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
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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
3
PRYME opened in July 2024. It is conceptualized as a fine dining restaurant combined with a jazz club, with live music starting a bit later in the evening.
4 The RiverRun International Film Festival and Marketplace Cinemas have joined forces once again to present the “ CAN FILM FESTIVAL” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Marketplace Cinemas.
5 ETERNITY could be subtitled “Defending Your Love,” yet the filmmakers mostly avoid falling into cutesy comedy. It is a sentimental film, but the sentiment is never cloying or forced.
7 Our students deserve better than temporary fixes and indefinite waiting. They deserve stable, predictable systems that PRIORITIZE THEIR FUTURES over political stalemates
8 Happy holidays, TRIAD MUSIC LOVERS! Drummers are drumming, pipers are piping, and bells are ringing at Holiday events around the region.
11 The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) presents the SPIRIT OF GIVING Toy Drive & Fundraiser, featuring two electrifying sets from Austin’s genre-defying blues-rock virtuoso Zach Person on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 at Ziggy’s GSO.
11 Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician BILLY STRINGS will extend his headline tour through the spring, including an April 14 show at Greensboro’s First Horizon Coliseum.
12 On Nov. 18, former N.C. House majority whip Jon Hardister sent outgoing Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan an email from the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition, urging the removal of duties of the MINIMUM HOUSING STANDARDS Commission to study rental rates and inspect apartments.
Chow Down with John Batchelor at PRYME
BY JOHN BATCHELOR
PRYME opened in July 2024. It is conceptualized as a fine dining restaurant combined with a jazz club, with live music starting a bit later in the evening. The interior is quite striking, with blue-green walls flanking banquettes that line both sides of the interior. The bar is up front, the slightly elevated music stage in the rear. Before live music starts, you’ll hear a bit of Blue Note style jazz (the real thing) over the sound system.
My wife and I were walking on Elm Street when we were invited in by two genuinely friendly hostesses. I’m glad we met them. Rather than a well-rehearsed running commentary, we found some of the most personable sta inside I have encountered in area restaurants. On a return visit, we asked for our server by name when we made our reservation. These folks are not only nice, they are genuinely enthusiastic about the food, and you can tell they have actually eaten here!
The cocktail list provides ample temptations. The wine list is well-chosen, with plenty of familiar o erings, reasonably priced. And it contains some upperechelon by-the-glass o erings that are almost never seen in other area restaurants.
There is an early discounted lighter fare menu on Thursday and Friday, which makes this place even more inviting.
We had Her Cauli Flowers on that first visit. The head is cut bite-sized, tempura-coated and lightly fried, drizzled with honey and decorated with arugula, lightly dressed in a strawberry vinaigrette. The result is sweetish, but not overly so, with the natural vegetable flavor coming through clearly.
Chicken Flatbread led o another evening. Presented on an oval board, the crust hosts pieces of lightlycrusted fried chicken breast meat interspersed with small smoked heirloom tomatoes. All that is lightly sprinkled with smoked Gouda cheese, topped with arugula dressed in a light vinaigrette. The chicken and cheese flavors are commendable, but the crust itself merits special praise.
Mushroom Pasta is a vegetarian entrée, once again providing ample evidence that skipping meat does not have to entail losing flavor. On the contrary, the blend of mushroom and cream, enhanced with garlic and thyme plus leaves of spinach and diced sun-dried tomatoes, tastes rich and robust. The cream-colored assembly is presented in a vibrant blue bowl, lending visual impact to enhance the experience. A chef once told me, “You take the first bite with your eyes.” This dish reinforces that dictum.
Pan-Seared Blackened Salmon here ranks in the top echelon for this perennially popular dish. The preparation is simple — a light dusting of blackening spices, adding just a bit of heat and spicy flavor, the service side seared to a light crust, the skin side cooked just enough to make it peel away when you coax it with
your knife. The mild heat from the blackening spices is cut with fresh pineapple salsa, a delightful pairing of flavors. The plated starch is a mixture of white and wild rice, which, although not noteworthy in its own right, nevertheless provides a good flavor match for the rest of the dish.
If a restaurant has a signature dish, it had better make a really good impression. PRYME Pasta does. Large shrimp, deveined and not overcooked, join big pieces of lobster, along with fresh-tasting mussels, in a lush lobster cream sauce over fettuccine.
The menu o ers about a half dozen steaks and chops. My wife chose the small Filet Mignon (there’s a choice of 8- or 10-ounce sizes). Ordered medium, it came out well done (gray throughout). We returned it, and a graciously provided replacement was cooked to just the right temperature, yielding solid depth of beef flavor from within tender texture. This is served on a bed of lightly dressed arugula. We also ordered a side of garlic mashed potatoes and found them well-balanced.
Both the ambience of the restaurant and my personal predilections mandated a hamburger. A spectacular presentation layered a large tomato slice, leaf lettuce, crisp bacon (and lots of it), and red onion, on a brioche bun. The menu says the kitchen uses Wagyu beef, which is commendable, but my serving was cooked so well done, I would be hard-pressed to o er a personal testimonial. A thick slice of high-quality cheddar cheese was melted over the meat. (There is a novel burger variation on the menu — Blueberry Brie with Bacon. I will have to decide on that another time.)
Guest Anna was seeking a light dinner, so she ordered a Caesar Pleaser Salad, with sautéed mushrooms added. Hearts of Romaine leaves are liberally decorated
with shaved Parmesan cheese, with Caesar dressing. The kitchen presented large portobello slices over the salad, for another impressive visual.
I became quite enamored with this place. I was talking recently in the lobby of Tanger Center to a guy who was interested in the jazz scene in Greensboro. A long time ago, it was vibrant, centered in The Rathskeller on Market Street (any readers who are old enough to remember?). Jimmie Davis, Foots Harrison, and Dannie Richmond (and occasionally, yours truly, a student of Dannie’s back then) held forth with some of the coolest sounds that ever graced the Piedmont.
PRYME is more upscale, a worthy replacement, filling a gap that has festered for decades. !
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.
‘Can Film Festival’ serves up 25th-anniversary screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The RiverRun International Film Festival and Marketplace Cinemas have joined forces once again to present the “Can Film Festival” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Marketplace Cinemas, 2095 Peters Creek Parkway, WinstonSalem. Admission is free, but a minimum of two cans of food per person are requested to support Samaritan Ministries in Winston-Salem. Among the items particularly needed are ground co ee, spaghetti sauce, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and packets of cocoa. Additional needs are listed on Samaritan’s website at https://www. samaritanforsyth.org/in-kind-gifts-wishlist/. To register for tickets, visit https:// riverrunfilm.com/
This marks the fourth such event, as well as the 25th anniversary of the blockbuster holiday favorite How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which is this year’s “Can Film Festival” presentation. “We are so excited to show The Grinch for its 25th anniversary with RiverRun this year!” said Zack Fox, general manager of Marketplace Cinemas. “This marks our fourth ‘Can Film Festival’ [and]
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over the previous three years we have received nearly 1,500 cans for Samaritan Ministries. We have been blessed to have a great year at Marketplace Cinemas, and these events with RiverRun for good charitable causes are wonderful ways to give back to the community while entertaining people with classic Christmas films!”
Based on the beloved, best-selling 1957 children’s book by Dr. Seuss, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was the first feature film based on the author’s works and earned almost $350 million, making it the highest-grossing film of 2000. Jim Carrey stars as the grouchy green titular character, who schemes to ruin Christmas by stealing all the children’s toys in Whoville, but even the best-laid plans can go awry … particularly when The Grinch undergoes an unexpected change of heart.
Directed by Ron Howard and narrated by Anthony Hopkins, the film earned three Oscar nominations: Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup & Hairstyling. The residents of Whoville are portrayed by such able farceurs as Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon, Je rey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Mindy Sterling, Howard’s brother Clint and father Rance, and rock star Taylor Momsen (in her feature debut) as Cindy Lou Who.
“We love the ‘Can Film Festival’ and it’s a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family while helping others in need,” said Jan Kelly, the executive director of Samaritan Ministries since 2020.
“This is our fourth year to partner with RiverRun and Marketplace, and it’s been amazing to see how generous people are in donating food items like canned meats, vegetables, pasta, co ee, and more. It’s one of our largest food drives.”
In addition, “the event helps us all remember that there are hungry people in our community, and it’s up to all of us to give hope,” Kelly said. “With our daily lunch in the soup kitchen, we serve men, women, children, and families. Some struggle with homelessness, but many others have their own homes but have trouble making ends meet. Our mission of providing food, shelter, and hope through Christian love has remained con-
sistent over the last 44 years. Samaritan has never closed our doors since we opened in 1981. We have served lunch over 16,000 days in a row.”
“The ‘Can Film Festival’ is a favorite for all of us at RiverRun every holiday season,” said Ti any Jones, RiverRun’s co-interim executive director. “The need for food assistance is greater than ever, and we’re pleased to partner with Samaritan Ministries to be able to help stock their food pantry while o ering a rare opportunity to see a holiday classic on the big screen. Let’s all get together and do some good for our community and watch the citizens of Whoville stop The Grinch from stealing Christmas!” Kelly concurred. “The movie is all about growing our hearts for others and bringing the community together,” she said. “This spirit goes beyond Christmas and extends into the new year. I hope everyone will think about how they can help — whether volunteering in our soup kitchen, giving to the ‘Penny Campaign’ through December 31, or sharing food. You might be surprised by joy, just like The Grinch, when you invest in other people. We encourage everyone to join in our work by volunteering. There are no special skills required, just a willing heart to serve. Volunteers become a friendly face in an unfamiliar place for guests seeking help for the first time.”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is rated PG. For those who can’t attend the
screening but would like to contribute, Marketplace Cinemas will be accepting cans of food during business hours before Dec. 13. “We look forward to 2026 with RiverRun!” Fox said.
For those who can’t attend the screening but would like to contribute, Marketplace Cinemas will be accepting cans of food during business hours before Dec. 13. “We look forward to 2026 with RiverRun!” Fox said.
The 28th annual RiverRun International Film Festival is scheduled for April 17-25, 2026. The o cial website is https://riverrunfilm.com/.
For more information about Samaritan Ministries, call 336-748-1906 or visit the website: https://www.samaritanforsyth. org/. !
In 2022, Pat Cunnane and David Freyne’s script for Eternity earned a place on the Hollywood “Black List” of best unproduced screenplays. It’s taken three years, but first-timer Cunnane and Freyne (who also directed) have brought their vision to the screen in charming, even touching fashion. It’s an existential romantic comedy with screwball touches and a surprising emotional core.
Larry Cutler (executive producer Miles Teller) has just arrived in the afterlife, having choked to death on a pretzel. According to the rules, he has seven days in which to select the eternity of his choice. It’s a wide and varied selection, encompassing “Beach World” (which is exactly what it sounds like), “Queer World” (no straights allowed), “Weimar World” (no Nazis allowed), and many others. But Larry pines for his wife Joan (executive producer Elizabeth Olsen), to whom he was married for 65 years and was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly before his demise.
It’s not long, therefore, that Joan turns up — evidently in the nick of time before Larry has made his selection. To spend eternity together is exactly what Larry hoped for, but there’s a catch, and it comes in the form of Luke (Callum Turner), a friendly bartender who has waited 67 years to be reunited with the love of his life, who happens to be Joan. Luke was killed in action in Korea, and two years later Joan married Larry. It’s this dilemma that forms the crux of Eternity’s narrative. Larry and Luke want to spend eternity with Joan, but she’s not entirely certain whom she’d like to spend eternity with. Further complicating things is the incessant, frequently meddlesome presence of “after-life coordinators” Anna (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Ryan (John Early). Randolph and Early
are fun to have around, but each might as well be wearing a sign reading “scenestealer,” because they play their parts at a broader pitch than the lead trio. That’s where the heart of the film lies, with each actor doing exemplary work. Olsen’s in particularly good form, because Joan must convey the love she has for both Larry and Luke, but in different terms, because each came along at a di erent time in her life. Teller and Turner energetically vie for her attention yet establish something of a friendship themselves, exemplified in a very funny drinking session in which they bond. (Incidentally, being in the afterlife does not make one immune to hangovers.)
That the principal actors are able to fully flesh out their characters — quirks and all — adds a dramatic layer to the more farcical aspects of the film, which occasionally recalls the 1991 Albert Brooks comedy Defending Your Life. Indeed, Eternity could be subtitled “Defending Your Love,” yet the filmmakers mostly avoid falling into cutesy comedy. It is a sentimental film, but the sentiment is never cloying or forced. It’s a heart-tugger, a crowd-pleaser, and — thanks to Teller, Olsen, and Turner — a truly memorable love triangle. !
SHOP HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT SAWTOOTH SPOTLIGHT: HOLIDAY MARKET ON SATURDAY, DEC. 6
SUBMITTED
Throughout the holiday season, Sawtooth School for Visual Art has long been a destination for showcasing quality, handmade works crafted by regional artists.
The tradition continues this year with Sawtooth Spotlight: Holiday Market + Juried Exhibition, a year-end celebration of fine art, craft, and community featuring one-of-a-kind artworks perfect for holiday gift-giving.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sawtooth Spotlight: Holiday Market transforms the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, filling the halls, studios, theater, and galleries with artist vendors, hands-on activities, craft demonstrations, food trucks, and fun for the whole family! Spend the day at Sawtooth Spotlight before the downtown Holiday Parade that evening.
Over 80 artists from across the region will o er a variety of handcrafted items, including ceramics, jewelry, textiles, painting, photography, and woodworking, making it easy to find something for everyone on your list. Want to avoid the crowds and finish your holiday shopping early? Purchase a pass for the market’s special preview hour from 10 to 11 a.m. Tickets are limited — learn more and buy yours at sawtooth.org/spotlight.
Families can enjoy numerous handson activities, including Sawtooth’s interactive art wall and the Kids Zone, filled with crafts and art-making fun. Sawtooth’s Artists-in-Residence will host demonstrations throughout the afternoon in the Ceramics studio. You can also find many vendors demonstrating their processes in addition to selling their artworks, including marbling with Sasha Trosch of Rock Springs Paper Craft, spoon carving with Tad Kepley, calligraphy by Joyce Teta, and more.
Arrive early to register for your own Light Portrait created by Sawtooth’s Director of Photography, C. Stephen Hurst or instructor Bryce Johnson. To make
Photo courtesy of Sawtooth School for Visual Art Sawtooth Spotlight: Holiday Market returns this year on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
these interstellar images, you will sit in complete darkness while Stephen, or your friend, magically “paints” with light around you. Each portrait showcases vibrant, neon, and otherworldly visuals, ensuring that every photo is a one-of-akind keepsake that’s perfect for social media. Enjoy this experience for $15 for one adult or $25 for the entire family (up to two adults and two kids). Registration is available now at sawtooth. org/light and at the Market.
Food trucks like Okay Co ee, MO’ Empanadas, Rockin’ Moroccan, and WutYaSay will be at the Holiday Market, with additional concessions from the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County available for purchase. Stop by the school’s Davis Gallery to see the Sawtooth Spotlight: Juried Exhibition, which opened earlier this month and runs through Jan. 31, 2026. The show features original works by dozens of regional artists, including Sawtooth students and instructors. This exhibition showcases the talented Piedmont Triad community, with most artworks available for purchase.
Sawtooth Spotlight: Holiday Market is open to all with a $5 suggested donation supporting Sawtooth’s scholarship and community outreach programs. Find more details and full artist lists for the market and exhibition at sawtooth.org/spotlight !
Mark Burger
Contributor
[WEEKLY SUDOKU] [KING CROSSWORD]
ACROSS
1 Enchilada alternative
8 Threaten like a mad dog
15 Recurring design
20 Proved to be beneficial to 21 Audrey of Sabrina 22 “Magic Bites” author Andrews
23 [Span] [Span]
25 Some spongy balls
26 Morning times, in brief 27 Astrologer Sydney 28 Films based on reportage, for short 30 Heavy drinker
31 Musical scale starters
33 [Cogitates] [Cogitates] 36 Severe shock 39 Pear or lime
Somber 42 [Criminal] [Criminal] 46 Surrealist painter Max 47 Swiss peaks 48 Ukraine city 49 Having some benefit 52 Pick-up-sticks logic game
77 Coast Guard o cer: Abbr.
Strong winds
— and aahs
Obstruct
Parisian gal pal
Setting
[Brotherly] [Brotherly]
Bach choral composition
Poets’ Muse
Pie portions
[Dictated] [Dictated]
Accessories for cue sticks and blackboards
Follower of “http://”
Greek epic about Troy
Mario’s video game brother
Real devotee
Jazz singer Cleo
[Character] [Character]
Snaky curves
Attack the integrity of
Go in circles
Butler played by Gable
53 Lad from London, say 54 Old-time TV announcer Johnny 56 Spike of corn 59 “I — reason why ...” 61 [Star] [Star] 67 Reportage on American events 69 Gas station brand 70 Golf great Soerenstam 71 [Residence] [Residence]
76 Old Icelandic poetry books
Foyer sofas
For the purpose of diagnosing
“And there it is!”
Egg, formally
Drains energy from
Up to, in ads
Longtime foe
Avoider of high-tech stu
Element #18
The Cost of Inaction is Students Left in Limbo
On the first episode of Education Matters this school year, we discussed legislative updates from the summer. One of the biggest concerns then was how funding uncertainty brought on by the lack of a state budget and temporarily withheld federal funding would impact students. Now, as we get closer to the holiday season, we still do not have a state budget, and the federal government has shut down (Editor’s note: The federal government opened up on Nov. 13). This means, on top of the uncertainty around education funding, many schools could soon be serving an increased number of students facing food insecurity.
Last month, more than 1.4 million North Carolinians were set to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits until a federal court ordered emergency funds to be used to keep the program afloat, at least temporarily. Those emergency dollars help, but
they don’t close every gap. They simply buy time. When federal supports like SNAP fluctuate, the impact reaches far beyond household budgets. It lands squarely in our local public schools. Children who arrive hungry struggle to focus, and school nutrition teams must stretch limited budgets to meet growing needs. Food banks, Community Schools, and local nonprofits will step in to fill gaps, but they were never designed to fix these issues alone. For every nine meals provided by SNAP, the current food bank system can only provide one.
The instability of these programs exposes a truth many of us would rather ignore: our safety nets are fragile. In the face of such uncertainty, the ripple e ects are immense. Families can’t plan, schools can’t budget, and students can’t thrive when the ground beneath them keeps shifting.
Beyond the cafeteria, a federal shutdown disrupts the very infrastructure that keeps schools running. This shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history and is threatening key grants that fund everything from early learning and special education services to teacher training and rural broadband expansion. Shutdowns also slow critical supports that many families and educators rely on outside of school, including housing assistance, childcare subsidies,
and transportation programs. When those systems stall, the e ects are felt throughout our communities. For schools already operating on thin margins, even shortterm disruptions in federal programs can create longterm consequences for learning and well being.
Ongoing delays in Washington and Raleigh mean a guessing game for classrooms across North Carolina. Without clear funding commitments at either level of government, districts are left to operate on hope and half-measures, trying to meet growing needs with dwindling certainty. Teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers show up every day regardless, but they deserve systems that show up for them too.
Our students deserve better than temporary fixes and indefinite waiting. They deserve stable, predictable systems that prioritize their futures over political stalemates. As we enter a season defined by gratitude and giving, it’s time for both state and federal lawmakers to pass budgets, fund essential programs, and provide the certainty our schools need to plan, hire and feed every child who walks through their doors. Because when budgets are delayed and nutrition programs hang in limbo, it’s usually not politicians who pay the price, it’s citizens — both adults and our children. !
Amos Fodchuk
Guest Columnist
Sounds of the Triad
Happy holidays, Triad music lovers! Drummers are drumming, pipers are piping, and bells are ringing at Holiday events around the region.
GREENSBORO
Getting to the merry and bright in Greensboro, it’s oyster season in the Carolinas, and Oden Brewing will host a UNCG Jazz Night Oyster Roast on Dec. 4, with complimentary N.C. coastal oysters and the arrival of Oden’s special Oyster Stout. Heading downtown, the Festival of Lights returns
on Dec. 5 — marking nearly four decades of holiday magic, the N.C. A&T Gospel Choir kicks o the Center City Park concert, followed by a community sing-along, tree lighting, and performances by April Talbott and The Drew Hayes Five. Music and fake snow will fill the air along Elm Street from artists like The Reids, The Standout Swing Duo, The Pocket, UNCG Chariots, Finn Phoenix, The Real McCoy Band, High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass, Ragsdale Varsity Voices, the Triad Trombone Ensemble, and the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. Festivities continue through the weekend, with “Christmas at the Carolina Theatre,” a free pre-parade community event the morning of Dec. 6, featuring a performance by the Choral Arts Collective, holiday organ music, sing-a-longs, snacks, a special visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and more. The annual Greensboro Holiday
Beyond Amazing VISIT: HighPointTheatre.com for more information FOR TICKETS CALL: 336-887-3001
50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
Parade rolls along its updated route, starting at noon and heading into the evening. Grammy-nominated Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame member LeeRoy Parnell (along with special guest Jimmy Murray) will host a Texas Flavored Christmas concert at the Flat Iron. Getting to late-night elfery, Prez and Killmatic will host a holiday party edition for the 28th installment of their “Saturday Night Dives” monthly DJ party at Westerwood Tavern.
Folks in the market for handmade gifts can enjoy the return of the H2HMRKT (Hand-to-Hand Market) Dec. 6-7. Started by GSO Zine Fest founder, Tristin Miller, back in 2011, the market has been on hiatus for a few years, but Miller is excited about bringing the magic back to her space at One Rep Weightlifting, just west of Lindley Park on Westgate Drive.
High Point Ballet - Nutcracker December 19-21, 2025
Matthew Whitaker Quintet
Toy Drive & Fun D raiser
January 17, 2026
Saturday, December 13
Live Blues @ Ziggy’s Gso | 523 s . elm street
irque FLIP Fabrique - Blizzard February 21, 2026
Noche Flamenca: Searching for Goya
March 5, 2026
Piff the Magic Dragon April 18, 2026
Kandace Springs May 2, 2026
7pm: Doors
8pm: road to Memphis iBC showcase
10pm: Zach Person Live! (2 sets)
TickeTs: $25-PBPs Members
$35 General admission (all ages)
*$5 off Door Tickets if you bring a toy to the show!
Toy Drive DeTails: Drop off new, unwrapped toys at Ziggy’s between now and December 13.
Katei Cranford
Speaking of Lindley Park, the neighborhood will be lit, with the annual luminary display extending into the Arboretum’s Candlefest celebration (and fundraiser for the Greensboro Urban Ministry) the evening of Dec. 6. “Get ready to glow, Greensboro,” organizers said, boasting the event’s “cozy magic” and “a stunning path of over 4,000 luminarias (thank you, Girl Scouts — you understood the assignment).” Santa will be on-site, along with hot chocolate, s’mores, and music drifting through the garden. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted in lieu of admission. “Bring a friend, and come feel the glow.”
The glow continues on the northeast end of downtown, with Fish Park and Dunleath neighborhoods hosting their annual sidewalk luminaria the next night, on Dec. 7.
While luminaries are classic, Greensboro is known more for its balls. Illuminating the canopy skyline throughout the Sunset Hills neighborhood since 1998, organizers first dropped the “Running of the Balls” 5k and party in 2011. For 2025, the tradition continues on Dec. 13, with music and cheer; all geared to raising money and collecting canned goods for Second Harvest Food Bank (collection boxes are on street corners all season).
Charitable spirits are in the air, with Joe G’s presenting the first of two nights of “Holiday Cheer” fundraising concerts for the SPCA of the Triad. First up will be LIMN and Irata at Oden Brewing on Dec. 12; the second goes down with The Old One-Two, Beas, and Sonic
Blooms at the Flat Iron on Dec. 19.
Meanwhile, the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society is also bringing together music and goodwill for good causes as they present the Annual PBPS Spirit of Giving Holiday Toy Drive and Fundraiser on Dec. 13 at Ziggy’s in Greensboro. Headliner Zach Person will be joined by Carolina Rhythm Machine to collect new, unwrapped toys and bring “the best feeling you’ll have this holiday season: the Blues.”
From blues to bluegrass, Mason Via will be at Ziggy’s for a Holiday Hometown Hoedown Hootenanny on Dec 20. Over at the Flat Iron, holiday hometown vibes keep ringing, with the Sam Fribush Organ Trio’s annual holiday party on Dec. 23; the Yamba and Friends 10th annual Holiday Dance Party on Dec. 26; and “Home For The Holidays,” a special showcase from Chris Hedrick, Casey Cranford, Julian Sizemore, and Jackson Weldon on Dec. 27.
For the technofreaks, Keekz will be visiting home from Los Angeles and will be at the O’s Annual Christmas Party potluck on Dec. 26.
WINSTON-SALEM
Winston-Salem will usher in the holiday season with the annual parade and tree lighting the evening of Dec. 6. Folks can wake to a special Holiday edition of the new Trade Street Farmer’s market on Dec. 7, before moseying down to Incendiary Brewing’s Coalpit for a vintage holiday market, with music from William Nesmith and photo-ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
On Dec. 12, High School Reunion will present their annual “Christmas Vacation,” a two-set holiday concert and ugly sweater party benefitting Samaritan Ministries at the Ramkat; and yours truly will be hosting SCOBY and Fake Jr. at NCMA Winston-Salem for a Southern Idiom semi-holiday concert experience in the Hanes House. There’ll be cookies and bevvies and indierock to rejoice as we celebrate what is currently the last show scheduled in the space before renovations begin in 2026.
From lasts to firsts, the Friday Night Music Club is hosting their First Annual FNMC Ball, “performing holiday music both sacred and profane, all to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest N.C.,” at Wiseman Brewing on Dec. 13.
On Dec. 20, Christmas for the City hits the Benton Convention Center, with music, Santa sightings, and a make-your-own-toy workshop. Down at Fair Witness, “wise folk still seek a party” and Winston-Salem EDM is answering with MikRo.wav, John Speed, P.S. Edekot, Medisynth, and Big Cig. Over at Gas Hill, Drat the Luck and Killer Ants are hosting an Ugly Sweater Party for the punks (with prizes); and the Hollirockets will celebrate their 10th Annual Hunka Hunka Holiday Spectacular at Joymongers Barrel Hall, with a triple dose of Elvis holiday tunes and surprises in store.
The next morning, on Dec. 21, Joymongers Barrell Hall turns into a Yuletide Jubilee, a Yacht House Party drag brunch that serves some hair of the dog and fabulous hair. “Get ready to jump into a festive celebra-
tion with Anna Yacht and Genesis De Vil, joined by a cast bringing all the holiday sparkle and just the right amount of naughty energy: Roy Fahrenheit, Diana Grey Addams, Giselle Cassidy Carter, Melody Rose, Fendi Lafemme, and Hot Goblin.”
Heading into Christmas Eve, Tim Poovey will return to Fair Witness for his annual Christmas pop in; this time, he’ll be joined by old friends Jacon Myrick and Elizabeth Cook.
HIGH POINT
Trains rule the High Point holiday season, starting with the Winter Glow Express, powered by N.C. by Train, making its way to “Winter Glow at the Point” on Dec. 4 at Truist Stadium. Over at City Lake, they’ve decorated the train with a “Polar Express” flair and will be hosting the Winter WonderPark series, weekends through December.
Train lovers around the state can also hop on holiday rides on the Holiday Express in Raleigh’s Pullen Park, the Polar Express experience at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, and the illuminated Country Christmas Train at the Denton Farm Park.
And while Triad angels will certainly sing, there are several shows worth heralding around the state: Chessa Rich’s “sometimes-annual Christmastacular Show” at the Pinhook in Durham on Dec. 11. “Packed with special guests, local heroes, and all the under-played and under-appreciated Christmas songs we can fit into 75 minutes. This year’s killer band includes Isa Burke (Mountain Goats, Aoife O’Donovan), Casey Toll (Mount Moriah, Skylar Gudasz), and Joe Westerlund (Califone, Setting). Special guests may include old-time historian banjo players, local songwriting powerhouses, maybe even a tap dancer? Take a break from the grocery store Christmas playlists and savor some beauty of the season with us.”
In Western N.C., Kelly Brieding will bring her annual Blue Ridge Opry holiday show to the Ashe Arts Center in West Je erson on Dec. 12, with a “fine lineup of surprise guests,” including the 2025 National Flat-footing Champion, who will perform with the established Blue Ridge Opry Dancers. “Don’t miss your chance to see some of the finest folks in the Blue Ridge!”
The twang rolls down to the Triangle, with a humdinger of a “Holiday Hootenanny” presented by John Howie Jr. at the Cat’s Cradle Backroom in Carrboro on Dec. 20. The evening promises a
“night of excellent country music, ra e prizes, and one of a kind gifts that your favorite country music lover would love to find under their tree,” with performances from Howie’s the Rosewood Blu band, Virginia’s honky tonk sweethearts, Ramona and the Holy Smokes; and Real Companion (real fine newish band from a coupla’ Naked Gods dudes).
Meanwhile, in Raleigh, Dylan Earl returns — like a southern-friend Santa, appearing like clockwork around the Triangle this time of year, this time at the Pour House on Dec. 20. The show is something of a hard-candy Christmas for weirdo country-lovers, like myself, forced to choose between Earl (with Blue Cactus and Paradise Motel Lounge!) and Howie’s Hootenanny. Both shows are a gift and an assured good time, so it’ll be fine and dandy at either one.
The Pour House will pack a holiday punch that runs well through Christmas with Donnie Deneil’s “Scrumptious,” presenting a 3D Christmas with Del Ward & the Leftovers and Donovan Harrell, spreading love, light, and smooth grooves across the stage on Dec. 21. Come Boxing Day, Greensboro’s psychedelic power pop outfit Sweet Dream will perform the Pour House’s “Sixth annual Holiday Hangover show, with special guests General Purpose and Tetragon, on Dec. 26; and Hook of Moon, big mistake, and Clothing and Shoes will host their post-Christmas concert on Dec. 27.
Ring-a-ding dong ding, Triad.
TRADITIONS AND REFLECTIONS
Bells are ringing alright, coming on heels of the sad, sad news about K&W Cafeteria’s sudden closure (after 88 years!) — the eatery, which opened its first location in Winston-Salem in 1937, has been a mainstay for many folks who’ve grown up around the Triad. Myself included. Core memories of passing the tray down the line — landing in a booth with a plate piled high with cabbage and cornbread, next to my Grams, who also left this world at Christmas time. She passed as bells turned Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, actually. It was poetic. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment. …or the smell of K&W pintos. To Thelma and the ones we love. To music and memories. Merry Christmas, Triad. !
KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.
Rising Blues-Rock Sensation Zach Person Headlines 2025 Spirit of Giving Toy Drive & Fundraiser
Get ready for a night where raw guitar power meets holiday spirit. The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society (PBPS) presents the Spirit of Giving Toy Drive & Fundraiser, featuring two electrifying sets from Austin’s genre-defying bluesrock virtuoso Zach Person on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 at Ziggy’s GSO (523 S. Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401).
If you haven’t witnessed Zach Person live, prepare to have your expectations shattered. This 20-something Austin phenomenon channels the soul of Hendrix through a modern rock lens, delivering blistering guitar solos and powerhouse vocals that have earned him slots at major festivals and critical acclaim across the blues and rock world. His high-octane performances blend classic blues DNA with contemporary rock intensity — think SRV meets Jack White with a healthy dose of psychedelic edge. Person’s two-set showcase promises an unforgettable evening of six-string sorcery and raw musical power.
The evening kicks o at 8 p.m. with the Road to Memphis International Blues Challenge Showcase, featuring North Carolina’s finest blues talent who will be representing PBPS at The Blues Foundation’s prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. This is your opportunity to discover & support tomorrow’s blues legends before they hit the big stage on Beale Street.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for this all-ages event. Tickets are $25 for PBPS members and $35 general admission. Here’s where it gets even better: bring an unwrapped toy to the show and receive $5 o your door ticket. All toys collected will benefit local children through partnering organizations, making this more than just a concert — it’s a community celebration of music and giving.
Can’t make it to the show but want to contribute? Ziggy’s GSO is accepting new, unwrapped toy donations now through Dec. 13 at their venue location. Every toy makes a di erence in bringing joy to children in our community this holiday season.
The Spirit of Giving event continues PBPS’s mission to preserve and present authentic blues culture while giving back to the community. The Piedmont Blues Preservation Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to sharing the rich culture of blues music — a uniquely American art form born from the lived experience of African American work songs and spirituals — through educa-
tion, live performances, and community engagement programs.
Don’t miss this chance to experience world-class blues and rock while supporting local children and the future of blues music. Mark your calendar, grab your tickets, and join the Piedmont blues community for an unforgettable night of music and giving. !
THE PIEDMONT BLUES PRESERVATION SOCIETY (PBPS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the culture and music of the blues. Through educational programs, live performances, workshops, and community partnerships, PBPS shares the rich heritage of blues music an art form born from African American work songs and spirituals while promoting cultural awareness and supporting local communities. PBPS presents the annual Carolina Blues Festival and Road to Memphis Blues Challenge, among other programs serving elder care facilities, schools, and community venues across the Piedmont region. For more information, visit piedmontblues.org.
Billy Strings returning to First Horizon Coliseum April 14
emotional registers while staying true to his beloved genre.”
Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Strings will extend his headline tour through the spring, including an April 14 show at Greensboro’s First Horizon Coliseum.
Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. local time with general on-sale following on Friday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. local time. To sign up for artist presale, visit www.billystrings.com/tour.
The spring tour adds to an already landmark year for Strings, whose most recent full-length album, “Highway Prayers,” is nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Produced by Strings and Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Mac Miller, Aimee Mann) and released via Reprise Records, the album debuted at #1 on Billboard’s all-genre Top Album Sales Chart — the first bluegrass album in 22 years to do so — and continues to receive widespread acclaim, with GQ calling Strings “the hottest roots-music phenomenon in decades” and Pitchfork praising, “the bluegrass wunderkind expands his palette, exploring new textures and
Following “Highway Prayers,” Strings released an exclusive “Apple Music Nashville Sessions” EP featuring reworked songs from the record as well as a surprise collaborative album, “Live at the Legion,” with Bryan Sutton. Recorded live on April 7, 2024 at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82, the album showcases the acclaimed duo performing 20 traditional bluegrass and folk songs, including new renditions of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” Doc Watson’s “Way Downtown” and more.
In support of the music, Strings recently performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, was featured on NPR’s “Fresh Air” and appeared on “The Howard Stern Show,” where he performed “Escanaba” and spoke with the host. Ahead of his spring run, Strings will continue his extensive headline tour through the
winter with stops at Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center (two nights), Athens’ Akins Ford Arena (two nights), Asheville’s ExploreAshville. com Arena (four nights) and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (two nights), followed by an exclusive performance at the Ryman Auditorium.
Since his 2017 debut, Strings has been awarded Best Bluegrass Album at the 67th and 63rd Grammy Awards, Artist of the Year at the 2023 and 2022 Americana Music Awards, Entertainer of the Year at the 2025, 2023, 2022 and 2021 International Bluegrass Music Awards, Best New Headliner at the 2022 Pollstar Awards and Breakthrough Artist of the Pandemic at the 2021 Pollstar Awards among several other accolades. He has also performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, PBS’ Austin City Limits and Bluegrass Underground as well as countless sold-out shows worldwide. !
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Council removes commission’s power to study rising rents, inspect apartments
On Nov. 18, former N.C.
House majority whip Jon Hardister sent outgoing Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan an email from the Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition (TREBIC). In it, he urged removing the duties of the Minimum Housing Standards Commission (MHSC) to study rental rates and inspect apartments.
Later, Greensboro City Council voted 8-1 to remove those duties.
Last year, Hardister retired from the State House to become president of TREBIC, a lobbying organization for Triad developers. Multiple outlets have described TREBIC’s influence on state legislation and city ordinances. In 2018, Triad City Beat reported that TREBIC lobbied the legislature to abolish a Greensboro ordinance requiring apartment buildings be inspected before units are rented, and cited this as a factor in the Cone/Summit fire in which five children died.
On Sunday, former MHSC vice-chair Tracy Furman, whose term expired in August, cited Hardister’s email as evidence “the city is catering to landlords and builders and not considering the needs of citizens who rent.”
Hardister’s email was sent to Vaughan’s private account. But it was a public record uploaded to the city’s archive of emails to council. On Nov. 28, it was forwarded to reporters by George Hartzman, the open-government activist who filed the initial complaint that began the SBI investigation of District 3’s Zack Matheny.
“We support the e ort to clarify that city sta does not need to perform studies on the cost of rentals in Greensboro,” wrote Hardister. “As North Carolina is not a rent control state, it would be practical for city sta to be absolved of this activ-
ity. TREBIC, along with our association members and a liates, including the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association, the Greensboro Home Builders Association, and the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association, stand ready to provide the MHSC and the city council with data related to the cost of rent in Greensboro.”
At the Nov. 18 meeting, City Attorney Lora Cubbage described rental studies as useless in a state where rent control is illegal. Past and current housing commissioners disagreed, as did incoming District 2 Representative Cecile Crawford.
“Studying rents isn’t about setting rent prices, it’s about understanding how rent practices a ect housing quality and fairness,” wrote Crawford. “Access to rent data helps the commission connect the dots between economic pressure and housing conditions, so we can target code enforcement and policy more effectively.”
Because Crawford and the other five new council members were not yet sworn in, she was unable to vote against the changes.
At-large representative Hugh Holston, who cast the only vote against limiting MHSC duties. Describing conditions at some apartment complexes as “deplorable,” Holston called for stricter enforcement.
Housing commissioners Bill Furlow and Moussa Issafu spoke against limiting MHSC’s duties. Other speakers included tenants asking that commissioners be allowed to inspect their rentals. Cherylann Gratton wept while describing her small dog’s fear of the “large f***ing
rats” infesting her apartment. Angela Nichols said black mold and broken heating forced her, her daughter, and grandchildren into a hotel, adding that Code has inspected her apartment twice, but no violations have been sent to the commission.
As previously reported, Furman, current MHSC chair Franklin Scott, and current vice-chair Samuel Hawkins allege that removing MHSC duties was suggested by city attorneys after commissioners called attention to conditions in a complex owned by controversial developer Srinivas Potluri.
Vaughan said, according to sta , no commissioners have asked to visit apartments. Minutes of the Sept. 17, 2025, MHSC meeting show Hawkins making that request. Earlier records quote Hawkins requesting a work session to discuss “the apartment landlord cartel” that Hawkins accused of inflating rents while tenants endure black mold and overflowing sewage.
Cubbage said MHSC is a “quasi-judicial” body, and commissioners visiting
apartments could be forced to recuse themselves at subsequent hearings. “A judge could not go to a murder scene and then sit up on a bench and adjudicate that case; that’s called bias.”
Furman disagreed. “The Judicial Code of Conduct allows this within parameters that are already met within the ordinance we have. This only became an issue when renters invited us to come see their apartments with bad plumbing and no heat for two years.”
Furman described treatment from former city attorney Chuck Watts, who has declined comment on matters involving Greensboro.
“Until 2021, we were truly helping people while bringing homes into compliance, and then the city attorney blamed MHSC for his own lack of ability to prosecute the slumlords that killed five children. We were bullied, and some commissioners were removed and replaced with people that would not rock the boat. I hoped the change in attorneys would end that, but it’s apparently not the case.”
Ian McDowell
Contributor
Outgoing Greensboro City Council
Cecile Crawford
Furman said she thought information on rental rates and predatory landlords would be appreciated by council. “However, I know from a Freedom of Information Act request that you receive this information through RealPage, the very company under indictment in seven states, including ours, that we warned you about in our letter of July 2024.”
An August 18 email to city manager Trey Davis from John McDonald, development manager for the Greensborobased real estate firm Evolve Companies, attached a housing market report generated by RealPage, which McDonald described as including “strong residential opportunities.”
Retired civil rights attorney Lewis Pitts also spoke about the lawsuit against RealPage for selling software that allows landlords to share confidential tenant information and inflate rents.
“After MHSC asked council to support that federal lawsuit to stop landlords from rigging rents, city attorney Chuck Watts said commissioners had no business looking into that, and to throw
them o the commission.”
Public records show outgoing District 1 Representative Sharon Hightower forwarding the MHSC letter to Watts, who replied that, in his opinion, it was “grounds for removal” of commissioners who signed it.
Before council voted to remove the MHSC’s power to study rents and inspect apartments, Cubbage said her o ce is considering higher fines for code violations and that council could commission a rental study by “an expert.”
Mayor-elect Marikay Abuzuaiter said she favored holding code violators accountable, but that she also supported removing MHSC’s duties. “We need to get things we cannot do out of these ordinances, then try to advocate for those who are in those situations and see what we can do to make code compliance stricter.” !
Cherylann Gratton
Lora Cubbage
Hugh Holston
Lewis Pitts
MHSC Commissioner Bill Furlow
Tracy Furman
[TRIVIA TEST]
by Fifi Rodriguez
[1. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom features a French bulldog named Stella?
[2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Algeria?
[3. MUSIC: Which famous song starts with the line, “I read the news today, oh boy ...”?
[4. MOVIES: Who wrote “Hedwig’s Theme,” the main music in the Harry Potter movies?
[5. FOOD & DRINK: What is the origin of popcorn?
[6. HISTORY: Where was Napoleon Bonaparte exiled to after his defeat in 1815?
[7. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “The Sound and the Fury”?
[8. ANATOMY: What are the smallest blood vessels called?
[9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In what year did the international version of TikTok launch?
[10. SCIENCE: What substance makes plants green?
answer
7. William Faulkner. 8. Capillaries. 9. 2017. 10. The pigment chlorophyll.
6. The remote island of St. Helena.
Composer John Williams. 5. Indigenous people in the Americas mastered the art of popping corn.
1. Modern Family. 2. Algiers. 3. “A Day in the Life,” The Beatles.
[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Make your holiday preparations one step at time in order to avoid being overwhelmed and leaving things undone. That confusing family situation continues to work itself out.
[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Ease this year’s holiday money pressures by letting your thrifty side guide you as you look for those perfect gifts that typically reflect your good taste and love of beauty.
[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’ll have a good handle on potential holiday problems if you delegate tasks to family members, friends or co-workers — most of whom will be more than happy to help out.
[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Right now you are especially vulnerable to holiday scams that seek to take advantage of your generosity. Best advice: Check them out before you transfer any money.
[LEO (July 23 to August 22) The upcoming holiday season gives the Big Cat
much to purr about. Relationships grow stronger, and new opportunities loom on the horizon, just waiting to be pounced on.
[VIRGO (Aug 23 to September 22) A changing situation brings conflicting advice about how to go forward with your holiday plans. Your best bet: Make the decision you feel most comfortable with.
[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Holiday plans get back on track after some confusion about the direction you expected to take. A potentially troublesome money matter needs your immediate attention.
[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your holiday preparations are on track. But you need to confront a personal situation while you can still keep it from overwhelming everything else.
[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Tight financial matters ease a bit during this holiday season. But the sagacious Sagittarian is well-advised to
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keep a tight hold on the reins while shopping for gifts.
[cAPrIcorN (December 22 to January 19) Don’t put off making decisions about this year’s holiday celebrations, despite the negative comments you’ve been getting from several quarters. Do it NOW!
[AQuArIus (January 20 to February 18) The holidays will bring new friends and new opportunities. Meanwhile, be careful to use your energy wisely as you go about making holiday preparations.
[PIsces (February 19 to March 20) There’s good news coming from a most unlikely source. And it could turn out to be one of the best holiday gifts you have had in years. Remember to stay positive.
[BorN THIs week: You are respected for your honesty and loyalty. You make friends slowly — but with rare exceptions, they’re in your life forever.
