December 2, 2015

encore

The Cape Fear’s Alternative Voice for 30 Years!

VOL. 32 / PUB. 23 / FREE december 2 – 8, 2015

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Culling the H liday Spirit ILM Unplugged prepares for a free holiday showcase at Bourgie Nights

PGS. 8-9

HODGEPODGE Vol. 32/Pub. 23

December 2 – 8, 2015

Saturday, Dec. 5 - 9am

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Free Workouts for the Children’s Museum

ON THE COVER

The Wilmington Performance Lab is offering free workouts at its facility at 3305 Burnt Mill Dr. on Saturdays for a cause. In lieu of paying for sessions with nationally certified trainers, donations will be collected to benefit The Children’s Museum of Wilmington. The dates to attend Wilmington Performance Lab to support the Children’s Museum are Saturday mornings of Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at 9 a.m. Visit www.wilmingtonperformancelab.com.

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.

CULLING THE Holiday Spirit, pgs. 8-9 ILM Unplugged celebrates the season with song at the annual Holiday Showcase at Bourgie Nights on Friday, Dec. 4. Featured artists include Sean Thomas Gerard (above), Rebekah Todd, Justin Lacy, and others. Courtesy photo.

T

Theatre>> Crumpet makes a much-anticipated and triumphant return in ‘Santaland Diaries,’ now playing at Red Barn Studio Theatre until December 20.

Photo by James Bowling

F

PG. 19

Editorial Assistant: Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

SALES>

Courtesy photo.

E

Extra>>

General Manager: John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Advertising: John Hitt // Downtown // Carolina Beach // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // Midtown, Monkey Junction // shea@encorepub.com Willa Brown // Midtown, Monkey Junction // sales@devourilm.com Rose Thompson // Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington // rose@encorepub.com Office Manager: Susie Riddle // susie@adpakweekly.com Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

The Holiday Flea at BAC will return this weekend for another communitycentered shopping event. Find unique gifts this season, Dec. 4-6.

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

Chief Contributors: Chris Pendergast, Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori, Tiffanie DiDonato, Bethany Turner, Josephine Butler

<<FILM

PG. 21

EDITORIAL>

Art Director: Kyle Peeler // ads@encorepub.com

Another franchise comes to a close with an unnecessary two-part finale. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” ends the dystopian fictional saga and Angus is not left sated.

Published weekly, on Wednesday, by HP Media.

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

PGs. 30-31

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 7 Music, pgs. 8-13 • Art, pgs. 16-17 • Theatre, pgs. 18-19 • Film, pg. 21 Dining, pgs. 22-29 • Extra, pgs. 30-32 • Calendar, pgs. 33-47

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event of the week

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NEWS>>live local

live local, live small:

Overcoming a fear of pointed objects and learning more about fencing in ILM by: gwenyfar rohler

“I

IN FORMATION: High-schoolers Reaghan Juelke and Logan Pfeifle compete in a bout during the high-school fencing league tournament. Photo, courtesy of Greg Spahr.

s this a right- or left-side zipper?” an adorable Cindy Lou Who lookalike asks, while holding up a fencing jacket for Coach Spahr’s inspection.

At a Tuesday night meeting of the Cape Fear Fencing Association, I watch Coach Greg Spahr patiently show her how to determine whether it is left- or right-handed. Off she runs in search of a different jacket.

The association meets in the lower level of Tileston Gym. A hive of activity swirls about during the events. Fencers engage in bouts, others get suited up and make sure they are connected to the reels and score-keeping system. In the corner, a

couple of parents read books.

I am here for two reasons: I am facing a fear and fulfilling a commitment. In January, I announced I would attend a fencing event as of my proposed Live Local resolutions for 2015. The Cape Fear Fencing Association has grown so dramatically in the last two decades that it seemed essential to look into this phenomenon in the Port City. In addition, I am terrified—absolutely terrified—of sharp pointed objects coming at me. (This seems to be a perfectly reasonable fear.) Consequently, my childhood hopes of discovering I was in fact the spiritual heir to Douglas Fairbanks and “The Man in Black” (Cary Elwes,

4 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

not Johnny Cash) have been dashed. But a lot of this year has been about facing fears and getting along with life. Clearly, I managed to put this resolution off until the end.

Yes, I admit, I was (am) scared.

But if ever there was someone to offer reassurance and calm guidance, it is Greg Spahr. He coolly gets through helping me suit up in the armory (and is even nice enough not to laugh when I am too fat to get into the first fencing jacket he hands me.

That’s a gentleman).

Glove? Check.

Foil? Check.

Mask? Oh, yes! The don’t-let-anythingpoke-your-eye-out mask?

Absolutely check.

Spahr leads me over to the far side of the gym where we will be out of everyone’s way— and takes me through the very basics of how to hold a blade, advance, retreat (my favorite), parry, and thrust. He is kind and patient, but it is clear that I am far from an ideal student.

Cindy Lou Who’s doppelganger materializes again with a new jacket and the same question. Spahr points out that it is a back zip jacket, and therefore not a left or right hand zip.

He helps her get settled, checks that the jacket is ready for the electronic scoring system that

connects through the reels hanging from the ceiling, and she scampers off to begin her first bout of the evening. I watch her with envy. It is hard to admit that someone who barely comes up to my waist line is clearly living my Errol Flynn-like daydreams.

Spahr got into fencing to fulfill a PE requirement in college; apparently, he fell in love with the sport. He joined the team. In graduate school for renaissance music, he assisted in coaching a fencing team. As happens in life, he accumulated knowledge and experience to become the person Cape Fear Fencing Association asked to relocate from Indiana to Wilmington to coach. (I should say that is a hyper-simplified version of events; visit www.capefearfencing.com to read more; it is impressive).

“We did a national search,” Herman Smith confirms.

If Spahr is the coach for CFFA, Herman is the father. Back in 1997, Herman and three fencing buddies rented the third floor of a downtown restaurant for their club.

“We decided this is getting kind of expensive—why don’t we offer classes?” he remembers. “We figured we’d use our personal gear.

We got 17 people in the very first class!”

Herman grins.

Clearly, fencing remains a source of great joy. He loves to do it and he loves to talk about it. “We loaded up our credit cards and bought enough gear to outfit 17 people,” he notes. “After that first class we had outgrown our space.

We had too many people.”

They struck a deal with Don Lashley for a space, which is now Ironclad Brewery. That was fine as long as all their fencers were of age to go to the bar around the corner to answer the call of nature. A need for bathrooms accessible by people under the age of 21 led them to approach St. Mary’s church about using Tileston Gym. Herman had ties to the congregation and the space seemed ideal. That was in 2000; since, the relationship has flourished.

“You’d have to be at a college to have as many [fencing] strips as we do,” Herman notes with justifiable pride in his voice.

Though the club and classes had grown, Herman and the founders hit a plateau in their own development. “We deicided it would really be nice to have someone to teach us to fence,” he continues. “So we brought Greg out.”

Today, CFFA runs a homeschool program, an afterschool program, and offers classes at Camp LeJunne, as well as oversees club practice and training. “We support the club at UNCW and provide all the gear for them,” Herman explains. “Greg teaches two classes there and we provide the gear for that. It is an association of fencers who are all volunteers, except for the coach, who is paid privately by the people who take lessons from him.”

It seems to work more than beautifully.

Like watching good swordsmanship itself, it is

poetry in motion. Most amazing is the sheer volume of people who enjoy themselves at a sport that few people realize flourishes here.

Fencers regularly travel to compete regionally and some even nationally. Herman has competed nationally several times.

Given this vibrant fencing subculture right under our noses, I wonder what else we got wrong about fencing. Upon posing the question, Spahr disappears and comes back with a Xeroxed piece of paper. It is the Olympics ranking of danger and injuries in sports. Fencing is one of the lowest; soccer and snowboarding are at the top.

“Athletic directors at schools tell me all the time that it is so dangerous,” he states.

“Well, the Olympics puts badminton and table tennis ahead of fencing in injuries.” He is almost gleeful.

“The Cape Fear Fencing Association seems to work more than beautifully. Like watching good swordsmanship itself, it is poetry in motion.”

Spahr points out that most injuries are not from swords breaking, but rather someone over-extending a flex or not paying attention to form. For kids it is not when participating in a bout, but when they forget proper safety procedure for holding a blade. Spahr points out that focus is a really important piece of fencing education with children (adults, too, let’s be honest). “And try to teach them to give back especially in the afterschool program,” he extends. “There’s only one of me.”

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Consequently, Spahr tries to prepare them to step up and work with other kids who haven’t mastered the same skills. He wants them to assume leadership and responsibility, and develop their communication skills. And they start at a young age.

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“Pretty much all the programs [start] about second grade—[ages] 7 to 8, sometimes a little younger, if the parents fence or older kids fence,” Spahr says. “Before they hit 8, swords are still a little bit heavy.”

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I am trying to work up the nerve to take the six-week class. Anyone want to join?

The next round will start on the first Tuesday in January—and last twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday for six weeks. It’s $50 for the class and $10 to be on CFFA’s insurance for the year. CFFA will provide all the equipment, and between Spahr and Herman, plenty of experience, enthusiasm and tender guidance is included.

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New World Order

It’s Snot Hygienic

The manager of the agency in Louisville, Kentucky, responsible for, among other things, development planning, zoning changes and historic landmarks revealed in November that his headquarters has a “boogers” problem and ordered users of the third-floor men’s room to stop hocking them onto the walls adjacent to the urinals. According to an internal memo cited by InsiderLouisville.com, Metro Planning and Design Services manager Joe Reverman called the mucus buildup “a very serious situation” and had his executive administrator post signs instructing restroom users on the basics of proper disposal of “anything that comes out of or off a person’s body.”

Great Art!

— The 1968 Cy Twombly “blackboard” painting sold for $70.5 million at New York City’s Sotheby’s auction in November (higher than experts’ estimate of $60 million). The painting consists of six horizontal lines of continuous circular swirls (white chalk on a “blackboard”) — perhaps the same swirls that might be made by an extremely bored, aggressive first-grader given a supply of chalk and the absence of the teacher.

— The Baltimore-based “experimental music” creators Matmos announced the release of their new album, “Ultimate Care II,” consisting entirely of “music” made by a Whirlpool washing machine (the Ultimate Care II model).

According to a November report in Time magazine, the machine’s 38-minute wash cycle will be “sampled and processed” to lighten the original sound. (Matmos previously “played”

canisters of helium on stage at Radio City Music Hall and a cow’s uterus at the San Francisco Art Institute.)

Cultural Diversity

In an enterprise somewhat resembling “American Idol,” amateur performers in China become self-supporting online not by soliciting money directly, but through virtual gifts from enthralled fans, with performers getting a cut of each sale. Beijing’s YY.com hosts original performances, and two of the site’s favorites, Mr. Earth and Ms. Cloud, earned the equivalent of about $160,000 last year from their universe of 1.8 million fans (according to a November Wall Street Journal report). In an ancillary industry (led by 9158.com), hard-core fans can purchase access (think “virtual limousines,” shown “arriving” at a “concert”), giving them bragging rights. (A simple “applause” icon after a song costs about a penny.)

Watch Your Language: (1) Recently added to the list of words and phrases to be officially discouraged on campus, according to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s website: “political correctness.” The phrase is said to be a “microaggression” that might make some students feel uncomfortable or unsafe if they hear it or read it. (2) In November, the University of Vermont held a (voluntary) three-day “retreat” open only to students who “self-identify as white,” so that they can study the implications of “white privilege” in society (e.g., “what does it mean to be white?” and “how does whiteness impact you?”).

Government Inaction

The Queens (New York) Redbird Tourist Information Center was finally ordered to close in July following an extraordinarily unsuccessful seven-year run in which, possibly, not a single tourist ever walked through the door. The New York Post, interviewing neighbors in Kew Gardens, found no one who ever saw a visitor, and the center’s lone staff member said she recalled only lunchtime drop-ins from jury duty at the criminal court building down the block.

The Continuing Crisis

Marshall University (Huntington, West Virginia), seeking a “star free agent” for its medical faculty, hired neurosurgeon

Paul Muizelaar in July despite controversy from his previous work at the University of California, Davis. There, Dr. Muizelaar and colleagues, in a daring experiment, introduced live bowel bacteria into the brain — on lab rats — supposedly to stimulate the immune system when other remedies had faltered. However, Dr. Muizelaar, emboldened, also introduced the bacteria into brains of a man and two women who had highly malignant glioblastoma tumors (each patient having consented). However, two died within weeks, and although the third survived more than a year, UC Davis found numerous protocol violations.

Dr. Muizelaar’s new supervisor told the Associated Press that he nonetheless felt lucky to land him because “not everybody wants to move to Appalachia.”

Least Competent Criminals

Kaleb Alexander, 25, was shot and killed in October as he emerged from a United Dairy Farmers convenience store in Columbus, Ohio, still with his gun defiantly drawn after he had just then robbed the clerk. A Columbus police SWAT team was waiting outside the store because Alexander had robbed the store the previous two nights, as well, and somehow must have thought that the police would not catch on to his cunning robbery strategy.

Bright Ideas

The exasperated drug enforcement chief of Indonesia told reporters in November (following confiscation of a massive quantity of methamphetamine from China) that the ordinary death penalty was insufficient for drug runners, who should instead be forced to overdose on their own shipments. Budi Waseso also mused that crocodiles would make better prison guards than humans because crocs can’t be bribed and later added tigers and pirhanas to the proposed guard roster. Even so, Waseso’s boss reiterated that the government is committed to rehabilitation over punishment.

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arts>>music

CULLING THE Holiday Spirit: ILM Unplugged prepares for a free holiday showcase at Bourgie Nights

the holiday showcase for the last couple of years, after founder and Bourgie Nights/Manna owner Billy Mellon—who founded ILM Unplugged—passed on the torch. “It’s become a sentimental thing for me, something I have a lot of pride in,” Gerard says.

by: shannon rae gentry

The showcase typically sees about four to five songwriters a month. The holiday edition books up to 20 performers. Past productions have included themes, such as “A Beatles Christmas” and “A Honky Tonk Unplugged.” This year Gerard wanted to leave the format a little more open to interpretation.

Though all ILM unplugged events consist of original music only, the holiday showcase allows performers to fill their allotted time with three original or classic holiday tunes. “My hope is that it inspires people to write their own holiday music,” Gerard says. “But I also wanted to give some of the lesser-known musicians an opportunity to play an original song or two to a crowd of their peers.”

It never takes too much persuasion to get local artists on board for the holiday showcase. The community is pretty tightknit and know they’re in for a good time if not a paycheck.

“This is a moral-raising event,” Gerard quips. “It’s a free show, so not much money to be made. . . .The whole point is to have a night to celebrate the holidays with as many local musicians as I can get on board. It’s almost like a holiday office party for local songwriters.”

Surprisingly, Gerard says, most artists have hinted at doing all holiday songs. Performers like Justin Lacy will have original holiday-inspired music, while others like Rebekah Todd are more traditionalists. “I always enjoy hearing others’ creativity,” Todd excites. “I jumped at the opportunity to participate [in the holiday showcase].”

I

HOLIDAY SONG: Rebekah Todd, Sean Thomas Gerard and Justin Lacy (above) are among almost two dozen artists set to play at the ILM Unplugged Holiday Showcase on Fri. Dec. 4 at Bourgie Nights. Courtesy photo

t’s not always easy to find a venue solely focused on local musicians who play original music—but that’s what Bourgie Nights offers each month. The Wilmington Unplugged series is approaching its 10th year of showcasing original music by local artists. This year’s free ILM Un-

plugged Holiday Showcase is set to return on Friday, Dec. 4 with almost two dozen performers ready to take the stage.

When singer/songwriter Sean Thomas Gerard moved to Wilmington seven years ago, Wilmington Unplugged was one of his first gigs. It’s also where the

8 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

beginnings of his band Onward, Soldiers can be traced back. “I have performed so many of them now I couldn’t count,” he says of the monthly series.

Currently held at downtown Wilmington’s Bourgie Nights (127 Princess St.), Gerard has organized Unplugged and

While Todd’s been privy to creative holiday song choices by several featured artists, she’s not at liberty to provide details.

“I don’t want to ruin the surprise,” she adds, “[but] I can’t wait to see what local songwriter Chris Frisina will come up with.”

Lacy has landed on performing one of his favorites covers, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

“I love playing it with The Swimming Machine,” Lacy tells of his backing band.

“We first did it in Christmas 2010, and Dr. Seuss’ quirky lyrics were a perfect match for our oddball ensemble. We even had our backup vocalist deliver a Dr. Seuss monologue to introduce the song.”

All of the songs at the showcase appeared on Lacy’s 2013 holiday EP, “This One’s For Tina,” recorded with the Swimming Machine at Hourglass Studios.

“The most challenging thing about writing holiday music is finding the time and motivation to write it, which requires you to reflect on the holidays far, far earlier than is remotely healthy,” Lacy says. “But songwriters have to get in out-of-place mindsets all the time anyway, reflecting on heartbreak when they’re no longer heartbroken, for example. I like the idea of trying to tap into the universality of the crazy complicated conceit that is Christmas. It’s such a shared experience—it beckons songwriting.”

Lacy’s drawn to more somber Christmas rhymes and tales. The let-down the holidays as heard in Low’s “Just Like Christmas,” or Dolly Parton’s reflection on the past year and reinvention for the new one in “Hard Candy Christmas.”

“I guess I like my Christmas music dark and dreary,” he muses. “I love Christmastime. Over the past few years, playing music with my friends has been the most affirming part of the holidays, the closest I can get to that yuletide wonderment of childhood. Although, spiked eggnog does work its own wonders, too.”

Todd, Frisina and Lacy will be joined by other local favorites, like Travis Shallow, Ethan Driskill, Vanessa Lynch, and duo Shaun and Shaylah Paul. The Midatlantic’s lead mandolinist Jason Andre will take the stage, as will Mike Blair, Tres Altman, Evan Baker, Jim Ashley, and Michael Buckley. There will even be a comedy bit by Johnny Gray.

Some of his personal picks this time of year include “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” written by Frank Loesser in 1944 and originally sung by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams. “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon is an all-time favorite, though hard to sing.

Sufjan Stevens’ “Songs for Christmas” and “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty also make the list. “I love when traditional songs are re-imagined,” Gerard adds. “It shows how creative the artist’s adaptation is.”

The Wilmington Unplugged Holiday Showcase is set for Friday, Dec. 4 at Bourgie Nights in downtown Wilmington. The show is free of charge. For updates or other details, visit the event Facebook page.

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While some unplugged artists have laid claim to song choices, collaborations are also in the works and talks of a group sing-along to end the show.

“That’s the other fun thing about the event: You get many songwriters in a room together and collabs are bound to happen,” Gerard adds.

Gerard will play a few tunes, too, but he’s not quite settled on what yet. “I typically wait until the holiday spirit hits me,” he tells. “I’ll probably know more after Thanksgiving.”

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Lantern Floating Ceremony Lanterns available for purchase to float in CAM’s pond at sunset. Bring the whole family!

Free to attend.

3201 SOUTH SEVENTEENTH STREET | WILMINGTON NC 28412 | 910-395-5999 10 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

a preview of events across town this week

the soundboard

Brought to you by:

encore magazine

ABOVE: Catch Dopapod on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Ziggy’s By The Sea (208 Market St.) and their style of improvisational funk, rock, jam, and everything in between. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Courtesy photo.

Wednesday, December 2 UNCW Dept. of Music Recital (7:30pm; Free)

—UNCW Beckwith Recital Hall, 5270 Randall Dr.

Music Wednesday (3pm; Free)

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

Open Mic (6:30pm; Free)

—Addicted to the Bean, 1207 S. Kerr Ave.

Dopapod (7pm; $15-$18; Jam)

—Ziggy’s By The Sea, 208 Market St.; 910-769-4096

Raphael Name’ (7pm; $3; Acoustic)

Open-Mic, The Wednesday Echo (7:30pm; Free)

Live Music on the Patio (8pm; Free)

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

Thursday, December 3

Pool Night (10pm; Free)

Sea Pans Steel Drums (6pm; Free)

—Banks Channel Pub & Grille, 530 Causeway Dr.

—Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

Jazz Night (8pm; Free)

Jazz at the CAM (6:30pm; $5-$68)

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

—Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St.

James Jarvis Jazz Piano (7pm; Free)

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

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

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

Michael Frusha (6:30pm; Free; Acoustic) —Goat & Compass, 710 N. 4th St.

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

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tj walsh 6pm - 8pm

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Acoustic Pop/Rock, 7pm - 10pm

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

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 Southern Half Price Bottles of Wine Shiners 5 Absolut Dreams 50 $ Blue$2Moon Draft 3 NC Brewed Bottles • Pacifico Absolut Dream $$5$503-22oz 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 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 $ 50

$ (910)-452-1212 3 Guinness Cans Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY 100 S. FRONT ST. $ Baybreeze/Seabreeze 4 22oz. Blue Moon 910-251-1832 Draft $3 LIVE MUSIC $ 2 Select Domestic Bottles in the courtyard SUNDAY7 days a week $ Bloody Marys 4, Domestic MONDAY S.I.N. NIGHT $2 Domestics • $3 All Draft Selections Pints $150 • $4 Flavored Bombs 50% off Apps 6pm $til Hurricanes 5 close

NEW BELGIUM TUESDAY Carolina Beach Road, $3 New5564 Belgium selections (Fat Tire, Ranger IPA) (910) 452-1212 $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 FRIDAY $2.75 Michelob Ultra • $3.25 Stella $4.50 José Cuervo Silver • Live Music on the Patio SATURDAY $2.75 Red Stripe • $4.50 Evan Williams Cherry Reel Cafe Rooftop Concert Series SUNDAY $3 Coronas/Corona Lite • $10 Domestic Buckets (5) $4 Mimosas • $4 Bloody Mary’s

PARK IT: Head over to Goat & Compass (710 N. 4th St.) on Friday, Dec. 4 to see Parker Lanier perform live at 9 p.m. Courtesy photo

Michael Wolfe (7pm; $3; Acoustic)

Thursday $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

________________________________________

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

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

Firedrums Dance (8pm; Free)

Friday

Christmas Belles (8pm; $16-$22)

8:30 p.m. • PRIZES! • $250 yuengling drafts ____________________________________________

LIVE __________________________________________ MUSIC Sunday

BREAKFAST BUFFET

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

1 42 3 S . 3 r d S t . D O W NT O W N W I L M I NG T O N ( 91 0 ) 7 63 - 1 60 7

—Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.

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

Overtyme (7pm; Free; Eclectic Mix)

—Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

UNCW Chamber Winds & Symphony (7:30pm; $6)

—Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St.

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

Elena Woodard (10pm; Free)

Parker Lanier (9pm; Free; Country)

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

Sweet Sweet (10:30pm; Free; Folk) —Duck n Dive, 114 Dock St.

Friday, December 4 Tim Meadows (7pm; Free; Comedy)

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

12 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

Mark Daffer (7pm; Free; Eclectic)

—Goat & Compass, 710 N. 4th St.

Live Music on the Patio (9:30pm; Free)

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

Kim Dicso (10pm; Free)

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

Tim Meadows (9:30pm; Free; Comedy)

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

Kyle Lindley (7pm; Free; Acoustic) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

910-962-3500

Music & Comedy Open Mic (8pm; Free) —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

Saturday, December 5

Heather Rogers (9pm; Free; Acoustic)

UNCW Honor Band Festival Concert (3pm; Free)

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

The Clams CD Release Party (5pm; Free Rock)

Tuesday, December 8

—Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Rd.; 910-962-3500 —The Art Factory, 721 Surry St.

Jazz Piano (6pm; Free)

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

Tim Meadows (7pm; Free; Comedy)

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

Timmy Pierce (7pm; Free; Acoustic)

concerts outside of southeastern nc

showstoppers

Trivia Night (8pm; Free)

—Banks Channel Pub & Grille, 530 Causeway Dr.

College Karaoke (9pm; Free)

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

Jonnie Morgan Band (9pm; Cover TBA; Acoustic) —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

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

Mike O’Donnell (7pm; Free; Dance & Classic) —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

Justin Cody Fox Duo (7pm; Free; Country) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Krampusnacht (8pm; $2 Donation; Gothic) —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.

Snake Malone (9pm; Free; Blues)

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

Live Music on the Patio (9:30pm; Free)

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

Donna Merritt (10pm; Free)

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

Tyler Mckaig (10pm; Free; Acoustic) —Goat & Compass, 710 N. 4th St.

Tim Meadows (9:30pm; Free; Comedy)

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

Sunday, December 6 Tuba Christmas Carols (3pm; Free)

—Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

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

—Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.

Live Bluegrass (5pm; Free)

—The Shack at Dockside, 300 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Sunday Bluegrass (6pm; Free)

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

Tim Meadows (7pm; Free; Comedy)

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

Cape Fear Jazz Society Holiday (6pm; $40-$45) —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

Years Til Now and more (7:30pm; Free; Punk) —Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St. 910-799-6465

Tyler Mckaig (9pm; Free; Acoustic)

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

Brooke Thompson (9pm; Free; R&B)

Wednesday, December 9 Mystery Music Wednesday (3pm; Free) —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

Dawes (6:30pm; $25-$35; Americana)

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

Open Mic (6:30pm; Free)

—Addicted to the Bean, 1207 S. Kerr Ave.

James Jarvis, Jazz Piano (7pm; Free)

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

Open Mic, The Wednesday Echo (7:30pm; Free)

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

Wes Taylor And Friends (9pm; Free; Acoustic) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

Pool Night (10pm; Free)

—Banks Channel Pub & Grille, 530 Causeway Dr.

Jazz Night (8pm; Free)

—Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St.

Thursday, December 10 TJ Walsh (6pm; Free; Acoustic)

—Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

Paul Obernesser (7pm; Free; Acoustic) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.;

Firedrums Night (8pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

Jenny Pearson (10pm; Free; Acoustic)

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

Friday, December 11 Coastal Carolina Christmas (7pm; $25)

—St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.; 910-762-4578

Two of a Kind (7pm; Free; Eclectic)

—Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

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

Sean Thomas Gerard (7pm; Free; Acoustic)

DJ Reign (10pm; Free)

The Tim Koehler Project (9pm; Free; Acoustic)

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

Monday, December 7 OLLI New Horizons Band (7:30pm; Free)

—Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

—Bombers Beverage Co, 108 Grace St.

Tom & Jane (10pm; Acoustic)

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

RAMBLIN’: See The Red Clay Ramblers and friends at one of three performances at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro on Dec. 9, 10 and 11. Courtesy photo NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 12/4: Steep Canyon Rangers 12/5: Steep Canyon Rangers 12/6: Jonny Lang and Dwan Hill 12/10: Andy McKee 12/11: Samantha Fish THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., Charlotte, NC (704) 916-8970 12/3: Charles Kelley and Maren Morris 12/4: Brillz 12/8: Mac Miller, Earthgang and more 12/9: All That Remains, Devour the Day and more 12/13: Back N Black AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 SOUTH TRYON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 377-6874 12/3: Zachariah English Music and more 12/4: Dr. Feelgood 12/6: Winter Jam 12/10: Silverstein, Senses Fail and more MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., durham, NC (919) 901-0875 12/2: The Mystery Lights and The Chickenhawks 12/3: The Monti 12/4: Zack Mexico, Birds of Avalon and more 12/5: Kollin Baer

HOUSE OF BLUES MYRTLE BEACH 4640 Hwy 17 S., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 272-3000 12/4: Stan Gregory 12/5: Jonny Lang

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. Cabarrus st., raleigh, nc (919) 821-4111 12/3: Love Canon & Big Daddy Love 12/4: The Steeldrivers with Black Lillies 12/5: Kix w/ Automag, The Fifth and more 12/6: John Kadlecik Band 12/9: Samantha Fish 12/10: Corrosion of Conformity and more CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN St., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 12/2: Run River North (Back Room) 12/5: Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear 12/6: Attalus, Greaver and FS (Back Room) 12/6: The Academy Is and Party Baby 12/7: Cas Haley and Colin Hauser (Back Room) 12/9: The Red Clay Ramblers and more (Back Room) 12/10: The Red Clay Ramblers and more (Back Room) 12/11: The Red Clay Ramblers and more (Back Room) THE ORANGE PEEL 101 bILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 12/4: Deerhunter and Atlas Sound 12/7: Mac Miller and more 12/8: Corrosion Of Conformity and more 12/9: Big K.R.I.T. and more

—Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Rd.;

encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 13

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UPCOMING EVENTS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 | 7:00 P.M.

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encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 15

arts>>art

CAPTURING HOLIDAY MAGIC: New Elements holiday show celebrates nature, joy of giving

by: Josephine Butler

M

any of the greatest gifts worth celebrating can’t be purchased in a store. For Wilmington painter Ann Parks McCray, it’s the very act of creating that she celebrates most.

“Every human being is a creator,” McCray says. “Whether it’s music or visual art or dance, it’s important to create because it wakes up and nurtures those seeds planted within us.”

Now on display through the holidays, the blossoms of those seeds—a diverse collection of art, craft and jewelry from the gallery’s many artists—are on display in the New Elements Gallery 31st Annual Holiday Show.

“This isn’t your typical holiday show,” says Miriam Oehrlein, owner of New Elements. “We want it to feel magical but not traditional.”

That’s not a difficult feat for Oehrlein, considering much of the work in New Elements is anything but traditional. That includes the work of McCray, who describes her style as “post-impressionist with a modern twist,” inspired by the compositions of greats like Monet and Kandinsky. The latter of whom the artist credits as moving her away from strictly representational work.

Whether the strokes on the canvas paint a clear picture or not, the greatest source of inspiration for McCray is an obvious one. “Nature is where I find my inspiration,” she notes. “Even on the greyest, coldest day, there is something beautiful out there. I find tremendous peace, comfort and joy in nature.”

A lifelong painter who studied studio art at Amarillo College in Texas, McCray has

the painting’s reflection to reveal areas where the canvas needs further development.

“I feel like I’m just painting energy or light,” says McCray, who often loses track of time while she works. “I enjoy creating movement in my paintings because that’s a function of painting intuitively and quickly, and not overthinking the process.”

One thing McCray is cognizant of while she works: her joy.

“For me, the process itself is so gratifying, but the paintings have to go out,” she says. “These are meant to be shared, and it’s when they’re shared and others celebrating Essentials: Anne Parks find joy and happiness in them, that the proMcCray’s art work is on display, alongside numerous cess completes itself.” others, in New Elements’ annual holiday show.

Courtesy photo

Art-goers will find gift ideas for the holidays, including handcrafted mugs from Michael Lalone of the John C. Campbell Folk School; David Goldhagen’s blown glass “As a visual artist, the natural beauty of pumpkins and ornaments; the rustic copper the area really draws you,” she states. Mc- jewelry of Kee Wilde-Ramsing; and Lázaro Cray especially enjoys Wilmington’s access Salsita’s endearing 3D seabirds, which the to water via beaches, the Intracoastal Wa- Cuban artist created a few short weeks ago terway and the Cape Fear River. Even the during his stay in Bald Head Island durpond behind the artist’s home has inspired ing the 18th No Boundaries International her work.

Art Colony. For more traditional art lovers, In her piece, “Celebrating Essentials” (60 masterly oil painter Janet Triplett has stolen by 48 inches, oil on canvas), small blocks the show with her piece “Party’s Over,” and of olive greens and misty blues outline Susan Mauney’s watercolor, titled “Empty the branches of pine trees that tower over Porch No. 37,” contrasts beautifully against swaths of algae-like greens and browns. It a gold-leaf sky. suggests the murky waters of a small pond.

This year’s Holiday Show will benefit The found no shortage of inspiration in Wilmington. She relocated here a number of years ago, in what she calls a “conscious move.”

“It may or may not be water in the foreground,” McCray explains. “My paintings are open to individual interpretation, and I enjoy so much hearing what people take from them.”

It is this same freedom of interpretation that also dictates McCray’s technique. She paints loosely with oil (and occasionally with acrylic), using brushes, palette knives and even kitchen utensils to create impasto-like strokes on canvas.

16 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

And isn’t that what the true spirit of the giving season is all about?

Without photographs or even so much as a preconceived idea, McCray follows her intuition as she paints, using bright, natural colors and mirrors to conjure light.

It provides a different perspective during the process. It’s not unusual for the artist to flip a painting upside down or sideways, using

Carousel Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing safe spaces for abused and neglected children. Gallery patrons and those who purchase raffle tickets in support of the charity will be entered to win a $300 gift certificate to the gallery.

DETAILS:

31st Annual Holiday Show

Through Jan. 22 New Elements Gallery 201 Princess St. • (910) 343-8997 Extended holiday hours (through Dec. 25): 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Tues. - Sat. www.newelementsgallery.com

what’s hanging around the port city

galleryguide Artfuel.inc

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

Artfuel is pleased to host Vol. 42, featuring work by Dennis Schaffer, Kyle Page, Mimi Logothetis, and Tuki Lucero. Hangs for eight weeks.

ArtExposure!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 • (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com ArtExposure will host a Fall Open House on Saturday, November 15th from 11am-4pm. Artists will be working in the main show room and displaying work for sale. A live model will be present for all who wish to paint or draw from life. There will be a tip jar present for the model. Come and participate or just watch the artists at work! Refreshments will be served. ArtExposure offers unique gifts and gift cards that can be used for classes, custom framing, as well as fine art and craft items. Come see us!

Art in bloom

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

Join Art in Bloom Gallery at our Holly Jolly Stroll Festivities, December 11th-12th, 10 am - 8 pm. A Fine-Art Raffle to Benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard ends on December 12th at 6 pm.

New Elements Gallery

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

The 31st Annual Holiday Show features new work from the gallery’s talented roster of artists.

This year’s holiday show will benefit The Carousel Center, a Wilmington non-profit dedicated to providing safe spaces for abused and neglected children. New Elements Gallery will host an opening reception on November 27th, from 6pm to 9pm, in conjunction with Downtown Wilmington’s Fourth Friday Gallery Night. The 31st Annual

Holiday Show will remain on view until January cased. Clay art and pottery; oil paintings, water22, 2016. See previous page for full article. colors, mixed media, pastels and acrylics; plus award-winning metalworks, wood pieces, handblown glass, fiber art, artisan-made jewelry and River to Sea Gallery more. Sunset River Marketplace has become a 225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf popular destination for visitors, a gathering place (free parking) • (910) 763-3380 for artists and a center of the community, thanks Tues.- Sat. 11am - 5pm; Sun. 1- 4pm to its onsite pottery studio, complete with two River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of kilns; a custom master framing department; and husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. art classrooms for workshops and ongoing inIn addition, the gallery represents several local struction. artists. The current show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry. WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY “Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet 200 Hanover Street, CFCC parking deck Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and First level texture to reveal local marsh creeks and struc- Tues.- Fri., 10am - 5:30pm; tures.

Sat., noon - 5:30pm

SUNSET RIVER Marketplace

(910) 362-7431

Now on display is the No Boundaries Art Colony exhibit, featuring international, national and local artists. The artists convened on Bald Head Island for an art colony retreat for two weeks and will display their works in the Wilma Daniels GalIn the historic fishing village of Calabash, NC, lery through Dec. 31. over 10,000-plus square feet of fine arts is show-

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 • Tues.- Sat. 10 am - 5 pm www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com

encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 17

arts>>theatre

CHRISTMAS WITH THE FUTRELLES:

Family hijinks pave the way with Jones-Hope-Wooten’s Southern comedy, ‘Christmas Belles’ 2012 and has served on Big Dawg’s board for two years now, all the while acting, directing and helping launch Big Dawg’s touring series. Familiarity with the family in the show and the town they live in has laid most of the groundwork for “Christmas Belles” rather easily.

likes of an Elvis impersonator.

by: shea carver

W

hen it comes to producing a play about life in the South, one theme will be most prevalent almost always: family. That’s the bulk carrying Big Dawg Productions’ farce, “Christmas Belles,” which will open at Cape Fear Playhouse on Thursday night.

From the writers of “Dearly Departed” and “Dearly Beloved,” both of which Big Dawg produced already, “Christmas Belles” takes the audience back to Frayo, Texas. The Futrelle sisters are having a rough time getting in the holiday spirit.

Frankie is weeks past due with twins, while Twink is serving time for setting the town afire. Meanwhile, Honey Raye can’t keep the cast together for their annual Christmas program performed at the Tabernacle of the Lamb. In the midst of it all, a family secret becomes common knowledge and a slew of hijinks follow suit, including the

Once again Randy Davis will direct the Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten-written play. Davis oversaw “Dearly Beloved” at the beginning of the 2015 Big Dawg season and has secured many of the same actors to reprise their roles.

“Being a sequel, the cast and I are in a somewhat unique position for the theatre,” Davis tells. “Nine of the 11 characters in ‘Christmas Belles’ were in ‘Dearly Beloved,’ so the actors came to the readthrough with most of their character work already completed.”

“The play takes place in the same fellowship hall as ‘Dearly Beloved,’” Davis explains. “So, the set is the same design as I did for the first play—but we did upgrade the hall with a new paint scheme.”

Costumes are being designed by Shawn Sproatt, who, according to the director, is “having a great time dressing them for the tragedy of a Nativity scene.” Garish Christmas sweaters and Star-Spangled angels, along with a staunch, smelly Santa costume, are included.

This time around the action centers on second chances, and how the characters are dealing with consequences. From it, farfetched situations will keep audiences agape in laughter.

“One character even points out that the theme of the Nativity is mankind’s second

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

“The lights are being designed by Dallas LaFon, who is also our technical director,” Davis says. “He will be using lights to portray various locations around the church and the town.”

Davis equates the humor of the chance, and at this time of year, it’s impor- show to that of a “Golden Girls” episode tant to be true to that by giving the people in (which is most appropriate considering our lives second chances,” Davis explains. playwirght Wooten wrote for the famed The two newbies of the cast, Jim Bowl- ‘80s sitcom. “You’ll laugh uproariously, and ing and Irene Slater, will take on Raynerd when you aren’t paying attention, it might Chisum and Rhonda Lynn Lampley respec- just bring a tear to your eye,” Davis tells.

tively. Erika Edwards will return as Gina Jo “I think this particular Southern comedy Dubberly, a.k.a. GJ—the town sweetheart. does a great job of commenting on a lot GJ gets the lead role as Mary in the church of the things we encounter in our society,” play. It’s one of Edwards’ favorite scenes. Edwards adds. “These characters allow us “G.J. has been such a pleasure to play,” to laugh at the quirks we see mirrored in Edwards says. “I think I’d like to channel ourselves.” more G.J. in my life, as far as taking delight The show opens Thursday night with a in the simple things in life.” pay-what-you-can (cash only) admission Deb Bowen will return as Geneva. Gene- charge (minimum $5). It runs weekends va’s teaching Bowen how, despite the ups through Dec. 20. and downs, life works itself out eventually.

“I love the many faces of a small Southern town,” Bowen says of the play’s appeal. “I grew up in a coastal town with such charac- Christmas Belles December 3-6. 10-13, 17-20, 8 p.m., ters and love them all.”

DETAILS:

Davis is enjoying directing the Southern farce. From 2003-2005, he worked with Opera House, Thalian Association, BUMP Productions, and as artistic director for Purple Crayon Productions. Davis left town but moved back to Wilmington in 18 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

Thurs.-Sat.; 3 p.m., Sun. Tickets: $16-$22 Cape Fear Playhouse 613 Castle St. • 910-367-5237 www.bigdawgproductions.org

arts>>theatre

A BELOVED RETURN:

‘Santaland Diaries’ brings back a much-missed holiday tradition by:GWENYFAR ROHLER

“T

his year’s Crumpet” is a phrase often heard in Wilmington’s theatre community, usually every fall. It is shorthand for the star of the year’s one-man show in David Sedaris’ “Santaland Diaries,” adapted for the stage

by Joe Mantello. In the last decade, “Santaland Diaries” has become the Wilmington holiday tradition I most look forward to. I don’t have a little girl to take to see “The Nutcracker,” and frankly “A Christmas Carol” is pretty hard to stage in any way that is remotely still interesting to me.

Unlike many Christmas shows that turn on finding solace and companionship with family—or the Dickens’ classic about changing your entire self overnight— “Santaland Diaries” is about the realities of discovering when you become an adult in the world and must make adult decisions that are not always pleasant. It chronicles the first winter Sedaris spent in New York City, when the only gainful employment he could find was as an elf at Macy’s Santaland during the holidays. Lawson takes the part of Crumpet the elf, and in an hour and half monologue, intersperses his sardonic grumblings with songs from “The Not Ready For Christmas Carolers”—performed by Kaitlin Baden, Amber Sheets and Jamey Stone. He recounts his misadventures as an elf.

There is no way to avoid comparisons to past productions and performances because the show is just too well-known.

Panache moved the venue from City Stage/ Level Five’s rooftop bar in the historic Masonic Temple Building to the Red

The lobby of the Red Barn is decorated like Santaland, complete with a chair for pictures with a Santa and a sign saying Santa will be back shortly. When audiences walk into the theatre, they enter through a door marked as “Macy’s Breakroom.” This attention to detail really sets the mood for this “breakroom confessional” they’re about to witness.

When Hatfield performed Crumpet, we got an elf from the darkside: all anger and bluster. When a towering nearly 7-foot tall Justin Smith performed, he gave us the world’s tallest elf with a sight gag that never got old. Michael Brady played the show like he was recounting his worst job ever while getting high on his friend’s couch. Adam Poole played like he was lying his way through a ridiculous job interview. With Lawson, we white knuckle our way through the experience with him. It is part cautionary tale and part therapy.

He’s not so much recounting a story as living through it.

“The Ho-Ho-Ho’s” of the City Stage pro- formances that make it fresh and exciting, ductions became so legendary they start- and it is clear that Panache can claim a ed to outshine the Crumpets themselves. very auspicious beginning.

Clearly, the show is too short not to include musical interludes to add transitions and give the actor a chance to catch his breath (90 minutes of one person talking is taxing— Fidel Castro excepted). The Not Ready for Santaland Diaries Christmas Carolers were refreshingly differ- Dec. 4-6, 11-13,18-20, 8 p.m. ent. Their rendition of “Feliz Navidad” (with Red Barn Studio Theatre Stone on the ukulele) is awesome and infectious. Actually, Stone is clearly the ham 1122 S. 3rd St. of the trio. He upstages everyone with his Tickets $15 secret love for “Jingle Bells,” and it is pretty 910-251-1758 • www.thalian.org cute. Yet, all of them sing beautifully; Baden and Sheets will just melt the heart with such haunting voices. In the next breath, they will turn around and make audiences laugh until they cry. It’s great.

DETAILS:

! s l a de .com

When City Stage ended their long run of “Santaland Diaries”—which included memorable performances from many noted Wilmington actors (Cullen Moss, Jason Hatfield, Steve Vernon, Michael Granberry to name just a handful)—I felt a hole in my already depressing holiday season. However, 2015 sees its return, with Anthony Lawson and Holli Saperstein’s launch of a new theatre company, Panache Theatrical Productions. When they announced their inaugural season with a reboot of “Santaland Diaries,” I was aflutter with anticipation. Also, I had a little bit of concern, because, frankly the bar for that show has been set pretty high by some of its past performers.

Barn Studio Theatre on 3rd Street. The Red Barn seats around 50 patrons, significantly less than City Stage, and does not have a bar. Already, there is a more intimate experience of sitting next to a couple dozen close friends to watch the show. I mention the bar because there have been several Crumpets in years past who were heckled by audience members who had indulged in a bit too much Christmas cheer. There are times when the show felt like a stand-up routine, so when alcohol was added, for many it offered an irresistible combination.

Anyone needing a renewed acquaintance with this show, or have long planned to see it should make it to Red Barn over the next few weekends. The show is fun, funny and not too sappy. Add in great per-

I have to give Lawson this: It is pretty scary to get onstage for a show that many know so well, let alone try to make it a new experience again. Lawson genuinely makes the show a rediscovery. He rides the emotional waves of the script with buoyancy but also the desperation of a man realizing the only thing standing between him and starvation is an elf suit.

Obviously, great physical comedy is derived from the elf suit itself and Lawson’s relationship with the striped tights—which are in constant need of hiking up. It becomes a wonderful source of repetitious comedy. He’s not so much miserable as dazed and mildly confused as to how he has found himself in Santaland. Lawson manages to communicate not only the acerbic comedy of the script but also to find its truth.

encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 19

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910.685.1155

arts>>film

reel to reel

Forced Saga:

films this week Special Screening

‘Mockingjay Part 2’ is a poor end to another franchise war

W

Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

by: Anghus

$15, 7pm • www.thalianhall.org

Dec. 2 (additional showing at 4 p.m.): The highly anticipated documentary “Wilmington on Fire” returns for a special screening at Thalian Hall. The Wilmington Massacre was a bloody attack on the Port City’s African-American community on Nov. 10, 1898. With the support of the NC Democratic Party, a heavily armed white mob executed what is considered one of the only successful coup d’états in the United States.

hen film historians look back at this era of cinema, they will refer to this as the franchise wars: a time when studios fought one another to try and scrape out real estate for whatever comic book, youngadult novel series or toy line they could parlay into multiple films for years.

Franchises are nothing new, but the rate and frequency of them has ramped up heavily.

It used to be a movie would go a few years between subsequent installments, but audiences seem to have an insatiable appetite for these big-budget spectacles. So, instead of a Marvel movie every year or two, we get two or more a year. Instead of spreading out a series of movies like “The Hobbit” across several years, we get an annual installment. Starting this year we’re getting a new “Star Wars,” and will continue to get one annually until Disney decides it is no longer financially viable.

While the proliferation of franchises and their importance to the movie studios increased exponentially, it was when studios started splitting very small stories into multiple installments to pad the bottom line that made potentially compelling stories trite. It started with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” which became two movies. Initially, it doesn’t seem too crazy a decision: splitting a very large book into two films. It was the seventh installment of the series and had spent 10 years building up to this conclusion. Even though “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” seemed to start this trend of “Part 1” and “Part 2,” it feels insincere to hold them responsible. However, once everyone in Hollywood saw they could get two for the price of one, others followed suit.

Less dense tomes like “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” were split into multiple installments, stretching already thin material into a brutal four-hour gauntlet. New Line Cinema turned “The Hobbit,” a 300-page children’s book, into three super boring CGI circle jerks without an ounce of soul or humanity. While it might be good for short-term profits, it’s starting to have an impact on the stories being told. There may be no better example of this than the cinematic adaptation of “The Hunger Games” books.

I liked “The Hunger Games.” In fact, I was kind of surprised by it. On paper it seemed like a typical dystopian nightmare scenario: Kids are rounded up from various districts by a powerful government and forced into combat with one another to determine a victor.

It lacked the brutality of its spiritual predecessor, “Battle Royale,” but it was an interesting and well-constructed story. It lacked

HUNGRY: The final installment of ‘The Hunger Games’ leaves viewers unsated. Courtesy photo.

teeth (and blood), but at the core was a story about oppression and the will to survive in a world gone mad. The second installment, “Catching Fire,” did an even better job of building up that world and showing the growing resentment between the districts and the machinations of an evil regime willing to do whatever it takes to maintain control.

It’s the last two films that have served to unravel the overall quality of the series. That can be attributed to the idea there was no need for “Mockingjay” to be two separate movies.

As an action film, “Mockingjay” is top-notch and full of enough of well-choreographed mayhem to be considered entertaining. Over the course of two movies, however, much of the weight has been alleviated. “Mockingjay” parts 1 and 2 feel padded. Sure, genuinely brutal moments exist in the film, and I appreciate the ending, which doesn’t go for easy answers. But one of the problems with the perpetual franchises is it feels almost impossible to judge a single entry on its own merits.

Part 2 is a perfectly decent film. It brings back the franchise’s great actors who sport those ridiculous names: Katniss, Peeta, President Snow, Alma Coin, Haymitch, Effie Trinket, Beetee Laiter. These sound like names assigned by a 6-year-old wigging out on pixie sticks. I can’t remember a big-budget blockbuster franchise with this many award-caliber actors sharing the screen. Ultimately, the story still feels thin. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) never really gets fleshed out. In scenes that require gravitas, she comes across like a petulant child.

I certainly wouldn’t call “The Hunger Games” a failure as a series. There’s a lot of good over the course of four films, but I think as three films it may have been able to achieve “great.”

As well, keeping this young-adult series PG13 greatly diminishes the darkness the origi-

nal books paint. It’s why a movie like “Battle Royale” haunts, and movies like “The Hunger Games” struggle to provide real emotional weight. At the end of the “Harry Potter” movies, all of it felt earned because the audience had time to get to know the characters over a span of many years. “The Hunger Games” saga felt kind of forced. Maybe I’m just being judgy here, but there’s part of me that leaves “The Hunger Games” franchise not feeling sated.

DETAILS:

The Hunger Games ★★★★★

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ★ ★ ★ 1/2 ★

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 ★ ★ 1/2 ★ ★

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 ★ ★ 1/2★ ★ Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth Directed by: Francis Lawrence Rating: PG-13

GENUINE FACTORY

See Us For

Santa will arrive immediately after the Christmas tree lighting and give out gifts to the first 500 children. An elf contest follows at 6:45 p.m. and the movie screens thereafter. (97 minutes, Rated PG).

CHIP KEYS FOR DOMESTiCS & ASiAN vEhiCLES

REPLACEMENT

KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTES

Dec 3, 6 p.m.: Following the Christmas-tree lighting at Dr. Heber W. Johnson Rotary Garden (1941 Amphitheater Dr.), there will be a free screening of “Elf.” Starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, the human man raised

by Santa’s elves sets out to find his real father in NYC to share his love for Christmas.

FOR CARS AND TRUCKS

AND LOCK A-1 SAFE 799-0131

SAvE Big OvER DEALER PRiCiNg Call Doug Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5pm

2803 Carolina Beach Rd.

1 Block South Of Shipyard • Wilmington

encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 21

southeastern nc’s premier dining guide

photo by holland dotts photography

grub & guzzle

blue surf cafÉ • 250 Racine Dr • (910) 523-5362

American BLUEWATER waterfront grill

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their awardwinning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October.

Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

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

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

Blue surf cafÉ

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

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

We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden

gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

■ SERVING 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

CAM cafÉ

CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients with a Chef Jessica Cabo twist. Awarded “Best Food” by the local Wilmington Food & Wine Festival. Under her influence the café serves a West Coast interpretation of local dishes. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, Internationally inspired Tapas on Wednesday nights, elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday.

Look for a New England Lobster Roll in the summer and Miso Short ribs as winter evening signature dishes. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate and art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363.

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

elijah’s

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

As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers

22 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

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

eternal sunshine cafÉ

Wilmington’s new unique restaurant, Eternal Sunshine Café, is conveniently located between downtown and Wrightsville Beach, also close to UNCW. It is a great spot to savor a gourmet breakfast, like cinna-swirl pancakes with coffee cream cheese syrup or a southwest benedict with chipotle hollandaise on a made from scratch biscuit. The lunch menu is filled with fresh delectable salads, sandwiches on house baked breads, and pitas. Come experience the innovative twist on breakfast classics and a casual lunch guaranteed to make you a regular customer. May the tranquility of Eternal Sunshine Cafe’s atmosphere shine upon your face and reinvigorate your day. Serves breakfast all day.

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

HENRY’S

A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because it’s going to be packed. Dinner too!

Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com

■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com

Holiday Inn Resort

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

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

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com

HOPS SUPPLY CO.

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

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

The little dipper

low tide pub

Located across from UNCW’s campus, Low Tide Pub serves up delicious fare and great drink specials in a fun atmosphere. Enjoy the biggest and best wings in town for only $0.50 on Sundays, a $5 daily lunch special, $2 daily beer special, and even taco Tuesdays. Their Mother Clucker is

visit our Facebook page for tasting room hours and special events: www.facebook.com/broomtailcraftbrewery

NEW hours:

Wednesday 4-9 pm • Thursday 4-9 pm Friday 4-10 pm • Saturday 2-10 pm Sunday 2-8 pm

served just in time for the holidays: slow-roasted chicken with cranberries, housemade stuffing, lettuce, and tomato.

Their Thai or Buffalo shrimp wrap, famed Monte Cristo and 1945-family secret cheesecake recipe will keep customers coming back for more. Karaoke Saturdays begin at 9:30 p.m., and trivia Tuesdays get underway weekly at 7:30 p.m.

Low Tide has a beautiful, private deck, perfect for hosting parties and events. It’s midtown Wilmington’s favorite pub— ”where on the rocks is a good thing.” 4540 Fountain Drive, beside of PT’s. 910-313-2738.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND LATE-NIGHT: Mon., 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., noon - 2 a.m.; Sun., noon - 9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown Wilmington, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, Saturday karaoke and Tuesday trivia night.

■ WEBSITE: www.lowtidepub.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: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

the pub

A true public house. A gathering place. In house fresh ground burgers made with short rib, brisket and chuck on Sweet n Savory’s, made from scratch, bread along with 40 other sandwiches and meals under $12. 32 beers on tap, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere where you can hang out with friends and enjoy live music, your favorite NFL game or the BEST burger you’ll ever eat! 2012 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8101, Hours: 11am-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Causeway ■ WEBSITE: www.sweetnsavorypub.com

sweet ‘n’ savory cafÉ

The Real Wizard Behind the Food. Anyone who has seen the Wizard of Oz knows that the wizard was just a scared old man hiding behind the curtain. Restaurants are no different.

Making incredible food is not magical or mystical and instead just requires heart (Tin Man), brains (Scarecrow), courage (Lion) and love (Dorothy). At Sweet n Savory we have pulled

Downtown Wilmington > 115 N. 2nd Street

Over 10,000 square feet of space Two floors of bars and seating Stage, sound system and 12ft HDTV Comfortably holds more than 400 guests No cost to book your event

6404 Amsterdam Way, Suite 100 Wilmington, North Carolina www.broomtailcraftbrewery.com

www.ironcladbrewery.com 910-769-0290

To feature your brewery, beer or wine shop, contact Shannon at music@encorepub.com encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 23

back the curtain because we don’t believe that we need smoke, mirrors, over inflated prices or pretentiousness to offer you the best and freshest food your money can buy. 1611 Pavillion Place, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 256-0115 Hours: 7am-10pm.

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

the trolly stop

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken).

Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), allbeef (Sabrett), pork smoked sausage, Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie. Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or 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: Downtown Wilmington (910) 251-7799

Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952 Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921 Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 - COMING SOON! ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

Asian 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

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!

24 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

KYOTO ASIAN GRILLE

Kyoto Asian Grille specializes in crafting mouth-watering food and providing superb customer service. We serve a plethora of Asian cuisines, from Chinese to Japanese to Thai, and have an unwavering commitment to flavor. All of our ingredients are fresh, cooked to order, with artistic culinary flair. We also serve everything from sushi to traditional Chinese dishes, a plethora of curries to Pad Thai, hibachi and teriyaki dishes, and more. Come give us a try where you will find nothing in the freezer but the ice cream. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. Located at 4102 Mar-

ket Street, (910) 332-3302.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon - Thu: 11am - 3pm

and 5pm - 9:30pm or Fri - Sat, 11am - 3pm and 5pm - 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: An array of Asian cuisines, from Japanese

to Chinese, Thai and more.

Okami Japanese hibachi Steakhouse

We have reinvented “Hibachi Cuisine”. Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse in Wilmington, NC is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs will not only cook an incredible dinner, but

they will entertain you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. At Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse, we are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness.

Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure that we serve only the finest food products. We believe that good healthy food aids the vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of Steak, Seafood, and Chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill,” to the taste bud tingling Japanese Sushi, Hand Rolls, Sashimi, Tempura dishes and Japanese Noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Check out our all you can eat sushi menu and daily specials at www.okamisteakhouse.com!

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

szechuan 132

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

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

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

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: South Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.com

yosake downtown sushi lounge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healthy NEMA LOUNGE AND EATERY

Open since the summer of 2015, Nema Eatery and Lounge boasts the delicacies of Chef Mark Borkowski. Serving bold flavors in a variety of menu items from grass-fed burgers to artisan pizzas to small plates, the Nema team takes diners across the world through palate-pleasing menu items, including their “fancy” fries, doused with truffles and parmesan.

Burkowski takes pride in hand-crafted food, while the Nema staff offers helpful, friendly knowledge. They offer vegan, gluten- and allergy-friendly fare, and specialize in Taco Tuesdays (gourmet tacos, $3.50 ea.), Wine Down Wednesday (half-ff bottles of wine) and Thirsty Thursday (25 percent off all beers). They offer live music every Friday and Saturday nights, and open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.). 225 S. Water St. 910-769-3709.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND BRUNCH: Tues.-Thurs., noon-10 p.m.; Fri., noon-midnight; Sat., 11:30 a.m. - midnight; Sun., 11:30am - 10 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, Chandler’s Wharf ■ FEATURING: Worldly eats, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free items ■ WEBSITE: www.nemalounge.com

Indian kabob and grill

pm (Lunch) & 5-10 pm (Dinner) ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch buffet ■ WEBSITE: www.tandooribites.net

irish THE HARP

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

Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends.

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads,

free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com

Italian eddie romanelli’s

Eddie Romanelli’s is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its 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 influ-

P embroke ’ s

1125 A, M ilitAry C utoff r d .

(910) 239-9153

speCiAls: tuesdAy: seleCt nC drAfts wednesdAy: All nC spirits $5 thursdAy: feAtured wines 50% off sundAy: feAtured CoCktAils live MusiC At the bAr fridAy & sAturdAy froM 8pM-11pM sundAy brunCh 10AM - 3pM with live MusiC froM 11AM - 2pM everything is MAde in house!

www . peMbrokesCuisine . CoM

Welcome to Kabob and Grill, downtown Wilmington’s only fine Indian restaurant. Located on Water Street, overlooking the Cape Fear River, Kabob and Grill innovatesexotic flavors of Indian kabobs and curries. Kabobs are baked to perfection in our “tandoor” clay oven fresh, daily. We take pride in offering a great selection of vegetarian entrees made with healthy spices, vegetables and herbs. We also serve vegan and gluten-free items, all aromatic and full of flavor. Our professional chef ensures our lavash and extensive menu appeals to all palates, whether choosing vegetarian, chicken, lamb, goat, or seafood. Our dining area is modern and upscale, yet steeped in Indian tradition. We have a full-service bar and are open seven days a week. We do take-out, delivery and welcome private parties. Live music and dance every Saturday. Please, check our website or facebook page for more information. www.kabobandgrilldowntown.com - 5 S. Water Street, (910) 833-5262.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Lunch Sunday through Saturday 11am-3pm. Dinner Sunday through Thursday 5-10pm, Friday & Saturday 5-10:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Innovative Indian recipes, made fresh daily.

■ WEBSITE: www.kabobandgrilldowntown.com

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 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

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ences 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/Leland ■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.RomanellisRestaurant.com

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub

Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique family-friendly restaurant 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 Noon10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing.

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

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 madefrom-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am6:00pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

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 $6.99 Student meal. Catering options are available.

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

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

Latin American CEVICHE’S

Come enjoy the tropical flavors of Panama and Central America...from our fresh fish to our handmade empanadas, traditional arroz con pollo to fresh inspired salads, We hope you will be transported to simpler time with warm, friendly service, and festive vibe. Large selection of beer and wine, including red and white sangria, tropical mimosas, drink specials daily. Just before the bridge at Wrightsville Beach. 7210 Wrightsville Ave. (910) 256-3131.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & BRUNCH: Mon-Sat 11am9pm, Sunday Brunch 9am-3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: www.wbceviche.com

san juan CafÉ

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

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

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

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

Mexican EL CERRO GRANDE

In January, El Cerro Grande will celebrate 25 years serving authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine to the greater Wilmington area. With an ever-evolving menu, they have

26 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

introduced eight new exclusive soft tacos as part of Taco Fiesta! They churn out mouth-watering enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, chef specialties, and more, in a colorfully inviting dining room marked by a friendly staff and attention to detail. Check out El Cerro’s daily drink and food specials at their three different locations, including $3.50 margaritas on Tuesdays off Military Road, on Wednesdays at 341 S. College Road, and on Thursdays at 5120 S. College Road.

Mondays feature fajita dinners for 10.99 at all locations, and they even have karaoke every Wednesday at 341 S. College Rd, starting at 6 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

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

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

la costa mexican restaurant

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

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

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

San Felipe Mexican Restaurant

At San Felipe, we pride ourselves in offering the best Mexican cuisine combined with a Mexican inspired dining experience that will instill a sense of “familia” with our patrons.

Ditch the regular fare and try one of our Mexican inspired favorites such as our sizzling Certified Angus Beef Fajitas or our Carolina Chimichanga. Visit any of our 10 North Carolina locations to see for yourself and while your at it, try one of our delicious Margaritas! See you soon Amigos!

Independence Mall, 3522 Oleander Dr - Wilmington, NC (910) 791-9277 and 1114 New Pointe Blvd - Leland, NC (910) 371-1188.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington, Leland & Southport ■ WEBSITE: www.sanfelipenc.com

Organic lovey’s natural foods & cafÉ

Dock Street oyster bar

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

(910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a true blessing for shoppers looking for organic and natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a veggie burger, hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar—which has cold, organic salads and hot selections—can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out.

The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of delicious juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries organic grass-fed and freerange meats and poultry. wheat-free and gluten-free products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also carries Wholesome Pet Foods. Stop

by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m..

Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331. “You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!”

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com

Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dining on the newly renovated Crystal Pier ■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com

whole foods market

The pilot house

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

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

Seafood catch

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina.

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

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

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

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

oceanic

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

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH:

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 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

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 to Tropical 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. (910) 769-3939.

■ 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. “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.

Rx Restaurant & bar

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

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

pembroke’s

A seasonally inspired and locally sourced Southern cuisine dining experience, Pembroke’s was created by the owners of downtown’s Rx Restaurant. Pembroke’s focuses on the same values and excellent service as its sister restaurant, purveying local companies for the best in seafood, proteins and produce.

They work with local fisherman and farmers to ensure your meal will be freshly grown and hand chosen. A new dinner menu is churned out daily to ensure the chefs are working with the freshest ingredients. Plus, the bartenders are creating new drink menus daily as to never bore your taste buds. 1125 A Military Cutoff Rd. 910-239-9153.

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

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

Open for Lunch & Dinner

SHUCKIN’ SHACK

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

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

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com

BEST IN TOWN! STEAKS

WINGS

Have your next party with us inside or out.

Call us today!

910.762.4354

RIBS

SALADS

Save 10% with our loyalty card.

Ask how to sign up today!

In the Cotton Exchange • Downtown Wilmington • FREE PARKING encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 27

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

Free downtown lunchtime delivery on weekdays; we can accommodate large parties. (910) 763-4133.

TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com

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

dig and dive

A new way to play with your food.” It isn’t just a catch phrase—it is what we do at Dig & Dive. Locally sourced, high-quality food is what we bring to the table. From our specialty “pork wings,” tossed in our famed bourbon-barrell Kentuckyaki sauce, to our fresh ground chuck burgers, to our dogs and sausages, and even salads and kids menu, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We pair it with an expansive craft beer selection—including a large selection of NC brewed beers—and we give you the most unique and fun atmosphere in Wilmington, thanks to our soft-sand volleyball courts, outdoor and indoor dining. Hands down, we’re the best place in town to ... Eat. Drink. Play. 3525 Lancelot Lane. 910-202-9350.

■ SERVING LUNCH & Dinner: Sun.-Thurs., 11am-midnight; Fri.-Sat., 11am-2am.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, off Market Street and Darlington ■ FEATURING: Burgers, dogs, build-your-own French fries, sandwiches, craft beer, volleyball courts.

■ WEBSITE: www.DigandDive.com

hell’s kitchen

Sports Bar Carolina Ale House

Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-

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

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

sophisticated food...casual style BREAKFAST • LUNCH DINNER • DAILY SPECIALS GREAT OUTDOOR PATIO • BEER/WINE AND MUCH MORE! 250 Racine Drive • Wilmington, NC Racine Commons • 910.523.5362 www.BlueSurfCafe.com 28 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

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?

- Thursday 4-7 p.m.

■ WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

vegetarian/Vegan sealevel restaurant

Shop for gifts while you’re waiting on your to-go order or for the cook to fix your food. How about a lentil patty melt with fresh, handcut potato chips or a crisp salad for lunch?

If you’re looking for a high-fiber plate, we’ve got you covered: the brown-rice tortilla—which is gluten free, vegan and chockful of crunchy vegetables and creamy smoky eggplant spread and avocado—will surely suit you! With a side of creole-spiced organic red beans or our superb vegan purple coleslaw, it will be over the top! Vegan heaven exists: We serve sushi rolls and desserts especially to suit your preferences. Seafood lovers are mad about the shrimp burger, soft crab slider and the frequently featured Caribbean-spiced shrimp tostada, which combines the aforementioned purple slaw, spicy Jerk sauce, and cool avocado, and organic refried lentils on a crispy corn tortilla. Please stop in for lunch six days (not Tuesday/closed) from 11 am to 2 pm, and dinner Thursday through Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm 1015 S. Kerr Ave. 910-833-7196.

■ 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: Vegetarian,Vegan, Seafood, Gluten-Free ■ WEBSITE: www.sealevelcitygourmet.com

grub & guzzle>>review

Exceptionally RIGHTEOUS: Paso Fino elevates ordinary Hispanic cuisine to extraordinary levels

O

by: Rosa Bianca

K: I’ll fess up. When my editor handed me the homework of reviewing this next restaurant, I was slightly puzzled. By the look of Paso Fino’s website, this eclectic lounge belonged on the sexy streets of South Beach—not tucked away on Van Campen Boulevard where Buffalo Wild Wings once stood. The online menu suggested glaringly authentic cuisine (ranging from Mexican to Honduran to Puerto Rican), which immediately piqued my interest.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried the swanky spot might be far too hip for this Justin Bieber-blaring chick. (Is it too late now to say sorry?)

I strolled into Paso Fino on a chilly day to find that the interior was surprisingly unlike the Will Smith music video I expected to walk into. Then again, it was a Tuesday afternoon and the place was vacant. The massive establishment featured high ceilings, a fully stocked bar and an ideal atmosphere for late-night Latino boogying.

As I was the only person in the entire Paso Fino palace, I snagged the nearest bar stool to the streaming soccer game and studied the beer coolers. This place was sticking with its roots, and I dug it.

No crafty West Coast IPAs here—but there was a copious selection of every cerveza I could imagine. To pair with my chips and housemade salsa starter, the Caribbean vibe struck me, so I opted for a Red Stripe. The lager came ice cold and evened out the subtle spice of the tomatoey blend. The yellow corn chips were freshly fried and lightly seasoned with salt.

Paso Fino’s menu was divided into three regional categories and offered photos for those who prefer a pre-meal visual. I asked my server, knowledgeable and friendly, for his ordering expertise. I was thoroughly satisfied by his recommendation. By the end of my mouthwatering meal, I realized anything on the menu most likely would have impressed me.

It was Taco Tuesday after all, so I started things off with the tacos dorados hondureños. The savory stuffed-and-rolled delights were reminiscent of traditional Mexican flautas. Spiced shredded chicken with mild peppers and onions filled the

tortillas. The corn pockets produced an earthy masa flavor that can only come from handmade dough. No doubt these crispy flutes were freshly kneaded, flattened and fried that very day. The dish came piled high with a generous portion of four liberally filled tacos, topped with a hearty salsa, shredded cabbage, crumbled cheese, and pickled red onions. Each bite crunched with packed flavor. On the side, a small ramekin of sauce showcased fiery red and speckled crushed pepper seeds. My server cautioned me: “hot.” I gingerly dunked a single prong from my fork into the zesty mixture and gave it a twirl. I dotted it onto my tongue, which immediately triggered a minor coughing fit. My nose began to run; I went back for seconds.

I’m a sucker for carnitas, so on to the huaraches I went. The standard Mexican classic tasted anything but average.

Thanks to a pinch of magic from homemade corn tortillas and a righteously rich layer of pulled pork and creamy black beans, the plate packed a punch. The blisteringly fierce tomatillo salsa supplemented the filling dish. The tortilla, unfried this time, stretched out across the oblong plate. On it was a mountain of meat, shredded lettuce, tangy Cojita cheese, sour cream, and buttery slices of avocado. I couldn’t decide whether to knife-and-fork the pile, go after it with my hands, or stick my face somewhere between the beans. I’ll leave it up to the imagination as to which route I took.

I didn’t know I was saving the best for last, but oh-my-sandwich! Undeniably a house specialty, the jibarito de pernil stole the show. Somewhere between the Red Stripe and the salty, glistening plantains, I was transported to a tropical paradise. Take a regular sandwich and forget everything you know about it—and that’s the jibarito de pernil. The handheld creation ditches bread and employs two long fried plantains as its vehicle. Taking another tip from my server, I chose the pork filling; he certainly steered me right. Succulent pieces of unctuous, fried pork spilled out of the sandwich.

To make this already decadent dish even more indulgent, a creamy spread of mayonnaise clung to the inside of the toasty green plantains. Even in my overly-stuffed state, I couldn’t help but go back for more.

PLANTAIN SANDWICH: Jiberito de Pernil with pork consists of freshly braised pork, lettuce, cotija cheese, and mayo, sandwiched between two fried plantains. Photo by Shea Carver

panic cuisine to an extraordinary level.

So the next time family wants to head for a crappy chain, try swaying the group in another dinner direction. If friends are looking for a unique experience to break up the work week, check out Paso Fino’s free dance lessons on Wednesday night. For the weekend crowd, Fridays and Saturdays feature live music and what’s guaranteed to be a good time and packed house.

As for the food, Paso Fino’s kitchen simply does what so many eateries fail to do: produce exceptionally fresh, authentic, interesting cuisine, served with a side of love. The moral of the story: Don’t judge a restaurant by its website cover.

DETAILS: Paso Fino

29 Van Campen Blvd. #109 (910) 769-7053 Mon., Tues, Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Wed., Fri., Sat.: 11 a.m.- 2 a.m.

Sun.: 11 a.m.-12 a.m. www.pasofinobarandlounge.com

Specials: TUES NIGHT: 1/2

price wine by the glass

WED NIGHT: $3 Draft

night

SUNDAY BRUNCH: 10am - 3pm SUNDAY DINNER: 5pm - 9pm OPEN TUES - THURS 5PM - 10PM FRI AND SAT 5PM - 10:30PM

Though diners might not recognize it from the outside, Paso Fino is a unique culinary find that elevates ordinary His-

www . rxwilmington . com

421 c astle s t • (910) 399-3080

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extra>>feature

UNIQUE GIFTS ABOUND:

The Holiday Flea at BAC will return with three-day holiday shopping event by: shannon rae gentry

I

SHOP LOCAL: The annual Holiday Flea at the Brooklyn Arts Center (516 N. 4th St.) will host some of the region’s most popular vendors of antiques, jewelry and more. Courtesy photo

t’s December and holiday shopping is in full swing. Folks dig for deals on everything from the practical to the unforgettable gift. While some relish “the hunt,” others are happy to hunker down with a glass of wine, credit card and laptop to avoid storehopping for days on end. Even so, the annual Holiday Flea at the Brooklyn Arts Center (516 N. 4th St.) does a pretty good job of getting people off the couch to shop local, upcycled, vintage, and more.

The Brooklyn Arts Center (BAC) will host its fifth Holiday Flea at BAC starting on Friday, Dec. 4, from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. This will mark the 10th flea since the series’ inception five years ago.

The Holiday Flea stands apart from the annual Spring Flea, in that it is exceptionally larger. Each year, it fills the historic church inside and out.

“I’m always amazed at how excited the vendors get, nobody creeps into this thing,” Leder says. “It is their chance to show off in a big way.”

“It’s a very popular show because it’s one of the most unique holiday shopping experiences in the region,” BAC executive director Richard Leder says. “It benefits our community of vendors, and provides entertainment and Christmas gifts for our community. All of that money circulates in our town.”

It’s certainly not a typical flea market experience. There’s no winding dirt road.

There’s no need to get up at 5 a.m. to “get to the good stuff.” Vendors take home 100 percent of their sales. Almost everything brought in is upcycled, antique or trending vintage. Moreover, the items are unique and range greatly in price. “Whether you’re buying a piece of furniture or a dishcloth, it varies greatly,” Leder says.

Aside from keeping shopping local, Leder considers this to be the ultimate vintage shopping extravaganza. It welcomes more than 1,500 shoppers and about 50 of the top vintage vendors from Castle Hayne to Southport—all of whom construct mini-shops throughout the church and courtyard.

30 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

“I think it’s great, too, that they all know and try to help each other in promotion,” adds BAC event coordinator Jessica Pham.

Pham has been coordinating shops for

weeks. Most are Wilmington based, many returning and new. This is Pham’s first time organizing the Holiday Flea, but she has been to past shows to continue cultivating the heart of the community event.

Among returning shops are flea veterans, including Michael Moore from his Castle Street antique shop. “He’s one of the first vendors who has always been with the show,” Pham says. “He always has the same spot. Pretty much everyone on the church floor are people who have done the show in the past. We have new people on the balcony and in the courtyard.”

Vintage Idiot is returning, as well as Siggy Parker’s General Store of “mind-blowing insanity.” “[They will have] every crazy, vintage piece imaginable,” Leder details. “Ev-

erything: concert posters, cowboy boots, lamps, album covers, clothing, you name it … the question with Siggy’s is what can’t you expect.”

Leder admits he buys at least one item from every flea, whether he set out to do so or not. “How can you not?” he says. “You’re surrounded by the coolest stuff for several days. Eventually, something calls your name and you find yourself buying it.”

Last spring Leder took home a Blenko pitcher from Vintage Idiot, which he discovered to be from a world-renowned blown glass company. “It turned out to be worth ten times of what I paid for,” he adds.

HM Books and Prints out of Charlotte is one newcomer to join the ranks of antique, retro and upcycled treasure troves. Wilmington’s So Sweet Chocolates will also roll in (literally) for the first time “They’re going to park their funky little trailer behind the food trucks on Saturday and Sunday,” Leder tells. “I think they’re a wonderful addition.”

The food truck schedule starts with Funky Fresh Food Truck on Friday. So Sweet Chocolates will join Catch the Food Truck on Saturday and Soulful Twist on Sunday.

From chocolate to pressed greeting cards, shops run the gamut—and not just in the antique trade. Soul and Sea Studio will have ocean-inspired home-decor pieces and paintings, while other artwork will be available from ILM’s Matthew J. Leavell.

Shawn Swanson’s handmade wooden items like finely crafted pens, letter openers, wine-stoppers, and more will be there. Susan’s Garden will offer unique outdoor decor and planters, while 2 Chicks with Scents will have a plethora of hand poured, eco-friendly soy candles for purchase. Part of the fun for shoppers, aside from quality items from trusted dealers, is variety.

scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 31 from 12 p.m.

- 6 p.m., is a partnership between the Brooklyn Arts Center and local metalsmith Mitzy Jonkheer. It will be another curated event, but solely focused on handmade jewelry across the Southeast. In BAC style, it will be a full-scale community event, with food trucks, a coffee shop, and cash bar.

The cash bar is always open for BAC affairs, with Bloody Mary and Mimosa specialties planned for the Holiday Flea. Lativa Coffee will have a bar in the courtyard once again under a heated tent. Festive music will play as well, and there’s an ongoing raffle planned for every 30 minutes each day.

While Leder never really knows what the raffle items will be, gift certificates are often given away among other surprises. “There are 40 or 50 raffle winners,” Leder says.

“Every vendor donates an item, many more than one.”

The $5 admission to the flea includes a raffle ticket and is good for all weekend. Kids 12 and under get in free.

For more information about the Holiday Flea at BAC, contact Jessica Pham at jessica@brooklynartsnc.com. For a more complete list of vendors, visit their Facebook event page.

DETAILS:

Holiday Flea at BAC

Friday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Brooklyn Arts Center • 516 N. 4th St. Tickets: $5 (includes all three days) www.brooklynartsnc.com

“We try to create balance so there aren’t too many of this or too many of that,” Leder adds. “There are so many jewelers, [for example,] who would love to be in this show and we can only take so many . . . which is why we’re doing a jewelry show in January.”

Be kind & recycle or compost your encore!

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extra>>fact or fiction

nine lives of xen: Chapter 24, What M. saw

I

by: ANTHONY D. LAWSON

hate feeling helpless. I want to hate my family. My brother and his wife and the baby. I want to hate them for being here. But I cannot hate them. I cannot hate them and I cannot blame them. So I hate being helpless. I hate myself.

I can hear as the lady behind the desk tells my brother about the way this place is run. I cannot lift my head to see her.

She sounds nice. I stare at the floor. I want to tell them I do not want to live here. But I do not want to make it any more hard for them.

Things changed when the baby came.

I liked seeing her face, but her crying made me sad. Then I would cry. I could feel I was getting worse. This is the best thing for them. But I still hate it.

I try and remember good times so I don’t feel so sad. I do not want to cry.

I cry too much and it makes my brother I remember when my hand started curling. I do not know a better word. It and his wife feel bad.

My first memory is “hot.” I was very was fine, then it started curling. My finhot when I was young. I remember snow gers wanted to touch inside my hand. I and being hot. I remember tall people could not open it. When I tried I would talking quiet around me. They gave me cry because I did not know how to use medicine that tasted bad. I remember my hand anymore. I tried to feel better the little white pills. They tasted like by singing, but people’s faces would when I would taste the white chalk. They look sad when I sang and sometimes made me feel less hot. I always think of they would tell me to be quiet. So I sang less and cried more. hot when I see snow.

When I was young I did not know anything was wrong. I liked to laugh and sing and play and sometimes I would cry, but not a lot of the times. I thought people could understand what I was saying. But people did not answer me when I asked a question. People talked around me like I was not there. They would say ice killed my dad. Now I am scared of ice. But ice is cold and snow is hot. So snow is OK. But hot turned out to be bad.

to go to school. I stopped eating because I was upset, and my brother said he could not take this anymore. I heard them talk about sending me somewhere.

I was happy because I thought I was going to school. And they tried to tell me the place I was going would be my new home, and I got very happy because I thought I was going to live at school.

But the place they took me is not school. They brought me to this place. I could tell it was not school. There were no other people like me. They were old.

Everyone looked sad. I tried to say I did not want to be here but no one could understand my words. My brother told me to calm down. He said I was happy before—why not now? I tried to say that this was not school. I tried to say that there was no music here. But he did not understand my words.

I like music. Sometimes I hear music and forget that people do not like when I sing, but I get excited and sing along.

If I do this when we are away from the house and people stare, my brother takes me away. It is easier for him to do that because I now have to sit in a chair all the time. I do not know how to make my legs work anymore. They did not curl like my hand. But I think I must have forgot how to use them because I cannot I saw him start to cry so I stopped trywalk anymore. ing to talk. I did not want to make him My brother will take me away if I do sad. I wanted to live at school, but I was something he does not like. I try and not going to live here instead. I was not hapdo those things, but sometimes I forget. py. But I did not want my brother to be I like music too much to remember not to not happy also. sing. I like the sound.

So I sit here while the person I cannot I want to know why I am different because I did not know that I was until it was very late. I thought I was like everyone else. I thought everyone was made happy by music. So happy they had to sing out loud. I thought everyone could understand my talking. I thought they liked snow but were scared of ice. Because ice killed my dad.

see talks. I look down and wish I could say words that people know. I wish that I can sing or go to school or not be afraid of ice. I wish my hand would not curl and touch itself or that I could remember how to walk. I wish lots of things and I am not listening to what is being said.

Too many big words. I look around, not wanting to hate my brother and his wife I do not know what killed my mom. and the baby. I am hating my body and She was never there and no one told me my head. I don’t want to cry so I keep or talked about it when they forgot I was looking around. there. I would be scared of what killed And then I see a cat. He is looking my mom, like I am scared of ice. right at me. I do not know how I know he I went to school for a little. I liked is a he, but he is. I see his eyes are lookschool. They let me sing and would put ing at me and he is not moving. I see his music makers in my hand, and I could eyes and I do not want to look around make my own music. I was very happy. anymore. I do not want to cry. I see him I had to stop going to school because and I want to sing. I am not afraid. I look my brother and his wife could not ‘ford in his eyes and I feel safe. I feel loved.

to take me anymore. I was mad that I could not go to school. I was mad that Anthony David Lawson is the author of “Novel,” as they could not ‘ford it. They would talk well as a local playwright, director and actor. He and say I was being difficult. will write a piece of prose presented in parts evMy brother always looks sad, and his ery other week in encore throughout 2015, entitled wife is not mean but always sounds se- “The Nine Lives of Xen.” rious. She never sings or looks happy. I did not want to be difficult, but I wanted 32 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

crossword Creators syndiCate CREATORS SYNDICATE © 2015 STANLEY NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

12/6/15

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

DIG IT: Which you’ll understand early on

by Gail Grabowski 75 Commotion ACROSS 76 Bit of broccoli 1 Wouldn’t share 7 Federal start-up helper: 78 Screen image 79 Catch sight of Abbr.

80 Novelist Vonnegut 10 Midbody joint 81 Big name in elevators 13 Defeated 82 Cut classes 19 Preprogrammed, 85 Monarch’s domain perhaps 87 Early afternoon 20 Driver’s document: 89 Japanese dramatic Abbr. form 21 Bovine sound 90 Stayed out of sight 22 Reduced in price 91 Collarless tops 23 Carefully considered 93 Owl in Harry Potter 26 Premier Khrushchev 27 Nabisco cookie brand novels 28 Shoe measurement 95 Nation on the Arctic Circle 29 Mimicked 99 Butch Cassidy and 31 Portable bed associates 32 Nest eggs held at S&Ls 33 Chest muscle, for short 104 Sushi selection 105 Suffix for press 34 Overplay a part 37 Charlemagne’s realm: 106 Eroded 107 Drilling equipment Abbr.

108 Tbsp. and tsp.

38 Swindle 109 Storage container 39 Very knowledgeable 110 Highly attentive person 112 Deplete 45 Menu listing 115 Like a lot 47 Has an __ mystery 116 Markdown marker (is secretive) 118 Popular pet 48 Chronicle 122 Quantity consumed 49 Taxing agcy.

123 Altar avowal 50 Suffix for expert 124 Director Brooks 51 Facebook posting, 125 Ogle for short 53 Bedding, tablecloths, 126 Mall tenants 127 Short break of a sort etc.

128 Some HP products 56 In an incisive way 129 Collar extensions 61 Feel concern 63 Shredded cabbage DOWN dish 1 “That’s kind of you” 65 Female lobster 66 Hollandaise ingredient 2 Golf club with a nearly vertical face 67 Risktaker’s challenge 69 Pool measurement 3 Chivalrous 70 Musically lively 4 Shore birds 72 Tailor, often 5 Soul singer James 73 Fit to be tied 6 Outburst from Homer

7 Water channel 8 Nickname for Dallas 9 German eight 10 Ins. plan with copays 11 Bettor’s note 12 Stew ingredient 13 Off-white shade 14 Oklahoma’s “Queen Wheat City” 15 Show curiosity 16 Meditative exercise 17 Matador’s opponent 18 Spruce up 24 Olympics legend Jesse 25 Possessive pronoun 30 Sassy 33 Specialty bakery 35 Alphabetic quartet 36 Any service academy graduate 39 “Heavens!”

40 Brewer’s oven 41 Shortstop, e.g.

42 Rooster or stallion 43 Arabian Nights prename 44 Not as relaxed 46 __ Tin Tin 50 Publicity, informally 52 Rotating machine part 54 City on the Rio Grande 55 Life Below Zero airer, familiarly 56 Verb sung by the Scarecrow 57 Decant again 58 Unabbreviated 59 Far above the ground 60 Deviated from a course 62 Clinton’s labor secretary 64 Deal partner 68 Form of vitamin A 69 Activity in most musicals

71 Opulent residence 72 “Isn’t that adorable!”

74 Raiding the fridge 77 Ignited 78 Einstein’s “I” 81 Warning sign 83 Causeway fee 84 The “good” cholesterol: Abbr.

86 Maui memento 88 “You pass __ pay” (test-prep guarantee)

92 Instructions part 94 Grammy category, for short 95 Barely visible 96 Large wardrobe cabinet 97 Imaginary 98 Places for oases 99 Excessive pride 100 Point in the right direction 101 Furnish with temporarily

102 103 108 110 111 113 114 115 117 119 120 121

Bonnet securer Patio appliances Mag’s salesperson Toothed tool Quite a while Beef cut Actor Baldwin Neck of the woods Paving supply 12 Down source: Abbr.

Outdo 90-degree turn

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

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happenings & events across wilmington

to-do calendar holiday events BREAD AND LIGHTS

For the 2015 season the Cameron Art Museum (CAM) has reframed their holiday festival with a focus that resonates with their mission in the arts.

The museum continues with a two-week celebration, now referred to as the bread & lights gingerbread & lantern festival at CAM that will showcase the creativity of artists, designers, bakers, and performers. The bread & lights festival begins with the traditional kick-off celebration of Party in the Pines on Fri., Nov. 20 and ends on Dec. 6.

Within the two-week period will be a procession of special events and performances for both families and friends to enjoy (listed below). This community event features a display of gingerbread creations by all ages and artist-made lanterns.

It strengthens cultural connections between the community and the arts and hopes to inspire the artist within. bread & lights festival is a CAM fundraiser with all proceeds going to Cameron Art Museum’s educational mission. Two competitions, Art of Gingerbread Exhibition & Competition and the Art of Illumination Exhibition & Competition will run for the entire bread & lights festival through Dec. 6. CAM, 3201 South 17th St.

CHRISTMAS AND CANDLELIGHT

12/4-5, Share in two Victorian-themed candlelight weekends through the Manor House to celebrate our preservation efforts. Each of the eight rooms of the Manor House will be decorated by theme and color with natural flora and greenery inspired by the Foys’ Colonial through Victorian family history – with a few contemporary flourishes to echo the family’s four centuries in coastal North Carolina. Advanced tickets are required for this special event. Regular ticket prices apply. Tours limited to 15 guests. Call 910-686-9518 for reservations.

Arts and crafts festival will be open for a special day & evening for families near and far seeking

a local shopping experience, including a variety of local items to compliment hearth and home, kettle corn, hot cider, wagon rides, inflatables, and a few of your neighbors and their families and friends. The animals will be in full regalia and available for nose-rubbing and picture taking. South Topsail Elementary School Choir, led

by Samantha Rodgers, will grace the air with the sound of music. All proceeds benefit historic Poplar Grove, a non-profit 501(c)3 Public Charity as of January 2015. 10200 US Hwy 17 N. SANTALAND DIARIES

Panache Theatrical Productions will present SantaLand Diaries at the Red Barn Studio Theatre, Dec 4-6, 11-13, 18-20. The story, written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello, is that of disgruntled elf Crumpet and his misadventures working for the popular Macy’s holiday attraction. Featuring Anthony Lawson as Crumpet and The “Not Ready for Christmas” Carolers.

Tickets are available by calling 910-251-1788 or visiting www.thalian.org. Red Barn Studio Theatre, 1122 South 3rd St.

BABES IN TOYLAND

Thalian Association Community Theatre takes you on a magical, holiday excursion to the land of Mother Goose, in their youth production of Babes in Toyland. This adaptation on an old favorite the whole family can share, runs Dec. 3-6 at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St, downtown Wilmington.

Performances are Thurs-Sat, at 7pm; with SatSun matinees at 3pm. To purchase tickets visit www.thalian.org or call 910-341-7860. Direction and musical direction by Michelle Reiff, follows the journey of Contrary Mary, Tom-Tom and their friends in an unforgettable adventure! These fabulous fantasy characters (comprised of almost 70 of Wilmington’s most talented youth) traverse the Haunted Forest, brave giant spiders and escape the evil Uncle Barnaby’s bumbling henchmen.

Will these friends be able to save Christmas or will Uncle Barnaby win?Wilmington Art Association will host an exhibition during the run of Babes in Toyland. WAA artists have returned to immortalize these storybook characters in different media styled portraits. The paintings will be on sale to the public, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Community Art Center.

NUTCRACKER BALLET

12/4, 4pm and 7pm; 12/5, 10am: This 60-minute narrated version of the classic Christmas tale tells the story of a young girl named Clara. With the help of her godfather, a mysterious clockmaker, she is transported to a magical realm where she journeys through the land of sweets, witnesses a daring battle, and meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. A perfect holiday tradition for the entire family. Tickets: $20/$15. All shows presented by New York’s Ballet for Young Audiences are narrated and only last about one hour. They are the perfect introduc-

Enter your events online by noon, Thursdays, for consideration in print.

www.encorepub.com 34 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

tion to ballet for young children or grumpy husbands. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. HOLIDAY FLEA AT BAC

See pages 30-31.

CAPE FEAR FESTIVAL OF TREES

12/5, 9am: Lower Cape Fear Hospice’s annual decorated tree display, Cape Fear Festival of Trees, has a new venue this year. The trees will be disbursed through the lower and upper mezzanine areas of the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Admission to the aquarium includes the festival, which will contain at least 25 uniquely decorated trees. Children 2 and younger get in free. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discount. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Road

A VERY MERRY SHOWBOAT

12/5, 10am and 1pm: Free with Battleship admission. Enjoy a new holiday tradition! Kids can fly a flag (US or NC) with Santa—then Santa and the Battleship’s captain will sign your certificate of authenticity. Type your Christmas wish list on a vintage typewriter using authentic WWII USS NC radio message paper. Call the North Pole in the Battleship’s main radio room. See Santa’s journey being tracked in the Combat Information Center. Create Christmas cards for veterans in VA hospitals. And more! Bring your camera for some great photo ops! A great way to start your holiday season! $6-$12. Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd.

TUBA CHRISTMAS CAROLS

12/6, 3pm: Ring in the holidays with Tuba Christmas Carols! Directed by Daniel Johnson, the Wilmington must-see is perfect for everyone in the family! In front of the Sears wing. Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

CAROLINA NUTCRACKER

12/6, 3pm: A Carolina Nutcracker is the area’s only full-length ballet staging of the holiday favorite. Set in Wilmington at the Bellamy Mansion exactly 150 years ago, it features historical characters from the period along with all the beloved traditions of the original ballet. Performances will feature a live professional orchestra and children’s chorus. A must-see for the whole family!

Humanities and Fine Arts Center, CFCC Campus, 411 N Front St.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Fort Fisher State Historic Site will celebrate the upcoming holiday season by hosting its annual Holiday Open House on Tues., 12/8, 10am-4pm, in the visitor’s center. Free and open to the public.

Visitors will enjoy seasonal refreshments, decorations, and entertainment throughout the day, including an array of holiday musical selections by the Murray Middle School Jazz Band, under the direction of Jessica Sekeres. The event will also feature storyteller and musician John Golden, as well as John Bennett and Masonboro Parlor, a group of local musicians who offer a unique combination of lively dance and period music.

For this one day only, a special 20% discount will be offered on all museum shop merchandise, so visitors can stock up on gifts for the history enthusiast on their list. Fort Fisher State Historic Site is located at 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach.

910-612-7067 or plaird@friendsoffortfisher.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

12/10-13: The Theatre Exchange’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol transports the timless story of Christmas redemption Christmas redemption from London to a depression era “Hooverville” on the outskirts of St. Louis.

Actor, historian and THCPA executive director Tony Rivenbark will once again bring Ebenezer Scrooge to life in the intimate setting of the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre at Thalian Hall. Tickets: $25. 310 Chestnut Street

12 TASTES OF CHRISTMAS

12/11, 7pm: The third annual 12 Tastes of Christ-

mas benefit for the CF Literacy Council is almost here! On Friday, December 11 from 7-9pm, you’ll sample seasonal bites and sips of festive cocktails, with the tunes of DJ Chill Bill to groove you through the evening. Tickets are $30 and include tastings from The Blind Elephant, PinPoint, Palate, Caprice Bistro, Flytrap Brewing, Chops Deli, Wilmington Brewing Company, Yosake, Delish NC, Goat & Compass, Detour Deli, Twist & Stout, Costellos, Soulful Twist, Duck & Dive, and more! Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 North 4th St. COASTAL CAROLINA CHRISTMAS

12/11, 7pm: A concert featuring carols by the Wilmington Boys Choir and selections from Handel’s Messiah by the Choir of St. Paul’s, soloists, and chamber orchestra, followed by a sparkling chocolate reception. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th St.

NC HOLIDAY POPS

12/12, 7:30pm: The North Carolina Symphony’s Holiday Pops is a musical tradition that will fill your heart with cheer. This all-new concert features selections from The Polar Express and Frozen, plus all your holiday favorites and our popular sing-a-long. “Yule” definitely be in a holly, jolly mood when you leave this concert. Single tickets on sale August 3; subscriptions available now! Humanities and Fine Arts Center, CFCC campus, 411 N Front St.

JINGLE BELL RUN 5K

12/12: The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History invites you to participate in the museum’s seventh annual Jingle Bell 5K Run. As this will be a celebratory, holiday event, race participants are encouraged to dress in holiday apparel (i.e. Santa costumes, antlers, snow men etc.). We have a family registration rate and a competition for decorated strollers. Prizes for Best Overall Holiday Costume, Best Group Holiday Costume, Best Family Holiday Costume, and Best Pet Costume.

The Jingle Bell 5K Run will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, a private, nonprofit museum dedicated to the preservation and telling of the history of Wrightsville Beach. Join us in a 5K through the Wrightsville Beach area to see the beach in a new way. Historic cottages, beautiful winter marshes, and all your old haunts are part of the scenery as you meet the challenge to experience this special 5 K and benefit this special museum. 303 West Salisbury St.

CHRISTMAS STROLL THROUGH THE PAST

12/12, 4pm: The Bellamy Mansion Museum and the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens invite you to stroll down Market Street through the past.

Celebrate the holidays with a luminary walk, period decorations, music, costumed interpreters, petting zoo, refreshments and more! The St. James Church nave will also be open for visitors during the Stroll, with architectural historian Edward F. Turberg available for questions. $20 for adults (15 and up). Tickets available online and at the Burgwin-Wright House and Bellamy Mansion Museum. 503 Market St.

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN PLAYLIST SAMPLE:

SHUGGIE OTIS - SPARKLE CITY PHISH - STASH MOON TAXI - YEAR ZERO ELLE KING - EX’S AND OH’S NEIL YOUNG - SUGAR MOUNTAIN L SHAPE LOT - BEAUTIFUL DAY THE DECEMBERISTS - FOREGONE GRACE POTTER - MEDICINE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - ATLANTIC CITY BRANDI CARLILE - THE EYE

NEW MUSIC HITTING THE STREETS 12/4:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN THE TIES THAT BIND: THE RIVER COLLECTION (BOX SET) COLDPLAY A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS FLEETWOOD MAC TUSK (DELUXE REISSUE) OKKERVIL RIVER BLACK SHEEP BOY TOM JONES LONG LOST SUITCASE VARIOUS ARTISTS (BIG MAMA THORNTON, ROXY PERRY & MORE) HARP WOMEN

UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS: DAWES (BAC - 12/9) L SHAPE LOT - TOYS FOR TOTS (BAC - 12/19) ANI DIFRANCO (BAC - 1/22) GRACE POTTER (CFCC - 1/24) ANDERS OSBORNE (BAC - 2/17) SHOVELS & ROPE (BAC - 3/18)

***WIN HOT CONCERT TICKETS AT PENGO, MONDAY NIGHTS AT MELLOW MUSHROOM*** ***VOTE ON NEW MUSIC FOR AIRPLAY AT RATE-A-RECORD, TUESDAY’S AT SLICE OF LIFE DOWNTOWN***

COOKIE WALK

12/12, 9am: Extreme Bake Sale! Just in time for the holidays. Enjoy a holiday atmosphere while choosing from thousands of homemade holiday cookies, candies and treats. Ideal for gifts or for your own holiday celebrations. Boxes and gloves provided. Proceeds go to church missions. Wrightsville United Methodist Church, 4 Live Oak Dr.

18TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS

12/13, 1pm: Explore how the American colonists celebrated Christmas. Costumed interpreters will provide guided tours of St. Philips Anglican Church and historic Brunswick on the hour. During the program, you can enjoy Colonial refreshments in the Visitor Center, participate in traditional games, or try your hand at Moravian paper stars and other 18th century crafts. The highlight

SPECIALTY SHOWS:

The Evening Experiment with Eric Miller, Wednesdays 7-9 pm Acoustic Cafe Saturdays from 7-9 am, etown Saturdays at 9 am Putumayo World Music Hour Sundays at 8 am

www.983thepenguin.com encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 35

of the evening will be an authentic period candlelit service in the ruins of St. Philips Anglican Church.

The service will begin at 5:00pm and will conclude by 5:30pm. Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 8884 St. Philips Rd. SE ROYAL TEA WITH CMW

12/13, 4pm: Celebrate the Season of Light with an afternoon fit for a King: tasty treats, bubbly tipples and courtly teas coupled with festive music performed by the Beverly Biggs Baroque Trio. Delectables from King George’s Kensington Palace, Marie Antoinette’s Versailles, and Frederick the Great’s Prussian Court will be paired with a selection of the royals’ favorite sonatas, diversions, airs and dances. Relax and lighten your Holiday Spirit with Bach, Chedeville, Telemann, Handel and more! Graystone Inn, 100 S 3rd St.

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT

12/13, 5:30pm: The Wilmington Boys Choir will sing carols and holiday classics, Sunday, December 13, 2015, 5:30 pm. St. Pau’s Episcopal Church, 16 N 16th St. Donations will benefit the Wilmington Boys Choir. www.wilmingtonboyschoir.org. Donations support the Wilmington Boys Choir accepted.

AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE

12/13, 4pm: Presented by The Wilmington Choral Society this musical event promises to be a wonderful feel-good afternoon for those of all ages.

Opening with Haydn’s ‘The Heavens are Telling’, from The Creation, the 100 voice chorus follows with favorite songs and carols celebrating winter, Christmas and Chanukah. The Society also welcomes the 70 voice Girls’ Choir of Wilmington, directed by Sandy Errante, to the stage for a portion of the program. WCS is a supporter of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard so, if able, please bring a donation or non perishable food item to the con-

cert to be delivered to the Cupboard. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children age 17 and under. CFCC Fine Arts and Humanities Center: 703 North 3rd Street

THROUGH 12/22: ENCHANTED AIRLIE

It’s officially the holiday season in southeastern NC, as the historic Airlie Gardens transforms into a magical wonderland! Through Dec. 22 families will be welcomed through the enchanted gardens, which will be decorated with more than 750,000 lights! Santa will be on the grounds to take kids’ Christmas wishlists, and he’ll be joined by a slew of superheroes, along with local music entertainment, warm holiday refreshments and even a gift shop, selling unique items perfect for holiday gift-giving. Tickets range from $12 to $27. www.airliegardens.org HOLIDAY HOOPLA AT THE MUSEUM

12/15-18, 11:30am: Each day to partake in some very fun and festive holiday crafts, baking, and more! Free with admission or membership.

12/15: Fingerprint Christmas; 12/16: Cinnamon Ornaments; 12/17: Candy Cottages; 12/18: Reindeer Food. We look forward to seeing you all this holiday! Children’s Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St.

A YULETIDE SWING

12/18, 8pm: Wilmington jazz musicians will be bringing unique/original compositions of your favorite Christmas classics to Bourgie Nights! $7 advance tickets, $10 day of show. Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

POLAR EXPRESS DAY

12/19, 9am: Wear your pajamas and join us for a morning of Christmas magic! We will read the book, The Polar Express, at 10am. The children will be able to make a train ornament, write a letter to Santa, drink hot cocoa and receive a Christmas spirit bell. The bell only rings for those that believe. Free with admissions and membership.

Children’s Museum, 116 Orange St. BAROQUE CHRISTMAS CONCERT

12/21, 7:30pm: Tallis Chamber Orchestra Baroque Christmas Concert to Benefit the Good Shepherd Center, featuring soprano Sara Westermark and harpist Christina Brier. Concert is free/donations accepted. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. Sixteenth St. ENCHANTED AIRLIE

One enchanted evening can create lasting holiday memories through Dec. 22. Airlie’s tastefully decorated half-mile, self-guided walking trail features elaborate holiday displays with more than 750,000 twinkling lights—a holiday light extravaganza like no other.

See the enchanted forest of lighted oaks and dazzling displays in a coastal garden setting over 67 acres holiday fantasy with whimsical exhibits suitable for all ages. Superheroes will join Santa to greet guests and pose for photos.

Other highlights include: a Poinsettia Paradise with more than 400 holiday plants, live musical entertainment and visits with Santa. Airlie’s 2,400-square-foot floral conservatory provides a festive backdrop for family photos. Warm holiday refreshments are available for purchase and the Airlie gift shop is open with one-of-a-kind gifts.

Single: $12 (over the age of 4). Children under 3: free. Couples in same vehicle: $17. Carload: $27.

Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Road

A TRAILER PARK CHRISTMAS

“A Trailer Park Christmas,” by Rachel Klem and Jeffrey Moore. Originally produced in Durham, NC & 2014 at TheatreNOW, through Dec. 20, Friday and Saturday at 7pm. Sundays (starting in December) at 3pm. Tickets $22-$40 with discounts for seniors and students. Adult $40, Senior/Student $36, $22 show only. The residents of Whispering Pines Trailer Park are back with their open latch holiday gathering. Will Memaw drink too much of Lorraine’s special punch? And what to do with all the fruit cake? Will an impending hurricane spoil their celebrations? Meet all the colorful trailer park residents and enjoy a delicious comfort food inspired 3-course meal by TheatreNOW’s award-winning, Chef Denise. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

CHRISTMAS BELLES

See page 18.

events PEARL HARBOR DAY REMEMBRANCE

12/7, noon: The Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club hosts a worldwide ham radio operator event onboard the Battleship commemorating the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Radio operators making contact will receive a special postcard verifying contact. 910-367-1758. http:// battleshipnc.com

MAKE WEEK

Museum School at Cameron Art Museum is taking gift giving to another level by offering a variety of 1 or 2-day workshops referred to as “Make Week,” through Dec. 8. Instructors of these workshops will teach how to “make” gifts for giving.

This hands-on approach to making is not new to the Museum School, but the format is. Dec. 4, 9am-noon or 1-4pm: Kim Beller’s workshop features handmade simple books or journals. • Dec. 6, 12:30-3:30pm: Mitzi Ito’s workshop on making Japanese Paper Dolls uses special, colorful Japanese paper that is then folded into a doll shape.

36 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

The dolls can serve as both a gift and as an ornament. • “Kids Make the Neatest Ornaments!” with Cameron Art Museum director of youth and family education, Georgia Mastroieni. Kids will utilize the simplest of objects and turn them into glittery, sparkly fun and decorative ornaments to keep or give as a gift. Additional workshops during Make Week include: Paste Papers for the Holidays with Fritzi Huber; Grateful Gifts: Bells, Stationary, Candles with Maria Borghoff; Pine Needle Snowflake Ornaments with Melanie Walter, and Holly Jolly Gelli Printing with Kirah Van Sickle. Costs for workshops range from $20 to $75. To register, simply select your workshops online, at Cameron Art Museum or by calling Museum School at 910-3955999 ext. 1008. www.cameronartmuseum.org.

STEP UP FOR SOLDIERS OYSTER ROAST

12/13, 2pm: A free oyster roast is planned to benefit Step Up for Soldiers, a local organization whose mission is to aid disabled veterans and their families. The event will take place 2pm to 5pm, Sunday, December 13, at Gibby’s Dock and Dine in Carolina Beach. The Mailbox Store, 6400 Carolina Beach Road, is sponsoring the event.

While the roast is free, donations will be requested at the door. There will also be silent auction items and raffles. Sponsorships are available for anyone wishing to participate. Further information is available from The Mailbox Store, 910-399-8550. Free, though donations appreciated. 315 Canal Dr.

theatre/auditions CINDERELLA

12/3, 7pm: This enchanting adaptation of an iconic fairy tale tells the story of Cinderella, a young woman forced into servitude by her evil stepmother. This kid-friendly (and husband-friendly) abbreviated version of the classic tale features talented dancers, exquisite scenery, and beautiful costumes. A perfect introduction to ballet for the entire family. Tickets: $20/$15. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

BIG FISH A NEW MUSICAL

12/4-6, 8pm; Sun., 3pm: Full of fantasy, wit, and heart, Big Fish is a new musical produced by City Stage Co. Bedridden with illness, Edward recounts his unbelievable adventures with some larger than life characters: guiding the audience through tales of a giant in a cave, the clairvoyant witch, and the story of meeting the love of his life.

When his son, Will, and pregnant daughter-in-law come to visit, Edward is torn between reality and fiction and must decide what legacy to leave behind. Featuring performances by Mark Deese, Heather Setzler, Gregory Beddingfielld, Hunter Wyatt, Sarah Parsons, and other local favorites.

City Stage: 21 N. Front Street (Level 5). $20-25; $18 for students, educators, military, and seniors.

910-342-0272 for tickets or CityStageCoReservations@gmail.com

MURDER AT THE COUNTRY CLUB

12/5, 6pm: From the pens of Wilmington writers Ryan PC Trimble and Chelsea Deaner comes a hilarious comedy that pokes a little fun at southern festivals and challenges audience members to guess the killer before show’s end. Don’t miss this live, interactive murder mystery brought to you from the producers at Wilmington’s Finest Dinner Theater: Theatre Now. Show information: Doors open at 6pm - show starts at 7pm. Cash beer and wine bar available, must show valid ID to purchase beer/wine. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way

SUPERSTAR ACADEMY PRESENTS...

The first chapter in the ongoing series, “The Cornerstone Caper,” which follows a group of middleschool students assigned to cover the opening of a Time Capsule discovered in the cornerstone

CAMERON ART MUSEUM

MAKE WEEK take a workshop learn a craft make a gift!

DEC. 1 - 8, 2015 Be unique and make your holiday gifts as you take a workshop and learn a craft.

CHOOSE YOUR WORKSHOPS Grateful Gifts: Bells, Stationary, Candles Kids Make the Neatest Ornaments!

Handmade Simple Books Pine Needle Snowflake Ornaments Japanese Paper Dolls Holly Jolly Gelli Printing CAMERON ART MUSEUM | 3201 South Seventeenth Street | Wilmington, NC 28412 | 910.395.5999 ext. 1008 encore | december 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 37

of the Masonic Temple downtown. But when the time capsule is swiped from the library during the unveiling, the kids have to figure out who the culprit is. Upon finding a strange amulet among the books at the library, they wish for help and characters from the books they’re carrying magically come to life! You’ll see characters from Alice in Wonderland, the Wizard of Oz, Shakespeare and more come to life on the stage and pitch in to recover the lost time capsule. Kids that auditioned were asked what character from literature they would like to play and, in nearly every instance, that’s the character they are playing! Shows: 12/10, 7pm; 12/12, 1pm and 3pm; 12/13, 7pm.

Capacity for each show is 100 so don’t wait to make your reservations as the shows will quickly fill up. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids ten and under. (910) 262-2245 or at zhanner@ me.com. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. AUDITIONS FOR THE ODD COUPLE

12/7-8, 7pm: Auditions for Big Dawg Productions first show of the 2016 season, The Odd Couple, written by Neil Simon and directed by Katherine Vernon, will be held Dec. 7th and 8th at the Hannah Block Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St,.

Wilmington, NC at 7 pm on both nights. Roles are available for 6 men, early 30’s to late 50’s, and two women, late 20’s to early 40’s. The productions will be held at the Cape Fear Playhouse, Feb. 4th21st (Thurs.-Sat. at 8 pm, Sun. at 3 pm). Auditions will consist of cold reads, you will NOT have to prepare a monologue. Big Dawg encourages all races and ethnicities to audition. No roles have been precast. For more information, call 910 612 2239. Hannah Block USO Community Arts Center, 120 S 2nd St.

IT TAKES TWO AUDITIONS

Auditions (for both Youth and Adults) will be held on Saturday, December 12th at 10 am at the Com-

munity Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd Street in downtown Wilmington. A song and dance combination will be taught, no preparation needed. This production, conceived and directed by Mike Thompson, runs January 22-24, 2016 at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN AUDITIONS

12/14-15, 7pm: Auditions will be held on Monday, December 14th & Tuesday, December 15th at 7 pm at the Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd Street in downtown Wilmington. No preparation necessary, sides will be provided. This production, directed by Charles Grimes, runs February 4-14, 2016 at Thalian Hall. Hannah Block Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second St.

comedy DEAD CROW COMEDY CLUB

Ongoing schedule: Mon, Comedy Bingo and $1 tacos; Tues, free Crow’s Nest Improv (long-form), 8pm; Wed, Nutt House Improv Show, 9pm, $3; Thurs, free open-mic night, 9pm; Fri-Sat, 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 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. • Tim Meadows is a long time member of Saturday Night Live, star of “The Lady’s Man”, seen on Late Night with Craig Ferguson, Wayne’s World 2, and was a member of 2nd City Improv Troupe with classmate Chris Farley.

Advance Purchase tickets are sold out! We will have a limited number of tickets available for purchase at the box office, when doors open be-

fore each show (6pm for 7pm show, and 9pm for 9:30pm show) on 12/4, 12/5 & 12/6. We cannot sell these in advance, or hold them. They will be sold first come, first serve.Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front Street.

COMEDY AT CALICO

Wed., 9pm: Comedy Showcase at The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St., in downtown Wilmington. Come see some of the funniest guys in the region and potentially win cash prizes. An open mic show with a different headliner every week!

Hosted by Reid Clark.

HOLIDAY VARIETY SHOW

12/9, 8pm: It’s most wonderful show of the year!

PSL has put together a doozy of spectacle that is simply to die for! The cheerful gang over at Pineapple-Shaped Lamps have executed a heck of a show the likes you’ve never seen before! You’ll see hilarious sketches, delightful song and dance numbers, sublime holidaythemed shenanigans, killer surprises, wacky guests galore and much, much more! With your host: Ed Wagenseller! So come one, come all to PSL Presents: Fun-Filled Holiday Variety Extravaganza Special! Advance tickets just $8 at http://pslpresents.brownpapertickets.com or $10 at the door. Advance tickets just $8 at http:// pslpresents.brownpapertickets.com or $10 at the door. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

the university. Wind Symphony performs the finest literature available for winds including traditional wind band repertoire, marches, transcriptions, and the newest 21st century works. Chamber Winds is comprised of the top musicians from each section of the Wind Symphony; repertoire includes works written for concert band and wind ensemble, as well as standard wind literature. Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds have become an important addition to Wilmington’s musical landscape. $6 general public / free to students with valid UNCW ID. Kenan Auditorium (UNC Wilmington), 601 S. College Rd. UNCW HONOR BAND FESTIVAL FINALE

12/5, 3pm: Conducted by John LaCognata (UNCW director of bands) and Tom Jenner (Millbrook High School director of bands), the 6th annual UNCW Honor Band Festival concludes with a finale concert by North Carolina’s finest high school band students. Kenan Auditorium (UNC Wilmington), 601 S. College Road

ARTISTRY IN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Gingerbread and Lantern Festival has Big band orchestra performing Stan Kenton and holiday favorites. Admission varies. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 South 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org.

SWEET ADELINES

12/5, 1pm: Port City a cappella, a women’s singing group, presents their lineup of Christmas performances on Sat, Dec. 5th: 1pm, Bread and lights Gingerbread & Lantern Festival. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S.17th St. • 4pm:, The Candlelight Tour, First. Presbyterian Church, 125S 3rd. St. • 7pm, The Chordsmen Show, Temple Baptist Church, 1801 Market St. • Thurs. Dec. 10, 7pm. Facing Forward, Blue Warer Grill, 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach • Sat., Everyone’s favorite “Ladies’ Man” will be making his Dec. 12, 6:30pm, Coastal Carolina Christdebut in Wilmington for three days of standup enjoymas@ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N ment at Dead Crow Comedy Room. Tim Meadows—who’s 16th St. • Mon, Dec. 14th, 6:30pm, Woodwell known for his stint in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s on bury Wellness Center, Hampstead.N.C. • Fri., Dec. 18, 6:30pm: Independance “Saturday Night Live”—will be doing two shows every Mall, the Sear’s indoor entrance. Always night this week: Dec. 4, 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

They will sell out, so act fast to secure tickets! Meadows welcoming women who would like to sing the “Barbershop Tradition”— no experishared the stage with comic stalwarts Chris Farley, David in ence needed. Ramona, 910-791-3846.

12/5: TIM MEADOWS

Spade, Mike Myers, and many others during his reign on SNL. He also was a member of the famed Second City Improv Troupe. www.deadcrowcomedy.com

CF JAZZ SOCIETY HOLIDAY PARTY

12/6, 6pm: Buffet dinner with live music

by Artistry in Jazz Big Band. Bring your dancin’ shoes! Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

music/concerts UNCW DEPT OF MUSIC HONORS

12/2, 7:30am: Join the Department of Music in a celebration with performances by outstanding vocal and instrumental students in the music department. A reception follows in the Cultural Arts lobby. UNCW Beckwith Recital Hall, 5270 Randall Dr.

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JAZZ AT CAM

12/3, 6:30pm: The sixth season of the popular seven concert series offers a mixture of musicians from Wilmington and around the state performing a range of jazz genres for your listening pleasure.

Purchase seats on CAM’s website: www.cameronartmuseum.org, by phone (910) 395-5999 or in person. Check schedule for date changes.

Cameron Art Museum, instersection of 17 St. and Independence Blvd.

ARTISTRY IN JAZZ BIG BAND

12/3, 6:30am: 21 musicians and vocalists local to the Wilmington area performing Big Band music based on the west coast style of Stan Kenton and more. Contact Cameron Art Museum for details.

3201 South 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org

UNCW CHAMBER WINDS

12/4, 7:30pm: Conducted by John P. LaCognata, Wind Symphony is UNCW’s premier symphonic band; members consist of students from across

OLLI NEW HORIZONS BAND

12/7, 7:30pm: The OLLI New Horizons Band of Wilmington, in cooperation with the UNCW Department of Music, provides an opportunity for adults of all ages to make music in a concert band format. Experienced musicians and beginners alike are invited to participate. Kenan Auditorium (UNC Wilmington), 601 S. College Rd.

TATSUYA NAKATINI AND MICHEL DONEDA

12/16, 8pm: Japanese improvising percussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, performing in a duo with French saxophonist Michel Doneda for an amazing display of free improvisation. Squidco Records, 928 N. 4th St.

CONCERTS ON COLLEGE

12/18, 7pm: Concerts on College is proud to present Lessons and Carolsperformed by the Girls’ Choir of Wilmington at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1401 S College Road in Wilmington. Choir is directed by Sandy Errante and accompanied by Steven Errante. Experience joyful music of the holidays from a global perspective as the Girls Choir sings Celtic selections, Moravian songs, a Hebrew piece, the Huron carol, and English composer John Rutter Christmas favorites. Donations will benefit scholarships awarded to UNCW students pursuing degrees in music. bettsyc@welcometowesley.com or (910) 791-4092, ext. 119

encore | december 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 39

LLOYD’S SALES AND STORAGE

To Selling e nc You Si 1985

6505 Market St., Wilmington

Come see Rick & Lloyd

Auto Sales Dept. 910-520-0096

MILITARY DISCOUNTS FOR ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL

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GIRLSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CHOIR OF WILMINGTON

12/18, 7pm: Concerts on College is proud to present Lessons and Carols performed by the Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choir of Wilmington on Fri, Dec. 18, 7pm, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1401 S College Road in Wilmington. The choir is directed

by Sandy Errante and accompanied by Steven Errante. Experience joyful music of the holidays from a global perspective as the Girls Choir sings Celtic selections, Moravian songs, a Hebrew piece, the Huron carol, and English composer John Rutter Christmas favorites. Donations will benefit music scholarships and the music ministry of Wesley Memorial United Methodist, 1401 S College Rd.

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.

BABS MCDANCE STUDIO

Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.Â

76â&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

CONTRA DANCE

Tuesday night dances, 5th Ave United Methodist Church on South 5th Ave at Nun, 7:30-9:30pm.

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.

art MUSEUM SCHOOL SHOWCASE

12/12, 12:30pm: Cameron Art Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum School Showcase is an opportunity to meet the instructors, see examples of their work and demonstrations, talk about the classes. The Showcase is being held during open registration for Winter Session I, which starts in January 2016. The Museum School Showcase is free and open to the public. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Karen Paden Crouch and Mark Weber will be having a show at ACME Art Studios from Nov. 27th - Dec.18th. The show features paintings based on sculptures by Karen and pieces she has sculpted based on Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. The opening reception is Friday, Nov. 27th from 6-9pm. Acme Art Studios, 711 N 5th Ave.

SPECTRUM GALLERY HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW

12/3, 6pm: Spectrum Gallery will kick off their Annual Holiday Gift Show with a reception on December 3rd from 6 to 9 PM, featuring small paintings from gallery artists along with an array of American-made handcrafted gifts. Many of the artists will be present. Refreshments will be served, and there will be live music by Lisa and Galen. This event is free and open to the public.

Spectrum Gallery, 1125 J Military Cutoff Rd.

WINTER WORKS ON PAPER EXHIBIT

12/8, all day: Take a reprieve from the hustle and bustle and enter a world of serenity and quiet that only a blanket of snow puts on the world. Sit down, relax and enjoy the soft restful solitude of winter. Watercolors and monoprints on museum

quality papers by artist Janette K. Hopper. Costelloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St. ACME CHRISTMAS SHOW AND SALE

Acme Art Studios is proud to announce that the annual Christmas Show and Sale will be held Sat., 12/12, 10am-6pm, and Sun., 12/13, 1pm-6pm.

Artwork from the community of Acme Artists will be available. You are invited to come out and partake of the Christmas Spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Acme style. 711 N 5th Ave. www.acme-art-studios.com.

ART RAFFLE

Art in Bloom Gallery is having a raffle of fine art to benefit Mother Hubbardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cupboard, an emergency food pantry helping hungry people in our community. Raffle tickets may be purchased for one dollar each and/or by bringing one non-perishable food item in exchange for a ticket through Saturday, December 12, at the end of the Holly Jolly Stroll. The winning raffle tickets will be randomly selected and announced at 6 pm on Saturday, December 12th. Participants do not have to be present to win. Fine art for the raffle includes: Crimson Poppy, an oil painting (by Debra Bucci), Multi-colored flower group, a metal outdoor or indoor sculpture (by Matthew Leavell), a handmade wooden box (by David Klinger), a throw pillow (by Robyn Gahr), a decoupage table (by Sherry Hellmer), temari embroidered spheres (by Cathie Schumaker), and other items. Art in Bloom Gallery, 210 Princess St.

31ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW

The 31st Annual Holiday Show opens at New Elements Gallery features new work from the galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented roster of artists. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiday show will benefit The Carousel Center, a Wilmington non-profit dedicated to providing safe spaces for abused and neglected children.

Show will remain on view until January 22, 2016.

Now celebrating 30 years, New Elements Gallery is located at 201 Princess Street, the corner of 2nd and Princess, in historic downtown Wilmington. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM until 6PM or by appointment.

and other historic artifacts, For All the World to See traces how images and media disseminated to the American public transformed the modern civil rights movement and jolted Americans, both black and white, out of a state of denial or complacency. 910-798-4370. Hours: Tues-Sat, 9am5pm; Sun., 1-5pm. $5-$8. Free for museum members and children under 3. New Hanover County residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; free day is the first Sun. ea. month. Â 814 Market St. capefearmuseum MISSILES AND MORE MUSEUM

Topsail Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;colorfulâ&#x20AC;? 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. 910-3288663 or 910-328-2488. www.topsailmissilesmuseum.org.

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MUSEUM

Mon, Little Sprouts Storytime, 10am, and Go Green Engineer Team, 3:30pm. â&#x20AC;˘ Tues., Kids Cooking Club, 3:30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Wed., Preschool Science, 10am; Discover Science, 3:30pm; and Mini Math, 4pm. â&#x20AC;˘ Thurs. StoryCOOKS, 10am; and StART with a Story, 3:30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Fri., Toddler Time, 10am; and Adventures in Art, 3:30pm â&#x20AC;˘ 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.â&#x20AC;˘ 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 will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environment which have shaped the 100 year history of Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256-2569. 303 West Salisbury St. wbmuseum.com.

WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mondays at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9.00 adult, $8.00 senior/military, $5.00 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, 10am4pm, 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-

museums CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

Exhibits: Collection Selections: Smoking; closes 1/10/16: For centuries, people have smoked tobacco and other substances for religious, social, and medical reasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and simply for pleasure.

Cape Fear Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection includes over 200 artifacts related to smoking, from 18th century clay pipe fragments to 20th century lighters, ashtrays, matchbooks and cigarette advertisements. Come view a selection of this diverse collection of objects. â&#x20AC;˘ Reflections in Black and White, closes 5/17/16: Cape Fear Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest in-house exhibition, Reflections in Black and White, features a selection of informal black and white photographs taken by black and white Wilmingtonians after World War II before the Civil Rights movement helped end legalized segregation. Visitors will have a chance to compare black and white experiences and reflect on what peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives were like in the region during the latter part of the Jim Crow era. Examine midcentury cameras and photographic equipment and experience the â&#x20AC;&#x153;thrillâ&#x20AC;? of opening a replica camera store photo envelope, a rare experience in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s digital world. Flip through some recreated pages from Claude Howellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scrapbooks, and take your own photograph in a 1950s setting. â&#x20AC;˘ For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights, 11/10-1/7/16: For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights examines the role that visual culture played in shaping and transforming the struggle for racial equality in America from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s. Through a compelling assortment of photographs, television clips, art posters,

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encore | december 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 43

0492. www.latimerhouse.org CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12-foot saltwater crocodile, “Bubble Boy.” and “Sheena”, a 23ft long Reticulated Python that can swallow a human being whole! Giant Anaconda weighs 300 lbs, w/15 ft long King Cobras hood up and amaze you. See the Black Mamba, Spitting Cobras, Inland Taipans, Gaboon Vipers, Puff Adders, and more! Over 100 species, some so rare they are not exhibited anywhere else. One of the most famous reptile collections on earth. Open everyday in summer, 11am-5pm (Sat. till 6 pm); winter schedule, Wed-Sun. 20 Orange St, across from the Historic Downtown Riverwalk, intersecting Front and Water Street. (910) 762-1669 or www. capefearserpentarium.com.

BELLAMY MANSION

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children.

After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, 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.

CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Exhibits: José Bernal: Obra de Arte, through 2/26: First retrospective of Cuban born-American artist José Bernal (1925-2010). Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, Bernal excelled at both music and visual art as a child and, after receiving his Master’s De-

gree, began his teaching career while continuing to produce his artwork. In 1961, Bernal was arrested for unpatriotic behavior for refusal to work in the sugar cane fields. After this incident, Bernal and his wife Estela secured visas for themselves and their three children to leave Cuba for America and, by 1962, relocated to Chicago. Although he rarely exhibited, Bernal worked prolifically, producing hundreds of works throughout his lifetime and exploring the various mediums of painting, collage, assemblage and ceramics. • Response is the Medium through 1/10/16: In 1977 interactive art pioneer Myron W. Kruger stated, “The beauty of the visual and aural response is secondary.

Response is the medium! As an art form, this is unique. Instead of an artist creating a piece of artwork, the artist is creating a sequence of possibilities.” The exhibition Response is the Medium explores the innovative ways artists are utilizing technology, perception and audience interaction in creating their work. Media artists Brian Knep, Daniel Rozin and Purring Tiger (Aaron Sherwood and Kiori Kawai); metalsmith Gabriel Craig and composer Michael Remson.

CAM Café hrs: 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.

film BEHIND THE GARAGE

Behind the Garage Series: Subversive Films & Experimental Music. Subversive films shown every Sunday at 8pm, followed by experimental musical guests. 8PM: Controversial, eye-opening and entertaining films & documentaries shown weekly. 10PM: Experimental, avant garde, noise, and other unclassfiable musical performances at 10.

Hosted by Karl Tyler Perry. Juggling Gypsy Cafe & Hookah Bar, 1612 Castle St

WILMINGTON ON FIRE

12/2, 7pm: “Wilmington On Fire,” the 89 minute documentary film which deals with the efforts of the descendants of the victims of the Wilmington

12/4: UNCW HOLIDAY READING

Even the MFA students at UNCW are getting into the holiday spirit! On the 4th at 7:30 p.m., students of the creative writing department, along with best-selling author David Gessner dressed as Santa, will take over the MC Erny Gallery at WHQR (254 N. Front St.). They’ll read original works in poetry, fiction, essays and more! Plus, a special reading from poet Malena Morling will take place. It’s free, but a donation of writing supplies are accepted for the UNCW’s Young Writers’ summer workshops.

Massacre Of 1898 to receive compensation for their financial loses, will be shown, December

2, 2015, at 4 pm and 7pm, at Thalian Hall (www. thalianhall.org), 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. The film was recently shown November 14 and 15 at The Cucalorus Film Festival to capacity crowds. This repeat screening is scheduled due to popular demand and for the people who were not able to get tickets. For more information and ticket information call: box office toll free. 800-533-2820 or www.facebook.com/ wilmingtononfire. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

lectures/readings UNCW HOLIDAY MFA READING

12/4, 7:30pm: Join UNCW’s MFA writers for a special night featuring original words from student poets, fictioneers, and essayists, and a special reading from acclaimed poet Malena Mörling! Guests will also be able to take pictures with best-selling author David Gessner, all dolled up as Santa.

Donate writing supplies (pens, notebooks, & books) for UNCW’s Young Writers’ summer workshops! MC Erny Gallery at WHQR, 254 North Front St. BARNES AND NOBLE

Every Friday night we have a family story time with activities. • Toddler Story Time, 10am, every Tuesday for toddler story time and coloring.

• 7pm: Join us every third Thursday of each month as we talk about Magic Tree House stories and adventures and enjoy crafts and activities. • Join us every third Thursday of each month as we talk about Magic Tree House stories and adventures and enjoy crafts and activities. • American Girl Night, every second Thursday of each month to talk about American Girl stories and enjoy crafts and activities. • Barnes & Noble ,

MAIN ATTRACTIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS A Christmas Carol: Presented with Theatre Exchange and THCPA Cube Theatre

december 10th – 21st in the Ruth & Bucky Stein Theatre at Thalian Hall. The timeless holiday tale loved by all set in the American Midwest in the Great Depression Era. Starring Tony Rivenbark as Ebenezer Scrooge.

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

44 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

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

750 Inspiration Drive

classes/workshops MAKE MONEY IN REAL ESTATE

Wed., Dec. 2nd at 6:00pm at The Terraces on Sir Tyler (1826 Sir Tyler Drive): Explore the easiest, safest, fastest ways to invest in real estate. We do expect a packed room so please RSVP. Would hate for you to drive there and not get in. If you care about your future, you need to make time to attend. RSVP at /www.meetup.com/wilmingtonhouse-flippers.

YOGART CO-CREATION SESSION

12/6, 4pm: Join yoga teacher Laura Golden and artist Kelley Morris for an afternoon of co-creative yoga and art. A one-hour led yoga class (all levels) followed by an hour of artistic guidance to create your own inspired work. And then wander across the street to Satellite for Blue Grass night! $5 suggested/requested donation for art supplies. $5 suggested/requested donation for art supplies. “The Great Room” @ South Front Apartments, 1400 S. 2nd St.

FREE WORKOUTS

Wilmington Performance Lab has recently started offering free workouts at its facility at 3305 Burnt Mill Dr. on Saturdays at 9:00 am. They will not be charging for the workouts but are collecting donations to benefit The Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Wilmington Performance Lab is a privately owned personal training facility catering to each client’s individual needs and fitness goals. Nationally certified trainers ensure all workouts are challenging, but specific to current fitness levels and progressed at the proper pace. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington are: 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19 at 9am Saturday mornings. Free, but donation asked to benefit the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. 3305 Burnt Mill Dr.

QENO NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

12/8-9, 9am: Adaptive Leadership is a practical leadership framework that helps individuals and organizations adapt and thrive in challenging environments. It is being able, both individually and collectively, to take on the gradual but meaningful process of change. It is about diagnosing the essential from the expendable and bringing about a real challenge to the status quo. During this two day nonprofit leadership academy you will learn about smart risk-taking, how to have courageous conversations, how we get in our own way as leaders, and much more! Adaptive Leadership emerged from thirty plus years of research at Harvard University by Dr. Ron Heifetz and Marty Linsky, defining the frontier of leadership training and development. Holiday Inn, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20) “Charm is a way of getting the answer ‘yes’ without having asked any clear question,” French author Albert Camus wrote. I rarely have seen you better poised than you are now to embody and capitalize on this definition of “charm,” Aries.

That’s good news, right? Well, mostly. But there are two caveats. First, wield your mojo as responsibly as you can. Infuse your bewitching allure with integrity. Second, be precise about what it is you want to achieve—even if you don’t come right out and tell everyone what it is. Resist the temptation to throw around your charm haphazardly.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) I suspect that in the coming days you will have an uncanny power to make at least one of your resurrection fantasies come true. Here are some of the possibilities: 1. If you’re brave enough to change your mind and shed some pride, you could retrieve an expired dream from limbo. 2. By stirring up a bit more chutzpah that you usually have at your disposal, you might be able to revive and even restore a forsaken promise. 3. Through an act of grace, it’s possible you will reanimate an ideal that was damaged or abandoned.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) To the other eleven signs of the zodiac, the way of the Gemini sometimes seems rife with paradox and contradiction. Many non-Geminis would feel paralyzed if they had to live in the midst of so much hubbub. But when you are at your best, you thrive in the web of riddles. In fact, your willingness to abide there is often what generates your special magic. Your breakthroughs are made possible by your high tolerance for uncertainty. How many times have I seen a Gemini who has been lost in indecision but then suddenly erupts with a burst of crackling insights? This is the kind of subtle miracle I expect to happen soon.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) In September of 1715, a band of Jacobite rebels gathered for a guerrilla attack on Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Their plan was to scale the walls with rope ladders, aided by a double agent who was disguised as a castle sentry. But the scheme failed before it began. The rope ladders turned out to be too short to serve their intended purpose. The rebels retreated in disarray. Please, make sure you’re not like them in the coming weeks, Cancerian. If you want to engage in a strenuous action, an innovative experiment or a bold stroke, be meticulous in your preparations. Don’t scrimp on your props, accouterments and resources.

tors syndiCate DUCKS PROGRAM

12/12, 9:15am: Join Wild Bird & Garden for a free program all about ducks! Our region is lucky to host a nice variety of these interesting birds during the cooler months of the year. Come out and

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) If you give children the option of choosing between food that’s mushy or crunchy, a majority will choose the crunchy stuff. It’s more exciting to their mouths, a more lively texture for their teeth and tongues to play with. This has nothing to do with nutritional value, of course. Soggy oatmeal may foster a kid’s well-being better than crispy potato chips. Let’s apply this lesson to the way you feed your inner child in the coming weeks. Metaphorically speaking, I suggest you serve that precious part of you the kind of sustenance that’s both crunchy and healthy. In other words, make sure that what’s wholesome is also fun, and vice versa.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Your mascot is a famous white oak in Athens, Georgia. It’s called the Tree That Owns Itself. According to legend, it belongs to no person or institution, but only to itself. The earth in which it’s planted and the land around it are also its sole possession. With this icon as your inspiration, I invite you to enhance and celebrate your sovereignty during the next seven months. What actions will enable you to own yourself more thoroughly? How can you boost your autonomy and become, more than ever before, the boss of you? It’s prime time to expedite this effort.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Police in Los Angeles conducted an experiment on a 10-mile span of freeway.

Drivers in three unmarked cars raced along as fast as they could while remaining

The SBA (7 Across), or Small

in the same lane. The driver of the fourth car not only moved at top speed but also changed lanes and jockeyed for position. Can you guess the results?

The car that weaved in and out of the traffic flow arrived just slightly ahead of the other three. Apply this lesson to your activities in the coming week, please.

There will be virtually no advantage to indulging in frenetic, erratic, breakneck exertion. Be steady, smooth and straightforward.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You will generate lucky anomalies and helpful flukes if you use shortcuts, flee from boredom, and work smarter rather than harder. On the other hand, you’ll drum up wearisome weirdness and fruitless flukes if you meander all over the place, lose yourself in far-off fantasies, and act as if you have all the time in the world. Be brisk and concise, Scorpio. Avoid loafing and vacillating. Associate with bubbly activators who make you laugh and loosen your iron grip. It’s a favorable time to polish off a lot of practical details with a light touch.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) “Like all explorers, we are drawn to discover what’s out there without knowing yet if we have the courage to face it.” Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön said that, and now I’m telling you. According to my divinations, a new frontier is calling to you. An unprecedented question has awakened. The urge to leave your familiar circle is increasingly tempting. I don’t know if you should you surrender to this brewing fascination. I don’t know if you will be able to gather the resources you would require to carry out your quest.

What do you think? Will you be able to summon the necessary audacity?

Maybe the better inquiry is this: Do you vow to use all your soulful ingenuity to summon the necessary audacity?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) “Once I witnessed a windstorm so severe that two 100-year-old trees were uprooted on the spot,” Mary Ruefle wrote in her book “Madness, Rack, and Honey.” “The next day, walking among the wreckage, I found the friable nests of birds, completely intact and unharmed on the ground.” I think that’s a paradox you’d be wise to keep in mind, Capricorn. In the coming weeks, what’s most delicate and vulnerable about you will have more staying power than what’s massive and fixed. Trust your grace and tenderness more than your fierceness and forcefulness. They will make you as smart as you need to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Aztec king Montezuma II quenched his daily thirst with one specific beverage. He rarely drank anything else. It was ground cocoa beans mixed with chili peppers, water, vanilla, and annatto. Spiced chocolate? You could call it that. The frothy brew was often served to him in golden goblets, each of which he used once and then hurled from his royal balcony into the lake below. He regarded this elixir as an aphrodisiac, and liked to quaff a few flagons before heading off to his harem. I bring this up, Aquarius, because the coming weeks will be one of those exceptional times when you have a poetic license to be almost Montezuma-like. What’s your personal equivalent of his primal chocolate, golden goblets, and harem?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) “Unfortunately, I’m pretty lucky,” my friend Rico said to me recently. He meant that his relentless good fortune constantly threatens to undermine his ambition. How can he be motivated to try harder, grow smarter and get stronger if life is always showering him with blessings? He almost wishes he could suffer more so that he would have more angst to push against.

I hope you won’t fall under the spell of that twisted logic in the coming weeks, Pisces. This is a phase of your cycle when you’re likely to be the beneficiary of an extra-strong flow of help and serendipity. Please, say this affirmation as often as necessary: “Fortunately, I’m pretty lucky.”

encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 45

learn all about the various ducks that you can expect to see at our area’s lakes, ponds, and beaches this winter! Wild Bird & Garden (Wilmington), 3501 Oleander Dr. (Hanover Center).

DUCKS PROGRAM

12/12, 9:15am: Join Wild Bird & Garden for a free program all about ducks! Our region is lucky to host a nice variety of these interesting birds during the cooler months of the year. Come out and learn all about the various ducks that you can expect to see at our area’s lakes, ponds, and beaches this winter! Wild Bird & Garden (Wilmington), 3501 Oleander Dr. (Hanover Center)

INDOOR CYCLING

1/4, 9am: The Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department received a generous donation of indoor stationary bicycles for use in our fitness program. Classes will be held in the modular facility adjacent to Town Hall. (910) 256-7925 for fees.

Wrighstville Bch Parks and Rec, 1 Bob Sawyer Dr.

clubs/notices/tours PC PLAYWRIGHTS

12/5, 1pm: The Port City Playwrights’ Project next meets at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, at the Myrtle Grove branch of the New Hanover County Public Library, 5155 S. College Road.

This last meeting of 2015 includes the reading and discussion of works by several members as well as specific attention to next year’s productions, including Winners and Losers and the Judson Cycle. Newcomers are always welcome to attend meetings of this organization, which focuses on writing for both stage and screen. For additional information, contact Executive Director Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D., at portcityplaywrightsproject@gmail.com or visit

https://portcityplaywrights.wordpress.com. New Hanover County Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 S. College Rd.

nors to those less fortunate. Main speaker will be Sr. Mary Isaac Jogues Koenig S.U. Sister Isaac began the St. Mary Social Outreach Program serving the needy from downtown Wilmington and surrounding cities and a medical clinic known as the Tileston Clinic. Many speakers describe volunteer opportunities for those looking for an avenue to become involved in their new home town.

Membership dues are $25/year, per household. nbnewcomers.org.

NHC NAACP MEETING

12/10, 7pm: The New Hanover County NAACP will hold its annual Winter Meeting Thursday, December 10, at 7pm at Mt. Olive AME Church, 1001 S. 7th Street, Wilmington. A covered dish supper will follow the meeting. Whether you bring a dish or not, members and friends are invited to attend! For more information, call 910-798-2004 or email nhcnaacp@gmail.com.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MEET UP

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will host a free MeetUp for high school students from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Fri., 12/11, Brunswick Community College, LeCenter, 1414 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. Pizza will be served. MeetUps are an opportunity for teens to interact with other young people who have experienced the death of someone special. Often being around others who have been through a simiThe local group will meet at Myrtle Grove’s NHC lar experience enables participants to Public Library (5155 S. College Rd.) on Dec. 5 talk about what they are experiencing. The meeting helps emphasize that at 1 p.m. It’s the last meeting of the year, and teens are not grieving alone and others writers are encouraged to bring in works to read understand and can support them on and workshop. The meeting also will focus on next their grief journey. To attend, a permisyear’s productions, “Winners and Losers” and sion form must be signed by a parent “Judson Cycle.” More information about the group or guardian. Pre-registration is mandatory. (910) 796-7991. lcfh.org or facebook. and their bi-weekly meetings can be obtained by com/lcfhospice

N. BRUNSWICK NEWCOMERS MEETING

12/5: PORT CITY PLAYWRIGHTS

contacting Susan Steadman at portcityplawrightsproject@gmail.com.

land Campus, 2050 Enterprise Blvd. in Leland.

Meet and Greet gathering will begin at 9:30 am with snacks and refreshments and the meeting will follow at 10am. Speaker will be Jay Merritt of Manna Ministries, which supplies food from do-

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

12/7, 1pm: Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer free holiday grief workshops, Hope for the Holidays, in December. Workshops will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, and 1-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7. Both workshops will be at the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, 1406 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. Ggrief group discussions include understanding the grief process; coping with

loss; defining realistic expectations for the holidays; and suggestions for creating new holiday traditions. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 796-7991. When leaving a message, please leave your name, phone number and indicate the specific program you wish to attend. Donations are appreciated. www.lcfh.org or facebook.com/lcfhospice LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Saturdays, 1:30pm: Have you ever wanted to meet authors living and dead, tour locations from books, poems, and plays? Explore the rich culture of this talented Southern town with a 90 minute walking tour of the literary history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit “The Two Libraries”, walk the streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Cost $8: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1282390. Old Books on Front Street, 249 N. Front St.

GHOST WALK

6:30pm & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Admission charge. Meets at Water & Market streets.

Reservations required: 910-794-1866; www. hauntedwilmington.com

TOURS OF WWII SITES

ILM author and military historian Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., now leads customized, personalized guided tours of World War II sites in Southeastern North Carolina. 793-6393. History@wilburjones.com

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS

Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver who narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions.Market and Water streets. $12 for adults, $5 per child. (910) 2518889 or www.horsedrawntours.com

COME VISIT ANY OF OUR 3 LOCATIONS!

5424 Oleander Drive #9 • 910.795.7554 www.invoketattoo.com • Invoke.tattoo.arts@gmail.com 46 encore |december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com

341 S College Rd - (910) 793-0035 5120 S College Rd - (910) 790-8727 1051 Military Cutoff Rd - (910) 679-4209

WWW.ELCERROGRANDERESTAURANT.COM

CORKBOARD Available for your next CD or Demo

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 33 year veteran Producer/Engineer

200 album credits

Dreaming Of A Career In The Music Industry?

AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools, Studio Production Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

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Hancrafted Beers only at the Brewery.

Mug of the Day $1.99

SOLOMON’S WISDOM COME TO THE CLIFF, HE SAID. THEY SAID, WE ARE AFRAID.

HE PUSHED THEM.

AND THEY FLEW.

910-343-1171 www.solomonhypnosis.com

$10/lb. Crab Legs every Thursday at The Shack at Dockside Carolina beach

910-707-1421

Acoustic Jazz Piano on Front St. with James Jarvis

Wednesday @ The Blind Elephant Saturday @ The Calico Room Sunday @ Old Books on Front St.

www.facebook.com/JamesJarvis13

A Night ON the tOwN For Executives and Refined Gents Brunette Model/Social Companion

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Front Street Brewery 910.251.1935 9 North Front Street, Downtown Wilmington FrontStreetBrewery.com

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FAbULOUS ENTERTAINMENT

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In-Out Calls • Casual Events Two Girl Show • Bachelor Parties 24/7 Dancers • Serious Inquiries Only Now Hiring

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910-726-5323

HIRE MR. FIX IT

Handyman Services Reliable Workmanship Quick, Accurate, Quality Service

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910-616-0470

encore | december 2 – 8, 2015 | www.encorepub.com 47

SOUTHERN SOUL FOOD AT I T S F I N E S T

Family owned & operated by Gena & Larry Casey

WE ALSO DO CATERING!

5559 Oleander drive • 910.798.2913

Wednesday-Saturday 11am-9pm • Sunday 11am- 8pm • Closed - Monday and Tuesday