February 14, 2018

VOL. 35 / PUB. 30

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2018

encorepub.com FREE

HODGEPODGE Vol. 35/Pub. 30

February 14 - February 20, 2018

ON THE COVER

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EVENT OF THE WEEK

Friday, May - 1111 a.m.

Saturday, Feb.6 17, a.m.

Special Olympics Polar Plunge & 5K Help support local athletes by participating in Special Olympics New Hanover County’s 5K, 1-mile walk or taking a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.

All monies raised goes directly to support Special Olympics NHC. The Polar Plunge and preceeding events (live music, race, costume contest and more) will take place Feb. 17 at the Kure Beach Boardwalk(100 Atlantic Ave.) by the pier.

Price varies from $25 - $150. For details, contact Tiffany Lesley at 910-341-7253.

SAVED BY COMEDY, PG. 16 Ms. Pat brings real-life talk to her standup act and a hefty dose of inspiration about finding a passion and being really good at it. Read Jessica Russell’s interview with the comedian, who will play Dead Crow this Friday and Saturday night. Courtesy photos

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MUSIC>> It’s been almost a year since local singersongwriter Hank Barbee picked up his band of players called The Dust Parade, who will celebrate their one-year “bandversary” this weekend.

Photo by Pocketed Memories

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Photo by Tom Dorgan

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

Art Director/Office Manager:

Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus,

PGS. 10-11

Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori, Bethany Turner, Chris Pendergast

Second Star Theatre Company will bring its second adult production to the stage with “Murder Ballad,” directed by David Heck. Read the interview about the rockin’ musical on page 18.

Courtesy photo of David Heck

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Interns: Nikki Kroushl, Jessica Russell SALES>

General Manager:

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

Advertising:

Glenn Rosenbloom // glenn@encorepub.com Ashley Wixon // ashley@encorepub.com John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com Published weekly on Wednesday by HP Media.

Opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.

PG. 31

INSIDE THIS WEEK: News, pg. 4 • Live Local, pgs. 6-7 • News of the Weird, pg. 9 Music, pgs. 10-15 • Comedy, pg. 16 • Art, pg. 17 • Theatre, pgs. 18-20 Film, pg. 23 • Dining, pgs. 24-31 • Extra, pg. 33 • Calendar, pgs. 34-45

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Editor-in-Chief:

Assistant Editor:

DINING>> From creative creative pizza pies and lightly fried seafood (right) apps, to al dente pasta dishes and delicately sweet Italian desserts, Rosa Bianca tries a bit of everything at Benny’s Big Time.

EDITORIAL>

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

<<THEATRE

PG. 18

To enter events on encore’s new online calendar, generated by SpinGo, head to www.encorepub. com/welcome/events-2. Events must be entered by every Thursday at noon, for consideration in print and on our new app, encore Go. E-mail shea@ encorepub.com with questions.

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Ticket Central • 910.362.7999 www.CapeFearStage.com

DATES VENUE

2018 National Tour of CABARET © Joan Marcus, 2018

February 20 & 21 at 8:00 pm

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 3

NEWS>>FEATURE

NEW NAME, SAME RIVER:

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority announces re-brand to Cape Fear Water

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BY: JOHN WOLFE

he river we now call “Cape Fear” originally was known as the Sapona—a lyrical name given by our area’s natives. When the Spanish explorer Giovanni de Verrazzano sighted it 492 years ago, he called it “Rio Jordan.”

In 1662 English explorer William Hilton Jr. referred to it as “Charles,” after England’s king at the time. Then it was called “Clarendon,” until around 1733, when it took its current moniker, named after the deadly shoals lurking just offshore of its mouth.

Long before we had words to reference the main vein of our port city, Cape Fear meandered and shifted—“changing its habitat bodily,” as Twain put it. It has closed-off old oxbows, like the one a mile up from Point Peter, and opened new ones. But it has never stopped being itself. Call it whatever, but it always has been the same river—a rose by any other name, per the Bard of Avalon.

Now, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA), which brings the river into our homes, has decided it is time for a similar action. At the January executive committee meeting and subsequent board meeting of the CFPUA, Executive Director Jim Flechtner discussed the topic of rebranding the utility to “Cape Fear Water.” The change, according to CFPUA Chief Communications Officer Peg HallWilliams, would consist of a new name and internal changes in the organization-

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al culture. “Branding is much more than a new logo,” she noted. “It is an organizational philosophy that unfolds with time.”

With CFPUA celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2018, it “makes sense” to rebrand now, according to the utility. “It is a window of time that allows us to look back on our history and look forward to the future,” Hall-Williams explained. “With minimal costs associated with the rebrand, you will find our biggest investment is going to be in time. We are investing the time to become true partners, to listen to customers and respond to their changing needs.”

CFPUA is still in the process of reviewing and calculating costs, but the utility expects to implement the new brand by July 1, 2018. The decision to rebrand comes in the midst of frenzied GenX panic, that, since last summer, subsided somewhat into a steady dull ache. The toxic story (and the toxins themselves) continue to develop and burrow ever deeper into our community like a sick and twisted taproot.

With the Sweeney Plant still unable to remove all of the contaminants from the water (although the concentration of GenX in the past few months of water samples have all been below the state’s health goal of 140 part per trillion), some wonder if the money spent on rebranding might not be better spent elsewhere. encore asked the utility to release a dollar amount so we might have a better understanding of what “minimal costs” meant; the utility was kind enough to cooperate.

So far they have bought two web domains for $258, and will have to file “doing business as” papers with four counties at $26 per county—or $104 total. The new logo for Cape Fear Water will be designed in-house, and once they have it, they’re planning to spend $96.80 on five new vinyl signs and $1,563.10 on magnets for the fleet of 140 trucks, at $11.17 apiece.

Hall-Williams says the numbers are estimates, but they have not committed to using any of them. Overall, costs should be under $2,500.

They also sent numbers on how much the entire GenX nightmare has cost. As of press, CFPUA has spent $1,163,615.30 on expenditures related to GenX since last June, of which $978,615.30 has been footed by its consumers, the ratepayers. To fulfill all of its contracts, the util-

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ity still owes $930,700.74, which brings the total cost of this mess (so far) up to $1,773,816.04. Nominal relief was found at the end of last August in the passage of State House Bill 56, which provided the utility $185,000 for “identification and deployment of water treatment technology to remove GenX from the public water supply” and “ongoing monitoring.”

The biggest expense for the utility, $530,200, has been in contracting Black & Veatch—the Kansas-based engineering firm which initially designed the Sweeney Water Plant—to provide “engineering support services for emerging contaminants treatment studies.” $100,000 of it came from our state government. Black & Veatch have been providing monthly progress updates, available on the CFPUA website, which show details and results of the ongoing tests, using granular activated carbon filters and ion exchange resins to remove PFASes from the water. The reports continue to show “gradual breakthrough of total organic carbon and perfluoroalkyl substances, led by shorter chain per- and polyfluorinated compounds.”

In layperson’s terms, the very expensive new filters aren’t effective, especially on short-chain molecules like GenX. In fact, of the 28 chemicals currently being tested, 13 (including GenX) exhibited a “greater than 100 percent breakthrough.” The filters are releasing more of the previously absorbed short-chain chemicals back into the effluent, as new chemicals continue to filter in the water. It’s worth remembering, however, CFPUA is one of the first utilities in the U.S. to attempt targeting and removing the compounds from the water, so there’s bound to be teething pains.

Other major expenses incurred by the utility include $320,091 to state utility contractors for “bypass pumping and related services for ASR water removal,” which refers to the drainage of the storage aquifer last year.

CFPUA has racked up $276,705 in legal fees to Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey, & Leonard LLP in their case against Chemours and DuPont. Another $65,344.13 was spent hiring Eckel & Vaughan, a publicrelations firm, to do damage control after the news broke in June.

(Interestingly, an NC Policy Watch

article from September says Eckel & Vaughan have worked in the past as spin doctors for the American Chemistry Council, of which DuPont and Chemours are both members. Also, the brother of Albert Eckel, Brian, works at Cape Fear Commercial Real Estate with CFPUA Board Chairman Mike Brown. When asked by encore, Hall-Williams stated the PR firm was not involved in the decision to rebrand “in any way.”)

On laboratory testing of collected water samples, the utility has spent $250,760 split between Eurofins Eaton Analytical, Pace Analytical, and GE Laboratories— with most of it ($160,260) going to Eurofins. UNCW has received $64,607.88 from the utility for source water testing, all of which came from state funding.

Talk about boosting the local economy.

We learned at the end of last month another spike in concentration was discovered in the Department of Environmental Quality sample of the river, which was taken December 11. It clocked in at a whopping 2,300 ppt, or nearly three and a half times the amount, which caused the initial outcry.

Chemours, to my knowledge, has not spent a single red cent or a wooden nickel to clean up the mess they made—and more so has been nothing but shady in every regard. Threats by the DEQ to revoke their permit have fallen on deaf ears, and it almost seems nothing short of a mob, equipped with torches, pitchforks, and enough dental floss to string up Mark Vergnano by his toenails from the lamppost at Market and Front, will get them to change their behavior.

No matter how brightly the brand of utility glitters, the CFPUA still sucks water from the same tube in the same river. They’re trying their best to make it clean—we have to give them that—but they can only filter what comes to them through that tube.

Cape Fear Water’s new slogan bills the utility as “a water provider that people trust.” But, really, it almost doesn’t matter whether we trust Cape Fear Water or not. The real question is: Do we trust the waters of the Cape Fear, with Chemours still upstream?

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 5

NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Meet NC House of Representatives candidate Leslie Cohen

I’m sick and tired of political games. I don’t want to walk into the voting booth in November and see Holly Grange running unopposed again. I don’t want another two years of inaction on issues that directly affect our families. So I’m ready to stand up and move North Carolina forward again.

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

e: Please, explain your plan for addressing the GenX crisis.

LC: I’d like to be very candid about this issue; there has been plenty of discussion about the health aspects of the crisis and I don’t want to downplay any of it. But clean drinking water is more than a health issue; it’s an economic issue. It’s an environmental issue. It’s a social-justice issue. All the talk of growth and development in our community is moot if we don’t fix this. Cleaning up the mess and carefully protecting our river going forward may be expensive—but not taking those steps will be catastrophic.

I believe Chemours must have their license to operate completely revoked. They have been given the opportunity to clean up and despite that, GenX levels are up again at the Chemours release site. Once [the permit is revoked,] we can look at restitution for our citizens, who aren’t able to drink the water coming to their homes and who may have been seriously harmed. Finally, we need comprehensive, transparent monitoring of our water quality and regulation reform to ensure we never have a situation like this again.

MEET THE CANDIDATE: Leslie Cohen talks her stance on the issues as the latest candidate to enter 2018’s election arena for North Carolina’s General Assembly. Courtesy photo.

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t’s shaping up to be an interesting election season. The candidate filing deadline is upon us on Feb. 28, with primaries set for May 8 and election day on Nov. 6.

Just in the last two weeks, we have had two more candidates announce bids for the North Carolina General Assembly. encore caught up with Leslie Cohen, who has announced her run for District 20 of NC House of Representatives against incumbent Holly Grange. Cohen was kind enough to share her vision for her campaign. encore (e): Why is it important for you to seek office now?

Leslie Cohen (LC): Before I was approached to be a candidate this year, I never imagined I would run for office. When

I moved to Wilmington a few years ago, my plan was to fish and kayak and maybe travel some. Our kids have grown up and moved away, and my husband Jeff and I were planning a quiet life. Then the legislature passed HB2. The government was playing politics with my kids’ rights, so I did what any mother would do: I stood up and spoke out. When I did, I started to see a pattern. It’s not just my family affected by these issues—and trouble in Raleigh goes beyond just HB2. The legislators making decisions about our everyday lives are playing politics with all of our families. They are using our drinking water, our school system, our election laws, our courts, our healthcare, and our economy to further their own agendas.

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While it seems like everything I’ve laid out is pretty straightforward, getting it done will not be easy. I’ve spoken with scientists and policy experts to craft a detailed, stepby-step legislative plan to address the issue in a holistic way. But we need a change of leadership in Raleigh if we want to implement a meaningful plan. The current legislature has made it abundantly clear they are not interested in solutions. They are posturing and pontificating. e: What do you plan to do to improve public education in North Carolina?

What issues need to be addressed?

How do you plan to ensure a quality education for all students?

LC: Education is one of my top priorities.

A strong, well-funded education system is key to our economic future. If we want to hire and retain the best teachers and we want to attract businesses to our state, we have to offer a system with reasonable

class sizes, competitive teacher pay and well-rounded educational programs.

As recently as a decade ago, North Carolina schools were ranked in the top 20 in the nation. Now we are 40th—and, worse, we are 43rd in funding.

We need to eliminate programs like school vouchers, which drain funds from our public schools. We need to fund the arts, physical education, and practical skills classes so our young people will receive a well-rounded education. We need economically integrated school districts because all children deserve the same opportunities to learn and grow, regardless of socioeconomic factors or race. e: What are your thoughts on the Skyway Bridge? NCDOT says it is still part of future planning.

LC: Our region is experiencing tremendous growth. We have a unique opportunity to ensure the growth does not displace current residents or alter the natural beauty that makes Wilmington so special.

I am deeply concerned about the impact it would have on historic areas of our beautiful downtown neighborhoods, and the displacement of low-income families and people of color. I have not seen a plan to address the issues in an acceptable way. I recognize our current highway and bridge system leaves something to be desired, but I feel strongly the price tag of the Skyway Bridge puts it out of reach without significant state assistance. e: What are your thoughts on proposed passenger rail service to our area?

LC: I love the idea of passenger rail! I would love to see an efficient, inviting passenger rail system North Carolinians embrace as a practical means of travel. I see it as a small part of what should be an integrated plan to provide residents and visitors alternatives to driving throughout the Cape Fear region. e: Deb Butler introduced a bill for NC to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

What is your position on ERA? How is North Carolina doing to protect the rights of all citizens, and what would you do differently?

LC: In elementary school I marched around the playground with all the other little girls chanting “Equal Rights Amendment! Equal Rights Amendment!” That was

45 years ago—and my position has not changed.

you plan to do in the NC House to preserve the right to vote for all citizens?

Right now North Carolina is doing an abysmal job of protecting the rights of our citizens. Same-sex couples may have won the right to marry nationwide, but in North Carolina, a couple could return from their honeymoon and find they have both lost their jobs, been evicted from their home, and lost their health insurance—and they have no legal recourse.

LC: Currently, our voting maps are set so our leaders have selected voters to give them the best chance to stay in office. The history of this practice in North Carolina goes back decades, and Democrats are not blameless when it comes to the practice, but it needs to change.

Pernicious legislation like HB142 has blocked municipalities from protecting citizens where the state legislature refuses to act. I want to make North Carolina a model for equal rights—regardless of race, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender, gender identity or gender expression. e: Is there a future for reclaiming our film industry? What role can you play in rebuilding that sector of our economy?

LC: Restoring the film industry in our area will take time but we must restore full permanent incentives. The film industry provides countless direct and indirect jobs in our region and was a huge contributor to our economy. I will work tirelessly in Raleigh to secure allies in the legislature to get this done. e: What is your position on gerrymandering and voter ID laws? What do

The system leads to an extremely dysfunctional government. When a legislator knows they will not face a viable opponent, they are able to appeal to the most extreme members of their base and their largest donors. If they engage in bipartisan compromises, they risk being labeled as weak by their base.

As a result we have seen more and more radical legislation and a more polarized legislature in our capitol. Voters become frustrated, which makes them less likely to participate, and we spiral into a more radical, polarized system.

I will support legislation calling for a state constitutional amendment requiring our political maps be drawn by a bipartisan committee in a completely transparent manner, using only data about the number of registered voters in a district. Recent research performed at Duke and headed by Tom Ross has shown maps drawn in this way are fair and democratic.

Voters of both parties overwhelmingly agree fair maps should be drawn. Citizens need to demand a constitutional amendment be drafted and put on the ballot no later than 2020 so we can draw good maps when we get new census data in 2021.

It is abundantly clear we cannot rely on federal assistance in such emergencies.

Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico are still struggling to recover. Now, more than ever, we must fully fund the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCDEM) There is only one goal for voter ID laws: so they are ready to act, no matter how voter suppression. Voter fraud at the polls is widespread or frequent storms become. a myth and in reality is almost nonexistent.

We must also shift to a mindset of precauVoter suppression has been widespread in tion and preparedness. We need to protect North Carolina, drawing national attention, our natural flood barriers, our marshlands and it has been successful in undoubtedly and our forests. We need to examine our changing results of some of our political flood maps and limit development in floodraces. It must be stopped. Every citizen has prone areas. We need to relocate industhe right to vote; it’s our duty to ensure they tries and facilities likely to contaminate our have an opportunity to exercise that right. waterways when flooding occurs. We must e: In the wake of Harvey and Irma, invest in technologies to localize power and what steps can our NC General Assem- wastewater management so those systems bly take to prepare for natural disasters? can be brought back online quickly after a How do you plan to address climate- storm or other disaster. We should fund, exchange issues as they impact daily lives pand, and expedite programs to help residents rebuild their homes and businesses. of North Carolina citizens?

LC: I’ve been spending summer vacations at Carolina Beach since I started dating my husband in 1984. His grandfather built a cottage there in 1933, and it’s still the summer gathering spot for our family.

I’ve seen firsthand what the storms can do, and I’ve seen how much stronger and more frequent they are becoming. The impact of storms reaches far beyond our coastal communities.

We also need to invest in clean energy.

Aside from climate change, reliance on wind and solar power will protect our delicate ecosystems from oil spills, coal ash and smog.

There are a number of existing and very successful programs to address these needs; they just need political support and proper funding to be effective.

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PORT CITY FOOD LOVERS,

REJOICE! Join us for the most delicious week of spring

encore’s Wilmington

SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK

April 4 - April 11 participating restaurants downtown wilmington Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill The Basics Caprice Bistro Circa 1922 Dram + Morsel Elijah’s Hell's Kitchen The Little Dipper Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi On A Roll Paddy's Hollow Pilot House Ruth's Chris Steak House Savorez Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar Steam Restaurant and Bar YoSake

MIDTOWN

Food from Dram+Morsel. Photo by Lindsey A. Miller Photography.

A Taste of Italy Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Carolina Ale House Casey’s Buffet Hops Supply Co. J. Michael's Philly Deli Jamaica's Comfort Zone La Costa Mexican Restaurant Los Portales Taqueria Munchies Okami Japanese Steakhouse RoadHouse of Wilmington Round Bagels and Donuts Yoshi Sushi

SOUTH wilmington Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Henry's Restaurant and Bar Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries J. Michael's Philly Deli Jamaica House Sports Bar & Grill Niche Kitchen & Bar Osteria Cicchetti Slainte Irish Pub

NORTH wilmington Cast Iron Kitchen The Italian Bistro J. Michael's Philly Deli La Costa Mexican Restaurant The Melting Pot Osteria Cicchetti

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Bluewater Waterfront Grill Boca Bay Oceanic Restaurant South Beach Grill Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop Sweet n Savory Cafe

PLEASURE ISLAND Freddie's Restaurant HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant Kure Beach Diner Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill Michael's Seafood Restaurant

www.wilmingtonrestaurantweek.com 8 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

was part of an investigation into “sex for rent” arrangements, which apparently are not uncommon in Wales, judging from other advertisements.

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION

SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Police in Logansport, Indiana, finally caught up with the thief who had been targeting churches in the area since Jan. 16: Christian J. Alter, 22, of Kewanna, was charged with breaking into five houses of worship and stealing cash, according to the Logansport Pharos-Tribune. Alter was apprehended Jan. 23 just moments before the fifth burglary, at Rehoboth Christian Church, was discovered by police. He was being held in the Cass County Jail.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Birds nesting near natural gas compressors have been found to suffer symptoms similar to PTSD in humans, according to researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and noise pollution has been named the culprit. The Washington Post reported the team studied birds in the Rattlesnake Canyon Habitat Management Area in New Mexico, which is uninhabited by humans but does contain natural gas wells and compression stations that constantly emit a lowfrequency hum. The steady noise was linked to abnormal levels of stress hormones, and the usually hardy western bluebirds in the area were found to be smaller and displayed bedraggled feathers. “The body is just starting to break down,” explained stress physiologist Christopher Lowry.

ARMED AND NAKED

In Texas, game wardens came across an arresting sight in Gregg County last November: an unnamed Upshur County man hunting in the nude along a state highway. The Houston Chronicle reported that the hunter,

TOILET GHOST

Homeowners in Noosa, Queensland, Australia, were perplexed about why their toilet kept randomly flushing, so on Jan. 28, they looked into the flush mechanism embedded in the wall behind the toilet. Then they summoned Luke Huntley, a local snake catcher.

Huntley found a 13-foot brown tree snake in the niche, according to the Daily Mail, resting on the flush mechanism. “Hopefully, he’s going to be able to come straight out,” Huntley said on a video of the capture, “but he’s a little grumpy.”

BRIGHT IDEA

A landlord in Cardiff, Wales, was caught in a compromising position when he offered a special rent deal to an ITV Wales reporter with a hidden camera. The unnamed man posted an ad on Craigslist offering a 650-pound-per-month home with the option of a “reduced deposit/rent arrangement” for “alternative payments.” When he met reporter Sian Thomas at a restaurant to discuss the property, he said, “I don’t know if you have heard of a sort of ‘friends with benefits’ sort of arrangement,” reported Metro News on Jan. 30. He went on to say that if a once-a-week sex arrangement could be struck, “then I wouldn’t be interested in any rent from you at all.” The ITV Wales report

SMOOTH REACTION

A Missouri State University freshman identified only as Hayden may have set the perfect stage for a romantic story he’ll tell into old age. In January, as he trolled Tinder, he spotted Claudia, also a student at MSU in Springfield. But, as the Springfield News-Leader reported, Hayden accidentally swiped left, rejecting her, so he decided on a bold move to find her. On Jan. 20, he searched the MSU website for every person named Claudia and emailed them all, asking “the” Claudia to email him back.

He offered a doughnut date for “the one that got away.” Claudia Alley, a freshman from Jefferson City, got Hayden’s email and knew she was his target because he referenced a joke she made in her Tinder bio.

Alley emailed Hayden, and the two planned to get doughnuts — and perhaps make history — later that week.

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The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Switzerland has a new course of study for scholars to pursue: a bachelor’s or master’s in yodeling. Beginning in the 2018-19 academic year, students will be able to major in the traditional form of singing, which was used by Swiss herdsmen to communicate with each other in the mountains. The BBC reported that prize-winning yodeler Nadja Rass will lead the courses, which will also include musical theory and history. “We have long dreamed of offering yodeling at the university,” gushed Michael Kaufmann, head of the school’s music department.

Saugatuck, Michigan, attorney Michael Haddock’s dog, Ryder, probably gave the mail carrier a day off after receiving an unexpected letter on Jan. 27 from the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.

According to WZZM TV, Haddock opened who is a well-known nudist and activist in the the envelope addressed to Ryder and found area, contested his arrest on charges includ- a letter saying that Ryder is eligible for $360 ing hunting without a license, but one look in per week in unemployment benefits. “I knew court at the warden’s body cam footage un- he was clever,” Haddock said of Ryder, “but dermined his case. The man then dropped he surprised me this time.” The UIA admitted that its computer did send the notice to his appeals and settled the citations.

Ryder, but it was later flagged as suspicious, and the German shepherd won’t receive any BRUTALLY HONEST Kane Blake of Kelowna, British Columbia, benefits after all.

Canada, has great things to say about his In New Hampshire, the state legislature is Springvalley home: “It’s a gorgeous neigh- considering a bill that would hold owners of borhood,” and his family loves most things poultry responsible for the birds’ trespassabout it. Nevertheless, the Blakes have list- ing. According to the proposal, reported by ed their home for sale, with a sign out front the Associated Press, “anyone who knowreading: “Home for Sale by owner because ingly, recklessly or negligently allows their neighbor is an —-hole.” Blake said a neigh- domestic fowl to enter someone else’s propbor has been harassing his family for five erty without permission” can be convicted years, including sending police and bylaws if the birds damage crops or property. Rep. officers to the house for frivolous reasons Michael Moffett, a Loudon Republican, told and taking photos of Blake’s house. “My kids a committee on Jan. 30 that one man told won’t even walk to school, they’re terrified,” him his neighbor was using chickens as a he told the Kelowna Capital News, adding that he’s received several offers on his house. (Update: Kane has since removed the sign.)

“form of harassment and provocation.”

But Earl Tuson, a local vegetable farmer, opposed the bill, noting, “Everyone loves eating bacon until they move in next to the pig farm.”

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ARTS>>MUSIC

MIXING BOWL OF MAGIC: The Dust Parade talks their first year of making music as a band

onstage. We are all listening to each other and having nonverbal musical conversations onstage.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

A

round February 2017 encore spoke with local singer-songwriter Hank Barbee about his solo album “Son Royale.” He told us of his process of finding what makes a song come alive.

“To me, it’s always about the song and the question: Where does this song want to go?” he noted.

e: What are some “lessons learned”?

Hank Barbee (HB): You can’t force chemistry. All you can do is be grateful when you have it and then get to work as a team to chronicle the season of creativity at hand. There’s been a number of guys, who I loved as players and people, who just didn’t speak the same musical language I did. In the kind of music we are trying to play, there’s no way to move forward without that common thread.

“Son Royale” already was carrying more meaning than anticipated. The name “The Dust Parade,” as referenced on the album, soon became a moniker for an everchanging roster of players who started to join Barbee for live performances. Though, very few of them actually played on the album itself.

“The name [‘The Dust Parade’] was a cryptic reference that came about to formalize the fact I now have a band behind BAND TOGETHER: The Dust Parade prepares to me,” Barbee says today, “an evolutionary celebrate their first year together and prep for 2018. step of the solo artist.”

Photo by Lynn Durham While playing informal one-off shows with players Matt Henderson (bassist) and Jim worth of work.

Durham (saxophonist), Barbee’s cousin Matt Henderson (MH): It is the first proand drummer Mykel Barbee (L Shape Lot) fessional band I’ve ever been in! While stepped in for a while. They played their playing stand-up bass in middle school orfirst Dust Parade show on Feb. 17, 2017, chestra, I picked up electric bass and fell at The Brown Pelican in New Bern. The in love. Years went by without an outlet for next night they played a dive bar, Royal expression—until I met Hank! He has given James Cafe, in Beaufort. me the chance to be a part of something “It was obvious something magical was great, and I have learned what a band is happening,” Barbee continues. “We played really about: discipline, diligence and most music like we were flying. I don’t think we’ve importantly teamwork. At the moment, I am looked back since that weekend. It’s why really just trying to develop my own style I wanted to celebrate our one-year band- and feel, with very little regard to the actual versary. It is a very special group of guys genre of music I am playing. we have. . . . We all play an equal part in Jim Durham (JD): Each of us have been the musical magic happening here. It’s no shaped and influenced as musicians by the longer just [me] with guys backing me up; people we have grown up listening to and this is far more than that.” playing with. There is some crossover in The Dust Parade has come full circle our past influences, but we are all coming now as a blues-surf-jam outfit, made up of at the music with a slightly different “lean” Barbee and permanent fixtures Henderson, on it. It would be hard to list all of our influDurham and drummer Logan Watson (for- ences as a band, but I think the short list merly of the David Dixon Trio). They’ll cel- of what comes out in our music is rock, ebrate their first year together on Saturday Americana, roots country, jazz, blues, surf, swing, jam band, bluegrass, and so more. at Duck and Dive.

It creates really interesting and fantastic encore caught up with Barbee and com- genre blends when we start to work on a pany to chat about the band’s milestone and song together. latest original songs, including “Nevermind.”

I have a hard time putting a label on the encore (e): Tell us more about your genre of music we play, but I’ve always collective influences and this first year’s loved music that transcends genre and be10 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

comes something new entirely. People may not know what to call it, or different people may want to put their own labels on it, but I say let’s forget about what we call it and just enjoy it. e: How are band dynamics so far, onand offstage?

MH: Wonderful! I have gotten immensely lucky with landing in this band and having Hank as a band leader. He is a great guy who lets us go. There is never a problem between any of us, and it’s very hard to foresee there ever will be. Jim is an awesome player who is always ready to give some knowledge to me to push me along the way. Logan is newer on the scene, but probably the most laid-back of us all.

JD: It is a fantastic group of guys [who] I feel have become my brothers; we become closer and closer as we make more and more music together. No one is here to be the star, and no one is here to take control.

We tend to lean on Hank as a songwriter and leader, but we are all a part of the music process. We are all very busy people in our lives beyond the band, but it makes me look forward to moments at a rehearsal or a gig when we get to play together again.

The practice is very productive—partly because we are all having a great time in the process. I feel like we are learning each other so well and we are starting to anticipate each other as musicians. It makes the jams we get into that much more interesting

JD: I’ve learned the band is more than the sum of its parts. I think when we first started playing together, I did not know how much Hank wanted us to get involved with the music writing process. I loved his first two albums; I was very concerned with wanting to make sure Hank was happy with what I was doing with his music. Hank put the band together, and I wasn’t sure if he wanted my input in his music, but I realized very quickly he wanted us all to have input on most everything we were doing. That takes the music to a whole other level of depth that could not be there if we weren’t all a part of it.

MH: Everything will be fine! [laughs] I used to get onstage nervous as can be, especially when I barely knew a song and was thrown into the fire onstage! That’s the way I learned, though, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m rarely nervous now!

HB: Matt shouldn’t be nervous now [laughs]; he’s killing it! But that’s a true story—I did literally throw him into the fire!

He responded like a champ. That’s how I learned to play, too, with dudes who were older and more experienced. Despite being super-scary, the “fire method” has its merits. You begin to rely on musical instincts immediately, and those are skills that serve you well. Your intuition and your ears: That’s all you really need. e: Hank, in the past you’ve said you tend to be picky about what you play to a live crowd. Can the same be said about The Dust Parade’s work?

HB: I guess the nature of The Dust Parade now is we are very much a live band—not a “super jam-band” band. But we are players, and we definitely travel far from the musical core at times and may not

return. If that makes it “jam,” then so be it.

Everything that we’ve written and perform together, so far, is material full of energy and perfect for live settings.

I also think we’ve made a conscious effort to focus on positive lyrical messages and give birth to them more so than the angst or downtrodden type of material. This is an upbeat group of socially conscious individuals who understand we have a voice and responsibility that comes along with having this talent. e: Tell us more about “Nevermind.”

HB: “Nevermind” is actually one of the few songs I had prior to us all getting together. It’s a song related to addiction/recovery/rehab—sort of a topic close to home for me. I recorded it several years ago in Atlanta for a compilation album to benefit addiction, recovery and awareness. It’s a fun song to play and this lineup just kills it.

We all agree it needs to be recorded on our first album as The Dust Parade.

working on, Hank has fantastic songs that are fleshed out, or mostly fleshed out, in his head—or as a demo he sends to us to listen to. We all take some time to absorb what we hear, and we all come together to practice it with our own ideas. Everybody has ideas; we try lots of things until the song comes out the other end, with pieces of all of us in there. I am so grateful to play with this group of musicians that leaves the ego at the door and just wants to create fantastic music. Hank is a wonderful songwriter, but is very open to our ideas . . . I feel like we all have our own “presence” in the music.

HB: Jim has a vast background in formal music, so he is never out of ideas or melodies, and Logan and Matt are great at coming up with lively rhythms to grow music from. Seems like all I have to do anymore is write a little guitar lick and a verse and chorus. The rest tends to write itself.

e: As a singer, Hank, how does the band and project change your approach MH: “Nevermind” is a fantastic song to to performing a song versus what play; it covers content that is very entwined you’ve released in the past? with my past, as well as Hank’s. The bass HB: Having their strong rhythm section line is singular yet solid. It’s a song I rarely improvise much on; though, it gets more at the foundation allows me to do different fun to play each time I nail that specific things on the guitar than I normally would, and that, in turn, affects how much I’m freed bass part. up to experiment vocally. Being a solo playJD: “Nevermind” seemed set when I er/artist for so long, that’s not a luxury I’ve first started playing with Hank. I did not ever had. I love the freedom to expand. try to change it, and I don’t think Hank, e: How are you planning to celebrate Matt or Logan did either, but it became something different over the course of all your band’s one-year anniversary? of us coming together. I think it changed HB: Our goal is to have fun bringing gradually. Then it kind of struck us [after] people some joy with the sounds and feels we played it a while, that it was still the of great music! Folks will be able to hear same song in message and basic form, brand-spanking-new songs. They can witbut it had grown into a piece of music ness us playing energetic surfy-island that was somehow 100 percent Hank’s jams. They can visit pretty girls at our meroriginal song [yet] 100 percent The Dust ch table and check out special deals on TParade’s mixing bowl of magic. shirts, CDs, limited-edition vinyl pressings of “Son Royale,” my mom’s handmade e: Where are you on recording? guitar string bracelets—made from my reHB: I’d say we are still in the writing and cycled strings—and take home some free rehearsing phase. We’ve got enough mate- stickers and stuff we’ll be giving away! rial to go in right now, but we wanna find a e: Is there anything else you want to studio that’s able to capture us live, when we’re in the moment and at our very best. add about working together, latest muThat being said, we’ll probably take a few sic or anniversary show? more months and really tighten up stuff.

Logan Watson (LW): The Dust Parade I’m certain once we find a comfortable and has been working very hard to incorpoworkable space where we can lay down rate new songs at every show. It keeps the songs, the band is going to make a break- gears grinding for the band and the mateout record. It’s the best thing I have ever rial fresh for the listeners. The lineup we been a part of, beyond a doubt. have right now is unstoppable, and 2018 is It’s genre-bending, genuine and original. lining up to be a big year for this band!

The songs are great. The players are great.

The personalities come through in the writing and the music. That’s about the most one can ask for. I’d love to say we can get it recorded and released this year.

DETAILS:

The Dust Parade Anniversary Party

Sat., Feb. 17, 10 p.m. •Free Duck and Dive e: Tell us about your process of writ- 114 Dock St. ing lyrics and music between.

Facebook.com/TheDustParade JD: As for the most recent music we are

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN PLAYLIST SAMPLE: AMOS LEE - THE MAN WHO WANTS YOU THE AVETT BROTHERS - I AND LOVE AND YOU CHRIS STAPLETON - MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO MEMPHIS PATTY GRIFFIN - LOVE THROW A LINE KELLER WILLIAMS - KIDNEY IN A COOLER NEIL YOUNG - UNKNOWN LEGEND STEEP CANYON RANGERS - OUT IN THE OPEN LEON BRIDGES - SMOOTH SAILIN' JOHN LEE HOOKER * BONNIE RAITT - I'M IN THE MOOD TRAVIS SHALLOW - RIVER THAT SINGS

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UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS: DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS (GLA 3/24) DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (GLA 4/15) GRAMATIK (GLA 4/19) SOJA (GLA 4/20) THE BIG WHAT? WILMINGTON (GLA 4/27 & 4/28) MANDOLIN ORANGE (GLA 4/29) BRANDI CARLILE (GLA 5/11)

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WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 11

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

THE SOUNDBOARD

Brought to you by:

encore magazine ROCK HARD FUNK: Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam perform their own original songs and modern twists on classical hits during their winter tour with a stop at The Whiskey on Feb. 16. Courtesy photo

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Port City Trivia w/Dutch (6:30pm; Free)

—Blossoms Restaurant, 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Entertainment (7pm; Free) —Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

—The Blind Elephant, 21 N. Front St. Unit F

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

Read us online at encorepub.com

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

The Jillettes (7pm; $3; Rock, Pop, Country) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.;

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

Sign up

910-231-3379

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 11 Van Campen Blvd.

La Bouche (7:30pm; $25-$75; Dance) —Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

Monica Jane (5pm; $15-$35; Singer-Songwriter)

—Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Eric Keely Live (6pm; Free; Folk, Rock)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive

Open Mic (6pm; Free)

—Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 Oleander Drive

Janko Winehart Live (6:30pm; TBD; Cover) —Bill’s Front Porch, 4328 Market St.

Open Mic Comedy (7pm; $0-$3)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Emile Pandolfi and Dana Russell (7:30pm; $22$40; Cabaret) —Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Ms. Pat (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

All Soundboard listings must be entered onto our online calendar, powered by SpinGo, each Wednesday, by 5 p.m., for consideration in the following week’s entertainment calendar. All online listings generate the print listings, as well as encore’s new app, encore Go. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

12 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Nelson and the Rock-a-fellas (7pm; $3; Blues; Jazz) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Paleo Sun (8pm; Free; Alternative, Roots) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (8pm; Free)

Slide Effects (4pm; $6; Trombone)

David Dixon Live (4pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —Waterline Brewing Company; 721 Surry St.

Bluegrass Sunday (6pm; Free)

—Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. Fourth St.

—Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St. 910-399-2796

Folkstone Stringband (8pm; Free)

Nonstop to Cairo (6pm; $5; Ska, Hip Hop, Funk)

—Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Andy Mowatt’s Steely Jam (9pm; $5; Hard Rock, Funk) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Wax Imperials, Parties With Strangers, Sunset Kings (9pm; $7; Alternative, Rock) —Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

Jared Sales and Company (9:30pm; Free; Soul) —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133

Wavy Train (10pm; TBD; Cover)

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Jenny Pearson Live (3pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive

Randy McQuay Live (6:30pm; $15-$35; SingerSongwriter)

—Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

Ms. Pat (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Wolfe Gang (7pm; $3; Roots)

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Overtyme Live (7pm; TBD; Rock)

—Rooted Kava Lounge, 4511 Franklin Ave.

Open Mic Night (7pm; $3)

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

April Evans Live (7:30pm; $6; Opera)

— Beckwith Recital Hall, 5270 Randall Drive

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Port City Trivia w/Dutch (7pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

The Corey Hunt Band (8pm; Free; Rock, Country) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Comedy Bingo (6pm; $2)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Port City Trivia w/Dutch (7pm; Free)

—Sloppy Poppy’s, 4540 Fountain Drive

The Drum Circle with Drum & Dance Downtown (7:30pm; Free) —The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910-762-2091

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St; 910-763-2223

—Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury St.; 910-509-3040

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

—Bottega Art Bar and Gallery, 723 N. 4th St.

Reinstated (10pm; TBD; Reggae, Funk)

—Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Wednesday

5564 Carolina Beach Road,

Thursday ________________________________________

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

FRIDAY

MONDAY

$2.75 Michelob Ultra $3.25 Stella $4.50 Lunazul Tequila All Floors open

TUESDAY

SATURDAY

$2 Select Domestic • $3 Draft $4 Flavored Bombs 1/2 Price Apps Live Music from Tony and Adam $3 Fat Tire & Voo Doo $5 Jameson • $2 Tacos Pub Trivia on Tuesday Live music from Rebekah Todd

$3 Miller Lite $4 Deep Eddy Lemon Drop shots $5 Deep Eddy Grapefruit and Soda All floors open

$2.75 Miller Lite • $4 Wells, 1/2 price bottles of wine $2 off a dozen oysters Live music from Jeremy Norris

$3 Corona/ Corona lt • $4 Mimosa $4 Bloody Mary Live music from L-Shape Lot duo 3pm and Clay Crotts 8pm

WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY

—Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 11 Van Campen Blvd.

—The Blind Elephant, 21 N. Front St Unit F

Comedy in Hell’s (9pm; Free)

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133

Open Blues Jam (8pm; Free)

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

9PM-2AM • $400 GUINNESS

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

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Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

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Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

—Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.; 910-76-BOOKS

(910)-452-1212

Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 1423 S. 3rd St. Select Domestic Bottles $2 DOWNTOWN SUNDAY WILMINGTON Bloody Marys $4, Domestic (910) 763-1607 Pints $150 $ Hurricanes 5 _____________________________________

Laura McLean Showcase (7pm; $3; SingerSongwriter)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Books, Beer & Jazz Piano (3pm; Free)

Visit our $website Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller 5

Thursday www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe for Bottles $ 50 daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottlesupcoming events $ 00 3 22oz. Goose Island IPA $ 95 4 Irish Coffee FRIDAY5564 Carolina $ 50 Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 Road 1/2 off ALL Premium Red Wine Glasses Guinness Cans $3

KARAOKE w/Elite Entertainment (910) 452-1212

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

WEDNESDAY

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Ed Stephenson Live (11am; $18; Flamenco)

$5 Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas *Drink Specials run all day

sunday Wednesday Miller Light Pints $150$ Coronoa/ 5 All$2Flat 50 Breads 1/2 off Nachos Corona Lite Bottles $ 50 $4 Bloody$ Marys 1 Domestic Pints Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Pints $ 50 $ 50 1 Domestic 2 Corona/Corona Lt. $ 5 White Russians $ 50 THURSDAY 4 Margaritas on the Rocks

—Blossoms Restaurant, 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive

Street Clones, Nathan Arizona and more (9pm; $7; Rock, Country) Slomo Dingo and GlÏtterpÏg (10pm; $5; Indie, Punk, Rock)

$5 Mimosas $5 Car Bombs

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR Friday Monday DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Select Appetizers halfMONDAY off $ 4 Cosmopolitan $ 2 Big Domestic Draft Beers $550 Caramel Apple Martini ALL DAY $ 95 22oz. Domestic Draft $ 4 RJ’s Coffee 3 Sam Adams and Blue $5 Pizzas Moon Seasonal Bottles Tuesday TUESDAY 1/2 off Select Bottles of Wine saTurday LIVE(sugar JAzz IN THE BAR $ 5 Absolut Dream rim) $ 6 All Southern Half Price Bottles of Wine Shiners $ 3 NC Brewed Bottles $ $ 50 3-22oz Blue$2Moon Draft • Pacifico Absolut Dream (Shotgun, Buckshot, High $ 550 2 Select Domestic Bottles Roller and Hoppyum)

Port City Trivia w/Dutch (6:30pm; Free)

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Entertainment (7pm; Free)

—Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

$3.50 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Justin Cody Fox Band (8pm; Free; Rock)

—Waterline Brewing Company; 721 Surry St.

$3.50 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade Cheeseburger & Pint $12

College Night (8pm; Free)

DJ Elementary (10pm; Cover TBD)

Fam & Fire feat. DJ GON & Reinhold with Komorebi Fire Arts (8pm; $5)

$3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball

$2.50 PBR 16oz cans $3.50 Sam Seasonal and Hoppyum IPA draft $5 Redbull and Vodka 1/2 price wings Live music from Josh Solomon

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133

WHQR’s Great American Songbook Live: The Oscars! (7:30pm; $15-$25) —Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Road; 910-962-3500

Pie & Pint $12

$3.50 Red Oak Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

Soul-R Fusion (7:30pm; Free)

—Fermental, 7250 Market St.; 910-821-0362

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832 LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard 7 days a week

—Buffalo Wild Wings, 140 Hays Lane #B15

Reese McHenry & the Fox, HardWorker, and Sunset Kings (8pm; $5; Singer-Songwriter, Rock)

—Bills Front Porch, 4328 Market St.

THURSDAY

—Beckwith Recital Hall, 5270 Randall Drive

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 13

14 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS ALL Y

AROUND THE WORLD: Grammy award-winning jazz pianist Diana Krall continues her “Turn Up the Quiet” world tour at the Durham Performing Arts Center on Feb. 17. Courtesy photo NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 2/14: Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express and more 2/15: The Bleeps, Jaggermouth and more 2/16: Doyle Bramhall II and Brandy Zdan 2/18: Bebel Gilberto 2/22: Brandy Clark and Maggie Rose 2/23: The Steeldrivers, Kieran Kayne and more THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 2/15: Fetty Wap 2/16: Trial by Fire 2/17: The Marshall Tucker Band 2/22: Molotov 2/25: AWOLNATION THE UNDERGROUND-FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 2/16: Tonight Alive and Silverstein 2/17: Drezo 2/20: Of Mice and Men 2/22: Emancipator Ensemble 2/23: Mako MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 2/15: Bebel Gilberto 2/16: Justin Nozuka, Good Old War and more 2/22: Driftwood DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 2/17: Diana Krall

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 2/15: Mumu Tutu, Dirty Remnantz and more 2/16: The Shakedown 2/18: Y&T 2/23: Emancipator Ensemble and Flamingosis 2/24: Weekend Excursion and Kasey Tyndall

HIBACHI ••• SUSHI ••• TEMPURA ••• DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

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614 South College Road | 910.399.3366 | www.okamirestaurant.com

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 2/15: Corey Smith and Kasey Tyndall 2/16: Nora Jane Struthers and more (back) 2/16: Uno the Activist, Warhol.SS and more 2/17: Hank, Pattie & The Current (back) 2/17: The Black Lillies and Sam Quinn 2/20: Phillip Phillips 2/20: Magic Giant and The Brevet (back) 2/21: Pedro the Lion and Marie/Lepanto 2/22: Lights, Chase Atlantic and DCF 2/22: Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams (back) 2/24: Andrea Gibson and Chastity Brown 2/24: Caleb Caudle and Jake Xerxes Fussell (back) THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 2/15: Jim Brickman 2/16: STRFKR 2/17: Bebel Gilberto 2/20: Big Gigantic, Marley Carroll and shallou 2/21: Maitri, Shane Parish and Millie Palmer HOUSE OF BLUES - MYRTLE BEACH 4640 HWY 17 S, NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (843) 272-3000 2/17: Fetty Wap 2/24: K. Michelle

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 15

ARTS>>COMEDY

SAVED BY COMEDY:

From drugs to stand-up, Ms. Pat tells all in her comedy at Dead Crow

L

BY: JESSICA RUSSELL

ife wasn’t always funny for Patricia Williams. Before taking her comedy tour across North America, she was incarcerated for selling drugs. Following her release in the early ’90s, she encountered difficulty in finding a job. Her 20-page criminal record didn’t help her in even finding odd jobs here and there. When her caseworker recommended stand-up comedy, her life shifted. She became a comedian under her new moniker, “Ms. Pat.” Williams will bring her quick-witted and unadulterated brand of humor to Dead Crow Comedy on Feb. 16 and 17, for two shows each night (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.).

Born to a single mother of five children in 1972, Williams’ childhood contained abuse from both her mother and men who would frequent her Atlanta home. “It brings a chill to my bones thinking about how I

was raised,” Williams explains.

The few moments where young Williams felt loved were in her grandfather’s care.

Together they bonded over NWA (National Wresting Alliance) and he would cook her breakfast every morning (a luxury she did not experience at home). Unfortunately, such small positive moments were not to last; Williams’ grandfather eventually found himself in jail for shooting a woman.

WED THUR

AND BREWS YOGA

6:30PM7:30PM

2/15 ILM LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET 4-8PM BREWGRASS 6-9PM Bluegrass and BBQ with Big Al Hall and

SAT

FRI

Friends and Poor Piggy’s BBQ Food Truck.

2/16 FOLKSTONE STRINGBAND 8-10PM FOOD: LITTLE CHEF FOOD TRUCK, 6-9PM 2/17 JUSTIN CODY FOX BAND 8-10PM Special Acoustic Performance

SUN

FOOD: MAMA DUKES WOOD FIRE OVEN PIZZA, 4-9PM

2/18 DAVID DIXON SOLO FOOD: A&M’S RED FOOD TRUCK, 3-6PM

721 Surry Street Wilmington waterlinebrewing.com

4.6PM

Located Under The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Free parking & brewery tours.

Wine & cider are available.

“She was the first one to graduate in three generations,” Williams notes, “and I couldn’t stop crying. She kept asking, ‘Why are you embarrassing me?’ and I don’t think it dawned on her I never got the opportunity to have that moment.”

Family is important in Williams’ life. After having her first two children, Williams had two more with Lee. Williams then took full custody of her niece’s four kids when she disappeared from their lives.

By age 15, Williams already had dropped out of high school and had two children with a man six years her senior. Her partner (referred to as “Derrick” in her autobiography) physically abused Williams until they broke up in 1993. He also taught her how to sell drugs under her pseudonym “Rabbit,” which landed Williams in jail at 18 years old.

“My focus in life has been to break the cycle [of alcoholism and drugs in] my family,” Williams asserts. “I didn’t want my kids to fall into what I fell into.”

“Being a teenage mom, it made me grow the fuck up,” Williams recalls. “It also made me take a look at my life to see what I was handed and what I was about to hand my kids.”

Williams ceased selling drugs following her stint in Atlanta’s Fulton County Jail and decided to get a better job for her children’s sake. With help from her new husband, Garrett Lee, Williams earned her GED in 1997 and completed coursework to become a medical assistant. She had a job lined up at a local doctor’s office, but the offer fell through. Most employers didn’t want to hire a convicted felon. Undeterred, Williams recounted the experience to her caseworker— who, apparently, couldn’t stop laughing at her storytelling.

2/14 WARRIOR 2’S

“Last Comic Standing.” Her greatest accomplishment of all, though, has been watching her daughter graduate from high school.

ALL ABOUT LAUGHS: While Ms. Pat has a past of tragic tales, she brings humor and humanity to her stories. Courtesy photo.

with a dump truck. Other stories are just flat-out fantastic encounters, like when she didn’t recognize former President Jimmy Carter in a local McDonald’s.

“I knew his face, but I didn’t know his name,” she explains. “So I asked him, ‘Where the fuck I know you from?’”

“She kept telling me I was funny and I should try stand-up,” Williams remembers.

“I just wanted to make $500 a week, so my husband would shut the hell up about me getting a job.”

The ability to make jokes about her negative memories has helped Williams heal from the pain of her past. She says she can now forgive people who have wronged her and actually laugh about it.

Williams killed her first open-mic performance. The audience loved her brutal honesty, and so did the comedy club managers.

She started booking gigs immediately.

In fact, comedy has helped Williams achieve more than she once thought possible. In August 2017 she released her memoir, “Rabbit.” Williams’ book provides an indepth view of her life, whereas her stand-up only scratches the surface.

“I didn’t think I was good at it, at first, but I knew I could do it,” Williams says. Following her first performance, she studied stand-up comedians like Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby. She wanted to become a better storyteller. “It’s always a challenge introducing new bits,” Williams clarifies. “The more you work on them, though, the better they get.”

Retelling stories is therapeutic for her.

Williams often uses her tragic past to make people laugh—like when a man ran her over

16 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

“Everyday I get inboxes from people telling me, ‘Thank you for writing your story,’” she emphasizes. “You always hear the story of the young, black man out of the ghetto, but rarely do you hear the story of a young, black girl out of the ghetto. For some reason, they think we don’t have voices.”

Even as a young child, Williams dreamt of one day becoming a caseworker like the ones who would visit her home, so she could help other children. Today, though, she helps by opening her audience’s eyes to issues they might dismiss otherwise.

“If it’s not at their doorstep,” Williams argues, “people want to act like it doesn’t exist. A lot of people don’t think people like me exist. So I talk about being an inner-city child, I talk about being a child who was on free lunch and being a child of struggle. I want people to realize not everyone in this country started with the same foundation.”

One of Williams’ goals when performing is to give an idea about how people can help others. She hopes her audience is inspired to help just one person because it still makes a difference.

“I’m learning I’m more than just a comedian,” Williams mentions. “My godmother told me when I started comedy, ‘God told me you’re going to start out like this, but this is not how you’re going to end up.’ And I told her to go tell God, ‘I ain’t going to be no black pastor.’ I don’t want to preach. I just want to make people laugh and open people’s minds with laughter.”

DETAILS: Ms. Pat

Feb. 16-17, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Dead Crow Comedy 265 N. Front St. Tickets: $15 Williams has made appearances on “The www.deadcrowcomedy.com

Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and NBC’s

WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

GALLERYGUIDE ARTEXPOSURE! 22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com

One-man show “Escape into Plein Air” features Robert Rigsby. The show will highlight oil paintings from Rob’s 6 month trip visiting all fifty national parks. Rob also wrote a book about his journey and it is available under the same name on Amazon.

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY 210 Princess St. Tues. - Sat. 10am - 6pm (or by appt., Sun. and Mon.) (484) 885-3037 www.aibgallery.com

Check out “Art Explosions by Jeffery Geller”—original art including shadow boxes, mobiles, collage, and paintings. Born in Wyoming, Jeffery has lived in the US, England, France, Germany, and Singapore.

The artist explores boundary crossings and the nature of time. Exhibit on display through February 24th.

“Synergy: Art by Catherine Porter Brown and Jeff Brown” opens on Friday, February 2 with a reception from 6-8 pm. View Jeff Brown’s found-object plus luminous dreamscapes and portraits by Catherine Porter Brown, a classically trained oil painter.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Current exhibits at other locations include: “Ordinary Beauty, Closely Observed: Scanographs by Susan Francy” at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street.

“Between You and Me: Bradley Carter at The District” with paintings at The District Kitchen and Cocktails,1001 N. 4th Street.

“In the Light: New Paintings by Debra Bucci” at Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Street.

“Empty Faces and Abstract Spaces by Joan McLoughlin” with paintings at Pinpoint Restaurant,114 Market Street.

ment www.cjafricanart.com

African art: Museum quality African Art from West and Central Africa. Traditional African art for the discerning collector.

Cureent Exhibition: Yoruba beadwork and Northern Nigerian sculpture. Appraisal services, curatorial services and educational exhibitions also available.

Over 30 years experience in Tribal Arts.

Our clients include many major museums.

EXPO 216 216 N. Front St, Wilmington, NC (910) 769-3899 Wed. – Sun., Noon – 6 PM www.expo216.com

Over 5,000 square feet in historic downtown of thought-provoking art and fashions!

Expo 216’s one-year expositions are themedriven: currently addressing Death & Dying .

Works by local artists, Joan McLoughlin, Niki Hildebrand, Chad Starling, and many more will intrigue you. Fashions such as Flatliner and The Cyclist’s Widow will stun you. Exhibits, such as The History of Funeral Care and Mourning Practices, provide an educational element. Expo 216 is a supporter of the Wilmington music scene and provides live music during the Fourth Friday Gallery Night. Expo 216 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY 271 N. Front St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) www.newelementsgallery.com

”ECHO,” a solo show by jeweler Kristin Wood of Kopious, is inspired by Mid-Century Modern designers like Knolls, Franko Albini, and Paul Frankl. Also on view is an original Claude Howell oil painting from 1941.

“ECHO” will remain on view through February 17th.

New Elements has been offering the best of regional and national fine art and craft since 1985. We invite you to learn more about the artists we represent, featured exhibitions, and gallery news. We regularly update the work available online, so return often to view our many different selections if you can’t drop into the gallery.

PEACOCK FINE ART 224 S. Water St. #1A • (910) 254-4536 Monday through Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. www.peacocksfineart.com.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART 311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E cjart@bizec.rr.com (910) 794-3060 Adjacent to the River to Sea gallery, FeaMon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm tures paintings by Wilmington based plein 1:30 pm - 4 pm air painter Jim Bettendorf. Local scenes of Open other hours and weekends by appoint- Wilmington and surrounding areas cover the

http://cfcc.edu/danielsgallery

walls. Original oil paintings and a selection of giclée prints available for purchase. Open daily from noon to six.

Wilma Daniels Gallery would like to welcome the first show of 2018, The Photo Invitational: Out of the Pines. Out of the Pines features work in photography by instructors from North Carolina Colleges and Universities. The exhibit will be open to February 14, during the galleries regular hours, Mon-Fri 12-5pm. Featured artists are: Erin Arsenault, Kevin Eams, Dhanraj Emanuel, and Jay Capers, Randolph Community College; Jeff Murphy, Heather Freeman, Aspen Hochhalte, and Ann Kluttz, UNCC; Rose Jerome, Winston-Salem State; Courtney Johnson, UNCW; Daniel Josip Kariko and Angela Franks Wells, ECU; Larry Lean, University of Mount Olive; Jennifer Mace, CFCC; Leigh Ann Parrish, Western Carolina University; Richard Tichich, Western Carolina University; Charity Valentine, Pitt Community College; Will Willner, Wake Forest University; Joe Young, Catawba Vally Community College; Scot Taylor and Ryan Adrick, Carteret Community College.

RIVER TO SEA GALLERY 225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (free parking) (910) 763-3380 Tues.- Sat. 11am - 5pm; Sun. 1- 4pm

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

WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY 200 Hanover St. (bottom level, parking deck) Mon.-Fri., noon-5pm

Museum After Dark science of the senses Thursday, February 22 6:30 - 9:30 PM Does cilantro taste like soap? Take a genetic marker test to find out why. Figure out what’s in the mystery box – by touch alone. Build a structure, with your sight impaired. Smell ingredients and match them to the accompanying beer. Find out how delayed hearing affects your speech. Chat with local experts about how your senses work and MORE. Ages 18+. Sponsored by Cape Fear Museum Associates.

Available for purchase from Bombers, Poor Piggys and T’Geaux Boys

TIX

$6/$8 in advance; $8/$10 at the door capefearmuseum.com

814 Market St.

Downtown Wilmington

Free On-site Parking

910.798.4350

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 17

ARTS>>THEATRE

LOVE, PASSION, MURDER:

Second Star Theatre Company debuts newer musical for Valentine’s Day

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and ‘You Belong to Me’ sets the tone for a violent climax. These are my favorites.”

BY: SHEA CARVER

he name says it all in Second Star Theatre Company’s show, just-intime-for-Valentine’s: “Murder Ballad.” There will be love. There will be passion. Their will be heartbreak. There will be blood.

The world of “Murder Ballad” takes up 6 miles of New York City, from a pool table in a bar to abstract spaces.

Heck imagined the set design from day one. “I built a model as part of my pitch to direct it in Wilmington,” he tells. He has been collaborating with Mumford and Zeb Mims on lighting design, and costuming has been a joint effort among the cast since it’s street clothing.

David Heck is directing the show, with a four-person cast who will flesh out the characters in this Off-Broadway musical, which debuted in 2012. The Wilmington premiere will be led by local musicians BIlly Heathen (guitar/music director), Paul Miller (keys), Matthew Marino (bass), and Phil Covington (drums).

Heck says the real pull of the show comes in the music, though. “Fans of contemporary rock musicals are a growing audience here in Wilmington,” he notes. “I believe local Wilmington theatre needs to survive and thrive with new people discovering [its] thrill.”

“I have to give credit to my wife, Robin,” Heck says. “We like to take day trips, and the drive time can take a few hours. She insisted I needed to listen to the music [in ‘Murder Ballad.’]”

It was 2013 and the show—with music by Juliana Nash, and lyrics and book

by Julia Jordan—was playing still in New York. Heck had little information on “Murder Ballad” and began piecing the show together according to its soundtrack.

which he would end up casting his wife as Narrator, along with Beau Mumford as Tom, Kire’ Ann Stenson as Sara, and Jay Zadeh as Michael.

INTERCONNECTIVITY: ‘(L. to r.) Jay Zadeh, Kire’ Ann Stenson, Beau Mumford, and Robin Heck are the cast of ‘Murder Ballad.’ Photo by David Heck

“Murder Ballad” centers around an Upstory she wants to tell.” per West Side gal, Sara, who has a per“It painted an image in my head of what The plot offers insight into life’s larger I expected to see,” he remembers. It also fect family, with her smart, poetry-loving questions and ordeals every human may husband, Michael, and their child.

Yet, she inflamed his passion for the show, one in finds herself somehow unhappy with this face: reconciling the projection of one’s life cozy life. Her ex-boyfriend Tom—a self- path. We often face numerous incarnations proclaimed king of downtown, with whom of ourselves, from youth to young adultshe lived and hadat a passionate love affair hood to adulthood. Heck says “Murder Saving money local businesses during her Bohemian days—shows up pin- Ballad” essentially re-imagines a familiar hasthenever ing after love hebeen let go so yearseasy. prior. A story. love triangle begins and essentially leads “People have a preconceived notion to someone’s demise. about social norms and what they are

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“It’s a ‘murder ballad,’ so you need to know there’s always a killer, and logically someone’s gonna die,” Heck foretells. “Do you want to know if nice guys really do finish last?”

The story is told through song, which means it depends on the notes of the music and vocal and talent of the actors to emote and capture its essence. It sets the tone for all the ins and outs of life, as heard in music that can be playful (“Turning to Beautiful”) and at other times hard-hitting (“I Love NY”).

“Since there is no dialogue, the music drives the show,” Heck clarifies. “The Narrator steps in and out of the story, filling the gaps, and nudging them along to craft the

Tons of money 18 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com at local businesses

supposed to be doing/feeling in society,” he explains. “We play the good neighbor, the successful business person, the doting parent because that’s what we imagine we are supposed to be doing. After years of living a publicly crafted life, some people realize they are no longer the person they want to be.”

Thus they face existential crises and deal with it in ways that don’t always work to benefit them. The show features the depth of inner conflict, as heard in “Coffee’s On,” “Trouble Mind” and “I’ll Be There.”

Sometimes that means showcasing an unknown piece over classic and toe-tapping well-known theatre. “I’d rather take the chance [on ‘Murder Ballad’] and expand what people’s expectations should be for theatre in Wilmington, and bring in new fans as well,” he tells.

Second Star’s mission is to educate and encourage youth and teens in theatre, with group-effort projects to foster the next generation of Wilmington thespians and even techies. However, it will be Second Star’s second adult production, wherein they work with established community members to produce shows oftentimes overlooked. Last year they presented “The Last Five Years.”

“Murder Ballad” opens Feb. 14, 8 p.m., and runs through Feb. 18, as well as the following weekend, Feb. 23-25.

DETAILS:

Murder Ballad

Feb. 14-18, 23-25, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $15-$20 Front Street Theatre 21 N. Front St., Fifth Floor #501 “The story’s best moments show how (910) 833-5751

interconnected the characters are,” Heck explains. “‘The Crying Scene’ artistically paints lives of people in an ongoing affair,

ARTS>>THEATRE

SUCCESS STORY ON EVERY FRONT: ‘Oliver!’ delivers big musical, with toe-tapping dance numbers

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BY: GWENFYAR ROHLER

halian Association brings Lionel Bart’s delightful musical, “Oliver!”— based on Charles Dickens’ book “Oliver Twist”— to Thalian Hall’s main stage. Directed by Michael Laurincella, it is a marvelous evening, perfect for introducing children to theatre. It also reminds adults why they fell in love with it in the first place.

Bart’s musical premiered in London in 1960 and was adapted into an academy award-winning film in 1968. (Fun fact: Joe Dunton, of JDC camera on 23rd Street, actually developed the playback technology used while filming the dance scenes for the movie—which became the basis for the video assist that is standard on film sets now.)

Dickens’ novel, which appeared in serial edition from 1837-39, is incredibly dark and complicated, and very difficult to streamline to a two-and-half-hour musical. But Bart hits the high points and moves the story along at a pretty rapid pace.

It opens with “Food, Glorious Food”—an ode to food and all the wondrous possibilities it holds for a group of children in a Victorian workhouse (Will Schraff, Annabele Arnett, Bay Allebach, Emma Kay Willis, Sommer Skylynne Bradley, Nolan Wilson, Sarah Rudeseal, Hans Oskar, Graham Westermark, Eva Smith, Esme Madi, Jamar Pridgen, Sam Warner, Etta Jabaley, Preston Hardgrove, Dominick Suchecki) who subsist on gruel and dream of heartier fare. Run with ruthless authority by Mr. Bumble (Jim Bowling) and the Widow Courney (Kathy Day), daily life at the workhouse is thrown into complete chaos when one boy, Oliver Twist (Garret Reider), dares to ask for more gruel.

Bumble and Courney decide Oliver must leave the workhouse.

Bowling and Day are at turns frightening, funny and reprehensible. They tower over Reider, who isn’t so much scared of them as he is perplexed by them. Actually, Reider’s Oliver is prepared to take most things in stride, even being sold to Mr. Sowerberry (Troy Rudeseal). At least there he gets scraps of meat from Charlotte (Hunter Wyatt), the house servant. It is a definite improvement over the workhouse—except for Noah Claypole (Dalton Crocker), the senior apprentice, and romantic interest of Charlotte. Noah is a bully, and Oliver is just too easy a target, especially once Noah discovers Oliver has one easy-to-push button: besmirching the good name of Oliver’s dear, departed mother.

Claypole can’t resist taunting Oliver, and all hell breaks loose upon retaliation.

Now homeless and hungry, Oliver wanders the streets until he is befriended by The Artful Dodger (Joe Basquill). Basquill’s Dodger is a sort of music-man-like character: He is charming and cunning, and uses performance as his greatest weapon. The Dodger entices Oliver to join him and some other boys (“Consider Yourself”) in his home, which actually belongs to Fagin (Jamey Stone).

Fagin runs a ring of young pickpockets, and takes their spoils in exchange for food and a roof to sleep under. Fagin’s gang (Anthony Reynolds, Reno Ray, Joey Smith, Hyrum Smith, Will Rudesael, Caleb Hector, Cooper Herrett, and Andrew Penny) teaches Oliver how to rob the unsuspecting with the song-and-dance number, “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two.” If Oliver had any qualms about staying, they are banished by the appearance of Nancy (Jamison Nelson) and her sister Bet (Amy Carter). Nancy is the other half of the great, terrifying Bill Sykes (Mike Maykish)—the thief and villain of whom even Fagin is scared. Sykes’ sidekick is Bullseye (Vinnie Lauricella), an entirely sweet and handsome dog who, frankly, could find better company. For all the hard and distrustful anger Maykish imbues in each song of Sykes, Nancy and Vinnie bring sunlight and joy to the people he terrorizes. Life isn’t so bad in Fagin’s gang, but still, it’s not the Ritz, as Will Rudeseal reminds with a solo so beautiful and sweet, he will captivate the hearts of everyone.

Oliver’s adventures in the city of London continue on their improbable course and Reider responds to all of it with wonder and hope, making Oliver someone the audience wants to root for. He just seems too kind for the world he has been thrust into.

Director Michael Lauricella has a really clear and specific vison for the show and it comes through. The team he has assembled is wonderful. Beth Swindell’s choreography is tremendous and makes the crowd scenes actually work. Nickolas Fenner’s lighting design is evocative of the Victorian underworld with a smoky grittiness and a very memorable lamppost. But Troy Rudeseal’s sets are a revelation. Incorporating multiple levels to create bridges, sewers, attics and basements, the details of the portraits and practicality of pieces, are startling. Lauricella is an accomplished musician and performer in his own right, and though the picture is perfectly assembled, it’s apparent his heart is truly with

the music. To that end, the songs are fabulous, thanks to great voices singing with lots of gusto. Jamison Nelson as Nancy has one of the most standout numbers, “As Long As He Needs Me.” But her drinking song, “Oom Pah-Pah,” with the ensemble in the tavern is the one I walked out humming.

She really sells it.

“Oliver!” is a success on every front: The stage is filled with lots of cute kids singing and dancing. The adults in the cast and the creative team bring the harder aspects of the story to the fore, with just enough humor to take the edge off. Bowling and Day manage the full circle of flirtation to marital squabble in a very believable but short journey. The story is moving and Lauricella even finds an additional avenue to make the message of “Oliver Twist” pertinent.

He points out in the program Vinnie, who plays Bullseye the Dog, was in search of a home and love when he was in the Columbus County Animal Shelter. Vinnie will be greeting fans at the stage door after each

performance for audiences to find out how to help other dogs find a path he and Oliver both took to secure a home and love.

Perhaps what makes Dickens’ work so frustrating is how well he hones in on the selfish motivations of each character at the expense of others. Indeed, when someone tries to benefit another, they are punished for it. The rewards for helping others comes in an escape from life—not a celebration of it.

“Oliver!” delivers fabulous sets and costumes, big dance numbers with toe-tapping tunes to be sung for days. It’s a reminder of the power of song to tell the heart of a story.

DETAILS: Oliver!

Feb. 16-17, 7:30 p.m., or Sun., Feb. 18, 3 p.m.

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. Tickets: $30 www.thalianhall.org

Port City Java is a proud community supporter. We donated over $30,000 in 2017 to the following organizations.

Hope Abounds, Inc. • UNCW 5K • Azalea Pre Fest • NHRMC Founders Ball • Saltwater School • Pancakes for Rich • Night to Shine • Polar Plunge • NHRMC • GallantFew • Good Shepherd • NC Aquarium Volunteers • Alpha Phi • Hunks & Hounds • Ashley JROTC • Healthy Start Breakfast CIS • Heart Ball • CIS • Beard & Mustache Competition • CFA • Canines • Issac Bear Early High School • UNCW Conference • Wilmington Girls Choir • Good Shepherd • Anderson Elementary • SaludHonda • Blue Tie Gala • NHCS Field Day • Harrelson Center • Light it Up Blue • Murray Middle PTA • Power of the Purse • Hoggard Golf Tournament • Winter Park Elementary • ILM Rotary • My Brothers Keeper • Pickleball Dink for Pink • Friends School • Carousel Center • paws4people • OasisNC • SP Kiwanis 5K • Azalea Belles • NCIAI • Leland Parks & Rec • NICU @ NHRMC • V. Williamson Elem. PTA • Covenant Church • NHRMC-RFL •

AND MANY MORE! FOLLOW US ON

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 19

Second Skin Vintage

ARTS>>THEATRE

BABS IN MALL LAND: Tyler Crittenden makes ‘Buyer and Cellar’ a fun show

Photo by Ben Minor

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true vintage clothing and accessories

615 Castle Street • 910.239.7950 www.secondskinwilmington.com

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

hough Thalian Hall’s main stage currently is able to hold a cast of at least 50, upstairs in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre, one young man, Tyler Crittenden, entertains with “Buyer and Cellar.” Written by Jonathan Tolins, “Buyer and Cellar” opened Off-Broadway in 2013. Entirely fiction, it is inspired by a book that Barbra Streisand published in 2010 about her attempts to design and construct the perfect abode. Apparently, underneath her Malibu home she built a faux shopping complex to house her collections of dresses, accessories, collectibles, knick-knacks, and jewelry.

Tolins imagines a world where a young, struggling actor, Alex More (Crittenden), gets hired to manage the mall beneath Streisand’s home. Seri-

ously. He gets paid to dust, clean, make displays, and wait on one and only one customer. Will she ever appear? Or is Alex destined to spend his days surrounded by dolls and the whirl of the frozen yogurt-machine? Yes, she has a frozen-yogurt stand, complete with sprinkles in her private shopping mall because she can.

As fate and employment would have it, Alex does get to wait on Streisand in her private mall. Nothing has quite prepared him for the experience or what is going to be expected of him. But in all fairness, what could?

about the pinnacle of his life—which, frankly, up to now hasn’t had anything nearly this exciting to recommend.

Within Crittenden’s toolbox as an actor is a remarkable ability to make excitement, surprise and wonder permeate his being. He presents More like he’s back home visiting his parents and catching up with high-school friends, recounting his craziest of adventures trying to make it as an actor in LA. Crittenden manages to imbue it with a sense of wonder and excitement but also desperation of being young, broke and far from home. The adult thing is starting to really set in—and he has to start making decisions about how he is going to go through the world. When things go badly with Barry, his despondency is palpable.

The writing of “Buyer and Cellar” is incredibly witty and surprising partly because Tolins shows the story through the lens of an inexperienced young man. It takes Alex a while to tumble to the events around him—his process of A lot of the script does focus on the starting the journey we are following. twin sides of the celebrity coin: lauding, Meeting Streisand is only the veneer. praising and cataloging accomplishAnyone who takes on the challenge ments, contrasted against the jealousy of a one-person show has my admira- disparaging their flaws. Cynicism about tion. It is an incredible amount of work their strife, struggles and disappointto pull off with no safety net. Critten- ments permeates. Where is the huden’s team includes its director, Shane manity within celebrity? Are More and Fernando, and producer, Tony Riven- Babs actually becoming friends? Are bark, who have set him up for success. they sharing the excitement of creating Crittenden introduces us to the great together? Or is More genuinely just a Babs herself, but also his boyfriend— very disposable member of the “staff”? the frustrated aspiring screenwriter, Or is all of it just one seriously misunBarry. Like Streisand, Barry escaped derstood delusion of More’s? from Brooklyn to the land of the great golden West. Though, by far, my favorite recurring character is a jaded caretaker of the estate. Crittenden’s voice for her convinces us she has been a chainsmoker most of her life. She is just so acerbic as to she is endearing.

Tolins has created a very funny script, which manages to follow a plot arc with twists, turns and surprises. Crittenden imbues a sense of surprise that doesn’t telegraph the ending or ruin the jokes.

He creates a sense of discovery for the audience and himself, which makes the He isn’t a mimic, per se. So when show so much fun to watch. he gives us Streisand or James Brolin, Crittenden shows enough similarity in the way a storyteller would recreate : them. The point is not to obsessively Buyer and Cellar recreate James Brolin onstage. We are Feb. 15-17 and 19, 22-24, 7:30 getting the sense of a young man recounting a story to us, which is exactly p.m.; Feb. 18 and 25, 3 p.m.

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. what it should be.

DETAILS

Many Wilmingtonians are familiar Tickets: $25 with “Santaland Diaries,” in which an www.thalianhall.org aging man recounts his worst employment experience ever. “Buyer and Cellar” is the inverse: a young man with the world in front of him telling us a story 20 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Valentine’s Day Dessert Special Offer good Wednesday Feb 14th

Guinness chocolate cake w/Baileys icing!

Topped off with hand made whipped cream served with a glass of champagne

Check out Paddy’s Hollow Instagram, FaceBook & Twitter profile for daily discounts & specials.

Join us for our Ogden Grand Opening Party!

Sat., Jan. 27, 11 a.m.

Sweet treats • Raffle for $100 gift certificate $1 clearance • goody bags (while supplies last) * Women’s, men’s and junior’s clothing! * Name brands include Michael Kors, Coach, Lily Pulitzer, Tori Burch, Free People, and more!

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REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

films this week

BALLER MOVES, SO-SO FILM:

Netflix raises the bar on traditional movie watching with ‘Cloverfield’ release

T

BY: ANGHUS

he movie industry is in a state of flux as streaming services like Netflix begin producing feature films to try and rival high-profile blockbusters traditionally seen at the local cineplex. Netflix has been working on changing the game in the world of television for awhile now, by producing boatloads of quality shows to appeal to a wide spectrum of television watchers. The concept of binge-watching TV shows has been a major paradigm shift. Until now, Netflix hadn’t made any moves to challenge the movie-going experience. It all changed on Super Bowl Sunday, a week or so ago, when the trailer for the new “Cloverfield” movie debuted. Four hours later, Netflix released the film.

It was a baller move. The idea of debuting an artistic endeavor without marketing has been a thing in the music industry for awhile, a la Beyonce’s “Lemonade.” It’s a brand new bag for the movie industry. But as we all know, gimmicks are often used to try and conceal lackluster product, which is ironic, given the fact the movie has the word “Cloverfield” in it.

The original “Cloverfield” film came masked in secrecy and used inventive marketing to hide the fact they had a very boring found-footage monster. The second in the “Cloverfield” series, “10 Cloverfield Lane,” was released in theaters and was cloaked in mystery; though, it ended up being a much more entertaining experience. Instead of a terrible, gimmicky monster movie, we got a super-tense claustrophobic potboiler, featuring a wonderfully insane John Goodman.

“The Cloverfield Paradox” is an interesting confection—a science-fiction thriller with some cool ideas and a tenuous connection to the other films in the series. We join the crew of the Cloverfield Space Station; they are attempting to use a particle accelerator to solve the world’s energy crisis by creating an infinite energy source. Easy peasy, right? Apparently not. After two years orbiting Earth, the crew hasn’t been able to successfully create an infinite power supply.

Science is hard.

There’s some natural tension between the crew, who look like they were all cast from the same United Colors of Benetton ad. The crew is a coalition of diverse characters representing all four corners of the globe. Hamilton (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a Brit who has to navigate many difficult personalities on

CINEMATIQUE

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. 7 p.m. • $7

Feb. 14 (also 4 p.m. showing.): For the 13th consecutive year, Shorts HD and Magnolia Pictures present the Oscar-Nominated Short Films. This is your annual chance to predict the winners! The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 4.

GET OFF THE GIMMICK: ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ doesn’t quite deliver. Photo courtesy of Netflix

board. It includes a German scientist (Daniel Bruhl), a captain struggling to maintain control (David Oyelowo) and a snarky Irishman (Chris O’Dowd), among others.

The first act sets up the dire circumstances and works to establish the relationship between Hamilton and her husband Michael (Roger Davies). Soon enough, she’s in space watching each subsequent test fail and desperately short on time. They finally run a successful test of their particle collider, but something weird happens and things start going sideways real fast. I don’t want to spoil the plot twists and turns because they are really the only reason to stay invested in “The Cloverfield Paradox.”

There’s nothing really wrong with the movie, but there’s nothing right about it either.

It’s a perfectly cromulent piece of sci-fi pulp with a great cast but a premise that never really delivers on the promise of its potential.

Audiences should realize such when they saw the name J.J. Abrams listed as producer. Abrams has made a career perfecting the sizzle, but the guy doesn’t really know how to cook a steak.

Writer Oren Uzel has crafted something interesting, along with the director, Julius Onah; he moves the story at a decent pace.

There just isn’t a lot that feels fresh. It’s a monster-mash of messy clichés and tropes.

Pulpy sci-fi is entertaining enough to warrant watching, but the film feels like a really long episode of “Black Mirror” that never delivers the goods. Yet, because it’s on Netflix—and I didn’t have to leave my house—I find myself ambivalent about it all. Had I been forced

to go to the theater to see “The Cloverfield Paradox,” I might have been a little more chuffed. If Netflix is going to change the way we watch movies, they might need to rethink gimmicks and just deliver quality content.

Gimmicks are a great way to get people hooked, but you need good movies to get people to stick around.

DETAILS:

The Cloverfield Paradox Rated R

Directed by Julius Onah Starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo, Daniel Brühl

Feb. 19-21 (extra screening on 21, 4 p.m.): “Call Me By Your Name” is a three-time Golden Globe nominee and three-time Academy Awards nominee, with an extra show Wednesday in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre.

It’s the summer of 1983, and precocious 17-year-old Elio Perlman is spending the days with his family at their 17th-century villa in Lombardy, Italy. He soon meets Oliver, a handsome doctoral student who’s working as an intern for Elio’s father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of their surroundings, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever.

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 23

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD • www.mikescfood.com

AMERICAN BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie.

Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sat & Sun 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

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

BLUE SURF CAFÉ Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich. Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive. We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast served until noon each day!

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

24 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

courtesy photo ■ FEATURING: Daily Specials, Gluten Free Menu, Gourmet Hot Chocolates, Outdoor Patio, New Artist event first Friday of every month and Kids Menu.

■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Wednesday nights, an elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363.

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11am-2pm; Thursday evening, 5pm9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org

ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3. Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:3010:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available 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 it’s going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people.

2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. - Mon. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tues.- Fri.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ 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 HOPS SUPPLY CO. The combination of chef-inspired food and our craft bar makes Hops Supply Co. a comfortable and inviting gastropub that attracts guests of all types – especially a local crowd who can feel right at home whether ordering a classic favorite or trying a new culinary delight! At HopsCo, we are dedicated to the craft of excellent cuisine and delivering hops in its most perfect form, exemplified by our selection of craft beers. As hops are the heart of flavor for beer, our local seasonal ingredients are the soul of our culinary inspired American fare. 5400 Oleander Dr. (910) 833-8867.

■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday 9:57am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com JOHNNYLUKES KITCHENBAR Good eats, good drinks, and great times is what JohnnyLukes KitchenBar is all about. JohnnyLukes KitchenBar serves Wilmington, NC a variety of 19 rotating craft beers on tap, a hand selected eclectic American wine list, fun cocktails, and of course, exceptional food.

Our two-story layout brings the best of both worlds under one roof. Downstairs at JohnnyLukes KitchenBar pair your beer or wine with our Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop, Chicken Pot Pie, Ribeye, or one of our many main entrees and sharable plates. Or, join us upstairs at JL’s Loft and pair a beer with one of our multiple burgers, JL’s roast beef sandwich, meatball sandwich, or one of our many appetizers (we recommend both!). So next time you are looking for a new and exciting restaurant in Wilmington, NC where you can experience both great craft beer and amazing food, be sure to head over to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar and JL’s Loft! 5500 Market Street, Suite 130. (910)-769-1798 ■ OPEN: JohnnyLukes KitchenBar: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 10pm; JL’s Loft: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.johnnylukeskb.com 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. Reserva-

tions are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; Seasonal hours are open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Mondays and Memorial Day-October, 7-9pm ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com MUNCHIES The most unique restaurant in Wilmington is Munchies. Located adjacent to the UNCW campus, Munchies provides a new take on classic American fare.

Selling items unavailable anywhere else such as the famous “Fat Sandwiches”, decadent milk shakes, and fried desserts set Munchies apart, while the incredible flavor of traditional items such as burgers and wings make Munchies stand out. Open until 3 am daily, and offering dine in, take out, and delivery options, as well the choice of ordering online, Munchies is a new American classic for todays modern world. Perfect for lunch, dinner or a late night snack, and totally customizable, Munchies makes sure you get your food, your way, all day. 419 S. College Rd., Unit 35, 910-798-4999. Dine in • Delivery • Take out ■ OPEN LUNCH AND DINNER: 12pm - 3 am daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: munchiesfoodco.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.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com RISE Serving up the best dang biscuits and donuts in Wilmington, Rise is not any typical breakfast spot. Our donut menu includes an assortment of ‘old school, new school, and our school’ flavors; and our buttery, flaky biscuits filled with country ham, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and fried eggplant “bacon” are crave-worthy.

Lunch is on the Rise with our new chicken sandwiches on potato rolls and fresh salads. 1319 Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 239-9566 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.- Sun. 7 a.m.

– 2 p.m.

Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine is offering something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before: True New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations.

We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today!

Happy Hour Sun.-Thur., 4-6pm.

Featuring discounted appetizers and select sushi rolls!

Regularly priced menu items only

Displayed is our Saketini, the Princess Peach, and behind that (from left to right) is a bowl of Ramen in the Tonkostu (pork) broth. Next to that is our appetizer, Takoyaki, which is an fried round of octopus. Beside that is a Salmon Poke bowl. Beneath is the dinner portion of steak and chicken Hibachi!

260 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 799-6799 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 10pm encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 25

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com SPOONFED KITCHEN & BAKE SHOP Newly opened Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop is bringing their love for great food and customer service to Wilmington! Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop specializes in creating wholesome, delightful foods to feed your lifestyle. Please join us in our cafe for breakfast, lunch & weekend brunch. We offer coffee & pastries, great foods to go from our deli & freezer cases (appetizers, salads, entrees & sides), bakery items (scones, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, pies & more), gluten-free bakery items, and specialty market, cheeses & beverage. Catering is also available for all budets from personal to corporate to events. #feedyourlifestyle. 1930 Eastwood Road, Suite 105, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8881. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat. Sun. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: www.spoonfedkitchen.com THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken). Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), all-beef, pork smoked sausage (Carolina Packer), Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie. Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or check out our website at www.trollystophotdogs.com. Cater-

ing available, now a large portion of our business. All prices include tax. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 4523952 Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921 Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN HIBACHI TO GO Hibachi To Go is a locally owned, family business serving only the freshest ingredients with three locations. We invite you to try our menu items at either our Hampstead drive-thru location, where you can walk-up, take-out, or call in and pick up your meal or our Ogden location with dine-in or take-out options. Our new Wilmington location (894 South Kerr Avenue) offers dine-in, take-out or drive-thru service. We’re convenient for lunch and dinner. Open 7 days 11 am - 9 pm. Our popular Daily Lunch Specials are featured Monday-Saturday for $4.99 with selections from our most popular menu items! We always have fresh seafood selections at Hibachi To Go, like delicious hand peeled shrimp, fresh local flounder and always a fresh catch fillet in-house. We scratch make every item on our menu daily. We offer your favorite hibachi meals and some of our originals like our pineapple won tons. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the most up to date information on Hibachi To Go. Always fresh, great food at a super good price.

Hampstead Phone: 910.270.9200. • Ogden Phone:

A Taste of Award-Winning Seafood VOTED BEST SEAFOOD BY ENCORE, STAR NEWS AND WILMINGTON MAGAZINE READERS!

WITH THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU...

Monkey Junction 5226 S. College Road Suite 5 Wilmington, NC 28412 910-799-7077 Porters Neck 140 Hays Lane #140 Wilmington, NC 28411 910-681-1140 Waterford 143 Poole Road Belville, NC 28451 910-399-6739

CAPEFEARSEAFOODCOMPANY.COM

26 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

910.791.7800 Wilmington Phone: 910-833-8841 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open 7 days 11am9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, North Wilmington, Hampstead ■ WEBSITE: www.hibachitogo.com 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. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m.

– 10 p.m. for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the Front Street location, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and veggie wraps, as well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front St. (910) 771-9151.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm-10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.nikkissushibar.com/ OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.” Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.” We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our allyou-can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at www.okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm;

Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am-9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com 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 ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms.

Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week @ 5PM; Sun-Wed until 10pm, Thurs until 11pm, Fri & Sat until Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices. Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. GlutenFree Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

■ WEBSITE: www.yosake.com. @yosakeilm on Twitter & Instagram. Like us on Facebook.

YOSHI Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine offers something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before. We are seeking to bring true New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations. We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls!

Come try it today! 260 Racine Dr, Wilmington 28403 (910)799-6799 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. 12pm-11pm, Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine. com

BAGELS BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is the best spot for breakfast and lunch in Wilmington. Serving traditional New York Style Bagels is our speciality. We boil our bagels before baking them, which effectively sets the crust and produces a perfect bagel made with love. Don’t forget about our selection of custom sandwiches that are always made to order. Try out our breakfast options like The Heart Attack filled with Egg, Country Ham, Bacon, Sausage,

and American Cheese, or the Egg-White Dun-Rite with Egg Whites, Avocado, Pepper Jack Cheese, Spinach, and Tomato. Our Boar’s Head meats & cheeses are the perfect accoutrements for assembling the perfect sandwich, every time! Check out our Cuban Chicken Lunch Sandwich, complete with Boar’s Head Chicken Breast, Ham, Swiss, Pickles, Lettuce, Mayo, and Yellow Mustard. You can also make your own! Not in the mood for a bagel? Don’t worry, we have ciabatta bread, croissants, Kaiser rolls, biscuits, wraps, salads, bowls, omelettes, and more! Make your lunch a combo for $1.50 more, and get a small drink, potato salad or chips, and a pickle spear. Visit us at 5906 Oleander Drive or 7220 Wrightsville Avenue right before the drawbridge to Wrightsville Beach. Look out for our third location, coming to Monkey Junction soon!.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, biscuits, croissants, sandwiches, and more!

■ WEBSITE: www.BeachBagels.biz

CARIBBEAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE Tucked in the U-shape of University Landing, a block from UNCW is Wilmington’s fave Caribbean restaurant, serving diners for over nine years. Family-owned and -operated, Jamaica’s Comfort Zone provides a relaxing atmosphere along with a blend of Caribbean delights.

Our guests have graced us with numerous compliments over the years: “explosive Caribbean culinary experience”; “every year we are here on vacation—you are our first stop”; “flavors just dance in my mouth.” From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as Brownstew chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and jerk pork, our selections also include many vegetarian and select seafood options. Student meal options are $6.99, and catering options are available. University Landing, 417 S. College Road, Wilmington SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Sat., 11:45am-9pm. Closed Sun. and Mon. NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter

DINNER THEATRE THEATRENOW TheatreNOW is a performing arts complex that features weekend dinner theater, an award-winning weekly kids variety show, monthly Sunday Jazz Brunches, movie, comedy and live music events. Award-winning chef, Denise Gordon, and a fabulous service staff pair scrumptious multi-course themed meals and cocktails with our dinner shows in a theatre-themed venue. Dinner theater at its best! Reservations highly suggested. 19 S. 10th Street (910) 399.3NOW (3669). Hours vary.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Dinner shows, jazz brunches, and more ■ WEBSITE: www.theatrewilmington.com

IRISH THE HARP Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare! We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays

and 2 p.m. weekends. Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 763-1607. Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a familyowned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall ■ WEBSITE: www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com

Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., 7 days/week, 365 days/year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com A TASTE OF ITALY Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City?

Look no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years. The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like you’re in your mamas’ kitchen.

Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and made-from-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.atasteofitalydeli.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

MEXICAN EL CERRO GRANDE In January, El Cerro Grande will celebrate 25 years serv-

ing authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine to the greater Wilmington area. With an ever-evolving menu, they have introduced eight new exclusive soft tacos as part of Taco Fiesta! They churn out mouth-watering enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, chef specialties, and more, in a colorfully inviting dining room marked by a friendly staff and attention to detail. Check out El Cerro’s daily drink and food specials at their three different locations, including $3.50 margaritas on Tuesdays off Military Road, on Wednesdays at 341 S. College Road, and on Thursdays at 5120 S. College Road. Mondays feature fajita dinners for 10.99 at all locations, and they even have karaoke every Wednesday at 341 S. College Rd, starting at 6 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri., open at 11 a.m.; Sat-Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.

■ LOCATIONS: 341 S. College Rd., 910-793-0035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials.

Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.95 on Mondays and Tuesdays at all locations, and every meal is complete. Serving the Port City since1996, folks can dine indoors at the Oleander and both Market Street locations, or dine alfresco at both Market Street locations. 3617 Market St.; 8024 Unit 1 Market St.; 5622 Oleander Dr.

FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique family-friendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops. Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of microbrews included in their 27-tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm Monday through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor…..Craft Beer, Craft Pizza!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm; Fri.-Sat., 11 am-Midnight; Sun., noon-10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing.

SLICE OF LIFE “Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits.

Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 2519444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff

2 locations to serve you 7220 Wrightsville Avenue 910-256-1222

Coming Soon To

5906 Oleander Drive Monkey Junction 910-769-4232 5226 S. College Rd.

Serving Breakfast and Lunch 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM every day.

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■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs until 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. until 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Ogden ■ WEBSITE: www.lacostamexicanrestauranwilmington. com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

LOVEY’S NATURAL FOODS & CAFÉ Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café 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, organic 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 delicious 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 glutenfree 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 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m.. 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., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington in the Landfall

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET & SUSHI DOWNTOWN www.downtownnikkis.com Shopping Center ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With its growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to a second location in Porter’s Neck, and coming soon in 2017, their third location in Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,”

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATES UNIQUE SPECIALS DAILY

WWW.BLUESURFCAFE.COM

SURF. EAT. REPEAT. 28 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

250 Racine Drive Wilmington, NC Racine Commons 910.523.5362

Photo by Tom Dorgan

ORGANIC

restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077.

Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140.

Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: www.capefearseafoodcompany.com CATCH Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts.

Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

■ SERVING DINNER: Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: www.catchwilmington.com 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 “BohemianChic” 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.

MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD’S RESTAURANT Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd.

(910) 458-7761 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local seafood and more!

■ WEBSITE: www.MikesCfood.com 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 events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH: Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dine on renovated Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com THE PILOT HOUSE The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South.

We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck.

Large parties welcome. Private event space available.

910-343-0200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm.

Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: www.pilothouserest.com SHUCKIN’ SHACK Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910-458-7380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and

more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon-2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 11amMidnight ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook!

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.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,” co-owner 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 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings.

■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com RX RESTAURANT & BAR

Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up Southern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered. Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.rxwilmington.com

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 UNC W, 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. (910) 791.9393.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com JAX 5TH AVE. DELI & ALE HOUSE Locally owned and operated, Jax offers a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming foodies, sports fans, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We provide a full eclectic menu

of quality Boar’s Head sliced meat and cheeses, and feature unique items like our smoked salmon deviled egg, a legendary Italian sandwich, and famous pita pizzas that bake up lite and crispy. 20 HDTVs feature premium sports packaging for all the games! Supporting local craft breweries with 24 drafts and over 100 different bottles and cans, enjoy it all inside the shiny silver building or outside on the dog-friendly patio at 5046 New Centre Dr. Carry out: 910-859-7374.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Full menu until 2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Daily food and drink specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/ JaxFifthAveDeliAleHouse

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR The Fortunate Glass is an intimate venue showcasing globally sourced wines, plus creative small plates and craft beers. The serene ambiance is created by the beautiful wall mural, elegant glass tile bar, castle rocked walls and intimate booths. There are wines from all regions, with 60 wines by the glass and 350 wines available by the bottle. The food menu consists of numerous small plates, fine cheeses, cured meats and decadent desserts that will compliment any wine selection.

■ SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Tues. - Thur., 4 p.m. - midnight; Fri., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. - midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St. ■ FEATURING: Weekly free wine tasting Tues., 6 - 8 p.m. Small plates, and wine and beer specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.fortunateglass.com

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 29

UPCOMING EVENTS: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 | NOON

Chalk Talk at Bluewater with Coach McGrath

Preview of the Elon game by the men’s basketball coaching staff. Lunch Buffet, drink, tax and tip - $20.

Call 962-2498 to RSVP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 | 7:00 P.M. Men’s Basketball vs Elon

Game sponsored by Pepsi and Avalon Apartments

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 | 7:00 P. M. Men’s Basketball vs Charleston

Game sponsored by Omega Sports and Clean Eatz

30 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

UNCW Baseball presents the Hughes Bros. Challenge FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Butler vs Lehigh | NOON UNCW vs Eastern Kentucky | 4:00 P.M.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Lehigh vs Butler | 10:00 A.M. UNCW vs Butler | 2:00 P.M. Eastern Kentucky vs Lehigh | 6:00 P.M.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Butler vs Eastern Kentucky | 10:00 A.M. UNCW vs Lehigh | 1:30 P.M.

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEWS

WORLD OF FLAVOR:

foodtastic events

Benny’s Big Time ups the Italian game in ILM

G

BY: ROSA BIANCA

uanciale.

Unfamiliar with the term? Think glorified bacon that has been blessed by a wizard, tucked into a wish, and wrapped in a rainbow. At least that’s the technical culinary definition for it. Another explanation: super-succulent pork meat from the jowl. But diners don’t need to be proficient in pig to eat at Vivian Howard’s new gem of a restaurant, Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria. Just come hungry. She’ll do the rest.

Serious food fanatics out there are likely well-versed in Chef Howard’s “Deep Run Roots.” And I’m not just talking about her award-winning cookbook or popular PBS show, “A Chef’s Life.” Since opening her immensely successful Kinston, North Carolinabased regionally refined restaurant, Chef & the Farmer (and its more casual, hip younger cousin Boiler Room Oyster Bar), Vivian Howard has become a household name. Lucky for Wilmingtonians—of all the thriving food meccas to choose from to welcome her newest venture—she landed smack dab on Greenfield Street beside Satellite.

Before we even dig into the food, let’s talk first impressions. After one step through the doors, I immediately was whisked out of Wilmington (in a good way). The ambience is different from practically every other establishment in the Port City, in that it’s not “trying” to be something specific. It’s not a gastropub, a New York lounge, a fine-dining restaurant, a Southern café, etc. Benny’s has a personality all its own. Although, it captures a city vibe with its exposed brick and dark wood tables, it still delivers a spot-on urban, small neighborhood feel, with quirky, colorful food murals (thanks to local artist Sarah Rushing) and vibrant accent walls. The spacious, wrap-around white marble bar (first come, first served) helps set the mood for the dynamic dining room, and their multi-colored Tiffany glass lamps pay tribute to a hip, vintage energy. Every element of Benny’s atmosphere harmoniously comes together to create a lively, comfortable space that’s not easy to find in a smaller town that is just becoming known for its food scene.

My eating buddies and I arrived on a Saturday evening appropriately thirsty for some pre-dinner spirits (as we knew the wait would be extensive). We were right—but not at all disappointed. Benny’s is a highly anticipated, brand-new restaurant opened by a well-known chef. On a weekend night, always plan on meandering to Satellite for a few brews until

SWEET POTATO ZEPOLE: The floral orangeblossom glaze and crackly sugard spiced exterior are perect for dunking into espresso-drowned ice cream.

Photo by Tom Dorgan

a table opens. I planned my pizza partners accordingly, as to make sure everyone could give a diverse, unique critique. We had a true foodie, a not-so-picky Italian-food lover and a 20-something who had no idea who Vivian Howard was.

An hour-and-a-half later, we were off to the races. Our server told us the sardines were a standout dish; although, I’m slightly opposed to strong fishy fish, it felt worth the gamble here.

The presentation was brilliant: Two generously sized whole sardines lay on a bed of braised collards, licorice-y fennel rounds, salty capers, and tart lemon. At our request, our server deboned and filleted the fish tableside. The two of us who prefer our seafood milder were not exactly enchanted by the strong aroma and super-salty taste. Our third dining patron ate every last bite—and he’s typically not a fan of fennel or capers. Sardine lovers or adventurous dining types who like something briny and pungent can rest assured Vivian Howard is the chef to make all your dreams come true.

The fritto misto went over without a hitch— and, well, why would I spend time with people who don’t like fried food? The description of the breaded ocean fare certainly didn’t do it justice. The tender calamari, oysters, catfish, and shrimp were all lightly coated and delicately cooked. However, the fried lemons stole the show. These small, paper-thin rounds of citrus were bursting with sweet, slightly tart flavor and complemented the salty, crispy crunchiness. A swipe through the bright “Big Time” aioli made every bite addictive and surprisingly light.

Next up for splitting: bucatini all’amatriciana,

a thick, spaghetti-like pasta, with a hole running through the middle and tossed in an exotic tomatoe-y sauce with guanciale (cured pork cheek), sharp pecorino, and red pepper flakes.

Its smell alone was enough to send me into a food coma, but one bite and I was practically put into a dream-trance. We all raved over the richness, but the one (sole) agreed-upon complaint was the undercooked pasta. Each homemade strand had much more of a snap than a perfectly cooked al dente noodle, which is traditionally described as having a “bite.” The sauce was so gorgeously acidic and unctuous, despite the underdone bucatini, we all cleaned our plates.

Although the Kevin McCallister pizza seemed one of the more modest of the pies, Vivian had me at taleggio. Heads up: The online menu lists the pizza’s cheese as “Grayson” while the restaurant menu states “taleggio.” For our purpose here, the two are synonymous. Grayson hails from a Virginia dairy farm and, just like Italian taleggio, is a classic example of a silky, earthy, slightly funky washed rind cheese. Everyone has heard the hype about the hot honey (Benny’s signature sweet-and-spicy syrup you could eat off a shoe), but the pizza was equally as notable for its cheese. The top of the pie had nice bubbles and an exterior charring, but the bottom was doughy. We hoped it was an honest mistake of a very new, very busy kitchen, but I later read about similar quarrels.

We finished the meal with sweet-potato zeppole. The floral orange-blossom glaze and crackly spiced sugar exterior were divine, and one dunk into the espresso-drowned ice cream. We left OMG-ing left and right!

Other than a few minor misses, Benny’s was worth every moment of the wait.

DETAILS:

Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria

206 Greenfield St. (910) 550-2525 Tue.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri., 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Closed Mon. vivianhoward.com/bennysbigtime

WINE AT WATERLINE: WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.

Waterline Brewing Company 721 Surry St. • Free

This month’s Wine at Waterline is presented by Blockade Runner Head Chef Jessica Cabo and Art in Bloom Gallery’s featured artist Debra Bucci. In anticipation of spring, the wine team has handpicked some bright, floral and fresh wines to feature, each paired perfectly with just the right cheese!

Enjoy live music by TK and check out beautiful floral-inspired art showcase for the perfect date night or evening with friends!

Preview some of the beautiful art that will be on display and for sale at http:// bit.ly/ArtInBloomGallery.

YOUR PIE GRAND OPENING Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m.

4403 Oleander Dr. Ste G

Join the local store on the 16 for $3.14 entrées (once pizza, salad, panini/person) all day! Enter to be one of five people to win free pizza for a year: https://yourpiewilmington.hscampaigns.com!

Can’t wait ‘til the 16? Welp, enjoy #YourPie pizza at their soft opening event on Valentine’s Day, Wed., Feb. 14 at Your Pie Wilmington! They will accept cash donations on behalf of Cape Fear Literacy Council. Spots are limited! To sign up, select the time slot you prefer, lunch or dinner, and add the number of guests in your party: http://bit.ly/2nqrl0b.

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 31

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32 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

EXTRA>>BOOKS

CARPE LIBRUM:

Paying homage to Margaret Wise Brown with Adam Gamble’s ‘Good Night North Carolina’

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

W

is one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, having sold over 48 million copies since publication in 1947. It is beautifully illustrated by Clement Hurd and details a little bunny saying goodnight to his loved ones, including inanimate objects he cares for. It has been parodied, as many classics are, including Gan Golan and Eric Origen’s “Goodnight Bush,” which uses the structure of “Goodnight Moon” to bid farewell to the Bush presidency and civil liberties.

ilmington’s literary community keeps gaining accolades (two National Book Awards nominees in 2015) and attention in the press. With multiple established publishers in the state (Algonquin, Blair Publishers) and new smaller presses gaining traction (Eno, Bull City), it is timely to shine a light on discussions around literature, publishing and the importance of Recently, I discovered “Good Night North communicating a truthful story in our presCarolina” by Adam Gamble, with illustraent world.

Welcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s bi- tions by Anne Rosen. A 22-page board weekly book column, wherein I will dissect book, it starts in the Outer Banks and trava current title or an older book—because els to the mountains of North Carolina, literature does not exist in a vacuum but to introduce small children to the sights, emerges to participate in a larger, cultural sounds and history of North Carolina. conversation. I will feature many North Car- Gamble works with multiple illustrators on olina writers; however, the hope is to place his “Good Night” series, which includes the discussion in a larger context and there- the states, multiple countries, science concepts, and more. fore examine works around the world.

“Goodnight Moon” is clearly the inspiration for these books, though on the “Good Good Night North Carolina Night Books” website, Gamble also cites Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” as an adby Adam Gamble ditional inspiration. It does come through in Illustrated by Anne Rosen the sense of looking at the professions and Good Night Books, 2009, pgs. 20 artifacts part of the North Carolina experiI recently found myself in a conversation ence. The illustrations are very bright and about how to define a “classic.” The person saturated in color, and make one almost I was talking with suggested books by dead want to drink them in. authors, or of high literary merit, but didn’t Rosen includes great details—like the really offer a definition of what “literary mer- model of the USS NC Battleship on the it” would be. shelf of the child’s room—at the end of the For me, a “classic” in terms of litera- book. It is designed to be an accessible ture—be it novels, nonfiction, poetry, the- large overview book for toddlers, so it starts atre or film—is something that resonates so with the wild horses on the Outer Banks deeply, to replicate or pay homage to it is and includes visiting the Great Smokey instantly recognizable to audiences across Mountains Railroad. There are, of course, generations. How many renditions of “A obligatory nods to barbeque and bluegrass, Christmas Carol” have you seen or read? but some of the more interesting inclusions To some extent they become a shorthand are the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for conversation or a shortcut between art- and a polar bear at the North Carolina Zoological Park. The Wright Brothers’ first flight ist and audience. is commemorated, as well as Roanoke IsThough the adult classics are held in land and early explorers of North Carolina. very high esteem, I actually think children’s My only two qualms with the book: It is classics have more lasting impact on more readers. “Alice in Wonderland,” for exam- Outer Banks heavy and a nice touch may ple, is recognizable to people of every liv- be to include a map with all the locations for ing generation and across the globe. Say adults to perhaps plan a trip for themselves “Mr. MacGregor’s Garden” to almost any- or with the little ones. The book really does one and an image of Beatrix Potter’s “Peter make readers want to go see all the fun things tucked within its covers. As a souRabbit” jumps to mind. venir from a trip, it is really wonderful. Like Though written for very little children, a lot of children’s books, it almost is more Margaret Wise Brown’s “Goodnight Moon” enjoyable for adults. As a way of trying to

Sign up to receive sweet deals right in your inbox! show the breadth of North Carolina—“from the mountains to the coast,” as UNC Public Television likes to say—it is a great introduction for inquiring young minds. In a very simple and sweet way, it is also a lovely celebration of North Carolina and our history.

Margaret Wise Brown died at the age of 42 in 1952, but the impact of her work continues to speak to something identifiable in her audience. Creating childhood memories of reading aloud is a gift beyond value. Inspiring adults to create homage to your work is indescribable— and sometimes fraught with disappointment. I wonder what Brown would think of the parodies and homages to her simple yet lovely children’s book if she were alive today to see this? I hope she would be pleased, but perhaps not.

In the meantime I am enchanted with “Good Night North Carolina,” and I do hope both she and Mr. Whitman would be, too.

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encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 33

HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

LOCAL FOOD CONFERENCE

Feb. 16, 8:30pm: Feast Down East’s annual Local Food Conference brings together all those in our community who are involved in supporting and growing the local food system in Southeastern North Carolina. This includes farmers and fishermen, food retailers and establishments, foodies, advocates and community leaders. The purpose of the conference is to strengthen the activities of these groups and the relationships between them. The 2018 Local Food Conference is copresented by the Cape Fear Food Council,

a grassroots collaboration working toward a stronger, more equitable food system in our region. Farmers & students: $20 in advance, $25 at the door General public: $35 in advance, $45 at the door. UNCW Burney Center, Price Dr

charity/fundraiser.

POLAR PLUNGE

Feb. 17: Help support our local athletes by participating in the 5K, 1 mile walk or by taking a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean.

100% of the money raised goes directly to support Special Olympics New Hanover

County. The Polar Plunge takes place February 17, 2018 at the Kure Beach Boardwalk by the pier. 11am: Registration opens. Gates open w/music, DJ, silent auction, costume contest, food & much more! Noon: Costume contest; 1:30pm, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk; 2pm raffle closes; 2:30pm, Silent Auction closes; 3pm, plunge lineup. Price varies to participate. Tiffany Lesley at (910) 341-7253. Kure Beach Boardwalk, 100 Atlantic Ave.

ATHENIAN VOLUNTEER MEETING

Feb. 17, 5pm: Come join us for our first volunteer meeting of 2018 at our brand new space!

We will have snacks, a brief discussion about what you all can help us with as we gear up for our grand opening, as well as an overview

of this year’s events and programming. For this meeting, please bring: A friend (women and femme folx only, please!); a list of books you think we should carry in our store; written explanation of what the word “resistance” means to you during our current sociopolitical and racial landscape. Athenian Bookstore & Lounge, 2231 Wrightsville Ave.

music/concerts MUSIC CRUISES

A boat ride at sunset on the river! Join us for a 1.5 hour cruise on the Cape Fear River.

Sip a drink from our full bar, enjoy the sights, while listening to music by local musicians. $27. Book: 910-338-3134. Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

EXTREME MUSIC BINGO

Feb. 14, 10pm: Extreme Music Bingo is a fun game similar to regular bingo, but with a kick.

Instead of balls and numbers we use song clips. Nine chances to win great prizes, and a special 10th chance to win a Fox Card that grows in increments of $25 for each week we don’t have a winner capping out at $200. Fox and Hound , 920 Town Center Dr.

AMERICAN SONGBOOK LIVE

Feb. 17, 7:30pm: Academy Award-winning songs and contenders from the history of the Oscars will be performed. Host Phil Furia and musicians Bob Workmon, Nina Repeta, Jack Krupicka, LaRaisha Burnette and many others will perform—offering an evening of the most enduring songs and songwriters of the 20th century. The Great American Songbook Live: The Oscars is the latest concert version of the WHQR radio feature broadcast weekdays at 8pm on 91.3FM. The show will feature the stories behind the songs written and narrated by Phil Furia and illustrated by Laurie Patterson from archival images of songwriters, performers, shows, and movies. All proceeds benefit WHQR. “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Moon River,” “Days of Wine and Roses” and many othes. Tickets: http://bit.ly/ WHQRKenan. Kenan Auditorium (UNC Wilmington), 601 S. College Rd.

theatre/auditions SENIOR MOMENTS

Written by Don Fried directed by Ella Reischer featuring adult situations, weekends through Feb 17, 7pm with special dinner show on Feb. 14. $18-$42 (add $10 for special Valentine’s Dinner show). “Four funny, touching and slightly naughty (one-act) plays about people in their golden years.” TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilmington.com

LA BOUCHE

Feb. 14, 7:30pm: Language of music transcends political, religious and cultural bound-

34 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CROSSWORD

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2018 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

2/11/18

THE NEWSDAY CROSSWORD

Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

HAPPY YEAR OF THE DOG: Featuring others in the Chinese zodiac

by Mark McClain ACROSS 1 Send-up 6 Bass in range 10 “Waterloo” supergroup 14 Overwhelm with work 19 Niña companion 20 Jazz great Fitzgerald 21 Beloved 22 “Exploding” gag gift 23 Caper 24 Phrase seen before “valentine” 25 Weightlifting move 26 Bring forth 27 John Wayne Oscar role 30 Apprehensive 31 Valvoline competitor 32 Leave off 33 Insurer’s concern 34 Basic cable channel 35 Sturgeon delicacy 36 Cape south of Kitty Hawk 38 Kindergarten cry for attention 42 Raw vegetables, informally 47 Subject for experimentation 49 What’s for dinner 50 Partakes of 52 At an angle 53 Brainstorming products 54 Some PD officers 55 Hodgepodge 58 Recital performances 59 Rugged cliff 60 Lose energy 61 Baroque music giant 62 High hairstyle 63 Sewn edge 64 Destructive software 67 __-mo replay 70 Winter coaster

72 73 74 75 78 79 80 81 83 85 86 88 90 91 94 95 96 97 98 101 105 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119

“Sure” Wind down “Get lost!”

Fabricated Served as HDTV brand Blessed event Not quite oneself “. . . against __ of troubles” Maritime marauder Dice throw Empty threat Feeds the goats, perhaps Sensing device Born: Fr. __ Holiness (Dalai Lama address) Brewery container African cobras Transportation Dept. agency Roman forger Tomfoolery Vast disarray Polo participant Equitable Falls asleep, with “out” Sonata section Nullify __ Tyme (bygone, in brand names) One doing intros Lustrous look Deck officer Oboe, for one Property papers

DOWN 1 Nautical poles 2 Burgundy grape 3 Leading the league 4 Elevator innovator 5 Industrial operations

6 Interview post-mission 7 Choose to serve 8 Red Muppet 9 Entry on a salary scale 10 Tinker with 11 Brewery container 12 Where some livestock lives 13 Indy Jones quest 14 Hound’s following 15 Spacious 16 Rain in Spain 17 Brits’ raincoats 18 Victimize, with “on” 28 Feign feelings 29 Brief moment 30 Released with a click 34 “Prehensile” part 36 Cowpoke’s ride 37 Move it 38 San __, CA 39 Grandiose 40 Miser’s cry 41 Brunch staple 42 Clinton labor secretary 43 Tennis great Agassi 44 Nonstarting crew 45 Bring-and-__ (show-and-tell) 46 Expenses 48 Oklahoma city 51 Doo-wop group 54 Frying medium 56 Stiff and sore 57 HBO rival 60 Entered as a mediator 61 Swelter 62 Annapolis inst.

65 “Sloppy” sandwich stuff 66 Game summary 67 Very lean one

82 Those voting for 84 Represented or recommended 85 Crams, say 87 Extra helping 89 Confirmed 92 Hole in the ground 93 Reproachful sound 95 Sports, as a sports jacket 97 Put up with 98 Felonious facilitator

68 Coffeehouse serving 69 “Everything else” choice 70 Delves for 71 Enticement 74 Voice on some phones 75 Go by dogsled 76 Actress Kendrick 77 WWII turning point 78 Writer Harte 79 Bring up 80 Handy for snacking

99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 109

Made inquiries Zebra cousins Passé movie players “We’re headed for trouble” Place for pins System of standards It means “singular” Third oldest American university Seward Peninsula city Shepherd’s pie server

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

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encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 35

aries. With this spirit, Lane McCray burst onto the international music scene in the mid and late 1990s with the late diva Melanie Thornton. Having met in Frankfurt, Germany by a chance encounter, this powerhouse duo became known as La Bouche (French for â&#x20AC;&#x153;the mouthâ&#x20AC;?) and conquered the dance music scene with landmark success, producing chart topping singles, peaking at number one in seven countries. The successful dynamic duo conquered the charts of the 1990s. With more than 10-million records sold under BMG and the meticulously watchful eye of legendary music mogul Frank Farian, La Bouche earned numerous awards, including the German Grammy, the Echo, for Dance Song of the Year in 1995. In 2001, Melanie Thornton passed in plane crash while promoting her solo career. Original vocalist Sir Lane McCray carries the dream on along with new vocalist Zsofia Farkas. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St. WHO AM I (AND OTHER CONUNDRUMS OF LOVE)

Feb. 15-18: Big Dawg presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who Am I This Time (& Other Conundrums of Love).â&#x20AC;?

The subject of this playâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as we are told at the outsetâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is love, pure and complicated. Set on the stage of The North Crawford Mask & Wig Club(â&#x20AC;&#x153;the finest community theatre in central Connecticutâ&#x20AC;?), three early comic masterpieces by Kurt Vonnegut (Long Walk to Forever, Who am I This Time? and Go Back to Your Precious Wife and Son) are sewn together into a seamless evening of hilarity and humanity.

With Posnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision and Vonnegutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singular wit and insight into human foibles, this is a smart, delightful comedy for the whole family. Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St. www. bigdawgproductions.org

OLIVER

Book, music, & lyrics by Lionel Bart; classic musical based on Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; novel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oliver Twist.â&#x20AC;? The Tony and Olivier Awardwinning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike. Feb. 16-18, 7:30pm, or Sun., 3pm. Tickets: $15-$30. thalianhall.org. 310 Chestnut St.

EMILE PANDOLFI AND DANA RUSSELL

Feb. 15, 7:30pm: Introducing a brand new cabaret show by internationally renowned pianist Emile Pandolfi, and his delightfully talented vocalist, Dana Russell. Together, they offer a lush evening of music and song. Emile and Dana will perform some of the best works of composers; George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kearns, to name a few. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

DR. FAUSTUS

Feb. 15-17, 8pm; Feb. 18, 2:30pm: What happens when you make a bargain with the devil? A play so notorious for its time that it was said real devils appeared on stage and drove the audience mad. Set in a rock and roll dream world, this adaptation of Dr. Faustus utilizes song to tell the story of Dr. Faustusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deal with Mephistopheles complete with a live band and original music by Beauty and the Beast composer Adrian Varnam. The process for creating Dr. Faustus is unlike any show UNCW has done before. Varnam and director Christopher Marino have collaborated with the actors in the show to create music that suits their voices and matches the rock concert vibe of the show. Think bands like

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Dirty Three, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Recommended for mature audiences. Cultural Arts Building, 601 S. College Rd. CABARET

Feb. 20-21, 8pm: Cape Fear Stage is proud to present Sam Mendes (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spectre,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;American Beautyâ&#x20AC;?) and Rob Marshallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Into the Woodsâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chicago,â&#x20AC;? the films) Tony Award-winning production of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cabaret.â&#x20AC;? Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including â&#x20AC;?Cabaret,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;?Willkommenâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;?Maybe This Time.â&#x20AC;? Right this way, your tableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waiting at the musical the New York Post calls â&#x20AC;?one for the ages.â&#x20AC;? Cabaret contains mature content.

Approx. run time: 2hrs, 30mins. (15 Intermission). Group tickets (for 10 or more) & Opera Boxes are available. 910-362-7999. Tickets: www.capefearstage.com. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd Street

film CFCC TOURNĂ&#x2030;ES FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

Through Feb. 15, 12:30pm: CFCC will host the TournĂŠes French Film Festival, a program of theFACE (French American Cultural Exchange) Foundation. Held in partnership with the Cultural Services of the FrenchEmbassy, fest will take place on CFCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wilmington campus in the Union Station Auditorium (502 N. Front St).All films are in French with English subtitles, and all screenings are free and open to the public. Schedule is as follows: February 13, 12:30 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; My Life As A Zucchini; February 13, 6 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; National Diploma; February 14, 12 pm - Frantz; February 14, 6 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Beauty and the Beast, 1946; February 15, 12:30 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April and the Extraordinary World; and February 15, 6 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Things to Come.

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Feb. 18, 6pm: UNCW ECO, POP, and Surfrider will watch a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chasing Coralâ&#x20AC;? documentary film screening followed by a panel discussion Sunday, February 18, 6:00- 8:30 pm, at Lumina Theater, UNCW. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chasing Coralâ&#x20AC;? is a film about coral reefs around the world vanishing at an unprecedented rate. The panel discussion includes Dr. Alina Szmant- UNCW Professor of Biology and Marine Biology, Dr. Whitehead- UNCW Research Analyst, Sierra Coomer- ECO President, Riley Beveridge, POP President, Alex Marstall, Surfrider President. They will discuss how climate change impacts the oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coral reef systems.

UNCW, Lumina Theater, 601 S. College Rd.

BIO4KIDS: FREDERICK DOUGLASS

Feb. 20, 3:45pm: Kids and parents are especially invited to enjoy a Biography Channel film for Black History Month: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bio4Kids: Frederick Douglass.â&#x20AC;? After the film, Reference Supervisor Jimi Rider will talk briefly about several online library resources students can use when researching African American history and other homework topics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bio4Kidsâ&#x20AC;? tells the prominent abolitionistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story for children, and runs 45 minutes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distributed by A&E Television Networks. 910-798-6301 or Jimi Rider at jrider@nhcgov.com. New Hanover County Library, 201 Chestnut St.

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS

36 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Meet working artists, and see their works in progress. Everything from sculptures to fine jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, fun for everyone. Over 45 artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works to enjoy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday Art Walks, 6-9pm, 4th Fri. ea. mo. theArtWorks, 200 Willard St. FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier after-hours celebration of art and culture, 6-9pm, fourth Friday of ea. month. Features art openings, artist demonstrations, entertainment and refreshments. Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate.

Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org

PED ART

Pedestrian Art public sculpture series, a program of The Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC, features the installation of 10-12 sculptures throughout downtown Wilmington. 2017 program is made possible through support from the City of Wilmington, The Artworks, Craige & Fox LLC, Art in Bloom Gallery, the Dreams Center for Arts Education, and the Downtown Business Alliance. Amy Grant: grantamyn@ gmail.com, 484-885-3037; or Rhonda Bellamy: info@artswilmington.org, 910-343-0998.

ART EXPLOSIONS

Join us for a new exhibit and opening reception of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art Explosionsâ&#x20AC;? by Jeffery Geller during Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fourth Friday Art Walk in January. Jeffery Geller creates outside-ofthe-box art, original art with paper, clay, paint, wood, and often found objects. Experience shadow boxes and art explosions outside of shadow boxes. View clay and paper mobiles, mixed-media collages, paintings, and ceramics. Exhibit runs until Feb. 24. Art in Bloom, 210 Princess St.

FOR THE LOVE OF ART

Feb. 15, 5pm: Join us as we welcome our special guest TomTom, a well-known southern artist obsessed with all things creative.

We will celebrate shopping local with a silent auction of local art, food, drinks and a little magic! Paysage, 1908 Eastwood Road Ste. 116

ART FOR ALL

Art for All, a unique and creative art show!

Happening on Saturday, February 17, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, February 18, from Noon- 5 p.m. $5 at the doorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;good for both days and includes a raffle ticket (kids 12 and under are free). Parking in the North Fourth neighborhood is free. Local Wilmington food trucks, BAC cash bar, and over 50 vendors all in one place! We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see you at the BAC! Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS

Come on out for two hours of energetic, contemporary American country dancing with live music by Box of Chocolates bandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;fiddle, percussion, guitar, dulcimer, bass, mandolin and more! Dress cool & comfortable, softsoled shoes. All ages. 2nd/4th Tues, 7:30pm.

United Methodist, 409 S. 5th Ave.

LINE DANCING CLASS

The Dance Element presents classes for adults and seniors w/Sheryl Pacelli on Mon., 1-2pm, in the Ogden Business Park. No previous experience Is necessary; no advance

encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 37

enrollment required. Drop in for inrto session which runs 7 weeks through Mar. 19. $7-$35. www.thedanceelement.com. 7211 Ogden Business Ln. #205 ADULT HIP-HOP CLASS

Feb. 15, 6:30pm: Adults in the Wilmington NC area are invited to join Krystal Smith for a weekly dance party, in a fun hour of fitness, wellness, and happy hip-hop dancing!

Classes provide both exercise and enjoyment for “beginners” as well as experienced dance students. Drop ins welcome: $12, one class; $50, five classes, $80, 10 classes. Punch Cards are good for all all adult dance classes.

The Dance Element, 7211 Ogden Business Lane #205. thedanceelement.com

EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER SHOWCASE

Feb. 17, 2pm: Dance Cooperative of Wilmington presents this annual showcase of our region’s talented new and emerging choreographers and dancers. N. Front Street Theatre, 21 North Front St.

comedy OPEN MIC

The wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talents—performances of all kinds. Hosted by 6-beer Steve.

Sign up, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www.jugglinggypsy.com.

COMEDY BINGO

Brent Blakeney headlines comedy bingo at

Dead Crow, Tuesday nights, 8pm. Free show featuring the best comics from all over the Southeast, all while playing bingo along with the words they say! Win prizes and enjoy discount tacos! Hosted by Louis Bishop with in-booth side kick comedian Lew Morgante.

Dead Crow Comedy Club, 265 N. Front St. GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

On the first Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features Three Guest Comics Under a Bridge. No Trolls. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Lane

DEAD CROW COMEDY ROOM

Feb. 16-17: Ms. Pat. See page 16 for full report. Dead Crow Comedy Room. 265 N. Front St. deadcrowcomedy.com

PRIMETIME COMEDY

Come see some of North Carolina’s best stand-up comedians in a world class venue!

This month our super talented performers are: Brett Williams, Cordero Wilson, Grant Sheffield, Louis Bishop, and Tyler Wood.

Hosted by: Wills Maxwell. N Front Theatre (formerly City Stage), 21 N Front St.

COMEDY IN HELL

Join us at Hell’s Kitchen for Comedy Night!

Show starts at 9pm. Free. Hell’s KitchenWilmington, 118 Princess St.

museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM

State of the Art/Art of the State: (through July 8): Focusing on contemporary art by artists currently living in, or native to, the state of North Carolina. Artists bring a single work of

art to be installed in the museum, delivering the work within 24‐hour period. No fee.

During this time frame, four curators from North Carolina institutions greet each artist and talk about their work. The design of this project provides any participating artist equal opportunity to meet a significant curator working in the field of contemporary art today. CAM organized with a visual schematic for reference to the over 600 intensely installed artworks. • CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar, 5pm9pm. Tues.-Sun., 11am-2pm; Thurs. nights, 5pm-9pm 910-395-5999. www.cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

WB 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 WB. (910) 256-2569. 303 W. Salisbury St. www.wbmuseum.com.

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages 2-12, and free under age 2. 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634. www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4-$12.

The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St.

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12foot saltwater crocodile, “Bubble Boy” and “Sheena,” a 23-ft long Reticulated Python that can swallow a human being whole! Giant Anaconda weighs 300 lbs, w/15 ft long King Cobras hood up and amaze you. See the Black Mamba, Spitting Cobras, Inland Taipans, Gaboon Vipers, Puff Adders, and more! Over 100 species, some so rare they are not exhibited anywhere else. One of the most famous reptile collections on earth. Open everyday in summer, 11am-5pm (Sat. till 6 pm); winter schedule, Wed-Sun. 20 Orange St., across from the Historic Downtown Riverwalk, inter-

Enter your events online by noon, Thursdays, for consideration in print. www.encorepub.com 38 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

secting Front and Water St. 910-762-1669. 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 (18211907) 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.910-251-3700. bellamymansion. org. 503 Market St.

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/Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am4pm. Last tour, 3pm. 910-762-0570. www. burgwinwrighthouse.com.

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

See NC through the eyes of Wilmington-born photographer Hugh MacRae Morton (19212006). His captivating images will be featured in the traveling exhibit “Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective,” is now open at Cape Fear Museum. The exhibit is on loan from the UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives and will be on view through September 2018.

To create Photographs by Hugh Morton, Stephen Fletcher, photographic archivist at UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, selected images from the library’s collection of Morton’s estimated quarter-million negatives and transparencies. Shows experiences as a photojournalist; as a soldier in the Pacific Theater during World War II; and as owner and operator of Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction in Linville. Exhibits more than 50 images feature dozens of his lesser known or unpublished photographs, as well as some classics. Will feature brochures, postcards and prints. CF Museum, 814 Market St.

EXPO 216

Newly opened exhibit feat. end-of-life issues.

Enter Grandma’s House and address the elephant in the room. Pick up an advance directive. Review the History of Hospice . Contemplate individual responses of compassion in the arena. Wed.-Sun., noon-6pm. 216 N Front St. www.expo216.com.

kids stuff STORY EXPLORERS

Cameron Art Museum, every Thurs., 1010:30am: Admission by donation. Bring your infant, toddler or preschooler for story time, gallery exploration and an art project! georgia@cameronartmuseum.org for more info.

3201 S. 17th St.

LITTLE EXPLORERS

Thurs. and Sat., 10am: Meet your friends in Museum Park for fun hands-on activities! Enjoy interactive circle time, conduct exciting experiments, and play games related to a

weekly theme. Perfect for children ages 3 to LEGO MINDSTORM ROBOTS 6 and their adult helpers every Friday. Free!

Feb. 17, 2-5pm: Get creative with a Lego MindCape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. storm robot. Work with Museum Educators AERODYNAMICS FUN to build and program a simple robot or use Kids ages 6 to 13 are invited to build and test your imagination to create a more complex a variety of paper airplanes at this free library one. Appropriate for ages 8+ with an adult program. They’ll learn about the four forces helper. Space is limited. Pre-reg. is required of flight (lift, weight, thrust, and drag) as they and available online at capefearmuseum.com/ observe the performance of different airplane programs.$10 per group for members, $23 per designs. How far will it fly? How accurately will group for nonmembers (up to 4 people per roit land? Will it loop-the-loop? No registration is bot). Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. required for this free program for kids ages BASEBALL CAMP 6 to 13. Meaghan Weiner: mweiner@nhcgov.

Feb. 17, 3pm: Come out to Coastal Athletics com/910-798-6385. for a hitting clinic. Ages: 8-12 welcome. Price: SATURDAY STORY HOUR $60. 2049 Corporate Dr. 910-452-5838 Miss Shannon will lead interactive story hours TEEN COSPLAY WORKSHOP for kids ages 3-6 on the first and third SaturFeb. 20, 5:30pm: Cosplay is short for cosdays of May at the Main Library in downtown tume play, or dressing like a character from Wilmington. Saturday Story Hour is free and a movie, book, or video game, and it’s espeno pre-registration is needed. Opens with a cially popular with anime and manga fans. At picture book and end with a project or activthis free workshop, teens will make convincity at the end, and include time to play, learn, ing-looking cosplay weapons and accessories and laugh in between. Ea. child should bring with cardboard, tape, and paint! Teen Anime a participating adult. Shannon Vaughn: 910and Manga Club follows immediately after this 798-6303. svaughn@nhcgov.com. 201 Chestworkshop, and participants are welcome to nut St. stay and con. Participation is free and open to FRENCH PLAYGROUP teens ages 12 to 18. Basic materials provided, Thurs., 10am: Chantez! Jouez! Rencontrez but feel free to bring additional materials you des nouveaux amis! Sing, play, and meet may want for your costume. Space is limited new friends at French Playgroup at the main and registration on the calendar at www.nhclibrary! Informal hour where young kids and gov.com or by calling 910-798-6373. NHC parents/caregivers can hear and try out some Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. French words. Free and no advance registraTEEN ANIME AND MANGA CLUB tion is needed. Main Library Children’s Room Feb. 20, 6:30pm: Manga Club meets once a at 910-798-6303 or sdemarco@nhcgov.com. month, and is open to teens ages 13 to 17 with NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St. an interest in Japanese anime and manga.

Participants are invited to suggest topics for discussions. Free library activity, and teens don’t need to register in advance to attend.

Manga Club contact Shannon Vaughn at svaughn@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6379.

Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. HALYBURTON LITTLE EXPLORERS

Dino Dig: Thurs, 2/22, 10-11am, or Fri, 2/23, 10-11am or 11:30-12:30pm; Birds: Our Feathered Friends, Thurs, 3/8, 10-11am, or Fri, 3/9, 10-11am, or 11:30-12:30pm; ABCs of Nature, Thur, 3/22, 10-11am, or Fri, 3/23, 10-11am or 11:30-12:30pm; It Starts with a Seed: Thurs, 4/5, 10-11am, or Fri, 4/6, 1011am or 11:30-12:30pm; Oh My Deer: Thurs, 4/19, 10-11am, Fri, 4/20, 10-11am or 11:3012:30pm. Pre-reg rqd for all programs: www. halyburtonpark.com

outdoors/recreation NC BIRDING TRAIL

Ea. mo. we explore different sites along the NC Birding Trail in the Coastal Plain. Each hike will be appx 2 mi. Transportation from Halyburton Park included. Wrightsville Beach Thurs 12/21, 8am-noon; ages: 16 and up.

Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

BLACKWATER ADVENTURE CRUISE

Two-hour cruise up the Northeast Cape Fear River, still largely unchanged and underpopulated as it was when Wilmington was colonized in the late 1600’s. Cruising through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the Bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation. A narrated cruise based of the history and ecology of the area. 910-

338-3134. ILM Water Tours, 212 S. Water St. HARBOR CRUISE

Weds, 3pm: Set sail on the Shamrock for a cruise around Wrightsville Beach’s Harbor Island—the island which separates the barrier island of the beach proper from the mainland. Locations of historical, ecological and cultural note will be featured. Learn what year the first buildings on Wrightsville Beach were built. Additionally, learn about the different types of marsh grasses, shorebirds, and fish we have teeming in the water surrounding the beach. RSVP rqd. $15-$25. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

LEARNING TO CURL

Feb. 17, 4pm: Coastal Carolina Curling Club is hosting a Learn-to-Curl Beginner’s instruction session. $25 per person. Club will provide everything else you need to start curling.

Beginners start with a half-hour off-ice session in which we go over the basics of curling: safety, terminology, delivery and more.

Then we head out to the ice for small group instruction on sweeping, delivery, release and finish by curling a couple ends. info@ coastalcurling.com. Wilmington Ice House, 7201 Ogden Business Ln.

classes ART CLASSES

Lois DeWitt art classes, $100/4 (two-hour).

Meditative Drawing: Wed., 10am and 2pm.

• Thurs. and Fri, 5pm: Art it up—Nice and Easy! • Sat. 10am: Learn how to pour color shapes and define them with drawing.

Acupuncture Free Consultat io

n

e

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

W I N N E R

Services Acupuncture • Massage • Herbal Pharmacy • Yoga Medical Qigong Private Healing Sessions and Clinics Now offering Qigong classes with David J. Coon, MQM – Medical Qigong Master Emphasizes self-healing and consciousness transformation through still and moving postures, breathing techniques and creative visualization.

Reduce Reliance on Pain Meds with Acupuncture and QI Gong 4916 Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington NC 28403 910.791.1981 www.MckayHealingArts.com encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 39

• Bob Workmon • Nina Repeta • LaRaisha Dionne • Phil Furia • • Jack Krupieka • George Scheibner • Laurie Patterson • And More! •

WHQR’s

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK LIVE • THE OSCARS •

UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium Saturday, February 17 at 7:30pm Experience the hits from the greatest films of all time as they are performed live on stage!

Tickets are only $15 - $25 • Visit whqr.org for more details!

40 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

• Mon, 10am/2pm: Collage Magic • Tues, 10am and 2pm: Draw With Colored Pencils.

All materials provided. www.free-online-artclasses.com (click on Wilmington Art Classes).910-547-8115 or loislight@bellsouth.net NEW BASIC YOGA CLASSES

designed to help you boost your confidence and learn to become better skilled in everyday communication. Learn to recognize areas for improvement in a compassionate setting while developing a toolkit to overcome public speaking challenges. You will also learn to develop your own personal elevator speech to use confidently in daily life. Wilmington Campus. 4 hours. $40. Course code 98555 to register at https://www3.cfcc.edu/cesched.

Room: U-153, CFCC, 411 N. Front St.

At the Midtown YMCA are happening now!

Join me on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm for a challenging and relaxing way to end your day. See the schedule for a full list of classes.

Free with YMCA Membership or $10 drop-in.

Temple Baptist Church Activity Center, 709 POSTURE CLINIC BACK CARE YOGA George Anderson Dr. Feb. 17, 9am: Do you experience back pain on a regular basis? Do you experience back PAPERMAKING CLASSES pain during or after your yoga practice? This 2 Wed., 6pm: Adults explore different paperhour posture clinic will break down some of the making techniques so you can make each foundational yoga postures to educate you on sheet of paper unique. All materials included, how to move safely on your mat so that yoga but we encourage bringing in some of your may be a lifelong practice. Through lecture, own materials that you can include into your demonstration, and practice you will learn paper—such as flat mementos and plants. how to maintain a yoga practice that encourSee samples on our Facebook and website. ages optimal health and safety of your spine.

Adult and children classes held on Sat., 2pm.

Appropriate for all level students. Wilmington Sign up: www.alunaworks.com. Aluna Works, Yoga, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste 200 603 Castle St. POWER YOGA

Join us for power yoga on Sundays at Capt’n Bill’s, 3pm. Drop in fee of $8. Bring your own mat. 4240 Market St.

NEW YEAR FUNDAMENTALS

Sunday morning yoga series, 11am-12:30pm through Feb. 4. Jan. 21: Forward Bending Postures; Jan. 28: Back Extending Postures; Feb. 4: Putting it All Together. $80/series or $22 drop-in. Longwave Yoga, 203 Racine Dr.

NATURE IN A NUTSHELL

PAINT AND PALATE

Feb. 17, 2pm: Join us for a fun, 2-hr. instructional acrylic painting class! Beginners-advanced/$50 includes all painting supplies and lunch at Smoke on the Water, 3704 Watercraft Ferry Ave., RiverLights development. Classes are every other Saturday. Classes now forming for Porches Cafe, 1030 Chair Rd.., River Bluffs Community, Castle Hayne. A continuing 5-week class on Tues, 1-3pm. Students may paint in acrylic, oil or watercolor paints, and may choose their own subject. Bring your own supplies. Beginners-advanced/$60.

Lunch must be purchased separately during class. Pre-registration is required and class sizees are limited! Maureen McKenna at: simplestrokesart@gmail.com. Smoke on the Water, 3704 Watercraft Ferry Ave.

Meet at grassy area next to picnic shelter #2 (by restrooms). Our nature themes will be brought to life through stories, songs, games, hikes, and other hands-on activities. Please dress for the weather (including closed-toe shoes) to be ready for outdoor fun! Whether the Weather be Cold, Sat, 2/10, 10-10:30am; WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME ... AGAIN? Dino Dig, Sat, 2/24, 10-10:30am; Birds: Our Feb. 18, 2pm: Free workshop will discuss the Feathered Friends, Sat., 3/10, 10-10:30am; human energy system and the human mind, ABCs of Nature, Sat., 3/24, 10-10:30 am; It healing guilt and fear, and forgivemess. A Starts with a Seed, Sat., 4/7, 10-10:30am; Oh unique, original synthesis of science, NatuMy Deer!, Sat. 4/21, 10-10:30am. Pre-reg rqd ropathic medicine, spiritual psychology and, for all programs: www.halyburtonpark.com. theology rich with insights from the ancient Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St. Aramaic language. Workshop that offers tools ESSENTIALLY LIVING for self-healing and putting an end to recurGrab a delish cup of tea or coffee from Old ring life patterns. A clear message of hope for North Coffee and Join us for this free class on healing our human family! Dr. Michael Ryce learning how to incorporate essential oils into is a world renowned lecturer and teacher on your life and home for a more natural lifestyle. health and healing, with doctorates in NatuWe will introduce you to CPTG oils & teach ropathic Medicine and in Holistic Philosophy. you the different ways to use them. Old North Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave. Coffee, 1207 S. Kerr Ave Ste. 1 EMPOWERED TO HEAL CFMTA WORKSHOP

Cape Fear Music Teachers Association will host a composer workshop feat. Chrissy Ricker, Sat., Feb. 10-12, at Carolina Bay Retirement Community. Chrissy Ricker’s compositions have been featured in the National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Music Festival Bulletin. Several students will play Ms. Ricker’s pieces and she will also talk with teachers, students, and other interested persons about composition. Free. Martha Hayes at 910-792-9773. Carolina Bay, 630 Carolina Bay Dr.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

level drone/UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) enthusiasts a firm foundation into the basics of practical and applicable knowledge. This training is intended to provide knowledge of responsible drone/ UAV flight, and applications in the field of drone/ UAV operation. All students will participate in 8 hours of actual drone/UAV hands-on flight practice. North Campus. 20 hours. $150. Use course code 98363 to register at https://www3.cfcc.edu/cesched/. Cape Fear Community College, North Campus, McKeithan Center, 4500 Blue Clay Rd. • Stress/Pain Management: 2/19-3/26, Mondays 9-10:30am: WA-1045. Practicing mindfulness allows you to bring awareness to what is going on in your mind and body at any given moment, helping you to slow down and live your life more fully. Learn how to become more focused, present and relaxed regardless of what is going on in your life! Wilmington Campus. 9 hours. $75. Use course code 98373 to register at https://www3.cfcc.edu/ cesched. • Yoga Over 50: 2/19-3/26, Mon., 11am-12:30pm: WA-1045. Want to do something about that achy, stiff body that crept up on you somewhere along the way? Or want to avoid getting that way? Are you recovering from or coping with acute or chronic pain or illness? Try Yoga Over 50 to help you stay at your best. Pre-requisite: ability to get up and down off the floor. Wilmington Campus.

9 hours. $75. Use course code 98374 to register at https://www3.cfcc.edu/cesched. • Yoga for All Levels, 2/19-3/26, Mon., 1-2pm: WA-1045. Take a break from your busy day!

Step out of auto pilot, re-connect, renew and enjoy this alignment-based All-Levels Yoga class. We will move from seated stretching

through invigorating standing poses into calmness and relaxation. Poses, integrated with the breath, will be presented with options for varying levels of challenge to meet the needs of all, regardless of Yoga practice experience. This class will “just enough” for a mid-day refresher! Wilmington Campus. 6 hours. $55. Cape Fear Community College, 411 N. Front St. CIRCLE OF LIFE

Feb. 20, 7pm: Free workshop will discuss.

Does life seem to kick you when you least expect it? The answer is here! Blockage of truth is the normal sate of the average human mind. Information one wishes not to see inhibits the ability of the mind to show that information. To see through this blockage one must have guidelines for determining the appropriateness of behavior. This workshop provides empowering behavioral guides with which to keep your own mind on tract and always have the highest and best information possible for making our decisions opening to actual choices! Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave.

COASTAL AMBASSADOR TRAINING

Feb. 21, 7pm: The first Coastal Ambassador training will focus on engaging, training and updating new and current ambassadors with the planned outreach efforts for 2018.

The training will also introduce some of the work that the federation is undertaking in the Cape Fear River. The federation is working with stakeholders on the Cape Fear Blueprint, which will provide a roadmap for future conservation work in the estuary. Southeast Coastal Ambassadors are a special group of volunteers that help spread the word about

Feb. 19, 7pm: Free workshop will discuss the cause of health, internal conditions that enhance healing and energy systems theory and physics and healing. Why has the Aramaic culture sourced five of the world’s major religions? Did is possess keys to wisdom and sound life/mind management, lost in “modern” times? Explore the Be-attitudes—powerful, practical, life-transforming revelations from the Aramaic “Sermon on the Mount!”

Dr. MichaelRyce is a world renowned lecturer and teacher on health and healing, with doctorates in Naturopathic Medicine and in Holistic Philosophy. Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave.

2/15-22, 5:30-7pm:Speaking in public is often cited as the number one fear in America, CFCC CLASSES and yet we all must do it at some point. Learn Drone Foundations: 2/19-22, M, T, W, Th 9amto overcome your anxiety in this brief course 2pm: NA-237. This course will provide entry-

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the work of the federation and engage the public in our projects. Ambassadors serve as representatives of the federation at festivals, programs and other outreach events.

Benefits of being a Coastal Ambassador include monthly trainings, special field trips, and recognition through Ambassador t-shirts and name tags. Fred and Alice Stanback Education Center, 309 W. Salisbury St. A COURSE IN MIRACLES

Feb. 21, 7pm: Dr. Ryce has taught The Course In Miracles for over 30 years and has been proclaimed a “teacher of teachers”.

One participant, who has studied The Course for several years said “I realize now The Course is like a giant jigsaw puzzle and until now I didn’t have the box top. Everything just fell into place! What I knew from my years of study of The Course I now understand! My enthusiasm has skyrocketed!” Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave.

lectures/literary BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will host free Begin the Conversation clinics from 10-11 a.m. the third Fri. of ea. mo., Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center, 1414 Physicians Dr. Free, 18 and older, will provide attendees information and resources to think about and plan for future healthcare decisions. Attendees will receive specific strategies for initiating conversations that can significantly reduce family stress and improve quality of care.

Advance directives supplied so healthcare instructions can be legally documented. Ja-

son: 910-796-7943. jason.clamme@lcfh.org.

LET’S TALK BOOKS

Join a different kind of book club! Weekly meeting, Wed., 11am, offers book lovers a chance to meet and compare notes about favorite books and authors. Attendance is free and advance registration is not needed, just drop in! Teresa Bishop at tbishop@nhcgov. com / 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

V-DAY GLOWGA

Feb. 16, 6pm: Yoga Glow Dance Party with the black lights. The class will be a fun, energetic, vinyasa practice! Wear white or neon so you can glow in the blacklight. Everyone is welcome to come and bring a friend! But, be sure to sign up early because space is limited! Wilmington Yoga Center, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste 200

TECH TUESDAYS: WINDOWS 10

Feb. 20, 1pm: Confused by Windows 10?

Register for this basic class on the new operating system, and learn tips and tricks for personalizing it for all your needs. Remember to bring your charged device, cords, passwords and library card with you. Hands-on workshop is free but space is limited. Register on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or 910-798-6385. Pleasure Island Manager Teresa Bishop at tbishop@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6385. New Hanover County Library/ Pleasure Island, 1401 N Lake Park Blvd.

RACE MATTERS DISCUSSION GROUP

Feb. 20, 6:30pm: New group will meet monthly to discuss racial issues in American society, beginning by reading and discussing Debby Irving’s memoir “Waking Up Whit

and Fining Myself in the Discussion of Race.”

Books have been donated to the Library for this group and will be distributed at the first meeting. Everyone is welcome. Dorothy Hodder at dhodder@nhcgov.com or 910-7986301. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St. LOCATE LEGAL INFO

Feb. 21, 5pm: Not sure where to start with a legal issue? Law Librarian Natasha Francois will explain how to search for case law, statutes, forms and more using Westlaw, a major online legal research tool available in the Law Library at New Hanover County’s Main Library. Experienced users may be interested in tips about targeted searching and information about the recently added content. Free but space is limited. www.nhclibrary.com or 910-798-6301. Natasha Francois: nfrancois@ nhcgov.com or 910-798-6301. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

clubs/notices LA LECHE LEAGUE

Sat., 10am, meetings are informal and open to pregnant women, mothers, babies and children. If you have questions or just would like to meet other breastfeeding mothers, this is the meeting for you. La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Bump & Beyond, 4712 New Centre Dr. #106.

NHC HAZWAGON

New Hanover County encourages residents to safely dispose of toxic materials with its new mobile collection unit, the HazWagon. stationed various days at three different locations in New Hanover County to collect household hazardous waste and electronics free of charge. Residents can bring items to the following locations each week: Mon., 10am-2pm, at Ogden Park ball fields; Wed., 10am-2pm at Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex in the Farmers’ Market field by the recycle center; Fridays at Carolina Beach Mike Chappell Park (in the south side of the park across from the tennis courts), 10am2pm.

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC

Specials: TUES NIGHT: 1/2 Price wines by the glass WED NIGHT: 1/2 Price Draft beers

Dinner Daily: Tuesday - Saturday starting at 5pm Sunday Brunch: 10am-2pm featuring DIY Mimosa = 1 bottle of sparkling wine and a mason jar of hand squeezed OJ

www . rxwilmington . com

421 c astle s t • (910) 399-3080 F acebook :

Facebook . com / rxwilmington / or Follow us on instagram rxrestaurantandbar

42 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Format of Magic: The Gathering tournaments, held on Friday nights in gaming stores and associations all across the world. They are designed to be a beginner-friendly introduction to organized play. Standard format. $6 fee paid towards prize support for event.

Prizes are a pack per win and also if you complete all 4 rounds. Event begins at 7pm, reg. begins at 6pm. Arrive early for event reg.

Free play, $6 entry fee first FNM Free. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D.

POKEMON LEAGUE

On Sunday evening learn to play the Pokemon Trading Card game, battle and trade in the video games, or enjoy the store’s Pokemon Go Pokestop. Ages are welcome to our family friendly environment. www.facebook.com/groups/CFGPokemon. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D

BIRTH CIRCLE

Every 3rd Sat. come for our Birth Circle, something always different every month.

Check out website for more details of what

we have in store this month & exact time of each event! www.thebumpandbeyond.com.

Bump & Beyond, 4712 New Centre Dr. #106.

CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM

We explore God using the methods and guidance of Moses, Jesus, the prophets and a rich sampling of delightful saints including Theresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart and Thomas Aquinas. We will meet twice a month for fellowship, poetry, instruction in spiritual practices, group meditations and playful spiritual fun. First and third Sundays of each month, 2pm. Parking on 15th St. Respond to me, John Evans, at insightbuilders@gmail.com. Morning Glory Coffeehouse, 1415 Dawson St.

WILMINGTON FENCING CLUB

Adults meet Tues/Thurs, 7:45-9pm, and Youth meet Wed, 6:45-7:45pm. Class is open to the community, beginners welcome, and all equipment is provided! Sessions are 6 weeks long and the cost is just $5 per class!

Fencing incorporates agility, strength, coordination, balance, and timing. In fencing, physical ability is just as important as having a strong mental edge. Competitors of a fencing match wear protective gear including a jacket, glove, and head gear. Sport of fencing features three different levels, which are categorized by the type of weapon used in each level. The weapons used include the epee, foil, and the saber. Fencing is an aerobically challenging sport. In order to condition one’s body, initial fencing training consists of challenging conditioning exercises. Express YMCA, 11 S. Kerr Ave.

ATHENIAN AT LARGE

Sundays, 3pm: Athenian Press & Workshops is reintroducing its At Large series. Every Sunday, we will hold a town-hall style community meeting in which woman and femme creators (artists, writers, arts entrepreneurs, etc.) are invited to discuss current events. Provides an opportunity to connect with fellow creators and survivors of marginalization, and it offers a forum to use writing as healing. Each week the Athenian team invites its guest to participate in a writing prompt at the end of the meeting. Following will be Athenian Yoga with Heather Gordy, who curates a practice that allows guests to decompress, explore creativity, and reflect upon the discussion (although both events can occur independently if guests cannot attend both). Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave.

WALK WITH A DOC

Feb. 17, 9am: Join us the 3rd Saturday of every month at 9am for a fun and healthy walk—held at the Midtown YMCA. Each walk beings with a brief physician-led discussion of a current health topic, then he/she spends time walking, answering questions and talking with walkers. Choose your own pace and distance. Free and open to anyone. YMCA Midtown, George Anderson Dr.

ABILITY GARDEN MONTHLY PLANT SALE

Feb. 17, 9am: Don’t miss the Ability Garden’s Monthly Plant Sale! Our stock includes; Native Plants, herbs, houseplants and seasonal vegetable starts. Please support this unique therapeutic gardening program by coming out to purchase our high quality plants grown by our participants. 100% of the proceeds go back into the Ability Garden. Heather Kelejian, hkelejian@nhcgov.com. 910-798-7682.

NHC Aboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr.

CAPE FEAR SIERRA CLUB

Feb. 19: Cape Fear Group of the Sierra Club will host a public meeting at Halyburton City Park Community Building, 4099 S. 17th St. to the public. Arrive at 6pm for social time and free pizza! Presentation begins at 6:30pm.

David Ingram, sustainability program manager with the City of Wilmington Public Services Department, will present a program on recycling in Wilmington. Donna Thomas, 865250-8779

culinary FERMENTAL

Free tasting every Friday, 6pm. Third Wed. of each month feat. musical and brewing talents alongside an open mic night, as well as the opportunity for homebrewers to share, sample, and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage. PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer styles. www. fermental.net. 910-821-0362. 7250 Market St.

FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

3pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm everyday at Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St. Learn how we brew our beer, meet brewers and get two free samples.

PORT CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

Tues., 5pm: Join us for a wonderful, exciting night of fun. Port City Farmer’s Market at Waterline Brewing Co. 100% local, 100% handmade. Shop among some incredible local vendors, artists and farmers. Support small businesses in your area. Fresh local produce, beef and pork products, sweets, pickled items, handcrafted jewelry and art.

Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln.

BEER BINGO

Every Thursday night for beer bingo. No charge for cards. Great prizes. Food and drink specials. Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

NEMA LOUNGE AND EATERY

Hump Day Happy Hour: 5-7 pm every Wednesday at NeMa Burger & Pizza Lounge! $5 Angus beef burgers and $2.50 16 oz Buds/ Bud Lights. Martini Tastings every Friday and Saturday, 4-8 pm. 5 tastings + one small order of NeMa Fancy Fries, $20/person. NeMa Lounge & Eatery, 225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf

FARMERS MARKET

Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr, Thursdays 2-6pm, year-round, excluding major holidays. Support local farmers and artisans in the beer garden Thursday afternoons. Shop for veggies, meat, eggs, honey and hand-made crafts while enjoying one of the Brewery’s many delicious beers. Stay afterward for live music! wbbfarmersmarket@ gmail.com

SHAKESPEARE BRUNCH

Shakespeare Brunch, Sundays, 12-2pm. $20. ($8 Reading Only). Reserved seating.

Monthly Sunday Brunch featuring a greatly abridged reading of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays. Brunch and dessert with choice of entrée included in your ticket. Drinks and gratuity not included. Portion of proceeds donated to Shakespearean educational outreach programs. Feb. 18, Othello; Mar.18: Taming of the Shrew; Apr. 22: Hamlet; May 20: Two Gentleman of Verona; June 17: The Tempest. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

Every Wed. we uncork 5-7pm delicious wines from all over the world. You never know what we have planned for the week, but our weekly newsletter will keep you updated. • Tues.

Couples Night: Purchase any dinner entrees & any bottle of wine to enjoy a free shared appetizer and a free shared dessert. • Fri.: $10 off all bottles of wine over $35 from 650+ wine selection. Epicurean Dinner Menu changes monthly—amazing dishes at affordable prices; full menu at sweetnsavory.cafe/epicureanwilmington-nc. $2 pints daily. www.sweetnsavory.cafe/winetasting-wilmington-nc. • Feb. 14: 4-course meal, $33-$46. We’re dressing up for the night (tablecloths, candles, flowers, etc.) Receive a $4/person discount for reservations between 5-5:30pm and 8:30-9pm.

Dinners served with fresh baked French baguettes. Regular dinner menu unavailable.

Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavillion Pl.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER

Feb. 14, 5pm: Treat yourself to a romantic dinner in EAST Oceanfront Dining accompanied by live music from Monica Jane. Overnight packages also available. Packages include: waterfront accommodations, sweets, sparkling wine, a scenic cruise, an intimate Prix Fixe dinner, and breakfast. Please visit our website for more details. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

V-DAY BEER AND DINNER PAIRING

Feb. 14, 6:30pm: Treat your special sweetie or beau to a 4 course Valentine’s beer and dinner pairing! Two seatings: 910-839-3103. See the night’s menu: www.facebook.com/watermansbrewin/photos/gm.372295493180952/1 818167985148157/?type=3&theater. Water-

2018 Nominees:

Thursday, March 8th International Women’s Day

man’s Brewing & Pub, 1610 Pavilion Pl.

SWEET N SAVORY CAFE

Allison Cummings Aneita Sinclair Angel Malott Ashanti Gibbs Becca Tagg Bonnie Monteleone Brianna Cunliffe Dana Sargent Emily Donovan Gabrielle Allen-Destroismaisons Griselda Garcia Heather Davis Jennifer Kraner

Jennifer Robbins Jennifer Turnage Julia Nasco Julie-Ann Scott-Pollock Kelly Marquis Merritt Kiara Robinson Kimberly Bankston Lauren Henderson Laurie Taylor Lydia Wood Marian Careatti Mary Grayson Koonce Mary Konicki

V-DAY FOR EVERYONE!

Feb. 14, 5pm: Make a reservation for one, two, three, we will be happy to serve everyone on Valentines! Four course meal paired with beer AND wine for only $36. Please call for reservations: 910.256.4938. Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

YOUR PIE ILM GRAND OPENING

Fri., Feb. 16: G.O. Day specials - $3.14 entrées (1 pizza, salad, panini/person) all day!

Enter to be 1 of 5 people to win Free Pizza for a Yea—https://yourpiewilmington.hscampaigns.com. Free #YourPie pizza at soft opening, Wed. 2/14. We will be accepting cash donations on behalf of Cape Fear Literacy Council. Spots are limited! To sign up, select the time slot you prefer, lunch or dinner, and add the number of guests in your party: http://bit.ly/2nqrl0b. RSVP & share this event with your friends to help us spread the word. We look forward to serving you! 4403 Oleander Dr., Ste G

WINE AT WATERLINE

Feb. 21, 6pm: Join us for this month’s Wine at Waterline free wine and cheese pairing, this month presented by Blockade Runner Head Chef Jessica Cabo & Art in Bloom Gallery’s featured artist Debra Bucci! In anticipation of Spring, the wine team has hand picked some bright, floral and fresh wines to feature, each paired perfectly with just the right cheese! Live music by TK and check out the beautiful floral inspired art showcase for the perfect date night or evening with friends! Art on display and for sale at http:// bit.ly/ArtInBloomGallery. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Lane

McKayla Howell Megan Schlude Michelle Fogle Olivia Herndon Pat Dagnon Rebecca Clark Rhonda Bullard-Dutton Robin Wicks Robinson Samantha Daniel Shirley Mikulas Sonali Batish Trinity Murray Wallace Robinson

presented by: Wilmington Convention Center Downtown Wilmington 5:00 pm Check-in & Cocktail Hour 6:00 pm Awards Ceremony & Dinner

TICKET DEADLINE: Thursday, February 22nd To purchase tickets online, visit: ywca-lowercapefear.org/WOA

2815 S. College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28412 P: 910-799-6820

Lower Cape Fear

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ics f

5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Walk

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

Middle school and high-school students: Wilmington Pride and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation have joined together to create and facilitate a youth group for children/ youth (middle school and high school) who are LGBTQIA, plus straight allies. A safe space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political consequences, religion, self harm and self-care. Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk about important topics. Meets Thurs., 7:30pm, UU Congregation of Wilmington, 4313 Lake Ave, (across from Roland Grise Middle School).

Sue Graffius: dre@uufwilmington.org).

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ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday, 7-8:30pm, of each month at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. The 3rd Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. Alayne: 910-763-8134

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Saturday, February 17, 2018

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Kure Beach Boardwalk by the Pier All proceeds for this event will benefit the athletes of Special Atlantic Olympics, New Hanover County.Beach Special Olympics Ave, Kure is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All or a portion of your sponsorship may be tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.

www.PlungeNHC.com

Polar Plunge Schedule of Events

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11:00am Gates open. Enjoy live music, DJ, silent auction, costume contest, food & much more!

11:00am On-site Registration/Packet Pickup opens 12:00pm Costume Contest 1:00pm On-site Registration/Packet Pickup close 1:30pm 5K & 1 Mile Fun Walk Starts 2:00pm Raffle Closes

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2:30pm Silent Auction Closes 3:00pm PLUNGE Line Up AREA 1 SPECIAL Olympian’s & Plungers Under 15 AREA 2 Plungers 15 and older

to mes.

AREA 3 Plungers with Pooches 3:05pm PLUNGE 3:20pm Awards Begin (This time is approximate)

located at 701 N Lake Park Blvd on Carolina Beach.

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Pine Valley United Methodist Church , 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. 3rd Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. 910763-8134

WILMINGTON MS SUPPORT GROUP

Wilmington MS Support Group will resume regular monthly meetings on Thurs., Jan. 11.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center Campus, 2131 S. 17th St.

PFLAG

First Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

Meets third Saturday each month. Free; drop-ins are welcome. Group provides participants an opportunity to receive introductory info about lupus, encourage the expression of concerns, provide an opportunity to share experiences, encourage and support positive coping strategies, and emphasize the importance of medical treatment. Guest speakers, DVD presentations and open group discussion. info@lupusnc.org or at 877-849-8271, x1. lupusnc.org. Northeast Regional Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

TEEN TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP

Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group, free, facilitated by TR Nunley and Jamie Alper. This group will focus on the mental health needs unique to transgender and gender non-conforming adolescents (13 years old -18 years old). Topics covered will include but are not limited to: understanding one’s own gender, bullying, discrimination, and violence, family dynamics, coming out, being misgendered, handling invasive personal questions from others, safety and safe spaces, anxiety and mood stability. Nova Swanstrom first at (910) 442-8480 x3009 with Delta Behavioral Clinic.

LIVING WITH GRIEF

5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Walk CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Life Community Church, located inside Independence Mall, will have a recovery meeting every Monday evening at 6:30 pm starting with fellowship followed by a large group meeting at 7pm. Support groups for men and women follow at 8 pm. The meeting is in the Extension located across from Branches bookstore and the church auditorium. Jodie: 910-547-8973, 791-3859 or Lifecc.com. 3500 Oleander Dr.

EXPECTING MAMA’S CIRCLE

Sat, noon: Chat with other pregnant mamas who are going through the same thing as you!

Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding USA counselor, and Postpartum Doula, Jess Zeffiro will moderate a free Pregnancy Meetup Group. Expectant mothers are invited to pop into the group at any time to share their stories, ask questions, and connect with great area resources. Share stories and have any pregnancy and birth related questions ® answered in a supportive environment. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

CHADD

Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7-9pm at the Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. This free support group is open to a growing group of parents, grandparents and individuals affected by AD/ HD who understand what it takes to face its daily challenges. Free. Pine Valley United

Lower Cape Fear Hospice is offering a no cost grief group for those coping with the loss of a loved one. Living with Grief: Coping with the Death of a Spouse/Partner will meet Wednesdays, Feb. 14-21. Free! Prereg. rqd: 910-796-7991. Most of us have loved and lost special people in our lives and we understand that coping with grief is a challenging process. If you and/or your friends and family are having difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one, we are here to help. Throughout the year, we offer compassionate care, educational and enrichment opportunities that support many types of loss in safe and familiar environments. Leland Library, 487 Village Rd. • Feb. 21, 2:30pm: Lower Cape Fear Hospice is offering a no cost grief group for those coping with the loss of a loved one.

Living with Grief: Coping with the Death of a Spouse/Partner will meet Wednesdays, Fe. 14-Feb. 21. Free. Prereg. rqd.; 910-7967991. Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Dr.

tours SKYQUEST: FALL CONSTELLATIONS

Show Times: 2pm, 4pm; free for members or with general admission. Experience the Museum’s digital planetarium with a guided tour of tonight’s sky. Discover new and familiar constellations, explore Greek myths, and find the five planets visible in Nov. 2017. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

CAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS

Cameron Art Museum allows participants to explore current exhibitions with Anne Brennan, CAM’s executive director, in a new series of public tours. Free for CAM members.

Wed., 1:30pm. 3201 S. 17th St.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

After All proceeds for this eventParty will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics, New Hanover Join us at The Piratecharitable to unwindorganization. and warm upAllafter Kure Beach Boardwalk County. Special Olympics is a Lazy 501(c)(3) or athe portion of your some great drink specials.

The Lazy Pirate is sponsorship mayplunge be tax with deductible.

Consult your tax advisor.

Atlantic Ave, Kure 44 encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., bldg B. WilmingtonCHADD.org

by the Pier LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR Beach

www.PlungeNHC.com

Explore the rich culture of our talented Southern town with a 90 minute walking tour of the literary history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit “The Two Libraries.” Walk the streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front. 249 N. Front St. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1282390 INSIDER’S TOUR

Explore the history of community at Cape Fear Museum. Take the Insider’s Tour offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am. Tours are free with admission and include a “behind the scenes” sneak peek. Pre-registration is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@ nhcgov.com. Free w/general admission or membership. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS

Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver who narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions. Market and Water sts. $12/adult, $5/child. (910) 251-8889. www.horsedrawntours.com

GHOST WALK

6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

Admission charge. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910-794-1866. hauntedwilmington.com

HISTORY WALKING TOUR

A two-hour exploration of downtown Wilmington with author Dan Camacho! A $10 donation is suggested. .bellamymansion.org or email info@bellamymansion.org with any questions.

Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.

BELLAMY MANSION

Guided tours start on the hour, as well as selfguided tours, which start at any time. Mondays is only self-guided tours.* Follow curved oyster-shell paths through our lush Victorian garden shaded by 150-year-old magnolia trees. Climb the stairs to the elegant main entrance surrounded by soaring columns and gleaming windows. Hear the stories of the Bellamy family, as well as those of the free and enslaved black artisans who built the home and crafted intricate details throughout the house. Know that you are walking through history. Bellamy Mansion Museum, one of NCs most spectacular examples of Antebellum architecture. Adults $12; senior and military discount, $10; students, $6; children under 5, free. Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

At 12,388 feet Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak. If you’re in good shape, you can reach the top in seven hours. The return trip can be done in half the time—if you’re cautious. The loose rocks on the steep trail are more likely to knock you off your feet on the way down than on the way up. I suspect this is an apt metaphor for you in the coming weeks, Aries. Your necessary descent may be deceptively challenging. So make haste slowly! Your power animals are the rabbit and the snail.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made a few short jaunts through the air in a flying machine they called the Flyer. It was a germinal step in a process that ultimately led to your ability to travel 600 miles per hour while sitting in a chair 30,000 feet above the earth. Less than 66 years after the Wright Brothers’ breakthrough, American astronauts landed a space capsule on the moon. They had with them a patch of fabric from the left wing of the Flyer.

I expect that during the coming weeks, you will be climaxing a long-running process that deserves a comparable ritual. Revisit the early stages of the work that enabled you to be where you are now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

In 2006 5 percent of the world’s astronomers gathered at an international conference and voted to demote Pluto from a planet to a “dwarf planet.”

Much of the world agreed to honor their declaration. Since, there has arisen a campaign by equally authoritative astronomers to restore Pluto to full planet status. The crux of the issue is this: How shall we define the nature of a planet? But for the people of New Mexico, the question has been resolved. State legislators there formally voted to regard Pluto as a planet.

They didn’t accept the demotion. I encourage you to be inspired by their example, Gemini. Whenever there are good arguments from opposing sides about important matters, trust your gut feelings. Stand up for your preferred version of the story.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Ray Bradbury’s dystopian bestseller “Fahrenheit 451” was among the most successful of the 27 novels he wrote. It won numerous awards and has been adopted into films, plays, and graphic novels. Bradbury wrote the original version of the story in nine days, using a typewriter he rented for 20 cents per hour. When his publisher urged him to double the manuscript’s length, he spent another nine days doing so. According to my reading of the planetary configurations, you Cancerians now have a similar potential to be surprisingly efficient and economical as you work on an interesting creation or breakthrough—especially if you mix a lot of play and delight into your labors.

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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Poet Louise Glück has characterized herself as “afflicted with longing yet incapable of forming durable attachments.” If there is anything in you that even partially fits that description, I have good news: In the coming weeks, you’re likely to feel blessed by longing rather than afflicted by it. The foreseeable future will also be prime time for you to increase your motivation and capacity to form durable attachments. Take full advantage of this fertile grace period!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

In 2004, a man named Jerry Lynn tied a battery-operated alarm clock to a string and dangled it down a vent in his house. He was hoping that when the alarm sounded, he would get a sense of the best place to drill a hole in his wall to run a wire for his TV. But the knot he’d made wasn’t perfect, and the clock slipped off and plunged into an inaccessible spot behind the wall. Then, every night for 13 years, the alarm rang for a minute. The battery was unusually strong! A few months ago, Lynn decided to end the mild but constant irritation. Calling on the help of duct specialists, he retrieved

the persistent clock. With this story as your inspiration, and in accordance with astrological omens, I urge you Virgos to finally put an end to your equivalent of the maddening alarm clock. (Read the story: tinyurl.com/alarmclockmadness.)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Was Napoléon Bonaparte an oppressor or liberator? The answer is both. His work in the world hurt a lot of people and helped a lot of people. One of his more magnanimous escapades transpired in June 1798, when he and his naval forces invaded the island of Malta. During his six-day stay, he released political prisoners, abolished slavery, granted religious freedom to Jews, opened 15 schools, established the right to free speech, and shut down the Inquisition.

What do his heroics have to do with you? I don’t want to exaggerate, but I expect that you, too, now have the power to unleash a blizzard of benevolence in your sphere. Do it in your own style, of course, not Napoléon’s.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

“Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit,” said French playwright Molière.

I’m going to make that your motto for now, Scorpio. You have pursued a gradual, steady approach to ripening, and soon it will pay off in the form of big bright blooms. Congratulations on having the faith to keep plugging away in the dark!

I applaud your determination to be dogged and persistent about following your intuition even though few people have appreciated what you were doing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

The growth you can and should foster in the coming weeks will be stimulated by quirky and unexpected prods. To get you started, here are a few such prods. 1. What’s your hidden or dormant talent, and what could you do to awaken and mobilize it? 2. What’s something you’re afraid of but might be able to turn into a resource? 3. If you were a different gender for a week, what would you do and what would your life be like? 4. Visualize a dream you’d like to have while you’re asleep tonight. 5. If you could transform anything about yourself, what would it be? 6. Imagine you’ve won a free vacation to anywhere you want. Where would you go?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You may think you have uncovered the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But according to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re just a bit more than halfway there. In order to get the rest of the goods, you’ll have to ignore your itch to be done with the search. You’ll have to be unattached to being right and smart and authoritative. So please cultivate patience. Be expansive and magnanimous as you dig deeper. For best results, align yourself with poet Richard Siken’s definition: “The truth is complicated. It’s two-toned, multi-vocal, bittersweet.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The posh magazine *Tatler* came up with a list of fashionable new names for parents who want to ensure their babies get a swanky start in life. Since you Aquarians are in a phase when you can generate good fortune by rebranding yourself or remaking your image, I figure you might be interested in using one of these monikers as a nickname or alias. At the very least, hearing them could whet your imagination to come up with your own ideas. Here are *Tatler*’s chic avant-garde names for girls: Czar-Czar; Debonaire; Estonia; Figgy; Gethsemane; Power; Queenie. Here are some boys’ names: Barclay; Euripides; Gustav; Innsbruck; Ra; Uxorious; Wigbert; Zebedee..

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Now that you have finally paid off one of your debts to the past, you can start window-shopping for the future’s best offers. The coming days will be a transition time as you vacate the power spot you’ve outgrown and ramble out to reconnoiter potential new power spots. So bid your crisp farewells to waning traditions, lost causes, ghostly temptations, and the deadweight of people’s expectations.

Then start preparing a vigorous first impression to present to promising allies out there in the frontier.

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46 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CORKBOARD

Get Some Half Price Apps 4 to 6pm & after 10pm Every Day at the Brewery.

Available for your next CD or Demo

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AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools, Studio Production

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CANNABIS HYPNOTHERAPY NOW AVAILABLE! CALL: 910-343-1171 Find Out What All the Buzz is About!

Have an event, show, or fund-raiser that you’d like to promote?

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Front Street Brewery 910.251.1935 9 North Front Street, Downtown Wilmington FrontStreetBrewery.com

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ONLINE C A L E N D A R

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Piano Lessons... @ Old Books on Front St.

Call James 910-232-6080

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Cruise Schedule: The Wilmington

Gift Certificates Available!

Every $25 spent on gift certificates gets you $5 in cat bucks to spend on any cruise.

Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

Complete Schedule:

wilmingtonwatertours.net

e

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

W I N N E R

910-338-3134

info@wilmingtonwt.com

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Follow us

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm 50 min narrated cruises $12 Even hours go north Odd hours go south Do both directions for 1 hr 40 min for $23

SUNSET CRUISES RETURN MARCH 15th The Cape Fear River has the BEST sunsets! Our first sunset cruise of the season is on Thursday March 15th at 6:30pm.

You don’t want to miss sunsets like this one!

Photo credit goes to one of our employees Emma!

Early Flight Excursion (previously known as Black Water Adventure)

With the new name comes an earlier departure time 9am - $27 Earlier time gives us a better chance to see more of our fine feathered friends. Relax and start your day with a fresh brewed cup of joe or the best bloody mary on the river or something else from our full bar. encore | february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 47

C

SOUTHERN SOUL FOOD AT I T S F I N E S T

RECOGNIZED BY YAHOO TRAVEL AS THE BEST BUFFET IN NORTH CAROLINA!

WE ALSO DO CATERING!

5559 Oleander drive • 910.798.2913 Wednesday-Saturday 11am-9pm • Sunday 11am- 8pm • Closed - Monday and Tuesday Visit our website - www.CaseysBuffet.com

WINNER OF BEST BUFFET, FRIED CHICKEN AND SOUL FOOD 48 encore |february 14 - february 20, 2018 | www.encorepub.com