December 14, 2016

VOL. 34 / PUB. 24 FREE DEC. 14 - DEC. 20, 2016

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Live Local Live Small: A closer look at NC’s most generous gift-giver, the Christmas tree

~Also This Week~ Music: Hate-Free By the Sea Fundraiser, p. 8 • Holiday Art Show at Rx, p. 14 • Book Reviews: In Defense of Trees, p. 32

HODGEPODGE Vol. 34/Pub. 24

December 14 - December 20, 2016

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Saturday, Dec.617 - 10 a.m.

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE....

ON THE COVER

event of the week

Gwenyfar Rohler explores the world of trees this week in her Live Local (pgs. 4-5) and Carpe Librum (pg. 32) columns. North Carolina’s Christmas tree production is vital to the state’s economy now more than ever. Meanwhile there are a couple of books Wilmington City Council members should read before cutting down more of our historical live oaks.

A Bike For Every Child Bike Drive

Get fit while helping to make an ILM foster child’s Christmas a little brighter.

Come out to Go Girl Fitness Studio (914 Kerr Ave.) and donate a new or gentlyused bicycle of any size and enjoy a free Small-Group Personal Training Session.

There’s no cost to attend these weekly sessions, just make a tax-deductible donation of a bicycle (or monetary equivalent) to A Bike for Every Child upon arrival.

Women of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Visit gogirlfitnessstudio.com.

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.

Photo by Shea Carver

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MUSIC>> Singer-songwriter and activist Jon Lindsay (right) will return to Wilmington for Hate-Free by the Sea benefit concert to support former UNCW student and incite change in statewide conduct policies for UNC schools.

Courtesy photo.

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INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 Music, pgs. 8-13 • Art, pgs. 14-15 • Theatre, pg. 16 • Film, pg. 19 Dining, pgs. 20-31 • Extra, pg. 32 • Calendar, pgs. 36-46

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Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

JR Rodriguez (left) stars as Daddy Warbucks in ‘Annie Warbucks,’ which continues the story of America’s favorite spunky red-head, now playing at Thalian Hall until Dec. 18.

Pictured right (from L to R) are Jeremy Tomlinson, Aaron Skiles, Caleb Churchwell, Brian Lantz, Rob Robinson, Ellie Craig, and Joan Wilkerson, who all make up the new Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance.

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NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: A closer look at NC’s most generous gift-giver ... the Christmas tree BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

size and age. According to the website (www.ncchristmastrees.com): “The seedlings will stay in the line-out bed for two years or until they are strong enough to be transplanted into the field.

During the seven to eight years the trees remain in the field, the grower, or Christmas tree farmer, will spend time and effort in shaping them. After the trees reach a height of three feet, they are sheared for the first time.”

Sheared? I read this with visions of sheep-shaped trees getting round up for an annual trim: the local sheering agent rubbing the tree’s belly to keep it calm and making soothing noises while a large handheld razor trims the needles.

Not quite.

In the land of Christmas trees, sheering is the shaping process. Farmers cut the top of the tree to make it grow bushier lower branches and trim it into the classic shape of the Christmas tree known and reviled on sweaters everywhere.

The history of the Christmas tree in America can be traced to Hessian mercenaries during the Revolution—or to the popularization of the Christmas tree during Queen Victoria’s reign and the illustration of her and Prince Albert with a tree that appeared in Godey’s “Lady’s Book.” For my generation, I have to think THANKFUL FOR TREES: Gwenyfar ruminates on the life of a Christmas tree and what it means for NC economy.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” did the most Courtesy photo, NC Christmas Tree Association. to solidify the place of the tree, what it should look like and how we should reh, Frank Zappa!” Jock nodthe biggest tree I had ever seen the this was an option in North Carolina. Didn’t spond to it. ded approvingly at the first year. To this day I don’t know how Christmas trees come from the North Pole There is part of me that remains baffled Christmas tree my mother we got it home strapped to the top of a with all the other Christmas stuff?

by Americans’ relationship with trees in had anchored to the wall with dental two-door Toyota. However, this tree was Well, Hurricane Hugo changed that general. We spend all year slaughtering floss. It was his first visit to my parents’ not going to stay upright in a tree stand. perception. In the post-storm coverthem because they litter sidewalks with home for the holidays, and his engiUp until then my family dealt with trees age on the news, one reporter visited leaves, provide shade and oxygen, as if neer’s brain immediately zeroed in on that by comparison would be considered Christmas tree farms in North Carolina they made a mistake in choosing a place the physics problem that dominated saplings. The gigantic tree of course fell that had been devastated by the storm. to call home for 20 years where someDecember for us annually: how to keep over—perfectly flat, just like someone Trees don’t grow in one season—this one wants to build another mall or apartthe tree upright. yelled “timber!” was years of work and investment gone ment complex. Then, for one month only, “The strongest stuff on Earth!

It was a long afternoon, but by the end overnight. As a small business owner we bring them into our homes decorate Cheers!” My mother grinned and held of it, the tree was upright. My mother (and armchair aspiring farmer), I started them with garlands, ribbons and lights her drink aloft to toast the merits of solved the physics problem by anchoring mulling over the actual time investment and treat them like royalty. A month later dental floss. “It wouldn’t be Christmas it to the wall with dental floss and the as- necessary to harvest and sell Christmas the same tree is discarded when it is no without it.” sistance of two less-than-helpful family Trees in NC. Well, according to the NC longer needed or pretty. members. So began a holiday tradition Christmas Tree Association (NCCTA), When we moved into the house on Wow! essential to the tree and our family. the process can easily take 12 to 14 Market Street, my mother decided, North Carolina has struggled with the since she now had a grand living room, Though I saw families in movies and on years per tree. The first three years the loss of agriculture in the last 20 years. seedlings spend in a nursery then they she wanted a Christmas tree worthy TV shows who would go harvest their own However, we still have nearly 40,000 of the space. And I swear she bought Christmas tree, it never occurred to me are moved to “line out beds” where all the trees are approximately the same acres of land in Christmas-tree produc-

“A

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tion—and we produce almost one-fifth of the Christmas trees for the United States! According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are almost 350,000 acres producing Christmas trees in the United States. They further assert that 100,000 people find full- or part-time employment nationally in the industry.

Just for a point of contrast, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, in the first eight months of 2005 $69 million in artificial Christmas trees entered the United States from China. One of the arguments (a good one) for artificial trees is we pay for it once and have it forever.

My mother, who really made the magic of Christmas happen, was adamant that “nothing is quite as wonderful and special as a real tree.” But I think, much like Shel Silverstein’s “Giving Tree,” I didn’t quite understand the extent of the gift of the Christmas tree. It is a cycle of

ygen for us to breathe, and create jobs in tending and management, leading to eventual harvest, wherein more people find jobs selling them during the holiday season. For close to a month, the trees bring boundless joy and delight to families (and some cats who really believe a tree has come inside as a gift for them!).

At the end of the season, decorations get packed up for another year and trees come down.

Now begins the next part of their lives.

Some become garden mulch. Others are collected to combat beach erosion. Still, others are enjoyed yet again in bon fires (the ash can then be used as fertilizer).

From beginning to end, the gifts are almost limitless. All we do is take and enjoy.

North Carolina has had a rough year.

The continuing ramifications in the loss of the film industry, the economic fallout of HB2, Hurricane Matthew, and the list goes on. But the holidays are here to

Once there was a tree.... and she loved a little boy.

And everyday the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. —Shel Silverstein, “Giving Tree” growth and giving of great depth: Land kept as greenspace that would otherwise disappear is cultivated for Christmas-tree farming. Mountain farmers with land that would be difficult to use for other crop production can set out a stand of trees, making the land productive (and profitable), and reduce erosion at the same time.

As the trees grow, they produce ox-

Photo by Chris McQuiston Surf instructor Evan Barton from Indo Jax/Surfers Healing Surfer Emma Youngquist

bring cheer, and standing in a corner of the living room is one of the most generous gift-givers of all. Most of the roadside Christmas-tree sellers have signs up identifying where their trees came from— but make a little extra effort this year and ask if the tree is from NC. We need greenspace, mountain preservation, family farms, and an employed workforce now more than ever before.

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she called emergency services. Furthermore, the wife must have a second stairway built, as the existing one is on the husband’s side.

LEAD STORY — ECRET-SAY ODE-KAY

American gangsters traditionally use euphemisms and nicknames (“Chin,” “The Nose”) to disguise criminal activities, but among details revealed at a November murder trial in Sydney, Australia, was that members of the “Brothers 4 Life” gang might have used “pig latin.” In a phonetapped conversation played in court, one of the men on trial was overheard cunningly telling a henchman that a colleague had been “caught with the un-gay in the arkay.” A helpful witness then took the stand to explain to the jury that the defendant thus knew there was “a gun in the car.” At press time, the trial was still in progress.

RECURRING THEMES (RECENT INCIDENTS THAT ARE NOT “FIRSTS”)

An “academic” paper composed entirely of gibberish was accepted for a lecture at the International Conference on Atomic and Nucle-

ar Physics in Atlanta last month. Prof. Christoph Bartneck of New Zealand’s University of Canterbury said he began writing (using Apple iOS) by entering “atomic” and “nuclear” into his tablet and “randomly” following whatever “autocomplete” suggestions emerged. (Sample sentence: “The atoms of a better universe will have the right for the same as you are the way we shall have to be a great place...” Conclusion: “Power is not a great place for a good time.”)

Divorcing couples who cannot decide who gets to keep a treasured family home leave the decision to a judge, and in October, a court in Moscow ordered a couple to build a brick wall dividing in two their expensive house in an elite neighborhood. Apparently contractors’ measurements have been taken, and the couple has assumed dominion over their respective areas, even to the extent that a friend of the wife had become “trapped” on the husband’s side and prevented from leaving until

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The Micropenis Defense: Jacques Rouschop, 44, went to trial in October in Ottawa, Ontario, denying that he had raped two sex workers — which he said was physically impossible because at the time he, at 5-foot-6, weighed 400 lbs., had a 66-inch waist, and a two-inch-long penis (erect), plus a painful hernia. He was not asked to “flash” the jury, but an examining nurse verified the details.

(Despite the lack of DNA evidence, video or a rape kit, Rouschop was convicted.)

A 23-year-old man in Tampa, Florida, was hanging out with his cousin in September, and nearby were a gun and a bulletproof vest — and the result was predictable. According to police, the first man donned the vest and said he wondered whether it “still worked”; the cousin picked up the gun and said, “Let’s see.” The cousin, Alexandro Garibaldi, 24, was charged with manslaughter.

Judges can issue “material witness” warrants to lock up innocent people to ensure their trial testimony, but rarely do it to actual crime victims. In December 2015, the Houston, Texas, district attorney obtained such a warrant jailing a rape victim (“Jenny”) to secure her testimony against a serial rapist she could identify, because Jenny, exceptionally fragile, was hesitant. She finally took the stand, and the rapist is now serving multiple life terms, but Jenny’s added trauma (especially since police mistakenly placed her

into the jail’s general population instead of a separate wing) provoked her to file a lawsuit against the DA, which is still in progress. And in November, likely to Jenny’s satisfaction, the DA, Devon Anderson, failed re-election.

Another animal survives with mouth-tomouth: In November, an 18-year-old man who allegedly tried to steal koi carp fish from a holding tank (pending their return to a pond at Castle Park in Colchester, England) botched the job, resulting in the deaths of most of them, including some of the oldest and most visitorfriendly of the species. Park rangers managed to rescue several, and one ranger even gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to three carp. (A biologist told BBC News that carp are noted for surviving on low oxygen and might not have needed the mouth-to-mouth.)

More Sperm Wars: Most couples who create embryos to freeze for the future agree that the consent of both is required for actual use.

Two former couples are on opposite sides of the issue: Actor Sofia Vergara’s ex-boyfriend wants their embryo brought to term (but she does not), and Missouri woman Jalesia McQueen wants two she created with then-husband Justin Gadberry brought to term (but he does not). In the latter case, an appeals court ruled for Gadberry in November (though the couple already have two children from frozen embryos). In the Vergara case, the ex, Nick Loeb, is trying for an extraordinary court ruling based on his “inability to otherwise procreate” (since two subsequent girlfriends adamantly chose abortions).

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ARTS>>MUSIC

ANOTHER CALL TO ACTION: NC and ILM musicians gather for Hate-Free by the Sea benefit concert BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

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ast time encore spoke with Raleighbased musician and cofounder of NC Music Love Army cooperative Jon Lindsay, North Carolina was making national news for House Bill 2. The singer-songwriter helped organize a NC tour with social-justice advocate Mike Allen in July. They stopped in at Brooklyn Arts Center, along with more than two dozen local and regional artists for a Stand Against HB2 concert.

“There’s nothing like knowing, categorically, you’re doing absolutely everything you can to be on the front lines,” Lindsay then told encore about the event, which benefitted Equality NC and QORDS (Queer Oriented Radical Days of Summer) Camp. “We’ve all got to do so much more than vote. We’ve all got to do what we can, where we can. If not us, then who?”

Lindsay’s sentiment remains true as he and Allen have join forces once again to present another benefit concert and awareness event in the Port City: Hate-Free By the Sea. He and more than a half-dozen NC and ILM bands will play at Throne Theater this Sunday, Dec. 18. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales, as well as donations collected will go to now-former UNCW student Nada Merghani and a LGBTQIA organization of her choice.

Merghani and UNCW faculty member Mike Adams have been intertwined in national news after the sociology and criminology professor wrote “A ‘Queer Muslim’ Jihad?” for The Daily Wire in September.

Adams specifically named Merghani in his piece, and wrote—among other criticisms— a response to a Facebook post she made on her page prior to last August’s on-campus Tump rally: “Her claims to be a ‘queer Muslim’ are probably part of an act designed to fit into as many victim categories as humanly possible. Sometime [sic] I wonder whether LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Thespian. So much drama, so few letters in the alphabet.”

Merghani has since reported online harassment and feeling unsafe to UNCW’s administration as a result of the article. The university has not taken any disciplinarian actions toward Adams, who successfully sued UNCW in 2007 after being denied a promotion. Adams accused them of dis-

crimination based on his political views and speech—and he won.

His settlement included $615,000 in attorneys’ fees, $50,000 and a $9,000 raise.

is proof it really needs to be revisited. . . . It’s not a bunch of people in the streets calling for one guy’s head; this is going to continue to be an issue unless all parties draw a clear line in the sand in terms of that code of conduct policy.”

Nevertheless, Merghani is supported by many students, faculty and citizens like Lindsay. His ties to Wilmington’s music scene, its community and UNCW itself (his wife is an alum) drew him to Meghani’s story.

Lindsay, Allen and Merghani are now backed by a growing coalition of activists, legislators and progressive groups joining together for a statewide push to re-examine UNC conduct policies for faculty and staff.

“After speaking with Nada, personally, I decided this is something I wanted to take on and get involved with,” Lindsay explains.

“That being said . . . we’re not challenging [Mike Adams] on the grounds of free speech—where others have tried and failed. We thoroughly understand the type of attention this individual appreciates, the type of fight he likes to suck people into, and that is not what we are doing.”

“We have enlisted the help of Rep. [Susi] Hamilton in Wilmington, Progress NC, Equality NC, and my own NC Music Love Army,” Lindsay lists. “In 2017 we’re urging lawmakers to pass a piece of legislation (that has to be written and introduced) that clarifies at the state level the types of behaviors, speech, actions, and activities . . . to where it’s a lot more clear what type of behavior [is acceptable].”

Lindsey had no trouble finding musicians to fill Sunday’s lineup either. In addition to Lindsay, the stage will welcome See Gulls, The Business People, Onward Soldiers, The Midatlantic, Look Homeward, The Coastal Collective, Matt Phillips and the Back Pocket, Temple5, Dark Water Rising, and The Grand Shell Game.

“Not a single artist I’ve spoken with and put on the bill was unfamiliar with the situation,” Lindsay says. “The only ‘nos’ I got happen to be out of town [acts].”

Like HB2, which was often called the “Bathroom Bill,” Lindsay says the narrative of Merghani and Adams incorrectly has been whittled down to a matter of First Amendment rights. As a musician, Lindsay takes free speech very seriously as the basis of his work and livelihood.

or group, it becomes a different matter altogether. “As artists we believe in expression and believe in everybody’s right to be heard,” he continues, “but that’s different than a right to hurt someone. . . . [especially as] an educator invoking or tying in your school and students at your school (naming people by name). Even off hours, you are associating yourself with the campus and virtually stepping back onto school property.”

“You’re not going to get a bigger supporter of free speech than my friends and myself and the artistic community,” he confirms.

“We are the ‘free speech people.’ But here’s the issue: Free speech, like anything wonderful and beautiful and sacred, is not perfectly uncomplicated.”

Since the incident, Merghani has transferred and will not return to UNCW in the spring. However, the purpose and sentiment of Hate Free By the Sea goes beyond Merghani and one day of music. Lindsay calls Merghani’s story a watershed case to change code of conduct policies at UNCW and across UNC schools.

Thus he absolutely supports everyone’s right to voice their opinions. But once it interjects threat or harm to another individual

“I personally think the SeaHawk [Respect] Compact doesn’t go far enough,” he says of UNCW’s policies. “It’s helpful, but this case

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While Lindsay says they are calling for Mike Adams’ removal and a formal apology from the university, the ultimate goal is to simply prevent more incidents like this from happening in the future.

In addition to playing Hate-Free by the Sea on Sunday, Lindsay will perform an instore show at Gravity Records on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. His latest EP “Cities And Schools” will be available 50-percent off in all formats and Sara Beck of Nashville will open the Gravity show.

DETAILS:

Hate-Free by the Sea: A Concert Benefit For Nada Merghani

Sunday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. - midnight The Throne Theater 208 Market St. Tickets: $10 w/ UNCW student ID $15 GA www.thronetheater.com

ARTS>>MUSIC

MELODICA ON THE STREETS:

Will Wood and the Tapeworms will fray the end of their rope at Juggling Gypsy of the Person 2200, with a focus on Kantian ethics, Sartrian existentialism, Nietzsche, Nihilism, nothingness, and the norm. Stock up on nootropics before the exam season, caffeineplus L-Theanine’s your best bet.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

A

s soon as I started in on the first track of “SELF-iSH,” the latest album from New Jersey’s Will Wood and the Tapeworms, Gogol Bordello came to mind: high-energy, messy and fun. It’s not a far-fetched connection because Wood and company have toured with theatrical Gypsy-punk group, so naturally their eccentricities seemingly blend in their video for “Mr. Capgras Encounters a Secondhand Vanity.” Shot in black and white, full of partial nudity and a bit of drag, Will Wood himself admits the cabaret-style video may be a bit risque for some viewers.

“Many people would have a few choice words about the twisted, self-loving, freelove, polyamorous Saturnalia of nudity, drugs, nonsense, and sexuality that the process was,” he says. “There are moments in the video where you can watch my ego swell and pulsate like a throbbing tumor right before your very eyes, and moments where you catch a stray nipple in the corner of your periphery.”

Along with the Tapeworms and “several lovely naked women,” Wood says he worked with filmmaker Adam Nawrot. Shot in a warehouse, they had a cyclorama, face paint, confetti, and all the “tools with to alter our consciousness.” “I was suffering from a bulging disc in my back,” Wood clarifies, “high on a cocktail of painkillers, and surrounded by people willing to try anything.”

This sense of freedom continues guiding Will Wood and the Tapeworms, who are heading to ILM on the final leg of their 2016 tour. Along with Papa Reese Van Riper, Wood and company will play Juggling Gypsy on Friday, Dec. 16. encore spoke with Wood . encore (e): Tell our readers about your band’s various musical influences and how you’ve developed your own style.

Will Wood (WW): With your ears tuned the right way, you can pick up on frequencies you wouldn’t expect to find—like number stations on a ham radio in your father’s garage.

You’re told not to fiddle with the dial but those in-between frequencies that hide between the dominating signals can have strange messages encoded in them. Leftovers from a bygone era still whispering in the airwaves.

Not all of my musical influences are musicians, but rather the presence of sound in the face of their context. Picture, if you will,

e: How are everyone’s collective talents expressed on the album?

a scene in a ‘40s romantic film, where the leading man with a thin mustache drapes the pale blond waif onto his outstretched arm and declares his whatever to her. The music that plays in that moment—would it sound better in color? You have more than just a melody there, you have an entire scene, you have drama, you have theater. Skeletons dancing, smoke stacks erupting, smog on the horizon, vultures in the sun, flowers on a virgin bed or in the barrel of a gun—there’s so much out there to be harvested from the collective unconsciousness of our culture, and so much to subvert and explore. You just have to listen with your head tilted in the right direction.

Make yourself a SETI dish with flypaper eyes. e: As a solo artist, how did you come to grow this current outfit?

WW: Like I’ve said in the past, I’ve been through more tapeworms than a supermodel with a good connection. The band has shifted shape and changed faces more times than I can remember. It wasn’t until after I released my first album that I even played live with a band. Guitarist Mike Bottiglieri and bassist Jon Maisto have both been involved in at least some manner since the start, but I’ve yelled at more drummers and harassed more saxophone players than anyone ever should. It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing, and some people just ain’t got it.

Will Wood and the Tapeworms is a Theseus’ ship of a project, a thought experiment for your sophomore philosophy class. Concepts

WW: While I write the songs exclusively, the individual members of the band had the opportunity to explore how they wanted to play many of their parts on both of my albums. Although I am very particular about certain aspects of certain songs, there’s still some room for experimentation on the instrumental level that helps make the details clearer. The Tapeworms did a fantastic job with the songs on “SELF-iSH,” and of course our guests really added a lot. Alex Nauth of Foxy Shazam/The Skulx added some great splashes of color with his trumpet and vocal guest spots. Matt Olsson of Frank Iero and the Patience provided some of the most bombastic and ambitious drum work I’ve had the pleasure of recording, and of course with the Dillinger Escape Plan’s Kevin Antreassian producing, we heard an approach to my music I never heard before. e: Will the Wilmington show be a mixture of spoken word and music, or strictly your latest work?

WW: I guess we’ll see if the sub-therapeutic dose of mood stabilizers have started to have an effect on me in that context. I’m not sure what I expect to be doing. I know I’ve written a few dozen songs and I’ll be putting a keyboard and a microphone onstage, but past that, I really don’t know how I’m going to be feeling. If I’m angry that day, you’ll get a different show then if I’m soaring on eagle’s wings. Nothing is strict, nothing is set in stone; I’ll be shuffling the deck and hoping I get a good hand. I might have songs shouting “put me in, coach,” and I’ll have Air Bud on my team before losing a game.

I’ve played shows where I mostly told jokes, I’ve played shows where I mostly complained about my health and reality deteriorating slowly like Mr. Cotard in “Synecdoche New York,” and I’ve played shows where I got into shouting matches with the shirtless Marfan’s sufferer in the front row. Situations arise and I react—not always appropriately. It’s a living art form.

I have an excuse. e: Do you incorporate theatrics similar to what we see in the music videos?

WW: When you go to a Will Wood and the Tapeworms show, or when you see me solo, you can be sure there will be events unfolding onstage that bewilder, bewitch, and confuse any member of any audience anywhere. I’m not just tooting my own horn here (although, it is my horn and I will do what I please with it); I’m trying to sell some goddamn tickets. You coming to the show? There will be dead doves raining from the ceiling, a horse, fire breathing, water-spouting, snake-charming, a cat race, and my daughter Millie will be playing the xylophone in a hospital gown with a head full of acid and lies about the government. I’m in show business, lady—you think I’m not gonna put on a show? That’s what music is missing right now. Concerts are boring as all hell—I hate going to concerts, so I wouldn’t ask you to come to one. I don’t play concerts—I play shows. e: Is there anything else you’d like to add about “SELF-iSH”?

WW: This tour will be a disaster, almost a guarantee. I’m snaking my way across the most poorly devised route imaginable, a figure-eight right through the Rust Belt with a BB gun and a bottle of mace. I’m going to be playing melodica on the streets of Detroit for gas money by the end of the week—desperately trying to stay warm in the trunk of my own car. I have nowhere to sleep, nowhere to hang my hat—I’m bumming it across the country with a pair of fingerless gloves, a lamictal rash, and a loose diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.

There’s no hope for me.

So if you want to see what happens when you take a 23-year old mentally-ill queer accident and tell him to hoof it across Donald Trump’s America with a handful of granola and half a death wish, this is it. It’s probably set to be my last show of the tour. So we’ll see if I’ve split at the seams and frayed like the end of my rope by then.

DETAILS:

Will Wood and the Tapeworms

Friday, Dec. 16, 9 p.m.

Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. No cover for 21 and over facebook.com/willwoodandthetapeworms

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 9

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK 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 Shiners Half Price Bottles of Wine $ 3 NC Brewed Bottles $ $ 50 3-22oz Blue$2Moon Draft • Pacifico Absolut Dream (Shotgun, Buckshot, High $ 550 2 Select Domestic Bottles Roller and Hoppyum)

THE SOUNDBOARD

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 for Bottles $ 50 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 1/2 off ALL Premium Road Red Wine Glasses Guinness Cans $3

(910)-452-1212

Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 Select Domestic Bottles $2 SUNDAY Wrightsville Beach, NC Bloody Marys $4, Domestic $ 50 Pints 1 $ Hurricanes 5 LIVE MUSIC

5564 Carolina Beach Road,

FRI dec 16(910) 452-1212FRI dec 23 Randy McQuay Two of a Kind Pop & Classic 7pm - 10pm

Acoustic Pop/Rock 7pm - 10pm

SAT dec 17 Joan Burton

FRI dec 30 L Shape Lot

Acoustic Classics Acoustic Pop/Rock 7pm - 10pm 7pm - 10pm 1706 North Lumina Ave. • (910) 256-2231

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS (as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

‘TIS THE SEASON: The Del Zorros will be performing a free concert in downtown Wilmington on December 17 at noon in front of Finkelstein’s. They’ll be selling CDs of their three albums recorded in 2016, as well as performing seasonal tunes from their new Christmas album ‘Holiday Getaway.’ Courtesy photo.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Trivia with Jim and Glenn (6:30pm; Free)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

Kelly & Jill (7pm; $3; Acoustic)

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

Tacos and Trivia (8pm; Free)

—Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

PSL Gets Evicted! Sketch Comedy (8pm; $8-$10)

—Bellas Bar LoCAL, 19 Market St.

Karaoke Night With Party Gras Entertainment (9:30pm; Free)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

—TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

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

Jb Boxter (6pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

Wes Taylor and Friends Show, Toy Drive (3pm, Variety; Toy Donations)

Beer Bingo (7:30pm; Free)

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

—Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

—Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

Acoustic Blues Jam (8pm; Free)

Wilmington Magic Club Magic Show (6pm; Free) —McAllisters Deli, South College Rd.

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

Jazz on the River (6pm; Free)

Thursdays Fire Drums (8pm; Free)

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.

10 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Thirsty Thursday Karaoke (9pm; Free)

The Del Zorros (12pm; Free; Pop, Folk-Rock, Americana, Acoustic)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

—Finkelstein’s, 6 S. Front St.

Trivia Night With Party Gras Entertainment (9:30pm; Free)

PSL Gets Evicted! Sketch Comedy Show (10:30pm; $8-$10)

Christmas Open Jam (10pm; Cover TBD)

The Possums’ Christmas Benefit (10pm; $5; Grateful Dead Tribute)

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Live Music in the Bar Every Tuesday and Thu rsday 5:30pm - 8:30pm

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

December 15

Girls’ Choir of Wilmington Holiday Concert (6pm; Free)

Hark! The Herald Angels Swing VIII: A Christmas Cabaret (12pm; $60)

December 20

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

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

—TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

Robbie Berry

—St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1219 Forest Hills Dr.

—Blockade Runner Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

Ronny Chieng (7pm, 9:30pm; $18; Comedy)

December 22

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

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

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Piano)

Show Tunes Sunday (9pm; Free)

2508 Independence Blvd.

910.793.2929 www.HenrysRestaurant.com

—Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. 4th St.

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

The Ataris (Rock ‘n’ Roll) & Sunset Kings (Rock, Soul) (7:45pm; $8-$13) —Throne Theater, 208 Market St.

Brad Heller and The Fustics (8pm; Free; Rock) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Will Wood and The Tapeworms (9:30pm; Free; Rock, Electronic)

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

Ladies Night with DJ UK (10pm; Free)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

The Possums’ Christmas Benefit (10pm; $5; Grateful Dead Tribute) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

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

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 6th Annual Baroque Christmas Concert (7:30pm; Donations) —St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.

Music & Comedy Open Mic (8pm; Free)

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

Electrik Monday with Brewtal (9pm; Free) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Big Band Jazz (6pm; Free)

—Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

Downtown Drumming & Dance (7:30pm; Free) —The Calico Room, 115 N. 2nd St.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 After Dinner Jazz Piano (6pm; Free)

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

Ballet Company Grand Nutcracker (6pm; $25$35) —Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

Hark! The Herald Angels Swing VIII: A Christmas Cabaret (6pm; $60) —Blockade Runner Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

Ronny Chieng (7pm, 9:30pm; $18; Comedy)

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

Two of a Kind (7pm; $3; Rock)

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

Tumbleweed (Jesse Stockton Band) (8pm; Free; Americana) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Lucky Joe Comedy Show (8pm; Free)

—Lucky Joe Coffee Shop, 1414 S. College Rd.

L Shape Lot Toys for Tots Concert (8pm; $10; Americana) —Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.; 910-538-2939

Yuletide Swing: A Night of Christmastime Jazz Music (8:30pm; $7-$10)

College Karaoke (9pm; Free)

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

Karaoke Night With Party Gras Entertainment (9pm; Free)

Nick Oat s

(C hristmas Carols)

Josh Lewis

$2.50 Budweiser 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

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832

1423 S. 3rd St. DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON (910) 763-1607

LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard 7 days a week

MONDAY S.I.N. NIGHT $2 Domestics • $3 All Drafts • $4 Flavored Bombs NEW BELGIUM TUESDAY $3 Ranger IPA & Fat Tire WINE & WELL WEDNESDAY 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine • $2.75 Miller Lite $4 Well Drinks THIRSTY THURSDAY $2.50 PBR 16oz cans $3.50 Sam Adams Seasonal & Hoppyum Pints $5 Redbull & Vodka FRIDAY $2.75 Michelob Ultra • $3.25 Stella $4.50 Lunazul Tequila Shots SATURDAY $2.75 Carolina Blonde & Carolina Strawberry • Reel Cafe Rooftop Concert Series • Brunch from 11am - 2pm SUNDAY $3 Corona/Corona Light • $4 Bloody Mary or Mimosa $5 Lunazul Margaritas • Brunch from 11am - 2pm

Wednesday _____________________________________

KARAOKE w/Elite Entertainment 9pm-2Am • $400 GUINNESS

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

8:30 p.m. • pRIZES! • $250 yuEnglIng dRAft $ 50 3 fIREBAll SHOtS

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 Bud & Bud lIgHtS

$ 00

Saturday & Sunday _______________________

BREAKFAST BUFFET 9:00 A.m.- 2:00 p.m.• $4 mImOSA’S

WAtCH yOuR fAVORItE tEAm HERE!

—Johnny Luke’s Kitchen Bar, 5500 Market St.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Jazz on the River (6pm; Free)

—Bellas Bar LoCAL, 19 Market St.

Trivia with Jim and Glenn (6:30pm; Free)

—Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

Amateur Night: Open Mic & Homebrew Share (7pm; Free) —Fermental, 7250 Market St.; 910-821-0362

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

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

Tacos and Trivia (8pm; Free)

—Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

Karaoke Night With Party Gras Entertainment (9:30pm; Free) —Fox and Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.; 910-509-0805

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

(as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688

Deadline every Thurs., noon!

—Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 11

Discover New Music at 98.3 the PeNguiN

from 5th AnnuAl

l ShApe lot toyS For totS holidAy ConCert At the Brooklyn ArtS Center

SAturdAy, deCemBer 17th

joiN our PeNguiN ListeNer PaNeL at 98.3 thePeNguiN.coM to give us Your 2 ceNts about what Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re heariNg oN the airwaves aND be eNtereD to wiN Free coNcert tickets

sPeciaLtY shows:

the evening experiment with eric Miller, wednesdays 7-9pm acoustic cafe saturdays from 7-9am, etown saturdays at 9am Putumayo world Music hour sundays at 8am

www.983thepenguin.com 12 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS

FAREWELL 2016: Ring in the new year with The London Souls at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC, on Dec. 31. Photo by Tom Dorgan.

THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 12/16: Mac Miller 12/18: Lil Uzi Vert 12/31: Ookay AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 S. TRYON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 377-6874 12/15: Dillon Reynolds 12/17: Hysteria and Hair Nation 12/23: S.O. Stereo 12/26: Matrimony, Take the Fall and more MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 12/17: The Wusses, The Beauty Operators and more 12/23: Funktastic Voyage DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 12/20: Mannheim Steamroller 12/22: The Summit Church Christmas LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 12/14: The New Mastersounds & Turkuaz 12/16: Virtual Riot, Devious, Illantrhopy, and Phrey 12/17: Yarn and Dune Dogs 12/18: Delta Rae and Penny & Sparrow 12/31: Big Something

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 12/14: Shearwater and Cross Record (Back) 12/16: Mandolin Orange and Big Fat Gap (Back) 12/17: Elizabeth Haddix and the Gurley Flynns (Back) 12/20: Big Fat Gap (Back) 12/26: DJ Hunicutt (Back) 12/27: Emil McGloin & Friends (Back) 12/30: Sherman & The Blazers Reunion (Back) 12/31: The London Souls 12/31: Boom Unit Brass Band and more (Back) THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 12/14-15: Rising Appalachia and more 12/16: Rumours 12/17: The New Mastersounds and Turkuaz 12/19: Tory Lanez and more 12/21: Ralphie May 12/22: The Dirty Soul Revival, White Soul and more 12/23: Wham Bam Bowie Band!

12/29: Mindshapefist, Amnesis and Telic 12/30: Papadosio and Midnight Snack 12/31: Talib Kweli HOUSE OF BLUES MYRTLE BEACH 4640 HWY 17 S., MYRTLE BEACH, SC (843) 272-3000 12/31: Corey Smith

NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM 5001 COLISEUM DR., CHARLESTON, SC (843) 529-5000 12/14: Concert for the Kids

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>ART

FLORA, FAUNA, FESTIVUS: Rx will host anti-holiday art party, curated by Sarah Rushing

I

BY: EMILY TRUSS

t’s the most wonderful time of the year!

While some are singing their holly jollies with mistletoe and folly, others are taking to an aluminum pole to air their grievances. Thanks to TV’s iconic “Seinfeld,” “a Festivus for the rest of us” was born in the ‘90s, courtesy of the Costanza family as an anti-holiday full of wrestling and lippy arguments. Rx Restaurant and Bar on Castle Street is set to host an artsy and friendlier rendition of the holiday in their exhibit, “Flora and Fauna Festivus for the Rest of Us: An Art Party.” It will feature work from 35 local artists, as well as live music from DJ Josh Novicki, aka Fingerscales. Curated by local painter Sarah Rushing, the event gets underway Monday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m.

“We’ll have both 2D and 3D works, although the work is a surprise, even to me, until the drop-off date,” Rushing divulges. “I assign a theme to artists and they work within that theme. Our vendors will be showing everything

from jewelry to greeting cards to ceramics.”

bers as well.

Originally from Clinton, NC, Rushing has called the Port City home for the last 13 years.

She graduated from UNCW with degrees in studio art and English literature. While Rushing has hosted a number of shows in the past at Rx Restaurant, this will be the first since “Big/ Small: A Biggie Smalls Art Show & Valentine’s Party” held in February 2015. Since April 2016, the art community has struggled with the loss of Ben Privott, a local musician, real estate agent and Rushing’s fiancé. The preparation for “Flora and Fauna” has served as a healing mechanism for Rushing and her fellow artists.

“The commonality is all artists are local,” Rushing states of the exhibit. “I try to recruit artists whose work I admire. Although, it’s impossible to include everyone, I’d like to in every single show. I do the best I can with that.”

Refreshments will be provided for guests, including tamales with vegetarian options served

by James Doss, Rx Restaurant’s chef and owner.

Doss was Rushing’s partner in preparing for the show and helped devise its theme.

“After trying to find a new normal these past eight months, this show is really cathartic for me in that it’s allowing me to get back to something I love doing in the place where Ben and I met (Rx),” Rushing elaborates. “There’s little Ben loved more than helping others, and that’s what I’m able to do in a small way in showcasing these talented artists’ works in a commission-free space.”

The show’s theme was inspired by Privott’s love for nature and outdoors. Rushing carries such sentiments throughout her daily life as she finds beauty in everyday surroundings, as well as through hiking excursions with her brother.

“Ben found sublime peace in nature,” Rushing states. “Nature is beauty, beauty is nature, and I want to celebrate that in my life and through my work. In that way, this show is a tribute to Ben.” With no concrete itinerary, guests are free to walk in and enjoy art exhibited on the walls at their own leisure. The booths within the venue will be packed with vendors, from jewelry artists to potters and beyond. Most artists in the show have worked with Rushing at one point or another, including Dallas Thomas (painter/ clothing designer), Fritzi Huber (paper artist), Darren Mulvenna (painter/jeweler), and Heather McLelland (ceramic artist). Some have been featured in past Rx exhibits, while others worked with Rushing while she was a gallery technician at Wilma W. Daniels Gallery at CFCC. Rushing has worked with artists through No Boundaries International Art Colony when she served on their board of mem14 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

“I’ll preface this by saying we’re both ‘Seinfeld’ fans,” Rushing quips. “We were talking one day about a holiday party, and he said ‘how about a ‘Festivus for the rest of us,’ and so it was. My wonderful and talented friend, Kathryn Cloniger-Kirk of Fred & Mina Design Co., designed our poster, featuring George Costanza himself.”

Whether or not the show will have an authentic Festivus pole or any “feats of strength” is anyone’s guess. But guaranteed will be plenty of fellowship and entertainment to keep the spirit alive. While Rx Restaurant and Bar is typically closed on Mondays, they will open on Dec. 19 from 7:30 p.m. until the party is ready to cease. Admission is free to the general public, and all works of art are for sale.

“We have so many talented people here in Wilmington,” Rushing says. “I’m a big believer in the power of community and that’s what my mission has always been with these shows: to strengthen our artistic community and encourage collaboration, camaraderie and goodwill in any way I can.”

DETAILS:

The Flora & Fauna Festivus for the Rest of Us: An Art Party Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

Rx Restaurant and Bar 421 Castle St. Free

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 ArtExposure has many new items available from our artists that will appeal to those that appreciate local and handmade art work and crafts. Come visit us Tuesday through Saturday from 10am- 5pm. Our custom frame shop can help you pick out the right matting and frame for your special piece or photo. If you purchase an unframed piece here, we offer 15% off framing.

We also provide gift certificates that can be used for artwork, classes and framing.

We will be open through December 23rd and will close until the 10th of January with new class offerings and regular hours.

ART IN BLOOM

210 Princess St. Tues. - Sat. 10am - 6pm (or by appt., Sun. and Mon.) (484) 885-3037 • www.aibgallery.com Art in Bloom Gallery is in a renovated, 19th-century horse stable and exhibits original art by a diverse group of global and local artists. Our featured exhibit, “Visible Spectra: Paintings, Drawings, and Prints by Janette K. Hopper & Photography by Charles Kernan” continues through January 20th, 2017. Make a purchase and 10% of sales from “Visible Spectra” will be donated to Cape Fear River Watch. The Gallery is open until 9 pm on Fourth Friday Gallery Nights.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

311 Judges Road, Unit 6-E Mon.-Fri., 10am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4pm (910) 794-3060 cjart@bizec.rr.com • www.cjafricanart.com With over 30 years experience in tribal arts, our clients include many major museums. We show museum-quality African art from West and Central Africa, and traditional African art for the discerning collector. Current exhibition features African currency forms and tribal jewelry.

Call 794 3060 or 540 1041 to schedule other hours or weekend appointments. Appraisal services, curatorial services and educational exhibitions are also available.

CRESCENT MOON ART AND STYLE

24 N. Front St. • (910) 762-4207 Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thurs. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sun.., noon - 6 p.m. • Call for appointment!

As a longtime leader in local art curation, Crescent Moon makes their customers art

collecting, decorating and gift-giving experience an easy one. The gallery showcases work from more than 50 local and national artists. Just in time for the holidays, Crescent Moon now exclusively features Gretchen Scott and Bird Dog Bay clothing and accessories. Their timeless Gretchen Scott collection is perfect for chic females with forgiving silhouettes and colorful styles. For the special man in your life, their Bird Dog Bay collection features high-quality products with a longstanding pedigree that always keeps men looking best-in-show. Also featured at Crescent Moon, is the Aquiesse home fragrance collection. Inspired by nature, Aquiesse, is distinguished by its mastery of exquisite fragrances and was also recently featured on the Today Show. Right from their artist’s studio to your home! Crescent Moon supports artists throughout the U.S.A.!

EXPO 216 216 N Front Street, Wilmington, NC (910)769-3899 • Wed. - Sun., noon-6pm www.expo216.com A nonprofit specialty museum that opened in May, Expo 216 is a theme-driven “gallerium” and focuses on a single social or environmental issue. The inaugural theme, “Ocean Plastic,” runs until December 2016 and was inspired by a photograph of an albatross with ingested plastic by nature photographer, David Liittschwager.Visitors will view multiple components of the theme including: CSI: Albatross, solve the mystery of who killed the albatross; Fashion in Plastic, nine stunning fashion creations crafted by local designers; The Plastic Age, an insightful history of the invention of plastic; What Goes Around, Comes Around by BonnieMonteleone; Light Within the Darkness: What Lies Beneath by Alexandra Morse; along with provocative and thought-provoking art by local artists.

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. The 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 • Tues.- Sat. 10am - 5pm www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com In the historic fishing village of Calabash, NC, over 10,000-plus square feet of fine arts is showcased. Clay art and pottery; oil paintings, watercolors, mixed media, pastels and acrylics—plus award-winning metalworks, wood pieces, hand-blown glass, fiber art, artisan-made jewelry and more. Sunset River Marketplace has become a popular destination for visitors, a gathering place for artists

and a center of the community, thanks to its onsite pottery studio, complete with two kilns; a custom master framing department; and art classrooms for workshops and ongoing instruction.

CFCC WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY

200 Hanover St. (bottom level, parking deck) Mon., 11am-4pm and Tues.- Sat. noon - 5pm http://cfcc.edu/blogs/wilmagallery Cape Fear Community College’s Wilma W. Daniels Gallery is pleased to present the 2016 No Boundaries International Art Colony Exhibition. No Boundaries, a nonprofit artist residency program, provides artists from around the world and the local community a forum for free expression and cross-cultural dialogue. The exhibition is on display through December 31. Wilma W. Daniels Gallery is located in the Hanover parking deck (200 Hanover Street) on the campus of Cape Fear Community College. Regular gallery hours are Monday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. Contact Ashly Farley at adfarley125@mail.cfcc.edu.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY 201 Princess St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) www.newelementsgallery.com The Holiday Show is now on exhibit. Multi mediums of work featuring New Elements numerous and varied artists. New Elements Gallery is located at 201 Princess Street, the corner of 2nd and Princess, in historic downtown Wilmington. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. or by appointment.

RIVER TO SEA GALLERY 225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (free parking) • (910) 763-3380

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 15

ARTS>>THEATRE

A RICH SEQUEL: ‘Annie Warbucks’ shines brightest with secondary characters

T

BY:SHEA CARVER

oday more than ever we need to be reminded how love motivates the greatest actions and intentions.

Thalian Association does so with the opening of “Annie Warbucks” in Thalian Hall for the holiday season, as the show begins during Christmastime. A follow-up to the original Broadway production and John Huston movie, “Annie,” the sequel picks up exactly where the first left off: Annie (Sydney Short) is living in a mansion and has been adopted by Oliver Warbucks (JR Rodriguez).

However, New York Commissioner Harriet Doyle (Emily Graham) is making life hard on the billionaire by mandating he follow state law, which claims a man can’t adopt a child unless he is married, so the child will have a mother. With the help of Warbucks’ secretary, Grace Farrell (Katie Villecco), and his lawyer, Simon (Jim Bowling), they go on the hunt for a bride and have a mere two months or so to get Warbucks hitched.

Meanwhile, Annie’s worried about sharing her daddy’s attention with another woman, and also making him endure something he doesn’t want: marriage. So she runs away to simplify life, which of course only intensifies it, as a nationwide manhunt involves top agents in Washington looking for the curly red-headed darling.

With book by Thomas Meehan, music

by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, the sequel’s setup is similar to the first “Annie,” in that we see some of the same characters from the original in similar situations. Daddy Warbucks still shows off his hard nose in business, and Rodriguez plays this well with a debonair demeanor showcasing great restraint between being stoically intimidating and a puddle of goo when Annie’s nearby. Considering Rodriguez has had 11 productions over two decades to refine the role, the natural ease he brings is expected. He makes it effortless for everyone onstage to share a scene and harmonize with him, especially in songs like

Tuesday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm Friday - Saturday: 11am - 10pm Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm

1001 N. 4th Street • (910) 769-6565 www.facebook.com/thedistrictnc 16 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

“Changes” and “When You Smile.”

His match with Katie Villecco as Grace is as soothing. They both carry themselves with dignity, and Villecco wears her character’s name well in that she embodies poise and decorum. Her vocals in “Annie Just Ain’t Annie Anymore” and “It Would Have Been Wonderful” soar in their soprano range. The dialogue she shares with Warbucks at the end is quite adorable and will ignite the warm and fuzzies of even the coldest hearts.

The zing of chemistry continues to strike the stage when Warbucks’ help comesa-calling. Ashley Grantham as the butler, Drake, and Lisa Bohbrink as head maid, Mrs. Pugh, are a smash to watch together. Their cutesy hijinks amp up some of the humdrum aspects of the storyline, and their vocals in songs like “That’s the Kind of Woman” take front and center of applause.

Our story’s villains play up the antagonistic side of the narrative most assuredly because, well, what’s a tale of Annie without someone or something threatening the little orphan? Katherine Rudeseal as Sheila Kelly is great as a humble, poor gal and potential bride from Hell’s Kitchen. She connects with Rodriguez without force— probably because their 20-something year friendship makes their interactions feel very real (fun fact: Rudeseal played Grace Farrell in Rodriguez’s first “Annie” production back in the ‘90s). It’s actually the perfect relationship to pull off a ruse, like Rudeseal’s character does, so the twist of “Annie Warbucks,” even if you know the story, feels authentic.

Emily Graham as Miss Doyle brings an interesting parallel from the show’s timeframe of the Great Depression to today’s political landscape. Basically, she shows how governmental officials can just make up rules to suit their needs as they go along. However, that she’s the first woman commissioner of NY means someone’s breaking a glass ceiling to reach the top. I vacillated on believing Graham’s interpretation mainly because the performance feels a little more bumbling than stern and forceful, as I interpreted Doyle was meant to be played. If the villain were still Miss Hannigan from the original “Annie,” Graham would be a shoe-in.

still maturing and not riddled by critique.

Naturally, since this is Thalian’s main stage show and, well, it’s “Annie,” we can’t review it without the most integral characters being mentioned. Sydney Short as Annie is bright eyed and fresh faced, with a voice that is quite mature for her young age. However, there’s a splashy spunk that Annie must have in order to be believable. Short brings that out most when joined by the company of the orphans. Between Lily Hawkins’ Tessie, Devon Jones’ Peaches and Elissa Hall’s Pepper, their mischief and tomfoolery highlight the show’s funnier moments. But it’s Sarah Rudeseal as Molly who manages to steal the hearts of the audience. She’s just downright adorable.

In fact, the secondary characters of “Annie Warbucks” really flesh out its most entertaining qualities. The roles of Mr. and Mrs. Paterson played by Mike Thompson and Shannon Profita, alongside their daughter C.G., played by Anna Scott Davis, are a steal in the second act. Profita’s singing voice is absolutely breathtaking—she needs to be a lead vocalist in her next production. She has the whole package in the bag, from acting chops to vocals.

The set design by Terry Collins mostly does a superb job transforming scenes, with standouts including the White House in DC and the ferry scene at the end. Although, Warbucks’ mansion seems a little off, in that it isn’t quite as opulent as one would imagine a billionaire’s home to be. Lance Howell’s costuming, with the help of Debbie Scheu, Alice Morgan Sherwood and Juli Harvey, nail the ‘30s to no avail.

Though the book is predictable and the music isn’t as catchy as the original, there are a few numbers that allow the ensemble to really shine (“Wedding, Wedding” and “All Dolled Up”) and for director Judy Greenhut’s choreography to illuminate.

Overall, “Annie Warbucks” is entertaining and a great introduction to theatre for kids.

DETAILS:

Annie Warbucks

Through Dec. 18; Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. encore has a policy not to review chilTickets: $15-$30 dren’s theatre, as we believe an introduction into the staged arts should be encour- www.thalian.org aging and uplifting for young minds that are

The Second City Hits Home Improv + Sketch Comedy Thursday, Jan. 26 7:30 p.m. Kenan Auditorium Tickets $20 â&#x20AC;˘ $35 â&#x20AC;˘ $50

Accommodations for disabilities may be requested by calling 910.962.3500 at least three days prior to the event.

An EEO/AA institution.

Call 910.962.3500

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Holiday Gift Certificates Available 18 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

C

ARTS>>FILM

REEL TO REEL

ROBOTIC ROMANCE:

films this week

‘Allied’ lacks creative chemistry all around

CINEMATIQUE

BY: ANGHUS

$8, 7pm • www.thalianhall.org

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. Dec. 14 (4 p.m. also on Dec. 14): “Moonlight” is a timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, “Moonlight” chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. “Moonlight” is told across three defining life chapters which capture ecstasy, pain and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with sexuality.

(Runtime: 110 minutes, Rated R)

hemistry is so important to the success of a movie. This not only applies to on-screen talent but chemistry of the artists behind the scenes crafting many elements into a finished feature. “Allied,” the new World War II espionage thriller, has all the right pieces in place: an A-list cast and director, a sizable budget and talent behind the camera to help craft the vision. But something throughout “Allied” feels off—as if all the ingredients didn’t mix well, leaving audiences with an occasionally interesting drama that never quite achieves creative cohesion.

Max Vatan (Brad Pitt) is a spy for the allies who makes his way to Casablanca, where he will rendezvous with a member of the French Resistance, Marianne Beauséjour (Marion Cotillard). Once there, they will pose as man and wife and prepare to assassinate a German ambassador. Their initial interactions are all business. Sure, putting two ridiculously good looking people together in dangerous circumstances is a recipe for a pants-off dance off, but these are two experienced intelligence agents who know such relationships are bad news. Yet, logic is abandoned within five minutes as the two begin making sweet, sweet love before anyone can say, “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.”

Their mission goes swimmingly, as they’re able to pull off a daring assassination and kill enough Nazis to make any red-blooded American scream with delight. Max asks Marianne to come to England with him and be his bride.

Before long Marianne is giving birth while the German Luftwaffe tries to level London, and the two are happily married. Then the movie ends with our two lovers and their new baby living happily ever after, forgetting about the nastiness of global conflict and opening an ice-cream store.

Oh, wait! That’s not it!

Max learns the British intelligence believes Marianne is a spy. In 72 hours, they’ll know the truth, and if they learn she is working for the Nazis, Max will have to put a bullet in her head. Of course, he rejects the premise, and believes there’s no way Marianne—his wife and the mother of his child—could be a Nazi spy. Max feels obligated to seek out the truth for himself and begins a mad hunt against a ticking clock.

About an hour into the movie, Max learns of her potential deception, and it’s at that point the movie starts to become interesting. “Allied” works when it becomes a very small, almost

ROOM-TEMP ROMANCE: Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard (above) star in WWII espionage thriller ‘Allied.’

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

claustrophobic examination into Max and Marianne’s relationship. There’s so little tension to the film’s first hour, which feels like an overcooked version of “The English Patient.”

I respect the time committed to building their relationship, but none of it is effective.

I have no problem believing Marianne and Max would be attracted to one another in the way that two celestial bodies would inevitably collide due to gravity. But their relationship never feels real to me. Cotillard is a great actress who feels slightly out of place in the spy role because of some rampant overacting. While Pitt walks through every scene with such an emotionless gait, he feels slightly less than human. There’s one scene in particular where a downed German bomber is plummeting right toward his house and comes within inches of killing him, the woman he loves and his infant daughter. His lack of expression at this life-and-death situation is just weird. In fact, much of Pitt’s performance is so understated it’s almost disturbing. Until the end of the movie where he’s allowed to ditch the stoic façade, we barely see Pitt register a single human moment. He’s a very pretty robot.

I mentioned chemistry because “Allied” is a poorly constructed match between filmmaker and script. Robert Zemeckis is a great director. Last year’s “The Walk” was one of the best films of 2015; however, “Allied” requires a more grounded director. There are a few moments so overblown with blockbuster visuals and jarring special effects, the

movie suffers for it.

At its heart, “Allied” is a small story—one that could have been told at a much smaller level. It suffers when it tries to become something sweeping and epic. I liked the last half, but it’s undermined by a muddled first act and a performance from Pitt that feels like a minimalist’s guide to acting. Though not a bad film by any stretch, the movie is undone by a lack of creative chemistry.

DETAILS: Allied

★ ★ 1/2 ★ ★ ★

Rated R Directed by Robert Zemeckis Starring Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris

FILM SCREENING

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. $10, 7pm • www.thalianhall.org

Dec. 21: Frank Capra’s iconic holiday film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” will be shown as it was meant to be seen: on the big screen. An angel shows George Bailey what life would have been like if he never existed. Along with the screening, see Tony Rivenbark’s famous toy collection on display with seasonal treats for the whole family! (Runtime: 130 minutes, Rated PG)

COMPLETE AUTO BODY REPAIR

• COLLISION REPAIR • AUTOMOTIVE PAINTING • TOWING SERVICE • ALL FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC VEHICLES • COMPLETE DAMAGE ESTIMATES • CUSTOMER PICK-UP & DELIVERY • RENTAL CAR SERVICE • AUTO DETAILING AVAILABLE • HEADLIGHT REFINISHING

6602 Gordon Road • 910.769.1741 (Across from Lewis Nursery & Farms)

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 19

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

even have NFL Sunday Ticket! Capt’n Bill’s is the perfect spot to come watch all the big games! Whether you love football, basketball or just sports in general, you are guaranteed to have a great time! Come visit Wilmington’s best kept secret ... Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill and Outdoor Volleyball Facility. 4240 Market St. (910) 762-0173 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Thurs, 5-11pm; Fri., 4-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., noon-10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown/Market St. ■ WEBSITE: https://captnbills.com

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.-Thurs.11am9pm, Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm. Lunch menu served ‘til 4pm.

■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sunday 11am-3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Arts District ■ WEBSITE: www.districtnc.com

ELIJAH’S

JOHNNY LUKES KITCHENBAR • www.johnnylukeskb.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 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

CAM CAFÉ

CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful

20 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Photo courtesy of Lindsey A. Miller Photography surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, inspired “small plates” 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: Tues-Sat: 11am – 3 pm; Wed-Thurs: 5 – 9pm; Sun. Brunch: 10am – 3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org

CAPT’N BILL’S BACKYARD GRILL

Capt’n Bill’s is a great place to have fun, meet people and get some great exercise all at the same time. We have a lively, personable and tentative wait staff, not to mention a wide selection of food and two full service bars.

Whether you love seafood, BBQ, sandwiches or veggies, Capt’n Bill’s has something for everyone. Capt’n Bill’s has over a dozen televisions, including a big screen, so that you can watch a variety of sporting events. We

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 11:3010:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available

ETERNAL SUNSHINE CAFÉ

Wilmington’s new unique restaurant, Eternal Sunshine Café, is conveniently located between downtown and Wrightsville Beach, also close to UNCW. It is a great spot to savor a gourmet breakfast, like cinna-swirl pancakes with coffee cream cheese syrup or a southwest benedict with chipotle hollandaise on a made from scratch biscuit. The lunch menu is filled with fresh delectable salads, sandwiches on house baked breads, and pitas.

Come experience the innovative twist on breakfast classics and a casual lunch guaranteed to make you a regular customer. May the tranquility of Eternal Sunshine Cafe’s atmosphere shine upon your face and reinvigorate your day. Serving breakfast all day.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: Monday-Wednesday 7-2, Thursday-Friday 6:30-2, Saturday 7-2, Sunday 8-2 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.eternalsunshinecafe.com

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 believe 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: Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun.-Wed..: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Sunset Park, Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, full bar,freejazz and wine tastings on Thursdays ■ WEBSITE: www.thefelixcafeonline.com

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com

HOLIDAY INN RESORT Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort 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 ■ 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

PINE VALLEY MARKET Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s BestOf awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

THE PUB

A true public house. A gathering place. In house fresh ground burgers made with short rib, brisket and chuck on Sweet n Savory’s, made from scratch, bread along with 40 other sandwiches and meals under $12. 32 beers on tap, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere where you can hang out with friends and enjoy live music, your favorite NFL game or the BEST burger you’ll ever eat!

2012 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8101, Hours: 11am-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Causeway ■ WEBSITE: www.sweetnsavory.pub

SPICOLI

“In crust we trust.” Spicoli specializes in classic NY style pizza with a totally unconventional (AND DELICIOUS) sourdough crust. We also feature one-of-a-kind burger creations, Jumbo wings complete with our perfect, housemade blue cheese or ranch. Or enjoy any of our unique vegan or gluten-free options. But Spicoli is not just amazing food. We keep it awesome with a killer juke box, classic arcade games, and great deals on everything at our full bar. Share some brews over PacMan or enjoy the area’s only 20in pie on our outdoor patio. Just make sure you are having fun. Don’t worry!! If you can’t come see us, we also have the largest delivery radius in town!! 1978 Eastwood Road, (910) 256-0339.

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■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach

SWEET ‘N’ SAVORY CAFÉ

The Real Wizard Behind the Food. Anyone who has seen the Wizard of Oz knows that the wizard was just a scared old man hiding behind the curtain. Restaurants are no different. Making incredible food is not magical or mystical and instead just requires heart (Tin Man), brains (Scarecrow), courage (Lion) and love (Dorothy). At Sweet n Savory we have pulled back the curtain because we don’t believe that we need smoke, mirrors, over inflated prices or pretentiousness to offer you the best and freshest food your money can buy. 1611 Pavillion Place, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 256-0115 Hours: 7am-10pm.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, BAKERY & CATERING ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Causeway ■ WEBSITE: www.sweetnsavorycafe.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) 4523952

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 GENKI SUSHI

Welcome to Genki Sushi, an inviting and unique dining experience in the heart of Wilmington. We serve the freshest, most authentic sushi and traditional Japanese favorites. In the mood for sushi and authentic Japanese food? Look no further then Genki Sushi. From fresh nigiri to custom rolls, everything is homemade, including all of our sauces. We look forward to meeting each and every one of you and can’t wait for you to try our delicious Japanese cuisine. You can make a reservation through OpenTable (you must have a reservation for Friday and Saturday nights), or just walk in during our open hours Sunday through Thursday. At Genki, everyone is welcome! 4724 New Centre Dr. #5, Wilmington. (910) 796-8687.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Closed Monday, Tues-Sat 11:30a.m. - 2:00p.m. 5:00p.m.

- 9:30, Sunday 5p.m. - 9p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: MidtowN ■ WEBSITE: www. genkisushiwilmington.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 mu-

sic. 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

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE

We have reinvented “Hibachi Cuisine”. Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse in Wilmington, NC is like no other.

Our highly skilled chefs will not only cook an incredible dinner, but they will entertain you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. At Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse, we are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure that we serve only the finest food products.

We believe that good healthy food aids the 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,” to the taste bud tingling Japanese Sushi, Hand Rolls, Sashimi, Tempura dishes and Japanese Noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Check out our all you can eat sushi menu and daily specials at www.okamisteakhouse.com!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday - Thursday

11am - 2:30pm / 4pm - 10pm; Friday 11am - 2:30pm / 4pm - 11pm; Saturday 11am - 11pm; Sunday 11am 9:30pm ■ 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

THAI SPICE

From the flavorfully mild to the fiery spiced, Thai Spice customers are wooed by the dish that’s made to their specifications. Featuring a tasteful menu of traditional Thai standards to numerous delectable house specials, it’s quickly becoming the local favorite for Thai cuisine. This family-run restaurant is sure to win you over. If you haven’t discovered this gem, come in and be charmed. Whether it be a daytime delight, or an evening indulgence, your visit will make you look forward to your return. Located in Monkey Junction at 5552 Carolina Beach Rd., Ste. G. (910) 791-0044.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue.-Th.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sun.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.com

YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the deli-

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT WITH US PRIVATE ROOM UP TO 30 PEOPLE

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

ner Serving Din at 5pm, Tue-Sun

Thank you, Wilmington, for choosing us the best place to a first date!us Thank you,asWilmington, forhave choosing

as theEncouraged best place to have a first date!

138 South Front Street • Downtown • Reservations • 910.251.0433 • www.littledipperfondue.com 22 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

2016

Shop and Live Local Holiday Guide Do you have Chronic Pain?

Concerned about addiction and side effects of medication?

Try us!

Massage • Acupuncture Herbal Consults • Herbal Pharmacy Qi Gong Classes • Medical Qi Gong Hypnotherapy • Thermal Imaging

DIRECTORY: McKay Healing Arts

4916 Wrightsville Ave. (910) 791-1981 www.mckayacupuncture.com

Pure Life

Island Passage

20% off coupon on ad!

4 Market St. • 910-762-0484 1900 Eastwood Rd., • (910) 256-0407 Return Passage: 302 N. Front St. (910) 343-1627 www.islandpassageclothing.com

The Cotton Exchange, 317 N Front St. (910) 343-1374 http://miracleskinrelief.com

Best Of Raffle

Gift cards are great stocking stuffers!

3835 Oleander Dr. • (910) 799-6511 325 S. College Rd. • (910) 799-0070 www.cruiserscarwashnc.com

Open House, Nov. 11 203 Racine Dr. • (910) 769-3494 www.longwaveyoga.com

Cardinal Lanes

Black Friday sale! www.shopwiththepig.com

Win $10,000 on Dec. 15 www.paypal.me/surfershealingnc

Cruisers Car Wash and Detail Center Longwave Yoga

Holiday specials for bowlers, $145-$195 3907 Shipyard Blvd. www.www.bowlcardinal.com

Momentum Skate and Surf 5 N. Front St. (910) 763-3500 www.momentumboarding.com

The Impractical Pig UPS Store

50% off all digital prints with ad!

310 N. Front St. (910) 762-2150 www.upsstore.com/3298

Wilmington Water Tours Holiday Lights Cruise: $20 212 S. Water St. • (910) 338-3134 www.wilmingtonwt.com

• Locally made and blended products • Organic and natural skin care • Teas, spices and gift baskets • Vitamins, medical nutrition therapy Located in the Cotton Exchange • 317 N Front Street • (910) 343-1374

Gift Certificates Encore Best of Wilmington 8 years Running

BEST OF 2016 WINNER

4916 Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington NC 28403 910.791.1981 www.MckayHealingArts.com

Open daily!

10:30am-5pm

Gift Certificates Available!

Open till 7pm in Dec. thru 23

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 23

Don’t forget Cruisers gift cards this holiday season.

3835 Oleander Dr. 799-6511 • 325 South College Rd. 799-0070

Plastic Ball, Bag and Shoe Combo

$145

at Cardinal Lanes on Shipyard Blvd.

• Largest Inventory in Wilmington

• Bowling Balls • Bowling Accessories • Custom Ball Drilling • Ball Plugging & Resurfacing • Large Used Ball Selecetion

Monday - Thursday 5pm to 9pm • Saturday 11am to 5pm Appointments at other times are available, call Lou at 297-9697

24 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Family Owned and Operated

Available in all denominations.

Reactive Resin Ball, Bag and Shoe Combo

$195

*YOGA FOR $1 A DAY

SKATE.SURF.SHOP. Holiday shopping made simple for the surfer or skater in your life

• MoMentuM nC ShirtS and hatS • FIND YOUR BLISS... with over 50 classes a week, private yoga, SUP yoga, 200, 300, & 500-hour yogic studies and teacher training programs, global retreats & more!

• WatCheS • nixon - rip Curl - Vestal • Brixton hatS • Fedoras - Brood - hooligan - Fiddler • StanCe SoCkS • 5 N Front St. • (910) 763-3500 WWW.momentumboarding.com

Island Passage Elixir 4 Market Street 910.762.0484

*Offer good for 30 days of unlimited studio yoga classes to local first time students.

Island Passage ~ Lumina Station 1900 Eastwood Rd. 910.256.0407

Learn more at longwaveyoga.com

Return Passage 302 N. Front Street 910.343.1627

203 Racine Drive Wilmington, NC 910.378.5446

connect@longwaveyoga.com

Want to win

$10,000

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tis the season to give and receive encore and Surfers Healing present

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DRAWING PARTY DEC. 15, 6-9PM Burnt Mill Creek 2101 Market St. Unit 7 Kid-friendly! Free food from Casey‘s!

Comedy from Pineapple Shaped Lamps!

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 25

Downtown NARRATED CRUISES & LIVE MUSIC DAILy CRUISES & PRIVATE ChARTERS uNLIMITED CRuISINg

Take advantage of this deal......

Purchase of this card allows unlimited cruising with us..

Daily Cruises & Most Special Events Also 20% off any guest tickets

HOLIDAy LIgHT CRuISE

FRIDAy & SATURDAy NIGhTS

There is still time for you to bring your family or friends on board to enjoy the decorated Historic Riverwalk & Christmas Tree.

This cruise starts out with a Captains Reception at the Dock from 5:30 to 6pm . 6-7pm You will cruise the Historic Riverfront to gaze at the wonderful Holiday & Christmas Lights. All while being cozy & warm $20

BOOk yOuR HOLIDAy EvENT

(Across from the Cotton Exchange)

The Perfect Ingredient for Your Holiday Event! ~Just Add Water Customize to your choosing. The Wilmington can remain at the dock to allow for larger parties and your guests can come and go as they please. Or we can go out on the river to enjoy the beautiful night for all or part of the event. We can accommodate 45 passengers and are fully handicapped accessible. The Wilmington has a full bar and we offer different dining options to meet your needs. The Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff is here to work with you and make this event your own!

Located on the riverfront in historic downtown Wilmington, between Orange & Ann Streets For a complete list of scheduled Tours, Excursions, and Fees, visit

wilmingtonwatertours.net handicap accessible 26 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

910-338-3134

info@wilmingtonwt.com

Follow BAR ON BOARD WITH us ALL ABC PERMITS

cious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger.

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinner Entrees.

Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices.

Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

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/

BREWPUB BILL’S FRONT PORCH

Welcome to Bill’s Front Porch Brewery & Restaurant, where you’ll find fine handcrafted beers, creative yet informal cuisine, and friendly, attentive service in a casual, upscale atmosphere. We’re passionate about producing distinctive, full-flavored handcrafted beers, accompanied by fresh–from–scratch New American cuisine in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Our goal has always been to provide food and beer that is inspired, consistently crafted and presented by a knowledgeable and courteous service staff. Our commitment to support the communities in which we do business goes to the heart of what differentiates Bill’s Front Porch from other restaurants. But it is because of you, our guests, that we have been able to make this all happen. 4238 Market St. 4-10 Mon-Wed; 4-11 Thurs; 11-11 Fri-Sat; 12-10 Sun. 910-762-6333 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown/Market St. ■ FEATURING: Homemade craft beer, bar food and entrees.

■ WEBSITE: www.billsfrontporch.com

at its best! Reservations highly suggested. 19 S. 10th Street (910) 399.3NOW (3669). Hours vary.

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

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) 7631607. 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

At Indochine, we want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season. Thank you for your continued patronage. We look forward to breaking bread with you for many years to come.

Love, Niki and staff

ITALIAN A TASTE OF ITALY

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

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

ANTONIO’S

DINNER THEATRE

Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a familyowned 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

THEATRENOW

FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB

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

Happy Holidays

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

2016 TripAdvisor Winner Lunch: Tues. - Fri., 11am-2pm and Sat. noon-3pm Dinner: Mon.-Sun., 5-10pm 7 Wayne Dr. (910) 251-9229 indochinewilmington.com encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 27

COME CHECK OUT OUR NEW MENU! Riverboat Landing 2 Market Street â&#x2014;&#x2020; (910) 763-7227

www.riverboatlanding.com 28 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

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 27tap 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.

Wilmington area. With an ever-evolving 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., 910-793-0035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com

SLICE OF LIFE

With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials. Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.25 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

“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 highestquality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: The largest tequila selection in Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com

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

LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

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

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

Whole Foods Market offers one of the most expansive freshly prepared foods options in the city! With 4 bars featuring hot dishes & salads, a sandwich station, sushi station, and pizza station, you are apt to satisfy everyone in your group. All of the ingredients are free of any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives so food is fresh and flavorful from farm, ranch, or dock to your fork! Dine in the cafe or carry out. On any given day the selection offers an array of organic, local, vegan/vegetarian, and healthy options. Voted Best Salads by encore readers.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week. Monday - Sunday. 8am - 9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Seasonal, healthy, organic, vegan/vegetarian ■ WEBSITE: www.wholefoodsmarket.com

SEAFOOD 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.

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

Pick your pumpkin!

Tis the season for Pumpkin!

Celebrate with our Pumpkin Pie Latte HOT or ICED! Cool off with our Pumpkin Pie Shake!

of equal or lesser value

+ tax Limited time Offer

Don’t forget a Pumpkin Muffin *while supplies last!

Mix or Match

at the following Dairy Queen locations:

• 1517 Dawson St., Wilmington • 5901 Oleander Dr., Wilmington • 20 Naber Dr., Shallotte • 5701 East Oak Island Drive, Long Beach • 106 Southport-Supply Rd. SE, Supply

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------est. 1995 | Wilmington, NC

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 29

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

OCEANIC

Lovey’s Natural Foods and Café

Smoothies • To Go Wraps Fresh Salads • Cold Beer

DECEMBER supplEMEnt spECials 20%OFF Host Defense • Sun Food Hemp Fusion CBD Oil Wish Garden Herbs

15%OFF

Canavest CBD Oil

Your independentlY owned health food grocerY store

(910) 509-0331 1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Suite H www.loveysmarket.com 30 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

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,” coowner 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

PEMBROKE’S

A seasonally inspired and locally sourced Southern cuisine dining experience, Pembroke’s was created by the owners of downtown’s Rx Restaurant. Pembroke’s focuses on the same values and excellent service as its sister restaurant, purveying local companies for the best in seafood, proteins and produce. They work with local fisherman and farmers to ensure your meal will be freshly grown and hand chosen. A new dinner menu is churned out daily to ensure the chefs are working with the freshest ingredients. Plus, the bartenders are creating new drink menus daily as to never bore your taste buds. 1125 A Military Cutoff Rd. 910-239-9153.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Open for dinner TuesSun, 5pm-close, with live music Fri-Sat nights. Sunday brunch, 10am-3pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.pembrokescuisine.com

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: 11am2am 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 laid-back 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: 910-859-7374.

■ 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

GRUB & GUZZLE>>FEATURE

ALLIES FOR ALES: Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance helps grow and expand ILM’s bustling beer community

I

BY: BETHANY TURNER

n the last two years, the spectrum of craft beer in the Cape Fear region has erupted with growth. Wilmington now hosts 10 bottle shops and will be home to a dozen—maybe more—breweries in 2017. With the surge of craft-beer tourism in town and across NC, Wilmington even has a brewery tour company: Port City Brew Bus. Jeremy Tomlinson, owner of Port City Brew Bus, eyed Wilmington’s burgeoning beer community and knew it would need some major resources to support such exponential growth and tourism opportunities.

Organizations such as the Asheville Brewers Alliance and North Carolina Brewers Guild provide promotion for their area’s beers, as well as education for members.

Tomlinson and other owners of local beer businesses began meeting seriously this year about forming their own nonprofit.

“It is a very exciting time to be part of the craft-beer community in the Cape Fear region,” Tomlinson assesses. Amongst recent brewery openings, he adds, “So far this year some of our breweries have grown. Good Hops Brewing went through a small expansion and were recently able to petition for change in the ordinance regarding breweries in Carolina Beach. Wilmington Brewing Company added a 25-barrel brew house and began distribution. Broomtail opened their Sour Barn and Flytrap recently upgraded to a threebarrel system.”

The expansion of beer events in town also are a testament to such advancement. Lighthouse Beer & Wine held a Wilmington Brewery showcase in 2016 and Poplar Grove held a Copperhead 20k Beer Run. Tomlinson also lists, “The guys at Bombers Bev. Co. added the Beer Vacation Beer Festival, and Waterline Brewing had a very successful Oktoberfest.”

According to the NC Brewers Guild, in 2015 North Carolina saw 10,000 jobs created and $1.2 billion in revenue due to craft beer. Essentially, we are one of the fastest growing communities in the South.

“A couple of years ago, craft beer-affiliated businesses sat down in a room and talked about how we would like to see Wilmington progress as a craft beer city and destination,” Tomlinson notes. “I own a business reliant on a thriving craft-beer community and wanted to be part of the process in laying groundwork

for the future.”

capefearcraftbeerweek.com.

Thus, the Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance (CFCBA) officially formed at the end of August 2016, and its members have been working since to plan large events in the next year.

Featuring roughly 25 members, from Ogden’s Fermental Beer and Wine to downtown’s Beer Barrio, a board of 10 individuals with Tomlinson as president oversee the alliance. Vice president Caleb Churchwell and co-owner of Bombers Bev. Co. calls it a necessary addition to emerging craft beer community.

Throughout the week this spring, local and nationwide craft breweries will be hosting events across various venues, allowing consumers to better connect to the beer in their glasses. The grand finale will be the region’s largest food and beer pairing event, Cape Fear Craft and Cuisine, held on Saturday, April 1, at Airlie Gardens. North Carolina breweries will be paired with area restaurants to offer creative and decadent pairings amongst the lovely backdrop of azaleas, oaks, and the Intracoastal Waterway.

“The CFCBA was created to help not only raise awareness of craft beer locally but to be a voice for marketing, education, tourism, and legislation in the Cape Fear region,” h e assures The organization revolves around four ideals to help its fulfill mission. Among them are promoting our region’s leadership in craft beer, activating voices within local government on legislative issues relevant to the industry, becoming a resource to anyone opening a craft-beer business in the area, and providing educational opportunities to the community at large. Secretary Joan Wilkerson, author of local blog The Enbrewsiast, has held management and bartending stints at Flytrap Brewing, Bombers Bev. Co., and Cape Fear Wine and Beer, as well as a former position as cellar operator of Front Street Brewery.

“I’m lucky,” she says. “I got to bear witness to this scene’s growth from the firm roots of Front Street Brewery, Lighthouse, and Cape Fear Wine and Beer. [Now, it’s] a beautiful, complex ecosystem that supports breweries, bottle shops, restaurants, bars, and craftcentric businesses. It’s always been important to me as a community member to cultivate a sense of unity amongst all of us while we’re still in the burgeoning stage. Now that we’ve gained some momentum, I feel justified in the urgency for unity. We’re getting people in the same room for meetings and socials—and it feels really good. There are a lot people in this community who have a lot of good ideas, and it’s imperative that they can share them with each other.”

Just over three months into its formation, CFCBA announced the inaugural Cape Fear Craft Beer Week to be held March 24 through April 2 in 2017. The celebration will kick off with an Ultimate Brewing Championship on March 24. Cape Fear brewers will be challenged to create custom beers using unusual ingredients specific to North Carolina. Location and ticket information soon will be available at www.

“Most people do not think about how well craft beer pairs with food,” Churchwell describes. “The beer and food can take on new depths when enjoyed together.”

They will pair the best brewers with chefs to enhance the experience, and allow the public to connect with them first hand. “We are keeping it very intimate to allow an elevated level of interaction,” Churchwell continues. “Foodies, beer geeks, and the everyday consumer will

gain a new insight and knowledge from Craft and Cuisine.”

As for the alliance, Tomlinson estimates its necessity will increase with time. Growth and expansion does not seem to be slowing down, which adds yet another element of economical impact to our tourist home.

“I think we will see more local craft beercentric events,” he says. “Our bottle shops, restaurants, and bars will continue to carry more local beer. I think [the alliance] will be able to give a voice to a local industry that is creating jobs, increasing the tax base and just making Wilmington a better place to live. The CFCBA also offers a unique opportunity to allow those involved in the craft beer industry to communicate and collaborate in a competitive environment.”

For more information on joining the CFCBA or to sponsor Cape Fear Craft Beer Week, visit www.capefearcraft.org or e-mail info@ capefearcraft.org.

AT

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encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 31

EXTRA>>BOOKS

CARPE LIBRUM:

MYRTLE BEACH

STOCKING STUFFERS THAT ROCK!

In defense of trees BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

W

in front of my childhood home has been a tough adjustment. So, let’s just say, I was a

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 a current title with an old book—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.

Oak The Frame of Civilization William Bryant Logan

2005, Norton, pgs. 336

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel How They Communicate Peter Wohlleben

2016, Greystone, pgs. 272

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Since the early colonization of what is now North Carolina, trees have been essential and controversial. Our area flourished as a source for naval stores: old growth lumber for masts, tar, pitch, and turpentine harvest from pine trees. In our modern world, we seem to view trees as enemy forces, waiting to drop limbs on our precious possessions and littering our perfectly manicured lawns and sidewalks, disrupting the easy flow of power lines.

Somehow we manage to disregard that every building we live in and use for commerce comes from trees, as does the oxygen we breathe.

I am an unabashed tree hugger, literally. I hug trees frequently, especially my oak tree next to the house I grew up in. That tree was one among many that captured my young imagination. The recent removal by the city of three large, historical oaks on Market Street

32 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

primed audience for the appearance of “The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate” by Peter Wohlleben and “Oak: The Frame of Civilization” by William Bryant Logan. Together the two books provided a week of arborphilia.

Though they both look at the lives of trees and the relationships trees share with humanity, the books explore these questions very differently. “Hidden Life” explores questions in the context of a German forest (mostly), which is no surprise since Wohlleben worked for the German Forestry Commission for over two decades. So he looks at the forest as a whole—the relationships between Beech trees (his primary tree), spruces, firs, and oaks. But Logan uses the focused lens of exploring the life and history of the oak to tell his story about a relationship between tree, human and the web of life.

Logan, a professional arborist, is clearly enraptured by all things tree-related—but specifically, especially, the oak. I have long been aware their acorns are edible; however, the sheer amount of labor involved to process them into usable food ingredients makes them a last resort in my world. But by the end of his chapter detailing his personal experiments, and the rise and fall of acorns as a staple of the human diet, I was outside picking up acorns and pondering the location of the nearest Korean grocery. Apparently, acorn jelly is still popular in Korean cuisine.

From the earliest settling of humans through the development of carpentry and eventually ink for writing, Logan traces the importance

of the oak tree in human civilization across the globe. Of course, as an arborist, he cannot resist giving a lesson in oak identification, care and protection—nor does he make a plea for the preservation of oaks rather than their wholesale destruction.

It makes me wonder that if I gave copies to all our city council members, would they actually read it? And if they did, would they apply his theories and let us keep the trees alive and intact?

Am I the only one who feels a stab of loss every time I drive past the location of the former “Sonic Oak” on Market Street?

For all the specificity of Logan’s book, Wohlleben’s “The Hidden Life of Trees” is a surprising look at what the quiet beings are doing. To begin with, their sense of time is entirely different from ours, Wohlleben argues. 120 years? A mere teenager. Anyone who plants or cultivates trees knows one of the keys to remember is the drip line of the crown mirrors the roots. Thus, don’t just water, fertilize and mulch next to the trunk; the system for feeding and supporting the tree is as wide below as it is above to photosynthesize. There are so many aspects to Wohlleben’s book that I do not want to pigeon hole it by only talking about his work related to root systems, but we can see bark, we can see leaves, branches, buds, and nuts. What is happening underground, which is absolutely essential to the survival and propagation of trees, is still mysterious. There’s interplay with fungi to create the mycelium network that can filter heavy metals from the soil, fight off bacteria attacks, force nitrogen fertilization by killing off nearby parasites for food, and connect the root systems of trees across great swathes of land. He discuses in depth the process of moving water through root systems, and distributing it through the tree and even explains “sweat stains” on trees!

It is fascinating and frankly refreshing to encounter a writer and forester who regards trees as worth respect and consideration rather than nuisances.

Right now people are putting up Christmas trees and getting ready to celebrate a time of renewal. For a view of time and life that makes ours look incredibly myopic, these two books are eye-opening.

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 33

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encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 35

HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR events CHRISTMAS AT POPLAR GROVE

Thurs.-Sat. evenings during the first 3 weekends of Dec.: Feat. our own Polar Express on the front lawn, near a charming village lined with Christmas lights. Children can write letters to Santa, roast marshmallows, take a wagon ride, and visit with our barnyard animals. Readings of classic stories, and screenings of classic movies will entertain young and old alike. Candlelight tours of the 1850 Manor House in formal parlors, where live trees will be filled with Victorian decorations. Guests will hear stories of Foy family Christmas traditions while

exploring themed rooms filled with live flora and period decorations, accented with a few contemporary flourishes. Dec. 10 and 11: Arts, crafts, and gift vendors will fill the outbuildings and lawn. With over 90 vendors present, shop local while you satisfy everyone on your Christmas list. Tickets: $5. poplargrove.org. 10200 US Hwy 17 N ENCHANTED AIRLIE

Elaborate light displays, along with hundreds of festive plants, seasonal music and “singing trees” will soon transform Airlie Gardens into Enchanted Airlie, a beloved holiday tradition. Each year since 2005, visitors from across the U.S. and abroad have traveled to Wilmington to celebrate the

holiday season at Enchanted Airlie. Select dates through Dec. 22, Airlie’s tastefully decorated halfmile, self-guided walking trail will bedazzle visitors of all ages with an estimated one million (yes, one million!) twinkling lights. Live musical entertainment and visits with Santa, who will greet guests and pose for photos inside Airlie’s main building.

Snacks and warm cocoa, as well as wine and a local craft brew will be available for purchase. Airlie Gardens gift shop will also be open with one-of-akind gifts. $27. www.airliegardens.org. Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd. NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Dec. 19-20, 4pm: Free community event! Experience the Bellamy Mansion decked out in its Christ-

mas finest! Enjoy a casual stroll through the mansion from 4-7pm and be inspired by the Victorian decorations. Donations are greatly appreciated and will benefit the museum’s educational programming. Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St.

charity/fundraisers BIKE DRIVE

make a Wilmington foster child’s Christmas a little brighter this year! Donate a new or gently-used bicycle (all sizes are needed) and enjoy a FREE Small Group Personal Training Session! Women of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. No sales pitch, no stress, no pressure—just load up that bike, come to the studio and enjoy a free small group personal training session! There’s no cost to attend these exciting weekly sessions, all we ask is that attendees make a tax-deductible donation of a new or gently-used bicycle (or equivalent monetary donation) to A Bike for Every Child when you arrive. This is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of free small group personal training sessions that you can’t get anywhere else in Wilmington, all while helping make our community a better place!

Go Girl Fitness Studio, 914 Kerr Ave.

L SHAPED LOT TOYS FOR TOTS

Dec. 17, 8pm: Join us for what has become a fantastic tradition. With your help, we have raised over $25,000 dollars worth of toys in the last four year’s events. That’s incredible, and we want to make it happen again. Mark your calendar, tell a friend, invite a friend, and plan to join us again for a fantastic night of music and fun! Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.

music/concerts DOWNTOWN DRUM CIRCLE

Open drum circle for all levels, ages and drums.

Enjoy an expressive evening with drumming, dance and expression. Longest running drum circle with 4+ years and counting. Calico Room, 115 N 2nd St.

GIRLS CHOIR OF WILMINGTON

Dec. 16, 6pm: Celebrating its 20th season we will be presenting a pair of holiday concerts. “A Ceremony of Carols and Songs of Inspiration” includes the classic work for treble choir and harp by Benjamin Britten as well as inspiring songs like “River of Jordan” and “Light One Candle.” Conducted by Sandy Errante and accompanied by Steven Errante, the concert will also feature harpist Joanna Rose Bologna. Admission, free, and attendance is encouraged for families with small children. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1219 Forest Hills Dr.

6TH BAROQUE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Dec. 19, 7:30pm: Tallis Chamber Orchestra will present the 6th Annual Baroque Christmas Concert to Benefit the Good Shepherd Center. Monday December 19, 7:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 North 16th Street, Wilmington, NC. The concert will feature soprano Sara Westermark and harpist Christina Brier.Concert is Free

36 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

with donations accepted for the Good Shepherd Center. Contact Phil Singleton, 910-620-7207 for more information. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. Sixteenth St. FREE BIG BAND JAZZ

Dec. 20, 6pm: 20 piece Artistry in Jazz big band will play holiday favorites and more in the sears entrance inside independence mall. Come out for free family fun and hear the jazz classics of Stan Kenton era. Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CELTS

Dec. 20, 7:30pm: First there was Riverdance, then Celtic Woman, now the popular PBS Pledge show Christmas with The Celts which is touring across the U.S. Founder Ric Blair credits the group’s popularity to their unique blending of Celtic traditional instruments and modern hit songs and sounds: “I’m proud of my Irish/ Scottish roots, but I am equally proud of my American music roots. Our music has become a product of merging the two cultures.” $22 -$44. www.theceltsmusic.com. Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts, (910) 632-2285 or thalianhall.org.

MARKET ST. BRASS CONCERT

Fri., Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal, 16th & Market. The Christmas recital is well-known for sacred selections like, “Go Tell It On the Mountain” and “Once in Royal David’s City.” Christian McIvor’s recent original compositions, like “Still, Still, Still” and “O Christmas Tree” are fresh and exciting renditions of well known Christmas pieces. Edward Bach’s transcription of Dan Forrest’s “A Cradle Carol” as well as many other works in the concert will demonstrate the vocal qualities of the brass family. The second half of the concert will feature jazzed up versions of popular music associated with Christmas. Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” originally for orchestra, features the sheer virtuosic possibilities of five players.

Favorites, like “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” will leave people singing in their seats and children and adults alike can sing along to “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You A Jazzy Christmas.” Hospitality receptions follows concert. www.spechurch.com, 910-762-4578

theatre/auditions A TUNA CHRISTMAS

Through Dec 18, dinner show “A Tuna Christmas”

by Ed Howard, Joe Sears, Jaston Williams. Directed by Nick Smith, feat. Susan Auten & Erin Hunter.

Fri./Sat., 7pm; Sundays (starting Dec 4) at 5pm.

Seating begins one hour prior to showtime. In this hilarious sequel to “Greater” Tuna, it’s Christmas in the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey’s production of “A Christmas Carol” is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from Greater Tuna and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. Performed by two quick-changing actors with a Texas sized holiday meal from TheatreNOW’s award-winning, Chef Denise. Reserved seating $42 for dinner $24 show only (no dinner) $18 show only mezzanine seats (no dinner). TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilmington.com

ANNIE WARBUCKS

Dec. 8-18, 7:30pm or Sun., 3pm: The action picks up right where Annie leaves off, when Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks he must marry in sixty days so the newly adopted Annie can have a

proper mother. In the end, Daddy Warbucks’ whirlwind search for a fitting bride uncovers not only a plot by Doyle and her daughter to strip him of his fortune, but also his true feelings for Grace Farrell.

Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. www.thalian.org THE SANTALAND DIARIES

Based on the NPR essay by David Sedaris! Panache Theatrical Productions presents SantaLand Diaries at the Red Barn Studio Theatre Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 15-18, 8pm; Sun., 3pm. The story is adapted by Joe Mantello and follows the disgruntled elf Crumpet through his misadventures working for the popular Macy’s holiday attraction.

Featuring Jamey Stone as Crumpet and The “Not Ready for Christmas” Carolers. Tickets are available by calling 910-251-1788. Red Barn Studio Theatre, 1122 South 3rd St.

JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL

Nutcracker” will include over 200 talented dancers from several local ballet and dance schools in the area. Elaborate scenery, live-action scenes and enchanting music add to the engaging story of Clara, her beloved Nutcracker and their adventures set to Tchaikovsky’s musical compositions.

Hosted by WWAY anchor Daniel Seamans, “The Nutcracker” will be performed on Dec. 17 (6pm)18 (3pm). Additional treat to the festivities will include a caroling and choir preshow one hour before the performance begins each day and special intermission presentations. Saturday (5pm) and Sunday (2pm) preshow: Kathy Snow Show Choir and Wilmington Christian Academy. Saturday intermission presentation from Wilmington Christian Glee. Sunday intermission presentation from Mac King Tiger. www.capefearstage.com Cape Fear Community College Wilson Center for the Arts, 703 N. 3rd St.

Big Dawg Productions presents ‘Jacob Marley’s A Christmas Carol,’ Dec.15-18, 8pm or 3pm on HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SWING VIII Opera House Theatre Company presents Hark!

Sun. Marley was dead, to begin with…”—and The Herald Angels Swing VIII: A Christmas Cabawhat happens to Ebenezer Scrooge’s mean, sour, ret at the Blockade Runner Resort in Wrightsville pruney old business partner after that? Chained Beach. In this show, directed by Ray Kennedy, and shackled, Marley is condemned to a hellish experience sounds of the season, an intimate eternity. He’s even given his own private tormenmeal, and an uplifting showcase of exceptional taltor: a malicious little hell-sprite who thoroughly ent performing seasonal favorites. Lively, colorful, enjoys his work. Desperate, Marley accepts his fresh, fun and for a good cause. Partial proceeds one chance to free himself: to escape his own benefit Opera House Theatre Company. 3 Shows: chains, he must first redeem Scrooge. Cape Fear Dinne, Dec 17; brunch, Dec 18; dinner, Dec 18.

Playhouse, 613 Castle St. Tickets: $18-$20. www.

Cocktails / Dinner & Show / Prix Fixe Menu. RSVP: bigdawgproductions.org. all Robert Astraikis at 910.256.7109. Blockade ELF Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd A tale of Buddy, an orphan raised in the North Pole by elves. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth about who he is, and off he goes on a journey to find his birth father in OPEN MIC COMEDY New York City. Broadway musical heads to the Wilson Center on Dec. 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $46-$99. http://cfcc.edu/capefearstage/elf. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

comedy

After a long absence, the Browncoat is excited to once again host Open Mic Comedy, hosted by Hal Cosec! You think you’ve got what it takes to make an entire theater laugh? Come on out and prove it!

Doors open at 7:30pm for signups, and the show starts at 8pm. Free! Browncoat Pub & Theatre, 111 Grace St. 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. Signup, 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.

PSL COMEDY SHOW

Dec. 14, 8pm: Pineapple-Shaped Lamps ends their season with a big finale that leaves the audience with mouths agape, and bladders empty! They’re ready to tackle “PSL Gets Evicted!” Local real estate magnate Ed Wagenseller (Ed Wagenseller) has gone drunk with power and bought up every theater in town, intending to demolish all of them so he can build a brand-new chain of (shudder) Starbucks coffee shops! And he has one last theater in his crosshairs: TheatreNOW! It’s up to Wesley Brown (Michael Cera) and the rest of the PSL gang to put a stop to Ed’s evil scheme, and save TheatreNOW before it’s too late! Admission: $8 adv / $10 at door.

WAR HORSE

Dec. 20, 1pm: Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, “War Horse” is the powerful story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, whohas been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. A remarkable tale of courage,loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage. A National Theatre Encore showing at UNCW Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Rd. Tickets: uncw.edu/olli/nationaltheatre.htm

dance CONTRA DANCE

Do not despair, we can make the repair...let us fix separation anxiety

Evening of contemporary American country dancing—exercise that’s actually fun, done to live music

by Box of Chocolates band—fiddle, percussion, guitar, dulcimer, bass, mandolin and more! Dress cool and comfortable, soft-soled shoes. 2nd/4th Tues ea. mo. All ages welcome. United Methodist Church, 409 S. 5 Ave.

NUTCRACKER

Timeless story brought to life by ballerinas, dancing dolls, armies of menacing mice and triumphant toy soldiers, The Nutcracker presented by the Wilmington Ballet Company sets the stage for an incredible journey for the performers and audience. WBC’s full length production of the “The

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http://pslcomedy.brownpapertickets.com. 19 S. 10th St. DEAD CROW COMEDY ROOM

Dec. 16-17, 7pm/9:30pm: Ronny Chieng has been a correspondent on the Daily Show with Trevor Noah on Comedy Central and, toured and recorded 4 one-hour stand up comedy specials: “The Ron Way (2012),” “Can You Do This? No You Can’t. (2013),” “Chieng Reaction (2014),” and “You Don’t Know What You’re Talking About (2015).” He has sold out his stand up comedy tours at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the SOHO Theatre in London, the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Town Hall, the Enmore Theatre in Sydney, the Esplanade concert hall in Singapore and PJ Live Arts in Malaysia, and was also invited to open for Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr on their national stand up comedy tours of Australia. Tickets: deadcrowcomedy.com. Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

art

seum Spring Art Show committee on Dec. 15. The contest is open to all NC artists 18 years of age and older. No fee. info@bellamymansion.org. 910251-3700 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

ARTWORKS OPEN STUDIO

Resident Artists at theArtWorks open their studios, Fri., 10-6, and Sat., 10-3, for the public to view them create and sell their art. Artists and art vary from fine art in oils, acrylics, and water color, to sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, original art cards. Willard St. is central to the developing district between South Front and Third streets, now known as the Cape Fear Historic Byway. 200 Willard St.

CALL FOR ARTISTS

SAME VIEW

‘Same View—Different Day’ Backyard Series is a 3 year photographic exploration of the movement of tides, the art of clouds and the beauty of nature as seen by Artist Jo Ann Tomaselli from her own backyard. Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, downtown, 9 S Front St.

WILMINGTON: THEN AND NOW CONTEST

Bellamy Museum invites artists to submit their inspirational ideas and be named the 2017 Commemorative Postcard. Submissions for the postcard contest must be received by Dec. 1st, 2016 via email or in person at the museum (503 Market St.). Winner(s) will be selected by the Bellamy Mu-

Leland Cultural Arts Center is accepting applications for their Gallery Program for the 2017 calendar year. Selected Artists will display their 2D or 3D artworks in the gallery for a month in the upcoming year and have an opening reception. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. www. townofleland.com/lcac

UNCW STUDENT EXHIBITION

The culmination of study in studio art, juried by the studio art faculty and mounted by the graduating seniors. It is the capstone event for the graduating seniors. Exhibition continues through Dec. 10.

UNCW, Art Gallery, Cultural Arts Building, 601 S. College Rd.

THE COLORFUL SERIES: PLACES & SPACES

Local artist Rhonda Schoolfield’s show will have art hanging through Jan. 5th. Partial sales from original watercolor and acrylic paintings will be donated to a local animal rescue. A Tasting Room retains 20% of the sales price, remaining 80% goes to The Ruffian Foundation or an animal rescue charity chosen by the art patron. Saving and improving the lives of many dogs and cats! A Tasting Room, 19 S. 2nd St.

NO BOUNDARIES ART COLONY EXHIBIT

Showcasing art work of 14 No Boundaries artisan that were chosen to participate in this year’s colony. The work was created during a two-week artistic immersion, which takes place annually in the first 2 weeks in November on Bald Head Island. The artists for this years event include: Ben Billingsley, Richard Conn, Nat Dickinson, Brandon Guthrie, Chip Hemingway, Rebecca Jones, Anne Lindberg, Shaun Richards, Vicky Smith, Gayle Tustin and Genevieve VanZandt. Wilma W. Daniels Gallery (CFCC), 200 Hanover St.

film MOONLIGHT

Dec. 14, 4pm and 7pm. At once a vital portrait of contemporary African American life and an intensely personal and poetic meditation on identity, family, friendship, and love, Moonlight is a groundbreaking piece of cinema that reverberates with deep compassion and universal truths. A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. Moonlight is told across three defining life chapters and experiences that capture the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with sexuality. Rated R, Runtime: 110 min.. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

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Dec. 21, 7pm: Frank Capra’s iconic holiday film is a Wilmington holiday tradition, shown as it was meant to be seen: on the big screen. This timeless tale brings back old memories and creates new ones for children and grandchildren alike when viewed in majestic Thalian Hall. Tony Rivenbark’s famous toy collection will be on display with some seasonal treats for the whole family! $10 (member discount not applicable). Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. www.thalianhall.com.

museums/education CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Exhibits: Through Jan. 15, 2017: Cameron Art Museum presents UnBound Narrative, an exhibition featuring nine contemporary artists from across the globe (United States, Canada, England and Cuba) who utilize the book as medium and inspiration to create their visual narrative. The forty diverse artworks in the exhibition (including 100 pages from three different versions of Tom Phillips’ groundbreaking project A Humument) show how varied the medium can be. Features work by James Allen (Portland, OR), Doug Beube (New York, NY), Andrew Hayes (Penland, NC), Guy Laramée (Montreal, Canada), Math Monahan (Boston, MA), Tom Phillips (London, England), Susan Porteous (Bend, OR), Diana Fonseca Quiñones (Havana, Cuba) and Tim Rollins and K.O.S (New York, NY). CAM will offer an array of exhibition-related programming, including our monthly Kids@CAM, youth classes, adult workshops, engaging lectures and gallery talks. • Art of Illumination, on view through

Jan. 8, Brown Wing Film Room. CAM believes that art, like a lantern, illuminates the mystery, empathy and wonder of human existence. Artists’ proposals for lanterns were submitted for this juried exhibition featuring designs of all sizes, themes and materials. The Art of Illumination 2016 Exhibition reveals the unique hand-built completed lanterns from over forty artists across the country. The lanterns will illuminate an intimate space in our Brown Wing, shining a light on the creative spirit. This exhibition is timed for your holiday enjoyment. Included in regular admission. • Through Feb. 12, 2017: Art from Flour: Barrel to Bag—Examining the history of the humble flour sack, Art From Flour: Barrel to Bag illustrates how a food staple became a reflection of art and life in America. Guest curated by Edward Irvine, associate professor of studio art in the UNCW department of art and art history. Remarks given at 6:30 p.m. • CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar, 5pm-9pm.

CAM Café: Tues,-Sat., 11am-3pm; Sun., 10am3pm; Wed.-Thurs. 5-9pm. 910-395-5999. www. cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

Wrightsville Beach 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.

STARRING CAPE FEAR

New Hanover County’s Cape Fear Museum is proud to showcase highlights of the region’s film history with the opening of its newest exhibit, Starring Cape Fear! Visitors can explore the history of the local film and television production industry from the 1980s to the present day. View artifacts from several productions including Firestarter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill and Tammy. See a cape and the ear from Blue Velvet, an Iron Man 3 mask, and the jet ski beloved by Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) in Eastbound & Down. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. Tues.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun.,1-5pm.

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 afterhours 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 2-12, and free under age 2. Northend of downtown, 505 Nutt St. 910-7632634. wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am4pm, 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. 762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12-foot salt-

Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special “reindeer”

December 16 - 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

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water crocodile, “Bubble Boy” and “Sheena,” a 23ft 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 Street. (910) 762-1669 or www. capefearserpentarium.com.

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 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. www.bellamymansion.org.

503 Market 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. burgwinwrighthouse.com.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Mon, Little Sprouts Storytime, 10am, and Go Green Engineer Team, 3:30pm. • Tues., Kids Cooking Club, 3:30pm • Wed., Preschool Science, 10am; Discover Science, 3:30pm; and Mini Math, 4pm. • Thurs. StoryCOOKS, 10am; and StART with a Story, 3:30pm • Fri., Toddler Time, 10am; and Adventures in Art, 3:30pm • Drop off gently used books at our museum to be used for a good cause. Ooksbay Books uses book collection locations to help promote literacy, find a good use for used books, and benefit nonprofits. www.playwilmington.org.

116 Orange St. 910-254-3534

kids stuff SUPER SATURDAY FUN TIME

Appropriate for ages 4-10, but all ages welcome.

Dock the Dog and Dock Street Kids for 10 exciting episodes of Super Saturday Fun Time, TheatreNOW’s live theatrical show featuring local history and mystery and super guest stars, hosted by Captain Coy T. Plunkett (Zach Hanner). Live music, games, cartoons, short films, and his favorite surf “nuggets.” Dock Street Kids and their alwayshungry dog, Dock, solve adventures. Parents can even drop off kids ages 5+. Kid-friendly snacks and drinks available for purchase. Custom birthday packages with a chance to interact with characters and step onstage in the action.

STORY EXPLORERS

CAM, every Thurs., 10-10:30am: 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. PIRATE ISLAND TREASURE HUNT

Perfect tour for kids! A pirate guide will take you on a two hour cruise to the legendary spot where Captain Kidd burried his ill-gotten booty. Dig for the hidden treasure and find hidden gems on Masonboro Island. Book your reservation by calling (910) 200-4002. $30/adult and $20/child. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

FRIDAYS FOR FUN

Volleyball instruction for kid every Friday at 4:30.

No need to pre-register, just show up and play! $10 for 1 or bring 3 kids, $20! All skills welcome!

Capt’n Bills Backyard Grille, 4240 Market St.

MUSEUM EXPLORERS

11am: 1st program; 2pm: 2nd Program—Free for members or with general admission Ignite your curiosity! Discover history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear through interactive science investigations, hands-on exploration and unique artifacts. Activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage families to have fun together.

Themes vary. Ages 5 and up. Appx. 45 minutes each time slot. Adult participation is rqd. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

STORY ART

Special program for kids in kindergarten through second grade. At each session they’ll hear a story that incorporates a different art concept, then have time to apply what they’ve seen and heard as they make their own art! Free but space limited. Register www.nhclibrary.org for the dates your child will attend, to be sure of having enough seats and art materials. Julie: jcriser@nhcgov.com or 910-7986303. NHC Main Library, 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.

PRE-K MATH AND SCIENCE

Thurs, 10am: Play, learn, and explore with your child. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive story times, hands on science experiments and exploration stations.

This program is designed for children between the ages of 3-6. Free. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

LEGO CHALLENGE

Specials: Tues nighT: 1/2 Price wines by the glass Wed nighT: 1/2 Price Draft beers

Dinner Daily: Tuesday - Sunday starting at 5pm Sunday Brunch: 10am-3pm featuring DIY Mimosa = 1 bottle of sparkling wine and a mason jar of hand squeezed OJ

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421 c astle s t • (910) 399-3080 F acebook :

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42 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

NHC Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 S. College Rd. Maureen Weinman, mweinman@nhcgov.com, 910-798-6393. Lego Challenge at Myrtle Grove Library is a fun way for kids to practice problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, visualizing three dimensional structures, communication, and motor skills! Participating children may work alone or in groups. Legos are scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month at New Hanover County’s Myrtle Grove Library. The sessions are free for kids ages 5 to 10. Space is limited, so preregister: www.nhclibrary.org or 910-798-6393. 5155 S. College Rd.

CLYDE’S HOLIDAY BY THE SEA

Dec. 10, 11am: Cameron Art Museum’s critter craft! Internationally renowned artist Clyde Jones spends the day with you and your family! Help decorate sea critters to add to their ‘Holiday by the Sea’ installation, which will remain on display at the corner of 17th and Independence through the holiday season! You can also create your own works of art to take home! All ages welcome. No pre-registration necessary. Admission by donation. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

MAKE AN ICICLE ORNAMENT

Kids are invited to make icicle ornaments to take home, using chenille stems and beads, in the Main Library Children’s Room during the week of Dec. 12-18. This craft activity is free and no registration is needed. Icicle making is an easy craft for preschool ages and up. Parental supervision is required because small beads can be a choking hazard. To get started on their icicle, parents and kids should ask for the crafts bin at the desk in the Children’s Room. Materials and instructions included in the bin, and the activity will be available throughout the week as long as supplies last.

Children’s Librarian Julie Criser at 910-798-6303 or jcriser@nhcgov.com.

LEFO CHECKOUT

Dec. 22, 2pm: Main Library Children’s Room will loan boxes of Legos to kids who want to play in the room on Thursday afternoon, December 22. This is a half day for New Hanover County School students, which means it’s a great day to take a break from errands, visit the public library, and look for books to read over the holidays! No advance rreg. needed. t Children’s Librarian Julie Criser at 910798-6303 or jcriser@nhcgov.com. www.nhclibrary. org.

outdoors/recreation INSHORE BOTTOM FISHING

Trip includes: bait, tackle, rods, and a licensed guide. Catch flounder, black sea bass, bluefish, and more while we drift along Banks Channel. Fun for all ages! $35/adult and $25/child. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

BIRDING CRUISE

Join Capt Joe as he guides you on an open water exploration of the Intracoastal Waterway, inlet passages, and sandy barrier islands of Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. Come relax on the catamaran style boat while observing the diverse flora and fauna that coastal North Carolina has to offer. Topics will include as strong emphasis on shorebird identification and ecology, as well as coastal salt marsh function. $35 and $25/Senior.

WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

EAGLE ISLAND KAYAK TOUR

Explore Davis Creek and the Cape Fear River along Eagle Island learning about its history while observing wildlife. Cost: $45/person. Pre-reg. rqd.

341-0075 or reg., halyburtonpark.com. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

BIRD HIKES

Each hike: $10/person. Pre-reg. rqd. Each month we will explore a different site along the NC Birding Trail in the Coastal Plain. Each hike will be appx.

2 miles. Transportation from Halyburton Park is included. 12/15 - Wrightsville Beach. Call 341-0075 or Register Online at www.halyburtonpark.com.

Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS BIRD CRUISE

Watch the waterfront come alive in the holiday spirit! Enjoy a hot or cold drink aboard the Wilmington.

The Wilmington is a 46’ catamaran, handicapped accessible, and with a full bar and a spacious bathroom on board. Cruise will last for an hour.

We will be boarding at 5:30pm.(910) 338-3134.

Reservations required. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12. Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

classes ART CLASSES

Watercolor and Colored Pencils, Shells and Sea

Upcoming Events: SATURDAY, DEC 17 | 4:30 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs. Wofford Sponsored by BB&T SATURDAY, DEC 17 | 2:00 P.M. Men’s Basketball vs. Radford Sponsored by Enterprise Toys for Tots Game Bring a new unwrapped toy and get a ticket for $10 MONDAY, DEC 19 | 7:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs. Catawba Sponsored by Pepsi TUESDAY, DEC 20 | 6:30 P.M. Men’s Basketball vs. East Carolina Sponsored by Pepsi

@uncwathletics

1.800.808.UNCW OR VISIT

UNCWSPORTS.COM/BUYTICKETS encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 43

Creature: Project will teach you great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. • Multimedia Nature Print, Wed., 10am-noon and 2-4pm: Learn great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. • Paper Quilt Collage, 10am-noon and 2-4pm: This project will teach you great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. • Oil Pastel/Colored Pencil Designs, Sat., 10am-noon: This project will teach you great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. Sign up and see $20 for one/ $75 for all projects. Materials supplied. loislight@bellsouth.net or call 910 5478115. Sun Room Studio, 6905 Southern Exposure WINE AND WATERCOLOR

Led by Nick Mijak. Every Tues. evening starting at 7:30 class is led by local watercolor artist Nick Mijak, we always enjoy a nice glass of wine while we learn some fundamental techniques of the mysterious medium of watercolor. The idea is to take the fear out of watercolor and learn the fun.

All materials provided, and each participant gets a completed painting they are proud of by the end of the evening. Come join the fun, at Bar Local!

Bar Local, Bellas: 19 Market St.

KIDS COOKING CLASSES

The Seasoned Gourmet is inviting kids 12 years old and older to embark on a culinary world tour!

On this trip you will enjoy hands-on experience cooking in the African, Italian, Mexican and French traditions with our instructor, Sherry Storms. Each class will focus on a different county from which you will learn geographical and cultural facts; as well as, recipes native to these areas. All you have to pack for this trip is an apron! All classes are 6-8pm; 12 years and older. 5500 Market Street

Suite 110.

BOOK MAKING FOR TEENS

Teens ages 12 and older will use recycled library materials to construct personalized side-bound books at this workshop. Participation is free and all tools and materials will be provided, but space is strictly limited. Reg, opens a month before the workshop on the calendar at www.nhclibrary. org. 910-798-6303 or email Shannon Vaughn at svaughn@nhcgov.com. NHC Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 South College Rd.

BOOK NOOK

Hands-on computer workshop at Northeast Library is for avid readers! Librarian Carla Sarratt will walk you through a variety of online tools for the reading community. At this training session you’ll learn tricks and tips for discovering reading and readalike suggestions using the Library’s own online catalog and website, NoveList, and Goodreads.

You’ll also explore self-published books by Indie authors on Biblioboard! Seats limited and prereg. rqd. for free. www.nhclibrary.org or 910-798-6371.

Carla Sarratt, 910-798-6371; csarratt@nhcgov. com. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

HALYBURTON PARK FITNESS CLASSES

Yoga classes every Wed., 9am, through Dec. 28 and at 6:30pm, through Dec. 28. Cost is $52.50.

(No class on Nov. 23 and Dec. 21.) • Zumba classes held every Wed., 5:30pm, through Dec. 28 (no classes on Nov. 23 and Dec. 21) and every Thurs., 9am, through Dec. 29 (no classes Nov. 24, Dec. 22). Cost is $30. • Senior Fit Camp held every Thurs., 10am, through Dec. 29 (no classes Nov. 24, Dec. 22). Cost is $45. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

BACKLIT YOGA

Expo216 and Pineapple Studios have partnered together to bring a blacklight yoga experience to the Theater Room at Expo 216. An hour long yoga class, with ocean meditation, will be held on Sat. at 11am with Rebekah Boatwright. Donations for class are greatly appreciated! Expo 216, 216 N. Front St. CURLING FOR BEGINNERS

Dec. 15, 8:15pm:Learn how to deliver a stone, sweep, scoring and be ready to join in a game.

The club has everything you need to get started: brooms, sliders, stabilizers. All participants will receive 1/2 off curling on Thurs., Dec. 29 or a following open/pick-up curling date. info@coastalcurling.com. The Wilmington Ice House, 7201 Ogden Business Ln.

LIVING WITH DEMENTIA SEMINAR

Dec. 16, 9am: Six CEU credits, four guest speakers, breakfast and lunch included. Complimentary tour of Battleship. $45/person. www.facebook. com/events/352677048408396. USS Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd. NE

CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM SEMINAR

Opportunity to experience more of what we have been talking about in a 10-week seminar/discussion on Christian Mysticism. Local author, John Evans will use the draft copy of his new book, Discovery Prayer, Experiencing God as Jesus Did, to present more effective prayer/meditation methods. Teaching and discussion will be flavored with poetry by the author and other mystics such as Saint Theresa of Avila and Meister Eckhart.

The intent is to equip those who attend to make a fresh and more effective approach to intimacy with God. Pomegranate Bookstore, 4118 Parke Ave., Saturday mornings, at 10am. Meeting 1/ 7, 14, 21. RSVP to insightbuilders@gmail.com. Each meeting is self-sufficient and useful.

SHE ROCKS EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR

Dec. 17, 4pm: Public empowerment seminar for girls (ages 12-19 only). We will be discussing vision, values, and goal setting with our dynamic motivational speaker Ms. Sulondia Hammond aka “Sue-Ham Baby”! She has made appearances on the Steve Harvey Show and has a cameo appearance in the movie Almost Christmas, currently playing on the big screen. Free, but register for your ticket now! Martin Luther King Center, 401 S. 8th St.

Open for Lunch & Dinner

BEST IN TOWN! STEAKS

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910.762.4354

RIBS

PEDALING FOR PAGES BOOK CLUB

Arrive by bike to receive the bicycle discount everyday. We do have a bike rack just outside the door and two more on the block. The group will read a selection that includes, fiction, biography, history, and memoir. Open to all levels of bicycle interest and ability. Meetings are last Thursday of the month at 6pm. Nov—Bike Snob: Systematically and Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling

by BikeSnobNYC. Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.

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In the Cotton Exchange • Downtown Wilmington • FREE PARKING 44 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

lectures/literary

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 to adults, 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 Clamme, 910-796-7943. jason.clamme@lcfh.org.

clubs/notices POKEMON LEAGUE

Come out 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. All ages are welcome to our family friendly environment. www.facebook.com/groups/ CFGPokemon. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D

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.

BIRTH CIRCLE

Every 3rd Saturday come for our Birth Circle, something always different every month. Check out our website for more details of what we have in store this month & exact time of each event! www. thebumpandbeyond.com. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

EXPECTING MAMA’S CIRCLE

Sat, noon: Come 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 your stories with each other and have any pregnancy and birth related questions answered in a supportive and caring environment. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

LA LECHE LEAGUE

Sat., 10am, meetings are informal and are open to pregnant women, mothers, babies and children.

If you have questions about breastfeeding 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 League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Available by phone for breastfeeding questions or concerns. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

ST. PAUL’S

Midweek Holy Eucharist: Every Wed. at 12:10 p.m. for Holy Eucharist followed by community lunch (suggested donation, $5). • Choral Evenson every second Wednesday, followed by supper and Christian Formation discussion. Evensong is a sung service of evening prayer, psalms, canticles, and scripture readings. An ancient part of the Anglican tradition, ever renewing the soul. Sung by the Choir of St. Paul’s. www.spechurch.com. 910762-4578. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.

PAINT’N PARTY

Wed., Dec. 14, 6pm Everyone enjoys upbeat music, beverages, trivia and prizes while painting their own original Personality Portrait. Guests paint at their own relaxed pace and no 2 paintings are ever alike. “Paint what you love; not what you see.”

Giorgio’s Restaurant, 5226 S. College Rd.

ILM MAGIC CLUB FREE SHOW

Dec. 14, 6pm The Wilmington Magic Club will be holding its Christmas Magic Show! Anyone interested in Magic is Welcome. Please come prepared to purchase a meal from McAllisters Deli.

Eat at 6; show will start after. 910-520-4026. McAllisters Deli, S College Rd. LAMPLIGHTERS TOASTMASTERS OF ILM

Dec. 15, 6:30pm: The Lamplighters Toastmasters of Wilmington will meet on Thurs., Dec. 15 at 6:30pm in the New Hanover County Government Center Building. We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month. Visitors and new members welcome. Come learn leadership and public speaking skills in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment.

Free. New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Dr.

INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL

Dec. 19, 6pm: Wilmington Faiths Against Gun Violence (WFAGV) in conjunction with the National Sabbath for the Prevention of Gun Violence will hold a second annual Interfaith Prayer Vigil in downtown Wilmington on December 19th, 6:00 pm at Innis Park, at 3rd and Princess streets. Over 30 local faith communities and organizations are sponsoring the vigil. Please stand with us and pray together for an end to violence in our community. Music prelude begins at 5:30. Innis Park, 102 N. 3rd. St.

culinary FERMENTAL

Free tasting ever Friday, 6pm. • Third Wednesday 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. Share cups available. All genres. All beer styles. • Dec. 17, 6pm: Enchanted evening of live music, rare beers, winter beers, seasonal wine offerings, a local food truck, and more. Festivities also include a fundraising and awareness campaign for The Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Fermental will be collecting supplies and much needed necessities for the residents, protesters, and activists fighting to keep the environment and heritage secure from the Dakota Access Pipeline that continues to threaten the water and land of the indigenous people of the Americas. Along with monetary donations for this cause, Fermental will be collecting items to help these peaceful protesters get through the cold North Dakota winter: coats, sleeping bags, winter hats, scarves, boots, gloves, bottled water, canned goods, non-perishables, toiletry items, etc. Fermental, 7250 Market St.

your own as the awesomely unprecedented creature you are? I dare you “Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how,” dancer Agnes to more fully acknowledge and express your singular destiny. Start today!

De Mille said. “We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) dark.” As true as her words might be for most of us much of the time, I suspect “To dream . . . to dream has been the business of my life,” author Edgar Althey don’t apply to you right now. This is a rare moment when feeling total cerlan Poe wrote. I don’t expect you to match his devotion to dreams in 2017, tainty is justified. Your vision is extra clear and farseeing. Your good humor and Scorpio, but I do hope you will become more deeply engaged with your expansive spirit will ensure you stay humble. As you take leap after leap, you’ll waking fantasies and stories that unfold as you lie sleeping. Why? Because be surrounded by light. your usual approaches to gathering useful information won’t be sufficient.

To be successful, both in the spiritual and worldly senses, you’ll need extra TAURUS (April 20-May 20) “We are torn between nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and access to perspectives that come from beyond your rational mind. Here’s a strange,” author Carson McCullers wrote. Are you ready to give that adage a good motto for you in 2017: “I am a lavish and practical dreamer.”

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

twist, Taurus? In the coming weeks, I think you should search for foreign and SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) strange qualities in your familiar world. Such a quest may initially feel odd, but Physicist Stephen Hawking is skeptical of the hypothesis that humans may will ultimately be healthy and interesting. It also will be good preparation for the someday be able to travel through time. To jokingly dramatize his belief, he next chapter of your life, when you will saunter out into unknown territory and threw a party for time-travelers from the future. Sadly, not a single chrononfind ways to feel at home. aut showed up to enjoy the champagne and hor d’oeuvres Hawking had prepared. Despite this discouraging evidence, I guarantee you will have the GEMINI (May 21-June 20) “If you don’t use your own imagination, somebody else is going to use it for potential to meet with Future Versions of You on a regular basis during the you,” writer Ronald Sukenick said. That’s always true, but it will be especially next nine months. These encounters are likely to be metaphorical or dreamimportant for you to keep in mind in 2017. You Geminis will have an unparalleled like rather than literal, but they will provide valuable information as you make power to enlarge, refine and tap into your imagination. You’ll be blessed with decisions that affect your destiny for years to come. The first of these heartthe motivation and ingenuity to make it work for you in new ways, which could to-hearts should come very soon. enable you to accomplish marvelous feats of creativity and self-transformation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Now here’s a warning: If you don’t use your willpower to take advantage of these During these last few weeks, you may have sometimes felt like smashing potentials, your imagination will be subject to atrophy and colonization. holes in the wall with your head, or dragging precious keepsakes into the middle of the street and setting them on fire, or delivering boxes full of garCANCER (June 21-July 22) Why are Australian sand wasps so skilled at finding their way back home after bage to people who don’t appreciate you as much as they should. I hope being out all day? Here’s their trick: When they first leave the nest each morning, you abstain from doing things like that. Now, here are some prescriptions they fly backward, imprinting on their memory banks the sights they will look to help you graduate from unproductive impulses: Make or find a symbol of for when they return later. Furthermore, their exiting flight path is a slow and one of your mental blocks, and bash it to pieces with a hammer; clean and systematic zig-zag pattern that orients them from multiple directions. I recom- polish precious keepsakes, and perform rituals to reinvigorate your love for mend you draw inspiration from the sand wasps in 2017, Cancerian. One of your them; take as many trips to the dump as necessary to remove the congesimportant tasks will be to keep finding your way back to your spiritual home, over tion, dross and rot from your environment. and over again.

tors syndiCate RIVER BLUFFS FARMER’S MARKET

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Vault 21, a restaurant in Dunedin, New Zealand, serves sautéed locusts. For $5 patrons receive a plate of five. The menu refers to the dish not as “Oily Sizzling Grasshoppers” but rather as “Sky Prawns.” Satisfied customers know exactly what they’re eating, and some say the taste does indeed resemble prawns. I bring this to your attention, Leo, because it illustrates a talent you will have in abundance during 2017: re-branding. You’ll know how to maximize the attractiveness and desirability of things by presenting them in the best possible light.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) The literal translation of the German word “Kummerspeck” is “grief bacon.” It refers to the weight gained by people who, while wallowing in self-pity, eat an excess of comfort food. I know more than a few Virgos who have been flirting with this development lately, although the trigger seems to be self-doubt as much as self-pity. In any case, here’s the good news: The trend is about to flip.

A flow of agreeable adventures is due to begin soon. You’ll be prodded by fun challenges and provocative stimuli that will boost your confidence and discourage “Kummerspeck.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) “Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable,” journalist Brenda Ueland wrote. Pause for a moment and fully take in that fact, Libra. It’s breathtaking and daunting. What a huge responsibility it is to be absolutely unique. In fact, it’s so monumental, you may still be shy about living up to it. But how about you make 2017 the year you finally come into

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Singer-songwriter Tom Waits has a distinctive voice. One fan described it this way: “Like how you’d sound if you drank a quart of bourbon, smoked a pack of cigarettes and swallowed a pack of razor blades. Late at night.

After not sleeping for three days.” Luckily, Waits doesn’t have to actually do any of those self-destructive things to achieve his unique tone. In fact, he’s wealthy from selling his music, and has three kids with a woman to whom he’s been married for 36 years. I foresee a similar potential for you in the coming weeks and months. You may be able to capitalize on your harmless weirdness ... to earn rewards by expressing your charming eccentricities ... to be both strange and popular.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Was punk rock born on June 4, 1976? A fledgling band known as the Sex Pistols played that night for a crowd of 40 people at a small venue in Manchester, England. Among the audience members was Morrissey, who got so inspired that he started his own band, The Smiths. Also in attendance was a rowdy guy who would soon launch the band Joy Division, despite the fact he had never played an instrument. The men who would later form the Buzzcocks also saw the performance by Johnny Rotten and his crew. According to music critic David Nolan, these future pioneers came away from the June 4 show with the conclusion, “You don’t have to be a virtuoso or a musical genius to be in a band; anyone can do it.” I see parallels between this seminal event and your life in the coming weeks. .

encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 45

Every Sat., 10am-3pm: Farmer Bill is up early most mornings, tending to the crops at The River Bluffs Organic Farm. Situated on 10 acres of land, The Farm utilizes sustainable growing methods so that all yielded produce can be tagged “certified organic.” Located just down the road from the entrance of River Bluffs, The Farm helps to fill the amazing menu at the neighborhood restaurant— Porches Cafe. River Bluffs, 3571 Hansa Dr. http:// riverbluffsliving.com/saturday-farm-market.

MAKE FRENCH MACARONS

Cook with us at CFCC’s Culinary Academy and Chef Gwen Gulliksen! Your cookies will be the talk of the neighborhood this year! Impress friends and family with these classic almond cookies featuring a mouth-watering chocolate truffle filling. Course is December 10th, 10am-noon Pre-registration is required. For more info or to register, visit: www.cfcc. edu/enrich or call 910-362-7572. 411 N. Front 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 our brewers and get two free samples.

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.

AYCE OYSTER ROAST

Every Friday for All You Can Eat oysters, shell on shrimp, fried shrimp, hushpuppies and slaw. Only $34.95. Local oysters. Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

HOLIDAY WINE AND CHARCUTERIE TASTING

Dec. 21, 4pm: Co-op for a tasting of a selection of our wines just in time for the holiday weekend!

Try something new and take home a new favorite.

We’ll also be sampling local meat, cheese, and other accoutrements to create a charcuterie platter perfect for the season’s many get-togethers. Tidal Creek Cooperative, 5329 Oleander Dr.

support groups CHADD

Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. 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

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Life Community Church, located inside Independence Mall, will have a Celebrate 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. For more information. contact Jodie at 910-547-8973, 791-3859 or Lifecc.com. Life Community Church, 3500 Oleander Dr.

PFLAG

PFLAG Meeting is first Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Thurs., 6pm: Meets in Classroom C, Ground Floor.

Men and spouses welcome from the entire Cape Fear area. Discussion/programs. www.wilmingtonprostatecancersupportgroup.com. 910-792-9953.

BrooklynArtsNC.com 910-538-2939

FREE PARKING • CASH BAR • ATM ON SITE Visit our website and join our mailing list for event announcements.

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC

46 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

COPING WITH THE LOSS OF A CHILD

available. Foot of Market St. www.cfhi.net.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a no cost grief GHOST WALK group for those coping with the loss of a child.

6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors The group will meet from 10 am-noon Wed., Dec. through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilming14; Jan. 11; Jan. 18; and Feb. 1; at Dr. Robert M. ton. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. AdmisFales Hospice Pavilion, Conference Room, 1406 sion charge. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910Physicians Dr. (910) 796-7991. Grief groups pro794-1866; hauntedwilmington.com vide comfort, care, support and the tools needed HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS to help families get through this difficult time. OfNarrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours of ten being around others who have been through historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver who a similar experience enables participants to talk narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront about what they are experiencing. Grief groups and past stately mansions. Market and Water sts. help emphasize that participants are not griev$12/adult, $5/child. (910) 251-8889. www.horseing alone and others understand and can support drawntours.com them on their grief journey.

INSIDER’S TOUR

tours LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Curious about the Cape Fear? 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. Preregistration is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Free w/general admission or membership. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

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 SUNSET TOUR Nightly, 6:30pm Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front St. 249 N. Front St. www.brownpapertickets. offers several versions of its famed Sunset Cruise. com/event/1282390 All depart the Blockade Runner Dock at 6:30 pm and return at 8:00 pm. Tours depart earlier in the CONFEDERATE WALKING TOURS Spring and Fall. Routes vary with season, weather, Experience Wilmington’s people, history and archiand whim on the Basic Sunset Cruise but may tecture in the late antebellum period and during include Masonboro Island, Figure Eight Island, the conflict, conducted by noted Wilmington hisBradley Creek, Money Island or some other comtorian Bernhard Thuersam Walk in the footsteps of bination. Water, marsh, Shamrock, sunset – it’s a George Washington, James Monroe, Daniel Webster, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and more. Insimple combination but very satisfying. Wrightsdepth 90-minute tours are by appt, Sunday through ville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd. www.

Saturday, 910-619-4619 or bernhard1848@gmail. wrightsvillebeachscenictours.com com. Personalized tours downtown and local forts

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Acoustic Jazz Piano on Front St. fabulous eNtertaiNmeNt with James Jarvis exotic Dancers Now Hiring

In-Out Calls • Casual Events Two Girl Show • Bachelor Parties 24/7 Dancers • Serious Inquiries Only

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AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools, Studio Production

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Serving seasonally inspired, locally-sourced Southern Cuisine.

THANK YOU WILMINGTON!

Proudly purchasing all of our seafood, protein, and produce from local fishermen, vendors, and farmers.

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48 encore |december 14 - december 20, 2016 | www.encorepub.com