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
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
3
This Friday, the RiverRun International Film Festival’s “ RIVERRUN RETRO” series will present a free screening of the award-winning 2009 romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer at Foothills Tasting Room, 3800 Kimwell Drive, Winston-Salem.
4
Creative Greensboro presents “ THE SOULAR FLARES at the Hyers,” an immersive music experience, as part of the group’s residency at the Stephen D. Hyers Theatre from Aug. 18 through Sept. 13.
4 On a recent visit to the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center, I stumbled across an intriguing, elegant poster. It read “Eli Motely Presents: CAFE 808, An Evening of Dance, Theater, and Drinks.”
5 SHAMAN, directed by Antonio Negret and written by his brother Daniel — with some additional Negrets working behind the scenes — is a familiar but interesting tale of modern-day demonic possession.
8 The High Point Arts Council has a new leader at the helm. One who is eager to get started and elevate the city’s presence among the arts in the Triad. CATENA BERGEVIN is the new executive director for the local arts organization.
12 At the Greensboro City Council Aug, 4 meeting, District 1’s Sharon Hightower asked to view POLICE BODY-CAM video of a May 14 traffic stop, in which an officer aimed his firearm at two young Black men and shouted “get out before I f-cking shoot you!”
RiverRun Retro revisits a festival favorite
This Friday, the RiverRun International Film Festival’s “RiverRun Retro” series will present a free screening of the award-winning 2009 romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer at Foothills Tasting Room, 3800 Kimwell Drive, Winston-Salem.
The screening will commence at dusk, approximately 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs to the screening. No outside food or beverages are permitted, but food trucks will be on the premises along with Foothills beer and other beverages. The film is rated PG-13. (500) Days of Summer recounts the rocky relationship between star-crossed lovers Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) in a whimsical, non-linear fashion that endeared it to audiences the world over. The independently financed film was acquired for distribution by Fox Searchlight Pictures and became a sleeper hit, grossing over $60 million theatrically and even more on the home-video market. It also marked the feature debut of director Marc Webb, who graduated to back-to-back Marvel blockbusters with The Amazing SpiderMan (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014).
The film also has a history with RiverRun, having been an opening-night film at the 2009 festival, where it was rousingly received by audiences.
“The idea for a (500) Days of Summer came about when we were deciding on a fun end-of-summer screenings and recently had a number of much younger RiverRun patrons make comments about the poster hanging in our o ce,” explained Mary Dossinger, RiverRun’s program director and interim co-executive director. “We realized there has been a renewed interest in movies from that time period, and this one in particular. So, it has dual purposes as a ‘welcome back’ to
the various college students coming back to Winston-Salem and as a fun dive back into RiverRun’s screening history. It just seemed like a fun choice!”
For Dossinger, the film also evokes fond personal memories. “I love both Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel so much, and I was so excited by the thought of us showing it at RiverRun,” she said. “It was only my second festival and my first as the head of programming. (Thendirector) Andrew Rodgers worked so hard to get that film, so there was a real sense of accomplishment to have it as our opening-night film that year. I still hear songs from that film and remember our 2009 festival very fondly.”
“We’re excited to partner with Foothills Brewing for this screening and once again be able to o er a screening at their popular Tasting Room location,” said Ti any Jones, the festival’s development director and interim co-executive director.
“We know that this will be a great setting to enjoy a fun film on a Friday night. Our thanks to Denise Gunter from Nelson Mullins (and RiverRun board chairperson) for sponsoring this fun outdoor screening of a summer cult classic.”
The 28th RiverRun International Film Festival will take place from April 17 – 25, 2026. For more information, call 336-7241502 or visit the RiverRun International Film Festival o cial website: https:// riverrunfilm.com/. !
[WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP] ARTS COUNCIL, DELTA ARTS CENTER, AND YMCA REACH CENTER TO HOST GOOD FOR THE HOOD EAST WINSTON BLOCK PARTY TO LAUNCH CULTURAL PLAN
SUBMITTED BY ARTS COUNCIL OF WINSTON-SALEM & FORSYTH COUNTY
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, Delta Arts Center, and YMCA REACH Center is pleased to present Good for the Hood East Winston Block Party, Saturday, Aug.16, 1-5 p.m. The block party will take place between the 11th and 12th Street block of North Cameron Avenue (reference address: 1141 N. Cameron Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101).
Good for the Hood East Winston Block Party will kick-o the East Winston Cultural Plan, a community-driven vision grounded in creative placemaking. Through community engagement, the plan highlights the use of art, culture, and storytelling to spark transformation, promote economic mobility, and foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing. “The East Winston Block Party is more than a celebration,” said Whitney Harness, Executive Director of Delta Arts Center. “It’s a joyful act of cultural preservation and a powerful expression of our community’s soul. We’re honoring our history the way our elders did; old school style, through music, dance, food, and gathering. It’s a love-filled reminder that community
is our greatest tradition. By reclaiming space and uplifting the traditions that ground us, we’re not only celebrating legacy, we’re building a brighter, more connected future.” !
WANNA go?
More information about the Good for the Hood East Winston Block Party can be found at https://shorturl.at/Odyyd. This event is free and open to the public.
Mark Burger
Contributor
Cafe 808
BY TERRELL BROWN
On a recent visit to the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center, I stumbled across an intriguing, elegant poster. It read “Eli Motely Presents: Cafe 808, An Evening of Dance, Theater, and Drinks.” I just stumbled across another ‘Residency at the Hyers’ production and I was determined to attend. I went to the second showing on August 9th. From start to finish, I was enamored. The audience is allowed to sit on the set and interact with the cast and even order di erent drinks that represent the cast members. The cast performed group numbers and put on improvised dance routines, even battling each other in a seemingly random order based on audience voting and based on the most ordered drinks! I opted to sit in the stands and just watch the show. I did get to vote and help steer the story. And yes, there is an overall story, or theme to the production; “What could happen on any night at a bohemian cafe with a dancing diva for a manager, breakdancing servers, and at least one a ballet-trained bartender that can hold her own. There is value in Creative Greensboro’s Residency at the Hyers program and this production is further proof of this. There is value in theater, there is value in dance, and there is value in improvisation. I saw it all here. Despite the quirks that come with a partially scripted production, it paid o . I left with a huge smile. I highly recommend “Eli Motley Presents: Cafe 808.” !
Speak your mind!
Send us your thoughts in a letter to the editor to chanel@yesweekly.com
Creative Greensboro presents “The Soular Flares at the Hyers”
PRESS RELEASE
Creative Greensboro presents “The Soular Flares at the Hyers,” an immersive music experience, as part of the group’s residency at the Stephen D. Hyers Theatre from Aug. 18 through Sept. 13.
The residency includes live music, guest speakers, and a talk show, and culminates with an extended play (EP) release during the North Carolina Folk Festival. All events will take place at Hyers Theatre in the Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St.
A list of the events and tickets are available at www.creativegreensboro. com . All events will be filmed.
“THE SOULAR FLARES AT THE HYERS” EVENTS
Friday, Aug. 22, 6-9 p.m.
Black August at the Hyers
This informative and celebratory event commemorates falsely imprisoned Civil Rights activists while showcasing African American art and live music. Artists are encouraged to sign up to perform a piece and vendors can get more information by emailing thesoularflaresband@gmail.com.
Friday, Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m.
“The Tonight Show with The Soular Flares”
Using a format similar to Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Hudson’s talk shows, The Tonight Show features three guest artists promoting their new original works. The Soular Flares will be the backing band for the night, analogous to the legendary group, The Roots.
Friday, Sept. 5, 6-9 p.m.
Line Dancing on First Friday
The event features a line-dancing celebration with a live band. The first part of the night begins with a short tutorial and warm-up for the most popular line-dance songs including, “Before I Let Go,” “Boots on the Ground,” “Wobble,” and more. The Soular Flares band has curated a live playlist that transitions between songs with nonstop music. Free refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, Sept. 13, 6-9 p.m. EP Release Show
The Soular Flares are hosting an EP Release Show during N.C. Folk Fest weekend. This carefully curated project highlights the band’s unique abilities in songwriting, musical arrangement, and genre-bending. Soul-rock best describes how each song flows through multiple genres, while keeping the listeners engaged and energized. The night includes an opening artist, vendors, merchandise, and refreshments. Tickets are available online and at the door.
SunQueen and The Soular Flares’ motto is where music meets magic and every performance is a celebration. The seven-piece band from Greensboro is a soul-rock sensation that’s been setting the music scene on fire since 2017. At the helm is the radiant SunQueen herself, Kelcey Ledbetter. Not only is she the vocalist, but she’s also the manager and the heart of the band. Her musical journey began with Dalton Village, where she met guitarist Kolin Robinson. When that band disbanded, Kelcey and Kolin formed a new constellation, SunQueen and The Soular Flares, and gathered more stars along the way: guitarist Malcom Dickens, bassist Darion Jones, keyboardist
and trombonist Tyrissa Swilley, and drummers, Tommy Richardson and Jamese Moses. In 2024, two new stars were born as the background vocalists Vada Nesta and Breonna Lea joined the group. Their music is a genre-bending collage of hip-hop, soul, rock, and contemporary R&B. But it’s not just about the sound; it’s about the message. Their songs are a celebration of body positivity and radical self-love, encouraging listeners to embrace themselves fully. Kelcey’s powerful lyrics, backed by the band’s dynamic sound, create a shared experience that’s as empowering as it is entertaining. !
CREATIVE
GREENSBORO ’s drama programming provides the community opportunities to participate in all aspects of live theater, from auditioning, casting, rehearsals, stage managing, and performing. The program emphasizes process over product and provides experiential learning while showcasing quality productions and having fun. For more information, contact Creative Greensboro’s Performing Arts Coordinator, Todd Fisher at todd. fisher@greensboro-nc.gov or 336-373-2974. Founded in 2019, Creative Greensboro provides support for, ensures access to, and drives awareness of Greensboro’s creative community. Through a range of programs, services and partnerships, Creative Greensboro supports the development of a vibrant city. To learn more, visit creativegreensboro.com.
Possession obsession
Shaman, directed by Antonio Negret and written by his brother Daniel — with some additional Negrets working behind the scenes — is a familiar but interesting tale of modern-day demonic possession. Filmed on location in Ecuador, it’s scare fare with a little something extra. Perhaps not enough to entirely succeed overall, but certainly enough to hold and pique interest in what the Negrets will come up with next. One of the nice things about Shaman is how expediently it gets to the point. We’re quickly introduced to Candice (Sara Canning) and Joel (Daniel Gillies), married missionaries in Ecuador, who take great pride — Candice particularly — in converting the locals to Christianity. Their son Elliot (Jett Klyne), however, would much rather be playing video games than brushing up on the Bible or saving souls.
When he enters a cave to retrieve a toy airplane, Elliot encounters... something. And before too long, that “old black magic has him in its spell.” All the standard screen exorcism trappings are duly employed: Guttural growling, bone-crunching contortions, levitation, stigmata, and vomiting. Negret doesn’t skimp on the gore, either. He’s determined to give genre fans what they like, even if the e ects occasionally overpower the narrative. Then again, this would hardly be the first film to do that.
Shaman attempts to juggle three pivotal plot points: The horror aspect (of course), the family dynamic come undone, and an interesting take on imperialism. Although Candice apparently has the best interests of her converts at heart, she has given no credence to the pre-existing customs and beliefs of the people she’s tending to. In fact, when Elliot first becomes possessed, she immediately blames the indigenous population, including those she has befriended. This ignorance — and arrogance — comes
back to haunt her and her family, quite literally. Even when the film falls short in its goals, the ambition is plainly evident — and rather refreshing. Shaman makes a serious attempt to be something more than the average shock-fest, and that’s to the filmmakers’ credit.
Both Canning and Gillies have some experience in the genre, having appeared in the long-running CW series The Vampire Diaries, and they give credible performances, although Gillies isn’t given much opportunity until late in the game. Klyne shines as the bedeviled boy, and Alejandro Fajardo excels as resident priest Father Meyer, worried about performing an exorcism without o cial church sanction. As it transpires, he has other reasons to worry. As the titular Shaman, Humberto Morales (in his feature debut) nicely imbues his character with dignity. He’s not just your standard-issue witch doctor mouthing mumbo jumbo, but a man of quiet wisdom and compassion. Besides, he’s the one who knows the score from the outset. If only they would listen to him.
There is, naturally, a twist ending, but in Shaman it’s a twisted ending — and its implications are chilling. Candice and Joel’s faith isn’t shaken; it’s shattered. And there’s no going back. It’s not the ending one might expect, and it pays o . (Shaman is playing in select theaters and is on Digital) !
1 Served in blazing liquor 7 Longtime executive of the Oakland Raiders
Utters words
Tulip relatives 21 Divider of musical measures 22 Began vigorously
Classic board game played by judges between trials? 25 Put in a box
Ending for priest
Gets frantic with fear
Oil rig part
Feel sore 31 Russian war vessel on which a classic board game is played?
35 Person knocking over a drink, e.g. 38 “— queen!” (“You go!”) 39 Grandiosity
“Toodle-oo!”
Bauxite, e.g.
Publish anew
Neighbor of Mich. and Ill. 50 Review of a classic board game? 54 Quiver
Tangle up
Trifecta, e.g.
1/60 min.
60 Like some noisy little dogs 61 — OPs (CIA tactics) 62 Maple or oak
Morally rigid
60% of cinco
Classic board game that’s popular with inhabitants of heaven? 73 Make whole again
Singapore sling liquor
Havana resident, to Havanans
Infatuate
voices Andy Huggins: It’s Hip to Be Old
BY JIM LONGWORTH
There are only a handful of stand-up comedians whose approach to the genre has been transformative, among them, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and more recently Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan. Pryor revolutionized modern-day storytelling. Carlin was a master wordsmith. Seinfeld took observation comedy to new heights. Dangerfield morphed his tag line into a career of one-liners. Bargatze and his signature pauses elevated the art of self-deprecation, and Leanne Morgan is proving that women everywhere can identify with a mom from the South. And just when we thought there was no more new comedy ground to break, Andy Huggins appears on the scene.
that comes into our heads.
Andy also makes fun of phrases and trends that inhabit our politically correct world.
“I have an inner child, but I don’t think it’s mine.”
“I’m woke…for about another five hours.”
“I took a quiz on Facebook called, ‘What’s your spirit animal?’ I got ‘Extinct.’”
“I’m 75 years old, and life expectancy for a man is 76. Life expectancy for a woman is 81. I figure if I transition…”
Huggins is the Rodney Dangerfield of geriatrics. Rodney built his entire act from one premise, and so too has Andy. For Dangerfield, it was “I get no respect.” For Huggins, it is “It’s tough getting old.” I can relate to Andy’s comedy. He is 75 years old and I’m nearly 72. But his brand of humor also makes young people laugh out loud. Just take a look at his act on YouTube and you’ll see why his universal appeal is going viral. Andy is funny because of his material and his delivery. His pauses before the joke line are as artful as Bargatze’s, and his one-liners are not one-dimensional. They aren’t just about his age; rather, they are commentaries on current trends.
“As far as social media goes, you can follow me on the bulletin board at Kroger’s.”
“I’m not on Twitter, but I will stop people on the street and tell them shit they’re not interested in.”
Those kinds of jokes point to what happens when we age, but they also poke fun at the absurdity of our reliance on posting and sharing every thought
Earlier this year, Andy signed on to do his first comedy special, which can be seen on Apple TV and Prime Video. Yet despite his meteoric rise to fame, Andy is not an overnight success. He has been performing stand-up for 40 years. Asked by NPR’s Scott Simon about developing an act around his advanced age, Huggins said, “It’s what I know better than anything at the moment. I write what I’m familiar with, and age is inescapable. Age is a fact of life.”
It’s also a fact that audiences love Andy’s brand of humor. And, thanks to the internet and a plethora of streaming services, he’s reaching more and more people every day. “It’s so deeply satisfying,” he told Simon. “So deeply reassuring that I’ve got a useful purpose while I’m still alive.”
Truth is, none of us knows how much time we have left, yet we hope that we can make the most of it and somehow make a lasting contribution. Young Andy Huggins has done that in a big way.
“A couple of Saturdays ago, before I went onstage, I asked the club manager, ‘How much time do I have?’ He said, ‘Can’t be much.’”
We all hope that club manager is wrong. !
Andy Huggins
Taking Charge: Triad Arts Council gets new leader
The High Point Arts Council has a new leader at the helm. One who is eager to get started and elevate the city’s presence among the arts in the Triad.
Catena Bergevin is the new executive director for the local arts organization. Officially beginning at the end of July, she has more than 25 years of leadership in the art and nonprofit sectors. As executive director, she will lead the council’s programs, partnerships, and strategic growth, building on its mission to support and promote the arts throughout High Point. “I’ve been doing my tour of the arts organizations, going to galleries, and
meeting with folks to see what the creative community really looks like in High Point,” she said. “I’m absolutely in love with it already. I can’t wait to really start making a lot more of those connections and partnerships.”
While she is known for her work with Greensboro’s Reconsidered Goods, Bergevin is no stranger to working in the arts world. The San Diego native has held key roles with organizations like the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, the Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum, Elsen Associates Inc., and the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art. She currently chairs the City of Greensboro’s Cultural Arts Commission, teaches in the Arts Administration Program at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and serves as a faculty member of the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium, where she facilitates monthly Community-Centric Fundraising meetings.
“I’m back in the circle of working for an organization that advocates and supports artists and organizations, which I love. I’m just thrilled to be part of it,” she said. “I always wanted to support the creative community.
Bergevin said that working in the arts is in her wheelhouse and she plans to bring some great plans to the city. Starting with creating more job positions for the organization, having recently posted a description for a development and marketing communications manager position. She is also planning to hold more events at the group’s Centennial Station, which is currently under construction.
“We have a really wonderful sta in place. Once we get this addition to the board, we’re going to have a really great little nucleus to work with,” she said. “And we have that incredible space at the Centennial Station. We’ll unveil that closer to the fall, but we’re super happy about it and can’t wait to show it o . All of these
Chanel Davis
Editor
Catena Bergevin
things are coming together.”
In her conversations with the board and sta , Bergevin has touted the organization’s opportunity to build partnerships.
“This is our opportunity to really build authentic partnerships, to be inclusive. There are a lot of creative folks and art organizations out there. We are welcoming everyone, and we’ll be doing some events in the new space to really let people know we want to be an art center,” she explained.
Bergevin also wants to make sure that residents know that they don’t have to go to surrounding cities to enjoy top-tier arts programming.
“High Point is where it’s at. It’s our job as the arts council to really get that word out. There’s a lot of great stu happening in High Point, and there’s amazing creativity here,” she said. “We’re in Guilford County. There’s no reason we can’t bring High Point artists to Greensboro, or bring Greensboro artists to High Point. We need to support each other. If this isn’t the time for us to get together, then I don’t know what is. We really need to support each other and have each other’s backs. I’m excited about those kinds of partnerships, as well.”
She also said that the arts council would have to reinvent itself to move forward
with successful programming and to meet the needs of artists and residents.
“It used to be that the arts council was sometimes the fundraising component. Everybody’s business would say, ‘Hey, I’m going to give to the arts council, and then you can distribute the money out.’ Then, as arts organizations grew, they were like, ‘We can do a lot of our fundraising.’ So we had to figure out who we are, what we should be doing, and how we can best serve our community. One of the things that we’re doing is to host a conference for leaders of local arts or councils, so we can see how we can partner together,” she said. ‘We’re going to start a monthly happy hour called Art on Tap, where we’re going to invite artists, arts organizations, and the community to gather. And then, of course, there’s programming that has always been in place.”
One way she plans to get involved is by working on the strategic plan for the city.
‘The arts are an economic driver, and we need to be at that table. The arts have to be at the top when you think about a thriving city, and why people want to move or live there,” she said. ‘Those are the kinds of things that are part of my job. It’s not only to be an advocate but to be the
voice, the supporter, the partner, the collaborator, the connector, and really build these authentic relationships with not only the city but with those who live here, the community, the organizations, the arts organizations, schools, and just jumping right in.”
Bergevin is said that she and the High Point Arts Council are ready for the task at hand.
“This is our time. We got new branding. We’ve got new sta , new leadership. We’re all ready to take that next step. So I will be out there making sure that not just our voice is heard, but that we are helping to support and really embrace and engage the incredible culture and arts that are in that community. I will say that I expect great things. It’s an amazing organization, and I’m in an amazing community. So I’ll be working hard to make sure people know all about that.”
For more information, visit www.highpointarts.org or contact the High Point Arts Council at info@highpointarts.org. !
CHANEL DAVIS is the current editor of YES! Weekly and graduated from N.C. A&T S.U. in 2011 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She’s worked at daily and weekly newspapers in the Triad region.
ABC Art Gallery
PRESENTS
NAME:
hot pour
[BARTENDER OF THE WEEK COMPILED BY NATALIE GARCIA]
Tanaeja Smith
BAR: ‘cille & ‘scoe in downtown Greensboro
AGE: 23
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Tampa, Florida. Grew up in Asheville, N.C.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING?
Almost three years
Check out videos on our Facebook!
HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER?
Like many in the food service industry, I started as a hostess, specifically at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. When I came to Greensboro for school, I explored banquet serving and started getting into mixology a little more as I was serving beer and wine moving up to a banquet bartender. I took the time to learn many recipes, the origin and history of di erent spirits, the taste and smell palates, and how they pair well with other mixers — safe to say I haven’t wanted to change what I do since. It was a very fun journey to get here. Many fun stories to share.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING?
I enjoy not only the mixing and learning recipes but the impactful, fun, and sometimes chaotic interactions with di erent people. Whether it be someone getting o from their shift, going through hardships in life, or just because you love a good drink — our job is to make your experience everything you need it to be.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING?
The most challenging part of bartending for me is making sure that I am punctual with time. It will be busy and you will be combated with multiple drinks with multiple requests, while juggling this maintaining rapport and positive energy with the guests has to stay above average. We are the most knowledgeable in our fields and should be very thorough in everything we do.
have hints of peach, blueberry, lychee, strawberry, or your classic dirty. Hands down the most fun to make.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK?
I love a good mojito, every variation.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE?
My favorite drink to make would have to be a classic martini. I am choosing vodka over gin in my personal martinis but both still serve great notes of favor. I have made multiple versions of martini’s that may
Depending on the dinner choice. I’d probably suggest a wine, espresso martini, mojito, mimosa, or a latte with a shot of Baileys.
WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD?
I had a customer request a screwdriver with no alcohol…which is just orange juice.
WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING?
The craziest thing I’ve seen while bartending was a time someone I worked with came to a shift intoxicated and punched through the wall because they were told to leave.
WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM?
Weirdest things I’ve found in a bar bathroom would have to be a pacifier.
WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? $450 on one table.
CARBORRO
Cat’S CradlE
300 E Main St | 919.967.9053
www.catscradle.com
aug 14: Benches
aug 15: Hotline tNt
aug 16: verygently and Brother Elsey
aug 19: Pearl
aug 21: General Purpose, act of love
aug 22: Beth Stelling
aug 22: Willa Mae, Bangzz
aug 23: tim Barry, Josh Small, ryan lockhart
ChARlOtte
BoJaNGlES ColiSEuM
2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600
www.boplex.com
aug 22: travis tritt
aug 23: Beres Hammond & Friends
aug 26 Brit Floyd
tHE FillMorE
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970
www.livenation.com
aug 14: oscar Maydon
aug 16: Nonpoint
aug 17: the acacia Strain
aug 17: d4Vd
aug 19: Citizen Soldier
aug 20: Jake Scott
aug 21: Erykah Badu and the alchmemist
PNC MuSiC PaVilioN 707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292
www.livenation.com
aug 14: toto, Christopher Cross & Men at Work
aug 22: Jason aldean, Nate Smith & raelynn
aug 23: Falling in reverse
ClemmOns
VillaGE SquarE
taP HouSE
6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct |
336.448.5330
www.facebook.com/vstaphouse
aug 15: Jack of diamonds
aug 16: Next o’ Kin
aug 21: darrell Hoots
aug 22: Kwik Fixx
duRhAm
CaroliNa tHEatrE
309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org
aug 29: Nitty Gritty dirt Band
dPaC
123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787 www.dpacnc.com
aug 21: Yo Gabba Gabba
aug 22: the rocket Man Show
aug 31: ruPaul’s drag race
gReensBORO
CoMEdY ZoNE
1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com
aug 15: the Christi Show
aug 16: alfred robles
aug 21: uncle lazer
aug 22-23: dl Hughley
aug 29-30: Sheryl underwood, Kyle Erby & Mike Washington
Flat iroN
221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com
aug 13: a tale of two + a different thread
aug 15: Florencia & the Feeling + duck
aug 16: Jim lauderdale
aug 17: Justin Jeansonne
aug 20: Chloe Kimes w/ Wild roots
aug 21: NuBeing Collective
aug 22: John Howie Jr. and the rosewood Bluff w/ ramona & the Holy Smokes
aug 23: Kill the Buddha
aug 29: Jon Stickley trio
aug 31: Bedroom division w/ Bedrumor & liam Martin
GaraGE taVErN
5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro
aug 15: Mighty Fairlanes
aug 16: Salem Smoke
aug 17: Caleb Hedricks
aug 22: Southern Hustle
aug 23: Stereo doll
aug 24: Joel Mccarson
aug 29: Blacklight idols
aug 30: dear Sister
aug 31: Steel Jammin
GraPES & GraiNS
2001 Yanceyville St | 336.601.9292
www.grapesandgrainstavern.com
aug 15: tom troyer Songwriter listening Series
aug 16: daniel delorenzo and doug largent duo
aug 22: allyn raney
aug 23: Carolina ambush
HaNGar 1819
1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480
www.hangar1819.com
aug 16: Filth w/ dying oath, Screwed Ends, two Stroke Smoke, in Memory
aug 21: Boundaries
aug 27: the Coursing w/ dirty Butt, two Stroke Smoke, Mr. toxic, Molly aGMa, lo, Zombman, Subatomixx
PiEdMoNt Hall
2411 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400
www.greensborocoliseum.com
aug 29: Muscadine Bloodline
high pOint
1614 dMB
1614 N Main St | 336.883.4113
https://www.1614drinksmusicbilliards. com/
aug 14: dwarfanators
aug 16: off the record
jAmestOwn
tHE dECK
118 E Main St | 336.207.1999
www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestown/
aug 15: Blacklight idols
aug 16: rewind
aug 17: Sunday Funday/ Smack daniels
aug 22: Southbound 49
aug 23: the roar
aug 30: Hampton drive
aug 31: Sunday Funday/ Whiskey and Wildflowers
liBeRty
tHE liBErtY
SHoWCaSE tHEatEr
101 S. Fayetteville St | 336.622.3844
www.TheLibertyShowcase.com
aug 16: twitty & lynn
RAleigh
CCu MuSiC ParK at WalNut CrEEK
3801 Rock Quarry Rd | 919.821.4111 www.livenation.com
aug 21: Jason aldean
aug 22: Falling in reverse
liNColN tHEatrE
126 E. Cabarrus St | 919.831.6400
www.lincolntheatre.com
aug 14: the Pancakes & Booze art Show
aug 15: Beach Floyd
aug 16: the Breakfast Club (80’s Party Band)
aug 22: Bring out Yer dead w/ idlewild South
aug 23: level up
aug 29: Sun.Moon.Stars —Black Sabbath tribute
aug 30: “Nike Vs. adidas Party” Ft. dJ Skillz & Friends
tuesdays: trivia
aug 15: Jason Bunch
aug 22: terra-String
tHE raMKat
170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714
www.theramkat.com
aug 14: NoidEa
aug 15: Pageant, Sweet desire aug 21: Molly tuttle
aug 23: Green day/Sublime tribute by Mystic Syndicate
Contributor
Council members ask for controversial tra c stop, written consent
At the Greensboro City Council August 4 meeting, District 1’s Sharon Hightower asked to view police bodycam video of a May 14 tra c stop, in which an o cer aimed his firearm at two young Black men and shouted “get out before I f-cking shoot you!”
After listening to speakers calling for that o cer to be fired, Hightower said, “I’m asking right now for that footage.”
City Attorney Lora Cubbage replied that, in North Carolina, only persons recorded on police video, their attorneys, police command sta , and internal a airs investigators can view police body-cam footage without a judge’s order. After Hightower said, “Council has a right to ask for it,” Cubbage replied that she will petition the court to allow council members to watch the videos. Hightower was referring to all the body-cam footage from o cers at the scene. A portion of the incident was
recorded by one of the men arrested, whose cellphone video has gone viral on social media. On it, a voice can be heard shouting, “lawsuit, lawsuit!” Then an o cer, later identified as Braden Walker McDaniel, can be seen drawing his sidearm and pointing it at the men in the back seat while shouting angrily. As the o cer threatens the screaming passengers, the driver hunkers down over the steering wheel with his hands clasped behind his head.
The Greensboro Police Department stated the social media video only depicts a small portion of the incident. That statement identified the driver as 24-year-old Damonta Glover, whom GPD alleges permitted o cers to search his vehicle after Glover, passengers Savon Johnson and A’mon Moore, were stopped for a tra c infraction. The statement described a “short-barreled rifle” and “ski masks” as recovered from the vehicle. Moore, 20, and Johnson, 27, are brothers. The siblings were charged with resisting arrest and assault on a governmental o cial, actions which cannot be seen on the cellphone video. Moore was also charged with carrying a concealed handgun. Glover was cited for equipment violations and driving with a revoked license.
At the July 8 council meeting, the GPD statement was disputed by LaToyia Cruz-Rivas, who is Moore and Johnson’s mother and a witness to their arrests. She said the “ski masks” were durags worn by the brothers to protect their dreadlocks. She also said that McDaniel threatened to shoot her sons before any weapons were discovered in the car, and described him as being far more agitated, aggressive, and assaultive than other o cers at the scene.
On August 4, ten speakers called for GPD to fire McDaniel, end regulatory tra c stops, and get written consent before searching vehicles.
“We are looking forward to working with the council, the police department, and the rest of the community to put an end to the regulatory tra c stops that provide a sense of fear and danger for both police o cers and residents,” said community organizer Irving Allen, who is
running for city council at-large. Gene Blackmon alleged that since their arrest, Johnson, Moore, and Glover have been subjected to four additional tra c stops. “My question to you all is, at what point does it become harassment?” said Blackmon, co-founder of Establishing Safe Cultures. “We ask that you all join us in asking for implementation of written consent and to fire O cer McDaniel.”
GPD released the following statement in regard to the additional stops: We understand there are questions regarding recent police stops involving the same individual. The stops have been conducted by o cers from two separate units, and are not the result of any targeted enforcement. Prior encounters have shown a pattern of driving without required insurance, without a valid driver’s license, and without proper vehicle registration. Each stop has been based on observed violations of state motor vehicle laws, which are in place to improve the safety of the roads we all share.
Rev. C. J. Brinson of Umoja Church acknowledged that asking for McDaniel’s termination was “a long shot,” but said, “We want to be out publicly on this particular o cer, so when he does reoffend, there will be a public record of his misbehavior.”
Christine Hoepfner, of the League of Women Voters, cited how, in 2016, for-
mer GPD Chief Wayne Scott temporarily ended tra c stops for minor infractions after the New York Times reported on “The Disproportionate Risks of Driving While Black” in Greensboro. In that article, reporters found that Black drivers or their cars were searched more than twice as often as white drivers during routine tra c stops, even though police found drugs and weapons significantly more often when the driver was white. In 2025, said Hoepfner, that racial disparity has increased, with Black drivers being the subject of “an unnerving 73%” of regulatory tra c stops.
Cecile Crawford, who is running for the District 2 seat, urged that council “implement a written consent policy for any vehicle searches, so every person knows their rights and can exercise them without fear or coercion.”
In 2020, the Greensboro Criminal Justice Advisory Commission (GCJAC), which reports to council, recommended the city implement written consent for vehicle searches. Council ultimately voted against it.
At that September 15, 2020 session, At-Large Representative Michelle Kennedy, Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson, District 3’s Justin Outling, and District 5’s Tammi Thurm voted for the proposal. Mayor Nancy Vaughan, At-Large Representative Marikay Abuzuaiter, and District 4’s Nancy Ho man voted against it. So did Hightower and Wells,
Ian McDowell
causing the motion to fail 5-4. Wells and Abuzuaiter were the most vocal in their opposition to written consent. Wells stated that, because all interactions are recorded on body-worn cameras, asking those subjected to traffic stops to sign a form permitting search of their vehicles was not necessary, as “there’s no need to put another burden on these police,” whom she called “stellar.”
In her closing comments on August 4,
Wells indicated that she has changed her mind about this.
“We had 20 people speak, and 10 of them were on one subject.”
Vaughn reminded Wells that council had previously voted against those consent forms.
“We took a vote,” said Wells, “and it failed. But in light of what’s happening now, we need to resurrect it somehow. We all know that racism is here. We know the color of our skin makes a
di erence, and somebody said a person has been stopped four times. We do need police, but we don’t need police that are not doing fairly for our citizens. I don’t know which council voted it down, but I think those of us sitting up here have seen enough and heard enough to do something about this. So, that’s really my concern, and I hope that we can have some change about this. It’s not fair. We’re seeing it happening all over the country. We don’t have to be the ones doing it just because it’s happening all over the country.”
Vaughan reminded Wells that the reason it was voted down in 2020 was the belief that body-worn video cameras made written consent unnecessary.
Wells acknowledged this, but said, “When you see the video and somebody’s already been shot, the video doesn’t help. They gone. And maybe if they had said ‘no, I don’t want it,’ maybe they might be here? So, I still think we need to reconsider.” !
IAN MCDOWELL is an award-winning author and journalist whose book I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions.
CHEAP,
[1. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
[2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
[3. TELEVISION: Ron Swanson is a character on which sitcom?
[4. MOVIES: Who is the villain in the animated film The Little Mermaid?
[5. SCIENCE: What part of the cell contains genetic material?
[6. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president established the Peace Corps?
[7. HISTORY: Which country is home to Botany Bay, an early British colony?
[8. MATH: Who is known as the father of geometry?
[9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: When did the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open?
[10. MYTHOLOGY: What animal did Zeus turn into to kidnap Europa?
answer
1940.
Euclid.
Australia.
6. John F. Kennedy.
[SALOME’S STARS]
Week of August 18, 2025
[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your honesty might upset some people. But you inevitably win more admirers for having the courage to tell the truth when others are more likely to scramble for cover.
[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your e orts to defend your project begin to show favorable results. You should soon be able to win over even the most determined detractors who had lined up against it.
[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You win praise for your selfless e orts in a very difficult situation. But be careful not to allow your generous nature to be exploited by those who have their own agenda.
[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A trusted colleague sheds light on a recent spate of puzzling workplace situations. This should give you the information you need to bring the matter to your superior’s attention.
[LEO (July 23 to August 22) A shift in workplace management could be helpful
for talented LEOs and LEOnas who have been waiting to have their accomplishments rewarded by receptive leadership.
[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A misunderstanding between you and someone you care for should be corrected immediately. This relationship is too important to lose over a bruised ego.
[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A welcome piece of good news helps clear the air in a family situation. A job-related incident also eases as more information provides a clearer focus on the problem.
[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Quick action to heal bruised feelings pays o in a big way. Now you’ll be able to move forward with your plans without a problem holding you back.
[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your creativity combined with a positive attitude should give you a considerable edge in finding a way to get around the negativity you’ve run into.
[cAPrIcorN (December 22 to January 19) A sudden streak of stubbornness could cause some problems. Try to be more open to helpful suggestions and more flexible in making needed changes.
[AQuArIus (January 20 to February 18) Now that a special relationship appears to be well and truly restored, you can spend more time dealing with some long-needed workplace changes.
[PIsces (February 19 to March 20) A new opportunity sounds promising, but watch out for any conditions that might be attached. Before making a decision, ask that each opportunity be explained in detail.
[BorN THIs week: You can often get distracted by promises of good times, yet you ultimately reach the amazing goals that you set out for yourself because of your determination.
GABY MORENO • PETER ONE • THUNDERSTORM ARTIS • PALMYRA • ETHNO USA • TYLER RAMSEY ¡TUMBAO! • DENITIA • LIZZIE NO • STELLA PRINCE • SAM BURCHFIELD AND THE SCOUNDRELS
JEFF SIPE TRIO • CRISTINA VANE • MAIA KAMIL • JONATHAN SCALES FOURCHESTRA • ALEXIS RAEANA THE TAN AND SOBER GENTLEMEN • JACK THE RADIO • SONNY MILES • SHIRLETTE AMMONS
DAWN LANDES & FRIENDS PERFORM THE LIBERATED WOMAN’S SONGBOOK • ASHLEY HEATH DEAR MARIBELLA AND THE PIGKICKERS • THE KELLI BAKER BAND ft. NOÉ SOCHA • LORA MOUNA WITH SPECIAL PERFORMANCES FROM THE ROCK AND ROLL PLAYHOUSE: MUSIC OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD FOR KIDS NC A&T STATE UNIVERSITY’S GOSPEL CHOIR AND DRUM LINE
