December 5, 2018

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

VOL. 36/ PUB.18 DEC. 5-DEC. 11, 2018

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EVENT OF THE WEEK

Friday, May 6 -8,111 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. p.m.

ON THE COVER

A Merry Little Christmas Festival Poplar Grove (10200 US Hwy 17 N.) is hosting a European Winter Bazaar at their Merry Little Christmas Festival, running two weekends: December 7-9 and December 14-16! Explore arts and craft vendors through intimate pathways adorn with starry lights. The grounds and barnyard will be decorated and interactive activities provided for kids. Plus, the historic manor house will be open for candlelit tours.

Visit www.poplargrove.org for full details. Entry is $5; candlelit manor tours, $15-$20.

12 TASTES (OR MORE!) OF CHRISTMAS, PG. 31 Nothing Bundt Cakes is one of several eateries serving up bite-sized goodies, like their new peppermint-chocolate chip flavor, at this year’s 12 Tastes (or more!) of Christmas to benefit DREAMS of Wilmington on December 13.

They’ll be joined by more than a two dozen other vendors, who will also serve savory and sweet nibbles and sips of cocktails, beer and wine, at the “Christmas Vacation”-themed soirée. Courtesy photo, Nothing Bundt Cakes

MUSIC>> Saturday’s Homegrown Holiday at UNCW will feature Zoe & Cloyd, who are preparing to head back to the studio in January to cut a new record inspired by traditional bluegrass, klezmer and other genres.

Photo by David Simchock

T

EDITORIAL>

Editor-in-Chief:

PG. 8

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

Assistant Editor:

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

<<THEATRE

Art Director/Office Manager:

Big Dawg’s revival of ‘Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol’ is not-to-miss, as it guides audiences through a familiar tale from a new perspective at Cape Fear Playhouse, running through December 16.

PG. 18

Photo by Steven Bevels

Photo by Rosa Bianca

Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus,

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

Intern: Nina Caruso SALES>

F

DINING>> Rosa Bianca visits Grace Street’s latest occupant, Rumcow, which is serving up fanastic eats, like superior burgers and fries (right), to kickin’ chicken and waffles with heat ... oh, and bomb cocktails.

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.

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

Advertising:

Megan Henry // megan@encorepub.com John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

PG. 29

Published on Wednesday by HP Media. Opinions of contributing writers are not the opinions of encore.

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • OpEd, pg. 6• News of the Weird, pg. 7 Music, pgs. 8-13 • Art, pgs. 14-17 • Theatre, pgs. 18-19 • Film, pg. 21 • Dining, pgs. 22-31 Extra pg. 32-35 • Fact or Fiction, pg. 34 • Crossword, pg. 37 • Calendar, pgs. 36-47

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

910-763-2052

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NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL:

The battle at the border and contemplating immigration in America BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

IMMIGRATION IN NC: Last summer’s production of Old Colony Players’ ‘From This Day Forward’ in Valdese, North Carolina. Photo, courtesy of Old Colony Players

“I

t’s a great season, but how do you get people to come see it who aren’t already on board with its message?”

I remember asking Big Dawg Productions’ artistic director, Steve Vernon, about a previous season he put together, including “The Laramie Project” (about the Matthew Shephard hate crime) and “Twelve Angry Men.” I spend a lot of time thinking about how art should challenge and enlighten, but also how it’s approached as commerce.

Those who present it have to convince others to spend money to engage with it. So how do we get folks who have decided they disagree with its message (like in, say, “The Laramie Project”) let alone pay for it?

Oddly, Benedict Cumberbatch seems to have figured out how to do an end-run around that question. Now internationally famous for his television and film roles, also he is a talented stage actor. In 2015

he played the title character in a much-discussed production of Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.”

Like many people unable to travel to London to see it live at the Barbican Theatre, I waited with baited breath for The National Theatre Live! broadcast (thank you, Osher Lifelong Learning Center). After the curtain call, Mr. Cumberbatch read an excerpt from a poem by Warsan Shire, titled “Home,” and asked the audience to donate to Save the Children. It is an incredible piece of poetry that makes real the decision-making process that leads people to seek asylum. We don’t have permission to reprint the entire poem (which is extremely powerful), but here are a few quotes: “no one puts their children in a boat / unless the water is safer than the land “no one leaves home unless / home is the mouth of a shark. You only run for the bor-

4 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

der / when you see the whole city / running as well.”

emotions my brain and heart throw up in response, I find this:

It also became an unexpected answer to my quandary. Because what Mr. Cumberbatch did was use his celebrity to reach people with a message that many would not have sought out on their own.

Dear gods, what must a mother fear to flee with two toddlers on foot through a desert to confront this? And still try to move forward rather than backward? When is tear gas and an armed wall a better option than what you are leaving?

Looking at the images of refugees getting tear gassed at the US/Mexican border last week ...

Looking at the images of refugees getting tear gassed at the US/Mexican border last week …

Looking at the images of refugees getting tear gassed at the US/Mexican border last week …

Well, I’m not sure how to try to finish the sentence.

From myriad struggling and conflicting

The twin thought: How can the people wielding the tear gas follow such an order?

How can they sleep at night? How are they going to live with this for the rest of their lives?

It has rendered me sleepless and thus I have been back to my old late-night internet trolling grounds: The NCPedia, developed by the librarians at the NC State Library, to answer frequent questions about the Old North State. For some, it is pornography; for others, late-night online

shopping. For me it is North Carolina history. We all have our buttons.

Dig this as an opening sentence from the NCPedia article on immigration: “Immigration has been the means by which North Carolina came into existence, steadily grew through decades of changing population trends and expansion, and ultimately emerged as an ethnically diverse modern state in the early 21st century.”

In our collective American mythology, we tend to think of ourselves as all somehow descended from the first British colonists that landed with the Mayflower. Even when we individually know families arrived at different times from different locations, it fits more comfortably into a national narrative that can be more easily taught and assimilated to a collective racial idea. Yet, somehow, it manages to exclude or gloss over people who were brought here forcibly, against their will and separated from their loved ones permanently, bound and chained in the belly of a slave ship. Just to put it into perspective, the census estimates about a quarter of North Carolina’s population is African American.

Yes, the Colony of North Carolina was administered by the Lords Proprietors from England. However, very early on (roughly 1710s) a major wave of immigration came

to the area now known as New Bern from Swiss and Germans fleeing their homelands.

“The Swiss were paupers whom the city government of Bern looked upon as undesirables and wished to remove from the area,” according to NCPedia.

Mmmmm.

And the Germans? Well, this group had been caught in the crosshairs of multiple wars and then a starvation winter in 1708.

It looked like a case of “leave while you are still alive to do so.”

Our area, the Lower Cape Fear, was predominately settled initially by people out of the British empire: the undesirables.

The Welsh, the Scotch-Irish and Highland Scots.

NCPedia points out: “High rents, burdensome taxes, unemployment, and famine in Ireland had driven away the ScotchIrish in particular.”

Mmmm. White immigration that built this state is starting to look strikingly similar to people from Latin America fleeing, war, famine and political/economic oppression.

Many of our early settlers came out of prisons and debtors courts. The use of Australia for criminal transportation grew out of the American Revolution, eliminat-

ing the American Colonies as a dumping ground for the British courts. In the 1780s the expansion into the middle and western part of the state began in earnest. The Piedmont attracted many Germans and Moravians who came down “The Great Wagon Road” from the Pennsylvania area. The mountains began to see settlement largely from the Scotch-Irish, English and German areas.

Several waves of immigration came to North Carolina to escape religious persecution. Should North Carolinians ever get a chance to visit Valdese, in Burke County, in the summer, check out the incredible outdoor drama, “From This Day Forward.”

It chronicles the plight of the Waldensians escaping religious persecution in the Alps.

The now-defunct Van Eeden Settlement for German Jews in the late 1930s was one of Hugh MacRae’s immigration projects.

Readers may be familiar with several other project names: “St. Helena” for Italian immigrants, “Artesia” for the Dutch and Polish immigrants, a place for German immigrants called “New Berlin,” until World War I when it was renamed “Delco,” and “Castle Hayne” for Dutch and Hungarian immigrants. All were plans for settling European immigrants in our area—part of MacRae’s desire to increase the white voting population. (He was one of the perpetrators of the

1898 coup on Wilmington.)

In a more modern context, the second half of the 20th century saw North Carolina accepting refugees from the US intervention in Southeast Asia. Though Asian immigration to the South began much earlier, the 1800s. But it was at such a trickle that the literally three people of Asian descent who served in the Confederate Army are identifiable—two were sons of the famous Eng and Chang Bunker, the Siamese twins who toured with Barnum, and owned both plantations and slaves in North Carolina.

When Jock was naturalized as an American citizen last summer, one of the most surprising and genuinely moving parts of the ceremony was the focus on the diversity of cultures that brought everybody to that room that day. John Kelly, then secretary of Homeland Security, delivered a prerecorded speech and lauded strengths of a country that embraced diversity, accumulated wisdom and knowledge the new citizens brought with them to make America stronger and better.

I am prepared to say right now, I do not have the personal strength or reserve to face down tear gas while trying to protect my child. That is a force of almost superhuman will and desperation. Anyone prepared to come that far will go the distance to build opportunities for that child.

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VIEWS>>OP-ED

PARDON THE TURKEY:

Cultivating character through service BY: MARK BASQUILL

“C

an you believe what he tweeted?” a worried runner said while warming up for the Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot. I headed to the run to jumpstart the holiday season spirit of giving and support Habitat for Humanity—a nonprofit that builds houses for those in need. Former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn have driven more than a few nails building homes with this group over the last three decades.

I continued stretching but prepared to move on to another spot, should my Thanksgiving morning mojo be gobbled up by yet another conversation about our nation’s most distracting attention-seeking turkey.

“Oh, give it a rest,” the worried runner’s more jovial friend said. “We’re here to support Habitat for Humanity, work off last night’s rum, and work up an appetite for dinner. Pardon that turkey. At least for today, huh?”

“But, he’s…” the worried runner continued.

“Irrelevant,” chuckled the jovial runner, as he sunk into a runner’s lunge. “There’s a Mars landing coming up in a few days.

As long as the president doesn’t push the big red button, that Mars landing is more significant than he’ll ever be. We’ll all have a happier holiday season by exploring space, building houses, sharing meals with each other, than by getting all worked up about his next rage-tweet.”

The “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung.

The starting horn sounded. I smiled and circled the Loop, and felt a little more grateful than when I got out of bed and saw the thermometer.

As soon as the members of the pack began sorting themselves into their pace, an older man trundled by me with a twinkle in his eye. He had to be well in his 70s.

He reminded me of our indomitable former Commander-in-Chief Jimmy Carter, still building houses and making strides toward peace in his mid-‘90s.

President Carter was laughed at in his

time partly because of his lack of personality. Many people think he did a lousy job in the Oval Office. But his only real crime was he was boring. America will put up with a lot, but we cannot stomach boring.

President Carter created both the Department of Energy and Department of Education. He was candid and correct in his administration’s assessment that solutions to energy, education, and other major national problems faced at the time would require long-term thinking, and coordination between big business, government and citizenry. He brokered peace between Egypt and Israel and his foreignpolicy focus on human rights is still ahead of its time.

Perhaps the two best things about Carter were his lack of charisma, and how he knew the difference between building a house and making a deal to have one built. He lacked most of the qualities of “celebrity.” He was not a member of the cult of personality. He was probably the only president of either party in the last 50 years that can say his personality didn’t get him elected.

As I came off the bridge for the last mile, I reflected on how important knowing the difference between building a house and making a deal to have one built is.

It’s a distinction that seems to be lost on our current president and his faithful. It’s understandable, though. Jimmy Carter cultivated his character through service; he served in the Navy, fed his family and many others by producing peanuts, and served his communities in several different elected positions.

This is our current president’s very first service job. He crafted his celebrity by choosing not to serve in the military or in politics. He made his money by making deals designed to improve his lot and his legacy alone. He is what Adam Smith termed a “rent-seeker.” Basically, “rentseekers” try to grab as much of the pie as possible but don’t actually bake any pie.

They don’t create wealth as much as work to shift existing wealth to themselves, often with as little effort on their parts as possible.

I crossed the finish line and smiled.

My jovial runner friend had a great idea.

I pardoned our national turkey on Thanksgiving morning, and intend to keep the pardon in force the rest of the holiday season—maybe even until the new house of representatives is seated!

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY

A Bank of America ATM in Houston was the scene of a near-riot on November 25 when it began dispensing $100 bills instead of $10s, reported Click2Houston. After the first lucky driver posted his score on social media, a crowd showed up and stood in line, with a few fights and arguments breaking out over about two hours, until police were summoned and the free money was shut down. Bank of America released a statement the next day that would have galled Ebenezer Scrooge: “Customers will be able to keep the money dispensed.” Turns out the blame lay with a vendor who incorrectly loaded $100 bills into the $10 slot. There was no report of how much money was withdrawn.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS

Richard Robert Langely, 46, of Kansas City, Missouri, was working part time for the Platte Woods Police Department in October when he decided to take part in the department’s drug take-back program. Except, according to court documents, Langely wasn’t disposing of drugs; he was helping himself to pills that had been collected in Lake Waukomis. And to make matters worse, the Kansas City Star reported, his own body camera captured evidence enabling prosecutors to charge him with felony theft of a controlled substance. Langely is scheduled to appear in court on December 10.

Wesley Glenn Bost, 27, of Birmingham, Alabama, made quite the impression when he fell through the ceiling of a Waffle House in Tuscumbia on November 4, not least because he wasn’t wearing pants. Bost apparently went into the restaurant’s bathroom and used his pants to tie the door shut, then, said Tuscumbia police Detective Sgt. Wes Holland, climbed into the ceiling with the intent of robbing the office.

WHNT News reported that video of the incident shows Bost shoving other restaurant patrons on his way to the door, which was being held shut by people outside, before hitting the door with his shoulder and falling to the floor. Finally

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PICKY, PICKY

A referee in a Women’s Super League soccer match in Manchester City, England, stayed cool at the start of the televised game on Oct. 26 when he realized he’d forgotten his coin for the kickoff coin toss. Thinking quickly, David McNamara had the captains of the Manchester City and Reading teams play “Rock, Paper, Scissors” instead. But the Football Association, soccer’s governing body in England, was unamused, and on November 26, McNamara began a 21-day suspension after accepting a charge of “not acting in the best interests of the game,” according to the BBC. An FA refereeing manager said: “He should have been more prepared. ... It’s very unprofessional.”

THURS

It happens all the time: A vehicle crashes into a building, causing damage and sometimes injury, because brakes don’t function or a driver steps on the wrong pedal. In the case of Keith Rio Cavalier, 28, however, there was more to the story. WLOX reported that Cavalier drove his 1997 Toyota Tacoma into a glass wall at the Harrison County courthouse in Gulfport, Mississippi, on November 10 at around 6 a.m. The building was empty, so there were no injuries, and Cavalier can be clearly seen on surveillance video climbing out of the truck and leaving the scene. When police caught up to him, Cavalier told them he intentionally struck the building in order to report drug paraphernalia had been stolen from him.

It will come as no surprise that Cavalier was found to have been driving under the influence and arrested; he was held at the county jail on $25,000 bond.

FRI

COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS

SAT

Akihiko Kondo, 35, of Tokyo, spent $18,000 on a November 4 wedding ceremony to marry the love of his life, Hatsune Miku—a computergenerated hologram with big eyes and long, turquoise hair. Kondo told Reuters he found Hatsune Miku, who has thousands of fans around the world, singing on the internet. The wedding ceremony included traditions such as the exchange of rings (hers was placed on the finger of a stuffed doll created in her image) and friends and relatives in attendance, although Kondo’s parents did not attend. “I believe the shape of happiness and love is different for each person,” Kondo said.

SUN

WAIT, WHAT?

he managed to flee ... without his trousers ... which held his driver’s license.

ford on November 24. But she became the star of the show when wedding guests discovered her having sex with another guest in a room at the venue, according to WSRZ Radio. A security guard summoned Parker County Sheriff’s deputies, who found Mehta yelling by a fountain on the property, according to their report.

She then walked to a tree and urinated. While she waited in the back of the patrol car, Mehta screamed: “Y’all families will be dead by Christmas. Y’alls daughters are dead. My dad is going to find out about this, and y’all are ... dead.

D-E-A-D.” At the jail, officers found a bottle of anxiety pills, which they believe she mixed with alcohol, causing her erratic behavior. She faces charges of public intoxication and obstruction/ retaliation.

All good things must come to an end, and so it seems for Robert Craig Davis, 70, of Key Largo, Florida. Drivers in South Florida had reported seeing a Chrysler Pacifica minivan rigged with a clever device that lowered a black cloth over its license plate each time it drove through an automated toll plaza. But on November 17, according to FLKeysNews.com, an off-duty Florida highway patrolman spotted the vehicle as it passed through the Bird Road toll plaza and he alerted his fellow troopers. Sgt. Carlos Vanegas soon stopped Davis, according to the arrest report, and found a remote control device used to operate the license plate cover. “The actions of the defendant showed an ongoing course of conduct with intent to defraud the SunPass toll system,” trooper Dennis Gallo wrote in his report. Davis was charged with organized fraud and petit theft.

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WHAT IS FAME?

Former Toronto Blue Jays star Jose Bautista has another honor to add to his resume, thanks to entomologist Bob Anderson of the Canadian Museum of Nature. On November 22, reported the Associated Press, Anderson named a newly discovered species of beetle after the star third baseman and right fielder.

Sicoderus bautistai is a small black weevil found in the Dominican Republic, where Bautista hails from. “I thought what a great way to kind of recognize (Bautista’s) contributions to Blue Jays baseball and to Canadian baseball, really, as a whole,” said Anderson. The scientist has named about 120 weevils over his career.

AWESOME!

Katherine Leigh Mehta, 26, of Arlington, Texas, accepted a gig to photograph a wedding at The Springs Event Venue in Weather-

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

www.tadsbarbershop.com encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 7

ARTS>>MUSIC

IN WITH THE OLD, INSPIRE THE NEW:

Zoe & Cloyd talk family ties and tradition in their music, play Homegrown Holiday this Saturday “Running on Empty” is about parenting.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

“It’s an interesting fusion of different styles,” she says of their latest collection.

“Music is moving into this direction of not fitting into boxes of genres or people, and it’s nice to have it go in that direction—especially in our world of acoustic-American music.”

I

t’s an art form rarely heard any more— but 2018 has welcomed its sounds to Wilmington twice now. encore reported on traditional klezmer music last spring when woodwind instrumentalist Seth Kibel arrived to perform at the Juggling Gypsy.

The music most notably was heard at weddings and other celebrations in the Old Country a century ago. However, as Jewish immigrants and asylum-seekers came across the pond in the 19th and 20th centuries, Old World sounds began to mix with new. Klezmer even landed in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where Americana music continues to thrive and evolve with bands like Asheville’s Zoe & Cloyd. Natalya Zoe Weinstein and husband John Cloyd Miller make up the duo and will head to Kenan Auditorium to perform UNCW’s Homegrown Holiday Concert this weekend.

Second Skin Vintage

Most of these new songs are topical tunes, too, emerging from (and in response to) a culture of division we’ve seen over the last few years. Many are reflections on current local, national and world events. “I Am Your Neighbor” is about how we treat people, how to be kind to those in need and folks looking for sanctuary.

FAMILY TIES: Zoe & Cloyd share their multi-genreinspired music this Saturday at UNCW’s Homegrown Holiday. Photo by Aaron Dahlstrom

“I actually just did a presentation to a class yesterday on klezmer as part of my family’s musical story,” explains Weinstein, whose Russian grandfather was a professional klezmer musician. “My grandfather passed away when I was fairly young . . . but he played klezmer music and my dad played jazz piano . . . and of course, [my grandfather] said to my dad, ‘Don’t ever try to make a living as a musician!’” [laughs] Despite her family’s history, and father being an accomplished pianist and educator, Weinstein didn’t have a lot of exposure to klezmer. That changed when she moved to Asheville.

Photo by Ben Minor

“There are a lot klezmer musicians here,” she observes. “I played with [Bandana Klezmer] when I first moved into town, so I did get a little bit connected with the community here.”

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Miller also comes from a musical family and is deeply rooted in traditional bluegrass. His grandfather, Jim Shumate, was an award-winning fiddle player. Weinstein studied Shumate’s work in her graduate program at App State, where she also dove further into her own familial and musical background.

“Through the program I had to take a course on Appalachian literature,” she continues, “and we had to do a family project, where I came back to my family’s klezmer heritage. And we play a number of klezmer songs in Zoe & Cloyd shows now.”

8 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

“Another one we’ll probably do is ‘Rising Waters,’” she continues. “That’s one John wrote in response to the flooding we’ve been Both also are part-time instructors at War- getting here in North Carolina, while, at the ren Wilson College in Asheville, where Mill- same time, out West has been burning.” er teaches songwriting and Weinstein violin.

Though Weinstein is the more prolific in They also work with bass player and music music and medley—and Miller the creative department chair Kevin Kehrberg, who will force behind the lyrics—the couple work join them onstage at the holiday concert. through all tracks together. Both are well“What I love about teaching is the oppor- established standalone musicians, but each tunity to learn for me,” Weinstein muses. have complementary skill sets (to music “I got to delve into research [on klezmer] and life in general) to the other. for this presentation yesterday and got to “I would say my role is more ‘songwriting share it in a fun way. . . . And these stuassistant,’” Weinstein quips. “I come from dents are really good musicians. Oftentimes I’ll have to go learn a song and it a more classical, structured musical backchallenges me to learn something on the ground and John is so much more of a feel player—he has more of feel for music. He fly and teach it to them.” came from more of a singing background Weinstein and Miller now marry their col- and that really got me singing. . . . I think lective traditional sounds and backgrounds that’s really been one of the strengths of our with modern sensibilities into “new Appa- duet—the sum is greater than the parts.” lachian” music. Western North Carolina The duo will showcase the breadth of has always been a melting pot of people, their talents and roots at UNCW, and play arts and music, but klezmer and traditional their latest originals and klezmer-inspired bluegrass seem to come together pretty songs. Plus, they will play tunes from Millseamlessly. er’s famed grandfather and other old-time “There are a lot of parallels between Jew- fiddle-banjo numbers. “We like to bring a ish folk music and (as you might say) South- variety to our shows,” Weinstein notes, “as ern mountain folk music,” Weinstein offers. well as share stories and history with it.”

“There are a lot similarities. Bill Monroe actually carried Jewish musicians in his band over the years and wrote a song or two inspired by one of his Jewish fiddle players Homegrown Holiday: Zoe & Cloyd [and] klezmer music.”

Featuring Stray Local

DETAILS:

As Zoe & Cloyd prepare to return to the studio in January, they plan to incorporate two klezmer songs into their next record: one is in part named for a town in Ukraine, “Berditchever Sher,” and the other is an original klezmer-inspired tune called “Zisa Meydele,” which means “sweet little girl” in yiddish for their 3-year-old daughter. In turn,

Saturday, December 8, 7:30 p.m.

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A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

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

Draft Domestic Beers $2 Draft ALL RJ’s Coffee $4.95 $5 Pizzas SATURDAY Peach Tea Shiner $6 TUESDAY TUESDAY 22ozTHE Deschutes 1/2 Off SelectLIVE Bottles of Wine IN JAzz BARBlack Butte Porter $5 Absolute Dream $5 Bottles of Wine Half Price 22oz Weeping $ 50Willow Wit NC CraftAbsolut Bottles $3 Dream $5 • Pacifico Beer2 $5 WEDNESDAY 22oz Edward Teach Sessions WEDNESDAY 1/2 Off Nachos after 5pm $ 50 IPA $5 in bar andMiller patio Light areas Pints

1 Coronoa/

$ 50 Domestic Pints $1.50Lite BottlesSUNDAY 2 Corona Flat Breads$4$6 after 5pm Corona/Corona Lt. $2.50 AllMargaritas Margaritas/Peach in bar and patio areas Margaritas on the Rocks $4.50 Bloddy Mary $4 THURSDAY THURSDAY $ $ Appletinis 4, RJ’s Domestic PainkillerPints 5 $1.50 Truly Lime Spiked and $ 50 White Russians $5 2 Red Stripe Bottles Sparkling Water $3 $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottles 5564 Carolina Beach Road 22oz. Bells Two Hearted IPA Draft $5 FRIDAY(910)-452-1212 Visit our website Keoke Coffee $4.95 Cosmos $4,www.RuckerJohns.com 007 $350 1/2 Off All Premium $ specials, music and for daily 3 Guinness Cansupcoming Red Wine Glasses events

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

5564 Carolina Beach Road, (910) 452-1212

LIVE MUSIC Dec. 7th: Emily Roth, 8-11 Dec. 8th: Sean Gregory of Signal Fire, 9-12 Offering a variety of craft beer, ciders and wine

BONUS TRACKS: Folks who purchase tickets to see Celtic Thunder X, featuring singers Damian McGinty, Ryan Kelly, Michael O’Dwyer, Emmet Cahill, and Neil Byrne, at Wilson Center (703 N. 3rd St.) on December 6 will receive a CD. Courtesy photo.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

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

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

Benny Hill Smooth Jazz (7pm; Free)

—Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavillion Place

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

Brian Stephenson (6pm; Free; Singer-songwriter) The CAM Series: The Lenore Raphael Quartet (6:30pm; $12-$20; Jazz)

—Watermans Brewing, 1610 Pavilion Place

—Hannah Block USO Building, 120 S. 2nd St.

—Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

Wet Wednesdays w/DJ Brewtal (10pm; Free)

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

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

Robbie Berry (7pm; Free; Acoustic)

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

Open Mic (6pm; Free)

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

—Fermental, 7250 Market St.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7

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

—Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste 100

Striking Copper Trio (7pm; Free; Americana)

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

Music Bingo (7pm; Free)

—The Harp,1423 S 3rd St.

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

Celtic Thunder X (7:30pm; $38-$75) Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

FireDrums & Tarot Thursdays (8pm; Free)

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

Smile Empty Soul (9pm; $10-$12; Americana)

Pearl Harbor USO Dance (5:30pm; $16)

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Ent. (7pm; Free)

—Beau Rivage Golf Club, 649 Rivage Promenade; 910-612-8757

Ecstatic Dance (7pm; Love offering: $10) —Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave.

Dusty Slay (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

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

Cafe Nouveau Gypsy Jazz (7pm; Free)

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

10 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

NOW BOOKING PEPPERMINT FACIALS

Make an appointment now through January!

$75

Voted Best Esthetician 2018 by encore readers

4107 Oleander Dr., Suite E2 • (910) 392-8111 • www.tanglezofwilmington.com encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 11

—Platypus & Gnome, 9 S Front St.

THURSDAY

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

MONDAY

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

—Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market St.

Jazz Night with James Jarvis (8pm; Free)

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

FRIDAY

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

The Cape Fear Chordsmen present ‘An A Cappella Christmas’ (7pm; Free)

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

SUNDAY

$3.75 Hay Bale Ale

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

$3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball $5 Mimosas $5 Car Bombs

$3.75 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

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

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

• Bar games • Free popcorn machine

Ch eers!

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

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

KARAOKE

w/DJ Damo, 9PM

2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

$ 50

Thursday

________________________________________

TRIVIA

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

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday ___________________________________________

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

Sunday School Underground (8pm; Free)

Thorp Jenson and Vintage Pistol (9pm; Free; Country)

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

Soul Sisters Sleepover (All Day; $15-$400)

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.;

Yin + Healing Soundscapes (6pm; $20)

Dead Rotten, The Male Men, Sacred Cash Cow (9pm; Admission TBD; Funk)

Sunday Jazz Fusion w/ Taylor Lee (12pm; Free)

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

Eric Metts (9:30pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

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

Soul Sisters Sleepover (All Day; $15-$400)

—Duck and Dive, 114 Dock St.

Emily Roth (9pm; Free; Singer-songwriter) —Pour Taproom, 201 N. Front St.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8

Irish Traditional Session (2pm; Free)

—The Dubliner Irish Pub, 1756 Carolina Beach Rd.

Cross Creek Band (2pm; Free; Americana)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Music by Monica (7pm; Free)

—Hoplite Pub, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Dusty Slay (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

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

Homegrown Holiday with Zoe & Cloyd (7:30pm; $10-$20)

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

Jackson Canday Duo (7pm; Free; Sountry Covers)

—Uncle Louie’s Pizza Lounge,3224 S. College Rd.

The Beach Boys (7:30pm; $47-$115; Beach Rock) Soul-R Fusion (8pm; Free)

(as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

—Fermental, 7250 Market St.; 910-821-0362

Karaoke with DJ Mic (9pm; Free)

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

Flannel Rebellion (10pm; Free; ‘90s Grunge Cover) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Soul Sisters Sleepover (All Day; $15-$400)

—Place Cottage, 6 Cowrie Lane, Wrightsville Beach

The Brent Stimmel Band (10pm; Free)

—terra sol sanctuary, 507 Castle St.

—Flying Machine Brewing Co., 3130 Randall Pkwy.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10

Piano Jazz with James Jarvis (7pm; Free) —The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910-762-2091

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11

Phil and Mark (6pm; Free; Singer-songwriters) —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.

Tuesday Night Trivia (6:30pm; Free) —The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

Hoggard High School Band Holiday Concert (7pm; Free)

—Minnie Evans Arts Center, 555 Halyburton Prky.

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ & Taco Tues (7pm; Free) —Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Karaoke w/ Party Gras (7pm; Free)

—Hoplite Pub, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Tuesday Night Contra Dance (7:30pm; $5)

—5th Avenue United Methodist Ch., 409 S. 5th Ave.

Hourglass Studios Open Mic (7:30pm; Free) —Goat & Compass, 710 N. 4th St.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

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

Primetime Variety Show & Open Mic (7pm; $5) —The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910-762-2091

Benny Hill Smooth Jazz (7pm; Free)

—Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavillion Place

The Annex Songwriter #17 (7pm; $5)

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

Sean Gregory of Signal Fire (9pm; Free)

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

Jessy Esterline (9pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

Primetime Variety Show & Open Mic (6pm; $5)

—Katy’s Grill And Bar, 1054 S College Rd.

—TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

Madd Hatters and Corporate Fandango (8pm; Cover TBD; Rock)

Wet Wednesdays w/DJ Brewtal (10pm; Free)

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

—Reggies 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

Band of Oz and Mike Worley (8pm; Cover TBD)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

—Pantana Bob’s Wilmington, 149 S. College Rd.

Jessy Esterline (9:30pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

—Duck and Dive, 114 Dock St.

—Pour Taproom, 201 N. Front St.

Books, Beer, & Jazz Piano (3pm; Free) 12 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

—Place Cottage, 6 Cowrie Lane, Wrightsville Beach

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

—Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

Youth League, CHEW, Pleasures, Waul (7pm; $7$10; Post-Rock) —Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

Chase Johanson & Joe Martin (10pm; Free)

Tuesday __________________________________________

—Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

—The Calico Room, 115 N. 2nd St.

—Place Cottage, 6 Cowrie Lane, Wrightsville Beach

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

Bluegrass Jam (6pm; Free)

Dr. Bacon (8pm; $7-$10; Funk, Grass, Rock)

Karaoke with DJ Paul (9pm; Free)

$3.75 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade

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

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

—Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 N Lumina Ave.

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS

HOLIDAY TOUR: Singer-songwriters Deb Talan and Steve Tannen make up indie band The Weepies, who are bringing their holiday acoustic tour to Cat’s Cradle on December 19 and the Orange Peel on December 20. Courtesy photo.

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE N DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 12/6: Eric Glaes and Marvelous Funkshun 12/7: Front Country 12/8: Wayne “The Train” Hancock 12/9: Coco Montoya 12/12: Zo! and Carmen Rodgers 12/14: Blue Dogs and Cravin’ Melon 12/16: Double Door Inn Reunion 12/21: Big Sam’s Funky Nation THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 12/5: MOE. 12/9: Robert Glasper 12/12: Underoath 12/16: Erika Jayne 12/28: Moon Taxi 12/29: JOYRIDE THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 12/9: State Property 12/14: Carl Thomas LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 12/5: Samantha Fish and Jonathan Long 12/6: Front Country and more 12/7: Abbey Road Live 12/8: QDR Cares 12/10: State Property 12/11: Khruangbin 12/13: Carl Thomas 12/14: Yarn with The Dune Dogs 12/15: Chatham County Line Electric Holiday Tour 2018 12/20: The Lost Generation and more

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 12/6: Carolina Waves (Back) 12/7: Steve Wilson 12/7: The Old Ceremony and Chessa Rich (Back) 12/8: Southern Culture on the Skids and more 12/9: J Rowdy & The NightShift and more (Back) 12/10: Swearin and Dark Thoughts (Back) 12/15: Pippa Hoover of Honey Magpie and more (Back) 12/15: The Songs of Big Star 12/16: Lynn Blakey Christmas Album (Back) 12/18: Reverend Horton Heat & Junior Brown and more 12/19: The Weepies Holiday Acoustic Duo Tour 12/19: Crystal Bright & the Silver Hands (Back) MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE, DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 12/5: Frankie Cosmos, Stef Chura and Shy Boys 12/6: Charly Bliss, Feels and Daddy Long Legs 12/8: Rissi Palmer Band, Kamara Thomas and more 12/11: Cloud Nothings 12/12: The Monti 12/14: The Wusses and Beauty Operators 12/20: Year-End Music Mixer and Indie Social THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 12/8: Steven Wilson 12/10: Ministry, Carpenter Brut and Alien Weaponry 12/11-12: Thievery Corporation and The Suffers 12/13: Rising Appalachia and Lyla June 12/14: Maria Bamford 12/15: BackPack Slam Jam 12/16: Hometown Holiday Jam XVIII 12/20: The Weepies Holiday Acoustic Duo Tour 12/21: The Blackout Diaries 12/22: Wham Bam Bowie Band!

12/28: Nevermind 12/29: 10 Years and To Whom It May

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

Daily food and drink specials.

SUSHI SPECIALS

Two specialty rolls

for $19.95

Three regular rolls

for $12.95

Specials only valid at the downtown location.

Voted Best 16 S. Front St. • 910-772-9151 Dowtown Wilmington Sushi encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>ART

CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY:

Local artist Bradley Carter talks his process of painting, opens show this week at Art in Bloom

B

BY: SHEA CARVER

radley Carter doesn’t have the patience to churn out one series of work at a time. No, he has the tenacity and multitasking gumption to create three at once. “Colors of Expression” is the name of his latest show opening at Art in Bloom, which will be three-in-one, actually, showcasing his talent in abstract, expressionistic and impressionistic painting.

A transplant from Richmond, Virginia, in 2007, Carter attended Virginia Commonwealth University with degrees in painting and printmaking. Yet, he found himself entrenched in a different side of life until 2013, franchising businesses like Little Caesars and even running Port City Extreme. However, creating was always his passion. He has exhibited locally at the The Art Council of Wilmington and NHC, WHQR, Leland Cultural Arts Building, Landfall, Arboretum, and from Virginia to California.

“I have been a full-time practicing artist since 2014,” he explains. Carter has shown at Eclipse Gallery on Racine Drive, Myrtle Beach Museum, and even has a rotating installation hanging at The George on the riverwalk for four years strong now. In between painting he makes farmhouse-style furniture We inteviewed Carter about “Colors of Expression,” which will open December 7, 6 p.m., and hang through January 5. encore (e): Tell me about your latest series and what it is representative of.

Bradley Carter (BC): I work in several different series at a time and this show, kind of encompasses the journey of these three series this year. It has my original abstracts, which have been my main body of work, study, and passion since about 2000, derived from abstract expressionism, color theory and process art, as I focus on the form, color, line, and texture to create a composition, also emphasizing on the personal interaction of art and artist.

The next series is “Memories of Us,” which focuses on silhouetted figures, textured surface and color to represent captured moments that define our lives.

The last series, “Floral Impressions,” which focuses more heavily on process art and that “just be happy” attitude as they are created to bring color, light, and fun to the viewers. e: What were some of its inspirations and what media did you use?

BC: My inspirations are all usually inspired through my personal journey and trying to relay that emotion of the moment into the painting through different techniques.

Other outside influence that can be seen in or correlated to my art is music or musicality, dance with its fluidity, and symbolism of color.

My main media is acrylic because of its wide variety of application and somewhat due to my impatient creating process. This is another reason why I work in several different series at a time, distracting myself with another painting allows the art a chance breath and develop without overworking it. I also use paint skins application, resin, different mediums, and fillers, and furniture-making [stuff, like wood and iron pipes]. e: So some paintings look like dancing lines upon layers of paint and others poppy fields of flowers. Why the contrast?

BC: I touched on this a little earlier but I work in several series at a time for many different reasons. One being understanding my processes and weaknesses, again I can be an impatient painter; therefore I need to give myself built-in breaks and distractions so I don’t overwork something.

Also, I believe an artist shouldn’t limit themselves to one subject or style; you wouldn’t want to listen to the same one song forever. Another reason is the different processes and mediums help convey different emotions for me, and also stimulate new processes and fulfill a need to create, which most of us “artists” suffer from. Seriously, art is a very therapeutic experience for me and many people out there, as it helps us relate and digest the world through self expression. e: Tell us a little about how color inspires your art; you have both warm and cool colors represented here. How do you find yourself choosing your palette?

BC: OK—I love it. I love the power of color, the meanings of color, the historic origins of color, the natural associations of color, psychological symbolism. Did I say I love color? For me, primarily working as an abstract expressionist, and trying to convey emotion and a cohesive composition, color is a very powerful tool. Creating the correct palette for a painting is an interesting process, as the under-paintings sometimes can have no similarities to the final composition. But what it does do is start the dialogue and direction; it’s focusing on the meanings of color or working the colors together or against each other to create different shades and movements of the colors.

14 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

FLORAL IMPRESSION #38 JUST SMILE: Colors of Expression feature abstract, expresisonistc and impressionistic paintings by Bradley Carter at Art in Bloom. Courtesy photo

e: Your work includes a lot of layering; what do you hope to evoke in this process?

BC: Yes, for me it is important for the painting to have something more to it, a deeper meaning behind the surface image. I want the painting to have a history to it, similar to us where it helps define it and the journey. Where the viewer can look at it and wonder what used to be there: Is that hint of blue? What led to that scar in the corner? I feel it helps give the painting character and personality. e: What’s been the most challenging and most rewarding aspect of choosing art and passion over just any ol’ job­—or do you currently have a day job, too?

BC: No day job any longer and I hope to never have one again, but not because it wasn’t good. I enjoyed that time very much, but as you stated in the question “passion” and my art, creating, being involved and surrounded by the arts is just that.

I am very fortunate to be able to do what I’m doing now. Some of it is because of the journey and the things you do to get to that point, but a lot of it is because of the people in my life that support and encourage me. My wife, my family, my friends—I could not do this without them.

No person’s journey is singular in its path with success without a network of support. I know it sounds cliché but you just can’t be successful in life without it, and I hope I try to represent them well and pay back and forward to help others along the way—which is one of the reasons with this show we’ve partnered with New Ha-

nover Regional Medical Center Betty H. Cameron Women’s and Children’s Hospital. We will raise money through a raffle and donate a percentage of [art] sales. e: What’s new for you in 2019: goals, change of pace in design and approach to art or business?

BC: Art business is crazy and fast paced, and you have to stay in front of it—whether it’s applying to national art call, proposals for galleries or the grant-writing process. Personally, I’ve applied to several show calls in the first half of 2019 here on the East Coast and have a solo set up for March with Intracoastal Reality for Fourth Friday. I just confirmed with the Wilmington Art Association to be their speaker in March.

I still plan on being active with all of our local show exhibition teams and the high school art show. I love what I’m doing, it’s exciting, a little overwhelming when things work out and take on a life of their own, but then extremely disappointing when things don’t work out. But that’s the nature of this business, very subjective; you try not to get too high or too low. Just remind yourself why you create. For me, it’s who I want to be when I close my eyes, and it’s through it I feel I can make a difference.

DETAILS:

Colors of Expression

Opening Fri., December 7, 6 p.m.

Art in Bloom • 210 Princess St. www.bradleycarterart.com

TRADITIONAL AMERICAN & SEAFOOD FARE ON THE RIVER 3704 Watercraft Ferry Ave. (located at Marina Village in Riverlights community) (910) 833-5069 | Reservations recommended | www.smokeonthewaternc.com Open: Tues.-Thurs. 4pm-10pm; Fri. 4pm-11pm; Sat. 11am-11pm; Sun. 11am-10pm

Apps • Salads • Burgers Sandwiches • Cocktails Ser ving brunch Sat. & Sun. 10am-4pm 122 Market St. | (910) 228-5247 | www.theforkncork.com Open: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-11pm; Fri. 11am-12am Sat. 10am-12am; Sun. 10am-10pm

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

Our food is entirely made of 100% Texas awesomeness!

3530 Carolina Beach Rd• (910) 769-1059 • Open 7 days a week 11am-9:30pm encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 15

UPCOMING EVENTS: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 | 3:30 P.M. Women’s Basketball @ UNC Chapel Hill

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 | 9:00 P.M. Men’s Basketball @ UNC Chapel Hill

16 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

GALLERYGUIDE

ARTEXPOSURE!

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

“Archival Ink Transfer Prints by Bob Bryden” and “Photography by (Joe) P. Wiegmann” continues through December 31st at the District Kitchen and Cocktails, 1001 N. 4th Street.

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

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

22527 Highway 17N Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

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

View our featured exhibit, “Colors of Expression: Bradley Carter, November 30, 2018 - January 5, 2019. Meet the artist at the opening reception, Friday, December 7, 6-8 pm.

Enjoy live music by guitarist Roger Davis as well as a special installation at Monteith Construction, 208 Princess Street.

The artist and gallery are partnering to donate all proceeds from an art raffle to New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital for Bradley Carter’s exhibit. The raffle prize is the painting “What it Feels Like – Floral Impressions #44”. Raffle tickets may be purchased during normal business hours either in the gallery or on-line at https://aibgallery.com/artist/featured-artist/art-raffle/. The raffle drawing will be on December 28th at 7:30pm. The winner does not have to be present to win.

Art in Bloom Gallery is open until 9 pm on Fourth Friday Gallery Night including December 28th.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

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

“What Water Knows: Photographs by Charles Kernan” continues through December 7th at Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Street.

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

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

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

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

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

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

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

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

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ARTS>>THEATRE

THE BACKSTORY TO DICKENS’ CLASSIC:

Big Dawg reprises Christmas tradition of ‘Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol’

Marley through all this. But she can’t do it for him; “the inspiration and perspiration” must come from him. So she helps him along as much as she can to provide encouragement (my favorite of all her endearments for him was “old pimple,” which she almost managed to say with a straight face). And they set off to get Scrooge’s attention.

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

B

ig Dawg Productions offers a revival of their successful holiday show, “Jacob Marely’s Christmas Carol” by Tom Mula at Cape Fear Playhouse. The show already is selling out—and with good reason.

Mula mines Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic for a backstory that startles and surprises. The piece utilizes the tropes of story theatre, so the performers narrate what they are acting. For example, when Scrooge walks through his house, holding a candle, Steve Vernon, who plays Scrooge, holds the candle and peers through his dark house while narrating events.

Jacob Marley (Randy Davis) is dead. In a rather “Beetlejuice”-like afterlife setting, he encounters the Record Keeper (Fracaswell Hyman), who informs him his one chance of getting out of hell is to save his old partner, Ebenezer Scrooge, from the same path that spirit with a little less Jiminy Cricket and a little Marley trod in life. His facilitator for this nearly more Black Adder, she is tasked with getting impossible task is Bogle (Vanessa Welch). A

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The journeys as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Christmas Present are more transformative for Marley than Scrooge. (But the loop de loops and barrel rolls that Marley and Scrooge do when flying through the air are pretty wonderful!) Fracaswell Hyman plays most of the supporting cast with distinct, believable and relatable characters, like in Fezziwig, Dick Wilkins and Bob Cratchit.

I never get tired of seeing Hyman on stage. And to catch him in a show like this, where he gets to stretch his wings and explore across the continuum of human experience, is a real treat. His Record Keeper is my favorite of the roles because he gets to combine humor with intelligence.

Vernon’s Scrooge is hard-nosed and bombastic when he wants to be. He actually cows and intimidates the ghost of Marely (and everyone else). It is clear he had the upper hand in their earthly relationship and still does in the afterworld. No wonder Marley is prepared to give up and go to hell rather than try to save Scrooge from himself. There is no part of Scrooge that even hints at any potential for redemption. That is what makes the journey and transformation all the more believable and fascinating.

Really, I cringed when Scrooge came on stage. He made me shrink back in my chair.

Vicious. He was seriously scary and vicious.

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Though a lot of attention is placed upon Davis’ Marley and his performance (and deservedly so), what makes his journey possible is that Bogle is not going to give up on him.

Even when Marley is ready to throw in the towel, Welch’s Bogle is still there to radiate calm and hope. This is a first. He is rude, dismissive and even nasty, but still Bogle is there offering possibilities. Not pushing. Not whining. But being dependable. And Bogle doesn’t want something in return—only for Marley to make an effort and try. It is enough to make a grown

man cry.

Indeed, what Marley experiences before the audience’s eyes defines “transformation.”

Anyone without tears in her eyes by the end of the show, quite simply, must lack basic human feeling. Davis turns in a performance that will absolutely convince he is involved in a trip through purgatory. At moments I rootied for him, others left me totally prepared to watch him give up because watching him live through it all might be too much for anyone’s tender soul. It is the performance of a lifetime—and it happens because the entire cast makes all of it believable.

Stephanie Scheu Aman and Deborah Hill Scheu have hit a lovely balance in costuming the show: Memorable pieces set the mood but are understated enough they don’t overwhelm the actors or the intimidate space. Though, Steve Vernon’s nightgown as Scrooge is pretty memorable.

The show is a revival of the production from a few years ago and has the same cast, same venue. It gives the audience a chance to deepen their connection with the magnificent work on stage. Part of what makes it interesting to see again is the first time watching it, the script and the performances overwhelm because of the magnitude of the message. Really. Seeing it again gives a chance to notice and appreciate details and subtlety. Each cast member brings so much to the stage, it is almost necessary to see it twice to appreciate the full scope of their work.

It is really hard for me to sit through “A Christmas Carol” again at this point in my life.

However, Jacob Marley’s journey gives me hope for myself and my own redemption, as well the rest of the world. If the cast can convince us Marley could achieve it, then there might really be hope for the rest of us after all.

Big Dawg likely will sell out the entire run, so secure seats now. Also, consider sharing the gift of art this season and bring a friend and loved one. Folks will laugh, cry, and their souls will be filled.

DETAILS:

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol

Dec. 6-9 and 13-16, 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees, 3 p.m.

Cape Fear Playhouse 613 Castle St. Tickets: $18-$25 bigdawgproductions.org

ARTS>>THEATRE

SEASONAL ICONS:

Talking Crumpet and Scrooge with Kevin Wilson and Tony Rivenbark, who bring them to life this week BY: SHEA CARVER

elf,” Sedaris’ writes as he rallies Santa’s little helpers.

wo holiday shows are coming to stage this week to bring audiences a dose of traditional and modern stories of the Christmas season. Both include misanthropic protagonists—Scrooge from “A Christmas Carol” and Crumpet from “Santaland Diaries”—who turn the twinkling lights away from the merry magic of the season and onto a heft of cynicism and bitterness, instead. Of course, along the way self-awareness rises to prove the holidays are less about gift-giving and more about giving of self.

“Performing comedy is always a little intimidating because it requires such careful timing,” Wilson adds. “I’m also stepping into a role that has been played by some of my favorite actors in Wilmington so I feel like I’m filling some pretty big pointy shoes. I just hope to do the writing justice as well as they have over the years.”

T

The 2018 version will be set in the ‘90s, which is when Sedaris wrote the essay for NPR, in 1992. Taking place at Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Buckey Stein Theatre, the Not Panache Theatrical Productions is bring- Ready for Christmas Carolers, consisting of ing David Sedaris’ “Santaland Diaries” to life Kaleb Bradley, Amy Carter, and Jacy Cofffor the 13th year in Wilmington. Kevin Wil- man, will return to add even more spunk. son will be taking on Crumpet the disgruntled “They will be singing some classics, as elf (based on Sedaris’ stint as an elf during well as putting a new spin on some old faChristmas at Macy’s Santaland in NYC). “I vorites,” Wilson says. “They are all three love how ‘Santaland’ strikes a perfect bal- gifted actors and singers that create beauance between the ‘bah humbug’ attitude and tiful music and make you laugh your head the Christmas spirit,” Wilson tells. “The au- off at the same time. They really make the dience gets to laugh at the absurdity of our show, in my opinion.” traditions but also walks away with a new apNext door on Thalian’s main stage, anothpreciation of them.” er seasonal romp will be led by Thalian Hall Sedaris’ sardonic humor shines bright in executive director Tony Rivenbark. It will be all of Crumpet’s monologue—which means his 15th year taking on Scrooge in “A Christactors who take on the elf are tasked with a mas Carol”—only this time in the form of a heavy burden of carrying the show’s punchy Broadway musical, with music by music by quips and diatribe about living in a capitalistic Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Little society on their own. Wilson has remained Shop of Horrors”), presented by Thalian Asfocused on the reality of the elf’s situation to sociation. The musical modernizes the 1843 bring nuance to the character, rather than deliterary classic Dickens intended. pend upon solely the humor of the environment surrounding him.

“It’s still the same story,” Rivenbark clarifies, “but it is definitely geared toward a cur“As cynical as [Crumpet] is, he plays the game in order to keep his job, and I think he rent audience. One change is a reference learns something about himself in the end,” to Scrooge’s father being sent to a debtors’ Wilson notes. “This is something our director prison, which is not in the original novel, but has had to remind me of, and it adds another actually happened to Dickens as a child.” dimension to the character.”

Rivenbark’s familiarity with Scrooge is unAnthony Lawson, who founded Panache with Holli Saperstein, is in the director’s chair, guiding the way for Wilson. Lawson has anchored the show as Crumpet before, too.

matched. He even had Steve Cooper write a version for him, which was presented by Thalian Association at Thalian Hall in 1981. “[Scrooge] is a tour de force for actors,” Rivenbark says. The character’s disdain for human kind, all brought on by questionable choices in life, and then to find redemption ... it’s a story of transformation many attach to during a season where hope reigns.

“I have not seen all the ‘Santaland’ productions over the years,” Wilson admits, “but I did have a great time when Jason Hatfield played Crumpet 10 years ago. His confidence on stage removed the fourth wall, and he really created a conversation with “It is great fun but exhausting,” Rivenbark the audience.” admits. “The version I have played the most It’s something Wilson is keeping in mind is [for] the Theatre Exchange, [written by as he moves forward in giving his own take Rob Zapple, now a county commissioner, and voice to the elf-in-training. “You can be and Matthew Faison], and which, though set an entrance elf, a water-cooler elf, a bridge in America, is very close to the original novel. elf, train elf, maze elf, island elf, magic win- This is a lighter version . . . more akin to Aldow elf, usher elf, cash register elf, or exit bert Finney’s 1970 film, or Ira David Wood’s

version.”

In the place of many of Scrooge’s monologues are song and dance numbers. Some are complicated, too, according to Rivenbark. “So the lines can easily get mixed up in your head because you are saying the same thing in the same way but using slightly different language,” he tells. “The score is indeed a challenge, but my approach is no different than any version I have ever done. It is the same character no matter what you do with it, which is as it should be.”

of good will and a willingness to support those less fortunate in the world, then no matter the version, the experience works and is true to underlying message,” Rivenbark hails. “It is timeless.”

DETAILS:

Santaland Diaries

December 6-16, Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.

Tickets: $22-$25 Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Though Rivenbark adores the role, he has only attended two live performances of “A Theatre Christmas Carol”: at Madison Square Garden, which he calls a spectacle more like a Vegas-style show, and Patrick Stewart’s oneman performance. Yet, his favorite comes from the screen—1951’s version starring Alastair Sim, who continually inspires Rivenbark’s own performances.

A Christmas Carol

December 7-16, Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Special matinee, December 15., 2 p.m. • Tickets: $32 Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre Thalian Hall Main Stage “As long as the basic journey is made by 310 Chestnut St. Scrooge and the audience leaves in a spirit 910-632-2285 • thalianhall.org

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REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

UNINSPIRED ADAPTATION:

films this week CINEMATIQUE

New ‘Robin Hood’ isn’t worth two hours of life it steals

B

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

BY: ANGHUS

December 10-12 (additional screening at 4 p.m.

on 12): “Wildlife” (above) stars Carey Mulligan as

Jeanette, a complex woman whose self-determination and self-involvement disrupts the values and expectations of a 1960s nuclear family. Nearby, an

eing a critic means trusting your instincts, even when they contradict popular opinion. It also requires to have a unique voice in an endless landscape of people sharing opinions. While watching the latest Hollywood butchering of the classic Robin Hood story, I heard a little voice in my head: a goofy Adam Sandler saying, “Here’s a nice piece of shit.” I’m not sure if Pauline Kael or Roger Ebert would have used a “Billy Madison” reference to start a review, but it was the prevailing thought rattling around my cerebellum as I watched the new “Robin Hood.”

The second recurring thought was how much I love Jamie Foxx, even though he is consistently in terrible movies. He’s a fantastic and charismatic presence who should be in far better films. Currently, he’s like a Hall of Fame-quality wide receiver getting traded back and forth between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Doesn’t matter how good you are when the entire enterprise is engineered for failure.

It’s a damn shame, too, because there’s a lot of potential hiding underneath the visible stink lines emanating from this particular turd. It has a charismatic leader, “Kingsmen”’s Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx as his partner in crime, Little John, and a wonderfully villainous Ben Mendelsohn as the Sheriff of Nottingham. The problems all stem from the creative side, including woeful writing, seizure-inducing editing and an overall story that brings almost nothing new to the equation.

For folks unfamiliar with such an oftadapted tale of feats of daring do, Robin of Loxley leaves the posh life as a lord for the brutal frontier of the Third Crusade, where the God-fearing Christians once again try to bring civility to the heretics of the world and fail miserably. After becoming disenchanted with the horrors of armed conflict, he returns home to find his homeland has been taken over by power-hungry despots posing as pious politicians. Robin and Little John decide they need to start yanking on the purse strings of the sheriff’s empire until it hurts. Thankfully, both Robin and Little John are freaking ninjas who can shoot arrows with pinpoint accuracy and fly through the air with the greatest of ease. A lot of the movie feels inspired by the massive popularity of superhero films

uncontrolled forest fire rages close to the Canadian

border, and when Jerry (Jake Gyllenhaal) loses

his job--and sense of purpose--he decides to join the cause of fighting the fire, leaving his wife and 14-year-old son to fend for themselves. “Wildlife”

commits to the viewpoint of a teenage boy observing the gradual dissolution of his parents’ marriage.

(PG-13, 105 minutes)

ENGINEERED FAILURE: Taron Egerton doesn’t bring any pop to the Prince of Thieves, yet the movie overall fails on writing and dialogue. Courtesy photo

that have flooded the marketplace over the last decade.

The biggest problem with “Robin Hood” is how completely devoid it is of cheesy goodness. The whole enterprise is taken way too seriously. It reminded me of last year’s woeful take on the Arthurian story, “Legend of the Sword,” another movie that could have benefitted from a healthy dose of scenery-chewing and melodrama.

For example, let’s look at the Sheriff of Nottingham character. The right actor can make it something special, like the late great Alan Rickman in 1991’s “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Rickman was so relentlessly over-the-top and mercilessly evil, audiences couldn’t help but smile every time he’s on screen. Mendelsohn is so deadpan and joyless that the character never pops.

While I loathed the writing and dialogue, the film looks even worse than it sounds.

Everything looks like it was filmed on a dimly lit soundstage. The production design and costumes look like something conceived by a community theatre artistic director, strung out on prescription pills with a penchant for pleather. His flat cinematography never gives the incredibly fake looking world any sense of scope.

The Middle Ages never looked so polished or uninspired. I’m not sure why Hollywood keeps making dull-ass adaptations of Robin Hood, King Arthur and Tarzan. The sto-

ries have been told a dozen times before in far more interesting and entertaining ways.

How about some new takes on these old stories: “Robin Hood in Outer Space.”

“King Arthur of the Apocalypse.” “Tarzan of the Concrete Jungle.” Anything that brings an ounce of originality to the completely uninspired adaptations. The only thing this “Robin Hood” has successfully stolen is two hours of my life.

DETAILS:

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

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

Robin Hood

The Frank Capra classic will screen as part of Thalian’s annual holiday tradition on Thursday, De-

Rated PG-13 Directed by Otto Bathurst Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Ben Mendelsohn

in a bit of frustration, Clarence the angel visits him to show his purpose of life and what it would have been like had George never existed.

cember 20 for two screenings. The 1946 story follows George Bailey (James Stewart) on a quest to live an adventurous life, but ends up staying back in his hometown of Bedford Falls and marries his teenage sweetheart, Mary, and raises a family. Yet

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SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE — WWW.CAROLINAALEHOUSE.COM/OUR-RESTAURANTS/WILMINGTON-NC Courtesy photo

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

day - Sunday 10am - 2 pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm

Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00

■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

■ MUSIC: Music every Sunday in Summer

■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington; kids menu available

■ WEBSITE: www.bluewaterdining.com

ELIJAH’S

HENRY’S

CAM CAFÉ

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.

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

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tues-

22 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10:00;

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com

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

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

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.

■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun.

NICHE

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington

Niche Kitchen and Bar features an eclectic menu, a large wine list, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Close to Carolina Beach, Niche has a great selection of dishes from land to sea. All dishes are cooked to order, and Sundays features a great brunch menu!

■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals

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

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: 8 a.m. breakfast and lunch; 5 p.m. dinner

■ WEBSITE: www.nichewilmington.com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

PINE VALLEY MARKET

■ WEBSITE: facebook.com/roadhousewilmington

THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Grill and Catering is a four store franchise in North Carolina. Trolly Stop Hotdogs opened in Wrightsville Beach in 1976. That store name has never changed. Since the Wrightsville Beach store, the newer stores sell hotdogs, hamburgers, beef and chicken cheese steaks, fries, hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, floats and more.

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

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

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

We’re convenient for lunch and dinner. Open 7 days 11 am - 9 pm. Our popular Daily Lunch Specials are featured Monday-Saturday for $4.99 with selections from our most popular menu items! We always have fresh seafood selections at Hibachi To Go, like delicious hand peeled shrimp, fresh local flounder and always a fresh catch fillet in-house. We scratch make every item on our menu daily.

We offer your favorite hibachi meals and some of our originals like our pineapple won tons. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the most up to date information on Hibachi To Go. Always fresh, great food at a super good price. Hampstead Phone: 910.270.9200. • Ogden Phone: 910.791.7800 Wilmington Phone: 910-833-8841 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open 7 days 11am-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, N. Wilmington, Hampstead ■ WEBSITE: www.hibachitogo.com 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)

encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 23

251-9229.

and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital funcSat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. tions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for dinner. for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.” We also serve ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tem■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com pura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-youNIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served din- www.okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ers the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients mak- ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11aming up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste of innovation 2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls spe- 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am-9:30pm cific to the Front Street location, such as the My Yoshi, K■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point SZECHUAN 132 to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmoas falafal pitas and veggie wraps, as well as an extensive sphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destinaJapanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura tion! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City.

Check out their website and Facebook for more informa- Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the tion. 16 S. Front St. (910) 771-9151. best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am-10pm; College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

■ WEBSITE: www.nikkissushibar.com/

■ FEATURING: Lunch specials

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.” Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically

■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer

a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles.

33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

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

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

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

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

BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is an award-winning, fast casual concept serving made in-house bagels, espresso drinks, and allday breakfast. From their bagels to bacon, from sausage to smoked salmon, everything they make is made with love. Their New York style bagels are made the traditional way - kettle boiled then baked. They also offer Boar’s Head premium deli meats and cheeses for any of their sandwich creations. To find out more about Beach Bagels, check them out on social media or visit one of their three locations to taste what they’re all about. 5906 Oleander Dr., (910) 769-4232 (in Seagate, across from Dairy Quee); 5226 S. College Rd., (910) 399-8731 (in Monkey Junction, beside PetSmart); This location is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Florance, 7220 Wrightsville Ave., (910) 256-1222.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Wrightsville Beach (Wrightsville Beach location is temporarily closed due to Hurricane Florence) and South Wilmington

YOSHI

■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, biscuits, croissants, sandwiches, and more!

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

BAGELS

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

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

By reservation only: call 910-458-8778 or email beachhouseburgers@gmail.com Spaghetti dinner includes dessert and drink: adult $22.99, children 10 and under $8.99. We will offer an alternate menu for the same price.

KURE BEACH DINER

101 K Ave., Kure Beach, NC 24 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

BAGEL MEISTER AT

MASONBORO COMMONS

IS GETING A NEW NAME AND LOOK VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE LOGO FOR A CHANCE TO

WIN A $25 GIFT CARD BAGELS

Bagels Seaside

SEASIDE BAGELS

To vote come in person or go to our website www.bagelmeisternc.com or our facebook page Bagel Meister at Masonboro Commons A winner will be chosen on Dec. 12th.

6400 Carolina Beach Rd. (2 miles south of Monkey Junction) • Open 6:30am-2pm everyday • 910-769-1827

encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 25

DINNER THEATRE

menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half-price bottles of wine on Sun.

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

■ MUSIC: Tuesdays on the deck, 7 – 9p.m., May-Oct

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

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

(910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; open 7 days/week seasonally, May-October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe

■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

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

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

IRISH THE HARP Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional

Join The n Rebellio Today

• American comfort food, with a Southern twist • Handpicked bourbons and whiskeys • House-made barrel-aged cocktails • Excellent wine selection • 30 beers on draft Mon. 4pm-12am • Tues.-Thurs. 11:30am-12am Fri. 11:30am-2am •Sat. 11:30am-2am • Sun. 11:30am-12am

15 S. Front St. 910-399-1162 www.rebellionnc.com

26 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare!

We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends. Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 763-1607.

Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area.

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

ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta.

From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.)

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

■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com

THE ITALIAN BISTRO

SLAINTE IRISH PUB

The Italian Bistro is a family-owned, full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in Porters Neck. They offer a wide variety of N.Y. style thin-crust pizza and homemade Italian dishes seven days a week!

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

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/slaintemj

ITALIAN

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

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

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

- 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck

Carolina Beach Rd.—is bringing a fresh All-American diner experience with never-frozen burgers, sliced cheesesteaks SLICE OF LIFE piled high on steamed hoagies, and frozen custard made “Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists in-house every day. and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burFounded in Eastern North Carolina in 1991, Hwy 55 ritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, reflects founder Kenney Moore’s commitment to authentic of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest- hospitality and fresh food. Lunch and dinner is grilled in an quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made open-air kitchen, and they serve you at your table—with a daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best smile. 6331 Carolina Beach Rd., (910) 793-6350 Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday - Sunday 11:00 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach a.m. - 9:00 p.m. . at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, ■ FEATURING: Delicious burgers and homemade shakes!

(910) 799-1399.

■ WEBSITE: www.italianbistronc.com

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11:30 a.m.- ■ WEBSITE: www.hwy55.com/locations/wilmington-carolina-beach-rd 3 a.m., 7 days/week, 365 days/year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

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

J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI The Philly Deli celebrated their 38th anniversary in August 2017. Thier first store was located in Hanover Center—the oldest shopping center in Wilmington. Since, two more Philly Delis have been added: one at Porters Neck and one at Monkey Junction.

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

It’s a practice they maintain to this day.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck, North and South Wilmington,

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am- ■ WEBSITE: https://phillydeli.com 8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 9:30amON A ROLL 4:30pm Roll on into OAR—a fusion of American-Jewish-Italian ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown deli fare, interspersed in seasonal specialties with a ■ WEBSITE: www.atasteofitalydeli.com Southern accent.

■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Every customer will receive freshly made-to-order Torrone and much, much more! sandwiches, wraps and salads, with the freshest of

MEXICAN

ingredients, all to ensure top quality. And when the place is hopping, it is well worth the wait.

Whether choosing to dine in or take out—we deliver— On a Roll is the downtown deli to enjoy homemade grub.

Come make us your favorite! 125 Grace St., (910) 622With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is 2700 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 ■ SERVING LUNCH: Open Mon-Sun., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesa- 24-hour catering available.

LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

dillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. ■ WEBSITE: Check us out on Facebook!

All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chilechipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.95 on Mondays and Tuesdays at all locations, and every meal is complete. CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Serving the Port City since1996, folks can dine indoors at Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear the Oleander and both Market Street locations, or dine al- Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the fresco at both Market Street locations. 3617 Market St.; freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing 8024 Unit 1 Market St.; 5622 Oleander Dr. popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs until 11 a.m. - eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individu10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. until 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. als working together as a team to serve spectacular food, ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Ogden wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaura■ WEBSITE: www.lacostamexicanrestauranwilmington. teur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared com with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by HWY 55 BURGERS, SHAKES AND FRIES Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries in Wilmington—on from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. Col-

SEAFOOD

SANDWICHES

Peppermint Chocolate Chip

thru December

∙ Wilmington ∙ encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 27

lege Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Le- But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, land, NC 28451 there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pmwhere you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you 8:30pm. would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in down■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Le- town Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a land week. (910) 762-2827.

■ WESBITE: www.capefearseafoodcompany.com ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

CATCH

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

vides 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

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.

■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

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

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

2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, FriSat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Kids menu

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD’S RESTAURANT Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items.

We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis.

Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761

■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

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

■ WEBSITE: www.catchwilmington.com

■ WEBSITE: www.MikesCfood.com

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

OCEANIC

Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic pro-

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dine on renovated Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com

■ 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.

THE PILOT HOUSE

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

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 newlyrenovated 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

■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: www.pilothouserest.com SHUCKIN’ SHACK Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910-458-7380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com STEAM RESTAURANT AND BAR Steam is bringing American cuisine to Wilmington using locally sourced goods and ingredients. With an extensive wine and beer selection, plenty of cocktails, indoor/ outdoor seating, and beautiful views of the Cape Fear River, Steam is the area’s new go-to restaurant. Reservations recommended. Open seven days a week!, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

9 Estell Lee Pl, (910) 726-9226 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com RX RESTAURANT & BAR Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up Southern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered. Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080.

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

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

Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 S. College Rd. (910) 791.9393.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown

■ FEATURING: Weekly free wine tasting Tues., 6 - 8 p.m.

Small plates, and wine and beer specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.steamrestaurantilm.com

■ WEBSITE: www.fortunateglass.com

SOUTHERN 28 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.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,” co-owner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive. (910) 798-2913.

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEW

PASS THE PAINKILLERS!

foodtastic events

Rumcow slings inventive spirits and adventurous bar snacks

I

fried chicken between two waffle triangles made for a handheld I didn’t need (and didn’t want) to put down. The Sriracha hot honey was like the sassy sister to traditional syrup, and the maple butter was absolutely addicting. Most important, the succulent chicken pieces were well-seasoned and juicy, and the waffle was impeccably crisp and fluffy all at once.

BY: ROSA BIANCA

’ll admit: When I first heard the name, I said WTF (and not because Rumcow owners are also behind adjacent Grace Street establishment, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, a.k.a. WTF).

Platypus & Gnome. Foxes Boxes. Rumcow. Whatever happened to classic bar names like “Cheers”? After setting foot into Rumcow, plopping myself down in their remarkably comfy bar seats, and enjoying one hell of a meal, I couldn’t care less.

Unsurprisingly, WTF isn’t co-owners Joseph and Abigail Obvey’s first successful venture. It started with a bar in Greensboro, which sprouted a cocktail lounge in Wilmington, which led to modern, rustic Rumcow where frothy concoctions meet global cuisine. With a menu heavily inspired by the Obvey’s travels, diners can expect influence from all over the world (predominantly Asia) in the dishes and drinks.

During some light research of Rumcow, I discovered everything from fluctuating forms of traditional rum cocktails to sake, kombucha, and prosecco ... on tap. (Yes, they have prosecco on tap!) Their name derives from a popular island drink made of rum, vanilla, bitters, sugar, and milk, which, yes, they serve. They also serve cordon bleu fries and Vietnamese chicken-salad lettuce wraps with pickled veggies.

BURGER BUSINESS: A handheld worthy of many bites, Rumcow knows how to deliver delicious food on Grace St. Photo by Rosa Bianca

me say Rumcow’s service was spot-on. The owner was keeping an eye on the restaurant while chatting with guests and shaking drinks.

Our bartender and server couldn’t have been friendlier and gave us great suggestions on But was it all talk? which drinks would work better with food and Nope! Socks officially blown off! which were made for after-dinner sipping.

I’m a fan of the tap cocktail trend, as long as Much appreciated. the product flowing from the line is high-quality.

Onto the tots...

I spotted local Panacea Craft kombucha and Combining Far East ingredients like toasted Bushido Way of the Warrior sake and immedisesame and peanut with crispy potatoes seems ately knew I was in good hands. My date and I like a no-brainer; though, I don’t believe I’ve wanted to give Rumcow a seasonality test, so spotted Asian tots anywhere nearby. What a we went halfsies on a classic Mai Tai and their freakin’ flavor bomb. Each crackly round was Fig Town cocktail. As someone who vacations elegantly drizzled with a nutty peanut sauce, in Hawaii frequently, I have high standards for speckled with sesame seeds and steamed edaMai Tais. If any ingredient in the drink is from a mame, and decorated with shredded cabbage. pre-made mix, it’s game over. Rumcow’s was The sauce was liberally sweet, so I would have thoughtfully constructed with Plantation Rum, loved a savory hit of heat—but the raw jalapefresh lime juice, orange liquor, orgeat syrup (a ños didn’t do it for me. Personally, I would have blend of almond and barley), and a topper of opted for pickled jalapeños or a different kind of Myer’s. From the skinny Collins glass to the heat, like a trickle of Gochujang. generous dark rum floater, every strong, citrusy However, holy chicken and waffles, Batman! drop was perfection.

First, I think the plating of this dish deserves The Fig Town was a marriage of Bulleit Rye, some serious recognition. Nearly every time I’ve lime, demerara syrup (a deeper, caramel-like ordered the sweet-and-salty combo, it’s a pile of sweetener), fig jam, and orange bitters. Earthy fried chicken on top of a waffle. I usually end from the cinnamon fig jam and tart from the lime, up separating the two or transforming the dish it tasted as if an Old Fashioned and a Whiskey into something that resembles an explosion.

Sour made love on a cool winter night.

Rumcow dishes out their Nashville fried chicken Without wasting too much space (so I and waffles as a sandwich. It’s ideal for sharing can leave room to rave about the food), let between two (hungry) people, and enclosing the

After reviewing the menu ahead of time, I was rooting for the pork-belly naan pockets.

Once we decided to throw a burger into a feast, though, I swapped in a lighter-sounding shareable: blackened shrimp toast. The concept is fairly straightforward: a spin on avocado toast.

The goat cheese guacamole mousse was easily the star: creamy, tangy, smooth as silk. The shrimp were generously sized, plump, and had some gentle back-of-the-throat sparks from cayenne. The dish’s description was described with “Easter radish and micro basil,” but I spied shredded red cabbage and cilantro. I still got the floral notes and crunch I wanted, but I’d steer clear of putting super seasonal ingredients on any menu, as foodie snobs might take note of what’s missing and feel disappointed.

The Rumcow Burger was under the “Not to Share” category, but after all of those small plates, I had very small pants. Though I didn’t ask what types of meat went into the burger mixture, I was certain I was tasting a superior, high-fat blend (exactly what I wanted). My preferred medium-rare temp was leaning a bit more toward rare, but I was totally cool with it. It was a superior patty served on a fluffy brioche bun, with artisanal fusion of toppings—crispy prosciutto, smoky housemade bacon aioli, arugula peach rum chutney (the latter which they use in a cocktail BTW). The burger was so satisfying that the fries could have absolutely sucked.

They were, instead, one of the highlights of my entire meal. Double beer-battered, sizzling hot, and with a cloud-like fluffiness at the core.

I would go back for the fries and Mai Tai alone. But I know I’ll be bellying up to Rumcow’s like Frasier Crane at Cheers. Prepare to know my name, Rumcow.

DETAILS: Rumcow

121 Grace St. (910) 769-4659 Tues.-Thurs., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun., 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Closed Monday rumcow.business.site

12 TASTES (OR MORE!) OF CHRISTMAS

Thursday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m. VIP; 7 p.m. GA Brooklyn Arts Center • 516 N. 4th St. (910) 538-2939 Tickets: $50-$75 • encoreDEALS.com

The best holiday celebration this side of the nuthouse! ILM Lampoon’s 12 Tastes (or more) of Christmas is slated for Dec. 13, 6-9:30 p.m., at the Brooklyn Arts Center and the adjoining Annex on North Fourth Street in downtown Wilmington. 34 stations will feature 17 local eateries and 17 local drinkeries, pairing the best in food and beverages.

Attendees will enjoy eating and drinking amidst the Griswolds’ “Christmas Vacation” theme, as carolers entertain throughout the evening.

Prizes will be given for Best Bite, Best Sip and Best Decorated Booth, as well as Best Dressed Male and Female. Help us celebrate and raise funds for DREAMS of Wilmington, which gives children the opportunity to learn multi-media arts, no matter their family’s socio-economic status.

HOLIDAY BONANZA! FOOD TRUCK MINI RODEO Sunday, December 16, 12 p.m.

Wilmington Moose Lodge #343 4610 Carolina Beach Rd.

Shop for the holidays and chow down on a Mini Food Truck Rodeo and Vendor Bazaar at the Moose Lodge 343. Hand-made items abound for those special gifts for the holiday season—and maybe snag something for yourself!

A&M Food Truck, as well as at least four others, will be there serving yummy food and drinks from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Visit the event Facebook page for details and updates.

encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 29

PORT CITY FOOD LOVERS ...

REJOICE!

MORE DAYS! BETTER DEALS! winter 2019!

participating restaurants: NORTH WILMINGTON

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

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

Topsail Steamer

MIDTOWN

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

SOUTH WILMINGTON

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

PLEASURE ISLAND

Michael's Seafood Restaurant

DOWNTOWN ILM

Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill Circa 1922

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

LELAND

The Joyce Irish Pub

www.encorerestaurantweek.com 30 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

GRUB & GUZZLE>>FEATURE

LAMPOONING THE HOLIDAYS:

encore resurrects 12 Tastes (or more!) of Christmas, raises money for DREAMS

I

BY: SHEA CARVER

t’s baaaaccckkk! The jolliest soirée this side of the nuthouse! ILM Lampoon’s 12 Tastes (or more!) of Christmas will come to the Brooklyn Arts Center on December 13 at 6 p.m. Folks will taste their way through two dozen or more local drinkeries and eateries, pairing the best of bites and sips this season!

For anyone unfamiliar with the once-holiday tradition, let me give a refresher: Around five or so years ago, a dear friend, Nina Cournoyer, launched 12 Tastes of Christmas with Katherine Clark as a fundraiser for the Cape Fear Literacy Council.

It became an instant holiday hit, and the ladies continued hosting it at BAC for four years. Then Nina got a boss lady job in LA in the summer of 2017 and moved, while Katherine Clark’s photography business ROLLING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS: Anne took off locally. And, so, the event came to a halt and was skipped last Christmas to Bonny’s will serve bites of their lobster roll during the 12 Tastes event on Dec. 13. Courtesy photo much dismay from locals.

Enter July 2018. I reached out to Nina and the literacy council for permission for encore to pick up the event and move it forward with DREAMS of Wilmington as the beneficiary.

With their blessing, encore is happy torelaunch it so folks can get a taste of everything local restaurants, bars and sip shops have to offer.

In the style of our magazine’s focus on arts and entertainment, we settled on a theme quite appropriate to ILM’s quirky output: ILM Lampoon’s 12 Tastes (or more!) of Christmas. What does that mean, exactly?

Well, participants should come decked out in their favorite “Christmas Vacation” gear, like matching Margo and Todd silver track suits or even a three-piece blue suit that would make Cousin Eddie grin from ear to ear. We will award prizes to Best Dressed Female and Male who fit the theme.

their Christmas Bomb Imperial Stout, while wine lovers can enjoy a few bubbles with a Mas Fi Cava to go with Nothing Bundt Cakes’ peppermint chocolate-chip bundts. Steam will plate Kalbi-style braised short ribs, smoked blue cheese polenta and ginger-scallion reduction with a specialty pomegranate drink from Dram + Morsel. Blind Elephant are going island-style with a Russ’ Spicy Rumcation (Cruzan black strap rum, red chile, cinnamon, and pineapple) and a noche buena Cubano (Cuban sandwich with mango sauce) from Sweet n Savory.

And that’s just a small taste of decadence served. Other flavors aplenty will come from Pine Valley Market, Island Beverage, Zocalo, Board and Barrel, YoSake, Flytrap Brewing, Anne Bonnys, Husk, Greenline Pizza, Watermans, Boombalatti’s, Wilmington Brewing Company, Cravings, Casablanca Coffee, But, really, it’s all about the food, the drinks Little Dipper, Tap Tea, TheatreNOW, New Anand local businesses supporting charity. them Beer Project, and Flying Machine BrewThis year we have added more than 12 par- ing Company. ticipants to the lineup. New brewery Edward Aside from eating and drinking through the Teach will pour their Winterfest Lager (with BAC and adjoining Annex, carolers, including notes of Madagascar vanilla beans) to match UNCW’s Seabelles, will perform a cappella another newbie in town, Skytown BBQ’s bris- throughout the evening. A bevy of local musiket chili. And yet another newcomer, Crust, cians and theatre folks will join the fun, too. will serve up a warm fennel apple brandy Cozy living room sets from Martha My Dear cider with Bill’s Front Porch pepperoni rolls. will be set up in both rooms for folks to take Waterline Brewery is preparing a coffee- a seat and even watch a few scenes from and-cream brew to go with a trio of Wake n Chevy Chase’s iconic holiday film, and catch Bake donuts, including egg nog and cinna- many of the funniest moments the dysfuncmon spice, salted-cayenne-caramel pecan tional family has to offer. and chocolate smoke. Palate Bottle Shop (Like our personal favorite, “Nobody’s walkand Reserve will appeal to beer lovers with

ing out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We’re all in this together. This is a fullblown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We’re gonna press on, and we’re gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he’s gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse.)

Attendees will cast their votes for Best Bite, Best Sip and Best Decorated Booth. Voting will commence upon arrival and stop at 8 p.m., with winners announced at 8:30 p.m.

Though the gorging of the feast and voting is all part of the fun for the evening, it isn’t without a cause backing it. DREAMS of Wilmington took a hit from Hurricane Florence in September and sustained major water damage. The vast majority of their soft goods, like rugs, fabric chairs, furniture, costumes, etc., all will need to be replaced. Thus, its campus shuttered, with renovations currently underway. The community has come to their aid, as Grace United Methodist Church on Grace Street is allowing them a space to hold classes in the meantime.

“Grace UMC has truly been a lifesaver for us, and they’ve been the critical element in keeping our DREAMers engaged in the arts they love and need,” says executive director Kevin Blackburn, who officially was promoted to the top-tier position at DREAMS last week.

Blackburn started at the nonprofit in 2013 as program coordinator, and went on to serve as associate director and then interim director after Matt Carvin resigned in the spring.

“It’s been an honor to serve DREAMS in these roles,” Blackburn says. “Throughout tough times, our staff has remained steadfast in their dedication to serving our DREAMers.”

Currently, they consist of program director Ashley Bethea, program coordinators Lauren Hurley and Jamie La-Londe Pinkston, master gardener Mike Johnson, and operations manager Amy Jeffrey. “We also are grateful to still have every one of our amazing teaching artists, whose flexibility and commitment to DREAMS has been indispensable in keeping us going through these past few months,” Blackburn continues

semester. Here, they teach everything from music to dance, visual arts to jewelry making, comicbook drawing and storytelling, to fashion design, digital media and more.

“My vision for the future of DREAMS is to deepen and expand our service to Wilmington’s youth and teens in need,” Blackburn continues. “We’ll do this through our artistic and creative youth development in a safe and supportive environment. We have unique and innovative plans for 2019.”

Proceeds from 12 Tastes will help fund outreach efforts, field trips, program supplies, and DREAMS’ future “Learning Kitchen.”

Aside from partial proceeds from 12 Tastes ticket sales, DREAMS has received sponsorship donations from Modern Legend, Don Bullard Insurance, Tay Lifestyle Management, The Element at Barclay, Yelp, Orange Theory, and Summit Logistics. Plus, they will get raffle monies. At 12 Tastes, DREAMS will sell wares created by its students, which will be sold in the lobby at Brooklyn Arts Center during 12 Tastes.

As well, encore is focusing 2019 to helping the organization even more, with a goal of raising at least $25,000 across three more events. DREAMS’ dedication to offer arts classes for children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds hits home to encore’s mission of elevating artists and the arts in our area. Not only will we be continuing the 12 Tastes tradition in 2019, we will be hosting our annual Best Of 2019 party as an all-day beer festival and arts and crafts fair at Waterline in April 2019. Then, we will put on a Second Chance Prom for Best Of winners and runners-up and the community at large, with proceeds benefiting DREAMS. For now, it’s still 2018—and a ticket to 12 Tastes means a ticket for a child’s imagination and DREAMS to soar. VIP tickets ($75) come with a T-shirt and early entry by one hour to avoid lines, with limited supplies available. General admission tickets ($50) also are available. Tickets go up by $10 the day of the event.

DETAILS:

12 Tastes (or more!) of Christmas

December 13, 6 p.m. (VIP); 7 p.m (GA) - 9:30 p.m.

Brooklyn Arts Center & The Annex 516 N. 4th St. VIP: $75 ($85, door) Their campus at 901 Fanning Street is General admission: $50 ($60, door) slated to reopen in January for the spring encoreDEALS.com encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 31

EXTRA>>FEATURE

ECHOES OF PASSION::

Ryan Lee Burris’ legacy lives on with annual holiday benefit on December 9 BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

“O

ne thing that will forever be true about Ryan Lee Burris is that, while his physical body is no longer with us, his spirit, passion and love for all he believed in, all he stood for and all he fought for shall live on forever,” Lorraine Barnes, Cape Fear Equality’s former chairperson, says of ILM’s most fierce LGBTQIA advocate who passed away in November. “He is one that will truly never be forgotten.”

Barnes met Burris many moons ago through mutual friends. They shared a lot of the same passions, loves and dislikes, from music to politics. She emphasizes his tenacity and prowess for public speaking.

“The one quote I personally feel sums Ryan up is my favorite quote by Harriet Tubman,” Barnes offers. “‘Every great

dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.’”

group was treated poorly,” Ogiba notes. “His loss is a great one, but his purpose remains with everyone who has ever met him.”

According to Barnes, Burris always was going the extra mile and reaching the highest goals. “His passion always shined through and echoed loudly in his humble voice,” she notes. “His message was one that rang out in the lowest valley to the highest peak of the mountain tops. It bounced off the walls of the darkest alleyways and roared like crashing waves on the seashore. His message was consistent, welcoming, loving and one for all. His words were all-encompassing and isolated no one.”

Burris also spearheaded an annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive for eight years.

Supporting children and families in need during the holidays was indicative of who he was. Naturally, his friends and cohorts are continuing the tradition on December 9 at the Calico Room.

“Kind and charismatic,” Chuck Ogiba echoes. Ogiba met Burris before he moved to Wilmington

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“Ryan helped deliver hope for the hopeless, peace for those in despair, light for those surrounded by darkness and a belief that a better tomorrow was always around the corner,” Barnes says. “He made PROUD VOICE: Ryan Lee Burris was a vocal believing in true equality for and fierce community advocate. Photo courtesy of all was a plausible and achievable goal.”

Chuck Ogiba

from Asheville in 2008. It was Burris’ charisma that convinced Ogiba to move to the Port City. Upon arrivel he joined Burris to support Wilmington Pride events and rallies.

“He approached me at an event at Ibiza, and he told me about the city and his plans to start a pride organization,” he remembers. “His openness and enthusiasm about the community made me excited about moving here.”

Ogiba remembers Burris as a constant advocate for people who face discrimination without representation. “He was the strongest voice for the LGBT community and motivated others to get involved,” Ogiba continues. “He made Wilmington more aware, open and accepting of the ideas, as well as the contributions of the community.”

While Burris championed LGBTQIA rights, he also served as a fierce advocate for any other disenfranchised groups. In the last few years, he involved himself with the local NAACP, Moral Monday rallies, as well as women’s rights marches.

“He could not stand to sit idle as any

This year’s event will serve as a remeberance of Burris and benefit for Partners in Caring, serving children and families who have been displaced by Florence.

In lieu of toy donations this year, Ogiba and company ask folks to come with a minimum $10 donation or donate to their GoFundMe page for essentials like food, utilities and rent: gofundme.com/ryan-leeburris-donation-page.a “Partners in Caring is the organization Ryan most cared about,” Ogiba details, “and he knew the amazing impact they make on their clients. The benefit needs to go on in his memory, as Ryan loved kids and wanted to do anything he could to make their lives better.”

DETAILS:

9th Annual Holiday Benefit in Rememberance of Ryan Lee Burris December 9, 1 p.m.

The Calico Room 107 S. Front St. Donation: $10 gofundme.com/ryan-lee-burrisdonation-page

encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 33

EXTRA>>FACT OR FICTION

SINGING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT: Ch. 23: Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

K

itty hated to admit it, but she loved the smell of movie theaters: popcorn, spilled drinks, stale cigarette smoke.

There was nothing like it in the world. And she loved it.

But she would never tell anyone.

She loved walking into movie theatres— just being there. College Road Cinemas still had the gold lamé curtain in front of the screen they would raise during the first few frames of the film. It was so elegant—the last hold out for the bygone days when attending the cinema was an event people dressed up for.

Well, I’m dressed up tonight, Kitty thought. OK, you can do this, take a deep breath. OK maybe another one is a good idea.

She opened the door to her VW Bug and dropped her high heels on the ground so she could step into them. Across the parking lot, the rented klieg lights crossed and uncrossed in front of the theatre. She turned her head and looked longingly at Swenson’s Ice Cream Parlor across the parking lot.

I wish I could hide in there, she whispered to herself. Yeah, then you could spill ice cream all over yourself before even making it to the front door.

The doors to the right of the box office were propped open and a red carpet snaked out onto the sidewalk. A sign in the window noted the cinema was closed for the evening for a private function. Kitty’s hands were so sweaty she could barely hold her purse strap. She felt so faint the world started to spin.

Just make it in the door, she told herself.

The carpet veered to the right of the concession counter and off into the extended lobby area where a step-and-repeat was set up for people to pose in front of for a photographer.

“Name?” a young woman asked her.

“Excuse me?” Kitty looked stricken.

“What’s your name? For the photo captions? We have to get them right.”

“Oh, um, I’m not … Um, Kitty. Kitty Scott.”

Yes, you do have to get them right.

She thought about life with Mr. Dawes, editor of the newspaper. A miscaptioned photo was cause for great misery for all concerned and most people nearby. She advanced through the line and looked at the ground.

“Hey, Kitty!” A surprised voice greeted her.

“What are you doing here?”

“I was invited. I was sent an invitation. I have it somewhere.” She started fishing in her purse.

“It’s OK. I’m not asking for your credentials.”

Paul held up a hand and chuckled. “It is good to see you. I’ve missed you.”

“Thank you, Paul, I’ve ... I’ve missed you, too. How are things at the paper?”

“Oh, you know: same old, same old.

Some things never change, but it’s good to see you. Here, let’s get you posed.”

He fussed with her a bit, moving a strand of hair to the front of her shoulder and asking her to turn her head first one way, then the other. He shot two pictures, then lowered the camera and smiled at her.

“Ah, bella! These will look lovely on the ‘out and about’ page. Thanks. Kitty, have fun at the movie!”

She smiled and mumbled her thanks,and moved down the line. Ahead was a gaggle of people who had perfected the seeing and being seen aspect of life: kissing each other’s cheeks and screaming “dahling,” like they were long lost friends, when in reality they had just seen each other last week. A quick scan confirmed what Kitty had suspected: None of the actors or upper-level production showed up. It was just for the locals.

She edged her way around the cluster and down the hall toward the theater, with the doors propped open and stopped short when she came face-to-face with a life-sized cutout of Jeffrey Chen. His runny harlequin makeup and wet hair looked so realistic she almost reached out to touch it.

“Would you like something to eat?” A voice brought her back to reality—or as close to reality as the event could ever be.

She turned to see a young man in the standard black slacks and white shirt of caterers everywhere. He was standing next to a buffet line he gestured to with one hand.

34 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I don’t think I can—not right now. But, thank you.”

“Just ignore him, dear,” Shelly leaned across the gaffer.

She shook her head and backed away.

She turned and ducked inside the theater.

At the front a microphone had been set up, and she was disappointed to see the lovely gold lamé curtain was raised. Instead projected on the screen was an image of Jeffrey Chen’s face as part of the title card for the film.

“Accurately?” the gaffer offered. “Usually it is a funnier joke. I’m afraid on this film it seems to have been taken to extremes.”

I don’t know how I am going to make it through this, she thought.

Picking out a seat in a movie theater was always a nightmare for Kitty.

How close is too close? How far back is too far back?

She opted for an aisle seat near the back so she could make a fast escape if it became necessary.

At least the seats don’t have numbers on them. That made it 10 times harder.

Slowly, people began filing into the theater, mostly standing around and talking rather than actually taking their sets. Then a deep male voice inquired, “May we join you?” The old gaffer arrived with Shelly, the craft service goddess, and a young man who looked really uncomfortable in a jacket.

“Yes, of course.” She tucked her legs in to make room for them to get by.

The gaffer settled his entourage and flopped down in the seat beside her.

“You remember Shelly?” he gestured.

“Of course,” Kitty nodded.

“And that is Kirby, my youngest and most eager electrician.” He pointed past Shelly to the young man on the other side of her.

“How do you do?” Kirby smiled and threw her a salute. “This is my first to-do like this.”

“Mine, too,” Kitty confessed.

“Acceptance of awards by non-participants,” the gaffer said emphatically.

“What?” Kitty asked.

“It’s the five stages of filmmaking. I have been teaching them to Kirby: Step one is inspiration; Two, panic; Three, identify the guilty; Four, punish the innocent; Five, acceptance of awards by non-participants.

That’s the stage we are on.”

“Oh.” Kitty looked into her lap.

“No, no—it’s OK. He’s probably right. I just ... I hadn’t heard it expressed so...”

No one seemed to know what to say to that.

Kitty stared at the diamond-shaped lights on the wall for a moment.

“Excuse me? Excuse me, everyone, could you, please, take your seats?” A man at the microphone directed. “Please.”

The crowd began shuffling toward seats, though no one seemed to want to commit too early and miss out on another face to greet.

“Please, people, we have a lot to do tonight, and I know you all want to see this film,” he continued.

“OK, thank you, thank you.” He glanced at the stack of note cards in his hands. “I think most of you know me; I am Bruce Thomas, the film commissioner here.”

He smiled at the smattering of applause.

“Thank you, thank you.”

“And so it begins,” the gaffer chuckled selfconsciously while the man at the microphone droned on congratulating himself and everyone in the room.

“He has to look at his notes to remember his own name.”

The gaffer pulled a flask from his jacket pocket and unscrewed the top.

“Anyone?” he offered it around.

“Yes, please.” Kitty took a gulp gratefully. It stung her throat worse than straight whiskey.

“Whoa, slow down! That can blind you if you have too much at once,” the gaffer whispered. “I make it myself. Old family recipe.”

“Yeah, old from a bottle of Aristocrat Vodka and a bottle of Everclear, like you can buy in Canada,” Shelly giggled.

Kitty felt the warm spread to her stomach and started to think for the first time that day this might just be survivable. “Can I have another?” she asked the gaffer.

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

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

CAPE FEAR FESTIVAL OF TREES

Through Jan. 2, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Nothing could be more magical than the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Well, except for the aquarium at Christmastime. The highly anticipated annual Festival of Trees is back! Included with general admission, folks will experience the aquarium like never before, with dozens of beautifully decorated and unique Christmas trees inside.

The event helps raise funds for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, which ensures everyone who

needs hospice and palliative care can receive it, regardless of ability to pay. GA to aquarium NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Rd. lcfhospicefoundation3233.thankyou4caring. org/2018-cape-fear-festival-of-trees

ARTISAN MARKET

Daily 10am: Located Between World Market and Davids Bridal, Mayfaire is hosting an Artisan Holiday Marketplace for six weeks until Christmas.

Enjoy wares from a Gourmet Local Foodie Market, Natural Skincare Shop, an Art Gallery, and many local artisans with everything from handmade jewelry, candles and soaps, ornaments, sculpture, pottery, wood and clothing. Mayfaire Town Center,

925 Town Center Dr.

A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Poplar Grove welcomes you to a unique European Winter Bazaar experience. Please join us for our Merry Little Christmas Festival that will run for two weekends: December 7, 8 and 9 and December 14, 15 and 16! Shop with arts and craft vendors both weekends among intimate pathways over which magical starry lights flicker and glow. The grounds and barnyard will be decorated with seasonal vignettes and interactive activities for the kids and the historic manor house will be open for evening candlelit tours.

Visit www.poplargrove.org for full details. 10200

US Hwy 17 N CHRISTMAS TRAIN & LIGHT SPECTACULAR

Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 26, and 28-29. A great way to celebrate the season with the whole family! Come on down to marvel at synchronized light & music displays, holiday layouts running trains at twilight, visits with Santa, and take in all the festive decorations filling the museum. Hot cider & cookies top off the experience. Fridays & Saturdays 6:30-8pm to the end of Dec. GA only $5 each (kids under age 2 free). Free mini plush toy for kids (while supplies last). As well the museum will host 12 Polar Express Family Shows, Dec. 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Santa visits will be set up, with cookies and hot chocolate. Prepaid reservation required, $5, with children 2 and under admitted free 505 Nutt St.

CAPE FEAR MODEL RR SOCIETY

The Cape Fear Model Railroad Society will set up 32 varieties of trains and eight layouts at Independence Mall’s Dillards wing (3500 Oleander Dr.). A Christmas village will illuminate with lights galore, and The Polar Express will be set up, too.

Hours are Friday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. through Dec. 30. Adults $6, children 3 to 12 $4, and under 3, free. Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr. www.shopindependencemall.com

ENCHANTED AIRLIE

Dec. 7-22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. For one month out of the year, Wilmington’s Airlie Gardens is transformed into magical “Enchanted Airlie”: a seasonal Christmas light and art experience like no other. A local tradition since 2005, Enchanted Airlie is a half-mile, self-guided walking tour through the garden, which is decorated with dazzling light displays and holiday decorations. Participants will start on the paved path, past the gingerbread house display, to the poinsettia tent, before feasting their eyes on the deep red flowers and gold twinkling lights. Hot cocoa or warm cider, as well as local beers and wines will be available in the concessions area. Singing Christmas trees, Surfer Santa’s “sleigh,” and light shows are just a few things Enchanted Airlie has to offer. Tickets go quickly every year for Enchanted Airlie, and some dates are already sold out for 2018, so it’s wise to scoop up advance purchases now. $30/carload. airliegardens.org.

Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd. .com. Latimer House, 126 S. 3rd St.

ISLAND OF LIGHTS

Through January: Every year around Christmas, Pleasure Island (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Fort Fisher) transforms into a winter wonderland. The holidays kick off with the annual Lighting at the Lake Celebration, which officially begins the Island of Lights Festival. The lake is located at the intersection of Atlanta Avenue and Lake Park Boulevard, with a parking lot across the street. The opening ceremony starts at 7 p.m., wherein the perimeter of the lake will be illuminated by breathtaking Christmas lights. Enjoy a stroll around the lake (path is paved and

36 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CROSSWORD

Creators syndiCate THE NEWSDAY CROSSWORD

CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2018 STANLEY NEWMAN

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1/21/18

Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

MAKEOVER: Some redecorating ideas

by Gail Grabowski ACROSS 1 Ballerina’s bend 5 Stop talking, with “up” 9 Gossip column topic 14 Casino supply 19 County Kerry’s isle 20 Prefix for port or pad 21 Tuscan “You’re welcome” 22 Loud sound 23 Artful deception 26 Gown fabric 27 Part of pewter 28 Where copters hover 29 Heart chart, for short 31 Pay attention to 32 Fashion sense 34 Does overly creative accounting 39 Oscar actress Garson 43 iPod model 44 Young fellow 45 Tennis shutout 48 Fizzy mixer 50 Settle a debt 54 Parisian pal 55 Guitarist Clapton 56 “Pull up a chair” 57 Seagoing: Abbr.

60 Virtuoso 61 Register’s paper roll 63 Steel mills and oil refineries 67 Flout the rules 69 Cabbage concoction 70 Lariat loops 71 Gruff 72 CD forerunners 73 A/C measure 74 Ongoing charitable pledge 78 Golf pencil’s traditional lack 81 Banquet hall vessels 83 Fortune-teller’s deck

84 Managers of body rhythms 90 Quick bite 91 Evergreen tree 92 Smartphone message 93 Square-corner shape 94 Snaky swimmers 96 Neckline shape 97 Walking tall 99 Fiji’s capital 101 SWAT squad equipment 103 Austrian peak 105 Fröbe who portrayed Goldfinger 107 Hägar the Horrible’s dog 108 Most high-tech 114 Cardiology concern 118 Legal wrong 119 Roofing sealant 120 Surpass in smarts 124 Be under the weather 125 Starting players 127 Criticize severely 132 Storied servant/spirit 133 Himalayan region 134 Money in Malta 135 Windy weather toy 136 Online shopping center 137 Unemotional one 138 Genesis setting 139 Scent DOWN 1 Annoying ones 2 Put a cap on 3 Literary twist 4 “A mouse!”

5 Spiced tea of India 6 Let go for a while 7 Hawkeye Pierce portrayer 8 Imitate 9 EMT skill

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Wields a needle Before now Elevates Canvas holder It’s a Wonderful Life director Starting words, for short Thai or Tibetan Gas pedal Zodiac beast Treasure hoard Old Testament prophet Old-time anesthetic

79 80 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 95 98

“Golden” period TV evening news time Coil of yarn Parting word Comparative suffix Carry a balance Flood barrier Santa __, CA Plumlike fruit Rock layers Marsh plant

100 “That’s awful!”

102 Muscle-car model of yore 104 Stove-top vessel 106 Suffix with cyclo108 Produce, as a play 109 Carved pole 110 Sports complex 111 They’re all true 112 Distinctive quality 113 Private pupil

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Speedy Link with Take up or let out Dull noise Had been Symbol for an app Director Brooks Kind of corp. takeover Floral garland Nonprescription: Abbr.

MGM rival of the ’30s

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wheelchair accessible), then meet back up at the shelter area for photos with Santa! In addition to Lighting at the Lake, the Island of Lights also has a Christmas parade, which will take place on November 30 at 7:30 p.m. near the Boardwalk— which will be transformed into Santa’s workshop.

The extravagant display stays up all season long, and Dec. 8, and Dec. 15 are what the islanders call “Christmas By the Sea.” Stop by the Boardwalk from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. for an abundance of family friendly holiday activities. Visit Santa for cookies and hot chocolate, hear to stories by the fire and roast marshmallows, listen to carolers, and make some ornaments at the arts and crafts station. Free! pleasureislandoflights.com ILM LAMPOON’S 12 TASTES (OR MORE!) OF CHRISTMAS

Dec. 13, 6-9:30pm: .The best holiday celebration this side of the nuthouse! Thirty-four stations will feature 17 local eateries and 17 local drinkeries, pairing the best in food and beverages.

Attendees will enjoy eating and drinking amidst the Griswolds’ “Christmas Vacation” theme, as carolers entertain throughout the evening. Prizes will be given for Best Bite, Best Sip and Best Decorated Booth, as well as Best Dressed Male and Female. Help celebrate and raise funds for DREAMS of Wilmington, which gives children the opportunity to learn multi-media arts, no matter their family’s socio-economic status. $50-$75, encoreDEALS.com. Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews, 516 N 4th St.

REINDEER DRAWN CARRIAGES

Dec. 14-15 & 21-24, 6-10pm: Tell Grandma to get out of the way! For a few nights only, Wilmington’s horse-drawn carriage rides will be transformed into “reindeer” drawn carriage rides! Get

cozy under warm lap blankets, sing Christmas carols with your guide, Santa, and enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Wilmington at Christmas. Free candy canes provided by Santa. $12 adults, $5 children under 12. Horsedrawn Tours. Market St. between Front and Water, horsedrawntours.com ILM’S FUNKIEST UGLY SWEATER PARTY

Dec. 14, 10pm: The Juggling Gypsy is throwing Wilmington’s Funkiest Ugly Sweater Party featuring DJ Curtis T Clydesdale. Come and have a Merry Funkin’ Good Time. Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St

ORANGE ST. POTTERY HOLIDAY SALE

Dec. 15, 10am: Orange Street Pottery, located downstairs in the Community Arts Center in historic downtown Wilmington, will have its annual Holiday Pottery Sale Saturday, December 15, 10:00am-4:00pm. Clay artists Brian Evans, Steve Kelly, and 20 talented Orange Street potters will have functional pottery as well as sculptural work for sale. Stop by to visit the studio and to purchase affordable hand made gifts to complete your holiday shopping. H annah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second St. http://orangestreetpottery.com

charity/fundraiser ILM BREWING CO. PINT NIGHT

Dec. 7, 5pm: Cause Beer is a charitable foundation that aids ILM craft beverage producers, bottle shops, and bars in giving back to their community.

Pint Nights are approaching, make sure to mark your calendars for Wilmington Brewing Company on December 7th! Tons of raffle prizes will be up for grabs. $1 of every beer sold goes toward buy-

UPDATED BAC EVENTS 12.12 Annex Songwriter Session #17 12.13 12 Tastes (or more)of Christmas 12.14 Edward Teach One Year Anniversary Block Party 12.15 L Shape Lot 7th Annual Toys for Tots Drive 01.19 Courtyards and Cobblestones 01.23 Karl Denson's Tiny Universe 01.25 10 Port City Ping Pong Throw Down 01.26 Sport City Corn Hole Classic Art for All & Made in NC applications open now For information about upcoming events please visit www.BrooklynArtsNC.com

38 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

ing Chritsmas present for students at DREAMS of Wilmington. Wilmington Brewing Company, 824 S. Kerr Ave. DASHING THRU THE GLOW 5K

Dec. 1, 5 p.m. 1 mile race start, 5:30 p.m. 5k race start—“Oh, what fun it is to run in a Christmas light 5k, hey!” What better way to step into the season than with a race through the beautiful RiverLights community at night? Winding through the area and including beautiful views of the Cape Fear River along the journey, the flat course is sure to dazzle runners and walkers with tons of Christmas lights to enjoy along their trot.

Elves will be stationed at the festive finish line to pass out commemorative Christmas ornaments for all the racers on the “nice” list. Additionally, all participants will receive a Santa hat, cookies and hot coco. Proceeds from Dashing Thru the Glow will go to Toys for Tots. Participants can bring a new, unwrapped toy to registration pick up to receive $5 off.$40. Marina Village at RiverLights • 4410 River Road. its-go-time.com/riverlightsdashing-thru-the-glow

CAUSE BEER PINT NIGHT

Dec. 14, 5pm: Cause Beer is a charitable foundation that aids ILM craft beverage producers, bottle shops, and bars in giving back to their community by donating proceeds from pint nights. Every pint sold donates $1.00 to buying Christmas presents for DREAMS of Wilmington.

All you need to do is come drink some great beer for a great cause! We have TONS of raffle prizes to give away. Hey Beer, 4405 Wrightsville Ave.

ED TEACH ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND TOY DRIVE

Dec. 14, 5pm: Edward Teach Brewery and The Brooklyn Arts Center Presents: Toys for Tots

Block Party. Join us Friday, Dec. 14, 5-10pm on Campbell St., in between Edward Teach and the Brooklyn Arts Center. Live music, local vendors, food trucks, and great brews. Admission: Unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Toys, presented at L-Shape Lot Toys for Tots Concert Saturday, December 15. Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.

music/concerts OPEN-MIC AT TIDAL CREEK

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

JAZZ AT CAM

2018-19 season 9: 1st Thurs. Sept-Apr (except Jan.—2nd Thurs.), 6:30-8pm. Eight-concert series has individual seat sales are available for purchase: 910-395-5999. Enjoy dinner and drinks at the CAM Café (910-777-2363) before or after the concert. Café reservations are always suggested and appreciated. Lineup: Dec. 6, Lenore Raphael Quartet; Jan. 10, 2019, La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet; Feb. 7, Jon Hill Quartet; Mar. 7, Ernest Turner Trio; Apr. 4, Brian Miller Admission: CAM/CFJS Members: $12, Non-members: $20., Students with valid college ID: $10. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St.

AUDITIONS FOR CAPE FEAR CHORALE

Open Dec. 3, 8am: CFC continues its’ celebration of the 20th Anniversary in the Spring of

2019, with a concert presenting “Sparkling Choral Gems.” Auditioning for all voice types: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Forms and details at capefearchorale.org. Grace United Methodist Church, 401 Grace St. CELTIC THUNDER X

2017. This new recording highlights their emotive songwriting and signature harmonies. John is well known for his haunting mountain voice as well as his instrumental prowess and award-winning songwriting. Zoe comes from a musical family and is an accomplished fiddler in a variety of styles as well as an inspired singer and songwriter. This performance features their original music as well as homegrown renditions of holiday favorites, with special guest Stray Local. Tickets: www.uncw. edu/arts. UNCW Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Rd.

Dec. 6, 7:30pm: Celtic Thunder CD is included with every order for this show. You will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem this offer approximately 7 days after your ticket purchase.

Celtic Thunder, led by singers Damian McGinty, Ryan Kelly, Michael O’Dwyer, Emmet Cahill, and Neil Byrne, and backed by the amazing Celtic THE BEACH BOYS: REASONS FOR THE SEASON Thunder Band is a touring powerhouse, and will CHRISTMAS TOUR Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. “Run run reindeer!” That’s right, bring their tour to the Wilson Center. Tickets: www. the Beach Boys are bringing their iconic sound to capefearstage.com. 703 N. 3rd St. ILM this December for their “Reasons for the SeaCF CHORDSMAN son” Christmas tour! Led by Mike Love and Bruce Dec. 7, 7pm: Cape Fear Chordsmen, Wilmington’s Johnston, the group will continue the legacy of own a cappella Barbershop Men’s Chorus—will one of America’s favorite surf-rock bands. Tickets be performing their annual Holiday Concert – enare selling quickly, as this event is bound to be titled on . This year, the Chordsmen are proud to filled with holiday “fun, fun, fun!” $47-$155 Wilson welcome the Cape Fear Academy Honors Vocal Center, 703 N. 3rd St., capefearstage.com Ensemble to join in the performance as well - and I’M GONNA SING what holiday concert would be complete without Dec. 13, 7:30pm: Choral Society will perform a singalong! Net proceeds from this concert will some of the best-known and best-loved spiritubenefit the Sgt. Eugene Ashley Center For homeals, including “Ain’-a That Good News” and “Elijah less Veterans, part of the Good Shepard Center.

Rock,” as well as holiday spirituals such as “Go The Ashley Center was created to give homeless Tell It On the Mountain” and “Mary Had a Baby,” to Veterans a safe place to live and grow, as they help celebrate the season. Soprano Denise Murmake the transition to permanent housing. Temple chison Payton will fill the Wilson Center with her Baptist Church, 1801 Market St. magnificent voice as our featured guest artist. We HOMEGROWN HOLIDAYS W/ZOE AND CLOYD will gratefully accept donations for Mother HubDec. 8, 7:30pm: Zoe & Cloyd come from deep bard’s Cupboard food pantry. All-ages event. Reroots in American music. They are founding memserved Seating. Each person, regardless of age, bers of the acclaimed Americana trio, Red June, must have a ticket. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St. and long-time veterans of the Asheville, NC muTHE MOONLIGHTERS sic scene. Zoe & Cloyd released their second Dec. 14, 7pm: Join the Leland Cultural Arts Center full-length album, Eyes Brand New, in spring

for a night filled with big band music. The Moonlighters are not your typical Big Band, they play all your favorites with a little swing. Purchase your tickets NOW by visiting our website at www.townofleland. com/lcac or stopping by at 1212 Magnolia Way! http://themoonlightersorchestranc.com/?page_ id=1625 CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS

Dec. 14, 7pm: André Jolivet’s meditative Pastorales de Noël, festive Baroque chamber works by Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, Henriette Renié, and Jean-Marie Leclair, and traditional Christmas carols performed by the Brierwood Ensemble. Linda Estep, violin; Clark Spencer, violin & viola; Helena Kopchick Spencer, bassoon; and Christina Brier, harp. $10-$20. www.brierwoodensemble.com. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1219 Forest Hills Dr.

CHRISTMAS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE

Dec. 14, 7pm: Free entry w/ new unwrapped toy or $5 donation for Toys for Tots. Each artist plays a holiday song, an original and covers another local artist’s song. Featuring: Mike Blair, Travis Shallow, Justin Lacy, Chris Frisina, Sean Thomas Gerard, Kyle Lindley, Brian Stephenson, Cara Schauble, Ethan Driskill, Jason Andre, Tres Altman, Jesse & Carson Jewell. Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

GIRLS CHRISTMAS CHOIR OF ILM

Dec. 15, 7:30pm: Girls’ Choir of Wilmington will provide a concert of holiday tunes and traditional favorites on Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30pm, UNCW Beckwith Recital Hall. Silver Bells, the Holly and the Ivy, and Carol of the Bells will be a few of the familiar Christmas tunes performed. Amazing Grace and Homeward Bound are lovely sacred pieces that will also be featured. The choir, now in its 22nd year, includes girls ages 9-18 from across New Hanover and surrounding counties. The 60-member group performs locally, tours annually, rehearses weekly and enjoys

collaborative events with other artistic organizations such as the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Wilmington Boys Choir, and DREAMS of Wilmington. The group is directed

by Sandy Errante and accompanied by Dr. Steven Errante. Sunday’s concert is free and open to the public. UNCW Beckwith Recital Hall, 601 South College Rd.

film IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

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

Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. thalianhall.org

theatre/auditions CHRISTMAS CACTUS DINNER SHOW

Through Dec. 23 shows, Fri. and Sat. only, 6pm doors. Written by Eliot Byerrum and direct by Juan Fernandez, it’s a gumshoe caper that’s a Dickens of a mystery! Christmas Eve is tough for private investigator Cactus O’Riley, a white hot redhead with the holiday blues. She is trying to lure her secretary Fred away from his protective mother, dodging the affections of Deputy

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DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN PLAYLIST SAMPLE: GRETA VAN FLEET - YOU'RE THE ONE CONGO SANCHEZ - OLEADA CALOR FLORA CASH - YOU'RE SOMEBODY ELSE RAY LAMONTAGNE - TROUBLE SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS - BETTER THINGS MUDDY WATERS - MANNISH BOY STEVE EARLE - COPPERHEAD ROAD THE METERS -- JUST KISSED MY BABY PAUL SIMON - 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER TALKING HEADS - BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE

UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS: 7TH ANNUAL L SHAPE LOT TOYS 4 TOTS DRIVE & CONCERT

(BAC 12/15)

KARL DENSON'S TINY UNIVERSE

(BAC 1/23/19)

RESCHEDULED PENGUIN SHOWS: INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS (GLA 3/31/19) MOON TAXI (GLA 4/18/19) RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE (GLA 4/22/19 & 4/23/19)

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

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM

40 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

D.A. Windsor, and considering closing her business. She doesn’t need the added aggravation of two fugitives who burst into her office looking for justice and a dead detective named Jake Marley.

Comedy, mystery, and romance! Tickets: $22-$48 ()latter includes 3-course dinner). TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilmington.com JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS

Dec. 6-9, and 13-16, 8pm; Sun., 3pm“Marley was dead, to begin with…”—and what happens to Ebeneezer Scrooge’s mean, sour, pruney old business partner after that? Chained and shackled, Marley is condemned to a hellish eternity. He’s even given his own private tormentor: a malicious little hell-sprite who thoroughly enjoys his work.

Desperate, Marley accepts his one chance to free himself: To escape his own chains, he must first redeem Scrooge. So begins a journey of laughter and terror, redemption and renewal, during which Scrooge’s heart, indeed, is opened; but not before Marley—in this irreverent, funny and deeply moving story—discovers his own. Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St. $18-$25 at bigdawgproductions.org. (910) 367-5237

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 7-16, 7:30pm; Sundays, 3 pm. Music

by Alan Menken Lyrics by Lynn Book by Lynn Ahrens, Mike Ockrent Based on the story by Charles Dickens. Broadway heavy hitters Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) and Lynn Ahrens, breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge, a prosperous curmudgeon, is forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future.

Visit thalian.org or call 910-251-1788 for info and tickets. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

STUART LITTLE AUDITIONS

Dec. 8, 10 am - 12 pm: Thalian Association will hold auditions for the third show of their 18-19 Youth Season at the Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St. in downtown Wilmington. The production, directed by Anthony Lawson, runs January 18 through January 27 at the Community Arts Center. Audition participants should prepare a thirty second to one-minute monologue/speech/ poem to perform. Memorization is not mandatory but preferred. Need more info? 910-251-1788 to schedule an audition time. Be prepared to read from the script.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT AUDITIONS

Thalian Association will hold auditions for the third show of their season, Dec. 10-11, 7pm. The production, directed by Mike Thompson, runs February 8-17 at Thalian Hall. Prepare 16 bars of a musical theater style song to sing along with the sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.

Callbacks will be Wednesday December 12 at the Community Arts Center. Please be prepared to read from a provided script, sing from the show, and attend a dance call. Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St., downtown Wilmington. 910-2511788.

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS

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

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

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

Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate. Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org ART IN BLOOM AT WATERLINE BREWERY

Art showcase with local photographer, Charles Kernan: “What the Water Knows.” Free wine and cheese tasting with live music by TK! Kernan is a retired Chemical Engineer from Wilmington who is an avid outdoors man, enjoying camping, hiking, bicycling and kayaking, and has combined his enjoyment of the outdoors and photography developing a concentrated interest in scenic photography. His work has been juried into photography shows and shown at Art in Bloom Gallery.

Runs through Sunday, Dec. 9. 721 Surry St.

CARLEIGH SION ART

Local fine artist and illustrator, Carleigh Sion, draws inspiration from the ocean and surf culture.

Celebrate her newest collection, “Postcards.”

Meet the artist and enjoy local beer while John Hussman provides the tunes and Catch the Food Truck provides the tacos. www.carleighflower. com. Flytrap Brewing Co., 319 Walnut St.

PAM TOLL

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

ODE TO EXPRESSION

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

COLORS OF EXPRESSION

Dec. 7, 6pm: New work of abstract artist, Bradley Carter. Carter is an award-winning, international selling artist who grew up pursuing his passion for art in Virginia before moving to the North Carolina in 2007, where he currently resides in Wilmington, NC. He predominately works in the medium of painting with his passion in Abstract Expressionism, but his works also include collage, paint skins, and furniture. Artist and gallery are partnering to donate all proceeds from an art raffle and a portion of art sales to New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s – Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital for this exhibit.This exhibit will feature a selection of work fresh out of the artist’s studio. Enjoy a night with the artist and live music as well as a special installation at Monteith Construction, 208 Princess St.

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS

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

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

BABS MCDANCE

Wed., 4-4:45 (ages 9 and up). Visit our beautiful dance studio in the Ogden Business Park and try a class risk free and free of charge! Enhance balance and sharpen coordination—great for sports!

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

Mon. nights, 7pm: Are you interested in learning the Waltz, but are not sure where to start with the dance? Or have you learned the basics and are needing to jog your memory by going over the basic steps again? Well, our level 1 class every Monday night in September is just the class for PEARL HARBOR USO DANCE Dec. 7: Commemoration, 5:30pm. Exhibition and you, 7-8pm. Level 2 and 3 classes offered 8-9pm. free dance lesson w/Cape Fear Swing Dance • Bachata Wednesdays! All levels welcome to this Society, 6pm. Dance from 6:30 to 9:30 pm with one hour class at 7pm! Learn new moves and patlive music by Coco & the Cufflinks. An evening of terns for this spicy Latin dance. • Argentine Tango remembrance, entertainment and dancing. VeterWed., 8pm: All levels welcome to this one hour ans admitted free of charge. Hannah Block Hisclass at 8:pm! Elegant and dynamic social dance. toric USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St. • Shag level 1, Thurs., 7pm: designed for a begin910-341-7860 or wilmingtoncommunityarts.org. ner dancer and/or the dancer wanting to freshen up on the basics. Concepts taught are critical to understanding future technique and terminology.

Subject to a minimum of participants. • Shag 2 & 3, 8pm: A class designed for students who have a strong foundation in the basics. Takes the con- OPEN MIC cepts from Level 1 and adds to it. Subject to a The wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. minimum of participants. $5/military and students (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam with ID, $10/person, $15/couple. Babs McDance, poetry, video, live music, odd talents—perfor6782 Market St. mances of all kinds. Hosted by 6-beer Steve. Sign up, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 DANCE ELEMENT Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for All Boys’ Dance Program, offering two weekly details. jugglinggypsy.com. classes led by talented and inspiring male dance

comedy

teachers: Mon., 4:45-5:30 (ages 5 and up) and GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

On the first Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features Three Guest Comics Under a Bridge. No Trolls. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Lane PRIMETIME COMEDY

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

LUCKY JOE COMEDY SHOW

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

DEAD CROW COMEDY ROOM

Dec. 7-8, 7/9:30pm: Dusty Slay is a stand-up comedian with a baritone voice so smooth it’s like champagne in your ears. Dusty walks you through a childhood in the trailer park, his adult years in the workforce and as an occasional blackout drunk.

He thinks skunks smell like weed and leaves the serious topics like race, religion and politics up to someone who, unlike him hasn’t drank gas out of a water hose.Slay was in invited to the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal as part of the 2018 New Faces and has appeared on several network shows including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” the popular program “Laughs on FOX” and he was a featured comedian on “TMZ.” Dusty’s comedy is regularly showcased on many nationally syndicated radio programs

including Sirius XM, Pandora. • Dec. 14, 7pm: Big Jay Oakerson is one of the most beloved and easily recognizable comedians in New York City.

His easy charm and dirty delivery endear him to audiences every night at The Comedy Cellar, The Stand and Stand Up New York. He’s no stranger to the rest of America, either, regularly headlining across the country and playing festivals including Bonaroo, Jager’s Korn tour, Rock Star Energy Drink’s Mayhem Fest, Gathering of the Juggalos and Funny or Die’s Oddball Festival. Jay has also recently been featured on This Is Not Happening with Ari Shaffir, Comedy Underground with Dave Attell, FX’s Louie, Inside Amy Schumer, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Tickets: http://deadcrowcomedy.com. 265 N. Front St. LIVE RIFFING AND VINTAGE TV

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

265 N. Front St.

DAREDEVIL IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE

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

museum CAMERON ART MUSEUM

On exhibit: “A Time When Art Is Everywhere: teamLab,” an art collective and interdisciplinary group

d? e d o o l F r Ca

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

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encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 41

Commemoration

PEARL HARBOR

USO DANCE AN EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE, ENTERTAINMENT, AND DANCING

December 7, 2018 • 5:30 pm

Exhibition & Free Dance Lesson with the Cape Fear Swing Dance Society at 6 pm

Tickets $15.00

WWII Veterans Admitted Free of Charge

Sponsored by: World War II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition, the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center and AARP

At the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center • 120 S. 2nd Street Wilmington NC Dance with music by Coco & the Cufflinks 6:30 - 9:30 pm

For more information or tickets call 910-341-7860 or visit wilmingtoncommunityarts.org

42 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Wilmington Strong T-shirts Don't forget to stop by and purchase a Wilmington Strong Tee 50% of proceeds go to NC Nourish

Holiday Parties You'll Never Forget Expand your options and choose a new way to celebrate the holidays. Come on board for a party to remember. Full bar, spacious bathroom, heated, good sound system and excellent views. Let us customize it for you. Call Diane for more info. 910.632.4095

Chop On By...

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

Spirit of the Holiday Cruise Friday & Saturday nights until Dec. 29th (with Sunday Dec.23rd & 30th)

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

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

Local Musicians will perform Christmas/Holiday Carols.Specials on holiday cocktails from our full bar and festive goodies. This is a cruise for you to enjoy the sites & sounds of the holidays in Wilmington. Make it a new family tradition!!

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

e

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

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HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Follow us

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

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

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

Complete Schedule: wilmingtonwatertours.net encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 43

traditional lantern festivals, marking the transitional of programmers, engineers, CG animators, moment of season’s change and year’s end, remathematicians artists and architects, creates flecting on the past while garnering energy for digital artworks that bridge art, science, techthe future. CAM recognizes the crucial role of nology, design and the natural world. Designs artists and art in creating an exceptional quality are immersive interpretations deeply rooted in of life for a community. Art, like a lantern, illumiJapanese art, aesthetic and history. Through nates the mystery, empathy and wonder of human Sept. 8, 2019 • Feather by Feather, The Sculpexistence. On Sun., Dec. 9 from 4-7 p.m. will be tures of Grainger McKoy, through Feb. 17, 2019: the third annual Floating Lantern Ceremony: This From the detailed beginnings of the single iconic event is an opportunity for Remembrance, Reflecfeather, Grainger McKoy transforms his intricatetion and Gratitude. There’s no charge to attend, ly carved birds into gravity-defying sculptures but participants are encouraged to purchase a that play with form and space. • Along the East$12 lantern sleeve they may personalize and then ern Sea Road: Hiroshige’s Fifty-three Stations of float on the CAM reflecting pond.• CAM Café the Tōkaidō, through Feb. 17, 2019: Master printopen and serving delicious menu with full bar, maker Utagawa Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations 5pm-9pm. Tues.-Sun., 11am-2pm; Thurs. nights, of the Tōkaidō is among the most celebrated 5pm-9pm 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum. works of Japanese art. Series depicts the specorg. 3201 S. 17th St. tacular landscapes and fascinating characters encountered on the journey from Edo (now To- CAPE FEAR MUSEUM Hundreds of toys and games are on view in Playkyo) to the imperial capital of Kyoto. The Tōkaidō Time!—classics, like Lincoln Logs, toy soldiers, an road was the most-traveled route between these Erector set and a Mr. Potato Head, and even old two important cities, figuring heavily into popular faves like wooden tops, blocks and dolls. RememJapanese art and culture in the mid-1800s. Camber those toys that, for whatever reason, we just eron Art Museum presents the complete set of 55 had to have? Some of those fad favorites like the prints from Hiroshige’s monumental oban series, Rubik’s cube and 1960s Liddle Kiddle dolls are on known as the Upright Tōkaidō, created in 1855. • exhibit along with toy figures from fast food kids’ Nearer to Nature, through Feb. 17, 2019 Humans meals. Explore toy history in custom label books. have always been inspired and influenced by Play, create, and imagine in Cape Fear Museum’s the world that surrounds us. Featuring artwork newest exhibit, PlayTime! Engage with museum from CAM’s permanent collection, Nearer to Naeducators in these short, drop-in programs. Acture highlights this fascination and contemplation tivities change weekly and may include puzzles, of the natural world. Artists in the exhibition ingames, blocks, and more. Adult participation is clude Elliott Daingerfield, Minnie Evans, William required. Fun for all ages! Free for members or Frerichs, Will Henry Stevens, along with contemwith general admission • Camera Collections! porary artists such as Mark Flood, Guy Laramée With today’s smart phones and digital cameras, and Hiroshi Sueyoshi. • Illumination, through photography is everywhere. Until the invention of Jan. 6, 2019: Highly popular Illumination returns the camera in 1839, there was no way to instantly for it’s 3rd year to CAM. Drawing inspiration from

capture the environment around you. In less than 200 years, cameras have progressed from complicated contraptions only used by professionals, to simple boxes with a roll of film anyone could operate, to handheld computers that create digital images shared with the world. 86 cameras and 145 photographic accessories showcases changes in technology and styles, from late 1800s-early 2000s. www.capefearmuseum.com. $8/adults, $7/seniors, college & military, $5/youth. CF Museum, 814 Market St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

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

WILMINGTON RR MUSEUM

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

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4-$12. Latimer House of Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St.

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

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

BELLAMY MANSION

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action. 910-2513700. www.bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

kids stuff SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING

A brief presentation about the live animals on display in the Events Center and then watch them

44 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

feed. At least one snake and turtle will be fed during the demonstration. Ages: 3 and up. Cost: $1.

12/5, 4-4:30pm. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St. LITTLE EXPLORERS

Age 2-5, cost $3/participant. 10-11am. Deadline to register: Day before each program. Bring your explorers out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Dress for the weather(including closed-toe shoes) to be ready for outdoor fun! Preregistration is required.

Children must be accompanied by adults. Adults free. Signs of Fall, 11/29, 10-11am, and 11/30, 10-11am; Lunch for a Bea, 12/13, 10-11am, and 12/14, 10-11am. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

FINISH IT!

Dec. 5, 4pm: Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint, or enjoy another craft? Got unfinished projects lurking in your closets? Bring a project to the library and work on it with other crafty people, on the first Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm. This library group is free and no reservations are needed. Reference Librarian Annice Sevett at asevett@ nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

recreational WALK WITH A DOC

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

WB SCENIC TOURS

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

Guided eco-cruises are educational boat tours designed to increase conservation awareness about local wildlife and sensitive coastline habitats in New Hanover County. Topics explained during the boat ride will include: salt marsh function, wetland plants, and strong emphasis on shorebird/ water bird ecology and identification. Birding tours are best when scheduled at low tide. • Sunset Tour of WB, Thurs., 5pm: Sunset with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours departs from the Blockade Runner Dock. Routes vary with season, weather, and whim on the Basic Sunset Cruise but may include Masonboro Island, Bradley Creek, Money Island or some other combination. Water, marsh, Shamrock, sunset – it’s a simple combination but very satisfying. Also, from experience, this is the best time to sight dolphins in the bay. RSVP: 910200-4002 or wbst3000@gmail.com. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

classes ADULT CRAFTERNOONS

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

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

CRAFTEEN MINI GARDENS

Crafty teens are invited for snacks and miniature

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

Dec. 6, 5:30pm: Smart Start is hosting their Triple P Level 2 Selected Seminars at The Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Due to a sponsorship from the United Way, these seminars are free and there will be food provided. Focus on raising competent, confident children. To register, please email jdavis@playwilmington.org.Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St.

FAST TRACK CLINICAL RESEARCH CAREERS

Dec. 3, 5:30pm: Begin a career in the rapidly expanding clinical research industry. In this twelfth session of the series, we will delve into specific practices and safeguards used to protect patients from known and unknown safety risks from new medications. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: discuss ways in which the safety of a new medication is characterized; discuss safety risk management through the clinical development and post-marketing phases, including AE reporting, trial discontinuation, risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS), and post-marketing studies; discuss safety implication of offlabel use; and, describe label expansion studies, Rx-to-OTC switch studies, and label expansion/ lifecycle management approaches. $50; free for all students of area schools including UNCW, community colleges, and high schools. FuseCR, 803B S. College Rd.

SECOND SATURDAY WORKSHOP

Dec. 8, 9am: Legacy Architectural Salvage offers free* programming fun for the family! We share our space with residential rehabilitation experts, our trained volunteers, and design gurus in town. They exhibit their talents for you to learn from. Scrapbooking + collage activities cost under $15 extra for supplies. Check out Facebook Events for details on upcoming Second Saturday workshops.

Legacy Architectural Salvage Behind Stevens Ace Hardware, 1831 Dawson St.

SOUL CONNECTION WORKSHOP

Dec. 8, 10am: Two and a 1/2 hr workshop we will work on cultivating a deeper connection with our souls. You will learn how to ask your soul questions and receive answers. You will also learn how to remove doubts and fears that are holding you back. By pin pointing our doubts and fears, we can work to eradicate them and their energetic frequency from our physical body and our light body (our entire being). When we can remove these lower frequencies, we make more space for the higher frequencies of our soul, clearing our path to follow our joy. We can literally bring more

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

When I write a horoscope for you, I focus on one or two questions because I don’t have room to cover every single aspect of your life. The theme I’ve chosen this time may seem a bit impractical, but if you take it to heart, I guarantee you it will have practical benefits. It comes from Italian author Umberto Eco. He wrote, “Perhaps the mission of those who love humanity is to make people laugh at the truth, to make truth laugh, because the only truth lies in learning to free ourselves from insane passion for the truth.” I swear to you, Aries, if you laugh at the truth and make the truth laugh in the coming days, you will be guided to do all the right and necessary things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

six minutes and four seconds, or 4.28 words per second. In one stretch, he crams in 97 words in 15 seconds, achieving a pace of 6.5 words per second. I suspect in coming weeks, you also will be unusually adept at using words, although your forte will be potent profundity rather than sheer speed.

I encourage you to prepare by making a list of the situations where your enhanced powers of persuasion will be most useful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In May of 1883, the newly built Brooklyn Bridge opened for traffic. Spanning the East River to link Manhattan and Brooklyn, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Almost immediately people spread rumors it was unstable. There was a growing fear it might even crumble and fall. That’s when charismatic showman P. T. Barnum stepped in. He arranged to march 21 elephants across the bridge. There was no collapse, and so the rumors quickly died. I regard coming weeks as a time when you should take inspiration from Barnum. Provide proof that will dispel gossipy doubt. Drive away superstitious fear with dramatic gestures. Demonstrate how strong and viable your improvements really are.

You have a cosmic mandate and a poetic license to stir up far more erotic fantasies than usual. It’ll be healthy for you to unleash many new thoughts about sexual experiments that would be fun to try and novel feelings you’d like to explore and people whose naked flesh you’d be interested to experience sliding and gliding against yours. But, please, note the cosmic mandate and poetic license do not necessarily extend to you acting out your fantasies. The important thing is to let your imagination run wild. That SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) will catalyze a psychic healing you didn’t even realize you needed.

Robert Louis Stevenson published his gothic novel “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde” in 1886. It was a bestseller, and quickly got turned GEMINI (May 21-June 20) In my continuing efforts to help you want what you need and need what into a theatrical production. In the ensuing 132 years, there have been well you want, I’ve collected four wise quotes that address your looming op- over 100 further adaptations of the story into film and stage productions. portunities. 1. “What are you willing to give up, in order to become who you Here’s a funny thing about his influential work: Stevenson wrote it fast. It really need to be?” —author Elizabeth Gilbert; 2. “Leave the door open took him three feverish days to get the gist of it, and another six weeks to for the unknown, the door into the dark. That’s where the most important revise. Some biographers say he was high on drugs during the initial burst, things come from.” —Rebecca Solnit; 3. “You enter the extraordinary by perhaps cocaine. I suspect you could also produce some robust and interway of the ordinary.” —Frederick Buechner; 4. “Happiness is like a but- esting creation in the coming weeks, Sagittarius—and you won’t even need terfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit cocaine to fuel you. down quietly, may alight upon you.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

I’ve called on author Robert Heinlein to provide your horoscope. According to my astrological analysis, his insights are exactly what you need to focus on right now. “Do not confuse ‘duty’ with what other people expect of you,” he wrote. “They are utterly different. Duty is a debt you owe to yourself to fulfill obligations you have assumed voluntarily. Paying that debt can entail anything from years of patient work to instant willingness to die. Difficult it may be, but the reward is self-respect. But there is no reward at all for doing what other people expect of you, and to do so is not merely difficult, but impossible.”

tors syndiCate

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A blogger on Tumblr named Ffsshh composed a set of guidelines I think will be apt and useful for you to draw on in the coming weeks. Please, study these suggestions and adapt them for your healing process. “Draw stick figures. Sing off-key. Write bad poems. Sew ugly clothes. Run slowly. Flirt clumsily. Play video games on “easy.” OK? You do not need to be good at something to enjoy it. Sometimes talent is overrated. Do things you like doing just because you like doing them. It’s OK to suck.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

What does “beauty” mean to you? What sights, sounds, images, qualities, thoughts, and behavior do you regard as beautiful? Whatever your answers might be to those questions right now, I suggest you expand and deepen your definitions in the coming weeks. You’re at a perfect pivot point to invite more gorgeous, lyrical grace into your life; to seek out more elegance and charm and artistry; to cultivate more alluring, delightful magic.

Aquarian athlete Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player who ever lived. He also was the first to become a billionaire. But when he was growing up, he didn’t foresee the glory that awaited him. For example, in high school he took a home economics class as to acquire cooking abilities. Why? He imagined as an adult he might have to prepare all of his own meals. His ears were so huge and ungainly, he reasoned, no woman would want to be his wife. So the bad news was he suffered from a delusion. The good news was, because of his delusion, he learned a useful skill. I foresee a similar progression for you, Aquarius. Something you did that was motivated by misguided or irrelevant ideas may yield positive results.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

The Bible does not say Mary Magdalene was a prostitute or even a “sinner.”

There’s no mention of her sexual proclivities at all. Delusional ideas about her arose in the Middle Ages, instigated by priests who confused her with other women in the Bible. The truth is the Bible names her as a key ally to Christ, and the crucial witness to his resurrection. Fortunately, a number of scholars and church leaders have in recent years been working to correct her reputation. I invite you to be motivated and inspired by this transformation as you take steps to adjust and polish your own image during the LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) coming weeks. It’s time to get your public and private selves into closer Libran rapper Eminem is renowned for his verbal skill. It may be best alignment.. exemplified in his song “Rap God,” in which he delivers 1,560 words in You know the expiration dates that appear on the labels of the prescription drugs you buy? They don’t mean the drugs lose their potency after that date. In fact, most drugs are still quite effective for at least another 10 years. Let’s use this fact as a metaphor for a certain resource or influence in your life that you fear is used up or defunct. I’m guessing it still has a lot to offer you, although you will have to shift your thinking in order to make its reserves fully available.

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

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

of our personal soul’s energy into our being. Our souls only know unconditional Love, strength, wellbeing, intelligence, kindness, patience, playfulness, discipline, humor, understanding, and unity for all. Living with more of our soul’s frequency makes life clearer, easier, more fun, more fulfilling, more purposeful, and more meaningful. You will be guided through a basic yoga practice (with options to make it more challenging), and several meditations. We can release what doesn’t serve us and deepen our connection with our inner eternal higher being and guidance system. How awesome is that!? Cost $30. Wilmington Yoga, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste 200 WHOLE HEALTH FORUM

Dec. 10, 5:30pm: Local practitioners giving back to the community on the 2nd Monday of the month.

Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave.

CRYTSAL INTENTION-SETTING WORKSHOP

Dec. 12, 7:30pm: A monthly workshop is all about the healing power of stones––tools found in nature that we can use as reminders for self-inspiration, healing, awareness + empowerment. Guided by Monica Sevginy, who will gift each participant with a selected gemstone or crystal of the month. Advanced online registration is requested. Bring your own blanket, pillow or yoga mat to sit on as our workshop will take place on the floor like a traditional yoga class. Neon Fox Studio, 201 N. Front St

EXPERIENTIAL ANATOMY III

Dec. 14, 6pm: To understand the location and function of the key structures of the body and apply them to yoga practice How to become proficient at understanding and identifying imbalances in your students’ practice. A functional, integrated approach to evaluation through looking at movement and asana as well as specific muscle testing techniques. How certain imbalances may lead to pain and dysfunction. Common stresses and injuries for each part of the body and how to apply asana therapeutically for specific injuries, as well as modifications (providing appropriate hands-on support and protection) to maximize the healing and strengthening that is possible from the practice of yoga. How do develop a personalized plan of care and personalized asana practice for your student based on the evaluation methods that will be taught. $400. Wilmington Yoga, 5329 Oleander Dr., Ste 200

ACCESS ENERGETIC FACELIFT CLASS

Dec. 15, 10am: Access Consciousness is a system of tools that allows you to change anything you cannot change and create everything you desire in a different and easier way. One of its most dynamic tools is the hands-on body process, the Access Energetic FaceliftTM. Energetic, unique and potent non-surgical Access Facelift is a gentle hands-on process nurtures the body and allows your face and body to restore and add youth back. The Facelift invites you and your body to destroy points of view that create aging.

6-8 hour class comes with a manual, a video is shown, and participants give and receive Facelift twice. 15 years and younger free. 16-17 yrs old half price. $300 for first time; $150 for re-takes!.

630-292-0216, register. accessconsciousness. com/en/public-profiles/aubrey-glaskin-clay. Blue Lagoon Wellness Center, 1202 Floral Parkway

clubs/notices PCYP NETWORKING

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

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

Skytown Brewing (sponsored by Matthew’s Motors), 4712 New Centre Dr. Upcoming schedule: Dec. 6, Hosted by the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, sponsored by TBD; Dec. 14, Members-only Christmas Party at Banks Channel. www.facebook.com/groups/portcityyoungprofessionals SOUL SISTERS SLEEPOVER

Dec. 7-9: Ever thought: why me? How about: why not me? Join us for a weekend with other soulsearching sisters like you. Whether you’re looking to start your own business, stoke a new fire, redirect your path, go from mama to mom boss, network with other successful ladies or simply find contentment with where you are, our Soul Sisters Sleepover is just what you need to stir the soul and answer your calling. $400 includes accommodations, meals, yoga, meditation and more! http:// whiterabbittrips.com. Wrightsville Beach

BIG SKY SEASONAL SALE

Dec. 8, 10am: It’s time for our annual clean-out of our interior design showroom—a big seasonal sale! We will be stocked to the brim with designer decor including accessories, lighting, furniture, art, holiday decor and more! Discounts on everything! Big Sky Shop + Studio, 4037 Masonboro Loop Rd.

INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL

Dec. 10, 6pm: Wilmington Faiths Against Gun Violence (WFAGV) will hold a fourth annual Interfaith Prayer Vigil in downtown Wilmington on December 10th, 6:00 pm at in Perry Hall, St. James Episcopal church (enter from the Dock street side of the church). Some 25 local faith communities and organizations are sponsoring the vigil which will recognize victims of gun violence. Join us to pray together for an end to violence in our community.

St. James Episcopal Church, 23 S. Third St.

culinary FERMENTAL

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

PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer styles. • Dec. 6, 5pm: Cause Beer Pint Night—a charitable foundation that aids ILM craft beverage producers, bottle shops, and bars in giving back to their community. $1.00 for every pint sold purchases Christmas presents for kids at DREAMS of Wilmington. We’ll be listening to some tunes, eating some yummy food and have tons of raffle prizes to give away! fermental.net. 910-821-0362.

7250 Market St.

FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

PORT CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

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

Fresh local produce, beef and pork products, sweets, pickled items, handcrafted jewelry and art. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln.

YMCA MONTHLY POTLUCKS

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

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

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

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

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

tours CAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS

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

3201 S. 17th St.

LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

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

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

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

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

MS SUPPORT GROUP

Those with MS, families and friends welcome.

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

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

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

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

PFLAG

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

CORK BOARD NEW

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

Available for your next CD or Demo

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 33 year veteran producer/engineer

200 album credits

Dreaming of a career in the music industry?

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

Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com

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

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

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Installation & Repairs

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

910-616-0470

senior caregiver needed!

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

4 hours/day, 4 days/week • $25/hour

dokuandrea@gmail.com

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December 6, 2018 at 7:30 pm Ticket Central 910.362.7999 capefearstage.com 48 encore | december 5 - december 11, 2018 | www.encorepub.com