Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com
EDITORIAL
Editor CHANEL R. DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com
YES! Writers JOHN BATCHELOR MARK BURGER KATEI CRANFORD LYNN FELDER JIM LONGWORTH IAN MCDOWELL
PRODUCTION
Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com
Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com
ADVERTISING
Marketing ANGELA COX angela@yesweekly.com
Promotion NATALIE GARCIA
DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK
We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers,
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It will be time to don deerstalkers and sift through a slew of clues — and red herrings — when the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem opens its 91st season in September with Ken Ludwig’s free-wheeling send-up of Arthur Conan Doyle’s immortal detective Sherlock Holmes in “ MORIARTY. ”
4 If turnabout is fair play, then it’s only fitting that three decades later the ever-fetching Silverstone finds herself on the receiving end of a demented younger man’s attentions in PRETTY THING, a sleek and stylish potboiler in which she plays Sophie...
7 The highly-anticipated LEGENDS OF LAUGHTER TOUR is coming to Tanger Center on Nov. 22, 2025. Featuring a diverse range of comedians, including Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Earthquake, Arnez J, and Drankin, the all-star lineup o ers something for everyone to enjoy.
8 THE VAN GOGH: An Immersive Experience exhibit is being shown at 1612 S. Stratford Road in Winston-Salem, and gives the attendee an up-close and personal look at the world of the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.
11 On July 2, Greensboro City Council announced the RETIREMENT OF CITY ATTORNEY Chuck Watts, “effective immediately.”
12 Tournament time for band nerds returns with the North Carolina Folk Festival announcing the “Final Four” contenders in the 2025 “ NOT YOUR AVERAGE FOLK” contest.
An ‘elementary’ audition for ‘Moriarty’
It will be time to don deerstalkers and sift through a slew of clues — and red herrings — when the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem opens its 91st season in September with Ken Ludwig’s free-wheeling send-up of Arthur Conan Doyle’s immortal detective Sherlock Holmes in “Moriarty.”
But before we get to Baker Street or hear the hound of the Baskervilles howl, a suitable cast must be assembled — to portray Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, the esteemed actress (and Holmes’s love interest) Irene Adler, and Holmes’s eternal nemesis, Prof. Moriarty. To that end, the Little Theatre will be holding auditions for “Moriarty” from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 14 at the Little Theatre’s offices, 419 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem. No appointment is necessary, and all are encouraged to audition regardless of prior stage experience. There are roles available for three men (ages 20s-60s) and two women (ages 20s-40s) that can be portrayed by any ethnicity. Actors being sought should have good vocal range, as various accents will be used by the characters and taught during the rehearsal process. In addition, given the energetic nature of the show, all of the roles are physically demanding and will require rapid costume changes, fight choreography, tumbles, and falls. Additional details and character descriptions can be found at https://www.ltofws. org/auditions . The play finds the immortal consulting detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart sidekick Dr. Watson investigating the Bohemian king’s stolen papers, which leads them into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and intrigue. With nothing less than world peace hanging in the balance, Holmes and Watson team up with Adler to thwart the nefarious machinations of Prof. Moriarty and his secret network of henchmen. Five actors play over 40 different roles in this light-hearted adventure that embraces the legend of Sherlock Holmes while also sending it up in an affectionate, fast-paced fashion.
For the July 14th audition, actors will read from sides and are asked to bring their calendars and be prepared to list any potential conflicts with the rehearsal and performance period of the production. The first read-through will be held
at 7 p.m. Monday, July 21, and rehearsals are tentatively scheduled Sunday afternoons — Friday evenings.
“Moriarty” is the brainchild of the prolific playwright/author/director/screenwriter Ken Ludwig, whose 34 plays include such acclaimed, Tony Award-winning works as “ Lend Me a Tenor” and “Crazy for You” (which ran for over five years in New York), “ Moon Over Buffalo,” “Sullivan and Gilbert,” “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” and “ Murder on the Orient Express .” Ludwig first tackled the Conan Doyle canon with “ The Game’s Afoot ,” a pseudo-biography of the actor William Gillette who originated the role of Sherlock Holmes that won the 2012 Edgar Allan Poe award for Best Mystery of the Year, followed by “ Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” in 2015 and “ Moriarty” (subtitled “A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure”) in 2023. In a similar, sleuthing vein, Ludwig’s next outing, “ Lady Molly of Scotland Yard ,” is scheduled to premiere sometime this year.
The Little Theatre’s 91st season will kick off with “ Moriarty,” under the direction of long-time Little Theatre favorite Philip Powell, which will be presented Sept. 5 -14 at Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem. For more information, call 336-724-4001 or visit the Little Theatre of Winston-Salem’s official website: https://www.ltofws.org/. !
Arts Council names Shannon Henry interim president and CEO
BY PRESS RELEASE
The board of trustees of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has named Shannon B. Henry interim president and CEO e ective immediately following the resignation of Samantha Howard. Henry joined the Arts Council’s board of trustees in 2020 and currently serves as board secretary.
Howard came to the Arts Council in September 2024 and resigned e ective Thursday, July 3, 2025.
“We thank Samantha for her dedication to the Arts Council during the last year,” Arts Council Board of Trustees Chair Howard Upchurch said. “On behalf of the entire board, we wish Samantha all the best.
“I look forward to working closely with Shannon to begin shaping an exciting new future for the Arts Council during her interim role,” Upchurch added. “Shannon has a deep devotion to the arts community and the skillset needed to take the actions and make impactful accomplishments in short order.”
Henry lives in Winston-Salem and is a widely respected leader in strategy, operations, audit, and risk management. Most recently, she served in a consulting capacity as Acting Chief Strategy O cer at Winston-Salem State University. Earlier in her career, Henry was chief operating o cer at PBS North Carolina and held a dual appointment as chief audit, risk, and compliance o cer for both the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Winston-Salem State University. In addition to her executive leadership in higher education and public media, Henry is also an entrepreneur and founder of a boutique hat line that blends sophistication and bold style and reflects her passion for craftsmanship and creative expression. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mount Saint Mary College, a master’s degree in accounting and financial management from Keller Graduate School of Management, and completed the postgraduate program in Lean Six Sigma at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Upchurch said the Arts Council’s board of trustees will initiate a national search for a permanent president and CEO. !
ARTS COUNCIL
of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the leading advocate of the arts in our region and seeks to enhance and support the artistic and cultural landscape of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Established on Aug. 9, 1949, Arts Council has been a vital part of our community for 75 years. Arts Council’s owns and operates a campus which includes the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Sawtooth School for Visual Art, Hanesbrands Theatre, and more, serving as key hubs for creativity. In 2023, it hosted 670 on-campus events with 60,000 attendees, showcasing theater, dance, comedy, music, visual arts, literary arts and more. As a grant maker, Arts Council distributed over $1.2 million in grants in 2023, benefiting over 800,000 people.
Mark Burger
Contributor
Shannon B. Henry
Pretty Thing is another attraction gone fatal
BY MARK BURGER
Before Clueless (1995) made her a bona-fide movie star, Alicia Silverstone made her feature debut two years earlier in The Crush, in which she played a naughty nymphet who develops an obsessive fixation on Cary Elwes, a writer who rents her parents’ guesthouse. The film was a sleeper hit and did especially well in the rental market, despite (not undeservedly) withering reviews. Silverstone even won Best Breakthrough Performance and Best Villain at the MTV Movie Awards, surely an indication of artistic prestige.
If turnabout is fair play, then it’s only fitting that three decades later the everfetching Silverstone finds herself on the receiving end of a demented younger man’s attentions in Pretty Thing, a sleek and stylish potboiler in which she plays Sophie, a high-powered pharmaceutical executive who impetuously picks up cater waiter Elliot (Karl Glusman) at a swank Manhattan party for a casual fling.
The bu Elliot, who lives with his invalid mother (Catherine Curtin), is instantly smitten with Sophie, especially after a whirlwind trip to Paris. Their a air does wonders for his fragile ego, but it’s not long before Sophie decides their romance has run its course. It’s clear that she’s done this sort of thing before. She’s accustomed to getting whatever — or whoever — she wants, but strictly on her terms alone.
Quite simply, Elliot goes to pieces. He won’t take no for an answer, and it’s not long before his harassment escalates. We’ve been down this well-traveled road before, going as far back as Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me (1971) — still the grandaddy of “fatal-attraction” thrillers. Pretty Thing is hardly the worst
of its ilk, and it’s a lot less mean-spirited and cruel than many other films of its kind.
Originally (and more wittily) titled The Bird and the Bee, Pretty Thing is certainly attractive to look at and listen to. Matt Klammer’s cinematography is lush and ornate, further augmented by a fine score courtesy of Tim Kvasnosky, a long-time collaborator of director Justin Kelly’s. There’s an operatic flavor to the film, entirely in keeping with the melodramatic storyline cooked up by actor-turned-screenwriter Jack Donnelly. There aren’t many laughs here, but a certain amount of dark humor that bubbles to the surface on occasion, particularly in a late scene where Sophie surprises Elliot by paying a “house call” to his mother that is both creepy and funny. The film could have used a bit more of that. Tammy Blanchard appears briefly as Sophie’s sister, but it might have been more interesting had no vestige of her personal life been depicted. Her character would have been more enigmatic and mysterious. Nevertheless, Silverstone humanizes Sophie to an extent by exhibiting genuine guilt and remorse over having started the a air in the first place, although when push comes to shove, she puts her self-defense lessons to good use.
Even when he goes o the deep end (rather quickly), Glusman achieves a level of sympathy as the lonely, loony Elliot, and although Curtin plays his mother as cloying and self-pitying, she’s not unlikable. Where Pretty Thing falters is in the fade-out, which is perhaps intended to be ironically ambiguous but instead feels like a cop-out. It doesn’t ruin the film, but it doesn’t ring true.
(Pretty Thing is playing in select theaters and is available on VOD.)
“ANTS!/TARANTULAS: THE DEADLY CARGO/TERROR OUT OF THE SKY” (Kino Lorber Studio Classics): A DVD triple threat ($19.95 retail) of quintessentially ‘70s, self-explanatory madefor-TV movies trading in on the decade’s big-screen insect horror craze (Bug, Kingdom of the Spiders, The Swarm, et al), the first aired on ABC and the next two on CBS: 1977’s Ants! (also released as It Happened at Lakewood Manor and Panic at Lakewood Manor) stars Robert Foxworth, Lynda Day George, Myrna Loy, Bernie Casey, Brian Dennehy, and Suzanne Somers; Tarantulas: The Deadly Cargo (1978) boasts the always-welcome triumvirate of Claude Akins, Pat Hingle, and Bert Remsen; and Terror Out of the Sky (1978) — the follow-up to 1976’s The Savage Bees — stars Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Dan Haggerty, and Tovah Feldshuh. Bonus features include trailers.
DEEPSTAR SIX (Kino Lorber Studio Classics): Sean S. Cunningham (of Friday the 13th fame) produced and directed this water-logged 1989 sci-fi shocker set in an underwater U.S. Naval facility, where the inhabitants are menaced by a voracious monster unleashed by a subterranean explosion. This was the first of the underwater chillers to be released theatrically (prior to Leviathan and James Cameron’s The Abyss mere months later), is a widely considered the worst, although it has a few scares and an appealing, if rapidly diminishing, ensemble cast: Greg Evigan, Miguel Ferrer, Cindy Pickett, Taurean Blacque, Nancy Everhard, Nia Peeples, Matt McCoy, Marius Weyers, Elya Baskin, Thom Bray, and Ronn Carroll. Both the special-edition Blu-ray ($29.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95 retail) include audio commentaries, retrospective interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, theatrical trailer and TV spot, and more. Rated R.
ENTERTAINING
MR. SLOANE (Severin Films): The North American Blu-ray bow ($36.95 retail) of director Douglas Hickox’s entertaining 1970 adaptation of Joe Orton’s black comedy, starring Beryl Reid as a lonely spinster who takes in the seductive, manipulative titular character (played by Peter McEnery) as a boarder and subsequent lover, much to the disapproval of her closeted brother (Harry Andrews) and suspicious father (Alan Webb) — leading to blackmail and murder. Although not as controver-
BY MARK BURGER
DVD PICK OF THE WEEK: BREAKING GLASS (FUN CITY EDITIONS)
Steeped in the milieu of the punk movement in Britain, writer/director Brian Gibson’s award-winning 1980 feature debut is a fabulous time capsule of a long-gone era and a dazzling showcase for leading lady Hazel O’Connor in her breakthrough performance.
She plays Kate Crowley, an up-and-coming punk diva whose untamed talents come to the attention of aspiring agent Danny (Phil Daniels), who sees dollar signs and assumes control of her career, firing her band and assembling a new band, Breaking Glass, which consists of guitarists Mark Wingett and Gary Tibbs (in his only feature to date), drummer Peter-Hugo Daly (in his
feature debut), and saxophonist Jonthan Pryce (in only his second feature).
The film depicts Kate’s rise and fall, as Danny — with whom she becomes romantically involved — skillfully maneuvers her and Breaking Glass toward mainstream success, ethics and integrity be damned. Yet the more Kate rails against the system, both in her music and in her attitude, she ultimately becomes a victim of it, very much against her will. Her integrity and artistry are merely a commodity, to be bought and sold. Nowhere is this more evident when high-powered music executive Bob Woods (a memorably slimy Jon Finch) takes an interest — both professional and personal — in Kate.
Breaking Glass is deeply cynical but always believable, and is entirely anchored by O’Connor’s feisty, fiery turn as Kate. It’s something of a shame she didn’t do much more acting, opting instead to concentrate on her successful music career, because she’s a natural talent. The supporting cast is first-rate, and it doesn’t hurt that most of them were actual rock musicians, which lends their performance scenes authenticity. The story is a familiar one, but Gibson (who later helmed What’s Love Got to Do With It? and Still Crazy) brings enough keen insight to make this parable work.
Breaking Glass was very successful in England and its soundtrack was a bestseller, but when Paramount acquired it for U.S. distribution, the studio hacked out several scenes — including the original ending (!) — and then barely released it theatrically in PG-rated (!) form. When USA Network picked it up (remember Night Flight, anyone?) and played it in regular rotation in the mid-‘80s, Breaking Glass finally broke through here, if only belatedly.
The special-edition Blu-ray ($29.95 retail) of Breaking Glass is presented in its original, longer UK cut, with bonus features including alternate U.S. ending and re-edited scenes, audio commentary, collectible booklet, image gallery, and visual essay.
sial or scandalous as when it was first written, this is still a sharply observant satire of the class struggle and sexual politics, with fine performances by all and a cheerfully amoral attitude. Bonus features include audio commentaries, the documentary All My Sloanes — 60 Years of Joe Orton’s Mr. Sloane, retrospective and vintage interviews, video essay, trailer, and more.
“FALLOUT”: SEASON ONE (Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment): Executive producers Geneva RobertsonDworet and Graham Wagner created this
whopping 17 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Goggins), and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, its single win was for Outstanding Music Supervision. All eight episodes from the inaugural 2024 season are available on DVD ($24.95 retail), Blu-ray ($29.95 retail), and limited-edition 4K Ultra HD combo ($39.98 retail), each replete with audio commentary and behind-the-scenes featurette.
HONG KONG 1941 (Eureka Entertainment/MVD Entertainment Group): A limited-edition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) of director Po-Chih Leong’s award-winning 1984 drama (originally titled Dang doi lai ming) detailing a love triangle set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s occupation by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, with Cecilia Yip, Alex Man, and Chow Yun-Fat (in his breakthrough role) as the principals whose attempts to escape jeopardize not only their relationship but their lives. Shih Kien, Wu Ma, Paul Chun, and Leong himself (playing the Emperor) round out a fine cast in this evocative historical chronicle that was an arthouse hit in the United States. Bonus features include original Cantonese (with English subtitles) and English-dubbed audio options, audio commentary, collectible booklet, vintage interviews, theatrical trailer, and video essay. Rated R.
award-winning, dystopian science-fiction series, aired on Amazon Prime, based on the best-selling role-playing video game created by Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky set 250 years in the future, after a global war between the United States and China has decimated much of the planet, leaving the survivors to discover a frightening outside world awaits them, featuring an ensemble cast including Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins, Moises Arias, Xelia Mendez-Jones, Sarita Choudhury, Michael Emerson, Leslie Uggams, Frances Turner, Zach Cherry, and Kyle MacLachlan. Nominated for a
SUGAR HILL (Kino Cult #32): The Blu-ray bow ($29.95 retail) of Paul Maslansky’s only directorial stint, an oddball 1974 “blaxploitation” chiller starring Marki Bey as the titular character, a foxy free-lance photographer who summons the forces of darkness to avenge the murder of nightclub-owner boyfriend Larry D. Johnson (in his feature debut) at the hands of racist racketeer Robert Quarry (sporting a Southern-fried accent). This marked Quarry’s final film under his contract with American International Pictures, and he and Bey are well-matched adversaries in this campy cult favorite with pop-eyed zombies and a zesty cast including Don Pedro Colley (as the voodoo lord Baron Samedi), Richard Lawson, Betty Ann Rees, Zara Cully, and Charles P. Robinson. Bonus features include audio commentaries, retrospective interviews, theatrical trailer and radio spots. Rated PG (!). !
[WEEKLY SUDOKU] [KING CROSSWORD]
in Somme
Central cavity of the brain
Did pool laps
Alternative to Levi’s
Large Brit. lexicon
Lower-leg blood vessel
10 things featured in this puzzle?
Dir. from Ariz. to Ky.
The Legends of Laughter
PRESS RELEASE
The highly-anticipated Legends of Laughter Tour is coming to Tanger Center on Nov. 22, 2025. Featuring a diverse range of comedians, including Sommore (Netflix’s Queen Chandelier), Lavell Crawford (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), Earthquake (Chappelle’s Home Team: Earthquake Legendary), Arnez J (BET’s Comic View), and Drankin, the all-star lineup o ers something for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets will be available starting with a presale on Wednesday, July 9 at 10 a.m. local time. The general onsale begins Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m. local time at Ticketmaster.com.
Legends of Laughter is produced by Post Road Entertainment, Inc., a subsidiary of North American Entertainment Group, Inc., one of the largest independent promoters of entertainment tours and live events in the United States.
ABOUT THE LINEUP
Sommore, the award-winning comedienne of Chandelier Status, has had a successful career spanning over 20 years. A trailblazer for women in comedy, Sommore has appeared in hit films like Soul Plane, Something New, and Friday After Next. Her television credits include shows like The Parkers and The Hughley’s. She has also been a guest on popular shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, and Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. Recently, her latest comedy special, Queen Chandelier, premiered on Netflix. For more info, visit sommore.com.
Lavell Crawford, a critically acclaimed comedian and actor, is known for his stand-up comedy as well as his notable acting career. He gained fame for his role as Huell Babineaux in the series Breaking Bad and its spin-o Better Call Saul. Crawford has appeared in films like The Ridiculous 6, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, American Ultra, and On the Count of Three. He has released five stand-up specials, including the highly praised The Comedy Vaccine, which earned him a Grammy® nomination for Best Comedy Album. His latest comedy special, Lavell Crawford: Thee Lavell Crawford, premiered on Showtime in February 2023. For more info, visit comedianlavellcrawford.com Earthquake, a comedian, actor, and voice artist, has garnered a strong fan base through stand-up comedy and is
known for his memorable performances on BET’s Comic View and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam. In 2021, he released his Netflix comedy special Chappelle’s Home Team: Earthquake Legendary, which received rave reviews and was named “Comedy Special of the Year” by the New York Times. Currently, Earthquake enjoys recurring roles on TV shows such as The Neighborhood, Johnson, South Side, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. For more info, visit therealearthquake.com.
Arnez J is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most popular comedians in the industry, captivating audiences with his uproarious stand-up routines that are refreshingly free of profanity. He has made memorable television appearances on shows like Comedy Central’s Make Me Laugh, Showtime’s Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam, NBC’s Friday Night Videos, The Mo’Nique Show, and his own BET Comic View Grandstand Hour Special and Comedy Central Presents: Arnez J, among others. His latest comedy special, Racially Motivated, is now streaming on Netflix, promising endless laughter.
Drankin started out on the campus of North Carolina A&T, hosting campus and community shows. His career on radio launched during his debut, doing several comedy contests on 102 JAMZ. After winning consecutive years of the comedy contest, Drankin became a regular on the Wild-Out Wake-Up Morning Show on 102 JAMZ. !
WANNA go?
Date: November 22, 2025
Showtime: 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Tanger Center, 300 N Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Stepping Inside A Painting: The Van Gogh Immersive Experience comes to the Triad
Chanel Davis
Triad residents have the opportunity to step into the mind, and art, of one of the most famous artists in the world.
The Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience exhibit is being shown at 1612 S. Stratford Road in Winston-Salem, and gives the attendee an up-close and personal look at the world of the Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.
“As an experienced creator for more than 25 years, I am always trying to push the boundaries of storytelling. With Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, we have been able to take the experience of art to a new level using digital technologies that bring the art to life like never before,” said John Zaller, executive producer for Exhibition Hub. “This is an important next step in how art is experienced and one that will continue to draw in new audiences for many years to come. Think of it as an opportunity to either learn about
art for the first time or to delve deeper into the subject matter related to your favorite artist.”
Born March 30, 1853, the artist died July 29, 1890, two days after he shot himself at the age of 37. His best-known paintings are “Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” “Wheatfield with Crows,” “The Potato-Eaters,” “Cafe Terrace at Night,” “Starry Night over the Rhone,” “Bedroom in Arles,” and “Irises.” He created more than 2,000 works of art in his lifetime, with 900 of those being paintings and at least 1,100 being drawings and sketches. The majority of his art was created in the last 10 years of his life. The exhibit will be in the Triad until the end of September 2025.
Zaller said what makes this di erent than walking into a regular museum is that here the artwork comes to life.
“Museums are the original safeguards for the majority of the world‘s art, and our work is based on the artworks on display in museums. What makes our experience di erent from what you will find in an art museum is that the artwork we display comes to life through the magic of digital technology and a soaring musical score,” he said. “We always seek to connect emotionally with art, that is part of its power, and at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience we create the scene where
that emotional connection can occur in an entirely new way.”
The experience is a 360-degree digital art exhibition that “invites you to step into the universe of the Dutch genius.” The exhibit is roughly an hour and a half, and includes digital displays, point-oftime explanations of Van Gogh’s life, projection mapping, statues, paintings, and a light and sound show of his works. Attendees are even given the chance to literally step into a Van Gogh painting, “The Bedroom,” and walk through a sunflower field, highlighting his Sunflower series.
The exhibit includes a virtual reality experience, through an upcharge, that allows the attendee to travel through eight of Van Gogh’s notable works and their source of inspiration in “A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles, France.”
“The exhibition features more than two dozen reproductions of Van Gogh‘s work at their actual size, allowing visitors to get a sense of Van Gogh’s uncanny ability to create such vast spaces on such small materials,” said Zaller. “The immersive experience also features several of Van Gogh’s paintings built out in 3D such as his bedroom painting, which allows you to literally step inside of his work. Finally, we represent more than 400 of Van
Editor
Gogh’s works in our immersive gallery where his artwork comes to life like never before through the magic of digital animation.”
With so many choices Zaller said he can’t choose just one to be his favorite part of the exhibit.
“I have two favorite parts of Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. The first is a small immersive gallery in which we feature dozens of Van Gogh’s flower paintings projection mapped onto a vase. This area helps guests understand how Van Gogh focused his work so much on creating beautiful environments. It also helps to tell the story that although Van Gogh had very little money to travel or to pay for models, he could still paint flowers on a regular basis to hone his craft — and the results are breathtaking,” Zaller explained. “My second favorite environment is the immersive gallery where we project Van Gogh’s works in 6,000 ft on twostory high walls to allow you to be inside of his work like never before. Of course, the most amazing part of this experience is being surrounded by Van Gogh’s iconic starry night painting.”
Zaller encourages every resident to come out.
“The Triad region is rich with both talented artists and passionate art enthusiasts. From fine art to local artisans, creativity thrives here. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a vibrant addition to this artistic landscape and one that deepens community connection and sparks fresh inspiration for all who attend,” Zaller said. “At Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, guests can color their own version of a Van Gogh masterpiece or create an original design, then scan it to see their artwork projected on the big screen as part of the show forever. It’s a powerful finale that leaves visitors feeling inspired, creatively awakened, and truly part of the experience.”
For attendees looking to go, the exhibit is billed as appropriate for all ages, with children 17 and under having to be accompanied by an adult, and those under the age of 4 can visit free of charge. Tickets range from $27 to $53. The exhibit is open Thursday through Monday, from 10:a.m. until 7:30 p.m., and is closed on Tuesday.
For more information on the exhibit, including times and tickets, visit www. vangoghexpo.com/winston-salem. For tickets, visit feverup.com/m/387444. !
CHANEL DAVIS is the current editor of YES! Weekly and graduated from N.C. A&T S.U. in 2011 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She’s worked at daily and weekly newspapers in the Triad region.
| (336) 807-1476 MONDAY-THURSDAY 11AM-10 PM FRIDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-11PM | SUNDAY 11AM-8PM VOTED SECOND BEST CHICKEN WINGS IN
hot pour
[BARTENDER OF THE WEEK COMPILED BY NATALIE GARCIA]
NAME: Emma Czoty
BAR:
Easytalk in West Salem and a/perture cinema
AGE: 22
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I was born up North and raised in Winston.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING?
Check out videos on our Facebook!
Not long. August will mark two years since I began bartending.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER?
I was working in a fast casual restaurant as a host and server for many years. When I turned 21, I seized the opportunity to learn something new and expand my skill set within the service industry.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING?
It’s so rewarding to connect with people and provide a hospitable experience. Whether it’s making someone exactly what they’re looking for or helping them try something new, it’s a great feeling to give someone service that goes further than what’s in the glass.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING?
Not knowing everything yet. Being new to the industry and not having all the details on niche cocktails, spirits and flavor pairings can stall my confidence, but I’ve come a long way and am learning more every day.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE?
A martini, in all the ways it can be done.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK?
A daiquiri.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK?
Any Italian amaro. My pick is Montenegro.
WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD?
I had a guest ask me for a “tequila water” once. As in, still water. He said it’s the most hydrating cocktail there is. I chose not to question it. Tequila water it is.
WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING?
Independence Day Parade
I had a window open at my bar and stepped away for a few seconds. When I came back, a neighborhood cat had jumped in and was walking around like he owned the place. I had several guests sitting up front and none of them seemed to notice his intrusion.
WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM?
Luckily, I haven’t run into too many surprises in the bathroom. Maybe a wedding ring or two.
WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN?
I don’t know if I have a specific instance, but I’m thankful for my guests who take care of me as much as I try to take care of them.
WANNA BE FEATURED IN HOT POUR?
Email Natalie Garcia at natalie@yesweekly.com and ask about being our Bartender of the Week!
7.6.25 | Chatham, Va. | Photos by Natalie Garcia
PHOTO BY MADDIE FOX
City Attorney retires, Deputy City Attorney cannot be reached
On July 2,
Greensboro City Council announced the retirement of City Attorney Chuck Watts, “e ective immediately.”
Statements by Watts and Mayor Nancy Vaughan did not include a reason for Watts’ departure.
“I appreciate my years with the city and am proud of the contributions I have made during my time here,” Watts said. “I’m confident the current legal sta will continue to function at the highest level in support of the city.” Vaughan praised Watts’ six years of service, calling him “instrumental in leading the city through a number of significant challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and times of civil unrest.”
Along with the city manager, the city attorney is one of two city employees who work directly for city council. The announcement concluded by stating “In the coming days, the city council will announce who will serve in an interim capacity.”
Watts’ retirement leaves Deputy City Attorney Tony Baker as the top-ranked member of the city’s legal department, but the same day Watts’ retirement was announced, Baker became unreachable by phone or email. Over subsequent days, emails to Baker received an autoresponse stating:
“Please be advised Tony Baker is unable to respond to messages sent to this address. This mailbox is not being monitored. For assistance, please contact James Dickens, Senior Assistant City Attorney.”
When asked if Baker was still employed by the city, Dickens emailed the following statement on July 3.
“I am forwarding this question to our Public Information Request Team to respond to your inquiry. Mr. Kurt Brenneman will respond as soon as he is
able. Please understand that with the retirement of the City Attorney, his o ce has received numerous other public information requests concerning this event. Therefore, his response time may be a little longer than usual.”
Later that day, City Crisis and Strategic Communications Manager Eric Chilton called to say that Baker was still employed by the city, but due to N.C. statutes on the privacy of personnel records, that was the only information he could release.
In May 2019, council voted unanimously to hire Watts as a replacement for City Attorney Tom Carruthers, who resigned in October 2018. In multiple public statements, Watts has alleged that his predecessor had been fired.
Prior to his employment with the ity, Watts served as the deputy secretary and general counsel for the North Carolina Department of Transportation from 2017 to 2019. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1977 and from Howard University School of Law in 1985, he practiced with law firms in Charlotte, Chapel Hill, and Durham.
Left out of his public biographies is his employment as special counsel for Cyberlux Corporation, a privately traded military technology company with an o ce in Durham, for which court filings show him as working since 2021.
In 2023, Cyberlux made headlines after receiving a $78 million contract to provide drones to the U.S. Department of Defense. Corporate filings show Watts received 10.4 million shares of the company’s penny stock.
After losing its drone contract in 2024, Cyberlux was sued by creditors. In multiple filings in Virginia, Colorado, Texas, and California, plainti s have accused the Cyberlux legal team of obfuscation and disinformation.
In a June 24, 2025 filing, Colorado attorney Mark Kane included two April 2025 emails from Watts to plainti s in Atlantic Wave Holdings, LLC et al v. Cyberlux Corporation et al, filed in Superior
Council tonight — and have been aware of that relationship for years.”
On June 19, Watts sent the following statement.
Court of California, County of San Diego. These emails by Watts on behalf of Cyberlux were sent from Watts’ City of Greensboro email account during regular business hours.
Although Watts’ contract with the City of Greensboro states he “shall remain in the exclusive employment of Employer and shall devote substantially all of his professional energy to performing the duties required under this Agreement,” it is not illegal for municipal attorneys to also have private clients. Vaughan told The Assembly that “There isn’t anything necessarily wrong with a city attorney doing other work. That happens in other cities. It’s happened in Greensboro in the past.”
At the June 17 meeting of Greensboro City Council, speaker Jason Hicks alleged a conflict of interest.
“According to a recent filing, Mr. Watts received over 50 million shares of CyberLux Corporation stock at 10 cents per share in 2021 for debt settlement and legal fees. This amount is approximately $500,000 in compensation, a figure that significantly exceeds his city salary. Such a substantial private payment raises serious concerns.”
Watts was not present at that meeting, but Baker responded.
“Mr. Hicks’ comments that there is somehow a conflict with the city attorney for whatever outside employment he may or may not have is simply unfounded.” In an email the next day, Baker wrote “I was aware of Chuck’s relationship with Cyberlux when I made my comments at
“There was no breach of my contract with the city from my perspective nor, as I understand it, from that of any of the council persons. There certainly is no conflict of interest in these distinct representations of a municipal government and a company engaged primarily in sales to foreign countries & the US Department of Defense. I don’t think Cyberlux has ever sold anything to anyone in Guilford County nor in Greensboro, and am confident that it has never sold anything to the City of Greensboro.”
On June 25, screenshots of Watts’ emails on behalf of Cyberlux from his City of Greensboro email address were posted to Facebook and Reddit. Seven days later, the city announced his retirement. !
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.
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Tony Baker Chuck Watts
Not Your Average Final Four 2025
Tournament time for band nerds returns with the North Carolina Folk Festival announcing the “Final Four” contenders in the 2025 “Not Your Average Folk” contest.
“This year’s submissions blew us away,” said Savannah Thorne, N.C. Folk Festival programming chair. “We were thrilled to receive 59 entries, making the task of narrowing it down to just four finalists both exhilarating and challenging. That kind of strong response speaks to the universal language of folk, and we can’t wait for the public to weigh in.” (Fans can vote for their favorites through July 18 on the NYAF webpage.)
Of those 59, the Triad is home to three finalists: The Evan Blackerby Trio, The Ian Rood Modern Folktet, and Folkknot; with Elizabeth McCorvey adding a little Western N.C. delight into the contestant pool.
A “part-time psychotherapist, part-time musician, and full-time delight,” McCorvey performs in a variety of outfits around the western hills, as well as with her own aptly named “Elizabeth and Her Band.”
Plucking strings and picking a soundtrack for the revolution, McCorvey transposes violin, cello, and banjo into instrumentation beyond music — resonating with “resistance, remembrance, and radical joy.” Her songs follow a “truth-telling journey through history, heritage, and heart,” through which she “echoes the legacy of spirituals, and speaks powerfully to life in the American South as a Black queer woman.”
“Bold, brilliant, and full of sass, soul, and spirit,” with a style “rooted in the rich tradition of Black folk artists like Amethyst Kiah, Rhiannon Giddens, and Trey Wellington,” McCorvey exudes a force to match her voice that “burn the barn down.”
She insists she won’t. She will, however, release her new album “Songs I Sent You,” on July 24.
While the NCFF looks to “raise the volume on voices that need to be heard,” from artists from all over, there’s something in 2025’s heavy home team selection. With prizes at every tier (fourth place snags an artist spotlight in the NCFF newsletter and over social media) and the top three snag performer slots on the festival bill. The top two get recording time with Crimson Moon Records. At this point, they’re all winners. That’s how songwriter Evan Blackerby sees it. “Honestly, the ‘win’ has already happened,” he said. “Being in the final four is a good fist bump for my songwriting and the gentlemen I play with.”
Rounded by a trio featuring Brett Thompson and Lelan Estes, Blackerby is hopeful yet humble. “It’s been one of my goals to get onto the NCFF stage,” he admitted, praising the talent of his competition. “I love being honored and it’s encouraged me to write more music.
But competition is pretty subjective when it comes down to it. I simply hope that it encourages all of us to create more art.“
With a debut album “Hop on the Bandwagon,” released earlier this year, Blackerby is riding along, setting goalposts and digging heels into the heart of community. “Win or lose, I want to continue building communities around music and work on a new album. If we don’t win, it doesn’t change what I’m working on,” he explained, referencing a noted goal to garner a dedicated fanbase of 1000-strong.
Looking back, Blackerby has consistently built a catalog influenced by folks who play from the heart. “I grew up listening to Abbey Road on vinyl and Paul McCartney was my first concert. My bar was set pretty high as far as songwriting, he said. “My dad had me listening to everyone from Lyle Lovett to Otis Redding to John Prine to Stevie Wonder. It’s interesting to hear those wide-ranging Americana bluesy-folk roots come out in some of my own songs. Sometimes it pops out and surprises me.“
What’s not surprising is how those influences have shaped both Blackerby’s catalog and his concern for original artistry of Triad musician communities.
Blackerby is the next emergent artist in MusicGreensboro’s “Emerging Artists” series; he’ll open for Will Hoge at the Flat Iron on July 11.
Repping the ol’ UNCG jazz pocket, Ian Rood shares Blackerby’s emphasis on artistry and the honor of making the finals. “I’m so incredibly honored to have been chosen for the top four. The other three finalists are such great musicians, and I feel very humble just being considered alongside them.”
A trumpet player by nature, Rood has been o cially playing for more than 13 years; and is a 2024 graduate of the Miles Davis Jazz program, where he met his band. ”They’re some of the best musicians that I encountered at UNCG. They all bring something unique to the table, but we also work together so well as a group.”
As the bandleader, Rood carries on the “deep tradition of great jazz and folk artists before me,” he
explained, “I always cite Louis Armstrong as my first musical hero, and as I grew up, I discovered artists like Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Chris Thile.” Drawing inspiration from artists compounding upon the classics before them; Rood noted their ability to “create something familiar, yet wholly original,” has shaped his musical approach: “steeped in tradition, yet attempting to push beyond.” An approach he looks forward to showcasing at NCFF. “If I win, I’m going to absolutely light up that stage in September.”
Keying in on the expressive connective qualities of his work, “music without words has the ability to communicate so much outside of language,” Rood explained, challenging the barriers of lyrical attachment; and “leaning into kinetic energy, emotion, and expression,” to building an engaging experience.
Really, it’s all about connection — which Rood doesn’t need words to carry — and connection he looks to share. “I’ve gone to the Folk Festival almost every year since I’ve lived in Greensboro, and I’m always blown away. I know that this festival means a lot to the community as a whole, and it would be very meaningful to me to be able to share my music with the community at no cost to them.”
“I’m bringing my best, and I know for a fact that it’ll be a show worth seeing,” he continued, with plans for a debut release. “First-place studio time would certainly contribute to making that happen.” In the meantime, Rood teaches private lessons at Jackson’s Music in Winston-Salem and can be found among the Too Phat Brass Band lineup.
Meanwhile, the crew of sea-shantying Folknot are thrilled to land as a finalist, rowing into their charmed third-time entering. “This was our third year submitting a video for this contest and we really stepped up our game with a professionally-filmed (shoutout Glasbear Video Productions) live performance,” the band explained, with excitement for NCFF’s shift toward incorporating more local artists.
“Win or lose, we’ll be hanging around the folk fest this year!,” they noted. “We absolutely love attending, year after year. It’s such an awesome thing to have in
Katei Cranford
The Ian Rood Modern Folktet
Evan Blackerby Trio
PHOTO BY @NICKCARLSONPHOTO
PHOTO BY DAVE ZIELINSKI
our hometown, but it’s always felt out of reach for local folk musicians.”
Like Rood, the Folknotters intend to give the audience their all; and build a bigger audience to boot. “We plan to leave absolutely everything we have on the main stage during our performance, use the studio time to record songs for our upcoming albums, and put the title high on our resume so we can book bigger and better; and get our music out there.“
Formed in 2020 in Wake Forest
University chemistry lab, guitarist Grey Hyatt and accordionist Marcos Lammel Knebl, hit it o over shanties and classroom sternos. Landlocked, not listless, the group labels themselves as “seafolk” with songs employing vivid storytelling, steeped in maritime and natural settings.
“We’re heavily influenced by Celtic and seafaring folk traditions, specifically what came out of New England and Nova Scotia during the 1960s folk revival,” they explained, pointing to what
they see as “modern bands that also draw back to the movement,” like Stan Rodgers, The Pogues, The Irish Rovers, and The Decemberists. The two jazztrained members on board the rhythm section add a “natural jazz groove feel to some of our creations as well.”
“We simply hope you’ll vote for us if you enjoy our sound,” they continued. “If you want to see an immersive full band sea-folk experience on the big stage in their hometown, vote for us!”
Beyond NCFF, Folkknot is working on
fresh releases and playing shows around the Triad: they’ll be at the Flat Iron on Sept. 5; at Shakori Hills Festival in early October; and at Ziggy’s GSO on Dec. 12.
The Not Your Average Final Four is not your average contest. Fans can cast votes through July 18 at ncfolkfestival. com/nyaf2025. Winners will be announced July 21. !
KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.
Folkknot
Elizabeth McCorvey
CARBORRO
CAT’S CRADLE
300 E Main St | 919.967.9053
www.catscradle.com
Jul 11: White Denim, Tagua Tagua
Jul 12: Turtle Smash — Live Band
Emo Night
Jul 12: Will Wood, Moon Walker
Jul 13: Samantha Crain, Jess Nolan
Jul 19: Deep Sea Diver, Meernaa
Jul 22: Diggy Graves
THE FILLMORE
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970
www.livenation.com
Jul 10: Jessie Reyez
Jul 10: Nick Smith
Jul 11: Sorry Papi — The All Girl Rave
Jul 12: Rumors ATL — A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
PNC MUSIC PAVILION
707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292
www.livenation.com
Jul 15: Courting Crows & The Gaslight Anthem
Jul 16: Big Time Rush & Katelyn Tarver
CLEMMONS
VILLAGE SQUARE TAP
HOUSE
6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct |
336.448.5330
www.facebook.com/vstaphouse
Jul 10: Carrie Ann
Jul 11: Unknown Artist
Jul 12: Brother Pearl
DURHAM
CAROLINA THEATRE
309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030
www.carolinatheatre.org
Jul 19: The Wallflowers
ELKIN
REEVES THEATER
129 W Main St | 336.258.8240
www.reevestheater.com
Wednesdays: Reeves Open Mic
Fourth Thursdays: Old-Time Jam
Jul 18: 3 Toe Possum!
GREENSBORO
CHAR BAR NO. 7
3724 Lawndale Dr. | 336.545.5555
www.charbar7.com
Jul 10: COIA
Jul 17: The Suttons (Todd & Abbey)
Jul 24: No Strings Attached Duo
Jul 31: Tyler Millard Duo
COMEDY ZONE
1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034
www.thecomedyzone.com
Jul 10: Justin Whitehead
Jul 11-13: Tony Rock
FLAT IRON
221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967
www.flatirongso.com
Jul 11: Will Hoge w/ Evan Blackerby
GARAGE TAVERN
5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020
www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro
Jul 11: Southern Hustle Band
Jul 12: Alek Ottaway Band
Jul 13: Buddy Ro
GREENSBORO COLISEUM
1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com
Jul 16: Keyshia Cole Jul 17: Old Dominion
HANGAR 1819
1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480
www.hangar1819.com
Jul 13: Major Moment
Jul 14: Archers w/ Rivals, Of Virtue, Dead Eyes WHITE OAK AMPITHEATRE
1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com
JAMESTOWN
[SALOME’S STARS]
Week of July 14, 2025
[ ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your honesty is, as always, admirable. But you might want to be more tactful when discussing a sensitive issue with a family member. Remember, you can give advice without giving o ense.
[ TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) An unexpected workplace snag should be handled quickly and e ciently so that it leaves you time for family get-togethers. Also, you might soon get a long-sought apology.
[ GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Aspects favor family matters, especially where children might be involved. Spending time with loved ones helps restore some much-needed balance to your typically busy schedule.
[ CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A seemingly clear-cut agreement might not be quite so straightforward after all. Recheck for language that could make you liable for hidden costs and other unpleasant surprises.
[ LEO (July 23 to August 22) Careful, Kitty! It’s better to deal with someone with proven reliability than a big talker who promises much but can’t confirm that they will deliver. Meanwhile, your social life really zings this weekend.
[ VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your matchmaking skills are at peak performance levels — both in helping to sta workplace teams for upcoming projects and for bringing people together on a more personal basis.
[ LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You’re finally seeing some progress with your new venture, but be prepared for it to
continue at a slower pace than you’re used to. Meanwhile, a loved one could be preparing a surprise.
[ SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A family member’s success pulls you into the spotlight as well. Enjoy it, but don’t let it overshadow or otherwise obstruct what you’re doing with your own creative projects.
[ SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Using what you already know might not be quite enough to get a proposed project o the ground. Look for any new information that might help tilt the scales in your favor.
[ CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Good news! While a changing workplace environment can be daunting for some, it could be the challenge you’ve been hoping for. If so, confront it with confidence and move on.
[ AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) It’s a good time to recheck travel arrangements for any changes that could work to your advantage. Aspects also favor strengthening and restoring old, fraying relationships.
[ PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Using your intuitive reasoning helps you cut right through the double talk and straight to what’s really going on around you. Stay the course until all your questions are answered.
[ BORN THIS WEEK: You radiate light and warmth, and others love being close to you. You also might be quite nurturing with children.
