YES! Weekly - January 17, 2024

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JANUARY 17-23, 2024 VOLUME 20, NUMBER 3

10 5500 Adams Farm Lane Suite 204 Greensboro, NC 27407 Office 336-316-1231 Fax 336-316-1930 Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III

DIVE BAR

publisher@yesweekly.com EDITORIAL Editor CHANEL DAVIS

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Residents of High Point and the surrounding area have a new hangout designed for the whole family depending on what time of day you go.

While it’s not your dad’s bar it’s not giving Chuck E. Cheese vibes either.

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chanel@yesweekly.com YES! Writers IAN MCDOWELL MARK BURGER KATEI CRANFORD JIM LONGWORTH

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NAIMA SAID DALIA RAZO LYNN FELDER PRODUCTION Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com

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Joe and Molly Curran have had a culinary romance. They met when they were in culinary school at Johnson and Wales in Charleston...Aspiring to own their own restaurant, they established 1703 RESTAURANT & CATERING in 2000.

6 Truth is, DANCING has been used in TV advertisements since the 1950s, but it has become overused since the early part of this century. Today people appearing in TV ads seem to break into dance moves at the drop of a hat, regardless of the product they are hawking.

7 There are many pleasures to be savored in AMERICAN FICTION, the auspicious feature debut of producer/director/screenwriter Cord Jefferson, based on executive producer Percival Everett’s novel “Erasure,” and chief among them is the stellar performance of Jeffrey Wright, enjoying a well-earned (and perhaps overdue) starring role.

7 NIGHT SWIM is the latest shocker from producer Jason Blum’s Blumhouse shingle, a veritable house of horrors whose successes have included the Purge, Insidious, and Paranormal Activity franchises,

although it did stumble last year with The Exorcist: Believer.

8 In August, Greensboro-based filmmaker Sean Norona discussed his latest project BLACKOUT, a surrealistic action short film about a ruthless female assassin suffering from dissociative amnesia, a condition that makes her already dangerous work even more precarious.

8 The RiverRun International Film Festival kicks off its series of 2024 “INDIE LENS POP-UP” events with a free screening of producer/director Katja Esson’s award-winning feature documentary Razing Liberty Square...

12 Whether folks wanna dig singersongwriter vibes for charity or throw down bars and beats at the Crown — it’s officially an “OUT OF THE GARDEN” and “In Tha Burrow” festival weekend.

13 HOLLER CHOIR will celebrate the release of their debut full-length album, “Songs Before They Write Themselves,” with a show at the Flat Iron on January 19.

ADVERTISING Marketing ANGELA COX angela@yesweekly.com TRAVIS WAGEMAN travis@yesweekly.com Promotion NATALIE GARCIA

DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2024 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

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NCDOT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING PROPOSED RAILROAD CROSSING GRADE SEPARATION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD IN GUILFORD COUNTY

PHOTO BY FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

STIP Project No. P-5713 GREENSBORO - The public is invited to a meeting with the N.C. Department of Transportation to discuss proposed Hilltop Rd. railroad crossing grade separation in Greensboro.

A progressive white couple’s daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them, and soon a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across their idyllic San Francisco terrace, in Stained Glass Playhouse’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” Feb. 9-25, 2024.

[SPOTLIGHT]

STAINED GLASS PLAYHOUSE TO PRESENT “GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER” PRESS RELEASE

Stained Glass Playhouse will present “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” adapted by Todd Kriedler from the 1967 screenplay by William Rose. The production will be directed by Pam Barrans, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays, February 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24 at 8 p.m., and on Sundays, February 11, 18, and 25 at 3 p.m.

In “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” a progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in their newspaper and welcoming one into their family, especially in 1967. But they’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Draytons’ idyllic San Francisco terrace.

Stained Glass Playhouse’s production of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” stars Glenn Otterbacher as Matt Drayton, Karen Bell Chandler as Christina Drayton, Janea Platt as Joanna “Joey” Drayton, Hayden Crawford as Dr. John Prentice, Ellen D. Anderson as Matilda “Tilley” Banks, Sterling Garris as John Prentice, Sr., Diane HK Fitzhugh as Mary Prentice, Karen Hincher as Hillary St. George, and John Shea as Monsignor Ryan.

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com).

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The project converts the at-grade crossing of the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR)/Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) at Hilltop Rd. in Greensboro to a grade separation.

The meeting will be held Feb. 1 at Gate City Baptist Church, 5250 Hilltop Rd., Greensboro. The public is invited to attend at any time between 4-7 p.m.

Project details, including maps can be found on the NCDOT project web page: https://publicinput.com/Hilltop-Road-Rail-Crossing The information will be presented at the meeting, allowing for one-onone discussions with engineers. There will not be a formal presentation.

People may also submit comments by phone at 984-205-6615 (project code 4649), email at Hilltop-Road-Rail-Crossing@publicinput.com, or mail at the address shown below by Feb. 23.

By Mail:

All performances will be held at Stained Glass Playhouse, located at 4401 Indiana Avenue in Winston-Salem, in the former sanctuary of Marvin United Methodist Church. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (60+), $15 for students and teachers, and $10 for children under 12. For more information about the show, visit stainedglassplayhouse.org/guesswhos-coming-to-dinner.

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” is the winter show in Stained Glass Playhouse’s 2023-2024 Season, which will conclude this spring with Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” in May. For show and season flex tickets, visit stainedglassplayhouse. org or call our reservation line at (336) 499-1010. !

STAINED GLASS PLAYHOUSE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community theatre specializing in high-quality productions in an intimate setting for an affordable ticket price, offering shows and theatrical events which focus on moral messages, family values, and community issues. We are a member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Arts Council (intothearts.org) and the North Carolina Triad Theatre League (triadtheatre.com)

Greg Blakney NCDOT Rail Division Senior Rail Project Development Engineer 1 S. Wilmington St. Raleigh NC 27601

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Alecia Hardy, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1598, 919-707-6072 or ext-arhardy@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-481-6494.

Aquellas personas no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan llamando al 1-800-481-6494.

Read us on your phone when you can’t pick up a paper!

THE ALL-NEW

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Taquitos

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Chile Relleno

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Chow Down at 1703 Restaurant & Catering

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BY JOHN BATCHELOR

oe and Molly Curran have had a culinary romance. They met when they were in culinary school at Johnson and Wales in Charleston.

After graduation, they moved to Winston-Salem to take positions at Village Tavern. Following a hiatus when Molly was pursuing an MBA at the University of Delaware and working as a dining room captain at the Hotel duPont, they returned to the Triad. She spent some time at Noble’s Grille, then they both worked at the Roaring Gap Club, where he moved up from sous chef to food & beverage manager, then executive chef. She was catering manager and assistant manager.

Aspiring to own their own restaurant, they established 1703 Restaurant & Catering in 2000.

Curtis Hackaday has been Chef de Cuisine since 2012. Like so many chefs I have followed, he credits his grandmother with his inspiration and early training. His aunt was another strong influence.

This is a true white tablecloth, white cloth napkin restaurant. Hunter green walls host attractive artwork. Flame stitch banquettes line the sides. Noise level is moderate to quiet. Service personnel are well informed, orders and deliveries wellpaced. Menu offerings change frequently, reflecting this kitchen’s devotion to local and seasonal ingredients. Although the ambience is upscale, the mood is easygoing, casual. In other words, this is my kind of place!

Bread earns special commendation.

Several different varieties have been served on each occasion, accompanied by softened herbed butter. Chef advises they are sourced from Crest Hill Bakery and Tribeca Oven.

On an early visit, Collard Green Pimiento

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Cheese Dip introduced themes that we would find often repeated: exceptionally rich flavors, creamy textures, and pleasant crusts where appropriate. In this case, both the collards and the pimiento cheese flavors were evident. Tortilla chips, crisp and tasty in their own right, bore just a hint of lime.

Mushroom Taquitos are colorful, laced with beet crema and jalapeño avocado coulis. They are filled with braised chickenof-the-woods mushrooms and squash puree, yielding a delightfully earthy flavor, blended with gruyere-gouda-fontina cheeses. Chef Hackaday is a certified forager. Mushrooms are one of his passions.

We benefit from his expertise.

Most recently, my party of four shared two first courses. In Winter Slaw with Blackened Shrimp, slivered apples and pears, plus leaves of kale, join shredded broccoli and Brussels sprouts, along with goat cheese, hosting large, tender blackened shrimp. The blackening spices lend flavor, but only moderate to light heat, the natural flavor of the shrimp coming through clearly. This is an elaborate construction, highly enjoyable.

Some disagreement emerged about Okra Fries. These are sliced thin and fried crisp, matchstick style. Two of us thought they were dryish, but two others really liked the crunch and smoky flavor. (Count me among the latter.) Seasoning comes from chimichurri. The menu promises creamy “MojoSauce,” but it was not present in our serving. That probably would have eliminated the misgivings.

Main courses rank in the highest echelon.

Tuna is sushi grade, no gristle, its natural flavor enhanced with hollandaise sauce.

Pieces of fish are plated over haricot verts, olives, and roasted red peppers, pus warm potato salad dressed in whole grain mus-

tard vinaigrette. A duck egg, sunny side up, covers the presentation, its flavor marrying well with the tuna. This is a novel, creative construction, that works really well.

Leaves of arugula are scattered on top.

Crab Cakes host real lump meat, yielding concomitant flavor. They are pan-seared crisp, joined on the plate by garlic mashed potatoes. The menu promised spinach, but our serving came with broccolinigood, just not what we were expecting.

Upon request, a side of wilted spinach was provided.

Sea Bass is seared to a light crust, enhanced with Dijon beurre blanc sauce.

A gruyere croquette, Parisian carrots (a smaller, sweeter version of a regular carrot), and sliced leeks surround the fish, yielding a visually attractive as well as richly flavorful assembly.

Chile Relleno is a complex, layered composition, based on a foundation of black bean puree, then a bit of saffron rice, then a poblano pepper stuffed with lobster and crab meat. This is dabbed with guacamole and chili con limon beurre monte- an emulsified butter sauce.

The Porterhouse Pork Chop is grilled, then coated with a bourbon bacon glaze.

The treatment imparts a moderate level of sweetness, which marries well with the pork. Roasted squash, kohlrabi greens, and roasted asparagus are plated alongside. A slivered apple-kohlrabi slaw, dressed with Duke’s mayo, sugar, and white balsamic vinegar, top the meat.

Meatballs are blended from beef tenderloin, salami, and pork. The result is complex and quite tasty. They are presented over cauliflower potato chevre puree, ladled with a brandy and green peppercorn sauce.

I was surprised and delighted to see Pheasant on the menu. This is an airline cut, mostly breast meat, exuding the rich

flavor of this elegant bird. Roasted pearl potatoes and sliced carrots rest alongside, surrounded by braising jus.

Since it’s winter, and I was with guests, I was able to sample two desserts. Blueberry Goat Cheese Tart and Chocolate Crumble are both worth the calories!

After our visits, my wife and I talked over our impressions of 1703. On balance, we have now designated it as one of our personal favorites in Winston-Salem. In my last column, about Valentine’s recommendations, I did not include 1703 because I had not finished my visits or written my impressions. Now, clearly, 1703 gets a hearty endorsement for Valentine’s as well as any other occasion, whether special or not! !

JOHN BATCHELOR has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/ cookbooks: Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast, and Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina.

Contact him at john.e.batchelor@gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot.com.

WANNA go?

1703 Restaurant & Catering 1703 Robinhood Rd Winston-Salem 27104 336-725-5767 1703restaurant.com Hours: Lunch- 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Brunch- 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; Dinner- 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday Appetizers: $11.03-$25.03 Salads: $10.03-$11.03 Soups: $8.03-$10.03 Entrees: $25.03-$65.03 Desserts: $8.03 Most recent visit: January 2

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VOTED BEST CHICKEN WINGS IN GUILFORD COUNTY

[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP] NEW GALLERY EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS SIX DECADES OF ART ‘OF THE TIMES’

BY STEVE MORRISON Few people are aware that there is a fantastic collection of contemporary art, decades in the making, hidden away in Winston-Salem. For the next few weeks, this collection will get a rare public outing. Thirty-seven Wake Forest University student-acquired artworks spanning six decades will be displayed in Hanes Gallery this spring. The exhibition, “Of the Times,” opens Jan. 19 and runs through March 31. A linoleum cut by Picasso and a painting by Elaine de Kooning will be on display. Other artists represented include Alex Katz, Louise Nevelson, Keith Haring and Jasper Johns.

Wake Forest’s student art-buying trip is unique in higher education. Every four years since 1963, students have chosen artwork for the University. Three generations have created a premier collection of contemporary artworks that reflect the times. Highlights from the Mark H. Reece Collection of Student-Acquired Contemporary Art include 37 works from each decade and at least one from each buying trip.

Making art accessible with audio, text and touch Wake Forest University is pioneering approaches to accessibility in an art context. Carefully created to convey a description of each piece, image descriptions will be available as text and audio.

There will be a few 3D-printed tactile art models to provide hands-on exploration and tactile understanding of the art.

The Bloomberg Connects app makes the University’s art accessible for on-site and off-site visits through photo, audio and video features.

“I believe that the art collections acWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

cessibility programming for this event will lead to further partnerships that help make Wake Forest art, museums and exhibit spaces as accessible and welcoming as possible for our broad and diverse community,” said Eudora Struble, director of technology accessibility at Wake Forest.

The history of student-acquired art at Wake Forest In 1963, Wake Forest’s Dean of Men and College Union Adviser Mark Reece had a vision for a student art-buying trip.

At the time, there was no art department at Wake Forest. He and then faculty members Ed Wilson and Allen Easley and two students drove to New York City, explored the contemporary art galleries there, and came back with a dozen works of art, selected by the students, for the University.

Every four years since then, except for the pandemic year, a small group of students has traveled to New York City, with University funds, to purchase art for Wake Forest’s Student Union Art Collection — works that reflect the times.

In February 2022, John and Libby Reece endowed a conservation fund to care for, steward and rename the Student Union Collection of Contemporary Art as the Mark H. Reece Collection of StudentAcquired Contemporary Art in honor of John Reece’s father — the founder of the collection.

This is a rare opportunity to experience a world-class contemporary art collection right here in Winston-Salem. The exhibition will be in Hanes Art Gallery through March 31. Check www.hanesgallery.wfu. edu/ for hours. For group tours, contact Wake Forest University Acquavella Curator of Collections Jennifer Finkel at finkelj@wfu.edu. !

Weekly Specials

MON: $2.50 Domestic Bottles & All Burgers $10.99 TUE: 1/2 Price Wine | WED: $4 Draft THU: $8 Bud Light Pitchers & $3 Fireball

Band Schedule JANUARY 18 Jimmy Hayes and Friends

JANUARY 25 The Beautiful People Club

VOTED BEST BURGER IN HIGH POINT DURING EAT AND DRINK BURGER WEEK

1232 NORTH MAIN STREET, HIGH POINT, NC 27262 WWW.SWEETOLDBILLS.COM | (336) 807-1476 MONDAY-THURSDAY 11AM-10 PM | FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-11PM SUNDAY 11AM-8PM | BRUNCH 11AM-2PM

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have nothing against dancing. In fact, my partner and I once won a waltz contest in junior high. And like most red-blooded American boys of that era, I thought Jim Longworth there was something rather sensual about Ginger Rogers Longworth and Rita Hayworth at Large pressing the flesh with Fred Astaire.

Hell, I was even rooting for Maria and Captain Von Trapp to make out while doing the Laendler.

On-screen or in real life, dancing is a beautiful expression of friendship and love, and an outlet for fun. It’s what most toddlers do the first time they hear snappy music, and as we get older, we dance at wedding receptions, parties, and nightclubs. Dancing is in our blood.

Too Much Dancing in TV Ads That’s why Dancing With the Stars is one of the most popular programs on television. My beef isn’t with dancing, it’s with the plethora of corny TV commercials that have come to rely on dancing to sell products that have nothing to do with dancing.

Truth is, dancing has been used in TV advertisements since the 1950s, but it has become overused since the early part of this century. Today people appearing in TV ads seem to break into dance moves at the drop of a hat, regardless of the product they are hawking.

Beverage ads are among the biggest offenders. A girl drinking Sun Drop cola dances from scene to scene, interrupting people who are doing yoga on the beach. A guy opens a bottle of CocaCola in a convenience store and starts dancing to other locations, including into someone’s bedroom where kids are playing video games, and on a rooftop where some guys are watching a soccer match. A young man is put on hold, so

Cloud Integrations Specialist UVA seeks candidate for automating business processes & integrating best-in-class platforms w/CRM & data warehouses; own lifecycle of multiple integrations: defining business requirements, producing end-to-end process diagrams, developing & testing integrations & moving to production; create, modify, & support an efficiently tuned & modular codebase that evolves w/business needs in agile environment. Must possess (i)BS in Computer Science, Programming or closely related (ii)3yr exp in job offered or related-must include (a) proven track record w/extract, transform, load (ETL) responsibilities & exchanging data across systems using web service services, APIs, (RESTful, SOAP), Cloud Data & Application Integration (b)master data management (MDM) practices to ensure new transactions correctly matched to existing constituents to create an official golden record & data is cleansed/standardized to accepted formats.(c)scoping, writing, maintaining, & testing SQL procedures, error/exception files, & job scheduling; (PL/SQL & T-SQL); SOQL; Linux shell scripting, BASH; Windows; Linux; Oracle; SQL Server (d)proven responsibility troubleshooting existing services, performing root cause analysis, automating business processes.(e)demonstrable exp preparing technical diagrams, logical data models, source to target maps, user-friendly documentation & responsible for stakeholder/vendor communications. (f)participating in team-driven, deadline-oriented environment using project management tools & agile methods in environment of shifting priorities., (iii)Proficiency w/: (a)(PL/SQL & T-SQL); SOQL; Linux shell scripting, BASH; Windows, Linux, Oracle, SQL Server (b)extract, transform, load (ETL), SQL, & data warehousing, DI/AI (c)data accuracy, cleansing, & constituent matching (d)modern integration tools like Mulesoft, Informatica & IICS, Boomi, or Jitterbit (e)designing system architectures including star schemas, snowflakes, cubes, & dimensional modeling (f)microsoft SSMS & SSIS; JavaScript, Python, APEX; Azure; Linux (g)higher education CRM systems such as Salesforce, UC Innovation Ascend, Ellucian, Blackbaud, Paciolan, & Millennium (iv)Requires minimum of two references from prior employment (v)May work remotely 100% of time, with on-site visit at least 1x per month. Employer will accept Bachelor’s Degree equivalency based upon suitable combination of education, training &/or experience. Job in Charlottesville, VA. Full-time/M-F. Pre-hire background check. For more details see https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0055053/Cloud-Integration-Specialist

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while waiting to be connected, he and his wife start dancing because they like Bud Light. Guys in a barber shop get up and start dancing in the street, then dance over to a laundromat, then suddenly they are at the beach. The reason? Because Bicardi “Moves you.” A flash mob gathers in a hotel lobby where they spontaneously break into a rip-off of “Thriller”…Why? Because they all drink Lipton Ice Tea. And who knew that babies start dancing when given a bottle of Evian to sip on?

Food ads are also filled with dancing. In one spot, a Fig Newton mascot entices us to eat him by dancing the “Fig Newton Dance.” Meanwhile, animated characters dance with joy because they just called Grub Hub. And we’re prompted to shop at Whole Foods because their stores feature a cut-out of two people dancing in front of fully stocked shelves.

Automobile manufacturers also rely on dancing to sell their products. In one ad Toyota featured a disco dance party, and in another, a customer breaks into a maniacal dance just because there’s a sale going on. Volkswagen once transformed Gene Kelly into a hip-hop hoofer, and Kia used dancing bears who performed to “Gangnam Style” music.

Smartphones and cellular companies are no strangers to the dance craze either. They have included Samsung and T-Mobile which featured flash mobs, and Nextel where folks at a dance party love their phone service.

But the most obnoxious TV commercials are for weight loss medicines.

Jardiance features a postal carrier who walks past a bunch of people hanging around an outdoor fountain. Suddenly the mob starts dancing because they are excited about diabetes. Sensa even brings law enforcement into their act.

In one spot a police officer is suddenly surrounded by a mob of people dancing in front of a courthouse. The judge then comes outside and commences to per-

form cartwheels, all because he heard about a salt shaker that cuts calories.

But the champion of dancing-themed TV commercials is Ozempic. In every spot, crowds of people gyrate as they sing “Oh, oh, oh, Ozempic!” Having tried Ozempic myself I can tell you that “Oh, oh, oh” refers to what you scream as you try to make it to the bathroom.

I suppose that TV spots featuring people dancing for no reason are harmless so long as the dancers are drinking Coca-Cola, or attending a sale at the Kia dealership. But such nonsense is frivolous and misleading when it comes to life-threatening diseases like diabetes, arthritis, COPD and obesity, and I’m not the only one who is bothered by this.

Social media is replete with folks who are offended by this kind of television advertising.

Someone on Redit.com named Dandle recently posted: “There are currently more than 19,000 prescription drugs approved for marketing in the U.S….too many of those ad campaigns are created by agencies gunning for recognition at industry award shows rather than engaging appropriate audiences with helpful and relevant information about an available treatment for a specific health condition. Awards go to the spots with mascots and song and dance numbers, not to the earnest and measured summaries of scientific information.”

Dancing can be lots of fun, but there’s just nothing funny about our health.

The ad agencies who put this crap on TV should be ashamed, or at least be made to scream on the way to the bathroom. !

JIM LONGWORTH is the host of Triad Today, airing on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on ABC45 (cable channel 7) and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WMYV (cable channel 15) and streaming on WFMY+.

[LETTER TO THE EDITOR] I just wanted to say thank you for the article you wrote on Sgt. Dale Nix. It means a lot to my officers, and probably more to me. No matter the difference in ideology, politics, or philosophy, Sgt. Nix was a good man who served his community honorably and your article helped honor him. Thank you.

John W. Thompson, Chief of Police Greensboro Police Department

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flicks

SCREEN IT!

All the Wright moves: American Fiction gives actor a well-deserved showcase

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here are many pleasures to be savored in American Fiction, the auspicious feature debut of producer/director/screenwriter Cord Jefferson, based on executive producer Percival Everett’s novel “Erasure,” and chief among them is the stellar performance of Jeffrey Wright, Mark Burger enjoying a well-earned (and perhaps overdue) starring role.

Contributor Wright’s Thelonious “Monk” Ellison is a man at a crossroads in life and career. His sister Lisa (Tracee Ellis Ross) unexpectedly dies, and he must look after their mother (Leslie Uggams), who is rapidly descending into dementia. Cheerfully irresponsible younger brother Cliff (Sterling K. Brown) has gleefully come out of the closet, but it hasn’t helped him mature any, and Monk is tentatively pursuing a romance with Coraline (Erika Alexander), a friendly neighbor.

Career-wise, he is struggling to come to terms with cancel culture and political correctness as a university teacher, and the books he has written tend to be of a “specialized” nature. In other words, they don’t sell. He’s also dismayed by the portrayal of African American life in contemporary literature, which tend to have titles like “We Lives in Da Ghetto” and are hailed by the mainstream as accurate portrayals. In other words, those do sell — big-time.

In a fit of pique and fueled by a few stiff drinks, he pens a “non-fiction” book rife with guns, drugs, hip-hop, profanity, poverty, and every racial stereotype he can think of.

The initial title is “My Pafology,” and when he submits it to his agent Arthur (John Ortiz), the latter recognizes it for the farce it is. Nevertheless, he begrudgingly consents to sending it to various publishers, using the pseudonym “Stagg R. Leigh,” who is purportedly an ex-con still wanted by the authorities.

It should come as no surprise what happens next. Before a change in title which cannot be repeated here, “My Pafology” is hailed as a breakthrough and Stagg R. Leigh becomes the hottest author no one’s ever heard of (perhaps because he doesn’t exist). Monk has — literally — written himself into a corner, and it’s a delight watching Wright wrestle with the dilemma he has wrought upon himself.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Monk’s meeting with hotshot Hollywood producer Wiley (Adam Brody), whose appreciation of the “Black Experience” is clearly evident in his latest project, a Civil War zombie movie called Plantation Annihilation, in which Ryan Reynolds is to be decapitated by undead slaves. Watching Monk — and by extension Wright — uncomfortably adopt the persona of an uneducated, trash-talking thug is sheer hilarity. As Monk later notes “The dumber I behave, the richer I get.”

In addition to being a perceptive and potent satire, American Fiction is also a first-rate character study, which

is uncommon in the genre. As he navigates the perils of celebrity, Monk is forced to confront his own preconceived notions and prejudices. He wasn’t raised in the hood, he doesn’t have “street cred.” He’s faced racism in his life but was raised in a middle-class environment as far afield from “My Pafology” as can be, and he slowly comes to appreciate that.

Initially, the domestic sequences in the film seem to distract from the more humorous ones, but it becomes evident that in balancing the two, Jefferson is fleshing out the character of Monk. Wright’s peerless performance, which deserves to be remembered at Oscar time, gets topnotch support from one of the best ensemble casts of any film last year.

Everyone is in fine form, with Brown an unalloyed delight as Cliff, whose misbehavior masks pained emotions that Monk doesn’t discern until late in the game.

Perhaps the satire could have been sharper or more broadly conveyed, but it hardly matters. American Fiction is one of 2023’s best films, featuring one of 2023’s very best performances. It’s intelligent, intuitive, and it has a lot to say about contemporary society without patronizing or preaching. Instead, it uses insight and wit to get its point across — and does so in confident, assured fashion.

American Fiction opens Friday. !

Night Swim is shallow scare fare Night Swim is the latest shocker from producer Jason Blum’s Blumhouse shingle, a veritable house of horrors whose successes have included the Purge, Insidious, and Paranormal Activity franchises, although it did stumble last year with The Exorcist: Believer. Night Swim is better than that film but also considerably less ambitious.

The film is a feature expansion of a 2014 short film by co-story writers Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire, the latter assuming screenwriting and directing duties here. It’s about a haunted swimming pool, and is essentially the latest variation of that old chestnut, “The Money’s Paw,” the moral of which is (of course): Be careful what you wish for.

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Our all-American family consists of Wyatt Russell as a former third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, Kerry Condon as his stalwart wife, and Amélie Hoeferle and Gavin Waller as their children. They’re an attractive, likable lot, with the Irishborn Condon nailing an American accent and Russell’s facial expressions and vocal intonations often recalling those of his real-life dad, Kurt Russell.

Cinematographer Charlie Sarroff employs every conceivable camera angle to make the pool appear ominous and threatening. The title Night Swim is a bit of a misnomer since the pool’s powers are just as potent during daylight hours. Mom and the kids are the first to discern danger, but Dad — whose career was derailed by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis — is hooked.

Every time he takes a dip, his symptoms recede and his strength returns. It’s not long before he is possessed by the pool, and one half expects him to threaten his family with a baseball bat like Jack Nicholson did with an axe in The Shining.

All things considered, Night Swim could have been a lot worse, and it’s not until a pool party gone bad that the film goes down the proverbial drain. Credit the cast, including Nancy Lenehan as a chirpy realtor, for at least keeping it watchable.

Although Lenehan’s character neglected to inform the buyers of the house of “certain alleged events” pertaining to the pool’s past, they find out for themselves soon enough. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.

JANUARY 17-23, 2024

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A Sean Norona short-film showcase at Marketplace Cinemas

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n August, Greensborobased filmmaker Sean Norona discussed his latest project Blackout, a surrealistic action short film about a ruthless female assassin suffering from Mark Burger dissociative amnesia, a condition that makes her already Contributor dangerous work even more precarious.

On Sunday, January 28th, Marketplace Cinemas (2095 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem) will host an exclusive exhibition screening of Blackout — as well as Norona’s earlier short films A Reading and State of Being — at 3 p.m., with Norona and cast and crew members in attendance. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at https://www.mpcws.com/ movies/325224-blackout/.

“None of these films have ever had a public screening before,” Norona said. “This will be the first time ever that I’m watching them in front of an audience. I do consider this an exclusive, one-time screening of Blackout before it gets locked back in the vault and sent to independent film festivals. It’s a chance for our cast and crew, as well as our supporters, to see what we as a team have been able to accomplish. I’m extremely proud of the quality of the film (and) I’m excited to share it with the people who made it with me and how a living, breathing audience will digest it.”

Norona’s short film trifecta reflects his various interests and cinematic influences.

“A Reading is about a man who wakes up in the middle of the night and is visited by none other than Death himself. They have a little midnight chat when the man in bed comes to the shocking conclusion as to why they are meeting in the first place. A film group I was part of called Mind Over Matter Films and I made this film about eight years ago. One of the talented members of this group, Uzoma Udogwu, came to me and said, ‘I want you to direct my film.’ It was the first time in my life that someone who wrote a script approached me to direct their story. That was the most incredible feeling, and I could not say no.

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JANUARY 17-23, 2024

RIVERRUN PRESENTS FREE “INDIE LENS POP-UP” SCREENING ON JANUARY 24TH

BY MARK BURGER “State of Being is about a teenage girl who suffers from health problems and is cared for by an older sister who is the only family she has. Despite being terminally ill, she refuses to let life get the best of her and is determined to be happy. Our group Mind Over Matter Films made the film with zero budget, only three main crew members, and a handful of actors. This was one of those guerrilla-style films where we all wore every hat on set and leaned on our friends for favors. It was a great experience in learning what it took to make a film.”

Then, of course, is Blackout. “I just decided to do it in my favorite format — a kick-ass action movie,” Norona said. “I wrote the script, shot it myself, edited the film, and directed it. There is a lot of me in this film. Blackout truly is my introduction into the professional film world, letting everyone know ‘Hey, this is who I am as an artist! This is my storytelling voice.’ I’m eternally grateful to all the people who helped me make this vision possible and can’t take all the credit for how this film turned out.

Many hands and many voices touched this project, and it was all for the best.”

Among the filmmakers whom Norona admires are David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, and Robert Rodriguez. “I take a lot of inspiration from these filmmakers as they all have such strong discipline in their craft,” he said. “Movies like Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Memento, and Desperado really have influenced me and how I like to tell stories. I could never hold a flame to these gentlemen, but it won’t stop me from seeing if I can learn a little something from them along the way. They give inspiration, as I reach my fingers up to the stars.”

“Encouraging and supporting local North Carolina filmmakers has always been something I’ve been passionate about,” said Marketplace Cinemas general manager Zack Fox, himself an award-winning independent filmmaker. “With the major film productions returning to the state, it’s now more important than ever to show what talent North Carolina has to offer. An indie filmmaker premiering their new work with a live audience can be a magical experience, especially if the audience is full of other local filmmakers networking and socializing. I am sure Sean and his crew have worked up a great presentation. I hope many people come out to support the North Carolina indie filmmakers.”

Norona points out, however, that the screening of Blackout is not a premiere but an exhibition screening. He wanted to show it to the cast and crew, see how it plays on the big screen, then determine if additional adjustments or edits need to be made. This event is designed to raise funds so that he can submit the finished product to film festivals here and abroad.

“If we can call this an ‘exclusive screening,’ that would be ideal,” he said. “We definitely want festivals to know we are making noise in Greensboro and North Carolina but also make festivals feel like they are going to be getting a big audience for the film for the first time if they select it.”

The official Marketplace Cinemas website is https://www.mpcws.com/ and Sean Norona’s official website is https://www. hogarimages.com/. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2024, Mark Burger.

The RiverRun International Film Festival kicks off its series of 2024 “Indie Lens Pop-Up” events with a free screening of producer/director Katja Esson’s award-winning feature documentary Razing Liberty Square on Wednesday, Jan. 24th at 6 p.m. at the Forsyth County Central Library, 660 W. Fifth Street, Winston-Salem. Admission is free but attendees must RSVP the event at https://riverrunfilm.com/.

The film focuses on Liberty Square, the oldest segregated housing project in the nation, which has become a lightning rod for controversy due to climate gentrification. As rising seas encroach upon Miami’s luxurious beachfront, wealthy property owners are pushing inland to higher ground — which is a direct threat to Liberty City as it is being systematically demolished, thereby displacing long-time residents and eradicating a community that has thrived for decades.

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion featuring Jen Runkle of the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies; Dan Rose, a sociology professor at Winston-Salem State University and the founder of Housing Justice Now; and Max Cawley, director of Climate Research and Engagement at The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, who will host the discussion, which will encompass such topics as climate change, housing insecurity, and economic inequity.

The 26th annual RiverRun International Film Festival is scheduled for April 18-27, 2024. The official festival website is https://riverrunfilm.com/. !

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leisure [KING CROSSWORD]

[WEEKLY SUDOKU]

MONEY-CHANGING

ACROSS 1

8 13 16 19 20 21 23 25 26 27 29 32 35 36 37 42 43 44 45 46 48 51 56 57 59 62 63 65 66

Combination spear and battle-ax Provo native Dawn deity Some fast autos Virtual merchant Strong cordage fiber Performs a charade of Thai money used to buy a Jacuzzi?

Height when upright Protest at which people lie on the ground Bright red Indian money?

“Madam” counterpart “The Dance” painter Henri Biceps locale Powerful auto engine “You missed your chance for folding over that Korean money”?

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Lima locale “Rapa —” (1994 film) Like even scores Feel sore Refusals She sang “Constant Craving” Rocker Brian Facts, in brief Gobble up Iraqi money?

Gal entering society Jazz’s Chick Chaise place Cognizant of

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School where students learn about Swedish money?

72 Norway’s capital 74 — facias (certain writ) 75 Used skillfully 76 “— favor, senor” 79 Forms Ghanaian money into a cylinder shape?

83 Brain tests, for short 84 Suffix with meth85 Venture out on one’s own 86 — Leppard 87 Some PC readouts 89 Kicked out of the game, for short 90 Radio spots 92 Bruins’ sch.

94 Major shock 96 Query after someone is told they look like Iranian money?

103 German auto 104 Tampa Bay NFLer 105 Over browned bread 106 Houston-to-Madison dir.

107 Whack some Mexican money?

111 Rapper — Rhymes 113 More intoxicating 114 Refuse to contribute South African money?

120 Getty of TV 121 French river 122 Asmara’s nation 123 Gobbled up 124 Airport agcy.

125 Played (with) 126 Label on a bargain item

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 22 24 28 29 30 31 33 34 38 39 40 41 46 47 49 50 52 53 54 55

Use an ax on One “A” of NCAA: Abbr.

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57 58 60 61 64 68 69 70 71 72 73 77 78 80 81 82

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91 Secondary field of study 93 George who played Danny Ocean 94 Mosaic tile 95 Long rodent feature 96 Most suitable 97 Assess again 98 Skip over in speech 99 Chalice, e.g.

100 Nailed the test 101 Desert of Mongolia 102 Some purple shades 103 Milo of films 108 Piper’s wear 109 Twisty fish 110 Average 112 Comic Johnson 115 Uno plus due 116 H.S. proficiency test 117 Gallery work 118 Teachers’ gp.

119 Hammarskjoeld once of the U.N.

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Dive Bar: Barcade comes to Triad

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esidents of High Point and the surrounding area have a new hangout designed for the whole family depending on what time of day you go. While it’s not your dad’s bar it’s not giving Chuck E. Cheese vibes either.

“In general, this is our fourth location. We started in Mooresville Chanel Davis back in November of 2020, and kind of realized we had a pretty good Editor concept and started identifying other towns,” said Rob Grosskopf, co-owner of the franchise’s early beginnings. “It’s been a breakneck speed on growth, but we’ve been really enjoying it. Our concept, overall, is a very community-driven bar, but we do have arcade games. I would not say we’re the traditional barcade that a lot of people know. We’re certainly not Dave and Busters. We’re certainly not Chuck E. Cheese. We’re certainly not some of the other folks, in Charlotte and Greensboro. We’re much more homey in a way. Lots more seating, low ceilings, cozy, comfortable.”

Dive Bar is located at 312 N. Elm St. in High Point and features pool tables, darts, pinball, and arcade games

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including the vintage Pac-Man, classic Skee-Ball, and JetPong Beer Pong. This location is family-friendly until 8 p.m. and offers a food and cocktail menu. The venue can be rented for private events on request. The High Point location will be the fourth location for the franchise, with the other locations in Mooresville, Hickory, and Cornelius.

Grosskopf said that the bar is designed to be more of an “homage to our favorite pieces of a dive bar” sprinkled with their favorite parts of childhood. You’ll find lots of classic car memorabilia, license plates, and old drinking memorabilia plastered on the walls.

“We kind of joke it’s like a dive bar-themed bar. Then there are other things that are a little nostalgic for us.

We’ve got dinosaur nuggets for food, and that’s kind of an homage to my childhood,” Grosskopf said. “A lot of little bar foods and snacks, doing the frozen pizzas behind the counter. I grew up in the upper Midwest, and a lot of the dive bars there, they do a pizza oven behind the bar. So, yeah, it’s kind of a collection of who we are and our favorite things at bars sprinkled in with some games and some good humor.”

He hopes Dive Bar brings something fresh and new to the High Point area. Most importantly he wants residents to have fun.

“I think the folks in High Point, they’ve seen things open up around them at Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

We’re looking to bring a small slice of that on a more community, homey vibe. Most important for us is fun.

We’re looking to bring fun to High Point,” Grosskopf said.

“I hope this is something really fun, new, and exciting for them.”

For young families, the ability to bring their children opens up a world of possibilities.

“We’re not Chuck E. Cheese but we are friendly with kids and we allow them in and to play the games. The kids have been having a blast. It’s been a blast getting to know families and the kids, and they’ve been playing the games, eating a bunch of food, and having a lot of fun.

Then at 8 p.m. things start kind of shifting, and we go 21 and up, and it gets really busy here.”

Grosskopf said he wants patrons to feel welcome and not just like another number.

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Grosskopf hopes that Dive Bar can be an integral part of the High Point community. He used High Point’s Oscar’s Fine Food as an example of how commitment to the community breeds longevity.

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forever. But part of people sticking around and being a bastion of the community is being involved in it, reaching across the table, and getting to know people,” he said. “Obviously you open up a business to put food on the table, but at the end of the day, there’s a lot of different ways to make money. I think for us, this has always been about the people. I mean, the employees, the community, and getting to know people. I think that allows us to better integrate with the community and also for people to better understand us.”

For more information, hours, or frequently asked questions, visit www. divebarnc.com. !

CHANEL DAVIS is the current editor of YES! Weekly and graduated from N.C. A&T S.U. in 2011 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She’s worked at daily and weekly newspapers in the Triad region.

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Out of the Garden and In Tha Burrow Double the festivals, double the fun on January 20 in Greensboro as GSOngFest and In Tha Fest will each make their second rounds, with the two shows offering two different styles Katei Cranford of musical offering; but both aimed at serving a sampling Contributor of what the Triad offers.

Whether folks wanna dig singersongwriter vibes for charity or throw down bars and beats at the Crown — it’s officially an “Out of the Garden” and “In Tha Burrow” festival weekend.

First up, GSOngFest is an all-day affair, running from noon to 10 p.m. across stages at Oden Brewing. Presented by the Gate City Songwriters group, the festival offers “a celebration of songwriting to benefit the Out of the Garden Project,” organizers explained. “We’re coming together to help fight hunger in a 10-hour indoor music festival called GSOngfest.”

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Picking up where the first pre-pandemic installment left off, GSOngFest boasts a lineup of 20 musicians including: William Nesmith, Kirby Heard, Scott Orr, Doug Baker, Bruce Culp, Jamie Anderson, Jack Riggs, Ashley Virginia, Mark Chrisinger, Bobbie Needham, Lyndon Rego, Tom Troyer, Laura Jane Vincent, Randy Condor Williams, Sharon Bradley, Michael Parris, and Ross Simpson; along with duos Barry Grey and Isabel Valls, and Bryan Toney and Tim Fogarty.

Proceeds from sales and tickets will again go directly to the Out of the Garden Project, which aims to help fight against food insecurity through meal offerings and advocacy; with an overall mission to end childhood hunger in the Triad. The project has distributed more than 20 million meals since 2008, and serves 2,000 students and families every week.

For Oden host and performer, Bryan Toney, it’s simple: “Twenty of your favorite songwriters in one place, on January 20, raising money for a great cause.”

High Point’s Kirby Heard agreed. “It’s music with a cause,” she said, beckoning fans to “Join these amazing musicians for a day of sharing!” For more information, visit https://outofthegardenproject.org.

Meanwhile, downtown, the peeps from In Tha Fest are popping back to the Triad to present Part 2 of their “In Tha Burrow” hip-hop and electronic music showcase at the Crown above the Carolina Theatre, starting at 8 p.m.

A group of party organizers based in Raleigh, In Tha Fest has continued hosting events around the state since their first “Summer In Tha Carolinas” festival in 2021. “Home events are always easier because you know you’ve got a fanbase there of people who will come — you’re connected and it feels safe,” explained founder and performer, Noahh. “The fear of the unknown drives me to wanna expand and create memories everywhere.”

“In Tha Fest is where memories are made,” Noahh emphasized while acknowledging the team effort from sound engineers, graphic designers, A&R reps, creative directors, and artists in his circle.

“Once I do something successful it’s hard not to want to it again,” he continued, “to create those memories, so I just make sure everything could keep going; and keep it alive and fresh each time.

Like we did our first event in Greensboro last year — sold it out — and we’ve been waiting for the right time to come back and do it again.”

Turning to what drew him to the Triad

initially, “We know a lot of artists from there and wanted to expand our reach,” he explained. “In Tha Burrow, Part 1 came about from knowing talented artists and connecting with them to find a venue and get a good group together.

The motivation for Part 2 was how awesome Part 1 was. The scene here is awesome.”

Looking to highlight those scenes, the lineup mixes returning favorites with artists new to the In Tha Fest series. ITF regular, LOI, again pulls hosting duties with house ITF DJ, FBE Big John, on deck.

Fresco From 34, Apex 3400, banhoes, Jet Rogers, Justomobbin, and Lovey the Don are set to return, with Chasyn Sparx, Antion Scales, Larry Murvin, Phazegod, and Hollyhood Molli making their In Tha Burrow debut.

“This will make my third In Tha Fest so I’m glad to be back with the fam again,” said Greenboro’s alternative rapper, Lovey The Don. “I love the space they’re creating for the underground in N.C.; and the line-up is dope — a lot of them are my homies — so I know it’s gonna be a lit show”.

While known for pushing boundaries and defying social norms, Lovey the Don spent most of 2023 reflecting on her own boundaries and taking a short break from performing. “I’m really excited to be back on the stage again at the top of the new year,” she said, dropping hints at an upcoming EP and bookings for 2024.

Winston-Salem’s PhazeGod echoes the excitement for In Tha Burrow and the upcoming year. “I’ve done a few shows with In Tha Fest before, but always under a group of artists — never

with my individual name and set. So this will be a nice precedent,” said the multimedia multi-hyphenate rapper and visual artist who draws inspiration from video games, anime, and astronomy.

“This is where I’m from, so the amount of love is always massive,” he continued, relaying hometeam excitement. “I know the majority of the people on the set, and I’m ready to see the collective energy manifest,” he added, pointing to buds who “always bring their AGame.” As for his own game, PhazeGod is currently working on a “horde” of new music videos and tracks; and has a Winston-Salem show, currently slated for April 12, in the works.

Beyond In Tha Burrow, Noahh and his ITF crew are keeping a full calendar busy and aren’t ruling out more visits to the Triad. “We’re going to really go crazy,” he said. “It’s my dream to be the reason N.C. pops since nobody ever thinks it can — and also be the reason people can change their life with their dream.”

Getting metaphysical with his game, “I’d like to let folks know to chase your dream and don’t stop — ‘cuz nobody can stop you but yourself. Don’t live life in reverse. Capitalize on the ideas you have now.”

Looking to do just that, In Tha Burrow comes to the Crown above the Carolina Theatre on the evening of January 20.

The Gate City Songwriters will present GSOngFest to benefit the Out of the Garden Project, beginning that afternoon at Oden Brewing in Greensboro. !

KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.

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tunes

HEAR IT!

Holler Choir comes down the mountain

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songwriting with impressive oneness.”

Shining new lights on old roads, Holler Choir’s proper formation came on the heels of Robert’s 2022 solo EP, “Mountain Air,” which fostered collaborative offerings from folks around Asheville’s Crossroads Studio; and spurred the new sound they’d ultimately explore on “Songs Before They Write Themselves.”

Striking together a sort of string band-pop-treading waters similar to artists like Watchhouse, Mipso, or The Milk Carton Kids, “Songs Before They Write Themselves,” offers an album triangulated between the past, present, and future. Invoking uncertainties in both title and tracks: heartbreak and discomfort around change intermingle with existential notions (and even a nod at the fate of songs with AI). Introspection — and retrospection — abounds.

“The only way to know how far you’ve come sometimes is to look behind you,” Roberts said. ”...and I can’t define the unit that is ‘Songs Before They Write Themselves’ without at least some retrospection on what came before it.”

“I think that for many artists, particularly writers, there is a wandering phase that is necessary to reach a creative thesis,” he continued. “If you know exactly what you’re trying to say with your art from the moment you pick up your medium, that’s great, but few of us start there. In making my previous EP, ‘Mountain Air,’ I saw it as a pilot hole for something bigger; an arrival at a creative home that I could fully call my own. With ‘Songs Before They Write Themselves,’ I think I’ve found the nail.”

Using a songwriting toolset to hammer a foundational catalog, the sole cover on the record is a bluegrass hammered rendition of Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box,” which serves as something of a reprieve, anchoring the universal nature of the human condition across the tracklisting that leans heavily toward the personally intrinsic.

The first single, “Ain’t Too Soon,” balances misanthropy against “an ironically-zealous melody” fueled by observations and musings attached to constructs of faith and religion, are delivered in hues blending folk and bluegrass — offering a sound with widespread to audiences beyond the hardbound genres. By contrast, Roses’ fingerwork on the emotive “Hard Pill” shines through the melancholy of Roberts’ heartfelt tenor; whereas the group

gets clever on “Hamlet Blues,” washing out the lyrical despondency through a deceptively upbeat musical stream.

Befitting an enthusiastic debut, “Songs Before They Write Themselves,” is empowered by self-actualization and passion for discovery — brought into record release with craftsmanship and intention (and tracking sessions recorded inside the converted chapel of Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville).

For production, the group teamed up with multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Ashworth (Steep Canyon Rangers), as well as engineer Jason Richmond (The Avett Brothers, Rising Appalachia); and Grammy Award-winning engineer, Kim Rosen, was brought in for mastering. Filling out the instrumental ensemble, Holler Choir expanded to include: Ryan Stigmon (pedal steel, dobro, guitar, and percussion), Julian Pinelli on fiddle, Bridger Dunnagan on octave mandolin, Thommy Knowles on B3 organ, Ian Klin on piano, and Evan Martin on drums; plus, extra vocal harmonies from Sean Newman and lead dog vocals courtesy of Tuba, the studio dogs.

No dogs are planned for the tour (that this writer is aware of) but there’ll be a few tricks up some sleeves for the release party, with ”Punk Rock DIY” magician Michael Casey (who’s performed with folks like the Old 97’s, War on Drugs, Jeff the Brotherhood, and Against Me) opening the show with a

mind-bending routine. It’ll be an evening of sorcery, safety pins, and string bands worth celebrating.

“Big thanks to everyone who helped make this happen,” the band said, gearing up to come down the mountain.

“And thanks to all of you for supporting us along the way. We love you all!”

Holler Choir comes to Greensboro to celebrate their debut album, with a release show at the Flat Iron on January 19. “Songs Before They Write Themselves” is out now on streaming platforms. !

KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.

SCAN ME TO REGISTER!

H

oller Choir will celebrate the release of their debut full-length album, “Songs Before They Write Themselves,” with a show at the Flat Iron on Katei Cranford January 19.

“We’re on the way down the mountain Contributor to play our album release show at our favorite spot in town,” said choir “master” and guitarist, Clint Roberts.

For Roberts, “Holler Choir” presents something of a double-entendre. Be it a hollerin’ choir or a choir from the Western Carolina hollers themselves, the moniker fits — resonating the dualities and introspective nature woven through both the band and the record.

Scattered around points of the Blue Ridge, “We’re Appalachian music through a contemporary lens,” Roberts– a native of Brevard — told Cindy Farmer during a Fox8 segment from their last visit to Greensboro (as the opening band for Susto).

“It’s a kind of Americana,” added banjoist and long-time collaborator, Helena Rose (who originally hails from Haywood County). “I call it heart music,” she said, “heart and soul.”

Caring that heart and soul through clawhammer style and harmonies, Rose plucks and strums to accent Robert’s lyrical prowess across his explosive vocal range — tethered to the rhythm and sturdy timekeeping from Norbert McGettigan’s upright bass — all of which conjure distinctly Appalachian old-time sounds, while transcending stereotypes of the genre. There’s the haunts and haints around string-laden compositions and the heart-wrenched ballad or two — but accented by the group’s confluence of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass.

Articulating a sort of atmospheric design, Holler Choir offers an original blend of musicality — steeped in oldtime Appalachia’s mystical sensibilities — and supported through an ensemble of players revolving around the core trio. The resulting sonic patchwork links “time-honored traditions and modern eclecticism” in a harmony that “challenges the confines of conventional

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YES! WEEKLY

13

last call

[TRIVIA TEST]

[SALOME’S STARS]

by Fifi Rodriguez

Week of January 22, 2024

[1. MOVIES: What state is the setting

[6. SCIENCE: Which element has the

[2. GEOGRAPHY: Lake Okeechobee is in

[7. GAMES: What is the destination in

[3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president

[8. TELEVISON: Who was the long-run-

for the 1990s movie Twister? which U.S. state?

adopted the expression, “Speak softly and carry a big stick?”

[4. MUSIC: Actor/singer Jared Leto also is the front man for which rock music band?

[5. HISTORY: The U.S. Civil War ended

in 1865 when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union forces in which Virginia town?

symbol Pb?

the board game Candy Land?

ning host of American Bandstand?

[9. U.S. STATES: What is the capital of Alaska?

[10. LITERATURE: Who is the author of

the autobiographical work “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?”

answer 1. Oklahoma.

2. Florida.

3. Theodore Roosevelt.

4. Thirty Seconds to Mars.

5. Appomattox.

6. Lead.

7. Candy Castle.

8. Dick Clark.

9. Juneau.

10. Maya Angelou. © 2024 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You might be hurt by a colleague’s harsh criticism, but don’t let it shake your confidence in what you’re trying to achieve. A more positive aspect starts to appear by week’s end.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’re torn between your sensible self and the part of you that enjoys acquiring lovely things. Best advice: Wait for an end-ofmonth sale, then buy something wonderful.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your artistic side has practical applications this week, perhaps with redecorating your home or redesigning your personal stationery. Whatever you choose to do, someone special will like it.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You could be drawn into a problem between friends or family members. Best bet: Ask the questions that go to the heart of the matter, then get them all together for a group hug.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) As much

as you love being the center of attention, your big Lion’s heart impels you to share the spotlight with a colleague who helped you with that well-praised project.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your eagerness to act on a challenge is wisely tempered early in the week by a lack of necessary information. Things begin to clear up during the weekend.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A relationship you’d hoped would keep going seems to be going nowhere. Close it out and move on to a brighter romantic aspect that is just beginning to manifest itself.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Things don’t go completely as planned this week, but enjoy the surprises, even if you have to adjust your schedule. Some of them could be quite delightful.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Making choices is usually easy for straight-shooting Archers, but a new development could deflect your aim.

Try to put off major decisions until you know more.

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[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While part of you might prefer taking a more familiar path, let your more daring and -- admit it -- supercurious self see what the unexplored has to offer.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Those nasty types have slithered back under the rocks and will not present any more problems. Now’s the time to move ahead on that promising new relationship.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A new offer could clear up that lingering money problem. Also, a more confident attitude on your part might help get that personal situation back on track.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of turning chaos into order. You’re also generous with your help for those who seek it. © 2024 by King Features Syndicate

answers [crossword] crossword on page 9

[weekly sudoku] sudoku on page 9

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January 17-23, 2024

YES! WEEKLY

15

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The Teskey Brothers

Lukas Nelson + POTR

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