vol.
26 / pub 24 / FREE / December 15-21, 2010
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Saved Stories: Kristi Howard’s art class makes old books into shrines p.10
photo by Rachel Black
encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com
hodge podge
contents vol.
27/ pub 24 / December 15th-22, 2010
www.encorepub.com
What’s inside this week
news & views....... 4-6
4 live local: Gwenyfar Rohler takes the UK’s happiness index test.
book shrine pg. 10 Lauren Hodges talks to artist Kristi Howard about how she’s turning used books into pieces of art. Catholic School Library Book Shrines will be taught at Wicked Gallery this Saturday. Cover and inside photos by Rachel Black.
free tickets!
If you’re not already an encore fan on Facebook, you should be! We’re running a contest on encore’s Facebook page that is simply quite awesome. Also include which show you would like to go to, and we’ll enter you in our contest to win a pair of tickets to the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach. We’ll be randomly selecting the winner from the comments one week prior to concert dates. Don’t forget to tell your friends either. If you don’t have FB, then log on to www. encorepub.com, click on “Web Extras,” and enter the contests for a chance to win!
best-of art contest
ington will begin choosing their favorite stuff about town, from coffee to book stores, Indian food to women’s apparel! In honor of our 2010 Best-Of, we’re holding an art contest for folks to design our Best-Of award. To find out the details, go to www.encorepub.com and click on “Best-Of Art Contest.” No phone calls, please.
best of ballots
And the time has arrived! We’re officially in Best-Of Land for 2011. Go ahead, and log on to our website, encorepub.com, click on the Best-Of 2011 button on our home page and vote, vote, vote! The ballot will be up through January 14th. Party details to come!
It’s that time of year—almost! All of Wilm-
EDITORIAL:
production and advertising:
Editor-in-Chief: Shea Carver
Art Director
Editorial Assistant: Lauren Hodges
Sue Cothran
Chief Contributors:
John Hitt: Downtown, Carolina Beach
Adrian Varnam, Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus Houvou-
Kris Beasley: Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington
ras, Claude Limoges, Jay Schiller, Lauren Hodges,
Jennifer Barnett: Midtown, Monkey Junction
Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd,
Promotions Manager: John Hitt
Advertising Sales:
Christina Dore, The Cranky Foreigner
encore is published weekly, on Wednesday, by Wilmington Media. Opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.
encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
Distribution: Reggie Brew, John Hitt
CorrespondEnce: P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9177
late-night funnies
“President Obama has extended the Bush-era tax cuts. Great. Let’s extend the policies of the guy who gave us the greatest recession in the history of the planet.”—David Letterman “Iran began holding talks with the six world powers. Participants were the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Oprah.”—Conan O’Brien “China is holding about a trillion dollars in U.S. debt. Next time you go for Chinese food and the bill comes, tell them to put it on the tab.”—Jay Leno “On Sarah Palin’s next show she gets together with Kate Gosselin and her kids. This may be the biggest meeting of media whores since Michael and Dina Lohan got together to conceive Lindsay.”—Jimmy Kimmel “Some teens are getting pregnant on purpose so they can audition for MTV’s show ‘16 & Pregnant.’ Also, some adults are running for President on purpose so they can audition for a show on killing moose.”—Jimmy Fallon ”The season wouldn’t feel the same without people going out of their way to be offended by nothing.”—Jon Stewart on the “War on Christmas”
penguin wednesdays
Wanna know what’s in encore for the week each Wednesday it’s published? Listen to Shea Carver on the Penguin 106.7, with Glenn every Wednesday morning at 9:15. They’ll keep you informed first on what’s happening in the Port City—followed by great music, too.
6 news of the weird: Chuck Shepherd reports on news of the strange and odd.
artsy smartsy....... 8-21
8 theater: Gwenyfar Rohler reviews Thalian Association’s premiere of “White Christmas: The Musical”; Shea Carver previews two shows running final performances this week, “Honk! The Musical” and “Mulligans Home for the Holidays.” 10-11 art: Lauren Hodges interviews Kristi Howard about her book shrines and the class she’ll teach on it this weekend; Hodges also checks out Bottega’s latest ‘Corpse’ exhibit. 13 gallery guide: Find out what exhibitions are hanging at local galleries. 15 music: Shea Carver interviews Dave Wilson of Chatham County Line and Johnny Irion about their Electric Christmas Tour at Soapbox this Thursday. 16-19 soundboard: See what bands and performers are playing in venues all over town. 21 film: Anghus reviews The Rock in his latest un-thriller, ‘Faster.’
grub & guzzle....... 23-26
23 lunch bunch: Lauren Hodges talks Asian obsession at Tokyo 101.
25-27 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through encore’s dining guide!
extra! extra!......... 28-39
28 books: Tiffanie Gabrielse interviews local author Ted Miller Brogden about his first published book, ‘Jigsaw’ 29 fashion feature: Shea Carver interviews Alisha Payne about her Ruby Assata brand and her first accessory fashion show in Charlotte, NC. 31 crossword: Let Stan Newman test your brain power with our weekly crossword! 32 fact or fiction: Claude Limoges unveils part 26 of ‘An Involuntary Intimate.’ 34-39 calendar/’toons/ horoscopes/pet of the week/ corkboard: Find out where to go and what to do about town with encore’s calendar; check out Tom Tomorrow and encore’s annual ‘toons winner, Jay Schiller; read your horoscope; see which of our furry friends of the week need adopting; and check out the latest saucy corkboard ads.
encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com
below Live Local
6 News of the Weird
Live Local. Live Small. Measuring happiness
R
ecently, UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the UK Office of National Statistics will assemble a National Happiness Index. This idea was greeted with mixed feelings by the populace, some pleased at the idea of measuring more than just the movement of money, others pointing out that this announcement was made to distract from the severe austerity measures (extreme budget cuts) made by the UK government. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Gross National Product as the total value of the goods and services produced by the residents of a nation during a specified period (as a year). The idea behind a Gross National Happiness is to include factors measuring quality of life, not just production.
by: Gwenyfar Rohler The Kingdom of Bhutan has been measuring Gross National Happiness since 1972, when King Wangchuck was crowned. According to Time magazine: “Wangchuck still maintains that economic growth does not necessarily lead to contentment, and instead focuses on the four pillars of GNH: economic self-reliance, a pristine environment, the preservation and promotion of Bhutan’s culture, and good governance in the form of a democracy.” The New Economics Foundation in the UK worked on the 2006 Happy Planet Index, measuring the impact of people on the environment and contrasting it against their
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fulfillment in life. A second study was released in 2009, and their website, HappyPlanetIndex.org, allows visitors to measure their own actions against world averages. The UK-based survey measures different criteria than the Bhutan government cites as its four main pillars. Among other topics, the UK seeks to measure respondent’s connection to and participation in local government. The survey available on the New Economics Foundation Site included genetic predispositions for health concerns, nutrition, exercise, stress, income, carbon foot print, social and community connection, volunteerism, general attitude about life, sense of personal freedom, spending habits and housing choices. Jock and I each took the survey and we were surprised by the results. I scored a 53.5 (out of 100), and Jock came in at 46.7. (The world average is 46 with a target score of 83.) Since I am very pessimistic about life, and quite moody, it was surprising that Jock, the living embodiment of Polyanna, scored lower than me. Then, when we began to compare the breakdown of the scores, it quickly became clear what had driven his score down: Because of his work, his carbon footprint is bigger than mine from spending so much time on international flights. This is by no means a perfect survey, but it is an interesting opportunity to glimpse on a personal level what economists are discussing. For me, much of what drove up my
scores in personal satisfaction and community connection came from the decision to live locally and embrace the small and regionally owned businesses in our community. Canada is starting to discuss the possibility of adopting a similar measurement to the UK’s Happiness Index. France has invited Joseph Steglitz, the 2001 winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, to develop a more meaningful measurement of national prosperity. In lectures, Steglitz cites deforestation as an example of the GNP’s failure to accurately measure economic growth. Selling lots of hardwood for export might look great on paper, but depleting a country of valuable natural resources is not a sustainable long term economic policy. The decision is surprising: that a major first world would evaluate the sustainability of their economy, and the impact of economic policy on the daily lives of the citizenry. However, to have a vehicle to measure the satisfaction derived from one’s participation in the economic system could go a long way toward shifting focus from big companies to the importance of small business. Let us hope so.
Gwenyfar Rohler is the author of “The Promise of Peanuts. A real life fairy tale about a man, a village, and the promise that bound them together.” Available at www.OldBooksonFrontSt.com. All Profits go to Full Belly Project, www.Fullbellyproject.org.
The first annual
Best-Of Wilmington Award Design Contest
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encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com
d r i e w e h t f o s w e n
Fresh from the Farm
The Riverfront Farmers’ Market is a curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists & crafters. • Fruits • Vegetables • Plants • Herbs • Flowers • Eggs • Cheeses • Meats • Seafood
• Honey • Baked goods • Pasta • Pickles • Jams & Jelly • Candy • Art • Crafts • Entertainment
LAST WEEK FOR 2010 The Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays, April 17 - December 18 from 8am-1pm downtown on Water Street between Market and Princess Streets.
For more information call
LEAD STORY Among the oppressive patriarchal customs that remain in force in Saudi Arabia is a requirement that females obtain their father’s (or guardian’s) permission before marrying, even women who are profoundly independent. A 42-year-old surgeon (licensed to practice in the UK and Canada as well as Saudi Arabia) was the subject of an “Associated Press” report in November. One activist, estimating that nearly 800,000 Saudi women are in the same position, complained that a Saudi woman “can’t even buy a phone without the guardian’s permission.” The surgeon took her father to court recently, but the judge had not rendered a decision by press time. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Alabama is the only remaining state to ban the sale of sex toys. Nevertheless, the Huntsville shop Pleasures recently expanded by moving to a former bank building in order to use three drive-thru windows to sell dildos. (Since state law prohibits the sale unless used for “bona fide medical, scientific, educational, legislative, judicial or law enforcement purposes,” customers must provide a brief written description of their medical or other “legitimate” condition in order to make the purchase.) Wei Xinpeng, 55, a boatman in a village near industrial Lanzhou, China, collects bodies from the Yellow River (the murdered, the suicides, the accidentally drowned), offering them back to grieving relatives for a price. Distraught visitors pay a small browsing fee to check his inventory and then, if they identify a loved one, up to the equivalent of $500 to take the corpse home. Said Wei, “I bring dignity to the dead”; no overstatement for him since his own son drowned in the river (yet his body was never recovered). November 3rd was National Sandwich Day, and several U.S. eateries capitalized by mixing
538-6223
or visit www.wilmingtonfarmers.com
encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
up bar drinks in honor of such favorites as the cheeseburger, the BLT (bacon-infused rum), and the PB&J (peanut syrup, strawberry jam, banana and rum). The mixologist at Toronto’s Tipicular Fixin’s makes his cheeseburger cocktail with beef stock reduction, Roma tomatoes and iceberg lettuce water, garnished with a cheddar crisp and a kosher dill. Cutting-Edge Science In November researchers at the University of Queensland revealed that parrot fish— which reside on Australia’s reefs and need protection from blood-sucking, lice-like parasites—shelter themselves at bedtime with blankets of “snot.” Typically, the fish’s mouthslobber, once it starts dribbling out, takes about an hour to ooze into place. Medical Marvels: (1) Six-year-old Alexis McCarter, of Pelzer, S.C., underwent surgery in December to remove the safety pin that she had stuck up her nose as a baby and which was lodged in her sinus cavity (having sprung open only after it was inside her, causing headaches, nosebleeds and ear infections). (2) Sharon Wilson of Doncaster, England, finally got a worthwhile answer for her nearly 10-year odyssey through a range of doctors’ complicated misdiagnoses. She had complained of many, many days when she vomited more than 100 times, at “almost exactly” 10-minute intervals. The previous diagnosis was a tumor in her pituitary gland, but another specialist nailed it: “Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome.” Researcher Patricia Brennan of Yale University told a conference in July that a duck’s penis may vary in length from year to year, depending on their competition that year. Their penises waste away after each mating season and regrow, and Brennan found that they regrow longer if there are other males around. (Female ducks are known to have corkscrew-shaped vaginas, and thus a centimeter or two can make a big difference for success in mating.) What’s Weird is That It’s Legal: The pharmaceutical company Genentech makes both Lucentis (a $2,000 injection for relieving agerelated macular degeneration) and Avastin (an anti-cancer drug that many retina specialists prescribe for age-related macular degeneration because it is just as effective yet costs about $50). Using Avastin instead of Lucentis saves Medicare hundreds of millions of dollars a year, reported “The New York Times” in November, and, obviously, every dollar’s savings is a dollar less income for Genentech. In response in October, the company commenced a lucrative rebate program for physicians, worth tens of thousands of dollars,
that apparently passes as legal according to Medicare guidelines, but said one Ohio specialist, “There’s no way to look at that without calling it bribery.” News of the Overprivileged (1) Cell phones and GPS devices have led national-park visitors to do “stupid” things, confident that they will be saved from themselves, a Grand Teton National Park spokesperson told “The New York Times” in August—such as the lost, cold hiker who called rangers to ask for hot chocolate or the visitors flummoxed by cold weather who wanted a personal escort back to their campsite. In August, a party of hikers in Illinois called for (and received) three separate rescues in 24 hours. (2) The Milwaukee teachers’ union filed an equal-rights lawsuit in August challenging health-insurance cutbacks by the budget-challenged Milwaukee Public Schools. The union was denouncing the elimination of Viagra as discrimination against men. The Weirdo American Community In November, at a burglary scene near Seneca, S.C., deputies found Noah Smith, 31, naked and apparently drugged, perhaps on hallucinogenic mushrooms, and with a string-like object protruding from his buttocks. Smith was X-rayed, revealing (according to the deputies’ report, which made its way to the Internet) that the object in his rectum was a “mouse.” However, several days later, the sheriff’s office clarified that the object was a “computer mouse.” Smith told emergency room personnel that he had no memory of the incident. Armed and Clumsy (all new!) People who accidentally shot themselves recently: Daniel McDaniels, 31, Sarasota, Fla., “trying to ward off a skunk” (October). Sanford Rothman, 63, Boulder, Colo., while sleepwalking (October). Reserve police officer Kenneth Shannon, 68, Gary, Ind., in the hand while loading his gun (and the bullet went on to hit his partner) (October). Sheriff’s Deputy Miguel Rojas, Crestview, Fla., in the leg while firearms training (July). Darrell Elam, 52, Peshastin, Wash., in the buttocks as he holstered his gun (August). A 48-year-old woman, Clover, S.C., in the jaw while trying to kill a rat (September). A 25-year-old man, Juneau, Alaska, in the head after jokingly telling friends that there is “one way” to find out whether a gun is loaded or not (October 2009). Have your own news of the weird to share with Chuck Shepard? Send it to P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL, 33679. Visit www.NewsoftheWeird.com.
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below-9 Theater
10-13 Art
15-19 Music
21 Film
What Community Theatre Should Be: Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas: The Musical’ brings about much cheer
“W
hite Christmas,” the stage adaptation of Irving Berlin’s quintessential Christmas song and the 1954 film, is an ambitious production for Thalian Association. The well-loved classic, remembered from performances by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, comes with high expectations. Set in 1954, “White Christmas” chronicles the lives of Bob Wallace (Christopher Rickert) and Phil Davis (David Lorek), a song-and-dance team during the boom following World War II. Life after the army has been good to them and their buddies (who seem to be employed everywhere these two turn up). Davis, the classic philanderer, cannot understand why his best friend can’t get a date: He’s handsome. He’s famous. What’s not to love? He and his current flame, Judy Haynes (Janna Murray), hatch a plan to set up Wallace with Judy’s sister, Betty (Alecia Bell Vanderhaar). After boarding the wrong train under false pretenses, a romantic comedy of errors begins. The four find themselves at a struggling Vermont inn, surprisingly owned by the men’s former army general. When considering a production like this, one can‘t help but wonder, “Where are you going to find someone who sings like Bing Crosby?” Though Christopher Rickert as Bob Wallace doesn’t sound like Crosby (because no one can), he has a strong, beautiful voice and carries the show well. This is not the first time Rickert has been charged with the task of re-creating a famous film role to a live audience; his performance as Ash in “Evil Dead” (as Bruce Campbell) also necessitated him finding the character on his own and building something more than just a parody of a film
by: Gwenyfar Rohler
White Christmas: The Musical
HHHHH Thalian Association Thalian Hall 310 Chestnut St. 12/16 -1 9; 8 p.m. or 3 p.m. Sunday matinees Tickets: $22-$25 www.thalianhall.com star. Instead of playing Crosby, he fleshes out Bob Wallace, the successful but lonely star, and convinces us that he is completely baffled by women—in particular Betty. Rickert deserves a lot of credit for rising to this challenge. David Lorek plays Phil Davis (Danny Kaye’s character) with a charming, funny and plagued fascination with women. The stage adaptation has removed the film’s Danny Kaye double-speak scenes, allowing the actor to embrace the role, rather than attempt to reproduce Kaye’s signature work. The Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy, are remembered by many as the Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen characters. Vanderharr resembles a young Rosemary Clooney. Murray bounces on to the stage and just radiates joy. Their collective struggle to succeed in the dif-
encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
SONG-AND-DANCE TEAM: Christopher Rickert and David Lorek perform as the Wallace and Davis entertainment duo in Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas: The Musical.” Photo by Chris Ochs.
ficult world of show business, while balancing the restrictive expectations for young women in the 1950’s is very real. If anything, their plight made me grateful to live now and not then. The cast of nearly 40 has a lot of stand out performances. Michelle Reiff as Martha Watson, the former Broadway luminary now working at a remote Vermont inn, brought the house down with “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.” This showstopper could only be topped by the über-cuteness of Abby Winner (playing Susan Waverly, granddaughter to General Waverly) singing the same song in act two. With long blonde hair, bobby socks and pretty dresses, Winner captured the audiences’ hearts the minute she walked onstage. Harry Griffin as Ezekiel Foster, the old retainer, had the audience laughing every time he opened his mouth, while Mike Thompson, the stage manager for Wallace and Davis’ productions, just sparkled. More importantly, the ensemble scenes were fun! Big dance numbers
filled the stage with people and children to re-create the pageant-like splendor of the end of the big-studio era in film. Sadly, we don’t have musicals in films on that scale anymore. David T. Loudermilk, (director and choreographer) got everyone moving and looking good. And what is an accomplishment that is when dealing with a cast with a 60-year age range! Though the technical team had their work cut out for them, they saw it through. The costumers, Debbie Sheu and Charlotte Safrit, must have been sewing around the clock to accommodate all the wardrobe changes. From the army uniforms, to cartwheel dresses, to the ensemble dancers, to the Oxydol-box twins, they must have produced several hundred costumes. Terry Collins brought in a versatile and impressive set that really added a professional feel to the production. The most frustration part of the evening was the intermittence of the sound system. Technical issues with the microphones lost dialogue as characters entered and exited the stage. From the opening notes of the live band, the audience understands “it’s magic time!” Since childhood, one of the great excitements about main-stage productions at Thalian comes from the live music. Walking down the aisle to my seat, hearing the stray notes of the musicians warming up always sends cues that something special is coming. We are very lucky to have such a pool of talent in this town to make live music part of the theatre experience. In an age of digital music and remixes, to hear passionate musicians preforming favorite holiday songs from a bygone era is an audible treat. Ultimately the production of “White Christmas” is exactly what community theatre should be: lots of kids and adults onstage, singing and dancing, children sitting on their parent’s laps in the audience, and the person next to you singing along with the music.
Professional Juggler: Suzzan Smith talks about two productions currently under her wing
B
eing passionate about her job isn’t just a perk for local thespian, director and writer Suzzan Smith; it’s a requisite, as is being a pro at time-managing herself successfully in the midst of the holidays. Currently, she’s directing two shows on the local scene: Thalian Association Children Theatre’s production of“Honk! The Musical” and her own Porch Theatre Company’s latest dinner show, “Mulligan’s Home for the Holidays.” “My time [spent] as a circus juggler in my youth may [have helped],” she jokes. “I am lucky to do what I love for a living. ... Juggling the two can be a bit hard, but [being] surrounded by friends in ‘Home for the Holidays’ and the best kids ever in ‘Honk’ makes me look forward to rehearsals.” Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story “The Ugly Duckling,” “Honk!” features 36 kids, all of whom seem to be retaining its message of tolerance, according to Smith. “[F]or the first time, there has not been an act meanness or arguing during the rehearsal process.” With a musical score basking in hipness, composed by British songwriting duo Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, who also wrote the book and lyrics, the opening last Friday night kept audiences foot-tapping along. Though such a large number of kids may seem an adventurous undertaking in hectic “Romper Room”fashion, Smith adores helping youth find their voices through theater. Their rise in self-confidence and to feel a boost of accomplishment makes it all worth while. “Seeing the look on their faces when they get a dance down or succeed in being funny with their lines is better then birthday cake,” she says. She also enjoys watching their roles transform them. Abel Zukerman, Sophie Rocckow, Emily Cornwell and Samantha Kaiser play four ducklings, who are the “mean” brothers and sisters. Yet, “they are so not mean kids,” Smith insists, “[watching them] try to be mean is the cutest thing ever!” The show sends home a reminder to all that people shine from the inside, and the journey to which life is led always remains more important than the final destination. A few blocks over from the Community Arts Center, where “Honk!” takes place, Front Street Brewery hosts the Mulligans’ and Kellies’ holiday round-up! A new pregnant bride, Fiona, is planning a perfect holiday meal and get-together for both sides of the family. Anyone who’s hosted dinner under such circumstances knows: Perfection never exists. The show’s humor carries its enjoyment, while the reflection to our own holiday households may seem a little too close for comfort. “You have the Irish-Catholic Mulligans and Southern in-laws the Kellies,” Smith, who writes the Mulligan series, says. Once a year, the two try to bury the hatchet in the hopes of gaining
by: Shea Carver
Honk! The Musical Hannah Block 2nd Street Theatre 120 S. 2nd Street • 12/18 – 19 Tickets: $10 • thalian.org
Mulligan’s Home for the Holidays Front Street Brewery 9 North Front Street Adults: $40; kids: $20 (dinner included) (910) 232-6611 • porchtheatre.com
Sunday - ThurSday, 4-6pm • $3 appetizers • 1/2-price select sushi and regular rolls (Downtown and Racine locations only!)
~and~ TACT PRESENTS HONK! (l. to r.) Helena Boldizar, Brandon James Butorovich and Rachel Mixon in ‘Honk!’ Courtesy photo.
a little holiday cheer.” What ensues is a lot of dysfunction, singing, dancing and mistletoe. Working with the actors hasn’t been without a host of of comedy as well, sometimes so much that rehearsal would take twice as long. “It’s like working with family—family that you like,” Smith says. “When Heather Setzler and Nathan Verwey walk on to a scene, there’s an extraordinary comic blend and acting skill that’s larger than life. Heather, in her very pregnant suit, is worth the price of admission.” Both “Mulligan’s Home for Holidays” dinner theater and “Honk! The Musical” will wrap up their finals runs this week. “Home for the Holidays” takes place at Front Street Brewery on Thursday evening at 6:30; come prepared to laugh and dine on Front Street Brewery cuisine. “Honk!” plays the 18th through the 19th, with 7 p.m. shows and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. at Hannah Block 2nd Street Stage.
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encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com
Saved Stories: Kristi Howard’s art class makes old books into shrines
L
ocal found-object artist Kristi Howard used to work in a youth bookstore. As a devoted book clerk, she and her co-workers received many used donations from the community’s literary past. Yet, as one would imagine, not all of them were in great condition, and Howard had to watch with a broken heart as some of them were deemed unsellable and eventually thrown in the trash. “The books would usually come from people who had been cleaning out their attics or garages,” Howard says. “So, a lot of times the covers would be damaged or really worn down, and they would just end up in the garbage.” One day the store received four boxes of old books from a Catholic school library. Howard took one look at them, and decided to end the dumpster cycle then and there. “They were completely trashed,” she remembers. “Some of them even had pages falling out. They were so pretty, I just couldn’t bring myself to get rid of them. So,
by: Lauren Hodges
Catholic School Library Book Shrines Taught by Kristi Howard Saturday, Dec. 18th, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 511 Castle Street • $40 www.onewickedgallery.com/events (910) 960-7306 I took them home with me.” The books sat in Howard’s house for a long time, serving no purpose other than to thank the saints for their noble rescuer. Finally, they began to leave the boxes one by one to be carved, glued and decorated as mini shrines. “I started by cutting out little niches inside of them and placing little Catholic statues, like the Virgin Mary,” she says. “By the end of the summer, I had a nice collection of them, so I brought them to the Wilmington
10 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
ARTISTIC TOUCH: Kristi Howard recycles old, used books by making them into mini shrines, as shown above. Photo by Rachel Black.
Art Walk in September.” The shrines were popular both in sales and in conversation. “People loved them,” she says. “They really drew a crowd once people figured out what they were made out of.” Howard admits that until this year, she didn’t take her talent for reviving old objects seriously. For about three years, she thought of her craft as a hobby and nothing more—
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that is, until she met Christina Cole and artists at the Feral Art Collective. “I really didn’t think anyone else would find my creations interesting,” she says. “I just thought it was fun to make shadow boxes and shrines, but when I met this group of unique artists, I felt like they appreciated what I did. So, I decided to allow myself to take it seriously.” With her newfound support system, Howard started to put the remaining boxes of books to use by planning a craft seminar. A former teacher at Methodist College, Howard designed the class to spread her love of finding new life in old stuff. She will be demonstrating the proper way to preserve books and their pages so the shrines can last forever. “Students can use my books or they can bring something of their own,” she says. “I’m going to pre-glue my books to save time but I’m open to whatever the class wants to incorporate.” Howard will also be bringing along some saint cards and vintage photos for people to use. The point, she says, is to find the story behind the objects and bring it into a new piece of art. “When I’m working with something that has been discarded and has been deemed useless, like books, pictures and keys, I start to realize that it was really important to someone’s life at some point,” she says. “Taking those things and putting them together in a new way really calls out to people because the objects have their own little souls. It tends to fascinate people—or at least it fascinates me.” The class will set up shop at Feral Art Collective’s newly-minted Castle Street gallery, Wicked, where Howard promises not to get anything “on the pretty new floors.” She hopes the surroundings of the space will serve as inspiration for the group when making their book shrines. “There is a lot of recycled and vintage objects in the art [at Wicked],” she says. “I hope people will see the beauty in giving new purpose to an object that was once instrumental to someone’s life.”
It’s Alive!: The Cape Fear Corpsers reveal their collaborative efforts at Bottega Gallery Continuing the Form: An Exquisite Corpse Exhibition
by: Lauren Hodges
Opening reception: Dec. 16th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Bottega Art and Wine Gallery 208 N. Front Street
M
ost party-goers in the past century have played some version of the Surrealist game “Consequences”: a collaborative pass-around that starts when the first player writes the first line of a story, folds the paper down to hide it, then hands it off to the next person. In this game, there is no such thing as too many cooks at the stove, as everyone in the room gets a chance to add his or her own unique voice to the concoction. Once the page is filled, the unfolding and reading aloud can commence, resulting in a bizarre, unpredictable story that everyone helped to create. Naturally, the visual art world picked up the concept and made it their own, calling it “The Exquisite Corpse.” Instead, they’re trading the written word for collaborative drawings and sketches. Local artist Drew Craven has been a fan since childhood. “I’ve been playing the ‘Exquisite Corpse’ game with pen and paper ever since I was a kid,” Craven says. “But it wasn’t until I came across [the] website newexquisitecorpse.net a couple of years ago that I rediscovered my fascination with the collaborative process and the surreal results.” The popular site is home to a creative network where the members can contribute to a digital image of Frankenstein. Craven expanded on the idea by starting a mailer to his friends and letting them add pieces of a picture to pass on. His piece of paper traveled extensively and resulted in a great work, but he says it took a long time to complete. He admits that he didn’t have that kind of patience for his next project and began to formulate an idea to continue this game locally. He posted a call for players on Facebook in the fall of 2009. It only got one response, but it was enough to get the project rolling. Artist Rachel Kastner saw the post and contacted Craven stating her interest and giving him a few of her friends’ names. From there, the group quickly formed and met at ACME Art Studios in January 2010. A ritual was born and with it, the Cape Fear Corpsers. “Since then, we’ve met almost every
THE GREAT UNVEILING: The Corpsers meet weekly to trade projects. The result is mis-matched and marvelous, like in “A Sultry Champion” by Colleen Ringrose, Todd Carignan, and Drew Craven. Courtesy photo.
weekend to swap our incomplete corpses or unveil the finished ones as a group,” Craven says. “Members have come and gone, but for the past six months or so, we’ve solidified it into a pretty consistent collective comprised of five members.” As of late, the group is made up of Craven
Offering TreaTmenTs fOr: and Kastner, along with Cape Fear Community art instructors Ben Billingsley and Colleen Ringrose and New Elements Gallery mainstay Todd Carignan. “I like the idea of artists working together, and I’ve contributed work to some group projects in which artists make small individual pieces that are then shown together,” Billingsley says. “But this was a chance to try a true collaborative exercise in which we’d literally be working off of one another.” Each artist brings a unique perspective to the group, which is the whole point of Exquisite Corpse projects. “Since last Spring, we’ve fallen into a routine,” Kastner says. “We work on our corpses individually and meet each week on Sundays to switch off. Every three weeks, we have an unveiling when we uncover the hidden work and see what we have. It’s always a surprise! It’s like Christmas every three weeks, opening a gift!” “All of the pieces are collaborations between three to four members of the group,” Craven adds. “The periodic unveilings are always great fun, as no one has any idea what the other members have done before or after them, and so the nature of a corpse can change dramatically from top to bottom.” Unveilings of the unveiled will take place at on the walls of Bottega this weekend. Craven says there isn’t much description to give, since he isn’t even sure what will be hanging. “That’s the greatest part about Exquisite Corpses,” he says. “The results are unique, surprising, surreal and often hilarious.”
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Artfuel.inc 1701 Wrightsville Ave 910 343 5233 Mon-Sat, 12-9pm; Sunday, 1-6pm www.artfuelinc.com www.myspace.com/artfuel_inc Artfuel.inc is located at the corner of Wrightsville Ave and 17th street. Housed in an old gas station, we offer resident artists working in studios alongside a gallery space used to exhibit other artists work. We hope to connect artists with each other and offer many styles of work to fuel the public’s interest. Vol. 25, Groovy art from The Artfuel Bunch: Luke Worley, Sarah Peacock, Josh Payne and Sam Guin.’
Caffe Phoenix 35 N. Front Street (910) 343-1395 Monday-Saturday: 11:30am - 10pm Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 4pm Now exhibiting works by Elizabeth Darrow and Mio Reynolds in Ode to Joy through January 1st. The opening reception is Thursday December 9th from 6-9 p.m. For more info, call 910-797-3501.
Crescent Moon 332 Nutt St, The Cotton Exchange (910) 762-4207 Mon.-Sat., 10am-5:30pm; Sun., 12-4pm www.crescentmoonnc.com Crescent Moon—the retail gift gallery specializing in fine hand-crafted art glass and metal sculpture has new blown glass perfume bottles by Roger Gandelman. Exquisitely detailed with a richness of color they are elegant art glass perfume bottles with hand blown glass flowers suspended inside the crystal. Roger’s bottles, although small in scale, make a grand statement. He has been blowing glass for 30 years and early in his career he decided to put the bulk of his energy into making art glass perfume bottles. It is believed that he is the only glass
artist in the country, perhaps in the world, who has devoted his full artistic efforts into making this object. There is always something new and creative arriving at Crescent Moon. Gift Wrapping is free. Located in The Cotton Exchange where parking is free while shopping or dining. Follow us on twitter or become a fan on Facebook by searching Crescentmoonnc!
Hampstead Art Gallery 14712 Hwy. 17 N. • (910) 270-5180 Mon.-Sat. 11am-5pm, or by appt. Hampstead, NC “Beautiful; lots of variety.” “Love the place.” “Beautiful art work.” “Very nice.” “Art rocks your socks, and you know that.” These are just what a few customers had to say about Hampstead Art Gallery. Come and tell us what you think. Affordable prices on prints and originals. Local artists with various styles and taste are just excited about having the opportunity to share their work with all art lovers. Our artists offer different sizes from what we have on display and low rates on commissioned work. Owner Charles Turner invites all artists and art lovers to just hang out in our new Artist Lounge any time. Look for our upcoming Expos and Open House. Hampstead Art Gallery is located in Hampstead on the corner of Factory Road next to CVS Pharmacy.
Fear Hospice. Raffle tickets sold to raise monies, too; winner gets $250 gallery gift card.
Sunset River Marketplace 10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 Tues- Sat. 10am-5pm Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com myspace.comsunsetrivermarketplace This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, N.C., features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South Carolina’s most creative, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisancrafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, pottery studio, custom framing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee With the Author series are also offered on-site.
Wilmington Art Association Gallery 616B Castle St. (910) 343-4370 www.wilmington-art.org Please stop by the Wilmington Art Gallery to view the beautiful colored pencil paintings by Kathleen McLeod. Her show is titled “Mixing it Up” which represents a year’s work in oils and colored pencil. The special event for the month of December is an exhibit showcasing 20 artists from the NC Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America. These paintings demonstrate a diversity of styles, techniques and mixes of media when working with colored pencils. Also, don’t forget to buy your copy of the 2011 “Expose Yourself to Art” calendar, featuring 12 artists in various daring poses.
Wanna be on the art page? Call Shea by Thursday at noon to inquire on being included.
New Elements Gallery 216 N. Front St. • (919) 343-8997 Tues-Sat: 11am-5:30pm or by appointment www.newelementsgallery.com 26th Annual Holiday Show hangs through January 8th. Join us for the festivities as we complete our Silver Anniversary and officially begin the 2010 holiday season! This will be a special night, as we feature paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry and wood by over 40 extraordinarily talented artists. A percentage of all sales that evening will benefit Lower Cape
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14 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
Going Loud! Chatham County Line and friends reunite for an electric Christmas
I
ask songwriter Dave Wilson of Chatham County Line to finish the following sentence: “Music is made of ...” He answers: “people having the best time they can at any given moment. There are also usually some sweaty dudes involved.” Returning to the Soapbox stage, dripping and glistening in holiday cheer, Chatham County Line will turn up the volume during their annual Electric Christmas Tour. On the bill are friends and musical simpaticos Zeke Hutchins (Tift Merrit’s husband and band member), Johnny Irion (Sarah Lee Guthrie’s husband and phenomenal musician) and roots-oriented one-man band Jay Brown. “We’ve always used this time of year as a way to get away with something we love to do, and that is to play music with some of our old friends,” Wilson says. “It just happens that those friends are proficient on drums and bass.” Wilson touts Hutchins an incredible drummer—“a great backbone to any band.” Having first worked with him after joining Merritt’s band in ‘02, as well as going on to play in the rock band Stillhouse, the two formed a friendship solid on music-making. Hutchins even played on CCL’s last album “Wildwood.” “Johnny Irion is another story,” Wilson continues. “As the history books show, he was in a great band with Zeke back in the ‘90s: Queen Sarah Saturday. I like to think that if their name wasn’t so long, they would have been big stars. I’m not sure how I met him, but I’m still trying to undo that damage some years later.” “I think 1999 was the first year we all started getting together every Christmas,” Irion remembers. “[Now,] my main job is to make sure Dave and Jay don’t find any bars with Belgium beer!” The Electric Christmas Show offers an amped-up way to enjoy folk and Americana music (and beer) at its finest. CCL already master acoustic strings, and they have proven themselves prolific thanks to five albums to date and a slew of tours. They have traveled the festival circuit, hitting up Merlefest and The Winnipeg Folk Fest, and they played on the UK’s “Later ... with Jools Holland” (where they shared a stage with The Racontuers, Bon Iver and Nick Cave). They’re hanging holly on their amps closer to home, as they bring the Electric Christmas Tour to Raleigh, Wilmington, Atlanta and Asheville. “We’ve been doing it for years in our hometown of Raleigh,” Wilson explains, “and since all of us have started to spend a lot of our lives on the road, it seemed like a natural extension to take this show to some places where people have been really good to us.” The night evolves with Johnny Irion playing
by: Shea Carver
Electric Christmas Tour Featuring Chatham County Line, Johnny Irion, Zeke Hutchins, Jay Brown and friends December 16th; doors at 8 p.m. Soapbox Laundro Lounge, upstairs 255 N. Front Street Tickets $10; $12, day of a short acoustic set. Then, CCL—also including Greg Reading, Chandler Holt and John Teer—take the stage for a more traditional set. “After a short break to reset the stage, we’ll get everyone out to play some holiday faves, as well as join in on some CCL classics in a loud way,” Wilson promises. “I guess this differs from a traditional CCL Soapbox show in that when people are talking over us during the electric set, it won’t be as noticeable.” Part of the puzzle also includes Boone, NC’s very own Jay Brown. Brown is known to cross boundaries of all genres: jazz to blues, folk to Americana. He puts down his harmonica and acoustic guitar in favor of an electric bass, and his singing will add even more gusto to the performance. “He is really the glue that will hold this show together,” Wilson boasts. What seems most impressive between this group of colleagues, but most importantly comrades, comes from the high regard and respect they have for one another. Without a doubt it will translate to a live show of not just astounding musicianship but moments made of real connection. “It’s all about songs and execution!” Irion says, hailing CCL for their affectation left on audiences everywhere. He takes it one step further: “Bob Dylan should be doing their songs!” With a songwriting style that speaks to the heartbeat of old America, CCL continue
amped up: Chatham County Line will plug in for their annual Chirstmas show, when their acoustic songs undergo a charged rebirth! Courtesy photo.
trekking their own path of servicing a genre of music not to be soon forgotten. 2011 will see the release of a live album/DVD set that they made in October in Raleigh. They also plan to release “IV” on vinyl and record a followup to “Wildwood.” First, they’ll dress up their chords in silver and gold, adding even more gumption to otherwise barebones, soulful music. “We service the song first and foremost,”
Wilson says, regardless of style. “We originally played in our standard CCL acoustic formation because it held up the lyrics in the best possible way. That said, we’ve always had electric guitars, pedal steels, and hammond organs in the music room, so once a year, we bare all and have a little fun at the expense of a few decibels.” Though going loud has its own perks, it’s not without quality coming from its performers. I ask Johnny Irion to complete the following sentence: “The perfect song is created ...” He answers: “with sweet melody, great word play and a chorus to hang a Montana Slope on!”
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encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 15
soundboard
a preview of tunes all over town this week
WEDNESDAY, december 15 Open Mic w/ Gary Allen —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Open Mic w/ Sean Gerard (9pm) —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Ron Ronner —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 Mark Herbert & Gabrielle —Green Light Lounge; 21 N. Front St., Basement DJ P. Funk —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 Show Tunes w/ Donna Merritt —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Karaoke —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 James Jarvis & Friends (7pm-8pm) —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Karaoke —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Bangarang w/ Lord Walrus & Sir Nick Bland
—Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 Karaoke with Bob Clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 Live Music —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 DJ Sonic —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 Acoustic Jam —Tangerine’s Caribbean Grill, 300 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 707-0202 David Mayfield Parade —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Paul Grimshaw —Dead Dog Saloon, 760 Coastal Grand, Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-839-3647 Dualing Pianos & Lee Hauser —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 Open Mic Night —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Nutt House Improv
—Nutt Street Comedy Room, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 DJ —High Tide Lounge, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave., Carolina Bch; 458-0807 Karaoke —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 DJ Juice —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 Mac & Juice —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866
thursDAY, december 16 Open Mic Night —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 DJ Dane Britt —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 Karaoke w/ DJ Steve —The Toolbox, 2325 Burnette Blvd.; 343-6988 DJ S t r e t c h —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 Karaoke —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway
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Drive; 256-2269 Open Mic w/ Gary Allen —Brass Pelican; 2112 N. New River Dr., Surf City, NC 328-4373 Karaoke Kong —Orton Pool Room, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 Tom Sharpe —Village Cafe, 107 Hampstead Village, Hampstead, NC 910-270-3580 Live Music —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 Fried Lot —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Ron Hasson —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Acoustic Duo (7-10) —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Karaoke —Rumors, 5712 East Oak Island Dr., Oak Island, NC
DJ Battle —Sputnik, 23 N. Front St.; 251-8814 DJ Greg —Green Light Lounge; 21 N. Front St., Basement DJ Don’t Stop —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 KinGator, MumuTumu, and Airhorse —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 Chatham County Line —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Possum Creek —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Open Mic —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Zak Domogalia —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 Gogglez Pizano —Dead Dog Saloon, 760 Coastal Grand, Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-839-3647 Fred Flynn & Wes Sayer
100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832 MONDAY
1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm 2 Budweiser • $225 Heineken $ 3 Gin & Tonic Monday Night Football $ 5 Tailgate Menu • $250 Bud Light Draft $ 8 Bud Light pitchers $
Announcing our new dinner menu
TUESDAY
Featuring some of the best fresh, local seafood in the area, as well as great steaks, soups, salads, appetizers and locally made home made desserts.
Great drink and bar specials every day
1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm LIVE MUSIC $ 2 White Wolf $250 Redstripe $ 50 3 Wells 35¢ Wings at 8pm WEDNESDAY
1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm LIVE MUSIC FROM ROB RONNER $ 50 2 Blue Moons • $250 Corona/Corona Light 1/2 Priced Wine Bottles THURSDAY
LIVE MUSIC FROM MIKE O’DONNELL 2 Domestic Bottles, • $275 Import Bottles, $ 3 Rum and Coke
$
FRIDAY
LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD 3 Landshark • $3 Kamikaze $ 5 Bombs
$
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16 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
—Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866 J. Reese with Studio 1515 Hip Hop —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 Live Acoustic —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 DJ CED —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 Karaoke —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 DJ Richtermeister —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 James Jarvis & Friends (7pm-8pm) —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Top 40 DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 Mike O’Donnell —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 Nutt Street Open Mic —Nutt Street Comedy Room, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Classy Karaoke with Mandy Clayton
SATURDAY
LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD Rooftop open by 6pm Dance floor open by 10pm $ 2 Coors Light • $3 Fruit Punch shots SUNDAY
LIVE MUSIC FROM L SHAPE LOT (3-7) and ROCKIN’ ROOFTOP KARAOKE (8-12) $ 5 Tommy Bahama Mojitos $ 75 2 Corona $350 Bloody Mary’s • $3 Mimosas
Monday $2.50 Budweiser Draft •$4 Wells ½ Priced Select Appetizers from 4- 7 Tuesday $2.50 All Drafts $4.50 Absolut Lemonade ½ Priced Select Appetizers from 4 until 7 Wednesday $2.50 Yuengling Draft $2.50 Domestic Bottles ½ Priced Select Appetizers from 4 until 7 Thursday $3 Coronas • $4 Margaritas ½ Priced Select Appetizers from 4 until 7 Friday $3 Pint of The Day Saturday $5 Sangria Sunday $5 Bloody Marys *Drink Specials Run All Day, But Food Specials Shown Are From 4 Until 7 Only. Certain Appetizers are Excluded from Special.
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—Remedies, Market Street; 392-8001 DJ “Mr Lee” —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 firedance & drums @ dark, DJ MIT Psytrance (11pm) —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Karaoke with Bob Clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880
friday, december 17 DJ —The Toolbox, 2325 Burnette Blvd.; 343-6988 DJ —Black Horn Bar, 15 Carolina Beach Avenue N.; 458-5255 Karaoke with Bob Clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 DJ Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 Karaoke Kong —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 DJ —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 DJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 DJ Scooter Fresh
—Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 Friday Night Follies Dance DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 DJ Dustin —Sputnik, 23 N. Front St.; 251-8814 Live Music —Islands Fresh Mex Grill, 260 Racine Dr., Wilmington, 799-2109 James Jarvis & Friends (7pm-8pm) —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Ron Etheridge & Jason Woolwine —Barbary Coast; 116 S. Front St., 762-8996 Beach & Shag w/ DJ Rock & DJ ERIC —Rumors, 5712 East Oak Island Dr., Oak Island, NC Open Mic Night —Java Junkies Coffee Bar; 3901 B Wrightsville Ave., 399-6977 Piano Show —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 Jeremy Norris —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 Overtyme —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 Project Chalk —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Karaoke with DJ Valerie —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 L Shape Lot —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400
LIVE MUSIC Gabby’s Lounge Friday, December 17
wed 12.15
karaoke night thurs 12.16
trivia night with
dj richtermeister fri 12.17
mighty mcfly sat 12.18
live music with
flannel rebellion
OVERTYME 7-10PM
,ANDFALL #ENTER s 1331 Military Cutoff Rd
910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com
ROCKABILLY BLISS: Light on the formalities, heavy on the fun, Southern Culture on the Skids brings their unapologetic rebel twang to the Soapbox this Friday night with special guests Mad Tea Party.
Brothers —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Southern Culture on the Skids (in picture) with Mad Tea Party —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Wall Clock Wannabes —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Steven Gossin —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866
Feature your live music and drink specials!
Saturday, December 18
MIKE O’DONNELL 7-10PM
Friday, December 24
daniel parish 7-10PM
Photo... Scott Sain of Plane jane
Enemy in Disguise, Tempered Machine and Killing the Catalyst —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 Michael Daughtry —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 Shin Kurokawa —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Necessary Band —Dead Dog Saloon, 760 Coastal Grand, Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-839-3647 Jessica Long —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 Stache Bash —Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road; 256-3558 James Adomian (comedian) —Nutt Street Comedy Room, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 DJ S t r e t c h —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 Latino Night with DJ —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 DJ CED —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 Jazz with Benny Hill —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 DJ Time —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 Charlie the Horse with the Hufton
Happy Holidays! wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com 877-330-5050 • 910-256-2231
It’s a low-cost high-impact way to send encore readers your way! Call
791-0688
SATURDAY. DECEMBER 18 Karaoke —Griff’s Tavern @ George St.; 6320 Market St., 793-2628 Karaoke with Bob Clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 DJ P. Money —Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 Karaoke —Java Junkies Coffee Bar; 3901 B Wrightsville
visit our website WWW.RuckerJohns.com for daily specials, music & upcoming events
Monday 5 pizzas, and half price Nachos and Wings ( in the Bar starting at 6:00) 22oz Domestic Draft all day
$
Tuesday Live Jazz in the Bar • Half Price Bottles of Wine Absolut Dream $5 • Pacifico $2.50 Wednesday Corona\Corona Light $250 Margarita\Peach Margaritas $4 Miller Light Bottles $150 Thursday Gran Martinis $7 • Red Stripe $250 Friday Cosmos $4 • 007 $350 Harps bottles $250 • Island Sunsets $5 Saturday Baybreeze\Seabreeze $4 22oz Blue Moon Draft $3 Select domestic bottles $150 Sunday Domestic Draft Pints $150 Bloody Marys $4 • White Russians $4 1:00 - Moo and Brew Special $7 5564 Carolina Beach Rd 452-1212
Ave., 399-6977 iamhuman —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 DJ Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 DJ S T R E T C H —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 DJ —Sputnik, 23 N. Front St.; 251-8814
Your Downtown Sports Pub! MONDAY $10 Bud/Light Buckets $4 Jack Daniels • $3 Capt. Morgan TUESDAY $1 Tacos 4-7pm $3 Dox XX Amber $3 Jose Cuervo margaritas WEDNESDAY $3 Pints (10 Drafts) $5 Jager Bombs • $2 wells THURSDAY Mug Night $2 Domestic Drafts w/HK MUG $5 Bombers • $4 Jim Beam $3 flavored vodkas $3.50 MicroBrews FRIDAY $3 Select Draft • $4 Fire Fly Shooters $5 Red Bull Vodka SATURDAY $2.50 Miller Lt or Yuengling Draft $3 Kamikaze • $4 Well Drinks SUNDAY $2.50 Bud/Light Draft $4 Crown Royal • $4 Bloody Mary EVERYDAY $8 Party Pitcher • $3 Select Shot 1/2 priced select appetizers m-f 4-7pm Check out all you favorite sports teams on 10 hdtvs and hd big screen. Now showing NFL Sunday Ticket, NCAA GamePlan, NHL Center ice as well as all the ACC action every Wednesday 118 Princess St • (910)763-4133
encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 17
DJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 DJ —Ronnie’s Place, 6745-B Market St.; 228-8056 Live Music —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 Beach & Shag w/ DJ Rock &DJ ERIC —Rumors, 5712 East Oak Island Dr., Oak Island, NC Dance DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 Jake Melnyk & The Tunnelers —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 James Adomian (comedian) —Nutt Street Comedy Room, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Clay Cook vs. Levi Lowrey —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Mike O’Donnell —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 The Balance, Tuscon and Big Hell —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 Kersten Capra —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 N’Tranze
—Dead Dog Saloon, 760 Coastal Grand, Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-839-3647 Amy Echstenkamper —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 JOHN SATTERFIELD AND The Damn Fine Band featuring No Dollar Shoes, L Shape Lot, Jesse Stockton and Big Al Hall —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Masonboro Sound —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Classy Karaoke with Mandy Clayton —Remedies, Market Street; 392-8001 DJ Scooter Fresh —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 Piano Show —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 Salsa w/ DJ LaLo —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 Flannel Rebellion —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Lethal Injection —Tangerine’s Caribbean Grill, 300 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 707-0202 Woolwine Etheridge Wade —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088
Bag of Toys —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866;
SUnday, DECEMBER 19 DJ P. Money
—Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 Perry Smith (Brunch 12-2)
—Aubriana’s; 115 S. Front St., 763-7773 L Shape Lot (3-7), Steve Todd & Sam Melvin (8-12)
—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 Jam with Benny Hill
—Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Galen on guitar (brunch)
—Courtyard Marriott, 100 Charlotte Ave., Carolina Beach; (800) 321-2211 The Caucasians
—Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 The JTama Band
—Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., Raleigh, 919-833-1255 DJ CED
—The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 DjBe Karaoke Ugly
—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Karaoke
—Green Light Lounge; 21 N. Front St., Basement Karaoke w/ DJ Battle
—Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl;
2011
509-1551 Jesse Stockton
—Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866
monday, DECEMBER 20 DJ Dane Britt —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 Open Mic Night —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 Ladies Night w/ Kersten Capra —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 Brett Johnson’s Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Mystery Music Night —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Wilmington Choral Society —Cameron Art Museum; 3201 South 17th St., 395-5999 Benny Hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,256-0115 Open Mic w/ Beau —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 DJ Time —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 DJ Richtermeister —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838
James Jarvis & Friends (7pm-8pm) —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Ron Etheridge & Travis Shallow —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866
Tuesday, december 21 Open Mic Night —Mellow Mushroom, 4311 Oleander Drive; 452-3773 Benny Hill —Aubriana’s; 115 S. Front St., 763-7773 Open Mic Night —Surf’s Bar & Grill; 5500 Market St., 791-9021 Karaoke w/ DJ Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 Indie Music Night —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Karaoke —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 Karaoke —Rumors, 5712 East Oak Island Dr., Oak Island, NC Johnny Acoustic —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 Karaoke —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Cape Fear Blues Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888
Karaoke Kong —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 Bil Krauss Show —Dead Dog Saloon, 760 Coastal Grand, Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-839-3647 Flowers for Faye —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 DJ “Mr Lee” —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 DJ Eyecon —SideBar; 18 S. Front St., 763-1401 Karaoke with Bob Clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 James Jarvis & Friends (7pm-8pm) —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Nutt House Improv —Nutt Street Comedy Room, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Radio Hayes and EchoPoint21 —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 Root Soul Project —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866
WEDNESday, december 22 Open Mic w/ Gary Allen —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Open Mic w/ Sean Gerard (9pm)
Vote Now! www.encorepub.com
of wilmington 18 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
—Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Ron and Roger —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; DJ P. Funk 763-3737 —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 Act II Mark Herbert & Gabrielle —Dead Dog Saloon, 760 Coastal Grand, —Green Light Lounge; 21 N. Front St., Myrtle Beach, SC; 843-839-3647 Basement Dualing Pianos & Lee Hauser Karaoke —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; DJ Juice 256-3838 —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 Ron Ronner Nutt House Improv —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 —Nutt Street Comedy Room, 255 N. Front Show Tunes w/ Donna Merritt St.; 251-8500 —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; Karaoke with Bob Clayton 362-9666 —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; Karaoke 792-6880 —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 Open Mic Night Bangarang w/ Lord Walrus & Sir —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; Nick Bland 763-2223 —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville DJ Beach; 256-2776 —High Tide Lounge, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave., James Jarvis & Friends (7pm-8pm) Carolina Bch; 458-0807 —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Karaoke Acoustic Jam —Tangerine’s Caribbean Grill, 300 N. Lake Park —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 Oysterboy Blvd., Carolina Beach; 256-3838 —Duck & Dive, 114 Dock Street, 399-2866 Sai Collins —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion All entertainment must be turned in to encore by noon every Thursday Plc.,256-0115 for consideration in the weekly DJ Sonic entertainment calendar. Venues are —Deep South Bar, 430 South Dawson St., responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions Raleigh, 919-833-1255 to their weekly schedules.
Show Stoppers: Concerts around the region (843) 272-1111 12/15-12/22: Christmas Show
THE ORANGE PEEL
101 Biltmore Avenue ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 2255851 12/17: Blind Guardian with Holy Grail & Seven Kingdoms 12/19: Peter Himmelman with Skinny Legs & All
CAT’S CRADLE
300 E. Main st. Carrboro, NC (919) 9679053 12/16: The Trekky Yuletide Orchestra, The dB’s, The Old Ceremony, Filthybird, Phil Cook and His Feat, The Tender Fruit, Yardwork, Cassis Orange and In The Year Of The Pig 12/17: DJ Forge 12/18: K.O. Kid, King Mez, Afika NX, The Apple Juice Kid, and Evolewtion 12/22: Great Dog Almighty featuring John Bennett, Emil McGloin and Nate Weida with Baby Copperhead and Limbs
THE CAROLINA OPRY
8901-A Business 17 N., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 913-1450 12/15-12/22: Carolina Opry Christmas Special GREENSBORO COLISEUM
1921 W. Lee Street GREENSBORO,NC (336) 373-7400 12/15: Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston 12/18: 12 Days of Christmas with Vince Gill and Amy Grant 12/19: Greas
CAROLINA THEATER
309 West Morgan Street, Durham, NC (919) 560-3030 12/15: John Waters 12/16: Natalie MacMaster
ALABAMA THEATRE
4750 hwy 17 sOUTH n. myrtle BEAch, SC
DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
123 Vivian Street Durham, NC 27701 (919) 688.3722 12/18: Cedric the Entertainer AMOS’ SOUTHEND
1423 South Tryon ST. CLT, NC (704) 377-6874 12/15: Hinder (pictured), Saving Abel, My Darkest Days and Default 12/17: Disagreements with Gravity with Zoe Vette and the Revolvers, The Spiveys, Chow Tiger and Dope Nose 12/18: One Amazin’ Kid with Public Radio, Jr. Astronomers, Matchgrip
LINCOLN THEATER
126 E. Cabarrus St. Raleigh, NC (919) 821-4111 12/16: Conspirator featuring Aron & Marc of The Disco Biscuits, Adam Deitch of John Scofield Band & Pretty Lights with Chris Michetti of RAQ, Archnemesis and SciFi 12/17: The Breakfast Club with Sheet Metal 12/18: Weekend Excursion with Mark & Mike from Athenaeum 12/21: Blind Guardian with Holy Grail and Seven Kingdoms 12/22: Snowed In with Schtompa, Jean Luc and the Mistakes, An Evening with Lindsey Tims and No Eyes
DON’T WAIT ANY LONGER!
13 Month ²(PME¾T (ZN 4JODF ³
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encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 19
Celebrate the New Year! Open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Order food for your New Year’s Eve party and don’t forget New Year’s Day! We’ve got traditional “good luck” food such as ham hocks, black eyed peas and collard greens.
Open Eve s a m t s i Chr m 11am-3p
Over 20 Homestyle Vegetables and Fresh cooked Eastern North Carolina BBQ Pork cooked daily ALSO SERVED DAILY... Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken, Chicken & Pastry, Catfish, Whiting, Clam Strips, Fat Back, Crinkle Fries, Pig’s Feet, Chitlins, Rutabagas, Green Beans, Mac-N-Cheese, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Cabbage, Boiled Potatoes, Corn, Field Peas, Turnips, Collards, Baked Beans, Green Peas, Lima Beans, Rice, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Pan Fried Okra, Rolls, Hushpuppies, Apple, Blueberry & Peach Cobbler, Cherry Cheesecake, Banana Pudding and Ice Cream
Serving Squash Casserole on Thursdays!
OPEN: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday - 11-8pm CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY 20 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
“Voted BEST BUFFET, SOUL FOOD & FAMILY RESTAURANT by encore readers”
(910)798•2913 • 5559 Oleander Dr. Between Dogwood Lane & French Street, across from the batting cages
No Big Thrill:
reel to reel
‘Faster’ only has speed
I
have heard a lot of ridiculous movie taglines over the years. Reducing a movie to a one- or two-sentence blurb to try and summarize the plot is no easy task. The great ones are easy to remember. Alien always comes to mind: “In space, no one can hear you scream.” Simple, intelligent and effective. It sums up the movie nicely. You know exactly what you’re in for. Here’s a few more. “Catch Me if You Can”: “The true story of a real fake.” “Fargo”: “A lot can happen in the middle of nowhere.” “Jurassic Park”: “An adventure 65 million years in the making.” These are fine examples of superior marketing successfully boiling down a film into a simple, memorable phrase. Then there are films like “Faster”: “Slow justice equals no justice.” Seriously? That’s the best they can do? What does that even mean? Justice has to be dispensed at breakneck speed or else it doesn’t qualify as being just? Breakneck speed is the only thing Faster has going for it. It’s ridiculous action—a cinematic shark. A movie that would die if it ever stopped moving. From the opening frames, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gets paroled from prison and then just takes off running. He gets a car, and leaves a trail of untold destruction that defies reason, logic or dignity. I enjoy a good revenge thriller. Hell, I can even enjoy a bad revenge thriller. Anger, rage, brutality and an unlimited supply of ammunition are often enough for me. The formula usually works, as long as its not tinkered with it too much. Faster fails because it spends too much time trying to be something more than a brutal revenge thriller. It wants to be smart, hip and cutting edge. The problem is it’s about as smart as a paint-huffing middle-school drop-out and about as hip as the Fonz. Johnson plays a nameless driver out to avenge the death of his brother after a botched bank robbery. His time in prison has been spent dwelling on his incomprehensible revenge plot which boils down to finding those responsible and blowing their heads off. He’s a determined protagonist, but there isn’t a lot to him: a killing machine without conscience, a hard, cold pile of muscle with a perpetual scowl. The supporting cast is tasked with delivering nuance. Billy Bob Thornton plays a veteran police officer taking the easy route to retirement until this case conveniently falls into his lap.
by: Anghus
Faster Starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Billy Bob Thornton
HHH H H
A KILLING MACHINE: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays a strong, silent killing machine in his latest flick, ‘Faster.’ Courtesy photo.
Thornton’s character has a dark side—an estranged spouse and difficult family situation. No one’s going to nominate the guy for father of the year. The other character given any real investment in time is a contract killer, played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen, with a penchant for the dramatic—the kind of driven, self-obsessed asshole always looking for the next big thrill. Killing for hire now seems to be the only thing that excites him. There are countless scenes of the character examining his thoughts and motivations, such as having conversations with his girlfriend and therapist. These are the kind of details expected from the hero of the piece, not the supporting cast. Speaking of the cast, most of the characters are nameless. I verified this through the cast credits which reference Billy Bob
Thornton’s character as “Cop” and the hired killer is referenced as “Killer.” So “Driver” (Johnson) is on a killing spree, chased down by Cop and Killer. I’m sure it’s some attempt by the writers to be clever. I don’t ask for much in an action film or a revenge thriller, but more than five minutes should have been taken to give the character a name. Since the writers didn’t give the characters names, I’m going to: Dwayne Johnson’s character is “Larry.” Billy Bob Thornton is “Tyler.” The contract killer is “Stephen.” So, Larry continues to kill bad people with remarkable efficiency. Tyler begins to put the pieces together. Stephen is thrilled that he has an opponent that fights back. Larry eventually crosses enough names off the list but is presented with an interesting conundrum. Someone on his list has changed, and tries to make amends for past mistakes. The question presents itself: Can past sins be forgotten? It’s not a perfect movie. In many ways it is entertaining because of its failings. Another example of glorious garbage. My main complaint is that I feel Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is better than the material. He’s a great presence with charisma to spare. Playing the strong, silent, killing machine may match him physically, but mentally it feels like he turned off the switch. There’s a hundred guys that could have played this role. He brings nothing exceptional or even extraordinary to it. The guy needs better material.
this week in film
A Christmas Carol
Subversive Film Series Juggling Gypsy •1612 Castle St. (910) 763-2223 Sundays, 8pm • Free (pictured) The Charles Dickens’ classci follows an old miser who makes excuses for his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve. Starring George C. Scott, Frank Finlay, Angela Pleasence, Edward Woodward, Michael Carter. 114 minutes.
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Cinematique Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut Street December 20th - 22nd, 7:30pm, $7
(pictured) Woody Allen’s new dark comedy about a pair of married couples as their passions, ambitions, and anxieties lead them into trouble and out of their minds, starring Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Freida Pinto and Naomi Watts. An examination of infidelity and a sweet love story that rewards good people. 98 minutes. Rated R
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3D
Regal Mayfaire Cinemas 900 Town Center Drive • (910) 256-0556 Call for times • $6.50 - $9.50 Upon returning to Narnia to join Prince Caspian for a voyage on the majestic royal vessel known as The Dawn Treader, Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace encounter merfolk, dragons, dwarves, and a wandering band of lost warriors.
All area movie listings and paragraph synopses can be found at encorepub.com.
encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 21
MINI PACKAGES
Offer good Nov. 30 - Dec. 17 UNCW Ticket Office Call 910-962-3233 or 1-800-808-UNCW for details Text UNCWTICKETS to 90947 to receive information and alerts by text message
MENS BASKETBALL
Holiday Hoops Package - $45 Radford, Illinois State, Toledo, Georgia State, VCU
CAA Seven for $60
Delaware, Towson, Northeastern, William & Mary, George Mason, Drexel, Hofstra
UPCOMING GAMES
Friday, December 17th, 11:30am WOMEN’S BASKETBALL vs CHARLESTON SOUTHERN Toys for Tots - Adults $3 with new unwrapped toy Saturday, December 18th, 7:00pm MEN’S BASKETBALL vs RADFORD Toys for Tots - Adults $9, Youth $5 with new unwrapped toy Monday, December 20th, 7:00pm MEN’S BASKETBALL vs Illinois State BUY ONLINE AT 22 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
below Lunch Bunch
24-26 Dining Guide
The Spice of Wilmington Life: Tokyo 101 serves stylishly smart food
A
s the lunch bunch pulled into the parking lot of Tokyo 101 at Mayfaire Center, I was reminded of my intern days at the magazine. Just four years ago, the brick building next to the movie theater had been the home of Wow! Cafe and Wingery, and the lunch bunch had gone in to sample the fare (with a side of bleu cheese dressing for everything, nonetheless). As we entered, the memories faded; this was clearly a whole new ball game. The interior of Tokyo 101 was streamlined Eastern chic, complete with sleek wood details, mood lighting and pink orchids leaning into view. The mini plasma screens were gone from each booth. The smell of fried rice wafted from the kitchen, instantly locating the appetite that had been buried somewhere in my mid-morning work routine. Shea, Sue, Jeff, Kris, Jen and I ordered drinks and browsed the menu, which consisted mainly of bento boxes and hibachi specials. The bento box, for those unfamiliar with Japanese dining, is a wise order when reserving a fond likeness toward tasting “a little bit of everything.” The dinner version at Tokyo 101 comes with soup, salad, gyoza (dumplings), fried or steamed rice, vegetables, a California sushi roll, and a shrimp and veggie tempura. At lunch, they pretty much serve the same, minus a few options. As we dove into plates of edamame (walking Jeff through his first taste of the adored bean), we sipped our drinks and made our choices. Half of us ordered a hibachi plate, while the other half went with bento boxes. I intended to fill up at least halfway on appetizers. A wooden boat arrived first—an impressive sushi spread, stuffed with seafood and decorated with enticing little drizzles. It was only a sample of three different rolls but between the six of us, there was plenty left over to take back to the office. The Godzilla unanimously won our hearts: tuna, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber and a spicy sauce, rolled maki style (seaweed on the outside). Next, more appetizers arrived. Dumplings, fried pork rolls and a wonderful, unique first course I can’t say is replicated at any other sushi stop in town. They were shaped like oyster shells—really large ones—and contained a mixture of shrimp and crab meat, topped with spicy orange and white sauces. When Sue told me they were fried jalapeños,
by: Lauren Hodges
Tokyo 101 Lunch Bunch Mayfaire Town Center 880 Town Center Drive (910) 399-3101
I stopped chewing. “I never eat jalapeños,” I said, thinking of the countless times I refused to touch a slice of Papa John’s pizza because that requisite pepper had been resting on it. “You do now,” Shea responded. She was right. Apparently, I will eat just about anything when stuffed with seafood and fried. I took another one from the plate. The perfect sweetness from the seafood accentuated the slight spice emitted from the pepper; it wasn’t overpowering. Rather, it lit up on the finish before dissipating quickly. As amazing as that little lesson-in-life had been, I instantly regretted eating so much of the first two courses once my entrée arrived. If Tokyo 101 knows anything, it’s how to keep customers full. There was so much food! A heaping pile of fried rice filled half the plate, as a serving of sizzling onions, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms and zucchini fought the hibachi shrimp for the remaining space. I knew I was going to hate myself in an hour. Still, the smell was too tempting. And in the end, it was totally worth the eventual desire to nap at my desk. The shrimp popped with every bite, perfectly grilled on the hibachi. I ate slowly to memorize the ingredients and attempt a duplication of it at home. From what I could tell, the bento boxes also
ASIAN FLAIR: (above) Jalapeños get a nice heaping of yumminess when stuffed with crab meat, shrimp, cheese and a sweet and spicy sauce. (above) Hibachi items are served both during lunch and at dinner at Tokyo 101. Photos by Lauren Hodges.
were a hit with Sue, Shea and Jeff. The scallops came in nice portions (not the rinky-dink kind that barely rounds out the tip of a finger), and with more food than we knew what to do with. Sue ordered her box with the tempura vegetable, while Shea and Jeff opted for pork-fried dumplings, and they all ordered the korokke. Though korokke seemed like an odd menu item—something comparable to a French croquette—as it turns out, it’s actually popular in South Korea. Made of mashed
up potato and ground beef, it’s deep fried, with a warm, soft center, which pairs nicely against the tanginess of the Worcestershire drizzle on top. Thus, Tokyo 101 obviously extends beyond one nationality of Asian cuisine and runs the gamut to please its diners. It works; we left pleased. Unfortunately, we also left without sake, because (according to Shea) it was too early in the day to enjoy. There will be a next time, however. Once we were back at the office, we handed off the leftovers to Susie, our grateful office manager, and trumped back to our desks to bask in our food comas. Aside from being beautifully decorated and tasty, Tokyo 101 had officially broken the old Asian food stereotype of being hungry 15 minutes later—as well as my aversion to jalapeños.
encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 23
Experience The Magic! Main Attractions 2010-11 Season presents
GRAMMY AWARD WINNER
barbarA BAILEY hutchinson
4 performances only in the intimate “Rainbow Room” nightclub Thalian Hall Ballroom
Friday Dec. 17 – 8 PM Saturday Dec. 18th - 7 & 9 PM Sunday Dec. 19th - 3 PM th
A one-woman concert presented by this Grammy Award winning singer / songwriter provides “ profound thoughts, deep feelings, and a wicked sense of humor”.
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW! Thalian Hall Box Offoce (910) 632-2285 or visit www.thalianhall.org Since 1858 • One of America’s Most Historic Theatres With support from:
magazine 24 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
Downtown Business Alliance PRESENTS
Season of Celebration Nov.26th – Dec.25th, 2010
Saturday Dec.18th -24th, 7-10:00pm
Christmas Caroling Carriage Rides Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his “Special Reindeer”, while enjoying the decorative lights of downtown area. For more information and reservations call 910-251-8889 or visit www.horsedrawntours.com.
Now through Sunday, December 19th
Visit Santa at The Cotton Exchange
Each Saturday from 12-4pm and each Sunday from 1-4pm you can find Santa Claus at his Southern Station waiting to talk to all the girls and boys. Make a memory, start a tradition, and capture a moment by taking your own family picture. Santa will have one last visit on Thursday, Dec 23rd from 12-4pm before heading home to the North Pole to ready his sleigh.
Now through Sunday, December 19th
2nd Annual Trees FOR CHARITIES EVENT
Visit several downtown businesses who will be hosting a tree for their local charity of choice and purchase a chance to win one or several. See all the unique themed trees. All proceeds go to the charity. Winners for each tree will be drawn on Sunday, Dec. 19th. For a complete listing of participating businesses go to www.dbawilmington.org or pick up a map at Crescent Moon at The Cotton Exchange.
e d i u g g n i din american Brixx Wood Fired Pizza A short drive from the beach, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza in Mayfaire Town Center is a fun, friendly neighborhood restaurant. Serving the best brick-oven pizzas around, Brixx also offers a fine selection of signature focaccia sandwiches, pastas, fresh salads and desserts. Stop in for a quick lunch, or kick back on the patio with one of 24 beers on tap or 14 wines by the glass. Brixx is also a late-night destination, serving 2-for-1 pizzas and appetizers after 10pm Open until 1am Monday through Saturday and 11pm on Sunday.6801 Main Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. (910) 256-9677. www.brixxpizza.com.
BLUEWATER 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 during the summer months. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining. com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC . (910) 256.8500.
CHRIS’ COSMIC KITCHEN CosmicKitchenOnline.com Serving breakfast all day as well as lunch and handmade cheesecake, Chef and Owner Chris Lubben loves to make many of his menu items from scratch. Whether you’re in the mood for a fluffy 3-egg Omelet, Shrimp & Grits, Prime Rib Sandwich or Andes Mint Cheesecake, Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is your “Out of this World” Breakfast/Lunch Destination. Evening restaurant rental is available, as well as a Personal Chef service. Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is located at 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109, on the corner of Racine Dr. and Eastwood Rd. New Winter Hours: 8am-4pm Tues-Sat. Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm. Closed Monday. Take-out calls welcome, 792-6720. Follow us on Twitter @ CosmicKitchen.
C.G. Dawgs For great traditional New York style eats with Southern charm look no further than C.G. Dawgs. You will be drawn in by the aroma of fine beef franks served with witty banter and good natured delivery from the cleanest hot dog carts in Wilmington. Sabrett famous hot dogs and Italian sausages are the primary fare offered, with a myriad of condiments for all of your mid-day or late night cravings. You may find them daily at their new
location on the boardwalk of Market and Water St. from 11am to 5pm. Saturdays at the farmers market. Thursday-Saturday nights they are on Market St. between Front and 2nd St. from 10pm to 3:00am. Then they finish the week off at Fibbers on Sunday nights until 3am. To busy to leave the office? Ask about their lunch time delivery service for downtown!!
enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Open Tuesday-Sunday, serving dinner at 5pm. 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
HENRY’S
PINE VALLEY MARKET
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 and offers daily blackboard specials that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because its going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. Henry’s is home to live music, wine & beer dinners and other special events. Check out their calendar of events at HenrysRestaurant. com for details. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.
Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their takehome frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. Mon.-Fri. 10am-7pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; closed Sunday. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD.
Holiday Inn Resort The Verandah Café Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. (910) 256-2231 Wrightsville Beach.
KEFI Kefi, founded in 1981 by a group of friends, has a long-standing tradition as a favorite local watering hole. This Wrightsville-Beach eatery is open at 6am for breakfast, offering everything from omelets and pancakes, to shrimp and grits. Take a break from the beach and visit Kefi’s, where their menu features a variety of salads and sandwiches. There is even a “working man’s lunch,” served Monday through Friday, all for under $6. At night Kefi comes alive by serving dinner with a Southern flare. From the fried pickles appetizer to their the shrimp or oyster Po’boy to their nightly dinner specials, there is something that will make your taste buds sing. Then stick around for live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; nightly drink specials are offered. Go online at www.kefilive.com for more info and full music schedule. Open 6am-2am, seven days a week, with full ABC permits. Lunch deliveries available in the Wrightsville Beach area. Located at 2012 Eastwood Road, (910) 256-3558.
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
MELLOW MUSHROOM Mellow out and relax in the comfortable atmosphere that Mellow Mushroom offers. From the giant psychadelic ‘shroom located in the bar area to the Cadillac hanging on the wall, this restaurant is far from ordinary. The open kitchen brings live entertainment as pizza dough flies in the air. Their handtossed, spring-water dough brings new meaning to pizzas and calzones—healthy!! With 20 drafts and an array of microbrews, domestic and import bottles, Mellow Mushroom has an extensive beer list and full bar. Also, check out their lunch specials and variety of sandwiches. Their menu also caters to everyone and offers many vegetarian dishes. Live jazz on Wednesdays. Hours: Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm; Sun., 12pm-9pm. 4311 Oleander Drive, (910) 452-3773.
TROLLY STOP
Wrightsville Beach 11-5pm 7days a week, 6pm9pm Sun-Wed, and 6pm-3am Th-Sat. 256-1421; 4502 Fountain Dr., 452-3952. Open at 11am on Sat.; South Howe St. in Southport, 457-7017; 103A Cape Fear Blvd in Carolina Beach, 4585778. Catering cart available all year from $300. (910) 297-8416.
asian Big Thai and Big Thai Two Now with two convenient locations to serve you, Big Thai features authentic Thai cuisine in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Their delectable menu includes items such as Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews, Roasted Duck in Red Curry, and several options for vegetarians and vegans. And don’t forget to try their famous Coconut Cake, made fresh in-house. You won’t regret it. Big Thai One (1001 N. 4th St. in the Brooklyn Arts District; 763-3035): Lunch M-F, 11-2. Dinner M-Th 5-9, F-Sa 5-10, Closed Sunday. Big Thai Two (1319 Military Cutoff Rd. inside Landfall Center; 256-6588): Lunch M-F 11-2:30, Dinner M-Th 5-9, F-Sa 5-10, Sunday 5-9.
Double Happiness Double Happiness offers the Port City fine Asian dining at reasonable prices. Now under new management, the restaurant will serve flavorful dishes, prepared by the cultural richness of authentic China. Serving items like traditional dim sum and gourmet home-style cooking, Double Happiness is still dedicated to branding the exotic flavors of fresh ingredients and a romantic spice in all of their cooking. Their friendly staff will always go the extra mile to help diners enjoy their experience. Beer and wine is served for lunch and dinner, and Double Happiness is open Monday through Saturday, from 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm; closed Sundays. 4403 Wrighstville Avenue; (910) 313-1088.
SZECHUAN 132 Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.
Trolly Stop Hot Dogs are family owned with six locations. Since 1976 they specialize in homemade chili, slaw and sauces. Dogs include Smithfield (beef & pork), Southern Dog, Sabrett (all beef), Northern Dog, Carolina Packers Pork Dog (smoked sausage), Oscar Mayer 98% Fat Hiro japanese steakhouse Free Dogs (turkey) and Light Life Veggie Dog What better way to celebrate a special oc(soy). Locations are: 126 N. Front Street Open casion or liven up a dinner out than to dine in a six days including Thurs., Fri., and Sat. night place where every meal is an exciting presenfrom 10pm-3am; 343-2999, 94 S. Lumina Ave, tation. Knowing that a meal should be more encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 25
Hotel Tarrymore & Press 102 presents our New Year’s Eve Party Package! Three Course Prix Fixe Limited Seating Reservations Advised
First Course: A.) Pear and Gorgonzola Tart with Smoked Duck Breast, Candied Almonds, and Merlot Reduction B.) Baby Arugula Salad, Blistered Tomatoes, Sundried Cranberries, Crisp Celery, Pickled Onions, with a Smoked Bacon Hazelnut Vinaigrette C.) Seafood Rissoto with Asparagus, Vine-Ripe Tomato, Sweet Peas topped with crispy onions, and Dark Balsamic Reduction Second Course: A.) Prochoitto Wrapped Ahi Tuna, Warm Mushroom Compote, Braised Collard Greens, and Blackeye Pea Relish B.) Sweet and Smoky Grilled Angus Flat Iron Steak with Horseradish Bacon Mash, Crispy Asparagus, and Basil Caramel Sauce C.) Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast, Basil Rissoto, and Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette Third Course: A.) Raspberry Whit Chocolate Cheesecake with Chambord Anglase B.) Press 102 Open Faced Apple Pie with Coffee Ice Cream and Mocha Dust C.) Peppermint Pound Cake with Vanilla Mousse and Cookie Crumbles
only $26.99 Also, spend the night with us in the heart of Downtown Wilmington! $239 for a 2 bedroom suite or $199 for a 1 bedroom suite plus a complimentary French Press coffee delivered to your suite the next morning. All rates based on double occupancy. Stay Friday and Saturday night, and Sunday Brunch is on us!
26 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
102 South 2nd Street (910) 399-4438
than just great food, Hiro adds a taste of theatre and a amazing atmosphere to everyone’s dinning experience. Also serving sushi, Hiro surprises its guests with a new special roll every week and nightly drink specials to complement it. From 4-7pm enjoy half-priced nigiri and half-priced regular makimono. Nigiri makimono combos are only $7.50, while early-bird specials last from 4-6pm, where diners can choose two: shrimp, chicken or steak. Open Monday thru Thursday 4pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday 4pm-10:30pm; and Sunday 11am10pm. Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570. Please visit the Web site at hirojapanesesteakhouse.com.
Indochine restaurant and 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, or be entertained every Friday night with a Balinese dancer. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229. Indochinewilmington.com.
CARIBBEAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is Wilmington’s Authentic Caribbean Restaurant conveniently located at 417 S. College Road in University Landing. We offer exquisite Caribbean cuisine to satisfy your taste buds, whether they are for spicy Jamaican jerk chicken, mellow flavors of our curry chicken, curry goat or our ox tail skillfully flavored by our Jamaican chefs. Come in and enjoy our many menu selections, our warm décor, smoke-free atmosphere, excellent service and our smooth reggae music. Operating hours are: Sunday, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m; Mondays, closed; open Tuesday through Saturday 11:45 a.m. – 9 p.m.Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is family owned and operated. Check us out at www.jamaicascomfortzone.net or call us 910-399-2867. Live Music every First Friday.
EURO FUSION press 102 Espresso. Panini. Martini. Rome and Paris meet Manhattan and San Francisco in this new Euro-American eatery
and martini bar in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington. Nestled inside the Hotel Tarrymore on the corner of Second and Dock streets, Press 102 offers the finest espresso and French press coffee made exclusively from locally roasted beans and more Panini creations this side of Tuscany. Boasting more than a hundred different wine labels and an endless variety of freshly pressed fruit and herb inspired martini cocktails foodies also enjoy a sophisticated evening menu that includes shrimp and grits made with red-eye gravy and a perfectly grilled New York strip bathed in a basil caramel and white balsamic reduction. Glass tile and eclectic mirrors make for a cozy bar and bistro seating at Press 102 and up to 60 guests can also enjoy outdoor patio seating surrounded by flowers and passersby. Large parties of up to 120 are welcome in the Veranda Room overlooking Dock Street. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday through Saturday 7am – close and Sunday brunch from 10am til 2pm. Takeout calls welcome. 399-4438. Press102.com.
french CAPRICE BISTRO
Wilmington’s finest French cuisine can be found at Caprice Bistro, a small informal neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty food in generous portions at affordable prices. Simple is the atmosphere in the bistro, as plain white plates and tables dressed in white paper make up the decor. However, the food is far from simple, as a combination of fresh ingredients and innovative preparation delight the taste buds with a plethora of unique appetizers, entrées and desserts. The service is fast, efficient and non-intrusive, and the ambience is friendly and unpretentious. After dinner, be sure to venture upstairs into their cozy and relaxing sofa bar for an after-dinner martini, or enjoy your meal there, as a light-fare and full menus are served. Art is always on display in the sofa bar, so be sure to inquire frequently about their artist show receptions. Voted “Best French Restaurant” three years in a row! 10 Market Street, downtown Wilmington, (910) 815-0810.
italian edDie romanelli’s
Eddie Romanelli’s is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas. Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak. Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. RomanellisRestaurant.com. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.
Giorgio’s Italian Restaurant Giorgio’s is a locally owned, one-of-a-kind restaurant. Offering age-old traditions and timeless recipes, perfection is accomplished by combining the perfect cuisine and atmosphere for a dining experience that is not soon forgotten. With over 50 years of cooking experience under one roof, the smells of old-fashioned home cooking float through the air creating that comforting feeling of home-away-from-home! From old world style dishes to modern day creations, the menu showcases multiple flavors that will tempt the palate of the most discriminating connoisseurs. A Monkey Junction landmark for over 12 years! www.giorgios-restaurant.com. 5226 S College Rd.,Wilmington (910) 790-9954.
Slice of life “Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. We have the largest tequila selection in Wilmington. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.” Stop by for lunch dinner, or a late-night treat, open from 11:30am until 3am, seven days a week, 365 days a year, all ABC permits. 122 Market Street between Second and Front, downtown Wilmington. 251-9444. Visit our 2nd location at 1437 Military Cutoff Rd., next to PT’s! (910) 2562229 www.grabslice.com.
latin american san juan cafe San Juan Café offers the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Nightly drink specials! Hours of Operation Mon-Sat from 11am-2:30pm, and from 5-10pm. Open Sun from 5-10pm. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue. 910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates! www.sanjuancafenc.com
organic LOVEY’S MARKET Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for natural and organic groceries, or just a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious, and totally fresh snack. Whether they are in the mood for a veggie burger, a bean burrito or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte café menu at Lovey’s. The food bar—which has cold salads and hot selections that can be eaten in the café seating or boxed for take-out—can be enjoyed all day long, while the juice bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of produce, grains,
flours, beans and spices at affordable prices, Lovey‘s also carries grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. Wheat-free, gluten-free, products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries and wholesome pet foods. For anything shoppers want that is not in stock, Lovey‘s will be happy to find it. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm; Saturday, 9am to 6pm; and on Sundays, 10am to 6pm. Café hours: Monday-Friday, 11am–6pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Road; (910) 509-0331; www. loveysmarket.com.
tidal creek co-oP Tidal Creek Deli offers a wide array of exceptional and unusual organic foods, all of which taste as good as they are for you. The salad bar and hot bar incorporate flavors from around the world; each item is prepared by hand using only fresh and local ingredients. The chefs are constantly experimenting to create new and exciting dishes. Choose from made to order smoothies with almond butter and hemp milk, salads with locally grown greens or, special order a wedding cake made from scratch to your specifications. Whatever your tastes, Tidal Creek Deli is a place to rejuvenate the mind and body while enjoying the company of a friendly and relaxed organic community. Located at 5329 Oleander Drive, (910) 799-2667; www.tidalcreek.coop.
seafood DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR
27 years strong, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by consistently providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in oceanic cuisine. Complete with a full-service bar and a fireside oyster bar, it’s the place to be if you are seeking top-quality attributes in atmosphere, presentation, flavor and ingenuity. Signature dishes include Oysters Hieronymus and the Scallops Fra Diavlo. Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2007. 5035 Market Street; (910) 392-6313.
OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable wedding receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. Family-style to go menu available. OceanicRestaurant. com. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551
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 UNCW, this lively sports-themed restaurant is home to over 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington. 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. Carolina Ale House serves its full menu from 11a – 2a daily. CarolinaAleHouse. com. 317 South College Road, Wilmington, NC. (910) 791.9393.
HELL’S KITCHEN
This is downtown Wilmington’s Sports Pub! With every major sporting package on ten HDTVs and our huge HD projection screen, there is no better place to catch every game in every sport. Our extensive menu ranges from classics, like thick Angus burgers or NY-style reubens, to lighter fare, such as homemade soups, fresh salads and vegetarian options. Whether meeting for a business lunch, lingering over dinner and drinks, or watching the game, the atmosphere and friendly service will turn you into a regular. Open late 7 days a week, with free WiFi, darts, weekly trivia and Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments, and did we mention sports? Free lunchtime delivery on weekdays; we can accommodate large parties. M-Sat 11am until late, open Sundays, noon. 118 Princess St, (910) 7634133. www.hellskitchenbar.com
Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfortable in flip flops as you would in a business suit. ! Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827. www.dockstreetoysterbar.net.
EAST AT THE BLOCkaDE RUNNER HOTEL The Blockade Runner offers an array of seasonal seafood specials, certified Angus beef, lobster menu on Friday evening plus a spectacular Sunday brunch. Romantic al fresco dining is available on our dinner deck located in the center of a lush garden overlooking the ocean far away from the traffic and noise. We offer live entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday brunch. Our lounge is eco-friendly and offers light fare nightly. 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256-2251.
HIERONYMUS Proving that excellent seafood isn’t just for the eateries at Wrightsville Beach, Hieronymus Seafood is the stop for midtown Wilmington seafood lovers. In business for
encore | december 15-21 , 2010 | www.encorepub.com 27
below Books
29 Fashion 31 Crossword 32 Fact or Fiction 34-39 Calendar, etc.
Success is the Best Revenge: Wordsmith sees his dream come to fruition
J
.K. Rowling, Ernest Hemingway, Vladimir Nabokov, John Grisham, Ursula LeGuin, Stephen King and Upton Sinclair all have one thing in common: They were all rejected numerous times by editors and agents. Us writers in general dream of the day we make it and then run into the individual(s) who doubted us from the start. It’s not because we want to rub our successes in their faces, but we want to validate that it’s alright to strike the final nail in the coffin that houses our insecurities. As my favorite saying goes: “Be careful or you’ll end up in my next novel.” Today, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, new author Ted Miller Brogden is reaching for his hammer. Within his first novel, “Jigsaw,” Brogden gives readers wealth, women, personal transformation and a true-blue suspense thriller that centers around main character Captain Cape Thomas. Haunted and unable to shake the reoccurring dream of a beautiful woman swaddling a baby, Captain is compelled to search through college yearbooks and aged courthouse records in hopes to finding her identity and easing his soul. What follows is more than a journey into the past within the beautiful, romantic South, but a secret life filled with sorrow, humor, scams and scammers, wealth, in-laws, outlaws and even the F.A.A. is revealed. What should be appreciated most about Brogden’s action-packed work and his personal story is that he has no background as a writer. In fact, Brogden is a real estate agent, but his love for story-telling kept him motivated to reach readers across the page
by: Tiffanie Gabrielse
Jigsaw by Ted Miller Brogden M E Publishing $15.99 despite a very negative experience in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Now, his dream to tell an audience a great story is about to come true. “I had it in my mind; if a New York agent likes it, then it’s something!” he says. “So, I attended a writers’ conference where there were going to be New York agents. It would be like the old song goes: ‘I couldn’t make it there I wouldn’t make it anywhere.’ After a 15 minute evaluation, one particular agent from New York City said, ‘Do you want me to sugar coat it or give it to you straight up?’ I preferred it straight up and that’s when she hit me with it. ‘I don’t like how you write and I don’t like what you write about.’ I always had doubts about my abilities and when she said that it confirmed everything I feared.” Despite the agent’s disservice, Brogden’s words didn’t have an ounce of vengeance. “As soon as I returned home, I placed the manuscript on a shelf and turned away from it for six years.” That is until Maleia Everidge, a close friend of Brogden, coaxed him into not only finishing the work but giving it to another mutual friend, Nicole Mallozzi Givens, wife of award-winning director, Michael Givens. Asking the North Carolina director, writer
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28 encore | december 15-21, 2010 | www.encorepub.com
and cinematographer to look at it seemed daunting to Brogden. “To ask someone to read your manuscript is like asking, ‘Look can you chop off half your arm for me?’” he says. “But Michael gave such great feedback, and it was like winning the lottery. It was no longer just friends or acquaintances that said they liked it. Suddenly, there was a professional that acknowledged I had some talent, and he wanted to share it with the world. I finally felt validated.” It’s clear Brogden believes that one doesn’t have to possess a degree in creative writing to be a good story-teller who can mold an entertaining idea. This is especially so for movies. Givens—also the first Western director to shoot in Vietnam since the end of the war—couldn’t agree more. “Ultimate goal is, of course, to make a film that always engages the audiences and
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makes them feel a part of it,” Givens says. “You sit down, the lights go down, and it’s symbolic of a dream. You’re taken on a journey that which you have no control.” “Ted (Brogden) did a great job of weaving pieces together to make a great story that’s clever,” Givens continues. “I like the way the protagonist approaches his problems. I like the danger of it and the way our hero solves them. I love how it’s in the South—particularly the Carolinas. Greensboro, Goldsboro and Kinston—we’re hoping to keep as much of it as local as we can, even to include Wilmington. It’s really a home-grown situation. Yes, of course, my wife had my ear, but networking had nothing to do with it. The bottom line is; it’s a good idea. Ted’s book is a great fit.” Givens explains that taking Brogden’s 337-page novel and turning it into a 110120-page script proves a challenging task. It doesn’t come as easy as sliding the book into one side of the computer, and watching a script come out of the other. Novels and movies are two different machines, and the rule of thumb in filmmaking is to show it—don’t say it. It’s easier said than done considering a novel is a mechanism that centers around personal thoughts—and thoughts can’t be photographed. “It’s a classic thriller in the sense we know more than the protagonist knows,” Givens hints. “It has that Hitchcockian feel—a film where there’s always something going because our main character never has it easy.” While one could technically state production for “Jigsaw” has already begun, because Givens is deep into writing the script, the project is still dependent on meeting a budget before the all mighty and luminous green light reads “Go!” Preproduction is set to being by next summer. However, Givens has been working in film for 30 years, and he confidently remarks that he has no worries in seeing the project take off. If it takes a bit more time to gather funding, the pertinent fact remains,: In the end, Brogden will see redemption for hard work and in the best possible manner: success. “Maybe [the New York agent] thought, ‘I hope this idiot doesn’t make it!“ Brogden says. “Though, I hope this idiot may.” Follow “Jigsaw” the movie or novel on Facebook.
The Jewel of Charlotte: Local designer Ruby Assata takes on Queen City with first fashion show
A
few years ago, I was at Art for the Masses and one of the ballerinas—a group of girls privy to fashion and general hipness, of whom my BFF Mandy coined—happened to be selling her scarves, bags and T-shirts. The one I had my eye on was was beige and featured screen-printed, hand-drawn black guns and yarn baubles aligning the trim. Alisha Payne carefully crafted the fabric art as part of her brand, Ruby Assata. Instantly, I bought it. The next year, around Mandy’s birthday, I commissioned Payne to make her a clutch—something delicate and feminine, perfect for Mandy’s style. The outcome was staggering. The inside purple fabric had been screenprinted with old-fashioned keys and the outer lip and bag came crafted in a yellow and pale pink vintage floral print. Mandy swooned over it. Since, I have bought another clutch and wallet from the Ruby Assata brand as gifts. What I have noticed of them all is the durability to which they hold up. “[I decided to make] bags when I received a handmade bag as a gift that was poorly made,” Payne says, “and I thought, I could make something better than this. I detest disposable fashion, and want to make long-lasting and functional pieces.” Carefully crafted from vintage fabrics that she finds or uses from old clothing, the Ruby Assata brand ventured lately into the use of leather. “It’s amazing,” she notes. “It’s so soft but super durable.” Sold at local boutique Edge of Urge, as well as on her Etsy site, www.etsy.com/ shop/rubyassata, product inventory turns around quickly, with items ranging from $70 to $330. Payne seemingly can’t restock her pieces as fast as they sell. Of the most impressive aspect: From start to finish, they’re one-of-a-kind. “I do most of my own graphic design,
by: Shea Carver
Ruby Assata Accessory Fashion Show Saturday, December 18th, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. • $20 Hart Witzen Gallery, 136 E. 36th S. Charlotte, NC www.rubyassata.com photography and all of my own screen printing,” she says. “I would love to print my own fabric and incorporate glitter—lots of glitter! I also love type, clean graphic design and pen-and-ink illustration. All of those things are carried over to the prints I use, like hand-drawn florals, graphic stripes and dots. ” Born with the desire to create, Payne took up sewing thanks to her grandmother’s teachings, as well as watching “Fashion File” on PBS. Originally from Missouri, her family moved to Kannapolis, NC, when she was a teen, and after high school, Payne attended Central Piedmont Community College, Wake Tech and eventually UNCW, where she received her bachelor’s degree in studio art. “I took every costume-related class UNCW’s theater department had to offer,” she says. “I worked in the costume shop as a student stitcher and then two years as the manager after I graduated. The experience and knowledge I acquired from the shop and costume designer Mark Sorensen are invaluable to Ruby Assata bags.” While working as a waitress at Caffe Phoenix last summer, Payne was accepted to Penland for a two-week residency to craft and create. It gave her even more impetus
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to completely build her brand, and she knew she needed to focus on it solely to make it as a designer. So, in August 2010 she moved back to Kannapolis with her parents to concentrate on product-making. Though leaving Wilmington came with its own set of hardships, the move has turned into opportunity, just as she hoped. On December 18th, from
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., she’ll have her first fashion show at Hart Witzen Gallery in Charlotte. “I started sewing accessories for Tara Davis, a fashion designer in Charlotte,” she explains. “She is hosting the show and debuting her holiday collection.” In fact, the show will be a three-in-one feature, offering Ruby Assata bags, Genuine Gentlemen men’s accessories and FLOW by Tara Davis Holiday collection. An open market takes place afterward, so attendees can buy goods from up to 20 venders who will be selling jewelry, home décor products and more. “My entire fashion show is based off Terrence Malick’s “Badlands,’” Payne says. “I’ll have handmade bags, backpacks and clutches. I have never done this before, and that is the most frightening. I was really excited to pick the music and design the hair and makeup for the show.” All Ruby Assata fans are welcome to attend the soiree, as tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.EventsByFLOW.com. For $35, VIP tickets are available, and include a custom FLOW Tara Davis graphic tee, gift bag and access to the VIP area and fashion show seating. As for Ruby Assata’s other product placements, expect more inventory on her Etsy site, as well as at Edge of Urge, downtown Wilmington, after the show’s over. To follow her works in progress, subscribe to her blog at www.rubyassata.wordpress.com.
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CREATORS SyNDICATE © 2010 STANLEy NEWMAN
WWW.STANXWORDS.COM
12/19/10
THE NEWSDAy CROSSWORD Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)
SOUND OFF: As heard at the vet by Norma Steinberg ACROSS 1 Stenographers’ needs 5 Urban districts 10 The bad guys 14 Grouchy guy 18 Incantation beginning 19 End successfully 20 VIP’s wheels 21 Sphere starter 22 Canine News Network anchor? 24 Arabian Nights lamb? 26 1, 2, 3, etc. 27 Needing a plumber 29 Accent 30 Jackson Hole scenery 31 Name on a spine 32 Plays for time 33 Harry’s successor 34 Prom, for one 35 Fourteen pounds, in Liverpool 36 Indian currency 39 Pessimistic equine? 41 Self-satisfied 45 Obligation 46 Be deceitful to 47 Hopes earnestly 49 Obstetricians’ org. 50 Term of respect 51 Quagmire 53 Hat part 54 Waterproof coverings 56 “Dire” situations 58 Tennis pro Sharapova 60 More than generous 61 What Simon calls Garfunkel 62 Of ocean motion 63 Flaxen fabric 64 Tie-on topper 66 Range’s flame
67 Formal speech 70 Word often preceding “sanctum” 71 Wherever you are 72 Pays out 75 Upper limit 76 Gymnast Mary __ Retton 77 Fire sign 79 Like doilies 80 Informal farewell 81 Writer Bombeck 83 Pigeon’s last shot? 87 Less lofty 88 Run through, as a debit card 90 Under, in poems 91 Really like 92 Washbowls 94 Foul matter 95 Traditional Kentucky Derby drinks 98 Professional performer, for instance 99 Sixth sense, so to speak 100 Short piece of classical music 102 How to refer to a serpentine jurist? 104 Henhouse motto? 106 Bump into 107 Return-mail enc. 108 Least friendly 109 Greek vowels 110 Epochs 111 Major rds. 112 Grocery-box abbr. 113 Leaf gatherer DOWN 1 Manipulated one 2 See 65 Down 3 Suffix meaning “racecourse”
4 Two-point gridiron plays 5 Complains loudly 6 Pantry pests 7 Radio producer on Frasier 8 Swashbuckling activity 9 Extend 10 Peel, with “off” 11 Slick 12 UK record label 13 Tale of woe 14 Boston’s river 15 Rise up 16 Gather up 17 Predisposition 19 Woodworking tool 23 Rendered inoperable 25 __ all-time high 28 Stein fillers 31 Coin-toss call 32 Shower by-product 34 Crème-crème connector 35 Damascus is its capital 36 Industrialist Perot 37 Motel room 38 Cat of the year? 39 Drink slowly 40 National Poetry Month 42 A few good crows? 43 Tennis arbiters 44 Deep cut 46 “Message received” 48 Easels 51 Bishop toppers 52 Bless, with “on” 53 The neighbor’s kids 55 Swear 57 Secretary of Education Duncan
59 60 62 63 64 65 66 68 69 71 73
Uproar Watergate participant Sleepy Jousting weapon Ill temper Approximately, with 2 Down Type of tea Fill fully Bandy words Basketball, informally The Bell Jar author
74 Just for one 78 Source of pink applesauce 80 United 82 Helps out 84 Oklahoma city 85 Mold filler 86 Daily grind 87 Shade of purple 89 Genie’s largesse 91 Kirsten of Spider-Man 92 Prickly plant
93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 103 105
Befuddled Taxi passengers Roof support Michelangelo masterpiece Move furtively “Alas!” Filled with promise Distort Church section Nonstandard negative “English” course
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An Involuntary Intimate, Part 26: George takes his leave
B
y the time George left the coffee shop, he had been given an extra latte, some packets of gourmet peppermint cocoa, and one of the one-cup coffee contraptions he had stared at during the awkward moment of meeting his brother’s lover 12 years after his brother had killed himself. It had been a strange encounter—reconciliation turning quickly into conciliation on Leonard’s part, as if he had something to apologize for. His tentative, emotion-filled overtures made George’s throat constrict. It was as if Leonard had been waiting 12 years for George to push through those doors. Thinking such made George pull through a GoGas and slip himself a pack of ultra lights. Giving Leonard the photo had been the right thing to do—no matter how much time had passed. Though the photo was in so many ways beside the point; it could have been anything to do with Chad. The gesture was what counted. George knew all this in his bones, and yet he still felt intensely uncomfortable for days afterward. His goal had
by: Claude Limoges not been to connect but to sever—to give himself permission to let go of his brother’s memory and move on. Instead, he had Leonard’s phone number, e-mail address, and mandate to join Facebook so that they could chat about Chad. So, when the day came to leave for his new job, George packed with a secret sort of glee. As he was rolling and tucking ties into a compartment in the suitcase, he heard the elevator door open and the tapping of Martin’s forearm crutches. Martin stopped at George’s door. “’Sup, buddy?” Now, thought George, just say it. He tucked socks into a pocket in the suitcase. “Thought I’d take a trip.” “Well,” Martin said, “here.” He held out a package in camo wrapping paper. George kept his eyes on his packing. “What’s that?” “Just a little something for your ‘trip.’”
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George stopped packing and studied Martin. He was slouched over his forearm crutches as usual,giving George that crooked “you dummy” kind of smile that was just short of a shake of the head. George scratched his jaw. “I meant to tell you...” “The trouble with you managers is you think everybody else is stupid. Take this, please. My arm’s getting tired.” George stepped over to Martin, took the gift, unwrapped it and marveled at a tablet PC. The old constriction in George’s throat returned. “Martin, you can’t be serious.” “Black Friday, man. It was a sweet deal. Keep in touch, will you?” “Sure,” George murmured, still marveling at the tablet. “And don’t get to be an asshole again.” George packed the tablet. “Tough times out there, Martin. A guy’s gotta do—” “That’s bullshit. Have you told Cheri?” George fidgeted. “Will you?” Martin squinted down the hall. “What’s up with you, man?” “I just don’t wanna hurt her.” “No, you just wanna be gone before she knows she’s hurt, and that’ll hurt her double. Come on, George. You gotta have enough of a spine left for this much.” “Yea, okay.” He turned away and finished packing. Martin scrutinized George, and George felt his eyes on the back of his neck. They both knew he would not be telling Cheri he was leaving. For a brief time George had fallen from the remote seclusion he had built for
himself over several years and had landed abruptly on this Earth and walked it with no pretensions, no defenses. Because he had been down-and-out. Now he was returning home, to some place up and in himself that was hard to entirely abandon once built. “Do me a favor, George,” Martin said. “What’s that?” “Don’t buy any spy cameras.” George turned red. As if he would. As if he had not been humiliated enough. He set his jaw, zipped up his suitcase and picked it up. “Are you finished?” “Where you’re going, it’ll get lonely, and you’ll think you owe it to yourself. Just ... try to stay cued into people. On their own terms. Don’t get to thinking you’re better than them, because you’re not.” Something broke in George and before he knew it, he let a whole lot fly that had been pent up for a long time. “Martin, your experiment is finished and walking out the door. You don’t own me. you don’t know what I’m thinking. You don’t know the first thing about me, but you’re right there, always eager to tell me what to do. Well, I’m telling you, move out of my way.” “Gladly,” Martin said. “Hope the tablet freezes on you.” “Can’t believe I got involved in this sorry-ass operation,” George mumbled as he bumped Martin on his way out. He took the steps in twos, strode through the computer lab, ignoring greetings from pupils, and stepped out the door into a bright and frigid day. And then regret set in.
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All I want for Christmas is... A romantic evening with my wife at Bluewater
A girls’ night out at Henry’s
A family dinner at Eddie Romanelli’s
Lunch at the Oceanic
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Time to catch the game at Carolina Ale House
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