March 9, 2016

encore

The Cape Fear’s Alternative Voice for 30 Years!

VOL. 32 / PUB. 37 / FREE March 9 – 15, 2016

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HODGEPODGE Vol. 32/Pub. 37

March 9 – 15, 2016

Friday, March 11 - 11am

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Wilmington Empty Bowls 2016

ON THE COVER

Area potters are creating original works of art for Wilmington Empty Bowls 2016, held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Activity Center on Independence Blvd. The event raises funds for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and Good Shepherd Center. Dozens of potters will turn out over 1,500 bowls for this year’s luncheon, of which guests can take one home after dining on a multi-course menu from local restaurants. Tickets are $20.

Visit their Facebook event page for more.

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

BEST OF WINNERS 2016, pgs. 30-41 The votes were tallied for encore’s Best Of Wilmington awards and winners announced at this year’s “Invasion of the Trophy Snatchers” party, featuring house band The Midatlantic (above). Read about the party and fundraiser for DREAMS and the first round of 2016 winners on pages 30-41; the rest of the winners will be announced throughout March. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

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Music>> Folkstar duo Kim Dicso and Sue Cag talk about inspirations behind their latest album, ‘Treelines and Skylines,’ and upcoming 2016 shows in ILM. Courtesy photo.

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PGs. 8-9

Courtesy photo.

Editorial Assistant: Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

Interns: Arnold Estrada-Lopez, Logan Brantley

SALES>

Courtesy photo.

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Film>> We don’t recommend image-Googling ‘Knob Goblins’ at work, just go see it on March 11 as part of the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival’s Horror Block.

Anghus reviews other films featured in the fest on pages 18-19.

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

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus, Jay Schiller, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori, Tiffanie DiDonato, Bethany Turner, Chris Pendergast, Jay Workman

<<Theatre

PG. 16

EDITORIAL>

Art Director: Kyle Peeler // ads@encorepub.com

‘The Last of the Red Hot Lovers’ is the second Neil Simon production in Big Dawg’s season. A funny and poignant play, read Gwenyfar Rohler’s praise on page 16.

General Manager: John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Advertising: John Hitt // Downtown // Carolina Beach // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // Midtown, Monkey Junction // shea@encorepub.com Willa Brown // Midtown, Monkey Junction // sales@devourilm.com Rose Thompson // Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington // rose@encorepub.com Office Manager: Susie Riddle // susie@adpakweekly.com Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright Published weekly, on Wednesday, by HP Media.

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

PGs. 18-19

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • OpEd, pg. 6 • News of the Weird, pg. 7 Music, pgs. 8-13 • Art, pg. 15 • Theatre, pg. 16 • Film, pgs. 18-19 Dining, pgs. 21-28 • Extra, pgs. 30-42 • Calendar, pgs. 44-63

2 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

event of the week

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NEWS>>live local

live local, live small: Expanding the arts means expanding economic development

by: gwenyfar rohler

ARTS MEETUP: Craig Stinson (far left) with the Thalian Association staff at a previous Arts in Wilmington meetup; the next one is Wed., Mar. 9 at Art in Bloom. Courtesy photo.

“I

don’t know that the arts is a magic bullet. It’s about people being creative. I don’t know that it’s a magic bullet for anything, but it is a lot of fun.”

Craig Stinson smiles and gives a little head shake. We have been discussing his project, Arts In Wilmington, and veered into a conversation about what the arts can or can’t do to heal societal ills. It’s oddly refreshing to hear someone actually put forth the idea that one visit to an inner-city school by a dance troupe for a master class might not be the missing element in eliminating prejudice from the world. Maybe “ars gratia artis” (“art for art’s sake”) is the point.

But back to Craig Stinson.

He’s a quiet man with a big smile. More so, he seems genuinely interested in collaborative work and listens attentively to other

people’s ideas. Stinson started Arts in Wilmington as a newsletter in February of 2014.

“I just thought it would be fun to send out a newsletter every week with arts events happening,” he says. “I literally had five people the first issue. Two were me, one was my wife,” he says with a smile. “I’m almost at 1,400 subscribers now—by word of mouth.”

So, is Stinson making a living from this?

No, he sells real estate by day.

worked in arts administration in Washington D.C. and South Carolina. He cites the museum studies concentration at George Washington University as the motivator for persuing his degree there. He also worked with The Smithsonian, The National Endowment for the Arts, the Library of Congress, The Alamo ...

“Really?” I interrupt him. “The Alamo? Was your office in the fort?”

He nods and gives me a surprised look.

“I just want people to know about the broad spectrum of stuff happening in Pender, Brunswick and New Hanover countiesm” Stinson tells. “Wilmington has one of the best arts scenes for an area this size, and it’s all so community-driven, which I love.”

This segued to South Carolina where he worked as program director for eight years at the South Carolina Arts Commission. “But I wanted to be home—I always wanted to get back to Wilmington,” he explains.

Stinson has embarked on an interesting journey back to home. He moved away a little over two decades ago and in the meantime

Stinson popped up on my radar about the time he started the newsletter. He was working in the Cucalorus office and we seemed to

4 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

orbit each other. Then he started organizing networking events with Arts in Wilmington.

“There’s a lot of activity in Wilmington,” he says. “People hear of each other but sometimes they don’t know each other. We started the meetups so people could make that happen.”

Stinson rotates the location of the meetups monthly. He has utilized Flytrap Brewery on 4th Street and TheatreNOW on 10th Street, as well as art galleries like Eclipse at Blue Moon on Racine Drive and Spectrum Art and Jewlery at The Forum.

“Every time we have people come who have said, ‘I’ve never been in here,’” he notes.

“They meet the owners, artists, performers. I think a lot of getting people involved is giving them a reference for the amenities in town.”

He says people then have a relationship

with a venue and its location, including knowing where to park. It might sound minor, but it can actually be a pretty major hurdle for a business or venue.

About a month ago Stinson sent a notice seeking nominations for the first Arts in Wilmington Awards. My main inquiry for him was knowing how his newsletters and awards are any different from The Arts Council of WIlmington and New Hanover County. “I don’t give grants,” Stinson says. When Stinson decided to start the awards, rather than reinventing the wheel, he pretty much copied a model he has seen work: The South Carolina Arts Council’s Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Awards. “I want it to be as transparent as possible, [with judging that] has solid credentials behind it,” he explains.

Six categories will be covered in the awards: Arts in Education, Organization, Government, Business/Foundation, Individual, and Individual Artist. Stinson has tapped people from Mississippi, South Carolina, Florida, and DC to judge the nominations.

“The plan is to have them reviewed by people outside of the area—who have really solid arts administration backgrounds and people who are not in Wilmington.”

Stinson is quick to point out the categories are open to interpretation. In “Government,” for example, a juror could be someone who is an elected official, or works in government or for a municipality. The “Individual” category presents questions about advocacy for arts, volunteering, fundraising, and arts administration. “They cast a wide net in very specific areas,” he notes.

Outside of joy of recognition for winning an award, Stinson says highlighting exceptional individuals and businesses leads to awareness beyond Wilmington. “Ultimately the arts serve as an ambassador for the town itself,” he says. “From my perspective, it’s an issue of awareness and recognition.

[W]e’ve had a long history of community theatre and visual arts. Wilmington has always been an arts city.”

Stinson constantly hears from colleagues in other parts of the country who are surprised at how much happens in Wilmington. His job as a real estate agent makes him think about why people would move here. He says obvious reasons like climate and proximity to the beach and having a cool downtown are one.

“But arts is one component of that,” he notes.

As we veer toward a conversation about how to measure economic value of the arts in a community, Stinson surprises me again.

“Some people just know they can take classes or get involved in the theatre scene,” he says. “I think if you package the arts well, the economic implications become obvious. If you start from the economic issue of the arts, to me, it takes away from the intrinsic creative value and bravery that the arts engender They show bravery. People don’t understand how . . . intimidating it would be to get up on-

stage and put yourselves out there in front of people. That translates into all kinds of other aspects of people’s lives (be it starting businesses). You want to talk about economic development? Talk about people who stand on a stage or create a 2D or 3D piece of work, and put it out there for everybody.”

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Stinson says Wilmington could call itself the “live-theatre capital of the East Coast.”

He’s right. We have five to seven shows playing any given weekend. “So when you have a concentration of arts or arts activity, it ends up being the vanguard of economic development, in the sense that restaurants and retail pop up around it,” he continues. “Thus, housing values go up and people take pride locally and really reinforces sense of place.”

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Amen.

To nominate someone for an Arts in Wilmington Award, log onto www.artsinwilmington. com. The nomination deadline is April 29.

DETAILS:

Arts in Wilmington Meetup

Art in Bloom • 210 Princess Street March 9, 5:30 p.m. • Free First 10 people get Art in Bloom T-shirt

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NEWS>>op-ed

Take a Breath!

The zen of The Don

Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brisket, Smoked Sausage

by: MARK BASQUILL

E

very time we talk about a person we form opinions about them, rather than developing solutions to common problems. That’s why I didn’t plan on writing about Donald Trump at least until long after the GOP anointed him a savior on par with the author, Ronald Reagan, of his campaign slogan. People come and go, but our common problems remain.

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I planned on writing about cool local things, like how Wilmington arts and academic communities are flourishing against great odds; how cutting edge locally headquartered global ventures like the Full Belly Project have been solving problems and relieving suffering throughout the world for over 14 years; or how cool it was to have nationally known meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg teach folks how to stop and take a breath just in time for campaign season.

Pope knows it. Have you checked the polls?

I beat everybody, hands down, breathing out.

JKZ: Breathing in …

TD: That’s dumb. I’m not an in-breathing kind of guy. Bill Clinton says he smoked weed but didn’t inhale. Bill Clinton was a liar. Down to the bone, Slick Willy was a great liar. Even if he didn’t inhale pot, I go one better than him: I never inhale. Period.

JKZ: Mr. Trump?

The Don: You deaf? Poorly educated?

Poorly educated people love me! Inhale? Me? NE-VAH do I inhale. Exclusively exhalations.

JKZ: Mr. Trump?

TD: Only losers inhale. Who invented this mindfulness crap—the Chinese?

JKZ: People have been breathing to relax long before there was a China, but formal practices like these may have started in Asia.

TD: A communist thing—could be a Buddhist thing. Pray it’s not a radical Islamic terrorBut Super Tuesday’s results, the GOP establishment’s buyer’s remorse, and Mr. ist thing. I can say it: ‘Radical Islamic terrorist.’

Trump quoting Il Duce conspired against Can you? me. At least “The Don” chose one of MusJKZ: Breathing is faith-neutral. solini’s better quotes, “Better one day as a TD: My breathing and my coffee are Chrisliar, than a 100 years as ... hey, get that guy tian.

Boycott Starbucks! I will protect the rights outta here! I’d like to punch him in the face take out his family. You gotta take out these of Christians to my last breath. My. Last.

Breath. After that, we’ll build a wall and kick terrorists families—capisce?”

Buddhist butt again! We’ll win at breathing Lack of discipline is another reason I write again! about Mr. Trump. Rubbernecking is a huge JKZ: Breathing isn’t a competition. aspect of The Don’s meteoric rise from two-bit hawker-in-chief to GOP nominee. Not talking TD: What good is it? Back off. You’re breathabout him is like trying to not stare at fender ing my air. benders on College Road.

JKZ: You can’t own air.

In a desperate attempt to stop Trump or polTD: If you can’t own or buy it, it’s commuish his brand, it’s possible the RNC may resort nist and socialist. Everybody can be bought. to hiring a meditation teacher. I’d rather write Except me. I’m funding my own campaign 100 about meditation anyway. Meditation attempts percent. I could shoot people on 5th Avenue to reduce human suffering rather than stimuand not lose votes. Strength. As commander late and profit from it. Let’s say they hired Shain chief, I’ll never let my troops meditate. It’s ron Salzberg to teach The Don to meditate. weak. Like our current lead from behind guy.

Scratch that. (What could a woman with Un-American. blood coming out of her eyes teach The Don, JKZ: The military has been teaching Mfit, a anyway?) What if the GOP hired renowned faith-neutral meditation program, to Marines meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of for much of past decade.

“Full Catastrophe Living.” How might that first session go?

Jon Kabat-Zinn (JKZ): Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.

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The Don (TD): What kind of loser crap is this? Everybody knows I’m breathing out. The Chinese know it. The Mexicans know it. The

The session might go for exhalation after hot-air-filled fact-free exhalation. As easy and fun as it is to parody The Don, after the chuckle, how many problems have we solved? How many Trump-a-holics will change their hearts and take the pledge? Maybe it’s time to take a breath, and refocus our efforts on solving problems and relieving suffering.

The Square Wheel of Justice In February, New York’s highest court finally said “enough” to the seemingly endless delays on a multimillion-dollar judgment for negligence that occurred 23 years ago. Linda Nash had sued, among others, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for injuries she suffered when trapped in an underground parking garage during the World Trade Center terrorist act. (No, not the one in 2001, but the bombing eight years before that, which killed six and wounded more than 1,000). Nash was 49 that day and 72 now, and after winning a $5.4 million jury verdict in 2005, endured 10 more years of appeals. In its final, unsuccessful motion in the case, the Port Authority said it had spotted a technicality and that Nash should start over.

The Continuing Crisis “Nostalgia,” Gone Too Far: Retired engineer Harry Littlewood, 68, watching workers tear down outdated public housing in Stockport, England, recently, rushed over to ask the local Stockport Council about recovering a “souvenir” since the teardowns included his residence growing up. The council agreed, and Littlewood was awarded the toilet he had used as a boy. “I never thought I’d see it again,” he mused. He said he would probably turn it into a planter.

Latest Religious Messages — Evangelicals Applaud Sexual Predator: The Jacksonville (Florida) City Council was addressing a proposed amendment to its Human Rights Ordinance (one that would specifically protect gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders) in January when Roy Bay, 56, stood during the comment period and insisted that those kinds of lifestyle protections are what led him on a 20-year history of molesting one little boy after another. Gasps in the audience turned into cheers, however, when he reported that he had abandoned his bad self after becoming a “born-again child of God,” and realizing that it was not “acceptable” to assault kids even though he was raised in such an environment himself. (Conveniently, the crimes are not prosecutable because of the statute of limitations. Fact-checkers, including FloridaPolitics.com, are still investigating Bay’s claims.)

— Local governments in Taiwan’s Southwest Coast National Scenic Area in Chiayi

province recently put the finishing touches on a 55-foot-high “church” in the form of a shoe made from more than 300 glass panels (and costing the equivalent of about $680,000).

According to a BBC News dispatch, no religious services will be held there; rather, the church will be a destination for weddings and feature other events tailored for glass-slipperobsessed females.

— Prosecutors in Spain finally filed charges this year against three women for a May 2014 protest that was apparently aimed at religious intolerance of homosexuality, and are asking that the charges against the women be labeled anti-Catholic “hate” crimes. One judge particularly noted the anti-Catholic props — rosary beads, prayer lace, canonical hoods, and a 6-foot-high plastic vulva constructed to resemble the well-known representation of the Virgin Mary. In January, judges called police to court to help identify the women in videos of the protest.

Uselessness of the Miranda Warning — The three young men charged so far in the Feb. 17 murder in a South Carolina bowling alley made their first post-crime courtroom appearances memorable ones. According to a WYFF-TV (Greenville, South Carolina) report, Albert Taylor, 22 (and labeled as the shooter by police), seemed indifferent to the charges, but questioned the judge about courtroom cameras, appearing preoccupied.

As he was being ushered out, he turned to address the camera and barked, “What’s up, y’all? You can follow me on Twitter, follow me on Instagram, Snapchat.”

— Alex Smith, 38, asked a sheriff’s deputy in Limestone County, Alabama, at 3 a.m. on Feb. 19 for a “courtesy ride” to a nearby WalMart, and the deputy agreed, but following procedure, said he’d have to search Smith before letting him into the patrol car, and according to the subsequent arrest report, Smith, needing the ride, consented. The deputy then turned up a veritable drug supply store in Smith’s pockets, his backpack and his duffel bags: drugs (meth, marijuana and black tar heroin), two syringes, a drug cooking spoon, two marijuana pipes, a meth smoking pipe, and a supply of baggies of the type frequently used for drugs. Smith was charged with drug possession and trafficking.

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 7

arts>>music

Above the Treeline:

Sue Cag and Kim Dicso of Folkstar reveal the nature of their latest album the huge trees out west. Right here at home (despite lamenting that almost all of our big trees were cut long ago), we still cut any old(ish) trees—as evidenced by the recent cutting of the “Sonic Oak,” another live oak down Kerr Avenue, and the plans to destroy all the oaks at the corner of Market and Middle Sound Loop roads. These are trees that got in the way: “My friends all got taken, but I managed to stay, until I got in the way.”

by: shannon rae gentry

We should be surrounded by huge 100- to 1,000-year-old trees rather than cutting them down or sequestering the very few we decide to leave standing to a “tree museum.”

One such place is a small virgin forest dedicated to Joyce Kilmer, which you can find in western NC. It’s the most beautiful forest in the east. e: Who writes the songs and instrumentals? Is it collaborative?

SC: We’re both prolific songwriters, and we split lyrics evenly between us. We write in various ways, but most of the time we’ll write lyrics independently, then Kim will create the melody (she’s a genius with melodies), and hand it back to me to write the musical accompaniment (guitar, bass, drums, etc).

There is one instrumental on “Treelines and Skylines”—“Ancient Forest”—which I created exclusively on guitar. e: What are a few more songs that stand on this album?

L

KD: Tree songs aside, “We’ve Got Time” describes the exhilarating and sometimes “Trees,” which many of us learned in grade nerve-racking experience of traveling the school. One day a variation of the first line country, sleeping on a bed nestled in the of the poem just popped into my head “You back of a mini-van. We stopped to sleep for used to think that you’d never see a poem as the night wherever we could, which often lovely as me.” As I repeated it aloud, a melo- included truck stops. Sometimes we would dy sprung. I thought, Well, that’s interesting. I forget where we were and sleep soundly; think I’m writing a song from the perspective sometimes we would be kept awake by the rumblings of 18-wheelers and RVs. A few of a tree. times we’d take one look at a truck stop and As literary buffs (we both have English de- just keep driving. No matter what, however, grees), it’s not uncommon for a familiar pas- we had each other. With no set itinerary, we sage or idea from a book to come to mind went where our intuition led us, and we exwhen writing. In this case it became sort of perienced an incredible adventure together. an homage to the childhood experience of SC: A lot of people also talk to us about trees being these wonderful majestic beings, only to grow up and find ourselves disregard- “Who Am I?” This song is a very personal ing them or cutting them down. In that vein, story about my father, as well as a strong this song is also very reminiscent of “The commentary on our medical culture. It’s a result of my time spent in hospitals after my Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. father’s heart surgery caused strokes. I conSC: (Spoiler alert!) In the end the tree is stantly replay the conversation I had with my cut down. In our travels we bear witness to father about his medical wishes and think huge swaths of clear cuts. We know most of about what I would want for myself. I think our ancient trees are long gone, especially a lot about how our medical culture keeps

ALBUM DEBUT: With a new record in tow, Folkstar is set to perform at Fermental (7250 Market St.) on Sat., March 12, at 8 p.m. Courtesy photo.

ocal folk-rock duo Folkstar—made up of Sue Cag (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, drums, keyboard) and Kim Dicso (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, trumpet)—released their third album, “Treelines and Skylines,” in late 2015. There’s a clear connection to nature on their latest work. Not only evident in their songwriting, the album art shows an ancient tree and forest on the left contrasts with dull gray skyscrapers on the right. Cag created the painting specifically for the record as an exploration on the dichotomy of nature versus human fabrication.

bum-release party, so this will act as a debut of sorts. They will perform the album in its entirety, starting from the last song to the first.

“We’re living under the illusion of power, and we fill our lives with distraction and discontent,” she explains. “We’ve created a separation between us and ‘nature’ where no such disconnect actually exists.”

Sue Cag (SC): In our travels we felt completely connected and alive when exploring old forests. When we returned [to Wilmington,] we became even more aware of the destruction of our human ways.

Cag and Dicso will perform for the first time together in Wilmington since the release of “Treelines and Skylines” at Fermental on March 12. The duo never had an official al-

“We’ll also have copies of the fancy physical CD for sale, as well as 11-inch-by-17-inch art prints of Sue’s original cover painting,” Dicso adds. encore spoke with the two talents about their journey creating the latest album and its concepts. encore (e): Where did the nature theme start?

e: Is “Song for Joyce Kilmer” about the writer and poet?

Kim Dicso (KD): Yes, the spark for “Song for Joyce Kilmer” was Kilmer’s famous poem,

8 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

people “alive” no matter what, without a clear SC: I certainly learned more than I wanted understanding of what that means. to know about instrument maintenance. I ran e: How long has the record been in the into issues, such as intonation problems, making and what was the process pro- which I had to work through to get the recordings right. I also perfected my mixing skills. ducing it?

SC: The album took a year to create. The themes came together organically, inspired by our travels out west and what was happening in our lives. We went into the process with a handful of established songs and wrote the rest during recording. It was a mountain of work creating the recordings exactly how we wanted them. Unlike live performance, recording puts everything under a microscope. This time around we split production decisions, which worked well. I mixed the album in collaboration with Kim and our favorite local engineer, Karen Kane.

KD: We wanted the album to be called “Treelines and Skylines” before the songs were even written. We were on the same page thematically from the beginning. Our experience traveling on and off for the past couple years provided a natural framework. e: Where does the album fall in terms of personal and professional growth with the band and music?

SC: Everyone who has listened to all three of our albums has said we’ve grown on this album. We released our first album, “Emotional Bootcamp,” quickly and used songs Kim had previously written. I wrote most of the lyrics on our second, “Loud and Clear,” and it was a huge 16-track opus exploring all of our influences, especially rock. This album is a more even representation of both of our work. It shows growth musically and lyrically.

KD: We really hit our stride as a duo and found our voice. I think we found the sweet spot between folk and rock. I’ve always wanted to add a little extra something to my singer/songwriter stuff but wasn’t really successful until now. Before Folkstar I had been doing mostly solo work for years with some collaborations on the side. Personally, this album was a shift. I still play solo shows, but I no longer consider myself a solo artist. e: What were some lessons learned?

KD: I learned there is a fine line between making something polished and making ourselves crazy. Doing the recording ourselves allowed us freedom to pop into the studio as often and for as long as we wanted, but it also meant nobody there to save us from ourselves when we should have just stepped away instead of doing five more takes that sound exactly the same. e: Are you already thinking about the next project?

KD: We are always thinking about the next project! We are typical artists in the sense that we get twitchy if we aren’t working on something. We’ve both already started writing new songs but are not planning to put out anything new soon. We really want to let this album breathe and grow and be heard by people who are going to relate to it. Right now we are focusing on ways to do that and are planning more performances in the next few months.

SC: We’re also going to release videos in support of the album. Right now I am compiling footage we filmed last fall in the giant Sequoias to make the video for “Into the Trees.” I won’t give too much away, but there is a choreographed dance we perform while dressed as woodland creatures. It’s as strange and hilarious as it sounds. Doing the cover art inspired me to make a series of similarly inspired paintings and I’m working on those now as well.

Aside from playing Fermental, Folkstar has upcoming performances at Unitarian Universalist with Roy Zimmerman on March 31 and the Carolina Pines Music Festival on May 29. Visit www.Folkstar.net.

Details:

RDGLDGRN

ONE TREE HILL CLUB TRIC

WED, MARCH 9th

FRI, MARCH 11th

MAR.11th ONE TREE HILL-CLUB TRIC MAR. 12th CLUB TRIC MAR.16th THE GODDAMN GALLOWS

Sat., March 12, at 8 p.m.

Fermental • 7250 Market St. Free

APR. 11th MADBALL APR. 14th & 15th AFTER PARTY: IRATION, NIGHT 1 & 2

MAR. 17th PATO BANTON MAR. 29th BONERAMA

APR. 20th TRIBAL SEEDS

MAR. 31st MUNCIPAL WASTE

APR. 22nd LUKE COMBS

APR. 1st STICK FIGURE

APR. 26th COLEMAN HELL

APR. 2st FOAM DROP

Folkstar

APR. 7th CORROSION OF CONFORMITY

MAY 7th STATE CHAMPS

APR. 3rd SHAMAN’S HARVEST

MAY 10th THY ART IS MURDER

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IDLEWILD SOUTH The Allman Brothers Band Tribute

SAT, MARCH 19th encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 9

arts>>music

A DECADE OF ROCK:

Monkeyknifefight headline two nights of debauchery at Reggie’s by: shea carver

W

hat began as a two-piece known as Monkeyknifefight (MKF) in 2002 has evolved into a four-piece punk outfit that’s stirring debauchery across the Port City still today. Local drummer Charlie Smith and guitarist Josh Pearson can be blamed for the upstart of a band that thrives on beer, guns, catastrophes, girls, and bad television—as they noted in an encore interview a few years ago.

“At the time we were living together,” Smith says of Pearson. “We played for about a year or two, playing a handful of house shows and parties. Then we took a break.”

Around 2006 Pearson and Smith picked up their respective instruments again, and asked Jaybee Bratz to join on lead guitar and vocals.

Pearson went on to play bass and the trio took over the stage as a three-piece.

“This is the time frame we are basing the 10 years anniversary off of,” Smith tells. “It was during this time when we started playing out at

venues and booking a lot.”

e: Are all the acts local?

Around 2008 Monkeyknifefight went through a few more changes, including the exit of its founding member, Pearson. Smith and Bratz added guitarist Dave Ware and Mitch Jones on bass. The quarter has been performing together ever since. encore interviewed Bratz and Smith about Monkeyknifefight’s two-day celebration taking place at Reggie’s this weekend. Over a dozen bands will be on hand to melt off the faces of thrashing music lovers everywhere. Naturally, Monkeyknifefight will headline both nights. encore (e): Ten years! A decade! Congrats! How have you guys managed to be a band for 3,650 days? What does it take to stick together for rock ‘n’ roll?

Jaybee Bratz (JB): Strong love for our music and spending time together with friends. I guess we make it work by understanding that we all have lives, jobs, wives, kids, day-to-day bullshit, etc., that sometimes come before the band. e: How did MKF begin?

Charlie Smith (CS): The band started mostly because we all really enjoyed punk rock, skateboarding and booze. We were young and like, ‘Hey, I played drums before, and you have a guitar. We should start a band.’ I then borrowed a drum set from my good friend, Brian Walker, before I eventually bought my own.

Our first venue gig was at The Soapbox, and we played after an amateur wrestling event.

They didn’t have time to break the ring down, so the ring was in between the stage and the crowd, which made things very interesting. e: Tell us about songs and records you’ve produced to date.

CS: We only have one full length released, but we have tons of unreleased recordings and live recordings that we do plan to release one day. We have probably written more songs than we can remember. At least enough for three or four albums. We definitely have 30-plus original songs, and we have a list of cover songs we like to throw in our live set at times. e: When was your last show? About how many a year are you doing these days?

10 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

CS: Mostly—four or five bands are traveling. e: Predominantly what styles of music will play throughout the weekend?

CS: A lot of punk rock in every form possible. Pop, rock, thrash, noise, ska. e: What’s new with MKF these days? Any new music or records?

THRASH AND STOMP: Punk rockers Monkeyknifefight celebrate a decade with a double bill this weekend at Reggie’s. Courtesy photo.

CS: Recently, we opened for The Queers.

It was one of our best shows ever—not because of the crowd, or the way we played, but because this band was a huge influence on Jaybee and myself with getting involved with punk music as kids. So it was one of those highlight moments for us.

We average about 12 or 15 shows a year.

We usually are good for at least once a month in town and occasionally get out of town for shows on the weekends. e: Why the 10-year anniversary show?

Who’s idea was it?

JB: Because we are legendary, and legends need to be celebrated.

CS: Really, it’s just an excuse to party with our friends. One day we started talking about doing it—and then it just so happened the 10year party fell on the weekend of one of our best friend’s birthdays: Mike B. He’s been a part of the Monkeyknifefight family since day one, so it made this weekend even more special. e: Who curated the bands for the show, and how you decide on them?

JB: Charlie got most of the bands together [Madd Hatters, Exploding Math Lab, No Labels Fit, among others.] Most bands we play with regularly, and some feature members who we have played with before from other bands.

There’s a good mix of genres throughout both nights. We wanted all the bands to have some connection to us. We did reach out to try to get bands we used to play with to do a reunion but didn’t have luck getting everyone on board.

JB: A lot of writing and setting up to record a new album over the summer, which will be coming out in fall. We will probably still be playing shows here and there but mainly focusing on putting out our next album. Big things. e: Funniest band story to date?

JB: Can’t think of anything particular but interacting and making fun of and berating the crowd is always a highlight for me. I personally love when Dave brakes a string and I get the crowd to shout obscenities at him. Most of the funnier stuff happens in the band room when it is foggy and the drinks are flowing. e: Most memorable show to date?

JB: We played at Ziggy’s for the Rims on the River afterparty last year, and I had the chance to have my 5-year-old son, Sean, come up on stage for a few songs. He thought it was the greatest thing in the world (he thought it would be funny to hold my beer up and act like he was going to drink it). e: Favorite song you’ve created...

CS: It’s always changing but right now it’s a toss up between “Cancerface” because of its dark and more serious nature than we usually write, and “Sigh-o-nora” because it has a nice happy melody to it and an old showman ‘goodnight to the crowd’ kind of feel to it in the vain of old crooners, like Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.—except we’re singing about scoring blow, Aids and bar fights.

DETAILS:

Monkeyknifefight 10 Year Anniversary Friday, Mar. 11 • Doors 7 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 12 • Doors 6 p.m.

Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern 1415 S. 42nd Street $6 per day / $10 for both

a preview of events across town this week

the soundboard

Brought to you by:

encore magazine

Wednesday, March 9 Fun Night Trivia (6:30pm; Free)

—The Pub, 2012 Eastwood Rd.; 910-679-8101

Trivia with Jim and Glenn (6:30pm; Free)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

Open Mic Intervention Wed. (6:30pm; Free) —Addicted to the Bean, 1207 S. Kerr Ave.

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

Barry and Jill (7pm; $3; Acoustic)

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

Tacos and Trivia (8pm; Free)

—Capt’n Bills Backyard n’ Grille, 4240 Market St.

All-Ladies Sketch Comedy Show! (8pm; $5) —Theatre NOW, 19 S. 10th St.

RDGLDGRN (9pm; $8-$13; Hip-Hop Mix) —Ziggy’s By The Sea, 208 Market St.; 910-769-4096

Karaoke Night (9:30pm; Free)

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.; 910-509-0805

SEOP Dance Company (7:30pm; $30)

—CFCC Cape Fear Stage, 701 N. 3rd St.

Thursday, March 10 Nicole Thompson (7pm; $3; Jazz)

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

Karaoke (9pm; Free)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

Fire and Drums (9pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

Trivia Night (9pm; Free)

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.; 910-509-0805

Tweed (9pm; $5-$10; Jamchronica)

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

Friday, March 11 Laura McLean (6pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —A Tasting Room, 19 S. 2nd St.

Isaac Clowers (7pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Stoney Creek (7pm; Free; Americana)

—Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave. LOCAL FAVORITE: Catch singer-songwriter Bibis Ellison with her band at the Palm Room on Saturday, March 12, at 10 p.m. Cover is $10. Photo by Alecia Mitchell Photography

Port City Trio (7pm; $3; Jazz)

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

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

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Joe Matarese (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

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

Wrightsville Beach, NC

LIVE MUSIC fri

stoney creek

MAR 11

Alternative Country, 7pm - 10pm

sat

mike o’donnell

mar 12 fri

Dance Classic, 7pm - 10pm

l shape lot

MAR 18

Acoustic Mix, 7pm - 10pm

sat

forrest tabor

mar 19

Eclectic Mix, 7pm - 10pm

1706 North Lumina Ave. • (910) 256-2231

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS (as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR FRIDAY MONDAY DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Select Appetizers halfMONDAY off $ 4 Cosmopolitan $ 2 Big Domestic Draft Beers $550 Watermelon Martini $ 95 22oz. Domestic Draft ALL DAY 4 RJ's Coffee $ 3 Sam Adams and Blue $5 Pizzas Moon Seasonal Bottles TUESDAY TUESDAY 1/2 off Select Bottles SATURDAY LIVE JAzz IN THE BAR of Wine $ $ 6 All Southern Half Price Bottles of Wine Shiners 5 Absolut Dreams 50 $ Blue$2Moon Draft 3 NC Brewed Bottles • Pacifico Absolut Dream $$5$503-22oz 2 Select Domestic Bottles WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY SUNDAY 1/2 offMiller Nachos Light Pints $150$ Coronoa/ $ 50 5 All$2Flat 50 Breads 1 Domestic Pints Corona Lite Bottles $ 50 $4 Bloody$ Marys 2 Corona/Corona Lt. Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Pints $ 50 $ 50 1 Domestic 4 Frozen Margarita $ 5 White Russians THURSDAY (pick your flavor) Visit our $website Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller 5

THURSDAY www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe for Bottles $ 50 daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottles upcoming events $ 50 2 Flying Dog IPA 1/2 off ALL Red WineFRIDAY5564 Carolina $ 50 Glasses Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 Road

$ (910)-452-1212 3 Guinness Cans Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY 100 S. FRONT ST. $ Baybreeze/Seabreeze 4 22oz. Blue Moon 910-251-1832 Draft $3 LIVE MUSIC $ 2 Select Domestic Bottles in the courtyard 7 days a week SUNDAY $ Bloody Marys 4, Domestic MONDAY S.I.N. NIGHT $ 50 $2 Domestics • $3 All Draft Selections 1 • $4 Flavored Bombs Pints 50% off Apps 6pm $til Hurricanes 5 close

NEW BELGIUM TUESDAY Carolina Beach Road, $3 New5564 Belgium selections (Fat Tire, Ranger IPA) (910) 452-1212 $5 Jameson • Wing Special WEDNESDAY $2.75 Miller Lite, $4 Wells, Half off All Bottles of wine Live Music @ 8pm THIRSTY THURSDAY $2.50 PBR 16oz cans $3.50 Sam Adams Seasonal & Hoppyum Pints $5 Redbull & Vodka, 50¢ Steamed Oysters and Shrimp FRIDAY $2.75 Michelob Ultra • $3.25 Stella $4.50 José Cuervo Silver • Live Music on the Patio SATURDAY $2.75 Red Stripe • $4.50 Evan Williams Cherry Reel Cafe Rooftop Concert Series SUNDAY $3 Coronas/Corona Lite • $10 Domestic Buckets (5) $4 Mimosas • $4 Bloody Mary’s

—St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.; 910-762-4578

Sunday, March 13

Live Music (8pm; Free)

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

—Bellas Bar LoCAL, 19 Market St.

—Old Books on Front Street, 249 N. Front St.

Phantom Playboys/Slippery Jake (9pm; Free)

Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra / Junior Strings (4pm; $6)

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910 762-2091

L Shape Lot Duo (9pm; Free; Americana) —Goat & Compass, 710 N. 4th St.

PROFESSOR GALL Junkyard Music Steampunk Band (9pm; $5) —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

DJ UK (10pm; Free)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

The Fustics (10pm; Free; Rock) —Duck n Dive, 114 Dock St.

$2.75 Yuengling Draft $2.75 Domestic Bottles 65 Wings, 4-7pm

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

ShwizZ (10pm; Cover TBD; Funk, Rock) —The Whiskey Bar NC, 1 S. Front St.

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

Saturday, March 12

Tuesday, March 15

Jazz Piano on Front St. (6pm; Free)

Hourglass Studios Open Mic Night (7pm; Free) —Goat & Compass, 710 N. 4th St.

Phil Kelly (6pm; Free; Americana, Folk)

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

—A Tasting Room, 19 S. 2nd St.

Mike Blair (7pm; Free; Americana) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Mike O’Donnell (7pm; Free; Guitar)

—Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

End of the Line (7pm; $3; Folk)

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

Joe Matarese (7pm; $15; Comedy)

8:30 p.m. • PRIZES! • $250 yuengling drafts

Grut! (9:30pm; Donations at door; Funk, Jazz, Electronic)

9:00 A.m.- 2:00 P.M.• $4 BLOODY MARY’S AND MIMOSA’S

1 42 3 S . 3 r d S t . D O W NT O W N W I L M I NG T O N ( 91 0 ) 7 63 - 1 60 7

12 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Elena Woodard (9pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910 762-2091

Joe Matarese (9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

BREAKFAST BUFFET

—The Whiskey Bar NC, 1 S. Front St.

—Juggling Gypsy,, 1612 Castle St.

Thursday ________________________________________

Sunday

Consider the Source (10pm; Cover TBD; Jam, Funk, Fusion)

Music and Comedy Open Mic (8:30pm; Free)

—Rack’M Darts and Billiards, 415 S. College Rd.

LIVE __________________________________________ MUSIC

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

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

Karaoke (9pm; Free)

$3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball

Salvacion w/ Ramming Speed (8pm; $5; Metal)

Tom and Jane (10pm; Free; Piano, Singer)

—Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St.; 910-599-4999

$3.50 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade 65 Wings, 4-7pm

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

Monday, March 14

Me & Mr. B (8:30pm; Free; Jazz, Blues, Acoustic)

Friday ____________________________________________

Bluegrass Sunday (6:30pm; Free)

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

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

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

—Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Rd.; 910-962-3500

CB Johnson (10pm; Free; Singer, Guitarist)

Folkstar (8pm; Free; Folk, Rock)

$3.50 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

—The Whiskey Bar NC, 1 S. Front St.

Solo Organist Katherine Meloan (7:30pm; $15)

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

$2.50 Budweiser Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm

ShwizZ (10pm; Cover TBD; Funk, Rock)

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

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

DJ Riz (10pm; Free; Country, Rock, Funk)

College Karaoke (9pm; Free)

Wednesday, March 16 Fun Night Trivia (6:30pm; Free)

—The Pub, 2012 Eastwood Rd.; 910-679-8101

Open Mic Intervention Wed. (6:30pm; Free) —Addicted to the Bean, 1207 S. Kerr Ave.

Trivia with Jim and Glenn (6:30pm; Free)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

Laura McLean’s Songwriter Showcase (7pm; $3) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

The Celtic Tenors (7:30pm; $25-$40)

—CFCC Cape Fear Stage, 701 N. 3rd St.

Tacos and Trivia (8pm; Free)

—Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

Brooke Thompson (9pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

The Goddamn Gallows (9pm; $5-$10; Punk, Rock, Bluegrass)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

—Ziggy’s By The Sea, 208 Market St.; 910-769-4096

Bibis Ellison Band (10pm; $10; Singer-Songwriter)

Karaoke Night (9:30pm; Free)

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

Tim Black and Jenny Pearson (10pm; Free; Singer-Songwriters) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.; 910-509-0805

concerts outside of southeastern nc

showstoppers

AT&T

HOW FAR IS HEAVEN: Don’t miss Los Lonely Boys at Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte on March 12. Courtesy photo.

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 3/9: Deer Tick and Mutual Benefit 3/10: Judah and the Lion 3/11: John Mayall 3/12: Los Lonely Boys 3/18: Mac Sabbath THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., Charlotte, NC (704) 916-8970 3/10: Flogging Molly 3/12: X Ambassadors and Seinabo Sey 3/13: Hoodie Allen, Superduperkyle and Blackbear 3/15: Migos 3/17: Indigo Girls 3/18: Fetty Wap and Post Malone AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 S. TRYON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 377-6874 3/10: Bobaflex, Artifas, Bridge To Grace and more 3/11: Steelfish & Incense, Key of Be†rayal and more 3/12: CeeLo Green 3/13: Saosin. Brigades, Limbs, Young and Heartless 3/18: Abbath, High On Fire, Skeletonwitch and more MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., durham, NC (919) 901-0875 3/9: No BS! Brass Band and Grandma Sparrow 3/10: The Revelers and Shamu Garcon 3/11: Rathborne and Joy Again 3/17: Futurebirds 3/18: Ellis Paul and The Holland Brothers

HOUSE OF BLUES MYRTLE BEACH 4640 Hwy 17 S., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 272-3000 3/12: Blackberry Smoke 3/19: Fetty Wap

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. Cabarrus st., raleigh, nc (919) 821-4111 3/9: Judah and the Lion with The Saint Johns 3/12: John Mayall 3/13: CeeLo Green with Escort 3/17: Mac Sabbath and Aeonic CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN St., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 3/9: All Dogs (Back Room) 3/11: Porches, Alex G and Your Friend (Back Room) 3/12: Pentagram, King Giant, Colossus and Demon Eye 3/12: Maple Stave and more (Back Room) 3/13: X Ambassadors, Seinabo Sey and Powers 3/17: Sham Rockers! (Back Room) 3/17: Drive-By Truckers and Thayer Sarrano 3/18: Drive-By Truckers and Thayer Sarrano THE ORANGE PEEL 101 bILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 3/11: The SteelDrivers and Taylor Brashears 3/12: Corey Smith and Luke Combs 3/15: Mayday Parade & The Maine and Better Off 3/17: Donna The Buffalo and City Of The Sun

p icial ap f f o s ’ e magazin encore

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 13

14 encore | march 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

what’s hanging around the port city

galleryguide Artfuel.inc

2165 Wrightsville Ave. Mon. - Sat., noon - 7pm www.artfuelinc.com • (910) 343-5233 Artfuel is pleased to host Vol. 42, featuring work by Dennis Schaffer, Kyle Page, Mimi Logothetis, and Tuki Lucero. Hangs for eight weeks.

Bracelets” and designer jewelry. Alos presenting Papa Froosh as our musical artist, a duo, here at “The Moon”!

New Elements Gallery

201 Princess St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) www.newelementsgallery.com An Artful Home: 2016 Interior Designer Invitational is showing at New Elements and will hang through Mar. 19. The show ArtExposure! features partnerships with several of Wilm22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC ington’s most highly sought-out interior (910) 803-0302 • (910) 330-4077 designers—Big Sky Design, Design AsTues. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm (or by appt.) sociates and The Vintage Idiot—to present www.artexposure50.com We have over forty NC artists here at Ar- vignettes elegantly combining our collectExposure. Come visit and view the work. tion of original art with their unique home Artists may rent wall space and/or studio furnishings. space. Come meet the artists working in their studios. A Plein Air Workshop with River to Sea Gallery Karen Crenshaw on beautiful Topsail Is225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf land will be held April 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and (free parking) • (910) 763-3380 24th. Details can be found on our website.

Tues.- Sat. 11am - 5pm; Sun. 1- 4pm Deadline to sign up is March 31st. Check River to Sea Gallery showcases the work our website for more available classes. of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. The current Art in bloom show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic 210 Princess St. collection of original paintings, photograTues. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm phy, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry. (or by appt., Sun. and Mon.) “Morning Has Broken” features works by (484) 885-3037 Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use www.aibgallery.com of color and texture to reveal local marsh Established in 2015, the Art in Bloom Gal- creeks and structures. lery is in a renovated, 19th-century horse stable at 210 Princess Street in downtown Wilmington. The gallery focuses upon in- SUNSET RIVER Marketplace ternational and national fine art. The cur- 10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) rent exhibit of oil paintings, “Debra Bucci: (910) 575-5999 • Tues.- Sat. 10 am - 5 pm Living in the Moment,” runs through May www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com 27th. We are open until 9 pm for Fourth FriIn the historic fishing village of Calabash, day Gallery Nights. Join us for receptions NC, over 10,000-plus square feet of fine in March for special community events arts is showcased. Clay art and pottery; oil where the visual arts, history, and literary paintings, watercolors, mixed media, pasarts converge: 1) “Dig and Learn” with the tels and acrylics; plus award-winning metPublic Archaeology Corps, Sunday, March alworks, wood pieces, hand-blown glass, 13, 2-5 pm and 2) Childrens’ Book Read- fiber art, artisan-made jewelry and more. ing for “Winnie and Willie Won’t Give Up” Sunset River Marketplace has become a by author, Cherie Rechka, Sunday, March popular destination for visitors, a gathering 20, 2-5 pm. place for artists and a center of the community, thanks to its onsite pottery studio, complete with two kilns; a custom master CRESCENT MOON ART AND STYLE 24 N. Front St. • (910) 762-4207 framing department; and art classrooms Call for new hours or appointment! for workshops and ongoing instruction.

This Fourth Friday, join the community of Wilmington to celebrate the Life & Art of WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY Linda A. Hartman. Tommy J is back, too— 200 Hanover Street, CFCC parking deck featuring his beautiful and limited sterling silver Galion “Hook and Double Hook First level

Tues.- Fri., 10am - 5:30pm; Sat., noon - 5:30pm (910) 362-7431 CFCC’s Wilma W. Daniels Gallery is pleased to present Bob Bryden: Works on Paper. The exhibition will run through March 24th, 2016. Bob Bryden’s work exists comfortably within the traditions of minimalism and optical art. Subject is reduced to the essential elements of point, line, and plane. Visual dialogue emerges from the layering of color field and pattern. Bryden’s work creates the impression of movement and contains hidden images, undulating surfaces and conflicting perspectives.

Bob grew up in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. He is a graduate of Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, and received a masters degree in art from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Contact Sarah Rushing at srushing278@mail.cfcc.edu.

See previous page for full report on the opening of the exhibit this weekend.

Specials: TUES NIGHT: 1/2

price wine by the glass

WED NIGHT: $3 Draft

night

SUNDAY BRUNCH: 10am - 3pm SUNDAY DINNER: 5pm - 9pm OPEN TUES - THURS 5PM - 10PM FRI AND SAT 5PM - 10:30PM www . rxwilmington . com

421 c astle s t • (910) 399-3080

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 15

arts>>theatre

Poignant and Funny:

Big Dawg’s second Neil Simon production of the season is red hot

by: GWENYFAR ROHLER

B

ig Dawg Productions opened their second show of the season—a companion piece to last month’s “The Odd Couple.” Another sold-out crowd flocked to the second Neil Simon production, “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers.” Perhaps, unintentionally, these two shows also share a connection with two of Wilmington’s former famous residents: Pat Hingle appeared in the first Broadway run of “The Odd Couple,” and Linda Lavin originated the role of Elaine on Broadway. She was nominated for a Tony for the performance.

Barney Cashman (Robb Mann) is a cautious fellow whose life appears to have passed him by—or so he thinks.

One day he decides to pick up Elaine Navazio (Susan Auten), a woman lunching at the seafood restaurant he owns.

This is our first introduction to Cashman, a mild-mannered, much-married family man who is unimaginative, unadventurous and, frankly, pretty much a loser by his own admission. Somehow he manages to pick a flat-out nymphomaniac on his first try.

Elaine is written to be sarcastic, and Auten hits those points with ease. For her, Elaine’s sarcasm might be a shield, but it is also a form of foreplay. Unfortunately, Barney is way too timid and insecure to understand that.

Auten exudes sexual enticement and desire but Barney is just too scared for her to act upon it—or even be in the same half of the room with her for more than a few seconds. Rather than an evening of erotic delight, it’s more cat and mouse, only with roles reversed from what Barney expected. In his own mind he is clearly much more suave than anyone would ever mistake him for in real

life. Mann is wonderfully awkward and delightfully overcautious. Unfortunately, what he really wants more than sex is for someone to hear him lament his own life.

vous for is not what they find. Oddly, in each other’s actions they discover much more about themselves than either expect. Mann and Manley really have great When he descends into his monologue chemistry and timing together: They build about what brought him to this moment, a crescendo that is climactic, psychotic he is more enraptured with the story than and necessary. It’s pretty great to watch.

The night I attended, which was sold Elaine—or anything that could happen with Elaine. Director Randy Davis really out, the audience actively was invested heightens Barney’s turn on with the vi- in Mann’s predicament. By the end of sual of Elaine participating in Barney’s Act II, the guy behind me commented reinstructions to sit down and listen to him peatedly he was worried this guy wasn’t with all the physical inference that it is going to get some. Each act begins with an S&M game. I have to give both Auten Mann opening his briefcase and removand Mann credit: They both inspire em- ing booze and glasses. In Act I it’s a pathy, the awkward world of having the bottle of J&B scotch. When he pulled out table turned upon you and the humiliat- a second bottle of vodka for Act II, the ing experience of discovering the other audience responded with approval. The person is unprepared for what you are addition of multiple packs of cigarettes resulted in a couple of people commentoffering.

In Act II, we meet Barney’s second at- ing loudly that Barney needed a cigar. tempt at an affair: Bobbi Michelle (Sarah With the appearance of champagne for Burns). She is gorgeous: blonde, curvy, Act III, the audience applauded their apbursting out of her clothes, and she never proval. Clearly, Mann won the audience stops talking about her assorted sexual over to his cause. escapades (real or imagined). Barney is clearly taken—this is more what he has been fantasizing about (he and probably most men in the audience). Slowly, the extent of the insanity begins to dawn on Barney. Is he her knight in shining armor, her audience, or her victim?

I’m not really certain Burns actually pauses for a breath the entire time she is onstage. But Mann appears to be having a great time reacting to all of her outrageous behavior, of which he can’t get enough. If he wanted adventure, and she is sitting right in front of him. The palpable panic Mann began to exude in Act I ratchets up considerably as he realizes the full import of what he has invited into his life in the form of Bobbie Michelle.

For the audience, though, she remains a pretty, flirty sex pot—and she couldn’t be more fun to watch.

In Act III we meet Jeanette Fisher (Melissa Stanley), from Barney’s circle of friends. Stanley plays an even more uptight and terrified potential adulterer than Mann does. She is absolutely captivating in her discomfort. When she begins playing a Sodom-and-Gomorrah-like question game with Barney (name three decent, loving, gentle people?), her rage and repulsion are a startling shift. But what each of them come to the rendez16 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Though Simon is considered to be the great comedic stage writers of the 20th century, the dialogue is just as layered and difficult as any of his dramatic contemporaries—and for him, laughter was the way to talk about something deeper that was too scary to go at head-on. The show is very funny and fun but also quite poignant. What is real happiness? How do you want to look back at your life?

What makes each day worthwhile? Is sex adventure, romance, love, or all three?

Though the show came out in 1969, the game of love hasn’t really changed much. We still send mixed signals, covet what we don’t have and wonder what would have happened if... Davis, Mann, Auten, Burns, and Manley have really brought out some very beautiful moments of truth in this laugh-filled play. No wonder the shows are selling out.

DETAILS:

Last of the Red Hot Lovers

March 10-13, 17-20, 8 p.m.; Sun. matinees, 3 p.m.

Cape Fear Playhouse • 613 Castle St. Tickets: $18-$20 www.bigdawgproductions.org

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encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 17

arts>>film

reel to reel

FROM HORROR TO DOCS:

films this week

Independent film festival goes into year 15

T

games like “Jacob’s Ladder” and “The Number 23.” But it’s also deeply rooted in early works of Martin Scorsese. There’s most definitely a “Taxi Driver” vibe going on as we follow the maddening descent of Ed Zimmer (James Moles). He’s a strangely charismatic New York City tour guide who spends his days atop a double-decker bus, calling out historically relevant locations around the city. His nights are spent somewhere more sinister.

He is haunted by visions of a missing girl and struggles to string these surreal images together into a cohesive narrative.

by: Anghus

he Cape Fear Independent Film Festival (CFIFF) is celebrating its 16th year, once again delivering three days of quality cinema from around the world. Their focus continues to be showing a wide variety of films, from groundbreaking documentaries to the best from around the region.

The festival takes place from March 10 through 12, and kicks off at a familiar location: The Browncoat Pub and Theater (111 Grace St.) in downtown Wilmington.

In addition, they will be screening films at the historic Hannah Block Community Arts Center (120 S. 2nd St.). This year features a great blend of films, panels, and the annual film awards celebrating the festival’s best. A festival pass is available for all screenings for $55 or tickets can be purchased to individual screenings and blocks from $5 to $10. The awards ceremony, which closes out the festival on March 12, can be purchased for $20.

One of the most frequent filmmakers is Christopher Moore who won the Best Horror Award in 2015 and whose latest film, “Knob Goblins,” marks his seventh screening. “Knob Goblins” will be shown as part of CFIFF’s Horror Block on Friday, March 11, 9 p.m., at Browncoat. We spoke with Moore about the work and festival.

encore (e): What do film enthusiasts need to know about “Knob Goblins”?

Christopher Moore (CM): “Knob Goblins” is my love letter to 1980’s practical creature movies. It’s about a mental patient who’s allowed to return to his childhood home, so he can finally come to terms with the death of his younger brother. He thinks his sibling was killed by a Knob Goblin, a demonic creature that bites your junk off. LOL! Yes, the title says it all. I wanted to make a film where only guys are screaming victims instead of women.

e: In your experience how has the festival changed over the years?

CM: It’s been interesting seeing them screen films at different venues over the years, as well as the different places that hold many of the social events. It seems to be constantly changing in different ways. e: What do you find to be the most attractive feature about the festival?

CM: The people running it really care about the filmmakers and want you to have a good time while you’re there. Every year I’m lucky enough to be invited back. I look forward to hanging with many of the people involved with running it, as well as the other filmmakers who make it out for the event.

Plus, the Wilmington area is a great backdrop for the festival, so it always feels like a mini-vacation whenever I make it out there.

e: Tell us about your first experience with the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival.

Other movies worth catching during the two-day film festival...

CM: I was nervous at first because it was only the second film festival I’d ever been accepted into with my other movie, “Hard Stapled.” The people running it made me feel right at home, and I made quick friends with some of the fellow filmmakers there.

The festival always has a special place in my heart because of how I was treated as a film-festival newbie.

Other Madness ★★★★★

Saturday, March 12, 6 p.m.

Hannah Block Theater • 120 S. 2nd St. The standout feature of the festival is a fascinating piece of psychological terror called “Other Madness.” The film takes its inspiration from other reality-bending mind

18 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Ed’s life is seemingly filled with sisyphean challenges. His job is a constantly repetitive ordeal.

The same tour bus every day recites the same practiced dialogue. He’s socially awkward and has few connections to this world. There’s a definite Travis Bickle vibe to the character, but it never feels derivative. In fact, it’s a dirtier, grittier New York City, the director, Jeremy Carr, has taken us back to. Ed Zimmer could easily live down the hall from Travis Bickle: tenants in the same madhouse.

Life deals Ed a few interesting hands as he begins to interact with two diverse and distinct personalities. There’s Lucia (Natia Dune), a beautiful Russian tourist that strikes up a relationship with Ed. Then there’s the super creepy inspector who claims to be investigating Ed for a recent murder; however, there’s something he’s hiding behind a thick accent and beady eyes.

“Other Madness” succeeds because it keeps the audience guessing. The film is a rare feature that succeeds even though it never answers half the questions raised during the course of the film. Like all good psychological thrillers, there’s the constant question of whether what Ed is experiencing is real or nothing more than the crazed synapses of a troubled mind. As Ed begins to seek out violent criminals and execute them, you are forced to wonder whether he’s a vigilante anti-hero or a nut job incapable of determining what is real and fiction.

cinematique

Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. $8-$10, 7pm • www.thalianhall.org

March 14-18 (additional showing March 16 at 4 p.m.): Playing in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre, “45 Years” follows Kate Mercer’s (Charlotte Rampling) 45th wedding anniversary. The party planning is going well until a letter arrives for her husband (Tom Courtenay). The body of his first love has been discovered, frozen and preserved in the icy glaciers of the Swiss Alps. By the time the party is upon them, five days later, there may not be a marriage left to celebrate.

(Rated R, 1 hour 33 mins.)

March 21-25 (additional showing March 23 at 4 p.m.): Also playing in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre, “Anomalisa” is an animated film about a man crippled by the mundanity of his life. Inspirational speaker (David Thewlis) becomes reinvigorated after meeting a lively woman (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who shakes up his mundane existence. “Anomalisa” is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. (Rated R, 1 hour 30 mins)

It is a fantastic feature well worth seeking out. Director Carr excels at creating an atmospheric thriller that makes great use of New York City. James Moles is excellent in the lead role, and brings in the right amount of sickliness and sympathy to Ed. He’s a character we might not identify with, but Moles makes him easy to understand.

Even his most violent motivations are rooted in a basic truth we can all understand.

Do yourself a favor and check out “Other Madness.” It is easily the best movie I’ve seen so far in 2016 and deserving of finding an audience.

from the Underground Railroad to find his way home.

Regional Showcase

Thursday, March 10, 7 p.m.

Browncoat Theatre • 111 Grace St.

Over the past 16 years, the Cape Fear Independent Film Festival has built a reputation for showcasing the best independent cinema from around the world, while fostering strong relationships with filmmakers from around the region. Each year the festival kicks off with a Regional Showcase which pays tribute to a number of filmmakers from around the region—Asheville, Burgaw, Belmont, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Raleigh. Ten films will be showcased in this block, including locally written and produced “The Disappearing Church,” by Michael Raab. The documentary follows three remaining parishioners who attend mass every Sunday at the closed Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in St. Helena, NC. The church officially performed its last mass with a member of the clergy in 1998 but a few behind still attend in an unorthodox manner.

“The Disappearing Church” also will screen in the Documentary Block, held Saturday, March 12, 5:30 p.m.

Producer Michael Davis hails from North Carolina and will be attending the screening, which also features Sean Stone (son of famed director Oliver Stone) in the lead role. It’s a classic tale of survival set amidst the backdrop of a conflict that still resonates today.

Unverified

Union Bound ★★★★★

Saturday, March 11, 4 p.m.

Hannah Block Theater 120 S. 2nd St. One of the connection is based on the seph Hoover.

films with a strong regional “Union Bound,” a true story diaries of Union Soldier JoHoover escapes a Confed-

erate prison camp and is aided by slaves

“Unverified” is an unflinching documentary from director Bradley Bethel, examining what the press called “the largest case of academic fraud in the history of college sports.” Like any story, the truth isn’t anywhere near as simple as the headlines would have us believe. Accusations which quickly were adopted as fact are dissected, as those involved begin to question the institution that has turned against them.

“Unverified” is a stark piece of blunt filmmaking and deserves to be seen.

Actors Discussion Panel

★★★★★

LOCAL DOC: Local filmmaker Michael Raab’s “The Disappearing Church’ will screen twice during Cape Fear Independent Film Festival. Courtesy photo

unfamiliar with the particulars.

One of the highlights of the Cape Fear

Saturday, March 11, 7 p.m. Independent Film Festival is the annual Hannah Block Theater • Actors Discussion Panel which features working performers from the region. They’ll 120 S. 2nd St.

The world of college athletics always has been under scrutiny. There isn’t a successful college program that isn’t constantly being looked at to make sure NCAA rules and regulations aren’t being violated. In a day and age where college sports account for billions of dollars, it’s no surprise some schools are looking for any advantage in a highly competitive landscape. But what happens when one of the schools breaking the rules is right in your backyard? By now the scandal has plagued the University of North Carolina football program. It is something people are aware of, though they might be

converse about being a working actor in the area.

The panel includes actor Scott Parks (“Containment,” “The Vampire Diaries”), Eddie Mills (“Devious Maids”), Jeff Sandor (“Turn,” “Sleepy Hollow”) and Jen Ingulli of SE Casting Services (“The Walking Dead,” “Homeland”). The panel, hosted by festival mainstay Langley McArol, is sure to provide helpful insights into the process of being a working actor.

For more information on this year’s Cape Fear Independent FIlm Festival, check out the website at www.cfifn.org.

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 19

southeastern nc’s premier dining guide

grub & guzzle

Sweet n savory • www.sweetnsavory.cafe

American BLUEWATER waterfront grill

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

Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

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

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

Blue surf cafÉ

Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich.

Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive.

We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily Specials, Gluten Free Menu, Gourmet

Hot Chocolates, Outdoor Patio, New Artist event first Friday of every month and Kids Menu.

■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com

CAM cafÉ

CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients with a Chef Jessica Cabo twist. Awarded “Best Food” by the local Wilmington Food & Wine Festival. Under her influence the café serves a West Coast interpretation of local dishes. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, Internationally inspired Tapas on Wednesday nights, elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday.

Look for a New England Lobster Roll in the summer and Miso Short ribs as winter evening signature dishes. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate and art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363.

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am– 3 pm; Wed./Thurs 5 – 9 pm; Sunday Brunch 10 am – 3 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org

the district kitchen & Cocktails

A new addition to the Brooklyn Arts and downtown area, The District Kitchen & Cocktails is serving fresh, seasonal menus in a polished casual atmosphere. We feature locally sourced ingredients when available. For lunch, we offer delicious burgers and sandwiches, while dinner features steaks, chops and seafood all handcrafted by executive chef Chris Corona. Within blocks of CFCC and the Riverwalk, The District welcomes diners to enjoy inspired wines, craft cocktails and NC draught beers at their renovated bar and restaurant, located at 1001 N. 4th St. 910-796-6565 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.-Thurs.11am-9pm, Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm. Lunch menu served ‘til 4pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Arts District ■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/thedistrictnc

20 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

elijah’s

Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets.

As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3. Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available

eternal sunshine cafÉ

Wilmington’s new unique restaurant, Eternal Sunshine Café, is conveniently located between downtown and Wrightsville Beach, also close to UNCW. It is a great spot to savor a gourmet breakfast, like cinna-swirl pancakes with coffee cream cheese syrup or a southwest benedict with chipotle hollandaise on a made from scratch biscuit. The lunch menu is filled with fresh delectable salads, sandwiches on house baked breads, and pitas. Come experience the innovative twist on breakfast classics and a casual lunch guaranteed to make you a regular customer. May the tranquility of Eternal Sunshine Cafe’s atmosphere shine upon your face and reinvigorate your day. Serves breakfast all day.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: MondayWednesday 7-2, Thursday-Friday 6:30-2, Saturday 7-2, Sunday 8-2 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.eternalsunshinecafe.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 it’s going to be packed. Dinner too!

Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com

Holiday Inn Resort

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com

HOPS SUPPLY CO.

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

■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday 9:57am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com

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

1/2 Price Sushi & Appetizers 5-7PM Every Day This Week AND 10PM-Midnight Fridays & Saturdays!

WINNER OF BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT! MONDAY: Small Plates Night - $25 6-Course Flight ($35 inc.

2 oz. wine pairing) - $5 single plates / $6 Specialty Mojitos TUESDAY: Locals Night - 20% off Entrees all night! / $5 Specialty Cocktails WEDNESDAY: 80's Night - 80's Prices on Select Menu Items / $2 PBR / $5 Glass Pour Wine THURSDAY: Noodle Night with $10 Noodle entrees, or make it a Thursdate with an appetizer, 2 noodle entrees, and dessert for $30 FRIDAY: $2 Off Any Sake Bottle / $3 Select Asian Imports SATURDAY: Sake Bomb Saturday - $5 Bombs SUNDAY: 1/2 Off Bottles of Wine / Buy One, Get One (up to $10) Entrees, Curries, and Specialty Rolls

33 South Front Street ~ 2nd Floor ~ Wilmington, NC 28401 ~ (910) 763-3172

Flipside: the patti page story wednesday, March 9th at 7:30pm

The first professional touring musical to come to Thalian Hall in decades earned eightteen Kennedy Center Honors!

Tickets available through the Thalian Hall Box Office by calling 910.632.2285 or online at ThalianHall.org Media Partners “Your alternative weekly voice”

TICKETS: 910.632.2285 • 800.523.2820 • WWW.THALIANHALL.ORG 310 CHESTNUT ST •WILMINGTON, NC 28401 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 21

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: 5pm Tue-Sun; Seasonal hours are open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Mondays and Memorial Day-October, 7-9pm ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

low tide pub

Located across from UNCW’s campus, Low Tide Pub serves up delicious fare and great drink specials in a fun atmosphere. Enjoy the biggest and best wings in town for only $0.50 on Sundays, a $5 daily lunch special, $2 daily beer special, and even taco Tuesdays. Their Mother Clucker is served just in time for the holidays: slow-roasted chicken with cranberries, housemade stuffing, lettuce, and tomato.

Their Thai or Buffalo shrimp wrap, famed Monte Cristo and 1945-family secret cheesecake recipe will keep customers coming back for more. Karaoke Saturdays begin at 9:30 p.m., and trivia Tuesdays get underway weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Low Tide has a beautiful, private deck, perfect for hosting parties and events. It’s midtown Wilmington’s favorite pub— ”where on the rocks is a good thing.” 4540 Fountain Drive, beside of PT’s. 910-313-2738.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND LATE-NIGHT: Mon., 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., noon - 2 a.m.; Sun., noon - 9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown Wilmington, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, Saturday karaoke and Tuesday trivia night.

■ WEBSITE: www.lowtidepub.com

pine valley market

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

the pub

A true public house. A gathering place. In house fresh ground burgers made with short rib, brisket and chuck on Sweet n Savory’s, made from scratch, bread along with 40 other sandwiches and meals under $12. 32 beers on tap, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere where you can hang out with friends and enjoy live music, your favorite NFL game or the BEST burger you’ll ever eat! 2012 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8101, Hours: 11am-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Causeway ■ WEBSITE: www.sweetnsavorypub.com

spicoli

“In crust we trust.” Spicoli specializes in classic NY style pizza with a totally unconventional (AND DELICIOUS) sour-

dough crust. We also feature one-of-a-kind burger creations, Jumbo wings complete with our perfect, house-made blue cheese or ranch. Or enjoy any of our unique vegan or glutenfree options. But Spicoli is not just amazing food. We keep it awesome with a killer juke box, classic arcade games, and great deals on everything at our full bar. Share some brews over PacMan or enjoy the area’s only 20in pie on our outdoor patio. Just make sure you are having fun. Don’t worry!! If you can’t come see us, we also have the largest delivery radius in town!! 1978 Eastwood Road, (910) 256-0339.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach

sweet ‘n’ savory cafÉ

The Real Wizard Behind the Food. Anyone who has seen the Wizard of Oz knows that the wizard was just a scared old man hiding behind the curtain. Restaurants are no different.

Making incredible food is not magical or mystical and instead just requires heart (Tin Man), brains (Scarecrow), courage (Lion) and love (Dorothy). At Sweet n Savory we have pulled back the curtain because we don’t believe that we need smoke, mirrors, over inflated prices or pretentiousness to offer you the best and freshest food your money can buy. 1611 Pavillion Place, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 256-0115 Hours: 7am-10pm.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, BAKERY & CATERING ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Causeway ■ WEBSITE: www.sweetnsavorycafe.com

the trolly stop

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken).

Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), allbeef, pork smoked sausage (Carolina Packer), Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie. Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or check out our website at www.trollystophotdogs.com. Catering available, now a large portion of our business. All prices include tax. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952

JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI 614 S. College Rd. • (910) 399-3366 www.okamisteakhouse.com

Early Bird Hibachi Special: $16.99 - Pick 2 meats: Steak | Chicken | Shrimp | Calamari Early Bird Sushi Special: 1/2 OFF Classic Roll, Sunday - Thursday 11-1pm & 4-7pm Mon - Thur: 11am - 2:30pm & 4 -10pm • Fri: 11am - 2:30 pm & 4pm - 11pm Sat: 11am -11pm • Sun: 11am - 9:30pm

Steak, Seafood, & Chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill”, Japanese Sushi, Hand Rolls, Sashimi, Tempura Dishes, & Japanese Noodle Entrées!

22 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921 Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

Asian indochine restaurant & Lounge

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com

kabuki korean cafÉ and sushi

Family-owned and operated, Kabuki Korean Café and Sushi is Wilmington’s only authentic Korean restaurant, freshly renovated and boasting a brand new menu! They feature delectable Korean BBQ, and are best known for traditional items like their bibimbop and bulgogi. But they also feature a large variety of Asian cuisine, from fresh sushi to fried rice to teriyaki dishes, dumplings, edamame and more. Open daily, Kabuki welcomes diners for lunch from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and dinner 4:30 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Stop by Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. 4102 Oleander Drive, Suite 2, at the corner of 41st Street, behind the Hess gas station. 910-350-3332.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Mon-Fri, 11am-2:30pm; Sat-Sun, noon-10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, off Oleander Drive.

■ FEATURING: Wilmington’s only authentic Korean restaurant!

■ WEBSITE: www.kabukikoreancafe.com

KYOTO ASIAN GRILLE

Kyoto Asian Grille specializes in crafting mouth-watering food and providing superb customer service. We serve a plethora of Asian cuisines, from Chinese to Japanese to Thai, and have an unwavering commitment to flavor. All of our ingredients are fresh, cooked to order, with artistic culinary flair. We also serve everything from sushi to traditional Chinese dishes, a plethora of curries to Pad Thai, hibachi and teriyaki dishes, and more. Come give us a try where you will find nothing in the freezer but the ice cream. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. Located at 4102 Market Street, (910) 332-3302.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon - Thu: 11am - 3pm and 5pm - 9:30pm or Fri - Sat, 11am - 3pm and 5pm - 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: An array of Asian cuisines, from Japanese to Chinese, Thai and more.

■ WEBSITE: www.kyotoasiangrille.com

Okami Japanese hibachi Steakhouse

We have reinvented “Hibachi Cuisine”. Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse in Wilmington, NC is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs will not only cook an incredible dinner, but they will entertain you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. At Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse, we are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness.

Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure that we serve only the finest food products. We believe that good healthy food aids the vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of Steak, Seafood, and Chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill,” to the taste bud tingling Japanese Sushi, Hand Rolls, Sashimi, Tempura dishes and Japanese Noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Check out our all you can eat sushi menu and daily specials at www.okamisteakhouse.com!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday - Thursday 11am 2:30pm / 4pm - 10pm; Friday 11am - 2:30pm / 4pm - 11pm; Saturday 11am - 11pm; Sunday 11am - 9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com

szechuan 132

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

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com

thai spice

From the flavorfully mild to the fiery spiced, Thai Spice customers are wooed by the dish that’s made to their specifications. Featuring a tasteful menu of traditional Thai standards

to numerous delectable house specials, it’s quickly becoming the local favorite for Thai cuisine. This family-run restaurant is sure to win you over. If you haven’t discovered this gem, come in and be charmed. Whether it be a daytime delight, or an evening indulgence, your visit will make you look forward to your return. Located in Monkey Junction at 5552 Carolina Beach Rd., Ste. G. (910) 791-0044.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue.-Th.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sun.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.com

yosake downtown sushi lounge

Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger.

Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinner Entrees.

Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices.

Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine

Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

Dinner Theatre theatrenow

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

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

Healthy NEMA LOUNGE and EATERY

Open since the summer of 2015, NeMa Eatery and Lounge boasts the delicacies of Chef Borkowski. Serving bold flavors in a variety of menu items form grass-fed burgers to artisan pizzas to small plates, the NeMa team takes diners across the world through palate pleasing menu items, including their “fancy fries”, doused with truffles and Parmesan.

Borkowski takes pride in hand-crafted food, while the NeMa staff offers helpful, friendly knowledge. They offer vegan, gluten-and-allergy-friendly fare, Wine Down Wednesday (1/2 Half off glasses and bottles of wine. 225 S Water St. 910-769-3709 ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND BRUNCH: Closed Monday, Tuesday 12pm -9pm, Wednesday-Friday 12pm -10pm, Saturday 10am - 10pm, Sunday 10am - 9pm, Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10am - 2pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, Chandler’s Wharf ■ FEATURING: Worldly eats, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free items ■ WEBSITE: www.nemalounge.com

Indian kabob and grill

Welcome to Kabob and Grill, downtown Wilmington’s only fine Indian restaurant. Located on Water Street, overlooking the Cape Fear River, Kabob and Grill innovatesexotic flavors of Indian kabobs and curries. Kabobs are baked to perfection in our “tandoor” clay oven fresh, daily. We take pride in offering a great selection of vegetarian entrees made with healthy spices, vegetables and herbs. We also serve vegan and gluten-free items, all aromatic and full of flavor. Our professional chef ensures our lavash and extensive menu appeals to all palates, whether choosing vegetarian, chicken, lamb, goat, or seafood. Our dining area is modern and upscale, yet steeped in Indian tradition. We have a full-service bar and are open seven days a week. We do take-out, delivery and welcome private parties. Live music and dance every

Saturday. Please, check our website or facebook page for more information. www.kabobandgrilldowntown.com - 5 S. Water Street, (910) 833-5262.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch Sunday through Saturday 11am-3pm. Dinner Sunday through Thursday 5-10pm, Friday & Saturday 5-10:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Innovative Indian recipes, made fresh daily.

■ WEBSITE: www.kabobandgrilldowntown.com

tandoori bites

Located on College Road, just opposite Hugh MacRae Park, Tandoori Bites offers fine Indian cuisine at affordable prices.

Try one of 74 dishes on their lengthy menu, featuring a large range of side dishes and breads. They have specialties, such as lamb korma with nuts, spices and herbs in a mild creamy sauce, as well as seafood, like shrimp biryani with saffron-flavored rice, topped with the shellfish and nuts. They also have many vegetarian dishes, including mutter paneer, with garden peas and homemade paneer, or baingan bharta with baked eggplant, flamed and sautéed with onions, garlic and ginger.

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon. - Fri. 11-2:30 pm (Lunch Buffet) & 5-10 pm (Dinner), Sat. - Sun. 11:30 -3:00 pm (Lunch) & 5-10 pm (Dinner) ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch buffet ■ WEBSITE: www.tandooribites.net

Downtown Wilmington > 115 N. 2nd Street

Book your next event at Ironclad Comfortably holds more than 400 people Stage, sound system & 12 ft. HDTV 2nd St parking deck is across the street No cost to use the space for events www.ironcladbrewery.com 910-769-0290

To feature your brewery, beer or wine shop, contact Shannon at music@encorepub.com encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 23

irish 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 drinks lift the spirit. Be sure to try Halligan’s house specialty, “The Reuben,” number one with critics and of course our customers. One bite and you’ll understand why. Of course, we also serve a full selection of other delicious entrees including seafood, steak and pasta, as well as a wide assortment of burgers, sandwiches (Halligan’s Cheese Steak), and salads. And if you are looking for a friendly watering hole where you can raise a glass or two with friends, new and old, Halligan’s Public House boasts a comfortable bar where fun-loving bartenders hold court daily and blarney fills the air. Stop by Halligan’s Public House today, “When you’re at Halligan’s....you’re at home.” With 12 beers on tap and 16 flat screen TVs, you can watch your favorite game and enjoy your favorite drink. Enjoy two locatons: 3317 Masonboro Loop Rd., and 1900 Eastwood Rd. in Lumina Station.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Masonboro Loop & Lumina Station ■ FEATURING: The Best Reuben in Town! $5.99 lunch specials, Outdoor Patio ■ WEBSITE: www.halligansnc.com

THE HARP

Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare! We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whis-

kies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends.

Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends.

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads,

free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com

Italian eddie romanelli’s

Eddie Romanelli’s is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas. Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16 oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak. Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South/Leland ■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.RomanellisRestaurant.com

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub

Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique family-friendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal

Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops.

Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of microbrews included in their 27tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm Monday through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor…..Craft Beer, Craft Pizza!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Thursday 11 am10 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am-Midnight; Sunday Noon10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon - Thurs 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat 11am - 11pm; Sun 11am - 9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.mammabellapizzeria.com

mamma bella pizzeria

Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City? Look no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years. The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like you’re in your mamas’ kitchen. Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and madefrom-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am6:00pm

Mamma Bella’s is Wilmington’s latest pie palace, offering fresh and unique pizzas, strombolis, sandwiches, salads, wings, and more. Diners can enjoy eating in their quaint dining space or have Mamma deliver to their doorstep ($10 minimum, three-mile radius). Nothing is frozen, and everything is made with top-notch ingredients, from the house meatballs to the pesto, salad dressings to marinara sauce, and beyond! Mamma bakes bread fresh several times daily and helps produce the most scrumptious cinnamon and/or pizza knots. In fact, through Feb. 29, either flavor of knots are free with the purchase of any large pie; or customers can get 12 free wings when ordering two large 2 topping pizzas (dine-in or delivery; offers cannot be combined). With a knowledgeable staff providing excellent customer service— all of whom “respect the pie”—every order is cared for from placing it to picking it up. 3926 Market St. 910-399-6723.

Slice of life

“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

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

a taste of italy

All – American hotdogs, home – made chili, shakes, floats, BBQ, beer & wine !

2 Great Locations!

5917 Oleander (Corner Giles/Oleander) (910) 399-2959 • Drive-Thru!

121 N. Front Street (Downtown Wilmington) (910) 251-7799 • Riverdeck and Open Late-nite Fri/Sat!

WWW.SAMSHOTDOGSWILMINGTON.COM

VALUABLE COUPON 2 HOT DOGS $ 99 ONLY 1 *PLUS TAX

*Limit one per customer, per visit. Expires April 27, 2016.

24 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 12PM EVERY DAY! 250 Racine Drive • Wilmington, NC Racine Commons • 910.523.5362 www.BlueSurfCafe.com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Tor-

rone and much, much more!

Jamaican JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE

Tucked in the corner of University Landing, a block from UNCW is the hidden gem of Wilmington’s international cuisine scene - Jamaica’s Comfort Zone. This family owned restaurant provides a relaxing blend of Caribbean delights – along with reggae music – served up with irrepressible smiles for miles. From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as curry goat, oxtail, jerk and curry chicken, to our specialty 4-course meals ($12.00) and $6.99 Student meal. Catering options are available.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tuesday - Saturday 11:45am - 9:00pm and Sunday 1:30pm - 8:00pm. Monday - Closed.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown – University Landing 417 S. College Road #24 ■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials updated daily on Facebook ■ WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net

Latin American CEVICHE’S

Come enjoy the tropical flavors of Panama and Central America...from our fresh fish to our handmade empanadas, traditional arroz con pollo to fresh inspired salads, We hope you will be transported to simpler time with warm, friendly service, and festive vibe. Large selection of beer and wine, including red and white sangria, tropical mimosas, drink specials daily. Just before the bridge at Wrightsville Beach. 7210 Wrightsville Ave. (910) 256-3131.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & BRUNCH: Mon-Sat 11am9pm, Sunday Brunch 9am-3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: www.wbceviche.com

san juan CafÉ

Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue.

910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates!

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

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

Mexican EL CERRO GRANDE

In January, El Cerro Grande will celebrate 25 years serving authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine to the greater Wilmington area. With an ever-evolving menu, they have introduced eight new exclusive soft tacos as part of Taco Fiesta! They churn out mouth-watering enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, chef specialties, and more, in a colorfully invit-

ing dining room marked by a friendly staff and attention to detail. Check out El Cerro’s daily drink and food specials at their three different locations, including $3.50 margaritas on Tuesdays off Military Road, on Wednesdays at 341 S. College Road, and on Thursdays at 5120 S. College Road.

Mondays feature fajita dinners for 10.99 at all locations, and they even have karaoke every Wednesday at 341 S. College Rd, starting at 6 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

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

■ LOCATIONS: 341 S. College Rd., 910-793-0035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com

la costa mexican restaurant

With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials. Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.25 on Mondays and Tuesdays at all locations, and every meal is complete.

Serving the Port City since1996, folks can dine indoors at the Oleander and both Market Street locations, or dine alfresco at both Market Street locations. 3617 Market St.; 8024 Unit 1 Market St.; 5622 Oleander Dr. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs until 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. until 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

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

in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out.

The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of delicious juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries organic grass-fed and freerange 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 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m..

Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331. “You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!”

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington in the Landfall Shopping Center ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com

whole foods market

Whole Foods Market offers one of the most expansive freshly prepared foods options in the city! With 4 bars featuring hot dishes & salads, a sandwich station, sushi station, and pizza station, you are apt to satisfy everyone in your group. All of the ingredients are free of any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives so food is fresh and flavorful from farm, ranch, or dock to your fork! Dine in the cafe or carry out. On any given day the selection offers an array of organic, local, vegan/vegetarian, and healthy options. Voted Best Salads by encore readers.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week. Monday - Sunday. 8am - 9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Seasonal, healthy, organic, vegan/vegetarian

■ WEBSITE: www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Seafood catch

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010.

Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

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

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

Dock Street oyster bar

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

San Felipe Mexican Restaurant

At San Felipe, we pride ourselves in offering the best Mexican cuisine combined with a Mexican inspired dining experience that will instill a sense of “familia” with our patrons.

Ditch the regular fare and try one of our Mexican inspired favorites such as our sizzling Certified Angus Beef Fajitas or our Carolina Chimichanga. Visit any of our 10 North Carolina locations to see for yourself and while your at it, try one of our delicious Margaritas! See you soon Amigos!

Independence Mall, 3522 Oleander Dr - Wilmington, NC (910) 791-9277 and 1114 New Pointe Blvd - Leland, NC (910) 371-1188.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington, Leland & Southport ■ WEBSITE: www.sanfelipenc.com

Organic lovey’s natural foods & cafÉ

Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a true blessing for shoppers looking for organic and natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a veggie burger, hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar—which has cold, organic salads and hot selections—can be eaten

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 25

(910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

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

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH:

Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dining on the newly renovated Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com

The pilot house

The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks.

Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck.

Large parties welcome. Private event space available. 910343-0200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, FriSat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: www.pilothouserest.com

SHUCKIN’ SHACK

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910-458-7380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

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

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com

smoothies and more Tropical smoothie cafÉ

Tropical Smoothie Café’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made

to order from the freshest ingredients. Our toasted wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads and gourmet salads are made fresh with highest quality of meats and cheeses, topped with fresh produce and flavorful sauces, available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The fun atmosphere and unparalleled hospitality brings customers back to Tropical Smoothie Café again and again. At Tropical Smoothie, we are guided by one simple belief: When you eat better, you feel better and when you feel better, all is better. It’s part of our mission to inspire a healthier lifestyle by serving amazing food and smoothies with a bit of tropical fun. 2804 S. College Road, Long Leaf Mall. (910) 769-3939.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat-Sun ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, at Shipyard Blvd. and College Rd. ■ WEBSITE: www.tropicalsmoothie.com

Southern Casey’s Buffet

In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” co-owner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive. (910) 798-2913.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com

Rx Restaurant & bar

St. Paddy’s Day Celebration

Open for Lunch & Dinner Corned Beef & Cabbage Boiled Potatoes & Carrots Irish Soda Bread Shepherd's Pie Drink Specials STEAKS

WINGS

Have your next party with us inside or out.

Call us today!

910.762.4354 RIBS

SALADS

Save 10% with our loyalty card.

Ask how to sign up today!

In the Cotton Exchange • Downtown Wilmington • FREE PARKING 26 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

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

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

pembroke’s

A seasonally inspired and locally sourced Southern cuisine dining experience, Pembroke’s was created by the owners of downtown’s Rx Restaurant. Pembroke’s focuses on the same values and excellent service as its sister restaurant, purveying local companies for the best in seafood, proteins and produce.

They work with local fisherman and farmers to ensure your meal will be freshly grown and hand chosen. A new dinner menu is churned out daily to ensure the chefs are working with the freshest ingredients. Plus, the bartenders are creating new drink menus daily as to never bore your taste buds. 1125 A Military Cutoff Rd. 910-239-9153.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Open for dinner Tues-Sun, 5pm-close, with live music Fri-Sat nights. Sunday brunch, 10am-3pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.pembrokescuisine.com

Sports Bar Carolina Ale House

Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for awardwinning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near

UNC W, this lively sports-themed restaurant. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 South College Road. (910) 791.9393.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com

dig and dive

A new way to play with your food.” It isn’t just a catch phrase—it is what we do at Dig & Dive. Locally sourced, high-quality food is what we bring to the table. From our specialty “pork wings,” tossed in our famed bourbon-barrell Kentuckyaki sauce, to our fresh ground chuck burgers, to our dogs and sausages, and even salads and kids menu, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We pair it with an expansive craft beer selection—including a large selection of NC brewed beers—and we give you the most unique and fun atmosphere in Wilmington, thanks to our soft-sand volleyball courts, outdoor and indoor dining. Hands down, we’re the best place in town to ... Eat. Drink. Play. 3525 Lancelot Lane. 910-202-9350.

■ SERVING LUNCH & Dinner: Sun.-Thurs., 11am-midnight; Fri.-Sat., 11am-2am.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, off Market Street and Darlington ■ FEATURING: Burgers, dogs, build-your-own French fries, sandwiches, craft beer, volleyball courts.

■ WEBSITE: www.DigandDive.com

hell’s kitchen

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

Free downtown lunchtime delivery on weekdays; we can accommodate large parties. (910) 763-4133.

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

- Thursday 4-7 p.m.

■ WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

vegetarian/Vegan sealevel restaurant

Shop for gifts while you’re waiting on your to-go order or for the cook to fix your food. How about a lentil patty melt with fresh, handcut potato chips or a crisp salad for lunch?

If you’re looking for a high-fiber plate, we’ve got you covered: the brown-rice tortilla—which is gluten free, vegan and chockful of crunchy vegetables and creamy smoky eggplant spread and avocado—will surely suit you! With a side of creole-spiced organic red beans or our superb vegan purple coleslaw, it will be over the top! Vegan heaven exists: We serve sushi rolls and desserts especially to suit your preferences. Seafood lovers are mad about the shrimp burger, soft crab slider and the frequently featured Caribbean-spiced shrimp tostada, which combines the aforementioned purple slaw, spicy Jerk sauce, and cool avocado, and organic refried lentils on a crispy corn tortilla. Please stop in for lunch six days (not Tuesday/closed) from 11 am to 2 pm, and dinner Thursday through Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm 1015 S. Kerr Ave. 910-833-7196.

■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., daily; Thurs-Sat., 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Closed Tuesdays ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Vegetarian,Vegan, Seafood, Gluten-Free ■ WEBSITE: www.sealevelcitygourmet.com

Come visit us at either location for the

#1 PLACE to celebrate your

St. Patrick's Day!

ALL DAY LONG COME ENJOY

KEGS AND EGGS *At the Masonboro location only. Opens at 7am.

TWO LOCATIONS TO VISIT: MASONBORO

3317 Masonboro Loop Road (910) 791-1019

LUMINA

1900 Eastwood Road (Across from Landfall) (910) 791-1019

ALL NEW MENU www.halligansnc.com encore | march 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 27

grub & guzzle>>review

THE RIGHT STUFF:

New kid on the NOFO block, The District, off to a running start

Y

by: Rosa Bianca es, I did just reference a ‘90s boy band. So?

Three other things I’m not embarrassed by: My spectacular Saturday night dance moves, my secret affinity for “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” and the fact that last night I nearly polished off a 12-ounce ribeye at North 4th Street’s newest eatery, The District.

In the past few years, new beer shops, coffee cafés and breweries have been popping up in my NOFO neighborhood.

Still, something has been missing. I get my food truck fix from Flytrap Brewing and The Goat & Compass a few blocks down, but a solid (and longstanding) restaurant to match the area’s up-and-coming vibe has been unmistakably absent.

Enter: Luke and Lisa Poulos.

Thanks to these two—now adjacent to NOFO’s chic bottle shop Palate (and previously home to here-and-gone Canapé)—sits The District Kitchen & Cocktails.

As the Pouloses embarked upon remodeling and reimagining this space last year, the buzz about the new American-style steakhouse began to spread. After a major flop from Canapé, eyebrows raised and tummies rumbled.

Through the downtown grapevine, I got wind The District was filling up fast on the weekends. To give the food a fair review, I planned my sneak snack attack for a quieter Tuesday evening. I’m pleased to say: Thanks to being the only patrons in the place, the service my boyfriend and I received was top notch from start to finish.

Let’s hope the staff’s diligence soars on busier nights, too. Hopefully, The District can keep up with the demand, because, damn, those fried baby potatoes are good.

But, first, cocktails.

We saddled up to the stylish bar and inspected our sipping options. Along with a variety of scratchmade cocktails, The District offers a slew of local brews (Westbrook cans aplenty) and an impressive wine selection. The drinks certainly complement the restaurant’s modern, New York-esque feel. Our friendly bartender introduced himself, asked a few questions, and then got right into the cocktails. My kind of dude. He prided himself on making a mean Old Fashioned (featuring Makers Mark, orange and burlesque bitters) so, naturally, I put him to the test. Each sip was smooth, slightly peppery and tart.

From one recommendation to the next, we also took him up on the calamari to kick start our meal. Two for two. Instead of carelessly tossing a kale leaf onto the plate for garnish, The District’s chef tops the dish with crunchy strings of Daikon radish and sweet pickled red onions. Their vinegary bite provided a perfect acidic balance to the crispy seafood. The coating on each ringlet was light as air and clung to the squid for dear life (as batter should).

Every bite was expertly cooked and fresh as could be. Thanks to a zesty zip from a creamy lemon Sriracha, I was able to abandon my go-to calamari citrus shower.

The District prides themselves on their meat, so I brought my steakhouse appetite. I respect a traditional steakhouse serves up dinner the nostalgic way: à la carte. For those who aren’t French

seafood • steak • sushi • chinese buffet

bar & grill with over 100 items Ask about our special room for private parties!

2541 CAROLINA BEACH ROAD • 763-8808

Hibachi Grill Included Wth The buffet!

Open Daily Lunch and Dinner • Mon - Thurs. 11am-10pm • Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm • Sun. 11am-10pm

300 OFF

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Any 3 Adult Lunch or 2 Dinner Buffets

asian buffet DINE-IN ONLY One Coupon Per Purchase.

Not valid with any other.

Excludes Crab Legs Offer Expires 3/31/16

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28 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

asian buffet DINE-IN ONLY One Coupon Per Purchase.

Not valid with any other.

Excludes Crab Legs Offer Expires 3/31/16

with puppies. You’ve just virtually experienced The District’s fried baby potatoes.

The tender rounds were delicately crispy, slightly smashed, and puffy as clouds on the inside. For the full experience, I dragged a cream-covered starch through (or have never eaten in a restaurant), several snips of oniony chives and hitched this means starches and veggies come a rogue bacon morsel along the way. separate from proteins. While I can cerI brought my boyfriend but considered tainly appreciate a refined meal, I got the leaving with the ribeye. The District truly sense The District’s objective is to ap- has mastered the art of preparing a phepear sophisticated without coming off as nomenal steak. The meat’s exterior came overly pretentious or unapproachable. For with a generously seasoned, skillfully NOFO’s predominantly millennial crowd seared, crunchy crust. Each slice of the (filling up their Friday night happy hour steak knife went through to the mediumwith Double IPAs), a pricey dinner might rare middle like butter. Even if I hadn’t obnot make it into our frequent agendas. For served the cross-hatch marks under the special occasions, we’re willing to dish out mountain of wild mushrooms, I still could a little extra cash for an exceptional meal, have detected the glorious charred flabut on a regular basis, there’s a reason vor from the grill quite easily. The earthy shrooms and sweet, nutty garlic confit we pig out on $6 poutine. could have been a meal on their own. The All of that said, I’m pleased to report: The deep coffee-brown pool of the dish’s red food was fantastic. Hail, Caesar, indeed! wine reduction was exactly as a steak The District’s dressing was light but still sauce should be—thick, rich and lined full-bodied with a heaping amount of fluffy, with butter. shaved Parmesan. It gave the greens an The moral of the story: flavor bombs gaadditional layer of creaminess. For a light lunch, I would top this bad boy with grilled lore.

STEAHOUSE BURGER: The District is known for their steak, chops and chicken, but also serve reasonably priced lunches, inclduing their burger served alongside baby fried potatoes that Rosa raves over! Photo by Holland Dotts Photography

chicken all day. For added salt, a thin strip of anchovy topped the tower of romaine.

Skinny, oblong homemade croutons gave the salad extra texture and herbiness.

Let’s talk taters: specifically, The District fried baby potatoes with crème fraise, chive and bacon. Picture the best potato skins ever. Now imagine eating them while also winning a million dollars and playing

DETAILS:

The District Kitchen and Cocktails 1001 N 4th St. (910) 769-6565 Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Tickets $15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $40 UNCW Student Tickets $5 Call 910.962.3500

uncw.edu/presents Accommodations for disabilities may be requested by calling 910.962.3500 at least three days prior to the event.

UNCW is an EEO/AA institution.

encore | march 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 29

extra>>best of 2016

IT CAME FROM ILM:

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps guide 2016 Best Of winners into world domination

by: js CARVER & Sr GENTRY

W

ho has the best pizza? Where is the best place to buy a new car? Who carries the best shoes in town?

Where is the best place to take a first date?

They’re questions we all struggle with in life, but thank goodness for encore’s annual Best Of poll! We’re here to make your decisions a little easier in the coming year.

For more than 25 years, encore’s annual Best Of Wilmington has been leading folks in all kinds of directions on where to spend their money locally, who to support in the arts, as well as who to trust in everything from local media to nonprofits. To put it simply: encore holds the official “Best Of” moniker, and our readers’ opinions matter a whole bunch!

In 2016, we culled over 20,000 voices to weigh in on the Best Of Wilmington. Nominations opened in mid-November and closed mid-December 2015, before final voting began and closed mid-January 2016. The community-at-large cast their favorites through our

online voting system, featuring over 130 categories.

At encore we try to be as fair as possible with our Best Of poll, and while we allow local businesses and groups to campaign so their patrons/fans will vote for them, we do lay a few ground rules in campaigning practices. No, we’re not the NC Board of Elections but we want to play fair.

1) No stuffing the ballot box! Don’t vote under multiple email addresses, or encourage customers and employees to do so. If you have a list of email addresses that don’t belong to you, please, don’t fill out ballots in their names.

2) Do not entice patrons/ fans into voting by offering specials, discounts or prizes in exchange for votes.

After voting closed, encore threw its an-

Thank you, Wilmington, for voting us Best Italian!

COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS: Rose Hunt as Leela and Rick Searcy as Bender from “Futurama” won tickets to see Jewel in the Best Of costume contest on Feb. 27. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

nual Best Of party at Brooklyn Arts Center on Saturday, February 27. The event benefitted DREAMS of Wilmington—a local nonprofit and multidisciplinary arts program for at-risk youth (see the story from encore’s February 24 edition for info on DREAMS). Thanks to 408 tickets sold and numerous raffles, DREAMS raised more than $10,000 and will take in $7,600 after expenses. This money allows them to accept 45 students into their threeweek summer intensive arts program.

Our Best Of hosts, comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps (this week’s dashing cover models), entertained with a plethora of sketches across every category of award winners—all set to the theme, “2016: A Space Odyysey: Invasion of the Trophy Sn-

THANK YOU WILMINGTON!

SANDWICHES • SALADS

Great Burgers and Hand-cut Fries

PASTAS • DESSERTS 1101 S College Rd. • (910) 392-7529 www.ncatasteofitaly.com 30 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

acthers.” Aside from threatening world domination, they ensured audiences were rolling in laughter during skits and interpretive dance numbers. As a bonus: The funny Pineapples also got to know DREAMS students and even made videos with our Best Of house band, The Midatlantic, all of whom spoke about the importance of having arts education in youth.

We stuffed ourselves silly, thanks to food donated from numerous nominees in the “Food and Beverage” category. We danced to DJ Time and DJ Filthy spinning everything from “Fame” to “Weird Science.”

The Midatlantic played their brand of bluegrass throughout the night as well, and Chris Brehmer Photography caught it on film as our official Best Of photographer. Brehmer’s photos will be published over the next four editions of encore and in our official Best Of Book (published summer 2016), as we announce all winners.

An amazing solar system, DREAMS rocket included, decorated the venue, thanks to the wonderful students at DREAMS flexing their creative muscles. And “Futurama” characters Leela (Rose Hunt) and Bender (Rick Searcy) made an appearance and took top applause from the audience in our annual costume contest. They scored tickets to see Jewel at Cape Fear Stage on March 18.

Really, we were there to celebrate our besties! So, without further ado, allow us to introduce you to the Best Of Wilmington, class of 2016! Congrats, all!

Established 1990

Voted “Best Burger” and “Best Fries” 6 Locations in the Cape Fear

WWW.PTSGRILLE.COM

Goods & Services Women’s Clothing

Women are looking spiffy across our coastal abode, showing off the latest styles and trends, especially since wardrobe options abound at Island Passage.

A seven-time Best Of award winner, Island Passage has been serving Wilmington, Bald Head Island and Wrightsville Beach for over 30 years.

Owner Kristyn Prentice continues to work toward making the boutique the best place for women’s clothing by constantly expanding brands and lines of clothes, jewelry and shoes available to women of the Port City.

“Sometimes we can have three generations of women shopping with us at once, which I think is really special,” Prentice says.

These women flock to the store because of Prentice and company’s constant attention to customer service. Having attended the University of Georgia for fashion merchandising, she stands by the notion that “confidence is a power tool.” With her partners Alison Drake and Beth Ogden working to make women feel good from the inside out, they’re walking examples of their own mantra.

“I love making someone feel good on the inside because they look good,” Prentice confirms. “And there is always a renewed sense to be customer-service oriented at the beginning of a new year. The Best Of award confirms we should continue to always strive to put our customers first.”

Aside from giving back to their customers with the finest threads, the ladies also make sure IP works closely with labels that have global appeal. One even is founded locally: Half United, which donates half of all proceeds to feed children in third-world countries.

“There are so many ways the customer can give back by purchasing certain items that help others,” Prentice continues. “We [also carry] The Giving Keys, [which] help place men and women in homes and off the streets.”

In 2016 they’ll continue to grow their VIP program. Interested parties can sign up at either store, Lumina Station, 1900 Eastwood Rd. Ste. 7, or downtown at 4 Market St. “It allows our customers the inside scoop on sales and events!” Prentice tells.

Other nominees from the 2016 poll were Edge of Urge and Aqua Fedora.

Coffee Shop

When Port City Java opened in downtown Wilmington in 1995 (in the location now known as Slainte), not many of us could have suspected it would become an integral institution to waking us up, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. CEO Steve Schnitzler has ushered in our quintessential PCJ experience to greater heights.

Schnitzler joined the PCJ ranks in 1998, leaving behind his toque as executive chef

at Front Street Brewery for two years. He began implementing the café model we now see today across the 12 locations of PCJ in Wilmington (and a new spot opening in Southport soon)—not to mention the other 17 shops found every where from SC to DC to Abu Dhabi. That’s right! Port City Java isn’t just a local’s java joint, its coffee is globally craved.

“We have the best guests, and each day we continue to build lasting relationships with them,” local marketing assistant KC Hackney says. Hackney speaks from experience, as she has worked as a barista, baker and manager for Port City Java for eight years. Hackney stands behind PCJ’s locally roasted beans, which are housed in their own bakery and distribution center.

“As the coffee industry focuses on smallbatch roasts and new ways of brewing the perfect cup, we hope to make it easy for our fans to have access to new and interesting coffees,” Hackney says.

Though their 18 wins center on coffee— organic and fair trade, nonetheless—PCJ offers so much more. They serve breakfast and lunch food stuff, as well thirst-quenchers, like Italian sodas, made with Monin syrups, milkshakes and teas—including a new iced green tea they’ll begin serving in April.

“Knowing our guests think of us as their number one coffee shop makes us work even harder toward being their number one shop next year!” Hackney promises.

Other cups of Joe making it onto 2016’s list include Grinders and Java Dog.

BREWED TO WIN: KC Hackney, Nichole Lee and Rachel Guthrie accept another win for Port City Java as Best Coffee Shop 2016. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

“I have always loved food and fell in love with the little markets I was used to going to when living in Florida and visiting NY,” she tells. “I wanted to recreate that feel in a market not saturated with these types of shops.”

Today both Christi and Kathy are proud of the customer base they’ve built, which

extends beyond the restaurant and market and into the community at large with their full-fledged catering business. Christi credits their attentive customer service as a cornerstone of their growth and opportunity.

“We have a very personal staff and do our best to greet our customers by name,” she explains. “There is always pressure to better ourselves and take things to the next level; I think that what makes all of the Best Of winners stand out.”

An array of “e” awards pepper the market,

Gourmet Store

For 12 wins now, Pine Valley Market has cornered the gourmet-store experience locally. The quaint shop (3520 S. College Rd.) not only has delicious and homemade frozen meals and a butcher shop, they serve tons of wine and beer, cheese and accoutrements, as well as breakfast and lunch for diners to enjoy onsite or as takeout. Plus, they just launched their Tuesday and Thursday supper club, which allows customers to order meals for around $10 a person to pick up between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to take home, heat and serve. PVM goes above and beyond to make sure everything they sell in house is top-quality and fits within their business paradigm.

“We are always looking for new local, and regional products, as well as small companies with great products and cool backstories,” owner Christi Ferretti says. “Supporting family-run small businesses like ours is our focus. Currently, we are introducing some regional fully grass-fed beef and locally and humanely raised poultry products.”

Ferretti and her partner Kathy WebbFerretti took over the market in 2004 after moving to Wilmington from St. Petersburg, Florida. Kathy lived in Wilmington before as a college student; however, it was Christi’s first and last time visiting. Her next return would be as a resident and business owner. encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 31

practically noticeable at every turn. Christi and her crew say the “e”s are verifiable proof all their hard work pays off greatly. “I love seeing all of the years of encore awards from this and other categories over the years, especially as we approach the 20th anniversary of PVM.” Upon this milestone, they may even have a delivery system incorporated to help cater to a busy population looking for convenience and quality. Not to mention it would help PVM reach even new patrons: vacationers and tourists looking for a homemade, family meal without the fuss.

Other gourmet markets ranking on Best Of 2016 include Temptations Everyday Gourmet and Taste the Olive.

Veterinarian

Our furry friends are as much our children as our own flesh and blood. So why wouldn’t we take them to the best vet in order to help them stay up to date on all their vaccines and checkups, as well as get help when a yucky tummy virus or kennel cough strikes?

College Road Animal Hospital is the top pick from encore readers in 2016, according to the Best Of poll. For more than 30 years, the hospital has been treating its adorably cuddly patients and their families with the utmost respect.

“We could not be where we are today without the support of our valued clients and their companions,” practice manager Elise Eisel says. “They are who make us stand out. Each and everyone of us feels that it is a privilege to work for this familyowned, small business.”

College Road Animal Hospital always accepts new patients and makes it easy to be seen and cared for. They set up payment options to help control costly medical bills. Plus, they have urgent care hours Monday through Friday, from 6 p.m. -1 p.m. for pets who may have medical emergencies or for those who need extended hours to make appointments.

“Our clients can feel secure in knowing we are available when they need us,” she continues. “Our office recently launched our very own app for iPhone and Android users.

It allows clients to access their pets’ medical records, request appointments, prescription refills, and take advantage of our new loyalty rewards program.”

Being the best is an honor to Eisel and company. Having begun her work as a veterinary assistant, she learned all the ins and outs along the way, which has paved the way for her current managerial position.

“I have enjoyed growing and learning more about locally owned small business,” Eisel says. “The biggest trend in the veterinary field is competition. There are numerous quality veterinary practices in the Wilmington area, so striving to ‘stand out’ among the others can be tough. . . . Winning this award shows us our clients think highly of us and we have proven to them we provide ex32 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

traordinary veterinary care.”

Other veterinarians topping the poll include A Country Vet and Wilmington Animal Healthcare.

Farmers’ Market

Just a few short years ago, encore was able to add this as a category after having multiple farmers’ markets popping up all over town—from downtown to Carolina Beach to Poplar Grove to Leland. And for the third time in a row now Riverfront Farmers’ Market has picked off the category without hesitation.

Located on Water Street, along the Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington, the Riverfront Farmers’ Market opens from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from April through December annually. They procure everything from locally raised beef, to organic vegetables and herbs, to fresh-cut flowers and a variety of plants, to arts and crafts, and even homemade food specialties.

“I love helping local growers and producers connect with customers that appreciate the work they put into it,” market manager BJ Ryan says.

The downtown market will launch on April 16, but come Wednesday, April 13, the Riverfront Farmers’ Market is opening a second location in Ogden Park. “Customers will have expanded access to locally grown and produced products,” he continues. Like the downtown market, eggs, cheeses, artisan works, and baked goods will be available.

Poplar Grove and Carolina Beach markets rank second and third respectively.

—Shea Carver

Dentist

Dr. Albert Bozart of Bozart Family Dentistry (6132 Carolina Beach Rd.) sees a lot of smiles, making them literally brighter on a daily bases. encore readers have given him a stamp of approval with an “e” award for Best Dentist five times, and Bozart thinks it boils down to one simple truth: “We really do care about our patients, and not just their oral health.”

Each patient isn’t just another person in a chair. Bozart’s practice offers 0-percent interest dental financing for patients with or without insurance. This “Easy Pay” program helps people afford a better smile. Bozart’s practice has extended hours to better serve those who have work or other commitments.

His facility also offers “Braces to Wisdom Teeth” all under one roof. “So instead of seeing a general dentist for your cleanings and then needing to get a referral for other services, such as dental implants, crowns, wisdom teeth removal, orthodontics . . .” he lists. “You can conveniently have these services performed all from one office location with the same dentists that you are already familiar and comfortable with.”

Bozart has hired three new full-time dentists in the past six months and plans to expand the main office by leasing the space

anything from mandolins and violins to speakers and woodwinds.

Other shops pulling at readers’ heartstrings this year are The Music Loft and Guitar Pickers.

Place to Board a Pet

ened tea, with bagged ice, plates, cups, silverware, and serving spoons. Rates vary from $8.99 - $9.49 per person, depending on crowd size, and come with a $20 delivery fee. MOI travels far and wide to feed next door. They will add new hygiene the masses as well, and any event within rooms, a full-service dental lab in summer a 400-mile radius can be catered by this 2016, as well as open an office in SouthWilmington staple. port/St. James by fall.

Other favorites to fill plates in the Best CaBest Dentist runners up are Atlantic Dental tering Service category are Pine Valley MarGroup and Salling and Tate. ket and Milner’s Café and Catering.

GOLD PLATED: Middle of the Island wins again as Best Catering Service for 2016. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

Catering Service

Middle of the Island (MOI) is fast-approaching a 60-year run catering Wilmingtonians from the river to the sea. With more than 200 weddings per year (not counting the thousands of folks served at private parties, fundraisers and business events), their seafood and Southern fare have earned them several accolades—including encore’s Best Catering Service category three years in a row.

“We have many great customers, but also some great competitors, which keeps us always focused on providing the best possible experience,” MOI owner C.M. Rogers told encore post-victory last year.

Also touted as Wilmington’s largest catering company, MOI’s talented staff make each event a special one as well. They cater with a choice from more than a dozen menus, including The Presidential Buffet—with beef tenderloin, jumbo lump crab cakes, a baked potato bar, four-cheese, tri-colored tortellini in pesto, and more. They also have an Ice Cream Bar, Hors D’oeuvres packages and full-service bar option.

Their drop-off menu is best suited for smaller events, and is only available Monday-Friday. Customers build their own three-course menu and may choose two entrées from a long list of options (anything from turkey and dressing to 15-spice tilapia), three sides and a dessert. Rolls or cornbread come with the deal as well, alongside sweet and unsweet-

Place to Buy Musical Instruments

“Plain and simple: There are not many stores left these days offering tangible, quality musical instruments,” Bobby Hamelburg, owner of Finkelstein Music, told encore back in 2013. He had just taken home an “e” award for Best Place to Buy Musical Instruments. “Many mom-and-pop shops seem to be disappearing into the Internet or getting swallowed by the Walmarts. It is refreshing for me to still walk through the doors of Finkelstein’s and feel the history and uniqueness. I love it.”

Readers must agree, as Hamelburg has taken home the Best Of award each year since, and the decade prior. For more than 100 years Finkelstein’s has serviced Wilmington. At their shop on the corner of Front and Market streets in downtown Wilmington they sell everything from guitars to engagement rings, banjos to drum sets, keyboards to amps. It’s a place locals and visitors can explore time and again for hodgepodge of items, but of course mainly instruments and audio systems.

Finkelstein’s researches all brands they carry thoroughly so they can answer any and all inquiries. With a well-educated and talented crew, they also offer weekly guitar, bass and drum lessons throughout business hours. They’re also a one-stop shop for instrument maintenance and can repair

Pets are family for lots of folks; they’re the children we never had—or maybe the favorites among those we did—and like our precious children, we want our pets to be happy, safe and comfortable when we have to leave them for any length of time. Karen Simmons, owner of Paw Beach Pet Resort, has been in the pet care business for more than two decades. She says it means a lot to be a part of that special relationship people have with their pets. “I love that our client’s pets are part of their family and that we get to share in that bond,” she tells encore after Paw Beach’s fourth win for Best Place to Board a Pet. Alongside an enthusiastic staff, Simmons says they strive to be the best at pet care, from grooming to training to lodging. “The “e” award validates the hard work the Paw Beach team puts in every day,” she adds.

“We do it for the pets and their people, but it is nice to be recognized. It shows us that our clients appreciate our dedication to their furry family members.”

Paw Beach expanded their overnight

lodging in 2015, with the goal to increase capacity for dog daycare in 2016. They also plan to incorporate a dog treadmill for added fitness and variety to their current setup that includes a pool and several outdoor yards. “Dog daycare has only been around for about 15 years,” Simmons says. “So striving to create the best experience for dogs is an ongoing process.

Paw Beach is committed to staff training regarding safety and dog behavior to continue providing a safe and enriching environment for the dogs of Wilmington.”

Coming in second and third as ILM’s favorite places to board furry friends in 2016 are Pups Play and Stay and Wilmington Animal Healthcare.

—Shannon Gentry

Food & Beverage Indian Restaurant

The restaurant industry is not for the faint of heart. Ask any restaurateur, and he or she will confirm it’s like a marriage: constant work to create a balancing act that isn’t always so level. But when it is, boy, is it gratifying!

In Wilmington, there’s added pressure to make sure a restaurant hits all the high notes for a customer’s experience to be victorious. TJ and Simran Singh, owners of Tandoori Bites, have found the right

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3201 South 17th Street | Wilmington, NC 28412 | 910.395.5999

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 33

cacophony for which diners sing its praises. Scoring Best Indian Restaurant for six years in a row, the Singhs marry the standard quality food with friendly customer service to secure return guests.

“There is a little pressure [to continue being the best,] but in the restaurant business, everyday is challenge,” TJ confirms.

“We are ready for it, working hard, and we are still standing strong. I give all the credit to my loyal customers.”

Located across from Hugh MacRae Park, Tandoori Bites (1620 S. College Rd.) has evolved since its opening in 2010.

They continue to maintain relevancy in a steadfast market by focusing on high quality. They use local produce and organic proteins to create fare that specializes in the taste of the Far East.

“This year we are bringing a full bar, a new Indochinese menu and will become more vegan friendly,” TJ says. They’re also concentrating on dietary needs, including more gluten-free menu items and house specials.“The restaurant business is in my blood,” he tells. “I love doing this—and have been doing it since 2002.”

The Singhs and their knowledgeable staff face all challenges head-on daily to overcome obstacles and ensure success. The “e” is a confirmation of their dedication.

“We have six awards hanging there and it gives me strength to work even harder

for next year,” he promises. “Thanks to encore—this is a great program to encourage specially small business.”

Folks can enjoy Tandoori Bites’ lunch buffet daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Sat. and Sun. until 3 p.m.) and order from their large menu nightly beginning at 5 p.m.

Other Indian restaurants taking in votes on the poll include Nawab Fine Indian Cuisine and Kabob and Grill.

Burritos

Roll ‘em up and ... eat ‘em! I suppose you could smoke ‘em if you wanted to, but they’ll taste better with a bite rather than inhaling.

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn has folks lining up around all kinds of corners, awaiting the tastiest and most unusually eclectic burrito flavors one could possibly imagine: Need a Thai fix? OK! Go for their Thai Mee Up, which features protein of choice with peanut sauce, rice, beans, roasted red peppers, shredded carrots, and red onion.

Or hankering for a taste of Nawlins? Try out the Bayou, which comes with a spicy Creole Jambalaya sauce, rice, beans, cheese, choice or protein, and Cajun spices. Naturally, they do standard Mexican-inspired fare, thanks to owners Amy and Jay Muxworthy, who love everything “hot, fast, cheap, and easy.” And they’re customers do, too, which is why they’ve secured this category every year since encore inducted

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SMOKIN’ HOT: Mission BBQ manager Tara Frazier accepts the award for Best Ribs, marking the local barbecue joint’s first win on the Best Of poll.

Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

it (like 15 years ago maybe?).

“We offer quality and quantity for a great price, with unique flavors and unusual combinations, served up in an offbeat, eclectic atmosphere,” Jay tells us. “We’re so grateful to encore’s readers for all of our Best Burrito awards. They do put extra pressure on us, but it’s the good kind of pressure—it holds us to the highest possible standard, year after year.”

Lots of new stuff is coming to southeastern NC thanks to Amy’s, including a second location which opened in Carolina Beach at the end of January. Unlike it’s flagship counter service, the island location will offer table service and have a full bar.

“In the next couple of days, we’re about to open a second Flaming Amy’s Bowl location in Northchase Center,” Jay says. “We’re thrilled to be branching out all over New Hanover County.”

The Muxworthys have instituted charitable giving in their business plan since day one of operation. In fact, they focused on Operation Salsa Drop for years, which would send troops overseas a taste of home with Amy’s jarred salsa. This year they’ve revamped the program to “Local Love.”

“Each month we are sharing some love with a different local organization that we believe does great things for our community,” Jay explains. “For each jar of Local Love Pineapple Jalapeño salsa we sell at $5 per jar, we donate $2.50 to our partner organization for that month.”

Other burritos rolling onto the poll come from K38 and Moe’s.

lege Road which is taking home its first “e” with Best Ribs. Best buds Bill Kraus and Steve Newton started the chain, after traveling the US, sampling barbecue far and wide. They serve a multitude of sauce flavors, from Memphis Belle to Alabama White to Georgia Mustard, and of course Carolina Vinegar. However, the meats they prepare to douse in those sauces all get the same attention in preparation.

“We smoke our meat onsite all day, every day,” brand ambassador Linda Dotterer says. “Our food is homemade and handcrafted—no freezers, no microwaves.”

Mission BBQ serves brisket, pulled pork and chicken, turkey, and baby back and spare ribs. Their famed black plate specials and seasonal sides remain popular items, as do their homemade sweets, which change every six to eight weeks.

Though serving great food remains top priority, their give-back to local communities also tells of their pride as US citizens. They often donate monies to local police and fire departments, as well as military organizations. Plus, they proudly hire veterans, and they salute and stand for the National Anthem everyday at noon in the restaurant.

“Steve and Bill wanted to create a business that has a purpose, meaning and significance that not only focuses on great food and service but an opportunity to give back to our uniformed unsung heroes,” Dotterer says.

Wings

Though Hell’s Kitchen was once known around Wilmington as a number one filming location for that popular CW TV show “Dawson’s Creek,” today it’s turned into a sports bar known for great food and service. Most notably in 2016, it’s taking top votes for Wilmington’s best wings!

Every Thursday folks can get a taste of Ribs their wings for half price from 7 p.m. until New to our annual Best Of poll is Mission close. They’ll also choose from a multitude BBQ—a restaurant located on South Col- of sauces, including traditional, mild, medi-

um, hot, fire, and inferno. However, they also serve Buffalo garlic, teriyaki, BBQ, honey chipotle, bleu Buffalo, and tangy NC BBQ. “Hells Kitchen has gone to great lengths to increase the quality and taste of our food,” owner Eric Laut says. “Our newest kitchen manager is inventive, and we’ve gone to master chefs and food providers to get great ideas to provide the best food possible. We now make our own sauces and soups, and the public has responded with praise and by filling up the restaurant.”

Laut recently took over management of the restaurant after spending 35 years in corporate America at a Fortune 500 company focused on marketing, advertising, sales management, and business development. “I was on Capital Hill as a legislative assistant to a congressman,” he notes.

Life in the restaurant industry is quite different from cofounding an environmental nonprofit organization. However, Laut’s dedicated to increasing the top line and control costs. He’s thrilled to be immersing himself into the local restaurant scene and even serves on the board of Downtown Business Alliance, acting as a liaison between Wilmington Downtown Inc. “Getting involved in the local political realm to improve downtown Wilmington and my business was paramount,” he says. “I really love this business; it’s something different every day. Having a photo shoot with the Cape Fear Roller Girls, having a cookoff on the Coast Guard Diligence between the chefs at Hell’s Kitchen and the chef on the Diligence (with the mayor and some city council as judges), watching the cast and crew from ‘Under the Dome,’ ‘Secrets and Lies’ and ‘Sleepy Hollow’ having premiere and wrap parties in Hell’s Kitchen or just watching my staff move in precision during hectic nights at Hell’s Kitchen—what’s not like, what’s not to love?”

With 12 HDTVs and a large 120-inch screen, Hell’s is also a hot spot to catch all the sports action in town. They have every major sports package and serve over 75 craft and specialty beers in bottles. “We are looking at the redesign of our tap system to add another tower dedicated to craft, mostly, local beers,” Laut says. They’ll also be adding more entertainment in coming months.

Other hot spots for wings in town include Buffalo Wild Wings and Wild Wing Cafe.

year. They’ve won Best Thai restaurant every year since they opened 15 years ago, and added Best Overall Restaurant, Atmosphere and Outdoor Dining just in the past 10 years.

Customers will see from their overrunning parking lot how the restaurant’s popularity just soars locally.

“I am always flattered and honored to receive such positive responses from the community by receiving these awards, but it definitely does put a lot of pressure on us to not only meet high expectations but also to exceed them,” Thompson says.

Thompson was reared in Vietnam and adored the foods and dishes that came from her homeland. When she moved stateside with her husband, she longed for the same bursts of fresh flavors, since Asian cuisine at that time was limited to takeout Chinese food.

“I wanted to bring some of my Vietnamese culture and heritage to Wilmington,” Thompson says. “I love cooking and creating. For me, feeding people is extremely powerful.

It gives one the opportunity to use a simple meal as a way to expose people to a whole new different culture.”

So what does that mean for hungry diners? Thompson’s professional staff, including her right-hand woman and daughter Marie Bartsch, delivers the best in top-quality Asian fare, which spans the Far East. Indochine is praised for their noodle dishes and curries, but their dim sum and samosas are quite an opener to any meal, too. They offer numerous chef specialties, sushi rolls and Pho, and they’re adding more vegan and gluten-free meals often. Their lengthy beer and wine lists, as well as sake and cocktail menu pair perfectly alongside all the food.

Whether enjoying the meal in their eclectic dining area—beautifully decorated with ancient Asian artifacts and artwork—or outdoors in their lush faux jungle, the experience is a delectable one for all the senses.

“I always look for ways to expand our beautiful garden area,” Thompson says. “It is by far the most popular feature at Indochine.

I’d love to be able to accommodate more people in the outdoor area.”

They’re open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 3 p.m., and dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. However, Indochine does not accept reservations.

—Shea Carver

VETERAN winners: Indochine manager Marie Bartsch (middle) surrounds herself with a dedicated and loyal staff, which once again took home four awards at the 2016 Best Of fundrasier, including Best Thai, Best Restaurant Overall, Best Atmosphere, and Best Outdoor Dining. Indochine has won for 15 years on the annual Best Of poll held by encore. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

While sushi is definitely the most popular fare on the menu, Smith says YoSake’s menu is “pan-Asian.” They tout cuisine from Thailand, India, Vietnam, and Korea, and often pair it with European and Ameri-

can elements. “In the future, we’d love to see a [Best Of] category that represents this idea, because we’re pretty sure we’d take it home,” she adds.

April marks YoSake’s 10th anniversary—

Thai, Atmosphere, Restaurant Japanese Restaurant YoSake Downtown Sushi Lounge owner Overall, Outdoor Dining and manager Bekah Smith took home their “I live for feedback,” owner Solange Thompson says about her pride and joy, Indochine. “I have always felt that by listening to what people think (both good and bad), I have the opportunity to learn and improve.”

If the bevy of “e” awards hanging in her restaurant prove anything, it’s that feedback from encore readers always is on the uprise.

Indochine has hit our polls consistently, racking up awards in mounting categories every

first “e” awards for Best Sushi and Best Japanese Restaurant in 2015. Smith says the second win for Best Japanese Restaurant in 2016 is an honor to their entire staff and business, if not a pleasant surprise.

“Honestly, outside of sushi and sake (and our incredible artwork by Johnny Bahr), there isn’t much else about our restaurant that is actually ‘Japanese,’” she admits. “So it’s quite the coup.”

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 35

www.juliasflorist.com THANK YOU READERS! for voting us

BEST FLORIST 2016

Serving Wilmington for over 25 years with flowers and gifts for all occasions: get well, new baby, anniversary, sympathy, or just because!

quite an accomplishment in downtown Wilmington’s somewhat revolving door of restaurants. While Smith attributes their longevity to food quality and an inspired menu, it’s also due to a well-cultivated front and back-ofthe-house staff who care about customer service. Nightly specials have become favorites over the years: Tuesday Locals Night (20 percent off all entrées), Wednesday ‘80s night and Sunday BOGO night. They recently added Thursday Noodle Night, with $10 noodle entrées, and the “Thursdate” special, which comes with two noodle dishes, an appetizer and dessert for $25.

“Last year, we really began to hone in on buying locally, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon,” Smith adds. They work with local farms and fisherman to ensure the best flavors come to the plate—something evident in their Monday Night 13-course Sushi Tasting, available at the sushi bar. They also adhere to dietary needs. “We are proud to carry one of the largest gluten-free menus in the city,” Smith says.

Smith—who owns The Husk and The Balcony on Dock above and below YoSake— says she and her partners have new plans for The Balcony event space. A new endeavor will be unveiled on the third-floor space this summer. So stay tuned!

Best Japanese nods also go to Hiro Japanese Steakhouse and Nikki’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi.

Diner

900 S Kerr Ave • Wilmington, NC 28403 36 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Nothing says comfort food like Southern biscuits and gravy, and few do Southern comfort like the Dixie Grill. The line for their breakfast menu forms along downtown’s Market Street, starting in the wee hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

It continuously collects a following of locals and visitors alike week by week. As well they continue to collect the Best Of accolade for Best Diner year after year.

For a century Dixie Grill has been a staple of Wilmington, watching the city change and grow around it. About 14 years ago Brian Mayberry partnered with Allen Quigley, and each have continued to nurture the eatery, praised for keeping old favorites while staying current with culinary trends and tastes.

The chalkboard features something special daily; anything from specialty pancakes to waffles to innovative versions of hash and omelets. Their classic breakfast favorites include steak n’ eggs, alongside breakfast sandwiches and the Dixie Benedict: open-faced biscuit with fried green tomatoes, scrambled eggs topped with Vidalia onion gravy.

While their breakfast menu is expansive and popular, lunch and dinner keep the lines forming as well. Meat lovers have options like corned-beef Reuben or a healthier turkey meatloaf. Dixie Grill’s “Big Salad” can fill any vegetarian or omnivorous belly, or for a Mediterranean twist: The Greek Salad comes with crisp romaine, Kalamata olives,

Feta cheese, banana and green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, tossed in a Greek vinaigrette.

Though only open for dinner WednesdaySaturday, Dixie Grill’s options go above and beyond typical diner fare. There’s more than meets the eye with everything from chipotle rubbed pork tenderloin with sides of sweet potato puree and collard greens to a roasted vegetable noodle bowl with fresh veggies topped with frizzled leeks. Southern traditionalists can still get their country-fried chicken with buttermilk mashed potatoes, too.

Also taking the name “local diner” to new levels are Jimbo’s and Goody Goody Omelet House.

Oysters

Since co-founders Matt Piccinin and Sean Cook opened a second Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar location near the corner of Market and Front streets in November 2012, it seems like every season is oyster season.

Best Of voters have given the restaurant a nod for their oysters for years, but they had yet to take home the prize … until this year.

“The encore award means that all of our hard work is paying off,” Piccinin says of their win. “We are being recognized for the quality food we are offering and when people think oysters they think Shuckin Shack!”

It’s been nine years since Piccinin and Cook opened their first Shuckin’ Shack in Carolina Beach in 2007. They wanted a place where customers could watch the latest sporting event and enjoy local seafood.

“We still love the day to day interactions with customers who have become like family,” Piccinin adds.

Piccinin says voters likely recognize and appreciate their attention to detail and quality in their food: selecting fresh local seafood and pairing it with quality ingredients, all while maintaining affordable pricing. Shuckin’ Shack has daily food and drink specials.

Mondays are 75-cent oysters (you shuck), 45-cent steamed clams on Wednesdays and folks can get Saul T’s Steampot for sharing on Saturdays for $38.99. It’s Sunday that really rounds out the week with all-you-caneat oysters for $19.99.

Their downtown spot features all the familiar seafood favorites their Carolina Beach location is known for, but with an added variety of new options: fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, and fresh salads, to name a few. Aside from fresh oysters any way ya like ‘em, folks can try their shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs in one of their seafood samplers or platters.

“Keep an eye out for our new menu coming Spring 2016,” Piccinin divulges. “We are keeping all your old favorites and adding some soon-to-be favorites. Stop in and see us during restaurant week for a preview.”

There’s also a full bar to order anything from a Bloody Mary (the drink special on Sundays) to one of their rotating local and craft beers on tap.

Wilmington oyster fanatics also voted Dock Street Oyster Bar and Hieronymus as top picks.

—Shannon Gentry

Arts, Entertainment and Media Tour of Wilmington

History is the centerfold of much of Wilmington’s legacy. Being a fighting ground for the Civil War, not to mention a major port in years leading up to the Revolutionary War, stories of the past continue to shape us. And that past includes many souls who continue to haunt us. The Haunted Pub Crawl & Unusual Tales of Old Wilmington are debuting on our Best Of poll in 2016 as Best Tour of Wilmington. Owners John Hirchak and his wife, Kim, are no stranger to offering locals and tourists an opportunity to get to know their city, even if in an off-kilter way. “This is our first year winning for the Haunted Pub Crawl,” John says, “though the Ghost Walk has won six or seven awards in the past.”

The Haunted Pub Crawl combines two elements to keep participants entertained: ghost stories and beer, wine and cocktails.

At $17.50 a ticket (booze not included), a pub crawl guide will take people across his-

toric downtown Wilmington, from Cape Fear Wine & Beer to Longstreet’s, Husk to Barbary Coast and beyond.

“Tales include runaway elephants, heroic dogs, prohibition, serial killers and the like,” John says. “Since we have so many repeat guests, we want to make sure that we can always offer something new.”

Thus, they began switching up the tours nightly, so no one of them are the same.

Haunted Pub Crawl has expanded their story base with increasing the pubs and the unusual, true histories that go along with them. Plus, they expand beyond a mere tour; they offer parties of all sorts, from birthdays to corporate events, even weddings.

“We’ve had thousands of friendships created, proposals made and new love formed during our tour. The tour is literally a social tour-de-force,” John continues.

The pub crawl actually was borne from folks sharing their stories about experiences in Wilmington bars. In 1999, when John launched the Ghost Walk, folks were sharing their supernatural tales, which all happened over a pint.

“We found we had accumulated quite a few stories that took place in pubs,” he says.

“We were initially reluctant to stand out front of these pubs telling stories to our guests of the Ghost Walk, seeing as it’s a family tour.”

Instead John spent four months doing

historical research and interviewing hundreds of people. He wrote the Haunted Pub Crawl’s first script and the rest is history. “The blending of storytelling and historic pubs seems to work very well,” John tells. But they come to life because of the passionate guides who keep the flow of the show engaging. Some have even been conducting tours for 15 years.

“They truly love to entertain people and they are all master storytellers,” John continues. “We have had so many incredible occurrences take place on our tour that they have now become part of the lore.”

One of their guides, John Scott, tells a story about a mass-murderer at Growlers.

“While leaving the bar, as John was walking up the stairs from the basement pub, he was pushed down from behind,” John tells.

“Several guests witnessed it and confirmed no one was standing around John. They said it was obvious he was pushed down. John said he felt the hand fall on his shoulder and then shove him. He thinks he somehow pissed off the ghost there.”

Tickets to all of Hirchak’s tours, including Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, Hollywood Location Walk and Haunted Pub Crawl & Unusual Tales of Old Wilmington can be bought at the foot of Market, downtown, in the Black Cat Shoppe. “We take great pride in the encore Best Of plaques we have won in the

past,” John details. “It not only reminds our guests that we pride ourselves in conducting high-quality tours, but also our guides, store staff and management.”

Wilmington Water Tours and Port City Brew Bus tours trek onto the poll in second and third place respectively.

Theatre Production

It turned the big 3-0 in 2015, and City Stage Co. brought the show back to beloved fanfare as part of their the fall lineup. “The Rocky Horror Show” always manages to fascinate and snowball a cult following generation after generation. City Stage Co. took a different approach to the show and managed to get newbies on the Rocky bandwagon: blending originality of the old with ideals of the new.

“That was the creation of this new version of ‘The Rocky Horror Show,’” City Stage Co. artistic director Nick Gray says, “a show that had been successfully done in our space four times, and maybe we could do it again—but with a twist?”

Thus Gray spoke with previous City Stage artistic director Justin Smith about foregoing the glam rock version with heavy makeup, fishnets and glitter, and approach it with ... togas? “‘Do it at a frat party...,’” Gray remembers Smith telling him.

Aside from Dr. Frank ‘n’ Furter rocking sti-

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 37

lettos and Rocky rocking gold lamé, everyone else in the show—Colombia, Riff Raff, Magenta, et al—wore cutoff jeans and tees, played beer pong and did the Whip and Nae Nae while bringing the kooky world of Transylvanian life to the forefront. By incorporating text language and modern-day nuances into the show—iPad, included—millennial virgins not familiar with the Time Warp crowded into City Stage.

“The future of our audience is always our intention,” Gray says. “Our ‘Rocky Horror’ was risky, and not everyone’s cup o’ tea, but it brought a lot of new eyes, ears and hearts to the world of the stage. We had the party of our lives out there every single night with these incredible audiences!”

In true Frank ‘n’ Furter fashion, the cast and audience followed the doctor’s orders— “Give yourself over to absolute pleasure”— in the name of entertainment. City Stage Co. will continue choosing alternative ways to captivate local theatre-goers, including with the opening of their spring show, “The 39 Steps.” Directed by City Stage Co. managing director Chandler Davis, the Alfred Hitchcock film is reinterpreted with a Monty Python sensibility and adapted by Patrick Barlow. “We open March 18 with the talent of Heather Setzler, Jason Aycock, Christopher Rickert, and Brett J. Young,” Gray tells.

“The 39 Steps” will close the season, though Gray says there is the possibility of adding a stand-alone show in June. “In looking at what’s succeeded most over the last two years, it’s been ‘Carrie’ [in 2014] and ‘Rocky,’” he says. “I see the common thread of a young talent that joined us for both productions. It’s very possible that being a millennial theater is what the future holds for us; giving these talented teens and twentysomethings an opportunity for their art to imitate the issues that affect their current lives is rewarding, and as an added bonus, they are the talent pool that is most willing to be pushed toward greatness.”

Other theatre productions catching noms on the list include Opera House Theatre Company’s “Chicago” and Dram Tree Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”

Local Thespian

When Tony Rivenbark was a child, he would create theaters in his garage, based on TV shows, like “I Married Joan” and “I Love Lucy.” His love for performance was met with a chance to wow audiences in the ‘50s, too, when he appeared on TV doing “Ballin’ the Jack,” a popular Vaudeville dance move from “For Me and My Gal,” starring Gene Kelley and Judy Garland.

But Rivenbark’s plans didn’t necessarily include performance art as a career. “I went to college to pursue a degree in history and then go to law school,” he tells.

“That obviously didn’t happen.”

At Wilmington College in 1966, he auditioned for “Good News” at Thalian Hall, led by Doug Swink of the college’s drama 38 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

department. “I performed the Charleston and got a part in the show and my fate was sealed,” Rivenbark remembers.

Since his career launched, the thespian has performed in 170 productions and has directed 33 shows. He’s well-known locally not only as the executive director of Thalian Hall but also for his acting chops in Rob Zapple’s rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” wherein he has played Scrooge many times over.

“You get to run the whole gamut of emotion,” Rivenbark hails of the role.

He has brought a lot of talent to the Thalian Hall stage, too, in hosting various theatre productions, concerts and other shows throughout his 37-year reign. He also has traveled for acting work across NC into Kenansville, Chapel Hill and Durham, as well as New York City and Cape Cod. While certain plays really stand out as favorites for Rivenbark, playing Emcee three times in “Cabaret” ranks high, as well as playing coveted roles of Felix in “The Odd Couple” and Al Lewis in “Sunshine Boys” twice over. “There of them opposite Lou Criscuolo,” he notes, speaking fondly of the founder of Opera House Theatre Company who passed away in December 2014. “And then there is Hysterium in ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,’ which I have played four times.”

In honoring the imprint that Doug Swink left upon Rivenbark, Thalian Hall continues to produce one original production a year as part of Pied Piper Children’s Theatre. Swink founded the company in 1970. Swink helped propel Rivenbark’s “accidental career,” which today has led to greater credentials as a theatre historian. Rivenbark continues to travel and give numerous lectures and talks nationwide at schools and events, in between managing Thalian and performing in shows a few times a year. It’s merely another extension of his love of the arts. “I just do it because that is what I do and what I have done for almost 50 years,” Rivenbark says.

Other actors taking votes on the poll include Jason Aycock and Mirla Christe.

Theatre Venue

Built in 1858, Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts is not only where our local politicians convene for City Hall meetings, it’s where hordes of talented organizations, touring performers, theater companies, and talented artists trek to entertain the masses.

Since 1979—and under the executive direction of Tony Rivenbark—two major renovations have taken place at one of the oldest theaters in the U.S. In 1990 and 2010, overhauls have included revamping Thalian’s black box theater, installing stadium seating in its main stage area, as well as upfitting it with better lighting and sound quality.

“I am very proud to have opened up Thalian Hall to the entire community and brought in a wide range of genres of performance, as well as upgrades to the facility so that local performers have the benefit of

better production values,” Rivenbark details.

“The building was very poorly equipped when I took over.”

Thalian hosts weekly films in its Cinematique program, overseen by local NPR station WHQR 91.3. Thalian also brings in national tours, such as upcoming “A Prairie Home Companion” host Garrison Keillor, who will speak about growing up in the Midwest and late-life fatherhood on March 30. Concerts abound, too, like May 22’s The Hit Men, featuring former stars of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. “We’ve hosted over 7,000 performances,” Rivenbark tells— “around 250 annually.”

Whether seeing a local production in their new Ruth and Becky Stein Theatre or in their 500-plus seated main stage, Rivenbark says it’s the dichotomy of its stature and embrace that mesmerizes. “It’s intimate and grand,” he explains. “If you look [at] a photograph with no people in it, it looks huge, but when you are standing in the auditorium it’s like being inside a jewel box.”

Rivenbark will be producing “The Fantasticks” in the Ruth and Becky Stein Theatre this May, not to mention Thalian Association (not associated with Thalian Hall) will be premiering “American Idiot” in the main auditorium in April. Even Cameron Art Museum is honoring the indelible impact of Thalian on the local arts scene. Currently, they’re showing “Raise the Curtain” through July 10. It features Thalian’s original 1858 curtain, painted by Russell Smith in the 19th century.

CAM is utilizing it as a focus for art conservators and painters.

Other theater venues culling applause as part of the 2016’s Best Of is TheatreNOW and City Stage.

—Shea Carver

Website

The age of new media is upon us and Port City Daily has jumped right in at serving communities in the digital age thanks to their news site, www.portcitydaily.com. They’ve won Best Local Website three years in a row for its 21st century approach to delivering headlines in a digital format. Staff writer Hil-

Independent Film

ACTING OUT: The renowned Thalian Hall executive director and local actor Tony Rivenbark accepted the award for Best Thespian and Best Theatre Venue for Thalian Hall. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

ary Snow says the platform helps them keep citizens up to date on the Cape Fear area daily and free of charge.

“We value accuracy over immediacy in our coverage, which has fostered a trust among our growing family of dedicated readers,” she adds. “We consider ourselves the best at what we do and are always striving to innovate, improve and streamline.”

No matter the platform, Snow loves meeting people via the stories she writes. Her work is about building relationships with both the person she’s telling the story about and those she tells it to. In a way, Snow accidentally fell into journalism more than a decade ago when she accepted a sales job at a newspaper right out of college.

“Failing miserably at selling ad space, the publisher, who knew I had an English

degree, asked if I wanted to try my hand at writing,” she tells. “I’ve been at it ever since. . . . It’s exciting to wake up each day not knowing exactly what I’ll be doing but always sure it won’t be the same thing as the day before.”

Snow says winning another “e” award assures their readers and customers know they are leading the way in digital media. Since the start of 2016, Port City Daily began launching a weekly newsletter each Thursday via email. It alerts readers of arts and entertainment events happening each weekend.

“As print journalism continues its decline, newspapers across the country are looking at how to reach readers online and on their phones,” Snow says. “Port City Daily is already ahead of the game and will continue to look for ways to engage readers through its user-friendly, informative website and social media platforms.”

Other websites Wilmington voters love to frequent are www.whatsonwilmington.com and www.encorepub.com (thank you!).

First-time Best Of winner, Christopher Everett, was on fire this past year with the powerful debut of his local documentary “Wilmington on Fire” at the 2015 Cucalorus Film Festival. Exploring the Race Riots of 1898, North Carolina’s most infamous and bloody events, Everett walks viewers through one of the only successful coups in United States history and events preceding it. He also highlights its lasting impact on victims’ families.

“It really means a lot to me that voters loved ‘Wilmington on Fire,’” he says. “This is the first award that I received in regards to the film. Winning the 2016 Best Of is a reflection of hard work and dedication to being the best in your field.”

Many people killed on that fateful fall day in 1898 were business and property owners, who lost their land to the white people who overthrew them. Elected black leaders were replaced with white leaders, and direct descendants (some of whom are featured in his film) were left with a politically and economically altered future.

Everett became involved in filmmaking in 2008 and soon after decided he wanted to tell his own stories of interest. Whether documentaries, narratives, shorts, or featurelength films, he wanted to explore realistic and controversial topics. “I also like to mix art and hip-hop in all of my films,” he adds.

He worked with executive producers Sean “OneSon” Washington and Ja’Nese Jean on the soundtrack to “Wilmington on Fire.”

Everett currently is touring with the film, with a screening scheduled for March 29 at the Paramount Theatre in Goldsboro. He also has “Wilmington on Fire 2” in the works for 2016, as well working on a martial arts documentary and dramatic narrative feature.

Runners up for best flicks to view were “The Hollow Oak” and “Finding Home.”

Newscast and Newscaster

Scott Saxton, news director at WECT and Fox Wilmington, has been with the sister stations since 2009 and has lost count of how many “e” awards they’ve taken home. “I can’t and won’t take credit though,” he quips. “I

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including 2016’s Best Newscaster Frances Weller. With more than three decades of experience, Weller has taken home the “e” award time and again for reporting the daily happenings at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 really think what makes us stand out in this p.m. each evening. Her reporting contincommunity is our people. . . . I’m amazed at ues to grow beyond the TV set, as Facehow active our coworkers are here with vari- book, Twitter, Instagram, and other media ous organizations, their churches and neigh- flood computer, tablet and smartphone screens more each year. “Nothing will ever borhoods. And they’re also journalists.”

Fair and balanced community coverage, take the place of a live newscast, in my seeking the truth and making a difference opinion,” Weller told encore after her 2015 are ongoing goals among WECT’s team, victory. “Social media/digital is instant but

BREAKING NEWS: Jon Evans, newscaster for WECT, accepted the award for Best Newscast at the 2016 Best Of awards and fundraiser for DREAMS of Wilmington. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

it’s a snapshot. That good old-fashioned newscast still gives you the bigger picture with better sound and video.”

Saxton says it seems like there’s a new way to share information daily and they’re enjoying finding new ways to use those tools. Whether online or on-air, meeting expectations of readers, viewers and fans is paramount, and the pressure is always on to do so in any format. “With our fans speaking up and saying we’re deserving of a Best Of award, it just keeps those expectations where they belong—at a lofty height,” Saxton adds. “We don’t take it for granted either. This business is a lot of ‘what have you done for me lately,’ so if we have a big story, we just know that the next day we’ll have to find another big one to follow.”

Keep up with WECT 24/7 with their various apps and social media pages, including Facebook Live with behind-the-scenes news stories and weather events. See Frances Weller and Best Of runners up Jon Evans and Ashlea Kosikowski weekdays on WECT. Tune in to Wilmington’s two other top picks for news broadcasts at WWAY and WHQR public radio at 91.3.

Morning Radio Show and Radio Personality

“Thank you so much for the awards!” ex-

cites Jason Fosdick, a.k.a. Foz, of Z107.5.

Foz has collected a dozen or more “e” awards throughout the past decade—not only for his own peppy deejaying abilities but for his work on the popular Foz and Laura in the Morning, which airs 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. Unfortunately the show is now sans one of its important personalities.

“Laura decided to get out of radio and move to Durham,” Foz explains. “Obviously, it’s a major shock to me and the Z1075 staff. The nationwide search is on!”

Being a morning radio personality was a dream of Foz’s starting 15 years ago. He always loved the entertainment and music of Top 40 stations. While he and Laura have been known to cover everything from celebrity gossip, trivia and anything to get a laugh from guests and listeners, Foz admits radio is tough work. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to wake up every morning at 4 a.m. with a smile, ready to entertain and start the day for the masses.

He actually missed this year’s awards ceremony to meet with a special guest for an upcoming show, but it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm and appreciation for yet another nod from fans.

“Winning these encores makes me feel rewarded for my effort,” he tells. “I’m feeling the local love and thankful everyday for the opportunity to wake up and play radio.”

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LUNCH DINNER LATE NIGHT 11:30 am until 3 am W INNING AND G IV ING : Alex Leviner was recognized for her lending hands as Best Humanitarian at the 2016 Best Of awards, hosted at Brooklyn Arts Center on Feb. 27. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

Other top radio personalities in the running were Beau Gunn from 98.3 The Penguin and Shelia Brothers of Sunny 103.7, who also took votes for Best Morning Show along with WGNI’s Bob and Sheri in the Morning.

Humanitarian and Environmental Volunteer

When Alexandra “Alex” Leviner was in 4th grade, her mother won a General Mills’ contest and became “Betty Crocker” for the state of North Carolina. The contest was based on each nominee’s philanthropy work and original recipes. With a winner from each state, they then took a part of each face to make the Betty Crocker still seen on the side of General Mills baking mixes. “My mom is the mouth,” Leviner says. “[As a result,] as a child my sister and I were quite involved in giving back.”

Leviner was an active child-volunteer and nothing has changed since she’s gotten older. From volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, to “modeling” in the Domestic Violence Shelter’s annual fashion show fundraiser to teaching Saturday science class at the Cape Fear Museum. For her work Leviner has been voted Best Local Humanitarian twice by encore readers.

After a recent career move, now she has a lot more time to dedicate to volunteering.

“I am still an active member of the Junior League of Wilmington and will be chairing a committee or two this upcoming year,” she tells. “I plan on continuing my service on the Communities in Schools Board of Young Professionals and my involvement in

the Pounce Program at NHHS. I have also joined the New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s Pink Ribbon Commission’s fundraising committee and cannot wait for the Pink Ribbon luncheon this Fall!”

Leviner has worked for Wilmingtonbased nonprofits for more than four years, including Nourish NC. Though, as with most non-profit careers, she had less free time but did become an active member of the Junior League of Wilmington. “For any young woman, looking to make a positive impact in her community, I highly recommend looking into the Junior League,” she adds. “They are a great organization with endless philanthropic resources for their members. I also had the pleasure of becoming a board member of Communities in school’s Board of Young Professionals.”

Leviner says Communities in Schools NHC works in tandem with NHC schools to connect students with resources they need to keep on track and graduate. The CIS Board of Young Professionals also launched the “Pounce Program” at New Hanover High School, which allows members like herself to meet with students monthly and have mini-seminars on everything from workforce development to college prep. “It has been one of the most enjoyable volunteer experiences I had the pleasure of having in 2015,” she adds.

The new year came with a new position in the international freight forwarding and logistics field. She also is continuing to do marketing for a home-grown, local metal fabrication business. Nonprofits also should note: Leviner is actively seeking other board opportunities still.

“A lot of people don’t realize that any amount of philanthropic work you do will [have] a ripple effect,” she says of her volunteered time. “To me ‘giving back’ can be summed up in a simple quote: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’”

Other nods go to Bo Dean and Jock Brandis.

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extra>>book reviews

CARPE LIBRUM: Explorations with Bill Bryson

by: GWENYFAR ROHLER

W

elcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s new weekly book column. Each week I will dissect a current title with an old book—because literature does not exist in a vacuum, but emerges to participate in a larger, cultural conversation. I will feature many North Carolina writers; however, the hope is to place the discussion in a larger context and therefore examine works around the world as well.

A Walk in the Woods

by Bill Bryson Broadway Books 1998, 274 pages The Road to Little Dribbling

by Bill Bryson Doubleday 2015, 380 pages

Billy Bryson—the travel writer who famously explained he came from Des Moines, Iowa, because someone had to—has released his 21st book (again, presumably, because someone had to). “The Road to Little Dribbling”

somewhat follows his journey from one end of Britain to another on the occasion of him becoming a British citizen. Last year his 1998 book “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail” was made into a film starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, so it was a fortuitous moment for Bryson to release a new book.

I love “A Walk In The Woods.” I have been reading it for about five years. I keep it in my car, and when I finish it , I just start again. To my mind, it presents the pinnacle of travel writing.

A specific narrative captivates and provides a structure (the walking of the Appalachian Trail) to incorporate the history, science and factual information the work demands. The characters’ personal struggles are palpable and entertaining. It is edutainment at its best.

When I read “A Walk in the Woods” I can see Bryson setting up his tent for the first time in his basement and obsessively researching statistics of bear attacks. The frigid air of mountain winters that last a little too long and then the lush beauty of landscape emerging

around them all are palpable. I love the ridiculous people Bryson and his companion Stephen Katz meet and the unfathomable situations they find themselves in.

But the Appalachian Trail is the great communal trek through the American wilderness. It’s a tangible idea one could tackle alone or with a couple of equally inspired/insane friends.

Though most of his books are entertaining, sometimes he succeeds more than others. When Jock asked me what I thought of “The Road to Little Dribbling,” I heard myself respond, “It’s a Bill Bryson book. He manages to cram a lot of information in without actually saying anything.”

Though Bryson manages to fill “The Road to Little Dribbling” with a remarkable amount of information about England, its conservation movement, people’s history, architecture, tourism industry and food, it’s not quite as cohesive as “A Walk in the Woods.” But I did laugh out loud and read many pages to Jock.

By the end, I felt like I spent an afternoon having lunch and a chat with Bryson about an assortment of things. But it didn’t really enlighten my view on the world—which isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy it. I truly looked forward to every moment I got to spend with the book.

“The Road to Little Dribbling” is entertaining, but Bryson’s trademark cheekiness is starting to slide into a certain amount of “Hey, kids!

Get off my lawn!” (metaphorically speaking).

He dedicates a significant portion to just how awful TripAdvisor is. I agree with him entirely, by the way, but I was taken aback by just the vehemence of his ongoing dislike.

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In theory this book is the followup to “Notes from a Small Island,” his earlier travel memoir of Britain. Now, after many years living in the UK, Bryson has decided to apply for citizenship. In true Bryson fashion, he is deeply affronted by the reality the test requires of him to know things about Britain—things blatantly untrue. He is beside himself when asked what the two most distant points of the British mainland are; Britain wants “answers” like Land’s End and John o’Groats. They are not the two most distant points, by the way. According to the author, they are Cape Wrath in Scotland to Bognor Regis on the English Channel. He has dubbed this “The Bryson Line” and decided to celebrate his citizenship by traveling it.

It is not quite as specific a narrative as the Appalachian Trial presents. Part of it is because the idea of hiking, or attempting to hike, the Appalachian Trail continues to appeal to many people. No one really thought of driving “The Bryson Line” in England before this book.

I especially loved the interlude about discovering how one of his friends conducted “The Lost Interview” with John Lennon and how Bryson’s wife frequently saw Ringo Starr at their neighborhood Ironmonger grocery store. Bryson was floored to discover he actually was neighbors with Ringo and understandably shocked his wife failed to mention this earthshaking bit of news. I’m taking his side on this one.

In “The Road to Little Dribbling” I learned a lot of small tidbits that tied together the way I think about British geography, geology and history. But there really wasn’t a story.

I never doubted Bryson would manage to drive cross country (which is sort of like driving across Texas and Oklahoma). In “A Walk in the Woods,” the reader begins to wonder if they are going to make it out alive—or complete the trail.

Nevertheless, Bryson’s wit and charm are apparent in “The Road to Little Dribbling,” but to find true inspiration, pick up his masterpiece, “A Walk in the Woods.”

crossword Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2016 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

3/13/16

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

CAPITAL MENU: With an ingredient in common

by Fred Piscop ACROSS 1 Legal proceeding 6 Be optimistic 10 Hoof sound 14 Captures 19 Shower accessory 20 Spouse of a countess 21 Lie low 22 Put up with 23 Summer beverage 25 Side dish with sauerbraten 27 Campers’ dinnerware 28 Drain delays 30 Ease up on 31 Right-angle shapes 32 Cherry center 33 Plethora 34 Highland Games poles 38 Actress Spelling 39 Brillo alternative 40 Truck compartment 43 Hampers the value of 44 Lollipops, e.g.

47 Feel badly about 48 Wordsworth works 49 Spiced tea 51 Predisposition 52 County bordering London 53 Farrow of film 54 Burger meat 58 Campus clubs 59 110 Across piece 60 Somersault 61 Wipe clean 62 Not very sturdy 63 Taffylike 65 Online party notice 66 Poker ploy 67 Mrs. Rocky Balboa 69 Thin mud

70 Purplish brown 71 Rather unlikely 74 1 Across setting 75 Autumn quaff 77 Call out 78 Last word of The Wizard of Oz 79 Exclusive 80 Essay page, for short 81 Ferry, for instance 82 Poetic sphere 83 Dessert from a loaf pan 87 Vader’s title 88 CIA forerunner 89 Football great Marino 90 Deception 91 English economist 92 “. . . winter of __ discontent” 93 Fringe benefits 94 Young seal 95 Twosome in a 747 98 Celestial ram 99 Atlanta suburb 104 Seafood serving 106 Seafood serving 108 Do sculpting 109 Besides that 110 Jambalaya veggie 111 Sealing supplies 112 Villainous look 113 Propellant, in part 114 Colorful horse 115 Point of view DOWN 1 Quick haircut 2 Many an Olympics event 3 Midmonth time 4 Gives a boost to 5 Gym array

6 Lifts with difficulty 7 Buffoons 8 __-K school 9 Ballot caster 10 Habitual 11 Faithful follower 12 Bettors’ figures 13 Chest muscle, for short 14 No-nos 15 Monastery head 16 Cars from Korea 17 Brink 18 In public view 24 Some portrait paints 26 Brass and bronze 29 Tennyson title 32 Wood finish 34 Chew noisily 35 Half of A/V 36 Stuffing ingredient 37 UFO crew 39 Neighbor of Neb. 40 Summer side dish 41 Some babysitters 42 “Heavens to” woman 44 Take by truck 45 Treat poorly 46 “Well done!”

49 Symbol of sovereignty 50 Sanctified 52 Mr. Kringle 54 Five-star 55 Red Halloween costume 56 Whodunit deed 57 Couldn’t stand 58 Risky venture 62 Stood up to 64 Engage 65 Pompeo of Grey’s Anatomy

66 Mannerless 67 Sneeze sound 68 Opportunities, so to speak 69 Star Trek character 70 Plumbing piece 72 Steamed 73 Ancient legends 75 Natural satellite 76 Pepsi alternatives 79 Few and far between

81 Large inlet 84 Hanukkah top 85 Medical breakthrough 86 Invites, as trouble 87 Portrays 89 Fencing combatant 91 Certain Turk 92 Pimiento holder 93 Plain speaking 94 Hymn of praise 95 Rudiments

96 Seuss’ If __ the Zoo 97 Steamed 98 Rights org.

99 Oscar-winner Sorvino 100 Mideast airline 101 Spanish appetizer 102 Feds under Ness 103 Subordinate: Abbr.

105 Alphabetic trio 107 Citizen Kane studio

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happenings & events across wilmington

to-do calendar

events

UPSCAPE RESALE AND DESIGN

3/11, 6pm: Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity ReStore presents the 3rd Annual UpScale ReSale & Design Challenge at the Cape Fear Community College Schwartz Center in downtown Wilmington. Attendees will have a chance to shop for treasures that local designers create with finds from the two local Cape Fear Habitat ReStores.

Each designer will create a unique 10x10 space where they will re-purpose, refinish, reupholster and reuse items they discovered at the ReStores to transform finds into treasures for purchase.

This year our goal is to “Raise the Roof”! All proceeds will go toward building a Habitat home for a hard-working family in our community. www.capefearhabitat.org/upscale-resale; includes admission for Saturday. Tickets for Saturday admittance only can be purchased at the door. Friday Night VIP Preview Party and Design Awards: $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Saturday: $5. CFCC Schwartz Center, 601 N. Front St.

2016 FATHERHOOD CONFERENCE

3/12, 8:30am: The New Hanover County Partnership for Fatherhood is committed to empowering fathers, families and communities. Please join

us for our 10th Annual conference featuring our special guest, Alimi Ballard. First Baptist Activity Center, 1939 Independence Blvd.

MADE IN NC

3/12-13, noon: The Brooklyn Arts Center (516 N. 4th St.—corner of Campbell and North 4th streets).

Handmade marketplace feat. more than 1,000 shoppers and dozens of artisans from around the region selling handcrafted creations—art, jewelry, household items, pottery, and more. Food trucks, a full coffee shop in the courtyard tent, and the BAC cash bar will supply sustenance to one and all. $5—good for both days—and includes a raffle ticket (kids 12 and under are free). Parking in our

North Fourth neighborhood is free. Jessica Pham at jessica@brooklynartsnc.com.

IRONCLAD’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL

3/12, noon: Featuring Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dance performance (at 3:00pm) and Justin Cody Fox Trio (at 8:00pm). Ironclad Brewery, 115 N 2nd St.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FEST & PARADE

3/12, noon: Downtown Business Alliance presents “The Annual Guinness St Patrick’s Day Festival & Parade.” The Royal Hibernian’s parade begins at 11am at N. Front St. & Red Cross and heading south, finishes at S. Front & Dock St. The festival is located in the parking lot at Princess and N. Water St., and begins at 12:00pm. This is a free all ages event. Food, beverages and crafts will be available for purchase during the festival. The featured entertainment will be provided by The Blarney Brogues, Walsh Kelly School of Irish Dancers and Striking Copper.

CAPE FEAR WILDLIFE EXPO

3/18-20 Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy three days of hunting and fishing exhibitors, wildlife art, decoys, boats and accessories, truck and ATV displays, fly fishing demos, camping, guides, outfitters, sport fishing simulator, contests, archery demos and fun for the entire family. Partial proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC. Friday passes are only $5 with a bag of non-perishable canned goods. Wilmington Convention Center, 10 Convention Center Dr.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS FASHION SHOW

3/18, noon: The UNCW Communication Studies Society student organization presents its 14th Annual Dress for Success Fashion Show on Friday, March 18, at 12:15pm in Warwick Center Ballroom. The Dress for Success Fashion Show is a business attire fashion show designed to teach students how to dress appropriately for interviews and workplace situations. The event features an informative skit produced by COM/ media students that provides additional tips in preparing for their job interviews. The event is free and open to students, faculty, and the public. UNCW’s Warwick Center Ballroom, 601 S. College Rd.

charity/fundraisers 2016 Audi Cabriolet RAFFLE

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra is raffling a 2016 Audi Cabriolet convertible, in partnership with Audi Cape Fear. Only 999 tickets will be sold! The drawing will be held on May 7. Audi Car Raffle: $125 + $3.75 transaction fee. Raffle ticket to win the new 2016 Audi Cabriolet 2.0. Raffle tickets will be sent to buyer via U.S. mail. Must be 18 years old to participate. You need not be present to win, but we hope you will join us at the Kentucky

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Derby Party and drawing event on May 7, and all ticket sales benefit the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. The $125 purchase price of the ticket is not tax-deductible, but any amount in excess of $125 per ticket will be considered a contribution to the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra. 600 tickets must be sold for the raffle to take place. In the event that the minimum is not met, you may choose to make this a tax-deductible donation to the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra or receive a full refund. wilmingtonsymphony.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

3/11: As a volunteer, your help will make the UpScale ReSale a success! Volunteer opportunities include help with set-up, registration, clean up, and help as bartenders, waiters, cashiers, and more. Volunteers are needed beginning Wednesday, March 9 with set-up through Saturday, March 12 at the end of the event. Learn more about vol-

unteering at the UpScale ReSale here or email tim@capefearhabitat.org.

COMMUNITY BIKE DRIVE

A Bike for Every Child is a non-profit organization requesting donations of used bikes for the benefit of the kids at The Brigade Boys and Girls Club.

Please drop off your used bikes at any Lowes Foods in Wilmington, Leland, and Hampstead through March 15th. Your donated bikes will be repaired by and given to the kids at the Brigade Boys and Girls club. We need all types of bikes, from tricycles to adult bikes for teens.

Give your old bike a second life and donate it today! For more information go to www.abikeforeverychild.org or call the Donation Coordinator, Kelly Cascaden at (910) 431-9235.

wilmington empty bowls

3/10, 11am-1:30pm: Area potters create more

than 1,500 original works of art for Wilmington Empty Bowls 2016, at the First Baptist Activity Center on Independence Boulevard. Event raises money to support Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, which supplies emergency food to More than 1,500 original ceramic bowls, handthose in need, and Good Shepherd Cenmade by local artists, will be available at the ter, which prepares meals for the hungry and shelters the area’s homeless, is also Wilmington Empty Bowls fundraiser. For one day, a beneficiary. Guests can take a homediners are able to purchase a $20 ticket to enjoy made bowl after dining on savory soups, homemade soups and bread, donated by over 20 breads and desserts from more than 20 local restaurants, in a fine piece of pottery. All local fine restaurants. $20 ticket. Sponsormonies go toward Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and ships of $500 will receive two tickets to the event, and donors of $1,000 or more will Good Shepherd Center to help feed the hungry and receive four tickets. Carmen Pope at 910homeless. Event takes place 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

231-3588. emptybowls2016@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/emptybowls.wilmington. Tickets also available at: Blue Moon

3/10: ILM EMPTY BOWLS

Gift Shops and Eclipse Artisan Boutique, Temptations (both Porter’s Neck and Hanover locations), First Baptist Activity Center, Jester’s Java, Grace United Methodist Church, Spectrum Gallery and Art in Bloom Gallery rollin thunger nc3 poker run

Chilly Chili Poker Run, 3/12, 9am. Reg. starts at 9am; first bike out at 11am; last bike in, 2pm.

Starts at ends at Tavern 14, 6320 Market St. Course and directions provided w/reg. $5-$15.

Chili, drinks provided. $500 in prizes. 50/50 drawings, door prizes. Raises funds for American Veteran Affairs& POW/MIA issues. Jacqueline Braun: 910-520-9269.

US OPEN FAT BIKE BEACH CHAMPIONSHIP

3/12, 8am: Bikers competed in three divisions covering distances of 24-miles, 16-miles, and 8-miles to accommodate expert, sport, and beginner skill levels. A one-mile oval course will be laid out on the beach between the piers. Obstacles will be placed at strategic locations, creating a variety of demanding conditions for the racers and increasing the thrill-factor for all. Constantly changing sand surfaces, from wet and packed to dry and loose, will test the endurance of the racers. The course design provides spectators and media front row opportunities to follow the action.

Benefits the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and community amenities. Call for registration fees: 910-256-2545. Blockade Runner, Waynick Blvd

YMCA BEACH DASH

3rd Annual YMCA Coastal Carolina Beach Dash presented by RE/MAX Essential on Sat., 3/12, 2pm. This year’s event is at the beautiful Fort

AT&T

46 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach, NC. All registered Beach Dash participants will receive free entry into the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher on the day of the dash as well as other awesome promotions from local Carolina Beach and Kure Beach businesses. Experience over 8 obstacles with various blast stations throughout!

The first 300 to register will receive a cool tie dyed t-shirt, glittery participant medal, and a pair of sweet sunglasses! The sand and obstacles makes this dash a unique challenge for even the veteran mud-runner, but with a fun, no-pressure atmosphere including color blast stations, optional obstacles, and no chip timing. Teams registering at the same time receive discounted rates! Fort Fisher State Recreation Area,1000 Loggerhead Rd. www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org/yccrunseries BATTLESHIP LIVE CHARITY EVENT

3/12, 3:30pm: Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill and Battlefield Live Wilmington Laser Combat are staging six hours of back-to-back laser combat carnage at Capt’n Bill’s. Five-person teams will battle in a double elimination tournament for prizes and glory. Form teams and contact Capt’n Bill’s to register at 910-762-0173. $75 per team, with $10 of that going to charity. Prizes will be awarded! Battlefield Live Wilmington is Wilmington’s Only mobile laser tag company. 4240 Market St. Battlefield Live: 910-338-1142.

ROAST ON THE COAST

3/12, 7pm: Junior League of Wilmington will host its annual Roast on the Coast at the Cape Fear Country Club. All proceeds go to support the League’s numerous service initiatives, which improve the Wilmington community every day.

Attendees will enjoy live music from the band Sonic Spectrum, a silent auction, dancing, tournament basketball, a photo booth, open bar and of course, shuckin’ oysters! Junior League of Wilmington impacts projects focused on eliminating barriers to education in the Youth Enrichment Zone. Sherry at sherrykuiper@gmail.com or by calling 570-371-8590. Call for costs. 1518 Country Club Rd. SYMPHONY BRIDGE TOURNAMENT

3/13, 2pm: Wilmington Symphony Bridge Tournament at Cambridge Village of Wilmington, 75 Cavalier Dr. Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Game & Party Bridge, door prizes, raffle, food, friends and fun! Advance registrations required. Entry donation is $25. Limited to 120 participants, so register today! Benefiting the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and its youth education programs.

WHAT’S POWER OF THE PURSE

3/17, 6pm: Don’t miss this year’s Power of the Purse Silent Auction and Raffle to benefit Wilmington Health Access for Teens (WHAT)! This event features amazing purses and ties, light bites, surprising giveaways and stylish fun! Purchase your tickets in advance at www.whatswhat. org for $35, two for $60, or the Girlfriend Package five for $125 -- tickets will be $40 at the door the night of the event and space is limited! For details on attending or donating call (910) 202-4605 today. Wilmington Health Access for Teens (WHAT), 4005 Oleander Dr.

DRINKING FOR PINK PICKLEBALL

3/18, 9am: Lump to Laughter’s :Dinking for Pink” benefiting women with breast cancer. Thursday March 17th begins practice, along with from 1:00pm to 5pm baskets at the Brunswick Forest Activity Center,filled with donations from local vendors. Each basket is worth over $200 and you can win the basket with just a ticket dropped in a bucket. Friday and Saturday is our tournament and the tournament sold out in less then a week.

Come watch some of the best players in three states. Donations go to Lump to Laughter. Stop by and make a donation. Take a chance with our 50/50 draws. Cape Fear National Golf Course, 1281 Cape Fear National Dr

theatre/auditions TOP OF THE MORNIN’ TO YA

Through 3/26, Fri and Sat only; written & directed

by Penny Kohut. $15-$32. Dinner theatre features Faith and Begorrah—this time they are covering the 2016 Elections. This Irish “Hoda & Kathie Lee” are taking every last “pun”ditty they can in this hilarious take on the American electoral race. All this is served with a heaping helping of deliciousness from Chef Denise’s kitchen for this St. Paddy’s Day themed show. TheatreNOW: 19 S. 10 St.

LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS

Written by Neil Simon and directed by Randy Davis, middle-aged and married, overworked and overweight, Barney Cashman wants to join the sexual revolution before it’s too late and arranges three seductions: the first, Elaine Navazio proves to be a foul-mouthed bundle of neuroses; Bobbi Michele is next, a 20-ish actress who’s too kooky by half; finally comes September and Jeanette Fisher, a gloomy, depressed housewife who happens to be married to Barney’s best friend. 8pm or Sun., 3pm. $15-$20. Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St.

IN THE HEIGHTS MUSICAL

3/12, 7pm: In the Heights centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, on the northern tip of Manhattan. At the center of the show is Usnavi, a bodega owner

who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door, pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighboring beauty salon and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi’s, has returned to the neighborhood from her first year at college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter.

As she falls in love with an unlikely character, Benny things start to get a little more complicated with her family. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home.Presented by Kathy Snow Productions. Tickets are $8/kids and $15/adults.

The Scottish Rite Temple, 1415 S 17th St

comedy DEAD CROW

3/11-12, 7 and 9:30pm: Joe Matarese, from the acclaimed Podcast “Fixing Joe,” America’s Got Talent, Late Night with David Letterman (two appearances), Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham (his very own 1/2 hour special), the Late Late Show with Joe Ferguson, The Howard Stern Show and Breuer Unleashed on Sirius Satellite Radio, Howard On Demand, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and NBC’s Last Comic Standing. $17. Dead Crow Comedy Room: 265 N Front St. deadcrowcomedy.com.

all-ladies sketch show

3/10, 8pm: Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is proud to present the fourth annual Ladies Room Comedy Show at TheatreNOW (19 S. 10th St). The women of PSL, joined by special guest hosts Hannah Elizabeth Smith and Morganna Bridgers, have put together another hilarious night of original sketch comedy, all to benefit Operation Pretty Things, a local organization dedicated to loving and empowering victims of domestic violence. Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5 or more. In addition, the donation of items such as cosmetics, moisturizers, nail polish, or facial cleansers is greatly appreciated! Donations will receive a raffle ticket, with great prizes to be raffled off during the show. $5 or more, or donated items such as cosmetics, moisturizers, nail polish, or facial cleansers. 19 S. 10 St.

music/concerts jazz at cam

David Pankey Trio, 3/10, 6:30-8pm. Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, Cameron Art Museum. Jazz standards, w/synergistic approach to musical presentations. • 3/23, Rob Nathanson, classical guitar, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. CAM Café open during performances. Tickets online: www.cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St.

TAIZE CONCERT

3/13, 4pm: Taize songs, sometimes called “chants,” are simple and repetitive, lending themselves to easy learning and a relaxed mood similar to meditation. We invite you to join us for an hour of Taize. Come as you are to sing with us or simply listen. Donations will benefit our church organ fund. Suggested donation: $5, but any donation for our church organ fund will be appreciated. Church of the Good Shepherd, 515 Queen St.

WSO JR. STRINGS

3/13, 4pm: Conducted by Steven Errante, mission of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra is to enrich the lives of Cape Fear area youth by providing talented young musicians with unique

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 47

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LLOYD’S SALES AND STORAGE 6505 Market St., Wilmington

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orchestral training and performing opportunities. Founded in 2002 and conducted by WSO Music Director Steven Errante, the orchestra draws its members from throughout the Lower Cape Fear area. Free for youth 17 and under.

UNCW Kenan Auditorium, Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Rd. LEGACY OF CHRIST AWARDS

3/13, 7pm: Celebrating pioneers of gospel music in Southeastern USA, highlighting artists from the 1930s and paying tribute to lives and memories of late BMI recording group The Harem Jubilee.

Performances will include Grammy-nominated Latin gospel duo Veronica and Angelo Petrucci, as well as Silvea Johnson and The Jones Boys of NC. Doors, 6:30pm; event, 7pm. Tickets: www. thalianhall.com or 910-632-2285. 310 Chestnut St. http://legacyofchristawards.com.

Young Musical Stars

UNCW Community Music Academy, Wed., 3/16, 7pm, CAM Members and Students with valid college ID: $5, Non-Members: $8. Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall. In their first outreach performance UNC Wilmington’s Community Music Academy (CMA) students, ages 5 -18, present a repertoire which will vary from Suzuki to Max Bruch with instruments to include: violin, piano and cello. Inspired and led by Danijela Žeželj-Gualdi, Artistic Director of the Community Music Academy and Instructor of Violin and Viola, join us in supporting Wilmington’s young musical talent and find out more about UNCW’s CMA programs. Tickets: www.cameronartmuseum.org, by phone and at the door. 3201 S. 17th St.

VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS

3/17, 7:30pm: Aaron Jay Kernis: Musica celestis. Nico Muhly: Seeing Is Believing, Vivaldi: Four Seasons. Grant Llewellyn, conductor; Karen Strittmatter Galvin, electric violin; Dovid Friedlander, violin; Rebekah Binford, violin; Elizabeth Phelps, violin; Jacqueline Saed Wolborsky, violin. Preconcert Talk at 6:20 pm. Humanities and Fine Arts Center, CFCC Campus, 411 N Front St. www. capefearstage.com

ILM GIRLS CHOIR CONCERT

3/18, 7pm: The concert will include Paul Halley’s Freedom Trilogy which is a stirring blend of Latin, South African and English texts, classical selections with string accompaniment (Girls’ Choir members), and familiar Broadway musical selections. Soloists and small groups from the choir will also perform. Directed by Sandy Errante, the choir is a community based, non-profit organization. The ensemble currently has about 70 members, ranging in age from nine to eighteen.

Free admission, donations accepted. Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 4501 Wrightsville Ave.

dance CONTRA DANCE

Evening of energetic, contemporary American country dancing—exercise that’s actually FUN, done to live music by Box of Chocolates band— fiddle, percussion, guitar, dulcimer, bass, mandolin and more! Dress cool & comfortable, soft-soled shoes. Come solo, with friends or a partner. 2nd and 4th Tues each month. All ages welcome.

50 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

United Methodist Church, 409 S. Fifth Ave. SEOP DANCE CO.

3/9, 7:30pm: Approachable, thought provoking and thoroughly enjoyable for newcomers to and veterans of contemporary dance, A Man’s Requiem explores the powerful idea of a sinner’s judgment day. It’s a modern, ritualistic expression of the Korean Buddhist/Christian belief system you won’t want to miss. Established in 1992 by awardwinning choreographer KIM Yong Chul and is rooted in Korean traditional dance, its mission is to make creative Korean dance more contemporary for International audiences. CFCC Humanities and Fine Arts Center, 701 N. Third St.

TALES FROM RUSSIA: PETER & THE WOLF AND FIREBIRD

3/12-13, 7pm: Join City Ballet for a delightful program featuring the beloved Russian tales Peter and the Wolf and The Firebird, two enchanting story ballets from City Ballet’s repertoire that are filled with laughter, joy, magic, and mystery. A treat for all ages! Performances will also feature the regional premiere of Viva Vivaldi (2nd Movement), a treasure of the Joffrey Ballet! Two performances: 7om, 3/12, and 3pm, 3/13. Ideal for all ages, children, and ballet lovers. CFCC Humanities and Fine Arts Center, 701 N. Third St.

Works-in-Progress Showcase

3/20, 2-3pm: Free and open to the public. The Dance Cooperative provides informal showings to afford working artists a place to present works in progress to be reviewed and critiqued in a nurturing environment. Open to working choreographers and dancers who are working on move-

ment and wish to have others provide feedback on the work. Public can witness the creative process through its many stages and provide assistance to help the creator grow and manipulate the works to realize their concepts to the fullest potential.E-mail the Dance Cooperative at dancecooperative@gmail.com no later than the Mon. preceding the showcase to RSVP. Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

art ARTISTS NEEDED

Thalian Association is seeking artists for 21st Orange Street ArtsFest, Memorial Day weekend, Sat., 5/28, 10am-6pm, and Sun., 5/29, 10am5pm. The celebrated street fair will return to Orange Street next to the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, with some exhibitors inside the building. The popular juried festival is the largest springtime arts festival in downtown Wilmington and will feature over 80 artists with $550 in prize money. Applicants must submit a color photo of original work in acrylic, oils, watercolor, sculpture, drawing, graphics, wearable arts, leather jewelry, clay, glass, fiber, metal work or mixed media. Photographically or commercially reproduced work is also acceptable in limited editions, signed and numbered by the artist. An early bird entry fee of $135 will be offered until 4/30. Details about booth rental, deadlines and app process: wilmingtoncommunityarts.org or Samantha Herrick at slherrick@thalian.org. Han-

nah Block Community Arts Ctr, 120 S. 2nd St. ART INSTALLATION: NIKI HILDEBRAND

Experience an art installation of 150 glass leaves.

A soft opening for 4th Friday Art Walk Feb 26th and a seperate official opening on Wed., 3/2, 6-8pm with talk by artist Niki Hildebrand. The ArtWorks, 200 Willard St.

WINTER WORKS ON PAPER

Take a reprieve from the hustle and bustle and enter a world of serenity and quiet that only a blanket of snow puts on the world. Sit down, relax and enjoy the soft restful solitude of winter. Watercolors and monoprints on museum quality papers by artist Janette K. Hopper. Costelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.

DIG AND LEARN

3/13, 2pm: Art in Bloom Gallery invites you to meet Jonathan Schleier, archaeologist and to learn about the work of Public Archaeology Corps (PAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of archaeological sites on private lands. View artifacts and learn about how to volunteer. Refreshments will be served. 210 Princess St.

ALL STUDENT SHOW

This annual, juried exhibition features student work. Traditionally over 75 pieces are submitted, including drawings, watercolors, oils, photography, acrylics, ceramics, sculptures and experimental media. A UNC Wilmington alumnus/alumna or community member is selected to juror the show and selects the awards, including Best of Show, which is

purchased for the University Union Permanent Art Collection. UNCW Boseman Art Gallery, 601 S College Rd.

AN ARTFUL HOME

3/10, 10am: An Artful Home features local interior designers who will present vignettes elegantly combining our collection of original art with unique home furnishings. Local interior designers from Big Sky Design, Design Associates, and The Vintage Idiot will be participating. An Artful Home will remain on view until 3/19. Now celebrating 30 years, New Elements Gallery is located at 201 Princess Street, the corner of 2nd and Princess, in historic downtown Wilmington. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM until 6PM or by appointment.

topher alexander

3/10, 6pm: Flytrap Brewing presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;Varied Statesâ&#x20AC;? from local artist, Topher Alexander. He currently serves as the Assistant Gallery Director at UNCW CAB Art Gallery and teaches printmaking at the Cameron Art Museum School. Alexanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork is driven by experimentation, and grounded in raw materials. To kickoff the exhibition on March 10thth, instrumental guitarist Sean Howard and 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine will dish out tunes and local street food 7-10p. Topher Alexanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work will be on display through April 30.

Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

NIKI HILDEBRAND

3/13: DIG AND LEARN Art in Bloom will host archealogist Jonathan Schleier for folks to learn about the Public Archaeology Corps. The nonprofit is dedicated to preserving archaeological sites on private land. Folks who attend the lecture will learn about the artifacts and find out info on how to volunteer. Refreshments will be served at Art in Bloom Gallery, located at 210 Princess Street, downtown Wilmington.

On display at the Artworks through 5/15. Hildebrand just returned from an artist residency in the mountains and made 400 glass leaves which she has now melded into an installation titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dreams of the Lungs of the Earth.â&#x20AC;? This is shown along with her other art, which spans ideas of memory, transience, collective consciousness of humans and the earth. The ArtWorks, 200 Willard St. BRUNSWICK ARTS COUNCIL MEETING

3/14, 5:30pm: Public welcome to membership meeting, held in the Building A and is scheduled to last one hour. Election of a new president and other open board positions will be held.

Anyone interested in filling this position, or any of the other positions, may submit a resume/ CV via PO Box 6275, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469, or email to artsinbc@gmail.com. Also to be recognized at the meeting will be two Brunswick County residents who were awarded grants as part of the Regional Artist Program Grants which our county contributes funds to along with New

Hanover and Pender counties. Light refreshments served and questions and comments about BACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future plans are welcome. Brunswick Community College, 2050 Enterprise Dr. NE

museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Exhibits: Through 6/5: Bones Of: Sculptures by Dustin Farnsworth: New acquisition to the permanent collection in context of seven other works by this rising artist. Inspired by 19th century architecture of the theatre, Farnsworth reflects, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I create a lush, emotionally-charged rabbit hole to fall into and explore. These sculptures act as anthropological studies of cultural, familial and social heredity of a culture in the interim of postindustry and the coming age.â&#x20AC;? Farnsworth, a recent resident artist at Penland School of Craft (2012-2015) is now continuing his studio practice as a Windgate resident and Honorary Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2015-2016). â&#x20AC;˘ Through 7/10: Raise the Curtain: Galleries become two working studios in this presentation of the original front curtain unveiled October 12, 1858 during the premier opening of Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thalian Hall. The 32â&#x20AC;&#x2122; curtain painted by Russell Smith, Hudson River-inspired Pennsylvania artist, undergoes conserva?tion treatment while local artists paint a 19â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 32â&#x20AC;&#x2122; replica of the venerable scene, featuring arrival of Viking long ships to Apolloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temple, as oracles are read on the eve of the Olympic games. â&#x20AC;˘ Opens 3/19, through 9/11: She Tells a Story celebrates the work of women artists from CAMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permanent collection and con-

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nects the art forms of visual and literary arts. Fifteen Wilmington-area women writers contribute text (of their chosen format) on select works from the exhibition. The juxtaposition of the artwork with the written word will illuminate how these artists and writers explore their experiences, perspectives and world views through their chosen medium. • Opens 3/19, through 7/17: Patchwork North America: Paintings by Virginia WrightFrierson: From extensive travel by road and by air, Wright-Frierson has created over 100 paintings framing scenes, as if looking through a window, across the US and Canada. • Fri., 3/18, 6-8pm: Two new exhibitions, She Tells a Story and Patchwork North America, open for members amd guests: $10. Brown Wing. Light refreshments, cash bar and live music. CAM Café hrs: Tues,-Sat,, 11am-3pm; Sun., 10am3pm; Wed.-Thurs. 5-9pm. 910-395-5999. www. cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St. BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

3/13, 2pm: In honor of Women’s History Month, take an intimate historical and artifactual tour with Museum Historian Jan Davidson and Museum Curator Barbara Rowe as they showcase the often-ignored role of women in the Lower Cape Fear’s history. First, Jan Davidson will tell stories of women’s contributions to our region’s rich history and culture. Then, Barbara Rowe will give the special tour group access to some rarely-seen objects in the Museum’s collection. Participation is limited to 15 persons. Advance registration is required and can be made by calling 910-7984362 or email cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

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

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mondays at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9.00 adult, $8.00 senior/military, $5.00 child age 2-12, and free under age 2. North end of downtown, 505 Nutt St. 910763-2634, www.wrrm.org.

water crocodile, “Bubble Boy.” and “Sheena”, a 23ft long Reticulated Python that can swallow a human being whole! Giant Anaconda weighs 300 lbs, w/15 ft long King Cobras hood up and amaze you. See the Black Mamba, Spitting Cobras, Inland Taipans, Gaboon Vipers, Puff Adders, and more! Over 100 species, some so rare they are not exhibited anywhere else. One of the most famous reptile collections on earth. Open every-

USS BATTLESHIP NC

3/12: USS BATTLESHIP NC Navy engineering enthusiasts will enjoy an indepth program about the USS Battleship NC’s power plant. Folks will find out details about the ship’s eight boilers, four sets of turbines and reduction gears, not to mention electrical distribution, water distillation and steering mechanisms. Classroom presentations and behind-the-scenes tours will take place as well. For more information, log onto www. battleshipnc.com.

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. $4-$12. The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St. 7620492. www.latimerhouse.org

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12-foot salt-

52 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

ny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children.

After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, itf ocuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.910-251-3700. www.bellamymansion.org.

503 Market St.

day in summer, 11am-5pm (Sat. till 6 pm); winter schedule, Wed-Sun. 20 Orange St, across from the Historic Downtown Riverwalk, intersecting Front and Water Street. (910) 762-1669 or www. capefearserpentarium.com.

BELLAMY MANSION

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhen-

Power Plant, 3/12, noon: Calling all Navy engineering enthusiasts! Join us for an in-depth program on the Battleship’s power plant. Learn in detail about the ship’s eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, four sets of turbines and reduction gears, steam and diesel powered service turbo generators, along with electrical distribution, water distillation, and steering mechanisms.

Our program features classroom presentations and behind-the-scenes 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. • 3/16, 9am: Ahoy teachers and home school parents! Try on helmets, raise signal flags, “text” using semaphore flags, tap out your name using Morse code, type on vintage typewriters, and more! Friendly, knowledgeable volunteer staff from stem to stern to help you have a grand time onboard ship. Free with Battleship admission. 1 Battleship Rd. NE

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building and courtyard. 3rd

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and Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. Admission rqd. (910) 762-0570. burgwinwrighthouse.com.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Mon, Little Sprouts Storytime, 10am, and Go Green Engineer Team, 3:30pm. • Tues., Kids Cooking Club, 3:30pm • Wed., Preschool Science, 10am; Discover Science, 3:30pm; and Mini Math, 4pm. • Thurs. StoryCOOKS, 10am; and StART with a Story, 3:30pm • Fri., Toddler Time, 10am; and Adventures in Art, 3:30pm • 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. playwilmington.org 116 Orange St. 910-254-3534

film SPOTLIGHT

speCiAls: tuesdAy: seleCt nC drAfts wednesdAy: All nC spirits $5 thursdAy: feAtured wines 50% off sundAy: feAtured CoCktAils live MusiC At the bAr fridAy & sAturdAy froM 8pM-11pM sundAy brunCh 10AM - 3pM with live MusiC froM 11AM - 2pM everything is MAde in house!

www . peMbrokesCuisine . CoM

Cinematqiue presents the 3/10, 4pm and 7pm: winner of the 2016 Best Picture Academy Award, it tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. $8

NC REGIONAL FILM SHOWCASE

3/10, 7pm: Kickoff Event for the 16th Annual

Cape Fear Independent Film Festival. Featuring 10 short films from Asheville, Wilmington Raleigh, Greensboro and more. Q&A with filmmakers following screenings. $10. That’s only $1 per movie! Browncoat Pub & Theatre, 111 Grace St. www.cfifn.org 45 YEARS

3/14-17 (4pm on 16), 7pm: There is just one week until Kate Mercer’s (Charlotte Rampling) forty-fifth wedding anniversary and the planning for the party is going well. But then a letter arrives for her husband (Tom Courtenay). The body of his first love has been discovered, frozen and preserved

NC AZALEA FEST CHILDREN’ TEA

3/13, 2pm: Annual NC Azalea Festival Children’s Tea will be held at the Coastline Conference & Event Center, 501 Nutt St. Ticket prices are $35, $40, $45. Tickets are available first come first serve with no refunds. For further information go to www.capefearvolunteercenter.com. This year’s theme is The Wizard of Oz.

KIDS @ CAM

Sat. 3/19, noon-3pm: Admission by donation. A day of art making with your family! Explore our brand new exhibitions, The Bones of: Sculpture

by Dustin Farnsworth and Raise the Curtain!

Create your own works of art to take home.

Don’t miss this afternoon of creativity, inspiration and art! All Ages Welcome. No preThe 2016 Oscar for Best Picture will be showing registration necessary. Parental supervision as part of WHQR’s Cinematique at Thalian Hall on required at all times. Kids @ CAM is fun for the whole family! Contact georgia@camThursday the 10 at 4 p.m. adn 7 p.m. The story eronartmuseum.org for more info. Cameron is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

3/10: SPOTLIGHT

Globe investigation, wherein reporters uncovered allgeations on the Catholic church’s widespread sexual abuse on youth. Written by Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer, the movie stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Billy Crudup, and Stanley Tucci. in the icy glaciers of the Swiss Alps. By the time the party is upon them, five days later, there may not be a marriage left to celebrate. (Rated R, 1 hour 33 mins.) Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. $8

BLACK WOMEN SPEAK

3/15, 6pm: Two world premieres to celebrate Women’s History Month by two local filmmakers at UNCW, will take place. Featuring “Four Women: A Tribute to Nina Simone” by Aeric Adams and “Black Women Speak,” a documentary by Maurice Martinez, professor emeritus at UNCW. Meet the director and the women in the film. UNCW, Lumina Theater, 601 S. College Rd.

kids stuff SUPER SATURDAY FUN TIME

Appropriate for ages 4-10, but all ages welcome.

Dock the Dog and Dock Street Kids for 10 exciting episodes of Super Saturday Fun Time, TheatreNOW’s live theatrical show featuring local history and mystery and super guest stars, hosted

by Captain Coy T. Plunkett (Zach Hanner). Live music, games, cartoons, short films, and his favorite surf “nuggets.” Dock Street Kids and their always-hungry dog, Dock, solve adventures. Parents can even drop off kids ages 5+. Kid-friendly snacks and drinks available for purchase. We also do custom birthday packages with a chance to interact with all the characters and even step onstage and be a part of the action. 3/12: Mystery of Bald Head Island; 3/19: Mystery of Seabreeze; 3/26: Mystery of Blackbeard

EGG HUNT

3/11, 9am: Fit for Fun Center welcomes kids to their egg hunt on Mar. 11, 9am-noon. Ages 5 and under, $6. Adults are free. Children will hunt for eggs, participate in activities and have special snacks. Kids should bring their own baskets. Preregistration strongly recommended. Fit for Fun Center, 302 S. 10th St.

Story Explorers

Cameron Art Museum, Thurs., 10-10:30am: Admission by donation. Bring your infant, toddler or preschooler for story time, gallery exploration and

54 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

an art project! georgia@cameronartmuseum.org for more info. 3201 S. 17th St.

PLAYING WITH NUMBERS

3/10, 10am: Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme. In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Parental participation is required. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

FAMILY SCIENCE SAT: FAMILY PI

3/12, 11am: Ages 5-14. Free for members or with general admission. Celebrate Pi Day and Albert Einstein’s birthday as you measure, estimate, identify, reason, plot, and predict your way through interactive mathematics activities. Come play with math to discover how it figures into your everyday life. Design your own math button to take home! Parental participation rqd. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

BE A SPRING SCIENTIST

3/17, 10am: Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme.

In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Parental participation is required.

Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

sports/recreation Playing With Numbers

3/10, 10am: Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme.

In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Parental participation rqd. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

learn to curl

3/12, 4pm: We will host our next Learn-to-Curl Beginner’s instruction: info@coastalcurling.com. Arrive early to allow time for check-in and to attend our brief off-ice session. $20 per person for the Learn-to-Curl. Participants will be provided with a half-price return voucher to return for open curling. Beginners start with a half-hour off-ice session to learn basics of curling: safety, terminology, delivery and more. The Wilmington Ice House, 7201 Ogden Business Lane

lectures/readings GOING GREEN BOOK CLUB

First Tues of ea. month, 6pm. 2016 will feature a nice range of themes, plus a couple of backups just in case obtaining any turned out to be problematic. 4/5: Speaking for Nature: The Literary Naturalists, from Transcendentalism to the Birth of the American. Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.

LUNCH & LEARN ILLUSTRATED LECTURE

3/17, 1-2pm: Jan Davidson, Historia, will speak on “Claude Howell’s 1940s: Wilmington, New York, Europe.” $5-$8, program only; $15 w/lunch.

Davidson explores Claude Howell’s life and experiences in the late 1940s, a pivotal time in his artistic and professional life. RSVP for box lunch by 3pm, 3/15: 910-777-2363, no outside food allowed. Tickets: www.cameronartmuseum.org, by phone and at the door. Cameron Art Museum’s Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, 3201 S. 17th St.

PEDALING FOR PAGES BOOK CLUB

Arrive by bike to receive the bicycle discount everyday. We do have a bike rack just outside the door and two more on the block. The group will read a selection that includes, fiction, biography, history, and memoir. Open to all levels of bicycle interest and ability. Meetings are last Thurs. of mo. at 6pm. March-Mud, Sweat and Gears by Joe Kurmaskie (bicycle tour across Canada with his family!); April-Fat Tire Flyer by Charlie Kelly (history of early days of mountain biking by those who lived it); May-Joyride by Mia Birk (National Bike Month so its a book about advocacy and working towards a more cycling friendly world); June: Half Man, Half Bike. The Life of Eddy Merckx by William Futheringhom; July: The Yellow Jersey by Ralph Hurne; August: Rusch to Glory: Adventure, Risk, and Triumph on the Path Less Traveled by Rebecca Rusch; Oct: Two Wheels: A Cycling Murder Mystery by Greg Moody; Nov: Bike Snob: Systematically and Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling by BikeSnobNYC. Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.

BONSAI DEMO AND LECTURE

3/11, 7pm: The Cape Fear Bonsai Society will host a presentation on the Acer species (maple) and a demonstration of the styling of an Acer bergerianum (trident maple) as a bonsai specimen by Arthur Joura, curator of the North Carolina State Bonsai Collection at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC. The demonstration tree will be raffled at the end of the evening. The event is free and open to the public. NHC Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr.

A GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY PRIMER

3/12, 10:30am: LCFHS at the Latimer House (126 S. 3rd St.) will offer a class taught by local photographer, Tom Conway. He will present “A Garden Photography Primer” a lecture on photographing gardens. Class will include understanding light and physical conditions in southeastern North Carolina, three types of garden photos, garden photo techniques, and optical and digital concepts relevant to garden photography. It will also cover necessary and optional equipment needed. Handouts provided. $10-$15. Reservations rqd: 910-762-0492.

BOOK SIGNING AND BEER RELEASE

3/12, noon: From Fanny Slater, winner of The Rachael Ray Show’s Great American Cookbook Competition, comes “Orange, Lavender & Figs: Deliciously Different Recipes From a Passionate Eater,” a compilation of sophisticated yet approachable recipes along with the heartwarming and humorous tales that inspired them. Pome-

granate Books will celebrate by selling the book at Wilmington Brewing company, who brewed a saison with oranges, lavender and figs. Beer will be available during the book signing! Steviemack’s International Food Company will serve some of Fanny’s recipes! Wilmington Brewing Company, 824 S. Kerr Ave.

classes ART CLASSES

Two hour classes for four weeks, $80. Mon, 10am-noon: Painting With Acrylics; 2-4pm: Painting With Water Colors • Tues., 10am-noon: Drawing With Pencils; 2-4pm: Painting With Acrylics. • Wed., 10am-noon: Painting With Oils; 2-4pm: Drawing With Pencils • Thurs., 10am-noon: Drawing With Pen and Ink; 2-4pm: Painting With Acrylics • Fri., 10am-noon: Painting With Oils; 2-4pm: Painting With Water Colors. 910 547-8115. loislight@bellsouth.net

HITT BOOTCAMP W/KATIE MACIK

3/9, 7pm: This class will give you a Fat Burning Blitz and make you lean! Coupled with great nutrition, this 60-minute workout will help you reach or maintain your fitness goals, w/high repetition weight training, TRX, and abdominal exercises along with cardio intervals which is an amazing combination that works. Interval-style training.

Shape Fitness Group, 6622 Gordon Rd.

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HOT YOGA

True beginners yoga. Teacher will tell you what you need to do in class and you can watch the other students. This basic series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, practiced in a hot room, is taught in a manner that allows the practice to be done by beginners, people with limited mobility, and people with chronic illness, but is also challenging enough for athletes. Wilmington Bikram Yoga, 5424 Oleander Dr.

LIGHT YOGA W/LISA

Wed, 12:15pm: Gentle / Beginner Yoga. Be kind to the body, easy on the mind, good for the soul!

Exhale Yoga and Wellness Studio, 16 S. Front St.

VINYASA MASTER CLASS

3/18, 6pm: Into to yogic lifestyle, a beautifully infused 2 hr power vinyasa yoga class followed by guided meditation. This class will challenge and encourage students of all levels. With an emphasis on alignment and instructions on becoming in-tune with your bodies needs this class gives the student practical and useful tools for a life of yoga. With a guided mediation filled with visualizations and relaxation techniques the student will walk away feeling peaceful, vibrant and healthy.

All levels welcome. Wilmington Yoga Center, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste. 200

INTEGRATIVE HEALING ARTS WORKSHOPS

Gentle Beginner Yoga, 8:30-9:15am, with Lisa Keating. Bring yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Lisa will lead you through gentle yoga postures and breathwork as you find and connect with your inner self. • Workshops 9:30am4:15pm: Delve into information provided by knowledgeable teachers and learn about yourself through self-hypnosis, hand analysis, psychic and intuitive practices, physical movement, meditation, massage, and more. Learn to maintain the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body in a timeless condition of vibrant natural harmony. We offer four session with 19 different workshops to choose from. unitywil.com/news.

Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave.

FENCING CLASS

Cape Fear Fencing Association 8 week beginning fencing class for homeschool students starts 3/9,

FRiday night

Sunday night

HAPPY HOUR FRIDAY

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Mon.-Fri. 9am-Midnight Sat. 10am-Midnight • Sun. 11am-11pm 3907 Shipyard Blvd.

799-3023 bowlcardinal.com

encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 55

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Check Facebook for specials.

1 N Front St | Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 833-5223 58 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

1pm, in the basement of the Tileston gym. Class will meet for appx one hour on Wed. All fencing equipment provided, students should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Appropriate for ages 8 - 18. Cost is $40 plus a $10 membership to USA Fencing good until July 31, 2016. Taught by Internationally accredited instructor.Tileston Gym, St. Mary, 5th and Ann sts.

YOGA 101

Pre-reg for 3-wk series: Learn fundamentals of yoga, teaching conscious breath and simple postures in a supportive environment. Short series of slower paced, info classes to provide you with a

ing stress free and balanced to enjoy a wonderful night’s sleep. No minimum required. Harmony: A Wellness Center & Yoga, 4320 Wrightsville Ave. SPRING CITIZENS’ FIRE ACADEMY

3/17, 6pm: The Spring Citizens’ Fire Academy, sponsored by the Wilmington Fire Department, begins on Thursday, March 17th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM and will run for seven consecutive weeks (followed by a graduation). We are pleased to announce that there are a few remaining spots for the spring session. The attached schedule outlines the events and exciting hands-on opportunities for each of the seven sessions. Courtney Cromer: (910) 343-3946. Wilmington Fire Dept, 801 Market St.

3/13: DEATH CAFE Old Books on Front Street will host Death Cafe on March 13 at 1 p.m. as part of their national “Begin the Conversation” campaign. It will allow folks to speak openly about death and the aftereffects and related issues of it to help increase awareness. The conversation is open to everyone and free! Hosted by Fineral Consumers Alliance of Coastal Carolina at 249. N. Front St. strong foundation in the practice of Yoga, preparing you to proceed to the ongoing beginning yoga classes. (910) 350-0234. Wilmington Yoga Center, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste. 200 HOW TO MAKE A PALLET PAINTER

3/12, 9:30pm: Legacy Architectural Salvage in Wilmington, NC, presents How To Make a Pallet Planter. Learn how to make your own pallet planter, using reclaimed architectural materials!

This is a free workshop, but please RSVP by email or phone. Workshops generally last about 90 minutes. Legacy Architectural Salvage Behind Stevens Ace Hardware, 1831 Dawson St.

FREE TAX WORKSHOP

3/12, 1pm: Presented by Master Tax Adviser and Registered Agent Kamila Blessing. Bring your taxes to work on or just ask questions. Registration is not required. Main library, 201 Chestnut St.

GROUP HYPNOSIS FOR STRESS RELIEF

3/14, 6:30pm: Treat yourself to a deep stress relief experience. Just sit comfortably on our cushions and blankets, and allow yourself to sink into deep relaxation. Sami’s voice will guide you as you release all your stress and worries. Go home feel-

clubs/notices DEATH CAFE

3/13, 1pm: Begin the Conversation and Funeral Consumers Alliance of Coastal Carolina (FCACC) will host a free Death Café at Old Books on Front, 249 N. Front St. An open, respectful, nonjudgmental group discussion about thoughts, questions, concerns and lifeaffirming conversations about death, dying and related issues. Death Café is part of a global movement to increase awareness of death, while helping people make the most of their lives. www.funeralscoastalcarolina.com. www. begintheconversation.org.

PORSCHE CLUB MEETING

Porsche Club of America (PCA), Hurricane Region Coastal Area, would like to invite you to join us for our monthly meeting at Panera Bread Co. in Mayfaire Town Center,156 Military Cutoff Road.

We meet at 9am on the third Saturday of every month to talk about our favorite cars and to plan activities. PCA offers driving experience, technical assistance, member benefits, and camaraderie second to none. Membership is open to all Porsche owners, co-owners, or lessees who are 18 years of age or older, and includes a subscription to the national club magazine Panorama and the bi-monthly Hurricane Region newsletter Der Wirbelsturm (The Cyclone). Check out our website at: http://hur.pca.org. David Ikle, 910-5473564, e-mail dikle@ec.rr.com

CF REGIONAL BIKE PLAN OPEN HOUSE

3/15, 3pm: The Cape Fear Regional Bicycle Plan Open House Kickoff will take place on March 15th, from 3-7pm, at Leland Town Hall, Cape Fear Room, 102 Town Hall Drive, Leland, NC 28451. You are encouraged to drop-in any time to discuss and share your ideas on the future of

cycling in the Cape Fear Region. You will be able to talk with the project team, learn more about the project, and provide comments on maps. Leland Town Hall, 102 Town Hall Drive FRIENDS OF LELAND LIBRARY

3/12, 10am: The Friends of the Leland Library will hold their Second Saturday sale at the Magnolia House II, on Town Hall Dr. just before the new town hall. Please park in the town hall lot. This month’s feature includes a triple deal: Patricia Cornwell, Nelson DeMille, and all DVDs half price. Ellie Edwards, (910) 833-2322. www.friendsofthelelandlibrary.com/

ILM NEWCOMERS CLUB

3/10, 9:30am: Guest speaker from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will present information on this wonderful local attraction. For meeting location and other information, please visit the website, www.wilmingtonncnewcomers.com. (No jeans please at the membership meeting.) Anyone new to New Hanover and Pender counties in the past four years is invited to join. 1518 Country Club Rd.

PREP RALLY FOR CITIZENS OPPOSITION TO OFFSHORE DRILLING

3/15, 6pm: A meeting to organize, energize and advocate in opposition to offshore drilling at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) public hearing this spring—date TBA—on Draft 2 of the 5 year leasing plan. New Hanover County Public Library, 201 Chestnut St.

IKEBANA EXHIBITION

3/18, 1pm: An annual event that has been a tradition for many years. The Wilmington Ikebana chapter will display their finest creations at the arboretum for all to enjoy. Free admission.

Guest exhibitor will be the Cape Fear Bonsai Society. New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr.

CAPE FEAR CAMERA CLUB

Club meets third Tues. each month, Sept thru June, 7pm at Cape Fear Community College, McCloud Bldg, room S002. capefearcameraclub.org

CAPE FEAR KNITTERS

Cape Fear Knitters, the Wilmington chapter of The Knitting Guild of America (TKGA) meets the third Sat. ea. month, 10am-noon. Gerri: 371-3556.

Judy: 383-0374.

CAPE FEAR WEDDING ASSOCIATION

Meet and greets the third Wed. ea. month. $25, members free. www.capefearweddingassociation.com

YOUNG DEMOCRATS OF NHC

Meet the 1st and 3rd Tues. ea. month at the downtown public library, third floor, 6:30pm.

Ages 18-35.

COUPON CLUB

Wilmington Coupon Club meets monthly, second Monday, at 6pm Come exchange coupons and learn how to save money. www.wilmingtoncouponclub.com

culinary PC BREW BUS

Port City Brew Bus offers public brewery tours that are open to anyone 21 years or older. Eat a hearty breakfast before the tour. We will have pretzels, snacks, and water but there isn’t a stop for lunch.

Visit three breweries to experience their facilities, understand the brewing process unique to their beers and enjoy samples of their offerings. $55. www.portcitybrewbus.com. (910) 679-6586

SURF AND SUDS

Surf & Suds, the Surf Equipment Drive, will take place on Sat., 3/12, 1-6pm, 3rd floor private event space of Front Street Brewery, 9 N Front St. Event is free and open to the public and will give patrons the opportunity to meet professional surfers, bid on Silent Auction items and Raffles featuring awesome surf and skate gear, and make donations to Ocean Cure. Ocean Cure is asking for lightly worn surfboards, rash guards, board shorts and any additional equipment that may be useful to their cause. Ocean Cure currently has about 25 volunteer instructors that participate in their free events and surf camps. For more information, visit www. ocean-cure.org. Free, but donations appreciated.

NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD TRUCK NIGHT

Thurs, 6pm: Steviemack’s Int’l Food Company.

Your neighborhood food truck at your neighborhood watering hole. Bring your friends and family to eat supper. Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St.

WINE AND WIGS

Sec. Wed. ea. month! Who doesn’t want to wear a wig while drinking half priced wine? We also have half priced desserts too! AND a photo booth set up with props! You bring your friends and wigs, we provide the fun! NeMa Lounge & Eatery, 225 S. Water St.

PC JAVA ROASTERY TOUR

Join us at Port City Java’s Corporate Headquarters for our monthly public roastery tour, coffee cupping & home brewing class! Learn how coffee is grown, harvested, processed and roasted through a tour of our facilities and see a formal coffee cupping to demonstrate the “taste of place” that makes each coffee so unique. See us demonstrate a few different brewing methods

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encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 59

you can use to achieve that perfect PCJ cup at home. Tour groups limited to six people. Tickets available for $15/person. www.portcityjava.com.

FERMENTAL

Free tasting ever Friday, 6pm. Fermental, 7250 Market St.

afternoon tea

Afternoon tea supports restoration of stained windows throughout the historic church. Two seatings: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Limited to 40 seats.

Contact Chris Warnecke at cwarnecke@ec.rr. com. 910-383-2129. $15 donation. Church of Good Shepherd, 515 Queen St.

TASTE CAROLINA FOOD TOURS

Sample an eclectic assortment of downtown restaurants, enjoy food and drink, and meet some of the city’s best chefs. Public parking available.

Saturday tours include a 2:30pm Downtown Afternoon Tasting Tour ($50/person) and a 3pm Downtown Dinner & Drinks Tour ($65/person).

A 10am Farmers’ Market Tour ($75/person), and cooking class also available. tastecarolina.net

WILMINGTON VEGAN POTLUCKS

Wilmington Vegan Supper Club Potlucks take place every first Thursday of every month at 6:30pm at Kitchen & Lounge at South Front Apartments, located on Greenfield Street at 2nd Street, across the street from Satellite. Bring a vegan dish to share, and swap recipes and socialize. Wilmington Vegan Lending Library will be there for you to grab a book as well. Bring a list of ingredients along with your dish (or even better, the recipe!. Dishes absolutely must be completely vegan—no meat, no fish, no dairy, no eggs, no chicken stock, no honey, and so on.

Bring a plate, utensils, and a drink. http://wilmingtonvegan.com

TASTING HISTORY TOURS

Tasting History Tours of Pleasure Island; guided walking tours. From its beginnings as a tourist destination, the island has weathered destructive fires, tragic hurricanes, naval battles and more. Tasting History takes you through the streets of Carolina Beach and into a few of the restaurants to taste some of what the locals have to offer. Join us for an afternoon of interesting history and tasty eats. $32.50. www.tastinghistorytours.com. 910-622-6046.

PORT CITY SWAPPERS

Port City Swappers is a monthly food and beverage swap where members of a community share homemade, homegrown, or foraged foods with each other. Swaps allow direct trades to take place between attendees, e.g., a loaf of bread for a jar of pickles or a half-dozen backyard eggs. No cash is exchanged, and no goods are sold. Diversify your pantry and go home happy and inspired while meeting your neighbors! facebook.com/PortCitySwappers.

WILMINGTON WINE SHOP

Join us to sample five new delicious wines we’ve brought in just for our customers during Free Friday Wine Tasting, 5-8pm. Have a bottle or glass of your favorite with friends afterwards in our cozy shop or on the back deck. 605 Castle St. 910-202-4749. www.wilmingtonwine.net.

support groups CELEBRATE RECOVERy

Life Community Church, located inside Independence Mall, will have a Celebrate Recovery meeting every Monday evening at 6:30 pm starting with fellowship followed by a large group meeting at 7 pm. Support groups for men

and women follow at 8 pm. The meeting is in the Extension located across from Branches bookstore and the church auditorium. For more information. contact Jodie at 910-547-8973 , LifeCC office at 791-3859 or go to Lifecc.com.

Life Community Church, 3500 Oleander Dr. LIVING WITH GRIEF

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a free, sixweek grief program, growth and education groups for adults, 4-6 p.m. Thursdays, through April 7, at Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center, 1414 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. Discussions include phases of grief and the grieving process, along with other areas of concern. Often being around others who have been through a similar experience enables participants to talk about what they are experiencing. Grief groups help emphasize that participants are not grieving alone and others understand and can support them on their grief journeys. Registration is required and closes once the series begins. For more information, call 796-7991. When leaving a message, please leave your name, phone number and indicate the specific program you wish to attend. Sessions are free. Donations are appreciated. Additional groups will form throughout the year. No meeting on March 10. www.lcfh. org or facebook.com/lcfhospice

TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP

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

MS SUPPORT GROUP

3/10, 7pm: Those with MS, families and friends welcome. Meets at New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital 1st floor conference room (behind Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital), 2nd Thursday each month. Details: Lisa, 399-7252; Burt, 383-1368.

CHADD

Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. This free support group is open to a growing group of parents, grandparents and individuals affected by AD/ HD who understand what it takes to face its daily challenges. Free. Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. http:// www.WilmingtonCHADD.org

PSORIASIS SUPPORT GROUP

Meets the 2nd Sat. of month at Port City Java in Harris Teeter on College and Wilshire, 5pm.

Christopher: (910) 232-6744 or cvp@yahoo. com. Free; meet others with psoriasis and get educated on resources and program assistance.

MS SUPPORT GROUP

Meets the 2nd Thurs. ea. month at 7pm in the New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital, 1st floor conference room, behind the Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital on 17th Street. Open to all with Multiple Sclerosis, family and friends.

Handicapped accessible parking and meeting room. Affiliated with the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the National MS Society. Burt Masters, (910) 383-1368.

PFLAG

PFLAG Meeting is first Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will host free Begin the Conversation clinics from 10-11 a.m. the third Friday of each month, at Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center, 1414 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. These sessions, which are free to all adults age 18 and older, will provide attendees information and resources to think about and plan for future healthcare decisions. Attendees will receive specific strategies for initiating conversations that can significantly reduce family stress and improve quality of care. Advance directives, such as Living Wills and Healthcare Power of Attorney forms, will be supplied so healthcare instructions can be legally documented.Jason Clamme at 796-7943 or jason. clamme@lcfh.org.

tours LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Ever wanted to meet authors living and dead, and tour locations from books, poems, and plays? Explore the rich culture of our talented Southern town with a 90 minute walking tour of the literary history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit “The Two Libraries.” Walk the streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front St. 249 N. Front St. www. brownpapertickets.com/event/1282390

downtown walking tour

Meet on the front porch of the Latimer Housethe headquarters of the Lower Cape Fear Historic Society at 126 South Third Street each Saturday at 10am to join their walking tour of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Enjoy this informative, leisurely 1 and ½ hour walk-and-talk tour and learn about the Port City’s colorful history from the colonial era to modern day development. Discover some of Wilmington’s finest historic treasures. $10 plus tax and $5 plus tax for students and children under 12. Latimer House, 126 S. 3rd St.

LATIMER HOUSE TOURS

The Latimer House, built in 1852 by Zebulon Latimer has housed the Lower Cape Fear Historic Society since 1963. This historic home is exemplary of upper class life in Wilmington during the Victorian Period. With 14 rooms containing over 600 Historic objects (including furniture, jewelry, ephemera, tableware, tools and more) the Latimer House evokes memories of a highly elegant era. Tours at 11am and 1pm; reservations not needed. On Sat., tours are on the hour from 10am to 2pm. $10 plus tax for adults, $5 for Students and Children under 12.

The Latimer House is not handicap assessable.

126 S. 3rd St.

CONFEDERATE WALKING TOURS

Experience Wilmington’s people, history and architecture in the late antebellum period and during the conflict, conducted by noted Wilmington historian Bernhard Thuersam. Walk in the foot-

Enter your events online by noon, Thursdays, for consideration in print. www.encorepub.com 60 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

steps of George Washington, James Monroe, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, Alexander Stephens and more. Indepth 90-minute tours are by appointment only, Sunday through Saturday, call 910.619.4619 or bernhard1848@gmail.com for current prices.

Step-on and personalized tours downtown and local forts available. Tour begins at foot of Market St. www.cfhi.net.

HOLLYWOOD LOCATION TOURS

Tour one of America’s largest living film sets; historic downtown Wilmington. This fun-filled 90 minute walking tour will lead gue sts to actual movie & TV locations. Tours will depart Tues., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. afternoons at 2pm.

Reservations are required, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students or military and children 6 or under are free. 910-794-7177, www.HollywoodNC.com.

HENRIETTA III CRUISES

An elegant, 3 tiered boat offering sight-seeing, lunch and dinner cruises, site seeing tours and a Sunset Dinner Cruise June-Aug. On the riverfront. April-Oct: Narrated sightseeing cruises 2:30pm 1-1/2 hours Tuesday-Sunday, Narrated lunch cruises 12:00 noon 1-1/2 hours TuesdaySaturday. May-Oct: Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises, Tuesday & Thursday evening 2 hours 6:30 pm; Apr-Dec: Friday evening dinner cruises 2-1/2 hours 7:30 pm, Saturday evening dinner cruises 3 hours 6:30 pm. 343-1611. www. cfrboats.com

WILMINGTON TROLLEY

Eight mile, 45-min. narrated tour aboard a nostalgic, motorized trolley. Downtown. 763-4483.

GHOST WALK

6:30pm & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Admission charge. Meets at Water & Market streets. Reservations required: 910-7941866; www.hauntedwilmington.com

TOURS OF WWII SITES

Wilmington author and military historian Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., now leads customized, personalized guided tours of World War II sites in Southeastern North Carolina. 793-6393 or History@ wilburjones.com

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS

Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver who narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions.Market and Water streets. $12 for adults, $5 per child.

(910) 251-8889 or www.horsedrawntours.comto come. I suspect that the frog will be one of your emblems in the coming weeks, Virgo -- for all of the above reasons. Your task is to overcome the boring stories and messages so as to accomplish your lively transformations.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

He in his madness prays for storms, and dreams that storms will bring him peace,” wrote Leo Tolstoy in his novella “The Death of Ivan Ilych.” The weird thing is, Aries, that this seemingly crazy strategy might actually work for you in the coming days. The storms you pray for, the tempests you activate through the power of your longing, could work marvels. They might clear away the emotional congestion, zap the angst, and usher you into a period of dynamic peace. So I say: Dare to be gusty and blustery and turbulent.

“Your anger is a gift,” proclaims musician and activist Zack de la Rocha, singer in the band Rage Against the Machine. That statement is true for him on at least two levels. His fury about the systemic corruption that infects American politics has roused him to create many successful songs and enabled him to earn a very good living. I don’t think anger is always a gift for all of us, however. Too often, especially when it’s motivated by petty issues, it’s a self-indulgent waste of energy that can literally make us sick. Having said that, I do suspect that your anger in the coming week will be more like de la Rocha’s: productive, clarifying, healthy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Quoting poet W. H. Auden, author Maura Kelly says there are two kinds of poets: argument-makers and beauty-makers. I think that’s an interesting way to categorize all humans, not just poets. Which are you? Even if you usually tend to be more of an argument-maker, I urge you to be an intense beauty-maker in the next few weeks. And if you’re already a pretty good beauty-maker, I challenge you to become, at least temporarily, a “great” beauty-maker. One more thing: As much as possible, until April 1, choose beauty-makers as your companions.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) To have any hope of becoming an expert in your chosen field, you’ve got to labor for at least 10,000 hours to develop the necessary skills—the equivalent of 30 hours a week for six and a half years. But according to author William Deresiewicz, many young graphic designers no longer abide by that rule. They regard it as more essential to cultivate a network of connections than to perfect their artistic mastery. Getting 10,000 contacts is their priority, not working 10,000 hours. But I advise you not to use that approach in the coming months, Gemini. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will be better served by improving what you do rather than by increasing how many people you know.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) “Even now, all possible feelings do not yet exist,” novelist Nicole Krauss says. In the coming weeks, I suspect you will provide vivid evidence of her declaration, Scorpio. You may generate an unprecedented number of novel emotions—complex flutters and flows and gyrations that have never before been experienced by anyone in the history of civilization. I think it’s important you acknowledge and celebrate them as being unique. Refrain from comparing them to feelings you’ve had in the past or feelings other people have had. To harvest their full blessing, treat them as marvelous mysteries.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) “Look at yourself then,” author Ray Bradbury advised. “Consider everything you have fed yourself over the years. Was it a banquet or a starvation diet?”

He wasn’t talking about literal food. He was referring to the experiences you provide yourself with, to the people you bring into your life, to the sights and sounds and ideas you allow to pour into your precious imagination. Now would be an excellent time to take inventory of this essential question, Sagittarius. And if you find there is anything lacking in what you feed yourself, make changes!

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“I sit before flowers, hoping they will train me in the art of opening up,” poet Shane Koyczan says. “I stand on mountain tops believing that avalanches will teach me to let go.” I recommend his strategy to you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. Put yourself in the presence of natural forces that will inspire you to do what you need to do. Seek the companionship of people and animals whose wisdom and style you want to absorb. Be sufficiently humble to learn from the whole wide world through the art of imitation.

According to a report in the journal Science, most of us devote half of our waking time to thinking about something besides the activity we’re actually engaged in. We seem to love to ruminate about what used to be and what might have been and what could possibly be. Would you consider reducing that amount in the next 15 days, Capricorn? If you can manage to cut it down even a little, I bet you will accomplish small feats of magic that stabilize and invigorate your future. Also, you will feel stronger and smarter. You’ll have more energy. You’ll have an excellent chance to form an enduring habit of staying more focused on the here and now.

tors syndiCate

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) The marathon is a long-distance foot race with an official length of over 26 miles. Adults who are physically fit and well-trained can finish the course in five hours. But I want to call your attention to a much longer running event: the SelfTranscendence 3100-Mile Race. It begins every June in Queens, a borough of New York, and lasts until August. Those who participate do 3,100 miles’ worth of laps around a single city block, or about 100 laps per day. I think that this is an apt metaphor for the work you now have ahead of you. You must cover a lot of ground as you accomplish a big project, but without traveling far and wide.

Your task is to be dogged and persistent as you do a little at a time, never risking exhaustion, always pacing yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) One of the legal financial scams that shattered the world economy in 2008 was a product called a “Collateralized Debt Obligation Squared.” It was sold widely, even though noted economist Ha-Joon Chang says potential buyers had to read a billion pages of documents if they hoped to understand it. In the coming weeks, I think it’s crucial you Aquarians avoid getting involved with stuff like that—with anything or anyone requiring such vast amounts of homework. If it’s too complex to evaluate accurately, stay uncommitted, at least for now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In old Vietnamese folklore, croaking frogs were a negative symbol. They were thought to resemble dull teachers who go on and on with their boring and pointless lectures. But in many other cultures, frogs have been symbols of regeneration and resurrection due to the dramatic transformations they make from egg to tadpole to full-grown adult. In ancient India, choruses of croaks were a sign of winter’s end, when spring rains arrived to fertilize the earth and bestow a promise of the growth to come. I suspect the frog will be one of your emblems in the coming weeks, Virgo—for all of the above reasons. Your task is to overcome the boring stories and messages so as to accomplish your lively transformations.

“I wish I knew what I desire,” wrote Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, born under the sign of Pisces. “I wish I knew! I wish I knew!” If he were still alive today, I would have very good news for him, as I do for all of you Pisceans reading this horoscope. The coming weeks will be one of the best times ever—ever!—for figuring out what exactly it is you desire. Not just what your ego yearns for. Not just what your body longs for. I’m talking about the whole shebang. You now have the power to home in on and identify what your ego, your body, your heart, and your soul want more than anything else in this life

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UPCOMING EVENTS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9 | 4:00 P.M.

Baseball vs. UNCG

FRIDAY, MARCH 11 | ALL DAY

Track and Field Hosts Seahawk Invitational SATURDAY, MARCH 12 | ALL DAY

Track and Field Hosts Seahawk Invitational

Hampton Inn & Suites Seahawk Softball Invitational Saturday, March 12 UNCW vs. Presbyterian | 9:30 A.M. UNCW vs. UNCG | Noon Presbyterian vs. UNCG | 2:30 P.M. Sunday, March 13 UNCW vs. UNCG | 9:30 A.M. Youth admitted Free

UNCW vs Presbyterian | Noon Youth admitted Free

Presbyterian vs. UNCG | 2:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 | 6:00 P.M.

Baseball vs. Coastal Carolina Game sponsored by McDonald’s

UNCW Baseball & Softball Tickets on Sale now! @uncwathletics

1.800.808.UNCW OR VISIT

UNCWSPORTS.COM

62 encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

CORKBOARD Available for your next CD or Demo

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 33 year veteran Producer/Engineer

200 album credits

Dreaming Of A Career In The Music Industry?

WHAT IF YOU COULD JUST SAY “NO!” TO CANCER, DIABETES, STRESS, DEPRESSION OR ADDICTION?

HOW?

CALL NOW: 910-343-1171

Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com

Licensed and Insured

FREE ESTIMATES corner of 4th & Brunswick

Your Late Night Cocktail Bar Open Until 2am

FREE POOL

Acoustic Jazz Piano on Front St. FABULOUS ENTERTAINmENT with James Jarvis Exotic Dancers

910-726-5323

5’5”, 36DDD, Very Assertive

910-616-8301 tAtiANA36ddd@AOl.cOm

Wednesday @ The Blind Elephant Saturday @ The Calico Room Sunday @ Old Books on Front St.

www.facebook.com/JamesJarvis13

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

Cape Fear Stage’s Closest Cocktail Front Street Brewery 910.251.1935 Bar ~ Concert Night Specials 9 North Front Street, Downtown Wilmington FrontStreetBrewery.com

Open 2am nightly

FREAKY TIKI PRIVATE PIANO

Now Hiring

In-Out Calls • Casual Events Two Girl Show • Bachelor Parties 24/7 Dancers • Serious Inquiries Only Always Hiring

For Executives and Refined Gents Brunette Model/Social Companion

iNtegRitY tRee cARe FREAKY TIKI Tree Pruning & Removal across from Goat & Compass 910-547-5376

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

A Night ON the tOwN

PERSONAL TRAINER On Your Neighbors Lawn or Wherever It’s Comfortable

Pianist Barbara mcKenzie an expert, dedicated artist-teacher

Ed. M., NASM Cert., ACSM Affil., Cert. Bosu Swiss Ball, Bands, Kettlebell Instructor

GET INSPIRED!!

SPARK YOUR SKILLS!

DON’T TRY TO CHANGE THE WIND OR THE SEA.

Adults or Students

JUST CHANGE THE SAIL.

Call 910-367-3496 today!

From Deconditioned to Sports Specific

Call Will at 735-513-2618 for Complimentary Session www.kettlebellconcepts.com

CALL NOW: 910-343-1171

BrooklynArtsNC.com 910-538-2939

FREE PARKING • CASH BAR • ATM ON SITE Visit our website and join our mailing list for event announcements.

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC

Tuesday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm Friday - Saturday: 11am - 10pm (Lunch menu served until 4pm)

1001 N. 4th Street • (910) 769-6565 www.facebook.com/thedistrictnc encore | march 9 – 15, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 63

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

THANK YOU WILMINGTON FOR VOTING US BEST BUFFET, BEST FRIED CHICKEN AND BEST SOUL FOOD!

WE ALSO DO CATERING!

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

WINNER OF BEST BUFFET, FRIED CHICKEN AND SOUL FOOD