YES! Weekly — August 6, 2025 by YES! Weekly

Ay Mi Madre

5500 Adams Farm Lane Suite 204 Greensboro, NC 27407 O ce 336-316-1231 Fax 336-316-1930

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 and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

3 In May, long-time Little Theatre of Winston-Salem veterans Jim McKeny and Mark March unleashed “ POE ON THE ROCKS,” billed as “A Drunken Poe Experience,” at Joyner’s Bar in Winston-Salem.

4 SHE RIDES SHOTGUN, the screen adaptation of Jordan Harper’s bestselling 2017 novel, is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men , and if it doesn’t quite measure up to the standards of what many consider one of the best films of the 21st century, it is unquestionably one of the best films of the year.

5 AY MI MADRE combines a Latin Fusion Grill concept with music-dance club ambience. Tucked away in the corner of an upscale center, the restaurant opened last year. A large, covered patio in the rear provides outdoor seating. The interior throbs with loud Latin techno music.

8 Currently working with burlap and other unique textiles while planning his third solo fashion show, clothing designer and maker ANWAR ALSTON JR. spoke with YES! Weekly about his career trajectory and future plans.

9 Visit High Point is proud to announce the debut of SAVOR HIGH POINT: Around the World in a Bite, a brand-new international food, drink, and cultural festival taking place on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at the Mendenhall Transportation Terminal in Downtown High Point.

12 Keith Henning is really cooking! The chef has just added THE GATHERING Table Market and Bistro to his growing list of restaurants, which include two Black Powder Smokehouse locations, Black Powder Catering in High Point and the former Miller’s Market in Jamestown (now Kindred Coffee).

A second round of “Poe on the Rocks”

BY MARK BURGER

In May, long-time Little Theatre of Winston-Salem veterans Jim McKeny and Mark March unleashed “Poe on the Rocks,” billed as “A Drunken Poe Experience,” at Joyner’s Bar in WinstonSalem. An ensemble cast of actors interpreted and recited the immortal works of Edgar Allan Poe in a laid-back presentation steeped in the ambience of Poe — with drinks on the side. The event proved so popular that a second round will be served up — this time at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at The Quarter, 112 W. Lewis Street, Greensboro. Tickets are $25 (general admission), $30 (in a booth or comfortable chairs), and $160 (special VIP seating for up to six people) and are available at https://www.eventbrite. com/o/poe-on-the-rocks-109126881121.

McKeny and March will be joined by fellow Little Theatre favorites Brian Joyce, Jessica Ann Perry, and Robyn Shapllo as they celebrate the life and legacy of Poe in inimitable — and sometimes inebriated — fashion. Given the nature of “Poe on the Rocks,” the event is for adults only (21 and over). Audience members are encouraged to get into the swing of things by dressing in costumes to compete for prizes. It’s only ﬁtting given Poe’s notorious fondness for spirits, both on the page and in a tall glass.

The May 8 event at Joyner’s Bar in Winston-Salem proved a rousing success, exceeding all expectations. “We were blown away at the response,” McKeny confirmed. “The support from our friends at The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, both in pre-production and the performance, made all the di erence. We all seemed to agree our expectations were indeed satisfied — and then some. We were gratified that so many friends and family came to the show. We sold out several days before and, as the producer, I’ll say it’s an odd sensation to turn folks away.”

“I can’t say I’m entirely surprised how successful our ﬁrst event was,” Perry said. “We have a strong arts community here in the Triad, and they truly appreciate the gothic and macabre style of Edgar Allan Poe. The evening was a blast — great drinks, incredible audience participation, and an atmosphere that really brought Poe’s story to life. I’ve always

been a fan of Edgar Allan Poe. I’ve read many of his works and, coincidentally, I was in the middle of reading a biography about his life and the mystery surrounding his death when I ﬁrst heard about this project. I was dying to be a part of the show — pun perfectly intended.”

The basic format of “Poe on the Rocks” will essentially be the same at The Quarter, with a few modiﬁcations.

“We’ve changed some of the original material and added a couple of new poems and a selection from ‘The Pit and the Pendulum,’” McKeny said. “Some of the humor needed a tweak here and there. We do improv[ise] a little, and the cast is great with that. As a director, I enjoy it when actors get to explore and invent; it makes the show more lively — especially a piece like ours that’s designed to ﬁt the cabaret style.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with the other actors in my role as marketing director for The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem, but getting to share the stage with them — especially while performing the works of one of my all-time favorite authors — has been an absolute joy,” Perry said.

Might this become an ongoing presentation? “We should have an answer to that after the Greensboro show,” McKeny laughed. “Poe’s work deﬁnitely had legs, which is evidenced by the number of Poe programs touring today, but yes, I think that would be fun.”

“Poe’s works have stood the test of time because people still love a welltold story,” observed Perry. “His writing delivers exactly that: Captivating tales, richly drawn characters, and emotions that are raw, real, and often deliciously dark. We do have a script, and we strive to stay true to Poe’s original words. But there’s also room to play — both with each other and the audience. Given the ‘drunken’ nature of the show, anything can happen! But it’s all in good fun and done in celebration of the master of the macabre.”

When asked if Poe would have approved of “Poe on the Rocks,” McKeny laughed again. “Probably not. He was hypersensitive, and we do take a few liberties. We have many of Poe’s recognizable ‘signature pieces,’ but we throw a bit of adult humor into the mix. There’s a costume contest and winners get gift

cards for The Quarter, then join us for our ﬁnale ‘The Raven,’ which proved a popular element last time. People who come should expect to see a performance drinking game, hence the title, with actors and audience playing together. Bar manager Koco Harding and her team are concocting craft cocktails to make the

night even more entertaining.”

Would Poe himself have imbibed during the performance? “Oh, I think that’s a given!”

For more information, visit https://thequartergso.com/ or call 336-617-4082. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.

NCDOT TO HOLD PUBLIC UPDATE MEETING REGARDING THE PROPOSAL TO GRADE SEPARATE FRANKLIN BOULEVARD AND THE CLOSURE OF O’FERRELL STREET RAIL CROSSING IN GUILFORD COUNTY

STIP Project No. P-5709

GREENSBORO - The N.C. Department of Transportation is hosting a public update meeting on its proposed plan to grade separate Franklin Boulevard and the closure of O’Ferrell Street rail crossing in Guilford County. A grade separation means using a bridge to separate intersecting roads and/or railroads.

The purpose of the project is to remove existing at-grade railroad crossings, provide safety improvements, and improve passenger and freight rail operations along the Piedmont Corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte.

Project details and maps can be found on the NCDOT project web page publicinput. com/franklinblvd-greensboro. The information will be available at the meeting allowing for one-on-one discussions with engineers, but there will be no formal presentation.

The meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on August 12 at Falkener Elementary School, 3931 Naco Road, in Greensboro

Comments received will be noted in the project record, but because the project has advanced beyond the preliminary design stage, no formal response or design revisions are required or expected.

People may also submit comments by phone at 512-580-8850 project code 5688, email franklinblvd-greensboro@publicinput.com, or mail at the address shown below.

By Mail: Christa Greene, PE

NCDOT Senior Rail Project Development Engineer 1553 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1553

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1598, 919-707-6069 or magallagher@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP] NORTH CAROLINA FOLK FESTIVAL

She Rides Shotgun rides high

BY MARK BURGER

SWe all know the N.C. Folk Festival, a staple in Greensboro’s cultural scene. Or do we? Welcoming more than 100,000 people each year, the festival lights up downtown with a stream of performances ranging from bluegrass and blues to Afro-Caribbean rhythms and Indigenous dance. For those who attended last year, you’re familiar with the new footprint that turns Church Street into a music crawl for one weekend. As the N.C. Folk Fest builds on that momentum, they’re making even more space for folk musicians from a smattering of backgrounds. Grab your water bottle and lawn chair, because the 2025 N.C. Folk Festival isn’t your grandma’s folk.

The 2025 festival runs from Sept. 12 to 14 and will be the largest yet: three full days of music across ﬁve stages, over 50 performances, all o ered completely free to the public. Friday night kicks o with Oh He Dead, setting the stage before headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends brings their highenergy funk-soul blend to keep the crowd dancing. Saturday brings 1990s hip-hop icons Arrested Development, with alt-roots acts Dustbowl Revival warming up the stage. The grand ﬁnale on Sunday features North Carolina bluegrass royalty, Steep Canyon Rangers, supported by fellow North Carolinians the Chatham Rabbits. And that’s just

the start. Beyond the headliners, the lineup is ﬁlled with a curated selection of nationally and internationally acclaimed acts.

Everything ﬂows through the Church Street footprint, now welcoming a new ﬁfth stage at The Flat Iron, an air-conditioned retreat to escape the September heat while still soaking up the sounds.

The Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum also jumps into the fun this year with free admission for the weekend, expanding a more robust Family Area. On Saturday afternoon, families can also enjoy a special jam session with The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of the Grateful Dead for Kids at the N.C. By Train Stage in LeBauer Park, perfectly timed with Paw Patrol Live! at the Tanger Center.

Also new in 2025 are N.C. Folk Festival After-Parties featuring surprise sets in local bars and breweries, plus upgraded VIP experiences that o er exclusive perks and prime viewing, all while helping keep the festival free for everyone.

As you plan your weekend, think beyond stages and come ready to ﬁnd “Common Sound” with the people and cultures that make this festival vibrant. No banjo required, the N.C. Folk Festival has something for every type of music lover.

Too excited to wait for September? Get a jump start by checking out the North Carolina Folk Festival’s new yearround programming of local artists: www.ncfolkfestival.com/events. !

he Rides Shotgun, the screen adaptation of Jordan Harper’s best-selling 2017 novel, is reminiscent of No Country for Old Men — both Cormac McCarthy’s 2005 novel and the Coen Brothers’ Oscarwinning 2007 film, and if it doesn’t quite measure up to the standards of what many consider one of the best films of the 21st century, it is unquestionably one of the best films of the year. In a summer laden with reboots, rehashes, and sequels, it’s a potent reminder that they’re still making movies for grown-ups.

Set in and around Santa Fe, the narrative follows Nate McClusky (Taron Egerton), freshly paroled from prison and keenly aware that his ex-wife and her new husband have been slain by “The Steels,” an Aryan faction to which he once belonged. The Steels not only control the drug trade in the region but essentially control the police as well. Nate retrieves estranged daughter Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) from school and goes on the lam, desperately attempting to elude cops and killers alike.

They’re on a road to nowhere, and Nate knows it. For Polly, this will be the end of innocence. For Nate, this will be the end of the line. This is a world rife with betrayal and corruption, one in which no one can be trusted. The melancholia that permeates the proceedings lends She Rides Shotgun a tragic undertone, one that feels genuine and not manufactured for entertainment’s sake.

As Nate and Polly grow closer, so too does John Park (Rob Yang), a diligent detective who eventually tracks them down — not to apprehend them but to compel Nate to inﬁltrate “the meth lab to end all meth labs,” located in a remote, ramshackle, decidedly uninviting region known as “Slabtown.” Park is one of the few characters with any semblance of integrity, yet he’s willing to compromise it for what he perceives to be the greater good.

Director Nick Rowland handles the obligatory action sequences with assurance and aplomb. The ﬁsticu s and shootouts are well-choreographed, and there’s a knockout nighttime car chase that really gets the pulse pounding. But the heart of the ﬁlm is in the relationship between Nate and Polly, which is essentially established over only a few days’ time. Egerton (also a producer) has rarely, if ever, been better, and Heger gives what is simply one of the best performances of the year — one that demands, much less deserves, serious awards consideration come year’s end.

Cinematographer Wyatt Garfield vividly captures the desolation of the landscape and impending, inevitable danger, which Rowland carefully ratchets up throughout the film. She Rides Shotgun could have been trimmed a bit to move things along more quickly, but that’s a minor quibble in what is otherwise a major accomplishment by the filmmakers. The screenplay, by Harper and the duo of Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, is spare and uncompromising while also finding room for some welcome gallows humor. In addition to Heger, Egerton, and Yang, there’s strong work from Odessa A’zion as Nate’s embittered ex-girlfriend from long ago, David Lewis as Park’s patently untrustworthy partner (their final confrontation is white-knuckle time), and John Carroll Lynch as the main villain, Sheri Houser, who doesn’t so much represent the law as twist it to suit his own ends. He’s also quite a twisted character in his own right, and Lynch hasn’t been this flat-out creepy since Zodiac (2007).

It’s only fitting that the final moments belong to Heger’s Polly, attempting to come to terms with where life has taken her and taking a tentative step toward an uncertain but possibly hopeful future. It’s a heartbreaking scene and lingers in the memory long after the end credits have rolled. She Rides Shotgun is, quite simply, first-rate filmmaking. !

SUBMITTED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER GREENSBORO

Avid fans awaiting Los Lonely Boys.

Chow Down with John Batchelor at Ay Mi Madre Latin Grill

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

Ay Mi Madre combines a Latin Fusion Grill concept with music-dance club ambience.

Tucked away in the corner of an upscale center, the restaurant opened last year. A large, covered patio in the rear provides outdoor seating. The interior throbs with loud Latin techno music.

The bar is an important feature. From entry, you pass a large, highly decorated painted arch to the left, which leads to this inner sanctum. Of the drinks my party tried, the Mojito is the one I would reorder — light and refreshing, just right for summer. (Frozen Margarita and Moscow Mule were the others.) The only information provided about wine is generic — “chardonnay,” for example. Lot of beers round out the adult beverage o erings, and they go well with the food, most likely better than wine.

A starter called Choridip turned out to be tasty, but messy. It has the texture of thick soup. It adheres to accompanying tortilla chips, but it’s runny. Bits of chorizo sausage add ﬂavor to the primary cheese taste.

Tacos de Birria (you get three) are ﬁlled with shredded beef, dryish in texture, but pretty tender. The menu used the word “stew,” so we were expecting a softer, moister texture. These taste OK, topped with cilantro leaves and diced onion.

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce is aptly named. The shrimp are large, deveined and fairly tender, swimming in a heavy garlic broth. You’ve got to like garlic to enjoy this, and I do, so I lapped it all up. But it might be a bit strong for a delicate palate.

My wife or I usually order Fajitas in Latin restaurants, first, because we like them, second, because they allow samplings of three proteins, and finally, because of the entertainment factor — delivered sizzling and steaming on a hot platter. The rendition here is comparable to other good restaurants of the genre, the overall flavor impact deepened with red and green bell peppers and onions. Thin beef strips are rather firm, producing moderate beef flavor; chicken breast is more tender and more flavorful; shrimp, tender and tasty. Sides include a small salad, refried beans, and yellow rice.

I was pleased to ﬁnd that the ﬁsh this kitchen uses for the Grilled Fish Filet is mahi mahi. Jerry’s serving was nicely browned, tender, not overcooked, just a simple, naturally tasty treatment. This came with yellow rice and beans, both pleasant.

In the Pizza Birria, we found the tender, moist, richly flavored pulled beef we were expecting in the tacos we had on another night. I was initially reluctant to order this, assuming it was an accommodation item, put on the menu to appease patrons to whom real Latin food did not appeal. Whatever the inspiration, this is really good, a large, soft tortilla filled with tender, richly fla-

vored beef, further enhanced with cheese and onions, plus clipped cilantro.

Chicharron de Pollo is this kitchen’s take on fried chicken. Mostly white meat, bones intact, is moist and tender, the ﬂavor emerging from a very light yet delightfully crisp exterior. This comes with a small salad and tostones — twice-fried plantain slices.

Most entrees come with one or two choices of sides. Fried Yucca is crisp, very mild in ﬂavor. One section of the menu is devoted to Mofongos — roasted and mashed plantains, in various combinations. I chose mini mofongo as a side, just to get acquainted. The texture is similar to refried beans, but milder in ﬂavor. Sweet Plantain slices, fried, on the other hand, are very tasty, somewhat akin to slightly sweet bananas.

I had some di culty on my ﬁrst visit. The website showed the restaurant was open on Monday (and as I write this on Friday, Aug. 1, it still does), closed Tuesday. Guess which night I went. When we came back on Tuesday at 6, only a few other guests were present. When we departed around 7:30, people were just starting to come in, and the DJ was setting up at the end of the dining room. So I get the impression that this place really comes alive later at night and on weekends.

The menu is considerably more upscale relative to other restaurants in a similar genre. Entrée prices can climb into the mid $40s. And part of the menu o ers sushi in multiple conﬁgurations.

“Ay mi madre” translates “Oh, my mother,” a col-

loquialism that usually expresses surprise, but it could also be a tribute, I guess, to Latin family-style cooking. Either interpretation works, in reﬂection, when applied to this restaurant. It is indeed surprising, in a pleasant way. !

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?

Ay Mi Madre Latin Grill 1614 Highwoods Blvd Greensboro 27410 336-938-0039 aymimadregrill.com

Hours: 4-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday & Saturday; 2 p.m.-12 a.m. Sunday

Appetizers: $10.99-$26.99

Sushi rolls: $15.99-$21.99

Bowls: $18.99-$23.99

Entrees: $15.99-$45.99

Desserts: $6.99-$8.99

Most recent visit: July 27

Fried Yucca, Mini Mofongo

Tacos de Birria Fajitas

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce

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ACROSS

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Moves joltingly up and down

Repetition of a process

#1 hit for the Jackson 5

Clickers for couch potatoes

Letter before omega

Irene of “Fame”

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Clothing is a journey of self-expression for designer

Currently working with burlap and other unique textiles while planning his third solo fashion show, clothing designer and maker Anwar Alston Jr. spoke with YES! Weekly about his career trajectory and future plans.

“I started sewing as a teenager. I wanted my jeans to go over my shoes like a dancer’s, and learned from my mother and grandmother how to cut and stitch the hem.”

Born and raised in the northeast Greensboro community of Ray Warren Homes, Anwar grew up surrounded by vibrant, artistic self-expression.

“That neighborhood shaped me into who I am. I probably wouldn’t be talking to you now if I wasn’t part of that. Everybody over there was into music and involved in some sort of self-expression, like art and fashion. I was all into the arts. I grew up with the Boys and Girls Club, and we had a drum line. I was a drum major, so I was always dancing, too.”

A pair of jeans his father gave him for Christmas inspired him to become both a seamstress and a fashion bootlegger.

“My dad gave me some really nice Gap denim jeans, but I didn’t want to wear them because they were too baggy. So, I went on YouTube and I learned how to make them skinny and how to tailor, and then I started bootlegging clothes because everything was so damn expensive.”

According to Thrifted.com, “what sets fashion bootlegging apart from fake or counterfeit clothing is that bootleg clothing isn’t necessarily a perfect replica of an existing product, and may use a brand’s logo or identity to create something distinctively di erent from how the brand would typically position itself.” New York designer Daniel R. Day, known as Dapper Dan, has described bootlegging as “knocking up, not knocking o .”

Anwar Jr. recalls making the most of any garment that came his way and how his friend Marcus encouraged him to create his line. “I was using Walmart clothing and just transforming it into stu that was much more expensivelooking. Marcus and I titled it the PLS Collection. Just like Dapper Dan, bootlegging is where it all started for me.”

Viewing himself as his best advertiser by wearing his own designs in public, he sees his creations as their own conversation pieces. While his distinct type of brand networking has been successful, it does come with a few caveats.

“I’m not really into it for the money, although I do take private commissions and don’t turn down o ers, I’m trying to grab clients, not serve the mass public, so I do a lot of custom pieces. When it’s mass-produced, I think it takes away from the actual meaning of it.”

He also believes that a designer should be more familiar with a needle and thread than a digital pen.

“Most up-and-coming designers will use a digital pen, which I don’t think di erentiates anybody from anything. Most designers grab a manufacturer because it’s less work

and the quality is amazing, but I think all designers should at least know how to work a needle and thread.”

Anwar Jr., whose pronouns are he/they, is proud to call themself a seamstress.

“I lead with ‘I’m a seamstress and also a designer.’ People always like to correct me and say, ‘you’re a seamster,’ and I say, absolutely not. It doesn’t sound grammatically right. I’m not a big gender role type of guy. Even when I have a traditional side, there are just certain things I don’t want to change.”

He doesn’t like to call himself a tailor.

“A tailor may make things, but they do mostly alterations. I keep that term seamstress because they not only know how to tailor, they know how to make clothes, patterns, and create.”

Family and friendship have shaped Anwar Jr.’s creative journey. “My whole family couldn’t dress anything but well and with selfexpression. It was a nice push.”

Along with their friend Marcus, who encouraged their ﬁrst foray into bootlegging, their big brother Shy has been a huge inﬂuence.

“Shy was creative, positive, and severely popular. He made his own t-shirts. It was really great seeing my big brother set the foundation that you could be your own boss.”

Anwar Jr. is seeking a location for a fashion show planned for the last week of February 2026, to follow Triad Fashion Week. They will be gearing up for a virtual casting call, the details of which will be announced next month on their Instagram account 1freearchive. !

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.

Ian McDowell

Contributor

Anwar Jr.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANWAR JR.

Visit High Point Launches

Visit High Point is proud to announce the debut of Savor High Point: Around the World in a Bite, a brand-new international food, drink, and cultural festival taking place on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at the Mendenhall Transportation Terminal in Downtown High Point.

Designed for locals and visitors alike, this immersive event o ers a one-day passport to global ﬂavors, performances, and cultural experiences. From sizzling street eats to artisan vendors, live music, family-friendly fun, and a one-of-a-kind sensory spice market, Savor High Point is set to become a signature celebration of diversity and ﬂavor in the Triad.

“Savor High Point brings people together in a way that feels both exciting and meaningful,” said Dana East, Director of Event Strategy at Visit High Point. “It’s a chance to experience the richness of global cultures through food, music, and shared experiences, all right here in the heart of High Point.”

Event highlights include:

• A Global Food Village featuring 30+ food trucks and vendors serving international cuisine and desserts

• Tasting Ticket Packages for small-bite samplings from multiple vendors

• Live cultural performances, including dance and music from around the globe

• Craft Beverage Bars o ering international beer, wine, and cocktail experiences

• The HIIPE Sensory Experience, where guests can build their own spice blends and plant fresh herbs

• A curated Retail and Artisan Market showcasing international-inspired goods

• A Global Tasting Tour hosted by local favorite Uncle Cheesecake

• Interactive Kids Zone with inﬂatables, games, face painting, and a sensoryfriendly space

• VIP Lounge featuring exclusive perks and event merch, including a signature event scent

General admission is free and open to the public. VIP packages and tasting ticket bundles are available for purchase online and on-site, o ering guests an enhanced festival experience. For more information and updates, visit https://www.savorhighpoint.com/. !

VISIT HIGH POINT is the o cial destination management and marketing organization that positions High Point as a vibrant destination that visitors will enjoy, and locals will want to promote. Our vision is to leverage High Point’s reputation as the Home Furnishings Capital of the WorldTM and the home of a world-class University to further the evolution of High Point as a unique destination. While the focus is to increase economic impact by providing ﬁrst-class service to our visitors and meeting planners, Visit High Point also works to develop our city as a year-round destination that is competitive in the marketplace, generating more brand ambassadors and fans. We want each visitor to make yourself at home in High Point, N.C. Established by state legislation in 1984, Visit High Point, a non-proﬁt 501 c 6 organization, is funded by a self-imposed three percent room occupancy tax on local hotels. No taxpayer funds — city, county, or state — are used to fund Visit High Point. The Visitor Center is located at 515 West English Road, Suite 101-A, High Point, N.C. 27262. For more information, visit www. visithighpoint.com.

Natalie Garcia

The Gathering Table opens its doors at FLS

BY CAROL BROOKS | Cab1hp@gmail.com

Keith Henning is really cooking! The chef has just added The Gathering Table Market and Bistro to his growing list of restaurants, which include two Black Powder Smokehouse locations, Black Powder Catering in High Point and the former Miller’s Market in Jamestown (now Kindred Coffee). The restaurant opened July 17 at Furnitureland South.

If that is not enough to keep him busy, Henning is also participating in the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association‘s Chef Showdown. This is his fourth year and he has been a finalist all four years. This year’s finals took place Aug. 4.

When the opportunity to open The Gathering Table in the former Subway location at Furnitureland South, he

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GATHERING TABLE The dining room and serving area at The Gathering Table.

jumped at the chance with partner Patricia Cote, who is also the general manager of Black Powder. Subway closed in early 2024.

“The Harrises contacted me in November,” Henning said, referring to Jason and Jeff Harris, owners of Furnitureland South. “The brothers wanted something a little more upscale to match the shoppers who came here from all over the country. Furnitureland South came up with the name, which is appropriate for a furniture store.

“The average shopper [at FLS] is here five hours. At some time during that time you’re going to get hungry. Having it here where they don’t have to go off site really complements the sales team.”

At The Gathering Table you still go up to a counter to order, but the menu is quite different from a sub shop.

“We are farm-to-table with mostly North Carolina grown products,” Henning said of the gourmet sandwiches, salads and desserts. The connections he has made at the NCRLA Chef Showdown has helped him meet locally-sourced suppliers.

the Shabby Chic made with forest mushrooms, truffle salt, gruyere cheese, arugula and cashew crème fraiche.

The interior has been completely remodeled for the Bistro, which can be entered from the furniture store or parking lot. There is also an outdoor dining patio.

“[Furnitureland South] turned their designers loose and came up with this beautiful space,” Henning said.

said, adding there is a banquet space that seats 40-50. Many of FLS’s 600 employees have begun eating lunch at the Gathering Table.

“Our biggest challenge here is that we’re so removed. If you’re not here furniture shopping it will have to be a destination you want to go to. People will do that if the food is good. Furnitureland South has an entire marketing team so we hope to really start pushing it.

“The Gathering Table is all about the experience,” reads the menu. “For us food isn’t just a meal – it’s a story. Our story is rooted in elevated farm-to-table cuisine, crafted with care and attention. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’re welcomed by the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread.

“We’re proud to showcase the best of North Carolina-fresh seasonal ingredients served in a space that feels both refined and relaxed.”

A few items from the menu show a Farmhouse Chic Salad crafted with house-made chicken salad, cucumbers, cranberries and brown sugar pecans on a sourdough crostini and the Provençal sandwich (Henning s favorite) with shaved San Guiseppe ham, gruyere cheese and herb butter served on a baguette or sprouted grain focaccia. Inspired flatbreads include

While the menu is more upscale than before, the prices are comparable to similar restaurants. An average check is $13-15.

All bread is baked fresh daily at the Bistro.

“We use sprouted grains and non-GMO organic flour,” he said of the bread ingredients.

“We’re open for lunch and available for meetings, Bible study groups, club meetings and more,” Henning

Look for the grand opening coming later in August. The Gathering Table is located at Furnitureland South, 5635 Riverdale Road in Jamestown. Use the first driveway off Bus. I-85 or the second one off Riverdale Road and follow the signs. The Bistro is open 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday but the Market is open until 5 p.m. for prepared foods and shopping for North Carolina products.

The website is www.tgtbl.com. Call 336-822-3005 to order online. !

CHARLOTTE

BOJANGLES COLISEUM

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600

www.boplex.com

Aug 12-17: The Book of Mormon

Aug 22: Travis Tritt

Aug 23: Beres Hammond & Friends

Aug 26 Brit Floyd

Aug 28-31: Cirque du Soleil

THE FILLMORE

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970

www.livenation.com

Aug 7: Peyton Vs. Cam World Tour

Aug 8: Blind Melon

Aug 12: The Struts

Aug 14: Oscar Maydon

Aug 16: Nonpoint

HOME GROWN MUSIC SCENE | Compiled by Shane Hart

PNC MUSIC PAVILION

707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292

www.livenation.com

Aug 6: Volbeat, Halestorm & The Ghost Inside

Aug 8: Neil Young

Aug 9: Dierks Bentley, Zach Top & The Band Loula

CLEMMONS

VILLAGE SQUARE TAP HOUSE

6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct | 336.448.5330 www.facebook.com/vstaphouse

Aug 7: Anna Mertson

Aug 8: Astrocat

Aug 9: Travis Grubb & the Stoned Rangers

DURHAM

CAROLINA THEATRE

309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org

Aug 8: Scott Bradlee

Aug 9: Durham Raga Revival

Aug 11: Chris Isaak

GREENSBORO

COMEDY ZONE

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com

Aug 8-9: Dave Landau

Aug 9: Mike Goodwin

Aug 15: The Christi Show

Aug 16: Alfred Robles

FLAT IRON

221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.ﬂatirongso.com

Aug 7: Chrishawn Darby & Chicken Grease

Aug 8: Blue Cactus w/ Fancy Gap

Aug 9: Big Fur w/ fescue

Aug 10: Aaron Irvin Trio

Aug 11: Renee Gros + Drew Faust

Aug 12: Chloe White w/ Too Phat Brass Band

GARAGE TAVERN

5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro

Aug 8: Diamond Edge Band

Aug 9: RetroVinyl

Aug 10: Big Bump

Aug 15: Mighty Fairlanes

GRAPES & GRAINS

2001 Yanceyville St | 336.601.9292 www.grapesandgrainstavern.com

Aug 8: The Alchemist Band

Aug 9: Emily Facchine and Ian Richardson

Aug 15: Tom Troyer Songwriter Listening Series

Aug 16: Daniel Delorenzo and Doug Largent Duo

HANGAR 1819

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com

Aug 9: Ocean Sleeper

Aug 16: Filth w/ Dying Oath, Screwed Ends, Two Stroke Smoke, In Memory

HIGH

POINT 1614 DMB 1614 N Main St | 336.883.4113 https://www.1614drinksmusicbilliards. com/

Aug 14: Dwarfanators Aug 16: O The Record

www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestown/ Aug 8: Jukebox Revolver

Aug 9: Radio Revolver

Aug 10: Camel City Yacht Club

Tuesdays: Trivia

Aug 8: Elusive Groove

Aug 15: Jason Bunch THE RAMKAT

W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com

Aug 7: Couldn’t Be Happiers, Mandi Strachota

Aug 9: Cosmic Charlie

Aug 14: NoiDEA

Aug 15: Pageant, Sweet Desire

[SALOME’S STARS]

Week of August 15, 2025

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A more harmonious aspect favors all relationships. Family ties with mates and children are strengthened. LIBRA is Cupid’s choice to win the amorous Arian’s heart.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The bold Bull is ready to take on fresh challenges. Expect some opposition as you plough up new ground, but supporters will outnumber detractors.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) An upcoming job change could mean uprooting your family to a far-distant location. Weigh all considerations carefully before making a decision one way or the other.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A longstanding problem is resolved by a mutually agreed upon compromise. You can now focus on getting the facts you’ll need for a decision that you’ll soon be asked to make.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big Cat needs to be wary of what appears to be a golden investment opportunity. This “sure thing” could turn out to be nothing more than a sack of kitty litter.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You give of yourself generously to help others, but right now, you must allow people to help you. Conﬁde your problems to family and trusted friends.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Relationships beneﬁt from a strong harmonious aspect. Things also go more smoothly at work. Someone you thought you’d never

see again asks for a reconciliation.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A minor distraction interferes with travel plans, but the delay is temporary. Meanwhile, expect to play peacemaker once again for feuding family members.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Keep positive momentum going on the home front. Arrange your schedule to spend more time with your family. You’ll soon have news about a certain job change.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Control your possessive tendency that sometimes goads you into an unnecessary display of jealousy. You could be creating problems where none currently exist.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A new project holds some challenges that you hadn’t expected. But don’t be discouraged; you’ll ﬁnd that you’re more prepared to deal with them than you realized.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Yours is the sign of the celestial chemist, so don’t be surprised if you experience a pleasant “chemistry” betwixt yourself and a new LEO in your life.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You enjoy being fussed over, as beﬁts your “royal” LEOnine nature. You also have a strong loyalty to family and friends.