August 8, 2018

T h e C a p e F e a r ’ s A lt e r n at i v e V o i c e f o r 3 5 Y e a r s !

VOL. 36/ PUB. 3 AUGUST 8-14, 2018

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PARSING RESISTANCE

Athenian House art auction funds all-inclusive mission, gives voices to marginalized people

Cover art by Gaby Merediz

HODGEPODGE Vol. 36/Pub. 3

August 8-14, 2018

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event of the week

Friday,August May 6 10, - 119a.m.

Friday, a.m.

ON THE COVER

Mud Day Join The Children’s Museum of Wilmington (116 Orange St.) for the messiest, muddiest fun ever! Squish, stomp and slide in mud, make mud pies, explore ‘Magic Mud’ and other new gooey concoctions. Wear a bathing suit or old clothes and bring a towel and change of clothes. We’ll have a rinsing area to clean off.Mud Day is free for Anytime Members; Weekday Members, $4.87; Military and seniors, $8.75; reg. admission, $9.75.

To enter events on encore’s new online calendar, generated by SpinGo, head to www.encorepub. com/welcome/events-2. Events must be entered by every Thursday at noon, for consideration in print and on our new app, encore Go. E-mail shea@ encorepub.com with questions.

PARSING RESISTANCE, PG. 15 Founders of Athenian Press and Workshops Lori Wilson, Khalisa Rae Williams and Alicia Thacker (above) are expanding their programming and community partnerships, and on August 11 will host an Art of Resistance Auction and Charity Gala to fund the outreach. Above photo by Anna Mann

M

MUSIC>> Durham’s The Pinkerton Raid heads to ILM to play a special event for Walking Tall Wilmington, featuring a BBQ, family-friendly activities and ‘wild’ music off their latest album.

Courtesy photo

A

Assistant Editor:

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

Art Director/Office Manager:

Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com

PG. 10

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori, Bethany Turner, John Wolfe

Alexandra Morse earns her living as a diver but her latest mixed-media installation at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher highlights the scary impact plastics have on our ocean and its inhabitants.

Courtesy photo

Photo by Nick Smith

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General Manager: Advertising:

Glenn Rosenbloom // glenn@encorepub.com Tami Maggio // tami@encorepub.com John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com Published weekly on Wednesday by HP Media.

Opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.

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INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 • News, pg. 8 Music, pgs. 10-13 • Art, pgs. 14-17 • Film, pg. 19 • Theatre, pgs. 20-24 • Dining, pgs. 26-31 Fact or Fiction, pg. 34 • Crossword, pg. 39 • Calendar, pgs. 38-47

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Interns: Mel Beasley

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

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THEATRE>> ‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile,’ originally written by Steve Martin and locally presented by Big Dawg Productions, is a wonderful night of theatre brought to life by a strong cast.

Editor-in-Chief:

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

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EDITORIAL>

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An Evening With

Robert Cray

T uesday , s epTember 4 • 7:30 pm

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NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL:

In memoriam of two legacies that impacted downtown ILM, Bob Jenkins and Dick Daughtry BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

I

DOWNTOWN LEGACIES LIVE ON: (l.) Bob Jenkins had a story for everyone who toured downtown Wilmington; (r.) Dick Daughtry opened Daughtry’s Old Books in the ‘80s before handing over the reigns to the Rohler family in the 2000s. Bob Jenkins photo, courtesy of Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau; Dick Daughtry photo, courtesy of Old Books on Front St.

t’s been a tough week in my hometown of downtown Wilmington—to riff on the opening of the Lake Wobegon segment of “A Prairie Home Companion.” We lost two pillars of the downtown community last week—two men who did a lot of heavy lifting early on to make the revitalization of downtown possible.

Richard “Dick” Daughtry passed away on July 31, at the age of 97, and Bob Jenkins passed away on August 1, at the age of 83.

It is hard to explain to people who move here now what downtown used to look like. But by the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was basically a no-go

area. Calling it a red-light district would be a kind description. It took a lot of courage and vision to try to open up a “daylight” business down here back then. In 1978 Jenkins bought 12 Market Street, opened an antique store and moved in upstairs. I remember him telling me years ago those were the days it was just him and the hookers mixing cocktails in an old washed-out bleach bottle.

“Bob was a preservation pioneer,” recalls Beverly Tetterton, New Hanover County Library’s retired historian. “He had a good sense of style as well as history. He said many of his clients were surprised he would renovate a dilapidated

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building on Market Street, but what he saw wasn’t dilapidated. He said he envisioned an historic building that, with a little renovation and panache, would make a great store and office on the ground floor, with roomy living quarters on the second floor. His restoration of No. 12 Market Street became an excellent example to others and within a few years many other restorations followed.”

A few years later in 1982, Daughtry opened a used bookstore at 22 N. Front. The first location, in the old Gaylord Department Store in the 200 Block of N. Front, had the books on sheets of plywood atop sawhorses and was only

open when the sun shone through the front windows. I remember my parents taking me there when I was 2 1/2 or 3 years old; we brought flashlights so we could see the titles. In full disclosure, 24 years later Mr. Daughtry chose our family to write the next chapter of the bookstore upon his retirement.

In 1985 Jenkins launched Adventure Walking Tours, which set the standard for guided history tours of the area. Passersby couldn’t miss him: straw hat, Bermuda shorts, knee socks, and a cane he used more for gesticulating than for walking.

He had a voice that could carry through a hurricane.

“It just doesn’t feel like a Wilmington day if I don’t see Bob out walking around,” local actor and friend Anthony Lawson lamented.

Connie Nelson, communications/public relations director for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, took Jenkins’ tour often with visiting travel journalists. “I can honestly say no tour was ever the same! Bob always took the time to ask where each person on the tour was from and about their family heritage. He adapted each tour so it made a personal connection with every person.

He would often detour into homes, businesses and gardens to meet the owners, see a special historical or architectural detail, unique tree or flower. He also pointed out local citizens along the way, introducing them, according to their contribution to Wilmington.”

That’s a sentiment local set designer Scott Davis also shared. He said one of the benefits of Jenkins’ tour was meeting people who lived here and having context for them by the end of it. Though sometimes such context might be shocking. Davis recounted the time Jenkins regaled a group of tourists with the story of an audience at Thalian Hall getting the full view of his mother’s backside during

a performance of “Gypsy” in the 1970s.

Which is another fun thing attribute of Jenkins: He loved to dish scandal and cause célèbre!

“A consummate storyteller, into our conversations Bob often wove unique slivers of Wilmington’s history, both grit and glory,” confirmed Frank Trimble, Jenkins’ neighbor at the Polvogt Row Houses, where Jenkins moved after 12 Market Street. “Bob typically greeted me with an enthusiastic, ‘Hello, neighbor!’—accompanied by his broad, signature grin.”

Bob was also instrumental in St. Jude’s MCC Church, which started here on Castle Street and is now on the corner of 26th and Market. He modeled Christian values in his daily life: charity, generosity, kindness, concern, and advice. I personally wish on several occasions I had taken his advice with more grace and a little less teenaged sass.

Just as everybody seems to have a Bob Jenkins story, everybody downtown has a Mr. Daughtry story, too. There is the guy who bought the first issue of Rolling Stone magazine from him for $1, and the various recitations about his gold medals as a sprinter in the Senior Games. And, of course, there’s the oft-repeated line, if

you bought a book from him, he could afford to take his wife to dinner at Hardee’s.

Mr. Daughtry was in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII and was part of the troops to liberate Buchenwald concentration camp. He moved to Wilmington from Goldsboro after the war to take up fishing, to treat his battle fatigue, and he got a job selling appliances at Sears Roebuck.

When he retired, he opened the bookstore because he needed to see people everyday. He was a born raconteur who had a story for every occasion and a twinkle in his eye.

Sitting at home in retirement was just not going to happen. Much like Jenkins, Daughtry became an icon of downtown Wilmington. He used his bookstore as an opportunity to pass on experiences and philosophy of life. He did business the old-fashioned way: with a handshake and word of honor that meant something.

Nothing illustrated it more perfectly than his response to our contract to purchase the bookstore. He had spoken with my father about how he wanted us to continue its legacy; the time had come for him to “go out on a high note” on his own terms. When I picked up the contract from the lawyer’s office for him to review, he looked at the multi-page document filled

with legalese boilerplate in dismay.

“You could’ve said everything you needed to say in one page,” he commented.

He was right, but lawyers don’t get paid to make things simple.

It is a rare experience in life to have someone say, “Here is your future; this is what you have been looking for.” Mr. Daughtry did that for me on a grand scale. On a smaller scale, he handed out advice about daily challenges to most people who walked in the door.

We are all standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us. Those who put their weight to the wheel, and through hard work and determination made miracles happen. It might be hard to believe now, but what downtown looks like is nothing short of miraculous compared to 30 years ago.

Jenkins and Daughtry gave generously of their time, resources, knowledge, and labor, from which many others could and have benefited. Their loss is real; it is felt by many. But their legacy is what they leave behind. We owe it to them to take the next steps and build upon a stronger foundation they left for us.

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got scared, but he couldn’t ... escape. So he called 911 (four times) and pleaded for help.

Clark County Sheriff’s officers accepted his confession and charged him with seconddegree burglary. [The Washington Post, 7/12/2018]

INEXPLICABLE

San Diego photographer Mike Sakasegawa prides himself on seeing the beauty in mundane objects, The Washington Post reports. But something about his latest subject took social media by storm. On July 11, as Sakasegawa returned home from his morning run, he noticed a round, yellow object rolling down the street. “I thought it was a tennis ball or something,” he said, but in fact it was a lemon. So he did what any self-respecting photographer would do: He captured video of the fruit as it continued its journey to the bottom of the hill, then posted his 1.5-minute documentary to Twitter. Within 24 hours the video racked up more than 2.5 million views. “I post stuff that’s similar to this all the time,” Sakasegawa said. “Most of the time, it floats on by.” By the next day, the lemon video had gained more than 100,000

likes, was retweeted tens of thousands of times, and a literary agent had contacted Sakasegawa, wondering if he’d like to make the lemon into a children’s book. [The Washington Post, 7/12/2018]

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In Mesa, Arizona, two troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety were surprised to find themselves being pulled over on State Route 51 by a black Dodge Charger on July 11. The troopers were in an unmarked Mustang and had spotted the Charger behind them sporting law enforcement-style emergency lights, reported ABC15 Arizona. A registration check revealed the car was registered to a private citizen, who soon activated his flashing lights and pulled the troopers over. When the (real) troopers approached the Charger, they found 44-year-old Matthew Allen Disbro of Mesa wearing a security uniform and a gun belt with a handgun, cuffs and pepper spray. The car also contained a siren box, police radio and a vest with a baton and knife. Disbro was arrested for impersonating an officer. [ABC15 Arizona, 7/13/2018]

breath ... His speech was slurred and his eyes were red and glossy.” He also had an open bottle of Jim Beam bourbon in a brown paper bag on the passenger seat. Stevens, of Vero Beach, struggled to produce his ID and said he’s never had a valid Florida driver’s license, according to Treasure Coast Newspapers. He also explained he was not drinking while driving, only when he stopped for stop signs and traffic signals. After failing several field sobriety tests and a breath test, Stevens was charged with driving under the influence and driving without a license.

[Treasure Coast Newspapers, 7/12/2018]

Florida Highway Patrol officers pulled over a Nissan sedan on May 16 on I-95 after observing erratic driving, reported the Miami Herald. Indeed, Port St. Lucie, Florida, resident Scott Allen Garrett, 56, smelled of alcohol, had an open bottle of 92-proof Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum on the passenger seat, was slurring his words and had “red, very glassy and bloodshot eyes,” according to the police report. Garrett then told officers his dog had been driving -- which would have been notable on its own, but was particularly interesting considering there was no FUN SUCKERS dog in the car with him. Garrett was charged Organizers of Bats Day, a special cel- with DUI. [Miami Herald, 7/6/2018] ebration at Disneyland for the goth community, have called it quits, citing the loss UNDIGNIFIED BEHAVIOR of available tax deductions under President City Councilwoman Carol S. Fowler, 48, Trump’s new tax law. The annual event be- of Huron, Kansas, made a splash in the gan 20 years ago and grew to attract more news when Atchison County Sheriff’s deputhan 8,000 goths each year, with Disneyland ties tried to arrest her on June 29 for failure offering discounted tickets and hotel rooms to appear on an outstanding warrant. Fowler for participants. “We did a lot of research,” put up such a fight deputies had to use their Bats Day founder Noah Korda told Vice, tasers on her, and she was arrested for in“and, unfortunately, it just wasn’t feasible terference and battery on a law enforcement to actually continue ... with the way that we officer. But Fowler was just getting started, run the event.” On May 6, about 800 goths according to the Atchison Globe. On July showed up for a final group photo in front of 2, as jail workers tried to remove her jewSleeping Beauty’s Castle. [Vice, 5/8/2018] elry and personal items, Fowler bit one of them on the thumb hard enough to break AWESOME! the bone. Fowler now faces three felony Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo isn’t charges of battery on a law enforcement going to spend her summer sitting in a stuffy officer and a charge of interference with a office. Instead, she announced on July 14 law enforcement officer. [Atchison Globe, that she is holding summer office hours at 7/5/2018] state beaches, beginning with Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett. She and mem- BRIGHT IDEA bers of the Office of Constituent Services, In Nashville, 20-year-old Antonio Freewho will help connect residents with state man knew he had a problem on June 25 services, started their new schedule on July when three police officers approached him 16. The governor told the Associated Press as he rolled a marijuana cigarette. He also she looks forward to hearing directly from knew there was a bigger problem in his residents while visiting some of the state’s pocket: a plastic bag full of cocaine. In a bold most popular destinations. [Associated move, according to the Tennessean, FreePress, 7/14/2018] man pulled the bag out of his chest pocket, crushed it in his hand and sprinkled cocaine HEY, IT’S FLORIDA over Officer Ryan Caulfield’s head and into Indian River County (Florida) sheriff’s offi- the air in an attempt to destroy evidence. cers stopped Earle Stevens Jr., 69, on June The officers were able to salvage about 2.5 27 after another driver called 911, complain- grams of cocaine and charge Freeman with ing that Stevens’ Mercury Grand Marquis tampering with evidence along with poskept tapping her bumper in a McDonald’s session of a schedule IV drug and unlawdrive-thru lane. The officers noted “a strong ful use of drug paraphernalia. [Tennessean, odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from his 6/26/2018]

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NEWS>>FEATURE

JUNK WINS BY DEFAULT:

Dealing with stigma, treatment, prevention, and enforcement of the opioid epidemic in Wilmington

I

BY: JOHN WOLFE

n 1953 William S. Burroughs published a book, which, 65 years later, still has remarkable insight into some of the problems facing society today. Titled “Junky,” it details Burroughs’ experiences as a heroin addict and pusher in mid-century New York City. The book is one of the earlier texts to come out of the Beat Generation of writers (a.k.a. Beatniks), which includes Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. In the prologue, Burroughs asks himself the question people in his position frequently ask: Why does a person become a drug addict?

“The answer is he usually does not intend to become an addict,” Burroughs writes. “The question, of course, could be asked: Why did you ever try narcotics? Why did you continue using it long enough to become an addict? You become a narcotics addict because you do not have strong motivations in the other direction.

Junk wins by default. I tried it as a matter of curiosity. I drifted along taking shots when I could score. I ended up hooked. Most addicts I have

talked to report a similar experience. They did not start using drugs for any reason they can remember. They just drifted along until they got hooked. If you have never been addicted, you can have no clear idea what it means to need junk with the addict’s special need. You don’t decide to be an addict. One morning you wake up sick and you’re an addict.”

Given that our city held the dubious accolade of the highest rate of opioid abuse in the nation in 2016 (11.6 percent of the population which receives prescription painkillers abuse them; over half of the opioid prescriptions in the city are abused), perhaps his quote can help us frame the issue with a little compassion. There are many examples of works of art which try to give a human element to a horrible situation: Eugene O’Neill’s master play, “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” describes an uppermiddle-class family as it deals with the mother’s addiction to morphine. David Foster Wallace’s mammoth tome, “Infinite Jest,” centers around a halfway house in Boston and broken lives of the people there as they search for healing

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an addict,” Ms. Weller noted.

“No one looks the part,” said House, emphasizing how addiction can happen to anyone, of any race or socio-economic group.

PANELISTS ON OPIOID EPIDEMIC: (L. to r.) Anne Hazlett, Dr. Phil Brown, Jon David, Francis Weller, Ben David, Kevin House, and Pastor Mark Allen.

and recovery. They are difficult reads, but necessary if we are to think of people affected by the crisis not as drug addicts who deserve their fate, but as human beings like ourselves, who suffer from bad decisions and circumstances, but still are capable of change.

Removing the stigma surrounding drug addiction was one of the topics breached at the opioid crisis symposium meeting held last Monday evening. Coordinated by Congressman David Rouzer and hosted by local newscaster Francis Weller, the first of the four-panel discussion dealt with the stigma of addiction. “Bad opinions of a group of people cause those people to hide,” said Kenny House, a clinical addiction specialist who works with Coastal Horizons. “When stigma decreases, hope rises.”

For people to get help, he continued, it needs to become normal to talk about drug addiction like any chronic illness, such as diabetes or hypertension. The sooner it’s taken hold, the better, according to House. Representing the faith community was Pastor Mark Allen of Port City Community Church; Allen’s in recovery still from his own 22 year battle with addiction. He spoke of needing a spiritual component of recovery. “Church is for broken people,” he said.

The second panel discussion dealt with treatment and resources, and three recovering addicts were invited to the stage to share stories. They spoke of heartbreaking losses of family members and children, of “praying for death” every time they used, of accepting the life and labels of “criminal” and “addict.” One young man, who threw away a football scholarship for heroin and opiates, prompted Ms. Weller to describe him as an All-American kid, someone who every mother wants their son to grow up to look like. “You don’t look the part of

On the subject of prevention, Anne Hazlett of the US Dept. of Agriculture spoke of the particular impact the crisis has had on rural America. Rural communities often lack treatment facilities and are isolated, two factors which can lead to increased addiction. To combat it, she says the Dept. of Agriculture is looking for ways to increase prosperity in rural communities, and find new ways to use existing community infrastructure like schools, churches, rotary club and 4H to get out an anti-drug message. She ended with a powerful quote from writer Sam Quinones, from his book about the opioid epidemic, “Dreamland”: “The antidote to heroin is community.”

Dr. Phil Brown, the chief physician executive for the NHRMC network, listed some encouraging statistics to show the epidemic has gotten better since July 2016. Between January and March, there were 79 first-responder calls for overdoses, down from 124 in the same period last year. Through June there were 34 visits to the emergency department, down from 100 last year—a 64-percent decrease.

For the final panel, dealing with enforcement, Ms. Weller was joined by Jon and Ben David, the twin district attorneys for Brunswick and New Hanover counties. They spoke of the need to differentiate between drug users and dealers, and between opioids and heroin. The “War on Drugs” has changed into a “War on Drug Dealers”; the DA’s office intends to combat the problem by going after the supply of drugs available. And there’s no difference in their eyes between a gang member selling heroin on a street corner or a doctor writing unnecessary prescriptions. “If you’re peddling poison for profit in this county,” Ben David said, “we’re coming after you.”

So if, as Burroughs wrote, “you become an addict because you do not have strong motivations in the other direction,” what will it take to improve conditions in our society so people have something to live for besides heroin or pills? Is the reason why the problem is so widespread from the decay of our collective spirit ... or of our value system ... or lack of economic opportunity ... or something else we’re not seeing? People are responsible for the consequences of their own decisions, no doubt; there can be no exoneration or excuse from that. If we want to claim we live in a civilized, compassionate society, though, we have to ensure the ladder upward and out of such a dark situation is in place ... when an addict decides to reach for the rungs again.

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ARTS>>MUSIC

WALK INTO THE WILD:

The Pinkerton Raid’s Jesse James DeConto talks latest album and Walking Tall Wilmington BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

M

aurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” (1963) continues to be one of the most influential children’s books. Most anyone can recall its iconic cover, if not its young and imaginative protagonist, Max, and his adventures as “King of the Wild Things.”

“Max is surrounded by structure and rules and responsibilities, like bedtime, and all seem arbitrary like a lot of the realities of our lives,” The Pinkerton Raid’s Jesse James DeConto remembers. “Max just wants to escape to a fantasy world that actually feels more real.”

As DeConto wrote songs for The Pinkerton Raid’s latest album, “Where the Wildest Spirits Fly” (released May 2018), he came across some parallelisms between the album and book. As it were, he asked Adam Neubauer to design an album cover with Sendak’s work in mind. The colors and

style are immediately recognizable, but rather than a dozing “Wild Thing” in the forest, DeConto asked Neabauer to think of images which appear throughout their sound tracks.

While writing the record DeConto thought of today’s driving societal issues—climate change, Black Lives Matter, oil pipelines, and capitalism’s impact over the centuries. “It has turned our flesh and blood, the land, the water and the sky into commodities, to be bought and sold,” he details. “Our society seems to be ruled by fear right now. How can we recover what it means to be human?”

Thus the song “Thin Places” was written.

Honing in on tensions between humanity and a world controlled by money, “Thin Places” is about wild places where people can feel human and not live in fear of one another.

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“When my partner, Julie, heard the lyric, ‘Meet me in the thin places / where the wildest spirits fly,’ she said it reminded her of [the book],’” DeConto explains. “Obviously, the words themselves sound similar, but even Sendak’s story resonates with [our] album. . . . This album is all about humans belonging to one another and to Earth.”

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The Pinkerton Raid will take the concept of their album one step further when they play at Walking Tall’s summer BBQ at Good Hops this weekend. It will be a day full of live music, disc golf, corn-hole, BBQ chicken and veggie burgers, with all the fixin’s, to benefit Walking Tall Wilmington. The local nonprofit provides lunches, clean water and other community outreach initiatives for folks without permanent housing.

“We’re just happy to bring attention to Walking Tall Wilmington and celebrate the dignity of all humans,” DeConto notes.

DeConto wrote all lyrics on “Wildest Spirits.”

He tapped his sister, Katie, sister-in-law, Caroline, and friend, Alex Hill, to help with vocal harmonies. Bassist Jon Depue and drummer Scott McFarlane shaped their parts. Producer David Wimbish played most keys, vibraphone and some guitars, as well as accordion in “Sweet Pitchers of Mercy.” Wimbish also helped craft the brass section with trumpeter/ trombonist Graham Dickey and saxophonist

10 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Musically and lyrically, “Stella Maris” sounds a bit more ominous than “The Boys from Lowell.” “Well, ‘Stella Maris’ is about death, so, yeah, I guess it is ominous,” DeConto quips.

STAY WILD: The Pinkerton Raid heads to ILM to stand with Walking Tall Wilmington. Courtesy photo

Tony Sali. “David and engineer Jeff Crawford deserve a lot of credit for editing our parts and adding their own,” DeConto continues.

As opposed to 2017’s “Tolerance Ends, Love Begins,” “Wildest Spirits” has The Pinkerton Raid moving away from performance-art and centering on songwriting. “Its musical references are much more classic and familiar than anything we’ve done before,” DeConto clarifies. “I was thinking about and listening to people like Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield, Carole King, and Bob Dylan. Most songs are meant to be understood and maybe even inviting people to sing along. It’s less about selfexpression; I wanted to write the album more for other people than anything I’ve done in the past. I hope the music offers people a lot of hand-holds that remind them of mid-20th-century artists they know and love.”

Like a storybook, “Wildest Spirits” is full of colorful and dark characters, scenes and narratives. Early on in “The Boys From Lowell” listeners are introduced to three kids growing up in Lowell, Mass., in different eras. “The last verse is about my life growing up there in the ‘80s,” DeConto notes of a time when all he cared about was “Star Wars” and superheroes.

“But Lowell has a dark history of child-labor in the cotton mills in the 1800s,” he continues, “and the first verse is about the kids I used to learn about on school field trips.

The middle verse is about Jack Kerouac, the great wanderer and Beat writer, who also grew up in Lowell. It’s a song about freedom, hope and possibility.”

“The House of Green” paints a bleak picture, with commentary based on North Carolina’s consumption of resources by none other than Duke Energy. Not unlike Wilmington’s Market Street heading toward the river, DeConto describes Durham’s tall, majestic trees lining the streets near downtown. Like here in ILM, they compete for space with utility lines.

“So every now and then Duke will come along and cut out the middles of trees to make room for their powerlines,” DeConto tells. “I wanted to write about this in a fanciful way, so I imagined those trees as a great manor house in the English countryside, like Downton Abbey, under attack by its enemies. Duke’s CEO happens to be named Lynn Good, so I had a little fun with a character named The Good Duchess Lynn.”

The band’s approach to the music and melodies of each song ultimately help support their narratives. For more symbolic and metaphorical songs, like “Meteors” or “The House of Green,” the music helps emphasize dynamics and feelings. DeConto utilizes his voice as an instrument to evoke emotion and a sense of place in “Windmills in the Fog,” which has Midwest roots.

“I was thinking about Tom Petty and an American heartland kind of sound,” he details.

“I tend to see a difference between songwriting and performance art. I think a lot of music that gets written today, even the best of it, is more like performance art than classic songwriting. These songs can make you feel something or move your body even if you don’t immediately understand the lyrics.”

DETAILS:

The Pinkerton Raid

Walking Tall Summer BBQ August 11, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Good Hops • 811 Harper Ave. Donations welcome www.pinkertonraid.com

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

THE SOUNDBOARD

40 BEERS ON TAP

#TAPTUESDAY...THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK: $3 SELECT PINTS & TEAM TRIVIA Outdoor Concert Series

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 JUSTIN FOX FRIDAY, AUGUST 10 CHRIS BELLAMY SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 OVERTYME 7324 Market Street • 910-821-8185 www.ogdentaproom.com OPEN 7 DAYS AWEEK

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR FRIDAY MONDAY DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Cosmopolitan $4 Select Appetizers 1/2 Off after MONDAY 5pm in bar and patio areas Watermelon Martini $6.50 DAYSeasonal Big Domestic22oz.

Draft Domestic Beers $2 Draft SamALL Adams Blue Pool Martini $6$5 Pizzas Bottles $3 TUESDAY TUESDAYSATURDAY 1/2 Off SelectLIVE Bottles of Wine IN THE Peach BAR Tea Shiner $6 JAzz Absolut Dream $5 22oz Deschutes Half Price Bottles of Wine Black Butte $ 50$5 Porter NC CraftAbsolut Bottles $3 2 Dream $5 • Pacifico 22oz Weeping Willow Wit WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY Beer $5 1/2 Off Nachos after 5pm in bar andMiller patio Light areas Pints $150 Coronoa/ SUNDAY $ 50 Domestic Pints $1.50Lite All 2 $6 after 5pm Corona Bottles Flat Breads $ in bar and patio Corona/Corona Lt. $2.50 Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 areas Bloddy Mary $4 16oz Hi WireAmerican Lager Draft $4 THURSDAY Domestic Pints $1.50 Margaritas on the Rocks $4.50 $ $ Appletinis 4, RJ’s Painkiller 5 $5 White Russians THURSDAY Red Stripe Bottles $250 Truly Lime Spiked and 5564 Carolina Beach Road $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottles Sparkling Water $3 (910)-452-1212 22oz.BellsTwo Hearted IPADraft $5 FRIDAY Visit our website Sinking Bahama Mama $7 $4,www.RuckerJohns.com Cosmos 007 $350 daily$3specials, music and 1/2 Off All Premium GuinnessforCans Red Wine Glasses upcoming events $

YONDER BLUEGRASS: Yonder Moutain String Band will return to the Port City this Friday night at the Brooklyn Arts Center. Courtesy photo

WEDNESDAY, AUGUSTST 8

The Jared Show (8pm; Free; Hip-Hop)

—Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 Oleander Dr.

Improv Wednesday (8pm; $3)

Open Mic Night (6pm; Free) Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz)

—The Blind Elephant, 21 N. Front St. Unit F

The Jillettes (7pm; $3; Beach Music)

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Al DiMarco (7pm; Free; Keyboard, Accordion) —Platypus & Gnome, 9 S. Front St.

Odd Elbow (7pm; $5; Indie Rock)

—Gravity Records, 612 Castle St.

—Burnt Mill Creek Billiards, 2101 Market St. Un. 7 —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Singer/Songwriter Circle (9pm; Free) —Bottega Art Bar, 723 N. 4th St.

Brewtal & Friends (10pm; Free; Funk)

—Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910-762-2091

30 Seconds Rocks Trivia (8pm; Free)

—Kickback Jack’s, 418 S. College Rd.

Rockin’ Art! (2pm; Free)

—NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8pm; Free) —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 910-251-1301

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

Scott Danger Bravo (8pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-7632223

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 Let’s Talk Music (11am; Free)

—NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

Elena Woodard (6pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

The Other Guys (6:30pm; Free; Rock)

—Carolina Beach Boardwalk, 100 Cape Fear Blvd.

Julia Walker Jewel Quartet (6:30pm; Free; Jazz)

—Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.

Island Sunsets 5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 Select Domestic Bottles $2 SUNDAY Bloody Marys $4, Domestic Pints $150 Hurricanes $5

5564 Carolina Beach Road, (910) 452-1212

LIVE MUSIC Aug 9th: Jackson Canady Duo, 8-11pm Aug 10th: Jesse Stockton, 9pm-12am Aug 11th: Randy McQuay, 9pm-12am

Offering a variety of craft beer, ciders and wine

Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music

All Soundboard listings must be entered onto our online calendar, powered by SpinGo, each Wednesday, by 5 p.m., for consideration in the following week’s entertainment calendar. All online listings generate the print listings, as well as encore’s new app, encore Go. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules. encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 11

THURSDAY

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832 LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard 7 days a week

MONDAY

$2 Select Domestic • $3 Draft $4 Flavored Bombs 1/2 Price Apps Live Music from Tony and Adam TUESDAY

$3 Fat Tire & Voo Doo $5 Jameson • $2 Tacos Pub Trivia on Tuesday Live music from Rebekah Todd WEDNESDAY

$2.75 Miller Lite • $4 Wells, 1/2 price bottles of wine $2 off a dozen oysters Live music from Jeremy Norris

$3 Miller Lite $4 Deep Eddy Lemon Drop shots $5 Deep Eddy Grapefruit and Soda All floors open SUNDAY

$3 Corona/ Corona lt • $4 Mimosa $4 Bloody Mary Live music from L-Shape Lot duo 3pm and Clay Crotts 8pm

Susan Savia (6:30pm; $5-$8; Guitar, Harmonica)

Alexis Raeana & Kyng Bea (9pm; Free; Vocals, Piano)

—Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St.; 910-395-5999

Open Mic Comedy (7pm; $0-$3)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Randy McQuay (9pm; Free; Blues)

—Wilmington Water Tours LLC, 212 S. Water St.

$2.50 PBR 16oz cans $3.50 Sam Seasonal and Hoppyum IPA draft $5 Redbull and Vodka 1/2 price wings Live music from Josh Solomon $2.75 Michelob Ultra $3.25 Stella $4.50 Lunazul Tequila All Floors open

(6:30pm; $27)

Jamie Hoover (7pm; $3; Pop, Rock) $3.75 Hay Bale Ale

$3.75 Red Oak Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Jackson Canady Duo (7:30pm; Free) —Pour Taproom, 201 North Front St. $3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball

$3.75 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade

$5 Mimosas $5 Car Bombs

$3.75 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

$5 Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas *Drink Specials run all day

FireDrums & Tarot Thursdays (8pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-7632223

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

Eric Metts (12pm; Free; Instrumental) —Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St.

PreK Music Play (3pm; Free)

—NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

1423 S. 3rd St. DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON (910) 763-1607 Tuesday __________________________________________ • 16 NC brews on tap • 8 big screen TV’s • Sports packages

• Bar games • Free popcorn machine

Ch eers!

Trivia Night & FREE Wings Every Tuesday @ 9pm Sip & Spell Adult Spelling Bee Every Wednesday @ 9pm Free Hot Dog Station and Pot Luck Every Sunday 106 N 2nd Street

(Located next to 2nd Street parking deck) Hours of operation: Mon. - Fri. 2:00pm-2:00am Sat. & Sun. noon-2:00 am

KARAOKE

w/DJ Damo, 9PM

2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

$ 50

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA

8:00 P.M. • PRIZES! • $250 YUENGLING DRAFT $ 50 3 FIREBALL SHOTS

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday ___________________________________________

BREAKFAST BUFFET 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. • $4 MIMOSA’S

Randy McQuay (5pm; Free; Blues) —Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St.

Wildflowers (6:30pm; Free; Tom Petty Tribute) —Riverfront Park, 5 N. Water St.

Carl Newton Review (6:30pm; Free; Funk)

—Fort Fisher Rec Area, 1000 Loggerhead Rd.

Jam Sandwich Band (6:30pm; Free; Classic Rock) —Riverfront Park, 5 N. Water St.

Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music (6:30pm; $27)

—Wilmington Water Tours LLC, 212 S. Water St.

Sean Martin (7pm; Free; Singer-songwriter) —Carolina Beach Boardwalk, 100 Cape Fear Blvd.

(as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

Mac and Juice Quartet (10pm; TBD; Rock) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Travis Shallow Duo (7pm; Free; Roots)

—Cloud 9 at Embassy Suites, 9 Estell Lee Pl.

Massive Grass (6pm; Free; Bluegrass)

—RiverLights, 109 Pier Master Point, #100

Tom Gossin (8pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —Palate, 1007 N. 4th St.

Flannel Rebellion (8pm; Free; Acoustic)

—SeaWitch Cafe , 227 Carolina Beach Ave.

Signal Fire (8pm; Free; Reggae) —Ree lCafe, 100 S Front St.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

Books, Beer & Jazz Piano (3pm; Free)

—Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.; 910-76-BOOKS

Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music (6:30pm; $27)

—Wilmington Water Tours LLC, 212 S. Water St.

Open Mic Night (7pm; $3)

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Sunday School Underground (8pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-7632223

MONDAY, AUGUST 13

Port City Trivia w/Dutch (7pm; Free)

—Buffalo Wild Wings, 140 Hays Lane #B15

Gina Zo and Christian Brinkley (7pm; $5; Singer-Songwriters) —Gravity Records, 612 Castle St.

Open Mic, hosted by James Jones (8pm; Free)

Yonder Mountain String Band (7pm; $25-$45; Bluegrass)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 14

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Jazz Night with James Jarvis (8pm; Free)

—Bottega Art Bar and Gallery, 723 N. 4th St.

HyeTension, Madd Hatters, Rocket77, Slamurai (8:30pm; $7-$10; Punk, Rock) —The Calico Room, 115 N 2nd St.

Goldyard, Trevor Lanier and Louis, Beats & Coffee (8:30pm; $5-$10) —Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

Jesse Stockton (9pm; Free; Singer-songwriter) —Pour Taproom, 201 North Front St.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-7632223

Family Night (6:30pm; Free)

—Carolina Beach Boardwalk, 100 Cape Fear Blvd.

Over 50’s Dance (7:30pm; $8)

—New Hanover Senior Resoursce Center, 2222 So. College Rd.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 Open Mic Night (6pm; Free)

—Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 Oleander Dr.

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free) —The Blind Elephant, 21 N Front St Unit F;

Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music (6:30pm; $27)

Laura McLean Songwriter Showcase (7pm; $3)

End of the Line (7pm; $3; Bluegrass)

Al DiMarco (7pm; Free; Accordion, Keys)

—Wilmington Water Tours LLC, 212 S. Water St. —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Burlesque Nights (8pm; $13-$18)

—Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

12 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

—Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St.

Port City Trio (7pm; $3; Jazz)

—Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 North 4th St.; 910-538-2939

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

—Pour Taproom, 201 North Front St.

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379 —Platypus & Gnome, 9 S. Front St.

The Drum Circle with Ron (7:30pm; Free) —The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910-762-2091

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS

RED-HOT MUSIC: Get ready to move and groove with Leon Bridges at Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater on August 27. Photo taken at Bonnaroo 2016 by Tom Dorgan NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE N DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 8/9: Red Baraat 8/10: Griffin House 8/11: (Sandy) Alex G 8/12: The Sword 8/13: Rico Nasty 8/18: Chris Knight Band THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 8/9: The Purple Madness Prince Experience 8/10: Ganja White Night 8/24: On the Border THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 8/11: Juvenile 8/17: Kids in America 8/18: Big Freedia RED HAT AMPHITHEATER 500 SOUTH MCDOWELL ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 996-8800 8/8: O.A.R. 8/10: LSD Tour w/ Lucinda Williams 8/22: Needtobreathe 8/27: Leon Bridges LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 8/10: The Mantras 8/11: Metal Pole Mayhem 8/12: Todd Nance and Friends 8/16: Sister Hazel and Tom Mackell 8/17: Valleys with Discoveries, Unicron and more CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC

(919) 967-9053 8/8: ASM (Back) 8/9: The Essex Green, Jesse Ainslie & more (Back) 8/9: The Sword and UME 8/10: Town Mountain and Sugar On Fire 8/10: Tuatha Dea, Sirius B, Love and Valor (Back) 8/11: Sam Bush, Hank and Pattie Duo 8/11: Open Field, Object Hours, Shelles (Back) 8/12: Some Antics, Orphan Riot, Audible (Back) 8/13: DK The Drummer, Sucre (Back) 8/16: Vacationer, Sego, Dirty Art Club (Back) MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 8/19: Striking Matches 8/23: Fireside Collective 8/24: The Steel Wheels DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 8/15: Lyle Lovitt and His Large Band 9/8: Jo Koy THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 8/8: Mary Chapin Carpenter 8/10: Cosmic Charlie – Jerry Garcia Birthday Show 8/11: Fade To Black 8/12: Black Moth Super Rainbow, The Stargazer Lillies 8/17: The Funky Truth, Justin Stanton of Snarky Puppy, Brandon Coleman & PJ Andersson 8/18: Band Of Horses, Bonny Doon (outdoor show at The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co.) 8/19: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and Empire Strikes Brass 8/22: Uncle Kurtis 8/23: The SteelDrivers and Kelsey Waldon

FREE! • FRIDAY NIGHTS! • RIVERFRONT PARK • MUSIC STARTS AT 6:30PM

MAY 25

JULY 20 Funky Monks

JUNE 1 Red Zeppelin

JULY 27 Breakfast Club

JUNE 8 Hey Johnny Park

AUG 3

JUNE 15

AUG 10

JUNE 22 The Core

AUG 17 Skydog

JUNE 29 20 Ride

AUG 24 Abbey Road Live

JULY 6

AUG 31 Satisfaction

JULY 13 Departure

Beer and wine for sale with valid ID; outside beverages, food, coolers, and pets prohibited.

encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>ART

FROM DEBRIS TO DESIGN:

Alexandra Morse incorporates plastic waste in her paintings to recycle and raise awareness.

N

BY: JAMES MCCREA

ot many people know, but there’s a hidden art gallery tucked away in the Fort Fisher Aquarium. Traverse the white alligator swamp and make an abrupt turn at the stingray petting zoo, past the inflatable whale.

No, they aren’t directions from a Lewis Carroll story, but they do in fact lead to the aquarium’s Spadefish Gallery. Artists are chosen to hang their works for exhibitions which last three months. The art offers a palate cleanser for aquarium-goers and it’s included with admission. Mixed-media artist Alexandra Morse occupies the gallery for the year’s busy summer season with “Plastic Ocean.” The exhibit shows a unique sculptural approach to painting that harbors an environmentalist message.

Although she earns her living as a diver, with a knack for finding shark teeth, Morse has never been far from a set of pencils or paintbrushes. She made the honors art program in high school, by learning college-level techniques, like stretching and priming canvases, well before getting her bachelor’s degree. Although she chose not to major in art,

“The way I paint water is definitely different from diving,” she clarifies. “There’s a difference when I’m painting something at depth versus higher in the water column or in shallower water. Before I would paint water more like currents with a back-and-forth stroke; with underwater, it’s more about columns of light and shadows.”

Water isn’t the only thing given this kind of attention in her paintings. Morse relies heavily on texture, hinting at moving currents within her painted water columns by creating tactile creases and folds on the canvas. Furthermore, she incorporates sculptural elements that protrude from the surface. Jellyfish bubble upward in a dance of swaying tentacles, while carefully

Do not despair, we can make the repair...let us fix separation anxiety Full Service Shop ~ Insured Award Winning Custom Interiors 910.799.8746 (TRIM) 6609 Windmill Way

glow in the dark or in blacklight,” Morse shares.

“It’s really hard to portray because it’s gallery lighting, but it has to be completely dark for the glow paint to show. I actually ended up having a whole exhibit upstairs, which was their blacklight room. They have a theater room that can be completely blacked out. It worked really well to have a blacklight showing where we would intermittently have the lights on and turn them off.”

she would take a few courses always to keep her wits about her—which also served to keep her talent whetted. Enthralled by underwater photography, Morse would paint imagined seascapes populated with creatures, mythical and mundane, ranging from Medusa to marlins.

Eventually, the fascination would inspire her to pursue diving on a professional level. After spending so much time beneath the waves, Morse began to paint deep seascapes with a trained eye.

Fast Turn-around Time

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14 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

JELLIES/SARGASSO TURTLE: The line between grocery bag and jellyfish blurs in Alexandra Morse’s underwater scenes. Courtesy photo

detailed sea turtles drift into view. Close inspection reveals colorful pebbles and sea-glass embedded in the turtle shells.

More strikingly, jellyfish are made of plastic.

Where sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish in reality, Morse’s art mimics life by creating visions of jellyfish out of garbage. In other paintings she shows sea turtles approaching pieces of grocery bags that look nothing like jellyfish—nailing the point even further home.

Morse does this intentionally, often using plastics she finds while diving but commonly from everyday life in Wilmington. Morse credits advocate groups for keeping the beaches as trash-free as possible, but she maintains we have a long way to go to help Wilmington become ultimately eco-friendly.

“Here, we don’t really get a lot of plastic debris,” she explains. “We have a lot of people here who are advocates for the ocean, like Surfrider Foundation, Plastic Ocean Project, and others aware of plastic pollution, so our beaches are somewhat clean for how much tourism we get. I do find some plastic in the ocean or off the beach, and I will collect it, but a lot of my plastic is from living in the South. It’s really difficult to get away from plastic here. If you go into the mountains or the West Coast, it’s a lot easier to be plastic-free because businesses help you avoid getting plastic when you go grocery shopping. Even for me, I’m such an advocate for the ocean and how plastic is not good for it, but I still can’t be 100 percent plastic-free living in Wilmington. Any time I do come across it, I will recycle it in my artwork.”

Morse’s application of glow-paint is far from what one would see at an average craft-store.

She evokes marine bioluminescence, and the subtle shifting of stray-light particles reaching the deepest ocean. Beneath blacklight glow, her grey plastic jellyfish become charged in venomous green, and previously unseen bubbles erupt from empty water. In an affectionately profound example, a docile humpback whale and her calf become traced in meticulous patterns, as they drift through plankton, glowing green against a royal blue ocean deepened by blacklight.

Although an environmentalist at heart, Morse doesn’t intend to admonish society through art. She merely wants to make people more mindful of how our garbage is treated and especially where it ends up. It’s all about understanding and compromise.

“It’s one of those things where being aware of the issue is key,” Morse elaborates. “One of the most common statistics is there’s going to be more plastic in the ocean than there are fish by 2050. I think it will probably be sooner than that with the rate we consume plastic. There’s also an awareness how plastic is an amazing invention. Without plastic we could not have what we have today, especially in the medical industry. [But] there is no such thing as throwing something away. It’s just putting it somewhere else. Our trash and recycling system is much better than other places in the world, but if you look at the world population, the amount of plastic consumed, and the amount that can be recycled, it’s just not sustainable. Eventually we’re going to do something different.”

“Plastic Ocean” runs during daily operating hours until September. The exhibition features previously unavailable work as well as brand new offerings. Each piece on display is for sale, with 20 percent of sales going straight to Plastic Ocean Project.

DETAILS:

Plastic Ocean

Mixed-media art of Alexandra Morse Spadefish Gallery NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd. Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.alexandraunderwater.com “Not many people know the paintings will www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

Morse was among a plethora of artists who took part in Expo216’s similarly-titled show, “Ocean Plastic,” in 2016. Naturally, her paintings fit the theme like a glove. So too do they find a suitable home in the aquarium; although, viewers who saw her work at Expo216 may find themselves in on a special secret.

ARTS>>ART

PARSING RESISTANCE:

Athenian House funds all-inclusive mission, gives voices to marginalized people

BY: SHEA CARVER

“A

s of right now, Wilmington has limited spaces for those who are transgender or gender non-conforming, especially for trans people of color,” TR Nunley tells. “For over two years, I have dreamt of having a transgender and non-conforming closet—a judgement-free zone filled with a variety of free donations from the community so that it looks like a mock clothing store.”

In June Nunley’s dream came true inside the walls of Athenian House on Wrightsville Avenue. Trans* Closet is open for business, with over 3,000 items donated from the LGBTQIA community and its allies.

Having launched in February by founders Lori Wilson, Khalisa Rae Williams and Alicia Thacker, Athenian Press and Workshops became a reality inside Athenian House, thanks to $35,000 raised via Kickstarter in the fall of 2017. The trio of women had a vision to construct a safe place for folks to dissect ideas of social justice, feminism, intersectionality, artistic excellence, community-building, and more.

They opened Athenian as Wilmington’s first feminist bookstore and event space to serve underrepresented people within the community. In a short six months, femmes, people of color, trans, gender-nonconforming writers, and other marginalized voices have been given a sound stage—a place to come “home,” to speak out, to share their experiences with open arms. The house has hosted workshops and podcasts, as well as meet-ups from various organizations. Essentially, the space culls hope and provides healing, as well as creative support that encourages resistance of oppressive constructs and ideas that no longer serve a world made up of so many varied people.

Part of Athenian’s programming has come in the form of an artist-in-residence exhibits, to showcase the work of talented painters, photographers, and other artistic media. It has inspired the next step in the nonprofit’s need: to raise $5,000 with their Art of Resistance Auction to take place on Saturday. The founders reached out to participants of their artist-in-residence program, as well as constructed an auction team of local activists Franchon Frances, Angelina Kiaka and Samm Sawyer, all of whom found work to fit the theme. They also called for submissions via social media.

“The work was striking and stunning,” according to Wilson. So far they have a collection from artists Heather Divoky, Amy Grant, Nathan Verwey, Addie Joe Bannerman, Courtney Rivenbark, Gaby Merediz, Bri Mellot, Leslie Cohen, and award-winning Japanese illustrator Yuko Shimizu from New York City.

“The auction idea came about after Alicia had been a part of the famed Marilyn Minter feminist art exhibit, held in New York’s Guggenheim,” Williams tells. Minter’s striking photography blends risqué imagery with high fashion, while

SPEAK OUT, RESIST: (L. to r.) ‘Divine Feminine Collage’ by Gaby Merediz was created in response to break down male-dominated power structures; Courtney Rivenbark’s piece shows women breaking from their shells; Addie Jo Bannerman’s ‘how far will you go’ encourages bravery. Courtesy photos

her paintings evolve from negatives that incorporate enamel on metal with signature silver liquid.

“We knew the theme needed to be resistance in homage to Minter,” Williams continues.

Included in Athenian’s take on the idea will be artist Gaby Merediz’s stark painting of a set of lips (encore’s cover photo), which can be interpretive of many ideas. Though they exude sex appeal in their hot red state of controlled speech, the pink set parses resistance and overflows with secrets and desires to be set free—to break from the partriarchal roles put upon women throughout society.

Merediz also contributed “Divine Feminine Collage,” which she created with the thought to break down male-dominated power structures.

“As much as many of us don’t want to see it or admit it, it’s the way society has evolved, and women have lost touch with themselves, their power, their femininity, their ability to create, to rise, to intuit,” Merediz tells. “In a way, this art is about resisting blind acceptance of a life that’s molded by patriarchal society. However, it also reflects a deeper resistance. Women and men often resist the divine feminine inside of them because they’ve been led to believe that it’s less than, somehow. In fact, for many of us, the divine feminine parts of ourselves have been downright pummeled—through trauma, rejection and shame. By bringing a positive light to a woman’s body that represents creation, intuition and femininity—and a part of the human body that many of us ignore—I hope to help women recognize, observe and celebrate their value, their power, their unique essence.”

Courtney Rivenbark’s more direct protest piece showcases three women of varying ethnicities and backgrounds fighting for the same cause. More importantly it shows them breaking the eggshells they had to walk on their entire lives just to receive the same birthright of every human: equal footing.

Addie Jo Bannerman’s “how far will you go” imbues a sense of fearlessness and courage.

She wanted to show women comfortable with themselves and their places within the world. “It takes a brave soul to stand up for themselves and their beliefs, but it also takes thick skin to deal with resistance from the outside,” Bannerman tells. “The hardest part of it all to find the balance between pride and compassion. I think the title of the piece, ‘how far will you go,’ complements this well; If you stay solid in your beliefs and also stay empathetic, you can go as far as you desire, but it takes strength to resist going too far.”

To showcase resistance art is to put on display all of the tropes that have challenged underserved people across the ages. That means it may speak to politics, culture, socio-economic status, sexual identity, gender roles, and the like. In the end, it hopefully will cultivate discussion and connect viewers to more compassion and understanding.

“Visible resistance gives us hope of a world in which fostering art and expression within a community does not inherently lead to the displacement of its core residents and businesses,” Williams reminds. “For this to work, art communities and artists would need to accept responsibility for the effects of their practice, and proactively work to be more inclusive and respectful of the spaces and cultural histories they are entering.

This fits in line with our mission because Athenian believes that artists and writers should be using their platform and voices to speak out and comment on the social climate. By just existing in these times, and expressing, artists are performing a ‘political act.”

Athenian’s fundraising goals will help launch more outreach programming, but especially in partnership with other nonprofits who serve the community at large. Included are LINC, which provides traditional housing, job training, sub-

stance abuse treatment, and medical services for newly released inmates; Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Inc., which provides housing, guidance, and educational programming for folks of domestic violence and abuse; as well as New Hanover High School students.

“We want to use a portion of the funds for our national author series and bring authors to Wilmington to speak, perform and offer workshops,” Williams continues. “Youth and adults in Wilmington need to see black and brown and queer authors speaking and teaching.”

“Athenian has created a strong foundation with Khalisa’s help to establish a regular event series that seriously impact so many folks,” Wilson praises. “We’ve over met capacity so many times. Opening Athenian connected us with many beautiful voices and that’s what I’m personally most thankful for. Several social justice groups have used our space to hold events, and it’s just wonderful to see that synergy.”

The fundraiser will include music from Entangled Dreams, Skylark Pearl and solo artists, as well as poets from Charlotte, plus food from Pine Valley Market and Sweet ’n’ Savory. The auction of art work will take place at 8:30 p.m. with a live auctioneer accepting bids, ranging from $25 to more than $800. Monies raised help Athenian continue the good fight.

DETAILS:

Art of Resistance Auction and Charity Gala

Music, art, food, poetry, activism Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m. • $18-$20 Athenian House 2231 Wrightsville Ave. https://athenianpw.org

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WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

GALLERYGUIDE ARTEXPOSURE!

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

highlight oil paintings from Rob’s 6 month trip visiting all fifty national parks. Rob also wrote a book about his journey and it is available under the same name on Amazon.

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Current Exhibition: Yoruba beadwork and Northern Nigerian sculpture. Appraisal services, curatorial services and educational exhibitions also available.

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311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E cjart@bizec.rr.com (910) 794-3060 Mon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm 1:30 pm - 4 pm Open other hours and weekends by apOne-man show “Escape into Plein Air” pointment features Robert Rigsby. The show will www.cjafricanart.com 22527 Highway 17N Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

210 Princess St. Tues. - Sat. 10am - 6pm (or by appt., Sun. and Mon.) (484) 885-3037 www.aibgallery.com

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm Art in Bloom Gallery is in a renovated (or by appt.)

19th-century horse stable and presents an eclectic mix of original art by emerging www.newelementsgallery.com and established artists. View our featured exhibit “Fresh Take: New Art by Elizabeth Darrow” August 3rd-25th. The art includes figurative work and abstract expressionism with oil, oil pastel, and collage on canvas.

Art in Bloom Gallery is open until 9 pm on Fourth Friday Gallery Nights including August 24th.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Current exhibits include: “Small Collage Art by Elizabeth Darrow” opens August 8 through October 7 at Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Street.

“Waking from Dreams: Paintings by Mark Gansor” continues at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street until October 15.

“Archival Ink Transfer Prints by Bob Bryden” and “Photography by (Joe) P. Wiegmann” continues at The District Kitchen and Cocktails,1001 N. 4th Street until September 4.

“Unearthed: Landscape Paintings by Topher Alexander and Kirah Van Sickle” continues at Pinpoint Restaurant,114 Market Street until September 10.

Kyle Highsmith’s solo show “Vivid Memories” features new work from Kyle Highsmith focusing on local scenes. This event is in conjunction with Fourth Friday Gallery Night. Mr. Highsmith is a North Carolina legacy artist whose work is featured in private and corporate collections alike.

His sunny scenes and bright color palette spark nostalgic feelings of time spent in iconic locations, be that Wrightsville Beach or a French bistro.

WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY 200 Hanover St. (bottom level, parking deck) Mon.-Fri., noon-5pm http://cfcc.edu/danielsgallery

Now featuring the work of Mike Brining through September 28. The gallery will host a a closing reception September 28, 6 - 9 p.m. Brining’s exhibit will use paintings and sculptures to demonstrate the transitional states that a visual image or icon may occupy in our perception—from the beginning state of a black and white conception through to the finalization of the image presented in full color. Brining will hold an artist at the gallery on Wednesday, September 5 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

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REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS:

films this week CINEMATIQUE

‘Mission: Impossible’ still the best action franchise in Hollywood

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Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. 7 p.m. • $8

BY: ANGHUS

”here’s no franchise generating more raw entertainment value than “Mission: Impossible.” For two decades Tom Cruise has delivered a wide variety of action-heavy espionage, featuring insane stunts and impressive set pieces. The movies work because the iconic star does whatever it takes to entertain an audience with real-world, practical stunts becoming less frequent in our computer-generated, green-screen-laden landscape of blockbuster cinema. Cruise continues to push the boundaries in each “Mission: Impossible” installment and finds ways to thrill fans.

The series is currently basking in the warm glow of success from fans and critics—deservedly so. There are few franchises that have maintained such a high level of quality and creative consistency six movies in. Normally, it is the time studios are looking for ways to reinvigorate or reboot a series because people have completely lost interest, like in the “Transformers” or “Faces of Death” movies.

While I had a good time with “Fallout,” the latest adventure featuring superspy Ethan Hunt feels like we may be at or just past the plateau of what the films offer.

Once again we are introduced to espionage agent extraordinaire Ethan Hunt (Cruise), who has a mission involving stolen plutonium and a plot to build nuclear devices that can blow up a few cities. Because that’s what bad guys are interested in: buying, selling and deploying nuclear bombs. Do you know how I know this? Because almost every single spy movie revolves around stolen nuclear weapons as the plot. It’s a tired trope that Austin Powers perfectly lampooned 20 years ago with the line, “Let’s do what we always do: hijack nuclear weapons and hold the world hostage.”

There was a sense of familiarity as the sixth installment started. Ethan and his team of rapidly aging agents are trying to recover some plutonium from the remnants of a mysterious evil organization he destroyed previously. He has a choice between saving his team or preventing a potential plutonium-fueled paroxysm. Of course, he chooses friendship. Because millions of people dying by fiery nuclear Armageddon is horrible, but nothing’s as

Through Aug. 8 (additional 4 p.m. screening on Aug. 8): “On Chesil Beach” is adapted from Ian McEwan’s bestselling novel, which features a spectacularly warm performance by Saoirse Ronan. Set in 1962 in the UK, the film follows newlyweds Florence and Edward as they spend their honeymoon both preoccupied and terrified by the consummation of their marriage. Reflecting on the pair’s idyllic courtship despite drastically different backgrounds, the film explores sex and the societal pressure that can accompany physical intimacy, leading to an awkward and fateful wedding night.

ENERGETIC ENTERTAINMENT: Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson and Tom Cruise in the next installment of ‘Mission: Impossible.’ Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

bad as losing your best buds.

There’s a strange thread woven throughout the movie, where our hero is praised for always trying to save the day and keeping the people he values the most safe. It’s admirable—but, ultimately, it feels forced in this installment. It seems every time the world is at risk, Hunt has to find an impossible solution where he can get the bad guy and save the day without the good guys suffering major consequences. Two installments back, he hands over nuclear codes to a warhead and almost has San Francisco blown to smithereens. Two installments back from there, he almost lets a biological weapon loose because he’s got the hot feels for Thandie Newton (understandable, but short-sighted). It is still a great franchise, but it’s beginning to show some wear and tear from repetition.

Like the whole concept of Hunt having to go rogue: It’s been a staple in almost every installment. At some point, he has to break the rules to win the day. At some point, his handlers just need to be like, “Well, he’s Ethan Hunt, let’s let him do his thing”—or the writers need to find a plot which allows him to actually work within the system to accomplish his mission.

After 20 years, it feels like no one who works with the IMF team has learned any lessons.

In spite of a little franchise fatigue, there’s still a lot to love about “Fallout.”

The action scenes are breathtaking.

There’s a motorcycle chase through Paris, a rooftop run through London, and a helicopter fight through the mountains of Kashmir—all are just amazing to behold on the big screen. Even if the story feels reheated, the on-screen spectacle is smoking hot—damn-near perfect action sequences. It’s still more than enough to justify the purchase of a ticket, but I’m starting to wonder if Hollywood’s most energetic and entertaining franchise has any new moves left. For now, “Mission: Impossible—Fallout” is still firing on enough cylinders to be this summer’s most entertaining ride.

DETAILS:

Mission: Impossible—Fallout Rated PG-13 Directed by Christopher McQuarrie Starring Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg

Aug. 13-15 (additional screening at 4 p.m. on the 15): From Academy Awardwinning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom”), “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor. Mister Fred Rogers spent three decades hosting his PBS show, answering kids’ questions that other entertainers wouldn’t, including week-long episodes on death and divorce. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zipup cardigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius whose compassionate and imaginative work has enriched generations.

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ARTS>>THEATRE

STEELY EMOTIONS:

Six women bring to life true friendship in Thalian Association’s ‘Steel Magnolias’

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BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

halian Association has been on tour this summer. First they took Herman Wouk’s “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” to the USS Battleship NC. Now they are bringing Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias” to the Erin E. McNeill Fine Arts Center at Cape Fear Academy.

Directed by Heather Setzler, the cast moves through the bittersweet comedy of the script like a knife through butter.

“Steel Magnolias” has become an iconic story in American culture with the production of the 1989 film; the star-studded cast included Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts, Sally Field, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine and Daryl Hannah, which was born from the 1987 Off-Broadway play that Harling wrote about his sister and her death. Set in one location, the enclosed carportturned-beauty parlor of Truvy Jones (Michelle Braxton), the script chronicles the friendships of a group of women through some of life’s greatest joys and deepest sorrows. The dialogue is pitch-perfect; in fact, a frequent observation (and compliment to Harling) among women is how

surprising it is that a man could capture it so perfectly.

It is a big day at Truvy’s: She’s just hired a new assistant, Annelle (Heather Lindquist-Bull), and Shelby (Courtney Poland Rickert) is getting married. Both Shelby and her mother, M’Lynn (Elizabeth Michaels), are going to be so nervous on this big day, and their hair must be perfect. If only M’Lynn’s husband, Drum, would call a cessation of hostilities with his next-door neighbor, Ouiser (Chris Miller)—if only for one day. But times of stress only exacerbate existing struggles like these.

Though Shelby and M’Lynn are the focus of the evening (with many subplots in the other characters’ lives), the show truly is an ensemble piece. The role of Ouiser is really the counterpoint to many aspects of the other characters.

She is essential to balance the script and interactions. Miller holds that end of the bargain admirably. She manages to really give the journey of a person with an incredible shield of gruffness to keep out the constant disappointments of life.

By dropping the shield she wins far more than

titude of those who have always had and never had to worry. But Annelle clearly comes from very little, and by sheer luck has fallen into Truvy’s lap.

STELLAR ACTRESSES: Heather Lindquist-Bull, Debra Gillingham, Michelle Braxton, Chris Miller, and Elizabeth Michaels star in Thalian Association’s ‘Steel Magnolias.’ Photo by Chandler Davis

imagined. It is her oldest and best friend, Clairee (Debra Gillingham), who can smooth any waters Ouiser troubles for others.

The widow of the mayor, Clairee is the perfect politician’s wife: beautiful, glamorous and unendingly gracious. Gillingham possesses a lovely singing voice and consequently is more wellknown to Wilmington audiences for her musical roles. The chance to see her flex her acting muscles in a role as demanding as Clairee is a treat.

She does not disappoint. Without question, she shows what true grit under an elegance looks like.

Like many mothers and daughters, M’Lynn and Shelby are locked in an eternal power struggle. It is a complicated relationship that can be hard to understand from the outside. Michaels’ M’Lynn exemplifies “I love you, I want the best for you; you should do it my way” attitude of mothering. While Rickert’s Shelby represents a sassy, strong-willed younger generation, determined to do everything in her own way, until she has to turn to her mother for the ultimate, “You were right; I was wrong.” She’s very pretty, and comes from a financially comfortable family, so, clearly, she is used to a world that gives her what she wants. Except for one thing: her health. Shelby has a particularly difficult case of diabetes in an age before insulin pumps. There are a lot of complications, including how she wants to have a baby—something that would put a lot of strain on her already over-taxed circulatory system.

While Truvy and Clairee try to smooth the waters between mother and daughter (and Ouiser), Truvy is trying to sort out what exactly is going on with her new assistant, Annelle. The girl can do hair, sure—but the rest of her life seems to be a train wreck. Lindquist-Bull as Annelle is a delight to watch as she rides the waves of elation, deprivation and, ultimately, learns to find confidence in herself instead of outside herself. As the parallel to Shelby, it’s quite a story. Rickert’s Shelby grew up with privilege and has the noblest oblige at-

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As both young women marry and have children, their stories have different outcomes. For all the panache that Rickert moves across the stage, her big eyes constantly brimming with tears, Lindquist-Bull matches it. For one the world has nothing but adulation; for the other, constant whips.

Physically they make the contrast incredibly clear.

No one can walk into “Steel Magnolias” in the South without a variety of preconceptions. Still, each actress makes her character her own—not replicas from the film. In addition, they enjoy the humor of the script tremendously. The women are having a great time together on stage. Together, they will weather many losses, including Shelby ultimately succumbing to the complications of her illness. To see that candle go out and the loss M’Lynn endures would be impossible to survive, without the love and support of a network like this. That celebration of strength in the face of tragedy is beautiful. And they will laugh along the way—along with the audience.

Mark my words, during Michaels’ final monologue after Shelby’s death, the house is filled with audible sobs and sniffles. I personally had tears running down my face before the end of the first scene, though I laughed with great joy repeatedly.

Setzler and the cast embrace the blend of beautiful, painful, and “sometimes you have to laugh or you will cry” aspects of the script. It is a deft blending and it is executed beautifully.

Scenic designer Benedict R. Fancy has put together a hyper-realistic set that accentuates Truvy’s aesthetic in every inch. The exterior house siding and staircase that lead back into the house from the enclosed-carport-turned-beauty parlor are a particularly nice touch. Fancy has been making a name for himself as a designer with extreme attention to detail. All pieces of the beauty parlor come together seamlessly.

Setzler and cast deliver a remarkable and beautiful interpretation of a story that feels so real it can hurt. It is a magical night of theatre and carries a heft of heart with it, long after the curtain descends.

DETAILS:

Steel Magnolias

Aug. 3-12, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.

Cape Fear Academy’s Erin E. McNeil Center • 3900 S. College Rd. Tickets: $15-$25 www.thalian.org

ARTS>>THEATRE

IT’S AMISS ON ‘SUNSET BOULEVARD’:

Local production dims the spotlight on what should be a fascinating noir classic of celebrity and madness

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BY: CHASE HARRISON

here has been an odd trend taking place in the world of musical theater over the years: adapting popular films into musicals. I don’t quite understand it myself; I assume one could argue it harkens back to the early days of Hollywood, when it was building a name for itself. Studios would take from the stage and throw onto the screen to help drum up interest, with a familiar audience and usually resounding result: “West Side Story” in ‘61, “My Fair Lady” ‘64, and “The Sound of Music” in ‘65, all the way to “Chicago” ‘in 02. Some films based off of successful staged musicals go on to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. It’s that name value, that air of, “Oh, I know how this one ends,” which helps draw the audience to the theater like a moth to a flame—or if one is unlucky, to the bug zapper. I take nothing away from the ability to look at a work and reimagine it in a new medium, Hell just look at “The Lion King.” Though, does the world really need “Means Girls: The Musical”? I’m sure there are still a few actors who wished the role of SpiderMan had stayed on the big screen.

Opera House Theatre Company continues their summer season on historic Thalian Hall stage with the musical “Sunset Boulevard,” directed by Ray Kennedy. The show is based off the brilliant film-noir classic by Billy Wilder.

Unfortunately, like the career of the lost legend Norma Desmond, the production’s entertainment value fades into obscurity quickly as well.

The play itself has interesting qualities about it, yes. It also has a big name connected to it: Andrew Lloyd Webber. At times it comes off like it crawled from the mind of David Lynch. Though none of its unsettling themes are ever hit upon hard enough; it’s as if the production was trying to lean away from the darkness inhabiting it, rather than into it. Mixed with an aimless pace and leads who don’t anchor the show, this sunset putters out against the horizon instead of basking over it.

With the raising of the curtain, the audience is faced with a silhouette figure standing like a specter among the chaotic hustle of a crime scene. Revealed to be down on his luck, wanna-be screenwriter Joe Gillis (Eric Johann) is our story’s unreliable narrator. He has been spending the last few months of his life as the (cough) house boy for the once-revered but now forgotten star of the silent screen, Norma Desmond (Cassandra Vallery). The show’s action slings back six months prior, before the fated Gillis ever meets an unhinged Desmond.

Through the number “Let’s Have Lunch,” the back-stabbing and false smiles that made up the Golden Age of Hollywood are put on full display. It’s also here where the wheels of the production begin to shake off the tracks.

There is a manic energy to how it is blocked and rightfully so, but it comes across as less of a controlled burn and more a fire about to go wild—a pattern that continues. Anytime the show cuts from the tightening spider web that is the Desmond estate, back to the Hollywood Hills studio and Gillis’s old life, the show loses a lot of its built tension. It’s almost as if the play’s writers thought, Well this scene is in the movie, better put a song to it. Numbers like “This Time Next Year” are pure filler like most of this show’s winded numbers.

Gillis finds himself in Desmond’s web after running afoul two debt collectors. What ensues is an interesting car chase on stage, done to a full effect by a smart use of flashlights. Seeking refuge in an opened garage, on the titled Blvd., our two leads come in contact, but the moment of grandeur falls flat.

In fact, any time Desmond makes an appearance, it lacks any type of gravitas, mystique and presence; the femme fatale of the noir story lacks allure. Her entrances should be grand.

Vallery can certainly sing the role and shows off impressive pipes with numbers like “Once Upon a Time” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” It’s the performance of Desmond wherein issues arise; never does it come across as a woman lost to her delusions. Her vignettes fall between the songs are more afterthoughts, something to get through, to move along to the next number, to wow and distract the audience with her voice. The role of Norma Desmond is such a rich one, so to see its full pathos fall flat is unfortunate. It also doesn’t help that whenever she does appear on stage, the set (or lack thereof) does her no favors. All her dramatics are telegraphed, and ruin the air she would had brought to the room.

Johann’s Gillis doesn’t fare much better. If we are all the heroes of our own stories, then it’s a bit of luck that Gillis is a storyteller or at least passes himself off as one. The man is a con artist, lost in the Land of Opportunity, and living as another cast-off in the City of Dreams. He gets by with a big smile and his hands out. Johann serves the role well-enough but brings such aloofness to it, no real consistency can be found from scene to scene. It affects the overall performance. Gillis finds himself caught in the middle of a struggle between living a life of haves over a life of have-nots; Johann’s performance finds itself similarly stuck somewhere in the middle.

The supporting roles are what bring glimmers of light to the production. Coleman Cox’s Betty Schaeffer is a stand-out as a studio script editor who also aspires to be a screenwriter and optimistically teams up with Gillis. Coleman brings such an earnest kindness to the role of Betty, the audience believes and understands her unending want to help Gillis. During the heart-

cracking number “Girl Meets Boy,” Cox’s love for an underdog’s story is captured. As well, her voice fills Thalian Hall just perfectly.

Not surprisingly, the strongest support the show has happens to be the strongest support in Desmond’s life as well. Her faithful butler, Max von Mayerling, is brought to ghoulish life by George Domby. He’s so creepily possessed by the role, it allows for the disturbing nature of the play to finally flow free. Honestly, Domby’s Max would perfectly fit among the other residents of Twin Peaks. His loving and unbinding servitude toward Desmond gives off an unsettling vibe of Dracula’s madman slave Renfield. His ability to just appear on stage truly embodies the old saying, “The walls have ears.” His voice carries a forebodingly deep melody to the song “The Greatest Star of All,” which prepares the audience for the madness they should be about to witness. Within the storm that is this production, he is a welcomed relief.

The tech aspects of the production are ... well, thanks to sound designer John Deveaux, the audience can properly hear the cast when

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singing and speaking. The set does nothing to create the busy world of Hollywood or the dust-covered mausoleum of Norma Desmond’s home. It doesn’t pay enough attention to details, so it’s very easy to spot areas where the paint job on it isn’t completed. Going back to lack of dramatic entrances, the egregiously bare set does not evoke a sense of wonder about Desmond’s self-made museum. While the lighting design believes it is doing more than it is, it usually acts against itself. In a certain moment effects destroy each other; a spotlight is cast upon Desmond during her failed return to the studio, but due to the lights coating the stage, the spotlight is lost. From design to execution, the tech aspects are amiss and are huge anchors to the play dragging it down.

DETAILS:

Sunset Boulevard

Aug. 10-12 and 17-19, 8 p.m., or Sun., 3 p.m. • $27-$32 Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. www.thalianhall.org

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614 South College Road | 910.399.3366 | www.okamirestaurant.com encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 21

ARTS>>THEATRE

FARCICAL WIN:

‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’ scores with great cast carrying great writing BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

B

ig Dawg Productions has the antidote for rainy-weather blues: Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” directed by Nick Smith, is currently showing at Cape Fear Playhouse. It is guaranteed to create side-splitting laughter.

The set-up is awesome: Einstein (Kenneth Rosander) and Picasso (J. Robert Raines) walk into a bar. The bar in question, the Lapin Agile, is in Paris in 1904, and the proprietor, Freddy (Grant Hedrick), happens to be in the right place at the right time.

Hedrick gives a very good rendition of a bartender who has perfected the balance between maintaining order and letting events take their course. He only gets involved when forced to, or when he wants to, but is truly enjoying the drama playing out in front of him. He’s got a front-row seat, and after all this is a fringe benefit to bar ownership, n’est-ce pas?

For his wife, Germaine (Amanda Young), there are additional fringe benefits to the bar—

LIFE’S TOUGH QUESTIONS: Amanda Young, J. Robert Raines, Grant Hedrick, and Kenny Rosander shop-talk life and philosophy. Courtesy photo

and they walk around in trousers. For all the strutting and posturing of assorted men in the room, young’s Germaine is clearly a very smart woman, trapped in a world without a lot of options. She has chosen to entertain herself the only way she can. It might not be honorable, but it is amusing. Enter Suzanne (Rebekah Carmichael). What an entrance! Gaston (Lee

Lowrimore), the resident barfly, is certainly taken with her. But then she walks in and starts bearing skin (by 1904 standards), so it’s pretty hard not to stare. Carmichael has a tremendously expressive face that telegraphs a multitude of emotions which pass through her character’s mind. When combined with the mirror of Lowrimore reacting to her, I could almost remove the soundtrack and just watch their faces to follow the journey—they are that entertaining.

Just when things might be veering into the serious, Sagot (Josh Bailey), a flamboyant and enterprising art dealer, arrives with a newly acquired painting. It is really fun to get to see Bailey in a role that lets him be so expansive and big.

Because, here, there is no such thing as “too big” or “too much.” From the flashy coat and hat costumer Stephanie Scheu Aman dressed him in, to the gold coins that metaphorically fall from his fingertips, everything he touches or interacts with becomes a treasure—even people. Mind you, it all is just preparatory to the arrival of the biggest personality of the hour, the man whose ego and actions cannot be contained: Picasso.

Raines swaggers about with the assurance of a man in possession of all he sees, leading to the question: “Does the attitude lead to success or does the success lead to the attitude?” Yes, he is a complete and total cad who treats women, especially, and the rest of humanity, incidentally, pretty terribly. But, damn, he does have charisma. And that awful sneer can be a surprising challenge.

It is quite the contrast to the equally self-assured but much more introverted Einstein that Rosander gives us. The contrast is actually what makes it work so well: Both men are completely certain of their own purpose. Neither really cares if others believe or understand them. What they need, what they breathe, what they see, what they hear—it defies ordinary conversation. They both strive for something more, something that transforms and will on some level give them peace from the visions. So what does happen when Picasso and Einstein meet? Well, a duel actually.

stein and Picasso actually have a duel of science versus art. The winner? Well, watch the show to decide. Martin is using the structure and tropes of farce to explore some deep questions of human existence. It’s a brilliant ploy that makes the questions approachable, even for Gaston, who is primarily interested in women and booze. In each other, Einstein and Picasso recognize themselves, their fears and desires.

To watch them discover and share it across the stage is beautiful. They manage to do so while delivering Martin’s witty dialogue and not burst into hysterical laughter; it seems almost super human.

Even in this intellectual and artistic idyll reality, commercialism intrudes in the form of Schmendiman (Zeb Mims). Decked out in a garish checkered suit—which can probably be seen from outer space—Schmendiman is a fast-talking carnival barker, who has inadvertently veered into inventing and manufacturing questionable building materials. It’s like P. T. Barnum and Jimmy Hoffa decided to become building contractors: Buyer beware. His interruption is only trumped by the arrival of a softvoiced, gold-lame-wearing time traveler, played

by Joshua Peterson.

Farce is a lot harder to play than many realize. My date and I saw a very disappointing production of this play previously, and the problem then was the cast didn’t understand it was a farce. Make no mistake: This cast knows they’re exploring some of the weightiest questions in human existence and they are doing so through humor. That humor is the key to make the big questions approachable. The audience will laugh their way through the evening and walk out with perma-grins from the joy and excitement.

Scott Davis has built a lovely playground for such ideas to flourish, including a variety of paintings to challenge the audience’s different conceptions of art. (Personally, I like the sheep.)

Costumer Stephanie Scheu Aman really makes each character distinctive but adds an extra visual sizzle that is so important to a show revolving around art.

For a truly great night of theatre, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” is the answer. It is a beautifully produced, stimulating, and most of all, funny interpretation of a fabulous script. Smith and the cast promise a great night of entertainment and deliver on all fronts.

DETAILS:

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

Aug. 9-12, 16-19, 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.

Tickets: $18-$25 In one of the funniest moments I have wit- Cape Fear Playhouse • 613 Castle St. nessed on stage, with Sagot refereeing, Ein- www.bigdawgproductions.org 22 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

ARTS>>THEATRE

HEAPING HELPING OF A GOOD TIME:

‘Memories, Molasses and More’ blends rites of passage and food brilliantly

N

BY: CHASE HARRISON

o matter how different and unique we as individuals claim to be, there are some uniformed, fundamental similarities we as humanity share. Rites of passage exist, no matter race, gender, creed or orientation. Some may call them “old hat” or “out of touch,” while others view them as history—what has and will hold groups together since the dawn of it all. Simply put, they are known traditions, traditions which shape us and our family units. Such an idea is the premise of TheatreNOW’s latest production, “Memories, Molasses and More.” It successfully keeps their tradition going strong by presenting fantastic, fun theatre with an outstanding meal to boot.

The play is an adaptation but not one in the normal sense; no, this play is adapted from a cookbook. Now, I knew cookbooks held a ton of helpful information, but the recipe for a plot to a play? That one was new to me. Based off the book of the same name, written by Peggy Price and edited by local writer extraordinaire Clyde Edgerton, along with Stephanie Trott and Deborah Brunson, the show itself was adapted for stage by Zach Hanner, with the production directed by Mike Thompson. The play doesn’t feature much of a through-line plot as one would think.

Here the audience is sat down and welcomed into the kitchens of eight different people, all of whom deliver monologues about how their lives have been shaped by traditions of faith and food. Each of the three acts are broken up in portions of an ideal Sunday, with characters passing in and out of their old-timey kitchen, elated to see and interact with the audience.

The cast forms one tight-knit ensemble, each using energy of others to propel them forward and create a well-paced show.

Made up of Kathy Enlow, Robyn Gantt, Penelope Grover, Lance Howell, Livity James, Sam Robinson, Chastity Scott and Bianca Shaw, each member brings their own joys, laughs, tears and memories to their “roles” to imbibe the play with a real slice-of-life vibe. Each monologue reflects the importance of family and food, and shapes how we age and who we become—spanning from passed-down tales of the best way to make biscuits and gravy, all the way to how modern generations take lessons of the past and reform them to carry on to the future. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes on an old recipe to get it just right.

The audience is taken through a typical Sunday as the characters prepare for church in the morning (Act 1), return home and begin to prepare meals for Sunday supper (Act 2), then sit down to enjoy the meal as a community (Act 3). It’s a well-staked structure that progresses to an ending wrapped up in a grand sense of hope. No matter the differences we believe divide us, a mutual shared experience will bring us back together always.

The play incorporates a medley of gospel songs within and between the monologues. The entire cast serves them perfectly—each having the voice of the angels they sing about. Music director Linda Carlisle Markas guides them all to and through one beautiful song after the next.

Stand-outs include Bianca Shaw, Sam Robinson and Chastity Scott. Scott has a phenomenal voice that fills the theater and reaches the audience to their core.

The actors turn the set into a proper home with warmth. The set designed by Terry Collins is fantastic, as the entire stage merges two kitchens into one, and forms something of an ark of kitchen equipment.

There are two of everything: refrigerators, stoves, sinks, and it is decked out in detail, from aged photos framed on the walls, to decorative knick-knacks on the counter.

The homes seem like they’re well-lived in.

doesn’t fill up before the main course. The cornbread … oh, my! Readers, the cornbread! It had a perfectly crisp crust, with a warm and crumbly center held together by the cheese. I could have eaten an entire tray of it, without guilt or shame.

Moving on to the main courses of the evening, I was supplied with a sampler plate—portions from all three entrees were delectable. While the turkey lasagna was good, it was my least favorite of the three (a vegetarian option is available as well).

The Parmesan-crusted pork chop was out of this world and cooked to perfection. It was so tender that, with my fork alone, I was able to cut it up to bits. Then came the seafood jambalaya—a sensation with rice and Louisiana veggies with mild Cajun spices, topped with shrimp, crab, andouille sausage and fried oysters. It’s all great.

The dessert is ever-changing, depending on the night, but during my visit, the audience was treated to a cherry-topped

cheesecake that sent my sweet tooth home happy. The meal was top-notch across the board, and offered something tasty for even the most picky of eaters.

Believe me, I am one.

What the cast, crew and TheatreNOW! has done with “Memories, Molasses and More” is craft a fun night of theatre. It combines the idea of what good food can do for the human spirit and what actual good food can do for the human belly.

DETAILS:

Memories, Molasses and More!

Through Sept. 1, 6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. only Tickets: $20-$42 TheatreNOW • 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilmington.com

The show presents prop food so realistically delicious looking, it will make the audience’s mouths water. It perfectly builds the anticipation for the meal coming forth.

There is a yellow cake just sitting on one large table (the only set dressing there is one of), and it looks so decadent my inner child wanted to rush the stage just to cut a slice. The props are all made by the play’s director as well, and it’s clear he put the same care in making them as he did in crafting the show.

Being based off of a cookbook makes it clear food is rather an important element to the story. Each character has one or two dishes that has delighted his or her taste buds—or has brought them great pride in creating themselves. Each recipe they recount is found within the cookbook, but a selected number of the dishes have found their way to the evening’s very menu.

TheatreNOW’s Chef Denise Gordon has outdone herself, in crafting a three-course meal that builds upon itself at each stage.

It starts with candied turnip salad, paired with a healthy sized piece of broccoliand-cheese cornbread. The firing gun is a brilliant way to kick off the meal, and the salad keeps it all light so the audience encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 23

ARTS>>THEATRE

THE GOSPEL COMES ALIVE:

Alchemical incubates King James Initiative, produces The Gospel of Mark on Saturday

I

BY: SHEA CARVER

t’s rumored in 1611, the year the King James Bible (KJB) was published, a well-known poet helped scribe the most popular book in the world. Forty-six-year-old William Shakespeare was known for constructing most of modern society’s language in England. With a great deal of Christians being illiterate, the scripture needed to be written with the right language and colorful stories that a layman could understand and relate to when it was read aloud. ‘[To clarify, he wasn’t a part of] the actual translation process,” says Kalli Smith, marketing director for the local King James Initiative. “[It] was done by several scholars who knew Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and Hebrew fluently. For example, if you read Psalm 46 and count 46 words in, there’s the word ‘shake.’ If you count 46 words from the end, there’s the word ‘spear.’

Coincidence?”

The King James Initiative—incubated by Alchemical Theatre Company and consisting of producer Amanda Marino, lead actor Ashley Strand and Smith—is hosting a live reading of

The Gospel of Mark from KJB at Old Books on Front Street on Saturday. “We hope to showcase professional, classically trained actors who are performing portions of KJB to allow people to immerse themselves in that language, hearing it the way it was meant to be heard,” Smith says.

Strand will read and essentially perform The Gospel of Mark’s action-packed and exciting stories, and bring to life characters like John the Baptist, Pilate, Joseph, Mary, the Syro-Phoenician Woman, Judas, and more. Strand is approaching it as a radio-play, wherein audiences need to imagine and feel the characters.

“The villains and heroes are clear,” Strand tells. “It’s almost all plot. It’s a great story and there’s a lot of humor in there! Most of it is wry, but some of it is simple and homey, which is easy to miss when you’re thinking, ‘This is the Son of God, I better be serious!’”

Most importantly, the show isn’t only relegated to Christians. Smith calls out Shakespearean aesthetes who will find as much appeal, especially in the narrative which highlights Elizabethan and Jacobean speech.

“I would have never considered KJB as something in the Shakespearean canon of literary art; that never crossed my mind,” admits Smith, who has recently converted to Christianity and begun researching which Bible to study.

“Now that I’ve seen it, I get to appreciate it from so many angles: from a spiritual angle, and from my appreciation for theatre, poetry and art.”

creed and saying you could heal the sick, how do you think that would go for you? Exactly the way Mark says it went for Jesus, probably— which is hilarious, especially to a stand-up comedian who has bombed for a hometown crowd, family, and friends many times. But the truth of that moment he captures through humor is very convincing.”

Strand loves how fancy the language makes everything seem—how it preserves a society of a specific time and place. At the onslaught of the 1600s, London had experienced an influx of people from various areas and hamlets, all of whom descended upon the metropolis speaking new dialects. Thus, words and pronunciations began to develop and multiply, and writers, poets, artists, and historians of the time began listening and reflecting it back in their own works.

The disciples entertain Strand the most because of how wrong they perceive everything, and how it links back to Jesus. The text shows how the Son of God treats everyone and how they respond. “It’s illustrative of his creed and the challenges he faces in spreading it,” according to Strand. Mark doesn’t go easy on the disciples either.

“[The language then] has a mysterious power to imbue an otherwise ordinary phrase with status and authority,” Strand explains. “Why do we feel like giggly nobility when we hear or say ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ to our friends? Why does ‘I shall’ sound so much more significant than ‘I will’?

Why does appending ‘eth’ to verbs conjugated in the present and a silent ‘e’ to nouns like ‘old’ put us in the mood for an afternoon’s ribaldry at the local Ren Fair(e)?”

Though unfamiliar with The Gospel of Mark— sans a devout grandmother who informed him somewhat in youth—Strand has been drawn to all the situations presented and the people driving the story and reacting to it. The characters have spoken to Strand in unexpected ways, even. The power of the text has reflected back to him personally, not to mention the world-atlarge—even if it were written five centuries ago.

A 12 GRAIN ARTISAN LOAF

WITH TURKEY, GRANNY SMITH APPLES, RED ONION, CRANBERRY MAYONNAISE AND SPINACH.

“The continuing relevance of the ancient text is something I understood intellectually before but to feel it is surprising,” he notes, “to have bits of scripture echo in your head throughout the day and nag at you, to see your own greatest weakness described not only succinctly but poetically in one thin verse, is profound and humbling,” he praises.

The actor even looks back on roles he has played beforehand as well-informing preparation for the Gospel. He has played the comic relief many times over, as Pompey in “Measure for Measure” and Sir Andrew in “Twelfth Night.”

Such personifications come with bombastic revelations on stage and with audiences, as humor often humanizes a story and helps it stick with viewers long-term. As much can be found in the Bible, despite the hardships and cruelty, and love and compassion most associate with it.

“I saw [humor] brought the audience closer to the material—which is crucial to Mark’s intent,” Strand informs. “He wants no artifice; he wants you to be able to put yourself in the story. If you went out to the desert, had a vision, and then came back to your hometown, preaching a new

24 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

“I’m fascinated by the Syro-Phoenician woman,” Strand tells, “not so much by her as a character, but by what her interaction with Jesus means. I don’t know the answer, but my current thinking on it is this: As the Son of Man, he is fallible, which is why he initially refers to her as a dog. But she convinces him, or reminds him, salvation is for everyone who repents and has faith. At the heart of this Gospel is a radical questioning of authority—principle trumps authority every time—in this case, even when the authority is Jesus himself.”

Reading The Gospel of Mark will be the second event the King James Initiative has hosted locally. The first took place at St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in June. “We also recently filmed a promotional video at St. Jude’s MCC so we can more easily explain to folks what we’re all about,” Smith tells.

The reading will be free to attend, but donations are accepted, with proceeds benefitting the charity of choice decided upon by the host, Old Books on Front Street. Smith says they want to launch events throughout Wilmington, Southport and Leland in religious and nonreligious venues. They already have a church interested in hosting one to help the congregation become more “Bible literate.”

“But different audiences are going to watch [our shows] with different goals in mind,” Smith expands. For instance Strand could read the Old Testament at a Jewish synagogue. “[Or some may simply] appreciate a work of literature the way you’d enjoy a Shakespeare play. . . . Basically, everyone can take something away from this performance, it’s that versatile.”

DETAILS:

The Gospel of Mark

Performed by Ashley Strand Old Books on Front St. 249 S. Front St. Free-will donation King James Initiative: 910-541-3414

encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 25

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

with seasonal options Tuesday through Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Thursday nights, an elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363.

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday Sunday 10am - 2 pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets.

As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3. Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington; kids menu available

SLICE OF LIFE • grabslice.com

AMERICAN

Photo by Lindsey A. Miller Photography

BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their awardwinning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October.

Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sat & Sun 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ MUSIC: Music every Sunday in Summer ■ WEBSITE: www.bluewaterdining.com

our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches.

Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich. Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive. We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast served until noon each day!

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily Specials, Gluten Free Menu, Gourmet Hot Chocolates, Outdoor Patio, New Artist event first Friday of every month and Kids Menu.

■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com

BLUE SURF CAFÉ Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining

CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch

26 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

HENRY’S A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because it’s going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. - Mon. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tues.- Fri.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com HOPS SUPPLY CO. The combination of chef-inspired food and our craft bar makes Hops Supply Co. a comfortable and inviting gastropub that attracts guests of all types – especially a local crowd who can feel right at home whether ordering a classic favorite or trying a new culinary delight! At HopsCo, we are dedicated to the craft of excellent cuisine and delivering hops in its most perfect form, exemplified by our selection of craft beers. As hops are the heart of flavor for beer, our local seasonal ingredients are the soul of our culinary inspired American fare.

5400 Oleander Dr. (910) 833-8867.

■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday 9:57am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com NICHE Niche Kitchen and Bar features an eclectic menu, a large wine list, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Close to Caro-

lina Beach, Niche has a great selection of dishes from land to sea. All dishes are cooked to order, and Sundays features a great brunch menu!

Niche’s heated covered patio is perfect for anytime of the year and great for large parties. And their bar has a great assortment of wines, even offered half off by the glass on Tuesdays-Thursdays. Open Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 910-399-4701.

■ OPEN LUNCH AND DINNER: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.nichewilmington.com PINE VALLEY MARKET Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s BestOf awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com ROADHOUSE OF WILMINGTON Roadhouse is an American-style restaurant and focuses on homemade, classic dishes, cooked to order, using fresh ingredients. They are located at in the old Saltworks building on Wrightsville Avenue and open at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast and lunch, and 5:00 p.m. for dinner. Breakfast is served 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Look for daily specials and other important information online at www.facebook.com/roadhousewilmington, or call (910) 765-1103. Please, no reservations.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: 8 a.m. breakfast and lunch; 5 p.m. dinner ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: facebook.com/roadhousewilmington THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Grill and Catering is a four store franchise in North Carolina. Trolly Stop Hotdogs opened in Wrightsville Beach in 1976. That store name has never changed. Since the Wrightsville Beach store, the newer stores sell hotdogs, hamburgers, beef and chicken cheese steaks, fries, hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, floats and more.

Our types of dogs are: Southern (Trolly Dog, beef and pork), Northern (all beef), Smoke Sausage (pork), Fat Free (turkey), Veggie (soy). Voted Best Hot Dog in Wilmington

for decades.

Check our website trollystophotdogs.com for hours of operations, specific store offerings and telephone numbers, or contact Rick Coombs, 910-297-8416, rtrollystop@aol.com We offer catering serving 25-1000 people. Franchises available ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952 Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921 Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN HIBACHI TO GO Hibachi To Go is a locally owned, family business serving only the freshest ingredients with three locations. We invite you to try our menu items at either our Hampstead drive-thru location, where you can walk-up, take-out, or call in and pick up your meal or our Ogden location with dine-in or take-out options. Our new Wilmington location (894 South Kerr Avenue) offers dine-in, take-out or drive-thru service. We’re convenient for lunch and dinner. Open 7 days 11 am - 9 pm. Our popular Daily Lunch Specials are featured Monday-Saturday for $4.99 with selections from our most popular menu items!

We always have fresh seafood selections at Hibachi To Go, like delicious hand peeled shrimp, fresh local flounder and always a fresh catch fillet in-house. We scratch make every item on our menu daily. We offer your favorite hibachi meals and some of our originals like our pineapple won tons. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the most up to date information on Hibachi To Go. Always fresh, great food at a super good price. Hampstead Phone: 910.270.9200. • Ogden Phone: 910.791.7800 Wilmington Phone: 910-833-8841 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open 7 days 11am-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, N. Wilmington, Hampstead ■ WEBSITE: www.hibachitogo.com NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the Front Street location, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and veggie wraps, as well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front St. (910) 771-9151.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm-10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.nikkissushibar.com/ OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.” Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.” We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tem-

pura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-youcan-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at www.okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am-2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., 11am11pm; Sun., 11am-9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com

SPECIALS: Voted Best Fine Dining 2018

TUES. NIGHT: 1/2 P rice W ines by the G lass WED. NIGHT: 1/2 P rice D raft b eers sUn. brUnch: M iMosa s Pecial

SZECHUAN 132 Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City.

Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch specials ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger.

Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week @ 5PM; Sun-Wed until 10pm, Thurs until 11pm, Fri & Sat until Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices. Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

■ WEBSITE: www.yosake.com. @yosakeilm on Twitter & Instagram. Like us on Facebook.

YOSHI Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine offers something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before. We are seeking to bring true New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations. We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today! 260 Racine Dr, Wilmington 28403 (910)799-6799 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. 12pm-11pm, Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine.com

BAGELS BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is the best spot for breakfast and lunch in Wilmington. Serving traditional New York Style Bagels is our speciality. We boil our bagels before baking them, which effectively sets the crust and produces a perfect bagel made with love. Don’t forget about our selection of custom sandwiches that are always made to order. Try out our breakfast options like The Heart Attack filled with Egg, Country Ham, Bacon, Sausage, and American Cheese, or the Egg-White Dun-Rite with Egg Whites, Avocado, Pepper Jack Cheese, Spinach, and Tomato. Our Boar’s Head meats & cheeses

HOURS: TUES. - SAT., 5 P.M. SUN. BRUNCH, 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.

ig: @rxrestaurantandbar fb: facebook.com/rxwilmington

WWW.RXWILMINGTON.COM 421 C astle s t . (910) 399 - 3080 The Owners of The Greeks proudly present

Join us for

GREEK NIGHT August 18th • 6-8pm

reservations

recommende

d

DAILY SPECIALS: >>>MONDAY >>>TUESDAY >>>WEDNESDAY 1/2 PRICE ENTREE

Show us your movie ticket from that day to get a second entree at half price

DATE NIGHT!

PRIX FIXE MEAL

Half price bottle of 3-course meal for one for $40. wine with the purchase Or two 3-course meals for of two entrees two for $70

>>>THURSDAY

>>>FRIDAY & SATURDAY

DESSERT SPECIAL!

Free dessert with the purchase of an entree

FREE SPREAD

Show us your movie ticket and get a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree!

890 Town Center Dr. (located in Mayfaire Town Center) 910-239-9051 • www.symposiumnc.com Hours: Monday-Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 27

Date Night

•

Late Night •

any Night tuesdays Beef & Bourbon: 25% off bourbon cocktails and $30 “You Call It” True Blue steaks

wednesdays Burgers & Beer: $5 True Blue Bacon Cheeseburgers and $3 local draft beers.

thursdays Rosé All Day: 1/2 price Rosé, glass & bottles

fridays Sip & Social: 1/2 price Social House martinis

$5 True blue bacon cheeseburger Wednesdays 4-6pm

saturdays & sundays Brunch & Bubbles: $3 mimosas and $8 mimosal flights

138 South Front Street, Downtown Reservations Encouraged 910.251.0433 www.littledipperfondue.com

Book your next bridal or baby shower in our private space Dinner Tues - Sun starting at 5pm, Weekend Lunch from 11:30am-2:30pm

28 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

are the perfect accoutrements for assembling the perfect sandwich, every time! Check out our Cuban Chicken Lunch Sandwich, complete with Boar’s Head Chicken Breast, Ham, Swiss, Pickles, Lettuce, Mayo, and Yellow Mustard. You can also make your own! Not in the mood for a bagel? Don’t worry, we have ciabatta bread, croissants, Kaiser rolls, biscuits, wraps, salads, bowls, omelettes, and more! Make your lunch a combo for $1.50 more, and get a small drink, potato salad or chips, and a pickle spear. Visit us at 5906 Oleander Drive or 7220 Wrightsville Avenue right before the drawbridge to Wrightsville Beach. Look out for our third location, coming to Monkey Junction soon!.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, biscuits, croissants, sandwiches, and more!

■ WEBSITE: www.BeachBagels.biz ROUND BAGELS AND DONUT Round Bagels and Donuts features 17 varieties of New York-style bagels, baked fresh daily on site in a steam bagel oven. Round offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, grilled and fresh to order. Round also offers fresh-made donuts daily! Stop by Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., and on Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, cream cheeses, donuts, sandwiches, coffee and more ■ WEBSITE: www.roundbagelsanddonuts.com

DINNER THEATRE THEATRENOW TheatreNOW is a performing arts complex that features weekend dinner theater, an award-winning weekly kids variety show, monthly Sunday Jazz Brunches, movie, comedy and live music events. Award-winning chef, Denise Gordon, and a fabulous service staff pair scrumptious multi-course themed meals and cocktails with our dinner shows in a theatre-themed venue. Dinner theater at its best! Reservations highly suggested. 19 S. 10th Street (910) 399.3NOW (3669). Hours vary.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Dinner shows, jazz brunches, and more ■ WEBSITE: www.theatrewilmington.com

FONDUE THE LITTLE DIPPER Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 2510433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; open 7 days/week seasonally, May-October ■ SERVING WEEKEND LUNCH: Sat & Sun, 11:30am2:30pm, seasonally May-October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half-price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Tuesdays on the deck, 7 – 9p.m., May-Oct ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

GREEK SYMPOSIUM RESTAURANT AND BAR After moving to Wilmington Chef George Papanikolaou and his family opened up The Greeks in 2012 and with the support of the community was able to venture out and try something different with Symposium. Symposium is an elegant experience consisting of recipes that Chef George has collected his whole life. Many of the recipes are family recipes that have been handed down through the years, one is as old as 400 years old. With a blend of fresh local ingredients, delicious longstanding family recipes, and Authentic Greek cuisine Symposium is a restaurant that is unique in its cooking and unforgettable in the experience it offers. Everything on the menu is a mouthwatering experience from the charred octopus, to the lamb shank with papardelle pasta, to the homemade baklava and galaktoboureko! Happy Eating OPA!! Located in Mayfaire Town Center at 890 Town Center Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 239-9051. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.symposiumnc.com

IRISH THE HARP Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare! We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies.

We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends. Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 763-1607. Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com SLAINTE IRISH PUB Slainte Irish Pub in Monkey Junction has traditional pub fare with an Irish flair. We have a large selection of Irish whiskey, and over 23 different beers on draft, and 40 different craft beers in bottles. They have a large well lit outdoor patio with a full bar also. Come have some fun! They currently do not take reservations, but promise to take care of you when you get here! 5607 Carolina Beach Rd. #100, (910) 399-3980 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington, Monkey Junction ■ FEATURING: Irish grub, whiskeys, beer, wine, and fun.

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/slaintemj

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and deliv-

Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine is offering something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before: True New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations.

We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today!

Happy Hour Sun.-Thur., 4-6pm.

Featuring discounted appetizers and select sushi rolls!

Regularly priced menu items only

Displayed is our Saketini, the Princess Peach, and behind that (from left to right) is a bowl of Ramen in the Tonkostu (pork) broth. Next to that is our appetizer, Takoyaki, which is an fried round of octopus. Beside that is a Salmon Poke bowl. Beneath is the dinner portion of steak and chicken Hibachi!

260 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 799-6799 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 10pm encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 29

ery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall ■ WEBSITE: www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com THE ITALIAN BISTRO The Italian Bistro is a family-owned, full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in Porters Neck. They offer a wide variety of N.Y. style thin-crust pizza and homemade Italian dishes seven days a week!

The Italian Bistro strives to bring customers a variety of homemade items made with the freshest, local ingredients.

Every pizza and entrée is made to order and served with a smile from our amazing staff.

Their warm, inviting, atmosphere is perfect for “date night” or “family night.” Let them show you why “fresh, homemade and local” is part of everything they do. 8211 Market St. (910) 686-7774 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun.brunch, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck ■ WEBSITE: www.italianbistronc.com SLICE OF LIFE “Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., 7 days/week, 365 days/year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com A TASTE OF ITALY Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City? Look no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years. The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like you’re in your mamas’ kitchen. Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and madefrom-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.atasteofitalydeli.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

MEXICAN LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials. Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle,

enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.95 on Mondays and Tuesdays at all locations, and every meal is complete.

Serving the Port City since1996, folks can dine indoors at the Oleander and both Market Street locations, or dine alfresco at both Market Street locations. 3617 Market St.; 8024 Unit 1 Market St.; 5622 Oleander Dr. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs until 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. until 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Ogden ■ WEBSITE: lacostamexicanrestauranwilmington.com

SANDWICHES HWY 55 BURGERS, SHAKES AND FRIES Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries in Wilmington—on Carolina Beach Rd.—is bringing a fresh All-American diner experience with never-frozen burgers, sliced cheesesteaks piled high on steamed hoagies, and frozen custard made in-house every day.

Founded in Eastern North Carolina in 1991, Hwy 55 reflects founder Kenney Moore’s commitment to authentic hospitality and fresh food. Lunch and dinner is grilled in an open-air kitchen, and they serve you at your table—with a smile. 6331 Carolina Beach Rd., (910) 793-6350 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. .

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Delicious burgers and homemade shakes!

■ WEBSITE: www.hwy55.com/locations/wilmington-carolina-beach-rd J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI The Philly Deli celebrated their 38th anniversary in August 2017. Thier first store was located in Hanover Center—the oldest shopping center in Wilmington. Since, two more Philly Delis have been added: one at Porters Neck and one at Monkey Junction.

The Philly Deli started out by importing all of their steak meat and hoagie rolls straight from Amoroso Baking Company, located on 55th Street in downtown Philadelphia!

It’s a practice they maintain to this day.

We also have a great collection of salads to choose from, including the classic chef’s salad, chicken salad, and tuna salad, all made fresh every day in our three Wilmington, NC restaurants. 8232 Market St., 3501 Oleander Dr., 609 Piner Rd. ■ OPEN: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck, North and South Wilmington, ■ WEBSITE: https://phillydeli.com ON A ROLL Roll on into OAR—a fusion of American-Jewish-Italian deli fare, interspersed in seasonal specialties with a Southern accent.

Every customer will receive freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps and salads, with the freshest of ingredients, all to ensure top quality. And when the place is hopping, it is well worth the wait.

Whether choosing to dine in or take out—we deliver—On a Roll is the downtown deli to enjoy homemade grub. Come make us your favorite! 125 Grace St., (910) 622-2700 ■ SERVING LUNCH: Open Mon-Sun., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 24hour catering available.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: Check us out on Facebook!

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With its growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to a second location in Porter’s Neck, and coming

30 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

soon in 2017, their third location in Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm8:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: www.capefearseafoodcompany.com CATCH Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010.

Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

■ SERVING DINNER: Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: www.catchwilmington.com DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington.

Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD’S RESTAURANT Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local seafood and

more!

■ WEBSITE: www.MikesCfood.com OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more.

Large groups welcome. Private event space available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH: Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dine on renovated Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com THE PILOT HOUSE The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. 910-343-0200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: www.pilothouserest.com SHUCKIN’ SHACK Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910-458-7380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon-2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook!

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com STEAM RESTAURANT AND BAR Steam is bringing American cuisine to Wilmington using locally sourced goods and ingredients. With an extensive wine and beer selection, plenty of cocktails, indoor/outdoor seating, and beautiful views of the Cape Fear River, Steam is the area’s new go-to restaurant.

Reservations recommended. Open seven days a week!, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. 9 Estell Lee Pl, (910) 726-9226 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Dinner: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Bar: 11 a.m.-Until. Menu Bar: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.steamrestaurantilm.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/Soul Food and Buffet categories.

“Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” co-owner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive. (910) 798-2913.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings.

■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com RX RESTAURANT & BAR Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up Southern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered.

Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; FriSat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.rxwilmington.com

Yonder Mountain String Band (08/10)

The SteelDrivers (10/07)

floor tickets $25 in advance $30 day of Balcony tickets $45

floor tickets $27.50 in advance $30 day of Balcony tickets $45

SPORTS BAR CAROLINA ALE HOUSE Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for awardwinning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNC W, this lively sports-themed restaurant. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 S. College Rd. (910) 791.9393.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR The Fortunate Glass is an intimate venue showcasing globally sourced wines, plus creative small plates and craft beers. The serene ambiance is created by the beautiful wall mural, elegant glass tile bar, castle rocked walls and intimate booths. There are wines from all regions, with 60 wines by the glass and 350 wines available by the bottle. The food menu consists of numerous small plates, fine cheeses, cured meats and decadent desserts that will compliment any wine selection.

■ SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Tues. - Thur., 4 p.m.

- midnight; Fri., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. - midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St. ■ FEATURING: Weekly free wine tasting Tues., 6 - 8 p.m.

Small plates, and wine and beer specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.fortunateglass.com

• Wings • Salads • • Sandwiches • Seafood • • Steaks • Ribs • Chicken • Pasta •

16 Cold Draft Beers

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Acupuncture Free Consultat io

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W I N N E R

Services Acupuncture • Massage • Herbal Pharmacy • Yoga Medical Qigong Private Healing Sessions and Clinics Now offering Qigong classes with David J. Coon, MQM – Medical Qigong Master Emphasizes self-healing and consciousness transformation through still and moving postures, breathing techniques and creative visualization.

Reduce Reliance on Pain Meds with Acupuncture and QI Gong 4916 Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington NC 28403 910.791.1981 www.MckayHealingArts.com

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EXTRA>>FACT OR FICTION

SINGING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT: Chapter 16, You Gotta Walk That Lonesome Valley BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

“I

play a rock musician and I get to quote Edgar Allen Poe freely,” he must have said on every talk show they booked him for publicity. His enthusiasm was genuine and infectious.

He did publicity so well, Kitty thought as she switched off the tape.

She was amassing quite a video library related to Jeffrey and his death. Once she started taping them herself and requesting them from clippings services, they began piling up pretty quickly. She flipped to “Entertainment Tonight” and hit record. Rob Ronin was on explaining how guns on movie sets are not real and how he wants real answers to what happened.

Don’t we all? I am going to get answers.

Ronin was one of the biggest action stars in the world. After Jeffrey’s father died, Ronin was part of the group that took Jeffrey in and watched

over him. When Jeffrey decided to become an actor, they helped get him his early roles. Of course, they were all in action films and came as trading in on his father’s name. He proved himself and paid his dues—cranking out straight-to-video action films and steadily getting bigger roles. Then he got the break he had been waiting for: an acting role not just about a really great roundhouse kick. A musician? Could he even sing? He taught himself to play guitar credibly. He relished every second of it.

“My dad’s name opens doors,” Jeffrey commented once in an interview with Kitty. “But it also sets limits.”

She remembered the day clearly—the pregnant, thoughtful pause that followed. “I like martial arts, but I really love acting. I want to be a successful actor. I studied acting.”

He looked away.

“Sometimes I wonder if I can ever live up to him, you know? It feels like he was gone so quickly, and I’ve spent the last 20 years trying

to find him and figure out where he ends and I start.”

His gaze was far inside himself. With a start he seemed to remember he was talking with a reporter. “I can see the headline now,” he joked. “‘Star’s son not sure who he is.’”

He laughed and poked her arm. “But you have better taste than to do that, don’t you?” He gave her a sexy, playful look that made her blush.

Kitty nodded. Part of her was amazed at how deftly he handled the press, handled her.

Actors, she thought. You just can never trust they are telling the truth. He probably had to learn pretty early how to deal with reporters, win them over, keep them at arms’ length. I mean, his father’s funeral was broadcast on TV, for crying out loud!

And women—this guy could have any girl he wanted from a very early age. I mean look at that hard, gorgeous body.

She realized she was staring at his thighs and looked away quickly.

OK, down girl, down. Think of cold showers.

Buckets of ice water.

“So, acting, not marital arts?” Kitty prompted.

“Yeah, I mean, I love martial arts, don’t get me wrong; my dad started training me when I learned to walk, so it’s like it’s just part of me, I guess. You know, the stuff we do on screen, that’s not real. Right? But real martial arts, like street-fighting techniques... You know, one of my dad’s maxim’s was a person holding a weapon is limited by that weapon.”

“Like a gun?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “Like a gun. Once you’re holding a gun, all you think to do is aim it, right?”

“Sure. I guess so,” Kitty nodded. She had never held a gun, but it seemed like a logical statement.

“Or like a knife,” he laughed. “This guy broke into my house in California one time, and I came home in the middle of the robbery. He had my VCR, and where I lived at the time like all the rooms connected in a big circle with the doors open. He saw me come in, and turned and ran through the house, and we’re going in circles around the rooms. So I have huge 8-foot-tall pictures of my dad, and a couple of him and me together, hanging up in the living room. It’s not like people don’t know who my dad is; he has one of the most famous faces in the world. Right?”

“Right,” Kitty agreed.

“So there are bigger-than-life pictures of him

34 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

hanging, and I have to think that at some point this guy looked at them and figured out, ‘Oh, shit!

I broke into the wrong house.’ Like I just have to think he puts it together—because that explains the knife.”

“He brought a knife?”

“No! It was my knife! At one point he grabbed a knife in the kitchen when we were running—we did a couple of laps through the house—and he turned on me with the knife in his hand, like coming at me. That’s when I knew I had him.”

“You had him?”

“Yeah, because he had a knife and that was all he could think about.” Jeffrey shook his head.

“He wasn’t even holding it properly.”

“So what happened?” Kitty asked.

“I disarmed him and broke his arm and ankle.

Then called the cops.” Jeffrey chuckled. “He was happy to go to jail after that. He really wanted to get away from me—far away.”

“What did it feel like?” Kitty asked in shock.

“What do you mean?”

“What does it feel like to break a man’s arm?

Is it good? Is it exciting? Is it a rush of power?”

“He turned on me with a knife,” Jeffrey shrugged. “At one point I was obligated to protect myself. Though I broke two bones, it was fixable. I mean, it would heal. I probably hurt him a lot less than he would have hurt me.”

He paused.

“You know, if it were a scene in a movie, he would have been dead before I left,” he continued. “But in real life he was just immobilized— hopefully, he will think twice before he resumes his career of larceny. If it were on screen, and my character killed his character, audiences would cheer.”

She remembered nodding her head at the item. What he said made sense. In retrospect she saw his mother—filing the lawsuit, naming people responsible for his death, pursuing justice as an extension of the movie analogy.

“It’s kind of like Poe said,” Jeffrey continued. “‘The boundaries which divide life from death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?’”

Gwenyfar Rohler is encore’s fact-or-fiction writer for 2018. Her serial story, “Singing in the Dead of Night,” follows the death of a young movie star and the emotional aftermath that follows, as local media try to uncover the events leading up to the high-profile “murder,” which takes place while filming in Wilmington, NC. Catch up on previous chapters at encorepub.com.

Learn the Top Lessons in Business and Life from Area Women Leaders

Wednesday, August 29 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Coastline Conference & Events Center What are the most important lessons some of our areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most accomplished women leaders have learned in life and business? In this quick, finely focused format, you will hear the wisdom of area women leaders...and, following lunch, enjoy an expo featuring the latest products and services geared toward women.

Program: 12:00-1:30. $35 - Wilmington Chamber members $45 - Non-members

REGISTER: wilmingtonchamber.org / (910) 762-2611

1] 2] 3] 4] 5] 6] 7] 8] 9] 10] 11]

MaryEllen Bonczek - NHRMC Robin Spinks - Greenfield Dana Cook - Juliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florist Patricia Kusek - Kusek Financial Group Wilma Daniels - Daniels Development Patti McNamara - PPD Michele Holbrook - Corning Incorporated Louise McColl - McColl & Associates Susan Janson - Live Oak Bank Lauren Henderson - Castle Branch/tekMountain Margaret Haynes - City of Wilmington

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• Smoked Wings • Chicharrones • Frito Pie • Brisket • Pulled Pork • Ribs • Smoked Chicken • Assorted Yummy Sides

Whatever you choose...

Be sure, that our food is entirely made of 100% Texas awesomeness!

3530 Carolina Beach Rd• (910) 769-1059 • Open 7 days a week 11am-9:30pm

Sunset Champagne Cruise Wednesday • 6:30pm • $27

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Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

910-338-3134

info@wilmingtonwt.com

Complete Schedule: wilmingtonwatertours.net

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Live Music On Our Sunset Cruises Boarding @ 6:30pm • Departs @ 7pm What a great venue to hear Live Music....you have the wonderful sunsets as your backdrop & truly wonderful music by local musicians.

Thurs. 8/9 - Kim Dicso • Fri. 8/10 - Jim Nelson Sat. 8/11 - Coleman Daley • Sun. 8/12 - Coleman Daley

Wine Tasting August 14th • 6:30pm

If you’re new to the world of wine, you may find yourself wondering, “What is a wine tasting all about?” This method of evaluating the quality of wine is popular with Follow wine connoisseurs and industry experts, as well as regular consumers. us So what a better way to experience it than while cruising the Cape Fear River.

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

There is always an excuse to drink champagne, but now you have reason to.

If you are the type of person who will shell out 20 to 30 bucks for yoga on a regular basis because it calms you, I have big news: Watching bubbles rise in a glass of sparkling wine has the same exact calming effect. Our Sunset cruise offers you a complimentary souvenir cup of champagne making an ordinary night into a night to remember.

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN PLAYLIST SAMPLE: WIDESPREAD PANIC - CONRAD NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE - CORTEZ THE KILLER THE ROLLING STONES - CAN'T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKIN' TASH SULTANA - SALVATION SUBLIME - WHAT I GOT LEON BRIDGES - BEYOND GORILLAZ F. GEORGE BENSON - HUMILITY SLIGHTLY STOOPID - IF YOU WANT IT BONNIE RAITT - LOVE ME LIKE A MAN PETER TOSH - COMING IN HOT

Fresh From the Farm The Riverfront Farmers Market is a curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists & crafters.

Downtown Wilmington’s Riverfront Farmers Market

DOWNTOWN - Each Saturday

March 31st - November 17th • 8:00am - 1:00pm (no market Apr. 14 & Oct. 6)

UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS: YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND (BAC 8/10) THE MARCUS KING BAND (GLA 8/16) THE PENGUIN'S B'DAY BASH W/ THE TRAVELIN' MCCOURYS (GLA 8/19) SHOVELS & ROPE (GLA 8/24) DAVE MASON & STEVE CROPPER (GLA 8/28) PHILLIP PHILLIPS (GLA 9/7) TRAMPLED BY TURTLES (GLA 9/19) KALEO (GLA 9/20) RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE (GLA 9/21 AND 9/22) IRATION (GLA 9/26) MOON TAXI (GLA 9/28) MAVIS STAPLES (GLA 10/21)

STEEP CANYON RANGERS (GLA 10/26)

SPECIALTY SHOWS:

THE EVENING EXPERIMENT WITH ERIC MILLER, WEDNESDAYS 7-9PM THE FRIDAY NIGHT PANIC JAM FRIDAYS AT 8PM ACOUSTIC CAFE SATURDAYS FROM 7-9AM ETOWN SATURDAYS AT 9AM PUTUMAYO WORLD MUSIC HOUR SUNDAYS AT 8AM

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM

- FRUITS - VEGETABLES - PLANTS - HERBS

- FLOWERS - EGGS - CHEESES - WINE

- PICKLES - KOMBUCHA - ART & CRAFTS

- MEATS - SEAFOOD - HONEY - BAKED GOODS

For more information: www.riverfrontfarmersmarket.org

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

HDWM ARTISAN MARKET

Join us every Sunday until Oct. 28 along the scenic, historic Wilmington riverfront for a weekly artisan market featuring some of Wilmington’s finest artists and crafts people.You’ll find everything from fine art to functional with a diverse assortment of painters, illustrators, woodworkers, metal workers, upscale crafts and more! Located at Riverfront Park on N. Water Street between Market and Princess from 10am-3:30pm every Sun., weather permitting. This is a City of Wilmington event. Riverfront Park, 5 N. Water St.

SUMMER FIREWORKS BY SEA

Pleasure Island summers have begun with weekly fireworks every Thursday an dlive music on the historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk at the gazebo stage. Music starts at 6:30 followed by the fireworks at 9. Follow Facebook for weather delays, changes and updates. 100 Cape Fear Blvd.

PCYP EVENTS

Free for members and non-members. A networking event often feat. free beer, wine, food, and live music. Business casual; no membership required.

All ages and professions welcome. Photography

by Chris Brehmer Photography with raffles given out. Upcoming events: Aug. 15, Pour Taproom;

Sept. 19, Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington. pcypapp.com/about/join.

FAMILY NIGHT

Tues. night, 6:30pm: Free activities including a bounce house, face painting, entertainment, characters, crafts and more! Takes place at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo with weather permitting. 100 Cape Fear Blvd.

WB WAHINE CLASSIC

Aug. 10-12: Ladies first! Join us at the annual Wrightsville Beach Wahine Classic Pro-am Contest, as female surfers of all ages and skill levels compete at the south end of Wrightsville Beach, accesses 37 and 38, beside the Oceanic Restaurant

and Crystal Pier. As a major sponsor, Blockade Runner serves as the host hotel for competitors and spectators, with special room rates coming for those involved in the competition. Blockade Runner Beach Resort,275 Waynick Blvd.

THALIAN HALL THUNDER ROLL

Aug,. 11, 11am, 1pm or 3pm: Travel back in time and experience the drama of the 19th century with America’s only operating Thunder Roll—a sound effect machine from the 1800s that originally used cannon balls rolling down what look like wooden troughs to affect a unique result.

These narrow, zigzagging shoots, are positioned way up in the rafters. The resulting, cascading rumble, has been imitating the sound of a thunder storm to the delight of generations of audiences.Free! Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

charity/fundraiser THE FETE

Aug. 11, 7pm: Experience a one-of-a-kind magical evening with an eclectic gathering of friends and tantalizing cuisine that will excite all of your culinary senses! Sit back and enjoy an evening under the stars as the night spontaneously unfolds. The Fete is an underground supper club that meets to celebrate with the best company for a worthy cause! This year’s charity is Blue Ribbon Commission. Join us in supporting the impact they are making in creating pathways for success. Secret Location. $90; tickets at eventbrite.com

music/concerts SUNSET MUSIC CRUISES

Live music along the Cape Fear River aboard Wilmington Water Tours at the sunset; various musicians and cruises weekly. www.wilmingtonwatertours.net or call us at (910) 338-3134. 212 S. Water St.

FT. FISHER SUMMER CONCERTS

Free Summer Concerts at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area 2nd and 4th Fridays through August 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, 118 River Front Dr.

LELAND CONCERTS AT THE PARK

All ages! Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, beverages, and your friends and family! Local food trucks will be on site selling food! Please remember, no smoking or e-cigarettes are allowed on Town property. Thurs., 6:30-8:30pm. Free! Leland Municipal Park, 102 Town Hall Dr.

BOOGIE IN THE PARKS

Sun.: 5-7 p.m. (1st/3rd Sun., May through Oct.).

Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy free, live music by the sea! Free and open to the public! Ocean Front Park, 105 Atlantic Blvd.

OPEN-MIC AT TIDAL CREEK

Comedians, singers, songwriters, poets, yodelers! Come out the co-op on Wednesday night &

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CROSSWORD

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2017 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

9/3/17

THE NEWSDAY CROSSWORD

Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

ALL IN THE GAME: Get set to solve

by Gail Grabowski ACROSS 1 Navigational reference 6 Accomplishment 10 Lift with effort 14 Conversation subject 19 Roast beef specification 20 Composer Stravinsky 21 Figure skating leap 22 Author Jong 23 Very, very well 25 Marriage agent 27 Cloth goods 28 Actress Watson 29 Most fitting 30 Grate on 31 Sites for outdoor Christmas lights 33 Arbor Day planting 34 Map in a map 37 Croquet implement 39 Many profs.’ degrees 40 Passing fancy 43 Active one 44 Romantic role 46 “Honest” prez 47 Miscalculate or misspeak 48 Squirrel, for one 49 Days of __ (long ago) 50 Tex-Mex dip 51 Off-road transport, for short 52 Puccini genre 53 Carpentry tool 55 “One more thing . . .”

56 Glistens 58 At that time 59 Sparkle 61 Cedar Rapids college 62 Stat on canned food 66 Sunblock letters 67 Shakespearean fairy king

70 71 75 76 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 100 101 106 108 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117

Laugh heartily Emphatic affirmation Airport rental fleet Helping hand Not as prevalent Chill in the air Medicinal plant Versifier Brunch fare Letters in crime 100 Across Grassland Military proceeding Have a hunch Throw in __ podrida (Spanish stew) Overjoyed Urban voting districts Mars alias Unoccupied 128 ozs. of milk Share a story with Research facilities Travel website info Elastic wrap Human dynamo Sparkle All wrapped up USAF truant Permit to enter Divided Asian peninsula Corn crop Retrieves Spiral-horned antelope

DOWN 1 Fling a fishing line 2 Actor Cronyn 3 Iliad warrior 4 More out of practice 5 Casual top

6 “Whatever makes you happy” 7 Brunch fare 8 “You’ve got mail” ISP 9 Have a taste of 10 Sam Spade creator 11 Academic hurdles 12 Crumbly salad topper 13 Pampering treatment, for short 14 Violent weather 15 Speak from a lectern 16 Long-nosed fish 17 Puts frosting on 18 E-tail icon 24 Category 26 High-pressure pitch 28 Not fractional 31 Justice Kagan 32 Touched down 33 Yonder 34 Creative flashes 35 “__ to the Future” (Alaska’s motto) 36 Interstate adjunct 37 Contemporary 38 Not at all eager 39 Paid players 40 Nitpicker 41 Knock down some 42 Interior design 44 Relaxed gait 45 Examining 48 Juliet’s guy 50 Sounds of shock 53 Flout the rules 54 Anointed successor 57 American artist/ inventor 58 Puny poker pair 60 App clientele 63 Country singer Travis 64 Philly-area sandwich

65 67 68 69 72

86 Microsoft’s virtual assistant 87 Country club crowd 88 Chalet backdrop 89 Pita filling 93 Be unable to decide 94 The Zoo Story playwright 95 All fired up 96 Cultivation, in brand names 97 Work assignment

Tailor’s supply Central Florida city In bundles Layered pastry Tarzan movie sound effect Supped in style Gems from Australia People Medicinal fluids Tattered and torn Day-care handful

73 74 77 78 79 83

98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 107 108 109

Audible repetition Impolite look Molten matter Much of the time Hardships Comic Rudner Shamrock land Mail away Female rabbit Tea holder Leave speechless

Reach Stan Newman at P.O. Box 69, Massapequa Park, NY 11762, or at www.StanXwords.com

737 3rd street

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hermosa beach, ca 90254

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Mexican Restaurant

16 OZ. MARGARITAS FOR $4.95 MONDAY & TUESDAY AT ALL LOCATIONS FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS ALL DAY!!!

Open Sunday through Thursday until 9pm, Friday and Saturday until 10pm, Lunch Monday through Saturday 11am to 3pm!

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show us what you got! Free coffee & tea for all performers! Mic is yours from 6 pm until about 8:45! Hosted by the always entertaining Bob Sarnataro, this open mic is a laid back, no pressure opportunity for performers of all kinds to stretch those creative muscles. All ages welcome. Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 Oleander Dr. SUNDAY SCHOOL UNDERGROUND

Every week Sunday School Underground welcomes a collective of like minded DJs with interest in growing the underground electronic music scene. We commune at the Juggling Gypsy Cafe to preach beats and vibes that will fill your soul.

The Juggling Gypsy has the right atmosphere to cater a chill underground community of DJs. Located on the corner of 16 St. and Castle St. Come smoke a hookah, try one of the many craft beers, bounce around the patio, or just lounge with the beats. Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

DOWNTOWN SUNDOWN

Concert series presented by Outdoor Equipped runs each Friday night through August 31. Free concerts are from 6:30pm to 10pm and feature both local performers and cover and tribute bands. Wristband sales for beer benefit local nonprofits. Outside beverages, food, coolers and dogs are prohibited. Rain or shine; check Facebook for updates. Riverfront Park, 5 N. Water St.

ARTISTRY IN JAZZ BIG BAND

Aug. 31, Jazz at The Gazebo—Carolina Beach Boardwalk, 7-9pm. 24-piece orchestra. Playing the music of Stan Kenton, Count Basie and others, featuring Angela Woodcock on vocals.

LET’S TALK MUSIC

Aug. 9, 11am: If you love music and enjoy talking about music with others, please join our conversation group. This face-to-face activity is device

free! No registration needed to attend. For information contact Pleasure Island Manager Teresa Bishop at tbishop@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6385.

NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

JULIA WALKER JAZZ QUARTET

Aug. 9, 6:30pm: Jazz at the Mansion at Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington, NC, features a performance by Julia Walker Jewel Quartet. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers. Beer and wine available for purchase. Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.

SUSAN SAVIA

Aug. 9, 6:30pm: Susan Savia (https://susansavia. com) will perform musical selections in the Brown Wing galleries inspired by the work in CAM’s current exhibitions: North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship 2017 Award Exhibition and Works of Honor: NCAC Artist Fellowship Recipients from the Collection . Savia is a chanteuse and singer/ songwriter, a proficient guitarist and harmonica player. For this program she will perform a variety of original and eclectic songs using her clear, four octave voice to interpret and guide you on a journey through each song selection inspired by the art on view. Brown Wing. Members: Free. Museum admission all others. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St.

theatre/auditions SUNSET BOULEVARD

Aug. 10-12, 17-19, 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on the Billy Wilder film, shots ring out in the night; a man’s body floats in a swimming pool. And so begins this classic noir tale of faded glory, thwarted ambition, and

obsessive love, brought thrillingly to life by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush, evocative score. After a chance encounter, down on his luck screenwriter Joe Gillis is easily seduced into the luxurious world of silent film star Norma Desmond. Years past her prime and long out of work, Norma clings to her glamourous past, her illusions carefully tended by her devoted servant, Max. But what will happen to Norma’s fragile world when it crashes into the harsh realities of show business? Or when Joe finally finds a life of his own? Sunset Boulevard is a majestic, mesmerizing, and teasingly seductive night at the theatre you do not want to miss.

Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. (910) 632-2285 or www.thalianhall.org STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Fri.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 3pm. Aug. 3-12. The beloved stage play by American writer Robert Harling is based on his experience with his sister’s death. The comedy–drama—made into the famed 1989 movie—shows the bond amongst a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana, who come together in Truvy’s beauty salon to share stories of love and life, with tears, joys and plenty of wise-cracks. Presented by Thalian Association at Erin E. McNeill Fine Arts Center at Cape Fear Academy, 3900 S College Rd. Tickets: $15-$25. thalian.org. Read the preview on page 20.

BURLESQUE NIGHTS

Aug. 11: Burlesque Nights may be too hot to handle! Featuring steamy performances by: Empress De Naste, Venessa Chevelle, Lacy Blaze, Puppie Buffé. Door 8PM/show 9PM. $13 in advance $18 at door (cash only!) 21+ Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

film MOVIES IN THE PARK

All ages on Saturday at sunset. Join us in the park and watch a family movie under the night sky.

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, a picnic and your family, but please no pets or alcohol. Smoking is also prohibited on Town Property. Concessions will be available for purchase. Free, no registration required. Leland Municipal Park, 102 Town Hall Dr.

SUMMER MOVIES AT THE LAKE

Free movies on Pleasure Island through September 2nd. Vacationers as well as residents from Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wilmington grab their kids, blankets and beach chairs and head to Carolina Beach Lake Park to enjoy a free outdoor movie on a ‘gigantic’ screen every Sunday at dusk! Movie-goers can purchase cotton candy, popcorn, candy, soft drinks and more—or bring a picnic. Aug. 5: “Emoji Movie.” Carolina Beach Lake Park, Atlanta Ave.

SUMMER FILMS AT LIBRARY

Bring the kids to a family movie at Northeast Library! You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy during the show. It’s free and there’s no need to register in advance. For information visit the calendar at www.nhclibrary.org, or contact the Northeast Library Children’s Room: 910-798-6373. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

ILM JEWISH FEST SUMMER SERIES

Aug. 9, 7pm: Ida (Poland, 2014, drama, 82 minutes, Polish). In 1962, a young woman is about to take her Catholic vows. But she then discovers that her parents were Jewish, separated from her during the Holocaust. Winner of numerous awards,

Thank you Wilmington!

We are overjoyed to be voted BEST VETERINARIAN for 3 years in a row!

4140 So. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28412 1337 Bridge Barrier Rd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428 910.395.6555 910.458.3000 www.collegeroadanimalhospital.com www.carolinabeachanimalhospital.com Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm Sat. 7:30am-4:00pm • Sun. 10am-4pm Wed. Closed 12pm-1pm Mon.-Fri Urgent Care 6-11pm 40 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm Sat. 7:30am-4:00pm • Sun. CLosed Wed. Closed 12pm-2pm

BEST OF 2016 WINNER

including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut St.

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS

Meet working artists, and see their works in progress. Everything from sculptures to fine jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, fun for everyone. Over 45 artist’s works to enjoy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday Art Walks, 6-9pm, 4th Fri. ea. mo. theArtWorks, 200 Willard St.

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmington’s premier after-hours celebration of art and culture, 6-9pm, fourth Friday of ea. month. Features art openings, artist demonstrations, entertainment and refreshments. Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate. Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org

NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE

Journey through this mirror-lined chamber housing an array of LED lights. The viewer walks toward a light but at the last minute is diverted to the main room. Lethe, chance art by Leslie Milanese, depicts the first recorded NDE (Plato, 381 BC). Expo 216 gallerium, 216 N. Front St. WedSun, noon-6pm, 910-769-3899, www.expo216. com

ROCKIN ART

Aug. 8, 2pm: Kids ages 5-11 are invited to craft their own musical instruments and rock out at Pleasure Island Library!No registration is required for this free program. Meaghan Weiner at mweiner@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS

Come on out for two hours of energetic, contemporary American country dancing with live music

by Box of Chocolates band—fiddle, percussion, guitar, dulcimer, bass, mandolin and more!

Dress cool & comfortable, soft-soled shoes. All ages. 2nd/4th Tues, 7:30pm. United Methodist, 409 S. 5th Ave.

CARDIO HIP-HOP CLASS

Adults in the Wilmington NC area are invited to join Ashley Cates’ “Twerk & Tone” method of having fun and getting in shape. “Drop-In” to enjoy this fun opportunity at your convenience, and only pay for the classes you attend. No adv. enrollment and no previous experience necessary. $12 for 1 class; $50 for 5; $80 for 10. $80. www. thedanceelement.com. 7211 Ogden Business Ln. #205

BACHATA MONDAYS

Dsantos Dancers features three hours of bachata. Classes offered: Level 2, 7-8pm; level 1, 8-9pm; social dancing 9-10pm. Classes are $12$15; social dancing, free. Packages, $50. www. dsantosnc.com. 4569 Technology Dr., 2

AFRICAN DANCE CLASS

Join Shea-Ra Nichi first Sat. through August from 10:30-noon for a community multigenerational African dance class. Class is open to anyone in the community and offered to encourage those who may not be able to afford African dance class regularly. No pre-registration required. Sliding scale $5 - $15 per person (by honor system).

Shea-Ra Nichi at shearanichi@gmail.com or 910-

474-1134. This class was meant to embrace the entire Port City community OVER 50S DANCE

Aug. 14, 7:30pm: DJ, Buddy Langley will bring his best ballroom, social, and line dance music when he plays at the next Over 50’s dance on Tues., Aug. 14th. The dance is held at the New Hanover Co. Senior Resource Center, 2222 So. College Rd., Wilmington from 7:30-10:00pm. A mixer and line dance segment are part of the evening and add to the fun. The cost is just $8.00 per person plus a finger food or 2 liter soft drink to share. Couples and singles are welcome. For more information, contact Tim Gugan (910620-8427) or visit www. overfiftiesdanceclub.org. New Hanover Senior Resoursce Center, 2222 S. College Rd.

comedy OPEN MIC

The wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talents—performances of all kinds. Hosted by 6-beer Steve. Sign up, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. jugglinggypsy.com.

COMEDY BINGO

Brent Blakeney headlines comedy bingo at Dead Crow, Tuesday nights, 8pm. Free show featuring the best comics from all over the Southeast, all while playing bingo along with the words they say! Win prizes and enjoy discount tacos! Hosted

by Louis Bishop with in-booth side kick comedian Lew Morgante. Dead Crow Comedy Club, 265 N. Front St.

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

On the first Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features Three Guest Comics Under a Bridge.

No Trolls. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Lane

PRIMETIME COMEDY

Come see some of North Carolina’s best standup comedians in a world class venue! This month our super talented performers are: Brett Williams, Cordero Wilson, Grant Sheffield, Louis Bishop, and Tyler Wood. Hosted by: Wills Maxwell. N Front Theatre (formerly City Stage), 21 N Front St.

for Improv night. Join local comedians for a TV party at Dead Crow! An interactive improvised comedy show. 265 N. Front St.

museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Aug. 25: “A Time When Art Is Everywhere: teamLab,” an art collective and interdisciplinary group of programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians artists and architects, creates digital artworks that bridge art, science, technology, design and the natural world. Designs are immersive interpretations deeply rooted in Japanese art, aesthetic and history. Investigating what they term “ultra-subjective (nonhierarchical) space” and “co-creation (among other objectives)” teamLab proves their belief that the digital domain can expand art. Intearctive installations include Sketch Aquarium (color a drawing of a sea creature and watch the image project onto a giant virtual aquarium); Story of the Time When Gods Were Everywhere (touch symbols on the screen and see them evolve into the images they represent); and Flower and Corpse Glitch, an evolving story featuring the theme of “The clash, cycle, and symbiosis between nature and culture.” Thorugh Sept. 8, 2019 • Like and Likeness, Sept. 4-30: A visitor participatory experience and exploration of the human form.

CAM visitors can draw using traditional and new media, working from paper on easels and ipads, copying figurative drawings and sculptural works in plaster, marble, and bronze from CAM’s permanent collection. • Feather by Feather, The Sculptures of Grainger McKoy, Sept. 29-Feb. 17, 2019: From the detailed beginnings of the single

iconic feather, Grainger McKoy transforms his intricately carved birds into gravity-defying sculptures that play with form and space. • Along the Eastern Sea Road: Hiroshige’s Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō, Sept. 29-Feb. 17, 2019: Master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō is among the most celebrated works of Japanese art. This series depicts the spectacular landscapes and fascinating characters encountered on the journey from Edo (now Tokyo) to the imperial capital of Kyoto. The Tōkaidō road was the most-traveled route between these two important cities, figuring heavily into popular Japanese art and culture in the mid-1800s. Cameron Art Museum presents the complete set of 55 prints from Hiroshige’s monumental oban series, known as the Upright Tōkaidō, created in 1855. • Nearer to Nature, Sept. 29 - Feb. 17, 2019 Humans have always been inspired and influenced by the world that surrounds us. Featuring artwork from CAM’s permanent collection, Nearer to Nature highlights this fascination and contemplation of the natural world. Artists in the exhibition include Elliott Daingerfield, Minnie Evans, William Frerichs, Will Henry Stevens, along with contemporary artists such as Mark Flood, Guy Laramée and Hiroshi Sueyoshi. • Illumination, Dec. 1- Jan. 6, 2019: The highly popular Illumination returns for it’s 3rd year to CAM. Drawing inspiration from traditional lantern festivals, marking the transitional moment of season’s change and year’s end, reflecting on the past while garnering energy for the future.

CAM recognizes the crucial role of artists and art in creating an exceptional quality of life for a community. Art, like a lantern, illuminates the mystery, empathy and wonder of human existence. On Sunday, December 9 from 4-7 p.m. will be the third annual Floating Lantern Ceremony: This event is

THIRSTY THURSDAY LIVE MUSIC Food & Drink Specials from 6-9pm

CAROLINA COMEDY CUP

Wed. 9pm: Comedy King of the Carolina’s, Louis Bishop, will be bringing the Carolina Comedy Cup to the Lazy Pirate again this year. Louis started this well-anticipated Comedy Show here over 6 years ago and it is now the longest-running independent Comedy Competition in the Carolinas. More than 50 aspiring comics will be competing for beloved CCC Trophy and a grand prize of $500. For more details on the show and how to compete contact Louis Bishop. facebook.com/louisbishopcomedy.

Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill, 701 N Lake Pk Blvd.

LUCKY JOE COMEDY SHOW

First Sat. ea. month is free show at Lucky Joe Craft Coffee on College Road presented by Regretful Villains. The show features a new style of stand-up called Speed Joking. Come enjoy a night of laughs and find your Comedic Soulmate! 1414 S College Rd.

DEAD CROW COMEDY ROOM

Aug. 10-11, 7pm/9:30pm: Timmy Sherrill & Friends: Local comedians take the stage, including Drew Robertson, Tym Griffin, Scott Schacher, Feliz Nadeau, and Mike Van Vliet. $13

LIVE RIFFING AND VINTAGE TV

Every Wed. you can join us at Dead Crow Comedy

DIVID DIXON: AUGUST 9TH RANDY MCQUAY: AUGUST 16TH

Live music every Thursday night on the dock, 1/2 priced oysters every Monday-Thursday 4-6 and Sunday Brunch with live music from 11:30am-3pm every Sunday in our main dining room.

www.elijahs.com

2 Ann St. Wilmington, NC • 910-343-1448 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 41

Performed at the Erin E. McNeill Fine Arts Center at Cape Fear Academy 3900 S College Road, Wilmington NC 28412

an opportunity for Remembrance, Reflection and Gratitude. There’s no charge to attend, but participants are encouraged to purchase a $12 lantern sleeve they may personalize and then float on the CAM reflecting pond.• CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar, 5pm-9pm. Tues.-Sun., 11am-2pm; Thurs. nights, 5pm-9pm 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

WB Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach. Visitors to the cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environment which have shaped the 100 year history of WB. (910) 256-2569. 303 W. Salisbury St. www.wbmuseum.com.

STEEL

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

Magnolias

ate, and imagine in Cape Fear Museum’s newest exhibit, PlayTime! Engage with museum educators in these short, drop-in programs. Activities change weekly and may include puzzles, games, blocks, and more. Adult participation is required. Fun for all ages! Free for members or with general admission • See NC through the eyes of Wilmington-born photographer Hugh MacRae Morton (1921-2006).

His captivating images will be featured in the traveling exhibit “Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective,” is now open at Cape Fear Museum. The exhibit is on loan from the UNC Library’s NC Collection Photographic Archives and will be on view through September 2018. • Camera Collections! With today’s smart phones and digital cameras, photography is everywhere. But until the invention of the camera in 1839, there was no way to instantly capture the environment around you.

In less than 200 years, cameras have progressed from complicated contraptions only used by professionals, to simple boxes with a roll of film anyone could operate, to handheld computers that create digital images shared with the world. 86 cameras and 145 photographic accessories showcases changes in technology and styles, from the late 1800s through the early 2000s. www.capefearmuseum.com/programs. $20/members; $30/nonmembers. CF Museum, 814 Market St.

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group EXPO 216 Exhibit feat. end-of-life issues. Enter Grandma’s tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours House and address the elephant in the room. meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at Pick up an advance directive. Review the History 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire of Hospice . Contemplate individual responses of Museum. Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/milicompassion in the arena. Expo 216 gallerium, 216 tary, $5 child, ages 2-12, and free under age 2. 505 N. Front St. Wed.-Sun., noon-6pm. www.expo216.

Nutt St. 910-763-2634. www.wrrm.org. com.

BY ROBERT HARLING

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the re- PLASTIC OCEAN A solo exhibit, Plastic Ocean, by local artist Alexanstored home features period furnishings, artwork dra Morse is on display at the NC Aquarium at Fort and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10amFisher for three months through September 2018.

4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Come any day of the week during Aquarium hours, Sat. at 10am. $4-$12. Latimer House of the Lower 9am-5pm, Monday-Sunday. Twenty percent of all Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped proceeds will be donated to Plastic Ocean Project accessible 126 S. Third St. to help clean up our oceans and spread awareBELLAMY MANSION ness of plastic pollution. All paintings are for sale One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebeland will be on display near the stingray tank in the lum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by Spadefish Gallery. Ticket cost is for entry into the free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Aquarium. Viewing the artwork in the gallery is free Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and busionce inside. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Logness leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss gerhead Rd. (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, chang- MUSEUM EXPLORERS ing exhibitions and an informative look at historic Sat., 2pm: Ignite your curiosity! Discover history, preservation in action. 910-251-3700. bellamymanscience and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear sion.org. 503 Market St. through hands-on exploration and unique artifacts.

Our activities are designed to stimulate curiosBURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE ity and encourage families to have fun together.

18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the Themes vary. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Approxiheart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest mately 45 minutes each time slot. Adult participamuseum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th tion is required. Free for members w/admission. century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experiCape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. enced through historical interpretations in kitchenbuilding and courtyard. 3rd/Market St. Tues-Sat, MESSY HAND TODDLER ART 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. 910-762-0570. www.

Toddlers and their adults enjoy a messy, hands-on burgwinwrighthouse.com. art experience where they focus on exploring art materials and processes, rather than on the end CAPE FEAR MUSEUM product. Children ages 2 to 4, and each child must Hundreds of toys and games are on view in Playbe accompanied by an adult. Everyone should Time!—classics, like Lincoln Logs, toy soldiers, an make sure to wear clothes that can get messy.

Erector set and a Mr. Potato Head, and even old Free but space is limited and advance registration faves like wooden tops, blocks and dolls. Rememis required. www.nhclibrary.org or by calling 910ber those toys that, for whatever reason, we just had 798-6303. Krista Dean at 910-798-6368 or Raquel to have? Some of those fad favorites like the Rubik’s Fava at 910-798-6365. NHC Main Library, 201 cube and 1960s Liddle Kiddle dolls are on exhibit Chestnut St. along with toy figures from fast food kids’ meals.

Explore toy history in custom label books. Play, cre- MAIDES PARK SUMMER CAMP

kids stuff

August 3-12, 2018 Fri and Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3:00pm Directed by Heather Setzler thalian

BOX OFFICE 910-251-1788

org 42 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

TICKETS $15-25

Half-day, ages 5-11. $15/week. Camp runs through Aug. 17, 9am–1pm. Activities include: arts and crafts, field trips, sports activities and more! Pre-reg. rqd: wilmingtonrecreation.com.

1101 Manly Ave., 910-341-7867 PLANETARIUM ADVENTURES

Cool off and enjoy an exciting full-dome film in Cape Fear Museum’s digital planetarium most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, 2pm.

These family-friendly programs are fun and appropriate for all ages. Space is limited and adult participation is required. Free for members of with general admission. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

MLK SUMMER CAMP

Ages: 7-12. Cost: $25/week Space is very limited.

Camp runs through Aug. 17, 7:45am-5:30pm. Activities include: arts and crafts, fi eld trips, sports activities and more! Pre-registration required. • Teen Camp: Ages: 13-14 Cost: $25/week Camp runs through Aug. 17, 7:45am- 5:30pm. Activities include: arts and crafts, sports activities, group/ team building activities, leadership and service events/activities along with field trips. wilmingtonrecreation.com. 910-341-7866. 401 S. 8th St.

SUMMER CAMPS

Come out to Coastal Athletics this summer for baseball, softball, or lacrosse camp! 8am-noon or extended stay, noon-4pm. $40/day or $175/week w/additional $20/day for extended stay. Includes a snack and drink for each child on a daily basis; t-shirt for each child who attends a full week of camp. Children who are signed up for extended stay must bring a lunch. (910)-452-5838. Coastal Athletics, 2049 Corporate Dr.

PRE-K ART TIME

Preschool kids ages 2-4 are invited to Pleasure Island Library to create, learn, and play with art materials and activities! Please wear clothes that can get messy! Free but space is limited. To make sure your preschooler has a seat, register on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6385. Meaghan Weiner at mweiner@ nhcgov.com/910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

ILM COOPERATIVE SCHOOL CAMPS

Wilmington Cooperative School is hosting Throwback Summer Camps: Water Camp (August 6-10). $125/ week. Wilmington Cooperative School, 4830 Randall Pkwy.

MIDDAY MUSICALS

Main library in downtown Wilmington announces a series of PG and PG-13 film screenings for families to enjoy this summer. The films will all be musicals, because “Libraries Rock!” is the theme of Summer Reading 2018. Free and no registration is required to attend. Audience members may bring their own snacks and drinks. Reference Desk at 910-798-6301. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

PRE-K MUSIC PLAY

Miss Shannon is leading musical play dates at Northeast Library for families with preschoolers this summer! Play and music build early literacy skills, so expect finger plays, songs, scarves and fun! PreK Music Play is free; no registration is required. Shannon Vaughn: svaughn@nhcgov. com. 910-798-6303. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

MUD DAY

Aug. 10-11. 9am: Join us at The Children’s Museum of Wilmington for the messiest fun you can imagine! Squish, stomp, and slide in the mud, make mud pies in our mud kitchen, explore Magic Mud and other new gooey concoctions.

Wear a bathing suit or old clothes and bring a

towel and a change of clothes. We’ll have a rinsing area to clean off. Anytime members: free. Weekday members: $4.87/person. Military and seniors: $8.75/person. Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St. JUNIOR NATURALIST CAMP

Aug. 13 - 17, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ages 7-9, Cost: $200.

Lunch not included. Register: halyburtonpark. com. Explore and discover the diversity of plants and animals in North Carolina through hands on learning, nature journaling, and field trips to various areas and attractions. Campers will learn how to safely explore, observe, and appreciate nature.

Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

SUMMER READ-ALOUD

Aug. 15, 2pm: Miss Meaghan has been tasked with sharing the unfortunate events that occurred in the lives of the Baudelaire orphans with the children who visit Pleasure Island Library. Every month, she reads from “The Bad Beginning,” the first book about the Baudelaires. Afterward, participants will engage in a craft or activity, in order to momentarily forget about the dreary lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. Free for kids ages 6-12. Space limited and advance registration required on the calendar: www.nhclibrary.org. 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

recreation/sports HARBOR CRUISE

Weds, 3pm: Set sail on the Shamrock for a cruise around Wrightsville Beach’s Harbor Island—the island which separates the barrier island of the beach proper from the mainland. Locations of historical, ecological and cultural note will be featured.

Learn what year the first buildings on Wrightsville Beach were built. Additionally, learn about the different types of marsh grasses, shorebirds, and fish we have teeming in the water surrounding the beach. RSVP rqd. $15-$25. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

200-4002 or http://wrightsvillebeachscenictours. com. Metered street parking only. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

TIDAL CREEK TUESDAYS

Join Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours for an hour and a half boat tour focused on the ecology of local tidal creeks! We will discuss water quality, pollution sources, and the flora and fauna of the area.

While discussing the functions of our salt marshes, we will assist you in identifying local plant and bird species. $45 a person; must RSVP. 910-200-4002 to book your trip. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

SUNSET PADDLE

Free, family-friendly sunset paddle event, appropriate for all ages and skill levels. Refreshments provided by Waterman’s Brewing Company.

Weekly meetup at 6pm; event begins at 6:30pm.

Experienced paddleboard instructors available for tutorials. Following the paddle, the Sea Escape pool bar has live music, casual dining and refreshing drinks. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

INSHORE BOTTOM FISHING

Join us on Shamrock for our daily Inland Bottom Fishing cruises. We provide rod, tackle, bait and license as well as local knowledge. Try your luck going after flounder, bluefish and sea bass for two hours of fishing the teeming and beautiful waters of Masonboro Sound. Cost: $40/person (includes guide and all necessary licenses) Reservations required. Call 910-200-4002 to book your trip! www. wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com.

classes PAPERMAKING CLASSES

Wed., 6pm: Adults explore different papermaking techniques so you can make each sheet of paper unique. All materials included, but we encourage bringing in some of your own materials that you can include into your paper—such as flat mementos and plants. See samples on our Facebook and website. Adult and children classes held on Sat., 2pm. Sign up: www.alunaworks.com. Aluna Works, 603 Castle St. ART CLASSES W/LOIS DEWITT

Mon., 3pm, watercolor workshops, with coastal themes. • Wed., 9:30am, colored pencil drawing, simply still life. • Thurs., 2pm, acrylic painting workshops. Stamp and stencil. All materials included. All ages and learning levels welcome. www.free-online-art-classes.com/wilmingtonncartclasses.html. Sun Room Studio, 6905 Southern Exposure

YOGA 101

Phyllis Rollins is a certified intermediate Iyengar teacher and practitioner of yoga for 37 years. Her classes incorporate the philosophy of yoga and the role of the mind in practice. She enjoys working with students on their individual difficulties to find avenues for growth. Phyllis is the founder of the first yoga studio in Charlotte. $30 per class.

All four, $110. Friday night required for Sat. classes due to progressive nature.

ADULT CRAFTERNOONS

A new monthly meet-up for adults who enjoy crafting. Drop in on the first Monday afternoon of every month at the Northeast Library. A different usable craft project will be featured each month. Free program, with all supplies provided by a Friends of NHC Library LEAD Award. Reserve spot on calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or 910-798-6371. Librarian Annice Sevett: asevett@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371. 1241 Military

WALK WITH A DOC

Join us the 3rd Saturday of every month at 9am for a fun and healthy walk—held at the Midtown YMCA. Each walk beings with a brief physician-led discussion of a current health topic, then he/she spends time walking, answering questions and talking with walkers. Choose your own pace and distance. Free and open to anyone. YMCA Midtown, George Anderson Dr.

DOLPHIN SUNSET CRUISE

Bid farewell to the setting sun with a 1 ½ hour Sunset Cruise. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours offers several versions of its famed Sunset Cruise to celebrate the sunset. All sunset cruises depart the Blockade Runner Dock. Routes vary with season, weather, and whim on the Basic Sunset Cruise but may include Masonboro Island, Bradley Creek, Money Island or some other combination. Water, marsh, Shamrock, sunset – it’s a simple combination but very satisfying. Also from experience this is the best time to sight Dolphins in the bay. $35 per adult $15 per child. RSVP: 910-200-4002/ wbst3000@gmail.com. http://wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com. Metered street parking only. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

BIRDING CRUISE

Join the Cape Fear Naturalist as he guides you on an open water exploration of the Intracoastal Waterway, inlet passages, and sandy barrier islands of Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. Topics will include a strong emphasis on shorebird identification and ecology, as well as coastal salt marsh function. $45 per passenger; RSVP. 910-

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6301.NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

Cutoff Rd. MEDITATE + CHILL

Addie Jo Bannerman, Melissa Middlebrook + Jenny Yarborough every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30pm at Terra Sol Sanctuary. We’ll guide you through a 20-30 minute meditation to help you take a deep breath. Relax. Let go. Make space. After our meditation, we’ll make space to chill. Find connection.

Talk things out. Meet and greet. No need for Netflix. Let’s get real. All levels welcome. Terra Sol Sanctuary, 507 Castle St.

FINISH IT

Wed, 4pm: Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint, or enjoy another craft? Got unfinished projects lurking in your closets? Bring a project to the library and work on it with other crafty people, on the first Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm (no July date). This library group is free and no reservations are needed. Annice Sevett at asevett@nhcgov. com or 910-798-6371. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

UPCYCLE YOUR CDS

Got a pile of old CDs stuffed in a drawer, binder, or garage shelf somewhere? Explore ways to turn those CD’s into works of art to decorate your home.

Hands-on workshop is free but space is limited. To make sure you have a seat, register on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-

Enter your events online by noon, Thursdays, for consideration in print. www.encorepub.com

CARDIO HIP-HOP

Adults with any level of dance experience are invited to join us for exercise, enjoyment, and stress relief at The Dance Element w/Ashley Cates’ “Twerk & Tone” method weekly cardio hip-hop class for adults and teens, Thurs, 5:45-6:45pm. All levels; drop-ins welcome. Pay by the class or purchase a punch card, $12-$80. thedanceelement.com.

7211 Ogden Business Ln., #205

CROCHET IT!

Crocheters of all levels are invited to a casual workshop hour at Myrtle Grove Library. Experienced crocheters can bring their current projects to work on, and beginners can learn to make a basic granny square and get advice about projects that will build their next level of skills. Limited amount of supplies will be available, so if you own crochet hooks, thread, and yarn please bring them along!

Hands-on workshop is free for adults and teens.

Space is limited so please reserve your seat by registering on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary. org or by calling 910-798-6391. Patricia Dew at pdew@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6391. Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 S College Rd.

EXPRESS YOURSELF! WRITING WORKSHOP

High school students express their opinions and sharpen their writing skills in this workshop group with Cassie Mannes Murray, an experienced high school English teacher who loves working with teens. Community service hours will be awarded for active participation. Meets Tues./Thurs. afternoons through August 9. Finished work will be displayed in the Library, and presented at an Open Mike the evening of August 14. Free but space is limited and registration is required, on the calendar, nhclibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6301.

Participants must be entering 9th to 12th grade for the upcoming school year. Dorothy Hodder at 910798-6323 or dhodder@nhcgov.com. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St. CRAFTEEN MINI GARDENS

Crafty teens are invited for snacks and miniature garden making at Northeast Library. Hands-on workshop is free but space is limited. To make sure there are enough seats and supplies, please register on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or 910-798-6371. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

KUNGA HANDS: ASSISTING YOGA TRAINING

Aug. 2-3, 9am: Safely support your students in deepening their understanding of alignment; workshop is open to students and teachers of all levels. Teachers will receive specific tools for offering safe, and powerful assists with confidence and ease. Students and teachers-to-be will learn advanced alignment and gain a deeper understanding of the practice through touch. All participants will give and receive assists through partnering and with the program leaders. All participants will receive a manual including a photo glossary of over 50+ assists and thai yoga massage techniques. Yoga Alliance CEUs available, programs@ wilmingtonyogacenter.com. Register in advance + SAVE $50. Wilmington Yoga, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste 200

FITNESS CLASSES

Yoga: Thursdays, 5:30pm: Participants must bring their own yoga mat to class. Class dates: Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Sept. 6. Free! Children ages 12-17 can participate with adult. • Zumba: Thurdays, 5:30pm: Sept. 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, & 18. Free.

Children ages 12-17 can participate with adult • Mother & Daughter Self Defense, Wed., 5:30pm.

Girls ages 11-19 & Adult. Free. Session: Wed., Sept. 5 thru Oct. 10 (6 classes). Registration for the entire 6 weeks is required. Participants are asked to attend each class due to the program being progression based with new things taught at each class. Pre-reg. rqd. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave. www.wilmingtonrecreation.com

INTRODUCTION TO WORDPRESS WEBSITES

Aug. 8, 3pm: Learn the basics of creating a website with Wordpress at this free workshop with Reference Librarian Annice Sevett. Space is limited, so please register on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6371. Wordpress. com offers designs and support for individuals and businesses wanting to open a blog, website, portfolio or store online. Offering free to low cost service and lots of sharp looking templates, Wordpress proudly announces that its software powers 28% of the Internet. For information contact Annice Sevett at asevett@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371.

NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

CROCHET IT!

Check out our daily/weekly specials Always a vegan/vegatarian/gluten free option

125 Grace Street • (910) 622-2700 Mon-Sat., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m

sammies. soups. salads. sides. wraps

Aug. 8, 4pm: Crocheters of all levels are invited to a casual workshop hour at Myrtle Grove Library. Experienced crocheters can bring their current projects to work on, and beginners can learn to make a basic granny square and get advice about projects that will build their next level of skills. A limited amount of supplies will be available, so if you own crochet hooks, thread, and yarn please bring them along! This hands-on workshop is free for adults and teens. Space is limited so please reserve your seat by registering on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6391. Myrtle Grove Library Manager Patricia Dew at pdew@nhcgov. com or 910-798-6391. NHC Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 S. College Rd.

GET STONED

Aug. 8, 7:30pm: Monthly workshop about the heal-

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ing power of stones––tools found in nature that we can use as reminders for self-inspiration, healing, awareness and empowerment. The first portion of our class will be guided by Monica Sevginy who will gift each participant with a selected gemstone or crystal of the month. Monica will lead us through a brief history of the stone, its properties and meanings. Based on this, Jenny Yarborough will guide the second half of our workshop which will enable participants to place personal meaning behind the take-home stone. Using a hand-crafted paper created by local artisans at Aluna Works, we’ll each set a special intention to place with our stone to serve as daily reminders to take home. Get your rocks off with us on the second Wednesday of every month. Advanced online registration is requested. No experience neccessary. Please bring your own blanket, pillow or yoga mat to sit on as our workshop will take place on the floor like a traditional yoga class. Neon Fox Studio, 201 N. Front St NIGHT HIKE

Wed. Aug. 8, 8:30-9:30pm. Ages: 5/up Cost: $5.

Join us as we prowl the park after dark and clear up some misconceptions about night creatures such as bats and owls. We’ll also discover how these animals are adapted to night life. Pre-reg. is rqd. Register online: www.halyburtonpark.com or 910-341-0075. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

MAKE IT MONDAYS!

Aug. 13, 1pm: The theme for Summer Reading is Libraries Rock! Pleasure Island Library invites adults who enjoy crafting to upcycle old audio CDs to create photo displays. Hands-on workshop is free but space is limited. Registration opens July 16. To make sure you have a seat, register on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6385. Pleasure Island Manager Teresa Bishop at tbishop@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6385.

NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

lectures/literary BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will host free Begin the Conversation clinics from 10-11 a.m. the third Fri. of ea. mo., Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Ctr., 1414 Physicians Dr. Free, 18 and older, will provide attendees information and resources to think about and plan for future healthcare decisions. Attendees will receive specific strategies for initiating conversations that can significantly reduce family stress and improve quality of care. Advance directives supplied so healthcare instructions can be legally documented. Jason: 910-796-7943. jason. clamme@lcfh.org.

LET’S TALK BOOKS

Join a different kind of book club! Weekly meeting, Wed., 11am, offers book lovers a chance to meet and compare notes about favorite books and authors. Attendance is free and advance registration is not needed, just drop in! Teresa Bishop at tbishop@nhcgov.com / 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

WALK WITH A DOC

3rd Sat. of every month at 9am for a fun and healthy walk—held at the Midtown YMCA. Each walk beings with a brief physician-led discussion of a current health topic, then he/she spends time walking, answering questions and talking with walkers.

Choose your own pace and distance. Free, open to anyone. YMCA MIdtown, George Anderson Dr.

DISCUSSION AND DISCOVERY

Wed., 6pm: Discover women and femme identified writers! Come to our weekly book club and free write where no advance reading is necessary.

Every week we will read excerpts from thought

provoking essays, stories, and poems to expand our wheel house and continue our exploration of diversity. We will be selecting excerpts from books carried in-house and delving into discussions on themes and perspectives that we may have grasped from immersing ourselves in these texts.

Don’t worry, no prior reading is needed! With titles changing weekly and free writing during our discussions, Discussion & Diversity is not something you’ll want to miss out on! Athenian Bookstore & Lounge, 2231 Wrightsville Ave. AVOID MISTAKES NPO LEADERS MAKE

Bill Crouch honed his fundraising skills as a Development Director at various colleges in the southeast, and then over 22 years as President of Georgetown College. A member of the National Board of Trustees for The First Tee of the PGA Tour, Bill serves on the World Golf Foundation’s Diversity Council. If he has a free afternoon, you’ll find him on the golf course, but Bill is happiest when in the company of his wife Jan, five children, and six grandchildren. ​Check out Bill’s bio at crouchandassociates.com. free for AFP members and sign up is https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0e44afa62d6-bill.

Non-members, can register at https://co.clickandpledge. com/?wid=148999 at a cost of $20. Free for AFP members. New Hanover County Public Library, NE branch, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd

LET’S TALK BOOKS!

A different kind of book club! This weekly meeting offers book lovers a chance to meet and compare notes about favorite books and authors. Attendance is free and advance registration is not needed, just drop in! Teresa Bishop at tbishop@ nhcgov.com. 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

TOUCH TANK TUESDAYS

Drop in for Touch Tank Tuesday and see what kinds of plants and animals are living in the waters of Wrightsville Beach. Every Tuesday, June through August from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each week a variety of coastal plants and animals are carefully collected—from purple sea urchins and red and green algae, to blue crabs and orange horse conchs. Guests can learn about local critters and coastal habitats where they can be found. Interactive stations for guests to enjoy are also offered in addition to the touch tanks. Adult should accompany children under 15. 910-509-2838 ext. 204.

Supported by Holiday Inn Resort and the Landfall Foundation. Fred and Alice Stanback Education Center, 309 W. Salisbury St.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

Palestinian American writer Susan Abulhawa writes that in the Arab world, to say a mere “thank you” is regarded as spiritless and ungenerous. The point of communicating gratitude is to light up with lively and expressive emotions that respond in kind to the kindness bestowed. For instance, a recipient may exclaim, “May Allah bless the hands that give me this blessing,” or “Beauty is in the eyes that find me beautiful.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I propose you experiment with this approach. Be specific in your praise. Be exact in your appreciation. Acknowledge the unique mood and meaning of each rich exchange.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

WILMINGTON FENCING CLUB

Libran fashion writer Diana Vreeland (1903-1989) championed the beauty of the strong nose. She didn’t approve of women wanting to look like “piglets and kittens.” If she were alive today, she’d be pleased nose jobs in the U.S. have declined 43 percent since 2000. According to journalist Madeleine Schwartz writing in Garage, historians of rhinoplasty say there has been a revival of appreciation for the distinctive character revealed in an unaltered nose. I propose, Libra, in accordance with current astrological omens, we extrapolate some even bigger inspiration from that marvelous fact. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to celebrate, honor and express pride in your idiosyncratic natural magnificence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you need advice from mythologist Joseph Campbell: “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” He says it’s “a rescue land . . . some field of action where there is a spring of ambrosia—a joy that comes from inside, not something external that puts joy into you—a place that lets you experience your own will and your own intention and your own wish.” Do you have such a place, Taurus? If not, now is a great time to find one. If you do, now is a great time to go there for a spell and renew the hell out of yourself.

“Maybe happiness is this: not feeling like you should be elsewhere, doing something else, being someone else.” The definition, articulated by author Isaac Asimov, will be an excellent fit for you between now and September 20. I suspect you’ll be unusually likely to feel at peace with yourself and at home in the world. I don’t mean to imply every event will make you cheerful and calm. What I’m saying is you will have an extraordinary capacity to make clear decisions based on accurate appraisals of what’s best for you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

I’ve compiled a list of new blessings you need and deserve during the next 14 months. To the best of my ability, I will assist you to procure them. Here they are: a practical freedom song and a mature love song; an exciting plaything and a renaissance of innocence; an evocative new symbol to help mobilize your evolving desires; escape from the influence of a pest you no longer want to answer to; insights about how to close the gap between the richest and poorest parts of yourself; and the cutting of a knot that has hindered you for years.

When he was 20 years old, future U.S. President Thomas Jefferson had an awkward encounter with a young woman who piqued his interest. He was embarrassed by the gracelessness he displayed. For two days afterward, he endured a terrible headache. We might speculate it was a psychosomatic reaction. I bring this up because I’m wondering if your emotions are also trying to send coded messages to you via your body. Are you aware of unusual symptoms or mysterious sensations? See if you can trace them back to their source in your soul.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

There’s a zone in your psyche where selfishness overlaps generosity, where the line between being emotionally manipulative and gracefully magnanimous almost disappears. With both hope and trepidation for the people in your life, I advise you to hang out in that grey area for now. Yes, it’s a risk.

You could end up finessing people mostly for your own good and making them think it’s mostly for their own good. But the more likely outcome is you will employ ethical abracadabra to bring out the best in others, even as you get what you want, too.

tors syndiCate clubs/notices

LIBRA (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

You probably gaze at the sky enough to realize when there’s a full moon. But you may not monitor the heavenly cycles closely enough to tune in to the new moon—the phase each month when the lunar orb is invisible. We astrologers regard it as a ripe time to formulate fresh intentions. We understand it to be a propitious moment to plant metaphorical seeds for the desires you want to fulfill in the coming four weeks. When the phenomenon happens during the astrological month of Leo, the potency is intensified for you. Your next appointment with this holiday is August 10th and 11th.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

In her poem “Dogfish,” Virgo poet Mary Oliver writes, “I wanted the past to go away, I wanted to leave it.” Why? Because she wanted her life “to open like a hinge, like a wing.” I’m happy to tell you, Virgo, you now have more power than usual to make your past go away. I’m also pleased to speculate that, as you perform a service for yourself, you’ll be skillful enough to preserve the parts of your past that inspire you, even as you shrink and neutralize memories that drain you. In response to this good work, I bet your life will open like a hinge, like a wing—no later than your birthday and most likely beforehand.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“It has become clear to me I must either find a willing nurturer to cuddle and nuzzle and whisper sweet truths with me for six hours or else seek sumptuous solace through the aid of eight shots of whiskey.” My Capricorn friend Tammuz confided that message to me. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were feeling a comparable tug. According to my assessment of the Capricorn zeitgeist, you acutely need the revelations that would become available to you through altered states of emotional intelligence. A lavish whoosh of alcohol might do the trick, but a more reliable and effective method would be through immersions in intricate, affectionate intimacy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Not even 5 percent of the world’s population lives in a complete democracy. Congratulations to Norway, Canada, Australia, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Sweden. Sadly, three countries where my column is published—the U.S., Italy, and France—are categorized as “flawed democracies.” Yet they’re far better than the authoritarian regimes in China and Russia.

(Source: The Economist.) I offer this public service announcement as a prelude to your homework assignment. According to my astrological analysis, you will personally benefit from working to bring more democracy into your personal sphere.

How can you ensure people you care about feel equal to you, and have confidence you will listen to and consider their needs, and believe they have a strong say in shaping your shared experiences?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Mystic poet Kabir wrote, “The flower blooms for the fruit: when the fruit comes, the flower withers.” He was invoking a metaphor to describe his spiritual practice and reward. The hard inner work he did to identify himself with God was the blooming flower that eventually made way for the fruit. The fruit was his conscious, deeply felt union with God. I see this scenario as applicable to your life, Pisces. Should you feel sadness about the flower’s withering? It’s fine to do so. But the important thing is that you now have the fruit. Celebrate it! Enjoy it!

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Adults meet Tues/Thurs, 7:45-9pm, and Youth meet Wed, 6:45-7:45pm. Class is open to the community, beginners welcome, and all equipment is provided! Sessions are 6 weeks long and the cost is just $5 per class! Fencing incorporates agility, strength, coordination, balance, and timing. In fencing, physical ability is just as important as having a strong mental edge. Competitors of a fencing match wear protective gear including a jacket, glove, and head gear. Sport of fencing features three different levels, which are categorized by the type of weapon used in each level. The weapons used include the epee, foil, and the saber. Fencing is an aerobically challenging sport. In order to condition one’s body, initial fencing training consists of challenging conditioning exercises. Express YMCA, 11 S. Kerr Ave. ATHENIAN AT LARGE

Sun., 3pm: Athenian Press & Workshops is reintroducing its At Large series. Every Sunday, we will hold a town-hall style community meeting in which woman and femme creators (artists, writers, arts entrepreneurs, etc.) are invited to discuss current events. Provides an opportunity to connect with fellow creators and survivors of marginalization, and it offers a forum to use writing as healing. Each week the Athenian team invites its guest to participate in a writing prompt at the end of the meeting. Following will be Athenian Yoga with Heather Gordy, who curates a practice that allows guests to decompress, explore creativity, and reflect upon the discussion (although both events can occur independently if guests cannot attend both). Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave.

culinary FERMENTAL

Free tasting every Friday, 6pm. Third Wed. of each month feat. musical and brewing talents alongside an open mic night, as well as the opportunity for homebrewers to share, sample, and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage.

PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer styles. fermental.net. 910-821-0362. 7250 Market St.

FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

3pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm everyday at Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St. Learn how we brew our beer, meet brewers and get two free samples.

PORT CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

Tues., 5pm: Join us for a wonderful, exciting night of fun. Port City Farmer’s Market at Waterline Brewing Co. 100% local, 100% handmade. Shop among some incredible local vendors, artists and farmers. Support small businesses in your area.

Fresh local produce, beef and pork products, sweets, pickled items, handcrafted jewelry and art.

Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr, Thursdays 2-6pm, year-round, excluding major holidays. Support local farmers and artisans in the beer garden Thursday afternoons. Shop for veggies, meat, eggs, honey and hand-made crafts while enjoying one of the Brewery’s many delicious beers. Stay afterward for live music! wbbfarmersmarket@gmail.com • Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market, Mon, 8am-1pm • Poplar Grove Farmers’ Market, Wed., 8am-1pm • Riverfront Farmers, Sat., 8am: Market features all local produce, products and artisan works. A seasonal, open-air market located along the first block of North Water St. and in adjoining Riverfront Park in historic downtown Wilmington along the Cape Fear River. Locally

grown and produced fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, plants, locally caught seafood, handmade artisan works, fresh-cut flower bouquets and more are available. 5 N. Water St. CHAMPAGNE SUNSET CRUISE

Raise a glass to a beautiful sunset over Wilmington on our Champagne Sunset Cruise! Enjoy your complimentary glass of bubbly or visit the cash bar where you can purchase your favorite cocktails. Sit back and relax and let your worries float away on this hour and a half adventure. With a gorgeous sunset as your backdrop for an incredible cruise on the Cape Fear River, this is the perfect way to end your day in Wilmington! Surprise your sweetheart for a romantic night out or relax and reconnect with family and friends on this leisurely cruise.

Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

NAACP MEETING

New Hanover NAACP monthly meeting is Thursday, July 26, 7pm, St. Stephen AME Church, 501 Red Cross Street, Wilmington. There will be a presentation by Frances Rudolph from the Alliance for Economic Justice: “Reversing Runaway Inequality”. It will focus on the causes of inequality, how it affects our communities and threatens democracy, and what can be done about it. There will also be an update on the Freedom Fund banquet in August and other New Hanover NAACP branch events. Members and friends are encouraged to attend. 910-765-0102 or nhcnaacp@gmail.com.

501 Red Cross St.

CHEF’S SUNDAY BRUNCH

Aug. 12, 10:30am: Executive Chef Jessica Cabo pairs a seafood-centric fare with live music for our weekly Sunday Brunch. Our culinary team boldly takes on the down-home classics. Fare such as shrimp and grits with on-the-fly inspired sauces, pimento cheese Benedict, duck hash, and Southern style Rockefeller Oysters are just a few examples from the ever evolving menu. Our waffle and omelet station is a permanent fixture, and vegetarian options like green curry noodles are always hot ticket menu items. Live music starts at 11 am and goes until 1:30pm. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

Grades 7-12: Wilmington Pride Youth Group is a safe space for youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their straight allies. An adult supervised, safe space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political consequences, religion, self care. Also a great opportunity to meet and socialize with peers from the greater Wilmington area. Meets Thurs., 7pm. Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk about important topics. wpyg2016@gmail.com.

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. 3rd Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. 910-763-8134

MS SUPPORT GROUP

Those with MS, families and friends welcome.

Meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 p.m., 1st floor conference room, New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital, 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington (behind Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital). Sponsored by Greater Carolinas Chapter, National MS Society.

Details: Anne, 910-232-2033 or Burt, 910-3831368. New Hanover Regional Medical Center, 2131 S. 17th St. LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

Meets third Saturday each month. Free; dropins are welcome. Group provides participants an opportunity to receive introductory info about lupus, encourage the expression of concerns, provide an opportunity to share experiences, encourage and support positive coping strategies, and emphasize the importance of medical treatment. Guest speakers, DVD presentations and open group discussion. info@lupusnc.org or at 877-849-8271, x1. lupusnc.org. Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

PFLAG

First Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

NEW

CANNABIS HYPNOTHERAPY NOW AVAILABLE! CALL: 910-343-1171 Find out what all the buzz is about!

Available for your next CD or Demo

tours CAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS

Cameron Art Museum allows participants to explore current exhibitions with Anne Brennan, CAM’s executive director, in a new series of public tours. Free for CAM members. Wed., 1:30pm. 3201 S. 17th St.

LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Explore the rich culture of our talented Southern town with a 90 minute walking tour of the literary history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit “The Two Libraries.” Walk the streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front. 249 N. Front St. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1282390

INSIDER’S TOUR

Explore the history of community at Cape Fear Museum. Take the Insider’s Tour offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am. Tours are free with admission and include a “behind the scenes” sneak peek. Pre-reg. is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com.

Free w/general admission or membership. CF Museum, 814 Market St.

GHOST WALK

6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours, 6:30pm/8:30pm. Admission. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910-7941866. hauntedwilmington.com

BELLAMY MANSION

Guided tours start on the hour; self-guided tours start at any time. Mon. is only self-guided tours.

Follow curved oyster-shell paths through our lush Victorian garden shaded by 150-yr.-old magnolia trees. See the elegant main entrance surrounded by soaring columns and gleaming windows. Hear stories of Bellamies, as well as those of the free and enslaved black artisans who built the home and crafted intricate details throughout the house. Adults $12; senior and military discount, $10; students, $6; children under 5, free. Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St.

MASONBORO SHELLING TOUR

CORK BOARD

Explore Masonboro Island and discover the wonder of the Carolina coast. This tour option is ideal for families, birders, and nature enthusiasts. Masonboro Island is an 8.4-mile marine sanctuary island, renowned for its plant and wildlife diversity. Topics will include shell biology, native plant species, shorebirds, and barrier island ecology. Adult $45 Child $25 RSVP: 910-200-4002. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 33 year veteran producer/engineer

200 album credits

Dreaming of a career in the music industry?

AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music recording, mixing, pro tools, studio production

Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com

SATISFY ALL YOUR CRAVINGS Huge menu with over 70 food items— including our famous $6.99 lunches & $8.99 dinners!

Front Street Brewery 910.251.1935 9 N. Front St., Downtown Wilmington FrontStreetBrewery.com

CUSTOM TILE

Installation & Repairs

•Kitchens •Bathrooms •Entryways •Fireplaces •And More Free Estimates

910-616-0470

senior caregiver needed!

Long-term, live-out caregiver needed for my mother-in-law, who has dementia!

4 hours/day, 4 days/week • $25/hour

dokuandrea@gmail.com

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48 encore | august 8 - august 14, 2018 | www.encorepub.com