December 19, 2018

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

VOL. 36/ PUB.21 DEC. 19-25, 2018

ENCOREPUB.COM

FREE

Move Over,, Schweddy Balls!

Skytown serves up fried sausage-gravy balls, among other Southern delights

Photo by Tom Dorgan

HODGEPODGE

Vol. 36/Pub. 36/Pub. 721 Vol.

December 19 - 25, 2018 September 12 - September 18, 2018

WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Friday, May - 114a.m.

Saturday, Dec.622, p.m.

ON THE COVER

Nights of Lights

Bellamy Mansion Museum (503 Market St.) is hosting multiple evenings of holiday cheer with Nights of Lights from December 20-22, 4 p.m.

- 7 p.m. Roam the decked out halls of Bellamy Mansion for free (or $5 suggested donation).

For more information about Nights of Lights, contact Carolyn Gonzalez at 910-251-3700 x306 or email her at cgonzalez@bellamymansion.org.

MOVE OVER, SCHWEDDY BALLS! PG. 30

Rosa Bianca cozies up with smoky meats and jackfruit, warm burnt-ends chili, mac-n-cheese (above), and draft beers that pair nicely with life in general. Above and cover photos by Tom Dorgan

L

LIVE LOCAL>>

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.

Gwenyfar Rohler contemplates winter solstice, warmth and light, and old northern Eurtopean traditions.

Photo of 2004 winter solstice viewed at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California, by Tim Ereneta

M

EDITORIAL>

PGS. 4-5

Editor-in-Chief:

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

Assistant Editor:

<<MUSIC

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

Sax player Jim Ferris (left) talks about his latest jazz trio, formed with Manny Santos and Duke Ladd, who will play a special showcase on December 21 at Tails Piano Bar in downtown Wilmington.

PG. 8

Courtesy photo

Anghus expects a little more from a movie about giant cities on wheels, gobbling up smaller mobile towns. Even though ‘Mortal Engines’ peaks early, it’s a cinetmatic adventure worth seeing.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus,

Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Joan C. Wilkerson, John Wolfe, Fanny Slater

SALES>

F

FILM>>

Art Director/Office Manager:

General Manager: John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

Advertising:

Megan Henry // megan@encorepub.com John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com Published on Wednesday by HP Media. Opinions of contributing writers are not the opinions of encore.

PG. 19

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • OpEd, pg. 6• News of the Weird, pg. 7 Music, pgs. 8-13 • Gallery Guide, pg. 17 • Film, pg. 19 • Dining, pgs. 20-30 Fact or Fiction, pg. 32 • Crossword, pg. 31 • Calendar, pgs. 34-39

2 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 www.encorepub.com

Vienna Boys Choir Photo: Lukas Beck

ARTISTS

“Christmas in Vienna”

December 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

910.362.7999 • CapeFearStage.com

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 3

NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL:

Gwenyfar contemplates the cycle of life and winter solstice BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

“D

BURNING BRIGHT IN 2019: As a cold winter approaches, Gwenyfar muses over warmth and light provided by earth, fire and sun. Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

o you think maybe it is time to put the New Year’s thing to rest, too?” Jock queried.

“Look, I just said I was trying to get myself ready to decorate for the holidays for the first time in almost a decade. I think that’s enough change for right now. Don’t push.”

I responded with far more heat and frustration than Jock’s question warranted. I guess he saw an opening and pressed the advantage. (I can’t blame him; it has worked for strategists for

thousands of years.)

Now, the holiday decoration thing might sound like an odd topic for us to talk about. Jock and I have never, in the almost two decades we have shared a home, decorated for the holidays or bought a tree.

My parents did.

For a long time after my mother passed away, I couldn’t even find the holiday decorations. I mean, I knew they must be in the house somewhere, but I had no idea where

4 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

to even begin looking. During the course of renovations, I found at least two boxes of decor this year (and there are more somewhere). Now that the B&B is open, we should probably put up some holiday decorations for the guests.

Going through all my mother’s carefully wrapped and packed boxes within boxes is an interesting exercise, especially this year. 2018 has been odd and difficult. I find myself at winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, contemplating light and warmth.

“My mother always used to hang a sun up somewhere on the winter solstice,” Jock comments almost every year as he contemplates a wooden sun image he hangs near the wood stove. “I guess she wanted to encourage the sun to return.

Old northern European traditions…”

Born and raised in Holland, Jock’s mother would most certainly have been around old northern European traditions, as Jock so quaintly puts it. The two solstices (winter and summer) have been, for thousands of years, times to

pause and recognize the relationship between planet Earth and the sun—because without the sun, life on the planet would not be possible.

From “A Meeting with the Universe” on NASA’s history page: “Nothing is more important to us on Earth than the sun. Without the sun’s heat and light, the Earth would be a lifeless ball of ice-coated rock. The sun warms our seas, stirs our atmosphere, generates our weather patterns, and gives energy to the growing green plants that provide the food and oxygen for life on Earth.”

2018’s solstice is not so much about retreating into a dark cave to hibernate, as it is about conserving the light and warmth we have left in order to build something next year. Maybe Jock and I spend so much time talking about fires because we heat with wood. But the process of getting a wood fire going and keeping it going all night long—even if it is just embers and coals when you wake up—is important for getting a strong and full fire going for the next day. Building a fire becomes a philosophical pursuit at a certain point—and it begins in the heat of summer with putting away fire wood

for when it’s needed in winter.

It is really hard in August to want to cut fire wood.

With all the home renovations these last few years, we got in the practice of saving every burnable piece of scrap wood off a house or unusable end cut from lumber. Large plastic garbage cans and totes full of scrap wood have figured heavily into our lives for a long time. Like Aesop’s Ant, we spend the warm months preparing for the cold ones. We live in Wilmington, so I cannot even fathom what it would take to prepare for and get through a winter in Canada or Scandinavia.

Once the stove, stove pipe, flue, and chimney have all been checked and cleaned and declared ready for the next heating season, the process of fire keeping begins. Junk mail, bits of paper and cardboard are used to get things started, then usually pieces of lath from old plaster walls and other “small wood,” as Jock likes to call kindling, are built around it like a teepee in the old Girl Scout method.

It cannot be rushed either. Squelch the fire early on, in addition to smoke, and, well, start from the beginning.

How true is that about most projects in life?

By adding pieces of flooring and pallets, we build the fire’s strength until it can light and handle a real oak log. Headed into the longest night of the year, the yule log, or the biggest one to fit in the fire (the one you hope will burn all night long), gets selected. Staring at it and its dancing flames, I can’t help but meditate on the process of getting here. Fifty years or more of tree growth to produce this log?

What was necessary to make that happen: photosynthesis; soaking up water through the roots (keeping the area from flooding during heavy rains); birds and squirrels living and playing in the branches of the tree; night flights of owls; children climbing; leaves turned toward the sun; roots spreading and stretching. So much transpires until, finally, the limbs fall one by one, and eventually the tree itself comes down in a storm or worse ... is felled by human hands.

All that life, all the energy stored up in the logs—which are split and come to rest on our front porch, before exploding in a fire dance that warms our home— provide life-sustaining energy. After the fire has cooled and smoldered to a rest, the ash is shoveled from the stove and

we spread it in the yard around the other trees and in the garden where it yet again gives sustenance through fertilizer to the next generation of plant life. It’s the same plant life that sustains us, with oxygen and food and eventually heat.

It is a cycle we benefit from enormously.

It is at the core of the cycle of life.

2018 has been a year of many unexpected situations and struggles, of which can only be prepared for so much. On the big scale: hurricanes Florence and Michael; on smaller and more personal levels, a series of unforeseeable business expenses.

Making it to solstice this year is a small light that is still burning. It is hope for renewal I am trying to focus on for 2019. We might be glowing embers right now, but let us hope and work toward the strength we know we can achieve.

There is so much work for us to do: addressing our drinking water, strengthening tourism after the storms, and getting everyone who is still struggling back to normalcy.

The solstice is a long, dark night, but together, we can make glow.

Give the Gift of

BEEF

At True Blue Butcher & Table, the gift of beef is more than a product, it’s an experience with a classic neighborhood butcher. It’s the conversations over his meat counter, where he learns your name and favorite cuts, and secrets of meat cookery are shared.

Give the gift of buying beef the old way.

For the meat-lover you know, Butcher Gift Certificates are available. Purchase $100 and we’ll add an extra $10 on us.

1125-A Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington | www.wearetrueblue.com | 910.679.4473

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 5

VIEWS>>OP-ED

REASONABLE PEOPLE:

Asking for a more connected planet for Christmas BY: MARK BASQUILL

“N

ice painting,” my client said as he gazed at the “Earthrise” print on the wall. I keep the stunning shot in my office to help keep perspective and remember this beautiful blue marble is all we have.

“It’s a photograph,” I corrected. “William Anders took it 50 Christmas Eves ago from the command module of Apollo 8.”

“No. It’s a painting. Or one of those computer-generated things,” he insisted. “Man’s never been to the moon.”

“What?” I squinted.

“Yeah,” he continued confidently. “Even Steph Curry said the whole moon thing is a government hoax.”

“Like climate change?” I poked.

“Exactly,” he smiled. “Curry’s a helluva player. One of the smartest players in the league.”

“But there’s warehouses full of evidence!”

“Were you there?”

I stood silent, mouth wide open.

“Reasonable people can disagree,” he said.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip

thru December

After our meeting, I went home and factchecked my client. No, not about the government hoaxes of climate change or the moon landing. Did Steph Curry actually say the moon landings were a hoax?

Turns out he said it on December 9’s “Wingin’ It” podcast. And retracted it by saying he was joking later in the week. Given that he played at Davidson, I don’t know.

One year at Duke was enough to convince fellow NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving the earth is flat. Apparently, North Carolina is the center for graduate studies in gerrymandering and a training camp for genius jocks that casually refute science and history.

When I told my son I was disappointed in Steph, one of his favorite NBA players, he said, “C’mon Pops. He’s shooting over 50 percent from the three point line. At least he believes there is a moon and it’s not just a lightbulb in the sky.”

∙ Wilmington ∙ 6 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

At least he didn’t say, “Reasonable people can disagree.”

I admit, “Reasonable people can disagree.’

Reasonable people can disagree about whether Jesus was black, brown or white, born in a manger on December 25 in Bethlehem, whether Mary was actually a virgin, or whether Steph Curry is the best shooter ever. Those are matters of faith or opinion, rife with disagreements. “Reasonable” people can’t disagree that millions of people believe the Christmas story and in Jesus as Saviour, that millions of others don’t, and that Steph Curry has won two MVPs and three championships. There’s overwhelming evidence that our blue marble is home to hundreds of faiths and all of Steph’s trophies.

What reasonable people can’t disagree about is that on December 21, 1968, Apollo 8 lifted off Launch Pad 39A in Cape Canaveral, and on Christmas Eve orbited the moon and Astronaut Anders snapped the original “Earthrise” photo, an enlarged version of which hangs in my office. Reasonable people can’t disagree that most of the data and analysis of our planet’s most skilled scientists indicate that human activity is negatively impacting Earth’s climate and radically altering lives of numerous species, including our own.

Steph Curry is a gamechanger in the NBA, and “Earthrise” was a gamechanger in our maturing human consciousness. In a recent essay environmentalist Bill McKibben pointed out how the glimpse of our planet from the moon, “changed our relationship to the planet” and helped launch the environmental movement of the late ‘60s. The stunning beauty and fragility of the planet were undeniable when contrasted with the inhospitable starkness of the lunar landscape and empty blackness of space. (Well, should have been undeniable.) And as much as I love “Star Trek,” “Star Wars” and the idea of living on Vulcan or Tattooine, looking at “Earthrise” reminds me that Earth is all 99.99 percent of us realistically have.

I’ve had some wonderful Christmas presents in the 50 years since “Earthrise” (all celebrated on our blue marble). This year I’d like to see Steph and Kyrie play a little lowgravity one-on-one on the Sea of Tranquility.

But, even more, I’d like to see one of Wilmington’s student-athletes gearing up to play the Brogden Holiday Basketball Tournament to be gearing to go back to the moon or Mars in a few years, and for them to launch from a more mature, connected planet that averted climate chaos.

Now, that would be a Christmas present!

take no action against it.

BROMANCE

GIVING UP THE GHOST

In January Amanda Sparrow Large, 46, of Belfast, Ireland, stretched the MayDecember union to new lengths when she wed a 300-year-old ghost of a Haitian pirate. “I wanted the big traditional wedding with the white dress. It was very important to me,” she told the Irish Mirror. Large said that “Jack,” who was executed for thieving on the high seas, became known to her one night in 2014, when she felt the energy of a spirit next to her while lying in bed. Large has worked as a Jack Sparrow (of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies) impersonator, and she believes her job opened the door for her spirit-husband to reach out to her. Alas, the Mirror reported on Dec. 8, things didn’t work out for the odd couple: “I will explain all in due course,” Large wrote on social media, “but for now all I want to say is be very careful when dabbling in spirituality. It’s not something to mess with.”

SCROOGE VISITED BY GHOST OF LUNCHES PAST

The Cranston (Rhode Island) School District is taking its response to delinquent school lunch accounts up a notch, reported WJAR TV on Dec. 6. District COO Raymond Votto Jr. sent a letter to parents notifying them that a collection agency will be contacting those with lunch overdrafts starting on Jan. 2 and noted that the current deficit is almost $46,000. “The district lunch program cannot continue to lose revenue,” Votto wrote. The letter specified that students will continue to receive food regardless of whether their account is in arrears. Families with unpaid charges of more than $20 will be notified by mail, which the district called a softer approach.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT

Dominick Breedlove of Spring Hill, Florida, doomed his chances of landing a job at Kohl’s on Dec. 5, reported Fox 13 News, by getting arrested for shoplifting after his interview. Breedlove arrived for his appointment with Human Resources around 3:20 that afternoon, Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies said, and afterward stopped to browse in the shoe department. A loss prevention officer watching Breedlove told police the suspect went outside to his car, retrieved a Kohl’s shopping bag and returned to the store, where he stashed two pairs of Nike athletic shoes worth $150 in the bag. Breedlove was charged with shoplifting, and the sheriff’s office confirmed he

was not hired.

A Michigan bank robber failed to appear at his sentencing hearing on Dec. 6 in Macomb County Circuit Court because he was cooling his heels in Toledo, Ohio, after being arrested in connection with another bank robbery. Paul Carta, 45, pleaded guilty in October to robbing a bank in May in Utica, Michigan, and was due in court on the 6th, Newsweek reported. But on the 5th, the Toledo Police Department said, Carta entered a Toledo bank and handed a clerk a note demanding money and warning that he was armed. The bank employee gave Carta an undisclosed amount of money, and he fled the bank. Toledo police took him into custody 11 minutes later at a Taco Bell drive-thru nearby. He was held in Toledo on $50,000 bond.

WEIRD SCIENCE

Scientists are likening the strange occurrence of eels getting stuck in monk seals’ nostrils to “one of those teenage trends,” according to The Washington Post.

Charles Littnan, lead scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, posited, “One juvenile seal did this very stupid thing, and now the others are trying to mimic it,” but he and other scientists are stumped about the phenomenon. Hypotheses suggest that the eels jet up the nostrils as seals poke their faces into eels’ hiding spots, or seals regurgitate the eels and they exit through the nose. Over the last two years, three or four incidences have been reported, all with good outcomes—for the seals.

No eels have survived.

Anthony Akers, 38, and the Richland (Washington) Police Department embarked on an amusing meet-cute of law and fugitive on Nov. 28 when the department posted a wanted photo of Akers on its Facebook page. Five hours after the posting, National Public Radio reported, Akers responded with: “Calm down, i’m going to turn myself in.” When Akers was a no-show, the department messaged him the next day: “Hey Anthony! We haven’t seen you yet.”

Officers even offered him a ride. But Akers couldn’t be bothered: “Thank you, tying up a couple loose ends since i will probably be in there for a month.” He promised to surrender within 48 hours. When the weekend passed without any sign of Akers, officers wrote: “Is it us? We waited but you didn’t show.” To which Akers replied: “Dear RPD, it’s not you, it’s me. I obviously have commitment issues. ... P.S. You’re beautiful.” Finally, on Dec. 4, Akers arrived at the Richland police station, posting a selfie with the caption: “Thank you RPD for letting me do this on my own.” Aww, ain’t love grand?

AROUND THE BEND

Science teacher Margaret Gieszinger, 52, at University Preparatory High School in Visalia, California, was captured on video chopping off students’ hair with scissors on Dec. 5, while loudly, and incorrectly, sing-

ing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Visalia Times-Delta described the video showing Gieszinger starting with a male student seated in a chair at the front of the room as she cuts portions of his hair and tosses them behind her. When she moved on to a female student, other teenagers started screaming and ran out of the classroom.

Lilli Gates, one of Gieszinger’s students, told the Times-Delta the teacher “is a loving and kind lady. She is usually all smiles and laughs. This is not the Miss G. we know and love.” After Gieszinger’s arrest on suspicion of felony child endangerment, the district notified parents that she would not be returning to the classroom.

EWWWWW!

A man identified only as Leo visiting Miami for Art Basel, a contemporary art show, over the weekend of Dec. 8 got an unwelcome extra in his Uber Eats delivery. He had ordered some Japanese food using the app, but when the driver handed Leo his food bag, “she took off running,” Leo told WPLG TV, which he thought was odd.

Odder was what he found along with the food he had ordered: a pair of thigh-length underwear, stained with what appeared to be human feces. Leo contacted Uber, the restaurant and the police, but all three said they couldn’t help him. “Disgusting, unhealthful, it’s potentially deadly,” Leo told WPLG. Uber later said the driver had been removed from the app pending investigation, and Leo was provided a full refund.

SWEET REVENGE

Ted Pelkey of Westford, Vermont, has been battling the Westford Development Review Board for months over his proposal to erect a building on his property for his truck repair and monofilament recycling business. But he told WCAX News that the city keeps putting up barriers to the development, so Pelkey has instead installed a message to the board and the people of Westford: a giant sculpture of a fist with the middle finger raised. “It’s very big. Everybody got the message,” said Fairfax resident Carol Jordan. Pelkey, who spent $4,000 on the public rebuke, said he hopes the citizens of Westford will take a “really long look at the people who are running their town.” In the meantime, the select board told WCAX that because the sculpture is considered public art, they can

Italian Sandwiches • Meatballs Spaghetti • Party Catering Breakfast All Day 1101 S College Rd. • (910) 392-7529 www.atasteofitalydeli.com encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 7

ARTS>>MUSIC

JAZZED FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

Latest Jim Ferris Trio is set to play jazz standards and more at Tails Piano Bar on December 21 BY: SHANNON GENTRY

W

iilmington tends to see a lot of visiting talents out of RaleighDurham. Our humble capital city has a bustling jazz scene, too, with at least a dozen venues across the Triangle coming alive with horns, keys and drums—and from musicians on the international circuit.

“There are some great jazz musicians in the Raleigh area,” instrumentalist and singer Jim Ferris (sax, flute) says. “I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to play with many of them. If you ever get a chance to hear Brian Miller (sax) when he comes to Wilmington, I highly recommend it. Ariel Pocock (piano, vocals) is another great musician that you will hear a lot about.”

Ferris describes some of the “hippest joints” in town: C. Grace could be right out

of 1940’s lower Manhattan and Beyu Café is another he’s frequented in his tenure there with his quartet and trio.

Ferris moved to Wilmington in late 2017, where he’s since formed the latest Jim Ferris Trio with pianist Duke Ladd and drummer Manny Santos. They’ll take over Tails Piano Bar on December 21 for a Christmas jazz showcase.

The youngest of five children, who all played instruments, Ferris chose the sax at age 9 to play in the family band with his dad and four sisters. Ferris played in his first “gigging band” in high school, part of a four-piece horn section playing Chicago tunes. He performed with various outfits over the years and played anything from rock and top 40, to Reggae, but his love for jazz never wavered. “I didn’t attend college for music (I majored in math),” he tells, “and there was not a music department but they had a jazz ensemble, so I played in that.”

12/19 ILM MAKERS & GROWERS MARKET 5-9PM 12/20 NEW HANOVER INDOOR

6:30-9PM

FRI

GOLF PUTTING LEAGUE

12/21

SAT

THURS WED

Ferris officially formed his first jazz group, the Jim Ferris Quartet, in 1988 in Rochester, NY. He cut his teeth on the jazz scene there for a decade before moving to Raleigh in 1999. Upon his move, though, he didn’t play with a band for nine years.

12/22 FOLKSTONE STRINGBAND

2Bros Coastal Cuisine Food Truck, 6-9pm

8-10PM

Tasty Tee’s Food Truck, 6-9pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE!!!

NO COVER Masquerade Party with Midnight Toast, featuring Striking Copper, 9-Ball Drop, Lobster Food Truck with special menu

721 Surry Street Wilmington waterlinebrewing.com

Located Under The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Free parking & brewery tours.

Wine & cider are available.

“I really can’t put my finger on why I took a break,” he muses. “A new city, my family and my job (traveling every week) took priority over my music. I also gave my best sax to my son, who was progressing very well in music. . . . On a side note, my son never played sax again but now plays jazz gigs in Raleigh on piano.”

Several years later, with his family’s encouragement, Ferris decided to buy a new sax and the very next day came a call from his church worship leader. “‘I heard you play sax; would you be interested in playing in the worship band,’” Ferris recites. “Divine intervention! A year later, the worship leader and I were playing sax/piano jazz gigs around Raleigh.”

They later added a drummer, thus one of the first versions of Jim Ferris Trio was founded in 2008. A six-week contract through his job brought him to Wilmington in 2015. By the time Ferris moved to ILM almost two years ago, he’d already begun networking among local musicians and hot spots across ILM, including Burnt Mill Creek’s Wednesday jazz nights (now held Sunday nights).

“That is where I met Angelo Galeotti from

8 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

HOLIDAY JAZZ: Jim Ferris talks jazz from his latest trio before they perform at Tails Piano Bar on December 21. Courtesy photo.

the Cape Fear Jazz Society,” he remembers. “In October 2016, Angelo arranged for the Raleigh Trio to perform for the Jazz at the CAM series. That is where I met Manny Santos. We immediately hit it off and talked about playing together when I moved to Wilmington in the distant future.”

“The rest is history,” Santos chimes in. “We have great chemistry together.

We get tighter with each gig. We also like each other as friends and appreciate each other’s talents.”

Each musician leads their own band (Santos’ Mangroove and the Duke Ladd Band). They respect what the other brings to the music.

“Manny’s strong rhythmic[ally] and [has a] variety of style, and Jim’s reaching musically in the different genres brings a fusion into [our] sound,” Ladd observes. “Both are strong players and fearless to try things, and in that way are able to pull off things making them work.”

Ladd admits he was at first apprehensive of taking on another band when Ferris approached him several times over the course of a year. But Ferris’ inventive song list and tenacity paid off.

“When we played together the first time, everything seemed to click,” Ladd says,

“styles, personalities and the freshness of it all.”

Ferris, Santos and Ladd have been together less than a year now and aren’t planning to cut a studio album just yet. With few official rehearsals, their foundation is in jazz standards (Miles, Monk, Ellington).

They take pride in playing complex songs not typically heard from smaller ensembles, like Herbie Hancock and Ronnie Laws and Grover Washington Jr. However, genrebending sets them apart, as they play tunes by Chick Corea and Spyro Gyra, a la “Spain,” “La Fiesta” and “Morning Dance.”

“Our new tunes tend to move away from standards as we continue to add variety to our setlists,” Ferris says. They also added seasonal tunes for this week’s holiday showcase.

“As jazz musicians typically do, we listen throughout each tune, key-in (pun intended) on what each person is doing, and play off of that,” Ferris continues. “Sometimes we go places we’ve been before, other times we [go with] a hip groove or some ‘call and response.’ It’s those places we’ve never been that are the most fun, and without a word, we look at each other and smile because we just went to a real cool place!”

DETAILS:

Jim Ferris Trio

December 21, 9 p.m. • Free Tails Piano Bar • 115 S. Front St. jimferristrio.com

HHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

H H H H H H H H

h e T n i o J n o l i e l Reb To day

H H H Deal of the WEEK H Dec. 19th - Dec. 26th Only H H $20 0 1 $ y l n o r fo H only available at H te gift certifica

Mon. 4pm-12am • Tues.-Thurs. 11:30am-12am • Fri. & Sat. 11:30am-1am • Sun. 11:30am-12am

15 S. Front St. • 910-399-1162 • www.rebellionnc.com HHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 9

THURSDAY

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

$2.50 PBR 16oz cans $3.50 Sam Seasonal and Hoppyum IPA draft $5 Redbull and Vodka 1/2 price wings Live music from Josh Solomon

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

THE SOUNDBOARD

FRIDAY

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

SATURDAY

$2 Select Domestic • $3 Draft $4 Flavored Bombs 1/2 Price Apps Live Music from Tony and Adam $3 Fat Tire & Voo Doo $5 Jameson • $2 Tacos Pub Trivia on Tuesday Live music from Rebekah Todd

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY

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

KARAOKE

w/DJ Damo, 9PM

2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

$ 50

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA

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

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday ___________________________________________

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

HOLIDAY BUZZ: Join the Beehive Blondes for a retro holiday party at Satellite Bar and Lounge this Thursday, December 20, at 9 p.m. Courtesy photo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19

3 Redneck Tenors (3pm, 7:30pm; $15-$44; Opera, Comedy) —Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. $3.75 Red Oak Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm $3.75 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade

$3.75 Hay Bale Ale

—CFCC Wilson Center, 701 N. 3rd St.

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3) $3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball $5 Mimosas $5 Car Bombs

$3.75 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

NC Symphony: Holiday Pops (7:30pm; $25-$88)

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

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

Benny Hill Smooth Jazz (7pm; Free)

—Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavillion Place

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

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

The Jared Show (8pm; Free)

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

Coastal Blend Christmas Show (7pm; $3)

Jonathan Brown (7pm; $5; Hip Hop)

—Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St. —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Mykel Barbee (6pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Jennylynn Pearson (6pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.

Justin Hoke (6pm; Free; Guitar)

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

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

Acoustic Blues Jam (7pm; $3)

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

Third Thursday Open Mic Night (7:30pm; Free) —The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

Vienna Boys Choir (7:30pm; $25-$65) —Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

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

Retro Holiday Party with The Beehive Blondes

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 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 11

(9pm; Free)

—Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 910-399-2796

Christmas Jam with Heter Pan (9:30pm; Free) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

James Jones’s Comedy Show (10pm; $5)

Your neighborhood drafthouse with a menu full of lowcountry favorites.

Join us for a hot meal and a cold pint.

40 BEERS ON TAP

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

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

Dec. 21st: Dos Eddies Dec. 22nd: Jared Michael Cline Offering a variety of craft beer, ciders and wine

FRIDAY MONDAY DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Cosmopolitan $4 Select Appetizers 1/2 Off after MONDAY 5pm in bar and patio areas Sam Adams Seasonal DAY$3 Bottles Big Domestic22oz.

Draft Domestic Beers $2 Draft ALL $5 Pizzas RJ’s Coffee $4.95 SATURDAY Peach Tea Shiner $6 TUESDAY TUESDAY Deschutes 1/2 Off SelectLIVE Bottles of Wine 22oz JAzz IN THE BARBlack Butte Porter $5 Absolute Dream $5 Bottles of Wine Half Price 22oz Weeping $ 50Willow Wit NC CraftAbsolut Bottles $3 Dream $5 • Pacifico Beer2 $5 WEDNESDAY 22oz Edward Teach Sessions WEDNESDAY 1/2 Off Nachos after 5pm IPA $5 in bar andMiller patio Light areas Pints $150 Coronoa/ $ 50 Domestic Pints $1.50Lite BottlesSUNDAY 2 Corona Flat Breads$4$6 after 5pm Corona/Corona Lt. $2.50 AllMargaritas Margaritas/Peach in bar and patio areas

Margaritas on the Rocks $4.50 Bloddy Mary $4 THURSDAY THURSDAY $ $ Appletinis 4, RJ’s Domestic PainkillerPints 5 $1.50 Truly Lime Spiked and $ 50 White Russians $5 2 Red Stripe Bottles Sparkling Water $3 $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottles 5564 Carolina Beach Road 22oz. Bells Two Hearted IPA Draft $5 FRIDAY(910)-452-1212 Visit our website Keoke Coffee $4.95 Cosmos $4,www.RuckerJohns.com 007 $350 1/2 Off All Premium $ specials, music and for daily 3 Guinness Cansupcoming Red Wine Glasses events

Max Levy and the Hawaiian Shirts (8pm; Free; Rock)

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

The Rhythm Bones (7pm; $3; Blues)

Nick Turner (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

Cliff Cash w/ Drew Harrison (7pm; $12-$15/Toy donations; Comedy) —Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

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

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

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

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS 5564 Carolina Beach Road, (910) 452-1212

(as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23

Entangled Dreams (4pm; Free)

HR (of Bad Brains) and Human Rights w/ Madd Hatters/Slomo Dingo (8pm; $15; Rock)

Bluegrass Jam (6pm; Free)

Karaoke with DJ Paul (9pm; Free)

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

—Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.; 910-76-BOOKS —Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St. —Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

Sunday School Underground (8pm; Free) Beer and Christmas Carols (6pm; Free)

—Watermans Brewing, 1610 Pavilion Place

—Hell’s Kitche, 118 Princess Street; 910-7634133

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

Grateful Phishmas: Ugly Sweater Dead & Phish Theme Xmas Party (10pm; $10)

Piano Jazz with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

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

Funkiest Ugly Sweater Party (8pm; Free; DJ)

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

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St. —Palate, 1007 N. 4th St.

Holiday Bash with Max Levy & The Hawaiian Shirts (8pm; Free; Jazz, Blues, Funk)

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Karaoke w/ Party Gras (7pm; Free)

—The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

—Hoplite Pub, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

—Broomtail Craft Brewery, 6404 Amsterdam Way

Empire Strikes Brass (10pm; Free; Funk, Rock)

—Palm Room, 11 E. Salisbury St.; 910-509-3040

Open Mic Night (7:30pm; Free)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26

Irish Traditional Session (2pm; Free)

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

Jake Newman (2pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

Benny Hill Smooth Jazz (7pm; Free)

Nick Turner (7pm, 9:30pm; $15)

Singer-Songwriter Circle/Open Mic (9pm; Free)

Lotus Sun (9pm; Free)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27

—The Dubliner Irish Pub, 1756 Carolina Beach Rd. —Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr. —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. —Bourbon Street Wilmington, 35 N. Front St.

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

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front Street; —Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavillion Place —Bottega Art Bar and Gallery, 723 N. 4th St.

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

Robbie Berry (7pm; Free; Acoustic)

—Watermans Brewing, 1610 Pavilion Place

Reef Blower (8pm; $5; Alt Rock)

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

The Not So Secret, Secret Show (8:30pm; Free)

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

Karaoke with DJ Mic (9pm; Free)

FireDrums & Tarot Thursdays (8pm; Free)

Bad Decisions Band (9:30pm; Free)

Max Levy and the Hawaiian Shirts (6pm; Free; Rock)

—Gravity Records, 612 Castle St. —Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. Fourth St.

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 910-251-1832 —Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Goodbye Shivers (10pm; $5-$8; Rock) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

12 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

—The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th St.

Jazz Night with James Jarvis (8pm; Free)

Groove Metal Appetite (9:30pm; Free)

Ch eers!

—Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

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

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 910-251-1832

• Bar games • Free popcorn machine

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

The Rhythm Bones (7pm; $3; Blues)

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

• 16 NC brews on tap • 8 big screen TV’s • Sports packages

—Music On Market, 1416 Market St.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21

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

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR

River City Brasspectacular Christmas Concert (7:30pm; Free) A Very Scary Kristmas w/ Abstractionist, Death Of Uriah and more (8pm; $10; Rock, Metal)

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

7324 Market Street • 910-821-8185 www.ogdentaproom.com OPEN 7 DAYS AWEEK

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

Robbie Berry (7pm; Free; Acoustic)

—Watermans Brewing, 1610 Pavilion Place

LIVE MUSIC

Reggies’s Ugly Sweater Contest, Live Music and more (8:30pm; $5-$7, Free with food donation)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.; —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133 —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

—Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.

Music Trivia (9pm; Free)

—KGB ILM, 16 Princess St.

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS

HOLIDAY HIP HOP: See a new take on a classic holiday tradition with The Hip Hop Nutcracker, coming to the Durham Performing Arts Center for a one-night only show on December 20. Courtesy photo.

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE N. DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 12/21: Big Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Funky Nation 12/22: Peter Rowan 12/27: Travers Brothership and more 12/28: Pat McGee and Erni Halter 1/9: John Nemeth THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 12/28: Moon Taxi 12/29: JOYRYDE THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 12/31: Chew-Years Eve GREENSBORO COLISEUM 1921 WEST LEE ST., GREENSBORO, NC (336) 373-7400 12/20: Ozuna in concert 12/31: Bassnectar NYE 360º 1/11: Richard Barker The Incredible Hypnotist MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE, DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 12/26: Lila 12/28: Big Baby Gucci, Mikey 100K and more 12/30: Motorco Comedy Night with Dulce Sloan 12/31: NYE Party Rose Kennedy and DJ Shahzad DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722

12/20: The Hip Hop Nutcracker 12/23: Summit Church Christmas 12/29: The Nutcracker 1/19: Chris Thile LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 12/28: Comrades & Nomads 12/29: Big Something w/ The Mantras 12/30: Big Something w/ The Kind Thieves 12/31: Big Something w/ Midnight North CATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 12/19: Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands (Back) 12/20: Shlump, Scales, Sound Lobotomy (Back) 12/21: Boom Unit Brass Band Christmas Album Release Party (Back) 12/23: Big Fat Gap Holiday Reunion 12/28: The Merch Holiday Dance Party (Back) 12/29: Sarah Shook & The Disarmers and more 12/31: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Party: Dillon Fence and more 1/4: Sirius B, The Shoaldiggers and Lester Coalbanks & the Seven Sorrows THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 12/20: The Weepies Holiday Acoustic Duo Tour 12/21: The Blackout Diaries 12/22: Wham Bam Bowie Band!

12/28: Nevermind 12/29: 10 Years and To Whom It May 12/31: River Whyless and Horse Feathers 1/4: Off With Your Radiohead

RESPON SI BLE IT SO L UT IO NS

&HUWLÃ&#x20AC;HG $SSOH DQG :LQGRZV 6XSSRUW 5HSDLU 3URPSW 3URIHVVLRQDO &RXUWHRXV 6HUYLFH 'DWD 5HFRYHU\ Â&#x2021;9LUXV 5HPRYDO Â&#x2021;:LÃ&#x20AC; 6HFXULW\ %XVLQHVV RU 5HVLGHQWLDO Â&#x2021; 2Q VLWH 6HUYLFH Â&#x2021; 5HIHUHQFHV

Call us at 910.392.0078 www.Computer-Medics.biz help@Computer-Medics.biz

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 13

JOIN IN FOR AN OLD-FASHIONED SINGALONG...

“Tis the Season”

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN

We are Cape Fear Marketing Hoodies, business cards and T-shirts, too Located in The Cargo District, Scoop necks, V-necks and even crews We can print your gray apparel But if you’re mean, we’ll print green For the Grinch in you!

We are Cape Fear Marketing Embroidering your fleece and ball caps, too For your daddy or your mom Find us at CFEShirts.com

SPECIALTY SHOWS: THE EVENING EXPERIMENT WITH ERIC MILLER, WEDNESDAYS 7-9PM

The Cargo District, 905 Container Park Lane

910-284-2541

14 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

THE FRIDAY NIGHT PANIC JAM FRIDAYS AT 8PM ACOUSTIC CAFE SATURDAYS FROM 7-9AM ETOWN SATURDAYS AT 9AM PUTUMAYO WORLD MUSIC HOUR SUNDAYS AT 8AM

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM

Chop On By...

LADIES NIGHT WEDNESDAYS 1/2-off throwing for ladies 1/2-off wine by the glass

TOURNAMENT TUESDAYS 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

16 spots • $25 buy-in • $200 cash pot!

1122 S. 3rd St. • Reserve a lane: 910-833-5863 • axesandalliesnc.com

ILM’s new axe-throwing bar! • Gift certificates available for the holidays!

Fresh.

Local.

AwardWinning!

Featuring sushi, poke bowls, teriyaki and hibachi entrees, bento boxes, vegetarian, and sandwiches.

Daily food and drink specials.

SUSHI SPECIALS

Two specialty rolls

for $19.95

Three regular rolls

for $12.95

Specials only valid at the downtown location.

RELAX ... ENJOY! Monkey Junction 5226 S. College Rd., Ste. 5 Wilmington, NC 28412 910-799-7077

Porters Neck 140 Hays Ln., #140 Wilmington, NC 28411 910-681-1140

Waterford 143 Poole Rd. Belville, NC 28451 910-399-6739

VOTED BEST SEAFOOD BY ENCORE, STARNEWS AND ILM MAGAZINE

Giift cards available for the holidays!

Voted Best 16 S. Front St. • 910-772-9151 Dowtown Wilmington Sushi encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 15

UPCOMING EVENTS: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 | 7:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs Longwood FACULY/STAFF APPRECIATION

UGLY SWEATER CONTEST FOR ENCHANTED AIRLIE TICKETS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29 | 7:00 P.M. Men’s Basketball vs Charlotte CAA SEASON OPENER Halftime: Halo Hoops

16 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

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

One-man show “Escape into Plein Air” features Robert Rigsby. The show will highlight oil paintings from Rob’s 6 month trip visiting all fifty national parks. Rob also wrote a book about his journey and it is available under the same name on Amazon.

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

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

Art in Bloom Gallery is in a renovated 19th-century horse stable and presents an eclectic mix of original art by emerging and established artists. View our featured exhibit, “Colors of Expression: Bradley Carter” through January 5, 2019. The artist and gallery are partnering to donate all proceeds from an art raffle to New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital during Bradley Carter’s exhibit. The raffle prize is the painting “What it Feels Like – Floral Impressions #44”. Raffle tickets may be purchased during normal business hours either in the gallery or on-line at https://aibgallery.com/artist/featured-artist/art-raffle/.

The raffle drawing will be on December 28th at 7:30pm during Fourth Friday Gallery Night. The winner does not have to be present to win.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Current Art Exhibits include: “Art of the Camera: A Group Photography Exhibit” continues through February 4, 2019 at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street.

“The Familiar Distance in Going Home: Visual Narratives by Pam Toll” continues through January 21st, 2019 at PinPoint Restaurant, 114 Market Street.

“Archival Ink Transfer Prints by Bob Bryden” and “Photography by (Joe) P. Wiegmann” continues through January 7th, 2018 at the District Kitchen and Cocktails, 1001 N. 4th Street.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E cjart@bizec.rr.com (910) 794-3060 Mon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm 1:30 pm - 4 pm Open other hours and weekends by appointment www.cjafricanart.com African art: Museum quality African Art from West and Central Africa. Traditional African art for the discerning collector.

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

Over 30 years experience in Tribal Arts.

Our clients include many major museums.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) www.newelementsgallery.com

Now exhibiting the 23rd annual Holiday Show, featuring various artists, on display through January 5. Located in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, New Elements Gallery has been offering the best of regional and national fine art and craft since 1985.Learn more about the artists we represent, featured exhibitions, and gallery news on our website.

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

Now featuring the work of eight artists who visited Bald Head Island to create new works during the 2018 No Boundaries International Art Colony. Artists include: Andi Steele, Guillermo Oyàgüez Montero, Harry Taylor, Mamiko Takayanagi, Nathan Ryan Verwey, Rusudan Khizanishvili, Sarah Rushing Doss, Shannon Bourne. On display through the end of the year.

100% of our draft beer sales for the rest of the December will go to Paws4People and Paws4Vets.

paws4people foundation was founded by Kyria Henry in 1999, when she was just 12 years old, with the purpose of using dogs as a means of helping people. This nonprofit’s mission is educating and empowering people to utilize Assistance Dogs to transform their lives. The paws4vets Assistance Dog Placement Program provides customized Assistance Dogs to Veterans, Service Members, and their dependents with physical, neurological, psychiatric, or emotional disabilities.

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 17

18 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

FRAGMENTS OF FUN FANTASY:

films this week IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Dec. 20, Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. • $12

‘Mortal Engines’ peaks early in its retelling of ‘Star Wars’

I

BY: ANGHUS

liked “Mortal Engines,” the new steampunk fantasy tale written and produced by the once-great Peter Jackson. I say “once-great” because he’s dug himself into a green-screen-covered hell of terrible adaptations and absolute misfires since winning the Oscar for Best Director back in 2003. It’s been 15 years since he unleashed the final film in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Return of the King,” and completed the single greatest film series ever released.

He spent the last decade-and-a-half trying to call his level of genius into question with three terrible attempts at adapting “The Hobbit” and an adaptation of “The Lovely Bones” that features way too many unintentionally hilarious scenes for a movie about murdering a teenage girl.

This is a movie that requires a quick stamp of approval before dissecting what didn’t work, which is going to take up more real estate in this review. The movie’s greatest failing is how much it feels like a retelling of “Star Wars.” There are clear differences, sure, including some really interesting (but painfully brief) world-building with mindblowing visual sequences. Boiled down: it’s “Star Wars,” complete with its own Death Star-assault sequence and a kid fighting an evil father for the fate of the world.

“Mortal Engines” opens with its most impressive sequence, as we learn 1,000 years in the future, the world has been decimated by quantum weapons. It has left the remaining people to build gigantic tank-like cities which roar through the landscape. The city of London is a towering collection of architecture placed atop a set of city-sized treads, which tear through the earth. Run by the charismatically evil Valentine (Hugo Weaving), London chases down a small motorized mining town and eventually swallows it whole and reduces it all to rubble.

The movie peaks 6 minutes in.

Valentine has an evil plan—actually, more like the same evil plan most world/galaxy conquerors have: Get your hands on a ridiculously overpowered super weapon and use it to see your enemies grovel before you and hear the lamentations of their women. One woman in particular, Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), doesn’t care for the plan and wants to brutally murder Valentine for killing her mother. After her assassination attempt fails, Hester ends up having to team up with a well-intentioned historian (Robert Shee-

The Frank Capra classic will screen as part of

Thalian’s annual holiday tradition on Thursday, December 20 for two screenings. The 1946 story follows George Bailey (James Stewart) on a quest to live an adventurous life, but ends up staying back in his hometown of Bedford Falls and marries his teenage sweetheart, Mary, and raises a family. Yet in a bit of frustration, Clarence the angel visits him to show his purpose of life and what it would have been like had George never existed.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Hera Himar’s lead role as Hester in ‘Mortal Engines’ is what made it likeable. Courtesy image of Universal Pictures.

han) and join a spunky rebellion to help take down the city of London before it’s too late.

“Mortal Engines” feels like a young-adult “Star Wars.” There’s a little more focus on romance and feelings. The central character is actually better developed than Luke Skywalker. I liked Hester, and it’s the main reason I ended up enjoying the movie.

Even though most of her connections to the blockbuster trope-laden world are redundant as hell, the character manages to have an interesting subplot that offers the most emotionally entertaining thread in a messy, uninspired narrative. The plot involves a mechanical surrogate father who wants to strip her of emotions and humanity, and transform her into a soulless machine.

“Mortal Engines” needed more fantasy elements like this, instead of the steampunk “Star Wars” plot engulfing the second half of the movie.

In spite of some real lazy storytelling, there are likable elements at play here. I was interested in learning more about the world. They lay down a wonderful foundation of awesome before diverting into a screenplay so hackneyed it could have been hammered out by anyone who’s seen “Star Wars,” read the first three chapters of Robert McKee’s “Story” and has easy access to psilocybin mushrooms.

I’m not sure why every blockbuster has to have family members both heroic and villainous. Remember when you learned Darth Vader was Luke’s father? Didn’t it feel novel 30 years ago? Now, it’s practically a prerequisite. The reveal is meaningless.

Even after this long-winded rant, I still found enough fragments of “Mortal Engines” to recommend giving it a go. The deflating aspect is how much better it could have been with a story that fulfilled the promise of this crazy world they’ve created. All I kept thinking: This is the most interesting story they could tell in a world where cities drive around like tanks battling one another?’

It’s an imperfect engine that could have used a little fine tuning.

DETAILS:

FLASHBACK CINEMA: DIE HARD The Pointe at Barclay 1450 Barclay Pointe Blvd.

Dec. 30, 12:40 p.m.

Revisit the 1988 classic around the holidays: “Die Hard.” It’s Christmas Eve in New York City and police offier John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visit-

Mortal Engines

ing his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters. The husband and wife are at her office

Rated PG-13 Directed by Christian Rivers Starring Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Hugo Weaving

holiday party in the headquarters of the Japaneseowned business she works for. It’s all fun an reindeer games until a group of terrorists take over the exclusive high-rise and everyone in it. McClane realizes he’s the only one who can save the hostages—Merry Christmas!

WE DELIVER AND CATER!

Voted Wilmington’s

Best Indian Cuisine for 6 SIX YEARS RUNNING! www.indianrestaurantwilmington.com

OPEN LUNCH &DINNER

7 DAYS A WEEK

910-794-4545

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 19

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

The Little Dipper Fondue on Front

WWW.LITTLEDIPPERFONDUE.COM/WILMINGTON

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 CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday through Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Thursday nights, an elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials.

As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with

20 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 7772363.

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 2 pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with

Photo by Holland Dotts Photogrpahy 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 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.

their bar has a great assortment of wines, even offered half off by the glass on Tuesdays-Thursdays.

Open Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 910-3994701.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com

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

- 10 p.m.

HOPS SUPPLY CO.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington

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.

■ WEBSITE: www.nichewilmington.com

■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday 9:57am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com NICHE Niche Kitchen and Bar features an eclectic menu, a large wine list, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Close to Carolina Beach, Niche has a great selection of dishes from land to sea. All dishes are cooked to order, and Sundays features a great brunch menu!

Niche’s heated covered patio is perfect for anytime of the year and great for large parties. And

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

Roadhouse is an American-style restaurant and focuses on homemade, classic dishes, cooked to order, using fresh ingredients. They are located at in the old Saltworks building on Wrightsville Avenue and open at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast and lunch, and 5:00 p.m. for dinner. Breakfast is served 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Look for daily specials and other important information online at www.facebook.com/roadhousewilmington, or call (910) 765-1103. Please, no reservations.

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

Check our website trollystophotdogs.com for hours of operations, specific store offerings and telephone numbers, or contact Rick Coombs, 910-2978416, rtrollystop@aol.com

HIBACHI TO GO Hibachi To Go is a locally owned, family business serving only the freshest ingredients with three locations. We invite you to try our menu items at either our Hampstead drive-thru location, where you can walk-up, take-out, or call in and pick up your meal or our Ogden location with dine-in or take-out options. Our new Wilmington location (894 South Kerr Avenue) offers dine-in, take-out or drive-thru service. We’re convenient for lunch and dinner.

Open 7 days 11 am - 9 pm. Our popular Daily Lunch Specials are featured Monday-Saturday for $4.99 with selections from our most popular menu items! We always have fresh seafood selections at Hibachi To Go, like delicious hand peeled shrimp, fresh local flounder and always a fresh catch fillet in-house. We scratch make every item on our menu daily. We offer your favorite hibachi meals and some of our originals like our pineapple won tons. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the most up to date information on Hibachi To Go. Always fresh, great food at a super good price.

Hampstead Phone: 910.270.9200. • Ogden Phone: 910.791.7800 Wilmington Phone: 910-833-8841

We offer catering serving 25-1000 people. Franchises available

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open 7 days 11am-9pm

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, N. Wilmington, Hampstead

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

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

■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 4523952

■ WEBSITE: www.hibachitogo.com

Add a little sweetness to your weekend

Beignet & M imosa Combo for ON LY $6 Saturday & Sunday only

Gift certificates available.

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 21

INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest.

Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com SZECHUAN 132 Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch specials ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE

Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5 with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner. never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp!

In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popu■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com lar Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger.

Inspired features change weekly showcasing our NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comFor more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has prehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a 3172. taste of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the Front Street loca- ■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week @ 5PM; Suntion, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel Wed until 10pm, Thurs until 11pm, Fri & Sat until Midrolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for op- night. tions beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sand- ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown wiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midand herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and veggie wraps, as ner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as menu prices. Sundays are the best deal downtown bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request. CompliSt. (910) 771-9151. mentary Birthday Dessert.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm-10pm. Last ■ WEBSITE: www.yosake.com. @yosakeilm on Twitter & Instagram. Like us on Facebook. call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

YOSHI

■ WEBSITE: www.nikkissushibar.com/

Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine offers something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before. We are seeking to bring true New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations. We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today! 260 Racine Dr, Wilmington 28403 (910)799-6799

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.” Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.” We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-you-can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at www.okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. 12pm-11pm, Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine.com

BAGELS

BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is an award-winning, fast casual concept serving made in-house bagels, espresso drinks, and all-day breakfast. From their bagels to bacon, from sausage to smoked salmon, everything they ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am- make is made with love. Their New York style ba2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; gels are made the traditional way - kettle boiled then baked. They also offer Boar’s Head premium deli Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am-9:30pm

22 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

meats and cheeses for any of their sandwich creations. To find out more about Beach Bagels, check them out on social media or visit one of their three locations to taste what they’re all about. 5906 Oleander Dr., (910) 769-4232 (in Seagate, across from Dairy Quee); 5226 S. College Rd., (910) 399-8731 (in Monkey Junction, beside PetSmart); This location is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Florance, 7220 Wrightsville Ave., (910) 256-1222.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Wrightsville Beach (Wrightsville Beach location is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Florence) and South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, biscuits, croissants, sandwiches, and more!

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, cream cheeses, donuts, sandwiches, coffee and more

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

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

IRISH

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington

THE HARP Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare! We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends.

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

■ FEATURING: Dinner shows, jazz brunches,

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

■ WEBSITE: www.theatrewilmington.com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South

■ WEBSITE: www.roundbagelsanddonuts.com

DINNER THEATRE THEATRENOW TheatreNOW is a performing arts complex that features weekend dinner theater, an award-winning weekly kids variety show, monthly Sunday Jazz Brunches, movie, comedy and live music events.

Award-winning chef, Denise Gordon, and a fabulous service staff pair scrumptious multi-course themed meals and cocktails with our dinner shows in a theatre-themed venue. Dinner theater at its best! Reservations highly suggested. 19 S. 10th Street (910) 399.3NOW (3669). Hours vary.

FONDUE THE LITTLE DIPPER Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a fourcourse 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; open 7 days/ week seasonally, May-October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half-price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Tuesdays on the deck, 7 – 9p.m., May-Oct ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com SLAINTE IRISH PUB Slainte Irish Pub in Monkey Junction has traditional pub fare with an Irish flair. We have a large selection of Irish whiskey, and over 23 different beers on draft, and 40 different craft beers in bottles. They have a large well lit outdoor patio with a full bar also. Come have some fun! They currently do not take reservations, but promise to take care of you when you get here! 5607 Carolina Beach Rd. #100, (910) 3993980 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington, Monkey Junction ■ FEATURING: Irish grub, whiskeys, beer, wine, fun.

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/slaintemj

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd.

a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun. brunch, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck ■ WEBSITE: www.italianbistronc.com SLICE OF LIFE

A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm

■ 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.)

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall

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

■ WEBSITE: www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown,

THE ITALIAN BISTRO

Downtown and Wilmington South.

With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials. Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city.

From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed.

All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.95 on Mondays

The Italian Bistro is a family-owned, full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in Porters Neck.

They offer a wide variety of N.Y. style thin-crust pizza and homemade Italian dishes seven days a week!

The Italian Bistro strives to bring customers a variety of homemade items made with the freshest, local ingredients. Every pizza and entrée is made to order and served with a smile from our amazing staff.

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

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com A TASTE OF ITALY Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City?

Look no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years.

The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like you’re in your mamas’ kitchen. Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and made-from-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen,

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.atasteofitalydeli.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

MEXICAN LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

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

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

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

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

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

Leland’s friendly neighborhood Irish Pub with the best pub fare in town. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

• • • • •

Food & drink specials daily Trivia every Wednesday Live music Fridays & Saturdays 26 Draft beers Irish whiskey on tap

We will be closed December 25th to enjoy the holiday with our families

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

1174 Turlington Ave., Leland • 910-408-1400 • www.thejoyceirishpub.com encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 23

The Philly Deli started out by importing all of their steak meat and hoagie rolls straight from Amoroso Baking Company, located on 55th Street in downtown Philadelphia! It’s a practice they maintain to this day.

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

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

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

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

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

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY

Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: www.capefearseafoodcompany.com CATCH Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood.

Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 &

2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington

and managed by her team of culinary professionals.

Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761

■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm

■ WEBSITE: www.catchwilmington.com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local seafood and more!

Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters!

Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD’S RESTAURANT Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan

■ WEBSITE: www.MikesCfood.com OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH: Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach

a grilled cheese joint OLD SCHOOL CLASSIC - NEW SCHOOL TWIST

Featuring over 1000 labels with beer and wine on tap • Free Weekly Wine Tastings • Educational Classes • 14 Wines by the Glass • Live Music • Beer Specials • Gift Certificates • Wine Tools

124 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401 Mon. - Sat. 11am-9pm • Closed Sun. (910) 399-1263 • www.crustilm.com • @crust_ilm 24 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

5226 S. COLLEGE RD., 9B (between Cape Fear Seafood and Felix Cafe) Check us out online at www.soifdevin.com, or catch us on Facebook and Instagram 910-338-4027 • Open Tues.-Thur. 11am-8pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm

PORT CITY FOOD LOVERS ...

REJOICE!

MORE DAYS! BETTER DEALS! winter 2019!

participating restaurants: NORTH WILMINGTON

The Italian Bistro J. Michael's Philly Deli La Costa Mexican Restaurant The Melting Pot Osteria Cicchetti Roko Italian Cuisine Si! Señor Modern Mex Symposium Restaurant & Bar True Blue Butcher & Table

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Bluewater Waterfront Grill Boca Bay Watermans Brewing Topsail Steamer

MIDTOWN

Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Blue Surf Cafe Bonefish Grill Carolina Ale House Casey’s Buffet Greeline Pizza & Steak Hops Supply Co. J. Michael's Philly Deli La Costa Mexican Restaurant Might As Well Bar & Grill Okami Japanese Steakhouse Olympia Restaurant Round Bagels and Donuts Yoshi Sushi Your Pie

SOUTH WILMINGTON

Antonio's Pizza & Pasta The Greeks Henry's Restaurant and Bar Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries J. Michael's Philly Deli Niche Kitchen & Bar Pizzeria IL Forno Roko Italian Cuisine Seaside Bagels Slainte Irish Pub

PLEASURE ISLAND

Michael's Seafood Restaurant

DOWNTOWN ILM Beer Bellies Bourbon Street

Circa 1922 Crust Kitchen & Cocktails Dram + Morsel Elijah’s The George Greenline Pizza & Steak The Little Dipper Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi On A Roll Pilot House Pour Taproom Rollz Ruth's Chris Steak House Steam Restaurant and Bar YoSake

LELAND

The Joyce Irish Pub

www.encorerestaurantweek.com encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 25

■ 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 11am9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am3pm. 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 poboys, 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: 11amMidnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach/Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook!

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com STEAM RESTAURANT AND BAR Steam is bringing American cuisine to Wilmington using locally sourced goods and ingredients. With an extensive wine and beer selection, plenty of cocktails, indoor/outdoor seating, and beautiful views of the Cape Fear River, Steam is the area’s new goto restaurant. Reservations recommended. Open seven days a week!, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. 9 Estell Lee Pl, (910) 726-9226 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch: 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Dinner: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Bar: 11 a.m.-Until.

Menu Bar: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

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

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

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

16 Cold Draft Beers

26 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

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

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 sportsthemed restaurant. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town.

317 S. College Rd. (910) 791.9393.

■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com

TAPAS/WINE BAR

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays 2am daily. through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD proTuesdays. jector TVs in Wilmington.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com ■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings.

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.

THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR An intimate venue showcasing globally sourced wines, plus creative small plates and craft beers.

The serene ambiance is created by the beautiful wall mural, elegant glass tile bar, castle rocked walls and intimate booths. There are wines from all regions, with 60 wines by the glass and 350 wines available by the bottle. Food consists of numerous small plates, fine cheeses, cured meats and decadent desserts that will compliment any wine selection.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and ■ SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Tues. - Thur., 4 5-9pm p.m. - midnight; Fri., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown a.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. - midnight.

■ WEBSITE: www.rxwilmington.com ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St.

SPORTS BAR CAROLINA ALE HOUSE

■ FEATURING: Weekly free wine tasting Tues., 6 - 8 p.m. Small plates, and wine and beer specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.fortunateglass.com

We exist to know coffee deeply Serving breakfast and lunch Daily speecials

ting s a o r s y a Alw ll batches in sma y produce t o on l b e st ! t he 1201 PRINCESS ST. • 910.362.1448 • folkscafe.com

ALL Y HIBACHI ••• SUSHI ••• TEMPURA ••• DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

Check Wi

OU C

th Our St

AN EA

aff About

T SUS

Our

HI ME

NU

614 South College Road | 910.399.3366 | www.okamirestaurant.com

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 27

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEW

MOVE OVER, SCHWEDDY BALLS!

foodtastic events BAR LOCAL OYSTER ROAST

Saturday, December 22 at 3 p.m.

Bar Local Pub & Pizzeria 19 Market St.

Indulge in local Permuda Island Selects from the Stump Sound at Bar Local’s holiday oyster roast. The oysters will be served on the half-shell alongside craft beer. The special roasted oyster menu will be served on December 22, and live music and games will add to the merriment of the season.

Skytown serves up fried sausage-gravy balls, among other Southern delights

R

emember when you were little and Mom would portion out heaping spoonfuls of sausage gravy, batter them in biscuit breading, and then deep-fry to golden perfection?

Yeah, me either.

But I do remember when Stephen Durley decided to turn a traditional breakfast dish inside out, take it for a swim in the fryer, and knock my freakin’ socks off! Welcome to Skytown, Wilmington.

Apparently, serving up sensational tacos and margaritas on reg wasn’t enough at Beer Barrio wasn’t enough. Thus owners Hayley Jensen and husband Chef Stephen Durley decided to take on a new edible adventure with a side of suds.

This time around, instead of tapping batches of guest brews, they’re making the beer in-house.

WALKING TALL AND ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHRISTMAS DINNER

Tuesday, December 25 at 4 p.m.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 12 N. 6th St. • Volunteers and donations

Join Walking Tall Wilmington and friends at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 25, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., to serve Christmas dinner to folks experiencing poverty.

Walking Tall is in need of volunteers to help set-up, break down, prep, and host in general: www.signupgenius. com/go/70a0b4ea8aa29a5f94-walking.

Can’t volunteer? Stop by and enjoy a holiday meal with neighbors. Or donate to the event and Walking Tall Wilmington’s mission to help those displaced in ILM through Paypal at walkingtallwilmington@gmail.com, or through Venmo @walkingtallwilmington.

Contact Randy Evans at 919-3491993 or e-mail walkingtallwilmington@ gmail.com for more details or for transportation to the event.

na-style sauce, loaded with pepper flakes, sugar and vinegar. Next up was the Alabama Chicken. Typically fried and doused in a mayohorseradish-vinegar sauce, the dish can be heavy.

Durley chose to smoke and grill tender, juicy boneless thighs instead (well played on the dark meat, sir) and gently brush them with white mixture. I gave it a swipe through a pool of Kansas City tomato-based sauce for some extra tang.

BY: ROSA BIANCA

Readers who have wrapped their mouths around Beer Barrio’s beer-braised beef burrito or sampled the smoky Carolina pulled-pork taco are fully aware Durley throws down when it comes to meat. Thanks to Hayley—the hop pro in the family (a certified cicerone)—it’s clear Skytown’s standards for signature crafts are also high. I had my very first sample at a recent beer fest and let me just say: An afternoon solely scheduled for day-drinking doesn’t often result in remembering what was what. Skytown’s Dreamsicle Milkshake, however, proved my theory wrong. The ale’s luscious mix of vanilla bean, orange peel, lactose, and slight bitterness was surprising in the best way. With one too many hazy milkshake IPAs under my belt, I’ve been well over the style.

Again, wrong.

The Dreamsicle’s juicy, citrus creaminess carried me right back to Flintstone’s Orange PushPops and I was suddenly a child again ... well, one who could legally drink.

Housed in a newly constructed shopping center on New Centre Drive near Target, Skytown sits among several other novel midtown eateries. The interior has a clean, industrial feel (different from the colorful, urban landscape of its sister eatery downtown) with an exposed brewing system and a trio of sauces on each table. The artwork (created by Hayley’s mom, Carol) offers funky vibrancy to the simple color scene. Service-wise, I can only speak for our server, but he was as friendly as could be.

I got my BBQ fix on a chilly Wednesday evening and the modest dining room was quiet, without being completely empty. On a weekend

28 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

BBQ PLATTER GALORE: Pulled barbecue jackfruit, pork barbecue and Alabama chicken, with two sides, makes a meal for two aplenty. Photo by Tom Dorgan

night, I imagine folks could run into a short wait time. My date and I started with two brews at opposite ends of the spectrum. I went with the 3rd Street Lager (Skytown’s flagship). It was clean and refreshingly dry-hopped with a slight sweetness from flaked corn. It was exactly as described and super crushable. I couldn’t have picked a better companion for all of the smoky items to come.

My date went for the Door Mouse Porter, a silky lower ABV dark brew with notes of cocoa.

It was a bit on the flat side (as opposed to something dry-hopped and more carbonated), but super smooth and balanced with a soft lingering chocolate profile. The menu featured Durley’s innovative take on regional BBQ. His rendition of a representation of ‘cue across the country had bits of tradition weaved throughout, with plenty of modernized twists to please the Southern palate.

We’re in North Carolina, after all. I knew I was going to fully dig the deep-fried sausage gravy bites, but I couldn’t envision how the execution was happening backstage.

The light-brown fritters were so symmetrically round and impeccably gooey in the middle, I imagine the process is similar to making a Scotch egg. Flavor-wise, well, come on—it’s deep fried sausage gravy. Think: savory pork morsels swirled into a luscious white gravy, tucked inside a hushpuppy, and served in a cute little fryer basket. What more could anyone ask for? Well, I got a side of ranch, but to each his own.

In an attempt to taste my way through the various BBQs, I landed on the three-protein platter, which came with a quarter of three different meats of my choosing plus two sides.

For $20 dollars, I would gladly dub this a “meal deal steal.” The pulled pork was moist, succulent and an idyllic partner to Durley’s Caroli-

I didn’t wake up that morning craving jackfruit, but I felt it was necessary for a well-rounded review to taste Skytown’s vegan offering. For those completely unfamiliar, jackfruit comes from the breadfruit family, lives in a tree, and has become wildly popular as a plant-based meat alternative. The young, unripe fruit soaks up flavor like a sponge— and when cooked it takes on a stringy, meat-like consistency. While chomping down on the smoked jackfruit alone, it’s easy to detect it’s not, in fact, meat. Texture-wise, it is a touch rubbery and less unctuous than pork. Still, when doused in one of Skytown’s sauces (the South Carolina mustard sauce was perfectly pungent), it was damn good. For folks not necessarily vegan, but looking to cut back on animal protein intake, Durley’s smoked jackfruit on a bun and topped with coleslaw will trick the palate into thinking it’s pulled pork—and without needing a nap after lunch.

Side-wise, I treated myself to two specialties (a small upcharge but totally worth it). With the first forkful of mac and beer cheese, I was hit with an undertone of funk (from what I was certain was truffle, possibly truffle oil, tossed into the toasted breadcrumb garnish). Or the strong bite may have come from a hoppy infusion of beer. It needed a dash more salt, but was outstanding on every level. Clean bowl club: The Burnt End Brisket Chili was an earthy, rich, comfort food creation with tender red beans and crispy pieces of brisket. Easily one of the best I’ve had in Wilmington. Throw some cheese on that bad boy and gimme a blanket.

If Skytown is a metaphor for heaven, I’m lining up at the gates.

DETAILS:

Skytown Beer Company

4712 New Centre Dr., #100 (910) 660-8721 Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. www.skytownbeer.com

NOW BOOKING PEPPERMINT FACIALS

Make an appointment now through January!

$75

Voted Best Esthetician 2018 by encore readers

4107 Oleander Dr., Suite E2 • (910) 392-8111 • www.tanglezofwilmington.com

APPLICATIONS AT WWW.BROOKLYNARTSNC.COM

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 29

GRUB & GUZZLE>>FEATURE

SEASON’S EATINGS:

Where to grub on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day BY: SHANNON R. GENTRY

T

here’s no place like home for the holidays: the camaraderie and merriment, drinking and eating, twinkly lights and garland galore. It’s a season of sheer bliss.

The flip side of course comes when the dishes pile up, and the leftover ham and turkey can’t find another recipe to sneak its way into, or the gifts of fudge and cookies can’t find another party to crash. Well, why not let our local culinary community help relieve some of the stress? encore has culled a list of restaurants serving holiday eats, leading up to and on Christmas—both the 24th and 25th. Between specialty menus and reliable local favorites, ready-made meals, whether at home or in a restaurant, make for better ready-made conversations with more love and cheer to spread!

Pine Valley Market

3520 S. College Rd. • 910-350-3663

Though Pine Valley Market isn’t open Christmas Day, they have holiday mains and sides to pick up beforehand so Christmas Day goes by with a breeze. PVM has special holiday hours: Saturday, December 22, 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m.; Sunday, December 23, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Monday, December 24, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. They are offering Certified Angus Beef Prime, raised on small family farms across the USA. Offerings include brisket, tomahawk steaks, chateaubriand, and beef Wellington.

They’ll also have roast pork, porchetta, duck, whole-dressed goose, lamb cuts, along with a variety of sides. Order online until December 21 (or until supplies last) at pinevalleymarket. com (or call ahead). Pine Valley Market will be closed December 25-26. PMV will pick up with regular operating hours again until December 29—check Facebook for early closing time. They’ll close at noon on New Year’s Eve and remain closed from January 1-6.

Christmas Eve Dinner Michael’s Seafood

1206 N. Lake Park Blvd.

d? e d o o l F r Ca

Carolina Beach • 910-350-3663

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, tummies were growling but no one wanted to cook…

Michael’s has the solution for Christmas cooking blues with “Prime Rib Monday”—and with a surf-and-turf twist for $25. Folks will enjoy slow-cooked prime rib with choice of scallops, shrimp, crab cake, crab legs, or one fresh-catch option on Christmas Eve. No reservations are required and outdoor (heated) seating will be available.

Nikki’s Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 1055 Military Cutoff Rd. 910-509-8998

Miso soup. Gyoza. Tempura. Break the tradition of ham, turkey and stuffing, and head to Nikki’s on Military Cutoff for Christmas Day. Whether in the mood for fresh sashimi and imaginative sushi rolls or hibachi entrees, a variety of options will be served for dinner, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Check out their menu at nikkissushibar.com.

YoSake Downtown Sushi Lounge 33 S. Front St. 910-763-3172

We Can Help!!!

Call for Canvas & Awning Repair Don’t Throw That Old Funiture Away!

Go Green & Re-Upholster!

Hankering for sushi encore readers continuously dub Best Of in Wilmington? YoSake will grant your wish on Christmas Eve from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. While they’ll be closed on Christmas and New Year’s days, folks can welcome the new year with YoSake on New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Check out their menu at yosake.com.

Casey’s Buffet

5559 Oleander Dr. 910-798-2913

Nothing says ‘happy holidays’ like pulled pork and collards! Folks can visit Casey’s Buffet on Christmas Eve (call for hours) and New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Visit caseysbuffet.com for dine-in, take-out and catering menus.

Sweet n Savory

1611 Pavilion Place • 910-256-0115 Fast Turn-around Time Let our experts turn your old, drab furniture into exciting new decor.

Full Service Shop ~ Insured Award Winning Custom Interiors 910.799.8746 (TRIM) 6609 Windmill Way

Ask about our “re-purposed” furniture Do not despair, we can make the repair... let us fix separation anxiety

30 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Whether dining in or picking up, Sweet n Savory near Wrightsville Beach will have their family-style meals from noon to 6 p.m.

Reservations are required. Christmas Day catering packages start at $18.99 per person ($19.99 if in need of plates, cups and cutlery) they come with two choices of hearty appetizers, one choice of dip, one choice of a main dish and one dessert. All options can be

found at sweetnsavory.cafe.

Plus, the restaurant will open its doors on Christmas Day to offer its dine-in menu ($35 per adult) and to-go packages (ranging $100-$250) to feed anywhere from four to 25 people. Sweet n Savory also will be open for Christmas Eve breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Indochine

7 Wayne Dr. • 910-251-9229

Not a day goes by that Indochine’s parking lot isn’t packed bumper-to-bumper, and Christmas Day isn’t any different. Though the Vietnamese and Thai staple is closed for lunch on Christmas Eve and Day, they’re open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., respectively. But get there early! Indochine is first-come, first-serve and they don’t accept reservations.

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY: Fox & Hound

Mayfaire Town Center 920 Town Center Dr. 910-509-0805

Open 4 p.m. - midnight

Oceans at Holiday Inn Resort 1706 N. Lumina Ave. Wrightsville Beach 910-256-2231

Breakfast menu, 6:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; breakfast buffet, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

The Harp

1423 S. Third St. 910-763-1607

Traditional buffet, noon - 8 p.m.

Top Wok Chinese Restaurant 1401 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Carolina Beach 910-458-5958 Open noon - 9 p.m.

The Bistro at the Courtyard Marriott 100 Charlotte Ave. Carolina Beach 910-458-2030

Serving breakfast, 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

CROSSWORD

Creators syndiCate THE NEWSDAY CROSSWORD

CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2017 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

4/16/17

Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

CURMUDGEONLY QUOTES: From Bierce’s “Devil’s Dictionary”

by S.N. ACROSS 1 Software update 6 Purina sister brand 10 Actress Rene 15 Thing to spring 19 Our Town bride 20 Innocent escapade 21 At minimal power 22 Nature walk 23 One of Santa’s fliers 24 WWII VIP Bradley 25 Nightclub 26 Peruvian of yore 27 HARANGUE: __ 31 Rhinelander’s refusal 32 Fill with cargo 33 Hot saisons 34 Doesn’t attend 37 __ chi (martial art) 39 Abut on 41 British biographer Fraser 43 Replace for airing 47 TWICE: __ 49 Stew server 50 Genesis 4 name 53 “Dapper” dressers 54 76 Across supply 55 Margins 56 Stateroom quarters 59 Former treasury secretary 62 Barnyard bleat 63 Chestnut horse 64 Sundial numeral 66 Shoebox stat 67 SELF-ESTEEM: __ 76 Watering hole 77 Honey qty.

78 Fails to be 79 Tease 80 Elite invitees 85 Mingle, à la the Wizard of Oz

87 Frigidaire rival 89 __ Fernando Valley 90 Transportation secretary 92 Tilling tool 93 Choir platform 94 ALONE: __ 99 Troupe group 101 Funnel-shaped flowers 102 Mesmerized state 105 Supporting 106 Atlantic City director 107 Very small thing 108 Artifice 110 Poetic spheres 114 CAVILER: __ 119 Author Quindlen 121 Herb in pesto 122 Sphinx, in part 123 Undemanding course 124 Letters on Sputnik 125 :-(, in words 126 Take notice of 127 Oust 128 Ballet pivots 129 Senior members 130 Takes notice of 131 Roxie, in Chicago

13 14 15 16 17 18 28 29 30 35 36 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 48 51 52 57

DOWN 1 Praline ingredient 2 Entertain 3 Melanie Griffith’s mom 4 Customer list 5 Stevenson villain 6 “Hi” or “Bye” 7 Mu preceder 8 Said grace, e.g.

9 Creole cooking staple 10 Operating automatically 11 New in the box 12 Minor miscues

58 60 61 63 65 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 80

Explorer de __ Actor Wilson Consider Venerable dog star Pedigree registry org.

Casserole morsel Cut short Noble gas This, in Barcelona Recital performance More judicious Iowa State locale Sudden impact Top-drawer Most intrusive Service academy rookie Speed gauge of a sort Award for mystery writing Just not done Place for a price Boyfriend Physicist Mach One of the largest land mammals Quick drink Casual top Sewed border Du Maurier novel One of Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” Spy missions, for short Bolt holder Volcanic product Dilbert intern Not up yet Scratch out Number spoken by pilots Some ski lifts The way you see me

The Great Caruso star Equilibratory Pi followers “I am __” (Green Eggs and Ham beginning) __ Mawr College River near the Leaning Tower Stove neighbor, maybe Frame seller

81 82 83 84 86 87 88 91

95 96 97 98 100

RENDERED THUS Elk cousin Happy Days hangout Artless person Opposite of “numerous” 103 Big game-show prize 104 Second-smallest continent 107 Beethoven’s __ Solemnis

109 Many HDTVs 111 Cellist’s accessory 112 Ron Howard’s acting daughter 113 Go rollerblading 115 Citation abbreviation 116 Docile 117 Soccer cheers 118 __-do-well 119 Work in a cast 120 Lt. subordinate

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

737 3rd street

n

Gift certificates from encoredeals.com make great stocking stuffers!

hermosa beach, ca 90254

n

tel. (310) 337-7003

n

FaX (310) 337-7625

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 31

EXTRA>>FACT OR FICTION

SINGING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT:

Chapter 24: Take These Broken Wings and Learn to Fly BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

K

itty blinked her eyes in rapid succession at the shock of the lights coming up in the movie theatre. The crowd sat through to the last frame of the credits, applauding each local crew member’s name as they scrolled upward.

Most people were trying to hide their tears, as they wiped their faces surreptitiously or blinked and stared at the screen. Next to Kitty, the old gaffer sat still, held his flask in one hand and stared in front of him. Tears traced their way down his cheeks. It had been a helluva a two-hour ride.

“Wow!” The gaffer finally said quietly. “He looked beautiful.”

Kitty nodded. “Yes, yes he did,” she whispered.

“You know, there were some substantial rewrites after he … passed. When we came back for reshoots. And I ... I think it made for a better

Second Skin Vintage

film.”

“Yes,” Shelly, the craft-service goddess, agreed. “I think you are right.”

She gestured to the screen. “That was really good. Good.”

It was hard to believe computer-generated imagery and stunt doubles could complete “Blackbird” in the place of Jeffrey Chen, after he was unexpectedly killed on set. The finished product—which was part of the settlement of the lawsuit Jeffrey’s mother had filed against the producers—was overwhelming.

“What did you think?” Gaffer nudged Kitty.

“I still wonder how, in a room filled with witnesses, no one has been held accountable for what happened that night,” she blurted out. “I mean, how has no one been charged with negligence?”

Shelly and the gaffer looked at each other and then both looked off into the distance.

“Yeah, well. It is something we all have to live with,” Shelly finally whispered.

“I’m ... I’m sorry.” Kitty blushed and tried to hold back tears. “I’m just really emotional watching him for … I didn’t realize the flashback to his death was going to be such a central motif in the film. That we were going to watch him die on screen over and over…”

*

*

*

“Hey Kitty, did you sleep OK? How was the party?”

It was not yet 9 a.m., but her father had ice cream smeared all over his face and moustache.

“Thank you for the ice cream.”

She was unable to finish the Earthquake at Swensen’s the night before. A sundae of that magnitude was more than any one person could manage. There was too much left to throw out, so she asked to get it wrapped. Her father found it before she got up; if there were sweets in the house, he would find them.

“You’re welcome,” Kitty replied, still bleary with sleep.

“Do you want some?” He held out the box.

She shook her head no.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I just need some coffee.”

She reached for the pot.

“The party was ... alright.”

A tear plunked into her cup. Her father stared at her helpless.

*

*

*

*

“An Earthquake, please.”

Photo by Ben Minor

*

“I’m sorry.” She bolted for the door, sobbing audibly.

*

615 Castle Street • 910.833.5770 www.secondskinwilmington.com

*

She stirred cream and sugar into the cup.

“Not here, Shelly.” He shushed her. “We both want to work again in this town, right?”

Listed as “Must Visit Vintage Store in NC”

“Sure, fine—sorry,” the waiter apologized.

She shook her head and looked at the others who wouldn’t make eye contact with her.

“She has a point,” Shelly whispered to the gaffer.

authentic vintage clothing and accessories

radiated from Jeffrey off the screen just tore at a piece of her being.

The waiter raised an eyebrow and looked pointedly at the empty chairs around the table.

“Are you expecting others?” he asked.

“No, I’ve just had a very upsetting experience, and I want to assuage my pain with the most decadent overflowing self-indulgent dessert I can. Is that all right?”

Instead of getting in her car and driving home, Kitty kicked off her high heels and ran blindly across the parking lot to Swensen’s, the San Francisco-themed ice-cream parlor.

She destroyed her nylons in the process but didn’t care. Something about watching the film and all the beautiful, emotive grace that

32 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

“No it wasn’t. It was awful. And magnificent.”

“Do you remember right after Mommy died?” she asked, still not looking at him.

“Do you remember hoping they would find the guy? That we could know he was suffering as much as we were? Do you remember that anger?”

“Kitty...” His face was red and shaking like a palsy.

“I still feel that way every day. It is worse because I want it for Jeffrey now, too. I want someone to answer for his death. I want someone to answer for Mommy’s death. I want some damn answers!”

She slammed her fist on the counter.

“I want answers! I ask questions for a living and no one will answer me! No one will tell me the truth!”

Her shoulders shook and her body convulsed.

“You spilled your coffee,” her father pointed.

“I know I did. It doesn’t matter. I will clean it up.”

“It’s dripping in the drawer.”

“OK, Daddy, I get it, it’s dripping. I’m cleaning it. I’m cleaning it.”

“Kitty, you didn’t have to spill it. That’s a waste.”

“OK, Daddy, I get it! Nevermind what I was trying to say!”

She finished wiping the spill, threw the towel on the counter and stormed out of the kitchen.

Why do I talk to my dad like that? He loves me the most of anyone in the world. But why can’t he just hear me? Who the hell cares about the spilled coffee? What the fuck?

She leaned back against the magnolia tree in the graveyard and let her tears flow. It was like she was 16 again—out here in the graveyard, pouring out her heart into her journal, wondering why everyone in the world hated her. Here, she was pen-in-hand, notebook-in-pocket, a crisp breeze drying her tear-stained face.

“A crow is perched in the tree above my head, cawing incessantly. It makes me think that perhaps it is time,” she scrawled in her journal.

“Time to approach this. Time to tell this story.

Time to get right with the world about what it is we need to do. Time to make Jeffrey Chen’s death not disappear. Here is the thing: This story is overwhelming and at a certain point, one has to just tell it and stop being weird about it. So tell it. Make it true, make it simple, and don’t get lost.

All the flourishes in the world are not going to make it more captivating.”

She looked down at the words and began scribing again: “I am never going to get answers from anyone else. I have to tell the story myself and find the answers or accept the consequences because I cannot let this go on without...”

She broke off suddenly when the crow in the tree shrieked. Looking up at the blackbird, she nodded in agreement.

“You are right.”

And so she began to write...

“Once upon a time there was a little boy. His unforgiveable crime was he believed the people around him when they told him they cared about him, and he trusted them.”

Gwenyfar Rohler is encore’s fact-or-fiction writer for 2018.

Her serial story, “Singing in the Dead of Night,” follows the death of a young movie star and the emotional aftermath that follows, as local media try to uncover the events leading up to the high-profile “murder,” which takes place while filming in Wilmington, NC. Catch up on the full story at encorepub.com

Over 1 8y experi ears ence in the Healin g Arts www.wilmingtonacupuncture.com

v Acupuncture v Full Herbal Pharmacy v Cupping v Moxibustion v Tui Na v Back and Body Pain Relief

Nominated for “Best Alternative Medicine” 2018

Enjoy a

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

FREE CONSULTATION

to see what acupuncture can do for you

v Migraine Relief v Stress Reduction v Much More

Beginning January 2019, 2 convenient locations Wrightsville Ave.: 5046 Wrightsville Avenue, Suite 200 The Forum: 1133 Military Cut Off Road, Suite 100

Barbershop

December 14-15 and December 21-24 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. $12 adults, $5 Kids under 12 Snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights!Market & Water Streets in Downtown Wilmington & FREE Candy Canes for the kids!

For more info call

(910) 251-8889

4007 Oleander Dr. 910-619-6653 Monday thru Friday 6:30am-6pm and Saturday 6:30am-3pm

www.tadsbarbershop.com

Springbrook Farms Inc. www.horsedrawntours.com encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 33

HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

CAPE FEAR FESTIVAL OF TREES

Through Jan. 2, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Nothing could be more magical than the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Well, except for the aquarium at Christmastime. The highly anticipated annual Festival of Trees is back! Included with general admission, folks will experience the aquarium like never before, with dozens of beautifully decorated and unique Christmas trees inside. The event helps raise funds for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, which ensures everyone who needs hospice and palliative care can receive it, regardless of ability to pay.

GA to aquarium NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Rd. lcfhospicefoundation3233.thankyou4caring.org/2018-cape-fear-festival-of-trees

ARTISAN MARKET

Daily 10am: Located Between World Market and Davids Bridal, Mayfaire is hosting an Artisan Holiday Marketplace until Christmas. Enjoy wares from a Gourmet Local Foodie Market, Natural Skincare Shop, an Art Gallery, and many local artisans with everything from handmade jewelry, candles and soaps, ornaments, sculpture, pottery, wood and clothing. Mayfaire Town Center, 925 Town Center Dr.

CHRISTMAS TRAIN & LIGHT SPECTACULAR

Dec. 21-22, 26, and 28-29. A great way to celebrate the season with the whole family! Come on down to marvel at synchronized light & music displays, holiday layouts running trains at twilight, visits with Santa, and take in all the festive decorations filling the museum. Hot cider & cookies top off the experience. Fridays & Saturdays 6:30-8pm to the end of Dec. GA only $5 each (kids under age 2 free). Free mini plush toy for kids (while supplies last). As well the museum will host 12 Polar Express Family Shows, Dec. 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Santa visits will be set up, with cookies and hot chocolate. Prepaid reservation required, $5, with children 2 and under admitted free 505 Nutt St.

CAPE FEAR MODEL RR SOCIETY

The Cape Fear Model Railroad Society will set up 32 varieties of trains and eight layouts at Independence Mall’s Dillards wing (3500 Oleander Dr.). A Christmas village will illuminate with lights galore, and The Polar Express will be set up, too. Hours are Friday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. through Dec. 30. Adults $6, children 3 to 12 $4, and under 3, free. Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr. shopindependencemall.com

ENCHANTED AIRLIE

Through Dec. 22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

For one month out of the year, Wilmington’s Airlie

Gardens is transformed into magical “Enchanted Airlie”: a seasonal Christmas light and art experience like no other. A local tradition since 2005, Enchanted Airlie is a half-mile, self-guided walking tour through the garden, which is decorated with dazzling light displays and holiday decorations. Participants will start on the paved path, past the gingerbread house display, to the poinsettia tent, before feasting their eyes on the deep red flowers and gold twinkling lights. Hot cocoa or warm cider, as well as local beers and wines will be available in the concessions area. Singing Christmas trees, Surfer Santa’s “sleigh,” and light shows are just a few things Enchanted Airlie has to offer. Tickets go quickly every year for Enchanted Airlie, and some dates are already sold out for 2018, so it’s wise to scoop up advance purchases now. $30/carload. airliegardens.org.

Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd.

ISLAND OF LIGHTS

Through January: Every year around Christmas, Pleasure Island (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher) transforms into a winter wonderland.

The holidays kick off with the annual Lighting at the Lake Celebration, which officially begins the Island of Lights Festival. The extravagant display stays up all season long, and Dec. 15 are what the islanders call “Christmas By the Sea.” Stop by the Boardwalk from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. for an abundance of family friendly holiday activities.

Visit Santa for cookies and hot chocolate, hear to stories by the fire and roast marshmallows, listen to carolers, and make some ornaments at the arts and crafts station. Free! pleasureislandoflights.com REINDEER DRAWN CARRIAGES

Dec. 21-24, 6-10pm: Tell Grandma to get out of the way! For a few nights only, Wilmington’s horse-drawn carriage rides will be transformed into “reindeer” drawn carriage rides! Get cozy under warm lap blankets, sing Christmas carols with your guide, Santa, and enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Wilmington at Christmas. Free candy canes provided by Santa. $12 adults, $5 children under 12. Horsedrawn Tours. Market St. between Front and Water, horsedrawntours.com NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

Dec.20-22, 4pm-7pm: Guests can experience the Bellamy Mansion Museum decked out in all its holiday splendor. Admission is free. Donations accepted ($5 suggested). For more information about Nights of Lights, contact Carolyn Gonzalez at 910-251-3700 x306 or cgonzalez@bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St. NYE W/ONWARD SOLDIERS

Dec. 31, 8pm: $10 ADV $15 DOS. Onward, Soldiers is an indie rock band from Wilmington, NC. Known for their high energy live performances, the current line-up includes: Sean Thomas Gerard (vocals, guitar, piano), Lincoln Morris (lead guitar, vocals), Brian Mason (Drums) and Tripp Cox (Bass). Onward has steadily toured the country over the last 8 years and has released two full length albums on Winoca Records and an EP independently in 2016. Also playing are Driskill and Chris Frisina. Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

34 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

ANY SHADE OF MASQUERADE NYE

Dec. 31m 8pm: No cover event! “Any Shade of Masquerade” themed party, with full decor and masks on site for last minute takers, giving us all the opportunity to fancy up and party while welcoming those who prefer sunglasses over masks, so feel free to have fun and get creative! The popular Striking Copper Band will be taking stage at 9pm and we will have some special menu items on site starting at 6pm for those looking to load up before dancing the night away and enjoy their final meal of 2018! Complimentary champagne(or beer) toast at midnight to kick off the next annual chapter in this great town! Waterline, 721 Surry Lane

RETRO DISCO NYE WITH BEEHIVE BLONDES

Dec. 31, 8pm: The Beehive Blondes are headed back to Tails for their signature Disco Hive. Fun and non-stop dancing in a beautiful setting on Front St. Bar opens from 7.30-1am. The Beehive Blondes 9.30-12.30am. $25 cover charge, tickets can be brought in advanced at Tails. Tails Piano Bar, 115 South Front St.

COSMIC GROOVE LIZARDS NYE

Dec. 31, 9pm: Come celebrate New Year’s Eve at Wrightsville Beach Brewery with the Cosmic Groove Lizards! Grab dinner and stay for 9pm to midnight show. An extra hour of craft beer topped off with a champagne toast and funky tunes.

Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Dec. 31, 9pm: Two Ways to Party at Bluewater this New Years! Let’s party together at one of our New Years Eve celebrations. We have two. Join us on our second floor for live music from Uptown Easy, or dance to DJ Sir Charles spinning on our tented and heated patio. Live Band: $20/pp.Patio Party: $20/pp. Make the evening extra special and enjoy a 3-course prix fixe menu prior to joining one of our parties! Call the restaurant to reserve your table, 910-256-8500. Bluewater Waterfront Grill, 4 Marina St.

HELL’S KITCHEN NYE

Dec. 31, 9:30pm: Join us at Hell’s Kitchen for our annual NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH featuring the greatest party band ever... PAPERWORK!!!!

Come celebrate New Year’s Eve with us... Champagne Toast at Midnight! Drink Specials! Money Balloon Drop! Party Favors!! Bring all your friends for One Helluva New Year’s Eve Bash at Hell’s Kitchen! Party band. Free! Hell’s Kitchen,118 Princess St.

108 SUN SALUTATION WORKSHOP

Jan. 1, 9am: Celebrate the New Year w/108 Sun Salutations! A detoxing, meditative practice is open to all levels, you don’t have to do all 108, just do what you can! You rest when you need to.

We’ll finish our practice together with a few closing postures and a lengthy relaxation. In India, the number 108 is a sacred number, suggesting completeness or wholeness. It is widely used in different contexts. There are 108 holy places of the Vaishnavas, originally there were 54 sounds in the Sanskrit alphabet, there are 108 beads on the mala (meditation prayer beads), and there also are said to be 108 Upanishads. 108 can also carry personal meaning for you on this day-dedicating each sun salutation to 108 people in your

life, or listing 108 things in your mind that you feel gratitude for. $30, https://m360.us/94a7. Wilmington Yoga, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste. 200 NYE GENTLE AND MEDITATION WORKSHOP

Jan. 1, 10am: Gentle yoga is an unhurried, therapeutic yoga approach introducing postures and breathing techniques that gradually build flexibility and strength. Gentle yoga is for absolutely anyone of any age, shape or size who wants to experience the many benefits of yoga. All levels of practice are welcome, and no experience or flexibility is necessary. We will stretch, relax and meditate in an extended practice to start your year off doing something for yourself! $30, https://m360.us/3d739.

Wilmington Yoga, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste 200

charity/fundraiser WBP CHRISTMAS GIVE BACK PARTY

Wilmington Black Professionals are thrilled to bring you The Christmas Give Back, Toy and Coat Drive” Saturday December 15th 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.at KGB located in beautiful downtown Wilmington. Come mix and mingle to live music by Ian Davis & his band Carolina Sound, DJ Mike Lang, complimentary appetizers and please bring a toy or coat to donate. www.eventbrite.com/e/wbp-presentsthe-christmas-give-back-toy-and-coat-drive-tickets-53066268638. 21 and up dress festive music/concerts

OPEN-MIC AT TIDAL CREEK

Comedians, singers, songwriters, poets, yodelers!

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

JAZZ AT CAM

2018-19 season 9: 1st Thurs. Sept-Apr (except Jan.—2nd Thurs.), 6:30-8pm. Eight-concert series has individual seat sales are available for purchase: 910-395-5999. Enjoy dinner and drinks at the CAM Café (910-777-2363) before or after the concert. Café reservations are always suggested and appreciated. Lineup: Jan. 10, 2019, La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet; Feb. 7, Jon Hill Quartet; Mar. 7, Ernest Turner Trio; Apr. 4, Brian Miller Admission: CAM/CFJS Members: $12, Non-members: $20.

Students with valid college ID: $10. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St.

THREE REDNECK TENORS

Dec. 19, 3pm and 7:30pm: With a star-studded staff of “America’s Got Talent” finalists, veteran Broadway and opera stars and an award-winning composer, the 3 Redneck Tenors show is a musical adventure that combines the beauty of classic opera with the humorous antics of three rednecks.

Follow Billy Bob, Billy Joe and Billy Billee in this mixing of musical genres and clashing cultures for a delightful and unique production. The show is a perfect mixture of humor and melodious harmonies, all of which is appropriate for children, so bring the family for a night of entertainment.Tickets: $15-$44. 910-632-2285 or www.thalianhall.org/ events. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR

Dec. 20, 7:30pm: The Vienna Boys Choir, renowned as one of the finest vocal ensembles in the world for over five centuries, is a frequent visitor to North America, performing throughout the country in everything from houses of worship to great concert venues like New York’s Carnegie Hall and Chicago’s Symphony Hall. The enormously popular chorus is actually comprised of four separate ensembles of boys between the ages of 10 and 14. The four choirs are of equal standing, and the group’s tours, concerts in Vienna and audio and

video recording projects are shared among them.

Each choir has a choirmaster and two tutors who travel with the boys. Approximately eleven weeks of the school year are devoted to touring, and each choir member sings about 80 concerts a year.

Many of the boys have siblings, fathers, uncles and even grandfathers who have also been members of the choir. Tickets: capefearstage.com. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St. THREE REDNECK TENORS

Dec. 19, 3pm and 7:30pm: With a star-studded staff of “America’s Got Talent” finalists, veteran Broadway and opera stars and an award-winning composer, the 3 Redneck Tenors show is a musical adventure that combines the beauty of classic opera with the humorous antics of three rednecks.

Follow Billy Bob, Billy Joe and Billy Billee in this mixing of musical genres and clashing cultures for a delightful and unique production. The show is a perfect mixture of humor and melodious harmonies, all of which is appropriate for children, so bring the family for a night of entertainment. $15$44 at thalianhall.org. Thalian, 310 Chestnut St.

film IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Dec. 20, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. We all know that iconic line: “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” Join Thalian Hall for a beloved Wilmington tradition—a screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Capra’s timeless tale from 1946 brings back memories of holidays past, and creates new ones for audiences every year around this time. In addition to the screenings, Tony Rivenbark’s famous toy collection will be on display, and there will be seasonal treats for the whole family. Tickets generally sell out for this event, so advanced purchase is recommended. $12. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. thalianhall.org

down the aisle you will never forget! On the eve of her wedding, Sophie Sheridan’s quest to discover her father’s identity brings three very different men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island where they were all young together. This happiest of musicals is all about family – the one you’re born into and the one that finds you along the way. Told through the unforgettable hits of ABBA, including “Dancing Queen”; “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme”; “The Name of the Game”; “Voulez Vous”; “SOS”; “Knowing Me, Knowing You”; “The Winner Takes It All”; and “Super Trouper”, Mamma Mia! is a sunny, funny, enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship that you do not want to miss! Tickets: thalianhall. org Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. (910) 632-2285.

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS

Meet working artists, and see works in progress.

Everything from sculptures to fine jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, fun for everyone.

Over 45 artist’s works to enjoy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday Art Walks, 6-9pm, 4th Fri. ea. mo. theArtWorks, 200 Willard St.

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

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

CARLEIGH SION ART

Local fine artist and illustrator, Carleigh Sion, draws inspiration from the ocean and surf culture. Celebrate her newest collection, “Postcards.” Meet the artist and enjoy local beer while John Hussman provides the tunes and Catch the Food Truck pro-

vides the tacos. www.carleighflower.com. Flytrap Brewing Co., 319 Walnut St. PAM TOLL

“The Familiar Distance in Going Home: Visual Narratives by Pam Toll” as part of our partnership with Checker Cab productions and local restaurants. Enjoy the Fine Art of Dining! Pam Toll, an Associate Professor at UNC Wilmington, received a BA in Art and English Literature from UNC Chapel Hill has been painting since childhood. Her studio is located at Acme Art Studios (Wilmington) which she co-founded in 1991, as a work and exhibition space for artists. She also co-founded No Boundaries International Art Colony (Bald Head Island, NC) in 1998, a residency program that in the last twenty years brought over 200 artists from around the world with the goal of creating a cross-exchange of cultures and artistic practices to share with our local community. Pinpoint Restaurant, 114 Market St.

ODE TO EXPRESSION

Addie Jo Bannerman’s watercolor and multimedia exhibit, Ode to Expression, the viewer will experience two different forms of expression: objective and subjective. Addie Jo’s watercolor portraits spark an emotional response for the viewer by what they see in the expression of a face. Her loose and expressive abstracts allow the viewer to create their own personal emotional response to the strokes and colors on the canvas. All artwork will be for sale. This event is free and open to the public. Terra Sol Sanctuary, 507 Castle St.

COLORS OF EXPRESSION

New work of abstract artist Bradley Carter. Carter is an award-winning, international selling artist who grew up pursuing his passion for art in Virginia before moving to the North Carolina in 2007, where he currently resides in Wilmington, NC. He predominately works in the medium of painting

PLANETARIUM FILM

Dec. 22, 2pm: “Fragile Planet: Earth’s Place in the Universe” will allow viewers to travel 120 million light-years to rediscover home! “Fragile Planet” combines scientific visualization with movie-making magic, highlighting Earth’s special place in the universe as the only known haven for life. Narrated by Sigourney Weaver. (25 min.). • Dec. 29, 3pm:“Totality: Explore the Wonder of Eclipses” Experience the Museum’s digital planetarium with a guided tour of tonight’s sky. Discover how the Earth, Moon, and Sun will align for January’s lunar eclipse, expected to be visible for most of the Western Hemisphere. (approx. 25 min.) Free for members or with general admission. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

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

theatre/auditions CHRISTMAS CACTUS DINNER SHOW

Through Dec. 23 shows, Fri. and Sat. only, 6pm doors. Written by Eliot Byerrum and direct by Juan Fernandez, it’s a gumshoe caper that’s a Dickens of a mystery! Christmas Eve is tough for private investigator Cactus O’Riley, a white hot redhead with the holiday blues. She is trying to lure her secretary Fred away from his protective mother, dodging the affections of Deputy D.A. Windsor, and considering closing her business. She doesn’t need the added aggravation of two fugitives who burst into her office looking for justice and a dead detective named Jake Marley. Comedy, mystery, and romance!

Tickets: $22-$48 ()latter includes 3-course dinner).

TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilmington.com

MAMMA MIA!

Dec. 30-31, Jan. 3-6, 10-13, 17-19, 7:30pm, or Sun. matinees, 3pm: Starring Sydney Smith Martin, as Sophie, and Kendra Goehring-Garrett, as Donna. A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip

FOLLOW US ON

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 35

with his passion in Abstract Expressionism, but his works also include collage, paint skins, and furniture. Artist and gallery are partnering to donate all proceeds from an art raffle and a portion of art sales to New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s – Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital for this exhibit.This exhibit will feature a selection of work fresh out of the artist’s studio. Enjoy a night with the artist and live music as well as a special installation at Monteith Construction, 208 Princess St.

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS

20% OFF OUR BOOKS Featuring local history & local authors

Start a New Holiday Tradition Join us on our "Spirit of the Holidays" cruise.

A 60 min cruise for a magical night on the river Christmas/Holiday songs performed by local musicians. Featuring delicious festive cocktails from our bar, and sweets to nibble on. A perfect way to start celebrating the holiday season.

Remember we are enclosed & very comfy.

Dec. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 & 30th • Boarding at 5:30pm Departing at 6pm ~ $20

GIFT CERTIFICATES Every $30 spent on gift certificates, gets you $5 in cat bucks to spend on any cruise Still need to cross off a couple names on your shopping list. We have the perfect gift & one size fits all.

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

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

BABS MCDANCE

Mon. nights, 7pm: Are you interested in learning the Waltz, but are not sure where to start with the dance? Or have you learned the basics and are needing to jog your memory by going over the basic steps again? Well, our level 1 class every Monday night in September is just the class for you, 7-8pm. Level 2 and 3 classes offered 8-9pm.

• Bachata Wednesdays! All levels welcome to this one hour class at 7pm! Learn new moves and patterns for this spicy Latin dance. • Argentine Tango Wed., 8pm: All levels welcome to this one hour class at 8:pm! Elegant and dynamic social dance.

• Shag level 1, Thurs., 7pm: designed for a beginner dancer and/or the dancer wanting to freshen up on the basics. Concepts taught are critical to understanding future technique and terminology.

Subject to a minimum of participants. • Shag 2 & 3, 8pm: A class designed for students who have a strong foundation in the basics. Takes the concepts from Level 1 and adds to it. Subject to a minimum of participants. $5/military and students with ID, $10/person, $15/couple. Babs McDance, 6782 Market St.

DANCE ELEMENT

All Boys’ Dance Program, offering two weekly classes led by talented and inspiring male dance teachers: Mon., 4:45-5:30 (ages 5 and up) and Wed., 4-4:45 (ages 9 and up). Visit our beautiful dance studio in the Ogden Business Park and try a class risk free and free of charge! Enhance balance and sharpen coordination—great for sports!

Teaches the importance of teamwork. • Tues, 6:30pm: Adults with any level of experience are invited to join Natalie Oldani for a weekly dance party, hip-hop. Tues, 6:30-7:30pm. No experience necessary. Class provides both exercise and enjoyment for “beginners” and experienced dance students alike. Ogden Business Park, just off Market St. www.thedanceelement.com Admission: $12-$80, offered per class or punch cards of multiple classes. The Dance Element, 7211 Ogden Business Ln., #205

BEEHIVE BLONDES RETRO HOLIDAY PARTY

Visit us on the Riverwalk! 212 S. Water Street 910-338-3134 • email: info@wilmingtonwt.com

e

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

W I N N E R

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Follow us

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

Complete Schedule: wilmingtonwatertours.net 36 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Dec. 20, 9pm: The Beehive Blondes are headed back to Satellite for their signature Retro Holiday Party: 1950’s rock n roll, 1960’s girl groups, Soul, Motown, Disco and non-stop dancing! Vintage shopping with Jess James + Co. and don’t worry, we’ll bring the hula hoops! Free! Beehives are optional but we LOVE when folks dress retro!

And, we just might have a dance or best-dressed contest if y’all bring it! Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

comedy OPEN MIC

Wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talents—performances of

all kinds. Hosted by 6-beer Steve. Sign up, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www.jugglinggypsy.com.

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

First Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features Three Guest Comics Under a Bridge. No Trolls. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln.

PRIMETIME COMEDY

See some of NC’s best stand-up comedians in a world class venue! This month’s talented performers: Brett Williams, Cordero Wilson, Grant Sheffield, Louis Bishop, and Tyler Wood. Hosted by: Wills Maxwell. N Front Theatre (formerly City Stage), 21 N Front St.

LUCKY JOE COMEDY SHOW

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

1414 S College Rd.

LIVE RIFFING AND VINTAGE TV

Every Wed. join Dead Crow Comedy for improv night. Join local comedians for a TV party at Dead Crow! An interactive improvised comedy show.

265 N. Front St.

DAREDEVIL IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE

DareDevil Improv Classes teach you the fundamentals of the funny! Learn to be more spontaneous, trust your instincts, and create one-of-a-kind comedy with an ensemble! (And even if you’re not a “performer,” our classes are a great way to meet people and have a hella good time!) Details and sign-ups: daredevilimprov.com. Hannah Block Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St.

JAMES MONES GOOD OLE COMEDY SHOW

Dec. 20, 10pm: Comedian James Jones brings his complete act to the Calico Room. Prepared to be entertained. James Jones is a native South Carolinian. Raised in a very religious family.

James Jones combines comedy with his down to earth “relate-ability” to deliver a extremely unique experience. James Jones is a multi-versatile performer who has honed his abilities in comedy clubs and bars. His love of comedy is apparent in every performance. His likability draws you in, while his sweet southern charm keeps you enthralled through out the entire act. Prepared to be amazed, and to leave with a new found appreciation for the underdog. Trust me this will be worth your time, and will make your night. The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

DEAD CROW COMEDY ROOM

Dec. 21-22, 7/9:30pm: Nick Turner is a Texasborn, Virginia-raised, New York-based comedian.

He has done stand-up comedy on NBC’s Late Night w/ Seth Meyers & Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central’s “The Half Hour,” & “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show.” He created, wrote and starred opposite Parker Posey in a pilot for Comedy Central called “Crazy House.”

His debut album, “Yelling” was released in 2016 through Comedy Central Records. He was a regular cast member on VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” “I Love the 2000’s,” GSN’s “Lie Detectors” and TruTV’s “Almost Genius.” He just released season two of his Comedy Central digital series that he created and stars in called “Ya Killin’ Me!” Tickets at deadcrowcomedy.com. 265 N. Front St.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS COMEDY SHOW

Dec. 21, 7pm: Cliff Cash comes from the religious and conservative South and adds a new twist to stand-up that you wont soon forget. Finding absurdities in everyday culture, media, politics and dogma; Cash draws comparisons that others miss. Whether its through one of his characters or voices, an angry rant or a satirical rap song, Cliff will make you question what you accept as normal. A rising star on the comedy circuit, Cash

is quickly climbing the ranks. He is featuring all over the country with multiple sets and hours of material, being accepted to the Cape Fear Comedy Festival three years in a row, the Norfolk Comedy Festival and winning Port Citys Top Comic 2013, Comedy Zones Almost Famous competition 2013 and chosen as one of 30 semifinalists nationwide in Comedy Centrals UpNext competition/talent search. $12 ADV $15 DOS, plus toy donation. Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

museum CAMERON ART MUSEUM

On exhibit: “A Time When Art Is Everywhere: teamLab,” an art collective and interdisciplinary group of programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians artists and architects, creates digital artworks that bridge art, science, technology, design and the natural world. Designs are immersive interpretations deeply rooted in Japanese art, aesthetic and history. Through Sept. 8, 2019 • Feather by Feather, The Sculptures of Grainger McKoy, through Feb. 17, 2019: From the detailed beginnings of the single iconic feather, Grainger McKoy transforms his intricately carved birds into gravity-defying sculptures that play with form and space. • Along the Eastern Sea Road: Hiroshige’s Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō, through Feb. 17, 2019: Master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige’s FiftyThree Stations of the Tōkaidō is among the most celebrated works of Japanese art. Series depicts the spectacular landscapes and fascinating characters encountered on the journey from Edo (now Tokyo) to the imperial capital of Kyoto. The Tōkaidō road was the most-traveled route between these two important cities, figuring heavily into popular Japanese art and culture in the mid-1800s. Cameron Art Museum presents the complete set of 55 prints from Hiroshige’s monumental oban series, known as the Upright Tōkaidō, created in 1855. •

Nearer to Nature, through Feb. 17, 2019 Humans have always been inspired and influenced by the world that surrounds us. Featuring artwork from CAM’s permanent collection, Nearer to Nature highlights this fascination and contemplation of the natural world. Artists in the exhibition include Elliott Daingerfield, Minnie Evans, William Frerichs, Will Henry Stevens, along with contemporary artists such as Mark Flood, Guy Laramée and Hiroshi Sueyoshi. • Illumination, through Jan. 6, 2019: Highly popular Illumination returns for it’s 3rd year to CAM. Drawing inspiration from traditional lantern festivals, marking the transitional moment of season’s change and year’s end, reflecting on the past while garnering energy for the future. CAM recognizes the crucial role of artists and art in creating an exceptional quality of life for a community. Art, like a lantern, illuminates the mystery, empathy and wonder of human existence. On Sun., Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. will be the third annual Floating Lantern Ceremony: This event is an opportunity for Remembrance, Reflection and Gratitude. There’s no charge to attend, but participants are encouraged to purchase a $12 lantern sleeve they may personalize and then float on the CAM reflecting pond.• CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar, 5pm-9pm. Tues.-Sun., 11am-2pm; Thurs. nights, 5pm-9pm 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum. org. 3201 S. 17th St. CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

Hundreds of toys and games are on view in PlayTime!—classics, like Lincoln Logs, toy soldiers, an Erector set and a Mr. Potato Head, and even old faves like wooden tops, blocks and dolls. Remember those toys that, for whatever reason, we just had to have? Some of those fad favorites like the Rubik’s cube and 1960s Liddle Kiddle dolls are on exhibit along with toy figures from fast food kids’ meals. Explore toy history in custom label books. Play, create, and imagine in Cape Fear

Museum’s newest exhibit, PlayTime! Engage with museum educators in these short, drop-in programs. Activities change weekly and may include puzzles, games, blocks, and more. Adult participation is required. Fun for all ages! Free for members or with general admission • Camera Collections!

With today’s smart phones and digital cameras, photography is everywhere. Until the invention of the camera in 1839, there was no way to instantly capture the environment around you. In less than 200 years, cameras have progressed from complicated contraptions only used by professionals, to simple boxes with a roll of film anyone could operate, to handheld computers that create digital images shared with the world. 86 cameras and 145 photographic accessories showcases changes in technology and styles, from late 1800s-early 2000s. capefearmuseum.com. $8/adults, $7/seniors, college & military, $5/youth. CF Museum, 814 Market St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

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

WILMINGTON RR 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. 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634. www.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. Latimer House of Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St.

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building and courtyard. 3rd/Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. 910-7620570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.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. 910-2513700. www.bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

HIDDEN BATTLESHIP

Jan. 5, noon: For the explorer at heart, 4 1/2 hours

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 37

touring restored areas of the Battleship in small groups. Climb the tower for the best view in Wilmington. See the brig, officers’ country, engineering and gunnery spaces, and more. Brings out the Indiana Jones in all of us! Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd.

kids stuff ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

“Consumer Reports” says between 1975 and 2008, the average number of products for sale in a supermarket rose from about 9,000 to nearly 47,000. The glut is holding steady. Years ago you selected from among three or four brands of soup and shampoo. Nowadays, you may be faced with 20 varieties of each. I suspect 2019 will bring a comparable expansion in some of your life choices, Aries—especially when you’re deciding what to do with your future and who your allies should be. This could be both a problem and blessing. For best results, opt for choices with all three qualities: fun, usefulness, and meaningfulness.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

People have been trying to convert ordinary metals into gold since at least 300 AD. At the time, an Egyptian alchemist, Zosimos of Panopolis, unsuccessfully mixed sulfur and mercury in hopes of performing magic. Fourteen centuries later, seminal scientist Isaac Newton also failed in his efforts to produce gold from cheap metal.

Let’s fast forward to 20th-century chemist Glenn T. Seaborg, a distinguished researcher who won a share of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1951. He and his team did an experiment with bismuth, an element immediately adjacent to lead on the periodical table. By using a particle accelerator, they transmuted a small quantity of bismuth into gold. I propose we make this your teaching story for 2019. May it inspire you to seek transformations that have never before been possible.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

US President Donald Trump wants to build a concrete and fenced wall between Mexico and America, hoping to slow down the flow of immigrants across the border.

Meanwhile, 12 Northern African countries are collaborating to build a 4,750-mile-long wall of drought-resistant trees at the border of the Sahara, hoping to stop the desert from swallowing up farmland. During the coming year, I’ll be rooting for you to draw inspiration from the latter, not the former. Erecting new boundaries will be healthy for you—if it’s done out of love and for the sake of your health, not out of fear and divisiveness.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

the poet Claire Wahmanholm. Speak her words as if they were your own. “On Earth I am held, honeysuckled not just by honeysuckle but by everything—marigolds, bog after bog of small sundews, the cold smell of spruce.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

”Be very careful what you put into that head because you will never, ever get it out.” The advice is sometimes attributed to 16th-century politician and cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Now, I’m offering it to you as one of your important themes in 2019. Here’s how you can best take it to heart. First, be extremely discerning about what ideas, theories, and opinions you allow to flow into your imagination. Make sure they’re based on objective facts and make sure they’re good for you. Second, be aggressive about purging old ideas, theories and opinions from your head, especially if they’re outmoded, unfounded or toxic.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Memorize this quote by author Peter Newton and keep it close to your awareness during the coming months: “No remorse. No if-onlys. Just the alertness of being.”

Here’s another useful maxim, this one from author Mignon McLaughlin: “Every day of our lives we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all the difference.” Shall we make it a lucky three mottoes to live by in 2019? This one’s by author A. A. Milne: “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Until 1920 most American women didn’t have the right to vote. For that matter, few had ever been candidates for public office. There were exceptions. In 1866 Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first to seek a seat in Congress. In 1875 Victoria Woodhull ran for president. Susanna Salter became the first woman mayor in 1887. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, Sagittarius, 2019 will be a Stanton-Woodhull-Salter type of year for you.

You’re likely to be ahead of your time and primed to innovate. You’ll have the courage and resourcefulness necessary to try seemingly unlikely and unprecedented feats, and you’ll have a knack for ushering the future into the present.

Cancerian poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau advised artists to notice aspects of their work critics didn’t like— and then cultivate those precise aspects. He regarded the disparaged or misconstrued elements as being key to an artist’s uniqueness and originality, even if they were as-yet immature. I’m expanding his suggestion and applying it to all of you Crabs during the next 10 months, even if you’re not strictly an artist. Watch carefully what your community seems to misunderstand about the new trends you’re pursuing, and work hard to ripen them.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

In 1891 a 29-year-old British mother named Constance Garnett decided she would study the Russian language and become a translator. She learned fast. During the next 40 years, she produced English translations of 71 Russian literary books, including works by Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Turgenev, and Chekhov. Many had never before been rendered in English. I see 2019 as a Constance Garnett-type year for you, Leo. Any lateblooming potential you might possess could enter a period of rapid maturation. Awash in enthusiasm and ambition, you’ll have the power to launch a new phase of development that could animate and motivate you for a long time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

I’ll be bold and predict 2019 will be a nurturing chapter in your story; a time when you will feel loved and supported to a greater degree than usual; a phase when you will be more at home in your body and more at peace with your fate than you have in a long time. I have chosen an appropriate blessing to bestow upon you, written by

Studies show the best possible solution to the problem of homelessness is to provide cheap or free living spaces for the homeless. Not only is it the most effective way of helping the people involved, in the long run, it’s also the least expensive. Is there a comparable problem in your personal life? A chronic difficulty you keep putting BandAids on but never gets much better? I’m happy to inform you 2019 will be a favorable time to dig down to find deeper, more fundamental solutions—to finally fix a troublesome issue rather than just addressing its symptoms.

SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING

A brief presentation about the live animals on display in the Events Center and then watch them feed. At least one snake and turtle will be fed during the demonstration. Ages: 3 and up. Cost: $1.

Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

KIDS @ CAM LANTERNS AND HOLIDAY FUN

Dec. 15, 11am- 2pm: Enjoy a day of art making and exploration with the whole family. View our ‘Illumination’ exhibition and create your own fun and simple kids lanterns that you can take home! Enjoy a variety of art supplies with a holiday theme. Stop in for lunch at the CAM Cafe. Kids @ CAM is fun for all ages! Suggested donation $5/child. Parental supervision required at all times. No pre-registration necessary. Suggested donation $5 per child. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St.

WINTER BREAK ACTIVITIES

Dec. 27, 11am: Brr! Create an “icescape” art with a chemical reaction, experiment states of matter with melting colors, challenge a friend to ice bowling. Come out and discover this cool science and more as we explore the wonders of winter! Free for members or with general admission. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

NEW YEARS NOON

Dec. 31, 9am: Countdown to the new year with us! Toast to 2019 with a juice toast, make a party crown, streamer stick, glittery slime and more!

The event culminates with an epic confetti toss at noon in our courtyard. GA, $9.75/person. Military/ Senior- $8.75.Weekday Members- $4.87.ACM, Anytime, and Weekday Members will receive free admission. Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St.

KIDS YOGA AND ART WORKSHOP

Jan. 5, 11am: Ages 5+ children will design a mala bracelet by stringing semi-precious gemstones and one (optional) charm onto elastic cord. We will learn what malas are used for, be introduced to fun breathing exercises, and have a blast learning individual and partner yoga poses! Children will leave with a special mala bracelet to be worn as a visual reminder of their intentions for wellness. $30. Longwave Yoga, 203 Racine Dr., #200

LITTLE EXPLORERS

Up and Hibernate, 1/10-11, 10-11am, $3/person • Wintery Wonders, 1/17-18, 10-11am, $3/person • Nature’s Valentines, 2/14-15, 10-11am, $3/person • Springing Into Spring, 2/28-3/1, 10-11am, $3/person • Green in Nature, 3/14-15, $3/person, 10-11am • What Does a Tree Need? 3/28-29, 10-11am, $3/person • Amazing Animal Acrobats, 4/11-12, 10-11am, $3/person • Homey Habitats, 4/25-26, 10-11am, $3/person. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

recreational WALK WITH A DOC

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

WB SCENIC TOURS

Thurs., 10:30am: WB Scenic Tours birding boat cruise of Masonboro Island and Bradley Creek.

Guided eco-cruises are educational boat tours designed to increase conservation awareness about local wildlife and sensitive coastline habitats in New Hanover County. Topics explained during the boat ride will include: salt marsh function, wetland plants, and strong emphasis on shorebird/water bird ecology and identification. Birding tours are best when scheduled at low tide. • Sunset Tour of WB, Thurs., 5pm: Sunset with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours departs from the Blockade Runner Dock. Routes vary with season, weather, and whim on the Basic Sunset Cruise but may include Masonboro Island, Bradley Creek, Money Island or some other combination. Water, marsh, Shamrock, sunset – it’s a simple combination but very satisfying. Also, from experience, this is the best time to sight dolphins in the bay. RSVP: 910-2004002 or wbst3000@gmail.com. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

HIKES AND BIRDING

First Friday bird hikes, ages 5/up; free. 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 9-10:30am: Bird-watch around Halyburton Park the first Friday of each month. We’ll search for migrants, residents, and point out year-round species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome. • Bird Trailing Hikes at Fort Fisher, 1/17, 8am-noon, ages 16 and up. $10.

Each month we will explore a different site along the NC Birding Trail in the Coastal Plain. Each hike will be approximately 2 miles. Transportation from Halyburton Park is included. • Greenfield Lake Hike, 2/28, 8am-noon, 16 and up, $10. • Abby Nature Preserve, 3/21, 8am-noon, 16 and up, $10. • Holly Shelter Gamelands, 4/11, 8am-3pm, 16 and up, $10 • Birding Trip at Lake Mattamuskeet and Outer Banks, 1/11-13, 7am-4pm, $120, 16 and up: This trip will focus on waterfowl, shorebirds and land birds of Eastern North Carolina. We will visit Lake Mattamuskeet NWR, Alligator River NWR, Pea Island NWR, Bodie Island, Oregon Inlet and Pocosin Lakes NWR over the three days. Cost is $120/participant with transportation and entrance fees included. Lodging (Double room occupancy) and meals are coordinated but not included in the cost of the trip. Registration deadline is January 5.

• Wilmington Big Day-Birding, 1/21, 7am-4pm, 16 and up, $20: We will visit all of the birding hotspots in the Wilmington area and beaches to identify and observe as many bird species as possible in one day. This trip is limited to 5 participants so register early! Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

Creators syndiCate

Many people in Iceland write poems, but only a few publish them. There’s even a term for those who put their creations away in a drawer rather than seeking an audience: “skúffuskáld,” literally translated as “drawer-poet.” Is there a comparable phenomenon in your life, Aquarius?

Do you produce some good thing but never share it? Is there a part of you you’re proud of but keep secret? Is there an aspect of your ongoing adventures that’s meaningful but mostly private? If so, 2019 will be the year you might want to change your mind about it.

Ages 2-5: Bring your kids to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Hurry

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Scientists at Goldsmiths University in London did a study to determine the catchiest pop song ever recorded. After extensive research in which they evaluated an array of factors, they decided Queen’s “We Are the Champions” is the song more people love to sing than any other. The triumphant tune happens to be your theme song in 2019. I suggest you learn the lyrics and melody, and sing it once daily. It should help you build on the natural confidencebuilding influences that will be streaming into your life.

38 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WORKSHOPS

Winter Bird ID: 1/18, 9am-3pm, 16 and up, $10: Coastal North Carolina is home to numerous species of birds, including many that migrate through this area. Join Becky Skiba with the NC

The pet-food brands of Nestlé

Wildlife Resource Commission and Andy Fairbanks with Halyburton Park to explore the various habitats in the Wilmington area. We will meet at the park at 8:45am. Halyburton Event Center 8-10am and Outreach 10am-3pm. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

literary/lecture TEEN LGBTQIA BOOK CLUB

Dec. 18, 6pm: New Hanover County Northeast Library’s Teen LGBTQ Book Club is discussing short stories from the anthology All Out: The No Longer Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages. Check the calendar at www.nhclibrary.org for story titles. Meetings of the Teen LGBTQ Book Club are free and no registration is needed to attend. For information contact Grant Hedrick at ghedrick@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6372. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. classes

ADULT CRAFTERNOONS

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

Librarian Annice Sevett: asevett@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371. 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

CRAFTEEN MINI GARDENS

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

JOB SEARCHING WITH NCWORKS ONLINE

Dec. 26, 9:30am: Looking for work? At this free program Paula Giles, Career Advisor, will show you how to use NCWorks Online, North Carolina’s official job search portal. Once you create your profile NCWorks Online, you can apply for jobs across North Carolina and find out about training opportunities near you. You can also dig into labor market information, and locate other services in your community that may assist you during your job search.

Session is free to the public and no registration is needed. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

SLOW TRIBAL FLOW YOGA/LIVE DRUMMING

Dec. 30, 2:30pm: Join Noelle for Slow Tribal Flow Yoga--an all-levels, full-body Vinyasa class. Noelle will guide you through movement suggestions to groovy live drums, but you’ll be invited to move in any way that you feel inspired. The class will begin and end with mantra meditation with the harmonium, and will conclude with and extended savasana with live music and light Thai Yoga assists for deep relaxation. All are welcome to explore this lifeaffirming movement experience. $35.https://m360. us/b7d82

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES

Free English Class for adults begins January 15.

For English as a Second Language Students. Every Tuesday and Thursday 9am-12 pm. Classes held at Pine Valley United Methodist Church 910 Pine Valley Road Jacksonville, NC 28546. Register for class before Dec. 31st. Learn how to register by calling Rev. Joseph Park at (919) 452-5795 or email mrjoseph58@gmail.com. https://go.evvnt. com/326690-2?pid=1374

clubs/notices PCYP NETWORKING

Free with appetizers. No membership required. All ages and professions welcome. New attendees always welcome. Featured nonprofit: Kids Mak-

ing It Woodworking Program with photography by Chris Brehmer Photography. Members-only raffle!

Skytown Brewing (sponsored by Matthew’s Motors), 4712 New Centre Dr. Upcoming schedule: Dec. 14, Members-only Christmas Party at Banks Channel. facebook.com/groups/portcityyoungprofessionals NHC NAACP WINTER MEETING

New Hanover NAACP Winter Meeting and Officer Installation will be held Thursday, December 13, 6 pm at the Temple of Truth & Light, 2166 Kent Avenue, Wilmington. There will be a potluck supper prior to the meeting and installation. Members and friends attending are encouraged to bring either a hat, scarf or gloves to donate to those in need. For more information, call 910-508-9414 or email nhcnaacp@gmail.com

HOW TO HOLIDAY LIKE A HUMANIST

Dec. 19, 6pm: How to Holiday like a Humanist: Secular Humanists share how they and their families celebrate the season, with reason. Curious how the non-religious navigate the big ones? Cape Fear Humanists and Freethinkers will offer insight into how we do just that and discuss the commonalities between us. Cape Fear Humanists and Freethinkers is collecting warm clothing for students at DC Virgo as part of our #ServiceSundayILM initiative to increase secular based volunteer opportunities.

What’s Your Story will conclude the drive, with donations to be distributed on Dec. 21st before winter break for students There are approximately 240 students in need of coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and thick socks. DC Virgo is a K-8 school in the Northside, BAD neighborhood. Operated in collaboration with UNC-W it is a unique, progressive opportunity for students in our area. All sizes for young people aged 5 to 15 can be dropped at Foxes Boxes or just bring with you to What’s Your Story! The Foxes Boxes, 622 N. 4th St.

culinary FERMENTAL

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

PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer styles. • Dec. 21, 5pm: Annual holiday celebration, featuring an enchanted evening of live music, winter beers, seasonal wine offerings, mulled mead, a local food truck, and a fundraising and collection drive for The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina Food Bank. Anyone who brings in multiple donation items, Fermental will return the favor with a free gift card to use in the store. It’s one of those win-win situations. Live music features a full evening of jazz featuring Max Levy & The Hawaiian Shirts and Tico Trio Latin Jazz Band. A jolly visit from Mr. Kringle himself: Santa Claus; spreading holiday cheer and offering photo opportunities throughout the evening. CheeseSmith food truck on site. 910-821-0362 for details. fermental.net.

910-821-0362. 7250 Market St.

FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

PORT CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

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

Support small businesses in your area. Fresh local produce, beef and pork products, sweets, pickled items, handcrafted jewelry and art. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln.

YMCA MONTHLY POTLUCKS

12:30pm: Join us for a monthly potluck! Bring a dish (and a recipe!) to share! Free and open to all!

11/7: Holiday Recipe Sharing. It’s time to try out a new holiday recipe let us be your guinea pigs!

12/15: Holiday Themed Dish. Bring favorite holiday themed dish! Express YMCA, 11 S. Kerr Ave. AYCE OYSTER ROASTS

AYCE Oyster Roast for $27.95 every Friday and Saturday from 4-10 pm. Add AYCE boiled and fried shrimp for an additional $9.95. Local oysters.

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

NEW YEAR’S DAY DINNER WITH GUEST CHEF

Jan. 1, 11am: Come in and start 2019 off right! Have your lucky dinner and enjoy the fabulous cooking of Vickie. We will start serving at 11 AM until it’s gone.

It was a sell out last year so come early! Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

tours CAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS

Cameron Art Museum allows participants to explore current exhibitions with Anne Brennan, CAM’s executive director, in a new series of public tours.

Free for CAM members. Wed., 1:30pm. 3201 S. 17th St.

LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

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

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

MS SUPPORT GROUP

Those with MS, families and friends welcome.

Meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 p.m., 1st floor conference room, New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital, 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington (behind Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital). Sponsored by Greater Carolinas Chapter, National MS Society. Details: Anne, 910-232-2033 or Burt, 910-383-1368. New Hanover Regional Medical Center, 2131 S. 17th St.

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

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

PFLAG

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

CORK BOARD NEW

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

Available for your next CD or Demo

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 33 year veteran producer/engineer

200 album credits

Dreaming of a career in the music industry?

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

Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com

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

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

CUSTOM TILE

Installation & Repairs

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

910-616-0470

senior caregiver needed!

Long-term, live-out caregiver needed for my mother-in-law, who has dementia!

4 hours/day, 4 days/week • $25/hour

dokuandrea@gmail.com

encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 39

BEST

FRIED CHICKEN BUFFET SOUL FOOD

WE ALSO DO CATERING! 5559 Oleander drive 910.798.2913

Wednesday-Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am- 8pm Closed - Monday and Tuesday Visit our website - www.CaseysBuffet.com 40 encore | december 19 - december 25, 2018 | www.encorepub.com