February 10, 2010

vol.

25 / pub 32 / FREE FEbRuaRy 10-16, 2010

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e u l a V e n i t n e l a V A UNCW Women’s Studies and Resource Center presents ‘The Vagina Monologues’

Pictured: Camber Caldwell and Amanda Beer Photo by: Shea Carver

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hodge podge

contents vol.

What’s inside this week

25 / pub 30 / February 10-16, 2010

www.encorepub.com

news & views.....................4-6 4 op-ed: The Cranky Foreigner takes a look

COVER STORY: A Valentine Value

back at walls, past and present.

6 news of the weird: Chuck Shepherd finds the oddities of crime.

The UNCW Women’s Studies and Resource Center eagerly welcomes back their annual production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” this week, February11-14th, at Lumina Theater in the Fisher Student Center on campus. The production will run Thursday through Saturday at 7pm, and on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $8 for students or $10 for public, and can be found at www.etix.com or by calling (910) 962-4045. The show is humorous entertainment founded on the serious premise to end violence toward women.

The proceeds will benefit the Rape Crisis Center at Coastal Horizons and the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services.

Cover photo: Camber Caldwell and Amanda Beer. Photo at left: Alumnus Rachel Beard and sophomore Lisa Huynh. Photo by Shea Carver.

artsy smartsy ...................8-22 8-10 theater previews: MJ Pendleton previews the upcoming Vagina Monolgues production at UNCW and reviews Thalian Association’s “The Taffetas.”

13 film: Anghus encounters Edge of Darkness and finds that Mel Gibson still has acting chops.

14-15 art previews: Lauren Hodges previews the Heart Art Show at the Mitzy Joknheer Jewelry Art Studio, featuring the

concert tickets

Want to see the best in music at Myrtle Beach’s House of Blues? Or UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium? Or Soapbox Laundro Lounge? Visit, www.encorepub.com, to enter one of our many concert contests, and try for a chance to score tickets to area shows!

best of 2010

The deadline for voting has ended, and the party is past—Best Of Wilmington 2010 has officially come to an end. Now that the winners have been announced, be sure to view our write-ups of all the Best Of winners in four consecutives issues beginning next week in our February 17th issue. We’ll provide all the inside information and details about who (and what)

made it to the top of the lists and therefore deemed most-loved by our community in the Port City.

late-night funnies

“The wife of Gov. Mark Sanford — you know the guy who snuck off to Argentina to see his mistress? You know this moron, this idiot? Well, now the wife says in the book, when they got married, Mark Sanford insisted on taking the part about being faithful out of the wedding vows. Now, I’m no marriage counselor, but, ladies, isn’t that a red flag?”—Jay Leno “A couple of days ago, there was the annual race, people come from all over the world, and they race up the stairs of the Empire State Building. Wait a minute. You want to get your heart racing, you really want to get it pump pumping? Do what I

do. Drive to work in a Toyota.”—David Letterman “The president won’t be at the Super Bowl either. In fact, in a show of some sort of spirit of cooperation, I guess, he’s invited a group of top Republicans to watch the game with him at the White House on Sunday. That should be a lot of fun. Going to need a two-thirds vote before they pass him the Doritos.”—Jimmy Kimmel “You guys hear about what’s going on with Toyota? This is crazy. It’s like, their job is to make cars, right? Well, they had a problem with gas pedals getting stuck — now, they’re recalling the Prius because the brakes don’t work. And because of this, sales of Ford cars and trucks rose 25 percent in the past month. But Ford says it’s because of its new ad slogan, ‘Ford—because Toyota is trying to kill you.’”—Jimmy Fallon

pRODucTIOn AnD ADvERTIsIng:

Editor-in-ChiEf: Shea Carver

Art dirECtor Sue Cothran

AssistAnt Editor: Emily Rea

AdvErtising sAlEs:

intErns: Sarah Boggs, Renee Glasgo

John Hitt: Downtown, Carolina Beach

ChiEf Contributors: Adrian Varnam, Nicki Leone, Anghus Houvouras, Carolyna Shelton, Rosa Bianca, MJ Pendleton, Claude Limoges, Lauren Hodges, Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd

Kris Beasley: Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington Shea Carver: Midtown, Monkey Junction Promotions mAnAgEr: John Hitt distribution: Reggie Brew, John Hitt

encore is published weekly, on Wednesday, by Wilmington Media. opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.

CorrespondenCe: p.o. Box 12430, Wilmington, n.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9534

16 gallery guide: See what local galleries are hanging.

17-18 music previews: Adrian Varnam gets the scoop on the weekly Singer/Songwriter Showcase, back at Hell’s Kitchen; Shea Carver reports on what to hear around town this week.

19-22 soundboard: Find out what bands and solo musicians are playing shows in venues all over town.

grub & guzzle..................24-29 24 dining review: Shea Carver eats at Luly’s Cuban Café and is gripped by a feast of flavor.

27-29 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through encore’s dining

word of the week EDITORIAL:

sardine-can art of Tuki Lucero.

ap•pro•ba•tion [ap-ruh-BAY-shuhn] noun (formal).

1. The act of approving; formal or official approval.

2. Praise; commendation.

Sentences: “At age 45, he was still seeking his parents’ approbation.” “The opera met with high approbation.”

Origin: Late Middle English : via Old French from Latin approbatio(n-), from the verb “approbare.”

Synonyms: Approval, acceptance, endorsement, appreciation, respect, admiration, commendation, praise, congratulations, acclaim, esteem, applause; consent; rare laudation. Antonym: criticism.

guide for the scoop on the Port City’s finest.

extra! extra! ...................30-38 30-31 feature stories: Todos Delgado gets details on the new Satellite Bar and Lounge; Tiffanie Gabrielse previews the upcoming Nicholas Sparks visit to UNCW.

32 fact or fiction: Claude Limoges unveils her latest installment of “An Involuntary Intimate.”

33-38 calendar/’toons/corkboard: Find out where to go and what to do about town with encore’s calendar; check out Tom Tommorow

and encore’s annual ‘toons winner, R. Blanton; read the latest saucy corkboard ads.

encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

below The Cranky Foreigner

6 News of the Weird

Walls, Past and Future: Concrete for diplomacy

S

o there was that cool picture of Obama, in his cool black jacket, standing on the Great Wall of China.

The Great Wall was definitely the world’s most architecturally elegant attempt to keep out the riff-raff. His visit was notably close to the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Both were temporary successes and long-term failures—just like the Maginot Line, the wall that was supposed to keep German armies out of France. In the end diplomacy did it a lot better and more cheaply.

Today’s most successful wall is the one across the bottom of Gaza. It was part of the Camp David Treaty, and maintaining that wall is insured by the American taxpayer giving obscene amounts of “foreign aid” to Egypt.

by: The Cranky Foreigner It guarantees that the only way out of Gaza is through Israel; hence, it’s a wall to keep people in. We have a name for walls like that here. We call them “prisons.” The recent breach of that wall by a hijacked bulldozer and the spontaneous exodus of tens of thousands of Gazans, most in search of food, says a lot about life there. (Yes, the Cranky Foreigner chose the word “exodus” on purpose, because the irony is just too tempting.

People don’t just have to part the Red Sea to have an Exodus.) The breach was soon closed, Palestinians were rounded up, and, excepting a few tunnels, the wall is working well again.

The wall on the other side of Israel is

OBAMA-OP: Posing on the Great Wall of China, Obama stands on an “architecturally elegant attempt to keep out the riff-raff,” according to the Crank Foreigner. Courtesy of ancient-great-wall-of-china.com.

coming along nicely, too. Unlike most walls that try to go from here to there to save bricks, it wanders all over the place. This is partly because it is the first wall that’s got a lot to do with water. (Each Israeli consumes four times as much water as each Palestinian.) This wall is only possible because Israel gets huge amounts of U.S. taxpayer money, about $5,000 per Israeli citizen. The State Department doesn‘t even try to explain this any more.

The third big wall project is the one along the Mexican border. Property rights and the environment be damned! This is a really good

idea—until Lou Dobbs needs to hire a really reliable gardener or Americans want to buy cheap food. Then we will be told that it is a bad idea. And like the ones in the Middle East, the Great Wall of Mexico is being built by the people we want to keep out. Let’s face it: Laying a concrete block in the desert sun is tough work. Let’s get people better adapted to the heat. Americans and Israelis are great at ignoring the irony that the locals are better adapted, because they’ve been there for a couple thousand years before we arrived and claimed the land was ours all along. Isn’t it neat the way it all works out in the end?

So if we stand back and take a long look, we have to admit that America is investing a lot of money in walls these days. But if we didn’t, all those billions would just burn holes in our pockets. Right?

ek:

xt we e n g in Com

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d r i e w e h t f o s w e n

Chuck Shepherd digs up the strangest of the strange in world news

LEAD STORY White People in Turmoil: (1) April Gaede, who four years ago guided her teenage daughters, Lynx and Lamb (performing as “Prussian Blue”), to a brief music career singing neo-Nazi songs, announced a new project recently on the white nationalist Web site Stormfront.org. She offers a no-fee matchmaking service to fertile Aryans, hoping to encourage marriage and baby-making—to help white people keep up with rapidly procreating minorities. (2) Don “Moose” Lewis announced plans in January for a 12-city pro basketball league composed only of white players (natural-born U.S. citizens, whose parents are both Caucasian). Lewis denied any “racism,” explaining to the Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle that whites simply like “fundamental” basketball and not “street ball” (“flipping you off or attacking you in the stands or grabbing their crotch”).

Latest Religious Messages A Montana-based sect is fighting to remain viable, six months after the death of its

iWeek

Cultural Diversity Computer-obsessed Japanese nerds’ latest fancy is Love Plus, a Nintendo DS dating simulation that allows them a young, attractive, mouthy, teenage digital “girlfriend” who begs for attention. The touch-screen lover

demands hand-holding, kissing and having sweet nothings whispered in her ear. How can men so easily become addicted to such vicarious experiences? Said one reluctant player, “Koh,” to the BoingBoing blog,”(It) comes down to the fact that men are simple.” (In December, Reuters reported that Japanese player SAL9000 had eloped to the Philippines with his Love Plus girlfriend, had himself photographed with her at romantic sites—clutching the screen showing her image—and then took her through a marriage ceremony.)

As vultures approach extinction in South Africa, they grow in value among local “traditional” communities for their magical abilities. Specks of a vulture’s brain, sprinkled on mud and smoked, can supposedly ward off evil and bring winning lottery numbers. One Johannesburg vendor told Agence FrancePresse in December that the specks even work when daubed on dogs’ noses, enabling them to extend their already formidable scenting power.

“Mother,” the Jesus-channeling Elizabeth Clare Prophet. Several aspirants have tried to claim her mantle, but the sect’s council of elders found them all to be charlatans, and membership rolls have dwindled. The church was similarly challenged in 1990, when Mother forecast nuclear doomsday and financed the construction of large underground bunkers on a mountainside north of Yellowstone National Park (which are still available). The council is having trouble, especially, finding volunteers to transcribe the 22,000 hours of video and audio in which Mother set out the justifications for the sect.

Televangelist Rod Parsley informed his flock in December that he urgently needed several million dollars because of financial problems attributed directly to Satan. According to a report in the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch, Parsley’s World Harvest Church was facing a $3 million deficit for the quarter ending in December after earlier in the year paying $3.1 million to settle a lawsuit over its day-care center’s having too brutally spanked a boy. Wrote Parsley, “Will you help me take back what the devil stole?”

Crimestopper: (1) In Frisco, Texas, in January, boutique owner Marian Chadwick, who was about to be robbed at gunpoint by a hooded intruder, pointed her finger at him and said: “In the name of Jesus, you get out of my store. I bind you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The man appeared stunned, then turned and walked out empty-handed, cursing. (2) A 20-year veteran Houston cop who wears badge number 666 told the Houston Chronicle in a December profile that once, 17 years ago, a dangerous perp who had been defiant that he would not be captured suddenly dropped to his knees and surrendered.

He had glanced at the badge. Said he, “I ain’t fighting the devil.”

Saturday, Feb. 20 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Burney Center on the UNCW campus

Celebrate the cultures and countries represented locally through food, music, performances and exhibits that showcase the rich culture in our community and beyond.

Intercultural Week is made possible by the Office of International Programs and UNCW Presents.

iWeek 2010 • www.uncw.edu/iWeek • 910.962.3685 An EEO/AA Institution. Accommodations for disabilities may be requested by contacting International Programs at 910.962.3685 three days prior to the event.

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Read News of the Weird daily at www.WeirdUniverse.net. Send your Weird News to WeirdNews@earthlink.net or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa Florida, 33679.

ST THE BETOWN IN DEALS

UNC Wilmington

17th Annual Intercultural Festival

Questionable Judgments In Thailand, the endangered status of crocodiles and elephants is largely ignored by the public, who are instead enthralled with the giant pandas and their cub on loan from China. (There is even a 24-hour cable TV “panda channel.”) At several of the country’s zoos, officials now regularly paint their crocodiles and elephants in panda colors (with harmlessly washable paint) to call attention to their plight. Even though the paint must be reapplied daily, “It’s impossible not to do it now,” said one croc handler for a December Wall Street Journal dispatch. “People expect it.”

Only four days after the January earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, two Royal Caribbean cruise ships made a port call at a private enclave about 60 miles up Haiti’s coastline from ground zero, turning loose hundreds of frolickers for “jet ski rides, parasailing and rum cocktails delivered to their hammocks,” according to a report in London’s The Guardian. Haitian guards employed by the cruise line manned the resort’s 12-foot-high fences, but about a third of the passengers still declined to leave the ships, too upset by the unfolding disaster nearby to enjoy themselves. Royal Caribbean said it had made a large donation to the rescue effort and promised, also, to send proceeds from the port’s thriving craft stores.

The Need for Parental Licensing: In January, as punishment for her 12-year-old son’s bad grade in school, a Warm Springs, Ga., mother allegedly forced the boy to club his pet hamster to death with a hammer. Lynn Middlebrooks Geter, 38, was arrested after

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below-10 Theater

18-19 Art

20-25 Music

26 Film

A Valentine Value: UNCW Women’s Studies and Resource Center presents ‘The Vagina Monologues’

W

hat would your vagina say? What would your vagina wear? They’re questions to ponder come Valentine’s Day, when the UNCW Women’s Studies and Resource Center welcomes back their annual production of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.”

It is awkward to say the word “vagina” because, to me, it sounds like a disease related to angina—or maybe even a town west of Winnebow. The nicknames are even worse—a “pussy” is a coward, for heaven sakes! The other slang terms are vernacular, generational and generally pejorative; a happy, sweet name would be good. The performers in “The Vagina Monologues” easily express their vaginal emotions.

“My vagina is my voice,” Amy Thompson asserts, “and my vagina says, ‘I do what I

women all over the world in the mid ‘90s, and “The Vagina Monologues” tells their stories.

“The theme of violence was the unfortunate byproduct of the playwright’s interviews,” Feath noted.

“The women had been tortured, raped, sold into sexual slavery, and genitally mutilated. Rape has become a systematic tactic of war.”

However, “The Vagina Monologues” is not a feminist platform of propaganda. “It is a play about humanism,” Dr. Michelle Scatton-Tessier, director of Women’s Studies and Resource Center at UNCW, added. “It provides a nonthreatening environment where you’re actually enjoying yourself, hearing these monologues and being inspired by them. It is a play about women but for humanity. The performers are giving a voice to a testimony and justice to another woman’s voice. It is a collective voice.”

by: MJ Pendelton

The Vagina Monologues Lumina Theater, Fisher Student Center, UNCW February11-14th Thurs.-Sat., 7pm • Sun., 2pm Tickets: $8 for students or $10 for public www.etix.com or (910) 962-4045 want.’”

“Look at me, listen to me, give me more attention,” Anne Chickering’s vagina wants to say.

Quoting from the “Monologues,” Camber

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Caldwell’s vagina would say, “Right now, I’m a dry wad of fucking cotton!”

Some apparel examples from the play include, “a big red bow, a tuxedo and emeralds.” How would the bow be attached? Is the tuxedo doll sized? And emeralds—ouch!

This anthropomorphizing of the vagina is essentially comic relief in a deadly serious play.

“The humor is a foot in the door, so the whole evening isn’t about abuse,” director Amy Feath explained last week during our interview. “While the audience is laughing, they’re also thinking. No one would talk about sexuality in our society, and ‘The Vagina Monologues’ provides a discourse for discussions we don’t normally have.”

Playwright Eve Ensler, who is a victim of abuse herself, interviewed more than 200

The PlaywrighT “The Vagina Monologues” is Eve Ensler’s most well-known play. When it premiered in New York City in 1999, the word “vagina” was not allowed on the marquee.

The production was referred to as “The V. Monologues.”

“When I started doing ‘The Vagina Monologues,’ I realized how impossible it was for women to say the word,” Ensler said in an interview with Time magazine “I would see the disgust, the shame, the embarrassment. The vagina is smack in the center of our bodies; yet, it is a place that most women felt ashamed of talking about. What did that say about the center of our beings? There’s something in the uttering of the word that reattaches you to it. It’s empowering.”

Ensler’s own shame was the consequence of an abusive father. “He was an alcoholic prone to anger and rages, with brutal indifference and without remorse,” she told Marianne Schnall in an interview. “I grew up in a really beautiful so-called ‘uppermiddle-class’ environment, where everyone was telling me I was secure. There was a huge disconnect going on; my father was a corporate president [who] was beating me . . . molesting me. I was told not to believe that it was true, even what was happening to me.

So I learned how to disassociate and disconnect for a long, long time.”

She used the vehicle of theater to exorcise her own damaged psyche and consequently communicated with a world of women. “Theater demands that we truly be where we are. By being there together, we are able to confront the seemingly impossible, we are able to feel that which we fear might destroy us—and we are educated and transformed.

“Theater. . .encourages us, as a community of strangers, to go some place together, and face the issues and realities we simply cannot face alone. Alone, we are powerless, translating our suffering and struggle into our own private narcissistic injuries. When we become a group, these issues become social or political concerns, responsibilities, a reason for being here together.”

“The Vagina Monologues” has become a global symbol in the war against atrocities. The shocking interviews and the play they created inspired Ensler to establish V-Day, and “The Vagina Monologues” became an integral part of every V-Day celebration around the world.

“I think that I have a profound desire to undo what was done to me,” she once stated. “And to make sure it isn’t done to anyone else. And I think I have a profound desire to really see if it’s possible for us to evolve out of a violent paradigm, and out of a violent mentality, and to actually know what the world would be like if we weren’t living in that. . . . The stories, the violence, the desire, utterly destabilized my life. Ironically, it was this unraveling that compelled me to devote myself to ending violence against women, and this commitment was indeed what gave me life.”

The GLOBAL MOVeMeNT The V-Day Movement is a nonprofit organization that promotes creative events to increase awareness of national and international violence against women and girls, and it raises funds for distribution among anti-violence charities. By its 10th anniversary, the movement had raised over $70 million. Its mission statement is an eight-point definition of purpose and dedication of spirit.

V-Day is... “an organized response against violence toward women;

“a vision: We see a world where women live safely and freely; “a demand: Rape, incest, battery, genital mutilation, and sexual slavery must end now; “a spirit: We believe women should spend their lives creating and thriving rather than surviving or recovering from terrible atrocities; “a catalyst: By raising money and consciousness, it will unify and strengthen existing anti-violence efforts. Triggering far-reaching awareness, it will lay the groundwork for new educational, protective and legislative endeavors throughout the world; “a process: We will work as long as it takes. We will not stop until the violence stops; “a day. We proclaim Valentine’s Day as V-Day, to celebrate women and end the violence.

“V-Day is a fierce, wild, unstoppable movement and community.”

Last year there were over 4,200 benefit events globally. There is a different focus each year. In 2006, New York City hosted a two-week celebration called “Until The Violence Stops,” which included creative events by actors and writers who contributed their talents. Following Hurricane Katrina, the 10th anniversary of V-Day was held in New Orleans and raised over $700,000 for local anti-violence efforts.

The V-Day organization has helped establish shelters for women in Egypt and Iraq, has donated satellite phones to Afghan women, and has conferenced with Asian women leaders in support of their efforts. This year the focus is on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I think I’ve been to a lot of scary places, but nothing I’ve ever seen compares with the Congo,” Ensler has commented.

“It is without a doubt the worst place on the planet to be a woman.”

ming, an academic minor and community engagement,” according to their mission statement. In 2004 the Care Office was established to stop campus violence against female students. The fourth-annual awareness event and fund-raiser for the Rape Crisis Center, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes International Men’s March, took place in Wilmington in November. Dr. Scatton-Tessier, who became the director of Women’s Studies and Resource Center in July, believes that “it’s time to move away from the labels and into the action.’’

eMPOWeRMeNT AND eDUCATION Playwright Ensler was so empowered by writing “The Vagina Monologues” that she created an organization dedicated to ending violence against girls and women.

The effect of V-Day has been a universal solidarity of purpose. Everyone involved in our local production has been affected profoundly. Feath, who has spent her professional life combating sexual violence, has performed in the production for the last three years and is “rejuvenated” by the experience of directing. “The energy

and dedication of all these young women remind me of who I was 21 years ago, and empower me to continue doing my work,” she said.

Those energetic and dedicated young women have also evolved. “Last year when I was in the production, my mom didn’t want me to tell my dad,” Caldwell said. “This year, I told him, and he’s driving down from Maryland to see the show— that’s empowering.” Thompson, who is “proud to be a woman, is empowered because [she] can talk about vagina issues more comfortably.”

“I think it’s more inspiring than empowering,” Chickering reflected. “I just hope I can do justice to these women’s stories, because they are important and need to be heard.”

“Many victims who see the show seek assistance [from the Rape Crisis Center or the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services], and they find they can survive and thrive,” Feath added.

Forget the flowers and chocolate this year. Tickets to “The Vagina Monologues” will help heal the hurt experienced by so many females around the world. This is a human issue and a collective responsibility. The violence must end.

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LOCAL INVOLVeMeNT UNCW is the host institution for the production of “The Vagina Monologues,” which will benefit the Rape Crisis Center at Coastal Horizons and the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services. This is the 10th year that UNCW has produced the play.

“We fought hard to get this at UNCW,” Feath, who is the director of the Rape Crisis Center, said. This year it will be staged at the Lumina Theater in the Fisher Student Center. The production is dependent on ticket sales and donors; there are no taxpayer dollars involved.

“The Women’s Studies and Resource Center engages an interdisciplinary community of scholars, students and advocates working in gender, sexuality and Women’s Studies. The center promotes gender equality, both locally and globally, through research support, program-

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Sugar and Spice: Thalian Association presents ‘The Taffetas’

T

he Thalian Association production of “The Taffetas” is absolutely adorable.

The sweetness is saturating, like diving into a pool of vanilla ice cream. Four sisters are making their television premiere on “Spotlight on Music” in New York City—a 39-hour bus ride from their hometown of Muncie, Indiana. The girls (Dorothy Cowan, Jennifer Czechlewski, Emily Graham and Alecia Bell Vanderhaar) are impossibly pretty and perky, with picture-perfect poise and oozing innocence. On opening night the audience fell in love.

The songs are familiar, and many sound better than the original recordings by nasalvoiced crooners. Most of the songs are sung in harmony by the four Taffetas—“Where the Boys Are” was particularly lovely. There are also solos and a few songs with a featured singer. “The Three Bells” (Vanderhaar) and “Ricochet” (Graham) were sensational.

Director David T. Loudermilk also choreographed the production, and the “Achoo Cha Cha” routine was slick and funny. There are quite a few funny moments, actually, which elicited appreciative giggles from the audience. “How Much Is that Doggie in the Window” included a real chihuahua, who didn’t sing but stole the number anyway. During “Taffeta Chatter,” the sisters answered fan letters so ingenuously that the audience was charmed into laughter.

The costumes and accessories (Charlotte Safrit and David Kratzer) transform the sisters into delicious eye candy. In Act I the big-skirted, satiny (taffeta?) dresses were yummy pastels with sparkles and crinolines.

During the travel medley, the girls donned pure white coats with collars and cuffs to match their dresses—even their makeupcase-style purses were color coordinated.

It’s difficult to imagine that women were ever that precious.

In Act II the girls were dressed in cardigans and capris (known as “pedal pushers” in the ‘50s), accessorized with saddle shoes and sweater guards. Later in Act II, they changed into even more glamorous shiny dresses. The only anachronisms were the fishnet stockings, neon bangle bracelets and pale lipstick.

The set design (Troy Rudeseal) is icing on the cake, with shiny circular platforms and a retro-style television screen. Loudermilk has cleverly incorporated old black-and-white commercials like Vitalis, Ajax, Fluffo and Old Gold cigarettes for pre-performance entertainment. During the show the filming is live, and there is a backstage clip of the sisters in front of makeup mirrors to entertain the audience during the second-act costume change.

by: MJ Pendleton

The Taffetas

HHHHH Hannah Block Second Street Stage, 120 S. 2nd St. February 4-14; Thurs.-Sat., 8pm Sunday matineés, 3pm $20/senior, student, group discount 910-251-1778 or www.etix.com The black-and-white film effectively enhances the period motif.

Music director Jonathan Barber was onstage on the keyboard, accompanied by Mike Hickman (bass/cello) and Colby Wahl (drums). There were quite a few song segues, but the singers and musicians were perfectly in sync.

This musical revue is a delightful diversion from the cold weather and a cruel economy.

If we all start singing “Sha Boom Sha Boom” in the shower, how bad can life be?

BACK IN TIME: Jennifer Czechlewski, Dorothy Cowan, Alecia Bell Vanderhaar and Emily Graham play a girls group from the ‘50s in “The Taffetas.”

Also this week: • On February 10th-13th, 17th-20th and 24th-27th at 8pm, and February 14th, 21st and 28th at 5pm, Guerilla Theatre presents “Dangerous Liaisons.” Demonstrating that the devil finds work for idle hands, the play’s plot is motivated by a cruel wager between the beautiful but debauched Katherine de Merteuil (Susan Auten) and her misogynistic former lover, Sebastian Valmont (Richard Davis).

Katherine presents a challenge to Valmont: to seduce the virginal Cecile de Volanges (Rachel Gallman) before the girl can be wed. Valmont offers a more difficult counter-challenge, vowing that he will not only seduce and bed the very moral and light-hearted Annette de Tourvel (Anna Gamel), but also destroy her by first making her fall in love with him. Lives will be forever changed as this wicked game of dangerous liaisons unfolds...

tive mate.

“Ships” by Jay Hanagan. A man and a woman, each married to other people, randomly meet and discover they have more in common with each other than they do with their respective spouses.

“The Marriage Proposal” by Anton Chekhov. A middle-aged bachelor goes to his neighbor’s house to ask for his nieghbor’s daughter’s hand in marriage. Comic misunderstandings and arguments ensue.

“Not Since Baltimore” by Bert Sherman.

A widower explores the bewildering world of Internet dating.

Contact Ken Cressman at 910-471-0242 for more information. The plays show at Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle Street.

• “Love on the Rocks” is the first show of Big Dawg Production’s 2010 season. It consists of four short plays about the difficult (and sometimes comical) search for love. Show dates are February 11th-14th and 18th-21st. The short plays include: “Fixing Up Mom” by Kathryn Martin. A daughter arranges a meeting between her widowed mother and a widower, both of whom have definite ideas (as well as a list!) about what they are looking for in a prospec-

• “The World Jazz of Kellylee Evans” is a sight to behold and a delight to ears at Thalian Hall, Friday through Sunday, February 12th-14th. Judges—including Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Kurt Elling and Dee Dee Bridgewater—awarded Kellylee Evans second place, out of 140 finalists, in the international Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition at the Kennedy Center. She has opened for Tony Bennett, Chris Botti and Maceo Parker; headlined the All Canadian Jazz Festival,

10 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

receiving the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Female Vocalist of the Year; and was nominated for a 2007 Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album.

The performance will take place in The Rainbow Room, which seats approximately 125 people. There will be four performances: Friday at 8:30pm, Saturday at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets are $25 for reserved-table seating, and there is a 10-percent discount for members in Thalian Hall.

For tickets visit www.thalianhall.org, or call (910)343-3664 or (800)523-2820. For more information on Kellylee Evans, visit www.kellyleeevans.com.

• Brunswick Little Theatre, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, will donate 10 percent of its profits from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forum” to the Brunswick County Historical Society.

“A Funny Thing...” will show at Odell Williamson Auditorium at 7:30pm February 18th-20th, and at 3pm on February 21st.

For tickets call 1-800-754-1050, extension 416, or go to www.bccowacom. They are $15 for adults, $10 for students 12 and over with school IDs, $10 for Brunswick Community College Staff, and $6 for children under 12. See www.brunswicklittletheatre.com for more details.

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12 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Gibson’s Still Got the Chops:

reel to reel

Edge of Darkness holds its own as a revenge thriller

A

m I the only one who missed Mel Gibson’s crazy mug on the big screen?

Maybe I am. Sure, he’s a lousy drunk, and underneath the chiseled features, thinning hair and the stench of Old Crow is a womanizing, religious fanatic with questionable views toward our friends in the Jewish community. He’s like that degenerate uncle

a few must-sees this week by: Anghus

Edge of Darkness Starring Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Huston

H HHH H

What works about Edge of Darkness is the brutality it embraces early on. This is a very violent picture with some extremely satisfying moments. When the bad guys get messed up, they really get messed up. There were a couple of audible gasps heard from the audience and a lot of laughing from me. At some point the painful evisceration of movie

Cinematique 310 Chestnut Street • 910-343-1640 Wed.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sundays, 3pm •February 10th-14th, 2010, $7 Headless Woman, 87 min.

A spellbinding film filled with nuance, mystery and class criticism. It centers around Veronica, who while driving hits something as she reaches for her cell phone. Afterward she seems dazed and unable to remember, but is her amnesia real or contrived? Reviewers have suggested that the film is an allegory reflecting Argentina’s refusal to acknowledge the increasing disparity between its wealthy citizens and the rest of the country. Not rated

Mayfaire 16

in every family—the one who never quite grew up. The one who, after indulging in a few drinks, begins to explain “how the world really works” ... right before he hits on one of your college friends, to whom he refers to as “sweet tits.” It’s humorous for a while, but eventually you have to pry the bottle out of his hand and watch him break down into tears as he talks about what a mess his life has become.

The question remains: Does Mel Gibson still have the chops to carry a movie? The answer: yes. Edge of Darkness is a strange little film—a movie that feels like it was made in the 1990s. It’s a revenge movie with a nefarious plot that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense but allows our protagonist to inflict a whole lot of punishment and brutally murder at will. I miss these kind of movies. A good revenge drama is something that has vanished from film in the 21st century. Most of them have become corny. Serious directors and serious talent rarely seem to jump aboard a good, old-fashioned, gritty revenge thriller. And when they do, there’s this air of righteousness, where so much time is spent validating the hero, making the brutal executions seem almost mandated. Not here. Every death is pointless. Every murder is ugly.

Gibson plays Tom Craven, a Boston police detective. He’s a bit of a loner, suffering from empty-nest syndrome. His daughter arrives for a visit under strange circumstances. She

BACK IN ACTION: Mel Gibson may have some questionable behavior offscreen, but on it he still possesses a powerful presence.

appears to be sick, but she won’t tell him why. Before he can get any answers, she is gunned down in cold blood. His only connection to the world is lost—pushed to the limit, he defaults to skill and instinct. He will find his daughter’s killer at any cost.

He quickly unravels into madness, haunted by the voice of his dead daughter. It’s a tired device, one the film could have easily dropped, the cinematic equivalent of a Post-It note, reminding the audience of the motivating factor behind his actions. His investigations lead to a potential government conspiracy and cover-up. The suspects are numerous, and the leads are fleeting. Yet, Tom has no problem tying everything together in a neat little package. It’s the film’s greatest flaw: making everything look too easy.

In the first 20 minutes, we know who did it.

Director Martin Campbell (Casino Royale) is an extremely functional filmmaker, but he plays his hand way too early. There isn’t a surprise to be found. A character shows up onscreen, and within 30 seconds audiences will exclaim, “I bet he’s involved!” With no real mystery to keeping us guessing, the film instead just kind of lays out the reveal one beat at a time. By the time the characters are getting their comeuppance, we are almost exhausted.

characters stopped being shocking and started being hilarious. (If readers are ever at a screening in which someone is brutally murdered, and they hear one lone soul cackling like an insane person, it’s probably me.)

Even though it’s far from perfect, Edge of Darkness is still an enjoyable little piece of revenge cinema. It’s brutal, utterly pointless and eventually undermines itself with some hokey moments that make its viewers wince. I’m not sure why some filmmakers embrace elements of ugly and then feel the need to balance it with more inspirational moments. The ending, while certainly not happy, is one of those moments where the protagonist is rewarded. Just when the film literally gets to the “edge of darkness,” it turns away. These kind of choices seem baffling to me. When making an “R”-rated revenge drama, make an “R”-rated revenge drama. Don’t sap it up with some bullshit epilogue where everything is smiles and candy-cane kisses.

Despite some obvious choices and a fairly wimpy conclusion, Edge of Darkness is still an entertaining yarn. Gibson is still a commanding presence onscreen, capable of carrying a movie and, most importantly, still able to portray likable characters. Sure, when off camera he’s busy committing career suicide with behavior that would make even the drunkest men in Ireland cringe in shame. But onscreen, he’s still got the chops.

900 Town Center Drive • 910-256-0556 An Education In the early 1960’s, 16-year-old Jenny Mellor lives with her parents in the London suburb of Twickenham. On her father’s wishes, everything that Jenny does is in the sole pursuit of being accepted into Oxford, as he wants her to have a better life than he. Jenny is bright, pretty, hard-working but also naturally gifted.

The only problems her father may perceive in her life is her issue with learning Latin, and her dating a boy named Graham, who is nice but socially awkward.

Jenny’s life changes after she meets David Goldman, a man over twice her age. David goes out of his way to show Jenny and her family that his interest in her is not improper and that he wants solely to expose her to cultural activities which she enjoys. Jenny quickly gets accustomed to the life to which David and his constant companions have shown her, and their relationship does becom something more.

However, as she slowly learns more about him, Jenny has to decide if leading such a life is worth forgoing her plans of higher eduction at Oxford. PG-13 All AreA movie listings And pArAgrAph synopses cAn be found At encorepub.com.

encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 13

Recycled Valentines: Tuki Lucero and her sardine cans are latest way to spread the love

“R

by: Lauren Hodges

ecycle” and “valentine” probably don’t make the most attractive word-pairing in many minds. In fact it probably conjures up memories of that heart-felt gift given by that special someone—who forgot to toss the card from their ex. Yet, since Valentine’s Day is the time to give all relationships a chance, “recycle” and “valentine” will be brought together in a good way this year, thanks to artist Tuki Lucero.

“I try to be a conscientious recycling type,” Lucero, who found her inspiration in a pile-up of sardine cans, says. “My vet told me my cats needed to eat tinned fish other than cat food, so, voila! Recycled sardine-can art.”

Lucero’s unconventional thinking likely comes from an unconventional discovery of her creative talents. With no formal art education, she assumed that a career in art was pointless when she failed to draw a successful still life. Her awakening, not surprisingly, came in New York City when she was only 19, and her roommate encouraged her to think outside of traditional art.

“I lived with a woman named ‘Micci Co-

Hampstead Arts

heart art show

Featuring the sardine-can art of Tuki Lucero Mitzy Jonkheer Jewelry Art Studio 4410 Wrightsville Avenue Feb.12th, 4-8pm • Feb. 13th, All day han’, who showed me that creative inspiration can come from any object and can be expressed through any medium,” she remembers. “Once I realized most of my barriers were self-imposed, it was easy to let my creative urges take over.”

Lucero worked for a jewelry designer for years before she began to make her own and eventually had a friend show her how to cast on. While watching her young son play on the playground, she taught herself to knit and began selling her creations in boutiques around the city. Finally, her introduction to artisanal paper brought her to the artistic arena in which she makes her current creations.

“I started making cards and small

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DELICIOUSLY DARK: The valentine creations of Tuki Lucero feature off-beat romantic images of death and whimsy.

books,” she says. Yet, she doesn’t believe she will sit still in her craft for long, since she insists on surrounding herself with creative types.

“I have friends who sew, knit, design furniture, cook, weld, dance, write and paint,” she says. “They all inspire me and teach me things that I incorporate into whatever project I’ve embarked upon.”

For now Lucero is concentrating on her sardine-can project, which began last fall at Halloween. As a fan of all things macabre, Lucero could never resist the Mexican folk

art and religious shrines that surrounded the Day of the Dead.

“I’m very partial to the slightly odd,” she says. “I see the most beauty in things that aren’t quite right or maybe a little bit scary.” She used her inspirations to make spooky keepsakes for October and decided to keep at it into the holidays. A collection of Madonnathemed tins emerged in time for Christmas. Now in the new year, an off-beat celebration of love can be found inside the glitter-covered containers.

“This is actually my first Valentine project—other than baking,” she laughs. “Valentine’s Day never really inspired me before.” After letting her romantic freak flag fly, Lucero was able to put her own version of the holiday into the valentines. The results have been glamorous but deliciously dark, featuring skeletons and vampires, mixed in with whimsical images of Victorian and 1920s couples. The Smashing Pumpkins would be proud.

“I hope customers find them irresistible, of course,” she says. “And I hope that they will appeal to the people who appreciate gifts that are handmade and one-of-akind. I think a gift to your true love should reflect how unique and special your feelings really are.”

Lucero’s creations can be found at the Heart Art Show at the Jonkheer Jewelry Art Studio on February 13th. A preview party will be held at the 4410 Wrightsville Avenue location on February 12th, 4-8pm.

The show will also include work by Mitzy Jonkheer, Jeff Bridgers, Clair Hartmann, Julia Jensen, Sandra Siemering, and Rhonda Sparks.

Call 910-409-8758 for more information.

The Verandah Cafe Located in the hoLiday inn ResoRt WRightsviLLe Beach

OfferiNg VAleNtiNeS WeekeNd diNNer SpeciAlS plan a relaxing walk on the beach or spend the night and order breakfast in bed! call for more information and reservations 910-256-2231 www.wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com 14 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Wrightsville Beach, NC

k e e w s u o i c i l e d t s o m for the ! g n i r p s f o Spring 2010

Some of the Port City’s finest restaurants will offer awe-inspiring, pre-fixe meals prepared especially for this week.

Sign up to receive email updates for Restaurant Week 2010

encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 15

Coming next week: Artfuel.inc

winners!

See if your favorite bar, boutique, or coffee shop made the cut.

Wanna be on the gallery page?

Call Shea Carver by Thursday, noon, at (910) 791-0688, ext 1004, to inquire about being included.

16 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

recognized artists, the gallery offers changing exhibitions each month. New Beginnings, a collection of recent works by our gallery artists, is on display through February 20th. Enjoy the variety available by over fifty artists, which includes choices in paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood and mixed media. New Elements Gallery offers custom framing and art consultation services by appointment.

1701 Wrightsville Ave 910 343 5233 Mon-Sat, 12-9pm; Sunday, 1-6pm www.artfuelinc.com www.myspace.com/artfuel_inc Artfuel.inc is located at the corner of Wrightsville Ave and 17th st. Housed in an old gas station, we offer resident artists working in studios alongside a gallery space used to exhibit other artists work. We hope to connect artists with each other and offer many styles of work to fuel the public’s interest.

Currently, Artfuel, Inc. will showcase Volume 22, a graffiti extravaganza, featuring Stevie Mack, Kid Mike, Mathew Curran, Camden Noir and Eye Dee. Live tagging will be done throughout the evening on a wall built specially for the event. All are welcome.

pattersonbehn art gallery

511 1/2 Castle Street (910) 251-8886 Tues.-Sat. 11am-5pm (Winter: closed Monday) www.pattersonbehn.com pattersonbehn picture framing & design has added an art gallery to their space, featuring several local artists. Currently on display are works by Bob Bryden, Michelle Connolly, Karen Paden Crouch, Virginia Wright-Frierson, Rachel Kastner, Pam Toll and Katherine Wolf Webb. We offer a large selection of works on paper in numerous media. In addition there are many different gift ideas such as hand gilded table top frames and one of a kind keepsake boxes. The gallery offers something for everybody.

Crescent Moon

332 Nutt St, The Cotton Exchange (910) 762-4207 Mon.-Sat., 10am-5:30pm; Sun., 12-4pm www.crescentmoonnc.com Keeping it local! Crescent Moon has partnered with Old Growth Riverwood on Castle Hayne Road to supply hand-made shelving crafted from reclaimed wood from The Cape Fear River for our new display area in the gift gallery. The new display area will be primarily dedicated to the promotion of local glass and metal artists at Crescent Moon. We now have ten local glass artists associated with us. Old Growth Riverwood reclaims lost pieces of history and transforms them into unique and beautiful wood products for home or business.

Old Growth Riverwood is committed to being environmentally responsible and does not cut down any living trees to produce their products.

This project partnership speaks to a mutual philosophy, of buying and using hand-made and environmentally conscience work when possible.

One reason we love our location within The Cotton Exchange is the reuse of the wonderful historic buildings that have been so much a part of the downtown area.The Cotton Exchange always has free parking for shoppers and diners. Follow us on twitter as CrescentMoonNC or become a fan on our Facebook page!

FastFrame Gallery

1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Landfall Center (910) 256-1105 Mon.-Fri.., 10am-6pm • Sat., 10am-4pm www.fastframeofwilmington.com FASTFRAME Gallery is pleased to present the Second Annual Fill the Cupboard Art Show: “Ordinary View, Extraordinary Vision,” featuring Terry Rosenfelder’s sophisticated oils, M. Matteson Smith’s unique paper sculptures, and Sara Westermark’s original jewelry designs.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH: Crescent Moon’s artist of the month is glass artist Joel Simpson, who’s “inspired by the wonders of the universe into glass.”

See his current pieces of art on display now.

Hampstead Art Gallery

14712 Hwy. 17 N. • (910) 270-5180 Mon.-Sat. 11am-5pm, or by appt.

Hampstead, NC “Beautiful; lots of variety.” “Love the place.”

“Beautiful art work.” “Very nice.” “Art rocks your socks, and you know that.” These are just what a few customers had to say about Hampstead Art Gallery. Come and tell us what you think.

Affordable prices on prints and originals. Local artists with various styles and taste are just excited about having the opportunity to share their work with all art lovers. Our artists offer different sizes from what we have on display and low rates on commissioned work.

Owner Charles Turner invites all artists and art lovers to just hang out in our new Artist Lounge any time. Look for our upcoming Expos and Open House. Hampstead Art Gallery is located in Hampstead on the corner of Factory Road next to CVS Pharmacy.

New Elements Gallery

216 N. Front St. • (919) 343-8997 Tues-Sat: 11am-5:30pm or by appointment www.newelementsgallery.com New Elements Gallery is celebrating 25 years in downtown Wilmington! Featuring fine art and contemporary craft by regional and nationally

Sunset River Marketplace

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179).

(910) 575-5999 Tues- Sat. 10am-5pm Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com myspace.comsunsetrivermarketplace This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, N.C., features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South Carolina’s most creative, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisan-crafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, pottery studio, custom framing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee With the Author series are also offered on-site.

Wilmington Art Association Gallery

616B Castle St. (910) 343-4370 www.wilmington-art.org Valentines’ Day: February 14th: The Wilmington Art Gallery appropriately acknowledges this day with the opening of our Hearts for Haiti show, reception from 2-5 p.m. Creations are based on crayon renderings and all for sale under $50.

All proceeds donated for Haitian Relief!

Juryingfor entry into the gallery will take place in the morning. Entrants must be members of the Wilmington Art Association.

Pick up forms at 616-B Castle Street and register.

Open to All:

Hell’s Kitchen’s weekly singer/songwriter showcase is back

W

hile the Wilmington music scene may have some well-documented issues that some say prevent it from maximizing its full potential, local grassroots support and opportunities for musicians to be heard are clearly not some of them.

With the popularity of such events as the Wilmington Unplugged series and the absolute slew of open mics available every night of the week across town, there seems to be a bevy of opportunities for anyone with an instrument and a bucket of courage to step right up and be heard.

This week Hell’s Kitchen is reviving its popular weekly music series for local singer/ songwriters. Not as established and organized as Wilmington Unplugged, and not as spontaneous and grab-bag potpourri as most open mics, the Hell’s Kitchen series offers a welcome middle ground for those who want to get into the game or expand their reach within the local music scene.

Recently I spoke with organizer Shane Griffis about what his series will offer local musicians, and what the community can expect each and every week. encore: What exactly is the weekly singer/songwriter showcase, what is its history, and how is it different from other events around town?

Shane Griffis: The singer/songwriter showcase was a weekly event a couple of years ago at Hell’s Kitchen, and we’re bringing it back every Thursday. Chris Livingston, a.k.a. Brisket, a guy I used to play with when he lived here in Wilmington, used to host it every week. He was booking different local artists to come out and play a set. It’s similar to an open-mic night, but it’s different in that we book the acts the week before.

It’s a chance for local musicians to come out, hear some good music, get involved and play in an organized setting. We’re pretty much going to keep the same format because it seemed to really work, and we got a great response from both musicians and music listeners. e: How do musicians sign up for a chance to play? Do they just show up?

by: Adrian Varnam

Singer/Songwriter Showcase Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess Street every Thursday, starting at 9pm (910) 763-4133 • free

words, how do you determine who can play?

SG: Good, good question. I want to actually give everyone a chance to come up there if they’ve got a set of music they want to play. You know, I don’t want to turn anybody away. We’ve never really had a problem in the past with someone getting up there and playing who probably shouldn’t have. We’ve got a lot of really great musicians in town, and I think we should have a pretty good and steady showing every week. e: How did you get involved with bringing this weekly showcase back to Hell’s Kitchen?

SG: I’ve played a lot at Hell’s Kitchen and know those guys pretty well, so Drew just asked me to start this back a couple of weeks ago. I helped Brisket when he did it a couple years ago. He had started to get some good crowds and good musicians coming out every week, and I wanted to pick it up where he left off. I think he was

IT’S BAAAACK: Don’t miss the weekly Singer/ Songwriter Showcase, Thursdays at Hell’s Kitchen.

SG: No, we have them sign up the week before so we have time to do it right. They can just talk to me or Drew, the manager at Hell’s Kitchen, when they come out, and we’ll put them on the list for the following week. We’ll be announcing it over the mic, and they can come up and speak to us whenever they want during the night.

doing a good job, and I think we can bring that back on a weekly basis. e: What brought you here to Wilmington, and how did you get involved in the local music scene?

SG: I moved up from Mississippi about six years ago, and played with Coon Phat Gravy and Woodwork Roadshow. I play with Ron Etheridge (Willie and Me) a lot, and some of the guys from Headway. It’s a little circle of guys and local bands that share a lot of music together.

I’ve gotten really lucky to be able to play with a lot of great guys. There’s a lot of talent here, and the music definitely keeps me in Wilmington. I couldn’t play like this in Mississippi—there’s just not as many places to do it. e: Is that why you want to revive this showcase?

SG: Yeah, I want to keep it going and give everyone who wants to be a part of this the chance to experience it.

Relax, Refre.s.h. and Renew massage = facial waxing = hair = nails body treatments gift certificates

e: How many acts do you normally have a night?

SG: Most likely three or four, with each playing 45 minute sets or so, but it depends on who we have signing up. It starts at 9pm and goes on until all the bands that are booked that night get a chance to play. e: Will you be booking solo and acoustic acts or bands as well?

SG: We can do pretty much everything, as long as they’ve got plenty of original material. We don’t mind a few covers here and there, but it’s definitely for original acts. I just want to give them a chance to get their music out. e: Do they have to be established artists, or can first-timers come out? In other

7741 Market St., Suite A 910.686.8685 copperlilydayretreat.com copperlilydayretreat@live.com encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 17

This Week in Music: Hip-hop, acoustic and classical mark the bills

M

usic never lacks in Wilmington— nor does it lack in flavor. From rock to hip-hop, classical to acoustic, the masses can embark on a slew of local venues to catch the sounds of local, regional, national, even international, musicians trekking around our coastal town, each and every week.

The weekend of Valentine’s Day proves no different, between the benefit concert for Haiti, the sing-a-longs sure to take place with the lovely songstress Bibis Ellison, and even local-artist-turned-musician, Nikki Wisniowski making a Valentine’s brunch even more memorable. Pull out the red pen and mark up the calendar; there is plenty to do, see and hear come Thursday.

by: Shea Carver

Thursday, February 11th Haiti Relief Concert 16 Taps • 127 Princess Street • $8-$10 George Clooney isn’t the only one taking massive strides to help Haiti victims after such a devastating earthquake wrecked their lives. Thanks to the help of acoustic rockers No Dollar Shoes, Oyster Boy and L Shape

Friday, February 12th Tim Black and Bibis Ellison Costello’s Piano Bar • 211 Princess Street free Missing local songstress Bibis Ellison would be a complete travesty tonight, as she and pianist Tim Black take to Costello’s Piano Bar for an intimate performance. Black, who’s part of Ellison’s Spare Change Band, which has take Wilmington nightlife by storm over the past year, turn their full-rockin’ sets into something delicate, demure and rather sexy—that is, as compared to their raucous Tuesday night gigs at The Whiskey.

Catch them in a new light, as songs run the gamut, from old to new, classic to modern, and the two shine together seamlessly, as Black’s fingers tickle the ivories to near perfection against one of the most powerful voices in the city. Show starts around 9:30pm.

“Burlap Bag”

Public Grocery Auction!

Name brand grocery items from major chain stores. ✓Recent shelf-pulls ✓Close dated expirations ✓Slightly damaged exterior packaging ✓Popular snacks, drinks, cereal, and other pantry items

Lot, a concert to help fund the American Red Cross’s ongoing relief efforts will be held tonight at 16 Taps, downtown Wilmington. Cost to get in is $10, and all proceeds benefit the local chapter of the Red Cross. Monies will be accepted in the form of checks and cash.

Don’t miss a chance to stretch those philanthropic hands and enjoy the especially remarkable talent of three local bands. They give bluegrass, new-grass and acoustic jams a face-lift unlike any other in town—one to adore, of course, and dance a jig or two to, as well. The show begins at 8pm and will last until 2am, so wear comfortable dancing shoes, nonetheless.

Saturday, February 13th The Urban Sophisticates, The Beast and Organix Soapbox Laundro Lounge 255 N. Front Street • $8-$10

Sat., February 13th 2:30pm 1930 Castle Hayne Road Wilmington, NC 28401

910-352-0411 www.AuctionOrange.com for more info and pics!

NCAFL 8501

18 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

SOPHISTICATED HIP-HOP: Greensboro’s The Urban Sophisticates take over the Soapbox on Saturday night, along with The Beast and Organix.

Photo by John Black

The motto remains eternal: “Beats move bodies and true music moves souls.” That’s the mission of Greensboro, NC’s, The Urban Sophisticates. The hip-hoppers will be stomping through the Soapbox, along with opening acts The Beast and Organix, tonight.

Headlining are the Sophisticates, who have folded even the most stubborn hiphop fans into their following with their critically-acclaimed The Cowards Anthem.

No strangers to touring, they’ve been all over the states, spreading the beats, and even going international, as far as Japan and Korea. Benton James, Aaron James, Romondo Jessup, Sal Mascali and Ricky Nxumalo have played unique riffs behind raps filled with emotion, truth and a dash of class, to all classes and societies, and to much praise.

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Their 2008 release, Classic Material, continues gaining momentum thanks to its innovation and strides at helping the hip-hop genre evolve. Be at their show to not only hear poetry-in-motion but watch a group of talented musicians.

Sunday, February 14th Nikki Wisnioski Caffe Phoenix • 9 S. Front Street free We all know after a hectic weekend of supporting live music, Sunday should be a fun, full-of-rest day. But that doesn’t mean more music can’t be enjoyed during the process.

Just head over to Caffe Phoenix for brunch, 10:30am-3pm, and enjoy the soft, sensual sounds of local flutist Nikki Wisnioski. The all-around artist will ease any Saturday-night hangover with subtle beauty—and paired with a lovely brunch from the Phoenix, it’s a perfect Valentine’s-Day plan.

Go ahead and grab that exquisite someone, and make it a date.

soundboard

a preview of tunes all over town this week

WeDNeSDAY, febRUARY 10

THURSDAY, febRUARY 11

CouRTesy oF aRTisT

JeRemy noRRis anD Tommy BRoTheRs —Reel Cafe, 100 South Front Street; KaRaoKe wiTh DJ uRBan 251-1832 —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 DJBe eXTReme KaRaoKe KaRaoKe wiTh BoB ClayTon —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 256-3838 DJ p. FunK open miC nighT wiTh gaRy allen —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Ave.; 509-1551 251-1888 KaRa Daly piano show —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front Street; DJ 815-3846 —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North DJ Jeph CaulTeR Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; Classy KaRaoKe wiTh manDy 791-7595 ClayTon —Katy’s, 1054 South College Rd.; 395-6204 KaRaoKe wiTh DJ BiKeR RoB —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market open miC nighT Street; 689-7219 —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; mounT RighTeous, one wolF, 763-2223 anDy BilinsKi eRiC anD CaRey B. —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front Street; 458-5255 251-8500

HAITI beNefIT: L Shape Lot (above), No Dollar Shoes, and Oyster Boy will all be performing in a benefit concert for Haiti this Thursday the 11th at 16 Taps downtown.

DJ Compose —Port City Pub, 121 Grace Street; 251-3791 Tom RhoDes —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front Street; 251-1935 live musiC —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 DJ Don’T sTop —Slick and Reds, 2501 South College Rd.; 798-5355 Family KaRaoKe —Alfie’s, 2528 Castle Hayne Rd.; 251-5707 KaRaoKe —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 South Front Street; 763-3172 KaRaoKe wiTh BoB ClayTon —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880

117 Grace St. Downtown 910-763-3456

wed 2.10

dj be karaoke thurs 2.11

team trivia plus

dj richtermeister fri 2.12

painted man sat 2.13

live music with

machine gun MARDI MARDI! PARTY PARTY! We’re in a New Orleans State of Mind!

fat tuesday 2.16 live music with

the flu

,ANDFALL #ENTER s 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

Downtown Wilmington’s Authentic Hookah Spot

LIVE BELLY DANCING Every Friday and Saturday 10pm - 12am

All-natural homemade fruit tobacco TRY ONE OF OUR SIGNATURE MIXES

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS &WEDNESDAYS

NUTTHOUSE IMPROV

$5 COVER $1 FRONT STREET BREWERY BEERS!

THURSDAYS

NUTT STREET OPEN MIC ALL SHOWS 8:00 DOORS 9:00 SHOW CALL 251-7881 FOR MORE INFO

www.arabiannightshookahcafe.com encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 19

haiti benefit: l shape lot, no dollar shoes, oyster boy —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 Classy KaraoKe with Mandy Clayton —Remedies, Market Street; 392-8001 live aCoustiC —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market Street; 689-7219 dJ sCooter fresh —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 hip-hop night —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 fire and druM JaM; dJ Mit, psytranCe —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 the eMbers —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 dJ stretCh —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front Street; 815-3301 KaraoKe Kong —Orton Pool Room, 133 North Front Street; 343-8878

dJ riChterMeister —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 open MiC with JereMy norris —Katy’s, 1054 South College Rd.; 395-6204 guitarist perry sMith —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front Street; 343-1395 aMeriCan Me, deez nuts, endwell, hundreth, Murder death Kill —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front Street; 251-8500

friDAY, februArY 12

piano show —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front Street; 815-3846 KaraoKe Kong —Slick and Reds, 2501 South College Rd.; 798-5355 latino night with dJ —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 dJ stretCh —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front Street; 815-3301 robbie berry —Smileys Tavern, 723 N. 4th Street; 399-1669

JUNCTION PUB AND BILLIARDS 5216 Carolina Beach Road MONDAY MADNESS: Domestic Pints: $225 Well Vodka Drinks: $350 FREE POOL AFTER MIDNIGHT TASTY TUESDAYS: CALL NIGHT All call liquors: $400 Drinks or Shots WET WEDNESDAYS: Smirnoff Flavor Liquors $400 Drinks or Shots LATE NIGHT!!!

Domestic Light Beer $225

(Bud Light, Miller Light, Natural, Coors Light)

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: 22 Oz. Domestic Beers $400 FINALLY FRIDAYS: Cream Drinks $450 Blue Moon Draft $325 SATURDAYS: Corona & Corona Lts $250 Cuervo Silver Shots $300 Dox Equix Draft $300 POOL HAPPY HOURS 3pm-6pm $5 per player SUNDAYS: Service Employees Night Jager Shots $325 Jager Bombs $425 Coors Light Bottles $225 FREE POOL AFTER 10pm Every Mon-Wed-Fri Happy Hour Pool!

FREE POOL from 3-5pm!

Every Saturday, Sunday and Monday $3.50 25oz. Draft Special .0/%": 5.99 Cheeseburger & Fries All Day

$

56&4%": Double Lunch Punch from 11am - 3pm 8&%/&4%": 10 Boneless Wings & Domestic Draft for $ 5.99 All Day or 10 Boneless Wings, Curly Fries & Dressing for $ 5.99 All Day 5)634%": $2.50 Wells

5112 Market Street (910) 791-0799

20 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

hip-hop dJ —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 live MusiC, dJ —The Sandbar, 417 South College Rd.; 791-6080 dJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front Street; 342-0872 KaraoKe with bob Clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 dJ MitCh —Odessa, 23 N. Front Street; 251-8814 dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 dJ big Kahuna —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 faMily sanChez —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 tiM blaCK and bibis ellison —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 dJ tiMe —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 friday night follies —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301

Tuesday & Wednesday Martini Madness $2 Martinis Music by DJ TiMe Thursday ILM Electrotheque $2 Shots Music by GUeiCe & DST Friday & Saturday Discotheque $4 infused Vodkas Music by DJ DUSTiN CooK Sunday Open Mic $3 Drafts MUSiC BY YoU (instruments provided) 23 N. FroNt St. DowNtowN wilmiNgtoN

Melvin and sayer —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 dJ will Clayton —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market Street; 689-7219 Max indian, light pines, ryan gustafson —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front Street; 251-8500 painted Man —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 the breaKfast Club —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front Street; 251-8500 rob ronner —Reel Cafe, 100 South Front Street; 251-1832 ‘shine —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Ave.; 251-1888 organix —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess Street; 763-4133 rooKie of the year, rio bravo, what happened in vegas, distanCes —Lucky’s, 2505 South College Rd.; 792-1812

1/2 priced select apppetizers m-f 4-7pm MONDAY $10 Bud/Light Buckets $4 Jack Daniels • $3 Capt. Morgan TUESDAY $1 Tacos 4-7pm • $3 sauza $15 margarita pitchers $3 Mexican Beers $5 Top Shelf Tequila • $7 Patron WEDNESDAY $3 Pints (10 Drafts) $5 Jager Bombs • $2 wells THURSDAY Mug Night $2 Domestic Drafts w/HK MUG $5 Bombers • $4 Jim Beam $3 pinnacle flavored vodkas $3.50 MicroBrews FRIDAY $3 Select Draft $4 Fire Fly Shooters $5 Red Bull Vodka SATURDAY $2.50 Miller Lt or Yuengling Draft $8 Pitcher • $3 Kamikaze $4 Well Drinks SUNDAY $2.50 Bud/Light Draft $8 Pitcher • $5 Crown Royal $4 Bloody Mary

CATCH ALL THE ACTION WITH NFL SUNDAY TICKET ON 10 HDTVs and HD big screen Your Team - Every Game, Every Week 118 Princess St • (910)763-4133

blair and the boyfriends —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 l shape duo —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 dJ —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 South Front Street; 763-3172 Classy KaraoKe with Mandy Clayton —Katy’s, 1054 South College Rd.; 395-6204 live MusiC —Port City Pub, 121 Grace Street; 251-3791 dJ sCooter fresh —Rox, 208 Market Street; 343-0402 daniel parish —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th Street; 772-1400 dane britt —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front Street; 251-1935

SAturDAY, februArY 13 piano show —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front Street; 815-3846

Feature your live music and drink specials!

It’s a low-cost high-impact way to send encore readers your way!

Call

791-0688

dJ tiMe Hip—The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; —Red Dogs, 5 762-2206 Tom Noo dJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front Street; —Costello’s P 342-0872 live music Classy KaraoKe with Mandy Clayton —The Sandba —Remedies, Market Street; 392-8001 DJ salsa with dJ lalo —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; —Shanty’s Be 791-7595 live music dJ will Clayton —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market —Port City Pu Street; 689-7219 DJ steve Martinez and the give thanKs band —Odessa, 23 —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 Karao dJ foxxy —Midtown Se —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 haiti benefit ConCert featuring:: Gui watered down wood —Caffe Phoen —Tangerine’s Caribbean Grill, 300 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach; 707-0202 m redwood —Palm Room —Reel Cafe, 100 South Front Street; 251-1832 v dJ p. Money —Juggling Gy —Rox, 208 Market Street; 343-0402

visit our website www.ruckerJohns.com for daily specials, music and upcoming events monday All Pizzas $5 in the bar after 5pm 22oz Domestic Draft $200 tuesday Live Jazz in the Bar Half Price Bottles of Wine Absolut Dream $5 22oz Yendgling Draft $2 Pacifico $2.50 wednesday Corona\Corona Light $250 Margarita\Peach Margaritas $4 10 oz domestic draft $1 thursday Gran Martinis $7 • Red Stripe $250 friday Cosmos $4 • 007 $350 Harps bottles $250 saturday Baybreeze\Seabreeze $4 22oz Blue Moon Draft $3 Select domestic bottles $150 sunday Domestic Draft Pints $150 Bloody Marys $4 White Russians $4 5564 Carolina Beach Rd 452-1212

Hip-Hop DJ —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 Tom NooNaN aND JaNe Houseal Front Street; —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 live music —The Sandbar, 417 South College Rd.; 791-6080 DJ arket Street; —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 live music 7219 Market —Port City Pub, 121 Grace Street; 251-3791 DJ eDie —Odessa, 23 N. Front Street; 251-8814 et; 251-1616 KaraoKe wiTH BoB clayToN —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 : GuiTarisT perry smiTH —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front Street; , 300 N. Lake 343-1395 mac aND Juice —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury Street; 503-3040 valeNTiNe’s Day BellyDaNce eveNT —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223

macHiNe GuN —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 THe urBaN sopHisTicaTes, THe BeasT, orGaNix —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front Street; 251-8500 salvacioN, Temple DesTroyer —Lucky’s, 2505 South College Rd.; 792-1812 cHarlie aND rose lucas —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Ave.; 251-1888 miKe o’DoNNell —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 ForresT aND FrieNDs —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th Street; 772-1400 DJ —Ronnie’s Place, 6745-B Market Street; 228-8056 iamHumaN —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 South Front Street; 763-3172 KaraoKe wiTH val —Katy’s, 1054 South College Rd.; 395-6204

DJ sTreTcH; live Jam wiTH BeNNy Hill —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front Street; 815-3301 TeN Dollar THrill —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front Street; 251-1935 BeNeFiT For micHael FrusHa, FeaTuriNG 11 local acTs —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess Street; 763-4133

sunday, february 14 suNDay NiGHT Fever —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 GaleN oN GuiTar (BruNcH) —Courtyard Marriott, 100 Charlotte Ave., Carolina Beach; (800) 321-2211 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 DJBe exTreme KaraoKe —The Whiskey, 1 South Front Street; 763-3088 Dale “Fully auTomaTic souND macHiNe” DJs —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front Street; 763-3737 DJ BiG KaHuNa —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front Street; 815-3846

Wednesday

$5 cover 1¢ Fibbers golden lager 50¢ yuengling $1 Guinness $3 Royal Flush $3 soco and Lime dj pFunk

Call to hear our daily specials DBMM UP QMBO ZPVS GSFF QSJWBUF QBSUZ UPEBZ 1610 Pavilion Place 910.256-0102

(Bud Light, Miller Light, Natural, Coors Light)

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: Import Beers $300 (Red Stripe, Heineken, New Castle)

FINALLY FRIDAYS: Cream Drinks $450 Blue Moon Draft $325 SATURDAYS: Corona $250 Cuervo Silver Shots $300 POOL HAPPY HOURS 3pm-6pm $5 per player SUNDAYS: Service Employees Night Bloody Marys $300 Jager Shots $325 Jager Bombs $425 Coors Light Bottles $225 FREE POOL AFTER 10pm

monday, february 15

KaraoKe —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front Street; 342-0872 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 opeN mic wiTH Beau —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 DJ ricHTermeisTer —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 opeN mic wiTH viva —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832

RACK ‘EM PUB 415 South College Road MONDAY MADNESS: Domestic Pints: $225 Miller Light, Yuengling: $350 Well Vodka Drinks: $350 FREE POOL AFTER MIDNIGHT TASTY TUESDAYS: CALL NIGHT All call liquors: $400 WET WEDNESDAYS: Smirnoff Flavor Liquors $400 Drinks LATE NIGHT!!!

Domestic Light Beer $225

FluTisT NiKKi wisNiosKi —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front Street; 343-1395 DJ p. moNey —Rox, 208 Market Street; 343-0402 Jam wiTH BeNNy Hill —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Ave.; 251-1888 DJ BiG KaHuNa —The Sandbar, 417 South College Rd.; 791-6080 NecTar —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th Street; 772-1400

Weekly SpecialS

.0/%": $2.50 Budweiser Draft $4.00 Well Liquor FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $.50 Wings Buffalo, BBQ, or Teriyaki 56&4%": $2.50 Miller Lite Draft, $4.00 Hurricanes FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $6 Buffalo Shrimp or Chicken Tenders 8&%/&4%": $2.50 Yuengling Draft, $2.50 Domestic Bottles FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $2 Sliders 5)634%": $3.00 Coronas, $4.00 Margaritas FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $5 Cajun Shrimp or Fish Tacos '3*%": $3.00 Select Pint 4"563%": $5.50 Cosmos, Dirty Martinis or Apple Martinis 46/%": $5 Bloody Marys Half Priced Appetizers After 9:00 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

.0/%": 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM $2 Budweiser $2.25 Heineken $3 Gin & Tonic Live music w/ JEREMY NORRIS AND FRIENDS MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL TAILGATE PARTY 25¢ Wings / $5 Sausage and Kraut $4 Tailgate Burgers $4 BBQ Plate PITCHERS OF YUENGLING OR MICH ULTRA $7 PITCHERS OF BLUE MOON OR FAT TIRE $8.50 56&4%": 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM $2 White Wolf $2.50 Redstripe $3.50 Wells 35¢ Wings at 8pm Live music w/ ROB RONNER 8&%/&4%": 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM Live music w/ JEREMY NORRIS / TOMMY BROTHERS $2.50 Blue Moons • $2.50 Corona/Corona Light 1/2 Priced Wine Bottles 5)634%": $2.00 Coors Light • $2.50 White Wolf Draft '3*%": LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD $3 Landshark • $3 Kamikaze • $5 Bombs 4"563%": LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD Rooftop open by 6pm Dance floor open by 10pm 46/%": Live music w/ L SHAPE LOT 3-7 / MEDUSA STONE 8-12 $5 Tommy Bahama Mojitos $2.75 Corona $3.50 Bloody Mary’s • $3 Mimosas ROOFTOP KARAOKE

DJ p. FuNK —The Sandbar, 417 South College Rd.; 791-6080 opeN mic NiGHT —Port City Pub, 121 Grace Street; 251-3791 DJ BiG KaHuNa —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 roBBie HazeN aND THe rioT —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223

tuesday, february 16 classy KaraoKe wiTH maNDy clayToN —Ultra Classics Pool and Bar, North Hampstead raDio Hayes aND ecHopoiNT21 —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th Street; 772-1400 KaraoKe wiTH BoB clayToN —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 KaraoKe —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616

DJ Time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market Street; 762-2206 Travis sHallow —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839 live acousTic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 sHaG DJ —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 KaraoKe wiTH DJ BiKer roB —Katy’s, 1054 South College Rd.; 395-6204 HaNNaH’s FielD —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 DJ DouBleclicK —The Sandbar, 417 South College Rd.; 791-6080 KaraoKe —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 South Front Street; 763-3172 cape Fear Blues Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Ave.; 251-1888 live music —Henry’s, 2806 Independence Blvd.; 793-2929

5001 Market Street (attached to the Ramada Inn)

910-791-7595

TUESDAYS

LIVE MUSIC

@7:30 with Brad & Dancing with DJ

GABBY’S LOUNGE

SHAG LESSONS

Lee Pearson $2 DOmEStic BOttLES WEDNESDAYS college Night with DJ JEPH c $1 DOmEStic BOttLES $3 JAGER BOmBS THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11 tHE EmBERS 8pm LADiES NiGHt 1/2 PRicE wiNE & $5 mARtiNi LiSt Line Dancing lessons with DJ Lee and instructor Barbara Braak 7:30 $5 cover.

FRIDAYS ARGENtiNE tANGO LESSONS WITH INSTRUCTION at 7:30 and

SALSA LESSONS at 9:30 with live DJ $2 Tequilla - $3 Corona - $4 Margarita’s SATURDAY SALSA witH DJ LALO Private Parties are available for booking 791-7595

Fri., February 12

l Shape DUo 8-11PM Sat., February 13

Mike o’Donnell 8-11PM Fri., February 19

oVeRTyMe 8-11PM Sat., February 20

John ToppingS 8-11PM 877-330-5050 910-256-2231 wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com

encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 21

WEDNESDAy, FEBRUARy 17 KaraoKe WitH Dj urBan —Ibiza, 118 Market Street; 251-1301 KaraoKe WitH BoB clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 Dj P. funK —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 live MuSic —16 Taps, 127 Princess Street; 251-1616 Dj —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 claSSy KaraoKe WitH ManDy clayton —Katy’s, 1054 South College Rd.; 395-6204 oPen Mic nigHt —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle Street; 763-2223 eric anD carey B. —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255

oPen Mic nigHt WitH gary allen —Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Piano SHoW —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front Street; 815-3846

jereMy norriS anD toMMy BrotHerS —Reel Cafe, 100 South Front Street; 251-1832 DjBe eXtreMe KaraoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838

Dj jePH caulter —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market Street; 791-7595 KaraoKe WitH Dj BiKer roB —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market Street; 689-7219

freSHMan 15, tHe StatuS, tHe aluMni cluB, unDer tHe HuDSon, tHe fear of falling —Lucky’s, 2505 South College Rd.; 792-1812

All entertainment must be turned in to encore by noon every Thursday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar.

Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

Show Stoppers: Concerts around the region HOUSE OF BLUES 4640 HWy 17 S., Myrtle BeacH, Sc 843-272-3000 2/13: Blues-A-Palooza: Below the Bassline 2/14: Gospel Brunch THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BiltMore avenue, aSHeville 828-225-5851 2/10: John Brown’s Body, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad 2/11: Umphrey’s McGee 2/12: Josh Phillips Folk Festival 2/13: Goodie Mob Reunion (CeeLo, Big Gipp, Khujo, and T-Mo) with B.o.B. (a.k.a. Bobby Ray)

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 SoutH tryon St., cHarlotte • 704-377-6874 2/11: Killswitch Engage, The Devil Wears Prada, Dark Tranquility 2/12: New Found Glory, Hellogoodbye, Saves the Day, Fireworks 2/13: Decadence Project 2/14: Goodie Mob, B.O.B LINCOLN THEATRE 126 e. caBarruS St., raleigH 919-821-4111 2/12-13: Drive-By Truckers 2/16: Cold & Nonpoint, Day of Fire, The Fifth

CAT’S CRADLE 300 e. Main St., carrBoro 919-967-9053 2/11: Brandi Carlile (right), Amy Ray’s Rock Show 2/12: John Brown’s Body, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Vintage Fresh 2/13: NC Comedy Arts Festival: Eddie Brill, Mike MacRae 2/14: The Foreign Exchange 2/15: Tortoise, Disappears 2/17: The Urban Sophisticates, Kaze (backed by Organix), Inflowential, The Beast GREENSBORO COLISEUM COMPLEX 1921 WeSt lee Street,

Go for o! t s u G the 99 g 7 9 in 790

ak ers t Now e ord n ugh o h p hro ’s e n t i nt e l Va Day!!

courteSy of artiSt

tHe colBy WaHl Project —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212

greenSBoro 336-373-7400 2/12: Rhythms of Triumph feat. Ledisi with Confunkshun N. CHARLESTON

COLESIUM 5001 coliSeuM Dr., cHarleSton, Sc 843-529-5000 2/14: Winter Jam 2010; The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Tour

Our Valentine gift to you:

10 off

$

any service $30 or more

(not good with any other special)

YOU

ARE SPA SO S PAC PEC I KA GE AL

99

$

• 30 M • 30 inute M M • Sp inute assage Fa a • Sh Pedicu cial amp re oo & Styl e

HOURS: Tues., Wed., Thurs.: 9:30AM-6:30PM • Fri.: 9:00AM-5:00PM • Sat.: 9:00AM-3:00PM Closed Sunday and Monday • Additional hours available by appointment ONLY

108-A2 North Kerr Office Park • 910-790-9799 (One block off Market St., behind Whiteyʼs Restaurant)

22 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

The Calico Room (Elixir Lounge) 107 N. Front Street • Downtown Wilmington)

mardi mardi! party party!

We’re in a New Orleans

State of Mind!

Fat Tuesday at the Wing u $4 Bacardi Hurricanes u $3 SoCo & Limes u Rajun Cajun Wings u Spicy Jumbo Gumbo & More!

DON’T BE SINGLE ON VALENTINES DAY! Join Us Sunday, February 14th 9pm-2am (Cost $5 / Speed Daters $15) Tqffe!Ebujoh!Œ!Dibsjuz!Ebuf!Bvdujpo!Œ!Mjwf!EK!Œ!Ebodjoh!'!Npsf Up!Sfhjtufs!gps!Tqffe!!

Ebujoh!Qmfbtf!Dbmm!! ):21*!727.7111 Bmm!qbsujdjqbout!nvtu!cf!! sfhjtufsfe!qsjps!up!uif!fwfou Nvtu!cf!tjohmf!boe!ibwf!b! wbmje!JE

SpEED DaTiNg

It’s gonna be a Bead Wearin’, Hurricane Drinking, Cajun Festival guaranteed to have you struttin’ down the Bourbon Street of your Mind! u Tuesday, February 16th

live acoustic with

iWeek

The Flu

the line-up.

UNC Wilmington

17th Annual Intercultural Festival Saturday, Feb. 20 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Burney Center on the UNCW campus

Celebrate the cultures and countries represented locally through food, music, performances and exhibits that showcase the rich culture in our community and beyond.

Intercultural Week is made possible by the Office of International Programs and UNCW Presents.

iWeek 2010 • www.uncw.edu/iWeek • 910.962.3685 An EEO/AA Institution. Accommodations for disabilities may be requested by contacting International Programs at 910.962.3685 three days prior to the event.

Thirsty Thursday Trivia Night Friday Night Painted Man Saturday Machine Gun &9F<>9DD =FL=J c 'ADAL9JQ MLG>> ,< c O O O O A D < O A F ? ; 9 > = ; G E encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 23

below Dining Review

17-20 Dining Guide

All in the Family: Luly’s Cuban Café brings heritage to the table

I

f there is one destination I continuously long to visit, it is Cuba. My hopes heightened among talks of opening its borders to American travelers, as went the White-House fodder that surrounded a newly elected Obama. Since, the talk has muffled, and my patience has worn thin—which is why when word that another Cuban café had opened in town, my interest piqued. Sure, I may not be able to hobnob with the Castro crew personally, but at least I could indulge in café Cubano and pastelito de guayaba, and pretend I was at a corner café on the island, basking in the sounds of Buena Vista Social Club and dancing a jig with the locals.

Luly’s Cuban Café sits new among The Forum’s many eateries, perhaps not on an island, but at least adding a Latin-America punch to its already international offerings: Italian at Osteria Cicchetti, American pub grub at Grand Union and Asian at Bento Box. In fact, Luly’s was born of Bento-Box owner Lee Grossman, thanks to his wife Lourdes’ Cuban heritage.

“All of Luly’s recipes come from my wife’s family,” Grossman informed me last week, after I finished lunch. “Except for the plantain soup,” he clarfied. “That’s my own creation.”

As fate would have it, the plantain soup left a profound impression on my palate. With slight hints of cumin, garlic and lime married against the starchy plantains, I was stunned to taste its savory richness over the usually sweet nectar they so fervently maintain. Adding to the fact that the soup is vegan-friendly made it all the better, as everyone can enjoy its bountifulness and depth.

“There is no stock or dairy used in it!”

Grossman informed. And I challenge any chef’s palate to be able to taste a difference.

Grossman’s need to appease vegetarian and vegan appetites alike continues to manifest, as he will be welcoming a vegetarian Cuban sandwich to his menu in coming weeks.

Not one to pass up the chance at eating a carnivorous serving of picadillo, my lunch date and I jumped into the limited menu without restrictions. Featuring only a dozen or so items, we ordered the plantain soup first, before sinking our teeth into the vaca frita, “a dish most of our customers rave about,” the waittress said.

The beauty of Cuban food is it comes from the heart of family—as does most regional cuisine born of its people. Luly’s vaca frita tasted as tender as Grandma’s pot roast would in the

by: Shea Carver

Luly’s Cuban Café

H H H 1/2 H H 1113-F Military Cutoff Road (910) 509-2600 Mon. – Wed.: 11am–9pm Thurs. – Sat.: 11am–10 pm South; however, its mojo seasoning, caramelized onions and lime-juice flavors transformed the dish beyond a heavy, gravy-doused Sunday meal. The beef became the forefront of flavor, light even, and minus the cumbersome, lumbering feeling that often comes soon after eating it.

The chicken Versailles also contained Luly’s mojo seasoning, and a liberal sprinkling of cilantro and diced onions— two items that can give anything a zesty dose of gusto. Still, the chicken’s flavor seemed a bit understated and dry, unless eaten with a heaping spoon of Luly’s hearty black beans, which shone magnificently. Again, the cumin and garlic satisfied the intensity of the earthy flavors.

Perhaps it’s my bias toward ground-beef anything, but the picadillo at Luly’s remained my favorite of the day. I adore the LatinAmerican dish, of which each country seemingly churns out its own version.

“I don’t think I’ve had picadillo,” my lunch companion admitted.

“Well, think of the ground-beef filling of an empanada, and there you have it!” I described.

Luly’s dish came prepared with olives, capers, onions, peppers, raisins, garlic, cumin, oregano and, most likely, a tomato-based stock. It’s not a chili but more like a hash.

While all of their entrées come with fluffy white rice and the aforementioned black beans and plantains, they also toss out slices of Cu-

24 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

CUBANO CLASSICS: Picadillo makes for a lovely lunch or dinner at Luly’s Cuban Cafe, followed by Wilmington’s best coffee, Cafe Cubano, and guava and cream-cheese pastry.

ban bread—small white rounds, which practically melt after one bite thanks to the buttery flavor lathered throughout each slice. Dipping them in the picadillo and the plantain soup became a habit throughout our meal—one I’d like to continue partaking in at least once a week.

We didn’t finish it all because we knew from the beginning of our leisurely lunch we would, without a single doubt, indulge in the pastries and coffee we had eyed and smelled upon entering the light, open-air diner. In fact, if there is any reason—or two—to dine at Luly’s, this is it: café Cubano, and a guava and cheese pastelito.

“We make the pastries fresh, every morning,” Grossman told us. “In fact, we have one gentlemen who comes by every day, a few minutes before we open, to get them right from the oven.”

The thought of the flaky, thin layers of crust filled with guava jam and cream cheese, being served hot to order, actually had me looking forward to waking up the next day—which is a feat. I am no “morning person,” but Luly’s pastries could transform me easily. Paired with some of the best coffee Wilmington could taste—a rich buzz of nutty flavors, sweetened and with cream, which Grossman orders from Miami—Luly’s should consider doing more breakfast business.

“We want to become more for our community,” Grossman excitedly claimed. “We want to have dominoes tournaments and salsa lessons on the patio. And we’d love to have a paella day come spring!”

With high hopes of sharing his in-law’s tasteful lineage with Wilmingtonians, the plans to make Luly’s more than a restaurant doesn’t wane. Grossman wants to bring with it the feeling of Cuban diners across Miami, where the food is adored, the coffee shared, and the interaction with friends, colleagues and acquaintances becomes extended family for everyone.

As for me, well, I am always open to sharing a coffee, a pastry and some good conversation. Just look for me in line ... before Luly’s doors open.

k e e w s u o i c i l e d t s o m for the ! g n i r p s f o

Spring 2010

Some of the Port Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest restaurants will offer awe-inspiring, pre-fixe meals prepared especially for this week.

Sign up to receive email updates for Restaurant Week 2010

encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 25

09-10

2009-10 Arts in Action Performance Series

Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile

Thursday, Feb. 18 8 p.m., Kenan Auditorium Led by mandolin maestro Chris Thile, who grew up performing in the award-winning newgrass band Nickel Creek, the Grammy-nominated Punch Brothers, hailed by the Boston Globe as a “virtuosic revelation,” combine the talents of the best young pickers in modern bluegrass to produce a fresh, cutting-edge sound that seamlessly blends bluegrass traditions with breathtaking innovation.

Tickets & Information • $20 public; discounts available Kenan Box Office 910.962.3500

www.uncw.edu/presents

An EEO/AA institution. Accommodations for disabilities may be requested by contacting 910.962.3285 three days prior to the event.

26 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

e u ito eatdand d i n i n g gwhere drink in the port city american Black Horn Bar & kitcHen

Enjoy an extensive selection of gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches and specialty Americana in this rustic chic setting. From the dry-rubbed and slow-roasted Better Buffalo Wings to the hardwood smoked Duck Quesadilla, Black Horn offers unique twists on traditional foods. Always family friendly with smoke-free dining, a large arcade gaming area, 23 Hi-Def TV’s and Nintendo Wii. Live music every weekend. 7 days a week, 11am–2am. 15 Carolina Beach Avenue North, “the boardwalk,” Carolina Beach. www.blackhornbarandkitchen.com. (910) 458-5255.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza

A short drive from the beach, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza in Mayfaire Town Center is a fun, friendly neighborhood restaurant. Serving the best brick-oven pizzas around, Brixx also offers a fine selection of signature focaccia sandwiches, pastas, fresh salads and desserts. Stop in for a quick lunch, or kick back on the patio with one of 24 beers on tap or 14 wines by the glass. Brixx is also a late-night destination, serving 2-for-1 pizzas and appetizers after 10 p.m. Open until 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 p.m. on Sunday.6801 Main Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. 910-256-9677. www. brixxpizza.com.

BlUeWater

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday during the summer months. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach , NC . 910.256.8500.

cHriS’ coSmic kitcHen cosmickitchenonline.com

Serving breakfast all day as well as lunch, and handmade cheesecake, Chef and Owner Chris Lubben loves to make many of his menu items from scratch. Whether you’re in the mood for a fluffy 3-egg Omelet, Shrimp & Grits, Prime Rib Sandwich or Andes Mint Cheesecake, Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is your “Out of this World” Breakfast/Lunch Destination. Evening restaurant rental is available, as well as a Personal Chef service.

Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen is located at 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109, on the corner of Racine Dr. and Eastwood Rd. Closed Monday. Open Tues-Sat. from 8am-4pm with Sun. Brunch from 9am-2pm.

Take-out calls welcome, 792-6720. Follow us on Twitter @CosmicKitchen.

c.G. daWGS

For great traditional New York style eats with Southern charm look no further than C.G.

Dawgs. You will be drawn in by the aroma of fine beef franks served with witty banter and good natured delivery from the cleanest hot dog carts in Wilmington. Sabrett famous hot dogs and Italian sausages are the primary fare offered, with a myriad of condiments for all of your mid-day or late night cravings. You may find them daily at their new location on the boardwalk of Market and Water St. from 11am to 5pm. Saturdays at the farmers market.

Thursday-Saturday nights they are on Market St. between Front and 2nd St. from 10pm to 3:00am. Then they finish the week off at Fibbers on Sunday nights until 3am. To busy to leave the office? Ask about their lunch time delivery service for downtown!!

Henry’s is home to live music, wine & beer dinners and other special events. Check out their calendar of events at HenrysRestaurant. com for details. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. 910.793.2929.

tHe GeorGe on tHe riVerWalk

Kefi, founded in 1981 by a group of friends, has a long-standing tradition as a favorite local watering hole. This Wrightsville-Beach eatery is open at 6am for breakfast, offering everything from omelets and pancakes, to shrimp and grits. Take a break from the beach and visit Kefi’s, where their menu features a variety of salads and sandwiches. There is even a “working man’s lunch,” served Monday through Friday, all for under $6. At night Kefi comes alive by serving dinner with a Southern flare. From the fried pickles appetizer to their the shrimp or oyster Po’boy to their nightly dinner specials, there is something that will make your taste buds sing. Then stick around for live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; nightly drink specials are offered. Go online at www. kefilive.com for more info and full music schedule. Open 6am-2am, seven days a week, with full ABC permits. Lunch deliveries available in the Wrightsville Beach area. Located at 2012 Eastwood Road, 910-256-3558.

Drop your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, your destination for complete sense indulgence. Watch the historic Cape Fear River unfold before you while you enjoy the best in Southern Coastal Cuisine. The menu combines elegance, creativity and diverse selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh seafood, including the best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. Warm in the sun on the expansive outdoor deck sipping an exotic, colorful martini, or unwind at the spacious bar inside boasting extensive wine and martini lists along with weekday appetizer specials from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Don’t forget to try downtown’s best kept secret for Sunday Brunch from 11am-3pm. You are welcome to dock your boat at the only dock’n’dine restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or enjoy our free, front door parking (ask for pass!) Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sunday. Why satisfy when you can indulge? Find the George on the RiverWalk at 128 South Water Street. 910-763-2052 or online at www.thegeorgeontheriverwalk.com

HellS kitcHen

This former Dawson’s Creek stage set has been turned into a lively pub in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Their extensive menu ranges from classics like a thick Angus burger or NY style reuben to lighter fare such as homemade soups, fresh salads, and vegetarian options. Whether meeting for a business lunch, lingering over dinner and drinks, or watching the game on the big screen, the atmosphere and friendly service will turn you into a regular. Open late 7 days a week, with a pool table, darts, weekly trivia, and live music on the weekends. Offers limited lunchtime delivery during the week and can accommodate large parties. M-Sat 11am until late, opens Sundays at noon. 118 Princess St, (910) 763-4133

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 and offers daily blackboard specials that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because its going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people.

HolidaY inn reSort

The Verandah Café Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 256-2231 Wrightsville Beach

keFi

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 four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Open Tuesday-Sunday, serving dinner at 5pm. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street • (910) 251-0433

Pine ValleY market

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben,

Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. Mon.-Fri. 10am-7pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; closed Sunday. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD.

melloW mUSHroom

Now a smoke-free restaurant, mellow out and relax in the comfortable atmosphere that Mellow Mushroom offers. From the giant psychadelic ‘shroom located in the bar area to the Cadillac hanging on the wall, this restaurant is far from ordinary. The open kitchen brings live entertainment as pizza dough flies in the air. Their handtossed, spring-water dough brings new meaning to pizzas and calzones—healthy!! With 20 drafts and an array of microbrews, domestic and import bottles, Mellow Mushroom has an extensive beer list and full bar. Also, check out their lunch specials and variety of sandwiches. Their menu also caters to everyone and offers many vegetarian dishes. Live jazz on Wednesdays. Hours: MonSat, 11am-10pm; Sun., 12pm-9pm. 4311 Oleander Drive, 452-3773.

trollY StoP

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs are family owned with six locations. Since 1976 we specialize in homemade chili, slaw and sauces. Dogs include Smighfield (beef & pork), Southern Dog, Sabrett (all beef), Northern Dog, Carolina Packers Pork Dog (smoke sausage), Oscar Mayer 98% Fat Free Dogs (turkey) and Light Life Veggie Dog (soy). Locations are: 126 N. Front Street Open six days including Thurs., Fri., and Sat. night from 10pm-3am; 343-2999, 94 S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach, 2561421; 4502 Fountain Dr., 452-3952. Open at 11am on Sat.; South Howe St. in Southport, 457-7017; 103A Cape Fear Blvd in Carolina Beach, 458-5778. Catering cart available all year from $300. 910-297-8416.

aSian doUBle HaPPineSS

Double Happiness offers the Port City fine Asian dining at reasonable prices. We prepare flavorful dishes inspired by the cultural richness of Malaysia, Thailand and authentic China. We’re now serving traditional dim sum, and good health special vegetarian dishes, such as Soy Peking Ribs, homemade tofu and homemade Malaysian sponge cake. We are dedicated to branding the exotic flavors of fresh ingredients and a romantic spice in all of our cooking techniques. Our friendly staff is always willing to help customers, and we serve beer and wine for lunch and dinner. Banquet and tatami rooms are available for large parties.

Open Monday through Saturday, 11am-10pm; and Sunday 3pm-10pm. 4403 Wrightsville Avenue; 910-313-1088. www.doublehappinessrestaurant.com.

encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 27

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), 799-1426.

Hiro jApANESE StEAkHoUSE

What better way to celebrate a special occasion or liven up a dinner out than to dine in a place where every meal is an exciting presentation. Knowing that a meal should be more than just great food, Hiro adds a taste of theatre and a amazing atmosphere to everyone’s dinning experience. Also serving sushi, Hiro surprises its guests with a new special roll every week and nightly drink specials to complement it. From 47pm enjoy half-priced nigiri and half-priced regular makimono. Nigiri makimono combos are only $7.50, while early-bird specials last from 4-6pm, where diners can choose two: shrimp, chicken or steak. Open Monday thru Thursday 4pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday 4pm-10:30pm; and Sunday 11am-10pm. Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570. Please visit the Web site at hirojapanesesteakhouse.com.

iNdoCHiNE rEStAUrANt ANd loUNgE

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

Yo SAkE

Located on the second floor of the historic Roudabush building in downtown Wilmington, Yo Sake features the best sushi along with a full panAsian menu served amid fabulous Tokyo vogue décor. Entrees include Sake Bombed Duck, Tea Rubbed Salmon and Grilled Beef Tenderloin. The bar boasts an extensive wine list including 16 sakes and fantastic specialty drinks like the Wilmington-famous Pomegranate Ginger Mojito. Don’t forget to try the Fresh Mango Cheesecake or the scrumptious Coconut Banana Ice Cream, and, if you ask nicely, they just might drop a scoop of the

Lychee Sorbet into a glass of champagne for you.

Open everyday 5pm-2am. Dinner served 5-11pm.

Ask about our late night menu. Live entertainment nightly Tuesday -Saturday beginning at 10:30pm.

33 South Front Street, downtown Wilmington.

(910) 763-3172. Visit us at www.yosake.com.

CAribbEAN jAMAiCA’S CoMFort ZoNE

Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is Wilmington’s Authentic Caribbean Restaurant conveniently located at 417 S. College Road in University Landing. We offer exquisite Caribbean cuisine to satisfy your taste buds, whether they are for spicy Jamaican jerk chicken, mellow flavors of our curry chicken, curry goat or our ox tail skillfully flavored by our Jamaican chefs. Come in and enjoy our many menu selections, our warm décor, smoke-free atmosphere, excellent service and our smooth reggae music. Operating hours are: Sunday 3:00pm – 8:00pm; Wednesday – Saturday 11:45am – 9:00pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday). Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is family owned and operated. Check us out at www. jamaicascomfortzone.com or call us 910399-2867.

FrENCH CApriCE biStro

Wilmington’s finest French cuisine can be found at Caprice Bistro, a small informal neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty food in generous portions at affordable prices.

Simple is the atmosphere in the bistro, as plain white plates and tables dressed in white paper make up the decor. However, the food is far from simple, as a combination of fresh ingredients and innovative preparation delight the taste buds with a plethora of unique appetizers, entrées and desserts. The service is fast, efficient and non-intrusive, and the ambience is friendly and unpretentious.

After dinner, be sure to venture upstairs into their cozy and relaxing sofa bar for an afterdinner martini, or enjoy your meal there, as a light-fare and full menus are served. Art is always on display in the sofa bar, so be sure to inquire frequently about their artist show receptions. Voted “Best French Restaurant” three years in a row! 10 Market Street, downtown Wilmington, 815-0810.

itAliAN ANtoNioS piZZA ANd pAStA

Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta, simply known as Antonio’s, is anything but simple. From scrumptious appetizers to signature pizza to some of the best traditional Italian pasta dishes in town, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cozy dinner for two or bring the whole family in for pizza and fun. Offering beer and wine at their Monkey Junction and Porter’s Neck location and live music Friday and Saturday nights with all ABC permits at their Leland location, Antonio’s has thought of everything for you to enjoy your dining experience with them. Monkey Junction across from Super Walmart off South College Road (910) 792-0000, Porter’s Neck Shopping Center next to Kiva Grill off Market Street (910) 686-7774, Cross Creek Commons across from Magnolia Greens (910) 383-0033. www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com

28 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

EddiE roMANElli’S

A marvel of architecture with an open display kitchen that adds to the stunning ambiance of the dining room. Eddie Romanelli’s offers lunch (Oleander Dr), dinner and late night menu (Oleaner Dr). The diverse menu is casual American with Italian influences, featuring favorites such as 16oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak, Stuffed Pork Chop, Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Shrimp and Crabmeat Cannelloni, unique California-style pizza and more. RomanellisRestaurant.com. 5400 Oleander Drive, Wilmington.

910.799.7000 and 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. 910.383.1885

giorgio’S itAliAN rEStAUrANt

Giorgio’s is a locally owned, one-of-a-kind restaurant. Offering age-old traditions and timeless recipes, perfection is accomplished by combining the perfect cuisine and atmosphere for a dining experience that is not soon forgotten. With over 50 years of cooking experience under one roof, the smells of old-fashioned home cooking float through the air creating that comforting feeling of home-away-from-home! From old world style dishes to modern day creations, the menu showcases multiple flavors that will tempt the palate of the most discriminating connoisseurs.

A Monkey Junction landmark for over 12 years! www.giorgios-restaurant.com. 5226 S College Rd.,Wilmington 910-790-9954.

SliCE oF liFE

“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. We have the largest tequila selection in Wilmington. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.” Stop by for lunch dinner, or a late-night treat, open from 11:30am until 3am, seven days a week, 365 days a year, all ABC permits. 122 Market Street between Second and Front, downtown Wilmington. 251-9444. Visit our 2nd location at 1437 Military Cutoff rd., next to PT’s! 256-2229 www.grabslice.com.

orgANiC loVEY’S MArkEt

Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for natural and organic groceries, or just a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious, and totally fresh snack. Whether they are in the mood for a veggie burger, a bean burrito or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte café menu at Lovey’s. The food bar—which has cold salads and hot selections that can be eaten in the café seating or boxed for take-out—can be enjoyed all day long, while the juice bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables.

Specializing in bulk sales of produce, grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices, Lovey‘s also carries grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. Wheat-free, gluten-free, products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries and wholesome pet foods.

For anything shoppers want that is not in stock,

Lovey‘s will be happy to find it.

Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm; Saturday, 9am to 6pm; and on Sundays, 10am to 6pm. Café hours: Monday-Friday, 11am–6pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Road; 910-5090331. Online at www.loveysmarket.com.

tidAl CrEEk Co-op

Tidal Creek Deli offers a wide array of exceptional and unusual organic foods, all of which taste as good as they are for you. The salad bar and hot bar incorporate flavors from around the world; each item is prepared by hand using only fresh and local ingredients. The chefs are constantly experimenting to create new and exciting dishes. Choose from made to order smoothies with almond butter and hemp milk, salads with locally grown greens or, special order a wedding cake made from scratch to your specifications. Whatever your tastes, Tidal Creek Deli is a place to rejuvenate the mind and body while enjoying the company of a friendly and relaxed organic community.

SEAFood 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 comfortable in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Smoke Free! Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington.

Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. 7622827 www.dockstreetoysterbar.net.

EASt At tHE bloCkAdE rUNNEr HotEl

The Blockade Runner offers an array of seasonal seafood specials, certified Angus beef, lobster menu on Friday evening plus a spectacular Sunday brunch. Romantic al fresco dining is available on our dinner deck located in the center of a lush garden overlooking the ocean far away from the traffic and noise. We offer live entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday brunch. Our smoke free lounge is eco-friendly and offers light fare nightly. 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach. 910-256-2251.

HiEroNYMUS

Proving that excellent seafood isn’t just for the eateries at Wrightsville Beach, Hieronymus Seafood is the stop for midtown Wilmington seafood lovers. In business for 27 years strong, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by consistently providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in oceanic cuisine. Complete with a full-service bar and a fireside oyster bar, it’s the place to be if you are seeking top-quality attributes in atmosphere, presentation, flavor and ingenuity. Signature dishes include Oysters Hieronymus and the Scallops Fra Diavlo.

Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2007. 5035 Market Street; 392-6313.

CatCh Modern Seafood

When Wilmingtonians think of fresh, flavorful seafood, they flock to Catch. Couples enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at the bar, professionals meet for business meetings and locals come for their favorites. The understated décor and friendly service create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. In this quaint bistro, Catch serves New American seafood with Asian influences. Customers enjoy unique flavors and modern creations, matched with the best local seafood and organic produce in the Cape Fear.

Some seasonal offerings include soft-shell crabs, grouper nuggets, summer flounder, N.C. shrimp and Carolina catfish. House specialties range from broiled miso-glazed wild salmon to crispy fried oyster platters. No reservations accepted. Open Mon-Fri., 11am – 2pm for lunch and now open for dinner Wed-Fri. only from 5:30pm – 9pm (BYOB). 215 Princess Street, downtown Wilmington. Catch is chefowned and -operated. (910) 762-2841 or www. catchwilmingtonnc.com.

oCean grill

Located next to the Golden Sands hotel in Carolina Beach, the Ocean Grill offers three distinct dining experiences: a spacious dining room with wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean, a patio bar in the covered patio area, and a open-air Tiki Bar on the pier. You will find a full menu inside, and appetizers, sandwiches and a full selection of beverages on the Tiki Bar menu. Serving lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and brunch on Sundays from 10am-2pm. Lunch 7 days a week beginning May 22nd. Live music calendar: www.oceangrill.us. Tiki Bar open at 11am 7 days a week. 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach; (910) 458-2000.

oCeaniC

Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside.

Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable wedding receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. Family-style to go menu available. OceanicRestaurant.com. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. 910.256.5551

Southern hall’S tropiCana reStaurant

Hall’s is a Wilmington tradition! Originally opened in 1901 as a drug store, Hall’s has been serving the Downtown community for over 100 years. We serve traditional Southern fare, including a classic breakfast with the accompaniments you’ve grown to love. Lunch includes a Southern buffet Monday-Friday with pork, chicken, all the fixin’s, and a special addition every day! Don’t forget our unique menu, which includes everything from specialty sandwiches to fried seafood. Most importantly, at Hall’s everything is fresh! Open Monday-Friday, 7am-2pm (buffet 11-2), and Saturday from 7am-12:30pm with breakfast and menu items only. 421 Castle St. 910-762-2210.

pinK pig Cafe

Downtown Wilmington’s newest dining option has arrived! Serving breakfast and lunch all day, the Pink Pig offers a full menu featuring good ol’ fashioned cookin’ along with a few of our own innovations. For breakfast, try one of our tasty country plates or a sandwich stacked high with your favorite items. For lunch, try our already-famous Redneck Reuben, and you can’t go wrong with our real pit-smoked barbecue sandwiches. C’mon in try for yourself! Open Tues-Sat, 8am-8pm, and Sun., 10am-6pm. 124 Princess St, Downtown. 910-399-6096 other sporting events. We have plenty of seating and a fun atmosphere for the whole family. In Racine Commons, 910-409-9860.

SportS Bar Carolina ale houSe

Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNCW, this lively sportsthemed restaurant is home to over 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. Carolina Ale House serves its full menu from 11a – 2a daily. CarolinaAleHouse.com.

317 South College Road, Wilmington, NC. 910.791.9393.

reel Cafe

For eight years, the Reel Café has been Wilmington’s premier restaurant and nightlife location, because it has something for everyone. Enjoy dining in our restaurant, live music in our courtyard Oyster Bar, dancing in the second-floor danceclub or cocktails on the Rooftop Bar overlooking the Cape Fear River. We offer lunch, dinner and a late-night menu. Lunch has a variety of salads, sandwiches and steamers. Our dinner menu has a wonderful variety of burgers, sandwiches, pastas and steaks. We also have delicious seafood entrées and salads, or try the specials prepared daily by our chef. Whether it’s a delightful meal, live music or the downtown nightlife, The Reel Café is the place to be. Located at 100 S. Front Street, the Reel is also available for banquets and private parties. Call for details: 251-1832.

NEW THIS WEEK!

halfoffdepot.com/wilmington encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 29

below feature story

28-35 Calendar / Toons / Corkboard

Pioneering Spirits: Satellite Bar and Lounge is hottest neighborhood hangout

First 30 Couples Receive A Special Treat!

by: Todos Delgado

Satellite Bar & Lounge 120 Greenfield Street Monday-Friday: 4pm-2am Saturday-Sunday: 2pm-2am brick feels cozy, warm and magnetic.

Considering the continued expanse of the downtown nightlife, one might wonder why he would want to restore an old grocery in the middle of an industrial district miles away from the heavy foot traffic of downtown. Dusty realized these obstacles when conceiving Satellite.

“We, [which includes Carol Cutshall, his girlfirend and business partner,] knew that this was a transitional area and that most

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{Fri. the 12th, Sat. the 13th at 7:30 PM} Discover the true and tragic tales of love gone bad

Purchase tickets at www.hauntedwilmington.com or The Black Cat Shoppe 11 Market Street Because 910-233-7630

some things in life are worth killing for....

30 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

PHOTO BY: CHAD KEITH

N

early four years ago, Dusty Ricks got his first taste of the bar business. His brother-in-law, Owen Dunne, was conceptualizing a lounge in downtown Wilmington.

“I had a little bit of disposable income,” Mr. Ricks recollects, “and I’ve always liked to build things.” With Owen organizing the business operation, Dusty was given free rein on the build-out. The result was Odessa—a gorgeous space that offered an industrial, big-city vibe.

The two followed through on similar projects at both Pravda and Odessa Lumina, which exemplified Dusty’s vision of space that was equally simplistic as it was artistic.

“I’ve been constructive my entire life,” he recalls, “always in dad’s tools turning ‘nothing’ into something.” His latest something is Satellite Lounge (120 Greenfield Street), and the place is nothing short of impressive, offering a ski-lodge feel, where dark wood and exposed

VISUALIZING GREATNESS: Satellite owners Dusty Ricks and Carol Cutshall opened the new neighborhood bar on Greendfield Street with a chic, DIY approach of turning “nothing into something.”

people’s mindsets were that this location had some bad juju.”

They were interested in revitalizing the area that had been overlooked. “Sixty years ago,” Dusty emphasizes, “this was a nice area.” He is hoping that with the continued infiltration of young home buyers in the Sunset Park, Greenfield Lake and Woodlawn districts, coupled with new creative businesses along the northern route of Carolina Beach Road, it will push the area in a positive direction. “Hopefully,” he adds, “the development of Nesbitt Court will add to that, too.”

They visualized a neighborhood-bar vibe, based on old-time values, where conversations and friendly gatherings were encouraged, and video games and television were not.

He wanted it to be a destination location for those people “who don’t want the hassle that downtown presents” or for the individuals who “don’t need to be in the mix of crowds.”

Although buying the building was a major expense, it was a fraction of the cost of downtown real estate and essential in controlling the overhead. “Most of the downtown building owners act like they are sitting on a gold mine,” Dusty points out, “buying [downtown] would have been financially impossible.” Leasing was “out of the question.”

Utilizing most of the materials that were removed during the demolition, intentionally

manipulating other people’s reusable stuff into “something worth having,” and basically “having [his] hands on most of the constructive details” saved a lot off of the bottom line.

“Eighty percent of the lumber that serves a purpose in the space” was used from the original renovation, now encompassing the entire bar, back wall, custom doors and all the trim work. Old axle housings, brake hubs and reclaimed vintage leather hides were used to construct the bar stools. Custom draft taps were crafted from black iron pipe; military canvas was incorporated into the bar façade; propane tanks were fabricated with refrigeration fan covers for outdoor lighting; and the bar’s foot rest was an old hand rail from a city bus.

He even rewired the existing walk-in cooler to manage his draft system and cold storage.

Satellite for the most part, as Dusty points out, “is a bi-product of our creations, not someone else’s. Carol and I wanted a unique place that was different than every other bar—a place where we would go even if we didn’t own it.” Their vision and execution is truly original, fashioning a clean, contemporary space with old-school, do-it-yourself know-how.

Even as Dusty’s fingerprints encompass nearly every facet of Satellite’s makeover, he still maintains a modesty that is refreshing. “Everyone that comes into the bar wants to talk to me about what ‘I’ did.” He continues, “Carol was equally as important in the bar’s design. She gets just as much of the credit for this as I do. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Sparks Speaks: Best-selling author returns to Wilmington after five-year hiatus

A

well-spoken professor once said in a lecture that voice is a highly unique and individual form of communicating. Marilyn Monroe had a breathy, seductive voice. Alfred Hitchcock had an unduly, formal and coarse sound that married well with his thrillers.

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke with a charisma that continues to captivated listeners. The professor further claimed it is important to remember that before it can be spoken, before it can be written, it must first be thought.

With this in mind, UNCW’s Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) appreciates that simple words alone cannot capture inflection or attitude. This group, made up of both faculty and students, respects that education is not limited to lectures.

Defining them best and setting them apart from other campus programs, ACE holds the belief that language, idea and voice are not entities unto themselves. Instead, they are qualities juxtaposed to form the most important key to success: motivation.

Extremely focused on anything that expresses individuality in an educational fashion, ACE aims to bring events to Wilmington that deal with expression in all its responsible and creative forms. By providing a diversified schedule of programs and activities for students at UNCW, ACE is able to promote opportunities not only for educational and social purposes but cultural growth for all of Wilmington.

Demonstrating a passion for motivation, Katie Foley, ACE’s voice committee chairperson, managed to do the damnnear impossible: coax best-selling author Nicholas Sparks out of his five-year hibernation from Wilmington.

“Wilmington has a knack for writers,

by: Tiffanie Gabrielse

An Evening with Nicholas Sparks UNCW’s Burney Center Thursday, February 11th, 7pm Tickets: $7-$15 • www.etix.com

ment for her campus and her community.

“We wanted to consider our area, and we wanted to focus on Wilmington as an inspiration to so many,” she continued. “During our fall meeting, everyone on the committee threw around celebrities to have as a speaker. We wanted to put our committee on the map. But, honestly, most of the celebrities suggested had a tendency to ask for too much money without giving back great motivational information. Then, Brianna Elliott suggested, ‘Why not Nicholas Sparks!? He appeals to all audiences.’ So, I pursued it.”

Exceeding everyone’s expectations Foley and the ACE committee received confirmation from Spark’s representatives in January, and, come February 11th, he will speak at UNCW, stay for a question-and-answer session and sign novels. Best yet, he’s not pocketing any money for the visit—instead, he’s donating all his proceeds.

“It was a lot of back and forth, but we did it; so much planning goes into our events.”

Foley said. “We work a lot because we like our events to be the best they can be for everyone. It makes the work worth it. He said he’s doing it because he loves Wilm-

ington so much. We are all really grateful.

He’s doing above and beyond what we expected. The next goal is to take the funds we generate from this show and bring in another high-profile show next year. We have a lot of fun, and we make sure that not just students but our community has a lot of fun, too!”

The only question that remains is who, or what, will top this event? Confidently, Foley assures students and Wilmington that ACE has a massive musical surprise in the making for the spring.

For now, though, enjoy the North-Carolina author who has turned even the coldest of stone hearts into romantic weeps, thanks to his best-sellers like The Notebook, Message in a Bottle and his latest, out for a movie release this spring, Dear John. Sparks will be speaking Thursday, February 11th at 7pm. Doors open at 6pm.

UNCW will be selling many of his books onsite. However, it’s preferred Sparks sign one book per person. UNCW students pay $7; faculty, $10 or $12 at the door; general public, $12 or $15 at the door. Cameras are welcome.

ALWAYS FRESH

CHARITABLE AUTHOR: Nicholas Sparks will be donating the monies he makes from UNCW talk to a charity of his choice.

artists and musicians,” Foley said with pride during our interview. A native of New Jersey, Foley tirelessly works 20 hours a week to help provide the best entertain-

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encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 31

An Involuntary Intimate: Part 4: The Rise of the Outback

G

eorge gave himself a disaster-preparedness talk as he returned to work with a five o’clock shadow and stinking of scotch. Causes have effects.

Expect walking papers. Expect a black eye from the UPS man. Expect anything. After all, how could there be a camera in the ladies’ room and, as penance, a camera in the men’s room, and, as more penance, a lovely bouquet in Cheri-the-receptionist’s hospital room and its backfire, a mandate from Melissa to stay out of her life, and then a return to normalcy in George’s workday? Not likely.

In fact, Cheri was returning to work that day.

No telling what new suspicions would arise once she denied any involvement with him.

If only he had not sent that bouquet. If only he had not seen Cheri hemorrhaging on the ladies’-room floor. If only he had never heard of spy cameras.

No more of this. He was staying after work, removing them and flushing them down the toilet. Then he was going over to Melissa’s and taking them out of the apartment. Since she had kicked him out, the temptation to watch her on his monitor had seemed the choice between staying intact or breaking

by: Claude Limoges

in two. In the wee hours, crying, enraged at her that she did not trust him and enraged at himself that she had no reason to, he had brought her up on his screen and looked for a reason to go over there—any spiteful damage she had done to his things, or, far better, a male “friend” of hers to pummel. He discovered her pacing the bedroom and crying as hard as he was.

Quickly, he closed it all, shut it all off, left the office and spent the rest of the night getting hammered.

Now it was morning, and knowing that at any moment what was left of his life could also disintegrate, George walked into his office and stood staring at a little camouflaged man dangling from a tiny rope with a grappling hook anchored on the computer’s paper holder. His last nerve hollowed out, George strove to register a GI Joe hanging off his monitor.

“Outback.”

George whipped around to face one of the programmers leaning on forearm crutches just outside his door.

“A.k.a. Stewart R. Selkirk.”

George found his voice. “OK, Stewart, just take your—” “Naw, man. Him. Kind of a loner, this guy.

Knows all about survival. The dude lives to slug it out with Serpentor. Took down Cobra Commander’s Pogo with the slam!”

George squinted at the programmer.

“Anti-aircraft gun,” the programmer explained. “Cool but overkill, so I left it at home.”

“You’re...?”

“Martin.”

“Martin, get your doll off my computer.”

Martin blinked. Maybe chilly cordiality, maybe just a thanks for trying to brighten this manager’s day with the baddest Joe ever made, but he wasn’t expecting rudeness. All morning on the tip of his tongue had been a speech: “Everybody makes mistakes. Crash over at my place while your girlfriend gets over it.” No kum bah ya. Real simple. He just knew the guy must be hurting. He kept his head held high while he made his way into George’s office, plucked Outback from his mission and hobbled out.

George sat down at his desk. Pie. He took long, slow breaths. Sales reason, sales territory group, chart type: pie. He logged onto his computer and began work that would remove his mind from the present. As he manipulated percentages within regions, he traveled back over a decade ago to stand beside the railroad tracks that ran through Maco.

32 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Under a sky like scalded milk, the corridor of spindly pine and scrub oak wavered in the heat among the racket of jar flies, woodpeckers and cars roaring down nearby 74.

George held a bag of insulators while Chad shimmied up a telephone pole, arms raw with splinters, skin smudged with creosote, blonde curls almost white in the furious sun.

A deer fly on his neck, Chad strained to unscrew a glass insulator.

Built like a stainless-steel Kenmore with a paunch, Jack Fincannon, the boys’ father, crouched by some bushes and searched.

Covered by reddish hair, his big forearms felt in catbrier for a face. His crack showing, he straightened, spat, pulled up his pants and looked around, squinting under his Blue Devils cap, his face ingratiating, freckled and sweat-streaked.

Jack’s voice came gravelly, full, with a delicate warmth and tough edge. “All my life,” he murmured to George loitering behind him, “I’ve chased the light Joe-Baldwin swings.

One day, gonna find his head. All anything ever takes is time—maybe a nudge, that’s all. And if anything ever comes on from the side, George, it’s there just to prove nothing can knock you down. Hear?”

“Yes, sir.”

Jack listened, then shouted, “Train! Chad, move-move-move!”

Chad set the pliers beside the insulator

and shinnied down the pole low enough to where making the leap off without breaking a bone then scrambling clear of the tracks and diving for the bushes seemed almost doable. Subsonic vibrations from the oncoming train came up from the ground and thrilled each solid surface. *

* * Nothing can knock you down, George was thinking as he pried the spy camera loose with a knife. At last after hours, the office building was profoundly quiet. All afternoon George had stolen glimpses of Cheri.

She had slumped at her desk like a puppet with the hand withdrawn, not a bubble in her personality and hardly two words to anyone, even over the phone. How could the loss of so uncertain and so undeveloped a thing as a pregnancy cause her so much grief?

George was thinking as, still prying, he grabbed the loose end of the camera with his fingertip. And what’s up with me that I care? The knife slipped and planted its tip in his left palm.

As he drew back sharply sucking in air, the restroom door opened, and in walked Ed the marketing director.

Claude Limoges has a book out and new poems published. Learn more at http://claudelimoges. blogspot.com

calendar

where to be, what to do in Wilmington and beyond

Events 56TH BARGAIN SALE The Junior League of Wilmington’s 56th annual Bargain Sale: Sat., 2/13, 7:30am-1:30pm, at National Guard Armory, 2221 Carolina Beach Rd. Cost: $3/person. Pre-sale held, Fri., 2/12, 6-8pm—offers shoppers a sneak peek and first dibs on all merchandise, with the exception of children’s items. Cost: $6/person and all merchandise will be twice the marked price. Indoor mega yard sale offering the general public an opportunity to purchase gently used items at below bargain price: clothing for children and adults, toys, books, home décor, furniture, electronics and appliances.

TIDAL CREEK EVENTS Becoming a Food Citizen with Produce Manager, Ali LinthicumThurs, 2/18, 6-8pm, free.A practical guide to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s). The class is for anyone interested in learning more about becoming an active participant in becoming part of the local food scene and building it’s economy. 910-799-2667. www.tidalcreek.coop GARDEN SHOW Garden Show presents a two-day opportunity to join “Friends,” a nonprofit organization supporting the Arboretum’s educational programs, continuing development and grounds preservation. Features more than 50 vendors selling hundreds of plants, products and services, 9am-5pm on Sat., and 11am-4pm on Sun. Free parking on-site at the CFCC Schwartz Center. $7 or $5 w/coupon. Friends of the Arboretum and children under 12 are free. www. gardeningnhc.org.

these two artists will captivate you with beautiful compositions through 4/15. • Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Wonderful Silver Coast, award -winning wines and handmade, gourmet chocolates by Lake Champlain Chocolates out of Burlington, Vermont.

Lake Champlain chocolates produces all-natural,

2/13: JR. LEAGUE BARGAIN SALE

The 56th annual Bargain Sale, heald at the National Guard Armory at 2221 Carolina Beach Road, only costs $3 to enter. And what’s inside will be much more treasurable, as folks turn their trash into treasures, offering gently used items, from kids stuff and clothing, to furniture and appliances, and so much more, for sale.

Be sure to take advantage of the event, and help out a great cause as all proceeds help fund local charities. preservative-free chocolates, and supports overall

human health and wellness. They champion efforts to eliminate any form of exploitation connected to the production of cocoa products and share the belief that no one should be harmed in cocoa farming. Sat., 2/6: 5 eatings throughout the day beginning at noon w/last seating at 4pm.

RSVP rqd, $15/person. (910) 287-2800. www. silvercoastwinery.com or 910-287-2800.

DOWNTOWNERS NETWORKING EVENT First Wed. ea. month, 5-6:30pm, Front Street Brewery. Free appetizers throughout the networking event, and free beer tastings at 6pm. Great opportunity for people who live and work in the downtown area to get to know each other! 9 N. Front Street www.FrontStreetBrewery.com Several downtown businesses & organizations showcased at each meeting. Ellie Craig: 910-251-1935, or ecraig7@aol.com

Charity/Fundraisers WHERE’S MY MIDWIFE? Where’s My Midwife? hosting Mardi Gras Masquerade and Silent Auction. Grassroots organization seeking to increase access to midwives in hospitals, free-standing birth centers and at home through education and advocacy. Any money raised

in excess of $400 will go toward opening a freestanding birth center in Wilmington. Party held on Sat, 2/20 at Odessa, 23 N. Front St., from 7-10pm.

(910) 233-6695 MUSICIANS UNITED FOR A FRIEND Benefit for local musician Mike Frusha. Hell’s Kitchen Sat. 2/13, 2pm. $5 cover, donations appreciated.

CAPE FEAR RIVER WATCH The target of February’s cleanup will be a section of Burnt Mill Creek between Wallace Park and Rankin’s Ditch, Sat, 2/13, rain, sun or snow. Both floating and walking volunteers should meet at Port City Java parking lot at 2101 Market St, 9am. Gloves, bags and tools distributed, plans laid and leaders assigned. Please park to the rear of the parking lot.

Warm and grubby clothes are recommended. • 2/20: Organic Land Care for Dummies at Progressive Gardens • 2/28: Leland Watershed Cleanup, 9am.

• 2/28: Greenfield Lake volunteer orientation. 1pm at the boat house. Joe Abbate: joe@cfrw.us (910) 200-4002.

FEAST AGAINST FAMINE 8th annual Fundraiser for Full Belly Project for a globally-inspired evening of cuisine, beer and wine, the live music of “Tanstrum,” and silent and live auctions feat. new art by George Pocheptsov, a week in the Dominican Republic, and much more.

See our award-winning inventions, and learn more about our expanding mission to benefit farmers and

FIRE IN THE LAKES Celebration of NC Prescribed Fire Week. 2/13, 11am4pm, Boiling Springs Lakes Community Center.

Parking at First Baptist Church with shuttle every 15 mins.

UNCW INTERCULTURAL WEEK See cover story, encore exchange.

WILMINGTON EARLY COLLEGE Wilmington Early College High School will hold a recruitment night Tue., 2/16, 6-8pm at Cape Fear Community College 411 N. Front St., Science Bldg to allow participants the opportunity to learn about New Hanover County Schools’ newest innovative high school. WECHS fosters academic rigor, personal growth and relevant connections to workplace knowledge and skills. WECHS students graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree, which can be transferred to college.

DOWNTOWN WINE AND BEER WALK Downtown Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk. Sat 2/27 1-6pm. Tickets: $15.00 each, or 2 for $25. Tickets: Etix.com or at Bottega Art & Wine Bar, 208 N. Front St (910)763-3737 orWilmington Wine Shop, 29 S. Front St.(910)251-6335. The walk begins at the two above mentioned venues. You will receive your “official” Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk ID and a map of the participating establishments. You will receive 2 wonderful samples (per venue) of a specially selected wine or beer. All participants must be at least 21 years of age, and have a valid ID ready for establishments to verify.

SILVER COAST WINERY The Silver Coast Winery is proud to announce the opening of a new art show feat. the artistry of Joanne Geisel and Phil Meade. Both of these fine artists will have award-winning selections on exhibit. Joanne’s landscapes and still life paintings capture beautiful locations, changing moods and have a unique perspective. While Phil’s inspiration is derived from the weathered dune fences, wild flowers, the ocean, inland waterways and formal gardens. Collectively

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entrepreneurs in developing nations. 2/20, 6-10pm, Coastline Conference & Event Center, 501 Nutt St. $50 in advance from www.fullbellyproject.org or 910-452-0975. $60 at door. Includes dinner, beer, and wine.

CAPE FEAR VOLUNTEER CENTER Cape Fear Volunteer Center’s Big Buddy program proudly announces the 17th Annual Basketball “Shoot Out” to be held on Sat., 2/20, 3pm, Williston Middle School Gymnasium. Members of the Wilmington PD will challenge members of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Dept. in a game of basketball as the Big and Little Buddies watch on. Tickets on sale at all local Papa Johns and at the Cape Fear Volunteer Center.

Free door prizes, musical entertainment, food and basketball contests for the children. $5 from the Police or Sheriff’s Depts and/or $8, day of the event. Doors at 2pm. Kids under 12 must be w/adult. Come support our local mentoring program for at-risk youth and our local civil servants. Proceeds benefit the CFVC Big Buddy Program expenses. 910-392-8180 or CFVC@ Bellsouth.net CELEBRATE MASONBORO Sun. 2/21, 6-9pm at Katy’s Great Eats, 1054 S. College Road. Live music by the local band, The Casserole.

Benefits stewardship projects at Masonboro Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 8.5 mile long, 5500 acre nature preserve and outdoor laboratory. All proceeds will help support educational outreach and equipment for the summer intern program. Entry is by donation at the door. www.nccoastalreserve.net or 910-962-2998.

WINTER WILMINGTON OLYMPICS Wilmington Area Hospitality Association (WAHA) hosts 1st annual Hospitality Olympics at the Blockade Runner Resort on Sun., 2/28, which coincides w/last day of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC. noon-4pm (reg. at 11:30am). Feature teams from hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the Wilmington area including New Hanover, Pender & Brunswick counties. Proceeds fund a scholarship to the Hospitality Program at the Cape Fear Community College. Open to public, free admission. Area businesses will be donating prizes to be raffled, with raffle ticket sales funding the scholarship.

Refreshments available for purchase; events will be moved indoors if it rains. http://wilmhospitality. blogspot.com/ HOME TOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Home Tour spotlights beautiful properties around Wilmington, exploring a range of styles and periods. Volunteers are needed to give our visitors the best experience possible. Two shifts available on Sat, 12:45-3:30pm and 3:15-6pm, or Sun., 12:45pm-3pm or 2:45-5pm. Docents and House Captains needed to take a role and make this event succeed. aimee@ historicwilmington.org or call (910) 762-2511.

NC WRITERS NETWORK First and third Sun, 3-5pm, Pomegranate Books continues the wildly successful food drive known as “Food for Thought,” sponsored by Grandmothers for Peace. Bring a canned good or nonperishable food item and choose free books (publishers’ advanced copies)! We have fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books available. All food is delivered to local food banks.

Theater/Auditions LOVE ON THE ROCKS “Love on the Rocks,” the first show of our 2010 season., consists of four short plays about the difficult (and sometimes comical) search for love. Show dates: 11-14 and 18-21. Plays include: “Fixing Up Mom”

by Kathryn Martin—A daughter arranges a meeting between her widowed mother and a widower, both of whom have definite ideas (and a list!) about what they are looking for in a prospective mate. “Ships” by Jay Hanagan—A man and a woman, each married to other people, meet by chance and discover that they have more in common with each other than they do with their respective spouses. “The Marriage Proposal” by Anton Chekhov—A middle-aged bachelor comes to his neighbor’s house to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Comic misunderstandings and arguments ensue. “Not Since Baltimore” by Bert Sherman—A widower explores the bewildering world of internet dating.Ken Cressman: 910-471-0242; Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St. THE TAFFETAS Thalian Association presents the musical The Taffetas: A Musical Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties.Drected and choreographed by David T. Loudermilk with music direction by Jonathan Barber, runs 2/10-14 at the Hannah Block 2nd Street Stage, 120 S. 2nd St., downtown Wilmington; Thurs/Fri/Sat, 8pm, and Sun, 3pm.

A delightful revue taking us back to the 1950’s where the girl group of the title “four sisters from Muncie, Indiana” is making its national television debut.Tribute to sounds of The McGuire Sisters, Fontane Sisters, Chordettes and more! $20 w/ senior, student and group dsct. 910-251-1778.

DANGEROUS LIASONS “Dangerous Liaisons” is a popular French reality television series following the debauched lives of bored aristocrats, trust fund babies and otherwise worthless individuals whose only claim to fame is being famous. This is a story of sex and excess revealing thedarkest underbellies of the darkest people. Held at Brown Coat Theatre 2/10-13, 2/17-20, 2/24-27 8pm; 2/14, 21 & 28 5pm. $10 gen. adm./$5 students Wed. and Thur. Contains adult situations, strong sexual content and nudity. Parental Guidance is recommended. 910-341-0001, guerillatheatre@ gmail.com or www.browncoattheatre.com THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES See cover story.

THALIAN HALL RAINBOW ROOM The Rainbow Room seats appx 125 persons. 2/1214: Kellylee Evans (www.kellyleeevans.com). Judges including Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Kurt Elling and Dee Dee Bridgewater awarded Kellylee Evans 2nd place, out of 140 finalists, in the international Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition at the Kennedy Center.

Has opened for Tony Bennett, Chris Botti and Maceo Parker; headlined the All Canadian Jazz Festival, receiving the 2007 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Female Vocalist of the Year and was nominated for a 2007 Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album. Tickets: www. thalianhall.org, (910)343-3664 or (800)523-2820.

OPERA HOUSE SEASON

are you ready to eddie? a fresh new restaurant concept is coming to wilmington, nc

www.areyoureadytoeddie.com 34 encore | february 10th - 17th, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

25th Anniversary Season: first two shows will be performed at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1415 South 17th St. The rest of the season will be performed on the Main Stage of Thalian Hall. Nunsense: Book, Music, and Lyrics by Dan Goggin., Wed., 2/17-21 and 2/2628. The Little Sisters of Hoboken have been struck by tragedy – 52 of the sisters have succumbed to botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia, Child of God– an outrageously wacky show packed with music, dancing, jokes, and nun-puns.

Performances, 8pm, except Sun. matinees, 3pm HAIRSPRAY Palace Theater, Myrtle Beach SC. 2/12-13, 8pm; 2/14, 6:30pm. Tickets: $31-65 at Box Office or by calling 843-448-0588 or 800-905-4228, or at www. palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com.

A FUNNY THING...

Brunswick Little Theatre (a non-profit, all volunteer organization) will donate 10 percent of its profits from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forum to the Brunswick County Historical Society. A Funny Thing...

2/10: DANGEROUS LIASIONS

Amy’s with an entry form (available at either location).

Submissions through 3/31. Top ten will be asked to perform their submission at The Soapbox where the winner will be selected by Gravity, celebrity judges and the crowd. All entries must be family-friendly. Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn and Bowl should be mentioned.

Cash prizes for 1st-3rd.

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA The Glenn Miller Orchestra plays Duplin County Events Center, Fri, 2/12, 8pm. Under the direction of Larry O’Brian (clarinet) and consists of five saxophone players, four trumpeters, four trombonists, and three rhythm musicians (piano, bass and drums). Plus, the Moonlight Serenaders are the vocal front for the band. Dance bandleaders back in the Swing era of the 1930s and 40s. Duplin County Events Center, HWY 11 (across from James Sprunt Community College), Kenansville, NC, $30/Table Seats. $10-$20. Student and military discounts available. (910) 275-0009. www.ticketmaster.com.

JESSYE NORMAN Four-time Grammy Award winner Jessye Norman performs 2/14, UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium, 8pm.

2010. Revered as one of the preeminent vocalists of our time, Jessye Norman garnered early acclaim for her portrayal of the title role in Verdi’s Aida, the first of numerous leading dramatic roles she made uniquely her own. Norman’s upcoming performance will feature the work of American masters, such as Eubie Blake, Harold Arlen, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Tickets go on sale, Thurs., 10/1: $75 (Reserved Section A); $55 (Reserved Section B); $15 for UNCW Students with a valid ID (limit 1 per student). www.uncw. edu/arts or 910-962-3500 or 800-732-3643.

Don’t miss the opening of “Dangerous Liasions,” produced

by Guerilla Theatre, at Brown Coat Pub and Theater, opening tonight! The French reality TV show follows the derelict lives of bored, aristocratic trust-fund babies. It explores the limits to which one goes for fame, including a lot of sex and excess. Tickets are $10 ($5 for students on Wed./Thurs.). Call (910) 341-0001 or e-mail guerillatheatre@gmail.com. shows at Odell Williamson Auditorium at 7:30pm, 2/18-20, and 3pm, 2/21.www.brunswicklittletheatre. com. Tickets: 1-800-754-1050, ext 416 or go www. bccowacom,$15 for adults, $10 for students 12 and over with school ID’s, $10 for Brunswick Community College Staff, and $6 for children under 12.

THE HOUSE THAT GORDY BUILT Techmoja presents ‘The House that Gordy Built: A Tribute to Motown Greats’ at Hannah Block 2nd Street Stage and Community Arts Center, 8pm (Thurs-Sat) & 3pm (Sun). Musical revue directed by Kevin Lee-y Green. 910-341-7860.

OUR LADY OF 121ST STREET Directed by Reneé Vincent. Beloved community activist and nun Sister Rose has passed and her body has been stolen. Dark, humorous and insightful events unfold as the diverse collection of neighborhood characters she served comfort, confront and confound one another. Co-sponsored by the Dept of Theatre and the Upperman African American Cultural Center.

Tickets available day of show, 1 hr. before show. $512. Kenan Auditorium: 910-962-3500.

Comedy CABINEER’S PROMOTIONS Cabineer’s Promotions: $10 sweepstakes entry.

Winner gets a night on town (hotel for choice of 3 cities), $50 travel expense and 2 tickets to a comedy show. Drawing held 3/6, at 3 Diva’s and Nick Comedy Show. Takes place at Wilmington Sportsmen’s Club, 111 Castle St. Not present to win OK. 343-8977. etix. com; daddycabineers@aol.com NUTT ST. COMEDY ROOM Tues. and Wed. Improv with the “Nutt House” troupe ($5 cover and $1 Front St draft beer), Thursdays Open Mic Stand-up, Fridays and Saturdays Nationally Touring Comedians. All shows 9pm, 8pm doors. 255 N. Front Str. 910-251-7881

Music/Concerts SONG WRITING CONTEST Put together a 30-60 second song or jingle, on a CD and drop it off at Gravity Records or Flaming

PUNCH BROTHERS See page 18.

LYNN HARRELL AT NC SYMPHONY World-renowned cellist Lynn Harrell joins music director Grant Llewellyn and the North Carolina Symphony for classical showcase, “Bach and Brahms.” Held Pinecrest High School’s Lee Auditorium in Southern Pines, 2/18. Also performing at Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh’s Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2/1920. All performances at 8pm. Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major and Brahms’s magnum opus, the vaunted Symphony No. 4, featured on the program.

Tickets to Moore County Series on 2/18: $25-$40. ncsymphony.org or 919-733-2750.

WILMINGTON AREA REBUILDING MINISTRY Wilmington Celebration Choir, directed by Pillar Recording artist Joey Gore will be hosting a concert to benefit the Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (WARM) on 2/20, 7pm at the Pine Valley United Methodist Church Family Life Center. WARM brings together interfaith volunteers, civic and community groups, businesses and local government agencies to make vital home repairs and help keep elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners living independently in their own homes across ive counties in the Southeastern NC regions: Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender. Wilmington Celebration Choir, a professional Christian music choir based out of Wilmington, NC, is made up of over 70 voices representing 19 different churches located in Southeastern NC. Joey Gore: 910-392-9315 METROPOLITAN OPERA: LIVE IN HD Cape Fear area opera aficionados and new opera goers alike who missed the sold-out Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD performance of Carmen will have a second chance to see the critically-acclaimed production at 1pm, Sun, 2/21, Lumina Theater at UNCW, as part of the full 2010 season of Met Opera: Live in HD performances. www.uncw.edu/metopera or 910-962-3195.

CHOPIN 200 UNCW’s Office of Cultural Arts continues Masters Series w/Chopin 200, a performance commemorating the bicentennial of the birth of Frédéric Chopin.

8pm. 2/23, Kenan Auditorium. Feat. selection of Chopin masterworks performed by pianist Norman Bemelmans. http://uncw.edu/arts/chopin200.html DR. EMERY STEPHENS, BARITONE 3pm. Dr. Emery Stephens, baritone, offers a musical overview of memory, African-American culture and identity. Held in conjunction with CAM’s exhibition “Recollection: The Past is Present” on view 2/196/20, 2010. Admission charge. CAM Wilmington.

910-395-5999; www.cameronartmuseum.com

Dance

her location). be asked to ox where the y judges and VALENTINE BIG BAND DANCE ndly. Flaming Saint Thomas Preservation Hall, 208 Dock mentioned. Street Wilmington is having a Valentine Big Band Dance featuring The Wilmington Big Band and Babs McDance on 2/11 from 6plin County 10pm. $25/person. Ticket proceeds go to the e direction of installation of an elevator in the building. The e saxophone Valentine Big Band Dance will feature dance ts, and three lessons, food, beer and wine tasting and art Plus, auctions. Casual attire is appropriate. www. front for the ValentineBenefit.com. ing era of the SINGLE’S CLUB HWY Wilmington Singes Club: 2/12: Modern nity College), Knights Band (Members $10; Guests $20. Student $12); 2/19: DJ Buddy Langley, Am. Legion ) 275-0009. (Members $8; Guests $10); 2/26: DJ Baby Boomer, Am. Legion, (Members $8; Guessts $10). Music 8-11pm. No shorts, miniskirts sye Norman or denim jeans, please. Kathleen Abbott: orium, 8pm. 232-3315 or www.wilmingtonsingles. ent vocalists blogspot.com early acclaim BABS MCDANCE Verdi’s Aida, Club Dance! New class forming for routine tic roles she to be performed at spring showcase! s upcoming Sat., 1pm • New Latin Fusion Class: Will of American encourage dancers to think outside of the arold Arlen, standard practices and implement a variety n. Tickets go of styles in their social and competitive dance d Section A); environments. Mon., 8-9:30pm • Salsa: Lively CW Students and fast-paced dance that incorporates many www.uncw. different styles of latin dance. Focus is the On 32-3643.

1 Cross Body Lead style. Tues., 8-9.30pm • Mambo: Dancers dance with focus on musicality, footwork, spins and turns. On 2 New York Style Mambo is the focus.Wed., 89.30pm • Argentine Tango: Learning to dance joins music tango socially is based on improvisational movement orth Carolina and respecting both your partner and the other “Bach and dancers on the floor. The essence of Argentine tango chool’s Lee is about life and, especially, about the relationship o performing between a man and a woman. Thurs., 8-9.30pm • wn Raleigh’s Basic Group Classes every evening Mon-Fri, 7pm. g Arts, 2/19- Progressive Group Classes every evening Mon-Fri, hestral Suite 6pm(Night Club spot, Latin Street Dance, Rhythm & m opus, the Latin Ballroom, Smooth Ballroom, Country Western) he program. • Babs McDanceValentine Dance, Sat., 2/13. Heavy 18: $25-$40. Hors D°Øoeuves And light beverages available! • Showcase 2/28: Be part of an adventure in learning and performing • Progressive Hoop Fitness & Dance ed by Pillar Workshop, Sun. 2/21, noon-2pm. Babs McDance ng a concert Social Dance Studio 6782 Market st. (910) 395ding Ministry 5090 alley United YOUNG AT HEART SOCIAL WARM brings 16th annual UNCW Young at Heart Social at Burney community Center, 5:30-8:30pm, 2/10, free. Refreshments served; ent agencies facility is wheelchair accessible, and participants are keep elderly, encouraged to dress in semi-formal attire. Parking for ners living the Young at Heart Social is available in lot M near ive counties the UNCW Fisher Field house. RSVP (requested, not , Brunswick, rqd): 910-962-3877 Wilmington n music choir FIREHOUSE STUDIO BELLY DANCING p of over 70 Bellydance Classes at the Firehouse Pilates Studio, es located in Mon. nights. Private and semi-private, $50 for an hour and a half instruction and $30 a piece for two people for same duration. divyawaters@yahoo.com or 910-620-3566. d new opera CAROLINA SHAG CLUB Metropolitan men will have DJs play favorite beach music and shag tunes every y-acclaimed Sat, 8pm to close. $4/members; $6/guests. Carolina a Theater at Shag Club, 103 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, f Met Opera: NC 620-4025 du/metopera 76’ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB Club meets Thurs. nights at 7pm at the Senior Center for a new workshop on square dancing. 270-1639 ues Masters WILMINGTON SALSA CLUB memorating Salsa Lessons, 8:30pm, Wed., Garibaldi Night éric Chopin. Club, 4418 Market St., Wilmington, NC • 8pm, selection of Fridays, Sywanyk’s Night Club 222 Henderson Ave., nist Norman Jacksonville, NC. Dawn: (910) 471-6809 in200.html DANCE LESSONS AT CAROLINA LOUNGE Tues, 7:30pm, shag lessons with Brad and DJ Lee rs a musical Pearson. • Fri., 7:30pm, Tango workshop with Paula. culture and 9:30pm, salsa lessons with DJ Lalo. • Line Dancing ’s exhibition lessons with DJ Lee and instructor Barbara Braak view 2/19- 7:30pm. Cover charge $5, lesson free. • Sat., Latin Wilmington. ryhthm. Doors open 9pm. 5001-a Market St, (910) 790-8598

St., Wed-Sat, 1-5pm. paralellogram@gmail.com or paralellogram.com.

BOTTEGA ART BAR Jazz Rode: A Solo Exhibition, Through 3/7. Designing surf art is just one of this local artists amazing talents—also includes; Intaglio, Lithography, Mixed Media and Painting and will all be displayed in this eclectic exhibit at Bottega Gallery.Start 9pm unless noted; free. 208 North Front St.; 910-763-3737. bottegagallery.com KEYS NEEDED Wabi Sabi Warehouse is currently seeking submissions for a juriedexhibition based on ‘keys.’ Symbolic or literal, this theme is wide open for interpretation. We welcome all media, including performance,creative writing, and ice sculpture—providing artwork fits throughthe door and doesn’t attract vermin. The only common denominatoramong selected works is the key. Submissions inspired by the Key Fenceinstallation in downtown Wilmington will be given special consideration. Jurors: Richard Scieford, President, North Carolina Museums Council Bob Unchester, Exhibition Manager, Cameron Art Museum Pam Toll, UNCW., 4/18.

Exhibition dates: 5/7-6/12. Selected artists notified by 4/25. Email questions, comments, and up to 3 jpeg images to: dixonstetler@gmail.com STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE Thrive Studios, a new cutting-edge hybrid studio and gallery, has nine artist studio spaces available for rent .

Each is 8’x 8’, $200/mo. w/ 1-year lease. Join our artist collective and let your career thrive! Gaeten Lowrie: 919-696-4345 or Scott Ehrhart :407-257-5299.

Art ENVISAGE STUDIOS Envisage Gallery and Studios is now open. We are seeking artists and art to fill this unique art/ theatre space. We have Artist studio, display, and consignment space available. Whether you need a little space or a lot of space we can fill your needs.

Located in the historic Friendly’s Department Store building at 615 Castle St. and open to the Cape Fear Playhouse. Susan or Scott Oakley at 910-352-1070 or envisagegallery@ec.rr.com.

BRUCE ISLAND EXHIBIT The African-American Heritage Foundation of Wilmington, Inc., in conjunction with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at UNCW, are bringing the Bunce Island Exhibit to Randall Library. General public is invited to tour the free exhibit through 2/27. Traveling exhibit tells the story of Bunce Island in Sierra Leone, its connection to the Atlantic slave trade, its historic relationship to the rice growing regions of mainland North America, and the formation and development of the Gullah/ Geeche culture. Consists of 20 display panels, each containing text and images, period drawings and pictures illustrating the slave trade in Sierra Leone and North America, and more. • Free program: Sun, 2/21, 3-5pm, w/featured speaker, a scholar and curator of the Bunce Island Exhibit, Professor Joseph A. Opala of James Madison University.

INTRODUCTIONS INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION See page 15.

HEART ART SHOW See page 14.

EXHIBIT OPENING Local artist Cammeron Alekzandra Batanides’ exhibit opening Fri., 2/12, 7-11pm at Elixir 107 S. Front St. Canned goods and water donations will be collected and given to help the Haiti Crisis.

ART STUDIO FOR RENT Make art in the heart of Wilmington’s Soda Pop District at Wabi Sabi Warehouse. $150 rent incl. all utilities, wireless internet, and other lively creative types nearby.

Dan Brawley: dan@cucalorus.org JOHN GOLDEN ARTWORK The Golden Gallery, 311 North Front St, The Cotton Exchange, hosts John Golden’s artwork, feat. his Rovinato Series.10 images from Rovinato Series have been picked up to be published by McGaw Graphics. Included in their 2010 hard-cover catalog and will debut at the upcoming West Coast Art & Frame show in Las Vegas at the end of this month.

John: 200-3067. www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi d=1663903&id=746821154&op=1&view=all&subj=2 72737182512&aid=-1&oid=272737182512 FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHTS Fourth Friday Gallery Nights 2010, 6-9pm on the fourth Friday of each month: 2/26, 3/26, 4/23, 5/28, 6/25, 7/23, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26. No admission. All ages. Several downtown galleries, studios and art spaces will open their doors to the public in an after-hours celebration of art and culture. The Art Walk is a self-guided tour featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, metals, ceramics, mixed media and more. Includes opening receptions, artist discussions, live music, wine, food and other traditional art-activities; www. wilmingtonfourthfridays.com.

BIANNUAL FACULTY ART EXHIBITION Bi-Annual Faculty Art Exhibition: Through 2/19. The Art Gallery: in the Cultural Arts Building at UNCW. Carlton Wilkinson, Gallery Director, Dept. of Art & Art History University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Ave. 910-962-7958 or e-mail: wilkinsonc@ uncw.edu. Next exhibition: Photographing America: 2008-2009, 2/26-4/2.

NO BOUNDARIES IN’TL ART EXHIBIT Through 2/19: “No Boundaries International Art Exhibit: inspired creations from Bald Head Island Art Colony, November 2009” will hang at Acme Art Studios, an eclectic artist’s co-op located at 711 North Fifth Ave., downtown Wilmington. Participating artists include: Elizabeth Bender, Shawn Best, Michelle Connolly, Maria Earnshaw, Bonnie England, Ev Boyd Hines, Fritzi Huber, Randall Leach, Wayne McDowell, Dick Roberts, Loulie Scharf, Vicky Smith, Abby Spangel Perry, Dixon Stetler, Pam Toll, Gayle Tustin, Wayne McDowell, Michael Van Hout; and international artists, Leon Patchett from Scotland, and German artist, Stefan Nuetzel.

PARALLELOGRAM’S SCIENCE/FICTION Parallelogram Art Gallery presents Science/Fiction, an exhibit that ushers viewers into the new decade with a look at the brilliantly imagined future of humanity, through 2/19. Feat. nuclear cooling towers, inter-species relationships, robotic imagery alongside intricacies of human anatomy, with artwork by Kitty Lund, Eddie Whelan, Jonathan Lewis, Whitney Lewis, Erin Hayward, Julian Bozeman, Delia Dykes, and Tae Lee. Focuses on all things science and fiction, related as a glimpse into a new decade of art. Closing reception 2/19, w/food, drink, live musical performances from the future! 523 S. 3rd

PORT CITY POTTERY & FINE CRAFTS Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts, Cotton Exchange in downtown Wilmington, w/ handmade, one-ofa-kind, 3-D art, crafts and more by jury-selected coastal North Carolina artisans. Open: Mon.-Sat., 10-5:30pm; Sun., 11-4pm. 307 N. Front St./7637111, portcitypottery.com

Museums KIDS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 2pm-4pm. Craft activities and story time at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington will teach about African American history. Admission charge. Children’s Museum of Wilmington. 910-254-3534; www. playwilmington.org BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM Mon. at Mansion. Star News Columnist Susan Hartpresents, “The Gardens of Hever Castle: Anne Boleyn’s Childhood Home.” • Mon, 3/15, 11am, Bellamy Mansion Museum, Tickets: $10 each, includes lunch. • African-American History Day. • Sat., 3/27, 10AM- 4pm. Experience the domestic life of the mansion from a 19th century perspective. The Bellamy’s household included eleven family members and nine enslaved African-Americans who lived on the site and worked throughout the house. Learn about their lives as well as those of the free blacks and hired slave artisans who built this grand house, the carriage house and the slave quarters. • Bellamy is one of NC’s premier architectural and historic treasures, built as city residence of prominent planter, Dr. John D. Bellamy. Antebellum architecture: a mix of Greek Revival and Italianate styles. Open for tours Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm; closed Mons. Guided tours on the hour; self-guided audio-tours also available.

Current Exhibit: “Walking in the Footsteps of: Gen. William T. Sherman.” • A 25-panel exhibit, “AfricanAmerican Architects & Builders in N.C.,” explores the lives of free and enslaved African-American artisans and builders who worked in the trades pre-Civil War. And, on the northeast corner of the Bellamy lot stands the original brick slave quarters, which is currently undergoing a major restoration. Admission: $10 for adults, $4 for children 5-12, free children under 5.

Students w/ID $3 for this event only. 910-251-3700; www.bellamymansion.org CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM Cool down in front of “Anaconda Splash” exhibit in the indoor tropical jungle. See, photograph and even touch rare animals assembled from all over the planet in beautiful simulations of their natural environments.

Meet colorful jungle birds, crocodiles, king cobras, black mambas and many more. Open from 11am5pm, Sat. from 11am-6pm. 20 Orange St. at Front St. on historic downtown riverwalk. (910) 762-1669

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or www.capefearserpentarium.com.

LATIMER HOUSE Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed/Sat., 10am. 126 S. Third St. Adults $8, children $4. 7620492. www.latimerhouse.org WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for more than 130 years. Interests and activities for all ages including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively children’s area, and spectacular scale models. Housed in an original 1882 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. Groups receive special guided tours. Facilities can also be booked for meetings or mixers, accommodating groups of up to 150. Admission only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors/military, $3 for children 2-12, and free under age 2. Located at the north end of downtown at 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634 or www. wrrm.org. .

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Going to the Movies: Experience the history of a century of movie-going in the Lower Cape Fear region. Explore where people went to the movies. Discover how the theater experience has changed over the years. Watch some of the first films local residents may have seen.Free w/admission. • Conservation Matters. Explore the art and science of artifact conservation. Discover what it is, who does it, and why it matters to museums. A selection of beautifully conserved furniture and other wooden objects from the Museum’s permanent collection will be on display. • Cape Fear Treasures: Drink.

Glimpse a selection of drinking vessels, as you explore treasures from Cape Fear Museum’s collection.

From 18th-century bottles, to fancy teapots, to modern-day souvenir mugs, discover objects that help tell the stories of liquid consumption through time. Going to the Movies • EVENTS: New Hanover County Residents’ Day: Residents are admitted free to museum the first Sun. of every month. • Volunteer Open House is held first Wed. of every month.

814 Market St., Wilmington. 910-798-4350; www.

CapeFearMuseum.comHours: 9am-5pm Tues-Sat. and 1-5pm, Sun. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for students with valid ID and senior citizens; $5 special military rate with valid military ID; $3 for children 3-17; and free for children under 3. Museum members are always free. New Hanover County residents’ free day is the first Sunday of each month. 814 Market St. CAMERON ART MUSEUM EXHIBITS: Toying with Art is an exhibition of toys designed and fabricated by more than 50 artists.

Remains open through 3/28. Brings together several different kinds of toys: games, robots, plush toys, puppets and action figures all come together in this exciting exhibition. • Kaleidoscope: Changing Views of the Permanent Collection. Feat. art from the Cameron Art Museum’s collection: paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photographs, furniture, decorative arts, from the museum’s permanent collection. Configuration will change through the year as individual works are rotated. • 2/19-6/20: Recollection: The Past is the Present: Visual and thematic references of the past while being rooted firmly in the present connects the art work of Amalia Amaki, Lillian Blades and Beverly Buchanan to the historical-tinged quilts by African American women in the exhibition. Admission charge. • EVENTS: Movement Lab w/Karola Luttringhaus, Sun., 2/28, 3-4:30pm. Suggested Cost: $15 cash and checks only, checks payable to Alban Elved Dance Company.

Focuses on physical freedom and creativity; includes partner work, such as contact improvisation, storybased movement creation, movement analysis, spatial relationships, basic release work, and more.

Appropriate for all body types and experience levels; attend all labs, several or just one lab. Bring layers of clothing for various activity levels. Schedule: www. dynamic-body.net/workshops.html. • 5th annual Civil War Living History for Schools, 2/19: Free, pre-reg rqd.

For student visits only and features reenactors bringing history to life for your 4th and 8th grade classes in an informative and fun experience. Open to the public: Sat., 2/20, 10am-4pm, free, donations appreciated!

Cmmemorates the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Forks Road. Confederate, Union and U.S. Colored

2/13: WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM

8-9am before we open our doors to the general public. Kids ages 1-3 will get to meet some of our animal friends up-close, hear a fishy story, and have playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room.Also enjoy a breakfast surrounded by our aquatic friends. $15 (includes the admission for the day). $5/children ages 2-3. Members pay $7/participant. • Scout Days: 2/20, 9am-4pm, Boy Scouts-Reptiles and Amphibians Program.

Each date will focus on programs in which the scouts can complete some of their patch or badge requirements. Scouts can attend with a parent or with their troop, but must have adult supervision. Space is limited. $1/Boy Scout, $8/adult. • Breakfast w/the Fishes, 2/13, 8am.

Coffee, juice, pastries and bagels are provided for guests, and after breakfast participants are invited to feed some of our aquarium critters.$15 (includes the admission for the day). $5/children ages 2-5. NC Aquarium Society Members: $7/ participant. • Daddy and Me, 2/27, 9am. Dads and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterward, enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room. Adults/kids: 13, $13/one adult and one child ($1 ea. add. child) Admission included • Mommy and Me, 2/20, 23, 9am.

Moms and children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. Afterward, njoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room. Adults/kids: ages 1-3, $13/adult and one child ($1 ea. add. child) Admission included. • Aquacamp: Animal Valentines, 2/13, 9am-3:30pm. Discover all the amazing adaptations animals have for finding mates and keeping dates.

Games and activities demonstrate just how hard it is to survive, even with plenty of fish in the sea. Children, 7-10; live animal presentations and more are all part of this exciting program.Snacks provided. Bing a bag lunch. $40/participant. AquaCamp Transportation: Limited from the Monkey Junction area to and from Aquacamps. Only 13 children per day.Fee and pre-reg rqd. • That’s a Moray Valentine Dinner, 2/14, 6:30pm.

Exclusive evening for just 26 couples, feat. a fourcourse dinner, a souvenir photo and dancing while surrounded by the magic of the ocean. Private tables for two placed in front of captivating exhibits such as Cape Fear Shoals, Sharktooth Ledge, Hawaiian Fishes, and Moon Jellies. RSVP table/exhibit on a first-come, first-serve basis. (910) 458-8257, ext: 218 or 202 or terry.bryant@ncaquariums.com or emily. bullock@ncaquariums.com • Pre-reg all events! • U.S. 421, less than a mile from the Ft. Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9am-5pm daily. Admission: $8 adults; $7 seniors; $6 ages 6-17. Free for children under 6; registered groups of N.C. school children, and NC Aquarium Society members. www.ncaquariums.com.

Closed Christmas and New Year’s days.

Want to see the history and heritage of the Atlantic Coast Line, wherein Wilmington was its major hub for more than 130 years? Than get on down to the Wilmington Railroad Museum today and check out the full-size steam engine and rolling stock. They also have a live children’s area and spectacular scale models. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors or military, and $3 for children 2-12 (free for kids under 2). www.wrrm.org.

Troops reenactors provide a glimpse into the camp life of soldiers in the late 1800s, tours of the battle grounds between the museum and Halyburton Park led by Dr. Chris Fonvielle, Civil War foodways program by the Bellamy Mansion and hands-on family activities.

• Spoken word with Coast Poetry Jam, Thurs. 2/25, 8pm. Cost: $5, $3 for students. Featuring the hottest poets in the Port City and beyond. Produced by “Yo Girl” Sandra and hosted by Bigg B. Coast Studio Line: 763-0973 or blackartsalliance.org. • Music w/Dr. Emery Stephens, Baritone, Sat. 2/27. 3pm.

Free w/museum admission. Dr. Emery Stephens, baritone, offers a brief musical overview of memory, African-American culture and identity. Stephens has performed with the Ann Arbor Symphony, Handel and Haydn Society Chorus of Boston, North Carolina Symphony and Wilmington Symphony Orchestra among many others. • Educator’s Night, 2/26, 5:30-8pm. Open to all educators—Learn more about our programs, educational initiatives and ways the Cameron can work with you and your school’s interests and requirements for classes, as well as enrich yourself and your family. Galleries open, clay studio visits, material packets and light refreshments.

RSVP by 2/19: georgia@cameronartmuseum.com. • “Kid”Cademy, Weds., 3:30-4:30pm, 2/17-3/24, ages 6-10. Limited enrollment, 8 students per session.

Members (household level): $60, Non-members: $90.

Students explore the galleries and make exhibitioninspired artwork. • Kids @ CAM, 2/20, noon-3pm.

Free, donations appreciated. Come enjoy an afternoon of creativity and imagination with hands-on art activities from the Civil War era as part of the 5th Annual Civil War Living History event! Make art you can take home, fun for the whole family! No pre-reg necessary. • Yoga: Every Tues. at 6pm and Thurs. at 12pm; $5/members; $8/non-members. Exercises to enhance relaxation, breath control and meditation with Sara Jo Nelson. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat. Beginners welcome. • Tai Chi, Wed. 12pm. $5/members, $8/non-members. A slow, meditative form of exercise designed for relaxation, balance and health taught by Martha Gregory. Wear comfortable clothing. Beginners welcome • South 17th St. and Independence Blvd. Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri.: 11am-2pm, Sat, and Sun, 11am-5m. Members free; $8 non-members; $5 students w/valid student ID; $3 Cchildren age 2 -12. cameronartmuseum.com or (910)395-5999.

NC AQUARIUM EVENTS: Aquarist Apprentice: 2/13, 20, 27, 2pm. Find out what it is like to be responsible for the aquarium critters. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about our animals and their diets, and assist our staff in the preparation of food and feeding of some of our animals. For ages 10 and up. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. $2/participant. Aquarium admission included. • Behind the Scenes Tour: 2/14, 21, 28 at 2pm; and 2/10, 24 at 3:30pm. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an Aquarium? Space for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and access to exhibits is hidden behind the aquarium walls. Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. $15/participant. Aquarium admission included.

• Children’s Discovery Time: 2/18, 10am, Shark.

Creatures come alive in this story-telling and crittercreating program. For pre-school children. $5/child.

Parents pay admission only. • Sea Squirts Breakfast and Playtime with the Fishes: 2/19, 8am.Toddlers and parents invited to come explore the Aquarium from

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WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach.Visitors to the cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environment which have shaped the 100 year history of Wrightsville Beach. 303 West Salisbury Street. wbmuseum.com.

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

Sports/Recreation BIRD TOURS 100-acre lake within a larger city park is one of the great birding destinations of the Southeast and a featured portion of the NC Birding Trail. See Wigeon, Gadwall, Cormorants and Egrets roost in and around the Bald Cypress, and more! Traditionalists walk their way the 5 miles around the lake, guidebook in hand. Or do a guided 1-hour tour on the lake itself comfortably seated in River Watch’s electric canoe.

Led by trained and experienced birders, River Watch offers birding tours of aboard an electric boat that can fit 6 passengers comfortably. Tours on Wed/

Thurs/Sundays through March, weather permitting, or by special app. The one-hour tours leave the dock at 10am, 11am, noon and 1pm with a special “roosting hour” tour leaving apprx 3:30pm. Group prices available; RSVP recommended. $15/person.

910-762-5606 or 910-200-4002.

CAPE FEAR HISTORY BOWL Cape Fear History Bowl, 2/11, 7pm at the Historic New Hanover County Court House. Bill Holt: 910791-1602 or Candace McGreevy at The Latimer House, 3 & Orange streets: 762-0492 or cmcgreevy@ latimerhouse.org.

VALENTINE’S DAY CRUISE Come relax and enjoy the sights of Wrightsville Beach from the water, aboard the M/V Shamrock. Make this Valentine’s Day memorable as you explore the scenery of Masonboro Island and the Wrightsville Beach Harbor. Cruises Fri-Sun, on the hour, by reservation. $25 per person, includes treat bag. 910-200-4002.

FRIENDS OF OAKDALE CEMETARY Bird Watching Tour: Sat., 2/13, 8am. Go birding throughout Oakdale Cemetery with noted ornithologist, Dr James Parnell. A retired professor of biology at UNCW, Dr. Parnell is the author of numerous books and articles on birds, among which is Birds of the Carolinas, which he co-authored. $8/non-members; free for members. Pay at the gate upon arrival. Cash or check only. Presented by the Friends of Oakdale Cemetery.

BIRDING TRAIL HIKES NC has diversity of bird habitats and over 440 bird species throughout the year, making it a great place hike bird trails. Each hike is apx. 2 miles; transportation from Halyburton Park included. • Cabin Lake County Park, 2/18, 8am-noon, $10/person. www. halyburtonpark.com POLAR PLUNGE Polar Plunge for Special Olympics takes place Sat., 2/20, at Pleasure Island’s Carolina Beach Boardwalk, next to Marriott, 11am-3pm. Plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to support Special Olympics New Hanover County. Also: live music, art, food, a silent auction, classic car show and much, much more. In order to plunge you must raise a minimum of $50 ($30 for students w/proper ID). Costume Contest judging begins at 1pm www.plungenhc.com. polarplunge@ plungenhc.com or 910-341-5876 YMCA SWIM LESSONS YMCA Swim Lesson Program is a nationally recognized program taught by YMCA trained instructors. Weekday and weekend offerings. The winter session runs through 3/31. Did you know that modern swim instruction was invented at the YMCA? Maybe that’s why so many people have learned to swim at the Y, and continue to come back to enjoy our outstanding facilities. National YMCA Aquatics programs are designed to teach personal water safety, stroke development, rescue and personal growth skills to children. Our program is divided by age and skill levels. Aquatics Director Joe Herzberg: 251-9622 ext 254 or joe.herzberg@wilmingtonfamilyymca.org.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH PARKS & REC Adult Flag Football League Register Now. Registration ends February 5th or when the league becomes full.

Games are played on Sun., beginning 2/14 • Beginner shag lessons on Sun., Fran Russ Recreation Ctr, no partner needed. • Beginner II Bridge Lessons, Thurs, 10am-noon, 3/11-4/8 Intermediate II Bridge Lessons, Thurs, 12:30pm–2:30pm. 3/11-4/8 • Currently registering for group tennis lessons, adult, youth, and tots. Classes meet Mon/Wed, at tennis courts at Wrightsville Beach Park. Adult, Youth ages 9-12, and Tots ages 6-8. • Yoga: Tuesd/Wed, 6:30pm.

Classes meet in the Fran Russ Recreation Center. • Pilates. Mon/Wed/Frid, 10:15-11:15am. Beginner Pilates on Tues/Thurs, 7:30-8:15am. • Low Impact Aerobics. Mon/Wed/Fri, 8-9am and 9-10am. All ages welcome, catered toward ages 60+. • Tone & Stretch.

Tues/Thurs, 8:30-9:15am. All ages welcome, catered towards Ages 60+. • Boot Camp fitness class meets Tues/Thurs, 6-7am. • Cape Fear Cotillion—lessons in ballroom and popular dance along with etiquette and social skills! Thurs. afternoons, 4/8-5/6, 3-7 and 8-12 years old. • Performance Club—structured theater games, kids can exercise their imagination and have fun by performing. Tues. afternoons, 02/02-3/23.

Grades K-2nd and 3rd-5th. Meets in the Fran Russ Rec Ctr. 910-256-7925; pre-registration rqd. Wrightsville Beach Park.•Adult Co-ed Softball League. Open Registration begins, Tues, 03/02. Registration ends 03/19 or when the league becomes full. Games are

played on SaT/Sun 0327 & 03/28. For registration information and other details, call the Wrightsville Beach Park Office 256-7925.• Wrightsville Beach Shag Lessons. Beginner shag lessons on Sundays at the Fran Russ Rec Ctr.

Film CINEMATIQUE Cinematique of Wilmington, a series of classic, foreign and notable films co-sponsored by WHQR and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., proudly announces its upcoming slate of films. Admission: $7.

All films are screened in Historic Thalian Hall. • 2/1014: Headless Woman is a spellbinding film filled with nuance, mystery and class criticism. It centers around Veronica, who while driving hits something as she reaches for her cell phone. Afterward she seems dazed and unable to remember, but is her amnesia real or contrived?Produced by Pedro Almodovar and others, written and directed by Lucrecia Martel and starring Maria Onetto, Claudia Cantero, Ines Efron and Cesar Bordon. In Spanish with English subtitles. Not rated; 87 min CROSSING OVER TalkAbout Film Crossing Over starring Harrison Ford and Ashley Judd 2/12, 7:15 at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wilmington, 4313 Lake Ave. The film deals with immigrants’ struggle to achieve legal status in LA, the enormous obstacles and clash of cultures. After film discussion will be led by UNCW Assistant Professor of Language and Linguistics, Dr. Amanda Boomershine and UNCW Assistant Director of Admissions, Marcino Moreno. 910.392.6454; www. uufwilmington.org DELWENDE FILM AND DISCUSSION This mother-daughter tale focuses on the injustice of some traditional African practices and women’s struggle for equality. Sponsored by International Programs, Women’s Studies Resource Center, Upperman African American Cultural Center and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

Lumina Theatre, 7pm.

4 LITTLE GIRLS Director Spike Lee’s first feature-length documentary focuses on the powerful story of the bombing of an African-American church in Birmingham, Ala., in 1963.

Sponsored by the NAACP and the Campus Activities & Involvement Center. Lumina Theatre, 7pm.

CUCALORUS’ EVENING AT THE OSCARS Cucalorus, amed one of the Top Ten Film Festivals in the United States by the Brooks Institute, will host an “Evening at the Oscars,” 3/7, at Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, which will feature a live broadcast of the Academy Awards alongside food, drink, and a chance to socialize with Wilmington’s red carpet personalities.

Entertaining interludes from some of Wilmington’s most celebrated talents punctuate an evening of creative celebration: Jonathan Guggenheim, Bibis Ellison, Cullen Moss, Matt Malloy, Sandy Vaughan and other surprises. www.cucalorus.org or 910-343-5995 to RSVP.

Kids Stuff HALYBURTON PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS Nature programs for preschoolers, ages 2-5: Nocturnal Animals, Mon/Tues, 2/22-23, 10-11am. • Radical Reptiles, Mon., 3/1 and 3/2, 10-11am • Camouflage in Nature, Mon/Tues, 3/15-16, 10-11am • Signs of Spring, Mon/Tues, 3/29-30, 10-11am. Cost for all: $3/child; pre-ref rqd. 4099 S. 17th St. (910) 3410075.

FIT FOR FUN CENTER Teddy Bear Picnic, Fri., 2/12, 10am-noon, doors at 9am. $5 child/adults free! Bring your favorite teddy bear to this fun event. We will dance, play games, and more! 302 S. 10th St. 910-341-4630.

has over 200 different specialty venders. Lunch is own your own. Then head to the Tanger Outlets and over 100 different name-brand stores. Limited 14 participants. Deadline: 2/25. • Tryon Palace, New Bern, NC. 3/26, 830am-5:30pm. Call for cost. Tryon Palace was originally built between 1767 and 1770, as the first permanent capitol of the colony of NC and a home for the Royal Governor and his family.

Explore the palace and its beautiful gardens. Tryon Palace offers 14 acres of gardens with 3 centuries of gardening history. Lunch on your own. Limited 14 participants. Deadline: 3/22. 341-7253. All trips meet and depart from 302 Willard Street located near Greenfield Lake.

Readings/Lectures ACTIVIST AUTHORS EXHIBIT Exhibit of posters, celebrating activist authors and created by the students in Professor Diana Ashe’s spring course, ENG 318: Writing & Activism, will be on display on the Second Floor Art Wall, Randall Library.

UNCW. 910-962-2170. www.uncw.edu/intprogs/ IWeek.htm.

NICHOLAS SPARKS READING See page 31.

WILLIAM FARRIS TALK William Farris, senior associate director of the Center for the Study of the American South at UNC-Chapel Hill, will lecture and sign copies of his new book, Give my Poor Heart Ease, 2/12, Fisher Student Center, Wrighsville Beach room, 7 pm.

UNCW PRESENTS LECTURES SERIES Speakers include an award winning novelist and poet, an acclaimed political journalist, a National Book Award winner and social justice activist, and a green business advocate and CEO.Lectures are Mon., 7pm, UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium,followed by Q&A and book signing. 2/15: Jonathan Kozol—oy and Justice: An Invitation to Serve the Children of the Poor. Amid the passion of the civil rights campaigns of 1964 and 1965, author Jonathan Kozol moved from Harvard Square into a poor black neighborhood of Boston and became a fourth grade teacher in the Boston public schools. He has devoted the subsequent four decades to issues of education and social justice in America. www.uncw.edu/presents. Tickets are $9 for the public and free to UNCW students and employees.

962-3500 or 800-732-3643.

POMEGRANATE BOOKS Join NC author Jenifer Bubenik, Thurs., 2/18, 7pm, and ride along as she recounts the tales of her solo backpacking journey from Belize to Ecuador in her new release, Thoughts From the Chicken Bus. Armed with little more than hiking boots and pepper spray, the twenty-nine year old set out solo to Central America; with the goal to push her job and relationship out of

REGISTERING NOW: FUN CLASSES!

time by Tuesday, 2/16—on a first-come basis. Facility is limited to thirty-five participants. Helen Aitken: ourwritersgroup@gmail.com.

Classes/Workshops CREATE YOUR LIFE FOR 2010 Explore the areas of your life that are the foundation of happiness. Create a roadmap for getting your life on track and making it the life you really enjoy living.Groups forming; individual sessions also availableAlice Canup, M.S.W., Life Enhancement Coach, 910-686-5090, alice. dreamlife@gmail.com.

CREATIVE WRITING CLASS Exploring Creative Writing is a four-week class designed to equip writers with the tools and community they need to grow as artists. Meets for two hours and reads, will do collaborative and individual writing exercises and discuss topics relevant to writers today. Writers of all experience levels and from all genres are welcome. 4-week workshop: 2/13-3/6, Sats., 9:30-11:30am. $60; class sizes are limited to 12 to ensure the highest level of individual attention. Jason: bjasonfrye@gmail.com.

Lauren: lafrye@gmail.com. explorecretivewriting. wordpress.com.

PET FIRST AID The pet first aid class is being offered on Sat., 2/20, 9am, Cape Fear Chapter. The class is 3.5 hours long and includes a comprehensive cat or dog first aid book for everyone registered, as well as a free DVD with step-by-step demonstrations on how to manage a variety of urgent care situations. Register: www. arccapefear.org or (910) 762-2683 esxt.327.

ART OF REMEMBRANCE Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCareCenter Bereavement Services presents The Art of Remembrance, a workshop to help people on their grief journey, 9-11:30am, Sat., 2/27, Phillips LifeCare & Counseling Center, 1414 Physicians Dr. Helps participants understand the value of reminiscing and will offer ways to express memories and portray feelings through creating a shadow box or writing exercises. Facilitators are Lorraine Perry, expressive art therapist; Diane Miller, LCSW, bereavement counselor; and Sue Strickler, MEd, bereavement services director. Reg: $25 to cover the cost of materials. Sue Strickler: (910) 796-7925 or visit www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org.

KURE BEACH PARKS & REC Currently registering for group tennis, water color, and ballet lessons. Classes begin in March available for Adult, youth, and tots. Tennis: Adults Sun. 7-8pm, 8-9pm, Tues. 10-11am, 6-7pm. Juniors Sun. 6-7pm, Tues. 3:45-4:30pm (ages 5-7yrs), Tues 4:30-5:30pm (beginner ages 8-12), Mon & Wed 4:30-5:30pm (adv. beg. ages 9-13) Tennis starts the week of 03/21; Water Color: Sun. 9:3011:30am (Beginner), 12:30- 2:30pm.

Watercolor starts 03/24; (Advanced) Ballet: Adult Fri. 4-5pm Classical, 5-6pm Jazz, Juniors Wed. 4-5pm Classical, 5-6pm Jazz. Ballet Starts 03/03. Preregistration required for all classes taken at KB Town Hall.

910-200-6025; townofkurebeach.org

Kure Beach Parks and Recreation is taking pre-registries for youth and adults in all sorts of fun classes: tennis, ballet and water color. Classes will being in March and take place on various days of the week at various times, so folks can work around their schedules. Be sure to check out all the offerings, and call (910) 200-6025 for more information. Or visit them online at www.townofkurebeach.org. her mind. 4418 Park Ave. (910) 452-1107

MIGHTY PINTS YOUTH BASKETBALL Boys and girls, ages 5-7, will be able to sign up for Might Pints Basketball through 2/12 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, where games are played.

Costs is $20/child; must show birth certificate when registering. 401 S. 8th St. (910) 341-7866.

AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN UNCW professors and students will lead a program of presenters/readers who will share their favorite African American activist works. 2/18, Java City in Randall11am-1pm.

SENIOR DAY TRIPS Flea Market at Myrtle Beach and Tanger Outlets, Myrtle Beach, SC, 2/26, 8am-4pm, $15. Shop till you drop at the Flea Market in Myrtle Beach while

NC WRITERS NETWORK Down East Day Out: Sa, 2/20, 2-4pm, Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave. Writer information, a guest lecture, and open mic on agenda. Reserve reading

POPLAR GROVE Classes: Pilates, Mon. 4:30-5:30pm • Colored Pencil Drawing, Wed. 3/10 & 3/17 6:30-8pm. $30 • Quilt Square, Wed. 2/17 & 2/24 6:30-8pm. $30 • Glass Bead Making, Sat. 2/27, 3/13, 3/20, 4/10, 4/24, 5/8, 5/29 11am-4:30pm. $175. 18 and up. • Wire Wrap Beading, third Wed. of each month 11am12pm & Mon. 2/22, 3/29, 4/26, 5/17, 6/21 6-7:30pm. $35 • Bracelet Making, first Wed. of each month 11am-12pm & Mon. 2/15, 3/15, 4/12, 5/3, 6/7 6-7:30pm. $50. • Tatting, 4-week class 2/18-3/11 Thurs. 10am-12pm. $45. • Rug Hooking, 3-week class 3/15-29 Mon. 10am-12pm. $50. • Mosaic, 4-week class 2/22-3/15 Mon. 10am12:30pm. $130. • One Stroke Painting, 4-week class 3/4-25, 4/1-22, 4/29-5/20 Thurs. 6-8pm. $60.

• Genealogy, 4-week class 2/16-3/9 Tues. 10am12pm. $60. • Zentangle Art & Design, 4-week class 3/16-4/6 Tues. 10am-12pm. • Tae Kwon-Do, Tues. & Thurs. 6-7pm. $75/month. • Self Defense for Adults, Wed. 1-2:15pm, 5:45-7pm. $40/4 classes.

• 910-686-9518 ext. 26, www.poplargrove.com

Clubs/Notices WEDDING GIVEAWAY Saint Thomas Preservation Hall (208 Dock Street) is giving a free wedding 2/14 to a marine injured in Afghanistan. All costs have been donated by local merchants and citizens. On 2/11, Saint Thomas Preservation Hall is having a Valentine Big Band Dance. Ticket Donations are $25 and money will benefit the cost of the wedding, plus to fund the installation of a handicap access elevator at the hall. More info and tickets are available at www.

ValentineBenefit.com or 910-763-4054.

WRIGHTSBORO FIRE DEPT. CELEBRATION Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of the Carolina Coast will participate as a sponsor of the Wrightsboro Volunteer Fire Department’s annual BBQ cook-out to benefit the volunteer organization’s 60th anniversary on 2/13. Starting at 11am, firefighters will raise much needed funds while preparing BBQ dinners and the trimmings at 3515 N. Kerr Ave. Open to the public and familyfriendly, w/tours of the fire station and displays of fire trucks and equipment. BBQ beef, pork or chicken and slaw, hush puppies, green beans, potatoes, and tea for only $6. BBQ by the pound will be sold for $7 and BBQ sandwiches are available for $3 ea. Scott Nicholas: 910-452-7290. www. pdrestoration.com.

CAPE FEAR HISTORICAL GAMING SOCIETY The Cape Fear Historical Gaming Society is committed to making the study of history more enjoyable by the recreation of military and political conflicts in form miniature, card and board games.

CFHGS meets ea. month offering a free event to all who are interested. We endeavor to recreate a historical event or to explore a hypothetical scenario based on “what might have been…” 2/13, “A Day at the Colosseum”—Relive the glory and horror of gladiatorial combat of ancient Rome. Each player one or two 1” tall Gladiator miniatures pitted against a similar opponent. No equipment, materials, money or experience rqd. to participate. Walkups welcome.

Gamesmaster: Michael Newbanks; Rules: a New system by the Gamesmaster; Scale: 25mm If you would like to run a game, or if you would like us to bring a game or particular scenario to the table, please let me know! Held at Cape Fear Games, 2/13, 3608 Oleander Dr., (910) 798-6006. www. capefeargames.comhttp://games.groups.yahoo. com/group/capefearminis ROMANTIC CARRIAGE RIDE Treat your sweetheart to a moonlight carrige ride for two through historic downtown Wilmington. Surprise him or her with a red rose, a box of chocolates, and a French evening coach. Private RSVP: 910 251-8889.

MILITARY FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Wilmington, North Carolina now has two Military Family Assistance Centers at 2412 Infantry Road and 3114 Randall Pkwy, as part of the North Carolina National Guard. Family Assistance Centers assist servicemembers and their families with benefits and services they are eligible for such as counseling, tax preparation, financial planning and free or low cost child and youth programs. Supports service members of the Guard, Reserve Active Duty and their families with benefits and services they are eligible to receive. “www.nc.ngb.army.mil or (910) 343-1775.

AZALEA FEST CAKE CHALLENGE The NC Azalea Festival proudly announces the addition of the Azalea Cake Challenge to the annual festival. Local bakers will be challenged to construct elaborate “centerpiece cakes” featuring themes which represent the best of the Azalea Festival. Contestants representing local bakeries, restaurants and catering services will compete in the professional division, while novice bakers can also compete in the amateur division. Cakes in both categories will be critiqued by a professional judging team consisting of local baking experts and Azalea Festival celebrities. Event ticketholders will also be invited to judge in various “people’s choice” categories, and will have the opportunity to sample cakes in the professional category.Takes place: Sun. 4/11, noon-4pm, Cape Fear Community College’s Schwartz Center. More info: www.ncazaleafestival.org

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CORKBOARD

wanT To geT The word ouT aBouT your Business...

aDvertiSe on tHe

CORKBOARD

4weeKS - onlY $50 call 791-0688 for DetailS

are you ready to take it to tHe next LeveL?

Available for your next CD or Demo

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS

• ADULT MARTIAL ARTS • GRAPPLING • WOMEN’S ONLY KICK TO FITNESS CLASS

33 year veteran Producer/Engineer

200 alBum crediTs

(tHiS claSS iS not YoUr traDitional martial artS claSS)

- No Contracts - Drop In Rates Available

910-386-6846 www.dynamicmartialarts.webs.com

Dreaming Of A Career In The Music Industry?

FULFILL YOUR LATE NIGHT APPETITES The Brewery serves full menu unTil midnighT every nighT & shorT menu from midnighT To 2am fri & saT. 9 n. front st. 251-1935 FrontStreetBrewery.com

JOIN US SUNDAY FEbRUARY 14Th 9PM-2AM

Every Wednesday, 5-6:30pm Center for Spiritual Living • 5725 Oleander Dr., F1-1

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com

The Calico Room (Elixir Lounge) 107 N. Front Street

Proceeds Benefit The Wounded Warriors

wanT To geT The word ouT aBouT your Business...

Cost: $5 / Speed Daters $15

aDvertiSe on tHe

CORKBOARD

4weeKS - onlY $50

Speed Dating • Charity Date Auction Live DJ • Dancing & More All participants must be registered prior to the event.

Must be single & have a valid ID.

call 791-0688 for DetailS

TO REGISTER FOR SPEED DATING PLEASE CALL 910-616-6000

iWeek Saturday, Feb. 20 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Burney Center on the UNCW campus

• all disconTinued ellie shoes: $9.99 (limited sizes available)

• 15% off all Power Tools • 20% off any Jewelry accessory w/Purchase of any lingerie • dvd renTals availaBle • all $9.99 dvds on sale now: 3 for $20

for StreSS, aDDictionS & balance!

Karen Vaughn, L.Ac • (910) 392-0870

beaUtifY YoUr Home cUStom tile worK Bathrooms, Kitchens, Fireplaces, Foyers, Shower Bottom Repairs, Etc.

Call for Free Estimate 616-0470

1/2 price maSSage Valentine’s Day Special 90 minutes for only $50 60 minutes for ony $38

Call 395-5066 today and pamper your special someonne!

Offer expires 3/10/2010 - Valid one per customer

wanT To geT The word ouT aBouT your Business...

aDvertiSe on tHe

CORKBOARD

4weeKS - onlY $50 call 791-0688 for DetailS

Saturday February 20, 2010 Pleasure Island’s Carolina Beach Boardwalk Next to the Courtyard Marriott 11:00am-3:00pm

Come take a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to support Special Olympics New Hanover County Join us for an afternoon of live music, art, food, a silent auction, classic car show and much, much more! wanT To geT The word ouT aBouT your Business...

UNC Wilmington

17th Annual Intercultural Festival

Specializing in lingerie, noveltieS, DvDS anD UniqUe giftS!

pirateS i anD ii now available!

Happy Hour acupuncture $10

Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

5745 Oleander Drive

(910) 791-8698

Open Until Midnight Friday & Saturday

DON’T BE SINGLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY!

AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools, Studio Production

Pandora’s Box

Celebrate the cultures and countries represented locally through food, music, performances and exhibits that showcase the rich culture in our community and beyond.

Intercultural Week is made possible by the Office of International Programs and UNCW Presents.

iWeek 2010 • www.uncw.edu/iWeek • 910.962.3685

on tHe In order to plunge you must aDvertiSe raise a minimum of $50 ($30 for students w/proper ID)

CORKBOARD

Costume Contest judging begins at 1:00 $50 4weeKS - onlY Come and join the fun – our athletes need your call 791-0688 for Dsupport! etailS

www.plungenhc.com For more information: Special Olympics New Hanover County 302 Willard Street Wilmington, NC 28401

An EEO/AA Institution. Accommodations for disabilities may be requested by contacting International Programs at 910.962.3685 three days prior to the event.

38 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

910.341.5876 or TTY Relay 711

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40 encore | february 10-16, 2010 | www.encorepub.com