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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. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2025 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

POET LAUREATE 3

It’s official: The RiverRun International Film Festival has announced the hiring of MICHAEL C. MORIN as its new executive director, succeeding Rob Davis, who retired last December. 4 As we celebrate this holiday season, let’s not forget that there are people beyond our immediate circle of family and friends who are suffering, and could benefit from our LOVE AND GENEROSITY. 5 Given the critical acclaim it has already reaped, to say nothing of a standing ovation at this year’s Cannes Film Festival that lasted nearly 20 minutes, director/executive producer Joachim Trier’s intimate family drama SENTIMENTAL VALUE (originally titled Affeksjonsverdi) is a prime Oscar contender. 7 HAKKACHOW creates its name by blending the Chinese “Hakka” with the American slang “chow.” The cuisine here, according to the website, blends Chinese and Sushi traditions “with a touch of Hakka magic.” 8 “It may not always be about the poems,” said JOSEPHUS THOMPSON III about the end of his tenure as Greensboro’s first Poet Laureate. “It may be about the opportunities you give to share your gifts with other people. It’s been a great ride to be the first in this space.” 11 The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is proud to bring Broadway to Winston-Salem with a powerhouse weekend featuring Broadway star ANTHONY WAYNE in both performance and education. 12 Every week, Second Harvest Food Bank delivers 35 to 40 tons of food to pantries across Northwestern North Carolina, including between 400 and 500 pounds to the SPARTAN OPEN PANTRY (SOP), located on UNC Greensboro’s campus. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

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Meet Michael Morin, RiverRun’s new executive director

t’s official: The RiverRun International Film Festival has announced the hiring of Michael C. Morin as its new executive director, succeeding Rob Mark Burger Davis, who retired last December. Morin was previContributor ously the producer for the Slamdance Film Festival, which, under his leadership, achieved record-breaking ticket sales, expanded hybrid programming, and launched such revenue streams as Slamdance Channel VOD. Last month, MovieMaker magazine selected Slamdance as one of the top 25 “coolest film festivals in the world.” “We’re thrilled Michael is joining us as executive director,” said Denise Gunter, RiverRun’s board chair. “Michael’s film festival experience is deep and varied, and we believe that he is the right person to lead RiverRun forward. Michael is building on a strong foundation established by Dale Pollock, who brought RiverRun to Winston-Salem, our previous executive directors, our outstanding staff and volunteers, and our dedicated board.” Despite never having attended the festival in the past, Morin was certainly familiar with its reputation. “I have heard of RiverRun as I’ve been a resident of North Carolina for the last four years,” he said. “I have also encountered filmmakers who have attended the festival and shown films there. One in particular is a Slamdance Unstoppable Jury Prize & Audience Award winner, Good Bad Things, in 2024. The director Shane D. Stanger mentioned the film playing there and that they had a wonderful experience. Something that I was aware of has proven true since accepting the position is RiverRun’s stability and commitment to the arts and independent filmmaking. “Something that immediately drew me in was the opportunity to step in and lead a festival rooted in the state I call home — North Carolina,” Morin continued. “After my time at Slamdance, WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

it was important to me to join an organization where I could live and work in the community while making a meaningful impact and helping to shape its future. I’m eager to bring the ‘filmmaker first’ principles I learned at Slamdance to a regional festival, especially because regional festivals play such a vital role in shaping both the social and industry landscape. At a moment when filmmakers are searching for authentic ways to reach their audiences, providing a space with such a diverse and dynamic community felt essential. I had no hesitation. My hope is to take an already strong festival and grow it into something truly distinctive, something filmmakers and the industry can’t ignore, while expanding and deepening our connection to and making it accessible for the local community.” Morin, a graduate of the Los Angeles Film School, began his career as an executive and writing assistant for the acclaimed filmmaker, contributing to Russell’s Oscar-winning films The Fighter (2010) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012). In addition to his Slamdance stint, Morin has produced, coordinated, and managed more than two dozen productions encompassing films, television, commercials, and music videos. He also wrote the story for the 2024 Hallmark holiday drama This Time Each Year. Morin is also pleased to be working alongside the talented, experienced RiverRun team. “Through the interview process, I was able to spend ample time with many of the people involved with the festival, from the staff to its board members,” he said. “Coming in as a new executive director, it was very reassuring to see how active, constructive, and supportive RiverRun’s board members were. This was a big contributing factor in choosing RiverRun. I have yet to meet the entire team, but the ones I have thus far are all exceptional at their jobs. What draws me most to RiverRun is its deep community involvement and commitment to education,” he added. “Throughout my career, I’ve priori-

tionships would translate seamlessly into RiverRun’s collaborative ecosystem. Regional festivals like RiverRun are uniquely positioned to inspire dialogue, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the communities they serve. With deep industry experience and a genuine passion for building transformative artistic spaces. I’m committed to working collaboratively across the region to ensure RiverRun grows Michael Morin boldly and vibrantly in the years ahead.” The 28th annual RiverRun Internatized inclusive programming, industry tional Film Festival is scheduled for engagement, and artist-first prinApril 17-25, 2026. The official website is ciples — strengthening local ties while https://riverrunfilm.com/. ! maintaining a global reach. My experience managing multi-format festivals, supervising diverse staff and volunteers, See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © and launching long-term sponsor rela2025, Mark Burger. PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVERRUN

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Plenty of Ways to Give this Holiday Season BY JIM LONGWORTH

s we celebrate this holiday season, let’s not forget that there are people beyond our immediate circle of family and friends who are suffering, and could benefit from our love and generosity. Over the past two decades, I’ve been able to showcase scores of community organizations on my Triad Today television show, and in the process, I’ve learned that there are several ways we can help these agencies help others. The first is to donate goods. Second is to donate money. Third is to donate our time. Of course, some nonprofit groups can benefit from all three types of giving. Here, in no particular order, are just a few organizations to which you might lend your support.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF NORTHWEST N.C.

Even prior to the pandemic, the Pied-

mont Triad had one of the worst food insecurity problems in the nation, and that included the problem of childhood hunger. Now, with thousands more of our neighbors in need, the problem has worsened, including for children. To help alleviate the hunger problem, Second Harvest Food Bank has stepped up its efforts to distribute food to nonprofit agencies that feed hungry people in an 18-county area. The food bank has also partnered with a number of area companies to provide meals for kids. You can write a check directly to the food bank, or you can drop off non-perishable food items at a number of locations in our area. For more information, call 336-7845770 or visit www.secondharvestnwnc. org.

CANCER SERVICES, INC

Their stated mission is “to enhance quality of life for those living with cancer, and to provide the gift of life

through education.” Their services include patient advocacy, financial assistance, providing equipment and supplies, offering peer support groups, and much more. Ninety percent of funds donated to Cancer Services, Inc. goes directly to providing client services. In addition to money, you can also donate used equipment and supplies. Call 336-760-9983 or visit www.cancerservicesonline.org.

GREENSBORO URBAN MINISTRY

is on the front lines when it comes to providing emergency assistance. Greensboro Urban Ministry provides homeless families in Guilford County a safe, temporary environment. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve meals, manage shelters, tutor children, and perform a variety of other duties. Monetary donations are also much appreciated. Call 336-271-5959 or visit www.greensborourbanministry.org.

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is a nonprofit agency that serves an 18-county area in North Carolina and Virginia, and provides personalized care for patients at the end of life, as well as comfort to families. Mountain Valley Hospice has offices throughout the region and operates two hospice homes. They also specialize in care for terminally ill children and veterans, and

Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician w/ Cone Health (Greensboro/Burlington, NC) Provide pro mdl care to patients, incl diagnostic & treatment care for patients w/ pulmonary & critical care conditions within outpatient/inpatient settings. Reqs MD, DO, or equiv mdl deg., Residency or Fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine; NC Physician License; DEA Registration; Board Certified/Board Eligible in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine. Resumes to: Keith Sarich at keith.sarich@conehealth.com. EOE

offer grief support for kids and adults. To give money or inquire about volunteering, call 1-888 789-2922 or visit www. mtnvalleyhospice.org.

PETTY FAMILY FOUNDATION

NASCAR legend Richard Petty and his family support a number of charitable organizations, including Paralyzed Veterans of America and Victory Junction Camp, the latter of which provides an uplifting experience for children with severe disabilities and terminal illnesses. To make a donation or learn more, visit www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org.

SHIFT_ED provides qualified students with college scholarships, and much more. Shift_ed also provides students with support services that are designed to help them be successful in life. Their equity-based program begins in kindergarten and includes everything from tutoring to career counseling. Shift_ed relies in part upon donations from companies and individuals. To learn more about scholarships or to make a donation, visit www.shift-ed.org. CAROLINA DONOR SERVICES AND RED CROSS

There can be no greater gift at this holiday season than the gift of life, and that’s why you might consider donating blood and signing a donor card. Either gesture requires only a few minutes of your time, and will almost certainly result in saving someone’s life in the future. You can reach Carolina Donor Services at 1-800 200-2672, or at www. carolinadonorservices.org. You can call the Red Cross at 336-333-2111 or reach them via the Internet at www.redcross. org. Please remember that your donations of time, money, or goods to area community organizations are vitally important, not just now, but throughout the coming year. It is also a way for us to expand the circle of people we care about, and that’s something worth celebrating in this season of giving. ! JIM LONGWORTH is the host of Triad Today, airing on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on ABC45 (cable channel 7) and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WMYV (cable channel 15) and streaming on WFMY+.

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Strong performances keep Trier’s latest on track BY MARK BURGER

iven the critical acclaim it has already reaped, to say nothing of a standing ovation at this year’s Cannes Film Festival that lasted nearly 20 minutes, director/executive producer Joachim Trier’s intimate family drama Sentimental Value (originally titled Affeksjonsverdi) is a prime Oscar contender. It addresses issues that anyone can identify with and is populated by characters haunted by the past while striving toward happiness in the present, albeit with mixed results. Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) are the daughters of Gustav Borg (executive producer Stellan Skarsgard), a once-famous filmmaker who hasn’t made a film in almost 20 years. The three reunite upon the death of Gustav’s ex-wife, a psychotherapist who essentially raised the girls on her own while the jet-setting Gustav was establishing his career. It’s a tentative, tenuous reconciliation. Nora, an actress (primarily stage and television), is less inclined to be friendly toward Gustav, while Agnes, a married historian with a young son, seems more predisposed toward forgiveness. Whether or not Gustav’s intentions are entirely sincere comes into question when he proposes to make a semi-autobiographical film about his mother, who was a member of the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II and later hanged herself in the house where Nora and Agnes grew up. When he offers the pivotal role to Nora, she flatly refuses, suspecting that his principal intention is less about making amends than resurrecting his floundering career. Sentimental Value marks the third screen collaboration between Trier and Riensve, who made her feature debut in his 2011 drama Oslo, August 31, and worked again with him a decade later in The Worst Person in the World. All three WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

films were scripted by Trier and Eskil Vogt, and the role of Nora was specifically written with Reinsve in mind. She, along with Lilleaas and Skarsgard, has received much of the praise the film has received, and it’s hardly undeserved. The tension between them is palpable as they wrestle with themselves — and each other. Elle Fanning plays Rachel Kemp, an American star so taken with Gustav’s work that she signs onto his project, which immediately gets a green light from Netflix as a result — and which yields some well-placed jabs at the minutiae of modern moviemaking. She also provides a stand-in for the audience, as she’s an outsider looking in at the inner workings of the Borg family. It’s a bit surprising that Fanning’s performance has been somewhat overlooked, as she plays Rachel with complete sincerity. She’s not some headline-grabbing celebrity but a committed actress looking to get out of her comfort zone. Her last scene with Skarsgard is one of the best-played scenes she’s ever had in her career, and she’s a major asset here. Given the dysfunctional family dynamic and its region of origin, Sentimental Value has distinct echoes of Ingmar Bergman, right down to languid scenes of characters pensively considering their positions and options. Sometimes it’s effective, but others it feels like unnecessary padding. That said, Trier has still fashioned an emotionally affecting portrait of a family in transition, perhaps reaching toward reconciliation or perhaps severing relationships once and for all. A few trims here and there might have sharpened the film’s overall impact, but all told, this is a finely crafted drama that’s about sentiment but never lapses into easy sentimentality. (In English, Norwegian, and Swedish with English subtitles) ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.

[WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT RETURNS TO KÖRNER’S FOLLY SUBMITTED BY SUZANNA RITZ MALLIETT Few places in the Triad capture the magic of the holiday season quite like Körner’s Folly, and on Saturday, Dec. 20, the historic Kernersville landmark will glow once again for its beloved Christmas by Candlelight evening in collaboration with Kernersville Little Theatre. Built in 1880 by artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner, the 22-room house museum includes winding staircases, unexpected architectural elements, and richly detailed interiors. During Christmas by Candlelight, these features are illuminated softly by candlelight and period-inspired décor, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors to Christmas in the Victorian era. From 5 to 9 p.m., visitors are invited to explore the home at their own pace while encountering costumed actors stationed throughout the fascinating rooms. KLT’s carolers will fill the air with holiday harmonies, while passages from “A Visit from St. Nicholas” will bring storytelling to life in Cupid’s Park Theatre on the third floor. The evening concludes with festive cheer and warm hospitality in the John & Bobbie Wolfe Visitors Center, where guests enjoy hot apple cider and traditional Moravian cookies. Christmas by Candlelight is popular with first-time visitors to the landmark home as well as longtime fans of Körner’s Folly eager to see the house in its most enchanting light. For those unable to attend the evening event on Dec. 20, or who simply want to return, holiday visitors can also experience the house during regular daytime tours taking place through Jan. 3, 2026. Each year, volunteer decorators transform the entire home into a Christmas wonderland with elaborate decorations inspired by the Victorian era plus a particular theme. This year, “An Artful Christmas” décor is drawn from works of art created

during Körner’s Folly’s interpretive period, 1890-1910, including paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt, Mucha, and more. The holiday season at Körner’s Folly invites guests to explore the elaborately decorated home at their own pace while learning about the artistic legacy of Jule Körner and the stories of the Körner family. Seasonal décor complements the home’s original artwork, furnishings, and ornamental moldings and plasterwork, offering a unique peek into Körner’s vision of the house as a residence, a community gathering place, and a living interior design portfolio. !

WANNA go? Self-guided tours are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3 p.m. (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Tickets may be purchased online at www. kornersfolly.org or onsite at the visitors center, located at 401 S. Main St., Kernersville. For accessibility information and other questions, reach out to brittany@kornersfolly.org or call (336) 996-7922.

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Chow Down with John Batchelor at Hakkachow BY JOHN BATCHELOR

akkachow creates its name by blending the Chinese “Hakka” with the American slang “chow.” Hakka people are known for their migrations originating in northern China, expanding throughout Asia. The cuisine here, according to the website, blends Chinese and Sushi traditions “with a touch of Hakka magic.” The owners trace their culinary roots to Kolkata, India. “Born into a humble household, their journey unfolded with a dream of a better life. Fate led them to the bustling city of Hamburg, Germany, where they spent three decades … operat[ing] two successful restaurants … .” They relocated to Winston-Salem on the recommendation of family. Owner Carolyn Lee (maiden name) is a sister of Freddy and Terry Lee, who own several of the city’s best restaurants (including Bernardin’s, Bleu, Cibo Trattoria, and The Spotted Cow). She visits every table to ensure customer satisfaction. The interior at Hakkachow is striking, with vibrant red lighting glowing overhead and large statuary gazing around the tables — an upscale, modern, sleek look. The kitchen is open to the rear. Servers use a touch pad system, which I gather communicates to food preparers. Selections come out promptly, albeit on the busy Saturday night of my last visit, a good bit ahead of bar deliveries. On a more sedate weeknight, everything was well-paced. Curry Coconut is one of several soups available stand alone or as sides. Coconut curry broth is studded with bites of chicken, swirled with spinach, WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

lemongrass, and scallions. The flavor is lush, so good, in fact, my wife ordered a large takeout portion to have later in the week. Large Hakka Zen Shrimp are lightly battered and fried, tossed in the kitchen’s signature spicy aioli sauce. The flavor is assertive, but not excessively so, and the sweetish blend from the aioli cuts heat. A solid winner. The kitchen marinates ground Wagyu beef in soy sauce to flavor Kobe Beef Dumplings, augmented with shitake mushrooms, scallions, and sweet potato noodles. These can be ordered softsteamed or fried crisp. Our accommodating server suggested half and half, and we enjoyed both treatments. A soyginger dipping sauce and a red Korean hot sauce are provided alongside. Both lend another flavor dimension without obscuring the excellent taste of the beef itself. A large segment of the menu is devoted to familiar Chinese dishes, but I would add that they are prepared with better quality ingredients than I am accustomed to finding in Triad Chinese restaurants. Singapore Noodles combine thin rice noodles, wok stir-fried, with chicken and shrimp in light curry spice with egg, onions, carrots, green onions, and bean sprouts. Strands of carrots peek through the noodles. The shrimp are large, deveined, and tender, the chicken pleasantly fresh-tasting. Kung Pao Shrimp (chicken is available, too) are stir-fried with roasted chili, peanuts, onions, mushrooms, carrots, green peppers, and zucchini. The mushroom and peanut flavors provide the initial impact, followed by the shrimp and

onions, in the fairly hot-spicy sauce. This blends well with rice, especially brown rice (IMHO). Seoul Fire Chicken Rice Bowl brings a Korean-style to the preparation. Lightly battered chicken breast is tossed in a Korean chili sauce with broccoli, all combined with green onions, sesame seeds, plus shredded, melted cheese sprinkled over the top. The chicken itself bears a pleasant crust. The chili sauce tends toward sweetish-spicy. Panko Crusted Peanut Chicken uses fairly large cuts of breast meat, drizzled with a homemade peanut-sesame sauce. That sauce is killer. This is served on a bed of fresh stir-fried mixed vegetables, broccoli predominating. Again, the sauce blends really well with rice. Mongolian Beef gets a sweet, soy glaze. It is wok-seared with green onions and white onions, plated over crispy rice noodles. Our server suggested adding broccoli, a good idea. The beef itself earned praise for tenderness as well as solid depth of flavor. A large, separate list of Nigiri, Sashimi, and Sushi selections is provided in addition to the predominantly Chinese menu. These range from single portions (consider a range of several) to elaborate constructions, all clearly identified as raw or cooked. I chose the Sushi Tower, which layers a large portion of imitation crab salad over a cylinder of sushi rice drizzled with eel sauce, plus spicy tuna and avocado, all built into a vertical structure. This is decorated with crunchy crushed wontons, crispy shallots, and spicy mayonnaise. The flavors are layered and complex, but the crab salad predominates. Next time, I’ll go for one of the rolls.

No one will leave here hungry. My wife cleaned her plate one time, but we and our guests took home leftovers from all the other servings. We were too full to try any desserts. On reflection, Hakkachow has become my top-ranked restaurant for full-service Chinese. One word of warning — if you are driving from Greensboro or High Point (and this restaurant is definitely worth a drive), stay off I-40. Large sections are under construction, and nighttime full stops are the norm. Take 421 into Winston-Salem, then let GPS guide you once you are in town. ! 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? Hakkachow Asian Eats 615 St. George Square Ct. Winston-Salem 27103 336-893-8178 hakka-chow.com Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 12-10 p.m., Sunday 12-9 p.m. Appetizers: $5.95-$14.95, Salads: $11.95-$17.95, Soups: $3.95-$4.95, Entrees: $14.95-$19.95, Nigiri, Sashimi, Sushi: $3.00-$36.95, Desserts: $6-$8 Most recent visit: Dec. 6 DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

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Poet Laureate: ‘It’s been a great ride!’

“ Ian McDowell

Contributor

It may not always be about the poems,” said Josephus Thompson III about the end of his tenure as Greensboro’s first Poet Laureate. “It may be about the opportunities you give to share your gifts with other people. It’s been a great ride to be the

first in this space.” Josephus also expressed his gratitude to the late Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson for the official city council motion bestowing that title on him two and a half years ago, and to his friend, community organizer and fellow poet Shanté Renee. “Shanté was the person who recommended me to council. She brought this to them and told me about it after the fact, and the next thing I knew, the council members were voting for me. Then it was approved, and I’m being ushered in as Poet Laureate for the City of Greensboro.” Thompson’s surprise, gratitude, and humility at his appointment can be seen in the YouTube video of the June 6, 2023 council meeting, in which Johnson states, “it’s been said of the poet Josephus Thompson that he believed in feeding the mind, body, and soul” before reading the following proclamation. “Whereas, the City of Greensboro supports the arts; promotes poetry and literacy; and is seeking ways to make the arts more vibrant and accessible to all residents; Whereas, the poet laureate composes poems that raise consciousness to a greater appreciation of arts and poetry; Whereas, the Greensboro City Council resolves to declare Josephus Thompson III with an honorary designation of Poet Laureate for the City of Greensboro for one year.” After former District 1 Representative Sharon Hightower and former at-large Representative (and now mayor) Marikay Abuzuaiter both attempted DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

to second the motion, Vaughan joked, “Let it now be recognized that there was a unanimous second.” Council then unanimously voted for Josephus’s appointment. “I’m happy to be a voice for the city and look forward to the next year,” he said as he shook Johnson’s hand. His original one-year tenure as Greensboro’s first poet laureate was later extended through 2025. He is also the founder and host of the Poetry Café, a monthly open mic event in Greensboro that gives artists a platform to express themselves through spoken word, dance, and song. His and other artists’ performances there can be seen on the YouTube channel The Poetry Café by Josephus III. For Josephus, a highlight of his tenure was when he was commissioned to write a poem honoring civil rights legends Justice Henry E. Frye and Shirley T. Frye, who last year were honored with a statue in Center City Park and a ceremony in which then-Governor Roy Cooper called the couple “real-life superheroes.” “It’s been an honor to be given the constant ability to use my art, for the city, for its residents, and highlighting the stories in my community,” said Josephus of that and other opportunities he’s been given. Another was performing at the 10th annual Kenya International Theatre Festival in Nairobi last month. “That was a life-changing experience. More importantly, it was a reminder that I have so much more to give and much more to do. That opportunity came out of work that I did with the Community Theatre of Greensboro 20 years ago with Mitchell Sommers.” Sommers was that organization’s executive director from 1989 until 2017. “We collaborated on a remix of Schoolhouse Rock [the iconic 1970s animated educational series]. We added poetry to it, a little bit of hiphop, changed up some of the beats, and then toured county schools. It was the CTG project that Mitchell brought me into, and then, 20 years later, he’s retired in Nairobi, where he met the people who organized this festival. They were looking for a U.S. poet, and

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art form and holding the door open for other people to walk through.” The city’s Poet Laureate program is managed by Creative Greensboro, the city’s office of arts and culture. “After the late Mayor Pro Tem Johnson appointed Josephus, we were entrusted with developing a program to complement and support this honorary role,” said Jocquelyn Boone, Creative Greensboro’s chief creative economy officer. “Over the past two years, we’ve been working closely with Josephus to uplift and promote literary arts throughout the city. We’re excited about what’s next for him, but equally excited to see what the next Poet Laureate is going to do. He laid a great foundation for future literary advocates and poets in the city. The new Laureate will be announced next year after Mayor Abuzuaiter makes the final selection.” Via text message, Abuzuaiter expressed pride in how Josephus has performed as a voice for the city. “I know that everyone will want to congratulate him for the global popularity he has gained. The Poetry Café reaches attendees from all generations, backgrounds, and ethnicities, and brings them together with poetry. Thank you, Josephus Thompson, for making North Carolina proud.” ! 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.

OIC K LY

the next thing you know, I’m on a flight to Kenya!” This, said Josephus, “shows how important it is that you do the work in your city.” “Then your city speaks up for you and puts your name in rooms that you’re not even in, and next thing you know, you’re in a theater festival on the other side of the world.” Born in Fayetteville, Josephus came to Greensboro in 1997 to attend N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University, and has lived here ever since. He and his wife, Denise, were married in 2015 and have two children. Next year, he and his family are embarking on a world tour, during which he will be performing at a variety of venues. “We’ll be in Philadelphia in January and head to Hong Kong in February. After that, Bermuda, Jamaica, and back to Nairobi, but there will also be performances in Maryland, D.C., and Ohio, as well as N.C. We’re talking about a collaboration in London in June and July, so it will be a busy 2026. Applications for the position of Greensboro’s second Poet Laureate just closed. Josephus offered the following advice to whoever is chosen. “The gold standard in your city is when they bring you up, they speak you up, and they uplift you and the work you’re doing. Being a laureate isn’t always about being centerstage with a microphone, but sometimes setting the stage for other artists to get on it and showcasing who they are. Being poet laureate is about upholding the

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12.14.25 | Winston-Salem | Photos by Natalie Garcia

DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

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Broadway to Winston-Salem: Master class and musical experience featuring Anthony Wayne

PRESS RELEASE

he Arts Council of WinstonSalem & Forsyth County is proud to bring Broadway to Winston-Salem with a powerhouse weekend featuring Broadway star Anthony Wayne in both performance and education. Alongside his dynamic cabaret musical experience, “…JUST ME. ANTHONY WAYNE: LIVE,” Wayne will offer a transformative Master Class on Audition Technique designed to elevate and empower aspiring performers ages 18+. This impactful community engagement initiative aligns with the arts council’s mission to enrich local arts experiences by connecting Winston-Salem with leading voices from America’s most iconic stages. A MASTER CLASS WITH A BROADWAY FORCE Anthony Wayne’s Audition Technique Master Class strengthens the craft of auditioning through the essential foundation of storytelling. Participants will dive deeply into: • Vocal selection and presentation • Preparation strategies • Timing and length requirements • Commitment to intention • The artistry of telling a truthful, compelling story With a career spanning “TINA — The Tina Turner Musical,” “Pippin,” “Anything Goes,” “Tootsie,” and more, Wayne brings invaluable insight from years of professional success on Broadway and on tour. His hands-on, inspiring approach provides emerging performers with the tools to refine their technique, build confidence, and step into auditions with clarity and purpose. This master class not only elevates individual performers it strengthens the creative fabric of our community. A PERFORMANCE THAT INSPIRES: “…JUST ME. ANTHONY WAYNE: LIVE” In addition to the master class, Wayne will present his one-of-a-kind cabaret musical experience, an 80-minute journey through Broadway, R&B, disco, and jazz classics. Directed by Rufus Bonds Jr. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

(“RENT,” “The Lion King”), the show highlights the joy, struggle, and triumph of one artist’s pursuit of his own light reminding audiences that “just you is more than enough.” ABOUT ANTHONY WAYNE Anthony Wayne is a celebrated Broadway actor, producer, creator, and the founder of the nonprofit Black Broadway Men, dedicated to empowering Black men in the theatre community through education, unity, and mentorship. A native of Norfolk, Va. and a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory, Wayne now resides in Harlem, where he continues to champion artistry, advocacy, and authentic storytelling. !

WANNA go? “…JUST ME. ANTHONY WAYNE: LIVE” and Master Class Audition Technique with Anthony Wayne will be held the weekend of Jan. 23 with limited reservations, hosted by the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, focusing on storytelling, vocal presentation, preparation, timing, and intention. Tickets are $25.99 to $49.99 plus taxes and fees, has a run time of 80 minutes. Together, these events bring the brilliance and rigor of Broadway directly to Winston-Salem expanding access, enriching local talent, and strengthening the community’s connection to the performing arts. Tickets and registration are available through the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. Visit www.mrawayne.com/justmeshowlive for more information. This is an 18+ event. DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

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feature

SOP Volunteers helping with MLK Day of Service 2020

UNCG food pantry feeds neighbors, fights stigma surrounding food insecurity

BY ELIZA BENBOW

very week, Second Harvest Food Bank delivers 35 to 40 tons of food to pantries across Northwestern North Carolina, including between 400 and 500 pounds to the Spartan Open Pantry (SOP), located on UNC Greensboro’s campus. The SOP is overseen by Wesley-Luther of UNC Greensboro, a Methodist and Lutheran nonprofit. The seeds for the pantry

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DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

were planted in 2009, when Andrew Mails-Saine, the campus minister and Executive Director of Wesley-Luther, first began storing food in his office to give to students in need. Over the past 16 years, the SOP has grown into a two-room pantry and four SOPtoGo locations across campus that move around 3,000 pounds of food a week. The pantry, which is non-secular and runs separately from the university, also hosts a weekly community dinner that hosts anywhere between 50 and 75 students, volunteers, and pantry staff. Just over half of UNCG’s student population is eligible for a federal Pell Grant, meaning that they may struggle to meet basic needs. “We’re drawing them into campus, but then it’s, well, how do we make sure they have the support they need to be able to get through to the end?” Mails-Saine said. When basic needs like hunger aren’t met, he said, there’s a dramatic increase in anxiety and stress, which can particularly affect students’ performance in school. “This is a very pivotal time in young people’s lives, and a lot of people don’t realize that if you have to choose between food and textbooks, that’s devastating to your life, to your career,” Lukas Tucker, the graduate student assistant at the SOP, said. The pantry began growing most during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mails-Saine

said, and the need, as well as knowledge about the SOP, has continued to spread. This academic year, the SOP is projected to distribute 90,000 pounds of food to UNCG’s students, staff and faculty, an increase of over 14,000 pounds from the previous year. The pantry itself is located down a sunlit hallway on the first floor of the Smith Campus Ministries Center. Structured like a grocery store, one room is filled with wire shelves stocked with a range of shelf-stable and microwavable foods and snacks. The second room, where students can check out with a member of the pantry’s staff, has refrigerators that are regularly stocked with eggs, milk, and donated produce. Visitors to the pantry, which Mails-Saine refers to as neighbors, can browse the shelves weekly to check out food as they would at a store. It can be deeply dehumanizing to be impoverished in America, Mails-Saine said, and providing people with the autonomy to pick their own food is an important aspect of the SOP’s setup. “[Americans] have this really strange obsession with shaming people experiencing hunger and homelessness,” he said. “So I think it’s important to give — if it’s possible, and in our case it was possible — to give people the ability to come in and shop as close to a grocery store as possible.” SOP has to work intentionally to

reduce the stigma around accepting its support, Tucker said. The only limitations to the pantry are based on supply: neighbors are asked to only take what they need for a week, and there are limits on how much of a specific item can be taken. Otherwise, the pantry allows people to choose what they take home based on diet and preference. Like many food pantries, much of the SOP’s food supply comes from donations, which are most often non-perishable foods. For about three years, the SOP has been getting weekly truckloads of food from Second Harvest, Mails-Saine said, which sometimes includes produce and frozen meats. Connecting to organizations like Second Harvest allows them to use donated funds to increase the breadth of

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SOP Volunteers helping with MLK Day of Service 2020 their selection at a fraction of the price from a grocery store. While food donations are a necessary part of food assistance programs, monetary donations to places like Second Harvest and the SOP allow them to stretch dollars with wholesale purchases of food they can’t always get from food drives and donations. Before working at the pantry, Tucker, a women and gender studies graduate student, said that he felt helpless learning about hunger in classes and not knowing how to help. For him, working for the pantry is a form of mutual aid, which he describes as helping everyone in his community. The pantry accepts everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life, MailsSaine said, and everyone is considered a WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

neighbor deserving of being loved for who they are and worthy of loving others in community. “So you’re worthy of having a safe place to be, a meal to have at your table, and you’re worthy of making sure that that happens for another person too,” he said. Supporting the SOP can look like donating food or money to the organization, volunteering with the pantry’s staff, or simply pointing people on campus towards it as a resource. Ultimately, Tucker said, feeding students at UNCG is imperative for helping them create a better future for themselves through higher education. “Taking care of young people at this critical moment in their lives builds a better future for all of us,” Tucker said. ! DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

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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 Dec 19: He Is Legend Hootenanny 3, ASG, Vanna, Thoughtcrimes, Valletta Dec 19: CY&U, Adam Xavier, Chiroptera Dec 20: John Howie Jr. & the Rosewood Bluff, Ramona and the Holy Smokes, Real Companion Dec 30-31: Cosmic Charlie Jan 3: Kinda Nice, Larry., Chicken Ranch Road Show Jan 10: Abbey Road LIVE! Jan 10: Turtle Smash Jan 12: Grace Lucia Jan 13: Fleshwater Jan 16: The Band Solstice, The Wallabies Jan 17: Secret Moneky Weekend, jPhono1, Mad Starlings

Charlotte

The Fillmore

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com Dec 19: Alyssa Edwards Dec 27: Congress the Band Dec 28: Hardwired Dec 31: NYE Rave Jan 16: Del Water Gap Jan 17: Nothing More w/ Catch Your Breath, Archers and Doobie Jan 21: Don Broco

clemmons

Village Square Tap House

6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct | 336.448.5330 www.facebook.com/vstaphouse Dec 18: Kelsey Hurley Dec 19: Astrocat Dec 26: Coda Junxtion Dec 27: Dear SIster

durham

Carolina Theatre

309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org Dec 17: Bela Fleck & The Flecktones

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DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

DPAC

123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787 www.dpacnc.com Dec 16-21: Water for Elephants

ELKIN

Reeves Theater

129 W Main St | 336.258.8240 www.reevestheater.com Wednesdays: Reeves Open Mic Fourth Thursdays: Old-Time Jam Dec 19: Chamomile & Whiskey

greensboro

Barn Dinner Theatre

120 Stage Coach Tr. | 336.292.2211 www.barndinner.com Dec 12-23: Langston Hughe’s Black Nativity

Carolina Theatre

310 S. Greene Street | 336.333.2605 www.carolinatheatre.com Dec 19: Chad Eby and Friends Dec 21: Dailey & Vincent Jan 3: Zoso — The Led Zeppelin Experience

Char Bar No. 7

3724 Lawndale Dr. | 336.545.5555 www.charbar7.com Dec 18: The Good Watts

Comedy Zone

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com Dec 19-20: Carlos Mencia Dec 27: Wild ‘N Out Dec 31: Shaun Jones

FLAT IRON

221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com Dec 18: Big Shrimp w/ Royal Jelly Dec 19: The Old One-Two, Sonic Booms Dec 23: Sam Fribush Organ Trio Dec 26: Yamba and Friends Dec 27: Home for the Holidays ft. Chris Hedrick, Casey Cranford, Julian Sizemore, Jackson Weldon Dec 28: Carri Smithey Band Dec 30: Mark Kano & Mike Garrigan Dec 31: New Years Eve with Ranford Almond + Folkknot

Garage Tavern

5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro Dec 20: Wristband Dec 27: RetroVinyl Dec 31: Blues & Bubbles, Cory Luetjen, Traveling Blues Band

Greensboro Coliseum

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com Jan 3: United Futsal Jan 10-11: Monster Jam Freestyle Mania Jan 15: Manilow: The Last Greensboro Concert Jan 18: The Dream MLK Fest ft. YFN Lucci, YK Niece, Hunxho, Boston Richey and Belly Gang Kushington Jan 23: Departure — The Journey Trivute Band

Hangar 1819

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com Jan 6: Bit Brigade Performs “Mega Man X” LIVE Jan 9: Fake Happy — A Paramore Tribute

Steven Tanger Center

300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com Dec 17: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol Jan 7-11: Les Miserables Jan 23: Wild Kratts LIVE! Jan 27: Shucked

The Idiot Box Comedy Club

503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com Dec 20: Dan Treadway Dec 21: Janelle Draper Jan 9-10: Kevin McCaffrey Jan 16-17: The Buttercups

high point

Goofy Foot Taproom 2762 NC-68 #109 | 336.307.2567 www.goofyfoottaproom.com Dec 27: Anna Mertson

jamestown

The Deck

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestown/ Dec 19: No Strings Attached Dec 20: Radio Revolver Dec 26: Tony Tone Karaoke Dec 27: Counterfeit

raleigh

Lincoln Theatre

126 E. Cabarrus St | 919.831.6400 www.lincolntheatre.com Dec 18: More Unites than Divides Dec 19: Yarn with The Dune Dogs Dec 20: Dillon Fence w/ The Mayflies USA Dec 21: Bring Out Yer Dead

LENOVO CENTER

1400 Edwards Mill Rd | 919.861.2300 www.thepncarena.com Dec 17: Disney on Ice: Jump In!

winston-salem

Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company 772 Trade St | 336.999.8945 www.fiddlinfish.com Tuesdays: Trivia Dec 19: Raphael Graves Trio Dec 20: Jason Bunch

The Ramkat

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com Dec 18: Morgan Wade Dec 19: Will Easter, Nick Bullins Dec 20: Killer Antz, Drat the Luck Dec 27: Cosmic Charlie Jan 9: Duncan MacMillan, Bruthr Pudge Jan 10: Somewhat Petty: A Tribute to Tom Petty Jan 22: Sister Hazel

Wise Man Brewing

826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008 www.wisemanbrewing.com Thursdays: Music Bingo Dec 19: Gipsy Danger Dec 20: Red Umber Dec 27: Jacob Vaughan & Friends Dec 28: Rivas Ranch

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STARS] last call [SALOME’S Week of December 22, 2025

news of your work gets around, expect to receive a special holiday “gift” from influential contacts who could help you launch your new projects in the new year.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Instead

of fussing over what you didn’t do to prepare for the holidays, relax and enjoy the kudos for a job truly well done. A happy surprise awaits you early next year.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The

best way to shake off lingering holiday blues is to join loved ones in the fun and festivities of this special time. A confusing situation starts to make sense in upcoming weeks.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) Special emotional rewards mark this holiday time for LEOs and LEOnas who are able to open up to new relationships and the possibilities they offer in the upcoming year. [VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your efforts to make the holidays especially memorable for some people will be rewarded in some unexpected (but very welcome) ways in the upcoming year. [LIBRA (September 23 to October

22) Be assured that your efforts to make this holiday special for everyone won’t go

unnoticed by those who could make some important changes in your life.

[1. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Lots of folks want you to light up their holiday parties. But try to take some quiet time ‘twixt those glittering galas to spend with some very special people.

[2. GEOGRAPHY: What country is home

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to

[4. HISTORY: Who was the first em-

December 21) While the current round of holiday revels has your social life on the fast track, someone special might want to keep pace with you next year as well.

crossword on page 6

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to the largest cave in the world?

[3. MOVIES: Who is the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story movies? peror of Rome?

[5. LITERATURE: In what city is James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses” set?

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to

January 19) Enjoy all the fun you deserve at this holiday time. However, don’t lose sight of the need to check out some of the changes the new year is expected to bring.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) What happens during this holiday time can help clear up some of the confusion jeopardizing a once-stable relationship. Follow your instincts on what to do next. [PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your holidays are brightened by new friends eager to become part of your life. But don’t forget to spend time with that one special person. (You know who.)

star called?

[8. SCIENCE: What kind of cloud is associated with thunderstorms?

[9. U.S. STATES: Which states have no sales tax?

[10. ANATOMY: What is the function

TR ASURE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS BAR & CLUB

sudoku on page 6

[7. ASTRONOMY: What is an exploding

[WEEKLY SUDOKU]

of Data’s cat on Star Trek: The Next Generation?

answer

The

the ability to encourage people to reach their potential by setting an example with your own efforts.

[6. TELEVISION: What is the name

of the carotid arteries?

[BORN THIS WEEK: You have

answers [CROSSWORD]

first left-handed president?

8. Cumulonimbus. 9. Five states have no sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. 10. They supply oxygen-rich blood to the face, neck and brain.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) As

by Fifi Rodriguez

1. James Garfield. 2. Vietnam. 3. Tim Allen. 4. Augustus. 5. Dublin, Ireland. 6. Spot. 7. A supernova.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) An old adversary wants to make amends over the Christmas holiday. The decision is yours. But wouldn’t it be nice to share the upcoming new year with another friend?

[TRIVIA TEST]

CLUB

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DECEMBER 17-23, 2025

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High Point’s Largest Christmas Celebration! Experience the LARGEST Christmas tree in North Carolina!

DECEMBER 20 – 27 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm

HPU Campus • Enter at University Parkway Welcome Center

Celebrate Christmas with HPU

FREE

for All!

HPU’s complimentary Christmas Drive offers 8 nights of festive family fun. This free event will get you and your family in the holiday spirit with 100,000plus Christmas lights, the state’s tallest Christmas tree at 70 feet, a life-size Nativity, numerous light displays, giant wreaths and garland, and much more!

Visit www.highpoint.edu/christmas for more information!