December 13, 2017

VOL. 35 / PUB. 22 DECEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 19, 2017 FREE • encorepub.com

HOLIDAY Local musicians celebrate the

COURTESY SEAN THOMAS GERARD

HOMAGE season and the late, great Tom Petty

HODGEPODGE Vol. 35/Pub. 22

event of the week

December 13 - December 19, 2017

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Friday, May 6 -16, 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 2 p.m.

Wilmington Holiday Beer Mile

ON THE COVER

The Holiday Beer Mile at Captain Bill’s Backyard Grill (4240 Market St.) is simply four beers plus four laps, equal one beer mile. They’ll have a men’s, women’s, and relay heat, with beer provided by Bill’s Front Porch Brewing. Come run, or watch for free while enjoying the party!

Complete with a holiday market featuring local vendors, specialty brews, food, and live music by Chasing Opal. On-site registration ($30) at noon and includes four beers, 40-percent off food and more.

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.

HOLIDAY HOMAGE, PGS. 9 Sean Thomas Gerard hosts the annual Christmas showcase at Bourgie Nights, featuring local singer-songwriters, who will honor Tom Petty at the 2017 event on Friday. Courtesy image.

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<<ART

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DREAMS Center for Arts Education and encore are hosting their holiday party and Best Of kickoff with an arts market, live music with Into the Fog (left), comedy from Pineapple-Shaped Lamps, food and booze from local restaurants, breweries and wine shops, and more on Thursday.

Photo by Hunter Ford, Burnt Mill Creek

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THEATRE>> Music, narration, poignant nostalgia, and talented actors—especially the kids— make audiences appreciate love of family around the holidays in Thalian’s ‘A Christmas Story,’ now playing.

Photo by Krist Miller

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Award-winning chef Vivian Howard and her husband, Ben Knight, are opening a local pizzeria and pasta joint, which hails New York’s famed American-Italian restaurants and their homey ingredients. Read our interview with Howard inside.

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INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6

OpEd, pg. 7 • Music, pgs. 9-13 • Art, pgs. 14-15 • Theatre, pg. 17 • Film, pg. 19 Dining, pgs. 20-27 • Extra, pg. 29 • Calendar, pgs. 34-45 2 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL:

Chipping away at long-term and labor-intensive goals with a good group of folks

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

“H

orace currently has pink paint on him. It’s my fault. I dropped a bucket of paint on him. We got most of it off, but he sort of has racing stripes—sort of like he’s at Bristol Motor Speedway for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

Anthony paused and took in my response. “What were the dogs doing at the Market Street house?” he asked.

“We had the plumbers at our house and with doors and gates getting opened; Jock and I decided to take them up to Market Street for the day so they could run around the big fenced-in yard and not worry the plumbers.”

Actually, the dogs had a great time; they love visiting the Market Street house. The yard is big, with new things to bark at and sniff, and the interior has stairs to run up and down—which they think is just marvelous!

Elise and I were trying to get the trim repainted in what will be the future Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald Lounge upstairs when we get the bed and breakfast open.

Inevitably, mean old Mr. Gravity reared his head, and I dropped a bucket of paint off the ladder. It’s amazing none of it splattered on the wallpaper. However, trying to keep the two dogs from tracking through it and into the rest of the house was a challenge. Eventually, we managed to get Horace out to the upstairs back porch and Hilda into the yard. Poor Horace was so traumatized by the whole event he peed on a dresser. I couldn’t be mad at him; it seemed a perfectly reasonable response to all that had just happened.

However, beyond the paint clean-up, we now still had to sand down the floor in that room and I just added an additional (unnecessary) difficulty, which easily added an extra day of labor.

ANOTHER’S KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL: Gwenyfar installs a stained-glass window in her future Market Street bed and breakfast. Photo by Gwenyfar Rohler

4 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

It is an interesting process renovating my childhood home. I know it so well, but literally touching every square inch of it—frequently on my hands and knees— makes a lot of pieces of information fit together. This room was an addition built in the 1940s (we think). The wallpaper and paint is original; my parent’s didn’t change it and I kept looking at it thinking there would be no way to reproduce anything quite like it nowadays. It was built

to be a children’s bedroom, and the floor was painted/stained industrial bark brown.

It withstood the Hooper children’s efforts, and my adventurous youth of wear and tear, plus several young people who lived in the room following my mother’s death.

But when trying to sand it off, it literally turns to gum under the pad. Jock borrowed a big sander from his friend, Clem, and we spent an evening doing the big passes with it and in the Maya Angelou room next door—plus, two closet floors.

For two days Elise and I sanded by hand the edges and quarter round on our hands and knees. When the polyurethane went on, I cried. The floors had never looked so good or so shiny.

But it took a long journey to get there.

I smiled and mumbled I’m just chipping away at long-term goals and moved off to chat with some friends across the room.

I don’t lack vision for what I want my life

A good example is the day Jeremy Bradford installed the stained-glass window in the Maya Angelou bathroom. I have basic carpentry skills, but fine woodwork eludes me. If left to my own devices, I could probably have gotten the window in after about a month. Jeremy did it in half a day. It looks beautiful and he didn’t break it. When he showed me the finished product I couldn’t stop gushing.

“I didn’t do much,” he responded pointing out a frame and some backing support.

He shrugged. He is gifted; his brain can solve the geometry problem which tells his hands how to proceed.

It has taken me years to figure it out, but slowly I have surrounded myself with a group of people whose skills match their hearts. Their presence in my life and work make the fruits of their labor a joy to behold. It is not that I can’t do or learn to do a lot of these things. It is just

the extra time, attention and love they put into their work makes it all feel so much better. I could learn furniture upholstery, for example. I would probably really enjoy it.

After 30 years, I might even be as good at it as Nancy Halstrom. But the love and care she has lavished on the assortment of chairs I have rescued from trash heaps around town is astounding. By the time she finishes them, the only thing remaining from before is the wood frame. Her work is beautiful.

After a year of chipping away at the very un-fun projects of home renovation, I finally saw leaps forward in three rooms over the last few weeks. I, frankly, really needed a sense of accomplishment that came with it. The kitchen is almost finished. We have to scrape the glass windows on the cabinets, do some touch-up paint, reinstall hardware, and do some miscellaneous things like clean up and install towel racks.

Two bedrooms have walls, ceilings and floors finished, and we started moving furniture into them. That means the 3-D maze of the rest of the house is starting to become more manageable. It sounds small, but it goes a long way toward mental and emotional calm, believe me.

My poor cousin, Austin, has looked askance at several chairs I’ve turned up with, and silently questioned my judgement. The first time I brought a chair back from Nancy, I had to show him the “before” picture because he genuinely did not recThere are still miles to go on the bed ognize it as the same piece of furniture. and breakfast before we are ready to Randall Cothran, one of our favorite open to the public. But the forward moveelectricians, showed up unexpectedly ment we have accomplished in 2017 is last week and announced he was there actually pretty remarkable when I look to make the porch lights work. “Randall, I back at it. If it weren’t for the amazing can’t afford this right now,” I told him. “I’ve village of people surrounding me, I don’t think I would be able to keep going. But got to pay property taxes.” it’s a web worth more than any dollar fig“Pay it forward,” Randall told me. ure I could place on it.

He insisted the safety of porch lights was important and we could figure payment out later—or I could do the same for someone else. After he left, I cried with joy, relief and awe. His offer meant so much.

! s l a de .com

“I’m just chipping away at the to-do list,” I responded with an exhausted and rueful smile as inquiring minds asked of my life at Valerie Robertson’s 10th birthday party for Going Green Magazine. A very nice, well-meaning lady I haven’t seen in a few years asked a standard self-helpbook question: “If you visualized what you wanted your life to look like, what would you see?”

to look like—I am well into the process of working toward long-term goals. It is just my long-term goals are very long-term and labor-intensive. Exhaustion and discouragement figure into the equation. I don’t shy away from hard work, but I have realized the key element to making any of them possible is surrounding myself with good people and relying on their knowledge and skills.

encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 5

removed 263 coins, 100 nails and other metal items, including razor blades and dog chains, from Khan’s stomach. His family had no idea he had been ingesting metal, and Khan promised doctors he would never eat metal again.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT

PEOPLE DIFFERENT FROM US

Chengdu, China, street barber Xiong Gaowu offers a most unusual service at his roadside location in Sichuan province. For $12, Xiong will scrap the inside of his customers’ eyelids using a straight razor, according to Reuters. Xiong suggests being “gentle, very, very gentle” when performing eyelid shaving, or “blade wash eyes,” as the technique is known in Mandarin. A Chengdu ophthalmologist, Qu Chao, says shaving may unblock moisturizing sebaceous glands along the rim of the eyelid, leading to a more comfortable and refreshed feeling. “If he can properly sterilize the tools he uses, I can see there is still a space for the technique to survive,” Qu added.

UNCONTAINED EXCITEMENT

Traffic slowed to a crawl on I-95 in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Nov. 21 as President Trump’s motorcade arrived for the

Thanksgiving holiday. Author and sportswriter Jeff Pearlman was among the delayed drivers, but things turned weird when “these people (kept) getting out of the car dancing,” he posted in a Twitter video. WPTV reported that Pearlman recorded the people two cars in front of him emerging from their car and twerking on the highway, then jumping and dancing around enthusiastically before getting back in the vehicle.

COMPULSION

A 35-year-old Indian man employed a unique method for dealing with his depression: swallowing metal. Maksud Khan was rushed to surgery at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India, after developing severe abdominal pains, according to Metro News. An endoscopy showed that Khan had “coins, nails and nut-bolts in his stomach,” said Dr. Priyank Sharma, who led the surgical team. In late November, surgeons

In Iowa, autumn is breeding season for deer, when the animals can get a little wacky and try to cross roadways. It’s also the time of year when the Iowa Department of Transportation begins fielding questions from drivers asking why deer crossing signs aren’t erected at safer spots for deer to cross. “This sign isn’t intended to tell deer where to cross,” the Iowa DOT helpfully posted on its Facebook page on Oct. 24, according to the Des Moines Register. “It’s for drivers to be alert that deer have been in this area in the past.” State Farm Insurance reports that Iowa drivers have the fourth-highest likelihood in the U.S. of hitting a deer. Coincidence?

Rocky, an enterprising 7-month-old border collie in Devon, England, took the command “bring the sheep home” a little too literally in early November when he herded nine sheep into his owner’s kitchen. “I was in the kitchen and heard a noise,” Rocky’s owner, Rosalyn Edwards, told the BBC. “I turned around and the sheep were just standing there. It was funny at the time, but then there was quite a lot of wee, poo and mud everywhere.” The sheep stood around for a few minutes, then allowed themselves to be shown out the front door.

IRONY

As elder members of the First United Methodist Church in Tellico Plains, Tennessee, gathered on Nov. 16 to discuss the recent church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, one of those present asked if anyone had brought a gun to church. One man spoke up and said he carries a gun everywhere, reported WATE-TV, and produced the gun, emptying the chambers before passing the weapon around. When the owner got the gun back, he replaced the magazine and recharged the chamber — accidentally squeezing the trigger and shooting himself in the hand and his wife in the abdomen. Both victims were taken by helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries.

NO LONGER WEIRD

Firefighters in North Philadelphia burrowed through trash for hours to free a man who was trapped in the back of a garbage truck on Nov. 27. Philadelphia Police were not sure how the 33-year-old unnamed man had landed in the truck, but speculated he may have been sleeping in a dumpster when it was emptied into the truck. WCAU News reported that the man went to the hospital with abdomen, hip and leg injuries.

LAST WISHES On Oct. 10, Richard Lussi, 76, of Plains 6 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

Township, Pennsylvania, succumbed to heart disease. But before he died, he made sure his family knew there was one thing he wanted to take with him: a cheesesteak from Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia. “No onions because they’ll come back to haunt me!” Lussi told his family. So the day before Lussi’s funeral, his son, John, grandson, Dominic, and two friends drove to Philly, where they ate cheesesteaks and bought two extra for Lussi’s casket. John told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the funeral director advised not putting the sandwiches in the coffin until after the viewing, “because people would take them.” Pat’s owner Frank Olivieri Jr. said he was flattered and proud that his cheesesteaks were held “so dear” by someone. “Maybe it’s a bribe for St. Peter,” he added.

IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Lisa Cramps moved into a new home in Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, England, this fall and quickly discovered a mysterious manhole cover in her backyard. Rather than ignore it, Cramps dug up the cover and unearthed a World War II-era bunker underneath. Neighbors informed Cramps that the shelter pre-dates her house and originally had two stories, with the upper level partially above ground. “It’s very exciting to find this in our garden,” Cramps told Metro News. “I love Second World War history, and my mission now is to find out exactly why it’s here.”

UNDIGNIFIED DEATH

Linda Bringman, 64, of the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, died on Nov. 27 after being found unresponsive three days earlier with her head stuck between two posts of a wrought iron fence. Paramedics were called around noon that day to a PNC Bank branch where the fence was located, and Bringman was taken to the Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition, the Chicago SunTimes reported. Chicago Police could not provide an explanation for her being stuck in the fence, but they did not believe criminal activity was involved.

INEXPLICABLE

Ja Du of Tampa, Florida, was born a white male named Adam Wheeler. Today, he is not only transsexual, but also considers himself transracial, saying he identifies as a Filipino.

“Whenever I’m around the music, around the food, I feel like I’m in my own skin,” Du told WTSP-TV in November. Du even drives a motorized rickshaw called a Tuk Tuk, a vehicle used for public transportation in the Philippines (but which Filipinos call “trisikels”).

However, some Filipino-Americans are less than welcoming, claiming that Du has overlooked centuries of their people’s struggle. “To say you are that race is both unrealistic and problematic,” said Jackie Fernandez, a Filipino-American journalist. She believes Du has crossed a line between “cultural appreciation and appropriation.”

NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

POWER CRIMES:

Under the influence of power and greed

P

BY: MARK BASQUILL

rior to TIME choosing “The Silence Breakers” as Person of the Year, during a pre-holiday gathering of the Free Movement Project, the conversation turned to the most recent wave of sexual assault disclosures. As much as I applaud TIME’s choice, it’s important to remember waves of women and men have been stepping up and speaking out in Hollywood, Washington, and churches for generations. Once in a blue moon, we actually listen.

My Free Movement friends spend most Monday evenings running together through downtown to advocate for a flourishing Wilmington, in which people are free to run wherever they choose (and not experience sexual or police harassment). I shared my take on the epidemic, based partly on my experiences treating sexually aggressive youth in our community. Few people are the pedophiles or serial rapists seen on “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” Sex crimes reside on a continuum from just being mean to being fatal—like bullying. And, like bullying, most sex crimes are really power crimes.

I listened to others share their views. Someone threw shade on the POTUS 45. “The bully in the oval office said, ‘I could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose votes’ and ‘Grab ‘em by the you-know-what!’ Why are we surprised by Roy Moore and the rest of the little tyrants?”

Good point.

Such quotes from POTUS 45 do blend sex, violence and power—an unholy trinity.

Local writer and activist Rend Smith remarked, “Some people in power. It’s like they’re drunk 24-7. It’s part of the disease of power.”

Drunk with power. Even better, “the disease of power.”

Usually, when I hear Lord Acton’s “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely,” I focus on the “absolute power” part. But seeing power as a disease opens my eye to the more insidious “power corrupts.” Even a little dose of the disease can corrupt. Give some decent people a whistle and a YMCA rec basketball team, and they turn in into drunken, diseased Bobby Knights. When under the influence of power, people become objects, pawns to satisfy desires, sexual and/or otherwise.

Nothing more.

One of the books that pushed me to study psychology was Marilyn French’s “Beyond

Power.” Her distinction between “power over” and “power to” stuck with me. I said we sure needed research on power today.

Local writer, activist and dog-lover Lauren Krouse eventually put me on the spot. “What do you think we should do?”

For a fleeting moment, I felt a power surge. I felt like I just kicked back a shot of Jameson. I’ll take charge and tell you how it should be!

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Fortunately, that power surge passed quickly. It usually does in most of us with connected brains and hearts. Almost automatically, we remember our humility and return to the reality of interdependence and coexistence. I offered a one-word response, “Listen?”

Sounds lame. “Listen?”

A few days later, Lauren posted Jerry Useem’s article in The Atlantic, “Power Causes Brain Damage.” Useem’s article highlights recent social and brain science research on power and empathy. In study after study, when people have power, they lose empathy. Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, “found subjects became more impulsive, less risk-aware, and crucially less adept at seeing things from other people’s point of view.”

Power up. Empathy down. Rend Smith is onto something. Power appears to be a disease that eradicates empathy. And power without empathy? That’s tyranny.

It also seems the very interpersonal skills one needs to convince people to collaborate on the way up are the very skills that disappear when they have power: “the power paradox.” A person “under the influence” of power may become blind to the complex “consent” issue when it comes to sexual behavior. “I’m in charge, drunk with power, and brain damaged. Of course you want to sleep with me! Everyone does! I’m in charge!”

But there is hope. Read Dickens. Reading any novel can cultivate empathy. But especially this time of year, read Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge’s “empathy” circuitry started to get powered up again when the Ghost of Christmas Past reminded him of humbler times, times he was not operating under the influence of power and greed.

In the spirit of the season, a dose of Dickens may be just what the doctor ordered to cure the disease of power.

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ARTS>>MUSIC

HOLIDAY HOMAGE:

Local musicians celebrate the season and the late, great Tom Petty BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

to find out which one—and there better be eggnog, Sean!”

osing Tom Petty this year was a shock for many, to say the least. He penned soundtracks for generations of people, fans and musicians alike. More so, he represents the epitome of American rock ‘n’ roll and will remain influential for generations to come.

Though Gerard didn’t confirm the spiked holiday concoction would be served at Bourgie, he did inform readers of his plans to sing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” He contributed the song to Hourglass Studios’ “Christmas Time” album. In the spirit of giving, proceeds from “Christmas Time” sales go to New Hanover County School music programs, in hopes of getting students much-needed instruments.

Folks can purchase the album at Gravity Records, CD Baby, iTunes, or at the holiday showcase.

L

“Tom Petty has been one of my biggest influences since I started playing music at 13 years old,” singer-songwriter Sean Thomas Gerard tells. “As a small kid growing up with a high-pitched voice, I gravitated toward his music instantly. His ability to write a catchy song with substance (and make it sound badass) is something that has been disappearing from modern pop music and something I strive for when writing a song.”

Gerard, lead singer of Onward, Soldiers, helps put together the roster for one of downtown’s most intimate music venues, Bourgie Nights. They often host local artist showcases, and book regional, national and even international artists on tour.

As part of their annual Christmas show, it seemed fitting to pair it with a musical icon the world lost on October 1, 2017—one whose music remains timeless.

“If a song sounds as new today as it did 30 years ago,” Gerard says, “that’s about all you can ask for. Petty’s music has shown me you can play multiple genres on one album and still have cohesiveness.”

Such distinct sounds will be heard as local musicians take the stage at Bourgie Nights on Friday night for A Very Petty Christmas. Almost a dozen local singersongwriters agreed to the gig. Each artist, including Gerard, will play one Tom Petty tune, a holiday song and one original.

“I’ve created this format [because] the events are always well-attended, and it’s nice to play something original for an audience of your peers,” Gerard tells. “It’s also a good opportunity to tell if the song is any good or not, based on the audience’s reaction.”

More so, they want to do justice to the sounds from a music maestro who influenced them throughout the ages of rock’s evolution, whether he was playing with his famed rock outfit, the Heartbreakers, solo or in super groups, like Traveling’ Wilburys.

ONWARD AND UPWARD: Sean Thomas Gerard hosts the singer-songwriter Christmas showcase every year at Bourgie Nghts, which will feature an homage to the iconic Tom Petty this Friday. Courtesy image

Gerard has chosen to play Petty’s “You Got Lucky” from 1982’s “Long After Dark,” with the Heartbreakers. Yet, a full band won’t be backing Gerard.

“I’m playing it solo on electric guitar and adding some harmonica to replace the synth parts,” he details. “It’ll be a singersongwriter-Western-folk version and will sound nothing like the original in the key of A-minor.”

Jason Andre (of The Midatlantic) is preparing to play “Runnin Down A Dream.” He remembers rocking out the song with his dad “as an angsty teenager” in their punkrock band. Yes, Andre’s dad played lead guitar in their band.

“The only way he agreed to play with us is if we did a Petty song and a Beatles song,” Andre tells. “The very first concert I ever went to with my dad was for his birthday to see Tom Petty, along with the Brian Setzer Trio, which was epic! . . . I think, through my parents’ influence of good rock ‘n’ roll (The Beatles, Beach Boys, Stray Cats, etc.), the bar was set high for what I began to hear as ‘good music.’”

Petty was an artist young Andre “discovered” on his own and connected with before punk rock or world music. Andre appreciated Petty’s hard-working ethic, as well as his laid back vibe, which emulated humility. “[He’s] the kind of guy I would have loved to perform with or take on a surf trip,” Andre says.

For the free holiday showcase, Gerard

and Andre will be joined by Justin Lacy, Stray Local, Kyle Lindley, Shaun Paul, Dylan Martin, and Travis Shallow. Part of the appeal of doing the local showcases is that it allows local musicians to see each other play. A Very Petty Christmas acts as their own office holiday party, so to speak.

DETAILS:

A Very Petty Christmas: Holiday Songwriters Showcase

Friday, Dec. 15 Doors: 7 p.m.; Show: 7:30 p.m.

“It is my favorite show of the year,” Ge- Bourgie Nights • 127 Princess St. rard tells. “This is the one time of the year Free most of us can be in the same room and share the same stage, and it really brings the spirit of the holidays into focus. I’m so grateful that each year everyone donates their time for an evening to be part of something so memorable and special to me.”

Though honoring their favorite musician and playing to the Christmas season is a focus, so is highlighting the depth and talent of what Wilmington musicians have to offer on their own accord—which is why Gerard requests they play one of their own songs. As in previous years, Gerard will release a brand new track for the audience— “Walking On Air.” Andre’s been sitting on several originals written over the years that didn’t quite fit with The Midatlantic. He’ll play one at the show, which he plans to release on his solo project in 2018.

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Meanwhile, picking the holiday song for the showcase has been the hardest part. In the past Andre’s done an acoustic version of “Little Drummer Boy,” and last year he joined Rebekah Todd to sing The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York.”

“I try to choose something unique and fun to play,” he explains. “I’m pulling my mandolin out this year for an instrumental song that resonates the dark and light sides of the season, but you’ll have to be there

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ARTS>>MUSIC

TEXTURE AND RHYTHM:

Guitarist and composer Lucas Brode heads to Juggling Gypsy with latest stylings and melodies BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

“I

don’t want to tell anyone how they should experience something or what they should get from it,” muses guitarist and composer Lucas Brode. “I like when art is open to interpretation, rather than being about very specific things.”

While there is certainly an art form to musical storytelling, when it comes to the composition and arrangement of his work, the story forms with the listener’s experience rather than how he presents it. “I think the hearing of it is what makes it a story, more so than the telling,” he clarifies. “For me, some music— when it is written—feels very clearly to be a beginning track or an end track to an album.

Then it is just about tweaking the order of things so there is a strong flow and balance in the variety of sounds.”

Brode draws from jazz, experimental rock and African rhythm influences and about two decades of experience in his work. He has

well over a dozen solo and collaborative albums that string together his ambient and improvisational talents. Though his latest solo record, “I Lick the Kerosene of Progress,” was released on October 28, Brode’s live performances are heavily improvisational and full of new, unrecorded compositions. encore caught up with Brode to talk more about his latest work, influences and what Wilmingtonians can expect at his live show at Wilmington’s Juggling Gypsy on Saturday. encore (e): Tell our readers a little more about yourself as guitarist and how you came to composing instrumental music?

Lucas Brode (LB): I have been playing guitar for the better part of 20 years, starting young with punk and moving eventually toward jazz and other more experimental forms of music. My current style is mostly influenced by my studies of West African drumming, jazz harmony and free improvisation with a heavy textural focus. Composing my own music started as a means to an

Banquet space available!

Great for the holidays!

1001 N. 4th Street

districtnc.com • 910-769-6565

Dinner: Tues.-Wed. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Thurs.-Sat. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Brunch: Sun., 11 a .m. - 3 p..m

DAILY SPECIALS: TUESDAY: Burger Features & Draft Pint $15

WEDNESDAY: Small Plate Specials

THURSDAY: Champagne & Wine Specials

end for performing and eventually took over as a main focus for several years. A lot of my time and energy in college was spent analyzing the music of minimalist composers, like Steve Reich, and jazz-related composers, like Wayne Shorter and John McLaughlin. I believe I am now at a point where the two ideas, being a guitarist and being a composer, are working together with fluidity. e: Per your last solo album, what does “I Lick the Kerosene of Progress” mean?

LB: I came up with the title years ago and wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget. My titles are based on my personal aesthetic, [and] I like the sound of these words together. I have no idea where I got it, at this point, but a straight-ahead, literal analyzation would start with: kerosene equals fuel, lick equals taste.

With that in mind, all I am trying to do is keep moving forward. Hopefully that resembles as explanation. e: Can you give an example of how these songs complement/balance each other?

LB: To keep things simple, there are two main styles on this album: ambient/texturally focused and rhythmically focused. I tried to play these styles against each other to give the album a conversational tone. It was important it wasn’t too much of one style for too long. Hopefully, that makes it more enjoyable and exciting to listen to as it unfolds. e: Were there or are there compositions you have that just haven’t found a place on an album yet?

LB: Most of this music [on “I Lick the Kerosene of Progress”] was written years ago and it took a long time before I finally recorded/ released it. I think it was helpful to step away from it for awhile and return to it with a new, calmer and less critical ear. I am constantly writing and some things just don’t find their way onto any album or into any live sets, but I still have a few pieces from years back that I am hoping to record in the near future. e: Your previous album, “Dismantling the Power Structure,” is noted as “composed environments.” Tell readers what that entails and how the two bodies of work stand apart from each other.

LB: The record is a more open approach to composing. I think of a composed environment as being a set of parameters to work within, along with some kind of arch of density/dynamics. The more specific details and nuances are totally improvised within that.

10 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

For this piece, the parameters included a very specific setup and tuning for the guitar, mostly to be played with a small steel ballchain and to be slowly de-tuned throughout the piece. e: Per your live performances, it seems these songs lend themselves to be explored in different ways? Is that the case?

LB: I tend to mostly perform entirely new music in my live sets these days, occasionally coming back to past pieces heard on records. Improvisation is always a heavy focus. For the last few months, I have been working on a long-form (20-plus minute) solo piece utilizing a lot of my current favorite guitar sounds and techniques. I have also been known to reinterpret old favorites by the likes of Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, David Bowie, and old jazz standards … although the audience doesn’t always notice. e: Though this last release only came out earlier this October, are you already looking ahead at the next project?

LB: I already have a full-length album of composed guitar and drum music recorded for release sometime next year, which is influenced equal parts by looser jazz-fusion and post-punk/math-rock/post-rock. I am also planning to record some brand new, very open melody/texture-oriented music in January when I return to New York. There are several improvisational recording sessions I have done this past year that I am hoping to release in 2018 as well! e: Is there anything else you’d like to add about “I Lick the Kerosene of Progress” or your upcoming show at Juggling Gypsy?

LB: The show is unlikely to feature any specific songs from this record, but will definitely include a lot of the same styles and ideas! Two-hand finger tapping, extended techniques, atmospheric loops, ambient textures, and some good old fashioned melodies—a wide-range of various spectrums of sound.

DETAILS:

Lucas Brode

Sat., Dec. 16, 9:30 p.m.

Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. Donations appreciated lucasbrode.wordpress.com

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

THE SOUNDBOARD

DEAD FUNNY: Comedian Joe Zimmerman has a two-night run coming up at Dead Crow Comedy Room this Friday and Saturday, and each night features 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows. Tickets are $15. Courtesy photo.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Port City Trivia w/Dutch (6:30pm; Free)

—Magnolia Greens, 1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr.

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

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

The Jillettes (7pm; $3; Rock, Pop, Country) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

The Annex Songwriter Session #13 (7pm; $5) —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 910-538-2939

Trivia Night: Party Gras Entertainment (7pm; Free) —Hoplite Pub, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

DJ Lord Walrus (9pm; Free; Electric Dance Party)

910-231-3379

Singer-Songwriter Circle (9pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

—Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave. —Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. 4th St.

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

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

Trivia w/Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 11 Van Campen Blvd.

Firedrums Fire Dancers (7:30pm; Free)

Trivia Night w/ Party Gras Entertainment (7:30pm; Free) —Fox and Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.; 910-509-0805

Cherish The Ladies: A Celtic Christmas (7:30pm; $22-$40)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

—Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut St.; 910-632-2241

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

—Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

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

Jarrett Raymond (8pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

Kristie Lynn (7pm; $3; Singer-Songwriter)

DJ Lord Walrus (9pm; $3)

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.;

—Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

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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 | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 11

THURSDAY

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

MONDAY

$3.50 Red Oak Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm

$3.50 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas $3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball

$3.50 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade 65 Wings, 4-7pm

$2.75 Yuengling Draft $2.75 Domestic Bottles 65 Wings, 4-7pm

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

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

$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 FRIDAY

$2.75 Michelob Ultra $3.25 Stella $4.50 Lunazul Tequila All Floors open SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 Soul-R Fusion (7pm; Free)

—Bill’s Front Porch Pub & Brewery, 4238 Market St.

Nelson and the Rock-a-Fellas (7pm; $3) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Concerts on College: A Jazz Christmas (7pm; Free)

—Wesley Memorial United Methodist, 1401 S. College Rd.

WEDNESDAY sunday Wednesday Miller Light Pints $150$ Coronoa/ 5 All$2Flat 50 Breads 1/2 off Nachos Corona Lite Bottles $ 50 $4 Bloody$ Marys 1 Domestic Pints Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Pints $ 50 $ 50 1 Domestic 2 Corona/Corona Lt. $ 5 White Russians $ 50 4 Margaritas on theTHURSDAY Rocks Visit our $website Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller 5 Thursday www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe Bottles $ 50 for daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottlesupcoming events $ 00 3 22oz. Goose Island IPA $ 95 4 Irish Coffee FRIDAY5564 Carolina $ 50 Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 Road 1/2 off ALL Premium $ Red Wine Glasses 3 Guinness Cans (910)-452-1212 Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 1423 S. 3rd St. Select Domestic Bottles $2 DOWNTOWN SUNDAY WILMINGTON Bloody Marys $4, Domestic (910) 763-1607 Pints $150 $ Hurricanes 5 _____________________________________

Wednesday

5564 Carolina Beach Road, w/Elite Entertainment (910) 452-1212 9PM-2AM • $400 GUINNESS

KARAOKE

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

8:30 P.M. • PRIZES! • 2 YUENGLING DRAFT $ 50 3 FIREBALL SHOTS $ 50

Friday & Saturday __________________________ 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday ___________________________________________

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

WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAM HERE!

5/4 – Blue October For more concerts and events, go online at HOB.COM/MYRTLEBEACH 4640 HWY 17 S. Barefoot Landing 843.272.3000

! s l a de

12 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

Trivia w/Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—P.T.’s at Magnolia Greens, 1035 Grandiflora Dr.

Tallis Chamber Orchestra Baroque Christmas Concert (7:30pm; Free) —St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.

Monday Night Parade: Lit & Friends (9pm; Free)

Piano Jazz with James Jarvis (8pm; Free)

College Night (10pm; Free)

Creekwood Adjacent and more (9pm; Cover TBD; Punk)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19

Jared Cline Duo (9:30pm; Free; Indie, Soul)

—Kenan Auditorium UNCW, 601 S. College Rd.; 910-962-3500

—Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

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

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

DJ Dr. Jones (10pm; $3)

—Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

The Christmas Cabaret: Opera House Theatre Company (6pm; $65) —Blockade Runner, 275 Waynick Blvd.

Jingle and Mingle (6pm; $50)

—Hilton Wilmington Riverside, 301 N. Water St.;

Stray Local (7pm; $3; Folk)

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

Joe Zimmerman (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

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

Travis Shallow & Bob Russell (8pm; Free; Roots) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

CJ Ballard (9pm; $5; Singer-Songwriter)

—BreakTime Billiards, 127 S. College Rd.

ASG, Thunderlip and more (9pm; Cover TBD; Rock)

—Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

Lucas Brode (9:30pm; Free; Guitarist, Composer)

.com

LIVE MUSIC

JUST ANNOUNCED

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18

Justin Fox Duo (8pm; Free; Americana)

Smoke from all the Friction (9:30pm; $5; Electronica)

12/27 – Rock & Soul Holiday 12/28 – Rumours 12/29 – JJ Grey & Mofro 12/30 – Thunderstruck 12/31 – Corey Smith 1/13 – Departure 1/19 – Chippendales 1/20 – Jonny Lang 1/27 – Black Label Society 2/17 – Fetty Wap 3/3 – A$AP Ferg 3/15-17 – The Avett Brothers

—Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St.; 910-599-4999

Gypsy Open Mic with $2 Micros (8pm; Free)

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

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133

DON’T MISS!

Benny Hill’s Sunday Jazz Jam (7pm; Free)

Joe Zimmerman (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

—Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR Friday Monday DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Select Appetizers halfMONDAY off $ 4 Cosmopolitan $ 2 Big Domestic Draft Beers $550 Caramel Apple Martini ALL DAY $ 95 22oz. Domestic Draft $ 4 RJ’s Coffee 3 Sam Adams and Blue $5 Pizzas Moon Seasonal Bottles Tuesday TUESDAY 1/2 off Select Bottles of Wine saTurday LIVE(sugar JAzz IN THE BAR $ 5 Absolut Dream rim) $ 6 All Southern Half Price Bottles of Wine Shiners $ 3 NC Brewed Bottles $ $ 50 3-22oz Blue$2Moon Draft • Pacifico Absolut Dream (Shotgun, Buckshot, High $ 550 2 Select Domestic Bottles Roller and Hoppyum)

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

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223 —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St. —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Rush Hour Concert: Da Howlies (6:30pm; $5-$10; Hawaiian Rock ‘n’ Roll) Comedy Bingo (7pm; Free)

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

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

—Sloppy Poppy’s, 4540 Fountain Dr.

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free) —Blackfinn Wilmington, 18 Harnett St.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Port City Trivia w/Dutch (6:30pm; Free)

—Magnolia Greens, 1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr.

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

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

Trivia Night: Party Gras Entertainment (7pm; Free) —Hoplite Pub, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Laura McLean Songwriter Showcase (7pm; $3) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

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

Trivia w/Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 11 Van Campen Blvd.

DJ Lord Walrus (9pm; Free; Electric Dance Party) —Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

Singer-Songwriter Circle (9pm; Free)

—Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. Fourth St;

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21

DJ Sir Nick Bland (10pm; $3)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

—Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

Groove Fetish w/ Urban Soil (10pm; Cover TBD) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

The Christmas Cabaret: Opera House Theatre Company (12:30pm, 6pm; $65) —Blockade Runnert, 275 Waynick Blvd.

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

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

Sai Collins Live (6pm; Free)

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

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

Acoustic Blues Jam (7pm; $3)

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

Artistry in jazz Big Band Holiday (7pm; Free) —Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

Trivia Night: Party Gras Entertainment (7:30 pm; Free)

Sunday DJ Pop-up Electrolounge (7pm; Free)

—Fox and Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.; 910-509-0805

GOLDFISH! Open Mic (7pm; Free; Comedy)

—Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

DJ Lord Walrus (9pm; $3)

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OUTSIDE OF OF CONCERTS SOUTHEASTERN NC NC SOUTHEASTERN

SHOWSTOPPERS

SOMETHING BIG: Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh has three nights of Big Something leading up to 2018! See them Dec. 29-31. Photo by Tom Dorgan, taken at GLA. HOUSE OF BLUES MYRTLE BEACH 4640 HWY 17 S, NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (843) 272-3000 12/28: Rumours 12/29: JJ Grey & Mofro NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 12/16: Town Mountain and more 12/17: Lenny Federal Band, Crisis and The Stragglers 12/22: Vices and Vessels, Persistent Shadow, more 12/28: Perpetual Groove and Urban Soil 12/29: Perpetual Groove and CBDB 12/31: The Bands, Radio Lola, The Menders and more THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 12/17: All Time Low 12/22: Drop !t featuring Snails 12/30: Drop !t featuring Hippie Sabotage 12/31: JJ Grey & Mofro THE UNDERGROUND-FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 1/27: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 12/16: Dishoom 12/22: The Beast, Zensofly and more 12/23: The Wusses 12/31: NYE Party with JFK Sr. 1/5: Lillie Mae

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 1/2: On Your Feet!

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 12/13: Chatham County Line Electric 12/15: Band Together Holiday Bash, The Connells, more 12/16: Yarn with Dune Dogs and Dune Dogs 12/17: Asheville Holiday Hang: Town Mountain and more 12/22: Liquid Pleasure 12/23: Smell the Glove 12/29: Big Something with Travers Brothership and more 12/30: Big Something with Urban Soil 12/31: Big Something with Dr. Bacon 1/5: Big River Band with Justin West Band and more CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 12/14: Juanita Stein (Back) 12/15: Heartbroken: A Tom Petty Tribute 12/15-16: Lydia Loveless and more (Back) 12/17: Junior Brown, The Blasters and Big Sandy 12/26: The Merch Holiday Dance Party (Back) 12/31: J Gunn, Young Bull, and Zoocrü (Back) 1/4: Melodime, The Brevet & The Roman Spring (Back) THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 12/14: Space Jesus, Of The Trees and Digital Ethos 12/15: Town Mountain, Amanda Anne Platt and more 12/16: Angel Olsen and White Magic 12/17: Waltz Night 12/22: Dave Desmelik, Chappell and more 12/23: Wham Bam Bowie Band!

12/31: Langhorne Slim and more

encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>HOLIDAY EVENT

HOLIDAY DREAMERS:

encore and DREAMS hosts holiday party and Best Of kickoff 2018

F

BY: SHEA CARVER

anning Street will be a rockin’ come Thursday evening, as encore hosts its community holiday party and 2018 Best Of kick-off. On Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m., we will welcome mixers, minglers, ugly-Christmas-sweater-contest wearers, and elves full of merriment to join us as we celebrate the season and announce our theme for the 2018 Best Of. Hosting will be our favorite funny people from Pineapple-Shaped Lamps, and local musical outfit Into the Fog, who will play their fusion of Americana, pop and bluegrass sounds. The top three Best Of nominees in each category will go live for final voting, and we will have digital stations and paper ballots for folks to cast their votes.

Plus, one lucky winner will take home half the pot of our 50/50 DREAMS raffle and one business will win a month of free ads.

Anyone can donate to the raffle for $100 a ticket (available at dreams2020.org/encore or in cash the night of the event). Plus, any

business who secures a raffle ticket will be entered into a separate raffle for a month of free ads. Folks who just want to party can get into the event for $5, which includes a drink ticket and lots of yummy food. We will have beer from Waterline Brewing, Ironclad Brewing and Broomtail Craft Brewery, as well as wine from Fortunate Glass (additional drink tickets, $2 each). Local eateries Nikki’s Steak House, Indochine, Taste of Italy, and Beach Bagels are providing nibbles.

Around 8 p.m. PSL will take over the stage to perform comedy sketches, as well as do some improv games. About eight members will make an appearance: Anthony Corvino, Devin DiMattia, Jamie Davenport, Jessica Gift, Josh Browner, Katherine Rosner, Matt Carter, and Tony Choufani. Party-goers can expect audience involvement, too!

DREAMS, the local nonprofit and 2018 Best Of beneficiary, keeps arts education alive for at-risk youth, so proceeds from the event benefit their ongoing outreach into the community. They will have some of their students’ artwork for sale, which will make for great last-minute holiday gifts to check off the list.

“This will include prints, jewelry, notecards and pottery,” says Bess Butterworth, director of marketing and community outreach.

“The notecards make great gifts.” Those are always the most popular. Some of our fram-

2018 Best of Voting Goes Live Thurs., Dec. 14

e www.encor epub.com 44 encore | december 6 - december 12, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

and advancing our musicianship through each others’ strengths,” Maxwell tells.

Folks can catch Into the Fog Thursday at DREAMS, as well as on Dec. 21 at Waterman’s Brewing, Dec. 29 at Palm Room and on New Year’s Eve at Burnt Mill Creek.

14 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

HOT AIR BALLOON: Print by Nydheri, DREAMS student, age 15. Courtesy image

able prints sell fast, too!”

Students of DREAMS keep all the profits from sales.

At 6:30 p.m., the stage will be bombarded with sounds from Into the Fog, composed of Brian Stephenson (banjo, guitar), Winston Mitchel (dobro, mandolin, guitar) and Will Mawell (violin, kick-drum). Maxwell upstarted the project after spending three years playing with The Midatlantic. Into the Fog takes cues from the newgrass vibe, and are known to play unique versions of popular songs from the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Trampled by Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass, and even ‘80s hit-makers, like Men at Work.

“I started playing the violin at a family hymn sing at the age of 7,” Maxwell says. “I studied classical and fiddle music throughout youth and college, and competed in local and regional fiddle competitions, and festivals.”

Into the Fog already has been playing around local venues and traveling to other cities in their short time together. They hope to release live video sessions in coming weeks with their originals and will be hitting the studio come summer 2018 to record their first EP and LP. “Our immediate goals are to just keep moving forward each day with new songs, booking festivals and setting tour dates, building a campaign behind the new project,

“We will be getting holiday themed suggestions for the improv games,” PSL founder Wes Brown tells. “There may be some singing involved as well. . . . We are doing one of our favorite new games called PowerPints in which we have a fully improvised powerpoint presentation for the audience.”

PSL has been working with DREAMS students since pairing up at the encore Best Of Awards two or three years ago. They frequently visit the students to help them produce videos for classes, and PSL also filmed their Over the Edge fundraiser last November, wherein community members scaled the side of the Blockade Runner like Spiderman. Over the Edge is returning to Wrightsville Beach in spring 2018 as well.

“Working with those kids is always inspiring creatively and it makes every interaction with them worthwhile,” Brown says. “We always look forward to working with them and are excited about them returning to the encore awards next year.”

DETAILS:

Encore Holiday Party and Best Of 2018 Kickoff

Comedy from Pineapple-Shaped Lamps and music from Into the Fog Tickets: $5 (includes drink ticket) Free food from Nikki’s Steak House, Beach Bagels, Taste of Italy, and Indochine; beer from Waterline, Ironclad and Broomtail, and wine from Fortunate Glass

Drink tickets: $2 Raffle ticket: $100 (for chance to win

half the pot and month of free ads in encore; raffle ticket gets you into the party and six drink tickets)

DREAMS Garage • 901 Fanning St. dreams2020.org/encore

WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

GALLERYGUIDE ARTEXPOSURE!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com The public is invited to a one man show “Escape into Plein Air” featuring Robert Rigsby. The show will 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.

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

210 Princess St. Tues. - Sat. 10am - 6pm (or by appt., Sun. and Mon.) (484) 885-3037 www.aibgallery.com Join us for the opening reception for “Dreaming of Peace: Oil Paintings by Tatyana Kulida and Mio Reynolds,” Friday, December 15th, 6-8 pm. Meet the artists and enjoy harp music by Carole Bowman Green. A Portion of art sales will be donated to DREAMS Center for Arts Education. The art exhibit ends on January 13th, 2018.

Born in Russia, Tatyana is a classically-trained painter who studied in Italy and now resides in New Zealand. Fellow artist and friend, Mio Reynolds lives in Wilmington, NC. Other events include receptions Friday and Saturday, December 8th-9th, 5-8 pm during Historic Downtown Wilmington’s Holly Jolly Stroll. Enjoy guitar and singing by Haley Health. The gallery is open December 22nd, Fourth Friday Gallery Night until 9 pm.

ART OF FINE DINING

www.aibgallery.com In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with other organizations to exhibit original art in other locations. The following exhibits continue through December.

“Contemporary Art by Stephanie Mobbs Deady” with mixed media at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street.

“Southern Embrace: New Art by Debra Bucci” with oil paintings at The District Kitchen and Cocktails,1001 N. 4th Street.

“Empty Faces and Abstract Spaces by Joan McLoughlin” with paintings at Pinpoint Restaurant,114 Market Street.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

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 appointment www.cjafricanart.com African art: Museum quality African Art from West and Central Africa. Traditional African art for the discerning collector.

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

Over 30 years experience in Tribal Arts. Our clients include many major museums.

EXPO 216

216 N. Front St, Wilmington, NC (910) 769-3899 Wed. – Sun., Noon – 6 PM www.expo216.com Over 5,000 square feet in historic downtown of thought-provoking art and fashions! Expo 216’s one-year expositions are theme-driven: currently addressing Death & Dying . Works by local artists, Joan McLoughlin, Niki Hildebrand, Chad Starling, and many more will intrigue you. Fashions such as Flatliner and The Cyclist’s Widow will stun you.

Exhibits, such as The History of Funeral Care and Mourning Practices, provide an educational element. Expo 216 is a supporter of the Wilmington music scene and provides live music during the Fourth Friday Gallery Night. Expo 216 is a 501(c)3 non-profit.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) www.newelementsgallery.com “Time & Place” features ceramic work from YiFenn Strickland and mixed media paintings by Shelia Keefe Ortiz. Both of these Wilmington artists masterfully create striking work from soft, organic forms.

New Elements has been offering the best of regional and national fine art and craft since 1985. We invite you to learn more about the artists we represent, featured exhibitions, and gallery news. We regularly update the work available online, so return often to view our many dif-

ferent selections if you can’t drop into the gallery.

PEACOCK FINE ART

224 S. Water St. #1A • (910) 254-4536 Monday through Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. www.peacocksfineart.com.

Adjacent to the River to Sea gallery, Features paintings by Wilmington based plein air painter Jim Bettendorf. Local scenes of Wilmington and surrounding areas cover the walls. Original oil paintings and a selection of giclée prints available for purchase. Open daily from noon to six.

hosting works from the No Boundaries International Art Colony, commemorating it’s 20th anniversary. Alumni artists include Sergej Adreevski, Fritzi Huber, Eric Lawing, Luc Marelli, Innocent Nkurunziza, Gonul Nughoglu, Gerlinde Pistner, Dick Robers, Arrow Ross, Lone Seeberg, Pamela Toll, Gayle Tustin, and Barbara Anne Thomas. Closing reception, Dec. 22, 6-9pm.

RIVER TO SEA GALLERY

225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (free parking) (910) 763-3380 Tues.- Sat. 11am - 5pm; Sun. 1- 4pm River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists.

Current show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry. “Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures.

SUNSET RIVER MARKETPLACE

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 Mon.- Sat. 10am - 5pm www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com Sunset River Marketplace showcases work by approximately 150 North and South Carolina artists, and houses some 10,000 square feet of oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, art glass, fabric art, pottery, sculpture, turned and carved wood and artisancreated jewelry. There are two onsite kilns and four wheels used by students in the ongoing pottery classes offered by the gallery. A custom framing department is available. There are realistic and abstract art classes as well as workshops by nationally and regionally known artists .

WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY

200 Hanover St. (bottom level, parking deck) Mon.-Fri., noon-5pm http://cfcc.edu/danielsgallery The Wilma Daniels Gallery will be

210 Princess Street

Presents

“Contemporary Art by Stephanie Mobbs Deady”

with mixed media at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street.

“Southern Embrace: New Art by Debra Bucci”

with oil paintings at The District Kitchen and Cocktails, 1001 N. 4th St.

“Empty Faces and Abstract Spaces by Joan McLoughlin”

with paintings at Pinpoint Restaurant, 114 Market St.

www.aibgallery.com

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16 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

ARTS>>THEATRE

PAUSE FOR REFLECTION:

The kids in ‘A Christmas Story’ heighten this holiday classic

A

little elves showcase the weird ways we celebrate a season, including sitting on an old (sometimes drunken) man’s lap to ask for gifts. It’s an idea I latch onto well, having been scared of Santa as a child myself.

These actors pull off the reason why: Their faux merriment is an underpin for all their pent-up frustration of dealing with snottynosed kids asking for things. And they nail it, especially Jay Zadeh as a snide Santa.

BY: SHEA CARVER

t the beginning of Thalian Association’s latest holiday production, “A Christmas Story,” now playing at Thalian Hall through December 17, Stuart Pike, who acts as narrator and adult Ralphie Parker, informs the audience the story he is about to tell isn’t necessarily his own: It’s everyone’s. Though it takes place in Depression-era Indiana, its grander focus is to showcase a snippet of childhood that shapes us and gives us pause of reflection and gratitude—a time when we realize our parents clothe, feed and nurture us, and sometimes make all our dreams come true.

With book by Joseph Robinette and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the musical version of the famed film classic—based on Jean Shepherd’s book, “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash”— has all the iconic scenes that replay on our TVs in constant loop each Christmas Day. It’s quintessential Americana: a middleclass family eating dinner together nightly; an overworked dad who just wants a hot meal, some peace, a crossword puzzle, and maybe a little recognition for being alright; a doting mother who keeps the home tidy and kids happy, and is perfectly content in doing so; and the kids who, outside of saying a few curse words and getting into a schoolyard fight here and there, are wellmannered and respect their parents.

The kids in Thalian’s production are, without a doubt, the shining stars onstage. They make up the ensemble and heighten all the dream sequences of Ralphie’s desires. Of them, Riley Moore (Grover Dill) stands out in animated glory. As the right-hand bully to the famed Scut Farkus character (Max Iapalucci), Moore’s facial expressions and exaggerated actions give a true punch of drama to the minor role—not to mention her amazing tapping skills, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

The real kid of the hour comes with the at-ease portrayal Jakob Gruntfest brings to Ralphie. Gruntfest is a natural onstage; his Ralphie combines enough fear of authoritative repercussions and wandering youthful spirit to endear him to the audience. Camden Martin as his brother, Randy, steals the hearts of everyone as an adorably goofy mama’s boy. The connection between the two shows a deep protective bond of sibling love that can’t be matched.

UP ON SANTA’S LAP: The Higbee’s scene from ‘A Christmas Story’ showcases great ensemble work from the cast. Photo by Krist Miller

Of course, their precious parents instill such in them—and that’s the crux of “A Christmas Story” as a musical. No matter the dysfunction and mania families endure, there’s a privilege in having a core group to love and care for you as child. Stuart Pike’s ending monologue—which isn’t in the movie—wraps up the show with less comedy and more reverence. He focuses on the poignant nostalgia we have as adults looking back on our lives—at precious moments we may not recognize as special when they’re happening but impact us greatly years later.

Pike has a careful and moderate pace of rhythm to his narration. Aside from a few bumbles over words, he guides the show quite relaxedly. Inflections rise when he presents all the scenarios of his father, The Old Man, played by Mark Deese. Deese’s character isn’t the over-the-top flustered fella we’re used to seeing Darren McGavin play; he’s more of a middle-of-the-road everyman, whose gulability gets the best of him—which helps his production of “Major Award” be even more believable. With Emily Graham as Mother, the two are tender with their children, and Graham’s vocals in “What a Mother Does” and “Just Like That” amplify such affection.

For all the sensitivity shone on the inno-

The scene also proves one of the most colorful and effective sets throughout the night. For the most part, the set show doesn’t really scream Depression era; some of the props and set dressings could have been amped up to take on the time period more effectively. But when we see Santa’s throne tower high in red and green, all is forgiven. “A Christmas Story” must have a slide attached to the throne, so Santa’s boot fits effectively over Ralphie’s face as the child stops his exit from Old Saint Nick. The slow-motion sound effects of the ensemble cence of what a nuclear family means in voices and stall of their actions make it even America 70 or more years ago, the silliness grander. and playful reverie of childhood really amps It is such a joy to see this show right now up the show as a musical. As an audience in the midst of the holidas. But it’s even betfamiliar with the film, we want to see the “triter for adults to allow this to be an introducple-dog-dare-ya” scene, and the saving-theteacher scene, and the sitting-on-Santa’s- tion for children to learn about the power of lap scene, and the deranged-Easter-bunny live theatre. Though it’s there to entertain scene. The musical hands them over in col- primarily, a show like this will prove its mesorful exuberance. And the dance numbers in sage clear: Parents, one day your children the show knock it out of the park, thanks to may look back on that one night you took the lively choreography from Laura Brogdon them to Thalian and realize how special of a Primavera. Primavera takes on the best holiday it really was. number of the night, “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out,” as Ralphie’s teacher, Ms. Shields, complete with fantastic tap dancing among A Christmas Story a group of talented dancers—kids includ- Fri.-Sat., 15-16, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., ed, like Riley Moore—in a cabaret number Dec. 17, 3 p.m. swinging with attitude and sheer fun.

DETAILS:

And the same can be said when the Parker family packs up the car and heads to Higbee’s for their annual tradition of a visit “Up on Santa’s Lap.” The ensemble as snarky

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. Tickets: $15-$30 • thalianhall.org

ATTENTION RESTAURATEURS! Contact us at 910-791-0688 for info on our best restaurant package of the year!

encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 17

‘Tis the season to give and receive...

H $ A

d r a ,h

d l o nc i W

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r o f e m i t n ys! i t h ida g i r hol the

DREAMS and encore present a holiday 50/50 raffle!

Buy a ticket for $100 for a chance to win half the pot. Our goal is to sell 200 tickets, so you could win up to $10,000; DREAMS receives the other half! Fundraise for DREAMS via Facebook to raise $200 and earn your own raffle ticket for free! Tag encore and DREAMS on your Facebook charity event. Businesses who buy a raffle ticket will be entered into a separate raffle for a month of free 1/2 page ads!

Raffle tickets: www.dreams2020.org/encore Holiday Party and Best Of Kickoff! , Dec. 14 m. p.

0 1 0 3 6:

DREAMS Garage • 901 Fanning St. • Best Of 2018 voting opens! Paper ballots for one-night only!

Live Music & Comedy

Food & Beverages

Free w/raffle ticket

(Into the Fog & Pineapple-Shaped Lamps)

(Ironclad Brewery, Broomtail Craft Brewery, Waterline Brewing, Fortunate Glass, Nikki’s Steak House, Beach Bagels, Indochine, Taste of Italy)

($100; 6 drink tickets included)

Raffle Drawing

Drink tickets: $2

Arts & Crafts (from DREAMS’ students)

(50/50 rafle and business raffle) 18 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

$5 suggested donation (includes 1 drink ticket)

REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

RIGHTEOUS CAUSE:

films this week

Denzel Washington makes ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ worth watching

O

BY: ANGHUS

ne of the things that resonated so much about Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” was how great movies about people are. Films through which audiences get to know a character and are more interested in the internal conflicts of day-to-day life than merely injecting a movie with melodrama for dramatic effect. “Lady Bird” was great because it was a very earnest look at the lives of some interesting characters. Which boy she ended up with or who she took the prom wasn’t the point. There wasn’t a traditional climax or escalating build towards a forced conclusion. It just sort of meandered through the lives of some well-developed characters. “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” is a movie with similar storytelling goals but doesn’t quite achieve the same level of success.

Our title character, Roman J. Israel (Denzel Washington), is a principled man in an unprincipled profession. As a defense attorney, he has spent most of his career working on cases cast off from other higher profile firms. Israel’s partner is the patron saint of legal lost causes.

Roman isn’t a lawyer in the traditional sense. He does the research and uses his savant-like abilities to put together defenses for his partner to take into court and litigate. Unfortunately his partner has a massive heart-attack, leaving Roman without a job or anything to show for decades of hard work.

As Roman faces this existential crisis, he is approached by a former protege of his partner, George (Colin Farrell), who has been tasked with shutting down the remnants of Roman’s practice and tidily wrapping up the institution he had helped build. As an act of Mercy, George hires Roman on at his high-price super-bourgeois law film. This creates a number of frictional scenarios for Roman, whose intelligence and social awkwardness quickly makes him a liability. In a matter of days, he makes a series of poor decisions that alienate him from his coworkers and leads to tragic consequences for a client. At his core, Roman believes himself to be a righteous man who fights for the disenfranchised. His moral righteousness is constantly exposed as he tries to navigate through the modern legal system.

Roman’s crisis continues to bring him nothing but misery, until finally he de-

CINEMATIQUE

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

Dec. 13 (additional 4 p.m. screening on Dec. 13): “The Florida Project” tells the story, set over one summer, about a precocious 6-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World. Starring Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Willem Dafoe. (R, 111 min.)

COURSE CORRECTS: Denzel Washington (above) plays the title character in ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’ Photo by Glen Wilson, Sony Pictures Entertainment

cides to cash in and become the kind of person that starts looking out for himself.

He parlays some privileged information into a large cash reward and pulls himself out of his rut and into a shopping spree.

He knuckles down and tries to become a team player. His attempts to smooth out some of his rougher edges are admirable.

For the first time, Roman is making himself a priority instead of his principles. But how long can it last?

Dan Gilroy (“Nightcrawler”) has created a very conflicted, interesting character in “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” However, the movie doesn’t do this character any favors. He’s dragged through a gauntlet of terrible events for the first half of the film. It seems fairly obvious, Roman’s life needs recalibrating; but after he jettisons a healthy portion of self-righteousness in favor of a little selfishness it feels like only a matter of time before he reverses that decision. There was part of me that was happy for Roman when he decided to start doing some things for himself. That’s a testament to how well Denzel Washington did creating this character. Roman is more than a collection of neurosis and embattled personality traits. He’s a guy who believes in a righteous cause, wearing it like an albatross around his neck. But it also makes him difficult and judgemental.

I liked seeing a guy who has given everything to a cause become disenfranchised.

It feel extremely relevant in this current cultural climate.

Eventually Roman has his moment of epiphany and course corrects. Roman’s journey is a little too predictable and it hurts the overall story. Still, Denzel Washington makes this movie worth watching.

The guy is just that damn good. I liked Roman J. Israel, Esq. the character a lot more than I liked “Roman J. Israel, Esq” the movie.

DETAILS:

Roman J. Israel, Esq. Rated PG-13 Directed by Dan Gilroy Starring Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo

Jan. 8-10 (additional 4 p.m. screening on Jan. 10): “Jane” draws from over 100 hours of never-before-seen footage that has been tucked away in the National Geographic archives for over 50 years. Award-winning director Brett Morgen tells the story of Jane, a woman whose chimpanzee research challenged the male-dominated scientific consensus of her time and revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. Set to a rich orchestral score from legendary composer Philip Glass, the film offers an unprecedented, intimate portrait of Jane Goodall—a trailblazer who defied the odds to become one of the world’s most admired conservationists.. (Not rated, 90 min.)

Easy for parents! FUN for kids!

Preschool and elementary pick-up from Porter’s Neck/Ogden schools

Monday - Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 6 p.m.

7946 Market St. • 910-319-7879 encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 19

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

INDOCHINE THAI AND VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT • www.indochinewilmington.com

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

20 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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

on Wednesday 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, 11am-2pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org

CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients.

The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, inspired “small plates”

THE DISTRICT KITCHEN & COCKTAILS A new addition to the Brooklyn Arts and downtown area, The District Kitchen & Cocktails is serving fresh, seasonal menus in a polished casual atmosphere. We feature locally sourced ingredients when available. For lunch, we offer

delicious burgers and sandwiches, while dinner features steaks, chops and seafood all handcrafted by executive chef Luke Poulos. Within blocks of CFCC and the Riverwalk, The District welcomes diners to enjoy inspired wines, craft cocktails and NC draught beers at their renovated bar and restaurant, located at 1001 N. 4th St. 910-(910) 769-6565 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Wed 5pm9pm, Thurs.-Sat 5pm-10pm ■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sunday 11am-3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Arts District ■ WEBSITE: www.districtnc.com 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 THE FELIX CAFE The Felix Cafe is a restaurant experience like no other in Wilmington, N.C. Our eatery is a unique and relaxing gem situated near the port, and at the edge of Sunset Park on Burnett Blvd. We be-

lieve fine dining doesn’t have to come with all the fuss. From our homemade soups to the locally sourced produce, we let the ingredients speak for themselves in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Folks will enjoy the outdoor seating, our vibrant staff, the colorful interior, and our cabana style tiki bar. You will come here as a customer and leave as a friend. 2140 Burnett Blvd. (910) 399-1213.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon closed.

Tues-Fri 11am-9 pm. Sat and Sun breakfast 8-11:30, opened 8am to 9pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Sunset Park, Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, full bar, check out our facebook for wine tasting and live music schedule ■ WEBSITE: www.thefelixcafewilmington.com and facebook.com/thefelixcafewilmington 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 HOLIDAY INN RESORT Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront re-

sort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. (910) 256-2231. 1706 N. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.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 JOHNNYLUKES KITCHENBAR Good eats, good drinks, and great times is what JohnnyLukes KitchenBar is all about. JohnnyLukes KitchenBar serves Wilmington, NC a variety of 19 rotating craft beers on tap, a hand selected eclectic American wine list, fun cocktails, and of

course, exceptional food. Our two-story layout brings the best of both worlds under one roof.

Downstairs at JohnnyLukes KitchenBar pair your beer or wine with our Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop, Chicken Pot Pie, Ribeye, or one of our many main entrees and sharable plates. Or, join us upstairs at JL’s Loft and pair a beer with one of our multiple burgers, JL’s roast beef sandwich, meatball sandwich, or one of our many appetizers (we recommend both!). So next time you are looking for a new and exciting restaurant in Wilmington, NC where you can experience both great craft beer and amazing food, be sure to head over to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar and JL’s Loft! 5500 Market Street, Suite 130. (910)-769-1798 ■ OPEN: JohnnyLukes KitchenBar: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 10pm; JL’s Loft: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.johnnylukeskb.com 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) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; Seasonal hours are open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through October

BRUNCH ON THE BEACH Indoor and Outdoor Seating Oceanfront Carolina Beach

Serving 11 a.m. Sundays $5 Mimosa $5 Bloody Mary $5 Michelada

Italian Sandwiches • Meatballs Spaghetti • Party Catering Breakfast All Day 1101 S College Rd. • (910) 392-7529 www.atasteofitalydeli.com

1211 S. Lake Park Blvd • 910-458-2000 www.oceangrilltiki.com encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 21

■ 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: Mondays and Memorial Day-October, 7-9pm ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com MUNCHIES The most unique restaurant in Wilmington is Munchies. Located adjacent to the UNCW campus, Munchies provides a new take on classic American fare. Selling items unavailable anywhere else such as the famous “Fat Sandwiches”, decadent milk shakes, and fried desserts set Munchies apart, while the incredible flavor of traditional items such as burgers and wings make Munchies stand out. Open until 3 am daily, and offering dine in, take out, and delivery options, as well the choice of ordering online, Munchies is a new American classic for todays modern world.

Perfect for lunch, dinner or a late night snack, and totally customizable, Munchies makes sure you get your food, your way, all day. 419 S. College Rd., Unit 35, 910-798-4999. Dine in • Delivery • Take out ■ OPEN LUNCH AND DINNER: 12pm - 3 am daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: munchiesfoodco.com

met 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 takehome 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

RISE Serving up the best dang biscuits and donuts in Wilmington, Rise is not any typical breakfast spot. Our donut menu includes an assortment of ‘old school, new school, and our school’ flavors; and our buttery, flaky biscuits filled with country ham, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and fried eggplant “bacon” are crave-worthy. Lunch is on PINE VALLEY MARKET Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in ser- the Rise with our new chicken sandwiches on povicing the Wilmington community for years, se- tato rolls and fresh salads. 1319 Military Cutoff curing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gour- Rd. (910) 239-9566

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.- Sun. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com SPOONFED KITCHEN & BAKE SHOP Newly opened Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop is bringing their love for great food and customer service to Wilmington! Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop specializes in creating wholesome, delightful foods to feed your lifestyle. Please join us in our cafe for breakfast, lunch & weekend brunch.

We offer coffee & pastries, great foods to go from our deli & freezer cases (appetizers, salads, entrees & sides), bakery items (scones, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, pies & more), gluten-free bakery items, and specialty market, cheeses & beverage. Catering is also available for all budets from personal to corporate to events. #feedyourlifestyle. 1930 Eastwood Road, Suite 105, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8881. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: www.spoonfedkitchen.com THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken). Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), all-beef, pork smoked sausage (Carolina Packer), Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie.

Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or check out our website at www. trollystophotdogs.com. Catering available, now a large portion of our business. All prices include tax. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information.

■ 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 MondaySaturday 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

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THE DISTRICT KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS • districtnc.com 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, North Wilmington, Hampstead ■ WEBSITE: www.hibachitogo.com INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch.

Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.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) 7719151.

■ 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, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-you-can-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., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com 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) 7633172.

■ 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.

Zone provides a relaxing atmosphere along with a blend of Caribbean delights. Our guests have graced us with numerous compliments over the years: “explosive Caribbean culinary experience”; “every year we are here on vacation— you are our first stop”; “flavors just dance in my mouth.” From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as Brownstew chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and jerk pork, our selections also include many vegetarian and select seafood options. Student meal options are $6.99, and catering options are available. University Landing, 417 S. College Road, Wilmington SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Sat., 11:45am-9pm. Closed Sun. and Mon. NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter

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. 12pm11pm, Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine. com

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

DINNER THEATRE

■ WEBSITE: www.theatrewilmington.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

ITALIAN

BAGELS BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is “the” favorite spot for breakfast and lunch in Wilmington. Get a taste of a New York-style bagel by the beach. We make our bagels the traditional way: kettle-boiled then baked and always made with love. Enjoy something simple like a traditional BLT, or spice it up and try our AnnieWB: turkey breast, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, and jalapeños. Not in the mood for a bagel? Don’t worry, we have ciabatta bread, croissants, kaiser rolls, biscuits, and wraps. Whatever you’re looking for, we have you covered. Don’t forget to make your lunch sandwich a combo for only $1.50,. and get a small drink, potato salad or chips and a pickle spear.

Come see us at 5906 Oleander Drive or 7220 Wrightsville Avenue—right before the drawbridge on the way to beautiful Wrightsville Beach.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/Beach-Bagels-301865953202309/

CARIBBEAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE Tucked in the U-shape of University Landing, a block from UNCW is Wilmington’s fave Caribbean restaurant, serving diners for over nine years.

Family-owned and -operated, Jamaica’s Comfort

Specials: TUES NIGHT: 1/2 Price wines by the glass WED NIGHT: 1/2 Price Draft beers

Dinner Daily: Tuesday - Saturday starting at 5pm Sunday Brunch: 10am-2pm featuring DIY Mimosa = 1 bottle of sparkling wine and a mason jar of hand squeezed OJ

www . rxwilmington . com

421 c astle s t • (910) 399-3080 F acebook : Facebook . com / rxwilmington / or Follow us on instagram rxrestaurantandbar encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 23

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 delivery! 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 FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique family-friendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops. Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of microbrews included in their 27-tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle.

Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm Monday

through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River.

With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor…..Craft Beer, Craft Pizza!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm; Fri.-Sat., 11 am-Midnight; Sun., noon-10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing.

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) 2519444, 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 made-from-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 8:00am-8:00pm, 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!

LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFÉ Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue.

910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon - Sat. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and from 5-10 p.m. Closed Sunday.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Nightly specials ■ WEBSITE: www.sanjuancafenc.com

MEXICAN EL CERRO GRANDE In January, El Cerro Grande will celebrate 25 years serving authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine to the greater Wilmington area. With an everevolving menu, they have introduced eight new exclusive soft tacos as part of Taco Fiesta! They churn out mouth-watering enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, chef specialties, and more, in a colorfully inviting dining room marked by a friendly staff and attention to detail. Check out El Cerro’s daily drink and food specials at their three different locations, including $3.50 margaritas on Tuesdays off Military Road, on Wednesdays at 341 S. College Road, and on Thursdays at 5120 S. College Road. Mondays feature fajita dinners for 10.99 at all locations, and they even have karaoke every Wednesday at 341 S. College Rd, starting at 6 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri., open at 11 a.m.; Sat-Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.

■ LOCATIONS: 341 S. College Rd., 910-7930035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com 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

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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, chilechipotle, 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: www.lacostamexicanrestauranwilmington.com

ORGANIC LOVEY’S NATURAL FOODS & CAFÉ Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a true blessing for shoppers looking for organic and natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a veggie burger, hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu.

The Food Bar—which has cold, organic salads and hot selections—can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out.

The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of delicious juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices.

Lovey’s has a great selection of local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries organic grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. wheat-free and gluten-free products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also carries Wholesome Pet Foods. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m.. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331.

“You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!”

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington in the Landfall Shopping Center ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com

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 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: 11:30am4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

■ 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 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

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; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.rxwilmington.com

Leave the cooking to us!

Call one of our 3 convenient locations today and let us cater your holiday party!

“Fresh tastes better” Scratch cooking... the new healthy!

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 award-winning 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 South College Road. (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 JAX 5TH AVE. DELI & ALE HOUSE Locally owned and operated, Jax offers a laidback atmosphere, welcoming foodies, sports fans, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We provide a full eclectic menu of quality Boar’s Head sliced meat and cheeses, and feature unique items like our smoked salmon deviled egg, a legendary Italian sandwich, and famous pita pizzas that bake up lite and crispy. 20 HDTVs feature premium sports packaging for all the games! Supporting local craft breweries with 24 drafts and over 100 different bottles and cans, enjoy it all inside the shiny silver building or outside on the dog-friendly patio at 5046 New Centre Dr. Carry out: 910859-7374.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Full menu until 2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Daily food and drink specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/ JaxFifthAveDeliAleHouse

100% of our menu is made in-house daily!

Midtown: 910.833.8841 t a u r Drive-th d894 S. Kerr Ave. n Hamptead a n Midtow Hampstead: 910.270.9200 15248 Highway 17 N Ogden: 910.791.7800 6932 Market St.

Locally family owned and operated since 2011! $4.99 Lunch Special 11am-4pm Mon.-Fri. Student specials, too!

Follow us...

encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 25

BACK BY POPLAR DEMAND...

7210 Wrightsville Ave LUNCH at CEVICHE’S

Wilmington, NC bar 28403 Local, cozy and original side lunch Wednesday 11am-3pm (910)- Saturday 256-3131 Coastal Living recommended Wbceviche@gmail.com Mention this encore ad and receive

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7210 Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington, NC 910-256-3131 • www.wbceviche.com Hours

Lunch Hours: Wed – Sat 11am – 3pm Mon5pm – Wed pm- Sat – 9pm Dinner Hours: Mon – Wed – 9pm •5 Thurs 5pm - 10pm • Closed Sun.

Thur – Sat 5pm – 10pm Saturday Lunch 11am – 3pm Sunday Brunch 10am – 2:30pm

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1319-BB Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 256-OILS (6457) www.tasteofolive.com 26 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>FEATURE

HITTING THE BIG TIME!

foodtastic events

Award-winning chef Vivian Howard and hubby, Ben Knight, open pizzeria

F

appearance, too.

BY: SHEA CARVER

ive seasons ago, Chef Vivian Howard and her husband, Ben Knight, launched a PBS program that showed them exiting the big lights of New York City and returning to the farmland of Howard’s home in Eastern NC. “A Chef’s Life” follows the two starting a family (with twins), running a fine-dining establishment, Chef and Farmer, in Kinston, and opening an oyster bar, The Boiler Room. The show has garnered Howard a James Beard and Peabody over the last few years. In 2017 she has even more to celebrate with Chef and Farmer turning a decade old and her cookbook, “Deep Run Roots” celebrating a slot on the New York Times Best Seller list.

To add to the pop of the champagne bottle, Howard, Knight and Wilmingtonians alike can cheers the couple’s newest concept and first restaurant to open outside of Kinston, Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria.

The 90-to-100-seat eatery opens to the public Tuesday, Dec. 12, and has been in the works since last spring. Howard told encore in an interview Monday that she and Knight picked Wilmington because of its seaboard and touristy location—not to mention it’s only two hours from Kintson.

“We feel like Wilmington is growing, too,” she tells. “It’s a nice place to be and we felt like there’s room in the restaurant scene for us, so it seemed to make sense.”

Benny’s Big TIme can’t be missed, as the brick building—located in the Greenfield Lake area, across from Satellite Bar and Lounge and South Front Apartments—has been colored with distinct markings by the hands of local artist Sarah Rushing. Rushing’s mural showcases the best ingredients of a true-blue American-Italian pizza joint—the basis and inspiration for Howard and Knight. They hired Chef Jim Diechio from Charlotte to man the helm. Diechio last worked at Rocksalt and has vast experience in Jose Andres’ restaurant group.

“That’s something we were interested in because we thought they might have great systems in place,” Howard says. “Also, Jim is Italian-American and has a deep love of this food—he was the best fit.”

Though the menu’s pièce de résistance is its 14-inch Neapolitan-style pies, it also focuses on homemade pasta, family-style salads, antipasto, and decadent desserts.

Plus, Benny’s will serve a risotto and have

ITALIAN SMORGASBORD: A blend of American, Italian and Southern roots finds it way to Vivian Howard and Ben Knight’s latest Wilmington restaurant, Benny’s Big Time. Photo by Baxton Miller

a fried section with fun takes on picatta and Parmesans.

“I really like the ‘Talking Shitake,’” Howard says with a giggle. “It has a house-made fennel sausage with shitake mushrooms. I’ve always liked sausage and mushroom pizza, so it’s kind of inspired by that. I also really enjoy the ‘Kevin McCallister,’ which is an adult cheese pizza that has a funky cheese from Virginia called the ‘Grayson’ on it.”

Added to it is a hot honey made in house with calabrian chiles, lemon zest, garlic, and oil. They blend the base and mix it into local honey. “It’s a bright red, very flavorful, sweetand-spicy drizzle,” Howard tells.

Plus, it’s versatile and will go with practically any Benny’s menu item. Each table has honey bears full of the concoction.

Over the weekend, the restaurant hosted a soft opening and found most raves coming for their riff on chicken Parmesan. Howard has introduced a few Southern tricks into the menu to fuse the two cuisines. Here, the coating reflects traditional Southern fried chicken.

“It sits on top of a stretchy cheese that we make in house,” she adds. “It’s a really creamy, soft, indulgent cheese—so the warm chicken goes on top and melts it a little bit.

Then we drizzle the chicken with hot honey (which looks like tomato sauce but it’s not), and we top it with pickled chiles. So you’ve got sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy all on one plate; it’s really delicious.”

They’re also doing a take on “chicken and dumplings” but made with Italian-style gnocchi instead. Sardines with collards makes an

Sticking with her mission to source from local famers, as seen on “A Chef’s Life,” Howard is procuring food from Humble Roots Farm, as well as Feast Down East. “There’s a number of other farms I’m sure will be coming to our back door fairly often,” she notes. “We’ve gotten fish locally. Sous chef Carson [Jewell, formally of Rx] has a deep connection to the Wilmington farming community, so he’s been our guide in that respect.”

Cocktails will be aplenty, served in the vein of Italian aperitifs and classic spirits, alongside four to six taps of Wilmington-brewed beer, and mostly Italian wines on tap, served in carafes and half-carafes. “We’re working on developing their voice at the bar,” Howard states. Knight and Andrew Sutton, general manager of The Boiler Room in Kinston, have culled the list. “We enjoy Italian wines,” Howard adds.“We have been serving them for years, so that part of it was not something new.”

Juggling a packed schedule with rearing a family, filming a hit TV show, running three restaurants, and managing sanity will be done with the couple switching off roles.

“When I’m in Wilmington, he’ll be in Kinston and vice versa,” Howard tells, “so we have a presence in both places.” And as far as locals seeing camera crews in tow, well, some of the soft opening was filmed. But the future remains unknown; crews follow Howard according to the narrative of the show.

“It won’t be something people see all the time,” she says, “because we don’t film in the restaurants all the time.”

But who knows? Perhaps visiting with one of our local farmers will make the cut.

DETAILS:

Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria 206 Greenfield St.

Mon.: Closed Tues.-Thurs, 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Fri., 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Sat., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

ILM Local Growers and Makers Dec. 12, 4 p.m.

The Brewer’s Kettle 4718 Oleander Dr. facebook.com/ilmlocalmarket Free

The holidays are approaching, and you need a unique and one of a kind gift! We have some incredible, beautiful items for sale from our local vendors and artists. Choose from amazing jewelry, candles, t-shirts, artwork, bath and beauty products, fresh food products, and doggy goods—just to name a few!

Drop by with your friends, grab a brew, and stay for a great night market experience.

An Evening with GRIMM Artisanal Ales Dec. 14, 6 p.m.

Fermental 7250 Market St. Free fermental.net

GRIMM specializes in concise, elegant ales, epitomizing the creative, experimental spirit of the American artisanal beer revolution.

Join them at Fermental as part of their brewerry series to ask questions, sample draft selections, purchase bottles, and enjoy giveaways, food trucks, live music, and more. Food from Little Chef at 6 p.m. and music from Kyle Lindley at 7 p.m.

Call 910-821-0362 for details.

encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 27

CRUISE SCHEDULE

e

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

W I N N E R

Gift Certificates Available!

Every $25 spent on gift certificates gets you $5 in cat bucks to spend on any cruise.

We are cruising 6 days a week for the month of December: Tues.-Sun. 50 min narrated cruises 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm, Frid. and Sat. “Spirit of the Holidays” Cruise, 6pm (see below)!

NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION

Start a new Holiday Tradition and join us on our “Spirit of the Holidays” Cruise formally known as Holiday Lights Cruise.

A 60 min cruise for a magical night on the river Christmas/Holiday songs performed by local musicians. Featuring tasty holiday drinks from our bar. A perfect way to start celebrating the holiday season.

212 S. Water Street

Dec. 15, 22, 23, 29 & 30 Boarding at 5:30pm • Departing at 6pm • $20 Remember we are enclosed & very comfy!

info@wilmingtonwt.com

GREAT GIFT IDEA

Visit us on the Riverwalk!

910-338-3134 BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

Complete Schedule:

wilmingtonwatertours.net HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Follow us

Purchase of $175 card entitles you to come aboard any of our regular scheduled cruises as often as you would like! Also any guest gets 20% off ticket price.

Dinner cruises, wine tasting,beer tasting etc. would be a nominal fee of $10 Excluded are: Azalea festival, 4th of July and Riverfest

Also get $100 of any private charter—good for a year from date of purchase!

Acupuncture Free Consultat io

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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

28 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

EXTRA>>BOOKS

CARPE LIBRUM:

Landscaping with Marta McDowell and Beatrix Potter

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

W

ilmington’s literary community keeps gaining accolades (two National Book Awards nominees in 2015) and attention in the press. With multiple established publishers in the state (Algonquin, John F. Blair) and new smaller presses gaining traction (Eno, Bull City), it is timely to shine a light on discussions around literature, publishing and the importance of communicating a truthful story in our present world.

Welcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s biweekly book column, wherein I will dissect titles, old and new—because literature does not exist in a vacuum but emerges to participate in a larger, cultural conversation. I will feature many NC writers; however, the hope is to place the discussion in a larger context and therefore examine works around the world.

“Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life: The Plants and places that inspired the classic children’s tales”

By Marta McDowell Timber Press, Inc., 2013, pgs. 340

The Going Green Magazine Book Club just picked their list of books to read for 2018. At the top is a book that looked absolutely irresistible: “Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life: The plants and places that inspired the classic children’s tales.” Marta McDowell is the remarkable mind behind the book. She also published a similar book about Emily Dickinson’s garden and the White House garden. Her most recent release is “The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Frontier Landscapes” that Inspired “The Little House” books. McDowell’s ability to bring the magic of gardening to life on the page is stunning.

Obviously, I took a copy of “Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life” home to read with Jock and the dogs. Like many people, I loved Potter’s work as a child, especially the French and Spanish language editions my Aunt Betty got for me. I retain a nostalgic love of the simple, clean illustrations. As an adult I rediscovered Potter mostly through my friend Beth’s evangelism of Potter as a standard bearer for land preservation, which is one of Beth’s passions.

McDowell manages to blend all these aspects into a book, which is also a how-to guide and visually stunning trip through England and Scotland. One-third is a biography focusing

on the gardens and natural areas that were so important to Potter from her first home’s garden to houses she lived in as an adult—including the 120 acre farm she and her husband managed through World War I. The second third of the book is a year of Potter’s gardening life. From joys of the first blooms of spring to haying, it is both a loving look at the natural year and realistic representation of the serious work involved in making all of it possible.

Part three is a travel guide to the gardens that Potter loved and cultivated during her lifetime, followed by detailed tables of the plants with which she worked. McDowell does an amazing job bringing to life the person responsible for some of the most famous children’s stories of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She also decodes their pieces for modern audiences: Victorians probably would have recognized Mr. McGregor and his wife lived in a tenant’s cottage and were hired help on the estate. But modern readers wouldn’t necessarily pick up on those clues.

She reproduces the letters Potter wrote to her friends’ children with the prototypes that became characters in her books, complete with sketches; and of course, the famous story of the first draft of Peter Rabbit in one such letter. The illustrations of Potter’s stories dot the pages of each locale, with McDowell pointing out which home each scene takes place in: Hill Top, Castel Cottage, etc. It makes the third portion of the book even more exciting, both for actual trip planning and armchair travel.

Let’s just take a moment and think about how important armchair travel can be. Keeping imaginations active might be one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. By reading about Beatrix Potter’s gardens and work, I really deepen and develop my own dreams and plans for my garden—in addition to understanding more fully what the relationship between location and the writer’s work can be. Would I love to go visit in person? Absolutely. But for now I can learn from afar.

it serves to illuminate the world she lived and worked in alongside her characters. McDowell talks at great length about Potter’s early love of fungi, going so far as to write a scientific paper on the topic. She received little encouragement or acknowdgement for her scientific endeavors.

Though her early love of growing things and nurturing animlas is well documented.

McDowell includes a wonderful picture of her holding her pet dormouse. The illustrations of her books are so instantly recognizeable in style, to see examples of her drawing and painting from childhood throughout her life is really surprising. She loved watercolor land-

Book your holiday party now

scapes and reproduced a lot of nature studies of botanicals and animals with incredible clarity—especially her early work is surprising for one so young.

More than anything I cannot read McDowell’s without developing a profound respect for a woman who went her own way at a time when she wasn’t expected to. Her struggles with home renovations, landscape design, contractors, and weeds resonate so strongly with me. Whereas her cousin hires a landscape designer to develop a perfectly manicured show garden and never gets her hands dirty, Potter is covered in mud, planting vegetables in the spot others expected her put a lawn tennis court.

Rarely does a gardening book blend such a rich love of nature, literature, home, and the magic of growing so beautifully. If you have a gardener in your life, this is the perfect holiday gift.

Daily Drink Specials

From a gardening perspective, there is a lot we share—even more that is different. The gardening advice and July 15th as a weather predictor for hay is not quite applicable across the Atlantic and balmy American South. But

encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 29

Authentic Thai cuisine mixed with Southern hospitality

1/2 price

3715 Patriot Way 910-769-3193

Mon. - Thur. 11am-3pm & 4:30-9:30pm Fri. 11am-3pm & 4:30-9:30pm Sat. 12-9:30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Closed Sunday

beer and wine every Wednesday

www.southernthairestaurant.com

30 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

and Steak House at Military Cutoff

Serving Wilmington’s most diverse options of nigiri and sashimi, and featuring new fish imported from Japan daily!

Nikki’s Steak House and Sushi Bar

Great for birthdays, events and holidays. book your party today!

1055 Military Cutoff Rd., Ste 100 910.509.8998 • www.nikkissushibar.com

encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 31

Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special â&#x20AC;&#x153;reindeerâ&#x20AC;?

december 15-16 and december 21-24 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. $12 adults, $5 Kids under 12 snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights!Market & Water streets in downtown Wilmington & Free Candy Canes for the kids!

For more info call

(910) 251-8889

Springbrook Farms Inc. www.horsedrawntours.com 32 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

GREENFIELD TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY MOVIE

Dec. 14, 5pm: Announcements/thanks; 6pm tree lighting. Santa comes in on fire truck for visits with Santa (Rotary Garden gazeebo); 7pm, Holiday movie at Amphitheater. Greenfield Lake Amphitheater & Rotary Garden, 1941 Amphitheatre Dr.

HOLIDAY POP-UP MARKET

Dec. 15, 6pm: Let’s enjoy the holiday season with a wonderful night out. Mark your calendars and gather up your friends for an evening of shopping fun!!! There will be

great vendors to shop, complimentary refreshments, and lots of fun—plus giveaways and raffles hosted by our fabulous vendors all night. Hampton Inn Medical Park, 2320 S 17th St.

DETOX MARKET

Dec. 17, 1pm: Check out the new Neon Fox Studio and join us for a refreshing break from the holiday mayhem! Grab a healthy latte, get a quick massage or non-toxic manicure and finish up your shopping with a selection of wellness minded and thoughtfully created brands and connect with local yoga studios and wellness practitioners. A plastic bag free event—entry is free of charge. We can’t wait to see you there and share some self

care with you! Makers + vendors include: Phoenix Makes, River Organics, Home Body Field Goods, Posies NC, Shop Hexed, I Like It Here Club, Cravings, Madame Meerkat’s Cabinet of Curiosities N I C O B L U E, Celestial Surf Studio, Pineapple Studios, MoonlitSwami Creations, 2 Chicks with Scents, The Coastal Succulent, Rye Naturals, Panacea Brewing Company, Wild Wood Intuitive, Terra Sol Sanctuary Tribe Retreats, The Henna Haven, Longwave Yoga, Lifting Kale, The New School Kitchen, Like Minded Soul and more.

HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE

Dec. 16, 10am: Perfect place to finish up your holiday shopping. Eclectic mix of old,

new handmade or not. Something for everyone on your list. Unique artists with jewelry, paintings, woodworking, upcycled furniture, make-up, Great coffee, smoothies, frappes, Holy Smoke BBQ Food truck. An opportunity to experience Morning Glory’s incredible space. Morning Glory Coffeehouse, 1415 Dawson St. HOLIDAY TRAIN EXPO

Through Dec. 17: Bring the family for this enchanting and festive holiday train display.

Perfect for all ages! See over 30 trains, including the Polar Express. $5. Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Dec. 24, Join us for Christmas Eve services at 4pm or 9pm with Holy Eucharist. All are welcome! Church of the Servant, 4925 Oriole Dr.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS! A NEW YEARS EVE

Dec. 31, 5:30pm: Ring in the New Year 2018 at “Midnight in Paris.” 3-course menu and a glass of Bubbly plus “cotillions” (NYE hats).

RSVP: 910-815-0200. Le Catalan French Cafe Wine Bar, 224 S. Water St.

NYE BACCHANALIA

New Year’s Eve 2017: Bacchanalia! at TheatreNOW Sun., Dec. 31, 6pm & 9:30pm.

Tickets $90/$170 couple for dinner and a limited number of show only tickets for $40.

A decadent variety show including aerialists, comedy, live music, fire performers and more champagne toast and party favors an indulgent multi-course tasting menu from Chef Denise Gordon with a vegetarian option. Theatre NOW, 19 S. 10th St.

NYE W/BOBA FUNK

Dec. 31, 8pm: Wrightsville Beach Brewery is excited to announce our first annual New Years Eve party with local funk band favorite Boba Funk! Band plays 9pm to midnight; specials all day and night. Free. Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

NYE DANCE PARTY/DONATION DRIVE

Dec. 31, 8pm: New Years Eve at Bourgie Nights (beside Manna) The party kicks off with a killer comedy line up including Cliff Cash (Comedy Central UpNext), Drew Harrison (Port City’s Top comic 2016) Tyler Wood (Rad in Plaid Tour) and Cordero Wilson (Port City’s Top Comic 2015). After the show is an all request DJ dance party then a champagne toast at midnight where everyone gets a can of champagne #baller. Donation drive for The Good Sheperd House. A list of items needed can be found in the facebook event. Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

charity/volunteer CAPE FEAR FESTIVAL OF TREES

Through Dec. 31, 9am-5pm: Set amidst the inspiring and educational backdrop of

34 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

CROSSWORD

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SyNDICATE © 2017 STANLEy NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

12/17/17

THE NEWSDAy CROSSWORD Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

WHO THE DICKENS: Some unusual characters

by Mark “Fezziwig” McClain ACROSS 1 Sales agent, for short 4 On __ with (equivalent to) 8 Rodeo critter 12 Author of Cosmos and Comet 17 Repetitive drill 18 Island near Java 19 Well-known 20 In all honesty 21 School matron in Dombey and Son 24 Farm measures 25 Altered, as legislation 26 Skater’s leap 27 Sentence section 28 Without cost 31 Prohibit legally 34 Phoenix suburb 37 Circumlocution Office bigwig in Little Dorrit 43 Cabernet producer 45 Heats up quickly, as chicken 46 Literary Rand 47 Grafton’s __ for Ricochet 48 Pro- opposite 49 __ out a living 51 Half an evasive maneuver 53 Extreme enthusiasts 56 Barrister in Pickwick Papers 61 Cochise or Geronimo 62 Inquire about, rudely 63 John __ Lennon 64 Actor McKellen 66 Model’s moves 67 Quite a spread 69 Bay city of Fla. 71 One with questions 75 Marine Corps NCO 76 Pirate’s domain 77 Wiping clean 82 Activities

84 Villain in Our Mutual Friend 87 Make unclear 89 Miss Piggy pronoun 90 Pistachio’s red or green, for example 91 Jazz singer __ James 92 “__ be my pleasure!”

93 Actress Vardalos 95 Make __ of (jot down) 98 Regular earnings 100 School superintendent in Hard Times 105 Other than that 106 Tops of waves 107 Squid cousins 109 Residential water source 112 Steering wheel adjunct 115 It may be read to rowdies 120 Former UN head from Ghana 121 Cruel schoolmaster in Nicholas Nickleby 125 The Jungle Book setting 126 Stiffly formal 127 Maui shindig 128 Vicinity 129 Lake birds 130 Taper off 131 Shoe-print source 132 Move one’s canoe DOWN 1 Kitchen or den 2 “To be” in France 3 Quaker State founder 4 More qualified 5 Infomercial, e.g.

6 In the style of 7 Barbecue piece 8 Showed up 9 Walks casually 10 Director Spike or Ang

11 President during WWII 12 Russian ruler during WWII 13 Mysterious matters 14 Wise mentor 15 Brewpub array 16 The Big Board, for short 17 HDTV brand 19 Repair 22 Mr. Poe 23 Vision-correcting acronym 27 It’s reshaped in 23 Down 29 Doctrine 30 Hosp. section 32 Hoopster’s group 33 Rapper married to Beyoncé 34 Clementine’s dad 35 Sweepstakes submission 36 Conductor Ozawa 38 Voice above alto, for short 39 Thunderbirds org.

40 Swamp critters 41 Supple 42 Double-curve letters 43 Nesting insect 44 Irish poet 50 Pretzel shapes 52 Rock-band staple 54 Show up 55 Southeast Asian language 57 Wind farm production 58 131 Across location 59 Article for Antoine 60 Heat up quickly, as chicken 65 Lacking resources 68 Cabinet dept.

69 Observe 70 Orchard, essentially

71 72 73 74 76 78 79 80 81 83 85 86

Own up to Down on a map Friendly nickname Completion Seeking damages Oyster’s protection Greek vowels University of __ Dame Aussie greeting Twilight time Urge on Driver’s lic., for instance

88 94 96 97 99 101 102 103 104 108 109 110

Sty dwellers Wall hangings Maine college city Muscle twitch Alphabet quintet 2008 presidential candidate Sports venues Rubbish holder __ fin (fish feature) Vexed state Be unsuccessful Part of AD

111 Nullify 113 Grapes of Wrath migrant 114 Rural address abbr.

116 Rip (up) 117 Prefix for dynamic 118 Sailboat staff 119 Bag scanning org.

121 Pt. opposite ENE 122 __ snail’s pace (slowly) 123 Treasure Island monogram 124 Couple

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

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5622 OLEANDER DR, 910.392.6006 • 3617 MARKET ST, 910.772.9000 • 8024 - UNIT 1 MARKET ST, 910.686.8210

www.lacostanc.com encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 35

the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Lower Cape Fear Hospice’s Cape Fear Festival of Trees features locally decorated, themed tress for the holiday season, with monies benefitting LCF Hospice. All visitors who purchase a general admission ticket to the aquarium will also experience the Cape Fear Festival of Trees. So, come get festive with the fishes and stroll through a forest of uniquely decorated trees. www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher-plan-your-visit.

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Rd. DREAMS 50/50 RAFFLE AND HOLIDAY PARTY

Donate $100 or more to encore’s raffle for DREAMS Center for Arts Education and you will be entered into a 50/50 raffle, wherein you can win half the pot on Dec. 14 at encore’s and DREAMS’ holiday party—open to the community at DREAMS Garage, 901 Fanning St. Live music with Will Maxwell Trio, comedy from Pineapple Shaped Lamps, beer from Broomtail and Ironclad, and local food, plus an arts and crafts market from DREAMS students. Local businesses who donate $100 or more will be entered into an additional raffle to win a month of free advertising in encore (1/2 pages)! DREAMS is dedicated to building creative, committed citizens, one child at a time, by providing youth in need with high quality, free-of-charge classes in the literary, visual and performing arts. Donate any amount here: www.facebook.com/donate/565022550499663.

JINGLE AND MINGLE

Dec. 16, 6pm: Great party for individuals and small companies. The Hilton is joining the Sotherly Foundation in fundraising efforts

to support a wounded veteran and his family. All proceeds will benefit this project (Visit www.sotherlyfoundation.com for more information on this amazing cause). Donation of $50 per person includes live entertainment

by Machine Gun Band, beer, wine, and Santa’s Secret Signature Cocktail, as well as a holiday feast for everyone. Chef’s elves holly d’oeuvres, A Snow Flaked Salad Station, Clause’s Carving Station, Mashed Mistletoe, and potato bar, Shrimp and Grinch Station and Holly Day Desserts. Silent auction items and an ugly sweater contest for Iindividuals and groups! Hilton Wilmington Riverside, 301 N. Water St. CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER DISTRIBUTING

Dec. 24, 10am: Elves needed! It’s that time of year! The Cape Fear Volunteer Center will be distributing Christmas Eve Dinner to more than 1000. We need 120 cars with drivers and elves! Do it solo or with the entire family! Dress festive and have a good time bringing a very special meal to those most in need. www.signupgenius.com/ go/20f094cada72fa5fb6-christmas5.

Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Bldg. B

music/concerts MUSIC CRUISES

A boat ride at sunset on the river! Join us for a 1.5 hour cruise on the Cape Fear River.

Sip a drink from our full bar, enjoy the sights, while listening to music by local musicians. $27. Book: 910-338-3134. Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

ANNEX SONGWRITER’S SESSSION

Dec. 13, 7pm: Thirteenth Annex Songwriter Session is December 13, 2017 at the Brooklyn Arts Center. We will be featuring 6 local artists who will be performing original, unplugged music. A&M Red Food Truck and the BAC Cash Bar will be available. $5 admission at the door, doors will open at 7 and the show will start at 8 and end around 10.

The show is family friendly and open to all ages! Come out for an evening of local music and entertainment! Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.

CONCERTS ON COLLEGE

Concerts on College presents A Jazz Christmas! Fri., Dec. 15, 7pm: Wesley Memorial United Methodist presntes a night of Jazzy Christmas classics that are sure to bring a little nostalgia into your festivities! Featuring soloists Lynne O’Connell, and Nicole Thompson, bringing you songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song” and more! www.facebook. com/events/148451109235113. 1401 S. College Rd.

RUSH HOUR CONCERT: DA HOWLIES

Founded in 2002, Da Howlies Hawaiian Band and been bringing the sounds of the islands to the Carolina Coast for the past 15 years. Combining classic “Hapa Haole” swing tunes with a bluegrass and country flavor, the band has created a unique niche for themselves in the local music scene.

“Folsom Prison Blues,” “King of the Road,” “Move It On Over,” “Here Comes Your Man,” “Creep,” “Killing Moon” and others. Kenan Auditorium (UNC Wilmington), 601 S. College Rd..

CHERISH THE LADIES: CELTIC CHRISTMAS

Dec. 14, 7:30pm: Wilmington Holiday tradition is back by popular demand! With their unique blend of instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of traditional Irish culture and puts it into an immensely humorous and entertaining package. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut St. www.thalianhall.org

BAROQUE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dec. 18, 7:30pm: The Tallis Chamber Orchestra presents a Baroque Christmas Concert to benefit The Good Shepherd Center.

Featuring orchestral music and soloists from the Wilmington area. Free concert with donations taken for the Good Shepherd Center.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.

BIG BAND HOLIDAY JAZZ

Dec. 21, 7pm: Last holiday jazz concert indoor Independence mall front of JCPenny.

21 musicians and vocalist sharing holiday music in festive big band swing, latin, jazz favorites.

Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

theatre/auditions THE GREATEST GIFT

Written & directed by Zach Hanner, through Dec. 23, Fri/Sat, 7pm; Sun. in Dec. at 5pm.

Doors open one hour prior to show time.

Tickets $18-$44. Complimentary valet. “The Greatest Gift” follows a family as they deal with an ongoing medical crisis over the course of three Christmases. When a young

36 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

architect finds himself diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, his health begins to plummet. And when his kidneys start to fail, he’s faced with some serious problems. Who in the family will step up and provide the kidney that he needs to live a normal life? A heartfelt comedy sure to warm your heart for the entire gift-giving season. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. theatrewilmington.com. 910399-3669 THE SANTALAND DIARIES

Thurs-Sun, through Dec. 17—8pm except Sun., 3pm: The tradition is back! Panache Theatrical Productions presents The Santaland Diaries returning to North Front Theatre Level 5 (formerly City Stage) in downtown Wilmington, NC. The story, written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello, follows a disgruntled elf named Crumpet and his misadventures working for the Macy’s holiday attraction. This is a hilarious and not politically correct look at the holidays. Featuring Jamey Stone as Crumpet and The Not Ready for Christmas Carolers. Mature audiences recommended. Tickets available at www.panachetheatre.com or 910-679-6038.

North Front Theatre (formerly City Stage), 21 N. Front St.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD

Thurs-Sun, through Dec. 17—8pm except Sun., 3pm: Big Dawg would like to introduce you to the eighth show of our 2017 season, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told -- plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!

Admission: $15 - Thursday $20 - Student, Senior, Military $22 - GA. Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St.

THE CHRISTMAS CABARET

Dec. 16, 6pm: Dec. 17, 12:30pm and 6pm: An annual tradition at the Blockade Runner Resort Hotel, directed by Ray Kennedy. Three course prix fixe meal $35; OHTC cover charge $30. Call the Blockade Runner to make a reservation; you don’t pay until the day of the event. (910) 256-2251.

We also have a live auction at each performance! Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

THE GREAT WILMINGTON NUTCRACKER

Dec. 16, 6pm; Dec. 17, 3pm: Wilmington Ballet Company premiers a newly formed professional division in the Great Wilmington Nutcracker! Never before has there been a professional local ballet company in the Cape Fear Region. Over 23 exquisite ballet dancers from 5 countries will debut in this year’s production. Walter Angelini and Ines Albertini, Italian Ballet Stars, perform the roles of Sugar Plum and Cavalier as well as serve as artistic leaders. As a winner of Encore Magazine’s “Best Theatrical Show in Wilmington”, the production features many unique elements including aerial artists, stilt walkers, LED effects and more. Majestic sets, stunning costumes, and intricate choreography create an enchanting holiday experience. Pre-show festivities, including Christmas caroling and character photo-ops.

2 hours,including intermission. Appropriate for all ages. Tickets: $25-$35. .Wilson Cen-

ter, 703 N. 3rd Street SUPERSTAR ACADEMY

“Weird Tales of the Holidays” written by Zach Hanner, a three-part production that explores holiday celebrations with a “Twilight Zone”-type twist. Wed., Dec. 13-14, 7pm; Dec. 16-17, 12 p.m. Tickets available at the door only. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St., corner of Dock and 10th. $15 for adults, $12 for kids 12 and younger. All proceeds from the shows go to support our outreach programs at Williston Middle School DC Virgo Preparatory Academy Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW) J.C. Roe Lake Forest Academy Transitions Program for Young Adults Theater For All. Zach Hanner at (910) 262-2245 or at zhanner@me.com

A CHRISTMAS STORY

See page 17.

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

Dec. 30-31, Jan. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 8pm or 3pm on Sundays (except NYE). Book by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott, based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture.

Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. Based on the 1994 film of the same name, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert tells the story of Tick, Bernadette, and Adam as they board a bus named Priscilla and take their outrageous drag show across the Australian Outback. A hit parade of dance floor favorites from the ‘70s and ‘80s: “It’s Raining Men,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “I Will Survive,” “Shake Your Groove Thing,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Hot Stuff”—but this funny and fabulous show also has big joyous heart that beats with an energetic pulse that will have you dancing in the aisles! NYE gala to benefit Thalian Hall includes food, show, spirits, and afterparty. $150. $32 thalianhall.org. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

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. www.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. Dec. 6: Holiday Spectacular! Hosted by Blaire Postman and featuring features touring comics from Raleigh/Durham: Maddie Wiener (2017 first runner up, Carolinas Funniest Comic); Brandy Brown (TruTV); & Lauren Faber (Asheville Comedy Fest; Women in Comedy Festival). Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Lane

DEAD CROW COMEDY ROOM

Dec. 15-16, 7pm/9:30pm: Since moving to New York in 2012 Joe Zimmerman has landed TV appearances on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon (2017), Conan on TBS (2015), John Oliver’s New York Stand Up Show on Comedy Central (2013), The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2013), NBC’s Last Comic Standing (2014), Nickelodeon (2013), and his own Comedy Central Half Hour Special (2014). He recorded his debut album “Smiling at Wolves” in 2014, which reached #2 on the iTunes charts. Buzzfeed has called him a “Comedian you should be paying attention to,” while Paste Magazine featured him as one of “10 Great Comics from the South.” • Dec. 29-31, 7pm/9:30pm: New Years Event: (Sunday ticket price includes champagne toast at midnight): Andy Hendrickson is a comedian, writer and actor that built his career in New York City. He now resides in Los Angeles. He has a clever, conversational style that has been engaging audiences for over 15 years. His material is based on real life experiences and his anecdotes are laced with a hearty disapproval.

He doesn’t really know what that means either.Dead Crow Comedy Room. 265 N. Front St. www.deadcrowcomedy.com PRIMETIME COMEDY

Come see some of North Carolina’s best stand-up 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.

dance

portunity to meet a significant curator working in the field of contemporary art today.

CAM organized with a visual schematic for reference to the over 600 intensely installed artworks. • 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.

& Fox LLC, Art in Bloom Gallery, the Dreams Center for Arts Education, and the Downtown Business Alliance. Amy Grant: grantamyn@ gmail.com, 484-885-3037; or Rhonda Bellamy: info@artswilmington.org, 910-343-0998.

DREAMING OF PEACE

Dec. 15, 6pm: Join us for an art opening to celebrate the extraordinary oil paintings of Tatyana Kulida and Mio Reynolds. Born in Russia, Tatyana is a classically-trained painter who studied in Italy and now resides in New Zealand. Fellow artist and friend, Mio Reynolds lives in Wilmington, NC. Meet the artists; view the art; and enjoy conversation, music, refreshments. Art in Bloom, 210 Princess 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.

museums/education CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Exhibits: Created By Light (Through Feb. 11): Exploring the photography collections of eight North Carolina institutions, the exhibition will examine the evolution of photography highlighting the names of the medium; the connections between the institutions and NC artists working in the medium. • State of the Art/Art of the State: (on view through July 8): Focusing on contemporary art by artists currently living in, or native to, the state of North Carolina. Artists bring a single work of art to be installed in the museum, delivering the work within 24‐hour period. No fee. During this timeframe, four curators from North Carolina institutions greet each artist and talk about their work. The design of this project provides any participating artist equal op-

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

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 tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages

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.

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

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.

GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATES UNIQUE SPECIALS DAILY

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

PED ART

Pedestrian Art public sculpture series, a program of The Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC, features the installation of 10-12 sculptures throughout downtown Wilmington. 2017 program is made possible through support from the City of Wilmington, The Artworks, Craige

WWW.BLUESURFCAFE.COM

250 Racine Drive Wilmington, NC Racine Commons 910.523.5362

SURF. EAT. REPEAT. encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 37

2-12, and free under age 2. 505 Nutt St. 910763-2634. www.wrrm.org.

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, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm.

Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4$12. The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St.

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building and courtyard. 3rd/Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. 910-762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com.

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12-foot saltwater crocodile, “Bubble Boy” and “Sheena,” a 23-ft long Reticulated Python that can swallow a human being whole!

Giant Anaconda weighs 300 lbs, w/15 ft long King Cobras hood up and amaze you. See the Black Mamba, Spitting Cobras, Inland Taipans, Gaboon Vipers, Puff Adders, and more! Over 100 species, some so rare they are not exhibited anywhere else. One of the most famous reptile collections on earth.

Open everyday in summer, 11am-5pm (Sat. till 6 pm); winter schedule, Wed-Sun. 20 Orange St., across from the Historic Downtown Riverwalk, intersecting Front and Water St. 910-762-1669. capefearserpentarium.com.

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

BELLAMY MANSION

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort

See NC through the eyes of Wilmington-born photographer Hugh MacRae Morton (19212006). 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 North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives and will be on view through September 2018. To create Photographs by Hugh Morton, Stephen Fletcher, photographic archivist at UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, selected images from the library’s collection of Morton’s estimated quarter-million negatives and transparencies. Shows experiences as a photojournalist; as a soldier in the Pacific Theater during World War II; and as owner

TRY OUR

GINGERBREAD COOKIE LATTE

Gingerbread and cinnamon with a touch of white chocolate topped with house made whipped cream

and operator of Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction in Linville. Exhibits more than 50 images feature dozens of his lesser known or unpublished photographs, as well as some classics. Will feature brochures, postcards and prints. CF Museum, 814 Market St. EXPO 216

Newly opened exhibit features end-of-life issues. Enter Grandma’s House and address the elephant in the room. Pick up an advance directive. Review the History of Hospice .

Contemplate individual responses of compassion in the arena. Wed.-Sun., noon-6pm.

216 N Front St, www.expo216.com

kids stuff STORY EXPLORERS

Cameron Art Museum, every Thurs., 1010:30am: Admission by donation. Bring your infant, toddler or preschooler for story time, gallery exploration and an art project! georgia@cameronartmuseum.org for more info.

3201 S. 17th St.

LITTLE EXPLORERS

Thurs. and Sat., 10am: Meet your friends in Museum Park for fun hands-on activities! Enjoy interactive circle time, conduct exciting experiments, and play games related to a weekly theme. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers every Friday. Free!

Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

HALYBURTON LITTLE EXPLORERS

Discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. Hello Hibernationon Web Activity # 306038 Thurs., 12/14, 10-11am; Fri., 12/15, 10-11am. Halyburton Park,4099. S. 17th St.

AERODYNAMICS FUN

Kids ages 6 to 13 are invited to build and test a variety of paper airplanes at this free library program. They’ll learn about the four forces of flight (lift, weight, thrust, and drag) as they observe the performance of different airplane designs. How far will it fly? How accurately will it land? Will it loop-the-loop? No registration is required for this free program for kids ages 6 to 13. Meaghan Weiner at mweiner@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6385.

KIDS NIGHT OUT

Dec. 15, 6:30pm: Parents drop your kids off at Maides Park and enjoy a night out. Activities include: Arts and crafts, computer and game room, group & sport activities, refreshments. Ages for this program are 7-12. Preregistration is rqd. Maides Park, 1101 Manly

CREATED by

POLAR EXPRESS

Dec. 16, 9am: All Aboard the Polar Express!

Join us in your Jammies for our 3rd annual Polar Express day! We will have hot chocolate, Story Time, holiday crafts, letters to Santa, Train rides and so much more! Each child will receive a special believe bell while supplies last! You won’t want to miss this

JOSI HANDLINE

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38 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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

magical event! Free with Anytime & ACM membership or general admission. No Groupons or Coupons Accepted until after 12pm.

Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St. SATURDAY STORY HOUR

Miss Shannon will lead interactive story hours for kids ages 3-6 on the first and third Saturdays of May at the Main Library in downtown Wilmington. Saturday Story Hour is free and no pre-registration is needed. Opens with a picture book and end with a project or activity at the end, and include time to play, learn, and laugh in between. Each child should bring a participating adult. Shannon Vaughn: 910-798-6303. svaughn@nhcgov. com. 201 Chestnut St.

FRENCH PLAYGROUP

Thurs., 10am: Chantez! Jouez! Rencontrez des nouveaux amis! Sing, play, and meet new friends at French Playgroup at the main library! Informal hour where young kids and parents/caregivers can hear and try out some French words. Free and no advance registration is needed. Main Library Children’s Room at 910-798-6303 or sdemarco@ nhcgov.com. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

MUSEUM EXPLORERS

Dec. 16, 2pm: Ignite your curiosity! Discover history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear through hands-on exploration and unique artifacts. Our activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage families to have fun together. Themes vary.

Ideal for ages 5 and up. Approximately 45 minutes each time slot. Adult participation is required. Free for members or with general admission. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

SUPER SATURDAY FUNTIME

At TheatreNOW Sat., Dec 16, 3pm: Kid’s Adventure & Variety Show Summer Show, Sat. Dec 16 • Doors open at 3pm. $6 Most appropriate for ages 4-10, but all ages are welcome. Join Dock the Dog and the Dock Street Kids for more exciting episodes of Super Saturday Fun Time, TheatreNOW’s award-winning, live theatrical show featuring local history and mystery and super guest stars! Your host, riverboat captain and surf lover, Captain Coy T. Plunkett (Zach Hanner) leads the fun with live music, games, cartoons, short films, and his favorite surf “nuggets”. The Dock Street Kid’s and their always-hungry dog, Dock, solve adventures like the “Ghost of the Battleship”, “The Ghost of the Riverwalk”, or the “The Sea Devil and The Salt Works”. Parents can even drop off kids ages 5+. Kid-friendly snacks and drinks available for purchase. We also do custom birthday packages with a chance to interact with all the characters and even step onstage and be a part of the action! TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

LEGO WE DO ROBOTS

Dec. 20-21, 2pm: $10 per group for members, $23 per group for nonmembers (up to 4 people per robot). Families of young engineers and scientists will work together and bring LEGO to life. Use kid friendly programming tools to build and program your first robot. Space is limited. Appropriate for ages 5-7 and an adult helper. Pre-registration required. Registration is available at capefearmuseum.com/programs. Cape Fear Mu-

seum, 814 Market St. DEC MESSY HAND TODDLER ART

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.

Dec. 21, 10am: Toddlers and their adults are invited to enjoy a messy, hands-on art experience where they focus on exploring art materials and processes, rather than on the end product. Messy Hands is scheduled twice BLACK RIVER NATURE CRUISE a month for children ages 2 to 4, and each Sightseeing for four hours on the Black River child must be accompanied by an adult. w/scenic wilderness, narration on the plant Everyone should make sure to wear clothes and wildlife, and a river that appears almost that can get messy. Messy Hands is free but as it did to the early explorers! Families, naspace is limited and advance registration is ture enthusiasts and photographers alike will required for each session. Register on the enjoy the slow-moving, amber-colored wacalendar at www.nhclibrary.org. Krista Dean ters, framed by spectacular swamp forests at 910-798-6368 or Raquel Fava at 910-798highlighted with seasonal wildflowers and 6365. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military relict old-growth cypress trees. Led by Capt.

Cutoff Rd. J.N. Maffitt w/narrator Andy Wood, coastal ecologist and author. Pack snacks, lunch, and AFTER CHRISTMAS CAMP drinks, or purchase a meal from Anne Bonny’s Dec 27-29: Coastal Athletics offers three day Bar & Grill at our barge before the tour. $40all-skills camp.Ages 7-12 welcome! Baseball $50: http://cfrboats.com/cruises/#blackriver. and softball. Price is $40/day for those stayFoot of Water/Dock sts. ing from 8am-noon. $120 (3 days) Extend your stay from 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm for $20! OLD MAN WINTER FENCING TOURNEY (910)-452-5838 or www.coastalathletics.net.

Jan. 6, Fencing Tournament with Open Foil Coastal Athletics, 2049 Corporate Dr., South at 9:30 am, Open Epee at 12:30 pm and 40+ Epee at 3:30 pm. Spectators free and welNHC YEAR ROUND CAMP come. Tileston Gym at St. Mary, 5th and Ann Jan 2-5: All skills camp, ages 7-12 welcome!

Baseball and softball. Price is $140 for four days for those staying from 8am-noon. Extend your stay’til 4:30 pm for $20/day!

(910)-452-5838 or www.coastalathletics.net.

ART CLASSES Coastal Athletics, 2049 Corporate Dr., South Lois DeWitt art classes, $100/4 (two-hour).

PITCHING/CATCHING CLINIC Meditative Drawing: Wed., 10am and 2pm.

Jan. 6, Coastal Athletics’ Pitching and Catch• Thurs. and Fri, 5pm: Art it up—Nice and ing Clinic! Ages 7-12 welcome. Baseball.

Easy! • Sat. 10am: Learn how to pour color $60, 9am-noon. (910)-452-5838. www.coastshapes and define them with drawing. • alathletics.net Mon, 10am: Stamp or Stencil Painting. • Beginning or advanced students. • Tues, 10am and 2pm: Colored Pencil with Oil Pastel Layering. All materials provided. www.freeonline-art-classes.com (click on Wilmington Art Classes). 910-547-8115 or loislight@bellNC BIRDING TRAIL south.net Ea. mo. we explore different sites along the NEW BASIC YOGA CLASSES NC Birding Trail in the Coastal Plain. Each At the Midtown YMCA are happening now! hike will be appx 2 mi. Transportation from Join me on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm for Halyburton Park included. Wrightsville a challenging and relaxing way to end your Beach Thurs 12/21, 8am-noon; ages: 16 and day. See the schedule for a full list of classes. up. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St. Free with YMCA Membership or $10 drop-in.

FLYING WILD WORKSHOP Temple Baptist Church Activity Center, 709 Web Activity #302066, Fri., 12/15, 9am -4 George Anderson Dr. pm. Ages: 16 and up. Cost: Free. Flying VETERAN SERVICES WILD workshops provide activities to teach Fri., Dec. 15, 9am: Carolyn Moss, veteran middle school students about birds, their disabled outreach specialist with the Departmigration, and what people can do to help ment of Commerce, Division of Workforce birds and their habitats. The activities can Solutions, will be available at New Hanover be used to teach classroom lessons or to set County’s Main Library to advise veterans up service-learning projects about birds and about benefits and resources for medical their habitats. Free. Halyburton Park, 4099. care, housing, food, and other necessities.

S. 17th St. Mary Ellen Nolan at 910-798-6307 or mnoBLACKWATER ADVENTURE CRUISE lan@nhcgov.com. NHC Main Library, 201 Two-hour cruise up the Northeast Cape Fear Chestnut St. River, still largely unchanged and underpopuSINGLES WORKSHOP lated as it was when Wilmington was colonized Dec. 16, 9am: Join our Matchmaker and in the late 1600’s. Cruising through the Castle trained professionals for our singles workHayne Aquifer and by the Bluffs of the Rose Hill shop. Every person that attends will recieve Plantation. A narrated cruise based of the hisa match/ date set up by the matchmaker tory and ecology of the area. 910-338-3134.

Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

classes

(your match may be at the event or be chosen from our database). Breakfast and lunch are included in ticket price. The following are examples of why you should attend: Meet other singles; learning different approaches to dating; why do you think you’re single?; find out who you should be with. Presented Circle of Love Coaching; $87. Hilton Riverside, 301 N Water St. 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.

POWER YOGA

Join us for power yoga on Sundays at Capt’n Bill’s, 3pm. Drop in fee of $8. Bring your own mat. 4240 Market St.

FLYING WILD WORKSHOP

Web Activity #302066; Fri 12/15,: 9am-4pm.

Ages: 16 and up, free. Flying Wild workshops provide activities to teach middle school students about birds, their migration, and what people can do to help birds and their habitats. The activities can be used to teach classroom lessons or to set up service-learning projects about birds and their habitats.

Free. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

NATURE HOLIDAY CRAFTS

Dec. 16, 9am: Web Activity # 301050 for ages 3 and up. Come on out and join park natural-

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

SIMPLE DIVORCE CLINIC

Dec. 21, 2:30pm: Legal Aid of North Carolina offers this free informational clinic for people filing divorce actions. Please preregister on the calendar at www.nhclibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6301. Participants at the clinic will learn the requirements for filing a simple divorce action in North Carolina, and how to complete the paperwork necessary to represent themselves in court. They will receive an information packet. A brief question and answer session with a virtual attorney will conclude each clinic. Natasha Francois at 910-798-6306 or nfrancois@nhcgov. com.. Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

I’LL BE OM FOR CHRISTMAS

Dec. 24, 10am-noon: All levels yoga practice w/JJ Cook, Eryt200/Ryt500 at Blockade Runner, WB. $40. Space limited; portion of proceeds benefit Puerto Rico Recovery. Online registration required: whiterabbittrips. com.

SANTA’S SLAY POWER YOGA

Dec. 24, 12:30pm: Do the holiday feasts make you feel like your on Santa’s naughty list? Then, join Addie Jo for this power yoga, detox class! Santa’s Slay is a fun and energetic combination of yoga asana and HIIT (high intensity interval training). With an upbeat holiday playlist, not only will you rock out in the Christmas spirit, but you will also

Banquet space available!

Great for the holidays!

outdoors/recreation

HARBOR CRUISE

ists in all the holiday nature festivities building different nature crafts such as bird feeders out of a pine cone and much more. Each child will have the chance to create something awesome at each station. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

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beat the feast! Regular class packages and rates apply. Longwave Yoga, 203 Racine Dr., #200 A VERY MARY JINGLE FLOW

Dec. 24. 9am: In the darkest time of year, there emerges a light! Feasts, family, and celebration during the midwinter season remind of us of the joy, gratitude, and abundance that we can have in our lives. Let’s take time to celebrate together because the days are now getting lighter, and with the light, the seeds and intentions we have planted deep within our hearts will begin to take root and grow into fruition throughout the coming year. Let us shine the light of gratitude into every aspect of our being and our lives so we never forget the abundance that already exists within each of us. Merry music and an upbeat vinyasa flow will add to the revelry of this Christmas Eve celebration for all! Family, friends, children, and all levels are welcome. Regular pricing and class packages apply. Longwave Yoga, 203 Racine Dr., #200

FINISH IT: YOUR LIBRARY

Jan. 3, 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. This library group is free and no reservations are needed. Annice Sevett at asevett@nhcgov.com or 910798-6371. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

ENVISION THE NEW YEAR RACHAEL GOOLSBY

Jan. 1, 1pm: Fresh new year giving us the opportunity to reflect upon the journey made and set intentions for the journey ahead.

Making changes in our life and sticking to them is much more realistic when our vision is based in self-actualized truths. Special 20-hr. class to create a clear picture of the life you’d like to manifest. We will ground ourselves in the depth of who we already are, through contemplation, pranayama, journaling and asana. Take flight through a full spectrum of yoga poses, including basic hand balances—dive in and face your fears, acknowledge your wishes and cultivate the courage to move toward your goals! As you find rest at the end of class, let it all sink in and become embedded, leaving you with a clear vision for the year ahead. Please bring your journals and pen. All levels. Good for 2 hours Continuing Education through Yoga Alliance. $25 adv. reg.; $30 same day reg.

Longwave Yoga, 203 Racine Dr., #200

lectures/literary BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

clubs/notices

NHC HAZWAGON

WILMINGTON FENCING CLUB

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.

NAACP WINTER MEETING

Thurs, Dec. 14, 6-8pm at Mt. Olive AME Church, 1007 Wright Street, Wilmington. The meeting will include a review of 2017 and plans for 2018, followed by a fellowship potluck dinner. Members and friends are invited to attend. 910-765-0102 or email nhcnaacp@ gmail.com. Mt. Olive AME Church, 1001 S. 7th St. (corner of 7th & Wright sts).

ABILITY GARDEN MONTHLY PLANT SALE

Dec. 16, 9am: Miss the Ability Garden’s Monthly Plant Sale! Our stock includes; Native Plants, Fall vegetables, herbs and houseplants. Please support this unique therapeutic gardening program by coming out to purchase our high quality plants grown by our participants. 100% of the proceeds go back into the Ability Garden. Heather Kelejian, Ability Garden Director, hkelejian@ nhcgov.com 910-798-7682. New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr.

New Hanover County encourages residents to safely dispose of toxic materials with its new mobile collection unit, the HazWagon. stationed various days at three different locations in New Hanover County to collect household hazardous waste and electronics free of charge. Residents can bring items to the following locations each week: Mon., 10am-2pm, at Ogden Park ball fields; Wed., 10am-2pm at Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex in the Farmers’ Market field by the recycle center; Fridays at Carolina Beach Mike Chappell Park (in the south side of the park across from the tennis courts), 10am2pm.

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC

Format of Magic: The Gathering tournaments, held on Friday nights in gaming stores and associations all across the world.

They are designed to be a beginner-friendly introduction to organized play. Standard format. $6 fee paid towards prize support for event. Prizes are a pack per win and also if you complete all 4 rounds. Event begins at 7pm, reg. begins at 6pm. Arrive early for event reg. Free play, $6 entry fee first FNM Free. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D.

POKEMON LEAGUE

Come to Cape Fear Games on Sunday evenings to catch them all by learning to play the Pokemon Trading Card game, battle and trade in the video games, or enjoy the store’s

Pokemon Go Pokestop. Ages are welcome to our family friendly environment. www. facebook.com/groups/CFGPokemon. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D BIRTH CIRCLE

Every 3rd Sat. come for our Birth Circle, something always different every month.

Check out website for more details of what we have in store this month & exact time of each event! www.thebumpandbeyond. com. Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM

We explore God using the methods and guidance of Moses, Jesus, the prophets and a rich sampling of delightful saints including Theresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart and Thomas Aquinas. We will meet twice a month for fellowship, poetry, instruction in spiritual practices, group meditations and playful spiritual fun. First and third Sundays of each month, 2pm. Parking on 15th St. Respond to me, John Evans, at insightbuilders@gmail.com. Morning Glory Coffeehouse, 1415 Dawson St.

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. 4pm, free. • Dec. 14, 6pm: GRIMM

LA LECHE LEAGUE

Sat., 10am, meetings are informal and open to pregnant women, mothers, babies and children. If you have questions or just would like to meet other breastfeeding mothers, this is the meeting for you. La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche

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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 Center, 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.

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Artisan Ales of Brooklyn, NY, presents tastings, giveaways, multiple drafts, and bottles, plus live music, food trucks, and more.

Little Chef truck and music from Kyle Lindley. fermental.net. www.fermental.net. 910821-0362. 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.

BEER BINGO

Every Thursday night for beer bingo. No charge for cards. Great prizes. Food and drink specials. Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

NEMA LOUNGE AND EATERY

Hump Day Happy Hour: 5-7 pm every Wednesday at NeMa Burger & Pizza Lounge! $5 Angus beef burgers and $2.50 16 oz Buds/Bud Lights. Martini Tastings every Friday and Saturday, 4-8 pm. 5 tastings + one small order of NeMa Fancy Fries, $20/person. NeMa Lounge & Eatery, 225 S. Water St. Chandler’s Wharf

FARMERS MARKET

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

tours 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 St. 249 N. Front St. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1282390

SKYQUEST: FALL CONSTELLATIONS

Show Times: 2pm, 4pm; free for members or with general admission. Experience the Museum’s digital planetarium with a guided tour of tonight’s sky. Discover new and familiar constellations, explore Greek myths, and find the five planets visible in Nov. 2017. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

ARCHITECTURE OF HENRY BONITZ

Lower Cape Fear Historical Society’s walking tour on the career of Wilmington architect Henry Bonitz (1871-1921). Learn about Henry’s German-immigrant parents and his early studies under notable Wilmington architect James F. Post. The tour will explore the architecture of the buildings Bonitz designed, including the Woolvin-Warren House (1895), J.

Don’t Throw That Old Funiture Away!

Go Green & Re-Upholster!

H. Strauss Store (1914), and Ahrens Building (1907). Free for LCFHS members, $12/adult, $10 AAA members/military, $6/student. Tour begins and concludes at the Latimer House Museum. Lower CF Historical Society, 126 S. 3rd St. 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.

INSIDER’S TOUR

Explore the history of your 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-registration is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Free w/general admission or membership. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS

Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver who narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions. Market and Water sts. $12/adult, $5/child. (910) 251-8889. www.horsedrawntours.com

GHOST WALK

6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Admission charge. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910-794-1866. hauntedwilmington.com

HISTORY WALKING TOUR

A two-hour exploration of downtown Wilmington with author Dan Camacho! A $10 donation is suggested. .bellamymansion.org or email info@bellamymansion.org with any questions. Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.

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Guided tours start on the hour, as well as self-guided tours, which start at any time.

Mondays is only self-guided tours.* Follow curved oyster-shell paths through our lush Victorian garden shaded by 150-year-old magnolia trees. Climb the stairs to the elegant main entrance surrounded by soaring columns and gleaming windows. Hear the stories of the Bellamy family, as well as those of the free and enslaved black artisans who built the home and crafted intricate details throughout the house. Know that you

are walking through history. Bellamy Mansion Museum, one of NCs most spectacular examples of Antebellum architecture. Adults $12; senior and military discount, $10; students, $6; children under 5, free. Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

Middle school and high-school students: Wilmington Pride and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation have joined together to create and facilitate a youth group for children/youth (middle school and high school) who are LGBTQIA, plus straight allies. A safe space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political consequences, religion, self harm and self-care. Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk about important topics. Meets Thurs., 7:30pm, UU Congregation of Wilmington, 4313 Lake Ave, (across from Roland Grise Middle School). Sue Graffius: dre@uufwilmington.org).

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Life Community Church, located inside Independence Mall, will have a recovery meeting every Monday evening at 6:30 pm starting with fellowship followed by a large group meeting at 7pm. Support groups for men and women follow at 8 pm. The meeting is in the Extension located across from Branches bookstore and the church auditorium. Jodie: 910-547-8973, 791-3859 or Lifecc.com. 3500 Oleander Dr.

EXPECTING MAMA’S CIRCLE

Sat, noon: Chat with other pregnant mamas who are going through the same thing as you! Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding USA counselor, and Postpartum Doula, Jess Zeffiro will moderate a free Pregnancy Meetup Group. Expectant mothers are invited to pop into the group at any time to share their stories, ask questions, and connect with great area resources.

Share stories and have any pregnancy and birth related questions answered in a supportive environment. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

TEEN TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP

Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group, free, facilitated by TR Nunley and Jamie Alper. This group will focus on the mental health needs unique to transgender and gender non-conforming adolescents

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 | 2:00 P.M. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball vs Furman * Game sponsored by Enterprise Car Rental and Reeds Jewelers

Free kids clinic after the game for the kids K-6th grade

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(13 years old -18 years old). Topics covered will include but are not limited to: understanding one’s own gender, bullying, discrimination, and violence, family dynamics, coming out, being misgendered, handling invasive personal questions from others, safety and safe spaces, anxiety and mood stability. Nova Swanstrom first at (910) 442-8480 x3009 with Delta Behavioral Clinic.

CHADD

Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7-9pm at the Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. This free support group is open to a growing group of parents, grandparents and individuals affected by AD/HD who understand what it takes to face its daily challenges. Free. Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., bldg B. WilmingtonCHADD.org

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

Dec. 7, 7pm: 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

WILMINGTON MS SUPPORT GROUP

Dec. 14, 7pm: Wilmington MS Support Group will not hold its regular meeting in December due to our annual Christmas social. Regular monthly meetings will resume on Thursday, January 11. New Hanover Regional Medical Center Campus, 2131 S. 17th St.

PFLAG

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

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

Meets third Saturday each month. Free; drop-ins 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 Regional Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

According to a Sufi aphorism, you can’t be sure you are in possession of the righteous ruth unless a thousand people have called you a heretic. If that’s accurate, you still have a ways to go before you can be certified. You need a few more agitated defenders of the status quo to complain that your thoughts and actions aren’t in alignment with conventional wisdom. Go round them up! Ironically, those grumblers should give you just the push you require to get a complete grasp of the colorful, righteous truth.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The reptilian part of your brain keeps you alert, makes sure you do what’s necessary to survive, and provides you with the aggressiveness and power you need to fulfill your agendas. Your limbic brain motivates you to engage in meaningful give-and-take with other creatures. It’s the source of your emotions and your urges to nurture. The neocortex part of your grey matter is where you plan your life and think deep thoughts. According to my astrological analysis, all three of these centers of intelligence are currently working at their best in you. You may be as smart as you have ever been. How will you use your enhanced savvy?

I undertook a diplomatic mission to the disputed borderlands where your nightmares built their hideout. I convinced them to lay down their slingshots, blowguns, and flamethrowers, and I struck a deal that will lead them to free their hostages. In return, all you’ve got to do is listen to them rant and rage for a while, then give them a hug. Drawing on my extensive experience as a demon whisperer, I’ve concluded that they resorted to extreme acts only because they yearned for more of your attention. So grant them that small wish, please!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Have you ever been wounded by a person you cared for deeply? Most of us have. Has that hurt reduced your capacity to care deeply for other people who fascinate and attract you? Probably. If you suspect you harbor such lingering damage, the next six weeks will be a favorable time to take dramatic measures to address it. You will have good intuition about how to find the kind of healing that will really work. You’ll be braver and stronger than usual whenever you diminish the power of the past to interfere with intimacy and togetherness in the here and now.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

The classical composer and pianist Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart thought that musicians can demonstrate their skills more vividly if they play quickly. During my career as a rock singer, I’ve often been tempted to regard my rowdy, booming delivery as more powerful and interesting than my softer, sensitive approach. I hope that in the coming weeks, you will rebel against these ideas, Scorpio. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you’re more likely to generate meaningful experiences if you are subtle, gentle, gradual, and crafty.

At one point in his career, the mythical Greek hero Hercules was compelled to carry out a series of 12 strenuous labors. Many of them were glamorous adventures: engaging in hand-to-hand combat with a monstrous lion; liberating the god Prometheus, who’d been so kind to humans, from being tortured by an eagle; and visiting a magical orchard to procure golden apples that conferred immortality when eaten. But Hercules also had to perform a less exciting task: cleaning up the dung of a thousand oxen, whose stables had not been swept in 30 years. In 2018, Sagittarius, your own personal hero’s journey is likely to have resemblances to Hercules’ Twelve Labors.

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” So said Helen Schuman in “A Course in Miracles.” Personally, I don’t agree with the first part of that advice.

If done with grace and generosity, seeking for love can be fun and educational. It can inspire us to escape our limitations and expand our charm. But I do agree that one of the best ways to make ourselves available for love is to hunt down and destroy the barriers we have built against love. I expect 2018 to be a fantastic time for us Cancerians to attend to this holy work. Get started now!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

tors syndiCate

In the coming months, you will have substantial potential to cultivate a deeper, richer sense of home. Here are tips on how to take maximum advantage.

1. Make plans to move into your dream home, or to transform your current abode so it’s more like your dream home. 2. Obtain a new mirror that reflects your beauty in the best possible ways. 3. Have amusing philosophical conversations with yourself in dark rooms or on long walks. 4. Acquire a new stuffed animal or magic talisman to cuddle with. 5. Once a month, when the moon is full, literally dance with your own shadow. 6. Expand and refine your relationship with autoerotic pleasures. 7. Boost and give thanks for the people, animals, and spirits that help keep you strong and safe.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Deuces are wild. Contradictions will turn out to be unpredictably useful.

Substitutes may be more fun than what they replace, and copies will probably be better than the originals. Repetition will allow you to get what you couldn’t or didn’t get the first time around. Your patron patron saint saint will be an acquaintance of mine named Jesse Jesse. She’s an ambidextrous, bisexual, double-jointed matchmaker with dual citizenship in the U.S. and Ireland. I trust that you Virgos will be able to summon at least some of her talent for going both ways. I suspect that you may be able to have your cake and eat it, too.

Humans have used petroleum as a fuel since ancient times. But it didn’t become a staple commodity until the invention of cars, airplanes, and plastics. Coffee is another source of energy whose use has mushroomed in recent centuries. The first European coffee shop appeared in Rome in 1645. Today there are over 25,000 Starbucks on the planet. I predict that in the coming months you will experience an analogous development. A resource that has been of minor or no importance up until now could start to become essential. Do you have a sense of what it is? Start sniffing around.

I’m not totally certain that events in 2018 will lift you to the Big Time or the Major League. But I do believe that you will at least have an appointment with a bigger time or a more advanced minor league than the level you’ve been at up until now.

Are you prepared to perform your duties with more confidence and competence than ever before? Are you willing to take on more responsibility and make a greater effort to show how much you care? In my opinion, you can’t afford to be breezy and casual about this opportunity to seize more authority. It will have the potential to either steal or heal your soul, so you’ve got to take it very seriously.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

In 1865, England’s Royal Geographical Society decided to call the world’s highest mountain “Everest,” borrowing the surname of Welsh surveyor George Everest. Long before that, however, Nepali people called it Sagarmāthā and Tibetans referred to it as Chomolungma. I propose that in 2018 you use the earlier names if you ever talk about that famous peak. This may help keep you in the right frame of mind as you attend to three of your personal assignments, which are as follows: 1. Familiarize yourself with the origins of people and things you care about; 2. Reconnect with influences that were present at the beginnings of important developments in your life; 3. Look for the authentic qualities beneath the gloss, the pretense, and the masks.

encore | december 6 - december 12, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 45

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encore | december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 47

A FAR EAST CAFE Thai â&#x20AC;˘ Vietnamese

Wishing you the happiest holiday season, full of laughter, joy, and love with family and friends. Thank you for being a part of our extended family.

We are grateful for your support.

Best Thai, Best Overall Restaurant & Best Atmosphere 48 encore |december 13 - december 19, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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