February 24, 2010

vol.

www.encorepub.com

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The Best of the Best!

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contents vol.

What’s inside this week

4-19 cover story: See black box.

It’s Best-Of part deux! We’re announcing another batch of Best-Of winners from our 2010 poll, including Best Attraction, Tour of Wilmington, Artist, Gourmet Store, Humanitarian and so many more! To find out where to shake that booty on a Saturday night or where to go to grub on Wilmington’s finest burger, just flip on over to page 4, where the Bestness fun begins! And enjoy the pictures, too, from our Best-Of Awards Ceremony, hosted by our funny local comedians, including Val Watkins and Cullen Moss, featured left.

letters to the editor

Dear Editor, In the review of “The Taffetas” that appeared in the February 10-16 edition, the reviewer says, “The only anachronisms were the fishnet stockings, neon bangle bracelets and pale lipstick.” The reviewer is completely wrong.

People who are involved in theater productions work very hard to get the details right.

Thalian Association and the responsible designers were completely successful in this production.

Pale lipstick was ubiquitous, neon bangle

bracelets were all the rage and fishnet stockings were worn by women and girls in white, black, beige and a host of ridiculous colors.

The looks weren’t always pretty, but they were true to the time of the play. Too bad the reviewer didn’t take the time to check the facts before criticizing the production.

Hazel White Jones

late-night funnies

“The Dalai Lama was down at the White House today to meet President Obama.

Meanwhile in Texas, George W. Bush got caught in the garage door.”—David Letterman “How is it that the Olympics can hand out 250 medals in a few weeks? It takes ‘American Idol’ 58 weeks to pick one karaoke singer.”—Jimmy Kimmel “Happy Presidents’ Day, everybody. On Presidents’ Day, we celebrate America’s presidential history by enjoying a great deal on mattresses.”—Craig Ferguson

EDITORIAL:

pRODucTIOn AnD ADvERTIsIng: Art dirECtor Sue Cothran AdvErtising sAlEs:

intErn: Sarah Boggs

John Hitt: Downtown, Carolina Beach

ChiEf Contributors:

Kris Beasley: Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington

Adrian Varnam, Nicki Leone, Anghus Houvouras,

Shea Carver: Midtown, Monkey Junction

Carolyna Shelton, Rosa Bianca, MJ Pendleton, Ashley Cunningham, Robert Blanton, Lauren Hodges, Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd encore is published weekly, on Wednesday, by Wilmington Media. opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.

Romney and Full Belly Project.

22 news of the weird: Chuck Shepherd reports on news of the strange and odd.

artsy smartsy ............24-35 local plays: Opera House Theatre Company’s ‘Nunsense’ and City Stage’s ‘25th Annual

Editor-in-ChiEf: Shea Carver AssistAnt Editor: Emily Rea

20 op-ed: Mark Basquill talks Obama, Mitt

24 theater: MJ Pendleton reviews two

Photo by Jim Cirello

Want to see the best in music at Myrtle Beach’s House of Blues? Wilmington’s Soapbox Laundro Lounge? Or UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium? Visit, www.encorepub. com, to enter one of our many concert contests, and try for a chance to score tickets to area shows!

www.encorepub.com

news & views............4-22

PAGES 4-19: COVER STORY

concert tickets

25 / pub 34 / February 3 - March 2 2010

Promotions mAnAgEr: John Hitt distribution: Reggie Brew, John Hitt CorrespondenCe: p.o. Box 12430, Wilmington, n.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9177

“Yeah, Toyota has had a rough month. But President Obama predicted that they will bounce back from the crisis. Didn’t he say the same thing about Tiger Woods?”—Jimmy Fallon

26 art: Lauren Hodges interviews ECU art

community support

27 gallery guide: Find out what exhibitions are

Reach out to one of our local merchants this week by helping her family move their book store from its condemned building! Old Books on Front Street has more books to move than manpower, so they need the community’s help, meaning: you, me, our dog (who can play with their dog, Edith) and any other stray hands or limbs who can be of help!

They’re looking for people with handcarts, little red wagons, pick up trucks or teleporting devices to help move the boxes from 22 N. Front to the 200 block of N. Front, their storage location. They’ll provide, coffee, pizza, sodas, and Front St. Brewery would like to thank helpers by inviting them over for a beer. But before any celebratory cheers takes place, they need to move 3,000 boxes on February 27th! E-mail oldbooksonfrontst@ gmail.com for more information. Oh, and no stairs are involved in the move!

student Leslie Pearson about the upcoming show at ACME.

hanging in our local art galleries.

28-29 film: Anghus reviews the drivel that is Wolfman; Tiffanie Gabrielse takes on the romantic

dramady, Dear John.

31 music: Sarah Boggs interviews the one-man-band That 1 Guy, playing Soapbox on February 26th.

32-35 soundboard: See what bands and solo musicians are playing in venues all over town.

grub & guzzle ............37-39 37-39 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through encore’s dining guide, and read about our featured restaurant of

word of the day

fractious: \FRAK-shuhs\ , adjective; 1. Tending to cause trouble; unruly.

2. Irritable; snappish; cranky.

Origin: Fractious is from fraction, which formerly had the sense “discord, dissension, disharmony”; it is derived from Latin frangere, “to break.”

retraction

Putnam County Spelling Bee.’

the week.

extra! extra! ..............40-47 40 fact or fiction: Claude Limoges takes us deeper into ‘An Involuntary Intimate.’

42-47 calendar/’toons/corkboard: Find out where to go and what to do about town with

Last week’s encore stated Renee Glasgo as an intern for encore, when in fact her last day was February 8th, 2010.

encore’s calendar; check out Tom Tommorow

and encore’s annual ‘toons winner, R. Blanton; read the latest saucy corkboard ads.

encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com

below-19 2010 Best-Ofs 20 The Cranky Foreigner 6 News of the Weird

The Best of the Best! encore announces its second batch of winners of 2010 Best-Of Reader’s Poll

W

e’re into week two of announcing our Best-Of winners for 2010!

It only took counting over 3,000 ballots, making 130 awards by hand, and throwing a party for 300-plus people at City Stage/Level 5. But we’ve made it—and with a lot of laughter along the way, thanks to our comedian hosts of the Best-Of Party: Jef Pollock, Sandy Vaughn, Anthony Lawson, Val Watkins, Jonathan Guggenheim, Cullen Moss, Madison Weidberg and Janna Murray. They made the awards ceremony so much more than boring speeches and primand-proper decorum (the opening number, “We Are Encore,” to the tune of “We Are the World,” had us hooked from the get-go!)

In fact, the words “prim” and “proper” exist not one iota at encore during Best-Of time.

Face it, Wilmington, we like to have a good time; and we like to see our winners do the same. And good times were most definitely had by all—we even have the pictures to prove it!

editorial by: Shea Carver and Emily Rea photos by: Jim Cirello, Chad Keith and Courtney Bridgers Make no mistake about it, readers: BestOf is not tabulated according to encore-staff picks; nor are its winners relegated only to encore advertisers. We award the folks who get the most votes between November and January, according to ballots the community fills out at www.encorepub.com. And to set the record straight: We don’t mind when people campaign for it either. (Hey, isn’t it the American way?) Although, not everyone does so.

Without further ado, the people have spoken, and here are the results for the Best-Of 2010. Congrats to everyone who won and thanks to the community for voting. Until next year: Stay classy, Wilmington!

WE ARE ENCORE... Our hosts of the 2010 Best-Of Awards Ceremony opened the show with their own rendition of “We Are the World”—also known as “We Are Encore.” (l. to r.) Jef Pollock, Sandy Vaughn, Madison Weidberg and Janna Murray.

catering and gourmet store “I believe it is the passion that ultimately brings the success,” Christi Ferretti, chef and one-half owner and operator of Pine Valley Market on College Road, told encore last week. Her passion emits through the ether when folks get within a few steps of the Market. Here, she and her dedicated staff, along with her partner, Kathy Webb, churn out some of Wilmington’s best homemade food.

“You have to be passionate about what you do,” she iterated. “That doesn’t mean that every day we all jump up and down to make a sandwich or chicken salad. But we love it when a bride raves about how the food ‘made’ her wedding; a doctor’s office requests our food week after week; or new customer comes back after their first visit, telling us how good something was.”

The compliments are easily accessible here, too. Really, it only takes one bite of their Chocolate Obsession to hook someone for

4 encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

life—but their cheeses, hand-cut meats and varied lunch menu titillate the taste buds, too.

“We like the challenge of making new things and playing with flavors,” Ferretti admitted.

And their take-home meals can’t be matched locally. “Our foods are just as you would cook at home (if you had the time), and we simply freeze or portion out for convenience. Our prepared meals are a much healthier choice than any processed frozen dinner or fast food,” she promised.

Aside from serving great products with an attentive staff, treating customers with the utmost respect has become the rule of thumb at Pine Valley Market. Actually, “customer” may be the wrong word choice here, as Christi and crew embraces their clientele like extended family.

“I think the best compliment we get is when customers bring in their friends and family who are visiting and introduce us,” she said. “How often do you visit someone, and they take you from the airport to the local market to meet the staff? It shows that we have succeeded in making them feel important enough [to be a] part of our family, and we are part of theirs.”

Whether catering a 200-deep private sitdown dinner or a more intimate gathering, the

Thank You Encore Readers for Voting HIRO the #1 Japanese Hibachi Restaurant in Wilmington!

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care to detail and quality of customer service continues to strengthen. The same can be said for their retail side of business.

“The change I am most excited about right now is the evolution of our retail department,” Christi said. “I have been scouring the state and region for small producers of gourmet products. We have new merchandise coming in weekly that is all locally and regionally produced, which means when a customer supports us as a local business, the impact that their dollar will make on the local economy is even greater. Right now, it’s all about supporting anything local—no matter what it is.”

That being said, the Market will continue to host their Farm Fresh Saturdays, beginning April 24th, featuring a variety of local and regional produce and flowers, homemade goods and more. The dates will continue on May 22, and every Saturday in June, July and August.

A huge proponent for the 3/50 Project and the National Independent Retailers Association, Christi simply asks for consumers to “think before they go to Google or Amazon” to purchase any product. As it turns out, double the money stays within our immediate economy when we stick to buying from local businesses. It’s that simple.

“That translates into jobs and fewer businesses closing,” she noted. “It’s sort of a nobrainer to me, but it does require a little extra effort to make the drive or find the time—but I believe it is worth it. After all, it’s our city, our friends, our family. We need each other for all

“It’s the best surprise ever!”

And then we made out.

The moral of the story? Oh, yeah: Buy more art. Make out more with your special someone. And do both at Wilmington’s Best Art Gallery, Bottega.

Owner Sandy Perotto has carried over Bottega’s original concept from previous owners Steven Gibbs (encore contributor) and Bonnie England (encore Best Artist 2010). They appreciate every style of art!

“Uncoventional and contemporary has kept Bottega a favorite for many artists and customers who feel the don’t really fit anywhere else,” Perotto said.

Avoiding the “too cool” attitude and pretension that sometimes becomes associated with galleries, Perotto maintains a laid-back atmosphere at Bottega, where “people can express who they are, and be appreciated and admired for it.”

Aside from showcasing a fascinating catalogue of visual artists (Abi Blackerby, Dixon sheer entertAinment: (above) Madison Wediberg Cullen Moss, Jonathan Guggenheim and Jef Pollock do an interpretive dance in memoriam to the long last Best-Of cateorgies of the past, including Tackle Shop. (below) Sandy Vaughn and Val Watkins pose with one happy El-Cerro-Grande representative, who took the award home for Best Mexican Eatery.

of us to succeed.”

Other caterers to place in encore’s BestOf poll include Bon Appetit and Middle of the Island; and other gourmet stores worth noting

are Temptations and Lovey’s Market.

art gallery and best thing to happen to wilmington in 2009

6 encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

A month ago my lovely beau called me up and asked me to meet him downtown at one of our favorite spots: Bottega Art and Wine Bar. He wanted to share some wine and make out a little on their outdoor patio— where our first real date took place (when he swept me up to dance right in the middle of the street). And so I went with memories flushing my cheeks.

Knowing how much I adore local artist Candy Pegram, Matthew pulled out a surprise-any-ol’-Wednesday gift for me, called “Alpha Cow.” It was typical Pegram-esque, adorn on worn wood, showcasing the kid-like drawing of a cow in muted colors. “It’s unlike your other Pegrams,” he said, “so I thought it would add nicely to your collection.”

To say I was elated would be a vast understatement. “Art is a wonderful gift,” I responded, throwing my arms around his neck.

Stetler, Emily Jones, Addie Wuensch and so many more!) with every new exhibit, the gallery has also opened its artistic doors to musicians, live painters and poets. In fact, encore voters chose Bottega’s Poetry Readings as the Best Thing to Happen to Wilmington in 2010. Each first and third Thursday of the month, Bottega hosts an open-mic, featuring music, poetry, comedy and what-have-you.

They also host UNCW’s Atlantis Journal open-mic poetry and music the first Tuesday each month.

“We are committed to appreciating a wide diversity of arts,” Perotto said. “Looking beyond the norm is important here.”

Since she took over the gallery last June, Perotto has instituted $2 wine nights on Tuesdays, to keep up with the current frugal economic habits of consumers. “Likewise, I have been more conscious of curating exhibitions with predominantly more affordable art,” she said. “Small, less-expensive pieces sell like crazy these days.”

With art having always been a major part of Perotto’s life—after all, she did major in it—it

seemed a rather natural fit to take over Bottega as the time approached. “I always knew I would fall into the perfect business someday,” she explained. “That somehow I would find my way back to art. It’s so true that if you just know and believe something will happen, it usually does.”

Scratching the canvas in second place is New Elements and third, Artfuel Inc. Votes for Best Thing to Happen to Wilmington in 2009 also go to No Hurricanes, the Azalea Festival and the Cucalorus Film Festival.

dŚĂŶŬƐ ĨŽƌ ǀŽƟŶŐ ƵƐ “Best Outdoor Dining”

shoe store Oh, this category may just be one of my favorites. I mean, what would one expect of a 30-something female, with, uh-hum, some extra ... uh-hum ... expendable cash to ... uhhum ... spend? OK, OK—at least some extra debt to get into.

I thank places like Wilmington’s Best Shoe Store, Shoe Diva, for helping keep my MasterCard and American Express in the red.

Without wonderful, extravagant, beautifully adorned shopping establishments as this, my feet just wouldn’t look as pretty.

For real, though, one of the best aspects to Shoe Diva is: Nequan Bell, owner and operator, who runs a tight, chic ship that houses creative wares at really, really great prices! That’s right: I, myself, purchased one fantastic pair of bright yellow, open-toe heels for a mere $20. I also found one of my favorite clutches for less than $30—a pink, snake print that beckons compliments with each carry, nonetheless.

“We are a trendy but affordable shoe and accessory store,” Bell, who has made her first appearance on encore’s Best-Of poll, told us. “We carry design replica shoes and handbags at a fraction of the designer cost.

We don’t overstock our shoes and accessories, and this helps our customers keep their style unique and individual to them.”

Located on Princess Street, right next to Groove Jet Salon and Spa, Shoe Diva carries tons of shapes and colors of shoes: boots, booties, stilettos, flats, sandals, ballerina shoes, in every shade imaginable. They carry aforementioned purses and clutches, as well as an array of really fun jewelry. It’s a pleasure visiting because the end-result always equals unadulterated happiness.

“I am happy when my customers are happy,” Bell said. “If I know I am able to provide the perfect shoe you are looking for, that brings me satisfaction.”

Any shopper here can become the hip, young professional she’s always dreamed of—with more bank for her buck and trend for her style. Anyone wearing these shoes automatically reaches “Diva” status.

Other shoe stores to make an appearance include Shoe Shak and Monkees.

veterinarian “You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do.” At least so the motto goes for Dr. Sharon Harris, co-owner of Porter’s Neck Veterinary Hospital—Wilmington’s

SAVE THE DATE!

HERE’S TO YOU, VOTERS! Local merchants couldn’t be happier with the outcome, including the owner of Shoe Diva, Neguan Belll, and verterinarian Sharon Harris of Porter’s Neck Veterinary Hospital.

favorite veterinarian for 2010! “We understood from very early on that our chosen career was going to encompass our lives—not just [be] a 9-to-5.”

And so Harris went the extra mile to make sure her love for career would be nurtured alongside love for family. In the business of dealing with family pets, they seemed to go hand-in-hand.

“We opened our own mom-and-pop veterinary medicine practice and built our own hospital five years [later] . . . [with] an apartment built over top just in case we lost our shirts and had to sell our house,” she said.

Such dedication enhanced their career freedom and their family-rearing opportunities, as the babies remained close by in the apartment while the doctors finished working at night. To say, Harris’ clientele appreciates Porter’s Neck Veterinary’s dedication could be clearly understated. The gratitude comes in waves, even years after their services are no longer rendered.

“When people move away and still come back to have us take care of their pet . . . we feel honored and thankful,” Harris claimed.

“Sometimes we’ll see someone four or five years, or get a phone call from far away from an old client who just wants a second opinion.

That’s a great feeling.”

Having entered the digital age of everything-convenient, Porter’s Neck Veterinary Hospital has updated their online services to better equip their customers’ needs. “We have an online store that ships presecriptions

to our clients at no charge,” Harris informed.

“We also have an online appointment request process and an interactive Web site. People like the convenience of 24-hour access, and they have more control over their pets’ medical records that way.”

Also appeasing the pet-friendly voters of Wilmington are College Road Animal Hospital and Dineen Animal Hospital.

mexican restaurant

El Cerro Grande has been a part of Wilmington’s Mexican foodscape since I arrived in 1995. In fact, it was the old location above the old Harris Teeter in the Galleria shopping plaza, near Wrightsville Beach, that used to welcome me and my gal-pals for margaritas on Tuesday nights. We met weekly at our favorite hotspot for drinks and to chow down on burritos, guacamole and chips.

Though the Galleria location has since closed, a new restaurant has opened on that side of town on Military Cutoff Road, adding to its sister stores in Monkey Junction and on College Road, near UNCW. Like so many who have come to love El Cerro, encore readers’ patronage still runs strong. And it shows, as votes ranked them yet again Best Mexican Restaurant in our poll.

And, really, what’s not to love, here? El Cerro has drink specials practically every night of the week—Wednesday nights are ‘Rita Nights, for $2.99, at the College Road location near UNCW. While the salty rocks of tequila and sweet-and-sour always prove refreshing, a bite from one of their many specialties (try the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo) or their standards in enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas, will make the palate do a little Mexican hat dance in delight.

Sunday April 18, 2010 Featuring LIVE music by Bibis Ellison & The Spare Change Band Join us as we kick off our

Waterfront Music Series LIVE music on the patio every Sunday through fall April 25: KǀĞƌƟŵĞ May 2: Mark Roberts & Breeze May 9: : , ƌĞĂƟŽŶ May 16: Heart & Soul 910.256.8500 4 Marina Street Wrightsville Beach, NC BluewaterDining.com

encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 7

The atmosphere is always welcoming, whether bringing family, friends or a special someone, and the service remains attentive and friendly. Just leave room for a flavorful bite or two of their churros or fried ice cream. It ends the meal decadently and quite perfectly.

Cheers to another 15 years of celebratory business ventures, El Cerro. See ya Wednesday!

Other Mexican restaurants to fare well in

FASHIONABLE WINS: From duds to cars, we awarded the Best-Of “e” award to Edge of Urge for Best Women’s Clothing (above) and Stevenson Honda and Acura for Best Place to Buy a New Car (right).

our poll include La Costa and K-38.

book store The face of gratitude has blue eyes and porcelain-like skin. Her smile is large and her long

8 encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

blonde locks flow with happiness. In fact, her well-wishes to anyone who visits her shop, Old Books on Front Street, go like this: “Think happy thoughts.”

Gwenyfar Rohler is one of the most gracious merchants Wilmingtonians have serving them. “Wow!” she exclaimed last week, summing up her thoughts on “the outpouring of support [she has] received”—especially after losing her mother last year. Today, the love keeps coming, too, since Rohler found out the home of Old Books would be condemned.

“I feel like George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life,” she said. “We have gotten so many offers to help move. Thank you to all of Wilmington for making such an incredible community. We are grateful for all the support and cherish it more than you know.”

Just because shop has closed for now, it doesn’t mean it’s over. No. No. No. Rohler’s love for her job—selling books, encouraging literacy, promoting education on so many topics—is too strong. And, the fact of the matter is: This job chose her, so there is no turning back.

“Mr. Daughtery, [Old Books’ original owner], called my dad and said, ‘I want your daughter to buy my store. I think you need to come talk to me.’ This came years after patronage. I have been shopping at the store since I was 2.”

When they reopen, they’ll continue serving Wilmington “two miles of books with thousands of books priced at $1.” This continues to include more local history books, along with William Freidrich’s picturesque post cards, handmade buttons, featuring photos of famous authors, and even delivery of books.

It’s a reasonable assumption, too, that she’ll continue scouting downtown Wilmington for her new shop; though, wherever she moves she’s still serving a community she loves.

“I love the Do It Downtown campaign,” Rohler noted, “[and] the Buy Local ILM campaign. I would love to see people realize the power of their purse and invest in their community through buying locally and not at the [big box] stores. Keep your money here, create jobs here!”

Other book stores flipping through our polls:

“Julia’s Florist would like to thank both encore Magazine and it’s readers for voting us

‘Best Florist, 2010’ We never take winning for granted and invite everyone to stop by and smell the flowers at the corner of Wilshire and Kerr Avenue!”

When you have one chance to impress, go with the best!

900 S Kerr Ave Wilmington, NC 28403 910-395-1868 Toll Free: 800-325-5743 Serving the Wilmington area for over 12 years encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 9

Pomegranate Books and Barnes & Noble.

dis and his Full-Belly crew continue working on include: the Pedal-Powered Agricultural Center, which is connected to the Universal Nut Sheller and can process 200 pounds of peanuts an hour; and the Electric Powered Agricultural Center, which helps shell large amounts of nuts daily and is used by Meds and Food for Kids in Haiti. The manually operated peanut thresher can be towed behind most bicycles, so farmers can thresh their peanuts in the field where they can be easily bagged and transported to the market or home.

Brandis has visited numerous countries over the last decade—from Malawi to Ghana, Phillipines to Guyana, Kenya to Uganda, and the trips keep coming. His angel wings keep spreading around the world, making him Wilmington’s finest Clarence Odbody if there ever was one.

Other nonprofits that continue serving the community, locally and globally, beyond massive applause, include Cape Fear Hospice and Habitat for Humanity. Other Best Humanitarian votes also go to Louise Loggins and Sheila Lewis.

nonprofit and humanitarian

Speaking of It’s a Wonderful Life, if Wilmington had a Clarence Odbody—ya know, the angel who visits George Bailey in the famed Capra film?—it would be Jock Brandis. In fact, so much is this statement true that UNCW honored Brandis with their annual Clarence Award back in December for his constant dedication to saving the world from hunger, one nation at a time.

Brandis is the founder of one of Wilmington’s most impressive nonprofit organizations, Full Belly Project. Full Belly has one mission: to ensure that “residents of rural communities in developing countries live lives of abundance—that they awake each morning to days of economic possibility and go to sleep each night with bellies that are full.” Full Belly sees this happening thanks to the invention of Brandis’ Universal Nut Sheller, along with other income-generating agricultural devices that aid in improving life in developing countries. For instance, the nut sheller alone shells 125 pounds in an hour—a vast difference from anyone trying to do so by hand. In the end, the peanut helps nourish bodies with a better source of protein, and with the appropriate technologies

to shell it quickly, underdeveloped nations will be able to grow crops upon crops to sell at

market, too.

Other impressive technologies that Bran-

AWARDING THE ARTS: (left) Amy Tipton and Katherine Vernon performed a song from ‘Rent,’ which won Best Theatre Production of 2009 at the 2010 BestOf Awards; (right) Bonnie England gladly accepted the award for Best Artist at the awards ceremony, held at City Stage/Level 5 on February 9th.

Cruisers Car Wash and Detail Center The Cruisers team sincerely thanks you, once again, for voting us the #1 Car Wash in Wilmington for the eighth year running. We promise to continue our daily commitment to excellence.

Clint James

Brandon Blizzard

Curtis Boyer

The Cruisers Management Team

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Cruisers Car Wash and Detail 325 South College Road 799-0070

“Voted BEST BUFFET, SOUL FOOD and FAMILY RESTAURANT by encore readers” Miss your Mama’s cookin’ come home to Casey’s!

WENESDAY

Meatloaf: 11AM-9PM Chicken Gizzards & Chicken Livers: 11AM-4PM Carved Ham: 4PM-9PM THURSDAY

Brunswick Stew: 11AM-4PM Baked Spaghetti: 11AM-4PM Hamburger Steak: 4PM-9PM Deviled Crab: 4PM-9PM FRIDAY

BBQ Pork Ribs w/red sauce: 11AM-4PM Fried Shrimp: 4PM-9PM Deviled Crab: 4PM-9PM Carved Roast Beef: 4PM-9PM

SATURDAY

Hot Wings, Fried Pork Chops, Hamburger Steak: 11AM-4PM Fried Shrimp: 4PM-9PM Deviled Crab: 4PM-9PM Carved Roast Beef: 4PM-9PM SUNDAY

Turkey, Ham, Roast Beef, BBQ Chicken, Dressing, Ovenbaked Cornbread, Homemade Biscuits

Be sure to trye our homemad! tartar sauce

Over 20 Homestyle Vegetables and Fresh cooked Eastern North Carolina BBQ Pork cooked daily

ALSO SERVED DAILY...

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

Family owned and operated by Larry and Gena Casey 5559 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403-5813 (910) 798-2913

OPEN: Wed.-Sat. - 11am-9pm, Sunday - 11-8pm CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

Every Sunday is Thanksgiving! encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 11

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She was the priestess behind Bottega Art Gallery before she sold it last summer.

Having placed on the encore polls for years under the “Best Art Gallery� category, today she makes her first appearance with a more personal connection to Wilmington’s art community. Meet Bonnie England, encore readers’ Best Artist for 2010.

England’s colorful interpretations and muses on canvas continue attracting collectors and art-lovers in general, as she hangs her work all over town. Currently, she exhibits at ACME Art Studios, Caffe Phoenix and Wilmington Wine Shop. “ . . . To win Best Artist [is] supercool,�

England wrote encore last week. “[It’s] a direct recognition of my own art work and is an appreciation for what I alone create.�

England’s work has drawn in many types of people who have found an alliance in her textural finger-paintings. “I’ve had collectors tell me they were attracted to certain pieces for extremely personal reasons,� she explained. “A recent masectomy, the birth of a long-awaited child, sisterhood. . . . It’s quite fulfilling to be able to bring joy, comfort and exhilaration into people’s lives.�

Her own work has traveled far and wide, too, as just last summer she visited Rully, France, for the Paint-a-Future organization. “[It] helps realize the dreams of underprivileged children around the world,� she explained. Thus, she has been able to take her entrepreneurship and evolve it into philanthropic endeavors that still ground her life ambition in the arts.

With the motto, “Always stay true to yourself,� England avoids comparisons to another’s worth when it comes to judging her own work. She simply follows what’s true in her heart, her imagination and her mind. �Strive to be the best ‘you,’� she sought to follow. “This is where you’ll find contentment, pleasure and success—your integrity speaks volumes.�

Other artists making an appearance in our polls include Ivey Hayes and James Davis.

theater production 2009

When “Rent� came to Wilmington last year, I can’t begin to explain how stoked I was. First of all, it was the first time the show had ever graced our theater scene. And when new shows make it on any local theater company’s bill, well, it makes for happy patrons of the arts.

Thanks to the outstanding performances of William Day, Sam Robison, Amy Tipton, Katherine Vernon and so many other talented thespians, the June 2009 City Stage-produced premiere at Thalian Hall was nothing shy of a hit! encore readers couldn’t agree more, according to the 2010 Best-Of, honoring the show the best of last year.

Directed by Justin Smith, whose love for “Rent� has manifested throughout years of being involved in local theater, the show provided everything needed to impress: ter-

12 encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

NEKKID JAYBIRDS: A Best-Of Awards Ceremony isn’t complete until someone gets naked! Jef and Cullen present Best Laundrymat Awards to the Soapbox, which also took Best Live Music Venue.

rific set design, immaculate acting, dancing and singing, music direction by Chiaki Ito, and a timeless tale of love and friendship.

Yet, the play isn’t without heady moments of darkness, as the plot tackles the hardships of life, including death, suffering, disease and addiction. “Rent,â€? with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, is based on the opera “La BohĂŠme,â€? and has won 10 Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards, three Obies and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Known as the “Hairâ€? of the ‘90s, it ran for 12 years on Broadway, and toured nationally and internationally for years thereafter. Our own local talent’s interpretation of the hit play shows how City Stage’s keen eye for bringing relevant, edgy and good theater to town pays off almost always.

City Stage’s “Hair� and Red Barn Studio’s “Driving Miss Daisy� ranked second and third in most entertaining of the 2009 year.

live music venue and laundry mat Here’s the thing: Years and years ago, when encore offices were located downtown at 255 N. Front Street, we heard about a little venture known as the “Soapbox Laundro Lounge� going in below our office space. “It’s gonna be a laundromat and a bar all in one!� then-partner Sandy Summers (now

Sandy Vaughn) told us. “What?� we asked, perplexed at such an odd combination. “That’s so ... West Coast-like!� “Right!? It’s gonna be great,�

Sandy promised.

She was right.

Soapbox Laundro Lounge is great. Then came the live music, and, well, the venue now has turned into a staple on Wilmington’s nightlife scene—suds and all. With owner and operator Brent Watkins still steering the helm, along with the help of Joe Jones’ booking and music knowledge, the venue churns out live shows that makes the town flock through its doors. Last year alone, we saw acts worthy of a second go-round (hint-hint, Joe and Brent—bring ‘em back!): Benji Hughes, Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs, David Dondero, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, and we could go on and on, really.

Not to be matched, we know Soapbox will be making strides to bring even greater sounds to the forefront of our music scene this year. In the next three months alone, the schedule consists of a few must-sees: Hammer No More the Fingers on March 5th, The Love Language on March 13th, Bellafea on April 12th, and two festivals music lovers must attend: Rad Fest on May 14th and 15th, and WE Fest two weekends later, May 27th through 31st.

Just in case someone needs clean clothes with their live music, don’t forget to partake in the Soapbox’s facilities. They make laundry so-not-a-chore. I mean, who doesn’t want a PBR and a little punch-one-two (that’s keeping rhythm to the beat, yo!) with their Tide and Downy Soft?

Other laundry mats to place in encore’s reader’s poll include King’s Laundrymat and Sunrise Express Super Laundry. Other music venues ranking are Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre and The Whiskey.

arcade/game room It’s the place the family wants to visit for good old-fashioned game time any day of the week, any time of year. Jungle Rapids tantalizes kids—and all of us big kids alike—with their many attractions, including Grand Prix go-cart racing (my personal favorite!), Alien Invader laser tag (OK, yet another winner), “The Rock� climbing wall, Jungle Golf and, perhaps their most beloved summertime appeal, the water park. Fun will be had by all here, without a doubt. “We are customer-friendly and respond to customer suggestions,� Connie Branch, Jungle Rapids sales manager, explained of the park’s popularity. “We operate in a safe and clean atmosphere . . . [and] we are dedi-

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cated to customer satisfaction at a reasonable cost.”

Perhaps the most appealing aspect to the theme park is their promise to continue having fun in what they do—and making sure the customers follow suit, too. In fact, Branch’s main philosophy revolves around such notions. “Be happy and enjoy what you do,” she said, “and you will see your customers do the same.”

Jungle Rapids—making their first appearnace in encore’s Best-Of poll—continues to add new rides to their water park, as well as update their arcade with the latest games.

Hours of operation are: Sunday through Thursday, 10am-11pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10am-midnight. Their water park hours are from 11am-6pm in season (May-August).

Stop by and unleash the kid hidden deep inside; the fun will be never-ending! Other arcades to place in our poll include Bluepost and Ten Pin Alley.

billiards I have three favorite sounds in the world: 1) breaking glass, 2) champagne being corked and 3) pool balls being sunk into their pockets. Call me odd (my mother does), but there is just something winning about that dunk—that hard-hitting cue ball sinking in, say, an eight ball for the game.

Majestic, I say—just majestic!

The pros go to Break Time Billiards to sink their eight balls, time and time again, as

Break Time has more regulation pool tables than one can shake a pool stick at. It’s true: They are the leading sports bar for hosting eight- and nine-ball leagues, as well as monthly tournaments. Per their equipment, well, it’s cared for with the greatest attention to detail. In fact, Break Time Billiards has their tables recovered twice a year, using the finest Simoinis cloth.

As noted by their staff on their Web site, breaktimetenpin.com, “Whether you’re interested in a little friendly competition, just catching the game or relaxing with a few friends over some cold drinks, Break Time is the place in Wilmington to be!”

Other pool halls to break into the poll are Bluepost and Orton’s Pool Hall.

—Shea Carver

“We set ourselves apart from other medical facilities by offering top-quality care to each of our patients, coupled with a very friendly, loving attitude.” As for the way they have evolved in recent years, Sito continues, “The economic downturn has affected everyone. We do all we can to ease the financial burden that unfortunately comes with healthcare.”

This kind of attention and concern is most likely why Sito has taken over this year’s category for Best Chiropractor—and we wish them well in the years to come!

Second and third place went to Eric McGraw and Coastal Chiropractic.

attraction

chiropractor Snap, crackle, pop—hey, it’s normal to feel like a breakfast cereal when we’re at the chiropractor! And who can resist that relieved feeling we have when we leave? But don’t be

NO BATTLE HERE: US Battleship NC took our Best Tourist Attraction category by storm again in 2010!

mistaken: Not any ol’ doc can do the trick. As Wilmington residents with physical burdens can attest, Sito Chiropratic in town is the best of the best.

“Patients love the excellent doctors and friendliness of our staff,” Dana Sito of Sito Chiropractic asserts. “[They] continue to get great results from the care they receive here—hence the Best-Of vote!”

That customer love is what grants Sito and staff their ultimate compliment: customer referrals. And with all the hard work and dedication they put into their services, what’s not to like?

If anything can be said of our fair Port City, it’s that we sure are attractive—errr, I mean, we’re full of attractions! Tourist attractions, that is. It’s true that we’ve become a destination city in our own right (not to toot our own horns or anything). From the beach to downtown, history, cuisine and fun are all intermingled to make for one great melting pot of desirability.

And what do locals deem their favorite attraction but a symbol of the city itself?

The U.S.S. Battleship North Carolina! With a vibrant history of protecting our coastline in World War I, the Battleship is now a powerful reminder of the past standing as a looming presence across the river from downtown. Now a tourist attraction, what makes a trip to see the Battleship so great these days is the history preserved for visitors to experience, literally firsthand!

Explore the deck of the ship where sailors once walked, or huddle down below to sit inside their living quarters. The museum onboard contains a wide array of artifacts, collections, photographs and even oral histories that will delight everyone’s imaginations, young and old. There are field-trip opportunities, re-enactments and even movies shown on the deck every Friday in May! Upcoming events include Battleship 101 and New Hanover County Free Day on March 7th, and a four-hour, behind-the-scenes exploration called “Hidden Battleship” on March 13th. The ship’s store is full of unique items to

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14 encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

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buy and carry home. A guided tour will offer treasured memories for years to come. Visit www.battleshipnc.com for a complete list of events and hours!

Runners up in the attraction category were the beach and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

customers desire. They can handle relocation needs, from start to finish, and even offer a 100-percent Satisfaction Guarantee. In an ever-changing real-estate climate, Sea Coast has remained true to its roots and continues to offer first-class service with a reputation clients have learned they can trust. Their easy-to-navigate Web site, www.seacoastrealty.com, only adds to what Wilmington recognizes as dependable, up-to-date and quality service.

Rounding out the top-three names for best real-estate agencies were Intracoastal Realty and Century 21.

real estate agency The local and national housing markets may have taken a hit due to the recession as of late, but Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is soaring high above the rest with their win for Best Real Estate Agency. Serving the cities of Wilmington and Jacksonville; the coastal communities of Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach, Surf City, Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, North Topsail Beach, Kure Beach, Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach and Holden Beach; and coastal communities, including Porters Neck, Southport, Sneads Ferry, Leland, Scotts Hill, Hampstead, Holly Ridge, Camp Lejeune, New River, Bolivia, Shallotte, Boiling Spring Lakes and St. James, Sea Coast is without a doubt a leader in its industry. In fact, it is the number-one real estate company in southeastern North Carolina, selling more properties than any area firm for the past eight years.

With 300-plus agents and seven convenient locations (two in Wilmington, on Military Cutoff Road and at Porters Neck) Sea Coast is more than equipped to satisfy anything their

Winner of “Best Burger”

chef

PEP IN THE STEP: Previous encore publisher Wade Wilson accepted Best Real Estate Company award on behalf of his now employer, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty.

Come taste the best burger in Wilmington!

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H 6 Locations in the Cape Fear H

PT’s Grille — Est. 1990

It’s a name that anyone who loves great food in Wilmington will recognize. A name attached to a reputation of stellar cooking, two of the finest dining establishments in town, and a passion for serving up the kinds of meals that people do not just devour but adore. It’s a name that frequents our Best-Of awards each and every season, and with good reason. The name is “Keith Rhodes.”

This is a man who grew up with cooking so enriched in his family and home environment that he couldn’t help but love what grew to be both a passion and a tal-

ent. A Porters-Neck native, Rhodes caught the desire to cook from both his father and grandfather, and he has since become the name behind Catch, where diners go for “modern seafood cuisine.” His location downtown has served many seafood lovers for a few years now, and on March 1st, his second location will open on North Market, before Gordon Road. With two restaurants keeping him more than busy, Rhodes remains dedicated to his customers and what they want. Most importantly, he also remains a fierce supporter of North Carolina’s organic farmers, local fisheries and sustainable fishing practices. He is highly favorable of his clientele, helping stimulate our local economy and utilizing only the freshest ingredients from farmers to help stock his restaurants.

Not only has Rhodes graced our Best-Of polls time and again, but he has also won the award for the Best Dish in North Carolina competition, sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in not just one but two categories: Fine Dining and Casual Dining. Where most folks know him is simply by experiencing his food. His name and culinary skills ring loud and proud in foodie circles around the greater Wilmington area—and we expect it will for years to come.

Serving up second and third place are Smokey Masters of Pine Valley Market and Nick at Nicola’s.

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urday at 6:30pm in December, January and February. For more information, please visit www.hauntedwilmington.com.

Second place in the tour category went to the Springbrook Farms Carriage Tours, and third was the Haunted Pub Crawl.

new restaurant and sports bar

adult store Readers may have long noticed the enticing displays in the second-floor window of 5500 Market Street. With the franchise logo of Adam and Eve beckoning all folks adventurous enough to come satisfy their curiosities, this adult store is ready to show patrons why it was voted best of the best in town.

“Adam and Eve provides a safe, friendly environment for women, men and couples to explore romance and erotica,” the official Web site, www.adamandevestores.com, assures. Products offered include everything from lingerie, to bachelor and bachelorette gifts, to instructional manuals, to games designed specifically to “re-ignite the spark.”

As a leader in its industry, Adam and Eve has 32 successful retail stores in North America, and the shopping experience itself is said to be a draw in itself. “Our stores invoke the quality, class and comfort associated with the Adam and Eve brand,” the site claims. “The floor plans have been carefully designed to optimize our customers’ shopping experience, while the interior finishes and lighting cast a warm, inviting welcome.”

No matter what the occasion or products desired, Adam and Eve is the place to go in

SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERY WHERE THE SIGNS! (left) The Ghost Tour took home the 2010 Best Tour of Wilmington for their third year running; (left) Janna Murray awards Best New Restaurant and Sports Bar.

town for all-things erotic. Swing by to see what the buzz is all about.

Second place in the adult-store category was Thee View, while taking third-pace honors was Pandora’s Box.

tour Few people realize the savagery that took place in Old Wilmington in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city found itself under constant assault by the ravages of disease, war, slavery, piracy, murder, suicide and the everyday inflictions of such a violent life. As Colonel William Lamb said in 1864, “...I’d much rather be in battle than Wilmington, for at least in battle I have a chance of not being killed.”

Tapping into those lost long ago and “the poor lost souls that still linger in the Port City,” the Ghost Walk of Wilmington takes anyone brave enough along an active route of downtown’s most spook-filled digs. Journey with locally renowned actors and ghost

hunters into the depths of haunted Wilmington, once North Carolina’s largest city, with the largest historic district in the state and a city that many consider to be amongst the most actively haunted in the world, to this day.

The Ghost Walk will thrill and chill, as participants are led through 275-year-old alleyways beneath centuries-old live oaks, stopping among 29 active sites that vary nightly. Organizers have been researching the ghosts of downtown Wilmington since 1978, and are delighted to fright one and all with dismal tales of yore.

Tour times are 6:30pm and 8:30pm nightly, from April 1st-October 31st; 6:30pm nightly in November and March; and Thursday-Sat-

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In Wilmington the LM Restaurants franchise is known for some of the most premier and beloved eateries in all of the Port City: Oceanic, Bluewater, Eddie Romanelli’s, the new Flat Eddies and Henry’s. Any time LM is involved, patrons can expect quality food, an impressive atmosphere and great service.

From the beach to midtown to Leland, their upscale establishments are go-to dining destinations for treating guests, celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a nice meal out for two.

Newest to the LM lineup is Carolina Ale House. Located on College Road not too far from the university, this sports-themed restaurant and bar certainly differs in style from its sisters, but it offers the same customeroriented care and attention to detail that we have all come to expect. “Wilmington was ‘hungry’ for a sports-themed restaurant with a diverse menu and TVs everywhere,” marketing coordinator Mindy Amerson says.

Offering over 40 HD TVs, a full menu served from 11am-2am daily, a lively atmosphere and $2 drafts every Wednesday (just to name a few of its awesome features), the restaurant adds another gleaming accomplishment to the Moshakos family’s 30-year run in the restaurant industry. “We want to bring value and a memorable experience to our guests,” Amerson continues.

With menu items such as Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Sweet Mountain BBQ Baby Back Ribs, the Carolina Ale House Pub Burger, the Buffalo Zinger Wrap, and the Carolina Dipper (tender smoked beef brisket on a toasted hoagie roll with melted pepper-jack cheese, carmelized onions, lettuce and tomato with Au Jus—yum!), it’s no wonder hungry Wilmington voters put Carolina Ale House at the top of our Best-Of polls.

Runners up for Best New Restaurant in-

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16 encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

clude Grand Union Pub and Aubriana’s, while runners up for Best Sports Bar include Buffalo Wild Wings and Wild Wing Café.

have the time (or energy!) to fight for a parking spot at Wrightsville, a quick trip to Tropical Tans will do the trick. Whether we need a little color for that upcoming formal event or a base tan for the months of bikini weather, Tropical offers a range of options to suit all needs.

Located at 5003 Wrightsville Avenue and 402-101 Carl Street, these premier salons offer 30-minute beds, 15-minute beds, stand-up booths and Mystic Tan Booths. Patronage is rewarded, including a referral program called the “SunShine Club” and unlimited packages with the ability to freeze at any time for whatever circumstance.

Owned and operated by Fred Knoff, Tropical Tans has been up and running in the Port City since 1988, making it the first and longest-owned tanning salon in town. Customers past and present know they can trust the equipment and service.

Runners up in the tanning category this year were Timeless Tans and Ultimate Tanning, respectively.

seafood Sitting directly on the sand overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, a sea breeze in the air and panoramic views to behold, the historic Oceanic Restaurant at Wrightsville Beach is as much an experience as it is a destination. Coastal residents and visitors alike love to spend a meal as this beachy, yet upscale facility where time slows down, and the charm of the Carolina coast floods the atmosphere no matter the time of year. The attached Crystal Pier allows for spectacular outdoor seating and live music (weather permitting), and the spacious third-floor private room is a highly desired special-event venue.

While the location and ambiance, as well as the reputation of the LM-Restaurants franchise, are all enough to send folks flocking to the oceanfront establishment. The “fresh seafood options” at Oceanic are what marketing director Mindy Amerson claims to be the reason behind its Best-Of win, while she attributes the “unique location at Wrightsville Beach, friendly staff and delicious food” to what keeps guests coming back. Seafood items at Oceanic include Oysters Rockafeller, Cajun Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, Seafood Gumbo, Stuffed Flounder and King Crab Legs, just to name a few.

Whether it’s Sunday brunch or a Friday evening dinner with friends, it is always a good time to eat at Oceanic—where the seafood is always fresh and the service is as sweet as dessert.

Second place in the seafood category this year went to Hieronymus, and third place went to Bluewater Grill.

tanning salon In a coastal town like Wilmington, where the weather is typically mild year round, and the beaches are flooded with loungers and strutters in the warmest months (readers know who they are), the expectation to have a tan bod can be as high as the tide. While nobody likes an orange-y fake bake (or that too-tanned leathery skin!), a nice, even glow

Every tourist town has one: that local joint, typically tucked away in an obscure location, where the food is so outstanding and the local operators are so friendly, that it eventually becomes a tourist destination in its own right—once the secret leaks, that is. For Wilmington that place is P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille, serving the community for 17 years and counting.

Based on the simple philosophy to sell really good burgers, sandwiches, dogs and fries, the first location opened on Fountain Drive across from the UNCW campus and has done so well that P.T.’s can now be seen not only all across town but across the state, too! With a total of seven locations (five in Wilmington, one in Leland and one in Chapel Hill), P.T.’s is synonymous for a really great burger.

Grilled to perfection and served in four or eight ounces, a P.T.’s burger is cooked with the highest-quality ingredients, made to order in about 10 minutes and priced low. As their Web site, www.ptsgrille.com, claims, it’s “fast food that doesn’t taste like fast food.” For that quintessential P.T.’s experience, try one all the way with their excellent (and highly addictive!) seasoned French fries. For readers trying to watch calories in honor of the beach season ahead, P.T.’s also offers an alternative to beef with a lower-calorie, low-fat Gardenburger, as well as salads to substitute for the fries. There is something for everyone, vegetarians and

FIRE IT UP: Jonathan Guggenheim fires up the audience as PT’s Grille staff accepts the award for Best Burger—another win for them to add to their high-rising flames of wins.

is a complement to any skin tone or shape— especially when the weather demands our ultimate exposure.

The folks at Tropical Tans obviously know what our local residents want and need in a tanning salon. When we simply don’t

Thank You Wilmington!

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meat-eaters alike, at P.T.’s, where the quality is high, the atmosphere cozy and casual, and the burgers reign as best.

The second- and third-place spots for this year’s burger category go to Red Robin and Five Guys, respectively.

japanese restaurant I can remember some of my favorite dining-out experiences as a kid: going to the Japanese steakhouse. My family and I enjoyed watching the sizzling fire of the grill right in front us, the skillful techniques of our cooks with knives a flippin’ and food sailing through the air. It was a fun atmosphere of guests, participating and enjoying the preparation together, family-style. These days the Japanese-steakhouse experience is as much fun, if not more, when spent at Hiro Japanese Steak and Seafood House on Eastwood Road.

This exciting dining destination features hibachi-style dining, an authentic sushi bar with a la carte dining, sashimi, specialty cocktails, a martini bar and the dazzling display of meals cooked right in front of patrons’ eyes. Try the Hibachi filet mignon, a nice spicy salmon roll or perhaps the Teryaki chicken and rice. Just don’t skip out on the aforementioned specialty martinis—like a Bermuda Triangle or Key Lime Quencher! The experience here is every bit as worth a visit as the food, both of which are far beyond excellent.

The space inside is customerfriendly, too, with a very open, expansive layout, including a large foyer/waiting room with aquariums to enjoy and explore.

Customers will leave full, happy, entertained—and looking forward to their next trip to Hiro.

Rounding out our Japanese restaurant category this year were Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet and Bento Box, respectively.

dentist For some people (many, in fact), a trip to the dentist would be more welcoming than a swim in open water with a few dozen jelly fish. Born from either a natural fear or perhaps a bad past experience, the experience of lying back in that chair under those bright lights, while a masked figure scrapes and tweaks away at our incisors and bicuspids, might as well be a scene from a horror movie. Not for me! I actually love a good trip to the dentist—especially because of the super-clean, mintyfresh feeling I have afterward.

According to this year’s Best Dentist category, the clients at Dr. Charles R. Biggerstaff of Biggerstaff Family Dentistry in Wilmington would say they have quite good experiences as well! Located at 1133 Medi-

LAUGHTER’S THE BEST MEDICINE: (l. to r.)

Courtney Bridgers, Chad Keith, Erin Coffin and Emily Caulfield enjoy the entertainment of our 2010 Best-Of comedian hosts.

cal Center Drive near the hospital, Biggerstaff and crew are dedicated to providing “the highest-quality dental care in a relaxing and professional environment,� according to www.biggerstafffamilydentistry.com. The practice is the Wilmington area’s leading comprehensive family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

Serving all ages, they have been in business

for over 30 years, specializing in general dentistry, preventative maintenance, crowns, bridges, implant restoration, teeth whitening, root canals and gentle dentistry. “We create beautiful smiles and provide quality dentistry with a gentle touch,� their site claims.

Oh, and “new patients are always welcome and emergencies are handled in a timely manner.�

Caring for the Port City’s pearly whites in the number-two and -three spots this year are Edgerton and Fisher, and Dr. Brian P. Ford.

morning show and radio personality One of my absolute least favorite sounds in the whole world is without a doubt the sound of my alarm clock. With its blaring call to step out from under warm covers, and the minutes between each Snooze seemingly shorter and shorter all the time, it’s a wonder that small, unassuming machine isn’t damaged into a million pieces by now. But for those early birds (and non-morning people, too!), one of the best ways to get rolling in

The most delicious week of Spring is April 28th-May 5th!

n to g in m il W u o y k n a h T for voting us

“Best Chinese Restaurant!�

Our vision is to provide our customers with the most exciting dining experience while they are in our home; that we see to it that every customer in our restaurant leave with the anticipation of coming back.

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

18 encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Some of the Port City’s finest restaurants will offer awe-inspiring prix-fixe meals prepared especially for this week.

Heironymous

Port City Chop House

Siena Trattoria

South Beach Grill

Wrightsville Grille Aubriana’s Verandah Cafe

Cape Fear Seafood Co. The Pilot House

at the Holiday Inn-Wrightsville Beach

Elijah’s

Katy’s Great Eats

Jamaica’s Comfort Zone

Yo Sake

Fat Tony’s

The Little Dipper Mixto

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Priddyboy’s

Flaming Amy’s

(College Rd. Location Only)

Flaming Amy’s Bowl

Catch

Caprice Bistro

Hell’s Kitchen

The Melting Pot

Banks Channel Pub & Grille

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the a.m. hours, especially if they live here in Wilmington, is to turn the dial to Z 107.5 FM, “Wilmington’s number-one hit-music station.” Why? It’s where listeners can find the infamous Foz in the Morning radio show.

His unmistakable voice, irreverent humor, and perpetually perky attitude (even at 6am—wow!) placed Foz at the top of readers’ Best Morning Radio Show and Radio Personality lists this year. He’s obviously made an impression here on the Port City for the last several years. If there’s one thing that can be said of Foz, it’s that he keeps the airwaves alive and fun, while always involving his listeners and proving everyone with the need-to-know (just plain entertaining to hear). On air until 10am each day with his partner-in-crime, Jocelyn, Wilmington’s top-40 music-lovers who wish for a side of fun with their tunes can’t help but turn the dial to Z 107.5, all for the man of the morning: Foz. Others dials turn to Bryan and Jim: The Morning Disaster (103.7 The Bone) and Craig and Shiela (104.5 Sunny FM) in the morning, while other favorite local radio personalities include Beau Gunn and Kim Czornij, both of 106.7 The Penguin.

karaoke There’s just something about an amateur open-mic night. Perhaps it’s because we non-professionals will never really get to experience the thrill and adrenaline of performing onstage in front of thousands of people.

Perhaps it’s the fact that our favorite songs to sing in the shower or car simply deserve a better platform from which to be sung out.

Or, perhaps, it’s the fault of the tequila we drank. However we choose to look at it, karaoke is just plain f-u-n! When encore readers are out and about for a night on the town, the first place they head for some good-time karaoke singin’ is none other than Katy’s Great Eats.

Katy’s has been a local Wilmington fixture for years and years, best known for its seafood dinners and wings. It’s a family-friendly establishment with superior specials, friendly service and a great atmosphere for watching the game or just hanging out, with its six flatpanel large screens, pool table, ping-pong tournaments and a patio for smokers. But what our night owls crave the most is Katy’s stellar karaoke lounge.

This midtown local-yokel joint has all the right ingredients for any debut performance of “I Will Survive”—come on, readers, we know you’ve thought about it. And, hey, if Gloria’s not your cup of tea, try “Me and Bobby McGee.” No? Well, perhaps “American Pie” or “Bohemian Rhapsody”? Just show off those pipes (or hysterical lack thereof) at Katy’s.

Other venues across town where readers like to take the mic are Fat Boy’s on Market Street and the Brown Coat Pub downtown.

BEHIND THE MASK: Anthony Lawson hides behind his alter-ego, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle—Best Bouncer of Wilmington’s Bar Scene, 2010.

dance club When the long, hard school or work weeks have just been too long and hard, when we need a release from the stress and the monotony of it all, one of the best ways to let go: Dance it out! Wilmington is full of places to shake one’s tail feather, so to speak, and this year encore voters have ranked City Limits Saloon high above the rest. Want proof of its no-holds-barred, super-fun atmosphere? Its Web site, www.hellyeahwilmington.com, boasts “bars for dancing, a bull for riding, pool tables, Wii game system, Sexual Satisfaction karaoke and the best bar staff on the coast.” How’s that for a good time?

City Limits first came to Wilmington a few years back, with a sister club in Raleigh and a rip-roarin’ spirit that took downtown by storm. Its Western-stlye, cowboy/girl vibe calls for country and top-40 dance hits, with a large open dance floor for guests to show their stuff until the wee hours of the morning.

Thursday nights are reserved for Bikini Bullriding (ladies get in free!), or try a hand at free line-dancing on Fridays. There are drink specials and special events galore for those who just can’t get enough of the party!

Dubbed “North Carolina’s Original Country Party Bar,” City Limits has practically no limits on the amount of fun—especially dancing!—that can be done ‘round these parts.

Check them out at 28 South Front Street.

Other booty-shaking clubs that ranked high on encore voters’ lists are downtown’s Level 5 and Pravda.

Next week’s edition will feature the third installment of encore winners. Out March 3rd!

encore | february 24-march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 19

Your table is waiting

Work the Problem, People!

Musings of President Obama, Mitt Romney and Full Belly

I

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wanted to write something “racially motivated” for Black History Month, maybe something about President Obama’s accomplishments. But I had problems. Mitt Romney railed about the president “failing the American people.” Then President Obama said his health-care summit was “not just a test of our ability to solve this problem but a test of our ability to solve any problem.” Finally, I filled my belly with global cuisine and a homegrown red at the Full Belly Project’s fund-raiser last Saturday night, called “Feast Against Famine.” Conditions dictated that I work the problems.

Mitt cheered me up—Mitt’s part of the majority that failed to find WMD’s or Osama, failed to even acknowledge problems of climate change or economic collapse, failed to win the House, Senate or White House. The irony of anyone from that group shouting about our president’s failures from the shadows of $100,000 speaking fees made me chuckle.

Then the president spoke again about the necessity of collaborative problem-solving. He sounded like a chill Ed Harris in Apollo 13, attempting to stop bickering with, “Work the

by: Mark Basquill encore reader

problem, people!” But this approach isn’t popular and isn’t working with many politicians. They aren’t problem-solvers intent on using the “tools in the room” to bring the boys home, even if it means using duct tape and rubber hose. Reasonable problem-solving efforts are opposed by entertainers, charlatans and the shadows of Rove and Reagan. For 30 years many conservatives have blamed Big Gummit for every ill, running the only play in the Hollywood-insiderturned-conservative icon’s playbook: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”

Folks believing such absurdity fail to see that in a land where “We the People” govern—assuming government is the problem—we look the problem in the face when we look in the mirror. We fail to see that our society is running out of oxygen, and that government is part of the solution. What possible reason did Obama have to hope that would change?

Finally, I created another problem by attending the Full Belly Project fund-raiser and accidentally spilling house red on its founder, Jock Brandis. For those unfamiliar with this Apollo Program of ingenuity, the Full Belly Project is nonprofit that helps people around the globe devise sustainable solutions to problems of hunger, water supply and economic stability.

The big blue building at 10th and Chestnut is Mission Control for the project. Full Belly folks “work the problem.” Volunteers don’t blame or bicker. They find stone-age simple solutions to complex problems. The project appeals to conservatives and progressives because of its optimism, compassion, reliance on using the “tools in the room,” and roots in the proverb “give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach him to fish, feed him for life.” I love all that.

And I love that after I splashed the wine, true to the project’s principles, Mr. Brandis merely found a napkin and wiped the spill.

Without blame, his eyes eloquently conveyed Ed Harris’s more famous Apollo 13 phrase, “Failure is not an option.”

voted best

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Flaming Amy’s is looking for Wilmington’s next Big star!

We need a song/jingle to use in radio and television advertisements, and we want YOU to write it!

Bands, Singers, Closet Music Makers…ANYBODY. Just put together a 30-60 second song or jingle, Burn it to a CD and drop it off at any Flaming Amy’s or Gravity Records.

6 /

$

x

Taking submissions through March 31st, 2010

all you can eat.

Lunch or Dinner. Limited time only. {{£nÊ- «Þ>À`Ê Û`°ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ £ä Ç ÈÓÓÓ "«i ÊÇÊ >ÞÃÊ>ÊÜii Ê££Ê> ÊÕ Ì Ê£äÊ«

20 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Pick up entry forms and details at any Flaming Amy’s or Gravity Records.

Winning song will be used for Flaming Amy’s commercials and advertising.

Top 10 entries will be asked to perform their song/jingle live at Soap Box. Winner will be chosen by our Celebrity judges, musical experts form Gravity Records and some help from the live audience!

All Top 10 winners will receive a Flaming Amy’s Gift Bag

1st place: $200 CASH MONEY and $100 Flaming Amy’s Cash 2nd place: $150 CASH MONEY and $75 Flaming Amy’s Cash 3rd place: $100 CASH MONEY and $50 Flaming Amy’s Cash

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unCwsports.com Boat donated by Atlantic Marine Sales 101 Keel Street • Wrightsville Beach, NC 910-256-9911 encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 21

d r i e w e h t f o s w e n Chuck Shepherd digs up the strangest of the strange in world news

LEAD STORY When Dexter Blanch’s dog nearly died from complications during spay surgery, he decided to use the event as inspiration and recently brought to market a chastity belt to give pet owners more control of their animals’ animal instincts. The Pet Anti-Breeding System harness is especially valuable to professional breeders who may want to keep a female out of one or more “heat cycles” without resorting to sterilization. So far, said Blanch, the belts have been proven effective, but he admitted to a San Francisco Chronicle reporter in February that horndog males pose severe tests by gnawing relentlessly at the leather straps that are crimping their style.

The Continuing Crisis The Importance of the Dictionary: When Donald Williams was publicly sworn in as a judge in Ulster County, N.Y., on Jan. 2, offices were closed, and no one could find a Bible. Since holy books are not legally required, Williams took the oath with his hand on a dictionary. Merriam Webster’s 10th edition dictionary is so influential that the Menifee Union School District in Southern California removed all copies from its elementary schools’ shelves in January in response to a

parent’s complaint that the book contains a reference to “oral sex.”

“Texting” While Driving Is Not the Problem: Briton Rachel Curtis, 23, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by Bristol Crown Court in October for leading police on a high-speed chase while injecting heroin. Authorities in Scottsboro, Ala., in December arrested a man after a high-speed chase during which he allegedly had methamphetamine cooking in the front seat. (3) Long-haul trucker Thomas Wallace was charged with manslaughter in Buffalo, N.Y., in January after his rig struck a parked car, killing the occupant, while Wallace was distracted watching pornography on his laptop computer.

Too-Swift Justice: It is not unheard of for someone to commit a crime and then immediately surrender, usually for safety or for the comfort of a warm jail cell (such as Timmy Porter, 41, did in Anchorage, Alaska, in October immediately after robbing the First National Bank Alaska). However, Gerard Cellette Jr., 44, tried to be even more helpful. Knowing that he would soon be arrested (and probably convicted) for running a $53 million Ponzi scheme in the Minneapolis area, he walked into a county judge’s chambers in December and offered to begin serving time. The judge explained that Cellette

would have to wait until charges were filed and a plea recorded.

Timing Is Everything: Guido Boldini (and his mother Constance Boldini) pleaded guilty last April to soliciting a hit man to take out Guido’s ex-wife, Michelle Hudon, after a contentious child-custody battle in Keene, N.H. The “hit man” was, of course, an undercover cop, and the son and mother are now serving a combined 12 to 35 years in prison.

However, unknown to the Boldinis, Michelle Hudon had been diagnosed with cancer, and in September, she died.

Bright Ideas An official in Shijiazhuang, China, told Agence France-Presse in December that the city’s new “women only” parking lot was designed to meet females’ “strong sense of color and different sense of distance.” That is, the spaces are 3 feet wider than regular spaces and painted pink and purple. Also, attendants have been “trained” to “guide” women into parking spaces.

Lenoir County, N.C., sheriff’s deputies raided a suspected marijuana farm in January and learned that the grow operation was all underground. The 60 live plants were being cultivated inside an abandoned school bus, which had been completely buried, using several backhoes, accessible by a tunnel and with a garage built on top of it.

The Fragrance of Love First, farmer Dick Kleis of Zwingle in eastern Iowa, composing a birthday note to his wife, arranged more than 60 tons of manure in a pasture to spell out “Happy Birthday, Love You” in shorthand. Then, for Valentine’s Day, farmer Bruce Andersland created a half-mile-wide, arrow-pierced heart from plowed manure at his farm near the town of Albert Lea, Minn. “Now I’ve got my valentine!” shouted wife Beth, when she first viewed the aerial image.

Oops!

Helmut Kichmeier, 27, a hypnotist “trainee” who appears as Hannibal Helmurto in Britain’s Circus of Horrors, accidentally hypnotized himself in January as he was practicing in front of a mirror. (Being in such a trance helps him swallow swords on stage.) His wife called Kichmeier’s mentor, Dr. Ray Roberts, who, as a “voice of authority,” was able to snap Kichmeier out of it over the phone.

Fine Points of the Law A death-row inmate has a right to question the fairness of the sentencing jurors if they appear to be so friendly with the judge that they give him (and the bailiff) post-trial gag chocolates shaped like breasts and penises. The U.S. Supreme Court in January ordered a lower court to consider a rehearing request from convicted killer Marcus Wellons of Georgia.

Least Competent Criminals Didn’t Think Ahead: Two men tied up employees at a recycling company in Chicago in December, intending to take away the ATM on the premises, which is normally used to pay people who bring in scrap metal. However, the two men fled empty-handed after realizing that they were not strong enough to carry the 250pound machine out to their truck. Lloyd Norris, 57, was arrested in Gwinnett County, Ga., in February and charged with mortgage fraud, after he tried to buy a house with “cash” consisting of a nonsensical $225,000 “U.S. Treasury” promissory note, supposedly “certified”

by Secretary Timothy Geithner. Norris had prepared $1 billion worth of the documents on his computer and apparently assumed that banks would not look too closely at them.

Sometimes, Men Just Have to Prove Theirs Is Bigger A 31-year-old man was stabbed in St. Cloud, Minn., in January. He told police that he and another man were approaching each other on a sidewalk, and when neither man gave way, the other man stabbed him. Scott Elder, 22, was charged with shooting a 24-year-old man in Savannah, Ga., in October after an escalating argument that started when one of the two strangers sent a text message to a wrong number. One comment led to another, and the men agreed to meet in a downtown parking lot to settle things. (3) Lankward Harrington, 25, was walking past a gardener working on lawn in Washington, D.C., in October 2006 when grass clippings blew onto his clothes. At his trial in October 2009, Harrington was convicted of murder for shooting the gardener four times in the face. Said Harrington, on the witness stand: “He got grass on me. (I) take pride in my appearance.”

Read News of the Weird daily at www.WeirdUniverse.net. Send your Weird News to WeirdNews@earthlink.net or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa Florida, 33679.

22 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

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encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 23

below Theater

26-27 Art

28-29 Film

31-35 Music

Sisters Acting Up: Opera House Theatre Company presents ‘Nunsense’

T

he magic in Opera House Theatre Company’s latest show, “Nunsense,” is in the casting, so director Sue Ellen Yates deserves a lot of credit for the standing ovation the musical received on Friday night. Each actor perfectly portrayed and never for a moment stepped out of character. In keeping with the setting of a fund-raiser, held in a Catholic school theater, Kendra Goehring-Garrett (Sister Mary Leo) and Joy Gregory (Sister Mary Hubert) glided serenely through the audience with greetings, smiles, and blessings before the show. The show itself had hilarious stops and starts and glitches, but it was impossible to pretend that this was anything but a professional production with exceptional talent.

Most of the performers in “Nunsense” consider themselves singers first, and, boy, can they sing! Gregory sang a gospel song, “Holier Than Thou,” which was astonish-

by: MJ Pendelton

Nunsense Scottish Rite Temple • 1415 S. 17th St.

HHHHH February 26th-28th Tickets: $20 • (910) 343-3664 ing! The entire audience accompanied her by clapping to the beat. Denise S. Bass (Sister Mary Amnesia) sang “I Could’ve Gone to Nashville” with all the sass and verve of a country-western star. Teri Harding (Sister Robert Anne) dropped her Brooklyn accent to sing the ballad “Growing Up Catholic” in a sweet, angelic voice. The delightfully diverse music is directed by Lorene Walsh, who also played the keyboard, conducted and played a small role as Sister Martini. It

was a great pleasure to see the immensely talented but usually diffident director happily performing onstage.

Guided by creative choreographer Goehring-Garrett, the cast danced the entire evening. It is impossible to imagine how difficult (and hot) that must have been in those cumbersome habits. Goehring-Garrett was a graceful ballerina while singing “Benedicite” and the highlight of the performance was the entire cast tap-dancing to Gregory’s “Tackle That Temptation with a Time Step.” Even though they didn’t have to “stoop to one, single penguin joke,” there was a penguin moment during the tap routine.

These singers and dancers can also act.

Their comic timing was impeccable, and the audience was positively giddy with delight. Gregory and Michelle Reiff (Reverend Mother Mary Regina) ever-so-slightly dominated the stage with their self-confidence and total transformation into their charac-

ters. Reiff’s drug-induced giggling and slapstick humor was the most hilarious scene in the show. Bass, who was adorably stupid because a crucifix fell on her head, reduced the audience to laughter every time she opened her mouth. She performed a very funny ventriloquist act with a puppet nun and, later, repeated a telephone message in fast-forward.

Because everyone onstage was having so much fun, the audience on Friday night did, too. There was a lot of eager audience participation and several members even told jokes: “Hoboken? Sinatra and I are the only ones who got out!”

“Catholic sex? Nun on Monday, nun on Tuesday, nun on Wednesday…”

This show is a terrific example of the whole being more than the sum of its parts. The actors were so perfectly in sync with each other, it was almost like they were sisters.

Geeky Good Fun: City Stage presents ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

C

ity Stage can get away with some pretty silly theater and, with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” they’ve done it again. On the second Saturday of the production, the theater was packed, and the audience was ready to laugh at every wacky stage moment—and laugh they did!

The first necessary suspension of disbelief is that adults are playing kids. Instead of looking like brainiac children, they look more like mentally-challenged escapees from the insane asylum. The few audience participants seemed relatively normal and added a reality show/improvisational element to the musical. For the most part, though, the civilians appeared slightly stunned to be on the stage with a group of such wacky actors. The visual humor alone is probably enough to carry the show, but director Mike O’Neil also did a fantastic job of casting.

Jason Aycock is the choreographer and

by: MJ Pendelton

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

HHHHH City Stage February 26th-28th and March 5th-7th Tickets: $15-$20 • (910) 342-0272 Leaf Coneybear, the “not that smart” contestant. He obviously encouraged the outrageous physical comedy that started with his and Jeremiah Williams’ (Chip Tolentino) shenanigans, escalated with Damond Nelson’s (William Barfee) mnemonic magic foot and rockette routine, and went over the top with Chiaki Ito’s (Marcy Park) impressive cartwheels, splits and juggling. There was also some seemingly nonsensical fast-for-

24 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

ward/slow-motion done by the whole cast.

The audience laughed at everything.

Ito is also the music director, and, though the music was performed with obvious talent and skill, there isn’t really a song in the show that lingers after the performance.

Most of the lyrics are comical, as showcased in “My Unfortunate Erection,” which Williams sang and performed to the giggling delight of the audience. A few of the songs are poignant and illuminate the complex personalities of the characters. Robin Hume sweetly sang “The I Love You Song” about her character’s parents’ absence—Olive Ostrovsky’s mother is in India and her father is working late.

Rachael Moser’s character, Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere has two gay fathers and a speech impediment, so her song is “Woe Is Me.” The “adults” in the show are Heather Setzler, whose beautiful voice accompanies a number of the songs, and John Perkinson, the spelling-bee mod-

erators, and Anthony Lawson, the comfort counselor. They are almost as funny as the “kids.”

William Finn wrote the music and lyrics, and the book is by Rachel Sheinkin, who won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book.

The musical was based upon “C-R-E-P-US-C-U-L-E,” an original improvisational play created by Rebecca Feldman and performed

by The Farm, a New-York-based improvisational comedy troupe.

“Define crepuscule, please.”

“Crepuscule means twilight.”

“Use it in a sentence, please.”

“Twilight is a much prettier word than crepuscule.”

Though the musical is somewhat repetitive, there is enough energy and enthusiasm in this production to sustain the comedy and merit a standing ovation on Saturday night.

The Wilmington theater community is sending out a loud and clear message: Put on a happy face.

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A Stitch in Time: Leslie Pearon’s time-lapse videos document fiber art at work

U

nless one happens to live with an artist, it’s a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse at the creative process. Any artist showing off a finished work will inevitably encounter the following questions: “How long did it take?”

“What did you use for this part?”

“What were you thinking when you made this?”

As they say, it’s not just the destination but also the journey.

“For me the process is almost more important than the finished piece,” Leslie Pearson, fiber artist, says. “Because a single piece can easily take months, or even years, to complete. [It] becomes a meditative, ritual act or performance.”

Pearson, a graduate student at East Carolina University, studies textiles. With a home base in Wilmington, she is an avid experimenter, who loves to work with new materials, naturally incorporating a variety into her artwork.

by: Lauren Hodges

Materials and Methods Featuring the fabric art and time-lapse videos of Leslie Pearson.

ACME Art Studio 711 N Fifth Street February 26th • 6-9pm “I am excited to see that boundaries are being crossed within all media,” she says.

“Labels are almost a thing of the past. I find this to be especially true for artists working in fiber-based materials, because the the range of what is considered to be ‘fiber’ is so diverse.”

She keeps a busy studio in the downtown home she shares with her photographer husband. Once inside her creative space, she finds solace in the acts of hand-stitching, beading and weaving.“The repetitious processes and handwork associated with fiber-based artwork is usually a very impor-

FABRIC OF OUR ART: Don’t miss the ECU student show “Materials and Methods,’ opening at ACME Art Studio this Friday, featuring the work of Leslie Pearson.

tant aspect to the artist,” Pearson says.

So important, in fact, that she takes the time to document her woman-at-work moments. Using an automatic setting on her camera, she takes a picture of herself creating every 30 seconds, which she compiles and transforms into time-lapse videos.

“I find that the video showing the progress and the physicality of the artist-in-action is a key component to understanding the artwork: the time, the sacrifice, the dedication to completing something.”

But it’s not all painstaking discipline. Pearson enjoys every moment. “Let’s not forget the fun of using one’s own hands to make an idea into a tangible object,” she says.

Though she’s the only star so far of her homemade films, she is sure that plenty of Port-City fabric fanatics can relate to the process onscreen. When she isn’t making the commute to Greenville for school, Pearson has been busy curating an exhibit, featuring her fellow textile students from ECU. In fact,

the travels she endures for an education were her main inspiration for the show.

“There are a lot of fiber-based artists in the Wilmington area, but there isn’t a program available locally,” she points out. “Perhaps this exhibition will even stir an interest in creating a textile program at UNCW.” When asked why the school would want to install textiles in their curriculum, Pearson couldn’t stop herself.

“The word ‘textiles’ itself is even being redefined in people’s minds. Once traditionally thought of as term for working in industry—wall paper design, fashion, fabric design—it’s now a broad umbrella for anyone working in fiber-based art.”

The broadness will soon be displayed on the walls of ACME Art Studios. The show, called “Materials and Methods,” is a group exhibition, featuring a mix of fiber-based artworks created by several professors and graduate students from East Carolina University’s School of Art and Design. An opening reception will be held on Friday, February 26th, from 6-9pm.

Leslie Pearson’s time-lapsed videos can be viewed on her Web site at www.lesliekpearson.com.

5 LIVE THEATRES 5 COOL MUSEUMS 20 GALLERIES THE RIVERWALK 100 SHOPS CARRIAGE RIDES FUN TOURS 50 RESTAURANTS 12 CHURCHES 26 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

time. Look for our upcoming Expos and Open House. Hampstead Art Gallery is located in Hampstead on the corner of Factory Road next to CVS Pharmacy.

Artfuel.inc

1701 Wrightsville Ave • 910 343 5233 Mon-Sat, 12-9pm; Sunday, 1-6pm www.artfuelinc.com www.myspace.com/artfuel_inc Artfuel.inc is located at the corner of Wrightsville Ave and 17th st. Housed in an old gas station, we offer resident artists working in studios alongside a gallery space used to exhibit other artists work. We hope to connect artists with each other and offer many styles of work to fuel the public’s interest. Currently, Artfuel, Inc. will showcase Volume 22, a graffiti extravaganza, featuring Stevie Mack, Kid Mike, Mathew Curran, Camden Noir and Eye Dee. Live tagging will be done throughout the evening on a wall built specially for the event. All are welcome.

New Elements Gallery

216 N. Front St. (919) 343-8997 Tues-Sat: 11am-5:30pm or by appointment www.newelementsgallery.com New Elements Gallery presents Color Stories, a collection of recent works by the gallery’s artists, including Bruce Bowman, Nancy Carter, Richard Garrison, Jack Ketner and Sally Sutton. Exhibition Show will hang through March 20th, with artist receiption held Friday, February 26th, from 6-9pm.

Crescent Moon

332 Nutt St, The Cotton Exchange • (910) 762-4207 Mon.-Sat., 10am-5:30pm; Sun., 12-4pm www.crescentmoonnc.com Eleven Wilmington glass artists as well as four regional NC artists are now showcased at Crescent Moon at the Cotton Exchange. There is always room for more in our little glass and metal art gallery. So if you are a glass blower or flame-worker, fused glass or stained glass artist, or metal sculptor contact us to be juried in.

Crescent Moon won a 2009 Top Retailer by Niche Magazine for supporting and promoting hand-made craft. It is what we stand for. Hours: MondaySaturday 10am-5:30pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm.

Crescent Moon is located in The Cotton Exchange where parking is FREE while shopping or dining. Call 910-762-4207 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www. crescentmoonnc.com”www.crescentmoonnc.com Follow us on twitter as CrescentMoonNC or become a fan on our Facebook page!

FastFrame Gallery

1319 Military Cutoff Rd., Landfall Center (910) 256-1105 Mon.-Fri.., 10am-6pm Sat., 10am-4pm www.fastframeofwilmington.com FASTFRAME Gallery is pleased to present the Second Annual Fill the Cupboard Art Show: “Ordinary View, Extraordinary Vision,” featuring Terry Rosenfelder’s sophisticated oils, M. Matteson Smith’s unique paper sculptures, and Sara Westermark’s original jewelry designs.

pattersonbehn art gallery

WILMINGTON ART ASSOCIATION features photographer Godern Webb as their artist of the month. Above titled ‘Fog at Rialto Beach.’

Hampstead Art Gallery

14712 Hwy. 17 N. Hampstead, NC (910) 270-5180 Mon.-Sat. 11am-5pm, or by appt.

“Beautiful; lots of variety.” “Love the place.”

“Beautiful art work.” “Very nice.” “Art rocks your socks, and you know that.” These are just what a few customers had to say about Hampstead Art Gallery. Come and tell us what you think.

Affordable prices on prints and originals. Local artists with various styles and taste are just excited about having the opportunity to share their work with all art lovers. Our artists offer different sizes from what we have on display and low rates on commissioned work.

Owner Charles Turner invites all artists and art lovers to just hang out in our new Artist Lounge any

Hampstead Arts Memberships • Classes

Sunset River Marketplace

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179).

(910) 575-5999 Tues- Sat. 10am-5pm Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com myspace.comsunsetrivermarketplace This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, N.C., features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South

Wilmington Art Association Gallery

616B Castle St. (910) 343-4370 www.wilmington-art.org Fourth Friday, Feb. 26th, 6-9 pm at the Wilmington Art Gallery, 616-B Castle Street, is the Kick-Off for the 28th annual Wilmington Art Association Spring Art Show, (April 9-11, concurrent with the NC Azalea Festival.) The Official Kick-Off begins with the release of this year’s Spring Art Show Poster! Winner of this year’s contest, well-known Wilmington artist, Betty Brown, will sign Collectible Reproductions of this year’s beautiful edition, from 6-9 pm. Come see the original, meet the artist and buy a poster.

Call for Artists for Wilmington Art Association annual Spring Show April 9-11.: Registration deadline March 15. Applications online www. wilmington-art.org.

Opening reception for photographer Gordon Webb will also take place that evening. Show continues till March 24. Gordon is a retired TVradio producer and scripwriter, now focusing on art photography.

Hearts for Haiti show continues till Feb. 24th at gallery. All works under $50 and all proceeds donated for Haitian relief.

Contact Shea Carver @ (910) 791-0688, ext 1004 to inquire about being included on the gallery page.

s! parent & child

New Clas

handbuilding & sculpture Sat. mornings 11am-1pm

studio tiMe Tue. Nights, 6-8p & Sat. Mornings, 10am-1pm

Visit cwilmington.com for Class Schedules!

511 1/2 Castle Street (910) 251-8886 Tues.-Sat. 11am-5pm (Winter: closed Monday) www.pattersonbehn.com pattersonbehn will be featuring the work of Michelle Connolly. Michelle is a remarkably, prolific artist who has managed to stay connected to her inner child by channeling it through her artwork. Though so much of her work comes from her personal memories and her very active imagination- there is also a strong sense of depth and maturity to many of her pieces.

The show will be hanging from Feb. 18th- Mar. 18th.

Opening will be Friday, Feb. 26th 6:00-8:00 pm. pattersonbehn is open Tuesday-Saturday 11-5.

The gallery also carries works by Bob Bryden, Virginia Wright-Frierson, Rachel Kastner, Pam Toll, and Katherine Webb, as well as a large selection of works on paper in numerous media.

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 on-site.

Kids on Wheels After School Activity Wednesday 3:30-5pm

potterY With anne Wednesday Nights 6-8pm 14663 Hwy. 17 North (at the intersection of Hwy. 210 & Hwy.17) OPEN: Tues.-Fri., 10am-4pm,Sat. 10am-1pm 910-270-3003 encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 27

Suck-Starting Shotguns: Dear John shows too many weak-hearted women surrounding our military

E

at those hearts out, Taylor-Lautner fanatics: Lasse Hallstrom has brought a new stud to the water, and his name is “G.I. Joe” ... I mean, John.

Set in 2001 Dear John tells the emotionally draining story of two gorgeous young people who can’t find happiness together because they’re trapped in angst, otherwise known as an adaptation of a Nicholas-Sparks novel. Their romance, a saga glossed with bittersweet honey, attempts to fool the audience into believing that, in the end, it was truly a triumphant and memorable love story brought to life on the big screen. The truth of the matter is: I just lost 120 minutes of life watching a film with teenagers who lived vicariously through the melodramatic soft porn.

Our main character, John Tyree, played

by Channing Tatum, is a hero in the Army Special Forces, home for two weeks’ leave on the Carolina coast. America’s new “it” girl, Amanda Seyfried, plays Savannah, our upper-class heavenly college beauty who is home on break. Identical to the novel, her

by: Tiffanie Gabrielse

Dear John Starring Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried and Richard Jenkins

★ ★★★ ★ purse falls off a pier, Savannah’s friends dither, and John heroically dives into the ocean and retrieves it. Tatum is likeable, but the emphasis on his washboard abs is too distracting to take him seriously. Seyfried, with her baby-blue doe eyes, is also completely unrelatable. I kept waiting to hear her say, “My ESPN tells me we‘re going to fall in love. And then out of it.”

John’s father, played by Richard Jenkins, is a quiet man who sits amass a rare coin collection worth a fortune, cooks the same meal every Saturday and Sunday and, thrown in for good measure, has “just a mild case” of autism. When the scene of Savannah sitting at Johns’ dinning-room table unfolded,

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28 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

LOVE ON THE ROCKS: Dear John showcases young romance, and the trials and tribulations faced when one-half is enlisted in the military.

the same thought that plagued my mind during the novel, projected itself: Why has John, by the age of 22, never contemplated that his father may be dealing with a handicap? He’s a specialist in the Army. He can memorize tactical maneuvers, and as the scenes by the pier prove, John is quite witty. Yet, he can’t ponder, Why is my dad acting strange?

It’s a never-ending trend with Sparks.

Autism, cancer and Alzheimer’s are never seen in their real and horrific states. Instead, somehow the disease does the exact opposite and allows the victim to come alive.

And that is exactly what bothers me when I see it on the big screen. In Sparks’ world diseases don’t ruin and kill. They don’t break one down and test the core of one’s being.

Instead, they encourage creativity and enthusiasm. How honorable. How beautiful. How unrealistic. How careless. Hallstrom didn’t remedy it, somehow.

In the weeks that follow, John and Savannah enjoy numerous stereotypical PG-13 moments onscreen that will undoubtedly obsess women everywhere to recreate with their beloved. At the end of her break, Savannah has to return to school, and John must finish his tour of duty in Germany before they can wed.

Suddenly, more letters than whatever appeared in the novel are played out onscreen, and they’re paired with dramatic and heartfelt voice-overs.

Cue: cliché violins.

Then, 9/11 occurs.

By Act Three the plot thickens and pushes for the audience to cry more until their eyes bleed. Savannah and John are separated once again, and more strain on their relationship develops. John continues writing from Iraq but finds that Savannah’s letters are fewer and far between. Unable to stand on her own, Savannah selfishly dawdles in her own needs and exhaustingly drags us along with her.

Finally, John receives the infamous, “Dear John Letter.” Savannah’s reasons are not only shocking but completely infuriating. She has found a new love to coddle the pieces of her easily defeated heart. As the title of the film dictates, this is no real surprise. In fact, there are no surprises in this film at all.

The ending, while entirely different from the novel, still feels predictable, unfulfilling and exhausted. Despite these changes the story line isn’t sufficiently deep enough to prevent us from getting irate.

Why doesn’t Dear John work on film?

Because there was never a happy medium, and the Iraq war was used as a plot device meant to coddle and cater to the fantasies of bleeding-heart women. I reached a point where I didn’t care what happened next because the emotional tug-of-war was so overdone that it made me want to suck start a shot gun. The sentimental pretentious dialogue rebounds all over the place.

Aside from delivering another film for which the title is cited within the story itself (Chocolat), Hallstroms’ only success was the glorification that too many weak-hearted women surround our military.

Declawing the Monster: The Wolfman is a big, puffy ponce

W

ere the horror movies of yesteryear as great as we remember them? Or are they more than likely nothing other than ridiculous, overthe-top films, causing more chuckles than screams? When I was a kid, the universal monsters were excellent: Dracula, Frankenstein, Creature from the Black Lagoon and, of course, the Wolfman.

But some things seem a lot cooler at age 11. Eventually, we outgrow them. And at some point, we revisit those things that seemed so awesome in our youths, only to realize how corny they truly are. Thus, a small piece of us dies with them.

That was my experience while watching the “re-imagining” of The Wolfman. It was like experiencing tiny little deaths over the course of two fairly average hours.

The Wolfman is one of those movies that will feel painfully average to most.

Some might give it a pass, due to a lavish period-production design and wholesale carnage. But there will be a few of us who see The Wolfman for what it is: a clear and present danger to the integrity of the genre.

Monster films have taken a bashing over the past 20 years. Our horror icons have been reduced to ridiculous parodies. Vampires are now shiny and played by foppish British boys. Werewolves are portrayed by shirtless Abercrombie models. The great nightmares of our youth have been declawed. The Wolfman was an opportunity to give the Wolfman back his fangs.

Instead, it continues the trend of pussy-fying our most feared creatures.

Something dark and sinister lurks in the shadows of the appropriately named “Blackmoor.” A horrible beast has been tearing through the countryside and leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro) has spent his life trying to escape the horrors of his youth. His mother was brutally killed, his father was a distant eccentric, and there was that brief period of time spent in an institution—not exactly a picturesque childhood. Lawrence managed to create a new life for himself in America as an actor. Never comfortable in his own skin, he found his sanity portraying others. His attempt at a new life comes to a screeching halt when he receives a letter

reel to reel a few must-sees this week

by: Anghus

Wolfman Starring Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt and Anthony Hopkins

H HHH H

The transformations encompass everything good about the movie. Keep in mind this is about two percent of the film’s entirety. There are creepy and fantastic combinations of make-up and special-effects.

Then, we are treated to the final transformed monster. Instead of a frightening

Mayfaire 16 900 Town Center Drive • 910-256-0556 When in Rome An ambitious young New Yorker (Kristen Bell), disillusioned with romance, takes a whirlwind trip to Rome where she defiantly plucks magic coins from a “foolish” fountain of love, inexplicably igniting the passion of an odd group of suitors: a sausage magnate, a street magician, an adoring painter and a self-admiring model. But when a charming reporter (Josh Duhamel) pursues her with equal zest, how will she know if his love is the real thing? PG-13

Carmike 16 111 Cinema Drive • 910-815-0266 Blood Done Sign My Name A drama based on the true story in which a black Vietnam-era veteran is allegedly murdered by a local white businessman who is later exonerated. The plot focuses on the role of a local high-school teacher and the civil unrest that followed the acquittal. PG-13

DROWNING IN RIDICULOUS PARAODIES: The character-acting of Benecio Del Toro makes the Wolfman border on laughable.

from Gwen (Emily Blunt).

Turns out his brother is engaged to be married. That’s the good news. The bad news: He’s been mangled to death. Lawrence reluctantly returns home. His father (Anthony Hopkins) is a typical alpha male, his large, empty mansion filled with the carcasses of dead animals. He’s about as emotionally available as a stuffed tiger.

Gwen, on the other hand, is quite available, emotionally speaking—and not just because her fiancée has been turned into mince meat.

Lawrence prepares to find out who (or what) killed his brother. This leads him to a gypsy village. Five minutes later a creature shows up and turns the village into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Lawrence gets away with a flesh wound. Unfortunately, for him that means escaping the sweet release of death for the curse of the werewolf. His wounds begin to miraculously heal. His senses become honed. Gwen soon turns into an object of lust. With the next full moon, he becomes fully transformed into the Wolfman.

werewolf, what we get is a pointy-eared ape. The modern take on The Wolfman is about as scary as an overweight Armenian with scoliosis.

The rest of the story plays out as expected: typical Hollywood storytelling, working Cinematique in a whole lot of whiny daddy issues pos310 Chestnut Street • 910-343-1640 ing as character development. Anthony Shows at 7:30pm • Sundays, 3pm Hopkins is just awful. Realize how strong a •Feb. 17th-21st, 2010, $7 statement that is. Anthony Hopkins is many Army of Shadows, 140 min. things—awful is usually not one of them.

Famed director Jean-Pierre Melville brings He’s been awful before, and with poor dihis own experience fighting with the Maquis rection I expect he could be again. But this to tell the story of a small group of men and is epic awful. This is the kind of role that women in the French resistance. Unlike action makes us question someone’s finances. films focusing on this period, Army of ShadHas the economy taken its toll on him? ows explores the internal struggles of people Benicio Del Toro is equally excruciatwho must live with constant fear, little hope ing—kind of a big, puffy ponce, with really of winning and the loss of comrades. Everybad hair. His attempts at being menacing day they must make choices based on honor, bordering on laughable. loyalty and deception. Originally released only The Wolfman is just one giant nutin France, this immaculately restored print was puncher of a movie. We could easily put named the best film or foreign film of the year it next to a number of modern creature by movie reviewers and film festivals when it features that have neutered these once was released in the US. Based on the novel great characters. The Wolfman is a lot like of Joseph Kessel. In French with English subPeter Jackson’s putrid King Kong remake: titles. Not rated. overpriced, over-polished, and with really poor performances. There’s a part of me All AreA movie listings And pArAgrAph synopses that feels as if we’re losing the essence cAn be found At encorepub.com. of these icons. encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 29

LIMITEDly: TIME onOR JOIN F

$1

A free monthly event where downtown galleries, studios and art spaces open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture.

from 6-9pm on the fourth friday of each month Featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, metals, ceramics, glass, woodwork, mixed media and more.

Showcasing art and art-related events, Fourth Friday Gallery Nights also include opening receptions, artist discussions, live music, wine, food and other traditional art-activities.

Wilmington mayfaire town center 980 Town Center Dr. 910.239.1202

Visit us online for a free 7-day pass: o2fitnessclubs.com

30 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Bigger and Better!

Acme Art Studios The Art Box Bottega Gallery & Art Bar Burchetta Glassblowing Studio Caffe’ Phoenix Caprice Bistro Chandler’s Wharf Galleries Clay Goddess Studio Creations By Justine Emily Parker Jewelry Studio Golden Gallery Groove Jet Salon & Art Space Hassler’s Expo

indigosilver Photography Studio Love Bird Art & Design The Loft New Elements Gallery The Opera Room & Gallery Paralellogram Port City Pottery River to Sea Gallery & Framing Una Luna World Gallery Wilmington Art Gallery Wilmington Wine Shoppe Wilmington Wine, 605 Castle WHQR Gallery

February 26 • March 26 • April 23 • May 28 June 25 • July 23 • August 27 September 24 • October 22 • November 26

Art is life. Life is art. www.wilmingtonfourthfridays.com

One-Man-Band: That 1 Guy is no Dick Van Dyke by: Sarah Boggs

That 1 Guy Also featuring Toubab Krewe and Applesauce February 26th • 8pm • $10-$12 Soapbox Laundro Lounge, upstairs performer. Because he doesn’t have bandmates to consult about set lists, his shows are largely improv. “I typically let the crowd’s energy dictate my gigs. I like to have a lot of audience participation, call-and-response type thing. I feed a lot off their energy, so the shows are never the same,â€? Silverman says.

Add a few card tricks into the mix, along with some ad-libbed lyrics, and usually an exceptional show follows suit. “I broke the string on the Magic Pipe once. It was the most obvious and absurd thing that could go wrong—but I didn’t have a spare,� he explains. “So I just laughed, did a few more card tricks, and had to postpone the gig. I felt really stupid, and the crowd didn’t find it nearly as funny as I did. I always travel with several spare strings now.�

While That 1 Guy thrives off his live shows, recording albums proves less than agreeable for this self-proclaimed “musical weirdo.� “It’s just really ... painful. Recording is very serious business, whereas performing is just fun for me. When I perform in front of a crowd, it’s all just in-the-moment stuff, but in the studio there is so much more pressure. I don’t like the serious stuff,� Silverman says.

However uncomfortable he may be in the studio, his agony pays off. His album sales are impressive, and his shows are often standing-room only. He performed in an Australian music festival in front of 50,000 fans, most of whom knew every bizarre word to his songs. “They really seem to like me over there. I got to be on TV and everything,� Silverman says.

Despite his overseas popularity, That 1 Guy often has trouble convincing Americans that different doesn’t necessarily mean bad. “I didn’t set out to be a weirdo,� he says, “but I don’t really mind it. I’ve found a niche for the kind of music I want to play, and that’s hard to come by in this industry. . . . As long as I get to keep doing my own thing.�

While his tour boasts over 200 dates, he still struggles getting his foot in the door at venues he’s yet to visit. When asked about the challenges of doing things differently, Silverman responds it’s just as much an asset as a hindrance. While some may have trouble appreciating his unorthodox approach to musicianship, he’s created quite a reputation for himself, especially at festivals. “I’ve played

COURTESY OF THAT 1 GUY

P

erformer, magician songwriter, inventor, musical Renaissance man.

He plays the bass, the handsaw, the cowboy boot, and his seven-foot tall harpshaped collection of pipes, gears and noisemakers he’s coined “The Magic Pipe.� Mike Silverman, better known as “That 1 Guy,� isn’t any typical street corner one-man-band.

His lyrics are nonsensical, his music unconventional and his performances—concerts fused with magic tricks and call-and-response audience participation—are anything but ordinary. “People hear ‘one-man-band,’ and they automatically think Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins. I wanted to get away from that—redefine the convention,� Silverman tells encore.

Consider it done.

That 1 Guy began as so many other musicians do, a student of his jazz-musician father in Southern California and, later, a student of bass at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. A regular music nerd, he formed a band at 15, and played area weddings and bar mitzvahs until the limitations of band life and playing the bass drove him to set out on his own. “The logistics of touring with five other people just became too much, it stopped making sense,� Silverman says. “So I decided to free myself, take an opportunity to do what I wanted without having to consult five other people. It was really liberating.�

His efforts have landed him three albums and several ambitious tours, performing over 200 gigs a year.

In addition to giving up bandmates, he gave up the bass, too, for good. He started experimenting with sound and with different instruments, going as far as to consult a guitar-maker about the type of instrument he would need to produce the music he had in his head. “I knew the job I wanted it to perform, so the function really dictated the form of the instrument,� Silverman says about his inventive process. “I guess you could say [the creative process] was kind of the opposite of songwriting. I knew what I wanted it to be, the end, [but] coming up with it that was a challenge. In songwriting you just start with an idea, a word or whatever, and go with it and see where it takes you.�

Typically, the word he starts with is something unorthodox, something one wouldn’t expect to hear in a song. For instance, take “Packs a Wallop�: It uses the rhythm of the children’s game Duck, Duck, Goose as its back beat. “I like music that makes me laugh,� he says.

His songwriting isn’t the only aspect to have benefitted from his independence as a

all over the country, and I’m excited to [keep doing so] this year.�

Play on, soldier! And don’t forget the strings!

SELF-PROCLAIMED MUSICAL WEIRDO: Don’t miss Toubab Krewe and Applesauce, along with unorthodox rocker That 1 Guy, take Soapbox’s stage on the 26th!

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soundboard

a preview of tunes all over town this week

WeDNeSDAY, febRUARY 24

THURSDAY, febRUARY 25

courteSy oF artiSt

KaraoKe with BoB cLayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 open mic night open mic night with gary aLLen —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Avenue; Street; 763-2223 251-1888 DJ p. FunK Jeremy norriS anD tommy —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; BrotherS 509-1551 —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St; 251-1832 DJBe eXtreme KaraoKe DJ —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 Rd.; 256-3838 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 FLute oF the conDorS, the happy piano Show —Rum Runners, 21 North Front Street; happy trance Dance BanD 815-3846 —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front Street; DJ Jeph cauLter 763-3088 —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; tyLer mcKaig 791-7595 —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 eric anD carey B. KaraoKe with DJ urBan —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 458-5255 roger DaviS, ron wiLSon Jim aShLey —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front Street; —Smileys Tavern, 723 North 4th Street; 763-3737 399-1669

SAI COLLINS is playing at Wrightsville Grill this coming Friday night, February 26th. Check him out first at www.saicollins.com

GRAND UNION PUB 1125 Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC 28405-3652 - (910) 256-9133

117 Grace St. Downtown 910-763-3456

wed 2.24

dj be karaoke thurs 2.25

team trivia plus

dj richtermeister fri 2.26

jet 22

sat 2.27

live music with

drew smith

Photo...

Scott Sain of Plane jane

,ANDFALL #ENTER s 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

32 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Downtown Wilmington’s Authentic Hookah Spot

LIVE BELLY DANCING Every Friday and Saturday 10pm - 12am

All-natural homemade fruit tobacco TRY ONE OF OUR SIGNATURE MIXES www.arabiannightshookahcafe.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS &WEDNESDAYS

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$5 COVER $1 FRONT STREET BREWERY BEERS!

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NUTT STREET OPEN MIC ALL SHOWS 8:00 DOORS 9:00 SHOW CALL 251-7881 FOR MORE INFO

46/%": 25 oz. draft mugs $5 12.50 pitchers • $5 wings .0/%": $ domestic btls • fish & chip special 56&4%": $3 english beers shepherd’s pie, banger & mash special 8&%/&4%": $3 guinness, $4 irish car bombs turkey or corned beef reuben special 5)634%": $3 pints • $1.50 burger sliders '3*%": $2.50 mexican beers, $3 margaritas $5 nachos and quesadilla special 4"563%": $3 well drinks, $4 bombs, $15 domestic buckets -*7& .64*$ '3* 4"5 2/12 key lime pie 2/13 hot rod 2/19 on disc play 2/20 jeremy norris & friends 2/26 bibis & spare change 2/27 ten below

DJ Scooter FreSh —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 Line Dancing LeSSonS with DJ Lee —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 DJ Don’t Stop —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 DJ Stretch —Trebenzio’s, 141 North Front Street; 815-3301 KaraoKe —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front Street; 763-3172 guitariSt perry Smith —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front Street; 343-1395 KaraoKe w/ BoB cLayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880

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Call

791-0688

fire & drum Jam, dJ miT, PsyTrance —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 dJ comPose —Port City Pub, 121 Grace Street; 251-3791 KaraoKe Kong —Orton Pool Room, 133 North Front Street; 343-8878 Tom rhodes —Front Street Brewery, 9 North Front Street; 251-1935 myKle BarBee and guesT —Firebelly Lounge, 265 North Front Street; 763-0141 dJ sTeve, KaraoKe —The Toolbox, 2325 Burnette Blvd.; 343-6988 gyPsie fire —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front Street; 763-3088 andy arch —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front Street; 763-3737

ay!

688

friDAY, februArY 26 melvin and sayer —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 dJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 North Front Street; 342-0872 friday nighT follies —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 hiP-hoP dJ —Red Dogs, 5 North Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776

JUNCTION PUB AND BILLIARDS

re 5216 Carolina Beach Road r MONDAY MADNESS: Domestic Pints: 2 Well Vodka Drinks: 3 usic FREE POOL AFTER MIDNIGHT TASTY TUESDAYS: d CALL NIGHT All call liquors: 4 Drinks or Shots WET WEDNESDAYS: k Smirnoff Flavor Liquors 4 Drinks or Shots LATE NIGHT!!! als! Domestic Light Beer 2

cost pact end

BiBis and BlacK —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 hiP-hoP nighT —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 family KaraoKe —Alfie’s, 2528 Castle Hayne Rd.; 251-5707 dJ richTermeisTer —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 oPen mic wiTh Jeremy norris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 simPlified —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 North Front Street; 251-8500

$ 25

$ 50

$ 00

$ 00

$ 25

(Bud Light, Miller Light, Natural, Coors Light)

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: 22 Oz. Domestic Beers $400 FINALLY FRIDAYS: Cream Drinks $450 Blue Moon Draft $325 SATURDAYS: Corona & Corona Lts $250 Cuervo Silver Shots $300 Dox Equix Draft $300 POOL HAPPY HOURS 3pm-6pm $5 per player SUNDAYS: Service Employees Night Jager Shots $325 Jager Bombs $425 Coors Light Bottles $225 FREE POOL AFTER 10pm Every Mon-Wed-Fri Happy Hour Pool!

FREE POOL from 3-5pm!

Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday $3.50 25oz. Draft Special .0/%": 5.99 Cheeseburger & Fries All Day

$

56&4%": Double Lunch Punch from 11am - 3pm 8&%/&4%": 10 Boneless Wings & Domestic Draft for $ 5.99 All Day or 10 Boneless Wings, Curly Fries & Dressing for $ 5.99 All Day 5)634%": $2.50 Wells

5112 Market Street (910) 791-0799

KaraoKe Kong —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 laTino nighT wiTh dJ —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 Piano show —Rum Runners, 21 North Front Street; 815-3846 dJ Big Kahuna —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 dJ miTch —Odessa, 23 North Front Street; 251-8814 dJ —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front Street; 763-3172 KaraoKe w/ BoB clayTon —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 dJ —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080 dane BriTT —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market Street; 689-7219 dJ scooTer fresh —Rox, 208 Market Street; 343-0402

Tuesday & Wednesday Martini Madness $2 Martinis Music by DJ TiMe Thursday ILM Electrotheque $2 Shots Music by GUeiCe & DST Friday & Saturday Discotheque $4 infused Vodkas Music by DJ DUSTiN CooK Sunday Open Mic $3 Drafts MUSiC BY YoU (instruments provided) 23 N. FroNt St. DowNtowN wilmiNgtoN

dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 dJ sTreTch —Trebenzio’s, 141 North Front Street; 815-3301 roBBie Berry —Smileys Tavern, 723 North 4th Street; 399-1669 TouBaB Krewe, ThaT 1 guy, aPPlesauce —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 North Front Street; 251-8500 JeT 22 —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 Tessa Perry —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front Street; 763-3737 Johny acousTic —Henry’s, 2806 Independence Blvd.; 793-2929 Thou shall Burn, weaPon of choice, dim The darKliT —Lucky’s, 2505 S. College Rd.; 792-1812 Ten Toes uP —Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road; 256-3558 daniel rogers —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess Street; 763-4133

1/2 priced select apppetizers m-f 4-7pm MONDAY $10 Bud/Light Buckets $4 Jack Daniels • $3 Capt. Morgan TUESDAY $1 Tacos 4-7pm • $3 sauza $15 margarita pitchers $3 Mexican Beers $5 Top Shelf Tequila • $7 Patron WEDNESDAY $3 Pints (10 Drafts) $5 Jager Bombs • $2 wells THURSDAY Mug Night $2 Domestic Drafts w/HK MUG $5 Bombers • $4 Jim Beam $3 pinnacle flavored vodkas $3.50 MicroBrews FRIDAY $3 Select Draft $4 Fire Fly Shooters $5 Red Bull Vodka SATURDAY $2.50 Miller Lt or Yuengling Draft $8 Pitcher • $3 Kamikaze $4 Well Drinks SUNDAY $2.50 Bud/Light Draft $8 Pitcher • $5 Crown Royal $4 Bloody Mary

CATCH ALL THE ACTION WITH NFL SUNDAY TICKET ON 10 HDTVs and HD big screen Your Team - Every Game, Every Week 118 Princess St • (910)763-4133

The duBTown cosmonauTs, smooTh oP, worxwell, weener —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front Street; 763-3088 Parallax —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 donna merriTT —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 dJ Time —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 l shaPe loT —Front Street Brewery, 9 North Front Street; 251-1935 Jesse sTocKTon —Goat and Compass, 710 North 4th Street; 772-1400 cary BenJamin —Firebelly Lounge, 265 North Front Street; 763-0141 overTyme —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 North Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 sai collins —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839

A SAmpling of SpECiAlS noW AVAilABlE AT BoTH loCATionS! SundAy Any pitcher and a large pizza $20

SAturDAY, februArY 27 dJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 North Front Street; 342-0872 Piano show —Rum Runners, 21 North Front Street; 815-3846 dJ Time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 dJ foxxy —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 guiTarisT Perry smiTh —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front Street; 343-1395 salsa wiTh dJ lalo —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 dJ will clayTon —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market Street; 689-7219 dJ edie —Odessa, 23 North Front Street; 251-8814 dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366

visit our website www.ruckerJohns.com for daily specials, music and upcoming events monday All Pizzas $5 in the bar after 5pm 22oz Domestic Draft $200

mondAy All craft beer pints $3

tuesday Live Jazz in the Bar Half Price Bottles of Wine Absolut Dream $5 22oz Yendgling Draft $2 Pacifico $2.50

TuESdAy Two for Tuesday Two slices and any pint for $7.00.

wednesday Corona\Corona Light $250 Margarita\Peach Margaritas $4 10 oz domestic draft $1

WEdnESdAy pint of the week: $2.50 THurSdAy All-you-can-eat pizza buffet for only $6.

Two Wilmington locations near unCW 250 racine drive • 910-452-9000 downtown 131 n. front St • 910-343-8881

See all the specials at www.fatpub.com

thursday Gran Martinis $7 • Red Stripe $250 friday Cosmos $4 • 007 $350 Harps bottles $250 saturday Baybreeze\Seabreeze $4 22oz Blue Moon Draft $3 Select domestic bottles $150 sunday Domestic Draft Pints $150 Bloody Marys $4 White Russians $4 5564 Carolina Beach Rd 452-1212

encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 33

Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market Street; 689-7219 KaraoKe w/ BoB Clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 DJ StretCh; live Jam with Benny hill —Trebenzio’s, 141 North Front Street; 815-3301 hip-hop DJ —Red Dogs, 5 North Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 iamhuman —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front Street; 763-3172 live muSiC —Port City Pub, 121 Grace Street; 251-3791 DJ p. money —Rox, 208 Market Street; 343-0402 DJ —Ronnie’s Place, 6745-B Market Street; 228-8056 SounD Dog —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury Street; 503-3040 JaSon warD —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front Street; 763-3737

pale riDer —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front Street; 763-3088 Drew Smith —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 KniveS & DaggerS, ZeuxeuS, unholy tongueS —Soapbox Lounge, 255 North Front Street; 251-8500 maChine gun —Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road; 256-3558 maC & JuiCe —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess Street; 763-4133 Damona waitS, what’S gooD, meDuSa Stone —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 North Front Street; 251-8500 CinDer Cat —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 Sai CollinS —Smileys Tavern, 723 North 4th Street; 399-1669 marK huBert —Front Street Brewery, 9 North Front Street; 251-1935

tom noonan anD Jane houSeal —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 KaraoKe with val —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 venger, BearD of antlerS, weapon of ChoiCe —Reggie’s, 1415 S. 42nd Street myStiC viBrationS —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 miKe o’Donnell —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 North Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 no Dollar ShoeS —Goat and Compass, 710 North 4th Street; 772-1400 tom rhoDeS —Firebelly Lounge, 265 North Front Street; 763-0141

sunday, february 28 DJ p. money —Rox, 208 Market Street; 343-0402 flutiSt niKKi wiSnioSKi —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front Street; 343-1395

100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832

RACK ‘EM PUB FRIDAY

1 tacos $ 2 domestic beer $ 3 wells & imports $ 4 calls $

pool touRnAment Call to hear our daily specials DBMM UP QMBO ZPVS GSFF QSJWBUF QBSUZ UPEBZ 1610 Pavilion Place 910.256-0102

415 South College Road MONDAY MADNESS: Domestic Pints: $225 Miller Light, Yuengling: $350 Well Vodka Drinks: $350 FREE POOL AFTER MIDNIGHT TASTY TUESDAYS: CALL NIGHT All call liquors: $400 WET WEDNESDAYS: Smirnoff Flavor Liquors $400 Drinks LATE NIGHT!!!

Domestic Light Beer $225 (Bud Light, Miller Light, Natural, Coors Light)

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: Import Beers $300 (Red Stripe, Heineken, New Castle)

FINALLY FRIDAYS: Cream Drinks $450 Blue Moon Draft $325 SATURDAYS: Corona $250 Cuervo Silver Shots $300 POOL HAPPY HOURS 3pm-6pm $5 per player SUNDAYS: Service Employees Night Bloody Marys $300 Jager Shots $325 Jager Bombs $425 Coors Light Bottles $225 FREE POOL AFTER 10pm

34 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Jam with Benny hill —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Avenue; 251-1888 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 DJ Big Kahuna —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080 Dale “fully automatiC SounD maChine” DJS —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front Street; 763-3737 galen on guitar (BrunCh) —Courtyard Marriott, 100 Charlotte Ave., Carolina Beach; (800) 321-2211 DJ Steve, KaraoKe —The Toolbox, 2325 Burnette Blvd.; 343-6988 the BearS of Blue river, Soft Spot, Sarah Kinlaw, Bryan Keller —Soapbox Lounge, 255 North Front Street; 251-8500 SatiSfaCtion —Dead Dog Saloon, 760 Coastal Grand, Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-839-3647 DJ Big Kahuna —Rum Runners, 21 North Front Street; 815-3846

.0/%":

Weekly SpecialS

.0/%": $2.50 Budweiser Draft $4.00 Well Liquor FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $.50 Wings Buffalo, BBQ, or Teriyaki 56&4%": $2.50 Miller Lite Draft, $4.00 Hurricanes FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $6 Buffalo Shrimp or Chicken Tenders 8&%/&4%": $2.50 Yuengling Draft, $2.50 Domestic Bottles FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $2 Sliders 5)634%": $3.00 Coronas, $4.00 Margaritas FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $5 Cajun Shrimp or Fish Tacos '3*%": $3.00 Select Pint 4"563%": $5.50 Cosmos, Dirty Martinis or Apple Martinis 46/%": $5 Bloody Marys Half Priced Appetizers After 9:00 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

SunDay night fever —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 DJBe extreme KaraoKe —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front Street; 763-3088 Bitter peaCe, a SunSet mourning, hallow BoneS, BroaDCaSt —Lucky’s, 2505 S. College Rd.; 792-1812

monday, march 1 open miC night —Port City Pub, 121 Grace Street; 251-3791 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 DJ p. funK —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080 open miC with Beau —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 open miC with viva —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 DJ riChtermeiSter —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838

$2 Budweiser $2.25 Heineken $3 Gin & Tonic

SHAG LESSONS

56&4%":

1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM $2 White Wolf $2.50 Redstripe $3.50 Wells 35¢ Wings at 8pm 8&%/&4%":

1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM $2.50 Blue Moons • $2.50 Corona/Corona Light 1/2 Priced Wine Bottles 5)634%": $2 Domestic Bottles, $2.75 Import Bottles, $3 Rum and Coke '3*%":

LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD

TUESDAYS

LIVE MUSIC

@7:30 with Brad & Dancing with DJ

GABBY’S LOUNGE

Lee Pearson $2 DOmEStic BOttLES THURSDAY mARcH 4

Jim QUicK and the coastline Band 8pm LADiES NiGHt 1/2 PRicE wiNE & $5 mARtiNi LiSt Line Dancing lessons with DJ Lee and instructor Barbara Braak 7:30 FRIDAYS ARGENtiNE tANGO LESSONS WITH INSTRUCTION at 7:30 and

$3 Landshark • $3 Kamikaze • $5 Bombs

SALSA LESSONS at 9:30 with live DJ

4"563%":

$2 Tequilla - $3 Corona - $4 Margarita’s

LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD Rooftop open by 6pm Dance floor open by 10pm 46/%": $5 Tommy Bahama Mojitos $2.75 Corona $3.50 Bloody Mary’s • $3 Mimosas

Shag DJ —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 KaraoKe with DJ BiKer roB —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 DJ DouBleCliCK —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 Dane Britt KaraoKe —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market Street; 689-7219 KaraoKe Kong —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 KaraoKe —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front Street; 763-3172 traviS Shallow —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839

(attached to the Ramada Inn)

910-791-7595

$5 Sausage and Kraut

tuesday, march 2

5001 Market Street

1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM

$4 Tailgate Burgers $4 BBQ Plate

KaraoKe —Level 5/City Stage, 21 North Front Street; 342-0872 DJ Big Kahuna —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206

SATURDAY cAPE FEAR SHAG cLUB mEEtS FOR DRiNKS AND DANciNG Private Parties are available for booking 791-7595

Fri., February 26

BiG8-11PM FiSH

Sat., February 27

Mike O’DONNell 8-11PM Fri., March 5

BiG8-11PM FiSH Sat., March 6

Mike O’DONNell 8-11PM 877-330-5050 910-256-2231 wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com

WEDNESDAy, MARCH 3 open Mic nigHt —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 DJ p. funK —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 roger DaviS, ron WilSon —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front Street; 763-3737

tyler McKaig —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 KaraoKe WitH DJ urBan —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301

flute of tHe conDorS, tHe Happy Happy trance Dance BanD —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front Street; 763-3088 KaraoKe WitH BoB clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880

JereMy norriS anD toMMy BrotHerS —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 open Mic nigHt WitH gary allen —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.;251-1888 piano SHoW —Rum Runners, 21 North Front Street; 815-3846

eric anD carey B. —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 DJ JepH caulter —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595

DJBe eXtreMe KaraoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 All entertainment must be turned in to encore by noon every Thursday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

Show Stoppers: Concerts around the region HOUSE OF BLUES 4640 HWy 17 S., Myrtle BeacH, Sc 843-272-3000 2/27: Alice In Chains, Middle Class Rut 2/28: Gospel Brunch THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BiltMore avenue, aSHeville 828-225-5851 2/25: Sam Bush, Missy Raines & The New Hip 2/26: The New Deal 2/27: Dear Companion Tour, Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 SoutH tryon St., cHarlotte • 704-377-6874 2/25: Slick Rick the Ruler, The Human Beat Box Doug E Fresh 2/26: Bobby Valentino, Verse Simmons,DJ Rham 2/27: Badfish (tribute to Sublime), Full Service.

2/28: Twiztid LINCOLN THEATRE 126 e. caBarruS St., raleigH 919-821-4111 2/25: Fates Burden, Final Curse, CKC 2/26: Old Avenue, Flowers for Faye, Do it to Julia, Sign of the Rhino

CAROLINA THEATRE 309 W. Morgan St., DurHaM 919-560-3030 2/25: Monterey Jazz Festival 3/3: Chrisette Michele

courteSy of artiSt

live acouStic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 cape fear BlueS JaM —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Avenue; 251-1888 DJ tiMe —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 raDio HayeS anD ecHopoint21 —Goat and Compass, 710 North 4th Street; 772-1400 KaraoKe WitH BoB clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 tHe real Deal —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223

2/27: Appetite For Destruction (G N R Tribute), Hollyweird, Back Seat Confidential 2/28: Rhythm Heals, N.E.D.,No Evidence of Disease, The Proclivities 3/3: Ignite Raleigh II

CAT’S CRADLE 300 e. Main St., carrBoro 919-967-9053 2/24: The Clientele, Vetiver 2/25: State Radio, Big D a nd the Kids Table, Cobalt and the Hired Guns 2/26: Sam Bush, Missy Raines and the New Hip

2/27: Rhythm Heals, N.E.D. (No Evidence of Disease), Birds and Arrows 2/28: North Mississippi Allstars, City Champs 3/3: Copeland, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business, Person L, Deas Vail GREENSBORO COLISEUM COMPLEX 1921 WeSt lee Street, greenSBoro 336-373-7400 2/28: JAY-Z (left)

COLLEGE OF WILMINGTON 4348 Market Street 910-763-4418 www.CollegeOfWilmington.com

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sorts.com encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 35

The most delicious week of Spring!

"QSJM .BZ Some of the Port City’s finest restaurants will offer awe-inspiring prix-fixe meals prepared especially for this week.

Heironymous

Port City Chop House

Siena Trattoria

South Beach Grill

Wrightsville Grille Aubriana’s Verandah Cafe

Cape Fear Seafood Co. The Pilot House

at the Holiday Inn-Wrightsville Beach

Elijah’s

Katy’s Great Eats

Jamaica’s Comfort Zone

Yo Sake

Fat Tony’s

The Little Dipper Mixto

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Priddyboy’s

Flaming Amy’s

(College Rd. Location Only)

Flaming Amy’s Bowl

Catch

Caprice Bistro

Hell’s Kitchen

The Melting Pot

Banks Channel Pub & Grille

Sign up to receive email updates for Restaurant Week 2010

XXX 8JMNJOHUPO3FTUBVSBOU8FFL DPN

36 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

e u ito eatdand d i n i n g gwhere drink in the port city american Black Horn Bar & kitcHen

Enjoy an extensive selection of gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches and specialty Americana in this rustic chic setting. From the dry-rubbed and slow-roasted Better Buffalo Wings to the hardwood smoked Duck Quesadilla, Black Horn offers unique twists on traditional foods. Always family friendly with smoke-free dining, a large arcade gaming area, 23 Hi-Def TV’s and Nintendo Wii. Live music every weekend. 7 days a week, 11am–2am. 15 Carolina Beach Avenue North, “the boardwalk,” Carolina Beach. www.blackhornbarandkitchen.com. (910) 458-5255.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza

A short drive from the beach, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza in Mayfaire Town Center is a fun, friendly neighborhood restaurant. Serving the best brickoven pizzas around, Brixx also offers a fine selection of signature focaccia sandwiches, pastas, fresh salads and desserts. Stop in for a quick lunch, or kick back on the patio with one of 24 beers on tap or 14 wines by the glass. Brixx is also a late-night destination, serving 2-for-1 pizzas and appetizers after 10 p.m. Open until 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 p.m. on Sunday.6801 Main Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. 910-2569677. www.brixxpizza.com.

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 Sunday during the summer months. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach , NC . 910.256.8500.

cHriS’ coSmic kitcHen cosmickitchenonline.com

Serving breakfast all day as well as lunch, and handmade cheesecake, Chef and Owner Chris Lubben loves to make many of his menu items from scratch. Whether you’re in the mood for a fluffy 3-egg Omelet, Shrimp & Grits, Prime Rib Sandwich or Andes Mint Cheesecake, Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is your “Out of this World” Breakfast/Lunch Destination. Evening restaurant rental is available, as well as a Personal Chef service.

Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is located at 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109, on the corner of Racine Dr. and Eastwood Rd. Closed Monday. Open Tues-Sat. from 8am-4pm with Sun. Brunch from 9am-2pm.

Take-out calls welcome, 792-6720. Follow us on Twitter @CosmicKitchen.

c.G. daWGS

For great traditional New York style eats with Southern charm look no further than C.G. Dawgs.

You will be drawn in by the aroma of fine beef

franks served with witty banter and good natured delivery from the cleanest hot dog carts in Wilmington. Sabrett famous hot dogs and Italian sausages are the primary fare offered, with a myriad of condiments for all of your mid-day or late night cravings. You may find them daily at their new location on the boardwalk of Market and Water St. from 11am to 5pm. Saturdays at the farmers market. Thursday-Saturday nights they are on Market St. between Front and 2nd St. from 10pm to 3:00am. Then they finish the week off at Fibbers on Sunday nights until 3am. To busy to leave the office? Ask about their lunch time delivery service for downtown!!

Flat eddie’S

Are you ready to eddie? FLAT eddie’s upbeat, modern dining room & bar makes eddie’s the new “it” place to dine in Wilmington for New American Cuisine. Why FLAT eddie’s? Their signature flatbreads! These flavorful creations start with scratch-made dough, stretched thin and piled high with ingredients like roma tomatoes, succulent shrimp and luxurious cheeses.

All sandwiches and burgers are under $8 and their entrees are unique and bold. FLAT eddie’s bar serves up $2 and $3 beer and cocktail specials daily. Private dining area available.

Large groups welcome. Family-style meals to go available. FlatEddiesRestaurant.com. 5400 Oleander Drive, Wilmington . 910.799.7000.

tHe GeorGe on tHe riVerWalk

Drop your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, your destination for complete sense indulgence. Watch the historic Cape Fear River unfold before you while you enjoy the best in Southern Coastal Cuisine. The menu combines elegance, creativity and diverse selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh seafood, including the best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. Warm in the sun on the expansive outdoor deck sipping an exotic, colorful martini, or unwind at the spacious bar inside boasting extensive wine and martini lists along with weekday appetizer specials from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Don’t forget to try downtown’s best kept secret for Sunday Brunch from 11am-3pm. You are welcome to dock your boat at the only dock’n’dine restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or enjoy our free, front door parking (ask for pass!) Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sunday. Why satisfy when you can indulge? Find the George on the RiverWalk at 128 South Water Street. 910-763-2052 or online at www.thegeorgeontheriverwalk.com

HellS kitcHen

This former Dawson’s Creek stage set has been turned into a lively pub in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Their extensive menu ranges from classics like a thick Angus burger 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 on the big screen, the atmosphere and friendly service will turn you into a regular. Open late 7 days a week,

with a pool table, darts, weekly trivia, and live music on the weekends. Offers limited lunchtime delivery during the week and can accommodate large parties. M-Sat 11am until late, opens Sundays at noon. 118 Princess St, (910) 763-4133

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 and offers daily blackboard specials 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.

HolidaY inn reSort

The Verandah Café 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. Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 256-2231 Wrightsville Beach

keFi

Kefi, founded in 1981 by a group of friends, has a long-standing tradition as a favorite local watering hole. This Wrightsville-Beach eatery is open at 6am for breakfast, offering everything from omelets and pancakes, to shrimp and grits. Take a break from the beach and visit Kefi’s, where their menu features a variety of salads and sandwiches.

There is even a “working man’s lunch,” served Monday through Friday, all for under $6. At night Kefi comes alive by serving dinner with a Southern flare. From the fried pickles appetizer to their the shrimp or oyster Po’boy to their nightly dinner specials, there is something that will make your taste buds sing. Then stick around for live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; nightly drink specials are offered. Go online at www.kefilive. com for more info and full music schedule. Open 6am-2am, seven days a week, with full ABC permits. Lunch deliveries available in the Wrightsville Beach area. Located at 2012 Eastwood Road, 910-256-3558.

tHe little diPPer

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines.

The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Open Tuesday-Sunday, serving dinner at 5pm. 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

Pine ValleY market

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. Mon.-Fri. 10am-7pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; closed Sunday. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD.

melloW mUSHroom

Now a smoke-free restaurant, mellow out and relax in the comfortable atmosphere that Mellow Mushroom offers. From the giant psychadelic ‘shroom located in the bar area to the Cadillac hanging on the wall, this restaurant is far from ordinary. The open kitchen brings live entertainment as pizza dough flies in the air. Their handtossed, spring-water dough brings new meaning to pizzas and calzones—healthy!! With 20 drafts and an array of microbrews, domestic and import bottles, Mellow Mushroom has an extensive beer list and full bar. Also, check out their lunch specials and variety of sandwiches. Their menu also caters to everyone and offers many vegetarian dishes. Live jazz on Wednesdays. Hours: MonSat, 11am-10pm; Sun., 12pm-9pm. 4311 Oleander Drive, 452-3773.

trollY StoP

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs are family owned with six locations. Since 1976 we specialize in homemade chili, slaw and sauces. Dogs include Smighfield (beef & pork), Southern Dog, Sabrett (all beef), Northern Dog, Carolina Packers Pork Dog (smoke sausage), Oscar Mayer 98% Fat Free Dogs (turkey) and Light Life Veggie Dog (soy). Locations are: 126 N. Front Street Open six days including Thurs., Fri., and Sat. night from 10pm-3am; 343-2999, 94 S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, 2561421; 4502 Fountain Dr., 452-3952. Open at 11am on Sat.; South Howe St. in Southport, 457-7017; 103A Cape Fear Blvd in Carolina Beach, 458-5778. Catering cart available all year from $300. 910-297-8416.

aSian doUBle HaPPineSS

Double Happiness offers the Port City fine Asian dining at reasonable prices. We prepare flavorful dishes inspired by the cultural richness of Malaysia, Thailand and authentic China. We’re

encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 37

now serving traditional dim sum, and good health special vegetarian dishes, such as Soy Peking Ribs, homemade tofu and homemade Malaysian sponge cake. We are dedicated to branding the exotic flavors of fresh ingredients and a romantic spice in all of our cooking techniques. Our friendly staff is always willing to help customers, and we serve beer and wine for lunch and dinner. Banquet and tatami rooms are available for large parties.

Open Monday through Saturday, 11am-10pm; and Sunday 3pm-10pm. 4403 Wrightsville Avenue; 910-313-1088. www.doublehappinessrestaurant.com.

SZECHUAN 132

Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City.

Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), 799-1426.

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 47pm enjoy half-priced nigiri and half-priced regular makimono. Nigiri makimono combos are only $7.50, while early-bird specials last from 4-6pm, where diners can choose two: shrimp, chicken or steak. Open Monday thru Thursday 4pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday 4pm-10:30pm; and Sunday 11am-10pm. Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570. Please visit the Web site at hirojapanesesteakhouse.com.

iNdoCHiNE rEStAUrANt ANd 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, or be entertained every Friday night with a Balinese dancer. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), 251-9229. Indochinewilmington.com.

38 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Yo SAkE

Located on the second floor of the historic Roudabush building in downtown Wilmington, Yo Sake features the best sushi along with a full panAsian menu served amid fabulous Tokyo vogue décor. Entrees include Sake Bombed Duck, Tea Rubbed Salmon and Grilled Beef Tenderloin. The bar boasts an extensive wine list including 16 sakes and fantastic specialty drinks like the Wilmington-famous Pomegranate Ginger Mojito. Don’t forget to try the Fresh Mango Cheesecake or the scrumptious Coconut Banana Ice Cream, and, if you ask nicely, they just might drop a scoop of the Lychee Sorbet into a glass of champagne for you.

Open everyday 5pm-2am. Dinner served 5-11pm.

Ask about our late night menu. Live entertainment nightly Tuesday -Saturday beginning at 10:30pm.

33 South Front Street, downtown Wilmington.

(910) 763-3172. Visit us at www.yosake.com.

CAribbEAN jAMAiCA’S CoMFort ZoNE

Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is Wilmington’s Authentic Caribbean Restaurant conveniently located at 417 S. College Road in University Landing. We offer exquisite Caribbean cuisine to satisfy your taste buds, whether they are for spicy Jamaican jerk chicken, mellow flavors of our curry chicken, curry goat or our ox tail skillfully flavored by our Jamaican chefs. Come in and enjoy our many menu selections, our warm décor, smoke-free atmosphere, excellent service and our smooth reggae music. Operating hours are: Sunday 3:00pm – 8:00pm; Wednesday – Saturday 11:45am – 9:00pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday). Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is family owned and operated. Check us out at www. jamaicascomfortzone.com or call us 910399-2867.

FrENCH CApriCE biStro

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

itAliAN ANtoNioS piZZA ANd pAStA

Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta, simply known as Antonio’s, is anything but simple. From scrumptious appetizers to signature pizza to some of the best traditional Italian pasta dishes in town, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cozy dinner for two or bring the whole family in for pizza

and fun. Offering beer and wine at their Monkey Junction and Porter’s Neck location and live music Friday and Saturday nights with all ABC permits at their Leland location, Antonio’s has thought of everything for you to enjoy your dining experience with them. Monkey Junction across from Super Walmart off South College Road (910) 792-0000, Porter’s Neck Shopping Center next to Kiva Grill off Market Street (910) 686-7774, Cross Creek Commons across from Magnolia Greens (910) 383-0033. www. antoniospizzaandpasta.com

eddie Romanelli’S

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, madefrom-scratch pizzas. Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak. Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. RomanellisRestaurant.com. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. 910.383.1885.

GioRGio’S iTalian ReSTauRanT

Giorgio’s is a locally owned, one-of-a-kind restaurant. Offering age-old traditions and timeless recipes, perfection is accomplished by combining the perfect cuisine and atmosphere for a dining experience that is not soon forgotten. With over 50 years of cooking experience under one roof, the smells of old-fashioned home cooking float through the air creating that comforting feeling of home-away-from-home!

From old world style dishes to modern day creations, the menu showcases multiple flavors that will tempt the palate of the most discriminating connoisseurs. A Monkey Junction landmark for over 12 years! www.giorgios-restaurant.com. 5226 S College Rd.,Wilmington 910-790-9954.

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. We have the largest tequila selection in Wilmington. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”

Stop by for lunch dinner, or a late-night treat, open from 11:30am until 3am, seven days a week, 365 days a year, all ABC permits. 122 Market Street between Second and Front, downtown Wilmington. 251-9444. Visit our 2nd location at 1437 Military Cutoff rd., next to PT’s! 256-2229 www.grabslice.com.

oRGaniC loVeY’S maRKeT

Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for natural and organic groceries, or just a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious, and totally fresh snack. Whether they are in the mood for a veggie burger, a bean burrito or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large

selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte café menu at Lovey’s. The food bar—which has cold salads and hot selections that can be eaten in the café seating or boxed for take-out—can be enjoyed all day long, while the juice bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables.

Specializing in bulk sales of produce, grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices, Lovey‘s also carries grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. Wheat-free, gluten-free, products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries and wholesome pet foods. For anything shoppers want that is not in stock, Lovey‘s will be happy to find it.

Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm; Saturday, 9am to 6pm; and on Sundays, 10am to 6pm. Café hours: Monday-Friday, 11am–6pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Road; 910-5090331. Online at www.loveysmarket.com.

Tidal CReeK Co-op

Tidal Creek Deli offers a wide array of exceptional and unusual organic foods, all of which taste as good as they are for you. The salad bar and hot bar incorporate flavors from around the world; each item is prepared by hand using only fresh and local ingredients. The chefs are constantly experimenting to create new and exciting dishes. Choose from made to order smoothies with almond butter and hemp milk, salads with locally grown greens or, special order a wedding cake made from scratch to your specifications. Whatever your tastes, Tidal Creek Deli is a place to rejuvenate the mind and body while enjoying the company of a friendly and relaxed organic community.

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 comfortable in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Smoke Free! Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week.

762-2827 www.dockstreetoysterbar.net.

eaST aT THe BloCKade RunneR HoTel

The Blockade Runner offers an array of seasonal seafood specials, certified Angus beef, lobster menu on Friday evening plus a spectacular Sunday 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. We offer live entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday brunch. Our smoke free lounge is eco-friendly and offers light fare nightly. 275 Waynick Blvd.

Wrightsville Beach. 910-256-2251.

HieRonYmuS

Proving that excellent seafood isn’t just for the eateries at Wrightsville Beach, Hieronymus Seafood is the stop for midtown Wilmington seafood lovers. In business for 27

years strong, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by consistently providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in oceanic cuisine. Complete with a full-service bar and a fireside oyster bar, it’s the place to be if you are seeking top-quality attributes in atmosphere, presentation, flavor and ingenuity. Signature dishes include Oysters Hieronymus and the Scallops Fra Diavlo.

Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2007. 5035 Market Street; 392-6313.

CaTCH modeRn Seafood

When Wilmingtonians think of fresh, flavorful seafood, they flock to Catch. Couples enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at the bar, professionals meet for business meetings and locals come for their favorites. The understated décor and friendly service create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. In this quaint bistro, Catch serves New American seafood with Asian influences. Customers enjoy unique flavors and modern creations, matched with the best local seafood and organic produce in the Cape Fear.

Some seasonal offerings include soft-shell crabs, grouper nuggets, summer flounder, N.C. shrimp and Carolina catfish. House specialties range from broiled miso-glazed wild salmon to crispy fried oyster platters. No reservations accepted. Open Mon-Fri., 11am – 2pm for lunch and now open for dinner Wed-Fri. only from 5:30pm – 9pm (BYOB). 215 Princess Street, downtown Wilmington. Catch is chefowned and -operated. (910) 762-2841 or www. catchwilmingtonnc.com.

oCean GRill Located next to the Golden Sands hotel in Carolina Beach, the Ocean Grill offers three distinct dining experiences: a spacious dining room with wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean, a patio bar in the covered patio area, and a open-air Tiki Bar on the pier. You will find a full menu inside, and appetizers, sandwiches and a full selection of beverages on the Tiki Bar menu. Serving lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and brunch on Sundays from 10am-2pm. Lunch 7 days a week beginning May 22nd. Live music calendar: www.oceangrill.us. Tiki Bar open at 11am 7 days a week. 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach; (910) 458-2000.

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. OceanicRestaurant.com. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. 910.256.5551

Reel Cafe

For eight years, the Reel Café has been Wilmington’s premier restaurant and nightlife location, because it has something for everyone. Enjoy dining in our restaurant, live music in our courtyard Oyster Bar, dancing in the second-floor danceclub or cocktails on the Rooftop Bar overlooking the Cape Fear River. We offer lunch, dinner and a late-night menu. Lunch has a variety of salads, sandwiches and steamers. Our dinner menu has a wonderful variety of burgers, sandwiches, pastas and steaks. We also have delicious seafood entrées and salads, or try the specials prepared daily by our chef. Whether it’s a delightful meal, live music or the downtown nightlife, The Reel Café is the place to be. Located at 100 S. Front Street, the Reel is also available for banquets and private parties. Call for details: 251-1832.

SouTHeRn Hall’S TRopiCana ReSTauRanT

Hall’s is a Wilmington tradition! Originally opened in 1901 as a drug store, Hall’s has been serving the Downtown community for over 100 years. We serve traditional Southern fare, including a classic breakfast with the accompaniments you’ve grown to love. Lunch includes a Southern buffet Monday-Friday with pork, chicken, all the fixin’s, and a special addition every day! Don’t forget our unique menu, which includes everything from specialty sandwiches to fried seafood. Most importantly, at Hall’s everything is fresh! Open Monday-Friday, 7am-2pm (buffet 11-2), and Saturday from 7am-12:30pm with breakfast and menu items only. 421 Castle St. 910-762-2210.

pinK piG Cafe

Downtown Wilmington’s newest dining option has arrived! Serving breakfast and lunch all day, the Pink Pig offers a full menu featuring good ol’ fashioned cookin’ along with a few of our own innovations. For breakfast, try one of our tasty country plates or a sandwich stacked high with your favorite items. For lunch, try our already-famous Redneck Reuben, and you can’t go wrong with our real pit-smoked barbecue sandwiches. C’mon in try for yourself! Open Tues-Sat, 8am-8pm, and Sun., 10am-6pm. 124 Princess St, Downtown. 910-399-6096 other sporting events. We have plenty of seating and a fun atmosphere for the whole family. In Racine Commons, 910-409-9860.

SpoRTS BaR CaRolina ale HouSe

Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun.

Located on College Rd. near UNCW, this lively sports-themed restaurant is home to over 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington. 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.

Carolina Ale House serves its full menu from 11a – 2a daily. CarolinaAleHouse.com. 317 South College Road, Wilmington, NC. 910.791.9393.

Coming soon:

The most delicious week of Spring! www.WilmingtonRestaurantWeek.com encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 39

below Fact or Fiction

28-35 Calendar / Toons / Corkboard

An Involuntary Intimate, Part 5: Reason for Leaving

B

ack turned, George’s boss stood, stared out his office window, jingled the change in his pockets, and

tsked.

“Can’t imagine what your old man would’ve said about this. Got to be the strangest reason why I ever let a body go. The ladies’ room, just between you and me, George, would have at least had some sense to it. But this business—” He shook his head. “No sense in stirring up anything outside this door, so I’m not saying a word if you don’t. But you’re out, Fincannon. You got 15 minutes to square things at your desk.”

He opened the door and ushered George out.

At his former desk, George mechanically sorted through items, pitching and packing.

by: Claude Limoges After having gushed lies to Ed’s questions— not a camera, an air freshener, well, maybe a camera but for company security, etc.—and then escaped Ed, George had wiped his hard drive clean, uninstalled personal software, and stomped on the camera, hoping to break it, but it proved as tough as its makers boasted. So he threw it in the river and spent the night watching the current whisk things toward the sea and gauging the distance between the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and the water. Anchored to a bench, he wished for his brother’s courage—Chad’s flare for making statements.

George had no statement to make, and in the morning, he simply let his feet take him back to the office. By the time he received the summons from his former boss, dread had gnawed his guts to the size of a raisin.

He felt gratitude that no camera had been made public, and now that it was simply a matter of removing himself, oddly, he felt relief—the first since a scream alerted the office to Cheri’s hemorrhaging in the restroom.

The Blown Away poster in his old room waved a loose corner just under the air duct.

On another poster, a young Tom Cruise grinned from behind a clinging blonde. Listening to Rush’s “Cinderella Man,” George unpacked his clothes. On every job application to be filled out henceforth would be one question feared above all others: Reason for leaving: “Got caught with a spy camera in the men’s room?”

Not a chance. George blew dust off his model Corvettes and tried to think up something better.

“Stepped into a wormhole.”

“Had to sit on an egg at the South Pole.”

“Holland needed my finger.”

“The Venusians wanted me for an experiment.”

“Bug spray changed the sex of my hair follicles.”

“A mole on my back took the shape of the Virgin Mary.”

“Oh, gee, was that a job? My mistake.”

“Somebody said it would take only 80 days.”

“They slipped with the tooth scraper and gave me a free lobotomy.”

“Honestly, I saw four horses in the sky and thought this was it.”

“I didn’t leave; the Earth just spun out from under me.”

Melissa had kicked him out of the apartment. Hence, reason for leaving: “Moved.”

In truth, having come to a dead end in his life, ironically, he seemed least of all capable of making a move.

Listening for his mother in the living room, he tiptoed to her bedroom, opened her top dresser drawer, pulled out scarves, perfume, and undergarments, felt about, then pulled out his brother’s urn. Chad would have made fun of the little Wedgewood jar—blue with white cherubs in flight. His mother’s choice. Chad would have given it the silent laugh that was his way of crying.

George stuffed everything back into his mother’s drawer, stepped down the hallway into the living room, and stood watching Marilyn Fincannon. Behind George the window was lined with shelves holding his father’s cobalt blue insulators, surreally interpreting the sun.

Over the living room’s chocolate-leather sofa hung Eisenstaedt’s The Kiss. The sofa held a throw, neck massager, back massager, foot massager, heating pad, and a Nicholas Sparks novel. On the end table were the remote and a stack of postmarked card envelopes addressed to the Fincannons, never opened.

Across the room sat a plant stand with African violets underneath Agrobright tubes.

A nearby table held what could have been a triage unit for mice: scalpel, hemostat, cuticle pusher, infant nasal bulb syringe, baby spoon, long-nozzled hair color bottle, children’s paint brush, cotton swabs, eyedroppers, Lysol spray and a roll of Charmin Ultra Soft. In centipede fashion, a dozen baby

food jars surrounded an egg carton with yarn wicks leading from jar to cup, each ending in soil from which stood—with the help of a steak stick spelling “m-e-d-i-u-m r-a-r-e”—one hairy leaf.

The table’s corner held a glass with a finger of gin and wedge of lime, the green fruit Marilyn’s code for gin. While the phone rang, she sneaked a sip and counted drops of liquid onto a violet.

Her voice effervesced from the answering machine: “Well, hey! You sure do have Rinnie and Jack—Chad and George! Well, who knows where we are, but we’ll give you a call as soon as we come back in.

Bye-bye now.”

The machine beeped, and an answer came: Assurance Mutual works with many individuals like you to build a secure future.

Dial 1 and save up to 10 percent on life insurance today.

George texted Melissa on his cell phone: “I love you.”

To his surprise, after only a few seconds a reply came: “Go to hell.”

“Be a dear,” Marilyn said. “Another lime.” * * * Chad leapt off the telephone pole, scrambled clear of the Maco tracks, and dove for the bushes beside George.

Hands on hips, Jack squinted up at the pliers Chad had left atop the pole.

Chad shouted, “I’m going back up!”

Muttering, “That’s my boy,” Jack lunged down beside them.

Thumpetathumpetathumpetathum ...

The train rocketed by, then all was quiet, except for fast breaths and chuckles from the man and two boys.

As they re-emerged, Jack muttered, “George, go up and get those pliers and that insulator.”

The blood left George’s face.

Claude Limoges has a book out and new poems published. Learn more at http:// claudelimoges.blogspot.com

Coming soon: The most delicious week of Spring!

www.WilmingtonRestaurantWeek.com 40 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

96.1 WKZQ presents

ALICE IN CHAINS w/MIDDLE CLASS RUT

(ADV) 40.00 / (DOS) $ 42.00 $

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

REO SPEEDWAGON w/EDWIN McCAIN

(ADV) $ 32.00 / (DOS) $ 35.00

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

BEN FOLDS and A Piano

(ADV) $ 21.00 / (DOS) $ 24.00

61$0.*/( 4)084 03/13

BEN FOLDS

03/14

PROJECT HAITI BENEFIT 3pm-7pm

03/19

GEORGE THOROGOOD and the Destroyers w/ Damon Fowler

03/20

BADFISH with Scotty Don’t & Full Service

04/02

DANNY GOKEY

04/03

CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD

encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 41

calendar

where to be, what to do in Wilmington and beyond

Events WILMINGTON WINE AND BEER WALK Downtown Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk. Sat 2/27 1-6pm. Tickets: $15 ea, or 2 for $25.

Purchase online at Etix.com or at Bottega Art & Wine Bar, 208 N. Front St. (910)7633737 or Wilmington Wine Shop, 29 S. Front St. (910)251-6335. Walk begins at two above mentioned venues. Receive your “official” Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk ID and a map of the participating establishments. You will receive 2 wonderful samples (per venue) of a specially selected wine or beer. All participants must be at least 21 years of age, and have a valid ID ready for establishments to verify.

CFCC FEBRUARY EVENTS Thurs. 2/25: The Harlem Renaissance Comes to CFCC—open to the public 9:45am-10:45am. in McLeod Building Auditorium (S-002)In celebration of African American history, CFCC faculty and students host a program featuring African American literature, art and a performance from the CFCC chorus. • Fri. 2/26: Human Patient Simulator demonstration- for news media only (Featuring the state-of the-art robotic patient “iStan”), 11am in nursing lab L-300. EMT and nursing

students will demonstrate how human simulation technology is revolutionizing the way students train for careers in health care and emergency response.

CFCC instructor and author Mark VanCura will also be available for interviews. VanCura recently co-authored a textbook published by McGraw Hill which explains

2/27: WINE AND BEER WALK

The downtown Wilmington Wine and Beer Walk (WWBW) takes place this Saturday from 1-6pm, featuring wines and beers from participating merchants scattered all over downtown. Tickets are $15 each or two for $25, beginning at either Bottega Art and Wine Bar or Wilmington Wine Shop, where visitors get their WWBW ID and a map of all participants. Attendants will get two samples from each venue. Must be 21 years old. how to use this technology in the classroom. • CFCC

Alumni Association will present its second annual Alumni Homecoming Celebration, 2/26-27, highlighting a “Re-Connect with Cape Fear” theme. Festivities will kick off with a Pre-Game Reception on Fri. 2/26 at 6pm in the CFCC Schwartz Center Lobby before the last men’s home basketball game of the season against Denmark Tech Community College. This family-friendly event will include a free appetizer buffet, giveaways and door prizes throughout the evening. Admission to the reception and game is free to all alumni who bring their membership cards. Alumni who are not yet members of the Alumni Association may also register at the reception. The Schwartz Center is at corner of Front and Hanover streets on CFCC’s downtown campus. On Sat. 2/27, the Alumni Association is offering a “Re-Connect with Cape Fear” Presentation and Tour in the CFCC Board Room, Administration Building, room 101.

Starting at 1pm, the event will feature a free picnic lunch with Eric McKeithan, CFCC’s president, a presentation about new initiatives and programs at the college, and a tour of the downtown campus.

Family members are welcome. The G building is located on CFCC’s downtown campus at the corner of Walnut and Front Streets. 910-362-7659 or rsvp@cfcc.edu and state how many guests they plan to bring.

PATHWAYS TO A GREENER PLANET We are surrounded by calls to “be green” and reminders

that we are stewards of the earth. Church of the Servant, Episcopal, presents a workshop exploring the pursuit of environmental stewardship from a faith-based perspective. Pathways to a Greener Planet, 2/26-27 Provides opportunity to hear important issues addressed Fri. 7pm, by keynote speaker Beth Norcross followed by a practical day-long workshop on Sat. from 8:45am-3:30pm. Tickets to lecture and reception: $15 in advance; $18 at the door. Saturday workshop is free. Lunch is $8 in advance or $10 at the event. Childcare is available on Saturday. Held at Church of the Servant, Episcopal, 4925 Oriole Dr. cosepiscopal.com 910-395-0616 or outreach@ cosepiscopal.com BLACK HISTORY QUIZ BOWL Black History Quiz Bowl at Lumina Theatre. Sponsored

by UNCW in honor of Black History Month, to highlight African American history and culture. Free. 2/28, 5pm.

NC QSO PARTY Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club operates from the Battleship NC during the North Carolina QSO Party on 2/28 from 12-8PM. The purpose of this annual “HAM RADIO” event, sponsored by the Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, is to allow amateur radio operators worldwide to contact as many of North Carolina’s 100 counties as possible. The Club will communicate by voice through the Ship’s original cabling and antennas.

Morse code communications will originate from the TBM-4 transmitter, placed in service aboard the Battleship in 1941, and restored to operating condition

by Club members in 2002, after a 50+ year slumber. ke4bmy@hotmail.com, 910-431-3875.

ORTON’S SECRET GARDEN Orton Plantation Gardens have taken the typical “wedding show” a step further by creating an experience for brides, with themed reception and ceremony sites. Brides will spend time in all of Orton’s themed sites and will be able to meet and greet the area’s top wedding professionals as they reveal the keys and secrets to their dream wedding. Lucky Brides could walk away with Scott Kay wedding bands and other fantastic pieces from Reeds Jewelers. Also, by attending the event brides can register to win a free wedding in Orton’s chapel and reception in Orton’s Greenhouse. Open to the public. Sun. 2/28, 11am-4pm. Admission $9. 910-371.6851, www. ortongardens.com TIDAL CREEK CO-OP MARCH EVENTS 3/3: Food Allergies with Cortney Shallow. 6-7pm. Tidal Creek Community Center. Free. Learn about different foods and the reactions that can cause, as well as the benefits of the elimination diet. 910-799-2667, www.tidalcreek.coop. • 3/5: Alive at Five, 5-6:30pm.

Tidal Creek Lawn. Bring your chairs and enjoy live reggae music by Steadfast.there will also be a wine tasting—all free.

HOBBY GREENHOUSE CLUB 3/6: Annual Hobby Greenhouse Tour. Free, self-guided tour of local greenhouses, including member and nonmember greenhouses and commercial and institutional greenhouses. Tour starts at the New Hanover County Arboretum. 9am-5pm. www.hobbygreenhouseclub. org or email hobbygreenhouse@aol.com.

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR HOMETOWN 15th Annual “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown” Appreciation Day to be held 3/7. Event Features 35 attractions and team mascots. Free admission.

Sponsored by encore and Wilmington Convention and Visitor Bureau. Riverfront activities held from 1-3pm, including appearances by Sharky and the Azalea Belles, and storytelling by John Golden from 2-3pm. www.capefearcoast.com/hometown.

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WWII VETERANS EXHIBIT World War II veterans and home front workers will greet the public and exhibit memorabilia at the Hannah Block Historic USO during New Hanover County’s annual “Be a Tourist in Your Home Town,” on Sun. 3/7.

Also called the Community Arts Center, the building,

located at Second & Orange Streets in downtown Wilmington, will hold an open house, public tours, and a “World War II History Afternoon” from 12-5pm.

This is the first time the HBHUSO/CAC, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has participated in the event. The public is also invited to exhibit WWII memorabilia. Registration to participate and admission are free. Contact Coalition vice chairman Doris Ayers at 910-796-3293 or Dayers91@aol.com.

GUINESS ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL Downtown Wilmington welcomes two of the most popular cultural events of the year in the Annual Guinness St. Patrick’s Day Festival and the Friends of the Hibernians 11thAnnual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sat. 3/13. Festivities kick off with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 11am. The route starts off at Red Cross, bringing it south down N.2nd St., then down Dock St. to Water, and then north back up to Red Cross. Immediately following the parade, at 12pm, the Guinness St. Patrick’s Day Festival begins at Riverfront Park, on Water Street, in front of the Federal Building. The festival is a free and open event to all.

Festivities include live music, Irish dancers, cultural vendors, and food & beer sales. Some of the live entertainment will include the Wilmington Police Pipes & Drums band, The Blarney Broughs, The Molly Malones, Out on the Ocean, and The Malones. This is a “Rain or Shine” event. In the event of rain, the festival will be moved to underneath the Water Street Deck, across from the Hilton Hotel. 910-686-5498, Steveandconniemc@aol.com AZALEA FESTIVAL TEA Cape Fear Volunteer Center marks 3/21 as the date for this year’s Azalea Festival Children’s Tea, at Saint Thomas Preservation Hall, l208 Dock St., must be purchased in advance. By RSVP only and a first-come, first-serve basis.

Tickets: $30 ea. and can be purchased by check only through the Cape Fear Volunteer Center. Checks should be made out to Cape Fear Volunteer Center and mailed or delivered to 925 S. Kerr Suite K Room 2, Wilmington NC 28403. Tickets can also be purchased at the Azalea Festival office this year. One seating: 3:30-5pm. Tea will feat. Azalea Belles, Azalea Princess and her Court and a special guest, HELLO KITTY. Proceeds benefit the operations of the Cape Fear Volunteer Center.

UNCW BUSINESS ALUMNI MIXER/SPEAKER In celebration of UNCW Cameron School of Business (CSB) Business Week 2010 on Tues.

3/23 at 5:30pm all CSB alumni and retired faculty are invited to attend a complimentary mixer with great food and drinks in the Computer Information Science Building on the UNCW Campus. On Wed. 3/24 at 7am the CSB Alumni Chapter is hosting a Speaker Breakfast with Keynote Speaker David Swain in the Burney Center on the UNCW Campus. David Swain, Founder of Swain & Associates, will speak about entrepreneurship and discuss his outlook on the local economy. Cost for the breakfast is $5 per person. To register: www.uncw.edu/CSBtix, www. uncw.edu/CSBtix>. 910-962-2587.

Charity/Fund-raisers THE YWCA TAKES A STAND AGAINST RACISM The Stand Against Racism is an annual event. Managed by the YWCA Trenton and the YWCA Princeton in New Jersey, it is a collaboration of 65 YWCA Associations nationwide. The YWCAs in America and around the world have a rich history of advocating for racial justice.

Throughout our history, the YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations. We intend to affect real change in the lives of our family, friends and co-workers through a process that identifies and eradicates the barriers that divide us and that perpetuate racism and other forms of oppression. As individuals learn what has kept us apart, they will develop new ways of working cooperatively by creating new models of shared resources and perspectives.This year the Stand Against Racism will be a collaboration of 65 YWCA Associations throughout the United States. www.

StandAgainstRacism.org. Katie Nelson, 799-6820 ext.

104 or email volunteers@ywca-lowercapefear.org.

HELPING HANDS TO HAITI YARD SALE The Community Boys & Girls Club will host a yard and plate sale on Sat. 2/27, 10am-2pm. All proceeds presented to the American Red Cross to support them in their efforts to assist the people of Haiti in earthquake

recovery. Donations w/o purchase also welcome.

Patrons making $50 or more purchase/donation will receive a ticket for a complimentary meal by Club Chef Tony McKoy. 910-762-1252.

HELP OLD BOOKS ON FRONT ST Old Books on Front St. needs volunteers with Handcarts, little red wagons, pick-up trucks or teleporting devices to help move the boxes from 22 N. Front to the 200 block of N Front (our storage location).

We will be providing coffee, pizza, sodas, etc. We need to move around 3,000 boxes the weekend of 2/27.

910-763-4754.

NHMC BLOOD DRIVES New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Cape Fear Hospital are hosting Community Blood Drives on 3/10, 10:30am-3pm. Open to public. 343-2545 or Nancy Kafina at 452-8110. www.membersforlife. org/cbsr/schedule.

WOMEN ON THE MOVE LUNCHEON Women on the Move Luncheon invites local businesses as sponsors for National Multiple Sclerosis Society, scheduled for 3/11 at The Eastern NC Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Event begins w/networking reception at 11:30am at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort on Wrightsville Beach.Tickets $75 each.www.nationalMSsociety.org/nct or call Bethany Owenby at (919) 792-1004.

RUN FOR THE RED EVENT

2/28: WILMINGTON WINTER OLYMPICS

Wilmington Area Hostpitality Association is putting on its own verson of the Olympics at Blockade Runner Resort on Sunday the 28th, noon-4pm. It will feature teams from hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick county areas. Proceeds fund a scholarship to the hospitality program at CFCC. Open to the public, admissions is free; refreshments for purchase. http://wilmhospitality.blogspot.com.

American Red Cross Cape Fear Chapter presents Run for the Red 5K Run/Walk and 1-mi. Fun Walk at Mayfaire Town Center (outside TrySports), 3/27, 8am.

Register: www.arccapefear.org or fill out brochure and mail/fax back to the chapter. All proceeds from the race will go directly to the Cape Fear Chapter to support the disaster-related community services that the Red Cross provides. Autum Mihm: autum.mihm@ arccapefear.org or 910-762-2683 ext. 361 HOME TOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Home Tour spotlights beautiful properties around Wilmington, exploring a range of styles and periods. Volunteers are needed to give our visitors the best experience possible. Two shifts available on Sat, 12:45-3:30pm and 3:15-6pm, or Sun., 12:45pm-3pm or 2:45-5pm. Docents and House Captains needed to take a role and make this event succeed. aimee@ historicwilmington.org or call (910) 762-2511.

GREEN BALL AND FASHION SHOW earthBound Salon and Day Spa will be holding the second annual Green Ball and Fashion Show as a celebration of Earth Day. Local designers from the Wilmington area will be designing a Green collection for the fashion show using fabric and clothing remnants.

Guests arriving at the event will proceed down aGreen Carpet and pose for pictures for the “paparazzi.” Inside they can enjoy food and beverages from local restaurants and caterers as well as collect their “swag” bag full of goodies from local vendors. They will also have an opportunity to graze theGreen Pavilion where they will learn about businesses in the community that support and aid in having a healthier Green lifestyle.

The staff of earthBound will be offering spa products and treatments to educate guests about choices in health and beauty. Sign up to present your services and products to a captive audience and let them know what you have to offer! Tickets $12 ahead of time and $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Cape Fear Riverwatch. 910-232-2735.

SILENT AUCTION AND FASHION SHOW 18th annual Silent Auction and Fashion Show, 4/30, 11am-1pm (lunch event) or 6-9pm (dinner event), Wilmington Hilton Riverside. Lunch: $40 ea. (Table $320). Dinner: $50 ea. (Table $400). Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc.: 910-343-9969 ext. 17. www. domesticviolence-wilm.org WALK MS Eastern NC Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society invites community members to join Wilmington Walk MS’s elite Gold Club. To become a Gold Club member, participants must raise $500 or more for the Wilmington Walk MS event on 5/15 at Greenfield Lake Park. The Society’s goal is to recruit more than 500 Gold Club members by 5/31, the end of the 2010 Walk fundraising season. Participants can accept the Gold Club Challenge while registering for Walk MS at http://walknct.nationalmssociety.org. In addition to the four-mile walk, the event will feature entertainment, kids’ activities and lunch. walknct.nationalmssociety. org, 1-800 FIGHT MS. WINTER WILMINGTON OLYMPICS Wilmington Area Hospitality Association (WAHA) hosts 1st Annual Hospitality Olympics at the Blockade Runner Resort on Sun., 2/28, which coincides w/last day of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC. noon-4pm (reg. at 11:30am) and will feature teams from hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the Wilmington area including New Hanover, Pender & Brunswick counties. Proceeds will fund a scholarship to the Hospitality Program at the Cape Fear Community College. Open to public, free admission. Area businesses will be donating prizes to be raffled, with raffle ticket sales funding the scholarship.

Refreshments available for purchase; events will be moved indoors if it rains. http://wilmhospitality. blogspot.com/

Theater/Auditions OPERA HOUSE SEASON 25th Anniversary Season. The first two shows will be performed at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1415 South 17th St. The rest of the season will be performed on the Main Stage of Thalian Hall.

“Nunsense”: Book, Music, and Lyrics by Dan Goggin., Wed., 2/26-28. The Little Sisters of Hoboken have been struck by tragedy – 52 of the sisters have succumbed to botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia, Child of God– an outrageously wacky show packed with music, dancing, jokes, and nun-puns. All performances at 8pm, except for Sun. matinees, 3pm.

ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: 2/2628. 3/5-7.Music and Lyrics By: William Finn, Director: Mike O’Neil, Music Director: Chiaki Ito. City Stage/Level 5. Tickets: $20, $18 & $15, Students/Senior: $2 off. morganna.may@gmail.com, 910-477-0048.

OUR LADY OF 121ST STREET Directed by Reneé Vincent. Beloved community activist and nun Sister Rose has passed and her body has been stolen. Dark, humorous and insightful events unfold as the diverse collection of neighborhood characters she served comfort, confront and confound one another. Co-sponsored by the Department of Theatre and the Upperman African American Cultural Center. Tickets available the day of the show, 1 hr. prior to show time. $5-12.

Kenan Auditorium Box Office, 910-962-3500.

ROBIN HOOD “THE LEGEND BEGINS” See encore exchange cover story.

DANGEROUS LIASONS “Dangerous Liaisons” is a popular French reality television series following the debauched lives of bored aristocrats, trust fund babies and otherwise worthless individuals whose only claim to fame is being famous.

This is a story of sex and excess revealing thedarkest underbellies of the darkest people. Held at Brown Coat Theatre: 2/24-27 8pm; & 28 5pm. $10 gen. adm./$5 students Wed. and Thur. Contains adult situations, strong sexual content and nudity. Parental Guidance is recommended. 910-341-0001, guerillatheatre@ gmail.com or www.browncoattheatre.com BLUE MONDAY SPRING POETRY SLAM Blue Monday Spring Poetry Slam. Sponsored by Watson School of Education on Mon, 3/1, 7pm,

Burney Center, UNCW. Poetry Slam ltd 30 poets, who is allowed max 5 min. of originally written poem.

(910)962-3369.

MULLIGAN’S WAKE DINNER THEATER Mulligan’s Wake is an interactive, portable dinner theater. Dress up or down for the funeral and be prepared upon arrival to meet a crazy Irish-Catholic family who has all gathered for a final, over-the-top farewell celebration. Audience members can interact with the cast, join in or sit back and relax. There will be a traditional dinner and then a wake to honor the memory of dear ole’ Rory. This Irish celebration is full of drinking, toasting, dancing and singing - a hilarious form of entertainment full of twists and turns that will leave you and your friends in stitches. They put the “fun” in funeral!For reservation call 910-232-6611 or online at porchtheatre.com BROADWAY MUSICAL 13 Thalian Association Children’s Theater (TACT) presents theBroadway Musical 13. The production, directed

by David T. Loudermilk with music direction by Denice Bradley and Rebecca Rockow, runs for four performances only 3/5-7 at Hannah Block 2nd Street Stage, 120 S. 2nd St. in downtown. Performances are Fri. & Sat. at 7pm and Sat. & Sun. at 3pm Tickets are $10, general admission at the door.

THE ODD COUPLE The Odd Couple (female version) by Neil Simon.

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. New York City Fri. 3/5 and 3/12 at 8pm. Sat. 3/6 and 3/13 at 8pm. Sun. 3/7 and 3/14 at 3pm. Sneads Ferry Community Center, 126 Park Lane. Tickets are $12 at the door. Doors open 45 minutes before curtain.

To reserve seats for parties of 10 or morePlease contact the box office910-327-2798. Play is intended for an adult audience and may contain adult language and situations. www.sneadsferrycommunitytheatre.com DESSERT THEATER An afternoon of bite-sized entertainment and sweet treats, returns to the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center on four Friday afternoons in March.

Enjoy coffee, dessert and two comedies by awardwinning playwright Kathryn Martin at each 2pm performance. $8/person. Seating limited; rsvp: 910398-7871.

Comedy CABINEER’S PROMOTIONS Cabineer’s Promotions$10 sweepstakes entry. Winner will get a night on the town (hotel for choice of 3 cities), $50 travel expense and 2 tickets to a comedy show.

Drawing held 3/6, a 3 Diva’s and Nick Comedy Show.

Takes place at Wilmington Sportsmen’s Club, 111 Castle St. Not needed to be present to win. 910-3438977. www.etix.com. daddycabineers@aol.com NUTT ST. COMEDY ROOM Tuesdays and Wed. Improv with the “Nutt House” troupe ($5 cover and $1 Front St draft beer), Thursdays Open Mic Stand-up, Fridays and Saturdays Nationally Touring Comedians. All shows 9pm, 8pm doors. 255 N. Front Str. 910-251-7881

Music ANDREW LITTON AND THE NC SYMPHONY Majesty is the order of the evening when acclaimed guest conductor Andrew Litton leads the North Carolina Symphony in Gustav Holst’s masterwork, The Planets, 3/4-6. Soloist William Wolfram also commands the stage with a virtuoso rendering of Grieg’s Piano Concerto, while Vaughan Williams’s Overture to The Wasps rounds out a powerhouse symphonic lineup.

The concert takes place first at Memorial Hall on the campus of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Thurs. 3/4. Two weekend performances follow at Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh’s Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Fri and Sat, 3/5-6. All concerts begin at 8pm. Regular tickets range from $30 to $45. Meymandi Concert Hall is located in the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. S. St., Raleigh, NC 27601.

Memorial Hall is on the campus of the UNC-Chapel Hill, on E. Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. ncsymphony.org, 919.733.2750.

YOUTH ORCHESTRA SPRING MATINEE Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra continues

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its eighth season at Kenan Auditorium on the UNCW campus with a spring matinee concert for young people and their families on Sun. 3/7 at 4pm. The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted

by Dr. Steven Errante, will be performing Beethoven’s neglected gem King Stephan Overture, Glinka’s thrilling Russian showpiece Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla, and Dvorak’s First Movement from Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”). Tickets are $5 for adults, free for youth 17 and under, and will be available at Kenan Auditorium beginning one hour prior to the concert. http://www.wilmingtonsymphony.org/

Club, 4418 Market St., Wilmington, NC • 8pm, Fridays, Sywanyk’s Night Club 222 Henderson Ave., Jacksonville, NC. Dawn: (910) 471-6809 DANCE LESSONS AT CAROLINA LOUNGE Tues, 7:30pm, shag lessons with Brad and DJ Lee Pearson. • Fri., 7:30pm, Tango workshop with Paula.

9:30pm, salsa lessons with DJ Lalo. • Line Dancing lessons with DJ Lee and instructor Barbara Braak 7:30pm. Cover charge $5, lesson free. • Sat., Latin ryhthm. Doors open 9pm. 5001-a Market St, (910) 790-8598

WILMINGTON CHORAL SOCIETY Join the Wilmington Choral Society for its spring concert, “Made in the USA,” featuring traditional spirituals, American folksongs and Hollywood show tunes. Sat. 3/13 at 7pm at Roland-Grise Auditorium, 4412 Lake Ave. Tickets available at the door, or call 910-254-1044 for reservations. General Admission $12 ,seniors 60+ $10, children under 12 free. On 5/29 at 7pm, the Wilmington Choral Society will perform John Rutter’s Magnificat, a tremendous large-scale work for both chorus and orchestra, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1403 Market St. Tickets are free and available at the door, or call 910-254-1044 for reservations. Sponsorship opportunities are available: a fully tax-deductible donation of $150 provides for one of 18 chamber musicians. 910-254-1044.

Art

SONG WRITING CONTEST Put together a 30-60 second song or jingle, on a CD and drop it off with an entry form. Submissions through 3/31. Top ten will be asked to perform their submission at The Soapbox where the winner will be selected by Gravity, celebrity judges and the crowd. All entries must be family friendly. Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn and Bowl should be mentioned. Cash prizes for 1st-3rd.

PHOTOGRAPHING AMERICA The Art Gallery in the Cultural Arts Building at UNCW will be holding Tom Rankin’s exhibit Photographing America from 2/26-3/31 with a reception Fri. 2/26 from 5-7pm and a lecture from Tom Rankin at 4pm on 2/26. Tom Rankin is director of the Center for Documentary Studies and associate professor of the Practice of Art and Documentary Studies at Duke. A photographer, filmmaker, and folklorist, Rankin is formerly associate professor of Art and Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi and Chair of the Art Department at Delta State University. 910-962-7958.

Dance SINGLE’S CLUB Wilmington Singes Club: 2/26: DJ Baby Boomer, Am. Legion, (Members $8; Guessts $10). Music 811pm. No shorts, miniskirts or denim jeans, please.

Kathleen Abbott: 232-3315 or www.wilmingtonsingles. blogspot.com BABS MCDANCE Club Dance New class forming for routine to be performed at Spring Showcase! Sat., 1pm • New Latin Fusion Class: Will encourage dancers to think outside of the standard practices and implement a variety of styles in their social and competitive dance environments. Mon., 8-9.30pm • Salsa: Lively and fast-paced dance that incorporates many different styles of latin dance.ÄFocus is the On 1 Cross Body Lead style. Tues., 8-9.30pm • Mambo: Dancers dance with focus on musicality, footwork, spins and turns.

On 2 New York Style Mambo is the focus.Wed., 89.30pm • Argentine Tango: Learning to dance tango socially is based on improvisational movement and respecting both your partner and the other dancers on the floor. The essence of Argentine tango is about life and, especially, about the relationship between a man and a woman. Thurs., 8-9:30pm • Basic Group Classes every evening Mon-Fri, 7pm. Progressive Group Classes every evening Mon-Fri, 6pm(Night Club spot, Latin Street Dance, Rhythm & Latin Ballroom, Smooth Ballroom, Country Western) • Showcase 2/28: Be part of an adventure in learning and performing, • Progressive Hoop Fitness & Dance Workshop, Sun. 2/21, noon-2pm. Babs McDance Social Dance Studio 6782 Market st. (910) 395-5090 FIREHOUSE STUDIO BELLY DANCING Bellydance Classes at the Firehouse Pilates Studio, Mon. nights. Private and semi-private, $50 for an hour and a half instruction and $30 a piece for two people for same duration. divyawaters@yahoo.com or 910620-3566.

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 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 WILMINGTON SALSA CLUB Salsa Lessons, 8:30pm, Wed., Garibaldi Night

MAKING WAVES The Boseman Gallery is transformed into an urban street scene with an interactive audio component.

Exhibition is a collaboration among student graffiti artists, student sound artists and creative writers. Graffiti artists tell an urban ‘womb to tomb’ narrative through the use of spray paint and wheat paste applications. Images are paired with sound recordings activated by buttons and a poetic narrative which tells the story. Gallery hours: Mon.Sat., 10am-8pm. www.uncw.edu/presents, 910-962-7972.

FOURTH-FRIDAY ART STUDIO CRAWL Five WAWAS (Wrightsville Avenue Working Artist Studios) artists - demonstrations - featured guests. 5028 Wrightsville Ave. Also see new works

by Clair Hartmann on exhibit at Wrightsville Bean & Co. Cafe. 910-297-5383. Maps available at www. wawaswilmington.com. 2/26 from 6-9pm, Free.

BRUCE ISLAND EXHIBIT The African American Heritage Foundation of Wilmington, Inc., in conjunction with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at UNCW, are bringing the Bunce Island Exhibit to Randall Library. General public is invited to tour the free exhibit through 2/27. Traveling exhibit tells the story of Bunce Island in Sierra Leone, its connection to the Atlantic slave trade, its historic relationship to the rice growing regions of mainland North America, and the formation and development of the Gullah/Geeche culture. Consists of 20 display panels, each containing text and images, period drawings and pictures illustrating the slave trade in Sierra Leone and North America, and more.

ENVISAGE STUDIOS Envisage Gallery and Studios is now open. We are seeking artists and art to fill this unique art/theatre space. We have Artist studio, display, and consignment space available. Whether you need a little space or a lot of space we can fill your needs. Located in the historic Friendly’s Department Store building at 615 Castle St. and open to the Cape Fear Playhouse. Susan or Scott Oakley at 910-352-1070 or envisagegallery@ ec.rr.com.

INTRODUCTIONS INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION Celebrate the work of exemplary local artists in Caffe Phoenix, featuring the works of Tien Chang, Elizabeth Darrow, Bonnie England, Mark Herbert, Mathew Peterson and more! 9 S. Front St. • (910) 343-1395 BOTTEGA ART BAR EXHIBITS: Jazz Rode: A Solo Exhibition, Through 3/7. Designing surf art is just one of this local artists amazing talents—also includes Intaglio, Lithography, Mixed Media and Painting. 208 North Front St.; 910763-3737. bottegagallery.com KEYS NEEDED Wabi-Sabi Warehouse is currently seeking submissions for a juried exhibition based on ‘keys.’ Symbolic or literal, this theme is wide open for interpretation. We welcome all media, including performance, creative writing and ice sculpture—providing artwork fits

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throughthe door and doesn’t attract vermin. The only common denominatoramong selected works is the key. Submissions inspired by the Key Fenceinstallation in downtown Wilmington will be given special consideration. Jurors: Richard Scieford, President, NC Museums Council Bob Unchester, Exhibition Manager, Cameron Art Museum Pam Toll, UNCW.,

2/26: PHOTOGRAPHING AMERICA

Museum the first Sunday of every month. Museum is open Sundays from 1-5pm. • Learning Center: Light & Sound Sat. 3/6, 13, 20 and 27. Why is the sky blue?

Explore fun mysteries of light and color and even make an object disappear! Sat. 10am-4pm. Activities free with admission. Ages 5 to 12. Parental participation is required. 910-798-4362.

HIDDEN BATTLESHIP Behind the Scenes at the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Hidden Battleship3/13 8:30am12:30pm and 1:30-5:30pm Join us for a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of un-restored areas of the Battleship. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests explore the bow (officers’ country and boatswain locker), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer’s office, torpedo area), engine room #3, the cold storage compartments, and up inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio II to explain their work on the ship’s radio transmitters.Ticket sales stop one hour before closing. www.battleshipnc. com.

Land of the free, home of the brave! See them in all their glory at the latest photography exhibit at the Cultural Arts Building at UNCW, featuring professor, author, photographer, folklorist and filmmaker Tom Rankin. Rankin will lecture on his works on the 36th at 4pm in Rom 2033 in the Cultural Arts Building with reception of the work following from 5-7pm.

4/18. Exhibition dates: 5/7-6/12. Selected artists notified by 4/25. Email questions, comments, and up to 3 jpeg images to: dixonstetler@gmail.com STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE Thrive Studios, a new cutting-edge hybrid studio and gallery, has nine artist studio spaces available for rent .

Each is 8’x 8’, $200/mo. w/ 1-year lease. Join our artist collective and let your career thrive! Gaeten Lowrie: 919-696-4345 or Scott Ehrhart: 407-257-5299.

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHTS Fourth Friday Gallery Nights 2010, 6-9pm on the fourth Friday of each month: 2/26, 3/26, 4/23, 5/28, 6/25, 7/23, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26. No admission.

All ages. Several downtown galleries, studios and art spaces will open their doors to the public in an afterhours celebration of art and culture. The Art Walk is a self-guided tour featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, metals, ceramics, mixed media and more. Includes opening receptions, artist discussions, live music, wine, food and other traditional art-activities; www.wilmingtonfourthfridays.com.

ACTIVIST AUTHORS EXHIBIT Exhibit of posters, celebrating activist authors and created by the students in Professor Diana Ashe’s spring course, ENG 318: Writing & Activism, will be on display on the Second Floor Art Wall, Randall Library.

UNCW. 910-962-2170. www.uncw.edu/intprogs/ IWeek.htm.

Museums KIDS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 2/27: 2pm-4pm. Craft activities and story time at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington will teach about African American history. Admission charge.

Children’s Museum of Wilmington. 910-254-3534; www.playwilmington.org CAPE FEAR MUSEUM MARCH EVENTS Museum is in the process of renovating its core exhibit space to make room for a new, immersive exhibit experience. EXHIBITS: Land of the Longleaf Pine will open 4/2. • Going to the Movies Exhibit—Experience the history of a century of movie-going in the Lower Cape Fear region; where people went to the movies, how the theater experience has changed over the years, etc. • Conservation Matters—Explore the art and science of artifact conservation; what it is, who does it, and why it matters to museums. Beautifully conserved furniture and other wooden objects from the permanent collection on display.• Cape Fear Treasures: Drink Exhibit—Glimpse a selection of drinking vessels, as you explore treasures from Cape Fear Museum’s collection. From 18th-century bottles, to fancy teapots, to modern-day souvenir mugs,and more! • Discover how to become a volunteer. Opportunities are available in the Museum Store, working with the historic collection, and as an education docent. Open House is held the first Wed., every month. 910-798-4366. • New Hanover County Residents’ Day Sun. 3/7. New Hanover County residents are admitted free to the

BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM Mondays at the Mansion. Star News Columnist Susan Hartpresents, “The Gardens of Hever Castle: Anne Boleyn’s Childhood Home.” Mon, 3/15, 11am, Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.Tickets: $10 each, includes lunch.910.251.3700 x104. • African-American History Day.Sat., 03/27, 10AM- 4pm. Experience the domestic life of the mansion from a 19th century perspective. The Bellamy’s household included eleven family members and nine enslaved African-Americans who lived on the site and worked throughout the house. Learn about their lives as well as those of the free blacks and hired slave artisans who built this grand house, the carriage house and the slave quarters. Admission: $10 for adults, $4 for children 5-12, free children under 5. Students with ID $3 for this event only.

BELLAMY MANSION Bellamy is one of NC’s premier architectural and historic treasures, built as city residence of prominent planter, Dr. John D. Bellamy. Antebellum architecture: a mix of Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Open for tours Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm; closed Mons.

Guided tours on the hour; self-guided audio-tours also available. Current Exhibit: “Walking in the Footsteps of: Gen. William T. Sherman.” Adults, $10; children 5-12, $4; group tours, $8 (20+ requires reservations).

251-3700 ext. 104; www.BellamyMansion.org. • A 25-panel exhibit, “African-American Architects & Builders in N.C.,” explores the lives of free and enslaved African-American artisans and builders who worked in the trades pre-Civil War. And, on the northeast corner of the Bellamy lot stands the original brick slave quarters, which is currently undergoing a major restoration.

Admission charge. Bellamy Mansion, Wilmington.

910-251-3700; www.bellamymansion.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.

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 WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for more than 130 years. Interests and activities for all ages including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively children’s area, and spectacular scale models. Housed in an original 1882 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. Groups receive special guided tours.

Facilities can also be booked for meetings or mixers, accommodating groups of up to 150. Admission only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors/military, $3 for children 2-12, and free under age 2. Located at the north end of downtown at 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634 or www. wrrm.org.

. Museum is CAMERON ART MUSEUM enter: Light & EXHIBITS: Toying with Art is an exhibition he sky blue? of toys designed and fabricated by more d even make than 50 artists. Remains open through 3/28. ctivities free Brings together several different kinds of participation toys: games, robots, plush toys, puppets and action figures all come together in this exciting exhibition. • Kaleidoscope: Changing hip NORTH Views of the Permanent Collection. Feat. art 13 8:30am- from the Cameron Art Museum’s collection: for a unique, paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, red areas of photographs, furniture, decorative arts, consists of from the museum’s permanent collection. explore the Configuration will change through the year wain locker), as individual works are rotated. • Thru 6/20: yro, storage Recollection: The Past is the Present: Visual neer’s office, and thematic references of the past while cold storage being rooted firmly in the present connects control tower the art work of Amalia Amaki, Lillian Blades Coast Radio and Beverly Buchanan to the historical-tinged heir work on quilts by African American women in the ales stop one exhibition. Admission charge. • EVENTS: Movement Lab w/Karola Luttringhaus, Sun., pnc.com.

2/28, 3-4:30pm. Suggested Cost: $15 cash and checks only, checks payable to Alban s Columnist Elved Dance Company. Focuses on physical ns of Hever freedom and creativity; includes partner work, od Home.” such as contact improvisation, story-based on Museum, movement creation, movement analysis, h, includes spatial relationships, basic release work, rican History and more. Appropriate for all body types and he domestic experience levels; attend all labs, several or spective. The just one lab. Bring layers of clothing for various mily members activity levels. Schedule: www.dynamic-body. who lived on net/workshops.html. • Spoken word with ouse. Learn Coast Poetry Jam, Thurs. 2/25, 8pm. Cost: e free blacks $5, $3 for students. Featuring the hottest poets rand house, in the Port City and beyond. Produced by “Yo . Admission: Girl” Sandra and hosted by Bigg B. Coast hildren under Studio Line: 763-0973 or blackartsalliance. org. • Music w/Dr. Emery Stephens, Baritone, Sat. 2/27.

3pm. Free w/museum admission. Dr. Emery Stephens, al and historic baritone, offers a brief musical overview of memory, nent planter, African-American culture and identity. Stephens cture: a mix has performed with the Ann Arbor Symphony, pen for tours Handel and Haydn Society Chorus of Boston, North osed Mons. Carolina Symphony and Wilmington Symphony io-tours also Orchestra among many others. • Educator’s Night, e Footsteps 2/26, 5:30-8pm. Open to all educators—Learn more $10; children about our programs, educational initiatives and ways eservations). the Cameron can work with you and your school’s ion.org. • A interests and requirements for classes, as well as Architects & enrich yourself and your family. Galleries open, clay and enslaved studio visits, material packets and light refreshments. ho worked in RSVP by 2/19: georgia@cameronartmuseum.com • east corner of Yoga: Every Tues. at 6pm and Thurs. at 12pm; $5/ ave quarters, members; $8/non-members. Exercises to enhance restoration. relaxation, breath control and meditation with Sara Wilmington. Jo Nelson. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat. Beginners welcome. • Tai Chi, Wed. 12pm. $5/members, $8/non-members. A slow, meditative form of exercise designed for relaxation, balance and h” exhibit in health taught by Martha Gregory. Wear comfortable ph and even clothing. Beginners welcome • S. 17th St. and er the planet Independence Blvd. Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri.: 11am-2pm, nvironments. Sat/Sun: 11am-5m. Members free;$8 non-members; king cobras, $5 Students with valid student ID card; $3 Children age m 11am-5pm, 2-12. cameronartmuseum.com or (910)395-5999.

Front Street 762-1669 or NC AQUARIUM EVENTS: Aquarist Apprentice: 2/27, 2pm. Find out what it is like to be responsible for the aquarium critters. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, learn the restored about our animals and their diets, and assist our staff k and family in the preparation of food and feeding of some of our pm, and Sat, animals. For ages 10 and up. Ages 14 and under at 10am. 126 must be accompanied by an adult. $2/participant.

0492. www. Aquarium admission included. • Behind the Scenes Tour: 2/28 at 2pm; and 2/24 at 3:30pm. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at especially of an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, n Wilmington life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden activities for behind the aquarium walls. Children between 8 and 14 l-size steam must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.$15/ ’s area, and participant. Aquarium admission included. • Daddy original 1882 and Me, 2/27, 9am. Dads and their children interact cessible and and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterward, uided tours. enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room. gs or mixers, Adults/kids: 1-3, $13/one adult and one child ($1 ea. mission only add. child) Admission included. • Pre-reg all events! for children • U.S. 421, less than a mile from the Ft. Fisher ferry he north end terminal. Hours: 9am-5pm daily. Admission: $8 adults; 634 or www. $7 seniors; $6 ages 6-17. Free for children under 6; registered groups of N.C. school children, and NC Aquarium Society members. www.ncaquariums.com.

russ@russelmorgan.com WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH PARKS & REC Adult Flag Football League Register Now. Registration ends February 5th or when the league becomes full.

Games are played on Sun. • Beginner shag lessons on Sun., Fran Russ Recreation Ctr, no partner needed. • Beginner II Bridge Lessons, Thurs, 10amnoon, 3/11-4/8 Intermediate II Bridge Lessons, Thurs, 12:30pm–2:30pm. 3/11-4/8 • Currently registering for group tennis lessons, adult, youth, and tots. Classes meet Mon/Wed, at tennis courts at Wrightsville Beach Park. Adult, Youth ages 9-12, and Tots ages 6-8. • Yoga: Tuesd/Wed, 6:30pm. Classes meet in the Fran Russ Recreation Center. • Pilates. Mon/Wed/Frid, 10:15-11:15am. Beginner Pilates on Tues/Thurs, 7:308:15am. • Low Impact Aerobics. Mon/Wed/Fri, 8-9am and 9-10am. All ages welcome, catered toward ages 60+. • Tone & Stretch. Tues/Thurs, 8:30-9:15am. All ages welcome, catered toward ages 60+. • Boot Camp fitness class meets Tues/Thurs, 6-7am. • Cape Fear Cotillion—lessons in ballroom and popular dance along with etiquette and social skills! Thurs. afternoons, 4/8-5/6, 3-7 and 8-12 years old. • Performance Club—structured theater games, kids can exercise their imagination and have fun by performing. Tues. afternoons, 2/2-3/23. Grades K-2nd and 3rd-5th.

Meets in the Fran Russ Rec Ctr. 910-256-7925; preregistration rqd. Wrightsville Beach Park.•Adult Co-ed Softball League. Open Registration begins, Tues, 3/2. Reg. ends 3/19 or when the league becomes full. Games are played on Sat/Sun 3/27 & 3/28.

For registration information and other details, call the Wrightsville Beach Park Office 256-7925.• Wrightsville Beach Shag Lessons. Beginner shag lessons on Sundays at the Fran Russ Rec Ctr.

Closed Christmas and New Year’s days.

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. 303 West Salisbury Street. wbmuseum.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 streets. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. Admission rqd. (910) 762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com.

Sports/Recreation SECOND ANNUAL AQUATHON You are invited to join the YWCA Lower Cape Fear for the Second Annual Aquathon on Sun. 2/28. The pre-race meeting will begin at 7:40am at the YWCA located at 2815 S. College Rd. and the race will start promptly at 8am. The Aquathon will consist of a 300 yard pool swim, followed by a 5k run through local neighborhoods, and finally a 300 yard pool swim to complete the race. All participants will receive a free t-shirt and breakfast following the race. There will be prizes for the top three finishers in each age group, male and female. The event registration fee is $25 and is open to the public. All proceeds will benefit our local YWCA chapter. www.ywca-lowercapefear.org (910) 799-6820 Ext 112.

SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Registration for adult softball leagues for ages 18 and above will be held Mon. 3/1 at the Parks and Recreation office.. Leagues are offered for men, women, and coed. The registration is one day only from 8:30am-5pm. Womens Team or Coed Team: $350. Mens Team: $600.

YMCA SWIM LESSONS YMCA Swim Lesson Program is a nationally recognized program taught by YMCA trained instructors. Weekday and weekend offerings. The winter session runs through 3/31/10. Did you know that modern swim instruction was invented at the YMCA? Maybe that’s

why so many people have learned to swim at the Y, and continue to come back to enjoy our outstanding facilities. National YMCA Aquatics programs are designed to teach personal water safety, stroke development, rescue and personal growth skills to children. Our program is divided by age and skill levels.

Aquatics Director Joe Herzberg: 251-9622 ext 254 or joe.herzberg@wilmingtonfamilyymca.org.

ISAAC BEAR GOLF CLASSIC Isaac Bear Early College High School is sponsoring the First Annual Golf Classic on 4/17 at Magnolia Greens. Awards and prizes are available. Limited space and Sponsorships available. Fees are only $85 per player or $340 per team, which includes 2 carts, green fees, lunch, BBQ dinner, drinks and goody bags for all players. A Silent Auction will also be held on-site. Proceeds benefit high school students who are attending Summer Camps and Leadership Programs. Call Erik Bron at 350-1387 ext. 200 to reserve your cart.

PADDLING PROGRAMS Paddling Club Long Creek Mon. 3/1 8am-1pm. Meet at Halyburton Park at 8am. $20 using our canoes, $10 bringing your own canoe/kayak. Paddle in one of our canoes, or bring your own (canoes and kayaks are welcome). This is a 2.5–3.0 mile paddle on one of the tributaries of the North East Cape Fear River. Paddling Club – Waccamaw River Mon. 4/5 8am-1pm. Meet at Halyburton Park at 8am. $20 using our canoes, $10 bringing your own canoe/kayak. This is a 2.5–3.0 mile paddle beginning and ending at the south shore of Lake Waccamaw. Ages 12 and up, 17 and younger must have parent present.

GOOD SHEPHERD GOLF TOURNEY Local golfers will come together and play in the 7th annual Good Shepherd Center Golf Tournament to benefit the homeless, Mon., 4/19, at Nicklaus Course, Country Club of Landfall. All proceeds benefit Good Shepherd’s work with the hungry and homeless. Serve as an Event Sponsor or a Team/Individual Champion.

Independent golfers/teams needed: $225 for single entry or $800 for a foursome. However, this year we encourage you to be a Team or Individual Champion and seek individual sponsors for your Team with the goal of raising $1600 per team, or $450 as an Individual Champion. Scott Litten: 763-4424, x113 or gscresources@bellsouth.net.

WINTER BOWLING LEAGUE Pinned Down Winter Bowling League, Sponsored

by OutWilmington Community Center.If you don’t have a team we can help to put teams together.

You don’t need to be a good bowler to join in (it’s about having fun). Sundays through 5/2 at 5pm.

Film CINEMATIQUE Cinematique of Wilmington, a series of classic, foreign and notable films co-sponsored by WHQR and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., proudly announces its upcoming slate of films.

Admission: $7. All films are screened in Historic Thalian Hall • 2/24-28: Oscar Shorts—On 2/2 the Oscar nominees for short live action and animated films will be announced. They will be available to theaters for a very short window of time and Cinematique will have them! Details to follow. • 3/3-7: Red Cliff—Director John Woo has been described as having a choreographer’s soul. In this, the most expensive Asian film ever made, he retells the classic story “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” about the birth of modern China in the third century. International star Tony Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro provide solid characterizations and the byplay between them is as intriguing as the battle scenes. Mandarin w/English subtitles. Rates R; 148 minutes.

THE LINGUISTS The Honors Scholars Spring Speaker Series will feature linguist David Harrison and filmmaker Seth Kramer’s acclaimed documentary, “The Linguists,” at UNCW’s Burney Center, 2/24th at 7pm. The event is free and open to the public and there will be a discussion after the film. Book and DVD signing will follow.

The Linguists follows David Harrison and Gregory Anderson, scientists racing to document languages on the verge of extinction. David and Greg’s roundthe-world journey takes them deep into the heart of the cultures, knowledge, and communities at stake.

Scientists estimate that of 7,000 languages in the world, half will be gone by the end of this century. On average, one language disappears every two weeks. bruce@uncw.edu, 910-962-3374.

TWO HOURS IN THE DARK UNCW’s Lumina Theater will host a screening and panel discussion on the short film Two Hours in the Dark at 7pm, Thurs. 2/25. Two Hours in the Dark depicts a critical event in the life of famed director Frank Capra that triggered his transition from directing screwball comedies to socially conscious dramas like It’s a Wonderful Life. Director Chip Hackler, an assistant professor in UNCW’s Department of Film Studies, will participate in a question-and-answer panel after the screening, along with co-producer Terry Linehan, editor Jonathan Stanley and actor Eric Paisley. Free and open to the public.www.twohoursinthedark.org SUBVERSIVE FILM SERIES At Juggling Gypsy on Castle Str., Sun., free. 8pm.

2/28: “The Wilmington Ten” Local filmmaker

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Francine Decoursey brings her work in progress to The Gypsy. The Wilmington Ten were a group of civil rights activists that spent nearly a decade in jail after being convicted of arson and conspiracy in 1971.

The case became an international cause celebre amidst widespread beliefs that the individuals in the case were only guilty of holding dissenting political beliefs. Amnesty International took up the case in 1976 and the convictions were finally overturned on a technicality in 1980. A panel discussion with 2 of the members of the Wilmington Ten will follow the film.

CUCALORUS’ EVENING AT THE OSCARS Cucalorus, amed one of the Top Ten Film Festivals in the United States by the Brooks Institute, will host an “Evening at the Oscars,” 3/7, at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, which will feature a live broadcast of the Academy Awards alongside food, drink, and a chance to socialize with Wilmington’s red carpet personalities.

Entertaining interludes from some of Wilmington’s most celebrated talents punctuate an evening of creative celebration: Jonathan Guggenheim, Bibis Ellison, Cullen Moss, Matt Malloy, Sandy Vaughan and other surprises. www.cucalorus.org or 910-3435995 to RSVP. NC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL 3/18-21: 9th annual NC Film Festival (formerly Cine Noir Film Festival) is a 4-day juried and invitational competition & screening of independent films by African-American filmmakers with guest artists, panel discussions, workshops, and more.

Genres include features, shorts, animation, and documentary films. Sponsored by the Black Arts Alliance.Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington.

910-612-7832; www.blackartsalliance.org; www. cameronartmuseum.com

Seniors SENIOR DAY TRIPS Flea Market at Myrtle Beach and Tanger Outlets, Myrtle Beach, SC, 2/26, 8am-4pm, $15. Shop till you drop at the Flea Market in Myrtle Beach while has over 200 different specialty venders. Lunch is own your own. Then head to the Tanger Outlets and over 100 different name-brand stores. Limited 14 participants. Deadline: 2/25. • Tryon Palace, New Bern, NC. 3/26, 830am-5:30pm. Call for cost. Tryon Palace was originally built between 1767 and 1770, as the first permanent capitol of the colony of NC and a home for the Royal Governor and his family.

Explore the palace and its beautiful gardens. Tryon Palace offers 14 acres of gardens with 3 centuries of gardening history. Lunch on your own. Limited 14 participants. Deadline: 3/22. 341-7253. All trips meet and depart from 302 Willard Street located near Greenfield Lake.

Lectures/Readings ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY Cape Fear Community College is going a bit greener later this month as part of the annual “One Book, One Community” event, which focuses around the topic of sustainable technologies. The book for this year’s project is “Greasy Rider: Two Dudes, One FryOil-Powered Car, and a Cross-Country Search for a Greener Future.” A forum on green design will be held on Thurs. 2/25 from 3-5pm in room L-107 in the Health Sciences Building at 215 N. Second St. Topics include green building techniques in construction, interior design and architecture. The panel featuring Patricia Battershill, Interior Design instructor, Ron Wilson, Architectural Design instructor, and Jonathan Begue, Construction Management instructor at the college. CFCC will host a special lecture by the author Greg Melville, which includes an alternative transportation and sustainability show on Sat. 3/20 from 11am-3pm at the North Campus. Melville will speak from 1-2pm followed by a book signing. http://library.uncw.edu/oboc/.

NC’s WWII REMEMBERED GROUP World War II B-24 Liberator bombers in Italy is the subject of the monthly meeting of Southeastern North Carolina’s World War II Remembered Group on 2/26, at the New Hanover County Senior Center, 2222 S. College Rd. The discussion will feature remembrances of B-24 nose gunner Justin Kornegay, who flew from Cerignola, Italy, over German targets in

Central and Southern Europe. The program begins at 10am following refreshments and fellowship at 9:30am.The public is invited to attend. fjn39@ ec.rr.com or 399-7020.

Classes/Workshops ART OF REMEMBRANCE Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter Bereavement Services presents The Art of Remembrance, a workshop to help people on their grief journey, 9-11:30am, Sat., 2/27,Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center, 1414 Physicians Dr. Helps participants understand the value of reminiscing and will offer ways to express memories and portray feelings through creating a shadow box or writing exercises.

Facilitators are Lorraine Perry, expressive art therapist; Diane Miller, LCSW, bereavement counselor; and Sue Strickler, Med, bereavement services d i r e c t o r.

Reg: $25 to cover the cost of materials. Sue Strickler: (910) 796-7925 or visit hospiceandlifecarecenter. org.

UNCW/CFCC FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP Managing the College Maze Workshop topics include applying for student loans, federal grants and work study, along with information about N.C. state grants. Sat. 2/27 9am-12pm both events held on the first floor of UNCW’s Bear Hall. Judy Carter 910-962-3177, carterj@uncw.edu.

POPLAR GROVE Classes: Pilates, Mon. 4:30-5:30pm • Colored Pencil Drawing, Wed. 3/10 & 3/17 6:30-8pm. $30 • Quilt Square, Wed. 2/24 6:30-8pm. $30 • Glass Bead Making, Sat. 2/27, 3/13, 3/20, 4/10, 4/24, 5/8, 5/29 11am-4:30pm. $175. 18 and up. • Wire Wrap Beading, third Wed. of each month 11am-12pm & Mon. 2/22, 3/29, 4/26, 5/17, 6/21 6-7:30pm. $35 • Bracelet Making, first Wed. of each month 11am-12pm & Mon. 3/15, 4/12, 5/3, 6/7 6-7:30pm. $50. • Rug Hooking, 3-week class 3/15-29 Mon. 10am-12pm. $50. • One Stroke Painting, 4-week class 3/4-25, 4/1-22, 4/29-5/20 Thurs. 6-8pm. $60.

• Zentangle Art & Design, 4-week class 3/16-4/6 Tues. 10am-12pm. • Tae Kwon-Do, Tues. & Thurs.

6-7pm. $75/month. • Self Defense for Adults, Wed. 1-2:15pm, 5:45-7pm. $40/4 classes. • 910-686-9518 ext. 26, poplargrove.com KURE BEACH PARKS & REC Currently registering for group tennis, water color, and ballet lessons. Classes begin in March available for Adult, youth, and tots. Tennis: Adults Sun. 78pm, 8-9pm, Tues. 10-11am, 6-7pm. Juniors Sun. 6-7pm, Tues. 3:45-4:30pm (ages 5-7yrs), Tues 4:30-5:30pm (beginner ages 8-12), Mon & Wed 4:30-5:30pm (adv. beg. ages 9-13) Tennis starts the week of 03/21; Water Color: Sun. 9:30-11:30am (Beginner), 12:30- 2:30pm. Watercolor starts 03/24; (Advanced) Ballet: Adult Fri. 4-5pm Classical, 56pm Jazz, Juniors Wed. 4-5pm Classical, 5-6pm Jazz. Ballet Starts 03/03. Preregistration required for all classes taken at KB Town Hall. 910-200-6025; www.townofkurebeach.org ALPHA COURSE Windmere Presbyterian Church on Eastwood Rd. is holding an introduction to the “Alpha” course, a course designed to give newcomers a practical introduction into the Christian Faith. The introduction is a breif overview detailing the full 10-week course.

The course is free, and materials will be provided.

Tues. 3/2 from 7-9pm. www.windmerepresbyterian. org, 910-791-5966.

BEGINNERS FENCING CLASS Cape Fear Fencing Association is pleased to announce that a Beginning Fencing class will be offered starting on 3/2. Class will take place Tues. and Thurs. nights from 6:30-7:30, and will last for 6 weeks. Total cost of the class will be $40, and will include use of equipment, the class itself, a final Class Tournament, and free fencing at the club with the approval of the Coach. The class will be taught

by Coach Greg Spahr, who is fully certified to coach all three weapons by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.

WEIGHT LOSS CLASSES Series of 8 weight loss classes from a holistic standpointby Cortney Shallow, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Beready to feel completely

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2/27: ART OF REMEMBRANCE

The Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter Bereavement Services holds the Art of Remembrance workshop on the 27th, 9-11:30am, to help folks on their grief journey.

A physician’s doctor will help participants understand the value of reminiscing and explore ways to share memories.

Creation of a shadow box and participating in a writing exercise will take place. Cost is $25. Call Sue Strickler at (910) 796--7925 to reserve a spot. energized and motivated, so that you can look great and feel great by summer! Classes will be held at NaturalTherapies Institute from 7-8pm on Wed. starting 3/10. Costis $150. Prizes will be awarded! cortney.shallow@gmail.com.

A PLACE TO BEAD Beading classes and parties for all ages! Basic stringing and basic earring making offered weekly.

Precious Metal Clay and multiple wire wrapping classes offered monthly. Special projects and advanced classes offered on weekends. Every Sunday join local artist’s for Bead Therapy. Please call 910-799-2928 or check out www.aplacetobead. com for times and prices.

Clubs/Notices PILATES BODY CHALLENGE Pilates Body Challenge at Body Aligned, through 3/4. Take as many Pilates private lessons, semiprivate lessons, and/or classes as you can. We take participant’s measurements at the start of the challenge. Gift certificates given to winner of most inches lost and most classes taken! Schedule: Mon., 12-1pm Level 2 Intermediate; Mon., 6-7pm Level 1 Beginner; Tues., 7-8 Level 2 Pilates Playground Prop Class; Wed., 12-1pm Level 2 or 6-7 Level 1; Thurs, 7-8pm Level 3 Advanced; Fri, 12-1pm Level 2; Sat., 9-10am Level 2. 910-279-7294 MILITARY FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Wilmington, North Carolina now has two Military Family Assistance Centers at 2412 Infantry Road and 3114 Randall Pkwy, as part of the North Carolina National Guard. Family Assistance Centers assist servicemembers and their families with benefits and services they are eligible for such as counseling, tax preparation, financial planning and free or low cost child and youth programs. Supports service members of the Guard, Reserve Active Duty and their families with benefits and services they are eligible to receive. “www.nc.ngb.army.mil or (910) 343-1775.

AZALEA FEST CAKE CHALLENGE The NC Azalea Festival proudly announces the addition of the Azalea Cake Challenge to the annual festival. Local bakers will be challenged to construct elaborate “centerpiece cakes” featuring themes which represent the best of the Azalea Festival.

Contestants representing local bakeries, restaurants and catering services will compete in the professional division, while novice bakers can also compete in the amateur division. Cakes in both categories will be critiqued by a professional judging team consisting of local baking experts and Azalea Festival celebrities.

Event ticket-holders will also be invited to judge in various “people’s choice” categories, and will have the opportunity to sample cakes in the professional category.Takes place: Sun. 4/11, noon-4pm, Cape Fear Community College’s Schwartz Center. More info: www.ncazaleafestival.org TRIP TO ITALY WITH JAMES LEUTZE James Leutze, noted war historian and chancellor emeritus at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, will lead a unique 11-day trip to Sicily and Rome, Italy, 5/16-27. Sponsored by UNCW’s Division for Public Service and Continuing Studies, the trip begins with the ancient sites of Sicily, including Palermo, the Greek Theatre and the extinguished craters of Mount Etna. Leutze will offer his expertise on the historic sites of World War II and the Italian campaign led by General Patton in 1943. Trip ends w/2days in Rome, including guided tours of the classic

monuments. Cost: $3,599/person includes roundtrip airfare, all accommodations and most meals. 910962-4034 or www.uncw.edu/pathways.

GARDEN OF THE SPRING WIND OPEN HOUSE Garden of the Spring Wind Dojo Open House Sat. 2/27, 1-3.30pm. Aikido and Iaido displays including live blade cutting of bamboo mats, randori (free exercise) with drums, iaido katas and aikido demos. Audience hands-on at end of program. Event is FREE and open to all. GGX Room, Gold’s Gym, Racine Dr. 675-3757.

TOURS OF WWII SITES Wilmington author and military historian Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., now leads customized, personalized guided tours of World War II sites in Southeastern North Carolina. 793-6393 or History@wilburjones.com GAMBLER’S ANONYMOUS Wilmington Gambler’s Anonymous Meeting, 6:30pm, Cape Fear Presbyterian Church. 2606 Newkirk Ave. Casey F.: (910) 599-140 YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF NHC Meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday every month at the downtown public library, third floor, 6:30pm. Ages 18-35.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver who narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions. Daily continuous tours offered Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm. Market and Water Streets. $11 for adults, $5 for children under 12. Call 251-8889 or visit www.horsedrawntours.com S-ANON Meets Tuesdays @ 8pm. A support group for family and friends of sexaholics. Universal Unitarian Fellowship 4313 Lake Ave. 910-520-5518 wilmingtonsanon@bellsouth.net or www.sanon. org HOME EDUCATION ARTS HEArts (Home Education Arts) is a Wilmington, NC based homeschool group for families interested in using creative, integrated techniques to facilitate learning at home. We are a fully inclusive, nonsectarian group that embraces diversity. Members plan park play dates, fieldtrips, parties, classes and spontaneous activities. We meet online at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ HEArts_HomeEducationArts/. Sheree Harrell: 910.632.9454.

CAPE FEAR ROLLER GIRLS Love to Roller Skate? If you are interested in playing roller derby, being a derby referee, or derby volunteer please contact the Cape Fear Roller Girls: info@ capefearrollergirls.com or visit our website www. capefearrollergirls.com. All skill levels welcomed!

WILMINGTON NEWCOMERS CLUB Meets monthly at 9:30am on the 2nd Thurs of month at the Coastline Convention Center 501 Nutt St. Sign up for our satellite groups which are our main thrust. We have many special interest groups where members can follow their particular interest and make new friends along the way—bridge clubs, dinner groups, business networking groups, book clubs, movies and lunch, garden clubs and day trip groups. Sandy Manners: Sandymaners@gmail.com.

632-8315 CAPE FEAR WEDDING ASSOCIATION Meet and greets the third Wednesday of each month. $25, members free. capefearweddingassociation. com PSORIASIS SUPPORT GROUP Meets the 2nd Saturday of the 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.

CREATIVE WOMEN’S EXCHANGE The Creative Women’s Exchange, a newly formed group of creative minds with a mission to be Wilmington’s primary catalyst of creative inspiration and support for women through events, workshops, monthly meetings, mentorship, projects and the open exchange of ideas and services will be resuming monthly meetings. The Greenlight Lounge from 7-9pm. 21 N. Front St. www. creativewomensexchange.com or (910)352-0236.

CORKBOARD Available for your next CD or Demo

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“We are committed to providing each of our valued clients with extraordinary service while enhancing their lives through beauty, harmony and well-being...all delivered in an intimate positive environment.”

Tuesdays 1/2 lb. cheese burger & fries $5.99 All pints $2.50 OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER

Serving “Private Reserve” steaks starting at $1399 steaks

wings

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7741 Market St., Suite A 910.686.8685 copperlilydayretreat.com copperlilydayretreat@live.com encore | february 24 - march 2 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 47

48 encore | february 24 - march 2, 2010 | www.encorepub.com