March 7, 2012

VOL. 28 / PUB 36 / FREE MARCH 7-13, 2012 WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

We announce the final round of winners from the 2012 Best Of Reader’s Poll

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s lk o .f .. r a e y t x e n (until

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Real Estate Service...For Every Stage Of Your Life

win tic

Thank You Wilmington

For Once Again Naming Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage The Best Real Estate Company!

910.799.3435 • SeaCoastRealty.com march 7-13, 20122012 | www.encorepub.com 2 encore | february 15-21, | www.encorepub.com

If you’re book, you tests on en our home win a pair o sketches a area, such

hodgepodge|

contents vol. 28 / pub. 36 / March 7-13, 2012 www.encorepub.com

best of .......................... 4-17 4-17 cover story: Shea Carver, Bethany Turner,

WhAt’s InsIDE thIs WEEk

Brooke Kavit and Kaitlin Willow introduce the

on the cover AnD thAt’s A WRAP! the final round of Best Of winners are announced!

final round of Best Of winners.

18 list of winners: Check out a comprehensive list of the class of Best Of 2012.

LATE NIGHT FUNNIES “Last night Mitt Romney came in first place

20 live local: Gwenyfar Rohler will begin

won. Incidentally, ‘barely one’ is also the total

interviewing candidates soon—send in your

number of votes Ron Paul received.” —Jimmy

questions for the lot!

Fallon

22 news: Brooke Kavit reveals the newest

“They went crazy celebrating. A friend of mine who was in campaign headquarters said that after he won and the lights were turned off and people were going home, Romney took off his jacket and chugged a glass of tap water.” —David Letterman “It’s being reported that Snooki is pregnant.

When Rick Santorum heard the news, he immediately came out in favor of birth control.”

—Conan O’Brien

That’s all, folks! The votes kept-a-coming through December into January, before we counted thousands upon thousands of ballots. We awarded our Besties at our annual party at City Stage/Level 5, with funny hosts and encore girls, Madison Weidberg and Morganna Bridgers (pictured), and now we are in the final week of our official announcements. The 2012 Best Of winners have one year to revel in the glory that is championship. In this week’s edition, we detail all that is wonderful about the top laundromat, volunteer and sushi in town, among many, many more. Since February 15th, we’ve revealed everything from best diner to bowling alley; if you missed it, log onto www.encorepub.com to read through every winner. The final reveals are listed on pages 4-16, with a comprehensive list on page 17. Congrats everyone for making 2012 another successful year! Until next year, that’s a wrap!

Cover and inside this week photos by Courtney Bridgers

“I think Rick Santorum learned something

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

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

possible minor-league baseball stadium.

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

artsy smartsy ...........26-35 26 art: Kaitlin Willow speaks with artist Kristin Gibson prior to her demo and art opening at Spectrum Art and Jewelry this Friday.

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

not for everyone. Not everyone needs to go

‘The Rock’ Johnson was actually entertaining in

to the electoral college.” —Jay Leno

‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.’

“Ron Paul announced earlier today his cam-

31 music: Legendary brothers Jimmy and

paign is the only one that’s entirely financed by

Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath, who have been prolific jazz

moonshine.” —David Letterman

musicians for the past seven decades, will be

“As of today, Rick Santorum will be assigned Secret Service agents. This is the first time Santorum has agreed to use any kind of protection.” —Conan O’Brien

and hepatitis C.” —Jimmy Kimmel

32-35 soundboard: See what bands and performers are playing in venues from Wilmington to Jacksonville.

grub & guzzle ..............36-40 36-39 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through our dining guide!

40 grub: Rosa Bianca raves about the garlic knots, among other items, at Pizzetta’s Pizzeria.

OOPs! We regret the misnomer of Laurie Patterson’s name in last weeks piece about The Great American Songbook.

honored at Thalian Hall this weekend.

extra! extra! ................45-63 45 pub crawl: Christina Dore meets Maggi Apel of the local chapter of the National MS Society, an organization hosting its first fund-

Editor-in-Chief:

General Manager:

raising pub crawl this weekend.

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

46 recycling rally: Brooke Kavit has the details

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

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

on Verizon Wireless’ second local electronics

Interns: Brooke Kavit, Kaitlin Willow

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

49 crossword: Brain game by Stanley

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

50-63 calendar/‘toons/horoscopes/

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

our calendar; check out Tom Tomorrow and the

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

Jennifer Barnett // Jacksonville

annual ‘toons winner, Jay Schiller; read your

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

// jennifer@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus Houvouras, Jay Schiller, Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Christina Dore, Justin Emery, Alex Pompliano, Rob Brezsny, Kim Henry P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, n.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9177

Police Department: ShotSpotter.

23 op-ed: Mark Basquill chimes in about the

29 film: Find out why Anghus thinks Dwayne

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

technological innovation for the Wilmington

yesterday. He learned that electoral college is

“Kid Rock gave Mitt Romney an endorse-

WIn tICkEts!

news & views ..............20-25

in the Michigan primary, although he barely

recycling rally, which will benefit veterans.

Newman.

corkboard: Find out what to do in town with

horoscope; and check out the latest saucy corkboard ads.

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 3

and that’s a wrap!

bestof2012

4-7 GOODS & SERVICES 7-12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 12-16 FOOD & DRINK 16 HUMANITARIAN 17 LIST OF ALL WINNERS

The final announcements from the and

by Shea Carver 2012 Best Of Reader’s Poll Bethany Turner

Photo by Courtney Bridgers

T

he parTy is over, The lighTs have

dimmed, but the celebration is still going strong! It’s official: We announced the 2012 Best Of winners on Friday, February 10th, at our annual Best Of Party, held at downtown’s riverfront, rooftop hotspot, City Stage/Level 5. Our wonderfully kooky hosts—Zach Hanner, Sandy Vaughan, Jef Pollock, Brandi Laney and Valerie Watkins of Changing Channels, along with Steven Marcinowski and Colton DeMonte of Nutt House Improv, and hottie encore girls Morganna Bridgers and Madison Weinberg—tore up the house with their bodacious hilarity and side-splitting laughter. In fact, aside from our much-swollen livers (thank you, one too-many Greyhounds), we’re pretty sure we left our voiceboxes behind, too. Ahh, but who needs it right now, any way? We have announcements to write and brains to explode with information so special, we just know our readers, advertisers, writers—heck, the whole community—will be cutting cartwheels and grandstanding for days to come.

All of you who missed out on the action—first off, shame on you!—must know we have dedicated the last three weeks of encore to writing about every, single winner in every, single category (all can be found online). Plus, we have the overall list of winners on page 17 just in case you need a reference point for that next haircut, oyster craving or karaoke outing. Be sure to drop by some or all of these establishments for a little congratulatory high-five and a lot of super-fantastic customer service.

4 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

As we do annually, we want to clarify some of our Best Of ground-rules so everyone understands how we endure this three-month process annually— from scouring and revising the ballot, programming the online voting system, monitoring the process (we got our eyes and ears peeled for cheaters!), designing and hand-building all awards, and pulling together the party and the talent to no avail! It’s work, people. We don’t take it lightly (just with a few Xanax, that’s all). Here is how we play: • Ballots are collected through an online voting system from December through January.

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

We do not choose our advertisers to win. It kind of goes against our cause to do Best Of, which generates consumer traffic to businesses and places throughout the entire community, and back to us.

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

• Only one ballot per e-mail address is allowed to vote. When canceled e-mail addresses attempt to be used, guess what? We see it. It’s never confirmed. It doesn’t count. We do not use voter’s e-mail addresses for solicitation of encore or

Wilmington Media products, nor do we share the addresses.

• Voters must fill out at least 25 categories to have their votes counted; we monitor this, too.

• We accept that businesses campaign; though, we discourage any bribery for votes. We also secure the right to disqualify votes we feel were misrepresented or falsified in any way. Though we are not the NC Board of Elections, we try our best to play fairly!

Now, on with the show! Welcome the 2012 class of encore’s annual Best Of Reader’s Poll.

//Goods & Services aparTmenT Complex

There’s a running joke amongst the lucky few who reside on Wrightsville Beach, that once they’re across the drawbridge, they rarely want to leave for any reason. And why would they? Great views and savory seafood dining await no matter the time of year, all in one place.

The same goes for folks who live in The Reserve at Mayfaire apartments, as they fall into the “live, work, play” agenda of Wilmington’s best shopping center. They’re in walking distance of a gym, grocery store, tanning bed, banks, several restaurants and tons of upscale retail stores, which is by far more than any other apartment complex can claim.

Not to mention, their living spaces are quite luxurious with nine-foot ceilings, walk-in closets and clas-

!

MARCH 21-28, 2012

t s o m e h t s It’ k e e w s u o i c i del ! g n i r p of s

EncoreRestaurantWeek.com PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS North Wilmington/ Wrightsville Beach> Nikki’s Japanese Steak House Fox and Hound The Melting Pot South Beach Grill Catch

Midtown>

Hieronymous Seafood Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar Tandoori Bites Siena Trattoria Taste of Italy Cameo 1900

Hiro Japanese Steak House El Cerro Grande Halligan’s Public House

Downtown>

Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar Yo Sake Mixto Little Dipper Ruth’s Chris Steak House Basics Pilot House The George Caffe Phoenix Elijah’s Eat Spot Riverboat Landing

Caprice Bistro Aubriana’s The Fortunate Glass Reel Café

South Wilmington> Pine Valley Market C-Street Mexican Grill Fish Bites Henry’s El Cerro Grande Thai Spice Eddie Romanelli’s

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sic French doors. It’s enough to make one say, “ooh la la.”

Aside from glorious inner features, The Reserve at Mayfaire also boasts some extraordinary amenities, like the 20-seat largescreen movie theater and a gourmet java and juice bar, as well as the junior olympic-size swimming pool and its 10,000 square-foot deck. Of course, floor plans and fitness centers can only go so far. What truly sets The Reserve apart is its attention to detail on the personal side. “[We] strive to offer the best customer service possible,” assistant community manager Cary Farris Green explains.

“We are always looking for new ideas and ways to serve our residents, [because they] always come first.” (Though it doesn’t hurt being two miles from Wrightsville Beach!)

Other fine rental communities are Avalon and The Keys at 17th Street.

Place

to

Buy Gas

“Diesel, self-serve, Fix-a-Flat, jumper cables, 5% cash back...” The Discover credit card commercials are ridiculously catchy— I’ve been randomly singing about gas stations for months! Though, the customers of GOGAS most likely sing its praises year-round, and especially in December and January, when the encore Best Of readers’ poll takes place online. Thousands of voters chimed in, and it’s true this year just as all the rest: GOGAS is simply the best.

For the most notable reason, it’s usually the cheapest fuel in town. I can remember, even as a kid who was years away from her license, that my parents and most adults around me would head to GOGAS first and foremost. They trusted they would receive the best possible deal and friendliest check-out service. We can thank the locals in charge, K.E. Austin Corporation, for that.

Not to mention, in 1994 the corporation was awarded an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a high esteem indeed.

The company was judged upon a commitment to work in good faith by the BBB, and that they garner the “e” award from readers each year, even through 2012, is proof of such.

Pulling into second place is Costco, and filling up third is Hess.

Motorcycle shoP

In every field, when times are tumultuous, the survivors who truly believe in their businesses will do everything in their power to keep them afloat. In the case of Britt Motorsports, it means changing their outlook entirely.

Scott Britt’s family moved to Wilmington in 1973, and his father opened Britt Motorsports three years later. “I cannot imagine working in anything other than the motorcycle industry,” he says. “I have always said I am the poster child for [the saying], ‘Find a

Thank you encore Readers for Voting Mayfaire Town Center Best Shopping Plaza!

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HOLE IN ONE! Country Club of Landfall scores again in Best Golf! Jeff Mack, director of golf maintenance, and Sara Bush, PGA head golf professional, pose with the coveted “e.” Courtesy photo.

job you love and you will never work a day in your life.’ We live and breathe motorcycles.

We are very involved in the industry in many ways, we understand [it], and maintain a positive relationship with our customer base.”

Despite the success of a 36-year franchised dealership, Britt still felt the pressure of a worsening financial system. He decided that, in order to maintain his father’s legacy, he had to be willing to alter anything and everything about it as the world around him changed. Answering demands, he has made the mechanics Britt Motorsports is known for available to all. “We have opened our dealership to all makes of motorcycles for service work,” he notes. “The consumer needs are greater than ever before; our staff is trained to be aware of every customer trend. Our focus is to become the largest used motorcycle outlet that we can be. We now sell all brands of pre-owned motorcycles.”

Today, Britt Motorsports is 100 percent a pre-owned outlet, and the heir to the biking throne knows that spreading the word about this change is imperative to finding growth in 2012. He is humbled and grateful for the support his family and crew have received from the public despite the unstable circumstances. “In today’s market with the negative atmosphere, it is great to show we have been acknowledged by our peers and the community,” he says. “We made a grand presentation to our staff [after] winning the award last year. It meant a lot to them as well.”

Second place in motorcycle shops goes to Harley Davidson, while third is a tie between Shaw MotorSports and Honda Suzuki of Wilmington.

Dry cleaner

With seven locations all across Wilm-

6 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

ington, from South 17th Street to Military Cutoff Road and on Wrightsville Avenue, Hangers Williams Cleaners offer the most convenient, cost-effective and safe dry cleaning in town. Open Monday through Saturday, though they’re closed on Sundays, each location also has 24-hour drop boxes. Plus, at the same rate as over-thecounter dry cleaning, Hangers Williams provides home and office pick-up and delivery.

How’s that for service!

The new Hangers Micare system utilizes liquid carbon dioxide as its cleaning solvent, which is the biggest innovation the industry has seen in more than 50 years. Instead of using harsh chemicals such as perchloroethylene that traditional dry cleaning does, Hangers is able to provide an effective, environmentally safe replacement.

Not to mention, it eliminates the need for a drying cycle—so heat damage, fading and stain-setting are things of the past. It’s the world’s first CO2-based dry cleaner, and it’s only available at Hangers Williams Cleaners.

Other places cleaning up the rankings are $2.50 Cleaners and Liberty’s Cleaners.

—Bethany Turner

Golf course

It’s no secret that Landfall is among the most beautifully landscaped, elegant, and frequented areas of Wilmington. The houses are luxurious, the shopping is excellent, and Wilmingtonians have agreed: The golf is the best. The Country Club of Landfall is so revered, in fact, that there is sometimes a waiting list to become a member.

Limits are imposed on the membership numbers so that there is never overcrowding. With 45 holes and two gorgeous courses, Landfall’s goal is to make sure golf remains a relaxing pastime—rather than making folks wait in line for the next hole.

Membership is offered to men, women, and children of all ages, and professional staff members are always available for instruction and guidance for those just start-

more water and dog shampoo than my family pet. It takes a real expert to make this process quick and painless for both parties.

The groomers at Ali’s K9 Clips have perfected this routine.

They will even come to your house, whenever is convenient for you, to pick up your pooch and wash him/her in their fully equipped van. Each dog is personally handled in a safe, comfortable, and worry-free environment. The staff has plenty of experience with old, young, and terrified dogs, so they know how to make the process as smooth as possible in any situation.

Owner Alison Krieger (Ali) is a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America, in addition to being a dog-lover.

She has worked with dogs of all different breeds and ages, and truly loves the work she does.

Wilmington dog owners also trust their pets in the hands of staff at Paw Beach Pet Resort and PetSmart. —Kaitlin Willow

//Arts & Entertainment Artist

There are artists who stick to a certain type of theme or look—some portray only still life, some paint only dark or morbid images, some create only landscapes—so that their work can only be appreciated by a certain few. Ivey Hayes does it all, and his art is

loved by many.

Born and raised in rural Pender County, Hayes will paint anything, from joyous sea life to introspective human portraits, agriculture to architecture. There are only a few traits which tie his artwork together: color, shape and energy. He paints what he wants to do or be—a musician, a dancer, a flower, a child praising God—and he does so with bold, rich pigments. He incorporates both luminosity and shading, brushing life into his characters, and geometric pieces of the image which brand his art as his own.

As a child, along with his brother, Phillip, Hayes picked trays upon trays of blueberries to make money for his family—memories which inspire his farm-life works such as “Pecan Pickers” and “Harvest Past.” For play, he formed sketches with pencil, moving him to pursue art in college. Hayes earned a BA from NC Central University (where his work is currently hanging in an exhibit through April) and his MFA from UNC Greensboro in 1975. Like many creative-minded people, Hayes struggled with ways to make a living from his love of art.

He tried out the U.S. Army, was the first black police officer in Elon, and wound up at the paper mill in Riegelwood. It was here that his rheumatoid arthritis began—thrashing its way to contort his fingers and hands.

Hayes, though, was not the type of person to be suppressed. Rather, he thrived through therapy and realized that it was the arthritis

LARGEST TEQUILA SELECTION IN WILMINGTON! ing out. Regular matches, private instruction, and group classes are just some of the added perks. The club, which is open all 12 months of the year, hosts celebrity tournaments, college championships, and various charity golf events.

Runners up in the golf category were The Wilmington Municipal Golf Course and Echo Farms Golf & Country Club, respectively.

Dog groomer

Trying to bathe your dog at home can

COLORFULLY RICH: Ivey Hayes captures a multitude of subjects, including his colorfully rich jazz musicians. Hayes takes the 2012 Best Artist award, making it his second win on our poll. Courtesy photo

be a traumatic experience. Yes, dogs hate getting sprayed by a freezing cold hose or being trapped in a slippery tub; but if you’re the one attempting to get your pup clean, you might end up being more scarred in the process.

In my experience with washing dogs, I’ve been scratched, snapped at, and covered in

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which led him back to his art, allowing him to leave the odd jobs behind and submerge himself in his painting. Today, his Southern-inspired works have been showcased in Washington, D.C., Boston and New York City. We are lucky enough to claim Hayes as our own.

Painting his way into second is Gabriel Lehman, as Marie Hibbard’s photography snapshots into third place.

Thing

To

happen

To

iLM

I can’t harp on this enough: The past few years have been rough on everyone regardless of their career choice. Carpentry, media, retail—no matter the business, we’ve all witnessed the saddening effects of the down economy. Still, there are shining moments in our recent history which instill a bit of hope and faith. The best thing to happen in Wilmington last year was one such twinkling occasion: the October announcement that “Iron Man 3” would be filmed in Hollywood East.

Across the state folks rejoiced in the news. Governor Bev Perdue claimed it would create hundreds of jobs for local film-

MUSIC AND STUFF: Best-Of host Val Watkins happily accepts the award for her family business Soapbox Laundro-Lounge, which took home Best Music Venue and Laundromat. Photo by Shea Carver

n o t g in m il W u o y k n a Th for voting us

makers and construction workers as production goes on at EUE/ Screen Gems Studios. The facility on N. 23rd Street boasts a massive 150,000 sq. ft. column-free studio stage space. The 50-acre complex houses 10 sound stages and two special-effect water tanks (one of the selling points for “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” another film with local contributions). Overall, Hollywood East has a great history, but it seems we’ve been garnering major notoriety in the past couple years. “The Hunger Games,” another blockbuster, filmed a bit here just last year (and in Charlotte and Asheville). The industry isn’t slowing down as “Iron Man 3” picks up the pace, rumored to begin filming this spring.

Local crew members, catering companies and the like are feeling a boost, as paychecks will begin rolling in shortly. The financial benefit will be huge on our area, as restaurants, lumber companies, paint stores, hotels, and antique and fabric stores will all see huge revenue increases directly from the production. Aside from the folks who will travel here from the other Hollywood, “Iron Man 3” will bring in tons of tourists, too (we say “thank you” for filming during summer). As we know, the tourism from this movie will continue for years to come.

Though it is our state’s 25-percent film tax incentive that inevitably drives producers here, we are well aware of the high quality work our local crew base provides. So, another thank you to all of them, for being so talented, dedicated and professional that we are dubbed “Hollywood East.”

The port city also shined when the Downtown Toy Company and the Wilmington Convention Center opened last year.

Dance cLub

We at encore are definitely two things:

“Best Chinese Restaurant!”

supporters of local goods and self-professed foodies. We also enjoy beer, wine and fine spirits. A lot. Thus, Pravda/Sputnik offers our many muses, with the largest vodka selection in the city. We dig the fact that we can find house-infused vodka and cocktails at each of these hip little bars.

Now, when we say little, we mean that in an endearing sense, not literal. Truthfully, Pravda and its upstairs sister nightclub, Sputnik, boast two lengthy high-volume bars. Sputnik, along with its amazing views, houses a 700 sq. ft. dance floor for all the techno-infused bumpin’ and grindin’ our hearts can stand. Not to mention there are professional light shows on both floors and 30-to-35,000-watt sound systems in each bar, all to amp up the party vibe.

Though if we tire from dancing among the fog machines and careening bodies, there’s seating, too. In Pravda, the Soviet-themed, dark red interior invites guests to relax in intimate booths, just as if they were spies for Lenin (whose mug is the focal point of the bar). Warm mood lighting gives the club a very retro-chic feel. Yet, in Sputnik, the tables are custom lit to put the focus on the beverage—fittingly, as bottle service is a must. No one can sit for long though. With everything Pravda and Sputnik have to offer, the dance floor is a powerful siren.

Other clubs ranking on the poll include Level 5 and Ibiza. —Bethany Turner

Live Music venue & LaunDroMaT

It’s a concept that owner Brent Watkins says he bounced around during college after his mom stopped doing his laundry: combining a laundromat and a bar. Beer would be served, and life would be ... grand. Well, that is if he could pay the rent.

“One day shortly after long-standing Bessie’s had closed its doors, we decided to book a band,” Watkins says. “Now, what we realized was that a bunch of people came to said show and bought a bunch of beer. Actually, it was the most beer ever sold in one night at that point, and two or three people even did laundry, too. So we decided to follow the insane path of booking bands and kinda put the laundro-café idea on the back burner.”

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music venues, while Carolina Coin Laundry and King’s fold in laundromat votes as well.

Thespian

HE LIKES IT WHEN YOU CALL HIM BIG PAPPA... (At least he should!) Zach Pappas scored encore’s Best Thespian award on our 2012 poll. Pappas stars in comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps and performs in local theatre productions across town.

Don’t miss him weekly as part of “Thursday Night Live” at Browncoat Pub and Theatre. Courtesy photo.

Ten years later, the Soapbox Laundro Lounge is still going strong as they celebrate a decade of business worth every sud of detergent and all bucketfuls of blood, sweat and tears. Though the past few years have tested them during such dire economic impacts, it’s also allowed them the opportunity to expand. They’ve opened Nutt Street Comedy Room in the basement and have had great success in coddling the funnybone of Wilmington. “We have also tried to improve and invest into the space as whole and slowly upgrade its many facilities,” Watkins says.

They’ve continued booking live acts on both stages, of local, regional, national and international caliber. Their mission is to remain open “to support any music genre and treat all bands with high regards, while providing top-notch sound.”

“Winning this award is really awesome,” Watkins admits of their consecutive eighthyear win. “We just hope that our continued commitment to great live entertainment of all sizes and types will help keep us in the eye of many.”

Brooklyn Arts Center and Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre ring in second and third for

Wilmington contains one deep, talented pool of actors thanks to a flourishing theatre scene. Comparatively speaking—we’re pointing to you, Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, Greensboro—the productions held in our own port city annually smash surrounding, larger cities and truly breed talent across all spectrums. Whether a method-acting dramatist, a cutloose comedian or a powerhouse vocalist of a leading lady, a great actor or actress can be found within minutes of the next opening act.

In 2012 the person securing the “Bestie” goes to no one other than Zach Pappas.

Known currently for his hilarious participation in Pineapple Shaped Lamps “Thursday Night Live,” currently in its fourth season, Pappas takes pride in writing, acting and producing the original comedy at Browncoat Pub and Theatre. Yet, he also keeps the roles generating among other shows locally.

“We’ve also put on two full-length shows: ‘Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog,’ [in] which I played Dr. Horrible,” he explains, “and ‘Cannibal! The Musical,’ which won the Audience Favorite award at the [StarNews’] Wilmington Theatre Awards [in January].”

Clearly, he’s no stranger to recognition.

And who would be shy when making the world their stage? Pappas was bitten by the acting bug, actually, early on. He wrote his first play in middle school, “The Strangers.”

“It was about aliens posing as high school girls,” he explains. In high school, he loved “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and attempted improv before eventually taking theatre arts.

Since, he’s dedicated his studies at UNCW to theatre, including performing in numerous department productions, such as “Arcadia,” “Scapino!” and “The Book of Liz.” “What captivates me most about theatre is pretty cliché,” Pappas admits, “and I hate to quote Shakespeare and sound pretentious, but I was captivated by the concept of ‘holding the mirror up to nature.’ Humanity, for all its flaws, is fascinating. Nothing gives me a bigger thrill than seeing real, human, honest characters on stage.”

Among some of his own specifics in assuring authenticity with roles, he lets go of himself completely and becomes the character wholly. “When an actor’s performance is honest, true, and, most of all, human, that is great acting.” Pappas says.

“And that is what I strive for.” encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 9

Other thespians polling in 2012 are Jason Hatfield and Rebecca Goudarzi.

Blog

She makes no apologies for who she is, and she loves making people laugh. Just a few short months ago, she had no idea what the heck a blog was.

“All of my friends would tell me they thought my Facebook posts were quite funny,” Deb Church, writer for Just Keepin’ It Real, Folks, says. After listening to her friends’ advice and researching the worldwide blogosphere, Keepin’ It Real was born.

“I find that blogging is an excellent way to spread joy through my warped and wacky sense of humor,” she admits of her numerous daily posts. Whether discussing prostitutes in birthday suits, or her role as president of her kid’s middle school PTA, a smile is always the end-result on the reader’s face.

“The purpose of my blog has always been to spread joy, so I don’t attempt to tackle tough or sensitive issues,” Church clarifies.

“I also write with a slightly redneck style ‘cause I fancy myself as one, and I make no apologies for that.”

She also fancies herself the grittier side of other Southern charmers, at least according to friends who compare her wit to Celia Rivenbark (yet another dame topping encore’s 2012 Best Of poll, in the writer category nonetheless). “I consider that a huge

SURF’S UP, MOON DOGGIE: Joe Cheshire wins Best Filmmaker for his numerous surf documentaries, including “Beyond the Barrier.” Courtesy photo

compliment, even though Celia is much more of a refined Southern lady than I will evah [sic] be,” she claims.

A straight shooter—”I always call a spade a spade!”—there is no beating around the

bush with Church. She’s in it to, well, keep it real! But it doesn’t mean she’s not dedicated to bettering her writing and outposts daily. In fact, she’s more than connected nowadays among other bloggers, often reading The Bloggess, Jennsylvania and Simple Dude in a Complex World frequently. “I enjoy reading published authors,” she says. “It helps improve my own writing style.” She also frequents posts from Wilmington’s very own Bo Dean’s Blog (winner of 2011 Best Blog, according to encore readers) and I Love Your Crazy by Shannon Darrough.

Other blogs topping the encore reader’s poll include Port City Foodies and Bo Dean’s Blog.

Filmmaker

“My family had an old VHS video camera when I was a kid,” Joe Cheshire tells encore. “We documented everything. From an early age, I loved story telling. I have literally had a movie camera in my hands my entire life.”

In the other hand often was his surfboard.

Again, thanks to his father, Cheshire was pushed into the waves in youth, spending summers on Nags Head in his family beach home. “One day I just stood up on a boogie board and the rest is history,” he tells.

His two passions conjoined easily as Cheshire began filming on a Hi8 camcorder with his friends’ help one summer. Knowing absolutely nothing about editing or postproduction, Cheshire winged it. In the end, it worked, and “The Dirty South” was born of due diligence.

“I learned a lot about the whole movie production business as well as marketing and selling a product,” he says. “I sold the film all over the East Coast by myself. It ended up being hard work, but I saw an opportunity and ran with it. A few years and films later, you could walk into surf shops all over the world and find a movie with my name on it.”

To date, Cheshire has made six indepen10 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

dent films and produced 10. His last one, “Beyond The Barrier,” is a surf documentary of which the North Carolinian is proud.

“Instead of just seeing a couple quick lifestyle clips and surfing, there are interviews throughout the movie, [which] tell a story and add depth to the movie,” he says.

In fact, it won Eastern Surf Magazine’s Movie of the Year. It’s quite a feat for someone who never went to film school or studied it while at UNCW, from where he graduated in 1999 with a BA in history. His education came from sheer desire and a willingness to learn along the way.

“I have been lucky to meet filmmakers from all over the world who have been nice enough to share their knowledge with me,” Cheshire says. “Filmmaking is a never-ending learning process.”

Today, his runs his own production company, Digital Wunderland Inc., doing HD video marketing for real estate agencies in southeastern NC. He’s also currently wrapping up a documentary about one of NC’s most revered beach music bands, The Embers.

“It is directed by best selling author Bill Benners,” Cheshire says. “I am also producing a new East Coast surf film. It is a documentary about surfing on the Outer Banks. I have been gathering footage for a few years now and expect a 2012 release.”

Expanding his brand is on the horizon.

Though dedicated to surfing (“Chris Malloy is my favorite filmmaker. He makes beautiful 16mm surf films. He is self-taught and loves surfing and filmmaking like myself”), Cheshire hopes to move toward weddings in the near future. “It’s the most special day of someone’s life and being able to tell their story would be extremely gratifying to me.”

Others reeling in a few votes are Adam Gilbert and tied for third, Brandon Ewers and Rob Hill.

WeBsite

It can’t be denied: Wilmington has tons of offerings, each and every week. We know this; we’re in the business of making sure readers are fully aware, too. Another local media outlet ensuring active citizens get the most of their community is CapeFearPassport.com, also known as EnjoyWilmington. com, which has secured our 2012 Best Website award.

Owned and operated by Paul Lawler, the website is, in Lawler’s words, “a thank-you to Wilmington for being so cool.” Its top tabs list “where to stay,” “what to do” and “where to eat” among its offerings, as well as a service directory so folks can find all the hottest shopping places, tours, bars and other local businesses working toward making our city rack up its cool points.

“It’s the most comprehensive of the event sites,” Lawler notes, “and it’s of an amazing variety, from the arts to music to sports to learning to everything else.”

From summer camps to weekly theatre openings, concerts to Hammerhead games,

folks over at Pineapple-Shaped Lamps and Peepshow Cabaret. —Shea Carver

IndependenT FIlm

HAHAHAHAHAHA! Those funny fellas from Nutt House Improv scored Best Comedy Troupe for 2012! Thanks to Steve Marcinowski and Colton DeMonte (both featured far right) for helping host our 2012 awards ceremony at City Stage on February 10th. Photo by Shea Carver

it is all listed with one goal in mind: to enjoy Wilmington. In fact, it’s just that simple when it came to changing the Passport’s website name, according to Lawler. “Enjoy Wilmington is what everyone should do,” he states simply. “It is much clearer about the purpose of the website.”

In the coming year, Lawler plans to update the site with even more must-have info for the masses. His reach will widen, as will their entertainment choices. “I’ll keep adding new features and services to meet customer needs,” he promises. Now featuring a blog, with more descriptive information, he also hopes to add better search tools and reaching its audience via web, Facebook and by newsletter.

“The encore award is really great!” Lawler confirms. “It means the customers like what they see when they use EnjoyWilmington. com. encore let the people decide and I appreciate the answer.”

Other websites our voters like to frequent are yours truly, encorepub.com, and starnewsonline.com.

Comedy Troupe

My mama always said, “Love a man who can make you laugh.” In Wilmington’s case, we have six and some change who gave up their boring book club and fear of public speaking in exchange for raucous fun and entertainment. The Nutt House Improv Troupe rolls in the laughter on our 2012 poll as Best Comedy Troupe, and a few members even helped host the encore awards party on Feb-

ruary 10th at City Stage/Level 5.

“Colton DeMonte is the bearded funny man with great characters,” Steve Marcinowski, “great for moral support,” says of his companion host. “Mike Henninger is karaoke master and Casanova. Caylan McKay was an affirmative-action hire; he is the numbers guy. Jon Ripley is foreign accent master, and Dave DiMuro is a musical genius.”

Adding new members, too, Nutt House keep Wednesday nights a rip-roaring good time at their home, Nutt Street Comedy Room, located in the basement of the Soapbox. For a mere two bucks, folks are treated to an improv act not-so-easily forgotten.

“As an audience member, you can expect tons of laughs, no-holds-barred jokes about anything and everything offensive, and our signature awkward ending.”

The audience is also utilized during Nutt House’s many skits, as they’re pin-pointed for suggestion to help move the acts along.

Marcinowski says, “We make everything up on the spot and need your help to create the best show possible.”

In the end laughter is the best medicine and will keep Wilmingtonians falling hard for the fellas over again. And who wouldn’t love someone that keeps laughter at their core of existence?

“We love the energy shared between the audience and the performer,” Marcinowski claims. “We love breaking tension with a wall of laughter.”

And they’ll continue doing so throughout many hopeful years to come. 2012 will have them devising more hilarity, along with multimedia projects, short films and video sketches and possibly even adding a few more funny people to the mix. “We love laughing; it is therapeutic,” Marcinowski states. “Making people laugh is even better.”

We couldn’t agree more!

Other troupes topping our poll are the

If there’s one thing people in Wilmington are passionate about, it’s got to be fantastic film. After all, we live in the Hollywood of the south so we know all about fine cinema. This year “The Watchers” thrilled audiences and left a lasting impact on everyone in the port city after its fall premiere at the Browncoat Pub and Theatre.

“It’s kind of like ‘Game of Thrones’ meets ‘Ghostbusters,’” says Brandon Ewers, one of the project’s creators. The plot centers around four strangers, all of questionable character, who come together for a job and end up getting caught in a battle for the end of the world. “These are the four worst guys you could think of to get stuck in a battle between good and evil,” Ewers explains. It’s a horror comedy that had locals laughing out loud in their seats and leaving the lights on at night after the went to bed.

The masterminds behind the scenes are filmmaking partners and childhood best friends Brandon Ewers and Joshua Lowry.

The pair has been making movies together since they were 10-years-old and moved to Wilmington over a decade ago to pursue their big screen dreams. The dynamic duo

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handle everything as a team, with Lowry acting as their resident techie, lighting expert and sound engineer, while Ewers focuses on the scripts. Though, they’re always in favor of sharing ideas and collaborating. “We push each other to make each other better,” Ewers detailed to encore just before “The Watchers” premiere in September.

Ewers and Lowry have produced a number of films like “Confession,” “The Montclair Crew,” “ICN” and “Willow Creek,” as well as acclaimed (though short-lived) television show “Let’s Find Out,” filmed at local hotspot Reel Café. They’ve had so much support from the Wilmington community and were honored to take home top prize for independent film this year. “Our friends in Wilmington are beyond dedicated and supportive. I’m very happy and very proud,” Ewers details.

Second and third places go to “11:11” and “Angry White Man.”—Brooke Kavit

//Food & Beverage IndIan

Since TJ and Samrin Singh opened Tandoori Bites over a year ago, they’ve received praise from the culinary community. Not only have diners become hooked by their extensive menu of fine Indian cuisine, they’ve become addicted to it. So much so the couple has extended its demand. Buffets aren’t just

relegated to lunch now; diners can enjoy it on Wednesday evenings, too.

Where the real specialties lie are from ordering off Tandoori’s lengthy menu, featuring classic favorites like chicken masala and shrimp vindaloo, among lots of delicious vegetarian dishes and meat-eater favorites, too, à la lamb, chicken or even goat.

“All of our chefs are from India,” TJ told encore last year. Hence, folks can expect the most authentic dining experience even if situated among the Western world. Their homemade paneer (cheese) and naan are enough to demand many returns.

Not a stranger to the industry, the Singhs moved from Raleigh, where they ran Taj Indian Cuisine. The more laid-back pace of Wilmington hasn’t slowed them down. Tandoori Bites will be participating in encore’s upcoming restaurant week, March 21st through 28th, serving dinner for two for only $40 (which includes wine!).

Their attention to food comes from the heart, too. “I started cooking because of my grandmother,” TJ said. “I love this business.”

Other Indian flavors voted among the best are India Mahal and Curry Valley.

ItalIan

It’s a hotly contested category. Best Italian has flip-flopped over the many years encore’s been doing this. Yet, securing its

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SPICY GREATNESS: The deliciousness that is Tandoori Bites scores Best Indian for its second consecutive year! Photo by Bethany Turner

second-year win is Osteria Cicchetti, one of the many successful eateries among the Circa 1922 Group (which has two other restaurants featured on our Best Of 2012 poll, too—so read on!). “OC,” as endearingly

called by local yokels, does so much right I am not sure where to begin.

I suppose we can start from the top: the meatball. Yes, they do it right. But, when coming here, may I suggest a step away from the norm?

For starters, try one of their amazing cheeses or charcuterie options from their cold plates menu (the taleggio and capicola are yummola!). Of their spreads, try the ar-

Thank You Wilmington!

BE2S01T2OF Voted Best Indian Cuisine encore

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tichoke and mascarpone, and if you’re in need of ruffage for the necessary veggie intake, go with their Italian insalata.

Per pasta, well, everything delights, but especially their linguini and red clam sauce or linguini calabrase (chicken, broccoli rabe and sun-dried tomatoes in a white wine sauce). They have risottos, too, which provide a hearty dinner, and they do daily specials which can’t be beat. I’ve never been steered wrong from their fish of the day (if it’s trigger or monk, don’t even bother perusing the menu).

What’s best about OC is not just the food, but the cozy, rustic decor, as if transported straight from an Italian countryside. From the wooden farm tables, to the mismatched plates to the carafes of wine, delivered to the table in quarter, half or full options, it’s all thoughtful.

Just in case the mounds of bread and pasta aren’t filling enough, dessert can be a treat when indulging in some of the most delicious bread pudding in Wilmington.

Other Italian eateries taking the cannoli are Terrazzo Trattoria and Taste of Italy.

Steak

A hunk of meat can be quite satisfying.

Thickly tempting and juicy. Perfectly cooked a medium-rare. Accentuated by butter oozing down its seared sides. Yes, a hunk of meat can be so perfectly satisfying.

Wilmingtonians prefer their cuts straight from the menu of the finest meat connoisseurs in town. And who may that be, you ask? Well, Mrs. Ruth Fertel, of course!

That would be the original founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, located locally in Wilmington’s Best Hotel, Wilmington Hilton Riverside. Boy, do they do fine dining to perfection. More importantly, they know how to serve the best USDA Prime beef to every customer who walks through the doors.

Broiled to a perfect 1800 degrees and simply dressed with salt, pepper and butter, no fancy-shmancy sauces top the many cuts here. Whether ordering their amazingly huge, decadently divine cowboy ribeye or the petite filet mignon, Porterhouse for two or a NY strip, no matter the preference, the raw flavor of every cut’s earthiness will beckon bite full after bite full.

Of course, the folks who come without a hankering for red meat can be sated just as well. Their menu of other items extend from shrimp to chicken, lamb to lobster and other choices in between. Along with their à la carte family sides, from creamed spinach to potato au gratin, and their numerous salads (the wedge is a must-try), and a cocktail and wine menu to keep everyone’s thirsts quenched, Ruth’s Chris makes an appealing case for anyone’s hunger.

Other steak houses cutting the top tier of our poll are Port City Chophouse and Outback Steakhouse.

Salad

When folks crave ruffage in its many forms—iceberg, Romaine, mixed greens, edamame, garden peas, carrots, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, beets and so on—they turn to one place where the options are endless: Ruby Tuesday.

Ruby Tuesday (RT) is well-known for their garden bar, kept perfectly chilled and brimming with fresh crispness. Everyone becomes a veggie artist here, creating a salad sensation to adore. Favorite toppings include RT’s famed homemade croutons, not to mention tons of dressing choices, in low-fat and full-flavor variety. They also offer treats on the bar not found at other stops, from pasta and potato salads to cottage cheese and fruit.

Tempted by other items on the menu, the garden bar gets companions with many RT specials, such as the minis and garden bar combo. A choice of RT’s famous mini burgers, turkey burgers or their brand-new vegetarian-friendly zucchini cakes come in pairs with fries and, yep, many refills of salad. All this food can’t be beat for under $10! They also offer the combo with their chicken quesadilla, soup or with a choice of three veggie sides.

Naturally their full-fledged menu has many regulars coming back for more, whether eating pasta, chicken, steaks, ribs, burgers or sandwiches. No matter the order, it always gets a healthier dose of satisfaction thanks to the Best Salad in Wilmington: Ruby Tuesday’s garden bar.

Brasserie du Soleil and Rucker Johns also top our poll in the salad category.

New ReStauRaNt

Walking into The Kitchen, Wilmington’s favorite new restaurant located in the Forum in the old Grand Union Pub location, arouses a sense of cozy ease. The dark wood creates an air of refinement against lit candelabras and vintage mirrors. Tables consist of old sewing machines, as exposed brick adds to the den-like comfort. A bustling open kitchen showcases chefs and line cooks churning out thoughtful homey fare, all of which is taken up a notch by fastidious hands.

And it’s all very delicious.

Scallop and dumplings are unlike another dish in town, perfectly cooked and seasoned to a medium, paired with a corn-chowder-like sauce and dense flour nuggets of deliciousness. The charcuterie and cheese plate also rivals any other. From intense-flavored duck salami and American chorizo to homemade pâté, along with double cream blue cheese and Camembert, paired with house-made, fruity sweetmeats and apple butter, the outcome is plentiful and rewarding.

Their side dishes are enough of a temptation to keep tables happily engaged over mounds of food: roasted Brussels sprouts, root vegetables, homemade mac ‘n’ cheese (with or without lobster), Creole succotash

(insane good!) and the best leek bread pudding on the face of the planet.

An in-house smoker makes brisket and ribs fall apart without much fork puncture, while rotisserie chickens churn and permeate the house with sinful aroma. Their nightly specials showcase some of the best local fare, too, as their menu boasts 75 percent regionally used foods, which means it’s made of the freshest quality.

If the duck or fish of the day is available, don’t hesitate to order.

Just leave room for dessert, as their pastry chef is a champ! His daily creations aren’t only treats of indulgence, but often they’re larger than entrées. Plan to share—and get there early. Since The Kitchen’s opening in late November, they’ve remained a packed house on most nights (they’re only open for dinner as of now at 5 p.m. and take reservations) but especially weekends. Their farmraised, fire-roasted fare deserves best new nods in town!

Other new restaurant spots in 2012 include Pizzetta’s Pizzeria and Nick’s Diner.

SuShi

Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet and Sushi Bar is one of Wilmington’s most eclectic eateries.

It truly appeases all palates, from vegetarians to pescatarians to carnivores. No one will be able to walk away without finding a menu item suitable to her cravings. Yet,

what most people rave over in this dining staple—with four locations to boot in Wilmington, including downtown, Independence Mall and Racine Drive, as well as their Japanese steak house, located off Miliary Cutoff—is the sushi.

Owners Johnny and Andy Chen keep quality behind every roll or slice of nigiri; that’s the most important aspect to any successful sushi restaurant. With multiple deliveries weekly, securing the best, fresh tuna, salmon, eel, shrimp, yellowtail, squid, scallop, crab and more, they’re able to make artful food not only indelible to the tastebuds but also to the eyes. In fact, their sushi chefs are trained in the highest regard and pride themselves on making top-tier meals enticing to every customer.

The sushi here is always appetizing and ever-changing. They offer rolls wrapped in cucumber (Rainbow Naruto) or on top of a rice patty, à la sushi pizza. They also do traditional fish and rice (nigiri or chirashi), and they know how to wow customers, too.

Just order the Love Boat and watch over 50 pieces of sushi sail onto the table, perfectly arranged and designed for many pictures and multiple “oohs” and “ahhhs.”

Trust us, it’s all fanciful and decadent in every bite. And if for some reason, diners aren’t feeling sushi, Nikki’s lenthy menu of sandwiches and entrées for both meateaters and vegetarians will pacify to no avail.

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From burgers to their famed veggie wrap, to Japanese-style tempura dishes, its all beckoning new flavors. But it’s the fish that keeps them at the top of their game according to encore voters.

Other sushi establishments fishing into second and third are Bento Box and YoSake. —Shea Carver

The chef, who has worked in New York City at Union Pacific and with Wolfgang Puck at Postrio in San Francisco, will surely enhance the revered offerings that garner Circa Best Of wins annually. From the small plates of cheeses and charcuterie to the generous portions of crème brûlée or bananas foster, Circa 1922 will continue to evolve with its chef and present international, cosmopolitan tastes for all.

Second place in appetizers goes to Front Street Brewery, while Bonefish Grill takes home third. Diners also delight in desserts at Apple Annie’s Bake Shop and The Little Dipper.

Neighborhood bar

After the Best Of awards party on Friday, February 10th, my friends and I moseyed over to the best neighborhood bar, Duck and Dive Pub. It was packed to the door with people as music from the live acoustic rock/reggae band, The Sound Down Shore, poured out onto Dock Street. It was so packed, in fact, that the bouncer checking IDs outside the small bar had to take a headcount to make sure they weren’t over capacity! Yet even though Duck and Dive’s cup runneth over with beer drinkers, music lovers, and even a dog, I still bumped into so many familiar faces. And, unlike some other late-night spots, the bartenders were ever-friendly and eager to pour us another round. “It’s a fun business and a great way to mingle with current friends and meet new ones,” owner Todd Barber says.

Barber got together with his current business partner, Glenn, benefitting from his buddy’s knowledge of the bar business to

WiNe/beer shop WINNING! Enough said. Photo by Courtney Bridgers

open Duck and Dive. Today, they attribute their success to consistency, a quality everyone in the bar strives to produce. “We owe this award to our patrons and bartenders,” Barber explains. “They are the ones that bring the neighborhood feel and comfort to the Duck and Dive Pub. They speak—we listen closely, and bring in changes regularly.

We are not afraid to try anything that’s legal and fun, though we try to stay low-key and cater to the locals. Great patrons, great bartenders and great music: seven days a

week, 52 weeks a year.”

Barber and his partner love to dabble in alternative drinks, exposing new beers and liquors to their guests. But we won’t catch anyone in Duck and Dive breaking away from the laid-back feel that has earned it this 2012 honor. “We are not really into trends, more just keeping a steady pace and providing a comfortable place for our patrons to enjoy,” Barber notes. “We are very appreciative of the positive feedback and winning this award.”

Other welcoming bars with a “Cheers” vibe include The Triangle Lounge and Blue Post.

appetizers & desserts

Though Circa 1922 reels in accolades for its tapas-style dining year in and year out, in February the restaurant welcomed a brand new executive chef, Andrew Karasz. He will not re-imagine the hugely popular eatery, rather he will rejuvenate the menu by incorporating a few new flavors to old favorites and by introducing his own savory specials.

The historic and charming atmosphere of Circa will remain, as well as the global wine bar complete with a custom 12-bottle Cruvinet temperature-controlled system to ensure the freshness of wines by the glass.

Diners can still expect regionally themed sharing platters, as Karasz is dedicated to sourcing local goods.

14 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Boasting over 500 different bottled beers, be they American craft or international brews, Lighthouse Beer and Wine Shop in Wrightsville Beach caters to the ale aficionados, lager lovers and everyone in between.

As well, the store meets the needs of every vino votary and cigar connoisseur, too!

Of those 500 beers, folks can mix and match to create personalized six-packs of bottles they’d like to try, and Lighthouse also offers one of North Carolina’s largest keg selections. They typically have around 50 kegs on-hand for the impromptu get-together, or they can special-order brews for a planned soirée. In fact, Lighthouse even caters events with their beer and wine, and can bring non-alcoholic beverages, mixers and ice, with pre-chilling and delivery optional. It all starts with a free consultation to be sure they’ll have all bases covered.

With over 13 years in business, the Lighthouse staff samples thousands of wines yearly to bring the best in pinot noir, chardonnay, bubbles or shiraz (and every other wine imaginable!). Shoppers can also indulge in Lighthouse’s fully functional humidor to select the best cigar, from mild to full-bodied, Nicaraguan to Dominican. Folks can even look to Lighthouse for gift baskets for beer, wine or cigar enthusiasts.

What most notably sets Lighthouse Beer and Wine Shop apart from other stores is its annual beer festival, which will be held this year on Randall Parkway on October 20th.

Featuring over 90 breweries, this outdoor

sampling party makes for a great time complete with live music (this year from Langhorn Slim), food vendors and, as always, benefiting The Carousel Center for Abused Children.

Other wine/beer shops making our list are Cape Fear Wine and Beer and Wilmington Wine.

lamb shank. A varied menu caters to most tastes, including a delectable mushroom crepe, paté mason, escargots and tomato tarte tatin.

As well, the upstairs sofa lounge is trés couru (very popular). Decked in rich jewel tones and local art that alternates between various artists, the hip and casual bar is the place to go for specialty martinis and cocktails in a welcoming atmosphere.

Second place for French food goes to Brasserie du Soleil, while third is awarded to Le Catalan.

French

Though Chef Thierry Moity hails from the central provinces of France, he wants everyone to feel welcome in his authentic eatery, Caprice Bistro, where a dimly lit dining room gives off an unobtrusive café vibe and prices remain below the $20 mark (except for the Angus steak frites or filet mignon, which are barely higher than that).

The proprietor’s goal is to combat the stereotype that French food must be costly and, thus, reserved for the finest diners. Rather, his attentive and knowledgeable waitstaff offer fast-paced service and generous portions of traditional French cuisine, and guests are encouraged to “come as they are.”

Chef Moity has been cooking since the age of 13, and owned Cafe de Bruxelles in New York City and Patou Bistro in Charlotte with his wife, Patricia. He’s been bred to provide consistency in his savory meals, from crisp pommes frites to cassoulet-style

OutdOOr dining

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS! Local musiciand and actor Zack Hanner and funnyman business owner Jef Pollock (The Scoop, downtown Wilmington) were two of encore’s Best Of hosts during the 2012 awards party! Photo by Shea Carver

After traveling by boat to Charleston, South Carolina, via the Intracoastal Waterway, I realized that we are blessed with the most beautiful section of the ICW—barrier islands give way to ocean views, if only for moments, and the wildlife of our area flourishes along this stretch of water. I often tell people that if any South Carolinians think the narrow strip behind Barefoot Landing, littered with the ruins of old bridges and concrete, constitutes the majority of the ICW, they are sadly mistaken and should take a little trip up Highway 17 North to Wilmington. Then, they should follow 76 East right to Wrightsville Beach—final destination: Bluewater Grill.

Perched along our gorgeous waterway is one of the area’s many pearls. The gigantic coastal building is topped by a teal roof that beckons drivers as its tip peeks from the top of the bridge. Large frond-like fans on the sprawling outdoor deck keep folks cool in the summertime (though I’m sure it’s the mojitos and cervezas which truly provide the “air conditioning”). Local bands offer up energetic melodies, from reggae to classic ‘70s dance covers. It gives “beach party” a whole new meaning: remove the pesky sand, add a few bartenders to make the drinks for you, and amplify the view (it’s not called Bluewater for nothing!).

A staple for locals and tourists alike—a must-do over and over again in the warmer months—Bluewater will unveil a completely renovated second floor this month, expanding the dining room into an open floor plan and adding a vaulted ceiling, which will surely keep folks returning in the winter, too. As well, the second floor will soon host an unobstructed window view of the Intracoastal. “LM Restaurants has operated Bluewater Grill since 2008,” Katherine Costa Goldfaden, the marketing representative for LM Restaurants says. “The outdoor dining was the primary selling point of this restaurant. You can’t beat this view!”

Indochine and Dockside also provide spectacular outdoor dining.

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Take OuT

After a long weekend of hustling and bustling, trying to run errands, fixing odds and ends and cleaning all about the house, sometimes cooking a meal on Sunday night can seem a bit exhausting. Especially when another work week is looming only hours away. Cue the sorting of the takeout menus: pizza, subs, Chinese. Which offers a varied enough menu to feed the picky family at minimal cost (and quick!)?

The best in take-out year after year goes to Chopstix, an Asian eatery that’ll deliver, located in front of Walmart on Market Street. They’ve got fried dumplings, tofu options and pork fried rice out the yin yang. As well, folks can expect specialty items like the Dragon and Phoenix: lobster, fresh jumbo shrimp, scallops, crab, chicken and vegetables with a few sesame seeds and sweet golden sauce—the whole kit and caboodle for only $12.99.

Still, most dishes are under five bucks for a pint.

Plus, the place stays open ‘til 10:30 p.m. on Sunday nights, as well as on Mondays through Thursdays—which makes Chopstix super convenient, considering most restaurants close early on Sunday.

On Friday and Saturday, they’re open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., catering to eaters from lunch to late-night.

Taking home second and third are Cook-Out and Indochine, respectively. — Bethany Turner

SpOrTS Bar

March: For many Wilmington residents, it signifies the beginning of beach season, the inclusion of spring break, or the time when every single professor decides to assign a paper or midterm test. For others, though, March can only signify one momentous occasion: March Madness.

Let’s get one thing straight: College basketball is no joke in North Carolina.

Whether a Tar Heels, Blue Devils or even Wolfpack fan, there is no better place to cheer on the team this month other than the Carolina Ale House (CAH).

Its prime location, just down the street from UNC Wilmington, in midtown causes college students and locals alike to flock to this casual, upbeat sports bar for their hoops fix. With two large projection screens and 46 other TVs displaying highdefinition broadcasts, every seat is sure to have a great view of all the action.

“The warm hospitality and neighborly atmosphere of English pubs inspired owner, Lou Moshakos to create such a place in America,” Katherine Costa Goldfaden, marketing director, says. “As the concept has grown across the Southeast, it is the mission of CAH to remain the neighborhood-gathering place.”

The Wilmington location boasts an impressive 38 different beers on tap— served from the main bar inside and the

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Heather Purdin (center) volunteers for numerous nonprofit organizations and performs benefit shows with her band Selah Dubb (also pictured). Courtesy photo

patio bar. Don’t worry—there are TVs outside, too. “We also run great promotions,” Goldfaden says, “like $2.50 drafts all day, every Wednesday.”

The staff is always friendly and willing to root for a team right alongside of you, while serving up favorite dishes such as fried pickles, grilled wings and baby back ribs. Let’s not forget about their signature fries, which are even more fantastic when loaded with melted cheeses, bacon, jalapenos and homemade chili.

Fans enjoy all the Ale House has to offer, and regulars keep coming back because of their daily specials. Every Tuesday night, parents can delight in the fact that kids meals are only 99 cents. “Service is king!” Goldfaden states. “Lou instills in every team member that service is what will keep our fans coming back. Carolina Ale House is committed to continuing a fan-friendly menu price point, quality items and generous service. To support this goal, we are opening our newest location in Jacksonville, NC. Ale yeah!”

Couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Sports fanatics also like to enjoy the games at Buffalo Wild Wings and Wild Wing Café. —Kaitlin Willow

//Humanitarian & Nonprofits VOlunTeer

So many people in our area give back annually. Naturally, this category gets a flood of nominees each and every year. However, in 2012, many folks agree it’s Heather Purdin’s selfless time and energy that deserve recognition as our Best Volunteer of the year.

Purdin, who tours with her reggae band Selah Dubb in the summer, dedicates her individual time and her band’s artistic endeavors to help organizations locally and worldwide for causes close to their hearts. “Last year, we supported Project HEAL, Kunga Yoga Fund, Hope from Helen, Wrightsville Beach Longboard Association, The Buddy Pelletier Foundation, and various hurricane relief drives for our neighbors in the Outer Banks,” Purdin states.

Also a registered yoga teacher, she uses the meditation and relaxation techniques appropriate through the exercise as a catalyst for mind-body connection.

It’s something she finds important to her continued recovery from a 19-year battle with anorexia nervosa. “I have used my creativity to find places where I can contribute to society and create meaningful experiences,” Purdin notes.

Her desire to give back came not only from personal trials and tribulations, but by example at the ripe age of 8. In Alabama she used to go to the soup kitchen every Christmas with her grandmother.

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part of my holiday making food for other people when I had new toys waiting for me at home,” she shares forthrightly. “Once I got to the soup kitchen, I remember looking around the room and understanding these people needed and deserved the gift of my time so they, too, could enjoy the spirit of the holidays.”

Today she carries that initial impact with her through every project she starts. She has helped with expressive arts workshops and yoga classes at Open Gate (Domestic Violence Services and Shelter Inc.) and continues to volunteer with Project HEAL: Help to Eat, Accept and Live, which shapes a more healthy body image in society through helping men and women recover from eating disorders.

“Earlier that year, I received a very generous partial scholarship to the Tapestry Residential Program for Eating Disorders in Brevard, NC,” she says, “so I originally contacted Project HEAL to try to raise some money to pay it forward. Our chapter has helped two more women go to Tapestry to start their own recovery journeys. In the last six months, Project HEAL has started chapters in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Massachussetts, and even California!”

Leading by example, Purdin entices the community to find creative ways to donate their own time and services to the greater good of humanity. It doesn’t take money— in fact, it requires something far more valuable: compassion.

“Think of your time, your social network, your skills—your passions,” she suggests.

“Where can you apply your resources to your passions to make a difference? The point of service is to keep it positive. . . . It is supposed to be fun, and you are only expected to do your best. Just make sure you love what you choose to do!”

Other volunteers recognized as part of encore’s 2012 Best Of Reader’s Poll include Bo Dean, Rich Walsh and Tim Milan (all tied for second), with Rose Zimmer coming in third. —Shea Carver

SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER Dine In • Take Out • Catering

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 17

meet the best of the best!

2012 class of Best Of winners //Food & Beverage Seafood: CatCh ItalIan: Osteria CiCChetti MexIcan: el CerrO Grande thaI, atMoSphere & reStaurant overall: indOChine JapaneSe: hirO Japanese steak hOuse and sushi Bar chIneSe: szeChuan 132 IndIan: tandOOri Bites french: CapriCe BistrO faSt food: ChiCk-fil-a pIzza: sliCe Of life vegetarIan: lOvey’s Market Soul food/country cookIn’ & Buffet: Casey’s Buffet & BBQ BarBecue: JaCksOn’s BiG Oak SandwIch Shop, delIcateSSen & lunch: ChOp’s deli Burger & frIeS: p.t.’s Old-fashiOned Grille rIBS & chaIn reStaurant: Chili’s panInI: press 102 hot dog: trOlley stOp BurrIto: flaMinG aMy’s BurritO Barn oySterS: dOCk st. Oyster Bar Steak: ruth’s Chris steak hOuse appetIzerS & deSSertS: CirCa 1922 SaladS: ruBy tuesday waItStaff: COpper penny dIner & BreakfaSt: dixie Grill new reStaurant: the kitChen faMIly reStaurant: red rOBin fIne dInIng reStaurant: Manna Bakery: apple annie’s Bake shOp coffee Shop: pOrt City Java take-out: ChOpstix chef: keith rhOdes (CatCh) wIngS: BuffalO Wild WinGs

Ice creaM: SuShI:

kilWin’s nikki’s fresh GOurMet and sushi Bar outdooor dInIng: BlueWater Grill late-nIght eatery & pIzza: sliCe Of life MedIterranean Seafood: OlyMpia wIne/Beer Shop: liGhthOuse Beer & Wine gourMet Store & caterIng ServIce: pine valley Market health food Store: tidal Creek CO-Op SportS Bar: CarOlina ale hOuse neIghBorhood Bar: duCk and dive Bartender: MeGan lOux, Cape fear Wine and Beer Bar overall: satellite MartInI Bar: dirty Martini wIne lISt: fOrtunate Glass

//Goods & Services place to Board a pet: dOG CluB Of WilMinGtOn chIropractor: sitO ChirOpraCtiC place for alternatIve MedIcIne: MCkay healinG arts dentISt: BOzart faMily denistry veterInarIan: pOrter’s neCk veterinary hOspital place to Buy a new car: stevensOn autOMOtive place to Buy a uSed car: autO WhOlesale local Book Store: Old BOOks On frOnt st. florISt: Julia’s flOrist haIr Salon: BanGz tattoo parlor: artfuel inC. place to Buy gaS: GOGas Jeweler: reed’s Surf Shop: sWeetWater surf shOp woMen’S clothIng: edGe Of urGe

18 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Men’S clothIng: BlOke Men’s apparel kId’S clothIng: OnCe upOn a Child Shoe Store: MOnkee’s dry cleaner: hanGers/WilliaMs Cleaners real eState agency: COldWell Banker sea COast advantaGe garden Store: transplanted Garden vIntage/conSIgnMent for clotheS: fairy CirCle hoMed decor for conSIgnMent & antIqueS: the ivy COttaGe Mortgage co.: alpha MOrtGaGe apartMent coMplex: the reserve at Mayfaire car waSh: Cruiser’s Car Wash tannIng Salon: trOpiCal tans gIft Shop: Blue MOOn Gift shOps prInt Shop: dOCk st. printinG hotel: hiltOn ilM riverside adult Store: adaM and eve BathrooMS: auBriana’s MovIng co.: tWO Men and a truCk Motorcycle Shop: Britt MOtOrspOrts laundroMat & lIve MuSIc venue: sOapBOx dog grooMer: ali’s k-9 Clips perSonal traIner: laMaine WilliaMs golf courSe: COuntry CluB Of landfall gyM: GOld’s GyM Spa: ki spa ShoppIng plaza: Mayfaire tOWn Center MaSSage therapISt: Mary Beth redMan (tanGlez)

//Arts & Entertainment BowlIng alley: ten pin alley pool hall & arcade/gaMe rooM: Blue pOst local attractIon: Battleship nC tour of wIlMIngton: GhOst Walk Of Old WilMinGtOn

Band/perforMer: l shape lOt local dJ: dJ Battle dance cluB: pravda/sputnik karaoke: BrOWnCOat puB/theatre Buy MuSIcal InStruMentS: finkelstein’s cd/record Shop: Gravity reCOrds art gallery: BOtteGa Gallery & art Bar local artISt: ivey hayes MuSeuM: CaMerOn art MuseuM theatre productIon of 2012: the sOund Of MusiC theatre productIon coMpany: thalian assOCiatiOn theater venue: thalian hall theSpIan: zaCh pappas coMedy troupe: nutt hOuse iMprOv trOupe newScaSt: WeCt newScaSter: franCes Weller radIo StatIon: the penGuin 98.3 radIo perSonalIty: Beau Gunn, penGuin MornIng radIo Show: fOz in the MOrninG shOW, z107.5 fIlMMaker: JOe Cheshire Independent fIlM: the WatChers weBSIte: CapefearpasspOrt.COM wrIter: Celia rivenBark Blog: Just keepin’ it real, fOlks happenIng In IlM In 2012: irOn Man 3

//Humanitarian nonprofIt: full Belly prOJeCt huManItarIan: JOCk Brandis envIronMental group: Cape fear river WatCh volunteer: heather purdin

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news&views|

20 LIVE LOCAL 22 SHOTSTOPPER TECHNOLOGY 23 OP-ED 25 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

live local. live small.

Put on your thinking caps to question our candidates hler

by Gwenyfar Ro

ds

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

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County candidate filings and primary season officially underway, we begin to discuss what options are on the table for the May 8th election. First, I really would like to remind people that the purpose of a primary is different from the general election. Yes, you should pick a candidate you like, who shares your values. But, from the pool of people who meet those two criteria, the purpose of a primary is to pick the candidate that has the greatest likelihood of winning the general election for your cause.

There are numerous big issues on local and state levels over which many people are concerned right now. Titan finally got their first permit—the air permit—this week. Amendment One, banning same sex marriage, will be on the ballot, too.

Now is the time to ask questions about your values. Wouldn’t it be great to elect an official who really represented you? If you are fiscally conservative, now is the time to ask realistic questions about positions on spending. A statement of blanket opposition to all government spending is obviously not a realistic approach. As we keep discovering cut services that people depend upon, we have to ask: Where is the balance between the two? If you are a farmer or fisherman, where do the candidates stand on food production and food security? How do they plan to support not only agriculture but fisheries, and protect both interests?

Where are we headed with film incentives and the connection they have with tourism? I was interviewed at the bookstore last week about the economic impact of the film industry on our small business. For us, the financial benefits are threefold: We rent props and set dressing; we have rented both the old and new store as a filming location; and in our old location, we saw the long-term tourism benefits, specifically from “The Margaret Mitchell Story,” a made-for-TV movie.

20 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

People from Japan still were visiting us over a decade later to see the set, take pictures and buy souvenirs.

While here, they all needed places to stay and food to eat, too, so other businesses and our overall economy reaps these benefits. Not having our film professionals employed does nothing for our economy, either short- or long-term.

This is a topic to think about seriously and not ask either-or questions: Either we are for incentives or against—in any specific industry. The benefits spread across the spectrum; surely, we can find a nuanced package that benefits many.

Now that the central part of the state is starting to see the beginnings of a manufacturing rebirth, what is each candidate’s position to support that return? Local procurement can mean the difference of millions of dollars in revenue for municipalities and more so for the state. Not only does it impact the manufacturers with the initial sale but also the tax base through property taxes, payroll and spending, all of which comes with employment (also adding up to sales tax revenue if said spending is actually done at a bricks-and-mortar store).

One company I just learned about—and am hoping to visit later this year—is Cotton of the Carolinas, a North Carolina-based group that is growing organic cotton in our state. They’re also ginning it, spinning it and weaving it! They work with TS Designs, a screenprinting company, to deliver a finished product entirely grown and made in North Carolina. If we want to talk about economic stimulus in this election, shouldn’t we welcome this kind of thinking?

More than experiencing a return of lost business, we should ask what we are doing to support the responsible entrepreneurs of our communities who have been here for years, weathered the storms and intend to stay? I’m not talking about attracting call centers with big incentive packages; I’m talking

about companies like Texas Jeans out of Asheboro, NC, who boast that every item on their garment is made in the USA. (Or perhaps I’m also thinking about a collegiate league baseball team that has played by the rules and seems to be getting shafted right now.) Besides being against government incentives to bring industry here—which is an easy position to take and lightening rod for many—maybe we could ask our candidates what their plans are to keep responsible corporate citizens here? From the standpoint of this small business owner, it feels like every time I turn around, there is a new plan for taxing me. Yet, I’m not hearing the same about the big boys whose CEO salaries are larger than five years of our gross sales altogether.

Small business built this country—and right now candidates run elections by having photo-ops and meet-and-greets at small, family-owned businesses.

But what are their plans for supporting us once they are in office? They need us to be there in four years so they can come back for another photo-op.

It is time to start analyzing serious questions for our candidates—the people we are electing to make decisions for us. Let’s make wise choices rather than asking questions which wedge “yes” and “no” responses. Let’s try asking what my high school teacher referred to as “critical-thinking skills questions.”

Surely, we want intelligent people who can work a team and all of our best interests. Teams don’t win when the players refuse to talk to each other. Let’s try asking open-ended why’s and how’s at the forums.

Let’s ask our candidates to think about all of us.

Over here in Encoreland we have been trying to refine the candidate questionnaires. We need to get them sent out relatively quickly, but if there are any pressing topics you would like to see covered, please drop us a line to let us know.

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 21

//NEWS

detectful aim: New gunfire technology system installed downtown Wilmington

A

victim

lies

motionless

on

the streets of Wilmington, bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound to the chest. A matter of seconds can mean life or death in this situation, and police and first-responders rapidly race to his aid in record time. All of this is done without a single witness picking up the phone and dialing 911. ShotSpotter technology comes to the rescue instead.

Sporadically located throughout all of downtown, though it sounds like something straight out of an episode of “CSI,” ShotSpotter uses acoustic sensors to triangulate the location of gunfire with stunning accuracy. Its world-class team of gunshot experts in California review the information and assess it to make sure it is, in fact, a gunshot and not simply a backfire from a car or a firecracker. Once the sensory signifies it clearly, the system alerts local authorities. “[It] will tell police the precise location where the gunshots are going off and that includes the longitude and latitude,” a

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by Brooke Kavi encore intern ShotSpotter representative, Lydia Barrett, Barrett, explains. The experts are able to tell local authorities within 20 or 30 seconds pertinent information, like if gunfire is from an assault weapon or even if there are multiple shooters in an area.

“It benefits Wilmington because we’re able to respond so much faster to the calls,” Captain Jeff Allsbrook of Wilmington PD says. “We’re notified almost immediately whereas before we had ShotSpotter we were relying on citizens to call 911 or officers actually hearing shots within their vicinity.”

In fact, ShotSpotter not only provides specific locations within the coverage area of incidents, but it can track the direction and speed of the suspected shooter as they flee from the scene.

The system was funded by a $300,000 federal technology grant and became oper-

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“We put the ShotSpotter sensors up in our historically high-crime areas where there have been the most instances of violence,” Captain Allsbrook explains. It has worked because many of these instances would often otherwise go unreported to police. “Some of the neighborhoods just get complacent with calling in.”

“Only about 20 percent of gun incidents are called into 911,” Barrett confirms. People often fear reporting or question whether what they’ve heard is gunfire. Oftentimes, many people just assume someone else will alert police, a phenomenon known as the bystander effect. ShotSpotter provides local law enforcement more accurate and

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detailed information than a typical 911 call.

Since ShotSpotter’s development in 1995, it has become a popular surveillance tool. The company reports that agencies using the technology, in addition to comprehensive crime-reduction strategies, have seen a decrease in urban gunfire by up to 80 percent. Likewise, related rates of violent crime reduced by as much as 40 percent.

In the city of Rochester, New York, police officials have seen a 43 percent reduction in gunfire since the system went live.

So far, results in Wilmington are promising, with police making 11 arrests with the help of ShotSpotter. Barrett emphasizes that her company’s technology also helps police walk onto a scene much more safely; therefore, they often conduct better investigations.

“Police can find gun casings [and] witnesses faster,”she says, “and are really able to hone in on their investigations quickly. They don’t have to walk around a 5or 10-block area looking for information.”

Fifty-two cities throughout the country are currently running the system. Wilmington and Rocky Mount will be the first two in North Carolina to benefit from this technology. “All the patrol officers are excited about this new technology,” Captain Allsbrook reports.

“Our goal as a company is to bring in the technology to help communities create real gun violence reduction initiatives,” Barrett continues. “We’re thrilled to have that opportunity in Wilmington.”

baseball awakening!

//VIEWS

! n w o t n i Best

A run-in with the mayor at City Stage last weekend

I

f ray kInsella can buIld a ball-

park in a cornfield in Iowa without raising taxes, why can’t Wilmington build one on the river? Wait. “Field of Dreams” was fiction?

Is it still fact that the U.S. waged two wars for a decade and cut taxes on our richest citizens? Or has Karl Rove re-written that? I wonder how many fields of how many dreams could have been built with a trillion tax dollars—and how many dreams were bruised, blistered or blasted by our collective willingness to fund wars rather than find ways to play ball together.

Maybe the baseball stadium debate is one of many political and economic questions that are less about cost and more about values. When politicians tell me, “We can’t afford it; the numbers speak for themselves,” should I nod in agreement like a Chipper Jones bobblehead? What they’re saying is: “We don’t value books or building cultural bridges; we value bombs.”

There are good reasons to oppose the stadium project, but I’m concerned that some people opposing public monies for a municipal stadium don’t value public anything—schools, libraries, health departments, fire departments, prisons, social services, etc. Why would they value a municipal stadium?

The week spring training opened I saw “Spring Awakening” at City Stage. By chance, I chatted with Mayor Saffo after the show. (Attending live, local theatre is an act of courage for any politician and earned him my vote.) In general, art is politically dangerous. It simultaneously shows us where we’ve been, holds a mirror to who we are, and charts our course to where we might go. Live, local theatre is as politically incorrect as art gets. City Stage fare is typically powerful and provocative—in a word, “progressive.” And “Spring Awakening” is the most astonishing new musical I’ve seen in a decade (with its last run this weekend).

Mayor Saffo’s attendance at “Spring Awakening” demonstrated that even if he’s not “edgy,” he’s aware that looking ahead is the only way forward. In addition to admiring the artistry of the show, we talked

ll

by Mark Basqui r encore contributo

about baseball. (I’d vote for him twice if I could.) He foresees a Wilmington that includes wise and green development, some of the green in the outfield grass of a minorleague ballpark.

I want to see a municipal multi-use facility downtown nearly as much as he does— and a minor league team. Still, I’m on the fence about this stadium project. If Wilmington were like the Texas community—which last year voted for a tax to build a $60 million football stadium for Allen High’s highly prized football team while slashing not so highly prized education budgets—I’d be totally against it. Whether this Texas town was infiltrated by tax-and-spend liberals, or their decision resulted from reading scripture as science, I value things differently.

Before or in addition to funding baseball stadiums, I’d use tax revenue from all levels of government to restore budgets to education, public health and libraries. I’d re-fund public employee’s pensions rather than blaming unions and labor for a financial morass precipitated by the greediest, most psychopathic number-crunchers we’ve ever seen. Not to bring religion into politics (God knows until Rick St. Orum and the GOP are placed in a museum with the Judas Cradle, Iron Maiden and other vestiges of the middle ages, we’ll have enough of that), but I’d even refund the public defender’s office. That way, when penniless, illegal-immigrant Jesus returns and is arrested as a terrorist, he’ll have adequate legal representation. Frankly, between racial profiling and his subversive “love your enemies” teachings, Jesus could wind up at Gitmo.

I hope Wilmington finds a way to play ball.

If the current proposal falls through, it won’t dampen my admiration of live, local art or diminish my passion for the beauty of baseball.

Yes, sports fans: I know baseball is ultimately pointless and unnecessary. So are wars, and our tax dollars fund the hell out them.

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NewsoftheWeird

with Chuck Shepherd LEAD STORY TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE: ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN (ONE CANNIBAL, ONE VAMPIRE) Newspapers in Sweden reported in January that two of the country’s most heinous murderers apparently fell in love with each other behind the locked doors of their psychiatric institution and, following a 26-day Internet-chat “courtship,” have decided to marry. Mr. Isakin Jonsson (“the Skara Cannibal”) was convicted of killing, decapitating and eating his girlfriend, and Michelle Gustafsson (“the Vampire Woman”) was convicted of killing a father of four and drinking his blood. Said the love-struck Jonsson (certainly truthfully), to the newspaper Expressen, “I have never met anyone like (Michelle).” The pair will almost certainly remain locked up forever, but Gustafsson, on the Internet, wrote that she hopes they will be released, to live together and “have dogs and pursue our hobbies, piercing and tattoos.”

Compelling Explanations In December, music teacher Kevin Gausepohl, 37, was charged in Tacoma, Wash., Municipal Court with communicating with a minor for immoral purposes, allegedly convincing a 17-year-old female student that she could sing better if she tried it naked. Gausepohl later told an investigator of his excitement about experimenting at the “human participant level” to determine how sexual arousal affects vocal range. The girl complied with “some of” Gausepohl’s requests, but finally balked and turned him in.

Thinking Outside the Box: Rock Dagenais, 26, pleaded guilty recently to weapons charges after creating a siege by bringing a knife, a sawed-off rifle and 100 rounds of ammunition to a Quebec elementary school. He eventually surrendered peacefully and said he was only trying to send the kids a message not to disrespect each other by bullying. Daniel Whitaker has been hospitalized in Indianapolis ever since, in November, he drove up the steps of the Indiana War Memorial with a gun, gasoline and an American flag, and set the steps on fire. In an interview in December, he told WRTV that he was only trying to get everyone’s attention so they would think of Jesus Christ and “love each other.”

Ghosts in the News: Michael West, 41, of Fond du Lac, Wis., at first said his wife hurt herself by falling, but finally acknowledged that she was attacked but by ghosts, not by him. (He was charged, anyway, in January.) Anthony Spicer, 29, was sentenced in January in Cincinnati after being discovered at an abandoned school among copper pipes that had been cut. He denied prosecutors’ assertions that he was collecting

scrap metal because he said he was actually looking for ghosts, since the school “is supposed to be haunted.”

Ironies The 547-acre FBI Academy on the grounds of Quantico (Va.) Marine Base houses a firing range on which about a million bullets a month are shot by agents in training, but it also happens to be a de facto wildlife refuge for the simple fact that the academy is off-limits to Virginia hunters. Thus, according to a December ABC News dispatch, deer learn that, despite the gunfire (sometimes at astonishingly close range as they wander by the targets), none of them ever gets hit. The academy is also a “sanctuary” for foxes, wild turkeys and other critters.

Equity Lifestyle Properties of Chicago fired receptionist Sharon Smiley after 10 years’ service because she violated company policy by declining to stop working during her lunch hour. (The company’s strict policy is apparently based on avoiding liability for overtime pay, but Smiley had in fact clocked out for lunch while remaining at her desk.)

Smiley subsequently applied for unemployment benefits, but the administrator denied them because the firing was for insubordination. However, in January, a state appeals court granted the benefits.

A South Carolina circuit court ruled in December that the sales contract on a former theater in downtown Laurens, S.C., was binding and that the rightful owner is the African-American-headed New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church even though the property’s only current tenant is the Redneck Shop, which features Confederacy and Ku Klux Klan merchandise. (New Beginnings purchased the church in 1997 from a Klan member who was unloading it because of a personal riff with the head klansman and who wanted it back after they reconciled.)

Latest Human Rights Librarians typically can shush patrons whose conversation disturbs others, but, at least in Washington state, librarians are powerless to prevent another “disturbance” when a pornography user’s computer screen disgusts other library patrons who inadvertently glimpse it. A visitor to the Seattle Public Library complained in February that the librarian said she was bound by a 2010 state supreme court decision upholding the right of consumers of otherwise-legal pornography not to be censored.

Non-Humans’ Human Rights: Elena Zakharova of New York City became the most recent litigant to challenge a state law that regards pets as “property” (and that, thus, the owner of an injured or disfigured pet is

entitled to no more consideration than for a defective appliance). She sued a pet store that had sold her a dog with allegedly bum knees and hips, claiming that dogs are living creatures that feel love and pain, that have souls, and that should be compensated for their pain and suffering. The case is pending. In February, a federal judge in San Diego, Calif., heard arguments by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals that SeaWorld was confining its show whales in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment (the Civil War-era prohibition of slavery). Two days later, he ruled that the amendment applies only to human slavery.

Least Competent Spies In Plain Sight: The embarrassing disclosure in November by the Lebanon-based terrorist organization Hezbollah, of the CIA’s major clandestine operations in Beirut, likely resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen antiHezbollah CIA “assets,” according to ABC News reports.

Among the details made public by Hezbollah was that it learned of the agents’ meetings with the potential “assets” (which took place at a Beirut Pizza Hut restaurant) by intercepting agents’ email messages that used the sly, stealthy “code” word “PIZZA.” Recurring Themes News of the Weird has long reported on gallery patrons’ inability to distinguish “abstract impressionist” works by human artists (even by masters) from the scribbles drawn by toddlers and even animals. To attempt to add sophistication to the topic, a museum at University

College London recently opened a comparative installation of “works” from an elephant and several kinds of apes, leading the museum manager to observe that “art produced by apes is a lot more creative.” The elephant, with brushes affixed to its trunk, “is not deliberately doing anything” when it stomps or swirls the paint around on the canvas, but ape art is “much freer” and “expressive” “almost indistinguishable from abstract art by humans ....” But, he added sheepishly, “Whether this is actually art is the big question.”

Bright Ideas South Korea’s Customs Service arrested eight men in January for a 2010 scheme to smuggle gold into Japan without paying import fees. The smugglers allegedly broke down gold bars into small beads and brought them in in their rectums. In an advertising campaign in December for a new line of extreme pushup bras, the Dutch department store Hema hired as its fashion model the androgynous (but flat-chested) superstar Andrej Pejic.

Antidote to Multitasking: The U.K. household services broker LocalTraders.com announced in December that it is planning, for central England in 2012, a “world watching-paint-dry championship,” with a short list selected on “mental strength, concentration and endurance.” Finalists will be asked their favorite color, which will be painted on a wall, and whoever stares the longest without turning away will win. Said a spokesman, “Previous paint-watching experience is not essential.”

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//ART

painterly passion: Kristin Gibson finds inspiration in food, nature and life

L

ast week i had the priviLege to

meet with local artist Kristin Gibson

by Kaitlin Willow in her Carolina Beach home (which Kristin Gibson conveniently doubles as her studio). Immed Jewelry Spectrum Ar t an diately, I noticed a pet bunny in a cage on Cutoff Road 1125-H Military her front porch—which I later find out usum. to 5 p.m. ally hops around her feet while she’s paint3/9: Demo, 3 p. p.m. ion, 5 p.m. to 7 ing—and a friendly note on the front door: Opening recept “Welcome, Katelyn!”

Gibson brings me into her home and leads me into a sunshine-filled, yellow- cooking for a living,” she says. As her own walled living area. It’s vibrant and inviting, boss, she’s able to make time to experiment in the kitchen when she’s not finishing a and there’s paint everywhere. project. Growing up in a large family, Kristin I love it.

Hung on the walls, stacked behind the always loved and appreciated food and the couch and propped up on an easel is her big family gatherings that centered around it.

“As my kids get older, the table is a place I art work, past and in-progress. Gibson, who graduated with a BFA in Surface Design can still get their attention,” she says. “I beand Painting from East Carolina’s School lieve in the importance of sharing meals toof Art in 1990, is extremely dedicated to gether. It’s also a comfort, and when someher work.“It’s definitely a full-time job,” she one near me is in need, I often bring food.”

Walking around her living room and kitchsays. “While my kids are at school, I have a en, this theme threads her work. Almost all chunk of time to focus on my art.”

Her passion began when she was a little are still-life paintings, the majority of them girl; she dreamed of either becoming an incorporating various fruits, vegetables and artist or writer. She ultimately chose art af- flowers into the images. “I tried other meter falling in love with the classes she took diums of art (she worked with textiles right out of college), but still life is truly where I’ve at ECU. When she’s not painting, she’s spending found my voice,” Gibson says.

Having always lived on the coast, her time with her husband—a graphic designer, whom she met in her first class at art school. fascination with the outdoors is evident, Oh, and did I mention she also has two kids, and she can’t stop smiling either as she with whom she loves to ride bikes, while en- talks about her passion. “I love the process of learning something new with each joying the salty beach air?

An avid “pinner” on Pinterest.com (some- painting,” she says, “and the discipline of painting every day.” Currently, she’s havthing with which5905#4 I, too, Carolina have a Beach fascination), Rd, Wilmington ing a roof built over her backyard patio so my eyes getOne huge whenof Monkey she points thefrom Walgreens mile south Junctionto across any otherlight offer.and the natural counter and offers a sample of a freshly she can benefit fromExcludes Expires May 1, 2012 made, healthy snack. She found the recipe sea breeze while painting.

She draws inspiration in many places: on the website, and the outcome, “apple nafrom vintage and retro household items, to chos,” may be my new favorite obsession.

“If I wasn’t painting, I would definitely be pottery, flowers and vegetables. It’s not un-

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NOW HANGING: Kristin Gibson’s latest still lifes hang at Spectrum in the Forum, which features Gibson as the artist of the month. Courtesy photo.

usual for Gibson to find her muse on the side of the road, as she often stops during bike rides and picks flowers.

“I can hardly wait to paint after a visit to my local farmers’ market,” she states. “The organic shapes, endless color, seeing hints of where it emerged from the ground—all a catalyst for my brush. I even have a vendor that saves me apples with leaves, or calls when they have fresh eggplants in various shapes and hues. Of course, I usually run right over.”

Her produce paintings are indeed a but more intriguing because of what she does after finishing one. Instead of throwing away the fruits and veggies, she uses them to make dinner for her family. “I love to cook what I’ve been painting,” she says. “Recently, a bike ride to ‘The Veggie Wagon’ turned up crazy colors of purple kale, bright asparagus, wonderful white onions and fresh beets—I love painting the leaves! Back home, arranged in a still life composition, complemented by handmade pottery and my grandmother’s vintage tablecloths and teapots, it all seems to come full circle—especially when I find a new recipe to try that night.”

Even more famous than her paintings may be her colorful, hand-painted scarves. Bright

oranges, teals and pinks are thrown together in the most expert-like fashion before being rolled, steamed, dried, and ironed to set the dyes in an intricate process.

Since 2004, Gibson’s numerous paintings have hung in nine galleries throughout North and South Carolina. One includes Wrightsville Beach’s very own Spectrum Art and Jewelry, located in the Forum on Military Cutoff Road. Gibson celebrated her threeyear anniversary in February as a frequent Spectrum contributor. Her success there has earned her a spot as their featured artist through March. Her most recent paintings and scarves will be displayed and available for purchase. “I’m surprised and appreciative every time something sells,” she says.

“It’s a good feeling.”

Aside from merely showing her work, Gibson will offer a demonstration on March 9th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a reception with wine, hors d’oeuvre and live music by local musician John Kubilas (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Admission is free.

Over the next few years, Gibson plans to expand her client base a little further. Eventually, once her kids are grown, she and her husband hope to travel the country, camping and painting along the way. Something she likens to one of her painterly heroes, Georgia O’Keeffe, who actually continued painting into her 90s. “I truly hope to paint as long as I can,” she says. “Well, as long as I can keep getting eyeglasses that work.”

galleryguide| Artfuel.inc

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

Our 29th art show features the folk art of Candy Pegram, photography by Tammy Haraga and Realyn Oliver, and graffitti art by Switch.

Artexposure!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC 910-803-0302/ 910-330-4077 Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment www.artexposure50.com From Wilmington, drive north on Highway 17 and you will encounter an art center unique to our area. Look for the big red barn! A large open space hosts 2nd Friday Opening Receptions each month at 6PM. We represent over 40 local and regional artists in our member’s gallery and offer local arts and crafts in our gift shop.

ArtExposure presently has studio space rented to five working artists. In addition, there is a frame shop and art supply store.

Our show in March is our annual “Art of the Car”. This is an invitational to all NC artists. Admission fee is 30.00 and monetary awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable mention will be given. Information about this show and registration can be found on the website under “Opportunities for Artists”. The deadline to register is February 29th and the show opens on March 9th, 2012.

At the end of March there will be a “Paint Out in the Park” on the 24th starting at Noon in Surf City. All work completed at the Paint Out will be exhibited at ArtExposure on April 13th at our regular 2nd Friday Opening Reception. No entry fee is required, but please call or e-mail to register your name if you want to participate.

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

cAffe phoenix

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

Sunday Brunch: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Gabriel Lovejoy unveils his newest series of “visual poems.” The theme for this body of work is carried throughout using

symbolic and nostalgic images woven together with an illustrative style. Industrial, domestic, and natural elements are all present, interacting with each other to create a visual dialogue. The show will run through 2/29. www.gabriellovejoy.com

crescent Moon

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

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

Crescent Moon – want the unique gift for him? Or her? Come see the Drinking Dog Lying Down enjoying a Bud Light, one of many Yardbird’s junkyard dogs, cats and critters here. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah too! Wonderful handcrafted ornaments are arriving daily from artists throughout the USA. Trees, Santas, Holly, Angels and more! Menorahs, Mezuzahs and Dreidels add to our holiday ideas. Remember Gift Wrapping is always free. Located in The Cotton Exchange where parking is free while shopping or dining. Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook by searching Crescentmoonnc!

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

Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com

This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, N.C., features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South Carolina’s most creative, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisan-crafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, pottery studio, custom fra.m.ing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee With the Author series are also offered on-site.

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

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

River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy

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

orton’s underGround Art GAlleries 133 N. Front • (910) 859-8441 Everyday after 5 p.m. www.ortonsuderground.com

America’s oldest pool hall and Wilmington’s finest bar are also the home of Wilmington’s newest art galleries. Gallery North is showing “Impressions of Wilmington”

by Nick Mijak. The Gallery South presents “Rising” by Shaun Fenix. 10% of all art sales goes to the Full Belly Project. Open daily at 4 p.m.

wicked GAllery

205 Princess St. • (910) 960-7306 Tues. 12-5 p.m. • Wed.-Sat. 6:30-11:30 p.m. www.onewickedgallery.com Currently showing “The Dangerous Type,” which concentrates on the artful figurative form in contrast with how we look at nudity publicly, and our intense visions of what we find artful in the human form. Leslie Samuels makes dynamic creatures out of mummies, and Miranda Duncan will put on a large scale display made out of bones.

Showcasing: Michael Dunn, Ruth A. Whitaker and Nick Wade. On March 30th, learn Shibari with pro bondage artist, Bodhi, for only $5; starts at 6:30 p.m.

The Wilmington MPO, in partnership with the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County, has begun preparation of a Comprehensive Greenway Plan for the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County.

new eleMents GAllery

New Elements Gallery is in the process of moving! We will be temporarily closed while we transition to our new space at 201 Princess Street, but you may still reach us online. Visit our website at www.newelementsgallery.com and email us at contact@ newelementsgallery.com . We should be up and running by early March and will host our next Fourth Friday Gallery Night from the new location. See you soon!

Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. The current show is sure to enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry.

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

The Kickoff Event for the the Wilmington - New Hanover County Comprehensive Greenway Plan took place last week at Halyburton Park.

Information about the development of the plan can be found at

www.wilmingtongreenway.com

including an overview, schedule, and other information.

The website also includes opportunities for you to be involved:

Take Survey - The Greenway Plan Comment Form:

1. surveymonkey.com/s/wilmingtongreenway Interactive Public Input Map - This interactive map is provided gather comments from the public about existing and proposed 2. togreenways in the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County. www.wilmingtongreenway.com/input-map.html

To be updated about the development of the plan including future meetings and events, visit www.facebook.com/greenwayplan and then Click LIKE encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 27

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//FILM

fairly decent adventure: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson surprises in ‘Journey 2’

reel reel this week in film The Last Mountain

by Anghus Mysterious Island Journey 2: The ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ erson, Dwayne ch Starring Josh Hut el Caine ha ic M d Johnson an

Subversive Film Series Juggling Gypsy •1612 Castle St. (910) 763-2223 • Sundays, 8pm • Free

O

ne Of my favOrite film discus-

sions in this town revolves around the amount of lackluster product produced by Wilmington’s own film industry.

That’s a fancy way of saying “most of the movies filmed here are pretty damn awful.”

That’s not a commentary on the quality of the work being done by the local crew, but a very honest, objective opinion about the Hollywood movies that have been made in this town. Most of them are terrible.

Allow me to name the good movies shot in Wilmington; it’s not that easy: “Blue Velvet”—a classic. I don’t need to spend any more time jerking off David Lynch’s masterpiece.”The Crow”—a film I personally love. Then there are some wonderful little gems like “The Hudsucker Proxy,” directed by the Coen brothers, and “Firestarter”— the movie that got the ball rolling.

After that, things get kind of dodgy.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”? It was fun; it made some money. “Sleeping With the Enemy”—a popular, almost well-executed Lifetime movie; not terrible.

The only other film that comes to mind is “Weekend at Bernie’s.” Now I love “Weekend at Bernie’s,” but we’re not talking grade-A, award-caliber cinema coming out of these parts. And, please, spare me the indignation or hastily written hate-mails. I’ve personally contributed more locally produced lackluster product than the whole lot of you.

Now terrible films—we have plenty of those: “Super Mario Brothers,” “King Kong Lives,” every film shot here in 2000 and 2001 (“A Walk to Remember,” “Domestic Disturbance,” “Black Knight” and “The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood”).

Hell, there’s one movie called “Bolden!” that filmed locally, spent $70 million dollars and has never been released.

My question: Is Wilmington the big-budget blockbuster black hole of cinema? Maybe not. “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” is the latest locally filmed, three-dimensional spectacle released in theaters. While it may not stand up to the best movies made in our fair port city, it certainly isn’t among the worst. It’s a fairly decent, low-risk endeavor

SHOWING LOCAL LOVE: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is the only actor worthy of a second look in the locally filmed ‘Journey 2 Mysterious Island.’

Courtesy photo

that is far more entertaining than I expected.

The story loosely follows the work of Jules Verne and comes with a modern twist. Sean (Josh Hutcherson) is trying to discern the location of the Mysterious Island. He receives a coded message from his grandfather, Alexander (Michael Caine), who has gone missing. With the help of his stepfather Hank (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), they set out to find him. They discover the island and its many dangerous inhabitants. Basically, it’s a very lush jungle where things that should be small are big, and things that should be big are small. Elephants are usually big but not on the Mysterious Island. Bees are usually small, but here they are huge! Such logic applies to the entire movie. As far as inoffensive adventure movies go, it’s not that bad.

It reminded me a lot of old Disney live-action films, like “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”—enjoyable for kids and tolerable for adults.

I just had one real problem with the film: They say the words “Mysterious Island” a lot. Over and over again. Like every two minutes. If I made a drinking game out of it, I’d be dead from alcohol poisoning in half-an-hour.

I don’t know when Dwayne “The Rock”

Johnson became a franchise freshener.

Last year he jumped into the “Fast & Furious” series and scraped the rust off the chassis. Later this year, he takes over the “G.I. Joe” franchise in its second film.

Now, he’s been brought into the sequel to “Journey to the Center of the Earth” to liven things up—and liven it up he does.

He’s not the world’s most gifted talent, but he’s likable, sincere and never embarrasses himself. I can’t say that about the rest of the cast. God bless The Rock, he tries in every scene. He makes an effort.

Veteran actor Michael Caine may have given us the most salient cinematic example of a paycheck performance ever. The man is coasting so hard right now that you could use him to seat a beverage. His performance is underwhelming. For someone with his chops, it almost feels insulting. Vanessa Hudgens (“High School Musical”) is a ridiculously attractive young woman. As an actress, she’s a ridiculously attractive woman. I’ve seen more convincing performances from day-old bakery goods.

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” is a harmless movie, basically dragged into average by The Rock and a lot of forward momentum. There’s no fat in this film. It moves fast enough so as to quickly forget the milewide plot holes. The visual effects are impressive, and I give credit to the filmmakers for the effort to make something fun. There’s no pretension or attempt to make this more serious than it needs to be. It’s a grand old adventure that suffers from being a little too slight.

3/11: “The Last Mountain”(pictured)— A coal mining corporation and a tiny community vie for the last great mountain in Appalachia in a battle for the future of energy that affects us all. Directed by Bill Haney, the film focuses on Coal River Valley in West Virginia, where citizens fight gigantic corporations, like Massey Energy, to end mountaintop removal. PG, 1 hour, 35 min.

Pina Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Cinematique • Thalian Hall 310 Chestnut Street • 7:30pm, $8 3/7: “Pina”—Pina Bausch’s final words summarize her life and provide the inspiration for acclaimed director Wim Wenders’ breathtaking tribute to the legendary choreographer. Winder takes the audience on a sensual, visually stunning journey of discovery straight onto the stage with the legendary Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch ensemble. An Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature. PG, 1 hr. 46 min.

3/12-14: “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”— Based on the classic novel of the same name by John le Carré, the international thriller is set at the height of the Cold War years of the mid-20th Century. George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government, which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets. Gary Oldman was nominated for best actor, Academy Awards. R, 2 hr. 8 min.

All AreA movie listings And pArAgrAph synopses cAn be found At encorepub.com.

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 29

Wilmington’s World-Class Concert Venue L I V E @ B AC

lOTus

Thursday, March 8th Doors 7pm, Show 8pm General Admission Balcony- $30 General Admission Floor - $22 Available online at www.brooklynartsnc.com and Gravity Records.

For Tickets and more information

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

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC 30 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Mulligan’s Wake Thursday, March 15th

Uproarious Interactive Comedy Dinner Theater that brings a Celtic “Proper” Wake to life.

Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm Tickets: $45 / $50 day of show Available online at www.brooklynartsnc.com and the BAC Box Office.

welcome home, heath:

//MUSIC

sound bites

Legendary Heath Brothers return to their childhood roots er

by Bethany Turn rs Heath Brothe 0 Chestnut St. Thalian Hall • 31 255 N. Front St. p.m. • Free-$30 Sat., 3/10 • 7:30 zsociety.org www.capefearjaz

T

here is no oTher genre like

jazz. No type of music compares to the vivacious tones of a show-stealing saxophone or the gentle yet boisterious rhythms of be-bop percussion. Jazz can only relate to feelings, like happiness and rejuvenation. It feels like life—or what life should be. It almost always culls elation from its audience; seemingly, listeners cannot avoid feelings of warmth and mirth while enjoying the sounds of jazz.

As an effort to sustain the music of golden gods and godesses—Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Nina Simone—the Cape Fear Jazz Society sponsors concerts throughout the region to not only provide a voice for local jazz but also to inspire future generations of enthusiasts to continue preserving its historical significance on American music. Their most recent achievement is pairing with UNC Wilmington’s Upperman African American Cultural Center to bring home the city’s own claim to jazz stardom: the Heath Brothers.

The oldest of the iconic trio is Percy, who was born on April 30, 1923, in Wilmington.

Though the bassist has passed, his legend lives on through his younger brothers, saxophonist Jimmy and percussionist Albert “Tootie,” who continue to tour, teach and tell their story. It is Jimmy and Albert who, although touring and unavailable for interviews prior to press time, will take to Thalian Hall’s stage on Saturday, March 10th.

During the early 1940s, Percy and Jimmy were members of the school band at what was then known as Williston Industrial High School. In 1942, they formed their own jazz group with Andy McGhee, whom would later go on to become a professor at Berklee College of Music. They called themselves the “Melody Barons” and played stock arrangements created by their music teachers, Mr. Wall and Mr. Page.

Following graduation, the Heath boys went their separate ways. Jimmy immediately began touring with Calvin Todd’s big band, making a stop in Wilmington at a night club called The Barn. At 21 he played the first International Jazz Festival in Paris before going on to

ICONS OF A LIFETIME: Saxophonist Jimmy Heath and younger brother, Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath, who plays the drums, made great contributions to American jazz throughout the decades. Courtesy photo.

perform with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.

Albert moved to New York in 1957, debuting on a record with John Coltrane, before undergoing a blossoming career as a drummer in J.J. Johnson’s band, the hard bop combo the Jazztet. He also performed in small trios with Cedar Walton and Bobby Timmons, and lived and worked in Europe from 1965 to 1968. It was then he returned to the U.S. to work with artists like Herbie Hancock and Yusef Lateef through 1974.

In 1975 the three brothers reunited to form their most memorable act: Heath Brothers. Over the years, the group incorporated musicians such as pianist Stanley Cowell, guitarist Tony Purrone and Jimmy’s son, Mtume Heath, a percussionist. Together they recorded nine albums before Percy died, and a DVD in 2004 encompassing their life story, “Brotherly Jazz: The Heath Brothers.” Without Percy, they recorded “Endurance,” a record released in 2009.

Today, Albert is a freelance musician and a regular instructor at the Stanford Jazz Workshop. Jimmy has composed over 125 pieces and earned three doctorate degrees, including the first awarded to a jazz musician at The Juilliard School. He was nominated for three Grammys, and was a professor for 11 years at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He now resides in New York.

UNCW’s own renowned professor, percussionist Joe Chambers, had the privilege of performing with Jimmy in the 1960s, in a group with Donald Byrd, and a few other en-

sembles.

“I was young then, and I thought I was more than what I was,” Chambers explains. “He used to always tell me things to remind me I wasn’t as hot as I thought I was.”

Chambers laughs as he recalls working with the saxophonist so many years ago.

Jimmy, like many older artists, would whisper tidbits of advice in Chambers’ ear—“Play the drums from the bottom up!” he heard from another drummer—to encourage growth in the young musician.

“All the things he used to tell me, like things about intensity, had an effect,” Chambers remembers. “Back then I didn’t get it so much, but I absolutely see the effect he had on me.”

Chambers, who has regularly recorded with the Blue Note label and toured jazz clubs across America before entering academia, considers Jimmy one of the top arrangers in his field. He and three other local musicians— Benny Hill (sax), Brad Merritt (piano), Doug Irving (bass)—will open for Jimmy and Albert at Saturday’s concert.

“I have some of the top players in North Carolina playing with me,” Chambers notes.

“We’ve been rehearsing and we’re gonna be hot—I can tell you that.”

During the event, the Heath Brothers will be presented with a key to the city to commemorate their humble beginnings yet timeless contributions to the world of jazz. They will be recognized by Mayor Bill Saffo, the city’s Commission on African American History, the Williston High School Alumnae Association and the Upperman Center. Tickets to attend the show are $30 for prime seating, $25 for choice seating, and $20 for second-floor balcony seating. Jazz Society members and groups of 10 or more will receive $3 discounts for prime and choice tickets. The Upperman Center is offering vouchers in its office, exchangeable for free tickets at Thalian’s box office, to current UNCW students with valid ID. As well, on Friday, March 9th, Jimmy will teach a master class and sign copies of his autobiography, “I Walked With Giants,” in the Gunther Skiba Room of UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building at 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public. With careers encompassing seven decades of imaginative artistry, the Heath Brothers are part of the rich fabric of Wilmington’s contribution to jazz, something worth celebrating!

shows of the week Shayfer James The Whiskey 1 S. Front St. 3/7, $5, 9 p.m.

His voice is a gorgeous mix of The Killers’ Brandon Flowers and musician Greg Laswell, achieving a similar growling bass at times.

Paired with his evocative, soulful, rocking piano-playing, the experience of listening to Shayfer James is both entertaining and satisfying—he tickles the senses just as he does the ivories.

River City Extension Last Year’s Men Villa Verde Soapbox Laundro-Lounge 255 N. Front Street 3/9, $7-11, 10:00 p.m.

River City Extension (pictured), an eightmember group from New Jersey is making a name for itself, especially after just recording their second album with producer Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Iron and Wine). Orchestral instrumentation such as the cello and violion merges with keys, drums, trumpet, banjo, bongos and guitar to birth pulsing folk-rock.

The name Last Year’s Men pays tribute to their tunes: retro punk rock reminiscent of ‘50s and ‘60s pop—and specifically to the Leonard Cohen song, “Last Year’s Man.” Hailing from Durham, North Carolina, the foursome proves to be refreshingly energetic onstage.

From our own hometown comes effervescent indie act, Villa Verde. Comprised of Dylan Wilkinson, Wesley Hewett, Joshua Sullivan, the band produces complex rhythms and catchy melodies. Villa Verde will surely attract attention as the opener of this Soapbox show, presented

by Gravity Records.

All weekly music is listed on the soundboArd pAges.

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 31

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS What’s up at Fat Tony’s?

Saturday, March 3

UNC vs Duke.

Both locations. 7 PM Sunday, March 4 - FREE Be a tourist in your own hometown. Ghost stories from the folks at Haunted Pub Crawl.

Noon-6 PM downtown only.

Saturday, March 17 St. Patrick's Day celebration like none other!

Saturday, March 24 LIVE MUSIC and more!

Natty Greene's Draft Expo at downtown location. Largest tap takeover ever in NC! 24 drafts from Natty Greene's!

LIVE MUSIC

soundboard

a preview of tunes all over town this week

Gabby’s Lounge 7-10pm

Friday, March 2

OVERTYME Saturday, March 3

DANIEL PARRISH Friday, March 9

It’s all good.

131 North Front St. • (910) 343-8881 • 250 Racine Dr. (910) 452-9000 www.fatpub.com

MONDAY $3 Sweetwater 420, $10 Bud/ Bud lt Buckets, $4 Jack, Captain, and Even Williams Trivia From Hell at 7:30 TUESDAY $1 Tacos (4pm-close), $3 Dos XX Amber, $4 Cuervo, Lunazul, Bacardi, Jack and Jim Beam WEDNESDAY 1/2 price wine, $3 Pints, $4 Bombs, $5 Martinis THURSDAY Live Music (10pm-1am) 1/2 Price Wings (4pm-close), $2 Domestic Pints, $4 Jack, Jager, Fireball, Sailor Jerry, $5 Bombs FRIDAY & SATURDAY $4 Shooters, $5 Hell’s Cocktails $10 Party Pitchers SUNDAY Service Industry Night $2.50 Domestic Pints, $4 Jack, Jameson, Jager, and Crown $5 Bombs DUELING PIANOS Every Friday and Saturday Night @ 9:30 1/2 Price apps M-Th (4pm-7pm) Sunday (9pm-close)

ROOT SOUL

Saturday, March 10

KATE LO 1706 North Lumina Ave. (910) 256-2231 877-330-5050 • 910-256-2231

Nightly Food Specials starting at 5:00pm

$5 appetizers

EVERY WEEKDAY 5:00-7:00!

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

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

910-763-5366

32 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

LIVING THE DREAM: Born in Rockingham, NC (although he relocated with his mom to Atlanta at the age of 3), hit R&B artist The Dream not only records his own music, such as ‘Falsetto,’ but also writes songs for major musicians like Rihanna, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey. He’ll perform at Soapbox on Fri., Mar. 9th. Courtesy photo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7 KaraoKe with hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 acoustic Jazz Piano with James Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 DuB steP —Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086 Josh solomon & cary BenJamin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 DJ sir nicK BlanD —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 KaraoKe with DJ rich Delux —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878

wilmington icon singing contest with cash granD Prize —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 Benny hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115 gary allen’s acoustic oPen mic —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 eric miller, richarD welch —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 tanstrum —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 7633737 xanDali Presents nit grit, two Fresh —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 oPen mic night with Justin lacy —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 DJBe extreme KaraoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Jeremy norris —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 KaraoKe with DJ Brewtal

—Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 live acoustic —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 Benny hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115

tHuRSDAY, MARCH 8 KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 trivia with DJ —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 KaraoKe —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269 DJ lorD walrus —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 trivia with Party gras DJ —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805

DJBe extreme KaraoKe —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 team trivia with Dutch hawK —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 college night with DJ Battle —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833 live acoustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 oPen mic with Jeremy norris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 DJ sweat —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 have you hearD, crash city —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 7633737 lotus —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 5382939 massive Dynamics

—Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

massive dyNamics —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

stepheN gossiN —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141

geNe gregory —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141

i am love —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

KeNNedy parK —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832

phil Kelly —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 7633737

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

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

top 40 dj —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301

the dream —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

heath Brothers —Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.; 632-2241

FiredaNce & drums at darK, secret dj at 11 —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

marie josee lord —Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.; 632-2241

BiBis ellisoN BaNd —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

KaraoKe with dj damoN —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172

mighty mcFly —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

lotus, the malah —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 538-2939

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

friday, march 9

river city exteNsioN, last year’s meN, villa verde —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

dj Battle —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109 dj dr. joNes —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 house/techNo dj —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 dj —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001

wK rth Front St.;

ttle 3-5833 Cutoff;

rris 95-6204

ne Blvd., Jack-

t.; 254-9499

ty ont St.; 763-

4th St.; 538-

—Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 Kate lo —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231

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

t Street;

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 cary BeNjamiN —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

Fried lot —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115

port city trio —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.

dj alex a (cape Fear roller girls aFter party) —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 heath Brothers, joe chamBers allstars, BeNNy hill, doug irviNg, Brad merritt —Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.; 632-2241

Saturday, march 10

clay crotts, iNside 9 p.m.

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832

dj —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 djBe extreme KaraoKe —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607

susaN savia —Elijah’s, 2 Ann St.; 343-1448

reggae suNdays with dj dr. joNes —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833 dj jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677

dj sir NicK BlaNd —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776

jazz jam sessioN —S.W.A.C. Lounge, 723 N. 4th St.; (843) 276-8164

KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001

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

Filthy saturdays with dj Filthy —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833

perry smith (BruNch 12-2) —Aubriana’s; 115 S. Front St., 763-7773

dj milK —Pravda; 23 N. Front St., Wilmington

guitarist marK lyNch (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)

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

BeNNy hill aNd FrieNds —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888

dj p FuNK —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 acoustic jazz piaNo with james jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091

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

KaraoKe with hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 dj Battle —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551

KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001

house/techNo dj —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301

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

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

monday, march 12

jazz with BeNNy hill —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395

No dollar shoes —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.

misty may —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 7633737

marK daFFer —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832

cary BeNjamiN —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

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

dj daNe Britt

geNe gregory

KaraoKe —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 daNce party with chedr seleKt —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 acoustic jazz piaNo with james jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091

3.7 WEDNESDAY

karaoke night with dj be!

3.8 THURSDAY

trivia night 3.9 FRIDAY

mighty mcfly 3.10 SATURDAY

live music with the

bibus ellison band

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

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

KaraoKe KoNg —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056

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

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

MONDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm $2 Budweiser • $225 Heineken $3 Gin & Tonic TUESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm $2 White Wolf $250 Redstripe $350 Wells 35¢ Wings at 8pm WEDNESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm, 1/2 Priced Wine Bottle $250 Blue Moons $250 Corona/Corona Light THURSDAY $250 Domestic Bottles, $3 Import Bottles, $3 Rum and Coke 50¢ Steamed oysters and shrimp after 6pm FRIDAY DJ Sir Charles 2nd floor $3 Snow Day • $3 Kamikaze $5 Bombs SATURDAY DJ Sir Charles on 2nd floor 10pm $2 Coors Light • $3 Fruit Punch shots SUNDAY $250 Corona / Corona Light $350 Bloody Marys and Mimosas $4 Margaritas Clay Crotts inside at 9 p.m.

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

Sunday, march 11

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

100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832

peep show caBaret —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

root soul —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231

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

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS

MONDAYS

Poker Night 7pm & 9:30pm

TUESDAYS LIVE

TEAM TRIVIA

8pm

WEDNESDAYS

MONDAYS

POKER NIGHT 7pm & 9pm WEDNESDAYS

LIVE TEAM TRIVIA 8PM - 10PM followed by

PINT NIGHT

Live Music on the Patio

2.75

10PM-12AM

ALL PINTS

JEREMY NORRIS

Monkey Junction 910.392.7224

206 Old Eastwood Rd.

$

(by Home Depot)

910.798.9464

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

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 33

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS

Steven Compton —Barbary Coast; 116 S. Front St., 762-8996 KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 pengo with Beau gunn —Mellow Mushroom, 4311 Oleander Drive; 452-3773

Pub & Grille

Wrightsville Beach Pool ° Darts ° Foos ° Pong

Moxology Sun. & Mon. $5 Specialty Cocktails TueSday $2.00 Blue Point Draft 13 - $5 Wines per glass / $20.00 per bottle WedneSday & THuRSday $3.00 Seasonal Draft 13 - $5.00 Wines per glass / $20.00 per bottle Sunday $5.00 Mimosas $5.00 Bloody Mary

Wednesdays

2.29 WEDNESDAY

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

with dj be!

Thursdays

karaoke night 3.1 THURSDAY

trivia night 3.2 FRIDAY

honey james band

Fridays

live music with the 3.3 SATURDAY

machine gun

35 n. FRonT ST.

(910) 343-1395

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

Saturdays

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

Monday - THuRSday ½ price Apps from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Served at the bar only doWnToWn WilMingTon

KARAOKE

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

Sundays

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

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

BanksChannelPub.Com

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

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

4126 Oleander Dr. (910) 792-9700

Brett JohnSon’S Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 open miC with JoSh Solomon —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 KaraoKe with DJ @-hole —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 DJ riChtermeiSter —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

tuesday, march 13 Cape Fear BlueS Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 “it taKeS tueSDayS to tango” leSSonS 7-9 p.m.

—Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 KaraoKe with miKe norriS —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 KaraoKe with DJ party graS —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 inDie muSiC night —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 CrunK witCh, D+D SluggerS —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

Bar & Comedy Room

WedNeSdAY Nutt House Improv 9pm

ThurSdAY Open Mic Stand-up 9pm

Fri. & SAT. NATIONAL HEADLINERS 8 p.m.

March 2-3

nEaL brEnnan

(co-creator Dave Chappelle show)

March9-10

Chris Fairbanks 16th IrIsh InvasIon tour (4 Irish comics)

MONDayS 108 Walnut St.

Downtown Wilmington OPEN MIC (910) 762-1704 NIGHT

Join us for live music and some EVERY THURSDAY laughs with some of the finest Open Mic up-and-coming Nightand musicians with comics in town!

Plan B

8$5 p.m.Jager - 11:30and p.m.

flavored bombs Friday, January 13th Free Pool

Live Music $1.50 PbrS driftersofwilmington.com

34 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Every Wednesday Bottomless Cheese and Chocolate

$20

per person

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

Join us on Tuesdays!

Karaoke

at 9 p.m.

All 36 drafts only $2.50 all day long!

Wednesdays

FOX ICON Karaoke Contest Cash Grand Prize!

live aCouStiC —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 College night KaraoKe —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 trivia with DutCh From 94.5 the hawK —The Coastal Roaster, 5954 Carolina Beach Rd.; 399-4701 the travelerS —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212

win tickets to area events visit

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

www.encorepub.com

Wednesday, march 14 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 KaraoKe with hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 aCouStiC Jazz piano with JameS JarviS —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 JoSh Solomon & Cary BenJamin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 wilmington iCon Singing ConteSt with CaSh granD prize —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 DJ Sir niCK BlanD —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 KaraoKe with DJ riCh Delux —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 DuB Step —Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086 KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 Jeremy norriS —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 DJBe extreme KaraoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 roger DaviS, ron wilSon —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 live aCouStiC —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 Benny hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115 gary allen’S aCouStiC open miC —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 KaraoKe with DJ Brewtal —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 Benny hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115

All entertainment must be sent to music@ encorepub.com by Wednesday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar.

Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

ShowStoppers:

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

Concerts outside of Southeastern NC

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

910.251.8500 FOR MORE INFO

TUESDAY MARCH 13

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 South tryon StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 377-6874 3/8: The Dream 3/9: Mayday Parade, Downtown Fiction, Anarbor, Jonas Sees in Color 3/10: On the Border 3/14: Mute Math, Canon Blue THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BiltmorE avEnuE, aShEvillE, nC (828) 225-5851 3/7: Melissa Hyman, Ryan Furstenberg Duo, Cory Bishop 3/8: Two Fresh, Nit Grit 3/9: North Mississippi Allstars, Lightnin’ Malcolm 3/10: Just Die!, Zombie Queen, Pleasures of the Ultraviolent 3/11: Mute Math, Canon Blue 3/12: Henry Rollins 3/14: The Wood Brothers, Seth Walker NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM 5001 ColiSEum dr., n. CharlESton, SC (843) 529-5000 3/7: Elton John 3/13: Trans-Siberian Orchestra THE FILLMORE 1000 SEaBoard StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 549-5555 3/8: The Pink Floyd Experience

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. main StrEEt, CarrBoro, nC (919) 967-9053 3/9: Fanfarlo, Young Man 3/10: Good Old War, Belle Brigade, Family of the Year, Willy Mason 3/14: Yellow Dubmarine LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CaBarruS StrEEt, ralEigh, nC (919) 821-4111 3/8: Mayday Parade, We the Kings, Downtown Fiction, Anarbor 3/9: The War on Drugs, White Rabbit 3/10: Shoot to Thrill, Mostley Crue 3/13: Hank 3, Hell Billy, Attention Deficit Domination, 3 Bar Ranch

CRUnk WITCH / D&D SLUggERS DOORS: 8:00 / $5 THURSDAY MARCH 14

CAPE FEAR ROLLER gIRLS POST BOUT PARTY / DJ ALEX A

DOORS: 8:00 / FREE TUESDAY MARCH 6 LLAngHORnE SLIM /JOn LInDSAY / J kUTCHMA WEDnESDAY MARCH 7 niTgRiT / 2 FRESH FRIDAY MARCH 9 THE DREAM (UPSTAIRS) RIVER CITY EXTEnSIOn / LAST YEAR’S MEn/ VILLA VERDE (LOUngE) SATURDAY MARCH 10 THE “BEST OF” PEEP SHOW CABARET CAPE FEAR ROLLER gIRLS POST BOUT PARTY (LOUngE) TUESDAY MARCH 13 CRUnk WITCH / D&D SLUggERS THURSDAY MARCH 15 gRAHAM WHORLEY FRIDAY MARCH 16 DIRTY gUV’nAHS SATURDAY MARCH 17 MOnkEYknIFEFIgHT / AMERICAn AMERICAnS / gOLLUM TUESDAY MARCH 20 THE DELTA SAInTS WEDnESDAY MARCH 21 THE InFAMOUS STRIngDUSTERS/LEVI LOWREY

gRAHAM WHORLEY

LOUNGE

THE ROYAL WE: We the Kings, recorders of ‘Check Yes, Juliet’ and ‘Say You Like Me,’ will play Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre on Thursday, March 8th. Courtesy photo

LOUNGE

LOUNGE

FRIDAY MARCH 9 RIVER CITY EXTEnSIOn / LAST YEAR’S MEn VILLA VERDE DOORS: 9:00 / $7 Adv-$9 DOS SATURDAY MARCH 10

DOORS: 9:00 / FREE FRIDAY MARCH 23 JOnAS SEES In COLOR / HOUSE OF FOOLS / MEDUSA STOnE SATURDAY MARCH 24 HOOTS & HELLMOUTH SUnDAY MARCH 25 TREVOR HALL / CAS HALEY TUESDAY MARCH 27 AnDY DAVIS nAPPY ROOTS THE MORnIng AFTER / kICkIn gRASS (LOUngE) TUESDAY APRIL 3 JEFFREY LEWIS WEDnESDAY APRIL 4 kIMYA DAWSOn / PALEFACE THURSDAY APRIL 5 RIO BRAVO / HEYROCCO / VILLA VERDE FRIDAY APRIL 6 CAnnIBAL CORPSE / EXHUMED / ABYSMAL DAWn / ARkAIk THURSDAY APRIL 12 kOOLEY HIgH / T JOnES / THE SPEAkEASY gROOVE PROJECT

HOUSE OF BLUES 4640 hwy. 17 South, n. myrtlE BEaCh, SC (843) 272-3000 3/9: Badfish, Below the Bassline 3/10: Jane’s Addiction, Black Box Revolution OVENS AUDITORIUM 2700 E. indEpEndEnCE Blvd., CharlottE, nC (704) 372-3600 3/10: The Charlotte Symphony and the music of Michael Jackson All weekly music is listed on the soundboArd pAges.

WWW.THESOAPBOXLIVE.COM

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 35

grub&guzzle|

40-44 DINING GUIDE

What’s for dinner?

Find it in the premier dining guide for the Port City Bringing the taste of traditional New York Italian: Enjoy authentic Italian deli or hot sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more. Eat in, take-out or make your own using only the best quality products and ingredients. The aromas that fill the air are nothing short of spectacular!

AMERICAN BLUEWATER

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

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

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

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

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters to name a few. Larger Plates include Plancha grilled Painted Hills Steaks, Blackend Red Drum Filet, Charleston Crab Cakes, Tempura OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Queen Trigger fish. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand Crafted seasonal desserts from Alan DeLovely. Full ABC

36 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

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

Visit us for Wing Tuesdays with 50 cent wings all day long, or Boneless Thursdays with 60 cent boneless wings all day long.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a great place to dine in or take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon-Sat 11am2am and Sun 11am-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 locations-Midtown (910-798-9464) and Monkey Junction (910-392-7224) ■ MUSIC: Live music every Friday and Saturday in the Summer ■ WEBSITE: www.buffalowildwings.com

THE GEORGE ON THE RIVERWALK

Drop your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, your destination for dock ‘n’ dine. 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 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Don’t forget to try downtown’s most expansive menu for Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

You are welcome to dock your boat at the only dock’n’dine restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or enjoy our free, front door parking (ask for pass!) Why satisfy when you can indulge? Find the George on the Riverwalk at 128 South Water Street, 910-763-2052.

■ SERVING: Lunch: Tues. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Dinner: Tues. -

Thurs. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. 9 p.m.; Brunch: Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.thegeorgerestaurant.com

HALLIGAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

HENRY’S A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because its going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. Henry’s is home to live music, wine & beer dinners and other special events.

Check out their calendar of events at HenrysRestaurant. com for details. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

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

Holiday inn ResoRt

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

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

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

K’s Cafe

Visit us in our new location on the corner of Eastwood and Racine - 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109. “Where the people make the place” If you’re looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere with awesome home-cooked, freshly prepared meals, you can’t beat K’s Cafe. Serving Breakfast (from $3.50) and Lunch (including daily entree-and-two side specials for $6.95), and dinner. K’s Cafe is the best deal in Wilmington. They offer chargrilled burgers, including their most popular Hot Hamburger Platter smothered in gravy! They also offer great choices such as fresh chicken salad, crabcake sandwich, soups, and even a delicious Monte Cristo served on French toast bread. K’s also offers soup, sandwich and salad combos and a great variety of homemade desserts. On Sundays they offer a great brunch menu which changes every week. A variety of choices will be on the menu such as Shrimp and Grits and Eggs Benedict. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Give K’s Cafe a try...you won’t be sorry. 420 Eastwood Rd., Unit 109, 791-6995. Find us on Facebook or on our website, www.ks-cafe.net.

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

tHe little diPPeR

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

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

Pine Valley MaRKet

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

Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to child-

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

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

teMPtations eVeRyday GoURMet

Temptations Everyday Gourmet draws diners in by droves thanks to their creative menu selections, an extraordinary inventory of fine wines (over 300 varieties all without restaurant markups) and trained staff that go beyond culinary excellence. Recognized as Best Lunch Spot by WWAY in 2011, as well as having its chef, Michael Comer, touted among the top three best chefs in Wilmington, according to StarNews’ Taste of Wilmington 2010, Temptations offers two locations to serve Wilmingtonians. Located in Hanover Center for 25 years, signature items include their Homemade Chicken Salad and Turkey, Brie and Apple Sandwich, as well as their Porter’s Neck location’s Pimiento Cheeseburger. The Porter’s Neck location also serves an expanded dinner menu, which changes weekly. Their daily features, including specialty soups, salads, quiche and paninis, keeps patrons busy choosing healthy, fast foods whether dining onsite or back at the office. in fact, ask Temptations about their Office Party Menu for your next gathering. Their gourmet retail shop provides unique gourmet gift items featuring many locally made specialty foods, chocolates and goodies.

■ SERVING LUNCH: Hanover Center, 3501 Oleander Dr., Ste 13. Mon.-Sat., 11am – 6pm (Closed Sundays) ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Porter’s Neck Center, 8207 Market St., Ste F. Mon. Wed., 10am-8:30pm; Thurs.-Sat., 10am-9pm. Dinner features begin at 5pm.

(Closed Sundays) ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Midtown & North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.temptationseverydaygourmet.com ■ FEATURING: An expanded dinner menu, at the Porter’s Neck location, which changes weekly.

tRolly stoP

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

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN sZeCHUan 132

Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation

as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

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

HiRo JaPanese steaKHoUse

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

■ SERVING DINNER: Open Mon. thru Thurs. 4pm10pm; Fri. and Sat. 4pm-10:30pm and Sun. 11am10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Hibachi style dining.

■ WEBSITE: hirojapanesesteakhouse.com/hibachi

indoCHine RestaURant & loUnGe

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com

tHai sPiCe

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”seven years in a row! 10 Market Street, downtown Wilmington, (910) 815-0810.

■ SERVING DINNER: Sun.- Thurs.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.capricebistro.com

oUR CRÊPes & MoRe

The Crêperie of Wilmington !Our Crêpes & More a family owned and operated French Crêperie, is serving authentic, homemade French cuisine to dine in or to go. Everything on their menu is under $10, and is a healthy alternative, while eating a savory meal or sweet treat. Open at 7 am Tuesday through Friday, and 8 am Saturday & Sunday, Our Crêpes & More offers a delicious variety of breakfast combos, quickly served or to take out. A must try: the Nutella Croissant! On the Savory side, the St-Malo, Quebec, Forestiere Royale or Tahiti are among the most popular. Their homemade Ratatouille, South France type Sub like the Pain Bagnat are worth the detour too! On the sweet side, The Versailles, Mt-Blanc or Crazy Nutella (with homemade Nutella ice cream) will make you come back for more!

They also serve Fresh Salads or Soups depending on the seasons, amazing all natural Homemade Sorbet & Ice Cream, Croissants & Chocolate Croissants. With free WiFi and live French radio, Our Crepes & More is a pleasant and casual place to unwind. Our Crepes & More can accommodate large parties!

■ OPEN: TUESDAY – FRIDAY 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

SATURDAY & SUNDAYS 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Monday Closed.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, 3810 Oleander Drive (at the corner of 39th Street) ■ FEATURING: Vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Free Wi-Fi. ■ WEBSITE: www.ourcrepesandmore.com

INDIAN

From the flavorfully mild to the fiery spiced, Thai Spice customers are wooed by the dish that’s made to their specifications. Featuring a tasteful menu of traditional Thai standards to numerous delectable house specials, it’s quickly becoming the local favorite for Thai cuisine.

This family-run restaurant is sure to win you over. If you haven’t discovered this gem, come in and be charmed.

Whether it be a daytime delight, or an evening indulgence, your visit will make you look forward to your return. Located in Monkey Junction at 5552 Carolina Beach Rd., Ste. G. (910) 791-0044 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue.-Th.: 11:30am – 9:30pm; Fri.-Sat.: 11:30am – 10:00pm; Sun.: 11:30am – 9:00pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.com

FRENCH

CaPRiCe BistRo

tandooRi Bites

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown.

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 37

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

ITALIAN A TASTE OF ITALY

offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area.

Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.

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

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

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

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com

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

■ WEBSITE: www.epwilmington.com ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, kids menu and online coupons.

■ WEBSITE: www.giorgios-restaurant.com.

EDDIE ROMANELLI’S

SLICE OF LIFE

is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas. Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak. Romanelli’s

ELIZABETH’S PIZZA

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

In business since 1994, Come in and see why!

A Taste of Italy was founded in 1994 by brothers Tommy and Chris Guarino.

The brothers came to the Port City from New York bringing with them, the taste of a traditional Italian delicatessen.

SERVING BREAKFAST LUNCH & DINNER Dine In • Take Out • Catering

1101 S. COLLEGE RD · (p) 910.392.7529 · (f) 910.392.9745 SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

M-F 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. • Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sun. 11:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.

www.ncatasteofitaly.com

38 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

122 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and our newest location in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT:

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

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

LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFE

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon Sat. 11am-2:30pm and from 5-10pm. Closed Sunday.

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

ORGANIC LOVEY’S MARKET

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.-Fri., 11am–6pm; Sat. & Sun., 11am-6pm(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9am-7pm; Sat., 9am-6pm; Sun., 10am-6pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, New Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. Newly expanded.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com.

SEAFOOD DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “BohemianChic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

EAST

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

Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256-2251.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.blockade-runner.com

HIERONYMUS

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

Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering services. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2011.

5035 Market Street; 910-392-6313; hieronymusseafood.com ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Fireside oyster bar.

■ WEBSITE: www.hieronymusseafood.net

OCEANIC

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

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

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

■ WEBSITE: OceanicRestaurant.com

SMALL PLATES THE FORTUNATE GLASS

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

■ SERVING EVENINGS: Tues.-Thurs. 4pm-12am Fri. 4pm-2am; Sat. 2pm-2am; Sun. 2pm-12am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Free Wine Tasting: Tues. 6-8pm. Spar-

kling wine specials and half-price select bottles: Wed. & Thurs. Monthly food & wine pairing events.

■ WEBSITE www.fortunateglasswinebar.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET

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

Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive. (910) 798-2913.

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

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

YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear

Women of Achievement May 10, 2012 • 5:30 PM Hilton Wilmington Riverside

YWCA Lower Cape Fear’s signature event celebrating outstanding women and young leaders.

SPORTS BAR

For more information regarding the event, visit: www.ywca-lowercapefear.org or call 799.6820.

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE

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

Located on College Rd. near UNCW, this lively sports-themed restaurant.

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilming-

ton.

■ WEBSITE: CarolinaAleHouse.com

2012 CAPE FEAR Wildlife Expo

March 16-18 Fri. & Sat. 9am-6pm Sun.: 10am-5pm Wilmington Convention Center & Coastline Conference Center

HISTORIC WILMINGTON FOUNDATION PRESENTS:

Azalea Festival

2012

Home Tour

Saturday, April 14 from 1pm-6pm and Sunday, April 15 from 1pm-5pm Featuring houses in downtown Wilmington, NC that are full of individual appeal and architectural or historical significance.

Tickets: $25 www.historicwilmington.org

HELL’S KITCHEN

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

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Dueling pianos Thurs., Fri., and Sat. nights. and 1/2 priced

select appetizers M-TH 4-7pm ■ WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

Picture Show

Something Wonderful: The Musical Genius of Rodgers & Hammerstein

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

This fifty member choral group performs with worldclass soloists and an orchestra of musicians.

Sat., March 24 • 8pm

Special Rocky Horror Show With Shadow Cast MARCH 9 • 10pm

Winter Park Baptist Church

Tickets: $15 • Available at www.carolinavocalarts.org

Wilmington’s Premiere

FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE

Serving up the best bar food for any local sports fan, Fox & Hound has appetites covered. Located next to Mayfaire Cinema 16, it’s no question that Fox is a great place to go on date night, or to watch the big game on one of the restaurant’s six large projection screens and 19 plasma televisions. Guests can also play pool, darts or video games in this casual-theme restaurant. For starters, Fox offers delicious appetizers like ultimate nachos, giant Bavarian pretzels and spinach artichoke dip. In the mood for something more? Try the hand-battered Newcastle fish ‘n’ chips or chicken tenders, or the grilled Mahi-Mahi served atop a bed of spicy rice. From cheeseburgers and sirloins to salads and wood oven-inspired pizzas, Fox has plenty to choose from for lunch or dinner.

Finish the meal with a 6-inch Great Cookie Blitz, a chocolate chip cookie baked fresh to order and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s syrup. 920 Town Center Drive, (910) 509-0805.

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

Rocky Horror

Stephen Field, Director Presents

mccoll-associates.com/wib

March 22, 2012 11:30am - 1:00pm Press 102 S. Second Street

The First Order of Business: The Business of YOU Discovering a Healthy Recipe for Living Terry Jean Taylor CEO & Owner, Your Recipe For Living Coach, LLC

Tickets ickets $40 • Includes Lunch 910.350.1211

33

Sketch Comedy Show

rd Annual

Wilmington Woman’s Club

March 22, 29 April 5, May 3

Coastal Living Showcase

Doors Open 8:30pm Shows a 9pm

Making Life Better in 2012 Saturday, March 17th • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday, March 18th • 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM Schwartz Center Cape Fear Community College 620 N. Front • Wilmington, NC 28401 www.wilmingtonwomansclub.com

Tickets: $5

111 Grace St. Wilmington

910-341-0001

Boston

Presents:

David Mamet’s

Marriage March 8-11, 15-18

“A drawing-room comedy about desire, deception & very bad manners.”

See WilmingtonTickets.com for Showtimes Red Barn Studio 1122 S. Third Street (910) 762-0955 Tickets: $23 & $25

CHRIS FAIRBANKS

Friday, March 9th and Saturday, March 10th Jimmy Kimmel Live • Comedy Central Last Comic Standing • Tosh. O Writer and Host Fuel’s •The Daily Habit 8pm Show | Doors 7pm | Admission: $12

255 North Front Street

Wilmington, NC 28401 • 910-251-7881

Mendelssohn’s ‘’Elijah’’ May 19, 2012 • 7:30PM

Temple Baptist Church 1801 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28403

Covering the Arts, Theater, Music, Festivals, Dance & more in Southeastern N.C. StarNewsOnline.com/theWAE

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 39

//GRUB

casual and inviting: Pizzetta’s is a good, local Italian joint

T

he family pizzeria is a Time-

honored tradition. Conjuring images of red-and-white-checked table cloths and wicker-covered Chianti bottles repurposed as candle holders, family-style Italian food remains at least a little piece of any good childhood. While Pizzetta’s eschews the sillier stereotypes of the cheesy Italian joints we see in the movies, its raucous atmosphere and affordable fare make it no less welcoming.

The single dining room was clean and bustling, and noise permeated the space as I joined a friend for Saturday lunch a few weeks ago. Tucked away in Anderson Square, a few doors down from The Wine Sampler off Oleander Drive, the narrow space keeps a pretty loyal crowd in its almost-year infancy. Even though we dined late by any reasonable standard, we got the very last table available.

Pizzetta’s is a perfect example of why a reviewer must judge a restaurant based on how well it achieves its own goals rather than his or her own preferences. Under most circumstances, the yelping toddler behind me would send me screaming from the room.

However, Pizzetta’s makes no pretense about its “family-friendly” atmosphere. I’d be remiss to criticize any establishment for doing something I don’t like and doing it well.

Make no mistake: Had I endured a similar dining experience at Port Land Grille, nothing but vitriol would fill the page. But Pizzetta’s isn’t fine dining; it’s casual and inviting.

The specialty pizza slices are worth a look.

Many pizza parlors offer exotic or outlandish options, but few of them offer slices only. I couldn’t resist a taste of the grilled chicken Caesar salad pizza, more out of curiosity than hunger. In the end, it amounted to little more than a slice of cheese pizza warmed,

by Rosa Bianca eria Pizzetta’s Pizz r Dr 4107-F Oleande 00 (910) 799-43 Pricing: $$ and covered with chopped Romaine and finely cubed chicken, served with a side of Caesar dressing. I admit, as novelty pizza goes, this slice is better than one would think it should be.

Normally I avoid chicken on pizza because I find that few—if any—restaurants can prepare it without drying out the meat. In this case, the lettuce and chicken are added after the pizza is cooked. The juxtaposition of cool lettuce and cold chicken over a warm slice of pizza makes for a wildly different experience.

While I won’t be returning for it again and again, I do applaud a restaurant willing to take risks with its menu (folks can also find chicken marsala and Buffalo chicken among its offerings, as well as extremely thick Sicilian slices).

My lobster ravioli made an even greater impression. Its thick, rich sauce (no doubt prepared with more heavy cream than any doctor would recommend) complemented the pasta beautifully. Hints of garlic and oregano make the sauce classic and delightful.

The ravioli itself was far closer to al dente than I expected of a small restaurant, which requires speed of service and rotation of tables to make money. I expected noodles cooked hours earlier to be served with unpleasant haste. I was happily surprised.

Even more delicious was the Casa Mia, a

The Best Place in Town!

GEL LCN, PINK & WHITE, SHELLAC, ACRYLIC, PEDICURE, MANICURE, WAXING, FACIAL 1043 S.College Road

10% OFF for all students, wedding & birthday

(In Seahawk landing, opposite from Katy's Wings)

910-392-7055

Mon-Sat :9:30am-7:30pm • Sun:12am-5pm

40 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

IMPRESSIVE EATS: The garlic knots and Casa Mia at Pizzetta’s are not to miss at this hotspot-of-anew eatery off Oleander. Photo by Bethany Turner

Pizzetta’s specialty, filled with ground meat and in a pink cream sauce, enhanced by mushrooms, peas and diced ham. A flavorful offering served over a choice of pasta, I recommend it fully. The salty rich flavor of the ham blends seamlessly with the hearty beef and tomato base. Still, the more delicate tastes of the peas and mushrooms are never overpowered. The balance struck is quite impressive. I have only the silliest complaint: It was far too big. I’m no stranger to over-indulging, but I took half of this plate home. Lovers of small-plate fare might consider splitting a course.

In each case, the pasta, while delicious in its own right, took a backseat to the bread. Pizzetta’s garlic knots are reason

THE MOST DELICIOUS WEEK OF SPRING IS MaRCH 21-28

enough to make the drive over there.

Doughy and buttery, they make diners unashamed to sop up pasta sauce and eat with abandon. I can’t write enough good words here; every restaurant should, at some level, be judged on the quality of its bread. Pizzetta’s may be a noisy little pizza joint, but on the bread question, it gets an enthusiastic endorsement.

On a somewhat sour note, I suggest dessert elsewhere. Of the two crème brûlées sent to our table, each came undercooked, one more moderately than the other. In the best of circumstances, having a poorly prepared crème brulee is like eating sugary scrambled eggs. Under the worst circumstances, raw eggs could be far more threatening to a customer’s health.

Service at Pizzetta’s can best be described as efficient. Again, I can find no stylistic fault. My friend and I got out of there with a bill around $30. Servers would starve if they wasted time at the table with unnecessary chit chat. They need to turn the tables, but what’s most impressive is that they do so without ever seeming rude or unpleasant. If anything, I was amazed at the speed of service in a restaurant so busy. The kitchen and the service staff work in pretty remarkable harmony.

I loved Pizzetta’s for what it is: a noisy, innovative, fun, local pizza joint. Though maybe not the best spot to choose for a first date—you’ll never hear what your companion has to say—it’s perfect for the 10th date (when you already know everything your companion has to say).

Enjoy the place for what it has to offer.

And get two orders of the garlic knots.

www.twitter.com/sweetwaterbrew • www.facebook.com/sweetwaterbrew

www.sweetwaterbrew.com

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encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 41

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Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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42 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Think Again!

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Thank you for voting us “Best Moving Company” 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012! www.twomenandatruck.com • 3861 US Highway 421 N. • 910-763-7990

Wilmington Water Tours

photo by Alan Craddick

RIVER CLUB

Join us on March 8th for our Last River Club with music by PLAN B Starting March 15 we will start our ACOUSTIC SPOTLIghT ON ThE RIvER Featuring a different local musician during our sunsets cruises on Thursday & Friday nights starting @ 5:30pm

BAR OPENS @ 5:30 PM MUSIC STARTS @ 6:30

MARCH 17th - GET YOUR GREEN ON St.Patty’s Day cruise 5:30 p.m. Enjoy Irish Beer, Irish tasty treats & some Live Irish Music by Forrest Tabor

APRIL FOOL’S DAY

April 1st Sunday the “Comically Impaired” (Wilmingtons First Improv Group) are back! Come aboard & be prepared to laugh a lot 3 p.m.

UPCOMING CRUISES

Sat. April 21st at 10 a.m. BLACK RIVER EXCURSION April 14th at 7 p.m.

AZALEA FESTIVAL FIRECRACKER CRUISE 1 1/2 hour cruise, Captains Buffet & Front Row viewing for Fireworks!!

Reserve now for our Lock & Dam Excursion on May 20th

Leave the driving to us.....

COMPLIMENTARY ShUTTLE NOW AvAILABLE FOR PARTIES OF 10 OR MORE FOR OUR BLACKWATER ADvENTURE, SUNSET CRUISE & OUR CAPTAIN’S LAZY DAY CRUISES. PICK UP & DROP OFF AT 1 LOCATION...CALL FOR MORE DETAILS

A Relaxing Recipe MORE INFO 910-338-3134

JUST ADD WATER!

Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

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

wilmingtonwatertours.com handicap accESSiblE

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 43

extraextra|

45 PUB CRAWL 46 VERIZON RECYCLING RALLY 49 CROSSWORD 50-63 CALENDAR, TOONS, ETC

cold ones for a cause: Cheers and Beers Pub Crawl gives back to National MS Society

e

by Christina Dor Pub Crawl s er Cheers and Be 8th Thursday, March .

118 Princess St Hell’ s Kitchen • 5:30-9:30 p.m. day of $10/adv. or $15/ ms.org iety www.nationalsoc

I

t Is hard and horrIfyIng to acknowl-

edge that up to 350,000 people suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). With 200 new cases diagnosed each week, its attack on the nerves of the brain and spinal cord affects loss of muscle control, vision, balance and sensation (such as numbness)—all attacked by one’s own immune system. The autoimmune disease has debilitating symptoms, sudden unpredictability and longlasting health effects. Though no one knows the cause, doctors and the National MS Society (with many chapters scattered all across the world) are arduously and frantically searching for a cure.

While medications for MS often help, their adverse effects take a toll on the body. Likewise, meds can be poorly compatible, depending on the individual. In the end, the disease knows no age limit; it can affect anyone from 20 to 50 years old.

In Wilmington and throughout the southeast, the MS Society has been very proactive to educate and inspire folks to come together and combat its statistics. With charity walks, runs and bike rides, they keep education heightened and reach out to those who have MS, as well as family members and friends. This month there will be a new fund-raising approach from the local MS committee: a downtown pub crawl.

“This is the first beer crawl we’ve ever done,” Maggi Apel, committee member, says. “We have organized events like simple luncheons

44 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

over the past three years, but we decided to [try] something new. We also figured that a pub crawl would not only be fun, while supporting a good cause, but help out some of the local businesses downtown.”

Known as the Cheers and Beers Pub Crawl, the event takes place on Thursday, March 8th, in hopes of reaching out to all people, from different age groups and cultures. Apel herself understands the horrors of MS, as she shares her mother’s history with the disease. In fact, many members of the MS Society either know someone who is afflicted or have lost someone to Multiple Sclerosis.

Though Apel says past events have been highly successful, the local chapter is seeking to gather a larger audience. “We chose to do a pub crawl to raise awareness mainly within a younger crowd and an overall different crowd that we feel we have not reached entirely,” she notes.

The Cheers and Beers Pub Crawl is a strictly 21-and-older event. At 5:30 p.m., the party will begin with a kickoff bash at Hell’s Kitchen on Princess Street. Afterward, all participants will migrate to various downtown bars and restaurants such as Fat Tony’s, Caffe Phoenix, The Eat Spot and Goodfellas.

“As far as choosing locations, we just kind of talked about different establishments we are familiar with,” Apel says, “and what we thought about places that would be able to provide food— because with a pub crawl, where most people

would be drinking, we wanted that to be offered as well. In the end, every business we asked did not hesitate to support our cause.”

According to Apel, the chapter is expecting 50 to 75 to attend the crawl. With hopes of random passersby and bar regulars joining in, the Cheers and Beers Pub Crawl will offer a raffle of illustrious prize. Included is a $100 gift certificate to Perry’s Emporium, designer sunglasses from Eye Care Associates, a three-month membership to Planet Fitness, a $50 gift certificate to local bicycle business Two Wheeler Dealer, a Bangz Hair Salon gift basket, original artwork by Leslie Isaksen and more. The raffle will be drawn at the final destination, Goodfellas, around 9:30 p.m.

“All proceeds from the fund-raiser and raffle will go directly to the National MS Society, and many of its chapters in North Carolina and all along the southeastern coast,” Apel says.

The monies raised will be used to find the cause, treatment and, ultimately, a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. The money is also used to provide education, information, direct financial support, and scholarships to individuals and families living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event. To purchase tickets, visit http://main. nationalmssociety.org/goto/CheersAndBeers.

To learn more about Multiple Sclerosis and to find volunteer and donation opportunities, visit www. nationalsocietyms.org.

Thank You encore Readers for voting us “Best Men’s Store” encore

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computer breakdown: new and used digital and film cameras

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

Discounts for darkroom students and instructors.

Southeastern Camera

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

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E-cycle laptops and help a veteran t

by Brooke Kavi y s Recycling Rall es el ir Verizon W Converse Road March 8th • 3601 m.

7:30 a.m. - 4 p. come!

Electronics wel

I

t’s that tIme of year agaIn—the

birds are chirping, the sun is shining and temperatures hovering in the mid70s have us all dying to spend our days on Wrightsville Beach. Spring has definitely sprung in the port city. That means it’s also time for some spring e-cleaning. Yes, “e”cleaning (and, no, that doesn’t mean encore offices; although, if you’re willing, please, do call!). It, too, benefits the environment and our military men and women.

On March 8th, Verizon Wireless is hosting its second public recycling rally at its call center on Converse Road, off Shipyard Boulevard. Folks can bring any and all of their old electronics, as well as glass, plastics and aluminum. An outside recycling

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company then disposes of the items, making sure to strip them down to their essential materials and metals, which can then be distributed for re-use. For instance, the plastics in an old keyboard can be used to make a dashboard in a new car. It’s techsavvy green living.

“Verizon’s objective with our recycling rallies is to provide an easy and convenient way for our employees and the communities we serve to dispose of electronics in an environmentally friendly way,” James Gowen, Verizon’s vice president and chief sustainability officer, said in a statement.

Through these types of recycling events, Verizon was able to offset the equivalent of 562 tons of carbon dioxide last year. They hope to top that number this time around, and along the way help some of America’s returning heroes by partnering with Work Vessels for Veterans.

“It was about four years ago, I was trying to figure out what to do with my old boat,” John Niekrash, Connecticut lobsterman and Work Vessels for Veterans representative, said. “I decided to give it to a veteran coming home from Iraq. I wanted to do something of value to help him start earning his living.”

A dedicated network of businessmenturned-volunteers collects vessels, which they consider to be anything of help to a veteran with his civilian career or pursuance of higher education. “Originally we were going to do a boat a year,” Niekrash informed, “but the word got out around the country so fast that we were overwhelmed with vets asking for assistance with other types of vessels.”

The focus on the recycling rally on March 8th will be laptops. Laptops will be set aside from other collected e-waste, hard drives will be wiped, and they will be refurbished and given to well-deserving veterans.

“Laptops really are one of our big things,” Niekrash stated. “Some of these vets come back without a laptop and nowadays you

can’t go back to school or start a business without one.”

Veterans apply on the charity’s website to receive a laptop or vessel, and the group has helped over 500 returning military men and women so far. However there are so many veterans who apply for laptops from the group, the demand is a bit overwhelming. “We’re actually backlogged right now so any laptops we could get would be great!

We can really use any,” Niekrash noted.

Verizon’s sustainability office has traveled all across the country hosting these types of e-recycling events since 2009. When they came to Wilmington last, they collected more electronics than at any other stop in the program’s history. Wilmingtonians could be upping the ante this year and showing support for the brave men and women who work so hard to protect us.

The recycling rally will take place March 8th from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Verizon Call Center at 3601 Converse Road. Other items accepted include: televisions, computer cables, keyboards, gaming consoles, telephones, stereo equipment, paper shredders, alarm clocks, printers, cameras, remote controls, small electronic appliances (including coffee makers and toasters) and any electronic toys without batteries.

For more information on Work Vessels for Veterans go to www.wvfv.net.

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encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 47 2/20/12 4:22 PM

“Main Attractions”

Thalian Hall

Center for the Performing Arts

Marie Josee Lord Friday March 9th at 8pm

Jammin 99.9

2nd Chance Prom Presented By

Parkway Hyundai 70’s Flashback

Featuring Motown, R&B, and 70’s hit music

and an enticing Tapas Menu with a cash bar

Coastline Convention Center March 31, 2012

7pm until 11pm

Tickets: Presale through March 23 at 5pm $42.50 per person or $85 per couple

After presale $50 per person or $100 per couple Glorious Artistry by the beautiful young Soprano, awarded the Prix d’Excellence de la Culture by Quebec Opera Foundation.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW! Thalian Hall Box Office (910) 632-2285 or visit www.thalianhall.org

Since 1858 • One of America’s Most Historic Theatres Media Partners

48 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Stay at Hilton Wilmington Riverside Ask for the 2nd chance Prom rate

Vintage Tux available at Cape Fear Formal Wear

For Ticket information: Call 910-791-3088 or visit Jammin999fm.com

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2012 STANLEY NEWMAN

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3/11/12

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

YACKETY-YAK: We’ll be terser next time

by Norma Steinberg ACROSS 1 Throw into a panic 6 Sitters have them 10 Choir part 14 Diamond surface 19 Heaps 20 Small spot of land 21 Food plan 22 Spry 23 Dilbert cartoonist 24 “Mention you and there you are!”

27 Casino city 28 Yellow melon 29 Prehistoric predators 30 Factual miscellany 32 Country singer Evans 34 Mars’ Greek counterpart 35 Solidify 38 Don’t be a pushover 42 Bane 44 With 6 Down, art seen in The Da Vinci Code 45 Busybody 47 Word on utility bills 48 Brazilian dance 53 Hash things out 56 Word processing function 57 High point 60 Sierra Club founder 61 Fabric store meas.

62 “Eventually we’ll know” 67 Apt rhyme for “cache” 70 Small gap, in typesetting 71 Goes it alone 73 Amazon, for instance 77 Shave, as sheep 79 “Mercy me!”

81 Studio producing Gone With the Wind 84 Part of, as a plan

86 87 88 92 96 97 100 101 104 110 111 113 114 115 117 120 121 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133

Eastern European Exact duplicate “Is that so?”

Had Boo-boo Business-plan details Entranced Had a longing Bailiff’s instruction Recent immigrant’s class: Abbr.

Iowa city Regarding Reprimanded, with “out” Protected (from) Condor nests Sharp taste Show one’s dissatisfaction Provisional government Wore Holder in Obama’s cabinet Chow __ (Chinese course) Zeal Weather system Stage scenery Sp. miss Decade fractions

DOWN 1 Athens’ ancient enemy 2 Source of some vinegars 3 Singer Morissette 4 Expunge 5 Half a figure eight 6 See 44 Across 7 African snakes 8 Make happy 9 “Chilean” fish

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 25 26 28 31 33 35 36 37 39 40 41 43 46 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 58 59 63 64 65 66 68 69 72 74 75

Trouble Pick-me-up Half of octoEveryone else Slowly disappears Mellows LII doubled Pro quarterback Manning Business card abbr.

Meryl, in Out of Africa CFO, e.g. __ a Hot Tin Roof Garfield waitress Oodles Turkey topping Urged (on) Impolite expressions Sean Lennon middle name Part of USNA Froth GI hangout In addition __ noire (bugaboo) Thor’s dad Computerized enactments, for short Parts of a process Behaves Falsified, as a check Seeing red Persian’s plaint Those ladies, in Lyons Cry from the nursery Trap due to frost Tilted Lounge around Kangaroo pocket, e.g.

Sword handles Metaphorical slight Legislative output Pennsylvania port

76 78 80 81 82 83 85 89

Rip Friends character Off-white shade Defiant retort 1990s Second Family Wall work Short breaks of a sort La Palme __ (Cannes Film Festival prize) 90 Decoration 91 Abominable snowman

93 94 95 98 99 102 103 105 106 107

__ Paulo Goads To be, to Marie Seagoing shortcut Flowing water Austen novel Poker cards More spooky Inherent character Actress Seyfried or Bynes 108 Trusted advisor

109 Mystery writer awards 112 Sleep sound 115 Computer screen symbol 116 Give off 118 Pt. of a monogram 119 Sicilian spewer 121 TV channels 2-13 122 Rowing implement 123 Bachelor’s last words 124 Mac alternatives 125 Noisy bird

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

Happy Hour

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

n

tel. (310) 337-7003

Sundays-Thursdays, all day

4-6 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays 1/2 price sushi (regular rolls) $3 select appetizers (Special not to be combined with other offers.)

Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet 16 South Front Street • 910-772-9151 260 Racine Drive • 910-799-6799 3520 Oleander Drive • 910-791-8887

Hibachi Special fAX (310) 337-7625

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Nikki’s hiibachi steak house 1055 Military Cutoff Rd # 100 (910) 509-8998 www.nikkissushibar.com encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 49

events SPRING FASHION PREVIEW 3/8, 7-9pm: Spring Fashion Preview presented

by Wilmington Dermatology Center. “Style Girl” Jess James, editor and publisher of the “Fashion Fix” and Focus on the Coast fashion editor, Blue Hand Home’s design team and your favorite boutique owners and designers.

Feat. age-appropriate looks for spring modeled by local women community leaders in their 30s to 70+, style and beauty secrets, season essentials & deals you won’t wanna miss! Delectable bites, sweet treats and wine and bubbly; $17 at www.stylegirljessjames.com! First 25 guests to purchase tickets online will be entered to win the “Spring in Style” grand prize! 910-495-5467

3/8: SPRING FASHION SHOW Style Girl Jess James is at it again—bringing some of the hottest styles to Wilmington through her Spring Fashion Preview show, taking place at Blue Hand Home in the Forum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. The hottest wares from boutiques like Beanie + Cecil, Oliver, Spectrum Gallery, Ziabird and Port City Eye Associates, among many more, will be on display. Tickets are $17 and include small bites, with sweet treats and bubbly included! Purchase tickets online at www.stylegirljessjames.com.

COASTAL CONSUMER SHOWCASE 2nd annual Coastal Consumer Showcase: “Highlighting the Best in Local Products & Services,” Thurs, 3/8, 4pm-8pm, in the St. James Community Center. Over 43 businesses participating including: 3 Cheers Party Rentals, Cape Fear Insurance, Carillon Assisted Living, Ocean Trail Convalescent, SeaPhone, Lowes Home Improvement, Port City Java, The State Port Pilot, Healthplans-NC, Edward Jones, Med Spa of Brunswick Family Medicine and more! Free, w/over $2k in prizes give away. info@ southport-oakisland.com or 910-457-6964.

THALIAN HALL MAIN ATTRACTIONS SERIES Thalian Hall Main Attractions Series. Schedule: 3/9, 8pm: Marie Josee Lord: Boillon (Jambalaya). Glori-

ous artistry by the beautiful young soprano awarded the Prix d’Excellence de la Culture by Quebec Opera Foundation. With piano and violin accompaniment, she entwines Gordon Lightfoot, Verdi, Lama, Gershwin, Bizet, Joni Mitchell and more into a sumptuous musical feast. www.mariejoseelord.com • 3/23, 8pm. Sagapool: Six musicians plus guitar, bass, accordion, percussion, banjo, piano, glockenspiel, Rhodes, violin and clarinet equal a world-scape of exuberant joy. With tours including Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Egypt and France, Sagapool now adds quite a number of US concert stops to their collective passports. www.sagapool.com. www.ThalianHall.org Box Office 910-632-2285; 800-523-2820. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Events subject to change. All tickets subject to $1 historic restoration fee added at time of purchase.

FRIENDS OF LIBRARY, LELAND The Friends of the Leland Library wish to invite all gardeners to attend their book sale on Sat., 3/10, 10am-2pm, at the Magnolia House, 485 Village Road in Leland. Feat. books on gardening this month and have a great selection. Also this month we are highlighting books by Robert Ludlum and Sandra Brown. These author’s books will be half price (both hardback and paperback).Children’s books are always welcome and needed. All genres of books as well as CD’s and DVD’s. Unless otherwise marked, paperback books are 50 cents and hardcovers are $1. All monies raised support the Leland Library.

INDEPENDENCE MALL Independence Mall in welcoming the spring season with a host of events! Pinewood Derby, 3/10, 10am2pm. Cape Fear Council of Boy Scouts of America will hold the annual Pinewood Derby in the Sears Court. Feat. the winners from 20 local Cub Scout Packs competing for the area title. • Easter Bunny Arrival, 3/24, 10am: The Easter Bunny will be available for portraits at Center Court through April 7th. www.shopindependencemall.com WILMINGTON WATER TOURS Sunday, 3/11, 2-4pm. $35/p. Join us for our new Sunday tradition, a Jazz Brunch Cruise down the Cape Fear River. Every Sunday at 2pm we will be hosting a catered brunch, live music from Mark Lynch and of course a relaxing float down the river.

Enjoy a Bloody Mary or a glass of wine from our full bar, we will be shoving off rain or shine and hope to see you for a little Sunday Funday Cruisin’.

CAPE FEAR JEWISH SINGLES Cape Fear Jewish Singles welcome. 45+—enjoy meeting new people and Jewish,join the Cape Fear Jewish Singles for a fun time on a Wilmington Water Tours cruise on Sun, 3/18, 3-5pm. Cost is $25.Hors d’oeuvre and a cash bar. RSVP by 3/14: Regina Harris 910 686-7990 or reginaharris1137@gmail.com.

Sponsored by the Welcoming Committee of the Temple of Israel, 1 S. Fourth St..

CAPE FEAR WILDLIFE EXPO 4th annual Cape Fear Wildlife Expo, 3/16-18; Fri/ Sat, 9am-7pm; Sun., 10am-5pm. Family event that features wildlife art and decoy displays; book signings by regional outdoor writers; hunting and fishing products; boats and accessories; truck and ATV displays; fly-fishing and decoy-carving demonstrations; conservation exhibits; outdoor sports guides and outfitters. Expo’s mission is to encourage youth to enjoy the great outdoors through hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports and to heighten public awareness of our natural resources and to encourage conservation of these natural resources. Kids will enjoy interactive activities such as Sensory Safari, Aquatic Trailer, Mallard Madness Laser Shoot, Muzzy 200 Club Monster Buck display, and Kids Gone Wild academic workshops. Admission charge: Adult $10; seniors (65 and over) $7; children 10 years and under are free. Wilmington Convention Center, downtown Wilmington. 910-795-0292; www.capefearwildlifeexpo.com.

50 encore |march 7-13, 2012| www.encorepub.com

TEAM U 3/21, 3-7pm “Team U “ open house event! Miller Motte College will be hosting an open house event for the public. We will have campus tours to learn more about MMC programs, door prizes, food, ca-

reer services free workshops and employers from within the community to network with. Shannon. carlson@miller-motte.edu (booths are free). Enter on the left side of the building where it says ‘Administration”. Event will be held in front of the school, near the atrium.

events CUE CENTER FOR MISSING PERSONS CUE Center for Missing Persons is seeking volunteers and chairpersons to serve on committees for the 8th annual National Round Table Conference in support of missing persons hosted in Wilmington, NC March 22-25, 2012. In addition, CUE is actively seeking new members to join the Board. To learn more about how to get involved please visitwww. ncmissingpersons.org or email Cuecenter@aol.com.

INDO SURF Indo Jax Surf Charities departs on 3/30 for its third annual expedition to Kochi, India. The group offers a surfing camp for the girls at Homes of Hope, an orphanage that houses 60 to 100 girls. By teaching the girls to surf-an activity that is virtually unheard of in their part of the world-the surf camp offers them a taste of the childhood freedom and adventure that many of us take for granted, but which the orphans hardly ever experience in lives that started out brutally and are marked by periods of profound loneliness.

Many Wilmington businesses are donating a portion of their proceeds or holding events during March to raise funds for the trip. Cape Fear Community Accupuncture: donating 10% of proceeds through 3/15 • Downtown Darlings (112A Market St): donating 20% of proceeds week of through 3/10 • The Melting Pot (Mayfaire): donating a portion of proceeds Sat, 3/10 • Paddle For India: Paddleboard event Sat, 3/17—$20 to enter. 679.-4474 for details • Forward Motion Dance Company “Arts Sensation”: Thur, 3/22 , Thalian Hall ($15 general seating). Dance performances by local choreographers and dancers with special musical performances • Wilmington Wine (605 Castle St): Sun, 3/25, an evening wine tasting and donating a portion of day’s proceeds. Jack Viorel: (910)274-3565 or jack@indojaxsurfschool.com CHEERS AND BEER PUB CRAWL See page 45.

CAPE FEAR RIVER WATCH 2nd Saturday Clean Up with Cape Fear River Watch, 3/10, at Maides Park, located at 1101 Manley Avenue. Come out to support a healthy and clean environment in our community! Bring your boots and wear long sleeved shirts and pants! Meet at 9am. • 3/17: Kick off paddle of the season; meet at CFRW Office (617 Surry St.) at 8:45am and depart for the put in promptly at 9am. Travel to Hunt’s Bluff and paddle the almost exclusively wild waters of the Black River and see lush cypress swamps and catch a glimpse of the wildlife in action. Take out at Point Caswell on Estate Road with 2:30pm return. Bring your own kayak and supplies or rent a boat they are just $15 for the day if you are a CFRW Member. Kemp at kemp@cfrw.us.

CAPE FEAR LITERACY TRAINING Cape Fear Literacy Council offers free monthly orientation sessions this spring, Wed., 3/14, 10am-

MARCH 21-28, 2012

t s o m e h t s It’ k e e w s u o i c i del ! g n i r p of s

EncoreRestaurantWeek.com PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS North Wilmington/ Wrightsville Beach> Nikki’s Japanese Steak House Fox and Hound The Melting Pot South Beach Grill Catch

Midtown>

Hieronymous Seafood Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar Tandoori Bites Siena Trattoria Taste of Italy Cameo 1900

Hiro Japanese Steak House El Cerro Grande Halligan’s Public House

Downtown>

Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar Yo Sake Mixto Little Dipper Ruth’s Chris Steak House Basics Pilot House The George Caffe Phoenix Elijah’s Eat Spot Riverboat Landing

Caprice Bistro Aubriana’s The Fortunate Glass Reel Café

South Wilmington> Pine Valley Market C-Street Mexican Grill Fish Bites Henry’s El Cerro Grande Thai Spice Eddie Romanelli’s

SPONSORED BY:

www.EncoreRestaurantWeek.com Menu Guide on stands March 7th!

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The Wilmington Hammerheads Season...

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52 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

loyers from h. Shannon. ee). Enter on ‘Administraschool, near

noon, and 4/11, 5:30-7:30pm. All sessions held at 1012 S. 17th St. in Wilmington. The “CFLC 101” orientation is open to anyone who is interested in volunteering at CFLC in any capacity: volunteer as tutors or instructors, assist with fundraising events, serve on the Board of Directors, or provide administrative assistance. • Tutor Training Workshopsat 1012 S. 17th St. Pre-reg. recommended. Adult Basic Literacy: Volunteers attend 12 hours of instruction, with two workshops from which to choose this spring. Workshop #1: 3/19, 21, 26, and 28 from 10am-1pm. • Workshop #2: 4/30, 5/2, 7, and 9 from 6:30-9:30pm. Fee is $20 or $50 if seeking certification for another organization. Volunteers must attend the workshop’s four sessions to be certified.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages): Volunteers attend 9 hours of instruction, with two workshops from which to choose this spring. Workshop #2: 5/22, 23 and 24, 6:30-9:30pm. Volunteers must attend the workshop’s three sessions to be certified. Fee is $30 or $50 if seeking certification for another organization. (910) 251-0911 or e-mail info@cfliteracy.org.

S eking volunmmittees for onference in Wilmington, ST. PATRICK’S DAY LO-TIDE RUN E is actively 3/17: St. Patrick’s Lo-Tide Run at 8:45am in Carod. To learn lina Beach. Proceeds will be given to one or more e visitwww. cancer patients and families. Race to benefit local er@aol.com. recipients who are fighting cancer and have no insurance. We have grown from 157 runners in 2005 to for its third nearly 1400 runners in 2011. 8th Annual Steve Haygroup offers du St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run also holds After Party of Hope, an Event—vendors in arts and crafts, food and alcoBy teaching hol at the Carolina Beach Gazebo, 8am-7pm. Edge y unheard of Entertainment’s DJ Mike Worley, 8am-noon.At 1pm offers them the event becomes ticketed, featuring a mixture of venture that live music from some great local musicians, a family the orphans fun zone and lots of surprises. Mixture of Irish bands: d out brutal- The Malones, Blarney Broughs, Root Soul Project d loneliness. and Mark Roberts and the Breeze. After Party Event ng a portion tickets: www.lotiderun.org for $7 each (with no limit ng March to on quantity) when register for the race. Otherwise: munity Accu- www.lotide.eventbrite.com for $10 each, and $5 for rough 3/15 children under 12; or $15 at door. 330-417-0144 t): donating CAROUSEL CENTER GALA • The Melt3/17: The Carousel Center for Abused Children is of proceeds pleased to announce that the 2012 Gala at Thalian board event Hall. Theme: ‘One Hit Wonders’—a night of fun as for details local ‘celebrities’ lip sync and dance! Bids on original Arts Sensaartwork by George Pocheptsov; online bidding beeneral seatgins 2/16, www.carouselcenter.org. In-person bids reographers will continue until the intermission of the gala ormances • show (approximately 9pm, 3/17). Tickets: pre-show n, 3/25, an event, 6-7:45pm, includes heavy hors d’oeuvre, tion of day’s open bar and admission into the show. Reception or jack@inand show: $100 and can be purchased by calling the Carousel Center at 910-254-9898 or sending a tax deductible check made out to: The Carousel

River Watch, Manley Avy and clean your boots ts! Meet at son; meet at m and depart Hunt’s Bluff waters of the ps and catch out at Point eturn. Bring a boat they FRW Mem-

monthly ori/14, 10am-

Center, 1501 Dock Street Wilmington, NC 28401.

“Show only” tickets will be available at Thalian Hall Box Office (910-343-3364) beginning 2/15. Tickets: $50. A limited number of slightly obstructed view tickets: $25.

POOCH PLUNGE 3/17, 9:30am: Kick-Off St. Patrick’s Day with Pooch Plunge for Canine Cancer! As part of this inaugural event, dogs & owners will bravely “Plunge” into the chilly Atlantic Ocean at Wrightsville Beach then run back to shore. Raises funds to fight Canine Cancer and will raise awareness of the impact cancer has on our pet’s lives. Proceeds benefit Morris Animal Foundation’s Canine Cancer Campaign. Pre-reg. preferred; $25/team (dog and owner). In addition to the chance to participate in the inaugural “Plunge” each owner will receive a t-shirt and dogs will get a bandanna. All dogs must be leashed. www.pawbeachpetresort.com/pooch-plunge.html GOOD SHEPHERD COLLECTIONS ACCEPTED Miller Motte College will be hosting a collection month for the March for the homeless shelter, Good Shepherd Center. They need these items: canned fruit andveggies, coffee, bottled water, paper products and condiments, milk, cheese, margarine, laundry detergent, first aid items, toiletries (economic size), over the counter medicines, linens, socks, tennis shoes, belts, gloves, sunglasses, wallets, purses, coats, diapers, baby wipes, gas cards.

Shannon Carlson: Shannon.Carlson@millermotte.edu or (910) 442-3414.

theatre/auditions BROWNCOAT PUB AND THEATRE All shows are $15 GA, $8 student admission. 111 Grace St. • 3/22-4/1: “A PSL Original Comedy,” 8pm. Fri/Sat, 8pm; Sun., 5pm. • 4/12-28, Leonard Melfi’s “Raggedy Anne Says Hello,” opening gala on 4/12, 8pm. Fri/Sat, 8pm; Sun. shows at 5pm.

Doors open half-hour prior to show. www.browncoattheatre.com

3/10, 11am: Opera House Theatre Company announces auditions for “Lend Me a Tenor.’ Roles are available for women and men in a wide range of ages—no roles for children. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditions will held at the Lucile Shuffler Center, 2011 CarolinaBeach Rd. Rehearsals will begin Monday, Marcy 26. operahousetheatre@yahoo.com IS TIME ON YOUR SIDE Melodies from Above presents auditions for the stage play “Is Time On Your Side” auditions will be held at the Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St., 3/10, 10am-2pm. Nichole DeBose : 910-540-2955.

Ages 16 & up PORCH THEATRE COMPANY Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews presents Porch Theatre Company’s classic interactive, dinner theater comedy extravaganza 3/15. “Mulligan’s Irish Wake Comedy” returns with new songs and new surprises. An evening of Celtic wit and merriment, and a chance to help console Rory Mulligan’s poor widow. Feel free to share a joke, a ballad or a tale of Rory at this celebration of his life in this “proper” Irish wake. Special Guest performance

GOOD SHEPHERD COLLECTIONS

They’re also in need of toiletries, laundry detergent, first-aid itmes, linens, socks, tennis shoes, belts, gloves, wallets, baby wipes, gas cards and sunglasses. For more information, call Shannon Carlson at Miller Motte, 5000 Market Street, at (910) 442-3414.

with The Blarney Broughs’ traditional Irish music.

Low-country cuisine by Middle of the Island catering. Porchtheatre.com or 910-232-6611. Tickets are $45/ Day of $50. brooklynartsnc.com or 888-512SHOW. Doors at 6:30pm; show at 7pm.

CITY STAGE Spring Awakening, 3/9-11. Winner of 8 Tonys, the show celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget. Adapted from Frank Wedekind’s 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tears, and exhilaration of the teen years.

Starring Morganna Bridgers, Max Korn and Jeramy Blackford. Directed by Carson Capps. Tickets: $18$24. City Stage: (910) 262-0490 or www.citystagenc.com

SNEAD’S FERRY COMMUNITY THEATRE “Everybody Loves Opal,” by John Patrick. Attempted murder wouldn’t seem to be funny but in Mr. Patrick’s magic hands it is uproarious. 3/9-11 and 6-18, 7pm on Fri/Sat; 3pm ,Sun. 126 Park Lane. RSVP: 910-327-2798. Adults: $12; students of any age w/ID: $6.

LEND ME A TENOR AUDITIONS

AN EVENING WITH LINDA LAVIN

 Large Private Dining Room  www.olympiaofwilmington.com

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LTC SCHOOL OF ARTS With arts in all forms being taken out of our public school systems, Legacy Theater Company is on a mission to bring The Arts back to our students. With this mission in mind, we started LTC’s School of the Arts. Students ages 5-18 are able to sign up to be a part of our theater classes. Open enrollment for another round of classes 4/5-5/24. Our first round of classes has been wildly successful. 20 students (ages 8-13) are rehearsing for opening night of their show, “Fairytale.” Children who are passionate

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LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Thalian Association will hold auditions for the Tony Award-winning musical “La Cage Aux Folles” on Mon/Tues., 3/19-20, 7-9:30pm, the Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St, downtown Wilmington. Prepare a traditional musical theater song to sing a cappella and be prepared to dance (no sandals or flip flops). Directed by Tom Briggs with music direction by Jonathan Barber, runs at Thalian Hall 5/17-27. Full character breakdown: thalian.org.

WINTER SALE!

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY: $6.95 Pitas with fries and drink TUESDAY: $5 Pizzas • $6 Martinis THURSDAY: 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine SUNDAY: 15% OFF Pasta Entrees

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RED BARN STUDIO Imaginary Theater Company and Red Barn Studio Theatre presents David Mamet’s “Boston Marriage,” a drawing room comedy about desire, deception, and very bad manners. Anna, who has taken a male lover in order to provide for her livelihood and that of her friend Claire, is shocked to find that Claire has fallen in love with a much younger woman. Funny, sharp period piece features Barbara Weetman, Rachel Lewis Hilburn and Anna Stromberg and is directed by Mike O’Neil. Through 3/18, runs ThurSun, 8pm with Sun. matinees at 3pm. $23-$25: Wilmingtontickets.com or (910) 762-0955. 1122 S. Third Street. redbarnstudiotheatre.com

SPIRIT OF AMERICA: POPULAR SONGS OF CONFLICT Building F on the campus of BCC, 3-5pm, Sun., 3/11 and 18. The show is a collection of popular songs from the various periods of war and conflict in America. The show will be performed Miller Motte College will act as a collection center through at Franklin Square Park in Southport, NC at the month of March, compiling items for Wilmington’s 8pm, 5/18-20 and 25-27. Auditions will consist local homeless shelter, Good Shepherd Center. They’re of singing one of these familiar songs. Stanley accepting canned fruits and veggies, coffee, bottled water, Mandell at 914-805-0553 or Jonathan Richmond at 910-368-9073. www.brunswickcc.ed. paper products, condiments, milk, cheese and margarine.

5629 Oleander Dr. (910) 796-9636

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER

3/17, 8pm: “Possibilities . . . an Evening with Linda Lavin,” with Billy Stritch, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Brown and Steve Bakunas. Award-winning star of film, television and the stage, Linda Lavin makes a return appearance for an unforgettable evening of great jazz and cabaret. Accompanying and collaborating with Linda is pianist Billy Stritch, himself a gifted and dazzling performer. Kenan Auditorium. (910) 962-3500. www.wilmingtonsymphony.org

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Twelve. Tickets on sale now! • 4/14: Martina McBride, country music’s finest voice, will make her debut at DPAC. Four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, three-time ACM Female Vocalist of the Year and Grammy-winning recording artist with more than 18 million in album sales and 24 Top 10 singles.

Tickets on sale now! DPACnc.com, 919-680-2787 ,123 Vivian St., Durham, NC GYM CLASS HEROES UNCW Association for Campus Entertainment presents Gym Class HeroesUNCW Kenan Auditorium, 3/22. Doors 7:30pm; show: 8pm. Hip-hop, funk, reggae and rap. Tickets: UNCW Students $12 or $15 day of; UNCW Faculty/Staff $15 or $17 day of; General Public $18 or $20 day of. etix.com PLAYHOUSE 211 3/23: Jeanne Jolly, Chris Boener and Alyan Love, in Southport at Playhouse 211 at 7pm. Tickets are $15; www.playhouse211.com or by calling Ken Perrin at 910-274-3971.

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Music instruction at Modern Music with Lucian Rowland, who has 20 years experience as a professional recording and performing musician. Private lessons available for guitar, mandolin, banjo, and bass. (910) 508-1111 or rockinrowland@hotmail.com.

about music, acting and dance and would like a safe environment where they can develop and show their gifts, School of the Arts is here! 910-545-2296.

comedy NUTT ST. COMEDY ROOM Tickets; $8/$10. Schedule: 3/9-10 Chris Fairbanks • 3/16: Irish Invasion Tour (4 Irish Comics) • 3/17: Timmy Sherrill & Friends (St Paddy’s Day Version) • 3/23-24: Joe Derosa (Comedy Central) • 3/30-31: Jesse Joyce (Red Eye, Comedy Central) • Every Wed. Nutt House Improv Troupe, doors 8pm, showtime 9pm, no cover charge. • Every Thurs. Open Mic Stand Up, doors 8pm, showtime 9pm, no cover. • Nutt St Comedy Room announces the opening of The Studio at Nutt St. We provide a community workshop program for actors, comedians, improv, and public speaking. Workshop provides actors and comedians the ability to develop their skill levels and participate in multiple workshops. Beginners workshops available. All ages are welcome. Timmy Sherrill: 910-520-5520. 255 N. Front St, basement of Soapbox. www.nuttstreet.com. 910-520-5520

music/concerts WINE, ART AND MUSIC Wine Art and Music (WAM!) at The Coastal Roaster, 3/8 7-9pm. Featuring the creative and beautiful photography of T. J. Dreschel and the music of Susan Savia. Wine tasting, delicious food. Free! Located in the Beau Rivage Marketplace, Sanders Road and Carolina Beach Road just below Monkey Junction.

HEATH BROTHERS See page 31.

RON PAUL REVOLUTION 3/10, 8pm: Ron Paul Revolution at The BrikHouse: brikhousegm@gmail.com. Headliner: He Is Legend, with special guests: Coup De Grace, Champion of the Sun, The Hufton Bros, The Black HellaTones, and Pretend Sunrise. $5 Donation goes to the Ron Paul Group Of Wilmington DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 3/15: Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt, two of the finest American singer/songwriters join forces for an “unplugged” performance. On sale now! • 4/10: Comedian, film and TV star Kevin James’ standup act. www.KevinJames.com. Tickets on sale now!

• 4/11: Star of Comedy Central’s “Tosh.0”, Daniel Tosh will travel to DPAC as part of Tosh Tour Twenty

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dance BABS MCDANCE Gods and Goddesses Toga Party, Fri., 3/9, 8-11pm.

Release your inner God or Goddess and join us for a night filled with fun, dancing and don’t forget your toga! Costume Contest! Variety of music, snacks and great dancing! Babs McDance Social Dance Studios. 6782 Market St. (910) 395-5090. babsmcdance.com BALLROOM DANCE AND SWING Wednesdays Mar 7- 28, 12:30:Waltz; 1:30:Intermediate Ballroom; 2:30 Swing. Singles/couples. New Hanover County Resource Center, 2222 College Rd, Advance phone reg. rqd. 910-799-2001 BALLROOM DANCESPORT New classes starting Beginner Ballroom, Ballroom II, Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Social. Ballroom DanceSport, 4523 Franklin Ave. Less than 1 mile from UNCW, Across fromCinema Dr. Corner of Kerr & Franklin. Singles/couples. Group/private lessons. www.BallrooomDanceSportNC.com. 799-2001 WILMINGTON SINGLES CLUB 3/9: Tony & Diane; 3/16: The Carousels Band; 3/23: DJ Buddy; 3/30: The Colors Band. All dances at Am Legion Post 10. Music plays 8p.m.-11p.m. Admission: DJ dances $8/10; Band dances $10/12.

Dress code: No shorts, miniskirts or denim jeans.

Contact Person: (910)619-1054

Dale Thompson, president

AZALEA COAST NC USA DANCE Monthly social dance and group lesson, hosted by Azalea Coast NC USA Dance chapter. Dances tobe on March 10th at the New Hanover Senior Center, 2222 S. College Rd. The social dance group lesson begins at 6:45-7:30pm then we dance to our custom mix of ballroom & latin music from 7:30-10pm.

Admission: $8 members, $10 non-members, $5 military with ID, $3 students with ID. Contact info: phone (910)799-8566, AzaleaCoastDance@aol. com. www.azaleacoastncusadance.org LINE DANCING Get ready for weddings, concerts in the park, birthday parties and other events with the knowledge of popular line dancing. Since you dance on your own in an ensemble, line dancing is ideal for singles and for partners of non-dancers. Session 2: 3/11, 18, and 25, 2012. Day and Time: Sundays, 4-5pm. Preregistration is requested. 256-7925. www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com.

OVER 50’S The Over 50’s Dance, 3/13, New Hanover Senior Center from 7:30-10pm. Music provided by DJ Buddy Langley. Couples, singles, and all ages welcome. Admission $5, plus finger food or two-liter drink. Canned goods accepted for St. Mary’s Social Ministry Outreach. (910) 799-1694.

SHAG LESSONS Shag Lessons, Session 2: Thursdays, 3/29-4/19.

No partner is needed. Beginner 6:45-7:45pm. Intermediate 7:45-8:45pm. Fees: WB Residents $35, Non-residents $45. Fran Russ Recreation Center.

Pre-reg. requested. 910-256-7925.

TANGO WILMINGTON Tango classes and social dancing, Fridays, Carolina Lounge of Ramada Inn. 5001 Market Street (between College and Kerr). 7:30-9:30pm. $5 lounge entrance includes beginners’ lesson, 7:30. • 3/24: Jae, 4-5.30pm, and 9pm-1am, TBA • 4/21: Cecil & Iryna, 4-5.30pm, and 9pm-1am, Verna’s Ballroom Dancesport. Cost: $10/person per class. Ellen Bethune: 910-352-1219 or eb18781@hotmail.com 76’ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB Modern Western Style Square Dance. Club meets Thurs. nights at 7pm at the Senior Center for a new workshop on square dancing. Info: 270-1639 CAROLINA SHAG CLUB DJs play favorite beach music and shag tunes every Sat, 8pm to close. $4/members; $6/guests. Carolina Shag Club, 103 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 620-4025 SURFER TANGO Salsa on 2 NYC style, Thurs, 8pm, $5/person at

Opening Act: Joe Chambers All-Stars featuring Benny Hill, Doug Irving & Brad Merritt

Thalian Hall, Saturday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices - $20, $25, $30 (CFJS Members and groups of 10 or more - $20, $22, $27) Free to UNCW Students with voucher (available at Upperman Center) Tickets are available at Thalian Box Office or online at www.thalianhall.com

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Calico Room Front St. Lesson at 7pm; all welcome and no partner needed. • Waterford Tango at the Clubhouse, Fri. at 7:30 • Magnolia Greens Tango, Thurs, 7:30pm, Aerobics Room • Cape Fear Country Club Tango, Sun., 5pm. • It Takes Tuesdays to Tango, Tues., at Orton Underground, downtown; 7pm free lesson • Brunswick Forest Ballroom Waltz on Fridays at 6pm. • All classes are $10 per couple per class fun, professional, positive instruction. surfertango@gmail.com www.surfertango.com CONTRA DANCE Tuesday night dances, 5th Ave United Methodist Church on South 5th Ave at Nun, 7:30-9:30pm.Social dance for all levels; singles and couples, families, college and high school students and folks of all dancing abilities are invited to come. $4. (910) 538-9711.

art/exhibits PELICANS Pelicans: An Exhibition by Artists of the Coastal Region at WHQR 91.3fm Public Radio’s MC Erny Gallery. Open 3/23, 6-9pm, Fourth Friday Gallery Nights reception, featuring a group of nearly 20 area artists who have come together to create a themed exhibition focusing on pelicans of our coastal environment. Show on display through 5/4. A portion of the proceeds from any sale of art benefits WHQR. The Warwick Building at 254 N. Front St., third floor.

ARTFUL LIVING GROUP Artful Living Group located at 112 Cape Fear Blvd., 910-458-7822. info@artufllivinggroup.com. March: Mossy’s Most Wanted Salvage Art, feat. Mike Driver’s Metal Furniture.

HOSS HALEY DRAWING MACHINE Hangs through 3/30: “Hoss Haley: Drawing Machine” will be on view at the Art Gallery at the Cultural Arts Building. Exhibition will feature Hoss Haley’s Drawing Machine, a large metal table with a robotic arm-like apparatus that generates drawings, as well as several completed drawings. Free and open to the public.

ARTISTS FOR CHARITY Artists for Charity announces its 2012 Art Show for charity to be held at the Caffé Phoenix, 35 North Front St. Grand Opening and Meet-the-Artists reception: Thurs., 3/8, 5pm. Show running until the end of April. Particpants include: Robin Chapman, Gail Henderson, Roz Hancock, Dauwlene Bugnatto, Caiden Kenny, Joan Geisel, Barton Hatcher, William Hubbard, Tran Thi Ha, James Kelly, Barbara Jamison, Gail Smith, Todd Corrigan, Ann Hair, Nancy Noel May, Norma Dinsuelo, Joan Mclaughlin. Paula Faraday: 910-792-0362

KRISTIN GIBSON See page 26.

THRIVE STUDIOS Fri., 3/9, 6-9pm: Thrive’s Closing Reception at Bottega (208 N. Front St.) • 3/10th, 6-9pm: Thrive’s Black and White Studios, Projekte, 523 S. 3rd St. • 3/17, 6-10pm. Equinox opening reception—an exhibition of colorful new works inspired by the transition from winter to spring. Additional show times: Sun., 3/18, 1-7pm; 3/24, 6-10pm 3/25, 1-7pm. Equinox will also be open to the public every Sun., 1-5pm, fom 4/1-22. Thrive Studios, 6622 Gordon Rd, unit N. ThriveStudiosNC.com WILMINGTON WOODTURNERS ASSOC. 3/10, 1-4pm: Wilmington artists to demonstrate at Wilmington Area Woodturners Association at the Leland VFW Post 9408 at 1211 Village Rd. Meeting will feature presentations and demonstrations by three Wilmington area artists: Ms Sissy Brooks, Mr. Bob Buric and Mr. Brandon Guthrie. $2 fee will be collected at the door for these classes and demonstrations. Visitors welcome.

POP-UP STUDIO Little Luxuries Co., a local business that focuses on refurbishing, repurposing and creating beautiful things from forgotten items. Little Luxuries Co. and photographer Kelly Starbuck are pleased to bring Pop-Up Studio to Wilmington, NC. 3/13-22, feat. 25 local artists. Fast and furious concept hosts unique events and exhibitions, including an “opening party” on March 16th. Goal is to make local art immediate and accessible to several layers of audiences; art will be sold, donations accepted. www.littleluxuriesco. com/?p=562. 405 South 3rd St., in a huge historic home, 2 blocks from Projekte. studio@littleluxuriesco.com.

CHECKER CAB PRODUCTIONS Currently Showing: “Sugar & Spice”, featuring two of the areas most unique and interpretive female artists. Linda Hartman, through her intriguing reflections in metal repousee and ceramic and Lena Moschet, through her whimsical, yet alluring ingenues portrayed in oil on canvas. The exhibit runs through March 19. www.checkercabproductions.com or 910-352-1757.130 N Front St. ARTS SENSATION 3/22, 8pm: The 11th Arts Sensation, a benefit performance for Indo Jax Surf Charities. Thalian Hall Main Stage. Stirring up local talent again for a music and dance spectacular to benefit an outstanding Wilmington-based organization, Indo Jax Surf Charities.Ride the wave of this fun and imaginative evening featuring local musicians, choreographers and dancers presenting lively and entertaining music and an exciting variety of dance performances including a show favorite, the Company “T” Tappers. Tickets:

$10 Thalian Hall Box Office at (910) 632-2285 ARTIST EXHIBIT The Thalian Association, managers of the HBHUSO/ CAC, are proud to announce artists exhibition feat. the work of eight emerging and known artists from our area, incl. Barbara Bear Jamison, Lynette Ashby, Ronald Williams and others. Exhibit runs through 3/23. Media in painting, basket-weaving, mixed-media, photography and more represented.

EMERING AND KNOWN ARTISTS The Thalian Association present an exhibition featuring the work of eight emerging and known artists from our area. Feat. an unusual installation that presents the art in harmony with the WWII artifacts in our lobby museum. View the exhibition daily at the HBHUSO/Community Arts Center during regular business hours until 3/23. Our Community Gallery will be open from 6-9pm for the Fourth Friday Walk on 2/24. Free and the public is invited to attend and meet our artists. Corner of Orange and 2nd streets.

BOTTEGA EVENTS Bottega Gallery presents The Artists of Thrive Studios, feat. a wide spectacular variety of dramatic works. Participants include: Scott Ehrhart, Gaeton!, Lance Strickland, Mike Watters, Sarah Garriss, Jason Jones, Zak Duff, G. Scott Queen, Zachariah W. Weaver, and Rob Fogle. Exhibit runs through 3/18, w/ closing reception on Fri., 3/9, 6pm, with most artists in attendance. • 3/23: The fantastic Gabriel Lehman will be returning for a solo exhibit for two months. • Mon: Closed through winter • Tues (4pmmidnight): Starving artist night and open paint. 3/20: Atlantis Open Mic. • Wed (4pm-mid.): Weekly wine tastings, 7pm • Thur 3/29: CFCC Faculty Reading 6-9pm • Sat: 3/17: St Pats. Fest & Parade (watch it here/open at noon!) $4 Mimosa’s all day. Sat 1pm2am • Sun 3/25: “Buy You A Drink” Comedy Night 8pm. • bottegaartbar@gmail.com. • 208 N. Front St. 910-763-3737, www.bottegagallery.com.

PROJEKTE Now showing: “Black & White” a Thrive Studio group exhibit showcasing new black and white artworks by Thrive Studio artists Scott Ehrhart, Zachariah Weaver, Lance Strickland, Gaeten Lowrie, Jason Jones, Zachary Duff, Geoffrey Scott Queen, Drew Swinson, Miranda Welborn Duncan, Emily Russell, Trek Matthews and Michael Watters. • Now open: Coffeehaus and Antiques, w/assortment of homemade sweets and specialty brewed java. Opens 1pm Tue-Sat. • EVENTS: Mon/Tues/Sat/Sun: Yoga, PWYC, 6.30-7.30pm. Wed: Figure Drawing, $10/ class, 6-8pm. First Wed of each Month: DivaMade Collective, a meet n greet for creative women, 7.309.30pm. Every other Thur: UNCW Film Nite, sometimes political, always controversial, 7.30-11pm.

Second Sat of each month: The Creative Exchange, local artists sale and swap, 2-5pm. • Every 3rd Fri-

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day: Live Bossanova w/Raphael Name, 7p-11p. • Every Fri/Sat: Live Music, 8-12am. Free unless noted otherwise. 910-763-1197, theprojekte@gmail. com, www.theprojekte.com. 523 S 3rd St.

museums NC BATTLESHIP 3/17: Calling all Navy engineering enthusiasts or an in-depth program on the Battleship’s power plant.

Learn in detail about the ship’s eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, four sets of General Electric turbines and reduction gears, steam and diesel powered service turbo generators, along with electrical distribution, water distillation, and steering mechanisms.

Features classroom presentations and behind-thescenes tour of engineering spaces. Discover what it took to propel a 36,000 ton heavily armored battlewagon bristling with massive firepower and 2,300 fighting men across the Pacific.Adults only (ages 16 and up) and is limited to 40 participants.Registration and payment: 3/15. $50/$40 for Friends of the Battleship or active military. 910-251-5797 or www. battleshipnc.com. Jct of HWYs 17/74/76/421, on the Cape Fear River.

NC AQUARIUM Exotic Aquatics Gallery has added white-spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata) to its collection.The Exotic Aquatics Gallery traditionally features non-native marine species. Guests can learn more about the life cycle of a jellyfish while viewing these beautiful animals. Educates the public on the importance of well-balanced ecosystems. • Events: Aquarist Apprentice, Behind the Scenes Tour, Breakfast with the Fishes, Mommy and Me, Canoeing the Salt Marsh, Surf Fishing Workshop. Pre-reg. classes. 910-4588257; www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher. 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach.

CAMERON ART MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Murrinis Within a Crystal Matrix: The Poetic Glassworks of Richard Ritter,” “Mark Peiser: Reflections on the Palomar Mirror “and “Penland School of Crafts: Evolution and Imagination.” Both Richard Ritter and Mark Peiser are honored as 2011 North Carolina Living Treasures. Thematically tied, both Ritter and Peiser attended Penland School of Crafts. The school is an international leader in the evolution of craft education located in western NC. This exhibition explores Penland then and now, featuring examples of some of the finest work from the school. Hangs through 4/1. • Civil War Era Drawings from the Becker Collection, Brown Wing, through 5/6. Features 127 “first hand” drawings depicting colorful aspects of life and action during the Civil War era. Original drawings by artist-reporters for the Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, were used to

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inform a reading public consumed by the need to know what was happening throughout America as it struggled to establish its national identity. • Exhibition tours every Wed. at 12:30pm Sun. at 2:30pm.

Our new public tours kick off with Anne Brennan, Executive Director of CAM on Wednesday, Mar. 7.

• Susan Morgan Leveille“A Gift of Heritage” lecture, 3/8, 7pm. $5-$10. Susan Morgan Leveille is a weaver and teaches weaving classes, workshops and lectures. Held in conjunction with the exhibition Penland School of Crafts: Evolution and Imagination and in honor of Women’s History Month. • 11th annual NC Black Film Festival, 3/22-25. Cameron Art Museum on Thurs. & Sun. at Community Arts Center Fri. & Sat. Celebrate the cinematic achievements of African-American filmmakers during four-day juried festival includes features, shorts, documentaries, animation and new for 2012, music videos. www.blackartsalliance. org/frontpage_1.html for schedule details including locations, hours and admission. • Kids @ CAM, 3/24, noon-3pm. $3/child, $5/child, adults free. Meet artist Charlie Brouwer and contribute to our community installation, Rise Up Dreams. Make decorative ladders and other art creations you can take home. All ages welcome! Fun for the whole family. No pre-reg.

• CLASSES: Life Drawing every Tues., 6-9pm.

Group meets in Reception Hall. Participants provide own dry drawing materials and watercolors. $70/6-wks. • Couch 2 5k Fitness Training Classes: 3/17-5/19, 9am-10am; 10 week session, $90-$100; walk–ins, $9-$10/per. Turn the couch potato into a 3 mile runner with ease! Last day of class ends with participating in the CAM 5K. • Museum School schedule now online! www.cameronartmuseum.com/adult.php • Hand and Wheel Pottery

Techniques: Mon/Wd, 5/26-7/25, 9am-noon, or Tues/Thurs, 5/27-7/26, 5:30-8:30pm. CAM Members: $250; Non-members: $300. Hiroshi Sueyoshi teaches handbuilding, wheel throwing, glazing and finishing techniques. Class size is limited. Open to all skill levels, ages 16+. • Museum School: New classes online. • Call for Yoga, Rumba and Tai Chi class schedules. Corner of South 17th St. and Independence Blvd. Tues-Sun,11am-5pm; Thurs: 11am9pm. Museum members free, $8 non-members, $5 students with valid ID, $3 children age 2 -12. www. cameronartmuseum.com or 910-395-5999.

3/10: EXPLORE CIVIL WAR The Cape Fear Museum will host a program to allow participants a first look into the Civil War. Items will be on display such as a soldier’s haversack, allowing folks a look at comparisons of daily life needs from then to now.

People will also learn how to crack codes and even try on reproduction Civil War clothing. A blockade runner game will also be set up for interaction. The event is free with museum admission for all ages between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday the 10th. 814 Market Street.

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Through 7/15: Cape Fear Treasures: “Shoes” takes a glimpse into a selection of footwear from Cape Fear Museum’s permanent collection. 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries featuring spectator oxford pumps, lace-up boots, satin slip-

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pers, Air Jordans and more! • Through 3/18: Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art—Highlights the beauty of coiled basketry and shows how a basket can be viewed simultaneously as a work of art, object of use and container of memory. Features more than 50 baskets and related objects and images of Africans in America from the 17th century to the present. • EVENTS: Volunteer Open House held first Wed. of mo. Opportunities are available in museum store, working with the historic collection, and as an education docent. • New Hanover County Resident’s Day: Residents admitted free first Sun. ea. mo. • Explore the Civil War, 3/10, 17, 24 & 31, 1-4pm; all ages.

Investigate the contents of a Civil War soldier’s haversack and consider how the items compare to your own daily life needs. Learn how to create and crack secret codes; try on reproduction Civil War clothing and play a Blockade Runner board game.

Museum admission. • Cape Fear Skies: Moon Madness, 3/18. 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30pm. All ages.

Examine the moon to uncover the “secret” behind the lunar cycle. Museum admission. • 3/20, 6:308:30pm: Cape Fear 101: Discover regional history and science topics of interest, Downtown Wilmington, Past and Present. Adults; $5/members or $7/ non-members. Explore the history of Wilmington’s downtown with City of Wilmington’s Historic Preservation Planner, Maggie O’Connor, as she looks at how shopping in the downtown has changed through the years. Hours: 9am-5pm through Labor Day, Tues-Sat; 1-5pm, Sun. $7 for adults; $6 for students with valid ID and senior citizens; $6 special military rate with valid military ID; $4 for children 3-17; and free for children under 3. Museum members admitted free. 814 Market St. 910-798-4367. www.capefearmuseum.com.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 3/25, 1-5pm: Putting Golf Tournament. Each exhibit will be a different putting experience! Test your skills! RSVP: 910-254-3534 • 3/26, noon: Fore the Children Golf Tournament at Cape Fear Country Club. Reserve your golf team or become a sponsor!

910-254-3534 x 104 • Mon, Little Sprouts Storytime, 10am, and Go Green Engineer Team, 3:30pm.

• Tues., Leading to Reading Literacy Class, 9am, and Kids Cooking Club, 3:30pm • Wed., Preschool Science, 10am; Discover Science, 3:30pm; and Mini Math, 4pm. • Thurs. StoryCOOKS, 10am; and StART with a Story, 3:30pm • Fri., Toddler Time, 10am; and Adventures in Art, 3:30pm • Sat, Discovery Fitness, 4pm; Sun., Acting Club 2pm.

• Drop off gently used books at our Museum to be used for a good cause. Ooksbay Books uses book collection locations to help promote literacy, find a good use for used books, and benefit nonprofits. www.ooksbaybooks.com. www.playwilmington.org WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach. Visitors to the cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environment which have shaped the 100 year history of Wrightsville Beach. 256-2569. 303 West Salisbury St. wbmuseum.com. (910)256-2569 WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for more than 130 years. Interests and activi-

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Thank You Wilmington!

Wilmington

206 Old Eastwood Rd 910.798.9464

Monkey Junction

5533 Carolina Beach Rd 910.392.7224

encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 57

ties for all ages including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively children’s area, and spectacular scale models. Housed in an original 1882 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. Groups receive special guided tours. Facilities can also be booked for meetings or mixers, accommodating groups of up to 150. • Story Times designed for younger visitors first and third Mon, 10:30am. $4 per family is charged to cover program costs and includes access to the rest of the Museum. Museum admission only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors/military, $3 for children 2-12, and free under age 2. Located at the north end of downtown at 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634 or www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. 126 S. Third St. Adults $8, children $4. 762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM Cool down in front of “Anaconda Splash” exhibit in the indoor tropical jungle. See, photograph and even touch rare animals assembled from all over the planet in beautiful simulations of their natural environments. Meet colorful jungle birds, crocodiles, king cobras, black mambas and many more. Open from 11am-5pm, Sat. from 11am-6pm. 20 Orange Street at Front Street on historic downtown riverwalk.

(910) 762-1669 or www.capefearserpentarium.com.

BELLAMY MANSION One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and busi-

ness leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, itfocuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action. • 3/15, 6:30-8:30pm: Join the HPC, YWCA and the Bellamy Mansion at the “Meet the Help” book signing with Bertha Todd and Rhonda Bellamy. The anthology was inspired by Kathryn Stockett’s best seller “The Help.” Reception following. • 3/19, 6/4, 9/17 and 12/17: Spring Tea at the Bellamy, 2pm. Tea service with finger sandwiches and sweets while listening to the romantic music of Susan Savia. $35; 10% discount at gift shop that day and access to the Tim Buchman photography exhibit at the Bellamy. RSVP: 910.251.3700 ext.

103. Proceeds go to operations of Bellamy Mansion Museum. www.bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE 18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchenbuilding and courtyard. 3rd and Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. Admission rqd. (910) 762-0570. burgwinwrighthouse.com.

sports/recreation COASTAL BIRDING SERIES Cape Fear Naturalist North Carolina Coastal Birding Series, every Wed. w/Capt. Joe Abbate. Tour Intra-

coastal Waterway, tidal creeks, and sandy barrier islands to discover the diverse flora and fauna found in coastal NC. 3/7, 11:30am , Catamaran; 3/10, 3pm, Walking Low Tide Tour WB South End; 3/14, 9am, Catamaran; 3/17, noon, Walking Low Tide Tour WB South End; 3/21, 3:30pm, Special Monthly Kayak tour- Masonboro; 3/24, 4pm, Walking Low Tide Tour WB South End. All tours depart from the dock across from the Blockade Runner. Rates/individual and walking tours: $10; Catamaran tours: $25; and kayak tours: $30. 910-200-4002 or www.capefearnaturalist.com WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH PARK FITNESS Yoga: Tues/Wedn, 6:30pm.• Beginner Pilates, Tues/ Thurs, 7:30-8:15am. • Pilates 50/50, Mon/Wed/ Fri, 10:30-11:30am. Combines the stabilizing and strengthening benefits of pilates with the flexibility and postures of yoga. • Low-Impact Aerobics: Mon./ Wed./Fri., 8am-9am and 9am-10am. Geared for seniors, suitable for any adult and all fitness levels.• Tone and Stretch, Tues/Thurs, 8:30-9:15am.Geared for seniors, suitable for any adult and all fitness levels. • Boot Camp: Tues/Thurs, 6-7am; Sat., 8am9am, (January-October). 910-256-7925.

ALTHEA GIBSON TENNIS COMPLEX Cardio Tennis: Mon, 10am; Wed, 5:30pm. $10/clinic. • Double Positining/Strategy Clinic (for 3.5/4.0 players) Mon, 11am-noon, $10. • 9-10-year-olds will cover all of the basic strokes and playing Quick Start matches. Tues/Thurs. Session 1: 3/13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29. Session 2: 4/10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 26, 4-5pm. $40/6 clinics. • 11-13-year-olds focus on stroke development, point play, and strategy for singles and doubles play. Tues/Thurs. Session 1: 3/13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29. Session 2: 4/10, 12, 17, 19, 24 & 265-6pm. $40 for session (6 clinics) Pre-reg: 341-4631. 3405 A Park Ave. www.empiepark.com

NC BIRDING TRAIL NC Birding Trail Hikes, a driving trail to link birders with great birding sites across the state and local communities. Ea. mo. explore different site along Coastal Plain Trail in Southeastern NC. Appx 2 mil. hikes; transportation from Halyburton included. Ft. Fisher, 3/15, 8am-noon, $10; Lake Waccamaw, 4/19, 8am-noon, $10. (910) 341-0075.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRUISE St. Patrick’s Day Cruise, Sat., 3/17, 5:30-7:30pm. $27. Come get your green on! Begin or end (or break in the middle) of your Irish Day Celebrations with a cruise on the Cape Fear River. We will be decked out in shamrocks and dancing a jig to the tunes of Forrest Tabor. If we are lucky we will snack on some vittles by Front St. Brewery. Make your reservations today. Full bar on board, as well as a spacious, clean restroom. Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S Water St.www.wilmingtonwatertours.com BIRDS OF MASONBORO 3/29, 6pm: Learn about birds that live in and around Masonboro Island, including American oystercatchers and other groundnesting shorebirds. Also find out how you can be involved in efforts to monitor seabirds at Masonboro. Held at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science at 5600 Marvin Moss Lane.

Hosted by Friends of the Reserve. 962-2998. NC Coastal Reserve, suttonh@uncw.edu.

23RD ANNUAL RIVER TO SEA BIKE RIDE Join us for a 20 mile casual–paced bicycle ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach on Wilmington’s River to the Sea Bikeway (WMPO Bicycle Route #1). All riders welcome. There is no charge to participate but helmets are required.

Meet at 12 N. Front St. between Market & Princess sts, 8am, 5/5; departing at 8:30am. Refresh-

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131 North Front St. • (910) 343-8881 • 250 Racine Dr. • (910) 452-9000 • www.fatpub.com a sandwich, or sliders!

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58 encore |march 7-13, 2012| www.encorepub.com 131 North Front St. • (910) 343-8881 • 250 Racine Dr. • (910) 452-9000 • www.fatpub.com 58 encore | march 7-13, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

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ments served at Wrightsville Beach Park at 10am.

For those riders who are unable to make the return bicycle ride back to Wilmington from Wrightsville Beach Park, a shuttle will be available for passengers. RSVP required: (910) 256-7925. www.rivertoseabikeway.com

film CINEMATIQUE Plays weekly at Thalian Hall main stage, 310 Chestnut St. 7:30pm, $8 (unless otherwise noted) See page 29. • 3/19-21: “A Separation”—Set in contemporary Iran, the compelling drama about the dissolution of a marriage. There is one thing Nader (Peyman Moaadi) and his wife Simin (Leila Hatami) will never agree on. Simin dreams of leaving abroad where they can provide a better future for their only daughter, Termeh. But Nader feels his duty lies at home, where he can care for his sick father (Ali-Asghar Shahbazi). Oscar Nominee for Best Foreign Language Film. PG-13, 2 hr. 3 min.

CASTING FOR MOVIE Casting is now under way for a new untitled documentary about the local high school baseball season. Anyone with a love or connection of the summer pastime (fans, coach, player, ump, groupies, etc.) is encouraged to send a well produced (technical quality is an absolute necessity) one minute video about their love of North Carolina baseball and why they are the ONES to star in this new and provocative pilot brought to you by Dorsey Levens (former Superbowl Champ and All-pro NFLer) and Nick Basta (local director,professor & actor). Their last project entitled Bellrung has received major press, including Outside the Lines and CNN (directed by local Zach Hermann). Please submit videos and questions ASAP: wilmingtonbaseballproject@ gmail.com SUBVERSIVE FILM SERIES 3/11: The Last Mountain is a feature-length documentary film directed by Bill Haney and produced

by Haney, Clara Bingham and Eric Grunebaum. The film premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and went into general release on 6/3. The film explores the consequences of mining and burning coal, with a particular focus on the use of a method for coal strip-mining in Appalachia commonly known as mountaintop removal mining. • 3/18: Knuckle— An epic 12-year journey into the brutal and secretive world of Irish Traveler bare-knuckle fighting. This film follows a history of violent feuding between rival clans. • 3/25: Eraserhead s a 1977 American surrealist film and the first feature film of David Lynch, who wrote, produced and directed. Eraserhead polarized and baffled many critics and film-goers, but has become a cult classic. Free, 8pm. Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St., (910) 763-2223 NC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL. 3/22-25: This four-day juried and invitational competition offers screenings 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. Admission charge. Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington. 910612-7832; www.blackartsalliance.org; www.cameronartmuseum.com MOVIES AT LUMINA THEATER 3/26, 7pm: A powerful railroad executive, Dagny Taggart, struggles to keep her business alive while society is crumbling around her. Based on the 1957 novel by Ayn Rand. Tickets free, at Sharky’s Box Office day of show. Lumina Theater, UNCW. YOUTH TENNIS CAMPS

The Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department is offering several tennis programs for youth at the Wrightsville Beach Park Tennis Courts.

Tennis pro Jackie Jenkins will instruct the various programs. Fees/times vary: (910) 256-7925 or www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com.

FIT FOR FUN CENTER Egg Hunt registration through Mar.; takes place 3/30, 9am-noon, at Fit for Fun Center. $5/child, 5 and under. 302 S. 10th St. 910-341-4630 or www.fitforfuncenter.com

kids stuff AZALEA FEST CHIDLREN’S ART SHOW The NC Azalea Festival Children’s Art Contest Gallery opening at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center. The Thalian Association, managers of the HBHUSO/CAC, is proud to exhibit the top 25 entries from the third annual Azalea Festival Children’s Art Contest.

Mayor Bill Saffo and several Azalea Belles for the ribbon cutting Fri., 3/9, 4:30pm. Take this opportunity to meet our student artists and enjoy some light refreshments. Free and open to public. Local artists judged the contest and selected the winners from 115 entries at eight schools. The 2012 Azalea Festival Children’s Art Contest winner is Cameron Holmes, a fifth grader from Bellamy Elementary. Top 25 entrants may be viewed in the HBHUSO/CAC Community Gallery hanging with our current exhibition of Emerging and Known Artists through Azalea Festival Sat., 4/28. 120 South 2nd St. KIDS GONE WILD 3/16: “Kids Gone Wild” offers interactive workshops following standard course of study in science, math, and creative writing to middle and high school students—scavenger hunt, wildlife trail and other interactive activities. Wilmington Convention Center and Coastline Convention Center, free if prereg. Bus parking also free. Otherwise, $7 seniors/ military, $10 adults, kids 10 and under, free w/adult.

Reservations accepted on a first-come basis. Send e-mail to: ncqdma@yahoo.com or call Judy Gardner at 919 5552-449. www.capefearwildlifeexpo.com.

lectures/readings CRISTINA GARCIA Cuban author Cristina García discussion and book signing, Wed, 3/7, 4:30pm, UNCW Lumina Theater.

Author of Dreaming in Cuban, The Agüero Sisters, Monkey Hunting, A Handbook to Luck, and The Lady Matador’s Hotel, recently published by Scribner, García’s work has been nominated for a National Book Award and translated into 14 languages.

SOLAR HOME LECTURE 3/10, 2-5pm: Solar Home Tour by North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) in cooperation with the region’s leading solar company Cape Fear Solar Systems. Free public seminar about the advantages of solar power and how homeowners can benefit from today’s technology and the current structure of tax incentives and other financial rebates. Explains various types of solar systems, describe available rebates and incentives, and present the current trends in renewable energy adoption.

Speakers include Miriam Makhyoun, Solar and Renewable Energy Industry Specialist at NCSEA, Suzanne Gooding, NCSEA’s Community Education and Relations Specialist and John Donoghue, President of Cape Fear Solar Systems and one of four people in the United States to have achieved triple NABCEP Certification in Solar PV, Solar Thermal and Solar PV Technical Sales. Dye Clubhouse, Country

Club of Landfall.

WOMEN’S BUSINESS LECTURE SERIES 3/22, 11:30am: Guest speaker, Terry Jean Taylor is a motivational speaker and life coach focused on assisting business professionals reach their goals and love their lives. Terry will speak of “The First Order

3/10: PASSPORT WORKSHOP Looking to travel outside the U.S. in coming months but don’t have a passport? Well, allow the folks at UNCW to be of help as they plan a passport information session to U.S. citizens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the 10th. They’ll be accepting applications through the Department of State to celebrate Passport Day in the USA. Information will be available throughout the day on how to apply and the cost of getting a passport. For more information, call Sandra Marshburn at (910) 960-2088 of Business: The Business ofYOU” and attendees utilize a “healthy recipe for living” to tackle the obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals.

Held by McColl and Associates at Press 102 , 102 South 2nd St. RSVP: $40, 910-350-1211

classes/workshops ART CLASSES AT CHECKER CAB Upcoming Classes & Workshops: oil painting (landscape and still life) Chappy Valente; bookmaking

(reflection journal) w/ Leslie Pearson; 2-day oil painting workshop w/w/ Alessandro Giambra; plein air painting in oil w/ Chappy Valente; copper repousse w/ Linda Hartman; plein air painting (elements of nature) w/ Joan Farrenkopf •New kids & teen classes scheduled staring April! Art program for those students who want to excel beyond the basics. www. checkercabproductions.com or 910-352-1757.130 N Front St. BRIDGE LESSONS The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department is offering Beginner II Bridge lessons and workshops with Marie Killoran. Bridge II Lessons: Thurs., 3/8, 15, 4/5 & 12. Beginner II Bridge is from 9:30-11:30am. Bridge Workshops are open to anyone with basic bridge knowledge and play experience. Different topics covered each week, 1/26, 2/16, 3/, 10 & 17, 2012, 9:30-11:30am. All sessions will consist of discussion and practice hands. 910-256-7925. Pre-reg.: (910) 256-7925.

PASSPORT WORKSHOP UNCW hosts event, 10am-3pm, Sat., 3/10, Warwick Center, to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept applications. UNCW is joining the Department of State in celebrating Passport Day in the USA 2012, a national outreach event. U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the country by air. Citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government. Information on the cost and how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at travel.state.gov.

Information can also be obtained by phone (English and Spanish), by calling the National Passport Infor-

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

Maria Chicchetti Owner/Operator

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

www.nailstherightway.com www.encorepub.com |march 7-13, 2012|encore 59

mation Center at 1-877-487-2778.Sandra Marshburn: 910-960-2088.

CAMPING AT MASONBORO 3/15-17: Camping at Masonboro is a hands-on training workshop. Learn how tominimize your impact while camping at the Masonboro Island Reserve.

Topics include: dealing with waste; prevent disturbance to wildlife; and planning for a safe and successful trip. Held at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science at 5600 Marvin Moss Lane. 962-2998.

TRAFFIC SKILLS 101 Wrightsville Beach Parks and Rec offers two-day course to give cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills & crash avoidance techniques. Recommended for adults & children above the age 14. Fri. 3/23, 6-9pm, Indoor Training. Satu. 3/24, 9-noon, Practical Training Outdoors (Rain date for Saturday is Sunday, March 25, 1:00 – 4:00 pm). Pre-reg rqd.

256-6925 or www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com ART CLASSES Professional instruction with Lois DeWitt, MFA. Over 30 years of art teaching experience. Small classes, individual tutoring available. loislight@ bellsouth.net. Four weeks, $80. Watercolor: Mon, 11am-1pm; or Sat., 3-5pm. • Artful Cooking, 4wks, $150. Mon, 2-5pm. Sketch a still life using the ingredients from recipes from my toaster oven cookbook.

Then, we will cook the ingredients and eat them!

Bring a beverage of your choice. • Collage: Mon, 3-5pm. • Portraiture—Drawing With Pencil, Tues, 3-5pm. shading, lighting, capturing the character of a face and rendering details to create a beautiful portrait. • Painting Your Garden—Acrylic Painting , Wed., 11am-1pm. Basics and how to paint flowers, leaves and your floral landscape. Working from

photos or on site. • Coastal Subjects—Oil Painting, Wed., 3-5pm: Skills for depicting North Carolina beaches, rivers, ocean, and local sites. Work from a photo or on site. • Water Color, Sat., 3-5pm. Learn color washes, expressive brushstrokes, creating light and shadow and more. For beginners or experienced painters that want to refresh their skills.

clubs/notices ELECTRONIC RECYCLING RALLY See page 46.

CAPE FEAR PARROT CLUB Cape Fear Parrot Club meets monthly. Schedule: 2/18, How to identify commonly kept parrot species, short video, then social time. • 3/10, Housing your pet bird, short video then social time. Ces Erdman: 910-386-6507 or cesnc1978@hotmail.com HUMANISTS AND FREETHINKERS HFCF hosts Herb Silverman—Candidate Without A Prayer. Fri., 3/16, 6-8:30pm. Bridge Center, 127-40 S. College Rd. Herb ran for governor of South Carolina in 1990 to challenge its unconstitutional provision that barred atheists from holding public office.

After an eight-year battle, he won a unanimous decision in the South Carolina Supreme Court, which struck down this religious test requirement. He is founder and president of the Secular Coalition for America and has a new book, “Candidate Without a Prayer: An Autobiography of a Jewish Atheist in the Bible Belt.” He will be happy to sign copies after the talk. Pot luck dinner to follow. RSVP www.humanism.meetup.com/182 HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS Historic Wilmington Foundation celebrates National Preservation Month annually each May, alongside

thousands of preservation organizations across America. The theme this year is “Discovering America’s Hidden Gems,” and the Foundation’s Preservation Awards recognize and honor the businesses and individuals who make preservation a reality in our historic region. We are now accepting nominations for current preservation excellence and leadership. Your nominations will help recognize, celebrate and educate the residents of the region about historic preservation. The Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF) will also release its annual Most Threatened Historic Places List in May. Nomination processes open to the public across New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Deadline for Most Threatened Historic Places: 3/31; and the Preservation Awards: 4/5. Both announced in May. www. historicwilmington.org ROTARY CLUBS OF ILM The Rotary Clubs of Wilmington present on 5/5, the Daffodil Run Walk and Art in the Garden at Greenfield. Two fundraisers will provide necessary funding for the Rotary Wheel Beautification Project at the Rotary Garden at Greenfield Lake Park in Wilmington, North Carolina. www.active.com/running/ wilmington-nc/daffodil-5K-run-2012. Registration at 7:30am at the corner of Honeysuckle St.and Amphitheatre Dr. at Greenfield Lake Park. The Daffodil

WILMINGTON PRIDE BOARD MEETINGS Wilmington Pride Board meetings, 3rd Tues/mo. at BuenaSpace, 7:30-8:45pm LYMPHEDEMA SUPPORT GROUP Dosher Memorial Hospital has announced the formation of a new Lymphedema Support Group.

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

culinary

WINE CLASSES All classes Thurs, 6:30pm at Taste the Olive; must be at least 21 years of age w/ID. Space limited; RSVP rqd. Schedule: 3/15: South American Malbec–. We will explore “new world” pure Malbec and blended varieties from Argentina and Chile, which offer fantastic values. $25/person • 3/29: “Hey Frenchy, You Don’t Scare Me”—Learn about French wines,classification system, how to read a French label, about various wine varietals by region, and more. Taste Bordeaux, Rhone, Loire, Burgundy, and Alsace. $30/ What’s that? Haven’t had your fill of Caramel deLites, person. Reservations are accepted on a Thin Mints or Peanut Butter Patties? Well, lucky cookie first-come/first-serve basis, and are nonmonsters have until the 11th to make their final Girl refundable. 910-256-OILS(6457)for policies/ Scout Cookie purchase. They can choose from eight details.

3/11: FINAL SALE DATE

varieties, including the newest flavor, Savannah Smiles—a bite-sized lemon wedge dusted in powdered sugar! Girl Scouts are celebrating 100 years in 2012, and their cookies only cost $3.50 a box, all of which goes back to the nonprofit.

Run Walk start promptly at 8am, with hand-painted awards, by the Girl Scouts NC Coastal Pines, being presented at 9:30am for: top 3 runners overall, female and male. Registration is only $20/ person before 4/20 and $25/after. Art in the Garden at Greenfield festival will commensurate afterward, featuring our area’s finest artists, as well as Cameron Art Museum’s “Children’s Art Tent” sponsored by Davis Funeral Homes, at the Rotary Garden, adjacent to the Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre in Greenfield Lake Park. Lori Harris: lharris2006@yahoo.com. www.

Facebook.com/RotaryWheel.

GIRL SCOUTS COOKIE SALE The Girl Scouts’ annual, and much anticipated, cookie sale is here! Sale dates through 3/11, cost is $3.50/box in 8 varieties, with new lemon shortbread flavor. Cokie booths kick off Super Bowl weekend, and customers can use their credit card to buy cookies. Customers who don’t want to purchase cookies for themselves, but want to support Girl Scouts, a troop, and our military troops can do so through Operation Cookie Drop, where monetary donations are allowed. www.girlscoutcookies.com or www.nccoastalpines.org.

WINE SERIES The Wine Series offers a unique way to educate in a social format, w/Paul Wasserman and fascinating guest speakers! www.thewineseries.com. Talk and taste wines—no tests! Just fun! All events are held on Tues., with check in at 7pm and events

Creator

Come and Celebrate our anniversary with us March 11th - March 17th! $32/person includes:

Choice of Cheese Fondue House, Caesar, or California Salad Dinner - Choice Angus Sirloin, Buffalo Chicken, Shrimp, and Ravioli Choice of Dessert, which will be accompanied by a champagne toast.

Offer available from March 11th to March 17th – reservations required.

885 Town Center Drive at Mayfaire Town Center• (910) 256-1187 60 encore |march 7-13, 2012| www.encorepub.com

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at 7:15pm. Each class and tasting event will last approximately 90 minutes and be held at The Balcony on Dock. 33 S. Front St #3; (910) 342-0273.

All wines in series available for purchase night of event! • 3/13: Tasting 101, Sniff-Swirl-Sip: Have you ever been to a tasting and overheard someone say, “fantastic aroma of lemon/lime”? We’ll discover the effective wat to “taste” wines. Sniff wine, swirl wine, slurp and sip and swallow. $20 • 3/20: Recognizing Aroma w/special guest Eva Terashima. Following on the theme of our first session, this one is designed to improve the ability to recognize aromas present in many of the wines we’ll taste in the series . Terashima from Down to Earth has worked with essential oils for 20 years and will bring with her a range of aromas found in wines so that you can begin to notice them. $20. • 3/27: Riedel Glassware Tasting Special w/Barry Weiss: The Riedel Glassware Company has been crafting fine glassware for 250 years. In recent years it has become known for creating specific glassware for various types of wines (grape variety). They even produce specific glassware for different types of spirits. Weiss, owner of Choice Specialty Wines, will be here to give us a lesson on these glasses, selecting four and the wines that go well with them.

Bonus: Take the 4 glasses home with you! Registry open in multiples of 12! $40/person. 910-262-6725 BLOCKADE RUNNER EAST A Night in Italy Wine Dinner, Sat., 3/10, 6:15pm.

Five courses, five flights of wine $55/person. Includes carpaccio of yellowfin, homemade pasta, lobster-stuffed calamari, chocolate mousse and more!http://blockade-runner.com/wp-content/ uploads/2011/07/A-Night-in-Italy.pdf.

275 Waynick Blvd. 910-256-2251 RESTAURANTS NEEDED! Attention: Seafood Chowder Chefs! Enter your best seafood chowder in our 16th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off, Sat., 4/14, at the Lake in Carolina Beach. Join the fun and excitement as local restaurants offer up the best of the best and compete for the “glory” of the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice. The atmosphere is always fun and festive as contestants prepare their finest ingredients outdoors around the Carolina Beach Lake to the delight of thousands of spectators.

910-458-8434.

FOOD CORPS FoodCorps, a national organization addressing childhood obesity and food insecurity in underserved communities, opens applications for its second annual class of service members. The selected emerging leaders will dedicate one year of full-time public service in school food systems, expanding hands-on nutrition education programs, building and tending school gardens, and sourcing fresh, healthy, local food for school cafeterias. Paid positions. Applications due 3/25: http://foodcorps.org/

ARIES (21 Mar. – 20 April) “Controlled hysteria is what is required,” playwright Arthur Miller said about his creative process. “To exist constantly in a state of controlled hysteria. It’s agony. But everyone has agony. The difference is that I try to take my agony home and teach it to sing.” I hope this little outburst inspires you, Aries. It’s an excellent time for you to harness your hysteria and instruct your agony in the fine art of singing. To boost your chances of success in pulling off this dicey feat, use every means at your disposal to have fun and stay amused.

TAURUS (21 April – 20 May) The Cherokee Heritage website wants people to know that not all Native American tribes have the same traditions. In the Cherokee belief system, it’s Grandmother Sun and Grandfather Moon, which is the opposite of most tribes. There are no Cherokee shamans, only medicine men and women and adawehis, or religious leaders. They don’t have “pipe carriers,” don’t do the Sun Dance, and don’t walk the “Good Red Road.” In fact, they walk the White Path, have a purification ceremony called “Going to Water,” and perform the Green Corn ceremony as a ritual renewal of life. I suggest you do a similar clarification for the group you’re part of and the traditions you hold dear, Taurus. Ponder your tribe’s unique truths and ways. Identify them and declare them.

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June) In the coming weeks, the activity going on inside your mind and heart will be especially intense and influential—even if you don’t explicitly express it. When you speak your thoughts and feelings out loud, they will have unusual power to change people’s minds and rearrange their moods. When you keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself, they will still leak all over everything, bending and shaping the energy field around you. That’s why I urge you to take extra care as you manage what’s going on within you. Make sure the effect you’re having is the effect you want to have.

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CANCER (21 June – 21 July) Artist Richard Kehl tells the story of a teenage girl who got the chance to ask a question of the eminent psychologist Carl Jung. “Professor, you are so clever. Could you please tell me the shortest path to my life’s goal?” Without a moment’s hesitation, Jung replied, “The detour!” I invite you to consider the possibility that Jung’s answer might be meaningful to you right now, Cancerian. Have you been churning out overcomplicated thoughts about your mission? Are you at risk of getting a bit too grandiose in your plans? Maybe you should at least dream about taking a shortcut that looks like a detour or a detour that looks like a shortcut.

Scott ADAMS (23 Across) worked at a bank and a telephone company before becoming a full-time cartoonist in 1995. Country singer SARA Adams (32 Across) sang

LEO (22 July – 22 Aug.) An old Chinese proverb says: “My barn having burned to the ground, I can see the moon.” The speaker of those words was making an effort to redefine a total loss as a partial gain. The building may have been gone, but as a result he or she had a better view of a natural wonder that was previously difficult to observe. I don’t foresee any of your barns going down in flames, Leo, so I don’t expect you’ll have to make a similar redefinition under duress.

However, you have certainly experienced events like that in the past. Now would be an excellent time to revise your thinking about their meaning. Are you brave enough and ingenious enough to reinterpret your history? It’s find-the-redemption week.

VIRGO (23 Aug. – 22 Sept.)

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Numerous websites on the Internet allege that Greek philosopher Plato made this statement, which I regard as highly unlikely. In any case, the thought itself has some merit. In accordance with your current astrological omens, I will make it your motto for the week.

This is an excellent time to learn more about and become closer to the people you care for, and nothing would help you accomplish that better than getting together for intensive interludes of fooling around and messing around and horsing around.

LIBRA (24 Sept. – 23 Oct.) “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves,” Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl said. His advice might be just what you need to hear right now, Libra. Have you struggled, mostly fruitlessly, to change a stagnant situation that has resisted your best efforts? Is there a locked door you’ve been banging on to no avail? If so I invite you to redirect your attention.

Reclaim the energy you have been expending on closed-down people and moldering systems. Instead, work on the unfinished beauty of what lies closest at hand: yourself.

SCORPIO (23 Oct. – 21 Nov.) In this passage from “Still Life With Woodpecker,” Tom Robbins provides a hot tip you should keep in mind: “There are essential and inessential insanities.

Inessential insanities are a brittle amalgamation of ambition, aggression and pre-adolescent anxiety— garbage that should have been dumped long ago.

Essential insanities are those impulses one instinctively senses are virtuous and correct, even though peers may regard them as coo-coo.” I’ll add this, Scorpio: Be crazily wise and wisely crazy in the coming weeks. It will be healthy for you. Honor the wild ideas that bring you joy and the odd desires that remind you of your core truths.

SAGITTARIUS (22 Nov. – 21 Dec.) I don’t think you will need literal medicine this week. Your physical vigor should be good. But I’m hoping you will seek out some spirit medicine— healing agents that fortify the secret and subtle parts of your psyche. Where do you find spirit medicine? Well, the search itself will provide the initial dose. Here are some further ideas: Expose yourself to stirring art, music and films; have conversations with empathic friends and the spirits of dead loved ones; spend time in the presence of a natural wonder; fantasize about a thrilling adventure you will have one day; and imagine who you want to be three years from now.

CAPRICORN (22 Dec. – 20 Jan.) Each of us is the star of our own movie. There are a few other lead and supporting actors who round out the cast, but everyone else in the world is an extra. Now and then, though, people whom we regard as minor characters suddenly rise to prominence and play a pivotal role in our unfolding drama. I expect this phenomenon is now occurring or will soon occur for you, Capricorn. So, please, be willing to depart from the script. Open yourself to the possibility of improvisation. People who have been playing bit parts may have more to contribute than you imagine.

AQUARIUS (21 Jan. – 19 Feb.) The “cocktail party effect” refers to your ability to hear your name being spoken while in the midst of a social gathering’s cacophony. This is an example of an important practice, which is how to discern truly meaningful signals embedded in the noise of all the irrelevant information that surrounds you. You should be especially skilled at doing this in the coming weeks, Aquarius—and it will be crucial that you make abundant use of your skill. As you navigate your way through the clutter of symbols and the overload of data, be alert for the few key messages that are highly useful.

PISCES (20 Feb. – 20 Mar.) Shunryu Suzuki was a Zen master whose books helped popularize Zen Buddhism in America. A student once asked him, “How much ego do you need?” His austere reply: “Just enough so that you don’t step in front of a bus.” While I sympathize with the value of humility, I wouldn’t go quite that far. I think that a slightly heftier ego, if offered up as a work of art, can be a gift to the world. What do you think, Pisces? How much ego is good? To what degree can you create your ego so that it’s a beautiful and dynamic source of power for you, and an inspiration for other people rather than a greedy, needy parasite that distorts the truth? This is an excellent time to ruminate on such matters.

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