May 23, 2012

VOL. 28 / PUB 47 / FREE

WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

MAY 23-29 2012

B.S.*

*Summer fashion spread by Matthew Dols, featuring bathing suits

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 1

hodgepodge|

B.S.* pgs 15-20 Bathing suit season begins, as photographed by Matthew Dols

For most locals Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer. The season’s first holiday is often celebrated with red and white checkered tablecloths, brilliant fireworks, and—of course—hot, high-style bathing suits as sported by Wilmingtonians and tourists alike. Photographer Matthew Dols offers six pages of dashing fashion for surf and sun in his swim shoot, “B.S.” Men and women will discover bold prints and bright colors to get them through the sweltering summer months—all available from local designers and boutiques, such as bloke, Edge of Urge and Sweetwater Surf Shop. Cover model is Sarah Cooper Thomas; above model is Colin Peterson. Flip through pages 15 through 20 for more!

win tickets!

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

2 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Bellamy Mansion and its local offerings, including their ongoing summer jazz series.

LATE-NIGHT FUNNIES “The Dalai Lama is saying that China trained a woman to assassinate him by putting poison in her hair. Luckily, the Dalai Lama had recently just stopped eating hair.” —Conan O’Brien “Ron Paul has announced he’s no longer campaigning. He’s dropped out of the race.

Can you tell the difference?” —David Letterman “This was [Ron Paul’s] third race for president. He ran in 2008 against John McCain and against Lincoln in 1860.” —Jimmy Kimmel “The Justice Department has launched a probe into JPMorgan’s $2.3 billion loss. I believe it’s called ‘Operation wink, nod, and look the other way.’” —Jay Leno “As of Friday you’ll all be able to buy shares of Facebook. This is perfect for anyone who’s ever logged on, looked at pictures of their friend eating a sandwich, and thought, ‘Now there’s a sound investment.’” —Conan O’Brien “President Obama raised $1 million at a fund-raiser hosted by Ricky Martin. Obama thanked Martin for his contribution to the campaign, while Joe Biden thanked him for his contribution to Menudo.”—Jimmy Fallon “Today Herman Cain endorsed Mitt Romney.

This is possibly very important because as goes Herman Cain, so go the other two black Republicans in America.” —Jimmy Kimmel

WORD OF THE WEEK congeries: kon-jeer-eez, noun; 1. a collection of items or parts in one mass; assemblage; aggregation; heap ex: From the airplane, the town resembled a congeries of tiny boxes.

Editor-in-Chief:

General Manager:

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

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

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

Interns: Shelby Purvis, Eliza Dillard

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

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

www.encorepub.com

news & views................... 4-7 benefit of historic reservation, as marked by the

on the cover

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

vol. 28 / pub. 47 / May 23-29, 2012

4 live local: Gwenyfar Rohler express the local

What’s inside this week

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

contents

Kris Beasley // Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington // kris@encorepub.com Shea Carver // Midtown, Monkey Junction //shea@encorepub.com

6 news: Eliza Dillard celebrates Bicycle Month with info on the county’s progress toward being a bike-friendly area.

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

artsy smartsy.................. 8-29 8-9 theatre: Gwenyfar peers into hell with Guerilla Theatre’s ‘No Exit’; Shea Carver finds a happy marriage between thought and humor in Thalian Association’s ‘La Cage aux Folles.’

10-12 art: Alex Pompliano brings the news on New Elements Gallery’s latest location and grand opening event; Acme Art Studio celebrates 20 years in Wilmington with a group show.

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

15-20 cover story: Photographer Matthew Dols hit the local junk yard armed with a handful of hot models to shoot May’s fashion spread: ‘B.S.*’— also known as bathing suits.

21 fashion: Shea chats with the town’s resident style goddess, Edge of Urge’s Jessie Williams, about her latest Entrepreneur of the Year awards and her 10-year anniversary in business.

23 film: Anghus questions if the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp team-up is getting stale.

24-25 music: The Summer Music Concert Series page chronicles live shows across the way; Bethany gets to know Charlotte-based poprockers, The Catch Fire.

26-29 soundboard: See what bands and performers are playing in venues from Wilmington to Jacksonville.

grub & guzzle............... 35-39 35-38 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through our dining guide!

39 grub: Rosa Bianca checks out the area’s newest Asian bistro, Blue Asia.

extra! extra!................. 40-63 40 books: Shelby Purvis gives details on Wilmington’s Latino Book Club, which meets at Pomegranate Books this weekend.

42 fact or fiction: The next installment of

Anghus’ own creative-writing endeavor, ‘My Career Suicide Note.’

47 crossword: Brain game by Stanley Newman.

42-56 calendar/‘toons/horoscopes/ corkboard: Find out what to do in town with our calendar; check out Tom Tomorrow and the annual ‘toons winner, Jay Schiller; read your

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

Bethany Turner // bethany@encorepub.com

horoscope; and check out the latest saucy

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

Jennifer Barnett // jennifer@encorepub.com

corkboard ads.

The Deal of the Week This Week Only!

Limited Quantity!

50% OFF

$20

Voucher for only

$10 KATY’S GRILL AND BAR 1054 South College Road • (910) 395-5289

Vouchers Available Only at

HalfOffDepot.com/Wilmington Sign up to be notified about future Deals of the Week!

www.HalfOffDepot.com/Wilmington encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 3

news&views|

4 LIVE LOCAL 6 BICYCLE MONTH 7 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

live local. live small.

Local historic preservation pays off at Bellamy R

ecently, walking past the de rosset

house with Jock, I asked if he remembered when Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green performed there in the beginning. At that time the Historic Wilmington Foundation had offices downstairs, and the rest of the house was basically abandoned—though stabilized but far from restored.

“Now, look at it,” I gushed about the beautiful City Club. “That’s a pretty remarkable investment here. I mean between that and the Bellamy Mansion, those are two fairly significant historic structures that got preserved.” I babbled, thinking about money spent on historic preservation and how well invested it is in this community.

As regular readers of “Live Local” know, historic preservation is one of my family’s priorities. So this year my father’s combined Father’s Day and birthday present is the restoration of the historic playhouse in his backyard. It is actually older than the main house.

When my parents bought our historic home, I was around 7 years old, and the backyard was so overgrown, we had no idea the playhouse was there at all. So one morning, with a pair of hedge clippers and in a scene right out of “The Secret Garden,” I found this amazing playhouse that had real glass windows which opened and closed, with an “Alice in Wonderland” door and a skeleton key.

Just take a moment and picture that to a 7-turning-8-year-old.

Like all older structures, it needed some love, and it would be a shame to lose it to neglect. But my father is not what anyone would call “a handy man.”

So for him I thought it the perfect gift—because historic preservation is one of his driving passions, though not something he can do on his own.

For me, from a Live Local standpoint, it’s a gift I feel great about because the money is spent on Jeremy Bradford, an astoundingly talented carpen4 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

hler

by Gwenyfar Ro

ds

’ with procee ise of Peanuts, om Pr he ‘T of Author ect Fully Belly Proj benefiting The

Coutresy photo of Bellamy Mansion, located at 503 Market Street.

ter, whose materials come from Godwin’s Lumber, a locally owned company in continuous operation for over 100 years. When it’s time to paint, John Clark will show up, and the materials will come from Steven’s Hardware, an independent hardware store which has been operating in Wilmington since 1933.

The Bellamy Mansion really sticks out in my mind as an example of truly remarkable historic restoration. I clearly remember touring the building as a child with my parents during one of the many attempts to raise funds for its restoration. I had never been in a building before that had been burned—the smell alone was a shocker when we entered the house. I leaned a hand against a black-charred wall to support myself. The shock was a bit much.

“Don’t touch!” my mother snatched my hand away and pulled out one of the ubiquitous Kleenexes from her purse to wipe the charred dust. “Don’t touch anything else—and when we get home, wash your hands before you touch the furniture.”

To say the Bellamy has come a long way since is an understatement. It’s beautiful—a real crown jewel of Wilmington’s treasures. Like all historic buildings, the repairs and upkeep are constant. I asked Gareth Evans, executive director of the Bellamy, for an estimate of money spent on renovations. He broke it down like this: Slave Quarters: “When completely finished it will have cost about $300,000 to restore. That’s over years. Bear in mind it’s about 75 percent done right now. We’re finishing it this summer.”

But the Mansion is another story.

“It’s been 20 years, and we’re still fixing stuff.

It’s got to be over a million by now. Initially it was $250,000 back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.”

For ongoing repairs and maintenance work, he estimates that they spend between $20,000 and $25,000 a year for painting, repairs, cleaning and

restoration of items. It’s a big job and quite a boon to the local economy!

Evans was quick to point out that Bellamy keeps local tradesmen employed. Whether it’s the porch needing repair or one of its staircases, it seems there is always something to be done. Face it, humans are tough on their environments, and with about 15,000 visitors a year (last year from 48 countries), it would leave a lot of wear and tear on any house—but one that’s 150 years old and open for visitation year-round feels it more than most.

My question to Evans was: Do many locals actually visit? Or is it just tourists? He confirmed it was pretty close to half and half. While being a hotspot to host weddings, their current summer concert series seems to help attract locals on an ongoing basis as well.

“We had 105 people at [May’s] El Jaye Johnson [concert],” Evans reports. “I think one of the main things since I was hired was trying to get different audiences through here for various events. The concerts broaden our audience to new people.”

Jazz at the Mansion is held the second Friday of each month during the summer and is held at 6:30 p.m. “So many people come through and say ‘I haven’t been here in 20 years,’” Evans laments.

“When people come into town and visit, locals bring them here.”

Why wait for out-of-town guests? Take some time to see the work of some of Wilmington’s finest craftsmen in the beautifully restored Bellamy Mansion. Tickets are only $5 to $12 to their summer concert series, with upcoming musical guests including: 6/8 Cindy Hospedales; 7/13, The Frog Project; 8/10, Dixieland All Star; 9/14 New Hanover High School Jazz Band. Visit www.bellamymansion.org for more information.

D WI L I W N

G THE LINEUP

Landfall Center ◆ 1331 Military Cutoff Road ◆ 910-256-3838 ◆ w w w . w i l d w i n g c a f e . c o m encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 5

//NEWS

life on two wheels: Wilmington’s on the path to a bike-friendly community

A

by Eliza Dillard th May Bicycle Mon ork Day 5/30: Bike to W greenway.com www.wilmington m www.nhcgov.co

s a uncw student who bikes to

and from campus daily, I know the infinite dangers of using a bicycle as the foremost mode of transportation. I’ve been hit by fellow bikers, hit pedestrians myself, and have even been pushed to the ground by a moving vehicle. The good news, though, is that New Hanover County is working hard to become more bike-friendly and in turn hopefully may circumvent these unfortunate accidents in the future. It’s only a matter of time until bikers, pedestrians and drivers can all commute in harmony.

Once again, New Hanover County has declared May Bicycle Month. During this month, the county will be hosting bike rides and other events to promote and embrace bicycling in New Hanover County. On May 5th, the city hosted its 23rd annual River to Sea Bike Ride where almost 300 cyclists came to ride from downtown to Wrightsville Beach. On May 19th they held a six-park metric century, in which cyclists biked 62 miles and stopped at six parks in New Hanover County. Also, May 30th is Bike to Work Day, and all residents of New Hanover County are encouraged to bike to their jobs.

Companies within the county are being asked to allow workers to dress casually so that employees will be more inclined to pedal their way to their desks.

Bicycle Month is a reminder of how much progress Wilmington has made in becoming a bike-friendly community. Wilmington’s CrossCity Trail is currently partially completed and will provide bicyclists with mostly off-road paths that lead to some of Wilmington’s biggest attractions such as Independence Mall, UNCW, Mayfaire Town Center, Lumina Station, Landfall Center and Wrightsville Beach. The trail begins at Wade Park and will end at the Heide Trask Drawbridge over the Intracoastal Waterway.

The city is also working to draft a Comprehensive Greenway Plan to connect most of Wilmington’s attractions by bike and walking

paths. According to the project’s website, greenways are “corridors of land recognized for their ability to connect people and places together.” The plan also includes blueways, which are paths that include traveling by water via kayak or canoe. Greenways and blueways will increase property value in Wilmington, save local species, and generate local revenue, as well as connect fragmented communities to one another.

According to Austin Fenwick, an avid cyclist in New Hanover County, who at one point cycled 14.5 miles one-way to work daily, the Cross-City trails and the Comprehensive Greenway Plan are a great first step. He hopes one day Wilmington will become more like cities such as Portland, Oregon, where almost 8 percent of the population travels on two wheels.

In order to increase the number of cyclists in Wilmington, Fenwick states that New Hanover County still needs to increase the number of trails, greenways and bike lanes.

“If the city can find a way to complete and expand on this infrastructure, we can realistically see a shift in the driving habits of some people,” he says, “and that will help improve overall health and ease traffic congestion.”

The city also needs to place more of an emphasis on biking as a means of transportation in addition to recreation. Fenwick states, “The more cyclists there are, the safer cycling is.”

The Greenway Plan is offering public workshops to help strengthen its multi-use modal transportation model, with the next events slated for the end of the summer.

The City of Wilmington is well aware of the steps needed to be taken, and they are work-

6 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

BORN TO RIDE: Austin Fenwick races in the Bicycle Post Trail in Greenville, NC, during race #5 of the Coastal Carolina Off-Road Series. Race #6 takes place at the Blue Clay Bike Park in Wilmington on June 3rd. Courtesy photo

ing diligently toward reaching this goal. According to Adrienne Harrington, transportation planner, and Suraiya Rashid, associate planner, last year, the city was awarded a bronze level designation by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bike Friendly Community. The league suggested the city focus on three major areas of improvement: education, facilities and enforcement. Cyclists of all ages within the community need to be educated on how to bike safely on paths and roadways.

Harrington states, “We have made some progress [on education] in the past; however, we are hoping to pick up momentum in the next few years.”

By implementing “Safe Routes to School,” a program that provides children with bicycle

!

VER WE DELI

and pedestrian education, Harrington and Rashid believe Wilmington will become safer for cyclists. “Education at a young age proves successful by creating safe behaviors from the beginning rather than modifying unsafe behaviors that have been practiced for a longer period of time,” Harrington says.

The transportation planners also agree there needs to be a liaison between the law enforcement community and the cycling community.

“It will create safe behaviors for cyclists and motorists,” Rashid says.

In 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation found that 50 percent of the trips people take in their cars are less than three miles. Hopefully, once the city’s trails and Greenway Plan is complete, that percentage will decrease drastically in Wilmington, and the community will try to live every month like it’s Bicycle Month.

Folks can check out Wilmington’s Greenway Plan and take a survey to help gauge public input www.wilmingtongreenway.com.

910-343 -1722

Become a Delihead member and enjoy Daily Specials!

Breakfast Served All Day At the corner of 2nd and Grace, Downtown Wilmington • Open Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm

NewsoftheWeird with Chuck Shepherd LEAD STORY Jesus Java Britain’s ITV1 television network announced plans in April to accept “prop placements” to blend into production of its new reality talent show in which actors compete for the lead role in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The network said, for example, that it was seeking coffee machines, which piqued the interest of the De’Longhi brand manager, who offered its top-of-the-line Magnifica ESAM4200 and, according to its public relations firm, suggested perhaps interrupting the play’s climactic song “The Crucifixion” while Jesus savors a cup brewed from the Magnifica. An April report in London’s The Independent noted that the opera’s composer, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, was on board with the idea, but that the original lyricist, Sir Tim Rice, called it “tasteless” and “tacky.”

What Goes Around NOTE: From time to time, News of the Weird reminds readers that bizarre human adventures d repeat themselves again and again. Here are s some choice selections of previous themes recently coming around again (plus a couple of updates on earlier stories): - Each spring in Dongyang, China, the aroma of urine is in the air specifically, the town’s specialty of eggs boiled in the discharge of young boys (under age 10, typically gathered “fresh” . from toilets at local schools). Townspeople d have believed for centuries that the eggs, properly cooked, bring health and prosperity. “By eating these eggs,” one shopper told a Reuters reporter in March, “we will not have any pain in our waists, legs and joints. Also, you will have d more energy when you work.” In fact, Donge yang officials have proudly proclaimed “virgin boy eggs” as an “intangible cultural heritage.” e And once again this spring, the Chinese marked the Qingming holiday with celebrations - honoring the dead by making offerings to their - deceased relatives. At the “tomb-sweeping” festival, people present paper replicas of items

their ancestors are believed to need in the afterlife. Uncreative relatives give play money, but the offerings can be elaborate, such as shoes, cars and TV sets, or this year’s hot item paper iPads, which were selling in Hong Kong for the equivalent of about $3.

Sound Familiar? McDonald’s still proudly serves its coffee hot, notwithstanding the notorious 1992 lawsuit for burns suffered by Stella Liebeck. In March 2012, Mona Abdelal filed a lawsuit in Cook County, Ill., over severe burns that her granddaughter, 4, suffered when fetching Abdelal’s coffee order from a McDonald’s server. According to the lawsuit, the server violated company policy that requires tightly closed lids on coffee cups and prohibits handing the cups to young children even if they are tightly sealed.

With Afghanistan’s moralistic Taliban in retreat, one social scourge grows stronger than ever (according to an April Washington Post dispatch from Dehrazi): “bacha bazi,” which are Afghan men’s “dancing boys.” Underage, often poor or fatherless kids become willing “companions” of wealthy men, often for sex. Since young girls are sheltered and chaperoned, only boys are available. Said one man, “You cannot (even) take a wife with you to a party, but a boy you can take anywhere.” The usefulness of a bacha bazi typically ends when he starts growing facial hair, and the boys often drift into becoming pimps or prostitutes.

The most recent government employee to defraud his agency’s worker compensation program (according to prosecutors in Los Angeles) is firefighter Rafael Davis, 35, who received disability payments for about 30 months during 2008-2011 while at the same time engaging in mixed martial arts matches as “The Noodle.”

Davis’ record (according to LA Weekly) was 12-2, with seven of those matches coming during his disability period, including six victories.

“MMA” (as noted by the newspaper) requires similar “stamina, muscle and coordination” as is required for firefighting.

More and more newspapers are assigning reporters to pore through local birth records to sample the diversity of names parents are giving their kids these days. An Edmonton Journal reporter noted in March that the nearly 51,000 babies born in the province of Alberta in 2011 included a boy named Moo, two girls named Unique, an Einstein, a Messiah, a J-Cub, a Smiley, a Tuff, a Tuba, a Jazz, a Camry, an Andromeda and an Xxavier (sic), and a boy named R and a girl named J. An increasingly mainstream treatment for the gastrointestinal bacterial infection C. difficile involves transplanting the contents of a healthy colon into the unhealthy one, on the belief that the best way to kill the destructive germs and flora is to attack them with the beneficial bacteria and flora that already reside in a healthy colon. In March an unidentified man in Sydney, New Brunswick, who had been turned down for a transplant by doctors at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, performed a risky transplant of an unreported substance, by himself, in his own bathroom. He apparently suffered no ill effects, but doctors told the Chronicle Herald of Halifax, Nova Scotia, that since the “product” must get into the large bowel, merely giving yourself an enema does not assure success.

Through the years, unusual highway tractor-trailer spills have fascinated News of the Weird readers such as the time a truck carrying pork collided with a truck carrying eggs, creating a highway dish of ham and eggs. In March on Highway 11 in northeastern Ontario, a Brinks tractor-trailer carrying nothing but $1 and $2 Canadian coins hit a boulder in the roadway, scattering a “debris field” of millions of dollars, forcing the closing of the road. Among the cleanup equipment required: a “magnetic” crane and a front-end loader that scooped up most of the soil in the field so that the coins could later be sifted out.

Least Competent Criminals: In Twin Falls, Idaho, in April, Dylan Contreras, 19, became the most recent person arrested while trying to avoid police by giving a fake name (“Velesco”) even though his real name (the one on outstanding warrants) was tattooed in

plain sight on his forearm. In April, a teller at Chicago’s Northwest Side bank became the most recent to thwart a robbery simply by telling the perp (who had presented a holdup note) that the bank is now closed and suggesting that the robber come back the next day. (The perp walked out and did not return.)

Updates Fine Points of the Law: A woman who was injured while traveling on business in November 2007 in New South Wales, Australia, was denied worker’s compensation by the workplace safety tribunal on the grounds that the injury occurred in her motel room while she was having sex with a friend. (A wall light fixture came loose as a result of the pair’s vigorous antics.) However, in April 2012, Australia’s Federal Court overturned the decision and granted the compensation, ruling that since the woman was on assignment at the time, the overnight stay, and even the sex, were “ordinary incidents” of the situation her employer placed her in.

A New York City system-gaming public school teacher, Alan Rosenfeld, 66, continues to show up for make-work (such as photocopying “duty”), at a salary of $100,000 a year, rather than retire. Rosenfeld was accused in 2001 of making lewd comments to female students in his typing class and removed from classroom duty, but he protested and continues to exercise his union “due process” rights. In a January status report, the New York Post noted that Rosenfeld could have retired four years ago, but that by remaining on the “job,” the value of his pension increases, and the light duty enables him to conduct his real estate business while at “work.”

Fun for Everyone: The Ahlgrim Family Funeral Services in Palatine, Ill. (first reported in News of the Weird in 1991), continues to serve its community with the unique game room in the basement that it rents out for parties (except during actual funeral events).

Even though the arcade games, shuffleboard and billiards are popular, the main basement attraction is still the nine-hole miniature golf course with its own “hazard” rules (e.g., two-stroke penalty for disturbing a “grave” on the course).

6921 MARKET ST., WILMINGTON • 1-910-799-1277 FULL SERVICE MARINE STORE CERTIFIED MASTER TECH & RIGGER ON DUTY Largest Selection Of Trailer Parts In Southeastern NC!

Best Prices

Boat trailerS • PartS & rePair • marine SuPPlieS

www.marinewarehousecenter.com • sales@marinewarehousecenter.com

FINANCING AVAILABLE

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 7

artsysartsy|

8-9 THEATRE 11-13 ART 15-21 FASHION 23 FILM 24-29 MUSIC 30-33 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

misery enjoys u ‘ company:

Browncoat’s ‘No Exit’ proves as much true hler

by Gwenyfar Ro No Exit

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ d Theatre owncoat Pub an

Br et 111 Grace Stre 1-2, 8 p.m. or 6/ d 5/25-27 an 5 p.m. $8-$15 Sun. matinees,

I

find it fascinating that last weekend

there were two shows in town each with surprising links to the Holocaust. “I Am My Own Wife”played at Red Barn and depicted the surprising life of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf who lived openly as a transvestite through both the Nazi and Communist occupations of Germany. At the other end of downtown, the Browncoat Pub and Theater opened Jean Paul Sartre’s “No Exit”—which originally premiered in Paris just prior to liberation. It’s a shocking script to contemplate slipping past the Nazi censors at such a charged time.

“No Exit” is a short play with one set and four characters. It is a show that appeals to actors and directors because it demands a great deal from the thespians. They must hold the audience’s attention and communicate deeply without the aid of many of the “magic-making elements” of theater, like props, costume changes, reveals through set pieces or, in a modern world, video projections. The show famously opens in a tacky drawing room, where Joseph Garcin (Tony Moore) is being shown around by a valet (Brendan Carter). After establishing the parameters (the lights never go out, there is no sleeping, and that dreadful bit of brass art that resembles the circles of hell is too heavy to lift), he is joined by two women: Inez Serrano (Susan Auten) and Estelle Rigault (Monica White). It is quite clear from the beginning that they are dead and now in hell, but what their torture remains to be unfolds slowly.

It is hard for me to not like Tony Moore onstage.

He has tremendous comedic timing, and what I have seen of him in dramatic roles (“The Bennett

8 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Boy,” “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail”), he plays such sympathetic characters with realism and genuine concern. In turn, the audience loves him. Seeing him in this role was a change. He plays a pacifist journalist in a country at war, who in spite of his strong moral positions in print, was a coward in real life and the tormentor of his martyred wife. In many ways the character is reminiscent of Sartre himself, who was far from a stand-up guy where women were concerned. My theatre companion asked after the show why the man’s crimes or sins were so negligible compared to the women’s? Was he a misogynist? Perhaps only Simone de Beauvoir could honestly answer that question.

Moore plays Garcin as the guy you never want to date: He talks big, spends lavishly, sees himself as a hero, but only to cover up the truly deep fear and insecurity that he is a coward, and when you need him he won’t be there. But he is an opportunist in every sense of the word. In Moore’s hands, he begins as very bourgeois and ends as one of the creepiest men you’ve ever seen. How does one of the nicest people you’ve ever met turn into the sad, pathetic and terrifying monster, willfully tormenting these two women for all of eternity? It was quite the transformation.

Auten’s character of Inez Serrano is a perplexing mismash that makes her fascinating. At first her crime appears to be a possible suicide—or is it lesbianism? No, she is an old-school bully, a sadist pure and simple, but with a charisma that is irresistible. As an only child, I have long regarded the interaction of the characters in “No Exit” as what my view of sibling relationships must be like. Auten perfectly brings to life my image of a big sister: manipulative, superior and at times fearful when her plot has been discovered.

Monica White’s Estelle is the woman that other women love to hate: very pretty, very certain of it and completely dependent upon her ability to manipulate men in order to validate her existence. She is shallow and unlikable on every level. White plays her as not terribly bright, with slow-measured words that end

up having no substance. Petted and spoiled, she is used to having her way, and White plays that unconsciously, rather than making a demand and waiting to see the response that it elicits. She plays Estelle as a woman who could not conceive that her every want would be fulfilled and, consequently, doesn’t wait for others to acquiesce; she just presumes. Oddly, she plays the coquette who measures Garcin perfectly.

At one point Inez accuses her of calculating every action and move for Garcin’s benefit. White has in fact been doing that since the moment she walked onstage, like any young woman with an object in her eye. He is the prize and everything is a performance for him. So, the revelation that she is the most hideous of the torturous onstage, with no remorse for either of her great sins, nor the ongoing misery she creates, is perhaps all more surprising because of the beautiful package that houses this horror.

This is one of the better sets I’ve seen at the Browncoat. A lot of effort went into to making it just so terribly bourgeois and pretentiously tacky. Of special note was the faux finish paint job that was meant to suggest flames and the entwined three-pronged lamp that was flame like in the back—subtle, yet evocative. The walls in particular just reek of the wave of sponge techniques advocated by home improvement stores and TV shows in the ‘90s that we still have to be polite about.

The evening began with Browncoat impresario, Richard Davis, making a curtain speech in which he announced that Ms. White was suffering from a very bad case of the flu and, against her doctor’s orders, was performing anyway. Though he praised her for embodying the axiom “the show must go on,” it was the first of several things added to the evening to make the audience squirm. Really? She’s that sick?

So, that means contagion, right? Well, probably not from the stage, right? Combine that with the air conditioning turned down, and there were enough added touches of discomfort to really drive the point home that hell in fact may be other people.

This isn’t a comfortable show, and it’s not meant to be. Self examination is miserable, and in front of other people, it is excruciating. This cast almost leaves you itching from their bareness.

unabashed pride:

//THEATRE

‘La Cage’ delivers equal parts thought and humor

I

t can’t be a bad thing that the

opening number, “We Are What We Are,” of Thalian Association’s latest show, “La Cage aux Folles,” sticks in one’s music memory for days on end. Its blazing and impacting chorus truly should be sung in unison by the whole world on the fringe of recognizing differences make us better people—and doing so with a colorful feather and a sparkle of shine makes us all the more grand!

The show follows the life of nightclub owner Georges (John Burke) and his life love, Albin (Lance Howell) who moonlights as a transvestite showgirl, Zaza, in a Saint Tropez club adjacent to their home. Their life has breezily moved along in their 20-year “marriage,” as recognized without judgement by the many townspeople who know them as local celebrities. When their son, Jean-Michel (Tré Cotton), arrives home to announce his engagement to the daughter of a French diplomat—who doesn’t stand for such an alternative lifestyle of immorality—their lives become threatened by disrespect of happiness and accepting their own truths.

The cast of “La Cage” does a good job giving it their all in this packed show of quippy dialogue book-ended by song and dance. Nothing can be faulted for effort; however, a lot can be blamed by way of energy and chemistry—both of which lacked, especially in the first act of the show last Friday night. Aside from the outstanding tap-dance number of the Cagelles (the nightclub showgirls), most other ensemble song-and-dances felt rather clunky, as highlighted from out-of-sync choreography. Having seen my fair share of drag shows, most “showgirls” are spot-on in giving grandiose performances. Something about the Cagelles seemed mismatched and less over-the-top than I had hoped to see. Their glitz was less glimmery. Sure, there were feather headresses and sequins, but they looked chintcy rather than va-va-voom and glamorous. However, the addition of the dominatrix gear, whose character whips and bashes about the stage, left me asking for more, please.

What worked when the ensemble sang in unison were the baritones, which often shone paradoxically to being in heavy makeup, girdles and braziers, just as its lyrics were written: “We are what we are/and what we are is an illusionWe love how it feels/putting on heels causing confusion.” It was great to hear gravelly vocals coming from a man dressed as a bosom-buddy in Cleopatra headgear.

The addition of the two females, Natalie Griffie as Marcel and Leslie Anne Pierce as Marceau, as drag kings certainly added a great touch to the cast; I imagine it helped carry the soprano and falsetto notes as needed. Their twin-act brought another layer of quirky sideshow flair that one would expect to find in a fan-

by Shea Carver s La Cage aux Folle

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ alianhall.org 24-27 • $25 • th

5/ 0 Chestnut Street Thalian Hall • 31 (910) 632-2241

tastical nightclub on the French Riviera.

Of the leads, Lance Howell was a steal. His Albin made the perfect queen, who’s life in domestic bliss and onstage performing with just a touch more makeup—as heard in the pickme-up “A Little More Mascara”—made him happiest. Out of all the cast members, Howell definitely worked most with the humor written in the Harvey Fierstein musical. He secured the most laughs, the most gorgeous costume changes, and carried the show with his overly dramatic frets. That his worry seemed completely grounded and he loved so unabashedly with fury was as absolutely convincing as a mother in midtown America who revels in such rapport with her family. Howell didn’t have to work overtime to evoke strong emotion.

I adored him most when he wore “men’s clothes,” which looked like suits designed by Elton John nonetheless. And his striking resemblance to Michael Stipe during those moments threw me off a bit; if he would have belted “Everybody Hurts” at the end of act one, it would have been as appropriate. Instead he gave a reprise of “We Are What We Are” solo in “I Am What I Am,” with hard enunciation and unforgiving dignity. The audience responded in acceptance, with loud applause and quite a few yell-backs. To say he worked it would be an understatement; he owned the show.

Act two is where “La Cage” shined most brightly. The meeting of the families and the scheme of introducing Albin as a female wife welcomed many light-hearted romps. It also showcased Albin’s husband, Georges, more remarkably. John Burke played Georges less effeminately than expected; he was the man of the two, to put it best. He gave the nightclub owner a bit of a laid-back mien, with harmless sarcastic overtones and a hint of flashy style— hot-pink glittery cummerbund included. For the most part, he also came across as the most level-headed. He was the yin to Albin’s yang: more logical than emotional, reasonable than erratic, which also leads to less sensitivity, the bane of every man’s existence.

The biological father of Jean-Michel, after a tryst with a lady showgirl some 20-years earlier (which Albin rightfully threw up in argument when the time arose, as expected of any good woman), Burke carried his role with suave ease.

He also punctuated a billowing singing voice, which really stunned the audience in “Look

THE ENSEMBLE: Lance L. Howell (center) carries “La Cage aux Folles” beautfiully, among a cast of Les Cagelles, including CJ Poythress, Dean Forte, Newlin Parker and James Wayland Elk. Photo by Chris Ochs.

Over There.” My only qualm lied in his absence of tender affection with Howell. The words they spoke as lovers said so much as true; yet, their action—or inaction as the case may be—made it fell less authentic.

Tré Cotton is an outstanding Wilmington actor who storms the stage every time he takes to it. I hate to admit his role as Jean-Michel in “La Cage” felt forced. In “With Anne on My Arm,” he sang beautifully—something which cannot be denied of Cotton in general. Still, it seemed as though he was only walking through the motions of this character with everyone whom he interacted—his father, mother, the in-laws and even his bride. In fact, while his bride, Anne, was a sweet dollface, she seemed only there as a prop: to dance with and kiss when need be.

Played by Kaitlin Baden, her lines were limited, and she fulfilled them well, but her connectivity with Cotton felt strained.

Yet, her staunch, upright parents were great.

Played by the always amazing Steve Gallian, Eduoard Dindon is the equal of a modern-day farright conservative. Gallian made him unforgiving and unaccepting of anything other than the traditional “man-and-woman-marry-to-equal-family” scenario. He wore venom in his eyes and body language well. Linsey McGrath played his wife, Marie Dindon, passive to her husband’s wishes, but she maintained an erratic whimsy which became endearing.

Of other supporting roles, my favorite was Penny Kohut who played the French restaurateur, Jacqueline. How marvelous of a dress she wore in its bright gold and satin, and her mannerisms were delicious. Admittedly, she reminded me of another lively French restaurateur in town who I adore. Her energy filled the restaurant scene and one of the best ensemble numbers of the night, “The Best of Times.” And her accent was perfect (apparently, this comes from years living in Montreal).

Also a sheer joy was Ashley Grantham as the butler-cummaid, Jacob. Grantham’s humor was a highlight of the evening.

His interactions with Burke were great, and I would have loved to have seen more of his character in crazed costumes and bizarro twists of humor. Every time he was onstage, it was a pick-me-up to the cast.

The review can’t go by without mentioning one of my fave stars of the show, Yum Yum. Before “La Cage” opened, 12 selected audience members were welcomed onstage to enjoy champagne and interact with the drag queen. She sashayed about, into the audience, and welcomed all to the show. It was really a perfect introduction in making us understand we were going to engage a night of full-fledged, audacious entertainment.

Led by a 16-piece band onstage, thanks to conductor Jonathan Barber leading the cacophony of horns, reeds, percussion, bass and piano, the music definitely had its brush with French overtones. Though I would have loved to hear more accordian—and maybe a pick up in tempo in some songs in the first act—I didn’t write the score, so such wishes seem fruitless.

The set, while magnanimously impressive, prevented seamless scene-changes. Paired with a lull in certain moments, considering the script itself and the precedent set so high from its 11 Tony wins after two Broadway revivals, “La Cage aux Folles” waxed and waned in flamboyant appeal. Still, it has so many elements to adore, and at its heart is a timely message considering NC’s passage of Amendment One. While most folks shan’t expect a preachy musical, what they can expect are equal doses of reverent thought and irreverent humor. If one’s platform walks the side of ultra conservative, without any tolerance of life that actually exists outside of it, well, I encourage you to come to the show regardless. It is a feel-good story that everyone can appreciate, with pride carrying it through.

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 9

//ART

new space, veteran artist: New Elements celebrates recent move and exhibition with Michael Van Hout no

by Alex Pomplia and Opening Gr ts New Elemen ington ., downtown Wilm St ss ce in Pr 1 20 p.m.-9 p.m.

Friday, 5/25, 6 tsgallery.com www.newelemen

A

s one of wilmington’s pre-

art and craft galleries, New Elements’ roots run deep in the Cape Fear community. With its past locations on North and South Front streets, the gallery has played an integral part of our downtown’s art scene since 1985. To commemorate its transition to its new home on the corner of 2nd and Princess streets, the public is invited to New Elements Gallery’s grand opening event this Friday.

“This is very historic for us to make this change,” says Merrimon Kennedy, owner of New Elements. “We wanted to have a ceremony and make it official that we have mier

made it 27 years [downtown].”

The grand opening festivities will begin on Friday, May 25th at 6 p.m. with a ribboncutting ceremony and a few words from Mayor Bill Saffo. The event will be held in conjunction with Fourth Friday Gallery Night and marks the opening of a new exhibition at the gallery, “Outside the Lines,” which will showcase works by local artist Michael Van Hout.

The decision to move after almost three decades on Front Street was a long time coming, due to a little forward thinking by Kennedy. “I was being proactive,” she explains. “I knew that [our former] building had been on the market for a while, and I wanted to move into a new location before it sold.”

Initially, Kennedy was reluctant for her gallery to stray too far away from Front, but would go on to find a suitable match for New Elements a few blocks around the corner on Princess. “Even though it wasn’t on Front, I felt like we were a destination busi-

Dentistry That’s Something to Smile About!

Comprehensive Dentistry in a relaxed, comfortable environment

Special Offers $65 New Patient Dental Exam New patients save $151 on a comprehnsive exam by the doctor, including needed x-rays.

$45 New Patient Dental Cleaning New patients save $46 on a professional dental cleaning. A new patient dental exam is required.

Periodontal therapy requires an additional fee.

Care for the whole family!

Mary Lynn King, DDS 3317 Masonboro Loop Road, Suite 140

$65 New Children’s Cleaning & Exam New patients age 12 and under save $184 on a professional dental cleaning, fluoride treatment, needed x-rays, and a doctor’s exam.

Join us for a lifetime of great smiles. Call

910.791.7911

www.CrownMySmile.com 10 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

ness and that clients would find us no matter where we went,” Kennedy says.

There was only one problem: The new space was quite the fixer-upper. Kennedy credits her husband, Tom, an experienced designer and builder, for having the vision to see the potential in the space and how to plan its makeover.

According to Kennedy, “he was able to see past the existing configuration of small rooms, and visualize the open floor plan and effective use of natural light.”

It took six months for the renovation (or as Kennedy puts it: a complete transformation) to be finalized.

However, once the dust settled and the gallery was assembled, Kennedy was delighted to find that the finished product surpassed her expectations.

“The [new gallery] displays artwork so beautifully,” she beams. “It has high ceilings and ambient light pours through the window, and at night the lighting is very dramatic. It’s a more intimate space; the floor plan lends itself nicely to displaying art.”

As mentioned, the grand opening event coincides with the Fourth Friday Gallery Night, the monthly after-hours gallery crawl.

Kennedy, who founded the initial Fourth Friday event a decade ago, says she’s happy to see that the community and visitors alike have embraced the event.

“It’s something for people to look forward to each month,” Kennedy explains.

“I think it says a lot about the Wilmington arts scene that we’ve been able to keep it going this long—and the attendance continues to grow.

This month New Elements’ featured artist is sculptor Michael Van Hout. A graduate of UNCG, Van Hout gained recognition with his earliest folk-art sculptures, which often utilized sheet metal and copper to form

WIRED FOR SUCCESS: Michael Van Hout’s latest sculptures will be on display as part of New Elements gallery grand opening event, celebrating their latest move downtown. Courtesy photo

various forms of wildlife. A departure from his older pieces, “Outside the Lines” will showcase a variety of new wire sculptures featuring musicians, portrait heads and people performing everyday activities. As an important new chapter in Van Hout’s career, there is no venue more suitable than New Elements; the gallery and the artist have been collaborating for exhibits for decades.

“Michael and I go way back to 1989,” Kennedy recalls. “[‘Outside the Lines’] is going to be very different from what a lot of people are familiar with; we’re really excited with the new direction he’s taking his art.”

Van Hout’s “Outside the Lines” will remain on display at New Elements Gallery from May 25th through June 16th.

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 11

//ART

bringing it home: Acme celebrates 20 years with group show

A

cme has been around wilmi-

ington for two decades now, beckoning the best and most creative spirit out of its resident artists. With works running the gamut of printmaking to painting, boatbuilding to sculpture, drawings to photography, if an art can be imagined, it most likely has had its place among the warehouse’s walls in the North Fourth district of downtown.

Seven visual artists—Dick Roberts, Pam Toll, Marshall Milton, Carol Collier, Rick Mobbs, John Peckham and Wayne Upchurch—often met to creatively loaf back in the early ‘90s, which led to group projects. At the same time, an established figure-drawing group was born, among “Art Dialogue” discussions then led by the local arts council, and art alliances began to expand on Wilmington’s burgeoning scene.

“We launched the ‘First Full Moon Show’ at fledgling restaurant Caffe Phoenix, which at the time offered a bottomless cup of coffee for artist types,” one of Acme’s founders, Pam Toll, remembers. “The call for art was open, no entry fee or jury. We hung paintings, drawings and photographs in the restaurant and installed sculpture upstairs where authors read from their manuscripts. The second ‘Full Moon Art Show’ followed in several downtown Wilmington venues. The route was marked by hundreds of luminaries.”

After the meetings and collaborations saw success, the seven spirited artists found that a studio space serving them and a third Full Moon Art Show would propel camaraderie among collective exhibits, which could spark more energy into the arts locally. “In February 1991 the group settled on a warehouse on North Fifth Avenue,” Toll remembers. “[We] pooled money for rent and labored to revise the interior spaces.”

They met with former blacksmith Ton Whiteside and started construction to make a workspace built on the foundation of a community’s

by Shea Carver versar y show Home: 20th anni s Acme Ar t Studio p.m.

9 . m 5/25, 6 p.

• Free!

711 N. 5th Ave. artistic needs. They divided the space into studios and common areas. “The more serious our focus became, the more our core group shrank,” Toll says. Over the last 11 years, after a few moves and buy-outs, Acme ownership has belonged to Roberts, Toll and Milton, with the help of Michael Van Hout (read about his latest art opening on page 11), continuing the Acme dream and enterprise.

Since its inception, the studio space has housed 131 artists in any medium imaginable: movie set and costume designers, potters, fiber artists and art students included.

“We have also rented space to a cowboyboot artisan, a blacksmith, a framemaker, papermaker, an artist who made wall hangings from skateboards, a gem cutter, a couple of musicians, cabinet makers, and a nurse who burned a Barbie doll installation at Burning Man,” Toll says.

Having been a practice space for local theatre groups, as well as a meeting space for the Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear and exhibit space for No Boundaries, Acme still remains a home to many working creativetypes—some of whom even secure lucrative gigs, as Toll explains. “Artists at Acme still rent art, and design and fabricate props for the movies and television,” including for the upcoming “Iron Man” film.

Acme will hold its annual group show this weekend, with its focus on the theme “Home.”

Art from its 16 renters and its working owners will hang. We spoke with Toll about the show and Acme’s evolution over the years.

Southeastern Camera

new and used digital and film cameras

camera bags & accessories | memory cards UDENT film tripods | digital printing supplies | traditional ST AND CTOR darkroom supplies | lighting equipment INSTRUUNTS reflectors | used equipment DISCO 1351 S. Kerr Ave. • (910) 313-2999 • OPEN: 10-6 M-F 10-4 Sat. • Closed Sunday 12 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

in one space and the generous spirit celebrated at Acme.

e: Tell me how ACME has coddled your journey as an artist.

PT: I don’t know if I would call it coddling, but I have always worked hard for the community. The payoffs have been enormous: a supportive environment where creation and collaboration flourish. I have also understood the need to get outside one’s comfort zone, which led to many projects abroad, and bringing many artists from the U.S. and abroad here.

encore: Would you say Acme has changed from how it started to what it’s become today?

Pam Toll: It has definitely evolved—the tenants are more serious about what they are doing than the early days. We added a heating system, better plumbing, track lights and walls in the “gallery area” and a new roof with skylights.

In recent years we joined the Fourth Friday Gallery Nights. In earlier days we were barely on the radar—opening to the public on rare occasion. Acme still serves its original purpose of providing inexpensive working space for artists—and a supportive community. e: How many members are there, and how have they been selected?

PT: There are five owners and 16 artists renting space. The renting of space is unanimously agreed upon by the board of directors. No judging of art work is part of the process; more a matching of needs and services and an effort to keep the community congenial. e: How many shows do you do a year? What benefits do members get?

PT: There are now 12 exhibitions a year. We rely on a calendar these days where artists sign up for an exhibition (the calendar has few spaces open until 2014). There are also some great cooperative efforts or group exhibits. For example Michelle Connolly’s “Puppet Show” coincided with a city-wide puppet festival, No Boundaries Exhibitions, and most recently Dick Robert’s “Le Petit Atelier du Monde” project Artists get the benefit of each other’s expertise—the benefit of opportunity and networking that comes through so much talent

e: On your website you say: "I am inclined towards narrative fed by real and imagined stories. Everything I know and am converges when I paint. Driven by memory, intention and intuition, I am thinking all over the place.” Can you expand on this?

PT: I am a storyteller—and inherit this tendency from a great love of reading (novels and poetry), a tradition of storytelling in my family (the funny anecdotes a large family spawns— one grandfather was a high school janitor the other a deputy sheriff). Also the stories told in quilt-making (particularly Grannie Mattie, Great Aunt Polly, and Mom) and the songs my dad sang when playing the guitar.

I am inspired by nearly every sleeping and waking hour—the problem is focus. Sometimes I will see a painting in my head provoked by a few words, or something I saw. My process is collage-like—melding all sorts of imagery and story lines that become another story in the end—reliant on the stories that the viewer brings to the work.

There was a young painter at Acme who once told me that the artist deposits her energy in the painting’s surface, and when someone else looks at a painting there is a reverberation of energy between the two.

e: What can folks expect of your work in the upcoming group show? New stuff?

PT: I am planning on pulling out some older works that embody both themes at work— “Home” and a celebration of 20 years like “Still Wife,” a collage about the strong female characters in my family. If you want to see new work, come to my exhibition at 621 North Fourth a week later.

e: Can you explain some of them and the artists/mediums?

PT: There are sculptors, photographers, furniture makers, painters, assemblage and collage artists; filmmaker Gary Breece will show his film, too.

galleryguide| Artfuel.inc

2165 Wrightsville Ave. • (910) 343 5233 Mon.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. www.artfuelinc.com Artfuel.inc is a multimedia studio and art gallery, now located at the intersection of Wrightsville Avenue and Dawson Street.Artfuel’s 30th art show features Tuki Lucero, Jonas Mcluggage, Brian Mergenthaler, Stephen Bode, Nicole Nicole.

ArtExposure!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC 910-803-0302 / 910-330-4077 Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (or by appt.) artexposure50.com From Wilmington, drive north on Highway 17 and you will encounter an art center unique to our area. Look for the big red barn! A large open space hosts 2nd Friday Opening Receptions each month at 6 p.m. Representing over 40 local and regional artists in our member’s gallery, we offer local arts and crafts in our gift shop. ArtExposure presently has studio space rented to five working artists. In addition, there is a frame shop and art supply store. Also available for receptions, weddings, meetings and the like. Along with its large open space downstairs, there is a loft area upstairs suitable for smaller gatherings.

Lynn Padgett, a local watercolor artist will be on display through June 5th. The June show is open to all NC artists. Go to the “Opportunities for Artists” page on the website to download an entry form. The theme is Pets and Animals.”

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

FIGMENTS

1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Ste. II 910-509-4289 • figmentsgallery.com Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

“Figments is an art gallery brimming with unlimited creative vision and talent. We are a community of artists who are passionate about the journey of artful creation. We have an unintimidating art boutique where you can find locally made artwork for your home. We also have a relaxed classroom space where students of all skill levels can learn and grow creatively. Come.

Be inspired.

Please visit our gallery in Landfall Shopping Center at 1319 Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington, or look to our website at www.figmentsgallery.com for information on these classes and more: Living Words -- Foundations of Poetry Writing with Michelle Hicks, Studio Oil Painting Workshops and Demonstrations with Alessandro Giambra, Broken Plate Mosaic with Mary Cook, Light and Loose Acrylic on Canvas with Alice Houston, Intro to Clay with Pauline Purdim,

historic fishing village of Calabash, NC, features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South Carolina’s most creative, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisan-crafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, pottery studio, custom framing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee With the Author series are also offered onsite.

The next featured show runs through Thursday, May 31. It’s titled “Feed Your Eclectic Soul: A showing of custom design, fine crafts and gently loved pieces from the past.” Sunset River will have a beautiful collection of unusual pillows, textural table runners and other fabric pieces by Beth Pethtal combined with gallery owner Ginny Lassiter’s eclectic eye for incorporating antiques, pottery and contemporary pieces into a warm and cohesive design.

Get Wet and Wild with Yupo with Christine Farley, Mixed Media with Artist Michelle Connolly and more!”

New Elements Gallery

201 Princess St. • (919) 343-8997 Tues.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (or by appt.) newelementsgallery.com The Grand Opening of New Elements’ new location will take place Friday, May 25, 6-9 p.m. with festivities beginning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from Mayor Saffo at 6 p.m. (see page 11 for story). The event coincides with Fourth Friday Gallery Night and marks the opening of a new exhibition at the gallery, “Outside the Lines,” showcasing works by local artist Michael Van Hout. Hout is a graduate of UNCG and began creating his earliest sculptures in a folk-art style from found materials. Outside the Lines will feature a variety of Van Hout’s figurative pieces.

He has expanded his subject matter to include musicians, portrait heads and people performing everyday activities using his signature wire sculpture techniques. The exhibition will remain on display through June 16th.

Orton’s Underground Art Galleries

133 N. Front • (910) 859-8441 Everyday after 5 p.m. www.ortonsuderground.com America’s oldest pool hall and Wilmington’s finest bar are also the home of Wilmington’s newest art galleries. Currently showing in the gallery: “The Long Perspective.” Immerse yourself in the bold lines and vibrant colors of art by local artist Lance Strickland. Opening Fri., June 15th at 8 p.m. is the Toilet Seat Art Show, “Art a la commode.” Peruse an amazing collection of painted poopers from some of the best local and regional artists, organized by Robert Kass. 10% of all art sales goes to the Full Belly Project.

WiCKED GALLERY

ARTEXPOSURE! Lynn Padgett’s work from ArtExposure’s “Looking Back” show. Their next show will feature pets and animals in June. Courtesy photo

ington through the eyes of a local!

Sunset River Marketplace 10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. sunsetrivermarketplace.com This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the

205 Princess St. • (910) 960-7306 Tues. 12-5 p.m.

Wed.-Sat. 6:30-11:30 p.m. onewickedgallery.com Wicked is home to Gabriel Lehman’s studios upstairs. Gabriel’s paintings are whimsical and fanciful, yet sometimes dark, putting the viewer immediately in touch with their inner child. We have a great fondness for his exquisite work, and we celebrate the fantastic characters of his artistic world. In our floor-level gallery, we are currently hanging “The Whimsy,” a show with insanely ingenious artists all defining the magical, clever and fantastical whimsy in art. Featuring works from Allison Weeks Thomas, Brittny Roller, Shannon Stamey, Gabriel Lehman and Wendy L. Barber.

Show will run through June 18th.

River to Sea Gallery

225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (Free parking) • (910)-763-3380 Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 1 - 4 p.m.

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

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

Our current exhibit “Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures. Experience Wilm-

Open for Brunch and Dinner on Mother’s Day! Brunch 11am-2pm Dinner 5pm-Until

115 S. Front St. Downtown Wilmington • (910) 763-7773 www.aubrianas.com | facebook.com/Aubrianas encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 13

B.S.*

Colin wears a French Connection ‘Extrusion Snood’ (Infinity Scarf) $78, Jedidiah Check Boardshort $56, available at bloke.

*Bathing Suits

Photography: Matthew Dols Hair, Makeup, and Styling: Blush Haus of Beauté Tess Wheatley & Patt Flores Location: OminSource Models: Madison Hatch Zannie Owens Colin Peterson Sarah Cooper Thomas

Sarah wears a Maria Bikini $165, The Maria Bikini is HANDMADE by Jessie Williams, is reversible and can be worn 5 different ways, available at Edge of Urge

Madison wears a Matix Wilson Board short $54, available at Sweetwater Surf Shop.

Zannie wears an Acacia Seminyak Bottom with crochet-clear water $90, Acacia Kenya Top with crochet-clear water $90, available at Sweetwater Surf Shop.

14 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Sarah wears ZAD bracelet Suede and Silver Bar snap cuff $18, L*Space Hippie Chic Top Blush $89, L*Space Forget Me Knot Bottom Blush $93, available at Sweetwater Surf Shop. 31Bits 100% Recycled “Shackle” Necklace in Yellow $38 available at Lilies and Lace.

Zannie wears a Vitamin A “Runway” suit, in Smoke $159, available at Lilies and Lace.

Woven Bangles $18/each, comes in two different colors and sizes, Frequency and Candy Stripe available at Edge of Urge.

Zannie wears a Mara Hoffman “Short Inca Poncho Dress” in Inca White $260, available at Torri/Bell. Silver Girl Multi Fabric Bangles $14, Kenya Top with crochet-clear water $90, available at Sweetwater Surf Shop. encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 15

Colin wears a Jedidiah Linen Stripe Boardshort Salmon/Black $56, available at bloke.

Leisure Society “Oxford” 18K gold and hand-stamped leather detail sunglasses $870, available at Port City Eye Associates.

16 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Sarah wears a Theodora & Callum “Serape Scarf” in fuschia multi $145 available at Torri/Bell. Acacia Hossegor bottom-kiwi $86 available at Sweetwater Surf Shop.

Iosselliani Shade Fringe Earrings, $306, Iosselliani Multi-Wire Bracelet, $288 available at Beanie + Cecil.

Sarah wears a Maria Bikini $165, The Maria Bikini is HANDMADE by Jessie Williams and is reversible and can be worn 5 different ways, available at Edge of Urge. Oliver Goldsmith “Koko� blacklace color Sunglasses $377, available at Port City Eye Associates.

Madison wears a Brixton Plank Board short $52 available at Sweetwater Surf Shop.

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 17

18 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

far left: Zannie wears a Rag & Bone Ibiza Bikini, top- $105 bottom- $95, A.L.C. Ainsley Sweater, $346, available at Beanie + Cecil. close left: Zannie wears an Acacia Seminyak Bottom with crochet-clear water $90, Acacia Kenya Top with crochet-clear water $90, Bamboo Co. Turquoise ring $34, Zad multi link ring $22, Silver Girl Multi Fabric Bangles $14, available at Sweetwater Surf Shop. top right: Zannie wears a Coral Ruffle Top $35, Floral Ruffle Cheekies $35, available at castlescouture.com.

Sarah wears an L*Space Beverly Bandeau Top Multi $75 available at Sweetwater Surf Shop. bottom right: Colin wears Mykita “Wyatt” strip titanium sunglasses $473, available at Port City Eye Associates.

Madison wears an Insight Trunks Knitta Psych Trunks $60, Mid length Retro style boardshorts, with a rad knit pattern in collaboration with artist Magda Sayeg and Edge of Urge, available at Edge fo Urge.

Cover Photo: Sarah wears an L*Space Beverly Bandeau Top Multi $75, L*Space Estella Hipster Bottom Multi $69 available at Sweetwater Surf Shop.

Mykita “Laetitia” strip titanium sunglasses $473 available at Port City Eye Associates.

Snake Wraps $22, these versatile pieces of jewelry can be worn as bracelet or necklace available at Edge of Urge. encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 19

E

Y

PI

w

V E E ’ R N Y I S K U C I ND P A G

5pm to 9pm

$20/PERSON kids 12 and under

$8

All you can eat

Slow Hickory Smoked Hog from Wells Pork Products Cole Slaw, Cornbread, Mixed Green Salad, Baked Beans, Mac and Cheese, Collards & Watermelon Drinks, Tax & Gratuity extra

20 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Now open daily from 5 p.m. and serving a pre-theater menu from 5 to 6:30 Tuesday, through Friday Please check our Facebook page for more info.

winning entrepreneur:

//FASHION

Edge of Urge’s Jessie Williams gets recognized for her business savvy

F

or some, fashion is born as inherently as one’s personality. Among those artistically captivating creatures is Jessie Williams, owner and operator of downtown’s artist collective and fashion retail hotspot, Edge of Urge. Williams opened her store of whimsy back in 2002 along Water Street, offering an arrany of hand-knitted scarves and hats, along with her designs of tees and skits, as well as other textile artists contributing to its retail wares. When she moved a few years later to Market Street, her products, artists and passion grew with it.

Fast-forward to 2012, and Williams’ tireless work continues in bringing the most funky, creatively inspiring styles to men and women of Wilmington. Better yet, she has been recognized as part of UNCW and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year in retail.

Thanks to her team of players who make the shop’s fashion-forward aesthetic so popular, the job is not just getting done devotedly but with great success.

“EoU team member Michael Ussery nominated me—that sneaky fella!” Williams says. “This award means so much to me. I started this business 10 years ago this July and have only made it this far because of the support of other artists, designers, musicians, creative business minds, friends, family, NC’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, UNCW and so many more.”

With 11 individuals working with diligent, innovative talents, Williams calls the award validating for her entire team. No one knows better than she that working hard and with earnest creates better products.

“The EoU team are like-minded individuals who want to grow, share and be a part of something near and dear to all of our hearts,” she says. Yet, as a business owner, it doesn’t mean hard times don’t come-a-knocking. In fact, it’s mandatory for anyone in order to experience growth.

“The most difficult part can be the weight of the responsibility at times,” Williams tells honestly. “Sometimes I don’t think people realize the sacrifices that come along with being a business owner.”

However, in no way should that circumvent the pride and ownership gained from being one’s own success story. The responsibility is counteracted by the freedom to steer one’s own dreams. In this case, it comes with “ice cream sundaes and candy rainbows,” along with an experienced and honed-in talent of following one’s own premonitions.

“Listen to your gut,” Williams advises to

by Shea Carver encore editor

SEWN INTO ACHIEVEMENT: Jessie Williams, owner of Edge of Urge, wins UNCW and Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in the retail category. Courtesy photo

others looking to strengthen their entrepreneurial spirit. “Learn to live with uncertainty and don’t be afraid of mistakes—they’re going to happen. Utilize all of the free and wonderful community resources like Small Business Center and SCORE Association, Counselors to America’s Small Business. Replace the word ‘problem’ with ‘opportunity,’ and you will be golden!”

While running her own storefront, Williams has found a lot of EoU’s success in online orders, thanks to her weekly updated website, featuring new shoes, clothes, jewelry and household items for sale. Aside from selling well-known brand names like Jeffrey Campbell and Mimic, Williams features one-of-akind local products from artisans like Freaker America, I Like It Here Club, Ruby Assata and Castles Couture.

“I personally, truly enjoy watching designers grow and evolve,” she states. “I truly appreci-

ate each individual’s creativity, and appreciate their trust in us to represent their designs out into the world.”

Williams is also expanding her own offerings daily, whether through her handmade feather earrings (as seen on Vanessa Hudgens and featured in InStyle magazine), dresses, swimsuits, tank tops, leggings and more.

She supports local and USA-made brands above all, while avoiding a focus on the word “trend.”

“It’s such a hard word for us to wrap our brains around at EoU,” she notes. “We believe so much in personal looks.” Yet, she also loves the evolution of style and how it regenerates and modernizes 20-plus years after its initial impact. “It is great when some tried and true styles come back around though—platforms, creepers, round-rim sunglasses and floral print palazzo pants are calling to out to our ‘90’s hearts right now.”

The bottom line for any one person’s style is versatility. At least, so is the case for Williams who likes to change it up often.

“There are plenty of days where I can’t get enough bright hues (neons will always be a favorite) and girly dresses,” she says, “and just as many where it’s all black and buttoned up! One thing I’ve learned about myself, and the EOU girl in general over these 10 years, the clothes really are an extension of oneself and we are ever changing.”

In July, Edge of Urge will be celebrating their decade-long service to Wilmingtonians. Lots of fun things are in store, including parties and special sales. Also, Williams is planning a new launch in coming months.

“We are currently working on a design that can be worn from work to the gym to the club (maybe not in that order),” she says. “It ties into our need for comfort, fit and personal expression, while the marketing will present a tongue-in-cheek look at feminine wardrobe malfunctions.”

Planned Parenthood of Wilmington

Health Care That Respects & Protects Your Personal Choices!

Family Planning...Birth Control...Pregnancy Testing...

GYN Exams...Testing and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections...Emergency Contraception Present this coupon on your first visit to:

Planned Parenthood

10 off

$

New Patients Only 1925 Tradd Court • (910) 762-5566 Expires 1/31/11

Returning FALL 2012

encore

OCTOBER 10-17, 2012

EncoreRestaurantWeek.com

8

DAYS OF DEALS OCTOBER 10th - 17th EncoreRestaurantWeek.com

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 21

22 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

carbon-copy burton:

//FILM

‘Dark Shadows’ doesn’t push the Burton-Depp duo to new territory

reel reel this week in film

by Anghus Dark Shadows

Coriolanus, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

★★★★★

Cinematique • Thalian Hall 310 Chestnut Street • 7:30pm, $7

Depp, Michelle Starring Johnny n Pfeiffer, Eva Gree

T

im

burton

and

johnny

depp

have now made 347 movies together. Or maybe it just feels that way.

Back in the day, when I was reveling in the filmmaking skills of a young Tim Burton, when he was churning out awesome movies like “Beetlejuice,” “Batman” and “Edward Scissorhands,” I never would have thought of using adjectives like “tired,” “redundant” or “predictable” to describe his work. Yet, here we are, 25 years after his first feature, and the Burton signature on a film is no longer something that stirs anything other than mild apprehension.

We have to face the fact that Tim Burton films have become movie “Mad Libs.”

Get out your pencils! It goes something like this: Johnny Depp plays an eccentric OCCUPATION who is forced to deal with a malevolent SUPERNATURAL/OTHERWORLDLY THING, while dealing with the affections of the coquettish ANY CURRENT ACTRESS UNDER THE AGE OF 25.

Helena Bonham Carter shows up playing a weird NOUN. The movie features a visually stunning PLACE and a lot of special-effects makeup, provided by the Oscar-nominated MAKE-UP ARTIST. Is there any new territory for these two to travail? After “Edward Scissorhands,” “Sleepy Hollow,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Ed Wood,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” and now “Dark Shadows,” I think I can conclusively say: no.

There’s no new ground to till. The well has run dry.

“Dark Shadows” has all the trappings of a Depp/Burton joint. It’s dark, gloomy, and a little on the corny side. Depp plays Barnabas Collins, an 18th century socialite whose family has run the town of Collinsport since arriving in America. Unfortunately, his libido gets the better of him and a doomed relationship with a feisty witch turns into a curse, which kills the love of his life, ruins his family’s good name and turns him into a vampire. Basically, other than genital warts, the Collins family is put through the wringer for generations. Barnabas is chased down by the townspeople and buried alive. He is freed 200 years later in 1972 where the world he knows no longer exists.

This is a weird movie. I know—saying a

TO THE DEPPS OF GLOOM: Johnny Depp reprises the role of an imprisoned vampire in the remake of Tim Burton’s ‘Dark Shadows.’ Courtesy photo

Tim Burton movie is “weird” is like saying a Julia Roberts movie is painful or a Terrence Malick film is confounding. But this one is really odd, and not just because of the witches and vampires. Crazy supernatural stuff is Burton’s bread and butter. It’s the strange kind of story being told and the almost baffling inability for an audience to engage the narrative.

Most of the comedy is derived from the culture clash of old-world Barnabus dealing with modern conventions. Those “modern” conventions are 40 years old. Almost every joke requires that you be born before 1970.

I almost pity the 20-year-old who walks into “Dark Shadows” and tries to wrap his head around this lo-fi world from which Burton tries to derive humor. Disco balls, Alice Cooper, lava lamps, pot-smoking hippies—the entire movie feels like it needs to be seen with “Pop-up Video”-style footnotes (youngsters, that was a TV show on VH1, when they actually ran videos; although, I believe it’s seeing a revival today, only narrating [gawk!] reality TV).

The story is interesting enough. Barnabus returns, finds the Collins’ family in a state of disarray, and vows to remove the curse and restore their good name. This goal is thwarted by the evil witch who cursed him, who managed to survive a few hundred years and look damn good doing it. Their age-old battle continues and manifests itself in, you guessed it, a business battle between rival fishing companies.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?

Quirky. Odd. Intentionally against the grain. Again, it’s Tim Burton. Who would expect conventional?

The thing is, “Dark Shadows” isn’t a bad movie. It has some very bad moments, and some of the jokes are painful, cringeinducing duds. But the overall story and the weird little tale being spun here is so different that it’s actually kind of interesting. I can’t think of any other movie I’ve seen that’s exactly like “Dark Shadows.”

It’s a little like Barry Sonnefeld’s “Adams Family”—a little goofy, very macabre and with a strong focus on family.

The cast is great. Depp is Depp. We know exactly what we’re getting. He throws himself into the role and manages to create a slight variation on the other highly made-up spectacles he’s created over the years. Helena Bonham Carter does an equally slight side step as the family psychiatrist. Michelle Pfeiffer does a great job as the modern-day matriarch of the Collins family.

As expected, production design is amazing. Any film that costs $200 million should look great—and it does. The Collins’ house is a marvel to behold and more fully realized than many of the characters.

Though there’s nothing wrong with “Dark Shadows,” there wasn’t a lot that inspired me. It’s a very predictable carbon-copy of a Tim Burton film. The story is the only thing that deviates from a creative collaboration that feels very much on the rails.

Years ago Burton made a nice little slice of whimsy called “Big Fish,” a film that was wonderfully weird and managed to shed a lot of his trademark bits and pieces. It was a great movie and showed potential that maybe Tim Burton had more to give us than the same gloomy world with the expected basic characters. That was before he dove head first into a decade of making carbon-copy cinema—and it’s an apt metaphor since it’s outdated and something that most people have little use for—just like “Dark Shadows.”

5/23 “Coriolanus”: Updating William Shakespeare’s late-period tragedy from ancient Rome to the 21st century of guerrilla insurgencies, instant polling and 24-hour news networks, Ralph Fiennes takes a bracingly modern and naturalistic approach to Shakespeare, delivering a story that speaks strongly to our own polarized, volatile times. Rated R. 2 hours, 2 minutes.

5/28-30: “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”: From the director of “Chocola”t and “The Cider House Rule”, when Britain’s leading fisheries expert (Ewan McGregor) is approached by a consultant (Emily Blunt) to help realize a sheikh’s (Amr Waked) vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert, he immediately thinks the project is both absurd and unachievable. Rated PG-13. 1 hr. 52 min.

Behind the Burly Q Subversive Film Series 5/27, 8 p.m. • Free!

Juggling Gypsy • 1612 Castle St. 5/27: “Behind the Burly Q” is a film documentary looking back at the golden age of Burlesque—one of America’s most popular forms of live entertainment in the first half of the 20th century. This documentary film reveals the story of burlesque by telling the intimate and surprising stories from its golden age through the women (and men) who lived it.

Cucalorus Film Festival Now accepting entries!

Jengo’s Playhouse • 815 Princess St. Cucalorus Film Festival is now accepting entries for their annual event. Entry fee is $25. Cucalorus accepts entries on a rolling basis, anytime of the year. Completed entry form for each submission; DVD in a package that includes: title, entrant’s name and contact details, hi-res production photo for publicity, entry fee and one inappropriate collage. NC filmmakers can enter for free!

All area movie listings and paragraph synopses can be found at encorepub.com.

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 23

MAY 25 Jessica Coppola

on stage this week

LIVE MUSIC

MAY 26 Dave Meyer

Fridays & Saturdays 7-10PM Outside on the back deck weather permitting 138 South Front Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 251-0433

MAY 27 Fortch Happy dogs welcomed!

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS: As the summer heats up, so does the night life along our Cape Fear River. Hitting the waterfront on Friday, June 25th for Downtown Sundown is the LaGrange, NC-based band, Spare Change. Alluring to fans of all genres, the members of Spare Change take on modern rock, country, beach, funk, rap and classic rock. The group is comprised of Jourdan Rouse (electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals), Veronica Welch (vocals), Hugh Blanton (bass, vocals), Matt Bell (electric violin, vocals), Jeff Morris (drums), and Sam Manriquez (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals).

In riverfront park • music starts at 6 p.m.

May 25: Spare Change June 1: SVRT, Local Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute Band June 8: Funky Monks, Ultimate Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute

LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY AND SATURDAY

LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY EVENINGS

SUMMER MUSIC LINEUP MAY May 27 - BAG OF TOYS

June 17 - MARK ROBERTS June 24 - OVERTYME

JUNE June 3 - MACHINE GUN June 10 - CENTRAL PARK

JULY July 1 - BACK OF THE BOAT TOUR July 8 - HEART & SOUL

910-256-8500 • 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach www.bluewaterdining.com 24 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Oceanic Summer Music Series MAY

JUNE

24 Mykel Barbee 26 Seluh Dubb 31 Rob Ronner

02 Seluh Dubb 07 Mykel Barbee 09 Mike Frusha

14 Travis Shallow 16 Mike Frusha 21 Mykel Barbee

(910) 256-5551 • 703 S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach www.oceanicrestaurant.com

two of a kind:

//MUSIC

With two frontmen, The Catch Fire is doubly pleasing

shows of the week

er

by Bethany Turn The Catch Fire th Saturday, May 26 Lounge d an r Satellite Ba St. 120 Greenfield 9 p.m. • FREE e.com www.catchthefir

L

sound bites Ketch and Critter of Old Crow Medicine Show Soapbox Laundro-Lounge 255 N. Front St. 5/25, 9 p.m. • $20-23

istening to the catch fire is

like getting two bands in one. With two—count ‘em, two—frontmen whose pipes are so vastly different, their debut album “Rumormill” is quite the collection of ear candy.

The Charlotte-based band arrived on the scene in 2009 after the fallout of the members’ previous group, The Young Sons. Featuring all but one of the original sons, The Catch Fire’s co-fronters take the reins as writers, singers and leaders.

Jon Lindsay (no stranger to Wilmington’s music scene as he’s played Soapbox with his solo act) kept his role as guitarist, keys and half lead vocalist. Mike Mitschele ditched his position as bassist and background singer in The Young Sons to move up front with Lindsay.

“What’s so great about The Catch Fire is there’s no ego,” Lindsay shares. “Big Mike and I are neighbors and best friends and have nothing to prove to each other.

We’ve been through a lot together, and we’re just in this band to have fun, which is always the ideal motivation.”

The group is filled out by drummer John Cates and bassist Adam Roth, and all members possess strong musical backgrounds outside of The Catch Fire. Their combined list of endeavors is hefty—playing with acts like Bellglide, Jolene and The Alternative Champs, plus more. A few of Mitschele’s pieces harp on his experiences with other groups. “‘Start This Fire’ and ‘Back in the Band’ are about my relationship with music, how I took a break from writing and touring between the Jolene years and now, and I’m trying to start over and make some noise with a new project,” he explains.

Though the artists are on the same wavelength personally and emotionally, it is their voices that set them apart musically. When Mitschele leads, vocal harmonies and melodic pop-rock evoke memories of The Posies. Amongst thrashing cymbals and strings, his sound offers a gritty quality—a folky, unpretentious range which melds beautifully with his band mates.

NO SMOKE OR MIRRORS: The Catch Fire

sets out with the motivation to have fun, just happening to produce a high-quality pop-rock record in the process. Courtesy photo

It’s the sort of sonic cooperation that can raise goose bumps.

Jon Lindsay’s voice is a stark reminder of The Beatles’ early tunes. His higher catalogue gives a delicate sweetness to scraping, stinging lyrics, like “Now you have to fall asleep on fire in this bed you made/How could you be so blind/How could you cross that line/Hey, you’ve got a funny way of bringing out my bad side” (“Choking Chain”). Paired with The Catch Fire’s overall sound, it’s an enrapturing, sumptuous treat.

Their first effort, “Rumormill,” released last December, offers “all killer and no filler,” as they say. Nevermind who leads or if all the guys are belting it out together.

Despite the varying sounds, each separate piece is one perfect sample of The Catch Fire. “‘Rumormill’ was recorded at The Waiting Room, which is our home studio based at Mike’s house,” Lindsay details. “It was a good experience that taught us the formula we plan to follow for future releases.

‘Rumormill’ gave us the confidence to know that we could produce great sounding recordings [while] taking most of the control ourselves.”

Just as the sounds may alter from track to track, so do the subjects these songs are covering. Mitschele says the he is certainly inspired by his close relation-

Famed for its Southern folk-grass anthem, “Wagon Wheel,” Old Crow Medicine Show boasts two phenomenal songwriters in the original founding members, Ketch Secor (fiddle, harmonica, banjo and vocals) and Critter Fuqua (slide guitar, banjo, guitar and cocals). They grew up together in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, delving into the region’s rich history of roots music, and continued their partnership of music into adulthood.

ships, such as his experiences with music, amongst darker themes. “‘Short Fuse’ is based around my relationship with manic depression and how it has affected my life,” he tells. “It runs in my family and was the reason my parents Driftin’ Westward split when I was really young. It scares me Juggling Gypsy that it can show up later in life even if you 1612 Castle St. have never shown any signs of it previous5/29, 10 p.m. • free ly. I have family members that have to take medication to stay normal and that blows my mind—I could never live with that.”

The title track spins a tale about the band’s home city. Rumors circulate about Charlotte’s lack of support for art and culture. Some say the music scene isn’t as welcoming as Wilmington’s, and many of its citizens who don’t seek out local art often complain “there’s nothing to do.” Imaginably, it’s a tough region for trying to blossom a new band. “‘Rumormill’ is about my relationship with the city I live in,” Mitschele continues.

“Charlotte is constantly growing, but is still Formed in Blacksburg, Virginia, in 2009, small in that everybody knows everybody Driftin’ Westward is built out of brothers K.T. here. Rumors spread quickly so you have and Kevin VanDyke, and George Aschman. to watch what you share with people.”

They blend traditional aspects of bluegrass Despite a broad spectrum of subjects— and classical, orchestral music with alternarelationships, but not the sort beneath the tive indie and rock ‘n’ roll, plus insightful sheets like most Billboard hits—Mitschele songwriting and alluring harmonies. The band recently completed its debut release, “The claims his writing has no encompassing White Coat EP,” which was produced by goals. A natural inclination to create and Grammy Award-winner David Castle. perform is what drives The Catch Fire.

“I don’t really set out to accomplish anything with my lyrics,” he says. “Most of them are just sharing my personal accounts. As long as some people dig the All weekly music is listed on the soundboard pages. songs, I am happy.” encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 25

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS

soundboard

a preview of tunes all over town this week

WEDNESDAYS

8PM-10PM

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

8p-12m

followed by Live music on the patio by

JEREMY NORRIS 10PM-12AM

Feather Weight

LIVE MUSIC

Friday May 25th

Back 2 Back

Sat. 5/26

8pm-11pm

LIVE MUSIC

Friday June 1st

Feather Weight

8pm-11pm

206 Old Eastwood Rd. (by Home Depot)

910.798.9464

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS call 791-0688

Sat. 5/27

Jam sandwich Monkey Junction 910.392.7224

HAVE A ‘HART’: Hartfest 2012 will feature some of the area’s finest original bands. Taking place at Soapbox on Saturday, May 26th, folks will be able to catch Gray Young, The Hufton Brothers (pictured), Dirty Dakotas, Ponchos, Black Hellatones and Photoclub. Enter to win tickets on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/encorepub) on May 24th. Courtesy photo

WEDNESDAY, May 23 MONDAY 2.50 Budweiser Draft $ 4 Wells 65¢ wings, 4-7 p. m.

$

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

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

THURSDAY 3.00 Samuel Adams $ 4.00 Margaritas

$

FRIDAY 3 Pint of the Day

$

SATURDAY 5 Sangria & Mimosa’s

$

SUNDAY 5 Bloody Mary’s & Mimosa’s *Drink specials run all day

$

N. Water Street & Walnut Street Downtown Wilmington 910-762-4354

26 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Karaoke with Hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 Acoustic Jazz Piano with James Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 Josh Solomon & Cary Benjamin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 Karaoke with DJ Rich Delux —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 Soiree d’Electronica with DJ Drobot —Projekte, 523 South 3rd St., 352-0236 DJ Sir Nick Bland —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001

Benny Hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 djBe EXTREME KARAOKE —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Fred Flynn —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 7721400 Open Mic Night with Sean Gerard —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 2518500 Live Acoustic —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 Gary Allen’s Acoustic Open Mic —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Karaoke with DJ Brewtal —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 The Emily Minor Band —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

thursDAY, may 24 DJ Lord Walrus

—Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776

Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 Rockin’ Trivia with Party Gras DJ (9 p.m.)

—Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 DJ Sweat —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Trivia with DJ —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 College Night with DJ Battle —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833 Fried Lot —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Open Mic Night with Tommy Hutchinson —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 Team Trivia with Dutch Hawk —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.;

343-8878

Karaoke —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269 Live Acoustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Open Mic with Jeremy Norris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Mykel Barbee —Oceanic, Oceanfront Wrightsville Beach; 256-5551 Blackberry Smoke, Medusa Stone —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 fire spinning and drums —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Comedy (6:30-8:30) —Barista Cafe, 225 S. Water St.; 399-3108 Sea Pans (steel drums) —Holiday Inn Resort (Oceanfront Terrace), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 Catesby Jones —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.

Nautilus, Consider the Source —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 Dueling Pianos —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 Top 40 DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 Karaoke with DJ Damon —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 Legree —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133

friday, may 25 DJ Dr. Jones —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 Dueling Pianos —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 House/Techno DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 DJ P Funk —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 3420872 Jazz with Benny Hill —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 DJ Battle —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 Acoustic Jazz Piano with James Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 Karaoke with Mike Norris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 The Meteor Men (surf) —The Crab Pot, 508 Roland Ave., Surf City; 328-5001 DJ Milk —Pravda; 23 N. Front St., Wilmington DJ Shannon —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 40 East —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Karaoke —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 Flannel Rebellion —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Back 2 Back (rock/country, 8-11pm) —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 Gene Gregory (6:30-8:30) —Barista Cafe, 225 S. Water St.; 399-3108 Spare Change —Downtown Sundown; riverfront downtown, 763-7349

Feather Weight (alt-rock, 8-11 p.m.)

—Buffalo Wild Wings, 5533 Carolina Beach Rd., Monkey Junction; 392-7224 Dutch Treet (dance/80s) —Mayfaire Music on the Town, Mayfaire Town Center Stephen Gossin —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 Overtyme —Holiday Inn Resort (Oceanfront Terrace), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 Jack Jack 180 (8pm-12am tiki stage); DJ Dane Britt (10pm-2am inside) —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 No Dollar Shoes —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 7721400 Ketch and Critter of Old Crow Medicine Show —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Phil Kelly —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. Sinizen, Elation —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 The Catch Fire —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 Tyler Nail, Dearest We (acoustic folk punk rock) —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Jessica Coppola —Little Dipper, 138 S. Front St.; 251-0433 Rafael Name (bossa nova 9 p.m.)

—Projekte, 523 South 3rd St., 352-0236

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS Pub & Grille

Wrightsville Beach

Thursdays KARAOKE

$2 Red Stripe ∙ $4 Margaritas $4 Dude Bombs ∙ $4 Captain

Fridays

$2 Coors Light • $2.50 Bud Lt Platinum $5 Martinis • $4 Flavored Bombs

Saturdays

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

Masonboro Sound

Sundays $2 Yuenglings • $2 Bud Lights $5 Jager Bomb • $3 Mimosas Free Pool & Shuffleboard after 9 pm 1/2 Off Late Night Menu @ 10 pm

Jeremy Norris BanksChannelPub.com

LIVE MUSIC

Fridays & Saturdays 7-10 P.M. Outside on the back deck - weather permitting MAY 25

Jessica Coppola MAY 26

Dave Meyer MAY 27

Fortch Monday is Service Industry Night $3 drafts, $10 domestic buckets, $4 well drinks, and 25% off the deck menu all summer Join us on the deck for cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, and grilled items from our a la’ carte menu.

Happy dogs welcomed!

138 South Front Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 251-0433

Bar & Comedy Room

Introducing the

WedNESDAY Nutt House Improv 9pm

ThursDAY Open Mic Stand-up 9pm

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

June 8-9

ERIN JACKSON

(Ellen DeGeneres Show, TBS Bitcom Series)

June 15-16

PINK COLLAR COMEDY TOUR (Kaytlin Bailey, Abbi Crutchfield, Carrie Gravenson, Erin Judge)

The State of Southern Beer.

Paired with delicious food 131 North Front St. • (910) 343-8881

www.fatpub.com

Saturday, may 26 Bruce Butcher (acoustic guitar, 70s to today) —Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market; Lake Park Blvd., 28428 DJ Sir Nick Bland —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 Dueling Pianos —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 DJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 3420872 House/Techno DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 Bibis Ellison Band —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Mighty McFly —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 DjBe Extreme Karaoke —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 DJ Battle —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109 Songwriter Open Mic with Jeff Ecker (10pm-2am)

Waterfront music series LIVE music on the patio at 4 p.m. every Sunday through fall.

MAY 27

bag of toys JUNE 3

MACHINE GUN

long weekends rock!

5.24 THURSDAY

trivia night 5.25 FRIDAY

40 east

5.26 SATURDAY 5.27 SUNDAY

Thursdays

mighty mcfly

CENTRAL PARK

dave matthews tribute band

JUNE 17

MARK ROBERTS

910-256-8500 4 Marina St. Wrightsville Beach

Tuesdays

All 36 drafts just $2.50 Karaoke at 9 p.m.

JUNE 10

Complete schedule available at BluewaterDining.com/music or fan us on Facebook!

Celebrate Craft Beer Month with us!

20% off all craft bottles Rockin’ Trivia at 9 p.m.

Sea Pans Steel Drum Every Thursday from 7pm-10pm on the Oceanfront Terrace

LIVE MUSIC Gabby’s Lounge 7-10pm

Friday, May 25

OVERTYME Saturday, May 26

TRES GANEY Friday, June 1

POTATO HEADS Saturday, June 2

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

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

MIKE O’DONNELL 1706 North Lumina Ave. (910) 256-2231 877-330-5050 877-330-5050 • 910-256-2231 910-256-2231

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 27

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS 100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832

Sunday Brunch 10:30-3:00

Monday Signature Cocktails $5

Tuesday-Thursday $5 glasses of Wine

Monday - thursday 1/2 price appetizers from 4-7 at the bar

Friday & Saturday Gourmet Barfood 10:45-until 35 North Front Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 343-1395

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

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

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

Every Wednesday Bottomless Cheese and Chocolate

$20

per person

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

28 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

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

Monday Night Football $3 Domestic Schooners $3.50 Margaritas Tuesday-Kids Eat Free Night $3.50 LIT’s • $2.00 Domestic Drafts Wednesday $3 Domestic Schooners $3.50 Margaritas Thursday $3.50 LIT’s • $2.00 Domestic Drafts Friday-TGIF $3.50 Cosmos $2.00 Domestic Drafts Saturday-College Football $3 Domestic Schooners Monday- Friday 1/2 Priced Appetizers from 4-7 pm & 9 pm -close at the bar Free Appetizer of the Day with purchase of a non-refillable beverage from 5-7 at the bar.

4126 Oleander Dr. (910) 792-9700

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS call 791-0688

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

Talent Night Every Monday Tell a joke?

Play an instrument?

Sing a song?

We’ve got the venue for you! $2 Domestics 108 Walnut Street, Downtown Wilmington 910-762-1704 www.DriftersOfWilmington. com

—Lazy Pirate Sports Bar and Grill, 701 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 458-5414 The Meteor Men (surf) —The Crab Pot, 508 Roland Ave., Surf City; 328-5001 Filthy Saturdays with DJ Filthy —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833 Guitarist Mark Lynch (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)

—Saltworks II, 4001 Wrightsville Ave.; 392-1241 Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 DJ Sweat —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 May Cabaret with Bob Workman —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. HARTFEST 2012: Gray Young, The Hufton Brothers, Dirty Dakotas, Ponchos, The Black Hellatones, Photoclub —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Steven Compton (alt-rock, 8-11pm) —Buffalo Wild Wings, 5533 Carolina Beach Rd., Monkey Junction; 392-7224 Dylan Wilkenson —Farmers’ Market, downtown Wes Sayer (6:30-8:30) —Barista Cafe, 225 S. Water St.; 399-3108 Velvet Jane —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 Tres Ganey —Holiday Inn Resort (Oceanfront Terrace), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 Singlefin —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury St.; 503-3040 The Kentucky Gentleman —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 Todd Snider —Greenfield Lake Amphitheater Masonboro Sound —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269 Megan Jean and KFB —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 Haji Pajamas, Adam Warrock, Mikal Khill, Tribe One —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Gollum, Make, Swamp Raptor (metal) —Reggie’s, 1415 S. 42nd St. Selah Dubb —Oceanic, Oceanfront Wrightsville Beach; 256-5551 Blivet (8pm-12am tiki stage); DJ Dane Britt (10pm-2am inside) —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 Dave Meyer —Little Dipper, 138 S. Front St.; 251-0433 Daniel Parish (patio) —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212

SUnday, may 27

Karaoke Kong —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 Susan Savia —Elijah’s, 2 Ann St.; 343-1448 Travis Shallow —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 Reggae Sundays with DJ Dr. Jones —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833 Satellite Bluegrass Band —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 The Meteor Men (surf) —The Crab Pot, 508 Roland Ave., Surf City; 328-5001 DJ Timbo —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 R p Karaoke with Hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jackson- a ville; (910) 938-2002 Jeremy Norris Duo —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269 Jam Sandwich (8-11pm) —Buffalo Wild Wings, 5533 Carolina Beach Rd., Monkey Junction; 392-7224 Pale Rider —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury St.; 503-3040 Municipal Waste, Black Tusk, No Tomorrow, Salvacion —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 DJ Battle —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 Benny Hill and Friends —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Perry Smith (Brunch 12-2) —Aubriana’s; 115 S. Front St., 763-7773 Bag of Toys —Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St.; 256-8500

monday, may 28 Karaoke —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Steven Compton —Barbary Coast; 116 S. Front St., 762-8996 Acoustic Jazz Piano with James Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 Drum circle hosted by Perry Smith —Projekte, 523 South 3rd St., 352-0236 Metamorphosis Open Mic —Projekte, 523 South 3rd St., 352-0236

ShowStoppers: Concerts outside of Southeastern NC

RUNAWAY MAN: Todd Snider, who ran away from home at the age of 15, traveled the nation a young age, pursuing his idea of what it is to be a musician. Now he rocks Americana/alt-country concerts across the nation as a solo act. Catch him at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on Thursday, May 24th. Courtesy photo

Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 Karaoke with DJ @-Hole —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 DJ Richtermeister —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Church of Misery, Hail Hornet, Gates of Slumber, Beard of Antlers —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Pengo with Beau Gunn —Mellow Mushroom, 4311 Oleander Drive; 452-3773 Brett Johnson’s Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Open Mic with Josh Solomon —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 Urizen —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

tuesday, MAY 29 Cape Fear Blues Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 “It Takes Tuesdays to Tango” lessons 7-9 p.m.

—Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 Karaoke with Mike Norris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Karaoke with DJ Party Gras —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805

Trivia with Dutch from 94.5 The Hawk —The Coastal Roaster, 5954 Carolina Beach Rd.; 399-4701 Driftin’ Westward (bluegrass/ blues/rock) —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Decade 4 (90s rock covers) —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393 Whiskey Unplugged —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Live Acoustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 College Night Karaoke —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 The Dixieland Allstars (jazz) —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212

Wednesday, MAY 30 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 Karaoke with Hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 Josh Solomon & Cary Benjamin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 DJ Sir Nick Bland —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 Soiree d’Electronica with DJ Drobot —Projekte, 523 South 3rd St., 352-0236 Acoustic Jazz Piano with James

Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 Karaoke with DJ Rich Delux —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 Karaoke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 Live Acoustic —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 djBe EXTREME KARAOKE —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 John Wilkes Booth and the Black Toothe (high-energy folk) —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 Karaoke with DJ Brewtal —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 Benny Hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Gary Allen’s Acoustic Open Mic —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Ancient Spacecraft, Champion of the Sun, acoustic with Sean Richardson —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 538-2939 All entertainment must be sent to music@encorepub.com by Wednesday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

BEFORE THESE CROWDED SEATS: The world-renowned Dave Matthews Band will play Charlotte’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Wednesday, May 23rd. Courtesy photo

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 South Tryon STREET, Charlotte, NC (704) 377-6874 5/24: The Feral, S.I.Q., Soylent Red, Tattermask 5/25: Beres Hammond 5/26: Nysiis, Mysteriarch

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN STREET, CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 5/23: St. Vincent, Shearwater 5/25: Yann Tiersen, Piano Chat 5/26: The Polyphonic Spree, New Fumes, Sweet Lee Morrow

THE ORANGE PEEL 101 Biltmore Avenue, ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 225-5851 5/23: Michael Franti and Spearhead, Nic Cowan 5/26: Tyler Fire & Indigo Blue 5/27: The Dandy Warhols, 1776

THE FILLMORE 1000 Seaboard stREET, charlotte, nc (704) 549-5555 5/23: The Used 5/26: The Dandy Warhols

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE 707 PAVILION BLVd., charlotte, nc (704) 549-5555 5/23: Dave Matthews Band OVENS AUDITORIUM 2700 e. independence blvd., Charlotte, NC (704) 372-3600 5/23: Jane’s Addiction

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. Cabarrus stREET, raleigh, nc (919) 821-4111 5/24: Flux Pavilion, Cookie Monsa, Brown & Gammon 5/25: Knightmare, Up the Irons, Out of the Cellar 5/27: The Dandy Warhols, 1776

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 29

30 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

5216 Oleander Drive • 910-791-6000 • www.skatejellybeans.net

Summer Camp

All summer long June 8-August 24 7:30am-6:00pm

Pay by the day!

25 /day

$

Summer 2012 Camps

for one child

Hammerheads Soccer: August 6 – 9, 9-noon. Ages 5 - 12. Fee includes a Hammerheads T-shirt, a soccer ball, a ticket to the next Hammerheads home game, skills competition, & professional coaching.

Lacrosse: June 25-29, 5 - 8 p.m.

Ages 11-14, rising 5th-8th grades. Teaching the fundamentals, including stick skills and drills, proper catching and throwing, rules of game and sportsmanship.

QuickStart Tennis: June 11-14 & June 2528. Ages 6-10. Time depends on age group.

Tennis pro Jackie Jenkins will instruct.

Performance Club: Jun 25-29, Jul 9-13, Jul 30-Aug 3, Aug 6-10, 1-4 p.m. led by Performance Club director LJ Woodard.

Art Camp (ages 7+) Jun 18-22, Jul 9-13, Jul 23-27 and Jewelry Camp Jul 30 – Aug 3. (ages 11+) Camps meet 9 a.m.-noon.

All supplies and daily snack included.

Pre-registration is required for all camps!

AND Professional development center

Nurture the mind, body and soul by merging the wonders of the outdoors with strength based curriculums.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMP

Mountain to Sea Ages 14 & up An 18 day course linking several outdoor adventures over hundreds of miles.

Traveling from the rugged mountains of western NC and ending in the barrier islands and Atlantic Ocean, participants will be led through one incredible journey combining backpacking, rock climbing, rafting, sea kayaking, and surfing!

cw ut . e d u/ yo

registration fee

(price includes three drinks and two snacks)

Optional daily field trips!

Skating, Games, Movies, and More!

Family Skate Nights

Saturday Nights can 7:00-10:00 All you za!! z $7.50 admission eat pi

CITY OF WILMINGTON

Nationwide Adventure Expeditions WWW.PANACEAADVENTURES.ORG 910-508-8088

Offering a variety of different camps including:

Cape Fear Soccer Club (CFSC) offers competitive soccer in the U11 to U18 age groups and Academy Development Program in the U8 to U10 age groups. May 21st thru 24th, 2012

Adventure Camp

CFSC Summer Camps

Art Camp Dive into Summer Fun with UNCW Youth Camps

Basketball Camp

Chemistry • Forensics Engineering • Robotics History • Literacy and MarineQuest

Nature Camps

910.962.3195 www.uncw.edu/youth

An EEO/AA Institution

Cape Fear Soccer Club is excited to announce the following Soccer Programs: Week #1 – July 9th thru 13th Week #2 - July 23rd thru 27th CFSC Soccer Tryouts and Academy Evaluations

EDUCATE EMPOWER ENGAGE

h

uncw u

n

th pro ou

ams gr

y

(910) 256-7925 www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com

10.00 OFF

$

for two children

$40.00 registration fee

at Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation

British Soccer: June 18 - 22 and July 9 13. Fee includes a soccer ball and a T-shirt.

Fees and times vary depending upon age.

40/day

$

Make the game really come alive for you as a soccer player. Open to U5 - U15 Boys and Girls – July 9th thru 13th

Day Camp

CFSC Summer Soccer Skills Training Program

Prepares players to have a successful fall season.

Open to U9 to U15 Boys and Girls - June and July.

Training: 2 x a week (14 sessions)

Skate Camp & Beginner Skateboard Clinics

3v3 Soccer Blast

Tennis Camp For more information, call 341-7855 or visit WilmingtonRecreation.com

Cape Fear Soccer Club is excited to announce the 1st annual 3 v 3 Soccer Blast Tournament. June 16th and 17th, 2012 Call

910.392.0306

Visit www.CapeFearSoccer.com

Email academy@capefearsoccer.com

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 31

4 WEEKS ONLY! Ages 7-13

June 18 July 29

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

5 Weeks of Half & Full Day Summer Camps Available

Pearsall Activity Center 3902 Market St.

Includes:

910.791.8221 or www.fsow.org

Art Buzz Kids Summer Camp

$100 deposit is required when signing up.

MORE INFO: www.wineanddesignus.com/ Wilmington_Art_Buzz_Kids.html

910-313-2600

The Museum School

SUMMER MASTER ART CLASSES

For Middle & High School Students cameronartmuseum.com/masterclasses

910.395.5999 Ext. 1024

VISUAL ART •DRAMA • SONG WRITING

July 9th-13th - Beach Bum- for ages 4-6 July 16th-20th - By the Sea- for ages 7-12 July 30th- August 3rd - Welcome to the Jungle- for ages 4-6 Aug. 6th-10th - Out of Africa- for ages 7-12

MIXED MEDIA • SCULPTURE/3D

Monday- Friday 9 am - Noon • $175/child

DANCE • PHOTOGRAPHY • CREATIVE WRITING

ACADEMIC

ENRICHMENT

SPORTS

CapeFearAcademyCamps.org FUTUREMINDS

TENNIS LACROSSE

GEOMETRY

ARTS AND CRAFTS

ALGEBRA BASKETBALL YOGA/ LIFESTYLE

OPEN TO ALL

CHEERLEADING

SOCCER

COOKING KIDS ON BROADWAY

VIDEO GAME DESIGN

LEGO® BRICK BUILDING LADYBUGS RUNNING STUDY SKILLS

VISIT: CapeFearAcademyCamps.org for camp information and registration instructions

32 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Tricks, Shirts, Field Trips, Magicians and more!

Sign up today!

Have your child Experience a Real Difference in Camp this summer!

For rising 1st—8th Graders • June 11—July 6 8:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m. • $125 Per Week* *Extended care is available: 7:45—8:30 a.m. & 4:00 –5:30 p.m. *Additional charges apply.

Register online: 910.791.6179 myrtlegrove.org • mgpowercamp.com Register your child for more than one week and receive a discount.

Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church FLC/GYM, 800 Piner Road

REGISTER NOW!

910-200-5300 www.MagicCampUSA.com

D ES i t

W RK

INFOMERCIAL

PRODUCTS YOU’VE SEEN THEM ON TV...

WE’LL PUT THEM TO THE TEST! WEDNESDAYS ALL THIS MONTH

Beginning Fencing Camp July 16-20 9 am – 5 pm Ages 8-18 $195

Fencing Association Est.1997

on 2nd St.

For more info on camp/classes: capefearfencing.com or (910) 799-8642

Horseback Riding Camp Weekly Summer Camp for kids ages 5-12 Lots Of FUN ACTIVITIES Including: Horseback Ce le br at in g Riding, Swimming, Hiking, in Crafts, Archery & So Much More. 37 Ye ar s Op er at io n!

5645 US Highway 117 S. Daily Burgaw, NC 28425 Pick-up & Drop-off 910-259-2412 Available www.ashtonfarmcamp.com

Located at Big Cypress Farm 1336 Lt. Congleton Rd. in Monkey Junction

Daily or Weekly for kids age 6- 16 June-July-August Riding-Horseplay-Happiness e Learn th f o Opportunity to show a e g a u lang champion horse or pony. horses!

Credit cards accepted

Arts CAmp 2012 June 18 - August 3 seven One-Week sessiOns: 9Am - 4:30pm, mOndAy - FridAy

Come & enjoy the fun of Broadway on Second Street during Arts Camp 2012! Be a part of your version of a different Broadway musical each week! Dance, paint, build, sing and act each day! Then, at the end of the week, do your own Broadway musical!

June 18 - 22 June 25 - 29 July 2 - 6 Free t-shirt iF yOu COme this Week July 9 - 13 July 16 - 20 July 23 - 27 July 30 - Aug 3 teen Week

WS11-1490158

Cape Fear

Designed for children who are rising first graders through rising seventh graders.

Cost is $125 per week; T-shirts are available for $15. Children are supervised all day and helped in each project. Friends and family come Friday for the show! All materials supplied including afternoon snack; you provide morning snack and lunch.

www.shadypaddockstables.com 910-520-4150

341-7860

www.wilmingtoncac.org

Kaigan Karate School, Inc. SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM

Keep your child busy and active all day with our fun filled summer camp:

Morning Activities:

Swimming, Bowling, Volleyball, Skating

Lunch & Movie Time Afternoon Activities:

Karate Lessons, Organized Games, Free Play

For more information on all programs visit:

kaigankarate.com

or contact Guy or Monique Beech @ 350-0222 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 33

what’s for dinner?

grub&guzzle| grub&guzzle|

34-38 DINING GUIDE 28-32 DINING GUIDE 39 DINING REVIEW

Find it in the premier dining guide for the Port City

b y W T e

■

7 T

■ ■

■

H

O IG thAI tW B d n A I A BIG th street and 1001 n. 4th rY CUtOFF rOAd A 1319 MIlIt

A f d i i g R p b o r l

■

M S

■ ■ Big Thai and Big Thai 2. Both restaurants serve authentic Thai cuisine and offer exceptional customer service. Along with great food and service comes an international selection of beer, wine, and sake.■ ■

AMErICAn AMERICAN BRIXX WOOD FIRED PIZZA BLUEWATER

A shortdrive from panoramic the beach, views Brixx Wood Fired Pizzaand in Enjoy spectacular of sailing ships Mayfaire Town Center is a fun, friendly neighborhood the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular restaurant. Serving the best brick-oven pizzas around, casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch Brixx also offers a fine selection of signature focaccia and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump sandwiches, pastas, fresh salads and desserts. Stop in crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut for a quick lunch, or kick back on the patio with one of shrimp andon an tap incredible fudge pie. 6801 Dine inside 24 beers or 14 Caribbean wines by the glass.

Main or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. (910) 256-9677.which is the location for their lively & Waterfront Music Series every ■ SERVING LUNCH DINNER: Mon.-Sat. Sun. during the summer months.

Large parties welcome.

11Am–1Am; Sun. 11Am – 11pm.

Private event space available.

BluewaterDining.com. 4 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach,and NC.apps (910) 256.8500.

■ FEATURING: 2-for-1 pizzas ■ SERVING after 10pmLUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11am - 11pm; Sat & Sun 11am – 11pm.

■ WEBSITE: www.brixxpizza.com ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach BLUEWATER ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and ■ MUSIC: Music every Sun. in Summer the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular ca■ WEBSITE: bluewaterdining.com sual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo CATCH lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carcoconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. olina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and Award Nominee Keith explores the Cape bar, which is the Chef location forRhodes their lively Waterfront MuFear Coastevery for the best it hasthe tosummer offer. We featureLarge Wild sic Series Sun. during months.

Caught & Sustainably OrganicBlueand parties welcome.

Privateraised event Seafood. space available. locally sourced produce & Street, herbs provide the Beach, perfect waterDining.com.

4 Marina Wrightsville compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted NC. (910) 256.8500.

Wilmington’s Chef&2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed ■ SERVINGBest LUNCH DINNER: “Modern Cuisine” we 10 offer Fresh Mon-FriSeafood 10Am-11pm ; Sat & Sun Am -an 11array pm.

Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ MUSIC: Music every Crispy Sun. in Cajun Summer “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Fried NC Oys■ WEBSITE: bluewaterdining.com. ters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters to name a few. Larger Plates include CATCH Plancha grilled Painted Hills Steaks, Blackend Red Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Drum Filet, Charleston Crab Cakes, Tempura OBX Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee Chef Keith Rhodes explores 34 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com encore | april 6-12, 2011 | www.encorepub.com

the Cape Flounder Fear Coast for the best it has to offer.

We Scallops, Escovitch & Pan roasted Queen feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood.

Trigger fish. Custom Entree request gladly accommoOrganic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide dated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. ConHand Crafted seasonal desserts from Alan DeLovely. secutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer NC 28405. an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Sig■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri nature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include 11am-2pm and Mon. Sat. 5pm-9pm. our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List to name a few.

Seafood Ceviche & Conch Fritters Larger Plates include Plancha grilled Painted Hills

BUFFALO WILD WINGS Steaks, Blackend Red Drum Filet, Charleston Crab

If you’re looking for good food and an atmosphere that’s Cakes, Tempura OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch fun for the wholeQueen family,Trigger Buffalo fish.

Wild Custom Wings isEntree the place! & Pan roasted reAward winning wings and 20 signature sauces and seaquest gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarsonings.

Plus…salads, burgers,desand ian, Vegan & Allergies)wraps, Hand flatbreads, Crafted seasonal more.

Big screen TVs and yourPermits. favorite sports. serts Tons fromofAlan DeLovely.

Full allABC 6623 We haveStreet, daily drink specials, a NC HUGE draft selection, and Market Wilmington, 28405.

Free Trivia all day every day.

Come in for our Weekday ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11AmLunch Specials, only5pm $5.99 11am-2pm. Visit us for 2pm and Mon. Sat. -9pmfrom .

Wing Tuesdays with 50 cent wings all day long, or Bone■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington less Thursdays withAcclaimed 60 cent boneless wings all day long.

■ FEATURING: Wine List Buffalo Wild Wings is a great place to dine in or take out.

CHRIS’ COSMIC KITCHEN ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: MonServing breakfast all day as well as lunch and handmade Sat 11am-2am and Sun 11am-2am cheesecake, Chef and Owner Chris Lubben loves to ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 locations-Midtown (910-798make many of his menu items from scratch. Whether 9464) and Monkey Junction (910-392-7224) you’re in the mood for a fluffy 3-egg Omelet, Shrimp ■ MUSIC: Live music every Friday and Saturday in & Grits, Prime Rib Sandwich or Andes Mint Cheesethe Summer cake, Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is your “Out of this World” ■ WEBSITE: www.buffalowildwings.com Breakfast/Lunch Destination. Evening restaurant rental is available, as well ON as a Personal Chef service. Chris’ THE GEORGE THE RIVERWALK Cosmic Kitchen is located at 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit Drop your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, 109, on the corner of Racine Dr. and Eastwood Rd. your destination for dock ‘n’ dine. Watch the histor(910) 792-6720. Follow us on Twitter @CosmicKitchen. ic Cape Fear River unfold before you while you en■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: 8Am-4pm joy the best in Southern Coastal Cuisine. The menu Tues-Sat.; Sun. Brunch 9Am-2pm. Closed Mon. combines elegance, creativity and diverse selection ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown of pasta, salad seafood, including the ■ steak, FEATURING: Takeand out,fresh call (910) 792-6720 ■ WEBSITE: www.CosmicKitchenOnline.com.

C.G. DAWGS best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. Warm in the sun on the H For great traditional New sipping York style withcolorful Southexpansive outdoor deck an eats exotic, O ern charm look no at further than C.G.bar Dawgs. will be martini, or unwind the spacious insideYou boasting r drawn in by theand aroma of fine beef franks served with extensive wine martini lists along with weekday p witty banter and good natured delivery from the cleanest appetizer specials from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Don’t w hot dog in Wilmington.

Sabrett famousmenu hot dogs forget to carts try downtown’s most expansive for O and Italian sausages the primary offered, with Saturday and Sunday are Brunch from 10fare a.m.-3 p.m. You a myriad of condiments all at of the youronly mid-day or lated are welcome to dock yourfor boat dock’n’dine 2 night cravings. restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or enjoy our free, B ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11Am - 5pm. front door parking (ask for pass!) Why satisfy when ■ Sat. at the farmers market. Thurs.- Sat. nights on you can indulge? Find the George on the Riverwalk at S Market St. between Front and 2nd St. from 10pm 128 South Water Street, 910-763-2052.

■ - 3:00Am. Fibbers on Sun. nights until 3Am. ■ SERVING: Lunch: Tues. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; ■ ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Dinner: Tues. - Thurs. p.m.delivery - 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. ■ ■ FEATURING: Lunch5 time downtown 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. ON THE 9THE p.m.;GEORGE Brunch: Sat. and Sun.RIVERWALK 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

K your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, yourV ■Drop NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown for complete indulgence.

Watch theo ■destination FEATURING: Saturday sense and Sunday Brunch / Wilmhistoric Cape Fear River restaurant. unfold before you while youR ington’s only dock’n’dine the best in Southern Coastal Cuisine. The menut ■enjoy WEBSITE : www.thegeorgerestaurant.com combines elegance, creativity and diverse selection off steak, pasta, saladPUBLIC and fresh HOUSE seafood, including thec HALLIGAN’S best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. in the sun onand theb “Failte,” is the Gaelic wordWarm for “Welcome,” outdoor sipping exotic, colorfulStep mar-$ atexpansive Halligan’s Publicdeck House it’s an our “Motto.” tini, Halligan’s or unwind and at the spacious bar of inside exinto enter a world Irishboasting hospitality a tensivedelicious wine andfood martini lists along with weekday appewhere warms the heart and generous n tizer specials from 4:00pm-6:30pm. forgethouse to try drink lift the spirit.

Be sure to try Don’t Halligan’s T downtown’s best kept secret for Sunday Brunch from specialty, “The Reuben,” number one with critics t 11am-3pm. You are welcome to dock your boat at the and of course our customers. One bite and you’ll s only dock’n’dine restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or understand why. Of course, we also serve a full c enjoy our free, front door parking (ask for pass!) Why selection of other delicious entrees including seasatisfy when you can indulge? Find the George on thec food, steak wellStreet, as a wide assortment M RiverWalk atand 128pasta, South as Water 910-763-2052. of■ burgers, sandwiches(Halligan’s Steak), K SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:Cheese Tues. - Sat. and salads.

And if you are looking for a friendly 11am - 9 pm. Enjoy Sunday Lunch and Brunch 11am c watering - 3pm. hole where you can raise a glass or two d with friends, new and old, Halligan’s Public House b ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown boasts a comfortable bar Brunch where /fun-loving bartend■ FEATURING: Sunday Wilmington’s only v ers hold court daily and blarney fills the air. Stop a dock’n’dine restaurant.

■ WEBSITE: www.thegeorgerestaurant.com

by Halligan’s Public House today, “When you’re at Halligan’s....you’re at home.”

With 12 beers on tap and 16 flat screen TVs, you can watch your favorite game and enjoy your favorite drink.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

HENRY’S

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

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

Holiday Inn Resort

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

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

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

K’s Cafe

Visit us in our new location on the corner of Eastwood and Racine - 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109. “Where the people make the place” If you’re looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere with awesome homecooked, freshly prepared meals, you can’t beat K’s Cafe. Serving Breakfast (from $3.50) and Lunch (including daily entreeand-two side specials for $6.95), and dinner. K’s Cafe is the best deal in Wilmington.

They offer chargrilled burgers, including their most popular Hot Hamburger Platter smothered in gravy! They also offer great choices such as fresh chicken salad, crabcake sandwich, soups, and even a delicious Monte Cristo served on French toast bread.

K’s also offers soup, sandwich and salad combos and a great variety of homemade desserts. On Sundays they offer a great brunch menu which changes every week. A variety of choices will be on the menu such as Shrimp and Grits and Eggs Benedict.

Visa and Mastercard accepted. Give K’s Cafe a try...you won’t be sorry. 420 Eastwood Rd., Unit 109, 791-6995. Find us on Facebook or on our website, www.ks-cafe. net.

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

THE LITTLE DIPPER

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant!

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

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

PINE VALLEY MARKET

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their 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.

Pork, All Beef, Smoked Sausage, Fat-free Turkey (at participating locations), and Soy. Sausages include Bratwurst, Mild Italian, Spicy Beef and Polish Kielbasi. Locations are: 121 N. Front Street open Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. ‘til 4:30 p.m. CLOSED SUNDAYS; (910).251.7799. 94 S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach open Wednesday thru Friday 11 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. ‘til 4 p.m. CLOSED MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS. (910) 256-1421. 4502 Fountain Drive, (910) 452-3952. open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday; South Howe St. in Southport, open Tuesday thru Fri. 11 ‘til 3, Sat. 11 ‘til 4 CLOSED SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS (910) 457-7017. Catering cart available all year from $350. Call Steve at (910) 520-5994.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

NOW OPEN ‘TIL 9 P.M. THURSDAY - SATURDAY

ASIAN SZECHUAN 132

Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down.

419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

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

HIRO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

What better way to celebrate a special occasion or liven up a dinner out than to dine in a place where every meal is an exciting presentation. Knowing that a meal should be more than just great food, Hiro adds a taste of theatre and a amazing atmosphere to everyone’s dinning experience. Also serving sushi, Hiro surprises its guests with a new special roll every week and nightly drink specials to comple-

Serving Full Bar and Menu 116 Market Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 762-7280

On the streets Memorial Day through Labor Day THE BEST OF WILMINGTON GUIDE

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

TROLLY STOP

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a family owned franchise with six locations. Since 1976 they specialize in storemade chili, slaw and sauces, and as of more recent – a variety of gourmet sausages and burgers (at participating locations). The types of hot dogs include Beef &

BOBCAT & DUMP TRUCK SERVICE

910-742-5003 RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 35

ment it. From 4-7pm enjoy half-priced nigiri and half-priced regular makimono. Nigiri makimono combos are only $7.50, while early-bird specials last from 4-6pm, where diners can choose two: shrimp, chicken or steak. Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570.

■ SERVING DINNER: Open Mon. thru Thurs.

4pm-10pm; Fri. and Sat. 4pm-10:30pm and Sun. 11am-10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Hibachi style dining.

■ WEBSITE: hirojapanesesteakhouse.com/ hibachi

Wilmington’s World-Class Concert Venue LIVE @ BAC

INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds.

Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest.

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com

THAI SPICE

For Tickets and more information

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

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC 36 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

From the flavorfully mild to the fiery spiced, Thai Spice customers are wooed by the dish that’s made to their specifications.

Featuring a tasteful menu of traditional Thai standards to numerous delectable house specials, it’s quickly becoming the local favorite for Thai cuisine. This family-run restaurant is sure to win you over. If you haven’t discovered this gem, come in and be charmed. Whether it be a daytime delight, or an evening indulgence, your visit will make you look forward to your return.

Located in Monkey Junction at 5552 Carolina Beach Rd., Ste. G. (910) 791-0044 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue.-Th.: 11:30am – 9:30pm; Fri.-Sat.: 11:30am – 10:00pm; Sun.: 11:30am – 9:00pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.com

FRENCH CAPRICE BISTRO

Wilmington’s finest French cuisine can be found at Caprice Bistro, a small informal

neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty food in generous portions at affordable prices. Simple is the atmosphere in the bistro, as plain white plates and tables dressed in white paper make up the decor. However, the food is far from simple, as a combination of fresh ingredients and innovative preparation delight the taste buds with a plethora of unique appetizers, entrées and desserts. The service is fast, efficient and non-intrusive, and the ambience is friendly and unpretentious. After dinner, be sure to venture upstairs into their cozy and relaxing sofa bar for an after-dinner martini, or enjoy your meal there, as a light-fare and full menus are served. Art is always on display in the sofa bar, so be sure to inquire frequently about their artist show receptions.

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

■ SERVING DINNER: Sun.- Thurs.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.capricebistro.com

OUR CRÊPES & MORE

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

On the sweet side, The Versailles, Mt-Blanc or Crazy Nutella (with homemade Nutella ice cream) will make you come back for more!

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

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

SATURDAY & SUNDAYS 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Monday Closed.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, 3810 Oleander Drive (at the corner of 39th Street) ■ FEATURING: Vegetarian and gluten-free options. Free Wi-Fi. ■ WEBSITE: www.ourcrepesandmore.com

INDIAN TANDOORI BITES

Located on College Road, just opposite Hugh MacRae Park, Tandoori Bites offers fine Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Try one of 74 dishes on their lengthy menu, featuring a large range of side dishes and breads. They have specialties, such as lamb korma with nuts, spices and herbs

in a mild creamy sauce, as well as seafood, like shrimp biryani with saffron-flavored rice, topped with the shellfish and nuts. They also have many vegetarian dishes, including mutter paneer, with garden peas and homemade paneer, or baingan bharta with baked eggplant, flamed and sautéed with onions, garlic and ginger. Join their cozy eatery, where a far east escape awaits all diners, among a staff of friendly and helpful servers, as well as chefs who bring full-flavored tastes straight from their homeland. Located at 1620 South College Road, (910) 794-4540.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm11pm; Sat 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sun 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown.

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

ITALIAN A TASTE OF ITALY

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

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: M-F 8:00 a.m.

– 8:00 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com

EDDIE ROMANELLI’S

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.- Thurs.

11am – 10pm.; Fri. & Sat. 11am – 11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South.

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

ELIZABETH’S PIZZA

A Wilmington favorite since 1987! At Elizabeth’s you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine, as well as some of your American favorites. Offering delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, beer, and wine. Elizabeth’s is known for their fresh ingredients, where even the bread is baked fresh daily. A great place for lunch, dinner, a late night meal, or take out.

Elizabeth’s can also cater your event and now has a party room available. Visit us 4304 ½ Market St or call 910-251-1005 for take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.giorgios-restaurant.com.

SLICE OF LIFE

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

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

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

Eastwood Commons 420 Eastwood Rd Thursday Night at the Winery. Every Thursday night at 7 the lights go down, the n a Learn from music goes up and the fun begins. Featuring g award-winnin complimentary appetizers and free drawings for winery! gift certificates to featured restaurants. Come by

the winery and enjoy great wine and beer specials.

Enjoy Red, White and Fruit wines.

Craft Beers starting at $2.50 Wine anD Beer MakinG SuPPlieS Fresh Grapes & Juice from Italy, Chile, California and Washington. Grains, Hops and Equipment

OPEN 7 DAYS

Daily Wine Tasting • Wine by the Glass Great Craft Beers • Wine Tasting Parties

Call 910-397-7617

57 International Medals. This year we were awarded 21 international medals in the largest competition in North America and one of the top 3 in the world. Look for our wines in the movie “Writers” starring Greg Kinnear.

Monday - Friday Join us for

K’s Cafe 420 Eastwood Rd., #109 (formerly Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen)

910-791-6995 www.ks-cafe.net

Breakfast & Lunch and our every changing

Sunday Brunch OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Now delivering to area businesses Monday - Friday

days a year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

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

Hair Salon and Tanning

LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFE

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

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

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

ORGANIC LOVEY’S MARKET

Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for Organic and Natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a Veggie Burger, Hamburger

910-791-8268

www.SolarHairSalon.com

Chinese • Japanese Sushi • Hibachi

TAKE OUT | EAT IN | FAST DELIVERY (min $10)

Daily s!

Special 420 Eastwood Rd., Suite #103 910-395-7008 / 7005 • www.ThePaperCrane.info encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 37

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.-Fri., 11am–6pm; Sat. & Sun., 11am6pm(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9am-7pm; Sat., 9am-6pm; Sun., 10am-6pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, New Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. Newly expanded.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com.

TIDAL CREEK CO-OP KITCHEN

Come dine-in or take-out from the newly renovated Co-op Kitchen at Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market. You can fill your plate or box with hot bar and salad bar items that are prepared fresh daily in our kitchen. Made-toorder sandwiches, like the Tempeh Reuben, are served hot off the Panini grill. The Co-op Café offers organic smoothies and fresh juices; local wheatgrass shots; fair trade organic coffee, lattes, and chai tea; and our newest addition of Lenny Boy kombucha tea on tap.

Don’t forget our baked-from-scratch baked goods! The Co-op Kitchen provides menu items that appeal to everyone, regardless of dietary demands.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

■ WEEKEND BRUNCH: Sat and Sun, 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m.

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

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

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

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

SEAFOOD DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from

$4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 7622827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

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

Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256-2251.

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

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

Sun.brunch.

■ WEBSITE: www.blockade-runner.com

HIERONYMUS Hieronymus Seafood is the midtown stop for seafood lovers. In business for over 30 years, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by constantly providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in local seafood. It’s the place to be if you are seeking top quality attibutes in atmosphere, presentations, flavor and ingenuity. Sugnature dishes include Oysteronymus and daily fresh catch specials. Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering services. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2011. 5035 Market Street; 910-392-6313; hieronymusseafood.com ■ ■ ■ ■

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: Fireside oyster bar.

WEBSITE: www.hieronymusseafood.net

OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best.

Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach.

Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes.

Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable wedding receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. Family-style to go menu available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

■ ■ ■ ■

38 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

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

WEBSITE: OceanicRestaurant.com

SMALL PLATES The Fortunate Glass

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

■ SERVING EVENINGS: Tues.-Thurs. 4pm12am Fri. 4pm-2am; Sat. 2pm-2am; Sun. 2pm12am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Free Wine Tasting: Tues.

6-8pm. Sparkling wine specials and half-price select bottles: Wed. & Thurs. Monthly food & wine pairing events.

■ WEBSITE www.fortunateglasswinebar.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET

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

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

Closed Mon. and Tuesdays.

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

SPORTS BAR CAROLINA ALE HOUSE

Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNCW, this lively sports-themed restaurant.

Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered

daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 South College Road, Wilmington, NC. (910) 791.9393.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest

HD projector TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: CarolinaAleHouse.com

FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE

Serving up the best bar food for any local sports fan, Fox & Hound has appetites covered. Located next to Mayfaire Cinema 16, it’s no question that Fox is a great place to go on date night, or to watch the big game on one of the restaurant’s six large projection screens and 19 plasma televisions. Guests can also play pool, darts or video games in this casual-theme restaurant. For starters, Fox offers delicious appetizers like ultimate nachos, giant Bavarian pretzels and spinach artichoke dip. In the mood for something more?

Try the hand-battered Newcastle fish ‘n’ chips or chicken tenders, or the grilled Mahi-Mahi served atop a bed of spicy rice. From cheeseburgers and sirloins to salads and wood oven-inspired pizzas, Fox has plenty to choose from for lunch or dinner. Finish the meal with a 6-inch Great Cookie Blitz, a chocolate chip cookie baked fresh to order and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s syrup. 920 Town Center Drive, (910) 509-0805.

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

HELL’S KITCHEN

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

(910) 763-4133.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Dueling pianos Thurs., Fri.,

and Sat. nights. and 1/2 priced select appetizers M-TH 4-7pm ■ WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

s ,

r s -

walk across asia: Blue Asia focuses on various regions of cuisine with elegance and taste ous, sat atop a style of crust I’ve not seen paired with cheesecake until now. More akin to a spongy spice cake than the hardpacked graham cracker-style crust to which I’m accustomed, I can’t say the change was welcome. Maybe others will enjoy the difference, but it did nothing for my palate. I give the pastry chef credit for the light fruity flavor of the cake itself, but I just couldn’t get past the texture of the crust.

Finally, I took an order of garlic chicken and fried rice home because, let’s face it, we Americans love our leftover Chinese food. I’m pleased to report that Blue Asia is every bit as good the next day. Properly spiced garlic permeated my refrigerator, and the moist chicken held up beautifully, I couldn’t have been more pleased if I’d eaten it fresh at my table.

Service also proved a high point of the afternoon. The sole waiter never gave me his name but did provide rather exceptional attention. I’ll add this wasn’t just to me but

by Rosa Bianca Blue Asia ge Road #52 341 South Colle (910) 799-0002 Price: $-$$ there now.

Bottom Line: Go Seriously. Go.

-

I

-

//GRUB

like

asian

décor.

there

is

something very inviting about the Spartan use of bamboo in the new restaurant on College Road, Blue Asia, which appeals to me greatly. I felt right at home the moment I walked in for a late afternoon lunch.

Located in a strip mall, University t Commons, beside of AC Moore, Blue Asia is easy to miss. Diners, I tell you: It is worth looking for. This rather pleasant hidden gem should quickly make everyone’s list of places to try in Wilmington. y The menu offers a rather eclectic array of Asian dishes, with no single nae tion overly represented. Normally this lack 0 of specialization makes me nervous. We don’t see a lot of restaurants, which boast “European” cuisine. However, I have to give Blue Asia credit. Their kitchen seamlessly navigates between Thai, Japanese and Chinese menu items. One can find hibachi as well as chow mei fun, Singapore street noodles and Vietnamese lemongrass pork, along with Bento boxes, sushi, d satay, dumplings and so much more.

Whenever I review a restaurant which offers sushi, admittedly, I head straight for the tuna roll. Of course, a tuna roll is no r great indicator of the creative implications of the chef; however, it’s a fantastic indicator to the quality of ingredients. As soon , as a tuna roll arrives at any restaurant, I d know what kind of care it takes in procurn ing the building blocks of its meals. I was in love when Blue Asia’s tuna roll arrived. The vibrant reddish hue of the fish told me immediately someone in the back took great care in selecting his ingredients. The firm rice, hinted by citrus, and the crunchy seaweed confirmed my suspicions.

I was taken aback when the waiter delivered my salad. Sure, pale-white iceberg lettuce and a few lonely scraps of shredded carrot passed for a salad. But I am a sucker for ginger dressing, and if iceberg

TRIPLE YUM: Blue Asia serves sushi of all varieties, including the simply luscious tuna roll, Mongolian beef and cheesecake served with a spongecake crust. Photo by Bethany Turner

lettuce is the only available vessel by which to consume it, then iceberg lettuce it is.

After many reconsiderations, I settled on the Mongolian beef as an entrée. While the first bite disappointed me—I was hoping for a spicier dish—by the third bite, I’d gotten over my pre-conceived notions about what Mongolian beef should be and instead appreciated what I had in front of me: tender beef and firm, steamed rice in a rich and flavorful sauce. Forget any notions you have about gelatinous Chinese take-out. This was a dish with an elegant texture. Great care was taken in that kitchen to perfect it. (And might I suggest to the good people at Blue Asia that whomever concocted the Mongolian beef be put in charge of the salads from now on?)

Scallions, onions, carrots, and snow peas made the dish colorful and delicious. Crisp and firm, the vegetables complemented the beef better than I could have hoped.

This variety would serve Blue Asia well in other areas.

I could have lived without dessert. The mango cheesecake, while fruity and luxuri-

the five other tables enjoying late lunches as well. As I watched him move effortlessly about the dining room, it occurred to me that I hadn’t noticed a single gap in service nor heard a single complaint or request he didn’t anticipate. Service like that complements fine food every bit as much as good wine does.

Furthermore, I found the pricing very reasonable. Two sushi rolls, two entrées, dessert and a glass of tea only set me back $32. That’s tough to beat—for two meals and especially for the quality.

Simply put, Asian-food fans would be crazy to pass up Blue Asia. Elegant understated décor, friendly and efficient service, prices to die for—oh, and the food tastes fantastic. Blue Asia gets my recommendation. You should have already put down this review to drive there now. Seriously.

Put down the paper and go eat. encore will be there when you’ve finished.

Take a step into wellness for Spring and Summer with a Reflexology session!

Reflexology helps to soothe tired feet, promote relaxation, reduce pain and encourages overall health Warm Towels • Aromatherapy • Hot Stones • Relaxation • Wellness

Soothing Touch Therapeutic Massage Tina Lee, LMBT#3337

Hours: Mon., Thurs 9:30-6:30 Tues. 9:30-1:00 • Wed. 9:30-1:00 Fri. 9:30-1:00 • Every other Sat. 9:00-1:00

4018 Oleander Drive Suite 3 910-233-5615 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 39

extraextra|

40 LATINO BOOK CLUB 42 MY CAREER SUICIDE NOTE 47 CROSSWORD 50-63 CALENDAR, TOONS, ETC

culture in mystery: Readers can delve in diversity with latest Latino Book Club read by Lucha Corpi

by Shelby Purvis Latino Book Club Sat., May 26th .

3 p.m. to 5 p.m oks Bo te Pomegrana ue en 4418 Park Av net www.pombooks.

L

ike many book clubs already in effect

in Wilmington—literally we have tons, from environmental ones to parenting ones— Pomegranate Books hosts one with cultural appeal: the Wilmington Latino Book Club. The club meets on the final Saturday of each month to discuss Latino literature (in English).

Founded in 2007 as a result of Dr. Amrita Das’ desire to introduce the Wilmington community to Latino literature, Das actually grew up in India and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Delhi. Now an assistant professor of Spanish at UNCW, Das is very active in the community, not only organizing the Latino Book Club but founding Puro Teatro, a Spanish-speaking student theater group on campus. According to her biography on the college’s website (www.uncw. edu), “Amrita Das specializes in U.S. Latino literature and culture and the construction of collective identities through literature…and tries to bring her unique perspective to studying different cultures.”

Das first got connected with Pomegranate Books when they were organizing an event with a Latino author. Jewell was looking for someone to introduce the author, so she called UNCW and asked Das to help them out. “Kathleen [Jewell, Pomegranate’s owner] is very nice and easy to work with,” Das says. The professor decided to found the Latino Book Club because she felt such literature was something with which most people in the local community were not familiar. “People still think we read books about Latin America,” Das explains. “It also keeps me up on my reading.”

40 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

She discussed her idea with Jewell and some of her colleagues at UNCW, and the response was positive. Jewell agreed to order the books that would be discussed by the group and sell them to the members. In December 2007, 16 people signed up to join.

At first, they met in a coffee shop but eventually moved their meetings to the bookstore.

“Pomegranate Books has been a big help,” Das shares.

Das chooses the books that will be discussed and sends out an e-mail at the beginning of each month to the entire mailing list. There are many UNCW students, faculty and staff on the list but also many others from the Wilmington community. They have about 40 people reading now, but usually only six or seven people attend the monthly meetings.

“We definitely have a core group of about four or five people,” Das explains. She doesn’t mind that the majority of readers are on the mailing list. “At least they are getting the information,” Das says.

The group alternates between book discussions and readings at each of their monthly meetings.

One month, they will discuss the appointed book.

The next month, members who volunteer actually have a chance to select their own book, give some background on it and read from it to the group.

Das also has used the Latino Book Club as an opportunity to engage in outreach to the entire Wilmington community. The club has been involved in such events since 2009. That year, the club had its first project: Book Drive 2009. The members rounded up over 700 books and donated them to elementary, middle and high schools in the area.

Two years later, in the summer of 2011, the club organized another event called Bookmarks for Literacy, which they plan to continue this year. The members took used greeting cards and made them into bookmarks, which they sold for $1. All of the proceeds from the sales went to the Bilingual Reading Program, another outreach effort in which the club

is involved. The money raised is used to purchase bilingual books for the children who participate in their program.

The project was put together by the efforts of UNCW’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, the Watson School of Education, and the Centro Hispano. UNCW students, who are usually in Das’ class, spend time out in the local community encouraging bilingual reading among Latino children.

“Reading is a very good habit,” Das says, “but we also want them to maintain their native language.”

The Latino Book Club helps out with another monthly event that is hosted at Pomegranate: Bilingual Story Time. Taking place on the third Saturday of each month, members of the club volunteer to read stories to children in both English and Spanish.

The club plans to enter the summer with a discussion of an exciting mystery/thriller, “Death at Solstice,” written by Lucha Corpi. Corpi is a poet, novelist and children’s book author, who has written three additional mystery novels that feature a character named Gloria Damasco—the heroine and clairvoyant sleuth in this month’s book. The plot follows the threat of strange and unexpected accidents, wherein intimidating notes arise among the mysterious disappearance of a saint and features a haunting ghost horse. All of these occurrences are the responsibility of Gloria to solve. Within the story, Corpi paints images of California’s Gold Country, which closely resembles Spanish countryside.

The Latino Book Club will gather Saturday, May 26th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m at Pomegranate Books, located at 4418 Park Avenue. Meetings will continue every last Saturday of each month. Pomegranate primarily stocks tons of literature, including but not limited to local and regional authors, children’s books, women’s studies, narrative non-fiction, biographies and more. Folks can get the new read from the Latino Books Club simply by asking for Jewell’s assistance, which always comes with a friendly wag from her steady four-pawed helper, Nell.

Wilmington Water Tours

Acoustic Spotlight on our Sunset CRUISE A free monthly event where downtown galleries, studios and art spaces open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture. • 6-9pm

May 25 June 22 July 27 August 24

September 28 October 26 November 23 December 28

621N4TH Gallery Acme Art Studios Bottega Gallery & Art Bar Calico Room Cape Fear Native Caprice Bistro Checker Cab Gallery Five Star Tavern Golden Gallery MC Erny Gallery at WHQR New Elements Gallery Old Books on Front St. Opera Room & Gallery Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts Projekte Riverside Dental Arts Wicked Gallery Wilmington Wine

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

6:30pm

Want to hear some amazing musicians early evening?

We have the perfect venue for it, join us on our Thurs & Friday Sunset Cruise. We feature a different local musician on board for your 2 hour cruise

Friday night, May 25th live music from

Sunset Cruise

Wed. May 26th 7 p.m.

With our Captains Buffet 2 hour cruise with full dinner $35

BLACK RIVER EXCURSION May 25th 10 a.m.

All narrated 4hr cruise

COVER GIRL

Bar opens @ 6pm cruise departs 6:30pm $27

with lunch provided $45

Private Parties Available. Expand your options and choose a new way to celebrate those special occasions ..come on board for a party to remember. Full bar, spacious bathroom flexible seating, good sound system......and excellent views.... Let us customize it for you.......call for more info..

Complimentary Shuttle Now available for parties of 10 or more for our Black Water Adventure & Sunset Cruise & our Sunday Captains Lazy Day ... pick up & drop off @ 1 location. Call for details!

A Relaxing Recipe MORE I NFO 9 1 0 -3 3 8 -3 1 3 4

JUST ADD WATER! Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

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

wilmingtonwatertours.com handicap accessible

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

Follow us

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 41

my career suicide note

//EXTRA

Chapter 11: Full Frontal Conflict Resolution

by Anghus

ntributor, Fact or Fiction co thly in encore published bi-mon

I

don’t write women. not often any-

way. That’s because I write what I understand. Men are easy. We’re predictable to a fault: heavy on impulse, short on forethought, and led by our most basic urges.

We’re big, dumb animals, and we’re all the same.

Women are complicated: completely unpredictable, heavy on emotion, short on logic, and are led by nothing. Ask a man a question, and one will get the same answer 99 times. Ask a woman the same question, and 99 different answers will be given.

I learned early on that I would never figure out women. Admitting to having no understanding of a subject is the next best thing to actual comprehension.

My second film was a learning experience—the same way being shot is a learning experience. There’s pain, suffering, crying, and a recovery period. Describing a film shoot as a wound feels appropriate. Even the good ones leave a scar. There were a number of problems, too many to reasonably chronicle. I’d been criticized on my first film— mostly from female friends and co-workers— for not writing a strong female character. So, when the next project started to become a reality, I made a conscious effort to write a strong female role.

Casting a low-budget film is often a difficult proposition. Like any other business, you get what you pay for. When you’re paying little-to-nothing, you wind up sifting through a healthy mix of the aspiring, the inexperienced, and the mainstays of community theater. Diamonds in the rough would be putting it nicely.

My gritty, realistic female character required two things: someone with talent

and someone willing to do nudity. I’m uncomfortable with nudity. Not mine; I’m fine with being naked and spend plenty of my free time sans clothes. Other people’s nudity is more troubling—especially when it requires filming people in a state of perpetual undress. It’s awkward and difficult, and that’s just me. I can’t even fathom what the poor actor or actress has to be going through, standing there in the nude, trying to act with 40 sweaty teamsters breaking his or her eye line. But as my first producer always told me: “My movies need two things: people getting shot and people getting naked.” It wasn’t exactly the most noble of artistic pursuits, but it was clearly defined and fit well with what I was writing.

When I cast the part, I was insistent on broaching the topic. With every actress who came into the casting room, I was upfront that the part required full frontal nudity. Tasteful nudity, but nudity nonetheless.

I didn’t want there to be any surprises. The only real surprise was how many actresses told me they had no problem with the concept of acting unclad.

And so we cast our lead actress, a talented little firecracker who went by the stage name of Anna Mills. Anna was the brightest light in any room. She radiated. Even 11 hours into a 12-hour day, she still managed a smile.

When everyone else was running on fumes, she was bursting with energy. Her first few scenes had gone well. We were slowly working toward the nude scene, building up some comfort between the actors. There was no sex involved. Instead, it was a post-coital conversation. Two people lying in bed, smoking a cigarette.

Anna got to set that morning and immediately approached me. “Can I talk to you for a second?” she asked. Have those words ever led to a conversation where one side doesn’t walk away frustrated? “I can’t do the nude scene.”

42 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

I was trying to formulate a response.

“Why?” was the first thing that came to mind.

I expected the obvious: “It’s uncomfortable,” “I have stage fright.” I was already working on counter-arguments in my head. I knew I could calm her down. There were a million rational explanations, which I could address.

Then, before I could speak another word, she followed it with: “My boyfriend thinks you’re exploiting me.”

Wait. What? Her boyfriend? How did this happen? I had been honest. Right up front, I told everyone that there was a nude scene.

I hadn’t kept it a secret and tried to talk her into it after she had gotten the part. I wasn’t some sleazy photographer manipulating an inexperienced model out of her top. I’d been the good guy, which I realize sounds difficult in a situation involving cameras and bare naked flesh. Yet, she kept talking. She kept using the word “exploited,” like I was a department store security guard who had installed cameras in the dressing rooms.

“You’re mad, aren’t you?” she said.

Mad didn’t cover it. I was livid. I did my best to maintain my composure for the rest of the day. She ended up filming the scene draped in bed linens like some goddamned middleaged soap-opera star using 300 count sheets to cover liver spots. Inside I was a spewing cauldron of coal and molten lava. I didn’t understand her choice. I still don’t, but I was a coward and didn’t say a word. Instead, I just grouped it with every other ulcer this movie had formed.

I took my revenge in the editing bay. The mere sight of her on a monitor brought back

every ember of anger. So I excised the only level of control I had: I started cutting her scenes down to the bare minimum. Scalpellike incisions here and there. Then, I started cutting them altogether. By the time we made our second pass, she was out of the movie completely. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. I’m not sure if the word “vindictive” has ever been used to describe film editing, but it would have been appropriate.

A year had passed between the edit and the release. The producers had set up a screening for the cast and crew. Anna was left off the list. The film community is a talky bunch. I had been told Anna was aware she’d been cut from the film.

The movie screened—everybody had a good time. Two hours later, we were all at the bar, drinking ourselves stupid. For me, that was never a long trip. Halfway through a nonsensical anecdote, I saw someone walking up from the corner of my eye.

“Why did you cut my daughter from the film?”

I looked over and saw a middle-aged woman with a very serious look on her face.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“My daughter...” she said. “Anna Mills.

You cut her from the movie.”

“I did,” I replied, trying to wrap my head around the moment.

“I’d like to know why.”

“I don’t really think this is the right time...”

I said, looking for the path of least resistance.

“It was because she wouldn’t get naked, isn’t it?”

“No,” I quickly replied.

“Then what was it?” she asked folding her arms, daggers shooting from her eyes.

“Well, yes!” As the floodgates opened, my held tongue began to wag. “I cut your daughter out of the film because she didn’t do the scene. I cut her out because she agreed to do something, and then she backed out at the last possible moment—when it was too late to do anything about it. I cut her out because she told me she made a decision about her career based on her boyfriend’s idiotic assertion that I was exploiting her.“ I should have said this to Anna. Actually, I probably shouldn’t have said it to anyone.

These were the irrational thoughts of someone who had taken things too personally— the reactions of an angry, petulant child who let his anger get the best of him. Being called “exploitive” will do that to you—but I didn‘t say it to Anna. I had to say it to her mother, whom somehow thought confronting me at a party was a good idea.

Handling conflict is an art which I have never mastered. Then again, so are women.

y r

d

e

t

d a

y

a t ,

-

PROGRESSIVE MUSIC GROUP THUR. MAY 24 @ THE SOAPBOX - $15 ADV / 7PM

BLACKBERRY SMOKE w/ MEDUSA STONE

Headed to the Cameron Art Museum this weekend?

Lun

10-3 Sch CafeJo at. h

nnie

Enjoy MUNICIPAL WASTE Lunch at

SUN. MAY 27 @ THE SOAPBOX - $12 ADV / 7PM w/ BLACK TUSK / NO TOMORROW / SALVACION

MON. MAY 28 @ THE SOAPBOX - $12 ADV / 8PM

CHURCH OF MISERY

w/ HAIL!HORNET / GATES OF SLUMBER / BEARD OF ANTLERS MODERN ROCK 98.7FM PRESENTS

THUR. MAY 31 @ THE SOAPBOX

CIVIL TWILIGHT

SPECIAL LOW PRICE

$1.98!!

ADVANCE ONLY!

w/ RIO BRAVO

Caféjohnnie Located in the heart of the Cameron Art Museum, Caféjohnnie serves a delicious assortment of regional cuisine at family-friendly prices. After lunch tour the current exhibitions Out of Fashion & Julie VonDerVellen.

6/7: CURREN$Y @ THE BRIKHOUSE | 6/10: ORGONE @ THE SOAPBOX 6/21: LUCERO @ THE SOAPBOX | 6/29: CARBON LEAF @ THE SOAPBOX 8/9: FALLAJUH w/ PATHOLOGY @ THE SOAPBOX | 8/21: WAZO @ THE SOAPBOX

cameronartmuseum.com

910-395-5999

cafejohnnie.com

3201 South 17th St.Wilmington, NC 28412

910-777-2363 Call for Reservations

y

o

,

—

t , a

e

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 43

Listen all may to win The Ultimate lollapalooza Vip Experience of a Lifetime!

Airfare * Hotel * Concert Tickets * and More

44 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

blue planet and diamondbacks:

Aquarium celebrates and teaches about habitats and wildlife The Dr. Seuss-themed World Oceans Day events also include a special film, crafts and face painting for children of all ages.

Learn more about World Oceans Day at worldoceansday.org/ and the World Oceans Day Aquarium event at www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher.

Taking Nature’s Course Local programs, events and people celebrating and protecting our coastal environment

by Kass Fincher www.capefearnative.com

Coming up soon:

Eco-Tips for Water Conservation Celebrate World Oceans Day at the Aquarium Have you thanked the ocean today?

Wherever you live, it gives you a lot: the ocean covers approximately 70 percent of Earth’s surface and produces nearly the same portion of our oxygen. Our little blue planet teems with life because of its water.

We rely on the ocean to regulate the world’s temperatures, provide us with food and medicine, as well to support our economy with a variety of jobs. Just as the seas support us, we protect them by responsibly managing marine resources, from our global fisheries to our coastal tourist hotspots. Join the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher as we celebrate the world’s greatest resource on World Oceans Day 2012.

On Friday, June 8 the Aquarium will feature special programs and informational exhibits emphasizing the ocean’s effect on us, and how we affect the ocean. Visitors have a chance to learn about protecting sea turtles and other marine animals, reducing marine debris, identifying sea shells and exciting new exhibits coming to the Aquarium.

Animal Spotlight – diamondback terrapin The diamondback terrapin can be identified by the diamond pattern on the shell and a spotted head, neck and legs. They have webbed feet and large hind legs which make them excellent swimmers. Terrapins live in saltwater and brackish water (mixture of freshwater and saltwater) and are found behind tidal flats, on barrier islands, salt marshes and in estuaries.Their diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, fish and insects.

The diamondback terrapin habitat is found all over the Eastern and Southern coasts of North America and can live well over 40 years.

While excavating burial sites, diamondback terrapin shells were found in medicine kits for North Carolina Indian shamans.

Archaeologists suspect they might have been considered a sacred object.

“May the holes in your net be no larger than the fish in it.” ... Irish blessing

Only 3% of the earth’s water is freshwater, so protecting this resource is critical. There are many ways to conserve water usage at home including: -Install low-flow toilets and showerheads.

-Always do full loads of dishes and laundry.

-Water plants at night to minimize evaporation.

-Double-check that faucets aren’t leaking and toilets aren’t running.

-Install a rain barrel.

Sat June 2 - Sun June 3 Coastal Water Garden Tour NHC Arboretum 9 AM - 4 PM Various water gardens, $13 Benefits Ability Garden Sat June 2 Run for Hope 5K Walk/Run 8 AM, TrySports at Mayfaire Center Benefits Women of Hope www.gotime.com Thur June 14 Newbridge Bank Bridge to Bridge 4.0 mile run/ 1.0 mile walk 6:30 PM, ends at Schwartz Center Benefits CFCC student scholarships

More Than 200 Wilmington Doctors

Oppose Titan Cement...

Listen to your Doctors.

Go to

Trawler at Sunrise, photograph, Richard Pape

Locally made art and gifts 114 Princess Street, downtown Wilmington www.capefearnative.com

stoptitan.org

and see why health professionals are concerned about the Titan project.

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 45

Tom Briggs Artistic Director

Before the movie “The Birdcage” there was the musical…

Thalian Association in association with

Memberships only $19.99 a month See staff for specific details about membership and package savings

Ibiza Nightclub and Best Western Coastline Inn proudly presents

3 Convenient Wilmington Locations WILMINGTON NORTH

WILMINGTON SOUTH

PORTER’S NECK

200 Racine Drive 910-392-3999

4310 Shipyard Blvd 910-350-8289

7979 Market Street 910-686-1766

! n w o t n i Best

Music & Lyrics by JERRY HERMAN Book by HARVEY FIERSTEIN Based on the play by JEAN POIRET

May 17-27, 2012 Thursday-Saturday @ 8PM Sunday @ 3PM

Thalian Hall • Wilmington, NC 910/632.2285 • etix.com • thalian.org

46 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Open for Lunch and Dinner steaks

wings

ribs

salads

In the Cotton Exchange Downtown Wilmington

762-4354 FREE PARKING www.paddyshollow.com

CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2012 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

5/27/12

THE NEWSDAY CROSSWORD Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

INDECISION: We can’t make up our minds

by Fred Piscop 1 6 10 14 19 20 21 22 23 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 38 39 40 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 53 54 58 59 61 62 63 64 66 67 68

ACROSS Dieter’s dessert Letters like PDQ Moonshiner’s mixture Knee or elbow Poland Spring competitor “Lady” of pop Rights org.

Knight clothes Some bakery loaves Ruth nickname Board members Took a shot at Held in check Soccer stadium shout Service club Orient Walk a beat How change may come to the British Ad follower Agile Decks out Dice roll Kauai keepsake Awaken Letter after upsilon Miss Piggy pronoun Give a paddling to Bobble the ball Nation with the world’s oldest constitution Check endorser TV rooms Barrister’s field Assists at a heist Muscle-bone connectors Bother persistently Van Gogh hangout Bowl left for Bowser Sneaky one

70 71 72 75 76 78 79 80 81 82 84 85 89 90 92 93 94 95 97 98 99 102 103 108 110 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119

Fan mags JFK’s party Washer cycle Everest’s locale, in part 2011 NL batting champ Altar affirmation Vast chasm “You’ve got mail” co.

Amb. driver, often Oil source General in gray Head honcho French fashion house Different Nav. rank Dates with drs.

Pays tribute to Use a letter opener Gaucho’s rope Mongrel GI’s ID Ma’s instrument “Shut up!”

Oscar winner for the Shaft theme Endangered pachyderm Select few Carol syllables Part of a melody Navel type Did a planning commission job Research facility: Abbr.

Prophet Marina occupants

DOWN 1 Joke around 2 At any time 3 Stead 4 Little shavers

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 26 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 46 49 51 52 55 56 57 60 61 63

Perfectly matched Think alike “__ who?”

Epoch Minuscule macaroni Early show Aspirin targets Snow coaster Transportation center Elizabeth I successor Satellite paths Poker declaration __ of the above Crushed underfoot Secluded valleys Sheik’s subjects Sway to and fro Bolshevik leader Children’s song refrain Trimmed down Be wild about Breaks for top seeds Monopoly quartet: Abbr.

Quaint oath French silk center Place for a music roll Extend a contract “Good heavens!”

Gives off HS jr.’s exam Barbecue bar Window pieces River to the Seine Better trained Actress Witherspoon Hotel amenities Far from stern American uncle

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 73 74 76 77

Day-care attendees Airline seat selection Rapper Kanye Past the shelf date Defamatory text Goes in a hurry Floor models Do-nothing December songs Quick trip Gossipy one

82 83 85 86 87 88 89 91 96 97 98

Part of a beef slab Solo of Star Wars Equine sound Lays into October birthstone Some urban areas Coal channel Mogul’s home Spiked, as punch Anglers’ gear More huggable

99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 109 111

Cinco doubled Scandinavian capital Acquisition Greenish blue Small taste “Good heavens!”

Vessel of 1492 “What’s __ for me?”

The “ten” in “hang ten” Aladdin prince Ground breaker

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

737 3rd street

n

hermosa beach, calif. 90254

n

tel. (310) 337-7003

n

faX (310) 337-7625

Located in the Holiday Inn Resort on Wrightsville Beach with outdoor dining and ocean views • wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com • 910-256-2231 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 47

COMING JUNE ONLY

Introducing the

Intensive Professional Comedy Workshop

Learn the exact methods of improv taught to

WILL FERRELL, TINA FEY, Steve Carell, ED HELMS, ADAM MCKAY and many more of the greats, without having to travel to LA, NYC and CHICAGO

Save thousands of dollars!

Learn all Groundlings, Second City, and UCB methods. Bring a pen and paper, wear loose, comfortable clothes, and get ready to take the best class any actor/comic/writer could wish for.

Showcasing craft beers of 12 different North Carolina Breweries

THIS IS NOT THEATER GAMES!!! This is PRO IMPROV.

FIRST We teach you a proven method of scene structure (without this, your scenes will fall flat).

SECOND: We teach you how to design your stage/environment through special work.

THIRD: Character development, character relationships, and plot design in the first three sentences.

FOURTH: Dialogue on stage has hundreds of rules. We teach you what works and what doesn’t and why.

FIFTH: What fits for you as a performer? Personal Design, you’ll have at least five completely original characters by the end of the session.

SIXTH: Teach you ways to write sketch comedy through working improvisations and building the tightest sketches with robust characters that will never fail on stage.

SEVENTH: Learn exactly how to write and create a dynamic sketch comedy show/improv show.

EIGHTH: Learn two-, three-, four-person scenes.

Four Sessions To Choose From FIRST TWO WEEKS IN JUNE: SESSION 1 DAY classes SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS 1-4 PM JUNE 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th SESSION 2 NIGHT CLASSES MONDAY AND TUESDAY 6-9 PM June 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th

The Wilmington coach chosen by the Academy, Mitzi Shore dubbed him the “official sketch comic of the Comedy Store Hollywood in 2000” has started multiple touring improv troupes, taught hundreds of students, many of which are working professionals in the entertainment business today.

SIGN UP NOW!

Last two weeks in JUNE: SESSION 3 DAY CLASSES SATURDAY and SUNDAYS 1-4 PM JUNE 16th 17th, 23rd, 24th SESSION 4 NIGHT CLASSES MONDAY AND TUESDAY 6-9pm June, 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th

These classes fill up quickly, find out a way to take this class, you’ll always be performing instead of waiting for someone to pick you out at an audition.

This information would normally cost you thousands. We’re giving it away for $350!

Showcase for Industry Pros after each class. www.improvacademy.com • 347-468-2614 Nutt Street Comedy Room • 255 N. Front Street 48 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Paired with delicious food The State of Southern Beer.

131 North Front St. • (910) 343-8881

www.fatpub.com

In business since 1994, Come in and see why!

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

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

Nails The Right Way Where the ONLY way is the RIGHT way!

NAILS THE RIGHT WAY HAS FOUND “THE RIGHT GIRL”!!

Come in to meet Kalyn!

Bring this ad

10% Off

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

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

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

www.ncatasteofitaly.com

SEAFOOD CHIPOTLE

to receive your appointment with Kalyn. r of ou e g a t n r adva k you Take o o b l n and e d r Brida a g w o n y event l a i c s, Bab y spe a d h irt ers, B w y, etc. o a h D S s l ir ers, G w o h S

Maria Chicchetti Owner/Operator maria@nailstherightway.com

EL CERRO

21 South 2nd Street

GRANDE

Downtown Wilmington

WILMINGTON

Come see us this Memorial Day weekend!

UNIVERSITY COMMONS

MONKEY JUNCTION

www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com

MILITARY CUTOFF

Join us on

(910) 399-4880 (910) 338-6981

www.nailstherightway.com encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 49

50 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Your local Health Food Grocery and Cafe

men’s apparel

25% OFF

1427 Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 679-4137 www.BlokeApparel.com

Garden of Life Products

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

BE20ST12OF

WILMINGTON

“You’ll love it at Lovey’s!” encore

BE20ST12OF

WILMINGTON

Voted “Best Vegetarian Food”

LANDFALL CENTER

1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Suite H (910) 509-0331

Get a FREE blender Ball Cup with the purchase of any Garden of Life Raw protein or meal product. www.LoveysMarket.com

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 51

SUMMER’S COMING

Time for a Change

$15 OFF

Any Hair Service over $30 A Grade "A" Salon • 100% Sanitation Score 5905#4 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington

One mile south of Monkey Junction across from Walgreens

910-794-9440

First Time Customers Only!

(Owner Excluded) Excludes any other offer.

Expires June 30, 2012

SUMMER’S COMING

Time for a Change HiLite & Cut

A Grade "A" Salon • 100% Sanitation Score 5905#4 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington

One mile south of Monkey Junction across from Walgreens

910-794-9440 52 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

$75

Reg. $95

First Time Customers Only!

(Owner Excluded) Excludes any other offer.

Expires June 30, 2012

The Aphrodite: gyro meat, olives, tomatoes, green

peppers, onions, mushrooms, feta cheese and macaroni

Preview Reception

FRI., MAY 25th 6-9 p.m.

SAT., MAY 26th 9-7 p.m. SUN., MAY 27th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Downtown Wilmington • 108 Market St. Benefitting

www.thelastminuteartshow.com

IT’S

FREE

127 N. Front Street Sun. - Wed.: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Downtown Wilmington Thurs. - Sat.: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

(910) 341-7655

Visit: www.encorepub.com HAMMERHEADS SOCCER AT LEGION STADIUM vs. Orlando City (Sat., June 2) — given away Wed., May 30

SOAPBOX LAUNDRO-LOUNGE Ketch & Critter of Old Crow Medicine Show (Fri., May 25) — given away Mon., May 21 Hartfest 2012 (Sat., May 26) — given away Thurs., May 24 My Wonderful Machine (Fri., June 1) — given away Thurs., May 31

GREENFIELD LAKE AMPHITHEATER Todd Snider and Dana Cooper (Sat., May 26) — given away Wed., May 23 Leftover Salmon (Wed., July 25) – given away Fri., July 20 Michael Franti and Spearhead (Fri., July 27) — given away Mon., July 23 Animal Liberation Orchestra (Sun., July 29) — given away Wed., July 25

”Your Alternative Voice”

Perfect for watching fireworks

Not Just a Thrift Store...More!

Win tickets to area events!

vs. Richmond Kickers (Fri., June 15) — given away Mon., June 11

Back Patio NOW OPEN!

New ise and Merch iving Arr kly Wee

We Will Pick Up Your Tax Deductible Donations A Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Corporation

All Profits Donated To The Homeless And Hungry

• Furniture - Antiques & Vintage • Men’s & Women’s Clothing • Artwork • Collectibles • Sports Equipment • Jewelry & The Unusual • Drop Off Donations By Appt.

420 Eastwood Road, Suite 113 • 910-228-5869 STORE HOURS: FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM UNTIL 5PM

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 53

Fresh from the Farm

The Riverfront Farmers’ Market is a curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists & crafters.

• Fruits • Vegetables • Plants • Herbs • Flowers • Eggs • Cheeses • Meats

• Seafood • Honey • Baked goods • Pickles • Jams & Jelly • Candy • Art & Crafts • Entertainment

Every Sat. through Dec. 22 8am - 1pm N. Water St. between Market & Princess Sts.

Live Music Sponsored by Tidal Creek Co-op

MAY 26

DYLAN WILKENSON For more information call

538-6223 or visit

www.wilmingtonfarmers.com

encore Customer convenience in a

SNAP

WE NOW ACCEPT THESE PAYMENTS 54 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 55

Introducing...

Your Hometown Community Info

ADPAK FREE CLASSIFIEDS IS EXPANDING.

Not only will you still be able to find great deals on items for sale, you will now be able to find out what is happening in your community.

NEW FEATURES: • Local Fundraising Events • Festivals • Community Events • Local Sports (Professional, College and High School) • Church Directory • Movie Listings • And More

Look for it

May 30, 2012 56 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

lmington i W l i Sa Charter Cruises along the Cape Fear River

IL $125 DAY SA on for per pers

Just $21y of 6 people! a part

SPRING ARRIVALS!

• Morning Breakfast Sail • Lunchtime Escape • Dinner on the River • Sunset Trips • BYO Picnic

SANDALS

SANUK, REEF, RAINBOW QUICKSILVER & MORE

CALL CAPT. AL

Amphibious Board Shorts are in

To Plan Your Cruise 910-538-8884

Docked at Riverwalk and Orange Street www.SailWilmingtonNC.com

IN STOCK LONGBOARDS & PENNY’S Hwy 421 & Winner Ave., Carolina Beach

5740 Oleander Dr. (910) 392-4501

Hwy. 210 Surf City

10% OFF UNCW Students (with valid ID) Excludes surfboards www.bertsurfshop.com

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 57

GENUINE FACTORY

See Us For

CHIP KEYS for Domestics & AsiAN vehicles

REPLACEMENT

KeYless eNtrY remotes

for cArs AND trUcKs

AND locK A-1 sAfe 799-0131

sAve BiG over DeAler PriciNG Call Doug Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5pm

2803 Carolina Beach Rd.

1 Block South Of Shipyard • Wilmington

58 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Wilmington

206 Old Eastwood Rd 910.798.9464

Monkey Junction 5533 Carolina Beach Rd 910.392.7224

WINGS. BEER. SPORTS. encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 59

60 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

D ES i t

W RK

INFOMERCIAL

PRODUCTS YOU’VE SEEN THEM ON TV...

WE’LL PUT THEM TO THE TEST! WEDNESDAYS ALL THIS MONTH

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 61

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

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & AT THE SOAPBOX OFFICE OPEN MON-THuRS 3-2AM FRI-SuN 2-2AM

910.251.8500 FOR MORE INFO

SINIzEN / ELATION DOORS: 9:00 / $5

NERDCORE & HIP-HOP SHOWCASE

(+$3 UNDER 21)

8:00 DOORS $5 (+$3 UNDER 21)

THURSDAY MAY 31

LERA LYNN / THE TRISHAS

LOUNGE

SATURDAY MAY 26 HART fEST W/ GRAY YOUNG / HUfTON BROS. / DIRTY DAkOTAS PONCHOS / BLACk HELLATONES / PHOTOCLUB

LOUNGE

LOUNGE

SUNDAY MAY 26 “BEATS & RHYMES fROM NERDS & BRAINS”:

fRIDAY MAY 25

7:00PM DOORS $5 ($8 UNDER 21)

8:00PM DOORS $8 ADV / $10 DOS (+$3 UNDER 21)

THURSDAY MAY 24 BLACkBERRY SMOkE / MEDUSA STONE fRIDAY MAY 25 kETCH & CRITTER Of OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW SINIzEN / ELATION (LOUNGE) SATURDAY MAY 26 GRAY YOUNG/HUfTON BROS./DIRTY DAkOTAS/ PONCHOS/BLACk HELLATONES SUNDAY MAY 27 MUNICIPAL WASTE / BLACk TUSk / NO TOMORROW / SALVACION MONDAY MAY 28 CHURCH Of MISERY / HAIL HORNET / GATES Of SLUMBER / BEARD Of ANTLERS MY WONDERfUL MACHINE / THE DESIGN THURSDAY MAY 31 CIVIL TWILIGHT LERA LYNN / THE TRISHAS (LOUNGE) fRIDAY JUNE 1 MY WONDERfUL MACHINE / THE DESIGN (LOUNGE) SATURDAY JUNE 2 PALEfACE / MY HEART BELONGS TO BUffALO fRIDAY JUNE 8 PINk SHEEP fILM fESTIVAL W/ NOON30 & PLAY/ START

SATURDAY JUNE 10 ORGONE fRIDAY JUNE 15 SUMERLIN / RIO BRAVO / BLOCkADE RUNNER SATURDAY JUNE 16 DRIVER fRIENDLY THURSDAY JUNE 21 LUCERO / ROBERT ELLIS ANDY BILINSkI / MAGICIAN MICHAEL CASEY (LOUNGE) fRIDAY JUNE 22 Of GOOD NATURE /SUN DRIED VIBES / LIONz Of LION / ELATION / REDEMPTION THURSDAY JUNE 28 ERICk & JILL ANDREWS fRIDAY JUNE 29 CARBON LEAf SUNDAY JULY 1 SOURVEIN / ORDER Of THE OWL / SWAMP RAPTOR / S.O.L. THURSDAY JULY 5 SHOVELS & ROPE / MECHANICAL RIVER / ANDREW COMBS / THE kERNAL fRIDAY JULY 6 LONNIE WALkER / T0W3RS / LILAC SHADOW THURSDAY JULY 12 AER AND MOOSH & TWIST: OCD YARN

WWW.THESOAPBOXLIVE.COM

62 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | 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?

FINKELSTEIN MUSIC

Sign up for Music Summer Camp!

Come in Today!

6 S. Front St. 910-762-5662

Are YOU reAdY tO tAke it tO the Next LeveL? • ADULT MARTIAL ARTS • GRAPPLING

Casual Events, In & Out Calls, 2 Girl Shows, Bachelor Parties

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com

AlwAys Hiring

CERAMIC TILE Installation & Repairs

•Kitchens •Bathrooms •Entryways •Fireplaces •And More Free Estimates

910-616-0470

Swedish ~ Deep Tissue Reiki ~ Reflexology

Exoctic Dancers 24/7

910-726-5323

STORM STRENGTH & FITNESS

PRIVATE TRAINING Active Adult (60 min. session) • 3 x Week = $299.00 Month Athletic Performance (60 min. session) • 3 x Week = $299.00 Month 4 x Week = $389.00 Month GROUP TRAINING Active Adult (60 min. session) • 3 x Week = $49.00 Month Athletic Performance (90 min. session) • 3 x Week = $69.00 Month 4 x Week = $89.00 Month

SPEED

STRENGTH

POWER

910-274-1162 • chris@trainatstorm.com www.trainatstorm.com

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

Call Hannah Simmons, LMBT #7429 910-228-3039 or Janis Pulliam, LMBT #1379 910-620-5765

hIGhLIGhTS, cUT & BRow wAX

$10 oFF

Liz @ Elizabeth Pridgen Hair 1105 New Pointe Blvd., 1-C Leland, NC 28451

910-386-6846 www.dynamicmartialarts.webs.com

AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools, Studio Production Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

For New Clients at Oleander Oaks

- No Contracts - Drop In Rates Available

FABULOUS ENTERTAINMENT

Get Some

$50 MASSAGe SPecIAL

910-520-5460

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

owN yoUR AFSweeter View owN BUSINeSS DVD , M , T , .

FoR $299 6213-C Market Street 910-399-7369 Make More Money Than A NEED SOME EXTRA CASH? Sell your unwanted items in the AdPak Just over Broke PeRSoNAL ITeMS FoR SALe $1000 oR LeSS JOB. ARe FRee FoR 4 weekS! IN PRINT & oNLINe eATURING A hUGe SeLecTIoN oF

ADULT

S

AGAzINeS

AND

oyS

ALoNG wITh A FULL VIDeo ARcADe

www.bruceh.akealife.com www.adpakweekly.com • Call AdPak @ 791-0688

Daily Lunch Combo’s for $7.00 Includes full meal & soft drink.

$

The Wilmington Hammerheads Season...

Has arrived!

UPCOMING HOME GAMES: JUNE 2012 June 2 vs.

ORLANDO

FOR INDIVIDUAL, SEASON OR GROUP TICKETS CALL

June 15 vs.

910-777-2111

RICHMOND

www.WilmingtonHammerheads.com

MONDAY 1.00 Bud Light Draft • $1.00 Tacos • $5.25 Grilled Shrimp Faddi

TUESDAY 1/2 Price Tequila with over 50 choices $ 2.00 Import Bottles • $5.00 Nachos • $6.00 Chicken Tender Faddi $

WEDNESDAY 2.00 Sweetwater Pints - 420 & Blue • $2.00 Bud & Bud Light Bottle 35¢ Wings • $4.00 Grilled Vegetable Faddi $

THURSDAY 2.00 Lions Head Pilsner 16oz. cns • $3.00 Flying Dog Bottles $ 2.00 PBR 16oz. cns • $5.00 Quesadillas $ 6.00 Taco Salads • 75¢ Frog Legs FRIDAY 3.50 Tall Boys 23oz. all Draft beer with 12 plus choices $ 5.25 Beer Man Tacos • $6.50 Philly Cheese Steak Faddi $

SATURDAY 2.50 Natty Greene Buckshot Amber Pints $ 6.25 Original Faddi’s w/ Fries • $10.00 Fajitas $

SUNDAY 10.00 Buckets - Bud & Bud Light $ 2.00 Stegmaier Amber with $6.00 Pitchers 20 Wings for $7.00 • $6.50 Burger Faddi’s with Fries

Live Music on weekends NO COVER! Fri., May 25

STEPHEN GOSSIN Sat., May 26 THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN Join us for MLB Extra Innings all summer long!

$

encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 63

Visit us

r r e K d n a t e k r a M f o r e n on the Cor Lunch • Dinner • Late night take Out • catering

Italian Restaurant c PIzza & SubS d

4304 1/2 Market St. • 910-251-1005 www.epwilmington.com

Celebrating 25 Years in Wilmington!

To celebrate, we’re rolling back prices to 1987 on some of our most popular items on the 25th of every month.

MaY 25th rOLL baCk SPeciaL: Mozzarella Sticks $3 from 10am-4pm

College Night

fan us on facebook for even more specials and giveaways. Each week we are giving away a $25 gift certificate to one of our fans.

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT fRom 5pm-mIDNIGHT

Get 15% off your bill

with college ID from 5pm-Midnight

COME NAKED ... of all make up and accessories and be transported to a night of luxury and pampering.

The Perfect Girl’s Night Out 4306 Market St. 910.29.29.MOD (663) 64 encore | may 23-29, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Free salon and spa services FASHION | PHOTO BOOTH | RAFFLE PRIZES FOOD & DRINKS and much more!

All proceeds go to the Cape Fear Literacy Council.Tickets are available in-store or online at ModNakedParty.Eventbrite.com

$5/ADVANCE $8/DOOR