Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com
EDITORIAL
Editor CHANEL R. DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com
YES! Writers JOHN BATCHELOR
MARK BURGER
KATEI CRANFORD
LYNN FELDER
JIM LONGWORTH
IAN MCDOWELL
PRODUCTION
Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com
Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com
ADVERTISING
Marketing ANGELA COX angela@yesweekly.com
Promotion NATALIE GARCIA
DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK
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The Piedmont Wind Symphony will present the multi-faceted, MULTISENSORY CONCERT EVENT “Pictures at an Exhibition with Film” at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Brendle Recital Hall, located in the Scales Fine Arts building on the campus of Wake Forest University, 1775 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem.
5 In “ THE CHRISTOPHERS,” the latest film from director Steven Soderbergh, Ian McKellen sinks his teeth into the juicy role of Julian Sklar, a renowned, reclusive painter nearing the end but not giving up the ghost without a fight.
7 Last year, PATRICK DUFFY had a cameo role in the BET series “The Family Business,” and this year, he has a starring role in a real-life family business. The venture is called Duffy’s Dough, and together with partner Linda Purl, Patrick has resurrected an old family recipe, the sale of which is helping to fight hunger in America.
8 Going big here in his hometown, Ben Roberts of Strange Ways Comics & More on Davie Street in downtown Greensboro looks forward to sharing his love of comic books with the heart of the city for his first official FREE COMIC BOOK DAY as a shop owner.
11 In an April 20 letter to City Manager Trey Davis and Greensboro City Council, the Greensboro Criminal Justice Advisory Commission (GCJAC) cited “critical deficiencies” in the controversial hiring of Kamran Afzal as GREENSBORO’S NEW POLICE CHIEF.
12 In January 2025, Winston-Salem City Council passed an ordinance requiring MASSAGE PARLORS to be licensed by the N.C. Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy. The ordinance also requires massage parlors to apply for a permit from the city.
Piedmont Wind Symphony presents a unique concert experience
The Piedmont Wind Symphony will present the multi-faceted, multisensory concert event “Pictures at an Exhibition with Film” at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Brendle Recital Hall, located in the Scales Fine Arts building on the campus of Wake Forest University, 1775 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem. Ticket prices range from $27 to $64 and can be purchased at https://www.pwsymphony.org/pictures
This presentation encompasses sound, imagery, and contemporary issues into
a single, immersive artistic experience like no other. Under the direction of the symphony’s artistic director and conductor, Mark A. Norman, the centerpiece is “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Modest Mussorgsky and features “The Bird-While” by Gala Flagello, a finalist of last year’s Sousa-ABA Ostwald Composition Contest. This innovative concerto for flute, clarinet, violin, and cello is inspired by Keith Taylor’s poem “Acolytes in the Bird-While,” which explores the majesty of Michigan’s ecosystems along with the urgent realities of climate change.
The program also showcases the talents of a renowned quartet of guest artists from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band: Master Gunnery Sgt. Elisabeth Plunk (flute), who joined the band in 2004, was named assistant principal five years later, co-principal in 2015, and prin-
cipal in 2020; Gunnery Sgt. Kristin Bowers (clarinet), who joined the band in 2017 and was appointed to assistant principal in 2023; Gunnery Sgt. Sara Matayoshi (violin), who joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Chamber Orchestra in 2018, and Gunnery Sgt. Clayton Vaughn (cello), who joined the band in 2018 and was appointed principal cello and cello section leader last year.
Joined by the talented members of the Piedmont Wind Symphony, these four distinguished guest artists will bring Flagello’s work to life in ways that highlight their virtuosity and depth. The concert will open with “Molly on the Shore” by Percy Grainger, a vibrant and rhythmically innovative setting of an Irish folk tune that highlights Grainger’s distinctive approach to melody and texture, thereby creating a one-of-a-kind
concert experience for all ages.
Now in its 37th year, the Piedmont Wind Symphony has been at the forefront of pushing the traditional boundaries of classical music. It is one of the few nonmilitary professional wind symphonies in the entire nation and is committed to innovating and evolving wind ensemble music. Its ongoing dedication to artistic excellence and creative programming continues to make wind music relevant and inspiring, engaging and entertaining audiences across the Piedmont Triad and beyond.
For more information, call 336-7705025 or visit the o cial Piedmont Wind Symphony website: https://www.pwsymphony.org/. !
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is seeking a Senior Manager Procurement — New Categories to participate in the definition of the Global Category and Sourcing strategies for Vapor and provide inputs to Global New Categories team on U.S. Market-specific requirements, such as regulatory, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) driven factors. Must have a Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent, in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, or a closely related Engineering field + 2 yrs of exp. as a Procurement Professional, Supply Chain Manager, Industrial Production Manager, or a related Industrial Engineering role. Must travel 5% domestically and 5% internationally for supplier visits including audits, negotiations, project supervision, and work meetings, as well as meetings with the Global Procurement Team. The position is headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but eligible for remote work from anywhere in the United States. Submit resumes for Senior Manager Procurement –New Categories in Winston Salem, NC via https://jobs.rjrt.com/jobs/
‘The Christophers’: Art imitates life — and vice versa
In “The Christophers,” the latest film from director Steven Soderbergh, Ian McKellen sinks his teeth into the juicy role of Julian Sklar, a renowned, reclusive painter nearing the end but not giving up the ghost without a fight. The great McKellen, who by this point can literally do no wrong, doesn’t so much chew the scenery as make an eight-course meal out of it, and the result is never less than delightful. McKellen is a formidable force, but he graciously yields to Michaela Coel as Lori Butler, herself an artist — albeit a struggling one — tapped by Julian’s monstrous, money-grubbing o spring Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie (Jessica Gunning) to hire on as his assistant to catalog his artwork. What they actually want, however, is for her to complete the legendary, unfinished works by Julian known as “The Christophers,” which were devoted to a past lover but which he never completed. Once Julian dies, Barnaby and Sallie will “discover” these works and sell them for a tidy profit. Lori correctly assumes they want her to forge these pieces, but Barnaby argues that she will be “forging through them.”
It’s the relationship between the loquacious Julian and the pragmatic Lori that forms the backbone of this droll, inviting comedy written by Ed Solomon, best known for penning the “Bill & Ted” and the first two “Now You See Me” films. On the surface, “The Christophers” seems simple and straightforward, but like a painting, it’s what’s beneath the surface that informs the work itself and gives it added dimension.
The wily Julian quickly sees through Lori’s ruse, which she admits to early on, but when he demands that she shred the Christophers, she demurs — forcing him to contemplate destroying them himself, which further compels him to reflect
upon, and divulge, the circumstances that made him want to paint them in the first place, as well as why he opted not to finish them. It also brings to light a previous encounter between Julian and Lori that has had repercussions on the present, essentially moribund status of her artistic career.
Soderbergh, who also doubled as editor and cinematographer under the respective pseudonyms “Mary Ann Bernard” and “Peter Andrews,” adopts a theatrical approach here, with much of the action confined to Julian’s cluttered abode. It’s delightful to watch McKellen and Coel matching wits, each trying to one-up the other before ultimately coming to a semblance of a meeting of the minds.
With her expressive eyes and high cheekbones, the striking Coel hardly cracks a smile, her deadpan demeanor the perfect foil for McKellen’s eccentricities and putdowns. They’re an oddly engaging duo, and “The Christophers” is essentially a two-hander with Corden and Gunning relegated to occasional appearances from time to time. David Holmes contributes a neat score, and there’s an equally neat final twist that, in its own way, brings everything full circle. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.
[WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]
LYRICS BY THE LAKE STARTS MAY 15
SUBMITTED
BY
ARTS COUNCIL OF WINSTON-SALEM & FORSYTH COUNTY
Lyrics by the Lake is stepping into a new season with a fresh setting but the heart of the experience remains exactly what audiences have come to love. On May 15, the series returns not to the shoreline, but to an intimate indoor stage, proving that the magic of connection, creativity, and community doesn’t depend on the backdrop it thrives wherever the art is given space to breathe.
Presented in partnership with the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, this evolution reflects a shared commitment to making the arts accessible, engaging, and deeply rooted in the local community. While past seasons captured the beauty of open skies and lakeside sunsets, this new chapter invites audiences into a di erent kind of atmosphere one that is close, immersive, and electric in its own right.
The Hanesbrands Theatre in Winston-Salem o ers something uniquely powerful: proximity. Every lyric lands a little deeper. Every note resonates a little longer. Every laugh, every snap, every moment of silence feels shared. Add in the comfort of air conditioning and acoustics designed for storytelling, and the experience becomes not just a show, but a full sensory journey.
The May 15 lineup embodies everything Lyrics by the Lake stands for
dynamic voices, diverse talent, and unforgettable performances. Returning to the stage is crowd favorite TuKool Ti , whose presence always brings a blend of authenticity and energy that longtime “Lakers” know and love. Joining her are fresh voices ready to make their mark: the soulful sounds of CJ Monet, the sharp lyricism of Rïch Royalty, and the powerful spoken word of Porsha the Poet. Together, they represent both continuity and growth the essence of a series now entering its sixth season. Of course, it wouldn’t be Lyrics by the Lake without its signature elements. Hosted by LB the Poet and Mr. P.E.T.T.Y, with sounds curated by DJ Micki Blendz, the evening promises a seamless mix of poetry, music, humor, and crowd connection. The W.O.R.D Society returns alongside a curated lineup of artists from across North Carolina, ensuring each show remains rooted in regional talent while expanding its reach. And beyond the stage, the experience continues. The Black Market will once again highlight local vendors, o ering a space where creativity extends into entrepreneurship another reflection of the arts council’s mission to support and sustain the cultural fabric of the community.
The venue may be di erent, but the vibe is unmistakable. Lyrics by the Lake isn’t just about where it happens it’s about how it feels. And on May 15, it will feel just right. !
Mark Burger
Contributor
leisure [WEEKLY SUDOKU]
[KING CROSSWORD]
Du y’s Dough rises to fight hunger
Last year, Patrick Du y had a cameo role in the BET series “The Family Business,” and this year, he has a starring role in a real-life family business. The venture is called Du y’s Dough, and together with partner Linda Purl, Patrick has resurrected an old family recipe, the sale of which is helping to fight hunger in America.
The saga of Du y’s Dough dates back to the Alaska gold rush of the 1890’s when miners developed a starter culture used in the making of sourdough bread. Fast forward to 1952, when Patrick’s family moved to Alaska, and his mother Marie was gifted a batch of sourdough starter, which she used to bake the special bread and serve as part of their daily diet.
Marie’s recipe was passed down to Patrick, but the actor had little time for baking because of his non-stop career, which included starring roles in “The Man from Atlantis,” “Dallas,” and “Step by Step.” However, during the pandemic, he and Linda used their free time to bake sourdough bread for friends, and the recipe was so well-received that the couple decided to share it with the public.
I first met Patrick in 2009 when I
produced and moderated “A Salute to TV Dads” for the Television Academy. That night, Patrick was joined on stage by fellow TV fathers including Dick Van Dyke, Bryan Cranston, Michael Gross, Bill Paxton, Jon Cryer, Dick Van Patten, and Reggie Vel Johnson. It was a landmark event that resulted in lasting friendships between and among the participants. I caught up with Patrick recently to learn more about Du y’s Dough.
JL: What was the impetus and mission for starting Du y’s Dough?
PD: It was never in my mind to make a business out of my mom’s sourdough recipe. Linda and I began to think of what kind of legacy we could leave behind. We’ve been fortunate in our careers, and taking Newman’s Own as our example, we thought we could use the sourdough starter as a business if we could give away 100% of the profits to charities. Food security seemed like a natural goal for a bread-making business.
JL: How did you go about selling and distributing Du y’s Dough?
PD: Doing the research, we narrowed down the possible companies and chose Kroger to be involved with because they make their own products and, most importantly, they have a “Zero Hunger, Zero Waste” mandate for their stores. They also have one of the most vigorous philanthropic arms of all the food companies. Therefore, they were the perfect company for us. We pitched our idea to Kroger’s Board, and it fit with their business model.
JL: Help me understand. Kroger isn’t
baking and selling the sourdough bread itself, right?
PD: Right. Our product is the dough that you use to bake your own sourdough bread with, and it’s taken directly from my mother’s original sourdough starter. Kroger’s test kitchen came up with a variety of breads, and we narrowed it down to multigrain loaf, regular loaf, baguette, dinner rolls, and sandwich rolls.
JL: Is Du y’s Dough exclusive to Kroger’s?
PD: Yes, you can only buy it at Kroger’s or its a liates. We have a website where you can learn about Du y’s Dough, but it is not sold online. So far this year, Linda and I have appeared at some of the stores that o er Du y’s Dough, and the rollout will conclude in Alaska this June, the state where my mother got the original sourdough starter.
JL: It seems like everyone is on some sort of health kick these days. Is sourdough bread a good source of nutrition?
PD: Sourdough is healthier for you and has many advantages over plain breads. We get reports of people saying sourdough is easier for them to digest, and it’s growing in popularity. Recent data shows that the sourdough market is growing by about 12% each year. And that rise in popularity is good news for food banks nationwide who will benefit from the sale of Du y’s Dough. The product is already available in nearly 20 states, including at Kroger stores in North Carolina, where food insecurity is a problem for one in six people and where one in five children don’t get enough food to thrive.
Du y’s Dough is a labor of love for Patrick and Linda, both of whom are still acting, sometimes on the same stage in productions like “Love Letters.” Of course, you can also see them on various channels and streaming platforms (Linda in shows like “Happy Days” and “Matlock”), but now you can see an illustration of Patrick’s face on every package of Du y’s Dough.
JL: Is your face the logo for Du y’s Dough because you are still so disgustingly handsome?
PD: The logo is a compilation of headshots so that my age is timeless and not a representation of who I am at 77! I’ll be like Betty Crocker.
You can learn more about Du y’s Dough at www.du ysdough.com. !
JIM LONGWORTH is the host of “Triad Today,” airing on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on ABC45 (cable channel 7) and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WMYV (cable channel 15).
Jim Longworth
Longworth at Large
(From Left to Right) Conor Du y, Jim Longworth, Patrick Du y, Emily Kosloski and Padraic Du y
Patrick Du y and his partner Linda Purl
Big day for Strange Ways: A Free Comic Book Day block party in Greensboro
Going big here in his hometown, Ben Roberts of Strange Ways Comics & More on Davie Street in downtown Greensboro looks forward to sharing his love of comic books with the heart of the city for his first o cial Free
Comic Book Day as a shop owner.
“I’ve worked in comics retail for over 10 years and spearheaded many Free Comic Book Day events,” Roberts said, with extra excitement to kick o the holiday a bit early with a special Sensory Friendly Free Comic Book Day event on Friday evening, where Strange Ways will be hosting a special low-key version of festivities from 5:30 to 7 p.m. “It’s so folks with sensory sensitivities, autism, or disabilities and their families, can have a FCBD of their own.”
“It’s always been a bummer that a lot of great people of all ages aren’t able to participate in Free Comic Book Day for a variety of reasons,” he continued. “Long lines, heat, weather, crowds, and so many other factors make it a hectic day. We wanted to provide an opportunity at Strange Ways for everyone to actually get involved and share in the fun.”
And there’s fun to be shared on Saturday during the o cial Free Comic Book Day. “We’re trying to really dig into the Strange Ways’ goal of building community and have a full day of activation planned to have people stay downtown and visit more spaces than just ours,” Roberts explained.
Boasting a stockpile of thousands of free comics, Strange Ways will be running in-store specials and hosting industry guests like Rico Renzi and Matthew Roberts. “But if you know us, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves that will soon be revealed,” Roberts teased, with plans to “rock your world!”
…or at least the block. As part of the Square — a group of businesses that encircle the “Hamburger Square”
Katei Cranford
Contributor
block at Elm and McGee Streets in downtown Greensboro, Roberts’ party senses are tingling as he looks forward to starting the day at Chandler’s for a special Free Comic Book Day “Breakfast with Spidey & Friends” from 8 to 10:30 a.m. that will feature characters like SpiderMan, Scarlet Spider, and Supergirl (plus a photographer on-site to capture the magic).
Across Elm Street, Design Archives will host an art and vendor market, and Little Brother Brewing will get in the spirit with a “Make Your Own Superhero Mask” kids activity for the littles who can also enjoy an Elm Street Play Zone throughout the day. Meanwhile, adults can look forward to partying through the night. Roberts is naturally pumped for the big day — and is stoked to spread the celebration from the shelves to the street. “Strange Ways Comics & More is truly about community and engagement,” he said, dropping details on the special Free Comic Book Day block party around downtown Greensboro’s Hamburger Square.
“We’re working with all of our downtown Greensboro friends and neighbors to put on an all-day event that highlights not only what we have to o er at Strange Ways but also what the square has to o er!” Roberts said.
“It’s a great day to explore and connect with like-minded people and get involved with comic books and Downtown Greensboro!”
Caped crusaders of a di erent sort will push the party to the limits as Fire Star Pro Wrestling brings the Free Comic Book Day Beatdown, a series of wrestling matches right in the middle of Elm Street. “Come experience hard-hitting, high-flying action featuring some of your favorite FSPW stars,” said the pros at Fire Star, grab some free comics while you’re at it!
“Action. Energy. Community. Feel the heat!” they added with an energy only Roberts could eclipse.
“Make sure you’re at the 6 o’clock show for a very special announcement from Strange Ways Comics & More,” Roberts said, alluding that he might join the party in the ring itself.
As the sun sets, the action keeps going over at Little Brother Brewing for a special Strange Ways edition of DillaDOOMsday, (Prez from In the Beat of the Night’s annual celebration of the masked hip-hop wonder, MF DOOM).
High Point Community Theatre
Typically held in February honoring the late MF DOOM and J Dilla, Prez is excited for a fitting reprise — known this round as “STRANGE WAYS DOOMSDAY” — to homage to MF artist who initially derived his performer persona from comic books (and has in turn inspired major players in the medium).
“MF DOOM and J Dilla are two superheroes to me!” Prez said. “I’m honored to share their music with people whenever I can. It’s dope the homies at Strange Ways thought this vibe would be fitting to cap o the night. Hip hop culture and comics are kindred!”
Serving as a sort of afterparty, the event beckons cosplay and good vibes; and looks to reward with a limited edition line of STRANGE WAYS DOOMSDAY merch, along with Prez on deck spinning a special MF DOOM & J DIlla tribute set, starting at 9:30 p.m.
Grab your capes and get strange as Strange Way Comics’ first Free Comic Book Day takes over the city, May 2 in downtown Greensboro. !
KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.
Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2:00pm
Commission calls for pause in hiring of police chief
Ian McDowell
In an April 20 letter to City Manager Trey Davis and Greensboro City Council, the Greensboro Criminal Justice Advisory Commission (GCJAC) cited “critical deficiencies” in the controversial hiring of Kamran Afzal as Greensboro’s new police chief.
GCJAC consists of nine community volunteers appointed by council to advise on issues affecting public interaction with law enforcement. The commission can also issue recommendations on the policies and practices of the police.
As previously reported, there was strong community support for Assistant Chief Stephanie Mardis, a 21-year veteran of the force who also applied for the position. Since the announcement of the hiring of former Dayton, Ohio, Police Chief Kamran Afzal instead of Mardis, multiple Black community members and ministers have criticized the alleged lack of transparency with which Afzal was chosen.
They also questioned why the process was not paused while the police killing of Reginald Thomas is being investigated in Dayton. On March 24, Thomas was fatally shot while fleeing a traffic stop for riding a bicycle without a light. On March 31, Afzal told Dayton officials and the press he was retiring as that city’s police chief to accept the position in Greensboro. He will be sworn in on May 13.
The GCJAC letter made the following recommendation:
“GCJAC officially recommends that the City of Greensboro rescind the current offer of employment to the candidate. Barring a full rescission, the City must, at a minimum, hold off on the official start date.”
The letter expressed concerns about the selection process.
tory rationale detailing exactly why this individual is the best candidate to lead the Greensboro Police Department at this crucial time. Adding to the confusion and lack of transparency, the selection of this candidate was publicly announced by another municipality before the City of Greensboro made its own official announcement. This sequence of events suggests a severe breakdown in communication and professional protocol, making Greensboro appear disorganized, further eroding public confidence in the integrity of the hiring process.”
The letter also raised issues about Afzal’s policies in Dayton, and the high number of Black drivers subjected to regulatory traffic stops there.
“The community has not been provided with a clear, transparent explanation of the methodology used to finalize this decision, nor a satisfac-
Citing “significant racial disparities in regulatory stops in his current city and long periods of time when data on this issue were not adequately collected,” the letter called this “an issue about which our community has been consistently vocal.” It is alleged that, in Dayton, Afzal “has overseen practices that create outcomes no different, if possibly worse, from our own.”
letter, although she supports the other expressed concerns and the recommendation for a pause or recension of Afzal’s hiring.
The letter concluded with the statement that “the City must, at a minimum,” delay swearing-in Afzal as Greensboro’s new police chief.
“This operational pause is absolutely essential. It will provide city leadership the requisite time to openly engage with the GCJAC and the broader public, fully address the concerns regarding the candidate’s background, and rectify the transparency failures of the selection process before the candidate assumes command, if that is the final outcome.”
The letter also criticized the city for not including GCJAC in the final process of selecting Afzal. “Sidelining the Commission when the final, most consequential decisions were being made directly undermines the purpose and efficacy of civilian oversight in this city.”
Recently-appointed GCJAC member Kay Brown told YES! Weekly, she disagreed with this passage in the GCJAC
“Technically, it is not within the scope of GCJAC to vet hires. We’ve never had a hand in the hiring process.”
On April 24, Davis emailed a response to GCJAC chair Kevin Lightsey stating that the employment offer “has been extended and accepted” and that the City and Afzal have “entered into a binding employment relationship.” Reversing this decision, wrote Davis, “is exactly how municipalities create legal exposure.”
“It opens the door to claims such as breach of contract and detrimental reliance under North Carolina law, as well as potential discrimination claims under federal law. So, to be clear, this decision is complete. The City will not be rescinding the offer or pausing the start date. The legal exposure of reopening it outweighs any benefit. And I also want to be equally clear on this: even if there were no legal consequences, the City stands on this hiring decision. The process was followed, the authority
was properly exercised, and we are confident in that.”
are confident in that.”
2019, city leaders have voted down or simply disregarded its
2020, GCJAC advised council
Since GCJAC was created in 2019, city leaders have voted down or simply disregarded its recommendations. In February 2020, GCJAC advised council that Greensboro police should be required to get written consent for vehicle searches, particularly when those searches are conducted during regulatory traffic stops. The recommendation was supported by District 5’s Tammi Thurm but angrily criticized by At-Large Representative (and future mayor) Marikay Abuzuaiter, who expressed annoyance at what she characterized as the idea of council becoming “micro-managers” of the police. In September of that year, the council voted 5-4 against requiring written consent.
In 2021, GCJAC recommended that the GPD adopt a policy that the odor of marijuana smoke is not probable cause for a search, due to the impossibility of distinguishing it from the odor of legal hemp products. No past or current council member has moved for a vote on this recommendation. !
IAN MCDOWELL is an awa rd-winning author and journalist whose book “I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith” was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions.
Contributor
Kamran Afzal
City has not enforced massage ordinance
In January 2025, Winston-Salem City Council passed an ordinance requiring massage parlors to be licensed by the N.C. Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy. The ordinance also requires massage parlors to apply for a permit from the city, submit to a background check, list all employees, and list other massage businesses owned or operated by the applicant.
Sixteen months later, it remains unenforced. Despite the increasing number of unlicensed Winston-Salem massage parlors advertising on sex industry websites and evincing what law enforcement calls telltale signs of human tra cking, none have been shut down.
At the Oct. 14, 2024, meeting of the Winston-Salem Public Safety Committee, WSPD Detective Susan Warner described the warning signs of massage parlors engaging in criminal activity. These, said Warner, include being open 13 hours a day/seven days a week; workers sleeping inside on pallets; allmale clientele; blocked windows; and a locked entrance with a client buzzer. The proposed ordinance, said Warner, would give police a method of shutting down unlicensed “Asian spas” without arresting workers who may be victims of human tra cking. But since it was enacted, the ordinance has not been used.
After Warner spoke at the October 2024 meeting, Southeast Ward councilmember James Taylor stated, “Sex tra cking is a problem. It needs to be stopped.”
Two months before that meeting, Pearl Foot Spa Inc opened in Taylor’s district at 2804 Waughtown Road. State records list Xue Ping Xie as the registered agent and president. The company has since been dissolved, but the business remains open. Online advertisements associated with the location use explicit, sexually suggestive language to promote its services. It is not licensed with the state board or the city.
Another unlicensed massage establishment currently operating in Winston-Salem is at 4725 Benton Road.
In February 2024, Winston-Salem police investigated a death at that address. While released records confirm the location and classification of the call, the
(At left)
Massage parlor at 4725 Benton Road where police reported a death in 2024.
(Below)
Yelp photo of interior of spa on Benton Road.
public documents contain no further information.
In November 2025, federal prosecutors charged Bin Zhang and Jian Cao in connection with operating illicit massage businesses across North Carolina. The indictment alleged that Zhang and Cao generated money through prostitution and moved workers between cities and across state lines. One of their businesses was at 4725 Benton Road, where it still operates as Lucky Spa.
fering sexual services, routinely change names and ownership, but continue to operate for years and decades in the same locations.
On Jan. 7, 2026, Winston-Salem Deputy City Attorney Jerry Kontos acknowledged that no massage businesses have applied for or received licenses from the city, and no citations have been issued to unlicensed massage parlors.
On Jan. 9, City Manager Patrick Pate told YES! Weekly, Winston-Salem is still working on “a communication plan” to alert massage parlors that they must comply with the ordinance. “We will host webinars, issue press releases, and post announcements on our websites and social media platforms to ensure that the impacted businesses are wellinformed about the added layer of oversight by the City of Winston-Salem.”
On April 20, Kontos acknowledged that none of these things had happened. He recommended that future inquiries be directed to the city’s marketing and communications department.
On April 24, Deborah Clark, director of marketing and communications for the City of Winston-Salem, also acknowledged that no enforcement proceedings against illicit massage parlors have begun yet. According to Clark, enforcement will likely begin in July, 19 months after the ordinance was enacted.
Other unlicensed “Asian spas” operating in Winston-Salem include Ch
Road; and A+ Foot Spa at 1543 Hanes Mall Blvd. As of April 20, there were at
“The Winston-Salem Police Department continues to monitor concerns related to massage establishments, as it has done even prior to the existence of the ordinance. The department remains committed to taking all authorized and appropriate enforcement action under applicable law. In addition, city sta is planning to implement a new online system that will support the requirements of the Massage Ordinance available to the public during the first week of June. The system will be accessible through the city’s website. All applications for new massage business licenses will be processed for the July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, licensing period. Subsequent annual renewals will be coordinated with required annual zoning, building, and fire inspections.” !
an awa rd-winning
those which are described online as of-
IAN MCDOWELL is
author and journalist whose book “I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith” was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions.
Ian McDowell
Contributor
ASHEBORO
FOUR SAINTS BREWING
218 South Fayetteville St. | 336.610.3722 www.foursaintsbrewing.com
Thursdays: Taproom Trivia
Fridays: Music Bingo
May 9: Southbound 49 Acoustic
CARBORRO
CAT’S
CRADLE
300 E Main St | 919.967.9053 www.catscradle.com
Apr 29: Fishbone
Apr 29: Arts Fishing Club, Harvey Street
Apr 30: Foxtide
May 1: Emily Yacina, Abi Reimold
May 1: Melt, Claire Ernst
May 2: Lucy Bedroque, 9lives, kuru
May 2-4: Wednesday, Verity Den, Truth Club, Tanner York
May 3: Tommy Newport
May 5: Cass McCombs, Lael Neale
May 5: Gelli Haha
May 6: Unprocessed, Allt, Midwinter
May 7: Florence Dore, Davie Circle, Juniper
May 7: Joan Shelley, Grace Rogers
May 8: Cole Chaney and Kyova, Brennan Edwards
May 8: Cosmic Charlie
May 9: Andrew Duhon
May 9: Bahamas, Sister Ray
May 9: John R. Miller
May 10: Failure, All Under Heaven
May 11: Shawn Mullins, Cat Ridgeway
Mar 12: Bill Callahan, Noveller
May 15: Lucinda Williams
May 15: By Storm, Lerado Khalil
May 16: Andrew Marlin & Josh Oliver
May 16-17: Iron & Wine, Improvement Movement
May 16: Soda Water Sea
May 17: Grace Ives, Hollis Howard
May 17: Setting, Walt McClements
May 17: The Black Angels, L.A. Witch
May 18-20: Future Islands, Valient Thorr, Lonnie Walker, Jenny Besetzt
May 20: The New Pornographers, Will She
May 21: Hiding Places, Verity Den, Supermutt
May 22: Sluice, Peter Horses
May 23: Carrboro Bluegrass Festival
May 24: Caleb Caudle, Laurelyn Dossett, The Vagabond Saints’ Society
May 26: Alcantara, Country Fetish, Snide
May 30: Lynn Blakey
CHARLOTTE
BOJANGLES COLISEUM
2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com
Apr 29: SatchVai Band ft. Joe Satrini & Steve Vai with Animals as Leaders
May 2: October London & Lalah Hathaway
May 17: John Legend
May 23: Marisela
THE FILLMORE
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com
May 7: Riley Green, Justin Moore, Drake White & Hannah McFarland
May 9: Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert & Them Dirty Roses
May 13: Kid Cudi
May 14: Godsmack, Stone Temple Pilots & Dorothy
HOME GROWN MUSIC SCENE | Compiled by Shane Hart
May 16: Dave Matthews Band
May 18: Sting
May 20: Pitbull & Lil Jon
May 30: Hank Williams Jr.
May 31: Machine Gun Kelly & Wiz Khalifa
SPECTRUM CENTER
333 E Trade St | 704.688.9000 www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com
May 20: Journey
May 21: Don Toliver
May 30: The Queens
clemmons
VillagE SquarE
Tap HouSE
6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct | 336.448.5330
www.facebook.com/vstaphouse
apr 30: Megan Doss
May 1: Fair play
May 2: House of Hair
durham
Carolina THEaTrE
309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030
www.carolinatheatre.org
apr 28: alcolea & Cie
May 1: ichiko aoba
May 2: That Motown Band
May 3: Music Beyond Borders
May 8: letters to america
May 16: Charles and Jackson pettee
May 17: punch Brothers
May 28: grace givertz
DpaC
123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787
www.dpacnc.com
apr 30: SatchVai Band ft. Joe Satriani & Steve Vai
May 1: ali Siddiq
May 2: Chelsea Handler
May 5-10: The great gatsby
May 11-12: David Byrne
May 16: John Crist
elKIn
rEEVES THEaTEr
129 W Main St | 336.258.8240 www.reevestheater.com
Wednesdays: reeves open Mic
Fourth Thursdays: old-Time Jam
May 3: The Brothers Comatose
May 8: Camel City Yacht Club
May 9: Jeff little Trio
May 22: The Tree of Forgiveness Band
greensboro
Barn DinnEr THEaTrE
120 Stage Coach Tr. | 336.292.2211 www.barndinner.com
May 9-Jun 6: Be Kind, rewind
Carolina THEaTrE
310 S. Greene Street | 336.333.2605
www.carolinatheatre.com
apr 29: ariella & nicolaas
May 16: David Fox group
CoMEDY ZonE
1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com
May 1-3: arnez J
May 8-9: adult Bungo
May 9: Kleon The Comedian
May 15-16: alex ortiz
May 18: landon Talks
May 19: Emo phillips
May 22-23: ian lara
May 29-30: Danae Hays
FlaT iron
221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com
apr 29: laurelyn Dossett
apr 30: Colin Cutler, Jphono1 and Kim Ware
May 1: Fancy gap w/ Josh Moore
May 2: ric robinson x Dori Freeman
May 3: Martha Bassett
May 3: Spencer Bland and John Thornton
May 6: Jade Moore w/ Tin roof Echo
May 7: Bee Million, Burlap Circus and panes
May 8: WriSTBanD
May 13: Desiree Dawson & Mira lazuli w/ Mountain Flower
May 14: Turkey Buzzards and Stripmall Ballads
May 15: Candi Jenkins w/ Carri Smithey
May 17: The rough & Tumble, Flagship romance
May 20: Eric Johanson
May 21: lennon KC w/ Melodramatic
May 22: Michael Chaney
May 23: The Hypnotic Conquest
May 24: a Tribute to Dylan & Cash
May 28: Kevn Kenny
May 29: The Bean Tones
May 31: McKinney, MaMa, grace Cambell
garagE TaVErn
5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro
May 2: Carolina rust
grEEnSBoro ColiSEuM
1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com
May 20: Electric Callboy
May 21: Journey
Hangar 1819
1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480
www.hangar1819.com
apr 30: Trevor Jackson
May 3: Bleed from Within
May 8: atreyu
May 10: Snugged on Sight, Final
resting place, Torture
May 12: Jiluka
May 13: infected rain
May 18: Waka Flocka
May 29-30: Bring The Heat Fest 2026
liTTlE
BroTHEr BrEWing
348 South Elm St | 336.510.9678 www.facebook.com/littlebrotherbrew
Wednesdays: Trivia
Fridays & Saturdays: Free live Music
STEVEn TangEr CEnTEr
300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com
May 14: David lee roth
May 15: palomazo norteno
May 16: John legend
May 31: andrew Bird
THE
iDioT Box
CoMEDY CluB
503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com
May 14: grant lyon
May 15: Will purpura
May 21: paul Snyder
hIgh poInt
HigH poinT THEaTrE
220 E Commerce Ave | 336.883.3401 www.highpointtheatre.com
May 2: Kandace Springs
jamestown
THE
DECK
118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestown/
May 1: The Dreamers
May 2: Brother pearl
May 8: Carolina rust
May 9: Chandler Carpenter & The restless Souls
May 15: Second glance Band
May 21: nSa
May 29: retroVinyl
May 30: radio revolver
raleIgh
CCu MuSiC parK
aT WalnuT CrEEK
3801 Rock Quarry Rd | 919.821.4111 www.livenation.com
apr 29: Tedeschi Trucks Band
rED HaT aMpHiTHEaTEr
500 S McDowell St | 919.996.8800
www.redhatamphitheater.com
apr 30: Disclosure
wInston-salem
FiDDlin’ FiSH
BrEWing CoMpanY
772 Trade St | 336.999.8945
www.fiddlinfish.com
Tuesdays: Trivia
May 1: rain Check Bluegrass
May 2: Camel City Yacht Club
May 8: Eternally grateful Duo
May 15: That 90’s Duo
May 16: Kinetic (Bob Weir Tribute)
May 22: raphael graves
FooTHillS BrEWing
638 W 4th St | 336.777.3348
www.foothillsbrewing.com
Sundays: Sunday Jazz
Thursdays: Trivia
apr 29: anna Mertson
May 1: Tail light rebellion
May 6: Watson McCormick
May 8: anna Mertson Duo
May 8: Dana Bearror
May 10: Jimmy and the Johns
May 13: Taylor Mason
THE raMKaT
170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714
www.theramkat.com
May 2: laura Jane grace & Band, lung, Black guy Fawkes
May 3: Couldn’t Be Happiers, Colin Cutler, Billie Feather
May 4: The lab: Experiment 026
May 5: Yeison landero
May 6: Florence Dore
May 14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
May 15: Freedom Junction, Drew Foust
May 16: Cosmic Charlie
May 21: Sluice
May 22: Kevin Beck, Dan Brooks, Drake Duffer
WiSE
Man BrEWing
826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008
www.wisemanbrewing.com
Thursdays: Music Bingo
May 1: Souljam
May 2: The grateful Derby
May 8: Ears to the ground
May 9: Barefoot Modern
May 15: Emerson Bruno & the undercurrents
May 16: Hot Wax and the Splinters
May 16: Bandemic
May 22: The Travelers
[SALOME’S STARS]
Week of May 4, 2026
[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’re the first sign in the Zodiac and like to take the lead wherever you go. But this time, you’d be wise to follow someone who has much to teach you.
[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your adversary hasn’t given up trying to undermine you at your workplace. Continue to stay cool — someone who’s in authority knows what’s happening.
[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Spring debuts with a positive aspect for relationships! Paired Twins grow closer, while the single set finds new romance — perhaps with a LEO or LIBRA.
[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Wavering aspects this week mean weighing your words carefully to avoid misunderstandings with others, who could take what you say and run with it.
[LEO (July 23 to August 22) You could soon be on a new career path in pursuit of some long-standing goals, but don’t cut any current ties until you’re sure that you’re ready to make the change.
[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A former colleague wants to reestablish an old professional connection. It would be wise to make the contact, at least until you know what they are planning.
[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A relationship that survived some rocky moments could be facing a new challenge.
Deal with the problem openly, honestly and without delay. Good luck!
[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A recent and much-appreciated change in the workplace inspires you to make some changes in your personal life as well. Start with a plan to travel more.
[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A friend needs your kind and caring advice, but you need to know what they are hiding from you before you agree to get involved.
[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your circle of friends continues to widen. Expect to hear from someone in your past who hopes to reestablish your once-close relationship.
[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your aspects favor the arts. Indulge in whatever artistic expression you enjoy most. Meanwhile, a workplace situation will continue to improve.
[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Warning! Your tendency to let things slide until the last minute could have a negative e ect on a relationship that you hope can develop into something meaningful.
[BORN THIS WEEK: You are both emotional and sensible. You enjoy being with people. Good career choices include teaching, performing, and working with the clergy.
answers
[CROSSWORD]
crossword on page 6
[
[1. MOVIES: What is Indiana Jones’ real first name in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”?
[2. LITERATURE: What is Charlie’s last name in the children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”?
[3. GEOGRAPHY: What isthmus connects the Asian and African continents?
[4. MATH: What is the first prime number to follow 19?
[5. GEOLOGY: What type of rock is formed by cooled lava?
[6. TELEVISION: What is the title character’s famous line in the TV detective show “Columbo”?
[7. BUSINESS: What company’s stock ticker symbol is LUV?
[8. ASTRONOMY: Which four planets in our solar system have rings?
[9. HISTORY: About how many people worldwide were infected by the Spanish flu in the early part of the 20th century?
[10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: If an animal eats only plants, what is it called?
An herbivore.
Southwest Airlines. 8. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. 9. Nearly one-third of the world’s population.
