February 20, 2013

VOL. 29 / PUB 34 / FREE february 20-26, 2013 WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

going for the win!

Best Of Awards 2013 boasts winners and community support

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hodgepodge| What’s inside this week

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contents vol. 29 / pub. 34 / February 20th-27th, 2013 www.encorepub.com

best of........................... 4-17

4-16 besties 2013: encore staff speak with the deserving businesses who have taken the top spot in some of this year’s Best Of categories.

2013 BEST OF AWARDS P. 4-17

We reveal the second round of 2013 Best Of winners

All that glitters is gold! We learned as much is true during the 2013 encore Best Of awards show held February 2nd at historic downtown Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts Center. Business owners, humanitarians, musicians, artists, fans, and others gathered ‘round the stage to find out the top folks in our area. The party ended with over 100 winners in a plethora of categories. Flip to pages 4 through 16 to learn more about some of the gratified victors, from Best Moving Company to Best Volunteer, as encore staff chat with the cream of the crop. Plus, on page 17, view the entire list of 2013 champions, which we’ll print in each Best Of edition through March 6th.

Photo by Charles Cothran; scukpture by Ice Sensations.

WIN AWESOME TICKETS!

If you’re not already an encore fan on Facebook, you should be! We have ongoing contests on encore ’s Facebook page, as well as on our home page, www.encorepub. com. You can win a pair of tickets to music concerts, comedy sketches and theatre presentations all over the area, such as from House of Blues, Soapbox Laundro-Lounge,

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

Thalian Hall, Brooklyn Arts Center, Durham Performing Arts Center and more! We made it easy for you to see our upcoming contests, too. Just scan the QR code you see on this page! It’ll take you to our ticket information site, giving you a list of available tickets—and the dates when we’ll be running contests.

“Before the State of the Union address, President Obama did an exploding fist bump with Republican Senator Mark Kirk. Which really goes to show you—it doesn’t matter if they’re black or white, Republican or Democrat, politicians are really awkward.” —Jimmy Fallon “The Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union address was given

by Senator Marco Rubio. It’s just one more example of rich white guys getting a Hispanic to do a job they don’t want to do.” —Conan O’Brien “President Obama wants Congress to increase the minimum wage. Believe me, when it comes to doing the minimum for their wage, Congress knows what it’s talking about.” —Jay Leno seals until it’s too late.” —Jimmy Fallon “Big news coming out of the Vatican. Pope Benedict resigned. And they’re busy looking for replacements. The smart money is on Tim Tebow.” —David Letterman

Best Of 2013 winners.

news & views............... 18-21 18 live local: Gwenyfar Rohler sits down with Connie Nelson as she remembers her lost loved one, flamenco guitarist William ‘Paco’ Strickland, whose life celebration takes place this week.

20 views: Mark Basquill calls for a cultural revolution in NC.

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

artsy smartsy................22-38 22-26 theater: Gwenyfar checks out UNCW’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’; Chelsea Pyne previews ‘She Loves Me’ from Opera House Theatre Company; Shea Carver indulges in TheatreNOW’s ‘Games of the Heart.’

29 art: Sarah Richter gets to know Arrow Ross, a photographer who explored the lives of Indian orphans.

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

33 film: Anghus felt no repercussions from

OOPS! We regret making a typo in our February 6th edition stating Michael McGowan of Michael’s Seafood—winner of Best Seafood in encore’s 2013 Best Of awards—passed away in October 2010; the correct year is 2012. We apologize for the mistake, and we are still deeply sorry for the loss of this great chef and community contributor. McGowan, a lung-transplant recipient and fighter against Cystic Fibrosis, helped raise over $470,000 for cystic fibrosis and lung transplant research with his yearly Shrimp Open Golf Tournament.

The 15th annual tournament will take place on October 7th, 2013, on McGowan’s birthday.

‘Side Effects.’

34-35 music: Linda Grattafiori dives into the Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band; Bethany Turner gets electric with Lotus.

36-38 soundboard: See what bands and performers are playing in venues from Wilmington to Jacksonville.

grub & guzzle...............40-45 40-43 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through our dining guide!

45 grub: Alex Pompliano unveils his next rendition of Multi-Cultural ILM, with a focus on South ‘n France bon bons and the Italian Gourmet Market and Café.

extra! extra!................. 46-71

Editor-in-Chief:

General Manager:

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

46 extra: Trent Williams checks out the Run for

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

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

48 crossword: Brain game by Stanley

Interns: Chelsea Pyne, Trent Williams

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

50 threads: encore’s directory of local style.

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus Houvouras, Jay Schiller, Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Christina Dore, Justin Emery, Alex Pompliano, Rob Brezsny, Kim Henry, Sarah Richter P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9534

LATE-NIGHT FUNNIES

17 best of winner list: View the full list of all

Ray trail run fund-raiser.

Newman.

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

55-71 calendar/‘toons/horoscopes/

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

our calendar; check out Tom Tomorrow and the

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

Bethany Turner // bethany@encorepub.com

horoscope; and check out the latest saucy

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

Jennifer Barnett // jennifer@encorepub.com

corkboard ads.

2 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

corkboard: Find out what to do in town with annual ‘toons winner, Jay Schiller; read your

$59 plus beverage, tax, and tip lands you a seat at the dinner table battlefield as two chefs try to outcook each other using the secret ingredient. At the end of your six-course meal, you decide who wins and who goes home. Visit www.competitiondining.com for more details and to buy your tickets now!

PICK YOUR BATTLES...

Battles start at 6:30 pm at Bluewater. Find out more by scanning the QR code or finding us on social media.

Wilmington

YOU BE THE JUDGE.

YoSake

Bald Head Is. Club

Joshua Woo defines his cooking style as “Asian/Mexican/Southern/Bacon.”

Clearly his versatility will allow him to improvise well. And as far as pleasing the diner, what more needs to be said than “Bacon?”

Mark Andrews was a finalist for the 2012 Best Chef NC Award. So he knows how to bring the best out of what is available and get creative with local ingredients.

Feb 26

Persimmons

South Beach Grill

Gerry Fong finished his 2012 Fire on the Dock season as runner-up. Hungry for the ultimate victory, he claims that this will be the year his team takes it all.

James Rivenbark was hailed as one of “Wilmington’s Top Chefs” at the young age of 23. With a few more years now under his belt, he is sure to present a fresh challenge to any opponent

Feb 27

Elijah’s

22 North Brent Poteat won the People’s Choice Award at the 2012 Taste of Wrightsville Beach. With a cooking style he describes as “Rustic Creole/ Low Country,” his unique flavors give him a competitive edge.

Mar 4

Sweet N Savory

Cameo 1900 Already in the national spotlight as a nominee for the Best New Chef: Southeast award by Food & Wine Magazine , Kirsten Mitchell isnt’ afraid of a serious challenge.

Pat Greene is no rookie when it comes to Fire on the Dock.

Experience will be on her side this year as she showcases her own signature style.

Mar 5

Equally as passionate for competition as he is cooking, Josh Petty will prove to be a fierce opponent. With extensive experience using local products, he is sure to dish out something inspiring.

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 3

4-11 GOODS & SERVICES 11-14 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 14-16 FOOD & DRINK 16 HUMANITARIAN 17 LIST OF ALL WINNERS

going for the win!

Best Of Awards 2013 boasts winners and community support Bethany

by Shea Carver, illiams Turner, Trent W ne and Chelsea Py

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bestof2013

hen the lights go doWn,

The 2013 Best of Awards Party featured ice sculptures by Ice Sensations; Madison Moss and Janna Murray as the encore ‘Vannas’ listen closely for the next winners to be called at the Feb. 2nd party held at Brooklyn Arts Center, downtown Wilmington. Photo by Charles Cothran

4 encore | | february february 20-26, 20-26, 2013 2013 | | www.encorepub.com www.encorepub.com 4 encore

the afterparty begins. In encore’s case, it lasts four whole weeks as we write about every winner on our annual Best Of poll—yep, that’s 130 categories, folks!

We first announced the 2013 wins on Saturday, February 2nd, at our annual Best Of Party, held at downtown’s Brooklyn Arts Center. For the first year, the party became a fund-raiser for the Carousel Center for Abused Children, wherein almost $7,000 was netted from ticket sales, many raffle items and our inaugural Battle of the Bands.

Folks voted with dollars to choose the winners from L Shape Lot, Mike Blair and the Stonewalls and Bibis Ellison.

Our wonderfully kooky hosts—Sandy Vaughan, Jef Pollock, Brandi Laney, Cullen Moss and Valerie Watkins of Changing Channels, along with Steve Rassin, Jason Hatfield, Zach Hanner and Randy Davis from Comically Impaired and our “Vannas” Janna Murray, Kyra Tebo, Madison Moss—shuffled through the lenghthy list in side-splitting laughter. With a slew of food donations from the top-three contenders in every category (thank you, everyone, who added to the spread), folks were fed and tons of super prizes were bid on throughout the evening!

All of you who missed out on the action can see the full list of winners on page 17.

As we do annually, we want to clarify some of our Best Of ground-rules so everyone understands how we endure this four-month

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process annually—from scouring and revising the ballot, programming the online voting system, monitoring the process (we got our eyes and ears peeled for cheaters!), designing and hand-building all awards, and pulling together the party and talent to no avail! It’s work, people. And we thank the Carousel Center; Rich Leder of Brooklyn Arts; Justin Denning, BestOf web dude; Chuck Cothran, award-builder; our hosts; bands; and every volunteer and donator for making it a success.

Here is how we play: • Nominations for the top-three contenders were taken in the first round of voting in November, which ended at the beginning of December.

• The official ballot with top-three nominees went live on December 19th. Votes were taken through January 9th.

• encore employees never determined the winners (despite what many assume or accuse); the readers of encore determined the outcome, plain and simple!

• encore reserves the right to secure all voting information, including percentages and amounts of votes per category. However, the final tally of all nominations and votes came to 10,000. With over 130 categories and weekly deadlines, we do not divulge individual numbers—not because we have something to hide but because 10 people run this paper and, well, time is of the essence to produce it weekly.

• Only one ballot per e-mail address was allowed to vote. When canceled e-mail addresses were attempted for use, they automatically were rejected. We did not allow more than six ballots per IP address, either.

• Voters were required to fill out at least 25 categories to have their votes counted; this prevents from “stuffing” the ballot box simply to see one business wins everything.

• We encouraged businesses to campaign; though, we did not accept bribery for votes.

We also secured the right to disqualify votes we felt were misrepresented or falsified in any way (not following above rules). Though we are not the NC Board of Elections, we try our best to play fairly!

//Goods & Services Resale/Consignment Clothing

Eons ago when the consignment landscape of Wilmington remained limited, The Chameleon Company stayed a local favorite because of its blend of eclectic fashion, including handmade jewelry and clothing items featured by local artists. Stephanie Denning grew accustomed to its aesthetic and decided to carry on the model when she opened The Fairy Circle in The Chameleon Company’s space off Wrightsville Avenue in 2002. Now, 11 years later, though they’ve moved into two larger spaces across town, 1045 South College Road and 5226 South College Road in Monkey Junction, Denning strives to keep the consignment store fresh.

“Recently The Fairy Circle underwent a ren6 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

MYSTICAL WIN! The Fairy Circle wins again for Best Resale/Consignment Clothing Shop—something owner Stephanie Denning doesn’t take for granted. Photo by Justin Denning

ovation and [we] added a lot more racks and an additional dressing room,” she says. “Plus, we are always having giveaways on Facebook.”

Staying atop current trends, one can find a variety of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as toys, jewelry, formal wear for proms and weddings, as well as linens and suits. Accessories abound, too, like shoes and purses, hats and scarves. Folks are likely to see brands like Rock & Republic, Cole Haan, Coach, Dr. Martens, Diesel, Michael Kors and more.

“We stand out with our great selection, prices and customer service,” Denning promises. “We offer a warm and friendly shopping environment with no appointment needed for consigning.”

That’s right: Consignors can simply show up with their wares in tow, freshly cleaned, stainless, and wrinkle-free to be considered.

The service reps will check out the items on the spot to see what can go in the store. It is consigned for 30 days and then is reduced thereafter with a shelf-life of 60 days. Better yet, consignors can choose to get a check or use it toward store credit.

“The best-selling items are designer, boutique and classic name brands,” Denning advises. “We put out a few hundred items a day so the store is constantly changing and evolving.”

Other resale stores on our polls are Plato’s Closet and Clothes Mentor.

gouRmet stoRe

When Whole Foods Maket opened in

Wilmington last summer, a slew of all-organic and healthful eaters and shoppers rejoiced.

The parking lot overflowed with people pining to get a look at how the national chain would adapt itself to our locale. To say it’s gone above and beyond is not a far-reaching statement, by any means.

“The majority of our team members lived in Wilmington prior to joining Whole Foods Market, so we feel as though we have been able to naturally blend Wilmington’s culture and our local vibe into the store,” Erin McNally, marketing team leader, says. The store boasts not only décor as adapted by local artists and featuring local landmarks, it also sells a large variety of local food stuffs.

“Many local growers and vendors set up a table in our store to share samples of their products and to meet the people who buy their products,” McNally assures.

Among them are Velvet Freeze ice cream, Nature’s Way goat cheese and seafood, Sophie’s Treehouse rice bags, Sambuca Apothecary’s remedies, Cape Fear Rum Cakes and even La Gemma breads. They’ve also partnered with Feast Down East so that Whole Foods will be working with even more local farmers. “It is so powerful to help bridge the connection between where your food is coming from and who is enjoying it,” McNally says.

More so, the market’s numerous programs allow shoppers to give back directly to Wilmington. They always get a 10-cent refund per reusable bag they bring for groceries, which in turn can be donated to many local nonprofits, including Cameron Art Museum, Canines for Service, Brigade Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Full Belly Project.

Their 5 Percent Days are done quarterly, wherein they donate 5 percent of daily sales to a local nonprofit; Cape Fear River Watch and

Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem Association has each benefitted thus far. They raised and donated $10,000 to Good Shepherd Center and DREAMS of Wilmington with the store’s pre-opening tours.

“Plus, our store’s signature monthly winetasting event benefits a different nonprofit each month,” McNally notes. Called “Wine Not..It’s Friday,” they have held six events which have helped Thalian Association and Junior League to benefit programs in local middle school DC Virgo.

“We’re excited that Wilmington folks have welcomed us into their community and their pantries,” McNally says. “Wilmington has a diverse group of foodies, home cooks and value shoppers. Our customer service is one thing that really sets us apart; we engage and talk through recipe ideas, open products to sample, and personally escort customers to find [what] they’re looking for.

People love that.”

Other gourmet stores tickling readers’ palates include Pine Valley Market in second and Temptation’s Gourmet in third.

Mortgage CoMpany

encore’s Best Of poll strives to recognize the best of the best in local entrepreneurship. While we can’t tell readers exactly for whom to vote, when they recognize the independently owned businesses, even in categories usually relegated to national services, we can’t help but feel pride. Locals can rest

assured knowing customized offerings await their home-buying needs when choosing Alpha Mortgage.

“We are the only locally owned and operated mortgage banker in the Wilmington region,” Joey Milam, marketing and appraising director, says. “This allows us to take a common-sense approach to lending that is lacking in large, national banks. In addition we have the ability to use trusted local appraisers to obtain an accurate valuation of our client’s properties.”

Alpha provides all the menu items expected in dealing with buying a new home. Fixed rates? They can do it. Adjustables? Yep. Jumbo loans? Absolutely. Super Jumbo Loans?

Why not? They give the lowest rate every time, alongside customized service needs and work within customers’ money management plans.

“While Alpha Mortgage deals in most all traditional loan programs, we are highly adept in dealing with self-employed clients, as well as clients obtaining USDA, VA & FHA financing,” Milam notes. “These loan programs often allow clients to purchase a home with little or no money down and are very popular.”

And in this market, every penny saved helps.

To get pre-approved, it’s not hard. Folks can call the company and talk with one of their many loan officers to suit their needs. “We’ll guide you to make sure you are looking at homes you can afford,” Milam says. “We will

Thank you you Thank Wilmington Wilmington for voting voting us us for

“Best Chinese Chinese Restaurant!”

Restaurant!”

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review your entire financial profile and give you an accurate picture of what you can comfortably afford.”

Leading the industry since 1983, Alpha Mortgage tops our poll for the 10th year now.

Second goes to Wells Fargo and third to Cunningham and Associates.

HealtH Food Store

Wilmington’s only food and health co-op has maintained its loyalty to customers for over 30 years. “Our customers tell us they come here for the friendly, personal service and peace of mind, in knowing we’ve done the research on our products and maintain high standards in what we carry at Tidal Creek Co-Op,” Bethany Rogers, outreach coordinator, says.

Tidal Creek is as local as it gets, in that the community owns the business by purchasing memberships annually. Thus, it allots them discounts and various special rewards, not to mention access to many all-natural and organic food stuff, as well as hygiene products, alternative medicines, cleaning supplies and much more.

“Some of the products our customers are most excited about are bulk beauty products –shampoos, conditioners, soaps, etc.,” Rogers notes. “Not only are they affordable, but cut down on waste because shoppers can bring their containers back in to refill. ‘Bulk’ at the co-op doesn’t mean you have to buy large amounts. Customers can buy as much or as

little as they want.”

Tidal Creek goes beyond local general store in that they boast their own bakery, deli and cafe, with a massive salad bar. They began offering dinner on their hot bar, too, so folks could enjoy it in their café seating or at home.

They serve organic rotisserie chicken, as well as numerous vegan and gluten-free items to include all diets.

“Our new deck provides a great outdoor spot for breakfast, lunch or meetings,” Rogers notes, “and also an easy path to our additional parking.”

Customers revel in the quick attentiveness of the Tidal Creek staff, who become community allies and friends upon every visit. They even expand community ties by offering free lecture series on various topics, often given by local professionals. Such will take place February 21st when Pat Delair of EarthSave SENC will speak about genetically modified foods from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fore more on Tidal Creek or to become a member, visit them online at www.tidalcreek.coop.

Other health food stores that keep our city fit are Lovey’s Market and Whole Foods.

plaCe

to

Buy

a

uSed Car

Stevenson Honda has topped our polls practically every year we’ve been doing categories about buying cars. In 2013, they aren’t slowing down, as once again they’ve secured Best Place to Buy a Used Car. Owned and operated by Pat Koballa, they

Everything Everything for for your your home home at at aa fraction fraction of of the the original original cost. cost.

The The largest largest consignment consignment store store in the southeast in the southeast with with over over 25,000 25,000 square square feet feet of of Classic Classic Furniture, Furniture, Antiques, Antiques, China, China, Crystal, Crystal, Silver Silver & & Fine Fine Jewelry Jewelry

OPEN OPEN 77 DAYS DAYS A WEEK A WEEK

419 South South College College Rd. Rd. •• (910) (910) 799-1426 799-1426 419

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 7

offer a slew of products to appease all drivers.

And when looking to save pennies, choosing from their many pre-owned vehicles is a nobrainer, considering they treat its inspection for resale with the utmost professionalism.

“Each [one] goes through a 150 multipoint used car inspection before it is available for sale,” Peggy Roberts, business development manager, says. “We factory-certify the majority of our preowned Honda and Acura inventory, which allows an extension on the factory warranty.”

Add to it the car’s pre-qualification for a lifetime warranty free of charge and the win becomes apparently warranted. In fact, Stevenson moved over 1,100 pre-owned vehicles in 2013.

“Our clients and our community clearly feel good about doing business with us,” Roberts continues. “We make sure there are no apologies needed on our pre-owned inventory.

When you buy a used vehicle from Stevenson, you have peace of mind.”

Stevenson also works annually with nonprofits to expand on their givings in a philanthropic manner. They will continue to work with Cell Phones for Soldiers in 2013, according to Roberts. “We have drop-off boxes in our Honda and Acura showrooms for the community to donate used cell phones. The program recycles the phones and sends phone cards to our troops.”

As for the draw to the showroom, well, Ste-

CLOSET DREAMS: Island Passage makes its way into first place on our polls for 2013 as Best Place for Women’s Clothing. Photo by Trent Williams

venson’s new Accord is a must-see and mustdrive! “We have rates as low as 2.9 percent,”

THANK YOU THANK for voting us BEST OYSTERSYOU 13 years in a row!

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8 8 encore encore || february february 20-26, 20-26, 2013 2013 || www.encorepub.com www.encorepub.com

Roberts says, “lots of great things going on.

Come by today!”

Other dealerships parking into second and third are Auto Wholesale and Bob King Automall.

Beer

and

Wine Shop

They’re essential to the happiness of many adults worldwide. Whether one has a propensity toward craft beer or the connoisseur’s palate for wine, Lighthouse Beer and Wine in Wrightsville Beach remains encore readers’ top pick to sate such cravings.

“The beer and wine industries are evolving at record paces with new things constantly being introduced,” owner Jason Adams says.

“Lighthouse Beer and Wine strives to be on its game when it comes to what’s hot and what’s not!”

Barrel-aged beers, Imperial IPA’s and sours are topping the Lighthouse list these days, which offers over 700 beers. They also provide kegs and present fine wines galore from

regions like Spain, Italy, France, Chile, Argentina, Washington, Oregon and California.

They even have a cigar humidor for smokers who wish to taste the exotic from renowned regions worldwide.

“Our Beer Garden has recently undergone some significant improvements,” Adams says, promising it’s getting bigger and better for those who wish to buy a bottle and sip onsite.

One of the Lighthouse’s most significant contributions locally comes with their annual beer fest held every October. Serving as a fund-raiser for Best Of Party benefactor, The Carousel Center for Abused Children, Lighthouse features over 90 international breweries.

“We are a sponsor of the annual Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon finish-line celebration, too,” Adams adds, an avid athlete himself. “We model it after the festival.”

Yet, one doesn’t need a festival to enjoy everything Lighthouse offers; in fact, the shop will come to drinkers who need help catering an event. Lighthouse works closely in helping define the palatial needs for private events and pre-chills and delivers all imbibes as ordered.

Other wine and beer shops sipping through 2013’s Best Of include Cape Fear Wine and Beer and Wilmington Wine.—Shea Carver

Women’S Clothing

What started as a T-shirt and souvenir store on Bald Head Island in 1985 evolved over 25 years later into Wilmington’s top-notch women’s boutique. Now it features the latest designs from Ya, Esley, French Connection, and more, while catering to shoppers in five different stores, including downtown ILM and Lumina Station.

“Over the years Island Passage has changed in many ways except one: We strive for the best in customer service,” Kristyn Prentice, buyer for Island Passage, explains.

“We realize that our customers have many options when shopping in Wilmington. We want them to know that every time they come into any IP location that they will be given the best customer service around. Many of our local customers have a favorite location be-

FILL ‘ER UP: Beth Tucker proudly accepts another Best Of for GOGAS as best place to fill up our tanks without breaking the bank! Photo by Trent Williams.

cause they have personal relationships with our managers and associates. We also strive to provide fashion at accessible prices and quality merchandise. Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank unless you want it to!”

A few years ago Island Passage began a VIP program for local customers. Benefits include weekly specials, VIP-only events and sales, and a birthday coupon. “We are also trying to spread the word about our location Return Passage,” Prentice tells of the 302 N. Front St. spot. “We accept pre-loved fashions at this location and offer our customer cash or store credit. We want RP to be more acces-

sible to all of our customers, so we are going to initiate drop points at other locations.”

Keeping customers up-to-date via Facebook and Instagram, Island Passage is planning more VIP events throughout 2013. As well, the buyers make it a personal challenge to find new lines and designers continually, Prentice says. She’s devoted to her job and eager to share that fervor with Island Passage’s shoppers. “My favorite part of fashion is its infinite ability to evolve and, with it, evolves the wearer,” she describes. “Fashion is a way for people to express their creativity, passions and feelings. It can change every day as often as you choose.”

Other top shops include Edge of Urge and Hallelu.

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freshly washed car. Like the relief of coming home to a clean house, tackling the assailment of road-ragers seems slightly easier while sniffing that like-new-car smell. Luckily, Cruisers Car Wash offers two locations conveniently in the hub of Wilmington’s notorious traffic—one at 325 S. College Rd. in front of Best Buy, and one at 3835 Oleander Dr. by Baskin Robbins near Independence Mall.

“Since we started Cruisers 15 years ago,” owner Clayton Gsell shares, “we have always focused on providing outstanding customer services at a fair price and in a friendly environment. We build relationships with our customers and we enjoy learning about and meeting their family and their friends.”

Of course, most folks know about Cruisers immense selection of washes—like the $29.95 Platinum Wing offering 18 points of over-thetop washing wonders, from a door-jam cleaning to a clear-coat preservative. However what most might not realize is that Cruisers supplies even more care for our cars.

“We professionally restore headlights for about half of what car dealers charge,” Gsell says, “and it makes the front end of a car look new again. It also greatly improves the light output to the street. Since headlight covers get cloudy over time, many people don’t realize the amount of light they have lost until they have us do their restoration. We also have a unique odor-elimination service called DrivePur

that scientifically eliminates odors from vehicles. Many customers bring their vehicles to us to rid their interior of old cigarette and cigar smells. DrivePur is extremely effective.”

Zooming into second is Buff Masters and soaping up in third is Mr. Sudzy.

Gas station

With five locations in Wilmington alone and at least a dozen other stations in southeastern North Carolina, GOGAS fills up in first place for the 2013 poll once again. encore readers love the consistently low gas prices and the convenience of having a nearby station in every neck of the woods. From Monkey Junction (5648 Carolina Beach Rd.) to midtown (1116 S. College Rd. and Wrightsville Ave.) and even by New Hanover Regional Medical Center (1976 S. 17th St.), GOGAS keeps Wilmington drivers moving along without a hitch.

Locals K.E. Austin Corporation are able to calculate and consider every buy option to achieve the best possible price, passing along the savings to their customers. Plus, their attendants offer friendly service in the window.

All of the above earned the corporation a Better Business Bureau award of A+ in 1994, and years upon years of first-place nods in tow from encore’s Best Of. Fueling up in second is Costco and pumping into third is Hess.

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STRENGTHENING HIS GRIP: LaMaine Williams has yet to be beat as Best Trainer in Wilmington, scoring another win for 2013. Photo by Chuck Cothran from Best Of Awards Party 2013.

Trainer

The winning macho-man since 2009, LaMaine Williams takes first yet again in encore’s reader poll for Best Trainer. The reason behind this fitness guru’s success is his key dedication to fitness awareness for the entire community—not just his clients.

“I have always been into working out,” Williams explains. “Even as a little boy. I still remember getting my first weight set. [So] I expose fitness to everybody. Most trainers are only interested in their target: paying customers. I want to keep putting fitness in people’s faces to encourage them to workout, and I want to help that youngster out there that is like I was. I want them to see you can make a living from what you do in P.E.—which was my favorite subject.”

For many years, Williams—a staff member at Lumina Fitness—only trained women. He’d unlocked the secret to helping ladies achieve lean bodies without excessive muscles. His cross-training mix touches on cardio, weights, agility, balance, and coordination to strengthen them physically—which allows the women to strengthen themselves psychologically, too.

It’s easier to feel better about oneself when the image in the mirror looks so good! Yet, a recent call from Los Angeles had Williams open up his training to everyone.

“This manager has an artist that needs to be video-and TV-ready,” the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America-certified trainer

says. “After hearing about me and watching some of my videos, he was convinced I was the man for the job.”

Folks shouldn’t worry that we’ll lose Williams to Hollywood, though. “I’m a Wilmingtonian, and I want the port city to feel like they have a representative of exercise,” he shares. “This award means a lot to me. Winning means people are exposed to my plan of bringing fitness awareness to everybody.”

Other personal trainers beefing up the rankings are Dee Whittington of The DeeTrain and Drew Dalton of Gold’s Gym. —Bethany Turner

Moving CoMpany

Starting with a single truck and a whole lot of heart, Two Men and a Truck keeps its stronghold on encore’s top spot for Best Moving Company in 2013. Whether shuffling things across town or the country, Two Men provides services fully equipped with skilled professionals and a wide variety of competitively priced packing materials. The local franchise is operated by Todd and Kendra Eberhardt, both natives of Michigan. In hopes of introducing a great moving company to our close-knit coastal area, Two Men and a Truck says what sets them apart is their high standards and integrity to all their customers.

“It is important to understand that moving is a stressful time for people and to make sure that we take the time to listen to their needs and concerns,” Patricia Duehring, client service representative, says.

The company treats customers like family thanks to adopting a standard they like to call “The Grandma Rule.” “’The Grandma Rule’ is to treat everyone the way you would want

your grandma to be treated,” Duehring says.

“Our crews take this seriously and we would not be where we are today without them.

We are absolutely humbled to have won this award each year since 2009. We are grateful for all of our customers and for all of you who voted for us.”

Coastal Carrier and Murray Transportation move in second and third on the 2013 poll — Trent Williams

WWAY and FOX 26, while Jon Evans and Ashlea Kosikowski, both of WECT, round out the newscaster category.

writer

//Arts, Entertainment and Media ArcAde/GAme room

Bleep. Bloop. Zing. Swoosh. Doo-doodoo. Zam. Ching, ching, ching! They’re all the noises one can expect to hear at a good old-fashioned arcade. And where do people in Wilmington go to have their fix? Jungle Rapids, of course!

According to Eric D. Williams, it’s all about size, variety and popularity. “We have over 100 arcade and redemption games that cater to all ages,” he says. “Classics, shooters, racing, skill games and pinball!”

They work hard to find anything and everything appealing to game-playing fiends, whether old-school or new-school. “Our arcade manager Doug Bryant does an excellent job digging up the most popular games in the country,” Williams says, “and doing his best to acquire them.”

Folks will find their most popular game Monster Drop hard to quit.”You can win a ton of tickets when you hit the ‘Monster Jackpot,’” Williams says. “It is so addicting you might start to feel as though you have a gambling issue.”

Intended for fun-only, of course, Jungle Rapids will bring in new games for the start of the spring season in April. Folks can also enjoy their many other activities, from go-kart racing to laser tag, Jungle Golf to the rock-climbing wall, and naturally the water park in season.

“It kicks off May 11th, 2013, weather permitting,” Williams reminds.

The arcade is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. —Shea Carver

Pool HAll

It seems both a well-known hangout and a best-kept secret. Though nearly everyone knows Blue Post, once bar-goers step through the clandestine alley door, they pass into a league of relaxed hipsters and edgy bourbon- and PBR-sippers. The air is mellow, and a night spent in Blue Post feels like a night “in the know.”

“I think that I am lucky to have a crew that cares about each other, as well as the business, which includes our customers,” owner and managing partner Barbara Weetman tells.

“We have a great time together—it’s a group of funny, smart people who know how to have fun while getting the job taken care of.”

Aside from the plethora of arcade games—

CHING! CHING! CHING! That’s the sound of racking up wins...Jungle Rapids takes over as Wilmington’s Best Arcade 2013. Photo by Trent Williams

from table hockey to skeeball and several cult video games—Blue Post also offers a few top-notch pool tables, earning them Best Pool Hall bragging rights. “I think our laid-back vibe keeps people coming in,” she continues. “We also happen to be lucky enough to have what I think is the oldest continuing pool league in town. It’s a group that comes in to play every week, and they’ve been together for years.”

The pool league isn’t the only group returning week after week. Blue Post cultivates fans of all types easily. “I think our customers like coming in so much because of the personal touch they get from our staff,” Weetman divulges. “We try to take care of our regulars and make sure they know how welcome they are. We change up our drink specials periodically—but we like to be like coming home.

When you go home, you know exactly how it’s going to be—and that’s why you love it!”

Racking up in second is Orton’s Pool Hall while Break Time Billiards takes third.

NewscAst/NewscAster

Wilmington’s number one newscaster is a local girl, born and bred. Frances Weller, a graduate of John T. Hoggard High School, received a degree in speech communication from UNC Chapel Hill—and she’s been at WECT TV6 ever since.

“What’s most important to me is knowing that so many people in our viewing area count on me to bring them the news of the day,” she describes. “I’m very passionate about that important responsibility. I also love the fact that being a news anchor affords me the opportunity to get out in the community and make a difference. At the end of the day, it’s not the number of news stories I’ve shared with our viewers, but the number of lives I may have impacted by something extraordinary I was a

part of in the community.”

Weller is joined in the 2013 Best Of honors

by WECT, as the station was recognized as the best local newscast. Year in and year out, Weller and WECT beat out the competition.

“No one else in this area can cover breaking news and severe weather like WECT,” news director Scott Saxton asserts. “People turn to us when they need accurate information and their questions answered. We are able to put the appropriate amount of resources on a situation and cover the story properly. Our team digs deeper than anyone else, by asking questions the others aren’t even thinking to ask.

We stay focused on serving the community and getting answers for them.”

Saxton says winning the Best Of award is both humbling and satisfying. “This has been a strong television station for years,” he explains, “but no one takes that for granted.

Our corporate owner, Raycom Media, equips us with the latest technology and lofty expectations. Each and every time, our team rises to the challenge ... We don’t do this to win awards, but we sincerely appreciate that people recognize us as the news leader. We earned your trust this year, but we want to keep that trust for years to come.”

“Every year we all wait with great anticipation to see who will win the Encore Best Of award,” Weller agrees. “It has become a badge of honor. For encore readers to vote for me as Best Newscaster is quite humbling given the many talented newscasters we have among us. I’m thrilled!”

This month WECT became the first local station to launch live streaming of its newscasts on a mobile news app, available for the iPhone and Android, under WECT 6 Local News. “Imagine the luxury of being able to catch a live newscast on the go,” Saxton details. “We think this will especially be helpful during hurricane season, when people will need up-to-the-second information.”

Other newscasts topping readers’ lists are

When encore last spoke with newspaper columnist and all-around funny lady Celia Rivenbark, she was working on book number seven. Completed in April and ready to be released on September 1st, 2013, “Rude Bitches Make Me Tired” is a culmination of all the writer’s best etiquette advice, though she says it’s not the type expected from Letitia Baldridge. In an interview with Southport Magazine she explained: “These are realworld manners questions such as: ‘Should I have sex with my boyfriend when we’re staying at my aunt’s house?’ and ‘How can I politely get rid of the annoying playground mom who brags all the time?’ Stuff like that. Should be fun.”

Rivenbark is known for her down-to-earth humor and Southern outlook, penning works such as “Bless Your Heart, Tramp” and “We’re Just Like You, Only Prettier,” which garnered nods from the James Thurber Prize, the Southeast Book Sellers Association, and the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance. As well, “Stop Dressing Your 6-YearOld Like a Skank” earned an award for Best Title by Entertainment Weekly, leading to Rivenbark’s invitation to appear on “Good Morning America.”

“I love the freedom that [writing] gives me to get inside people’s heads and play for a while (fiction) or to give people a laugh when they’ve had a crappy and utterly exhausting week (nonfiction),” Rivenbark details. “I also love that I can work in pajamas and no one judges me. Except my oldest cat, but she judges everybody.”

The writer, who says her greatest professional accomplishment is making the New York Times Best Sellers list, is also working on a dark fiction novel. With several speaking gigs lined up for this spring, Rivenbark will meet with her agent and publisher to discuss future book ideas. “I’ve written seven and just really want to write 10 before I ‘retire.’ I am continuing work on the novel but it is slow. Fiction is so much harder than humor to me.”

It’s a break from her usual compilations of columns, which are printed in 30 newspapers from here to the Pacific Northwest. She also posts the columns on her Facebook page so folks can read them no matter where they live.

“Most recent columns have poked fun at the royal family (naturally); Wayne LaPierre, the NRA’s in-house crazy person; and my propensity to have too much plasticware without matching lids, which, surprisingly, generated a lot of mail from folks with a similar problem,” she muses. “I like to mix it up a lot. One week, I’m that ‘screechy liberal harpie,’ as one reader said, and the next I’m channeling Bombeck and talkin’ Tupperware. I hope that formula keeps working because it’s all I know how to do! Thank you bunches, encore and readers!”

Other top ILM writers include encore’s own

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 11

Shea Carver and Gwenyfar Rohler.

Dance club

life-size Sputnik satellite.”

As one of the founders of the popular DJ and music-production school, Dubspot, in New York City, and as a recording-equipment reviewer for Remix Magazine, Cook knows good tunes. He admits to playing a healthy dose of top 40, as do other clubs in town.

Yet the superb sound system and nightly light show combined with Cook’s background in electronic dance music make Pravda/Sputnik a prime spot for movin’ and groovin’. “We have a great following of EDM enthusiasts that come out every week and bring an energy that no other clubs in the port city possesses,” he assures.

The bars offer bottle service on Friday and Saturday nights and an immense selection of vodkas, champagnes, and craft and import beers. In 2013 they’ll continue to unveil new décor and equipment, as Cook continually collaborates with his design team headed by Tymoteusz Dvorak. “Pravda and Sputnik’s staff and General Manager Jamie Hester work hard to bring Wilmington a fun and safe club experience every weekend,” Cook declares. “It is great that their hard work is recognized!”

Shaking into second is The Liquid Room and taking third is Ibiza.

Contrary to popular belief, the owner of Wilmington’s 2013 Best Dance Club, Pravda and Sputnik, is neither Russian nor Irish. While one of the two previous owners was Irish, current proprietor Dustin Cook is not. His story, however, is just as interesting.

“I used to be the DJ for the previous owner at Pravda and what was then Odessa,” Cook explains. “I had an opportunity to travel to New York for several weeks and work closely with Cyndi Lauper in my other profession as an electronic music artist and audio engineer.

I believe the time away gave me the chance to evaluate my career in Wilmington. Upon returning I learned that Pravda was up for sale.

I decided to go into business for myself and take a chance.”

Cook grew up in the ‘80s, always attracted to the Communist Russian propaganda—so he took the opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace the theme with Pravda, the ground level bar at 23 N. Front St. “Pravda has more of an elemental feel to it: stained wood, deep reds, stone, RPG rocket launcher, AK47... When Odessa came under my control about a year after Pravda, it was clear to me that it needed to be Sputnik since it was on the fourth floor DJ overtop orbiting Pravda, the motherland. SputGrowing up, the kid who would one day nik has more of a celestial feel to it, glowing become Wilmington’s favorite DJ absolutely tables and curtains, Russian space artwork, loved the Police. Today, DJ Battle is a purvey-

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HOSTS WITH THE MOST: The adorable Valerie Watkins and debonair Steve Rassin hosted encore’s 2013 Best Of Awards Party and fund-raiser for The Carousel Center, helping raise nearly $7,000 for the nonprofit. Photo by Jim Booth.

or of all sorts of new music, top 40 hits, reggae, R&B, and more. “I’ve been a fan of music all of my life,” he says. “I love the emotions that sound can bring out of you. It’s truly amazing. I do my ‘music homework’ every week. I like to play all types of music, so I try to stay sharp in all genres.”

Followers of DJ Battle can find him throughout town five nights a week. Thursdays he’s mixing at Level 5, while Fridays and Saturdays he rips up the ones and twos at Dirty Martini.

Sunday nights DJ Battle hosts the party at Fibber’s Public House, and on Mondays he can be caught at Fat Boy’s.

This year marks yet another win for the master of music, as DJ Battle usually scoops up the Best DJ accolades in encore’s reader poll.

“It truly is an honor,” he concedes. “I am still in awe of the amount of people that vote for me.”

Spinning in second is DJ Ghost Tracks while DJ Milk mixes it up in third place.—Bethany Turner

Tour

of

WilmingTon

There are many ways to see downtown but there is only one way to do so in an oldfashioned, horse-drawn carriage ride. This year, Springbrook Farms tops the chart for Best Tour of Wilmington, thanks to the historic tours led by equestrian friends and genteel tour guides.

“I think what sets us apart is the fact that we truly love what we do,” John Hendrick, owner of Springbrook Farms, states. “We enjoy entertaining the passengers, and always strive to make their tour a fun, positive experience.”

The carriage-tour idea started in Geneva,

Ohio, when Hendrick was getting married to his wife. With a surprise gift of a horsedrawn carriage, the couple instantly fell in love. After seeing how much fun their guests were having, they wanted to own horses for themselves.

“We always enjoyed horses growing up, but we realized that most people did not get to be around them or carriages, especially in these modern, hurried times,” Hendrick explains.

Entertaining the idea of starting a company themselves, they attended an Amish auction and learned the standards for selling horses were high. For the Amish to keep and feed a horse, it must be suitable for the kind of work they require, so many horses that are too slow or weak end up being sold to meat companies. “We bought the ones they couldn’t use and saved them from the auction,” Hendrick says. “So far, we have saved 16 horses!”

Springbrook Farms offers tours for any occasion during any time of the year. Next up on their agenda will be an Easter stroll where they dress the horses up with bunny ears and tails.

“For Halloween, we do a Ghost Ride and family play through the haunted barn, with treats for the children,” Hendrick describes.

“At Thanksgiving, the horses are dressed up as giant turkeys, and at Christmas we do caroling with Santa driving the special ‘reindeer.’

We also do weddings and private carriage rides by reservation only.”

This June will mark Springbrook Farm’s 26 years in business, and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. In fact, they’re welcoming a new member to their family. Hendrick details, “We are happy to announce we have a new rescue—Pete—who will be showing up later this spring.”

Other tours entertaining the masses include Ghost Walk of Wilmington and the Haunted Pub Crawl. —Trent Williams

thank you readers of encore for voting us #1 for ten straight years!

[Without you we would quite literally being talking to ourselves!].

Thank you Wilmington for continuing to make us the best in being

hot, cheap, easy and fast!

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn

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2013 Best Food Truck

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14 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

//Food & Beverage Homemade Bread

and

Breakfast

Sweet ‘n’ Savory Bake Shop and Café is known for many things in Wilmington: delicious homemade pastries and bread, great lunch and dinner menus, and their filling and decadent breakfasts. Located near Wrightsville Beach, off Pavilion Drive, their resident chef, Josh Petty (who’s also competing in the 2013’s Competition Dining Series), ensures they always serve “fast, reasonably priced good food.” Focused on solid bread recipes and a slew of breakfast items are only a few indicators of its success. What makes the food all the more appealing comes with attention to detail.

“Creative freedom, to create different menus throughout the year, along with seasonal changes, ensures we see the same customers come back day in and day out,” Petty says.

Petty is constantly reading about the latest culinary trends and dining out with his wife at as many local and out-of-town eateries as possible to cull inspiration. He takes cues from Southern favorites and updates them with a twist.

“We provide a bit of everything for everyone,” Petty says, “from the casual to the finer side.”

Breakfast ranges from four-egg omelets to brisket hash, while lunch boasts some of the most scrumptious homemade soups and sandwiches, served on delicious homemade breads, from multi-grain to white, pitas to croissants. During dinner, they up the ante on items like shrimp and grits, pulled pork enchiladas, short ribs and coriander-crusted grouper.

Open daily, breakfast is served until 11 a.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. on weekends.

Folks can download full menus from www. sweetnsavorycafe.com.

Second and third in homemade bread goes to Great Harvest Bread Company and Panera, while other breakfast contenders are Dixie Grill and Goody Goody Omelet House.

Burrito

and

food truck

The personality of Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn and their newly launched Sacred Burrito Bus showcase the best of local entrepreneurship. Aside from drawing crowds of people on a daily basis for fat burritos in many tasty varieties, owners Jay and Amy Muxworthy make sure their restaurant’s aesthetic keeps us smiling. From the tattoo art appearing at every turn, pink flamingos and Elvis regalia peppered throughout, along with a single picture of rapper Ice Cube on the ice dispenser, and a happy Ice T on the sweet tea urn with an angry Ice T on the unsweetened tea urn, they manage to appeal to all our funny-bones and palates.

Having served Wilmington in their flagship store since 1999, the Muxworthys branched out the burrito brand at the end of 2012 with their Sacred Burrito Bus. Their food truck al-

lows them to take burritos like their famed Thai Me Up or Double Bypass to the masses.

“We are happy to win Best Burrito and thrilled to win Best Food Truck so soon after getting it up and running,” Jay says. “I realize we have a great advantage over the other food trucks currently operating, because of our long history in the community and the restaurant’s following. That helped us win for sure.”

Recently, the Sacred Burrito Bus signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads to serve burritos at all home games in the beer garden. “We are very excited about this partnership,” Muxworthy says. Yet, operating throughout the city at will has become a different story, one which Muxworthy wants to rectify by being a part of a united front with other truck owners. “[‘We need to] see if we can get the City of Wilmington to loosen up some of the zoning restrictions that are holding back the expanding food-truck scene in this town,” Muxworthy says. “As a ‘brick and mortar’ restaurant owner, I see the need for rules regarding food trucks, but I also think trucks should have some freedom to operate if they follow the guidelines laid out by the city. There is a happy median somewhere. I think food trucks can add diversity and fill a niche without hurting existing restaurants, as it has been shown to work in other cities.”

His fortitude to continue expanding and creating never wanes. He and Amy opened and continue operating Flaming Amy’s Bowl, a Mongolian-style grill, years back, plus they oversee Operation Salsa Drop. The charitable cause allows them to send their famed flavors of dip (pineapple-jalapeno salsa, among them) to troops overseas.

“I get bored easily,” Muxworthy says, “so there is always a possibility of some sort of new project. People constantly ask me to franchise or spread out, but that really doesn’t interest me much. I would rather open five different restaurants in the Wilmington area, all with a different menu, than to ‘cookie-cutter’ a bunch of the same thing all over the country or state. I like being part of the community, and creativity means more to me than sheer volume.”

Burritos wrapped in second and third places come from K-38 and Moe’s Southwest Grill, while food truck runners-up are The Patty Wagon and Poor Piggy’s BBQ.

steak

Cowboy ribeye. Filet mignon. Kansas City strip. New York strip. Ribeye. The cuts of meat from Port City Chop House vary across all steak-loving palates, but more importantly they are center-cut Stockyards Angus Beef and specially aged, as noted on the Chop House menu. General manager Tim Fletcher elaborates. “Our steaks are the best tasting because [they are] aged for 21 days to ensure tenderness and flavor.”

Of the more popular cuts, Fletcher maintains the filet a hit. It’s simple as to why: Peo-

ple consider it the premier of beef. “Very few restaurants serve only the center cut, which is the most tender available,” he says.

While the Chop House offers all the essentials to go with any steakhouse meal— creamed spinach, loaded potatoes and of course a variety of salads, they also offer flavor enhancements for their cuts of meat.

Sauces like traditional Oscar or béarnaise can be chosen, among Cajun, au poivre, lobster or smothered. But the real star for the purists comes simply with the meat.

“We properly season and cook to the perfect temperature,” Fletcher says. “We ensure the quality of our steaks by insisting on final checks by the chef and manager before sending to the dining room.”

Folks who prefer the sea over land can also find an allotment of dishes indicative of our coast. Carolina crab cakes or Atlantic salmon appears on the menu, as well as pasta dishes, chops and chicken. Port City Chop House will accommodate parties, as well. They’re also open for lunch Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. They are closed Sundays.

Ruth’s Chris’ Steak House and Port Land Grille chop into second and third.

Soul Food/Country Cookin’ and BuFFet

When soul food is in your bones, you just got to go with it.

“I have done everything from fast food to fine dining,” Larry Casey, owner of Casey’s Buffet and BBQ, says. “[I] even thought at one point I was going to be a fancy chef, but I discovered my experiences cooking with my mother and Grandmama Kitty, and bbq’ing pigs and country cooking and soul food ... it’s where my heart is.”

In 2005 Larry and his wife, Gena, also a lifer in the service industry, opened Casey’s off Oleander Drive. The buffet features all the classics of Southern cuisine: fried chicken, mac and cheese, chitterlings, BBQ, cornbread, banana pudding, pig’s feet and oxtail stew, among so much more.

Southern soul food is the culinary DNA of Casey’s and started when Larry began working in restaurants as a pre-teen. He moved across the state for over 20 years to garner experience from various restaurants.

“I grew up working at Pier 20,” Gena says, “starting off as a drink girl at 14. I worked there alongside my two sisters until I was in my mid20s. I met Larry 20 years ago while I was a waitress; he was my manager.”

Now, they’ve manifested their excellence in service to customers who crave their MeeMaw’s Sunday dinner any day of the week (except Mondays and Tuesdays, when Casey’s is closed). “We’ve added some new menu items and tweaked a few recently,” Larry says.

“I started cooking black-eyed peas with hog jowls—and buying a lot of local produce out of Pender and New Hanover counties, such as turnips and collards.”

Likewise, they’ve added bread pudding

SWEET BOWL OF TREATS: Fuzzy Peach debuts on our polls as Best Ice Cream/Frozen Dessert. Photo courtesy of Fuzzy Peach

to the buffet along with his Grandma Kitty’s homemade chocolate layer cake. “And he’s digging deep into his Southern roots,” Gena adds.“Larry’s also working on a cookbook,” she denotes.

She promises folks will be able to taste a slew of family recipes throughout the year, including corn pudding and cabbage casserole.

Open from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturdays and until 8 p.m. on Sundays, dining at Casey’s requires many notches in the belt to be released upon exit. Or just wear elastic.

Other Soul Food favorites in Wilmington include Basics and Saltworks II, while buffets tempting our readers come from Hibachi Supreme Grill and Golden Corral.

our locations.”

With spots in Racine Commons, downtown, Carolina Beach, Leland and Monkey Junction, it’s not hard to get fuzzed around town. Diners get the freedom of personalizing their desserts, whether going for one flavor of fro-yo or four, one topping or 10, in a bowl or a waffle cone, as a sundae or not. Quite the competition has risen out of fro-yo artists building the “record cup.”

Every store has one: a champion who has weighed in the highest scoop and toppings.

Currently, the Leland location features a 4.41-pound whopping medley of deliciousness. Customers get to literally go as nuts as they wish.

“It’s a lot of fun and people really want to set the record and get their 15 minutes of fame,” Quarantano says. “The catch is: You better eat it all!”

The Fuzzy Peach’s latest move is their debut of Arctic Nachos. Quaranto quips, “It’s delicious and so much fun to eat.” Waffle chips sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar come in a basket; folks just add their fro-yo and an additional mountain of toppings for a fun snack that needs no spoon.

Others topping out in the category include Kilwins and Velvet Freeze.—Chelsea Pyne

Mediterranean CuiSine

Olympia has been serving Wilmington fresh, Mediterranean-style food for over 15 years. Locally owned and operated, they specialize in Greek but have a large variety of other flavors on their menu to choose from, too, like local seafood dishes or even Italian foods like chicken parmesan. Yet, items like their Moussaka, roast leg of lamb or spanakopita are what keep locals happily returning.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Olympia started back in 1980 by Antoinette Voulgaris’ father, Nicky Voulgaris. “My father has been in the restaurant industry most of his life,” Antoinette says. “In his early career, he was known as ‘the dancing Greek waiter.’ After many years of living in Long Island, my parents decided to beat the weather up north and head down south to beautiful Wilmington.”

Olympia’s main focus is to serve the freshest and healthiest variety of food while maintaining a menu with a lot of traditional Greek dishes. “We specialize in seafood prepared with a Mediterranean flare,” she notes.

Serving both a lunch and dinner menu, foodies will be sure to see a wide selection of fresh salads and plenty of traditional Greek mezes [appetizers], along with entrées, sandwiches and even pizzas galore. And if folks are looking to celebrate en masse, Olympia offers a party room and full bar to help mark

Voted BEST Voted PIZZA BESTand PIZZA BEST and

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LUNCH DINNER Lunch LATE NIGHT Dinner 11:30 a.m.Night until 3 a.m.

Late

iCe CreaM/Frozen deSSert

Taking the cherry on top for the first time in our poll, The Fuzzy Peach scoops up the win for Best Ice Cream/Frozen Dessert. A sweet that lacks calories but not taste, frozen yogurt, i.e. fro-yo (just fun to say, eh?), is one of the few desserts folks can indulge in without feeling like they’ve betrayed their daily calorie intake.

What started out as an idea from UNCW graduates has turned into a successful franchise. The colorful walls, lively staff and modern furniture make people feel “cool” as they walk through The Fuzzy Peach’s doors.

Co-Founder and CMO Rocco Quaranto says, “We focus on our three core values: Offering the best products, providing world-class customer service to our customers and having a fun and inviting atmosphere inside of all of

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www.grabslice.com encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 15

any special occasion. Diners also can enjoy outdoor seating, along with free Wi-Fi everyday at 11:30 a.m. when the restaurant opens off Oleander Drive.

Other highlights in this category come from Black Sea Grill and The Greeks Mediterranean Deli and Market, both downtown.—Trent Williams

Volunteer

//Humanitarian In 2004 when Peyton Dergay lost her battle with cancer, her friends were brokenhearted but not beaten. They wanted to make a difference—so they set out to do something about it. They remembered that when Dergay started losing her hair, she just shaved her head. Soon after, many male friends did the same in her honor.

“The charity I help with is called Love is Bald,” encore’s 2013 Best Volunteer, Amanda Young, says. “It is a non-profit that we started here in Wilmington in honor of our friend Peyton Dergay. We are an organization that raises money for other cancer charities. Our philosophy is to live life to the fullest, never take life for granted, and to always give back. In the few years we have been around we have donated to Pretty in Pink, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the Hospitality House, testicular cancer, and the SamFund.

Our events include volleyball tournaments, fashion shows, head shaving, cornhole tour-

naments, and the latest was a male auction!

It is dear to my heart because so many people are affected by [cancer].”

Young, a working woman and mother to her 10-month-old, will keep busy in 2013 with several events for Love is Bald. This Saturday, February 23rd, brings the Purple Carpet Event, a luncheon for children and families who have gone through or are currently battling a terminal illness, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Port City Community Church (250 Vision Dr.). For more information, e-mail Tracy Guardino at tannguardino@aol.com.

On March 16th at the Lo Tide Run held in Carolina Beach, Love is Bald will sponsor a team for one of its members, Chere Rice, who was just diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma in January. Folks can register for the race under the name “We Got This Chere.” Then on March 17th, they will shave heads for donations at Fibber’s Public House (1610 Pavilion Place) to raise money for Rice’s medical treatments. “Plus, the last Sunday of every month we have a cornhole tournament at Whiskey Creek off Masonboro Loop Rd., and the proceeds go to Love is Bald,” Young informs.

The winner says she feels honored and blessed to be recognized for her volunteer work. “But more than that, I am honored and blessed to be a part of Love is Bald,” Young affirms. “I thank God every day for the amazing friends I have and this awesome com-

16 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

FUNNY BONES: The hi-lar-i-ous Sandy Vaughan and Jason Hatfield keep the audience entertained at the 2013 Best Of Awards Party at Brooklyn Arts Center on Feb. 2nd. Photo by Jim Booth

munity that I have become a part of. Also, none of this would be possible if not for Kelli

Neese Russell. Thank you so much for starting this amazing organization!”

Other volunteers doing good deeds are Kelli Russell and Greg Brinson.—Bethany Turner

best of winners list 2013 FOOD & DRINK

BEST APPETIZERS Front Street Brewery BEST ATMOSPHERE Indochine BEST BAKERY Apple Annie’s Bake Shop BEST BARBECUE Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue BEST BAR (OVERALL) Satellite Bar and Lounge BEST BARTENDER Megan Loux - Cape Fear Wine & Beer BEST BREAKFAST Sweet N Savory Bake Shop & Cafe BEST BUFFET Casey’s Buffet BEST BURRITO Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn BEST BURGER P.T.’s Old Fashioned Grille BEST CATERING SERVICE Middle of the Island BEST CHAIN RESTAURANT Bonefish Grill BEST CHEF Keith Rhodes - Catch BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT Szechuan 132 BEST COFFEE SHOP Port City Java BEST DELICATESSEN Chop’s Deli BEST DESSERTS Apple Annie’s BEST DINER Dixie Grill BEST FAST FOOD P.T.’s Old Fashioned Grille BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT Circa 1922 BEST FOOD TRUCK Flaming Amy’s Sacred Burrito Bus BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT Caprice Bistro BEST FRIES P.T.’s Old Fashioned Grille BEST HOMEMADE BREAD Sweet N Savory Bake Shop & Cafe BEST HOMEMADE SOUP Chop’s Deli BEST HOT DOG The Trolly Stop BEST ICE CREAM The Fuzzy Peach

BEST INDIAN FOOD Tandoori Bites BEST ITALIAN Osteria Cicchetti BEST LATE NIGHT EATERY Slice of Life BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi BEST LUNCH Chop’s Deli BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD Olympia BEST MEXICAN FOOD K-38 Baja Grill BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Satellite Bar and Lounge BEST NEW RESTAURANT Hops Supply Co. BEST OUTSIDE DINING Bluewater Grill BEST OYSTERS Dock Street Oyster Bar BEST PANINI Panera Bread BEST PIZZA Slice of Life BEST RESTAURANT (OVERALL) Indochine BEST SALADS Brasserie Du Soleil BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Michael’s Seafood Restaurant & Catering BEST SOUL FOOD Casey’s Buffet Barbecue & Home Cookin’ BEST SPORTS BAR Carolina Ale House BEST STEAK Port City Chop House BEST SUB/SANDWICH SHOP Chop’s Deli BEST SUSHI Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet and Sushi BEST TAKE OUT Hibachi Bistro BEST THAI RESTAURANT Indochine BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Lovey’s Market BEST WAITSTAFF Copper Penny BEST WINGS The Copper Penny BEST WINE LIST Circa 1922

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encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 17

21 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

18 LIVE LOCAL 20 OP-ED

live local. live small.

Life celebration for Paco Strickland

hler

by Gwenyfar Ro fe Celebration Li nd la Paco Strick ry 23rd Saturday, Februa ell Island Resort Sh Sunrise Paddle, #1 • 6:45 a.m.

WB Public Access . alian Hall, 2 p.m Ceremony at Th reet 310 Chestnut St for Paco Community Jam er St., 6 p.m.

Mixto • 5 S. Wat

O

news&views|

ne could argue the journey called

life is about finding a purpose. For each of us, it is different, and in spite of hopes to the contrary, it doesn’t come with a map or instruction book.

To be blessed by the gift of music may be one of the most awesome impacts one could have in life. This has been on my mind a lot lately with the passing of William Paco Strickland, flamenco guitarist extraordinaire. Recently, while talking with his wife, Connie Nelson, she told me a story that illustrates his passion. Paco, as his fans knew him, was Bill to Connie. He went back to college in his 30s.

“He was a 36-year-old freshman and his roommate was a 20-year-old sophomore,” she tells. The housemate had recounted for her the story of leaving for work one day and hearing Bill say, “I’m going out on the ‘veranda’ to play some guitar.” Apparently, he meant opening the secondfloor window and putting a chair on the roof so he could bring his electric guitar and a beverage out with him. Hours later, on the house mate’s return from work, the street remained completely impassable. Everyone was out on their lawns and had called their friends to come over for the concert. Connie smiled and shook her head. “They wouldn’t have done that if he was bad.”

It’s just one of the stories about Paco’s journey in life— “BC” as he put it, “Before Connie.” It’s a term that makes the demarcation clear: There was life before her; but after her, nothing would be the same.

Though most of Wilmington knows of Paco as a performer, Bill-the-man was the person with whom Connie shared her life. It was his musical journey that brought them together.

“I listened to him on [WHQR’s] Flamenco Café on Friday nights when I would drive to Greensboro,” Connie says.

“I thought it was a national program.” Her father set her straight, mentioning there was a flamenco guitarist living in Wilmington. “He had seen something on public television about him,” Connie recalls. “Our favorite restaurant when growing up was a flamenco restaurant filled with ‘60s art—beautiful Spanish women with their black hair and the flowers in their hair, and the posing,” Connie adds. “I would just imagine when we would go in that they would step out of the paintings and dance!”

Single then, Connie began looking for Wilmington’s elu-

18 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

the land of layout for several days, Bill called: “You have to come over. My dog won’t eat.” Depressed at his separation from Connie, Charlie had gone on hunger strike. When she asked him in her sweetest dog voice if he would eat, Charlie complied.

Animals always loved Bill; he was a consummate runner and athlete, and had a route filled with critter visitations during his morning runs. With his long flamenco-pickin’ fingernails, cats thought he was a scratching god. When Bill was too sick to run from his multiple myeloma diagnosis, he would make Connie drive him to see his animal friends so he could check in on them.

One of the most special parts of their lives together came with Connie’s family, especially her nieces, Josie and Samantha. Josie’s mischievous relationship with her Uncle Bill was incredibly special. “We were at a beach house when Josie was about 4,” Connie tells. “Bill started playing guitar, and Josie instinctively began dancing with flamenco arms posed!” It was quite a connection. By the time Samantha, their younger niece, was in the picture, Uncle Bill was sick and couldn’t really spend time with children because of his inability to fight off infections. A simple cold for others quickly can turn into a life-threatening situation for a cancer patient.

Consequently, Bill’s ability to play gigs became limited.

“Through Facebook he was able to sustain a germ-free social environment,” Connie says. For such a social animal not to have the stimulation he had always craved, it was a necessary outlet. So much more existed of this man and the Photo courtesy of Shìn Kurökawa musician. A writer, he managed to personify himself with his own words nicely: sive flamenco guitarist. She recounts, with a mischievous grin, “If someone asked me out, I’d try to find a place he Ballad Of The Flamenco Gringo was playing. These guys didn’t score many points if they

By William “Paco” Strickland didn’t tip the musician!”

Finally, after working up her nerve, she talked to Bill at My name is Pancho, I work on a rancho, one of his Flamenco Café parties at WHQR. At the time, I make five pesos a day she was writing for Reel Carolina and decided to utilize the I’ll tell you the story reporter’s prerogative: She asked if he had any film conOf how Wilmington got flamencotory nections. She though she could pitch a story about him. A And why flamenco is with us to stay movie-of-the-week had just bought one of his songs, and he had a small part in another. “I told him that wasn’t really He came from Ohio, way out in the cactus lands enough for a story,” Connie admits. “Then, he said back Blond hair hanging down from his sombrero in Ohio he did soundtracks for some films Larry Flynt had Pint of Cuervo in his hand produced! I was shocked.”

She pitched the story but didn’t move forward on it Hitched his burro up in Wilmington ‘til the following spring. In March of 1997, she finally sat Said “Señor Charlie, we ain’t gwine ramble no mo’” down to interview Bill at Cowboys (now Firebelly’s). “I Looked up every bar in the 910 area code started with questions, but with Bill one story led to anStarted knockin’ on every do’ other, to another and it was the world’s longest interview!” she remembers. They laughed for hours before he sugBarmen said, “We don’t need no flamenco, gested she watch him record his show, as research for the Take your burro down the trail” piece. “He recorded during the week, because he worked But the Gringo he just smiled, said, weekends,” Connie points out.

“I know you gonna want my burro hitched to your rail” Still under the auspices of “research for the article,” he invited Connie to watch him play at Water Street RestauIt was one day at the Icehouse, rant (now Mixto). “He dedicated a song to me,” she says.

And the lunch act had not shown “I was sitting at the bar, and he called me his ‘next ex.’

So the owners thought they’d take a chance And called the Gringo on the phone People were looking at me.” Connie put her face in her hand to blush—not a surprising reaction. In spite of workWell, he saddled up his burro ing in public relations, she is quite shy and very private. “I And he strung up his guitar do remember it was a full moon,” she continues wistfully.

Sparks struck from the cobblestones “We were leaving, and he pointed up at the moon. When As he galloped to the bar I turned back, he kissed me.”

Sat down, tuned and pulled that sombrero down over his Connie told Bill she couldn’t get involved since she was eyes writing about him. He responded he didn’t care about the And ain’t quit playin’ yet, article. Their first official date was on April 1st, 1997. It Man, save some gig for the rest of us guys was that night the Connie discovered he also could cook.

“A man who could cook and not complain about it—enA flamenco conflagration, spreading all across the land joyed it even—I was thrilled!” she laughs. That night she A flamenco conflagration (say that 10 times, fast) spreading met the other man in her new relationship: Charlie, Bill’s all across the land golden retriever. “Charlie fell in love with me before Bill did,” Connie notes. It became apparent when she had Blond hair hanging down from his sombrero her first magazine deadline. She had spent a lot of time Pint of Cuervo in his hand with her two new men, and when she disappeared into

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Squonk Opera

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Wednesday, Feb. 27

7 P.M. • Kenan Auditorium TICKETS $22 General Public Discounts Available Kenan Box Office 910.962.3500 or www.uncw.edu/presents

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Joe Klein discusses veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. What can we learn about our country, our time and about leadership?

TICKETS $10 General Public FREE to UNCW Students, Faculty & Staff Sharky’s Box Office 910.962.4045 or www.uncw.edu/presents

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20 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

learn or die:

//VIEWS

Survival rests in education

W

hile i was learning new

postures and looking forward to a bright future, the past rolled into Raleigh in the form of Chairman McCrory and his central-planning committee in the state legislature. In their first few weeks, Mr. McCrory’s regime moved to dissolve oversight commissions, reject federal Medicaid expansion, slash unemployment benefits, and forecast what jobs and, therefore, what education our kids will need in the future. They probably tried to disband unions and cut teachers’ salaries until someone told them North Carolina is a “be glad I gave you a job, son” state, and teachers are practically volunteers now.

Things being what they are, I started checking out re-education camps. I want to participate in North Carolina’s very own cultural revolution. I plan to surrender selfish notions of patiently cultivating a career or meaningful life in favor of any job that Mr. McCrory determines the market will need.

Mr. McCrory is up against it in his quest to turn North Carolina back into the great colony it once was. Washington refused to let Raleigh secede. Whereas the Soviets had the luxury of developing five-year plans, Mr. McCrory has only four, and his central-planning committee only two. (If you think I’m the only one toasting “Nasda-ro-vye!” while whistling Dixie, UNC professor Michele Rivkin-Fish writes, “McCrory’s plans for higher education funding closely resemble the worst aspects of centralized Soviet planning.”)

My education is likely insufficient to meet the pressing needs of the new old order. Sadly, I confess: I am one of the “educational elite” with a “Liberal Arts” degree. (My college’s academic requirements are similar to the educational elite of West Point and the Naval Academy.) I also taught university courses on College Road and unwittingly participated in the liberal arts brainwashing that’s been going on since Jefferson founded UVA in 1819, UNC was chartered in 1789, and perhaps even before Plato founded the Academy.

Having confessed my sins against the state, I’m ready for re-education. But where can I study the Conservative Arts?

And what “job” might I be re-educated for? As wordy as I am, perhaps I could serve the state as auctioneer at the new yoga

squill

by Mark Ba ibutor encore contr Cotton Exchange where I could sell off human chattel of all races. (We are postracial, moving quickly toward equal-opportunity servitude.)

After a brief but fun point-and-click session, I found no reasonable definition for what Conservative Arts might be, let alone anywhere to study.

Rather than continue poking fun at the humorless, I’ll close by agreeing in part with the noblest intentions of Mr. McCrory, (as far as the education part of his centralized social demolition scheme). I’m old-school and a parent. I don’t want to pay for my kids to study “Advanced Stapling Techniques” in college any more than Mr. McCrory wants the state to subsidize it. I find many college majors useless, not only because few jobs are forecast, but because the curriculum lacks even the illusion of intellectual rigor.

McCrory’s assessing cost-benefit may be well-intentioned, but misses the mark because its process is dictatorial and its purpose is defined primarily in market terms. As Thomas Jefferson and I see it, the role of government in education at any level is to promote an informed citizenry not serve the needs of the market. A society built on a Walter Mitty dreams and Ponzi schemes will eventually exhaust its supply of contributing craftsmen, creative innovators and informed citizens. As long as “we the people” buy the illusion that being rich and having stuff will set us free, we continue to feed the very beast that enslaves and kills us.

My wife and I try to guide our teens to invest in learning, to balance their passions with pragmatism, not train to a list of welldefined occupational categories as if they were monkeys. How can anyone learn to think outside the box by training to the needs of the box? But we also have the wisdom to understand there is no “learning for the sake of learning.” It’s all “learning for the sake of survival.”

By failing to learn, societies and individuals squash curiosity, kill creativity, oppose innovation and die. It is that simple. Learn or die.

Google map the Soviet Union now.

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NewsoftheWeird with Chuck Shepherd LEAD STORY Crazy Kids An estimated 3.2 million kids aged 5 to 12 take mixed-martial arts classes, training to administer beatdowns modeled after the adults’ Ultimate Fighting Championships, according to a January report in ESPN magazine, which profiled the swaggering, Mohawked Derek “Crazy” Rayfield, 11, and the meek, doll-clutching fighting machine, Regina “The Black Widow” Awana, 7.

Kids under age 12 fight each other without regard to gender, and blows above the collarbone are always prohibited (along with attacks on the groin, kidneys and back). “Crazy” was described delivering merciless forearm chest smashes to a foe before the referee intervened, and the Black Widow won her match in less than a minute via arm-bar submission. Parental involvement appears to be of two types: either fear of their child’s getting hurt or encouragement to be meaner The Continuing Crisis Breaking Bad (and Quickly!): Tyrone Harris, 26, reported for his first shift at Dunkin’ Donuts in Morristown, N.J., in January and received his name tag. Seven minutes later, according to police, he was on his way out the door with $2,100 from his supervisor’s desk. (Apparently, the supervisor had opened his drawer a little too far when reaching for the name tag, giving Harris a glimpse of the cash.)

In a January submission to India’s Supreme Court, an association of the country’s caste councils begged for greater sympathy for men who commit “honor killings” of wayward females.

The councils denied encouraging such killings, but emphasized that fathers or brothers who murder a daughter or sister are usually “law-abiding, educated and respectable people” who must protect their reputations after a female has had a “forbidden” relationship especially a female who intends to marry within her sub-caste, which the councils believe leads to deformed babies.

Aubrey Ireland, 21, a dean’s-list senior at the University of Cincinnati’s prestigious college of music, went to court in December to protect herself from two stalkers her mother and father, who, she said, had been paranoiacally meddling in her life. David and Julie Ireland put tracking devices on Aubrey’s computer and telephone and showed up unannounced on campus (600 miles from their home), telling officials that Aubrey was promiscuous and mentally imbalanced. A Common Pleas Court judge ordered the parents to keep their distance.

Medium-Tech Warfare: The mostly rag-tag army of Syrian rebels fighting the Assad regime unveiled its first jerry-built armored vehicle in December. The “Sham II” is an old diesel car with cameras for navigation, a machine gun

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mounted on a turret with a driver looking at one flat-screen TV and a gunner another, aiming the machine gun via a Sony PlayStation controller.

Video transmissions from drone aircraft rose stiflingly to more than 300,000 hours last year (compared to 4,800 in 2001). With input expected to grow even more, Air Force officials acknowledged in December seeking advice from a private-sector company experienced in handling massive amounts of video: ESPN. Dog trainer Mark Vette showed off his best work in Auckland, New Zealand, in December: dogs driving a Cooper Mini on a closed course.

Using knobs fitted to the dogs’ reach, Vette taught mixed-breed rescue dogs “Monty” and “Porter” 10 discrete actions, including handling the starter, steering wheel, gearshift, and brake and gas pedals, and then put them behind the wheel on live television. Monty handled the straightaway flawlessly, but Porter, assigned to steer around a bend, ran off the road.

Bright Ideas Stress Relief for Students: In November, students at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, ordered three therapy dogs and set up a room for “super stressed” final-exam studiers.

The dogs typically are loaned to hospital patients and senior citizens. In December, Cornell University staff installed a patch of grass inside the Olin Library (trucked in from the Adirondack mountains) because, said an employee, the sight of it has a “cognitive relaxing effect.”

Jorge Sanchez, 35, was arrested in Burbank, Calif., in February after walking into a Costco store, brazenly stuffing 24 quart cans of motor oil under his clothing (some affixed

with bungee cords), and heading for the exit.

A security guard noticed him, but Sanchez fled and actually outran the guard (though some of his cargo came loose). Still carrying 15 cans, he made it eight blocks before police overtook him. Sanchez said he services cars part-time and that motor oil prices were just too high.

The Aristocrats!

Gregory Bruni, 21, was arrested in North Fort Myers, Fla., in January after allegedly breaking into a residence at about 7 p.m. (first scurrying across the roof and jumping on one resident who came to investigate). According to police, Bruni was naked, ran maniacally around screaming in gibberish, failed to be intimidated when the female resident fired three “warning shots” with a handgun, fell to the floor after the third shot and began masturbating, and defecated near the front door and in a hallway. Police soon arrived and Tasered him.

Perspective The issue of “background checks” for gun purchases occupies center stage in the current gun-regulation debate, even though, ironically, current federal law on such checks is apparently half-heartedly enforced. In the latest data available (from 2010), nearly 80,000 Americans were denied the right to purchase guns because their applications contained false information (even though applicants swear, under penalty of law, that all information is true). However, The New York Times reported in January that of the nearly 80,000 applicants, only 44 were prosecuted for lying, and federal officials said the practice, wellknown among applicants with shaky backgrounds, is known as “lie and try.”

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AFTER WORK

9 5

WEDNESDAY HAPPY HOUR

$

34-38 MUSIC

UNCW’s ‘Midsummer’ leaves audience contemplating show for days hler

by Gwenyfar Ro ght’ s Dream A Midsummer Ni

H H H H H ts Building

UNCW Cultural Ar 2 p.m. p.m.; Sundays, 8 h, 4t -2 st 21 Feb. ncw.edu/theatre $5-$12 • www.u

33 FILM

artsysartsy

22-26 THEATRE 29-31 ART

response elicited:

T

he uncw theatre department presents

Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” at the Cultural Arts Building in the dead of winter.

That is the first clue that the production is not going to be typical. Honestly, as a reviewer and audience member, I am genuinely conflicted by department chair Andy Belser’s take on “Midsummer.” And I’d like to follow that up by iterating: It’s a complement to the director. The point of art is to elicit response from the audience. To remain blasé about the show is not achieving that goal. To leave one contemplating it for days is an accomplishment.

I am not of the school of thought that Shakespeare must be performed in Elizabethan dress with strict settings, so I was curiously excited by Belser’s transformation into a modernized, technologically enhanced experience. He succeeds in making this run of “Midsummer” unlike any I’ve seen.

To begin with, it’s incredibly dark, which is not an unreasonable interpretation. Certainly, the emotions that mortals or young lovers (Kelly Mis, Nicholas Reed, Luke Robbins and Haley Alber) grapple with are painful, frightening and terror-inducing. Who hasn’t felt those emotions when confronting love unrequited—or sometimes more upsetting, love requited? One of the most primal emotional experiences we have as people moves actions and passions which sometimes make no sense and can be terrifying at best. So, Belser’s depiction of red in the lighting and projection depict the idea of anger nicely. Throw sex into the mix, and it gets more com-

22 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

plicated, more frightening. This is not innocent young love Belser seeks to show us but a very physically aroused, earthy desire. The mortals cannot keep their hands off each other in the production, and the demi-gods Theseus (Gary T. Moore) and Hippolyta (Katie Wesolowski) personify “oh, get a room” with constant petting and PDA. Belser clearly shows interest in exploring darker affections of the human mind—one capable of condemning a daughter to death for not marrying the man chosen for her, as Hermia’s family problems illustrate.

Speaking of illustration, the production concept relies heavily on choreography and music. Belser brought in Karola Luttringhaus of Alban Elved Dance Company to direct the movement of the show. It’s high concept, without a doubt. It must have taken months to plan not only the cuts and adaptations to the script but also the visual effects and staging to achieve the vision. It is so complex and filled with technical enhancements and special effects, I have started to think of it as “Avatar-meetsShakespeare. “I would love to have been a fly on the wall during production meetings.

“Midsummer” relies heavily on dance—not dance as one tends to think of musical theatre, perfectly directed between song and accompanying twirls and lifts, but with abstract and modern action on stage. The movements visually illustrate relationships and changes as a tool to advocate emotional connection when it otherwise is not coming through. Lots of music is employed—not Elizabethan flutes and drums but contemporary sounds from Fatboy Slim and Prince. The show opens with Ella Fitzgerald’s “Embraceable You,” presented by Ashley Bruton and Eddie Waters, the two fairies of Oberon and Titania’s court. Puck, played by Eddie Ledford, is a Charro-esque ‘70s lounge singer instead of the usual mischievous ADHD hyperactive child many have come to expect form this role. I like Ledford’s interpretation.

Among other liberties taken with the script, at one point having achieved his objective with changing Bottom (Jake Seward) into an ass, Ledford lets go with a “fuck, yeah!”—showcasing dialogue again indicative of modern times. The audience completely agrees with his sentiments. Though the Rude Mechanicals (Richard

Smith, Jake Seward, Ashley Black, Wilson Meredith, Sloan Friedman and John Aldridge) remain an audience favorite because of their great comic relief, Ledford’s performance brings the most emotional connection.

He has, by far, managed to develop the most rounded, three-dimensional character. Oddly enough, he is also the most appealing and empathetic.

Laughter is a bridge between people and therefore between performer and audience. People instinctively like others who can make them feel happy. Really, outside of The Mechanicals and Ledford, there is little which audiences ally with; sure, the mortals show us through choreography what is happening but they lack empathy.

Titania’s scenes with Bottom are funny, but her battle with Oberon doesn’t leave us wanting them to either reconcile or destroy each other. It’s surface portrayal.

When I attend a play put on by Opera House or City Stage, I expect to see accomplished performers practicing their craft. When I attend a show at UNCW, I expect to see performers learning their craft. In other words, it’s an educational environment. Without question the design and production side of UNCW’s “Midsummer” demonstrates apt faculty leadership and ongoing student growth. The sheer number of complex light and sound cues make it clear of a strong stage manager. It also provides a powerful opportunity for the students to work with high-concept visions and push new boundaries.

Yet, from a performance standpoint, what didn’t come through are the students’ work on their craft; the essential element of the emotional connection between characters. Fundamentally, theatre exists to shine a light on our stories as human beings, to bring us deeper insight into the human experience. How can four people so moved with emotion—as to throw away their lives and run off together—only project anger? That’s not the driving force at play here. The concept certainly addresses many issues which impact and affect feelings and relationships in modern society. Still, all of the challenges of modern communication, memory and understanding are superfluous to the underlying bond which buoys such experiences.

Like “Avatar,” I think the production team was so excited by their concept they lost sight of the story. As a piece of experimental theatre that combines multiple disciplines and presents a different vision of a well-loved classic, it is definitely worth seeing. It will leave audiences contemplating it for days—a success by any of art’s standards in my book.

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 23

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24 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

//THEATRE

love rendered:

Opera House opens season with a Broadway classic

by Chelsea Pyne She Loves Me . 1-3 • 8 p.m.

Feb. 21-24, Mar $25 s, 3 p.m. • $23Sunday matinee 0 Chestnut St. Thalian Hall, 31 l.com www.thalianhal

K

now the gut feeling after

meeting someone and ably assessing a budding friendship is the last thing that’s going to happen between each of you? And so you “pretend you’re talking on the phone and walk faster” when passing them? Avoidance is great, but sometimes love will get the best of us anyways.

This week the Opera House Theatre Company will be producing “She Loves Me,” a musical following two people, who at first don’t hit it off, but undecidedly fall in love anyways.

Based off of playwright Miklós Laiszló’s “Parfumerie,” the work has been widely accepted and transformed into a variety of mediums, including rom-coms like “The Shop Around the Corner,” “In the Good Old Summertime” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

However, its Broadway counterpart has been adopted and produced by Joe Masteroff, nominated for Best Musical Tony in 1964 and Revival of a Musical in 1994, as well as winning the Laurence Olivier Award in 1995. With the help of composer Jerry Bock—seven-time Tony winner—the show hits its stride not just as an unlikely love story leaving us rooting for the underdog, but one that remains timeless. encore spoke with Opera House Theatre Company director Ray Kennedy, who will officially make his mark on Laszlo’s work this week, as “She Loves Me” opens Thursday at Thalian Hall.

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encore (e): The storyline has been taken in so many successful directions since its publication. How are you ensuring the cast is going to live up to the reputation of ‘She Loves Me’?

Ray Kennedy (RK): We have a very strong talent pool in Wilmington—people that have been in soap operas, Broadway, movies; so I had a lot of talent to choose from. [Cast players include wellknown names like Caitlin Becka, Tré Cotten, Dan Morris, JJ Niemann and Bob Workmon.] e: What do you find most appealing about the show and what makes it better as a musical?

RK: A musical is just a different way of telling a story. They are tried and true writers that have a great track record. In our protagonist Amalia’s (Alyssa Dunaway) case, we learn a lot more of her vulnerability through her song than through her words. You also learn more about the plot; the music isn’t just there to be pretty. e: Why “She Loves Me”—anything to do with the Valentine’s atmosphere?

RK: It’s been on my bucket-list for about 15 years. I love the music, story and how it is old-fashioned. I asked if we could consider doing this in February, and in December it just happened that Manti Te’o, the Notre Dame Football player, fell in love through texts and other electronics. Art imitates life.

Here we have a young man falling in love without seeing the person. This is the modern example of how our story can happen in real life. ‘She Loves Me’ works for us because we are a smaller musical of 18 cast members and it was the perfect time.

There’s another storyline going on here where there is tension in the shop and then there is tension in their relationship. It all plays a part of something else going on.

Along with that my cast does not lack talent, as the audience will see.

e: Have there been any major changes to your rendition of the musical or will you be keeping the 1930s costumes, music, design and overall feel?

RK: No changes. I believe that because the music is written in and the plot takes place in Hungary, it has an old-world European feel. I think it is exactly right and did not make any changes; I couldn’t because it has such a strong story.

SHOW STOPPERS: Caitlin Becka as Ilona Ritter and Tré Cotten as Steven Kodaly shine in ‘She Loves Me.’ Photo courtesy of Opera House

e: Do you feel that it brings a certain timelessness about it, and if so how will you preserve that?

RK: The storyline is timeless, as it has just happened recently (Manti Te’o). The idea of love letters and pen pals has been around a long time. The musical was set in 1930, and when you see the stage, set, costumes, music—you will be in that era. You know you’re not in 2013; you’re in a time period and that puts the audience in the place they need to be. e: It is hard to believe that two people who despise each other end up falling in love.

How do Dylan Fowler (as Georg Nowack) and Alyssa Dunaway (as Amalia Balash) sell the performance?

RK: It is really an example of two people getting off on the wrong foot to begin with. Despise is too hard of a word. Because of other things that are going on in a shop, there are inter-shop politics.

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e: What challenges came with building the set?

RK: Any time you do a set that is very much a period-set, there’s a challenge to make it correct. We can’t have props that are modern, and since we are heavy in props, we can’t show up with plastic bottles for a Hungarian perfume shop; everything must be glass!

e: What about the musical is going to “wow” the audience the most?

RK: The music is magnificent; we have some very, very good singers. It is definitely a singers/actors musical. The audience will be very invested in the story. It has a strong story and strong script. And the fact that this love story can be more realistic than fantasy, as people might have otherwise thought.

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e: What can we expect about the costumes and the set?

RK: They will be as close to the period as possible. Beautiful 1930s draped dresses and suits—formal in a way. The set is a lovely perfume shop in Hungary and most of the action takes place inside or outside the shop.

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encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 25

//THEATRE

ad-lib love: TheatreNOW puts on game show full of love and laughter

by Shea Carver ar t Games of the He d 23rd February 22nd an ow, 6:30pm Doors at 5:30; sh 3 Tickets: $30-$4 ington.com www.theatrewilm

W

e’ve all seen it: chuck bar-

ris or Chuck Woolery connecting singletons in “The Dating Game” and “Love Connection,” often keeping them blushing in anticipation. One can’t help but smile at the antics and unpredictability which would arise from trying to play Cupid. TheatreNOW takes on the same style of entertainment through the rest of February with an original, locally written script by Anthony Lawson, “Games of the Heart.”

The inspiration for a show of this caliber actually started last summer when TheatreNOW owner Alisa Harris asked local writer, actor and producer Tony Moore to write a romantic comedy for the dinner theater’s

Valentine’s 2013 show. “I wanted a baseball theme, and then I thought about incorporating a dating game show,” Harris says.

“I remember the [comedy troupe] Comically Impaired doing a dating-game improv and thought it was hilarious.”

Since dinner theatre and game shows often remain interactive, Harris knew it would be a perfect fit. When the show didn’t pan out with Moore, she shared the concept with another local writer. “Anthony just went with it,” she says, also noting that TheatreNOW’s creative director Zach Hanner will be taking on a baseball comedy for their summer season.

Lawson loved the idea of a dating show.

“It’s very different than my usual writing endeavors,” he says, “because half of the show is improv. Normally my favorite part in writing a script is finding out what my characters are going to say next. In this case, I just let the actors figure out that part.”

The show receives the same setup as other game shows, pitting possible lovers together, with the “live studio audience” be-

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LOVE ON THE RISE: TheatreNOW hosts a dating game show in “Games of the Heart,” featuring Katie Sawhill as the bachelorette and Craig Kittner as gameshow host Skip Winkendale. Photo by Zach Hanner

ing theatre patrons. “All of the questions are made up on the spot, so the contestants—all pulled from the audience—are hearing them for the first time,” Lawson reveals.

Wanting to avoid scripted dialogue, Lawson kept the show loose during rehearsals.

He wanted it to feel fresh. “I didn’t want them over rehearsed,” he elaborates, “but I also needed them to work together as a troupe. I was walking a fine line that I think paid off handsomely.”

Craig Kittner plays the egocentric gameshow host Skip Winkendale and Katie Sawhill takes on the role of bachelorette.

Each passed Lawson’s test of on-the-fly hilarity.

“At auditions I added a few directions to the sides that said ‘improv here,’” he tells. “The people who took that direction in stride and had others thinking it was scripted material got the part.”

Audiences can look forward to becoming participants, too. In fact, “Games of the Heart” participants all receive consolation prizes for their efforts even if they don’t win love. Because of our pop-culture’s fascination with playing matchmaker (think of shows like “Bachelorette,” “Elimidate,” “The Fifth Wheel”), the concept makes it easily marketable. And like other reality or game shows, commercials will air and spon-

sorships will feature some of Wilmington’s finest attractions. Hanner helped develop the side project and found the consolation prize courtesy of the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington.

“The idea of finding love over dinner is a perfect dinner-theatre concept for Valentine’s Day,” Harris continues. “And, as with many of TheatreNOW’s shows, we are able to incorporate some local appeal.”

The food will consist of an oven-dried tomato and gruyére cheese tart as course one; lobster and seafood pot pie, 18-hour beef brisket or vegetarian entrée for course two; and whoopie pies with strawberry and white chocolate to finish. Denise Gordon and bar manager Leslie Talbott go through the menus with Harris for every show.

“It’s an exciting, creative process that I enjoy being a part of,” Harris says. “It’s really fun to take a theatrical show and make it fully dimensional with the inclusion of the food and beverage menus.”

Having shown Lawson’s work in January’s “Adam & Eve” and last October’s “Fright Night,” Harris trusts the writer’s instincts. “He knows how to incorporate the food/service aspect and does so often with creative aplomb,” she says. “He is a reliable producer of the written word and is a terrific idea-man.”

Tickets are still available for the Friday and Saturday night shows on February 22nd and 23rd. Doors are at 5:30 p.m. with show at 6:30 p.m. Come ready to find love.

$80 $110*, 32 home games l l a b Schedule includes: 2012 College World Series e s a B W participants – Kent State and Stony Brook UNC ickets now T n o s Also – UNC, NC State and East Carolina a e S ! ! ! e on Sal *must be a Seahawk Club member and includes a parking pass

UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, February 22

Softball vs Morehead State 2 pm

Saturday, February 23

Baseball vs Lehigh 2 pm

Sunday, February 24

Softball vs Gardner Webb

11:30 am

Friday, February 22

Saturday, February 23

Sunday, February 24

Softball vs UMBC 2 pm

Baseball vs Lehigh 1 pm

Friday, February 22

Saturday, February 23

Sunday, February 24

Women’s Tennis vs Elon 2 pm Baseball vs Lehigh

4 pm

Saturday, February 23

Women’s Tennis vs Stetson 11 am

Softball vs Gardner Webb 4:30 pm

Women’s Bball vs Northeastern 2 pm

Saturday, February 23

Women’s Tennis vs Wright State 2 pm

Men’s Basketball vs Delaware 7 pm

Tuesday, February 25

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 27

Full. Still. Hungry. a new work about food. contemporary dance theatre fusing spoken word, world beats, salsa, afro-cuban & step

Sunday Feb. 24th - 2pm

BOOK SIGNING WITH ELLEN HUNTER

Ellen Hunter has completed her tenth novel MUCH ADO ABOUT MURDER which honors the 225th anniversary of North Carolina’s official theater organization, The Thalian Association of Wilmington. Ellen will be on board to do a reading from her latest book, and also sign your book. Come on board & learn how she created and developed her latest mystery. 2 hours - $27

~

Sunday March 3rd ~ 3pm

Author Philip Gerard will launch his latest book: DOWN THE WILD CAPE FEAR—A RIVER JOURNEY THROUGH THE HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA from UNC Press.

We will cruise the river with Philip Gerard providing commentary drawn from 400 years of history and the fascinating natural and political ecology of the river. Seating is limited to ensure a comfortable cruise and a chance to talk with the author. Each passenger receives a copy of the book, and net proceeds benefit Cape Fear River Watch. - Cost is $30 If you can’t make the cruise there will be a Reception @ the dock to purchase books & greet & meet the author at 4pm...Appetizers will be provided & drinks are available for purchase from the bar

CONTRA-TIEMPO

OUR BLACK RIVER CRUISE IS COMING UP SUNDAY MARCH 10TH

Performance & reception with the artists

Cruising all year round!

A Relaxing Recipe JUST ADD WATER!

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

wilmingtonwatertours.net HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE 28 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

910-338-3134

info@wilmingtonwt.com Follow us

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

urban latin dance theatre

Saturday, Feb. 23 | 8pm UNCW Kenan Auditorium (TICKETS: $8 - $20)

910.962.3500 or 800.732.3643

uncw.edu/arts UNCW is anisEEO/AA Institution.

Accommodations for disabilities may may be requested at theatbox at least 3 days priorprior to event.

UNCW an EEO/AA Institution.

Accommodations for disabilities be requested the office box office at least 3 days to event.

transformation captured:

//ART

Photographer Arrow Ross details the lines of Indian orphans

A

s privileged members of the

Western world, we don’t always realize how lucky we are. When traveling outside of the states, people often employ tour groups to navigate and organize their journey. While extremely beneficial, these tours through India and Africa often mask the reality of its people. They showcase the tourist-friendly locations to appeal to travelers most.

Paul Wilkes, founder of Homes of Hope for India, fatefully started his organization in 2006. On a trip with his wife, Tracy, they asked their driver what the Catholic church was doing to alleviate and assist with the impoverished conditions experienced by its natives. Taking them to an orphanage for girls, the Wilkes were able to meet with the Salesian Sisters, a religious order running the orphanage, as well as girls for whom they cared.

During the tour, they realized though conditions there were better than many in the country, the orphans still lived in abject poverty. Likewise, the sisters struggled to keep the doors open. After meeting a young girl named Reena, whose eye had been forcefully gouged out by the beggar mafia (a practice brought to international attention by the 2008 film “Slumdog Millionaire”), the Wilkes knew action had to take place. Although Reena had experienced hardship and suffering in her young life, she looked up at them brightly, trusting and smiling. That was the image that stayed with the Wilkes throughout the rest of his journey. “Something happened,” Wilkes says about meeting the girl.

“I don’t know exactly what.”

Although Wilkes traveled on to their next destination, he and his wife visited another orphanage. The girls came flooding out of the gates. “I had a feeling I had come home,” Wilkes notes. “Home … to Home of Hope.” Even though limited time abated Wilkes, he thought of Reena’s trusting smile.

He mentally played back the video of meeting the youngster.

Wilkes remembers, “I found these words forming in mind, but I was neither bold nor sure enough to say them out loud: Reena, somehow, some way, I want to—I am—going to make your future better than your horrible past.”

Upon returning home, the couple established Homes of Home in Wilmington.

Through generous support from people, corporations, various foundations, religious and civic groups, the nonprofit has accomplished a lot. Since 2006, they have built a new orphanage, funded two more, provided language labs, 200,000 books, medical

r

by Sarah Richte ography ot Ph Arrow Ross exhibits Homes of Hope ACME Ar t Studio Feb. 22nd-24th: 715 N. 5th St. .

23rd: WHQR M.C Feb. 22nd-Mar. .

St t 4 N. Fron Erny Gallery • 25 esofhope.org 3rd Floor • hom supplies, well-water purifiers, farm animals, generators and enhanced their basic needs, in what’s now referred to as “HopeZone.”

Their mission is to continually “transform the lives of orphaned, abandoned and neglected girls in South India.”

With all of the work that needs to be done, Homes of Hope constantly requires volunteers to work at the orphanages and with the girls. Providing specialized talents, volunteers travel for various amounts of time, from two weeks to up to nine months.

Though not adoptive orphanages, the institutions ensure girls can be cared for and educated. Although many from the streets end up there, equally, many are brought there by their families who want to give them a better life.

One volunteer who was inspired to travel to India to support these girls is local artist Arrow Ross. Born in Copenhagen, Ross moved to the U.S. in the late ‘60s. After living in Raleigh, he was drawn to the beach and subsequently moved to Wilmington.

Ross was drawn to this project for the ability to impact the lives of others. “Seeing the looks on the faces of the girls as we interacted with them,” he says, “all they need is affection—and that’s what volunteers and Homes of Hope can provide.”

Ross partnered with the local organization and traveled to Inida to document his experience through photography. His hope is to help raise local awareness and support—“to reach people and inform them of the hardships experienced by the girls and locals,” he says. “They often chased after me, made faces and ran away when I visited where people lived. They saw me as an outsider and I just tried to quickly capture an image,” A photographer his entire life, Ross had visited India before. Yet, when he returned to work for Homes of Hope, he bonded with the girls and knew he had to visually capture aspects of their lives. After his time at the orphanage, Ross traveled through India to the slums and garbage heaps where the girls who end up in the orphanages live.

Visually documenting it for six months, Ross will be exhibiting his art in two places

TRANSFORMING LIVES: Arrow Ross’ latest work documents his time spent in India working for Homes of Hope, which helps orphanages provide for kids in need. Photo by Arrow Ross

ing through March 23rd) and ACME Art Studios (through February 24th), located at 711 N. 5th Avenue. More information about Homes of Hope can be found at www.homesofhope.org.

this upcoming Fourth Friday. He will show a dichotomy of work. The WHQR show, “My Passage to India,” will feature work “categorized as travel photos but also [which] highlight the incredible riches and poverty,” according to the photographer. The images allow the viewer to visually experience the ancient culture that is slowly being transformed by modern technology.

The images stand in stark contrast to the show which hangs at ACME, entitled “Orphan Girls of India: From Streets to Safety.”

“These images focus more on the reality of life for the girls in the orphanages and people who live in the slums of India,” Ross says.

Organized to completely immerse the viewer into the lives and experiences of India’s street children, Ross began with their lives in abject poverty, their rescue and then their transformation at Homes of Hope.

The two exhibitions present a contradiction in our own existence: We only want to see the beautiful side of life while often ignoring the reality of people. Ross wants people to understand how lucky we are in America. “Many people in India live off $2 or less a day,” he shares. “So you can see how far even just $1 can go to help these girls.”

Attending the exhibitions will be Sister Jacintha and one of the girls, Shanti, from the orphanage. After attending a UN conference in D.C., they will be traveling to Wilmington for the openings, each of which take place Friday, February 22nd, 6 p.m., at the WHQR Gallery located at 254 N. Front Street (hangencore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 29

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Your Art Museum & More for 50 Years

2013

Thank you

to our wonderful community for supporting Cameron Art Museum and making the arts a vital part of life in Southeastern North Carolina.

3201 South 17th Street | Wilmington, NC 28412 910-395-5999 | www.cameronartmuseum.com 30 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

galleryguide| Artfuel.inc

2165 Wrightsville Ave. (910) 343 5233 Mon.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. www.artfuelinc.com Artfuel.inc is a multimedia studio and art gallery, now located at the intersection of Wrightsville Avenue and Dawson Street. Celebrating one year at their new location, Artfuel Inc. host Vol. 33, featuring Todd Carignan, Scott Ehrhart, Sabrina Buchanan, and Cyndi Buell. Live music will be by L Shape Lot., with food provided by San Juan Cafe, Incredible Pizza and A Taste of Italy.

ArtExposure!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC 910-803-0302/910-330-4077 Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (or by appt.) artexposure50.com Look for the big red barn and visit a unique space in the Hampstead area just 4 miles from beautiful Topsail Island. A large open space hosts 2nd Friday Opening Receptions each month at 6 p.m.

Our next 2nd Friday Opening will be on February 8th and will feature “Masks of Compassion,” a benefit for the Foundation for Hospice in Jacksonville. Over one hundred masks designed by artists, volunteers and teens will be on display through the month of February and will be auctioned off at Infant of Prague in March to benefit the Hospice.

March 8th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will feature an evening of “Art in Action” with several artists working at their craft. We will continue our “Art in Action” on Saturday, March 9th from Noon to 5:00PM. Come either or both days to watch our artists at work! Check out our website to see the latest in new classes as well as our regular art classes and studio time. Yoga classes meet Saturday at 9AM in the loft. Walk-ins are welcome to this gentle yoga class.

CAPE FEAR NATIVE

114 Princess St. • (910) 465-8811 Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.capefearnative.com Join us on the Fourth Friday Gallery Walk, February 22nd, 6 – 9 PM for the opening reception for our featured artist, jewelry designer Claudia Bustamante. Bustamante is the founder of Lativa Accents and Art, offering unique eco-friendly jewelry and now expanding to offer locally-roasted coffee from beans of her home country of Colombia. Come by and see the jewelry and taste the coffee! Cape Fear Native features the works of local artists inspired by nature, including art, jewelry, photography, pottery and wood crafts.

Come by and support your local creative community.

FIGMENTS GALLERY

1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Ste. II • 910-5094289 http://figmentsgallery.com Tues.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Figments Gallery offers a fresh mix of eclectic work from local and international artists of all genres. Come by for an Open House Exhibit featuring new artists on the Second Friday of every month from 6-8. It’s a great event to connect with the arts community.

The Wilma W. Daniels Gallery

200 Hanover St., CFCC parking deck, first level 910-362-7431 Tues. and Thurs., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Wed., 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

CFCC will be hosting a sculptural exhibit by Gracelee Lawrence entitled, “Sculptress” during the month of February. A reception with the artist will take place on Friday, February 22, from 6-9pm as part of 4th Friday Gallery Nights. For more information on the artist, please visit her website: www.graceleelawrence.com.

For more information, contact 362-7431.

New Elements Gallery 201 Princess St. • (919) 343-8997 Tues.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-6p.m. (or by appt.) newelementsgallery.com

“Close to Home” opens Friday, February 22nd at New Elements Gallery showcasing new works by the gallery’s artists. Viewers will agree this collection of original paintings, prints and photographs has a decidedly regional flair! With a focus on artists from NC, SC and Virginia, the theme incorporates work that is both diverse in style and content, but all pertaining to the southeastern states. Artists included in the show are Eric Lawing, Catherine Lea, Laura Mostaghel, Owen Wexler, Priscilla Whitlock, and many more. An opening night reception will be held Friday, February 22nd from 6-9 pm. The exhibition will remain on display through March 16th.

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. The current show is sure to enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry.

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

CLOSE TO HOME: Now hanging at New Elements as part of their latest exhibit, “Morning Light at Bradley Creek” by Owen Wexler. Photo courtesy of the gallery.

Carolina’s most creative, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisan-crafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, pottery studio, custom framing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee with the Author series are also offered onsite.

WiLMINGTON ART ASSOCiation 120. S. Second St.

This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, NC, features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South

Call for artists! Now is the time to enter the WAA 31st aanual Juries Spring Art Show and Sale, which takes place during the Azalea Festival!

Entries may be submitted online at the Wilmington Art Association website now through February 25th. You can get all the details and the prospectus atwww.wilmingtonart.org. The shows runs from Thursday, April 12th thru Sunday, April 14th.

Don’t miss a visit to our new permanent exhibit gallery space at the Historic Hannah Block USO Building at 120 South Second Street in downtown Wilmington. We have a special large exhibit this month with lots of new artists in the USO Museum Lobby area. Our February Fourth Friday Reception is on the 22nd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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32 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

//FILM

lacking tension: ‘Side Effects’ may produce little-to-no substance

reel reel this week in film

by Anghus Side Effects

Cape Fear Environmental Film Forum

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ara, Channing arring Rooney M

UNCW King Hall Auditorium and The Community Action Center (on Castle Street) 2/22, 7:30 - 10 p.m.; 2/23, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Free, open to public.

St Tatum, Jude Law

T

here’s a great film waiting to

be made about our pill-popping society and the abhorrent lack of ethics on display, from doctors who try to solve problems one prescription at a time. “Side Effects” isn’t it. It’s a drowsy, dry drama from Steven Soderbergh that uses our society’s obsession with instant gratification as the backdrop for a pretty boring attempt at a thriller. It’s unfortunate, but not unexpected.

Soderbergh’s been churning out hit-or-miss fare for the last decade. Much like his last attempt at tension (“Contagion”), “Side Effects” is underwhelming—hardly terrible, but nothing to get excited about.

The story follows the mental misadventures of Emily (Rooney Mara), a chronically depressed twentysomething dealing with a laundry list of life issues. Her husband (Channing Tatum) has recently been released from prison after a four-year stint for insider trading. Rebuilding their life is proving particularly stressful for Emily—so much so, she one day decides to drive her car into a brick wall. This episode brings her to the attention of a psychiatrist, Doctor Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), who begins to treat her for severe depression.

Doctor Banks is a typical man of medicine: well-intentioned but prone to look for the easy way out. He starts Emily on a series of anti-depressants. When one doesn’t work, he switches her to another—and then another. Rather than deal with the issues at hand, he moves her from one prescription to the next, trying to find the right combination of pills to correct Emily’s lingering sadness. This is hardly typical, of course.

Modern psychiatry is funded, financed and fueled by the latest prescription pills. The part of the Hippocratic Oath “do no harm” is glossed over as doctors participate in trials for medicines for which they have no real understanding. Emily experiences some side effects (hence the title), most noticeably some rather intricate sleepwalking.

During one of her episodes, she stabs her husband to death. I’m guessing that wasn’t on the warning label.

“Side Effects” isn’t a terrible film; it has a great set-up. It’s the follow-through which ultimately disappoints. The best works of fiction are ones that work within a very

MEDICATED ENTERTAINMENT: Rooney Mara plays vacant well, according to Anghus’ review of ‘Side Effects.’ Courtesy photo

plausible scenario. Prescription pill side effects are so engrained into our society that we joke about them. Pills for restless leg syndrome advertise warning of “an unusual urge to gamble” and anti-depressants warn of “ejaculatory failure.” Is the idea of a halfasleep psychotic episode fueled by medication that far off the mark?

After the murder, things start to go bad for Doctor Banks. The media, his family and his partners turn on him as he is turned into a social pariah. His life begins to spin out of control and he finds himself obsessively searching for answers. Then he discovers that the truth might not be as cut and dry as he originally thought. There are some doubts cast on Emily, and the potential for conspiracy arises.

I don’t want to spoil anything. Every good thriller requires a little mystery. The first two acts are fairly engaging. The mystery is set up well, and the characters are given time to develop. The third act is where everything falls apart.

Soderbergh is a great director, but thrillers don’t seem to be his bag. His filming style is voyeuristic and detached, and his greatest problem with the genre has been a lack of emotional resonance. Like “Contagion,” “Side Effects” lacks an identifiable character and emotional engagement. His low-fi approach is always interesting, but a psychological thriller benefits from a more amped-up avenue. Soderbergh has created a very stylish but utterly substance-less piece.

Doctor Banks is never allowed to be

completely destroyed. His life crumbles around him, but we never see it or feel it.

Sure, his wife walks out, and he’s given a handful of minutes to raise his voice, but I never believed this was a guy who had lost everything. Rooney Mara plays vacant well, but has a pretty mediocre presence. Catherine Zeta-Jones shows up wearing a pair of glasses to try and make her appear smart; it doesn’t work. The best thing I can say about Channing Tatum: I got to watch him die.

Some directors are just not well-suited for this kind of material. “Side Effects” is the kind of film that would have benefited from an ounce or two of pure pasteurized cheese.

Soderbergh isn’t that kind of director; he’s a cerebral guy who is better at constructing a narrative. He needs to work more toward creating tension and giving us the kind of scenery-chewing performances required of good film noir.

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The schedule consists of four film blocks, each followed by panel and audience discussions. It will feature two film blocks showcasing the documentaries “Ingredients” and “The City Dark,” a third block comprised of short films about innovative environmental solutions and a fourth block hosting a sneak preview of a locally-made feature documentary about the grassroots movement against the proposed Titan cement plant in New Hanover County. Through a mix of films and panel/audience dialogue, addressing environmental issues and solutions, the forum will inspire and motivate participants to take action in their communities.

Hyde Park on Hudson WHQR’s Cinematique Thalian Hall, Mon.-Wed. (unless otherwise noted) • 310 Chestnut St. • $8, 7 p.m.

In June 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Bill Murray) and his wife Eleanor (Olivia Williams) host the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) for a weekend at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson, in upstate New York - the first-ever visit of a reigning English monarch to America. With Britain facing imminent war with Germany, the Royals are desperately looking to FDR for support. But international affairs must be juggled with the complexities of FDR’s domestic establishment, as wife, mother, and mistresses all conspire to make the royal weekend an unforgettable one. (Rated R. 1 hr, 35 mins) All area movie listings and paragraph synopses can be found at encorepub.com.

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 33

//MUSIC

roots-rocking ilm: Family band brings rollicking Americana front and center

26 SHOPS 4 RESTAURANTS DOWNTOWN

WILMINGTON

fiori

by Linda Gratta olly Jay Ungar and M nd Ba Mason Family . • $20 Mar. 7th, 8 p.m mple Scottish Rite Te 89 . • 910-777-88 1415 S 17th St

T

he jay ungar and molly mason

Family Band will add its own joyful noise to the Wilmington area resurat the corner of gence in roots music with a performance at the Scottish Rite Temple on March 7th at 8 grace & front st. p.m. To add extra icing to the cake, Ungar’s daughter, Ruthy, and her husband Mike Merenda, acclaimed as one of acoustic America’s most revered musical duos, will round out the band’s eclectic sound.

Four local master musicians, P.D. Midgett (Southport Jam), Julia and Kelly Jewell (Port City Trio) and Susan Savia (Stone Soup Concerts), are sponsors for the show. They We offer classic toys and games call Ungar and Mason the “heart and soul of for the whole family.

American roots music.”

Playing fiddle from the time he was a child, Ungar hung out in Greenwich Village coffee houses and traveled through Tennessee and North Carolina in search of traditional musicians. He listened to Pete Seeger’s TV show “Rainbow Quest,” and was further inspired

by Bob Dylan’s singing of old roots classics.

“They called it ‘folk’ in those days,” Ungar says.

Hand-stuffed olives, olive spreads, In 1980 he and Mason opened the Ashopremium vinegars and olive oils. kan Center in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York. The Ashokan (Lenape Indian for “where waters converge”) Center offers arts and musical education curricula and continues to upgrade programs like their popular fiddle and dance camps. Frequently, 25 instructors teach acoustic music and a wide spectrum of dance styles, including folk, waltz, swing, clogging, country western, square dancing, Swedish, Norwegian and Cajun.

Wursts, schnitzels, reubens, Sponsor Julia and Kelly’s family, includstrudels since 1985. Family friendly. ing Julia, Carter, Annie and Isabelle, had a wonderful experience at the Ashokan Center. “We each took different independent classes,” Julia tells, “and all felt very fulfilled.

The family atmosphere at their camp is so Mon - Sat 10am-5:30pm | Sun 12-4pm important, regardless of degree of musicianSome Shops Open Later, ship. We felt completely safe to let our girls Restaurants Always Open Late! go their own way to experience the beauty of Check Online for Merchants’ Individual Hours the Catskills, the people and the music. This Free Parking music represents such a big slice of AmeriWhile Shopping or Dining can life.”

“Fiddle music has its roots in dancing,” Ungar explains, “regardless of the style of music. Having mastered certain musical skills, these accomplished people become links in the chain that pass the legacy of folk 34 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

The German Cafe

BOUND BY MUSIC: The Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band tour irregularly but Wilmington will have the opportunity to catch them live in a once-in-alifetime show. Courtesy photo from band

music from the people who came before to the people who will follow.”

One night, at the close of a particularly moving camp session, Ungar poured out a haunting melody that became known as “The Ashokan Farewell.” Ken Burns, of PBS documentary fame, heard the beautiful waltz in 1990 and asked to use it as the signature song for his series on The Civil War. “The Ashokan Farewell” was nominated for an Emmy and the entire soundtrack won a Grammy. Since, Ungar and Mason have contributed music for a number of Burns’ docs, including those on baseball, Thomas Jefferson and The Dust Bowl.

In 2014, Meryl Streep will perform in the latest Burns’ doc, “The Roosevelts: Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor,” in which the tunes of Ungar and Mason will be heard yet again. Another favorite supporter and fellow performer is Garrison Keillor of “A Prairie Home Companion.” Mason played in the company house band from the late ‘70s, and the Ungar and Mason Family Band was featured in several shows.

‘Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?’ in 2000 built on what had been started by all that came before,” Ungar explains, “and introduced an even larger segment of the American public to bluegrass and old-time Southern Appalachian music.”

“My favorite part of all this is how many people are playing music with one another,” he adds. “It builds friendships and community. It helps people transcend their differences

and meet on common ground to have fun, be moved and enjoy each other’s company.

Today, thousands upon thousands of young people are falling in love with the music and becoming remarkable singers and players.”

Two of these young folks are Ungar’s daughter, Ruthy, and her husband, Mike Merenda. With two guitars, a fiddle, banjo, ukulele and a couple harmonicas, the duo prefers honest grit to pretentious glitz, and delights in putting heads together around a microphone.

In 2010 Ruthy and Mike’s fan-funded album “Million to One” rose to the top 20 on the Americana music charts. Their 2012 Woody Guthrie collaboration “My New York City” is “being hailed as one of the most gorgeous pieces ever to have come out of the archive (according to Time Out NY).”

“This [Wilmington] concert will be a rare moment for us,” Ungar notes. “We only tour a few times a year and look forward to playing together.”

Their sponsors and hosts are equally excited and expect a sell-out. “Together they blend to create a rhythmic energy of magic,” Savia exclaims. “There is nothing like hearing double fiddles and lush four-part harmony. The Scottish Rite Temple is incredibly beautiful and the acoustics are impeccable.”

“This is the kind of concert that doesn’t come along very often,” Midgett says. “It’s an opportunity for people to hear and participate in a level and quality of Americana/roots music, that’s off the charts!”

Folks can buy tickets to the Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band at Ted’s Fun on the River and Gravity Records, and in Southport at Ricky Evans Gallery. For more information, call 910-777-8889 or email ssavia@susansavia.com.

adding it up:

//MUSIC

Lotus amalgamates musical intelligence and jamtronica improv er

by Bethany Turn Lotus 8 p.m.

Tues., Feb. 26 • nter Brooklyn Ar ts Ce 516 N. 4th St. m rooklynartsnc.co $20-30 • www.b

I

sound bites shows of the week Sol Driven Train

Soapbox Laundro-Lounge 255 N. Front St. 2/23, 9 p.m. • $10-15

n the mathematical equation of

electronic keys plus improvisational rock multiplied by an intense understanding of how music is created (and even how it can create feelings in others), Lotus is the solution. The jazz-funk-jamtronica quintet formed in Indiana in 1999, developing with earnest grassroots growth and influenced by acts like The Orb, Talking Heads and Air. Today they tune into groups such as Siriusmo, Tame Impala and Radiohead. The band has sold out many of its own shows and is summoned by several major festivals, such as Bonnaroo.

With its complex light show—lasers which shoot and zoom to cavorting beats—Lotus has headlined at aural dreams of locales like Red Rocks Amphitheatre. They’ve recorded with Bill Moriarty and David Wrench—and even in twin band mates Jesse and Luke Millers’ parents’ garage.

With Mike Rempel on guitar, Jesse Miller on bass and sampler, Mike Greenfield on drums, Luke Miller on guitar and keys, and Chuck Morris on percussion, the band unveils its 10th release, “Build” (February 19th, 2013, SCI Fidelity Records). On it, Lotus embraces a world of inspirations. The center of each track ranges from symphonic jazz to hip hop with vocal samples, from salsa and reggae to ‘70s rock and disco. Nearly any style of music imaginable can be heard on “Build,” all culminating in an electronic dance fusion to move the masses.

Presented by HUKA Entertainment and Progressive Music Group, Lotus will perform at the Brooklyn Arts Center on Tuesday, February 26th with special guests Moon Hooch. encore spoke with Luke Miller to gain a little more insight into the recording of “Build” and the intelligence behind the improv for which Lotus is known. encore (e): Did “Build” follow the usual creative process (you and your brother writing and presenting, for the band to fill in the holes), or was there a twist on the writing and recording of this album?

Luke Miller (LM): I wrote eight of the tracks, and Jesse wrote the other two. We mostly road-tested the songs at gigs, tweaked the arrangements, then went into the studio and laid down the lion’s share of the songs live to tape.

The process isn’t really “the band filling in the

DANCE-ABLE BEAT: Lotus mixes electronic,

beat-heavy rhythms with rock ‘n’ roll, creating music to which fans love to dance. Courtesy photo

holes.” Jesse and I generally lay out the entire track and then we work with the band on nailing down an arrangement that works best and ironing out all the little details like dynamics, fills, timbres, etc. e: How does this album stand out from those of Lotus’ past?

LM: I think “Build” is more focused and less eclectic than other Lotus albums. We recorded about two-and-a-half albums worth of songs, so we were able to pick a group that had a similar vibe to go together for this album. The songs on “Build” are the ones that were instrumental, electronic, uptempo, but with a rock underpinning. The other two we are working on will sound substantially different from this one. e: How do you select the perfect vocal samples for the songs?

LM: It takes some trial and error. The vocals have to be manipulated to make them fit the song harmony and rhythm. But generally it’s finding a sound that adds to the instruments and doesn’t take away or clutter the sound. e: You guys seem to have an ability to enchant or control your live audiences—like a pied piper, if you will—building songs up as they go along and releasing the tension at just the right moment. Tell me how the band has learned to read the audience over the years.

LM: Thank you. It’s just learning as we go. It’s a skill you can only practice in front of an audience. So years on the road is the only way to get the hours of practice needed. Sometimes

we follow what the audience seems to want, like heavier stuff or more groove/funk stuff.

But sometimes you have to lead an audience somewhere they didn’t know they wanted to go. The audiences aren’t homogenous either.

Certain people dig certain areas of our sound more than others. We try to play a mix from all of our albums at the shows. e: Likewise, how do you read each other onstage? Who typically makes the first improv move into another direction?

LM: Jesse, Mike Greenfield, and myself kind of lead the improv in as far as setting up changes and structural stuff. Mike Rempel and Chuck do a lot of the “color” stuff. But everyone tries to listen to everyone else simultaneously and find when to step up and when to step back.

It’s a balancing act that sometimes gets offbalance, but that’s part of the fun. e: I read an idea in an interview with Jesse from 2005: that one learns music theory so they don’t have to think about it. I’ve always felt learning theory was like learning to speak another language, and after that it comes naturally. How do you think some members’ theory backgrounds help with the improv—in making the right musical decisions as you all jam?

LM: Some of us know classical theory and some of us have a intuitional knowledge just from listening to and playing music. But knowing that playing a minor six note when the bass is implying a four chord will sound one way, or playing a flat nine note over the root will give a more sinister sound helps. It’s like looking at a paint palette and knowing which colors will work with others and which emotions others will evoke. It definitely helps with the tensionand-release stuff.

The Charleston, SC-based group brings about a New Orleans-style flair and Afro-Caribbean rhythms to roots music. Featuring Ward Buckheister on guitar, trombone, and vocals; Rusty Cole on bass and vocals; Wes Powers on drums; Russell Clarke on saxophones and vocals; and Joel Timmons on guitar and vocals, Sol Driven Train unleashes its first full-length album, ‘Underdog.’ The record was funded by fans via Kickstarter.

Midnight Spin

Orton’s Underground 133 N. Front St. 2/24, 9 p.m. • Free

A combination of guys from Washington, D.C., and New York City, Midnight Spin offers ‘90s-style alt rock and modern-day indie influence. The sound is similar to those of The Strokes, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, and Weezer. Midnight Spin comprises Mike Corbett (vocals, guitar), Jim Terranova (guitar, vocals), Danny Scull (drums), Ben Waters (bass), and Jeremy Coehn (keys, vocals).

All weekly music is listed on the soundboard pages.

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 35

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS

soundboard

a preview of tunes all over town this week

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Open for Breakfast Daily at 5 am TUESDAY djBe KARAOKE

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—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Full Dish

Friday $6 Margarita Pitchers

TRIVIA w/Steve 8:30 p.m. • Prizes! $ 2.50 Yuengling Drafts

—Cameron Art Museum; 3201 South 17th St., 395-5999 Tom Noonan and Jane Houseal

$4 Select Shooters

4 20 oz. Guinness Pints

$

—Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 The Last Flapper w/ The Benny Hill Quartet

Thursday

265 North Front St. (910) 763-0141

MAJESTICAL MAYHEM: Squonk Opera, a uniquely surreal form of musical theater using videos and projections, will perform at Kenan Auditorium on Wed., Feb. 27th. Courtesy photo

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Open Mic 7-10pm

(9 p.m.)

Ron Wilson, Raphael Name 8pm 10:30pm

—Grinder’s Cafe, 5032 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 859-8266 Dutch’s Thursday Night Trivia 7-9pm

—Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 Karaoke

—Frank’s Classic American Grill, 6309 Market St., 910-228-5952 Jazz night with Marc Siegel 6pm-8pm

—Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269

—Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 Open Mic with Sean Thomas Gerard —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 2518500 Emma Nelson

MONDAY $ 2.50 Budweiser Draft $ 4 Wells 65¢ wings, 4-7 p. m.

TUESDAY Sweetwater $3.00 $ 4.50 Absolute lemonade 65¢ wings, 4-7 p. m.

WEDNESDAY 2.50 Yuengling Draft $ 2.50 Domestic Bottles 65¢ wings, 4-7 p. m. $

THURSDAY 3.00 Sweet Josie $ 4.00 Margaritas

$

FRIDAY 3 Pint of the Day

$

$

SATURDAY 5 Sangria & Mimosa’s

SUNDAY $ 5 Bloody Mary’s & Mimosa’s *Drink specials run all day N. Water Street & Walnut Street Downtown Wilmington 910-762-4354

36 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Drowning Pool

—Atlanta Bread Company, 6886 Main St. (Mayfaire), Wilmington, NC. (910) 509-2844 Acoustic Blues Jam

friday, FEBRUARY 22 DJ Milk —Pravda; 23 N. Front St., Wilmington

—Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086 Dark Water Rising —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 The Bibis Ellison Band —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Machine Funk —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Nate Gordon —The Pub at Sweet and Savory, 2012 Eastwood Rd.; 679-8101

Saturday, FEBRUARY 23 Guitarist Mark Lynch (10:30am1:30pm)

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. Chris Bellamy

Acoustic Jazz Piano with James Jarvis

—The Pub at Sweet and Savory, 2012 Eastwood Rd.; 679-8101 Bronze Radio Return

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

—Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Daylight Circus 11pm

—Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109 Karaoke with Mike Norris

—Lazy Pirate Sports Bar and Grill, 701 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 458-5414 DjBe Extreme Karaoke (9pm)

—Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Traditional Irish Music 9pm

—The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 DJKahuna

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

—Billy Goats, 6324 Market St., 392-3044 Irish Music Jam 2pm

—Station 21, 21 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC Unsound Mind

—The Dubliner, 1756 Carolina Beach Road DJ Turtle

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Karaoke with DJ Damon

—Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 A Bottle Volcanic, Hectorina, Free Clinic

—Station 21, 21 N. Front St., Wilmington, N Karaoke w/ Jeremy Norris

—Five Star Tavern, 106 N. 2nd St.; 762-1533 Fried Lot

—Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 Trivia with Steve (8:30pm)

—Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 Shane Hall

—Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115

—The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Rockin’ Trivia with Party Gras DJ

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

—Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086 Delusions, In Alcatraz 1962, Paper Trail, Eye Master, Sessions, Brace Yourself —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Benny Hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Mykel Barbee —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393

thursDAY, FEBRUARY 21 College Night w/ DJ Pruitt & DJ SBZ —Pravda; 23 N. Front St., Wilmington Rolling Trivia

—Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 The Last Flapper w/ The Benny Hill Quartet —Cameron Art Museum; 3201 South 17th St., 395-5999 Tom Noonan

—Saltworks II, 4001 Wrightsville Ave.; 392-1241 Songwriter Open Mic with Jeff Ecker (10pm-2am)

—Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393 Bulls on Parade —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 L Shape Lot —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

;

Travis Shallow, Jason Woolwine

Behind the Garage Music 10pm

Jesse Stockton and Tom Shaw

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 Lowtech Army 9pm-1am

—Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Open Electric Jam (amps and drums provided)@4:00pm

—Lagerheads, 35 North Lumina Avenue Wrightsville Bch; 256-0171 Open Mic/Karaoke

—High Tide Lounge, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave., Carolina Bch; 458-0807 Contra - Tiempo 8pm —Kenan Auditorium UNCW Campus; 3132584 Benji Templeton —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 American Patchwork, Sir Manuel, Snack Cracker, 40 East, Massive Grass, Mystic River, Madonna Nash 1pm - 6pm (Funz For a Friend Benefit) —Billy Goats, 6324 Market St., 392-3044 40 East —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 Breathe

—Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 e The Carvers

w —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 40 East —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 Kersten Capra 7pm-9pm

—Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 Travis Shallow —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 The Wooly Bushmen, The Carvers, Shake Yell Dance —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 2518500 Midnight Spin, Unifier, D&D Sluggers, Helsing Chicago —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 Jesse Stockton —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866 The Last Flapper w/ The Benny Hill Quartet —Cameron Art Museum; 3201 South 17th St., 395-5999 Nicole Thompson7pm-9pm —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. DJ Battle —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 Perry Smith (Brunch 12-2)

—The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 James Haff (piano) —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 Jason Ajemian 8pm —Squidco, 1003 North 4th St., 910-399-4847 Benny Hill —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212 Piano —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 Dubtown Cosmonauts —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 World Tavern Trivia hosted by Mud —Buffalo Wild Wings, 5533 Carolina Beach Rd., Monkey Junction; 392-7224 Karaoke with DJ Party Gras (9pm) —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 Karaoke with Mike Norris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Lotus, Moon Hooch 7pm —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 538-2939

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. No Dollar Shoes

—Aubriana’s; 115 S. Front St., 763-7773

wednesday, FEBRUARY 27

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25

—The Pub at Sweet and Savory, 2012 Eastwood Rd.; 679-8101 Machine Gun

Trivia

Ron Wilson, Raphael Name 8pm 10:30pm

—Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Benny Hill

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Skankfest, The Toasters, Mrs. Skanatto, Regatta 69, Common Foundation, Madd Hatters

—Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Bootleg Dynasty —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 The Broadcast —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury St.; 503-3040 Gene Gregory —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888

Sunday, FEBRUARY 24

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 Electric Mondays w/ Pruitt

—Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Multimedia open mic. 8pm —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Blue Tang Bandits —Tamashii, 4039 Masonboro Loop Rd.; 703-7253 Electric Mondays w/ Pruitt

Chris Luther (jazz)

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Josh Solomon & Open Mic

—Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Karaoke w/ DJ Double Down

—Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 Donna Merritt

NC —Billy Goats, 6324 Market St., 392-3044 Reggae

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

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

tuesday, FEBRUARY 26

—Elijah’s, 2 Ann St.; 343-1448 Satellite Bluegrass Band

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Open Mic w/ John Ingram

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

—Wired on Wrightsville, 3901 B Wrightsville Ave., 399-6977

Super Jam Open Mic w/ Jonny Reinerth

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS Visit www.ruckerjohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Monday

2 22MONDAY oz. Domestic Draft $ 5 Pizzas 22oz. Domestic Draft ALL DAY $

MONDAY $3 Sweetwater, $10 Domestic Buckets, $4 Captain, Jack, and Evan Williams, Trivia from Hell @ 7:30 TUESDAY $3 Dos XX Amber, $3.50 Mexican Bottles, $4 Cuervo, 1800, Lunazul, Jim Beam, Jack, and Bacardi $1 Tacos (4pm-close) WEDNESDAY $3 Drafts, 1/2 Price Wine, $5 Martinis, $4 Bombs THURSDAY $2 Bud Lt and Yuengling Draft, $4 Jim, Jack, Jager, and Jameson $5 Bombs, $3.50 Micro Bottles, 1/2 Price Wings (7pm-close) FRIDAY & SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC • NO Cover 1/2 Price Wings Midnight-1:30am SUNDAY $2.50 Bud Lt and Yuengling Drafts, $4 Crown, Jager, Jack, Jameson, Lunazul, Bloody Mary’s, $5 Mimosas 1/2 Price Select Apps M-TH 4pm-7pm & Sun 9pm-close LIVE MUSIC 2/22 shane hall 2/23 TRAVIS SHALLOW and WOOLWINE

$5 Pizzas Tuesday Live Music in the Bar TUESDAY 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine $ LIVE JAzz INDreams THE BAR 5 Absolut 50 Half$2Price BottlesBottles of Wine Pacifico

Absolut Dream $5 • Pacifico $250 Wednesday $ WEDNESDAY 4 Margaritas $ $ 50 4 Peach Miller Light PintsMargaritas 1 Coronoa/ $ 50 $ 50 1 Miller Lite Pints 2 Corona Lite Bottles $ 50 $ 2 Corona and Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Corona Light Bottles THURSDAY Thursday $ $ Appletinis 4, RJ’s Painkiller All Red Wine Glasses 1/2 Price5 $ 50 $Red Stripe Bottles 2 5 Skinny Girl Margaritas $ 50 $ 50 2 Fat 2 Tire FatBottles Tire Bottles $ 2 22oz Domestic FRIDAY Draft $ Cosmos 4, 007 $350 Friday $ 4 Cosmopolitan Guinness Cans $3 $ 50 $ 3Island OO7Sunsets • $3 Guinness 5 Saturday SATURDAY $ 4 Baybreeze $4 Baybreeze/Seabreeze $ 4 Seabreeze 22oz.

Blue Moon Draft $3 $ 3 22oz Blue Moon Draft$ Select Domestic Bottles $ 2 Select Domestic Bottles2 SUNDAY Sunday $ Bloody$4Marys Domestic Bloody4,Marys $ 50 Pints $150 1 Domestic Pints $ Hurricanes 5 Find us on Twitter @RuckerJohns 5564 Carolina Beach Road, 5564 Carolina Beach Road (910) 452-1212 (910)-452-1212

Pub & Grille

Wrightsville Beach

Wednesdays

$3 Micros ∙1/2 Price Wine $3 Fireball ∙ $4 Tang Shot

Thursdays KARAOKE

$2 Red Stripe ∙ $4 Margaritas $4 Pineapple Bomb ∙ $4 Captain

Fridays

$2 Bud Ligh & Mich Ultra $5 Martinis • $4 Well Vodka

Saturdays

Breakfast 10am-3pm $2 Miller Lite • $2 Budweiser $4 Well Vodka • $3 Surfer on Acid

Sundays

Breakfast 10am-3pm $2 Yuenglings • $2 Coors Light $4 Bloody Marys • $3 Mimosas Free Pool & Shuffleboard @ 9 pm 1/2 Off Late Night Menu @ 11 pm

BanksChannelPub.Com

—Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 Live Team Trivia —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 Open Mic with Sean Thomas Gerard

Monday

—Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Current Swell, Bag of Toys, The Dylan Holton Band —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Squonk Opera 7pm-9pm —Kenan Auditorium UNCW Campus; 313-2584 Alan Glaser Project —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Dylan Linehan

3 NC Pints $ 5 House Margaritas. $

Tuesday

$

Wednesday

2 Pint of the Day $ 4 House Wine by the Glass 1/2 price Manager Select Wine by the Bottle $ 50

$

—Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393 All entertainment must be sent to music@encorepub.com by Wednesday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

Wrightsville Beach, NC

LIVE MUSIC

$1,000 Grand Prize

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Oceanfront Terrace 7-10pm

Friday, February 22

Fox Icon

two of a kind

3 Select American Pints $ 3 Well Liquors

12-Week Judged

Saturday, February 23

Friday

Singing Contest

3 Import Pints $ 5 Select Martinis

randy mcquay

FINALS: April 17

POP & CLASSIC

Compete any time!

Friday, March 1st

Thursday

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Benny Hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115 Tyler Thomas

2 Select Domestic Bottles, $5 Slice & Pint Combo $ 5.00 LITs

Singing Contest

$

Saturday

2 /Pint, $10/Pitcher Haunted Pub Brew $ 5 Bombs

$ 50

OVERTYME ECLECTIC MIX

Sunday

$ 3 Select Import Bottles 4 Mimosas, $5 Bloody Marys, $ 2295 Large Cheese Pizza and any Pitcher Combo

Saturday, March 2nd

$

131 N Front St. • (910) 343-8881 www.fatpub.com

ROCK

920 Town Center Dr. Mayfaire Town Center (910) 509-0805

TRAVIS SHALLOW ACOUSTIC 1706 North Lumina Ave. (910) 256-2231

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 37

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS ShowStoppers: 100 S. Front St. DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON 251-1832

where great food rocks.

Wednesday $2.50 Miller Lite $4 Wells ½-price house bottle of wine Thirsty Thursday $2.50 PBR 16oz cans

Concerts outside of Southeastern NC

$3.50 All Draft $5 Redbull Vodka

2.21 THURSDAY

TRIVIA NIGHT

50¢ Steamed Oysters and Shrimp Friday

2.22 FRIDAY

$2.75 Bud Light

THE BIBUS ELLISON BAND

$3.25 Stella $4 Fireballs

2.23 SATURDAY

Saturday

MACHINE GUN

$2.75 Coors Light $3.25 Sierra Nevada $5 Baby Guinness Sunday $3 Coronas/Corona Light $10 Domestic Buckets (5)

ROCK RINGS TRUE: The Ringers, featuring Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Michael Landau, Keith Carlock and Etienne Mbappe, will play Neighborhood Theatre and Lincoln Theatre on February 20th and 21st respectively. Courtesy photo

$4 Mimosas $4 Bloody Mary’s Steamed Platters $18/$35 Friday and Saturday Live music in the courtyard Rooftop opens at 6 p.m.

Every Wednesday Bottomless Cheese and Chocolate

$20

per person

W h at e cou ld br ? bett e 885 Town Center Drive MAYFAIRE TOWN CENTER (910) 256-1187

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

WEDNESDAYS

8PM-10PM &

PINT NIGHT ALL PINTS $

2.75

MONDAYS

PORT CITY POKER 7pm & 9:30pm Play for FREE TUESDAYS

LIVE

TEAM TRIVIA

8pm

WEDNESDAYS

PINT NIGHT ALL PINTS $

206 Old Eastwood Rd. (by Home Depot)

910.798.9464

38 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

2.75

Monkey Junction 910.392.7224

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 South Tryon STREET, Charlotte, NC (704) 377-6874 2/22: Badfish, Sun Dried Vibes, Southside Rhythm THE ARTS CENTER 300-G E. Main st., carrboro, nc (919) 969-8574 2/20: Triangle Jazz Orchestra 2/27: John Cowan Trio 2/28: Suzanne Vega NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 2/20: The Ringers 2/28: Donna the Buffalo GREENSBORO COLISEUM 1921 W. Lee St., greensboro, nc (336) 373-7474 2/26: Kid Rock MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., durham, NC (919) 901-0875 2/20: Menomena, Guards, Righteous Bros 2/21: Puritan Radio, Holyboats, Meryll 2/22: Fishbone 2/23: Barefoot Movement, Stickley Hill 2/26: Chris Wilson & Planet Earth, Skout 2/27: The Last Bison, Steph Stewart

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. Cabarrus stREET, raleigh, nc (919) 821-4111 2/21: The Ringers 2/22: Perpetual Groove, The Heavy Pets, Stereo Reform 2/24: MushroomHead, FInal Trigger, Gemini Syndrome THE ORANGE PEEL 101 Biltmore Avenue, ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 225-5851 2/20: Figure, Styles&Complete 2/21: Matisyahu, Levi Robbin 2/22: Tame Impala, The Growl 2/23: MiMOSA, Grandtheft 2/28: Lotus, Moon Hooch CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN STREET, CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 2/21: Tame Impala, The Growl 2/23: Who’s Bad, The Black Experience 2/24: Foxygen, Naked Gods 2/25: Ra Ra Riot, Pacific Air 2/26: The Toasters, Mrs Skannotto, Regatta 69 NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM 5001 Coliseum dr., n. charleston, sc (843) 529-5000 2/14: Rascal Flatts 2/15: 2nd Annual Charleston Blues Festival

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 39

grub&guzzle|

22-26 DINING GUIDE 33 RESTAURANT REVIEW 34 COVER STORY

what’s for dinner?

Find it in the premier dining guide for the Port CIty AMERICAN BLUEWATER

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

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

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 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

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood.

Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche 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 from DeLovely Desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and Monday-Saturday 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

40 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

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

SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 locations-Midtown (910-798-9464) and Monkey Junction (910-392-7224) MUSIC: Live music Friday and Saturday in the Summer WEBSITE: www.buffalowildwings.com

HALLIGAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE

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

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 Days a Week MondayWednesday 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Masonboro Loop FEATURING: The Best Reuben in Town!, $5.99 lunch specials, Outdoor Patio WEBSITE: www.halligansnc.com

THAI SPICE ach Road 5552 Carolina Be (910) 791-0044

HENRY’S

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

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. - Mon. 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.

MUSIC: Live Music beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat..

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

K’s Cafe

Visit us in our new location on the corner of Eastwood and Racine - 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109. “Where the people make the place” If you’re looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere with awesome home-cooked, freshly prepared meals, you can’t beat K’s Cafe. K’s Cafe is the best deal in Wilmington. They offer chargrilled burgers, including their most popular Hot Hamburger Platter smothered in gravy!

They also offer great choices such as fresh chicken salad, soups, and even a delicious Monte Cristo served on French toast bread. K’s also offers soup, sandwich and salad combos and a great variety of homemade desserts. On Sundays

they offer a great brunch menu. A variety of choices will be on the menu such as Eggs Benedict. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Give K’s Cafe a try...you won’t be sorry. 420 Eastwood Rd., Unit 109, 791-6995.

Find us on Facebook.

SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: 7 DAYS A WEEK. Monday - Friday. 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. And Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: Serving several pita options, as well as new lighter selections!

WEBSITE: www.ks-cafe.net

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 fourcourse meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

SERVING DINNER: Open every day at 5 p.m. Memorial Day - Labor Day. NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown FEATURING: 70’s menu every Tues.; Special prix fixe menu on Thurs.; 25% off a’ la cart menu on Fri. from 5-7 p.m. and half price bottles of wine on Sun. MUSIC: Fri. & Sat. in summer WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

PINE VALLEY MARKET

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher.

Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their takehome 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: Wilmington South FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

TROLLY STOP

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a family owned franchise with six locations. Since 1976 they specialize in storemade chili, slaw and sauces, and as of more recent – a variety of gourmet sausages and burgers (at participating locations). The types of hot dogs include Beef & Pork, All Beef, Smoked Sausage, Fat-free Turkey (at participating locations), and Soy. Sausages include Bratwurst, Mild Italian, Spicy Beef and Polish Kielbasi. Locations are: 121 N. Front Street open Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. ‘til 4:30 p.m. CLOSED SUNDAYS; (910).251.7799. 94 S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach open Wednesday thru Friday 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. CLOSED MON. AND TUES. (910) 256-1421. 4502 Fountain Drive, (910) 452-3952. Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday; South Howe St. in Southport, open Tuesday thru Fri. 11 until 3, Sat. 11 until 4 CLOSED SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS (910) 4577017. Catering cart available all year from $350. Call Steve at (910) 520-5994.

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

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

WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN SZECHUAN 132

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

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: Lunch Specials

HIRO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

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

Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570.

SERVING DINNER: Open Mon. thru Thursday 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: Hibachi style dining.

WEBSITE: hirojapanesesteakhouse.com/hibachi

INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest.

Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Tues.- Fri. 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

Tamashii Sushi and Spoons

The area’s first sustainably-sourced Sushi and Asian Fusion restaurant features sushi and tasting spoons which offer portions of poke, tartare, and ceviche styles from around the world. Our chef uses locally sourced and line-caught offerings of only the highest quality to create a fresh flavor like no other. Come sample his traditional sushi, as well as signature fusion rolls like the Aloha Roll, made with tempura shrimp, toasted coconut, crispy bacon, charred pineapple and macadamia nut brittle. Our contemporary atmosphere also showcases dishes from our full kitchen such as Miso-Mustard Sterling Silver Pork and small plate offerings. Try a Wasabi or Thai Basil martini or a wine, craft beer, or sake from our unique full-bar list. Tuesdays you can get a half-carafe for the price of a glass! We are located at 4039 Masonboro Loop Road, suite 1A at the junction of Navajo Road in Masonboro Commons. Open from 4:30 to 10:00 Monday through Thursday, and until 11:00 on Friday and Saturday. Just drop in or call 910-703-SAKE for a reservation. Every Tuesday, all night, ladies night.

$5 Appetizer Specials, $7 Drink Specials, $2 Spoons.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch is served on Thursday and Friday 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Dinner is served Mon.-Th.: 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat: 4:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South FEATURING: Special Lunch Menu featuring $10 combos of sushi roll and choice of soup or salad.

“Green Fish” sustainable menu plus a $5 bar menu Monday - Friday 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.sushiandspoons.com

THAI SPICE

From the flavorfully mild to the fiery spiced, Thai Spice customers are wooed by the dish that’s made to their specifications. Featuring a tasteful menu of traditional Thai standards to numerous delectable house specials, it’s quickly becoming the local favorite for Thai cuisine. This family-run restaurant is sure to win you over. If you haven’t discovered this gem, come in and be charmed. Whether it be a daytime delight, or an evening indulgence, your visit will make you look forward to your return. Located in Monkey Junction at 5552 Carolina Beach Rd., Ste. G. (910) 791-0044 SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue.-Th.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sun.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.com

CAJUN BOURBON ST

Inspired by the unmistakable shade of colors of the Southern American tradition, Bourbon St. gives life to the magical experience of enjoying life in Cali, Colombia (the original Bourbon St. location), the unique decoration of a typical New Orleans bar, as it seems to have been extracted from the heart of the French Quarter. The classic French style and the laid-back American culture come together to offer us a unique place where joy can be inhaled at every breath. The authentic Southern decorations in Bourbon St. were carefully selected at antique houses, garage sales and thrift shops found in the streets of the Big Easy. It enables us to offer you the true experience of being in the heart of the French Quarter: Bourbon St. It’s the best place to enjoy with friends, with the rhythm of live music, the classic taste of typical Cajun food, and the best beers available in our market. 35 N. Front St.; (910) 762-4050 SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown FEATURING: Authentic Creole Cajun cuisine, live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday with no cover.

Try our famous charbroiled oysters.

INDIAN TANDOORI BITES

Located on College Road, just opposite Hugh MacRae Park, Tandoori Bites offers fine Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Try one of 74 dishes on their lengthy menu, featuring a large range of side dishes and breads. They have specialties, such as lamb korma with nuts, spices and herbs in a mild creamy sauce, as well as seafood, like shrimp biryani with saffron-flavored rice, topped with the shellfish and nuts. They also have many vegetarian dishes, including mutter paneer, with garden peas and homemade paneer, or baingan bharta with baked eggplant, flamed and sautéed with onions, garlic and ginger.

Join their cozy eatery, where a far east escape awaits all diners, among a staff of friendly and helpful servers, as well as chefs who bring full-flavored tastes straight from their homeland. Located at 1620 South College Road, (910) 794-4540.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-11 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown.

FEATURING: Lunch buffet, which now serves South Indian cuisine.

WEBSITE: www.tandooribites.net.

IRISH THE HARP

The Harp offers the finest in traditional Irish family recipes served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere.

We are proud to use the freshest, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible to bring you and yours the best of traditional Irish fare! We also offer a fully stocked bar featuring your favorite Irish beer and spirits. Located just beside Greenfield Lake Park in downtown Wilmington is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish food and music to the Cape Fear area.

SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER TuesThurs- day 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-11 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Breakfast at 5 a.m. daily.

NEIGHBORHOOD Greenfield Park FEATURING Home-made desserts, ½ priced bottles of wine on Tuesday and the best pint of Guinness in town.

MUSIC Live music every Fri.; Live Irish music 1st Fri. of each month.

WEBSITE www.harpwilmington.com

ITALIAN A TASTE OF ITALY

The authentic Italian cuisine served at Taste of Italy has scored them Best Deli in the Port City for years running now. The Guarino family recipes have been passed down from generation to generation to brothers Tommy and Chris, who serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry diners. They also cater all events, from holiday parties to corporate lunches, including hot meals, cold trays, handmade desserts and an array of platters, from antipasto to cold cuts. In addition, Taste of Italy sells Scalfani products, Sabrett hot dogs and Polly-O cheeses in their market, all the while serving top-notch hot and cold items from their delicatessen. Located at 1101 South College Rd., P. 910-392-7529, F. 910-392-9745 www.ncatasteofitaly. com Open M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.7:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: Ponatone, Pandora, Torrone and gift baskets of all sizes!

WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com

EDDIE ROMANELLI’S

is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas.

Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16 oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak.

Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m.

– 10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South.

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

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub

Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique familyfriendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Penne alla Vodka, Beef Lasagna, and mix-and-match pasta dishes (including a glutenfree penne), Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Add in homemade, hand-tossed, New York style pizzas, 8oz Angus burgers, and deliciously plump chicken wings, and you’ve got a game day in heaven.

Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of small-brewery beers included in their 25-tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have over forty bottled beers, great wines, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat

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Tony’s has two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, efficient service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. It’s all good.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon. - Thurs. 11:00 am - Midnight Fri. & Sat. 11:00am - 2:00am. Sun. 12:00pm - Midnight NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing.

ELIZABETH’S PIZZA

A Wilmington favorite since 1987! At Elizabeth’s you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine, as well as some of your American favorites. Offering delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, beer, and wine.

Elizabeth’s is known for their fresh ingredients, where even the bread is baked fresh daily. A great place for lunch, dinner, a late night meal, or take out. Elizabeth’s can also cater your event and now has a party room available. Visit us 4304 ½ Market St or call 910-2511005 for take out.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

WEBSITE: www.epwilmington.com FEATURING: Daily specials, kids menu and online coupons.

Pizzetta’s Pizzeria

Family-owned and operated by Sicilian cousins Sal and Vito, Pizzetta’s Pizzeria has become Wilmington’s favorite place for homey, authentic Italian fare served with precision and flavor like none other. Made daily from family recipes, folks will enjoy hand-tossed pizzas——gourmet to traditional——specialty heroes and pastas, homemade soups and desserts, and even daily blackboard specials. Something remains tempting for every palate, whether craving one of their many pies or a heaping of

eggplant parm, strombolis and calzones, or the famed Casa Mia (penne with sautéed mushrooms, ham, peas in a famous meat sauce with cream). Just save room for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth garlic knots! Ending the meal with their pastry chef’s carefully crafted cannolis, Tiramisu or gourmet cheesecake, alongside a cup of freshly made espresso or cappuccino, literally makes a perfect end to one unforgett able and desirable meal. Located in Anderson Square at 4107 Oleander Dr., Unit F, Wilmington (910-799-4300) or Pizzetta’s II, Leland, 1144 E. Cutler Crossing, St., Ste 105, in Brunswick Forest.

SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: ILM location: Mon.Sat., 11 a.m., and Sun., noon. • Leland location: Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m. -11 p.m.; Sun., noon - 9:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown Wilmington and coming soon, Brunswick Forest in Leland FEATURING: Homemade pizzas, pastas, soups and desserts, all made from family recipes!

WEBSITE: www.pizzettas.net

SLICE OF LIFE

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

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

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

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

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JAMAICAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE

Tucked in the corner of University Landing, a block from UNCW is the hidden gem of Wilmington’s international cuisine scene - Jamaica’s Comfort Zone.

This family owned restaurant provides a relaxing blend of Caribbean delights – along with reggae music – served up with irrepressible smiles for miles.

From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as curry goat, oxtail, jerk and curry chicken, to our specialty 4-course meals ($12.00). Cook Dana Keels, from Clarendon prepares flavors to please every palate.

SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: Tuesday - Saturday 11:45am - 9:00pm and Sunday 1:30pm - 8:00pm Sunday. Monday - Closed NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown – University Landing 417 S. College Road, Wilmington FEATURING: Weekly Specials updated daily on Facebook WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net

LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFE

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

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon Sat. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and from 5-10 p.m. Closed Sunday.

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

MEXICAN

LOS PRIMOS

Considered Wilmington’s first Authentic Mexican restaurant, Los Primos is quickly gaining a large following among the community. It’s entirely home cooked menu features local favorites such as tacos dorados de pollo, coctel de camarones, pozole and a selection of the best tacos a la parrilla north of Mexico. This restaurant is an absolute must for anyone who wants to taste the true favors of Mexico. Located at 3530 Carolina Beach Rd., between the two intersections of Independence Blvd. and Shipyard Blvd. (910) 859-8145 SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs.: 10:30am-8pm; Fri.-Sat.: 10:30am-9pm; Sun.: 10:30am-6pm NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South FEATURING: Chiles Rellenos, Tamales, Pollo Enchilado, Mole con Pollo, Azado de Res WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/Restaurantprimos

ORGANIC LOVEY’S MARKET

Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for Organic and Natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a Veggie Burger, Hamburger or a Chicken Caesar Wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar-which has cold salads and hot selections can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out. The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with Organic fruits and vegetables.

Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of Local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries Organic Grass-Fed and Free-Range meats and poultry. WheatFree and Gluten-Free products are in stock regularly, as are Vegan and Vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also car-

ries 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: Midtown FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, New Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. Newly expanded.

WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com.

TIDAL CREEK CO-OP KITCHEN

Come dine-in or take-out from the newly renovated Co-op Kitchen at Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market. You can fill your plate or box with hot bar and salad bar items that are prepared fresh daily in our kitchen. Made-to-order sandwiches, like the Tempeh Reuben, are served hot off the Panini grill. The Co-op Café offers organic smoothies and fresh juices; local wheatgrass shots; fair trade organic coffee, lattes, and chai tea; and our newest addition of Lenny Boy kombucha tea on tap. Don’t forget our baked-fromscratch baked goods! The Co-op Kitchen provides menu items that appeal to everyone, regardless of dietary demands.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

WEEKEND BRUNCH: Sat & Sun, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

SALAD BAR: Mon. - Sun, 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

SANDWICHES: Mon. - Sun, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

BAKERY & CAFE: Mon. - Sun, 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: indoor/outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi WEBSITE: www.tidalcreek.coop

SEAFOOD DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington.

Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 7622827.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

EAST

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

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

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

WEBSITE: www.blockade-runner.com

HIERONYMUS

Hieronymus Seafood is the midtown stop for seafood lovers. In business for over 30 years, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by constantly providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in local seafood. It’s the place to be if you are seeking top quality attributes in atmosphere, presentations, flavor and ingenuity. Signature dishes include Oysteronymus and daily fresh catch specials. Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering services.

Voted “Best Seafood” in 2011. 5035 Market Street; 910-392-6313; hieronymusseafood.com SERVING LUNCH & DINNER

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: Fireside oyster bar.

WEBSITE: www.hieronymusseafood.net

OCEANIC

Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable wedding receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome.

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

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

WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster BaR

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar is thrilled to now serve customers in its new location at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622).

It’s 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 poboys, fresh salads, and more. Come in a check out Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time! The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd.; (910) 458-7380.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Sat 11am-2am; Sun noon-2am NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown FEATURING: Daily lunch specials, join the mailing list online WEBSITE: www.pleasureislandoysterbar.com

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.

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 sportsthemed 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: 11am-2am daily.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD pro-

jector TVs in Wilmington.

WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com

FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE

Serving up the best bar food for any local sports fan, Fox & Hound has appetites covered. Located next to Mayfaire Cinema 16, it’s no question that Fox is a great place to go on date night, or to watch the big game on one of the restaurant’s six large projection screens and 19 plasma televisions.

Guests can also play pool, darts or video games in this casual-theme restaurant. For starters, Fox offers delicious appetizers like ultimate nachos, giant Bavarian pretzels and spinach artichoke dip.

In the mood for something more? Try the handbattered Newcastle fish ‘n’ chips or chicken tenders. From cheeseburgers and sirloins to salads and wood oven-inspired pizzas, Fox has plenty to choose from for lunch or dinner. Finish the meal with a 6-inch Great Cookie Blitz, a chocolate chip cookie baked fresh to order and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s syrup.

920 Town Center Drive, (910) 509-0805.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11am– 2am, daily NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: $5.99 lunch specials and free pool until 2p.m. Monday through Friday MUSIC: Trivia with Party Gras Entertainment DJ every Thursday at 9pm WEBSITE: www.foxandhound.com

HELL’S KITCHEN This is downtown Wilmington’s Sports Pub! With every major sporting package on ten HDTVs and our huge HD projection screen, there is no better place to catch every game in every sport. Our extensive menu ranges from classics, like thick Angus burgers or NY-style Reuben, to lighter fare, such as homemade soups, fresh salads and vegetarian options. Whether meeting for a business lunch, lingering over dinner and drinks, or watching the game, the atmosphere and friendly service will turn you into a regular. Open late 7 days a week, with free WiFi, pool, and did we mention sports? Free downtown lunchtime delivery on weekdays; we can accommodate large parties. (910) 763-4133.

SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown FEATURING: 1/2 priced select appetizers Monday -

Thursday 4-7 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

SMALL PLATES The Fortunate Glass

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

SERVING EVENINGS: Tues.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-12 a.m.

Fri. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.-2.a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.12 a.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown FEATURING: Free Wine Tasting: Tues. 6-8pm.

Bubble and wine specials: Wed. & Thurs. Monthly food & wine pairing events.

WEBSITE www.fortunateglasswinebar.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET

In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” 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

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INT O P

3

R E AT T

S

PL

3 ITEMS F O R $12 . 9 9 !

THREE POINT PLATTERS OUR NEW THREE POINT PLATTERS LET YOU CREATE THE WINNING PLAY. FROM OUR HOMEMADE HOT SHOTS TO OUR SIGNATURE BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP, THE COMBINATIONS ARE ENDLESS. WATCH YOUR FAVORITE GAMES WHILE YOU PICK THREE ITEMS ALL FOR ONE LOW PRICE! NOW YOU JUST HAVE TO DECIDE...LET THE MADNESS BEGIN.

WILMINGTON LINEUP: FEB 21ST - FEB 23RD lineup

thursday

friday

saturday

WILMINGTON

TRIVIA NIGHT

THE BIBUS ELLISON BAND

MACHINE GUN

LANDFALL CENTER

|

44 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

1331 MILITARY CUTOFF ROAD

|

910-256-3838

| WILDWINGCAFE.COM

multi-cultural ilm:

//GRUB

South ‘n France and Italian Gourmet Market offer international flavor

I

n our last edition of

“multi-

cultural ILM,” we explored two unique and authentic grocers—one that specialized in Russian and Polish items, and the other in Asian. For this portion of the series, which will continue throughout 2013, we will travel to France for sweets, and later to Italy for gourmet items and coffee.

South ‘n France 822 Orange St. • 762-6882 www.southnfrance.com “Bon bons are like the cousins of chocolate truffles.” This is the way Pascal Siegler, co-owner of South ‘n France, describes his store’s specialty product. Bon bon is the word used to describe all kinds of candy in France. However, with his wife, Charlene Dupray, Sielger runs the only place in Wilmington that makes chocolate bon bons. The sweet confections stand alone and are rolled into a small ball before getting hand-dipped in chocolate.

“Most people have heard of bon bons, but have no idea what they really are,” Dupray says. “It’s great fun to teach people the definition of a bon bon, show them how they are made, and introduce them to a culinary experience they’ve not had before.”

While Dupray is a Wilmington native, Siegler grew up in a small village an hour away from Paris near the Fontainebleau castle. He moved to Paris as a teenager and met Dupray in 1993 while she was vacationing in Paris. Dupray noticed Siegler, who at the time was working in an ice cream parlor.

“I say it was destiny,” Dupray muses.

“Pascal, of course, calls it ‘le destin.’”

The two eventually spent some time living in Manhattan where Siegler worked as a maître d’ at Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant Daniel. According to Siegler, being in the food industry has always been a part of his life—he’s worked as a sous chef, a saucier, a waiter, an ice-cream maker and now a bonbon artist.

“My mother is a terrible cook—I think that’s why I got interested in food,” Siegler concedes. “When you’re French, food is in your blood, so to have a mother who doesn’t cook well is a tragedy! I wanted to eat well and I knew I was going to have to do it myself. Even as a child my favorite thing, whenever I had some pocket money, was going to the local butcher shop to buy a piece of dried sausage or salami.”

After years of living in New York, the couple felt an itch to return to the “sweeter, more relaxed lifestyle” in Dupray’s hometown. Siegler and Dupray have now lived in

no

by Alex Pomplia tor encore contribu Wilmington making bon bons for the past seven years.

“We wanted a business that reflected both of our cultures,” Dupray tells. “Bon bons may be French, but our flavors have a Southern twist.”

Flavors run the gamut, from peanut “buttah” to coconut, chocolate-chip cookie dough to fudge brownie, cookies ‘n crème to pistachio, and café au lait to their seasonal favorietm, pumpkin (available October 1st through Thanksgiving only).

Seigler says creating bon bons is a very tedious process. First, they make the bonbon centers, roll them and chill them. Then, they’re dipped in chocolate one by one. The bon bons are chilled again to create a chocolate shell (in French called a “croquant”), and then they’re wrapped in colorful foils.

“We do not use any special tools,” says Siegler. “We add no preservatives or stabilizers. Simple ingredients, lots of patience, and love—et voilà!”

South ‘n France sells their chocolates online (http://southnfrance.com) and locally through Port City Java. They also host individualized bon-bon parties and offer “singing telegrams,” as each sweet treat comes with a song sung by owner Charlene Dupray.

Italian Gourmet Market and Café 22 South Front St. • 362-0004 www.thefoodsofitaly.com It’s rare to find a store quite as inviting as the Italian Gourmet Market and Café in downtown Wilmington. When the weather is nice, its doors are always open, with soothing Italian music beckoning folks inside to taste the free samples on display.

The intimate store offers shelves and refrigerators filled with best Italian foods and products. Owner Frank Delia makes sure of it by traveling to Italy annually to hand pick foods and gift items. Delia says he enjoys looking for things that are hard to find, especially if the item brings some joy or memory to one of his customers, wherein he imports items directly from Italy. For example, the Mozzarella di Bufala (a type of mozzarella made from the milk of water buffalo) is flown in fresh from Naples each week.

Delia, who was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a first-generation Italian, meaning both of his parents hail from Italy. His

SWEET SPHERES: Pascal Siegler (center) and his helpers dip bon bons in chocolate by hand at South ‘n France. Courtesy photo by Millie Hollowman.

father is from Calabria in southern Italy and his mother is from an island off the coast of Naples called Ischia.

“I was fortunate to have grown up in a community where much of the population was from European extraction,” Delia says.

“That gave me an appreciation for other cultures and customs.”

Delia made his way to Wilmington when he began to approach retirement; he and his wife looked for a place near the ocean and eventually moved to Topsail Island from the D.C. area. His wife passed away a few years after moving and Delia decided to turn his house into a rental property for the summer months.

While looking for a different home in Wilmington, Delia found a vacant storefront. He thought it would be the perfect home for an authentic Italian Gourmet Market.

“I had thoughts of doing something like this for many years,” Delia explains. “I felt this was also a way of keeping my ties to my native land and have an excuse to go back there at least once a year, which I do.”

Delia has now been operating the market

for some 13 years and is a favorite among tourists as well as locals. Right next door is its café, which serves freshly roasted espresso coffee, cappuccino, and a spectrum of baked goods ranging from croissants to scones, that are made fresh every day.

“Being downtown and catering to a lot of tourists, I felt I had to be different,” Delia admits. “My mother was a great cook and we ate well. Growing up, I felt the meal was the highlight of the day. Now that I have a market, I wanted to make sure I had all the things that I enjoyed eating and that started [my food appreciation].”

For first-time visitors of the Italian Gourmet Market, Delia recommends their variety of fresh and frozen ravioli—four cheese; spinach and cheese; lobster; red pepper and smoked mozzarella; and mushroom are just a few of the options for ravioli. Other customer favorites include an extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar combo from Sicily and a unique bruschetta seasoning from Bologna.

“We have had customers say they enjoy coming to the store, for it gives them the feeling of being in Italy,” Delia says. “Everyone is welcome, whether they just enjoy tasting our samples or just like to hear the Italian music we have playing.”

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 45

extraextra!|

46 SKATE FUNDRISER 48 CROSSWORD 50 THREADS 52-71 CALENDAR,TOONS,HOROSCOPES, PET OF THE WEEK ETC.

shredding trails

s

by Trent William l Run for Ray Trai 7 a.m. , rd 23 Sat., Feb. e Park, Brunswick Natur 3 River Road NC 13 om www.runforray.c

The Run for Roy foundation supports Cancer relief and skateboarding

“R

ay was everything to every-

one who knew him,” Kerry Underhill says of her husband. “He was that true friend you could go to in times of crisis. I was always in awe of the person he was.”

Held in honor of the Ray Underhill, who passed away in 2008 due to complications from Chordoma, The Run for Ray Trail event will take place on February 23rd at Brunswick Nature Park in Leland. Proceeds raised will go to the Chordoma Foundation. An extremely rare cancer, involving a tumor at the base of his brain, the foundation was started in 2007 by Josh Sommer, a Chordoma cancer survivor and activist.

Underhill was a pro-skateboarder for PowellPeralta Bones Brigade, a collective of the best skateboarders the sport could offer during its maturation in the late ‘80s. Best buddies with oldschool skateboarders like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero and other pioneers of early skateboarding, Underhill and friends are the ones who built the sport from the ground up.

Underhill skated for many years for Powel-Peralta before getting married and moving to the East Coast. In Wilmington he served as art director at Eastern Skate and Supply (6612 Amsterdam Way, Wilmington), working with their graphics department to create board designs. He became a father to his son, Keaton, in 1995 and had a daughter, Olivia, in 2000.

Diagnosed with Chordoma in 2006, he fought for two years, undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy. He passed away August 1st, 2008.

Underhill’s condition was so rare, there was no known protocol to try and counter the disease besides surgeries and proton radiation.

“Even during his illness, I was in awe of his courage and strength,” his wife continues. “I wish I had his patience, sense of humor, wit and cooking abilities. During his illness, the things that we all take for granted in life became such a chore for Ray. No matter the ordeal brought to us, the tumor

46 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

never robbed him of his spirit, his love for life [or] his love for his family.”

He will be remembered for his achievements both on the skateboard, as well as his kindness and outgoing spirit within the community through the Run for Ray Trail. There are three trail lengths the runners can choose to embark upon, including a 3-mile, 9-mile and 18-mile track (two of the 9-mile trails). Runners should keep in mind that this is a trail-running event, and some of the terrain can be technical, hilly and challenging in certain areas; though this is much of the fun that comes from trail running.

Those who plan to enter should attend the Early Packet Pickup on Friday, February 22nd, at Two Wheeler Dealer at 4408 Wrightsville Avenue, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This includes the Run for Ray Tshirt and each runner’s personal number. Participants can also pick up their packets the day of the race under the gazebo/picnic area of the park, which will begin at 7 a.m. The longer trails [18 and 9 miles] will begin around 8:30 a.m. and the 3-mile trail will begin closer to 9 a.m. Registration is also available online at www.runforray.com encore interviewed John Morgan, a friend of Underhill’s and the director and creator of the fund-raising event. encore (e): How did the connection from skateboarding to trail running come about?

John Morgan (JM): Basically, a guy I worked with, Bobby Brandon, and I were into running trails. We were brainstorming a way to help out the family and do what we could for Ray, so we set up this event to raise money for the Ray Underhill Foundation. The foundation gives proceeds to both Ray’s family and donates to the Chordoma Foundation.

Josh Sommer, the founder of CF, is a survivor of Chordoma himself. He’ll actually be there running in the race on Saturday, so it’s pretty exciting to see all this support. e: How hard can runners expect the trails to be?

JM: It’s not the most technical trail I’ve ever run; the main thing is to be conscious of following runners; let them past if they’re going faster than you and sort of ease to the side of the trail. We don’t allow headphones either so you can hear behind you, mainly because it’s a single track. We want everyone to be safe out there, but we also want to allow faster runners to run their best time. e: Is it a trail that requires any certain shoes or can any running shoe conquer it?

JM: Some trails you need specific trail shoes, but you won’t need anything like that on this one. It’s good on your knees. e: I saw on your website that runners were holding decks up at the end of the race.

JM: Those are given to the top three finishers, both male and female of each distance division [3, 9, and 18 miles]. They all get a custom board from Powell-Peralta. They’ve been a longtime sponsor; they’ve been making and donating the boards for us for years. However, everybody this year that finishes the race will get a little something nice we’ve planned out. e: How successful has the event been in the past couple of years?

JM: Every year it’s been insane. Over four years, we’ve raised give or take 20,000 dollars. We usually handle around 300 runners per event, it’s always been an awesome turn out.

In addition to the fund raising and racing, The Southhammock Bluegrass band will also be performing the morning of the race for those who are staying back and supporting runners.

Supporters of the event include a long list of active companies in both the Wilmington community and the rest of the country. Admission ranges anywhere from $25 to $45 depending on what length participants plan on running. All major credit cards are accepted both at the early pickup or on the day of the event.

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

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Maria Chicchetti Owner/Operator maria@nailstherightway.com 21 South 2nd Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 399-4880 (910) 338-6981

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For Tickets and more information

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

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 47

creators syNDIcate © 2013 staNley NeWmaN

WWW.staNXWorDs.com

2/24/13

the NeWsDay crossWorD Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

mUsIcal mIscellaNy: tied together at 79 & 98 across

by S.N. across 1 thorough investigation 6 brings together 10 anacin alternative 15 Fr. ladies 19 ryder rival 20 mild oath 21 Kick back 22 Went on horseback 23 Birth of Venus painter* 25 Plastic packaging* 27 boomers’ kids 28 Phil or steve of skiing 30 Foster Grant competitor 31 straddling 35 chicago mayor before emanuel 36 Desert storm missile 37 country gent 38 Golfer’s wear 39 elevates 43 Gang territories 44 Disneyland meetable character* 46 homeland security agcy.

47 lawn tool 48 sulk 49 babysitter, at times 50 complete filming 51 be in the red 52 tilted tuscany attraction* 56 suffix meaning “eater” 57 high jumper of a sort 59 Donut coating 60 orator, often 61 mid-atlantic capital 62 outfielder’s gear 63 Unusual collectible 64 Key of bach’s mass 66 Fortune 500 machinery giant

67 32 pieces + board 70 Does business with 19 across 71 legendary screen dancer* 73 In favor of 74 bed-and-breakfasts 75 curtain holders 76 Down-home theater 77 When compared to 78 suffix denoting jargon 79 song that mentions all the starred answers 83 the ones right here 84 bow-tie pasta 86 Improves, as skills 87 check payee, perhaps 88 Flamenco cheers 89 tic-tacs rival 90 hubs 91 Detach, as a clothespin 94 certain oPec minister 95 many a Food Network host 96 Pâté ingredient* 98 composer of 79 across 104 cat, in catalonia 105 Well-practiced 106 timeline slices 107 WWII sub 108 son of 92 Down 109 approvals 110 bit of progress 111 they’re a scream DoWN 1 West ham watering hole 2 Frat letter 3 Feedbag morsel 4 Nevertheless 5 cure-all drinks

6 a question of location 7 sushi bar layout 8 half of mccc 9 Winter wear 10 robin’s skill 11 less than trusting 12 high fashion mag 13 actor Kilmer 14 title character of a blatty novel 15 literary alter ego 16 old testament kingdom 17 author Ferber 18 spotted 24 relinquish legally 26 DVD player button 29 Natural balm 31 houston hurlers 32 Put up a fuss 33 thanksgiving ritual* 34 swarming 35 Kitchen gadget 36 health club amenity 38 treacherous one 39 shake awake 40 ozone layer’s locale* 41 customary practice 42 origami need 44 lawn tool 45 Pale yellow 48 man with a van 50 Jeopardy! answer starter 52 records, as cable programs 53 made eyes at 54 regional plants 55 covers with concrete 56 Prada purchase 58 Prohibitions 60 ask about 62 Formation fliers 63 cricket sound

64 legal memorandum 65 high-IQ club 66 rapper who sells earphones 67 Guitar-tone changers 68 blackboard accessory 69 copier powders 71 hoops ref calls 72 big bags 75 Do Dungeons & Dragons

77 the one yonder 79 Ivy leaguer 80 Poetry, opera, painting, etc.

81 crescent tip 82 lured 83 Police radio affirmative 85 california prison city 87 road runner sound 89 Fancy flapjack 90 toy holder

91 92 93 94 95 97 99 100

australian boots Genesis 6-9 VIP sheep shelter currier partner extended family chemical ending rock to refine box-score column header 101 overly 102 have something 103 aclU concerns

reach stan Newman at P.o. box 69, massapequa Park, Ny 11762, or at www.stanXwords.com

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Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner • Located in the Holiday Inn Resort, Wrightsville Beach • wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com • 910-256-2231 48 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

Great Live Music Ever y Weekend!

Cruisers Car Wash and Detail Centers 2013

The Cruisers team sincerely thanks you for voting us the #1 Car Wash in Wilmington for 11 consecutive years!

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encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 49

threads|

a directory of local style for women and men

CAROLINA BEACH ISLAND CHIC CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

www.encorerestaurantweek.com

716 N. Lake Park Blvd.

910-458-4224 Mon.-Wed.: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thurs.: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Free wine night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekly) Fri.-Sat.: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sun.: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.islandchiccb.com We are a designer-style consignment boutique striving to carry the best designer brand names and the latest styles at the best prices. We carry fine brands from Anne Taylor and Banana Republic, to Lilly Pulitzer and Michael Kors. Our assortment of clothing, from evening wear to casual wear, features a blend of new and slightly used items, also including shoes, handbags, and accessories that are chic, contemporary, and stylish! Our prices are

8 DAYS OF DEALS!

more than 50% less than the original prices.

We also carry a unique variety of brand new gifts for all ages and tastes, including new jewelry (some items are handmade by local artists), scarves, socks, frames, wine glasses, and many monogrammed items.

We provide you with personal attention and quality merchandise at an excellent value in friendly, comfortable surroundings!

DOWNTOWN COASTAL KICKS

201 N. Second St. 910-859-7451 Mon.-Fri.: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sat.: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sun.: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.coastalkicks910.com With exclusive sneakers, clothing, hats, and accessories for men and women that are not found in any other stores in the area, Coastal Kicks is Wilmington’s premier sneaker boutique. Stop by, check us out, try on a pair of shoes. We guarantee you’ll see something you’ve never seen before.

island passage ELIXIR

encore

RESTAURANT WEEK

MARCH 13-20, 2013

The Port City just got a little tastier

4 Market St. (910) 762-0484 Mon.-Thurs.: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fri.-Sat.: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sun.: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. www.islandpassage.com Island Passage Elixir carries fun and stylish brands from top designers! Elixir is one of five of our beloved boutiques in the Wilmington area. Our sister stores include Return Passage, Island Passage in Lumina Station, Canopy Outfitters and Maritime Passage.

WILMINGTON NORTH bloke

120. S. Second St. Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. www.wilmington-art.org Punctuating its modern and casual men’s clothing with a rustic interior, Bloke is transforming the way Wilmington’s men dress.

Upon opening in 2010, they quickly became Wilmington’s premier men’s shop. The welcoming atmosphere and affordable style ensure that Bloke’s customers stay casually well dressed. With brands such as French Connection, Big Star, Civil Society, Jedidiah, and WeSC they offer a wide variety of unique options, including locally made products, to help update any guys’ style.

50 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com

ISLAND CHIC: Styles change daily so visit the upscale consignment boutique at 716 N. Lake Park Blvd. today. Photo by Bethany Turner

“Main Attractions”

Thalian Hall

Center for the Performing Arts

TAMMY PESCATELLI: FINDING THE FUNNY

Thursday, February 28th at 8pm

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Hilarious Comedian and winner of Comedy Central’s Stand Up Showdown

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW! Thalian Hall Box Office (910) 632.2285 or visit www.thalianhall.org

Since 1858 • One of America’s Most Historic Theatres Media Partners

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 51

events 5TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS Thursday, 2/21, Wilmington Convention Center, 4:30pm. Join the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation as Matthew Robbins talks about his life in event planning and floral design with local interior designer Randy Aldridge. He will again teach guests how to make a floral arrangement—to take home!

Don’t forget to bring your clippers and creative juices to this special fifth year event.

Light bites will be served alongside beer and wine from Coastal Beverage. This event has sold out every year. Reserve your seat or table early! This event is presented by Fiore Fine Flowers. www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org BIG READ Forward Motion Dance Company presents: “The Last Flapper,” 2/21, 7pm. Forward Motion Dance Company offers a series of interdisciplinary performances inspired by the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, who embodied the glamour of The Jazz Age of the 1920’s and 1930’s interwoven with personal tragedy and instability. New dance works choreographed by Tracey Varga and set to music of the Jazz Age, including musicians Duke Ellington and blues legend Bessie Smith will be presented. “Reflections”, a dance piece set to music by local musician Grenoldo Frazier and inspired by the Cameron Art Museum exhibit Recollection: The Past is Present (2010), will be presented as well as “ Wounded Restoration”

2/21: FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS Head down tot the Wilmington Convention Center this weekend to learn all about flowers, floral design and its magical beauty. The 5th annual Festival of Flowers will feature a talk with Matthew Robbins about his life as an event planner and with local interior and floral designer Randy Aldridge. He will hold a workshop on arranging the most spectacular display, so bring your clippers and creativity to let it all pour out! Light refreshments and beer and wine will be served; get tickets now! $50, fund-raiser for LCF Hospice. set to music from the opera “Bajazet” by Antonio Vivaldi. A solo inspired by Zelda’s obsession and study to become a ballerina, danced by Linda Larson to the music The Parade of the Wooden Soldier, will be premiered. Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, Cameron Art Museum. • Fri. 2/22, 7pm, and Sun. 2/24, 3pm: “Behind the Scenes” Preview: dance & readings by Rhonda Bellamy, Suggested donation: $5. Live music by the Benny Hill Quartet CAM Members and Students: $5/GA, $10. Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, Cameron Art Museum. Live music by The Benny Hill Quartet (Friday night and Sunday afternoon performances) celebrating the Jazz Era and readings of Zelda’s life and excerpts of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s literary works read by presenter Rhonda Bellamy (Thursday and Friday evening performances) will be interwoven with dance by the Forward Motion

52 encore encore|february 52 | february20-26, 20-26,2013| 2013 |www.encorepub.com www.encorepub.com

Dance Company and guest performers. Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, Cameron Art Museum, 17th Ext. and Independence Blvd. As part of The Big Read Greater Wilmington in celebration of The Great Gatsby: http://thebigreadwilmington.com ACS SPRING HOME SHOW ACS Spring Home Show, 2/22-24, 11am-9pm, Fri; 10am-8pm, Sat; 10am-6pm, Sun. Looking for new ideas and ways to save money on your next home improvement project? Come to the Wilmington Spring Home Show. Parking is available in the attached Wilmington Convention Center Parking Deck, and admission is free.

HALLELU TRUNK SHOW 2/22, 5-7pm: Spring 13 Trunk Show, by Hallelu and Reborn Designs, feat. free food, music, discounts, giveaways and more! 10% of each purchase will go to the charity of your choice. Hallelu 84 Waynick Blvd WB

MOORES CREEK NTL BATTLEFIELD Moores Creek National Battlefield is pleased to announce plans for the 237th Anniversary, 2/2324. Living historians will be on the battlefield during the celebration demonstrating the day-to-day life of a colonist along with musket and cannon firing demonstrations throughout the celebration.

Family events, including children’s games, candlestick making, and a chance to dress up as a colonist will be available. Learn the significance of The Battle of Moores Creek and the important role North Carolinians played in the fight for freedom.

This event is free to the public and promises to be fun for the whole family. BBQ and hot dogs will be provided by the Atkinson Fire Department.

Also hosting lectures in Patriots Hall starting at pm, with Larry S. Earley, author of, “Looking for Longleaf: The Fall and Rise of an American Forest,” speaking about longleaf pines and the naval stores industry in colonial North Carolina. Special Superior Court Judge and Pender County native Gary E. Trawick, author of, “Born in Reconstruction: The Story of Pender County, 1524-2012,” will entertain the crowd with stories about the area’s impact on colonial North Carolina. 40 Patriots Hall Drive Currie, NC. www.nps.gov/mocr/ event-schedule-2009-2010.htm DOWNTOWN ECONOMIC SERIES Downtown Economic Series, Wed., 2/27, 11:30am-1pm, Wilmington Convention Center.

Presentation on the State of Downtown by WDI President & CEO. Featuring keynote speaker Joe Minicozzi, AICP. Seats $50, Table of 10 for $450.

Corporate sponsorships available.

BRIDE SPEED DATING 2/28, 6pm: Pairing you up with 25 of Wilmington’s most eligible vendors! Why waste days and weeks getting lost in the meat market of the wedding world when you can get one-on-one time with the best Wilmington has to offer? From dresses, to cakes, to flowers, to linens, and more! Get 2 min. each with our exclusive wedding professionals to talk about your big day, or anything you want! Speed Rounds offered at 6pm and 7pm.

Guests of bride & groom just $5/maximum of 4 people per group. Tickets: http://bridalspeeddating-efbevent.eventbrite.com ART FOR ALL 3

The Brooklyn Arts Center is excited to announce Art for All 3, Wilmington’s cutting-edge art show, at the BAC (516 North 4th St, corner of Campbell and North 4th streets) on Friday, Mar. 8, 3-9 p.m., and Sat, Mar. 9, 11am-7pm. Come celebrate Wilmington’s community of local, original artists at Brooklyn Arts Center when 50-plus of the region’s finest present their work in the magnificent BAC. Expect fabulous pottery, paintings, illustrations, sculpture, photography, watercolors, glass, metal, and woodwork, and more, priced perfectly at $25-$250. That’s right, every piece of original fine art for $250 or less! Wilmington’s fabulous food trucks will provide nourishment, the BACcash bar will serve liquid refreshments, and a coffee shop in the courtyard will caffeinate the crowd. Admission is $5 at the door. Admission is good for both days and includes a raffle ticket. Kids 12 and under are free. ATM onsite. www.brooklynartsnc.com CAPE FEAR MATERNITY AND BABY EXPO Join us this year at the 15th annual Cape Fear Maternity and Baby expo. There will be displays and information from the area’s top providers of everything from clothing, toys, and furniture to educational opportunities, medical safety information and much more. There will also be a food corner— come browse and have lunch with Slice of Life Pizza, Coastal Cupcakes and other local favorites.

Local experts will be at the demonstration center showing great how-to’s ranging from home-made baby food to child-proofing your home.

CAPE FEAR WILDLIFE AND EXPO 5th Annual Cape Fear Wildlife Expo, Wilmington (3/15-17). Fri/Sat, 9am-7pm; Sunday 10am-5pm.

The 2013 Cape Fear Wildlife Expo is a family event that features wildlife art and decoy displays; book signings; hunting and fishing products; boats and accessories; truck and ATV displays; fly-fishing and decoy-carving demonstrations; conservation exhibits; outdoor sports guides and outfitters. The expo’s mission is to encourage youth to enjoy the great outdoors through hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports and to heighten public awareness of our natural resources and to encourage conservation of these natural resources. Kids will enjoy interactive activities such as Sensory Safari, Aquatic Trailer, Mallard Madness Laser Shoot, and Kids Gone Wild academic workshops. Celebrity guest Randy Edwards from the History Channel’s “Swamp People” will be on-hand each day for autographs. Admission charge. Location: Wilmington Convention Center and Coast Line Event & Conference Center, Downtown Wilmington, N.C. 910-795-0292; www.capefearwildlifeexpo.com.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS FASHION SHOW 3/15, 12:15pm: Hosted by the UNCW Communication Studies Society, the 11th Annual Dress for Success Fashion Show encourages students to find their voice to stand out against their competition in the professional world. Communication

Calendar entries are due every Thursday by noon for consideration in the following week’s encore. Entries are published for free two weeks out from event date according to space.

Saturday February 23, 2013 Pleasure Island’s Carolina Beach Boardwalk Next to the Courtyard Marriott 11:00am-3:00pm

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEEDS YOUR HELP! Come take a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to support the Special Olympics New Hanover County.

Join us for an afternoon of live music, art, food, a silent auction, classic car show and much, much more. The new addition to the Plunge is the 1st Annual Run-N-Plunge 5k. You are encouraged but are not required to heat up with the 5K run then cool down with the Polar Plunge.

SCHEDULE: 10:00 Run-N-Plunge 5K 11:00 gates open. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, costume contest, DJ, food, friends, art and more.

11:20 5K Awards Under Main Tent 11:00 2:00 Silent auction 1:30 Costume contest 3:00 Line up for the PLUNGE AREA 1 SPECIAL Olympian’s & Plungers Under 15 AREA 2 Plungers 15 and older AREA 3 Plungers & Pooches

3:05 All Plunge

www.plungenhc.com For more information: Special Olympics New Hanover County 302 Willard Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910-341-7253 or TTY Relay 711 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 53

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Studies majors hit the runway for the event, modeling styles in business casual and business professional attire from the Men’s Wearhouse, White House | Black Market, and Belk at Independence Mall. The show teaches students how to dress professionally and helps prepare them by offering tips and advice for interviewing. The event is free and open to the public, and includes door prizes and entertainment. UNCW Warwick Center, 601 South College Rd. EQUESTRIAN FUN SHOW AND EXPO 3/16: The United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) Southeast Coast Region (SECR) is hosting a Fun Show and Expo to benefit local rescue horses in rehabilitation from abuse and neglect.

The Fun Show and Expo will be held at Cross Roads Farm, 1157 Malpass Corner Rd., Burgaw.

Free! All-volunteer run local chapter of USERL has assisted to rehabilitate and find forever homes for over 30 horses since it’s inception in the summer of 2010. Includes a Fun Show with English, Western and Game classes for a fee of $5/class. Vendorsselling everything from horse supplies and equipment to jewelry and food. USERL will also have a vet on hand to complete shots and coggins for your cats, dogs and horses. Please keep cats in a carrier and dogs on a leash. Volunteers Terri Pierce at 910-612-8904 or piermiod@aol. com. Competiton: Ali Buckley at304-685-9462 or horsewoman15@live.com. Rain Date: March 17th, 2013 GUINNESS ST. PATTY’S DAY FEST Guinness St. Patrick’s Day Festival & Parade, on Saturday March 16th, 2013 in downtown Wilmington. Festivities start at 11am with the 13th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by the Friends of Hibernian’s. Begins at N. Front St. traveling south to Dock St., then circling back north on Water St. Spectators can view the parade all along the streets that the parade will be marching through.

Announcements presented from the festival area Main Stage on Water St, in front of the Federal Building. Festival begins after with live music and traditional Irish dancing. Live entertainment with The Malones, The Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dancing, and the UNCW Slainte Irish Dance Club.

Food and beverages will be available for sale, as well as crafts vendors. Presented by The Downtown Business Alliance, Bring It Downtown and CoolWilmington.com, with sponsorship by CBS WILM, Cumulus Radio, Encore Magazine, Guinness Beer. For more information go to CoolWilmington.com.

charity/fund-raisers CANNED GOOD COLLECTION MONTH February is the start of Canned Food Collection Month! We will be collecting canned food donations to be given to the Pleasure Island Help Center on the island. The Veggie Wagon set up this canned food drive to help raise awareness that there is a need for food donations throughout the year, not just specific times of year. Each person that brings in one canned food donation will be entered to win a Veggie Wagon gift basket at the end of the month. The participant must write their name and phone number on the back of a raffle ticket, that we will keep and the winner will be contacted at the end of the month. We want to thank you all in advance for your help and support and look forward to a month filled with lots of yummy food to feed the families in need right here on Pleasure Island, North Carolina.

PLAY AT THE BEACH Thurs. 2/21, 11am-3pm. The Assistance League invites you to its 5th annual Play At The Beach fundraiser to enjoy a fantastic view of the ocean and a fun-filled day playing bridge, canasta, pinochle or any other card game at the Shell island Resort, 2700 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach. Playing-cards will be provided. Groups wishing to play something other than cards can bring the game of their choice. Admission price of $25 per person includes lunch. Beautiful, unique baskets will be raffled. Reservations: mail checks payable to Assistance League of Greater Wilmington, ALGW, 1319-CC, PMB 155, Wilmington, NC 28405 or

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WILMINGTON BIZ CONFERENCE AND EXPO 3/21, 11:30am. NC Governor Pat McCrory will keynote the 2013 WilmingtonBiz Conference & Expo at the Wilmington Convention Center. ilmington region’s largest business event, attracted

more than 2,500 attendees last year. In addition to the Keynote Lunch, the event includes an Expo with more than 100 exhibitors, 16 free seminars on a range of timely business topics and the region’s largest annual networking event.Keynote lunch, where McCrory will talk about his first few weeks in office and his vision for North Carolina’s economy. WilmingtonBiz Expo Hall will open immediately after the lunch and be open from 1:30pm-7pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with exhibitors in areas of Business, Technology, Hospitality and Health & Wellness and enter to win a year of free CloudWyze Internet service, iPads, Kindles and many more great prizes. Seminars available throughout the afternoon. Food and drinks available at WilmingtonBiz AfterHours from 5:30-7p, inside the Expo Hall. Registration and more information is at www.

WilmingtonBizExpo.com.Lunch: $40/person and $400/table of 10. Prereg rqd. Admission to the Expo Hall is $5 if you pre-register online or $10 at the door. Suesan Sullivan at (910) 343-8600 x213 or ssullivan@wilmingtonbiz.com

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call Nancy Tillett, 686-3902 or Betsy Suman, 5123512. Proceeds support philanthropic programs in the community POLAR PLUNGE The 2013 Special Olympics Polar Plunge will take place 2/23, Carolina Beach Boardwalk, next to the Courtyard Marriot. Schedule of events: 9am, 5k registration packet pickup; 10am, Run ‘n’ Plunge 5k; 11-3, Music w/bands and DJ; 11:20, 5k awards at main tent; 11-2, silent auction; 1:30, costume contest; 3pm, Plunge lineup. www.plungeNHC.com. 910-341-7253.

LCFHF OYSTER ROAST UNDER THE STARS 2/22, 6:30pm: Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation caps off the week as Matthew Robbins and his team (with the help of Fiore Fine Flowers) create a unique ambiance under the stars in Battleship Park overlooking the Cape Fear River and Wilmington skyline. Guests will enjoy oysters, fried chicken, BBQ, and beer and wine. As a special treat, guests will make their own dessert at our s’mores bar and dance the night away to one of Wilmington’s favorite party bands, Jack Jack 180. This event is presented by Monteith Construction Corp. A shuttle will be available from Hanover Center.

WILMINGTON RACE FOR THE CURE

Hosted by the North Carolina Triangle to the Coast Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Sat., 3/2, 5K Race/Walks, a Kid Zone and a Survivor Breakfast, all in support of a cause dedicated to saving lives. Last year, funds raised distributed $1.1 million to 19 agencies in the region to provide a continuum of breast health services to underinsured and uninsured women, and contributed another $400,000 for national breast cancer research. To register for the Inaugural Wilmington Race for the Cure, arrange accommodations, or to find out more about Komen for the Cure, visit www.komennctc.org.

CF LITERACY GALA 2013 “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Gala, Sat., 3/3, 6:30pm. Step into a charming, nostalgic evening of elegance and the free-spirited 60’s as we raise funds to make literacy a reality for hundreds of adults this year. Come enjoy a scrumptious dinner, play casino-like games, dance to 360 Degrees, and bid on fabulous items. Check our website for updates. Tickets: www.cfliteracy.org

SENIOR GAMES BY THE SEA Senior Games by the Sea registration deadline is 3/15. Event takes place 4/6-5/9, for athletes and artists 55 and up, competing in 40 sports and four art categories. 910-343-3682 or seniorsofwilmington.com.

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STEVE HAYDU ST. PARTICK’S LO TIDE RUN The Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Day Lo Tide Run is now in it’s 9th year with the 2013 event be held at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Saturday, March 16th. 100% of race proceeds are donated to families fighting cancer who are in financial crisis. 5k, 8:45am, and 10k, 8:30am, w/$30 reg. fee. Raffles, prizes, and race ends on the beach!

Afterparty at CB Boardwalk, w/$15 racer tickets or $20/adv and $25 day of for GA. Kids under 12 free. Kids’ Zone, face-painting, corn hold, live entertainment w/Lynne and the Wave, Groove Fetish and Sucker Punch; volleyball, food and beverages sold onsite or bring your own! www. lotiderun.org or Scott Betz, betz@lotiderun.org/ (910) 368-9523.

SPRING FLING AND FASHION SHOW The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary annualSpring Fling Luncheon and Fashion Show, sponsored by Dillards, Saturday, 3/16, Pine Valley United Methodist Church and Activity Center.

Silent Auction 11-12pm; Luncheon 12-1pm; Fashion Show 1pm. Tickets $20. All proceeds benefit The Salvation ArmyMen’s and Women’s Shelter; 799-4766.

FACES OF COMPASSION 3/16, 6:30pm, Infant of Prague Parish Hall, Jacksonville, NC: A red carpet gala event to benefit the Foundation for Hospice. The Faces of Compassion Gala & Auction is the area’s only mask event, with over 100 ceramic masks, decorated and painted by eastern NC’s artists, crafters, and other creative talents, will be auctioned. These unique masks have been exhibited at the Council for the Arts in Jacksonville and are currently on display at the Art Exposure in Hampstead and will be there until the first week in March. Music

by Ocracoke Island’s award winning Molasses Creek Band; special guests for the evening will be

Miss North Carolina USA and Miss North Carolina Teen USA; jazz saxophonist, Richard Lawton will entertain with smooth jazz. Heavy h’ordeuvres and lots of fun as attendees compete in a silent and a “live” auction for the masks of their choice.

Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased in Jacksonville, Kinston, Hampstead, and New Bern at the Continuum Home Care & Hospice office. Tickets will also be sold at the door; however, seating is limited.888-814-8904 for more information.

PEANUT 5K FUN RUN/WALK Sun., 3/24, 8 am: Start a new tradition with us at our Peanut 5K Fun Run/Walk through the Abbey Nature Preserve. The trail run begins at the Cultural Arts Center (barn) and covers the scenic trails around Abbey Nature Preserve’s Mill Pond and Pine Thicket. Race is limited to 300 runners and walkers combined. Register online at active. com or download the form at poplargrove.com.

Entry fee: $25 pre-reg. by March 3. Fee after: $30.

910-686-9518 ext. 26.

REMEMBERING ANITA HANNA CAR SHOW Sat., 3/30: “Remembering Anita Hanna Car/ Truck/Bike Show,” 8am-3pm. Proceeds to help out Pink Heals. Pre-reg., 3/23, $20. Free to spectators. Harbor Freight Tools, 2636 Carolina Beach Rd. Wheels that Heal: (908) 722- 3404

theatre/auditions THEATRENOW Games of the Heart, page 26. • Charlie Murphy’s Fond Farewell, an Irish Wake, weekends March 1-30, 2013 with a special matinee on Sun. March 17!Doors open at 5:30. Show at 6:30pm. (March 17 time, TBD). Tickets: $42/adult, $30 children

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Serving potato and leek soup with brown bread and butter; Irish corned beef and cabbage with potatoes; Guinness Stout chocolate cake. Tickets on sale soon! www.theatrewilmington.com OPERA HOUSE THEATER CO. She Loves Me, see page 25. • Les Misérables, based on the novel by French poet and playwright Victor Hugo. Set in early 19th-century France, it is the story of Jean Valjean, a burly French peasant of abnormal strength and potentially violent nature, and his quest for redemption after serving 19 years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread for his starving sister’s child. Directed by Suellen Yates.

6/5-9, 14-16 and 21-23. • Main Stage Thalian Hall.

Tickets: $25, (910) 632-2285 or thalianhall.com A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM See page 22.

THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE Playing at City Stage, starring Cullen Moss, Jon Stafford, Zach Hanner, Adam Poole, Kendra Goehring-Garrett, Shane Callahan, Morgan Brown and Lance Oehrlein. Directed by Nick Basta, 2/2224, 8pm. $16. (910) 264-2602 JOURNEY PRODUCTIONS Journey Productions presents the third in our series of Fraktured Faery Tales for a Mid-Winter’s Eve. Written by Aimee Schooley, Cherri McKay, Zach Hanner and directed by Cherri McKay in the Journey style this fast paced, rollicking adventure includes four classic tales. The Princess & the Pea, Lil Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, and the Three Billy Goats Gruff, familiar story plots, rewritten with a contemporary edge. All accompanied with musical parodies of the Black Eyed Peas, Red Hot Chilie Peppers, Little Big Town and Katy Perry. An adventure equaling charming for adults as well as children. “Fraktured Faery Tales for a Mid-Winter’s Eve III” Journey Productions, Thalian Hall, Studio Theatre. 310 Chestnut St. (910) 6322285, 2/21-24, & 3/1-3, Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 8 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 3 p.m. $12. Thursday February 28 Family Night $7 OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS Snead’s Ferry Community Center feat. ‘Over the River and Through the Woods,’ 2/22-24 and 3/13, 8pm with Sun. matinees, 3pm. $5-$10, sold at door day of. 126 Park Lane. Warm family comedydrama by Joe DiPietro, directed by Irene King.

DREAMGIRLS Proudly celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Techmoja Dance and Theater Company, Dreamgirls will be presented at the Historic Hannah Block Communtiy Arts Building. Dreamgirls tells the story of an up and coming 1960’s girl singing group with all the triumphs and tribulations that comes with fame and fortune. March 1-3, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 3pm.

Tickes $12-$15. 910-341-7860.

THE WHO’S TOMMY March 7-10, 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31: City Stage presents The Who’s “Tommy” with Bibis Ellison as The Acid Queen. Music and Lyrics by Pete Townshend; book by Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff; additional music and lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon. Directed and choreographed by David T. Loudermilk. Music by Chiaki Ito. Pete Townshend’s tale of a young boy’s journey from pain to triumph is the most electrifying evening of rock and roll ever to play in a theatre!After witnessing the accidental murder of his mother’s lover by his father, Tommy is traumatized into catatonia, and as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. As an adolescent, he’s discovered to have an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and when his mother finally breaks through his catatonia, he becomes an international pinball superstar. www.citystagenc.com. City Stage/ Level 5, 21 N. Front St. Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm. General seating, free parking.

THALIAN HALL LEGACY DINNER 3/8, 6pm: Craig Schulman, one of Broadway’s most celebrated performers comes to Thalian Hall on Friday March 8th to perform “Heroes, Monsters and Madmen” featuring the best songs from his leading roles. Tickets available for show only or as part of the Thalian Hall Legacy Dinner, which includes 3-course dinner and Schulman performing songs from his leading roles in “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” and more. www. craigschulman.com. Tickets: $150 for dinner and show or $35 for show only.

OPERA HOUSE THEATRE CO. AUDITIONS 3/15, 6:30pm: Opera House Theatre Company announces auditions for the 2013 summer season. Auditions will be for the productions of Les Misérables, Rent, Oklahoma! and Little Shop of Horrors. Auditions for children under the age of 13 will be on Fri., March 15, 6:30-8:30pm. Everyone 13 and over will begin at 9am, Sat., March 16. At the Lucile Shuffler Center, 2011 CarolinaBeach Road. Bring a prepared song and sheet music (an accompanist will be provided). Also come prepared to dance. Roles in all four shows are available for men and women in a wide range of ages, including teenagers. There are roles for children in Les Misérables only. (910) 762-4234.

THALIAN ASSOCIATION 3/21: The Tony Award-winning Best Play, The Miracle Worker, an American classic that illuminates the emotionally explosive relationship between the deaf, blind, mute and willful Helen Keller, and the extraordinary young teacher who eventually breaks through her wall of isolation. • 5/16: Pump Boys and Dinettes: Set in NC, the

musical features a country/pop score in which the actors onstage play all of the instruments as well.

Tony Award nomination for Best Musical when it opened on Broadway in 1982; Broadway revival will open in April starring American Idol alum Bo Bice. The musical follows four hard-working fellas at a rest stop gas station and the waitresses with whom they have a special kinship. Directed and choreographed by Debra Gillingham May 16-26.

Memberships for Thalian Association’s season of productions are now available by calling 910-2511788 or by visiting thalian.org.

WILLIAM AND JUDITH AUDITIONS Auditions for William and Judith, a new play by Cody Daigle and directed by Nicole Farmer, will be held Sat. 3/2, 10am-2pm at the Community Arts Center at 120 S. Second Street, Wilmington, Sunday 3/3, from 10am -2pm, at Brown Coat Pub and Theatre located at 111 Grace Street, Wilmington, and Monday, 3/4, from 7-10pm at the

music/concerts MUSIC AND PUPPENTRY 2/23, 1pm, Main Library, 201 Chestnut St: Jazzy Strings is a lively mixture of puppetry and Big Band, Dixieland and Ragtime music, presented

by Mountain Marionettes from Cedar Mountain, NC. You’ll see Katrina perform on her flying trapeze to George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”; a hula dancer gyrating to Spike Jones’s “Hawaiian War Chant”, and Mr. Bones falling apart when he hears Scott Joplin’s fabulous Ragtime. Other featured tunes include “The Charleston,” “Shine On Harvest Moon,” and “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” This family program is free, courtesy of the Friends of New Hanover County Public Library. It’s offered as part of the Big Read: Greater Wilmington Reads the Great Gatsby. At Main Library, 201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington.

CHAMBER MUSIC ILM Chamber Music Wilmington’s 18th season offers four classical subscription concerts and two classical house concerts.

Subscribe and save to receive: program notes in advance, first priority to the saUNCW’s Kenan Auditorium will open up to a musical lon concerts and special notifications to theater production unlike any other locally. Be sure to “Meet the Artist” opportunities and precheck out Squonk Opera’s Mayhem and Majesty, which concert conversations, www.chamberblends art rock and lots of surreal visuals and opulent musicwilmington.org. Single tickets, $25.

Student & Military discounts available. props. No characters, no plot—just sheer abstraction. A Kenan Box Office: 910-962-3500. • 2/24: modern-day opera that bends the genre and sends it Music Among Friends, a romantic afterto new hallucinatory heights! Tickets are only $22 for noon at the Graystone Inn, with wine, hor d’oeuvres and Brahms. etix.com general admission or $5 for students. Available online

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at www.uncw.edu.

Community Arts Center. Casting All Roles: William Shakespeare, 30-45, Judith Shakespeare, his sister, 25-25, Anne Hathaway, his wife, 25-40, Jude Shakespeare, his daughter, age 14-18, Richard Burbage, his friend and famous actor, 30-45, John Fletcher, Will’s collaborator, 25-40, Thomas Quiney, Jude’s fiancé, 25-35. British accent required. Please bring a photo and resume to the audition. Sides will be provided at the audition site. Please email Nicole nicole.auditionpro1@ gmail.com for an audition time slot.

DIXIE SWIM CLUB Brunswick Little Theatre’s “Dixie Swim Club” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten at 7:30pm, 3/8-10, 15-17, 7:30pm, with Sunday shows at 3pm. Playhouse 211 on H’wy 211 across from St. James, NC. Action centers around summer reunions at the beach for five women who were members and close friends on their college swim team.Directed by Cape Fear Community College theater Dr. George Shafer. www.playhouse211.com. Adults $17, students $12, children 12 and under, $6. Young teens and children may not be interested in the subject matter. www. brunswicklittletheatre.com.

NUTT STREET COMEDY ROOM Improv Group, Wed. Doors 8pm; show at 9pm.

Tickets $2, $5 under 21. Voted Encore’s Best Of Winner (Comedy Troupe) for the second year in a row. • Open Mic Stand-up, Thurs., doors 8pm, show 9pm. Sign Up 7:45 (20-25 comics, 4 minute sets). No Cover, $3 under 21 • March 2-Saturday Night Live Interactive: SNL playing every Saturday night, 11:30pm • March 5-The “Harold” Improv Show: Additional night of Long-Form Improv Comedy. www.nuttstreet.com 255 N. Front Street, basement of the Soapbox.

SQUONK OPERA 2/27, 7pm: Performing at Kenan Auditorium, UNCW, Squonk Opera’s Mayhem and Majesty is the latest in a series of musical theater productions that transcends the genre to hallucinatory heights. There’s no plot or characters, but lots of ingenious art rock from the five-piece band, plus opulent mechanical props and surreal visuals. Mayhem and Majesty is accessible modern opera at its most alluring. $22 GA, $5 students. uncw.edu

(2 Castle Street, 910-231-3379), Gravity Records (612 Castle Street, 910-392-2414), and Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport (211 North Howe Street, 910-457-1129). Cash sales only.

JEREMY KITTEL BAND Sat., Mar. 9, 8pm: A full-time member of the Grammy-winning Turtle Island String Quartet and leader of his namesake band, Kittel’s stylistically diverse, boundary-zapping performances produce a breathless fusion of musical styles – and an audience response that borders on Kittel-mania.

Considered among the leading improvising violinists of his generation, Kittel has collaborated with musical giants including Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Paquito D’Rivera, Stefon Harris and Chris Thile. $14-$25, Thalian Hall. www.thalianhall.com. www. jeremykittel.com OLLI: THE MET The Met: Live in HD feat. by The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNCW; all shows Sat.,12;55pm. Schedule: 3/15: Francesca da Rimini, w/soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek and tenor Marcello Giordani are the doomed lovers. Marco Armiliato conducts. • 4/27 (noon) Giulio Cesare, w/countertenor David Daniels and Natalie Dessay; baroque specialist Harry Bicket conducts.

Season: $235 or indv. $30/ea; $20 for OLLI members. www.uncw.edu/metopera or 910-962-3195 ROYA WEYERHAUESER Roya Weyerhaeuser, world renowned composer and concert pianist, will be performing a benefit concert at Wilmington’s Thalian Hall on 3/16, 8pm. All proceeds from the concert will benefit Welcome Home Angel Inc., a non-profit organization that improves the quality of life for children in Southeastern NC who suffer from debilitating illnesses or injuries. Aside from the support Welcome Home Angel provides for the families of these children, the organization also completely

redesigns the children’s rooms, making each room more enjoyable and comfortable for every child. Tickets: $75 for concert and champagne reception or $30 for concert only. (910) 632-2285.

Michelle Clark at (910) 367-9767 or mclark@intracoastalrealty.com.

NC SYMPHONY All Wilmington concerts at 8pm in Kenan Auditorium, UNCW. Schedule: • 3/22/13: Elgar’s Enigma, w/William Henry Curry, resident conductor.

Mozart: Symphony No. 35, “Haffner,” Wagner: Music from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Elgar: Enigma Variations • Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony, 5/4, w/William Henry Curry, resident conductor. Verdi: Overture to La Forza del Destino, Wagner: Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey from Götterdämmerung, Verdi: Triumphal March and Ballet from Aïda an dTchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique.” ncsymphony.org

LYNYRD SKYNYRD Azalea Festival presents Lynyrd Skynyrd at Festival Site, Cape Fear Community College, 411 N. Front Street, downtown Wilmington, 4/11, 7pm. $40/each. Standing Room General Admission; non-smoking event. Rain or Shine. No Refunds. www.ncazaleafestival.org

AVETT BROTHERS Avett Brothers play the Azalea Festival, Fri., 4/12, 7pm, $45. Festival Site, Cape Fear Community College, 411 N. Front Street, downtown Wilmington. www.ncazaleafestival.org. All tickets are general admission, standing room only. This is a rain or shine event; all tickets are non-refundable.

TIMEFLIES UNCW’s ACE presents Timeflies, 4/25, UNCW Kenan Auditorium. 7pm; with 7:30pm show time. GA: $22 in advance and $25 day of . www.facebook.com/UNCWACE/events#!/

TALLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA The Tallis Chamber Orchestra will present a concert 3/3, 2pm, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wilmington, NC. The concert will feature a new composition titled Native Suite for Native American Flute, Frame Drum and String Orchestra, by local Wilmington composer David Key. The program will also include Mozart’s Symphony #27, Grieg Two Melodies and the Vaughan Williams Concerto Grosso. Free/donations accepted.

NATIVE SUITE David Key, adjunct music instructor and local composer, will perform the premier of his composition, “Native Suite” with the Tallis Chamber Orchestra.

The concert is free, donations appreciated, and will take place Sun., 3/3, at 2pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, corner of 16th Street and Market.

“Native Suite” is in four short movements for Native American flute, frame drum (one of the movements), and orchestra. The piece was inspired

by Key’s own work with the solo instruments, along with his connection to Native American spiritual practices. The Tallis Chamber Orchestra has performed another of his works, “The Artist’s Prayer.” This will be Key’s first time performing with the orchestra.

JAY UNGAR AND MOLLY MASON Grammy winner Jay Ungar and Molly Mason will appear in concert at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1415 South 17th St., Thursday, 3/7, 8pm. Tickets: $20 and available at Ted’s Fun on the River

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WILMINGTON SYMPHONY 3/16, 8pm. Spirit of the Americas at UNCW Kenan Auditorium, Student Concerto Competition Winners First stop in Mexico City for Aaron Copland’s dance-inspired El Salon Mexico followed

by Leonard Bernstein’s jazzy ballet Fancy Free, affirming the engery and vitality of his beloved New York City. Also performing are the winners of the Richard R. Deas Student Concerto Competition.

910-962-3500 or www.wilmingtonsymphony.org.

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TAKES 2SDAYS TO TANGO 4 week series; one class per week-75 minutes.

Cost $35 per couple for series or $10 drop in.

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HIP HOP CLASSES FOR KIDS Hip-hop dance classes for kids will be held at the Fran Russ Rec Center on Wed. 4:15-5pm for K2nd; 5-6pm for 3rd-5th. Reg open for: Session 2, 2/27-4/17; and Session 3, 4/24-6/5. Ea. session contains 7 classes. Pre-reg. rqd. 910-256-7925 or www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com.

BABS MCDANCE Feb. schedule: Mon: 9:15am-10:15am Zumba; 6-7pm Line Dancing; 7-8pm Committed Couples; 7-9pm Bronze/Silver Ballroom • Tues: 6-7pm Zumba; 7-8pm Bronze/Silver Salsa • Wed: 9:15am-10:15am Zumba; 5-7pm Tango Practica/Lesson; 7-8pm Hip Hop; 7-9pm West Coast Swing • Thurs 6-7pm Zumba; 7-9pm Shag/Cha

Cha • Fri. 8-11pm Practice Parties (Vary from week to week). This Month’s Featured Parties: Valentines Day and Tango Milango • Sat: 9-10am Zumba; 10:30-11:30 Rising Stars Kids Class 2nd Saturday; 7-11pm Cape Fear Shag Club Meeting (Open to Public); 3rd Saturday 7:30pm-11:00pm Babs Ballroom Blitz. www.babsmcdance.com info@babsmcdance.com or 910-395-5090. 6782 Market Street LINE DANCING LESSONS The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department is offering beginner Line Dancing lessons with Inez Eason, a former NFL-World League Football Professional Cheerleader. Line dancing lessons are open to anyone at any age. No partners are needed for this fun dance style, and with 1-hour classes held on Sunday afternoons, you can bring the whole family! Four lessons beginning Sun., 3/3, 4-5pm, at the Wrightsville Beach Recreation Center. Pre-registration rqd. in the park office or download registration form, www.towb.org, or call (910) 256-7925.

MOMMY AND ME DANCE CLASSES The Wilmington School of Ballet is offering Mommy & Me Dance classes! Take a fun class with your little one and introduce them to the magic of dance while enjoying the company of other moms and babies in one of our large colorful studios. Class is set to music and will focus on developing a movement vocabulary, coordination, balance, rhythm, stretching, and basic kinetic skills. Yoga-style acrobatics are incorporated to help with flexibility and increased range of motion for both children and adults! (910)794-9590 76’ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB Modern Western Style Square Dance. Club meets Thurs. nights at 7pm at the Senior Center for a new workshop on square dancing. Info: 270-1639

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

Carolina Shag Club, 103 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 620-4025 CONTRA DANCE Tuesday night dances, 5th Ave United Methodist Church on South 5th Ave at Nun, 7:30-9:30pm.

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

TANGO WILMINGTON Tango classes and social dancing, Fridays, Carolina Lounge of Ramada Inn. 5001 Market Street (between College and Kerr). 8-9:45pm. $5 lounge entrance includes beginners’ lesson, 7:30.

art SEAN CARR Local photographer Sean Carr has taken many trips to Guatemala and has been moved to bring about awareness concerning the living conditions the children endure on a daily basis. To learn more, and to get involved please join us for live music, food, wine, craft vendors and photos! Raising money for the orphanage to provide shelter, food and education. All cash donations are greatly appreciated! EarthBound Salon and Day Spa, 4833 Carolina Beach Road Suite 103B. FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT “Fourth Friday Gallery Night” is now coordinated by The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, feat. 16 local art galleries and studios that will open their doors to the public in

an after-hours celebration of art and culture, from 6-9pm, every fourth Friday of the month through 2013. Dates: 2/22, 3/22, 4/26, 5/24, 6/28, 7/26, 8/23, 9/27, 10/25, 11/22, and 12/27.

Rhonda Bellamy at 910-343-0998, 221 N. Front St. Suite 101. www.artscouncilofwilmington.org ARROW ROSS See page 29.

DR. SEUSS’ NATIONAL TOURING EXHIBITION Never-before-seen hats from Dr. Seuss’s Private Collection along with prints & sculpture from the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection. All artwork on exhibition and available for acquisition. 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s second book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, a special Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! exhibition has been mounted that combines these two secret collections. Audrey S. Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, has generously opened up the Estate’s legendary “hat closet” to allow the public a peek at Dr. Seuss’s hat collection. These hats, along with the Secret Art, will travel the country and visit select venues throughout the next year. Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! is an incomparable exhibition as this is the first time any of these hats have traveled outside the Seuss Estate. 2/22-3/10. Gallery at Racine, 203 Racine Dr. 910-452-2073. www.galleryatracine.com CLOSE TO HOME Close to Home opens Friday, February 22nd at New Elements Gallery showcasing new works by the gallery’s artists. Viewers will agree this collection of original paintings, prints and photographs has a decidedly regional flair! With a focus on artists from NC, SC and Virginia, the theme incorporates work that is both diverse in style and content, but all pertaining to the southeastern states. Artists included in the show are Eric Lawing, Catherine Lea, Laura Mostaghel, Owen Wex-

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ler, Priscilla Whitlock, and many more. Opening night reception will be held Friday, February 22nd from 6-9 pm. The exhibition will remain on display through March 16th.

HARBOR ISLAND ARTS Harbor Island Arts presents an art exhibition, Arboretum atrium space, through 5/22. Ongoing exhibit of 2D art work depicting butterflies, perennial gardens and herbs to coincide with the opening of these new areas at the Arboretum. Art work will be for sale, sold through the gift shop and displayed throughout the Hutaff Building Atrium Gallery Space.

NO BLUSHING AFTER DARK Nicolle Nicolle’s remote exhibit “No Blushing After Dark” at Costello’s Piano Bar, presented by Checker Cab Gallery. Can be viewed any evening after 7pm through Feb. 28th. 211 Princess St. www.costellospianobar.com CODICOLOGY Codicology: The Art & Study of the Book will be on view at the Art Gallery at the Cultural Arts Building, 2/28-4/5. “the study of the book as physical objects” or“archaeology of the book” features artwork which studies books through a variety of artistic media: sculpture, photography, painting, drawing and collage. Accompanied by a juror lecture from 4:30-5:30pm, 2/28, room 2033 of the Cultural Arts Building immediately followed by an opening reception from 5:30-7pm, in the art gallery.Both the lecture and opening reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday through April 5.

CHECKER CAB GALLERY Through 3/8: “Spontanium” an exhibit if the encaustic creations of Charles Robertson. His use of this 2000 year old medium is unparalleled.

Tuesday through Thursday 12-5, Friday and Saturday 12-7; by appt for private viewings. (910) 338-3711. 20 Wrights Ave. checkercabproductions.com.

ART EXPOSURE Artists will be “In Action” demonstrating Fri. March 8th from 6-8pm and again on Saturday, March 9th from noon -4pm. ArtExposure: 22527 Highway 17, Hampstead, CA ARTFUL LIVING GROUP Artful Living Group launches online shopping site, ArtfulLivingGroupShopping.com. Since opening early 2011 the shop has amassed a collection of fine art and handcrafted, fun functional gifts from over 200 artists. And has formed a following of loyal customers from around the world through the summer vacation seasons. Now people can give a coastal gift or purchase a piece of jewelry from one of their favorite local artist anytime of the year. Listing is free to artists that are represented

by Artful Living Group, which is another benefit for our local artists. Artful Living Group, LLC is located on Carolina Beach, NC and includes a retail shop, 4 working artist studios, art classes, and rotating art exhibits in the upstairs gallery. 910-4587822 or info@ArtfulLivingGroup.com WILMINGTON ART ASSOCIATION Stop by our new permanent exhibit gallery space soon at the historic Hannah Block USO building at 120 South Second Street in downtown Wilmington. Art work changes monthly so drop by and see what’s new, the gallery has great north light! Receptions will be held on 4th Friday evenings from 6 to 9pm. Call for artists to enter the 31st Annual Spring Show during the Azalea Festival. See the details and prospectus on the WAA website.

PROJEKTE Weekly events: 2nd and 4th Wed, open mic; 1st and 3rd Wed, Projektion Theater Film Series, feat. subversive and foreign films and documentaries,

8-10pm; Thurs., “Just A Taste,” free weekly wIne tasting and live music; 1st & 3rd Fri., Kersten Capra 9:30pm; 4th Fri., Brazilian Bossa Nova with Rafael Name & guests, 9pm-12pm..

523 South 3rd St. 910-508-8982. www.theprojekte.com

museum BATTLESHIP NC Statewide NC QSO Party: An Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club Event, 2/24, noon-10pm.

The Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club will operate from the Battleship NC during the North Carolina QSO Party. Annual “HAM Radio” allows amateur radio operators worldwide to contact as many of NC’s 100 counties as possible. Licensed radio amateurs are invited throughout the year to be guest operators on the air from Radio Central using call sign NI4BK. http://AC4RC. org. Highways 17/74/76/421 on the Cape Fear River. www.battleshipnc.com CAPE FEAR MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Fragments of War, feat. scraps of fabric, torn paper, tattered flags, a uniform patch, which tell us about people’s Civil War experiences. Closes 5/5 • Shopping Around Wilmington: In an era before mega-malls, online ordering and big-box stores, shopping in Wilmington centered around downtown. Museum will explore ways in which increasing suburbanization changed people’s retail experiences. EVENTS: Volunteer Open House held first Wed. of mo. Opportunities are available in museum store, working with the historic collection, and as an education docent. • Building Wilmington, 2/23, 1-4pm. Conduct fun and creative building experiments to explore Lower Cape Fear architecture. Parental participation is required. • Cape Fear Skies: Starlit Romance, 2/20, 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm. Bring your sweetheart and join us in the intimate setting of Star Lab. Hear what secret tales of romance the stars have whispered since time began. Parental participation is required. • • Hours: 9am-5pm through 9/10; Tues-Sat; 1-5pm, Sun. $7 for adults; $6 for students with valid ID and senior citizens; $6 special military rate with valid military ID; $4 for children 3-17; and free for children under 3. Museum members admitted free. 814 Market St. 910-7984367. www.capefearmuseum.com.

2/21: POETRY AND ART UNCW students will head over to the Cameron Art Museum on the 21st at 7:30 p.m. to present their latest writings. This night of Poetry and Art is headed by Professor Michael White of UNCW’s Department of Creative Writing. Students have written in response to the current exhibits hanging at CAM. Free with museum admission; CAM is located at the corner of Independence Blvd and 17th Street Ext. work of Zelda Fitzgerald with 32 framed artworks created from 1927 through the late 1940s, on loan from the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and Ms. Eleanor Lanahan, granddaughter of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, along with reproductions of historical photographs from the F. Scott Fitzgerald Papers of Princeton University Library.

• Through 4/14: From Gatehouse to Winehouse: Inside the Artist’s Workplace: Minnie Evans, Elisabeth Chant and Claude Howell,” Pancoe Art Education Center’s Seagrove and Contemporary Pottery in the Exhibition Cases • Through 3/10: The Transformative Power of Friendship, feat. generous gifts of art from private collectors, including color etchings by Impressionist Mary Cassatt given by Thérèse Thorne McLane and Japanese woodblock prints by Edo period artists Hiroshige and Kunisada II given by Dr. Isabel Bittinger. • Jazz at the CAM Series w/Cape Fear Jazz Society through 4/2013, 6:30-8pm, 1st Thurs. ea. mo. in Weyerhaeuser Reception

Hall. Individual: CAM/CFJS Members: $7 or nonmembers: $10; students, $5. 3/7: Roger Davis, Nina Repeta and Madafo Lloyd Wilson.

4/4: Doug Irving Quartet. • Forward Motion Dance Company presents: “The Last Flapper,” and “Behind the Scenes” Preview: dance & readings by Rhonda Bellamy, see “events” listing. • 2/21, 7:30pm: Poetry and Art: Museum Admission. Reading by UNCW graduate students in response to the current exhibitions at the Cameron Art Museum, under the direction of Professor Michael White of the Department of Creative Writing. • 2/24, 3pm: Dana Sachs, author, The Secret of the Nightingale Palace, Brown Wing Film Room and BW Japanese Prints Gallery. Museum admission. Sach’s latest work seamlessly blends contemporary and historical elements inspired by her own history as a Jewish American and the inspiration for Goldie comes from her own centenarian grandmother. • Music by Grenoldo Frazier to celebrate the Jazz Age, Thurs.

2/28, 7pm, Weyerhaeuser Reception HallCAM Members and Students: $5; GA, $10. Program is held in conjunction with the exhibition Sometimes Madness is Wisdom: The Artwork of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald and The Big Read Greater Wilmington in celebration of The Great Gatsby, http:// thebigreadwilmington.com. • “Eames: The Architect and the Painter” (2011, 84 min.), 2/28, 6:30pm, Brown Wing Film Room, Seating is limited to 50. AIA and CAM Members: Free; GA, $5. AIA Wilmington presents documentary about husband-and-wife team of Charles (1907–1978) and Ray (1912–1988) Eames, widely regarded as two of America’s most important designers, known for mind-bending variety of furniture and other products, from splints for wounded military during World War II, to photography, interiors and

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more. • 3/16: Kids @ CAM, noon-3pm. Members: $3/child; GA, $5/child, adults free. Make art you can take home, explore our exhibitions, fun for the whole family! In conjunction with Wilmington’s Faith and Values ‘Cape Fear Spirit Quilt’ exhibition and Yarn Bomb the CAM, we will offer a quilt-inspired activity as a part of the festivities!

No pre-registration necessary. • CLASSES: Life Drawing every Tues., 6-9pm, and Wed., 9:30am12:30pm. Group meets in Reception Hall. Participants provide own dry drawing materials and watercolors. $70/7-wks. • Museum School classes, 910-395-5999 (ext. 1008 or 1024). • Tai Chi, Wed/Thurs, and Yoga, Thurs-Sat. Beginners are always welcome; see schedule online.

Corner of South 17th St. and Independence Blvd.

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

BELLAMY MANSION One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, itf ocuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.

• The Development of Slavery in Colonial British America, 2/25, 6pm: Lecturer Thomas Massey, Cape Fear Community College and Bellamy Mansion Museum Education Chair. .bellamymansion. org. 503 Market St.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Mon, Little Sprouts Storytime, 10am, and Go Green Engineer Team, 3:30pm. • Tues., Kids Cooking Club, 3:30pm • Wed., Preschool Science, 10am; Discover Science, 3:30pm; and Mini Math, 4pm. • Thurs. StoryCOOKS, 10am; and StART with a Story, 3:30pm • Fri., Toddler Time, 10am; and Adventures in Art, 3:30pm • Sat, Discovery Fitness, 4pm; Sun., Young Writer’s Club 2pm • Drop off gently used books at our Museum to be used for a good cause. Ooksbay Books uses book collection locations to help promote literacy, find a good use for used books, and benefit nonprofits.• Save the Date: March 25th FORE the Children annual golf tournament at Cape Fear Country Club benefiting The Children’s Museum.

11am reg.; 12:30pm shotgun starts; 5:30pm awards and apps. $200/golder or $800/foursome. Incl. cart, practice range, gift bag, bev cart, lunch, apps and more! 910-254-3534, 107. www. playwilmington.org WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach. Visitors to the cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environment which have shaped the 100 year history of Wrightsville Beach. 256-2569. 303 West Salisbury St. 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. Housed 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 Mondays at 10:30am, only $4/ family and includes access to entire Museum. Admission for 2012 only $8.50 adult, $7.50 senior/ military, $4.50 child age 2-12, and free under age 2. North end of downtown at 505 Nutt St.910763-2634, on 10/13-14, 10am: Fun for all ages!

Drive trains, learn how to build models, check out merchandise, free whistles for kids, entertainment, refreshments, and more! Great family event benefits the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Only $5 per person, kids under age 5 free!

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. 126 S. Third St. Adults $8, children $4. 762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM Cool down in front of “Anaconda Splash” exhibit in the indoor tropical jungle. See, photograph and even touch rare animals assembled from all over the planet in beautiful simulations of their natural environments. Meet colorful jungle birds, crocodiles, king cobras, black mambas and many more.

Open from 11am-5pm, Sat. from 11am-6pm. 20 Orange Street at Front Street on historic downtown riverwalk. (910) 762-1669 or www.capefearserpentarium.com.

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE 18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in

the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building and courtyard. 3rd and Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. Admission required. (910)762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com.

sports/recreation EXTREME CROSS TRAINING Classes meet 9-10am, Mon/Wed/Fri. It’s a perfect time of year to take your routine outside, which is where Extreme Cross Training happens!

(In the case of inclement weather, classes are moved into the Fran Russ Recreation Center).

Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Office, 256-7925 or www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com.

WILMINGTON WATER TOURS Wed-Sat: 1-2pm, 50min-narrated cruise. Eagles Island Cruise. • Wed., Fri., Sat., 4pm 2-hr. eco/ History & Sunset Cruise—best of both worlds! • Thurs: The River Club at the Dock. Bar opens, 6pm; music at 7pm. • Sun.: Captains Lazy Day Cruise—always different (call for more info)! • Live Music by Michael Eakins! Wear your best Mardi Gras mask! Bar opens at 6pm. Music starts at 7pm. Free! Boat stays at the dock so you can come and go as you please! Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St. 910-338-3134. wilmingtonwatertours.com CFFA The Cape Fear Fencing Association (CFFA) will offer its next beginners’ fencing class on 3/5, 6:30pm, for six weeks. Taught by Head Coach Greg Spahr, held Tues/Thurs. from 6:30-7:30pm;

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| february20-26, 20-26,2013| 2013 |www.encorepub.com www.encorepub.com 64 encore encore|february

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$59 plus beverage, tax, and tip lands you a seat at the dinner table battlefield as two chefs try to outcook each other using the secret ingredient. At the end of your six-course meal, you decide who wins and who goes home. Visit www.competitiondining.com for more details and to buy your tickets now!

PICK YOUR BATTLES...

Battles start at 6:30 pm at Bluewater. Find out more by scanning the QR code or finding us on social media.

Wilmington

YOU BE THE JUDGE.

YoSake

Bald Head Is. Club

Joshua Woo defines his cooking style as “Asian/Mexican/Southern/Bacon.”

Clearly his versatility will allow him to improvise well. And as far as pleasing the diner, what more needs to be said than “Bacon?”

Mark Andrews was a finalist for the 2012 Best Chef NC Award. So he knows how to bring the best out of what is available and get creative with local ingredients.

Feb 26

Persimmons

South Beach Grill

Gerry Fong finished his 2012 Fire on the Dock season as runner-up. Hungry for the ultimate victory, he claims that this will be the year his team takes it all.

James Rivenbark was hailed as one of “Wilmington’s Top Chefs” at the young age of 23. With a few more years now under his belt, he is sure to present a fresh challenge to any opponent

Feb 27

Elijah’s

22 North Brent Poteat won the People’s Choice Award at the 2012 Taste of Wrightsville Beach. With a cooking style he describes as “Rustic Creole/ Low Country,” his unique flavors give him a competitive edge.

Mar 4

Sweet N Savory

Cameo 1900 Already in the national spotlight as a nominee for the Best New Chef: Southeast award by Food & Wine Magazine , Kirsten Mitchell isnt’ afraid of a serious challenge.

Pat Greene is no rookie when it comes to Fire on the Dock.

Experience will be on her side this year as she showcases her own signature style.

Mar 5

Equally as passionate for competition as he is cooking, Josh Petty will prove to be a fierce opponent. With extensive experience using local products, he is sure to dish out something inspiring.

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 65

$50. Meets in the lower level of Tileston Gym at St. Mary’s on the corner of 5th and Ann streets in downtown Wilmington. All equipment is supplied by the CFFA. Beginning fencing classes include the basic elements of fencing, the history of the sport, foundational techniques, conditioning, refereeing, and tournament strategy. Graduates will have the option of continuing to fence with the CFFA which offers fencing Tues/Wed/Thurs, 7:30pm. www.capefearfencing.com. Greg Spahr at: 910-799-8642.

for online registration: www.winterparkoptimist. org. Practice begin in early March. Games start early April. Season ends I nearly June.Cost is $85 for tee ball through 12 year olds. Wee ball kids pay $50.

PLEASURE ISLAND YOUTH BASKETBALL Pleasure Island Youth Baseball league. Individual registrations are running through March 3 for kids ages 4-12; teeball, machine pitch, kid pitch leagues. Games will be played at fields in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Reg. forms can be dropped off at CB Rec Ctr during normal biz hours. Signups also available weekends, 10amnoon (field is at corner of Dow and Sumter Ave.).

Brett M. Keeler: 910-470-2024

=GENTLE YOGA The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department is offering Gentle Yoga with Nancy Hayes. Gentle Yoga focuses on gentle movements and relaxation and is suitable for all levels of fitness. Weekly 1-hour classes will begin Tuesday, January 8th at 10:30 a.m. in the Fran Russ Recreation Center. This class is offered on the token system. ToThe Fit For Fun Center will host an egg hunt just in kens can be purchased at the Wrightsville time for Easter on the 15th of March from 9 a.m. to Beach Parks & Recreation office. For more information on the class or purchasing tonoon. Be sure to register early before the slots fill kens, please contact Wrightsville Beach for only $5 per child. The day is organized by age Parks & Recreation at (910) 256-7925 . group and is toddler friendly, featuring games, www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com.

REGISTER NOW! EGG HUNT

kids stuff

crafts and snacks. A bunny will onsite for photos too! Call 910-341-7838 to register and pay in advance. Fit for Fun is located at 302 S. 10th Street. www.fitforfuncenter.com

SEMI-MONTHLY CRAFTING EVENT Join Teacher’s Aid for semi-monthly craft event! 2/23, Create, customize and decorate your own Fortune Teller! 10am-2pm. 831 S Kerr Ave 28403. Free and supplies will be provided. 910-799-0101.teachersaidnc@gmail.com

EGG HUNT Egg Hunt at the Fit For Fun Center, 3/15, 9amnoon. Registration now being accepted! Space is limited so register early. $5/child or adults for free. 5 and under. Toddler-friendly event! Chil-

WINTER PARK BASEBALL SIGNUPS It’s time for Spring baseball and softball registration at Winter Park Optimist. Our website is ready

dren are divided into groups by age for a fun and safe time. Games, crafts and a special snack are included. A special bunny will be here for photos! Space is limited so register early! Fax completed registration form to 341-7838. Payment is required to register. Credit card payment can be taken over the phone or you can register at your next visit to Fit For Fun, 302 S. 10th Street or www.fitforfuncenter.com EGG HUNT Egg Hunt at the Fit For Fun Center, 3/15, 9amnoon. Registration now being accepted! Space is limited so register early. $5/child or adults for free. 5 and under. Toddler-friendly event! Children are divided into groups by age for a fun and safe time. Games, crafts and a special snack are included. A special bunny will be here for photos! Space is limited so register early! Fax completed registration form to3417838. Payment is required to register. Credit card payment can be taken over the phone or you can register at your next visit to Fit For Fun, 302 S. 10th Street or www.fitforfuncenter.com PERFORMANCE CLUB WB Parks & Rec presents winter/spring sessions of Performance Club for kids ages 5-14, featuring performances of “Peter Pan” and “Grease” at the Fran Russ Recreation Center. No auditions necessary, but space is limited to 15 students per age group/per session, so don’t wait to register.

Session II: “Grease,” Thurs., 4/4/-5/30. K-3rd grade 4-5pm (max 15 students); 4th – 5th , 5-6pm (max 15 students) . Pre-reg rqd. Register : MonFri, 8am-5pm. (910) 256-7925.

KIDS COOKING CLASS Kids’ Cooking Class at Wrightsville Beach Park and Rec. Session 2: 4/8-5/20. Participants will learn new recipe ea. week. Pre-reg. rqd: 910-2567925 or www.townofwrightsbillebeach.com.

THEATRE NOW Children’s Theater Super Saturday Fun Time. Kid’s live adventure and variety show. Saturdays. Doors open at 11am. $8/$1 off with Kid’s Club Membership. Drop off service available.Tickets: www. theatrewilmington.com or 910-399-3NOW

readings/lectures BARNES AND NOBLE Readings and signings: 2/23, 2pm: Shelby Smoak, “Bleeder.” Set in the 1990s along the coast of NC, Bleeder is a coming-of-age memoir for modern times, chronicling a young, heterosexual, HIV-positive hemophiliac’s quest for love in a world constantly hijacked by life-threatening illnesses. Tells the story of Shelby Smoak’s ongoing hope to find love against the greatest of odds. (www.shelbysmoak.com)

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April19 19vs vsAntigua AntiguaBarracuda BarracudaFC FC April May33vs vsRichmond RichmondKickers Kickers May May 10 vs Rochester Rhinos May 10 vs Rochester Rhinos May18 18vs vsLos LosAngeles AngelesBlues Blues May June 1 vs Phoenix FC Wolves June 1 vs Phoenix FC Wolves

Forindividual, individual,season, season, For orgroup grouptickets ticketscall call or (910)777-2111 777-2111ext. ext.15 15 (910)

www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com

66 encore encore|february | february20-26, 20-26,2013| 2013 |www.encorepub.com www.encorepub.com

OLD BOOKS ON FRONT STREET Amanda Greene’s Faith and Values will be starting a Spiritual Book Club @ OBOFS! 2/25, 6pm.

First book will be “Love Wins.” • 3/5: Hope Beneath Our Feet: Restoring our Place in the Natural World (2010) anthology ed by Martin Keogh Our Feet shows readers how to find constructive ways to channel their energies and fight despair with engagement and participation. Contributing writers are prominent environmentalists, artists, CEOs, grassroots activists, religious figures, scientists, policy makers, and indigenous leaders, including Alice Walker, Michael Pollan, Barbara Kingsolver, Howard Zinn. Old Books on Front Street, 249 N Front St. (910) 762-6657. www.OldBooksOnFrontSt.com NAVIGATING THE DEVIL’S TRIANGLE 2/26, 7:45am: Helping Business Owners, Executives and HR Professionals Manage Compli-

ance with the ADA, FMLA and Workers’ Comp Act. Presenters: Brian Kromke & Benton Toups Seating is Limited: Please RSVP to Courtney at cchavis@cshlaw.com by 2/22. Breakfast and presentation.

A HISTORY OF PUBLIC HEALTH 3/25, 7pm at Latimer House: New Hanover County Health Director David Rice gives a talk on the history of public health in New Hanover County, discussing the work of doctors and public officials in maintaining and improving Wilmington’s health from the 1700s to the present day.

Tickets are $5; 910-762-0492. Seating is limited.

Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear, 126 South 3rd St. 910-762-0492

classes/workshops ONENESS EXPERIENCE COURSE Oneness Experience Course and Oneness Blessing Giver Initiation, 2/22-24, with Richard & Maureen Levy. Helps quiet the chatter of the Mind, resulting in clarity of perception and spontaneous awareness of Peace, Love and Joy; helps dissolve negative life scripts, patterns, conditionings and repressed emotions; helps release traumas stored at the cellular and energetic levels of mind and body, facilitating healing, harmony and unconditional love in relationships and allows one to physically experience the Divine. Friday, 7-9pm. Open to all, Sat., 9am-4pm, and Sunday, 2-5pm. 763-5155.

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE Collaborative Divorce: doing divorce differently Come to a free informational event on Tues., 2/26, 4:30-7pm, ape Fear Community College’s Hanover Art Gallery (corner of 3rd and Hanover on the first floor of the Hanover Parking Deck) Join Coastal Collaborative Colleagues to learn about Collaborative Divorce while enjoying the beautiful atmosphere of the Hanover Art Gallery, which will be featuring the art of Gracelee Lawrence with musical accompaniment by Perry Smith. Meet Attorneys, Collaborative Coaches, Child Specialists and Financial Professionals committed to providing an alternative to the traditional adversarial court process for resolving divorce and family law disputes and to helping families establish a “new normal” during times of separation and divorce. www.coastalcollab.com.

ART CLASSES Four weekly sessions, $80 ea. Pre-reg: loislight@bellsouth.net or 910-547-8115. Mondays, 11-1pm: Watercolor. 3-5pm: Acrylic Painting • Tuesdays, 11-1pm, Collage. • Wednesdays, 11am-1pm: Basic Drawing: Studying the Human Form • Wednesdays, 3-5pm. Oil Painting.

• Saturdays, 11am-1pm. Drawing With Colored Pencils • Saturdays, 2-4pm. Printmaking. www. free-online-art-classes.com ITALIAN FOR TRAVELERS CLASS Be prepared for Italy with essential language knowledge for both travelers as well as serious beginners. Class meets Tues/Thurs., through 3/14, from 5:45–8:45pm, on the downtown CFCC campus. Course cost is $68 + Books.

Seniors 65+ may qualify for a one-time per semester tuition fee waiver. Topics include: greetings, pronunciation, sentence structure, cultural in-sight, and conjugation of verbs. Pre-registration required. Contact Kris Sipe, ksipe@cfcc. edu or 362-7617 for additional info regarding this course offered by Cape Fear Community College, Continuing Education Dept.

IMMUNIZATION AND NATURALIZATION 101 A free presentation by Lisa Wohlrab, supervisory immigration services officer out of the Raleigh-

Durham Field Office. Get information from the source about the immigration and naturalization process and what to expect. This is an excellent opportunity to have your questions about immigration and naturalization answered. Free and open to the public. Held on Cape Fear Community College’s Downtown campus in the “S” building room 002. Lecture is Friday, March 22nd at 10am.

MOTORCYCLE BOOT CAMP Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Boot Camp, 4/26, 6-9pm. Our Motorcycle Boot Camp is an event to introduce guys to motorcycles and the lifestyle that goes with it! The event includes interactive seminars on bikes, riding gear, parts and more. The night’s free and includes food, and drinks. Feel the Dream of Personal Freedom!

6620 Market St, 910-791-9997 or cchd.com.

culinary EPICUREAN EVENING AT CF MUSEUM Vintage and Vine: An Epicurean Evening, 2/22, 7-10pm. Ticket price: $50/person. Raise your glass to a relaxed night of fine wines, gourmet cheeses and divine chocolates. Whether you’re a connoisseur or curious taster, sample featured vino paired with mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres.

Benefits improving museum’s 19th-century Cape Fear Stories and Discovery Galleries ILM WINE AND BEER WALK The Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk will take place on Sat., 2/23, 1-6pm, in historic downtown Wilmington. Tickets will be available online to the general public at Etix.com beginning January 25th, or at Front Street Brewery and The Fortunate Glass (cash only at these locations). self-guided tour of several of Wilmington’s best local restaurants, bars, lounges, and watering-holes and sample wine or beer at each location. Sells out annually; get tickets now.

DESSERT & STYLE DU JOUR Cupcakes and fashion will collide at the Dessert & Style Du Jour spring fashion preview at the Hot Pink Cake Stand on 2/28. The Jessica De Vault Agency is partnering with A Boxed Event to showcase the spring’s hottest trends from several local boutiques and national retailers, while providing complimentary cupcakes and a wine pairing for the first 20 attendees. Door prizes and swag bags will also be given away throughout the evening. Kickoff at 7pm; tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. 114 N Front St. www.hotpinkcakestand.com

FEAST DOWN EAST Enjoy the quality, value and convenience of the Feast Down East Buying Club. It costs nothing to join. The benefits are immeasurable. It is a great way to eat healthier, while knowing you support your local farm families and community. Log on at www.FeastDownEast.org and start buying fresh local food, sourced from Southeastern NC farms.

Choose a pick-up spot, and check out at the online cashier and you are done! Orders must be placed by 11am Monday for Thursday delivery.

Consumer pickup is Thursday 3:30-6pm at: the Cameron Art Museum, THE POD (located next to Dunkin Donuts on UNCW campus) or the Burgaw Historic Train Depot. • 3rd Annual Regional Local Food Conference, 3/1, 8am-4pm, Burney Center, UNCW. The theme of the conference is “Connecting Local Food & Local Folks.” Conf. focuses on empowering small farmers with knowledge and skills to grow and sustain their farm businesses and helping consumers learn to advocate for and use local food in their communities. FDE will bestow the “Feast Down East Agrarian Stewardship Award” on two individuals (one chef and one farmer) who have supported the work of FDE and our local farm communities in an exceptional way.

Conference will include workshops on Biodynamic Farming Practices, Irrigation, Aquaponics, Natural Pest Management, Farm Business Planning & Marketing, Local Food Advocacy, Navigating the Local Food Landscape, Seasonal Menu Planning and more. www.feastdowneast.org or contact

2/23: ILM WINE AND BEER WALK It’s this weekend! The seasonal wine and beer walk downtown Wilmington, welcoming folks along the streets to taste some of the best imbibes around! The self-guided tour takes participants to downtown bars, restaurants and lounges for samples of wine and beer at each location. Don’t forget to tip your bartenders, please; they aren’t compensated through your ticket sale. Tickets are $15 or two for $25 and can be purchased at etix.com. The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. www.wineandbeerwalk.com

THE CHILI BOWL Kiwanis Club of North Brunswick is hosting their first fundraiser for 2013, The Chili Bowl, a chili cook-off and bowling event. Saturday, 3/9, noon-2pm, Thunder Alley in the Village at Magnolia Greens. Proceeds benefit local children’s programs in northern Brunswick County. Tickets are $10 and include one game of bowling, shoe rental, $3 of arcade tokens, chili tasting and voting. Tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the event. Cash only. Teams will be comprised of local schools and various community organizations.

The cook-off will be in three categories: People Choice Award, People Choice for Best Theme and Spirit, and Judges Choice Award. Celebrity judges include Mayor Brenda Bozeman of Leland, Mayor Pro Tem Charles Bost of Belville, Leland Police Chief Mike James, Leland Fire Chief John Grimes, and award winning Chef Keith Rhodes, a James Beard nominee for Best Chef in the Southeast. www.NorthBrunswickKiwanis.org PLEASURE ISLAND COOKOFF

The 17th Annual Pleasure Islnd Chowder CookOff is right around the corner...4/13. If you are an area restaurant and you would like to showcase your ‘Chowder’ to approximately 3,000, please contact Gail or Greg at the Chamber Offices.

Chowder is any soup with a liquid base (water, cream, etc) and seafood - let’s get creative this year and think outside the box. Deadline: 3/11.

1121 N. Lake Park Blvd. 910-458-8434

Jane Steigerwald at steigerwaldj@uncw.edu. Free with a donation of a non-perishable food item and open to the public. Food will be donated to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Seating limited to 280 participants; priority given to farmers.

TASTING HISTORY TOURS Tasting History Tours of Pleasure Island; guided walking tours. $25. www.tastinghistorytours.com.

Afternoon of delicious food and education. 910622-6046.

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

8 DAYS OF DEALS!

The Port City just got a little tastier encore

RESTAURANT WEEK

MARCH 13-20, 2013

8 DAYS OF DEALS

start March 13th

Menus online! www.encorerestaurantweek.com

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CANAPE March 10th pop-up: Three-course prix-fixe for 2, $80 a couple. Feat. lamb and dandelions, mussels and yucca, banana and lemongrass and so much more! RSVP now: 910-274-2012. www.

clubs/notices

26 SHOPS 4 RESTAURANTS DOWNTOWN

WILMINGTON

at the corner of grace & front st.

We offer classic toys and games for the whole family.

Hand-stuffed olives, olive spreads, premium vinegars and olive oils.

The German Cafe Wursts, schnitzels, reubens, strudels since 1985. Family friendly.

BANANA SPLIT

2

TIDEWATER CAMELIA CLUB The Tidewater Camellia Club proudly announces its annual camellia show at the Arab Shrine Club, 4510 South College Rd, Sat., 2/23, 1-5pm. This historic show is free and open to the public. The 63rd Tidewater Camellia Club Show attracts exhibitors from all over the Southeastern United States. Camellia experts will display over 1,000 blooms for evaluation by American Camellia Society judges. www.tidewatercamelliaclub.org WWII MEMORIAL DEDICATION World War II History Preservationevent features National WWII Memorialgiclee dedication and medal of honorrecipient Charles Murray documentary, Sat., 2/23, with the dedication of a giclee of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D. C., and the first North Carolina screening of a new documentary on the military service of Wilmington WWII Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr. Sponsored by the WWII Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition with the Wilmington Art Association (WAA), at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South Second Street in Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m. It is free and open to the public.

CAPE FEAR GREEN PARTY 3/7, 317 Castle St ., 6pm: The Cape Fear chapter of the North Carolina Green Party is a new chapter and still forming. Please join with us in making the Green Party here in North Carolina a powerful change for good. If you have any questions, please call Roxanne at 910-515-9697 BATTLE OF IWO JIMA 68th Anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima, World War II Remembered Group. World War II Marine combat cameraman Jim Flowers will lead the discussion of the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima at the Wednesday, February 27 meeting of Southeastern North Carolina’s WWII Remembered Group at the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center, 2222 S. College Road. Free and open to the public, 10am, following refreshments and fellowship at 9:30. It commemorates the battle’s 68th anniversary.John Nelson at 399-7020 or fjn39@ ec.rr.com TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP

$ 49

RSVP: CHURCH WALKING TOUR

Free Parking

Pictured Here Is A Converted Container, PERFECT OFFICE SPACE!

PFLAG PFLAG Meeting is first Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

CAPE FEAR KNITTERS Cape Fear Knitters, the Wilmington chapter of The Knitting Guild of America (TKGA) meets the third Sat. ea. month, 10am-noon. Gerri: 371-3556.

Judy: 383-0374.

AD/HD SUPPORT GROUPS ADHD Support Group: Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Pine Valley United Method-

WHY PAY FOR STORAGE?

Call Us 350-1303 Anytime!

68 encore|february 68 encore | february20-26, 20-26,2013| 2013 |www.encorepub.com www.encorepub.com

at the following Dairy Queen locations:

• 1517 Dawson St., Wilmington • 5901 Oleander Dr., Wilmington • 5701 East Oak Island Drive, Long Beach • 106 Southport-Supply Rd. SE, Supply, NC 28462 • 20 Naber Dr., Shallotte (opening soon)

ist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. This FREE support group is open to anyone affected by ADHD. For more info, www.WilmingtonCHADD. org.

PSORIASIS SUPPORT GROUP Meets the 2nd Sat. of month at Port City Java in Harris Teeter on College and Wilshire, 5pm. Christopher: (910) 232-6744 or cvp@yahoo.com. Free; meet others with psoriasis and get educated on resources and program assistance.

CAPE FEAR WEDDING ASSOCIATION Meet and greets the third Wed. ea. month. $25, members free. capefearweddingassociation.com

tours

HISTORIC CHURCH WALKING TOUR The Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear invites you to walk and tour as our guide Are you fascinated by places of worship and their histakes you into six of the historic downtown tory in Wilmington? So many historical churches exist churches to see and hear their individual stories. The traditions, the beautiful architecalong our cobblestone streets downtown, it’s no wonture, stately steeples and stained glass winder the Historical Society of the Lower Cape Fear will dows hide secrets that bring the churches to be holding a tour of them on March 16th at 9:45 a.m. life. The Hollywood star who spent the night with a dead priest, the bible stolen at the TO visit places like the St. Thomas Preservation Hall, end of the civil war, the not quite dead boy, St. James Episcopal Church and First Baptists Church, historical flags, the Southern spy, a painting among others, go ahead and reserve your $15 ticket from a pirate ship, the tallest wooden spire in now by calling 910-762-0492. the U.S. and more. Sat., 3/16, 9:45am.

Meet on the front porch of the Latimer House at Third and Orange streets,126 S. Third St. Churches Meets every Tuesday, 6:30-8pm. Ogden Baptist include St. Thomas Preservation Hall, built 1846; Church: 7121 Market St. 12-step meeting for St. James Episcopal Church, built 1839; First people that have or think they may have a comBaptist Church, built 1808; St. Mary Catholic pulsive gambling problem. Contact: Casey 910Church, built 1912; First Presbyterian Church, 599-1407 built 1928. Rain or shine event. $15 and registration is required.912-762-0492.

CAPE FEAR CAMERA CLUB Club meets third Tues. each month, Sept thru HISTORIC BICYCLE TOURS June, 7pm at Cape Fear Community College, McThe first 2013 Historical Southport bicycle tour Cloud Bldg, room S002. www.capefearcamerawill be held on Saturday, March 30, 2pm, at The club.org Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. located at 807

• Storage • Garage • Office • Boat • Campsites • ATVs • Hurricane Protection

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

we sell 20 Ft. or 40 Ft. Shipping Containers Perfect For

Some Shops Open Later, Restaurants Always Open Late!

While Shopping or Dining

HOBBY GREENHOUSE TOUR 3/2, 9am: Free, self-guided tour of local greenhouses, including member andnon-member greenhouses and commercial and institutional greenhousesthroughout New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender Counties. Tour starts atthe New Hanover County Arboretum. 9am-5pm. www.hobbygreenhouseclub.org.

no storage space?

Mon - Sat 10am-5:30pm | Sun 12-4pm

ONLY

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

Howe Street in Southport. Take a guided tour through the live oak-canopied streets and along the waterfront and pedal by Fort Johnston, Brunswick Inn, the Old Brunswick Jail, the Crimes of the Heart home, the Indian Trail Tree, along the Cape Fear River and more. Bikes are singlespeed, the pace is slow, and all participants must wear helmets. $20 for bike and helmet rental and tour (for those with their own bike, the tour fee is $15. Space limited, RSCVP rqd: Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. at (910)454-0607.

HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON Take a “Trip With Triplett” and learn the history of this wonderful city with a retired Cape Fear History teacher. Any time! 910-392-6753 or email rltriver@yahoo.com. $3/children or $8/adults. www.tripwithtriplett.webs.com/

OAKDALE CEMETERY TOUR Take a “Trip With Triplett” through tranquil Q\ Oakdale Cemetery chartered in 1852. Walk the peaceful pathways and learn about the lives of the people that rest there. Any time! 910-392-6753 or rltriver@yahoo.com. $3/children or $8/adults. www.tripwithtriplett.webs.com/

SCREEN GEMS STUDIO Tour the movie studio, and see where films and TV shows like “One Tree Hill” and “Dawson’s Creek” are/were filmed. Sat-Sun at noon and 2pm. 343-3433.

AIRLIE GARDENS Enjoy the 67 beautiful acres of Airlie Gardens year round. Operating hours are Tuesday - Sunday, 9am-5pm. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children. 910-798-7700 or www.airliegardens.org.

s yHAUNTED COTTON EXCHANGE TOURS . Haunted Cotton Exchange Tours: Open 7 days a week, year-round, w/multiple tour guides leading the way, 10am-10pm. Call for specific tour times: 910-409-4300 n TOUR OLD WILMINGTON ; Tour Old Wilmington’s history walking tours. Open n 7 days a week, year-round, with multiply tour guides leading the way, 10am-10pm. Call for specific tour times. 910-409-4300

,HOLLYWOOD LOCATION WALK Tour one of America’s largest living film sets; historic downtown Wilmington. This fun-filled 90 minute walking tour will lead gue sts to actual movie & TV locations. Tours will depart Tues., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. afternoons at 2pm. Reservations are required, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students or military and children 6 or under are free. 910e 794-7177, www.HollywoodNC.com. e nTOURS OF OLD WILMINGTON l Walking tours start at the end of Market and Wa- ter streets on the Cape Fear River. Times: 9am, - 11am and 1pm, Wed-Sat., or Sun/Mon/Tues by o appt. $12 for adults, free for children 12 and unt der. Seniors are $10. Provide step-on tours for e bus tours and group-walking tours. Due to weath, er, call to check on times etc: 910-409-4300. g http://touroldwilmington.blogspot.com nTHALIAN HALL TOURS . In addition to a full schedule of performances, self- guided tours of the theater are offered Mon-Fri, e 12-6pm, Sat 2-6pm. Guided tours by appt. 343s 3664. ; tWILMINGTON TROLLEY c Eight mile, 45 minute narrated tour aboard a nos, talgic, motorized trolley. Downtown. 763-4483.

-GHOST WALK 6:30pm & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmingr ton. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Admise sion charge. Meets at Water & Market streets.

7 Reservations required: 910-794-1866; www. r hauntedwilmington.com

gORTON PLANTATION - Live oaks bordering garden walks, sculptured f shrubs and seasonal flowers. Grounds open 8 am e - 6 pm. daily. Fees: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $3 ages - 6-16, under 6 free. 15 miles south of Wilmington. t 371-6851. www.orton plantation.com dHORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS e Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours e of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver

ARIES (21 Mar. – 20 April) In the course of her world travels, writer Jane Brunette has seen many wonderful things, as well as a lot of trash. The most beautiful litter, she says, is in Bali. She loves the “woven palm leaf offerings, colorful cloth left from a ceremony, and flowers that dry into exquisite wrinkles of color.” Even the shiny candy wrappers strewn by the side of the road are fun to behold.

Your assignment, Aries, is to adopt a perceptual filter akin to Brunette’s. Is there any stuff other people regard as worthless or outworn that you might find useful, interesting or even charming? I’m speaking metaphorically, as well as literally.

TAURUS (21 April – 20 May) The Old Testament tells the story of a man named Methuselah, who supposedly didn’t die until he was 969 years old. Some Kabbalistic commentators suggest that he didn’t literally walk the earth for almost 10 centuries. Rather, he was extra skilled at the arts of living. His experiences were profoundly rich. He packed 969 years’ worth of meaningful adventures into a normal life span. I prefer that interpretation, and I’d like to invoke it as I assess your future. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, Taurus, you will have Methuselah’s talent in the coming weeks.

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June) In the coming weeks, I’m expecting your life to verge on being epic and majestic. There’s a better than even chance that you will do something heroic. You might finally activate a sleeping potential, or tune into your future power spot, or learn what you’ve never been able to grasp before. If you capitalize gracefully on the kaleidoscopic kismet that’s flowing your way, I bet you will make a discovery that will fuel you for the rest of your long life. In mythical terms, you will create a new Grail or tame a troublesome dragon— or both.

tors syndiCate

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who narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions.Market and Water streets. $12 for adults, $5 per child. (910) 2518889 or www.horsedrawntours.com canapeilm.com.

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Twins Phil and Steve MAHRE

CANCER (21 June – 21 July) Jackalopes resemble jackrabbits, except they have antlers like deer and tails like pheasants. They love whiskey, only have sex during storms, and can mimic most sounds, even the human voice. The milk of the female has curative properties. Strictly speaking, however, the jackalope doesn’t actually exist. It’s a legendary beast, like the mermaid and unicorn.

Yet, Wyoming lawmakers have decided to honor it.

Early this year they began the process of making it the state’s official mythical creature. I bring this to your attention, Cancerian, because now would be an excellent time to select your own official mythical creature. The evocative presence of this fantastic fantasy would inspire your imagination to

work more freely and playfully, which is just what you need. What’ll it be? Dragon? Sphinx? Phoenix?

Here’s a list: tinyurl.com/MythicCritters.

LEO (22 July – 22 Aug.) The temptation to hide what you’re feeling could be strong right now. You may wonder if you should protect yourself and others from the unruly truth. According to my analysis, you will be most brilliant and effective if you’re cheerfully honest. That’s the strategy most likely to provide genuine healing, too—even if its initial effects are unsettling. Please, remember: It won’t be enough merely to communicate the easy secrets with polite courage. You will have to tap into the deepest sources you know and unveil the whole story with buoyantly bold elegance.

VIRGO (23 Aug. – 22 Sept.) The word “chain” may refer to something that confines or restricts.

But it can also mean a series of people who are linked together because of their common interests and their desire to create strength through unity. I believe that one of those two definitions will play an important role in your life during the coming weeks, Virgo. If you proceed with the intention to emphasize the second meaning, you will minimize and maybe even eliminate the first!

LIBRA (23 Sept. – 23 Oct.) People in Sweden used to drive their cars on the left-hand side of the road. But a growing body of research revealed it would be better if everyone drove on the right-hand side. So on September 3, 1967, the law changed.

Everyone switched; all non-essential traffic halted for hours to accommodate the necessary adjustments. What were the results? Lots of motorists grumbled about having to alter their routine behavior, but the transition was smooth. In fact, the accident rate went down. I think you’d benefit from doing a comparable ritual sometime soon, Libra.

Which of your traditions or habits could use a fundamental revision?

SCORPIO (23 Oct. – 21 Nov.) When a woman is pregnant, her womb stretches dramatically, getting bigger to accommodate the growing fetus. I suspect you’ll undergo a metaphorically similar process in the coming weeks. A new creation will be gestating, and you’ll have to expand as it ripens.

How? Here’s one way: You’ll get smarter and more sensitive in order to give it the care it needs. Here’s another way: You’ll have to increase your capacity for love. Don’t worry: You won’t have to do it all at once. “Little by little” is your watch phrase.

SAGITTARIUS (22 Nov. – 21 Dec.) Do you floss your teeth while you’re meditating? Do you text-message and shave or put on make-up as you

drive? Do you simultaneously eat a meal, pay your bills, watch TV and exercise? If so, you are probably trying to move too fast and do too much. Even in normal times, that’s no good. But in the coming week, it should be taboo. You need to slowwww wayyyy dowwwn, Sagittarius. You’ve got . . . to compel yourself . . . to do . . . one thing . . . at a time. I say this not just because your mental, physical and spiritual health depend on it. Certain crucial realizations about your future are on the verge of popping into your awareness, but they will only pop if you are immersed in a calm and unhurried state.

CAPRICORN (22 Dec. – 20 Jan.) To make your part of the world a better place, stress-loving workaholics may need to collaborate with slow-moving underachievers. Serious business might be best negotiated in places like bowling alleys or parking lots. You should definitely consider seeking out curious synergies and unexpected alliances. It’s an odd grace period, Capricorn. Don’t assume you already know how to captivate the imaginations of people whose influence you want in your life. Be willing to think thoughts and feel feelings you have rarely if ever entertained.

AQUARIUS (21 Jan. – 19 Feb.) Gawker.com came up with colorful ways to describe actress Zooey Deschanel. In a weird coincidence, their pithy phrases for her seem to fit the moods and experiences you will soon be having. I guess you could say you’re scheduled to have a “Zooey Deschanel according to Gawker.com” kind of week. Here are some of the themes: 1. Novelty ukulele tune. 2.

Overemphatic stage wink. 3. Sentient glitter cloud.

4. Over-iced Funfetti cupcake. 5. Melted-bead craft project. 6. Living Pinterest board. 7. Animated Hipstamatic photograph. 8. Bambi’s rabbit friend. 9.

Satchel of fairy dust. 10. Hipster labradoodle.

PISCES (19 Feb. – 20 Mar.) You may have heard the thundering exhortation, “Know thyself!”

Its origin is ancient. More than 2,400 years ago, it was inscribed at the front of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. As important as it is to obey this command, there is an equally crucial corollary: “Be thyself!” Don’t you agree? Is there any experience more painful than not being who you really are? Could there be any behavior more damaging to your long-term happiness than trying to be someone other than who you really are? If there is even the slightest gap, Pisces, now is an excellent time to start closing it. Cosmic forces will be aligned in your favor if you push hard to further identify the nature of your authentic self, and then take aggressive steps to foster its full bloom.

www.encorepub.com 20-26, 2013 |encore 69 encore | february 20-26, 2013 |february | www.encorepub.com

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CORKBOARD Available for your next CD or Demo

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 33 year veteran Producer/Engineer

200 album credits

Dreaming Of A Career In The Music Industry?

AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools, Studio Production Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

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Mobile air brush tanning Safe, UV Free, No Mess call david rishel 330-282-2377

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Adopt a Pet

BALTO

My name is Balto and I am pretty close to being a purebred Siberian Husky so I am TRUE TO MY BREED. I am neutered, up to date on my shots and heartworm negative.

I am a big fluffy boy who is drop dead gorgeous and I weigh around 70-80 pounds. I am about a year old and still a puppy who likes to play. I am currently in foster care with a Great Pyrennes/Husky Mix, another husky, a yellow lab and two cats. I rub up on the cats and give them playful head butts, but if they run I will chase them to engage them in play. I do well with all the animals in my foster home, but my greatest love is for my foster mom. She sits in the recliner and I crawl into her lap and I follow her around every where she goes. Thankfully, she is home alot and I would benefit if the people in my forever home were home alot as well. You see, huskies are pack animals and so I need a pack (not necessarily other animals, people will do as well). You see, I am a homeless husky (pack animal) who has found himself abandoned by his pack. Naturally, it will take me

For Executives and Refined Gents Brunette Model/Social Companion

MEET

ADOPT ME sometime to get over this so FAMILIARITY WITH HUSKIES is a MUST! People will want to adopt me just because I am really a majestic dog, but they need to understand I will come with some baggage and justly so. Given time, I will get over this, would you like to help me? I am hoping to either get into a Siberian Husky rescue or get adopted by someone locally who understands huskies.

I am already thriving in my foster home and learning house manners and even how to walk on a leash. To adopt me, please call Adopt an Angel at 392-0557.

JOHN BOY

I was found on Oak Island by a nice man by the name of John. He brought me to animal control and then after a few days they brought me to Paws Place. I guess that’s how I got my name. Or maybe it’s after that guy on that old tv show I heard about, you know the one where everyone says “goodnight John Boy!” Once here I was taken to the vet for a check up and got all of my shots and they discovered I am heartworm positive. A very nice supporter of Paws Place has agreed to cover the cost of heartworm treatment. Here are my other stats – I’m a hound mix, neutered, approximately 65 lbs and probably born in early 2011. The people hear think that I am a smart, gentle soul – wise beyond my years?!? I know how to open the gate, so even if you have a fenced in yard, I probably shouldn’t be left unattended. I love people and dogs. What do you say – will you give me a chance? My address is Paw’s Place. Come and see me.

I’ve been an only dog - so I don’t think I

ADOPT ME

would be good with another dog. I think I would like to be with an older couple who would like to take me on walks and let me sleep on their bed. Do you think that’s you? Call Paws Place and ask to see John Boy.

encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com 71

Winner of Best Buffet and Best Soul Food Ask anyone in town where the Southern food tastes the best — the answer is always Casey’s Buffet!

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

Take your sweetheart out for some soul food!

(910) 798•2913 • 5559 Oleander Drive (across from the batting cages) OPEN: Wed.-Sat. • 11a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun. - 11a.m. - 8 p.m.

BULK ORDER & TAKE OUT SPECIALS AVAILABLE www.facebook.com/caseys.buffet

Locally owned and operated since 2005 72 encore | february 20-26, 2013 | www.encorepub.com