December 17, 2014

VOL. 31 / PUB 25 / FREE December 17 – 23, 2014

www.encorepub.com

Vol. 31/ Pub. 25 / december 17 – 23, 2014 www.encorepub.com

on the cover

EVENT

OF THE WEEK

Saturday, December 20, 9:15 a.m.

Wintering Birds of the Carolinas Noted ornithologist Dr. James Parnell will give a talk on the birds that inhabit southeastern North Carolina during the winter. Specifically, he will enlighten on those not found here in other seasons. The event is free to the public and will be held at the Wild Bird and Garden at Hanover Shopping Center (3501 Oleander Drive).

Bands in Toyland, Pgs. 10-11 Local band L Shape Lot prepares to say goodbye to longtime member John Kovalski this Friday, December 19. They’ll perform a final show at Brooklyn Arts Center, alongside opening acts Moss and Edmonson and Stray Local. The concert will serve as L Shape Lot’s third annual toy drive for Toys for Tots. Courtesy photo.

Film p. 19

To enter events on encore’s new online calendar, generated by SpinGo, head to www.encorepub.com/ welcome/events-2. Events must be entered by every Thursday at noon, for consideration in print and on our new app, encore Go. E-mail shea@encorepub.com with questions.

EDITORIAL> Editor-in-Chief: Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

Anghus reviews two OnDemand offerings, including the gritty gang drama, “Revenge of the Green Dragons.”

Editorial Assistant: Christian Podgaysky // music@encorepub.com Art Director: Kyle Peeler // ads@encorepub.com

>

Intern: Zachary Painter

Art

p. 20

Jay Workman details the opening of IV at Bottega, which features works from Jacob Tramglini’s, Grey Pascal, Addie Wuensch, and German Martinez.

<

Extra p. 30 Tiffanie DiDonato tells all on Valerie Robertson’s environmental book club at Old Books on Front Street.

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus Houvouras, Jay Schiller, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Jay Workman, Christian Podgaysky, Linda Grattafiori, Tiffanie DiDonato SALES> General Manager: John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Advertising: John Hitt // Downtown // Carolina Beach // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // Midtown, Monkey Junction // shea@encorepub.com Rose Thompson // Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington // rose@encorepub.com Office Manager: Susie Riddle // susie@adpakweekly.com

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright Published weekly, on Wednesday, by HP Media.

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

>

Inside This Week: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, p. 9

Music, pgs. 10-15 • Theatre, pgs. 16-17 • Film, p. 19 • Art, pgs. 20-21 Dining, pgs. 22-26 • Extra, pgs. 28-32 • Calendar, pgs. 36-56 2 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

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

encore | december 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 3

news > live local

D

Live Local Live Small:

ear Santa, How are you? I hope things are well at The North Pole, though I hear that your neighbors, the polar bears, are having some trouble with rising temperatures and sea levels. I’m sorry to hear that, and I hope that maybe you can help them out for the holidays at least.

When I saw you downtown, you asked if I had been a good girl this year. I have thought about that question a lot since our visit. That’s not an easy question to answer. I have tried to be a good girl this year, but I have to tell you, as I get older, it gets harder. When I was little, it was really about doing what I was told— which I usually didn’t want to, but I tried. Now, it’s about trying to manage all the things that an adult should and shouldn’t do. Frankly, it’s exhausting. I don’t want to hate the Walton

family and Jeff Bezos, but they treat people so terribly, and it makes me so angry. I mean we get some conflicting messages about this while growing up: When we see something wrong— someone being hurt—aren’t we supposed to speak up and intervene? But if the only thing we can change and be responsible for is ourselves, where is collective responsibility? You see? I am not sure what to do, or even what I can do. This is tough, Santa.

I decided to try to look at my actions from the perspectives of the people close to me. First the dogs: Hosanna would probably like to see more of her humans and would prefer mountains of sliced ham instead of having it doled out a piece at a time. But in the balance, she is probably pretty OK. Horace and Hilda would prefer

Reflecting on the nice or naughty list, and the weight of global issues By: Gwenyfar rohler

Above: Stock photo 4 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

Live Local column is about how the decisions we make as individuals collectively add up to make a difference. But with topics as big as these? I mean we don’t elect the CIA. Yes, we elect Congress and state legislature members, and we bear a direct line of responsibility for what they do. But this? I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around the events in Ferguson and NYC, much less formulate any way I could make a postitive difference in these situations. I am at a loss.

When we talked, you asked me what I wanted for Chirstmas. I said I wasn’t sure and that, really, I just wanted to come see you. I guess that’s because the things I want seem a little strange to try to tell you face to face, especially when there’s a line of kids waiting to talk to you. It’s hard to explain what I would like for Christmas. I know one of the proudest moments my mother had as a parent was when she asked what I wanted for my birthday, and I told her that everything I really wanted I just had to work for and that what I wanted weren’t “things.” That was almost 15 years ago, and it hasn’t changed. I want to keep the bookstore open and continue to employ some of the most wonderful people I know. This coming year I have a couple side projects related to the bookstore that I want to get off the ground. As well, I really want to move forward as a writer. I’d like to take “Death Bed” to another level, though what that is exactly, I’m not sure.

I need to finish my book on the NC outdoor dramas and not let it wither on the vine after I’m finished. I want to make Jock proud of me.

But what do I really want for Christmas?

I want to make a difference in the world and find some answers to these troubling questions. I don’t know if you can put that in a stocking for me, Santa. Maybe that’s something us humans just have to work on together. I don’t think funding oligarchs who treat people like we are living in the 14th century is going to solve anything.

But I’m not really certain what I can do.

Santa, I guess what I want is direction. I know you are going to tell me I have to start with me. I try really hard to live in accordance with my values and to be the change I want to see in the world. But how can I make a difference?

Santa, maybe I should ask you what you want for Christmas? Maybe seeing the person across from me is the gift you’ve been offering.

! s l dea .com

it if I would put an end to Jock’s constant home-improvement projects, but that is just not going to happen. In the balance, they would probably give me a passing grade on the naughty/nice scale—though they would like more walks.

The staff at Old Books on Front Street seem to have settled into accepting that I’m nuts but well-intended. Does anyone ever like their boss? Maybe? I definitely treat them with more respect and consideration than Bezos or the Waltons, but maybe that’s because I have to actually see and talk to the people I employ as people. The employees of the the Waltons rarely or never interact with them—there are layers and layers between the rulers and their peasants at Walmart. I also pay the staff before I pay myself and Jock, which I am sure is a completely different approach than what comes out of Bentonville, AK. They would probably give me a passing “nice” grade most days. However, there are rumblings about the piles of papers on the front desk at the bookstore that I apparently treat as a World Heritage Site instead of trash.

Now the big question: Jock. Would Jock give me a passing grade? I don’t know. He probably wishes that I did more to actively change the world for the better, complained less, had fewer bookstore crises that required his attention, developed a higher opinion of humanity, and had a greater interest in laundry. But he seems pleased with my overall approach to our lives together. I take the home renovations in stride, support all of his inventing ideas, and I am happy to continue to work with him toward a smaller footprint for our household on the planet. At the very core, our values are in allignment. I guess I just wish I were a better person and more deserving of him. He’s pretty generous and optimistic, so he would probably give me a nice rating on the naughty/nice list.

But, Santa, you and I both know that a person is not just how others see them.

How they see themselves? Are they in tune with a deeper truth that has little to do with human perception? My own view of my behavior this year is pretty meh. I haven’t been the best me I could be. There is a lot that has gone on emotionally this year that I haven’t handled as much like a grown-up as I would have liked. As well, in these last few months, I feel so completely overwhelmed by world events: Syria, Ferguson, NYC, the torture report.

I don’t know how a person of conscience can respond to any of that in their daily lives. What actions can I, living in Wilmington, NC, take that would make a difference? Santa, it just makes me want to hide in the garage and work on VWs and ignore the world around me, which I know is wrong. I know I should do better than that. So much of what I write about in the

encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 5

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6 encore |december 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

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Fill out the event details and submit!

Dying to Get a Date Like many in society’s subgroups, people who work in “death” industries or professions in the U.K. may believe it difficult to reach “likeminded” suitors. Hence, Carla Valentine established Dead Meet earlier this year and told Vice.com in October that she has drawn 5,000 sign-ups among morticians, coroners, embalmers, cemetery workers, taxidermists, etc., who share her chagrin that “normal” people are often grossed out or too indiscreet to respect the dignity of her industry’s “clients.” We might, said Valentine, need a sensitive companion at the end of the day to discuss a particularly difficult decomposition. Or, she added, perhaps embalmers make better boyfriends because their work with cosmetics helps them understand why “many women take so long to get ready.”

Dr. Mahesh Chandra Rout matter-of-factly told BBC News that camps routinely used ordinary bicycle pumps to inflate women’s abdomens.

Orissa’s senior health official immediately ended the practice and ordered sterilizations only in hospitals. (Enlarging the abdomen helps the surgeon to operate, but the proper agent is carbon dioxide.)

— The Food and Veterinary Administration of Denmark shut down the food supplier Nordic Ingredients in November after learning that it used an ordinary cement mixer to prepare gelatin products for nursing home and hospital patients unable to swallow whole food. An FVA official told a reporter: “It was an orange cement mixer just like bricklayers use. There were layers (of crusty remains) from previous uses.”

As many as 12 facilities, including three hospitals, had food on hand from Nordic Ingredients.

Can’t Possibly Be True — A passerby shooting video in November outside the Lucky River Chinese restaurant in San Francisco caught an employee banging large slabs of frozen meat on the sidewalk — which was an attempt, said the manager, to defrost them. A KPIX-TV reporter, visiting the precise sidewalk area on the video, found it covered in “blackened gum, cigarette butts and foot-tracked bacteria,” but the manager said the worker had been fired and the meat discarded. (The restaurant’s previous health department rating was 88, which qualifies as “adequate.”)

— India’s Orissa state has established “health camps” to facilitate mass sterilizations to help control the booming population, but procedures were halted in November when

Government in Action — Questionable Judgment: Assistant Attorney General Karen Straughn of Maryland issued an official warning recently for consumers to watch out for what might be called “the $100 bill on the windshield” scam. (That is, if you notice a $100 bill tucked under your wiper, do not try to retrieve it; it is likely there to trick you into opening your door to a carjacker.)

When questioned by WJLA-TV of Washington, D.C., Straughn admitted there were no actual reports of such attempts — and that the story is a well-known urban legend — but nonetheless defended the warning.

— Lesson in Civics: North Hempstead, New York, enforces its dog-littering ordinance with steep $250 fines and street-sign warnings displaying the amount. However, insiders have

Wait, What?

In November, a clothing store on Yabao Road in Beijing came under criticism for posting a sign, “Chinese Not Admitted,” on its door. An employee told the Beijing Youth Daily newspaper that no one should believe that “we Chinese look down upon ourselves. But some Chinese customers are too annoying.” (A legal scholar told the newspaper that China, except for Hong Kong, has no law against racial or ethnic discrimination.)

Least Competent Criminals (1) Unclear on the Concept: A 34-year-old man was arrested at a Tesco supermarket in Bar Hill, England, on Nov. 12 when he entered the store and threatened employees — by showing them a photograph of a gun. (2) Recurring Theme: Two men were arrested easily in Silver City, New Mexico, in December.

Thieves had broken into Javalina Coffee House downtown and dragged away the ATM behind their truck. With the help of a witness — and especially the gouge marks in the street running from the Javalina directly to the nearby residence of the men — police nabbed the two and were still searching for a third.

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long known that the signs are wrong — that the written regulation calls for fines of only $25 — and officials have been discussing how to correct their error while still discouraging littering.

According to a November WCBS-TV report, now that residents know the actual amount, the debate is whether to replace the erroneous signs (expensive) or just raise the fine 1,000 percent (to $250) and save money.

— A November order from China’s State Administration for Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television appears to impose a ban on the use of all idioms — including puns — as part of the government’s crackdown on nonstandard language, especially since that discourages children from learning proper vocabulary and grammar. All mass media outlets must “avoid changing the characters, phrasings and meanings” of words — even though, according to the Beijing reporter for London’s The Guardian, Chinese culture is saturated with puns.

— As revealed in a spirited public meeting of the Huron Valley (Michigan) Board of Education in November, gun-carriers’ freedoms in the state appear complicated, in that a person with training and who submits to state licensing to carry a concealed weapon may carry it even on school grounds (despite the federal Gun-Free Zones Act of 1990). Michigan’s lawful exception to the act requires concealed permit-holders to carry the gun unconcealed, which many parents contend frightens younger children. Also, though it is illegal for anyone alcohol-impaired to carry a gun anywhere,

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arts > music

L

ocal alt-country music veterans L Shape Lot (LSL) are a tight-knit four-piece, whose roots burrow deep into Wilmington’s marshy soil. Even while facing major changes, they don’t plan on leaving any time soon.

This Friday, December 19, LSL will give a final performance with drummer John Kovalski, as he plans to leave the band, at the Booklyn Arts Center. The Kraken Christmas Concert will be part of LSL’s third annual toy drive for nonprofit Toys for Tots.

Conceived 13 years ago, LSL originated through local jam sessions at Wilmington’s now-defunt The Icehouse, where

Taking a New Shape: L Shape Lot prepares for Kranken Christmas and final performance with John Kovalski By: Zachary Painter Above: Local legends L Shape Lot. Courtesy photo

10 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

drummer Kovalski met Eric Miller. The two formed a three-piece bluegrass outfit with then-bassist Bob Trask, and Miller recorded their first known record “It Ain’t Grass… But It Is” in 2003 at Trask’s home.

Eventually, Trask left the band and was replaced by Kovalski’s neigbor, Rick Williams.

When lead guitarist Alex Lanier joined the ranks in 2007, LSL focused on touring the East Coast. They made a career of playing festivals and bars, spreading their fan base.

After eight years with the existing lineup and a great deal of success, Kovalski has recently decided to throw in the towel. “It’s like leaving your family,” Kovalski says. “Eric’s dad said it best when he found out I was

leaving the band: ‘It’s a time thing, isn’t it.’

He is exactly right. At 51, I need more time to do things I want to do before I am too old to do them.”

Miller expresses the expected sympathies of anyone who is familiar with “The Lot” and their loyalty over the years—not only to Wilmington and the Cape Fear region but N.C. as a whole. “How do you replace someone who has been there for so long?” he says. “Heck, John joined his first band at 9 years old. He has taught us all so much over the years, and he will be beyond missed.”

But Kovalski’s departure, as daunting as it may seem, does not insinuate the terminus of LSLs road, nor does it imply that a new roster is in the works. “I can’t say what the future may hold currently, or what a future iteration of the band may look like,” Miller says.

The band’s next step may be uncertain, but what they have achieved cannot be forgotten, and Miller certainly tends to remain on the positive side of things. “We have had some ups and downs over the years, like any band who’s done it for a decade,” Miller comments. “We have played some big stages, shared some stage with all kinds of folks from Sam Bush to Charlie Daniels to Peter Frampton. We had some music on TV shows, and played some cool music festivals, which were goals we set.

And so many laughs we can’t keep up.”

They’ve released albums like “Blackwater Sessions” (2012) and “Looks Like Snow” (2009), both of which summarize the band well. Tracks like “Run Johnny Run” and “Down to Ride” off of the “Blackwater Sessions” are true barnburners that will ignite the crowd instantly.

Their fast tempos and Lanier’s tasteful guitar leads layer seamlessly with Miller’s acoustic rhythmic progressions. The band’s versatility can be heard easily on “Looks Like Snow.” The slower song‘s folky twang croons about the ensuing winter, the falling leaves of autumn and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

LSL remain humble and stick to their roots. They focus on the people and places they hold dear instead of the next available ticket to Nashville. In that sense, this band recognizes the importance of their role in the community, as exemplified by their upcoming benefit show.

“It is very important to us to be [a] positive influence, and doing our annual Toys for Tots fundraiser is one way we can do that,” Miller says. “We have received an unbelievable amount of support over the years, and it’s important to pay that forward, and help others when one has the ability to do so.”

Though they’ll undergo a dynamic shift, it won’t be LSL’s final bow. “Alex and I will continue to perform as L Shape Duo,”

Miller tells. “I just can’t say what form the band will take, but LSL as a project will continue.”

Folks can see them one last time this Friday, as they play alongside opening acts Moss and Edmonson and Stray Local. The BAC will come alive with a festive spirit thanks to a Christmas tree where all the donated toys will be gathered. LSL has hinted that they may dress up in “seasonably appropriate” fashion, to liven things up a bit.

“We are really focusing on the show, with the goal of showing John all the love and respect he deserves and helping create a real magical evening,” Miller says. “[Hopefully, it will be one] that no one will soon forget. We hope to return some of the happiness he has added to our lives over the last 13 years, as well as get a massive amount of toys to give to Toys for Tots. Fingers Crossed.”

That being said, bring your Christmas cheer, hungry ears for some grooving music and, of course, a toy for a tot!

DETAILS:

Kraken Christmas Concert Feat. music by Moss and Edmonson, Stray Local and L Shape Lot Friday, December 19, 7:30 p.m.

Brooklyn Arts Center 516 North 4th St. Admission: $10 at the door www.lshapelot.com

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A preview of events across town this week

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JAZZY DIXIE: Jazz outfit The Dixieland All Stars bring their talents to Rucker John’s, with a live show on Tuesday, December 23. Entry is free

and the fun kicks off at 6 p.m. Courtesy photo.

Wednesday, December 17 Team Trivia (8am; Free) —Buffalo Wild Wings Eastwood, 206 Old Eastwood Rd. Music Discovery with the NC Symphony (2:30pm; Free) —New Hanover County Public Library, 201 Chestnut St. Ladies’ Night (5pm; Free) —The Little Dipper, 138 South Front St. The String Band Beach Jam (6pm; Free) —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury Street; (910) 509-3040 Benny Hill (6:30pm; Free; jazz) —Sweet & Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Plc. Trivia Night (6:30pm; Free) —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St. Open Mic w/ Thomas and Oglesby (7pm; Free) —Half Time Sports Cafe, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

12 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

Open Music Jam (7pm; Free) —Wired on Wrightsville, 3901-B Wrightsville Ave. Wednesday Night Trivia (7pm; Free) —Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Ted’s Cash Money Fun on the River Song Showcase (7pm; Free) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379 Ron and Raphael (7pm; Free; acoustic) —Bottega Art & Wine Gallery, 122 Princess St. Karaoke w/DJ AMP (8pm; Free) —Locals Tavern, 6213-D Market St. Jeremy Norris (8pm; Free; country) —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; (910) 2511832 Doctor Who Wednesdays! (8pm; Free) —Browncoat Pub & Theatre, 111 Grace St.; (910) 341-0001 Birthday Improv and Nutt Street Improv

(8pm; $3) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. Karaoke (9pm; Free) —Bourbon Street, 35 N Front St. DJ Lord Walrus (9pm) —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave. DJ Hood (9pm; Free) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St. Karaoke (9pm; Free) —Brass Pelican, 2112 N. New River Dr. DJ TwoClikz (9pm) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St. Karaoke (9pm; Free) —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; (910) 251-1301

Thursday, December 18 Thirsty Thursday w/DJ (5pm) —The Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd. Eric Peavy (5:30pm; Free; acoustic)

—Goat and Compass, 710 N 4th St. Jazz Night (6pm; Free) —Atlanta Bread Company, 6886 Main St. Open House with Live Music (6pm; Free) —Spectrum Gallery, 1125 J Military Cutoff Rd; 910-256-2323 Susan Savia: The History of Christmas Carols (6:30pm; $20) —Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St. Open Mic/Songwriters’ Night (7pm; Free) —Grinder’s Caffe, 5032 Wrightsville Ave.

Overtyme (7pm; Free; eclectic mix) —Gabby’s Lounge, 1706 N. Lumina Ave. The Market Street Brass (7pm; $2) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379 L Shape Lot w/Stray Local (7:30pm; $10; americana) —Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews, 516 North 4th Street; (910) 538-2939 Live Music (8pm; Free) —Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Karaoke (7pm; Free) —SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, 227 Carolina Beach Ave N.; (910) 707-0533

Jenny Zigrino (8pm; $12) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Trivia Night (7pm; Free) —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.

Rebekah Todd (8pm; Free; folk/blues/ indie) —Fermental, 7250 Market St.; (910) 8210362

Trivia Night (7pm; Free) —Giant Cafe, 1200 N 23rd St Suite 209 Open Mic Comedy (7pm; Free) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free) —Whiskey Trail at the Creek, 4039 Masonboro Loop Rd. Open Mic Night Dennis Brinson (8pm; Free) —Locals Tavern, 6213-D Market St. Cape Fear Acoustic Blues Jam (8pm) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St. Downtown Divas Drag Dinner (8pm; $10) —TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. Karaoke w/Jason Jackson (8pm; Free) —SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, 227 Carolina Beach Ave N.; (910) 707-0533 DJ TwoClikz (9pm) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St. Jazzy Jam open mic (9pm; Free) —Bella’s Bar Local, 19 Market St. Living with Myce, The Able (9pm; $5; rock) —The Whiskey Bar NC, 1 S Front St. Discotheque Thurs. with DJ’s DST and Matt Evans (10pm) —Pravda, 23 N Front St.

DJ Battle (9pm) —Level 5, 21 N. Front St. DJ TwoClikz (9pm) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St. Jim Quick & Coastline Christmas Party (9pm; $10-$15; soul/blues) —Ziggy’s By The Sea, 208 Market St.; (910) 769-4096 The Possums X-mas Jam (9pm; $5; grateful dead tribute) —The Whiskey Bar NC, 1 S Front St. The Phantom Playboys (9:30pm; Free; Rockabilly) —Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S 42nd St. Stereotype (9:30pm; Free; rock/country/ beach) —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd. DJ Alex A (10pm) —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

DJ Milk and DJ DST (10pm; Free) —Pravda, 23 N Front St.

Chasing Opal (10:30pm; Free; folk) —Duck ‘n’ Dive, 114 Dock St.

Clay Whittington (10pm; piano/vocals) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; (910) 362-9666

Friday, December 19

Rob Ronner (10pm; Free; southern rock) —Goat and Compass, 710 N 4th St.; (910) 772-1400

Chasing opal (6:30pm; Free; folk) —Kyoto Asian Grille, 4102 Market St. Open Music Jam Hosted by Shannon Gilmore & Tommy Kaiser (7pm; Free) —Wired on Wrightsville, 3901-B Wrightsville Ave.

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

Friday ____________________________________________

dec 20

8:30 p.m. • PRIZES! • 2 yuengling drafts $ 50

LIVE MUSIC

Sunday __________________________________________

BREAKFAST BUFFET

9:00 A.m.- 2:00 P.M.• $4 BLOODY MARY’S AND MIMOSA’S

The Low Counts (10pm; Free; rock) —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; (910) 399-2796 Friday Night Fun House Follies (10:30pm; Free) —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; (910) 251-1301

Saturday, December 20 Kid’s Show: Super Saturday Fun Time!

(3pm; $8) —TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

(as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688

Deadline every Thurs., noon!

L I V E M ULISNIECUP 12.19 FRIDAY NIGHT ROCKS

STEREOTYPE

12.20 SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

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NEW YEAR’S EVE

NO COVER!

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REBELLION 1331 MILITARY CUTOFF RD I 910-256-3838

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overtyme Eclectic Mix

SAT.

Bruse Butcher Eclectic Mix

FRI.

mark daffer Acoustic Mix

SAT.

randy mcquay

DEC 26 dec 27

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

Live Music (8:30pm; Free) —The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St.

FRI.

DEC 19

Lunar Tide (8pm; rock) —SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, 227 Carolina Beach Ave N.; (910) 707-0533

Some Dudes (10pm) —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury St.; (910) 509-3040

Live Piano with Ben Privott (6pm; Free) —The Blind Elephant, 21 N Front St Unit F

Thursday

1423 S. 3rd St. DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON 763-1607

DJ Dr. Jones (10pm; $3) —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

DJ (5pm) —The Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd.

LIVE MUSIC 7–10PM ________________________________________

Tacky Christmas Sweater Party (8pm; Free) —Bella’s Bar Local, 19 Market St.

DJ Lord Walrus (10pm; $3) —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

Friday Specials (11am; Free) —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; (910) 2511832

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Pop & Classic

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

$2.50 Budweiser Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm $3.50 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade 65 Wings, 4-7pm

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

$3.50 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas $3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball $5 Mimosas $5 Car Bombs $5 Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas *Drink Specials run all day

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR Friday Monday DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Select Appetizers halfMONDAY off $ 4 Cosmopolitan $ 2 Big Domestic Draft Beers $550 Watermelon Martini $ 95 22oz. Domestic Draft ALL DAY 4 RJ's Coffee $ 3 Sam Adams and Blue $5 Pizzas Moon Seasonal Bottles Tuesday TUESDAY 1/2 off Select Bottles Saturday LIVE JAzz IN THE BAR of Wine $ $ 6 All Half Price Bottles of Southern Wine Shiners 5 Absolut Dreams $ 50 $ Blue$2Moon Draft 3 NC Brewed Bottles • Pacifico Absolut Dream $$5503-22oz 2 Select Domestic Bottles Wednesday WEDNESDAY Sunday 1/2 offMiller Nachos Light Pints $150$ Coronoa/ $ 50 5 All$2Flat 50 Breads 1 Domestic Pints Lite Bottles Corona $ 50 $4 Bloody$ Marys 2 Corona/Corona Lt. Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Pints $ 50 $ 50 1 Domestic 4 Frozen Margarita $ 5 White Russians THURSDAY (pick your flavor) Visit our $website Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller 5

Thursday www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe for Bottles $ 50 daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottles upcoming events $ 50 2 Flying Dog IPA 1/2 off ALL Red WineFRIDAY5564 Carolina $ 50 Glasses Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 Road

$ (910)-452-1212 3 Guinness Cans Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 www.encorepub.com 13 22oz.|Blue Moon Draft $3

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

Call 791-0688

Deadline every Thurs., noon!

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

MONDAY S.I.N. NIGHT $2 Domestics • $3 All Draft Selections • Monday Night Football in the Sports Bar• $4 Flavored Bombs 50% off Apps 6pm til close NEW BELGIUM TUESDAY $3 New Belgium selections (Fat Tire, Ranger IPA) $5 Jameson • Wing Special WEDNESDAY $2.75 Miller Lite, $4 Wells, Half off All Bottles of wine Live Music @ 8pm THIRSTY THURSDAY $2.50 PBR 16oz cans $3.50 Sam Adams Seasonal & Hoppyum Pints $5 Redbull & Vodka, 50¢ Steamed Oysters and Shrimp Thursday Night Football in the Sports Bar FRIDAY $2.75 Michelob Ultra • $3.25 Stella $4.50 José Cuervo Silver • Live Music on the Patio SATURDAY $2.75 Coors Light • $3.25 Red Stripe • $4.50 Ezra Brooks Cinnamon Whiskey • Music on the Patio SUNDAY $3 Coronas/Corona Lite • $10 Domestic Buckets (5) NFL Sunday Ticket in the Sports Bar • $4 Mimosas $4 Bloody Mary’s

DJ (5pm) —The Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd.

Machine Gun (9:30pm; Free; rock) —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.

Live Piano with Daniel Veit (6pm; Free) —The Blind Elephant, 21 N Front St Unit F

DJ Riz (10pm) —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.

Asking Alexandria (7pm; $25; metalcore) —Ziggy’s By The Sea, 208 Market St.; (910) 769-4096

DJ Sir Nick Bland (10pm; $3) —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave.

Tuesday, December 23

Bruce Butcher (7pm; Free; eclectic mix) —Gabby’s Lounge, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

Jenny Pearson (10pm; acoustic) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; (910) 362-9666

the dixieland allstars (6pm; free; jazz) —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Road

Jay Killman (7pm; Free) —Fermental, 7250 Market St.; (910) 8210362

Chasing Opal (10pm; Free; folk) —Goat and Compass, 710 N 4th St.; (910) 772-1400

Can Jam w/Max Levy and the Hawaiian Shirts (7pm; One can of food or donation to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379

Late Fear with Wills Maxwell (11:45pm; $5) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Shake & Shag Beach Music Night (7:30pm; $3) —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave. Market Street Brass Christmas Concert (7:30pm; Free) —Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Dr. Live Music (8pm) —Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Jenny Zigrino (8pm; $12) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. The Other Guys (8pm; Free) —SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, 227 Carolina Beach Ave N.; (910) 707-0533 Live music (8:30pm; Free) —The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St. DJ Battle (9pm) —Level 5, 21 N. Front St.

Saturday Specials (All Day; Free) —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; (910) 2511832

Sunday, December 21 Christmas Caroling with Ted (5pm; Free) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379 Satellite Bluegrass Band (6pm; Free) —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; (910) 399-2796 Travis Shallow (6pm; Free; americana) —The Calico Room, 107 S Front St. Raphael Name’ (7pm; $2; acoustic) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379 Improv (8pm; Free) —Browncoat Pub & Theatre, 111 Grace St.; (910) 341-0001 Live Music (8:30pm; Free) —The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St.

DJ TwoClikz (9pm) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St.

Behind the Garage (10pm; Free) —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; (910) 763-2223

Karaoke with DjBe (9pm; Free) —Low Tide Pub, 4540 Fountain Dr.

Monday, December 22

Saturday Night Dance Party (9pm; $5-$10) —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; (910) 251-1301 Medicated Sunfish w/Space Lion (9pm; $5; rock/reggae/psychedelic) —The Whiskey Bar NC, 1 S Front St. Scoundrels Holiday Hootenanny! (9pm; Free; rock) —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; (910) 399-2796

Christmas Caroling with Ted (6pm; Free) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379 Doug Walker with Julia Walker Jewell (7pm; $2; country) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379 Trivia (7:30pm; Free) —Hell’s Kitchen-Wilmington, NC, 118 Princess Street; (910)763-4133 Baroque Christmas Concert (7:30pm; Ticket by monetary donation) —St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 North 16th St. Tallis Chamber Orchestra: A Baroque Christmas (7:30pm; Free) —St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 North 16th St. Donna Merritt (9pm; piano) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; (910) 362-9666

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING

Nora Jane Struthers & the Party Line, Possum Creek (9pm; $10; americana) —Ziggy’s By The Sea, 208 Market Street; (910) 769-4096

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free) —Halftime Sports Bar and Grill, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Open Mic Night (7pm; Free) —Goat and Compass, 710 N 4th St. Comedy Bingo (7:30pm; Free) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. Pub Wars Team Trivia (8pm; Free) —Low Tide Pub, 4540 Fountain Dr. Cape Fear Blues Jam (8pm; Free) —Rusty Nail, 1310 S 5th Ave. DJ TwoClikz (9pm) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St. College Night Karaoke (9pm; Free) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; (910) 362-9666

Wednesday, December 24 Team Trivia (8am; Free) —Buffalo Wild Wings Eastwood, 206 Old Eastwood Rd. Ladies’ Night (5pm; Free) —The Little Dipper, 138 South Front St. Benny Hill (6:30pm; Free; jazz) —Sweet & Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Plc. Trivia Night (6:30pm; Free) —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St. Open Mic w/Thomas and Oglesby (7pm; Free) —Half Time Sports Cafe, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Open Music Jam (7pm; Free) —Wired on Wrightsville, 3901-B Wrightsville Ave. Wednesday Night Trivia (7pm; Free) —Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Jill Ross & Barry Langston (7pm; $2) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; (910) 231-3379 Karaoke w/DJ AMP (8pm; Free) —Locals Tavern, 6213-D Market St. Jeremy Norris (8pm; Free; country) —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; (910) 2511832 DJ Lord Walrus (9pm) —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave. DJ Hood (9pm; Free) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St. Karaoke (9pm; Free) —Brass Pelican, 2112 N. New River Dr. DJ TwoClikz (9pm) —SideBar, 18 S. Front St.

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

14 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

208 MARKET ST. , DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON (CORNER OF 2ND & MARKET ST) /// WWW.ZIGGYSBYTHESEA.COM

DEC.19 JIM QUICK & COASTLINE

RISING FROM THE MOUNTAINS: With their sounds and stories in tow, Rising Appalacia will play The Orange Peel

this Saturday, December 20. Photo by Melissa Cardona

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 12/19: The Traveling Wilburys tribute 12/20: Mark Lassiter, Forgive Me Not, The Feral 12/21: K Michelle

THE ORANGE PEEL 101 bILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 12/17: RL Grime 12/19: Flosstradamus 12/20: Rising Appalachia

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. Cabarrus stREET, raleigh, nc (919) 821-4111 12/19: YelaWolf 12/20: Weekend Excursion 12/21: Sidewinder, MoFo’s, My Three Sons

MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., durham, NC (919) 901-0875 12/20: The Wusses

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 South Tryon STREET, Charlotte, NC (704) 377-6874 12/19: Emmure’s 12/20: New Level (Pantera tribute) Tornado of Souls (Megadeth tribute) THE FILLMORE 1000 Seaboard stREET, charlotte, NC (704) 549-5555 12/19: On the Boarder (Eagles tribute)

DEC.17 CAPE FEAR SPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA DEC.19 JIM QUICK & COASTLINE DEC.20 ASKING ALEXANDRIA DEC.25 AN EVENING W/ JESSE STOCKTON DEC.31 NEW YEAR’S EVE “THE GOOD KISS” PARTY JAN.16 STEEP CANYON RANGERS JAN.17 MUNICIPAL WASTE JAN.18 BADFISH (SUBLIME TRIBUTE) JAN.21 CHERUB JAN.24 MOON TAXI JAN.27 PAPER DIAMOND JAN.29 EARPHUNK FEB.7 PASSAFIRE

DEC.20 ASKING ALEXANDRIA FEB.13 GEORGE CLINTON AND THE PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC FEB.18 DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS FEB.19 WHO’S BAD FEB.20 NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS AND ANDERS OSBORNE PRESENT N.M.O. FEB.22 JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE FEB.27 RUNAWAY GIN /// MACHINE FUNK MAR.6 HELLYEAH MAR.13 THE BOUNCING SOULS MAR.17 SUICIDE SILENCE /// EMMURE MAR.20 COREY SMITH MAR.31 FORTUNATE YOUTH

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN STREET, CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 12/19: Mary Johnson Rockers and the Spark; Birds and Arrows 12/21: Big Fat Gap ZIGGY’S 170 W. 9th st., winston-salem, nc (336) 722-5000 12/18: Yelawolf 12/19: Medicated Sunfish, Groove Fetish 12/20: Toys for Tots Reggae Party 12/21: Santa’s Little Rockers 12/23: Tyler Millard, Emma Lee, Sean Mettler

DEC.31 NYE “THE GOOD KISS” PARTY

JAN.16 STEEP CANYON RANGERS

encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 15

In Memoriam:

arts > theatre

Lou Criscuolo leaves behind theatre legacy in Wilmington By: Gwenyfar Rohler

T

here are giants that walk among men, true princes. Though closer to five feet in actual height, Lou Criscuolo certainly stood head and shoulders above the rest. Actor, director, father, husband, partner, mentor, teacher—Lou was many things to many people. In the Port City, he was best known as the founder of Opera House Theatre Company in 1985. Over the weekend, on December 14, Opera House announced: “Lou Criscuolo made his final curtain speech just after 8 p.m. last evening.”

Earlier in the year, Lou began a valiant battle with cancer. Like many people, I thought he was immortal and invincible; though he proved to be human, I am really grateful he got to see the whole Opera House season of 2014. Over the summer, I had the pleasure of sitting down with him in one of his final interviews. It was the weekend before ”Kiss Me, Kate” opened; Lou was between rounds of treatment and he looked pretty good, even acted full of life and energy, while rocking the Yule Brenner look.

“I was brought in to do a play for Tony [Rivenbark], ‘Remembered Nights,’” he recalled of his arrival in Wilmington. It was for the 125th Anniversary of Thalian Hall Celebration. Lou was captivated by the beautiful, opulent mystique of Thalian. At that time, he was turning 50 and seemed to be at a crossroads in his life. He said he had accomplished everything he wanted to in New York and L.A. “So I started Opera House Theatre Company, but I wasn’t here,” Lou remembered. “I was doing a play on Broadway, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.’ I was commuting back and forth every week for about a year to get it straightened up.”

He raised his shoulders and gave his characteristic shrug.

“It was a hard struggle at the very beginning,” he continued. “Thalian Hall was not respected through the state of NC.” That certainly changed over the last 30 years, and in no small part because of Lou. Opera House has produced great shows, not to mention procured notable talent: Pat Hingle, Henry Darrow, and in the very first show, “Cactus Flower,” Joe Namath, former NFL star.

“I was born in New York City, 1934,” Lou stated matter of factly. “I had great parents. My mother and father, they were immigrants from the old country, but it was fine. My father was a pushcart peddler; he sold fruit and vegetables. I used to help him.”

Produce was not Lou’s future. His imagination was captured by something else. “My mother used to take me to the Italian Theatre, on 125th street on Sundays,” he told. “They were all preforming in Italian.”

He grinned at the memory. “I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment field. I wanted

man of many talents: Lou Crisculo, founder of Opera House Theatre Company, passed away on Saturday after battling cancer. Encore archives, 1990.

to be an actor, of course, but I didn’t know how to get there.”

Lou’s first acting job was playing Woody in “Finnian’s Rainbow” with Herschel Bernardi.

“My first paying job was Pinocchio,” he added.

“We did it during the Easter vacation over at the Martinique Theater—three performances a day for seven days. I made $80.”

Eventually, Lou got his big break when Robert Duvall caught him onstage and recommended him to the casting director of “Naked City.”

“That’s a helluva a break, Lou!” I exclaimed.

He grinned. “It was, and I wasn’t even aware of it—it was a job,” he responded. “I look at everything as a job. I did four episodes of ‘Naked City,’ three episodes of ‘Route 66,’ but I was still working in the meat business, because you don’t want to lose $86 a week breaking your chops.”

Eventually, Lou left the meat business and made a living as an actor. He worked with August Wilson on “Ma Rainey,” and did shows like “Man of La Mancha,” “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight,” “Alice,” “Bob Hope Presents,” and “Smith.” They’re all testimony to his success.

His arrival in Wilmington became a turning point not just for our community but for Lou, too. “People then were not theatre-orientated,” he reminded. During this time, a beguiling Mary James Morgan worked at Thalian Hall. Mary James—and her two beautiful daughters, Alice and Mary Anita—helped Lou launch the theatre company. He needed a crew to run backstage

16 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

operations. “I left that up to Alice—she got all the crew, all her funky friends,” he said.

For nearly a decade of marriage, Lou and Mary James were the theatre world’s power couple, overseeing OHTC and MJM Talent. The talent agency came out of happenstance but ended up being a perfect counterpart to their business.

“The Fincannons [film casting directors] were calling actors directly—which was a big pain in the ass,” Lou stated. “So they called me and said, ‘Lou we can’t do this; we’re calling your actors. We need you to be their representative so we can call you and tell you who we want to see.’

I said, ‘Fine, OK.’ And I looked at Mary James and said, ‘You want to be an agent? Because you’re an agent now.’”

It was a symbiotic relationship, one that helped Mary James scout performers she might not otherwise see. She could get a feel for their workmanship beforehand, and many actors were signed to representation whom may not have otherwise had such an opportunity. It was then taht the movie industry exploded, as our city swelled with young hopefuls awaiting their discovery. If they found their way to Opera House, they certainly learned something about the craft of acting and the reality of professional performance.

When Mary James passed away, Opera House was starting “12 Angry Men.” Steve Vernon, artistic director of Big Dawg Productions and founder of BUMP Productions, joined the cast. He recalls it as one the most incredible experiences in his theatrical life. He remembers Lou funneling such profound grief into directing to create a monumental production.

“I have never in my life been directed like that before,” Vernon said. “If Lou taught me anything, it was how to really work with actors. To have the shock, and turn around and still have the kindness and humanity—a genuine concern.”

Actors heard it often in Lou’s guidance: “Speak up, find your light, and play the moment—not the end result.”

Ray Kennedy, long-time director for Opera House, said Lou was among the first in town to support color-blind casting. Though it may not seem like a big deal, in reality race still remains an issue in this day and age. For Lou it wasn’t about finding the person who looked like a perfect film actor; it was about casting the best performer to fill a role.

“Lou is the one that encouraged me to be a director, and while he always loved my … ’razzle dazzle,’ he always pushed me to dig deep and bring him projects that were not the norm,” Kennedy told encore last week. “Simply put, he shaped my life.”

Following Mary James’ passing, Lou’s grief and loneliness was palpable. One evening he walked into the cast party for an Opera House show at Roy’s Riverboat Landing. Across the room, an attractive blonde was smiling and talking with her friends.

“There was Miz Jeanne with a couple of her friends,” Lou recounted. “They knew people in the show and came to the party. I went in and saw her and said, ‘Please, God, don’t let her be an actor,’” Lou said with a grin. “We’ve been married 10 years.”

Of all the shows and all of the performances Lou has had his hands in throughout Wilmington, choosing one wasn’t easy. “Oh shit—my favorite show I’ve produced?” he asked, exasperated by the catalogue.

“Les Mis!” Jeanne called from the living room.

“She’s probably right,” he quipped. “I don’t know why everybody thinks it’s a hard show; I didn’t find it difficult. What’s all the whop about?”

Lou strove to define the best onstage. Most of what OHTC produces usually are big musicand-dance numbers. And they always feature a live band.

“Who ever heard of canned music when you’re doing a musical?” Lou asked. “You need a live orchestra up there. . . . The toughest part of doing theatre is the rehearsal process. That’s the hardest part.”

And Lou would know; he produced over 100 shows since he arrived in Wilmington. Despite battling cancer, thoughts never waned from the future of his beloved theatre company—and shows have continued and will continue to go on as part of his legacy.

Kennedy is currently preparing “Hark the Herald Angels Swing!”—an evening of cabaret, hosted at the Blockade Runner. He hoped Lou would be around to witness its success.

Still, the cabaret will go on in celebration of the Opera House founder, featuring a live band, comedienne and singer Michelle Braxton, along with Opera House performers, on December 20 and 21 at the hotel (a prix-fixe dinner is also included for $35; show only, $25).

Alice has continued devising the 2015 season, which will celebrate 30 years of Opera House Theatre Company’s creative output. Monies from Kennedy's cabaret will help launch “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” their first show of the season. They'll also produce “Mary Poppins,” “Crazy for You,” “Chicago,” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Lou always believed Alice and Opera House are interchangeable. She has been there from the beginning, aside from a two-year hiatus.

“But now she’s there for good,” he told me with a nod. “I’ve been letting her run with a lot of stuff this year, because I haven’t been feeling well. It seems to be working, so I’m not going to worry about it. I hope Alice takes over.

She just takes it into another direction. Alice wants to do newer plays that are coming out on Broadway. I’m not going to be here; I hope it’s successful.”

A celebration of Lou Criscuolo's life will take place Saturday, December 20, at St Paul's Episcopal Church at 2 p.m.

Interacting Together:

arts > theatre

‘A Christmas Carol’ features great performers By: Gwenyfar Rohler

T

halian Association is getting into the spirit of the season with an adaptation for the stage of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” Directed by Mike Thompson, it has a cast of over 60 people on Thalian Hall’s Main Stage.

The show opens with three children (Anna Berger, Grace Clavadetscher and Merlot Bader) asking Charles Dickens (Jim Bader) to tell them the story of “A Christmas Carol.” This sets up the frame of Dickens as the narrator, which becomes a little confusing later when Jacob Marley (Stuart Pike) appears to assume that role.

We meet Ebenezer Scrooge (Lance Howell), who is the quintessential miser.

He has big shoes to fill with such notable performances coming before him as Allister Sim, Michael Caine, Mr. Magoo, and Tony Rivenbark, but Howell is really present in the role. His nastiness in early scenes is enough to make my stomach turn, and his desperation during the sprits’ visits is truly present. However, his moments with his sister, Fan (Katya Rizkallah), and his lost fiancé, Belle (Peyton Furtado), shine. He is purely and totally present, striving and struggling for his youth. He renders an emotion that perhaps all of us old geezers in the audience can relate to when looking back upon our lives and mistakes. He epitomizes those emotions.

“A Christmas Carol” begins as a ghost story: Jacob Marley is haunting his former business partner Ebenezer Scrooge and tells him that three more spirits are coming to visit him as well. In this vein, Thompson has taken the expected world of thunderstorms and spirits to a pretty high extent.

The thunder completely overwhelms most of the dialogue in the early scenes, and Marley’s appearance is heralded by teenagers in the white with black lights that move much like the spirits from the Patrick Swayze movie “Ghost.” It might work for some audience members, and it did fulfill the intention of getting as many young performers onstage as possible. Unfortunately, their purpose and intent seems a little unclear. (“Why are there disco dancers in ‘A Christmas Carol’?” my date asked.)

I find myself so much concerned with the spirits, and one has to strain to understand Jacob Marley. It overwhelms and confuses, which is probably how it’s intended to come across to Scrooge.

Act two brings one of the highlights of the show: Paul Homick as The Ghost

of Christmas Present. A small man when playing the fruit vendor, his stilt-walking is a marvel to behold! When he walks down the stairs, gasps form the audience permeate Thalian. (One woman even emitted an audible, “Woah…”!) His funny, giggling accent only cements his memorable performance. Also, the haunting repetitious theme of young Jeffery Michael Cooke singing “Noel” evokes tears. It’s a lovely addition to the entire show.

Actually, some of the more interesting performances come from characters who seem like side components of the story.

Bob Cratchit (Josh Bailey), Scrooge’s Clerk, is just a nice guy trying to get by and take care of his family, but his part is much smaller in this production than in others. It’s a shame because Bailey and Mrs. Cratchit (Kaitie Auletti-Smith) are really a joy onstage when they’re surrounded by their little Cratchits: Gabriel Homick, Brooke Samtmann, Kathleen Medlock, Kendall Chase Walker, Gregory Beddingfield, and Skye McIver. Rather than just trying to terrorize Scrooge, more time could be spent watching the real family and realizing their essence—for both Bailey and the audience.

As well, Nephew Fred (Jake Steward) and his wife, Beth Corvino, are really wonderful. I’ve previously seen Steward only in sketch comedy roles in Pineapple-Shaped Lamps’ productions. To see him play a serious role with genuine warmth and concern surprises and is a wonderful casting choice. I also have seen Corvino onstage many times, but usually as a teenager, in a very young-adult role (due primarily to her sweet, doll-faced looks) or in highly comedic situations. She possesses great comedic timing. This is the first time I’ve seen her play a serious adult role, and I hope to see much more of it. Actually, the principals all are very strong, which gets to the heart of the story. “A Christmas Carol” is actually a pretty simple and straightforward idea. It doesn’t need to be overly complicated to make the point. More multimedia presentations and extraneous people onstage don’t necessarily make the story stronger. It’s a message that is going to resonate if Scrooge’s journey is genuine, and Howell’s is.

Debbie Scheu’s Victorian-period costumes for the cast are pretty incredible to behold. Attention to detail epitomizes her work only second to durability. What she produces for a 60-plus person cast is a visual feast. It manages to communicate age, class and familial affiliation all in but a

glance. It’s pretty amazing.

Music director Rasa Love directs enchanting a capella singing throughout, which features a live fiddler, Jessi Goei, in the stage-right box for Fezziwig’s party.

Terry Collins’ multilevel set is really quite functional for moving between locales and times. Coupled with Dallas LaFon’s lighting, it really accentuates the shadowy wintery world of London at Christmas, and blends it with warm family scenes for the Cratchits and Freds.

Though there are some truly standout performances and wonderful design elements, the show really doesn’t gel overall.

The script doesn’t feel like it came together; indeed, it seems to have pieced together several different visions of what “A Christmas Carol” can be. For “A Christmas Carol” purists, like my date, it’s a struggle.

Act two is definitely stronger than act one.

By the end, it may have audiences leaving the theater to dial their loved ones, just to say, “Thinking of you.”

Thompson has assembled a talented group of actors, which reminds audiences of the message of “A Christmas Carol.”

What matters is really between people, and in theatre what is happening between two characters onstage is what is really important. That’s what people come to see.

DETAILS:

A Christmas Carol ★★★ ★ ★ Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Thurs.-Sat., Dec. 18 - 21, 7:30 p.m.; Sun. matinee: 3 p.m.

Tickets: $15 on Thursday; $30 otherwise www.thalianhall.com

sophisticated food. . . casual style

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250 Racine Drive • Wilmington, NC Racine Commons • 910.523.5362 encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 17

canapé 1920s Paris

5-Course Menu: $100

Comes with craft cocktail pairing per course— nonalcoholic options available. Wine specials available.

MENU: Oysters and caviar, foie gras torchon, langoustine and truffles, filet of beef, petit fours TWO SEATINGS: 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC RSVP: Must reserve by calling 910-769-3713.

Prepay by Dec. 27 for 15 percent discount.

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LOTS OF FREE PARKING! COMPLEMENTARY MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST!

Brooklyn Arts District 1001 N. 4th Street • 910-769-3713

Eastbound on the rooftop Live Acoustic music from Jeremy Norris on the patio. Dance music with DJ Time on the 2nd floor. Food served until 2am. $2.50 Coors Light $4.00 Ezra Brooks Cinnamon

THE REEL CAFE

100 South Front St Downtown Wilmington, NC • (910) 251-1832 www.reelcafe.net

18 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

Two Types of Tragedy:

arts > film

OnDemand films offer a worthy alternative to theatrical offerings By: Anghus

films this week It’s A Wonderful Life

Thalian Hall’s Main Stage 310 Chestnut Street • $10 Monday, December 22, 7 p.m. www.thalianhall.org

E

arly December sees a strange glut at the cineplex. For some reason, every major holiday release waits until midDecember to unleash their big-budget, fourquadrant crowd-pleasers (like “Annie,” “Exodus” and “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”). So early December becomes a kind of frozen wasteland for movies. It’s a good time to reflect on all the movies we saw this year, get ready for the ridiculous award season and get a head start on those “Best Of” lists, which we critics are all so fond. In lieu of this lull in the cinematic season, I decided to skip the theatrical offerings in favor of some OnDemand features seeing their first wide release online.

I viewed “Camp X-Ray,” which stars Kristen Stewart (“Twilight”) and the Martin Scorseseproduced gangland drama “Revenge of the Green Dragons.”

I won’t lie. When I saw the title “Revenge of the Green Dragons,” I was thinking I was going to be seeing a movie like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” or “House of Flying Daggers.” To my surprise, “Revenge of the Green Dragons” isn’t a wire-fu, chopsocky spectacular. Instead, it’s a very dark look into the world of 1980s Asian gangs in New York City. It’s a very brutal, unapologetic tragedy that wears its inspirations squarely on its bloody sleeves.

If you weren’t already aware, being an illegal immigrant isn’t a lot of fun. Sure, the Republicans would have you believe it’s a paradise where people enter the country and do a Mexican hat dance on the U.S. Constitution while impregnating our women, taking our jobs and mocking our average-sized genitalia. The reality is a little more grim. It involves torture, exploitation, and being forced to grow up way too fast. Sonny (Justin Chon) and his brother Steven (Kevin Wu) are brought to America for a better life but end up being brutalized by local gang members who slowly bring them into their fold.

The life of a Green Dragon isn’t easy. They are respected by their peers and feared by outsiders. For the first time in their young lives, they finally have a sense of community. The film evolves into a more complex crime story. As they grow into their roles in the gang, they wind up in a series of conflicts that ultimately lead to their ruination. “Revenge of the Green Dragon” doesn’t glamorize the gang life. It paints it with broad, horrible, bloody strokes that spill off the canvas.

Seeing Martin Scorsese’s name credited as producer makes sense: The film apes the style of Scorsese films like “Goodfellas” and “Casino.”

The connection is made even more clear by Ray Liotta’s appearance in the movie. There’s a lot of narration, which feels like a device used to tie

reel to reel

A career best: Kristen Stewart emotes in “Camp X-Ray” with more humanity than she’s given in any other performance. Courtesy photo.

everything together. The film is rough, both in subject matter and technique. “Revenge of the Green Dragons” tries to be an Asian version of the aforementioned Scorsese films and movies like “American Gangster,” but the cast never brings the kind of gravitas that makes the movie feel anything other than sleight.

Likewise, “Camp X-Ray” deals with another kind of tragedy: the continued incarceration of terror suspects in Guantanamo Bay. Many have forgotten about the detainees who are still rotting away as our endless “war on terror” shifts focus to threats like ISIS. September 11, 2001 feels like a lifetime ago. It would be like having the internment camps where we housed Japanese Americans in World War II and just leaving them there well into the 1950s.

In the film, Cole (Kristen Stewart) is transferred to Gitmo a.k.a Camp X-Ray, where she helps guard the militants our government believes are too dangerous to be set free. She finds her assignment frustrating. This is not the war she signed up for; it’s not war at all. Cole suffers abuse from her fellow soldiers as well as the detainees. The only real connection she makes is with an inmate named Ali (Peyman Moaadi). Their relationship is complicated and difficult. “Camp X-Ray” avoids easy interactions and opts for the awkward difficulty of two people from different cultures forced to interact; both of them looking for a semblance of sense in a world that provides them little.

I genuinely was surprised by “Camp X-Ray,” most notably by Kristen Stewart’s performance.

Her chilly demeanor works well for the part of Cole, and she delivers the most human performance of her career.

So many movies about the consequences of our decade-long, unofficial police action against countries like Afghanistan and Iraq have tried to do too much. “Camp X-Ray” sets the right tone. It’s a movie about people. While the mes-

sage that we might not be so different after all is about as original as the wallflower getting the handsome dude at the end of the romantic comedy, I still found myself enjoying this subtle and well put-together drama.

DETAILS:

Revenge of the Green Dragons ★ ★ 1/2 ★ ★ ★ Starring Justin Chon and Kevin Wu Directed by Wai-keung Lau and Andrew Loo; Rated R

12/22: Frank Capra’s iconic holiday film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” has become a Wilmington holiday tradition and shown as it was meant to be seen: on the big screen. This timeless tale brings back old memories and creates new ones for children and grandchildren alike when viewed in majestic Thalian Hall. (G, 130 min.)

Cinematique

Camp X-Ray ★★ ★ ★ ★ Starring Kristen Stewart and Peyman Moaadi Directed by Peter Sattler; Rated R

Cinematique at Thalian Hall’s Main Stage (unless otherwise noted) 310 Chestnut Street • $8-$10 Mondays through Wednesdays (unless otherwise noted), 7 p.m. www.thalianhall.org

12/17: Taking the nation by cinematic storm, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)” stars Edward Norton, Michael Keaton, Zack Galifanakis and Emma Stone. It is this year’s most ambitious black comedy.

Michael Keaton plays a famous actor whose identity has started to blend with that of the superhero he so often portrays. In an attempt to break out and mount a Broadway play, Keaton battles his own ego in order to save his family, his career and ultimately himself. (R, 1 hr 55 min) 1/5-7: “The Theory of Everything” explores the relationship between the brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife. It stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. (PG-13 , 2 hrs. 3 min.)

All area movie listings and paragraph synopses can be found at encorepub.com

encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 19

Spirited Together:

arts > art

Art mates join forces for group show at Bottega By: Jay Workman

C

all it coincidence or cosmic circumstance, but four months after moving into their spacious new digs, Bottega Art and Wine Bar is hosting a show titled, “IV.” It will feature four longtime patrons, friends and local artists. This Friday, December 19 the myriad talents of Addie Wuensch, Grey Pascal, German Martinez, and Jared Tramaglini will be presented through an array of mixed mediums on display.

“IV” is actually a follow-up to an exhibit (aptly named “3”) that Wuensch, Pascal and Martinez put together in October of 2013.

The show’s success, combined with the group’s camaraderie, left them all sensing that there would be another.

“We are like art soul mates,” Wuensch tells. “We get it. We get each other. We can do us and go our own way, and as soon as we come back, we are on.”

It’s true. The energy of this group is palpable. It courses through all of their work and expands outward. It draws the viewer

in for a personal experience. The addition of Tramaglini is testament to the trio’s magnetism, as it not only confirmed the show’s new identity but also sent a jolt of fresh creativity through the artist himself.

“Presenting a group show has been exciting and a source of inspiration,” Tramglini shares. “For this particular show, I will be unveiling a new medium and style. I don’t want to give away the surprise, but paint has been flying around my studio. Even my dogs haven’t been safe.”

Tramglini also is displaying a few pieces that showcase his signature style: a process that involves adhering vintage piano sheet music to wooden blocks and painting them with various symbols, creatures and geometric designs. A common thread connecting all the artists is the incorporation of found and everyday items into their work. As visionaries living in a “throw-away” society, what many deem as trash, they view as usable materials.

Martinez, for instance, is always seeking (and unconsciously enlisting friends) to collect commonplace items for his assemblages. His current installation is largely

3rd annual holiday window decorating contest! last year’s winner: wilmington water tours

over 20 businesses have worked to bring the spirit of the holidays to downtown wilmington! judging will be held on december 9th from 6:45 to 7:45pm

Let’s all come together as a community to help us create a Winter Wonderland in Wilmington!

Top Prize for Business winner:

$100 and an award made by Kids Making It $50 gift certificate to copper penny for 2nd place $25 gift certificate to groove jet salon + spa for 3rd place

Please contact the D.B.A to find out how you can participate in decorating vacant buildings and business store fronts!

Email: dbawilmington@gmail.com 20 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

vintage woodwork: Jared Tramaglini’s woodwork, which is created by adhering vintage sheet music to wooden blocks, will be featured as part of “IV” at Bottega. Courtesy photo.

inspired by the environmental artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude—who are known for wrapping some of the world’s most famous structures and monuments— and comprises thousands of paper clips and aluminum can tabs. After being fastidiously linked together, they form a large, colorful and shimmery net that could easily drape a woman’s body.

“The name of the piece is called ‘Consumed,’ mainly because of all the beverages I drank,” Martinez says, “but also because of how [it] consumed me. I’m going to work on the net for the rest of my life. I’ve become obsessed with it.”

After recently completing the first leg of a portrait series project, Pascal excites in sharing some of his three-dimensional art with the community. He prefers to use materials that are available as a unit and repeated in the hundreds or thousands. A prime example are his lamp sculptures that are formed from countless eyeglass lenses. Two more light-inspired installations will be featured: a projection and an outdoor canopy.

“The film installation is a past work from a difficult time . . . when I was grieving major losses and not in control of my own life,” Pascal reveals. “I think it captures the feeling of the emotional vertigo I was going through at the time.”

The outdoor installation, which is constructed from painted trash bags and plumbing, will be designed to act as a canopy as well as a visual piece using existing light fixtures.

Wuensch’s contributions to the show stretch clear across the art spectrum to include paintings, jewelry crafted from collected treasures, performance art, and an installation. Her mixed-media piece titled “The Three Stages of Self” depicts the world as a lucid dream. The Van Goghesque clouds passing overhead brew and bubble with imaginative energy. Three figures and three feathers appear below, representing the intelligent and emotional connection between humans and animals.

As the catalyst for this show, her intense focus and fortitude embodies the spirit of what “IV” aims to convey. “This show is about finding your people,” she explains.

“We are telling stories through abstraction...about our emotional wounds, our insecurities, our happiness, and [our] strengths.

It’s about what inspires us and makes us want to be working artists.”

A final installation by Weunsch, which consists of found items painted in a gradient, will weave itself around much of the show’s work in the gallery and stretch as far outside as possible. She hints that it will end with a surprise—and if you haven’t already guessed, this show will be full of them.

DETAILS:

IV Artwork by Addie Wuensch, Grey Pascal, German Martinez, and Jared Tramaglini Bottega Art and Wine Bar 122 Princess St. Opening reception: Friday, December 19, 6 p.m.

Sunday - Saturday, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Hangs through Feb. 14

Eat & drink across southeastern NC Artfuel.inc

2165 Wrightsville Ave. Mon.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. www.artfuelinc.com • (910) 343 5233

Artfuel is pleased to host Vol. 39, featuring local art work from Sharon Lafond, Liz Sullivan, Ann Garrett and Vicki O. All are welcome!

ArtExposure!

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

ArtExposure will be showing fine arts and crafts all under 100.00 in our main gallery. Give the gift of art at affordable prices. All of our artists are from North Carolina. This a great opportunity to support the arts and give a beautiful handmade gift at the same time. This show will remain until the 23rd of December.

We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and by appointment.

We have added five new artists since September working in fused glass, woodworking, pottery and photography. Take the drive to visit and see the works of more than 40 NC artists.

New Elements Gallery

201 Princess St. (919) 343-8997 Tues.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-6p.m. (or by appt.) • www.newelementsgallery.com

The 30th Annual Holiday Show features tons of great art, crafts and jewelry from over 40 artists. Select thoughtful, creative gifts in a wide range of prices that will make this a memorable holiday season for all your friends and family. The 30th Annual Holiday Show will remain on display through January 3rd, 2015. Special Holiday Hours: December 1st - 23rd, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; December 24th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SUNSET RIVER Marketplace 10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com

In the historic fishing village of Calabash, NC, over 10,000-plus square feet of fine arts is showcased. Clay art and pottery; oil paintings, watercolors, mixed media, pastels and acrylics; plus award-winning metalworks, wood pieces, hand-blown glass, fiber art, artisan-made jewelry and more.

Sunset River Marketplace has become a popular destination for visitors, a gathering place for artists and a center of the community, thanks to its onsite pottery studio, complete with two kilns; a custom master framing department; and art classrooms for workshops and ongoing instruction.

WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY

200 Hanover St., CFCC parking deck, first level 910-362-7431

Cape Fear Community College's Wilma W. Daniels Gallery hosts the No Boundaries International Art Colony 2014 Exhibition. Participating artists include: Alejandro Teves (Argentina), Christopher Alexander (NC, USA), Gabriel Kelley (TN, USA), Gayle Tustin (NC, USA), Jennifer Page (NC, USA), Joel Fernando (CO, USA), Karl Mullen (Ireland/MA, USA), Keltsey Mattachione (NC, USA), Khalid el Bekay (Morocco/Spain), Laurinda Stockwell (NM, USA), Lázaro Hernandez (Cuba), Michael Van Hout (NC, USA), Michelle Connolly (UK/Australia/NC, USA) and Pamela Toll (NC, USA). Exhibition hangs through January 16 and admission is free. Regular gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 12-5pm and Fridays 12-3:30pm.

NOW HIRING! DEVOUR MAGAZINE SALES REP

Love all things food? Have the chops to make a sale? Are you creative and looking for flexibility? Devour magazine – southeastern NC’s only foodie magazine–is hiring a part-time advertising sales representative to take on the publication’s quarterly run. The sales rep will have two-to-three months to sell each edition (summer, fall, winter, spring) and will be able to make his or her own hours.

It’s a commission-only job, up to 25 percent based on sales, with low quota threshold. Paid on collections. The job is for an independent contractor–required to fill out a 1099.

From Hampstead to Carolina Beach, Wilmington and beyond, you will be selling to bars, restaurants, and food specialty stores, as well as every other business imaginable: car dealers, hair salons, spas, museums, tours…the options are endless.

Send your résumé & cover letter to shea@encorepub.com.

Also include a pitch on how you would sell Devour, in less than 400 words.

Devour (www.devourilm.com) is a product of HP Media, which also publishes encore magazine and AdPak, and oversees Encore Restaurant Week, encoreGO and other media.

River to Sea Gallery 225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (free parking) • (910)-763-3380 Tues.-Sat. 11am-5p; Sun. 1-4pm.

River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. The current show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry.

“Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures.

MAG

SEND US YOUR RESUMÉ TODAY! In The Solemn Stillness by Maurice Stanley is available at Amazon.com and B&N.com. Please email stanleym@uncw.edu for more info.

www.devourilm.com encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 21

grub&guzzle

Southeastern NC’s premier dining guide

Ogden Tap Room 7324 Market St. (910) 821-8185

American 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 awardwinning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sun. during the summer months. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256.8500.

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

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

Blue surf cafÉ

Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich.

Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive.

We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010.

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

If you’re looking for good food and an atmosphere that’s fun

22 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

for the whole family, Buffalo Wild Wings is the place! Award winning wings and 20 signature sauces and seasonings.

Plus…salads, wraps, flatbreads, burgers, and more. Tons of Big screen TVs and all your favorite sports. We have daily drink specials, a HUGE draft selection, and Free Trivia all day every day. Come in for our Weekday Lunch Specials, only $5.99 from 11am-2pm. Visit us for Wing Tuesdays with 60 cent wings all day long, or Boneless Thursdays with 60 cent boneless wings all day long. Buffalo Wild Wings is a great place to dine in or take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 locations-Midtown (910-798-9464) and Monkey Junction (910-392-7224) ■ MUSIC: Live music Friday and Saturday in the Summer ■ WEBSITE: www.buffalowildwings.com

Elijah’s

Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets.

As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3. Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available

HENRY’S

A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up

American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because 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.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ MUSIC: Live Music beginning at 5:30 p.m.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com.

Holiday Inn Resort

Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. (910) 256-2231. 1706 N. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach.

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

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

Halligan's pub

“Failte,” is the Gaelic word for “Welcome,” and at Halligan’s Public House it’s our “Motto.” Step into Halligan’s and enter a world of Irish hospitality where delicious food warms the heart and generous drinks lift the spirit. Be sure to try Halligan’s house specialty, “The Reuben,” number one with critics and of course our customers. One bite and you’ll understand why. Of course, we also serve a full selection of other delicious

entrees including seafood, steak and pasta, as well as a wide assortment of burgers, sandwiches (Halligan’s Cheese Steak), and salads. And if you are looking for a friendly watering hole where you can raise a glass or two with friends, new and old, Halligan’s Public House boasts a comfortable bar where fun-loving bartenders hold court daily and blarney fills the air. Stop by Halligan’s Public House today, “When you’re at Halligan’s....you’re at home.” With 12 beers on tap and 16 flat screen TVs, you can watch your favorite game and enjoy your favorite drink. Enjoy two locatons: 3317 Masonboro Loop Rd., and 1900 Eastwood Rd. in Lumina Station.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 Days a Week Monday-Wednesday 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Masonboro Loop & Lumina Station ■ FEATURING: The Best Reuben in Town! $5.99 lunch specials, Outdoor Patio ■ WEBSITE: www.halligansnc.com

The Little Dipper

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a fourcourse meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

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

Ogden Tap Room

Wilmington’s go to Southern Gastro-Pub. With a menu featuring some southeast favorites and a few from the bayou. Ogden Tap Room offers a selection the whole family will enjoy. With 40 beers on tap from around the world, The O Tap is a Craft Beer Enthusiast dream come true. Ogden Tap Room also has a great wine selection as well as a full bar featuring the areas largest Bourbon selection. You are sure to leave Ogden Tap Room a happy camper.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Thurs 11:00am-Midnight, Fri & Sat 11:00am-1:00 am, Sunday Noon - Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Ogden ■ FEATURING: Live Team Trivia Tues 7:30-9:30pm ■ MUSIC: Every Thursday 8:00-10:00 ■ WEBSITE: www.ogdentaproom.com

pine valley market

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

Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood.

Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen

meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

the trolly stop

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken). Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), all-beef (Sabrett), pork smoked sausage, Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie. Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or Look at our website trollystophotdogs.com Catering available, now a large portion of our business. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921

Southport (910) 457-7017 Front St. Wilmington (910) 251-7799 Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

Asian BIG THAI II

From the minute you walk through the door to the wonderful selection of authentic Thai cuisine, Big Thai II offers you a tranquil and charming atmosphere - perfect start to a memorable dinner. For the lunchtime crowd, the luncheon specials provide a great opportunity to get away. The menu is filled with carefully prepared dishes such as Pad Thai (Chicken, Beef, Pork or Tofu pan-fried rice noodles with eggs, peanuts, bean sprouts, carrots, and chives in a sweet and savory sauce) and Masaman Curry (The mildest of all curries, this peanut base curry is creamy and delicious with potatoes, cashew nuts and creamy avocado). But you shouldn’t rush into a main entrée right away! You will be missing out on a deliciously appetizing Thai favorite, Nam Sod (Ground Pork blended with fresh chili, green onion, ginger and peanuts).

And be sure to save room for a piece of their fabulous Coconut Cake! A trip to Big Thai II is an experience that you’ll never forget. If the fast and friendly service doesn’t keep you coming back, the great food will! 1319 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-6588 ■ Serving Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 a.m. -.2:30 p.m.

■ Serving Dinner: Mon-Thur 5 p.m. -.9:30 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 4 p.m. -.10 p.m.; Sunday 4 p.m. -.9:30 p.m.

■ Neighboorhood: Mayfaire ■ Featuring: Authentic Thai Cuisine ■ Website: www.bigthainc.com

hibachi to go

If you want fresh food fast, check out Hibachi To Go! It is a family-owned business with a professional and friendly staff serving the freshest local ingredients. Everything on the menu is done right on-site, from hand trimming the meat to making every sauce! They offer affordable appetizers such as crab, pork, or pineapple wontons, green bean fries, spring rolls, and edamama along with specialties like Teriyaki or Hibachi chicken, hand-trimmed ribeye, scallops, tempura or grilled shrimp, and fresh fish with veggies and rice. Drop by daily for the $4.69 lunch special and $4 sushi. Bring the little ones in on Sundays to the Ogden location and they can eat for only $0.99!

Visit us at our Ogden location where you can dine- in or takeout or our Hampstead location where you can drive-thru, walk-up, or take-out.

■ Serving Lunch & dinner: 11am- 9pm Everyday ■ Neighboorhood: Ogden- 6932 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28411 (910) 791-7800

Hampstead- 15248 Highway 17 North Wilmington, NC 28411 (910) 270-9200 ■ Featuring: $4.69 lunch specials ■ Website: www.hibachitogo.com

kabuki korean cafÉ and sushi

Family-owned and operated, Kabuki Korean Café and Sushi is Wilmington's only authentic Korean restaurant, freshly renovated and boasting a brand new menu! They feature delectable Korean BBQ, and are best known for traditional items like their bibimbop and bulgogi. But they also feature a large variety of Asian cuisine, from fresh sushi to fried rice to teriyaki dishes, dumplings, edamame and more. Open daily, Kabuki welcomes diners for lunch from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and dinner 4:30 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Stop by Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. 4102 Oleander Drive, Suite 2, at the corner of 41st Street, behind the Hess gas station. 910-350-3332.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Mon-Fri, 11am-2:30pm; Sat-Sun, noon-10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, off Oleander Drive.

■ FEATURING: Wilmington's only authentic Korean restaurant!

indochine restaurant & lounge

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

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

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

szechuan 132

Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City.

Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch Specials

thai spice

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

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

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

yosake downtown sushi lounge

Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends,

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices. Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles.

Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request.

Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

Dinner Theatre theatrenow

TheatreNOW is a performing arts complex that features weekend dinner theater, an award-winning weekly kids variety show, monthly Sunday Jazz Brunches, movie, comedy and live music events. Award-winning chef, Denise Gordon, and a fabulous service staff pair scrumptious multi-course themed meals and cocktails with our dinner shows in a theatre-themed venue. Dinner theater at its best! Reservations highly suggested. 19 S. 10th Street 910.399.3NOW (3669).

Hours vary.

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

gREEK The greeks

The Greeks is a two-store (going on three), family-ownedand-operated Greek restaurant. Since 2011 Chef Georgios Papanikolaou and his family have been giving unwavering attention to detail to their food, which represents Greek culture. The chef picks fresh local produce and proteins on a daily basis. The spices and herbs are imported from Greece, where they are picked wild from the mountains, sealed and then transported here. The family keeps their Greek roots close to their heart; with each dish they are recreating exactly the same flavors that a person will experience should they be in Greece. With a plethora of recipes to choose from and the best gyro in town, the family hopes to expand without compromising an iota of the experience.

124 Princess St.; 910-343-6933. 5916 Carolina Beach Rd.; 910-769-1536.

■ PRINCESS ST: Monday 10:00AM to 3:00PM Tuesday-Sunday 10:00AM to 9:00PM ■ CAROLINA BEACH: Mon-Sat 10:30AM to 9PM Sunday 11:00AM to 8:00PM ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown and Monkey Junction ■ WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA: www.the-greeks.com or www. facebook.com/thegreeksnc

Indian tandoori Bites

Located on College Road, just opposite Hugh MacRae Park, Tandoori Bites offers fine Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Try one of 74 dishes on their lengthy menu, featuring a large range of side dishes and breads. They have specialties, such as lamb korma with nuts, spices and herbs in a mild creamy sauce, as well as seafood, like shrimp biryani with saffron-flavored rice, topped with the shellfish and nuts. They also have many vegetarian dishes, including mutter paneer, with garden peas

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and homemade paneer, or baingan bharta with baked eggplant, flamed and sautéed with onions, garlic and ginger. Join their cozy eatery, where a far east escape awaits all diners, among a staff of friendly and helpful servers, as well as chefs who bring full-flavored tastes straight from their homeland. Located at 1620 South College Road, (910) 794-4540.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon. - Fri. 11-2:30 pm (Lunch Buffet) & 5-10 pm (Dinner), Sat. - Sun. 11:30 -3:00 pm (Lunch) & 5-10 pm (Dinner) ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch buffet ■ WEBSITE: www.tandooribites.net

Italian A Taste of Italy

Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City?

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

ELIZABETH’S PIZZA

A Wilmington favorite since 1987! At Elizabeth’s you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine, as well as some of your American favorites. Offering delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, beer, and wine. Elizabeth’s is known for their fresh ingredients, where even the bread is baked fresh daily.

A great place for lunch, dinner, a late night meal, or take out.

Elizabeth’s can also cater your event and now has a party room available. Visit us at 4304 ½ Market St or call 910-2511005 for take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 10am-Midnight every day ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown (Corner of Market St and Kerr Avenue).

■ WEBSITE: www.epwilmington.com ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, kids menu and online coupons.

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 16 oz. 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. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.RomanellisRestaurant.com

influences to mold it into a unique family-friendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops.

Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of microbrews included in their 27-tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm Monday through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor…..Craft Beer, Craft Pizza!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Thursday 11 am10 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am-Midnight; Sunday Noon-10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing.

Latin American

Seafood

San Juan CafÉ

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue.

910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates!

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

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

fish bites

siena trattoria

Enjoy authentic Italian food in a beautiful, warm, casual setting. Whether dining indoors or in our courtyard, Siena is the perfect neighborhood trattoria for the entire family to enjoy. From our delicious brick oven pizza to elegantly prepared meat, seafood, and pasta specials, you will find a level of cuisine that will please the most demanding palate, prepared from the finest and freshest ingredients.

■ SERVING DINNER: at 4 p.m. Daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South. 3315 Masonboro Loop Road, 910-794-3002 ■ FEATURING: Family style dinners on Sundays ■ WEBSITE: www.sienawilmington.com

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

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

Jamaican JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE

Tucked in the corner of University Landing, a block from UNCW is the hidden gem of Wilmington’s international cuisine scene - Jamaica’s Comfort Zone. This family owned restaurant provides a relaxing blend of Caribbean delights – along with reggae music – served up with irrepressible smiles for miles. From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as curry goat, oxtail, jerk and curry chicken, to our specialty 4-course meals ($12.00) and $5.99 Student meal. Catering options are available.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tuesday - Saturday 11:45am - 9:00pm and Sunday 1:30pm - 8:00pm Sunday.

Monday - Closed ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown – University Landing 417 S. College Road #24 ■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials updated daily on Facebook ■ WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub

Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American

24 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.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 comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 7622827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

Organic LOVEY’S MARKET

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, New Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. Newly expanded.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com.

Whole foods market

Whole Foods Market offers one of the most expansive freshly prepared foods options in the city! With 4 bars featuring hot dishes & salads, a sandwich station, sushi station, and pizza station, you are apt to satisfy everyone in your group.

All of the ingredients are free of any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives so food is fresh and flavorful from farm, ranch, or dock to your fork! Dine in the cafe or carry out. On any given day the selection offers an array of organic, local, vegan/vegetarian, and healthy options. Voted Best Salads by encore readers.

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

Home of the freshest seafood in town, and Wilmington’s only Live Lobster Tank. Try one of our signature entrees like Fish Bites Tuna Filet, Stuffed Flounder or The Fishermans Stew. We have unique appetizers like Oyster Bombs, Shrimp Bombs, or Grouper Cheeks(who knew Groupers had cheeks!!). Have your Fresh Catch prepared to your delight, pan seared, grilled, blackened, broiled or fried. We will accomodate any taste. The Daily Special Board features creative dishes that highlight our Chef’s creative culinary skills. We make a fantastic steamer platter with Crab Legs, Shrimp, Clams, Oysters and Mussels.

The possibilities are endless. We have the largest selection of seafood in the area. Not only are we a seafood restaurant, but a fresh market as well. Take home your Fresh Seafood selection and cook it your favorite way. We also have take out. Don’t forget our made from scratch desserts. Come in and enjoy a fresh beverage from our full service “Bottems Up Bar”. Whether you just need something to curb your appetite or a full meal, we have something for everyone. Daily food specials and Drink Specials offered. Kids Menu available. So come in and enjoy the most amazing seafood you have ever tasted!

6132-11 Carolina Beach Rd. (910) 791-1117 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Sun 11am-9pm.

Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: The freshest seafood in town, and Wilmington’s only Live Lobster Tank!

■ WEBSITE: www.fishbitesseafood.com

oceanic

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dining on the Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com

THE PILOT HOUSE

The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks.

Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck.

Large parties welcome. Private event space available. 910343-0200

Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for awardwinning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNC W, this lively sports-themed restaurant. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 South College Road. (910) 791.9393.

2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, FriSat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday

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

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

Shuckin' shack

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar is thrilled to now serve customers in its new location at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). It’s the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in a check out Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd.; (910) 458-7380.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Sat 11am-2am; Sun noon-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials, join the mailing list online ■ WEBSITE: www.pleasureislandoysterbar.com

smoothies and more TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAfÉ

Tropical Smoothie Café’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made to order from the freshest ingredients. Our toasted wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads and gourmet salads are made fresh with highest quality of meats and cheeses, topped with fresh produce and flavorful sauces, available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The fun atmosphere and unparalleled hospitality brings customers back toTropical Smoothie Café again and again. At Tropical Smoothie, we are guided by one simple belief: When you eat better, you feel better and when you feel better, all is better. It's part of our mission to inspire a healthier lifestyle by serving amazing food and smoothies with a bit of tropical fun. 2804 S. College Road, Long Leaf Mall.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Fri; 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat-Sun ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, at Shipyard Blvd. and College Rd.

Southern Casey's Buffet

In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/Soul Food and Buffet categories.

Mix or Match

TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com

vegetarian/Vegan Sealevel restaurant

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

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

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

Sports Bar 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 Reuben, 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, pool, and did we mention sports?

Free downtown lunchtime delivery on weekdays; we

of equal or lesser value

+ tax Limited Time Offer

at the following Dairy Queen locations:

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

can accommodate large parties. 763-4133.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & ■ LATE NIGHT: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 priced select appetizers Monday

- Thursday 4-7 p.m.

■ WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

Carolina Ale House

Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in

The Sealevel family is settling in to making the cozy most of sweater season with a variety of soups and hot beverages: mulled cider, nondairy hot cocoa,ginger-hibiscus tea, hot sake...You won't need a coat after a cup of the regularly featured Thai-style hot 'n' spicy coconut curry soup, made without meat or dairy products, with Thai chilies and lemongrass; chase away chills with the BBQ tofu and eggplant tostada; commune with your lentil burger-lovin soul over a portobello melt and a side of hot potato chips with vegan chipotle dip.

Desserts are shifting into seasonal favorites: gluten free and vegan sweet potato and apple pies; gluten free brownies with nondairy chocolate frozen cream, assorted vegan and gluten free cookies round out the sweet fare. Ask about delivery; party space/dancehall available. Lunch everyday but Tuesday. Dinner Thurs, Fri and Sat, 5-9. Check our specials, updated daily on Facebook!

■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., daily; Thurs-Sat., 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Closed Tuesdays ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, lactose-intolerant and seafood-friendly fare!

■ WEBSITE: www.sealevelcitygourmet.com

Live Music

every friday and saturday

COME VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION LOCATED IN MONKEY JUNCTION! 5607 Carolina beach rd • Wilmington, nc 28412 encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 25

A Tilted Experience:

g&g > review

Tilted Kilt offers reasonably palatable and impressive service By: Rosa Bianca

F

or those unfamiliar, Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery is a national chain in the “breastaraunt” genre. Scantily clad waitress serve up pub fare. The interior looks like an English pub collided with a TGI Fridays, with pseudo-British adornments on the walls.

Kitschy clutter is attached to the wall at everso-perfect, off-center angles. Someone took a lot of time to make everything look casually askance. I was reminded of those guys who spend an hour in the mirror, trying to get the perfect version of bedhead before leaving the house.

But the real decorations are the waitresses: adorned in a uniform that’s one-part classic Scottish kilt and three-parts sexy schoolgirl costume. Thigh-baring plaid kilts are the order of the day and are paired with open half shirts that reveal matching plaid pushup bras and bare midriffs. Male employees are bedecked in black kilts with black T-shirts, offering not a glimpse of pectoral or thigh.

Don’t kid yourself: The uniforms on these women make Hooters’ girls look like they’re wearing burkas. I knew I was diving into the deep end of the Tilted Kilt experience as soon I walked through the door and was greeted by a diminutive and cheerful hostess whose uniform couldn’t quite contain one of her areolas.

Undaunted, I moved on to the bar for a drink and a burger. The bar offers a large number of beers—though none out of the ordinary, really. I settled on a barbecue bacon burger with garlic fries. The fries were quite good, with just enough garlic essence to be noticeable but not over powering.

The burger was less memorable. The bun was buttery with a pleasant texture, but the burger went downhill from there. It was covered with a smoky but unremarkable Guinness barbecue sauce and crispy onion straws, which were neither crispy nor cut into straws. But the big disappointment was the bacon. About a quarter of the way through my burger, I realized I couldn’t taste it. I plucked a piece of bacon from the burger and ate it on its own. Even with nothing else in my mouth, the bacon proved largely flavorless. I scantily Scottish service: The Tilted Kilt features a menu of pub fare served by a slew of sexy, attentive waitresses. Courtesy photo.

have no idea how one extracts the taste from a slice of bacon, but some wizard has managed it.

I returned a week later for a second go ‘round; this time for a Butcher’s Block flatbread pizza. This monument to decadence features six weighty slices bedecked with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and mozzarella. The tomato pesto sauce is barely noticeable. Quite frankly, the thick slices of spicy sausage make very little else noticeable. The bacon and pepperoni feel like afterthoughts. As pedestrian pub fare goes, it’s pretty good.

Not caring at all about my waistline or the state of my pulmonary system, I gave dessert a try. The Tilted Brownie Guilt lives up to its decadent description, containing a very pleasant caramel sauce and a surprisingly lively vanilla ice-cream topper. The brownie itself is rich with a fudgy texture. It was definitely the highlight of my Tilted Kilt dining experience.

I’m often critical of chain restaurants, but they do deserve credit for training and customer service. I was looked after by two bartenders who took great pains to keep my drink full and my order timely. It’s easy to dismiss Tilted Kilt as nothing more than an excuse to gawk at pretty girls, but there’s clearly a better-than-average boot camp that goes into molding such an attentive staff. While the waitresses might be required to rock a B-cup or better, they also have 26 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

to learn a system that benefits the consumer.

It might be fair to say that I’ve spent too much time discussing the waitresses and their uniforms, but the fact remains that sex appeal is what Tilted Kilt is selling—every bit as much as Ruth’s Chris is peddling steak. No responsible writer could or should ignore it. I could write all day about the gender politics of a place like Tilted Kilt, but my criticism would be hypocritical. Every female bartender I’ve ever known has shown off breast or thigh if she could get away with it, and her tips reflected the value of the extra skin. I can hardly complain that restaurants like Tilted Kilt have codified that fashion sense into their own best practices.

You can find elements of the Tilted Kilt business model elsewhere in Wilmington. There are restaurants with better bar food and bars that feature women in a greater state of undress.

But I suppose if you’re looking for that perfect mix between the two, then Tilted Kilt is right up your alley.

DETAILS:

Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery 11 Van Campen Blvd.

Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to midnight; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

910-399-5737 www.tiltedkilt.com

BURN CALORIES, NOT CASH.

E X P I R E S T U E S D A Y, D E C E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 1 4 6400 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC 28412 • (910) 782-7746 68 South Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 • (910) 772-1331

*Home Club only. Billed monthly to a checking account. 12 month commitment applies. Subject to $29 annual membership fee. With a $29 One Time Start Up Fee. Includes T-shirt. *Must be at least 18 years old, or 13 with parent/guardian. Incentives offered for enrolling in other memberships.

Participating locations only. Planet Fitness facilities are independently owned and operated.

EXPIRES DECEMBER 23RD, 2014.

$10 A MONTH.

*

encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 27

extra > feature

Lighting the I

n the early morning hours of Saturday, December 6, residents of Carolina Beach awoke to flames engulfing two condominium buildings in the 400 block of Carolina Beach Avenue South.

The fires destroyed both dwellings and took the lives of Darlene Ann Maslar and Mary Angeline Cochran. Several cars parked outside the Sea Ranch Motel also were destroyed in the tragedy in the three fires set.

“Everyone is saddened and everyone is hugging each other just a little tighter,” Shannon MacKay vice president of Carolina Beach nonprofit Island Women and wedding mister for Circle of Love Wed-

Lake with Love A candlelight vigil and a night of caroling benefit the Carolina Beach fire victims By: Christian Podgaysky Above: Three fires set in Carolina Beach claim condominiums, cars and two lives. Photo by Christian Podgaysky

28 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

ding Ceremonies says with a heavy heart. “I think everyone was so excited the night before this happened; we had the biggest Christmas parade I think we have ever had and it just felt like such a nice way to gather and start preparing for Christmas. The next morning we woke up to the horrible news of the fire, and then several days of sickening anticipation to find out how many people were lost and then the waiting to find out who; it has all been like one sickening blow after another.”

The man responsible for the heinous acts of arson, 22-year-old Kure Beach resident Marshall Hudson Doran, was

apprehended by police on Monday, December 8, for an unrelated burglary charge.

Doran was charged with two counts of first-degree murder on Thursday, December 11. More charges for property damage, the lives of animals claimed in the fires and injuries sustained that Saturday night are expected to be brought against him, too. These charges will add to a hit-andrun charge that resulted in the death of two people back in February. Details on Doran’s motive have yet to be revealed. Currently, he is being held without bond.

While the path to justice has begun, the grieving process for the Carolina Beach community has just started. Locals rallied to help with clean up, and the painful loss of the two local women radiates throughout the ravaged seaside area. However, Carolina Beach has risen like the ashes of a phoenix to meet the needs of those whose lives were disrupted by the fire.

Residents have upstarted efforts to return peace to area and promote healing. Three cars already have been donated, which are being repaired by Superior Auto in Carolina Beach, to replace those lost in the fires. As well, a pig pickin’, complete with barbecue, a silent auction and live bands, was held at The Last Resort bar to raise funds.

“Justin Donation from Coastwalk Real Estate stepped up and offered his parking lot and box truck as a drop off point for do-

nations,” MacKay says. “The Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project Group manned it for two days, and what the community donated was incredible! There were food donations made by Food Lion and the Help Center of Federal Point near the post office. The Island Women helped to organize those items so the families could come through and receive what they needed.”

Likewise, an organization deemed the Pleasure Island Relief Fund formed the day after the heartrending events in a town hall meeting. The organization comprises Dan Wilcox (Carolina Beach mayor), Steve Shuttleworth (Carolina Beach council member), Naomi Paine (president of Island Women) and Mackay, Bob Lewis (president of Island Men), Barbra Tillison, (member of the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project), Jasmine McKee (of the Island Gazette), Greg George, Justin Donation (of Coastwalk Real Estate), and members of the Carolina Beach Fire Department. While convening, they set forth a plan to augment the work already being done by the Red Cross disaster relief. Funds donated to the organization will be allocated by Carolina Beach based on necessities. Prime issues that need to be addressed by the raised funds will be medical bills for burn victims, housing needs, vehicle replacement, and counseling.

On Friday, December 19, a candlelight

Be adventurous...

Ireland Shades

of

October 26-November 4, 2015 with the

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

See the full itinerary at www.wilmingtonchamber.org

vigil and night of caroling will be held to benefit the newly formed organization and pay tribute to those affected by the fires. “This was something I woke up thinking about on December 9,” MacKay tells. “After talking with so many people and knowing that everyone was so grief stricken, I just felt like I had to do something for everyone! I know that music heals and comforts people; that is what I am studying right now with the Music for Healing and Transition Program for Therapeutic Musicians. This whole island needs healing right now: We have tragically lost two beautiful women.”

Island Chic and Island Women will provide coffee, water and hot cocoa for the event. Baked goods will come from Wake and Bake and Zoës Kitchen. Community members also will be dishing out delectable baked goods for the event. Songbooks and candles will be given out upon entrance for a candlelight vigil that will be held at 8 p.m.

T-shirts, adorned with the words, “One Island Pleasure Island Relief Fund,” also will be available. All goods are available in exchange for donation.

“People can come down, join us, hug us, sing with us, and let those people affected by this know they care, ” MacKay says. “After the announcement of this vigil, it started to feel like something to look forward to in a healing way. We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place,

Highlights Include:

Dublin (2 nights) Waterford (1 night) Killarney (2 nights) Limerick (2 nights) Kingscourt (1 night) St. Patrick’s Cathedral Medieval Kilkenny Irish Evening Celebration Waterford Crystal Factory Castle Stay Galway Ladies View/The Lakes of Killarney Blarney Castle/Blarney Stone Muckross House and Gardens Ring of Kerry Coastal Ride Cliffs of Moher Historic Irish Whiskey Distillery

amongst such wonderful people. There are three towns on this island but we really are one island, one community of people.”

While monies collected from the event will funnel directly into the relief fund, donations already have been coming in. Last week alone, nearly $50,000 had been raised. Initially, organizers for the event set a tentative goal for $100,000, but they quickly realized that amount wouldn’t meet the pressing needs of rebuilding the lives of so many people. “[We need] community support, those affected were not from here initially. They moved here and adopted us as their community; they were involved and invested here. The ladies lost walked their dogs at the [Carolina Beach Lake] regularly, went to church here, and had many friends. I hope to see the whole lake lit up with candles and the air filled with music that night just to show them our support.”

DETAILS:

Caroling and Candlelight Vigil Carolina Beach Lake Park Fri., Dec. 19 and 6:30 p.m. • Free www.pleasureislandnc.org

Price includes: Roundtrip airfare from Wilmington International Airport, double occupancy (2 guests per room), deluxe tour bus, a knowledgeable tour guide in each city, 13 meals, fees for all tour attractions on the itinerary, airport taxes and air fuel surcharge.

Don’t Miss the Ireland Trip Overview Tuesday, January 27th at Noon

at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (One Estell Lee Place, next to the Wilmington Convention Center)

RSVP to Scott Czechlewski: 762-2611 ext. 216

$3,799 per person based on double occupancy encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 29

Earthly Pages:

extra > feature

Valerie Robertson continues environmentally conscious book club By: Tiffanie DiDonato

I

t was on the first Earth Day in 1970 when Valerie Robertson found her calling as an environmentalist. A junior at John Burroughs High School in St. Louis, Robertson was out of class, partaking in an all-day campus-wide symposium with students from all grades, faculty and invited guests. They shared ideas about the Earth and discussed a wide range of environmental issues. While Robertson’s peers were so busy congratulating themselves on a job well done, Robertson confessed she couldn’t submerse herself in the sense of accomplishment. “I felt like I hardly accomplished anything at all,” she remembers. Really, it was merely her beginning.

Today, when Roberston isn’t learning about the cypress swamps or green buildings, she’s hard at work running Cape Fear’s Going Green magazine, a free-to-thepublic quarterly. Its mission: To help readers make every facet of conservation and sustainability stress-free to include in their daily

lives by offering information on eco-friendly activities, products and services accessible right in their own backyard. “(In 2006) I started hearing people express an interest in being more sustainable at home,” Robertson shared. “I’d be out walking my dog [Macy] in the park, and someone there would say, ‘I want to buy a tankless water heater, but nobody around here carries them.’ Or I’d be at a conference and the woman seated next to me would say, ‘I’ve been trying to buy a rain barrel, but I can’t find out where to buy one.’ Often I could tell them who they could call right here in Wilmington. I was a magnet for that sort of information. It would happen at least once a day. That’s when I decided I needed to start my magazine.”

Circulating 8,000 copies around Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties, Cape Fear’s Going Green features a list of local environmental organizations, as well as the area’s first calendar of green events.

Also, online through January 7 there’s a mindful holiday gift guide section that high-

84 WAYNICK BLVD. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH WWW.SHOPHALLELU.COM 30 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

ambition and drive: Longtime environmental crusader Valerie Robertson continues her popular environmental book club in 2015, meeting at Old Books on Front Street on January 6. Courtesy photo.

lights a unique assortment of alternative gifts for loved ones. It shows readers what they can give rather than what they can buy.

“It helps you take it easy on Earth,” Robertson shares. “My mom is a master knitter, but has never had an online presence for her work. As her main Christmas gift this year, I’ll establish an Etsy store for her, so she’ll have a place to display and sell her beautiful, hand-knitted garments.”

Despite the wealth of information found in Cape Fear’s Going Green, on their website or even on their Facebook page, reading can be an inherently singular activity. Already immersed in environmentalism in the Cape Fear area and maintaining a strong-rooted readership for the magazine, it made sense to nurture the secondary kind of environment—a book club.

“Gwenyfar Rohler [owner of Old Books and encore contributor] and I discussed the possibility of an environmental book club four years ago,” Robertson explains.

“I loved the idea of an environmental book club. I thought it would be great if we could have a forum for people who wanted to discuss green ideas with others. The focus is to make sustainability mainstream. A book club seemed like one way to do that on a modest scale.”

However, there’s hardly anything modest about Robertson’s life accomplishments or

her ambitions. For the past 20 years, she has been a resident of our Port City, but, really, Robertson could live comfortably anywhere in the world. As a young girl, her family traveled becaus of her dad’s job as an actuary, hired by companies to solve business problems. Missouri, Maryland, Barbados, and even Switzerland were just a few of the places Robertsonresided. After her father finished one job, they moved on to the next challenge.

“Why did I settle in North Carolina, when I know I could live anywhere in the world?”

Robertson ponders. “The air smells good.

There are rivers and marshes and marvelous critters. People say, ‘hello.’ Once, my car was sideswiped in my own neighborhood, and before the police arrived, 21 people who knew my name had stopped to find out how they could help me. We look out for each other. And more and more, we’re learning to look out for this beautiful place we call home.”

The book club meets the first Tuesday evening of the month inside Old Books on Front Street. And, really, what arena more fitting than a local book store that sells, as Robertson teased, “recycled” books. Social time is at 5:30 p.m., discussion begins at 6 p.m. and runs approximately 90 minutes. The read for January: “Green is the New Red: An Insider’s Account of a Social Movement Under Seige” by journalist Will Potter. Noted by the fastidious Kirkus Reviews as a, “hard-hitting debut,” Potter equates the Justice Department labeling of environmentalists today akin to McCarthyism in the 1950s.

Book club members receive 15 percent off when they purchase any book on the book club reading list from Old Books. Visit Going Green Magazine at www.goinggreenpublications.com and follow Robertson on Twitter, @GoGreenILM.

DETAILS: Environmental Book Club Meets first Tues. of each month Tuesday, January 6, 5:30 p.m.

Old Books on Front Street 249 N Front St. www.goinggreenpublications.com

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2014 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

12/21/14

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

HOLIDAY QUINTET: From five familiar tunes

by S.N. ACROSS 1 Stinging remarks 6 Birth of a notion 10 Each, informally 14 Zodiac symbol 19 With 21 Across, bit of a fried side 20 Telltale sign 21 See 19 Across 22 Appointed 23 Line from “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” 27 Decide is best 28 Marginal jotting 29 Assent (to) 30 USMC one-striper 33 Initiation ceremony 34 Intensely 35 Actress Mendes 36 Purely 37 Coming-of-__ film 38 By means of 39 Household tools before refrigerators 44 Line from “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” 49 Voicemail sound 50 Long fish 51 Carmen solo 52 Plumlike fruit 53 Fields of knowledge 55 Painting technique 57 Aunt, in Argentina 60 Genetic ID 61 Massive mammal 63 Ancient legend 65 Diatribe 67 Line from “We Need a Little Christmas” 73 New Orleans cuisine 74 “Deck the Halls,” e.g.

75 Snoops (around) 76 It first ran Breaking Bad

10 Protective suit 77 Basker’s goal 11 Deep faith 79 Major accumulations 12 A single occasion 82 March parade VIP 13 Links org.

86 Plaster backing 14 Cinema-snack brand 88 Dedicated verses 15 College math class 90 Letters after © at the 16 Gallic girlfriend end of Shrek 17 Expect back 91 Solitary 92 Line from “Jingle Bells” 18 Upper hand 24 Scarlett O’Hara 99 On-demand planes 100 Trio on older phones portrayer 101 Critical cry 25 Hoops great Shaq 102 Take to court 26 “Bolero” composer 103 Watch the 30 Diner menu section grandchildren 31 Astound 104 Hunter’s quarry 32 Genetic copy 106 Criticizes 34 Country retreat 107 Jargon suffix 35 Blaze of glory 108 Political pamphlets 38 Julia Louis-Dreyfus 112 Brake part sitcom 113 Tourist destinations 39 Sundial numeral 115 Line from “Do You Hear 40 Part of TGIF What I Hear?”

41 Alexander the artist 121 Be temporarily 42 Norwegian coins 122 Athletes with agents 43 Reliable 123 Focus of physics 45 Close by 124 Drive away 46 Lament 125 Microsoft’s calling 47 Woodland goat-man company 48 Authored 126 Schoolbook 54 Commandments verb 127 “Take it!”

55 Ending for opal 128 Common infomercial 56 Telltale sign 58 Author Dinesen hour 59 Needs a rubdown 62 Birth of a notion DOWN 64 Typical Woodstock 1 Feathery scarf 2 __ Arbor, MI attendee 3 Disposed (of) 66 Sound of leaves 4 Gift-box decorations 67 Longest-serving current Justice 5 Disparage 68 Versace rival 6 13 Down platform 69 Honey source 7 Murphy of movies 70 Cowboy, frequently 8 Ultimate cause 9 What a wife may 71 Marat/Sade playwright be called

72 Phone-bk. listings 78 Pitched superbly against 80 Atlanta school 81 Tennis officials 83 Self-possession 84 Beef in some burgers 85 Giggle sound 87 In great demand 89 Requirements 93 Romanian tennis star of the ’70s

94 Live and breathe 95 Dueling swords 96 Jazz-playing event 97 New frat brothers, perhaps 98 Obsolescent skill 104 Showy flower 105 Swelter 106 Attention to detail 108 “Jabberwocky” starter 109 “Here’s looking at you” speaker

110 111 112 113 114 116 117 118

ABA member Bloke Kingly address Place to build on Misrepresent Well-put A Christmas Carol cry Facebook milestone of 2012 119 Herbal drink 120 Tree in front of the White House

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

737 3rd street

n

hermosa beach, ca 90254

n

tel. (310) 337-7003

n

FaX (310) 337-7625

encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 31

Reason Has Moons, Vol. 11:

extra > fact or fiction

Reflecting on a journey By: Joel Finsel

T

he air was black when I woke in the gutter; my mouth caked closed with blood. I stumbled back to the car, taking breaks at a few sign posts to steady myself. I thought about using a restaurant’s bathroom to dress my wounds but decided to get away as quickly as possible instead. I drove for nearly an hour until I realized I could not outrun my dread. Scrambling to find the road map on the floor, I swerved the car with the pitch of my body. An irritated horn blared from my blind spot. I took a breath and allowed the bright streak to pass before pulling onto the shoulder. This was far enough.

My good eye winced when I turned on the light to decipher the folds of paper. Lines on the map veined out in all directions, thinning into capillaries. Switching off the light in frustration, I closed my eyes, sat back, and breathed: in through the nose, out through the mouth.

When I finally opened them, my eyes focused on the exit sign up ahead for Santa Mari-

ta/Valencia. Imagining a land of citrus orchards, I pulled into the lot of the first cheap-looking hotel and sat staring into the lobby, considering.

Perhaps it was the suggestion of semi-permanence, extended stay, that compelled me to go inside and see about a room.

A young couple had just finished checking in as I arrived. She was lovely, tall and blonde.

He seemed outgoing but not forceful. Both dressed well, yet exhibited their own signs of weariness in the wrinkles on their clothes and grease in their hair. Witnessing this “normal” couple caused me to shudder. I looked wretched: Both my jeans and flannel shirt were ripped.

Over my left eye, I held a wadded up grey shirt that was stained with blood. My shoulder and left knee were slumped with pain. I caught hold of the door and steadied my feet.

I had slept so little over the past few days and constantly had been in the front seat of my car. The easy comfort of the man and woman taking their keys from the receptionist brought me close to tears. The otherwise excitable receptionist’s eyes sank at the sight of me. In the midst of initialing the hotel’s policies page, the

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN

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32 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

man before me continued speaking casually.

“Just out of curiosity,” he said, returning his credit card to his wallet, “what difference does the CalArts rate have on the usual price?”

“About $20,” she responded, clearly startled by my appearance.

Noticing, he turned to me. Without making eye contact, he shifted his gaze to his wife, who had already begun in haste to the elevator.

“CalArts rate for me as well,” I said, forcing a smile. Shuffling around for my wallet, I extended one of the many credit cards I had signed up for in exchange for a frisbee or bag of candy in the lobby outside the college cafeteria.

“You OK?” the man asked, stepping aside.

I ignored him. Everything is normal, I told myself, pretending to examine the policy sheet.

The clerk ran my card, and without flinching, handed it back. After initialing where necessary and satisfied the screen, I accepted the key to the room and walked on without looking back, wondering what CalArts was.

The next morning, my head felt like there was a wrecking ball swinging on a pendulum between my temples. Splashing cold water in my eyes, I winced at the sight of the eggplantlooking bruise on my face. The air was already hot when I went out to snag fresh clothes from the car. Back in the room, the light from the slit in the curtains revealed cranberry-colored stains on the carpet by the foot of the bed. Another blemish in the corner, between the fading recliner and the wall, and just above where an outstretched cup of coffee might dangle, revealed bits of pale green shag eaten away as if by acid. Pulling the chair out of the corner, I covered up the worst bit, wondering how many corpses had been melted and drained out of rooms such as this.

The rest of the furniture was functional but depressed. The art above the bed consisted of a seemingly hurried impressionistic landscape of flowers. It had dabs of paint too large to complete the dreamlike illusion.

In the closet was a thin robe. Stripping down, I threw my clothes in the tub, sank the plug,

poured out the small container of body wash, and turned on the water. Donning the robe, I made coffee and switched on the television. A newscaster beamed coverage of yesterday’s gathering.

“What started as a peaceful protest erupted into a riot after anarchists began throwing stones,” she reported. “Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets before any more damage was done to local businesses. And when we come back, Brock Jones has the latest in college basketball, and we’ll take a look at the surging number of new military recruits: Why some locals enlisted in their own words.

Don’t go away.”

I switched it off and fell back onto the mattress. With my eyes closed, I imagined an army of tiny elves picking up the pieces of my mind, like kindergartners, and setting them back into their prescribed molds. In through the nose, out through the mouth. A barrage of images stared back: the concern in the receptionist’s eyes when she’d checked me in, the woman being kicked and pulled by her hair through the street, Grover screaming out the car window, Mrs. Warburg breaking the news to my students about how I’d punked out and wouldn’t be coming back. With each breath, I tried to relax a new set of muscles, beginning with my feet. I thought of the letters my students had written to themselves, sealed in the shoebox on top of my dresser back home.

Finally, in that image, I found relief. I hadn’t let them down completely, not yet. Five years from now, I would redeem myself.

Hunger woke me in the afternoon and forced me to brave sore limbs. Otherwise, I may have slept away the day. Donning my last clean pair of underwear, I covered them with jeans and a light green T-shirt before dashing off to the chain restaurant at the other end of the parking lot.

Heading back to my room after a hot meal and couple of beers, with the recovered cell phone and a to-go bag of nachos in hand, I wondered what CalArts might be like. By the time I crossed the parking lot, I’d repeated my pledge to have fun and take life less seriously close to 15 times. Why not stay another night to recuperate before heading up the coast? I had nothing else to do. Besides, the petite bartender—blonde with dark roots, athletic body, cute but acne-scarred face—had smiled when I’d asked if we were close to CalArts.

“Oh, yeah,” she said, “I party there all the time.”

Joel Finsel is the author of “Cocktails and Conversations from the Astral Plane,” and writes creative short stories, essays and musings every other week in encore throughout 2014.

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holiday events HOLIDAY IN THE WOODS A Wintery Wonderland. Thu 12/18 1:30-3:30 pm Ages: 6-11 Cost: $7. Discover what’s happening in the woods in preparation for the holidays and colder weather. Join park naturalist on a hike in the Long Leaf to get a sneak peak at the habits of the different critters preparing for a cold winter ahead. We will engage in a nature holiday song and story, and build a really cool craft. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th Street CAROLING BY CARRIAGE 12/19, 6pm: Come and sing Christmas Carols

with Santa! See the beautiful lights of old Wilmington, snuggled under warm lap blankets in our enclosed Christmas carriage or trolley, pulled by our special “reindeer”. Children receive free candycanes! Admission: $12.00 adult, $5.00 child under 12. Springbrook Farms, Inc., 0 block Market Street POLAR EXPRESS FAMILY SHOWS The charming holiday classic returns for an 11th season! This favorite program provides a live reading of the story by WWAY-TV personalities, visit with Santa, all the festive decorations in the Museum and hot cocoa afterward! Saturdays & Sundays on 12/20, 21 at 4:30 & 5:30 pm

- 10 shows in all. These shows sell out, so tickets are by prepaid reg. - only $5 with kids under age 2 free. Call soon to reserve & purchase your passage on the Polar Express. Wilmington Railroad Museum, 505 Nutt St. CHRISTMAS TRAIN/LIGHT SPECTACULAR 12/20, 6:30pm: A delightful holiday walk-through show with 20,000 twinkling lights music, visits with Santa, twilight layouts (with snow!), cider & cookies, photo ops, and more. Special decorations throughout the Museum add to the festive atmosphere for this holiday presentation. General admission, no reservation required, only $5 each at the door, kids under 2 eat free. Look

for Rudolph towing the caboose at Red Cross & Nutt St. downtown. Wilmington Railroad Museum, 505 Nutt St. NUTCRACKER 12/20, 3pm: It is Christmas Eve. Family and friends have gathered in the parlor to decorate the beautiful Christmas tree in preparation for the night’s festivities. Once the tree is finished, the children are sent for. They stand in awe of the tree sparkling with candles and decorations.

The festivities begin. A march is played. Presents are given out to the children. Suddenly, as the owl-topped grandmother clock strikes eight, a mysterious figure enters the room. It is Drosselmeyer, a local councilman, magician, and Clara’s godfather. He is also a talented toymaker who has brought with him gifts for the children, including four lifelike dolls who dance to the delight of all. He then has them put away for safekeeping. Provided by Wikipedia.org.

Kenan Auditorium (UNC Wilmington), 601 S. College Rd. ENCHANTED AIRLIE Through 12/21: The Airlie Gardens have been transformed this year into a frozen wonderland, complete with princesses, for the Enchanted Airlie tradition! It is a walk-through garden of beautiful holiday flowers, over 300,000 festive lights, musical entertainment, and a display of a large garden model train running for your enjoyment. There are two viewing times per evening, 5-7pm and 7-9pm. Tickets must be pre-purchased. Admission: $12 single; $17 couple pass; $27 car load. Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd. HOLIDAY TRAIN EXPO Ea. weekend through 12/28, 6pm: presented by the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society. Come see the enchanged wonderland of trains including the all new Polar Express featuring scenes from the movie, a new working lyaout featuring trains haulding up to 100 cars and the Christmas Village layout and interactive play layout.

Seven exhibits including Z, N, HO, On30, OO, O, and G scale trains with many science features. The expo will be held each weekend through Dec. 28. Admission: for ages 18 and up; $3 for ages 3-17; free for children under 3. Cape Fear Model Railroad Society, 705 S. Kerr Ave. (next to Goodwill).

MAYFAIRE WINDOW-LIGHT DISPLAY Mayfaire merchants have partnered with local schools to bring you a lighted Holiday Window Art Showcase. Come celebrate the season and create new family traditions at Mayfaire. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and stroll the streets of Mayfaire through December 31 and view the magical lighted Holiday Window Displays, created by the following Wilmington Students. Mayfaire Shopping Center, 6835 Conservation Way NEW YEAR’S NOON 12/31, 1/1, 10am: Countdown to the New Year with the Children’s Museum of Wilmington! Toast to 2015 with a juice toast, make a party crown, streamer sticks, glittery slime and more! The event culminates with an epic confetti toss at noon in the courtyard! Two days, four hours only: Get a 15-month membership

36 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

Get your tickets today!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday December 17 Women’s Basketball vs Richmond 4:30pm Game Sponsored by Linprint

Wednesday December 17 Men’s Basketball vs Liberty 7:30pm Game Sponsored by Reeds Jewelers Toys for Tots Game – purchase a ticket for $5 when you donate a new unwrapped toy Saturday December 20 Men’s Basketball vs East Carolina 7:00pm Game Sponsored by Coca Cola, Gold’s Gym, and Omega Sports

Women’s Basketball hosts the Seahawks Hampton Inn Christmas Invitational Friday December 19 UNCW vs ETSU 11:30am Charleston Southern vs Jacksonville 2:00pm Saturday December 20 ETSU vs Jacksonville State 12 Noon UNCW vs. Charleston Southern 2:00pm

encore | december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 37

At Bozart Family Dentistry our philosophy is to provide comprehensive dentistry to all patients. This means explaining all available options to every individual and having the patient make an educated decision with regards to their treatment. Dr. Bozart understands that what the textbook recommends is not appropriate for every patient.

38 encore |december 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

for the price of 12 months! Available only at the Museum during New Year’s Noon! Free for members, $9 per person for non-members.

Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange Street NEW YEAR’S EVE 2014 12/31, 6pm: New Year’s Eve Party and dinner. “Une Soirée Cabaret.” 6pm & 9:45pm. $80/$150 couple. Cabaret show inspired by the iconic French cabarets with a 5-course French dinner tasting, champagne toast and party favors in the package. Can-can dancers, acrobats, live music, comedy and more to ring in the New Year! Tickets on sale now! www. theatrewilmington.com. $80 single. $150 couple. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th Street

events DOLPHIN DIP 1/1, 11:30am: Join thousands in Surf City to watch or take part in the “Dip” into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean for the bravest at heart to start the New Year!

Get your friends to sponsor your courage.

Come to the Dolphin Dip Extravaganza dressed in your best costume and be entered to win prizes! We want to see your most creative and fun designs. Homemade, iconic, bold, and witty. Just remember to keep it family-friendly and water-friendly, because you must do the dip to win. Roland Ave. Beach Access, 101 Roland Avenue WINTER BRIDE EXPO 1/11, noon: Carolina Wedding Guide has been hosting the Winter Bridal Expo for almost two decades and now they are taking it to the Grand Ballroom in the Wilmington Convention Center.

Contact 910 259-8323 or visit http://www.carolinaweddingguide.com/ for more information.

10 Convention Center Dr.

charity LITTLE RED STOCKING BENEFIT Through 12/21: For 86 years, the Little Red Stocking Fund has provided hope and support for North Carolina families. Children’s Home Society of North Carolina is pleased to launch this year’s annual fundraising effort with all proceeds going to provide permanent, safe, and loving families for children in need. Proceeds from last year’s Little Red Stocking Fund helped CHS serve 17,321 children and families. This included finding a safe haven for 590 children with foster families, giving 113 children a permanent family to call their own, assisting 1,229 families with post adoption services, counseling 65 birth parents, and providing educational services to 13,231 teens, professionals and parents. Make a difference; donate to the Little Red Stocking campaign, please call 1-800-632-1400 or visit www.chsnc.org. Wilmington office: 910-7943545, Executive Office Park, 4607 Franklin Ave. Ste 101 EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD 12/18-21, 8pm; Sun. matinees, 3pm. ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly and we’ve got just what you need to fill your holiday with tons of laughter and joy! Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told. This madcap Holiday romp mashes together loved Christmas stories & traditions from around the world, ancient and popculture seasonal icons, and every carol ever

sung. Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle Street.

Opening Thurs., night: pay what you can ($5 min.); $15-$20 otherwise. www.bigdawgproductions.org. 910-367-5237.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 12/18-20, 7:30pm; 12/21, 3pm: A theatrical and spirited version puts the phantasmagoric qualities of Charles Dickens’ classic tale center stage. A swirling, dancing chorus of ghosts that weave through this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic and hope. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. www.Etix.com or 910-632-2285

12/17: MUSIC DISCOVERY The NC Symphony will bring in hornist Rache Niketopoulos on the 17th at 2:30 p.m. to read to kids and demonstrate how the horn works at the New Hanover County Main Library at 201 Chestnut Street. Children in attendance will learn how the brass produces sound and they’ll hear samples of classic holiday music, as well as popular music composed for a full orchestra.

Plus, they can try out their favorite instruments after the program. Contact the library for more information at 910-798-6301.

A TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS Through 12/21, Fri/Sat, 6pm. Sun in Dec. only, 2pm. From Durham writers Rachel Klem and Jeffrey Moore comes the wildest, most absurd Christmas show ever! Journey to the Whispering Pines Trailer Park where Meemaw Hussey and her family gather to celebrate the holiday with some spiked Sunny D and tasty delights from Meemaw’s kitchen. Lorraine and Dale, Meemaw’s daughter and son-in-low, try and keep their kids, Dale, Jr. and Jolene, on the straight-and-narrow, while a mess of neighbors, like Ratsnake, Eddie Mac Taylor, Fancy Nancy, keep ‘em all in stitches. Tickets $42 adults. $24 children and show only. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilmington.com

Saturday night at midnight in the Dead Crow Comedy Room, Late Fear is a hilarious and fun showcase for Wilmington’s creative talent and small business. • 12/20, 8pm: Comedian Jenny Zigrino performs at Dead Crow Comedy Room at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m • 12/26, 8pm: Kyle Grooms. 265 N. Front Street.

PSL PRESENTS 1/8, 8pm: Part of ‘s ComedyNOW Wednesdays, PSL Presents is an hour-long collection of brand-new sketch comedy material, written and performed by the award-winning comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps. Check it out on the second Wednesday of every month. TheaterNOW, 19 S. 10th St. theatrewilmington.com

music/concerts MUSIC DISCOVERY W/NC SYMPHONY 12/17, 2:30pm: North Carolina Symphony hornist Rachel Niketopoulos will read to kids and demonstrate how the horn works at NHC Main Library on December 17 at 2:30 pm.

Children attending this free interactive program will learn how the horn produces sound, and will hear samples of classical and popular music composed for horn and full orchestra.

After the demonstration, audience members will have the opportunity to try out their favorite instrument in the instru- ment zoo! This Music Discovery program is sponsored by PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative, promoting literacy and arts education for preschoolers and their families. New Hanover County Public Library, 201 Chestnut St.

NEW AND USED VINYL

THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES 1/7, 9:30am and 11:30am: This world premiere is a delightfully funny retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen story. The vain and selfish Emperor is duped by a mother and her son, who convince him they can make him a unique suit of clothes that is not only beautiful but magical — it can only be seen by those who are smart and worthy. Will the Emperor “see” through their plan or get the fate he deserves? Free school performance for Grades 2 & 3. Kenan Auditorium (UNC Wilmington), 601 S. College Rd.

comedy JOKES ‘N’ SMOKE Every first Mon. of month will feature a standup comedy showcase Hosted by Brian Granger, performances by Reid Clark, Colton Demonte and many more of Nutt Street Comedy Club’s finest. 3021 Market St. Arabian Nights Hookah Bar.9pm; $4.

DEAD CROW COMEDY CLUB Ongoing schedule: Mon, Comedy Bingo and $1 tacos; Tues, free Crow’s Nest Improv (longform), 8pm; Wed, Nutt House Improv Show, 9pm, $3; Thurs, free open-mic night, 9pm; FriSat, national touring comedians/comediennes, 8pm/10pm $10-$15; Sun, closed. • 11:45pm: Late Fear with Willis Maxwell, Wilmington’s Late Night Talk Show, taped every 1st and 3rd

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT 12/21, 7pm: Christmas stories with Jason Gray, Lauren Daigle and Carrollton in concert.

Free; donations appreciated. Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church, 800 Piner Road

Department of Music faculty. About ten concerts per year are produced by the orchestra, including the Masterworks Series, Symphony Pops Concert, and other special events. 5270 Randall Dr.

BAROQUE CHRISTMAS CONCERT 12/22, 7:30pm: The Tallis Chamber Orchestra will present the Fifth Annual “Baroque Christmas Concert” to benefit the Good Shepherd Center, Monday, December 22, 7:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The orchestra, now in its’ 10th season, will perform music by Schiassi, Sammartini, Torelli and many other Baroque composers. The concert will feature Soprano Sara Westermark. Contact Philip Singleton 910-620-7207 for more information. Ticket by monetary donation. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 North 16th Street

I BELIEVE I CAN FLY “I Believe I Can Fly Concert” featuring The Tenors: Cook, Dixon, and Young and Mrs. Marva Mapson Robinson shows Fri., 2/6. The Celebrating the Dream Commemorative Concert with the Fayetteville Symphony Chamber Orchestra will be at 7:30 pm at the Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College. Brunswick Community College Box Office at 910-755-7416.

THE SOUND OF CHI 1/9, 6pm: Kristin Althea and David Key join together to provide a unique combination of qigong (chi gong) and therapeutic sound with the sound of chi, 6-7:15 pm. During the class, Kristin teaches an extremely powerful energy-building practice, a gentle form of qigong, perfect for anyone new to this ancient healing process. It is easy to do, and easy to remember, with great health and energy benefits. David enhances the energy and the process, performing live on bamboo flutes and frame drum. Accompanied

by David’s therapeutic sound, Kristin begins by teaching the qigong form itself. This is followed by a special grounded breathing technique, with David’s frame drum heartbeat providing sound support. The class finishes with Kristin performing individual healing sessions for each member of the class, along with David’s specialized Sound Medicine™ work. Open Studio, 1055 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 102 WSO AUDITIONS 1/12, by appt: The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for new members at the UNCW Cultural Arts Building. Times by appointment. Interested musicians must schedule an audition time by emailing the WSO Orchestra Manager, Shirley Lebo at orchestramgr@ wilmingtonsymphony.org. Applications and required audition music are available at www. wilmingtonsymphony.org, or by calling the symphony office at 910-791-9262. Musicians for the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra are local instrumentalists and include UNCW music faculty and students who rehearse and present orchestral repertoire drawn from the eighteenth to twentieth-first centuries. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion, and harp. The Conductor is Dr. Steven Errante, who is also a member of the UNCW

THERAPEUTIC MUSIC TRAINING 2/7-8; 4/11-12; 6/5-7: Therapeutic bedside music is the mission of the Music for Healing and Transition Program, Inc. (MHTP), a 501c3 notfor-profit educational organization. MHTP offers classes at 12 sites in the U.S. and announces its classes beginning in Wilmington, NC on 10/4-5, 2014. Classes will be held at the Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center of Lower Cape Fear Hospice and at the Davis Community Assisted Living and Rehab Center. Students complete courses in five weekend Modules on musical and medical topics spread out over a year, and are guided through the course of study by an advisor. Other requirements include a 45 clinical hours and a required reading list. Students may receive tuition reductions based on medical or musical life experience, and there are scholarship funds available for students when enrolled in the Program. MHTP accepts students as well as amateur and professional musicians. Each Module teacher is a specialist in his or her field, whether it be as a healthcare professional or professional musician. 910-465-0942 or mhtp@mhtp.org. www. mhtp.org. $435+reg. fee. Phillips LifeCare and Counseling, 1414 Physicians Dr.

per couple No preregistration required. info@ babsmcdance.com or 910-395-5090. Babs McDance Studio, 6782 Market Street BABS MCDANCE STUDIO Wilmington’s Premier Social Dance studio featuring group and private lessons in shag, swing, hip-hop, Latin, foxtrot, cha-cha, belly dancing, ballroom, Zumba, and more - weekly with various pricing. For more info on prices and weekly social events, visit www.babsmcdance.com or call 395-5090.

MALE AND ADULT DANCE CLASSES For males of all ages—free! New technique class with instructor Kevin Lee-y Green. Class will focus on the essentials of male dance including leaps, jumps, strength and power, Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:30. Uniform: Black athletic pants and white t-shirt; all ages welcome. • Come join the new contemporary classes offered at Wilmington School of Ballet by instructor Kevin Leey Green, artistic director of Techmoja Dance and Theater Company. Adults: Tuesdays 6:30 - 7:30. $10 per class. The Wilmington School

dance IRISH STEP DANCE Traditional Irish Step Dancing Beginners to Championship level ages 5-adult! Mondays nights. The studio is located at 1211 South 44th St. www.walshkelleyschool.com.

SWAG SHAG AND SWING THING Join Babs McDance Social Dance Studio every 3rd Friday of the month for our Friday night social. Hour lesson at 7:30pm in Shag, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Hustle, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Night Club 2-Step or Swingin’ the Blues followed by an evening of open dancing with food and drinks. $10 per person & $15

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

“Fresh tastes better”

December 19 - 24 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. $12 adults, $5 Kids under 12

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Snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights!Market & Water Streets in Downtown Wilmington & FREE Candy Canes for the kids!

for more info call

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Springbrook Farms Inc.

www.horsedrawntours.com 42 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

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Downtown Business Alliance PRESENTS

Season of Celebration Through December 21st, 2014

SANTA AT THE COTTON EXCHANGE Visit Santa every weekend leading up to Christmas, at the Cotton Exchange in Downtown Wilmington.

Call for times at 910-343-9896.

Fri, Dec 19 Toys for Tots Christmas Concert with L Shape Lot, 6:30PM Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots. For more Info: Contact: Rich Leder, Phone: (910) 5382939 or email: rich@brooklynartsnc.com Sat, Dec 20 & Sun, Dec 21 Polar Express Holiday Show Fun for kids of all ages! For more information contact: Phone: (910) 7632634 or Email: wrrmnc@bellsouth.net

Visit DBAWilmington.com for more information

encore | december 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com 43

Open for Lunch & Dinner

of Ballet, Wilmington, NC, 3834 Oleander Drive DANCE COOPERATIVE NEW YEAR’S EVE 12/31, 8:30pm-12:30am: The first annual New Year’s Eve Party and Performance by Dance Cooperative at the Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St. Host: Rachael Crawford Goolsby. Dance party, performance, silent auction, food, beer, wine and a champagne toast. Party Theme “The Silver Carpet” —$60/person; $100/couple before 12/15/14; tables available for purchase. Tickets through Thalian Association: (910) 251-1788. www.thalian. org 76’ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB Modern Western Style Square Dance. Club meets Thurs. nights at 7pm at the Senior Center for a new workshop on square dancing. Info: 270-1639 CAROLINA SHAG CLUB DJs play favorite beach music and shag tunes every Sat, 8pm to close. $4/members; $6/ guests. Carolina Shag Club, 103 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 620-4025

Have your next party with us inside or out.

Call us today!

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CONTRA DANCE Tuesday night dances, 5th Ave United Methodist Church on South 5th Ave at Nun, 7:309:30pm.Social dance for all levels; singles and couples, families, college and high school students and folks of all dancing abilities are invited to come. $4. (910) 538-9711.

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www.paddyshollow.com In the Cotton Exchange • Downtown Wilmington • FREE PARKING

BrooklynArtsNC.com 910-538-2939

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

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC

ARTFUEL VOL. 39 Artfuel is pleased to host local art work from Sharon Lafond, Liz Sullivan, Ann Garrett and Vicki O. Live music will be performed by Morris Cardenas, and food and drink will be provided.

Come support our local artists. Artfuel Inc., 2165 Wrightsville Ave.

museums CAPE FEAR MUSEUM Exhibits: Make It Work, through 9/13/15: Encourages visitors to explore the six types of universal simple machines to learn how they make work easier. Lift levers, work with wedges, and encounter other maritime-related hands-on activities. View historic objects and images from the museum’s collection related to Wilmington’s boat and ship building history and make connections to simple machines. Sponsored by Landfall Foundation. • Fort Fisher: 150 Years,

TANGO WILMINGTON Tango classes and social dancing, Fridays, Carolina Lounge of Ramada Inn. 5001 Market Street (between College and Kerr). 8-9:45pm. $5 lounge entrance incudes beginThe Forum’s very own Spectrum Gallery is gearing ners’ lesson, 7:30.

12/18: SPECTRUM GALLERY

art SPECTRUM GALLERY OPEN HOUSE 12/18, 6pm: Spectrum Gallery at the Forum will host live music from 6-8 PM on Thursday, December 18, featuring Galen and Lisa. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments served. 910-256-2323. Spectrum Gallery, 1125 J Military Cutoff Road.

up for an open house on December 18, featuring live music from Galen and Lisa from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Plus, they’ll serve refreshments while people shop through their inventory of handmade jewelry and art. They’ll also be continuing their 25 days of Christmas deals, so come prepared for super savings on great gift ideas before December 25 arrives. Spectrum is located at 1125-J Military Cutoff Road; 910-256-2323.

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT “Fourth Friday Gallery Night” is now coordinated by The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, feat. 16 local art galleries and studios that will open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture, from 6-9pm, every fourth Friday of the month through 2014. Rhonda Bellamy at 910343-0998, 221 N. Front St. Suite 101. www. artscouncilofwilmington.org DRAW WHAT YOU HEAR EXHIBITION Through Dec: A unique display of art created by children at Messiah, interpreting the Christmas story through song. The Big Picture Gallery at Messiah Lutheran Church, 3302 S. College Rd 30TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW New Elements features works from over 40 artists: Betty Brown, Fritzi Huber, Ann Parks McCray, Mary Rountree Moore, Charles Robertson, Hiroshi Sueyoshi, Owen Wexler, and Dina Wilde-Ramsing. Showcasing an incredible variety of original paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, fiber and more, the exhibition will remain on display through 1/3.

Gallery is sponsoring a fundraiser for Domestic Violence Shelter and Services. All purchases of $25 through 12/20 qualify for a raffle ticket. The

44 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

winner will receive a gift certificate for $300 to New Elements Gallery. Raffle tickets may also be purchased for $5 each. Proceed benefit Domestic Violence Shelter and Services in their mission to eliminate violence against women and their children by empowering those affected to disrupt the cycle of domestic abuse. 201 Princess St. or www.newelementsgallery.com.

On display through 1/3

12/15-7/13/15: Includes hundreds of artifacts that document the history of Fort Fisher and its changing role in the community. View a selection of objects and images that shed light on the past 150 years. Examine artifacts from when Fort Fisher was a battle site. See some of the different the ways the site has been used since 1865. • World War II: A Local Artist’s Perspective: In time for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landing and the Normandy campaign, Cape Fear Museum will be exhibiting one of the region’s most powerful collections of World War II artifacts. • Cape Fear Stories presents artifacts, images, models, and 3D settings to explore people’s lives in the Lower Cape Fear from Native American times through the end of the 20th century. • Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery, Williston Auditorium, giant ground sloth, Maritime Pavilion and more! 910-7984370. Hours: Tues-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm. $5-$8. Free for museum members and children under 3. New Hanover County residents’ free day is the first Sun. ea. month. 814 Market St. capefearmuseum CF SERPENTARIUM World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats. See “Bubble Boy” a 12-foot saltwater crocodile, and “Sheena”, a

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gigantic Reticulated Python big enough to swallow a human being whole! There are dozens of other incredible live specimens, from huge anacondas to deadly bushmasters from the Amazonian jungle. King Cobras 15 ft long erect their hoods and amaze you. Black Mambas, Spitting Cobras, Gaboon Vipers, Puff Adders, Ferde-lances and more! Over 100 species, some so rare they are not exhibited anywhere else.

New Christmas exhibit features “Chomp” a gigantic alligator snapping turtle with a head the size of a basketball. Also brand new is the Inland Taipan from Australia, the snake having the world’s deadliest venom. Winter schedule is Wed-Sun, 11 am - 5 pm (until 6 pm on Saturday). Address: 20 Orange St., across from the Historic Downtown River Walk, intersecting Front and Water Street. (910)762-1669. www. capefearserpentarium.com MISSILES AND MORE MUSEUM Topsail Island’s Missiles and More Museum features the rich history and artifacts of this area from prehistoric to present time. Exhibits: Operation Bumblebee, missile project that operated on Topsail Island shortly after World War II; Camp Davis, an important antiaircraft training center during WWII located near Topsail Island; WASPS, group of young, daring women who were the first female pilots trained to fly American military aircraft during WWII; Pirates of the Carolinas, depicting the history and “colorful” stories of 10 pirates in the Carolinas including the infamous Blackbeard; Shell Exhibits, and intricate seashells from all over the world as well as Topsail; and more! 720 Channel Blvd. in Topsail Beach. Mon-Fri, 2-5pm; after Memorial Day through Sat, 2-5pm. 910-328-8663 or 910328-2488. topsailmissilesmuseum.org.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Mon, Little Sprouts Storytime, 10am, and Go Green Engineer Team, 3:30pm. • Tues., Kids Cooking Club, 3:30pm • Wed., Preschool Science, 10am; Discover Science, 3:30pm; and Mini Math, 4pm. • Thurs. StoryCOOKS, 10am; and StART with a Story, 3:30pm • Fri., Toddler Time, 10am; and Adventures in Art, 3:30pm • Drop off gently used books at our museum to be used for a good cause. Ooksbay Books uses book collection locations to help promote literacy, find a good use for used books, and benefit nonprofits. www.playwilmington.org 116 Orange St. 910-254-3534 WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach. Visitors to the cottage

GENUINE FACTORY

See Us For

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, fullsize steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts.

House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and afterhours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mondays at 10:30am, only $4 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $8.50 adult, $7.50 senior/military, $4.50 child age 2-12, and free under age 2. North end of downtown, 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634, www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm.

Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4$12. The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St. 762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org BELLAMY MANSION One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, itf ocuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.910-251-3700. www. bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

Aspen Art Museum. The exhibit is a representation of living artists’ self-selected artwork from across the state of North Carolina. Hangs through 2/12/15. • Matter of Reverence: For over forty years, Hiroshi Sueyoshi (Japanese, b. 1946) has worked in the medium of clay. This exhibition explores the evolution of his art and philosophy as well as his major influences including Isamu Noguchi, Peter Voulkos and Ruth Duckworth. Featuring work from CAM’s permanent collection as well as loans from private and public collections including the Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC, the Mint Museum, Charlotte,

Tues-Sat, 11am-3pm; Sun, 10am-3pm; Thurs. dinner. 910-395-5999. www.cameronartmuseum.org BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE 18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building and courtyard. 3rd and Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. Admission rqd. (910) 762-0570. www. burgwinwrighthouse.com.

12/20: NATURE HOLIDAY CRAFT

sports/recreation

The kids are on holiday break so let the fun begin! On Saturday, December 20, Halyburton Park will host a Nature Holiday Craft Creation project for all ages. Kids will build items like bird feeders out of pine cones, and each child will be able to take the craft home. Cost is only $5 and the crafting begins at 9 a.m. Head over to 4099 South 17th Street to partake.

WINTERING BIRDS OF THE CAROLINAS 12/20, 9:15am: Join noted ornithologist Dr. James Parnell as he discusses the great variety of birds that can be found in Southeastern North Carolina during the winter, with special emphasis on those species that are not found here in other seasons. This program is free, and all are welcome! Wild Bird & Garden (Wilmington), 3501 Oleander Dr (Hanover Center).

NC and the Asheville Art Museum, Asheville, NC. Free for members. • Corner of South 17th St. and Independence Blvd. Tues-Sun,10am5pm; Thurs: 10am-9pm. Museum members free, $8 non-members, $5 students with valid ID, $3 children age 2 -12. • CAM Café hrs:

NATURE HOLIDAY CRAFT CREATIONS 12/20, 9am, $5. Come on out and join park naturalists in all the nature festivities building different nature crafts such as bird feeders out of a pine cone, and much, much more. Each child will have the chance to create something awesome at each station. All creations are yours to keep.

Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th Street

CAMERON ART MUSEUM Exhibits: State of the Art/Art of the State—curated by Peter Eleey, MoMA P.S 1, NY; Laura Hoptman, Dept. of Painting and Sculpture, MoMA, NY; and Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson, Nancy and Bob Magoon CEO and director,

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48 encore |december 17 – 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

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kids’ stuff MS. SUSAN’S ROOM Music and art for children, featuring Happy Little Singers, music and movement for ages 6 mos to 6 years. Learning through sing, dance and creative play! Tues-Thurs, and Sat, 9:45am.1 1/2 hour session $10/family. Drop-ins welcome. • Art and Craft Friday, 10am. $10/child includes all supplies. • Also, ukulele, guitar and piano and vocal lessons. 910-777-8889 or info@happylittlesingers.com. 200 Willard Street in the ArtWorks. www.-ms-susans-room.com THEATRE NOW Children’s Theater Super Saturday Fun Time.

Kid’s live adventure and variety show. Saturdays. Doors open att 3pm. $8/$1 off with Kid’s Club Membership. Drop off service available.

Tickets: www.theatrewilmington.com or 910399-3NOW

COAST POETRY JAM 12/19, 8pm: Cost: $10.00, Weyerhaeuser Reception Hall, Cameron Art Museum. Come enjoy poets puttin’ down the true spoken word, featuring Life the Poet, with music by DJ Mike Lang and performance by The Company. Hosted by Bigg B of COAST Radio 97.3 FM. For details call the studio line: 910.763.0973. Purchase seats at the door. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 South 17th Street GOING GREEN BOOK CLUB 1/6, 6pm: Green is the New Red: An Insider’s Account of a Social Movement Under Siege Will Potter. Books available at Old Books on Front St at discount to book club members. Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St. PROLOGUE BOOK CLUB 1/12, 7pm: Join Ben Steelman of StarNews Media as he chats with Wilmington writer Taylor Brown, whose short story collection “In the

lectures/readings 12/17: FAMILY HOLIDAY GIFT MAKING BITTER SWEET: SHARP BITE 12/17, 3pm: Dr. Samantha Chirichella, DC, will speak about how to keep from gaining weight during the holidays. Dr. Chirichella practices at Elite Chiropractic, a Maximized Living Health Center. Restore some sanity to your holiday season by learning how to avoid holiday weight gain, understanding the dangerous effects of sugar, and minimizing stress. The workshop is free but registration is requested on the online calendar at www.nhclibrary. org. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd

Muddy Muse Studio (616 Castle Street, B) will host a holiday craft-making session for folks who want to make their holiday gift-giving really special. For $20 a person (additonal family members only $15 a person), you’ll make two craft projects. Folks can choose from glazing three Christmas tree ornaments or painting a 5x5 canvas, a wooden item, or a ceramic piece of your choice, like a soap dish or fairy door.

All pieces can be picked up a week later. Call (910) 620-4149 for more information.

Season of Blood & Gold” was published in 2014.

MC Erny Gallery at WHQR, 254 North Front St.

classes/workshops BEGINNING FENCING CLASSES Cape Fear Fencing Association 6 week Beginner Class starts on Tues. 1/6, 6:30pm, in the basement of Tileston Gym, 5th and Ann Streets. Meets Tues/Thurs for 12 session of approximately one hour each. If weather forces cancellations, we will add classes until we reach twelve. Class will teach history, footwork, bladework, rules, tactics, and end in a class tournament. Appropriate for ages 8 – 80. Cost for the 8 session class is $50. You will also need to have a USA Fencing membership for insurance purposes. The non-competitive membership costs $10 and is good until 1/31/15. Fencers should wear sneakers and loose fitting clothing.

CFFA provides all fencing equipment. Class is taught by Greg Spahr, head coach of the Cape Fear Fencing Association. gregoryspahr@yahoo.com or (910) 799-8642. Tileston Gym at St. Mary, 5th and Ann sts.

MEDITATION CLASSES 12/17, 6:15pm: Energy clearing for world peace led by energy healer, Jennifer Chapis.

McKay Healing Arts, 4916 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC, drop in, $10-$15 (you choose) • 12/21, 10am: Solstice Meditation for Renewal led by inspiration coach Alan Walshe, Exhale Yoga and Wellness Studio, 16th South Front Street (enter in alley). Drop in, $10-$15 (you choose).

FAMILY HOLIDAY GIFT-MAKING 12/17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 10am: As we

turn inward towards the darkest night of the year, we welcome the celebration of light, in all of its forms across the world. Join us now through December 24th, from 10 am to 6 pm, for holiday crafting. Choose 2 craft projects for $20 per person. Additional family members for $15. Glaze three Christmas tree ornaments.

Paint a pre-made ceramic piece of your choice (soap dish, leaf dish, fairy door). Make and take a stained glass kite paper lantern. Paint & take a wooden craft item. Paint & take a 5x5 inch canvas. All pieces will be ready to pick up in one week. Muddy Muse Studio, 616 Castle Street, Unit B. SOLSTICE MEDITATION 12/21, 10am: Led by Inspiration Coach Alan Walshe, Exhale Yoga and Wellness Studio, 16th South Front Street (enter in alley), Wilmington, NC, drop in, $10-$15 (you choose). Exhale Yoga and Wellness Studio, 16 South Front Street CAM CLASSES Museum School classes, 910-395-5999 (ext.

1008 or 1024), at CAM. Sign up for 6 week classes and/or 1 to 2-day workshops in drawing, painting, mixed media, photography, art history, copper repousse and artistic journal keeping. • Yoga: Thurs., noon-1pm; Fri., 5:306:30pm • T’ai Chi: Wed., noon-1pm. Sessions are ongoing and are open to beginner and experienced participants. www.cameronartmuseum. org EXERCISE CLASS Mondays, 9:15am: Focusing on balance, coordination, power, stability and independence.

Meets in the church gym. Winter Park Baptist Church, 4700 Wrightsville Ave ART CLASSES Art Classes with Lois DeWitt, professional art

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Photography & Videography

910.540.6354

50 encore |december 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 23, 2014 | www.encorepub.com

Save your date!

instructor. Water color, basic drawing, drawing with colored pencils, finding your inner artist, and oil pastels. Small classes, individual guidance. 6905 Southern Exposure. 910-547-8115.

CREATING INTENTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR 1/3, 9am: Learn what the field of neuroscience has to say about intentions and why only 8% of people who set resolutions keep them but people who set intentions tend to manifest them. We’ll engage in guided meditation and mindful writing practices and create an Intention Board that you can take with you to keep you on track toward manifesting your intentions! Registration is required and is limited to 20. This is my most popular workshop, and it always sells out, so register early! Taught by Jen Johnson, MS, MFA, LPC, RYT mindfulness teacher and psychotherapist. McKay Healing Arts, 4916 Wrightsville Ave FINANCIAL AID 101 1/5, 6:30pm: April Morey from College Foundation of North Carolina cover basic information on paying for postsecondary education. The audience will learn about applying for scholarships, grants, and federal education loans, starting with filling out the FAFSA form. The free workshop will be most useful for high school juniors and seniors and their parents. College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) is a free service of the State of North Carolina that helps students plan, apply, and pay for college.

CFNC is a partnership of Pathways, the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, and College Foundation, Inc. Contact: Teresa Bishop, tbishop@nhcgov.com 910-798-6371. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff R • 1/6, 6:30pm w/Patricia Dew, pdew@nhcgov.com.

910-798-6391. Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 South College Rd. AFFORDABLE CARE ACT 1/7, 2pm: Learn more about the Affordable Care Act’s Employer Mandate from a licensed tax preparer and certified ACA counselor. This free educational session is geared toward small business owners and their employees. NHC Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. HOMESCHOOL FENCING CLASSES 1/7, 1pm: The next set of Homeschool Fencing Classes will beginon January 7th at 1 pm in the basement of the Tilestin Gym, 5th and Ann Streets, in Wilmington. Class lasts for eight sessions with each session lasting approximately one hour. If weather or other issues force a cancellation we will add classes on until we get to 8 sessions. Teaches history, footwork, bladework, rules, tactics, and end in a class tournament. Appropriate for ages 8 – 18,

$40. You will also need to have a USA Fencing membership for insurance purposes. The noncompetitive membership costs $10 and is good until 1/13/15. Fencers should wear sneakers and loose fitting clothing. CFFA provides all fencing equipment. gregoryspahr@yahoo.com or (910) 799-8642. Once a student has passed the beginning class, the cost to continues remains at $40 per 8 week session or the standard floor fee of $5 per visit. Tileston Gym at St. Mary, 5th and Ann sts.

FOSTER PARENT TRAINING 1/8, 6pm: The Arc of North Carolina is offering Free Foster Parent Training in Wilmington, NC and surrounding counties. Come learn how you can impact the life of a child, who needs a loving home. The Arc of NC is a non-profit who has been advocating for individuals and families for over 60 years. We believe well trained families with the support of a caring agency can promote a happier, healthier family for children in foster care. Our training will prepare you for the needs of children in foster care and how to work with the child’s support team to increase the chances of successful family reunification. We offer training according to your availability, daytime trainings as well as in the evening. Training includes : Specialized Foster Parenting training, CPR/First Aid, Medications Administration, Trauma Informed Care, and Behavior Mgt. We welcome families interested in providing Therapeutic Foster Care, Family Foster Care or Respite for Foster Families. Please contact Brian Moeller at 910 538-9421. The Arc of North Carolina, 5041 New Centre Drive Suite 100 ZUMBA W/LYNN MOLINA Mon/Wed/Fri, 6:30pm; Sat, 10:30am: Join Licensed Zumba® Instructor, Lynn Molina! Bring water and a smile and shake it with us!! $5 Drop in rate. Danceworks, 4209 Oleander Drive MUSIC INSTRUCTION Music instruction at Modern Music with Lucian Rowland, who has 20 years experience as a professional recording and performing musician. Private lessons available for guitar, mandolin, banjo, and bass. (910) 508-1111 or rockinrowland@hotmail.com.

DOWNTOWN READERS 1/6, 6:30pm: New book club is looking for members! This is an organizational meeting. If you’re looking for book discussions with fellow readers, please come with ideas about what you’d like the group to discuss and how you’d like the group to work. Main Library, NHC, 201 Chestnut St.

clubs/notices

Baptist Church, 7121 Market St.

FOCUS ON YOU SUPPORT GROUP Aims to provide an emotionally safe space where women with cancer and their families can connect with others in the same situation.

Women of Hope uses education to empower women through early detection and continuing support throughout their treatment. Survivorship Support Group is for female cancer patient who is in any stage of treatment. Caregiver Support Group is for anyone affected by a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. Meets 2nd/4th Thurs, 6:30-8pm. Friendly Community Baptist Church, 1730 US Hwy. 117, Burgaw. Penelope at penelope@womenofhopenc.org.

SUBURBS WALKING TOURS Every Sat., 10am. Discover ILM through neighborhood walking tours. Forest Hills was the first automobile-oriented suburb in Wilmington, while Streetcar Suburbs tell about the restoration and renewal of Carolina Place and Carolina Heights. Tours: $10 (students, $5). 1.5 hrs; wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

THRIVE A Christ-Centered 12-Step Support group, helping people overcome “Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups.” Thrive meets every Monday evening at 7pm at Life Community Church (LCC) inside Independence Mall. Large group begins at 7pm and men’s and women’s small groups begin at 8pm The meetings are in the Extension, which is next to Sears and across from Branches Bookstore. Contact information: Pastor Jim Snider 910-791-3859 or www.lifecc.com. 3500 Oleander Drive ALZHEIMER’S ASSOC. SUPPORT GROUP For family caregivers. It’s not appropriate for people with dementia to attend. The group meets the fourth Monday of every month, 2pm.

Free. Details: 399-5905 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 North 16th Street TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP Transgender Support Group, 1st Thurs./mo., 7-8pm. For more information please contact Therapist Nova Swanstrom: 910-343-6890.

You must talk with Nova first before coming to a support group meeting!

GAMBLER’S ANONYMOUS MEETING Tues., 6:30pm: “Do you think you have a Gambling problem? Is gambling causing stress in your life? Do you often gamble recklessly until your last dollar is gone? Does gambling cause you anxiety? There is help! Come join Wilmington Gambler’s Anonymous and take the first step to getting your life back in control.” Ogden

FILM CLUB 1/8, 4pm: Film Club teaches kids how to make their own movies! Over the course of three lively, interactive sessions, participants work with each other and director Mr. Scooter to create a short film. Through creating their own story on film, children develop narrative skills, practice negotiating conflicts, and learn about the parts of a story, all of which helps them engage with literature when they read. For kids ages 10 to 15. The sessions will take place on January 8th, 22nd, and 29th. Participants must attend all three sessions and must pre-register using the online calendar at www.nhcgov.com, or by calling 910-798-6393, or by emailing Mr. Scooter at shayes@nhcgov.com. Main Library, NHC, 201 Chestnut Street SCREEN GEMS STUDIOS TOURS Guests will get an insider’s look at the largest studio complex east of California and experience the rich history of EUE/Screen Gems and the films and television shows produced at the facility over the last three decades. Attendees will walk the 10-stage working lot have access to sounds stages and go behind the scenes of the CBS series “Under the Dome.” Guests will see a visual history of the NC film and television industry in the screening theater where many famous producers, directors and actors have reviewed footage of productions shot at the studio. Tours will be hosted on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm weather permitting throughout the summer. Tours will continue throughout 2014 and beyond. Please check the tour hotline to confirm times throughout the fall and winter. 1223 23rd St. North $12 for adults; $10 for students and military personnel with an ID; $5 for children under 12. Admission is cash only at this time. (910) 343-3433 or http://studios.euescreengems.com/nc/tours.

DOCTOR WHO WEDNESDAYS Come in to watch Doctor Who episodes every Wednesday night. Come in Cosplay, be a dork, be a geek, nerd out, but most of all be a Whovian! Browncoat Pub & Theatre, 111 Grace St. AZALEA COAST EXECUTIVE NETWORK Meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30 pm for networking, dinner at 6 at Henry’s, 2508 Independence Blvd. Wilmington. Female business women networking and professional development. Dinner is dutch $15; annual membership $24. Details 762-8562. Henry’s Restaurant Wilmington NC, 2508 Independence Blvd.

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third Thursday of each month. Open to adults 18 and older. Family members welcome. The first Thursday of each month is an educational presentation by Dr.Savard. Third Thursday is member led. Free. Details: 763-8134. Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Bldg B AZALEA COAST EXECUTIVE NETWORK 1/5, 5:30pm: Women helping women grow through Networking, Professional Development and Leadership while increasing business efficiency of all members; promoting good relations between members; assisting members in a social business and educational way; and assisting women in the community to better themselves through education. Dinner included for $15, guest speaker. https://www.facebook. com/groups/110830212303409. Cape Fear Seafood, 5226 S. College Rd, Ste 5

culinary/imbibe WASTE NOT WANT NOT PROJECT LAUNCH 12/17, 6pm: This nutrition education project, funded by the Landfall Foundation, will be kicked-off at a meet and greet reception hosted

by Operation Legancy Development Corporation. An overview of the project and registration information will be provided. The venue is located at the corner of 5th and Greenfield Streets near downtown Wilmington. Operation Legacy Development Corporation, 1502 E. Lake Shore Drive, Ste. B DOWNTOWN DIVAS DRAG DINNER 12/18, 8pm: Join the Downtown Divas for another fabulous drag dinner. Tickets only $10.

TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilm-

ington.com BELLA’S BAR LOCAL 12/19, 8pm: Tacky Christmas Sweater Party: Wear your tacky sweater. Mulled wine specials.

Christmas caroling. Free food 8pm til 9pm. 19 Market St. PORT CITY SWAPPERS Port City Swappers is a monthly food and beverage swap where members of a community share homemade, homegrown, or foraged foods with each other. Swaps allow direct trades to take place between attendees, e.g., a loaf of bread for a jar of pickles or a half-dozen backyard eggs. No cash is exchanged, and no goods are sold. Diversify your pantry and go home happy and inspired while meeting your neighbors! facebook.com/PortCitySwappers.

FOOD PANTRIES Good Shepherd House Soup Kitchen, 811 Martin St. Pantry Hours: 6am-3pm everyday • Mother Hubbards Cupboards, 211N 2nd St. (910)762-2199. MTWFS,13pm • Bread of Life Immaculate Conception Church, 6650 Carolina Beach Rd. (910)791-1003. Never had a food pantry, used to give food to the homeless on Saturdays but not anymore. • Catholic Social Ministries, 4006 Princess Dr. (910) 2518130. Tues-Fri., 9-11:30am • First Fruit Ministries, 2750 Vance St. (910) 612-9353.

Tues/Sat, 11am-1pm; Wed,10am-2pm. • Bethany Presbyterian Church, 2237 Castle Hayne Rd. (910) 762-7824. Wed, 11:30am2pm. • New Covenant Holiness Church, 1020 Dawson St. (910)762-7376 WILMINGTON WINE SHOP Join us to sample five new delicious wines

we’ve brought in just for our customers during Free Friday Wine Tasting, 5-8pm. Have a bottle or glass of your favorite with friends afterwards in our cozy shop or on the back deck. And beer lovers don’t fret, we’ve got a fridge full of craft and micro-brews. 605 Castle St. 910-2024749. www.wilmingtonwine.net.

All day. Free wine tasting: from 5-7 PM, with two whites and two reds. Free • Beer Infusement Thurs.: Come see what ingredients Randall the Enamel Animal is enhancing upon delicious beer. Free.

HOMEBREW SUPPLY COMPANY Free craft beer tasting every Friday 4pm-7pm • Free all-grain brewing demonstration Every Saturday starting at 1:30pm at Wilmington Homebrew Supply, 4405-A Wrightsville Ave. wilmingtonhomebrew.com

NONI BACCA WINERY Tasting room open seven days a week, 10am9pm (Mon-Sat) and 12-5pm (Sun.). Taste a flight of 6 or 9 wines; over 70 wines made on premise to sample at any time, served by the glass or the bottle. • Thurs.-Sat.: Specials at the bar on glasses and bottles of wine that run all day, but the crowd begins to gather around

FEAST DOWN EAST BUYING CLUB Enjoy the quality, value and convenience of the Feast Down East Buying Club. It costs nothing to join. The benefits are immeasurable. It is a great way to eat healthier, while knowing you support your local farm families and community.

Log on at www.FeastDownEast.org and start buying fresh local food, sourced from Southeastern NC farms. Choose a pick-up spot, and Looking to give a foodie a fascinating gift this check out at the online cashier and you are done! Orders must be placed by 11am Monholiday season? Well, look no further, as Taste day for Thursday delivery. Consumer pickup Carolina Food Tours will make the perfect interacis Thursday 3:30-6pm at: the Cameron Art tive and delicious present under the tree this year. Museum, THE POD (located next to Dunkin Folks who attend one of many tours will experience Donuts on UNCW campus) or the Burgaw Historic Train Depot. the tastes of Wilmington, while learning about its

TASTE CAROLINA FOOD TOURS

chefs and even some of its history. Various tours and classes are open for reservations, and tickets can be purchased at www.tastecarolina.net.

7pm. Craft beer selection, too. We also make special label wines for weddings, corporate gifting, birthdays, reunions, etc. 910-397-7617.

RED BANK WINE Red Bank’s wine of the week, Sat., 1-4pm.

1001 International Dr. 910-256-9480.

FORTUNATE GLASS Free wine tasting, Tues. 6-8pm. • Sparkling wine specials and discounted select bottles, Wed. & Thurs. • Monthly food and wine pairings. 29 South Front St. CAPE FEAR WINE AND BEER Beer Church: Purchase select beer and keep your glass for free. 1st Mass starts, 1pm; 2nd Mass , 8pm Free. • Beer Flights, Massage and Monday Night NitroMassage Monday: 5-8pm, $10 for 10 minutes with our licensed therapist, Josh Lentz. Beer Flights: nine 5 oz samples for $18. • Monday Night Nitro: $1 off nitrogen pours. Free. • BYOT (Bring Your Own Trivia): The next wave of pub trivia. Prizes include gift certificates to Chop’s Deli, Memory Lane Comics, and Browncoat Theatre & Pub, as well as beer from us. $10 pitchers: Bartender’s choice.

TASTE CAROLINA FOOD TOURS Sample an eclectic assortment of downtown restaurants, enjoy food and drink, and meet some of the city’s best chefs. Public parking available. Saturday tours include a 2:30 Downtown Afternoon Tasting Tour ($50/person) and a 3:00 Downtown D i n n e r & Drinks Tour ($65/person). A 10am Farmers’ Market Tour ($75/person), and Cooking Class is also available. www.tastecarolina.net

WHOLE FOODS 12/18: Twitter Chat: Cooking for the Holidays, 6-7pm: Online, free. It’s almost time for the second big feast of the holiday season! Whether you’re looking for a main course, sumptious sides or delicious desserts you’re sure to find it during our chat. Follow #WFMdish to join the conversation. 3804 Oleander Drive.

TASTING HISTORY TOURS Tasting History Tours of Pleasure Island; guided walking tours. From its beginnings as a tourist destination, the island has weathered destructive fires, tragic hurricanes, naval battles and more. Tasting History takes you through the streets of CB and into a few of the restaurants to taste some of what the locals have to offer. Join us for an afternoon of interesting history and tasty eats. $32.50. tastinghistorytours.com. 910622-6046.

FERMENTAL Weekly wine and beer tasting, Fridays. Free. 910821-0362. 7250 Market St., www.fermental.net.

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THE WINE SAMPLER Every week we have five wines available to taste during sampling hours, Thurs., 3-8 pm, Fri., 3-8pm, and Sat., 11am-7pm. Each week we arrange a set of five wines, which we offer a 10% discount as well toward purchase. 4107-C Oleander Dr. (910) 796WINE (9463). thewinesampler.com DUPLIN WINERY 1/17, 11am-3pm: Duplin Winery invites you and your friends to attend our second annual Bridal/Event Planning Expo. We have invited our favorite vendors from far and wide to showcase their specialty products or services. Cake vendors, florists, DJs, and more. We will have everything you need to plan your next big event. Tickets: $5 adv, $8 at the door 505 N. Sycamore St, Rose Hill, NC. duplinwinery.com.

WINE TASTING WEDNESDAYS Sweet N’ Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Pl., holds a weekly wine tasting. Attendees get $5 off every bottle of wine. Free; 5-6:30pm.

WILMINGTON BREWING CO. Free brewing demonstration every Saturday at 1:30pm. Don’t wait! Brew beer and purchase all your shopping needs for your homebrewer: Gift certificates, equipment, ingredients, T-shirts, and beer. www.wilmingtonhomebrew.com SILVER COAST WINERY Craft Beer Tastings: Seven days/week; flight of five craft beers, $6. • Wine with a light food pairing, $20/ person, includes whites, blush and reds; min. four people (two-day notice; (910) 287-2800). • Every Tues., 6-9pm: Open Mic Night in Southport Tasting Room. • Friday night music at the winery, 4-6pm. • 12/12: Holiday Soiree Open to any group of people.

Includes hors d’ouevre, champagne, DJ, buffet, cash bar. Must reserve a table for a minimum of 6 people. $45/person. 1/25, 1-4pm: Bridal Show: Expert wedding planners and vendors will offer info; DIY booth to learn to make your own centerpieces. 6680 Barbeque Rd NW, Ocean Isle Beach. silvercoastwinery. com CAPE FEAR WINE & FOOD CLUB The Seasoned Gourmet has been teaching cooking classes for over 15 years. They offer unique events for members and their guests, including cooking classes, wine pairing classes, premium wine dinners, and free members-only events throughout the year.

Members enjoy exclusive discounts from our host, The Seasoned Gourmet. Enjoy a 5 percent daily discount on all merchandise in their store, plus a 10 percent daily discount during classes that you attend.

Also a special members-only discount wine during events: 15 percent off six or more bottles and 20 percent off 12 or more bottles. To reserve a seat in class or join, call 910-256-9488 or stop by The Seasoned Gourmet, 1930 Eastwood Rd. theseasonedgourmet. com.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20): “Too much happiness can make you unhappy,” reported journalist Marta Zaraska in the “Washington Post.” Citing research by psychologists, she concluded that being super-extra cheerful can make you selfish, gullible, and more prone to stereotyped thinking. On the other hand, she said maintaining merely moderate levels of happiness is pretty damn good for your mental and physical health. So here’s the takeaway, Aries: The astrological omens suggest you’re due for a surge of joy and pleasure. Just be careful it doesn’t spill over into rash, delirious excess. Here’s your watchword: wellgrounded delight.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the 19th century, the Grimm brothers gathered over 200 old fairy tales from a variety of sources and published them in an unprecedented collection. Many of their stories are still popular, including “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Hansel and Gretel,” and “Rapunzel.” Around the same time they did their work, a storyteller named Franz Xaver von Schönwerth assembled his own compendium of fantastic myths, fables and folklore. Unlike the Grimm brothers’ book, his work faded into obscurity, but it was rediscovered in 2011. Now, 500 lost fairy tales are finding their way into newly published books. I foresee a comparable phenomenon happening for you in 2015, Taurus.

Forgotten stories will return. Raw material from the depths will resurface. Interesting news from the past will come flowing into the present.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your first task is to ascertain the half-truth, the whole half-truth, and nothing but the whole half-truth. Only then will you be able to find the other half of the truth. I realize it may be frustrating to use this approach.

You’d probably prefer to avoid wrangling with the deceptions and misdirections.

I think it’s the only way to jostle loose the hidden or missing information. For best results, be a cunning and unsentimental detective who’s eager to solve the mystery. Don’t focus on finding fault or assigning blame.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): One of the ingredients that makes yoga mats so soft and springy is the chemical azodicarbonamide—the same stuff is added to the soles of shoes. There’s a third place it’s used, too: in the burger buns sold

by McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and other fast-food joints. I’m not suggesting that you order a big supply of azodicarbonamide and ingest it, but I do hope you will consider the metaphorical equivalent: doing whatever’s necessary to make yourself bouncy and fluffy, pliable and supple and resilient.

tors syndiCate THEATRE NOW 12/18, 8pm: Join the Downtown Divas for another fabulous drag dinner. Tickets only $10. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. www.theatrewilmington.com

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “There are two kinds of light,” author James Thurber said, “the glow that illuminates and the glare that obscures.” Lately you have been an abundant source of that first kind of light, Leo. The fire in your heart and the gleam in your eyes have not only brightened the mood wherever you’ve gone. They have also clarified confusing situations, warmed chilly attitudes and healed dispirited allies. Thank you! In the coming weeks, I’d love to see you continue on your hot streak. To help ensure that you do, keep your ego under control. Don’t let it pretend that it owns the light you’re emitting. With a little introspection, you will continue to generate illumination, not glare.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Studies suggest that 57 percent of all people with access to the Internet have engaged in the practice known as ego-surfing.

This modern art form consists of searching Google for mentions of one’s own name. This is a suspiciously low figure unless we factor in the data uncovered by my own research—which is that a disproportionately small amount of Virgos go ego-surfing: only 21 percent. If you are one of the 79 percent of your tribe who does not indulge, I invite you to remedy the situation. It’s an excellent time to risk exploring the potential benefits of increased self-interest and self-regard.

IMPASTO (55 Across) is the

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When I started writing horoscopes many years ago, I was a good astrologer but an unexceptional writer. Eventually, the practice of composing 12 packets of pithy prose every week allowed me to improve my authorial skills. The stuff I composed in the early years wasn’t bad, but I wouldn’t want to present it as my work any more. So should I feel guilty that I got paid and appreciated for those old efforts, even though I was less than perfect? Did I get away with something I shouldn’t have gotten away with? I don’t think so. I was doing the best I could at the time; even my unpolished astrological musings were helpful to many people. Now, Libra, I invite you to apply these meditations to your own unfolding destiny.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You may already know what I’m about to tell you. It’s a core principle at the root of your Scorpio heritage, bt I want to focus your attention on it. In the coming months, you’ll be wise to keep it at the forefront of your conscious awareness. Here it is, courtesy of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “You have it in your power to invest everything you have lived through—your experiments, false starts, errors, delusions, passions, your love and your hope—into your goal, with nothing left over.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “A savage desire for strong emotions and sensations burns inside me: a rage against this soft-tinted, shallow, standardized, and sterilized life.” So says Harry Haller, the protagonist of Herman Hesse’s novel “Steppenwolf.” His declaration could serve as an interesting point of reference for you in the coming months, Sagittarius—not as a mood for everyday use, but as a poetic inspiration that you periodically call on to invigorate your lust for life. My invitation has a caveat, however. I advise you “not” to adopt the rest of Harry Haller’s rant, in which he says that he also has “a mad craving to smash something up, a department store, or a cathedral, or myself.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I have lived near an open space preserve for five years. Up until the last two months, it has been a peaceful, quite place; then the coyotes moved in. Just after dusk every evening, a pack of them start yipping and yowling in the distance. At first I found the racket to be eerie and unsettling. It activated some primal unease in me. And yet the coyotes have never actually been a problem. They don’t roam into my neighborhood and try to bite people or prey on pets. So I’ve come to relish the situation: The wild things are close and exciting but not dangerous. I’m guessing this has a metaphorical resemblance to what your life will be like in the next six months, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont, are really a single town that straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada. Many of the people who live there have dual citizenship, but they’re still supposed to carry their passports with them at all times. I suspect you may experience a metaphorical version of this split in the coming months, Aquarius.

You will be in a situation that has a split down the middle or a seemingly unnatural division. Whether it turns out to be a problem or an opportunity will depend on your adaptability and flexibility.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): When a dead tree topples over in the woods, its withered branches may get entangled with the branches of a living tree that’s standing nearby. As years go by, the living tree must grow the best it can with the decaying wood trapped in its midst. Has something like that ever happened to you? Are you still carrying the rot that other people have burdened you with? If so, the coming months will be an excellent time to get disentangled. A tree isn’t capable of freeing itself from the dead weight of the past, but you are—especially in the first half of 2015.

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Christmas Eve & New Year’s Day

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Everyday favorites on our buffet include: • BBQ Pork • Pig Feet • Fried Chicken • Baked Chicken • Chicken & Pastry • Catfish • Whiting • Clam Strips • Fat Back • Crinkle Fries • 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 • Chicken Salad • Mashed Potatoes & Gravy • Coleslaw • Potato Salad • Pan-Fried Okra • Rolls • Hushpuppies • Cheese Biscuits • Apple, Blueberry & Peach Cobbler • Cherry Cheesecake • Banana Pudding • Ice Cream

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