December 21, 2016

VOL. 34 / PUB. 25 FREE DEC. 21 - DEC. 27, 2016

encorepub.com

Coming Full Circle: Round hits the spot with handmade bagels, smooth cream cheese and donuts

Happy Christmas! From the encore family to yours!

HODGEPODGE Vol. 34/Pub. 25

December 21 - December 27, 2016

WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

event of the week

Friday,Dec. May23 6 -- 11 a.m.

Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Holiday Lights Cruise

ON THE COVER

Watch the waterfront come alive with holiday spirit, as Wilmington Water Tours (212 S. Water St.) motors along the Cape Fear River. Enjoy a hot or cold drink aboard the “Wilmington,” a handicapped accessible, 46-foot catamaran with full bar and bathroom on board. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 4-12. The cruise will last for an hour and boarding starts at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 910-338-3134 or visiting wilmingtonwatertours.net.

COMING FULL CIRCLE, PG. 33 For the love of lox, Rosa Bianca ventures to Round Bagels and Donuts for some of the best bagels she’s found below the Mason Dixon. Whether searching for an Everything Bagel seeded on both sides or creamy strawberry cream cheese, everything comes full circle at Round. Cover and inside photos by Tom Dorgan.

O

OPINION>> Taken by Apollo 8 crew member Bill Anders on Dec. 24, 1968, while orbiting the Moon, ‘Earthrise’ (right) inspires Mark Basquill’s remembrance of John Glenn and a time when folks embraced science and exploration.

Photo courtesy of NASA/Bill Anders.

M

Courtesy photo.

Editor-in-Chief:

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

Art Director: Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus,

PG. 7

Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori, Bethany Turner, Chris Pendergast, Emily Truss

Jonathan Carroll is preparing to release his first solo, self-titled EP this Thursday at The Calico Room. Free to the public, the release party also will feature his band Ordinary Men and other special guests throughout the night.

Courtesy photo.

A

ART>> Local artist Topher Alexander will have decades worth of his art and printmaking work available for local holiday shoppers at The ArtWorks, as part of the monthly Fourth Friday Gallery Walk this week.

EDITORIAL>

Editorial Assistant:

<<MUSIC

PGS. 8-9

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.

SALES>

General Manager:

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

Advertising:

John Hitt // Downtown // Carolina Beach // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // Midtown, Monkey Junction // shea@encorepub.com Tiffany Wagner // Wilmington, NC, and surrounding areas. tiffany@encorepub.com

Office Manager: Susie Riddle // susie@adpakweekly.com

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

PG. 14

Published weekly on Wednesday by HP Media.

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

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 OpEd, pg. 7 • Music, pgs. 8-13 • Art, pgs. 14-15 • Film, pg. 17 Dining, pgs. 20-33 • Extra, pg. 35 • Calendar, pgs. 36-46

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6700 Netherlands Drive, Ste. A, Wilmington, NC 28405 P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9534

encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 3

NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: A localized ‘Night Before Christmas’ tale BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

I

was just coming back from giving a talk to a group of antique enthusiasts about rare books. The nearly endless boxes of books yet to be unpacked loomed in front of me with the foreboding of Everest.

The longest journey begins with one step, I thought and dropped my bag on the floor.

I opened the first box and began re-

moving and pricing books, wondering what more the day had in store for me.

Small business is sort of like having six separate realities vying for attention at all times. When I feel like I can’t get any perspective about where I am headed, I tend to turn to the mountain of work in front of me, and just whittle away at it until my subconscious tosses up something helpful or I actually have demon-

4 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

strable progress to show—whichever comes first. I was hoping to get ready for a big holiday rush with enough sales to pay the taxes and give us a little bit of a cushion to bounce on in the dark days of the early year. Really, I just wanted to see people to chat about books and catch up on the updates about their family and mutual friends. That’s really the best part of small business: keeping up

with people I see regularly who keep life interesting and the world connected.

But the bell over the door stayed still and toneless. I slowly worked my way through box after box, and sorted books for cleaning and shelving. At the bottom of the second box I found a wrinkled, soft, parchment-like sheet of paper. On it, in beautiful copperplate calligraphy, was a handwritten poem, titled “Apolo-

gies to Clement C. More.” I was intrigued and, like Sebastian in “The Neverending Story,” tumbled into the poem head first.

I reminded myself: Don’t forget to spread it around

‘Twas the night before Christmas along Front St.

I offered convenience, “You can even get there on foot!

Not a creature was shopping, nor did anyone eat.

The windows were decorated, garlanded with care In hopes that patrons soon would be there.

Wait staff and bartenders tended the spreads While visions of patrons and tips danced in their heads.

Shopkeepers wondered, “Is this a rap?

Are we even still on the map?”

I, to myself, asked, “Damn, could this day get any flatter?”

“Just a few sales?” I prayed. “A smatter?

It doesn’t have to be a smash—

I called after them, “Please, eat and drink downtown!”

“There are restaurants and shops aplenty—you won’t be hard put!”

They moved toward the door and continued to yack “Think happy thoughts!” I called.

“Come back!”

They said, “We will—this local shopping is necessary!”

I hoped my holiday tale was only cautionary.

In groups they headed out to go Hopefully, I prayed, with more money to sow.

With all the downtown neighbors to bequeath The cheer they brought—it shone about like a wreath The day had dawned with the danger of an empty belly

Just a tiny bit of cash….”

The empty streets in the light of the lamps’ glow Echoed this cry for the dough!

Only to be saved by a scheme worthy of Machiavelli!

I wish I had thought it up myself

When what to my wondering eyes did appear?

It felt like the work of an army of elves.

But a group of carolers bearing holiday cheer!

That if given to dread

With a gaggle of teens so lively and quick

But I knew in my head My own patent quirk— I would rather be here at work.

I knew in an instant there’d be selfies with a “click”...

Sure, business had woes,

More rapid than eagles their coursers they came

It was a rose—not a thistle

And giggled and shouted shopped with no shame!

16 S. Front St. 910.772.9151

DOWNTOWN LOCATION:

and

The register whirled, the register clanged, “This can’t be fiction!”

I sighed deep. This was true shopping addiction!

A ring of the door made me look— they weren’t all In trooped families and friends filling the hall!

I rang in all the sales on the fly

Before, I had worried the store would go poof!

But here were my own saviors on hoof!

To love to work, it made me whistle!

Then I heard them exclaim as they drove out of sight “Happy Christmas to all—and to all a good night!”

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Wondering how this dropped from the sky.

WINTER SPECIALS

But with neighbor like those

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devastating family hardships, and the four Houston bail magistrates are particularly harsh, according to a recent report of the Texas Organizing Project. After hearing one financially overwhelmed woman beg sarcastically that $1,000 bail is “nothing” next to her other bills, unsympathetic magistrate Joe Licata shrugged, “It’s nothing to me, either. It’s job security.”

PERVERT — OR NOT SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED

Evolution, according to scientists, likely explains why some “prey” develop defense mechanisms to avoid “predators,” i.e., the prey who fail to develop them are unable to procreate (because they’re dead), but a team of scientists from Sweden and Australia recently concluded that something similar happens in a species of fish in which males mate basically by huge-appendaged rape. Growing nine generations of the species in the lab, the researchers concluded that the females who can avoid the “rapist” evolve larger brains than those who fall victim. (Researchers, loosely speaking, thus concluded that as males grow bigger penises, females grow bigger brains to outsmart them.)

RECURRING THEMES

Whistleblower goes to jail; responsible

industry executives make millions. Longtime Mississippi environmental activist Tennie White is 27 months into a 40-month sentence (for “falsifying” three $150 tests in her laboratory), but high-ranking executives at the Kerr-McGee chemical conglomerate made millions on the case White helped expose: leakage of cancercausing creosote into communities, including White’s Columbus, Mississippi, neighborhood. A detailed investigation by TheIntercept.com in November noted the executives’ brilliant response to the 25,000 creosote lawsuits nationwide: put all the liability into one outlying company (eventually going bankrupt) but selling off, highly profitably, the rest of the firm.

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS

Texas is among the most enthusiastic states for jailing low-income arrestees who cannot pay a money bail, especially during

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(1) When police in Port Orange, Florida, arrested Anthony Coiro, 76, in November, he admitted that he had a stash of “crazy” pornography, some featuring children.

However, he adamantly insisted, “I’m not a pedophile. I’m just a pervert,” adding, “a law-abiding pervert.” He faces 52 counts.

(2) In November in Osaka, Japan, an unnamed arrestee apparently had his sexual molestation charge (against a woman on a crowded train) dramatically downgraded. “Actually,” the man indignantly told the judge, he is not a pervert -- but just a pickpocket (a lesser crime). The victim had testified that the man had brushed against her for “3 seconds” and not the “30” she originally told police.

WEIRD QUANTITIES RECENTLY IN THE NEWS

(1) Price tag for one round of a 155mm projectile shot from the Navy’s USS Zumwalt: $800,000. (2) Trees killed in

California by the now-5-year-old drought: 102,000,000. (3) Recent finding of “water” farthest from the Earth’s surface: 621 miles down (one-third of the way to the Earth’s “core”). (4) Odds that Statistics Lecturer Nicholas Kapoor (Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut) said he played against in buying a $15 Powerball ticket: 1 in 913,129 (but he won $100,000!). (5) Speed police calculated Hector Faire, 19, reaching in an Oklahoma police chase: 208 mph (but they got him, anyway). (6) Different languages spoken by children in Buffalo, New York, public classrooms: 85.

PERSPECTIVE

“Sexually-based offenses,” a TV show intones, are “particularly heinous,” but to the small Delaware liberal arts Wesley College (according to the U.S. Department of Education) even an accusation of sexual misconduct is so heinous that there was no need even to interview the alleged wrongdoer before expelling him.

(An informal meeting did occur, but only after the investigation was completed.)

The expulsion occurred even though the victim herself had not originally accused that particular student. The expelled student’s offense was to have helped set up video for a consensual sex encounter that was (without consent) live-streamed.

(The Department of Education accepted a settlement in which Wesley agreed to revamp its code of student rights.)

NEWS>>OP-ED

CHRISTMAS MOON: Let us soar past common enemies of man

BY: MARK BASQUILL

“N

ice picture,” Jim said as he pointed to the “Earthrise” print on my office wall. He just removed a ceiling panel in my office to look for the errant sensor that turns my office into a sauna when the door is closed. I sipped coffee from a NASA mug I bought at the Kennedy Space Center earlier in the year and pondered John Glenn’s December 8th passing.

“That photo was taken by Apollo 8 astronauts on Christmas Eve 1968,” I said.

“It helps me keep perspective.”

“If you believe that theory,” the grizzled HVAC technician said.

“What theory?” I blurted.

“About men going to the moon,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’s a theory—a government theory. More likely a desert in Arizona.”

I coughed up coffee. Jim got back to work without another word.

Chalk another victory for fake news.

It’s Christmas week. I’m trying not to vomit about the North Carolina General Assembly’s transparent, disgusting power-grab and trying to develop a healthy perspective about the November election. John Glenn’s death highlighted several things we lost in November.

Glenn became the first man to orbit Earth during the Kennedy administration.

In that era, we respected science, and trusted government wasn’t the source of every problem or every lie. News wasn’t nearly as fake, and Russia actually was a philosophical and political adversary that didn’t elect our president.

Before Glenn served as a guinea pig on top of a Mercury rocket, he served his country as a Marine fighter pilot, and spent a fair amount of training time up the road at Cherry Point. He wasn’t dodging the draft, looking to develop his brand.

After his space flight, he served as a US Senator from Ohio for 24 years. Like his friends, John and Robert Kennedy, “The Last American Hero” was a Democrat, but he wasn’t a red- or blue-state kind of guy. He was a “United States” Senator—apparently, one of the last. He developed expertise in weapons systems and preventing nuclear proliferation.

He was the chief author of 1978’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act. He ran for president a few times, but his life of service and substance was unable to compete with the so-called style of actor Ronald Reagan and others. The senator served as a guinea pig one last time when he returned to space on the shuttle Discovery at age 77 to take part in experiments on aging.

Senator Glenn’s life of exploration and service stands in stark contrast to the casino king who has no understanding science or service, and who’s now waiting to get his hands on nuclear codes. I feel a little like Tom Hanks in “Apollo 13,” when he finally realizes how bad things are: “Gentleman, we just lost the moon.”

The day of Trump’s apparent election we lost at least one planet—if not two.

We most likely lost Mars in my lifetime.

When we visited the Kennedy Center, my son was exasperated. “Every video presentation emphasizes, ‘No tax dollars used in production.’ When did it become a crime to use tax dollars to explore or educate?” Because of the drive for privatization and profit, some entrepreneur may dance on the Martian Desert to plant the Exxon flag or open a casino, but there is unlikely to be a US-led global exploration effort. No Mars. No Matt Damon. No potatoes.

photo by: Lindsey A. Miller Photography

photo by: Melissa Clupper

photo by: Lindsey A. Miller Photography

Reservations needed Friday & Saturday nights (reservations only held for 15 minutes) (910) 796-8687 4724 New Centre Dr #5, Wilmington, NC 28405 Closed Mon. • Tues.-Fri. 11:30am-2:00pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm • Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm • Sun. 5:00pm-9:00pm

It bothers me “The Martian” will remain science fiction for decades. It bothers me more the incoming administration isn’t going to “science the shit out” of anything. Instead, it’s going to play “Let’s Make a Deal” with all of our problems and our planet. Losing Mars? We can live with it. Losing our ecosphere to rapid climate change or nuclear holocaust?

Not so much.

I hope I’m wrong. I hope we get a Christmas present in January when the new president articulates insight about the common enemies of man, and rivals the eloquence of JFK’s inaugural address: “Now the trumpet summons us again— not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need … but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, ‘rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation’—a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.” encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 7

ARTS>>MUSIC

IVORY BACKBONE:

Jonathan Carroll set to debut first solo EP and new band at The Calico Room BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

NEW TRACKS: Wilmington pianist and singer-songwriter Jonathan Carroll is releasing his debut solo EP at The Calico Room on Dec. 22. Available on CD and iTunes. Courtesy photo.

W

ilmington-based singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist Jonathan Carroll rolled onto Wilmington’s live music scene on piano for The FLU about six years ago. He learned the blues by playing with the likes of Bryan Harrell and Chicken Soup, and more recently recorded three albums with Sean Olds and the Church of the Eternal out of Kitty Hawk, NC. Now, the artist is celebrating his first self-titled solo EP release, featuring four original tracks, at Calico Room on Thursday, Dec. 22.

ect and the themes he gravitated toward during its making.

“It really revolves around me being in my mid 20s and the relationships that surrounded that time,” Carroll tells of his proj-

encore (e): Exactly hat kinds of relationships did you write about on this EP?

His collection of work has been a longtime coming, according to the musician.

To open Thursday’s show, he will play as part of the band Ordinary Men, featuring Ryan Lee and Zac Nobles. Throughout the evening, Carroll will welcome several other guest players onstage. Also, he will be selling his new EP for $5, as well as have other merch, like posters and stickers. encore spoke with Carroll last week to learn more about his forthcoming EP and release party.

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Jonathan Carroll (JC): Women from my life—how they affected me at that moment in time. “Soft but Spoken” is all about one single night that inspired me to write my first song. I woke up the next morning and put down the whole thing in an hour. e: Are all the songs being debuted for the first time on Dec. 22, or have you been collecting them here and there to develop over time?

JC: They are collection of songs I have written over the past three to four years.

Being written over time, the ideas and feelings vary between songs, but all have been written with piano as the backbone.

e: How have they evolved over the years?

JC: I began most with a riff, a hook, this or that to begin. I never had the ... confidence, I guess ... to finish them. They sat around till more recently. I decided it was definitely time for me to get my original stuff out there. My views on life and music have changed over the years, so they definitely have evolved with me. e: Can you tell our readers about one or two songs in particular that you’re excited to release on this EP? JC: I’m really excited about “Treasure Island.” It is kind of my opus. I started writ-

ing it four years ago as just a pretty piano riff and it has developed into a track with such depth lyrically and musically.

my EP.

e: Did you venture into any new sounds or musical territory with the EP?

joining you onstage this weekend?

e: How does your solo work specifically stand apart from projects like Ore: What is “Treasure Island” about dinary Men? What are you tapping into and how has it grown? musically with them you might not othJC: I wrote it with the idea that love is a erwise do, or vice versa? treasure locked behind bars, and guarded JC: I have a much more blues/rock by all the fears and insecurities we have in style with my writing—simple, fun, groovlife. That it takes that “thief at night,” as I ing tunes. While I like to use fairly comcalled it, to break in and steal it from some- plex chords for depth, Ordinary Men has one, but that can be Pandora’s box—be- helped me focus on details in voicing and cause you never know what else they may song structure. be stealing for you. e: Who are some of the local musicians JC: Well, the biggest venture was really spearheading a musical project.

I have recorded with a few different bands before, but it is so different being the mastermind and bringing everyone on board—having them see the vision.

Thankfully, I worked with great musicians and my recording engineer/producer, Worth Weaver at Red Room Recording, NC, helped me tremendously! e: Aside from you being a part of Ordinary Men, why have them open for the night?

JC: Zac Nobles has been working for a long time to put together this project. He has put his heart into writing the tunes and finding the right collection of dudes to really fit. It just seemed too perfect to be able to debut this project on the same night as

JC: We will be performing a set of the EP and a few new songs first. It will include Sean Howard, Joe Starr from Dubtown Cosmonauts, Jeff “Dr. Rhythm” Coleman, Dylan Coleman, Richie McGivney, Adam Cox, and Gabe Chesher. Afterward, we are going to get a little looser and have a few special guests join.

DETAILS:

Jonathan Carroll CD Release Party Thursday, Dec. 22, 9 p.m.

The Calico Room 107 S. Front St. Free See event page on Facebook

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

THE SOUNDBOARD

WEDNESDAY

sunday Wednesday Miller Light Pints $150$ Coronoa/ 5 All$2Flat 50 Breads 1/2 off Nachos Corona Lite Bottles $ 50 $4 Bloody$ Marys 1 Domestic Pints Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Pints $ 50 $ 50 1 Domestic 2 Corona/Corona Lt. $ 5 White Russians $ 50 4 Margaritas on theTHURSDAY Rocks Visit our $website Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller 5

Thursday www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe for Bottles $ 50 daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottlesupcoming events $ 00 3 22oz. Goose Island IPA $ 95 4 Irish Coffee FRIDAY5564 Carolina $ 50 Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 1/2 off ALL Premium Road Red Wine Glasses Guinness Cans $3

(910)-452-1212

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

5564 Carolina Beach Road,

(910) 452-1212 FRI dec 23 Two of a Kind

Acoustic Pop/Rock 7pm - 10pm

FRI dec 30 SAT dec 31 L Shape Lot Randy McQuay

Acoustic Pop/Rock 7pm - 10pm

Pop & Classic 7pm - 10pm

1706 North Lumina Ave. • (910) 256-2231

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

Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

HOLIDAY POPS: Bring the entire family to hear traditional holiday favorites performed by the North Carolina Symphony on Thursday, Dec. 22, at CFCC’s Cape Fear Stage in downtown Wilmington. Psst ... be sure to see Santa in the lobby before each performance at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Courtesy photo.

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

—Bellas Bar LoCAL, 19 Market St.

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

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

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

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

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

Tacos and Trivia (8pm; Free)

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

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Wes Sayer & The Spud Stud (6pm; Free) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St,.

Thursdays Fire Drums (8pm; Free)

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

Thirsty Thursday Karaoke (9pm; Free)

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

NC Symphony: Holiday Pops (3pm, 7:30pm; $18-$57) —Cape Fear Stage, 703 N. 3rd St.

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING: 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 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Live Music in the Bar Every Tuesday and Thu rsday 5:30pm - 8:30pm December 22

Josh Lewis December 27

Mike O’Donnell December 29

Robbie Berry 2508 Independence Blvd.

910.793.2929 www.HenrysRestaurant.com JAZZ PIANO: There are few places in town where folks won’t find James Jarvis tickling the ivories every week. Find all of his performance in Soundboard. Courtesy photo.

Beer Bingo (7:30pm; Free)

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

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

Downtown Drumming & Dance (7:30pm; Free)

—Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. 4th St.

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

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

Mike Santo and John Felts (7pm, 9:30pm; $13; Comedy)

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

—The Calico Room, 115 N 2nd Street;

College Karaoke (9pm; Free)

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

Karaoke Night With Party Gras Entertainment (9pm; Free) —Johnny Luke’s Kitchen Bar, 5500 Market St.

Market Street Brass Holiday Concert (7:30pm; Free) —St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.; 910762-4578

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28

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

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

—Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

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

Ladies Night with DJ UK (10pm; Free)

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

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

Tacos And Trivia (8pm; Free)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 After Dinner Jazz Piano (6pm; Free)

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Books, Beer & Jazz Piano (3pm; Free)

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

Donna Merritt (9pm; Free; Jazz)

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

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

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29

Show Tunes Sunday (9pm; Free)

Beer Bingo (7:30pm; Free)

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 Music & Comedy Open Mic (8pm; Free) —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

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

Thursdays Fire Drums (8pm; Free)

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

Thirsty Thursday Karaoke (9pm; Free)

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

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

$2.50 Budweiser Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm

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

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

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

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

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832

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

LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard 7 days a week

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

Wednesday _____________________________________

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

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

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

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 Bud & Bud lIgHtS

$ 00

Saturday & Sunday _______________________

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

WAtCH yOuR fAVORItE tEAm HERE!

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

(as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688

Deadline every Thurs., noon!

—Fox and Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 11

UPCOMING EVENTS DEC. 31 POP THE PORT NYE 2017 JaN. 10 LETTUCE JaN. 15 BaDFISH JaN. 17 THE BaND OF HEaTHENS

SaT. DEC 31 POP THE PORT NYE 2017

JaN. 20 DaVID aLLaN COE FEB. 7

LUCERO

FEB. 14 MaYHEM FEB. 18 PUDDLE OF MUDD FEB. 22 HED PE MaR. 1

MaRGO PRICE

MaR. 4

WHO’S BaD

TUES. JaN 10 LETTUCE

MaR. 11 aGaINST ME! MaR. 12 THE MOTET MaR. 21 RaNDY & MR. LaHEY OF TRaILER PaRK BOYS

208 Market Street • (910) 782-8939 www.thronetheater.com 12 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

SUN. JaN 15 BaDFISH

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS Discover New Music at 98.3 the PeNguiN

FAREWELL 2016: Ring in the new year with Big Something at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, NC, on Dec. 31. Courtesy photo.

THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 12/31: Ookay 1/19: Greensky Bluegrass 1/21: Breaking Benjamin AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 S. TRYON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 377-6874 12/23: S.O. Stereo 12/26: Matrimony, Take the Fall and more 12/29: Holly Day Music Festival 12/30: Eclipse 1/7: SkinKage, Kairos, Grüzer, Black Ritual, and more 1/12: Curtis Wayne Hurley, Analog Daze, and more 1/13: Prowess, Skulls & Whiskey, and Audio Assault 1/14: Firehouse and Teaze MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 12/23: Funktastic Voyage 12/16: Lila and Hammer No More the Fingers 1/6: Libby Rodenbough, Anne-Claire Niver, and more 1/13: Rubber Peacock DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 12/22: The Summit Church Christmas 1/22: The Beach Boys 1/27: Rick Springfield and Richard Marx LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 12/31: Big Something 1/5: Rock the Ball with Mipso 1/6: Nantucket, Monika Jaymes Band and more 1/7: Bone Shelter, Widow, Kinghitter, and more 1/8: Imani Pressley, Charlie Winstead Trio, and more 1/11: Lettuce

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 12/26: DJ Hunicutt (Back) 12/27: Emil McGloin & Friends (Back) 12/30: Sherman & The Blazers Reunion (Back) 12/31: The London Souls 12/31: Boom Unit Brass Band and more (Back) 1/6-7: Elvis Fest (Back) 1/7: Abbey Road 1/13: Mike Doughty and Wheatus 1/14: Urban Soil and Groove Fetish (Back) 1/14: Waka Flocka Flame and Well$ THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 12/21: Ralphie May 12/22: The Dirty Soul Revival, White Soul and more 12/23: Wham Bam Bowie Band!

12/29: Mindshapefist, Amnesis and Telic 12/30: Papadosio and Midnight Snack 12/31: Talib Kweli 1/7: Donna The Buffalo 1/11: ZOSO 1/13: The Infamous Stringdusters and Billy Strings 1/14: Abbey Road 1/16: Aesop Rock with Rob Sonic and DJ Zone 1/18: Dweezil Zappa Guitar Masterclass 1/19: Appetite For Destruction 1/20-22: Steep Canyon Rangers and Del McCoury HOUSE OF BLUES MYRTLE BEACH 4640 HWY 17 S., MYRTLE BEACH, SC (843) 272-3000 12/31: Corey Smith 1/7: Locash

NORTH CHARLESTON COLISEUM 5001 COLISEUM DR., CHARLESTON, SC (843) 529-5000 12/14: Concert for the Kids 1/27: The Beach Boys

from uPcoMiNg PeNguiN shows: Lettuce (Throne TheaTer 1/10) Band Of HeatHens (Throne TheaTer 1/17) JasOn IsBeLL w/ HIss GOLden MessenGer (Wilson CTr. 3/30) natHenIeL rateLIff & tHe nIGHt sweats - sOLd Out! (Gla 4/21) dawes (Gla 5/2) BIG sOMetHInG (Gla 5/5)

joiN our PeNguiN ListeNer PaNeL at 98.3 thePeNguiN.coM to give us Your 2 ceNts about what You’re heariNg oN the airwaves aND be eNtereD to wiN Free coNcert tickets

sPeciaLtY shows:

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

www.983thepenguin.com encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>ART

FROM WOODBLOCLKS TO OIL PAINTINGS: Topher Alexander features hand-crafted creations in ‘Perspective’ at The ArtWorks

W

BY: EMILY TRUSS

ith only a few days left before Christmas, traffic is getting heavier as travelers and shoppers scramble to find last-minute gifts. Luckily, the Arts Council of Wilmington offers a more enjoyable alternative to trudging through crowded malls. They’ll have their monthly Fourth Friday Gallery Night on Dec. 23—the last one of the year. Participating gallery The ArtWorks of Wilmington will host a “last chance before Christmas” sale for anyone struggling to find the perfect gift for a loved one. Featuring work from artist Topher Alexander, The ArtWorks will be open after hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for spectators to find unique works of art Alexander has created over the pas decade in “Perspective.”

“For the past 10 or 12 years I’ve really been dedicated to art,” Alexander says. “It’s something I work on year-round. I try to come away with about 30 to 40 pieces per year.”

Originally from Colorado, Alexander has lived in Wilmington off and on for the last 20 years. “I tell everyone Wilmington is my favorite place to come home to,” he says. After graduating from UNCW, he was approached with a job opportunity at the Cultural Arts Building (CAB) as the assistant gallery director. Alexanders love for art extends throughout the community, too, as he helped introduce printmaking workshops to Cameron Art Museum, and has taught printmaking there for two years.

Vietnamese lacquer paintings, so those are on display as well.”

Seeing all of his pieces displayed together is a bit surreal to Alexander, as he realizes how much work he’s completed ina short amount of time. Some major contributors to his projects are his sketches, which he finds time for wherever he goes.

“I always carry my sketchbook with me, so I’m always sketching whenever I have a free five or 10 minutes,” Alexander explains. “I’ll either draw what’s around me, or an image in my head. I usually work from those sketches, taking pieces I like and start incorporating it into a bigger project like a woodcut or intaglio print.”

“I’ve been doing a lot of woodcut printmaking lately and also a lot of intaglio printmaking,” he tells. “I do some painting as well, but I haven’t really had time to paint lately.

Printmaking is a little easier to do at home or on the go.”

Though the drawings are random, they usually suffice as preparation for his pieces. “I try to keep my work immediate,” he says. “There is some conceptualism in my work, but I’m mostly just trying to keep busy.”

Alexander was inspired to try printmaking after being drawn to large organic woodblocks at a printing event at Carolina Beach.

“As soon as I saw them, I knew I wanted to work in that medium,” he says. “Afterward,

DOUBLE DUTY: Jake Gyllenhaal (above) plays two characters in the multi-layered film ‘Nocturnal Animals.’

Photo courtesy of Focus Features.

I put my attention and focus toward woodblock and intaglio. It’s kind of like going back to basics with the black and white work.”

Woodcut printmaking is a process involving a drawing and carving it into a block of wood. After a layer of ink is rolled over the carving, paper is placed over the block. Applying pressure to the paper allows for ink to transfer from block to paper. The carved lines show up as white over the ink.

“A lot of times, I use a wooden spoon to press the ink and transfer it,” Alexander says. For intaglio prints, the process is similar but requires a different set of tools. “[I work] on copper plate, so [I] need an etching press, something with a little more pressure than [my] hand to lift the ink off the paper,” Alexander explains. “Luckily, I’m able to use the etching presses at UNCW and Cameron Art Museum.”

While printmaking has been Alexander’s main craft for the last decade, his exhibit at The ArtWorks features a variety of mediums he’s worked with throughout his career.

“There [are] oil paintings, woodcuts and intaglio prints,” he offers. “I lived in Vietnam for three years, where I did some traditional 14 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

As far as other influences, Alexander draws inspiration from his fellow ILM artists, like Ben Billingsley from Cape Fear Community College. “He does a lot of woodblock work,” according to Alexander, “especially large-scale woodblock work, so I really admire him and work well with him.”

Alexander acknowledges Shannon Bourne, another local printmaking artist, as an influence. He also admires the intaglio printmaking of Jennifer Page of Carolina Beach. “There’s also CAB Gallery director Donald Furst,” Alexander adds. “He’s been in printmaking forever, and is kind of like the art guru around town.”

While the products of Alexander’s inspirations will remain on display at The ArtWorks until February 24 of next year, folks may purchase his work for much lower prices only during this week’s Fourth Friday Gallery Night on Dec. 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DETAILS:

Perspective Featuring th eart work of Topher Alexander Friday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The ArtWorks 200 Willard St. Free

WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

GALLERYGUIDE ARTEXPOSURE!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 • (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com ArtExposure has many new items available from our artists that will appeal to those that appreciate local and handmade art work and crafts. Come visit us Tuesday through Saturday from 10am- 5pm. Our custom frame shop can help you pick out the right matting and frame for your special piece or photo. If you purchase an unframed piece here, we offer 15% off framing.

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

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

ART IN BLOOM

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

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

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

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

CRESCENT MOON ART AND STYLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tues.- Sat. 11am - 5pm; Sun. 1- 4pm River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. The current show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry. “Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures.

SUNSET RIVER MARKETPLACE

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 • Tues.- Sat. 10am - 5pm www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com In the historic fishing village of Calabash, NC, over 10,000-plus square feet of fine arts is showcased. Clay art and pottery; oil paintings, watercolors, mixed media, pastels and acrylics—plus award-winning metalworks, wood pieces, hand-blown glass, fiber art, artisan-made jewelry and more. Sunset River Marketplace has become a popular destination for visitors, a gathering place for artists

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

CFCC WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY

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

Open for Lunch & Dinner

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

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

In the Cotton Exchange • Downtown Wilmington • FREE PARKING encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 15

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REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

films this week

WEIRDLY HYPNOTIC:

I

Interweaving stories make ‘Nocturnal Animals’ a worthy challenge

FILM SCREENING

BY: ANGHUS

$10, 7pm • www.thalianhall.org

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

(Runtime: 130 minutes, Rated PG)

have an affinity for the eccentric, especially the cinematic variety. Left of center is more than my favorite place to sit in a movie theater. It’s the creative compass I wish more filmmakers would follow. Thankfully among more standard fare like “Allied,” “Moana” and the new “Star Wars” are more left-of-center offerings like “Nocturnal Animals,” the new weird film from Tom Ford. “Weird” isn’t a word I use lightly. Weird is reserved for special films that manage to do something unconventional or tell a maddeningly obtuse story—unapologetic works of art that take viewers somewhere they haven’t been before. “Nocturnal Animals” does all this and more.

Susan (Amy Adams) is a middle-aged artgallery owner in a rapidly deteriorating second marriage. Her husband (Armie Hammer) is having financial troubles, putting their garish life of opulence in jeopardy. He’s also cheating on her, which only further calcifies her growing level of discontent with this cruel, unforgiving world. I would say the movie starts like a Harold Pinter play, if not for a credit sequence that is both hypnotic and terrible in a way I never thought possible. Susan is reminded of her first marriage thanks to a timely delivery: a manuscript for his latest novel.

She pours herself into his book, a superdepressing tale of Tony (Jake Gyllenhaal), a loving father driving his wife and daughter through West Texas where they are confronted by a carload of rape-crazy rednecks. It’s like a gang of clones made from DNA of the villains of “Deliverance” and the protagonists of “Hell or High Water.” After running Tony and his family off the road, the women are kidnapped and Tony is left for dead.

There’s an interesting structure to “Nocturnal Animals.” It moves back and forth between Susan’s life, the content of the book told in episodic snippets, and flashbacks to her relationship with the book’s author (also played by Gyllenhaal). Director Tom Ford never spends too much time on one of the interlocking stories before moving into another. It helps create an interesting narrative and gives viewers a lot to ponder as they are forced to question the meaning of the book, what it means to Susan, and how exactly it connects to her relationship with her first husband/author.

The best parts of “Nocturnal Animals” come from the performances—most notably from Gyllenhaal and Michael Shannon, who shows up as an intense detective in the novel trying to find out who is responsible for the criminal acts perpetrated against Tony’s family. Aaron

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St.

DOUBLE DUTY: Jake Gyllenhaal (above) plays two characters in the multi-layered film ‘Nocturnal Animals.’

Photo courtesy of Focus Features.

Taylor-Johnson plays a strange sort of one dimensional antagonist. His creepy redneck is easy to hate, but he sells the absolute gonzo level of aggression the character seems to possess—a backwoods monster that echoes Woody Harrelson’s performance in “Natural Born Killers.”

“Weird” is the most apt adjective to describe the movie and the way its stories weave in and out of one another. Some artistic flourishes Ford engages in feel like the most beautiful, well-performed John Waters film ever made (like if Marlon Brando replaced Divine in “Pink Flamingos”). “Nocturnal Animals” is an interesting anomaly and gives the audience so much to chew on. It’s story feels like someone trying to capture the manic-world building of the Coen brothers, but with a little too much polish.

In spite of a handful of misgivings, I liked “Nocturnal Animals.” It’s nowhere near as good as Ford’s first film, the excellent and heartbreaking “A Single Man.” “Nocturnal Animals” has all the trappings of a sophomore slump; however, it’s still worth watching. As a filmmaker, Tom Ford has a unique point of view and manages to carve out something creatively interesting with very familiar tropes. This is not a typical revenge story, nor is it a conventional relationship story. It’s one of few movies this year I was thinking about well after final credits rolled—something rare these days, when challenging an audience feels like a low priority.

It is the kind of film some will love and some

will loathe. And both sides could make a fair argument. Some people will applaud its ambiguity while others will be frustrated to a fault.

Anyone who believes a movie’s job is to entertain should go ahead and skip this one. But folks looking for a challenging film to pore over could do a lot worse than “Nocturnal Animals.”

DETAILS:

Nocturnal Animals ★★★★★

Rated R Directed by Tom Ford Starring Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon

FILM SCREENING UNCW Lumina Theater 601 S. College Rd. Free, 7pm • www.uncw.edu/lumina

Jan. 7: See “School of Rock.”

When Dewey Finn’s band votes him out in favor of a would-be rock god, Dewey finds himself substitute teaching for an elementary school music class. Dewey takes offense at the pre-teen prodigies’ staid musical regimen and makes it his goal to show them The Who, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC. (Runtime: 109 minutes, Rated PG-13)

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encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 19

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

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

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

THE DISTRICT KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

A new addition to the Brooklyn Arts and downtown area, The District Kitchen & Cocktails is serving fresh, seasonal menus in a polished casual atmosphere. We feature locally sourced ingredients when available. For lunch, we offer delicious burgers and sandwiches, while dinner features steaks, chops and seafood all handcrafted by executive chef Luke Poulos. Within blocks of CFCC and the Riverwalk, The District welcomes diners to enjoy inspired wines, craft cocktails and NC draught beers at their renovated bar and restaurant, located at 1001 N. 4th St. 910-(910) 769-6565 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.-Thurs.11am9pm, Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm. Lunch menu served ‘til 4pm.

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

ELIJAH’S

RISE • http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com

AMERICAN BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

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

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

BLUE SURF CAFÉ

Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu

that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich. Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive. We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com

CAM CAFÉ

CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful

20 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

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

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tues-Sat: 11am – 3 pm; Wed-Thurs: 5 – 9pm; Sun. Brunch: 10am – 3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org

CAPT’N BILL’S BACKYARD GRILL

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

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

Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3. Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:3010:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available

ETERNAL SUNSHINE CAFÉ

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

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

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

THE FELIX CAFE

The Felix Cafe is a restaurant experience like no other in

Wilmington, N.C. Our eatery is a unique and relaxing gem situated near the port, and at the edge of Sunset Park on Burnett Blvd. We believe fine dining doesn’t have to come with all the fuss. From our homemade soups to the locally sourced produce, we let the ingredients speak for themselves in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Folks will enjoy the outdoor seating, our vibrant staff, the colorful interior, and our cabana style tiki bar. You will come here as a customer and leave as a friend. 2140 Burnett Blvd.

(910) 399-1213.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun.-Wed..: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com

HOLIDAY INN RESORT Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. (910) 256-2231.

1706 N. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com

HOPS SUPPLY CO.

The combination of chef-inspired food and our craft bar makes Hops Supply Co. a comfortable and inviting gastropub that attracts guests of all types – especially a local crowd who can feel right at home whether ordering a classic favorite or trying a new culinary delight! At HopsCo, we are dedicated to the craft of excellent cuisine and delivering hops in its most perfect form, exemplified by our selection of craft beers. As hops are the heart of flavor for beer, our local seasonal ingredients are the soul of our culinary inspired American fare. 5400 Oleander Dr. (910) 833-8867.

■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday 9:57am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com

JOHNNYLUKES KITCHENBAR

Good eats, good drinks, and great times is what JohnnyLukes KitchenBar is all about. JohnnyLukes KitchenBar serves Wilmington, NC a variety of 19 rotating craft beers on tap, a hand selected eclectic American wine list, fun cocktails, and of course, exceptional food.

Our two-story layout brings the best of both worlds under one roof. Downstairs at JohnnyLukes KitchenBar pair your beer or wine with our Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop, Chicken Pot Pie, Ribeye, or one of our many main entrees and sharable plates. Or, join us upstairs at JL’s Loft and pair a beer with one of our multiple burgers, JL’s roast beef sandwich, meatball sandwich, or one of our many appetizers (we recommend both!). So next time you are looking for a new and exciting restaurant in Wilmington, NC where you can experience both great

craft beer and amazing food, be sure to head over to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar and JL’s Loft! 5500 Market Street, Suite 130. (910)-769-1798 ■ OPEN: JohnnyLukes KitchenBar: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 10pm; JL’s Loft: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.johnnylukeskb.com

THE LITTLE DIPPER

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

138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; Seasonal hours are open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Mondays and Memorial Day-October, 7-9pm ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

PINE VALLEY MARKET Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s BestOf awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest

quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

THE PUB

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

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

RISE

Serving up the best dang biscuits and donuts in Wilmington, Rise is not any typical breakfast spot. Our donut menu includes an assortment of ‘old school, new school, and our school’ flavors; and our buttery, flaky biscuits filled with country ham, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and fried eggplant “bacon” are crave-worthy. Lunch is on the Rise with our new chicken sandwiches on potato rolls and fresh salads. 1319 Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 239-9566 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.- Sun. 7 a.m.

– 2 p.m.

OPEN NEW YEAR’S DAY! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

ner Serving Din at 5pm, Tue-Sun

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

as theEncouraged best place to have a first date!

138 South Front Street • Downtown • Reservations • 910.251.0433 • www.littledipperfondue.com encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 21

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com

SPICOLI

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

1978 Eastwood Road, (910) 256-0339.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach

SWEET ‘N’ SAVORY CAFÉ

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

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

THE TROLLY STOP

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken). Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), all-beef, pork smoked sausage (Carolina Packer), Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie. Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or check out our website at www.trollystophotdogs.com. Catering available, now a large portion of our business. All prices include tax. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 4523952 Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921 Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN GENKI SUSHI

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

Sunday through Thursday. At Genki, everyone is welcome! 4724 New Centre Dr. #5, Wilmington. (910) 796-8687.

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www. genkisushiwilmington.com

INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET

For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste

of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the downtown location, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as falafel pitas and veggie wraps, as well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front St. (910) 771-9151.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm-10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.nikkissushibar.com/

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE

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

Our highly skilled chefs will not only cook an incredible dinner, but they will entertain you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. At Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse, we are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure that we serve only the finest food products. We believe that good healthy food aids the vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of Steak, Seafood, and Chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill,” to the taste bud tingling Japanese Sushi, Hand Rolls, Sashimi, Tempura dishes and Japanese Noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Check out our all you can eat sushi menu and daily specials at

The Harp will be open

Christmas Day to provide our loyal customers with a delicious feast of Slow Roasted Turkey, Baked Ham, Roast beef, Irish Mash Potatoes, Cornbread Stuffing, Baby Carrots, Collards, Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Green Beans, Cranberry Relish and plenty of house made pastries to celebrate the holidays.

emories

Make M

place your holiday orders today University Square Mall 837 South Kerr Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403

The Forum

1121-I Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC 28405

22 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Now Accepting Reservations

15

$

99

Great Food.

Great Friends.

Great Times!

1423 S. Third Street Downtown Wilmington

910-763-1607

2016

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

Concerned about addiction and side effects of medication?

Try us!

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

DIRECTORY: McKay Healing Arts

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

Pure Life

Island Passage

20% off coupon on ad!

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

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

Best Of Raffle

Gift cards are great stocking stuffers!

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

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

Cardinal Lanes

Black Friday sale! www.shopwiththepig.com

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

Cruisers Car Wash and Detail Center Longwave Yoga

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

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

The Impractical Pig UPS Store

50% off all digital prints with ad!

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

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

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

Gift Certificates Encore Best of Wilmington 8 years Running

BEST OF 2016 WINNER

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

Open daily!

10:30am-5pm

Gift Certificates Available!

Open till 7pm in Dec. thru 23

encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 23

Don’t forget Cruisers gift cards this holiday season.

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

Plastic Ball, Bag and Shoe Combo

$145

at Cardinal Lanes on Shipyard Blvd.

• Largest Inventory in Wilmington

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

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

24 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Family Owned and Operated

Available in all denominations.

Reactive Resin Ball, Bag and Shoe Combo

$195

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

Island Passage ~ Lumina Station 1900 Eastwood Rd. 910.256.0407

Learn more at longwaveyoga.com

Return Passage 302 N. Front Street 910.343.1627

203 Racine Drive Wilmington, NC 910.378.5446

SKATE.SURF.SHOP.

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Locally owned, globally sourced—for you!

Holiday shopping made simple for the surfer or skater in your life

• MoMentuM nC ShirtS and hatS •

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• WatCheS • nixon - rip Curl - Vestal • Brixton hatS • Fedoras - Brood - hooligan - Fiddler • StanCe SoCkS • 5 N Front St. • (910) 763-3500 WWW.momentumboarding.com encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 25

Downtown NARRATED CRUISES & LIVE MUSIC DAILy CRUISES & PRIVATE ChARTERS GIFT CERTIFICATES

ONE SIZE FITS ALL

FOR EVERY $30 SPENT YOU RECIEVE $5 CAT BUCKS Good towards any cruise, something in our shop or even the bar

HAVE COMPANY VISITING? We have the perfect thing to do with them...

(Across from the Cotton Exchange)

Cruise Schedule ~ Dec. 21, 22, 23rd & Dec. 26th to 31st 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm

50 min narrated cruises ....$10

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

wilmingtonwatertours.net handicap accessible 26 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

910-338-3134

info@wilmingtonwt.com

Follow BAR ON BOARD WITH us ALL ABC PERMITS

www.okamisteakhouse.com!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday - Thursday 11am - 2:30pm / 4pm - 10pm; Friday 11am - 2:30pm / 4pm - 11pm; Saturday 11am - 11pm; Sunday 11am 9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com

SZECHUAN 132

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com

THAI SPICE

From the flavorfully mild to the fiery spiced, Thai Spice customers are wooed by the dish that’s made to their specifications. Featuring a tasteful menu of traditional Thai standards to numerous delectable house specials, it’s quickly becoming the local favorite for Thai cuisine. This family-run restaurant is sure to win you over. If you haven’t discovered this gem, come in and be charmed. Whether it be a daytime delight, or an evening indulgence, your visit will make you look forward to your return. Located in Monkey Junction at 5552 Carolina Beach Rd., Ste. G. (910) 7910044.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BAGELS BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is “the” favorite spot for breakfast and lunch in Wilmington. Get a taste of a New York-style bagel by the beach. We make our bagels the traditional way: kettle-boiled then baked and always made with love. Enjoy something simple like a traditional BLT, or spice it up and try our AnnieWB: turkey breast, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, and jalapeños. Not in the mood for a bagel?

Don’t worry, we have ciabatta bread, croissants, kaiser rolls, biscuits, and wraps. Whatever you’re looking for, we have you covered. Don’t forget to make your lunch sandwich a combo for only $1.50,. and get a small drink, potato salad or chips and a pickle spear. Come see us at 5906 Oleander

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET • www.nikkissushibar.com/ Drive or 7220 Wrightsville Avenue—right before the drawbridge on the way to beautiful Wrightsville Beach.

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

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

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

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

BREWPUB

IRISH

BILL’S FRONT PORCH

THE HARP

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

■ WEBSITE: www.billsfrontporch.com

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, De-

Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare!

We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends. Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 7631607. Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com

ITALIAN

Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years. The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like you’re in your mamas’ kitchen. Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and madefrom-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering.

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

ANTONIO’S

Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a familyowned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.

- 9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall ■ WEBSITE: www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com

FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB

Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique family-friendly restaurant A TASTE OF ITALY with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City? Look Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and

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Join us for Fall Specials

THURSDAYS: Mahi Tacos Entree $8, Margarita $5 & Tecate $3 Now SERviNg BRUNcH oN SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS with Mimosa, Bloody Mary or Michelada $5

*dine in only

1211 S. Lake Park Blvd • 910-458-2000 www.oceangrilltiki.com

MAIN ATTRACTIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA featuring the broadway musical sister act SATURDAY DECEMBER 31ST AT 7:00 PM An all-inclusive evening with dinner, drinks, dancing, dessert, champagne toast and admission to the show!

Tickets available through the Thalian Hall Box Office by calling 910.632.2285 or online at ThalianHall.org Media Partners “Your alternative weekly voice”

28 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

TICKETS: 910.632.2285 • 800.523.2820 • WWW.THALIANHALL.ORG 310 CHESTNUT ST • WILMINGTON, NC 28401

and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops. Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of microbrews included in their 27-tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm Monday through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor…..

Craft Beer, Craft Pizza!

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

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

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

■ LOCATIONS: 341 S. College Rd., 910-793-0035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com

SLICE OF LIFE

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

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

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

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

LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFÉ

Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue. 910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates!

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

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

MEXICAN EL CERRO GRANDE

LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

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

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

SEAFOOD

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts.

Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: www.catchwilmington.com

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

ORGANIC LOVEY’S NATURAL FOODS & CAFÉ

Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a true blessing for shoppers looking for organic and natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a veggie burger, hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar—which has cold, organic salads and hot selections—can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out. The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of delicious juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of local pro-

of equal or lesser value

Mix or Match

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

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com

+ tax Limited time Offer

at the following Dairy Queen locations:

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

encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 29

■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

OCEANIC

24 beers on draft & over 100 bottled 20 tvs witH all major sports paCkages proudly featuring boar’s Head meats

Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish.

For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes.

Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com

THE PILOT HOUSE

Locally owned and operated • Call for carry-out

5046 New Centre Drive | Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 859-7374

30 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up Southern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.

The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered. Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080.

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

PEMBROKE’S

SHUCKIN’ SHACK

SPORTS BAR

SOUTHERN

250 Racine Drive • Wilmington, NC Racine Commons • 910.523.5362 www.BlueSurfCafe.com

RX RESTAURANT & BAR

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon-2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-Midnight ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook!

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER GoURmET HoT CHoCoLATES UNIqUE SpECIALS DAILy

(910) 798-2913.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com

CASEY’S BUFFET

In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” coowner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive.

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

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

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

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE

Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNC W, this lively sports-themed restaurant.

Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 South College Road.

(910) 791.9393.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am2am daily.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com

JAX 5TH AVE. DELI & ALE HOUSE

Locally owned and operated, Jax offers a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming foodies, sports fans, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We provide a full eclectic menu of quality Boar’s Head sliced meat and cheeses, and feature unique items like our smoked salmon deviled egg, a legendary Italian sandwich, and famous pita pizzas that bake up lite and crispy. 20 HDTVs feature premium sports packaging for all the games! Supporting local craft breweries with 24 drafts and over 100 different bottles and cans, enjoy it all inside the shiny silver building or outside on the dog-friendly patio at 5046 New Centre Dr. Carry out: 910-859-7374.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/ JaxFifthAveDeliAleHouse

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEW

foodtastic events

COMING FULL CIRCLE: Round hits the spot with handmade bagels, smooth cream cheese and donuts

CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNITY OUTREACH DINNER Dec. 24, 6 p.m.

I

BY: ROSA BIANCA

Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd. www.pvumc.net

’m just going to put it out there: These are the best damn bagels I’ve ever had in Wilmington. Nay, in North Carolina.

Yes—I said “nay.”

Valley United Methodist Church will provide a free, traditional Christmas meal and

With a family that hails from the northeast, readers can imagine my bagel standards are on the lofty side. While there are a handful of shops in the Port City slinging cream cheese and lox, one bite of a Round bagel made my Wilmington world change.

holiday celebration to individuals and fami-

Here are my thoughts on what makes a spectacular bagel: It’s all about balance between a crispy, crackly exterior and an airy, soft interior. Practically every other bagel I’ve found in the South falls short in one of these categories. The crisp outer shell is too harsh, or the fluffy center is crumbly and stale. Round delivers on both aspects and produces a blissfully beautiful baked good. I’ll tell readers about the sandwiches I sampled, but it doesn’t matter what’s in the middle when the bagel is this good.

holiday. All are welcome.

Just as I had hoped it would be, Round inconspicuously is tucked into a strip mall off of Kerr Avenue (just a hop down the road from Wilmington Brewing Company).

Bagel shops doing it right don’t have to rely on a fancy locale, and Round falls into this category. The deli’s inside is brighter and more up to date than its previous tenant, Bagel Basket. Round is a humble, cozy, inviting café with a chalkboard menu, patio seating, and counter-style service. With superior breakfast and lunch, what else does anyone really need?

Not to knock other bakeries and coffee shops, but it’s rare to find a place actually hand-making bagels (as opposed to having them brought in from somewhere else in town). When it comes to high-quality freshness, bagels aren’t a very forgiving food.

Bagel snob or not, anyone can tell the difference between day-old versus daily-made goodies. My first mouthful was a sausage, egg and cheddar sandwich on a cinnamon raisin bagel. My teeth effortlessly sunk into its warm crust, and the first thing I tasted was the juicy pop of a fresh raisin. The savory sausage was sandwiched between not one but two egg patties (a wonderful surprise). I ordered a tub of the strawberry cream cheese on the side and heaped a generous dollop onto each bite. The fruity spread cut through the fatty sausage like a pro. Without being heavy, this breakfast

lies in need on Dec. 24. The 2016 Pine Valley UMC Christmas Eve Community Outreach brings more than 100 volunteers together to feed over 3,300 people and celebrate the Free

BAGEL BOUND: Round serves homemade, fresh bagels as decadent breakfast sandwiches featuring Boar’s Head meats. Photo by Tom Dorgan

sandwich left me undeniably sated.

Next up was the lox, and this is one area where I consider myself an expert. I was pleased to find the toasted everything bagel was studded with seeds and spices—and not just on the bagel’s top. This, my friends, is a rare trait to find. It could have used a touch more crunch of pepper in the veggie cream cheese, but that’s a personal opinion. As for the smoked salmon, it was classic northeastern nova—not too fishy, not overly piled on and sliced paper-thin. Every ethereal oniony and capery bite was light and crisp.

For my last go-around at breakfast, donuts seemed a must. I learned they bring these in rather than making them in-house.

The glazed donut was buttery and delicious.

I opted for the donut of the day, and holy holidays! It was decked out for Christmas.

Green, red, and white frosting cracked off rather easily, but the donut’s dressing certainly put me in a festive mood.

To pair with my sugar buzz, I ordered a small dark roast coffee. It was unfortunately too weak for my taste, but, again, this is a simple deli specializing in homemade bagels, not expertly frothed cappuccinos.

enal bagel base, it would be hard to go wrong. First up was the Port City Club on toasted multi-grain. The bagel was earthy, delicate and stuffed with turkey, salty bacon, cheddar, spinach, and honey mustard.

Next was the Sammy—a fairly basic combo of turkey, pesto, tomato, and provolone.

I slathered some chive cream cheese on, and the velvety combination of garlicky pesto and creamy cream cheese made it hard to put down. Both sandwiches came with chips and a pickle and were reasonably priced. Did either lunch sandwich boast wildly imaginative fillings? Not especially.

But sometimes it’s strictly about what’s holding the sandwich together that makes the meal.

If you’re like practically everyone else in this town who has desperately been seeking something resembling a New York or Jersey-style bagel, then look no further.

From now on, it’s Round for breakfast or bust.

5TH ANNUAL TASTE OF WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Jan. 21, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Blockade Runner • 275 Waynick Blvd. www.wrightsvillebeachfoundation.org Originally postponed due to Hurricane Matthew, Taste of Wrightsville Beach will be held at the Blockade Runner Resort on Jan. 21. This festival celebrates diverse and delicious fare on and around the beach, with over 30 local cuisine, beer and wine tasting booths, and prizes. Celebrity judges and the crowd will vote for “Best in Show” and

DETAILS:

“People’s Choice,” while net proceeds will be

890 S. Kerr Ave. (910) 782-8551 Monday - Sunday, 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.sfacebook.com/RoundBagelsandDonuts

Wheels program and various island organi-

Round Bagels and Donuts

divided between NHC’s Weekend Meals on zations and projects.

Tickets: $25-$75

For my lunch selections, I spotted Boar’s Head meats. I knew with such a phenom-

encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 31

EXTRA>>FACT OR FICTION

GOING ALOFT:

Chapter 26, The Last Night Watch

S

BY: JOHN WOLFE

taying awake and being alone on the ocean at night opens the door to the rarest form of beauty. The stars became my friends and companions, and I learned to steer by them as generations of sailors have done before me, keeping an eye on Polaris or Rigel or Spica as we tracked along the endless sea. They were the only real point of reference I had. In the bygone past of sextants they were crucial to navigation; in the modern day of GPS, some of the romance has been lost. A GPS is an incredibly accurate and necessary tool on a boat, but it is seldom a beautiful one.

Some nights, in the clean holy deep of the ocean, hundreds of miles from shore, the stars were mirrored in the water by the untold countless flecks of organic light: phytoplanktons, microorganisms, all glowing with the joy of being alive in this great expanse, emitting a blue-green aura of color. They were diamonds glinting in the water, rushing past the boat; they were that wonderful and strange phenomena known as phosphorescence. Captain told me about seeing enormous glowing spheres in the ocean, like alien villages, while on his thousandday voyage. One night watch Artist saw glowing dolphins swimming around the boat, their movements disturbing the waters around them into a frothing bath of light. I can only talk of moonlit watches where everything around me sparkled like a gem: from the stars above, to the glitter in our wake, to the moonlight, reflecting on the infinite waves of the sea.

It was hard to tell where the sea ended and the sky began.

The watch schedule rotates nightly, so that the same person doesn’t have to wake up for mid-watch (midnight to 4 a.m.) every night and get cheated out of a full night’s rest. Sometimes the cycle would play in my favor and I would have the blessing of standing the final watch, just before breakfast, and get to experience the glory of dawn arriving over the horizon to the east.

I remember one sunrise in particular.

We had just splashed the boat again after a month spent in the sweaty, dustchoked boatyard at Brandon Marine, in

the post-industrial wasteland of Freeport.

Our transmission had been repaired; our boat was fresh and beautiful. The whole crew was exhilarated to be back on water again, and conditions had been perfect for the last two days—clear skies and a steady breeze that blew just enough to keep the sails trimmed perfectly and give us a couple of knots of speed, but not enough to generate large waves. Our big schooner barely rocked at all; she glided across the sea as if it were ice. We rode those days like a dream.

Later that afternoon we began to tack down a tongue of the Atlantic Ocean which extends down from the Abaco Islands towards Nassau, where the three of us were to rendezvous with the Kaiser for a ride back home to Wilmington.

This was really the first leg of our journey back to North Carolina, and the last long-distance sail we would make on our beloved schooner. It was all happening so fast. The change of command loomed before us. What would the Kaiser be like as captain? Would we make it home safely on his rickety old wooden boat?

Did I really have to ever go home at all?

Captain and the schooner planned to stay in Nassau as long as they could to try and make the charter business happen. He would have to find new business partners and a place to dock the boat, but the boat had never looked or run better (thanks to our work in Freeport) and he had a fresh survey in hand that said so. He faced the future with his characteristic confidence, knowing he had to make it work to pay back his debts and provide for his family.

That night the wind picked up enough to make it interesting—we were now in steady 4-foot seas and a brisk 25 knots of breeze. Our little ship was sailing marvelously, as if she was happy to be on the sea again and to have the chance to be put through her paces, like a thoroughbred horse running the first race of the season after a long winter of rest.

I took my watch and plotted our position at 4 o’clock, early that next morning.

We were getting close to Nassau. The GPS showed we were making 7 knots, a fantastic speed. I went out on deck and watched our course, but the whole time the schooner sailed herself and I never had to make an adjustment. So I settled

32 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

ILLUSTRATION BY GINA RAMSEUR

into the nook in the cockpit beside the helm, on the leeward side, the big main boom behind me, with a clear uninterrupted view of the sky.

The schooner rocked rhythmically and sang along, the holes in her stern railing, whistling like a flute in the night breeze.

A honey-golden moon slowly descended into the ocean to the west, directly in front of me. A few clouds peppered around her, escorting her to her bed, and as she sank beneath the waves I saw anew the old glow of the Milky Way, high in the sky. The stars were bright and uncountable; whole worlds and solar systems were reduced to a faint and impossibly distant mist. I watched our entire galaxy revolving above me, over the loom of light on the horizon where Nassau Harbor lay. As my night watch passed, both the stars and horizon lights shifted and moved as we tracked along the silent eternal darkness of the sea.

It changed something inside of me forever. For the first time I saw myself in true perspective with the world around me, and that is something a finite being can never recover from. I was just one man, lost on a boundless and limitless horizon, dissolving into sheer grand distance; searching for a harbor to seek refuge from the scale of our world, yet knowing the planet we live on is a lonely dark dot in the majestic cosmos. No

such harbor can be found except near that which you love. I now know, with perfect certainty, the true smallness of all great human endeavors, having seen it for myself. What was my own journey, all that I had seen and learned, when compared to the galaxy? That meaning which we place in our actions is all we can ever have—we, who do not linger like the stars.

The constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpio hovered in space, grand parentheses around the faint spilled expanse of the galaxy. As I watched, the stars around them began to fall, one by one, from their place in the firmament into the steadily lightening grey to the east.

I could see more of the schooner than I could before, and of myself. I realized dawn was coming, slowly at first, then with faster and ever faster shades of color that radiated from the sky behind me, until the first holy glint of the sun pierced the horizon, and the sea, the schooner and I were bathed in a baptizing light.

Below me, my shipmates began to wake.

My watch was over. A new day was beginning.

John Wolfe is a licensed captain who still gets seasick in rough weather, but goes sailing anyway. He holds a BFA in creative writing from UNCW. When he’s not writing, he can be found on the water, playing music or drinking beer. “Going Aloft” is Wolfe’s nonfiction serialized piece, to be published in encore every other week in 2016.

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

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Happy Holidays

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

Love, Niki and staff 2 locations to serve you 7220 Wrightsville Avenue 910-256-1222

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2016 TripAdvisor Winner Lunch: Tues. - Fri., 11am-2pm and Sat. noon-3pm Dinner: Mon.-Sun., 5-10pm 7 Wayne Dr. (910) 251-9229 indochinewilmington.com encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 35

HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR events ENCHANTED AIRLIE

Elaborate light displays, along with hundreds of festive plants, seasonal music and “singing trees” will soon transform Airlie Gardens into Enchanted Airlie, a beloved holiday tradition. Each year since 2005, visitors from across the U.S. and abroad have traveled to Wilmington to celebrate the holiday season at Enchanted Airlie. Select dates through Dec. 22, Airlie’s tastefully decorated half-mile, self-guided walking trail will bedazzle visitors of all ages with an estimated one million (yes, one million!) twinkling lights. Live

musical entertainment and visits with Santa, who will greet guests and pose for photos inside Airlie’s main building. Snacks and warm cocoa, as well as wine and a local craft brew will be available for purchase. Airlie Gardens gift shop will also be open with one-of-a-kind gifts. $27. www. airliegardens.org. Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd.

NYE BACCHANALIA

Dec. 31, 6pm/9pm: NYE 2016-Bacchanalia, two seatings. Doors open 1/2 hour prior to each seating. $90 individual/$170 couple. $30 Show only.

Ticket includes a many-coursed tasting meal, champagne toast, party favors and the show.

Indulgent multi-course tasting meal and contem-

porary variety acts including flame acts, aerial acts, live music, comedy and more! Party favors and champagne toast included with ticket. Additional beverages and service gratuity not included. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

charity/fundraisers BIKE DRIVE

make a Wilmington foster child’s Christmas a little brighter this year! Donate a new or gently-used bicycle (all sizes are needed) and enjoy a FREE Small Group Personal Training Session! Women of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. No

sales pitch, no stress, no pressure—just load up that bike, come to the studio and enjoy a free small group personal training session! There’s no cost to attend these exciting weekly sessions, all we ask is that attendees make a tax-deductible donation of a new or gently-used bicycle (or equivalent monetary donation) to A Bike for Every Child when you arrive. This is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of free small group personal training sessions that you can’t get anywhere else in Wilmington, all while helping make community a better place! Go Girl Fitness Studio, 914 Kerr Ave. WRIGHTSVILLE PLUNGE

Jan. 1, noon: Kick off your New Year by “Plungin’ for a Purpose” to support Communities In Schools of Cape Fear! Offering music, refreshments, fun competitions and much more, the Wrightsville Plunge allows the entire family to kick-start the New Year in a fun and thrilling way.

All proceeds from the Wrightsville Plunge will be used to support at-risk youth in our community, and help ensure they have the resources they need to be successful and stay in school! $25 adults / $10 kids under 12. Register yourself at www.ciscapefear.org, or build a team at www. crowdrise.com/WrightsvillePlunge.

music/concerts DOWNTOWN DRUM CIRCLE

Open drum circle for all levels, ages and drums.

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

MARKET ST. BRASS CONCERT

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

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

NC SYMPHONY: POPS

Dec. 22, 3pm/7:30pm: Bring the family as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with this sparkling holiday spectacular. Join us for carols and warm your heart with traditional holiday favorites performed by the North Carolina Symphony. Visit Santa in the lobby before the performance! $18-$70. Wilson Center, Cape

36 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Fear Community College Fine Arts and Humanities Center, 703 N. 3rd St. MARKET ST. BRASS HOLIDAY CONCERT

Dec. 23, 7:30pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal, 16th & Market. A highlight for many communities in the state of NC featuring favorites of the season for all ages. In the first half of the recital well known sacred selections like Go Tell It On The Mountain and Once in Royal David’s City will enchant all who attend. Christian McIvor’s recent original compositions like Still, Still, Still and O Christmas Tree are fresh and exciting renditions of well known Christmas pieces. Edward Bach’s transcription of Dan Forrest’s A Cradle Carol as well as many other works in the concert will demonstrate the vocal qualities of the brass family.

Second half will feature jazzed up versions of popular music associated with Christmas. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,16 N. 16th St., www. spechurch.com, 910-762-4578.

NYE BEATLES’ TRIBUTE

BritishMania, one of the top Beatles Tribute Bands in the world, will be at Wrightsville Beach for one night only. You remember the songs, and the rythm of the times? Well, we’re bringing it back to start the New Year right. Celebrate that eclectic mix that was the 1960’s, and the band that made it famous. With true-to-period attire, equipment & instruments, BritishMania recreates “that special sound”, setting one at ease, and making this an era to remember. Black tie optional heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert and coffee, and tribute show/ champagne toast. RSVP: 910.256.2251. Included in resort package. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

NYE PARTY

Dec. 31, 10pm: Don’t miss Wilmington’s top party/dance band for a special NYE show at Wild

Wing Cafe! Featuring both male and female lead vocalists allows for plenty of variety throughout the night. Covers include everything from Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, to Stevie Wonder. 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.

(member discount not applicable). Show is “Sister Act”—based on the Touchstone Pictures movie starring Whoopi Goldberg. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. www.thalianhall.org. Theatre production continues Jan. 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 7:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. matinees.

theatre/auditions

dance

WAR HORSE

CONTRA DANCE

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

NYE GALA: SISTER ACT

Dec. 31, 7pm: Special benefit for Thalian Hall, co-presented with Cape Fear Theatre Arts! The best New Year’s Eve party in town! Ring in the new year in theatrical style! Dinner, drinks, dessert, and a sensational performance of a Broadway musical produced by Cape Fear Theatre Arts, one of Wilmington’s most respected community theatre ensembles, are all included. After the show, ring in 2017 with a live DJ, dancing, and countdown with champagne toast. $125

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

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

Evening of contemporary American country dancing—exercise that’s actually fun, done to live music by Box of Chocolates band—fiddle, percussion, guitar, dulcimer, bass, mandolin and more! Dress cool and comfortable, soft-soled shoes. 2nd/4th Tues ea. mo. All ages welcome.

United Methodist Church, 409 S. 5 Ave.

comedy OPEN MIC COMEDY

After a long absence, the Browncoat is excited to once again host Open Mic Comedy, hosted by Hal Cosec! You think you’ve got what it takes to make an entire theater laugh? Come on out and prove it! Doors open at 7:30pm for signups, and the show starts at 8pm. Free! Browncoat Pub & Theatre, 111 Grace St.

OPEN MIC

The wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talents—performances of all kinds. Hosted by 6-beer Steve.

Signup, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www.jugglinggypsy.com.

COMEDY BINGO

Dec. 23, 7pm: Mike Santo and John Felts. Santo was born and raised in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley. Mike’s comedy is a sarcastic and unique take on family life, being a Dad, being a husband, teaching Sunday School and growing up in the 80’s. Mike was a finalist in the Myrtle Beach Open Mic contest in 2009, and won the same contest in 2010 out of a field of 48 comics from North and South Carolina. He is currently a Paramedic/Firefighter for Leland Fire Department Felts, a national headliner touring Colleges and Corporate Shows, delivers real and funny one-ofa-kind perspectives on dating, marriage, parenting, American culture and struggling to do the right thing. • Dec. 30-31, 7pm/10pm: Laugh in the New Year with special guest Kyle Grooms, featuring Kevin Brookes. Champagne toast included!

Throughout his career, Kyle has appeared in his own hysterical half-hour stand-up special on Comedy Central, while also making multiple appearances on VH1, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” and famed “Chappelle’s Show.” Among his many accomplishments, his first comedy CD, “The Legend of the Jersey Devil,” was named one of iTunes’ Top 100 Comedy CD’s of 2009. A regular on the NY comedy scene, Grooms has performed at several top clubs, including Caroline’s, Comic Strip, Comedy Cellar and Gotham. He has been featured on several television, radio and internet broadcasts, such as P-Diddy’s “Bad Boys of Com-

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encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 37

edy,” Jamie Foxx’s “Laffapalooza,” “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn,” “The Byron Allen Show,” “BET Comic View,” and “Red Carpet Fashion.” Having even brought his act overseas, he performed at the “ Grande Journal” in France and has made several appearances in national TV ad campaigns for companies including T-Mobile, Sears, Career Builders and Holiday Inn Express.

Grooms continues to grow as a stand-up comedian, writer and actor, and can currently be seen performing worldwide. • 1/6, 7pm/9:30pm— Dave Stone has recently appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Modern Comedian both of which focused on the two years of his life living and touring in a van. Dave was part of the Beards of Comedy, was named CMT’s Next Big Comics, was featured in New Faces in the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in 2013 and made his Network TV Debut on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Made his cartoon debut as a voice on Squidbillies! Tickets: deadcrowcomedy. com. Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

and refreshments. Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate. Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org ARTWORKS OPEN STUDIO

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

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Leland Cultural Arts Center is accepting applications for their Gallery Program for the 2017 calendar year. Selected Artists will display their 2D or 3D artworks in the gallery for a month in the upcoming year and have an opening reception.

Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. www.townofleland.com/lcac

UNCW STUDENT EXHIBITION

art SAME VIEW

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

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmington’s premier after-hours celebration of art and culture, 6-9pm, fourth Friday of ea. month. Features art openings, artist demonstrations, entertainment

The culmination of study in studio art, juried by the studio art faculty and mounted by the graduating seniors. It is the capstone event for the graduating seniors. Exhibition continues through Dec. 10. UNCW, Art Gallery, Cultural Arts Building, 601 S. College Rd.

THE COLORFUL SERIES: PLACES & SPACES

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

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A Tasting Room, 19 S. 2nd St. NO BOUNDARIES ART COLONY EXHIBIT

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

FOURTH FRIDAY HOLIDAY: EXPO 216

Dec. 21, 6-9pm: For the December Fourth Friday event Expo 216 is hosting a Holiday Sweater Party! Guests are encouraged to both wear holiday sweaters and bring lightly worn clothes to donate to Leading Into New Communities (LINC). There will be hot apple cider, mulled wine, and light hors d’oeuvres to enjoy while perusing the gallerium. Live music is provided by Duffy’s Tavern quartet. 216 N. Front St.

film IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

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

LOVING DOCUMENTARY

Discover the true story behind “Loving,” the critically-acclaimed movie released in November.

This 2011 documentary explores the emotional journey of Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving as they marry, have children, and as their marriage is declared illegal by the state of Virginia – all because he was white and she was black and Native American. Follow the story all the way to their landmark Supreme Court case in 1967. (77 minutes). Free for members or with paid general admission. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

museums/education CAMERON ART MUSEUM

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(910) 512-1933 B E YO UR BEST SELF! 38 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Exhibits: Through Jan. 15, 2017: Cameron Art Museum presents UnBound Narrative, an exhibition featuring nine contemporary artists from across the globe (United States, Canada, England and Cuba) who utilize the book as medium and inspiration to create their visual narrative.

The forty diverse artworks in the exhibition (including 100 pages from three different versions of Tom Phillips’ groundbreaking project A Humument) show how varied the medium can be. Features work by James Allen (Portland, OR), Doug Beube (New York, NY), Andrew Hayes (Penland, NC), Guy Laramée (Montreal, Canada), Math Monahan (Boston, MA), Tom Phillips (London, England), Susan Porteous (Bend, OR), Diana Fonseca Quiñones (Havana, Cuba) and Tim Rollins and K.O.S (New York, NY). CAM will offer an array of exhibition-related programming, including our monthly Kids@CAM, youth classes, adult workshops, engaging lectures and gallery talks. • Art of Illumination, on view through Jan. 8, Brown Wing Film Room. CAM believes that art,

like a lantern, illuminates the mystery, empathy and wonder of human existence. Artists’ proposals for lanterns were submitted for this juried exhibition featuring designs of all sizes, themes and materials. The Art of Illumination 2016 Exhibition reveals the unique hand-built completed lanterns from over forty artists across the country.

The lanterns will illuminate an intimate space in our Brown Wing, shining a light on the creative spirit. This exhibition is timed for your holiday enjoyment. Included in regular admission. • Through Feb. 12, 2017: Art from Flour: Barrel to Bag—Examining the history of the humble flour sack, Art From Flour: Barrel to Bag illustrates how a food staple became a reflection of art and life in America. Guest curated by Edward Irvine, associate professor of studio art in the UNCW department of art and art history. Remarks given at 6:30 p.m. • CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar, 5pm-9pm. CAM Café: Tues,-Sat., 11am-3pm; Sun., 10am-3pm; Wed.Thurs. 5-9pm. 910-395-5999. www.cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

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

STARRING CAPE FEAR

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

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages 2-12, and free under age 2. Northend of downtown, 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634. wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered MonFri, 10am-4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4-$12. The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St. 762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles

CROSSWORD

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2016 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

12/25/16

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

CHRISTMAS CAROLS: And Karol, Caroline, etc.

by S.N. ACROSS 1 Ethereal instruments 6 Minor falling-out 10 Very cold 15 Statistical collection 19 Second word of Gone With the Wind 20 Cantina order 21 In unison 22 Uttered 23 Carole who cowrote “Nobody Does It Better” 25 What the Carolina Hurricanes won in 2006 27 Something in the way 28 Command to a canine 30 Robin Hood beverage 31 Mideast airline 32 Jurassic World menaces 33 Sunset Boulevard star 37 Wrongdoer 40 Keel over 41 As compared to 42 Distinctive period 43 Lasso loop 44 Two-time honor for Joyce Carol Oates 46 Pal of Frodo 47 Concerning 48 One of Canada’s First Nations 49 A bit 50 Social outing 51 Barbecue spot 52 Sitcom where Carroll O’Connor was Helen Hunt’s dad 56 Bit of hearsay 57 Vessel to sail on or drink from 59 Dress carefully 60 Ones in a hurry 61 One of a carol’s 11 62 Tilted 63 Job bonuses 64 Not as fresh

66 The Very Hungry Caterpillar author 67 Evade 70 Steps off 71 Singer of Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend” 73 Old-school cheer 74 In the course of 75 __ en scène (stage setting) 76 Golf course teachers 77 Kilo- times 1,000 78 UK defence arm 79 A Christmas Carol clerk 83 Bakers’ implements 84 Yale student 85 Brainchild 86 Educator Montessori 87 Chin adornment 88 Slices of a century 90 Gave seconds to 91 Hoodlum 92 Direction opposite norte 93 Christmas VIP 94 Flute, for instance 98 Karol Wojtyla’s better-known name 102 Half of a Lewis Carroll twosome 104 Desert plant 105 Believe in 106 No longer happening 107 Pompeo of Grey’s Anatomy 108 Keg contents 109 Felipe VI, to his subjects 110 Performs hip-hop 111 Classic Christmas gifts for kids DOWN 1 “Knight of the road” 2 Ishmael’s captain 3 Tampa Bay baseballers 4 False show

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 26 29 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 48 50 52 53 54 55 56

Mrs. Smith’s rival Procrastinate Signal via beeper One-spot Act of twisting Historical French region Bass-baritone Simon Rich soil Cozy retreat Where Biden was senator Senior member Shape of a rainbow Sigma follower Chalet spot Lasting mark Spiral-horned antelope “Coming __ going out?”

Twerp SeaWorld orca Where Caroll Spinney has been a Bird and a Grouch Spellbinding speaker Finger pointers Uses scissors Greek column type Where the Caroline Islands are Use scissors __ the aisle (theater ticket request) Purchase authorization Up to now Weaver in rattan Stoops suddenly Is downcast __ citato (footnote phrase) Range of Russia Religious doctrine Not as prevalent

no storage space?

58 60 62 63 64 65 66

No longer squeaking Second attempts Debussy piece Tom Hanks, in Sully Didn’t mind donating Burrito alternative Julius Caesar conspirator Aleppo’s land Bird on the back of a buck Transitional period Conforms (with)

67 68 69 71

72 75 77 79 80 81 82 83 87

Greenhouse pest Become less intense Have good intentions Raise the price of, at auction User-friendly feature Ex-president who swore in Hoover Roddenberry, re Star Trek Some balloon animals “I approve!”

89 90 91 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 103

Seven-Emmy actor Move higher Attendees Speak unclearly Shed tears At leisure Can’t do without Cozy retreats Fast punch World Cup cheer Cultivating tool Web page ID St. since 1863

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

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40 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

LLOYDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SALES AND STORAGE 6505 Market St., Wilmington

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in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12-foot saltwater crocodile, “Bubble Boy” and “Sheena,” a 23ft long Reticulated Python that can swallow a human being whole! Giant Anaconda weighs 300 lbs, w/15 ft long King Cobras hood up and amaze you. See the Black Mamba, Spitting Cobras, Inland Taipans, Gaboon Vipers, Puff Adders, and more! Over 100 species, some so rare they are not exhibited anywhere else. One of the most famous reptile collections on earth.

Open everyday in summer, 11am-5pm (Sat. till 6 pm); winter schedule, Wed-Sun. 20 Orange St, across from the Historic Downtown Riverwalk, intersecting Front and Water Street. (910) 7621669 or www.capefearserpentarium.com.

BELLAMY MANSION

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.910-251-3700. www.bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

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

(910) 762-0570. burgwinwrighthouse.com.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Dec. 21, 9am-noon: New Year’s Noon: Countdown to the New Year with us at our family friendly mid-day celebration! Toast to 2017 with a juice toast, make a party crown, streamer sticks, glittery slime and more! The event culminates with an epic confetti toss at NOON in the courtyard!

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

nonprofits. www.playwilmington.org. 116 Orange St. 910-254-3534

kids stuff

dates your child will attend, to be sure of having enough seats and art materials. Julie: jcriser@ nhcgov.com or 910-798-6303. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St. FRENCH PLAYGROUP

SUPER SATURDAY FUN TIME

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

Dock the Dog and Dock Street Kids for 10 exciting episodes of Super Saturday Fun Time, TheatreNOW’s live theatrical show featuring local history and mystery and super guest stars, hosted

by Captain Coy T. Plunkett (Zach Hanner). Live music, games, cartoons, short films, and his favorite surf “nuggets.” Dock Street Kids and their always-hungry dog, Dock, solve adventures. Parents can even drop off kids ages 5+. Kid-friendly snacks and drinks available for purchase. Custom birthday packages with a chance to interact with characters and step onstage in the action.

STORY EXPLORERS

CAM, every Thurs., 10-10:30am: Admission by donation. Bring your infant, toddler or preschooler for story time, gallery exploration and an art project! georgia@cameronartmuseum.org for more info. 3201 S. 17th St.

PIRATE ISLAND TREASURE HUNT

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

Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

FRIDAYS FOR FUN

Volleyball instruction for kid every Friday at 4:30.

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

Capt’n Bills Backyard Grille, 4240 Market St.

MUSEUM EXPLORERS

11am: 1st program; 2pm: 2nd Program—Free for members or with general admission Ignite your curiosity! Discover history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear through interactive science investigations, hands-on exploration and unique artifacts. Activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage families to have fun together. Themes vary. Ages 5 and up. Appx. 45 minutes each time slot. Adult participation is rqd.

Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

STORY ART

Special program for kids in kindergarten through second grade. At each session they’ll hear a story that incorporates a different art concept, then have time to apply what they’ve seen and heard as they make their own art! Free but space limited. Register www.nhclibrary.org for the

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

PRE-K MATH AND SCIENCE

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

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

LEGO CHALLENGE

NHC Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 S. College Rd. Maureen Weinman, mweinman@nhcgov.com, 910-798-6393. Lego Challenge at Myrtle Grove Library is a fun way for kids to practice problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, visualizing three dimensional structures, communication, and motor skills! Participating children may work alone or in groups. Legos are scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month at New Hanover County’s Myrtle Grove Library. The sessions are free for kids ages 5 to 10. Space is limited, so preregister: www.nhclibrary.org or 910-7986393. 5155 S. College Rd.

LEFO CHECKOUT

Dec. 22, 2pm: Main Library Children’s Room will loan boxes of Legos to kids who want to play in the room on Thursday afternoon, December 22.

This is a half day for New Hanover County School students, which means it’s a great day to take a break from errands, visit the public library, and look for books to read over the holidays! No advance rreg. needed. t Children’s Librarian Julie Criser at 910-798-6303 or jcriser@nhcgov.com. nhclibrary.org.

“FICTION TO FASHION” CONTEST

Jan. 1, all day: Teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to compete in New Hanover County Public Library’s Third Annual Fashion Design Contest, “Fiction to Fashion”. Contestants will be challenged to design outfits from recycled books, cassette tapes, and CDs. Number of contestants in “Fiction to Fashion” is limited to 25. Registration is free and will be open from January 1 to 31, or until available slots are filled. Contestants may

GENUINE FACTORY

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42 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

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outdoors/recreation INSHORE BOTTOM FISHING

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

Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

BIRDING CRUISE

Join Capt Joe as he guides you on an open water exploration of the Intracoastal Waterway, inlet passages, and sandy barrier islands of Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. Come relax on the catamaran style boat while observing the diverse flora and fauna that coastal North Carolina has to offer. Topics will include as strong emphasis on shorebird identification and ecology, as well as coastal salt marsh function. $35 and $25/Senior. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

EAGLE ISLAND KAYAK TOUR

Explore Davis Creek and the Cape Fear River along Eagle Island learning about its history while observing wildlife. Cost: $45/person. Prereg. rqd. 341-0075 or reg., halyburtonpark.com.

Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

BIRD HIKES

Each hike: $10/person. Pre-reg. rqd. Each month we will explore a different site along the NC Birding Trail in the Coastal Plain. Each hike will be appx. 2 miles. Transportation from Halyburton Park is included. 12/15 - Wrightsville Beach. Call 341-0075 or Register Online at www.halyburtonpark.com. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS BIRD CRUISE

Watch the waterfront come alive in the holiday spirit! Enjoy a hot or cold drink aboard the Wilmington.The Wilmington is a 46’ catamaran, handicapped accessible, and with a full bar and a spacious bathroom on board. Cruise will last for an hour. We will be boarding at 5:30pm.(910)

CHIP KEYS for Domestics & AsiAN vehicles

REPLACEMENT

KeYless eNtrY remotes

select materials at the “Fiction to Fashion” orientation session on January 17 at Northeast Library.

Local fashion authorities will work with contestants on their artistic vision and presentation at a fashion forum on February 7, and a runway show rehearsal on February 21. Attendance at these three meetings is required. Runway show is scheduled for 7pm on February 23 at Expo 216 on Front Street. Contestants will model their designs for a live audience, and the fashion authorities will award special prizes to be announced at the event. http://libguides.nhclibrary.org/newse/ f2f. Scooter Hayes: shayes@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6393. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

for cArs AND trUcKs

AND locK A-1 sAfe 799-0131

sAve BiG over DeAler PriciNG Call Doug Mon.-Fri. 9am to 4pm

2803 Carolina Beach Rd.

1 Block South Of Shipyard • Wilmington

Upcoming Events: MONDAY, JAN 2 | 7:00 P.M. Men’s Basketball vs. Elon FRIDAY, JAN 6 | 11:30 A.M. Women’s Basketball vs. Delaware THURSDAY, JAN 12 | 7:00 P.M. Men’s Basketball vs. William and Mary FRIDAY, JAN 13 | 7:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs. Drexel SUNDAY, JAN 15 | 2:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs. William and Mary

@uncwathletics

1.800.808.UNCW OR VISIT

UNCWSPORTS.COM/BUYTICKETS encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 43

338-3134. Reservations required. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12.

Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St. FIRST DAY HIKE

Jan. 1, 2pm: Start the New Year off with some fresh air! Join us on our First Day Hike. Be one of many hikers participating in First Day Hike in State Parks throughout all 50 states. Meet the ranger at the marina trail head parking lot for a 2 mile hike to Sugarloaf Dune. Wear good hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. (910) 458-8206. Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road

classes ART CLASSES

Watercolor and Colored Pencils, Shells and Sea Creature: Project will teach you great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. • Multimedia Nature Print, Wed., 10am-noon and 2-4pm: Learn great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. • Paper Quilt Collage, 10am-noon and 2-4pm: This project will teach you great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. • Oil Pastel/Colored Pencil Designs, Sat., 10amnoon: This project will teach you great creative skills in a fun, easy to do project that will produce beautiful results. Sign up and see $20 for one/ $75 for all projects. Materials supplied. loislight@bellsouth.net or call 910 547-8115. Sun Room Studio, 6905 Southern Exposure

WINE AND WATERCOLOR

Led by Nick Mijak. Every Tues. evening start-

ing at 7:30 class is led by local watercolor artist Nick Mijak, we always enjoy a nice glass of wine while we learn some fundamental techniques of the mysterious medium of watercolor. The idea is to take the fear out of watercolor and learn the fun. All materials provided, and each participant gets a completed painting they are proud of by the end of the evening. Come join the fun, at Bar Local! Bar Local, Bellas: 19 Market St. KIDS COOKING CLASSES

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

5500 Market Street Suite 110.

BOOK MAKING FOR TEENS

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

BOOK NOOK

Hands-on computer workshop at Northeast Library is for avid readers! Librarian Carla Sarratt will walk you through a variety of online tools for the reading community. At this training session you’ll learn tricks and tips for discovering read-

ing and readalike suggestions using the Library’s own online catalog and website, NoveList, and Goodreads. You’ll also explore self-published books by Indie authors on Biblioboard! Seats limited and prereg. rqd. for free. www.nhclibrary. org or 910-798-6371. Carla Sarratt, 910-7986371; csarratt@nhcgov.com. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. HALYBURTON PARK FITNESS CLASSES

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

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

BACKLIT YOGA

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

CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM SEMINAR

Opportunity to experience more of what we have been talking about in a 10-week seminar/discussion on Christian Mysticism. Local author, John Evans will use the draft copy of his new book, Discovery Prayer, Experiencing God as Jesus Did, to present more effective prayer/meditation methods. Teaching and discussion will be flavored with poetry by the author and other mystics such as Saint Theresa of Avila and Meister Eckhart.The intent is to equip those who attend to make a fresh and more effective approach to intimacy with God. Pomegranate Bookstore, 4118 Parke Ave., Saturday mornings, at 10am. Meeting 1/ 7, 14, 21. RSVP to insightbuilders@gmail. com. Each meeting is self-sufficient and useful.

CAPE FEAR FENCING

Cape Fear Fencing Association 8 week beginning fencing class for homeschool students starts Jan 4, 1pm, in the basement of the Tileston gym. Class will meet for approximately 1 hour on Wednesdays. All fencing equipment provided, students should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Appropriate for ages 8 - 18. Cost $40 plus a $10 membership to USA Fencing good until July 31. Taught by Internationally accredited instructor.

lectures/literary PEDALING FOR PAGES BOOK CLUB

Arrive by bike to receive the bicycle discount everyday. We do have a bike rack just outside the door and two more on the block. The group will read a selection that includes, fiction, biography, history, and memoir. Open to all levels of bicycle interest and ability. Meetings are last Thursday of the month at 6pm. Nov—Bike Snob: Systematically and Mercilessly Realigning the World of Cycling by BikeSnobNYC. Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.

BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

44 encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will host free Begin the Conversation clinics from 10-11 a.m. the third Fri. of ea. mo., Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center, 1414 Physicians Dr. Free to adults, 18 and older, will provide attendees information and resources to think about and plan for future healthcare decisions. Attendees will receive specific strategies for initiating conversations that can significantly

reduce family stress and improve quality of care.

Advance directives supplied so healthcare instructions can be legally documented. Jason Clamme, 910-796-7943. jason.clamme@lcfh.org.

clubs/notices POKEMON LEAGUE

Come out to Cape Fear Games on Sunday evenings to catch them all by learning to play the Pokemon Trading Card game, battle and trade in the video games, or enjoy the store’s Pokemon Go Pokestop. All ages are welcome to our family friendly environment. www.facebook.com/ groups/CFGPokemon. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC

Format of Magic: The Gathering tournaments, held on Friday nights in gaming stores and associations all across the world. They are designed to be a beginner-friendly introduction to organized play. Standard format. $6 fee paid towards prize support for event. Prizes are a pack per win and also if you complete all 4 rounds. Event begins at 7pm, reg. begins at 6pm. Arrive early for event reg. Free play, $6 entry fee first FNM Free.

Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D.

BIRTH CIRCLE

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

EXPECTING MAMA’S CIRCLE

Sat, noon: Come chat with other pregnant mamas who are going through the same thing as you! Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding USA counselor, and Postpartum Doula, Jess Zeffiro will moderate a free Pregnancy Meetup Group. Expectant mothers are invited to pop into the group at any time to share their stories, ask questions, and connect with great area resources. Share your stories with each other and have any pregnancy and birth related questions answered in a supportive and caring environment.

The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

LA LECHE LEAGUE

Sat., 10am, meetings are informal and are open to pregnant women, mothers, babies and children. If you have questions about breastfeeding or just would like to meet other breastfeeding mothers, this is the meeting for you. La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Available by phone for breastfeeding questions or concerns.

The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

ST. PAUL’S

Midweek Holy Eucharist: Every Wed. at 12:10 p.m. for Holy Eucharist followed by community lunch (suggested donation, $5). • Choral Evenson every second Wednesday, followed by supper and Christian Formation discussion. Evensong is a sung service of evening prayer, psalms, canticles, and scripture readings. Ancient part of the Anglican tradition, ever renewing the soul.

Sung by the Choir of St. Paul’s. www.spechurch. com. 910-762-4578. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.

culinary

FERMENTAL

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

Share cups available. All genres. All beer styles • Dec. 31, 7pm: Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration incl. full evening of live music from a collection of local talent including Kyle Lindley, Sean Richardson, and the Sany Pose Duo. Coupled by a rotating selection of rare beers on tap throughout the evening, wines by the glass, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, this after-hours event is a unique and casual alternative way to celebrate the arrival of a new year. The Goin’ Ham Burger Truck will be on site at 7pm with an evening of fine, hand-crafted edibles for everyone. Free. No reservations required. 910821-0362 for details. Fermental, 7250 Market St.

RIVER BLUFFS FARMER’S MARKET

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

MAKE FRENCH MACARONS

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

FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

BEER BINGO

Every Thursday night for beer bingo. No charge for cards. Great prizes. Food and drink specials.

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

AYCE OYSTER ROAST

Every Friday for All You Can Eat oysters, shell on shrimp, fried shrimp, hushpuppies and slaw.

Only $34.95. Local oysters. Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

NPR’s Scott Simon interviewed jazz pianist and songwriter Robert Glasper, who has created nine albums, won a Grammy, and collaborated with a range of great musicians. Simon asked him if he had any frustrations—“grand ambitions” that people discouraged him from pursuing. Glasper said yes. He’d really like to compose and sing hip-hop rhymes. But his bandmates just won’t go along with him when he tries that stuff. I hope that Glasper, who’s an Aries, SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) will read this horoscope and take heart from what I’m about to predict: In 2017 In August 2012 a group of tourists visited the Eldgja volcanic region in you may finally get a “yes!” from people who have previously said “no!” to your Iceland. After a while they noticed a fellow traveler was missing. Guides grand ambitions. organized a search party, which worked well into the night, to try and track down the lost woman. At 3 a.m. one of the searchers suddenly realized she TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Humans have drunk hot tea for over two millennia. Chinese emperors were herself was the missing person everyone was looking for. The misunderenjoying it as far back as the second century B.C. Yet it wasn’t until the 20th standing had occurred many hours earlier because she had slipped away century that anyone dreamed up the idea of enclosing tea leaves in conve- to change her clothes, and no one recognized her in her new garb. This nient one-serving bags to be efficiently brewed. I foresee you either generating is a good teaching story for you to meditate on in 2017, Scorpio. I’d love or stumbling upon comparable breakthroughs in 2017, Taurus. Long-running to see you change so much you’re almost unrecognizable. And I’d love to traditions or customs will undergo simple but dramatic transformations that see you help people go searching for the new you. streamline your life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

In 2017 you will be at the peak of your ability to forge new alliances and deepen existing alliances. You’ll have a sixth sense for cultivating professional connections that can serve your noble ambitions for years to come.

I encourage you to be alert for new possibilities that might be both useful for your career and invigorating for your social life. The words “work” and “fun” will belong together! To achieve the best results, formulate a clear vision of the community and support system you want.

“What you do is what counts and not what you had the intention of doing,” Pablo Picasso said. If I had to choose a single piece of advice to serve as your steady flame in 2017, it might be that quote. If you agree, I invite you to conduct this experiment: On the first day of each month, take a piece of paper and write down three key promises you’re making to yourself. Add a brief analysis of how well you have lived up to those promises in the previous four weeks.

Then describe in strong language how you plan to better fulfill those promises in the coming four weeks.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) During the campaign for U.S. President in 1896, Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan traveled 18,000 miles as he made speeches all over the country. But the Republican candidate, William McKinley, never left his hometown of Canton, Ohio. He urged people to visit him if they wanted to hear what he had to say. The strategy worked. The speeches he delivered from the front porch of his house drew 750,000 attendees and played an important role in his election. I recommend a comparable approach for you in the coming months, Cancerian. Invoke all your attractive power as you invite interested parties to come see you and deal with you on your home turf.

tors syndiCate HOLIDAY WINE AND CHARCUTERIE TASTING

Dec. 21, 4pm: Co-op for a tasting of a selection

vertently loses a feather on one wing, it will purposely shed a comparable feather on the other wing. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, this strategy has metaphorical meaning for life in 2017. Do you want to soar with maximum grace and power? Would you like to ascend and dive, explore and scout, with ease and exuberance? Learn from the eagle’s instinctual wisdom.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Capricorn writer Edgar Allan Poe has been an important cultural influence.

His work appears on many “must-read” lists of 19th-century American literature. During the time he was alive, his best-selling book was not his famous poem “The Raven,” nor his short story “The Gold-Bug,” nor his novel “The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.” Rather, it was “The Conchologist’s First Book,” a textbook about mollusk shells, which he didn’t actually write but merely translated and edited. If I’m reading the astrological omens correctly, 2017 will bring events to help ensure your fate is different from Poe’s. I see the coming months as a time when your best talents will be seen and appreciated better than ever before.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

“Poetry is a way of knowledge, but most poetry tells us what we already know,” poet Charles Simic writes. I would say the same thing about a lot of art, theater, film, music, and fiction: Too often it presents well-crafted repetitions of ideas we have heard before. In my astrological opinion, Leo, 2017 will be a time when you’ll need to rebel against that limitation. You will thrive by searching for sources that provide you with novel information and unique understandings.

Simic says: “The poem I want to write is impossible: a stone that floats.” I say: Be on the lookout for stones that float.

“My goal is to create a life that I don’t need a vacation from,” motivational author Rob Hill Sr. says. That’s an implausible dream for most people. But in 2017 it will be less implausible than it has ever been for you Aquarians. I don’t guarantee it will happen. But there is a decent chance you’ll build a robust foundation for it, and thereby give yourself a head start that enables you to accomplish it by 2019. Here’s a tip on how to arouse and cultivate your motivation: Set an intention to drum up and seek out benevolent “shocks” that expand your concepts of who you are and what your life is about.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

*The Economist* magazine reports if someone wanted to transport $10 million in bills, he or she would have to use eight briefcases. Sadly, after evaluating your astrological omens for 2017, I’ve determined you won’t ever have a need for that many. If you find yourself in a situation where you must carry bundles of money from one place to another, one suitcase always will be sufficient. But I also want to note a sizable stash of cash can fit into a single suitcase. And it’s not out of the question such a scenario could transpire for you in the coming months. In fact, I foresee a better chance for you to get richer quicker than I’ve seen in years.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

The birds known as “winter wrens” live in the Puget Sound area of Washington. They weigh barely half an ounce, and their plain brown coloring makes their appearance unremarkable. Yet, they are the avian equivalents of the opera star Pavarotti. If they weighed as much as roosters, their call would be 10 times as strong as the rooster’s cock-a-doodle-doo. Their melodies are rich and complex; one song may have more than 300 notes.

When in peak form, the birds can unleash cascades at the rate of 36 notes per second. I propose we make the winter wren your spirit animal in 2017, Pisces. To a casual observer, you may not look like you can generate so much virtuosity and lyrical power. According to my analysis, you can .

For a bald eagle in flight, feathers are crucial in maintaining balance. If it inad-

encore |december 21 - december 27, 2016 | www.encorepub.com 45

of our wines just in time for the holiday weekend!

Try something new and take home a new favorite.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be sampling local meat, cheese, and other accoutrements to create a charcuterie platter perfect for the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many get-togethers.

Tidal Creek Cooperative, 5329 Oleander Dr. 2016 CHRISTMAS EVEN COMMUNITY DINNER

Dec. 24, 6pm: Pine Valley United Methodist Church will provide a free, traditional Christmas meal and holiday celebration to individuals and families in need on Dec. 24. The 2016 Pine Valley UMC Christmas Eve Community Outreach brings more than 100 volunteers together to feed over 3,300 people and celebrate the holiday. We will be preparing and delivering meals to different shelters and charity organizations throughout the community as well as hosting a dinner at 6 pm at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. 3788 Shipyard Blvd.

support groups CHADD

Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. This free support group is open to a growing group of parents, grandparents and individuals affected by AD/ HD who understand what it takes to face its daily challenges. Free. Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., bldg B. WilmingtonCHADD.org

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Life Community Church, located inside Independence Mall, will have a Celebrate Recovery meeting every Monday evening at 6:30 pm starting

with fellowship followed by a large group meeting at 7pm. Support groups for men and women follow at 8 pm. The meeting is in the Extension located across from Branches bookstore and the church auditorium. For more information. contact Jodie at 910-547-8973, 791-3859 or Lifecc.com.

Life Community Church, 3500 Oleander Dr. PFLAG

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

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Thurs., 6pm: Meets in Classroom C, Ground Floor. Men and spouses welcome from the entire Cape Fear area. Discussion/programs. www. wilmingtonprostatecancersupportgroup.com.

910-792-9953.

COPING WITH THE LOSS OF A CHILD

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

The group will meet from 10 am-noon Wed., Dec. 14; Jan. 11; Jan. 18; and Feb. 1; at Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Dr. (910) 796-7991. Grief groups provide comfort, care, support and the tools needed to help families get through this difficult time. Often being around others who have been through a similar experience enables participants to talk about what they are experiencing. Grief groups help emphasize that participants are not grieving alone and others understand and can support them on their grief journey.

tours LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Explore the rich culture of our talented Southern

town with a 90 minute walking tour of the literary sion and include a â&#x20AC;&#x153;behind the scenesâ&#x20AC;? sneak history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;The peek. Pre-registration is required: 910-798-4362 Two Libraries.â&#x20AC;? Walk the streets of your favorite or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Free w/general novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when admission or membership. Cape Fear Museum, he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books 814 Market St. on Front St. 249 N. Front St. www.brownpaperSUNSET TOUR tickets.com/event/1282390 Nightly, 6:30pm Wrightsville Beach Scenic CONFEDERATE WALKING TOURS Tours offers several versions of its famed Sunset Experience Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people, history and Cruise. All depart the Blockade Runner Dock architecture in the late antebellum period and at 6:30 pm and return at 8:00 pm. Tours depart during the conflict, conducted by noted Wilmearlier in the Spring and Fall. Routes vary with ington historian Bernhard Thuersam Walk in the season, weather, and whim on the Basic Sunset footsteps of George Washington, James Monroe, Cruise but may include Masonboro Island, FigDaniel Webster, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis ure Eight Island, Bradley Creek, Money Island or and more. In-depth 90-minute tours are by appt, some other combination. Water, marsh, ShamSunday through Saturday, 910-619-4619 or bernrock, sunset â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simple combination but very hard1848@gmail.com. Personalized tours downsatisfying. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 town and local forts available. Foot of Market St. Waynick Blvd. www.wrightsvillebeachscenicwww.cfhi.net. tours.com GHOST WALK

6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors LATIMER HOUSE TOURS Dec. 31, 11am: The Latimer House, built in 1852 through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmingby Zebulon Latimer, has housed the Lower Cape ton. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. AdmisFear Historic Society since 1963. This historic sion charge. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910home is exemplary of upper class life in Wilm794-1866; hauntedwilmington.com   ington during the Victorian Period. With 14 rooms HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS containing over 600 Historic objects (including Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours furniture, jewelry, ephemera, tableware, tools and of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver more) the Latimer House evokes memories of a who narrates a unique adventure along the rivhighly elegant era. Tours begin at 11am and 1pm erfront and past stately mansions. Market and and do not require reservations. On Sat. the tours Water sts. $12/adult, $5/child. (910) 251-8889. are on the hour from 10am to 2pm. Cost is $12 www.horsedrawntours.com plus tax for adults, $10 for AAA/Military, and $6 INSIDERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOUR for Students and Children over 5. Children under Curious about the Cape Fear? Explore the his5 are free. The Latimer House is not handicap tory of your community at Cape Fear Museum. assessable. Lower Cape Fear Historical Society: Take the Insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tour offered the 2nd Tuesday of www.LCFHS.org. Latimer House, 126 S. 3rd St. each month at 10am. Tours are free with admis-

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