a campus effort headed by the Ann Flack Boseman Gallery. 16 pieces will hang in the Azalea Coast Room of the Fisher University Union.

The work will be on permanent exhibition, with new pieces rotating in each academic semester through 6/30/2012.

PROJEKTE Now showing: “Heavy Metal,” a group exhibit showcasing works in metal. Participating artists include Doug Campbell, Michelle Connolly, Carolyn Foland, Brandon Guthrie, Melissa Manley, Veronica Plankers and Ashley Roderick. Each artist uniquely shapes and forges metal into either jewelry, wall art, mixed media painting, floor sculpture, assemblage and decorative designs.

Hangs through 1/15/2012. Projekte will be accepting canned food goods during Decemeber to donate to Food Bank of ILM • Now open: Coffeehaus and Antiques, w/assortment of homemade sweets and specialty brewed java. Opens 1pm Tue-Sat. • EVENTS: Mon/Tues/Sat/Sun: Yoga, PWYC, 6.30-7.30pm. Wed: Figure Drawing, $10/class, 6-8pm. First Wed of each Month: DivaMade Collective, a meet n greet for creative women, 7.30-9.30pm. Every other Thur: UNCW Film Nite, sometimes political, always controversial, 7.30-11pm. Second Sat of each month: The Creative Exchange, local artists sale and swap, 2-5pm. • Every 3rd Friday: Live Bossanova w/ Raphael Name, 7p-11p. • Every Fri/Sat: Live Music, 8-12am. Free unless noted otherwise.

910-763-1197, theprojekte@gmail.com, www. theprojekte.com. 523 S 3rd St. BOTTEGA EVENTS Photography exhibit with Jason Hudson, Keith

12/17-18: COLONIAL CHRISTMAS The Colonial Christmas Celebration at the BurwinWright House gets underway this weekend on the 17th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the 18th, from noon to 4 p.m. They will celebrate the holiday like 18th century citizens, including music, dancing and refreshments like hot wassail. Displays and demonstrations will go on throughout the day, including weaving and spinning, and tours will be offered throughout the decorated home. Entry is $10.

!

VER WE DELI

Ketchum and Ross Rogers. • Mon: Closed through winter • Tues (4pm-midnight): Starving artist night • Wed (4pm-mid.): Weekly wine tastings, 7pm • (Sat 1pm-2am; Sun., 1pm-mid.) bottegaartbar@gmail.com. 208 N. Front St. 910763-3737, www.bottegagallery.com.

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Through 2/2012: B.W. Wells: Pioneer Ecologist: Explore the breathtaking nature photography of ecologist B.W. Wells and discover his passion for the flora and fauna of the Lower Cape Fear region. • Cape Fear Treasures: Rememberingthrough 1/15/2012: Glimpse a selection of souvenirs and mementos from Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. Discover some of the objects people have treasured to remind them of the past. • Down Home: Jewish Life in North CarolinaDiscover how Jews, through a process of struggle and negotiation, became integrated into Southern society and helped build a New South. • EVENTS: Volunteer Open House held first Wed. of mo. Opportunities are available in museum store, working with the historic collection, and as an education docent. • New Hanover County Resident’s Day: Residents admitted free first Sun. ea. mo. Hours: 9am-5pm through Labor Day, Tues-Sat; 1-5pm, Sun. $7 for adults; $6 for students with valid ID and senior citizens; $6 special military rate with valid military ID; $4 for children 3-17; and free for children under 3. Museum members admitted free. 814 Market St. 910-798-4367. www.capefearmuseum.com.

BURGWIN-WRIGHT HOUSE 12/17-18—Colonial Christmas Celebration.

Sat, 10am-4pm, & Sun., 12-4pm. 18th century music, dancers, hot wassail. Burgwin-Wright House, Wilmington. Admission charge • 18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building and courtyard. 3rd and Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. Admission rqd. (910) 762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach. Visitors to the cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environ-

910-343 -1722

• camera bags and accessories • memory cards, film, tripods • digital printing supplies • traditional darkroom supplies • lighting equipment, reflectors • used equipment

Southeastern Camera 1351 S. Kerr Ave. • (910) 313-2999 OPEN: 10-6 M-F 10-4 Sat. • Closed Sunday

Discounts for darkroom students and instructors.

42 encore |december 14-20, 2011| www.encorepub.com

Call about

repairs.

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BREakfaSt SERVED aLL Day At the corner of 2nd and Grace, Downtown Wilmington • Open Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm

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ment which have shaped the 100 year history of Wrightsville Beach. • The Board of Directors of Wrightsville Beach Museum of History invites you to the museum’s Annual Meeting where we will recap 2011 and preview 2012. Meet other members, the staff and board and our volunteers. Light refreshments; open to the public 1/24, 5pm. 256-2569. 303 West Salisbury St. wbmuseum.com. (910)256-2569

and white photographs by Michael Cunningham featured in his book, Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats (2000: Doubleday) are highlighted in this exhibition. • Hattitude: A Convergence of Fashion and Faith, Brown Wing; through 1/15/2012. Hats from public and private collections, hats of our own and our mothers’, hats by leading and unknown designers comprise this bountiful exhibition, including generous loans from Dr. Yvonne Watson, Rep. Alma WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM Adams, Guilford County and the Gregg Museum Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of of Art and Design, NC State University. • Jazz the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmat the CAM Series, in partnership with the Cape ington for more than 130 years. Interests and Fear Jazz Society, through 4/2012, 6:30-8pm. activities for all ages including historical exhibits, CAM/CFJS Members: $3/non-members: $55, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively students: $20. Indv seats: $7 for members, children’s area, and spectacular scale models. $10, nonmembers and $5 students w/ID. 1/5: Housed in an original 1882 freight warehouse, El Jaye Johnson & the Port City All Stars • facilities are fully accessible and on one level.

12/15, 8pm: Coast Poetry Jam, Cost: $5, $3/ Groups receive special guided tours. Facilities college students with valid ID. Produced by “Yo can also be booked for meetings or mixers, acGirl” Sandra and hosted by Bigg B. Coast Studio commodating groups of up to 150. • Story Times Line: 910.763.0973. • CLASSES, ETC: Drawdesigned for younger visitors first and third Mon, ing and Painting from the Museum’s Permanent 10:30am. $4 per family is charged to cover proCollection w/Martha Burdette and Donna Moore gram costs and includes access to the rest of the Tuition: $180 Members/$210 Non-members.

Museum. Admission only $6 for adults, $5 for seTuesdays: 12/20, 10am-noon. Location: Studio niors/military, $3 for children 2-12, and free un1 (located just inside museum entrance. • Life der age 2. Located at the north end of downtown Drawing every Tues., 6-9pm. Group meets in Reat 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634 or www.wrrm.org. ception Hall. Participants provide own dry drawLATIMER HOUSE ing materials and watercolors. $70/6-wks. • MuVictorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the seum School: Fall classes going on now! More restored home features period furnishings, artinfo online for adult education programs. • Tai work and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, Chi, 12/14, 28, noon; $5, members; $10, non. • Yoga, Thurs., noon; $5, members; $10, non. • Zumba classes, Mon/Wed/Fri, members, $8; non, $10. Packages: $32/4; $52/8; $65/10. Energetic movement class, Latin-inspired dancing w/Wendy Joyner.

Corner of South 17th St. and IndepenThe season seemingly isn’t complete without a visit from dence Blvd. Tues-Sun,11am-5pm; Thurs: the jolly old man donning a beard and red suit, offering 11am-9pm. Museum members free, $8 promises of toys galore to little boys and girls. The NC non-members, $5 students with valid ID, $3 children age 2 -12. www.cameronartAquarium at Fort Fisher is taking a visit with St. Nick one museum.com or 910-395-5999. step further: They’re allowing kids to have dinner with

12/17: SANTA’S ‘SEA’CRET SUPPER

him at 6 p.m. on the 17th! There will be all kinds of fun in store, from a scavenger hunt to crafts and Santa’s favorite dessert: cookies. Visit www.ncaquarium.com/ fortfisher for cost details and make a reservation today.

10am-4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. 126 S. Third St. Adults $8, children $4. 762-0492. latimerhouse.org CAMERON ART MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Murrinis Within a Crystal Matrix: The Poetic Glassworks of Richard Ritter,” “Mark Peiser: Reflections on the Palomar Mirror “and “Penland School of Crafts: Evolution and Imagination.” Both Richard Ritter and Mark Peiser are honored as 2011 North Carolina Living Treasures. Thematically tied, both Ritter and Peiser attended Penland School of Crafts. The school is an international leader in the evolution of craft education located in western NC. This exhibition explores Penland then and now, featuring examples of some of the finest work from the school.

Hangs through 4/1/2012 • William McNeill: My Life as a Handheld Church Fan A Rhapsody on Sweat, Sweet Tea and Salvation, Brown Wing.

Through 1/15/2012. Feat. hundreds of church fans with images religious and secular, collected over 40 years by musician and performative assemblage artist William McNeill. McNeill emphasizes their cultural importance, “This collection is really about a vanishing Americana and a way of life that we won’t ever have again.” • Through 1/15/2012: Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats, Brown Wing. 25 black

NC AQUARIUM Exotic Aquatics Gallery has added whitespotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata) to its collection.The Exotic Aquatics Gallery traditionally features non-native marine species. Guests can learn more about the life cycle of a jellyfish while viewing these beautiful animals. Educates the public on the importance of well-balanced ecosystems. • Events: Aquarist Apprentice, Behind the Scenes Tour, Breakfast with the Fishes, Mommy and Me, Canoeing the Salt Marsh, Surf Fishing Workshop. Pre-reg. classes.

• 12/17—Santa’s ‘Sea’cret Supper. 6pm. Kidfriendly dinner with Santa, scavenger hunt, crafts, cookies. • 12/21-23—Holiday Elf Camp. 9:30am3:30pm. Holiday crafts/activities, aquarium tour for kids ages 5-12 while parents shop. 910-458-8257; www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher. 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach

WEEKNIGHTS @ 6 & 7

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CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM Cool down in front of “Anaconda Splash” exhibit in the indoor tropical jungle. See, photograph and even touch rare animals assembled from all over the planet in beautiful simulations of their natural environments. Meet colorful jungle birds, crocodiles, king cobras, black mambas and many more. Open from 11am-5pm, Sat. from 11am6pm. 20 Orange Street at Front Street on historic downtown riverwalk. (910) 762-1669 or www.capefearserpentarium.com.

BELLAMY MANSION One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John

WEEKNIGHTS @ 7:30 & 11:05 www.encorepub.com |december 14-20, 2011|encore 43

Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, itfocuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action. www.bellamymansion. org. 503 Market St.

sports/recreation JINGLE BELL RUN 12/17—5k Jingle Bell Run. 7:30am registration.

Wrightsville Beach Museum. 910-256-2569, www.wbmuseum.com CHURCH BASKETBALL LEAGUE The Onslow County Parks & Recreation Department is currently accepting teams for its Church Basketball League. Registration deadline is December 21st. Entry fee is $ 375 + $ 10 per player. Players must be 16 by January 1, 2012.

Games are played at Southwest Middle School.

347-5332 or www.onslowcountync.gov/parks.

CAPE FEAR WATCH STRIPE FEST 1/13, 6pm: Cape Fear River Watch Stripe Fest.

A two-day river restoration and education event along the beautiful Cape Fear River! Friday night we will host our exciting Banquet and Auctionwe’ve sold out two years in a row, so get your tickets now! (Call 762-5606 for tickets). Be there Saturday morning to watch the electrifying start of our Tag and Release Striper Tournament or take a river tour to see the excitement firsthand!

There are still a few spots left for anglers who would like to be a part of the fishing action! All day Saturday we will have fun, free and informative activities for children and adults, including talks by fishery experts and hands-on educational activities!

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH PARK AND REC Tennis lessons for youth & adults, cotillion for youth, kids’ night out, yoga, pilates, boot camp, tone & stretch, and low impact aerobic classes.

For more information call 910-256-7925 or www. townofwrightsvillebeach.com.

film IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE 12/23—“It’s A Wonderful Life” 35mm screening. 7:30pm. Admission charge. Thalian Hall. www.thalianhall.org FILMMAKER’S SOCIAL Filmmaker Social every 2nd Friday of the month, 7pm! Connect with other filmmakers, as well as discuss topics such as fundraising, production and trends in the industry. 16 Taps, 127 Princess St., downtown Wilmington. Sponsored by CFIFN.

kids stuff SHADY PADDOCK STABLES Kids can connect with champion horses and ponies to build their confidence, self-esteem and learn responsibility, as well as fun exercise in a wonderful environment! We teach horse psychology,and empower children to go for their dreams! Camp includes horse related videos, arts and crafts, and games when not riding or inclement weather. $250; you may take your 5 days intermittently or consecutively. Sharon: (910) 520-4150. www.shadypaddockstables. com. 25 Union Chapel Rd., Burgaw, off Hwy 421,

44 encore |december 14-20, 2011| www.encorepub.com

18 miles from downtown Wilmington.

KIDS NIGHT OUT 12/16: The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Rec Dept. is hosting “Kids’ Night Out” in the Fran Russ Recreation Center in Wrightsville Beach Park. Kids will enjoy dinner, arts and crafts, games, and more! And, thanks to Kids’ Night Out, parents can enjoy a night on the town or a quiet evening at home knowing their children are having a great time! (Ages 5 – 12). Pre-reg rqd.

(910) 256-7925 or www.towb.org.

HAPPY LITTLE SINGERS The last week of classes will be Tues., 12/20, Community Arts Center and Carolina Beach, and Wed., 12/21, at Porter’s Neck Yoga and Spa. No classes the week of Christmas or New Years.

Classes begin again on 1/31 at Community Arts Center, Tuesday at 9:30am; and Carolina Beach Parks and Recreation Center, 11:30am and 4:30pm; and Wed., 2/1 at 10:30am at Porter’s Neck, and will continue them ongoing as usual.

Susan Savia: info@happylittlesingers.com

lectures/readings OLD BOOKS ON FRONT ST. You know that novel you keep thinking about and planning to write? We are going to be a hot spot for the National Novel Writing Month, including twice weekly support groups on Mon/ Thurs, 6:30pm. • 12/17: Daniel Ladinsky: See page 32. • In the New Year we will be launching a “Local Authors Book Club” the idea is that the book club would read a book by a local author every month and invite that author to come speak, sign autographs, etc. Our first honoree will be Clyde Edgerton and his book “The Night Train.” Reoccurring dates and times should be confirmed by the end of the week and will appear on our website along with a list of the first year’s titles.

Clyde’s books should arrive this week. • 2/3-5: New Poetry Festival : Couplet a festival of verse in two days! Open call for submissions for the anthology to follow shortly! 249 N. Front St. (910) 76-BOOKS (26657). OldBooksOnFrontSt.com WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPEAKER SERIES The speaker series brings together businesswomen of diverse occupations to help them grow personally and professionally through leadership, education and networking. Press 102. 2nd St. $40/incl. lunch. Schedule: • 12/15: TBD. (910) 350-1211.

POMEGRANATE BOOKS 12/15, 7pm: Celia Rivenbark “No Sweat” Book Event: Wilmington’s own funny woman and New York Times Bestselling Author will be on hand for an evening of fun, reading from her latest book, “You Don’t Sweat Much for a fat Girl.” This go round Celia takes on Barbie, Science Fairs, and Snuggies, and even includes recipes. • 12/17, 11am: Bilingual Story Time: Olivia Helps with Christmas—The irrepressible Pig, Olivia shows her usual enthusiasm while helping to trim the tree, set out cookies for Santa, sing carols, and more. Story will be read in English and Spanish with the help of the UNCW Latino Book Club.

Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave. (910) 4521107. www.pombooks.net PARENTING BOOK CLUB A new book club is forming with a focus on enhancing family life through an exploration of the science behind child development. Meetings held the first Thurs. ea. month, 6-7pm. Old Books on Front St. Objective is to engage the community in meaningful discussion about ways to foster healthy family living and to inspire personal growth and connection. Jessica: 336-420-

2887 or jesscooper1@yahoo.com

workshops/classes WINE CLASSES All classes Thurs, 6:30pm at Taste the Olive; must be at least 21 years of age w/ID. Space limited; RSVP rqd. Schedule: 12/15: Bubbles, Oh How We Love Bubbles!—We will explore the different methods used to add the sparkle to the wine that we love tickling our tongue and how it is classified.$25/person • 1/12/2012: Wine 101—Tasting seminar and inrto into world of wine. Learn to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro; understand your palate. $25/person • 1/26/2012: Wine 102—Go beyond the basics and train your senses by learning to identify the components of wine’s nose and flavor profile, based on prior sensory memories as well as an understanding of the variety of taste components that are frequently identified in wine. Some knowlegde of wine preferable. $25/person • 2/2: Mi Piace il Vino Italiano (simple translation- I love Italian wine): Italy leads the world in wine production as well as per capita consumption. Learn about the primary grapes along with a bit of geography and the Italian wine classification system. A must attend for lovers of deep, tannic, exciting reds. $30/person • 2/16/2012: German Whites—Reliving the 80’s with an Upgrade—We will explore the German wine classification system, which not unexpectedly is the most straight forward.

We will sample a wine from each style of wine making (dry to sweet) in the “superior quality” graded wines (Pradikatswein: Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, and Trockenbeerenauslese).$25/person. • 3/1/2012: Temparnillo and Beyond!—We will explore the various wine producing regions of Spain and taste some true value wines made in the classic European style. $25/person • 3/15/2012: South American Malbec–. We will explore “new world” pure Malbec and blended varieties from Argentina and Chile, which offer fantastic values. $25/person • 3/29/2012: “Hey Frenchy, You Don’t Scare Me”—Learn about French wines,classification system, how to read a French label, about various wine varietals by region, and more. Taste Bordeaux, Rhone, Loire, Burgundy, and Alsace. $30/person. Reservations are accepted on a first-come/first-serve basis, and are non-refundable. 910-256-OILS(6457)for policies/details.

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE “The Secrets to Leading People Effectively in a Small Business,” Wed., 12/14, 6-9pm. Health Science/Learning Resources Building, Room L 107, 415 N. 2nd St. With only a few employees in a small business, leading them is crucial to your success. Learn leadership traits and techniques, and other important aspects of providing the necessary leadership to your employees. • 12/15: Non-Profit Writing 101, 6-9pm. Health Science/Learning Resources Building, Room L 107, 415 N. 2nd St. Writing material for nonprofit publications, direct mail, e-mail communications, and fund-raising is a specialized subset of writing. It draws on the styles and rules of journalism, personal communications, academic and report writing, and more. Seminar covers many different nonprofit documents and provides a guide to how to write for each nonprofit purpose.

910-362-7216 ART CLASSES Professional instruction with Lois DeWitt, MFA. Over 30 years of art teaching experience. Small classes, individual tutoring available. loislight@ bellsouth.net. Four weeks, $80. Watercolor:

Mon, 11am-1pm; or Sat., 3-5pm: Learn color washes, expressive brushstrokes, creating light and shadow and more. For beginners or experienced painters that want to refresh their skills. • Collage: Mon, 3-5pm: Create beautiful collages

12/19: GAMBLER’S ANONYMOUS Vices are vices—oftentimes, they can lead one to more self-destruction than necessary. Folks who are facing trouble with gambling can find comfort in a local support group. The Gambler’s Anonymous Meeting of Wilmington takes place every Tuesday at Ogden Baptist Church, located at 7121 Market Street, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. They offer a 12-step program to monitor and circumvent compulsive gambling habits. For more information, contact Casey at (910) 599-1407. from found papers in a series of fun collage lessons including textures, color gradation, paper dynamics, photo portrait and more. • Mixed Media, Tues., 3-5pm: Learn how to use found materials to create mixed media collages exploring textures, color dynamics, power of content, evocative images and more. • Acrylic Painting, Wed., 11am-1pm. Learn acrylic painting basics: brushstrokes, mixing colors, painting light and shadow and how to choose and paint subject matter. For beginners or experienced painters that want to refresh their skills. • Oil Pastel, Wed, 3-5pm. Learn basic oil pastel skills including overlay, light and shadow, color dynamics and making subject matter vibrant as content. For beginners or those experienced in other media that want to learn about oil pastels. • Basic Drawing, Sat., 11-1pm: Learn line, shading, composition, how to draw what you see, and more. Fun exercises and individual guidance. For beginners or those that want to refresh their drawing skills.

CAPE FEAR FENCING Tues, 1/10, 6:30pm: Taught by Head Coach Greg Spahr, the six-week class will be held Tues/ Thurs, 6:30-7:30pm. $50. Class will meet in the lower level of Tileston Gym at St. Mary’s on the corner of 5th and Ann streets in downtown Wilmington. All equipment is supplied by the CFFA. Beginning fencing classes include the basic elements of fencing, the history of the sport, foundational techniques, conditioning, refereeing, and tournament strategy. Graduates will have the option of continuing to fence with the CFFA which offers fencing Tues/Wed/Thurs, 7:30pm.

Bridge II Lessons: Thurs., 3/1, 8, 15, 4/5 & 12.

Beginner II Bridge is from 9:30-11:30am. Bridge Workshops are open to anyone with basic bridge knowledge and play experience. Different topics covered each week, 1/26, 2/16, 3/, 10 & 17, 2012, 9:30-11:30am. All sessions will consist of discussion and practice hands. 910-256-7925.

Pre-reg.: (910) 256-7925.

TAI CHI Tai Chi, Mon., 6:30pm, Scottish Rite Temple, 1415 S. 17th St. Taught by Karen Vaughn, LAC, 3rd gen. Tien Shan Pai disciple. $15/ class. (910) 392-0870

clubs/notices GAMBLER’S ANONYMOUS MEETING Gambler’s Anonymous Meeting of Wilmingto meets every Tuesday, 6:30-8pm. Ogden Baptist Church: 7121 Market St. 12-step meeting for people that have or think they may have a compulsive gambling problem.

Contact: Casey 910-599-1407 WRITERS AND WELLNESS GROUP Life Writers and Wellness Group, (formerly “Grace in the Word”) meets 3rd Tues., 7-8:30pm. Schedule: 12/20. 5041 New Centre Dr, Ste 122. 910-262-4454. writingdoctor7@ gmail.com. www.meetup.com/Life-Writers-Wellness-Group/910-262-4454 or mountainbirdministry@yahoo.com.

LYMPHEDEMA SUPPORT GROUP Dosher Memorial Hospital has announced the formation of a new Lymphedema Support Group.

Meets 2nd Floor Conference Room of Dosher Hospital, 924 N. Howe St., Southport. Goal of support group is to provide support, tips and ideas to help reduce limb size and visible symptoms of the disease. Led by registered occupational therapist Ginne Boyle, OTR/L CLT-LANA. Open discussion and a question and answer period. Meets monthly, free of charge to those who attend. Registration encouraged Ginnie Boyle at (910)454-4708 orginnieboyle@dosher.org.

WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP Wilmington Pride Youth Group and GLBTQIA Youth meets 3rd Fri/mo., 5:30-7:30pm, downtown ILM (call for specific location). A safe, discrete location for youth to discuss various topics that effect the gay youth population. After group, play video games and socialize with friends. Free for people 25 and under. TR Nunley: 910-5380234 or Wilmingtonpride@gmail.com. www.wilmingtonpride.com. Parents are welcome to meet facilitators and see the space. ponclub.com

future scopes

with Fay Meadows ARIES (21 March – 20 April)

Reinventing yourself is easier done after an objective look. Strong priorities and financial will-power are hard to maintain, but greater pride in you is worth it.

TAURUS (21 April – 20 May)

Hidden meanings for you are just the stimulation you need to take action! Values of your partner are imposed upon you whether you agree or not; you may have to function within them.

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June)

Your role in the lives of others, especially children, takes on a new importance. Matters that pop up unexpectedly are dealt with head on; avoid the temptation to give in to outbursts.

CANCER (21 June – 21 July)

The spotlight is on you in your work environment, but it may not be as advantageous as you would like it to be. Your attitude will have a pivotal role in the outcome.

LEO (22 July – 22 August)

Going with your gut may not be the best plan; best to check the facts first. Surprises are in store. You may even learn something new about an old friend.

VIRGO (23 August – 22 September) C r e ative and passionate, this is a good time to spice up your relationships! Don’t be put off course by thoughts of past regrets. Focus on what you have right now.

LIBRA (9/24 – 10/23)

A closed mind creates difficulties with a friend.

Putting your opinions and desires in second place will go a long way toward helping your friend when he/she needs it.

SCORPIO (23 Oct. – 21 November)

Introspection brings thoughts about what you really want and which direction you should go. Being overly critical of you should not be part of the plan.

Creators syndiCate

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO MMC’s Career Services will be hosting a “Health & Wellness Expo” on Tues, 1/24, noon-3pm.

Vendors from the medical and wellness fields in attendance. The New Hanover County Health Dept: free confidential HIV and Syphilis testing.

MMC medical students: free blood pressure checks, BMI checks and other various tests.

Massage students: free chair massages. Open to the public. • Vendor entry fee: bring 3 canned food items for donation to the ACES organization (Aids Care and Educational Services). Please contact Shannon Carlson (Employer Relations Director: Shannon.Carlson@miller-motte.edu or (910)442-3414. Park on the left side of the building where it says “Administration” and walk in the side entrance. 5000 Market St. BRIDGE LESSONS The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department is offering Beginner II Bridge lessons and Bridge Workshops with Marie Killoran.

SAGITTARIUS (22 Nov. – 21 Dec.)

This is the time to fix broken friendships since you are feeling charitable towards loved ones’ eccentricities. Be explicit and don’t keep secrets. Misunderstandings are how you got here, after all!

CAPRICORN (22 Dec. – 20 Jan.)

A quick mind has you grasping concepts and tossing out solutions for pesky situations that keep coming up. Spontaneous actions may be the only down side to this energetic you!

AQUARIUS (21 Jan. – 19 February)

Your finances go up and down; a relative is the cause for your sudden windfall or sudden debt. A family secret helps put the financial issues in perspective.

PISCES (20 February – 20 March)

Good news is headed your way! Logic is not your strong suit right now, so irrational actions are likely.

Your intuition is trustworthy and will tell you when you are being deceived; let it.

www.encorepub.com |december 14-20, 2011|encore 45 Though he was born 221 years ago (in 1790), 10th U.S. president John TYLER (44 Across) has two living grandsons, children of a son

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46 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

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Sterling Hollowware

Gold Chains

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Bring in this coupon for a $10 bonus on any transaction above $100 Offer expires at the end of next month, limit one per customer.

The Forum | 1113 Military Cutoff Road | Suite E | Wilmington, NC 28405 www.JewelRecycle.com | Chapel Hill - Mebane - Wilmington 48 encore | december 14-20, 2011 | www.encorepub.com