TCB April 21, 2022 — Pull Up

APRIL 21-27, 2022 TRIAD-CITY-BEAT.COM

PULL UP! Kris Fuller of Crafted unveils new fast-food concept in downtown GSO

ELECTION 2022

by Sayaka Matsuoka pg. 12

THIS ISSUE:

Forsyth County Commission & Guilford County Commission PGS 4-9

UP FRONT | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK How I’m doing with all that

I

Written by Paul Slade Smith

April 22-May 8 Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave Tickets at rhinoleap.com

BUSINESS PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Brian Clarey brian@triad-city-beat.com

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Allen Broach allen@triad-city-beat.com

1451 S. Elm-Eugene St. Box 24, Greensboro, NC 27406 Office: 336.681.0704 EDITORIAL WEBMASTER Sam LeBlanc MANAGING EDITOR Sayaka Matsuoka PHOTOGRAPHY INTERN sayaka@triad-city-beat.com

CHIEF CONTRIBUTORS Suzy Fielders

Stan Sussina

BUSINESS MANAGER Karmen Bulmer

OF COUNSEL

James Douglas james@triad-city-beat.com

COVER:

ART ART DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Kris Fuller stands in front of her newest concept, Parkside Pull-Up, in a kiosk at LeBauer Park.

Jonathan Jones

Charlie Marion charlie@triad-city-beat.com

SALES KEY ACCOUNTS

Chris Rudd chris@triad-city-beat.com

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Two Cops. Three Crooks. Eight Doors.

Go!

Carolyn de Berry, John Cole, Owens Daniels, Luis H. Garay, Kaitlynn Havens, Jordan Howse, Matt Jones, Autumn Karen, Michaela Ratliff, Jen Sorensen, Todd Turner

TCB IN A FLASH @ triad-city-beat.com First copy is free, all additional copies are $1. ©2022 Beat Media Inc.

Photo by Jennifer Scheib, Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc Design by Charlie Marion

’ve been their father is, for now anyway, still putting close by. off the I’m trying not to show them the writing of my depths of my sorrow. They’ll be father’s obitulooking into their own abyss soon ary — not the enough. generalized one I’m keeping an eye on my mother.

by Brian Clarey that we posted We all are. online, which I wrote shortly after I’m trying to exercise more but still he passed in January, but the real putting on weight, trying to sleep one, which I’m to read to the people more but still exhausted all the time, who will assemble for his service. If trying to eat more sensibly while I’m I want to, that is. I’m putting off that buying gummi bears in bulk. decision as well.

I say I’m trying to drink enough I suppose you could water, but that’s a lie. say we’ve pushed I’m thinking about You want to know all those bad habits the whole thing back, scheduling the cerehow I’m doing with that used to get me mony more than three through the hard all this? The months after the day times, but then I reanswer is that I member that, often, he passed… quietly, at home, surrounded they were the cause don’t know. by loved ones… and of them. moving the burial one You want to know full week after that. how I’m doing with all this? The Surely there’s no rush, right? answer is that I don’t know. All I We’re not in a hurry to say our final know is that my father is gone, goodbyes. that his ashes sit in a fancy box on I’m throwing myself into work, a my mother’s shelf, that in a couple fine distraction, healthy as long as weeks we’ll lower that box into one doesn’t go completely overthe ground, just like I placed those board with it. same ashes in that box a couple I might be going a little overboard weeks ago and sealed it shut, just with it. like I lifted him up— so light! — back I’m connecting with my children, in December and placed him into a who have lost both their grandfahospital bed from which he would thers in a brutal, three-month span. never arise.

It’s a way to keep the continuity And I know I’ll have to write somegoing between parents and children, thing about it, soon.

I believe, and to remind them that

THURSDAY April 21 Inaugural Health Leadership Forum @ Salem Academy and College (W-S) 10 a.m.

Salem Academy and College will hold its inaugural Health Leadership Forum with Keynote Speaker Prathibha Varkey, MBBS, MPH, MBA, MHPed, President of Mayo Clinic Health System as well as leadership from other health organizations. The forum is free and open to the public.

Visit rise.salem.edu for more information and to register.

Pixar’s Dan Holland @ UNCG (GSO) 5:30 p.m.

Just before the launch of UNCG’s BFA in Animation program next semester, Pixar Art Director Dan Holland will visit the university for a public discussion about his animation career including working as an animator for The Incredibles and character artist for Cars 2. The talk will be held in the Eberhart Building room 250. Head to uncg.edu for more information.

Founders Brewing Event @ The Brewer’s Kettle (HP) 6 p.m.

The Brewer’s Kettle invites you to try a lineup of beers from Founders Brewing. Learn more at foundersbrewing.com.

FRIDAY April 22 Blackberry Smoke @ Ziggys.Space (HP) 6 p.m.

Blackberry Smoke is making a stop at Ziggy’s new location as part of their You Hear Georgia tour, paying homage to their Georgia roots through their music. Featuring Flat Blak Cadillac. Visit the event page on Facebook to purchase tickets.

Pint Night with SweetWater Brewing @ Mac’s Speed Shop (GSO) 6 p.m.

Stop by Mac’s Speed shop for pints of brews like 420 Extra Pale Ale, Sweetwater IPA and Sweetwater Blue by SweetWater Brewing Co. Visit the event page on Facebook for more information.

4th Annual Awards Ceremony & Charity Auction & Havana Phil’s Cigar Company (GSO) 7 p.m.

Havana Phil’s invites to you their 4th annual awards ceremony and charity auction. Hors d’oeuvres by Kau, live music and a cigar at the door will be provided. All proceeds from the silent auction benefit Debbie’s Dream Foundation dedicated to researching stomach cancer and raising awareness. Visit the event page on Facebook for more information.

SATURDAY April 23 Record Store Day @ McKay’s (GSO) 9 a.m.

McKay’s is proud to participate in Record Store Day by offering more than 500 exclusive RSD releases in addition to regular inventory. Vinyl treasures available include rare and unique albums. Visit the event page on Facebook for more information.

FUSE at SECCA: A Makers Market @ Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (W-S) 11 a.m.

Metal Mavens, a collaborative metalsmithing project, has partnered with SECCA to bring you a market featuring food trucks and art by 36

artists, more than a third of which are local. Metal Mavens’ goal is to introduce new artists, raise awareness of local organizations and create new experiences for attendees. Contact Tavia Brown at tavia@taviametal.com for more information.

Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish @ High Point University (HP) 7 p.m.

High Point University is excited to announce this complimentary concert featuring the HPU Community Orchestra, singers and clips from Disney classics like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and more. Registration is required and can be done at highpoint.edu/live.

SUNDAY April 24 Fred Chapell: I Am One of You Forever @ Hanesbrands Theatre (W-S) 4:30 p.m.

Screenings of Fred Chapell: I Am One of You Forever are available in-person and virtually as part of the RiverRun International Film Festival 2022. The documentary explores the highlights of Chapell’s writing career, such as starting one of the nation’s first graduate creative writing programs and winning the Bollingen Prize for Poetry. Learn more and purchase tickets at riverrunfilm.com/ events/jamcdpgerl.

“I Scream for Ice Cream” Family Event @ Distractions (HP) 6 p.m.

SIGMA NU 7TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW! Presented By: Bentley High Point & Porsche Greensboro

UP FRONT | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

CITY LIFE APRIL 21-24

by Michaela Ratliff

Taking Place: April 23rd, 2022 11AM-3PM Located At: Oak Hollow Mall 921 Eastchester Dr, High Point, NC 27262 Contact: Sam Siegel-Horne (612) 704 9797

Our event will have a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from off-road cars, to luxury vehicles, to muscle cars, sport cars, even two wheel vehicles, and more!

$10 TO GO $20 TO SHOW!

Benefitting The American Heart Association

Sponsored By: Distractions is hosting a family-friendly ice cream party where you’ll paint your own ice cream bowl before enjoying a cold, sweet treat.

Visit the event page on Facebook to reserve your space.

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NEWS | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

NEWS

Democrats face off in at-large and District A Forsyth County Commission primaries

by James Douglas

S

even Democrats are fighting to make it to the general election in this year’s Forsyth County Commission primaries.

The seven-member Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is the governing body of Forsyth County and is responsible for adopting the county budget, setting the property-tax rate, acting on zoning and land use and enacting county policies.

The partisan board also appoints members of citizen boards, committees and other commissions. Four commissioners are elected from District B, two from District A and one is voted at-large. Each member serves a 4-year staggered term, and partisan elections are held in even numbered years. Each December, the board chooses its chair and vice chair.

In the at-large race this year, there are two Democrats running, the winner of which, will face Republican Terri Mrazek in the general election come November.

In District A, five Democrats will fight to make it to the general election. The top two vote-getters will face off against Republicans Reginald Reid and Michael R. Owens who do not have a primary.

AT-LARGE

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Ted Kaplan (i)

Lifelong politician with decades of experience Ted Kaplan has a long history in Forsyth County, as well as in local and state politics. His family began what was to become the Kaplan Learning Center when he was a child. After a stint in the Navy, he was elected to the NC House of Representatives in 1976. He was elected to the NC Senate in 1982, where he served for a decade, including as the Senate Majority Leader from 1988-92. He was first elected to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners in 2006. Kaplan is proud of his bonafides.

“Experience matters,” he said. “Having served in the US Navy, three terms as county commissioner and eight terms as a legislator, I have plenty.”

In 1994, Kaplan helped secure $3.1 million dol-

lars for what was to become Innovation Quarter. His other work included helping to preserve the Nursing Program at Winston-Salem State University and helping with the creation of the film program at the NC School of

the Arts.

When it comes to budgets, Kaplan’s previous roles in government indicate some experience as well.

“I have dealt with billion-dollar budgets for years,” he said. “Budgets that are balanced and fair.”

Kaplan is pleased with the current budgets. “[We are] keeping our AAA Bond ratings and meeting the needs,” he said. “Our biggest challenge today is finding employees.”

Kaplan’s view toward law enforcement is that the sheriff’s office is “a constitutional office that the state requires the county to fund.” In that respect, he is against cutting funds.

“Crime continues to be a problem, particularly in our cities,” he said.

Dan Besse

Former city councilmember focused on public schools, health and safety Dan Besse served for 19 years on the Winston-Salem City Council, successfully running for election and re-election five times. Two years ago, he was recruited by the NC House Democratic Caucus to run for a Republican-leaning swing seat for NC House, a contest which he narrowly lost. Besse has also been actively involved in Democratic Party work, from serving as a precinct chair to serving on the national board of Democratic Municipal Officials. This is his first time running for county commission.

Besse is primarily concerned with the public: “Public schools, public health, public safety, affordable housing development,” he said.

Besse wants to avoid what he calls “boondoggle pet projects,” an example being the commercial events center previously proposed for Tanglewood park.

Besse’s opinions concerning law enforcement funding and control are varied and highly detailed, related to his time on the Winston-Salem City Council.

“I adamantly oppose reducing law enforcement funding,” he said. “Good community policing with well-trained and managed law enforcement officers is essential, and it’s not cheap.” He continues, “At the same time, I fully recognize that the experience with

law enforcement in many communities has not been positive historically.”

He insists on high standards of police conduct and accountability and acknowledges the difficulties of the job.

“We must respect that, and ensure that we provide the training, supervision, compensation, resources and support they need to do a tough job well, he said.

“Finally, there must also be investment in other community safety programs, including violence interruption, mental health services, neighborhood investment, education and poverty reduction programs.”

Besse’s views on national politics and the possible effects community, county, and state-wide are what he calls “a serious strain of anti-democratic thinking, which rejects the outcome of elections they don’t win as necessarily ‘fraudulent’ and accepts the alternatives of voting suppression as a routine political tool and even political violence when that fails.”

Besse is also a proponent of community involvement.

“None of these crises will solve themselves, and we can’t fix them with social media hand-wringing,” Besse explained. “All of us who care about the well-being of our communities must get out of our chairs and get to work on rebuilding civic engagement and the democratic process.”

DISTRICT A

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he District A race has two seats available with five Democrats — including two incumbents Fleming El Amin and Tonya McDaniel — fighting to make it to the general election. The top two vote-getters will move on to the November general election. The two Republicans who have filed — Reginald Reid and Michael R. Owens — will face off in the general election.

Fleming El Amin (i)

Incumbent focused on economic development Fleming El Amin has served on the Forsyth County Commission since 2017.

He previously served on the Board of Elections and was chair of the Forsyth County Democratic Party for two terms. He serves on the State Executive Committee of the Democratic Party and is vice chair of the Shalom Project and the Consolidated Human Services Board.

He is a board member for Triad Cultural Arts, Inc., Northwest NC Advocates for Disabilities, Triad Chapter — Americans United and Interfaith Winston-Salem. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP. As commissioner, El Amin wants to continue working on what he said are “three critical needs in District A”: more resources for a focused economic develop-

Tonya McDaniel (i)

Incumbent with clear budgetary goals Tonya D. McDaniel was first elected as a county commissioner in 2018. She received her undergraduate degree from Winston-Salem State University and graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science. In 2016, she graduated NC Central University with a master’s in public administration. She is also the goddaughter of a former commissioner and community leader, the late Earline Parmon.

“For over 14 years, I have worked at the precinct level, worked for the Board of Elections, managed several federal, state and local candidates’ political campaigns,” she said.

She believes that she is one of the most experienced candidates with a clear vision.

“Forsyth County has invested a total budget of $65 million in the Sheriff’s Department,” she said. “We have approved approximately $3.5 million in the Juvenile Intervention Team, and $1.5 million to work

NEWS

alongside the Cure Violence Initiative to combat gun and gang violence.” As for schools, they “have $150 million for infrastructure, which includes funding for teachers, assistants and staff,” she said. She plans to work alongside state representatives and school board to ensure a cohesive budget.

“I am also looking forward to recognizing our LGBTQ+ communities in the future and continuing the work on supporting the state goal of 100 percent clean renewable energy by 2050 and creation of green jobs,” she explained.

In her work with a federal non-profit, McDaniel maintained a budget of over $2 million in human resources over a period of nine years. Citing the $500 million budget she has overseen as a commissioner, she’s excited to help put more resources in her community.

“I am excited Forsyth County has written a resolution to utilize 80 percent of the $74 million ARPA dollars in the census tract of the marginalized communities,” she said.

McDaniel recognizes a need for local law enforcement, stating “[F]rom my own personal experience dealing with domestic violence and gun and gang violence, I would have to admit law enforcement agencies are necessary in serving and protecting our citizens. I am grateful to live in a county where our sheriff’s department understands the need for behavioral health.

It has to be an all-inclusive body of work.”

Phil Carter

Activist fighting for housing rights Phil Carter is a longtime activist and community leader. Currently the cochair of Housing Justice now, he has been the second vice-chair of the Forsyth County Democratic Party, precinct-chair at several precincts, auxiliary president within the Forsyth County Democratic Party, and is currently a State Democratic Executive Committee Member.

“As co-chair of Housing Justice Now, I have fought alongside tenants who are facing wrongful eviction,” he said. “HJN also supported Crystal Towers United in their recent victory, which guaranteed their building will not be sold and will in fact be renovated.”

The biggest challenge Carter wants to address is housing.

“The absence of affordable housing…could be mitigated by using county surplus land to create community land trust, and…investing more funds in home-ownership programs,” he said. “Furthermore, the eviction rate within the county — which is one of the highest in the nation — is completely unacceptable; I would work to implement assistance to citizens facing eviction

by investing funds for the Right to Counsel; this would guarantee tenants have legal representation on winnable cases.”

With budgetary issues, Carter is adamant. “[O]ur commissioners currently and easily invest taxpayers’ money in large corporations and developers, not local businesses or the everyday person,” he said. “They too need incentives to sustain and thrive, and I will fight to support citizens and small businesses.”

If elected, Carter intends to be a “critical thinker, review budget analysis, and keep a keen eye on wants, needs, and savings of the taxpayers’ taxation.”

Carter’s views on current law enforcement policies are that they need addressing.

“I think we need to look at reallocation of funding and move towards more community-driven programs and intervention programs to combat crimes and the need to commit them,” he told TCB. Carter also said he wants to be open and transparent if elected to office.

“When elected county commissioner for District A,” he responded. “Therefore, I hope that through zealous and quarterly citizen engagement meetings together, we can always resolve the issues and concerns of the citizens of District A with a peaceable attitude towards one another.”

NEWS | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

ment, employing resources for more public safety and reducing gang activity, and a focusing of more resources towards academic excellence.

“I promoted 80 percent of all ARPA funding to be allocated in Qualified Census Tract communities, most of which are in District A,” El Amin said.

ARPA is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which addressed the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When it comes to budgetary concerns, El Amin believes that his finance history makes him a good candidate, having worked with large budgets as a former Wall Street banker at Chase Manhattan Bank and as a former employee at Guarantee Bank and Trust in Chicago.

El Amin is also a Vice Chair of the Audit Committee of Forsyth County. A believer in workforce development, El Amin wants to spend less money on PAYGO funds, which is a budget rule that requires that tax cuts must be offset by tax increases or cuts in spending.

He also told TCB that doesn’t believe in reducing law enforcement funding.

“We have provided funds for that department to address reduction of gang activities with more community-based alternatives for the youth,” he said. “Less funding is not a realistic solution to providing a safe environment for our citizens.”

El Amin believes he will make a competent Commissioner. “Leadership in this often-toxic political environment requires courage, commitment and character in order to serve the best interest of our community.”

Gardenia Henley

Veteran who has run for office multiple times TCB attempted to contact Gardenia Henley multiple times for this story and received no response. All information is sourced from her 2016 campaign website, and other media where noted.

Gardenia Henley was born and raised in Winston-Salem. An Air Force Veteran, she received a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Shaw University and a master of science degree in taxation from Southeastern University. She is a retired US Diplomat Inspector General Officer, from the Department of State’s US Agency for International Development, where she was employed for 22 years.

She has been a member of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, The Women’s Fund, and is a lifetime member of American Veterans. She ran for governor in 2012 and lost with only 5.24 percent of the vote. She has run for US House in 2014 and 2016 and, most recently, NC House in 2020.

From her campaign website: “If elected I would work to decrease the tax rate, increase Forsyth County employee salaries, support non-profits and others that work towards assisting taxpayers with affordable housing and work to decrease homelessness and hunger.

I would do whatever is possible to support economic growth.”

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Malishai Woodbury

Former school board chair focused on education Malishai Woodbury has served on the WS/FCS Board of Education for almost four years, with three of those years as chair. Notably, she is the first Black school board chair in Forsyth County history. She received her bachelor of arts in communication studies at UNC and received her master’s degree in history at NC A&T State University. She later taught history at NCA&T. “Teaching political courses is a great way to authentically experience the exchange of ideas and beliefs regarding political issues and the behaviors of political leaders,” she said.

This is her first run for election for county commissioner.

Focusing on District A, Woodbury wants to “help make Forsyth County the best place to live in NC no matter which side of 52 you live,” she said. “In order to make our county the best, we must strengthen District A.” Woodbury thinks schools are still insufficiently funded, Pre-K accessibility needs attention and her experience on the school board helps inform her belief.

“I have experience working with the school district’s budget, which is comparable to the county’s budget,” she explains. “As of 2021, the school district received a ‘0’ error audit and increased our fund balance.”

Her thoughts on other ways that the budget could be utilized is similar.

The county should invest more money in increasing educator pay supplements, Pre-K accessibility, and restorative juvenile justice, to name a few,” she said. “I think Forsyth County should spend less money on luxurious amenities for certain parts of the county.”

Woodbury’s views towards law enforcement are similar to those of her colleagues who are running for office.

“I agree with law enforcement reform that is a collaborative effort between community members, elected officials and law enforcement leaders,” she said. “I think policing has a negative connection to the history of slavery in this country; however, I believe all citizens want to live in a safe community that is protected by men and women who serve to keep the peace.”

She’s also expressed her opinion about the current state of the nation and its myriad of social issues.

“I am concerned about the future of this country if we don’t authentically deal with the core issues that hinder our progress, like racism, sexism, elitism, etc.,” she said.

As an elected official, Woodbury said she wants to emulate the past leaders who also served as longtime public servants.

“I will work to uphold the legacy and commitment of servant leaders like Mazie Woodruff, Earline Parmon and Walter Marshall,” she said. “In my opinion, their work to justify human and civil rights was the greater mission that benefitted all citizens of Forsyth County.”

Familiar faces crowd Republican Guilford County Commission District 2 and 3 primaries

by Sayaka Matsuoka

T

wo incumbents, a former school board member, a former town council member and a project manager are vying for three seats in this year’s Guilford County Commission primaries.

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is comprised of nine total seats, including a chairperson and vice chair who are chosen every December to serve the upcoming year. Commissioners are responsible for adopting the annual county budget and establishing the property tax rate as well as adopting local laws. During the pandemic, the county commissioners also acted as the county Board of Health to pass mask mandates countywide.

Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms and are elected by district and at-large on even numbered years.

This year, seats for at-large, District 2, District 3 and District 7 are up for grabs. In District 2, two Republicans — incumbent Alan Perdue and Stephen Arnold — face off in the primary for a chance to take on Democrat Paul Meinhart in the November general election. In District 3, Republicans Pat Tillman, George McClellan and Dan Suter will vie for votes to face Democrat Derek Mobley in November.

Candidates are listed alphabetically by last name.

Incumbents are listed first.

Early voting for the primaries begins April 27. Primary election day is on May 17.

DISTRICT 2

District 2 makes up the southernmost portion of Guilford County near Pleasant Garden as well as areas of the west including parts of High Point and Jamestown.

There are only Republicans in this primary.

Alan Perdue (i)

Two-term incumbent focused on infrastructure with minimal spending Incumbent Alan Perdue has represented District 2 since first being elected in 2014.

As a two-term incumbent, Perdue said that he wants to continue using his experience as a first-responder to serve his community. When he

was 16 years old, Perdue joined the volunteer fire department and eventually rose through the ranks within the Department of Emergency Services to become director in 2003. As someone who has served on the frontlines, Perdue said that the current staffing levels in departments that provide essential services is one of his biggest concerns.

“The county must continue to evaluate their ability to compete and attract qualified personnel in order to meet the demands placed upon them by the public,” he said.

During his tenure, Perdue said he’s been proud of overseeing projects like the building of the new emergency services facility, the new animal shelter and the new behavioral health facility all without raising property taxes.

Keeping property taxes as low as possible and maintaining a business-friendly environment through limited regulations is high on the list of priorities for Perdue. He also wants to make sure the county’s infrastructure is adequately maintained while thoroughly evaluating expenditures.

As a former first responder and a Republican, Perdue expressed his full support of local law enforcement. When asked about his thoughts on the Jan. 6 insurrection and whether or not he agrees with former President Trump on the falsehood that the 2020 election was stolen, Perdue did not give a clear answer.

Stephen Arnold

Former commissioner with strong conservative views Candidate Steve Arnold is a well-known entity amongst conservative circles in Guilford County as he served as a county commissioner for two decades. During his tenure, Arnold was seen as the board’s strongest conservative voice, an aspect that he told TCB he would bring back to the board if re-elected.

“I’m running to place a liberty agenda on the table in Guilford County government,” Arnold said. “It means no tax increases and no social engineering in schools.”

Arnold was first elected as a county commissioner in 1991 and served until 2010. Prior to becoming a commissioner, Arnold was a High Point city councilmember from 1985-88 and served in the NC Gen-

eral Assembly from 1988-90. In his 20 years as county commissioner, Arnold said that helping to make the downtown ballpark and the veterans memorial in Triad Park a reality were two of his successes.

Compared to his opponent, Alan Perdue, Arnold said that he was the better option to push back against Democrats who are “taking over institutions at an alarming rate.”

He noted how he opposes critical race theory (which is not taught in public schools), “outrageous bond proposals,” health mandates as well as restrictions on religious liberty. He said he supports school choice and law enforcement agencies.

In terms of how to handle the budget, Arnold said that “politicians don’t need help… to spend more of someone else’s money on anything.” He opposes the recent move by the board to allocate $2 million to the expansion of the International Civil Rights Museum but said he supports adequate funding of law enforcement agencies. He said he doesn’t support the school bond or the sales tax increase.

Arnold also outrightly rejected the characterization of the Jan. 6 insurrection as such.

“There was no insurrection,” he said. “I believe it’s a sad day in America when Americans cannot protest peacefully.”

Instead, he advocated for more discussions about the events of Jan. 6 which would “lead to a better understanding of each other, so that individuals do not feel compelled to act out in ways that bring tangible harm to themselves and others.”

NEWS | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

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DISTRICT 3

District 2 starts in the center of Greensboro and makes its way up towards the northwestern portion of Guilford County near Oak Ridge and Stokesdale.

There are only Republicans in this primary.

George McClellan

Former Oak Ridge town councilmember critical of school funding While candidate George McClellan did not respond to TCB’s emails for this piece, during a March 15 candidate forum at Kickback Jack’s in Greensboro, McClellan talked about his support of first-responders and his experience on Oak Ridge’s town council.

He touted voting on 10 budgets as a member of town council without increasing taxes and said he would do the same if elected as county commissioner.

He also said he would give sheriff’s deputies a raise and would support reasonable requests from the school board but that the “money must follow the child.”

In recent weeks, McClellan has come under fire from progressives for pushing for an audit of the

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school district, stating in a press release that “it is appropriate to do a financial review of where our county schools stand financially and to ensure money isn’t being wasted.”

Dan Suter

Project manager who touts his business skills According to Dan Suter’s social media posts as well as his talks during the March 17 candidate forum at Kickback Jack’s, Suter is using his background as a project manager to differentiate himself from his opponents.

“Business project managers, they strategically plan, they tactically implement projects in a well-organized format for the best use of the dollars allocated in the most efficient manner within schedule and within scope that was actually outlined to produce the product, service or result that benefits you as the people,” Suter said in a Facebook video posted on March 14.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Suter is a senior project director for LabCorp, a position he has held for almost 15 years. Prior to that, he worked as a program manager for Gilbarco Inc. During his speech Suter noted that he has professionally been a business project manager for more than 30 years and is thus able to work with large budgets.

Pat Tillman

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Veteran and former school board member focused on a “renaissance” Those well-versed in local politics will be familiar with Pat Tillman, who up until very recently, served as a school board member for District 3, a seat he won in 2016.

During his tenure on the school board, Tillman was a conservative who got along with his Democratic colleagues and would vote not always vote along party lines. Now, Tillman has his sights set on the board of commissioners so that Guilford County can experience a “true renaissance.”

Tillman said he wants Guilford County to be the most business-friendly county in the southeast, the safest county and the cleanest and most welcoming county in the region.

“My vision is to do this in a collaborative fashion with fiscal responsibility, whilst getting the most value for our tax dollars, grants and whatever monies that may come under our purview,” he said.

Job creation and retention as well as building and maintain public schools rank high on Tillman’s list of priorities. He said he views the two as inextricably linked.

“Empirical evidence and current data shows that in order to attract and retain a high-functioning workforce we must have a robust pipeline of career-ready students ready for these challenges,” he said.

As far as school funding goes, Tillman said that he wants to “challenge the status quo with regard to how we finance the building and renovating of schools.”

“Conventional school bonds are what we rely on today but as a county and a state legislature we must explore more fully alternative and sophisticated funding models like lease/lease-back agreements and P3 schools (public, private partnership schools),” Tillman said.

He told TCB that he believes more of the budget should be spent on the health services, education and public safety. When it comes to police reform, Tillman said the idea is flawed.

“Where police departments and sheriff’s offices have been marginalized and/or monies reallocated (defunded) for social experimentation, those communities have been hurt the worst,” Tillman said.

Instead, he advocated for attracting and retaining officers and holding them accountable.

Newcomers vs experience in Guilford County Commission at-large race

by Sayaka Matsuoka

T

he Guilford County Board of Commissioners is comprised of nine total seats, including a chairperson and vice chair who are chosen every December to serve the upcoming year. County commissioners are responsible for adopting the annual county budget and establishing the property tax rate as well as adopting local laws. During the pandemic, the county commissioners also enacted lockdowns and mask mandates countywide.

Commissioners serve staggered four-year terms and are elected by district and atlarge on even numbered years. This year, seats for at-large, District 2, District 3 and District 7 are up for grabs. In the at-large race, incumbent Kay Cashion looks to hold her seat against Greg Drumwright in the Democratic primary while Alan Branson and Alvin Robinson face off in the Republican primary. Responses are listed by party affiliation and by last name starting with the incumbent.

DEMOCRATS

Kay Cashion (i)

Longtime incumbent who touts years of experience Kay Cashion has been on the board of county commissioners since 2004 when she was appointed to replace Democrat Jeff Thigpen.

When asked why she was running for a fifth term, Cashion noted her 17 years of experience on the board as well as her time as the owner of Cashion’s Furniture & Decorating.

“I have the time, energy, enthusiasm and experience to continue being a steward of our county’s resources and will devote the attention the county needs and deserves,” she said. “My business background and skills honed as a community volunteer serve me well in decision making whether fiscal or people related.”

Some of her proudest achievements include instituting and facilitating the first county citizen’s academy in 2011, leading a study on substance abuse in young adults in the county and another on family and domestic violence which led to the establishment of two family justice centers, and serving as a member of the committee that studied ways to improve the county’s behavioral health services.

The biggest challenges facing Guilford County, in Cashion’s opinion, include fiscal challenges for providing services, the mental-health and substance-abuse crisis and housing affordability for vulnerable populations.

“We will need to be diligent in budget priorities yet planning for current and longterm needs,” she said.

When asked how she would work with the budget, Cashion pointed to her experience.

“I have been involved with county budgets for 17 years and have tried to be a good steward of our citizens’ tax dollars,” she said.

She also told TCB that she thinks the county should be spending more money on funding for schools and county facilities.

When it comes to the issue of public safety — the county commissioners help fund the local jails as well as the sheriff’s department — Cashion advocated for hiring the best officers and making sure they are trained in crisis intervention training. She also supported paying officers at or above competitive rates.

Pastor-organizer who led BLM marches While this is just Greg Drumwright’s second time running for political office — he ran for the Guilford County School Board in 2018 — his name is well-known in the community for his efforts leading racial equity marches in Graham in 2020, as well as his efforts to seek justice in the killing of Fred Cox Jr. After leading a rally in Graham in 2020, in which officers deployed pepper spray at protesters, Drumwright was charged with two felonies of assault against a law enforcement officer and obstructing justice and three misdemeanors of failure to disperse on command, resisting a public officer and public disturbance.

In September 2021, an Alamance County judge found Drumwright guilty on the first two misdemeanor charges.

Drumwright, who maintains his innocence and has said that he and his lawyers are appealing the charges, said they are an example of the kind of racist policies he has been fighting against for decades.

“What people need to know about those charges... is that it stems from the call for a moral society and the necessity to look at our criminal-justice system and the disproportionate convictions and allegations that Black and Brown people have been facing for four centuries here,” Drumwright said.

A pastor originally from Burlington, Drumwright represents a progressive candidate who has prioritized criminal justice reform as the main arc of his platform.

He also pointed to his work on the NC Governor’s Courts Commission, a body that studies the procedures of the state judicial system and makes recommendations. Drumwright has been on the commission since 2018 and was recently re-appointed.

In his opinion, the greatest challenges facing the county include the housing crisis, appropriating the $104 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and funding schools.

Elaborating on the housing crisis, Drumwright expressed concerns about the speed at which assistance is being distributed as well as a lack of enough funds to begin with.

Drumwright also expressed support for passing the $1.7 billion bond that is on the ballot, which if passed by voters, will be used for improving schools.

“Funding the bond referendum to build state-ofthe-art schools and renovate facilities is the change we need and the change that’s within our reach,” he said.

In terms of managing a large budget, Drumwright pointed to his work organizing various campaigns for the last 20 years.

If elected, he said he would focus efforts on addressing the housing shortage for vulnerable populations,

working with nonprofits to help homeless individuals, bringing tech-based development to the county and expanding broadband in rural areas.

On police reform, Drumwright clearly stated that he was in support of reform, not a defunding of police.

“My father was a sheriff’s deputy and I have had ties to many members within the law enforcement community...,” he said. “However, the data is clear that people of color represent a disproportionate number of arrests, criminal convictions and deaths at the hands of law enforcement.”

Drumwright said he supports integrating more de-escalation tactics and mental-health training.

REPUBLICANS

Alan Branson

Former county commissioner focused on safety Republican Alan Branson is back, and this time he’s eyeing his former colleague Kay Cashion’s at-large seat. Branson first won election to the board of county commissioners in 2012 to District 4. In 2020, Branson narrowly lost his re-election bid to Democratic newcomer Mary Beth Murphy. During his time on the board, Branson served as both the chair and vice-chair. If re-elected, Branson said he would focus on bringing common sense and conservative values to Guilford County.

“I have a proven track record of eight years of service providing more for all communities while holding the tax base the same or lowering the tax base,” he said.

During his tenure, Branson said the board increased the budget for Guilford County Schools and the sheriff’s department. He also noted that the county created the special ops building for the sheriff’s department, the Family Justice Center, the county mental-health facility, the new animal shelter and made improvements to county parks. Still, said Branson, there’s more he wants to do.

He said that he’s concerned about “bond debt” and “how it will affect the taxpayers.”

Because of that, Branson said he doesn’t support the $1.7 billion school bond that is on the ballot but did say he supports the quarter percent sales tax increase for school repairs and to help pay the bond debt.

He also pointed to homelessness and drugs, as well as building a better relationship between the public and first responders as some of his priorities.

When managing the budget, Branson said less money should be spent on nonprofits and “commissioners’ pet projects” and more should be spent on “agencies who are trying to keep peace in our county, state and country...”

When asked about Jan. 6, Branson said “those who did any damage or harm should be punished or prose-

cuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Alvin Robinson

Former first-responder and pastor First-time political candidate and pastor Alvin Robinson told TCB that he is running for county commissioner because the “Board of Commissioners needs to remember that neither the board, or any other government bodies, is God.” As a pastor, much of Robinson’s answers were tied to religion.

“The leadership and the citizens of Guilford County need to repent from sin and turn to God,” he said.

“Our leadership needs to depend on God’s truth and wisdom for guidance on how to lead the county.”

He pointed to the mask mandates and lockdowns as an overstep by the county that “violated the God-given rights of citizens to provide for themselves and their families.”

Robinson started working as a full-time firefighter from March 2003 until December 2021. He also served as a part-time deputy for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department before being fired from both jobs in December after invoking a religious exemption against the county and city’s COVID-19 testing policies.

“My experience as a firefighter and sheriff’s deputy... have given me insight into the real life, day-to-day circumstances of citizens with diverse backgrounds,” Robinson said. “The insights range from true poverty in communities to the need for the personal responsibility citizens should have for their own welfare and safety.”

One of Robinson’s main concerns is poverty. To alleviate this, Robinson said he would work to “encourage fathers to be the first educators of their children” to instill morals such as uprightness and integrity.

“This leads to less poverty, that leads to less criminal activity and less mental health issues,” Robinson said.

While Robinson said he does not have experience working with large budgets, he said he manages a six-person household and understands that “if the money is not there, we do not spend it.”

One area where Robinson said there has been waste is money spent on the school system.

“While I agree that education is important, it is apparent that much of the money given to education has been used to develop programs said to help students,” he said. “However, I have been told that student participation in the programs is often low and even nonexistent.”

On police reform, Robinson outright rejected the idea of defunding but supported giving officers regular training in hand-to-hand defense so they can use less than lethal options.

NEWS | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

Greg Drumwright

NEWS NEWS

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EDITORIAL The issues according to TCB

Jen Sorensen jensorensen.com

E

arly voting for the 2022 guide comes out.

Primary Election starts We’re a local news source, one of next week. Perhaps very few in our market. As such we you’ve noticed we’ve are vested in local issues, the most been escalating the election pertinent of which right now may coverage from our newsroom, be housing. While the Triad is still which will culminate in a Primary one of the most affordable metroGuide that hits the streets — and politan areas in the country, rents the internet — next week. In it you’ll and home values are rising rapidly find coverage of every primary in and we’re low on inventory just Guilford and Forsyth counties, exas gentrification in our downtown cept the judicial races because we districts is pushing out folks on the don’t have the bandwidth for the lower half of the socioeconomic research required. We’ll also have spectrum, most of whom are Black an explainer on any bond issues and Brown. you might find on your ballot.

We’re interested in police reform We don’t do endorsements at Tri- — as local as it gets — because ad City Beat. Not because we don’t people are dying in our jails, and have opinions — we have lots of there was nothing in the initial rethose — but because we feel it best port on the death of Marcus Deon serves our readerSmith to indicate he We’re a local news had been hogtied, ship, which we know is smart enough source, one of very which was the cause to make up their few in our market. As of death. own minds about such we are vested in We’re looking at incandidates and come inequality in our local issues. varied enough that cities and suburbs, we can’t presume government efficiency they’re in agreement with us about at the county and city level, new ureverything. Probably 10 percent of banism and public transportation. our audience is there because they And we’re concerned that people hate us, and they read every single who don’t seem to believe in public thing we publish. education want to take over our And as we’ve mentioned, our public schools. opinions desk is conflicted out of We’re also asking candidates writing about any candidate in any where they were on Jan. 6, 2020 race. and if they believe there was fraud But we’re asking a lot of quesin the 2020 election. That’s imtions of the candidates based on portant because, even on the local what we think is important, which level, traitors cannot run for office. we should talk about before the

ARTWORK—STEPHANIE BAILEY

OPINION | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

OPINION

COLOR YOUR WORLD APRIL 21–30, 2022 In Person and Online

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CULTURE | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

CULTURE

Kris Fuller of Crafted unveils new, fast-food concept in downtown Greensboro

by Sayaka Matsuoka JENNIFER SCHEIB GREENSBORO DOWNTOWN PARKS, INC

Kris Fuller of Crafted, will unveil her new business, Parkside Pull-Up on April 29 in LeBauer Park in downtown Greensboro.

Kris Fuller is the owner/operator of Crafted: The Art of the Taco in Greensboro and the former owner of Bites and Pints and Crafted: The Art of Street Food. She has also designed menus for local restaurants including Hops Burger Bar. On April 29, Fuller’s new concept, Parkside Pull-Up, will open in LeBauer Park in downtown Greensboro. Ahead of its opening, we caught up with Fuller to talk about her new venture and future plans for her brand.

Q A

Congratulations on signing a new contract. Can you tell me about this new concept and how you came up with it?

The new concept is really kind of centered around nostalgia and just fun food. When I say fun food, I think about the things that we often crave but don’t often always allow ourselves to have, so I think of hot dogs, ice cream, milkshakes — things that really get the endorphins going. I wanted to keep it simple. With my other concept, Crafted, we take tacos and burgers, and we elevate it, and we really try to push the boundaries of what people expect out of a taco or burger.

But for this concept, I want it to be something that people expect but with a twist. I want it to be a good ‘ol grilled hot dog in a nice classic bun, really good chili on top, all of the accoutrement that comes with that. I want it to be what people think of when it comes to the hot dog they had as a kid or the ice cream they remember getting. That’s where the nostalgia comes in. I grew up going to a couple of places in Burlington and Mebane with my mother and grandfather and my grandmother; I wanted to bring back that nostalgia but for the modern times.

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Q A

Tell me more about that. Why did you want to tap into that feeling of nostalgia?

My wife and I started last February with the journey of adding to our family and trying to have our first child. With that it was natural for me to immediately think back on my own childhood and the highlights for me and how I can incorporate that into raising my own child. And so in thinking of through all the memories, this came up. The hot dogs, the ice cream and trips to the park.

So I was thinking about family. My mom and I opened a restaurant together and now here I am opening a restaurant with my wife and my child. I also think it will be nice to have something good and solid that people find comfort in. We’re not going to be pushing major boundaries here, we just want to do good, fun food.

Q A

So let’s talk about that food. What’s on the menu?

We’ll have hot dogs, a couple of burgers with a nice, thin smashed patty. We’re not trying to do the half-pound, stacked burger. We’re just doing a good-old flat-top smashed burger. You’ll have some sort of unusual suspects on there as well to do some signature style stuff.

We’re going to have a version of a Chicago dog, a version of a NY hot dog and a couple that are unexpected. I will have some vegetarian options, some vegan options, as well as a couple of options for those don’t want a meat substitute.

We’re only serving soft-serve in the beginning and we’re going to use them for our milkshakes so they’ll be more like concretes with a nice thick mixture and we’ll blend in different toppings. But for me, the fun aspect of the soft serve is being able to dip it in different shells and different candy toppings so your flavor combos can be almost unlimited.

I know you’ve designed a lot of menus during your career.

Would you say that is your favorite part of the job?

Absolutely. I was a chef before I was a business owner, so having that creative outlet and aspect is the really fun part of this. I still do consulting which allows me that and we’ll run specials at Crafted. But it is kind of fun to dream up new things and then go in and execute it to the best of our ability. Like right now, we haven’t really delved into the recipes just yet, but I have been cooking chili like crazy at home to see what style of chili I want for the hot dogs and what I can do to hopefully set it apart a little bit too.

Q A

Crafted anchors Elm Street in downtown Greensboro. Why did you settle on this new location just a block away?

We spent a lot of time downsizing our brand over the few last years in preparation for having our family. I sold Bites and Pints, sold Street Food, we did not renew our lease in Winston-Salem and that was all to downsize because of family medical issues that came up but also in preparation for expanding our family. And I said if I ever did anything again, it would be smaller and it would be in Downtown Greensboro for the accessibility of it, so when the park thing came up, it couldn’t get more perfect than this concept in that location.

I was looking at a different space initially for this, but I kind of pumped the breaks on that a bit because I didn’t feel the timing was right. And then the kiosk became available at LeBauer Park and I looked at my wife and asked, ‘What do you think about this timing?’ And she said, ‘I say you go for it.’

Q A

Do you have any other future plans for your businesses?

In downsizing Crafted, we are reshifting the focus. We will always have our Greensboro location, but what I am doing is trying to get to a point where we can franchise that concept in the very near future. You’ll see sort of a version of that at the location that’s opening in Mebane which will be owned and operated by friends of mine with me overseeing it and helping them sort of get up and running. It will be the same recipes and the same name, but I’d like to get to a point where we can offer Crafted: The Art of the Taco as a franchise option.

I find that Crafted — being that we still make everything in house and from scratch — each location needs an owner operator, and so franchising to me is the way this brand continues to grow. It also allows people who are in the business but don’t quite know what they want to do an opportunity to do something that is already established.

In Winston-Salem, it was tough on us as owners. It’s tough on the staff, the team. For me, it was putting things into perspective. With us expanding our family and not really knowing when things would smooth out, it was looking at the things that matter most. And while Winston was busy and successful, to me what matters more is being able to focus on family.

CULTURE | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

Q A

February 5–May 8, 2022 The exhibition is organized by Aperture Foundation, New York and Kwame S. Brathwaite. The exhibition Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite and the accompanying Aperture publication are made possible, in part, with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Photographic Arts Council Los Angeles.

Major Sponsors

The Cathleen and Ray McKinney Exhibition Fund

PLAN YOUR VISIT

reynolda.org/beautiful

Reynolda House Museum of American Art 2250 Reynolda Rd. Winston-Salem, N.C. Kwame Brathwaite, Carolee Prince wearing her own jewelry designs. Prince created much of the jewelry and headpieces featured in Brathwaite’s work. African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS), Harlem, circa 1964; from Kwame Brathwaite: Black Is Beautiful (Aperture, 2019). Courtesy the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

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SHOT IN THE TRIAD | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

SHOT IN THE TRIAD

BY CAROLYN DE BERRY

Duke Street, Greensboro

Scene from a Spanish-language re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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‘Point of No Return’—they don’t bounce back.

by Matt Jones

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

Across

1. “Git ___, little dogies!”

6. Trebuchet trajectory 9. “Paper Moon” Oscar winner O’Neal 14. Furniture hauler 15. Indigo Girls, for example 16. 32 degrees, maybe 17. Did some aviation, but only with way awesome instruction?

20. Comedian/podcaster Maron 21. Seasoned veteran 22. British medical org. honoured by “Clap For Our Carers” early in the pandemic 23. This mo.

25. Soul, in France 27. Jewelry store, but only for fun?

36. Totality 37. Olympic swimmer Ian or track athlete Jim 38. Wrestler in a mawashi 39. Streams 41. Palindromic holiday 42. Took another shot at 43. Greek salad topper 44. Richards of “Starship Troopers” 46. Key near Tab 47. Essential Spanish word for “sun”?

50. “___ death do us part” 51. Tailless primate 52. Touch grass (by shortening it) 55. They may be absolute Legends 59. “___-Nomics” (1988 reggae album) 63. Completely different Bulgarian currency?

66. Red card 67. “Equal” prefix 68. Much, to a musician 69. Opener 70. Bagpiper’s accessory 71. Boxer Fury

Down

1. Radio options 2. Kinks title woman 3. Done 4. Game show prize with a smell?

5. “Despicable Me” supervillain 6. Extra, for short 7. Cursed the day 8. “Dream ___ LLC” (Adult Swim show) 9. Microsoft font named for Mount Rainier 10. Pilot with skills 11. Get on another road?

12. Ogden’s state 13. Pharmacy supply 18. “Come Away With Me” singer Jones 19. “Giant Steps” saxophonist, familiarly 24. They’re hopefully housebroken 26. “Who ___ But Quagmire?” (“Family Guy” bit) 27. “Baby Beluga” singer 28. Pulitzer-winning novelist Glasgow 29. Stops streaming 30. Alaskan carving

PUZZLES | APRIL 21 - 27, 2022

CROSSWORD

© 2022 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

SUDOKU 31. Bedard who voiced Pocahontas 32. Agree to take part 33. “Nicely done!”

34. Acid in proteins 35. Peak performance?

40. Bulb power measurement 42. Swing a scythe 44. “The Daily Show” correspondent Sloan 45. Hoarder’s secret 48. Venetian shopping district 49. Jenkins of “World of Warcraft”-related memes 52. Doubled, a Hawaiian food fish 53. John Irving’s “A Prayer for ___ Meany” 54. “Do you need something?”

56. Bushel, byte, or becquerel 57. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” character 58. Tiniest bit 60. Pipe bends 61. Low-carb, high-fat diet 62. Shakespeare’s river 64. 1967 NHL Rookie of the Year 65. Rescue squad initials

© 2022 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

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JOSH TURNER

GREENSKY BLUEGRASS

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

EMMYLOU HARRIS

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES

THE WOOD BROTHERS

COLIN HAY

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS

WE BANJO 3

SAM BUSH

JERRY DOUGLAS

THE EARLS OF LEICESTER

PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND

STEEP CANYON RANGERS