February 28, 2018 by Wilmington Media

VOL. 35 / PUB. 32

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event of the week

Friday, May 6 - 11 Saturday, March 3, a.m. 9 a.m.

46th Annual Cape Fear Chapter AACA Antique Auto Show The Cape Fear Chapter AACA will hold its 46th Annual Antique Auto Show on Sat., March 3 at Independence Mall (3500 Oleander Dr.), with over 100 antique cars for the public to view for free. Pre-registration is $15 or $20 on day of show from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., judging at noon and trophies at 3 p.m. Modified cars are welcome. Trailer parking is also available. For details, visit capefear.aaca.com, or call 910-612-0470 or 910-471-0797.

LIFETIME OF ART, PG. 14 While Dina Wilde-Ramsing has retired from creating new sculptures in recent years, four decades of her work will be celebrated in ‘Gathering the Flock’ at Acme Art Studios this month with unique figures and expressions emerging and evolving throughout a lifetime’s work. Image by Mark Wilde-Ramsing

MUSIC>> The Brothers Egg trio is returning to their roots in Wilmington and downtown’s Bourgie Nights for yet another album release this weekend. Read all about their latest tracks. Courtesy photo

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

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Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus,

PG. 10

Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori, Bethany Turner, Chris Pendergast

Photo courtesy of Alisa Harris

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DINING>>

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Assistant Editor:

Gwenyfar Rohler welcomes TheatreNOW’s new approach to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, with more traditional theatre and a fantastic menu with ‘The Weir,’ now playing throughout March.

While downtown’s latest jazz hot spot is catering a definite need for live, soulful sounds, 141 North needs to find the same fire and flavor to add to its soul foods, like chicken and waffles (right).

EDITORIAL>

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

<<THEATRE

PG. 16

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

Glenn Rosenbloom // glenn@encorepub.com Ashley Wixon // ashley@encorepub.com John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

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

PG. 29

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • OpEd, pg. 6 • News, pg. 8

News of the Weird, pg. 9 • Music, pgs. 10-13 • Art, pgs. 14-15 • Theatre, pgs. 16

Film, pg. 19 • Best Of, pgs. 20-21 • Dining, pgs. 22-29 • Extra, pg. 31 • Calendar, pgs. 34-45

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THE CELTIC TENORS February 28 at 7:30 pm Ticket Central â&#x20AC;¢ 910.362.7999 www.CapeFearStage.com www.WilsonCenterTickets.com encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 3

NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL:

Gwenyfar Rohler celebrates the Chinese New Year with Joe and Sally Hou

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

“W

YEAR OF THE DOG: The Chinese New Year was celebrated at Joe and Sally Hou’s restaurant, Szechuan 132, last week. Gwenyfar reports on the couple’s impact in our community, both as humanitarians and business owners. Photo by Trent Williams

e’re down to four people at the film table,” our dinner companions commented. Each Chinese New Year we have a dinner date with Joe and Sally Hou (owners of Szechuan 132) and a room full of their closest friends. As Joe likes to remind us, the occasions are about surrounding yourself with family and friends. He and Sally shut down the restaurant for the evening and put on a dinner party with a vast buffet. It has been one of the most lovely and enjoyable annual events of my adult life. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, which Jock is excited about, because the year of his birth was also a dog year. Ac-

cording to Joe’s speech, the Year of the Dog is a year of hard work and loyalty. Each year he picks two to three people to honor who he feels reflect the given year’s values. This year he recognized one of the founders of the Mason Inlet Preservation Group (MIPG), which represents property owners on Figure Eight Island and the North End of Wrightsville Beach who pay for dredging and maintaining of Mason Inlet. The inlet steadily has been trying to move south for much of my lifetime, and by my late teens, was so successful that Shell Island Resort was surrounded by sandbags that looked like giant worms from “Dune” (a Dino De Laurentiis project, by the way).

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MIPG pays for the inlet’s relocation back bleachers, a field house and playground. to the north and the protected bird-nest- The facility is designed to provide a safe ing area located there. area for people with disabilities to play Very few times in my life have I ever and compete.” seen Joe in such a high emotional state, where he got excited and choked up at the same time, as he did introducing his next topic for the evening. Joe described a day he was asked to bring food out to Olsen Park, and the first time he saw The Miracle League of Wilmington’s Miracle Field. Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau describes the Miracle Field as “[a] playing field with a special rubberized surface that can be used for baseball, softball, soccer, kickball, bocce ball and volleyball. There are

Brimming with joy and excitement, Joe described watching children and adults previously relegated to the stands play ball together. “I touched everything!” he described, “running my hands on the rubber playing surface, equipment, and coming away amazed at the brilliance of the idea and beauty of its execution. “So how do you know Joe?” people tend to ask each other in the buffet line or when seated at a table of new friends. Those who haven’t met Joe are missing

out; he has never met a stranger and has truly found his calling with Szechuan 132. He hosts at his restaurant always with a joke and smile for everyone who walks through the door. There are people who radiate love and joy in their fellow human beings; Joe Hou is one. At some of the most confusing and upsetting times in my life, Joe has offered me a hand of compassion and a warm smile, with no strings or expectations attached. That’s a rare gift to give people. “Jock and Joe are brothers who have been separated,” I usually respond. It’s a claim Jock has been making for years, with guy-like humor about their height difference. Jock is almost 6-feet and 6-inches tall when he doesn’t slouch. Joe is about 2 inches taller than me. But that’s not a joke I have heard him make about any other man in our lives. Joe truly holds a special place in his heart, and that’s the only way he knows how to tell him. Usually, at some point in the evening, Jock stands up and talks about how he was in shock when he came here with Dino to open the studio in the early 1980s. The only Asian food available in town then was in the oddly shaped building on Market Street that has since become a youth club and church. They served spam and noodles on the menu.

That was a highlight. The rest was just, as Jock puts it, “unspeakable.” Coming from Toronto, where every imaginable global culinary experience was available, it was definite confirmation he had moved to a backwater.

though I’m not a filmmaker or technician, I used to sell and rent books to the industry. Aside from us, there were only two actual crew members—a concrete illustration of what has happened to our local film industry.

“Frankly, if I couldn’t get decent Chinese food, I was leaving,” he says almost every year. “Then Joe arrived.”

How many small businesses are trying to find a way to keep staff and meet payroll now we have lost film? I just keep wondering over and over again. Joe’s restaurant, the book store, the antique stores, the seamstresses who can do alterations of drapes quickly … it feels like at every turn there is another small business impacted by the loss of film.

Szechuan 132 opened in University Landing in 1988. Though Joe brought an extensive background in the restaurant industry and a menu blending traditional Chinese food with flavors and spices of his childhood in India, what we really got was our own George Bailey. We just didn’t know it at the time. “When we work late, we have something called ‘second meal,’” one of our film companions explained to the new arrivals at the table. Joe would bring a vast spread to the studio for “second meal,” and all the film people in town quickly became fans of the food and him. When we first started attending Chinese New Year, so many film people were there, the table sort of spread across the back of the restaurant. But, with the exodus of over 4,000 well-paying professional jobs to Georgia—there were four of us this year. Sitting there, I realized Jock retired from film, and

The Hous raised a family here, sent off their kids to college, and became entrenched pillars of our community. From the quiet acts of kindness to helping newcomers get settled and visiting dignitaries learn about our area, the Hous are everywhere. As Jock tells anyone who will listen, when Suzanna—the mother of his children—was sick and losing her battle with cancer, more nights than he could count, a hot meal for his family would show up at the door. On weekends Joe and his kids would take Jock’s kids to play, and give Jock a chance to catch up on the assortment of tasks that get pushed aside in the middle of caregiving and parenting. A few years ago, Thalian Hall hosted a traveling Chinese opera,

and Joe was instrumental in getting funding to bring them here, and providing hospitality and translation services for the performers and crew. It is typical Joe uses Chinese New Year to shine a light on others. But what he’s really doing is sharing his love of people who make his life so special—and quietly teaching us a lesson about what makes our lives together worthwhile.

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The best customer service in town with 3 convenient locations to serve you: Central Wilmington 5044 Market St • (910) 769-4861 South Wilmington (Coming in late February!) 5318 Carolina Beach Rd • (910) 378-7293 Jacksonville 4245 Western Blvd • (910) 378-7293 encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 5

NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN PLAYLIST SAMPLE:

ERIC CLAPTON & STEVE WINWOOD - AFTER MIDNIGHT TALKING HEADS - TAKE ME TO THE RIVER LYLE LOVETT - DON'T TOUCH MY HAT NORAH JONES W/ DOLLY PARTON - CREEPIN' IN MUDDY WATERS - MANNISH BOY NO DOLLAR $HOES - GREEN EYES COWBOY JUNKIES - SWEET JANE BEN HARPER - WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS SUSAN TEDESCHI - SON OF A PREACHERMAN RIVER MATTHEWS - SUNSHINE

NEW MUSIC ADDED:

AUDRA MAE - OPEN ARMS DEVON GILFILLIAN - HERE AND NOW TYLER CHILDERS - FEATHERED INDIANS

UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS: DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS (GLA 3/24) DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (GLA 4/15) GRAMATIK (GLA 4/19) SOJA (GLA 4/20) THE RECORD COMPANY (BAC 4/22) THE BIG WHAT? WILMINGTON (GLA 4/27 & 4/28) MANDOLIN ORANGE (GLA 4/29) BRANDI CARLILE - SOLD OUT (GLA 5/11) LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL (GLA 6/8)

SPECIALTY SHOWS:

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

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM 6 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CHECK ENGINE:

America’s white working class needs a checkup

BY: MARK BASQUILL

he “check engine” light flashed on as I pulled into the Port City Java parking lot on Market. I hate that little light. It’s usually nothing important— well, except for that one time when I let it go for months and fried my engine. I finished listening to a news story about the futility of sending “thoughts and prayers” to more families victimized by our collective inability to treat gun violence as the disease it is. Before I opened the car door, I heard the beginning of another story on a study authored by East Carolina University Professor Emeritus Chris Mansfield. The study showed rising rates of premature deaths of middleaged whites in North Carolina. I ran into an acquaintance at the coffee shop and mentioned my surprise. I told him, “Mansfield said, ‘A large portion of the increase in mortality is attributed to ‘deaths of despair’—suicide, liver disease, drug overdose, and behaviors that lead to these deaths.” The findings are consistent with a 2015 study in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” by Ann Case and Angus Deaton, which shows rising morbidity and mortality in midlife among white non-Hispanic Americans, even relative to non-whites in the same age and economic strata. Both studies buck the worldwide trend of increased life expectancy for all ethnicities in this age group in developed countries that honor their social contract. “That’s a shame,” my coffee-shop friend said. “Colleges are so liberal. Even if the so-called research is true, it just shows the system isn’t broken. And it’s colorblind. This is America. Black, white, man or woman—everybody’s got the freedom to fail,” he said. He added with confidence, “We’re both middle-aged white guys. We’re not dying of despair, right? “Yeah, we’re ‘winning,’” I said pensively. “But that kid in Florida—that kind a mass shooting could be another expression of white despair, white male despair in particular. Unable to adjust to a more level playing field, and with movies like “Black Panther,” white males who feel like they’re “losing” cast a wide blame net and make themselves great again by hurting others.

“C’mon! The kid was mentally ill!” he said. “They all are. And he could easily have been black.” “But he wasn’t,” I said. “Nearly none of the mass shooters are black or women. Why not?” “Do the math! Way more white men in America,” he said. “Of course, there’s way more white men shooters. And women don’t count.” I raised my eyebrow. “Not like that,” he clarified. “Women count, just not for mass shootings. They don’t do that kind of thing. Counting women would make it seem like mass shootings are a white-guy problem. It would mess up the numbers. And if black guys had their power taken away from them by liberals, they’d shoot the hell out of people, too. They do that in Chicago and Baltimore every day! Liberal cities, right?” “Interesting points,” I smiled. “I hadn’t thought of running the numbers like that.” “Well, you’re a psychologist, right?” he nodded amiably. “Numbers aren’t your thing. Glad I could help.” He paid for his double espresso and drove off in a simple but stylish 2017 Lexus. I sipped my green tea and pondered my friend’s reaction. I get it. He and I are well-educated, fairly well-paid, middleaged white guys. We graduated high school long before teachers held “active shooter” drills after homeroom. The social, economic and political systems of power seem to benefit us. Maybe he’s right: If your business fails, or you’re addicted to painkillers, depressed or a disgruntled teen with an AR-15, it’s nobody’s fault but your own. But maybe the deaths of despair and our weekly mass shootings are a “check engine” light for America. Working-class white families have been a key part of America’s social, political and economic engine for generations. If young white men feel so hopeless and disempowered they resort to shooting up their highschool classmates. Middle-aged working-class white men and women are dying prematurely of “diseases of despair,” too. We haven’t fried America’s engine yet, but it’s long past time to take it in for repairs.

PORT CITY FOOD LOVERS,

REJOICE! Join us for the most delicious week of spring

encore’s Wilmington

SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK

April 4 - April 11 participating restaurants downtown wilmington Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill The Basics Caprice Bistro Circa 1922 Dram + Morsel Elijah’s Hell's Kitchen The Little Dipper Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi On A Roll Paddy's Hollow Pilot House Ruth's Chris Steak House Savorez Steam Restaurant and Bar YoSake

MIDTOWN

Food from Dram+Morsel. Photo by Lindsey A. Miller Photography.

A Taste of Italy Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Carolina Ale House Casey’s Buffet Hops Supply Co. J. Michael's Philly Deli Jamaica's Comfort Zone La Costa Mexican Restaurant Los Portales Taqueria Munchies Okami Japanese Steakhouse RoadHouse of Wilmington Round Bagels and Donuts Yoshi Sushi

SOUTH wilmington Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Henry's Restaurant and Bar Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries J. Michael's Philly Deli Jamaica House Sports Bar & Grill Niche Kitchen & Bar Osteria Cicchetti Slainte Irish Pub

NORTH wilmington Cast Iron Kitchen The Italian Bistro J. Michael's Philly Deli La Costa Mexican Restaurant The Melting Pot Osteria Cicchetti

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Bluewater Waterfront Grill Boca Bay Oceanic Restaurant South Beach Grill Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop

PLEASURE ISLAND Freddie's Restaurant HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant Kure Beach Diner Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill Michael's Seafood Restaurant

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NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

ON CLOUDS AND CAUTION: Local legislators delay decision to reopen National Gypsum Plant

BY: JOHN WOLFE

ate last night I lost the world in swirling alabaster mist.

I was delivering a 38-foot-long sailboat from Southport to Wrightsville Beach. During the trip, we encountered and overcame fouled propellers, overheating engines, light winds, and tides that ran strong against us. We had fought for every inch of forward progress we made up the river. After 10 hours underway, we tied up in Carolina Beach to address a diesel leak from the high-pressure fuel pump. Our engineer diagnosed we didn’t have the parts we needed onboard to fix it and safely keep going. It was after midnight— so too late to run to the store. Thankfully, the owner of the boat had a TowBoatUS membership. So it was with much gratitude we side-tied to Capt. Tom (thanks again, Tom!) and set out north up the Intracoastal Waterway. Masonboro Island lay low to the east and the stars overhead glittered like a field of sapphires. But less than

15 minutes after departing, our world began to close in around us. The unseasonably warm air above the chilly water formed a briny sea fog, dense and silent in the midnight calm. The water beneath us was as smooth as glass, but before long, even lights from the docks onshore had been dulled by the low cloud, and formed weird halos in the whiteness. Soon we were entirely enshrouded; it felt like we had entered the unknown void of deep space. Standing, shivering on the bow, I couldn’t see 20 feet ahead of us. Not good. Time seemed to slow down as we pressed on blindly. We had to keep going, had to make it home, and more importantly, we had to make it without running into one of the many navigational hazards out there— docks, pilings, unlit markers, crab pot buoys, sandbars, other vessels who might be feeling along like we were. Tom’s boat had GPS and radar, but still, we couldn’t risk running over a crab pot or a rogue log—something too small to be seen by our sweeping radar beam or not marked on our

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navigational charts. In this situation a prudent mariner should reduce speed to bare steerageway (the minimum forward momentum required to keep control), which is exactly what we did. Our vessel slowed to a crawl, and our exhausted eyes could now see danger ahead with enough time to avoid it. Finally, at a little after 3 a.m., we dropped anchor in Banks Channel. I have never been so happy to stop moving. Why am I telling you my story? Because when it comes to making policy decisions that have the potential to adversely affect our environment, our legislators should exercise just as much caution—especially when a fog of scientific ignorance rolls in. If the GenX debacle of the our port city over the last nine months has taught us anything, it’s that an abundance of caution with what legislators allow on the front end is much better than any amount of cleanup after a harmful substance has been released into the world. Thankfully, our local leaders seem to get this. At last Monday’s meeting of the New Hanover County Commissioners, the main topic of discussion was over whether or not to provide an incentive for the National Gypsum Company to reopen their plant on Sunnyvale Drive, near the port. National Gypsum first opened the facility in 1979, but the plant went dormant following the economic crisis of 2008. The company would manufacture three types of sheetrock and water-resistant wallboard at the site. Scott Satterfield of Wilmington Business Development spoke to express his organization’s support for providing a performance-based economic incentive grant to the company of $350,000 over five years. He claimed the company would spend an estimated $25 million in capital expenditures in NHC to modernize their facility, and provide 51 new jobs, with an average pay of $57,000/year. Yet, as with any industry, there are drawbacks to accompany the benefits. A significant increase in the emission of formaldehyde would come with the plant’s reopening. National Gypsum’s old permit allowed them 57 pounds of emissions, but the permit they were granted in 2016 increases their limit by several orders of magnitude. Now, they are legally permitted to release up to 8.77 tons, or 16,500 pounds, into our local atmosphere. According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, formaldehyde is a naturally occurring gas, found in building materials, household products—like glues and paints—preservatives, pesticides and cigarette smoke. It can “cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat.” High levels of exposure to formaldehyde “may

cause some types of cancers.” During the public comment period of the meeting, several citizens expressed concern about the increase. Former Wilmington Mayor Harper Peterson (who is now running for State Senate) recognized a need for the industry, but wondered if the board of commissioners had considered all the environmental impacts before they voted to reach a decision. State Representative Deb Butler spoke as well, and stated, “We need to stop playing catch-up.” The time for answers is now, not later, she argued. Two citizens, Bob Stewart and Johnny Hannigan, voiced concerns about the close proximity of the plant to their neighborhoods of River Lights and Sunset Park. James Phipps, director of environmental affairs for National Gypsum, spoke as well, and answered questions about the company’s manufacturing processes from commissioners Watkins and Zapple. Additionally, he claimed that the emissions of 8.77 tons still classified them as a “minor source” of pollution, according to the Clean Air Act (but just barely, as a “major source” is anything over 10 tons). Chairman Woody White remarked how, typically, the commission would focus on financial aspects of a decision. But the community, he said, still has PTSD from the Titan Cement debate, which has been compounded by the GenX disaster of last year. Wilmington, said White, has “been traumatized by its education over the last eight months… [and] these experiences inform the future.” Ultimately, the commission voted to postpone their decision for 30 days, until scientists from the DEQ could be present to answer more questions about the dispersion from the plant and health effects of formaldehyde. At the Wilmington City Council meeting the next evening, the council reached a similar verdict, and voted to wait for April 3 to make a decision so more answers could surface. I commend our local leaders. This is how decisions should be made: slowly, with all facts in front of them, their focus on the public health rather than on pleasing impatient demands of industry. Clean air and water are necessary and irreplaceable goods, which benefit everyone in the community, and there’s no reset button for them. Like navigating in fog, we only get one chance to make the correct decision and prevent disaster from happening. Once the boat is stove in from impact, with an unmarked piling, once the critical amount of carbon is emitted in the warming atmosphere, once the chemicals have slipped down the pipe and into our drinking water, it’s too late.

charged with three counts of indecency with a child, involving girls at Looscan Elementary School. The girls had reported earlier that Hernandez had kissed them each on the mouth, but police investigators quoted Hernandez as calling it all an “accident,” that “he was speaking close with them and his tongue accidentally went into their mouth(s).”

PERSPECTIVE THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN MOP

San Francisco’s best-paid janitor earned more than a quarter-million dollars cleaning stations for Bay Area Rapid Transit in 2015, according to a recent investigation by Oakland’s KTVU. Liang Zhao Zhang cleared almost $58,000 in base pay and $162,000 in overtime, and other benefits ran his total income to $271,243. He worked at San Francisco’s Powell Street station, a hangout for the homeless, who notoriously sullied the station 24/7 (urine, feces, and needles, especially), necessitating overtime hours that apparently only Zhang was interested in working. In one stretch during July 2015, he pulled 17-hour days for two and a half straight weeks.

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME

An Abbotsford, British Columbia, burglar was successful in his Feb. 7 break-in at a home, but his getaway was thwarted by a snowfall that blocked him in on a roadway. He eventually decided to ask a passerby for help — and inadvertently picked out a man (of the city’s 140,000 residents) whose house he had just broken into (and who recognized him from reviewing his home’s security camera footage). The victim called police, who arrested the man (and reported that it was the second residential break-in that night in which the snowfall had foiled a burglar’s getaway.)

EVERYDAY HAZARDS

In Portland, Oregon, in January, Ashley Glawe, 17, a committed “goth” character with tattoos, piercings and earlobe holes (“gauges”) was, she said, “hanging out” with Bart, her pet python, when he climbed into one of the lobes. She couldn’t get him out, nor could firefighters, but with lubrication, hospital emergency workers did (thus avoiding an inevitable split lobe if Bart had kept squeezing his way through). Iraqi forces taking over an ISIS base in Mosul in January reported finding papers from at least 14 Islamic State “fighters” who had tried to claim “health” problems, asking commanders to please excuse them from real combat (and martyrdom). One (a Belgian man) actually brought a note from a doctor back home attesting to his “back pain.” Five of the 14 were initiated by volunteers from France, a country that endures a perhaps-deserved national reputation for battle-avoidance.

GOVERNMENT ACTION

Legislators in Iowa and Florida recently advanced bills giving women who receive

legal abortions up to 10 years (or longer, in Iowa) to sue the doctor if the abortion winds up causing them “emotional distress.” (Doctors in all states are already liable, of course, for actual “negligence” in their practice.) In the Iowa version (which the Des Moines Register reported would likely face amendments), even a signed consent form by the patient would not immunize the doctor (but might mitigate the amount of damages awarded).

PRIESTS GONE BAD

Prominent Tallahassee, Florida, pastor O. Jermaine Simmons, a community leader who ministers to the homeless and downtrodden, was rescued by police on Jan. 17, naked and hiding behind a fence after making a run for it when the husband of his mistress found the two in bed. The husband, screaming, “I’m gonna kill him,” ran for his handgun, and the mistress summoned police, but by Jan. 30, all involved had declined to press charges. Simmons, married with a son, is highly regarded for good deeds such as running a “cold night” shelter. The decidedly uncelibate Catholic priest Don Andrea Contin, 48, of Padua, Italy, was accused by three women in December of having as many as 30 different lovers over the years, organizing “orgies” on church property, visiting a “swingers’” resort in France several times, making pornographic home videos of his trysts, “encouraging” one woman to have sex with a horse and “always” carrying a briefcase full of vibrators, sex toys and bondage equipment. Contin has not yet been charged with a crime but, said a Catholic official, is “finished” as a priest. (Bonus: The boxes for his home videos were labeled by the names of Popes.)

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS

Driver Joshua Concepcion-West, 27, was arrested in Apopka, Florida, with an ingenious license-plate cover that he could raise and lower remotely from his key chain (thus avoiding identification by cameras as he passed through turnpike checkpoints). On Jan. 11 at a $1.25 toll plaza, he had neglected to check his rear-view mirror before lowering the cover -- and failed to notice that right behind him was a Florida Highway Patrol car with a trooper watching the whole thing. Lamest Criminal Defense Ever: Substitute teacher Pete Garcia Hernandez, 49, was arrested in Houston in January and

Right to Be Grumpy: Trader Joe’s has gained popularity among grocery shoppers in large part by having relentlessly sunny employees, but now that the firm has expanded from mellower California to more brusque New York City, it is learning that cheerfulness is harder to find. The company fired Thomas Nagle recently because, though he said he frequently smiled, he was told his smile was insufficiently “genuine,” and, backed by several colleagues, he has filed an unfair labor practice charge (and union organizers have taken notice). The National Labor Relations Board has already ruled (against another employer) that workers cannot be forced to convey that all-important “positive work environment” because they are entitled to have grievances.

UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT

The “Virtuous Pedophile”: Gary Gibson, 65, of Chiloquin, Oregon, admits he is sexually attracted to little girls but never acts on his urges, and therefore, demands that

people get off his case. He formed the Association for Sexual Abuse Prevention, campaigning, he says, to keep children safe from other pedophiles whose self-restraint may not match his. Gibson describes himself as a “normal, everyday person,” married to a British nurse (whom he met via a Christian singles organization), and has three children and 10 grandchildren -- none so far molested (though in an interview, London’s The Sun allowed him to explain his side of various edgy events of his life, such as his having moved for a while to the South Pacific, where little girls sometimes played naked).

WAIT, WHAT?

Surgery on a 16-year-old Japanese girl, reported in January by New Scientist, revealed that her ovary contained a miniature skull and brain. Doctors say that finding rogue brain cells in ovaries is not that uncommon, but that an already-organized brain, capable of transmitting electric impulses, is almost unheard-of. The neonatal intensive care unit of Texas Health Fort Worth disclosed in January that the secret to keeping the most fragile prematurely born babies alive is to quickly stick them into Ziploc freezer bags to create, according to a clinician, a “hot house effect.” (It turns out that merely raising the temperature in the delivery room had only marginal effect.)

Port City Java is a proud community supporter. We donated over $30,000 in 2017 to the following organizations. Hope Abounds, Inc. • UNCW 5K • Azalea Pre Fest • NHRMC Founders Ball • Saltwater School • Pancakes for Rich • Night to Shine • Polar Plunge • NHRMC • GallantFew • Good Shepherd • NC Aquarium Volunteers • Alpha Phi • Hunks & Hounds • Ashley JROTC • Healthy Start Breakfast CIS • Heart Ball • CIS • Beard & Mustache Competition • CFA • Canines • Issac Bear Early High School • UNCW Conference • Wilmington Girls Choir • Good Shepherd • Anderson Elementary • SaludHonda • Blue Tie Gala • NHCS Field Day • Harrelson Center • Light it Up Blue • Murray Middle PTA • Power of the Purse • Hoggard Golf Tournament • Winter Park Elementary • ILM Rotary • My Brothers Keeper • Pickleball Dink for Pink • Friends School • Carousel Center • paws4people • OasisNC • SP Kiwanis 5K • Azalea Belles • NCIAI • Leland Parks & Rec • NICU @ NHRMC • V. Williamson Elem. PTA • Covenant Church • NHRMC-RFL •

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encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 9

ARTS>>MUSIC

ALL IN THE DETAILS...

Brothers Egg return to Wilmington with new LP release party at Bourgie Nights the songs on the album; it will be a treat for them to hear different layers and directions we took the music in,” Crist says.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

he last time encore spoke with Brothers Egg was back in 2015, prior to their “Bleeding Show” album-release party at Bourgie Nights. While it was a major milestone for brothers Jamie (guitar, banjo, drums, piano, vocals) and Hunter Eggleston (mandolin, guitar, drums, vocals) and Suzanna Crist (fiddle, vocals), a lot has happened since. Crist got married and moved to Garner to be closer to her bandmates, as the brothers relocated to Raleigh just before the EP release in 2015. Both Hunter and Crist have gone back to school. Hunter is at App State studying sustainable development, organic farming and local-food movements, while Crist is starting a radiography program at Wake Tech. “I am also pre-med,” she adds, “and taking the MCAT this summer, with hopes to get into medical school within the next couple years.” Despite a heavy schedule on- and offstage, Brothers Egg is hitting another milestone in 2018 with the release of their upcoming LP “All for You.” They’ll return to Wilmington—where the band first got together—to celebrate their music once again at Bourgie Nights on March 3. “We’ve played a lot of shows since [our last release] and we’ve matured a lot as a band—musically and personally,” James notes. “I think we’ve come into our own with our sound and who we are as a band with this record. . . . Our first release at Bourgie was one of my favorite shows we’ve ever played.” “I also must add Bourgie Nights is a fabulous venue,” Crist includes. “They treat the bands super well, the sound is clean and the venue is beautiful. A band like ours with acoustic instruments (violin, mandolin, a banjo over 100 years old) can be tricky to work with, and they do a fantastic job every time.” While the official release of “All for You” is March 2, the Eggleston brothers and Criste put out limited-edition CDs, handcrafted one at a time with stencils they made themselves. Using the stencils, they spray-painted about 100 CDs, and the cases were block-printed with a block Jamie carved himself. “The moth on the block-printed cover is

Both artists agree Rubber Room owner and engineer Jerry Brown offered invaluable expertise from working with other North Carolina bands, such as Mandolin Orange and Mipso. His ear led to spontaneous additions, which took some songs to new and unexpected heights. “[Jerry would] be like, ‘Oooh, I’m feeling some organ on this one—Jamie, why don’t you get in there and play some.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not an organ player!’ But I’d do it anyway, and it led to some unique sounds and textures,” Jamie details. “We added a water jug to sound like a low bass drum to some songs. We also sampled and looped a vocal phrase from Suzi on a tune, which was completely new to us!”

ROOTED IN ILM: Brothers Egg may not live in Wilmington anymore, but they love every opportunity to come back. Courtesy photo.

probably my favorite part of the CD,” Crist describes. “With each CD, we slipped in a few handmade stickers, and everyone got a different set of stickers. The CD insert was drawn by Jenny Eggleston, who is working on our album cover for the official release. She also generously let us use her art studio to work on the CDs.” While the specialty CDs sold out within a couple weeks, Crist says they’re considering selling more sets in the future. In the meantime, at least for the official release party, they’ll have standard CDs and vinyl copies, as well as streaming availability through Spotify and Pandora—platforms offering a surprising amount of exposure for the North Carolina trio. The band also is looking to play bigger tours as their sound progresses. They’ve developed their sound from the first EP, which was heavy on acoustic instrumental. “All for You” utilizes new instruments, sound avenues and even distortion. “We experimented with a lot more instruments and textures with this record,” Jamie iterates. “I played some B3 organ on a few of the songs, as well as electric guitar and percussion.”

10 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

“Being a creative artist or musician is one thing, but the tools used to create art can make a big difference in your product,” Crist continues. “Rubber Room gave us the tools (recording equipment, expertise, and in some cases, instruments!) we needed to bring our vision to life!”

“If you listen to our EP next to our fulllength album, you can certainly hear our growth,” Crist adds. “Hunter sings his own songs, Jamie plays more piano, and I even played a song using a heavy overdrive efTheir album release party will feature fect on my violin. We all try to sing more Wilmington singer-songwriters John Erb and it has reflected in our newer songs.” and Mason McKaughan. Though neither Most, if not all songs off “All for You,” play out much, Jamie praises their prowwere played live long before they were ess and is excited to get them in front of recorded at The Rubber Room Studio in a crowd. Chapel Hill. They draw on myriad experi“John, Hunter and I used to jam every ences, and time left plenty of room for them to evolve. Jamie, for example, wrote Monday night at a session-turned-party “Brother” while doing a month-long hike on called ‘Bourbon and Breakfast,’” he tells. the Appalachian Trail with Hunter. “‘Lost in “Mason and I waited tables together at the Space’ came from a late-night jam session Pilot House and I knew Mason played, but where we were feeling a bit, errrr ... out of when he showed me some demos he recorded, I was really blown away … lots of our minds, perhaps,” Jamie quips. talent in this town!” The title track started as a little “Irishsounding jam” before it was restructured. It’s one of Crist’s favorites, which she cowrote with Hunter, with simple and tasteful violin/mandolin harmonies. Others, like Brothers Egg Album Release Party “Apron Strings” (originally going on their EP), simply needed more work with dynam- w/ John Erb and Mason McKaughan Sat., March 3 ics, harmonies, etc.

DETAILS:

“Recording really makes you think about every small detail of a tune you may not have paid any mind to before,” Jamie muses. “It’s cool because now, when we play the songs live, we approach them differently than we did before.” “Many of our close fans will recognize

Doors: 7:30 p.m.; Show: 8:30 p.m. Bourgie Nights • 127 Princess St. Tickets: $7 adv; $10 at the door www.brothersegg.com

EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

5607 Carolina Beach road Monkey Junction (910) 399-3980 FB: @slaintemj

THE SOUNDBOARD

••• Sunday •••

$5 Mimosa • $5 Bloody Mary • 1/2 Price Wine

••• Monday •••

$5 Jameson • $4 Irish drafts $2 Domestic (bottles or cans)

••• TueSday •••

$4 Yuengling, Red Oak, Harp, Miller Lite & Bud Light Drafts

••• WedneSday •••

25% OFF Select Irish Whiskey

••• ThurSday •••

$3 Pint Guiness • $6 Car Bomb $5 Spiked Lemonade

••• Friday •••

Live Music • Select Drink Specials

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! s l a de BENDING HEARTS: Singer-songwriter Johanna Winkel started singing at 5 years old on her father’s radio program in Boulder, Colorado. Now she performs her blend of pop, rock, country and soul at Wrightsville Beach Brewery on March 1. Courtesy photo.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

The Jillettes (7pm; $3; Rock, Pop, Country)

6th Annual Carolina Comedy Cup (9pm; $5)

—Blossoms Restaurant, 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

Extreme Music Bingo w/Party Gras Entertainment (10pm; Free)

Port City Trivia w/Dutch (6:30pm; Free)

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Entertainment (7pm; Free) —Hoplite Pub and Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

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

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

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

—Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 11 Van Campen Blvd.

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

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

The Celtic Tenors (7:30pm; $30-$50; Irish, Folk) —Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

The Birthday Party Variety Show (8pm; $10)

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

—Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill, 701 N. Lake Park Blvd.; 910-742-8055

—Fox and Hound, 920 Town Center Drive; 910-509-0805

THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Johanna Winkel Live (6pm; Free; Country, Pop)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive

All Soundboard listings must be entered onto our online calendar, powered by SpinGo, each Wednesday, by 5 p.m., for consideration in the following week’s entertainment calendar. All online listings generate the print listings, as well as encore’s new app, encore Go. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules. encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 11

L Shape Lot (6:30pm; TBD; Folk)

(4pm; Free)

The Light Under the Sun feat. Serena Wiley (6:30pm; $10-$20; Jazz)

Soul-R Fusion (7pm; Free)

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

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

—Bill’s Front Porch, 4328 Market St.

Pie & Pint $12

$3.50 Red Oak Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm

$3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball

$3.50 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade Cheeseburger & Pint $12

$3.50 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

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

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

KARAOKE

w/Elite Entertainment

9PM-2AM • $400 GUINNESS

Thursday

________________________________________

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

8:30 P.M. • PRIZES! • 2 YUENGLING DRAFT $ 50 3 FIREBALL SHOTS $ 50

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday

___________________________________________

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

WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAM HERE!

THURSDAY

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

MONDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY

www.RuckerJohns.com VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR Friday Monday DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Select Appetizers halfMONDAY off $ 4 Cosmopolitan $ 2 Big Domestic Draft Beers $550 Caramel Apple Martini ALL DAY $ 95 22oz. Domestic Draft $ 4 RJ’s Coffee 3 Sam Adams and Blue $5 Pizzas Moon Seasonal Bottles Tuesday TUESDAY 1/2 off Select Bottles of Wine saTurday LIVE(sugar JAzz IN THE BAR $ 5 Absolut Dream rim) $ 6 All Southern Shiners Half Price Bottles of Wine $ 3 NC Brewed Bottles $ $ 50 3-22oz Blue$2Moon Draft • Pacifico Absolut Dream (Shotgun, Buckshot, High $ 550 2 Select Domestic Bottles Roller and Hoppyum)

WEDNESDAY sunday Wednesday Miller Light Pints $150$ Coronoa/ 5 All$2Flat 50 Breads 1/2 off Nachos Corona Lite Bottles $ 50 $4 Bloody$ Marys 1 Domestic Pints Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Pints $ 50 $ 50 1 Domestic 2 Corona/Corona Lt. $ 5 White Russians $ 50 THURSDAY 4 Margaritas on the Rocks Visit our $website Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller 5 Thursday www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe for Bottles $ 50 daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottlesupcoming events $ 00 3 22oz. Goose Island IPA $ 95 4 Irish Coffee FRIDAY5564 Carolina $ 50 Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 Road 1/2 off ALL Premium $ Red Wine Glasses 3 Guinness Cans (910)-452-1212 Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 Select Domestic Bottles $2 SUNDAY Bloody Marys $4, Domestic Pints $150 Hurricanes $5

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS 5564 Carolina Beach Road, (910) 452-1212

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Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

12 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

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

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

Doyle (7pm; $18-$50; Rock, Metal)

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

Espresso Yourself @ Coffee-oke & Open Mic (7pm; $2)

—Morning Glory Coffeehouse, 1415 Dawson St.

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Entertainment (7:30pm; Free)

—Fox and Hound, 920 Town Center Drive; 910-509-0805

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

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

Nick and the Babes & Joe Starr (10pm; TBD; Rock)

—Fermental, 7250 Market St.; 910-821-0362 —Bill’s Front Porch, 4328 Market St.

Madd Showcases: Madd Hatters, Lords & Liars and more (7pm; $4) End of the Line (7pm; $3; Bluegrass)

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

Electric Love Machine (9pm; TBD) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4

Tyler McKaig (10:30am; $18; Singer-Songwriter) —Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

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

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

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Bluegrass Sunday (6pm; Free)

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

Open Mic Night (7pm; $3)

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

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

Femme Speak Out (7pm; $5)

—Athenian Bookstore & Lounge, 2231 Wrightsville Ave.

‘Loose-wheel’ Bluegrass Jam (7pm; $3) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

An Evening with The Midtown Men (7:30pm; $31.50-$75; Pop) —Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

Piano Jazz (8pm; Free)

—Bottega Art & Wine, 723 N. Fourth St.

Jam Sandwich Band (8pm; TBD; Rock) —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. Fifth Ave.

Just Yesterday Unplugged (9pm; Free; Rock) —Lagerhead’s, 35 N. Lumina Ave.

Justin Lacy’s Garage Orchestra (9pm; TBD)

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

Trophic (9:30pm; Free; Rock)

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

—Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 910-399-2796 —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

The Bees Trees (9pm; Free; Rock)

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

MONDAY, MARCH 5

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

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

College Night (8pm; Free)

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 Comedy Bingo (6pm; $2)

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

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

The Drum Circle with Drum & Dance Downtown (7:30pm; Free) —The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910-762-2091

DJ Elementary (10pm; Cover TBD)

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

Big Mean Sound Machine (10pm; Cover TBD; Afrobeat, Funk, Jazz, Latin)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

—Hoplite Pub & Beer Garden, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Step Up For Soldiers 8th Annual Backyard BBQ: Idlewild South & The Cut (10am; TBD) —Carolina Beach Lake Park, N. Lake Park Blvd.

Port City Trivia Pub Crawl Round 2 (1pm; $5)

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

Midatlantic Duo Live (3pm; Free)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive

Five Year Anniversary Celebration: Fermental feat. Jay Killman, The Swing Shifters and more

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Entertainment (7pm; Free) Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

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

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

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

Trivia with Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, 11 Van Campen Blvd.

A Class Act (7pm; $3; Jazz, Blues)

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

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

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HALLELUJAH ANYHOW: Hiss Golden Messenger returns to their home state of North Carolina with a concert at Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte on March 9. Courtesy photo. NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 3/1: Choir! Choir! Choir! 3/2: Joan Oates and The Good Road Band 3/3: Tab Benoit, Jeff McCarty and Eric Johanson 3/7: Elliot Root 3/8: Get the Led Out 3/9: Hiss Golden Messenger THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 3/2: Face 2 Face 3/6: A$AP Ferg 3/7: Fleet Foxes 3/9: Dropkick Murphys 3/10: Nightwish 3/11: Jeezy THE UNDERGROUND-FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 3/1: Lotus 3/6: Missio 3/8: LP 3/9: Nahko 3/11: The Hunna and Coasts MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 2/28: Cris Jacobs 3/1: Alsarah and The Nubatones 3/2: Ellis Dyson & The Shambles and more 3/3: Choir! Choir! Choir! 3/7: The Wind + The Wave, Jesse Ruben and more 3/9: Adrianne Lenker, Nick Hakim and Molly Sarle 3/10: The Shoaldiggers 3/12: Flash Chorus

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 2/28: Railroad Earth and Roosevelt Collier Trio 3/2: Jazz is PHSH 3/3: Lotus and Marvel Years 3/4: JJ Grey, Mofro and Butcher Brown CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 3/1: Quinn XCII 3/1: Mark Holland (back) 3/2: Joywave, Sasha Sloan and Kopps 3/3: Tan & Sober Gentleman and more (back) 3/5: Kolars and Escondido 3/6: Wallows and Field Medic 3/6: Elliot Root and Common Deer (back) 3/7: Sonreal and Davie & Nance (back) 3/7: LP, Noah Kahan and Kat Cunning 3/8: Pronoun, Michael Nau and more (back) 3/9: Senses Fail, Have Mercy and more THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 2/28: Washed Out 3/1: Railroad Earth and Roosevelt Collier Trio 3/2: Chaos Among Cattle and more 3/3: Rumours 3/4: Matisyahu 3/6: Electric Karma and Mantia 3/9: The Flaming Lips HOUSE OF BLUES - MYRTLE BEACH 4640 HWY 17 S, NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (843) 272-3000 3/2: Scotty McCreery 3/3: A$AP Ferg

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614 South College Road | 910.399.3366 | www.okamirestaurant.com encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>ART

LIFETIME OF ART: TUES

2/28 YOGA EVENING WITH JESS

SUN

SAT

FRI

THURS

2/27 INDOOR DISC GOLF PUTTING 7-10PM

WED

Acme presents 40 years of Dina Wilde-Ramsing’s ceramic works

Weekly Open Play, $5 Bring your own disc

Beach House Dawgs Hot Dog Truck, 6-8PM

GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB

6:30-7:30PM 7-9PM

Monthly Meetup hosted by Memory Lane Comics

3/1 LOCAL FARMERS MARKET 4-8PM THIRSTY THURSDAY $3 Select pints • Port City Puffs N’ Stuff Food Truck, 4-8pm 3/2 DHIM RAGGAE BAND LIVE 8-10PM Yehmon51 Jamaican Food Truck, 6-9pm ILM Makers & Growers Weekly Famers Maket are back!

3/3 THE FUSTICS 8-10PM Soulfoul Twist Food Truck, 6-9PM 3/4 SUNDAY MORNING YOGA 11AM TRAVIS SHALLOW DUO 4-6PM Vittles Food Truck, 4-8pm

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BY: JESSICA RUSSELL

Kee, explains. “She’s always loved animals, so seeing them fly through the town really inspired her.”

ne look at a Dina Wilde-Ramsing piece conveys a lifetime of experience and evolution. She has created myriad sculptures, from complex boxes to humanoid figures and mighty horses. Though every piece varies in clay type and color choice, each exhibits a style recognizably hers. Her work—across four decades—will be on display at Acme Art Studios as part of “Gathering the Flock,” which opens Saturday.

The details are a testament to WildeRamsing’s growth and great precision. Each crow stands atop a block with a different posture and position. The claw marks are even embedded into the clay on which it stands. “She’s always been confident,” says her husband, Mark, who she met on the same archaeology trip of southwest discovery. “Early on her pieces were a bit stiff, but they became more sophisticated over time. The thing that’s always been consistent, though, is the craftsmanship. Any time you find one of Dina’s pieces, it’ll have clean edges and markings.”

“This is a show of all her life, from the very beginning until now,” Dick Roberts, co-owner of Acme Art Studios, explains. Though he will host Wilde-Ramsing’s tribute show, he also is a longtime friend. “Her husband, Mark, called me up last year and asked if I would sponsor a show for her,” Roberts mentions. “We both agreed she needed a retrospective of all her work, so I said ‘yes.’ It’s a colleague getting her due, so I’m happy to do it.” Now Acme Art Studios presents 240 ceramic pieces Wilde-Ramsing created over the last 40 years. Each is on loan from 40 various households, five collectors, one government agency, and a museum. “I’m blown away,” Wilde-Ramsing notes, as she walks through Acme. “I didn’t even know I made this many.” Though she dedicated much of her life to ceramics, it was not her focus always. In youth, she enjoyed drawing and painting. She graduated from the UNC Chapel Hill in the ‘70s, with a degree in anthropology and art history. She did not work with ceramics until she decided to go back to school for a teaching degree at East Carolina University and began taking courses in clay-making. From there she found a new outlet for expressing herself. After obtaining a teaching degree, her work varied. In 1977 Wilde-Ramsing was an archaeologist who documented Native American sites in New Hanover County. She fired up her early work in a backyard gas kiln. Four years later, she established her own studio and began teaching adult education pottery at Cape Fear Community College, alongside fellow potter Hiroshi Sueyoshi. She taught for 16 years before retiring. Wilde-Ramsing’s work in anthropology has inspired much of her art. After enrolling in an archeology course during her sophomore year of college, she became involved

14 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CROWING THE LINE: Dina Wilde-Ramsing’s sculptural art will be on display at Acme and feature influences from the southwest to the southeast. Photo by Mark Wilde-Ramsing

in the excavation of a pueblo ruin in New Mexico. The introduction into Native Southwest culture, inspired by earthy tones and animal imagery, led her to explore similar color palettes and themes. She has a fondness for all the horses she sculpted. “It’s really fun making them,” she mentions. “I get to break out the clay, color it, put it in the kiln and bring life to it.” Her granddaughter, Sylvia, who joins us at Acme during the interview, points to a sculpture of a humanoid figure, draped across a bed of intricate patterns. “I like this one because it reminds me of myself,” the 8-yearold says. At Acme Wilde-Ramsing’s work is situated separately by decade. Similar pieces stand grouped together, to illustrate the natural progression of her style. In the beginning are test tiles with elaborate paintings of people and horses, and a clay representation of the family’s pet iguana. Deeper in the room are collections of unique figures (with no two same expressions) and a broader group of animals, like goats nuzzled by their humanoid friends and crows sitting atop blocks of claw marks.

Wilde-Ramsing’s career has come with numerous awards and recognitions. She became a member of the Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild in 1999 when the group presented her with the Craftsmen Choice Award. In 2008 the guild also gave her the Dino Read Foundation Award. In 1998 the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources commissioned her to create ceramic awards for former Governor James Hunt to present to business leaders who supported the arts. Wilde-Ramsing has since retired from sculpture in 2016. However, she continues to draw and host gatherings of her “Clay Buddies” group, where her friends and family can create art together.“I miss it,” she emphasizes of her work, “but I’m glad I’m still able to make things.” Visitors can view Wilde-Ramsing’s tribute show on March 3 and 11. The show is free, and Wilde-Ramsing and her family will be in attendance to discuss the work on display. “I hope visitors can appreciate the path she’s been on,” Roberts notes. “It’s one of those things where you don’t choose art—art chooses you. I think that’s relevant to Dina.”

DETAILS:

Gathering the Flock

Four decades of Dina WildeRamsing’s sculptural ceramic art Mar. 3, 10 a.m. and Mar. 11, 1 p.m. Acme Art Studios • 711 N. Fifth Ave. Free “There used to be a flock of crows that facebook.com/AcmeArtStudios

would fly through town when she lived in Morehead City,” Wilde-Ramsing’s daughter,

WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

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

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

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

Mon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm 1:30 pm - 4 pm Open other hours and weekends by appointment www.cjafricanart.com African art: Museum quality African Art from West and Central Africa. Traditional African art for the discerning collector. Cureent 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.

EXPO 216 216 N. Front St, Wilmington, NC (910) 769-3899 Wed. – Sun., Noon – 6 PM Established in October 2015, Art in Bloom www.expo216.com

Gallery is in a renovated 19th century horse stable in historic downtown Wilmington. The gallery presents an eclectic mix of original paintings, ceramics, sculpture, blown glass, stained-glass mosaics, photography, mobiles, jewelry, limited-edition prints, and mixed media by established and emerging artists. The featured art exhibit, “Synergy: Art by Catherine Porter Brown and Jeff Brown” continues through Saturday, March 10, 2018. View Jeff Brown’s found-object art plus luminous dreamscapes and portraits by Catherine Porter Brown, a classically trained oil painter. Art in Bloom Gallery is open until 9 pm on Fourth Friday Gallery Nights.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Current exhibits at other locations include: “Ordinary Beauty, Closely Observed: Scanographs by Susan Francy” at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street. “Between You and Me: Bradley Carter at The District” with paintings at The District Kitchen and Cocktails,1001 N. 4th Street. “In the Light: New Paintings by Debra Bucci” at Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Street. “Empty Faces and Abstract Spaces by Joan McLoughlin” with paintings at Pinpoint Restaurant,114 Market Street.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART 311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E cjart@bizec.rr.com (910) 794-3060

Over 5,000 square feet in historic downtown of thought-provoking art and fashions! Expo 216’s one-year expositions are themedriven: currently addressing Death & Dying . Works by local artists, Joan McLoughlin, Niki Hildebrand, Chad Starling, and many more will intrigue you. Fashions such as Flatliner and The Cyclist’s Widow will stun you. Exhibits, such as The History of Funeral Care and Mourning Practices, provide an educational element. Expo 216 is a supporter of the Wilmington music scene and provides live music during the Fourth Friday Gallery Night. Expo 216 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

air painter Jim Bettendorf. Local scenes of Wilmington and surrounding areas cover the walls. Original oil paintings and a selection of giclée prints available for purchase. Open daily from noon to six.

RIVER TO SEA GALLERY 225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (free parking) (910) 763-3380 Tues.- Sat. 11am - 5pm; Sun. 1- 4pm

River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. Current show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry. “Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures.

WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY 200 Hanover St.

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

Wilma Daniels Gallery would like to welcome the first show of 2018, The Photo Invitational: Out of the Pines. Out of the Pines features work in photography by instructors from North Carolina Colleges and Universities. Featured artists are: Erin Arsenault, Kevin Eams, Dhanraj Emanuel, and Jay Capers, Randolph Community College; Jeff Murphy, Heather Freeman, Aspen Hochhalte, and Ann Kluttz, UNCC; Rose Jerome, Winston-Salem State; Courtney Johnson, UNCW; Daniel Josip Kariko and Angela Franks Wells, ECU; Larry Lean, University of Mount Olive; Jennifer Mace, CFCC; Leigh Ann Parrish, Western Carolina University; Richard Tichich, Western Carolina University; Charity Valentine, Pitt Community College; Will Willner, Wake Forest University; Joe Young, Catawba Vally Community College; Scot Taylor and Ryan Adrick, Carteret Community College.

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

”ECHO,” a solo show by jeweler Kristin Wood of Kopious, is inspired by Mid-Century Modern designers like Knolls, Franko Albini, and Paul Frankl. Also on view is an original Claude Howell oil painting from 1941. “ECHO” will remain on view through February 17th. New Elements has been offering the best of regional and national fine art and craft since 1985. We invite you to learn more about the artists we represent, featured exhibitions, and gallery news. We regularly update the work available online, so return often to view our many different selections if you can’t drop into the gallery.

PEACOCK FINE ART 224 S. Water St. #1A • (910) 254-4536 Monday through Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. www.peacocksfineart.com.

Adjacent to the River to Sea gallery, Features paintings by Wilmington based plein

encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 15

ARTS>>THEATRE

WELCOME, NEW TRADITION:

TheatreNOW hits the Irish mark in time for St. Patrick’s Day with ‘The Weir’ out, not skewing into a Jamaican accent a la Miss Cleo is the real goal).

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

heatreNOW is getting into the St. Patrick’s Day mood with the opening of Connor McPherson’s “The Weir.” Set in a rural Irish pub, owned by Brendan (Blake Howard), “The Weir” begins with regulars gathering around to recount their day. Jack (Joseph Renton Jr.), the local car mechanic, is so much a regular he pours himself a beer while waiting for Brendan to appear. They are joined by local handyman Jim (Jamie Davenport). Apparently, Finbar (Jacob Keohane) local real-estate mogul, has been seen driving around with Valerie (Anna Gamel), a new transplant to their remote area, who is beautiful and reportedly single. The men gripe about Finbar’s behavior—him being a married man and all. Clearly, the appearance of Valerie is going to throw a wrench into the works of their little town. Enter Finbar, the big man around town. He is loud, gregarious and impressed with himself. For all his noise, the guys are unruffled. Men drinking and showing off to each other—in front of a pretty woman? It’s nothing new for them. Though Finbar doesn’t grace them with his presence very much since he bought a bar of his own, there is still camaraderie bred of the men’s shared history. They goad him into telling a story about a terrifying experience that changed his life. Keohane rides the waves of emotion with agility, from expansive bravado to vulnerability to boisterous behavior. They wash over him and his companions with an impact too big to be confined to one person. It also means he can’t just tell one story—and once he has bared himself to Valerie, he has to push everyone else to do the same to make up for his moment of genuine and gentle accountability He’s entertaining but exhausting, and to an armchair psychiatrist he would take 5 minutes to diagnose. The poor man’s wife must spend all day reassuring him he is the most important person who has ever lived. By contrast, Davenport’s Jim is a quiet man with a simple world. His sweet, open face and calm, deep voice are probably the two pieces that make his character gel. We get a kind, simple handyman with a set of beliefs that, though unsophisticated, are genuine and considerate.

For the last several years TheatreNOW has offered an Irish wake as their St. Patrick’s Day festivities. “The Weir” is a welcome departure: It has an actual storyline and is not focused on audience participation, games and songs. Therefore, it is more of what one would think of as traditional theatre rather than experiential entertainment. But the script combines many elements that appeal to TheatreNOW. Set in a bar, it works with the dinner-theatre ambiance, and with only one set, it puts the focus on the performers and story rather than technical details. And who doesn’t like a good ghost story? Well, this show has several to offer, each very different from the last. CHEERS TO THEATRE: St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated right (in a bar) with TheatreNOW’s ‘The Weir.’ Courtesy photo.

stumbled into the perfect profession. But he is clearly intrigued, pleased and slightly shaken by the appearance of Valerie, especially in relation to his old-time buddies.

His ghost story is chilling; he undersells it, which almost gives it more power.

The men have a short hand in conversation from years of living and sharing the same spaces and experiences. But Valerie doesn’t understand their subtext. It is Anna Gamel’s Valerie who owns the stage and the men. She has been sweet, polite and kind while listening to their stories, but as she takes center stage to start talking about her life before relocating to their small, remote village, she unveils a depth far beyond what any of them could imagine when mocking outsiders with money in search of “peace and quiet.” She bides her time, and when she judges they believe in ghosts enough to believe her story, she unwinds with one; it cuts deep to the marrow. Gamel doesn’t emote or ham it up; there is a pleading in her voice, the need to be heard, to be believed, that makes her so moving. Her ghost story is the climax of the show, the dramatic moment many playwrights may have chosen to close. But what makes “The Weir” really powerful as a script is the falling action and resolution (if we can call it a resolution).

Then there is the old grey man of the bunch, Jack. Renton gives us a crotchety old fogy who can laugh but only when picking at other’s scabs. Late in the evening, when Valerie asks, he does tell a ghost story all his own, certainly one of loss—with a ghostly specter that does haunt his life and the importance of a good bartender to keep it all going. He delivers it with dry wit and it fits the text. He’s more of a resigned philosopher than the beefy car-mechanic stereotype. Looking at Valerie, who compared to him is so young and still has so much life in front of her, the audience can almost feel his heart break for her. Blake’s Brendan is a sweet, somewhat shy fellow who appreciates the calm and beauty of rural life. Blake has possibly one of the harder assignments on stage: As the bartender he is everyone else’s audience, and doesn’t get to regale the company with a story. He is left with the task of listening and reacting to everyone else while tending bar. He is never still, always a rag or a glass in his hand, and scanning the pine to see what his customers need. His attention and reaction to storytellers is as much the power of the story as the tellers themselves. The consummate host, he seems to have

16 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

It took a few minutes for the actors to find their feet on opening night, but once they were in, they were in. They admirably sustained accents for the entirety of the evening (Irish accents can be incredibly difficult). Maintaining them for hours at a time can be even harder (or, as a friend pointed

Chef Denise Gordon complements it with mouthwatering delights. It really is not a surprise to leave the theatre happily stuffed. Case in point: salmon sliders. Salmon cakes made of both fresh and smoked salmon came with red onion and a sundried-tomato cream cheese spread. They’re so darned cute they look like little White Castle burgers. And, yes, it melted in my mouth, being creamy and savory all at once. It’s paired with a tangy, mustardbased slaw that tastes too good to be healthy. Though, the Irish vegetable soufflé captured my heart: cheese, eggs, vegetables— my favorite three things all in one place. My soufflés are never this light and fluffy, and how Gordon got the mushrooms in suspension instead of a clump in the bottom is a mystery. Add in a few soda muffins, and the ambiance of the Irish pub on stage, the audience gets transported.

DETAILS: The Weir

Through Mar. 24 Fri. and Sat., 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $18 (show only) - $42 (includes three-course dinner) TheatreNOW 19 S. 10th St. theatrewilmington.com

MUSIC BY DJ BOBBY ZEE Giving money to panhandlers often supports drug and alcohol addiction. Wilmington has a variety of social service agencies that can help people in need. Please give smart to ensure your donation has the most positive impact possible. Donate at

www.GiveSmartWilmington.org or text “Heart” to 910.817.4301

Endorsed by: Rescue Mission of Cape Fear, The Salvation Army, The United Way of the Cape Fear Area, and Vigilant Hope

ONLINE C A L E N D A R

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Go to www.encorepub.com and click on the CALENDAR tab. Click the “Add an Event” button at the top right corner. Fill out the event details and submit!

Add venue location, event time & details, image and links, and contact information... You can even sell event tickets! Your event will automatically be added to encore’s print calendar in that week’s issue (space permitting). powered by

encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 17

PORT CITY FOOD LOVERS,

REJOICE! Join us for the most delicious week of spring

encore’s Wilmington

SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK

MIDTOWN

Food from Dram+Morsel. Photo by Lindsey A. Miller Photography.

NORTH wilmington Cast Iron Kitchen The Italian Bistro J. Michael's Philly Deli La Costa Mexican Restaurant The Melting Pot Osteria Cicchetti

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Bluewater Waterfront Grill Boca Bay Oceanic Restaurant South Beach Grill Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop

PLEASURE ISLAND Freddie's Restaurant HopLite Irish Pub and Restaurant Kure Beach Diner Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill Michael's Seafood Restaurant

www.wilmingtonrestaurantweek.com 18 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

DEFYING TERROR TRENDS:

films this week

It takes some time, but ‘The Ritual’ delivers a good monster and ending

BY: ANGHUS

good horror movie can be an exhilarating experience—especially when it features a cast of unknowns. I’ve always preferred low-budget horror films with unrecognizable actors because it helps draw me into the fictional hell about to be unleashed. The fear factor gets notched up when the guy or girl getting maliciously mauled or hellaciously hacked isn’t a known quantity. Simply put: It’s more fun watching strangers suffer, cinematically speaking. The concept of “suspension of disbelief” is already a difficult proposition when dealing with ancient evils and shadowy spirits, which is a key component in the new Netflix original scare-fest “The Ritual.” The film shares a lot in common with scary-movie classics, like “The Blair Witch Project” and “The Descent.” It doesn’t feel wholly original, but it manages to evoke a lot of terror on a heavily borrowed premise. Four friends head into the Swedish mountains for a hiking adventure to honor their fallen friend, Rob, who died rather horribly while trying to buy some liquor. Luke (Rafe Spall) has had to deal with the horrible PTSD aftermath of watching his friend get butchered while he sat back and did nothing. Six months later he’s still dealing with brutal flashbacks and guilt of not being able to save his best friend. What better way to deal with the crushing brutality of existence than heading into the dense Swedish wilderness? Things begin to sour pretty quickly. Dom (Robert James-Collier) injures his knee, and slows down their progress. Hutch (Arsher Ali) decides the best thing to do is … wait for it … take a shortcut. Because we all know the best thing to do in a perilous situation in a scary location is to get off the beaten path and take chances in the dark, foreboding unknown. Surprisingly, it doesn’t go well. There’s something wicked in the woods. The four friends begin to encounter a shitstorm of horror warning signs: freakish visions and nightmares, creepy symbols carved into trees, dead animals hanging from branches, and a spooky cabin, filled with a weird wooden antler handed effigy and a dodgy AirBnB rating. Each of them end up being touched in strange and uncomfortable ways. Will the four friends be able to escape the strange forest and discover the truth behind what lurks in the shadows tormenting them? Or will they end up a pile of

GOOD SCARES: ‘The Ritual’ has a slow start but a surprisingly awesome third act worth sticking around for. Photo by Netflix

excrement? There’s a bit of a familiar pattern to “The Ritual,” which relies heavily on heaping helpings of abnormal moments that confuse and frighten its main characters, as well as the audience. It is like a jazz composition where I’m told the focus is what is not happening rather than what is. Fortunately, Director David Bruckner doesn’t rely solely on smoke and mirrors. He actually delivers an insanely awesome third act, which justifies all the craziness that comes before. My problem with most modern horror films is how reliant they’ve become on jump scares and cheap theatrics. “The Ritual” piles on a lot of showy theatrics early on, but the last 20 minutes delivers awesome explanations and one of the coolest onscreen creatures I’ve ever seen. It’s so nice to see a scary movie that delivers an iconic monster. For many years it felt like movie monsters were ignored in favor of more nebulous, shadowy ghost-type apparitions; a trend of “less is more” pushing a tired old lie of leaving it to the audience’s imagination is a far scarier proposition than showing something terrifying. Nope. It’s much scarier to actually see the horrifying creature hunting down people in the spooky woods, which is why the last act of “The Ritual” is so superior to a movie like “The Blair Witch Project.”

and payoff, payoff, payoff! It’s funny comparing “The Ritual” to Netflix’s other high-profile feature release, “The God Particle.” One relies only on smoke and mirrors to constantly shift the tone and never manage to feel all too claustrophobic or frightening. “The Ritual” manages to take some traditional scary movie tropes and deliver something truly chilling.

DETAILS: The Ritual

Streaming on Netflix Rated TV-MA Directed by David Bruckner Starring Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier

CINEMATIQUE

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

Feb. 28-March 2 (additional 4 p.m. screening on Feb. 28): Set in the glamour of 1950s post war London, “Phantom Thread” will play in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre. The film follows renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock and his sister Cyril at the center of British fashion, dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutantes and dames with the distinct style of The House of Woodcock. Women come and go through Woodcock’s life, providing the confirmed bachelor with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover. Once controlled and planned, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love. With his latest film, Paul Thomas Anderson paints an illuminating portrait both of an artist on a creative journey, and the women who keep his world running. Stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, and Vicky Krieps. (Rated R, 130 min.) March 5-7 (additional 4 p.m. screening on March 7): “The Shape of Water” comes from master storyteller, Guillermo del Toro. It’s an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and coworker Zelda discover a secret classified experiment. (Rated R, 123 min.)

“The Ritual” is a highly entertaining scary movie with great characters, creepy locations encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 19

2018 WINNERS — AS VOTED ON BY ENCORE READERS! The annual encore Best Of awards were given out on Saturday, February 24, at Brooklyn Arts Center, in our annual celebration of 141 winners! The party was a fundraiser for DREAMS of Wilmington—the winner of 2018’s Best Local Nonprofit—which works with at-risk youth in arts education, teaching dance, music, art, media, and so much more. Over the next five weeks, encore will write about every 2018 winner and publicize pictures from the party, courtesy of Chris Brehmer Photography. But just so all you anxious readers can get a head’s up on who the creme de la creme of Wilmington is, check out the list below! Cheers and congrats! to all! LOCAL NEWSCAST WECT (NBC) LOCAL NEWSCASTER FRANCES WELLER (WECT)

media, arts, entertainment ARCADE/GAME ROOM, POOL HALL THE BLUE POST ART GALLERY BOTTEGA ART & WINE ARTIST SARAH RUSHING BAND/PERFORMER L SHAPE LOT COMEDY TROUPE PINEAPPLE-SHAPED LAMPS DANCE CLUB IBIZA NIGHTCLUB DJ DJ BATTLE FILMMAKER MEGAN PETERSEN INDEPENDENT FILM WE ONLY WENT OUT AT NIGHT PLACE TO BUY MUSIC INSTRUMENTS FINKELSTEIN’S PLACE FOR KARAOKE THE REEL CAFE LIVE MUSIC VENUE GREENFIELD LAKE AMPHITHEATER MORNING RADIO SHOW MORNING CHILL (PENGUIN, 98.3) MUSEUM CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

RADIO PERSONALITY BEAU GUNN (PENGUIN, 98.3) RADIO STATION THE PENGUIN 98.3 RECORD STORE GRAVITY RECORDS

NONPROFIT DREAMS OF WILMINGTON

goods & services ADULT STORE ADAM & EVE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE THE HEMP FARMACY ANTIQUE SHOP, CONSIGNMENT/ RESALE - DECOR THE IVY COTTAGE

FLORIST JULIA’S FLORIST

NAIL SALON LUXE NAILS

GARDEN STORE THE PLANT PLACE

PLACE TO BUY A NEW CAR STEVENSON HONDA

GIFT SHOP BLUE MOON GIFT SHOPS

PERSONAL TRAINER LAMAINE WILLIAMS (TRAIN WITH LAMAINE)

GOLF COURSE BEAU RIVAGE GOLF & RESORT GOURMET STORE PINE VALLEY MARKET

THEATRE COMPANY THALIAN ASSOCIATION

PLACE TO BOARD A PET PUPS PLAY AND STAY BOARDING, DAYCARE & GROOMING

GYM O2 FITNESS

THEATRE PRODUCTION YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

BOOK STORE OLD BOOKS ON FRONT ST.

HAIR SALON ROCKIN’ ROLLER SALON

THEATRE VENUE THALIAN HALL

BOTTLE SHOP FERMENTAL

HEALTH FOOD STORE TIDAL CREEK CO-OP

THESPIAN TONY RIVENBARK

BOWLING ALLEY CARDINAL LANES SHIPYARD

HOTEL BLOCKADE RUNNER

TOURIST ATTRACTION NC AQUARIUM AT FT. FISHER

CAR WASH CRUISERS CAR WASH AND DETAIL CENTER

JEWELER PERRY’S EMPORIUM

TOUR OF WILMINGTON HAUNTED PUB CRAWL WEBSITE PORTCITYDAILY.COM WRITER GWENYFAR ROHLER (ENCORE) WRITE-IN CATEGORY PARTY ENTERTAINER: NO SLEEVES MAGIC

CHIROPRACTOR SITO CHIROPRACTIC CONSIGNMENT/RESALE - CLOTHES THE FAIRY CIRCLE DOCTOR DR. HOLDSWORTH (WILMINGTON HEALTH) DOG GROOMER VON BARKEE’S DOG SPA AND BAKERY

humanitarian & environmental

ESTHETICIAN MARCELLA HARDY (TANGLEZ)

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP KAREN BEASLEY SEA TURTLE RESCUE & REHABILITATION CENTER

FARMERS’ MARKET RIVERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET

LOCAL HUMANITARIAN BO DEAN

20 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE THE LITTLE DIPPER

KIDS CLOTHING STORE ONCE UPON A CHILD

SHOPPING PLAZA MAYFAIRE TOWN CENTER PRINT SHOP DOCK STREET PRINTING CO. REAL ESTATE INTRACOASTAL REALTY SHOE STORE SOUL SHOETIQUE SPA HEAD TO TOE DAY SPA & SALON SURF SHOP SWEETWATER SURF SHOP TANNING SALON TANGLEZ OF WILMINGTON TATTOO PARLOR ARTFUEL INC.

LAW FIRM DAVID & ASSOCIATES INJURY ATTORNEYS

PLACE TO BUY USED CAR AUTO WHOLESALE

MASSAGE THERAPIST MARY BETH REDMAN MASSAGE/ BODYWORK

VETERINARIAN COLLEGE RD. ANIMAL HOSPITAL

AUTO MECHANIC BLACK’S TIRE & AUTO SERVICE MEN’S CLOTHING BLOKE APPAREL & SUPPLY MORTGAGE COMPANY ALPHA MORTGAGE MOVING COMPANY TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

WEDDING VENUE AIRLIE GARDENS WOMEN’S CLOTHING ISLAND PASSAGE

food & drink APPETIZERS FRONT STREET BREWERY ATMOSPHERE, RESTAURANT OVERALL, THAI RESTAURANT INDOCHINE THAI & VIETNAMESE

BAGEL BEACH BAGELS

BUFFET, CHICKEN, SOUL FOOD CASEY’S BUFFET, BARBECUE AND HOME COOKIN’

BAKERY, DESSERTS APPLE ANNIE’S BAKE SHOP BARBECUE JACKSON’S BIG OAK BARBECUE BAR SATELLITE BAR & LOUNGE BARTENDER TRISTA NICOSIA (GOAT AND COMPASS) BEER LIST CAPE FEAR WINE & BEER BISCUIT, DINER THE DIXIE GRILL BREAKFAST CAST IRON KITCHEN BREWERY WILMINGTON BREWING CO.

JAPANESE RESTAURANT YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE

BURGER, FRIES PTS OLDE FASHIONED GRILLE

DELI A TASTE OF ITALY DONUT BRITT’S DONUT SHOP FAST FOOD CHICK-FIL-A

BURRITO FLAMING AMY’S BURRITO BARN

FINE-DINING EATERY RX RESTAURANT AND BAR

LATIN/MEXICAN K38 BAJA GRILL

CATERING SERVICE, GOURMET STORE PINE VALLEY MARKET

FOOD TRUCK CATCH THE FOOD TRUCK

LUNCH, SUB/SANDWICH SHOP, HOMEMADE SOUP CHOP’S DELI

FRENCH FOOD CAPRICE BISTRO

CHAIN RESTAURANT PANERA BREAD

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD CO.

MEDITERRANEAN FOOD OLYMPIA

SPORTS BAR THE COPPER PENNY

NEW RESTAURANT SAVOREZ

HOT DOG TROLLY STOP

CHEESESTEAK J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI

SALADS CHOPT CREATIVE SALAD CO.

OUTSIDE DINING BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL

CHEF KEITH RHODES (CATCH )

ICE CREAM KILWIN’S ICE CREAM, CHOCOLATES & FUDGE

CHINESE RESTAURANT DOUBLE HAPPINESS

INDIAN FOOD TANDOORI BITES

PIZZA, LATE-NIGHT EATERY SLICE OF LIFE PIZZERIA & PUB

COFFEE SHOP BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE

ITALIAN OSTERIA CICCHETTI

RIBS POOR PIGGY’S BBQ AND CATERING

BRUNCH SWEET N SAVORY CAFE

OYSTERS DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

STEAK PORT CITY CHOP HOUSE SUSHI NIKKI’S SUSHI TACOS K38 BAJA GRILL VEGETARIAN SEALEVEL CITY GOURMET WAITSTAFF THE COPPER PENNY WINE LIST THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINGS HELL’S KITCHEN

Kids Eat Free! with purchase of adult entree

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5120 S. College Rd. • 910-792-0000 Monkey Junction, Carolina Beach 3501 Oleander Dr. #2 • (910)228-5999 UNCW, Downtown and Market Street

W NO NG! I R I H 7041 Wrightsville Ave. • (910)679-8386

Coming Soon

Wrightsville Beach

Mon.-Thurs. 11 am- 9 pm Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 10 pm Sun. 11:30 am - 9 pm ORDER ONLINE: http://antoniospizzaandpasta.com

2 locations to serve you 7220 Wrightsville Avenue 910-256-1222

5906 Oleander Drive 910-769-4232

Serving Breakfast and Lunch 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM every day.

www.beachbagels910.com encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 21

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

CASEY’S BUFFET • WWW.CASEYSBUFFET.COM

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sat & Sun 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ MUSIC: Music every Sunday in Summer ■ WEBSITE: www.bluewaterdining.com BLUE SURF CAFÉ Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sand-

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Photo by Lindsey A Miller Photography wich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich. Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive. We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast served until noon each day! ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily Specials, Gluten Free Menu, Gourmet Hot Chocolates, Outdoor Patio, New Artist event first Friday of every month and Kids Menu. ■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com

CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Wednesday nights, an elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363. ■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11am-2pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers 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 113. 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 11:3010:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available HENRY’S A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because it’s going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929. SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. - Mon. 11 a.m.10 p.m.; Tues.- Fri.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials. ■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com HOLIDAY INN RESORT Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. (910) 256-2231. 1706 N. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com HOPS SUPPLY CO. The combination of chef-inspired food and our craft bar makes Hops Supply Co. a comfortable and inviting gastropub that attracts guests of all types – especially a local crowd who can feel right at home whether ordering a classic favorite or trying a new culinary delight! At HopsCo, we are dedicated to the craft of excellent cuisine and delivering hops in its most perfect form, exemplified by our selection of craft beers. As hops are the heart of flavor for beer, our local seasonal ingredients are the soul of our culinary inspired American fare. 5400 Oleander Dr. (910) 833-8867. ■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday 9:57am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com JOHNNYLUKES KITCHENBAR Good eats, good drinks, and great times is what JohnnyLukes KitchenBar is all about. JohnnyLukes KitchenBar serves Wilmington, NC a variety of 19 rotating craft beers on tap, a hand selected eclectic American wine list, fun cocktails, and of course, exceptional food. Our two-story layout brings the

best of both worlds under one roof. Downstairs at JohnnyLukes KitchenBar pair your beer or wine with our Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop, Chicken Pot Pie, Ribeye, or one of our many main entrees and sharable plates. Or, join us upstairs at JL’s Loft and pair a beer with one of our multiple burgers, JL’s roast beef sandwich, meatball sandwich, or one of our many appetizers (we recommend both!). So next time you are looking for a new and exciting restaurant in Wilmington, NC where you can experience both great craft beer and amazing food, be sure to head over to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar and JL’s Loft! 5500 Market Street, Suite 130. (910)-769-1798 ■ OPEN: JohnnyLukes KitchenBar: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 10pm; JL’s Loft: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.johnnylukeskb.com THE LITTLE DIPPER Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a fourcourse meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433. ■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; Seasonal hours are open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Mondays and Memorial Day-October, 7-9pm ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com MUNCHIES The most unique restaurant in Wilmington is Munchies. Located adjacent to the UNCW campus, Munchies provides a new take on classic American fare. Selling items unavailable anywhere else such as the famous “Fat Sandwiches”, decadent milk shakes, and fried desserts set Munchies apart, while the incredible flavor of traditional items such as burgers and wings make Munchies stand out. Open until 3 am daily, and offering dine in, take out, and delivery options, as well the choice of ordering online, Munchies is a new American classic for todays modern world. Perfect for lunch, dinner or a late night snack, and totally customizable, Munchies makes sure you get your food, your way, all day. 419 S. College Rd., Unit 35, 910-798-4999. Dine in • Delivery • Take out

Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine is offering something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before: True New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations. We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today! Happy Hour Sun.-Thur., 4-6pm. Featuring discounted appetizers and select sushi rolls! Regularly priced menu items only

■ OPEN LUNCH AND DINNER: 12pm - 3 am daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: munchiesfoodco.com PINE VALLEY MARKET Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to

Displayed is our Saketini, the Princess Peach, and behind that (from left to right) is a bowl of Ramen in the Tonkostu (pork) broth. Next to that is our appetizer, Takoyaki, which is an fried round of octopus. Beside that is a Salmon Poke bowl. Beneath is the dinner portion of steak and chicken Hibachi!

260 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 799-6799 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 10pm encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 23

a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com RISE Serving up the best dang biscuits and donuts in Wilmington, Rise is not any typical breakfast spot. Our donut menu includes an assortment of ‘old school, new school, and our school’ flavors; and our buttery, flaky biscuits filled with country ham, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and fried eggplant “bacon” are crave-worthy. Lunch is on the Rise with our new chicken sandwiches on potato rolls and fresh salads. 1319 Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 239-9566 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.- Sun. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com SPOONFED KITCHEN & BAKE SHOP Newly opened Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop is bringing their love for great food and customer service to Wilmington! Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop specializes in creating wholesome, delightful foods to feed your lifestyle. Please join us in our cafe for breakfast, lunch & weekend brunch. We offer coffee

& pastries, great foods to go from our deli & freezer cases (appetizers, salads, entrees & sides), bakery items (scones, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, pies & more), gluten-free bakery items, and specialty market, cheeses & beverage. Catering is also available for all budets from personal to corporate to events. #feedyourlifestyle. 1930 Eastwood Road, Suite 105, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8881. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: www.spoonfedkitchen.com THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken). Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), all-beef, pork smoked sausage (Carolina Packer), Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie. Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or check out our website at www.trollystophotdogs.com. Catering available, now a large portion of our business. All prices include tax. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952 Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921

Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN HIBACHI TO GO Hibachi To Go is a locally owned, family business serving only the freshest ingredients with three locations. We invite you to try our menu items at either our Hampstead drive-thru location, where you can walk-up, take-out, or call in and pick up your meal or our Ogden location with dine-in or take-out options. Our new Wilmington location (894 South Kerr Avenue) offers dine-in, take-out or drive-thru service. We’re convenient for lunch and dinner. Open 7 days 11 am - 9 pm. Our popular Daily Lunch Specials are featured Monday-Saturday for $4.99 with selections from our most popular menu items! We always have fresh seafood selections at Hibachi To Go, like delicious hand peeled shrimp, fresh local flounder and always a fresh catch fillet in-house. We scratch make every item on our menu daily. We offer your favorite hibachi meals and some of our originals like our pineapple won tons. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the most up to date information on Hibachi To Go. Always fresh, great food at a super good price. Hampstead Phone: 910.270.9200. • Ogden Phone: 910.791.7800 Wilmington Phone: 910833-8841 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open 7 days 11am9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, North Wilmington, Hampstead ■ WEBSITE: www.hibachitogo.com INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com 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

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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., 12pm10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.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 finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for wellbeing, 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 www.okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am-9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com SZECHUAN 132 Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch specials ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 7633172. ■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week @ 5PM; Sun-Wed until 10pm, Thurs until 11pm, Fri & Sat until Midnight. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices. Sundays are the best deal

downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert. ■ WEBSITE: www.yosake.com. @yosakeilm on Twitter & Instagram. Like us on Facebook. YOSHI Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine offers something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before. We are seeking to bring true New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations. We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today! 260 Racine Dr, Wilmington 28403 (910)799-6799 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. 12pm-11pm, Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine.com

BAGELS BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is the best spot for breakfast and lunch in Wilmington. Serving traditional New York Style Bagels is our speciality. We boil our bagels before baking them, which effectively sets the crust and produces a perfect bagel made with love. Don’t forget about our selection of custom sandwiches that are always made to order. Try out our breakfast options like The Heart Attack filled with Egg, Country Ham, Bacon, Sausage, and American Cheese, or the EggWhite Dun-Rite with Egg Whites, Avocado, Pepper Jack Cheese, Spinach, and Tomato. Our Boar’s Head meats & cheeses are the perfect accoutrements for assembling the perfect sandwich, every time! Check out our Cuban Chicken Lunch Sandwich, complete with Boar’s Head Chicken Breast, Ham, Swiss, Pickles, Lettuce, Mayo, and Yellow Mustard. You can also make your own! Not in the mood for a bagel? Don’t worry, we have ciabatta bread, croissants, Kaiser rolls, biscuits, wraps, salads, bowls, omelettes, and more! Make your lunch a combo for $1.50 more, and get a small drink, potato salad or chips, and a pickle spear. Visit us at 5906 Oleander Drive or 7220 Wrightsville Avenue right before the drawbridge to Wrightsville Beach. Look out for our third location, coming to Monkey Junction soon!. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, biscuits, croissants, sandwiches, and more! ■ WEBSITE: www.BeachBagels.biz

CARIBBEAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE Tucked in the U-shape of University Landing, a block from UNCW is Wilmington’s fave Caribbean restaurant, serving diners for over nine years. Familyowned and -operated, Jamaica’s Comfort Zone provides a relaxing atmosphere along with a blend of Caribbean delights. Our guests have graced us with numerous compliments over the years: “explosive Caribbean culinary experience”; “every year we are here on vacation—you are our first stop”; “flavors just dance in my mouth.” From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as Brownstew chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and jerk pork, our selections also include many vegetarian and select seafood options. Student meal options are $6.99, and catering options are available. University

THE LITTLE DIPPER www.littledipperfondue.com Landing, 417 S. College Road, Wilmington SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Sat., 11:45am-9pm. Closed Sun. and Mon. NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter

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

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bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide. ■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.) ■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall ■ WEBSITE: www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique familyfriendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops. Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of microbrews included in their 27-tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a

revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm Monday through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor…..Craft Beer, Craft Pizza! ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm; Fri.-Sat., 11 am-Midnight; Sun., noon-10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing. SLICE OF LIFE “Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., 7 days/week, 365 days/year. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South. ■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town! ■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com A TASTE OF ITALY Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City? Look no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years. The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like

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you’re in your mamas’ kitchen. Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and made-from-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.atasteofitalydeli.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

MEXICAN EL CERRO GRANDE In January, El Cerro Grande will celebrate 25 years serving authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine to the greater Wilmington area. With an ever-evolving menu, they have introduced eight new exclusive soft tacos as part of Taco Fiesta! They churn out mouth-watering enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, chef specialties, and more, in a colorfully inviting dining room marked by a friendly staff and attention to detail. Check out El Cerro’s daily drink and food specials at their three different locations, including $3.50 margaritas on Tuesdays off Military Road, on Wednesdays at 341 S. College Road, and on Thursdays at 5120 S. College Road. Mondays feature fajita dinners for 10.99 at all locations, and they even have karaoke every Wednesday at 341 S. College Rd, starting at 6 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner daily. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri., open at

11 a.m.; Sat-Sun., open at 11:30 a.m. ■ LOCATIONS: 341 S. College Rd., 910-793-0035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials. Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.95 on Mondays and Tuesdays at all locations, and every meal is complete. Serving the Port City since1996, folks can dine indoors at the Oleander and both Market Street locations, or dine alfresco at both Market Street locations. 3617 Market St.; 8024 Unit 1 Market St.; 5622 Oleander Dr. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs until 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. until 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Ogden ■ WEBSITE: www.lacostamexicanrestauranwilmington.com

ORGANIC LOVEY’S NATURAL FOODS & CAFÉ Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a true blessing for shoppers looking for organic and natural groceries

201 N Front Street, G-101 Wilmington, NC 28401 910.769.1980

HourS Sun-Thur 11 am-11 pm Fri-Sat 11 am-1 am

Pourtaproom.com/Wilmington Pour Taproom offers you a beer and wine festival every day. Customers have freedom to taste a large variety of craft beer and wine and pay by the ounce. Pour Taproom is in the unique 1911 Murchison Building bank located in the heart of the downtown historic district of Wilmington. The 6,500 square foot taproom offers 70 taps consisting of craft beer, ciders, and wines. The first level has 42 beers on tap and the second floor mezzanine level will have 20 taps dedicated to Wilmington-based breweries, as well as breweries from around North Carolina. The 2-story taproom will offer an assortment of beers ranging from stouts and porters to Belgians and even sour beers and ciders. Taps will rotate frequently so there will always be something new to try both locally and from world-class breweries. Find a beer you cannot leave without? Their Beer Hosts can fill a 32 oz crowler for you to take home. If you prefer wine, enjoy samples of rich reds and crisp whites from inside the original 120 square foot bank vault. Pour Taproom will also be serving a full food menu serving a variety of food priced under $10. Multiple TV’s can be enjoyed throughout the space to catch the latest sporting events. Pour Taproom is a fun and relaxing place to meet up with friends, family, and co-workers to try some world-class craft beers and wines.

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and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a veggie burger, hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar—which has cold, organic salads and hot selections—can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out. The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of delicious juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries organic grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. wheat-free and glutenfree products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also carries Wholesome Pet Foods. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m.. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331. “You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!” ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington in the Landfall Shopping Center ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. ■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.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 its growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to a second location in Porter’s Neck, and coming soon in 2017, their third location in 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: www.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. ■ SERVING DINNER: Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: www.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 for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters. ■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD’S RESTAURANT Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local seafood and more! ■ WEBSITE: www.MikesCfood.com OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH: Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dine on renovated Crystal Pier. ■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com THE PILOT HOUSE The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier

seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. 910-3430200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am9pm, 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 ■ WEBSITE: www.pilothouserest.com SHUCKIN’ SHACK Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910-4587380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-8338622). 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 ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook! ■ WEBSITE: www.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 Monday and Tuesdays. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings. ■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com

ern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered. Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080. ■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.rxwilmington.com

SPORTS BAR CAROLINA ALE HOUSE Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNC W, this lively sportsthemed restaurant. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 South College Road. (910) 791.9393. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington. ■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com JAX 5TH AVE. DELI & ALE HOUSE Locally owned and operated, Jax offers a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming foodies, sports fans, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We provide a full eclectic menu of quality Boar’s Head sliced meat and cheeses, and feature unique items like our smoked salmon deviled egg, a legendary Italian sandwich, and famous pita pizzas that bake up lite and crispy. 20 HDTVs feature premium sports packaging for all the games! Supporting local craft breweries with 24 drafts and over 100 different bottles and cans, enjoy it all inside the shiny silver building or outside on the dog-friendly patio at 5046 New Centre Dr. Carry out: 910-859-7374. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Full menu until 2am daily. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Daily food and drink specials. ■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/ JaxFifthAveDeliAleHouse

A Taste of Award-Winning Seafood VOTED BEST SEAFOOD BY ENCORE, STAR NEWS AND WILMINGTON MAGAZINE READERS!

WITH THREE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU... Monkey Junction 5226 S. College Road Suite 5 Wilmington, NC 28412 910-799-7077 Porters Neck 140 Hays Lane #140 Wilmington, NC 28411 910-681-1140 Waterford 143 Poole Road Belville, NC 28451 910-399-6739

CAPEFEARSEAFOODCOMPANY.COM

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR The Fortunate Glass is an intimate venue showcasing globally sourced wines, plus creative small plates and craft beers. The serene ambiance is created by the beautiful wall mural, elegant glass tile bar, castle rocked walls and intimate booths. There are wines from all regions, with 60 wines by the glass and 350 wines available by the bottle. The food menu consists of numerous small plates, fine cheeses, cured meats and decadent desserts that will compliment any wine selection. ■ SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Tues. - Thur., 4 p.m. - midnight; Fri., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. - midnight. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St. ■ FEATURING: Weekly free wine tasting Tues., 6 - 8 p.m. Small plates, and wine and beer specials. ■ WEBSITE: www.fortunateglass.com

RX RESTAURANT & BAR Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up South-

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ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE 60 BEERS/40 BOURBONS p LOTS OF BBQ p TASTING THEATER CLASSES p ARTISTS & BREWERANIA p SHRINE OF SWINE p LIVE MUSIC p CONTESTS & MUCH MORE!

TICKETS START AT ONLY $25! Proceeds Benefit

WWW.BEERANDBOURBON.COM Please no pets or weapons. Show is rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable & subject to tax. Advance ticket sales close 03/23/18. Please drink responsibly.

28 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEW

CREOLE INSPIRATIONS:

foodtastic events

Soul food hits and misses on Front Street

BY: ROSA BIANCA

f anyone has a hankering for hearty New Orleans-style soul food, Front Street’s newer jazz lounge is a surefire hit to satisfy those taste buds. But a hip bar with swanky cocktails and modern cuisine it is not.

FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: FERMENTAL Saturday, March 3 at 4 p.m.

Formerly Sunny Sushi, the creole-inspired café inarguably harbors one of the best locations downtown. Smack dab in the middle of Front Street, 141 is swarmed with foot traffic at all hours, day and night. Yet, during our visit only a few other customers were in the restaurant. Unfortunately, 141 doesn’t plan to open for lunch until March, so my review will only speak to its dinnertime fare (however, it does serve Sunday brunch). As usual, I did some research before heading mouth-first into a review. Despite having heard nothing about 141, I was pleased to find the majority of online experiences people shared were positive. Yet, our immediate greeting was something to the contrary. We walked in and had to seat ourselves at the bartender-less bar; thereafter, we weren’t approached for nearly 10 minutes. A waiter walked behind us and asked if we needed menus. We also requested a wine list and he nodded. Ten minutes of silence later, the bartender was back and asked about drinks. After being told there was no wine list, she said she could just tell us what reds she had. She disconcertedly flipped around some half empty bottles in the corner and shouted out there was some kind of cab, a pinot and a red blend. Hard pass. I had seen the word “cocktail” in more than one review, so I was looking forward to their lineup. What I saw, instead was a poorly stocked liquor collection where—front and center—were sticky-sweet, neon-hued mixers and an army-like lineup of Aristocrat soldiers. Again, hard pass. My dinner date opted for a simple Tito’s and soda and was pleased after the first sip. My drink was forgotten, despite its only two customers in the entire restaurant. As for the Tito’s, well, how hard is it to pour bubbly water over vodka? Certainly not harder than making a drink on ice, right? Well, I ordered a Bulleit on the rocks and watched the bartender stir a can of ginger beer into my bourbon. It took several times of repeating the phrase “on the rocks” before she realized “Bulleit on the rocks” did not mean I had ordered a Kentucky Mule. At this juncture, it seemed 141 North Front wasn’t necessarily going for the nightlife scene

Fermental 7250 Market St. • Free

SOUTHERN STAPLE: The crab dip at 141 North has gotten high praise from online reviews but could use a boost to match the price point. Photo by Tom Dorgan.

for IPA-guzzling millennials (yes, I’m counting myself), cocktail nerds or winos. Still, its clientale certainly did rave about live jazz entertainment on the weekends. In fact, 141 North identified themselves as being “purveyors of jazz music and excellent Southern cuisine.” My dinner companion pointed out the food’s blatant New Orleans vibe and soon after I spotted crawfish and jambalaya rice. As I continued scanning the dishes, my eyes stopped on chicken Parmesan and a fried-chicken quesadilla. Something seemed off—it wasn’t quite focused on the soul food I expected to see on American Southern menus. As well, the prices were high, with practically every appetizer being $14 and every entrée topping out close to $30. Previous diners had raved about crispy, sweet tea-brined chicken and luxurious crab dip. With N’awlins on my mind, my friend and I ordered crawfish bites to start (the roasted red pepper and jalapeño remoulade caught my eye), along with shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles for our finale. Several minutes later, the bartender returned from the kitchen to inform us they were out of crawfish. So we opted for the crab dip. We agreed to eat it with our drinks and take the entrees home. Fifteen minutes later, out came our boxed entrees and news that our crab dip was slowly behind. We decided to take it to go as well. Flavor-wise, the shrimp and grits were a knockout. Loaded full of butter and cream—as it should be—the decadent dish had a hint of heat

and the grits were sinfully creamy. The shrimp were expertly cooked, but the price point versus the actual shrimp count (the most expensive ingredient in the dish) still left me wondering where all of my dollars had gone. The pineapple and jalapeño cornbread alongside it was equally full of flavor and super moist. It was a comfortfood home run, for sure. I’m sad to say I was less impressed with the remaining dishes. It seems hard to screw up crab, cream cheese and spices, but for $12 (and being an item on nearly every menu in Wilmington), the meager portion size and average flavor disappointed. The crab was pungent and the uneven scallions and diced tomatoes on top felt like a throw-away garnish. I had high hopes for the chicken and waffles, but it fell equally short. The waffle was bland, the Jack Daniels syrup was decent but overly boozy (a phrase I rarely use), and the chicken strips were flavorless and could have passed as frozen. I truly don’t enjoy doling out negative critiques, but 141 North feels out of place. Downtown could certainly use a rad jazz club, but with the food scene here constantly growing and developing, chefs and owners need to make sure menus and service are at the top of their game.

DETAILS:

141 North Restaurant & Lounge

141 N. Front St. • (910) 765-1077 Wed.-Thurs. 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Mon. www.facebook.com/141North

Join Fermental as they celebrate another year of wine and beer. To commend this annual featuring Fermental hosts an afternoon into evening of festivities including: live music, fire performers, giveaways, rare beers, fine wines, and a culinary visit from local food trucks. Live music begins at 4 p.m. with 2 Bros. Coastal Cuisine food truck and features a few Fermental favorites, including Jay Killman, The Swing Shifters, and Boba Funk and a few special guests. Vittles food truck will then arrive at 6 p.m. as the party continues with a visit from a fuzzy pink pig with baskets full of giveaways and hugs. For more information on these and other events visit www.fermental.net.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH OYSTER FESTIVAL

Saturday, March 3 at 12 p.m. Waterman’s Brewing and Pub 1610 Pavilion Place • $35

Come out and enjoy NC’s freshest raw and steamed oysters shucked before your eyes by the NC oystermen (and ladies) who grow them! Live music all afternoon by Folkstone String Band 12 - 2 p.m. & Turquoise Traders 2:30 - 5 p.m. VIP tickets $35 includes all you can eat raw and steamed oysters!

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 | 4:00 P.M. Softball vs. NC State

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 | 7:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs Towson Game sponsored by Clean Eatz

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 | 4:00 P. M. Baseball vs Princeton

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 | NOON

Baseball vs Princeton (doubleheader)

SATURDAY, MARCH 3 | 2:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs Elon Game sponsored by Kickback Jack’s

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 | 1:00 P.M. Baseball vs Princeton

30 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

EXTRA>>BOOKS

CARPE LIBRUM:

Ellery Queen’s mystery novel takes us to Wrighstville “Double, Double,” like many of Agatha Christie’s mysteries, follows an old children’s rhyme, “Tinker, Tailor”: “Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief…” So the book begins with the death of a rich man and makes it through six more murders before Ellery Queen apprehends the killer.

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

ilmington’s literary community keeps gaining accolades (two National Book Awards nominees in 2015) and attention in the press. With multiple established publishers in the state (Algonquin, Blair) and new smaller presses gaining traction (Eno, Bull City), it is timely to shine a light on discussions around literature, publishing and the importance of communicating a truthful story in our present world. Welcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s biweekly book column, wherein I will dissect a current title with an old book—because literature does not exist in a vacuum but emerges to participate in a larger, cultural conversation. I will feature many NC writers; however, the hope is to place the discussion in a larger context and therefore examine works around the world.

Double, Double

By Ellery Queen

Little, Brown, 1950

“The Wrightsville Murders” caught my attention. The headline was splashed across the front on a very 1950’s-looking omnibus edition of Ellery Queen’s mysteries. Obviously I picked it up. Imagine my surprise to discover there is actually another place in America named “Wrightsville”—not just our beloved Wrightsville Beach (re: sarcasm). Admittedly, though the fictional town of Wrightsville is set in New England, in my mind the entire book took place on Wrightsville Beach. Ellery Queen is no longer the household name he once was. His moniker and character had books, radio and TV shows, films, comic books, board games, and Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine is the longest-running fiction digest mystery magazine still published in America. “So who wrote the Ellery Queen books?” Jock asked me. “Ellery Queen was like four or five different people,” I answered. “Ah…” “A shared nom de plume, as it were,” I explained. “Got it.” Jock paused. “Then what is

the name of the sleuth?” “Ellery Queen.” “Hold on, you just said that was the author.” “Yeah, it’s like Kinky Friedman writes detective stories about a man named Kinky Friedman solving crimes. It’s the same thing: the author known as Ellery Queen, who can be any combination of four or five people, writes a mystery solved by a sleuth named ‘Ellery Queen.’”

turn.

Repeatedly, I was surprised my suspect turned out to be the next victim. But I think, more than anything, with the multi-dimensionality of many of the characters, it would be easier to make them into simple one- or two-dimensional caricatures. In surprising and unexpected Set in a small New England village, at ways, the Queen Team deepen and flesh the end of the 1940s, we meet a tough- out a story that could be nothing more ened, world-weary detective with a cer- than a pot-boiler. tain level of cynicism—but it is hiding The book could and should be regarda very soft heart. Queen has an inner ed with the same admiration as Conan sense of honor that drives him, even Doyle’s work and Agatha Christie’s. It is when common sense would advise giv- smart, well-written, clever, and steeped ing up. In “Double, Double,” his soft in a knowledge of literature. Of course, heart is melted by a young lady who ap- part of why I like it so much is the use of pears to have stepped out of the pages Wrightsville and an image that conjures of “Green Mansions” by William Hudson. up very much what life on the island was Perhaps it is part of why I enjoy the book like when I was little. so much. It is filled with references and But the sheer enduring legacy of a homages to great literature. name—Ellery Queen—as a character The premise is the young lady (who and a pen name for almost 100 years, in is actually named Rima, like the char- and of itself, deserves acknowledgment. acter in “Green Mansions”) was the only Once folks read this particular book, child of a frustrated poet who turned to they will understand exactly why. What teaching literature. As a result her world writer would not want to create a charis viewed largely through the lens of the acter (both on the page and even off in classics—until Ellery Queen buys her a this case) that would outlast the creator? hard-boiled detective story to read. The Isn’t it the aim of art? Something that plotting is incredibly intricate; I didn’t transcends generations? Dannay and come close to guessing the solution on Lee passed in 1982 and 1971 respecmy own—and there is a surprise at every tively, but Ellery Queen, and Wrightsville, well, they are immortal.

“OK, got it…” Jock sipped his beer and went back to his email. So, yes, several people wrote under the name “Ellery Queen.” It began with two cousins, Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee. Queen made his first appearance at the end of the 1920s. At different times, he has lived in New York City, traveled around the country, and solved crimes of small and great import. Sometimes he is more of a Sam Spade character. Sometimes he has a secretary who helps/gets him into all kinds of scrapes. Sometimes he helps his father, Inspector Queen, solve cases. Different writers respond to evolving markets that made changes to the world of Ellery Queen. But it is his books set in Wrightsville that I like best.

Monthly magazine made with kids, for kids and by kids.

RESERVE SPACE your space today. Call 910-791-0688 Distributed monthly! encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 31

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

MARCH INTO SPRING

Mar. 9, 1pm: A National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show presented by New Hanover Garden Club & Harbor Island Garden Club Members of: National Garden Clubs, Inc., South Atlantic Region, and The Garden Club of NC, Inc., District 11. New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr.

charity/fundraiser. BURLESQUE NIGHTS

Mar. 3, 10am gates, tasting lasts 11am - 1pm while supplies last. Award ceremony will start at 1pm. Carolina Beach Lake. Entertainment by Idlewild South & The Cut. N Lake Park Blvd.

BOWLING FOR BACKPACKS

Mar. 3, 10am: 6th Annual Bowling for Backpacks hosted by Good Shepherd Center, this fun and family-friendly event also serves as a drive to support those who are homeless within our community. Build your own team of four and win prizes for the most creative name! Each Team is encouraged to bring a new backpack, empty or filled with donations (school supplies, canned food, flipflops etc.). Food and drinks will be available

as well as a raffle with items from Port City Java, Johnny Lukes, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, and more!. Ten Pin Alley, 127 S. College Rd. #1

THIRD DREAM BUILDERS: ARTISTS WHO INSPIRE

Featuring visual art and performances from the amazing teaching artists of DREAMS of Wilmington, a nonprofit dedicated to serving youth in need through high-quality,free-ofcharge arts programming. Exhibit Opening and Reception: March 9, 6pm; performance at 7pm. On display through Apr. 15 in The Ruth & Bucky Stein Theatre at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

music/concerts MUSIC CRUISES

A boat ride at sunset on the river! Join us for a 1.5 hour cruise on the Cape Fear River. Sip a drink from our full bar, enjoy the sights, while listening to music by local musicians. $27. Book: 910-338-3134. Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

CELTIC TENORS

THE CELTIC TENORS

Feb. 28, 7:30pm: With a polished international reputation and just over a million album sales under their belts, The Celtic Tenors offer something truly unique. The skill, range and ability of world-class tenors combined with the personality and fun of genuine performers. The group has performed together for 15 years, and offer more than beautiful voices and musical knowledge. Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson and Daryl Simpson are comfortable in all genres from classical and folk to Irish and pop, they bring you, the audience, on a real musical voyage. The Celtic Tenors have broken new ground by stepping away from their classical roots, and adding a more contemporary edge. With this pioneering approach, they’ve welcomed a wider audience and fostered a fresh and invigorating style which has won them both critical acclaim and so many fans the world over. www.capefearstage.com. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

THE LIGHT UNDER THE SUN & SERENA WILEY

Mar. 1, 6:30pm: Serena Wiley (tenor saxophone/flute/vocals) returns to the Jazz at CAM series with new and continuing members of The Light Under the Sun: Theous Tyrell Jones, drums,Ittai Korman, bass and. Purchase seats on CAM’s website: cameronartmuseum.org. CAM & CFJS Members: $12, Non-members: $2. Students with valid college ID: $10. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 South 17th St.

THE MIDTOWN MEN

Mar. 2, 7:30pm: The original cast from “Jersey Boys” will be bringing their favorite “Sixties Hits” from The Beatles, The Rascals, The Turtles, Motown, The Four Seasons and

34 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CROSSWORD

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

2/25/18

THE NEWSDAY CROSSWORD

Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

TRIO FINALES: Wherein we’ll be short with you by Fred Piscop ACROSS 1 State-run numbers game 6 Shelter adoptees 10 Toms and bucks 15 Crowd around 18 Suffix for sect 19 Reunion attendee 20 Antsy feeling 21 Make a mockery of 22 Part-time degree program 24 Open to bribery 25 Those in favor 26 Part of some freight trains 27 Full of enthusiasm 29 Take a spill 31 Act as lookout for, say 33 Canvas quarters 34 Most lean and muscular 35 2017 World Series winner 38 Solemn procedures 40 Less significant 41 Viewer’s recording medium 43 Goalies’ stats 44 Wool source 47 Ration out 48 Slippery swimmers 49 Recoils 50 Bad half of fiction 51 Hair gel, for instance 52 Woodwind holder 53 Extends across 54 Deserve to get 55 Salty septet 57 Divert, as a train 58 One visiting websites 59 North Atlantic catch 62 Saving Private Ryan studio 66 Twosome 67 Cut down to size

69 Sights near the Colosseum 70 Bart’s brainy sister 72 Inform against 73 Not to be trusted 74 Most born in August 76 Poker pair 80 Sign of things to come 81 Heroic tales 82 Tranquil 83 Long-eared hoppers 84 It means “bad” 85 Leica competitor 86 Transferred nest egg 88 Stranded at a chalet, maybe 90 Exodus 19 locale 91 Fibber’s admission 92 Comparatively cautious 94 Last president with a mustache 95 Teens’ safety org. 97 Venerable 98 Casual eatery 100 Minnesota iron range 104 Blow off steam 105 Smartphone screen array 107 Generic address 110 Instinctive feeling, for short 111 Burn superficially 112 Pinocchio goldfish 113 Paid (up) 114 Env. insert 115 Brother of Zeus 116 Keyboarding error 117 Those in favor DOWN 1 Successful legislation 2 Two-toned treat 3 Stadium level 4 Tolerate 5 Typical solitaire diamond size

Sunday

737 3rd street

$5 Jameson • $4 Irish drafts $2 Domestic (bottles or cans)

TueSday

$4 Yuengling, Red Oak, Harp, Miller Lite & Bud Light Drafts

14 15 16 17 21 23 28 30 32 34 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 49 50 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 61 63

Priest on a base Source of shade Sousaphone kin Streaming appliances Authorities Deal facilitator Pocket fluff Announcement at LAX Stuff served with soup Andy Griffith Show spinoff German autos Under siege Foxx of Ray Influential person Certain proof of purchase Exodus author Sources of shade Shakespearean title females Singer Guthrie Rural structure Sporty auto roofs Just hanging around Renders impure Quipster Office agreement Lower leg French farewell Washington’s subway Goads Yonder yawl Quipster Performed brilliantly Cocoa holders Idyllic place Sandwich staple Winter Olympics gear Billiards bounce Sotomayor appointer True crime series King Ferdinand’s homeland

64 Disney film set in China 65 Sports replay technique 68 Reunion attendee 71 Video arcade pioneer 73 Hindu ascetic 74 __ Land (2016 blockbuster film) 75 Island near Lady Liberty 77 Pennsylvania port

78 79 81 82 83 85 86 87 89 90 92

Uncool one Nine-digit ID issuer Dinner menu selection 42 Down, e.g. Was in charge Science guy __ deGrasse Tyson Falling-out YouTube post Benjamin Mouths off to Have a cameo role?

93 A second time 94 Hint of color 96 Argumentative comeback 98 Hold together 99 Nothing but 101 Green Gables girl 102 Objections 103 “Got it” 106 Snoop group 108 Informal affirmative 109 Product pitches

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

$5 Mimosa $5 Bloody Mary 1/2 Price Wine

Monday

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

hermosa beach, ca 90254

tel. (310) 337-7003

FaX (310) 337-7625

25% OFF Select Irish Whiskey

ThurSday

$3 Pint Guiness • $6 Car Bomb $5 Spiked Lemonade

Friday & SaTurday

Live Music • Select Drink Specials 5607 Carolina Beach Rd. • Monkey Junction (910) 399-3980 FB: @slaintemj encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 35

more.Sensational production reunites Four Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys. Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer star in this one-of-a-kind concert experience celebrating the music that defined the ’60s. Over 600 shows and singing with 31 major symphony orchestras. 90 min. w/intermission. www. capefearstage.com. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St. WSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND JR. STRINGS

Mar. 11, 4pm: Bring the kids and introduce them to the joy and excitement of an orchestra concert featuring the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Steven Errante, and the Wilmington Symphony Junior Strings, conducted by Jane Tierney. General Admission tickets are $6 (plus tax) for adults, free for youth 17 and under, and are available at the Kenan Auditorium Ticket Office one hour prior to each concert. www.wilmingtonsymphony.org/youth-concerts.html. Free for youth 17 an underUNCW Kenan Auditorium, 601 S. College Rd.

RICHARD SMITH AND JULIE ADAMS

Mar. 12, 7pm: From Bach to Beatles and barn-burners to ballads - Passion is guaranteed when world renowned fingerstyle guitarist Richard Smith and cellist Julie Adams join forces. Guitar and cello duo/virtuoso, Richard Smith and Julie Adams, will perform at 7 pm in concert, Monday, March 12, in the parlor at Bellamy Mansion Museum. General Admission Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by contacting slsavia@gmail.com directly. “Strings of gold on guitar met strings of pearls

on cello ... I never knew someone could play a sigh; make that two someones. Incredibly gifted musicians, with wonderfully silly senses of humor and a clear love for what they do, Richard Smith and Julie Adams rang the satisfaction chime at 20, on a scale of one to ten.”Jean Bartlett, The Pacifica Tribune, Pacifica/CA. Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.

theatre/auditions THE WEIR

By Conor McPherson, directed by Phill Antonino, through Mar 24, Fri.-Sat., 7pm. Seating begins at 6pm. Complimentary valet parking. Tickets $18-$42 with discounts for seniors, students, military and groups. In a small bar called The Weir in a rural town in Ireland, three local men are settling down for the night, enjoying good beer and company. Their normal routine is shaken up when their friend Finland enters the bar and introduces them to Valerie, an attractive woman from Dublin who has just moved into an old haunted house in the town. As the night (and the amount of liquor) progresses, each local from the bar starts to tell a tale of ghostly happenings in the town. What starts as innocent braggadocio between the men turns into a real fright when Valerie reveals a real, haunted tale of her own from the past. Examining chances of missed opportunity and the loneliness that results in it, The Weir is a haunting play with its roots in Irish folklore. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

NINE

ONLINE C A L E N D A R

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Go to www.encorepub.com and click on the CALENDAR tab. Click the “Add an Event” button at the top right corner. Fill out the event details and submit!

36 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Book by Arthur Kopit, music and lyrics by features the installation of 10-12 sculptures Maury Yeston. Adaptation from the Italian throughout downtown Wilmington. 2017 proby Mario Fratti. Wed., Feb. 28 – Mar. 4, Mar. gram is made possible through support from 9-11, 8 p.m., or Sun., 3 p.m. World-famous the City of Wilmington, The Artworks, Craige film director Guido Contini is facing both a & Fox LLC, Art in Bloom Gallery, the Dreams mid-life and a marital crisis as he attempts to Center for Arts Education, and the Downtown come up with a plot for his next film. FlashBusiness Alliance. Amy Grant: grantamyn@ backs reveal the substance of his life as he gmail.com, 484-885-3037; or Rhonda Bellaexamines his relationships with the many my: info@artswilmington.org, 910-343-0998. women he has known and as each comes to ART EXPLOSIONS remind him of who he is, why they love him, Closing reception: Feb. 23, 6pm—Jeffery and why he needs them. Based on Fellini’s 8 Geller creates outside-of-the-box art, origi½ , Nine is a celebration of the power of womnal art with paper, clay, paint, wood, and en and the many roles they play in man’s life often found objects. Experience shadow – mother, sister, teacher, temptress, judge, boxes and art explosions outside of shadow nurse, wife, mistress, muse. A score full of boxes. View clay and paper mobiles, mixedpassion, romance, and brio brings this sulmedia collages, paintings, and ceramics. try and enchanting musical to unforgettable Exhibit runs until Feb. 24. Art in Bloom, 210 life. Rich and thrilling night of theatre, Nine Princess St. garnered both the 1982 Tony for Best MusiHOLDING ON TO TRADITION cal and the 2003 Tony for Best Revival. (910) “Holding on to Tradition: A View of Chang632-2285 or online at thalianhall.org. Thalian ing Cultures,” photographer Barbara Michael Hall, 310 Chestnut St. $32. and painter/photographer Evin Leek explore SOUTHERN FRIED BITCH AUDITIONS cultural changes in pre-war Yemen and postSat., Mar. 3, 2-4pm: Celia Rivenbark is back war Guatemala. Through paintings, photowith her fifth show at TheatreNOW and this graphs, and displays of traditional clothing, one is a hoot! Nee Nichols is a cooking show these artists offer a view into the daily lives star whose off-camera antics would make a of two unique cultures. Although they are sailor blush! Add in her philandering husband geographically distanced, both communities and two Kardashian-like kids and you never share a common desire to preserve fading know what’s going to happen with this famtraditions. This exhibition tells the stories of ily. But when Nee’s rivalry with fellow cooking survivors, and gives insight into the challenghost Rose Ravenel heats up, will the network es they face on the brink and in the aftermath be able to put out the fire? (Significant profanof tragedy. On display through April 13. Closity and naughty talk, so be warned!) Show reing reception: March 23. MC Erny Gallery at hearses in May and goes up for eight weeks, WHQR, 254 N. Front St. every Friday and Saturday from June 8-July 28. Paying gig. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. VERONICA’S VEILS Mar. 1, 5:30pm: One of North Carolina’s most Zach Hanner: zach@theatrewilmington.com. honored artists, Herb Jackson has been KING LEAR engaged for nearly forty years in the series Mar. 8-25, 7:30pm and 3pm: Award-winning of paintings titled “Veronica’s Veils.” All the Dram Tree Shakespeare company presents paintings are 60 x 48 inches, and are built William Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” The agup in many layers of acrylic mixed with puming King Lear decides to divide his kingdom ice, which are scraped off as they are being among his daughters, two of whom reward applied. The final outcome is the result of a his generosity by turning him out and seekprocess of discovery similar to the life expeing his death. Lear wanders homeless and rience itself. We will display a selection of destitute as chaos and villainy surround him. works chosen from over 240 paintings proFinally, aided by his one loving daughter, he duced in the suite thus far. CAB Art Gallery begins to understand what it is to be human. Cultural Arts Building UNCW, 601 South ColBuy tickets at www.dramtreeshakes.org or by lege Rd. phone at 800-838-3006. McEachern’s WareBRADLEY CARTER ART RECEPTION house, 121 S. Front St. Mar. 7, 6pm: Join us for a champagne toast and special reception at The District Kitchen & Cocktails to celebrate the abstract expressionist painting of Bradley Carter and our partnership with local restaurants. The exMEET LOCAL ARTISTS hibit “Between You and Me: Painting by BradMeet working artists, and see their works in ley Carter” opens on January 24th and will be progress. Everything from sculptures to fine on view until May 21st. Free and open to the jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, public. 910-769-9300. American Artist, Bradfun for everyone. Over 45 artist’s works to enley Carter is an award winning, international joy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday selling artist who grew up pursuing his pasArt Walks, 6-9pm, 4th Fri. ea. mo. theArtsion for art in Virginia before moving to the Works, 200 Willard St. North Carolina in 2007, where he currently reFOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT sides in Wilmington. He predominately works Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmington’s in the medium of painting with his passion in premier after-hours celebration of art and culAbstract Expressionism, but his works also ture, 6-9pm, fourth Friday of ea. month. Feainclude collage, paint skins, and furniture. tures art openings, artist demonstrations, en1001 N. 4th St. tertainment and refreshments. Administered SYNERGY by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New HaMar. 9, 6pm: Join us for the closing reception nover County, numerous venues participate. of “Synergy: Art by Catherine Porter Brown Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org and Jeff Brown. These two artists come toPED ART gether in a new exhibit. The art presents an Pedestrian Art public sculpture series, a prointeraction and cooperation with a combined gram of The Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC, effect, which is greater than the sum of its

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Eagles Island Cruises

Gift Certificates Available!

Every $25 spent on gift certificates gets you $5 in cat bucks to spend on any cruise.

Visit us on the Riverwalk! 212 S. Water Street

Complete Schedule:

wilmingtonwatertours.net

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

W I N N E R

910-338-3134

info@wilmingtonwt.com

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

North or South bound 50 min Narrated Cruise $12 per person 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 battleship to see wildlife and learn about the eco history of the area, and odd hours travel south on the river going down towards the state port..... do both ways for 1 hour 40 min for $23

Early Flight Excursion

(previously known as Black Water Adventure)

With the new name comes an earlier departure time

9am - $27 on Friday & Saturdays only

Earlier time gives us a better chance to see more of our fine feathered friends. Relax and start your day with a fresh brewed cup of joe or the best bloody mary on the river or something else from our full bar. First one is March 16th This cruise is approx 1 hr 45 min encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 37

parts. The art exhibit runs until March 10, 2018. Art in Bloom Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm or by appointment. The gallery is open until 9 pm on Fourth Friday Gallery Nights. 210 Princess St. FUN AND FEARLESS WATER COLOR

Mar. 13, 10am: For a beginner or as a refresher course we will learn the basic water color techniques including: color mixing, washes, brushwork, masking, sponging and working from a photo or from your imagination. All materials provided. Carolina Beach Recreation Center, Town Hall

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS

Come on out for two hours of energetic, contemporary American country dancing with live music by Box of Chocolates band—fiddle, percussion, guitar, dulcimer, bass, mandolin and more! Dress cool & comfortable, soft-soled shoes. All ages. 2nd/4th Tues, 7:30pm. United Methodist, 409 S. 5th Ave.

LINE DANCING CLASS

The Dance Element presents classes for adults and seniors w/Sheryl Pacelli on Mon., 1-2pm, in the Ogden Business Park. No previous experience Is necessary; no advance enrollment required. Drop in for inrto session which runs 7 weeks through Mar. 19. $7-$35. www.thedanceelement.com. 7211 Ogden Business Ln. #205

CAPE FEAR SWING DANCE SOCIETY

Mar. 3, 7pm: Come out and swing into spring with the Cape Fear Swing Dance Society at Ironclad Brewery. No partner or experience necessary! All are welcome! 1/2 hour beginner lesson starting 7pm. Open swing and lindy hop at 7:30. $5 suggested donation. Ironclad Brewery, 115 N 2nd St.

comedy OPEN MIC

The 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. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www.jugglinggypsy.com.

COMEDY BINGO

Brent Blakeney headlines comedy bingo at Dead Crow, Tuesday nights, 8pm. Free show featuring the best comics from all over the Southeast, all while playing bingo along with the words they say! Win prizes and enjoy discount tacos! Hosted by Louis Bishop with in-booth side kick comedian Lew Morgante. Dead Crow Comedy Club, 265 N. Front St.

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

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

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

PRIMETIME COMEDY

Come see some of North Carolina’s best stand-up comedians in a world class venue! This month our super talented performers are: 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.

COMEDY IN HELL

Feb. 21, 9pm: Join us at Hell’s Kitchen for Comedy Night! Show starts at 9pm. Free. Hell’s Kitchen-Wilmington, 118 Princess St.

CAROLINA COMEDY CUP

Wed. 9pm: Comedy King of the Carolina’s, Louis Bishop, will be bringing the Carolina Comedy Cup to the Lazy Pirate again this year. Louis started this well-anticipated Comedy Show here over 6 years ago and it is now the longest-running independent Comedy Competition in the Carolinas. More than 50 aspiring comics will be competing for beloved CCC Trophy and a grand prize of $500. For more details on the show and how to compete contact Louis Bishop. www. facebook.com/louisbishopcomedy. Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill, 701 N Lake Pk Blvd.

LUCKY JOE COMEDY SHOW

Mar. 3, 8pm: First Sat. ea. month is free comedy show at Lucky Joe Craft Coffee on College Road presented by Regretful Villains. The show features a new style of stand-up called Speed Joking. Come enjoy a night of laughs and find your Comedic Soulmate! 1414 S College Rd.

COMEDIAN HENRY CHO

Mar. 8, 7:30pm: Hilarious and family friendly, Henry Cho takes gentle aim and goes right for the funny bone. You may recognize Cho from his appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late Show and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. His one hour Comedy Central special, What’s That Clickin Noise? Is currently running and you can also hear him on Sirius XM and Blue Collar Radio. Don’t miss this night of laughter! Tickets are $22-$40 plus taxes and fees. Visit www. thalianhall.org for more information; www. thalianhall.org. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut St.

museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM

State of the Art/Art of the State: (through July 8): Focusing on contemporary art by artists currently living in, or native to, the state of North Carolina. Artists bring a single work of art to be installed in the museum, delivering the work within 24‐hour period. No fee. During this time frame, four curators from North Carolina institutions greet each artist and talk about their work. The design of this project provides any participating artist equal opportunity to meet a significant curator working in the field of contemporary art today. CAM organized with a visual schematic for reference to the over 600 intensely installed artworks. • CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar, 5pm-9pm. Tues.-Sun., 11am2pm; Thurs. nights, 5pm-9pm 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

WB Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach.

38 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Visitors to the cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environment which have shaped the 100 year history of WB. (910) 256-2569. 303 W. Salisbury St. www. wbmuseum.com. WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and 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. The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St.

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

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

BELLAMY MANSION

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (18211907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building

and courtyard. 3rd/Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. 910-762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com. CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

See NC through the eyes of Wilmington-born photographer Hugh MacRae Morton (19212006). His captivating images will be featured in the traveling exhibit “Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective,” is now open at Cape Fear Museum. The exhibit is on loan from the UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives and will be on view through September 2018. To create Photographs by Hugh Morton, Stephen Fletcher, photographic archivist at UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, selected images from the library’s collection of Morton’s estimated quarter-million negatives and transparencies. Shows experiences as a photojournalist; as a soldier in the Pacific Theater during World War II; and as owner and operator of Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction in Linville. Exhibits more than 50 images feature dozens of his lesser known or unpublished photographs, as well as some classics. Will feature brochures, postcards and prints. CF Museum, 814 Market St.

EXPO 216

Newly opened exhibit feat. end-of-life issues. Enter Grandma’s House and address the elephant in the room. Pick up an advance directive. Review the History of Hospice . Contemplate individual responses of compassion in the arena. Wed.-Sun., noon-6pm. 216 N Front St. www.expo216.com.

kids stuff STORY EXPLORERS

Cameron Art Museum, every Thurs., 1010:30am: Admission by donation. Bring your infant, toddler or preschooler for story time, gallery exploration and an art project! georgia@cameronartmuseum.org for more info. 3201 S. 17th St.

LITTLE EXPLORERS

Thurs. and Sat., 10am: Meet your friends in Museum Park for fun hands-on activities! Enjoy interactive circle time, conduct exciting experiments, and play games related to a weekly theme. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers every Friday. Free! Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

AERODYNAMICS FUN

Kids ages 6 to 13 are invited to build and test a variety of paper airplanes at this free library program. They’ll learn about the four forces of flight (lift, weight, thrust, and drag) as they observe the performance of different airplane designs. How far will it fly? How accurately will it land? Will it loop-the-loop? No registration is required for this free program for kids ages 6 to 13. Meaghan Weiner: mweiner@ nhcgov.com/910-798-6385.

SATURDAY STORY HOUR

Miss Shannon will lead interactive story hours for kids ages 3-6 on the first and third Saturdays of May at the Main Library in downtown Wilmington. Saturday Story Hour is free and no pre-registration is needed. Opens with a picture book and end with a project or activity at the end, and include time to play, learn, and laugh in between. Ea. child should bring a participating adult. Shannon Vaughn: 910-798-6303. svaughn@nhcgov.com. 201

Chestnut St. FRENCH PLAYGROUP

plies required; please contact the Community Enrichment office at 910-362-7199 for a supply list. Wilmington Campus. 12 hours. $70. CFCC, 411 N. Front St.

Thurs., 10am: Chantez! Jouez! Rencontrez des nouveaux amis! Sing, play, and meet new friends at French Playgroup at the main BASEBALL PITCHING CAMP Coastal Athletics pitching clinic on Sat., Feb. library! Informal hour where young kids and 24, 3-6pm. Ages: 8-12 welcome. Price: $60. parents/caregivers can hear and try out some 2049 Corporate Dr. 910-452-5838! Coastal French words. Free and no advance registraAthletics, 2049 Corporate Dr. South. tion is needed. Main Library Children’s Room at 910-798-6303 or sdemarco@nhcgov.com. LEGO BUILDING NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St. Mar. 7, 3:30pm: Ready, Set, Build! Kids ages 5-10 are invited to create their own Lego verHALYBURTON LITTLE EXPLORERS sion of a theme. This popular activity is free Birds: Our Feathered Friends, Thurs, 3/8, 10but space is limited, so registration is re11am, or Fri, 3/9, 10-11am, or 11:30-12:30pm; quired, on the library’s calendar or by calling ABCs of Nature, Thur, 3/22, 10-11am, or Fri, 910-798-6385. Meaghan Weiner at mwein3/23, 10-11am or 11:30-12:30pm; It Starts er@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6385. NHC Pleawith a Seed: Thurs, 4/5, 10-11am, or Fri, 4/6, sure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd. 10-11am or 11:30-12:30pm; Oh My Deer: Thurs, 4/19, 10-11am, Fri, 4/20, 10-11am or SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING 11:30-12:30pm. Pre-reg rqd for programs: Mar. 7, 4pm: Ages 3 and up. Enjoy a brief www.halyburtonpark.com presentation about the live animals on display in the Events Center and then watch BARGELLO QUILTING CLASS them feed. At least one snake and a turtle will Through 3/15, 5:30-8:30pm: Room A-314. be fed during the demonstration. Pre-regisQuilting is a heritage craft with a rich and tration required for all programs. Register onvaried history, influenced by many cultures line at www.halyburtonpark.com. Halyburton and individual quilters. Besides providing Park, 4099. S. 17th St. warmth as functional household items, quilts feature vivid patterns and scenes which often PRESCHOOL MATH AND SCIENCE offer a glimpse into the time period in which Mar. 8, 3:30pm: Play, learn and explore math they are made. Bargello quilts feature colorand science concepts at this interactive ful flame-like patterns similar to the embroistorytime, which includes hand-on science dery technique of the same name of Italian experiments and exploration stations. The and Hungarian origin. In this course you will program is designed for children ages 3 to construct a throw-sized quilt top (54”x75”) 6, and each child must be accompanied by using the No Measure Bargello Pattern which an adult. It’s free, but space is limited and is easy enough for the “advanced beginner”; preregistration is required on the calendar it should not be your first quilt unless you at www.nhclibrary.org. Raquel Fava (rfava@ already have good sewing knowledge. Sup-

nhcgov.com) or Krista Dean (kdean@nhcgov. com) at 910-798-6368. NHC Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 South College Rd.

outdoors/recreation NC BIRDING TRAIL

Ea. mo. we explore different sites along the NC Birding Trail in the Coastal Plain. Each hike will be appx 2 mi. Transportation from Halyburton Park included. Wrightsville Beach Thurs 12/21, 8am-noon; ages: 16 and up. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

BLACKWATER ADVENTURE CRUISE

Two-hour cruise up the Northeast Cape Fear River, still largely unchanged and underpopulated as it was when Wilmington was colonized in the late 1600’s. Cruising through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the Bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation. A narrated cruise based of the history and ecology of the area. 910338-3134. ILM Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

HARBOR CRUISE

Weds, 3pm: Set sail on the Shamrock for a cruise around Wrightsville Beach’s Harbor Island—the island which separates the barrier island of the beach proper from the mainland. Locations of historical, ecological and cultural note will be featured. Learn what year the first buildings on Wrightsville Beach were built. Additionally, learn about the different types of marsh grasses, shorebirds, and fish we have teeming in the water surrounding the beach. RSVP rqd. $15-$25. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

FIRST FRIDAY BIRD HIKES

Mar. 2, 9am: Ages: 5/up—Join park staff

for a leisurely bird-watching stroll around Halyburton Park. We’ll search for migrants, winter residents and point out year-round bird species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome. Pre-reg. rqd. for all programs. Register online at www.halyburtonpark.com. Halyburton Park, (910) 341-0075 or andy.fairbanks@wilmingtonnc.gov. 4099. S. 17th St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BIATHLON

Mar. 10, 9am: Presenting the 8th annual Wrightsville Beach Biathlon! This unique race combines stand up paddleboarding with running and is all about our community and the people and businesses that support it. Race is as follows: A 4 mile standup paddleboard segment followed by a 4.5 mile run on the beach benefiting North Carolina Coastal Federation. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

BARK IN THE PARK

Sat., Mar. 10, 10am-1pm: Each Bark in the Park is a dog-centric event in partnership with Capeside Animal Hospital and Furever Friends Animal Rescue to offer a free rabies clinic to Leland Residents. The event also features local dog centric businesses and a dog adoption. Leland Municipal Park, 102 Town Hall Dr.

UPWA MELTDOWN 2018

Mar. 10, 7pm: one, the only, the best prowrestling on the East Coast returns to the National Guard Armory in Wilmington, when UPWA presents Meltdown 2018 After the chaotic events of last show, we have a new Heavyweight Champion in LA Tank. The win was not without controversy as Team Sexxy helped Tank to the victory. Papa Stro wants

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revenge against all three so he will team with but we encourage bringing in some of your 6:05 Crew to take on LA Tank and Team own materials that you can include into your Sexxy. After protests from Sean Cruise, he paper—such as flat mementos and plants. will get a rematch with Victor Andrews. CaroSee samples on our Facebook and website. linas Champion Matt Jaeger will defend his Adult and children classes held on Sat., title. Also appearing: Mikal Mosley, Hang2pm. Sign up: www.alunaworks.com. Aluna tyme, War Horse, Eddie Brown and the other Works, 603 Castle St. superstars of the UPWA! Tickets: www.the- POWER YOGA upwa.com. Kids are $5 with a paying adult. Join us for power yoga on Sundays at Capt’n National Guard Armory, 2221 Carolina Beach Bill’s, 3pm. Drop in fee of $8. Bring your Rd. own mat. 4240 Market St. NATURE IN A NUTSHELL

classes ART CLASSES

Lois DeWitt art classes, $100/4 (two-hour). Meditative Drawing: Wed., 10am and 2pm. • Thurs. and Fri, 5pm: Art it up—Nice and Easy! • Sat. 10am: Learn how to pour color shapes and define them with drawing. • Mon, 10am/2pm: Collage Magic • Tues, 10am and 2pm: Draw With Colored Pencils. All materials provided. www.free-online-artclasses.com (click on Wilmington Art Classes).910-547-8115 or loislight@bellsouth.net

NEW BASIC YOGA CLASSES

Meet at grassy area next to picnic shelter #2 (by restrooms). Our nature themes will be brought to life through stories, songs, games, hikes, and other hands-on activities. Please dress for the weather (including closed-toe shoes) to be ready for outdoor fun! Whether the Weather be Cold, Sat, 2/10, 10-10:30am; Dino Dig, Sat, 2/24, 10-10:30am; Birds: Our Feathered Friends, Sat., 3/10, 10-10:30am; ABCs of Nature, Sat., 3/24, 10-10:30 am; It Starts with a Seed, Sat., 4/7, 10-10:30am; Oh My Deer!, Sat. 4/21, 10-10:30am. Pre-reg rqd for all programs: www.halyburtonpark. com. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

At the Midtown YMCA are happening now! ESSENTIALLY LIVING Grab a delish cup of tea or coffee from Old Join me on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm for North Coffee and Join us for this free class a challenging and relaxing way to end your on learning how to incorporate essential oils day. See the schedule for a full list of classes. into your life and home for a more natural lifeFree with YMCA Membership or $10 drop-in. style. We will introduce you to CPTG oils & Temple Baptist Church Activity Center, 709 teach you the different ways to use them. Old George Anderson Dr. North Coffee, 1207 S. Kerr Ave Ste. 1

PAPERMAKING CLASSES

Wed., 6pm: Adults explore different paper- CFCC CLASSES Stress/Pain Management: Through 3/26, making techniques so you can make each Mondays 9-10:30am: WA-1045. Practicing sheet of paper unique. All materials included,

mindfulness allows you to bring awareness to what is going on in your mind and body at any given moment, helping you to slow down and live your life more fully. Learn how to become more focused, present and relaxed regardless of what is going on in your life! Wilmington Campus. 9 hours. $75. Use course code 98373 to register, www3. cfcc.edu/cesched. • Yoga Over 50: Through 3/26, Mon., 11am-12:30pm: WA-1045. Want to do something about that achy, stiff body that crept up on you somewhere along the way? Or want to avoid getting that way? Are you recovering from or coping with acute or chronic pain or illness? Try Yoga Over 50 to help you stay at your best. Pre-requisite: ability to get up and down off the floor. Wilmington Campus. 9 hours. $75. Use course code 98374 to register at www3.cfcc.edu/ cesched. • Yoga for All Levels,Through 3/26, Mon., 1-2pm: WA-1045. Take a break from your busy day! Step out of auto pilot, re-connect, renew and enjoy this alignmentbased All-Levels Yoga class. We will move from seated stretching through invigorating standing poses into calmness and relaxation. Poses, integrated with the breath, will be presented with options for varying levels of challenge to meet the needs of all, regardless of Yoga practice experience. This class will “just enough” for a mid-day refresher! Wilmington Campus. 6 hours. $55. Cape Fear Community College, 411 N. Front St. ARAMAICISM

Free workshop on health and healing, with doctorates in Naturopathic Medicine and in Holistic Philosophy. The focus of Dr. Ryce’s studies has combined “bodymind” princi-

ples, physics and ancient Aramaic studies into a unique body of pioneering work in the fields of self-healing, healing through relationships, anger and grief resolution, world peace and the inner process of forgiveness. Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave. INTRO TO PROPOSAL WRITING

Feb. 28, 2pm: Free class to learn about Foundation Directory Online, the major national search tool for philanthropic funding, which is available for use at no charge using NHC Library computers in Library buildings. Workshop covers how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation that makes grants to nonprofit organizations. Learn the basic elements of a proposal, “dos” and “don’ts” of writing and submitting a proposal, and how to follow up whether the answer is “yes” or “no.” Register on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or 910-798-6301. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

INTRO TO BLOGGING

Feb. 28, 3pm: Free library workshop will help you get started blogging. Topics include an explanation of what blogs are and how people find them, free software available online for publishing your blog attractively, and basic blogging tips. Free but space is limited. www.NHCLibrary.org or 910-798-6371. Annice Sevett at asevett@nhcgov.com or 910798-6371. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

ADULT CRAFTERNOONS

Mar. 5, 2:30pm: Adult Crafternoons is a new monthly meet-up for adults who enjoy crafting. Drop in on the first Monday afternoon of every month at the Northeast Library. A

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40 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

different usable craft project will be featured each month. Free Library program, with all supplies provided by a Friends of NHC Library LEAD Award. To make sure you have a seat and enough supplies, please reserve your spot on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6371. Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. METAL AND WIREWORK JEWELRY

Mar. 6, 10am: Metal and wire work jewelry classes held on scheduled Tuesdays, 10:00am-12noon at the Hannah Block Community Arts Center at 2nd and Orange Streets. $30.00/2hr class (includes all supplies and tools for use in class). Pre-reg: Karen Keffer Pridemore, takeyourpickdesigns@ yahoo.com. Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second St.

START YOUR OWN CRAFT BIZ

Mar. 6, 1pm: Have you considered starting your own craft business? Come to this class and learn about the online resources available through NHC Library that can help you follow your dream. Session will look at Gale Courses and Gale Small Business Builder. These resources are free with an NHCPL library card. Library workshop is free but space is limited. To make sure you have a seat, register on the calendar at www. NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

RECONNECTIVE HEALING WORKSHOP

Mar. 6, 7pm: Reconnective Healing is a return to an optional state of balance, wholeness and vitality. It’s tangible, measurable… you can actually feel it! It brings about heal-

ings that are often instantaneous and tend to last for the person’s lifetime. And the only tools required are your consciousness and presence. Playfully engage with this comprehensive spectrum of energy, light and information. Learn how you too can begin to access this new level of healing. Joan Fowler is an Associate Instructor and Teaching Assistant with Dr. Eric Pearl, author of The Reconnection. Suggested love offering of $15. Unity of Wilmington, 717 Orchard Ave. MEDITATIVE DRAWING

Mar. 7, 9:30am: From beginning to advanced students alike this simple drawing method not only calms and comforts, but also creates inspirations images that impart tranquility when viewed again and again. All materials provided. Carolina Beach Recreation Center, Town Hall

FINISH IT YOUR LIBRARY

Mar. 7, 4pm: Do you knit, crochet, needlepoint, or enjoy another craft? Got unfinished projects lurking in your closets? Bring a project to the library and work on it with other crafty people, on the first Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm. This library group is free and no reservations are needed. Annice Sevett at asevett@nhcgov.com or 910-7986371. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

ACRYLIC PAINTING

Mar. 8, 10am: All participants welcome to attend. Learn about color mixing along with light and shadow combinations. We will work from design and photos while learning about the materials, paints, canvases, palettes and mediums. Materials list available at the rec-

reational center desk. Carolina Beach Recreation Center, Town Hall MAMA & ME WITH CHASING SOL YOGA

Mar. 8, 11am: Alyssa, owner of Chasing Sol Yoga at The Bump and Beyond for and 6-week Mommy and Me yoga series. March 1st-April 5th: Thursday’s at 11am, enjoy an hour to connect to your body, breath and baby! For babes ages 6 weeks- crawlers! Cost for 6 weeks, $60/10 spots available. Drop-in rate in there are spots open, $12. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

tbishop@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd. BASIC YOGA

Mar. 13, 6pm: Basic Yoga is a challenging and relaxing way to end your day! Classes are taught at the level of the participants, modifications are given for those who need it, and mats and props are available for use. Classes are taught on alternating Tuesdays by Wendi Epps and Steve Unger. Free for YMCA members; $10 for drop-ins. YMCA MIdtown, George Anderson Dr.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD

Mar. 8, 6pm: Free informative workshop, presented by The Hill School of Wilmington, was created to educate parents on steps they can take to help ensure a smooth transition into high school and post-secondary education. Strategies to empower learning disabled students will be discussed with the goal of giving them the confidence and skills needed to succeed in high school and beyond. Castle Branch/Tek Mountain, 1844 Sir Tyler Dr.

lectures/literary BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will host free Begin the Conversation clinics from 10-11 a.m. the third Fri. of ea. mo., Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center, 1414 Physicians Dr. Free, 18 and older, will provide attendees information and resources to think about and plan for future healthcare decisions. Attendees will receive specific strategies for initiating conversations that can significantly reduce family stress and improve quality of care. Advance directives supplied so healthcare instructions can be legally documented. Jason: 910-796-7943. jason. clamme@lcfh.org.

TECH TUESDAY

Mar. 13, 1pm: If you’re needing help with any of the basic functions of your smartphone or tablet, bring it to Tech Tuesday at Pleasure Island Library. We can help you get more comfortable with whatever device you own, from Androids to Apples, at this basic overview class. Topics for the workshop will include parts of the device, notifications, and preloaded apps. This hands-on workshop is free but space is limited. To make sure you have a seat, register on the calendar at www. NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6385. Pleasure Island Manager Teresa Bishop at

LET’S TALK BOOKS

Join a different kind of book club! Weekly meeting, Wed., 11am, offers book lovers a chance to meet and compare notes about favorite books and authors. Attendance is free and advance registration is not need-

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ed, just drop in! Teresa Bishop at tbishop@ nhcgov.com / 910-798-6385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd. FEMME SPEAK OUT

Mar. 2, 7pm: Femme Speak Out is a powerful open mic/showcase for women and femmes to speak out in a safe space in forms of poetry, comedy, song, monologue, or rant. Pre-opening celebration in Athenian Press & Workshops’s brand new space! Special guests, music, and other artists to be announced soon. Admission $5. creative@ athenianpw.org . Athenian exists to provide spaces for marginalized voices, especially people of color and queer folk. Athenian Bookstore & Lounge, 2231 Wrightsville Ave.

GENRE BOOK CLUB

Mar. 8, 1pm: Genre Book Club members will share reviews of Historical Fiction at their March meeting. Readers are invited! Instead of all reading the same book and discussing it, Genre Book Club members each pick their own book to read from the genre announced for the month, and everyone reports at the meeting. The goal is to add to your list of books you might want to read. Annice Sevett at asevett@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

SPOKEN WORD JAZZ

Mar. 10, 7:30pm: Stories, Poems, Percussion—a spoken word/jazz poetry performance featuring Chapel Hill poet Clark Holtzman and Durham drummer David Shore. Storytelling and poetry combined with jazz, hip-hop and R&B beats. With special guests William Shakespeare, Lord Byron, W.B. Yeats, C.S. Lewis, Walt Whit-

man, e.e. cummings, William Carlos Williams, Michael S. Harper, John Coltrane & Smokey Johnson. General admission: $22. Student & senior: $10. Tickets available online at www.ThalianHall.org. Sound clips at www.soundcloud.com/clark-holtzman. Contact: choltzman@runbox.com. Tickets: www. thalianhall.org. Ruth and Bucky Stein Studio Theatre at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. THINGS WE DO WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING

Mon. Mar. 12, noon: Discussion with author Philip Gerard and Ben Steelman of Wilmington’s StarNews. Philip Gerard was born in 1955 and grew up in Newark, Delaware. He earned his B.A. in English and Anthropology from the University of Delaware. He went on to earn his M.F.A. in Creative Writing to then immediately join the staff at Arizona State University as a Visiting Assistant Professor - later to become the Writer in Residence. He taught briefly at Lake Forest College in Illinois before coming south to coastal North Carolina. He currently teaches at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the B.F.A. and M.F.A. programs and has won the Faculty Scholarship Award, the College of Arts & Science Teaching Award, The Chancellor’s Medal for Excellence in Teaching, and many other awards during his time with the university. MC Erny Gallery at WHQR, 254 N. Front St.

clubs/notices LA LECHE LEAGUE

Sat., 10am, meetings are informal and open to pregnant women, mothers, babies and

children. If you have questions or just would like to meet other breastfeeding mothers, this is the meeting for you. La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Bump & Beyond, 4712 New Centre Dr. #106. NHC HAZWAGON

New Hanover County encourages residents to safely dispose of toxic materials with its new mobile collection unit, the HazWagon. stationed various days at three different locations in New Hanover County to collect household hazardous waste and electronics free of charge. Residents can bring items to the following locations each week: Mon., 10am-2pm, at Ogden Park ball fields; Wed., 10am-2pm at Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex in the Farmers’ Market field by the recycle center; Fridays at Carolina Beach Mike Chappell Park (in the south side of the park across from the tennis courts), 10am-2pm.

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC

Format of Magic: The Gathering tournaments, held on Friday nights in gaming stores and associations all across the world. They are designed to be a beginner-friendly introduction to organized play. Standard format. $6 fee paid towards prize support for event. Prizes are a pack per win and also if you complete all 4 rounds. Event begins at 7pm, reg. begins at 6pm. Arrive early for event reg. Free play, $6 entry fee first FNM Free. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander

Dr., Ste D. POKEMON LEAGUE

On Sunday evening learn to play the Pokemon Trading Card game, battle and trade in the video games, or enjoy the store’s Pokemon Go Pokestop. Ages are welcome to our family friendly environment. www.facebook.com/groups/CFGPokemon. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D

BIRTH CIRCLE

Every 3rd Sat. come for our Birth Circle, something always different every month. Check out website for more details of what we have in store this month & exact time of each event! www.thebumpandbeyond.com. Bump & Beyond, 4712 New Centre Dr. #106.

CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM

We explore God using the methods and guidance of Moses, Jesus, the prophets and a rich sampling of delightful saints including Theresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart and Thomas Aquinas. We will meet twice a month for fellowship, poetry, instruction in spiritual practices, group meditations and playful spiritual fun. First and third Sundays of each month, 2pm. Parking on 15th St. Respond to me, John Evans, at insightbuilders@gmail. com. Morning Glory Coffeehouse, 1415 Dawson St.

WILMINGTON FENCING CLUB

Adults meet Tues/Thurs, 7:45-9pm, and Youth meet Wed, 6:45-7:45pm. Class is open to the community, beginners welcome, and all equipment is provided! Sessions are 6 weeks long and the cost is just $5 per class! Fencing incorporates agility, strength, coordination, balance, and timing. In fenc-

Wine Blending Event SUNDAY, MARCH 4th Call to reserve space, limited space 12:30 PM $35/per person includes cheese & chocolate fondue, wine and gratuity

Become a winemaker for a day & compete with other teams to recreate this unique, bold red blend using the four DECERO wines that make up The Owl & The Dust Devil 138 South Front Street • Downtown • Reservations Encouraged • 910.251.0433 • www.littledipperfondue.com 42 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

ing, physical ability is just as important as Saturday, March 3rd at Independence Mall, having a strong mental edge. Competitors of 3500 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC. Over a fencing match wear protective gear includ100 antique cars. Pre-registration $15 or ing a jacket, glove, and head gear. Sport of $20 on day of show. Registration 9-11:30, fencing features three different levels, which judging at noon, and trophies at 3pm. Modiare categorized by the type of weapon used fied cars are welcome. Trailer parking is in each level. The weapons used include the also available. Registration form on website epee, foil, and the saber. Fencing is an aeroat capefear.aaca.com. Ashby at 910-612bically challenging sport. In order to condi0470 or Matt at 910-471-0797. Show is open tion one’s body, initial fencing training conto public for free. Independence Mall, 3500 sists of challenging conditioning exercises. Oleander Dr. Express YMCA, 11 S. Kerr Ave. N. BRUNSWICK NEWCOMERS ATHENIAN AT LARGE Mar. 9: Meet-and-Greet gathering will begin Sun., 3pm: Athenian Press & Workshops is at 9:30 am with snacks and refreshments. reintroducing its At Large series. Every SunThe meeting will follow at 10 am. Guests day, we will hold a town-hall style community who live in Brunswick County are welcome meeting in which woman and femme creators to attend. Speaker for the day will be Robin (artists, writers, arts entrepreneurs, etc.) are Triplett, who is a retired social studies teachinvited to discuss current events. Provides er from New Hanover County. Robin grew up an opportunity to connect with fellow crein Wilmington and loves teaching U.S. Hisators and survivors of marginalization, and it tory and to share the history of the Cape Fear offers a forum to use writing as healing. Each Region with anyone who is interested. Robweek the Athenian team invites its guest to in’s passion for her material is contagious. participate in a writing prompt at the end of She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes the meeting. Following will be Athenian Yoga to Wilmington and its rich history. Many who with Heather Gordy, who curates a practice are new to the area might have already exthat allows guests to decompress, explore perienced one of the wonderful tours that creativity, and reflect upon the discussion Robin provides of Downtown Wilmington or (although both events can occur indepenOakdale Cemetery. Featured speaker will be dently if guests cannot attend both). PomeRobert J. Cooke. Mr. Cooke is a New Yorkgranate Books, 4418 Park Ave. er by birth and an avid historian by nature. Like many who live in the area Mr. Cooke FEMME SPEAK OUT relocated to Wilmington upon his retirement. Mar. 2, 7pm: Femme Speak Out is a powerful Cooke is a former tour guide at several Cape open mic/showcase for women and femmes Fear area historical sites and continues to to speak out in a safe space in forms of poexpand his knowledge of the local Civil War etry, comedy, song, monologue, or rant. history. NBNC is a social club open to all Pre-opening celebration in Athenian Press adults living in Brunswick County. We meet & Workshops’s brand new space. Special the second Friday of each month from Sepguests, music, and other artists to be antember through June. Meetings feature one nounced soon. $5. creative@athenianpw. or more speakers who focus on familiarizing org. Athenian exists to provide spaces for members with the area’s culture, history, marginalized voices, especially people of lifestyle and volunteer opportunities, as well color and queer folk. Athenian Bookstore & as topics of general interest and special loLounge, 2231 Wrightsville Ave. cal programs and events. Membership dues HOBBY GREENHOUSE TOUR are only $12.50 from February through June, Mar. 3, 9am: Free, self-guided tour of local per household. Leland Cultural Arts Center, greenhouses presented by Wilmington Hob1212 Magnolia Village Way by Greenhouse Club. A list of greenhouses on the tour and driving directions will be available at the New Hanover County Arboretum. More information is available at www. hobbygreenhouseclub.org and by calling FERMENTAL (910) 619-0942. The Arboretum, 6206 OleFree tasting every Friday, 6pm. Third Wed. ander Dr. of each month feat. musical and brewing talAACA AUTO SHOW ents alongside an open mic night, as well as Mar. 3, 9am: Cape Fear Chapter AACA will the opportunity for homebrewers to share, hold its 46th Annual Antique Auto Show on

sample, and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage. PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer styles. • Mar. 3, 4pm: Fermental celebrates 5 years of wine and beer with live music, fire performers, giveaways, rare beers, fine wines, and a culinary visit from local food trucks. Jay Killman, The Swing Shifters, and Boba Funk alongside a few special guests will perform and a rotating selection of rare and limited beers on draft. Fuzzy pink pig baskets full of giveaways and hugs.Food from 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine and Vittles. www.fermental.net www.fermental.net. 910821-0362. 7250 Market St. FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

PORT CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

Tues., 5pm: Join us for a wonderful, exciting night of fun. Port City Farmer’s Market at Waterline Brewing Co. 100% local, 100% handmade. Shop among some incredible local vendors, artists and farmers. Support small businesses in your area. Fresh local produce, beef and pork products, sweets, pickled items, handcrafted jewelry and art. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln.

BEER BINGO

Every Thursday night for beer bingo. No charge for cards. Great prizes. Food and drink specials. Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

NEMA LOUNGE AND EATERY

Hump Day Happy Hour: 5-7 pm every

Wednesday at NeMa Burger & Pizza Lounge! $5 Angus beef burgers and $2.50 16 oz Buds/Bud Lights. Martini Tastings every Friday and Saturday, 4-8 pm. 5 tastings + one small order of NeMa Fancy Fries, $20/person. NeMa Lounge & Eatery, 225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf FARMERS MARKET

Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr, Thursdays 2-6pm, year-round, excluding major holidays. Support local farmers and artisans in the beer garden Thursday afternoons. Shop for veggies, meat, eggs, honey and hand-made crafts while enjoying one of the Brewery’s many delicious beers. Stay afterward for live music! wbbfarmersmarket@gmail.com

SHAKESPEARE BRUNCH

Shakespeare Brunch, Sundays, 12-2pm. $20. ($8 Reading Only). Reserved seating. Monthly Sunday Brunch featuring a greatly abridged reading of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays. Brunch and dessert with choice of entrée included in your ticket. Drinks and gratuity not included. Portion of proceeds donated to Shakespearean educational outreach programs. Mar.18: Taming of the Shrew; Apr. 22: Hamlet; May 20: Two Gentleman of Verona; June 17: The Tempest. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

SWEET N SAVORY CAFE

Every Wed. we uncork 5-7pm delicious wines from all over the world. You never know what we have planned for the week, but our weekly newsletter will keep you updated. • Tues. Couples Night: Purchase any dinner entrees & any bottle of wine to enjoy

culinary

Cheeseburger & Pint Tuesday

Shepherds Pie & Pint Thursday

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a free shared appetizer and a free shared dessert. • Fri.: $10 off all bottles of wine over $35 from 650+ wine selection. Epicurean Dinner Menu changes monthly—amazing dishes at affordable prices; full menu at sweetnsavory.cafe/epicurean-wilmingtonnc. $2 pints daily. www.sweetnsavory.cafe/ winetasting-wilmington-nc. Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavillion Pl. FEB. BEER AND WINE PAIRING

Feb. 28, 6:30pm: We bought a whole cow! And not just any cow, it’s a cow from Currie Cattle Farm (just up the road) that was fed our spent brewing grains. Eat local. Eat fresh. Drink local. Drink fresh. Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr. wbbeer. com

WB OYSTER FESTIVAL

Mar. 3, noon: Come out and enjoy NC’s freshest raw and steamed oysters shucked before your eyes by the NC oystermen (and ladies) who grow them! Live music all afternoon by Folkstone String Band 12-2pm & Turquoise Traders 2:30-5pm. VIP tickets $35 includes all you can eat raw and steamed oysters! Waterman’s Brewing & Pub, 1610 Pavilion Pl.

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

Middle school and high-school students: Wilmington Pride and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation have joined together to create and facilitate a youth group for children/youth (middle school and high school) who are LGBTQIA, plus straight allies. A safe

space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political consequences, religion, self harm and self-care. Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk about important topics. Meets Thurs., 7:30pm, UU Congregation of Wilmington, 4313 Lake Ave, (across from Roland Grise Middle School). Sue Graffius: dre@uufwilmington.org). ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday, 7-8:30pm, of each month at Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. The 3rd Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. Alayne: 910-763-8134

TEEN TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP

Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group, free, facilitated by TR Nunley and Jamie Alper. This group will focus on the mental health needs unique to transgender and gender non-conforming adolescents (13 years old -18 years old). Topics covered will include but are not limited to: understanding one’s own gender, bullying, discrimination, and violence, family dynamics, coming out, being misgendered, handling invasive personal questions from others, safety and safe spaces, anxiety and mood stability. Nova Swanstrom first at (910) 442-8480 x3009 with Delta Behavioral Clinic.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Life Community Church, located inside Independence Mall, will have a recovery meeting every Monday evening at 6:30 pm starting with fellowship followed by a large group meeting at 7pm. Support groups for men and women follow at 8 pm. The meeting is in the Extension located across from Branches bookstore and the church auditorium. Jodie: 910-547-8973, 791-3859 or Lifecc.com. 3500 Oleander Dr.

EXPECTING MAMA’S CIRCLE

Sat, noon: Chat with other pregnant mamas who are going through the same thing as you! Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding USA counselor, and Postpartum Doula, Jess Zeffiro will moderate a free Pregnancy Meetup Group. Expectant mothers are invited to pop into the group at any time to share their stories, ask questions, and connect with great area resources. Share stories and have any pregnancy and birth related questions answered in a supportive environment. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

CHADD

Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7-9pm at the Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. This free support group is open to a growing group of parents, grandparents and individuals affected by AD/HD who understand what it takes to face its daily challenges. Free. Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., bldg B. WilmingtonCHADD.org

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

44 encore |february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Pine Valley United Methodist Church , 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psycho-

logical Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. 3rd Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. 910-763-8134 WILMINGTON MS SUPPORT GROUP

Wilmington MS Support Group will resume regular monthly meetings on Thurs., Jan. 11. New Hanover Regional Medical Center Campus, 2131 S. 17th St.

PFLAG

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

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

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

LIVING WITH GRIEF

Lower Cape Fear Hospice is offering a no cost grief group for those coping with the loss of a loved one. Living with Grief: Coping with the Death of a Spouse/Partner will meet Wed., through Feb. 21. Free! Prereg. rqd: 910-796-7991. Most of us have loved and lost special people in our lives and we understand that coping with grief is a challenging process. If you and/or your friends and family are having difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one, we are here to help. Throughout the year, we offer compassionate care, educational and enrichment opportunities that support many types of loss in safe and familiar environments. Leland Library, 487 Village Rd. • Feb. 21, 2:30pm: Lower Cape Fear Hospice is offering a no cost grief group for those coping with the loss of a loved one. Living with Grief: Coping with the Death of a Spouse/Partner will meet Wed. through Feb. 21. Free. Prereg. rqd. 910-796-7991. Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Dr.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Mar. 8, 7pm: Those with MS, families and friends welcome. Meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 p.m., 1st floor conference room, New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital, 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington (behind Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital). Sponsored by Greater Carolinas Chapter, National MS Society. Details: Anne, 910-232-2033 or Burt, 910-383-1368. New Hanover Regional Medical Center Campus, 2131 S. 17th St.

tours CAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS

Cameron Art Museum allows participants to explore current exhibitions with Anne Brennan, CAM’s executive director, in a new series of public tours. Free for CAM members. Wed., 1:30pm. 3201 S. 17th St.

LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Explore the rich culture of our talented Southern town with a 90 minute walking tour of the literary history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit “The Two Libraries.” Walk the

streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front. 249 N. Front St. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1282390 INSIDER’S TOUR

Explore the history of community at Cape Fear Museum. Take the Insider’s Tour offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am. Tours are free with admission and include a “behind the scenes” sneak peek. Pre-registration is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Free w/general admission or membership. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS

Narrated horse drawn carriage and trolley tours of historic Wilmington feature a costumed driver who narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront and past stately mansions. Market and Water sts. $12/adult, $5/child. (910) 251-8889. www.horsedrawntours.com

GHOST WALK

6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Admission charge. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910-794-1866. hauntedwilmington.com

HISTORY WALKING TOUR

A two-hour exploration of downtown Wilmington with author Dan Camacho! A $10 donation is suggested. .bellamymansion. org or email info@bellamymansion.org with any questions. Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St.

BELLAMY MANSION

Guided tours start on the hour, as well as self-guided tours, which start at any time. Mondays is only self-guided tours.* Follow curved oyster-shell paths through our lush Victorian garden shaded by 150-year-old magnolia trees. Climb the stairs to the elegant main entrance surrounded by soaring columns and gleaming windows. Hear the stories of the Bellamy family, as well as those of the free and enslaved black artisans who built the home and crafted intricate details throughout the house. Know that you are walking through history. Bellamy Mansion Museum, one of NCs most spectacular examples of Antebellum architecture. Adults $12; senior and military discount, $10; students, $6; children under 5, free. Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

On September 1, 1666, a London baker named Thomas Farriner didn’t take proper precautions to douse the fire in his oven before he went to sleep. Consequences were serious. The conflagration that ignited in his little shop burned down large parts of the city. Three hundred twenty years later, a group of bakers gathered at the original site to offer a ritual atonement. “It’s never too late to apologize,” said one official, acknowledging the tardiness of the gesture. In that spirit, Aries, I invite you to finally dissolve a clump of guilt you’ve been carrying . . . or express gratitude that you should have delivered long ago . . . or resolve a messy ending that still bothers you . . . or transform your relationship with an old wound . . . or all of the above.

way through the next seven weeks, Virgo. You will have a wildly fertile opportunity to find and create more intimacy. But in order to take full advantage, you’ll have to be brave and candid and unshielded.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In the coming weeks, you could reach several odd personal bests. For instance, your ability to distinguish between flowery bullshit and inventive truth-telling will be at a peak. Your “imperfections” will be more interesting and forgivable than usual, and might even work to your advantage, as well. I suspect you’ll also have an adorable inclination to accomplish the half-right thing when it’s impossible to do the perfectly right thing. Finally, all the astrological omens suggest that you will have a tricky power to capitalize on lucky lapses.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

The Committee to Fanatically Promote Taurus’s Success is pleased to see that you’re not waiting politely for your next turn. You have come to the brilliant realization that what used to be your fair share is no longer sufficient. You intuitively sense that you have a cosmic mandate to skip a few steps — to ask for more and better and faster results. As a reward for this outbreak of shrewd and well-deserved self-love, and in recognition of the blessings that are currently showering down on your astrological House of Noble Greed, you are hereby granted three weeks’ worth of extra service, free bonuses, special treatment, and abundant slack. No one can be somewhat pregnant. You either are or you’re not. But from a metaphorical perspective, your current state is a close approximation to that impossible condition. Are you or are you not going to commit yourself to birthing a new creation? Decide soon, please. Opt for one or the other resolution; don’t remain in the gray area. And there’s more to consider. You are indulging in excessive in-betweenness in other areas of your life, as well. You’re almost brave and sort of free and semi-faithful. My advice about these halfway states is the same: Either go all the way or else stop pretending you might.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile path that runs through the eastern United States. Hikers can wind their way through forests and wilderness areas from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia. Along the way they may encounter black bears, bobcats, porcupines, and wild boars. These natural wonders may seem to be at a remote distance from civilization, but they are in fact conveniently accessible from America’s biggest metropolis. For $8.75, you can take a train from Grand Central Station in New York City to an entry point of the Appalachian Trail. This scenario is an apt metaphor for you right now, Cancerian. With relative ease, you can escape from your routines and habits. I hope you take advantage!

tors syndiCate

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Is 2018 turning out to be as I expected it would be for you? Have you become more accepting of yourself and further at peace with your mysterious destiny? Are you benefiting from greater stability and security? Do you feel more at home in the world and better nurtured by your close allies? If for some reason these developments are not yet in bloom, withdraw from every lesser concern and turn your focus to them. Make sure you make full use of the gifts that life is conspiring to provide for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

“You can’t find intimacy — you can’t find home — when you’re always hiding behind masks,” says Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Junot Díaz. “Intimacy requires a certain level of vulnerability. It requires a certain level of you exposing your fragmented, contradictory self to someone else. You running the risk of having your core self rejected and hurt and misunderstood.” I can’t imagine any better advice to offer you as you navigate your

French philosopher Blaise Pascal said, “If you do not love too much, you do not love enough.” American author Henry David Thoreau declared, “There is no remedy for love but to love more.” I would hesitate to offer these two formulations in the horoscope of any other sign but yours, Scorpio. And I would even hesitate to offer them to you at any other time besides right now. But I feel that you currently have the strength of character and fertile willpower necessary to make righteous use of such stringently medicinal magic. So please proceed with my agenda for you, which is to become the Smartest, Feistiest, Most Resourceful Lover Who Has Ever Lived. The state of Kansas has over 6,000 ghost towns — places where people once lived, but then abandoned. Daniel C. Fitzgerald has written six books documenting these places. He’s an expert on researching what remains of the past and drawing conclusions based on the old evidence. In accordance with current astrological omens, I suggest you consider doing comparable research into your own lost and half-forgotten history. You can generate vigorous psychic energy by communing with origins and memories. Remembering who you used to be will clarify your future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

It’s not quite a revolution that’s in the works. But it is a sprightly evolution. Accelerating developments may test your ability to adjust gracefully. Quickly-shifting story lines will ask you to be resilient and flexible. But the unruly flow won’t throw you into a stressful tizzy as long as you treat it as an interesting challenge instead of an inconvenient imposition. My advice is not to stiffen your mood or narrow your range of expression, but rather to be like an actor in an improvisation class. *Fluidity* is your word of power.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

It’s the Productive Paradox Phase of your cycle. You can generate good luck and unexpected help by romancing the contradictions. For example: 1. You’ll enhance your freedom by risking deeper commitment. 2. You’ll gain greater control over wild influences by loosening your grip and providing more spaciousness. 3. If you are willing to appear naive, empty, or foolish, you’ll set the stage for getting smarter. 4. A blessing you didn’t realize you needed will come your way after you relinquish a burdensome “asset.” 5. Greater power will flow your way if you expand your capacity for receptivity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

As you make appointments in the coming months, you could re-use calendars from 2007 and 2001. During those years, all the dates fell on the same days of the week as they do in 2018. On the other hand, Pisces, please don’t try to learn the same lessons you learned in 2007 and 2001. Don’t get snagged in identical traps or sucked into similar riddles or obsessed with comparable illusions. On the *other* other hand, it might help for you to recall the detours you had to take back then, since you may thereby figure out how to avoid having to repeat boring old experiences that you don’t need to repeat.

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46 encore | february 28 - march 6, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

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