YES! Weekly — September 17, 2025 by YES! Weekly

SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2025 VOLUME 21, NUMBER 38

BOOKMARKS

3 Having recently hosted the Wreak Havoc Film Festival and the N.C. Comedy Festival to great success, Marketplace Cinemas will present a pair of short films made by Winston-Salem filmmaker JORDAN SCOTT

4 The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is creating a unique opportunity for High Country residents to come together and share their stories in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

5 The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (GSO) will open its 2025-2026 MASTERWORKS SERIES on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.

6 In a year laden with sequels, SPINAL TAP II: The End Begins must hold some distinction, coming as it does 41 years after the original film.

10 The Foundation for N.C. A&T State University, Inc. is proud to present An EXQUISITE AGGIE EVENING with Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Eric Benét, joined by special guest Chanté Moore for the Aggie Alumni Homecoming Concert on Friday, Oct. 10.

11 These are some of the most enjoyable meals my wife and friends and I have experienced in quite some time.

Chef Zbiegien (from THE GASLIGHT) likes to work with familiar dishes and ingredients, but he reconceptualizes them in original, elevated renditions.

12 One of the largest book festivals in the state will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary, as BOOKMARKS’ annual Festival of Books and Authors returns to the Triad.

16 This year’s GREENSBORO PRIDE Festival is expected to be the biggest ever. For that reason, parent organization IMPAQT GSO has moved the event to LeBauer Park, where it will be celebrated this Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11-6.

IAN MCDOWELL

PRODUCTION

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ADVERTISING

Marketing ANGELA COX angela@yesweekly.com

Promotion NATALIE GARCIA

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visions Marketplace Cinemas hosts local ﬁlmmaker

Having recently hosted the Wreak Havoc Film Festival and the N.C. Comedy Festival to great success, Marketplace Cinemas (2095 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem) will present a pair of short films made by Winston-Salem filmmaker Jordan Scott in an exclusive screening event at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Tickets are $12.24 each and are available at https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/jordan-scott-presents-adouble-feature-an-exclusive-screeningtickets-1658004178129?a =ebdsoporg profile&keep_tld=1. The double feature is recommended for audiences 13 and older.

Scott, who was born and raised in Winston-Salem and studied drama at UNC-Greensboro, will be on hand for the event along with select members of the cast and crew. The two ﬁlms being shown are Not Alone, which he directed, and Formidable, directed by Tomorris Ellis (who will also be in attendance). Scott wrote and produced both ﬁlms. “Not Alone is about two siblings who embark on a dangerous journey as they encounter a sinister organization that slowly reveals itself,” Scott explained. “Formidable is about a grieving woman who takes in a man with no memory of who he is — only to discover, as his past resurfaces, that he may not be who he seems.”

This event marks the local premiere for both ﬁlms, although “Not Alone went on a festival run where it won for Best Duo and Best Action/Adventure,” Scott said. “Formidable will go on its festival run after the conclusion of this screening.”

Growing up, “the inspiration of being a ﬁlmmaker started with going to the movies with my mom,” Scott said. “It was a tradition. We always went on Tuesdays because of the deals, and we would collect movies. Over time, that passion just grew to wanting to be a part of them. I studied acting in college,

but writing and producing started in 2021 — and my mom has always been my biggest supporter in all of this.”

Zack Fox, the general manager of Marketplace Cinemas, is an award-winning independent filmmaker himself. Although he and Scott have not worked together previously, they knew each other by reputation. “We share many mutual filmmaker friends who all speak very highly of him,” Fox said. “I really look forward to screening these films of his, because they really show his passion and understanding of the craft.”

“This is my ﬁrst time collaborating with Zack Fox,” Scott said. “Nothing but good things have been said about him among our peers.”

“I love showcasing local filmmakers’ films at the cinema,” Fox said. “As filmmakers, we’re all in this together. Showcasing and helping support each other’s work expands the filmmaking network (here). Helping to inspire all of us and building a foundation for future collaborations. And to that, there is something still magical about showing your own work on a cinema screen, deep down it’s the apex for all filmmakers.”

“My thoughts on the ﬁlmmaking talent in the region is that there is a variety of stories already being explored among local ﬁlmmakers, and I am fortunate enough to have seen some of their work alongside some of them. I only look to expand that variety with the stories I am telling.”

To that end, Scott is currently working on two short ﬁlms that he will produce and star in, and he recently completed work on Pizza Force One, a ri on ‘80s/’90s action ﬁlms in which he appears. As for the future, he’d certainly like to take the plunge and make a fea-

ture, but that will be a story for another time — and another column.

The o cial Marketplace Cinemas website is https://www.mpcws.com/ !

Mark Burger

Contributor

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum to host an oral history recording event near the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene

In the spirit of remembrance, resilience and reﬂection, the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) is partnering with Appalachian State University, Blowing Rock Historical Society, Our State Magazine, StoryCorps, and

WFDD Public Radio, to create a unique opportunity for High Country residents to come together and share their stories in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, BRAHM and partners will host a public oral history recording event designed to capture personal stories of Hurricane Helene, its

aftermath and recovery. Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in late September 2024.

Community members are invited to participate in 30-minute recorded conversations with someone they know and care about, a friend, family member, or neighbor. Each session will be guided by a trained facilitator, helping participants explore their experiences, memories, and reﬂections in a safe and supportive environment. Each facilitator will be following pre-written questions to make the interview as smooth as possible.

The recorded conversations will be archived in the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection at Appalachian State University and became part of a larger exhibition and public memory project set to debut in November of 2025 at BRAHM in the Blowing Rock History Exhibition.

The recording will be featured on WFDD from Sept. 29 through Oct. 5.

The recordings will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at BRAHM, which is located at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane in Blowing Rock, N.C. More time will be allotted depending on interest.

Following the interview sessions, at 2 p.m., two documentary films by local filmmakers will be screened: “We Begin Again at 9:30,” by Beth Davison and “Inundation,” by Tom Hansell. These films will transport viewers to the days and weeks following the storm as the waters receded and recovery work began.

“This is a moment to come together as a community — not just to remember what we’ve endured, but to celebrate our shared resilience,” said Stephan Dragisic, Teresa & Don Caine Executive Director of BRAHM. “We are proud to partner with institutions across the region to preserve and share the voices of our community for generations to come.”

More information is available at blowingrockmuseum.org/calendar/listeningday. An original poster created by Willard Watson, BRAHM’s Program & Outreach Director will be o ered to each participant. Space is limited. The program is o ered on a complimentary basis, via a grant from the ArtsAVL Hurricane Helene Business Relief Grant. Complimentary co ee and refreshments will be provided. Please direct any questions to BRAHM Programs and Outreach Director, Willard Watson at willard@blowingrockmuseum.org or 828-295-9099. !

THE BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM connects people to the cultural and artistic heritage of the Southern Appalachian region.

BLOWING ROCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY will provide volunteer support the day of the event

OUR STATE MAGAZINE is North Carolina’s premier publication celebrating the people, places, and stories of the state.

STORYCORPS is an independent nonproﬁt that shares select stories with the public through a podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms, and best-selling books.

THE W.L. EURY APPALACHIAN COLLECTION at Appalachian State University preserves regional history and culture. PRESS RELEASE

The project emphasizes collaboration, creativity and collective healing. In addition to the recording sessions, the event will include art, music and other community expressions of remembrance. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

WFDD, Public Radio for the Piedmont Triad and High Country

Greensboro Symphony opens 2025-2026 Masterworks Season with Beethoven’s

“Fifth”

and Violinist Aubree Oliverson

The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra (GSO) will open its 2025-2026 Masterworks Series on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. This concert marks the beginning of the Symphony’s second season under the baton of Music Director Christopher Dragon, and the ﬁrst fully curated by him. The program features Beethoven’s monumental “Symphony No. 5” — perhaps the most recognizable piece of music ever written — alongside Rossini’s sparkling overture to “The Barber of Seville” and Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto, performed by acclaimed soloist Aubree Oliverson. Aubree Oliverson has been praised as both a dynamic recitalist and a sensitive chamber musician, captivating audiences with her expressive artistry and technical command. A winner of the 2016 National YoungArts Foundation competition and the 2018 Dorothy DeLay Fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival, she has appeared as soloist with major orchestras across the United States and Europe. Equally at home in intimate chamber settings, Oliverson is recognized for her collaborative spirit and insightful interpretations, making her one of the most compelling young violinists performing today.

Christopher Dragon joined the Greensboro Symphony in 2024 following international acclaim for his energetic and imaginative programming. In addition to his role with the GSO, he serves as Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony. Known for his dynamic

presence on the podium, Dragon has conducted leading orchestras across the globe, bringing a fresh perspective to the orchestral repertoire while forging strong connections with musicians and audiences alike.

The program opens with Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” overture, one of the most recognizable and joyful pieces in the operatic repertoire, setting the stage with humor and energy. Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, a masterpiece of elegance and lyrical beauty, follows with its seamless blend of virtuosic brilliance and heartfelt expression. The evening culminates with Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5,” a cornerstone of Western music whose iconic four-note motif has come to symbolize triumph over adversity. Together, the works o er an opening concert of dramatic contrasts, technical brilliance, and emotional depth.

For a more intimate musical experience, be sure to come out to the Virginia Somerville Sutton Theatre at Well Spring the next day — Oct. 5th, at 2 p.m. to see Aubree Oliverson perform a program of chamber music with GSO musicians. This concert represents the exciting return of GSO’s Chamber Series after two years, now called: “Dragon’s Chamber Concert Series!” You won’t want to miss this rare Greensboro opportuninty!

Tickets for the Greensboro Symphony’s opening Masterworks concert as well as Dragon’s Chamber Concerts may be purchased by visiting greensborosymphony.org, TangerCenter.com, or by contacting the GSO Box O ce at boxofﬁce@greensborosymphony.org or 336335-5456 x224.. !

[WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

33RD ANNUAL FIESTA FESTIVAL RETURNS TO WINSTON-SALEM

SUBMITTED BY HISPANIC LEAGUE

Winston-Salem’s streets will once again come alive with the sights, sounds, and ﬂavors of Latin America as the 33rd Annual Fiesta Festival returns to Downtown Winston-Salem on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7p.m. Hosted by the Hispanic League, this vibrant, one-day festival is free and open to the public, welcoming thousands of attendees to celebrate community, culture, and heritage. Fiesta has become a beloved tradition in the Triad, marking the o cial kicko to Hispanic Heritage Month. For more than three decades, the event has showcased the richness and diversity of Hispanic and Latin American traditions through authentic cuisine, dynamic performances, artisan vendors, family activities, and community resources. This year’s festival promises to continue that tradition, o ering an unforgettable cultural experience for all ages.

At the heart of Fiesta 2025 is an exciting entertainment lineup on two stages. On the main stage, audiences will enjoy a variety of performances spanning multiple genres and countries. Highlights include: Grupo Sueño Nuevo with Música Norteña/Sierreña, Banda Tecno Caliente, Ballet Folklorico Mexican Tradition by Julio Ruiz, Oscar Oviedo Band with Tropical music, Anthony Vásquez y Su Banda bringing rock and international music, and Ricardo Diquez & his Tropical Orquesta with Salsa. Adding to the international ﬂair are Takiri Folclor,

a Colombian dance group, and Brazilian Samba with Courtney Feliz from the N.C. Brazilian Arts Project. The evening will culminate in a stellar presentation by Diana Reyes, whose powerful voice and commanding stage presence are sure to be a festival highlight. The Encanto Stage inside HanesBrand Theater will feature interactive and family-friendly entertainment, including Flor Bromley with bilingual music for families, Magic Chris, as well as performances from local schools, making Fiesta a true event for all generations.

Beyond the music and dance, Fiesta is known for its vibrant marketplace and food o erings. Attendees can browse vendors o ering artisan crafts, community resources, and health and education information. Food lovers will delight in sampling dishes that reﬂect the ﬂavors of Latin America, making the festival both a cultural and culinary journey. “Fiesta is more than an event, it’s a celebration of community and tradition,” said Diane Massas, Executive Director of the Hispanic League. “We are proud to bring our community together year after year to experience the beauty of Hispanic culture.”

The Fiesta Festival will take place in Downtown Winston-Salem, between Poplar Street and Marshall Street. Admission is free, and all are welcome to join this unforgettable celebration of culture and community. For more details, including the full schedule and vendor information, please visit www. hispanicleague.org. !

PRESS RELEASE

Spinal Tap II: A reunion to remember

In a year laden with sequels, Spinal Tap II: The End Begins must hold some distinction, coming as it does 41 years after the original film. This is Spinal Tap was an instant cult classic, one that not only established Rob Reiner as a director but essentially inaugurated the “mockumentary” format taken even further by Christopher Guest ( Waiting for Guffman , Best in Show , A Mighty Wind ). It was also a ferocious parody that found lasting favor with rock musicians the world over, who not only appreciated its inside humor but also its wry take on the egos of performers.

Now, the “boys” are back, reunited for one more — and very likely the last — concert they’ll ever perform together. It’s one night in New Orleans, the result of an overlooked contractual obligation signed by former manager Ian Faith (the late Tony Hendra). Ian’s daughter Faith (Kerry Godliman) is determined that Spinal Tap go out in style, enlisting blatantly selfish and shallow promoter Simon Howler (Chris Addison) to work his magic, as well as director Marty DiBergi (Reiner) to do likewise by again chronicling the proceedings on film for posterity’s sake.

Some four decades later, we find band stalwarts Nigel Tufnel (Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) older — but not necessarily wiser. In some ways, they’re still as endearingly clueless as ever, despite having settled into their elder years and essentially forsaken heavy-metal music for more relaxing diversions.

Thanks to the original film, Spinal Tap isn’t as obscure as it was back in the day. The band has a legacy, shaky though it may be, and Spinal Tap II revels comfortably in that legacy. The new film isn’t as edgy as the first, and the filmmaking technique here is more polished than in the original. In addition, there isn’t as much slapstick this time, owing no doubt to the (ahem) maturity of its participants. It’s a much more relaxed affair, although it certainly boasts its fair share of inspired moments and witty in-jokes — more than enough to recommend it to “the Tap faithful.”

The actors settle back into their roles with effortless ease. One of the best things about both films is that Guest, McKean, and Shearer are all talented musicians, which lent considerable authenticity to the Spinal Tap mystique. The actors aren’t afraid to act, or show, their ages, again in keeping with the trend of rock groups that continue to tour 30, 40, and even 50 years after they first hit big.

Some familiar faces pop up, including Fran Drescher as record promoter Bobbi Flekman and Paul Shaffer as former publicist Artie Fufkin, whose careers were considerably altered by their exposure to Spinal Tap. In her feature acting debut, Valerie Franco is a real find as Didi Crockett, the funky, punky new drummer, who takes great steps

Assistant Professor of Sociology

(Winston Salem, NC): Teach assigned classes; academic research & publication of the results, & other professional activities. Reqs. incl. PhD in Sociology, or rel., & demonstrated study, research, scholarship & teaching in the areas of the sociology of work & occupations, migration, technology &/or globalization. Send CV to Wake Forest Univ., 1834 Wake Forest Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27109, Attn: N. Lynch.

not to emulate the often tragic (and absurd) fates of her predecessors, and Addison bids fair to steal the film as the self-absorbed Simon. It’s Nigel who takes a dislike to Simon, because he’s a “winker” and you can’t trust a “winker.” But he reasons, you can trust a wanker — just don’t shake his hand. (Yes, it’s an obvious pun, but Guest still pulls it off.) Among the real-life music luminaries who turn up, the most prominent are Elton John and Paul McCartney, who play it completely straight and therefore completely funny. They’re in on the joke and are good sports about it. It’s a pleasure to see McCartney jam with Spinal Tap on their early hit “Cups and Cakes” (even if Nigel chafes at his constructive criticism), and John is allowed one of the best gags when he agrees to perform their signature number “Stonehenge” as the climax to the concert. It does not go according to plan, although it does make for a memorable ending. Rock and roll will never die, and it’s good to see Spinal Tap still rocking and rolling, a little creakier than in their heyday but with as much gusto as they can muster. Long may they rock. !

Mark Burger

Contributor

THE BETRAYAL (Radiance Films/ MVD Entertainment Group): A limitededition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) of director Tokuzo Tanaka’s 1966 drama (originally titled Daisatsujin orochi), a remake of the silent 1925 classic Orochi, starring Raizo Ichikawa as an honorable samurai who takes the rap for a murder he did not commit and becomes a fugitive when his own clan turns against him, leading to a climactic confrontation between them. In Japanese with English subtitles, bonus features include select-scene audio commentary, collectible booklet, visual essays, and more.

CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD (Shudder/ RLJE Films): Director/screenwriter Eli Craig’s R-rated adaptation of Adam Cesare’s award-winning 2020 novel set in the depressed Missouri town of Kettle Springs, where a series of brutal murders are attributed to the titular “Frendo the Clown,” prompting widowed doctor Aaron Abrams and his teenaged daughter Katie Douglas to investigate — to their own potential peril, available on DVD ($22.99 retail), Blu-ray ($25.99 retail), and 4K Ultra HD combo Steelbook ($39.99 retail), each boasting audio commentary.

DAKOTA (Cult Epics/MVD Entertainment Group): Director/story writer Wim Verstappen’s 1974 aerial drama stars Kees Brusse as a ﬂying enthusiast so determined to hold onto his DC3/Dakota that he resorts to illegal smuggling to make ends meet, but is then forced to embark on a desperate -- and literal -- ﬂight for freedom when the authorities begin to close in. In English and Dutch with English subtitles, both the DVD ($29.95 retail) and Blu-ray ($34.95 retail) include audio commentary, photo gallery, trailers, and more.

FATHER BROWN, DETECTIVE (Kino Lorber Studio Classics): The Blu-ray bow ($29.95 retail) of the 1934 mystery based on G.K. Chesterton’s 1910 story The Blue Cross, the ﬁrst in a series of 53 “Father Brown” stories, with Walter Connolly as the titular clergyman and amateur sleuth who matches wits with debonair jewel thief Paul Lukas, whose sights are set on a diamond-encrusted cross in Father Brown’s church, with Gertrude Michael, Robert Loraine (in his ﬁnal feature), Halliwell Hobbes, Una O’Connor, and E.E. Clive in support. Bo-

[VIDEO VAULT]

BY MARK BURGER

DVD PICK OF THE WEEK: THE LORDS OF DISCIPLINE

(Kino Lorber Studio Classics)

After making a splash with his 1979 feature debut Quadrophenia, British director Franc Roddam legged it to Hollywood to make a project there … and by happenstance wound up helming this 1983 adaptation of Pat Conroy’s best-selling 1980 novel that was only a moderate box-o ce success but found a following on home-video and cable.

The setting is the prestigious Carolina Military Institute in the early 1960s, a time when the Civil Rights movement was in full ﬂourish and the Vietnam War was just around the corner. David Keith plays Will McLean, a senior cadet tasked by Lt. Col. “Bear” Berrineau (Robert Prosky) to keep

an eye on Tom Pearce (Mark Breland), the institute’s ﬁrst African-American cadet. Each year, freshmen are subjected to hazing by their older classmates, but McLean — who went through the ritual as a freshman and has participated in since — begins to suspect that it’s more brutal and severe than ever before.

Will’s suspicions are well-founded, as he uncovers evidence of “The Ten,” a secret society within the institute where the so-called elite students do their best — and worst — to root out the weak and undisciplined by any means necessary. Occasionally talky but never static, the ﬁlm hammers home its points with crystal clarity and a righteous but unpretentious indignation. Keith is an earnest, likable lead and gets sterling support from Prosky and G.D. Spradlin (as the institute’s commanding o cer), whose character’s true colors aren’t revealed until the end, adding to the ﬁlm’s suspense.

As the cadets, the ensemble cast includes some budding stars: Michael Biehn (utterly chilling as the sadistic Alexander) and frequent co-star “Wild Bill” Paxton, Rick Rossovich, Judge Reinhold, and newcomers Malcolm Danare (who earned a Golden Globe nomination), Mitchell Lichtenstein, John Lachiavelli, Jason Connery, and Matt Frewer. This was also amateur boxer Breland’s (impressive) feature debut, and the next year he’d win a Gold Medal at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.

Conroy’s novel was based on events that occurred at The Citadel, the military academy in Charleston, SC he attended in his youth. Due to the incendiary storyline, and not surprisingly, The Citadel categorically refused the ﬁlm to be shot there. Other institutions followed suit, forcing the production to shoot at Wellington College in England — a convincing substitute, as it turned out.

The topics and themes addressed in The Lords of Discipline continue to resonate, and although the ﬁlm is not without its ﬂaws it stands as a thought-provoking, often intense examination of tradition, corruption and, ultimately, integrity.

Both the special-edition Blu-ray ($29.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95 retail) include audio commentary, retrospective interviews, and more. Rated R.

nus features include audio commentary.

FLAMING BROTHERS (Eureka Entertainment/MVD Entertainment Group): A limited-edition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) of director Joe Cheung’s 1987 action blow-out (originally titled Gong woo lung foo dau), written by Wong Kar-wei no less, pairing Chow-Yun Fat and producer Alan Tang as orphans who formed an unbreakable bond in childhood and rise through the ranks of the underworld to open a trendy nightclub, only to clash

Delinquents) following a group of young miscreants raising hell in Madrid, committing robberies to fund the dream of one member (Manuel Zarzo) to become a professional bullﬁghter — but with unforeseen consequences. The theatrical release was curtailed in Spain due to Franco’s censorship crackdown but still managed to make its mark and put Saura on the map. In Spanish with English subtles, bonus features include collectible booklet, Saura’s early short ﬁlms La Ilamada (1955) and La tarde del domingo (1957), introduction and retrospective interview, censored scenes, and more.

“RAGNA CRIMSON”: COMPLETE COLLECTION” (Sentai Entertainment): A self-explanatory four-disc Blu-ray selection ($89.98 retail) of all 24 episodes from the entire 2023-’24 run of the popular anime fantasy series (originally titled Raguna Kurimuzon), based on writer/illustrator Daiki Kobayashi, set in an alternate universe where dragons are the greatest threat to mankind, and two young warriors whose team up to battle the threat, although recurring nightmares plague one about the potential — and perhaps inevitable — death of the other. In Japanese with English subtitles.

with rival gangster Patrick Tse and his sadistic henchman (Norman Chui). Bonus features include original Cantonese (with English subtitles) and English-dubbed audio options, audio commentary, collectible booklet, theatrical trailer, and more.

LOS GOLFOS (Radiance Films/MVD Entertainment Group): A limited-edition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) of writer/director Carlos Saura’s award-winning 1960 feature debut (also released as The

THE RUNDOWN (Kino Lorber Studio Classics): The 4K Ultra HD debut ($44.95 retail) of director Peter Berg’s 2005 action romp starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as an aspiring chef (!) and debt collector who travels to Brazil to retrieve Seann William Scott, the errant son of loan shark William Lucking, then get mixed up in a political revolution and a treasure hunt for a priceless artifact coveted by resident heavy Christopher Walken (typecast but very funny), with Rosario Dawson, Ewan Bremner, Jon Gries, Ernie Reyes Jr., and an unbilled Arnold Schwarzenegger caught in the crossﬁre. Plenty of action, nice location work, and some good zingers, but nothing particularly transcendent. This wasn’t the box-o ce hit it was expected to be, thereby scotching any sequels … although rumors resurface periodically that a potential follow-up could be in the works. Bonus features include multiple audio commentaries, vintage featurettes, deleted scenes, and theatrical trailer. Rated PG-13. !

Our Community’s Future is Worth More Than Another Pipeline

Igrew up in Thomasville, but with my grandmothers, great-aunts, and uncles all in Winston-Salem, it always felt like my second home. Back in the 1980s, I attended the North Carolina Governor’s School at Salem, took summer courses at Wake Forest, and worked a summer job at Piedmont Airlines in its ﬁnal days. I have fond memories of early dinners at the K&W on Knollwood with my grandmother — a place we loved until it was tragically destroyed by a methane gas explosion in 1988.

I now work for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and I have serious concerns about a large proposed interstate gas pipeline project called the Williams Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) that could jeopardize the safety of citizens along its path, including those right here in Winston-Salem. Part of the SSEP expansion is 24 miles of new 42” pipeline to be added next to Transco’s three existing large diameter, high pressure pipelines here in the Triad.

These older lines were installed long before Winston-Salem’s population, now over 125,000, began to grow around them. Neighborhoods, businesses, churches, hospitals, and schools are now in close proximity. Currently, plans call for adding a fourth massive pipeline into this already crowded corridor, a move that could be incredibly disruptive but also potentially dangerous. Much of the route now falls within a “high consequence area,” meaning that if the pipeline were to explode, loss of life and property would be likely. Heightening the risk, Williams intends to thread the new pipeline beneath the three existing lines in several places, including a crossing beside the new VA Clinic in Kernersville and another just 1,000 feet from Wallburg Elementary School on Highway 109.

In North Carolina, where safety comes ﬁrst, adding another pipeline so close to homes, schools, and hospitals is reckless, especially when we don’t even know the full blast impact of stacking it beneath three existing lines. It is possible to calculate a

“blast zone” for a single pipeline when you know its diameter and pressure. For example, for a 42-inch pipeline at a standard 1,440 psi, the blast zone extends 1,115 feet from the center — though the Pipeline Safety Trust has raised concerns that this ﬁgure may be too low. Currently, there are no studies to determine how the blast zone might be impacted if an explosion were to occur beneath two, three, or even four pipelines, leaving critical safety questions unanswered.

Furthermore, most of the gas from this project may never be used in North Carolina, but Duke Energy’s ratepayers in the state will likely end up paying for most of the $1.5 billion project since Duke Energy has agreed to contract for two-thirds of it. As cleaner, more a ordable energy sources come online, Duke Energy likely won’t need most of that pipeline capacity. Williams has designed the project so that excess supply can continue ﬂowing south toward liquiﬁed natural gas (LNG) export terminals in the Gulf Coast.

The project includes adding bi-directional ﬂow capability to compressor stations all the way to Transco’s main pooling station on the AlabamaMississippi line. This would allow SSEP, if approved, to move fracked gas from the Pennsylvania and West Virginia shale gas region down to the Gulf Coast, conveniently close to LNG export terminals. Winston-Salem is where I formed some of my most cherished memories, and I want future generations to have the same chance — to grow up in safe neighborhoods, to gather with family in beloved local spots, and to build their own stories without the looming threat of another hazardous methane gas pipeline. Protecting this community means preserving not just our safety, but the places and moments that make it home.

So why are we being asked to assume the risks so Williams and others can proﬁt from new capital projects and LNG exports while undermining the state’s clean energy goals? It’s not too late to stop this. The project has not received state or federal approvals. If this dangerous and unnecessary proposal concerns you, contact your elected o cials and urge Forsyth County Commissioners to join Guilford County in passing a resolution against SSEP. !

SHELLEY HUDSON ROBBINS is the Senior Decarbonization Manager for Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (cleanenergy.org)

The human in me sees the human in you

BY BESS NEWTON | Executive Director Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center

This simple truth is the heartbeat of our Pride celebration. Pride is a joyful a rmation of our shared humanity — born from a history where that very freedom to be fully, authentically human was denied. Some of us are privileged to live openly every day. Many are not.

For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, our journeys vary. Some were born into families that embraced us. Others found acceptance gradually — or discovered chosen families who o ered the love and support we needed. Some of us work for employers who protect our rights and celebrate our identities. But not all of us are that fortunate.

That is why Pride matters. Because in a country where progress on human rights can feel like two steps forward and one step back, we need each other. We need allies — people who stand beside us, celebrate with us, and help carry the weight of injustice. United in purpose, we build the Pride we strive for and ﬁnd strength in one another to overcome. Not sure how to be an ally or where to begin? You are not alone. Even within the LGBTQ+ community, many of us have had to look up what each letter stands for or what the colors of the ﬂags represent. Learning is not a hardship — it’s a gift. There’s no shame in not knowing. What matters is genuine curiosity: getting to know people, asking about pronouns, understanding why the word “queer” is being reclaimed, or exploring the symbols that represent our diverse identities. These acts of caring help us move from fear to connection. If you are cisgender — meaning your gender identity aligns with the sex you were assigned at birth — you may not face the same challenges that transgender people do. The discrimination and fear directed at trans folks is real. And often, that fear is manufactured by those seeking power. Transgender individuals are often targeted by discriminatory legislation and unfounded suspicion in an e ort to diminish their rights.

These tactics are not new. They echo the same fear-based strategies used to fuel discrimination in this country for centuries. And they persist. We must be wise enough to recognize these patterns — and brave enough to stand against them. That’s what we do at Pride. We gather in celebration — young and old, across every color of the rainbow. We honor the truth that our di erences make us stronger. And for some, Pride may be the one day of the year they feel safe enough to shine their brightest light. It is our privilege to reﬂect that light back with love, appreciation, and true acceptance. LGBTQ+ folks, along with the rest of the community, deserve to be safe, seen, and celebrated. !

Shelly Hudson Robbins Guest Columnist

[KING CROSSWORD]

SUDOKU]

Aggie Alumni Homecoming Concert on Oct. 10 Features Eric Benét and Special Guest Chanté Moore

The Foundation for N.C. A&T State University, Inc. is proud to present An Exquisite Aggie Evening with Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Eric Benét, joined by special guest, Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter, Chanté Moore, for the Aggie Alumni Homecoming Concert on Friday, Oct. 10.

The Aggie Alumni Homecoming Concert will include a dinner for all ticket holders that begins at 7:15 p.m. The show time for the concert is 8:30 p.m. in the Guilford Ballroom at The Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Eric Benét, a Milwaukee native, rose to stardom with the release of his 1996 breakthrough album True to Myself, which featured hits such as “Spiritual Thang” and “Let’s Stay Together.” His 1999 single “Spend My Life With You” featuring Tamia reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart, earned a Grammy nomination, and won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song.

Over the years, Benét has released multiple acclaimed albums including Love & Life and Hurricane, earning additional Grammy nominations and recognition for standout singles like “Sometimes I Cry.” In addition to his music career, he has pursued acting, TV production, and philanthropic projects, solidifying his reputation as a

multifaceted entertainer and humanitarian.

Joining Benét, for the “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” is powerhouse vocalist Chanté Moore, whose career has spanned more than 30 years. She emerged in the early 1990s with her gold-certiﬁed debut album “Precious,” which produced R&B classics “Love’s Taken Over” and “It’s Alright.” Known for her smooth, sophisticated sound, she went on to release a string of successful albums, place more than a dozen singles on the Billboard R&B charts, and collaborate with legends such as El DeBarge, The Isley Brothers, and Kenny Lattimore. Her work includes standout projects like “Things That Lovers Do” and “Moore

Is More,” as well as television appearances on TV One’s R&B Divas LA

With her soaring vocals and commanding presence, Moore continues to be recognized as one of the most versatile and enduring voices in contemporary R&B.

For ticket sales, a donor priority purchase period will open on Thursday, Sept. 17, for donors in the Chancellor’s Circle who have contributed $2,500 or more during Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025).

Ticket sales will open to the general public on Monday, Sept. 22, at noon ET on Eventbrite. The link can be found on the university’s homecoming page, www.ncat.edu/ homecoming.

For questions, contact the O ce of Alumni Relations at 336-433-5570 or alumni@ncat.edu. !

NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL

STATE UNIVERSITY is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. An exponential university, A&T is recognized widely for its national leadership in graduating African American students in engineering, agriculture and other STEM ﬁelds. The university was established in 1891 as only the second land-grant college created under the second Morrill Act and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Announces 2025 Tour

“The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More”

details on tour dates and ticket sales, visit www.trans-siberian.com.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) unveiled the exciting details for their 2025 Winter Tour, which will bring the multiplatinum rock group to First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro on Nov. 20. This year’s tour will feature an all-new production of their beloved “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” alongside a special second set of hits and fan-favorites that includes a 25th-anniversary salute to Beethoven’s “Last Night.” “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: the Best of TSO and More” tour promises to continue TSO’s tradition of captivating audiences nationwide with an unparalleled blend of rock, classical, and theatrical spectacle, complete with dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling. For more

The 2025 TSO tour promises a reimagined and expanded presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” which has captivated multiple generations. A product of the imagination of TSO’s late founder, Paul O’Neill, and based on TSO’s multiplatinum DVD TV special, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on Dec. 24. Following this powerful rock opera, the 2025 tour will also deliver a high-octane, visually stunning second set packed with more of TSO’s greatest hits, fan-favorites, and unexpected delights.

Musical Director/Guitarist Al Pitrelli said, “When I go back and listen to our

songs, I am always amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. It’s been 25 years since we recorded Beethoven’s “Last Night” and it seems just like yesterday. We are excited to play pieces from the album and pay respects to the art and legacies of both the great composer and Paul O’Neill. I’m looking forward to watching the expressions on everyone’s

face, with all the surprises we have in store. We can’t wait to get on the road.” TSO is also pleased to announce the return of a fan-favorite tradition: the TSO signing line. For the ﬁrst time since 2019, every fan attending an evening performance will have the incredible opportunity to get one item signed by members of the group, completely free of charge.

Building on the monumental milestones celebrated in their last tour, TSO continues to redeﬁne its success. With over 20 million concert tickets sold and a staggering $20 million donated to charity since their inception, TSO remains one of rock’s most generous bands, proudly upholding Paul O’Neill’s vision, by contributing at least $1 from every ticket sold to local charities. !

PRESS RELEASE

Chow Down with John Batchelor at The Gaslight

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

Daniel Zbiegien, The Gaslight’s Executive ChefOwner, is from Cleveland. He moved to the Triad when his wife, a pediatric neurosurgeon, took a position at Brenner’s Children’s Hospital. His former experiences in this area include Twisted Pine in Winston-Salem, JOLO Vineyards in Pilot Mountain, and Bistro Europa at Rayson Vineyards in Mocksville. He opened The Gaslight in July.

Maja Popovic, General Manager, formerly worked with Chef Zbiegien at JOLO and Rayson wineries. She provides excellent guidance for pairings through the well-chosen wine list. I don’t think it’s possible to make a mistake here, certainly not with her counsel.

The name of the restaurant comes from Chef’s early dreams of owning his own restaurant, with a picture in his mind of two gaslights on a Boston side street. I think this location in downtown Kernersville is just about ideal — midway between Greensboro and Winston-Salem, in the middle of Kernersville’s burgeoning real estate market. Parking is convenient — behind the restaurant or in a lot across the street. Inside, peach-yellow walls are decorated with prints depicting street scenes that look like Charleston or Savannah, or Boston, I guess.

Location notwithstanding, I would make the drive anytime. These are some of the most enjoyable meals my wife and friends and I have experienced in quite some time. Chef Zbiegien likes to work with familiar dishes and ingredients, but he reconceptualizes them in original, elevated renditions.

French Onion Soup, for example, is commonplace, albeit often enjoyable. But French Onion Dumplings here are a fresh take, with caramelized onions stu ed into pastry pockets, resting in a soy-inﬂuenced beef broth, with melted Gruyere cheese ﬂanked by crisp wontons and fried leeks. Crepes are wrapped around locallyharvested mushrooms, enhanced with a light tru e-infused custardy anglaise sauce, studded with crisp bits of pancetta. The e ect is both light and rich, quite sophisticated in presentation, surrounded by a balsamic syrup swirl.

“Rillette” means slow-cooked at relatively low temperature, which coaxes

tender textures from within ﬂavor that is allowed time to develop. Hence, The Gaslight’s Blackened Salmon and Roasted Shallotte Rillette delivers soft bite-sized pieces of salmon in a ramekin, surrounded by crisp crostini, with green olives and deep red roasted onion slices on the side. Combine the ingredients bite-by-bite on the bread crusts for an exquisite combination.

The Seasonal Salad is simple, based on spring mix greens, pickled onions, white and orange heirloom carrots, small yellow and red pepper slices, cucumbers, dabs of soft white cheese, and crisp croutons, all dressed in honey-mustard vinaigrette.

The Fried Goat Cheese and Beet Salad is a real treat — deep red beet slices over baby spinach, scattered with pistachio nuts, ﬂanked by orange wedges, dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. A lightly crisped cylinder of goat cheese occupies center stage.

For years, just about everybody has had some variation of Shrimp and Grits on the entree menu. The Gaslight has Shrimp and Polenta, again following the something-familiar-stepped-up-a-notch theme. The ﬂavor of the already rich polenta is deepened with Parmesan cheese, surrounded by tender, deveined shrimp, all resting in a smoked bacon jus. Roasted Brussels sprouts edge one side, a sweet, oven-cured Campari tomato glowing bright red in the center.

Sweet Corn Risotto can be ordered as a vegetarian main course or supplemented with chicken, beef, lobster, or shrimp. Companion Courtney chose shrimp, an ideal pairing, although any of the proteins would be welcome. The risotto is supplemented with sweet corn, roasted red peppers, poblano peppers (which add a bit of kick, but not too intense). Fine dice chives and green herbs peek through the yellow risotto.

Mahi Mahi is pan-seared to a rich brown crust, placed over a deep reddish-brown hazelnut romesco sauce. The smoky tomato — red pepper impact from the sauce is mild, marrying well with the nutty inﬂuence, supplementing rather than superseding the taste of the ﬁsh.

This comes with roasted Brussels sprouts, the center of the plate surrounded by a balsamic reduction.

Raviolis are stu ed with lobster meat from knuckles and claws (which makes it possible to serve these at an a ordable price while still conveying true lobster ﬂavor). These swim in a sherry-lobster cream sauce, mellow and rich, decorated with shaved Parmesan cheese. Roasted asparagus is the menu-designated vegetable.

The preparation of Pan Roasted Chicken Breast grows out of Italian traditions. The moist, tender, lightly browned breast is presented over fregola sarda — Sardinian pasta, the size and shape of peas, made from hard durum wheat ﬂour, rolled, sun-dried, and toasted to shades of yellow, gold, and brown. Chef supplements these central ingredients with olives, sundried tomatoes, caramelized onions, and roasted red peppers, ladled with lemon-caper butter. I would be hard-pressed to identify a chicken dish this good elsewhere.

Two beef entrees round out the menu — a 14-ounce Ribeye and a 5-ounce Tenderloin. I chose the latter, and to me it is just the right portion size. I wasn’t stu ed but I didn’t take anything home, either. The meat exudes deep beef ﬂavor from tender texture, cooked precisely as ordered, with a dark brown crust, extended with red wine jus. Asparagus and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes complete the presentation.

Note the frequent appearance of sauces in these descriptions. Sauces used to be the standard enhancement for most dishes, especially those with a French heritage, or even Italian. The style

went out of fashion a generation ago, but I miss good sauces and I welcome their presence here. They go a long way toward raising the level of enjoyment at The Gaslight to quite a high level. As a rule, I limit sugar intake, but I had one meal here with a party of six and another where a party of four shared one dessert, so I wound up tasting multiple sweets. Pecan Torte bears bits of pancetta — a novel addition that works surprisingly well. New York Cheesecake (the only one of these not made in-house) follows the nomenclature in an appropriate tall structure. The most original, to my taste, is Banana Brulee French Toast with candied pecans and hazelnut anglaise. The Peach, Cherry, and Blueberry Cobbler may not be the most original — it hearkens back to some wonderful meals I have had in rural homes in North Carolina — but to me, it tastes the best, quite a compliment in this elite company. And “elite” is a well-chosen word. The Gaslight may be new, but it debuts in the top echelon of Triad restaurants. I will be coming here as often as my schedule and weight allow. !

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

WANNA go?

The Gaslight 126 South Main Street, Suite G Kernersville 27284 336-497-4025 thegaslightonmain.com

Hours: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

Appetizers: $11-$20

Salads: $7-$9

Entrees: $19-$42

Desserts: $8-$10

Most recent visit: September 4

Corn Risotto with Shrimp Mahi Mahi

Bookmarks: Festival of Books & Authors Celebrates 20 years

One of the largest book festivals in the state will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary, as Bookmarks’ annual Festival of Books and Authors returns to the Triad.

The 20th annual Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors will take place from Sept. 25 to 28. It is centered by a free street festival on Saturday, Sept. 27, in downtown Winston-Salem, featuring a day of books, activities, food trucks, vendors, and fun. The organization is a literary arts non-proﬁt that “fosters a love of reading and builds community through books,” who regularly o er access to “an independent bookstore, author events,

youth programming, school partnerships, and outreach initiatives to encourage connection, literacy, and lifelong learning.”

“Attendees should expect a lot of laughter, a lot of joy, which I feel like many people in our community and around the world deﬁnitely need a little more of in community, especially. I always say that reading is such a solitary hobby. It’s really cool when you take that solitary hobby and then come to a large event. We have tens of thousands of people who all love the same thing, which is reading, literacy, and books,” said Juliana Reyes, marketing manager for Bookmarks. “It’s even cooler when you get to meet hundreds of other people who are obsessed with the same author or book as you are. So a lot of joy, a lot of laughter, a lot of community, and just the excitement of

literacy. I think if you like reading at any time in your life, you’ll ﬁnd some joy and fun at our festival.”

The Opening Keynote Speaker will be award-winning journalist, four-time Emmy winner, and former co-host of NBC’s TODAY, Hoda Kotb. She will kick o the festival on Thursday, Sept. 25, at

7:30 p.m. in R.J. Reynolds Auditorium, located at 301 N. Hawthorne Road in Winston-Salem. Her appearance will celebrate the release of her latest book, “Jump and Find Joy,” which explores how to embrace change, and find resilience, growth, and joy in the process. In “Jump and Find Joy,” Kotb draws from her life experiences—becoming a mother at 52, changing careers at 60—and applies her journalistic insight to understand how others approach change with courage and grace. Featuring a blend of personal storytelling, interviews with experts and public figures, and reflections on the science of change and resilience, the book o ers an uplifting, deeply human roadmap for anyone navigating life’s turning points, according to the media release. Kotb is the author of nine books, including a New York Times bestseller, “I Really

DIAMOND RIO

w/ special guest Rockie Lynne SEPT. 26, 2025 @ 7:30 PM

Diamond Rio became the ﬁrst country music group in history to reach No. 1 with a debut single. The band is also known for their hits “How Your Love Makes Me Feel,” “One More Day,” and more. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, have sold more than 10 million albums and won several awards all with no band member changes.

50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

Chanel Davis

Editor

PHOTO BY MJS LIVE PRODUCTIONS

Needed This Today.” Tickets are $35 and include event admission and a signed copy of the book.

On that Friday, authors will visit 33 schools across Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Schools, in hopes of inspiring students through reading conversations while promoting literacy.

This year’s festival will feature a few ticketed events, including the opening keynote by Kotb. Friday’s Books & Bites event gives attendees exclusive early access to featured authors with book signings, food, and drinks. This event went quickly and is sold out. On Sunday, Sept. 28, the festival will close out with a keynote from Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, celebrating the latest installment in The Nico Di Angelo Adventures. A ticket for one is $27 and includes admission and one pre-signed hardcover copy of “The Court of the Dead.” A ticket for two is $45 and includes admission for two and one pre-signed copy of the book. A dedicated children’s area will o er fun activities, and visitors can explore a wide variety of exhibitors, vendors, and food trucks. Local organizations will also be featured, showcasing the spirit of community in Winston-Salem.

Reyes is excited about having all of the kids’ activities in the same area.

“We use this separate kids’ stu . Now, it’s entirely in one spot. So kids and families don’t have to leave this spot to go do something else, and there are going to be free activities all day,” she said. “This whole area, we have really cultivated into being entirely free and family — kid friendly. So we’re really excited to have that this year. And there’ll also be face painting and balloon artists. It’s going to be a really exciting time in that little area.”

Bookmarks began in 2004 as a project by the Junior League of Winston-Salem, which successfully brought the first book festival to the city. After two years under the League’s leadership, the organization became an independent 501(c) (3) nonprofit, continuing its mission to promote literacy and foster a love of reading. During the past two decades, Bookmarks has continued to grow and today includes one of the nation’s only nonprofit independent bookstores as well as year-round book and author programming and numerous community partnerships and outreach initiatives. The festival has hosted some of the most prominent authors in the literary world, including Stacey Abrams, Julia Alvarez, Maya Angelou, Diana Gabaldon, John Grisham, Sarah J. Maas, James

McBride, Celeste Ng, James Patterson, Dav Pilkey, Lisa See, RL Stine, Colson Whitehead, and more. Bookmarks draws more than 20,000 attendees from more than 25 states and more than half of North Carolina’s counties each year.

“We receive so much good love from the community. We are one of the largest literary book festivals in the Carolinas. So we have people from all over North and South Carolina, but even as far out as people come away from New York City, Florida, and Georgia, and they all drive up for this entire weekend,” Reyes explained. “One of the reasons that a lot of people do show up and come year after year, or make plans to come, is that the Saturday Festival is entirely free in terms of you can walk in, you can come look at all the vendors, you can go to all the panels for free, you can go to the book signing. We have a whole bunch of activities for kids and families that are entirely free, where they’ll receive a passport, and then once they complete the passport, they’ll leave with a free book. We do have ticketed events, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday around the festival, and all the money we receive from those events goes back into making this festival entirely free.”

Reyes explained that the years are a little o after skipping a year due to the pandemic.

“We’re so proud to celebrate 20 years of connecting readers and authors, bringing together diverse voices, and promoting the love of books in our community,” said Jamie Rogers Southern, executive director of Bookmarks, in a media release. “This anniversary festival is an opportunity to reﬂect on our growth, thank our supporters, and make this our most exciting festival yet. We can’t wait to celebrate with the entire community.”

Reyes said it has been nice to reminisce on the past 20 years.

“It’s really cool seeing the support from the community and talking with volunteers and community members that have been a part of the festival since the beginning,” said Reyes. “It’s just a huge celebration of the past 20 years and how far literacy has come in Winston-Salem, and where we hope to take it in the future.”

For more information, visit www.bookmarksnc.org/festival. !

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.

Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm

10am-7pm (336) 643-5249 | www.stokesdalebirite.com Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!

Voted Best Grocery Store in Guilford County, Best Beer Selection at a Grocery Store, & Best Place to Buy Beer in Guilford Co.

Call the store at (336) 643-5249 for more information and pricing! Check out this video of

Mocksville

Photos by Natalie Garcia

Greensboro Pride returns with IMPAQT

This year’s Greensboro Pride Festival is expected to be the biggest ever. For that reason, parent organization IMPAQT GSO has moved the event to LeBauer Park, where it will be celebrated this Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city’s last three annual Pride Festivals set attendance records. In 2022, 39,000 people celebrated on South Elm Street, which was lined with 160 booths. In 2023, attendance exceeded 50,000, with 200 vendors and 75 performances. Last year, attendance increased to around 55,000. When Greensboro Pride returns downtown on Saturday, it will be the city’s largest LGBTQIA+ festival to date, spreading out from LeBauer Park to Church, Davie, and Lindsay Streets and Friendly Avenue. This expanded footprint includes over 400 vendors, two stages, and a KidZone in the parking lot of the Miriam P. Brenner Children’s Museum. New this year are two ticketed venues, the VIP Space and the Stars of Pride Meet & Greet.

Two stages will run simultaneously all day in LeBauer Park and at Church and Friendly, with a lineup including headliners Yvie Oddly and Janice Robinson.

Oddly, a 2019 RuPaul’s Drag Race winner is a fashion designer, performer, rapper, and recording artist who also appeared in RuPaul’s All Stars 5 and All Stars 7 and starred in RuPaul’s Drag Race Vegas Revue. Robinson is an internationally known singer/songwriter and lead vocalist for Livin’ Joy, whose global dance anthem “Dreamer” made number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club play chart and the U.K. singles chart. Her career includes touring with Tina Turner and Wyclef Jean.

“The decision to move to a much larger footprint wasn’t cosmetic, it was necessary,” said Christien Harden, Festival Chair and Co-Director of IMPAQT GSO. “The sheer number of people who attend Greensboro Pride demanded more space for safety, accessibility, and a better experience for everyone.”

IMPAQT GSO began in 1988 as Alternative Resources of the Triad, founded by Katheryn Smith, former Executive Director of Triad Health Project. In 2006, the organization hosted the ﬁrst Triad Pride Festival at Festival Park (now LeBauer Park), with 400 guests and six vendors. In 2015, Greensboro Pride moved to South Elm Street to accommodate the growing festival. An estimated 10,000 attended.

In May, Alternative Resources of the Triad o cially rebranded as IMPAQT GSO, which according to its website, better reﬂects the organization’s mission and vision. The introductory banner at www.impaqtgso.org states:

“While our legacy remains rooted in the LGBTQIA+ advocacy work of A.R.T., our new name reﬂects our commitment to making a lasting impact on Greensboro’s LGBTQIA+ community, championing inclusion, celebrating authenticity, and building connections that strengthen and uplift us all. At IMPAQT GSO, we’re committed to improving the emotional and social wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ individuals by creating inclusive spaces, o ering resources, and hosting events that build a strong, supportive community in Greensboro.” Hardin and Executive Director Jessie Taylor recommend festival goers visit the Greensboro History Museum, which is located next to LeBauer Park at 130 Summit Avenue. The museum has partnered with the Pride Festival for a special exhibit. In the lobby are displayed items tracing the history of the Greensboro Pride Festival, while on the third ﬂoor is an exhibit

Ian McDowell

Contributor

showcasing the history of Drag in the Triad.

“Working with the Greensboro History Museum has been a long time coming. Their sta is wonderful, the museum is fantastic, and the collaboration process has been seamless,” said Hardin. “It’s truly been a great experience.”

Glenn Perkins, the museum’s Curator of Community History, agreed.

“IMPAQT GSO led the e ort to arrange loans of items showcasing just a few of the expressions of Pride in our city, from personal artwork to fabulous drag outﬁts. It’s been wonderful to work with IMPAQT GSO and community members to curate a beautiful sampling of the spirit the Pride Festival embodies. I know it will lead to more opportunities to work with Greensboro’s LGBTQIA+ communities and explore their stories as an integral part of our city’s history.”

The exhibit “Expressions of Greensboro Pride” is a Community Voices display on view at the museum until Nov. 2.

“Three or four times a year, we host small displays developed and produced by local organizations to highlight signiﬁcant and sometimes unheard parts of Greensboro’s history,” said Perkins. “In recent years, Community Voices partners have included Greensboro Beautiful, the Ever Achieving Retired Teachers Club, Zeta Phi Beta sorority, and many more.”

Harden and Taylor are extremely proud of how their sponsors, community, and city have helped make Greensboro Pride so popular.

“The festival’s growth over the years has been incredible,” said Hardin. “We’re grateful for how supportive the City of Greensboro has been throughout plan-

ning and logistics. We’re also honored that the vast majority of our sponsors returned this year, and excited to welcome new sponsors into the family.”

Along with Saturday’s downtown festival, Greensboro Pride 2025 includes the following weeklong events:

• Sept. 17, Greensboro Pride Gaymers Night, Dragon’s Hoard, 4645 W. Market Street, Suite A2, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 17, Greensboro Pride Karaoke, Chemistry Nightclub, 2901 Spring Garden, 10 p.m.

• Sept. 18, Twisted Trivia Greensboro Pride Edition, Twist Lounge, 435-M Dolley Madison Rd, 7 p.m.

• Sept. 19, Diversity Through Art

Reception, Creative Aging Network, 2400 Summit Ave, 5 p.m.

• Sept. 19, Guilford Green Foundation’s Green Queen Bingo hosted by Brenda the Drag Queen, Piedmont Hall, 2409 W. Gate City Blvd, 6 p.m.

• Sept. 19, Ladies Night Out: Laura Cheadle & The Girls, Boxcar Bar & Arcade, 120 W. Lewis Street, 9 p.m.

• Sept. 19, Greensboro Pride Presents: Fetish Friday hosted by M.C. Sausage, Twist Lounge, 435-M Dolley Madison Rd, 9 p.m.

• Sept. 20, Greensboro Pride Ofﬁcial Afterparty, Chemistry Nightclub, 2901 Spring Garden, 7 p.m.

For more info, check out www.impaqtgso.org. !

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.

the good guys

BY NORMA B. DENNIS | ndworddesign@gmail.com

What’s in a name? For a business it can be quite important. Whether it directly denotes what the business does or is so unique it captures one’s attention, business names are often selected only after careful consideration.

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

Owners of the new bakery in the Jamestown Shopping Center opted for both simple and unique, calling their business Bake Amor.

“Bake is what we do and whatever language anyone speaks, most know that amor means love,” said Eddie Villar, principle owner of the bakery. “That is what we do here, bake with love.”

Bake Amor opened Aug. 14 to a large fanfare with family, friends and other business associates. The company continues to add new items to its growing list of available baked goods.

“So far we have had numerous orders for personalized cakes,” Villar said. “Currently our best sellers are Red Velvet, Tres Leches and Neapolitan. In the future we will have more pastries, breads and breakfast items.”

Villar is not a baker. In fact, he has 67 T-Mobile businesses up and down the East coast. He says you cannot be creative with those businesses and he wanted to do something di erent.

His participation in Bake Amor, however, leans more to investment and

marketing. He calls the bakery a family business and includes Claudia, Brenda, Carlos, Patricia and Tono as part of the team who have made the new endeavor possible.

“One day they were showing me a bakery they had in Brazil and I thought it would be great to do that here,” Villar said, “to bring a little Spanish and Brazilian ﬂavor to the area. I pitched the idea and we decided to start with a smaller location in Jamestown.”

The bakeshop has somewhat of an old-time soda shop feel, with seating and décor inviting one to linger, relax and enjoy any of an array of desserts.

“Brenda [Romero] is an architect and designed the space,” Villar said. “You do not have to buy something to enjoy the atmosphere.”

But just seeing the variety of cakes and other baked goods would make it almost impossible to resist selecting something and enjoying it with a nice cup of Brazilian co ee or cup of tea.

The bakery is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It requires 72 hours to create a personalize cake and about four to ﬁve days for a large wedding cake.

“In the future, I can envision a franchise for this type of bakery [traditional and Brazilian],” Villar said. “For now, we hope people will give us an opportunity to serve them.”

PHTO BY NORMA B. DENNIS

Eddie Villar shows examples of some decorative cakes that Bake Amor produces.

TRUE INVESTIGATED CONFIRMED Not Fake Not False Not Fabricated Not Presumed

RESEARCHED INFORMED FACT Not Fantasy Not Conocted Not Imagined Not Fiction

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CARBORRO

Cat’S CradlE

300 E Main St | 919.967.9053

www.catscradle.com

Sep 17: Jack Van Cleaf, Joelton Mayfield

Sep 18: Bonny light Horseman

Sep 19: Hayes Carll, Johnathan terrell

Sep 19: MICO, vaultboy

Sep 20: Jesse Fox, Munsey, drunk Ex

Sep 20: John Craigie, Christina Vane

Sep 20: the Brook & the Bluff

Sep 21: last date, Fort Knox, Jackson Slater

Sep 21: Marshall Crenshaw, James Mastro

Sep 21: Stereolab

Sep 22: Boyscott

Sep 23: Maris x Carolina Kingsbury

Sep 23: Mt. Joy

Sep 23: Brooks Nielsen

Sep 24: tune-Yards, tre, Charles

Sep 24: Water From Your Eyes, Her New Knife

Sep 25: los angeles Power disco

Sep 26: Cigarettes at Sunset, High June, Yesterday’s Clothes

Sep 26: Molly turtle, Joshua ray Walker, Cecilia Castleman

Sep 27: Bad Suns, Yot Club

Sep 28: lightning Bolt, Kill atlers

Sep 28: Will Paquin, Glom

Sep 29: Sharon Van Etten & the attachment theory

Sep 29: Zinadelphia

ChARlOtte

BOJaNGlES COlISEuM

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com

Sep 20: Pancho Barraza & alicia Villarrel

Sep 27: El Flaco y Sus amigos

tHE FIllMOrE

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com

Sep 17: Babytron

home grown mu S ic S cene | c ompiled by Shane h art

Sep 18: dylan Gossett

Sep 19: Matt Maltese

Sep 20: dark angel Extinction level

Event

Sep 20: Pup & Jeff rosenstock

Sep 21: aidan Bissett

Sep 21: Bilmuri

Sep 22: G-Flip

Sep 23: Blessthefall

Sep 25: dying Fetus

Sep 25: russell dickerson

Sep 26: Jeremy Zucker

Sep 26: Marc rebillet

Sep 27: Maddox Batson

Sep 27: Waylon Wyatt

PNC MuSIC PaVIlION

707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292

www.livenation.com

Sep 17: the lumineers & Chance Pena

Sep 20: alice Cooper, Judas Priest & Corrosion of Conformity

SKYla CrEdIt uNION

aMPHItHEatrE

former Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

820 Hamilton St | 704.549.5555 www.livenation.com

Sep 19: Parker McCollum

Sep 22: Vance Joy

Sep 23: Quinn XCII

Sep 24: the Marias

Sep 30: alex Warren

ClemmOns

VIllaGE SQuarE

taP HOuSE

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

Sep 18: Whiskey Mic

Sep 19: SoundKraft live

Sep 20: Black Glass

duRhAm

CarOlINa tHEatrE

309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org

Sep 26: the Fab Four

dPaC

123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787 www.dpacnc.com

Sep 19: Sheng Wang

Sep 20: lucy dacus with Slow Pulp

Sep 22: Father John Misty with Cut Worms

Sep 24: Mark twain tonight! with richard thomas

Sep 25: lyle lovett and his acoustic Group

Sep 27: Matt Mathews

Sep 28: raphael Saadiq

Sep 30: Elvis Costello & the Imposters with Charlie Sexton

129 W Main St | 336.258.8240 www.reevestheater.com

Wednesdays: reeves Open Mic

Fourth thursdays: Old-time Jam

Sep 19: the Wilder Blue

gReensBORO CarOlINa tHEatrE 310 S. Greene Street | 336.333.2605 www.carolinatheatre.com

Sep 27: the Key West Band — Music for Our Ears

Sep 28: 23 Skidoo & the Secret agency

Sep 19-20: Cristina Mariani

Sep 21: Ejspeaks

Sep 26-27: Jeff dye

Sep 26: Isaac Hadden

Sep 27: GVOE too: Good Vibes Over Everything w/ Sunqueen Kelsey & the Soular Flares

GrEENSBOrO COlISEuM

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400

www.greensborocoliseum.com

Sep 19: the Queens! 4 legends. 1 Stage.

HaNGar 1819

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com

Sep 20: Savannah dexter + Brabo Gator

Sep 25: Blackbraid

Sep 26: Oceano w/ I Declare War, Larcenia Roe, Cruciﬁction

PIEDMONT HALL

2411 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400

www.greensborocoliseum.com

Sep 19: Green Queen Bingo

Sep 20: Ole 60

Sep 26: Maddox Batson

STEVEN TANGER CENTER

300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500

www.tangercenter.com

Sep 19: El Adios De Una Grande

Sep 23-28: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

HIGH POINT

GOOFY FOOT TAPROOM

2762 NC-68 #109 | 336.307.2567 www.goofyfoottaproom.com

Sep 27: Turpentine Shine

HIGH POINT THEATRE

220 E Commerce Ave | 336.883.3401 www.highpointtheatre.com

Sep 18: Ledisi

Sep 26: Diamond Rio

Sep 27: WatchLadyB Fashion Show

Sep 28: John Marshall’s Torn Between the Two

JAMESTOWN

THE DECK

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestown/ Sep 19: Men in Black

Sep 20: Black Pearl

Sep 26: Salem Smoke

KERNERSVILLE

BREATHE

COCKTAIL LOUNGE

221 N Main St. | 336.497.4822

www.facebook.com/BreatheCocktailLounge

Wednesdays: Karaoke

Sep 19: Stereo Doll

Sep 20: Blazin’ Keys Dueling Pianos

Sep 26: Radio Revolver

LITTLE BROTHER

BREWING KERNERSVILLE

221 N Main St. | 336.816.7283 www.facebook.com/littlebrotherkernersville

Sep 19: William Kiley Smith

Sep 20: Stone Parker Trio

LIBERTY

THE LIBERTY SHOWCASE THEATER

101 S. Fayetteville St | 336.622.3844

www.TheLibertyShowcase.com

Sep 20: The Malpass Brothers

Sep 27: The Bellamy Brothers

RALEIGH

CCU MUSIC PARK AT

WALNUT CREEK

3801 Rock Quarry Rd | 919.821.4111

www.livenation.com

Sep 17: A Day to Remember & Yellowcard

Sep 19: Charlie Wilson

Sep 28: Marco Antonio Solis

LINCOLN THEATRE

126 E. Cabarrus St | 919.831.6400

www.lincolntheatre.com

Sep 18: Lamp ft. Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski

Sep 19: Harvey Street w/ The Band Solstice

Sep 20: Matt Maltese

Sep 21: Cherub w/ Sessy

Sep 22: Mirador

Sep 23: Deafheaven

Sep 26: The Ice Cream Girl Road Trip

Sep 27: Geo Tate’s Operation

Sep 28: Waylon Wyatt

RED HAT AMPHITHEATER

500 S McDowell St | 919.996.8800

www.redhatamphitheater.com

Sep 20: Parker McCollum

Sep 23: The Marias

Sep 24: Rilo Kiley with The Mountain Goats

LENOVO CENTER

1400 Edwards Mill Rd | 919.861.2300

www.thepncarena.com

Sep 23: Bring Me The Horizon w/ Motionless In White & Special Guests The Plot in You & Amira

Elfeky

WINSTON-SALEM

EARL’S

121 West 9th Street | 336.448.0018

www.earlsws.com

Mondays: Open Mic

FIDDLIN’ FISH

BREWING COMPANY

772 Trade St | 336.999.8945

www.ﬁddlinﬁsh.com

Sep 19: Collective Vibe

Sep 26: Anne & The Moonlighters

Oct 3: Andrew Wakeﬁeld

THE RAMKAT

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714

www.theramkat.com

Sep 17: The Machine performs Pink Floyd

Sep 18: Kyle Caudle & Timberline, Evan Blackerby

Sep 19: Matt Kendrick Trio and The Sirens of Jazz

Sep 20: Je rey Dean Foster, James Mastro, Ava Foster

Sep 24: Peter Holsapple, Walter

Salas-Hamara

Sep 26: Hermanos Gutierrez, Rahill

Sep 28: North Mississippi Allstars, DaShawn Hickman

ROAR

633 North Liberty Street | 336-917-3008

www.roarws.com | www.roarbrandstheater.com

WISE MAN BREWING

826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008

www.wisemanbrewing.com

Thursdays: Music Bingo

[SALOME’S STARS]

Week of September 22, 2025

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) While you prefer to meet troublesome situations headon, you might want to stand back from this one until you know what (or who!) started it. Caution should be your watchword.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Once again, your common-sense approach to a problem helps you sort it out before it gets out of control. Expect to learn some startling facts as events continue to develop.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Positive inﬂuences dominate your sign, but you’ll have to work hard to get the great rewards that are out there. Meanwhile, personal relationships thrive on tender, loving care.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A friend seems to be drifting away. You might feel betrayed, but you need to know the facts before you pass judgment. Perhaps you made too many demands that couldn’t be met.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) New people start to come into the Lion’s life at this time. Some of them could inﬂuence important career changes. Keep an open mind and weigh all the possibilities.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good time for agreements, contracts, and other positive commitments, including one with Cupid. Also, expect good news about a health matter.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A recent change of plans upsets your penchant for keeping things in order, but once you

adjust to the new situation, you’ll be able to make new plans.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Aspects favor personal commitments. Family plans could include moving to a new home or even to a new city. Be open to any and all considerations.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Both attached and single Archers can expect to see a positive reversal in certain relationships that had seemed to be on a collision course to nowhere.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Family and friends take priority over everything else. Exercise a little more ﬂexibility in your well-planned life so that you can spend more time with your kith and kin.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A pesky person who caused you some problems recently will soon move out of your life. Meanwhile, an ARIES is ready to help you get a fresh start romantically.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Yours is the sign of change and creation. This is a good time for you to experience changes that can open up new personal and professional opportunities.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You love to have fun and enjoy competition. You also have a gift for “reading” people and assessing situations.

answers

[CROSSWORD]

crossword on page 9

[WEEKLY SUDOKU]

sudoku on page 9

[1. MOVIES: What was the name of Ron Burgundy’s dog in Anchorman?

[2. LITERATURE: The middle school student Greg He ey is the protagonist of which book series?

[3. SCIENCE: What is the Abyssal Zone in the ocean?

[4. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the island of Aruba located?

[5. TELEVISION: Which city is the setting for the series Breaking Bad?

[6. PSYCHOLOGY: What is the fear of colors called?

[7. ANATOMY: What connects muscles to bones?

[8. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to the Badlands National Park?

[9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the sixth president of the United States?

[10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is September’s traditional birthstone?

answer

10. Sapphire.

9. John Quincy Adams.

8. South Dakota.

7. Tendons.

6. Chromophobia.

5. Albuquerque, New Mexico.

4. Southern Caribbean Sea.

3. The deepest and darkest part of the ocean, at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters.

2. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

1. Baxter.

2025 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.