Yes! Weekly - March 29, 2017

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Westchester 2116 Westchester Dr. High Point, NC 27262-8025 336-885-6066

Reynolda Rd. 2885 Reynolda Rd. Winston Salem, NC 27106-2230 336-842-3822

4002 Elton way, ste. 109 Elmsley area across from Walmart.

Greensboro, NC 27406 336-373-1750

Archdale 2711 South Main St. High Point, NC 27263-1938 336-885-8978

Jonestown 301 Jonestown Rd. Winston Salem, NC 27104-4620 336-293-7072

Jefferson Village New Garden Target Shopping Center.

1603 A Highwoods Blvd.

Greensboro, NC 27410-2066 336-632-0133

Hanes Mall 3320 Silas Creek pkwy ste 1140 Winston Salem, NC 27103-3031 336-765-8712

Eastchester 3800 Sutton Way High Point, NC 27265-1490 336-781-0755

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Robinhood Rd. 3300 Robinhood Rd. Winston Salem, NC 27106-5404 336-760-1611

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YES! WEEKLY > MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017 > VOLUME 13, NUMBER 13

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

RIVERRUN 2017

EDITORIAL Editor JEFF SYKES jeff@yesweekly.com Contributors KRISTI MAIER JOHN ADAMIAN RICH LEWIS STEVE MITCHELL BILLY INGRAM ALLISON STALBERG IAN MCDOWELL DEONNA KELLI SAYED MIA OSBORN

Winston-Salem isn’t Cannes, France or Park City, Utah, but with the opening Thursday of the 19th annual RIVERRUN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, the downtown streets in Winston-Salem will be teeming with filmmakers and filmgoers alike, united in their shared adoration of big-screen magic.

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Movies MARK BURGER marksburger@yahoo.com

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Theatre LENISE WILLIS lenise@yesweekly.com PRODUCTION Graphic Designers ALEX ELDRIDGE designer@yesweekly.com AUSTIN KINDLEY artdirector@yesweekly.com ADVERTISING

Advertising Manager KATHARINE OSBORNE

kat@yesweekly.com Marketing BRAD MCCAULEY brad@yesweekly.com TRAVIS WAGEMAN travis@yesweekly.com CLAUDIA BURNETT claudia@yesweekly.com KAREN SCOTT karen@yesweekly.com Promotion NATALIE GARCIA

DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT 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 2017 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

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MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

the lead 10

Having been founded in 1987, Greensboro’s HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is celebrating its 30th anniversary. With their Collegiate Challenge underway, college students celebrated the anniversary by building a home in 30 days for part of their spring break.

11 ARTS VISIONARIES in High Point are taking a deep look at how creativity could spark economic and community revitalization.

voices 12

It could be true. However, just because it could be true doesn’t make it CREDIBLE. That’s how I would also describe a recent story by local columnist John Hammer on Trump’s claims of massive voter fraud in the recent Presidential election.

arts, entertainment & dining 24

Winston-Salem’s TRUE BELIEVER are set to release their first album-ish thing, a digital EP, this week. When I spoke to Alexis Siebert and Scott Brandenburg, two members of the trio, late last week, they still hadn’t settled on a name for the release.

27

Soon dozens of AFRICAN CHILDREN, aged 7 to 10 years old, many of whom have lost one or both parents to war, famine or disease, will grace the Triad with the sound of their harmonious, hopeful voices.

30 When Sir T-hawk’s SWORD STRIKES Sir John’s, a metallic RING! echoes through the gym. “You can always tell someone’s into this by the way their head turns at that sound,” says Sir THawk with a grin that wouldn’t look out of place under a dented helmet in a muddy medieval melee.

31 KAREN ALLEN and BLANCHE BAKER are award-winning actresses who have enjoyed long and varied careers... Now, both actresses have made the transition to directing...

32 A sold-out foodie crowd attended last week’s Chef’s Table featuring the culinary talents of Chef Mark Grohman of MERIDIAN RESTAURANT. Meridian, located “south of Business 40, yet still downtown,” has enjoyed a decade of success serving up northern Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, while utilizing local ingredients.

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MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

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BE there

BIKES & BOURBON FRIDAY

THE EARLS OF LEICESTER FRIDAY

EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS | BY AUSTIN KINDLEY

ART

ENT MT

MU SIC

FOOD

THE ATRE

FEST

SILK ROAD AND ITS LEGACY THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

29 THE RESOLUTE WHAT: The Drama Centers Playwrights Forum will present a staged reading of ‘The Resolute: A Victorian Girl’s Guide to Base Ball’. A feedback session will follow. Admission is free. ‘TheResolute’ was commissioned by Infinite Variety Productions and will be workshopped this summer as part of the Wyoming Theater Festival.

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Stephen D. Hyers Theatre, Greensboro Cultural Center.

200 N. Davie St., Greensboro.

MORE: Free admission.

6 YES! WEEKLY

THURSDAY

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FRIDAY

FRIDAY

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THE SILK ROAD AND ITS LEGACY

PLENTY OF TIME BIKES & FOSTER CARE BOURBON PARTY CHRONICLES WHAT: A&T Theatre Arts Program

WHAT: The Silk Road facilitated centu-

tackles play about a love affair that stands the test of time Written by Dr. John Shevin Foster and directed by Dr. Vanita Vactor, Plenty of Time is the story of two unlikely lovers, a spoiled rich debutante and a Black Panther.

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Paul Robeson Theatre.

1601 East Market Street, Greensboro.

MORE: $11-$17 admission.

ries of cross-cultural interactions through a network of trade routes that stretched between east and west. Professor Michelle C. Wang from the Department of Art and Art History at Georgetown University will discuss the multicultural legacy of the Mogao site.

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: WFU Museum of Anthropology 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston Salem.

MORE: Free event.

Bean to Bar in Winston-Salem Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 4pm

1151 Canal Drive, Unit 106, Winston-Salem, NC DIRECTIONS: Northwest Boulevard to Bridge Street Turn Left onto Gravel Parking Lot

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

WHAT: Join us for a night of bikes and bourbon with live music by Elemeno. Check out The Gallery to view M.A.D | Motorcycle.

Art. Design, a multimedia experiential exhibition combining light, art, sound, industrial design and cultural elements. Enjoy beer, wine or cocktails served at our biker bar with Maker’s Mark Bourbon.

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: GreenHill.

200 N. Davie Street, Greensboro.

MORE: $12-$15 tickets. Cash bar.

WHAT: Regional youth aged 15-25 who are or were in Foster Care share their experiences through acting, music, and dance.

The participants transform themselves and the future of our community as they teach others what it is like to walk in the shoes of a “Foster Kid.” WHEN: 8 p.m.

WHERE: Upstage Cabaret.

232 South Elm St., Greensboro.

MORE: $12-$18 tickets.

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FAMILY DAY SATURdAy FRIDAY

31 THE EARLS OF LEICESTER WhAT: The Earls of Leicester are a bluegrass powerhouse that came together to present the legendary music of Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. The band released its eponymous debut in 2014 to immediate acclaim, including the 2015 Grammy for Bluegrass Album of the Year.

When: 8 p.m.

WheRe: Carolina Theatre.

310 S. Greene street, Greensboro.

MoRe: $20-$37 tickets.

Mwww.yesweekLy.CoM

SATURDAY

SATURdAy SATURDAY

SATURDAY

RIVERRUN: FREE REVOLUTION FAMILY DAY MILL FOOD TRUCK FEST WhAT: Beginning with our popular

ART ROCKS! FUNDRAISER

1

Saturday Morning Cartoons program and ending with a screening under the stars, families and guests of all ages are encouraged to join the fun! The event ends with an outdoors screening of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory at 8 pm with food trucks, Hoots Beer Company and Deweys Ice Cream.

When: 9 a.m.

WheRe: Hanesbrands Theatre.

209 N. Spruce Street, Winston Salem.

MoRe: Free event.

1

WhAT: Arts Revolution and a Food Truck Fest! Sounds like a great time! It’s going to be another beautiful day at Revolution Mill We’ll have 15 quality food trucks, live music and some kid’s activities!

When: 1 p.m.

WheRe: Revolution Mill.

1200 Revolution Mill Dr., Greensboro.

MoRe: Free entry.

SUNDAY

1

2

WhAT: This evening includes a silent auction for artwork and other wonderful items, a 50/50 raffle, live music by Johnny & the Jump Out boys (upbeat Chicago style Blues), delicious desserts & coffee- fun for all ages!

When: 6-8 p.m.

WheRe: Sternberger Artist Center.

712 Summit Avenue, Greensboro.

MoRe: $5 admission.

YAPPY HOUR: BARKS AND BREWS WhAT: Yappy Hour is a weekly meetup for our four legged friends to mix and mingle while their humans enjoy food, drink and other activities! Natty Greene’s Greensboro & Preyer Brewing Company will be at the dog park providing samples of their delicious brews.

When: 2 p.m.

WheRe: LeBauer Park.

200 N. Davie Street, Greensboro.

MoRe: Free entry.

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[LOCAL TALENT]

RANDY CARSON-BOIL AND BRU

BY ALLISON STALBERG

Realtor Randy Carson of Allen Tate Realtors is a sponsor of Greensboro’s 2nd annual Boil and Bru. The Boil and Bru is getting put on by the Crescent Rotary Club.

“It allows me to give back to the community,” said Carson. “We should raise somewhere between $40-$50,000 that we’ll be able to give back to the community.”

The Boil and Bru will benefit Greensboro non-profits, charities and causes. In the past, the Boil and Bru has helped the Boys and Girls Club and provided homes for veterans with Purple Heart Homes.

“Through social organization, the Boil and Brew itself kind of replaced an auction format where we could get prizes or gifts donated and people would auction and buy the gifts to raise money,” said Carson.

“The Boil and Brew is a chance for more social interaction. There are four local craft breweries that are participating and providing beverages. The boil part is the typical shrimp boil.”

Along with all-you-can-eat shrimp boil under the stars, there will be other foods,

all-you-can-drink craft beer and local live music.

“I find that supporting this event is my opportunity to give back to the community that supports me as a realtor,” said Carson in a press release.

Carson has worked with Allen Tate Realtors since 2005 after moving from Las Vegas. According to Carson, the greatest reward of his realtor job is “helping people accomplish their dreams and goals.”

One of the proudest moments in his work was during the Great Recession when he was able to help his community similarly to how he’s helping sponsor the Boil and Bru today.

“When everyone was having so much trouble, I focused and specialized on short sales to help people out of their financial difficulties and was able to successfully list, sell and help over 200 families move on with their life,” said Carson.

The Boil and Bru is scheduled for Friday, April 7, from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at Blandwood Mansion at 447 West Washington Street in Greensboro. !

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WANT TO BE FEATURED AS A LOCAL TALENT? E-mail a photo and a short bio to editor@yesweekly.com

2017

Thru

MARCH 30

APRIL 9

RARE FINDS

DOCUMENTARIES DRAMAS 8 YES! WEEKLY

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

FOR TICKET INFO VISIT:

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CELEBRITIES FILM MAKERS

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[SCUTTLEBUTT] Items from across the Triad and beyond

HOPFEST IN THE BORO PARTNERS WITH WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP PGA TOUR EVENT

Beer festivals are cultural experiences with music, art and, well, beer. But a Piedmont Triad version of the event seeks to be more than an affair showcasing multiple local varieties of the hoppy liquid. Because Hopfest strives to be more, the Greensboro event is partnering the Wyndham Championship to not only increase its presence and awareness in the community but also grow its footprint and impact in Greensboro, the Piedmont Triad and the state, the event announced tonight. The 78th annual Wyndham Championship is set for Aug. 14-20 at Sedgefield Country Club.

Founded in High Point in 2013, Hopfest moved to Greensboro in 2014 and has grown steadily each year. This year’s event, set for Saturday May 13 at Tracks Bazaar in downtown Greensboro at 302 W. Gate City Blvd., will feature 20 craft breweries, 10 food trucks and vendors, a 75-vendor flea market and experience zone as well as a wide offering of music and art.

“Hopfest is a great fit for the Wyndham

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Championship,” tournament director Mark Brazil said. “This event targets millennials around the region which is certainly an important group for us. Hopfest sounds like a cool event and a fun night, and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

Hopfest is taking a huge leap in 2017 by welcoming the legendary Marly Marl and MC Craig G as well as DJ JS1 and former world beatboxing champions Kailla Mullady and Mark Martin. In addition to these musicians, Hopfest 2017 will also feature a lineup of graffiti artists including Meres One, the founder of 5pointz. (Learn more here: http://5ptz.com/about/ ) “We are proud to be partnering with the Wyndham Championship because it is an event to aspire to,” Hopfest founder Ryan Saunders said. “They have a great brand behind them; they have built a brand in themselves here in Greensboro. People look forward to the Wyndham each year, and its economic impact should be celebrated. We are honored that they have chosen to support us.

“We’re also happy to be hosting a reunion of sorts for several key players during the lifespan of the graffiti mecca known as 5pointz; we are presenting a

mashup of southern culture and the 5 pointz of hip hop. At the same time, we celebrate the incredibly historical PGA TOUR event, the experience of being out on the golf course and the Wyndham Championship’s place in our community’s history. We are providing a wide spectrum of experiences and bringing them all to life within the confines of Hopfest.”

Transit Alliance of the Piedmont (TAP) is the official charitable partner of Hopfest 2017. TAP works to promote enhancements to the Piedmont Triad’s transportation network that spurs economic development, improves our health and safety, protects our natural resources, builds community and connects people to opportunities. TAP supports a multimodal transportation network that encourages transit, walking and cycling along with thoughtful land use and development.

COTTAGE INN PIZZA SET TO BECOME NEW FAVORITE SLICE IN GREENSBORO

Cottage Inn Pizza, the beloved pizza brand, will be rolling out its dough in Greensboro come May 2017. The first franchised location will set up shop

on the University of North Carolina – Greensboro campus at 427 Tate Street.

A hometown brand run by the same family for over 65 years, Cottage Inn Pizza offers a variety of menu options for carryout and delivery service. The brand has long been known for its signature crust, made from a proprietary flour mix that creates an incomparable taste and quality among competitors.

Cottage Inn also offers a diverse menu of Mediterranean favorites, as well as 33 different styles of pizza, subs, salads and hot wings.

“It’s long overdue for North Carolina to get a taste of Cottage Inn Pizza,” said Steve Alie, owner of Cottage Inn Pizza of Greensboro and area developer with the brand. “We couldn’t be more motivated to help pizza lovers at UNCG and in the community begin making memories at our restaurant.”

For more information on Cottage Inn Pizza of Greensboro and to view its menu, visit cottageinn.com/pizza/ greensboro or call 336-663-6333 !

GEARS&GUITARS FEST MAY 26-29 MAY 26 COREY SMITH MUSCADINE BLOODLINE ERIC DOOD

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.com/Gears-Guitars-tickets/artist/2220506 MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

YES! WEEKLY

9

the lead

POLITICS, UPDATES, TRENDS AND OTHER VITAL INFORMATION

Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge: Building a house in 30 days

BY ALLISON STALBERG

H

aving been founded in 1987, Greensboro’s Habitat for Humanity is celebrating its 30th anniversary. With their Collegiate Challenge underway, college students celebrated the anniversary by building a home in 30 days for part of their spring break.

One such field team came from Hamilton College in New York. Coming from 36 inches of snow to Greensboro’s sunny March days, students like Alexandru Hirsu enjoyed the outdoor work with gentle skies after a long 12-hour drive.

“I’ve done this for three years, including this one,” said Hirsu, who has been part of the Collegiate Challenge before in New Jersey and West Virginia. “Last year I thought, ‘Hey, this would be a great idea to spend my second week of spring break.’ I always wanted to do construction in the Habitat environment.”

The Collegiate Challenge has been going on in Greensboro for about 14 years.

“College chapters across the United States actually sign up and come during their spring break to work and build with us,” said Director of Development at Habitat Greensboro, Daintry O’Brien.

“They usually come on a Sunday and then they leave on a Saturday. We work Monday through Friday. We work really hard but we also try to have fun and do

College students spent their Spring Break building this Habitat House in Greensboro. special things. Hamilton College is the fifth university that we’ve had with us during this spring break and we are super appreciative of them.”

For Hirsu, the reward of the work is watching the work come together.

“I have some experience building houses and it’s always nice when you see, not necessarily the finished product, but just the end of a stage...whether it’s the interior or it’s painting that we’re doing,” he said.

“It can be challenging at times, but it’s a fun experience.”

For Greensboro’s Habitat for Humanity,

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the 30-day Collegiate Challenge has been a learning experience. The Hamilton students are just one of the five field teams who have worked on building homes with Habitat. The other colleges include Eastern University, Widener University, the University of Rochester and the Kuztown University of Pennsylvania.

“We really love having the kids here and having that experience so we are talking about opening some things even in the summertime so that there might be an opportunity for college students to come back and do the same type of work over a one week period,” said O’Brien.

The Hamilton College group worked on a home in Quail Oaks West. Habitat Greens-

boro has 15 lots there with five homes already built across the street.

“When we are finished with this neighborhood, it doesn’t mean we leave because we still stay active with our home owners,” said O’Brien. “Our last home will be dedicated sometime this month. Then we’ll be building houses in other locations in Greensboro.”

Habitat Greensboro recruits volunteers to help house and feed the working students.

“We have more people who want to do it than we have spots, which is an awesome opportunity to have,” said O’Brien. “The people who they’ve (the Hamilton students) went to dinner with on Tuesday night, they’ve hosted every single group of kids every week which is just amazing.

“It’s a lot but they’re great with big warm hearts and they love spending time with the college students.”

The students also get some time to explore Greensboro.

“The Tuesday family recommended where to go in downtown Greensboro to LeBauer Park,” said Hirsu. “We played some corn hole, we took advantage of other activities like foosball, ping-pong and golf.

“Our leaders did a great job in organizing the trip and bonding us together.”

Interested in volunteering? Check out Habitat’s for Humanity’s Greater Greensboro website at www.habitatgreensboro. org/ !

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High Point arts group looking at creative community revitalization 101 West Fifth Street WSNC 27101 336.723.3700 Tickets Sold on ETIX & Local 27101

BY CHANEL R. DAVIS Arts visionaries in High Point are taking a deep look at how creativity could spark economic and community revitalization.

Residents attended a series of town hall meetings last month to voice their opinions about the arts in High Point, or lack thereof. About 50 people attended the Feb. 9 meeting at the Centennial Station Arts Center. The discussion, presented and funded by the Southwest Renewal Foundation, was facilitated by Janet Kagan of Arts Force, who had been touring the city and meeting various organizations for the week.

Kagan delivered her consultants report last week and SRF’s board will discuss the findings at a meeting next month.

“Our charge is to look at economic and community revitalization with artists, creatives and designers at the core of every initiative and enterprise, because we think that will start to reframe how we look at our physical spaces and our social cohesion,” Kagan said. “Artists are inventors and it is the invention that drives industry and jobs. Jobs bind people to places. When we are connected to our community, we have passion, we learn to appreciate one another and we will advocate for what we believe in and that’s really important in community development work.”

Dorothy Darr, executive director of the Southwest Renewal Foundation of High Point, Inc., said that brainstorming dialogue needed an outside voice on how to increase public art in the city.

“This was a dialogue about art and how we can increase art in downtown High Point and how art impacts economic development. Especially in underserved areas. We also wanted to talk about how we can bring design into city planning,” Darr said. “We wanted to bring someone in from the outside to help the Southwest Renewal Foundation to think of ways that public art might assist with making the district more attractive and create jobs.

Public art is one way to do this.”

Kagan has more than 35 years of experience in strategic program planning and project management in art and economic WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

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4/14 Doors at 8:00 PM Show at 9:00 PM Advance $15 Door $20

development, leading and directing interdisciplinary planning and design teams in collaboration with communities. As civic curator and producer, she collaborates with artists, organizations, and municipal leadership to achieve creative, aesthetic, and economic revitalization goals. Kagan has worked in municipal government and regional, statewide, and national nonprofit and for-profit organizations. It cost SRF a total of $6,000, with $1,000 from a grant awarded by the High Point Arts Council, plus expenses and food to bring Kegan and two of her associates to assess High Point’s situation.

“She talked to a lot of people throughout the week and we wanted her to share her knowledge of 35 years. We want her recommendations so we can take it to the next level,” Darr said. “It’s really going to be a strategic map and series of recommendations.”

Many of the grievances include restrictions from the city, not showcasing the city’s history, how to engage those who come to visit for work, spaces for creatives and small businesses to work, downtown being underutilized, lack of awareness, lack of walkability, how to attract and retain millennials, and the fact that many residents will travel to get the amenities that they’re look for.

Kegan will send a written report by March 31 based on a series of observations, ideas, suggestions and recommendations of ways that the arts and design can enhance the quality of life and livability for residents.

Darr said that SRF will make that information available to the community.

Although she doubts that they’ll be able to use everything suggested, she hopes to be able to implement at least one or two of Kegan’s ideas.

“Public art is a part of economic development,” Darr said. “I thought we needed to push ourselves just a little bit outside of what we are typically thinking when it comes to economic development and raising the quality of life. It’s always been about that.”

Debbie Lumpkins, executive director for the High Point Arts Council, said that she hopes the report and town hall was a catalyst to a collaborative effort to find funds for the arts.

“At some point, there has to be a collaborative effort between public and private funding with the focus on doing it for the people that live here every day out of the year,” Lumpkins said. “We can’t stop. We have to preserver. The conversations are out there and you have to let your public officials know what you want.” !

6/11 Doors at 7:00 PM Show at 8:00 PM Advance $22 Door $27

6/30-7/2 Doors at 5:00 PM Tickets $40-$90 MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

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11

voices

WRITE US AT EDITOR@YESWEEKLY.COM

Playing with fire

T

here is a reptilian alien species that has sent individuals to Earth.

They have taken on human bodies, making them indisJoel Landau tinguishable from real humans. Their Contributor intent is to take over the Earth; the clues are there for those who know where to look. Oh, Donald Trump is one of them.

I use the above as an example of a story that some people might believe, though there is no concrete evidence. Thing is though, you can’t really disprove it. It could be true. However, just because it could be true doesn’t make it credible.

That’s how I would also describe a recent story by local columnist John Hammer on Trump’s claims of massive voter fraud in the recent Presidential election. Hammer spends the column spinning theories as to why Trump is likely right. As a reminder, Trump claimed that millions of votes were cast illegally. To start, Hammer notes it’s unusual for the winner to claim that the election was unfair. He offers no explana-

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tion. But it’s not hard to figure out. Trump has made it clear that he is obsessed with being a “winner”. The fact that he lost the popular vote by millions puts an asterisk next to his victory that I imagine rankles him no end. But wait a minute, he just happens to know, without evidence of course, that millions of Clinton’s votes were cast illegally. In fact, just enough millions of votes such that Trump would actually have won not only the electoral vote, but the popular vote as well.

Supporters of Trump’s fabrication have noted that apparently millions of names of voters are registered in more than one state. They imply that this indicates widespread voter fraud. But there’s no evidence to that effect. We are a nation of transients. Millions of people move across state lines each year. I’m willing to wager that hardly any of them thought to notify the Board of Elections in the state they were leaving. I know I didn’t when I moved to North Carolina in 1981.

So, at least temporarily, I was registered to vote in two states. I could have voted in person in North Carolina, and also filed an absentee ballot in the state I had left.

But I didn’t, and evidence is slim, if at all, that any of the other millions of yearly transplants are voting in two states.

Hammer went on to assert that there is

probably widespread voter fraud taking place locally. He cites the example of someone who was discovered to have voted twice a couple of years ago - once in early voting, then again on Election Day. This was a young man who was actively involved in local political campaigns.

Hence he no doubt was well aware of legitimate voting procedures. Hammer concludes that therefore the double vote had to be intentional. This is faulty logic.

Hammer’s premise is that if someone has extensive experience in an area, then they should always perform perfectly. If they make a mistake it must be on purpose. If this were true then Hammer is a fraudulent columnist because there are frequent writing mistakes in his columns that a person of his experience would know are wrong. By the way, I don’t mean to single out Hammer in this regard. It’s rare to read an article in any newspaper that doesn’t contain some writing mistake… including mine for sure! My point is experienced people regularly make errors. It doesn’t mean a mistake is intentional.

In the example Hammer used, the person he namelessly referred to is Fahiym Hanna (Mr. Hanna told me he doesn’t mind if I use his name). That year Hanna happened to be downtown walking by an election site and saw the Vote Early signs. Since he had some spare time he went in and voted. Then on Election Day he did what he’d done for years: namely, he handed out campaign literature outside his precinct voting site and then he went inside and voted. Election officials discovered the double vote the next morning and contacted him. His second vote was disqualified. For his part, Hanna was embarrassed over his mistake but also impressed with how quickly the error was discovered. He mentioned the irony that he’d been wearing an “I Voted Early” sticker. If only he’d looked in a mirror and seen the sticker he would have remembered that he had already voted. Hanna says the real problem is voter participation, not voter fraud. Anyway, despite Hammer’s assertion, there was no fraud here, just an absent-minded mistake that election officials quickly corrected.

I spoke with Charlie Collicutt, Director of the Guilford County Board of Elections.

I asked for his assessment of fraudulent voting in Guilford County in recent years.

His comments included the following: In this past election procedures caught 6 voters who went to the polls twice. The

cases were referred to the State Board of Elections. The State has trained investigators, the County doesn’t.

There were protests filed alleging illegal out-of-state voting. These were all dismissed for lack of evidence.

There were protests filed that felons had illegally voted. There is evidence this may have happened on a small scale.

It is possible that someone might cast an extra vote by posing as someone else.

However, there is no evidence this has actually happened.

Our voting system is one of Risk and Reward. The reward is you get to vote; the risk is if you cast a vote illegally and get caught, you can be charged with a felony.

When you register to vote the form asks for your previous address. If you’ve moved from another state, North Carolina will attempt to inform your previous state that you have reregistered. Some states communicate this information better than others. There is no National Voter Database.

Since 2012 there have been renewed efforts to audit after the fact for double voting. Evidence of double voting is “very slim”.

It seems to me that the problem our democracy faces is not from unproven allegations of voter fraud, but rather from the real and systematic voter suppression being undertaken across the country. It worries me that Hammer and others are lending credence to Trump’s unsubstantiated allegations that strike at the heart of our democracy. They are playing with fire.

One of the definitions of “demagogue” in Merriam-Webster is “A leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power.”

Trump’s life has been one of accumulating wealth, influence and fame. He has worked actively to discredit our electoral process, our elected officials, our intelligence agencies and the news media. He implies we should trust only him. And he tells us time and again that we have major problems that only he can fix. This is a Man who would be King. When Trump makes unfounded claims that strike at the heart of our democracy, he needs to be disavowed. When that person is an egomaniac who holds great power and aspires to even greater power, we play along at our own peril. !

LANDAU’s column appears the last Wednesday of the month.

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[KING CROSSWORD] ACROSS 1 5 10 13 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30 31 35 38 39 40 41 45 47 48 49 50 52 54 59 63 64 66 67 73 74

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That’s similar to the price of actual onebedroom apartments in less ritzy Brooklyn neighborhoods like Gravesend (a few miles away).

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS

Saginaw, Michigan, defense lawyer Ed Czuprynski had beaten a felony DUI arrest in December, but was sentenced to probation on a lesser charge in the incident, and among his restrictions was a prohibition on drinking alcohol — which Czuprynski acknowledged in March that he has since violated at least twice. However, at that hearing (which could have meant jail time

for the violations), Czuprynski used the opportunity to beg the judge to remove the restriction altogether, arguing that he can’t be “effective” as a lawyer unless he is able to have a drink now and then. (At press time, the judge was still undecided.)

FINE POINTS OF THE LAW

Residents in southern Humboldt County, California, will vote in May on a proposed property tax increase to fund a community hospital in Garberville to serve a web of small towns in the scenic, sparsely populated region, and thanks to a county judge’s March ruling, the issue will be explained more colorfully. Opponent Scotty McClure was initially rebuffed by the registrar when he tried to distribute, as taxpayer-funded “special elections material,” contempt for “Measure W” by including the phrase “(insert fart smell here)” in the description. The registrar decried the damage to election “integrity” by such “vulgarity,” but Judge Timothy Cissna said state law gives him jurisdiction only over “false” or “misleading” electioneering language.

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Matt McMullen’s “RealDoll” franchise — the San Marcos, California, engineer’s richly detailed flexible silicone mannequins that currently sell for $5,500 and up (more with premium custom features). Even before the recent success of the very humanish, artificially intelligent (AI) android “hosts” on TV’s “Westworld,” McMullen revealed that his first AI doll, “Harmony,” will soon be available with a choice of 12 “personalities,” including “intellectualism” and “wit,” to mimic an emotional bond to add to the sexual. A recent University of London conference previewed a near future when fake women routinely provide uncomplicated relationships for lonely (or disturbed) men.

(Recently, in Barcelona, Spain, a brothel opened offering four “realdolls” “disinfected after each customer” — though still recommending condoms.)

— Scientists at Columbia University and the New York Genome Center announced that they have digitally stored (and retrieved) a movie, an entire computer operating system and a $50 gift card on a single drop of DNA. In theory, wrote the researchers in the journal Science, they might store, on one gram of DNA, 215 “petabytes” (i.e., 215 million gigabytes — enough to run, say, 10 million HD movies) and could reduce all the data housed in the Library of Congress to a small cube of crystals.

— An office in the New York City government, suspicious of a $5,000 payment to two men in the 2008 City Council election of Staten Island’s Debi Rose, opened an investigation, which at $300 an hour for the “special prosecutor,” has now cost the city $520,000, with his final bill still to come.

Despite scant “evidence” and multiple opportunities to back off, the prosecutor relentlessly conducted months-long grand jury proceedings, fought several court appeals, had one 23-count indictment almost immediately crushed by judges, and enticed state and federal investigators to (fruitlessly) take on the Staten Island case. In March, the city’s Office of Court Administration finally shrugged and closed the case.

IRONIES

A chain reaction of fireworks in Tultepec, Mexico, in December had made the San Pablito pyro marketplace a scorched ruin, with more than three dozen dead and scores injured, leaving the town to grieve and, in March, to solemnly honor the victims — with even more fireworks.

Tultepec is the center of Mexico’s fireworks industry, with 30,000 people dependent on explosives for a living. Wrote The Guardian, “Gunpowder” is in “their blood.”

MISCELLANEOUS ECONOMIC INDICATORS

UNDIGNIFIED DEATHS

(1) “Bentley” the cat went missing in Marina Del Rey, California, on Feb. 26 and as of press time had not been located — despite a posted reward of $20,000. (A “wanted” photo is online, if you’re interested.) (2) British snack food manufacturer Walkers advertised in February for a part-time professional chip taster, at the equivalent of $10.55 an hour. (3) An Australian state administrative tribunal awarded a $90,000 settlement after a cold-calling telemarketer sold a farm couple 2,000 ink cartridges (for their one printer) by repeated pitches.

American chef Dan Barber staged a temporary “pop-up” restaurant in London in March at which he and other renowned chefs prepared the fanciest meals they could imagine using only food scraps donated from local eateries. A primary purpose was to chastise First World eaters (especially Americans) for wasting food, not only in the kitchen and on the plate, but to satisfy our craving for meat (for example, requiring diversion of 80 percent of the world’s corn and soy just to feed edible animals). Among Barber’s March “WastED” dishes were a char-grilled meatless beetburger and pork braised in leftover fruit solids.

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15

RIVERRUN 2 0 1 7

BY MARK BURGER

W

inston-Salem isn’t Cannes, France or Park City, Utah, but with the opening Thursday of the 19th annual RiverRun International Film Festival, the downtown streets in Winston-Salem will be teeming with filmmakers and filmgoers alike, united in their shared adoration of big-screen magic.

From a record-breaking 1,700 submissions, RiverRun will screen a total of 151 films, including 69 features and

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AGAIN

81 shorts, from 40 different countries.

“We’ve got some very good films,” says Rob Davis, executive director of RiverRun. “I’m very excited by the selection.”

All the familiar, and favorite, screening venues are aboard this year: a/ perture cinemas, Hanesbrands Theatre, the UNCSA School of Filmmaking campus, and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA). This year will also see the festival returning to Greensboro, with three of its highest-profile films – Ari Issler and Ben

Snyder’s action drama 11:55, Stanley Nelson’s documentary Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon’s openingnight comedy Lost in Paris – being screened, respectively, April 3, 4 and 5 at RED Cinemas.

For Davis, who accepted the position of executive director last August, this has been a time of transition – one made immeasurably easier and more pleasurable by the festival’s board,

staff, sponsors and volunteers. “This is as dedicated and enthusiastic a staff as I have ever encountered,” he says. “They are all professional, and their top priority is to program the best possible film festival in our town for our audiences.

They make it a pleasure to go in to work every day.”

WANNA

go?

The 19th annual RiverRun International Film Festival opens Thursday and runs through April 9.

For a complete schedule of events and screenings, advance tickets or more information, visit the official RiverRun website: riverrunfilm.com.

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ABACUS

AGE OF CONSEQUENCES

2017 RIVERRUN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEWS Lost in Paris ( ): Directed by Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon.

A first-class crowd-pleaser (originally titled Paris pieds nus), this frothy French farce stars Gordon as “Fiona,” an endearingly gawky Canadian tourist who comes to Paris at the behest of her aging aunt (the late Emmanuelle Riva), only to suffer mishaps at every turn – not the least of which is encountering “Dom” (Abel), a bumbling tramp who lives in a tent on the banks of the Seine River. (Their first meeting, over dinner, is a gem.)

Delightful and irresistible, the film is both a comedy of errors and manners, with detours into absurdism, slapstick and mistaken identities – right up to a climactic climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. A fine showcase for the comic abili-

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ties of writer/producer/directors Abel and Gordon, there’s equally fine work by Riva, in one of her last roles, Frederic Meert as a traveling mountie, and a show-stopping appearance by legendary farceur Pierre Richard as a former fling of Riva’s from their days in a vaudeville troupe. Great use of Paris locations, too.

The Pulitzer at 100 ( ): Directed by Kirk Simon.

This informative, well-paced, self-explanatory documentary commemorates the centennial of the award named for publisher Joseph Pulitzer. As well as providing a biographical sketch of him, the film also offers a microcosm of a century’s worth of history and literature, with passages from Pulitzer-winning prose read

DAYVEON

not only by previous recipients but also by such luminaries as John Lithgow, Helen Mirren, Natalie Portman, Martin Scorsese and Liev Schreiber.

Entertaining and enlightening, the film never becomes top-heavy or self-congratulatory, and it’s refreshing to see a film that celebrates literature and journalism – and as a journalist, it’s nice to see it celebrated!.

Tell Them We Are Rising ( ): Directed by Stanley Nelson.

Subtitled The Story of Historically Black Colleges and Universities , the latest documentary feature from Nelson (who received the Master of Cinema award at RiverRun in 2015) packs a lot of information into its 84-minute running time,

covering more than a century – yet it never feels undernourished or incomplete, nor is it merely a history lecture. Nor, to its credit, does it ever become preachy – which could be said of Nelson’s previous work, as well.

The early days of black colleges and universities were arduous and dangerous ones, not just in the South but the North as well, and some of the troubles that befell those schools came from within as much as without. Interviews with historians and graduates lends the film further insight into the topic. These institutions of higher learning have come far, but there’s still further to go – and, in some cases, the realities of modern economics have had a severe impact in recent years.

CHESTER MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

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17

FIRST LADY OF THE REVOLUTION

Score: A Film Music History ( ): Directed by Matt Schrader.

The title tells all in this long-overdue tribute to the process, inspiration and practice of film composers throughout the years. Even when films were silent, they were usually screened with live musical accompaniment, so music has been part of the movies even before sound was introduced.

Many notables are given their due, including Jerry Goldsmith (this critic’s favorite), Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, Alfred Newman and, of the more recent generation, Hans Zimmer, Thomas Newman (Alfred’s son), Danny Elfman and the late James Horner. It’s fascinating to observe how they interact with the filmmaker to create an ideal score, although when the film delves into the chemical reactions that cause the viewer to respond to movie music, it gets a little heavy-handed. The film also becomes a bit repetitious, but true movie and music

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buffs shouldn’t mind. The music-makers of the movies are finally getting the respect they deserve here.

more to the story than meets the eye, which is one of the most pleasant – and potent – attributes of this excellent film.

Window Horses ( ): Directed

by Ann Marie Fleming.

Fleming adapts her own graphic novel Window Horses: The Poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie Ming in this imaginative and intelligent animated feature focusing on the pilgrimage of Canadian poet/fastfood worker Rosie Ming (voiced by Sandra Oh) to Iran, both to participate in a poetry festival and to explore her own identity (her absentee father was from Iran).

The animation is simple but wonderfully expressive, and the film boasts charm in great abundance. It sends up the pretentiousness of some poetry while also offering a close examination at the ties that bind – both among individuals and cultures. Nancy Kwan, Shoreh Aghdashloo, Don McKellar and Ellen Page also contribute voice-over turns. There’s much

Quest ( ): Directed by Jonathan Olshefski.

This absorbing, “slice-of-life” documentary centers around the family of record producer/promoter Christopher “Quest” Rainey and wife Christine’a (“Ma Quest”) as they try to make a positive impact on their strife-ridden neighborhood in North Philadelphia (not far from where yours truly attended Temple University way back when).

Olshefski directs with unobtrusive but unmistakable compassion for the Raineys, whose son is battling cancer (diagnosed shortly before the birth of his own son), and whose daughter loses an eye in a random shooting. They try to remain hopeful and upbeat even in the face of such tragedies, yet their efforts to do good and better their environment is constantly

FOX AND THE WHALE MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

LOVE

thwarted by unforeseen circumstances.

It’s hard not to sympathize with the Raineys, who all come across as honest folk struggling to survive and thrive in a cold, cruel world.

Sacred ( ): Directed by Thomas Lennon.

A globetrotting documentary that explores what different cultures around the world hold sacred, exemplified in their practices, ceremonies and rituals. On one level, these bring people together, but on a larger scale they do the opposite – and it’s that profound lack of understanding that quietly pervades the proceedings.

Nevertheless, Lennon approaches these various sacred practices with respect and without unnecessary judgment or commentary. This is very much a timely and topical film, one that will likely encourage debate and discussion – which is always preferable to disdain or disrespect.

GEMA

www.yesweekLy.CoMw

WELCOME TO MY LIFE

11:55 ( ): Directed by Ari Issler and Ben Snyder.

This gritty independent melodrama, which marks the feature debut of writer/ producer/directors Issler and Snyder, is (intentionally) reminiscent of Fred Zinnemann’s Oscar-winning 1952 classic High Noon – albeit told in contemporary terms but still within a highly compressed chronological format.

In an equally impressive feature debut, Victor Almanzar (also a screenwriter) plays a dishonorably discharged Marine Corps sergeant who returns home after a tour of duty overseas – only to be immediately confronted with the circumstances that prompted his enlistment, in the form of Mike Carlsen’s mobster, whose brother was gunned down by Almanzar. Hero or no hero, it’s payback time. Almanzar can run (or try to), or he can face up to his past.

Simple, straightforward and tightly wound, the film is carried by its credible characters, especially Almanzar’s. The biggest names in the cast, John Leguizamo and Julia Stiles, contribute small but strong characterizations. This is a solid nail-biter, as well as an auspicious bow for its makers.

Good Funk ( ): Directed by Adam Kritzer.

The feature debut of Greensboro native Kritzer is billed as “A Polyrhythm About Kindess and Ghosts,” which is as apt a description as any.

Filmed in location in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, this naturalistic drama sees its characters intersecting in ways that might have been more meaningful had some background been provided. As it stands, we join these characters in midstream and mid-stride, their individual backgrounds and circumstances only hinted at.

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Many of the actors on hand are fresh faces, including Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as a single mother who’s been evicted from her home with her precocious daughter (Leonary Shepherd). Along with his wife (Kalae Nouveau), a compassionate neighbor (co-producer William Nadylam), who’s recently lost his father, agrees to care for the girl, giving them an unexpected but not unwelcome taste of parenthood. Actor/filmmaker Larry Fessenden, the most familiar cast member, stands out in support as a sympathetic co-worker of Luqmaan-Harris’ Akifa.

Good intentions abound, especially considering that Kritzer essentially recruited his crew from young people in the neighborhood, and the cinematography

by Gideon de Villiers is a major asset, truly capturing the ambiance of its setting. If Good Funk offers a slice of life, de Villiers’ camerawork provides a remarkable and tangible flavor.

In the Radiant City ( ): Directed by Rachel Lambert.

The shadow of last year’s Manchester by the Sea looms over this well-acted portrait of disillusionment and family dysfunction, with UNCSA School of Drama graduate Michael Abbott Jr. (making his feature debut as executive producer) as the proverbial prodigal son – he’s even referred to as such – who returns to his blue-collar home town after a long absence.

His return, the circumstances of which are divulged later, angers his estranged sister (Marin Ireland), a single mother struggling to raise a rebellious teenaged daughter (Madisen Beaty) while tending her ailing mother (UNCSA alumnus Celia Weston).

Jeff Nichols (another UNCSA graduate) was one of the producers for screenwriter/

THE LOST CITY OF Z

director Lambert’s feature debut, and she coaxes good work from the actors, including Jon Michael Hill as a hard-working, frustrated attorney, Deirdre O’Connell as a booze-soaked barfly, and Paul Sparks as Abbott’s brother, whose presence (and past) play key roles in the story.

The Other Kids ( ): Directed

by Chris Brown.

This coming-of-age fable, focusing on a group of average American teenagers as they approach high-school graduation, is told completely from the perspective of its young cast, none of whom had ever acted before and who worked closely with director Brown to draw on their own experiences.

The story is a potent reminder of a time in every young person’s life when things that in retrospect might seem trivial were instead so vital and urgent. Very little time is spent in a classroom, as the film ambles – and rambles – through the lives of its characters in a highly naturalistic manner.

Brown directs with a non-judgmental curiosity, and the film is never forced, never contrived, and the cinematography is superb.

Savannah Bailey, Abby Stewart, Hunter Gilmore, Isaac Sanchez, Sienna Lampi, Natasha Lombardi, Joe McGee and Kai Kellerman are the principal characters (many using their own first names), and there’s a solid turn by Mike Crich as an Army recruiter, portrayed not as a blowhard but as a regular guy who’s just doing his job, trying to convince kids to enlist.

The Transfiguration ( ): Directed by Michael O’Shea.

George A. Romero’s 1976 cult classic Martin – duly referenced – meets Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight in this urban drama with strong overtones of psychological

horror. Dark, stark and frequently unsettling, cult status is as assured as mainstream praise – and this will surely give a big boost to writer/director O’Shea, making an assured feature debut.

Young Eric RuffinChlo is enormously sympathetic as Milo, a bullied and battered orphan eking out a precarious existence on the mean streets of New York.

Obsessed with vampire movies – which he watches on VHS! – he also has a tendency to slash people’s throats and drink their blood, which scarcely goes noticed in his crime-ridden neighborhood.

One glimmer of hope in Milo’s miserable life is his blossoming friendship with neighbor Sophie (Chloe Levine, also firstrate), although one wonders exactly what Milo’s intentions are -- friend or feast.

Augmented by Sung Rae Cho’s haunting cinematography and Margaret Chardiet’s superb (and scary) score, The Transfiguration is a morality play at heart, taking place in a world where the innocent – and not-so-innocent – fall prey to dark forces.

Finding Home ( ): Directed by Nick Westfall.

North Carolina native Cullen Moss shines in the lead role this sweet, likable comedy/drama in which he plays Courtland, a recently divorced and newly-unemployed schoolteacher at a crossroads in his life. So to is young Oskar (delightful newcomer Abel Zukerman), the son of Courtland’s recently deceased stepsister, whom Courtland is charged with escorting to the homes of potential adoptive parents.

Moss and Zukerman have an easy, charming rapport that transcends any mawkishness and makes Finding Home a warm-hearted winner – so much so that it could have easily gone on longer, a sentiment this critic rarely espouses! !

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

YES! WEEKLY

19

Submissions should be sent to artdirector@yesweekly.com by Friday at 5 p.m., prior to the week’s publication.

Visit yesweekly.com and click on calendar to list your event online. home grown muSic Scene | compiled by Austin Kindley

ASHEBORO

FOUR SAINTS BREWING

218 South Fayetteville St. | 336.610.3722 foursaintsbrewing.com Mar 31: Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers Apr 1: Earleine Apr 7: Wolfie Calhoun Apr 8: Momma Molasses Apr 14: Olivia Rudeen Apr 15: Heads Up Penny Apr 19: Irish/Celtic Music Session Apr 22: James Vincent Apr 29: Bonnie Allyn Band May 5: Wolfie Calhoun

clEmmOnS

RIVER RIdGE TAPHOUSE 1480 River Ridge Dr | 336.712.1883 riverridgetaphouse.com Apr 7: Pop Guns!

Apr 14: Exit 180 Apr 21: Southern Eyes Apr 28: Big daddy Mojo May 5: Nine Lives May 12: Pop Guns!

May 19: Exit 180

dAnBuRy

GREEN HERON ALE HOUSE 1110 Flinchum Rd | 336.593.4733 greenheronclub.com

20 YES! WEEKLY

gREEnSBORO

ARIzONA PETE’S

2900 Patterson St #A | 336.632.9889 arizonapetes.com Mar 31: 1-2-3 Friday Apr 7: 1-2-3 Friday

ARTISTIkA NIGHT CLUB

523 S Elm St | 336.271.2686 artistikanightclub.com Mar 31: dJ dan the Player Apr 1: dJ Paco and dJ dan the Player

BIG PURPLE

812 Olive St. | 336.302.3728 Mar 31: Emily Scott Robinson May 5: Hannah Thomas May 25: dave Cecil Band

THE BLINd TIGER

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.272.9888 theblindtiger.com Mar 30: Create, Eazybaked, Vide, Lavier, Mister Mar 31: John 5 and The Creatures, Written In Gray, divine Treachery Apr 1: Geoff Tate Apr 2: drew Holcomb and The Neighbors Apr 5: dark Star After Party with The Captain Midnight Band Apr 7: Martty Sheets Fundraiser Apr 8: Memorial Jam/Fundraiser for The Society in memory of Mike Carr Apr 8: Underground Invasion: Ed E. Ruger, Phillie Phresh, Mr Rozzi, Ty Bru, Nas-T, Indo da diva, Big Body,

Rumy da Beast, trew Magic, damier Jones Apr 9: UNC-G Sapphires Apr 12: Consider The Source Apr 14: Time Sawyer Apr 15: Sleeping Booty Apr 20: Create, Warez w/ Two Face, Snyder, Fluxxy, Icex

BUCkHEAd SALOON

1720 Battleground Ave | 336.272.9884 buckheadsaloongreensboro.com Mar 31: Faith Bardill, Backrow Saints

BURkE STREET PIzzA 2223 Fleming Road | 336.500.8781 burkestreetpizza.com Mar 29: Jerry Chapman Apr 5: Bump & Logie duo Apr 12: Seth Williams Apr 19: Sam Foster Apr 26: James Vincent Carroll

CHURCHILL’S ON ELM

213 S Elm St | 336.275.6367 churchillscigarlounge.com Apr 8: Sahara Reggae Band Apr 15: Jack Long Old School Jam

THE CORNER BAR

1700 Spring Garden St | 336.272.5559 corner-bar.com

COMEdY zONE

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 thecomedyzone.com Mar 31: Ryan davis & James Hodge Apr 1: Ryan davis & James Hodge

Apr 7: Chris Barnes Apr 8: Chris Barnes Apr 14: Mark klein Apr 15: Mark klein Apr 21: J. Bliss Apr 22: J. Bliss Apr 28: Bodacious Apr 29: Bodacious May 5: Jody kerns May 6: Jody kerns May 11: Julie Scoggins May 12: Jerry Farber May 19: Spanky Brown May 20: Spanky Brown

COMMON GROUNdS 11602 S Elm Ave | 336.698.3888 Apr 4: Tamara Hansson

CONE dENIM

117 S Elm St | 336.378.9646 cdecgreensboro.com Apr 1: The dan Band Apr 5: kehlani Apr 6: Jojo Apr 7: The Machine Apr 11: Star & Guitars Apr 21: Blues Traveler Apr 22: Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience Apr 27: Marsha Ambrosius & Eric Benét May 6: Trial By Fire: Tribute To Journey May 12: Chase Rice May 19: NF

DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN

TO YOU!

EVEN THE SMALLEST ERIC RAINEY | (336) 209-2007 ericr@arspromise.com CHIPS SPREAD!

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

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thE grEEn bEan

341 S. Elm St | 336.691.9990 thegreenbeancoffeehouse.blogspot.com

grEEnE StrEEt club

113 N Greene St | 336.273.4111 apr 1: the Silent rooftop Event apr 29: QreamFestnc3

ham’S gatE citY

3017 Gate City Blvd | 336.851.4800 hamsrestaurants.com mar 31: the OSP

ham’S nEw gardEn

1635 New Garden Rd | 336.288.4544 hamsrestaurants.com mar 31: cc3

SOmEwhErE ElSE tavErn

5713 W Friendly Ave | 336.292.5464 facebook.com/thesomewhereelsetavern apr 8: desired redemption, nevernauts, blackwater drowning apr 22: blackwater drowning, Kairos, the reticent, butcher of rostov, undrask apr 29: desired redemption, ascentia, Key Of betrayal, impersona, Faces unturned, a Young man’s burial may 19: the culturalist may 20: mirada, headfirst For halos, reason|define, Fall river massacre may 27: Sixth Sense, Education in reverse, antenora, discoveries, days to break, deep hollow

thE idiOt bOx cOmEdY club

2134 Lawndale Dr | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com mar 31: Krish mohan apr 7: Paul hooper apr 14: mo alexander Jun 23: Sean Patton

wOrld OF bEEr

1210 Westover Terrace | 336.897.0031 worldofbeer.com/Locations/Greensboro

high point

aFtEr hOurS tavErn

apr 24: Jukebox revolver Jun 9: Southern Eyes

claddagh rEStaurant & Pub

130 E Parris Ave | 336.841.0521 thecladdaghrestaurantandpub.com

ham’S Palladium 5840 Samet Dr | 336.887.2434 hamsrestaurants.com mar 31: Jukebox revolver

libErtY brEwErY

914 Mall Loop Rd | 336.882.4677 hghosp.com

jamestown

thE dEcK

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 thedeckatrivertwist.com mar 31: Southern Eyes apr 1: brothers Pearl apr 7: the dickens apr 8: Soul central apr 21: the Plaids apr 22: disco lemonade

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

ROMARE BEARDEN PARK 5K R U N + YO G A + M E D I TAT I O N

dancE hall dazE

612 Edgewood St | 336.558.7204 dancehalldaze.com mar 31: ambush

thE EmPOurium

734 E. Mountain St. | 336.671.9159

lewisville

Old nicK’S Pub

191 Lowes Foods Dr | 336.747.3059 OldNicksPubNC.com mar 30: bradley Steele mar 31: Karaoke w dJ tyler Perkins apr 7: Karaoke w/ dJ tyler Perkins apr 8: the mulligans apr 14: Karaoke w dJ tyler Perkins apr 21: Exit 180 apr 28: Karaoke w/ dJ tyler Perkins

oak ridge

JP lOOnEY’S

2213 E Oak Ridge Rd | 336.643.1570 facebook.com/JPLooneys mar 30: trivia

bluE bOurbOn JacK’S

5701 Randleman Rd | 336.674.5111 ridersinthecountry.net mar 31: booted from the nest apr 1: bak@ya!

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JOIN THE MINDFUL MOVEMENT

kernersville

1614 N Main St | 336.883.4113 afterhourstavern.net apr 29: the norm, the terrible twos, Somewhat Forgotten may 27: louder, Kwik Fixx, dog daze Jun 10: mightier than me 1310 N Main St | 336.882.2583 reverbnation.com/venue/bluebourbonjacks

CHARLOTTE

randleman

ridEr’S in thE cOuntrY

T I C KE T S AT WA N D E R LU S T.CO M # CO M E TO G E T H E R MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017 YES! WEEKLY

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22 YES! WEEKLY

winston-salem

2nd and green

207 N Green St | 336.631.3143 2ngtavern.com

bull’s tavern

408 West 4th St | 336.331.3431 facebook.com/bulls-tavern

101 West 5th Street | 336.723.3700 MCenterevents.com Mar 24: James McMurtry Apr 14: Satisfaction Rolling Stones Tribute Jun 11: Shovels and Ropes

milner’s

CB’s Tavern

3870 Bethania Station Rd | 336.815.1664

630 S Stratford Rd | 336.768.2221 milnerfood.com Apr 2: Live Jazz

finnigan’s wake

muddy creek cafe

620 Trade St | 336.723.0322 facebook.com/FinnigansWake Apr 1: Elusive Groove Apr 8: The Fairlanes Apr 14: Gipsy Danger Apr 22: Jim Mayberry Apr 28: Dana & Evan May 6: DJ Hek Yeh May 13: CC3 May 17: Patrick Rock May 27: Abe Reid and The Spike Drivers

foothills brewing

638 W 4th St | 336.777.3348 foothillsbrewing.com Mar 29: Hazy Ridge Bluegrass Band Apr 1: The Fustics Apr 2: Sunday Jazz Apr 8: Wyndy Trail Travelers Apr 9: Sunday Jazz Apr 15: The Pop Guns

the garage

110 W 7th St | 336.777.1127 the-garage.ws Apr 1: Foxture, Drugstore Ghost, Lebaron Apr 13: The Duskwhales, Mama, Speak N’ Eye Apr 13: Miami Dice, Spirit System, Joshua Cotterino

Hickory Tavern

206 Harvey St | 336.760.0362 thehickorytavern.com

johnny & June’s saloon

2105 Peters Creek Pkwy | 336.724.0546 johnnynjunes.com Mar 31: Daniel Johnson Apr 1: Black Glass

Laughing gas comedy club 2105 Peters Creek Pkwy laughingas.net Apr 21: Jon Reep Apr 22: Jon Reep

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

MIllEnnium Center

5455 Bethania Rd | 336.923.8623 Mar 31: Jerry Chapman Apr 2: Phillip Craft Apr 7: Chief’s Choice Apr 8: Muddy Creek Songwriter’s Festival Apr 14: Not Ready Band Apr 15: Casey Noel Apr 23: Horseshoe Bend Band Apr 28: Russell Lapinski Apr 29: The Usual Suspects May 7: Phillip Craft May 12: Rush and Max Bloomquist

muddy creek MUSIC HALL

5455 Bethania Rd | 336.923.8623 Mar 30: Jack Broadbent w/ Big Ron Hunter Mar 31: Dom Flemons Apr 1: Carrie Elkin with Emily Scott Robinson Apr 6: Rebekah Todd/Aaron Burdett/Sarah Sophia/Dave Cecil Apr 7: Ellis Paul Apr 8: Songwriter’s Festival Apr 8: Lacy Green/Josh Daniel/Laua Rabell/Sam Tayloe Apr 9: David Childers/Jim Garrett/ Bruce Piephoff Ap 9: Malcom Holcombe/Sarah Elizabeth Burkey/Breadfoot/Alicia Bullard Apr 9: Jonathan Byrd, Leah Shaw, Johnson Apr 13: The End of America Apr 14: Peter Holsapple and Rob Abernathy Apr 15: Zoe & Cloyd Apr 16: 9th Street Stompers

Piedmont Music Center 212 N Broad St Apr 14: Jazz w/ Ron Rudkin & Emile Worthy

QUALITY INN

2008 S. Hawthorne Rd | 336-765-6670

The quiet pint

1420 W 1st St | 336.893.6881 thequietpint.com

www.yesweekly.comw

Mwww.yesweekLy.CoM

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017 YES! WEEKLY

23

tunes

HEAR IT!

Winston-Salem’s True Believer prepare Hail Bop

BY JOHN ADAMIAN

W

inston-Salem’s True Believer are set to release their first album-ish thing, a digital EP, this week. When I spoke to Alexis Siebert and Scott Brandenburg, two members of the trio, late last week, they still hadn’t settled on a name for the release. Don’t get the wrong idea, though. That doesn’t mean that they’re casual or off-the-cuff about their lush and hypnotic dream-pop project. The band members have a lot going on, both in and outside the music.

(Siebert told me the next day that they’d decided on the title Hail Bop.) Siebert and Brandenburg started making music as True Believer about three years ago.

They met through other musical projects and bonded over a love of ‘80s British art pop like Cocteau Twins and

24 YES! WEEKLY

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

Kate Bush. Drummer Anthony Petrovic recently joined the band adding some non-mechanical force to the equation.

I spoke to them by phone following a busy Saturday-afternoon shift at Slappy’s Chicken, the well-loved hot-chicken restaurant that guitarist Brandenburg owns and runs, and where singer Siebert and Petrovic also work part time. Slappy’s opened last summer, and the restaurant serves as a sort of enabler for segments of the local music economy.

Brandenburg says he settled on the somewhat unorthodox hours for Slappy’s based in part on out-of-the-way barbecue joints and other local restaurants that he remembers from growing up in Statesville, places that would perhaps inadvertently create demand by keeping customers uncertain about whether they’d be able to get dinner on any given evening. He liked the come-early-oryou’re-gonna-miss-it element. But, aside

Scott Brandenburg and Alexis Siebert of True Believer. from any crafty business concept, the setup also aids in the creative pursuits on the part of staffers there.

“It helps our musician lifestyle more than anything,” says Brandenburg. “I’ve tried to give all of my musician friends jobs.”

The hours mean that the employees can start making and seeing music after the pots and pans are cleaned and the floors are mopped.

“It’s great because it closes at 8, so we can go be in shows or see shows,” says Siebert.

Putting together a True Believer show is a little more complicated than simply loading guitars and amps into the back of a car though. The band’s sound requires some technology. That’s part of the reason True Believer hasn’t played a show out of the area yet, though shows in other North Carolina cities are planned for April.

The music has a ton of layers to it, so they want to make sure it gets stacked together right. True Believer started as more of a recording project than as something to perform in real time in front of an audience. The band put extra work into replicating the material in the live setting, generating the same mesmerizing clouds of sound, complete with synthesizer backing tracks, reverby washes, and blankets of harmonized vocals.

I saw True Believer at a show at The Garage a month or two ago. There was a lot of sound coming off the stage. I poked my head around, trying to get a view of the sides and back of the stage, to make sure I wasn’t missing some hidden members of the band, maybe someone playing bass or synthesizer

tucked behind a ride cymbal.

“It’s pretty immersive music,” says Brandenburg.

Live, Brandenburg, Siebert and Petrovic all play along with additional synth, bass and other processed parts cued up from a tablet. That can be a tricky maneuver, in terms of keeping the music metronomic without losing a breathing feel. The band brings their own PA system with them, to make sure that both the house sound is a proper forceful blend of all the component parts, but also to make sure that each of the players can hear what they need to in order to remain anchored in the pulse and flow of things.

Stereo chorus, piles of reverb, rippling delay effects, brooding melodic bass lines, sturdy drum beats, and trebly washes of guitar all create a dramatic and rich background for Siebert’s vocals, which move from understated and hushed, into big, climbing peaks. She can stomp on a pedal to double her voice in harmony at certain points. With the processing, and the rounded edges, Siebert’s singing can sound like the flute-like upper registers of a pipe organ at times, which adds to the solemn cathedral vibe that the music sometimes conjures.

I had never seen a live band that made me think of Cocteau Twins before. In part, that’s because that Scottish band’s sound is so otherworldly and strange, like the musical equivalent of amniotic fluid.

It’s partly the vocal aesthetic, but it’s also the way of working with effects.

“Every time I’ve ever sat down with a guitar and used a delay pedal, this is the kind of stuff that comes out,” says PAGE 26]

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25

Wed Mar 29

[CONCERTS] Compiled by Alex Eldridge

CHARLOTTE www.lincolntheatre.com MARCH

We 29 BLUE OCTOBER

w/Mathew Mayfield 7p

Th 30 “GRATEFUL BALL” THE TRAVELIN’ MCCOURYS/ THE JEFF AUSTIN BAND 7:30p Fr 31 PULSE: Electronic Dance Party

THE FILLMORE

Blue October The Travelin’ McCourys

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.fillmorecharlottenc.com Mar 30: The Flaming Lips Mar 31: The Dan Band Apr 1: Thursday Apr 1: Cousin Stizz Apr 6: Kehlani Apr 6: Leela James & Daley Apr 7: Kari Jobe Apr 7: Chief Keef Apr 8: The Machine: Tribute to Pink Floyd Apr 9: Marsha Ambrosius & Eric Benet

APRIL

Sa 1 RUNAWAY GIN (PHISH Tribute) 8p Su 2 SUPER DUPER KYLE w/ Cousin Stizz

Thu Mar 30

T h 6 PANCAKES & BOOZE ART SHOW F r 7 BARCODE SILENT PARTY Sa 8 HERE FOR THE WHYL 10p Northsiderocky/Nance/DJ doubleJ

Su 9 BOWLING FOR SOUP

7p

w/Runaway Kids / Direct Hit

We 12 OAK CITY PRESENTS: SPRING MADNESS Fr 14 THE BREAKFAST CLUB

6:30p

w/The Jason Adamo Band

Sa 15 PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG Tu Fr Sa Th

18 21 22 27

w/Psylo Joe 8p

DOUG STANHOPE 7p JONNY LANG w/Quinn Sullivan 7p Y&T 8p CODY JINKS

w/Ward Davis / Colter Wall Fr 28 THE MANTRAS w/Dr. Bacon 8p Sa 29 DANGERMUFFIN Album Release MAY

Sa 6 Su 7 Fr 12 Sa 13 Mo 15 We 17 Th 25 3 - 3 3-16 6-23

SPRINTER METALFEST LIVE/DEAD ‘69 GREENSKY BLUEGRASS @RITZ MOTHERS FINEST 7p REAL ESTATE w/Frankie Cosmos MAYDAY PARADE FRANZ FERDINAND DELTA RAE @ CATS CRADLE TURNPIKE TROUBADOURS OLD 97’s

Fri Apr 21

Jonny Lang Adv. Tickets @Lincolntheatre.com & Schoolkids Records All Shows All Ages

126 E. Cabarrus 919-821-4111

26 YES! WEEKLY

St.

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

OVENS AUDITORIUM

Sat Apr 1

Runaway Gin HAIL BOP: Post-punk sent musicians in Tribute to PHISH

multiple directions in the late-70s and 80s...

Sun Apr 2

FROM PAGE 24

Brandenburg. “I just find myself playing like that.”

Brandenburg, 42, might have reasonably come across some of this late-’80s music as a high school student, not long after it was initially released. But Siebert, 26, who grew up in Winston-Salem, says she listened to the Smiths, the Cure and Cocteau Twins alongside Beyonce and Taylor Swift in high school, though a lot of her peers thought it was lame to obsess over those retro Brit bands.

Post-punk sent musicians in multiple directions in the late-70s and ‘80s, toward angular textures, fractured rhythms, an overall darkness, with heavily processed sounds that undermined or undid the muscle of electric guitars. Bands like Cocteau Twins seemed more interested in being ethereal than in cultivating the ominous tone that came through with many male-fronted goth-leaning bands like Bauhaus and Sisters of Mercy.

As Brandenburg points out, a shoegaze revival has been underway for a while, but most bands apply a saturated and smeared guitar sound to that approach, almost always bringing to mind the warped and distended textures of My Bloody Valentine.

“We wanted to do a much more shiny pop version of that stuff,” says Brandenburg.

Evoking elements of Cocteau Twins,

Super Duper Kyle

Sun Apr 9

Fri Apr 14

The Breakfast Club

the Cure, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, True Believer sound lovely, hypnotic and dreamy, like a therapeutic sonic hot-tub soak accompanied by a minimal morphine drip. Something always twinkles in the soothing dim-lighting of the mix.

“Ragamuffin,” off the forthcoming digital EP, is built around a melodic bassheavy line that walks down, then up, and then rises and falls back again, with Siebert’s vocal line climbing in a staggered fashion, creating a wispy counterpoint before coming to a kind of bright high point in the chorus.

True Believer seem to have admirably moved past any anxiety of influence by confidently pursuing the music that they have respect and a natural feeling for.

Built into their mode is an understanding that over-engineering or predetermining a desired goal will only cast you in some other unanticipated direction, which might be cool, too.

“The harder you try to imitate something – I’ve found – the further away from the bull’s eye you’re going to end up,” says Brandenburg. “It always turns into its own thing.” !

WANNA

go?

See True Believer at The Garage, with Bolomongoni featuring the Hard 8, and Mauve Angeles, Friday, March 31, at 9 p.m., 110 West 7th St., Winston-Salem, http://www.the-garage.ws.

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.ovensauditorium.com Mar 31: Johnny Mathis Apr 6: Anne Lamott Apr 7: Mika Singh

TWC ARENA

333 E Trade St | 704.688.9000 www.timewarnercablearena.com Apr 4: Chris Brown

DURHAM DPAC

123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787 www.dpacnc.com Apr 1: Earth, Wind & Fire

GREENSBORO CAROLINA THEATRE

310 S Greene St | 336.333.2605 www.carolinatheatre.com Mar 31: The Earls of Leicester Apr 5: Dark Star Orchestra

HIGH POINT HIGH POINT THEATRE

220 E Commerce Ave | 336.883.3401 www.highpointtheatre.com Mar 31: The HillBenders Apr 1: Will Downing

RALEIGH RED HAT AMPHITHEATER 500 S McDowell St | 919.996.8800 www.redhatamphitheater.com Apr 2: Cracker

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[PLAYBILL]

by Lenise Willis This week through Sunday, Theatre Alliance of Winston-Salem will highlight the life of the musical legend in its production of Hank Williams: Lost Highway. The play, which includes such songs as, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Move It on Over” and “Hey, Good Lookin’,” follows the singer and songwriter’s rise from his beginnings on the Louisiana Hayride to the height of his career at the Grand Ole Opry and his eventual self-destruction at 29.

Wednesday through Saturday, UNC School of the Arts presents The Duchess Of Malfi by John Webster and adapted by Jesse Berger. The play, from the Jacobean era, follows a widow who remarries beneath her and is punished by her vengeful brothers.

Full of lust, violence and poetry, the production is recommended for mature audiences of 17 years and older.

New this week, opening Thursday and running through April 9, is Open Space Café Theatre’s production of the dual romantic comedy and drama Stop Kiss, in which two women kiss in a public park and are transformed by the violent attack that follows.

Also new this week, just in time for the Easter holiday, is The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem’s family friendly musical, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which opens Friday and runs through April 9.

UNC Greensboro will highlight new works Thursday through Sunday during its MFA Student Directed One Acts A event. Two productions, Wolf Child

by Edward Mast and In the Garden of the Selfish Giant by Sandra Fenichel Asher, will perform in the Brown Building Theatre on campus.

As a follow up to Preston Lane’s Common Enemy, comes another Triad Stage original this Sunday through April 23. Set in Hawboro after the recent fiasco with the Zebulon Zebras basketball team, this new drama explores the contemporary South, highlighting a community’s past and present struggles from Reconstruction to Black Lives Matter. When a new theatre company announces a production to celebrate the town’s sesquicentennial, the contemporary concerns of the artists and community echo the struggles of the town’s first citizens. Production contains adult language and themes. !

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drama

STAGE IT!

Let hope sing: African Children’s Choir sings to earn education, relief for Africa

S

oon dozens of African children, aged 7 to 10 years old, many of whom have lost one or both parents to war, famine or disease, will grace the Triad with the sound Lenise Willis of their harmonious, hopeful voices. The Contributing children, part of the African Children’s columnist Choir, travel the world and sing to raise awareness and funds for their plight back home.

The African Children’s Choir, a nonprofit humanitarian and relief organization founded in 1984, aims to help Africa’s most vulnerable children today so they can help Africa tomorrow—a choir tour, which raises funds and helps the children develop valuable skills, is all part of that goal.

“The concert (coupled with traditional dances) is bright, colorful, energetic, inspiring, touching and uplifting,” said choir manager Tina Sipp. “People are drawn to the spirit of the children. They radiate joy and hope from the stage and people are captivated by them.”

The blend of traditional dance, African praise music, contemporary Christian and gospel is a fundraising effort that supports 35 different educational programs across seven countries.

Over the years, the group, which is a secondary organization of Music for Life, has sung with such icons as Paul McCartney, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey. They have also traveled the world, performing in front of presidents, heads of state, and even the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II. The children who attend these programs are children who would not otherwise be in a position to receive an education primarily due to the financial situations of their families.

“We are working on behalf of families living in extreme poverty so there simply are not funds to send the children to school, even government schools as they require things such as a uniform, pencils, paper, books,” Sipp said. “By becoming a member of the choir, a child will have their education financed through the postsecondary level. Receiving an education

SHUTTER SWEET PHOTOGRAPHY

The African Children's Choir sings to raise funds for a much-needed education. will allow them to become self-sustaining by being able to provide the necessities for themselves and their families.”

Besides providing a means for better education, the program aims to help the children develop the skills needed to be forces of positive change. “I’m interested in how it helps them to develop leadership or social skills, how it helps to broaden their minds, and helps them to be a part of a positive community and instill good characteristics as good citizens,” Sipp said. “Their world is enlarged and they begin to understand that they actually now have the opportunity to become whatever it is they want to become.”

Sipp adds that being a member of the choir and traveling in the west also significantly improves their English proficiency. “This is important for their education as all testing is done in English,” she said.

“The children also grow in their confidence and are able to speak comfortably with people of all ages. Through touring they are exposed to so many different experiences, places and people that we see the children begin to catch a much larger vision for themselves and what they can do.”

The program has a staff of volunteers who travel with the children as their “family” throughout the tour. Their main responsibility is to shepherd, disciple and mentor the children. “Shaping their character and training them up to become future Change Makers is at the heart of our mission,” Sipp said.

To become a member of the choir, the children attend open auditions and a weekend training camp where they play

games, sing and dance during the final selection process. If chosen, they attend a full training center before going out on tour.

“Tour is really just the beginning point of their time with us,” Sipp said.

Once the children return home, they attend African Children’s Choir Primary School through grade 7, then secondary boarding schools. Camps for all former choir children are held during term breaks throughout the summer.

“We have many examples of our choir children making a difference,” Sipp said.

“Some have gone on to become doctors, teachers, engineers, journalists, performing artists, nurses, social workers, pastors and natural resource managers. They have supported their younger sibling’s education.

They have provided for their mothers and fathers, they have gone to help in other parts of Uganda, Kenya, South Africa and Rwanda. Many of them serve in our Music for Life Centers where they bring a weekly after-school program to local schools and train the children in citizenship, faith and life skills.” !

LENISE WILLIS, a graduate from UNC Chapel Hill’s journalism school, has experience in acting and ballet, and has been covering live performances since 2010.

WANNA

go?

The African Children’s Choir performs Wednesday, April 12, at Gospel Baptist Church, 5945 N. Church St., Greensboro. Admission is by donation. For more information visit africanchildrenschoir.com or call the church at 336-644-1932.

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

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SCREEN IT!

Life: In space, no one can hear you snore ...

Before it descends into derivation, director Daniel Espinosa’s sci-fi shocker Life initially seems a pleasant surprise. The special effects are good, Jon Ekstrand’s pounding score is suitably foreMark Burger boding, and the cast includes Jake GyllenContributing haal, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, columnist Hiroyuki Tanada, Olga Dihovichnaya and Ariyon Bakare, playing the crew of the International Space Station.

Their mission? To obtain samples from the Martian surface in an attempt to prove that life exists there. It’s giving nothing to away to reveal that life does exist on Mars – with a little genetic tinkering on our part – and giving even less away to reveal that such life isn’t necessarily friendly.

Once the life-form (so named “Calvin”) goes on its initial rampage – killing off the

actor giving the film’s liveliest performance along the way – Life degenerates into just another derivative Alien clone, with Calvin claiming the rest of the cast in pretty much the order you’d expect. The fast-moving creature looks like an overgrown jellyfish that occasionally makes nasty faces (you can guess when).

It’s fairly clear early on that Calvin is essentially indestructible, which lends a measure of futility to the remaining astronauts’ efforts to vanquish it and return to Earth safely. Calvin’s intelligence thwarts every attempt, thereby diminishing the film’s rapidly-deflating suspense quotient. Among its visual effects, Life boasts convincing weightless scenes, but unfortunately Rhett Reese and Paul Werneck’s script is rather weightless itself.

The actors, all of whom are better than the material, bring some conviction to their stock roles. As genre fare, Life is silly – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing given the context – but it’s also slow, which is not a good thing in any context. There’s also a climactic twist that some might find amusing but others will doubtless predict.

Woody Harrelson’s a winning Wilson Adapted by Daniel Clowes from his graphic novel and directed by Craig Johnson, Wilson affords Woody Harrelson a showy turn in the title role and Laura Dern one of her very best recent roles as his ex-wife, Pippi.

Wilson, and it’s never discerned whether it’s his first or last name, is a cranky curmudgeon prone to starting up conversations with strangers. Those who aren’t immediately annoyed or alarmed usually end up being insulted moments later. Wilson has an opinion on just about everything, and he’s willing to share it – whether invited to or not.

After his father’s death, Wilson reexamines his life and reconnects with his ex-wife, a recovering addict who informs him that, after leaving him, she gave up their daughter for adoption. Harrelson and Dern have a terrific chemistry, easily conveying the still-palpable attraction between two damaged souls who still have feelings for each other.

For Wilson, learning that he’s a father – even at this late juncture – is precisely the purpose he’s been looking for. He convinces Pippi to join him on a quixMARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

otic quest to meet their offspring, Claire (Isabella Amara), a cynical teenager who actually takes a shine to their attentions – although she doesn’t tell her adoptive parents, which will have consequences later.

The film’s high point is Wilson and Pippi’s road trip with Claire to visit Pippi’s older sister, Polly (Cheryl Hines, oozing unspoken condescension), whose affluent suburban lifestyle has always been a point of contention with Pippi. It is here that the film hits its heights, but it struggles to stay there.

Despite fine performances all around (Judy Greer, Mary Jane Rajskub and Margo Martindale are also on hand) and some choice lines of dialogue (both funny and perceptive), the narrative of Wilson – which wasn’t exactly tight to begin with – begins to unravel in the third act. This

hinders the film’s overall impact, but it was a nice ride while it lasted and there’s still enough to recommend the film. Like its title character, Wilson isn’t perfect, but deep down it’s worth it. !

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March 31 - April 8 at Triad Stage’s Upstage Cabaret

Mar 31-Apr 4

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GHOST IN THE SHELL (PG-13) LUXURY SEATING Fri & Sat: 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30, 11:55 Sun: 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Mon - Wed: 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 9:30 Thu: 11:30 AM, 2:00, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE (PG-13) LUXURY SEATING Fri - Thu: 11:40 AM, 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10:00 THE BOSS BABY (PG) Fri & Sat: 2:10, 7:10, 9:35, 11:55 Sun - Thu: 2:10, 7:10, 9:35 THE BOSS BABY 3D (PG) Fri - Thu: 11:50 AM, 4:45 SONG TO SONG (R) Fri - Thu: 11:30 AM, 2:10, 4:50, 7:30, 10:10 THE BLACKCOAT’S DAUGHTER (R) Fri & Sat: 12:20, 2:40, 5:05, 7:20, 9:35, 11:40 Sun - Thu: 12:20, 2:40, 5:05, 7:20, 9:35 FIFTY SHADES DARKER (R) LUXURY SEATING Fri - Thu: 7:45, 10:15 HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) LUXURY SEATING Fri - Thu: 11:30 AM, 2:15, 5:00 LIFE (R) Fri - Thu: 12:30, 2:55, 5:15, 7:35, 9:55 POWER RANGERS (PG-13) Fri - Thu: 11:35 AM, 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 THE BELKO EXPERIMENT (R) Fri & Sat: 12:10, 2:25, 4:35, 7:00, 9:10, 11:25 Sun - Thu: 12:10, 2:25, 4:35, 7:00, 9:10

KONG: SKULL ISLAND (PG-13) Fri - Thu: 11:45 AM, 2:20, 4:55, 7:30, 10:05 LOGAN (R) Fri & Sat: 11:35 AM, 2:30, 5:25, 8:20, 11:15 Sun - Thu: 11:35 AM, 2:30, 5:25, 8:20 THE SHACK (PG-13) Fri - Sun: 1:00, 4:10, 7:10 Mon - Wed: 1:00, 4:10 Thu: 1:00, 4:10, 7:10 GET OUT (R) Fri & Sat: 12:10, 2:35, 4:55, 7:20, 9:40, 11:55 Sun - Thu: 12:10, 2:35, 4:55, 7:20, 9:40 I Am Not Your Negro (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:25, 11:35 Sun - Thu: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:25 WILSON (R) Fri - Thu: 9:55 PM RIVERRUN - 11:55 Mon: 7:00 PM RIVERRUN - TELL THEM WE ARE RISING Tue: 7:00 PM RIVERRUN - LOST IN PARIS Wed: 7:00 PM

FOSTER CARE CHRONICLES:

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WANT YOUR TIMES INCLUDED? Send us your theater’s details and movie times to artdirector@yesweekly.com

Note: Mature Content Triad Stage Box Office 336-272-0160 or 866-57-TIXX (8499) www.triadstage.org Co-sponsored by the UNCG Deparment of Social Work and the School of Theater

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visions

SEE IT!

Swords clash and knighthood flowers in Greensboro

BY IAN MCDOWELL

W

hen Sir T-hawk’s sword strikes Sir John’s, a metallic RING! echoes through the gym. “You can always tell someone’s into this by the way their head turns at that sound,” says Sir T-Hawk with a grin that wouldn’t look out of place under a dented helmet in a muddy medieval melee.

The two Knights wear tunics and safety gloves, but not the armor necessary for Live Steel (sparring with real weapons). They carefully demonstrate techniques, calling out movements beforehand. The edges aren’t sharpened, but their steel blades could kill. Behind us, Dame Jennifer drills less experienced students using safety swords made of fabric-covered heavy-duty foam over high-tensile shock-absorbing bushings.

Dame Jennifer is Jennifer Perry, founder and chief instructor of Greensboro’s Ancient Combat Enthusiasts School (ACES), which is devoted to reconstructing and practicing medieval and early renaissance European martial arts. She explains the terminology.

“In ACES, Sir and Dame are honorifics awarded Knights, which students become the way someone studying Asian martial arts becomes a black belt, training and testing in the required curricula. A student must complete twelve different weapons courses and create an individual study before knighthood is awarded. It takes about four years.”

She nods at the two men demonstrating the steel swords.

“Our Fightmaster, my ‘Second in Command,’ is Sir John (T-hawk) Gray. Our senior Knight is Sir John Varney and his daughter is Dame Susan Varney. Lady and Mister are the honorifics used for Squires.”

These are the junior students who’ve not yet completed the curricula required for Knighthood.

Dame Jennifer has been doing this for over a decade. “The original school started in Cary. Somebody at the Raleigh Renaissance Faire contacted the Taekwondo school because a senior student also did choreographed sword-fighting. The head of the Taekwondo school and the sword-fighting gentlemen created a school teaching actual sword combat rather than choreography.” This was based on the illustrated teachings of the fifteenth century German instructor Hans Tallhoffer and other European Fightmasters of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. “They built a curriculum using modern understanding of how our bodies work, based on the historical European texts and their own knowledge of Eastern martial arts.”

“I began teaching classes in 2004 and started the Greensboro school a year later.

In 2007, the founder of the Cary school closed it in order to focus purely on Taekwondo. The chief instructor and I didn’t want to stop teaching, so we formed an LLC together, becoming our own business.”

Attendance dwindled during the recession, but improved in 2011, when Dame Jennifer and Sir T-hawk joined with Octagon

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MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

MMA. “Our reincarnation of the Greensboro school has been here ever since. David Stacey is an excellent person to work with and we always take good care of his facility. He’s a terrific landlord.”

She explains that her Western martial art, like many Eastern ones, has a spiritual and philosophical component.

“We address questions like ‘What is courage?’ How can you display it in modern society? Courage might be helping someone you see getting bullied. Not just doing something good or honorable, but doing it even though you’re scared. Standing up for somebody else even when you wouldn’t have stood up for yourself.”

It’s time for Dame Jennifer to drill students in using spear and a small Student Trinity Alexander circular shield called a targe (from which is Sir T-hawk has done some form of marderived the modern word target). As the tial arts for most of his adult life, and has facility fills with sounds of safety spears on been teaching at this school for six years. targes, I talk to Sir T-hawk. The nickname “I can’t see doing anything else. This is my that distinguishes him from the other Sir weekends. If I’m not here, I’m at an event John goes back to his biker days. “I was somewhere.” always good at throwing axes, and carHe says that he and Dame Jennifer are ried a tomahawk in my saddle bag. They totally committed to their art. “We’re not started calling me Tomahawk John and it going anywhere. If we had to teach for free, got shortened to T-hawk.” we would. We have a great deal of loyalty Sir T-hawk makes it clear that what towards our students.” he does is not historical reenacting. “We Classes at the Ancient Combat Enthuare not in any sense reenactors, we are siasts School meet Saturday and Sunday recreators of old arts. We had a live steel afternoons at Octagon MMA and Fitness at team, doing non-choreographed combat 18A Wendy Court (off Guilford College Road wearing full armor. Currently, there are only right before it intersects with West Market). three students, including myself, actually Call Dame Jennifer at 336-337-1869 to certified to fight, which makes the live steel schedule a visit or check out the website at demos kind of tough.” www.ancientcombatschool.com for more He shows me his collection of real weapdetails. Classes are $70 a month, with the ons. “This is my favorite sword of all time. first month free. Students and instructors It’s called the Blade Breaker. It’s actually from the school will be giving demos as the made to capture an opponent’s blade.

Wake Forrest Archery Renaissance Faire on Used properly, it can snap it. It’s the most Waterford Field at Wake Forrest University impressive weapon in my collection, and it in Reynolda Village on April 8 from 10 a.m. also has the best voice of the blades I carry. to 5 p.m. More details at www.wakearchery.

The ring of its blade on another one is very com/renaissance-faire.html ! distinctive.”

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Acclaimed actresses Karen Allen and Blanche Baker take a detour into directing Karen Allen and Blanche Baker are award-winning actresses who have enjoyed long and varied careers.

Allen, who made her screen debut in National Lampoon’s Animal House Mark Burger (1978), enjoyed a string of big-screen Contributing successes including Shoot the Moon columnist (1982), Starman (1984), and will forever be remembered as the plucky, irrepressible heroine Marion Ravenwood in Steven Spielberg’s 1981 blockbuster Raiders of the Lost Ark, a role she reprised 26 years later in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Baker, the daughter of director Jack Garfein and actress Carroll Baker, earned an Emmy Award (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series or Movie) for the 1979 NBC mini-series Holocaust and has appeared in such feature films as French Postcards (1979), Sixteen Candles (1984), Volker Schlondorff ’s 1990 screen version of The Handmaid’s Tale, and the psychological shocker The Girl Next Door (2007).

Now, both actresses have made the transition to directing, Allen with the short film A Tree a Rock a Cloud, based on a Carson McCullers’ story, and Baker with Streetwrite, which examines the issue of free speech through street art. Both films will be screened Saturday at the Babcock Theatre on the main campus of the UNCSA School of Filmmaking as part of the 19th annual RiverRun International Film Festival with both actresses in attendance, after which they will participate in the panel discussion From In Front of the Camera to Behind the Camera, moderated by faculty member and former School of Filmmaking dean Dale Pollock.

Both actresses have had experience directing in the theater, which informed their decision to take the next step into film.

“I’ve had a lot of on-the-job directing experience at the New York Film Academy because we shoot scenes with the students in almost every class,” says Baker. “I wasn’t interested in directing a film but the subject matter of free speech through street art was compelWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

Karen Allen

Blanche Baker

ling, and I knew the only way to realize it was if I wrote and directed it.”

“It just opens up such an interesting world when you start directing,” observes Allen. “There doesn’t have to be a role for you to play when you direct. There are so many plays and playwrights’ work that I love, and this was a way to connect to that – and I really enjoy that a lot.”

Admits Allen: “I was a little daunted by it, even though I’ve lived in it for most of my life. To be the captain of the ship seemed like a lot to bite off, but having said that … I thought ‘Let me do it with something I know really well and that I love.’ Even with a short, there was a steep learning curve. It’s a commitment, but, you know, I loved it.”

Pollock, the only emeritus member of RiverRun’s board of directors, produced 13 features during his career, several of which featured actors who went on to direct, including Denzel Washington (The Mighty Quinn), Shirley MacLaine (Mrs. Winterbourne), Tommy Lee Jones (House of Cards), and several cast members from his 1992 screen version of A Midnight Clear: Peter Berg, Ethan Hawke, Frank Whaley and Gary Sinise.

“Every actor I have met either openly or secretly wants to direct,” he says. Berg, he thought, was the least likely actor to make the move to the director’s chair, but he’s made such high-profile, factbased dramas as Lone Survivor (2013), Deepwater Horizon (2016) and Patriots Day (also 2016). “He may be the most successful of all the actors I worked with who went on to direct.”

Although Allen and Baker still enjoy acting, both actresses say they’d like to continue working behind the camera in the future. “As far as writing and directing, I’m mainly interested in issues of social justice and civil society,” says Baker, “(so) that’s where I’m putting my energy.”

“I can’t imagine doing it on a larger scale,” Allen says, “(but) I think I would like to do a feature. There’s a script I’ve written, based on a novel that I love.

For me, I’d like to approach projects as simple as possible.”

So, we won’t see Karen Allen directing Suicide Squad 2 or the next Transformers extravaganza?

“No-o-o-o,” she laughs. “The whole CGI thing, I’m bored by it. I’m bored by it as an audience member, and I can’t imagine it’s too much fun for the artists who do it, either.” !

WANNA

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The panel discussion From in Front of the Camera to Behind the Camera will take place 11 am Saturday in the Babcock Theatre, located on the UNCSA School of Filmmaking’s main campus, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem. Admission is free. For more information about this event and other screenings and events presented by RiverRun, call 336.724.1502 or visit the official website: riverrunfilm.com.

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EAT IT!

Meridian Restaurant: A Chef’s Table and getting to know Mark Grohman

BY KRISTI MAIER | @triadfoodies

A

sold-out foodie crowd attended last week’s Chef’s Table featuring the culinary talents of Chef Mark Grohman of Meridian Restaurant. Meridian, located “south of Business 40, yet still downtown,” has enjoyed a decade of success serving up northern Mediterraneaninspired cuisine, while utilizing local ingredients.

As of March, we’ve celebrated with local foodies and let the chef surprise us ten times. Each time has been different and festive and we all leave with our hearts and bellies full. That seems to be the common theme at the end of these evenings and we hope that one day you’ll give it a try, if you haven’t already. Just as much as it is about the food, we hope each Chef’s Table is an opportunity to get to know the chef a bit better. It’s important for me, as a food writer and champion of the local restaurant scene, that you get to know the fellow human that is taking care of you in his or her kitchen.

Weekly_9.9x5_Jan25 BW.indd 32YESYES! WEEKLY MARCH 291- APRIL 4, 2017

These folks have achieved a dream and want to share it with you. Having camaraderie with the chef at our events is what makes them so special. And Chef Grohman shines when he’s one-on-one with his customers.

On my podcast, At the Table with Triadfoodies, Chef Grohman told us a little about his upbringing. “I was a military brat and lived all over the world. My parents chose to live off-base, which gave me a greater appreciation of the culture. I grew up shopping the local markets and we’d go on bike rides and see the farmers harvesting their fields and later in the day,

we’d see them selling at the farmer’s market. It just makes you appreciate where your food comes from.”

Grohman has an interesting story of how he got here though. His destiny may have been a career in the culinary world, but it didn’t start out that way. He went to college and began pursuing a career in aviation and was headed to flight school.

And then 9/11 happened.

“All my old instructors and friends were losing jobs, no one knew when hiring would continue,” Grohman told me. “I had been cooking part-time, but didn’t take it too seriously because I knew I was going

to be a pilot. But after 9/11, I decided then that I’d follow this culinary path because I love cooking for people, I love the hours, I love playing with food every day.”

Grohman’s training comes from “the school of hard knocks.” He says he was fortunate to work with some great chefs and knew that the ultimate goal was owning his own restaurant. And in February, Meridian celebrated ten years.

We did want to give you a glimpse of what delights we enjoyed at our Chef’s Table. Six courses of surprises that give a little look inside Meridian’s menu that evening. The restaurant menu changes

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COURSE ONE

Apple Carpaccio with arugula and crispy prosciutto with balsamic reduction This was a lovely beginning to the meal with very thinly sliced apples. The sweet balsamic reduction balanced with the peppery arugula and the prosciutto gave it the perfect salty bite.

COURSE TWO Smoked Salmon Arancini with rosemary lemon creme fraiche and micro beet tops I highly suggest getting arancini any time Chef Grohman has it on the menu.

It’s always perfection. Crispy exterior, creamy perfectly cooked arborio rice within. Wonderful.

COURSE THREE Pork Milanese with apricot mostarda, served with Shore Farms Organics Red Russian Kale This is like a little fried pork cutlet. We loved the sweet and fruity mustard sauce.

Chef Grohman encouraged us to try a similar version at home with apricot jam and a kicky or grainy mustard. Extra points if you make your jam or mustard at home.

COURSE FOUR Braciola on ricotta and prosciutto polenta with red wine marinara Italian flavors are where Grohman shines as he learned most of what he knows from his days in Italy. The brajaole was incredibly tender and the polenta was amazing. The marinara had a beautiful sweetness with just a touch of wine to enhance the flavor.

COURSE FIVE Braised ox tail with foie gras gnudi and baby vegetables Gnudi is very similar to gnocchi but made with ricotta rather than potato. Ox tail is an adventure for some but it is very approachable and is quite similar to other braised beef and Chef’s was incredibly tender and full of flavor. And that gnudi was divine.

DESSERT Ravioli filled with dark chocolate mascarpone ricotta, Grande Marnier orange peel, lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar The perfect little sweet ending to a filling meal. The ravioli was crisp and light and the filling was rich and creamy.

One of the reasons Meridian is such a local favorite is that Chef Grohman makes nearly everything in-house, like his pasta, sausage, stocks and dressings. He credits his mother’s family and his depressionWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

era grandparents for teaching him about seafood and making things start to finish.

“I’m not buying stock. I’m buying 100 pounds of veal bones to make veal glace.

Everything start to finish, using everything you possibly can. That was instilled in me at a very young age and taking it into this business just feels natural.” Grohman especially loves making his own charcuterie featuring copa, bacon, salami, prosciutto and a host of other meats. You also owe it to yourself to try any of his pastas.

Grohman says, “If I can make it better than I can bring it in, I’m making it.

Every time. Plus, it’s practicing the craft.

If you don’t use it, you lose it. A big part of what I do in my kitchen is educational.

Everybody needs to learn about these old school techniques, to see it and understand it.”

Grohman’s culinary team (Araceli Hernandez. Duchan Sumanasuriya Ali Utley.

Ryan Teague) was also on hand last week.

You could see the chef’s pride as they didn’t miss a beat. Even after 10 years of doing this, Grohman says he is still striving to improve. “The goal is to get better every day. If you’re not trying to improve and learn, you’re doing nothing for your business or for the people who work for you or those who spend their hard-earned money with you.” He hopes that the next 10 years give him plenty more opportunities to share his vision with the community. “There’s a value to supporting the local cafe, restaurant. It’s better. It’s fresher. It’s more interesting. Go for the experience, not just to get in, eat and get out “ In addition to being very hands-on, Grohman is well-known and respected for his support of local farms. “I’ve been doing it since 1996. Only because I want better product. Back then, I called it garden to grill.” Meridian set a bit of a precedent in Winston-Salem. “It rattled the cage here, but in a good way. Chefs got more creative and courageous with their menus.

It helped raise the bar.” Grohman also says the culinary community has been great over the years. “In the beginning, it was very competitive. But now, we get together, talk about business, talk about food and share ideas. I have not met a chef in this area that I would not invite into my kitchen.” Now a husband to Kristie and a father to a seven-year-old little girl, Grohman says he’s loving life in the kitchen and relishing his time outside of it as well. “I’m enjoying myself very much in this town.” !

WANNA

go?

Meridian is located at 411 South Marshall Street, WS. Open for dinner only Tuesday-Sunday, 4:3010:00pm. MeridianWS.com

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2017 Guilford Green Foundation Gala & Green Party 3.25.17 | Greensboro

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hot pour BARTENDERS OF THE WEEK | BY NATALIE GARCIA Check out videos on our Facebook!

BARTENDER: Rolando Victor Pettigrew BAR: Crafted Winston-Salem AGE: 33 HOMETOWN: Stuart, VA BARTENDING: 10 Years Q: How did you become a bartender?

A: A bartender from the N Club worked at the same restaurant I did and taught me the basics and I moved up from there.

34 YES! WEEKLY

Q:What’s your favorite drink to make?

A: Anything on a whim.

I enjoy the “make me something _______” people Q:What’s your favorite drink to drink?

A: Egg White Whiskey Sour Q:What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen while bartending?

A: One night working in NYC, I watched a guy come into the bar and after a trip to the bathroom, he came out a woman. Guys we’re buying him drinks. He didn’t pay his cab fare also. It was funny

MARCH 29 - APRIL 4, 2017

watching the cab driver look for that dude.

Q:What’s the best tip you’ve ever gotten?

A: $375 Q: How do you deal with difficult customers?

A: I believe anything can be talked out. There is a difference between service and hospitality.

Anything past that and it’s the bar spoon nunchucks.

Q: Single?

A: No. TQ ayeee

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TEACHING PEOPLE TO DRINK SINCE 1990 1700 SPRING GARDEN ST., GREENSBORO, NC (336) 272-5559 | WWW.CORNER-BAR.COM

Hopfest Pre-Party @The Bearded Goat 3.23.17 | Greensboro

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Sechrest Funeral Service invites you to celebrate our

Anniversary

Reboot Arcade Bar Grand Opening 3.25.17 | Winston-Salem

Bring your lawn chair and enjoy some great food and great music In The Parking Lot • 1301 E Lexington Avenue High Point, North Carolina

Friday, April 7, 2017 6:00pm-9:00pm (Beach Music)

The Impacts

Madison, North Carolina

The Collegiates

High Point, North Carolina

Saturday, April 8, 2017 6:00pm-9:00pm (Southern Gospel Music)

The Littles

Monroe, North Carolina

The Dixie Melody Boys Kinston, North Carolina

Thank You! Sechrest Funeral Service 1301 East Lexington Avenue High Point, North Carolina (336) 889-3811

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The Hill Benders The Who’s Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry

Friday, March 31, 2017 — 8:00 PM Who would have ever believed that banjo, dobro, mandolin, bass, and guitar could bring the same energy and vision to “Tommy” as Peter Townsend and The Who did with a full rock band? 45 years after its original release, this rock classic has now been realized as a full length bluegrass tribute.

Will Downing

The Prince of Sophisticated Soul Saturday, April 1, 2017 — 8:00 PM

Downing’s music has stood the test of time and, over the course of a 27 year career, become a living example of the absolute best that smooth R&B and Soul has to offer. Recognized for singing to women on an emotional level, he sends a subtle message to male fans to step up on the romance.

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The 3 Redneck Tenors

Down Home Laughs / Big City Music Saturday, April 29 2017 — 8:00 PM

Prepare for a sidesplitting ride as the mullet-haired trio of hillbilly bumpkins Billy Joe, Billy Bob and Billy Billee bring “down home laughs with big city music”. Matthew Lord, Blake Davidson, and Jonathan Frugé classically trained artists from world-wide opera stages – delight with their vocal prowess and a smorgasbord of music ranging from Gospel to Broadway, Pop to Classical.

May 16: Dr. Elliot Engel: The Brilliance of Sir Walter Raleigh

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VOTE!!

VOTE ONLINE NOW The

Triad’ s Best 2017

last call

[HOROSCOPES]

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a time in which your exuberance and enthusiasm may carry you farther than you really intended to go. You will certainly have more energy to do whatever you choose, but take care that you don’t promise way more than you can deliver. Your warm and generous heart could get you in trouble.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Mercury, your avatar planet, is crossing into your solar ninth house. Your attention will be shifting to mental and philosophical expansion. You may be researching a new interest, gazing over travel brochures for your next adventure, or pursuing an interest in philosophy or religion. You are experiencing a stronger sense of who you are and who you want to be.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your open-hearted generosity may lead you to bite off more than you can chew this week. There may be more people at the table than you have plates to serve. Do not worry about what people will think. They are aware you’ve almost exceeded your limit of tasks to handle. It will all work out.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You may very well be involved in an ambitious project. You must take care with those who could be thought of as ‘authorities’. If you press as hard as you want to, you likely will encounter resistance from these folks. If your plan is good for many of people, and not at the expense of others, you could make a coup.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You probably have a big idea that has caught your enthusiasm. Be aware that you will be prone to pour too much money or other resources into it. Evaluate carefully. Avoid using your credit cards to finance it. Don’t let others seduce you into spending what you do not have.

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By Appointment 336.609.3130 Swedish Energy Body Works, Hot Stones and Reflexology

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You may feel compelled to raise your flag and promote your plans now. Do some self-searching ahead of time to find your own motive. If it is for the good of all, you will gain support from others. However, if you are really after a prize that will simply allow you to preen, let go of it. Your product or idea is not yet ready for exposure.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) This is an excellent time to pursue any activity that requires your mental concentration. The Waterbearers are not always able to sit still enough to learn theoretical information, but right now there is a window open for it. Contracts and written communications, along with short distance travel, have go signals.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Venus returns to your sign but it is retrograde right now. You are subject to fall in love with someone or something that is better left untouched. Someone from your past may be returning to check-in. Smile and wave, but do not invest yourself in this relationship again. Stay awake. Avoid repeating previous relationship patterns.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The love goddess, Venus, is in your sign and retrograding out of it on April 2. You may experience a relationship event that feels like the finale, the “last straw”. Whoops! Time to back away and review what you really need here. If you have made a recent purchase, it may suddenly look not so desirable. I hope you have the receipt.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You may have been dallying with a person from the past and discover on April 1 that this is not going to “work”. A quick getaway is called for, but avoid hurting feelings if you can. It’s never a good idea to burn bridges behind you.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) There is a shift of your attention to matters of your personal history that may go back quite a long time. You will be looking inside yourself for meditative peace, answers to serious questions, and encouragement from your source. Journaling, hypnosis, meditation or counseling are favored activities now.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your mind and heart are clearly in sync this week. You are likely at peace with yourself.

There is a solid and practical solution at hand and you do not have to quarrel with yourself over it. Activities involving your children and/or other creative products of your being are favored.

Are you interested in a personal horoscope?

Vivian Carol may be reached at (704) 366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments.

There is a fee for services.

Website: http//www.horoscopesbyvivian.com

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[THE ADVICE GODDESS] love • sex • dating • marriage • questions

PLEASER BURN My problem is that I’ll go on one or two dates with a girl and then get the whole “I just wanna be friends.” And they really mean that. They want me to do lunch Amy Alkon and go shopping and talk on the phone Advice about their guy Goddess problems. How can I nicely tell these girls, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but no, I’m not going to be your friend — and I especially don’t want to hear about your new guy”? I guess the problem boils down to the fact that I don’t want to make a woman mad. — Frustrated Over and over, you hear the same thing — basically, “Sorry...we have to turn down your application for CEO, but we’d love to have you as our parking attendant.”

By the way, your first problem is that you’re wrong about what your problem is.

It isn’t how to TELL a woman you aren’t up for the role of pet eunuch. It’s how to BE the man holding her in his arms instead of the one holding her purse while she’s exploring her options in the tampon section.

Consider what the ladies tend to want — whether the ladies are hermit crabs or humans. Evolutionary biologist Robert Trivers’ theory of “parental investment” explains that in species that provide continuing care for their young after they’re

born, females have evolved to go for “dominant” males. Dominance translates to being more able to “provide protection and material support” (through physical ability, as well as high social status).

However, the term “dominant” is a little...uh...unrefined. Women aren’t looking to be dragged off into the sunset by some thug. Social psychologist Jerry M. Burger and one of his students, Mica Cosby, took a nuanced look at dominance and found that women overwhelmingly want a man who is “confident” and “assertive” as their ideal date or romantic partner.

And though most also want a man who’s “sensitive” and “easygoing,” none — NOT ONE — of the 118 women they surveyed wanted a man who is “submissive.”

Chances are, “submissive” is exactly how you’re coming off. Your pleaserboy bottom line — “I don’t want to make a woman mad” — suggests a hunger for women’s approval and probably leads you to wilt like a man-daisy to avoid even the slightest conflict. Unfortunately, that won’t get you out of the friend zone. What will is self-respect — and the assertiveness that comes out of it: showing that you have opinions, needs, and preferences, and tough tostadas if a woman doesn’t like them. This, of course, doesn’t mean being rigidly uncompromising. However, when you do sacrifice your needs, it should be because you feel good about doing something nice — not because you’re dreaming of a day when your “Well, hellooo, gorgeous!” won’t be followed by “Thanks! And I seriously appreciate your watching Senor Fluffyface while I’m on my date.”

“HOW DO I LOVE THREE?” I’m a 40-something woman, living with my 50-something male partner. Our relationship is slightly open, in that every Tuesday, we each go out separately and “do whatever with whomever.” I have lived up to my part of this, but I recently discovered that my partner has not. On Tuesdays, he stays home by himself. Beyond being irritated that he’s effectively been lying, I feel weird being the only one doing the open relationship thing. How do I get him to live up to our agreement? — Poly-Annoyed There’s no fun like mandated fun.

What’s next, holding him at gunpoint and demanding that he enjoy miniature golf?

Chances are, his lying and your feeling “weird” that things aren’t all even-steven in the sexual snacking domain come out of the same place — the evolution of cooperation and the sense of fairness that fostered it. Fairness comes down to how benefits or resources get divided between people — whether in a balanced or imbalanced way. We evolved to get all freaked out about imbalances — even when they’re in our favor — explain population

biologist Sarah Brosnan and primatologist Frans de Waal. In fact, we are driven to equalize things “to our own detriment.”

But, don’t get too misty-eyed about human moral nobility. They point out that it’s in our self-interest to take the long view — trying to avoid being perceived as unfair, which could kill the possibility of “continued cooperation” between ourselves and a partner.

Understanding the likely evolutionary psychology behind your feeling upset could help you focus on why your partner is saying (a silent) “nope!” to the sex buffet. My guess? He loves you and wants you to have what you need. And he doesn’t want you to feel uncomfortable about going out and getting it — even if the only taboo things he’s doing in bed are allowing the dog on it and clipping his fingernails and letting them ricochet around the room. !

GOT A problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com) © 2017 Amy Alkon Distributed by Creators.Com.

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