encore February 26 - March 3, 2020

VOL. 36 / PUB. 34 • THE CAPE FEAR’S ALTERNATIVE VOICE FOR 35 YEARS • FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 2020 FREE

wearable art

Local artists design and decorate threads in ‘Jacket Art Show’

Jacket art by Carleigh Sion encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 1

HODGE PODGE

Feb. 26 - Mar. 3, 2020 Vol. 36 / Pub. 34

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MUSIC pg. 14 • By Shannon Rae Gentry Shannon talks to Courtney Lynn and Quinn Russell about their upcoming show at Bourgie Nights. Photo by Wendy Hoggard

word of the week INSTAFLUENZA (N) A viral infection of desire for popularity and influence on social media.

By S

HEA

“Hillary has a bad case of instafluenza.”

CAR

VER

COVER STORY • pg. 18

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief:

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Staff Editors:

Shannon Rae Gentry >> shannon@encorepub.com Jeff Oloizia >> jeffrey@encorepub.com

Jarred Weinstein is hosting an art show at Queen Street Barbershop this Thursday night, featuring more than a dozen artists designing and decorating their own jackets.

Poster by Jarred Weinstein

win of the week

THEATRE pg. 22 • By Shea Carver Shea talks to the cast and director of ‘The Sound of Music,’ which opens on Thursday night. Photo by Eric Maasch Photography

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BOOKS pgs. 34-35 • By Jeff Oloizia Jeff talks to author Melody Moezzi about her new book, ‘The Rumi Prescription,’ which she will read from at UNCW. Courtesy photo

Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 • Op-Ed, pg. 7 • Music, pgs. 10-15 • Comedy, pg. 17 • Art, pg. 18 Gallery Guide, pg. 19 • Film, pgs. 20-21 • Theatre, pgs. 22-23 • Dining, pgs. 26-32 • Extra, pgs. 33-35 Calendar, pgs. 36-53. • Crossword, pg. 55

2 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

A Thrilling Cirque Performance unlike any other

Saturday, Feb.29 at 7:30 pm

Wilson Center TickeT cenTral • 910.362.7999 • WilsoncenTerTickeTs.com encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 3

Time to talk politics, primaries and the importance of voting

PRIMARY

BREAKDOWN Stock

photo

“S

o who do you like in the primary?” Jock asked.

“Well, I really hope Jonathan Barfield wins re-election to the county commission.”

“No, I mean the presidential primary.”

Jock amended.

“I don’t know, Jock. Given the news that keeps coming out about foreign interference in the election, I’m having a real crisis of faith.”

“But that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to vote, does it?” Jock confusingly asked.

"Oh, of course I’m going to vote! You can’t not vote—that’s surrender. No, no, no. I just don’t really know how to approach the primary, what to think about it. The point of the primary is not to vote for the candidate you like best, rather the one that has the best likelihood of winning the general election for your party. At this point, well, I’m not sure who that is.”

I sighed.

“Is our primary earlier this year?” I asked. “Because it feels earlier. Aren’t we usually later than Super Tuesday?”

“I don’t know, did it move?” Jock answered on his way to the fridge for a beer.

North Carolina held its first primary election in 1972. It was quite an election year: George Wallace was shot during the campaign and paralyzed for life. North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford lost his bid for the presidential ticket. Jesse Helms was elected to the US Senate from North Carolina, defeating Nick Galifianakis (uncle to actor Zach Galifianakis). One of the arguments for holding primary elections is that, by allowing the voters to choose their candidates, it gives more power to the voice of the people and takes power from the party bosses that historically control the political process. Yes, indeed, our primary is earlier than previously held. We have joined "Super Tuesday," wherein 14 states all hold primary elections on the same day.

This came about as a result of a bill that Governor Cooper signed in 2018.

In North Carolina we have what is called “semi-closed” primary elections. So folks registered as a member of a political party will vote in that party's primary. Unaffiliated voters who aren't members of a specific party may vote in the primary of their

4 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

BY GWE NYFAR R OHLER choice—either Republican or Democrat.

So where and how does one vote in a primary in New Hanover County? First: No one has to have a photo ID to vote in the 2020 North Carolina primary. encore has covered the lengthy court battles regarding attempts to require a photo ID at the polling booth. But to rehash, in December a judge blocked the requirement in the primaries. A decision about the general election in November has not yet been reached.

There are several ways to vote: One-stop or early voting takes place at five locations around the county: Government Center, Suite 34 230 Government Center Dr.; Cape Fear Community College Health Sciences Building, 415 N. 2nd St.; Carolina Beach Town Hall Police Training Room, 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; Northeast Regional Library David E. Paynter Room, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.; Pine Valley Library Osprey/Pelican Rooms, 3802 S. College Rd. (The Pine Val-

ley Library location replaces New Hanover County Senior Resources Center, which is currently under renovation.) The locations are open Wednesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Early voting ends on February 29.

Of course, voting on March 3 means going to your usual polling location. Not sure where that is? Check out the Board of Elections website (elections.nhcgov. com/voting-registration/polling-places).

Be aware that if your normal polling location is the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center, on election day, you will vote at John T. Hoggard High School, 4305 Shipyard Blvd.

It looks like 2020 might take the cake as far as exciting election years go. In addition to the Republican and Democratic candidates for the presidency, the Constitution Party, which lists 70 registered

voters in New Hanover County, the Green Party, which has 59 registered voters in New Hanover, and the Libertarian Party, which has 1,254 registered voters in New Hanover County, are all holding primary elections.

The Constitution Party has two candidates for the presidency: Don Blankenship and Charles Kraut. The Libertarian Party has a much more crowded field: James Orlando Ogle, Steve Richey, Kim Ruff, Vermin Supreme, Arvin Vohra, Max Abramson, Ken Armstrong, Dan Behrman, Kenneth Blevins, Souraya Faas, Erik Gerhardt, Jedidiah Hill, Jacob Hornberger, Jo Jorgensen, Adam Kokesh, and John McAfee. In addition, the Libertarian Party has a primary race between Ethan Bickley and Anthony Mascolo for NC Senate Seat for District 8, currently held by Republican Bill Rabon. The Green Party only has one person on the ballot for the presidential primary: Howie Hankins.

It might surprise many voters that we have more than two parties on the ballot in this state. After all, the American political system so far in history has run on a two-party system. Ballot access is a big piece of that.

I remember becoming aware of this during the 1992 Presidential election.

Ross Perot announced his candidacy for the presidency as an independent, which meant he and his organization had to get him on the ballot in all 50 states. All have a variety of different requirements for ballot access. I remember my parents discussing the merits (both philosophical and practical) of signing the petition or not for North Carolina.

In the early days of my relationship with Jock, the Libertarian Party actively canvassed for petition signatures to gain ballot access in North Carolina. At the time Jock was not a U.S. citizen, so he couldn’t sign if he wanted to, but I did— even though I pretty much disagree with the entire Libertarian platform.

“No, I understand this is a philosophical thing for you,” Jock commented at the time.

“Yes,” I nodded, and added our short hand reference for Voltaire, which always gets a smile from him.

It’s important to note that in the primaries, candidates who drop out of the race before the printed ballot deadline are removed (i.e. Kamala Harris and Beto O’Rourke). However, if they didn’t withdraw before Tuesday, December 17, their names are printed on the primary ballot.

Any votes received by that candidate shall be counted. In other words, if you wanted to protest vote for Corey Booker or Andrew Yang, both of whom dropped in January, you technically could.

In 2017 the North Carolina General

Assembly passed a bill that changed the requirements for candidates not affiliated with either of the two major political parties. The signature requirement was reduced for both statewide and district offices, which made it much easier for smaller parties to get ballot access.

But the two major political parties, the Democrats and Republicans, still receive most of the attention. As such, they have longer tickets with candidates for many state and local offices. Though these offices are not nearly as exciting as the presidency, residents of New Hanover County have seen firsthand how the power of local offices affect our daily lives. We still do not have safe drinking water. The library redevelopment project still looms. WAVE Transit is a mess, and the fate of the potential hospital sale still hangs in the balance.

There are three seats open on the board of the New Hanover County Commission— these are the people who make decisions directly improving or hindering our lives.

“Obviously, the possibility of a sale of NHRMC is a big issue,” I commented to Jock when encore received responses from candidates regarding their position on the hospital sale.

“You think? It’s the major issue,” he responded.

“Well, that and WAVE Transit. Hey, Rickey Meeks is running again! You know, they should appoint him to the WAVE board. He is practically WAVE’S unofficial ambassador—and he surely rides the bus more than anyone sitting on the board.”

tion to the US Senate. He faces challengers Paul Wright, Larry Holmquist and Sharon Y. Hudson in the Republican primary. The Democrats seeking to unseat him include: Erica D. Smith, Steve Swenson, Cal Cunningham, Trevor M. Fuller and Atul Goel.

In U.S. Congress, David Rouzer’s seat is up for re-election. He has no Republican challengers, but the Democrats have three people vying for the seat: Christopher M. Ward, Robert Colon and Mark Judson.

Our current governor, Roy Cooper, has a primary challenger in Ernest T. Reeves.

More interesting, current Lieutenant Governor Dan Forrest has declared himself for the Republican primary for the governor’s seat. His opponent is Holly Grange.

The Lieutenant Governor’s office doesn’t get paid as much attention as it probably should. Much like the Vice President of the United States, the lieutenant governor represents the executive branch of the state at functions and can also cast a tie-breaking vote in the NC Senate. With the incumbent looking for higher office, the field to fill the seat is crowded with nine Republicans vying for a spot in the general election: John L. Ritter, Mark Robinson, Scott Stone, Andy Wells, Buddy Bengel, Deborah Cochran, Renee Ellmers, Greg Gebhardt and Mark Johnson. The Democrats have six in the running: Allen Thomas, Bill Toole, Terry Van Duyn, Chaz Beasley, Yvonne Lewis Holley and Ron Newton.

A little more local is the race for District 19 in the NC House of Representatives.

With the redrawn legislative maps for the state of North Carolina, the seat’s current holder is Ted Davis. But the new maps have Davis in District 20 (which he is running to keep). Therefore District 19 has no incumbent. Davis has no Republican challenger in the primary for District 20 (Holly Grange is not running for re-election because she is seeking the governor’s seat); however, Marcia Morgan, who ran against him in the 2018 general election (Davis won by 882 votes) is in the Democratic primary again for District 19. This time she faces off with James Dawkins Jr. The New Hanover County Board of Education has three seats up for grabs this go round, and four Republicans are vying for their party’s candidacy: Pete Wildeboer, Janice Cavenaugh, Frederick Fisher, and Stephanie Kraybill. It seems like a particularly embattled time to want to join the school board, but perhaps a willingness to serve at a time of difficulty is to be applauded.

The bottom line: Primaries are March 3.

Please, do your civic duty to our city, state and nation by voting. And then prepare to cast your final votes on November 3, 2020.

Save Our Hospital, Inc.—a nonprofit advocacy group concerned with the future of NHRMC—polled the candidates regarding their position on the proposed sale of NHRMC. Below are the results: Republicans Matt Rhodes

Do not sell

Bill Rivenbark

Do not sell

Skip Watkins

No response

Deb Hayes

Undecided

Joe Irrera

No response

Harry Knight

Do not sell

John Lyon

Undecided

Frank C. Meares

No response

Ricky Meeks

Do not sell

Democrats Travis Robinson

Do not sell

Jonathan Barfield Jr.

Do not sell

Don Betz

Do not sell

Leslie Cohen

Do not sell

Kyle Horton

Do not sell

Steve Miller

Do not sell

Statewide, Thom Tillis is up for re-elec-

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 5

ing," he said. It's unclear whether Gibson will return to the center for treatments. [WPBF, An unnamed 33-year-old woman from Her- 2/12/2020] minie, Pennsylvania, took an unconventional route home after a night out drinking on Feb. 16, according to City of Duquesne police. EXTREME MEASURES Driving a Mazda CX-5, the woman left a tavTensions are running high in China, where ern and ended up in a rail yard near the Port the coronavirus has affected thousands of Perry Railroad Bridge, a narrow span that carpeople and sparked instances of panic-buyries one set of tracks over the Monongahela ing. AFP reports that supermarkets have exRiver. "The vehicle did quite well, considering perienced runs on staples such as rice and it is not a locomotive," noted police, and the pasta, but in Hong Kong, a gang of men wielddriver traveled a significant distance along the ing knives attacked a delivery driver in Mong bridge before getting stuck. WPIX reported Kok on Feb. 17, making off with hundreds of she called 911 for help at about 2:40 a.m., and rolls of toilet paper worth about $130. Police Norfolk Southern stopped all rail traffic while said the missing rolls were recovered, and two the car was removed from the tracks. Police suspects were arrested. Locals seemed bafarrested the driver for DUI. [WPIX, 2/16/2020] fled, with one woman telling a TV station, "I'd steal face masks, but not toilet roll." [AFP via Yahoo News, 2/17/2020] PASSING PARADE

OOPS

LEAD STORY The Selectboard of Croydon, New Hampshire, ruled unexpectedly on Feb. 18 that it would abolish the town police department and rely instead on the New Hampshire State Police for law enforcement, reported the Valley News. Croydon Police Chief Richard Lee, the sole member of the police department for almost 20 years, told the News he was asked to turn in his equipment, including his uniform, badges and the keys to his police cruiser, so at the meeting's conclusion, Lee

faced the board president and "gave them my uniform shirt. I gave them my turtleneck, I gave them my ballistic vest. ... I sat down in the chair, took off my boots, took off my pants, put those in the chair, and put my boots back on, and walked out the door." Lee walked about a mile in 26-degree temperatures before his wife picked him up. The Selectboard released a statement saying the decision was "an action based upon value for the cost of the department." Resident Rick Sampson told reporters, "What kind of a town lets their chief of police walk out in a snowstorm in his underwear?" [Valley News, 2/19/2020]

Three friends were wrapping up a night of dinner and drinking on Feb. 15 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, when things got "a little out of control," according to a police report. As the night wore on, Kasey Margaret Westraad, 24, became increasingly amorous toward a resistant female friend, the friend told police, eventually escalating to the point that a naked Westraad pursued the woman outside, punching her several times in the face. Myrtlebeachonline.com reported Westraad was charged with third-degree assault and battery, damage to property and resisting arrest. [myrtlebeachonline.com, 2/16/2020]

SMELL TEST Police in Speyer, Germany, gave chase after they were passed by a car driving at high speed with its lights off on Feb. 14. The suspect, a 26-year-old man, pulled over and ran from the car, leaving a trail of scent that was so distinct officers said they were able to follow it from the car to the man, who was hiding behind a hedge. "Due to the cloud of perfume that was detected inside the car and on the man," police said, "it was possible to identify him as the driver," the Associated Press reported. His breath didn't smell so good, though: He was far over the alcohol limit. [Associated Press, 2/15/2020]

GOVT. OF WORK Ontario's new license plates hit the roads on Feb. 1, sporting a pleasing color of blue with white numbers and letters. During the day. At night, all that's visible is a shiny blue rectangle, according to complaints on Twitter -- the numbers and letters disappear, which makes them a problem for law enforcement.

"Did anyone consult with police before designing and manufacturing the new Ontario license plates?" wrote Kingston Police Sgt. Steve Koopman. "They're virtually unreadable at night." The CBC reported a government spokesperson saying authorities "are currently looking into this," but Lisa Thompson, Ontario's minister of government and consumer services, saw a political angle: "Sticking with the status quo Liberal plate that was peeling and flaking was not an option," she said. "We absolutely have confidence in our plates."

[CBC, 2/18/2020]

MUST SEE TV

Police in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, arrested Robert Lee Noye, 52, on Feb. 17 and charged him with first-degree harassment and false imprisonment after his victim told them Noye kidnapped her and forced her to watch the 1977 historical miniseries "Roots" "so she could better understand her racism," The Gazette reported. He allegedly told her if she did WAIT, WHAT? not sit for the entire nine-hour series about The woman who attempted to board an slavery, he would "kill her and spread her body airplane with her emotional support peacock parts across Interstate 380 on the way to Chimade headlines, but in Port St. Lucie, Florida, cago." [The Gazette, 2/17/2020] one man is questioning why his particular support item has been banned from the dialysis center where he takes treatments three ANALS OF ENTITLEMENT times a week. Nelson Gibson first brought Seloni Khetarpal, 36, threw a tantrum woran 8-by-10-inch photo of President Donald thy of the terrible twos on Feb. 13 when she J. Trump to comfort him as he endured the 3 "repeatedly" called 911 to report that her par1/2-hour treatments, then exchanged that for ents had shut off her cellphone, according a small cardboard cutout of himself standing to court documents. Khetarpal demanded next to a Trump photo. When he next arrived that officers respond to her home in Jackson with a life-size cutout of the president, no one Township, Ohio, and was warned that she complained, Gibson told WPBF, but on Feb. 11, should only call 911 for a legitimate emer"they told me it was too much and it wasn't gency. Several hours later, News5 Cleveland a rally." "It just feels like bringing something reported, she called back, became "belligfrom home to make you comfortable," Gibson erent" and told the dispatcher she thought said, noting that others bring items, including it was a legitimate issue. She was arrested one woman who pops bubble wrap during the and charged with disrupting public services. entire treatment. "That's very nerve-wrack[News5 Cleveland, 2/17/2020] 6 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

CLEAR-CUT PROBLEM W

BY DAVID GESSNER

hat kind of place responds to two major hurricanes by cutting down their trees?

At a time when the rest of the world seems to have belatedly come to understand what a great friend and ally we have in trees—when books about tree consciousness are winning Pulitzer prizes and replanting is being seen as a way of fighting back against climate change—Wilmington has chosen the exact opposite approach. With two storms fresh in our minds, and new ones no doubt coming, we continue to go about business as usual. And that business is business.

An environmental writer

laments the massacre of trees heat up an already overheated city, and offer less protection for our coastline. How can we justify reducing a tree canopy already battered as it was by Florence?

Around here, we mostly shrug and accept that beauty must fall to commerce, treating it as if it is the way of the world. It is not. It is the way of Wilmington. There are plenty of other towns and cities enforcing tighter restrictions. They prioritize preservation, and When I moved here 16 years ago, I was im- developers have to work with and around the mediately struck by the dominant role of de- natural environment, not blindly pave over it velopers in a town where it sometimes feels while those in power wink. like government of the builders, by the builders, “There is nothing more practical than the and for the builders. It has only gotten worse. preservation of beauty,” Theodore Roosevelt A quick ride through town illustrates the said. That this may not seem so in the shortresults of this philosophy: what can only term doesn’t make it any less true. be called a massacre of trees. Take a drive Our capitulation toward a build-at-allaround Masonboro Sound, on land near Hewletts Creek, and witness the slaughter of hun- costs mentality would be dire enough during dreds of long leaf pines and water oaks, not normal times, but this time is far from nora single one left standing, for a new road and mal. In Wilmington, with the memory of Hurdevelopment. Travel further south, just north ricane Florence lingering and the threat of of UNCW’s Center for Marine Science, and more storms right around the calendar’s corwatch bulldozers unearth hundreds of acres of ner, we have not just seen the future but lived trees. Or head down Airlie Road, which has al- inside it. The fact we no longer have winter ways seemed a vision of what this town could should speak for itself. Even the most skephave been, with its low-gnarled branches and tical among us are beginning to understand drooping Spanish Moss creating a canopy for that time is short in our fight for the earth. cars. Now you can see clear through to EastDuring these times trees should be rewood Road. garded as the potential saviors they are, pullThen there’s UNCW. Since I hold a position ing carbon dioxide from the air and gifting of minor authority there, I am required to hold us oxygen in return. As a teacher at UNCW, my tongue. But I will say the only thing strang- and the father of a daughter in high school, er than cutting down trees after a hurricane is I see how the younger generation views climate change—not as an abstract or theoretto indulge a mania for building parking lots. ical concept. The older among us can scoff “Growth for growth’s sake is the ideology or make senseless jokes about not worryof the cancer cell,” wrote the writer and en- ing about the warming climate because we vironmentalist Edward Abbey. The culture in “won’t be alive to see it.” But our kids will be Wilmington has always been one of rushing alive, and the threat is very real to them: They ahead—build, build, build, development at any are afraid, anxious, worried they will have no cost. But cultures can change. As we grow, as future. we build, we can also preserve. We can make We live in the land of the live oak, the long the place where we spend our lives a better, greener place. We can call out those who leaf pine, the Southern magnolia. It is a land clear-cut. We can elect officials who under- where limbs gnarl, moss drips and branches stand that building is not everything. We can sway with the wind during storms. Our trees remember trees are our allies in the great fight are good neighbors: They protect us, shade us, delight us, nurture us. It would be nice to ahead and not sacrifice them to greed. say we return the favor.

We were lifted not long ago by the story of David Gessner is the author of eleven books, inowners of a car wash deciding not to cut down their 100-year-old live oaks. Still, dozens of cluding the forthcoming “Leave It As It Is: A Jourother stories that don’t end well for our local ney Through Theodore Roosevelt’s American Wiltrees go untold. With each tree we cut down, derness.” He is currently the Chair of the Creative we add to stormwater flooding, aid erosion, Writing Department at UNCW.

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 7

103 N Lake Park Blvd #B Carolina Beach, NC (910) 458-5226 elcazadormex.com

$30

gii certiicate for only

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SEA BIRDS Wilmington psyche-blues duo Blue Footed Boobies play Brooklyn Arts Center alongside Evening Shadows and Swim in the Wild on Friday night.

Courtesy photo

SOUND

BOARD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Tidal Creek Open Mic (6pm; free) Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 Oleander Drive. #100

Core” [8pm] Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8PM; FREE)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

LGBTQ Karaoke + Gaming Night (7pm; free)

Music Bingo with DJ Sherri [7pm; free]

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

alex travers [9PM]

Trivia with Party Gras Entertainment [7pm; free]

Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Chris Luther (6pm; free; Solo Jazz Guitar)

Squidco presents “Hooked on Sonics: Electronic

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

Music Bingo w/DJ Sherri [7pm; free] Courtyard Grill, 3317 Masonboro Loop Rd.

Trivia from Hell’s [7:30PM; FREE]

Edward Teach Brewing, 604 N. 4th St.

Exacta Duo [6pm]

Rockin’ Trivia w/ Party Gras Entertainment [8PM; FREE] Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Drive

Tarantelli’s, 102 So. 2nd St.

Mad Mole Brewing Company, 6309 Boathouse Rd.

Thirsty thursday (10pm; free)

CAM Cafe music: Roger Davis [6pm; guitar]

Delia [7pm]

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

List your live music, trivia and open mic nights

FREE

online and in print!

It’s super easy!

1. Go to www.encorepub.com 2. Click on calendar tab 3. Click on red add your event button and fill in the info

10 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

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Ethan Jano & The Hilltop Revival [6pm; free]

Carolina Sky [9pm]

Jam Sandwich Band [9pm; free]

Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Bourbon Street, 35 N. Front St.

daniel rottenberg [8PM]

The Dust Parade [9pm]

Chris & Justin [10pm]

Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St.

Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

Goodfellas Nite Life, 122 Princess St

Joshua Ward [9pm]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Courtney Lynn & Quinn w/ The Pinkerton Raid and The Caroliners Duo [8:30pm; $7] Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

Stray Local [7pm] Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Juneau, Whitsett, Also Joe [7pm; $5]

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

If Birds Could Fly [9:30pm; free]

Engelbert Humperdinck [7:30pm; $39-$108]

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

Brierwood Ensemble presents Poetry and Song [3pm; $10-$20]

The Metropolitan Opera: Handel’s Agrippina [1pm; $20-$24]

Ronald Sachs Violins, 616-B Castle St.

Mike Blair and the Stonewalls [2pm; free]

Damselfly Trio [7:30pm; $6] Beckwith Recital Hall, 5270 Randall Dr.

Blue Footed Boobies with Evening Shadows and Swim in the Wild [7:30pm; $10] Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.

Mike Blair [8pm]

Tuesday __________________________________________

Kickback Jack’s, 418 S. College Rd.

UNCW Lumina Theater, 601 S. College Rd.

Gravity Records, 612 Castle St.

Emily Roth [9pm] Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 North Lumina Ave.

Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Books, Beer, and Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (3pm; free)

Dane Page [6pm]

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

Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St. Unit 7

Chris Luther [8pm; free]

Liquid Culture: Fam & Fire [8pm; $5]

Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.

Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

Danny Feedback / Energy Tank / D&D Sluggers [8pm]

Hyperloops and Some Are Travelers [8pm; $5] Gravity Records, 612 Castle St.

Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St. Nonchalant Shotgun / Billy Heathen / Team Player

ACE Present: Concert on the Commons feat. Medicated Sunfish [11:30am]

Some Kind Of Nightmare [8pm; $5]

SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar, 227 Carolina Beach Ave N.

Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

Sacred Cashcow / Reese McHenry / Frank The Ghost [8pm]

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

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

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

Trivia & Taco Tues. w/ Sherri ‘So Very!’ (7pm; free)

$3.00 PBR 16oz cans $3.00 Coors Light $6 Redbull and Vodka

FREE PARKING ON OUR LOT 100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832

$3.75 Red Oak Draft $4.00 Wells 65¢ Wings, 4-7pm

$3.75 Hay Bale Ale

> > > Tuesday $3.75 Sweet Water $4.00 Absolute Lemon Drop

> > > WEDNESDAY $3.75 Wicked Weed $4.00 Margaritas

> > > FRIDAY $3.75 Pint of the Day $4.00 Fireball

LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard on Friday & Saturday MONDAY

$2.75 Domestic $3.50 Select Drafts $4 Fireballs!

> > > saturday

TUESDAY

$4.00 Green Tea

(Foothills Hoppyum IPA, Red Oak)

$3.50 Local Draft Brew

> > > SUNDAY

$5 Jameson

$5.00 Bloody Marys & Mimosas

WEDNESDAY

N. Water Street & Walnut street, Downtown Wilmington 910-762-4354

2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday ___________________________________________

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

$3 Lagunitas $6 Knob Creek 1/2 price bottles of wine

FRIDAY

$3.00 Michelob Ultra $5.00 Lunazul Tequila All Floors open SATURDAY

$3 Miller Lite $3.50 Modelo $4 Smirnoff Lemon Drop shots $5 Raspberry Smirnoff w/mixer All Floors open SUNDAY

$3 Corona & Corona Light $4 Mimosa $4 Bloody Mary $5 Margarita

THIS WEEK AT THE WITCH THUR 2/27

WED 2/26 LEES CUT ACOUSTRIC 1/2 PRICE BA

MONICA HOELSCHER

FRI 2/28 OMG

SAT 2/29 THE FEEBS

The Drum Circle [7:30PM; FREE]

THURSDAY

> > > THURSDAY

LIVE MUSIC

227 CAROLINA BEACH AVE N. (910) 707-0533 • seawitchtikibar.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

Feebs [8pm]

> > > Monday

Friday & Saturday __________________________

Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

Jeremy Mathews [9pm]

Banks Channel, 530 Causeway Dr.

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

Anything Goes Open Stage (8pm; free)

The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

Mac and Juice [9pm]

TRIVIA

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

UNCW Campus Amphitheater, 601 S. College Rd.

Bourbon Street, 35 N. Front St.

Thursday ________________________________________

Trivia from hell’s (7:30pm; free)

Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

[8pm]

Boba Funk [9pm; free]

w/DJ Damo, 9PM

2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

$ 50

MONDAY, MARCH 2

Soul-R Fusion [7pm] DEAD OF WINTER CHARITY JAM [8pm; $5]

The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St.

KARAOKE

Palate Bottle Shop, 1007 N. 4th St.

New Anthem Beer Project, 110 Greenfield St., Suite 100

Johnny & The Flipside [8pm]

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

Your neighborhood drafthouse with a menu full of lowcountry favorites.

Join us for a hot meal and a cold pint.

40 BEERS ON TAP

#TAPTUESDAY...

THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK: $3 SELECT PINTS & TEAM TRIVIA 7324 Market Street • 910-821-8185 www.ogdentaproom.com OPEN 7 DAYS AWEEK

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR FRIDAY MONDAY DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Cosmopolitan $4.50 Select Appetizers 1/2 Off after MONDAY 5pm in bar and patio areas Watermelon Martini $6.50 DAYSeasonal Big Domestic22oz.

Draft Domestic Beers $2 Draft SamALL Adams Blue Pool Martini $6$5 Pizzas Bottles $3 SATURDAY TUESDAY TUESDAY Jack Be Chill $7.50 1/2 Off SelectLIVE Bottles of Wine IN THE JAzz BAR 22oz Deschutes Black Butte Absolute Dream $5 Half Price Bottles ofPorter Wine $5.50 $ 50 NC CraftAbsolut Bottles $3 5 • Pacifico 2 Willow Wit Dream $22oz Weeping WEDNESDAY Beer $5.50 WEDNESDAY 1/2 Off Nachos after 5pm 22oz Teach Peach Coronoa/ in bar andMiller patio Light areas Pints $150 Edward $ 50 $5.50 Wheat Domestic Pints $1.50Lite Bottles 2 Corona $ SUNDAY Corona/Corona Lt. $2.50 Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Margaritas on the Rocks $4.50 All Flat Breads $6 after 5pm

THURSDAY in bar and patio areas

THURSDAY $ $ $3 Mimosa Appletinis 4, RJ’s Painkiller 5 Truly Lime Spiked and $ 50 Mary $4 Bloddy 2 Red Stripe Bottles Sparkling Water $3 Domestic $ 50 Pints $1.50 2 Fat Tire Bottles 22oz. Tropical Lightning 5564 Carolina Beach Road IPA $5.50 FRIDAY(910)-452-1212 $ 50our website Sinking Bahama Mama $7 $4, 007Visit Cosmos 3 www.RuckerJohns.com $ 1/2 Off All Premium Guinnessfor Cans daily3specials, music and Red Wine Glasses upcoming events $

Island Sunsets 5 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 11 SATURDAY

HUB CITY POP The Abbey Elmore Band from Spartanburg, SC plays Jimmy's at Red Dogs and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot on consecutive nights.

Courtesy photo

Trivia Tuesdays At Fat Tony’s [7pm]

#100

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub, 131 N. Front St.

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8PM; FREE)

Anything Goes Open Stage (8pm; free) Barzarre, 1612 Castle Street

Jimmy’s at Red Dogs, 5 North Lumina Ave.

Music Bingo w/DJ Sherri [7pm; free]

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Music Bingo with DJ Sherri [7pm; free]

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Mike Blair [4pm]

Trivia with Party Gras Entertainment [7pm; free]

Dockside Restaurant and Bar, 1308 Airlie Rd.

Tidal Creek Open Mic (6pm; free) Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 Oleander Drive.

HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Thomas Pope & Chad Clark [9pm]

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Courtyard Grill, 3317 Masonboro Loop Rd.

LGBTQ Karaoke + Gaming Night (7pm; free)

Trivia from Hell’s [7:30PM; FREE]

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Circus Industry Night [3PM]

Rockin’ Trivia w/ Party Gras Entertainment [8PM; FREE]

Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

Chris Luther (6pm; free; Solo Jazz Guitar) Tarantelli’s, 102 So. 2nd St.

Lenora Zenzalai Helm [6:30pm]

Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Drive

Thirsty thursday (10pm; free) Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Final voting

NOW OPEN through March 20

encorebestof.com 12 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

SUPREME REIGN

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN

Influential rapper and producer KRS-One comes to The Fillmore February 28.

Courtsy photo

PLAYLIST SAMPLE

THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 2/26: Todd Snider 2/27: Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic! 2/28: of Montreal 2/29: Gary Gulman 3/1: American Theory 3/2: Roqit 3/4: Jim Breuer 3/5: Black Tiger Sex Machine

THE REEVES THEATER & CAFE 129 W. MAIN ST., ELKIN, NC (336) 258-8240

2/27: Old-Time Jam at the Reeves 2/29: Blue Dogs

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE N. DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 2/28: Reel Big Fish 2/29: Downtown Abby & The Echoes 3/4: Trigger Hippy

THE FILLMORE

820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 2/26: Trippie Redd 2/27: Young Dolph and Key Glock 2/28: KRS-One 2/29: Yo Gotti 935 Grand Finale Party 3/1: Jacquees 3/3: Rufus du Sol 3/4: Skillet 3/5: Jim Breuer

THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND

820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 2/28: Gogo vs. Old School Hip Hop Bash feat.

Kid Capri 3/5: Devin Townsend

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722

2/25-3/1: SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical 3/3: Bob Weir and Wolf Bros

REGIONAL CONCERTS

3/4: Postmodern Jukebox 3/5: Randy Rainbow Live!

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111

2/26: Peekaboo 2/27: Scythian 2/28: Whiskey Foxtrot w/ Jared Stout Band / Tyler Resch 2/29: Aaron Hamm and Tan Sanders 3/1: Michael Smerconish

PAUL SIMON - SLIP SLIDIN' AWAY J.J. CALE - RIDE ME HIGH WIDESPREAD PANIC - TRAVELIN' LIGHT MARCUS KING - TURN IT UP KHRUANGBIN - EVAN FINDS THE THIRD ROOM

UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS DARK STAR ORCHESTRA

3/28 & 3/29 GLA

MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE, DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875

KT TUNSTALL

4/26

2/26: The Monti Storyslam 2/27: Gnawa Langus 2/29: Om 3/1: School of Rock Chapel Hill Mid-Season Showcase 3/5: Little People and Frameworks

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 2/27: Dan Deacon 2/28: Junior Brown 2/29: of Montreal 3/1: Hambree 3/5: Molly Tuttle

CAT’S CRADLE BACK ROOM 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 2/26: Wish You Were Here 2/27: Zen Frisbee 2/28: Palehound 2/29: Eno Mountain Boys 3/1: Orphan Riot 3/3: Knuckle Puck 3/4: J Roddy Walston

PNC ARENA

1400 EDWARDS MILL RD., RALEIGH, NC (919) 861-2300 3/4: Zac Brown Band

THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS - MAKE ME PROUD VULFPECK - 1612 GRACE POTTER F. LUCIUS - BACK TO ME GOOSE - ARCADIA BIG SOMETHING - HEAVY PATTY GRIFFIN - LOVE THROW A LINE

GLA

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (GLA 3/28 & 3/29)

THE BIG WHAT? WILMINGTON W/ BIG

RIVAL SONS (GLA 5/8) LYLE LOVETT W/ JOHN HIATT (GLA 5/16) SOLD OUT! TYCHO W/ COM TRUISE (GLA 5/26) MT. JOY (GLA 6/12) BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS

SOMETHING (GLA 5/1 & 5/2)

(KENAN 6/23)

BÉLA FLECK & ABIGAIL WASHBURN (GLA 5/3)

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES (GLA 8/20)

ILLITERATE LIGHT (BOURGIE NIGHTS 3/31) THE HEAD AND THE HEART (GLA 4/23) KT TUNSTALL W/ZACH DEPUTY (GLA 4/26)

SPECIALTY SHOWS:

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

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 13

A SONG FOR HER Married Americana duo Courtney Lynn and Quinn Russell release debut EP ‘Remiss’ and prep for first show in ILM. Photo by Wendy Hoggard

LOVE IS

BY SHANNON RAE GENTRY

L

ove is a lot of things. Love is harmony. Love is power. Love is fire. Love is compromise and support. Love is creative. With all that said, love is Americana duo Courtney Lynn (vocals, guitar) and Quinn Russell (vocals, percussion). The couple’s music and stage dynamic embody all of the above. Their work is personal and tender, which is what the duo wanted to tap into when they decided to incorporate footage from their 2019 wedding into the video for their song “Fire," off their 2020 EP “Remiss.”

“We wrote the song together as a love ballad to one another,” Courtney explains.

“When we started to integrate the wedding footage, it brought tears to our eyes!”

“We are happy to hear that so many people have a different favorite song [from ‘Remiss’],” Quinn inserts. “It makes us feel like our music is relating to different people in individual ways and that is always our hope.”

Though Courtney Lynn and Quinn live in the Charlotte, Quinn is originally from Wilmington. Accompanied by Luke Barnette on bass and Steven Cornacchia on drums, Courtney Lynn and Quinn will play at Bourgie Nights on February 28, along with The Pinkerton Raid and the Caroliners Duo. This is Quinn’s first performance in ILM. “It’s a bit nostalgic to play in your hometown for the first time,” she notes. encore spoke with Courtney Lynn and Quinn about marriage and music. encore (e): So, how’s married life?

Courtney Lynn Russell (CLR): Better than expected … and I already thought it was going to be amazing.

Quinn Russell (QR): Before I get too cheesy here (because that’s what I tend to do), I will simply say: So far, it’s amazing and I feel like it keeps getting better. e: Tell us about each of your personalities and philosophies when it comes to

city?

DETAILS COURTNEY LYNN & QUINN w/ The Pinkerton Raid and The Caroliners Duo Friday, February 28, 9 p.m.

Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St Tickets: $7 adv., $10 door

music. How are they different, the same, complementary?

CLR: I actually would have never pursued music professionally if it weren’t for Quinn!

I tend to be more reserved while Quinn is a performer through and through.

QR: I have to say, Courtney is the 'personality' that writes a song for her personal thoughts, almost as if it is her journal; while I am, as she said, someone who loves to perform. The stage feels like a safe place for me, where I can be my truest self. e: Which came first: the music or the relationship? Or did they kind of come together simultaneously?

CLR: We became friends first. Actually, the first night we met we sang together and right away we felt the musical connection!

QR: Our relationship and musical journey, in a way, blossomed together, but we began officially dating and building a relationship past a friendship before we decided to chase our passion for music together. e: Quinn, when did you move away and did you two meet in Charlotte or another

14 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

QR: I actually moved away from Wilmington when I went to college at NC State in Raleigh. After I graduated I moved to New York City, [then] Los Angeles (this is were Courtney and I originally met), [and then] Phoenix is where Courtney and I began dating. Then we both made our way to Charlotte. We had planned to move to Nashville together, and Charlotte was going to simply be a stopping point, but then we really started to enjoy our life here and decided to stay! e: How much does your relationship impact your music and journey as a duo?

CLR: Our relationship and musical journey are undoubtedly intertwined. At this point there is really no way to keep professional and personal separate. However, I think that is part of the draw.

QR: I would have to agree with Courtney on this. Also, the musical connection is one of the first things that drew us together even as friends, and we both challenge each other in different ways to chase the passion we have for music. I think loving someone and being able to do what you love together is incredible. Our music and writing is impacted by our love, but what’s even cooler is our love is impacted by the music we are able to create together. e: Let’s talk more about “Remiss”— what’s the story behind the album title?

CLR: “Remiss” comes from one of the tracks on the album, “Better.” The word means “to lack care or attention.” Many of the songs on the album are about just that, so the name suited the EP. e: Do you both share in the songwriting process or do you each come with a song in mind to flesh out?

CLR: I often begin with a progression I like on the guitar. Then I’ll sing a melody of nonsense words and go back over it later to write the lyrics. Quinn often helps in the lyric writing as well and has a tendency to add some amazing harmonies and ad-libs

HERE

Courtney Lynn & Quinn play first ILM show at Bourgie Nights on February 28 e: Tell us about a couple more songs— one each of you had a heavier hand in writing.

QR: I personally enjoy “Five Minutes,” mostly because it was written about me and how I was hard to get in the beginning. Also, it’s just a fun song to perform.

CLR: “Better” is a song I wrote about a past relationship. After looking back on the way things ended, I realized that there was so much I could have done better. In this particular case, the choice was right but the method was wrong. I think the process of self-reflection and improvement is so important. We should all work to become kinder versions of ourselves every day. e: Any plans for a full-length album?

QR: I think that is something we have as a future goal, but sometimes we wonder about the way the music industry is changing if it is beneficial at this point in our musical experience. e: Could you expand upon how a fulllength album may not be beneficial? Tell us more about the perspective here.

CLR: The music industry has always been fast-paced, but with the evolution of technology and streaming, it seems to be moving faster than ever. Consumers are used to having unlimited access to new content, so artists are responding to that by releasing more singles and EPs than LPs.

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK Members of local rock band Open Wire onstage with performers at a School of Rock showcase in 2019. Below: Instructor Phillip Milligan with students Josh and Ashlee Cook.

BY JOHN WOLFE

W

hether having played five or 5,000 shows, all performers remember the first time they got onstage: the rush of anticipation, the sudden shock of excitement when facing an audience, the surge of adrenaline that makes a good performance great. It’s exciting but can be a challenge to overcome. Some performers stop after the first show; for others, it becomes a lifetime passion.

Local musician and instructor Phillip Milligan is making sure Wilmington musicians are given ample opportunity to discover their passions. An instructor at downtown instrument retailer Finkelstein’s for a decade, Milligan teaches students ages 5 - 75 the fundamentals of how rhythm and notes combine to make magic. A drummer since age 4, Milligan tries to get beyond a “complete the exercise”-style of teaching by employing novel strategies. He tailors lessons to each individual student. He took that concept even further when he started having his students fill in for him while playing with local rock band Open Wire.

“I realized what it did for the students,” Milligan says, leaning on an amplifier in the space above Finkelstein’s where he teaches. “It gave the kids an awesome goal—not a grade [but] an opportunity to jump onstage with lights and fog machines and feel it. I’ve never had a student only do it once.”

By giving the kids something to look forward to, Milligan says it ignited the fire and really made them want to play. That experience also inspired him to found the annual School of Rock Student Showcase, now in its fourth year. From the beginning, he made sure the performances were something kids could take ownership of. Students pick their own songs, "within reason," Milligan laughs. "I had one student ask if she could play Lamb of God. I had to tell her that these are youth events, but I love where your head is at!"

Courtesy photos

DETAILS SCHOOL OF ROCK STUDENT SHOWCASE Mad Katz Bar & Lounge, 5216 Carolina Beach Rd. Saturday, February 29, 7 p.m.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Free for all ages

FIRE

room alive for kids," Milligan adds. "These events are out to instill the idea that you want to perform, that you want to express something. I don’t care what it is, in arts or a sport or in music. It’s that ‘get out and do it, go for it’ kind of thing—just to keep kids interested, keep it alive. Because if youth isn’t into music, where does it go from there? This is to keep music alive in youth.”

The torch will be passed on to the next generation of local musicians at Mad Katz Bar & Lounge in Monkey Junction on Saturday. It's free to attend and doors open early at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. and wraps around 9 p.m.

STARTER

Student showcase gives local kids a chance to rock

They also play their own instruments, and form their own bands. It gives them a chance to flex different muscles. As they play together, Milligan watches their confidence grow—something he knows will bleed over into other areas of their lives.

“They all stand out in their own ways,” Milligan says. “There’s no sense of competition, either, just support . . . It’s such a positive environment. They’re all giving each other high-fives, and everyone sticks around to see everyone play.”

Those who come out this weekend can expect to hear music from bands as diverse as Metallica and the Eagles, Led Zeppelin and the Pixies, Rage Against the Machine and Breaking Benjamin, and Killswitch Engage and Weezer. They can also expect to see members of local groups Open Wire and The Hatch Brothers onstage with the young students, a collaboration Milligan calls pivotal. “[Open Wire members] Eric, Dan, and Matt, [and Hatch Brothers] Paul and Sean help make this happen as much as I do.”

Ultimately, the events are for the kids he teaches. It's the final showdown of all they have learned. “I want this to keep the band encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 15

16 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

LAUGH LIBERALLY Turn NC Blue co-founder Wiley Cash (left) will host a night of stand-up comedy, including comedians Cliff Cash, Petey Smith McDowell and Cassidy Santaguida.

Courtesy photos

BY LAUREN SEARS

T

ired of crying at the current political situation? Try laughing instead. On Sunday, March 1 at the Brooklyn Arts Center, political activism group Turn NC Blue will present “Politics and Punchlines,” a night of comedy and politics with proceeds going toward supporting progressive candidates in local, statewide and federal elections.

Headlining the event is comedian Cliff Cash, with support from local comics Petey Smith McDowell and Cassidy Santaguida. In addition to regular admission tickets, Turn NC Blue also offers a special meet-and-greet, so patrons can mingle with the comedians before the show.

Sunday, March 1, 7-9 p.m.

The Annex at Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St. $35-$150 • brooklynartsnc.com

Turn NC Blue has a mission adherent to its name—to deliver the southern state of North Carolina to the Democratic Party and keep it that way. The organization, which calls itself “aggressively progressive,” seeks to educate voters during election season and provides advertisements in support of Democratic candidates. Apart from its mission to turn our historically red state blue, the group focuses on listening to the collective voice of the people and supporting candidates who hold that interest at the forefront of their campaigns.

While Turn NC Blue was founded only a few years ago, Wiley’s fight for a Democratic state has been ongoing for many years. As a writer with a keen awareness of our nation’s history of oppression, Wiley has long grappled with the systemic injustices within our society. In fact, his novels “A Land More Kind Than Home” (2012), “This Dark Road to Mercy” (2014), and “The Last Ballad” (2017) all speak to North Carolina families with indirectly or overtly hidden political associations.

Turn NC Blue co-founder Wiley Cash will host the event. Wiley is a New York Times Bestselling author and regular Salt Magazine contributor. He is also the founder of Open Canon Book Club, aimed at introduting readers to more diverse voices, and co-founder of the Land More Kind Appalachian Artists Residency, a program that implements a weeklong residency for artists native to Appalachia or devoted to creating work representative of the area. Wiley founded Turn NC Blue with Nick Basta and Steve Chisholm in 2018 in order to give voice to the state’s progressives. While none of the group’s founders had significant funds to contribute, they all had a collective goal. “We all have similar social, cultural and political concerns about equality, free and fair elections, [and] economic opportunity,” Wiley says.

DETAILS TURN NC BLUE PRESENTS POLITICS AND PUNCHLINES

“What you risk reveals what you value,” he says. “I’m willing to risk a few Trump supporters not buying my books if I get to take whatever small microphone I have and yell into it about fairness and equality.”

way or another,” Wiley says. “If we can come together and laugh at those things, it helps us gain power over them.” Perhaps now, more than ever, we need that laughter to reclaim our voice.

The event’s headliner, Wiley’s brother Cliff Cash, has also been politically active the majority of his life: His very first open mic performance, in 2011, included jokes about Sarah Palin, abortion, religion and fanaticism. While his sets typically contain occasional jabs at the current administration, Cliff says this performance will be almost entirely related to politics.

“I’m planning for the entire hour set to be almost all politics, and I want to achieve that without sacrificing the humor in any way,” he says. “I don’t often get to perform in a room where every single person is of my political persuasion.”

A traveling comedian, Cliff says touring has opened his eyes to racism and ignorance across the nation, not just in the South. “Unfortunately, it’s everywhere,” he says. “This president is from New York City, for example. But my formidable experience is with the South, Southern pastors and older generations stuck in the quick sands of time unable to see that the world is changing and we need to change with it.”

While Cliff sees his primary respon-

BLUE JOKES

Comedy and politics go hand-in-hand for Turn NC Blue fundraiser sibility as entertaining the audience, he also wants to take advantage of the platform he’s given. Like his brother, he is willing to risk a few disgruntled fans on social media in order to focus on the bigger picture. “Anyone can laugh at a good ol’ fashioned fart joke and there isn’t a thing wrong with that,” Cliff says, “but I feel an obligation to ‘say something’ when I look out and see 100 people or 1,000 people.”

Asheville native Petey Smith McDowell and local activist and comedian Cassidy Santaguida will also perform standup sets on the night. To purchase tickets for the event, visit brooklynartsnc.com.

While this has led to blowback from the occasional online troll, Wiley remains resilient. As a father of two, he applies the same mentality and moral compass in setting an example for his daughters.

“I tell my daughters constantly, doing the right thing is usually the hard thing.”

In response to those who would say there is nothing funny about the current political situation, he claims all comedy is inherently based on tragedy. Making light of one’s pain—or someone else’s— is par for the course in comedic storytelling. “We’re all feeling pain or hurt in one encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 17

WEARABLE ART Local artists design and decorate threads in ‘Jacket Art Show’ ra and fauna, sex and technology, gods and self.

“I wanted to go full ‘Project Runway’ with it,” she quips, “but the ideas got loftier and loftier.

I ultimately want to make sure the jacket still looked like my style. You will see some of my most regular images in the jacket. I’m using pencil, paint, fabric, paper, thread.”

J

arred Weinstein—a Wilmington artist who many locals may recognize from slinging beers at Flytrap Brewing—was visiting The Cargo District’s Queen Street Barbershop one afternoon and brought up the idea for an art exhibit he had once seen on Instagram: a jacket show. Queen Street owner Hayden Mingus told Weinstein he wanted his new business to host exhibits, so the two teamed up to bring ILM a similar concept.

“I thought it would be a great way to get some of Wilmington’s local artists together,” says Weinstein, who creates custom shirts and apparel. “I find it very appealing seeing how people choose to express themselves.

My hopes with this show was to see how an everyday jacket could be utilized as a vessel for creative interpretation.”

A graduate of ECU’s art school, Weinstein has experience working in graphic design, and was a part of an agency that worked extensively with the craft beer market. Today he’s a freelance artist and screenprinter. A wholesale account through Weinstein's Stray Goods Company provided the blank canvases for more than a dozen artists to display a wide array of work. On Thursday, tattoo artists, fine artists, commercial artists, screenprinters, fabricators, painters, chainstichers, metalsmiths and graphic designers will showcase their custom jackets. Weinstein also will hang his own jacket. “I will be utilizing some paint-and-needle work to create my custom piece,” he says.

Inspired by nature, artist Katherine Christian’s jacket art (a gun shooting out a bouquet of flowers) tips its hat to old-school nudie suits—flamboyant Western wear (sans the bedazzling), often seen on the likes of Gram Parsons and even Elvis Presley. Christian works in charcoal and graphite, but uses

Self-taught, Caulfield has been immersed in the local arts scene for a few years now, popping up in shows at Luna Works and Coworx (the latter hosted by encore). She also does commissions.

BY SHEA CARVER

DETAILS JACKET ART SHOW Featuring more than a dozen local artists February 27, 5 -9 p.m.

Queen Street Barbershop, 615 S. 16th St., Suite 130 acrylic in her paintings. “My style is realism in any form,” she says. “I love capturing detail and taking the audience to a place of real connection with the subject.”

Primarily a potter, Colin Peterson focuses on bridging the gap between a jacket’s wearability and showcasing it as art. “I wanted them to both coalesce: to serve a function but to be appreciated from a visual standpoint.”

Peterson has worked in the arts for 17 years now. His jacket’s design is wild and abstract, full of color and splash-like techniques. His mixed-media work utilizes clay, paint and mason stains. The outcome evokes a a palette that looks like outer space, peppered with imagery of steampunk cranks and hexagonal grid patterns.

18 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

SPLATTERS AND SWIRLS (Above) Potter Colin Peterson uses clay, paint and mason stains on his jacket; (below) Katherine Christian's jacket was created with acrylics.

Courtesy photos

Nominated as encore’s best female artist 2020 (voting is open through March 20), Carleigh Sion has taken fabric art to another level. Traditionally, Sion has worked in watercolor, ink and pen, but this go round she utilizes rope and black paint to make her jacket stand out on its own.

“I created a textured panel that fills the whole back of the jacket and then created a bold but simple surf-inspired image in black ink,” Sion tells.

Sion’s thick, white rope swirls in a geographic design on the back of the khaki-colored jacket (see cover). Black lines create a female figure in a bikini, with branches and island-like illustrations surrounding her.

“The hardest part has been trying to make sure my style comes across loud and clear because the canvas jacket is definitely different than watercolor paper,” Sion says.

Illustrator and paper artist Emily Caulfield is blending her work in collage and surrealism. She usually works in pen, pencil, marker and sometimes paint. For this show she has leaned into a few of her normal themes—flo-

“I never shared or sold my work until about three years ago, when I wasn’t working and needed to pay my rent,” she says. “I’m really astonished at the response and support I’ve gotten both locally and beyond. It still blows my mind when someone buys, frames and hangs a piece of my work in their home. It is the ultimate honor. Hopefully someone will buy this jacket, too!”

All pieces of art from “Jacket Art Show” will be for sale. The show gets under way on Thursday, February 27, 5 - 9 p.m., at the corner of Queen and 16th Streets at Queen Street Barbershop. “Queen Street just felt right [as a venue],” Weinstein says. “Their style and lifestyle go with this concept perfectly and their space is epic. I also love what they are doing for the community and hope this isn’t the last thing we collaborate on.”

GALLERY art exposure!

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

ArtExposure will be hosting “Metal and Fiber, a show featuring the metal work of Vicki Thatcher and the Fiber work of Jan Lewis. The show will run until the end of August. Check outartexposure50.com to see upcoming events and classes!

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

210 Princess St. • (484) 885-3037 Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, noon - 5 p.m. • aibgallery.com

View “2020: New Year, New Art” through March 8 with a variety of brand new art. Feast your eyes on new work directly out of the artists’ studios. Join us on February 28, 6-9pm, for a reception during Fourth Friday Gallery Night.

Artists include: Bradley Carter (painting), Debra Bucci (painting), Richard Bunting (blown glass), Karen Paden Crouch (sculpture), Elizabeth Darrow (painting), Brian Evans (ceramics), Joanne Geisel (painting), Dave Klinger (photography), Brooks Koff (stained glass) Joan McLoughlin (painting), Gale Smith (painter), Traudi Thornton (ceramics), Gayle Tustin (ceramics), Angela Rowe (painter), Michael Van Hout (sculpture) and (Joe) P. Wiegmann (photography), among others!

ART IN BLOOM SATELLITE VENUES www.aibgallery.com

"The Ways of Wax: Works by Liz Hosier," on display through May 4th at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 S. Front St, open daily except Tuesday. Join us for a Champagne Toast and Special Reception on Thursday, February 20, 6-8pm, to meet the artist. It's free and open to the public with complimentary champagne and appetizers. The exhibit features new paintings

by North Carolina abstract artist Liz Hosier and celebrates the versatility of beeswax as a primary medium. Included are works in oil with cold wax, encaustics (an ancient hot wax painting technique), and encaustic monotypes (a printmaking technique with encaustic pigment).

"Ethan Allen Designer Showcase of Original Art" is on display through March 9 at 818 S. College Rd. It will feature original art by contemporary and traditional artists in the Ethan Allen Design Center. Ethan Allen's Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, 12-5pm. Join us Saturday, February 22, 5-8pm to meet the artists—it's free and open to the public with complimentary prosecco

GUIDE

and appetizers. The exhibit features artists Bob Bryden, Debra Bucci, Richard Bunting, Bradley Carter, Judy Hintz Cox, Elizabeth Darrow, Brian Evans, Joanne Geisel, Naomi Jones, Helen Lewis, Joan McLoughlin, Angela Rowe, Olaf Schneider, Gale Smith, and Traudi Thornton.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E • (910) 794-3060 • Mon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm - 4 pm Open other hours / weekends by appt. cjafricanart.com

African art: Museum quality African Art from West and Central Africa. Traditional African art for the discerning collector.

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

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

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

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

“Eye Candy,” featuring local pop artist Marlowe, garners inspiration from watching 1930s and 1940s movies. aptivating images from the world of pulp fiction mix with exotic handmade papers creating incredible compositions that are a nod to another time, and a fantasy to be explored. Join us as we dive into the charismatic, colorful world of Marlowe, the first official show at NEG for 2020

WILMA DANIELS GALLERY

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

“Foundations: An Alumni Invitational” features local artists and former CFCC students Nathan Ryan Verwey, Zak Duff, Jacob Parker and Angela Rowe. Closing reception will coincide with Fourth Friday reception on Friday, February 28.

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 19

TRASH ISLAND ‘Fantasy Island’ is anything but a magical reboot.

Courtesy photo

WEIRD AND

BY ANGHUS

W

Villechaize’s classic line, “The Plane! The Plane!” Yet, someone, somewhere, in some itchy corner of hell, decided to dust off the concept of an island where everyone’s fantasies can come true and turn it into a hybrid horror/thriller. The results are laughable and at times downright hilarious.

I don't know why a film based on a 40-plus-year-old television show that has vanished from pop-culture exists.

The show is only remembered for Hervé

Mr. Roarke (Michael Peña) is a secretive businessman who has left the civilized world for a mysterious resort island that can supposedly make people’s dreams come true. He welcomes a group of new guests, each with their own fantasy they hope to have fulfilled. These fantasies range from run-of-the-mill epic parties to

hat is my perfect movie fantasy? If I could magically create one, I would have to consider so many factors: Who would star, direct and write it? Would I go with a gritty horror film? A compelling drama? An absurdist comedy? Whatever I chose, it would be the exact opposite of every single thing crammed into the weird and woeful reboot of “Fantasy Island.”

DETAILS FANTASY ISLAND Rated PG-13, 1 hr 49 mins

‘Fantasy Island’ is a hot mess no one asked for like a copy/paste job from a superior overthe-top sex comedy script.

Directed by Jeff Wadlow Starring Lucy Hale, Maggie Q, Charlotte McKinney, Michael Peña revenge scenarios, all of them rendered with a crazy amount of detail. Melanie (Lucy Hale) is hellbent on getting revenge against the girl who tormented her in high school. Gwen (Maggie Q) dreams of reliving the moment she spurned the love of her life. Patrick (Austin Stowell) is a former police officer who wants to prove his courage to be in the military. Each of their fantasies come to life in unexpected ways.

Soon enough they realize they should be careful what they wish for.

Who possibly could have seen that coming?

“Fantasy Island” is like an episode of “Twilight Zone” or “Black Mirror,” crafted by soft-core porn producers. Actually, that’s not totally fair. At least soft-core porn producers provide brief moments of satisfaction. “Fantasy Island” is probably more akin to an episode of “Black Mirror,” produced by whatever malignant entity makes something like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” None of the characters in the film feel like real people. They’re shoddily assembled one-dimensional archetypes. The only two I found remotely amusing were the Weaver brothers (Ryan Hansen and Jimmy O. Yang), who seem 20 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

WOEFUL

Every scene with the Weaver brothers made me wish the entire film centered around their crazy subplot, which involves two sex-crazed brothers of opposite sexual identities, a bunch of super-hot men and women, an armory full of weapons, and a group of militant Central Americans looking for a hidden fortune. This should have been the entire movie—forget the whole lazily scripted connections between the characters and the murky “Lost”-like plotting of the “magical" island. Abandon all attempts at creating tension around Mr Rourke’s secrets. None of it is even close to being as amusing as the Weaver brothers’ performance and execution of 1980s sex comedies.

“Fantasy Island” is trash. But for a few brief moments, it’s glorious trash. I wish the creative minds behind the movie had more gleefully indulged the ridiculous and trashy elements of the story, and had some real fun with it. The premise feels half-baked, and the PG-13 rating tells everyone the story won’t take any gloriously gruesome turns. There was a chance to create some real B-grade schlock, but director Jeff Wadlow (“Truth or Dare”) plays everything way too safe.

In the hands of an unapologetic, fearless director, “Fantasy Island” could have been something special. Pair an Eli Roth (“Hostel”) or Adam Wingard (“You’re Next”) with this idea, and we might have ended up with something fantastic. Unfortunately, we got a tepid, shapeless and charisma-free mess.

THE KIDS AREN’T ALL RIGHT Actor Mark Ruffalo speaks onstage before a screening of the film ‘Dark Waters’ at Thalian Hall last Tuesday night.

Photo by John Wolfe

BY JOHN WOLFE

E

very seat in Thalian Hall was filled last Tuesday night for the screening of the 2019 film “Dark Waters.” Directed by Todd Haynes and starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway and Tim Robbins, the film tells the true story of a corporate defense lawyer who takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? It's a story affecting our own Cape Fear River.

The screening was part of a nationwide tour by production company Participant Media and was preceded by a panel discussion.

Local environmental groups helped bring the event to Wilmington, including Clean Cape Fear, Cape Fear River Watch, North Carolina Conservation Network, and the Center for Environmental Health. Amanda Chen, VP of Social Impact for Participant, moderated the panel.

Panelists included Kara Kenan, a breast cancer survivor from Leland, who told a powerful story of survival. She pointed to the fact that the “number of men and young women diagnosed with breast cancer here is astounding.”

County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield was also present. He spoke about the efforts the county has made to rectify Wilmington’s water situation in the last three years. "We have tried to get [Chemours] to step up to the plate and do what they should be doing,” he said. They have written letters to state agencies and backed Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in their lawsuit against Chemours. CFPUA has had to update the Sweeney Plant’s new $43 million Granular Activated Carbon filtration system. “[The] impact is going to be $5 a month for every citizen that uses the water until we recoup the money from Chemours," Barfield said. "But guess what? We’re going to get the money from them.”

The star of the panel, though, was actor-cum-activist Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo has become a champion for towns across the country impacted by chemical pollution since taking on the "Dark Waters" role of attorney Robert Bilott, who takes on an en-

vironmental lawsuit against a corporation poisoning the water of a town.

“I made this movie because I feel like we’ve lost our connection to each other, and the only way that I know how to reinstate that connection is through storytelling,” he began. “Water transcends ideology and political bounds, and so does storytelling.”

In addition to starring in the film, Ruffalo also was one of its producers.

“How did we get to the point where we let water be this contaminated and make a judgment statement about the value of a human being over the value of a corporate profit?” he asked. “That’s the moment we’re all living in right now. That’s the political reality we’re living in.” We all have a part in this story, he said, just like the film’s characters.

In the front row of Thalian were four children Ruffalo had met earlier at a pre-screening meet and greet. He had them stand up, and set the stage for one of the evening’s most powerful moments.

“These kids, when they go to their school, they can’t drink the water that’s coming out of the tap,” Ruffalo said. “They are survivors of cancer—the kind of cancers we don’t see until people are in their 60s, generally speaking, but they’re fighting cancer now.

They have family members fighting cancer, and they are afraid to drink the water that comes out of their taps—the very essence of life.”

To much applause, Ruffalo continued: “They’re the ones I implore Chemours and DuPont and the state legislature to think about. Because they’re your kids, too.

We should keep them safe. That’s our number one thing. We should be keeping the kids safe. That transcends anyone’s politics, and that’s how we change the world.”

After the discussion came the film, which was based on the 2016 New York Times Magazine article, “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare.” It tells the story of Bilott, who, at the urging of family friend and cattle farmer Wilbur Tennant, filed suit against DuPont in the summer of 1999. It sparked a chain of events which

RUFF

leads directly to Wilmington. Bilott was the first one to see how DuPont had been covering up the effects of PFOA, thanks to his thorough review of 110,000 pages of internal documents. “They had known for a long time that this stuff was bad,” Bilott said. The article—and the film—elucidate how studies dating back to the '60s proved a cancer link; worse, DuPont knew it was reaching the water supply in Parkersburg, West Virginia, by the mid-'80s. But DuPont deemed one billion dollars in annual profit to be worth poisoning their workers and the world.

The film is powerful and well-acted, and the story is well-told. It is like watching a "Star Wars" prequel to our own story in Wilmington. Or maybe we’re the sequels; everyone wants to think of themselves as “A New Hope.”

After speaking in Wilmington, Mark Ruffalo traveled to Raleigh to meet with Attorney General Josh Stein and several members of the NC Legislature, including Sen. Harper Peterson and Rep. Pricey Harrison, for a round-table discussion. Kemp Burdette, our Cape Fear Riverkeeper; Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear; and Dana Sargent, executive director of Cape Fear River Watch, were present at the table as well.

In an interview after the meeting, Donovan, who sat with Ruffalo and Bilott on a Washington Post panel last year and has testified before Congress about PFAS contamination, said she hopes the discussion will lead to more protections for downstream communities like ours. More so, she hopes to see an increase in funding for the DEQ to test municipal water supplies across the state. “North Carolina shouldn’t be on the lists we’re on,” Donovan said. As examples she pointed to a 2016 Harvard study which showed North Carolina having the third worst PFAS pollution in the nation. Additionally, a report by the Environmental Working Group earlier in the year placed Brunswick County in the top spot in the nation for toxins found in tap water.

Donovan also advocated for better medical monitoring, which played a crucial part in pinning the detrimental health effects experienced by the population to the chemicals DuPont produced in the “Dark Waters”

WATERS

Star-powered film screening shines a light on Wilmington’s water crisis story. “That C8 science panel was just for one chemical, and it was linked to seven diseases, two of which were cancers,” Donovan said. “We’re still being exposed to 15 different PFAS chemicals in our drinking water, and the scientists detected upward of 50 during the height of contamination.”

Sargent, with whom encore also spoke after the meeting, invited a woman named Jacki Smith from Fayetteville to the meeting.

Jacki and her two sisters suffer from thyroid disease after a childhood spent drinking water from her now-81-year-old mother’s well.

Her father, who worked for DuPont, died of a heart attack after battling a rare disease.

"It was clear the attorney general was moved

by Jacki’s testimony,” Sargent said.

On a far more personal note, Sargent spoke of her brother, Grant, an ex-firefighter and Marine who passed away last December from brain cancer. As a firefighter Grant was exposed to PFAS by his gear, by the foams he used to put out fires, and by burning carpets with nonstick coatings. The family is uncertain if his cancer was caused by his years of exposure. “The time is up on PFAS,” Sargent said. “It’s not safe. We know it. All exposure needs to be stopped now.”

It all leads to my ultimate point: Real people—our friends, family, co-workers, community—are paying the butcher’s bill in this battle—not corporations like DuPont or Chemours. They are still, incomprehensibly reaping incredible profits off of human suffering. To paraphrase another Ruffalo film, “The Avengers”: Now might be a really good time for us to get angry.

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 21

GOD’S FAMILY Elizabeth Field plays Mother Abbess, mentor to Maria, played by Beth Stovall, in ‘The Sound of Music.’

Photo by Eric Maasch Photography

LOVE

EMPOWERS

BY SHEA CARVER

I

t makes sense that Beth Stovall’s favorite musical is “The Sound of Music.” The opera singer has traveled to Austria 10 times over five years for music training. In fact, the timeline of the famed Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, when the von Trapp family escape their homeland because of the Nazi regime takeover, parallels Stovall’s real-life family, who during the 1930s were emigrated to America from Romania.

“I’ve read letters from my great-great grandmother, detailing the fear that struck our family and the immediacy with which they escaped,” Stovall says. “I also have actually seen and traveled through the very mountains the von Trapps loved so dearly.”

A former Miss North Carolina, Stovall will play the beloved role of Maria in the upcoming Opera House Theatre Company show. “The Sound of Music” opens Thursday night for a two weekend run.

“Besides being iconic, the lyrics [to the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’] are stunning and very meaningful. It’s a beautiful reminder you can still love and appreciate the beauty of your home, despite any political turbulence or turmoil.”

Director Ray Kennedy is taking the helm again. His last time directing the iconic show for Opera House was in 2004. “More than ever, this production resonates now,” Kennedy says. “Captain von Trapp making a tough decision about the love of his country and direction it is headed is so important; turning his back on a regime that was all about hate, racism and the elevation of a certain part of the population should give us all time to reflect.”

“The Sound of Music” shows how, in the midst of hate, love can breed and empower.

The story loosely follows the real-life tale of the Von Trapp Family Singers, who became a popular touring group after World War II. Maria von Trapp wrote her memoir “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers” in 1949, which became the basis of the 1959 Broadway musical and its 1965 film adaptation. The story follows Maria, who is

DETAILS

dent-thinking woman,” Hanner tells of the aristocrat (in real life the family eventually lost their money in the Great Depression).

“But the captain, due to Maria’s love for his children, manages to overcome those barriers.”

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

One of Maria’s principal mentors comes in Mother Abbess, who, through the song “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” inspires Maria to live her best life, facing and overcoming all obstacles. Playing the Reverend Mother is Elizabeth Field.

February 27-29, March 5-7, Thurs.

- Sat., 7:30 p.m. Matinees at 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Tickets: $25-$33 • thalianhall.org summoned from the local convent—where she’s deciding whether to become a nun or not—to the von Trapp home to tutor the children. She ends up falling in love with the clan, including their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. The patriarch served as a Navy captain and wholeheartedly disagrees with Anschluss, the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in 1938.

“I really like the number ‘No Way to Stop It,’” says Zach Hanner, who is playing the captain for the first time. It’s also Hanner’s first performance with OTC since the late ‘90s. “[‘No Way...’] is a bouncy, upbeat tune that has a nihilistic message,” Hanner continues. “Frau Schrader and Herr Detweiler attempt to persuade the captain there’s no point in trying to stand up to the Nazis through a finger-snapping number. The captain even joins in with a sneer of sarcasm to show his displeasure for their flippant attitude toward Austria‘s overthrow.”

Though Hanner has no military background to draw from, he’s been working on posture and honing in on a stern and disciplined disposition. It’s an important aspect to nail when paired with the adventurous Maria, with whom he falls in love.

“Normally, in this period of history, a man like Captain von Trapp would have no use for a strong, free-spirited, indepen-

22 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

“Actually, ‘The Sound of Music’ was the very first musical I participated in at age 9,” she says. “I was a nun then, too. I remember being disappointed at not being cast as one of the von Trapp children. Then they told me they needed me with the nuns to sing the high notes.”

She likens the Mother Abbess character to her maternal grandmother, as both women have stabilizing forces. “She was tough, even strict, but I always knew I was loved,” Field says.

Like Stovall, who grew up connecting more with Tchaikovsky and Beethoven, Field is also an opera singer. It’s the first time the Opera Wilmington performer has been in community theatre in Wilmington.

However, she has always loved Richard Rodgers’ music, and even as a child aspired to grow up to be Julie Andrews.

“Music for the Mother Abbess was written with an operatically trained voice in mind and yet lies very low in the voice— then pops up,” Field explains of her character’s vocal range. “It is keeping me on my toes since I am not a mezzo or dramatic soprano. It is a good technical challenge for me.”

Directing the music is pianist Stephen Field, who has enlisted the help of a 10-piece orchestra: Scott Holmes (violin), Greg Bell (strings, second keyboard), Breane Hebert and Toree McLamb (flute), Laura York and Casey Black (trumpet), James Lane (trombone), Vince Stout (string bass), and Mitch Hebert (percussion). Nat-

The hills come alive on Thalian Hall’s stage with ‘The Sound of Music’ urally, playing a well-known and beloved score is an exciting moment for the director. “One hit follows another,” he says.

“It is scored for 26 players. That would be impossible to fit into the pit, so we have to double voices and adjust.”

Kennedy is highlighting the beauty of Austria by utilizing specific lighting techniques from Jeff Loy and set design by Terry Collins. Collins has zeroed in on the Alps and surrounding mountains, as well as the Noonberg Abbey. He has created a stained-glass round window.

“It’s stunning, much like the beautiful window at Wilmington’s First Presbyterian Church, which opens and closes the show,” Kennedy praises. “We are also exposing the beautiful 1858 brick work at the back of the Thalian Hall stage.”

Debbie Scheu will do the costumes of the period as well. Kennedy is especially excited for the looks on Elsa, the baroness, who is a European sophisticate. “We are basing her wardrobe on Paris and Coco Chanel,” he says. Playing Elsa is Beth Crookham, who studied theater in college and last performed the baroness for OHTC in the early aughts.

“It’s fun to revisit this character with so much more life under my belt and with a different cast of people,” says Crookham, who since has traveled the world, working in film industry. “I love that most theatre goers don’t realize she is far more complex than her movie version—and I love her wardrobe!”

“The Sound of Music” will open February 27. Tickets are $25 during Thursday-night shows but go up to $33 for the rest of the run.

FUN MISUNDERSTANDINGS Christopher Marino directs a modern adaptation of 'Comedy of Errors.'

Courtesy photo

AGELESS

BY CHASE HARRISON

S

aying that Christopher Marino merely enjoys the works of William Shakespeare is quite an understatement. The director of UNCW’s spring season kickoff, “Comedy of Errors," works with the Bard’s dialogue onstage the way other artists work with paints on canvas. Using words, he reframes the very world of these renowned plays but never bastardizes their themes. I’ve been lucky enough to have caught two of his past stagings: “Macbeth” for Dram Tree Productions and “Twelfth Night” with Alchemical Theatre.

Both were top notch—one a traditional take, the other a David Lynch-infused Dust Bowl dream. Marino gets how these shows should move.

Bringing Shakespearean plays to a modern audience can be a tricky task. Unfortunately, these timeless tales have been labeled "old hat" by some of the masses.

The Elizabethan English and iambic pentameter make it easy to get lost. Yet, Marino confronts that misconception. He truly makes what's old new again.

It's his third outing with “Comedy of Errors,” and he has pulled out the stops creatively to give audiences a feast for the eyes. The production mixes the madcap, zany nature of the silent film era with the quick vocal wit of Shakespeare. It never fails to create genuine warm laughter and has a solid cast and creative team.

Before the show’s official start, members of the cast serenade the audience with a series of melancholy folk songs.

From Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” to “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver, each fit well with musical director Adrian Varnam's aesthetic for the sound of the production. Yet, I was confused by the inclusion of these particular songs before what is in fact a rather funny comedy. The point of this opening segment escaped me.

Once the show properly begins, it takes little time for it to find its breakneck pace.

It opens with the sad Syracusian trader Aegeon (Hunter Jarman) recounting the

DETAILS COMEDY OF ERRORS UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building Main Stage, 5270 Randall Dr. February 27-March 1, 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday matinees $6-15 • uncw.edu 910-962-3500 woe which has brought him to the shores of Ephesus. It seems he was searching for the family he lost years ago aboard a ship that was torn apart. A storm took away his wife, one of his twin sons and one of the, um, human pets he bought for his twin sons (yeah—it was different time).

This flashback is shown in amazing effect by the use of a film shot by Anya Ekaterina, Jacqueline Mangrum and Will Ross.

Here the seeds are planted for the overall comedy style. The trio uses tricks that would have made Buster Keaton smile.

The simple yet brilliant way they depict the roaring storm that destroys the ship is hilarious. It is the second time I’ve seen Marino “show” a storm indoors—both have left me floored. Bravo!

Like most of Shakespeare’s comedies, there are mishandled messages, plenty of delightful, romantic misunderstandings and ruminations on fate versus coincidence. But mistaken identity is key to the frame of the plot. "Comedy of Errors" follows two sets of twins, whose parents’ lack of originality has cursed them with the same name. The Antipholus twins (played

by Davis Wood and Jack Tower) and their

ever-loyal servants, the Dromio twins (Brandi Simmons and Katie Anderson) fracture the “leads” of the play superbly. All four bring a different yet prevalent sense of fun to the stage. To even try and play favorites would be a disservice to all of their hard work. I applaud both pairs who create convincing siblings. With shared traits and reactions but distinct personalities, they do more than merely mimic each other.

Davis Wood as Antipholus of Syracuse oozes an arrogance easily mistaken for confidence. He embraces the good fortune erroneously shoveled upon him. Jack Tower embraces a more manic slapstick style with Antipholus of Ephesus as he plays the fool to his brother’s fortunes. His frustrated exchanges over the ownership of a gold chain and the refused entry to his own home are hilarious.

Brandi Simmons imbibes Dromio of Syracuse with a frightful nature of being lost in a strange new land. She reminds me of Shaggy from the old Scooby-Doo cartoons; her escape through the impressive if underused set is sight-gag gold. Katie Anderson as Dromio of Ephesus really shines.

Her animated defenses are the pinnacle of physical comedy. The few scenes the two share are fantastic and highlights of the whole production.

The cast is rather large, even for an edited Shakespeare play. Some members of the ensemble feel under utilized, though others leave solid impressions. Erin Sullivan as Adriana, the wife of Antipholus of Ephesus, really owns the stage with a strong presence when teamed with Renee Hapeman as Luciana, her ride-or-die sister. The pair produce some truly funny moments mirroring the affluent malevolence of "The Real Housewives of [Wherever]."

Mitchell Nobles as Anglo the goldsmith stands out with his laid-back streetsmart New York-accent approach to the third-tier role.

FARCE

Christopher Marino brings silent era style to ‘Comedy of Errors' pace needed to slow for the story to catch up. It all but stops to reach what feels like an interrupted conclusion, albeit a happy one.

The set is massive and designed to the nines by scenic designer Randall A. Enlow.

Six staked boxes formulate the bubbling city of Ephesus—each possessing aspects that will have audiences dissecting the backstories. Each has its own color palette and housing—everything from lavish furniture to a rudimentary set of Tesla coils.

The only drawback is how forgotten a majority of it seems to be. Though people are blocked to simply be there, long chunks of action take place around them, and certain pods aren’t necessarily used. So much work and detail has been put toward the set, but it seems underutilized.

The lighting by Rachel Levy has grand flourishes of interest here and there, but overall it underwhelms. Levy plots each pod with its own lighting, and the sources of light are well thought-out. At times, I had trouble seeing spots due to darkness.

The production’s costuming is impressive and tips its hat to the roaring '20s motif. The matching striped suits used for the Antipholus twins, the steampunk-inspired Dr. Pinch and his wasp women nurses all stand out.

I enjoy seeing how Marino chooses to adapt his ventures. His passionate care for the Bard’s text mines new and interesting takes on much-handled properties. There are very few errors in “Comedy of Errors."

Once the laughter starts, it doesn’t stop. I was caught off guard by how quick the first act passed and was disappointed when the

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 23

A Family Favorite Like You’ve Never Seen it Before!

Apr. 21 at 7:30 pm, Apr. 22 at 2:30 & 7:30 7 :30 pm

Wilson Center

TickeT cenTral • 910.362.7999 • WilsoncenTerTickeTs.com 24 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 25

DINING

GUIDE

Okam i Japa nese Steak house 614 S C ollege Rd. •

AMERICAN

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

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

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

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

okamir estaura nt.com • Pho

to by T om Dor gan

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10:00; Friday and Saturday 11:3011:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ILM; kids menu

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 ambiance of the market. Using the freshest ingredients

26 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

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 takehome frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: pinevalleymarket.com

THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Grill and Catering is a four store franchise in North Carolina. Trolly Stop Hot Dogs opened in Wrightsville Beach in 1976.

That store name has never changed. Since

the Wrightsville Beach store, the newer stores sell hotdogs, hamburgers, beef and chicken cheese steaks, fries, hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, floats and more.

Our types of dogs are: Southern (Trolly Dog, beef and pork), Northern (all beef), Smoke Sausage (pork), Fat Free (turkey), Veggie (soy).

Voted Best Hot Dog in Wilmington for decades.

Check our website trollystophotdogs.com for hours of operations, specific store offerings and telephone numbers, or contact Rick Coombs, 910-297-8416, rtrollystop@aol.com We offer catering serving 25-1000 people.

Franchises available.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952, Wrightsville Beach (910) 2563921, Southport (910) 457-7017, Boone, NC (828) 265-2658, Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN INDOCHINE RESTAURANT 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: indochinewilmington.com

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: nikkissushibar.com

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.” Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way.

Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the fin-

est food products. We believe good, healthy food aids 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.” We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-you-can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am 2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: okamisteakhouse.com

Round Bagels and Donuts features 17 varieties of New York-style bagels, baked fresh daily on site in a steam bagel oven. Round offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, grilled and fresh to order. Round also offers fresh-made donuts daily! Stop by Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., and on Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

SZECHUAN 132

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines.

The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; open daily from Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING Sunday half-price wine bottles; Monday beer and wine flights on special; Tuesday Local’s Night $11/person cheese and

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

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

YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE

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

FONDUE THE LITTLE DIPPER

chocolate; Wednesday Ladies Night; Thursday $27 4-course prix fixe; Friday “Date Night” $85/couple for 3 courses and a bottle of wine.

■ MUSIC: Tuesdays & Thursdays, MayOct., 7– 9 p.m. (weather permitting) ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

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/ DowntownSouth

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. ‘til 10pm, Thurs ‘til 11pm, Fri-Sat, ‘til 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 - 80smusic and menu prices. Sundays are the best dealdowntown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are BuyOne, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles.Nightly Drink Specials.

Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

BAGELS ROUND BAGELS

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 27

■ 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: harpwilmington.com

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

■ WEBSITE: facebook.com/slaintemj

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

Check With Our Staff About Our ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI MENU

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

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

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

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

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

BITES

MEXICAN MARCHTOBERFEST BEER FESTIVAL March 7, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Wilmington Convention Center, 10 Convention Center Dr. Prost on the Coast with Wilmington, NC's Spring Beer Festival presented

by ILMBeer. Marchtoberfest features North Carolina breweries, German-style beer, German food, German music, and games. (VIP Tickets allow for early entry and other benefits) Tickets: $50 at Eventbrite.com

Their warm, inviting, atmosphere is perfect for “date night” or “family night.” Let them show you why “fresh, homemade and local” is part of everything they do. 8211 Market St. (910) 686-7774

Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.9:30 p.m., Sun brunch, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck ■ WEBSITE: italianbistronc.com

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-

“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) 7991399.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

Sushi Happy Hour

Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Half off classic rolls

HIBACHI SUSHI TEMPURA DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

614 South College Road 910.399.3366 www.okamirestaurant.com

Japenese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi 28 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

RUNNER-UP BEST JAPANESE

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: grabslice.com

SLICE OF LIFE

ZOCALO Zocalo Street Food and Tequila brings a modern version of cooking traditional Mexican street food through perfected recipes, with excellent presentation. Zócalo was the main ceremonial center for the Aztecs, and presently, it is the main square in central Mexico City. It bridges old school tradition with a twist of innovative cooking. Zocalo also has weekly events, such as their margarita and food tasting every Monday, 5-8 p.m., and a live taco station every Tuesday , 5-8 p.m. Live Latin music Is showcased every other Saturday and Sunday brunch begins at 10 a.m. Be sure to try Zocalo’s wide selection of the best tequilas! Owned and operated locally, locations are in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC. Take out and delivery available through most apps.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND BRUNCH: Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m - 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; closes 9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Pointe at Barclay ■ WEBSITE: zocalostreetfood.com

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

The Philly Deli started out by importing all of their steak meat and hoagie rolls straight from Amoroso Baking Company, located on 55th Street in downtown Philadelphia! It’s a practice they maintain to this day.

We also have a great collection of salads to choose from, including the classic chef’s salad, chicken salad, and tuna salad, all made fresh every day in our three Wilmington, NC restaurants. 8232 Market St., 3501 Oleander

Dr., 609 Piner Rd.

■ OPEN: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday -Thursday,11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday Saturday.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck, North and South Wilmington, ■ WEBSITE: https://phillydeli.com

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm 10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: capefearseafoodcompany. com

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

Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

Antonio 's Pizz a & Pa sta 2 lo cations : Monkey Junctio n & Mid town • antonio spizzap astanc.c om

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

p.m.

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

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street.

You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open 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: dockstreetoysterbar.net

MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few.

1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local se food and more!

■ WEBSITE: MikesCfood.com

THE PILOT HOUSE The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s

• Courte sy

photo

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 Sunday-Thursday 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, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch,. 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday

WILMINGTON WINE & BEER WALK

For A List Of Venues & Event Details Visit www.COOLWILMINGTON.com

SATURDAY FEB.29

1pm-6 pm check in ends @ 3pm

LTD. NUMBER OF TICKETS 2 FOR $27 ONLY AT ETIX.COM OR $16 EACH CASH ONLY AT Front Street Optimetric Care, 273 N Front St.

PRESENTED BY COOL WILMINGTON

Celebrate Responsibly:

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 29

■ WEBSITE: pilothouserest.com

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

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

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

■ WEBSITE: TheShuckinShack.com

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 Mon. & Tues.

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

■ WEBSITE: caseysbuffet.com

RX RESTAURANT & BAR Located

in

downtown

Wilmington,

Rx

encorepub.com

30 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

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: TuesThurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: rxwilmington.com

STEAKS TRUE BLUE BUTCHER & TABLE True Blue Butcher & Table opened in the Forum Shopping Center in January 2018 at the point, 1125-AA Military Cutoff Rd. as Wilmington’s finest neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant. A menu of globally-inspired, local ingredients is served during lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. But the real experience is visiting the butcher counter to take home the best cuts of meat in Wilmington (and the world), while also given expert cooking and food advice from the chef/owner himself, Bobby Zimmerman. True Blue has a magnificent bar, handcrafted cocktail menu and bar menu and offers weekday specials. (910) 679-4473

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & WEEKEND BRUNCH: Lunch Tues.-Fri., 11am-2pm; Dinner, Tues.-Sun., 5-10pm; Brunch, Sat.-Sun., 10:30am-2:30pm; Butcher counter Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: The Forum off of Military Cutoff Road ■ FEATURES: Wed. Burger Night, Thurs.

1/2-priced wine bottle & prime steak upgrades; Friday 1/2-priced bar menu ■ WEBSITE/SOCIALS: wearetrueblue.com.

IG: @truebluebutcherandtable. FB: facebook. com/TrueBlueButcherAndTable

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR Under new ownership! Tom Noonan invites you to enjoy his remodeled space, featuring a new sound system and new bar, in a warm, relaxed environment. Taste 40 craft beers, over 400 wines by the bottle, a wide selection of cheese and charcuterie, with gourmet small plates and desserts to go! And don’t miss their weekly wine tastings, every Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon., Closed; Tues.-Thurs., 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Fri., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 4 - 10 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St. WEBSITE: fortunateglass.com

We’re not just hot dogs!

$5 Meal Deals

Offering philly cheesesteaks, burgers, grilled cheeses, frank ’n’ beans and more!

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

16 Cold Draft Beers

Offering hot dog cart service for catering, 60 or more!

Drop-off catering offered!

We ha Impos ve the s Burgeible r

WILMINGTON 4502 Fountain Dr Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 452-3952

11am to 6:30pm, 7 days a week

encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 31

WINE 101 Palate's new wine program manager, Kristin Wood, spills the tea ... err ... wine with Joan.

Photo by Shannon Gentry

WORLD OF

BY JOAN C.W. HOFFMAN

B

ehind every great wine program is a great director or manager.

Most of the time, they’re hidden in plain sight of customers, listening to conversations about the juice folks are enjoying, discreetly tinkering with menu-tasting notes, planning the next event to keep consumers curious.

They’re all-knowing yet ever-curious. Enter Kristin Wood, wine program manager at Palate Bottle Shop & Reserve. While she’s relatively new to Palate, she’s a wine-biz vet. I sat down with her to chat about the wonderful world of wine.

DETAILS PALATE BOTTLE SHOP & RESERVE

1007 N. 4th St. Tuesday-Saturday, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., encore (e): Palate is well-known for its Sunday-Monday, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. expansive and thoughtful wine selection. www.palatenc.com

How did you approach taking over as wine manager, and what’s your background in beverage? ly accepted an offer to work in a boutique Kristin Wood (KW): I started working at wine retail store. After 16 years, I get to exPalate last June. So, when I was offered perience my favorite part of this amazing the position as the wine program manag- industry: selling great wines directly to the er in October, I was eager to take on the consumer. I adore the inquisitive enthusitask. I felt confident because of my fortu- ast; it’s the side of the job that makes me nate background in the industry; I thought the happiest, as I am one myself.

I could lend our well-thought-out shelves e: What events are you excited about fresh new wines at every price point. coming up?

It’s not easy to curate a wine department and make it approachable to every patron: from the novice customer—who simply likes wine and wants to learn more—to the aficionado, and everyone in between. You really have to work well with everybody around you—our wonderful staff, each of the well-represented distributors, but most importantly, the customer. I have to taste and decide on wines for their palate.

I love the business. I have had the chance to work on most sides. I was a fine-dining wine buyer by the time I was 24.

I was a wine distributor for three separate companies for several years, wrote a wine column for a weekly publication, worked as a “taster” for another distributor, and final-

KW: I am thrilled about our 2020 wine program. We are currently doing a six-class WINE-101 course that has proven to be a ton of fun. It sold out fast! People really are excited to learn about wine.

WINE-201 will be coming this summer. We have free weekly wine tastings on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., but now we will be adding wine and music pairings, too.

This month we had Gravity Records come and spin some rock from Washington State to pair with beautiful wines from the region.

We had three knowledgeable vendors pouring nine wines and we’ve found our customers love it.

In April we are hosting an Argentine “Asa-

32 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

do”—a multi-course wine dinner, where the Famillia Zuccardi’s national sales manager (and Wilmington’s own) David Koebely will be showcasing beautiful wines from the unique region of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. Rx’s executive chef and owner, James Doss, will prepare cuisine from the region. It will also feature traditional, homemade empanadas from Folks Cafe owners Tammy and Juan de Pacini, who are originally from Ecuador and Argentina.

I am starting a new department in April, too! I’m going to have an entire Pét-Nat section and a chilled red section in our walk-in cooler. This will be our first time featuring these.

There is so much happening at Palate, and when it comes down to it, I have to give a lot of credit to our general manager, Jeremy Malanka. He is very talented at creating an awesome lineup of events, and it’s obvious to us all how much fun he has doing it.

Palate has been a great place to gather with friends and experience wine and beers from around the world, but it is so much more than just a bottle shop.

It’s a modular restaurant due to our own epicurean food truck, it’s a changing draft beer selection, it’s a wine by-the-glass bar and offers 16 unique wines by the glass.

It’s a music venue, and it’s a fantastic event space all wrapped up in one fun, open-air environment.

WINE

Palate’s wine program manager Kristin Wood talks wine, charity and events an Australian wine, or you’ve enjoyed them in the past, we have a beautiful little section dedicated to this cause where we can all give back. e: What are you drinking right now? What do you love, and how do you want to expand curious palates about town?

KW: Well, wine happens to be a family business in my house. My husband has been in the industry for going on 18 years now, so we are both excited about new trends and cool alternative varietals from all regions.

e: I know you implemented an Australian wine program with proceeds going to relief for the fires. How’s that going?

I’m currently loving the Time Place Wine Co. wines (we carry their rosé and Zinfandel). The Zuccardi, cabernet Franc Poligonos from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, is a favorite (not many people have had cabernet Franc from this region). I am in love with our dry rieslings, falanghina and white blends for spring. We are a rosé and bubbles hot spot, so I have brought in many new ones!

KW: We are giving 10% of all Australian wine sales to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. It is our small way to acknowledge the wildfires devastating the land and animals of this beautiful country, which happens to be an amazing wine region. I wish we could do more. If you haven’t tried

To expand curious palates around town, I will always say one thing: taste. If there’s a tasting happening at any of our Wilmington wine venues, go. Taste as many wines as possible; that’s the only way to expand your palate. I will say our WINE-101 classes are designed to help you do just that.

TIGHT WHEELS From left left to right: Rita Ward, Jason Ward, Jeremy Hardy, Kyle Pennington and Bethany Carpenter Photo by Brooke Suddeth

SLOW

BY BROOKE SUDDETH

C

ommunal lifestyles, public protests, and innovations in fashion and music are hallmarks of the hippie movement of the 1960s-’70s. One of the biggest symbols of this American counterculture is the German Volkswagen bus. Local business owners Rita and Jason Ward from Little Green Booth, the Volkswagen-bus-turned-photo booth, and Bethany Carpenter of Panacea Brewing, ILM’s newest vegan restaurant and kombucha bar, are proving the VW community is still very much alive. Together they will host a car show and swap meet, Circle the Wagens, at Waterline Brewing on Saturday to celebrate the vehicle’s ongoing appeal.

The swap meet is a direct reflection of the simplicity of VW culture. “They aren’t as popular anymore because it’s hard to have a transaction where money isn’t involved,” Carpenter says. Participants bring spare parts sitting in their garage and trust the quality of another’s is equal to their own.

“People will help you pinpoint what part you need,” Rita shares. “It’s a really friendly community. People also like the conversation that comes out of swap meets, just as much as trading parts. It’s [great] to come together and talk about what you’re passionate about.”

Kindness is rampant within VW culture.

Collectors reliably lend a helping hand in times of need. “People are willing to drop everything and tow you on the side of the road,” Rita says. “Everybody that owns a Volkswagen no matter where you are in life—what you’re doing, how old you are— will stop and do everything you can to help a fellow Volkswagen owner out.”

DETAILS CIRCLE THE WAGENS

February 29, noon - 5 p.m.

Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Street Car registration, $10-$20 circlethewagens@gmail.com A lot of Volkswagen followers practice generosity outside of their tight-knit group as well. For example, Volkswagen enthusiasts Kyle Pennington and Jeremy Hardy are the founders of local nonprofit Vigilant Hope. Their nonprofit hosts a mobile shower trailer for the homeless community, and they hold public forums to talk about community problems not often discussed, such as food insecurity and racial injustice. They also have a coffee roastery on Lake Branch Drive and use their restored VW bus for coffee deliveries, in hopes of evolving it into a roaming coffee shop. Their renovated bus will appear at Circle the Wagens.

“What’s awesome about the Volkswagen community is it’s such a mish-mash of different cultures,” Pennington tells. “[A VW owner] can be a middle-class worker, a wanderlust traveler or even multi-millionaire, like Jay Leno. . . . You have the older hippie community still involved and the motivational force behind everything that’s There are even Facebook groups in Volkswagen now. But there’s a second which folks can reach out when stranded wave of culture that’s into modifying and on the side of the road. Fellow VW owners pushing Volkswagens to their limit.” will coordinate help.

VW always has stood for travel, adventure and freedom. Today’s restoration proj-

ects preserve that mentality but also continue in the creation of movable art—and without spending a lot of money. “You can get a shell pretty inexpensive and then you just go to a swap meet or buy parts online,” Rita says. For Little Green Booth, Jason is teaching himself how to weld and has installed interior bamboo paneling. Hardy and Pennington’s Vigilant Hope bus was once a bullet-hole-ridden shell with seizedup brakes. When Carpenter bought her future Panacea Brewing bus, she discovered it was the home to an entire family of rats.

All VW restorers engage in the same first step: Check for rust, see if the motor turns over, and buy the Volkswagen owner’s Bible, “How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive,”

by John Muir and Richard Sealey.

In 2022 Volkswagen will relaunch the Microbus as a electric, self-driving vehicle— its first production since it was discontinued in 2013, due to safety concerns, including a lack of airbags and anti-lock brakes. The new bus will start at $70,000.

VW’s Beetle, another iconic vehicle, has sold more than 22.5 million over the years.

It, too, was discontinued in July 2019, due to a decrease in sales. “It brings a whole new level to [preservation,]” Rita says. “You got to hold on tight; it’s not going to get made again.”

Models are disappearing off the roads with their glory being confined to junkyards, backyards and garages. Revitalizing a VW helps continue the legacy of dying cars. For example, Little Green Booth has seats from a previously wrecked bus. “You want to keep the integrity of the bus,” Rita says. “You can create so much more than just a car you drive to the store.”

RIDE

Volkswagen collectors and restorers show off the goods in Circle the Wagens “You get work ethic out of it. It’s something for families to do that’s different, funky and productive.”

Born out of necessity for Wilmington to have its own VW car show (the closest are in Raleigh, Charlotte and Farmington), Circle the Wagens will feature a variety of vintage models. The Vanagon (a boxier, more reliable Microbus), Fastbacks (station wagon version of a Beetle), and hopefully a Thing (a small military-style vehicle) will make an appearance on Saturday. “It’s cool to see what types of models come out of the woodwork,” Pennington says.

Circle the Wagens prioritizes giving back and engaging with Wilmington nonprofits and businesses. All registration fees from the vehicles will be given to Wilmington’s award-winning nonprofit, DREAMS Center for Arts Education. DREAMS focuses on giving kids, ages 8-18, equitable access to an arts education. Food trucks will be onsite, and live music will come from Mike Blair and the Stonewalls. Boombalatti’s and Mother of Wild Flower House & Event Co. will operate out of their buses as well.

The community gets a boost from its car shows. Parents pass on their hard-work“We’re attracting such a crowd that ing heritage to children; restorers get inremembers and resonates with the spiration from others of their ilk. “You get ‘60s-‘70s,” Carpenter says. “It’s not a fad; immediate satisfaction, [thinking,] This bus is together because I did that,” Rita says. it’s sticking around forever.” encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 33

AUTHOR, ATTORNEY, ACTIVIST Melody Moezzi will read from her latest book, “The Rumi Prescription: How an Ancient Mystic Poet Changed My Modern Manic Life,” at UNCW next Monday night.

Photo by Matthew Lenard

RUMI

BY JEFF OLOIZIA

I

n 2014, while promoting the paperback release of her second book, a memoir about living with bipolar disorder, Melody Moezzi suffered what she calls “a complex compound fracture of the human soul.” Spiritually drained and left wanting by success, Moezzi found herself unable to write. After a period of despair, she eventually found relief in the form of the great Persian mystic poet Molana Jalaloddin Muhammad Balkhi Rumi.

This, in itself, is not usual. With a celebrity following that includes Jay-Z and Beyoncé (who named their daughter after him), and deceptively simple couplets that can read like yoga affirmations (“You went out in search of gold far and wide, but all along you were gold on the inside”), Rumi has achieved stunning relevancy in recent years: He has become arguably America’s best-selling poet some 700 years after his death.

DETAILS A BOOK LAUNCH READING WITH MELODY MOEZZI Monday, March 2, 7 p.m.

UNCW Kenan Hall 1111 601 S. College Rd. Free • melodymoezzi.com is also expansive, touching on Moezzi’s personal crisis as well as broader issues of mental health, feminism and Islamophobia.

Moezzi is an attorney, activist and visiting professor of creative nonfiction at UNCW. encore caught up with her over email last week.

Plus, we’re painfully forgetful by nature, especially when it comes to matters of the soul. We need steady reminders— from one day, one hour, one minute to the next—that we are more than the sum of our parts.

For me, my father and so many others around the world, Rumi’s poetry is one such powerful reminder, lovingly nudging us to recall that we are more than disparate bodies strolling aimlessly through time and space: We are interconnected souls with a purpose that transcends both. For Rumi and all the prophetic mystics who inspired and live within his poetry—from Moses to Jesus to Mohammad—that purpose is always love. The greatest hindrance to it, moreover, is always fear. That’s why I think Rumi’s words resonate so strongly with Americans today. As a country, we’re sick of submitting to fear and all the hatred it breeds. We’re ready to choose love and all the hope it represents.

e: You had to study an archaic version of Persian in order to read and translate encore (e): Why do you think Rumi is Rumi. How, if at all, did that complicate enjoying such popularity among pres- the writing of this book? ent-day readers, particularly in America?

MM: Honestly, the classical Persian Melody Moezzi (MM): I think Rumi’s was tough and always has been for me, poetry speaks to an essential truth with- but it was nothing compared to the spirin each of us that connects us to one itual work I had to do in order to live, let another. It’s a truth that is constant, but alone write, “The Rumi Prescription.” I one that is far too easy to lose track of in had to slow down a lot to bring this book The result of that exploration is “The an increasingly divided world brimming into the world, and by nature, I am forevRumi Prescription: How an Ancient with seemingly endless distractions. er in a rush. As a rule, I don’t slow down Mystic Poet Changed My Modern Manic By connecting to and through this truth easily or willingly. Throughout my life, Life.” Out March 3 via TarcherPerigee, within ourselves, outside of rigid names however, illness has consistently forced an imprint of Penguin Random House, and labels, we find love. As Rumi says, me to slow down—first by way of a panthe book borrows its structure from “It’s names and labels that make us dis- creatic tumor in my late teens and then Moezzi’s father’s teachings: Chapters agree. / Look beneath the words and by way of bipolar disorder. Both nearly are cleverly organized into common make peace with me.” Rumi recognized killed me. maladies (“Anger”) and remedies in the this spiritual intuition, this devotion, as Now I realize that if I don’t choose to form of lessons learned from Rumi (“Fall present within all of us, and his poetry slow down, then my body, mind and spirin Love with Love”). Like Moezzi’s previ- reflects that. it will choose to do it for me. That’s how ous books, “War on Error: Real Stories of As humans living in the 21st centu- this book came about actually, born from American Muslims” (2007) and “Haldol ry, however, we’re routinely conditioned a sort of spiritual illness that forced me & Hyacinths: A Bipolar Life” (2013), it to trust our intellect over our intuition.

34 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com Moezzi’s connection to him, however, is more personal. Since she was a girl, her father—a physician and poetry enthusiast—has been leaving Rumi’s poems for her in Persian on his old prescription pads. In the wake of her creative collapse, Moezzi traveled to her parents’ San Diego home and began studying the poet in earnest.

NATION

Author Melody Moezzi on finding inspiration in a 13th-century mystic poet to slow down. It’s the bane of any artist: a creative clot.

We writers call it writer’s block, and while I used to run from it, hoping that a change of venue might solve the problem, I now recognize this “block” as a gift. In fact, I recognize all of my illnesses as gifts because each of them woke me up to something I needed to pay attention to, something I was either ignoring or taking for granted. When it came to the brutal case of writer’s block that eventually led me to research (and, yes, write!) “The Rumi Prescription,” the thing that I was simultaneously ignoring and taking for granted was my source—both ancestrally and spiritually. Rumi advises, “Seek the tonic nectar in the bitter sting. / Go to the source of the source of your spring.”

This book is the result of going to my source and then returning to it, again and again, something I still do and something I know I need to keep doing for the rest of my life if I want to stay true to my purpose. So, yeah, compared to all that, studying classical Persian has been cake, especially since I’ve had my father to guide me through it. Without him this book would’ve been impossible. With him, it was inevitable—simply a matter of time. More than anything, I’m just so grateful he’s alive to see the book make its way into the world.

e: You describe your ongoing study of Rumi as “an awakening.” Can you recall other times when a book has lifted you out of a difficult period of your life?

best American I could be. For me, that person, that American, also happened to be Muslim, not merely by birth, but by choice.

MM: Yes! And I love this question.

In 1999, Glacier National Park (one of the Beloved’s finest works of art in my judgment) combined with “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” to wake me up.

That summer, the sacred lakes, rivers, glaciers, and mountains of the hallowed land the Blackfeet call the “Backbone of the World” combined with Alex Haley’s rendering of the life of America’s most underrated and misunderstood civil rights leader to bring me back to the faith I was born into.

e: What are some words you despise that have been used to describe your writing by readers and/or reviewers?

My parents are both Muslim, but neither is overtly religious. The religion of our household has always been education. I just never realized how much of that “education as religion” was influenced by—and in fact, definitive of—Islam until reading “The Autobiography of his evolution as a human being. In that Malcolm X.” struggle and evolution, I also spotted To give you some context: At 20 years the true definition of the word jihad, a old, after having read the Qur’an for myspiritual struggle for worldly justice and self as an adult, and after a successful inner peace. All of this combined helped surgery to remove my pancreatic tumor me fully surrender to the Beloved, which that same spring, I read “The Autobiogis actually the definition of Islam. Beraphy of Malcolm X” in St. Mary, Montween the lines of that book, I found a tana. There, I found inspiration in Malpath toward the best person and the colm’s struggle against injustice and

MM: You never hear reviewers refer to men’s books as sassy or feisty. No. But I feel like they love using these kinds of words to describe my books and those of so many of my fellow female writers. Men’s books are labeled authoritative, definitive, groundbreaking, genius and, of course, seminal. The way I see it, women are left with these weak, watered-down adjectives that say far less about the books themselves and far more about our patriarchal society. e: You talk in the book about teaching Rumi to UNCW students, for whom Rumi is not considered part of the literary canon. If you could prescribe your book to anyone, who would it be and why?

MM: People who are struggling, whatever their backgrounds. Teaching Rumi to my UNCW MFA students and witnessing how warmly they received it, even in translation, was deeply healing for me. I spent my entire life as a student having my own history and culture ignored at best, and demeaned at worst, in class-

rooms. Being able to present my literary inheritance to these students and to find that they could connect with it as much as I had—despite the fact that none of them shared anything close to my ethnic or religious background—truly meant the world to me. I’ll always be grateful to my students and to UNCW for that.

Ultimately, I hope “The Rumi Prescription” helps my readers not only learn from Rumi’s wisdom, but also come to respect the faith and culture out of which this wisdom arose. As an Iranian and as a Muslim, it’s important to me for people—especially my fellow Americans—to love and understand Iranians and Muslims as diverse and complex and human.

My hope is that, maybe if my readers can do that through this book, even if they’ve never met another Iranian or Muslim in real life, it might become harder for them to support policies that ban my extended family from visiting me in America, or otherwise limit my civil rights as an Iranian-American Muslim woman. e: You’re organizing a dinner party.

Which three people—dead or alive, literary or otherwise—do you invite?

MM: Rumi, Malcolm X and my maternal grandmother.

Remember to take care of yourself during the new year.

J Daniel Pierce PHOTOGRAPHY

Massage Therapy and Private yoga instruction available blueberrysagemassageyoga.com encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 35

ed! Also featuring live local music, crafts, giveaways, live demos, kids' activities, bouncy houses, community-based vendors, wild animals rescue, and tastings from the BBQ competitors ($1 each).

Proceeds from the tastings go directly to Step Up For Soldiers. You can purchase advance tasting tickets here! experiencecommunityfestivals@gmail.com..

Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd.

TEEING OFF WITH THE HARRELSON CENTER AND PARTNERS GOLF TOURNAMENT

March 16, 10am: Our collaborative event encourages our Partners to secure their own sponsors and golfers to raise funds for their programming and staffing. Harrelson Center staff handles all the logistics of the day, including registration, lunch, and an awards event. Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation, 1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr.

events AFRICAN-AMERICAN READ-IN

February 26, 5pm: Join us as we celebrate Black History Month by taking part in our African American Read-In. UNCW students, faculty and staff along with special guest readers will be reading passages from African-American authors who have inspired or impacted their lives. Each reader will have 5 minutes to briefly tell the audience about their selected book, how the book has inspired them, and lastly read their passage. UNCW faculty member and spoken word artist Dr. Wilson Okello will be the opening keynote speaker, and refreshments will be served. https://lib.uncw. edu/aa-read-in-2020. UNCW Randall Library, Education Building, Room 162.

Peruse the Black History book display located in Randall Library, on the first floor.

film CINEMATIQUE

Oscar winner for best picture, "Parasite," runs through Friday, February 28 at 7pm with an additional screening on Wednesday at 4pm in Thalian Hall’s Stein Theatre. Greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.

• "Judy" runs March 2-3 at 7pm. "Little Women" screens March 4 at 4pm and 7pm. Both films will appear in Thalian Hall’s Main Theatre. 310 Chesnut St. thalianhall.com. $8.

MARDI GRAS AT COTTON EXCHANGE

February 29, 11am-3pm: This year we’ll have music, performers. Lots of specials and events in our shops and restaurants! Specials all day! Cotton Exchange, 321 N Front St. .facebook.com/ events/830124277400591.

ILM’S PERFECT WEDDING FASHON SHOW

March 1, noon: Meet all the best vendors in the area,sample the most delicious food & cake,see the breathtaking dresses…and more! For all the brides and grooms planning a wedding this is surely something to add to the top of your to-do list! $5 admission & free parking.

(910) 793-4044 or www.theperfectweddingplanner.com. Coastline Conference & Event Center, 501 Nutt St.

CIRQUE ELOIZE: HOTEL

March 17, 7:30pm, $29-$54: Cirque Éloize welcomes you into this timeless art deco hotel, a place where strangers of all walks of life meet. Hotel is the story of a place, but it is mainly a place full of stories. This is the place where we mingle with strangers for a moment. From the Maître d’hôtel, overwhelmed by the events, to the mischievous maid, to the devoted handyman and his inseparable dog, Carpette, the hotel’s staff is like each of us, the privileged witnesses to the lives of colorful individuals. Carried by the voice of a client on the top floor who comments, testifies, and tells the

story, meet lovers who still do not know they are meant to be, improbable travelers, and a celebrity who goes out of her way to win her place in the firmament while revealing the depth of her being.

Enter the lobby doors of this grandiose place and discover with us the intricately woven story of these travelers! The Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St. www.capefearstage.com

charity/fundraisers PINTS FOR A PURPOSE

February 26, 6-9pm: Join us for Pints for a Purpose at Flytrap Brewing, $1 of every pint will be donated to Nourish NC: a nonprofit that provides Backpack Programs for food-insecure kids in New Hanover County. For “spread the love” February they will also be accepting PB & J donations. A&M Food Truck will serve from 5-9pm. 319 Walnut St.

YAPPY HOUR

February 27, 5-8pm: Join us under the bridge at Waterline Brewing. $1 of every beer (not on special) will be donated to the New Hanover County Humane Society. Wilmy Woody food truck will be dishing out pizza pies while we help benefit a local cause. Tylor Fisher with KW Realty will be collecting tickets for a prize giveaway, sponsored by Homeside

36 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

Financial and J&M Home Inspection.

Grab the pups and come on down to Waterline! 721 Surry St. https://www.facebook.com/events/200588817801912.

CHEERS FOR CHOICE

February 27, 5pm, $25: Snack, sip and support Planned Parenthood South Atlantic at Soif de Vin. RSVP here: cheers. ppsat.org. Suggested minimum donation $25. Art raffle, live music, sweet and savory snacks, cash bar (10% of shop proceeds will go to PPSAT). Soif de Vin Wine Bar, 5226 S College Rd Unit 9B. weareplannedparenthood.org

DEAD OF WINTER CHARITY JAM

February 29, 8pm: Fellow Wilmington Grateful Dead fans save the night of Saturday February 29th for a very unique and intimate music experience.

There will be limited tickets for this low dollar 100% charity concert to benefit local non-profit Kids Making It! https:// kidsmakingit.org. Grand opening of downtown Wilmington’s newest indoor concert venue Varnish (23 Market St.).

There will be a light show, dancers, live painting by Bryan Stacey, and a drum circle. Together we can do great things!

Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.

STEP UP FOR SOLDIERS BACKYARD BBQ

March 7, 10am, free: Bring the entire family and enjoy a Great day filled with loads of: The best BBQ you’ve ever tast-

music OPEN-MIC AT TIDAL CREEK

Comedians, singers, songwriters, poets, yodelers! Come out the co-op on Wednesday night & show us what you got! Free coffee!

THE DRUM CIRCLE

Every Tues., 8-11pm, longest continuous Drum Circle for over 6 year provides an open forum, featuring djembe, dounbek, conga, bongo, cajon, yosika and other hand drums and percussive instruments. Friendly environment for the enjoyment of rhythm and dance. All levels, rhythms welcome! Loaner drums available. Free. Hosted by Ron at Bottega Art & Wine Bar, Brooklyn Arts District.

723 N. Fourth St.

HOOKED ON SONIC'S ELECTRONIC CORE

February 26, 8pm, at Barzarre (formerly The Juggling Gypsy). Squidco presents “Hooked on Sonics," getting back to our Sonic Roots, aiming for the core of our series with performances by The Person, Crushed Jazz by Consent, Authorless, Improv Blind. $5. 1610 Castle St.

JAZZ AT CAM

Tickets to the eight-concert series, playing a range of jazz genres in an intimate listening room performance.

All concerts are 6:30-8pm, 1st Thurs., through April 2020 at Cameron Art Museum. Presented by CAM and Cape Fear

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 | MEN’S BASKETBALL VS DREXEL 7PM

SPONSOR: KICKBACK JACK’S RESTAURANT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS NORTHEASTERN 7PM

SPONSOR: REDPOINT SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 | MEN’S BASKETALL VS DELAWARE 7PM

SPONSOR: PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA AND OMEGA SPORTS SUNDAY, MARCH 1 | WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS HOFSTRA 1PM

SEAHAWK SOFTBALL CHALLENGE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | UNCW VS TOLEDO 12:30PM UNCW VS ROBERT MORRIS 3PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 | UNCW VS TOLEDO 10AM UNCW VS MARIST 12:30PM SUNDAY,MARCH 1 | UNCW VS ROBERT MORRIS 12:30PM

SPONSOR: MCDONALD’S encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 37

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Jazz Society: CAM/CFJS Members: $17; non-members: $25; students with valid college ID $12 (tax and fees not included). March 5, Lenora Zenzalai Helm; Apr. 2, John Brown Quintet. CAM, 3201 S. 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org. 270 Randall Dr. operawilmington.org

Errors which will be a comedic tale of mistaken identity, love, a shipwreck, and some wonderfully bizarre inhabitants of this most mysterious town. $15. UNCW Cultural Arts Building Mainstage Theater, 5270 Randall Dr. uncw.edu/theatre/thrbuilding/facilities.html

BRIERWOOD ENSEMBLE'S POETRY AND SONG

ODD WORLD DANGER SHOW

March 1, 3pm $10-$20, featuring special guest artist Cera Finney, mezzo-soprano. Jenni Brandon: Ahead of All Parting for mezzo-soprano, bassoon, and harp.

Alec Wilder: Phyllis McGinley Song Cycle for mezzo-soprano, bassoon, and harp.

W.A. Mozart: Duo in G Major for violin and viola. Ronald and Sachs Violin, 616 Castle St. brierwoodensemble.com.

February 28, 8pm: Join NYC’s wildest traveling danger show as we burn, slice and electrocute our way across America. We have a lot to give, and we’re practically dying to show it to you. Odd World Danger Show is a jam packed night of fire breathing, knife throwing, sword swallowing and more. $10. blackrabbitsociety.org/ shows. Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK

March 1, 7:30pm, $39-108: In a career spanning over 50 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold and 35 platinum albums.

His unique voice continues to charm millions of fans worldwide with such romantic classics as “Release Me” and “After the Lovin.” The Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

WILMINGTON SYMPHONY MASTERWORKS

March 14, 7:30pm, $17-$47: Concert: Banquet of Baroque. The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra will perform music of Baroque masters Handel and Bach with a side order of selections from Italian and French composers. The Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

DAMSELFLY TRIO

February 28, 7:30pm: The Damselfly Trio is a chamber ensemble dedicated to the music of living composers and poets/ writers. UNCW's Beckwith Recital Hall, $6. or free with UNCW ID. damselflytrio. com.

MET OPERA: HANDEL'S AGRIPPINA

February 29, 1pm: The Met’s first-ever performances of "Agrippina," Handel’s satire of sex and power politics, Sir David McVicar reconceives a production he created for the Monnaie in Brussels in 2000. It evokes a scandalous world in which the Roman Empire never fell but simply kept going, right up to the present. Holding a distorted mirror to contemporary society as Handel did when he staged this opera, the production presents the corrupt intrigues of the political classes. Renowned for his interpretations of the Baroque repertoire, Harry Bicket conducts. $20-$24. UNCW Lumina Theater, 615 Hamilton Dr. aceweb.uncw.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=20CMET1867

BRIERWOOD ENSEMBLE

March 1, 3pm: Featuring special guest artist Cera Finney, mezzo-soprano.

Jenni Brandon: Ahead of All Parting for mezzo-soprano, bassoon, and harp.

Alec Wilder: Phyllis McGinley Song Cycle for mezzo-soprano, bassoon, and harp.

W.A. Mozart: Duo in G Major for violin and viola. Ronald and Sachs Violin, 616 Castle St. $10-$20. brierwoodensemble. com

GOLDEN OLDIES DINNER THEATER ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK

March 1, 7:30pm: In a career spanning over 50 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold and 35 platinum albums. His unique voice continues to charm millions of fans worldwide with such romantic classics as “Release Me” and “After the Lovin.”

The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. $39$108.

theatre/auditions

in many international circus festivals.

FLIP Fabrique brings a fresh take on contemporary circus, coupled with an uncanny ability to have fun and move an audience. They translate from life to life, from the heart to the heart, the body to the body. $26-$68. The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. capefearstage.com

COMEDY OF ERRORS

UNCW Department of Theatre presents "Comedy of Errors," by William Shakespeare, directed by Christopher Marino.

A somewhat re-imagined Comedy of

February 29, 5:30pm: America’s favorite music of the 50’s and 60's—a mix of country, doo-wop, bluegrass, R&B and a touch of funny completes a dinner theater adventure at Duplin.

Your toes won’t be able to hold back their tappin’ and will bring you back to the days of rockabilly, doing the twist and be-bopping. Before the show, a delicious 3-course meal will be served and once completed, the show will begin. Duplin Dinner Theater events sell out fast so be sure to get your tickets in a hurry! Enhance your dinner theater reservations with a comprehensive tour and tasting for only $10. The

CIRCUS INDUSTRY NIGHT

Every Thurs. evening. A popular spot for Wilmington’s underground fire dancers, flow artists, hoopers, jugglers, magic, sideshow and other obscure performing arts. There’s no formal show, but don’t be surprised to see things flying. No cover, no expectations. Just a night for circus artists to share tricks, try out new moves, or simply kick back, talk shop, and meet other likeminded artists. The Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

SPEAKEASY MURDER MYSTERY PARTY

February 28, 6:30pm, $30: iEscape Rooms & Watermans Brewing present A Speakeasy Murder, a 1920s themed murder mystery party for up to 32 players, ages 18+. Join us in a dazzling evening of Prohibition, showgirls, gang-wars and murder! You will be in the middle of the action and it will be up to you to wheel and deal with the other guests. Limited tickets available! Book online http://tiny. cc/s8ypjz. Game lasts 3 hours. Costumes are highly encouraged but not required. Food and beverages are not included in the price of the game. Waterman’s Brewing Co., 1610 Pavilion Pl.

CIRQUE FLIP FABRIQUE

February 29, 7:30pm: Flip Fabrique designs high quality, playful shows punctuated by breathtaking and truly elegant performances. Made up of world-class multidisciplinary performers, they have worked with the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Éloize, and taken part encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 39

tour and tasting begins at 3:30 pm and has a limited number of seats available.

3:30 pm: Comprehensive Tour & Wine Tasting; 5:30pm: Seat for Dinner in The Bistro; 7:30pm: Show Starts; 9pm: Event Ends. Optional $10 comprehensive tour and wine tasting. Tickets: $50. Duplin Winery, 505 N. Sycamore St.

THE COLOR PURPLE

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March 3, 7:30pm, $40-$96: 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival!

Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic has conquered Broadway in an all-new “ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times) directed by Tony winner John Doyle. With a soul-raising score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, "The Color Purple" gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Contains strong language and adult themes. Not recommended for young children or preteens. Parental discretion advised. The Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

CATS

March 24, 7:30pm, $46-$96: "Cats," the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Cats tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber ("The Phantom of the Opera," "School of Rock"), original scenic and costume design by John Napier ("Les Misérables"), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz ("Aladdin"), allnew sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler ("Hamilton") based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne ("Phantom"), and direction by Trevor Nunn ("Les Mis"). Show for ages 5 and up. The Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St. www.capefearstage.com

art ART CRUSH

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On exhibit through April. Artists include all females who work in different media: Solstice Woodworks, The Rooted One, Kelsey Howard, MAC Abstracts, Suzy Walter and K.Ko Studio. Coworx, 1608 Queen St.

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

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

Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington and NHC, numerous venues participate. www.artscouncilofwilmington.org

ART BY CAMMERON: CHILDHOOD ART

ArtByCammeron will have her childhood

art on display for the first time. Collectors will have the opportunity to see her style forming as young as preschoolthroughout elementary, middle and high school ages. Prints of childhood art will be available for purchase. She is also doing original adult renditions of certain pieces from her childhood work that will be available for purchase. Nick Mijak will display work dating back to 1990 until present day, so collectors can get a sense of his stylistic exploration.

Collectors with have the opportunity to purchase prints of Nick’s early works.

He has created new works for this opening that haven’t been introduced to the public and they will be available for purchase. Bottega, 723 N 4th St.

CHAMPAGNE TOAST FOR LIZ HOSIER

Art in Bloom and Checkered Cab present “The Ways of Wax: Works by Liz Hosier“—the versatility of beeswax as a primary medium. Included are works in oil with cold wax, encaustics (an ancient hot wax painting technique), and encaustic monotypes (a printmaking technique with encaustic pigment). As an abstract artist, Hosier finds freedom and a challenge within these time-honored “ways of wax.” She is intrigued by how each unique process relies upon layering to build up surfaces and to create depth, texture, movement and luminosity. Each painting expresses a fluid dialogue between artist, medium, color and surface.

Platypus & Gnome, 9 S. Front St.

WOOL REINVENTED

Flytrap welcomes featured artist Rachel Frey’s collection “Wool Reinvented.” Fiber artist Rachel Frey trained at SCAD, and creates felted pieces of all sizes through an ancient method using water and friction. Her art is fully composed of natural resources. The collection will consist of immensely detailed prints, which start out as watercolor paintings that are then transferred to Adobe Photoshop to manipulate the imagery into a repeat pattern. Rachel is drawn toward colors and textures that occur in nature.

Her art reveals an essence of softness as well as rigidity. Flytrap, 319 Walnut St.

EYE CANDY BY MARLOWE

“Eye Candy,” featuring local pop artist Marlowe is at New Elements Gallery.

Inspiration comes to the artist from watching 1930s and 1940s movies.

Captivating images from the world of pulp fiction mix with exotic handmade papers creating incredible compositions that are a nod to another time, and a fantasy to be explored. Join us as we dive into the charismatic, colorful world of Marlowe, the first official show at NEG for 2020! 271 N. Front St. newelementsgallery.com

2020: NEW YEAR, NEW ART

2020 is a new year which brings a variety of brand new art by Art in Bloom Gallery’s core artists to the gallery.

Feast your eyes on new work in “2020: New Year, New Art,” featuring Bradley Carter (painting), Debra Bucci (painting), Richard Bunting (blown glass),

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Elizabeth Darrow (painting), Brian Evans (ceramics), Joanne Geisel (painting), Dave Klinger (photography), Joan McLoughlin (painting), Gale Smith (painter), Traudi Thornton (ceramics), among others! Continues through March 8. Art in Bloom, 210 Princess St. aibgallery.com.

ETHAN ALLEN ART SHOWCASE

Ethan Allen is partnering with Art in Bloom Gallery to feature original art by contemporary and traditional artists in the Ethan Allen Design Center on South College Road. Customers can create the look they will love from classic to contemporary with free interior design help from Ethan Allen’s design pros. The design pros are partnering with artists Bob Bryden, Debra Bucci, Richard Bunting, Bradley Carter, Judy Hintz Cox, Elizabeth Darrow, Brian Evans, Joanne Geisel, Naomi Jones, Helen Lewis, Joan McLoughlin, Angela Rowe, Olaf Schneider, Gale Smith, and Traudi Thornton to create unique interiors with fine art.

Reception on Saturday. 818 S College Road. Store hours are Mon.-Sat., 10am6pm and Sun., 12-5pm. On view through March 9.

ZINES

February 27, 5:30pm: Zines (shortened from the word “magazines”) are small, independent publications that come in the form of mini pamphlets or DIY magazines and have long been an underground or counter-cultural vehicle for personal and political expression. This exhibit celebrates zines from a variety of sources and collections. Cultural Art Building, 5270 Randall Pkwy. Free..

CONNECTIONS: RIVERS AND WATERWAYS

February 28, 6-9pm: Burgwin-Wright House welcomes artist, Marion Clark Weathers, for her show “Connections: Rivers and Waterways” with an opening reception. Weathers’ paintings are inspired by rivers and waterways and the ways they connect us. Her paintings celebrate the river’s beauty, its watery reflections, and atmospheric perspective. For those of us lucky enough to live near the water, waterways are a magical influence in our daily lives.

Marion’s paintings depict recognizable landmarks, life on the river in general, or just people enjoying their favorite fishing spot. Admission is free; the show will remain on exhibit through March 21.

Art gallery hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. 224 Market St. facebook. com/events/475708266442295.

DECADES OF DECOR ART SHOW

February 28, 6pm, free. The Home Show for 2020 is an exciting partnership with another juggernaut downtown business: Decades of Decor. New Elements Gallery artists will be paired with gorgeous mid-century offerings from Dawn Glover. We are excited to bring you another innovative and fun show that combines our artists and furnishings that will inspire your imagination. The reception will take place on February 28th from 6-9p as part of the Arts Council of Wilmington Fourth Fridays, and will remain up 42 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

until March 21! newelementsgallery.com.

New Elements Gallery, 271 N. Front St

ART FOR A CAUSE

February 28, 6pm: Acme's Fourth Friday exhibition, Art For A Cause, will donate a portion of proceeds to the Pender County Animal Shelter. Works by Stephanie Holt, Elizabeth Darrow and Loulie Scharf will be on display at Acme Art Studio. ACME Art Studios, 711 N 5th Ave.

dance 76ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB

Inviting all mainstream and plus square dancers to join us for our weekly evening of dance on Thursdays from 8-9:30 pm at Senior Resource Center, 2222 S. College Rd. (entrance on Shipyard Blvd.). $5/ person/dance. $17.50/person/mo.

SENIOR LINE DANCING

At Maides Park, Thurs., 11am-noon. Free!

Pre-reg. is not required. 1101 Manly Avenue

OVER 50’S DANCE

Mission is to provide a venue for ballroom and social dancing. Welcome dancers of all levels—great form of exercise and to socialize with others who also like to dance. The club holds a dance on the second Tuesday of each month. Variety of DJ’s play all kinds of dance music— ballroom, Latin, shag, rock & roll, country, slow nightclub. Cost $8/person. New Hanover Sr. Resource Ctr, 2222 S. College Rd. facebook.com/over50sdance

CONTRA DANCE

February 22, 7:30pm: Energetic, contemporary American country dancing, every Tuesday. A caller will lead the dancers

through a sequence of moves. People are friendly and beginners always welcome, no experience necessary! It’s fun for all ages, teenagers through seniors.

No partner needed; you’ll dance with everybody there! Recommended dress is cool and casual, with soft-soled shoes. $5. • February 25, 7:30pm with band Box of Chocolates. $5. 5th Ave United Methodist Church, 409 S 5th Ave. wilmingtoncontradance.info

BELLYDANCE SHOWCASE

Ahmose is excited to bring you this month's Bellydance Showcase at The BarZarre (formerly The Juggling Gypsy).

Featuring some of the best dancers in the region and beyond! Each showcase is unique and different! Featuring also live original by the talented Dr. Z! Come out for a great evening of music and dance!

We hope to see you there! reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited in this cozy and intimate atmosphere! Hope to see you there! Barzarre, 1610 Castle St. barzarre.com

CHASE BROCK EXPERIENCE

February 27, 7:30pm: "The Girl with the Alkaline Eyes" is a futuristic A.I. thriller set in a high-tech lab where a young, hot-shot coder has been hard at work on a secret project: an extraordinarily lifelike creation who will change not only the life of his creator, but the lives of everyone around him. With a plot out of a binge-worthy Netflix drama, this unique dance-theater piece will feature performances by The Chase Brock Experience company members and an original score

by Eric Dietz for piano/Roli Seaboard, violin, cello and electronics (including Siri). Program is proudly brought to the

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ing our world for the better.

The exhibition provides insight into his genius and artistic exploration of form and material over his sixty year career. From bronze, granite, and aluminum to his paper and bamboo Akari light sculptures, Noguchi pushed the boundaries of what sculpture is and how it is integrated into daily life. • Stories in Print through April 26: Focused exhibition draws attentions to diverse methods of print making from CAM's collection from 1891 through 2012. Artists on view include Mary Cassatt, Don Furst, Maud Gatewood, Juan Logan, and Fred Wilson. These varied artists juxtaposed against the Modernist prints in The Eye Learns highlight CAM's commitment to the art of print making. CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar. Brunch, Sat. and Sun., 10am-2pm; Tues.-Fri., 11am-2pm; Thurs. 5-9pm.

Museum, 10am-5pm; Thurs., 10am-9pm. cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St.

Wilson Center by Cape Fear Stage, the presenting arm of Cape Fear Community College. $29.69. Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. wilsoncentertickets.com.

comedy OPEN MIC

Wildest open mic in town—anything goes (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talents, performances of all kinds.

Hosted by 6-beer Steve. Sign up, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. (910) 763-2223, after 3pm for details. jugglinggypsy.com.

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

First Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features three comedians dong stand up. No trolls. Food truck onsite. Waterline Brewing, 721 Surry Lane.

PRIMETIME COMEDY

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

LUCKY JOE COMEDY SHOW

LIVE RIFFING AND VINTAGE TV

Every Wed. join Dead Crow Comedy for improv night. Join local comedians for a TV party at Dead Crow! Interactive improvised comedy show. 265 N. Front St.

BOMBERS COMEDY OPEN MIC

Sign up at 8:30; show’s at 9. Bring your best to the mic. Bomber’s Beverage Company, 108 Grace St.

LOL SHOW AT WTF!

Free! Thurs., 8pm! A brand-new weekly show from Wilmington’s finest improvisers, comedians, and storytellers! Using your suggestions, DareDevil Improv will create a one-of-a-kind comedy experience to kick off your weekend right!

(Followed by karaoke!). Plus, special guests, music, and cocktails! WTF, 111 Grace St.

TURN NC BLUE POLITICS AND PUNCHLINES

March 1, 7pm: TurnNCBlue presents a night of Politics and Punchlines featuring Cliff Cash, Petey Smith McDowell, and Cassidy Santaguida on Sunday, March 1, in The Annex at Brooklyn Arts Center (516 N. 4th St.). Main event and cash bar upstairs 7-9pm. General Admission, $35. Pre-show “Meet the Comedian” reception (6-7pm) and comedy show, $100. Danger Zone: Pre-show meet and greet, two included drinks, personalized swag, front row seats, $150. BrooklynArtsNC.com

museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Through April 26: The Eye Learns— Modernist prints from the Louis Belden Collection—In 2017 CAM was given an unprecedented bequest of works of art from San Francisco art collector Louis Belden. The collection of 135 prints offers an endless range of expression, experimentation and expansion of the

terrain of postwar modernism and includes original artworks from the leading artists, the change-makers, the radicals, the early modernist European expats, seeking asylum in this country. Among others, artists in the exhibition will include Josef Albers, Helen Frankenthaler, Wayne Thiebaud, Richard Diebenkorn, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Rauschenberg. • Through April 26: Structure in Space and Time—Photography by Phil Freelon—Throughout his prodigious career, award-winning ar2/27 WES SAYER AND 6-8PM chitect Freelon (American, 1953-2019) WILL MAXWELL found photography essential to his design vision and creative process: Pho2/28 tography is one of the vehicles that I 8-10PM use to share my view of the world. As an architect, the expression of structure is 2/29 12-5PM central to my design process, bringing a It should be a great Saturday afternoon and evening sense of order to the final composition. at the first ever vintage Volkswagen show, swap meet, Everyone at CAM is deeply saddened and fundraiser for DREAMS of Wilmington! Mobile business buses include Little Green Bus, Panacea by the passing of Phil Freelon on July Brewing, Boombalattis, and Mother of Wild. Check our 9, 2019. If you would like to honor his Facebook Events for more details!

Mike Blair and the Stonewalls, 2-4, legacy you may make contributions to Folkstone Stringband 7-9pm the North Star Church of the Arts. • Unfolding Noguchi through May 24, 2020: Poor Piggy’s & Cheese Smith Food One of the visionaries of 20th-century American modernism, Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) developed a uniquely 11AM-12PM 3/1 open-ended, and forward-looking perspective on global culture. Working with a deep sense of social purpose across a 4-6PM wide range of disciplines, Noguchi was a connoisseur of ingenuity. He regarded Under The 721 Surry Street CapeLocated Fear Memorial Bridge craft and technology (representing the Wilmington Free parking & brewery tours. past and the future) as two sides of the waterlinebrewing.com Wine & cider are available. same coin and natural allies in sculptencore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 47 FRI THURS

February 28-29, 7:30/9pm: Ryan O’Flanagan is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor, and writer. He has appeared on Netflix’s “American Vandal’ and Comedy Central’s “Corporate,” as well as “New Girl,” “Adam Devine’s House Party,” and “Last Call with Carson Daly.”

He has voiced for “American Dad!” and Disney’s “Owl House.” He can be seen in the FX Series “Dave” premiering in early 2020. His sketch group, Dead Kevin, has been featured on Tosh.0, Comedy Central Digital, and was an LA Weekly Top Comedy Act to Watch in 2013. His Comedy Central half hour special aired in October 2018. Ryan has performed at festivals like JFL Montreal, Blue Whale Comedy Fest, High Plains, and Vodafone Comedy Fest in Dublin. He has partered with Funny or Die to produce the “Overly Excited Tourist” series (below), and with Chuckler to produce his “Two Different Guys on a Bench” series.• Open mic Thurs., 8pm. Sign up in person, 7pm; no cost to participate. Each comedian is allotted 3 minutes of stage time. www. deadcrowcomedy.com. 265 N. Front St.

Ongoing: Explore the history of the 20th century in this

SAT

DEAD CROW

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

SUN

First Sat. ea. month is free at Lucky Joe Craft Coffee on College Road, presented

by Regretful Villains. The show features a new style of stand-up called Speed Joking. Enjoy a night of laughs! 1414 S College Rd.

STRAY LOCAL BAND STRIKING COPPER CIRCLE THE WAGENS!

YOGA: SUNDAY FLOW WITH DEVAN TAYLOR LEE TRIO

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new gallery designed, curated and fabricated by the Cape Fear Museum team.

The revamped 20th century gallery is the final chapter of the Museum’s core exhibit, Cape Fear Stories. The new exhibit paints a picture of New Hanover County and the dramatic social, cultural and economic transformations that shaped life in the 20th century and beyond. • Ongoing: Michael Jordan, known worldwide for his spectacular basketball skills, grew up in Wilmington. He achieved phenomenal success in basketball, and he worked hard to achieve his goals at every level.

“Michael Jordan: Achieving Success” showcases his early years and Wilmington roots. Several artifacts are on display including an unworn pair of 1987 Air Jordan 1 shoes. • Ongoing: Space Place: Hands-on STEM interactives include a robotic arm, microscopic experiments and a glove box challenge. Visual elements offer real-time information about the International Space Station’s location and daily operations. • Ongoing: Williston Auditorium: Education in Wilmington has a long, rich tradition, and the name “Williston” has been associated with schooling here since the 1860s. What began as an American Missionary Association school became—between 1923 and the day it closed its doors in 1968—the only high school for African Americans in New Hanover County. • Through Apr. 12: To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA examines the history of Apollo 10 and the Peanuts characters’ role in that flight and in the NASA Manned Flight Awareness safety program. • Through February 23: Dinosaur Discovery explores the world of modern paleontology and the discoveries that reveal how dinosaurs lived, moved and behaved. Everything we know about these prehistoric animals comes from fossils unearthed by paleontologists. These scientists study ancient life by examining their finds and piecing together clues from the past. This exhibit was developed by the Virginia Museum of Natural History. CF Museum, 814 Market St. capefearmuseum.com

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

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

WILMINGTON RR MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years.

Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully ac-

cessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages 2-12, and free under age 2. 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634. www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits.

Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4-$12. Latimer House of Lower CF Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. 3rd St.

BURGWIN-WRIGHT HOUSE

18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th-19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen and courtyard. 3rd/ Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. 910-762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com.

BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action. Tour hours are Mon-Sat. 10 am-4 pm and Sundays 1-4 pm. Self-guided tours (paper or audio) can begin at any time in the day and guided tours begin at the top of the hour when available. Adults $12; Senior, Military, College $10; Students $6; children under 5 are free. 503 Market St. 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org

ticipants. Registration and payment are due Thursday before the event. $50.

Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd.

BATTLESHIP 101

March 21, 10am: Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers throughout the ship engage visitors in areas including gunnery, radar, sick bay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. Try on helmets, raise signal flags, “text” using semaphore flags, tap out your name using Morse code, type on vintage typewriters and more! A great event for all ages.

Bring your questions and cameras! Free with Battleship admission. Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd. battleshipnc.com

recreation/education BIRDS AND BREWS

February 27, 6:30pm: Join Jill Peleuses and Howard Ferguson in the Barrel Room for an evening of education and beer! Jill owns the Wild Bird & Garden stores in Wilmington and Southport. She earned her undergrad in Environmental Studies from UNCW and a Masters in Public Administration, Natural Resource Management from UNCW. Since then she has been leading bird walks and teaching programs about birds in Southeastern NC for 20 years. Howard grew up in California and started bird watching at the age of 17 when his mother showed me a red-breasted sapsucker at her feeder. Howard got his BS in Biology from UC

San Diego and a Master’s in Wildlife Biology from Virginia Tech. $5. Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr

BATTLE OF FORKS ROAD

February 29, 11am: Celebrate Black History month at Cameron Art Museum with a day exploring the role of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) at the Battle of Forks Road in the Cape Region. Explore history with USCT re-enactors from Tryon Palace and Battery B (11am-2pm) on the museum’s grounds, who will demonstrate Civil War-era soldier camp conditions. Civil War historian Chris Fonvielle will do a presentation at 1pm and sign copies of his new book (available in the Museum Shop), "Glory at Wilmington: The Battle of Forks Road." “The Battle of Forks Road,” a locally produced film by Adam Alphin and Heather Wilson will also screen throughout the day. During the programming, Clell Hamm and his family will present their special gift of a bronze Lincoln portrait sculpture to the museum. Later this year, the Battle of Forks Road will come to life in a full-size bronze sculpture that honors the Wilmington United States Colored Troops. Free and open to the public. 3201 S. 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org

kids stuff SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING

HIDDEN BATTLESHIP

March 14, noon: For the explorer at heart! Join us for a unique, behind-thescenes tour of unrestored areas of the Battleship. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests explore the bow (officers’ country, boatswain locker, and descend to the bottom of the ship), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer’s office), Engine room #1, superstructure (Captain’s cabin, armored conning tower, maintenance shops), reefer, aft diesel, and climb inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio II to explain their work on the ship’s radio transmitters. It’s the tour that brings out the “Indiana Jones” in all of us, without the snakes! Adults only (ages 16 and up); limited to 40 parencore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 49

Brief presentation about live animals on display in the events center and watch them feed. At least one snake and turtle will be fed during the demonstration.

Ages: 3 and up. First Wed. every month, $1. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

ART EXPLORER THURSDAYS

Bring your little ones to CAM for story reading and art making! Enjoy open studio time with your family. Such as reading stories, creating art with a variety of supplies, and having fun with friends!

No pre-registration necessary. Parental Supervision required at all times.

Suggested donation: $5/family. 3201 S. 17th St. www.cameronartmuseum.org

HAPPY LITTLE SINGERS

Happy Little Singers is an affordable, creative early childhood (Pre-K) music and movement program, designed for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and young students up to age 6 (older children and siblings enjoy the program, as well). So much fun for you and your little one! With every nurturing and creative class, you will see your child expressing themselves in new ways, developing new skills and competency, matching rhythm and singing, playing instruments. You may also notice a significant increase in both fine and gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination, language and listening skills, social skills and self-esteem. Class will help reinforce the bond between you and your child. Held every Tues, 9:45-11:30am,

Hannah Block Community Arts Center. $10 per family. 910-777-8889. www.susansavia.com/happy-little-singers.

BIG KIDS DAYS

March 3, 9am-noon, 1-4pm: Ages 9 & under. Enjoy some fun activities for big kids along with all normal offerings.

(Younger children are welcome to play as usual.) Fit For Fun Center, $5. 302 S. 10th St.

classes/seminars MEDITATE AND CHILL

Join Jesse Stockton + Jenny Yarborough every Tues., 7:30-8:30pm, Terra Sol Sanctuary. 20-30 minute meditation to help you take a deep breath. Relax.

Let go. $10; no need to register in advance. 507 Castle St. terrasolsanctuary. com.

SENIOR CLASSES

Takes place Thursdays, fitness classes, 10am, and line-dancing classes, 11am.

Free. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.

FREE FITNESS CLASSES

Boot Camp, Tuesdays, through March 31, 5:30-6:30pm • Zumba, Thursdays, through March 26, 5:30-6:30pm. Children 5-17 can participate in fitness classes when accompanied by an adult.

Pre-reg. rqd. maidespark.com. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.

CAPE FEAR FENCING CLASSES

Cape Fear Fencing Association 6 week beginning fencing class, 6:30pm, in the basement of the Tileston gym. Class will meet for appx 1 hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays, All fencing equipment provided, students should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Appropriate for ages 8-80. $50 plus a $10 membership to USA Fencing good until July 31, 2020. Taught by Internationally accredited instructor. Tileston Gym, 412 Ann St. www.capefearfencing.com

SERVSAFE PROGRAM

Fridays, 9am-11am: Online testing for the ServSafe Food Manager Certification exam will be offered every Friday, at the Pine Valley Public Library. 3802 S College Rd. $100 voucher code & proctor fee. By appointment only. Contact Jaime Chadwick 910-617-4791

TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA FUNDAMENTALS

February 28, 9am: Trauma Informed Yoga Fundamentals: Yoga & Social Justice is valuable to all folks interested in being more trauma and social-justice-informed, and is especially valuable for yoga teachers, clinicians, bodyworkers, students and anyone wanting to understand the intersection of trauma and injustice. This three-day experiential training asks you to take a deep dive into your own identity, positionality, and privilege while exploring how yoga can be a practice of collective liberation. Ingrained is the deep connection between the mind and body and how trauma and chronic stress impact them collectively. Sign-up now to be part of this powerful weekend immersion! $425. www.facebook.com/ yogavillagers. Contact: yogavillagers@ gmail.com

AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE

Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron will hold its America’s Boating Course February 29-March 1. The course is oneday of classroom instruction followed by a private 3.5-hour on-the-water teaching cruise in partnership with Wilmington Water Tours.The classroom instruction is fast paced and fun and will be held on Saturday at Cape Fear Community College. Topics address basic navigation, rules of the road, docking, trailering, anchoring, radio communications, safety gear and more.

On Sunday students can take a cruise down the Cape Fear River into the Intracoastal Waterway and back where dolphins and freighters are often spotted.

The cruise enhances topics covered in class and adds discussions on chart reading, tides, currents, and weather. http://weteachboating.org.502 N Front St.

HEART HEALTH WORKSHOP

February 29, noon: Come join us for a presentation on heart healthy exercise and nutrition followed by a workout designed from the latest scientific research. Please, dress to workout. Guest speaker Ashley G. Swavely, MS, ACSM. -CEP. Exercise physiologist. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. www.wilm-

50 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

ingtonrecreation.com. 302 S. 10th St., 910-341-7872. The Sherriedale Morgan Boxing and Fitness Center, 302 S. 10th St.

clubs/notices BIKE NIGHT

Bike Night at Mac’s Speed Shop, beer, bikes, BBQ. Featuring in concert: South Starr band playing great classic-southern R&R music! Mac’s Speed Shop, 4126 Oleander Dr.

UNRAVELED

First Thurs. every month, 10am, a morning of knitting or crochet and conversation. This is a self-guided drop-in program. All skill levels welcome. Bring your own materials and projects to work on; supplies not provided. Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

SENIOR SOCIAL TIME

Tues., 10:30am-no. Arts & crafts, speakers, movies, trips and more. Free. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.

NEW HANOVER NAACP MEETING

February 27, 7pm, at St. Stephen AME Church, 501 Red Cross St. The meeting will include information on the Mind, Body & Soul Health Fair April 25 at the MLK Center on Eighth Street in Wilmington. Other important state and community issues will be on the agenda, as well as upcoming New Hanover NAACP branch activities and events. Members and friends are encouraged to attend.

910-508-9414/nhcnaacp@gmail.com. facebook.com/newhanovernaacp.

ART OF THE HANDWRITTEN NOTE

March 1, 3-5pm: We’re enjoying all things hand-crafted at this workshop: heartfelt notes and amazing beer. First round’s on us! We will go through a handful of writing exercises, pausing in between to share stories and ideas. The workshop includes four postcards, four postcard stamps and a beer. RSVP: sugarandkiki.com/shop/wilmington-note-writing-workshop. $15. Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

ILM SENIOR SOFTBALL NEW PLAYER ORIENTATION MEETING

March 3, 10am: Wilmington Senior Softball is starting its 25th season. Slow pitch softball for men and women 55+.

Join us for an orientation meeting at the New Hanover County Northeast Library (Pine Room) on Military Cutoff Road. wilmingtonseniorsoftball.net.

culinary FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

SWEET N SAVORY WINE TASTING

Wed, 5-8pm: Sample some of the most delicious wines you can try for free with optional $25 food pairing, designed spe-

March 3, 4 & 5 at 7:30 pm

Wilson Center TickeT cenTral • 910.362.7999 • WilsoncenTerTickeTs.com encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 51

cifically to go with each wine. Benny Hill Jazz always starts at 7 pm with his cool jazz styles. Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Pl.

PORT CITY GREAT BURGER CHALLENGE

In 30 mins, eat 48 ounces of burger meat with three toppings and fries! Beat it and we take care of the bill and put your face on the Wall of Glory! Fail, and straight to The Wall of Shame you go. Bring your stretchy pants and good luck! Offer is daily. 11am-11pm, Port City Burgers & Brews, 11 Market St.

FERMENTAL

Free tasting every Friday, 6pm. Third Wed. of ea. month feat. musical and brewing talents alongside open-mic night, and an opportunity for homebrewers to share, sample and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage. PA and equipment provided. • February 28, 6pm: An Evening With Orin Swift Cellars, dedicated to the liberated liquids from the legendary winemakers at Orin Swift Cellars. Fermental welcomes local representative for an evening of tastings and education during a viticultural tour of these California wonders. Featuring Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc, Mannequin Chardonnay, Machete Red Blend, Abstract Red Blend, Papillon Bordeaux Blendm Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon. Free. Food truck Mari’s Hella Fat ; live music Josh Lewis Duo. www. fermental.net 910-821-0362. 7250 Mar-

ket St.

pm and Sundays 1-4 pm. Self-guided tours (paper or audio) can begin at any time in the day and guided tours begin at the top of the hour when available.

tours LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

GHOST WALK

6:30-8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours, 6:30pm/8:30pm. Water and Market sts.

RSVP rqd: 910-794-1866. www.hauntedwilmington.com

BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM

Follow curved shell paths through gardens shaded by 150-year old magnolias. See the original, restored slave quarters building along with the 22room antebellum mansion. Learn about the Bellamy family as well as the free black and enslaved artisans who built the home and the enslaved workers who lived on site after its completion.

Adults $12; Senior, military, college $10; Students $6; children under 5 are free.

503 Market St. 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org. Tours Mon-Sat. 10 am-4

MASONBORO SHELLING TOUR

Explore Masonboro Island and discover the wonder of the Carolina coast. This tour option is ideal for families, birders, and nature enthusiasts. Masonboro Island is an 8.4-mile marine sanctuary island, renowned for its plant and wildlife diversity. Topics will include shell biology, native plant species, shorebirds, and barrier island ecology. Adult $45, child $25 RSVP: 910-200-4002. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd

OFF THE RECORD TOURS

Thurs., 6:30pm: CAM Gallery tours, led by museum staff, are sometimes irreverent and silly, but a charming and engaging behind-the-scenes perspective on current exhibitions. But what if I’m really thirsty before the tour? Join us for happy hour beforehand to loosen up your brain and chat about art. Brown Wing. CAM Members: Free, non-members. Museum admission. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

WALKING TOUR OF CAROLINA BEACH

Walking Tour of the Historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk meets at the Visitors Bureau Kiosk just south of the new Hampton Inn and features members of the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society leading a 50-minute tour into the

past, answering questions like: Where did the “birth of the Shag” take place?

Did you know there was a movie theater called The Wave on the Boardwalk?

How long has Britt’s Donuts been on the Boardwalk, and has it always been in the same place? Why was the Red Apple so popular? Where was the largest dance floor south of Washington DC located?

Society asks for a $10 donation. Children under 12 tour free. Carolina Beach Board Walk, Cape Fear Blvd.

WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS

Cameron Art Museum: Explore, discuss and learn more about the artwork currently on view at CAM. Members: free.

Museum admission all others. 3201 S. 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

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

BIZZY BEE WATER TAXI

Come on board for a smooth cruise to the USS North Carolina Battleship. We pick up at 3 locations on the Wilmington side.. Our dock, (Orange St), foot of Market St. & the Ballast Hotel.

Payment taken on board...cash or credit $8 Adult $4 Child (3-12yr) Sat & Sun • 11am - 4pm

EAGLES ISLAND CRUISES

Visit us on the Riverwalk! 212 S. Water Street 910-338-313 4 • email: info@wilmingtonwt.com

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Follow us

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

Complete Schedule: wilmingtonwatertours.net 52 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

50 min narrated for $12 Perfect way to show off where you live..

We have daily cruises that go out every hour.

Saturday & Sunday • 12, 1, 2, 3 & 4 pm If 50 min. is just not long enough, we have another solution for you...

Our even hour cruises go north on the river, bringing you up close with the river walk downtown, then behind the battleship to see wildlife and learn about the eco history of the area. Our odd hours travel south on the river going down towards the state port, learning some of the shipping history. Do both ways for 1 hour 40 min for only $23

IN SEARCH OF...

STORE SUPERVISOR & ASSOCIATE SALES.

Stop by our store to fill out application.

Applications now being accepted @ our shop Monday thru Friday 12-4 pm Located on the river walk in downtown Wilmington.Between Orange & Ann Streets. ~212 S. Water St~

ANXIETY/OCD SUPPORT GROUP

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

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

Meets third Sat. ea. month. Free; dropins are welcome. Group provides participants an opportunity to receive introductory info about lupus, encourage the expression of concerns, provide an opportunity to share experiences, encourage and support positive coping strategies, and emphasize the importance of medical treatment. Guest speakerss, DVD presentations and open group discussion. info@lupusnc. org (877) 849-8271, x1. lupusnc.org.

NE Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

PFLAG

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

MS SUPPORT GROUP

Those with Multiple Sclerosis, families and friends welcome. Meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 p.m., at the New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital, 1st floor conference room, 2131 S. 17th St. (behind the Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital). Sponsored by Greater Carolinas Chapter, National MS Society. Details: Anne (910) 232-2033 or Burt (910) 383-1368. NH Regional Medical Hospital, 2131 S. 17th St.

LOWER CAPE FEAR LIFECARE

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare will offer a multi-week, no-cost grief program in Wilmington for those coping with the death of a spouse or partner on Mondays, Mar. 2-Apr. 6. Group meetings held 4-6 p.m. at the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. Pre-registration is required; call 910-796-7991 to register. lifecare.org.

Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavillion, 1406 Physicians Dr.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 19) You may sometimes reach a point where you worry conditions are not exactly right to pursue your dreams or fulfill your holy quest. Does that describe your current situation? If so I invite you to draw inspiration from Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), who’s regarded as one of history’s foremost novelists. Here’s how one observer described Cervantes during the time he was working on his masterpiece, “Don Quixote”: “shabby, obscure, disreputable, pursued by debts, with only a noisy tenement room to work in.” Cervantes dealt with imperfect conditions just fine.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) “True success is figuring out your life and career so you never have to be around jerks,” says Taurus filmmaker, actor and author John Waters. I trust you have been intensely cultivating that kind of success in the last few weeks, Taurus—and that you will climax this wondrous accomplishment with a flourish during the next few weeks. You’re on the verge of achieving a new level of mastery in the art of immersing yourself in environments that bring out the best in you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) I would love for you to become more powerful, Gemini—not necessarily in the sense of influencing the lives of others, rather in the sense of managing your own affairs with relaxed confidence and crisp competence. What comes to mind when I urge you to expand your self-command and embolden your ambition? Is there an adventure you could initiate that would bring out more of the swashbuckler in you?

CANCER (June 22-July 22) For my Cancerian readers in the Southern Hemisphere, this oracle will be in righteous alignment with the natural flow of the seasons. That’s because February is the hottest, laziest, most spacious time of year in that part of the world—a logical moment to take a lavish break from the daily rhythm and escape on a vacation or pilgrimage designed to provide relaxation and renewal. Which is exactly what I’m advising for all of the earth’s Cancerians, including those in the Northern Hemisphere. So for those of you above the equator, I urge you to consider thinking like those below the equator. If you can’t get away, make a blanket fort in your home and pretend. Or read a book that takes you on an imaginary journey. Or hang out at an exotic sanctuary in your hometown.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Leo author Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a pioneer in the genre of the historical novel. His stories

were set in various eras of the Scottish past. In those pre-telephone and pre-internet days, research was a demanding task. Scott traveled widely to gather tales from keepers of the oral tradition. In accordance with current astrological omens, Leo, I recommend that you draw inspiration from Scott’s old-fashioned approach. Seek out direct contact with the past. Put yourself in the physical presence of storytellers and elders. Get firsthand knowledge about historical events that will inspire your thoughts about the future of your life story.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Over a period of 40 years, the artist Rembrandt (1606–1663) gazed into a mirror as he created more than ninety self-portraits—about ten percent of his total work. Why? Art scholars don’t have a definitive answer. Some think he did self-portraits because they sold well. Others say because he worked so slowly, he himself was the only person he could get to model for long periods. Still, others believe this was his way of cultivating self-knowledge, equivalent to an author writing an autobiography. In the coming weeks, I highly recommend you engage in your personal equivalent of extended mirror-gazing.

It’s a favorable time to understand yourself better.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) From author Don DeLillo’s many literary works, I’ve gathered five quotes to serve as your guideposts in the coming weeks. These observations are all in synchronistic alignment with your current needs. 1.

Sometimes a thing that’s hard is hard because you’re doing it wrong. 2. You have to break through the structure of your own stonework habit just to make yourself listen. 3. Something is always happening, even on the quietest days and deep into the night, if you stand a while and look. 4. The world is full of abandoned meanings. In the commonplace, I find unexpected themes and intensities. 5. What we are reluctant to touch often seems the very fabric of our salvation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) “I remember a time when a cabbage could sell itself just by being a cabbage,” wrote Scorpio author Jean Giraudoux (1882–1944). “Nowadays, it’s no good being a cabbage—unless you have an agent and pay him a commission.” He was making the point that for us humans, it’s not enough to simply become good at a skill and express that skill; we need to hire a publicist or marketing wizard or distributor to make sure the world knows about our offerings.

Generally, I agree with Giradoux’s assessment. But I think that right now it applies to you only minimally. The coming weeks will be one of those rare times when your interestingness will shine so brightly, it will naturally attract its deserved attention. Your

motto, from industrialist Henry J. Kaiser: “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) When he was 29 years old, Sagittarian composer Ludwig Beethoven published his “String Quartet, Op. 18, No. 4.” Most scholars believe that the piece was an assemblage of older material he had created as a young man. A similar approach might work well for you in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. I invite you to consider the possibility of repurposing tricks and ideas that weren’t quite ripe when you first used them. Recycling yourself makes good sense.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Are there parts of your life that seem to undermine other parts? Do you wish there was greater harmony between your heart and head, between giving and taking, between past and future?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to infuse your cautiousness with the wildness of your secret self? I bring these questions to your attention, Capricorn, because I suspect you’re primed to address them with a surge of innovative energy. Here’s my prediction: Healing will come as you juxtapose apparent opposites and unite elements that have previously been unconnected.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) When he was 19, the young poet Robert Graves joined the British army to fight in World War I. Two years later, the “Times of London” newspaper reported he had been killed at the Battle of the Somme in France. But it wasn’t true. Graves was very much alive and continued to be for another 69 years. During that time, he wrote 55 books of poetry, 18 novels and 55 other books. I’m going to be bold and predict this story can serve as an apt metaphor for destiny in the coming weeks and months.

Some dream, situation or influence you believed to be gone will in fact have a very long second life filled with interesting developments.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) If you’re like most of us, you harbor desires for experiences that might be gratifying in some ways but draining in others. If you’re like most of us, you may on occasion get attached to mildly interesting situations, but divert you from situations that could be amazingly interesting and enriching. The good news, Pisces, is you are now in a phase when you have maximum power to wean yourself from wasteful tendencies. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to identify your two or three most important and exciting longings—and take a sacred oath to devote yourself to them above all other wishes and hopes.

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Great Burgers and Hand-cut Fries

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56 encore | february 26 - march 3, 2020 | www.encorepub.com