YES! Weekly — August 5, 2026

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2026 “MOTOR CITY”

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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

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This week, the “100 CLEFTS PORTRAIT TOUR” will commence with a premiere cocktail event and sneak preview/ silent auction from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and an all-day exhibition from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at The Graylyn Estate, 1900 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem.

4 “MOTOR CITY” cannot be classified as an intellectual exercise, but it is a film of considerable intelligence and audacity.

It’s a triumph of style over substance, but it’s hardly devoid of substance.

7 Whenever I see a restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, I try to pay a visit. ALADDIN’S SHAWARMA opened 1.5 years ago. The restaurant takes its name from the owner’s name, Alaa Hamed, in its English version.

10 The field just keeps getting better.

The last day PGA Tour golfers could register for the 2026 WYNDHAM Championship, which this year fell on July 31, Tom Kim, Jason Day, Billy Horschel, Hideki Matsuyama, Tony Finau and Daniel Berger all joined the field for the tournament, which begins Aug. 6 11 Inspired by my most recent Triad twin-city music dilemma (two rad electronic shows on the same night), I figured it’s worth touching base about the TRIAD’S TECHNO MUSIC world.

12 When MICHELLE KENNEDY resigned as Greensboro’s director of Housing & Neighborhood Development, her separation agreement prohibited her from running in last year’s city council election.

Kennedy made this disclosure in a recent Facebook post criticizing City Attorney Lora Cubbage’s threat of legal action against activist Jason Hicks.

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his week, the “100 Clefts Portrait Tour” will commence with a premiere cocktail event and sneak preview/silent auction from 6 to 10 Mark Burger p.m. Thursday and an all-day exhibition from 8 a.m.

Contributor to 6 p.m. Friday at The Graylyn Estate, 1900 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem. Tickets are $125 Thursday and $5 Friday. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/ event/100cleftportraitsnc.

Billed as “A unique event for change,” the exhibition showcases the artwork of acclaimed British-born artist and cleft advocate Katie Manning, who will be in attendance on both days. The national gallery exhibition features 100 portraits of individuals affected by cleft lip and/ palate, along with their personal stories.

Suzanne Santomieri is the coordinator for the N.C. Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (Plastic Surgery), which is showcasing the event in collaboration with UNC Craniofacial Center & Face to Face Foundation in Charlotte.

“The exhibition helps shift the conversation from focusing on a medical diagnosis to celebrating each child’s unique story,” she explained. “It creates opportunities for both families and those who are affected by cleft conditions to connect and share the same physical space while fostering understanding, empathy, and a sense of community.

“By presenting these children through the lens of art rather than medicine, the exhibition highlights their resilience, individuality, and joy. Events like this are important because they help break down misconceptions, reduce stigma, and remind us that every child deserves to be seen for who they are — [and] not defined by a diagnosis.”

In addition, “this exhibition is especially meaningful to me because two of the portraits of my family — one feaWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

Art with heart — and hope

“Dax & Fiona”

“Dominick”

tures my son, Dominick, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, and another includes both of my sons, Nicholas and Dominick, before Dominick’s first surgery.”

Five years ago, Manning began painting portraits of people born with facial clefts, focusing not on their condition but to emphasize their power, beauty, complexity, and how their identities were shaped by more than their diagnoses. The “100 Clefts Portrait Exhibition”

made its debut in London in July 2025 and is now on its tour of the United States, where each stop is designed to create a direct connection between the healthcare community and the families they serve. The exhibition is meant to be a healing experience, a community rally, and a tool for advocacy.

The exhibition will be presented in only a dozen cities nationwide, but Winston-Salem was an obvious choice.

“While this project is deeply personal,

it was also incredibly important for our team to bring the exhibition to North Carolina,” Santomieri said. “Our state is home to the American Cleft PalateCraniofacial Association [ACPA] and several nationally recognized cleft and craniofacial teams, making it a fitting place to celebrate the strength, diversity, and stories of the cleft community.”

As for the message it imparts, “I hope attendees leave with a broader understanding of what it means to be born with a cleft and a deeper appreciation for the people behind the diagnosis,” she said. “These portraits aren’t about a medical condition — they’re about children, families, resilience, and joy.

If someone walks away seeing beauty where they may once have seen difference, or feeling inspired to show more compassion and acceptance, then we’ve accomplished something meaningful. I hope families affected by cleft feel seen, celebrated, and reminded that they are part of a strong, supportive community.” !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.

WANNA know?

The official website for North Carolina Cleft and Craniofacial Center is https://www.wakehealth. edu/specialty/c/cleft-lip-and-craniofacialcenter

Systems Performance Engineer Sr. Elevance Health, Inc. Winston-Salem, NC. Deliver app systms which meet prfrmnc. & reqs of bus. stakeholders. BS: IT, CS, or rel. 7 yrs performance test engg & performance test or rel exp. Other exp reqd. Hybrid: in office 1 to 2 days/wk.

Apply: https://careers.elevancehealth.com/ Job Ref: JR199664 AUGUST 5-11, 2026

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flicks

SCREEN IT!

Ritchson goes on the rampage in ‘Motor City’

“

Motor City” cannot be classified as an intellectual exercise, but it is a film of considerable intelligence and audacity. It’s a triumph of style over Mark Burger substance, but it’s hardly devoid of substance.

Contributor The screenplay, by producer Chad St. John, has been bouncing around for years, having first been cited in the 2009 “Black List” of the best unproduced scripts, and came close to being made — with different directors and different actors — for over 15 years, before finally falling into the capable hands of director Potsy Ponciroli and executive producer/leading man Alan Ritchson.

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The setting, as you might guess, is Detroit, circa 1977. Ritchson’s John Miller is ex-con, ex-military, and on the verge of turning his life around by marrying pretty waitress Sophia (Shailene Woodley). But no sooner has he proposed than a battalion of cops bust through the door and arrest John for the cache of narcotics in the trunk of his car.

The entire thing’s been set up by resident drug kingpin Reynolds (a neverscuzzier Ben Foster), who was Sophia’s ex and promptly swoops in to woo and wed her when Miller is sentenced to 25 years in prison. Rest assured, rehabilitation is the last thing on Miller’s mind. Revenge is.

The principal novelty of “Motor City” is its usage of imagery, sound, and music to recapture the era and convey the narrative. Actions speak louder than words, and dialogue is kept to an absolute minimum throughout. This doesn’t constrain the actors but allows them to establish their characters through gestures, glances, and

body movements. Everyone’s in good form, even if they haven’t much to say. In a sense, they don’t need to.

Also around, some longer than others, are Pablo Schreiber as the corrupt cop Savick and Ben McKenzie as the honest cop Kent (you can guess who lasts longer), with Lionel Boyce and Amar Chadha-Patel as Miller’s loyal military buddies, who help engineer his nighttime prison break and help him suit up for his inevitable blow-out with Reynolds and his goons.

Like the overall look of the film, courtesy of cinematographer John Matysiak, the action sequences have been vividly realized on screen. They’re blistering, brutal, and (intentionally, no doubt) reminiscent of the movie mayhem orchestrated by Quentin Tarantino, John Woo, and Sam Peckinpah. Suffice to say that “Motor City” is not for the squeamish, but it’s got flash and panache to burn … and burn it does. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2026, Mark Burger.

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[VIDEO VAULT]

BY MARK BURGER

“DEADLY BLESSING” (Kino Lorber Studio Classics): Director Wes Craven’s first studio film, this atmospheric 1981 chiller takes place in a rural region of Pennsylvania populated by “Hittites” (a more extreme version of the Amish), where recently widowed Maren Jensen (in her final feature to date) is branded an incubus by her late husband’s kinfolk and experiences strange occurrences when visited by friends Sharon Stone (in her first speaking role) and Susan Buckner (in her final feature), with Lisa Hartman (in her feature debut), Lois Nettleton, Jeff East, Michael Berryman, Douglas Barr (as Jensen’s ill-fated husband), and the always welcome Ernest Borgnine on hand. Not always successful — or even coherent — but Craven is able to pull off some startling set-pieces and good scares along the way, although the twist ending is silly and predictable. Both the Blu-ray ($24.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95 retail) include audio commentaries, retrospective interviews, radio and TV spots, and theatrical trailer.

Rated R. “EXIT 8” (Decal/NEON): Producer/director/co-screenwriter Genki Kawamura’s award-winning, PG-13-rated fantasy (originally titled “8-ban deguchi”), based on the popular 2023 video game “The Exit 8” created by Kotake Create, sees unnamed protagonist Kazunari Ninomiya swept up in a looping subway corridor that he must figure a way to extricate himself from, lest he be trapped forever, literally running in circles through reality and time. In Japanese with English subtitles, bonus features include behindthe-scenes featurette, Q&A session, and trailer.

“KING CREOLE” (Kino Lorber Studio Classics): A 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95 retail) of one of Elvis Presley’s most popular big-screen vehicles, the 1958 adaptation of the Harold Robbins novel “A Stone for Danny Fisher” (later an off-Broadway success), directed by Michael Curtiz and starring The King as a New Orleans teenager — and part-time crooner, of course — mixed up with mobster Walter Matthau and torn between Matthau’s mistress (Carolyn Jones) and a sweet dime-store clerk (Dolores Hart), with Dean Jagger, Vic Morrow, Paul Stewart, Raymond Bailey, Liliane Montevecchi, Gavin Gordon, and future filmmaker Brian G. Hutton. This was Presley’s personal WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

DVD PICK OF THE WEEK: “RELENTLESS”

(Mill Creek Entertainment/Alliance Home Entertainment)

This 1989 serial-killer thriller seems to have undeservedly fallen into obscurity over the years, and although it’s not as cult-friendly as “Maniac” (1981) or “Maniac Cop” (1988), it represents director William Lustig’s best mainstream effort.

It also marks a career highlight for leading man Judd Nelson, who was anxious to shuck his “Brat Pack” image and signed on to play Arthur “Buck” Taylor, the resident murderer-at-large. With his ashen pallor and sunken eyes, Nelson is both chilling and pathetic as Taylor, who was abused as a child by his policeman father (Beau Starr) and now terrorizing the citizens of Los Angeles.

Reliable Robert Loggia and Leo Rossi portray the cops on his trail, Loggia’s Bill Malloy a jaded, cynical veteran and Rossi’s Sam Dietz an eager rookie recently transferred from New York City. The police-procedural angle is strictly routine, but the two actors put a charge into their scenes together, as does Meg Foster as Dietz’s wife Carol, increasingly concerned over her husband’s obsession with the case.

Although the requisite exploitation elements are in place, the screenplay by Phil Alden Robinson (billed as Jack “T.D. Robinson”) — who adapted and directed the classic “Field of Dreams” the same year — makes a laudable effort to delve into Taylor’s psychosis. He’s a monster, but a very human one. He’s unable to control his darker impulses and, in a roundabout way, wants Malloy and Dietz to kill him … unless, of course, he kills them first.

The critical reaction to “Relentless” was mixed, with some critics dismissing the film outright, but others felt it was (no pun intended) a cut above the usual slasher film. It did well enough financially, particularly on home-video, to spawn three direct-to-video sequels, with Rossi encoring as Dietz in all three.

Other familiar folk on hand are Patrick O’Bryan, Ken Lerner, Angel Tompkins, Frank Pesce, Eddie Bunker, George “Buck” Flower, and Roy Brocksmith (as the coroner), but what stands out is the powerhouse performance by Nelson, who has played his share of crazies since but never as compellingly as here. Flaws notwithstanding, “Relentless” is a film ripe for rediscovery.

The “Retro VHS” Blu-ray retails for $27.99. Rated R. favorite of his films — and easily among his best. Bonus features include audio commentary, “Filmmaker Focus: Leonard Maltin Discusses ‘King Creole,’” and theatrical trailer.

“MICKI & MAUDE” (Mill Creek Entertainment/Alliance Home Entertainment): Blake Edwards reteamed with “10” star Dudley Moore for this bubbly, award-winning 1984 comedy in which Moore’s beleaguered tabloid TV journalist finds himself torn between careeroriented lawyer wife “Micki” (Reinking, in her final narrative feature) and aspiring concert cellist “Maude” (Amy Irving), which becomes infinitely more complicated when both women become pregnant and accidentally encounter

each other, forming a fast friendship without knowing who — and what — they have in common. Moore, at his most appealing, manages to make his reluctant bigamist charming and likable, and a spirited supporting cast includes Richard Mulligan, George Gaynes, Wallace Shawn, Lu Leonard, George Coe, H.B. Haggerty, and Irving’s real-life mother Priscilla Pointer and stepfather Robert Symonds as Maude’s parents. This was the last box-office success of Moore’s big-screen career. The “Retro VHS” Blu-ray retails for $27.99. Rated PG-13.

“THE MUSIC MACHINE” (Severin Films): The Blu-ray bow ($24.95 retail) of director Ian Sharp’s 1978 narrative feature debut, the first disco movie made in Great

Britain set in the titular dance club, starring the ill-fated Gerry Sundquist, singer Patti Boulaye, Richard LeParmentier (fresh from “Star Wars”!), Ferdy Mayne, and the feature debuts of Clarke Peters, David Easter, and future Oscar winner Brenda Fricker (who died last month).

Bonus features include retrospective interviews, location tour, and teaser trailer.

“THE OUTFIT” (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment Group): A limited-edition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) of screenwriter/ director John Flynn’s 1973 adaptation of the 1963 novel written by Richard Stark (the pen name of Donald E. Westlake), detailing ex-con Robert Duvall’s increasingly violent efforts to exact revenge upon the titular crime syndicate (headed by reliable Robert Ryan) for the murder of his brother. Appropriately hard-boiled and punchy, this remains a Quentin Tarantino favorite and boasts a stellar, noir-appropriate cast: Karen Black, Joe Don Baker, Richard Jaeckel, Timothy Carey, Marie Windsor, Bill McKinney, Sheree North, Elisha Cook Jr., Jane Greer, Henry Jones, and Joanna Cassidy (in her feature debut). Bonus features include audio commentary, collectible booklet, the retrospective featurette “Tapping into the Outsider,” critical appreciations, image galleries, theatrical trailer, and more. Rated PG. “SUGAR COOKIES” (Troma Films/ MVD Entertainment Group): A “Tromatic” special-edition Blu-ray ($19.95 retail) of co-screewnriter Theodore Gershuny’s final directorial feature, a low-budget 1973 softcore sex thriller (originally rated X) starring Lynn Lowry in a dual role as porn model murdered by photographer/filmmaker George Shannon (in his feature debut) and her exact double, tapped by lesbian lover Mary Woronov (Gershuny’s then-wife) to exact retribution. An early effort from Troma Films founder Lloyd Kaufman (executive producer and coscreenwriter) and future Oscar winner Oliver Stone (associate producer), this boasts an understandable cult following given the talent involved and kinky overtones and is widely considered a grindhouse classic. It’s not Hitchcock but it’s certainly something different. Bonus features include Kaufman’s introduction, vintage interviews, original trailer, and more. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.

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leisure [WEEKLY SUDOKU]

[KING CROSSWORD] ODD DUCKS

ACROSS 1 9 15

20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 34 37 39 40 41 43 44 47 50 52 53 54 57 60 61 62 63 64 65

Arctic footwear item Triaging concern “Rope- —” (Ali ring tactic) Study of forces acting on mechanisms Twinkled Adversary Brief seconds Diane plays her role flawlessly?

See 61-Across Dandy dudes On guard Foxx amuses his audience?

Flock babies Droop Phone button abbr.

Special span Granola snack option Flood preventer Muscles called “guns” Paul acts in a serious film?

Military pupils One of a pair of sense organs Expiators Elmer greatly antici pates catching Bugs Bunny?

Favored ones “Hence ...”

With 26-Across, maker of Tater Tots Philadelphia’s La — University WWII battle city in France Adaptable truck, in brief Christ, in Cremona

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Oldham fashions clothes?

70 Cheer shouts 74 Court org.

76 “Look at Me” novelist Jennifer 77 Bunk 79 Gunk 80 “ATM” rapper 83 Small warbler 84 Wynonna puts out her first album?

86 Orchestrate 88 Miracle- — 90 Brown ermines 91 Roger describes a news event?

96 “C’mon, quit it!”

98 “It’s all clear” 99 Lightning source, informally 100 TV “Science Guy” Bill 102 Put in a juicer 103 One of a pair of sense organs 104 Cultural spirit 105 Billy steps off his ship?

109 Plow inventor John 111 Swiss mounts 112 “— had it!”

113 Jason bounces the basketball?

117 Kitchen tools 122 Architect Jones 123 — d’ (headwaiter) 124 Cubic — (fake diamond) 125 De Mille the dancer 126 Less than retail 127 How this puzzle’s nine longest answers are viewed?

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Do the slopes Writer Anais Carry- — (flight totes) Sweaty, say Straitlaced Indian tongue Scale’s span Road curve Certain opening for a bolt 10 Elated bliss 11 Gives help 12 German link 13 Rx request 14 Suffix with lime or Gator 15 Seed casings 16 Belly flop, say 17 Unusually big 18 People eating meals, e.g.

19 High trains 25 Maze-running rodent 27 Mrs., in Berlin 29 Burglarize 30 Gourmet 31 Tenths of centuries 32 “Judge —” (Stallone film) 33 Slip up 34 Piece of mail: Abbr.

35 Court org.

36 Mothers, informally 38 Undercoat for an oil painting 42 Skilled sorts 43 Evening eats 45 People who are hoofing it 46 Rock layers 48 — Moines 49 Perfectly 51 Song for one 54 Hazy stuff 55 Not as young

56 58

Pigeon perch, maybe Yale for whom Yale is named 59 “I swear —!”

63 Capitol fig.

64 No longer bothered by 66 Remove the cargo from 68 Hazard 69 Motions “yes” 71 “Equus” actress Jenny 72 Time in a Jacuzzi, e.g.

73 “Rescue us!”

75 Road curve 78 “The Lady” star Michelle 80 Farr or Foxx 81 Fighting for change 82 Called for a pizza, say 83 Like Cardiff natives 84 Write hastily 85 City in Iraq 87 Go- — (no idler) 89 Climbing roses 92 “Am — blame?”

93 Refusals 94 Cuts off 95 Pink Floyd’s Barrett 97 Evening hrs.

101 Add while proofing 104 Paul who published many math papers 106 Surprise win 107 Tennis legend Chris 108 Park seat 110 Threshold 111 Countertenor 113 Rio carmaker 114 “— bad boy!”

115 Slugging club 116 Razor brand 117 Israeli weapon 118 College org. of sisters 119 Suffix with opal 120 Tell fibs 121 Mournful

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chow

EAT IT!

Chow Down with John Batchelor at Aladdin’s Shawarma

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

T

he Mediterranean diet is constantly touted as one of the best ways to eat, especially for health and nutrition, as well as just good food. So whenever I see a restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, I try to pay a visit.

Aladdin’s Shawarma opened 1.5 years ago. The restaurant takes its name from the owner’s name, Alaa Hamed, in its English version. He was born in Palestine, then grew up in Jordan. An accountant by professional training, he has lived in Greensboro for 12 years. During that time, he perceived a niche opportunity. No one in this area was preparing and serving shawarma, a Middle Eastern street food consisting of slow-roasted meats, marinated in a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and paprika, served street food style, thinly sliced, often rolled in flatbread or pita.

It’s a small, very casual place, with a few unadorned tables. You order and pick up at the counter. A self-service fountain dispenses beverages. No alcohol is served. I got the impression that a lot of the business here is takeout, and that’s how I carried out my experiences here. This restaurant wins first prize, hands down, for most attractive takeout bags!

Aladdin’s Sampler provides three starters, a good introduction to the food here. Falafel is a personal favorite, prepared with seasoned and mashed chickpeas formed into a ball and fried crisp. The result is tasty and very high in vegetable protein. Hummus is also based on mashed chickpeas, blended with garlic, olive oil, and sesame paste. Babaganouj combines soft-cooked eggplant with lemon juice, sesame paste, and garlic.

The versions here are as good as any I have had. The fourth item is Nabulsi, a sheep’s milk white cheese, lightly fried.

This is brined, resulting in a very salty effect. Although I respect its authenticity, I passed on this after a bite or two.

Adas Soup is prepared from pureed lentils with onions, salt, pepper, and cumin, served with lemon slices and pita chips. The appearance and texture is like a light gravy. The flavor of lentils comes through clearly.

A wide array of sandwiches are offered.

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Aladdin’s Sampler

Chicken & Beef Shawarma Platter

Mixed Grill Platter

Lamb Chops

I stuck to the full meal entrees, as is my standard practice. By carefully selecting entrée combination platters, I was able to sample all the proteins. A sign in the window promises that the chicken and meats are halal — the animals kept healthy, then slaughtered under humane conditions, the meats prepared under strict dietary guidelines.

The Mixed Chicken and Beef Shawarma Platter introduces diners to two of the three proteins served here. The beef is lean and tender, sliced thin. The white meat chicken is similarly thinsliced and fresh-tasting. The meats are drizzled with garlic and tahini (mashed sesame seeds and lemon), which adds a pleasant extension to the flavors, and placed over rice. I quite enjoyed this.

The Mixed Grilled Platter provides three skewers each of grilled shish kabob, kofta kabob, and chicken shish tawook. The beef shish kabob is a little on the firm side, but yields good depth of flavor, seasoned simply with salt and pepper and olive oil. Kofta kabob is beef and lamb, ground together with parsley and onions. The flavor of the lamb predominates from within tender texture,

a function of the ground meat. For shish tawook, the chicken is marinated in yogurt seasoned with garlic and pepper.

Again, winners all.

Lamb Chops are only available as a stand-alone entrée. You get four, marinated with olive oil, pepper and salt, plus oregano. Compared to lamb chops in much more expensive restaurants, these are a little fatty, but the flavor is quite good, the exterior bearing a nice sear. A high value.

These all come with rice plus two sides.

The rice is unusual — smoked. Grape leaves are filled with lemony rice, bathed in olive oil. Tabouli is a salad, made with finely diced parsley and bulghur wheat.

This is usually accented with lemon juice, sometimes heavily, but here, just right, to my taste — an accent, not an impact. Spiced Turkish is prepared from red bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Habibi sauce tastes like a seasoned, spicy mayonnaise.

Aladdin’s provides a welcome expansion of the ethnic cuisine range in the Triad. I enjoyed all my meals here. It gets a solid recommendation for flavor, value, and variety. !

JOHN BATCHELOR has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/ cookbooks: “Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast,” and “Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina.” Contact him at john.e.batchelor@ gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot.com.

WANNA go?

Aladdin’s Shawarma 5103 W. Market St. A Greensboro, NC 27409 336-500-8077 aladdinsshawarmashack.com Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday Appetizers: $5-$12 Salads: $6-$13 Soup: $4 Sandwiches: $8-$17 Entrees: $15-$27 Desserts: $8-$25 Most recent visit: July 26

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HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER? I’ve worked in restaurants since I was 15 or 16, so as I got more experience, it was only natural to keep moving up. I turned 21, and the place I was working at needed another bartender, so they asked me if I was interested. Of course, I said yes!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING? I enjoy being on my feet and the fast-paced environment. I like that every day is different and you never know what to expect. Multitasking and occasionally being stressed out is really fun for me. I also enjoy the people and getting to know the downtown community.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING? For me personally, the most challenging part of bartending is when you have to kick someone out or cut someone off. That’s never fun and really brings the mood down. It’s also a bit risky sometimes because you never know how the person will react.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE? I love the art of making a martini or an old fashioned. I’ve also been really into making aviations at home.

WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK? Definitely an Aperol spritz — or what I call an “appy spitz!”

I’m also a big wino.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK? I am always down for an espresso martini! If coffee isn’t your thing, then maybe try a negroni. Those are pretty tasty.

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD? I feel like every day there’s some sort of new and trendy shot with a weird name. Cocktail-wise, people do get a little weird sometimes with their requests. Someone once ordered Jack and pineapple juice. I don’t want to yuck their yum, but that was pretty diabolical. Then one time, someone asked for a virgin old fashioned, which was super bizarre and impossible to make.

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING? I’ve seen fights. I’ve seen people throw up in booths.

I’ve seen people intensely make out right in front of me. I think the craziest thing, though, was seeing a lady who was waiting in line for the bathroom undo her pants and squat right outside the door in front of a crowded restaurant/bar to pee.

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM? Finding throw-up in the bathroom is never fun. I wouldn’t say that’s weird, though. One time there was poop smeared all over the walls. That was pretty weird. I’m still curious how that happened.

WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? I’ve received a $100 tip — which was far more than 20% — a fair number of times. Recently, during the World Cup, I had a group sit at the bar and run up a $631 tab, so I got a pretty good tip from that. I think the most I’ve ever been tipped was $500, which the other bartender and I split.

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AUGUST 5-11, 2026

YES! WEEKLY

9

spread

Big names, former champions join 2026 Wyndham

BY CAROL BROOKS | cab1hp@gmail.com

T

he field just keeps getting better.

The last day PGA Tour golfers could register for the 2026 Wyndham Championship, which this year fell on July 31, Tom Kim, Jason Day, Billy Horschel, Hideki Matsuyama, Tony Finau and Daniel Berger all joined the field for the tournament, which begins Aug. 6 The previous day, Jackson Koivun, Brian Harmon and Charlotte’s Truist Championship winner Sepp Straka joined three-time major winner Jordan Spieth, J.T. Poston, five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, Keegan Bradley, Patrick Cantlay, Maverick McNealy, Harris English, Ben Griffin, Ryan Gerard, Alex Fitzpatrick, Alex Smalley, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Bud Cauley, Eric Cole, Sungjae Im, Alex Noren, Sahith Theegala and two-time major winner Justin Thomas.

Koivun, only 21 years old, won the 3M Championship in July in only his third professional start. He finished fifth in last year’s Wyndham Champion as an amateur.

Several of these players have North Carolina ties, whether currently living in the state or attending university here.

Former Wyndham champions scheduled to play along with Cameron Young (2025) are Brandt Snedeker (2007, 2018), Webb Simpson (2011), J.T. Poston (2019), Tom Kim (2022), Lucas Glover (2023) and Aaron Rai (2024).

Kim won the Genesis Scottish Open in July and finished third at the U.S. Open.

Rai won the 2026 PGA Championship.

“Having the reigning PGA Champion in the Wyndham Championship field is a big deal,” said Executive Director Mark Brazil. “Aaron showed the world what a great player is when he won by three on a very difficult golf course, but we saw him play 72 holes in three days at Sedgefield Country Club so we already knew he had it in him.”

Si Woo Kim, the 2016 champion, withdrew from the field last Friday.

Young is ranked No. 3 in the world. Last year’s Wyndham win was his first as a PGA professional and he has since gone on to win the Players and Cadillac championships this year, tied for second at the Open Championship last month, tied for third at the Masters in April.

“We figured that, as soon as Cam won, it would be contagious, and he’d win a lot more in a hurry,” Brazil said. “Now he’s one of the top players in the world, and he has the firepower to compete with anyone.”

“I was fortunate enough to win last year, and I want to go back because I love the tournament and you know it’s my first opportunity to defend the

10 YES! WEEKLY

AUGUST 5-11, 2026

PHOTO COURTESY JOHN GILLOOLY/ WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Cam Young kisses the Sam Snead Cup following his 2025 victory at the Wyndham Championship. championship title,” said Young. “I’m comfortable there because it’s near where I went to college. I like the golf course. It’s really a nice tournament. So, there are a number of reasons that I’m looking forward to coming back.”

If he does win here again, he would be the first repeat winner of the tournament since Sam Snead did it twice, 1949-50 and 1955-56.

Although not a Wyndham Championship winner, Justin Thomas won the 2009 AJGA Wyndham Invitational presented by Odyssey and earned an exemption to the Wyndham that year. At age 16, he become the third-youngest player to make the 36-hole cut in PGA Tour history.

The 87th Wyndham Championship is the last tournament of the regular season.

“This field is another extremely strong Wyndham Championship field,” Brazil said. “It’s about making the top 70 and advancing into the FedExCup playoffs.

It’s about making the top 50 after the BMW Championship in two weeks to be in the 2027 signature events and earn money from the massive bonus pool paid prior to the Tour Championship. These numbers show the significance of the Wyndham Championship date very clearly,” The full list of players can be found at https:// www.pgatour.com/tournaments/2026/wyndhamchampionship/R2026013.

Can Young win back to back Championships or will it be another first-time PGA Tour winner, as has happened several times in the past. Previous first-time winners included Rai, Tom Kim, J.T. Poston, Si Woo Kim Webb Simpson and Snedeker. !

Attending the tournament?

A few things to know TICKETS

Neither on-site ticket sales nor Will Call will be available, but fans arriving at the Wyndham Championship without tickets can purchase them on their mobile devices before entering.

On Aug. 5, fans will be admitted for free for the Wednesday practice round that includes a pro-am tournament.

Children 15 and under are admitted free with grounds access when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. This excludes hospitality. All hospitality guests four years of age and older require a hospitality ticket.

Members of the military, Piedmont Triad teachers and Piedmont Triad first responders gain free admission into the tournament.

College students can purchase one (1) Good-Any-Day grounds ticket for a discounted rate of $50. Limit of 1 ticket per person for one day, Thursday-Sunday.

When fans arrive at Sedgefield, tournament personnel will scan the digital ticket and provide the wristband for that day of tournament play.

All fans must enter the tournament through the main entrance located near the intersection of Forsyth Drive and Wayne Road or through our five satellite entrances located at the intersections of: Donnington Court/Wayne Road, County Clare Road/Wayne Road, Wayne Road/Anson Road, Rockingham Road/Gaston Road and Anson Road/Rockingham Road.

All tickets and parking passes for the 2026 Wyndham Championship will be digital. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Tickets are available at wyndhamchampionship.com.

PARKING

There are two public parking lot options. Complimentary parking shuttles run continuously from all lots to Sedgefield Country Club and back. Parking lots take credit card ONLY. Cost is $18, but Wyndham Rewards Earner Cardmembers may park free.

Lots are located at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro; GTCC Jamestown Campus, 386 Bonner Dr., Jamestown. VIP/Handicap Parking: American Furniture Warehouse, 3900 W. Gate City Blvd.

SHUTTLES

Greensboro and Jamestown shuttles run WednesdayFriday 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. or 30 minutes after play is completed.

VIP/Handicap lot runs Wednesday-Friday: 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. or 30 minutes after play is completed.

Visitors may use the Uber and/or Lyft apps for drop-off and pick-up during the tournament. Uber and Lyft drivers will be available for pick up and drop off between East and West Sedgefield Drive with close proximity and visitors can enter the tournament through the main entrance. Personal vehicles will not be allowed to access West Sedgefield Drive without a parking pass. All visitors must make their own personal arrangements and be responsible for both their arrival and departure schedules. !

WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

tunes

HEAR IT!

I

Touching base in Triad techno

nspired by my most recent Triad twincity music dilemma (two rad electronic shows on the same night), I figured it’s worth touching base about the Triad’s techno Katei Cranford music world.

Folks looking for all things House Contributor from the comfort of their home can tune to WNAA 90.1 FM for DJ Real’s House show, spinning “House music for your weekend plans,” every Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Heading out? Winstoners can check the @WinstonSalemEDM Instagram account for an array of offerings. Managed by area DJs, namely MikRo.wav (aka Zach McCraw from Culture WS), the page is a solid source for happenings around the Winston electro world.

And within that world, residencies reign — dropping beats on monthly repeat.

MikRo.wav, for instance, spends most first Thursdays at Fair Witness, as one half of the Make-Shift brothers with John Speed (plus Øcram on deck); and a rotation of special guest artists. PLSBRY and iDROP are the featured performers for the upcoming round on Aug. 6.

Elsewhere around Camel City, Myra Maeve is presenting a new sessions residency, select Saturdays at Bamboo Lounge. Meanwhile, Monstercade is home to two multicultural electronic series: the revolving “Cumbia Inferno,” where “all are welcomed and encouraged to get loose on the dance floor” with DJs Toonez, Nätiva and Isaac (the next session is on Aug. 21); and “Dance. Rave. Repeat,” a first Saturday showcase featuring a mix of residents from the Casa Beats Collective (including DJ Lalunamei,) and a curated selection of special guests.

Dedicated to bringing people together through house, techno, and progressive music, the Casa Beats Collective aims to “create a space and vibe where music, culture, and connection come first.”

“We foster spaces that make dance floors welcoming, inclusive, drama-free, and safe for everyone,” they said. “If WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

you’re kind and thoughtful, you belong!

DJ Lalunamei will join the partymakers at Groove Lab (who express a similar ethos while spreading the groove through a balance of residency appearances and special events around the Triad) for their next round on Aug. 22 — the group’s first foray into the world of DnB and UKG – with a takeover served by DJs LushxLotus, chris hex c, and Tay Lively.

Finding a semi-permanent home at Bar Nola in WinstonSalem’s West End neighborhood, Groove Lab has also partnered with the Partly Cloudy party purveyors (and owners of the famed Funktion-One Sound system) to bring all the bass.

The two groups will once again join forces on Sept. 12 for a special fundraising edition of Groove Lab, as they present “A Night for Venezuela,” with special Venezuelan guest artists, Cora b2b Gyro, Dugarte, and Elviss; and all proceeds going to organizations providing relief for earthquake victims in Venezuela.

“Music has always been about bringing people together,” organizers said. “This night is especially meaningful as our lineup features incredible Venezuelan artists coming together to show love for their home country. Let’s fill the dance floor, celebrate Venezuelan culture, and show that our community can come together when it matters most.”

The essence and importance of community resonate through the EDM world.

From the Triad and beyond — coast to coast — all over North Carolina and the globe. United in the pursuit to dance, party, and commune with other human beings. And the Triangle-based creative collective, NO VISA, is highlighting that essence like no other. Inspired by personal experiences with immigration into the United States, founders (and brothers) Alec Lomami and Mike Tambashe, “aim to build a community that sees our geographic and cultural origins as a reason to come together, instead of keeping us apart.”

Operating under the slogan “No immigration paper needed, just a will to dance,” NO VISA aims to be more than a party — as organizers explained, “we strive to be a bridge that shrinks the world through connecting people and ideas. On and off the dance floor, through various mediums of creativity and collaboration.”

Spreading that spirit across the Caro-

linas, NO VISA will make its first appearance in WinstonSalem at D.O.S.E., for a night of nonstop dancing with Lomami and Micky Slicks, on August 15. “Bring your dancing shoes, come cute, and leave ugly,” organizers said. “Expect a genre-globetrotting journey from Amapiano to House, Baile Funk to Gqom, club Music to Juke, and God knows what else.”

In Greensboro, the crew behind Sweat it Out follows a similar notion and will use the last two dates of their 2026 LeBauer Park residency (Aug. 14 and Oct. 9) to affirm that “UNITED we move. connect. SWEAT.” Mid-August is a blockbusting weekend, with Dance From Above returning from its July Siesta by bringing Treee City the Flat Iron on August 15. Working to imbue good vibes, the Greensboro collective remains dedicated to “vitality, joy, and bringing our community closer together through great music;” with that, they also look forward to hosting an official N.C. Folk Fest afterparty, featuring the fabulous Marley Carroll at the Flat Iron on Sept. 19.

“As summer dies down and we ease on into the fall, these are nights you won’t want to miss,” organizers said.

I’m inclined to agree. Praise the DJ and help me decide where to wind up on Aug. 15, y’all.

PLUR! !

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

AUGUST 5-11, 2026 YES! WEEKLY

11

feature

Former housing director sounds off on former employer

W

hen Mi-

chelle Kennedy resigned as Greensboro’s director of Housing & Neighborhood Development, her Ian McDowell separation agreement prohibited her from running in last Contributor year’s city council election.

Kennedy made this disclosure in a recent Facebook post criticizing City Attorney Lora Cubbage’s threat of legal action against activist Jason Hicks. She also criticized City Man-

ager Trey Davis for allowing Cubbage to make that threat.

Kennedy alleges that it was Davis who insisted she agree not to run for city council, on which she served from 2017 until 2021. According to Kennedy, it was Cubbage’s “unprofessional” conduct that inspired her to speak out.

“For a long time, I’ve stayed silent about what I’ve witnessed within the current City of Greensboro administration,” wrote Kennedy in a public Facebook post on July 29.

In it, she condemned Cubbage’s July 9 phone conversation with Hicks, in which Cubbage stated council had given permission to “go after” him. Hicks recorded that conversation and released it to the News & Record, which linked to that audio in a July 28 article.

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In the Facebook post in which Kennedy linked to the recorded exchange, the former housing director called the city attorney’s tirade “a public embarrassment.”

“The language and alleged threats heard are deeply troubling, particularly if they reflect the professional conduct of someone serving in the city’s highest legal position.”

Kennedy was elected as a council member at-large in 2017. Two years later, she unsuccessfully called for an independent investigation of the Greensboro Police Department for the 2018 killing of Marcus Smith. In her deposition during the resulting lawsuit, she said that the city should have fired former Police Chief Wayne Scott for stating Smith had “collapsed in custody” without mentioning the restraint that killed him.

In 2021, six weeks after council rejected her second call to investigate “the culture and practice of the GPD,” she resigned to become director of Housing & Neighborhood Development. Last March, she resigned from that position to become planning and development director for Black Mountain, N.C. In her post last week, Kennedy wrote that her previous silence on this issue wasn’t by choice.

“It was required under the settlement I signed. As part of my $132,000 separation, which taxpayers funded, I was required to agree not to seek a city council seat during the last election. I’ll let people draw their own conclusions about what that says.”

Since then, she wrote, “I’ve seen experienced municipal professionals pushed aside” and “dysfunction, instability, and a growing lack of confidence in city hall.”

She acknowledged she and Hicks have had acrimonious exchanges on social media.

“When someone who has been a critic feels compelled to defend a person they’ve disagreed with as strongly as I’ve disagreed with him, it should make people stop and pay attention. No resident should feel intimidated for exercising their First Amendment rights.”

Last year, Kennedy had no comment

about her departure. In recent texts and Facebook messages, she was more candid.

“There were no grounds to terminate me. I had excellent performance reviews and no personnel issues. I had made formal complaints about city leadership [also public record], and it seems this is the way Trey Davis chose to respond.”

She also alleged negotiations became more difficult once Davis was aware she intended to run for council.

“I told Nasha McCray, who was my supervisor, that I had no intention of continuing to work in a place this toxic and was considering a council run. I believe I said something along the lines of ‘if Trey doesn’t like working with me, he absolutely won’t like it when I’m his boss.’ Suddenly, that became the main talking point in settlement negotiations.”

The separation agreement, which Kennedy provided, includes the stipulation that “Employee agrees not to run for or seek election to the position of Greensboro City Council for ten [10] months from the effective date of this Agreement.”

The only two municipal employees directly hired and managed by Council are the city manager and city attorney.

That clause prevented Kennedy from becoming one of the nine people Davis directly answers to.

Cubbage and Davis have not responded to requests for comment on Cubbage’s warning to Hicks or Kennedy’s criticisms and allegations.

On July 30, the following was posted to the city’s social media pages: “Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter, with city council’s support, released the following official statement today regarding recent news coverage involving a city employee.

‘Greensboro residents have every right to question their government, to criticize its decisions, and to hold its officials accountable. That right is not conditional. Lora Cubbage has given decades to public service, on the bench and in this community. Public service asks a great deal of the people who take WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

Lora Cubbage

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAN, BUG, AND BEAR PHOTOGRAPHY

OPENING GALLERY DOORS

Trey Davis

SUBMITTED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER GREENSBORO

Marikay Abuzuaiter

Michelle Kennedy

it on, and she has answered that call for a long time. I am not going to comment on the specifics of a matter involving a city employee, but what I will say is that this city has an obligation to the people who serve it. When an employee raises a concern about their personal and professional safety, it deserves to be taken seriously.’”

Kennedy called the mayor’s statement “ridiculous.”

“Any individual who has a safety concern can and should address it through appropriate channels. You’d think a legal expert would know that.”

Kennedy also criticized Abuzuaiter for being selective in who she chose to defend and Cubbage for losing her temper.

“Would the city come out with this level of support for a parks and recreation employee or a sanitation worker? Does this level of defense only apply to those at the highest level of leadership? This is the city’s highest ranking attorney and a former judge, whom one would think could handle the pressures of office.”

YES! Weekly has asked Abuzuaiter,

Cubbage, and Davis if the GPD is investigating any alleged threats against the city attorney, either from Hicks or anyone else. As of press time, there has been no response.

Lewis Pitts, the retired civil rights attorney who co-litigated the 1985 settlement that found municipal leadership complicit in the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, offered the following comment: “The events unfolding now are a continuation of a long pattern of the city using intimidation and threats to silence and discredit legitimate criticism. Now, Mayor Abuzuaiter has added a new dimension by claiming the city attorney felt threatened. No details support such concern for personal safety. These are serious breaches of the most fundamental principles of open government.” !

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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.

An exhibition featuring cardboard is changing more than perceptions of an everyday material. It’s changing who walks through the gallery doors.

This summer, The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards set out to answer a simple question: What happens when an exhibition is designed for everyone instead of the traditional gallery audience?

Supported through a Grassroots Multicultural Grant from The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro and the N.C. Arts Council, the exhibition at The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards reimagined what an accessible arts experience could look like.

The “Out of the Box” exhibition paired multicultural artists, bilingual programming, and hands-on experiences to make the gallery more welcoming and accessible.

Since opening in May, the exhibition has welcomed 1,456 visitors, including hundreds of first-time guests, families, educators and residents who had never visited the gallery before.

Recognizing that Guilford County’s growing Hispanic community had been underrepresented among its visitors, the gallery reimagined nearly every aspect of the experience. It translated exhibition panels, class flyers, surveys, and web content into Spanish. It offered bilingual workshops, and community leaders from

the YWCA’s Latino Family Center helped shape outreach efforts.

The impact was immediate. One bilingual workshop attracted an audience that was 57 percent Hispanic. The second reached 87 percent. More than 70 percent of Hispanic attendees said it was their first visit to TAG. The exhibition also sparked moments of discovery. During summer camp, artist Jonathan Vizcuna introduced children to a Crayola marker airbrush. As vibrant colors spread across cardboard, the room fell silent before erupting in excitement.

“It was an amazing reminder of the importance of collaboration and the power of art to inspire joy and wonder among kids and adults,” said Curator Kathryn Drum.

“Out of the Box” launched TAG’s first paid summer artist residency, connected teachers with working artists, and strengthened partnerships with organizations serving Latino families, educators, artists and downtown businesses.

For TAG, the exhibition affirmed a simple idea: when art feels accessible, more people choose to make it part of their lives. !

THE ACGG, in collaboration with High Point Arts Council, administers Grassroots Multicultural Grants that help Guilford County arts organizations create programs celebrating diverse cultures and expanding access to the arts. These grants are funded through the North Carolina Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Program.

AUGUST 5-11, 2026

YES! WEEKLY

13

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 Shane Hart

CARBORRO

CAT’S CRADLE

300 E Main St | 919.967.9053 www.catscradle.com Aug 7: Diggy Graves, Resentvul, Ryan Oakes Aug 7: Jack The Songman, Laura Ivy, Pint Night Aug 11: Kevian Kraemer, Closebye

14 YES! WEEKLY AUGUST 5-11, 2026

DURHAM

CAROLINA THEATRE

309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org Aug 9: The Wallflowers Aug 21: Three Dog Night

GREENSBORO

COMEDY ZONE

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com Aug 7-8: Felipe Esparza Aug 13: La Chupitos

FLAT IRON

221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com Aug 5: Aaron Rizzo + Desmond Myers Aug 8: Hiroya Tsukamoto Aug 8: Irata w/ Gray Young + Nathan Arizona & The New Mexicans Aug 9:Thomas Nicholas w/ Corporate Fandango, William Nesmith

GARAGE TAVERN

5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro Aug 8: Stereo Doll Aug 15: Fabulous Flashbacks Aug 22: Dear Sister

HANGAR 1819

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com Aug 7: Free Flow Wrestling Aug 11: Royal Coda Aug 14: Kawaii Rave Aug 16: Nascar Aloe + Jasiah

THE IDIOT BOX COMEDY CLUB

503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com Aug 6: Rob Coleman

HIGH POINT

GOOFY FOOT TAPROOM 2762 NC-68 #109 | 336.307.2567 www.goofyfoottaproom.com Aug 15: Evan Blackerby

LIBERTY

THE LIBERTY SHOWCASE THEATER

101 S. Fayetteville St | 336.622.3844 www.TheLibertyShowcase.com Aug 7-8: Marty Haggard Aug 22: The Stalter Experience

RALEIGH

CCU MUSIC PARK AT WALNUT CREEK

3801 Rock Quarry Rd | 919.821.4111 www.livenation.com Aug 7: Tim McGraw Aug 14: 5 Seconds of Summer

WINSTON-SALEM

EARL’S

121 West 9th Street | 336.448.0018 www.earlsws.com Mondays: Open Mic Aug 6: Brandon Ross Aug 7: The Kings Aug 8: Kyle Kelly Band Aug 9: Killer Wabbits

FIDDLIN’ FISH BREWING COMPANY 772 Trade St | 336.999.8945 www.fiddlinfish.com Tuesdays: Trivia Aug 7: That 90’s Duo Aug 8: Sam Robinson Band

FOOTHILLS BREWING 638 W 4th St | 336.777.3348 www.foothillsbrewing.com Sundays: Sunday Jazz Thursdays: Trivia Aug 5: Taylor Mason Aug 7: Dana Bearror Aug 8: iNCogNito Aug 9: Sequoia Rose Aug 12: Craig Vaughn

THE RAMKAT

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com Aug 5: NOIDEA Aug 7: Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel Aug 8: Somewhat Petty — Tom Petty Tribute Aug 9: Hege V, Secret Monkey Weekend Aug 14: Marty Stuart

WISE MAN BREWING

826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008 www.wisemanbrewing.com Thursdays: Music Bingo Aug 7: Will Willis Band Aug 15: Drew Foust Aug 22: The Travelers

WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

STARS] last call [SALOME’S Week of August 10, 2026

and merriment dominate at this time. Go ahead and have fun — you’ve earned it!

Meanwhile, don’t be surprised if a LEO is there to share the good times with you.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Believe

in yourself, and your intrepid nature will win out over any lingering timidity that has you wavering over taking a new job. Then go out and celebrate!

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Forget

about people who are ungrateful despite all that you’ve done for them. Reward yourself for being the fine person you are. Buy something wonderful and have fun!

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) Someone you thought had the same warm feelings for you as you do for them suddenly turns cool.

Don’t press for an explanation now; this will come later.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A new path opens as you work your way through a difficult problem. Friends and family will be there to walk with you. Things begin to get brighter soon.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Your need for stability is evident as you face some unsettling choices. Weigh the pros and

cons of each on a one-by-one basis until you know enough to make a decision.

[1. GEOGRAPHY: How many countries

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A family situation continues to tax your patience, but it’s soon resolved. Stay with it. Meanwhile, someone is waiting for you to follow up on some promises.

[2. GAMES: What is a perfect score in a

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to

December 21) A long-awaited career move finally gets started. Meanwhile, a family member’s health problem causes some concern, but a doctor has a reassuring diagnosis.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to

border Argentina? bowling game?

[3. TELEVISION: In the animated series “Family Guy,” what kind of creature is often fighting with Peter?

[4. COMICS: What is the name of Batman’s butler?

[5. FOOD & DRINK: What ingredient

gives the Greek liquor ouzo its distinctive taste?

January 19) A personal relationship will continue to be tense and troubled, until you surprise everyone by making a rare (for you!) first move to smooth things over.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Most folks perceive you as a serious, no-nonsense type. But surprise them by revealing the fun-loving side of yourself.

Meanwhile, an ARIES has romantic ideas!

[6. LITERATURE: What are the names of Nancy Drew’s best friends in the detective novel series?

[7. MOVIES: What brand-name un-

derwear does Marty McFly have in the movie “Back to the Future?”

[8. SCIENCE: What is the Prime Meridian?

[9. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

[10. ASTRONOMY: What is the largest moon of Saturn?

answer 6. Bess and George.

7. Calvin Klein.

8. An imaginary line at 0-degree longitude.

9. New Mexico.

10. Titan.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Music

by Fifi Rodriguez

1. Five: Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil 2. 300.

3. Ernie, the giant chicken.

4. Alfred Pennyworth.

5. Anise.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Someone who knows you to be courageous and generous asks for help in getting through a crisis. Be prepared for some difficulties, but be assured that you’ll overcome them.

[TRIVIA TEST]

© 2026 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A new relationship grows stronger, but don’t be pushed into a commitment before you feel like you’re ready. It’s better to tread water than to dive in over your head.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for balancing fun and function. You also have a deep sense of loyalty that makes you a wonderful friend. © 2026 by King Features Syndicate

TR ASURE The

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