YES! Weekly - March 20, 2024

CONCERT SERIES

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22 for the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds 2024 Indoor Concert Series.

4 OH’ CALCUTTA draws quite a crowd. A crowd with good judgment. The restaurant’s website provides excellent background information. Owner Gopal Chandarana dreamed of owning a restaurant since childhood.

5 The School of Music at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) gets into the swing of spring with the first-ever Improvised MUSIC AND JAZZ SPRING MINI-FEST, which takes place Tuesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Millennium Center, 101 W. First St., Winston-Salem.

6 The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) is thrilled to announce the return of N.C. BLUES WEEK, the statewide celebration of the rich blues heritage and culture of North Carolina.

7 Despite the dominance of America’s two-party system, our HISTORY OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS is replete with minor party candidates who challenged the front-runners, and, in some instances, directly affected the outcomes. Such was the case in 1912, 1992, and 2016.

4 8 11

8 Although it’s mid-March, the January doldrums continue unabated at the movies. The latest dud on display is IMAGINARY, the latest big-screen shocker from Blumhouse...

11 Four of GREENSBORO’S 10 HOMICIDES this year happened at bars and nightclubs. Early this year, Mayor Nancy Vaughan expressed concern about “frequent flyers,” meaning venues with a history of violence, in an email she sent to city officials...

13 Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and fests are popping, y’all. With a FULL BOUQUET OF FESTIVALS — including the big boys like J. Cole’s Dreamville, Wilkesboro’s MerleFest, and the Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte — the forecast calls for heavy showers of independent events around the state.

Publisher

EDITORIAL

DISTRIBUTION

]

GOODBYE TO GREENSBORO’S BELOVED BOBA HOUSE

BY IAN MCDOWELL

When Boba House, the vegetarian and vegan restaurant on UNCG’s college strip at 332 Tate St., closes at 9 p.m. this Saturday, it’s for good.

Kieuanh Ho and Kiet Nguyen, who opened it in August 2023 and sold the first boba tea on any menu in the state, want their community to know their departure isn’t for business reasons or anything bad or sad.

“We’ve had a really good run,” said Kieuanh, who is the mother of four boys. “We’re trying to focus on our family and just practice living, and be more mindful of our timeline here on earth. I have a limited resource of time with my sons, who are growing way too fast.”

Her youngest is 7, and her oldest, 16. “I don’t want to look back years from now and regret not dedicating my time to them and enjoying their presence while they’re still with me.”

She also stressed that they’re not closing because they have to.

“People may be asking why, if we’re doing so well, we’re quitting now. But the community has always been so good to us and our sta .”

She has nothing but praise for Becky Paterson, Boba House’s Tate Street neighbor as well as landlord, who owns Sisters, the shop next door. “Over the past 20 years, she’s only raised rent three times.”

That’s rare on Tate Street, where some business owners complain of rent increases every six months.

“She’s the best landlord a tenant could ever ask for. Anytime we’ve had an issue, she’s there to help. When our walk-in cooler went out, she replaced it with a brand-new one at her expense. When I first started thinking about this last year, she let me have a month-to-month lease and told me to take my time deciding. I know I’ll never again find anyone else like Becky and Carlos [Wong, Paterson’s husband], not on this or any street.”

A vegetarian since she was 13, Kieuanh began talking about opening a restaurant while she and Kiet were still dating. “He was originally from the Houston area and boba tea was popular there, but no place in North Carolina sold it, and vegetarian and vegan items were rare here.”

The couple originally looked at a space on the other side of their neighbor Tate Street Co ee. “There was a vacancy, but the Tate Street Co ee landlord turned

us down. Then we talked to Becky and her sister Emily, who was also running Sisters at the time.”

Kieuanh and Kiet met with the sisters who owned Sisters about what had formerly been Hong Kong House. “They were so receptive to us and gave us a chance, and we’ve been here ever since, serving vegetarian food and boba tea when UNCG students could not get it anywhere else.”

Kiet’s family is from New Orleans, but Kieuanh’s family has lived in Greensboro since arriving as refugees in the 1990s. “My sister is Amerasian, which is how we got to come to America. Lutheran Family Services was the resettlement agency, and they just happened to pick our file and then we were here.”

She and Kiet met in Greensboro, as he had a family connection here before relocating from Houston. They have no intention of moving away.

“This is home and we love it. It’s not so big we have tra c issues, not so small we can’t find what we need, and midway between the beach and mountains.”

Her favorite memory will always be working alongside the late Jennifer Gregory, who helped her open Boba House, and who passed away in 2020. “She’s a wonderful family friend who supported us until her last day. A lot of people knew Jennifer from when she founded Pho Hien Vuong, before she sold it back to the current owner’s mom.”

Kieuanh expects Boba House’s last day to be a big one.

“Come see us this Saturday, if not before then. If the weather’s good, we’ll have something going on outside, and rather than selling o our décor, we’re giving a lot of it away. Of course, sta got first pick, but our patrons have already put their names and numbers on stickers on stu . Somebody has even done that with the benches Kiet made for outside, but we may keep those.”

Come and have a creamy avocado boba tea, a recipe Kieuanh perfected, and which is made with fresh avocado. Or any of the other flavors and menu items listed at www.bobahouse.com. !

IAN MCDOWELL is an award-winning author and journalist whose book I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith will be published in September by Scuppernong Editions.

NCDOT TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING THE PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT A NEW CHARLOTTE PASSENGER RAIL FACILITY IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY

STIP Project No. P-2918F

CHARLOTTE - The N.C. Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposal to construct a new passenger rail facility southwest of uptown Charlotte to support the growth of intercity passenger rail and the new Charlotte Gateway Station in Mecklenburg County.

Project details and maps can be found on the NCDOT project web page https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/charlotte-passenger-rail-facility The information will be presented at the meeting allowing for one-on-one discussions with Rail Division staff, but there will be no formal presentation.

The meeting will be held Mar. 25 at Pritchard at South End Church, 1117 South Boulevard, Charlotte. The public is invited to attend at any time between 5 - 7 p.m. Free parking is available in the YMCA parking garage, located at the corner of South Caldwell Street and Lexington Avenue.

People may also submit comments by phone at 512-580-8850 project code 6193, email charlotte-passenger-rail@publicinput.com, or mail at the address shown below by April 25, 2024.

By Mail: Mathew Potter

NCDOT Rail Division –Project Development Engineer Consultant 1553 Mail Service Center Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1553

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 Tony Gallagher, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1598, 919-707-6069 or magallagher@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 1-800-4816494.

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.

Chow Down with John Batchelor at Oh’ Calcutta

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

Oh’ Calcutta draws quite a crowd. A crowd with good judgment.

The restaurant’s website provides excellent background information. Owner Gopal Chandarana dreamed of owning a restaurant since childhood. In mid-2022, after COVID had impacted all local businesses, he gave up “a secure job with excellent pay and great benefits, … to risk it all and pursue his dream.” He had been “introduced to food and cooking by his uncle, who owned a successful restaurant” in Calcutta, India, where Gopal grew up. Freddy Lee, who owns several other Winston-Salem restaurants, is a partner. He also grew up in India and knew Gopal when they were young.

A long bar flanks the entryway. Unlike many Indian restaurants, Oh’ Calcutta serves alcohol, and this bar concocts some really enjoyable cocktails, whimsically named. My wife was enamored with the Nuclear Margarita, guest Anna with the Revitalizer. The wine list is well-chosen and reasonably priced. Beers go especially well with Indian food, as do teas.

In the dining room, dark green walls are decorated with original oils and watercol-

ors by Sujata Aher (artbysujataaher.com), a former software designer who lives in Winston-Salem, now devoting full time to her art.

Gopal himself greets you as you enter. He is a constant presence, observing every table, ensuring the satisfaction of his guests. “Like that sauce?” he asked us, noticing how we were sopping it up with relish. “Let me get you some more.”

I love that sauce. It is based on chili and cilantro. It comes with Tangra Momo, a chicken and shrimp dumpling appetizer. The crust is firm, emitting pleasant flavor in its own right, showcasing morsels of the primary ingredients.

For entrées, we ordered several selections from the Badhi (Main) Plates section of the menu. I chose Tandoor Sizzler platter on my first visit because it enabled me to sample three proteins. Malai chicken is tender in texture, lush in flavor. A grilled lamb chop reveals quality meat, tender with solid depth of flavor. Two jumbo shrimp are coated with a heavy crust, fried crisp, although the shrimp themselves remain tender. Grilled vegetables — Brussels sprouts, carrots, red bell pepper slices, and onions — complete the presentation. This arrives sizzling on a hot iron platter. A very positive first impression.

Sabir Goat Rezala uses Halal goat seasoned with ginger, garlic, cardamom, masala (blended Indian spices), in a yogurt sauce. The sauce is delicious. Unindicted co-conspirator Jerry, who cooks goat himself, remarked that the goat is a little bony, but my bite was tasty. You don’t see goat on many menus! The flavor is unique, and I have enjoyed it whenever I have had it.

Chicken Korma is almost a soup. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a Tandoori (clay) oven. A rich sauce is laced with cashews and almonds, seasoned with cardamon and sa ron. Add the sauce to rice, and it’s downright wonderful.

Our final selection in this category was Black Bass Paturi. This fish is also known as barramundi. Two pieces of white fish, skin intact, cooked just-right-tender, perch over a vegetable assembly of spiced potato and roasted multi-colored carrots. This rests in a coconut-mustard-cream sauce — rather exotic, aromatic, and most enjoyable.

Melai Kofta occupies space on the “Classic” section of the menu. This is a vegetarian dish, consisting of five sweet potato dumplings, swimming in a sauce of melted cheese and cream with cashews and almonds. The flavor is quite rich. You

don’t give up flavor here when you order vegetarian.

The Calcutta Biryani o erings include chicken, lamb, and vegetarian. My party chose another vegetarian dish, Vegetable Biryani. The name comes from preparations made with basmati rice, in this case, seasoned with sa ron and masala, studded with potatoes. The menu mentions boiled egg, but we did not notice any in our serving.

No meal here would be complete without a sampling of bread — with garlic, Parmesan cheese and tru es, naan, or butter. We loved all three. And the sauces that come with the entrées can be further savored by sopping them up with chunks of bread.

All my experiences here were dine-in, but take-out and catering are available as well. I’ll be dining in again. Oh’ Calcutta goes on my short list of personal favorites. !

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?

Oh’

310A W. 4th Street

336-999-8855

ohcalcuttaws.com

Hours- Tuesday-Thursday: 4:30-9 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 4:30-9:30 p.m., Sunday: 4:30-9 p.m.

Small Plates: $7-$18

Salads: $10

Soups: $7-$9

Large Plates: $16-$36

Desserts: $9-$12

Most recent visit: March 9

Chicken Korma

Black Bass Paturi

Sabir Goat Rezala

Vegetable Biryani

Nuclear Margarita

Tandoor Sizzler

All that jazz: Cool sounds for the spring

The School of Music at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) gets into the swing of spring with the first-ever Improvised Music and Jazz Spring Mini-Fest, which takes place Tuesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Millennium Center, 101 W. First St., WinstonSalem. Tickets are $25 (general admission) and $20 for non-UNCSA students (with valid ID) and are available by calling 336721-1945 or at https://www.uncsa.edu/ performances/index.aspx. Refreshments will be available for purchase during the event.

This innovative, immersive, and ambitious program, highlights improvisation and encompasses various styles of jazz including big-band dance music, small-group combo jazz, and a modern professional quintet, was conceived by Steve Alford, the chair of the School of Music’s jazz and contemporary department, who came to UNCSA last August.

The evening’s festivities commence at 6 p.m. in the Speakeasy Room with a presentation of big-band dance music performed by the popular UNCSA Jazz Ensemble, replete with plenty of room for audiences to strut their stu on the dance floor. At 7:15 p.m., the party convenes at the Millennium Center’s Jazz Club and Red Room, as the UNCSA Spring Jazz Combos perform a selection of jazz standards featuring a variety of small-group instrumentations. Then, at 8:30 p.m., it’s back to the Speakeasy Room for a star-studded line-up of guest artists — including Justin Ray (trumpet), Jacob Rodriguez (saxophone), Alex Taub (piano), Matt Rybicki (double bass), and Alan Hall (drums) — performing as a modern jazz quintet.

As befits the improvisational nature of the event, there is no specific set list or song selection; it’s meant to be free-wheeling and unencumbered by conventional expectations. It’s unique in that, quite literally, anything can happen.

Alford, a multi-instrumentalist whose specialty is the performance of performance and education of contemporary improvisational music, spent years performing and honing his skills on the road in the

United States and Europe. As a saxophone graduate of the studio music and jazz program at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, he settled in Chicago in the late 1990s to pursue an in-depth study of harmony clarinets, regularly performing both saxophone and bass clarinet in the straight-ahead jazz, modern improvised music, and experimental indie-rock realms across the Midwest.

After a decade in Illinois, Alford came to Asheville to serve as an adjunct professor of jazz and contemporary music at the University of North Carolina — Asheville, during which he completed his master’s degree in jazz at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The opportunity to work in a conservatory school with as sterling a reputation as the UNCSA School of Music was simply too good to pass up. “The artistic depth at this university is amazing — both students and faculty,” he said.

Alford stresses the importance of combining strong technical training with more realistic situations when performing. “I want the program going forward to provide experiences that are more in line with the real world,” he said. “The idea is to simulate that for the students and get them to have it before they leave school. I’m not interested in a ‘synthetic’ experience; I want a more community-engaged focus. I want the students to experience the life outside the walls.”

That idea will come to full fruition at the Improvised Music and Jazz Spring MiniFest, and to further broaden that experience. In addition, Alford has also created a public workshop on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. at East of Texas (907 S. Broad Street, Winston-Salem), wherein a professional rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums provide opportunities for students and members of the community to sit in on.

“We post the setlist and kits in advance, so students and the public can participate. It’s a wonderful resource for our students. It’s the way the art form develops, (and)

it’s vital.” No photography or recording is permitted at the workshops because “it provides a safe space for experimentation in music,” he said. “People can sit and listen. You’ll see students sitting around the drummer. It’s like a live master class.”

Over the last 10 years, the prolific Alford has composed, produced, and recorded his most adventurous music to date, including his 11-piece modern big band, a multi-genre improvisational collective called Rational Discourse; the E Normus Trio, an alto clarinet, N/S Stick and drums trio that falls

into the category of “punk-jazz;” METAL, a quintet composed of two trash-can drum systems, a pair of double bassists, and Alford on electrified contra-alto clarinet and electrified English horn; and his new standards jazz trio and quartets, each dedicated to reimagining and reinterpreting small-group jazz through and open and free approach to harmony while remaining firmly grounded in tradition.

“To me, artistry is not just the performer and the performance,” Alford observed. “Artistry is the buzz between the audience and the artist. I don’t see the artist as a pedestal figure who is doing the art and allowing the audience to see and hear. The audience is as much a creator as the artists are. I want to see art created in the city and the school being a catalyst for that. Improvisation and jazz are amazing vehicles for that.”

The o cial UNCSA website is https:// www.uncsa.edu/. !

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

Saturday, April 6 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Celebrate spring and the opening of the Park’s 2024 season by creating sun prints and sun catchers; playing Colonial games; hand plowing a row in the garden; planting seeds and taking them home to grow; making a spring sachet; petting a sheep or two; exploring a wooded trail; participating in a scavenger hunt; interacting with a number of eighteenthcentury craftsmen; and enjoying Moravian music in the 1788 Gemeinhaus.

Mark Burger

Contributor

Steve Alford directs the UNCSA Jazz Ensemble

PHOTO BY WAYNE REICH

[

WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

DELTA ARTS CENTER PRESENTS “JAZZ & JAMBALYA”

SUBMITTED BY WHITNEY HARNESS Delta Arts Center

Get ready to mark your calendars because the highly anticipated return of the Delta Arts Center’s beloved annual event, “Jazz & Jambalaya,” is here! Scheduled to dazzle attendees on April 26th from 7-10 p.m., this year’s rendition promises an electrifying fusion of soul-stirring melodies and mouthwatering culinary delights that will leave you craving more.

Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting ambiance of the Delta Arts Center as it once again becomes the stage for an unforgettable evening of musical enchantment. “Jazz & Jambalaya” is synonymous with the timeless allure of jazz music, renowned for its emotive rhythms and captivating melodies. This year’s lineup promises live jazz performances that will transport you to a realm where every note speaks to the soul, creating an atmosphere brimming with energy and excitement that is bound to resonate with music aficionados of all ages.

But that’s not all — prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey like no other as we invite you to indulge in the irresistible flavors of traditional Creole cuisine. Our expertly crafted jambalaya, bursting with an array of spices and flavors, promises to tantalize your senses and transport you straight to the heart of the South. Savor each mouthful as you bask in the harmonious interplay of music and food, creating a sensory experience that is as gratifying as it is unforgettable.

“We are thrilled to welcome back ‘Jazz & Jambalaya’ to the Delta Arts Center,” exclaimed TJ Je ers, Program Director at the Delta Arts Center. “This event embodies the spirit of our community’s rich cultural landscape, where music, food, and camaraderie converge to create an immersive and inspiring experience for all. We extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us for an evening of pure entertainment and enjoyment.”

“Jazz & Jambalaya” is not just an event; it is a cornerstone of the Delta Arts Center’s commitment to showcasing and celebrating African American arts and culture. By providing a platform for artists and performers to showcase their talents, the center aims to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for the arts, fostering connections and meaningful dialogue among diverse audiences.

Tickets for “Jazz & Jambalaya” will be available starting April 1st. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in an evening of soulful jazz music and delectable jambalaya as we resurrect this cherished annual tradition with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Delta Arts Center’s social media or contact the o ce at 336-722-2625. !

Established in 1972, the DELTA ARTS CENTER ’s mission is to promote African American arts and culture, providing a platform for artists and performers to showcase their talents and creativity. Through diverse programs and events, the DAC aims to foster a sense of community and appreciation for the arts, creating opportunities for connection and dialogue among diverse audiences.

N.C. Blues Week Returns with Big Plans & Big Changes

The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) is thrilled to announce the return of N.C. Blues Week, the statewide celebration of the rich blues heritage and culture of North Carolina. The week-long celebration (May 11-19) features a dynamic range of events, including a film screening, beat battles, dance parties, workshops, and free live music in Center City Park on Saturday, May 18th.

“The heart of N.C. Blues Week beats loudest in its live music experiences, from boutique cultural experiences to the grand stage of the Annual Carolina Blues Festival. It’s such a privilege to be entrusted with a beloved community and cultural legacy,” said President Atiba Berkley.

Piedmont Blues Preservation Society’s board of directors recently decided the next Carolina Blues Festival will be a 40th Anniversary blowout scheduled for 2026. This move comes as the organization responds to unprecedented growth, notable partnerships, and expanded o ces as it seeks to grow its programs and sta . In 2025, PBPS will reveal hidden treasures held in the organization’s archives, reunite friends and supporters, and honor ancestors and founders.

PBPS plans to bring plenty of friends along for the ride during N.C. Blues Week 2024. Program partnerships include N.C. Folk Festival featuring urban dancer and folklorist Junious Brickhouse, Hip-Hop crossover with the Triangle’s Underground Collective, and rare access and collaboration with Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter’s The Lead Belly Estate & House of Lead Belly, LLC.

Join your neighbors from across the state and beyond! Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate North Carolina’s rich displays of Blues culture at various locations. For more information on N.C. Blues Week and the Blues & Foods Market Center, including event tickets or volunteer, internship, and vendor opportunities, please visit www. piedmontblues.org. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Atiba Berkley at info@ piedmontblues.org !

ABOUT THE PIEDMONT BLUES PRESERVATION

SOCIETY: Mission: To create and present educational programs, cultural presentations, and experiences authentically representing Blues culture while fostering sustainability for that culture.

THE PIEDMONT BLUES PRESERVATION SOCIETY (PBPS) is a 501c3 charitable nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the culture and music known commonly as the blues; this form of music has evolved historically from the culture and experiences of African-Americans including work songs and spirituals. Our organization represents Blues culture through educational programs, workshops, and with a focus on historical accuracy and cultural authenticity. We collaborate with other nonprofits and with regional and global businesses to highlight the Piedmont as a place to not only live but a place to experience rich culture. Our programs and services support cultural awareness, public health issues, educational initiatives, and community concerns. We support and promote local businesses, tourism, the Arts, and education in the true spirit of the Blues community. More information can be found at piedmontblues.org.

WANNA go?

Blues & Foods Market will be the center of attention on May 11-19, 2024. For more information visit www.piedmontblues.org

Despite the dominance of America’s twoparty system, our history of Presidential elections is replete with minor party candidates who challenged the front-runners, and, in some instances, directly a ected the outcomes. Such was the case in 1912, 1992, and 2016.

1912

Vice President Theodore Roosevelt ascended to the Presidency in 1901 when William McKinley was assassinated. Teddy served out that term and ran successfully for the top spot in 1904. In 1908 he supported his Secretary of War, William Howard Taft who served one full term before he and Teddy had a falling out. That’s when Roosevelt decided to run for President on the Bull Moose Party ticket against Taft and Democrat Woodrow Wilson. Teddy finished second and spoiled Taft’s re-election bid.

1992

A similar scenario occurred in 1992 when Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton ran against GOP incumbent George H.W. Bush. Billionaire businessman Ross Perot jumped into the race as a third-party candidate, and for several months was leading in the polls. Perot dropped out over security concerns for his family, then re-entered the race late in the contest. Perot finished third, but his 19% of the vote knocked Bush out of a second term.

2016

In 2016, former Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was heavily favored over Donald Trump, but several minor party candidates, including Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Dr. Jill Stein, siphoned critical votes away from Hillary in the rust belt, and it was enough to cost Hillary the electoral votes in those states. Though Clinton ran a poor campaign, she still blames Stein for handing the White House to Trump.

In each of these three cases, a third-

Political Parties: Three’s a Crowd?

party candidate successfully spoiled the election (or re-election) of the favored candidate, and that brings us to 2024.

As of this writing, Joe Biden is trailing Trump in every major poll, meanwhile, several groups and high rollers have pledged to do whatever they can to make sure Donald never sets foot in the Oval O ce again. Among those is Republican Voters Against Trump, which is planning to spend 50 million dollars on anti-Trump ads. RVAT leader Sarah Longwell told The Hill that the group’s plan is to “Target moderate Republicans and Republican-leaning voters in swing states.”

Meanwhile, several independent party candidates have entered the fray including Robert Kennedy, Jr. who Democrats fear will throw the election to Trump.

And then there’s the bipartisan No Labels Party, whose founding chairman is former Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman, and whose national co-chairs are civil rights icon Dr. Ben Chavis (a Democrat) and former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory (a Republican). I spoke with Pat recently to learn more about No Labels and its strategy.

Jim: Why was No Labels founded?

Pat: Our surveys show a No Labels ticket will impact Trump and Biden equally.

Jim: The last time a third-party candidate fared well in a Presidential election was Ross Perot in 1992 who ended up with 19% of the vote, but failed to win a single electoral vote.

Pat: Perot was leading Bush and Clinton at 35% before he quit campaigning. At that time, 40% of voters did not want either Bush or Clinton. Today, almost 70% of voters do not want a Trump/ Biden re-match of 2020.

Jim: OK, but is No Labels trying to win an election or just trying to make a point?

Pat: We will only field a ticket if we believe there’s a chance to win.

Jim: Do you have a bipartisan ticket in mind?

Pat: I’m not ready to discuss names just yet.

Jim: Potential candidates like Joe Manchin and Niki Haley have declined to

Pat: There is a tremendous amount of pressure from political parties and super PACs on potential candidates not to run or else they, their donors, and political operatives will be canceled. The two major parties are trying to protect their power and money.

Recent history tells us that a crowded field of candidates favors Donald Trump because it lowers his threshold for victory, and because third-party candidates tend to hurt Democrats more than Republicans. On the other hand, a strong ticket from No Labels might make history and alter that dynamic. The question is, are a majority of Americans ready to break with tradition and elect a third-party candidate as President? We won’t know the answer until November. !

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

Pat: Essentially to stop partisan gridlock in Congress, and support candidates who work together to solve problems in a divided government.

Jim: No Labels is about to select a bipartisan ticket to run for President and Vice President this fall. Many Democratic leaders say such a ticket will hurt Biden and return Trump to the White House.

Jim Longworth

Longworth at Large

Former N.C. Governor Pat McCrory

Although it’s midMarch, the January doldrums continue unabated at the movies. The latest dud on display is Imaginary , the latest bigscreen shocker from Blumhouse, which kicked off the year with Nightswim , which has already been forgotten (deservedly) but is still a better film.

DeWanda Wise, doubling as executive producer, plays Jessica, an author of children’s books newly married to rock musician Max (Tom Payne) and new stepmom to his daughters Taylor (Taegen Burns) and Alice (Pyper Braun). In typical fashion, Taylor’s rebellious and Alice precocious. Their mom (Alix Angelis) went crazy and they’re still trying to deal with it, so plucky Jessica’s got her hands full.

They move to Jessica’s childhood home in Louisiana, where Alice promptly discovers an old teddy bear she names Chauncey which immediately becomes her inseparable imaginary friend (hence the film’s title, for those keeping score at home). Alice’s rapidly escalating attachment to Chauncey becomes an escalating concern for Jessica, as strange things start to happen. As for Max, he’s conveniently away on tour and evidently unreachable.

Around the film’s midway point, there’s an attempt to pull the proverbial rug out from under the audience, yet the twist doesn’t really work. Fortunately, nosy neighbor Betty Buckley is on hand to provide some third-act exposition to help explain things. Not that it matters much. Per the Blumhouse formula, Imaginary is professional and well-made, but the screenplay — cowritten by Greg Erb and Jason Oremland, and producer/director Jeff Wadlow — is a shambles.

Die-hard horror buffs will likely find Imaginary lacking — and not just in imagination — as it features bland characters, a low body count, and few scares.

As for the PG-13 rating, this is nothing today’s teens haven’t seen before, better, and scarier. What’s disconcerting are the story’s depictions of child abuse, mental illness, and dementia — which Jessica’s father (Samuel Salary) suffers from — which are difficult topics for a genre film to comfortably accommodate. Usually they become gimmicks, and that’s the case here. Taylor and Alice’s mad mom pops up for an ostensible scare, then is carted off to the loony bin with no further mention (although she does reappear in a subsequent hallucination).

Still, worthy of mention are Burns, who manages to achieve something of a character arc for Taylor, and Matthew Sato (who bears a passing resemblance to a young Leonardo DiCaprio) as pillpopping, would-be teen lothario Liam, whose attempt at wooing the wisebeyond-her-years Taylor adds a touch of levity to the otherwise ponderous proceedings. !

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

ACROSS

1 Wearing nightclothes, for short

6 Meanie’s look

11 In addition

15 Eyelid hair

19 Steel, e.g.

20 Ancient Greek region

21 Empty spaces

22 World’s fair

23 Illegal detention

25 Columbus is its capital

26 British actor Guinness

27 “Mind your – business!”

28 High, round collar not folding over on itself

31 Without any variety

35 Ingest

36 Boston NBAer, for short

37 Paint job made to look like marble, wood, etc.

41 New Nintendo console of 2012

43 Big antlered beast

47 Opposite of dep., in an airport

48 Thin porridge

50 Saw against the main grain, as wood

52 Bit of money seized by a Secret Service agent

58 Ecol. monitor

59 Middays

60 Tiny arachnid

61 J. – Hoover

64 Like overdue birthday wishes

67 Bill & Ted went on one in a 1991 film

70 Wombs

71 Bible book after Prov.

74 Q-V linkup

75 “Spider-Man” director

Sam

76 Wedlock not based on love

79 Cheer up

81 Burros, e.g.

82 – occasion (never)

83 Paris’ river

84 Toronto-to-Montreal dir.

85 Prada or Fendi replica, maybe

91 “Beloved” novelist Toni

94 Buc, Bronco or Niner

95 Beatty of film

97 Cindy Brady player Susan

98 Former jets to the U.K.

101 Bit of non-needled body art

105 Sour plum

107 Stage star Hagen

109 Title for Kate Middleton

110 Component of a coated glass-bead bracelet, perhaps

117 Even score

118 Forum attire

119 In the past

120 Apt cry of disbelief for this puzzle

125 Coagulate

126 Rebuke from Caesar

127 Like a dweeb

128 About, before a date

129 At this place

130 Lather (up)

131 Gather up

132 Hoodwinked

DOWN

1 Global finance org.

2 Teacher’s union, in brief

3 Old TV ministry inits.

4 2002 “Friday the 13th” sequel

5 Whole lotta

6 Knightly title

7 Bulblike base of a stem

8 – cat (two-base game)

9 Neighbor of Minn. and Ill.

10 Jewish potato pancake

11 Relative of a guinea pig

12 Lion portrayer Bert

13 Feature of Betty Boop’s hair

14 “– Mio”

15 Crude sheds

16 Car shaft

17 Project detail, for short

18 Sell at a pawnshop

24 Opponent

29 “I taut I – a puddy tat!”

30 Shade trees

31 Flip – coin

32 DEA worker

33 Irish money

34 Bring about

38 Some flawed garments: Abbr.

39 Add-on to the end of a wd.

40 Bit of a bray

42 Most polar

44 Sea nymph

45 Sovereign

46 Letter two before iota

49 VIP vehicle

51 Margarine

53 Deprives of weapons

54 “Sorry, too busy”

55 Bodily digit

56 Big striped cat, in French

57 A/C output qtys.

62 Landscape painter Asher Brown –

63 Like low-quality eggs

64 City transport

65 Alcohol in liquor

66 Landlords or landladies

67 Empty

68 Having protruding hearing organs

69 Yang go-with

72 Sings gently

73 U.S. pres., militarily

77 Inquires

78 “Continue”

80 Architect Maya

83 Chiang Kai- –

84 Broody rock genre

86 Investigate pryingly

87 Very loudly, in music

88 Miami loc.

89 Stud money

90 Old Storms and Trackers

92 Paraphrase

93 On Sunset Blvd., e.g.

96 Two, in Chile

99 Maintenance job on a car

100 Indy sponsor

102 Ballet outfit

103 Something very easy

104 Vegas casino

106 Some Siouan speakers

108 MetLife rival

110 Concern for a dermatologist

111 Concern for a dermatologist

112 Horror film lab assistant

113 Twice tetra114 “Psst” cousin

116 Some old Fords

121 The “S” of GPS: Abbr.

122 Hosp. zones

123 Ideal serve

124 Young fella

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024

DOORs @ 6pM // sHOw @ 7pM

Get off the beaten path and explore the edge of believable with captivating stories from the 48th Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. Stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you in this year’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2023/2024 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22 for the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds 2024 Indoor Concert Series. Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster and at the Fairgrounds Box O ce located at the Fairgrounds Arena (formerly known as the Annex), 414 Deacon Boulevard in WinstonSalem. Ticket prices vary by performance.

On Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m., the Fairgrounds will welcome Je rey Osborne with Keith Washington. The next day, May 25 at 7 p.m., the Concert Series will feature Josh Turner with Graylen James. On June 29 at 7:30 p.m., KEM with Envision will perform at the Fairgrounds, followed a few weeks later by Mark Chesnutt with Presley Barker on July 26 at 7:30 p.m.

The last concert of the summer takes place on Saturday, August 17 at 7 p.m. with headliner Jo Dee Messina.

For more information about the summer concerts and to purchase tickets, please go to wsfairgrounds.com/event/fairgroundsconcert-series.

Je rey Osborne with Keith Washington

Five decades into a genre-crossing career, Je rey Osborne o ers his first album of original material in 15 years on “Worth It All.” The richly deeptoned vocalist started out on the drum set during his teenage years, but by the time he joined then-simmering soul outfit L.T.D. in the early ‘70s, the way was paved for his dynamic pipes to shine on. The six-year recording period which saw him lead the band’s classics “Love Ballad,” “Back in Love Again,” “Holding On,” and “Never Get Enough of Your Love” to the upper reaches

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds 2024 Indoor Concert Series

of the R&B charts was followed by nearly a decade’s worth of solo hits spanning both soaring ballads (“On the Wings of Love,” “You Should Be Mine,” “Only Human”) and contagious up-tempo anthems (“Stay with Me Tonight,” “Don’t You Get So Mad,” “She’s on the Left”).

Josh Turner with Graylen James

With timeless songs like “Long Black Train” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” Josh Turner’s global reach has surpassed 5.8 billion global streams, 6.5 million album sales, and almost 12 million track sales worldwide. Turner’s five No. 1 singles include “Your Man,” of which the o cial music video surpassed 223 million views. Turner’s album “Long Black Train” celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA with nearly 1.5 million album sales, 1.3 million track downloads, and almost 315 million life-todate streams.

KEM with Envision

from the days he spent as a child playing the old piano at his grandfather’s church. For KEM, there’s always been a deep and very intimate connection to music, which has evolved throughout his personal life experiences. Today, the internationally renowned R&B singer/songwriter has to his credit: one Platinum selling album (KEM: ALBUM II); two Gold selling albums (KEMISTRY; INTIMACY); three GRAMMY nominations; five #1 hit singles (“Love Calls,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Why Would You Stay,” “It’s You” and “Nobody”), along with several sold-out national tours and international shows.

Mark Chesnutt with Presley Barker

For all his life, KEM has been driven by music and the emotions involved in bringing it to life. That passion stems

Mark Chesnutt is one of Country’s true musical treasures. Critics have hailed him as a classic Country singer of the first order and some of Country music’s most elite entertainers, from George Jones to George Strait, echo the sentiment. Chesnutt’s stature is easily gauged. He has 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums, and five gold records to his credit; he maintains a front-and-center presence with a hefty tour schedule year after year. Country music critics and fans alike need look no further when it comes to Country music basics. With a trademarked voice, Chesnutt has set the bar for his generation and those that follow in his footsteps shaping the music of today’s country music newcomers and the new country music format.

Jo Dee Messina kicked o her notable career with “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” a single that immediately made her a household name. Following the success of her debut, Messina posted nine No. 1 hits, sixteen Top 40 songs and was honored by the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and GRAMMY Awards. As Messina’s résumé grew, she proved to be a trendsetter and history maker, becoming the first female in country music history to celebrate three consecutive multi-week, chart-topping songs. Aside from her studio successes, Messina has also created a reputation for herself as one of the most passionate, high-energy performers in the business. Sharing her hit tunes; unreleased, emotionally driven songs; worship music; and personal testimony, Messina has been traveling the country for many years, receiving rave reviews for her authenticity, commitment, and openness on stage.

Other events taking place this summer at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds include:

May 2-4: Shepherds Center Book Sale

May 16-19: Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus

June 1 at noon: Winston-Salem Taco and Margarita Festival

June 6-9: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools High School Graduations

July 6-7: Repticon Reptile Convention

Aug 2-3: Teentastic, International Black Theatre Festival

Sept 6-8: Forsyth Gem and Mineral Show !

Jo Dee Messina

Greensboro Mayor plans strategy for violent nightclubs

Four of Greensboro’s 10 homicides this year happened at bars and nightclubs.

Early this year, Mayor Nancy Vaughan expressed concern about “frequent flyers,” meaning venues with a history of violence, in an email she sent to city o cials following the Jan.12 fatal shooting of Gabriel Salazar-Lopez in a gravel parking lot outside Bar Latino at 316 W. Meadowview Rd.

That was the city’s third homicide of 2024, and the first at or near an establishment with an ABC permit.

In that email, Vaughan asked Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Trey Davis for Bar Latino’s call history and whether or not it’s an adult club, as “I’ve seen a few references to stripping.”

She also asked for “updates” on Culture Lounge at 1707 Spring Garden St., Secrets Cabaret at 2507 W. Gate City Blvd., Southside Johnny’s at 6400 W. Gate City Blvd., Ghost Bar Kitchen & Cocktails at 4512 W. Market St., and The O (formerly Club Orion) at 4618-B W. Market St.

All of the bars, nightclubs, and strip clubs named by Vaughan have been the sites of shooting incidents over the past two years. The worst and most recent was on March 8, when a gunman entered Culture Lounge and opened fire, killing manager Mohsin Malik Hamid, 33, and Devonte Bernard Johnson, 28, and wounding an unnamed woman.

The four other clubs named have experienced two homicides and 11 shootings since 2022.

In June 2022, one person was wounded at Club Orion.

In August 2022, a 41-year-old woman was fatally shot at Secrets Cabaret. On Feb. 16 of this year, seven people were arrested there during a raid in which police and ALE agents seized drugs, alcohol, money, and guns.

On Jan. 29 of last year, seven people were shot inside the now permanently closed Southside Johnny’s, one fatally.

Last June, the Greensboro Safety Review Board investigated Ghost Bar for two separate shooting incidents, one of which was fatal. Speaking to City Council on Nov. 6, Vaughan mentioned that homicide while expressing concern about an incident at Electric Tequila Bar and Grill on Battleground Avenue, where two gunmen

opened fire, injuring a 22-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man. Vaughan said that developer Bill Kotis was the property owner for both Ghost Bar and Electric Tequila, and that Kotis had evicted Electric Tequila.

Unnamed in Vaughan’s January email was One17 Sofa Bar and Lounge at 117 N. Greene St., where one person was wounded in a shooting in June 2021. A month after she sent that email, one person was fatally shot inside One17, and another person wounded.

Statements sent last week to YES! Weekly by Davis and Greensboro Police Public Information Manager Annette Ayres described the city’s response to the Culture and One17 homicides, as well as the results of the investigation into the Electric Tequila incident.

According to Davis, the city received “numerous complaints” about Culture Lounge since 2018, with neighboring businesses alleging “fights, overcrowding, loitering, and disturbances” that “created a breach of the peace on multiple occasions.”

“In 2022, GPD, Legal, and CMO [City Manager’s O ce] met with the business owner, Mr. Steven Tamba and the property owners, Chaney Properties, to discuss the continued issues and attempt to identify a resolution.”

“On May 5, 2023, the Police Department sent a letter to Chaney Properties indicating a Notice of Existence of a Public Nuisance at 1707 Spring Garden St. The letter indicated the Police Department’s response to calls for service to the property over the past several years due to repeated unlawful activities on and stemming from the property which created and constituted a breach of the peace. The letter further informed Chaney Properties of the remedies to abate a nuisance include: possible forfeiture of property, court-ordered closure or permanent restrictions on use, accounting of the gross income from nuisance activities, civil penalties, liens upon the property, invalidation of leases, and seizure

and possible destruction of property.”

Ayres also sent the following statement from the o ce of City Attorney Chuck Watts.

“Following the most recent incident, a meeting was scheduled with the safety team; however, the property owner terminated the lease before that meeting took place. The ABC Commission then terminated the alcohol permits as well.”

When Vaughan discussed the Electric Tequila incident last year, she said she believed that Kotis canceled the venue’s lease

“for one reason and one reason only.” This, alleged Vaughan, was because “he knew that we had all the reason we needed to declare them a nuisance.” When that happens, said Vaughan, “the building can never have an ABC permit in it again, not for that owner or any other owner.”

Last week, YES! Weekly asked Davis if a similar warning had been sent to Dawn Chaney, the landlord of Culture Lounge.

“That would take more action,” replied

Ian McDowell

Contributor

Culture Lounge

Rubble behind Culture

in front of Electric Tequila

Davis adding, “Chaney Properties has always been very responsive to our requests to assist with the concerns.”

A media release issued by the city on March 1 described how, after being inspected by the Safety Review Team, One17 SofaBar was “ordered to temporarily close” after “Greensboro Fire identified several fire and life safety violations at the location.”

It also described how, on Sunday, Feb. 25 at or around 2 a.m., Devonte Jamaal Stephenson, 24, was fatally shot at the establishment and a second victim was hospitalized. The media release also stated:

Once an incident of violence occurs in an establishment that sells alcohol, a safety review can be initiated and attempts are made to contact the owner. The owner then meets with the Safety Review Team, which encompasses a task force of multiple City Departments, including Zoning, Code Compliance, Building Inspections, Greensboro Fire, and the Greensboro Police Department. The Safety Review Team works to conduct on-site inspections, takes action against any violations, and discusses the incident and security measures being taken.

On March 11, the Greensboro Police Department’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) issued a media release describing the results of its investigation into last November’s shooting incident at Electric Tequila, which resulted in the confiscation of 14 firearms and the arrest of five people.

Police learned that the bar had been hosting a gathering attended by a large number of validated criminal street gang members and their associates. After more than 500 hours of investigative work, here’s what we can share:

• More than 20 involved parties were located and interviewed (and re-interviewed)

• 116 spent shell casings from firearms were submitted as evidence

• The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) was used to determine that there were 14 firearms used during the shootout in the parking lot area

Detectives recently arrested the following five individuals:

• Khristian Lee Robbins, 21 — armed to the terror of the public; discharge firearm in city limits

• Aaron Alvester Hughes, 18 — carry concealed gun; armed to the terror of the public; discharge firearm in city limits

• Jahquez Ray, 22 — larceny; armed to the terror of the public; discharge a firearm in city limits

• Rehman Arif, 40 — resist, delay, obstruct a police investigation

• Christopher Joseph Gnash, 38 — resist, delay, obstruct a police investigation

Also on March 8, Davis sent an email to Vaughan and City Council with the subject line “Update — Violent Incidents at Establishments.”

After describing the investigations at Culture Lounge and One18 SofaBar, Davis wrote:

“These incidents underscore the urgency of addressing safety concerns within our nightlife venues. It is crucial that we come together as a city to condemn these acts of violence and rea rm our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for all Greensboro residents and visitors. We cannot allow such tragedies to become normalized as part of our daily life.”

Vaughan has not responded to YES! Weekly’s request for comment on these issues, or on rumors that she, the GPD, and the ABC Board were discussing a “task force” to deal with them.

However, on March 13, Vaughan told WFMY News 2 that the city is considering a new nightlife safety ordinance that will give it more power to quickly close problematic venues. “Even when you have the horrific details of what happened at the Culture Lounge, we could have not gone in and closed them.” !

One17

Broken glass outside One17 FROM

Spring Festival Forecast

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and fests are popping, y’all. With a full bouquet of festivals — including the big boys like J. Cole’s Dreamville, Wilkesboro’s MerleFest, and the Lovin’ Life Music Fest in Charlotte — the forecast calls for heavy showers of independent events around the state.

March 23: Spring Equinox Fest at Oden Brewing, Greensboro Royal Jelly is using vibes to an “alltime high” with another seasonal celebration (and a lineup including A.C.V., Mystic Syndicate, Bala Roots, Viva La Muerte, and Laura Jane Vincent).

March 22-23: Manifest at Local 506, The Pitch and The Cave, Chapel Hill

The multi-venue, hop-around festival “focused on dismantling patriarchy” returns following a brief hiatus, spanning genre-spectrums infused by the “indomitable spirit of punk,” featuring FemFestNC veterans like: BANGZZ, Pie Face Girls, and Teens in Trouble.

March 29-Apr 14: Charlotte SHOUT!

Uptown Charlotte will transform into a multimedia arts showcase–featuring an array of installations, including the Pianodrome (the world’s first amphitheater made from upcycled pianos); and music from local favorites like Emanuel Wynter and Elonzo Wesley.

April 3-7: North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington

The famed flower and street fair festival boasts music connections throughout the coastal city; but my bets on

the “Poor Man’s Garden Party,” a honkytonk of a time featuring Nashville’s Cornbread Cowboy as master of ceremonies, with music from Hannah Dasher, The Cowpokes, and Cary Benjamin at The Eagle’s Dare on April 6.

April 13: Strange Fruit Music Festival at LeBauer Park, Greensboro

Serving as the primary annual event for the Strange Fruit Foundation, a Greensboro nonprofit “committed to creating opportunities of value to BIPOC musicians, artists, and entertainment professionals.” With organizers rooted in the NuBeing Collective, who’ll be joined in the 2024 lineup by Alter Egos Band, Unheard Project GSO, Destiny Stone, and Africa Unplugged.

April 13: The Herb Cameron Music Festival at the Sunrise Theater, Southern Pines

The inaugural festival honors Herb Cameron, the “driving force” behind the theater’s live music programming (who stepped back following the onset of Parkinson’s disease). The Americana-infused lineup will feature Tyler Halverson, Gabe Lee, Collin Nash, Surfing For Daisy, Cousin Amy, and more across two stages; with proceeds benefiting Parkinson’s initiatives.

April 12 -14: Pilot Mountain Outdoor Adventure Expo

Adventure awaits for outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers, with a range of activities and concerts from Tan and Sober Gentlemen, The Marshall Tucker Band, Taylor Mason, and Stillwater Junction.

April 19-21: Tuck Fest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte Adventurers can also plunge into the 11th annual Tuck Fest, with weekend whitewater competitions; and a free powerhouse concert on April 19 featuring: Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Margo Price, Courtney Barnett, The

Heavy Heavy, and Dylan LeBlanc.

April 20: RockyFest at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, Hiddenite

Continuing to rock–with an old-time twist–bringing pickers, grinners, and rock climbers together for a free concert featuring Kelley & The Cowboys, Whitetop Mountain Band, Twin Creeks Stringband, Gap Civil, Nobody’s Business, and Hilltoppers Review.

April 20: Earth Day Jam at Bell Tower Green Park, Salisbury

Organizers invite folks to “party with a purpose” with a concert benefiting Happy Roots, a nature-oriented nonprofit that manages community gardens in Rowan County. The 2024 lineup features: Devon Gilfillian, Falllift, Austin McNeill, Abby Bryant & The Echoes, Empire Strikes Brass, YARN, Carolina Detour, and CJ Sunshine.

April 21-28, May 4: ACE Spirit Week Festival, Greensboro

With a 2024 theme of “Ignite the Spark,” organizers at A Collective of Excellence aim to inspire and exalt the “community’s collective vitality” through week-long workshops and performances; plus an awards show and CHROMATICA: a pop-up mass choir on May 4.

April 26-27: So Much Fest at Ole Gilliam Mill Park, Sanford

Held in memory of Soheil Mojarrad’s “vision of community abundance and joy,” the inaugural festival will o er camping across the 15-acre layout and will feature music from jAndr, Tambem, Lake Chamberlain, the Blake Hornsby Trio, Ari Pappalardo, and Alex Weiss & Di erent Drum; along with an open mic and a cash-prize battle of the bands.

Katei Cranford

Contributor

April 26-28: N.C. Tribute Festival to the “King” at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center, Lexington Elvis lives! At least in tribute. Marking its third annual celebration, with afternoon impersonator contests, evening concerts, and after-hour parties.

April 26-27: BrightFire Music & Arts Festival at GreenLife Family Farms, Concord “A kaleidoscope of music, art, fire, dance, and nature” ignites with music from Dixon’s Violin, Tuatha Dea, Citron, Clarity, Shana Blake, and more.

May 2-5: Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance, Pittsboro Shakori Hills shakes into its 20th year, with a campout weekend of shows, workshops, and a whole lot of dancin’. Donna the Bu alo headlines, with a few dozen performers including: the Sam Fribush Organ Trio, Taylor AP WIlliams, Sonny Miles, Shoaldiggers, the Wright Ave, Zephyranthes, Ranford Almond, King M Dot, and Tre Charles.

May 10-11: Carolina Indie Fest around Hugger Mugger Brewing, Sanford Celebrating the “Indie musical artists from near and far,” the spring session hosts: Newspaper Taxis, Blue Cactus, Chris McGinnis, Gooseberry Jam, Tuatha Dea, The Culper Ring, Julia, Paleface, and Jive Talk.

May 10-12: Casual Campout at Lakeside Retreats, Raleigh “Weirdness is welcomed!” at the experimental, jam, and electronic campout fest featuring a couple dozen performers including: SunSquabi, Toubab Krewe, The Keith Allen Circus, Lespecial, Brennan Fowler, and Casey and the Comrades.

May 11: Femme Fest at the Milestone, Charlotte

Sharing a similar mission with FemFestNC, Femme Fest Charlotte showcases women and LGBTQ+ artists, fundraising for area charities, with a lineup including: Oh! You Pretty Things, the Maxines, Wastoid, With Haste, Leaving For Arizona, Fantomex, Neckromance, Come in Travis, Marissa Missing, and Girl Brutal.

May 11-12: Bear Shadow, Highlands Plateau

“A weekend of music, mountains, and revelry,” will feature: JJ Grey & Mofro, Fu-

The Sportscenter Athletic Club is a private membership club dedicated to providing the ultimate athletic and recreational facilities for our members of all ages. Conveniently located in High Point, we provide a wide variety of activities for our members. We’re designed to incorporate the total fitness concept for maximum benefits and total enjoyment. We cordially invite all of you to be a part of our athletic facility, while enjoying the membership savings we offer our established corporate accounts.

turebirds, American Aquarium, North Mississippi Allstars Black Pumas, The Record Company, White Denim, Grace Bowers at the Bear Shadow music festival

May 17-18: Beaufort Music Fest at Gallants Channel, Beaufort Futurebirds and American Aquarium will traverse to the coast, joining Big Something, Funk You, Blue Footed Boobies, Talia Keys, Harvey Street Co., The Kind Thieves, and more on festival stages to benefit Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, Surfrider Foundation, and the Bogue Banks Rock Museum.

May 17-18: Power & Sound Revival at Camp Spring Park, Elon.

The bike rally, vanshow-hybrid revs into its fourth round with a weekend of sweet rides and tunes from: Sam Morrow, Corey Hunt & the Wise, Bobbie Snake, Kris Hitchcock, Kyle Kelly, Old Heavy Hands, The Jared Stout Band, and 1-Ton.

May 11-19: N.C. Blues Week, Greensboro

Despite cutting the Carolina Blues Festival (with organizers planning a 40th anniversary “blowout” in 2026), the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society is still hosting the Blues & Foods Market, a range of week-long programming; and a free concert in Center City Park on May 18, featuring folklorist Junious Brickhouse, the Underground Collective, and collaborations with the Lead Belly Estate.

May 25: The Black Creative Revival Arts and Cultural Fest at the Dorothy Brown Park, Greensboro

Looking to launch the “biggest outdoor Black music, art, and joy convenings in Guilford County,” the BRC is presented by Architect of Black Space in collaboration with Sparx Entertainment, Progress Inkcorportated, Heavy Energy University, and Uptown GSO; the open call for artists is ongoing, email: architectofblackspace@ gmail.com.

May 24-25: Gears and Guitars Music Festival, Winston-Salem

Shifting to the spring, bike races will run along a series of free concerts featuring a still-growing lineup, including: Lucero, Disarmers, Camel City Yacht Club, Beggars Banquet, and Whiskey Bent.

May 25-26: JawsFest at Local 506, Chapel Hill

A killer tradition–and reminder to stay out of the water–MAKE, Evil Eye, We Follow the Earth, Antiquity. Geeked, Totally Slow, Narsick, and Reese McHenry kick o shark season Chapel Hill style.

May 31- June 1: Good Moon Festival at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham

Presented by Sylvan Esso (along with Psychic Hotline, Come Hear NC, and Oxford Pennant clothiers), the inaugural two-day fest boasts a lineup featuring Fleet Foxes, Hippo Campus, Dehd, Reyna Tropical, and Truth Club; plus afterparties and DJ sets from Made of Oak (aka Sanborn) and Suzi Analogue.

June 8: Dunleath Porchfest, Greensboro

Opening their porches to more than 60 performers, the Dunleath neighborhood celebrates music and community with an afternoon of front yard shows capped o with an evening concert at Sternberger Park.

June 8 - Gipsy Danger’s FarmFest at the Cadillac Ranch, Burlington

Serving as a farmland preservation benefit for the Alamance County Farm Bureau, Gipsy Danger will be joined by Carri Smithey Band, Back Porch Orchestra, Mason Lovette Band, and Flat Blak Cadillac.

June 14-15 - Boonerang Music and Arts Festival, Boone

The Nude Party joins Melissa Reaves to headline the third annual festival showcasing their formative stomping grounds, on several stages throughout downtown Boone. Empire Strikes Brass, Gringo Star, The Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Snake Oil Medicine Show, Florencia & The Feeling, Shay Martin Lovette, Também, and Dissimilar South are a sampling of the few dozen scheduled artists–with more announcements on the way.

June 14 - Quest Fest at Jessup Mill, Westfield

Jamestown’s Hypnotic Conquest are o ering the “Quest”: a float session down the Dan River, leading to a campout party concert and art celebration through the night.

Juneteenth into the Summer Spring blossoms into summer as Juneteenth Festivities get underway, be on the lookout for events around the Triad on June 15, including: Juneteenth GSO, the Juneteenth Black Food Truck Festival, The Uptown Juneteenth Arts & Crafts Festival, SisStars of Juneteenth, Triad Cultural Arts’ Juneteenth Festival in Winston-Salem, and more. !

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

3811 Samet Dr

Point,

last call

SALOME’S STARS]

Week of March 24, 2024

[

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The last lingering days of winter leave the rambunctious Ram more restless than usual. Put all of the extra energy into strengthening a long-neglected relationship.

[

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The clever Bull will ignore outward appearances and dig a little deeper to find important hidden facts before making a decision. Meanwhile, a friend needs you.

[

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s a good time to reorganize around your home and on the job. Missing items will seem to magically reappear once you discard the clutter.

[

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Tame that skeptical nature of yours. Be open to well-intended advice from a family member. A co-worker also has a suggestion that can be beneficial to the both of you.

[

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A socalled bargain could turn out to be a mite more risky than you thought. Keep your purse closed for now. A better deal is just down the line.

[

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A sudden romantic overture emerges out of the past and catches you o guard. Respond with your usual honesty. This is not the time for coyness.

[

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Romantic aspects are especially favorable this week. A career move also holds positive potential. Check out possible drawbacks before making a final decision.

CROSSWORD

crossword on page 9

[

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You dislike changing plans, but it could be a wise move to be a little more flexible than usual. The reason will become apparent very soon.

[

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A loved one may feel left out of your life as you pursue your objectives this week. Take time to o er reassurances that your priorities haven’t changed.

[

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This is a good time to stop nursing your wounded pride and start repairing a strained friendship. Take the first step now and let the healing process begin.

[

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Expect good news about a particular health problem. Then go out and celebrate with friends and family. There’s good news about your financial health as well.

[

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

A state of confusion marks the early part of this week, but explanations will come in time to clear things up for you. Be cautious about making promises.

[

BORN THIS WEEK: You love being with people, whether it’s a crowd or the company of just a few friends. You have strong family loyalties and can be counted on in crisis situations.

© 2024 by King Features Syndicate

WEEKLY SUDOKU

sudoku on page 9

by Fifi Rodriguez

[

1. LITERATURE: What is the name of the kingdom in The Princess Bride?

2. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In British royalty, what is King Charles’ family name?

[

3. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom features Sheldon’s catchphrase “Bazinga!”?

[

4. U.S. STATES: Which U.S. state is home to the Awatovi Ruins, a national historic landmark?

[

5. HISTORY: According to a WWII government slogan, what sinks ships?

[

6. GEOGRAPHY: What is the name of the small principality that lies between Spain and France?

[

7. ANATOMY: Which part of the brain controls hunger?

[

8. LANGUAGE: The Latin word “caput” refers to what part of the human anatomy?

[

9. SCIENCE: Which color has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum?

[

10. FOOD & DRINK: What is the primary alcohol used in margaritas?

answer

10. Tequila.

9. Red.

8. The head.

7. Hypothalamus.

6. Andorra.

© 2024 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

5. Loose lips.

4. Arizona.

3. The Big Bang Theory.

2. Mountbatten-Windsor.

1. Florin.