December 21, 2011

VOL. 28 / PUB 25 / FREE DECEMBER 21-27, 2011 WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

Happy Holidays encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 1

hodgepodge| WhAt’s InsIDE thIs WEEk

hAPPy hOlIDAys pg. 30-32

news & views ....................4-7

forget to tell your friends either.

If you don’t have Facebook, then log on to www.encorepub.com, click on “Web Extras,” and enter the contests for a chance to win!

the first ever all-American-made home.

6 news: Alex Pompliano meets the team behind Working Films’ Reel Equality: Real Change, an effort to fight for the Marriage Equality Act.

7 news of the weird: Chuck Shepherd shares

Find last-minute stocking stuffers and delight in readers’ family traditions Though the chill of December mornings is upon us, the warmth of holiday cheer and family traditions envelopes everyone, shielding us from Jack Frost’s bite.

Readers of encore from across the nation share their holiday customs on page 30, and we take a look at last-minute stocking stuffers from local businesses on page 32, such as these re-purposed hooks from The Silver Lining in Blue Moon Gift Shops. Folks in search of the perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for can find unique wares from local vendors in all areas of the Cape Fear. Still, we remember that it’s neither the decadently wrapped presents nor the sparkling lights that make the holiday season so wonderful, but rather the reminder to enjoy the comfort of loved ones and friends every day of the year. Photo by Bethany Turner

WIn tICkEts!

P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, n.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9177

www.encorepub.com

Anders Lewendal, a Montana contractor who built

LATE NIGHT FUNNIES

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

vol. 28 / pub. 25 / December 21-27, 2011

4 live local: Gwenyfar Rohler speaks with

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

contents

over the area, such as from Soapbox LaundroLounge, Thalian Hall, Brooklyn Arts Center and more! We’ll be randomly selecting winners from comments and contests one week prior to said dates unless otherwise noted. Don’t

“Mitt Romney has received criticism for using the campaign slogan ‘Keep America American’ because that slogan was once used by the KKK. Now he is overcompensating because his new slogan is ‘Mitt Romney, Straight Out of Compton.’” —Conan O’Brien “Michele Bachmann is picking running mates. That’s like the Colts picking out Super Bowl rings.” —David Letterman “Sometimes packages get lost in the mail.

You’re expecting something wonderful, and you wait and wait and nothing comes. It’s like voting for Obama.” —Craig Ferguson “President Obama celebrated Hanukkah at the White House last night. He lit the menorah, and then Vice President Joe Biden came in, sang happy birthday, and blew out all of the candles.” —Jay Leno “More good news for Newt Gingrich. Earlier today, he was endorsed by the voices in Glenn Beck’s head.” —David Letterman “Perry gave three reasons for declining the Iowa debate later this month. First, he needs to concentrate on campaigning. Second, there are already two other debates scheduled for that week. And he forgot the third one.”

—Jimmy Kimmel

the latest odd stories.

artsy smartsy ..................8-21 8-9 theatre: Shea Carver offers a look at Wilmington theater for 2012.

10 art: Sarah Richter discovers the beauty of metal with artist Ashley Roderick.

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

13 film: Anghus finds magic in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo.’

16 music: Shea dishes why members of The Possums are so enthusiastic about the Grateful Dead, just in time for their performance at The Whiskey Christmas Jam.

18-21 soundboard: See what bands and performers are playing in venues from Wilmington to Jacksonville.

grub & guzzle............... 22-26 24-29 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through our dining guide!

26 grub: Bethany Turner encounters hardworking women at K’s Cafe, a diner which recently moved to Eastwood Road.

WORD OF THE WEEK altiloquent: awl-til-uh-kwuhnt, adjective; 1. (of language) high-flown or pretentious

extra! extra! ..................30-47 30-32 cover: Readers share their favorite holiday traditions; local businesses are home to

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

General Manager:

great last-minute stocking stuffers.

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

34 books: Tiffanie Gabrielse dives into

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

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

Bob Nixon’s first graphic novel, ‘Mouch and

Interns: Sarah Richter

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

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 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

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

Company.’

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.

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news&views|

4 LIVE LOCAL 6 REEL CHANGE 7 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

hler

by Gwenyfar Ro

ds

s,’ with procee omise of Peanut Pr he ‘T of or Auth ect Fully Belly Proj benefiting The

W

hy should We pay more for

“made in the USA,” especially if we can’t afford it! This is one of the refrains that has led to a shrinking American economy. One brave contractor in Bozeman, Montana, named Anders Lewendal, set out to prove that not only is it still possible to build an entire residential home out of exclusively “made in America” products, but also that it can still be an affordable venture. (Surely, that last part is a surprise to anyone who has hired a contractor.) In fact, the project is costing only 2 percent more than if it had been built with imported materials.

Lewendal’s undergraduate work was in economics.

After more than 20 years in the construction industry, he began to think about the economic impact that building has on national financial stability. Here’s the math he put up on www.theallamericanhome.com: “In a typical year, the U.S. builds about 1.4 million homes at a construction cost (price of land not included) of almost $3 trillion. Say U.S. builders liked the idea of building American, but instead of going all out to build a bunch of all-American homes, they reallocated an average of just 5 percent of their construction costs from foreign products to those made in the U.S. That small change would add $10 billion to the U.S. economy each year and create enough good-paying jobs to employ the entire population of Providence, R.I.” In the same vein, he questions American households and their spending habits. He says if Americans specifically redirected 5 percent of their monies and purchased nationally made goods, according to Lewendal, it would equal 120 million housing units spending around $50,000-a-unit per year, totaling $6 trillion. Thus, tons of jobs would be added. “That would pretty much end the recession,” he states. encore sent Lewendal some questions about the process and his thoughts on the potential to re-build the economy. encore: Tell us about the road that brought you to build the first all-American made house?

4 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

live local. live small.

The first all-American-made home The first all-American-made home in Bozeman, Montana. Courtesy photo.

Anders Lewendal (AL): I graduated from college in 1982 with a degree in economics. As you can imagine, there were not a lot of jobs in 1982 for college grads.

I ended up interviewing for a position at a waste paper recycling business many miles from my home. I competed against about 200 folks for a $1,000 salary per month before deductions. This job started my interest in recycling and, ultimately, in constructing homes using the best building practices.

I was last year’s chairman of our local building industry association and currently chair of our green building committee. My wife and I live in the first ever 100-yearold Energy Star home. The first ever all-American home is now almost complete, and we hope to build the first ever all-American passivhaus next summer. e: Tell us about the process of building the all-American-made home?

AL: The family will move in before the end of the year, and every piece of the home, from screws, tape, light bulbs, appliances, wood, window, siding and everything else, is predominately produced in the USA. There are over 140 American manufacturers from over 40 states involved. e: What has been the hardest and most surprising items to find with the “made in the USA” moniker?

AL: The hardest items to find were the smallest, like screws, nuts and washers. We did find them with the help of my sub-contractors. Personally, I was surprised at how many products are made in the U.S. and the value we could find in those products. Like many Americans, it is too simple just buying the easiest-to-find product at the lumber store or other stores without even asking where it was produced. I am now paying attention to everything I buy. I have realized there are social, environmental and economic reasons to buy locally made products over foreign ones. That is not to say I will not purchase foreign products. If I cannot find a product that is better made at an equal price, I will consider other products.

Our concept is not nationalistic, protectionist or

partisan. It’s an American concept. A gentleman from the BBC in London called and asked if this idea was protectionist, and the beginning to new tariffs and nationalism. I asked him if he purchased local products in his hometown. He said, “Of course.” That is what we are talking about. Buying local anytime makes sense.

Local on a greater scale is regional or U.S. made. You could say, “ Buy local, globally.” e: How much effort has it taken to insure entirely made in the USA? AL: It would be easier the second time around. We are encouraging builders across the country to build at least one all-American-made home in each state. I’ll provide all the documentation to make it easier. The cost of this project was only about a half a percent above traditional construction practices. All my subcontractors helped confirm the products they used were indeed manufactured in the U.S. I have spent far more time responding to support from Americans, and manufacturers and discussing this idea on talk shows than I did creating the list of American manufacturers. e: How have your suppliers reacted, and what has been the biggest surprise from the project?

AL: We received full support from every contractor and their suppliers.

Thirty million folks hearing about the idea and spreading the word that we can really fix our economy without spending one tax dollar if we just work together and support our neighbors is excellent. e: Tell us about the 5 percent club: Who came up with the idea?

AL: The 5 percent club is just a way for Americans to register their support and agree to seek out value in American-made products. I can take credit for the idea, but Jake [Lewendal’s son] gets full credit for the marketing and social media success. We also had help from friends and peers in Bozeman, Montana. I like the idea that solutions can often come from small towns in the middle of nowhere America.

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Seating from 5 to 10 • four courses $55 per person Reservations Required AmuSe Bouche Crow Hill Deviled Eggs, Lump Crab and Caviar

AppetizeR (Choice of One) Veal and Wild mushroom Ravioli Braised Breast of Veal, Rustic Tomato Ragu,Shaved Parmesan Smoked trout Salad Frisee, Crispy Poached Egg, Granny Smith Apples, Warm Bacon Vinaigrette Seafood and White Bean Salad Marinated NC Shrimp & Calamari, Fried Thyme country pate Crostini, Whole Grain Mustard, Cornichons, Pickled Pearl Onions & Frisee citrus hazelnut Salad Winter Greens, Goat Cheese, Spiced Honey Vinaigrette entRée (Choice of One) porcini Dusted 9 oz. Fillet Potato Gratian, Seasonal Vegetables, and Sauce Bordelaise Sumac crusted tuna White Bean Puree, Clams, Roasted Red Pepper Salad Lightly Smoked pork Loin Cheddar Cheese Grits, Pork Demi-Glace, Jalapeno Jelly Brace of Quail Sweet Potato Hash, Mustard Greens, Medjool Date Vinaigrette portabella mushroom Risotto Seasonal Mushrooms, Butternut Squash, Pecorino-Romano, Roasted Garlic Oil DeSSeRt SAmpLeR Frappuccino Pot du Crème, Banana Pudding, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Yet to be Named Band will Play from 11 to 1:30

encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 5

a change will do us good:

//NEWS

Working Films initiative fights for the Marriage Equality Act

E

arliEr in thE yEar, it sEEmEd

same-sex marriage in the U.S. was in a positive place status-wise. Moreover, it was making strides in the right direction. In June, after much lagging, the Marriage Equality Act was passed, making New York the largest state to allow same-sex marriage, as all eyes of the country watched closely. The generally liberal state was far from the first to accomplish such a feat (Massachusetts was first to do so in 2004, and, consecutively, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia have followed suit). Regardless, it was wildly celebrated and, momentarily, seemed like New York, a natural birthing ground of American trends, would once more lead by example.

As of September, the North Carolina House and Senate have passed Amendment One (dubbed by critics as the Anti-LGBT Marriage Amendment), which will go to vote in May 2012. The bill passed by a 30-16 vote in the state Senate, in which Republicans hold a 31-19 majority. Constitutional amendments do not require action by the governor,

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by Alex Pomplia al Change Re y: Reel Equalit Working Films s.org www.workingfilm which means Governor Bev Perdue—who has been very vocal on her opposition to the amendment—has no veto power.

Not only does this amendment bar same-sex marriage, but it also bans the recognition of any sort of domestic legal union outside of the bonds of heterosexual marriage. The bill carries great underlying potential to impact domestic violence protection for unmarried couples, child custody and visitation, end-of-life directives, and domestic partnership benefits for public employees.

The detrimental effect of the bill outreaches basic human rights; its bigotry is also bad for business. Hundreds of our state’s business leaders have publicly combatted the amendment, claiming the discriminatory legislation will deter generations of creative minds and talented workers to work in a state that offers them second-state citizenship. After the bill passed, Charlotte-based Bank of America issued a public statement highlighting its “longstanding commitment not to discriminate based on sexual orientation and its domestic partner benefits.”

“If you want to figure out a way to push Bank of America from its headquarters in Charlotte to New York, pass this amendment,” Martin Eakes, a member of Bank of America’s national advisory board, said during a NC General Assembly press conference in September. Eakes, along with nearly 75 other NC CEOs, signed a letter urging legislature leadership to vote the amendment down.

The project intertwines with another ongoing Working Films initiative, “Reel Aging: Real Change.” With support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Reel Aging: Real Change will tie compelling documentary films and transmedia projects that explore aging-to-ongoing policy work and grassroots campaigns supporting older populations globally. It begins at the end of March with a four-day residency in Washington, D.C., as eight to ten teams will strategize how to engage audiences and community.

After the residency is complete, the teams will present their projects to regional, national and global NGOs, funders, government agencies, activists and policy makers to potentially turn the proposals into on-the-ground efforts.

(Application deadline is January 6th for those interested; www.workingfilms.org.)

At the helm of these movements are Andy Myers, community engagement coordinator at Working Films and documentary filmmak-

6 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

MAKING CHANGE: Andy Myers and Lynn Casper lead the Working Films initiative, Reel Equality, Real Change. Photo by Alex Pompliano

er, and Lynn Casper, social media strategist at Working Films and founder of the gayfriendly music website HOMOGROUND (which also won encore’s annual Wilmington Webby Award in August). encore sat down with Casper and Myers to find out how Reel Equality intends on making a difference for North Carolina through the power of community involvement. encore (e): How did Reel Equality come to fruition?

Lynn Casper (LC): It first started in September when the amendment was passed to go for the vote in May; our boss, Robert West, wanted to do something about it—especially because it’s something that’s happening in North Carolina.

We’ve worked with a lot of films that are about gay marriage, so he came up with the idea of starting a campaign around it and contacted the HRC and Equality NC. They were really eager to get on board with this. e: If passed, what kind of impact will the amendment have on North Carolinians?

Andy Myers (AM): Basically any couple—heterosexual or homosexual—that’s not married will lack benefits. Also, there are statistics that say suicide is higher among states with discriminatory legislation. It’s easy to see why, it’s like saying, “You’re a second-class citizen, and you have to behave as such.” e: How did you choose the films?

LC: They’re mostly films we’ve worked with in the past, whether they attended a [Working Films] residency, or we helped them with their outreach campaigns. So we contacted

[the filmmakers] and told them what was going on in NC. There’s one film called “The Campaign,” which follows Proposition 8 in California and the activists that were organizing against [it]. So that’s really motivating, in terms of organizing NC and building the energy of ‘OK, we’re going to change this.’ e: This project encourages communities to organize their own viewings. What kind of hand do you have in that?

LC: In Wilmington we’re having a more handson approach and setting up screenings, but we would like other communities to do their own screenings [details to be revealed soon].

We’re willing to help out however we can to use these films to make people aware of what’ll happen if the amendment passes . . . especially for people who are on the fence.

Through personal narratives, maybe they can see that this really does affect people.

AM: Fifty-six percent of North Carolinians do support some form of legal recognition of same-sex couples, and there’s a miscommunication on what the amendment actually does: It’s going to strip any form of legal recognition [for same-sex marriage]. So voting “no” on the amendment doesn’t necessarily mean you support gay marriage, it just means you support the bare minimum of legal recognition, even if it’s just a hospital registry. e: What would you advise anyone who wants to get involved?

AM: Be educated about the amendment; know its extremities and how far-reaching it can be. Register to vote, and make sure everyone you know knows about the amendment and is registered. Come to a screening in Wilmington and start a dialogue with your community—that’s key.

NewsoftheWeird with Chuck Shepherd LEAD STORY Only the Government: Stung by criticism in 2007 that they were neglecting severely wounded service members, the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs have now gone extreme the other way, routinely providing at least a half-dozen (and as many as two dozen) caseworkers per patient. A Government Accountability Office report in October said the result was “duplication, confusion and turf battles,” according to a November Washington Post story, leaving the members and their families often conflicted and overwhelmed about prognoses.

At times the Pentagon (serving active-duty personnel) and the VA (ex-military) balked over coordinating their treatments. The agencies, however, told the Post that any duplication was intentional, even though the Post cited military families who each wished they had a single, authoritative case manager they could turn to. A GAO official called the situation “crazy” and “disturbing.”

Can’t Possibly Be True The U.S.-Pakistan relationship has reached “the nadir of absurdity,” wrote Wired.com, after a December report in The Atlantic revealed that Pakistan “secures” its tactical nuclear weapons by moving them around the country in ordinary unmarked vans (“without noticeable defenses”). It supposedly uses the “Econolines of Doom,” “hidden” in plain sight on the country’s highways, because it fears the U.S. (its “ally”) would steal the bombs if it knew where they were. Dizzyingly, wrote Wired, the U.S. funds Pakistan yet regularly invades it, though desperately needing Pakistan’s help in Afghanistan, even as Pakistani soldiers fight alongside Afghan insurgents against the U.S. In October, the super-enthusiastic winners of a Kingston, Ontario, radio station contest claimed their prize: the chance to don gloves and dig for free Buffalo Bills’ football tickets (value: $320), buried in buffalo manure in a child’s plastic inflatable pool. The show’s host, Sarah Crosbie, reported the digging live (but,

overcome by the smell, vomited on the air).

More curious was a runner-up contestant who continued to muck around for the second prize, even though it was only tickets to a local zoo.

In a federal lawsuit for malicious prosecution, a judge found a “strong” likelihood that EPA agent Keith Phillips “deliberately” set up a hazardous-waste enforcement case against Hubert Vidrine for the purpose of facilitating his own work/sex relationship with a female EPA agent. According to the court, Phillips was married and unable to carry on with the agent (stationed in another city) except when they worked together, which they did periodically over a three-year period on the Vidrine case.

In October, Vidrine was awarded $1.6 million in damages.

Least Competent Plans: L.B. Williams, a black man married to a white woman in Panama City, Fla., reported that the Ku Klux Klan had burned a cross in his driveway in November and left a threatening note. However, the note did not demand that the couple move from the neighborhood; it demanded that they stay. Since the Klan is not known for supporting mixed-race couples, the police were suspicious and ultimately charged Williams with making the threats himself to frighten his wife into abandoning the divorce she had recently requested. Paul Moran, possessing (according to his lawyer) “considerable intellectual ability,” nonetheless attempted a procedure to turn his own feces into gold (and was sentenced in October to three months in jail in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, after accidentally setting his apartment on fire in the process).

Cry for Help: Math teacher Paul LaDuke, 75, was fired in November from the Schaumburg (Ill.) Christian School after a student reported seeing him brazenly masturbate, with his pants lowered, as he sat behind his desk in a full classroom. LaDuke had been at the school for 26 years, and police believe (according to a Chicago Tribune report) he had “committed similar acts at the school several times a year for a decade or longer.”

Fine Points of the Law Proportionality: Daniel Vilca, 26, was ordered to prison for the rest of his life (without possibility of parole) following his conviction in Naples, Fla., in November for having pornographic photos of children on his computer.

He had no previous criminal record, nor was there evidence of any contact with children.

The judge computed the sentence by multiplying a five-year term by the 454 photos police found. A week earlier, a judge in Dayton, Ohio, sentenced former CEO Michael Peppel, 44, for defrauding his shareholders by overstating revenue in a company that went on to lose $298 million and cost 1,300 employees their jobs. Sentencing guidelines recommended an 8- to 10-year term, but federal judge Sandra Beckwith ordered Peppel to jail for seven days.

Dog walker Kimberly Zakrzewski was found not guilty in October of violating the poopscooping ordinance of Fairfax County, Va., despite photographic “evidence” of dog piles submitted by neighbors Virginia and Christine Cornell (who had previously been feuding with Zakrzewski). The jury chose to give greater weight to testimony by the dog’s owner that the photographed piles were bigger than anything she had ever seen from “Baxter.” The owner also revealed that she had brought to court one of Baxter’s actual piles but decided to leave it in her car.

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 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 7

18-23 MUSIC 14-17 FILM

artsysmartsy|

12-13 ART 8-11 THEATRE

staging the new year: Theatre companies new and old gear up for 2012

by Shea Carver

O

thran

y Sue Co

Graphic b

ur theatre scene is grOwing

by the second. New faces are gracing the stages, new venues are popping up around town, as premier Broadway shows and original, locally written works debut. It’s part of what makes Wilmington so artistically engaging: Its movers and shakers keep on moving and shaking.

2012 will be no different in success as many are culling their new seasons while others break ground on new spaces to house the talent. Local theatre guru Alisa Harris—who has played numerous roles across a large spectrum of Wilmington performances—is currently heading TheatreNOW, to be located on the corner of 10th and Dock streets, downtown.

The space will be completed in May and will host ground-breaking new plays, including “Blue Velvet: The Musical,” written by Anthony Lawson with music by Bryan Putnam, later in the year.

“After a much hyped and well-received workshop [during Cucalorus], we are still awaiting word from David Lynch as to garnering production rights,” Harris notes.

However the building will not be vacant or static with activity when shows aren’t running. Harris has plans for its occupancy, including interactive comedy dinner theater, written by local thespian, playwright and director Tony Moore, cabaretstyle entertainment, along with original murder

8 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

mysteries written by Milo Shucavage, a children’s mystery series, jazz-and-gospel brunches and familyfriendly dinner-andmovie dates. In fact, TheatreNOW will be fully equipped with a kitchen, bar, head chef and appropriate staff. “Paul Obernesser will serve as my food and beverage manager,” she says of the manna bartender. “He also brings a lively interest in local music.”

The center will be more than a cozy repose into arts enlightenment. It also will serve to educate. “There are plans for theatre arts classes for school-aged children, run by the nonprofit arm, Theatre Network of Wilmington,” Harris says. She will utilize local thespian, playwright and musician Zach Hanner as executive director. “We will host regular networking events for those involved in the theatre arts and plan to establish resources for other theatre groups.”

Folks can follow TheatreNOW’s updates and progress at www.theatrewilmington.com, and contact bar@theatrewilmington.com if interested in kitchen management or chef positions.

Thalian Association Theatre companies across town are preparing their 2012 schedules as they come off another successful year of putting on more than 50 plays collectively. Thalian Association will continue showcasing highly revered entertainment, such as February’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Just in time for Black History Month, Tom Briggs couldn’t be more proud of presenting the literary scholar’s story about a Depression-era Southern lawyer who fights for justice for an innocent black man facing an unwarranted rape charge.

“This important and inspiring play goes to the very heart of what it means to be an American,” Briggs says.

“It’s an extraordinary story of racial injustice and the loss

of innocence, told with great warmth and humor, and it has touched hearts and minds the world over for more than 50 years.”

Thalian Association also will produce the Tony Awardwinning Best Musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “La Cage aux Folles” in the spring. “The theme of what constitutes a marriage and a family is extremely timely,” he continues of “La Cage.” “If you remember the movie ‘The Birdcage,’ with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, then you know the story.”

Tickets to Thalian plays run $22 to $25 and can be purchased at www.thalianhall.com.

Guerilla Theatre Also exploring gay rights and its affects on our society, a la the Marriage Equality Act (see page 6), Brown Coat Pub and Theatre, which houses Guerilla Theatre Company, will present “Torch Song Trilogy” by Harvey Fierstein next year. “This play is actually three one-act plays that collectively chronicle one man’s life, as he comes to terms with his sexuality,” Davis explains. The show will run May 10th through 13th, 17th through 20th and 24th through 27th, with tickets running $15.

Brown Coat will continue their roster of edgy live theater as they host plays far from shiny and bright Broadway musicals. “We’ve got an ambitious, envelopepushing, politically relevant schedule for 2012!” Richard Davis, artistic director, says. “We’ve always operated under the belief that theater can and should both reflect and influence society.”

They will debut “Psycho Beach Party,” a spoof of Gidget-like surfer films mixed with the horror genre, on January 19th through 22nd and 26th through 29th. Plus, they’ll showcase the third installment in their Leonard Melfi series of premiere works, “Raggedy Anne Says Hello,” April 12th through 15th, 19th through 22nd, and the 26th through 29th. They’ll also show “A Beautiful Thing” by Jonathan Harvey in February, along with an as-yet-titled comedy written by Pineapple-Shaped Lamps in March.

Tickets to all shows can be purchased at www. browncoattheatre.com.

City Stage Perhaps some of the edgiest theater Wilmingtonians are subjected to comes from the folks at City Stage, who happily bend expectations with every performance. “We choose plays we think the public would like to see,” Chiaki Ito, music director, says. “We are known for cutting-edge theatre, and we’re going to do our best to bring it to you.”

Next up is the raucous “Full Monty,” following New York steelworkers who are down on their financial luck and decide to take on stripping at a local club. Set to open just in time for New Year’s Eve, the cast will throw a gala to celebrate a prosperous 2012 on December 31st. Tickets are $75 and include the show, drinks and a buffet, along with desserts at intermission. After the bare ending, the party continues until 1 a.m. Other dates to catch the hilarity of the performance are the 29th through 30th and January 1st, as well as the 5th through the 8th, with all shows taking place at Thalian Hall.

City Stage has a ground-breaking roster on hand, too, for the upcoming year, including “Debbie Does Dallas,” mid January through the beginning of February, and “Spring Awakening,” a rock musical, which runs February through mid-March.

“The story in ‘Next to Normal’ is what gets my attention,” Ito continues about yet another musical City Stage will produce. “It’s about a woman with some mental issues. The rock me-

dium is perfect for this type of story.” It runs end of March through April. All shows take place at City Stage unless otherwise noted, with tickets ranging from $18 to $22.

Opera House Theatre Company Carrying on the musical frenzy will be Opera House Theatre Company (OHTC) who will showcase bold talent in “The Producers,” starting February 15th and running through the 26th on weekends only. The popular show takes on “a down-on-his-luck theatrical producer and his stage-struck accountant who hatch the ultimate scam: raise more money than you need for a surefire Broadway flop and pocket the difference,” according to OHTC. The musical’s madcap frolicking keeps audiences in stitches every time with offensive musical lyrics (“Springtime for Hitler”) and lots of fancy footwork.

Other shows Opera House will present throughout the year include “Lend Me a Tenor” in spring, “Legally Blonde,” “A Chorus Line” and “Hello, Dolly!” in summer, with “The Most Happy Fella” rounding out the run just in time for Labor Day. Visit www.operahousetheatrecompany.net for tickets and more information.

Big Dawg Productions Big Dawg Productions will open their season February 2nd with “The Owl and the Pussycat,” a comedy following the hijinks of a prostitute who gets evicted from her apartment with no

where to turn. “We chose this one as our first show because it has a cast of two, and should be easy and inexpensive to produce,” Ken Cressman, artistic director, says. Still, it will be molded with carefully beloved hands. “Director Tamica Katzmann brought us the show and has a real passion for it,” Cressman reveals.

After producing four more shows throughout the year, including “God’s Favorite” in April, “The Foreigner” in June, “The Dixie Swim Club” in August and “The Lion in the Winter” in October, Big Dawg will bring to life one of Wilmington’s most revered stories, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The Frank Capra script has local ties to his Wilmington resident grandson, Frank Capra Jr. and Screen Gems EUE, and will be a perfect wrap for the season. The American holiday classic is told through a live 1940s radio broadcast and, most impressively, it features five or six actors playing 25 roles! It’s an ambitious undertaking and an assured way to end 2012 on a high note.

Big Dawg Productions offer a $99 flexipass, allowing folks to choose six admissions in any combination during their 2012 season. Otherwise, tickets are usually less than $20.

Imaginary Theater Company Imaginary Theater Company will bring a period piece to Red Barn Studio on February 16th, again addressing same-sex relationships, only set at the turn of the 20th century. “Boston Marriage” by American playwright David

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Mamet contends with desire, deception and bad manners among intimate female relationships. Directed by Mike O’Neil, it will feature a strong cast, including Barbara Weetman, Rachel Lewis Hilburn and Anna Stromberg. The show runs through March 18th.

Tickets range from $23 to $25 and can be purchased through WilmingtonTickets.com.

Shakespeare on the Green As summer creeps in, we’ll be preparing once again for the Bard’s ever-lovely stories, as Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green celebrates 20 years in Wilmington. Its youth company will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in June, and the adult company will put together “Twelfth Night” at the end of May at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.

All performances are at 8 p.m. (bug spray a necessity), and they’re free! “‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was the very first play produced in 1993 at the amphitheater,” Shakespeare’s artistic director, Cherri McKay, says. “We have chosen to perform the bard’s most popular play, a light-hearted, whimsical and romantic comedy which appeals to audiences of all ages and highlights our momentous 20th season milestone.”

For full details about all shows coming up in 2012, stay tuned to encore. We’ll have them covered as they take place.

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//ART

Ashley Roderick shows dichotomy of metal as artistic tool

T

he

words

“heavy

meTal”

usually call to mind mosh pits, leather and head-thrashing. Though a stereotypical connotation of the term, as is the way of the world, we are often surprised when assumptions prove otherwise false.

Art has the power to lend new perspectives, as shown in Projekte’s holiday show of hard-knocking air riffs, “Heavy Metal.” Subverting our idea of what it means, this group exhibition offers a viewpoint on the beauty and delicacy of metal—all of which is much more than head banging.

The idea for the show emerged as the brain child of Ashley Roderick, a metalsmith and student enrolled at CFCC. After encouragement from a friend, Roderick pursued CFCC’s metal class with Melissa Manly, another exhibitor in the Projekte show. Roderick says she “tried a lot of different artistic outlets, but nothing really clicked. No activity fed [her] primal desire to create something with [her] hands like this. It was love at first solder.”

This love affair with metal inspired her to

r

by Sarah Richte Heavy Metal Projekte Gallery et 523 S. 3rd Stre p.m. - 10 p.m.

4 Open Thurs., p.m.

Fri., 4 p.m. - 11 idnight Sat., 1 p.m. - m ask Projekte owner Bonnie England to give the CFCC students an opportunity to display their work in her gallery space. And, so, the show was born. England gathered other local artists she knew would want to be involved and organized the event, which opened December 2nd and closes January 15th.

Though metal isn’t as readily associated with art as other mediums, and often viewed as more of a building material, Projekte’s slate of artists prove once again how presumptions are futile. The exhibit showcases an exemplary sampling of the versatility of metal as a viable tool.

“It is such a difficult medium to work with HEAVY METAL: Ashley Roderick creates delicate metal jewelry and will showcase it among other metalsmiths at Projekte Gallery until January 15th, 2012. Photo by Sarah Richter

Individually hand-crafted scarves by a local artisan.

Yarns of different weights, shades, and textures are combined to create each one-of-a-kind design!

Check out our selection of fine sterling silver and precious stone jewelry!

POODLE’S ISLAND WEAR

18 South Water Street, #5 • Downtown Wilmington 910-763-4523 10 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

and so less artists are working in that field,” England claims. She says Projekte’s show is different from others because it “expands people’s frame of art reference because Wilmington is saturated with painting.”

There is an uninhibited, raw power to metal which evokes a gamut of emotions.

The exhibit shows how metal is not stagnant, immovable or intimidating due to its durability or daily functionality. Instead, it is subject to change by both human and environmental forces.

“I think metal is one medium that a lot of people haven’t had the opportunity to get to know better,” Roderick explains. “We grow up drawing and painting as children to the point where it seems like a natural part of ourselves.”

While all artists work with their hands, the tools of metalsmithing are markedly different from traditional implements of artistic production. All artists, be they writers, painters or sculptors, form a connection with their tools wherein “the tools themselves become appendages,” according to Roderick. “There’s something about having a hammer in your hands and driving every blow powerfully and carefully onto metal that makes you feel alive and human.”

Like its moniker of a different definition, heavy metal also has the use of danger between its words and in its makeup. Fire is used when applying it as artistry. Fire becomes the paint and the hammer, the paintbrush.

“It’s weird,” Roderick says, “but you develop a respect for and connection to fire. It’s dangerous, and though we can domesticate it to use it as a tool, it doesn’t mean you can act like you’re above it all.”

Focusing on jewelry-making and the history behind each piece, Roderick carefully crafts in intricate detail, showcasing vulnerability, even, something far from the popular conception of heavy metal. Oftentimes, it’s reflective of something from within.

“I love the idea that every piece of handcrafted jewelry has a story behind it,” Roderick states. “ Whether it is cut from raw sheet or an assemblage of found objects, someone went on a lon, tedious, emotional path to make that necklace.”

Roderick’s jewelry is unadulterated in simplistic utilization of metal. The thoughtfulness that is evident in each piece situates it as a modern heirloom. The metal Roderick uses is given center stage in her jewelry, and its natural beauty is skillfully harnessed to create an unassuming, stunning collection. Her handcrafted earrings are hung in a small wooden display case along the wall and evoke the joy of stumbling upon a treasure trove of ancient craftsmanship. Above the wall-hanging, it reads, “Instant Artifact—a perfect rendering of the power of metal.

The dimensionality of the jewelry, as well as other artwork in the exhibition, situates itself as eye candy. Viewers will become so accustomed to examining the two-dimensional world that to view the reinterpretation of such ordinary objects seems fresh and new. The work invades space and breaks free from the confines of a canvas.

Each piece in the show possesses its own life and explores the different elements of metal. Carolyn Foland utilizes found objects and expands on their history before being discarded. Michelle Connolly creates portraits made from found metal that have a painterly quality, which is delicate and expressive. Other artists included are Jeffrey Bridgers, Doug Campbell, Brandon Guthrie, Susan Kranyik, Melissa Manley, Caitlin Peterson, Veronica Plankers, Geoffrey Scott Queen and the Cape Fear (Community College) Metal Guild.

Heavy Metal will hang through January 15th. Admission is free but Projekte will be accepting can foods throughout December to donate to our local Food Bank.

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

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.

sunset river MArketplAce

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

Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com

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, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisancrafted 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.

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!

wickeD GAllery

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

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 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 on grabbing and placing light in his style (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 contact Christina Cole at (910) 547-0960.

Casually Dining Fine 115 South Front Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 763-7773 www.aubrianas.com facebook.com/Aubrianas encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 11

am The

I

often

Wilmington’s World-Class Concert Venue L i V e @ Ba C

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers Thursday, December 29 Doors 7pm, Show 8pm General Admission Floor - $16 / $20 day of show General Admission Balcony - $20 / $25 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 12 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

Keller Williams & The Kells Saturday, December 31 Doors 8pm, Show 9pm General Admission Floor - $40 / $50 day of show Available Online www.brooklynartsnc.com and at the BAC Box Office

nature and w on the pa unique w the legen drowning as it is a long sinc joyment are to r more ear Before have to g Scorsese is far bet that said can make have eve cent. It’s icans so movie st the acto vincing ta At som it was d could so just go a the stan the mov Nazi-occ somewha lesser fi from Ma have cas even set Paris. It’s riously a of the C Tower, an a Dickens theater v “Pardo to catch a It make about the use an A Still, “ times, in are few d using eve fect. We classical and Spie sive how new tech tifully ren ematogra help com ie is wor sic and p film that

//FILM

a magical creation: The world of ‘Hugo’ is breathtaking

I

often rant about the suffocatIng

nature of nostalgia. Filmmakers, artists and writers seem more focused on riffing on the past than they do creating their own unique works. “Hugo,” the latest film from the legendary Martin Scorsese, is a movie drowning in homage. It’s not so much a film, as it is a love letter to an age of cinema long since passed. And folks’ level of enjoyment is based solely on how willing they are to revisit a time when movies were more earnest affairs.

Before I get into the actual review, I have to get something off my chest: Martin Scorsese is a great director, and cinema is far better off because of his work. With that said, I have to ask how on earth he can make a movie set in Paris, France, and have every character talking in a British accent. It’s no wonder Europeans hate Americans so much; every time an American movie studio makes a movie set abroad the actors are told to do their most convincing take on the queen’s English.

At some point in our cinematic history, it was decided that anyone from Europe could sound English, and everyone would just go along with it. British accents are the standard for Europe on film, whether the movie is set in 18th century France, Nazi-occupied Germany or Slovenia. I somewhat understand and expect this of lesser films from lesser filmmakers—but from Martin Scorsese? Surely, he could have cast actors with French accents or even set the movie in London instead of Paris. It’s kind of hard to take anything seriously amongst beautiful, sprawling shots of the City of Light, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and then hear the characters speak in a Dickensian-era English, as if in a community theater version of “Oliver Twist.”

“Pardon me, guv’nah, could I get a shilling to catch a double decker bus to the Louvre?”

It makes me want to go shoot a movie about the Civil War and have all the actors use an Australian accent.

Still, “Hugo” is an interesting and, at times, inventive piece of filmmaking. There are few directors who seem as capable of using every inch of screen to maximum effect. We’re given a chance to see more classically trained directors like Scorsese and Spielberg working with 3D. It’s impressive how comfortable Scorsese is with the new technology. Hugo’s world is a beautifully rendered merging of traditional cinematography with special effects, which help compose impossible shots. The movie is worth seeing just for the visuals, music and production design. I haven’t seen a film that looks this good in ages.

by Anghus Hugo

★ ★★ ★ ★

, erfield, Jude Law Starring Asa Butt loë Moretz Ben Kingsley, Ch

A KID’S DREAM: Asa Butterfield and Ben Kingsley in ‘Hugo,’ scouring the makings of toys galore.

Courtesy photo.

The story follows a young boy named Hugo (Asa Butterfield) who lives in the rafters and back rooms of a Paris train station circa 1931. His father (Jude Law) was a clockmaker and a fan of early-era cinema.

After a tragedy leaves Hugo orphaned, he turns his attention to his father’s unfinished project: an automated clockwork robot.

Hugo survives by scavenging for food from the vendors who occupy his home. There he meets a young girl, Isabelle (Chloë Moretz), and her godfather (Ben Kingsley), a toymaker shrouded in mystery who has some connection to the automation that Hugo’s late father had been working on.

There’s a lot of love in “Hugo.” What works about “Hugo” is this kind of ironyfree, storybook movie that exists in a beautifully created world. There is a quality to “Hugo” which seems missing from so many modern movies. A sense of wonder and passion emanates from every frame; it’s almost symphonic. Scorsese doesn’t just direct the movie, he conducts it in unison with the actors, artists, musicians and craftsman to make something technically perfect.

Some people might get a little bored with

“Hugo.” It’s a movie rooted in Scorcese’s love for the first true visionary filmmaker, George Méliès, and the central theme of the importance of inspiration and preservation speaks to cinema buffs (though, it might not register with everyone). It’s also cornier than Iowa in the summer. The

ensemble cast does an excellent job of grounding this flamboyant world. The kids manage to be energetic but not annoying. Fine character actors like Christopher Lee and Sacha Baron Cohen are allowed to indulge their more grandiose impulses to create some unique personalities. Ben Kingsley turns in his best performance in ages, playing a man desperate to find inspiration in a world that seems to have forgotten his brilliance.

“Hugo” is the kind of movie that seems rare these days. It tells a classic story, merging old techniques with new technology, all to create something magical.

Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special “reindeer”.

reel reel this week in film Margin Call, It’s a Wonderful Life Martha Marcy May Marlene Cinematique Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. $7, 7:30 p.m.

12/21: “Margin Call”—An 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, Demi Moore, and Paul Bettany co-star.

12/23: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (pictured) follows George Bailey through the what-ifs of time, as he ponders his life along a different path, only to realize the successes, joys and effects he’s had on others’ lives. Directed by Frank Capra, the annual showing takes place one night at 7:30 p.m. in 35 mm.

Dec. 16 - 24, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. $12 adults, $5 Kids under 12

1/2-4: “Martha Marcy May Marlene” (pictured) is a powerful psychological thriller starring Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a young woman rapidly unraveling amidst her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a cult and its charismatic leader (John Hawkes). Seeking help from her estranged older sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy), Martha is unable and unwilling to reveal the truth about her disappearance. Rated R, 1 hr. 41 min

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encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 15

//MUSIC

christmas jam: The Possums host food drive and holiday concert at The Whiskey

I

n

1985,

when mark mathers was

16, he experienced first hand the magnetism of the Grateful Dead live. He was at the Richmond Coliseum, among a sea of varied types, from hippies and “dreadies,” as he calls them, to men in suits and aging baby boomers, all shouting endearments to the kings of the jam-band frontier.

“When the lights went down, everyone around me started going absolutely ape shit,” Mathers remembers. Immediately, he was sold on the skeletal magic and snuck in during the second night through an air vent under the coliseum.

“I got detained by the police,” he admits.

“But they were dumb enough to hold me without handcuffs. The second they turned their heads, I was dancing into the arena at lightning speed.”

Since, Mathers has been a faithful Deadhead. He listens and adores all things Garcia and company; he calls Jerry the “Mozart” of guitar and claims Bob Weir a master artist, “painting” songs with his rhythm guitar to near perfection. Mathers also carries forth his own passion for playing music.

by Shea Carver as Jam Whiskey Christm ns d other musicia The Possums an $5 12/23, 8 p.m. • S Front St. 1 • The Whiskey A drummer since he was 11—learning through school marching bands and garage bands—the 43-year-old musician continues geeking out on sound. His current gig is with The Possums. “We play dead; get it?” he asks. Steve Todd plays mandolin/vocals, Mark Daffer is on guitar/vocals, Andy Dortch on bass/vocals, Dan Sween on guitar/vocals and, along with Mathers, Tucker Hill on drums.

Having always played in some incarnation or another, Mathers has pulsated his mark on Poor No More, Mountain Mama and The Cornbread Mafia, too.

“I love playing with friends,” he says. “It bonds you. The guys I have played music with have proven to be my best relationships—you just spend time together working on a common vision. The music bonds you, and you

Nails The Right Way Where the ONLY way is the RIGHT way!

Maria Chicchetti Owner/Operator

maria@nailstherightway.com 21 South 2nd Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 399-4880 • (910) 338-6981 NOw UNDer New OwNership formerly L’amour Nail Salon

www.nailstherightway.com 16 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

can communicate through it.”

He’s taking his passion to another level on Friday, December 23rd, as he lines up the first annual Whiskey Christmas Jam at downtown’s live music venue, The Whiskey. He has invited a slew of comrades and fellow musicians on the scene to join. The Possums will be the house band of the evening, as other musicians fill in guest spots, all to help raise goods for Wilmington’s Food Bank. Guest players include Jeff Sanchez, guitarist for The Clams, T.J Prystal, drummer for The Casserole, George Lord, guitarist of Mountain Mama, and David Parrish, keyboardist for Havana Taxi, among others. “I’d like to put the opportunity out for anyone to play if they are interested,” Mathers says.

Based off of the same concept that Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule has been doing in Asheville, NC, over

the years, the concert will be packed with noodling guitars and kaleidoscopic rhythms. While Mathers says The Possums will certainly pay homage to their tie-dyed heroes, the show will not be strictly made up of Dead music.

“We will be doing a little of everything,” he assures, “even a few originals. Beatles, Dylan, Bill Withers, Allman Brothers—jamband stuff.”

Choosing the venue was easy for Mathers, as he touts owners Alecia Mitchell and Andrew Brothers not only good people but avid music supporters. They have provided Wilmington’s scene with a venue that, according to Mathers, is class-A. “They have quality sound, great equipment, and a very good and professional sound staff,” he says. “The more we all play together will enhance the Wilmington music scene and give it more ‘possibility.’”

The Possums host the Whiskey Christmas Jam on Friday the 23rd. Folks should bring $5 entry and canned goods. The Possums will match every item donated throughout the evening, which will be given to the Food Bank.

Musicians who would like to join the jam can contact Mathers at mmathers@winlectric.com or (910) 279-9691.

After the holidays, fans can continue to catch The Possums’ “Dead Night” across town. “We have had them at Palm Room and the now-defunct Port City Theatre,” Mathers says. They’ve also opened for legendary greats Donna the Buffalo at Brooklyn Arts Center, another space they’re hoping to occupy in 2012. “We are in talks planning an outdoor series or show at BAC starting in the spring, during the day in the courtyard,” Mathers says, “maybe Sundays when it is nice out or before shows.”

Air vents will be secured and handcuffs on hand. Music lovers of all types welcome.

The 1 Week ‘til

CHRISTMAS MOD

gave to me...

OPEN Mon-Thur 11am-8pm Fri Sat 11am-9:30pm 4306 Market Street www.ModeaStcoaSt.coM

Prices valid 12/19 - 12/24

23 N. Front St.

Friday DJ DST $4 Soco-Limes

Fri.-Sat. 9pm -2am

Table reservations available now for NYE! Contact us at: Facebook.com/sputnikbar Nightly Specials Club-Wide

$3 Infused $5 Infused $1 Russian $2 Yuengling Shots Lagers Cocktails Grenades

23 N. Front St. Tues.-Sun. 7pm - 2am Come Celebrate the Holidays! Open December 24th & 25th

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday Xmas Eve

Xmas

Indie Rock w/ DJ SIN DJ DST DJ Sin Matt Evans DJ Sin the illustrious Hip Hop & Top 40 & Top 40 & Top 40 & Top 40 & Electro Electro Matt Evans Dub Step Electro Clash Electro $2 Bud $4 Soco- $2 Candy $2 Candy $2 Martinis $3 Stoli Limes Cane Shots Cane Shots Cocktails Pounders encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 17

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS TUESDAY DJ Matt Evans $2 Martinis Indie Rock WEDNESDAY DJ SIN $3 Stoli Cocktails Hip-Hop/Dub Step THURSDAY DJ DST $2 Bud pounders Top 40 & Electro Clash FRIDAY DJ Milk $2 Soco-Limes Top 40 & Electro SATURDAY DJ Milk $4 Commi-Kazis Top 40 & Electro SUNDAY DJ Riz $4 Wells • $3 Drafts Moombathon 23 N. Front Street Fri.-Sat. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

MONDAY $10 Bud/Light Buckets $4 Jack Daniels, $4 Capt. Morgan TUESDAY $1 tacos 4-close, $3 Dos XX Amber Pints, $3.50 Mexican Bottles, $4 Jose Cuervo Margaritas, $5 Premium Tequila Shots WEDNESDAY $3 Pints, $5 Martinis, 1/2 Price wine THURSDAY $2 Domestic Pints w/HK Mug, $4 Jack Daniels, Sailor Jerrys, Jim Beam, and Jager,$5 Bombs FRIDAY & SATURDAY $4 Shooters, $5 Hell’s Cocktails $6 House Wine, $7 Martinis $10 Party Pitchers SUNDAY Service Industry Night $2.50 Domestic Draft, $4 Bloody Mary’s $4 Crown, Jack Daniels and Jager $5 Bombs, 1/2 Price apps after 9pm DUELING PIANOS EVERY FRI & SAT NIGHT 1/2 Priced Select Apps M-F 4-7pm Check out all your favorite sports teams on 10 HDTVS and HD Big Screen Now showing: NFL Sunday Ticket

LIVE MUSIC Oceanfront Terrace 7-10pm

Friday, December 23

OVERTYME Friday, December 30

THE MOOD DUO Saturday, December 31

jOHn TOppings 1706 North Lumina Ave. (910) 256-2231 877-330-5050 • 910-256-2231

Nightly Food Specials starting at 5:00pm

$5 appetizers

EVERY WEEKDAY 5:00-7:00!

NIGHTLY SPECIALS MONDAY Pulled Pork Nachos $5 $2 Draft - $3 Well Drinks TUESDAY Eat Spot Burger $7 Bottle Beer $2 Domestic - $3 Imports & Micros WEDNESDAY Tacos $5 $4 Margaritas THURSDAY Ribeye Special $12 1/2 price bottle of wine FRIDAY Draft Day- $2- $3-$4-$5 SATURDAY Carolina Brews $3 SUNDAY Steak & Eggs $8 (all day) Bloody Mary – Mimosa $4

TheEatSpot.com 34 North Front Street (corner of Front and Princess)

910-763-5366

18 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

soundboard a preview of tunes all over town this week t the Don’t Floa m!

Mainstrea 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 RoB RonnER —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 STEvEn CoMPTon —The River Rat, 1 S. Front St.; 763-1680 KARAoKE wITH HELLz BELLE —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 JoSH SoLoMon & CARy BEnJAMIn —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056

FOR THE LUV OF PUNK ROCK: Close to celebrating their first anniversary as a band, the husband-andwife duo of The Luvrs churns out garage-punk with hard-hitting kick drum beats. They’ll play at Satellite on Friday,

DJ JAy —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677

December 23rd, joined by Megan Jean and the KFB. Courtesy photo

gARy ALLEn’S ACouSTIC oPEn MIC —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888

LIvE JAzz —Cameo 1900; 1900 Eastwood Rd.,910509-2026

KARAoKE wITH DJ BREwTAL —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-3433341 LITTLE DIRTy MEgA DAnCE PARTy (unDER 21) —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 oPEn MIC nIgHT wITH SEAn gERARD —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 RoBBIE BERRy —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393 DJBE EXTREME KARAoKE —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff;

256-3838

DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499

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

LIvE ACouSTIC —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133

DJ SwEAT —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677

JEREMy noRRIS —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464

TRIvIA wITH DJ —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607

BAD nEwS BEERS —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

DJBE EXTREME KARAoKE —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621

thurSDAY, DEcEmbEr 22 MIKE o’DonnELL —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832

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 JoSH SoLoMon, SouTHERn ECLECTIC —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

Overtyme —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 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.,910509-2026 susan savia —The Coastal Roaster, 5954 Carolina Beach Rd.; 399-4701

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 B-walK & wl2F —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866

Dance party with DJ p FunK anD cheDr seleKt —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

the whisKey christmas Jam —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

Open mic night —Drifters Bar & Grill, 108 Walnut St.; 762-1704

selah DuBB —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

KaraOKe with DJ @-hOle —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872

DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499

DJ richtermeister —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

KaraOKe —Gilligan’s; N.C. Hwy. 50, Surf City 910328-4090 DJ p FunK —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872

DJ Battle —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109

DJ Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

multimeDia Open mic —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

Dueling pianOs —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133

Saturday, dECEMBEr 24

DJ Dr. JOnes —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776

live music During Brunch (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)

—Saltworks II, 4001 Wrightsville Ave.; 392-1241

acOustic Jazz pianO with James Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091

DJ Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

Sunday, dECEMBEr 25

DJBe extreme KaraOKe —Lazy Pirate Sports Bar and Grill, 701 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 458-5414

rOB rOnner

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

cOllege night KaraOKe —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666

live music —Projekte, 523 South 3rd St., 352-0236

Monday, dECEMBEr 26 steven cOmptOn —Barbary Coast; 116 S. Front St., 762-8996 KaraOKe —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677

12.22 THURSDAY

trivia night plus

live acoustic 12.23 FRIDAY

selah dubb 12.24 SATURDAY

nfl football! closing at 8pm

12.25 SUNDAY

merry christmas! closed for the holiday

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

cape Fear Blues Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888

live acOustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

hOuse/technO DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301

the luvrs, megan Jean & KFB —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796

KaraOKe with miKe nOrris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204

cary BenJamin —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

artist sympOsium —Drifters Bar & Grill, 108 Walnut St.; 7621704

pOrt city triO —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.

tuESday, dECEMBEr 27

trivia with Dutch FrOm 94.5 the hawK —The Coastal Roaster, 5954 Carolina Beach Rd.; 399-4701

KaraOKe —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677

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

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

KaraOKe with ashley —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204

100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832

pengO with Beau gunn —Mellow Mushroom, 4311 Oleander Drive; 452-3773

Jazz with Benny hill —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395

friday, dECEMBEr 23

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS

DixielanD allstars —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212

WEdnESday, dECEMBEr 28 acOustic Jazz pianO with James

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 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 19

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS

Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091

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

Open Mic night —Genee’s, inside America’s Best Value Inn, 4903 Market St.; 799-1440 rOb rOnner —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 steven cOMptOn —The River Rat, 1 S. Front St.; 763-1680 KaraOKe with hellz belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 JOsh sOlOMOn & cary benJaMin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 gary allen’s acOustic Open Mic —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 KaraOKe with DJ brewtal —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 DJbe eXtreMe KaraOKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 b-walK & wl2F —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 rObbie berry —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393

Bar & Comedy Room

WedNeSdAY Nutt House Improv 9pm

ThurSdAY Open Mic Stand-up 9pm

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

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

December 30-31 JarroD harrIs (cOMEDY cEnTraL)

January 6-7 KYle Grooms (HBO, cHaPELLE SHOw)

www.nuttstreet.com (910) 520-5520

OPEN MIC NIGHT

EVERY MONDAY ARTIST SYMPOSIUM

EVERY FRIDAY driftersofwilmington.com

20 encore | december 21-27, 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

Open for the holidays!

CHRISTMAS EVE

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

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

NEW YEAR’S EVE 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

DJ Party Gras Entertainment

SATURDAY Lunch Menu: 12pm - 3pm

*complimentary champagne toast at midnight!*

SUNDAY Lunch Menu: 12pm-3pm KIDS EAT FREE with adult purchase of our Big Night Out for two ALL DAY!

NEW YEAR’S DAY 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

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

Thursday

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.

live Jazz —Cameo 1900; 1900 Eastwood Rd.,910509-2026 JereMy nOrris —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 live acOustic —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 rObbie berry —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393

All entertainment must be sent to music@encorepub.com by Wednesday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

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

D&D SLUGGERS

LOUNGE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

DOORS: 8:00 $3 ($5 UNDER 21) SATURDAY DECEMBER 31

DOORS: 9:00 $3 ($10 UNDER 21)

DOORS: 8:00 $TBA

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29

SUNDAY JANUARY 22

BOOMBOX/ELIOT LIPP/BITCH PLEASE

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30

THE MOVEMENT D&D SLUGGERS (DOWNSTAIRS) SATURDAY DECEMBER 31

THE LOVE LANGUAGE/GROSS GHOST/LAST YEAR’S MEN EIGHT FOOT STRIDE/SILVER JUDAS (DOWNSTAIRS)

FRIDAY JANUARY 6

based band Blue Dogs. With nine albums under their belt, they’ll take on the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte

HAVERCHUNKS/THESHOTDOWNS/ MKF HEYROCCO/VILLA VERDE

on Wednesday, December 28th. Photo by Jeanne Mitchum

(DOWNSTAIRS)

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE 511 E. 36th StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 358-9298 12/28: Blue Dogs, The Connells

HITCHA OFF HIP-HOP WEEKEND WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18

EILEN JEWELL/YARN (DOWNSTAIRS) FRIDAY JANUARY 20

HAIL! HORNET/ASG

SATURDAY JANUARY 21

TYCHO/BEACON

TUESDAY JANUARY 24

NICOLAY WITH THE HOT@NIGHTS FRIDAY JANUARY 27

THE ANNUALS/LONNIE WALKER SATURDAY JANUARY 28

HE IS LEGEND/COLOSSUS/MORTAL MAN FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3

ONWARD SOLDIERS CD RELEASE/ HMNMTF SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11

DANGERMUFFIN

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12

FRIDAY JANUARY 13

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 South tryon StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 377-6874 12/22: Dangerous Daze, Whiskey Hell Child, Case Federal and the Agents, The Stems, Blue Remission 12/23: Damsel Down, Jonas Sees in Color, Falling Thru April, Anything Once

DOORS: 9:00 $8/ADVANCE $10 DAY OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

YARN

DIRTY MEGA

DOG DAYS OF WINTER: Self-dubbed ‘Americana-tinged contemporary rock’ seeps from the Charleston-

EILEN JEWELL

LOUNGE

LOUNGE

EIGHT FOOT STRIDE/ SILVER JUDAS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

PASSAFIRE/TOMORROW’S BAD SEEDS/PACIFIC DUB SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18

MISHKA/THE CONSTELLATIONS WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26

MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER SATURDAY MARCH 3

TRIBAL SEEDS

THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BiltmorE avEnuE, aShEvillE, nC (828) 225-5851 12/28: Halestorm, Contagious, Broken Mercy LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CaBarruS StrEEt, ralEigh, nC (919) 821-4111 12/28: Keller Williams, Kduablicious HOUSE OF BLUES 4640 hwy. 17 South, n. myrtlE BEaCh, SC (843) 272-3000 12/28: Edwin McCain, Erick Baker, Leigh Nash

WWW.THESOAPBOXLIVE.COM encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 21

rub&guzzle| grub&guzzle|

22-27 22-25DINING DINING GUIDE GUIDE 30-32 ENCORE RESTAURANT WEEK

what’s for dinner?

Find it in the premier dining guide for the Port City

UFFET CASEY’S B er Dr., Wilmington, d 5559 Olean 13 9 (910) 798-2

Miss your mama’s cooking? Wilmington’s favorite spot for home cookin’ serves up pig’s feet and fried chicken among other Southern favorites.

AmEriCAn AMERICAN BLUEWATER BRIXX WOOD FIRED PIZZA

Enjoy spectacular panoramic sailing Fired ships and thein IntraA shortdrive from the beach, views BrixxofWood Pizza coastalTown Waterway whileis dining this popular casual American Mayfaire Center a fun,at friendly neighborhood restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served restaurant.

Servinginclude the best pizzassucculent around,seadaily. Favorites jumbobrick-oven lump crab cakes, Brixxfood alsolasagna, offerscrispy a fine selection of signature focaccia coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean sandwiches, fresh and desserts.

Stop in and fudge pie.pastas, Dine inside or atsalads their award-winning outdoor patio which is the for their lively Waterfront Music Series for a bar, quick lunch, orlocation kick back on the patio with one of 24 Sun. the summer months.6801 LargeMain parties welcome. beersevery on tap orduring 14 wines by the glass.

Street, Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Wilmington, NC 28405. (910) 256-9677.

Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256.8500.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri Mon.-Sat. am–1-am ; Sun. am 11am – 11pm .

1111am 11pm; Sat 11 & Sun – 11pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining and apps ■ FEATURING: 2-for-1 pizzas ■ MUSIC: Music every Sun. in Summer after 10pm ■ WEBSITE: bluewaterdining.com ■ WEBSITE: www.brixxpizza.com

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. WilmBLUEWATER

Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee Chef Enjoyington’s spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has and to theoffer.

Intracoastal Waterway dining at Seafood. this We feature Wild Caught & while Sustainably raised popular casual American in provide Wrightsville Organic and locally sourced restaurant produce & herbs the perfect compliment ourdinner fresh Catch.

Consecutively WilmingBeach.

Lunch toand are served daily. Voted Favorites ton’sjumbo Best Chef 2008, 09 cakes, & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood include lump crab succulent seafood Cuisine” we offer an arrayshrimp Fresh Seafood Steaks, including lasagna, crispy coconut and an& incredible Ca- our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth ribbean fudge pie.

Dine Shrimp, inside Crispy or at Cajun their Fried award-winwatering “Fire Cracker” NC Oysters ning &outdoor and bar, whichCeviche is the&location for to Blue Crabpatio Claw Scampi, Seafood Conch Fritters their name livelyaWaterfront Musicinclude Series everygrilled Sun.Painted duringHills few. Larger Plates Plancha Steaks, Blackend RedLarge Drum Filet, Charleston Crab Cakes, the summer months. parties welcome.

PrivateTemOBX available.

Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Queen eventpura space BluewaterDining.com.

4 MaTrigger fish. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our rina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256.8500.

Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand Crafted seasonal ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 22 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com Mon-Fri 10am-11pm; Sat & Sun 10am - 11pm.

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

tination. Evening restaurant rental is available, as well GEORGE ON THE RIVERWALK asTHE a Personal Chef service.

Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is Serving the Best NC Seafood Street, Wilmington, 28405. in South Eastern North Drop your anchor at The George on the109, RiverWalk, deslocated at 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit on theyour corner ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri Carolina.

Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James tination for complete sense indulgence. Watch the historic of Cape Racine andunfold Eastwood Rd.while (910) Fol11am-2pm and Mon. Sat. 5pm-9pm.

FearDr. River before you you792-6720. enjoy the best in Beard Award Nominee Chef Keith Rhodes exlow us on Twitter @CosmicKitchen.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington Southern Coastal Cuisine.

The menu combines elegance, creplores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ ativity SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: pm and diverse selection of steak, pasta, salad8am and-4fresh offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised seafood, including the best 9Shrimp n’. Closed Grits in town.

Warm Tues-Sat.; Sun. Brunch am -2 pm Mon. BUFFALO WILD WINGS Seafood.

Organic and locally sourced produce & in the sun on the expansive outdoor deck sipping an exotic, If you’re looking for good food and an atmosphere that’s fun for ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh colorful martini, or unwind at the spacious bar inside boasting the whole family, Buffalo Wild Wings is the place! Award winning ■ FEATURING: Take out, call (910) 792-6720 extensive wine and martini lists along with weekday appetizer Catch.

Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best wings and 20 signature sauces and seasonings. Plus…salads, ■ WEBSITE: www.CosmicKitchenOnline.com.

Chef 2008, 09 &burgers, 2010.andDubbed “Modern Sea-TVs specials from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Don’t forget to try downtown’s wraps, flatbreads, more. Tons of Big screen best kept secret for Sunday Brunch from 11am-3pm. You are and all your favorite daily drink specials, a HUGE food Cuisine” wesports. offer We an have array Fresh Seafood & C.G. DAWGS welcome to dock your boat at the only dock’n’dine restaurant draft selection, and Free all day every day. Come in for our Steaks, including our Trivia Signature NC Sweet Potato grab a trolley, or enjoy free, frontwith doorSouthparking Fordowntown, great traditional New York our style eats Weekday Lunch Specials, only $5.99 from 11am-2pm.

Visit us Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire ern(ask for pass!)

Why satisfy when you canDawgs. indulge?You Find will the charm look no further than C.G. for Wing Tuesdays with 50 cent wings all day long, or Boneless George on the Riverwalk at 128 South Water Street, 910Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters Thursdays with 60 cent boneless wings all day long. Buffalo Wild be drawn in by the aroma of fine beef franks served 763-2052. & Wings Blue isCrab Seafood a greatClaw place toScampi, dine in or take out. Ceviche & with witty banter good natured delivery ■ SERVING LUNCHand & DINNER: Tues. – Sat. 11am –from 9 pm. the Conch Fritters to name a few.

Larger Plates include ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon-Sat 11amcleanest hot dog in Wilmington.

Enjoy Sunday Lunchcarts and Brunch 11am – 3pm.Sabrett famous 2am andgrilled Sun 11am-2am Plancha Painted Hills Steaks, Blackend Red hot■ dogs NEIGHBORHOOD: and ItalianDowntown sausages are the primary fare of■ NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 locations-Midtown and Drum Filet, Charleston Crab Cakes,(910-798-9464) Tempura OBX ■ FEATURING: SundayofBrunch / Wilmington’s fered, with a myriad condiments for allonly of dock’n’dine your midMonkey Junction (910-392-7224) restaurant.

Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Queen day or late night cravings.

■ MUSIC: Live music every Friday and Saturday in the Summer WEBSITE: www.thegeorgerestaurant.com Trigger fish.: Custom Entree request gladly accom- ■ ■SERVING ■ WEBSITE www.buffalowildwings.com LUNCH & DINNER: 11am - 5pm. modated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & AlHALLIGAN’S Sat. at the farmers market. Thurs.- Sat. nights on C.G. DAWGS lergies) Hand Crafted from Alan Gaelic word for “Welcome,” and at Halligan’s For great traditional Newseasonal York style desserts eats with Southern charm “Failte,” Market isSt.thebetween Front and 2nd St. from 10pm Public House it’s our “Motto.” Step into Halligan’s and enter DeLovely.

Full than ABCC.G. Permits.

Market Street, look no further Dawgs.6623 You will be drawn in by the -a world 3:00am .

Fibbers on Sun. delicious nights until 3am. the heart of Irish hospitality where food warms aroma of fineNC beef28405. franks served with witty banter and good naWilmington, ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown and generous drink lift the spirit.

Be sure to try Halligan’s house delivery from the cleanest hot dog carts Mon-Fri in Wilmington. Sa■ tured SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: FEATURING: Lunch timeone delivery downtown “The Reuben,” number with critics and of course brett famous hot dogs and Italian sausages are the primary fare ■ specialty, 11am-2pm and Mon. Sat. 5pm-9pm. offered, with a myriad of condiments for all of your mid-day or our customers. One bite and you’ll understand why. Of course, ■ late NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington THE GEORGE ON THE RIVERWALK we also serve a full selection of other delicious entrees includnight cravings. ing seafood, steak and pasta,George as well as wideRiverWalk, assortment ■ ■FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine5pm.

ListSat. at the farm- Drop your anchor at The on athe SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11am– of burgers, sandwiches(Halligan’s Cheese Steak), and salads. ers market. Thurs.- Sat. nights on Market St. between Front and your destination for complete sense indulgence.

And if you are looking for a friendly watering hole where you 2nd St. from 10pm – 3:00am.Fibbers on Sun. nights Until 3am.

CHRIS’ COSMIC KITCHEN Watch the historic Cape Fear River unfold before you can raise a glass or two with friends, new and old, Halligan’s ■ NEIGHBORHOOD Downtown Serving breakfast all day as well as lunch and hand- while you enjoy the best in Southern Coastal Cuisine.

Public House boasts a comfortable bar where fun-loving bar■ FEATURING: Lunch time delivery downtown made cheesecake, Chef and Owner Chris Lub- The menu combines elegance, creativity and diverse ben loves to make many of his menu items from selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh seafood, inscratch. Whether you’re in the mood for a fluffy 3- cluding the best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. Warm in the egg Omelet, Shrimp & Grits, Prime Rib Sandwich sun on the expansive outdoor deck sipping an exotic, or Andes Mint Cheesecake, Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen colorful martini, or unwind at the spacious bar inside

CATCH desserts from Alan DeLovely. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market

tenders 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 Wilming-

ton. 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 grown-up 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,

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New Patients Only 1925 Tradd Court • (910) 762-5566 Expires 1/31/11

8207 Market St., Ste F. Mon. Wed., 10am-8:30pm; 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 Kielbasi. 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) 2561421; 4502 Fountain Dr., 452-3952. 11am-7pm MonSun; 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; 7633035): 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 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

1423 S. Third Street Downtown Wilmington Beside Greenfield Lake

910-763-1607

Nollaig Shona Dhuit! appy Christmas!)

(H

Ring in the holiday cheer Irish style!

Celebrate your holiday parties in an intimate and fun setting.

Open Christmas Day!

Traditional European Dining Reservations: 910-763-1607 Great food, great friends, great time. encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 23

drink specials to complement it. From 4-7pm enjoy halfpriced 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. 4pm10pm; Fri. and Sat. 4pm-10:30pm and Sun. 11am10pm.

■ 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 afterdinner 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

ite. 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.

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

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

ELIZABETH’S PIZZA

LOVEY’S MARKET

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.

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. 910-3927529, 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 ■ FEATURING: Ponatone, Pandora, Torrone and gift 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

LATIN AMERICAN

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 favor-

24 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.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 highestquality 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.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT:

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!

ORGANIC 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., 9am-7pm; 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 ■ 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.brunch.

■ WEBSITE: www.blockade-runner.com

HIERONYMUS

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

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.

Family-style to go menu available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

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

■ WEBSITE: OceanicRestaurant.com

SMALL PLATES The Fortunate Glass

The Fortunate Glass Wine Bar is the perfect place

to explore the beauty of wine while tasting a variety of tapas in an intimate environment. The wine menu focuses on wines from all regions, with 50 wines by the glass and approximately 350 wines available by the bottle, including some of the best boutique and cult wines, to everyday values that work with any budget. There are over 30 beers available featuring some of the best craft selections. The serene ambiance of The Fortunate Glass, created by the beautiful wall murals, the elegant copper and glass tile bar, castle-rocked walls and intimate booths enhances the experience of any selection you choose. The Fortunate Glass Wine Bar also presents a small menu of creative tapas, global cheeses, cured meats and decadent desserts to accompany and compliment any wine selection.

■ SERVING EVENINGS: Tues.-Thurs. 4pm-12am Fri. 4pm-2am; Sat. 2pm-2am; Sun. 2pm-12am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Free Wine Tasting: Tues. 6-8pm. Sparkling wine specials and half-price select bottles: Wed. & Thurs. Monthly food & wine pairing events.

■ WEBSITE www.fortunateglasswinebar.com

SOUTHERN 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 projec-

tor 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 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 25

//GRUB

simple essence: K’s Cafe relies on community values and traditional cooking

T

er

by Bethany Turn K’ s Cafe ad 420 Eastwood Ro (910) 791-6995 , m. - 3 p.m.; Sat. Mon. - Fri., 6 a. p.m.

Sun., 7 a.m. - 2 6 a.m. - noon; www.ks-cafe.com

he waiTsTaff offers a souThern

drawl and a warm smile. It’s probably the reason why K’s Cafe attracts so many regular customers—ones even willing to lend a hand when the owner needs it. Though Karen Hutcherson hails from New Jersey, her restaurant opens its doors like a true North Carolina country home, welcoming all who are searching for a freshly made meal and a cold glass of Coca-Cola. Her customers return the favor, too.

K’s Cafe spent its first eight years in a small building across from Bruce Cavenaugh’s Automart on Market Street. When it first opened, Hutcherson and her two daughters had just moved to Wilmington.

She wasn’t sure what job she would take on in this new city, until she discovered the diner’s first location.

Quickly, the working class, like electricians and painters, became daily customers.

They believed K’s was the place to go for a good, inexpensive breakfast or lunch. Still, the location was not optimal. It was nearly too concealed for the restaurant to survive.

“Lynn is the only one who has been with me a long time,” Hutcherson explains of her main waitress. “Because there were times on Market Street when we were no more than eight weeks from closing [altogether] because it was slow. So, she and I sat down, and I said, ‘Look, we can do it either one of two ways. We can close, or you and I can do it ourselves.’ And, we literally did it ourselves. I cooked and she waitressed every day. We didn’t have a choice—we had to make a living, and we didn’t want to lose the restaurant because so many people counted on us. Times were difficult for everybody.”

For three years, the two women kept K’s Cafe afloat. Knowing the restaurant was all she had to provide for her girls, she also believed folks needed the eatery, too. Al-

lowing those who’d lost their jobs to run a tab, Hutcherson extended trust and love to her customers. “We really felt like we had to keep it going,” she says. “We just buckled down, tightened our belts as tight as we could, and went for it.”

At the end of last summer, Hutcherson’s youngest daughter noticed Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen was closing its doors on Eastwood Road, near the intersection at Racine Drive.

She called her mom and asked if she’d ever considered moving. Hutcherson laughs at the memory: “No, never!” she spat. Though, after looking into the deal, she decided to give it a try.

“It was an opportunity to get better exposure,” she asserts. “And this [move] has been a blessing. It’s amazing to me the amount of people that never knew where I was.”

With the owner’s approval, everyone set out to make the move work. “It was a community effort,” Hutcherson says. “From customers lending me warehouse space, to people coming up with trailers and moving everything for me, to other customers sending people over to power wash stuff. Everybody did it together. We were so small [at Market Street], and we had such a close-knit group of regulars who would be there everyday. When this opportunity came up, they were like, ‘We’ll help.’ It was unbelievable, overwhelming. People were really behind me.”

new and used digital and film cameras • 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.

26 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

Call about

repairs.

DOWNHOME JERSEY: Though the owner of K’s Cafe hails from New Jersey, her dishes and values reflect Southern warmth and comfort foods. Courtesy photo.

Cooking during the day in the diner’s old spot and remodeling the new one at night, Hutcherson had only three weeks to get all the work done. The new location is completely redesigned from Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen, down to the kitchen and bathrooms. The front of house shies away from what was once deeply hued decor to calming neutrals—beige tiles, light gray walls and a cream chair rail. Upon metal diner-style tables sit simple sugar-filled ceramic pots.

The brand new dining counter features long strips of blue, beige and brown tiles.

“We tried to make an atmosphere people would feel comfortable in,” she says. “When we were thinking about what we wanted to do in this space, we knew we wanted it to look like the other place: very homey. So, we brought the door which my daughter painted in high school.”

The salvaged door—knob, hardware and all—suspends from the extremely high ceiling just above the open window into the kitchen, through which guests can get a sneak peek of their Reuben sandwich before it reaches their table. Her daughter’s handpainted scene combines lush green grass, spring flowers and a simple farm fence.

Seemingly, its pure, domestic style embodies the essence of K’s Cafe.

“We serve home cooking—stuff that I grew up with,” she says, “[stuff] that my mom cooked and I made my kids. I really try to keep prices as low as possible so people can go out and eat, because everybody’s in a

rush—hardly anybody cooks anymore. Here, they can get a good meal and not kill their wallet. It’s not all about profit for me.”

Just recently, K’s started opening for dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays at 5 p.m. Hutcherson recommends her Thursday pot roast first and foremost. She also offers rotating specials, from chicken carbonara and prime rib, to her homemade countrystyle side dishes, like macaroni and cheese, fried okra or squash.

For lunch, Hutcherson’s burgers can beat out drive-thru versions. And, of course, breakfast begins promptly at 6 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and at 7 a.m. on Sundays. Early birds may be able to snag a sample of Hutcherson’s freshly made cinnamon rolls or cookies.

“I like to bake, that’s my passion,” she says. “Whenever I have time, I bake, and [my regulars] know. It’ll be gone in an hour.

They’ll eat it for breakfast!”

After only 10 weeks in the new location, K’s is gaining new customers each day. The philosophy of kindness, hard work, charity and dedication keeps the restaurant going.

“When I first opened [here], all my regular customers came in full force and supported me,” Hutcherson shares. “I don’t really think of it so much as a restaurant as I do a community.

There’s a lot of working people, and they’ll help each other find jobs. It’s a real network. The waitresses are hard-working, single women, out there trying to make a living. The young guys in the back are willing to just do anything.

It’s not just a restaurant; even though we’re really proud of our food, it extends more than that. I cook breakfast every morning; I get up at 3:35 a.m. to come in. I love cooking breakfast for everybody, and I’m just happy to be here.”

NOW ON SALE at WilmingtonTickets.com

You may also purchase tickets at participating Box Offices of each event. For more information on how you can sell your event tickets on WilmingtonTickets.com, call Lori Harris at 343.2037 or email Lori.Harris@StarNewsOnline.com.

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

BUY YOUR TICKETS AT WILMINGTONTICKETS.COM OR CENTER BOX OFFICE AT THALIAN HALL

2012 CAPE FEAR THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 • 8:00 PM Live at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Over 20 art, vintage and antique merchants offering one-of-a-kind finds

FREE PARKING

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.”

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.

123 GRACE STREET | 910.763.5582 OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 12:00 NOON - UNTIL

Arts & Antique District

PSYCHO

Presents:

BEACH PARTY

NC Sorosis & NC Junior Sorosis Presents

By Charles Busch

SHOW & SALE

January 19-22 & 26-29 at 8pm January 23 & 30 at 5pm

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

ANTIQUE January 27-29, 2012

Coastline Conference Center • Tickets $7

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

JARED HARRIS

Friday December 30th Saturday December 31st 8pm Show | Doors 7pm Admission: $12/$15 255 North Front Street

Wilmington, NC 28401 • 910-251-7881

Bellamy Mansion

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

tmas and Merr y Chris Year to all! a Happy New chants er —from the m et re of Castle St ique Art and Ant District

Wildlife Expo March 16-18

Featuring Techmo’ja, a Dance & Theater Company

Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center $9.99 Individuals

www.mlkcelebration-senc.com

Rocky Horror Picture Show

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

MLK Celebration Reception

Friday, January 13 • 6:30pm Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center

$15 Individuals • ww.mlkcelebration-senc.com

encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 27

28 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

Holiday Schedule EaglEs Island CruIsE 50 minute narrated cruise $10/$5 kids 1 & 2 p.m. Dec. 21,22,23,28,29,30 BEst of Both Worlds 2 1/2 hr eco/history and sunset cruise, $25 Plus a view of the worlds largest living Christmas tree and holiday lights downtown 4 p.m.

Dec. 21,23,28,30 rIvEr CluB Featuring a different local musician on the boat Bar Opens at 5:30, music starts at 6:30 Appetizers are available to be ordered from a special menu provided by Elijah’s Restaurant December 22nd featuring ZaCh hannEr December. 29th featuring lyndsEy BEnnEtt nEW yEars day CruIsE 3-5 p.m. $25

e A Relaxing RecipJUST ADD WATER! MORE INF O 9 1 0 - 338-3134

Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 s. Water street

For a complete list of scheduled Tours, Excursions, and Fees, visit

wilmingtonwatertours.com handicap wilmingtonwatertours.com accEssiblE

For a complete list of scheduled Tours, Excursions, and Fees, visit handicap accEssiblE

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 29

extraextra!|

30 HOLIDAY TRADITONS 32 LAST MINUTE STOCKING STUFFERS 34 CROSSWORD 36-47 CALENDAR, TOONS, ETC.

ye ol’ traditions: Readers share their holiday faves Jeff Cook of Julia’s Florist remembers decorating the tree during childhood by stringing popcorn and cranberries across its branches. Stock photo

W

e often get lost in the chaos

of the holiday, forgetting that merriment and good tidings are most important to its core. Today’s holiday has us busy scrambling for a perfectly decorated, clean house, shopping for one-too-many gifts and planning the most elaborate holiday parties. Somehow, however, among its break-neck pace, traditions sneak their way in to make us smile and realize that, while this marathon of cheer can only be endured once a year, it’s worth it for the small, pleasurable memories which last forever. Or maybe it’s just worth the “spirited” indulgences we seek in that extra sip of eggnog—enough ammo to really let our feelings shine.

We asked encore readers to share with us their favorite holiday traditions—good and, well, a few naughty, too.

I always wrap my presents while watching “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Helps keep the joy and the craziness of the holiday in perspective.

Nick Smith, Wilmington, NC My husband and I make our own wacky holiday postcard every year. It’s fun to sit down and handwrite a personal msg to the people we love, far & near—and to think of them smiling when they receive it. Even better to see it on their ‘fridges later.

Shawna Kenney, Washington, DC Watching “It’s A Wonderful Life.” After 40some years, I still get teary-eyed at the end. And watching “A Christmas Story”—still laughing af-

30 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

ter all these years.

Susan Savia, Wilmington, NC “Feats of Strength” and “Airing of Grievances!”

Jay Muxworthy, Wilmington, NC My family opens gifts at midnight on Christmas, after our Christmas Eve drinking marathon. This is so the four of us—Mom, Dad and my brother, and not a single one being a morning person—can sleep in before our chipper relatives arrive for breakfast in the morning. And, of course, something this backwards happens in none other than New Jersey.

Carly Yansak, Austin, Texas My son, Zach, and I go to McAdenville every year to see the lights.

Stephanie Setzer, Charlotte, NC [editor’s note: McAdenville—pronounced McAND-ville—is located outside of Charlotte and has been coined Christmastown USA for 56 years, as every house in the small village is required to decorate during the holiday season. Cars line up and down I-85 and along other roads to drive through and see its fantastical display of lights, and enjoy the sounds of carolers and the merriment of the season.]

I often like to dress as Santa Claus and walk through the mall. Then I pretend to have a heart attack. A friend runs out and yells, “Santa’s dying kids—only your Christmas cheer will bring him back.

Let’s sing a song!” Then the kids belt a rousing chorus of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and when they’re done, the friend yells, “That was terrible! Your awful singing killed Santa Claus.” Then I photograph the crying children and use the picture for next year’s

Christmas card.

Anghus Houvouras (encore’s token Grinch and film critic), Wilmington, NC We put up and decorate the tree on Christmas Eve and leave it up for the 12 days of Christmas.

Everyone thinks we’re weird; I think it’s weird to see tinseled trees on the curb on Christmas afternoon.

An older tradition, which we have dropped— though, I still remember clearly as a kid—is stringing popcorn and cranberries to decorate the trees.

Jeff Cook, Wilmington, NC On Christmas Eve, we make a group gingerbread house while creating “adult beverages”— everyone trying to out-do the other. As the evening progresses, the gingerbread house gets more interesting, the singing gets louder and the drinks get messier. Santa is always welcomed!

Chris Cheek Higgins, Wilmington, NC Annually, I stress about the gifts I’m gonna buy.

Then, I realize I am broke. So, I resort to making gifts—which have turned out far more thoughtful than anything I could have purchased: books, homemade collages and, of course, lots of yummy food stuffs!

Irene Porter, Bend, OR My mom makes tins and tins of chocolate-peanut butter balls annually. Hands are in them constantly, and though I can make ‘em on my own, they’re always better when she does it.

Shea Carver, encore editor

Explore

with the

March 15–22, 2012

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Per Person Rates: Double Occupancy $3,249 Single $3,999

London and Paris

Tropical Costa Rica Stop dreaming about the places you’d like to visit!

The Wilmington Chamber, in conjunction with AAA Carolinas/Member Choice Vacations, has developed an international travel program.

Visit wilmingtonchamber.org for trip itineraries and details.

February 11–19, 2012 Per Person Rates: Double Occupancy $2,799 ; Single $3,249

Other 2012 Trips Include: May 12-20 Glimpse of Ireland: $2850* June 18-28 Imperial Cities (Prague, Vienna & Budapest): $4049 July 9-16 Pacific Northwest and California: $2599 Aug 25-Sep 1 Canadian Rockies/Glacier National Park: $3329 Sep 26-Oct 5 Discover Switzerland, Austria, & Bavaria: $3399 Oct 25-Nov 3 Athens and Greek Isles: $3679 Nov 7-16 Discover Tuscany: $3199 Dec 9-16 Alpine Christmas (Innsbruck, Salzburg, & Munich): $2849

The French Riviera April 18-25, 2012 Per Person Rates: Double Occupancy $3,099; Single $3,539

Reserve Your Escape!

Heather Albritton, AAA Carolinas: 800-888-3262 ext.10729 Airfare and some meals included. *Airfare for Ireland trip subject to change; confirmation upon registration.

Give a Cruisers gift card... $3 O

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$25

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OFF inum Hea Crui Car dlig s er’s Was Full (Car ht Res h Deta tora deal tion il er a S vera ge c pecial $ Exp harg 4 ires 1-31 e $9 5.

-12 9)

“Any Time” Car Wash Long Beach Road Southport

! t f i g t c e f r e always the p

Cruisers Car Wash and Detail 3835 Oleander Drive 799-6511

Cruisers Car Wash and Detail 325 South College Road 799-0070 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 31

gifts on the fly:

//EXTRA

Last minute stocking stuffers

I

t´s the week before chrIstmas.

Many may be in the throes of panic at the realization they are behind on their holiday shopping. So goes the annual tradition of lasminute shopping.

Just in the nick of time, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help fill those empty stockings dangling over the fireplace. Oh, and they can all be purchased from LOCAL stores and designers. How chic is that?

er

by Bethany Turn

DO THE FIZZ: Craft root beer and other glass-bottled sodas. 240 varieties. Single bottle: $2.45. Mix and match six-pack: $12.94. Fizzy’s Soda Pop & Candy Shop is located at 250 Racine Drive, Unit 4. a gIFT FrOm ruBy Get a tiny wallet from those haute gals over at Ruby Assata who make handmade leather goods with all-American products. This Asheville brown leather in Gigi fabric is only $24 on their Etsy site, www.etsy.com/shop/ rubyassata. Products are also sold at Edge of Urge, downtown Wilmington, 18 Market Street.

BOTTlE OpEnEr: Coastal iron bottle openers, $9.

The Shop of Seagate, 5809 Oleander Drive.

spaT ‘Em: Olive leather with hand-cut fringe boot spats transform shoes into a new look in an instant!

Found at He and Me Apparel at Tickled Pink, 1904 Eastwood Road Suites; $19.99.

32 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

aDOrn THy swEaTEr: Fanciful sweater clips

by SweaterLove, based in Wilmington, $19.99. From The Scarlet Begonia in Blue Moon Gift Shops, 203 Racine Drive.

magnETIC arT: Local artist Candy Pegram’s work can be enjoyed on the ‘fridge or on any metalsticking surface for only $4.99! Pegram’s magnets are currently sold at Planet at 108 N. Front St., downtown Wilmington.

obs repur. From The 203 Racine

FREE BOTOX EVENT Special yearly program!

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3rd TREATMENT FREE!

Call Dr. Georgiev for more information at

910-342-9969 SPECIALS on RESTYLANE and OBAGI Boyan Georgiev, MD 1908 Meeting Court Wilmington, NC 28401

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Wing Week day from 5 s -7

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YEAR END SPECIALS 2 Market Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 763-7227

$3.00 Stella $2.00 Yeungling $3.00 Burgers 1/2 Price Apps 5-7pm Weekdays until December 30th

www.riverboatlanding.com

100 S Front St Downtown Wilmington (910) 251-1832

New Year’s Eve VIP Before Party Saturday, Dec. 31st 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres Complimentary champagne Reserve your spot on the guest list for this VIP event by calling Reel Cafe at (910) 251-1832 or by stopping by the restaurant! $ 60/person | $100/couple Stick around for the countdown to midnight!

LIVE MUSIC starts at 8 p.m.

Mike O’ Donnell (patio) DJ Sir Charles (2nd floor) DJ Rob Starr (rooftop) encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 33

no sideline author:

//EXTRA

Bob Dixon releases graphic novel

A

s my husbAnd And i pAck to

spend Christmas with family and friends in Boston, our phone rings incessantly and delays progress. Unsurprisingly behind the other end is my mom, flustered and bewildered about what to get my cousins for the holidays. They are of the age between that which is lame and that which is cool seems to blur and fade. And it throws off my mom’s yule tide cheer horribly. “I don’t know what to do,” she fusses. “They’re so hard to buy for! What the hell do I get teenagers these days?”

In the background the noise of the mall and holiday music grows louder and louder. And, as if it were any surprise, I offer my opinion to the perfect gift not found in just any old chain.

A perfect last-minute gift, which seems to creep up on everyone, new author and seasoned comic-book buff, with multiple comic books under his writing belt, author Bob Dixon offers “Mouch and Company” for that hard-toplease teen. However, more than just a youngadult read—and one that could very easily be enjoyed by any man with a kid nestled firmly in his heart—“Mouch and Company” serves up a rather unique storyline, blending humor and adventure throughout every turn of the page.

ielse

by Tiffanie Gabr pany” m “Mouch and Co

by Bob Dixon .weebly.com authorbobdixon It’s simply ready to be stuffed inside a firesidehung stocking.

Focusing on Mouch, a teenager with schizophrenia and psychic abilities that make all of his friends (sock puppets and shadows) real, the odds are against him thriving in life, as he’s locked up in Talsom Mental Asylum. And did I mention Mouch also suffers from amnesia?

His earliest memory is of being found alone in a mall, wearing nothing but a pair of polka-dotted boxer shorts, a pair of fluffy white bunny slippers and a hat made from a newspaper—and covered in a generous amount of blood. When an elderly gentleman visits him and reveals that Mouch is not crazy, rather gifted, Mouch does what any balanced person would do: He runs out the door like a bat out of hell. It’s here, outside of Talsom Mental Asylum, where his journey begins as he finds himself pushed into a battle against a sinister

Author Bob Dixon. Courtesy photo.

movement of dark psychics who threaten to abolish the entire psychic communal.

Originally featured in Dixon’s “Jester’s Dead” comic book, “Mouch and Company” began as a humanoid character whose head was striped, vaguely shaped like a top hat, and sported a long cat-like striped tail. He was, as Dixon calls him, “a pacifist assassin,” which meant that his shadow twin, Mav, completed all of his missions. Flash forward a few years, and Dixon decided to turn his 20-page comic into a full-fledged novel. Drawing on inspiration from his favorite writers, Stan Lee and Jim Starlin included, today Dixon has shaped and molded the “Mouch and Company” series into three books. Shape shifted into a human teenager, Mouch and many of the other characters featured between the pages (particularly the character Teqi) have undergone even more dramatic transformations to please any reader looking for that hybrid of the comic world and the literary.

“I had been toying with various story lines and had been fleshing out the characters in my mind for a while,” Dixon says. “I just knew I wanted to do something more with this group.

Since I had never read anything similar to what I was envisioning in my head, I wanted to try my hand at storytelling on a grander scale, i.e., a novel. When I was kid, my grandfather used to tell the most amazing bedtime stories. Listening to those always fired my creativeness; my mind journeyed into worlds that simply didn’t exist outside of my imagination.”

Currently, with three other books under contract, as well as an urban drama script (which Dixon is working on with an independent filmmaker already in talks of producing the movie on Dish Network) to say the writer is a rising star is an understatement. It’s hard to believe that during the process of creating Mouch’s world, Dixon struggled at all. Not too proud to admit it, he believes with anything he does, it takes dedication and research.

“My biggest struggle revolved around the fact that it was my first attempt at this format,” Dixon reveals. “I realized that there were things I just didn’t know, so I set out to do some research. With a comic, I know that I’m writing a story that must be fleshed out and wrapped up in the space of 22 pages. I have illustrations that work together with the writing to tell a complete story. It’s entirely different when it comes to novels. I had to adjust my writing style, making sure my words alone helped the reader to visualize exactly what was going on in the story. They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words; you’d better believe it!”

Above all, Dixon says his book sends out a deeper message that anyone, not just teenagers, can relate to and hang on to far pass the craze of the holiday season: to remain steadfast and pursue your passions. It’s this ideal that Dixon hopes to drive home most for all his future readers.

“I have never been satisfied sitting on the sidelines and watching life pass me by. Life is not a spectator sport; I believe if you truly want something, you have to go out and make it happen.”

To follow Dixon, visit www.authorbobdixon. weebly.com.

HOLIDAY SALE!

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34 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

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o! r the ladies to NEW VANS - fo

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10% OFF UNCW Students (with valid ID) Excludes surfboards

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2011 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

12/25/11

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

SEASONAL LINES: From five familiar tunes

by S.N. ACROSS 1 Exams for some college srs.

6 Is overproud 12 Stop insisting 19 Actress Zellweger 20 Choice word 21 Embarrassing error 22 Line from “The Christmas Waltz” 25 Spanish article 26 Drain-cleaner ingredient 27 Diamond official 28 Razorbill birds 29 Insignificant detail 30 Group of wolves or lies 32 Li’l Abner cartoonist 35 Old Norse letter 36 Transgressions 37 Standard of excellence 39 Summer Games org.

40 Designer Cassini 42 Flora + fauna 43 Line from “Jingle Bells” 48 Opposite of paleo49 Where the buoys are 50 Spots for cookouts 51 CD ancestors 54 AMA members 56 Name that means “sorceress” 58 Leave port 63 George __ (Revolutionary War-era king) 64 Selects, so to speak 66 __ day (frequent vitamin dose) 68 Prefix for present 69 Line from “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” 76 Reverberate 77 Loose soil

78 Latch (onto) 79 Meditative sect 80 Nation surrounded by South Africa 84 Rodeo accessory 87 Most Wanted List compiler 88 Mag execs, for short 89 Limits risk 91 Mean, to a statistician: Abbr.

93 Part of TGIF 95 Line from “Let It Snow! . . .”

104 Varnish source 105 Pays for 106 Main color of a Santa suit 107 Not exactly, conversationally 108 S&L customer 109 Brief upturn 111 Shooting star 114 The Tree of Life star 115 RR stop 116 Ruminate 117 Haddock cousin 118 Cut (off) 120 Deep black 121 Line from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” 127 Straight up 128 “Forget it” 129 Climb up 130 Got angry 131 Balance-sheet details 132 Showed disapproval DOWN 1 Alhambra’s locale 2 Threatens 3 In addition 4 Relate 5 Informal farewell 6 Command to a canine

7 Salad dressing ingredient 8 Devoured 9 Hotel freebie 10 Fill-in worker 11 __ Lanka 12 Pellet shooter 13 Similarly 14 One side of an issue 15 Bout enders 16 Point of view 17 Was a tributary of 18 Furniture maker’s tool 22 Matchmaker of 116 Down 23 Commissioner of baseball 24 Zilch 31 Actress Madeline 33 Bivouac beds 34 Sore spots 35 Entertained lavishly 36 Family member 38 Deceived 41 Ida of ’40s/’50s films 42 Outdo 44 US/Canada defense group 45 Sunbeam 46 “__ the season . . .”

47 Ground-breaking implement 51 Type of tort 52 Portion 53 Sounds relieved 55 Sunscreen letters 57 Part of a Santa costume 59 Nine-symbol message 60 Flabbergast 61 Signed, as a contract 62 Property claims 65 Product of a certain farm 67 Director __ Lee 70 Tic-tac-toe victory 71 Gets angry

72 73 74 75 81 82 83 85 86 90 92

Like lawns Santa subordinate Edna Ferber novel Craftspersons Sparsely distributed Every other hurricane Rhapsodic verse Downcast Out in the open Boon for WWII vets TV musical series since ’09

94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 109

Cool it Speaks ill of About 2.5 acres Person on the run In good shape Seven-sibling performing family Role models Mexican bean Spoke Italian word for “milk” Reveille player

110 112 113 116 117 119 122 123

Frank __ Wright Murphy of Shrek Place to perch Ancient legend Corporate brass Single-stripe GIs % Crime-scene evidence 124 Pretense 125 “You bet!”

126 Talk too much

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

5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700 n loS AngeleS, CAlif. 90045

n

tel. (310) 337-7003

n

fAX (310) 337-7625

view on t s e b e h t l il t S ach. e B le il v s t h ig Wr • Live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights • Bring ‘em to the beach to celebrate • Office lunches, after work drinks, wonderful dinners Located in the Holiday Inn Resort with outdoor dining and ocean views •wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com • Wrightsville Beach, NC 910-256-2231 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 35

holiday events 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: Through 12/23: MonFri, 2:30-7:30pm; Sat., 11am-8pm; Sun., noon6pm. 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: December/24: Sat., 10am-2pm.

TOUR OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS Dec. 21-23—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.

REINDEER-DRAWN TROLLEY Dec. 21-24—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 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 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 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: 12/21 in two time slots: 5-7pm and 7-9pm. Tickets: (910) 798-7700, airliegardens.org.

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM 12/21-23—Christmas Train & Light Spectacular.

Fri. & Sat. eves. Fri. 6-9pm & Sat. 7:30-9:30pm.

Train displays, lights, cider and Santa. Admission charge. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Admission charge. Advance tickets. 910-763-2634; www. wrrm.org SANTA AT COTTON EXCHANGE Santa at the Cotton Exchange for photo ops, weekends through holiday: 12/24.

CHILDREN’S CHIRSTMAS PAGEANT 12/24, 5pm: Bring the entire family for the Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church Youth Program Production

of “The First Christmas”. Admission free, come and celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth with us!

Contact www.spechurch.com or 910-762-4578.

16 N. 16th St. (910) 762-4578 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 Dec. 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 Dec. 31—New Year’s Eve Cruise w/music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, champagne. 9pm-12:30am.

Prepaid reservations only. Henrietta III Riverboat, Dock St. at Water St., Wilmington. 910-343-1611, www.cfrboats.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA Dec. 31—New Year’s Eve Gala. 7:00pm-1:00am.

City Stage Productions presents “The Full Monty,” a musical comedy and New Year’s gala at Thalian Hall. Enjoy the performance, a buffet, open bar, party favors, and midnight toast. Admission charge.

Thalian Hall Main Stage, Wilmington. 910-6322285 or 800-523-2820; www.thalianhall.org; NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY CRUISE Dec. 31-New Year’s Eve Party Cruise aboard the Royal Winner Princess II. Boards at 10:00pm; returns 12:30am. Cruise to watch the midnight fireworks with desserts, party favors, dancing, fireworks, and champagne toast. Cash bar. Departs from Carolina Beach Marina, Carolina Beach. Admission charge. Reservations required. 910-4585356; www.winnerboats.com NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT Dec. 31—Keller Williams in Concert. Keller Williams rings in the new year with an eclectic mix of music. Doors open at 8:00pm; concert at 9:00pm.

Admission charge. Brooklyn Arts Center, Wilmington. www.brooklynartsnc.com NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT Dec. 31—Keller Williams in Concert. Keller Williams rings in the new year with an eclectic mix of music. Doors open at 8:00pm; concert at 9:00pm.

Admission charge. Brooklyn Arts Center, Wilmington. www.brooklynartsnc.com

events COURTYARDS AND COBBLESTONES 1/14, 11am: An event designed to showcase historic wedding venues and wedding professionals in a downtown Wilmington guided-tour setting.

We aim to provide an inspirational and transitional

36 encore |december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

atmosphere for Brides to tour and plan their wedding day. Venues include The Atrium, City Club at de Rosset, The Balcony on Dock and 128 South.

Ceremony and jewelry giveaways from REEDS. $10; 2 hours, with times starting at 11am, every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour, until 1pm.

Meet at the Atrium, 15 S. 2nd St. www.courtyardsandcobblestones.com info@courtyardsandcobblestones.com TREEFEST TreeFest, an annual distribution of tree seedlings, will be held on Fri., 1/20-21, 10am-5pm (or until trees run out) in the JC Penney end court inside Independence Mall. Local residents are invited to pick up 5 tree seedlings to take home and plant on their property. A suggested donation of $3 per household will help ensure that TreeFest will return next year. TreeFest is funded by the donations received from participants during the event. Tree species include: Atlantic white cedar, Bald cypress, Black gum, Black walnut, Crabapple, Crape myrtle, Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, Eastern redbud, Live oak, and more! Available first come, first serve. Jennifer O’Keefe at 798-7564 or jeokeefe@nhcgov.com THALIAN HALL MAIN ATTRACTIONS SERIES Thalian Hall Main Attractions Series. Schedule: • 1/21, 8pm: New York Voices: Thalian Hall welcomes the Grammy-winning vocal jazz quartet synonymous with exquisite airtight musical perfection. New York Voices is heralded among the stellar vocal groups on the globe, infusing jazz, Brazilian, R&B, big band, classical and pop arrangements; frequent performances with the Boston Pops, a precedent-setting adaptation of the Paul Simon songbook, concerts and recordings with the likes of the Count Basie Orchestra, and more. www.newyorkvoices.com • 1/22, 3pm: Pied Piper Theatre: “Aladdin,” co-produced with the Junior League of Wilmington. Well-loved tale of a very special genie, with a very special lamp. Loosely based on one of the “Tales of the Arabian Nights,” with book, music and lyrics by Steve Cooper, young students from throughout New Hanover County are treated to multiple performances throughout the week. Verdi, Lama, Gershwin, Bizet, Joni Mitchell and more into a sumptuous musical feast. www.mariejoseelord. com www.ThalianHall.org Box Office 910-6322285; 800-523-2820. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. All tickets subject to $1 historic restoration fee added at time of purchase.

THE LIGHTS OF THE GREAT ARMADA Fort Fisher presents “The Lights of the Great Armada: the 147th Anniversary of the Battle of For Fisher” on 1/21, 10am-4pm, 1/-22, 11am-4pm.

Event will highlight the largest amphibious assault of the Civil War with a Navy and Marine living history program that will include small arms and artillery demonstrations throughout the weekend, a period torpedo exhibit, as well as special presentations focusing on the Union and Confederate sailors and marines who fought at Fort Fisher in January, 1865. Guest speakers incl. Dr. Robert M. Browning, Jr., Chief Historian for the United States Coast Guard and author of several books; Dr. Mark Wilde-Ramsing, Deputy Archaeologist, NC Office of State Archaeology, and Steve Bockmiller of the US Marine Corps Historical Company and Ship’s Company. Free both days (although donations are

Enjoy our Live Entertainment thurSdayS

Salsa dancing

9 p.m. - Midnight with instructors from Babs McDance 1/2-priced pitchers of beer, sangria, and margaritas

FridayS

Live Latin Music

with the Tiki Torch Trio from 6:30-9:30pm $1 Off Tequila Shots

Saturday & Sunday BrunCh 11 a.m. - 3 p.m

Huevos Rancheros, Shrimp and Grits Mucho Mas! Serving full menu and great drink specials in addition to Brunch.

5 South Water Street Downtown Wilmington 910-399-4501

cials

Weekly Spe

Tuesdays

All night 70s menu - Step back in time and enjoy the prices and $5 glass pours on featured wine

Wednesday - “Ladies Night” $8 per lady for cheese and chocolate add grilled chicken and shrimp $7 portion recommended for two

Thursday - Try our $27 4-course prix fixe menu and $2.50 drafts along with $6 martinis!

Friday - 25% Off A-La Carte Menu 5-7pm (Excluding Lobster Tail) Also, check out live music on the deck Friday & Saturday 7-10pm

Sunday - “Wine Down” with half-price bottles 138 South Front Street 910.251.0433 www.littledipperfondue.com

Weekend Specials Friday $2 16oz PBR, $2 Sake Shots, $3 Asian Bottled Beers Saturday $2.50 Domestic Bottles Sunday 1/2-price Bottles of Wine 33 S. Front St. 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172 www.yosake.com

encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 37

Chapelle Show) • 1/18: Dan Cummins (comedy central) • 1/20-21: Dave Waite (comedy central) • 1/27-28: Trevor Noah (Tonight Show) • 2/10-11: Ryan Singer (comedy central) • Every Wed. Nutt House Improv Troupe, doors 8pm, showtime 9pm, no cover charge. • Every Thurs. Open Mic Stand Up, doors 8pm, showtime 9pm, no cover. 255 N. Front St, basement of Soapbox. www.nuttstreet. com. 910-520-5520

appreciated). 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach. www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/.

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.

music/concerts RED JUNE 1/7, 7pm: Cape Fear Concerts presents Red June, Playhouse 211, 4320 Southport-Supply Rd., Suite 1 $15 each, available www.playhouse211.com or by calling 842-5160. Red June is a dynamic, acoustic trio from Asheville, NC, performing beautifully distilled Americana music—a touch of bluegrass, old-time, roots rock, and traditional country music with powerful harmonies, innovative songwriting and expert musicianship. www.redjunemusic.com

theatre/auditions CITY STAGE The Full Monty, playing at Thalian Hall. Special New Year’s Eve Gala. 12/29-1/1, 5-8 and 12-15. Tickets: $18-$22. City Stage: (910) 262-0490 or www. citystagenc.com NUNSENSE 2 AUDITIONS Brunswick Little Theatre will hold open auditions for two roles in Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, 1/5 and 8, 6:30-8:30pm, Building F on the campus of BCC. Three members of the original cast will remain; two more characters will be cast. Sister Leo

is a novice who looks to be in her late teens or early 20s and dreams of being a ballerina but settles for roller skating in this production. Reverend Mother is the head of the convent. She is or Irish decent with a slight Irish accent. All characters evenly matched in solos and group numbers, and dance and sing. Wear comfortable clothing for choreography/movement audition. Prepare a song for singing. You may sing a cappela, use instrumental CD,

or bring sheet music. www.brunswicklittletheatre. com or thomatoz50@hotmail.com/910-368-6261.

comedy NUTT ST. COMEDY ROOM Tickets; $8/$10. Schedule: 12/30-31: Jarrod Harris (comedy central) • 1/6-7 Kyle Grooms (HBO,

LIVE MUSIC 10PM - 1AM Open Mic Every Sunday 7-10pm LIVE MUSIC on the Patio Every Friday and Saturday from 77-10PM

38 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

STONE SOUP CONCERTS PRESENTS Fingerstyle guitar champion Richard Smith and cellist Julie Adams, PRESS 102, Veranda Ballroom, 102 S. Second Street, 1/18, 7pm $15, GA. Full bar and dinner menu available. Purchase your tickets at www.WilmingtonTickets.com. www.stonesoupconcerts.com

264 Nutt St Downtown Wilmington (910) 763-0141

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Soothing Touch Therapeutic Massage • Tina Lee, LMBT#3337 4018 Oleander Drive Suite 3 | 910-233-5615

CHAMBER MUSIC ILM All tickets at Kenan Box Office, 910-962-3500. www.chambermusicwilmington.org. 1/15, 7:30pm, Beckwith Recital Hall, UNCW. Carolina Piano Trio w/guest violist Jonathan Briggs. Musical “Paprikash” feat. Hungarian folk tunes, delights and dances from Dohna`ny’s vibrant Serenade fro String Trio, and Barto`k’s intriguing dance variations for strings.

December 30th sai collins December 31st jiminy kickit

Downtown Business Alliance

Season of Celebration

Holiday Events in Historic Downtown Wilmington Friday, December 23 Visit the holiday tree in Riverfront Park and while you are there, enjoy a warm drink and some downtown shopping.

Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) Wilmington Railroad Museum’s Polar Express Holiday Show - 4:30 & 6:30

BEERS FOR THE SEASON. 30 TAPS • EXTENSIVE BOTTLE SELECTION

HUGE SELECTION OF CRAFT BREWS Wilmington

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5533 Carolina Beach Rd 910.392.7224 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 39

fessional recording and performing musician. Private lessons available for guitar, mandolin, banjo, and bass. (910) 508-1111 or rockinrowland@hot-

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Music instruction at Modern Music with Lucian Rowland, who has 20 years experience as a pro-

mail.com.

CAROLINA VOCAL ARTS ENSEMBLE Carolina Vocal Arts Ensemble final concert for the

2011-2012 season will be “Something Wonderful.” A tribute to the music of” Rogers and Hammerstein” on 3/24. There are opening for singers in all parts. Schedule appt. w/Director Stephen Field: 910-960-7464. Auditions will be 1/3-13, 10am-3pm. www.carolinavocalarts.org

dance LINE DANCING Get ready for weddings, concerts in the park, birthday parties and other events with the knowledge of popular line dancing. Since you dance on your own in an ensemble, line dancing is ideal for singles and for partners of non-dancers. Session 1: 2/5, 12, 19, and 26, 2012. Session 2: 3/4, 11, 18, and 25, 2012. Day and Time: Sundays, 4-5pm. Preregistration is requested. 256-7925. www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com.

FIRST PHONE FREE. NEXT PHONE FREE.

76’ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB Modern Western Style Square Dance. Club meets Thurs. nights at 7pm at the Senior Center for a new workshop on square dancing. Info: 270-1639

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CAROLINA SHAG CLUB DJs play favorite beach music and shag tunes every Sat, 8pm to close. $4/members; $6/guests.

Carolina Shag Club, 103 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 620-4025 TANGO Tango classes and social dancing, Fridays, Carolina Lounge of Ramada Inn. 5001 Market Street (between College and Kerr). 7:30-9:30pm. $5 lounge entrance includes beginners’ lesson, 7:30.

free phones

SURFER TANGO Waterford Tango at the Clubhouse, Fri. at 7:30 • Magnolia Greens Tango, Thurs, 7:30pm, Aerobics Room • Cape Fear Country Club Tango, Sun., 5pm. All classes are $10 per couple per class fun, professional, positive instruction. www.surfertango.com

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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 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com USC-PRD-11-227 USC-PRD-11-246

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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 Coop present RawlColor: an art exhibition featuring Emily Rawl, through 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. www. art-soup.org ATOMIC LIME PROJECT Atomic Lime Project are the featured December artists at Artful Living Group. The collective exhibition features work by Justin K. Bernel, Eric Justin White, Justin Campbell and Melina Reed. 112 Cape Fear Blvd. Carolina Beach. (910) 458-7822.

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS ThUrSdAy, dECEMBEr 29

Women’s BasketBall vs Xavier – 7pm sponsored by enterprise and Wilmington Health autograph session after the game

FrIdAy, dECEMBEr 30

men’s BasketBall vs Furman – 7pm

sponsored by atlantic marine and the Governor’s Highway safety program military appreciation Day – all active and retired military receive a $5.00 ticket

MONdAy, JANUAry 2

men’s BasketBall vs DelaWare – 2pm sponsored by Coldwell Banker seacoast realty Comfort socks – make a donation of a 3 pack of socks and receive a voucher for a $5.00 ticket encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 41

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. 205 Princess St. www.onewickedgallery.com 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 reception will take place on January 19th, 2012 and the show will run through 2/29. 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.

42 encore |december 21-27, 2011| www.encorepub.com

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, 6.307.30pm. 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. LOGO CONTEST Call for artists for a logo contest—deadline, 12/30, w/$100 winning prize. Winner announced on 1/12 at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting.

2012 marks the 50th Anniversary of Wilmington’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC, in concert with local preservation organizations, is planning a year-long celebration including competitions, exhibits, tours, presentations and more. Online contest/rules for all artists to submit an original logo that commemorates and celebrates the HPC and the city’s historic resources. The winning logo will be featured on HPC celebration materials throughout 2012 and may be used as the HPC’s permanent logo. www.wilmingtonnc.gov/ hpc50. hpc@wilmingtonnc.gov BOTTEGA EVENTS Photography exhibit with Jason Hudson, Keith 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.) • Closed Thanksgiving • 11/25: Fourth Friday Gallery Night: opening reception for new show, 6pm.

• 11/27: Buy You a Drink Comedy Night • bottegaartbar@gmail.com. • 208 N. Front St. 910763-3737, www.bottegagallery.com.

culinary NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER New Year’s Eve Dinner and Party Package at the Blockade Runner, includes waterview accomodations for two, welcome gift, dinner for two on New Year’s Eve, dancing and entertainment from the Wilmington Big Band, Champagne toast at midnight and New Year’s Day Brunch for two.

Packages start at $199. http://blockade-runner. com/specials-packages/packages/ CULINARY ADVENTURES TOUR Eat your way through Wilmington’s food history and delights! Culinary Adventures Tour with food writer/chef Liz Biro; under a mile, wear comfortable shoes. Top Chef Farmers Market Tour and Cooking Class, Heart of Downtown, Drinks Downtown, Downtown Brunch Stroll, Foodie Shopping Tour, Custom and Special Group Tours and more! $25 and up! www.lizbiro.com. 910-545-8055 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: 1/12: 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: 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.

Reservations are accepted on a first-come/firstserve basis, and are non-refundable. 910-256OILS(6457)for policies/details.

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museums NC AQUARIUM Exotic Aquatics Gallery has added white-spotted 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. • 12/21-23—Holiday Elf Camp.

9:30am-3:30pm. Holiday crafts/activities, aquarium tour for kids ages 5-12 while parents shop. 910458-8257; www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher. 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach.

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 environment 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 WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for more than 130 years. Interests and activities for all ages including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively children’s area, and spectacular scale models. Housed in an original 1882 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. Groups receive special guided tours. Facilities can also be booked for meetings or mixers, accommodating groups of up to 150. • Story Times designed for younger visitors first and third Mon, 10:30am. $4 per family is charged to cover program costs and includes access to the rest of the Museum. Museum admission only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors/military, $3 for children 2-12, and free under age 2. Located at the north end of downtown at 505 Nutt St. 910763-2634 or www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the re-

GENUINE FACTORY

See Us For

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 11am-6pm. 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 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, it focuses 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 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 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

CHIP KEYS for Domestics & AsiAN vehicles

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stored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. 126 S. Third St. Adults $8, children $4. 762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org

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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 Adams, Guilford County and the Gregg Museum of Art and Design, NC State University. • Jazz at the CAM Series, in partnership with the Cape Fear Jazz Society, through 4/2012, 6:30-8pm.

CAM/CFJS Members: $3/non-members: $55, students: $20. Indv seats: $7 for members, $10, nonmembers and $5 students w/ID. 1/5: El Jaye Johnson & the Port City All Stars www. capefearjazzsociety.org. • CLASSES, ETC: Life Drawing every Tues., 6-9pm. Group meets in Reception Hall. Participants provide own dry drawing materials and watercolors. $70/6-wks.

• Tai Chi, 12/28, 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 Independence Blvd. Tues-Sun,11am-5pm; Thurs: 11am-9pm. Museum members free, $8 non-members, $5 students with valid ID, $3 children age 2 -12. www.cameronartmuseum. com or 910-395-5999.

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Through 2/5: 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: 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. • Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art opens 1/28: Highlights the beauty

of coiled basketry and shows how a basket can be viewed simultaneously as a work of art, object of use and container of memory. Features more than 50 baskets and related objects and images of Africans in America from the 17th century to the present.• 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 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.

sports/recreation 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.

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44 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

Blue Pear Salad Mixed Field Greens, Sliced Fresh Pears, Danish Blue Cheese, Grapes, Candied Pecans and Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing.

3501 Oleander Dr. • Hanover Center • 910-763-6662 8207 Market St. • Porter’s Neck Center • 910-686-9343

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CAPE FEAR RIVER 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 Auction- we’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 Dec. 23—“It’s A Wonderful Life” 35mm screening. 7:30pm. Admission charge. Thalian Hall. www. thalianhall.org CINEMATIQUE Plays weekly at Thalian Hall main stage, 310 Chestnut St. 7:30pm, $7 (unless otherwise noted) • 1/24: Martha Marcy May Marlene: A powerful psychological thriller starring Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a young woman rapidly unraveling amidst her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a cult and its charismatic leader (John Hawkes). Seeking help from her estranged older sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy), Martha is unable and unwilling to reveal the truth about her disappearance. Rated R, 1 hr. 41 min. • 1/9-11: The Skin I Live In: Directed and written by Pedro Amodovar. Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas,) an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault.

Rated R, 1 hr. 57 min.

REEL AGING: REAL CHANGE See page 6.

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 In addition to our Holiday Camp we are offering lessons during camp for only $25.00. Come take a short drive to Burgaw, reconnect with your child while getting away for a while. A beautiful, scenic drive arriving at a joyful, gorgeous, peaceful farm, seeing your child delighted and a great photo op.

Enjoy coffee or hot chocolate in the cute little farmhouse, while looking out the window at a beautiful landscape and happy children. Sharon: 910-5204150 . www.shadypaddockstables.com HAPPY LITTLE SINGERS The last week of classes will be Wed., 12/21, at Porter’s Neck Yoga and Spa. No classes the week of Christmas or New Years. Classes begin again on January 31 at Community Arts Center, Tuesday at 9:30am; and Carolina Beach Parks and Recre-

ation Center, 11:30am and 4:30pm; and Wednesday, February 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.

• 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). www.

OldBooksOnFrontSt.com 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 LIBRARY BOOKS FOR E-READERS 12/28, 10am: Learn how to borrow eBooks from North Carolina Digital Library and transfer them to compatible eReaders like the Nook and Kindle.

Please register using the online calendar at www. nhclibrary.org, as space is limited for this session.

classes/workshops 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.

future scopes

and participate in multiple workshops. Beginners workshops available. All ages are welcome. Timmy Sherrill: 910-520-5520.

clubs/notices 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: 910-538-0234 or Wilmingtonpride@gmail.com. www.wilmingtonpride.com. Parents are welcome to meet facilitators and see the space.

GAMBLER’S ANONYMOUS MEETING Gambler’s Anonymous Meeting of Wilmington.

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

with Fay Meadows ARIES (21 March – 20 April)

Concentration is a luxury that you feel you can’t afford; however, creative ideas are just popping in your mind! Get some facts before leaping into any of them.

TAURUS (21 April – 20 May)

Poker is not your game right now, as you may have trouble keeping emotions from your facial expressions. This is a good time to meet a new friend or discover unknown things about an old one.

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June)

Artistic talent brings with it artistic temperament; idiosyncrasies of others are hard to ignore. Defensiveness with friends and loved ones is likely.

CANCER (21 June – 21 July)

With imagination and sex drive stimulated, physical relationships are bound to be exciting. Keeping objectivity when examining a partner’s abilities will help avoid troubled relationship.

LEO (22 July – 22 August)

Bittersweet memories of long lost loves and friends instills a desire to see people and places you haven’t in a while. Take the time to appreciate what you have, instead.

TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP Transgender Support Group, 1st Thurs./mo., 7-8pm. For more information please contact Therapist Nova Swanstrom: 910-343-6890. You must talk with Nova first before coming to a support group meeting!

VIRGO (23 August – 22 September)

NOMS FOR WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT Nominations are now being accepted for the YWCA Cape Fear Women of Achievement Awards to honor women and youth who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities, as well as excellence, accomplishments and commitment in their careers, schools and communities..

Women in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties may be nominated in nine categories: arts, business, communications, education, environmental, health and wellness, public service, volunteer and the Rachel Freeman Unsung Hero Award. Seniors in high school are nominated in the Youth Leader Category (these awards include a $1,000 scholarship). Deadline: 3/1, 5pm. 799-6820.

LIBRA (9/24 – 10/23)

Struggling with conflicts of personal desires and the responsibilities for those around you brings frustration; it is a good thing that you are feeling particularly romantic and thoughtful.

Being close-minded has no place in your new world and the way that you view things. Keeping secrets from old friends is difficult; remember, they know you too well!

SCORPIO (23 Oct. – 21 November)

Self-criticism becomes self-discovery. On the relationship front, everything is smooth sailing. Cultivate the relationships you feel are important.

Creators syndiCate

BRIDGE LESSONS The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department is offering Beginner II Bridge lessons and Bridge Workshops with Marie Killoran.

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.

COMEDIAN WORKSHOP Beginning in January, 2012, the Nutt St Comedy Room announces the opening of The Studio at Nutt St. We provide a community workshop program for Actors, Comedians, Improv, and Public Speaking. Each workshop provides Actors and Comedians the ability to develop their skill levels

SAGITTARIUS (22 Nov. – 21 Dec.)

In touch with your emotions, contentment and peace are yours to share with everyone. Being explicit with partners will ensure no misunderstandings.

CAPRICORN (22 Dec. – 20 Jan.)

Feeling aggressive makes it easy to explode; if there is an easier way to handle the issues, you must take it! Spontaneity is likely, but try to curb it until you can examine the implications.

AQUARIUS (21 Jan. – 19 February)

Worrying about home life and all the family secrets is not going to repair anything. Expressing your true feelings will take some of the burden away.

PISCES (20 February – 20 March)

Being deceived by others is likely. This, combined with an inability to act quickly, could make you lose out on some great opportunities. Good things are out there if you will just grab them!

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CORKBOARD Available for your next CD or Demo

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WEEKNIGHTS @ 7:30 & 11:05 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com 47

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The Forum | 1113 Military Cutoff Road | Suite E | Wilmington, NC 28405 www.JewelRecycle.com | Chapel Hill - Mebane - Wilmington 48 encore | december 21-27, 2011 | www.encorepub.com