February 17, 2010

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encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

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contents vol.

What’s inside this week

25 / pub 31 / February 17-23, 2010

www.encorepub.com

news & views...................4-22 4-19 best of: Take a look into what drives

COVER STORY: Best Of 2010

our first batch of winners from the annual Best Of awards.

20 op-ed: The Cranky Foreigner argues the The voting has been long closed, and the party was, yet again, a huge (and fun) success!

But Best Of 2010 is only halfway over as we still have the lists of winners to announce— starting with this edition. Over the next four weeks, winners from all categories, from services to people to places, will be listed and detailed for what makes them the best of the best. As always, there are plenty of pictures to detail the night of the annual Best-Of party for those who couldn’t make it (and for those who need help remembering it!). It was a great time had by all, and we are excited to share with readers whom they voted as the creme dé la creme of Wilmington.

Cover photo: Cullen Moss prepares to wrestle winners for their awards. Photo at left: Sandy Vaughn and Cullen Moss entertain the crowd. Photos by Jim Cirello.

underground philosophy of America today.

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

artsy smartsy .................24-35 24 theater previews: MJ Pendleton previews Opera House’s ‘Nunsense” and reviews Big Dawg’s ‘Love on the Rocks.’

26-27 art previews: Lauren Hodges previews the Bunce Island Exhibit at UNCW, as

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!

late-night funnies

“This President Obama, I mean, give the guy credit. He keeps working and working and working. He’s going to invite a bunch of Republicans to have a televised debate on healthcare. It’s going to be a big, big event.

As a matter of fact, at halftime The Who will be there doing a special song about Lipitor.

So look for that.”—David Letterman “President Obama told White House reporters that his meeting with bipartisan con-

gressional leaders went, quote, ‘well.’ When asked why he was being vague, he was like, ‘because.’”—Jimmy Fallon “Did you see Sarah Palin at the Tea Party Convention on Saturday? Well, this is — I’m starting to love her, really. She mocked President Obama for using a teleprompter and then, someone noticed she had notes written on her hand. And she had the words ‘energy,’ ‘budget,’ with the word ‘cuts’ crossed off, ‘tax,’ and ‘lift American spirits’ written on her palm. It lifted my spirits, so — mission accomplished, I guess.”—Jimmy Kimmel

word of the week

viv•i•fy [VIV-uh-fy] transistive verb.

1. To endue with life; to make alive; to animate.

2. To make more lively or intense.

EDITORIAL:

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

Quote: “Stories not only provide context for statistical statements but can illustrate and vivify them as well.” John Allen Paulos

so long, farewell

“I feel like it’s the end of an era: I am leaving the magazine where I have worked for the past five years, first as an intern in college, then as a sales rep, and eventually to my role in the editorial department. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the Wilmington Media staff, writers and readers for all they have taught me and impressioned upon me within my time in the publishing industry—sometimes stressful, often enlightening and always fun! I feel like it’s all come full circle: My first job here as an intern was to help hand-count all the ballots for Best Of (back before all the voting was done online—wow!). Now my last week on the job consists in part of writing the editorial for the Best-Of winners.

“Through the hours, weeks and years of proof-reading, assisting photo shoots, interviewing the vibrant Wilmington arts population, sharing Friday lunches, finding any occasion or reason for throwing a party, trudging through calendar listings, sweating through deadlines, and consistently being humbled beyond all expectation by the nonprofit organizations and volunteers working tirelessly in this great city, I will carry the memories with me with great fondness and appreciation. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better, Wilmington, through a magazine that truly cares about its people, local businesses and maintaining our fantastic arts community on all levels. Keep reading, keep your heads up, and thank you, thank you, thank you.”

—Assistant editor Emily Rea

well as the upcoming silent auction (featuring the work of Robert Delford Brown) at Wabi Sabi.

28 gallery guide: See what local galleries are hanging.

29 film: Anghus is actually impressed with new romantic drama An Education.

30-31 music previews: Adrian Varnam interviews Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears; Sarah Boggs previews the upcoming Punch Brothers show at UNCW.

32-35 soundboard: Find out what bands and solo musicians are playing shows in venues all over town.

grub & guzzle..................36-38 36-38 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through encore’s dining guide for the scoop on the Port City’s finest.

extra! extra! ...................40-47 40 book club: Tiffanie Gabrielse introduces the newest encore book-club read, Ho, Hookers, Call Girls and Rent Boys by David Henry Sterry.

42-47 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 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

below-19 2010 Best-Ofs 20 The Cranky Foreigner 6 News of the Weird

The Best of the Best! encore announces winners of 2010 Best-Of Reader’s Poll

O

ver 3,000 ballots were tabulated; 130 awards were hand-made; and 300-plus people showed up at City Stage/Level 5 last week to celebrate Wilmington’s biggest party of the year: Best-Of 2010. Our comedian hosts—Jef Pollock, Sandy Vaughn, Anthony Lawson, Val Watkins, Jonathan Guggenheim, Cullen Moss, Madison Weidberg and Janna Murray—made our annual awards ceremony so much more than boring speeches and prim-and-proper decorum (the opening number, “We Are encore,” to the tune of “We Are the World,” had us hooked from the get-go!) In fact, the words “prim” and “proper” exist not one iota at encore during Best-Of time. Face it, Wilmington, we like to have a good time; and we like to see our winners do the same. And good times were most definitely had by all— we even have the pictures to prove it!

Over the next four weeks, we’ll be reliving the party of the year, running snapshots from the night encore took over Wilmington. City Stage/Level 5 was standing-room only as our community came together to pat each other on the back (and raise $500 for the American

editorial by: Shea Carver and Emily Rea photos by: Jim Cirello, Chad Keith and Courtney Bridgers Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund, thanks to wonderful raffle items donated by Best-Of winners). For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a chance to join in on the good times—to read about the best Wilmington has to offer, according to its citizens.

Make no mistake about it, readers: BestOf is not tabulated according to encore-staff picks; nor are its winners relegated only to encore advertisers. We award the folks who get the most votes between November and January, according to ballots the community fills out at www.encorepub.com. And to set the record straight: We don’t mind when people campaign for it either. (Hey, isn’t it the American way?) Although, not everyone does so.

Without further ado, the people have spoken, and here are the results for the Best-Of 2010. Congrats to everyone who won and thanks to the community for voting.

HOST WITH THE MOST: The 2010 encore Best-Of Awards Ceremony kicked-off with a blast from the past thanks to our hosts (above, l. to r.) Jonathan Guggenheim, Sandy Vaughn, Cullen Moss, Jef Pollock. Madison Weidberg, Janna Murray, Val Watkins and Anthony Lawson, all of whom opened the ceremony with their rendition of ‘We Are encore” (to the tune of “We Are the World”). (below) Madison and Janna gladly took over the prestigious duties of encore girls.

fine dining, appetizers, desserts and wine list

4 encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

Circa 1922 remains Wilmington’s quintessential tapas-style restaurant. Their small servings of elegantly prepared meals use the highest quality ingredients, prepared by chefs who provide devoted care and attention so every diner gets a bite of decadence. Circa has become the go-to restaurant for any occasion, including a regular ol’ Tuesday night meal, a wedding anniversary or birthday dinner, even a girls night out.

Perhaps that’s why it has taken Best Fine Dining Restaurant category by storm; it’s accessible to practically everyone, as it remains upscale and attentive, without clinging to clichéd stuffiness to which fine-dining protocol sometimes reverts.

Owned and operated by Ash Aziz, Circa’s menu changes throughout the year, but no matter its additions and deletions, it always

provides the most filling appetizers. Whether going for traditional tapas (cheeses plates and bruschettas) or their creamy, rich crab dip or escargot, the variety is never-ending.

Flavor of all sorts are sated, from Mediterranean to Italian to Asian.

Just save room for dessert, no matter what! In fact, Circa’s desserts always prove to be the most filling—and maybe even the largest items on the menu when ordered in full serving. However, with the addition of their mini-desserts, anyone can indulge without too much guilt. Coconut cream, dark chocolate mousse, hazelnut praline gelato ... the temptations remain forever enticing.

And like all fine-dining establishments, ready to please the palates of everyone who steps through their doors, Circa 1922’s wine list is something to treasure.

Their knowledgeable wait staff can guide any diner into a perfect pairing, and their bounty of pours—in halves or full glasses and bottles—from reds to whites to blushes to sparkling, make a Circa meal all the richer.

Other contenders include: Port Land Grille and Deluxe for fine dining; Front Street Brewery and Bluewater for appetizers; Sweet and Savory and The Little Dipper for desserts; and Deluxe and Bonefish Grill for wine list.

encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

post is fully ABC-permitted now, indulging my love of martinis—but, I ask, where are the bubbles?).

Bluepost is Wilmington—it’s where folks go to catch up on the week’s happenings, grab a drink and perhaps play a game of billiards or darts—or embark on a friendly tourney of Ms. Pac Man, Donkey Kong or Air Hockey. The entertainment definitely doesn’t wane here, but it’s the staff—Sonya, Christi, Josh, Jeff and crew—who continues to make it the homey, cozy bar it is, tending to their barflies ever-so-delicately and with careful attention.

Last September, after returning from a trip to Barcelona, Spain, my friend, Mandy, and I hopped on in to see BP had been upgraded. The bar’s fancy back-splash of light and gleaming liquor bottles now beckoned orders for Grey Goose dirties or Side Cars—quite a far cry from its beer-only status years ago. But its swagger continues to heighten, and the love of its patrons does,

french dining Oh, Caprice Bistro! How I adore thee. Let me count the ways...

1. For having the best variety and quality of mussels on special each and every Tuesday night, for only $5.

2. For making the best duck confit in town, crispy skin and all.

3. For having a soothing atmosphere, a great staff and lovely hosts, Patricia and Thierry Moity.

Caprice Bistro has remained a coveted dining spot for me and my friends for years. The Moities always take great care at making everyone’s experience worth it, and their dedication to continue serving the best country French cuisine always pays off for diners. As noted, their mussels come in a variety of flavors—the Provencal and Bruxelles are two of the best!—and their pâtÊ, escargot and traditional Waterzooi (a seafood stew) offers a taste of something special across Wilmington’s entire diningscape.

They have crepes, veal cheeks and rich, creamy risotto (served practically near-perfection), along with a “Plats du Jour� menu, touting daily specials that titillate the tastebuds, from Monday’s rabbit “a la Moutarde� to Saturday’s salmon “Coulibiac.�

And don’t be resolute to think Caprice is so high-end it’s not to be afforded any ol’ day of the week. Au contraire! They have

WINNING SMILES: Beau Gunn (above) of the Penguin 106.7 thanked encorians for voting the station the best in town, while Gena Casey and her daughter of Casey’s Barbecue, Buffet and Home Cookin’ enjoyed mingling after sweeping the awards with Best Soul Food/Home Cookin’, Best Family Restaurant and Best Buffet.

a $5 bar menu every Sunday through Tuesday and a three-course prix fixe menu, Sunday through Thursday, for $20.09. Located

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6 encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

8129 Market St. 686-6297 Mon.-Fri 8aM-6pM Sat. 8aM-12pM

downtown at the foot of Market Street, it’s a treasure trove of dining magic. Be sure to say “bonjour� to the Moities upon arrival; they’ll become quick friends, welcoming all who love great French cuisine.

Brasserie du Soleil and La Catalan came in second and third, respectively.

bar overall

A little over 10 years ago, when Bluepost first opened in downtown Wilmington, my BFF, one Mr. Chad Keith, and I would trot down to the bar each and every Friday night around 6pm—and we wouldn’t leave until 2am. It was our ritual: We’d drink from the beer-club menu and dish with Sonya Henry, our fave bartender.

Some things must change over a 10-year course of time. For one: My body doesn’t do 6pm-to-2am drinking any more—it physically can’t. And two: I am not much of a beerclub kind of gal any more—no, no, I prefer bubbles and martinis. But some things also never change, and among them are finding Chad and I there, still chatting up Mrs. Henry and sharing a few cocktails (Blue-

too, which is why it continues to shake the Best Bar category year after year.

Other favorite bars overall include 22 North and Level 5.

radio station Whether listening to Glenn in the morning, Kim at the lunch hour, Beau in the afternoon or Niki at night, the crew over at the Penguin 106.7 keep their listeners forever tuned in to Wilmington’s best. Their popularity comes in all forms: providing great playlists of all music genres, embarking on charitable events that continue strengthening our community and even holding local concerts that appeal to the masses. Up and coming shows include Drive-By Truckers on March 5th and Keller Williams on April 10th, both held at Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre.

While the sounds from the igloo appease our ears during the Monday-through-Friday work week, their weekend schedule doesn’t lack either. Thanks to shows like the Acoustic Cafe on Saturdays, 8am-10am, and the Flamenco Cafe, hosted by Wilmington’s very own Paco Strickland, on Sunday from

8am-9am, the programming continues to impress and culminate a true love for allthings music. The on-air disc jockeys are always available to listen to requests, share some music knowledge and help make traiffc-laden roadways in Wilmington less stressful. Playlists vacillate with ease between genres, from bands like the White Stripes to John Prine, Band of Horses to Willie Nelson, My Morning Jacket to Grateful Dead. To win tickets to area events and concerts, be sure to tune in any time of day. Oh—but especially listen on Wednesday mornings around 9:15am to hear yours truly, when we update listeners on the new encore that hits the stands that day.

Runners-up in the radio-station category are Surf 98.3 and WHQR 91.3.

Always a forward-thinker, Gsell keeps Cruisers cruising along nicely on the business spectrum by managing the best in car-washes locally, according to encore readers.

Keep up the good work!

Second and third in the category went to Mr. Sudsy and Buff Masters respectively.

place to buy a new car

buffet, soul food/home cookin’ and family restaurant When customers are roaming through a restaurant’s back-of-the-house, looking for their grandmothers behind the stoves, well, I’d say someone has mastered the skill of home cookin’. In Wilmington that “someone” is more like family: the Casey family, that is. The Caseys have been serving up Southern-style fare at Casey’s Buffet, Barbecue and Home Cookin’ for quite some time. Many may remember their days at Taste of Country downtown, where they began schlepping out the town’s best fried chicken, fat back and all the necessary fixins, including banana puddin’, to make for one superior Sunday meal. But who wants to wait for Sundays to enjoy mac ‘n’ cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and, well, the menu goes on and on and on?

Larry and Gena Casey attest to their consistency in quality service, food and value, “which is a rarity these days,” they say. To keep “country” at the forefront of their restaurant, they’re adding more items “to evoke memories of a less complicated time.” Think pig’s feet and every Southerner’s favorite childhood drink, Kool-Aid. Having started their own restaurant to have “a creative outlet and more control of every aspect of the business,” the Caseys continue being the best because they’re “hands-on operators and owners, [who] adhere to the old philosophy, ‘Never less than your best!’” They promise to continue going the extra mile for their customers, which is most likely why they’ve consistently shown up in our Best-Of poll year after year.

Second place in the buffet category was Golden Corral and third was Boca Bay’s Sunday brunch buffet; runners up in the Soul Food/Home Cookin’ category were Basics and Saltworks; and the finalists in the Family Restaurant category were Boodles and Red Robin.

car wash

For eight years strong, Cruisers Car Wash has been waxing on and off their pre-

CRUISIN’ THE THANKS: The fellas of Cruisers Car Wash graciously accepted their award for Best Car Wash and cheers-ed the audience to a great year of business in 2010.

mium services to such a degree they land on our Best-Of Poll without fail. Clayton Gsell, owner and operator, says he and his staff focus on providing high-quality service to each customer, “treating each car as if it were our own.”

With locations on College Road and Oleander Drive, it’s not an aberration to see cars aligned 12-deep, readying themselves for a wash-down and detail. Sometimes the details prove quite entertaining, too.

“It’s amazing what we find under customers’ seats!” Gsell told encore last week.

“We have returned cash, valuables, jewelry, cell phones . . . When we return these items to our customers, they are so happy, and they can’t believe we care enough to do the right thing.”

Gsell’s secret to success remains solid simply by listening to customers’ wants and needs. “A few years ago, they told us they would like us to pick up [their cars] and deliver, so we now offer that service. They also said they would like us to come to their home or business, so we now have a stateof-the art mobile van to service our customers,” he said.

Even though Wilmington finds itself fighting through the challenges of a tough market, Gsell—an honest, hard-working business man through and through, who also has his hands in Papa John’s franchises and Val-Pak—doesn’t think it’s something that will be permanent. “We believe that the Wilmington area is beginning an upswing, but we think it will take time,” he noted. “I would love to see a strong, realistic busi-

ness incentive package put together by the city and county so entrepreneurs take a second look at the area. I would also love to see a master plan for downtown Wilmington to include vibrant cultural, retail and restaurant incentives.”

Ashley and Pat seem to have kismet energy on the radio airwaves—or at least they have something that keeps listeners remembering Stevenson Honda and Acura day in, day out. Stevenson sweeps the car category in our annual poll, and they have been for nine years strong, probably because of marketing that sticks. Most importantly, though, it’s because their people and products are always superior in quality, according to Peggy Roberts, business development manager.

“They like us; they really seem to like us,” she excitedly reacted to the news of Stevenson’s win. But the nuts and bolts of their constant recognition can also be at-

encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 7

tributed to competitive prices, which bring the customers back time and again, without fail (I speak first-handedly, too).

Roberts noted how customers appreciate Stevenson’s honesty and usually respond with word-of-mouth approval. “We often hear, ‘We trust you!’ and ‘I recommend you to all my family and friends.’” It’s no wonder their wins come gratified by vast community approval—young and old, female and male, families and singletons.

FASHIONABLE WINS: From duds to cars, we awarded the Best-Of “e” award to Edge of Urge for Best Women’s Clothing (above) and Stevenson Honda and Acura for Best Place to Buy a New Car (right).

Pat Koballa’s operation continues to meet and exceed customer needs because he continually adheres to the motto everyone knows by heart: “If it has our name on it, you have our word on it.”

u o Y k Than for voting us

“Best Gift Shop” We deeply appreciate the support of all who voted!

THANK YOU ALL!!

We will continue to work hard to keep the Blue Moon at it’s best!!

203 Racine Drive (910) 799-5793 OPEN 7 DAYS

www.bluemoongiftshops.com 8 encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

And that’s a winning fact.

Other runners-up in the category went to Toyota of Wilmington and Bob King.

women’s clothing store She’s beautiful. And she makes beautiful things. And she sells beautiful things—to beautiful women (and men). Her name is Jessie Williams, and she is synonymous with Edge of Urge (EOU)—Wilmington best place to buy women’s clothing, as attested by the numerous votes that came in for the sweet boutique.

Edge of Urge is a funky, whimsical shop, located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, at the foot of Market Street. Jessie and her staff run a lovely ship, where dressing in style is as much an importance as drinking eight glasses of water a day. From their terribly colorful and comfortable shoes, in brands like Frye, Jeffrey Campbell, Irregular Choice and Olsen Haus, to their magnificent dresses by Dagg and Stacey, Prairie Underground and Seneca Rising, to jeans that fit like a glove, and awe-inspiring accessories, including Jessie’s handmade feather earrings, everything at the store punches an outfit’s flair through the roof. Quite simply: Everyone dresses like an A-lister when shopping here.

While the shop has its own take on 21st century chic, it also pays homage to the antiquated and vintage of yesteryear, as proven from their trinkets, decor and whathave-you. Of course, for those busy bees who only stick to online browsing, let edgeofurge.com become a mainstay on the bookmark page. They make ordering online as easy as taking a bite of apple pie—and just as delicious, too.

Other women’s clothing-store votes went to Oliver and Forever 21.

chinese dining Chinese is many Americans’ weakness in takeout food. From the sauce-drenched sweetness of standards like Sesame Chicken or General Tso’s, to the hot-andspicy likes of Szechuan Chicken or Hunan Beef, to the noodle dishes of Lo Mein and Chow Mai Fun, Americans order Chinese when decisions about where to eat and how to dress weigh them down. But in Wilmington diners take their Chinese more seriously then a last-minute takeout order. In fact, when they want the best, they treat the experience like any other special night out to eat.

Szechaun 132 has become a favorite restaurant for many, thanks to owner Jo-

Voted “BEST BAR”

THANK YOU WILMINGTON!

Blue Post Billiards

15 S. Water St. (entrance on Wilkinson Alley) Downtown Wilmington • 343-1141

CHEAP BEER • POOL • LOLLIPOPS encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 9

seph Hou’s dedication to making the cuisine shine amongst the norm. Located in University Landing off College Road, Szechuan 132 doesn’t have a buffet. They don’t have a special sushi section or offer crab legs at dirt-cheap prices to incline eaters to their establishment. Actually, they make traditional Chinese cuisine, fresh to order, with quality ingredients that allow people a betetr taste of Asian comfort food.

Naturally, they serve up the starters so many have come to love, like hot-and-sour or eggdrop soup. They also do house specials in soup, worth every bite. Egg rolls, coconut rolls, dumplings (fried or steamed), and even cold and spicy sesame noodles rear the heads for a great beginning to any meal. Their lunch and dinner menus feature the best seafood (go for the Hunan scallops), poultry, pork, duck, veggies and beef, noodle dishes and fried rice; but the House Specialties really showcase the best that Szechuan has to offer. Rosemary lamb, whole fish, honey-glazed pork and, of course, the ever-popular Peking duck will satisfy all appetites.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect to Szechuan is the use no MSG in any of their dishes. Plus, the chef would be happy to alter spices, salt or other ingredients according the diner’s specifications.

Other Chinese establishments to take high bids in the Best-Of poll are Double Happiness and Chopstix.

coffee shop

Waking up Wilmington since 1995, Port City Java (PCJ) is our home-town coffee shop. Serving the finest coffee “with a shot of Southern hospitality,” according to CEO Steve Schnitzler, PCJ doesn’t beat around the busH that coffee is their passion. And it tastes so with every sip.

The shop is more than just a place to serve java; they’re a roastery, providing the best products not to clients but to friends.

“Establishing strong relationships with our customers is a top priority at Port City Java,” Schnitzler iterated. “It’s how we measure our success. Every guest, vendor and employee is always treated with respect, dignity and kindness—Southern hospitality at its finest.”

FROM ANTIQUES TO COFFEE, EVERYONE WINS! Sam Dunn allowed our hosts to toss Ivy-Cottage water bottles to the audience upon winning Best Consignment for Home Decor and Antique Shop; Steve Schnitzler gave a great thanks to the voters as Jonathan Guggenheim presented him Port City Java’s award for Best Coffee Shop.

consignment for home decor and antique shop There’s nothing like the first fabulous

10 encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

gem found at the Ivy Cottage, located in three different adjacent buildings on Market Street. The search through thousands of household items is all part of the fun, and to find that perfect diamond-in-the-rough is an experience I would recommend to anyone.

Why? “We have really good furniture at really good prices. We’re also really big, and we’ve been here a really long time,” owner Sam Dunn says rather simply. Thirteen long years to be exact, enough time to establish a well-deserved reputation in town—and accumulate a number of strange experiences.

“We’ve had two cars run through the front of our building about a year apart,” Dunn recalls, laughing. “We’ve also had a police raid. A criminal ran into our store for cover, and the police followed him right on in!”

As for their appeal to folks in Wilmington, a lot of it has to do with the constant influx of new inventory. “We get in about 300 to 400 new items every day. There is always new stuff,” Dunn assures.

First- and second-runners up for Best Antique Shop went to Michael Moore Antiques and Cape Fear Antiques; Best Consignment for Home Decor also went to The Loft and Goodwill.

With locations all over Wilmington and coastal NC, as well as throughout the rest of our state, New Jersey, Maryland and even across the pond in Jordan, their success can be attested to “really paying attention to the right details, building relationships that matter and serving the best possible product.”

Schnitzler, a chef by trade, came into the coffee business after an attempt to open his own restaurant fell through. “The person I tried to buy the restaurant from had started PCJ, and he liked my work ethic and ideas and asked me to become a partner in it,” he noted. Since ‘98 the coffee connoisseur has been living his life by the motto, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” In essence, he’s a true believer that great luck comes with hard work. Even in such tough times, said business outlook keeps things in perspective.

“Guests have become more sensitive to where and how they’re spending their money, so our goal is to remain on the list of things that can’t be cut from their day,” he notes. This includes baristas completing hospitality seminars that put importance on making genuine relationships with guests and not simply offering a service.

“Voted BEST BUFFET, SOUL FOOD and FAMILY RESTAURANT by encore readers”

Where everyday is like a Sunday afternoon at Grandmas

WENESDAY

Meatloaf: 11AM-9PM Chicken Gizzards & Chicken Livers: 11AM-4PM Carved Ham: 4PM-9PM THURSDAY

Brunswick Stew: 11AM-4PM Baked Spaghetti: 11AM-4PM Hamburger Steak: 4PM-9PM Deviled Crab: 4PM-9PM FRIDAY

BBQ Pork Ribs w/red sauce: 11AM-4PM Fried Shrimp: 4PM-9PM Deviled Crab: 4PM-9PM Carved Roast Beef: 4PM-9PM

SATURDAY

Hot Wings, Fried Pork Chops, Hamburger Steak: 11AM-4PM Fried Shrimp: 4PM-9PM Deviled Crab: 4PM-9PM Carved Roast Beef: 4PM-9PM SUNDAY

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Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken, Chicken & Pastry, Catfish, Whiting, Clam Strips, Fat Back, Crinkle Fries, Chitlins, Rutabagas, Green Beans, Mac-N-Cheese, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Cabbage, Boiled Potatoes, Corn, Field Peas, Turnips, Collards, Baked Beans, Green Peas, Lima Beans, Rice, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Pan Fried Okra, Rolls, Hushpuppies, Apple, Blueberry & Peach Cobbler, Cherry Cheesecake, Banana Pudding and Ice Cream

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OPEN: Wed.-Sat. - 11am-9pm, Sunday - 11-6pm CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

Every Sunday is Thanksgiving! encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 11

“Part of knowing what they want is to ask them,” Schnitzler says. “The other part is actually listening to what they say.”

PCJ’s strategies obviously work, as it keeps them number one on the encore poll every year. Other nominees include Starbucks and Java Dog.

steak There’s the cowboy ribeye, filet Mignon, sirloin and New York strip. There is short ribs, London broil, prime rib and Porterhouse. Cuts of beef are endless—and the place to go, to not only get the best cut but the best flavor, remains a Best-Of stronghold: Port City Chophouse.

The Chophouse has made their mark on our poll for many years, most likely because they understand meat isn’t just prepared by way of supermarket on an overused grill.

No. No. No. The chefs at the fine-dining establishment take great care toward every order, cut fresh and made with proper attention to detail.

As part of the Chophouse chain, also open to diners in Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston Salem and High Point, the Wilmington location knows its carnivorous clientele well.

I personally recommend their ribeye—but on the opposite end of the spectrum, I also recommend their seafood. In fact, the Port City Chophouse specializes in seafood as

much as red meat, so pescatarians won’t be left out in the fine-dining cold.

But I regress...

Their steaks are prepared in a variety of ways, from au poivre (seared with cracked peppercorns and topped with a brandy cream sauce) to Oscar (steamed crabmeat, asparagus and bernaise). Of course, no special sauce and order additions are needed, really, seeing as their meats come with enough natural flavor to satiate its most primitive flavors.

Also open for lunch, the Chophouse turns an affordable lunchtime wheel, where sandwiches, from a Carolina crab cake version to a chicken BLT to even the hearty man’s choice, prime rib, make for delectable midday choices. Bring a client here for an impressive meeting, or grab a friend for a special midday work break.

Located at 1981 Eastwood Road, near Landfall, the Chophouse is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturdays for dinner only; reservations accepted.

Other nods went to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Outback.

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES: Marie Bartsch, whose family owns and operates Indochine, gladly accepted Best Atmosphere, Best Thai/Vietnamese and Best Restaurant Overall on behalf of the eatery.

Lunch • Dinner • Late Night

pork baby backs or spare ribs or even beef ribs. Whichever the preference, Sticky Fingers Rib House provides the best St. Louis-cut ribs in Wilmington—and by “the best,” we mean the best for upteenth years in a row, according to encore voters in the Best Ribs category.

Sticky Fingers serves their slabs in many ways: dry-rubbed or wet, with one of their many sauces, like the Tennessee Whiskey, Carolina Classic, Memphis Original or Habanero Hot. They take care in making sure their ribs are of the best quality and style.

While ribs are the main dish of the house, their sides make for perfect pairings: baked beans, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, broccoli and cheese casserole, and the list just continues on and on and on. And what’s an old-fashioned rib pickin’ without dessert? Save room for their peach cobbler or a slice of Ernie’s pecan pie, two items that will also make your tongue slap your brains out!

Sticky Fingers’ Southern roots continue strengthening every year, as Best-Of voters never forget them on our polls—just mosey on over for one sticky-lickin’ good time.

Recognition also goes to Chili’s and Outback Steakhouse.

Sorry no delivery • All major credit cards accepted

atmosphere, thai/vietnamese dining and restaurant overall

ribs They’re lip-smacking, finger-lickin’, bonegnawing good whether enjoyin’ them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some prefer

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1437 Military Cuttoff rd. (next to PTs Grill)

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It has become one of my personal favorite spots in Wilmington; and, obviously, I am not alone in this category. Indochine equals quality—it’s that simple. Just drive by during any night around 7 o’clock, and see an overflowing parking lot to prove it.

The Thai and Vietnamese restaurant has become one of Wilmington’s most successful eateries, and not only because they

serve outstanding food, but because the atmosphere is transformative—like taking a mini-vacation out of town.

Go for lunch and enjoy one of their many noodle soup bowls. Filled with a choice of toppings, including tofu for vegetarians or chicken for carnivores, as well as crisp, citrus-y cilantro and tons of great flavor, along with a sampler of their dim sum, and the meal will perk up any day (just avoid Mondays, when Indochine is closed for lunch).

Dinner transforms any humdrum evening into an fantastical escapade, adorned with antiques from the Asian homeland, featuring color that bursts with happiness. Aside from Indochine’s eclectic many Buddhas and art work covering the walls, their food matches the fun of the establishment. They make some of the best curries (Panang and Massaman among my most beloved), along with outstanding vegetarian meals, like Drunken Noodles. They do Basil Beef and Ginger Chicken, as well as a mahi-mahi with fruit salsa not easily forgotten.

Just save room for dessert, as owner Solange Thompson has become famed for her banana egg roll, lychee sorbet and mango with sticky rice and coconut sauce.

Other favorite Thai restaurants in town are Big Thai and Banyan; The Little Dipper and Copper Penny also took atmosphere votes; while Circa 1922 and Deluxe round out the best restaurant overall category.

outdoor dining

One of five LM Restaurants, Bluewater scored 2010’s best place for outdoor dining. Why? Well, first and foremost, being located on the Intracoastal Waterway doesn’t hurt. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a nice refreshing cocktail on the Bluewater deck, watching the boats dock and sway on the calm waters? That the restaurant renovated their outdoor area also adds to their popularity.

“It has paid off greatly,” Mindy Ander-

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son, marketing coordinator, told encore.

“People now have more dining space and better views of the Intracoastal.”

With the summer music series making Sundays fun days throughout all warm days, Bluewater continues giving diners more than one reason to stop in at their blueroofed locale. “Our chef is amazing and consistent,” Anderson noted, “our staff is second to none, and our event coordinator is great.”

In fact, the restaurant plans on expanding on their hosting capabilities, making it a hotspot for anything from receptions to parties.

Anderson says they have also added “bold items to their menu,” adding even greater pleasure to doing business with such a very supportive community. “We hope Wilmington maintains a pro-business environment, so more small businesses can thrive.”

Second place went to Indochine and third to Dockside.—Shea Carver

museum In times such as these, when people are struggling to stay employed, housed and out of the red, it seems as though the arts are put on the back burner—even deemed unnecessary or frivolous. But what about providing food for our souls? What about cultivating inspiration for our creative thinking that can extend into all facets of life? When Wilmingtonians need a reprieve from the harsh economic landscape around them—

5 years in a row

or even when times are good!—they turn to the artistic offerings of Cameron Art

Thank You Wilmington!

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STRENGTHENING THE NEWS: The staff from WECT happily accept their awards for Best Newscast and Best Newscaster, WECT’s Fracnes Weller, along with LaMaine Williams, who took home the award for Best Personal Trainer (fact: Frances Weller is one of his many happy clients!).

Museum (CAM), voted Best Museum.

“For nearly 50 years, this community has supported having an art museum in Wilmington: individuals, students, artists, corporations, foundations and government entities,” Deborah Velders, director, says. “All have fought to create and sustain a highquality art museum that brings excellence in art programming to this region.”

Examples of superior programming at CAM over the last several years include popular exhibitions like Diane Landry’s installation of computerized umbrellas, The Flying School in 2005; Five American Artists in 2006, which was cited in the Washington Post; 2007’s Between Taste and Travesty, featuring the costume designs of William Ivey Long; Art and Social Conscience: Holocaust, a collaboration with UNCW in 2008; and last year’s Gwathmey Siegel: Inspiration and Transformation, featuring the work of the museum’s designers and architects of the American Institute of Architects. “[Our number-one philosophy is] ‘Believe in it, work hard for it—and never let go of your passion and vision of its importance to this community,” Velders concludes.

Second and third place in the Best Mu-

ART AT THE HEART of WIlMINGToN: The Cameron Art Museum took home the award for Best Museum in Wilmington, thanks to the many art supporters who voted them Number One!

seum category this year are Cape Fear Museum and The Children’s Museum.

personal trainer It’s time to break out the gear, folks: the sneakers, the workout clothes, the gloves for weight-lifting and the iPods for running.

The first of the year certainly sets in motion the desire to get in shape. But as any exercise buff will say, fitness is a lifetime lifestyle, not a once-in-a-while fix. And as any client of local personal trainer LaMaine Williams will say, this guy is the most important facet of their fitness regime.

“Take care of your clients, and they will, in return, take care of you,” Williams states. “I think people promote so hard to get new customers and neglect the [ones] they have. . . . I give my clients 110 percent each session. The results from my clients are noticed.”

Also noticeable is the “Train with LaMaine” campaign that’s keeping this workout guru’s name and face in front of the public all over town (i.e. billboards and in print). His independent business is widely recognizable and backed up in clientele word of mouth. He attributes this win to his “marketing and dedication to [his] business,” which includes extended hours to accommodate his clients. “I love knowing I’m in control of how much I work,” Williams continues. “I am my biggest competition.”

Still don’t believe the talk? Well, just take one look at WECT’s Frances Weller, Best Local Newscaster (did anyone see her at the recent Best-Of party, in all her fitness glory!?), and then look no further than LaMaine Williams.

Pumping it up in the number-two and three spots this year are Casey George of Gold’s Gym and Ted Ferrell of Fitness Together.

burrito When we say that Wilmington hot spot Flaming Amy’s is known for its burritos, that’s not to say it is simply a really good hole-in-the-wall joint that locals adore. So great is the fame of this independently owned establishment that people flock from

YOU CAN DANCE IF YOU WANT TO: Anthony Lawson and Jonathan Guggenheim break it down with a little Charlie-Brown dancing in celebration of the many winners for encore’s 2010 Best-Of.

widespread areas all around to kindle their fiery taste buds with its unique goodness.

So what exactly makes this burrito barn the best of the best? “We are very unqiue, and the burritos really are the best in town,” owner/operator Jay Muxworthy states. “I am more creatively motivated than financially motivated . . . I am constantly trying to keep the business evolving, not necessarily to adapt but to keep things fresh and interesting.”

Interesting it is, with such fun-filled features as Tattoo Tuesdays, a slogan that reads, “Hot, Fast, Cheap and Easy!” and a list of rules that begins with, “Lighten up.”

But what keeps the patrons coming back the most are those specialty burritos, including the super-hot Flaming Amy’s burrito, Big Jerk, Tai Me Up, Tree Hugger, Double

Bypass, Baywatch, and The Po’ Boy. “The best compliment I get is a busy restaurant!” Muxworthy tells. “I think the key to success in any field is having a passion for what you do. . . . Do not be afraid to take risks, [and] take care of good people when you find them!”

From Muxworthy’s reserve of passion has come a second location, albeit one taking a sidestep from burritos. Flaming Amy’s Bowl specializes in noodle or rice bowls, made with fresh ingredients and to order.

Check ‘em out at Shipyard for a different Flaming Amy’s flavor.

Serving up second and third place for burritos are Moe’s Southwest Grill and Islands Tex Mex.

florist They say a picture is worth a thousand words—but nothing spans a range of sentiments like sending flowers. They can mean “I Love You,” “Get Well Soon,” “I’m Sorry,” “Congratulations” or “Sincerest Condolences,” simply depending on the choice

of blossoms and the occasion. Nothing brightens up a room—or someone’s day, for that matter—like a welcoming bouquet of beautiful blooms.

Located at the corner of Wilshire and Kerr, Julia’s Florist recognizes the “art of giving flowers,” according to owners Jeff and Dana Cook, which is something this independent shop doesn’t take for granted.

“We take pride in listening to what the customer wants and then knocking it out of the park,” the Cooks continue. “Examples could range from our contributions to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s Pink Ribbon Project all the way to the guy in the doghouse stopping by on the way home from work for a single gerber daisy to wrap and take home to his significant other.

We really want every customer to feel how great it is to give and to receive flowers.”

The Cooks believe strongly in the motto, “The customer is always right,” and they take great delight in encountering the rewards and challenges of the job on a daily basis. “A florist is such a great combination of creativity and function,” they say. “When it comes to service, value and creativity, Julia’s is the first call for a reason—and our job is to keep it that way!”

Second place this year in the Best Florist category is Fiore Fine Flowers and third goes to Moxie Floral Design Studio.

newscast When Wilmington residents want to get their news onscreen, they look for efficient, quality reporting with a dash of humor and a big dose of getting to know the people behind the first-hand accounts. That’s why the majority of news-watchers in town voted WECT as their top choice for a go-to news source.

“You have to invest in your people first and then your resources, and keep abreast of the rapidly changing trends,” David Toma, creative services director, says. “WECT has the distinction of consistently out-delivering the competition in news-gathering. We have equity in the market place with established news personalities that people know and trust, with an experienced broadcast management team that is constantly fine-

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tuning the product.” The fact was proven in a November 2009 audio-television ratings survey that measured WECT with a clear two-to-one audience lead compared to their nearest competitor.

Yet, going even more above and beyond the call of duty, WECT cares so much for their community that they always keep a hand in partnering with local charitable organizations, such as Relay for life, ARC blood drives, March of Dimes, Leadership Wilmington, and The Holiday Smiles Toy Drive. “Say what you mean, and mean what you say,” Toma offers as a motto for maintaining success and happiness in business.

“Strike a balance in your life, and be sure to make time for yourself, faith, family and friends. If you are not happy outside of the workplace, you will not be happy inside the workplace.”

Happily situated in the number-two and three spots are WWAY and FOX.

mortgage company Everyone wants honest and dependable workers when it comes to paying someone else to provide them a service. But perhaps none so important are these two qualities than when it comes to buying a home.

While operating under the philosophy that “Attitude is everything,” Alpha Mortgage has been taking care of Wilmington residents’ biggest investments since 1983.

Not only are they Wilmington’s largest mort-

capriati, pasta primavera, stuffed eggplant Italiano, spaghetti bolognese—mouths watering yet?

With a reputation for dependable service and meals prepared with excellence, Giorgio’s is a top dining destination no matter the time of year or occasion. Locally owned and operated, they have been serving the Wilmington area for over 10 years, with 50 years of cooking experience in the kitchen that will leave diners with a hunger for more of that home-away-from-home comforting goodness.

Second and third place for Best Italian go to Terrazzo Trattoria and Osteria Cicchetti.

print shop

GOLD WINNINGS: Gold’s Gym’s Cole Johnson accepted the award, yet again, for Best Gym in Wilmington, sending their wins way beyond 10 years running.

gage banker, but, according to this year’s win marking their seventh Best-Of award total, they are also Wilmington’s favorite.

“Alpha strives to provide the very best in service, rates and program to our cli-

“Thanks for voting us Best Place to Buy A New Car 9 years running.”

ents,” Joey Milam, marketing director, asserts. “Most of our clients are lifetime, not one-time.”

Alpha originates, processes, underwrites, funds and closes all of their loans in-house, a stream-lined process that produces a fast turn-around time by eliminating the extra step of sending files off to outside companies. As for how they have evolved in recent years to accommodate a changing business climate, Milam says, “We have expanded and adapted, learning all-new programs and guidelines as they change daily to stay upto-date and provide the best service.”

Alpha Mortgage is in business solely to help people “realize the American Dream of home ownership”—and their hard work has been much appreciated by Best-Of winners!

Runners up for the Best Mortgage Company are Well’s Fargo, followed by AAXA.

italian dining

Stevenson Honda Acura

S. College Rd., Wilmington • 395-1116

Stevenson Mazda Kia

Market Street, Wilmington • 350-1650

stevensonauto.com 16 encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

There is stiff competition in this town for Best Italian Dining, so all nominations truly deserve a hat’s off and a hooray! With as many wonderful chefs and establishments boasting handmade sauces, pastas and succulent recipes from the land of The Boot, foodies all across town do not go without. That’s why it is with great honor that Giorgio’s has yet again taken top honors as Best Italian Food.

As their tag line says, Girogio’s is “local Italian dining at its best.” Their long-revered location in Monkey Junction has recently upped its services to include delivery—all the way from Long Leaf Mall to Carolina Beach, and Eco Farms to Holly Tree Road!

And the food is well worth it, any way we can get it, whether through delivery, dine-in, or partaking in Girogio’s on-site or off-site catering. Delicious items include fried calamari, Girogio’s Buffalo wings, salmon and crab cakes, fried mozzarella millano, Caprino chicken, grilled pork chops gorgonzola, mussels marinara, chicken marsala, linguine

As publishers of several publications, we here at encore know the importance of good printers, whether it’s for large tasks like printing magazine pages or menial tasks like printing our Friday lunch orders (hey, cut us a break—we do eat!). Of utmost importance is quality work, dependable service and trustworthy people. That’s why when the people of the Port City need a printer—for business cards to four-color process printing—they turn to the good folks at Dock Street Printing.

Dock Street has been serving the local Wilmington area for the past 37 years, working hard to make sure all of our printing needs are well taken care of. They specialize in high-volume duplicating, typesetting, binding, graphic design and digital color copies among many other services. They will gladly produce items for individuals or businesses, including letterheads, invitations, price lists, forms, fliers, note pads, envelopes, brochures, invoices, carbonless forms, receipts and annual reports. Fun products include mouse pads, vinyl sports products, and cork and paper coasters.

“A philosophy of integrity and honesty in our relationship with our customers and employees has always been of the utmost importance,” they claim at www.dockstreetprinting.com. “Great value is placed on team interaction, and on respect for each and every person involved in the operation of this company. We approach your project with a constructive and critical eye, born of genuine interest in what we are doing.

New ideas and suggestions for improving our operation are welcomed. . . . We like to consider ourselves the ‘Cheers’ of print shops.”

Here’s to cheering on our runners up: AllWays Graphics and Alphagraphics.

surf shop Live in or travel to any beach town along the Carolina coast, and the name “Bert’s” is practically synonymous with surfing.

There’s good reason for that. Bert’s Surf Shop came to be in 1965 from the vision of a man named Mr. Pearson, still surfing after 60, who began to sell surfboards in his shoe store in Kinston, NC. It was great

foresight on his part, as times were much different back then.

“I used to surf every Sunday after taking my wife and kids to Sunday school,” he once recalled. “There’s a whole different atmosphere now. Surfing has become an accepted sport.”

Not only has surfing become accepted, but the shops for which the sport is geared and revered have populated coastal towns with a frenzy ever since. Wilmington’s Bert’s Surf Shop is no exception to the time-honored tradition of selection and service, and they are no stranger to the annual Best Of awards, having taken top honors on countless occasions. Not only selling both long and short boards, Bert’s also carries skim boards, body boards, skateboards, bicycles, men’s and women’s clothing, caps, can and bottle huggers, footwear, luggage and so much more. They carry brands such as Reef, Rainbows, BIC, Sector 9 and, of course, their own line of clothing.

Wilmigton surfers make Bert’s their onestop shop for all surfing needs—and it’s quite easy to see why.

Cresting in at second and third are Sweetwater Surf Shop and Surf City Surf Shop.

pizza and late-night eatery It’s 2:30am—Friday or Saturday night.

Downtown is still packed after multiple bars and clubs have just closed. Why? Well,

PENNY FOR YOUR HUGS? Deede Bell of the Copper Penny hugs the dickens out of Changing Channels’ Cullen Moss—who used to work at the Penny—upon accepting their awards for Best Waitstaff and Best Neighborhood Bar..

the party is continuing at Slice of Life, Wilmington’s favorite pizza joint and latenight eatery! Located downtown on Market Street, as well as on Military Cutoff Road

n to g in m il W u o y k n a Th for voting us

“Best Chinese Restaurant!”

Our vision is to provide our customers with the most exciting dining experience while they are in our home; that we see to it that every customer in our restaurant leave with the anticipation of coming back.

419 South College Rd. • (910) 799-1426

18 encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

near Wrightsville Beach, there’s nothing quite like the taste of a gooey, cheesy, pepperoni-topped, huge piece of Slice pizza in the wee hours of the morning—or any time, for that matter! Slice of Life is not only the life of the party after normal hours, but they are the go-to place for lunch or dinner.

Each location offers dine-in or takeout, 365 days a year! Essentially, there is absolutely no excuse for not partaking in a slice at Slice any and every time the fancy strikes.

Earn rewards with the new Slice Cards, too, and scour the menu that has become even more than just pizza, including salads, tacos, homemade soups, nachos, subs and even quesadillas. But, alas, it is the pizza we most often crave from this little slice of heaven. Made in-house daily with purified water, the pizza at Slice is served with only “the freshest and highest quality ingredients,” according to www.grabaslice. com. With a cozy, inviting atmosphere and stellar pie to boot, it’s really not a surprise that Wilmington voters were ready and willing to recognize Slice yet again..

Rounding out the pizza category this year are Incredible Pizza and Mellow Mushroom; while other late-night hotspots include Jimbo’s and Cookout.

gym Whether we’re workout gurus or complete novices, we all have to admit there are times—for some, more often than not— that we simply dread dragging ourselves to the gym. Especially when it’s freezing cold outside, and either a warm bed or warm bowl of chili in front of the TV sounds much more enticing. For this reason and so many more, it is imperative for gyms to be a welcoming environment, a place that gives us the motivation to want to walk through its doors and see our bodies change with a little hard work and dedication.

That’s exactly the frame of mind the original creators of Gold’s Gym had when the

franchise’s first location opened up in Venice Beach, California, over 40 years ago.

“Our gyms are built to help people realize their goals and find their inner strength,” the official Gold’s Web site, www.goldsgym.com, declares. “We combine the most diverse amenities in the industry with the best personal training to deliver the ultimate fitness experience.”

With such a customer-oriented foundation and ideals, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that Wilmington votes Gold’s as Best Gym year in and year out. The Port City is home to three of Gold’s 600-plus locations, each one offering the same quality and results-guaranteed approach that keep folks coming back for more.

They proudly offer the amazingly effective Les Mills group-exercise classes—including BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyFlow, RPM, BodyJam and more—as well as the latest in strength-training and cardio equipment, personal training and even child care.

It’s practically a one-stop shop of anyone’s fitness needs, no matter what age, level or limitation.

Planet Fitness and 02 Fitness lifted their weights into second and third.

children’s clothing store They are the apple of our eyes and the joy of our lives. We nurture them, love them, provide for them and help them grow. Their struggles are our struggles, and their celebrations are ours as well.

Any parent knows these statements to be true—indeed, they want what’s best for their kiddos as soon as the day they bring them home.

Providing for our children of course includes clothing them, and Froggy Pond Children’s Boutique knows how to make shopping for necessities a super-fun experience. When it comes to the best, they strive to provide it for all clientele, and that’s exactly what Wilmington parents see in them year after year when filling in our Best Of polls.

Located on Racine Drive in the heart of Wilmington, Froggy Pond is locally owned and operated, specializing in both boys and girls clothing, shoes, gifts and accessories. The boutique is able to offer a unique selection through hosting periodic trunk shows, and their convenient location and friendly service make visits pleasurable.

Custom bows, monogramming and shipping services are available, as are easy access for persons with disabilities. We hope they keep parents’ backseat bundles of joy clothed in cute perfection for years to come!

Coming in at the number-two and -three spots this year were Alligator Pie and The Children’s Place.

newscaster We see her onscreen day in and day out, her vibrant smile and easy demeanor

lighting up both the room from which she is broadcasting and the living rooms in which we are viewing her. Classy, sophisticated and down-toearth, Frances Weller is a luminous and widely recognizable Wilmington presence.

Her sharp reporting, candid humor and caring nature draw us in, leaving us wanting nothing more than to sit down and have a cup of joe with this fascinating lady just to share her company.

But perhaps what makes Ms. Weller so great—the BEST, in fact—is that we don’t just see her on the news.

Whether it’s playfully addressing the children at a Community Boys and Girls Club benefit dinner or keenly hanging with the hipsters at our annual Best Of party downtown, she is truly and obviously committed to the community in which she serves and lives.

Weller herself is a Wilmington native, a graduate of John T. Hoggard High School who then went on to major in speech communication at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Her television career with WECT spans 28 years, during which time she has won multiple awards such as the YWCA Woman of the Year in Achievement Award, Citizen of the Year and several Best Of awards. Her stellar reporting of news and weather is to be admired and appreciated, but it is the woman herself with whom so many relate— thus the well-deserved Best Newscaster vote.

Rounding out the 2010 Best Newscaster category were Jon Evans and Bob Townsend, respectively.

neighborhood bar and waitstaff Super Bowl parties, the ACC’s big games, dinner for two, or just a fun night out with friends, the Copper Penny Pub and Restaurant is downtown Wilmington’s “Cheers” locale to be sure. Fun-loving, af-

mestics and imports, American Micro Brews and even Cider Jack. Specialty Martinis include the Ruby Slipper, Blueberry Hill and Booze-nBerry. Friendly, smiling faces serve up such delectable menu items as Cheese Steak Nachos, Babe’s Pub Burgers, Shrimp Po-Boys and a Grilled Tuna Pitas, while multiple flat-screen TVs showcase the games du jour. It’s the kind of environment that leaves Wilmington Best-Of voters wondering what’s not to love.

Second and third place for Best Neighborhood Bar went to and Duck and Dive, Bluepost and Beach House, while rounding out the Best Waitstaff category were Circa 1922 and Deluxe.

gift shop ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: Taking Best Gift Shop for the second year in a row, Blue Moon showcases a plethora of goods, made by various artists, throughout their shop.

fordable and the ultimate mix of entertainment and relaxation, the “Penny” (as locals refer to it) is one of those places with the goods to back it up when they say there is something for everyone. Not only do they boast an outstanding array of menu items and drinks, but the customer service is way above par as well.

It’s an environment of pub perfection that’s been brewing for several years, a consistent and dedicated establishment that has unassumingly strived for excellence in its historic abode on Chestnut Street. The limelight has finally picked up where honor is due, however, as Copper Penny debuts its first-ever Best Of recognition—with not just Best Neighborhood bar but Best Waitstaff, too! The bar contains an outstanding selection of wines, draft beers, bottled do-

They say the best part about shopping can be not the actual accumulation of stuff but the thrill of the hunt. And that is exactly what we find at Blue Moon Gift Shops. Located on Racine Drive in midtown Wilmington, Blue Moon is a thrilling exploration unto itself—not to mention the fact that shoppers

do leave with an array of creative and unique items to share with those they love.

“We have an outstanding selection of always-changing gifts including home decor, photography, art, furniture and jewelry at affordable prices,” owner Mary Ann Masucci says. “We have great customer service, free gift wrapping, and a personal shopper is always at hand.”

The lay of the land at Blue Moon is a onestop shop with 100 retail spaces all under one roof, featuring the work of local, regional and national artisans, retailers and craftsmen. With a wide range of prices and selections to fit any budget or personality, Blue Moon’s charming and relaxed atmosphere keeps patrons coming back again and again.

Masucci says her greatest compliment comes when customers say, “I always think of Blue Moon when I need a gift or when I want to impress out-of-town guests. I wish we had a place like this where I live!”

Wilmingtonians can be lucky we have such a gem as Blue Moon, where Masucci says their always-positive energy contributes to its success.

Second place in the Gift Shop category this year was The Sterling House, and rounding out the top three was Dragonflies.

—Emily Rea Next week’s edition will feature the second installment of encore winners, so stay tuned and pick us up again for more of the Best-Of Wilmington 2010.

encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 19

What So Proudly We Blow: ‘It’s not my problem’

I

got an e-mail from Shea, the lovely editor of encore, recently, and I quote: “So. Cranky Foreigner. I pulled you out of the gutter last year, and for a can of dog food and a pat on the back for every column, you agreed to get us some hate mail.

by: The Cranky Foreigner Since the Scrooge piece, nothing. Kick it up a notch, or you’ll be licking envelopes as in ‘Seinfeld,’ if you get my drift.”

Remembering that a funeral was involved in the “Seinfeld” bit, here goes...

I was driving down Market Street a while ago, nice clear day and all that, and I noticed a dust storm up ahead. Looked to me like it was at Kerr Avenue. I know what dust storms look like. Smoke tends to go up, dust stays low. Getting closer, it was obviously coming from the half-demolished Whitey’s Motel.

Piles of rubble and wood, trucks and frontend loaders messing about, and a man with an industrial-strength leaf blower, literally kicking up a storm.

It is obviously stupid to try to organize the dust at a demolition site while the demolition is still happening. As a guy with asthma, I took offense that this stupidity became my medical problem. But then I realized that it was a totally appropriate thing to do in modern America.

Basically, leaf blowers make someone’s problem into someone else’s problem. It takes a while to rake and bag leaves and trash, but if they end up in the middle of the street and a big truck comes by fast—hey, that’s life. And that seems to work at many levels of this country. Only traitors, it seems, object to a good war, but who wants to pay for it? Not us, and that’s for damn sure.

But our grandkids, surely, will be happy to cough up a trillion or two, plus interest, for the whole Iraq thing. (Mom, the crying you hear from the next room might not have any-

thing to do with a full diaper.) Lop off some mountain tops, and burn the coal so we can have shopping malls cold enough to hang meat in August. Who cares that all that mercury means our kids should only eat two fish meals a month? Stuff those pigs with antibiotics from day one to speed their weight gain. Who cares if that’s the perfect way to produce super strains of drug-resistant germs? Someone else will deal with it.

Aren’t there some old leper colonies somewhere where we can send our children who can’t be cured?

So here is my idea: Let’s make it official.

That big old eagle with its egg shells crumbling from weird chemicals, that’s so “Old America.” Let’s get with the future and make the leaf blower the symbol of America. A symbol for all that we stand for and hope to become. Postage stamps, Harley Davidson T-shirts, every piece of paper the NRA ever put out. Time for the new look.

Let’s outsource all the design work to India, and, before long, smogging up our lungs while blowing the Big Mac wrappers into our neighbors’ yards will be the most patriotic thing we can do.

And so, dear editor, I’ve kept up my end of the deal. Let the hate mail roll in. And let’s see what kind of funky graphic you put up next to this. And don’t just steal something from the Lowe’s online catalogue.Game on!

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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

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LEAD STORY In all likelihood, convicted murderer Paul Powell would have been sentenced to life in prison for his 1999 crime, but he could not resist gratuitously ridiculing the prosecutor. Powell’s original sentence of death was overturned because of a technicality in Virginia law: The “aggravated” circumstance in a murder that warrants the death penalty must be committed against the actual murder victim (whereas the prosecutor had proved only that Powell had also raped the victim’s sister). Powell assumed that the prohibition against “double jeopardy” thus ruled out the death penalty and so decided to gloat, calling the prosecutor “stupid” and taunting him with details of his crimes. For the first time, Powell admitted that he had also raped the murder victim. That was evidence of a new aggravated circumstance (i.e., no “double jeopardy”), and the prosecutor obtained a death sentence. In January 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Powell’s appeal.

Can’t Possibly Be True A Toronto restaurant, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, announced that its Valentine’s Day promotion this year would not just be a romantic dinner but would also include an invitation for couples to have sex in the restrooms. Toronto Public Health officials appeared unconcerned, as long as there was no sex in food-preparation areas and as long as the restrooms were clean.

“Bodily fluids” were not a concern, said one unruffled health official, because after all, that’s what restrooms are for.

Women’s rights activists in Uganda finally got the attention of the Western press in December, when London’s The Independent verified the plight of Jennipher Alupot, who periodically for seven years had been forced to breastfeed her husband’s hunting dogs as she was nursing

May 2: Mark Roberts & Breeze May 9: : , ƌĞĂƟŽŶ May 16: Heart & Soul 910.256.8500 4 Marina Street Wrightsville Beach, NC BluewaterDining.com 22 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

the couple’s own children. Farmer Nathan Awoloi of Pallisa explained that his dogs needed to eat, and since he was forced to send Jennipher’s family two milk cows in order to win her hand, he felt his demands were reasonable.

In January, the Justice Department’s Inspector General released a long-anticipated report detailing the FBI’s post-9/11 corner-cutting in obtaining individual Americans’ phone records. Federal law permits such acquisition only with a “terrorism” subpoena (“National Security Letter”) unless the FBI documents emergency (“exigent”) circumstances to a telecom company. The Inspector General found that, from 2002-2006, the FBI had representatives of three telecom companies set up in the FBI unit so that agents could request phone records orally, without documentation, and in some cases merely by writing the requested phone numbers on Post-it Notes and sticking them on the telecom employees’ workstations. Some of the acquired records were uploaded to the FBI’s database.

Inexplicable Police are still baffled by how Gregory Denny, 37, was able to “deport” Cherrie Belle Hibbard from her home in Hemet, Calif., in January back to her native Philippines. According to Hemet police, Denny, with a gun and fake U.S. Marshal’s badge and shirt, knocked on Hibbard’s door and convinced her that he was there to escort her to the airport and out of the country and that Hibbard’s husband had to buy her the ticket. Denny then accompanied Hibbard through airport security and put her onto a flight. Upon questioning by police later, Denny apparently remained in character, continuing to insist that he is a Marshal. Denny was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, impersonating a peace officer and several other charges.

Buffalo, N.Y., television meteorologist Mike Cejka was arrested in December after a brief police chase and charged with trespassing after he was spotted at 4 a.m. tinkering with the covering of a motorcycle in a stranger’s yard. Cejka told police he was on his way to work at the station and had merely stopped to admire the motorcycle he had remembered seeing in that yard over the summer. He was wearing a dress shirt and shoes and leather chaps topped by a pair of sweat shorts.

Unclear on the Concept A 27-year-old man was arrested for trespassing in January in Seattle’s Lusty Lady peep-show arcade, whose layout is a strippers’ dance stage surrounded by

private viewing stalls for customers. According to police, the man climbed from his stall, through a ceiling panel, and navigated the overhead crawl space, which only allowed him to peep at the strippers from a different angle.

In December, British Columbia’s District of Sechelt Council approved a bylaw making it illegal for licensed dogs to chase squirrels, seagulls and other wild animals. The councillors added a defense of “provocation” but left it undefined, which might be especially problematic in instances in which the dog is the only witness to the alleged provocation.

The Continuing Crisis In February, the Board of Trustees of Saugatuck Township, Mich., scheduled a May referendum asking voters for an increase in the property tax in order to cover unanticipated new expenses. The budget overrun was due to the mounting costs of defending lawsuits by people and companies complaining that the Township’s property taxes are too high.

University of Montreal School of Social Work professor Simon Louis Lajeunesse, intending to research the effects of pornography on men’s relationships with women and needing a control group for comparison, advertised in the local community for up to 20 nonusers of pornography, but he was forced to radically alter his research model when no one signed up. Concluded Lajeunesse, in December: “Guys who do not watch pornography do not exist.”

Least Competent Criminals Poorly Conceived: (1) Travis Copeland, 19, bolting from a courtroom in Waukegan, Ill., in January, ran down a hallway and then lowered his shoulder and thrust himself at a window, intending to crash through it to freedom. Courthouse windows are bulletproof, and Copeland merely bounced off, staggered away and fell to the floor in pain. (2) Chamil Guadarrama, 30, was arrested in Springfield, Mass., in February after a store security guard spotted him with 75 bottles of lotion stuffed down his pant legs (which were tied off at the ankles), making him look like a nearly immobile Michelin Man. Said a cop: “(We) could not fit Mr. Guadarrama into the cruiser because ... he could not bend over.”

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.

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encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 23

below Theater

26-28 Art

29 Film 30-35 Music

Nun Fun: Opera House Theatre Company presents ‘Nunsense’

O

pera House Theatre Company is opening their 25th anniversary season with the musical comedy “Nunsense,” which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary. With book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, “Nunsense” won four Outer Critics Circle Awards and was the second-longest-running off-Broadway show in history. Since 1985, “Nunsense” has inspired six sequels and spin-offs. Goggin, who was educated by nuns, explained the popularity and appeal: “When [nuns] did things that were unnunly, people would be so captivated.”

Director Sue Ellen Yates summarized the plot. The cook, Sister Julia, child of God, accidentally poisons 52 nuns with her vichyssoise, and the convent needs to put on a fund-raiser in order to bury the four nuns who remain in the freezer. Sister Julia does not participate in the fund-raiser because she’s probably so busy doing penance.

“The reason we’re in this bind,” Joy Gregory (Sister Mary Hubert) added, “is

by: MJ Pendelton

Nunsense The Scottish Rite Temple, 1415 S. 17th Street February17th-21st and 26th-28th Thurs.-Sat., 8pm • Sun., 3pm Tickets: (910) 343-3664 because the Reverend Mother (Michelle Reiff) bought a flat-screen television. It’s time for her to retire.”

“I am the true nun in the crowd,” Reiff disagrees.

“All the women are just Broadway performers in disguise, and this is a great excuse for them to put on a show,” Denise Bass (Sister Mary Amnesia) said.

“Denise’s character doesn’t know who

she is because a crucifix fell on her head,” Yates added.

Choreographer Kendra Goehring- Garrett also “takes on the character of the choreographer in the show, Sister Mary Leo. She wants to be a prima ballerina.” GoehringGarrett will, in fact, perform ballet on toe.

“She’s an amazing choreographer because she is a dancer,” Gregory said. “She knows that my character should tap dance, so she taught me how.”

“The music will appeal to almost everyone,” music director Lorene Walsh said.

“It’s upbeat, but there are some ballads.”

Walsh, who has directed countless shows in Wilmington, added that “this production is one of [her] all time favorites because of the cast.” She is also a nun, Sister Mary Martíni. Even the stage manager, Denyse McDonnell, is a nun, Sister Mary Illiteracy.

There was so much enthusiasm from the cast members that it was obvious they will perform well together.

“I just have to stay out of their way,” Director Yates laughed. The energy seemed to be fueled by mutual affection and admiration, as well as lots of chocolate. They also seem to enjoy the fact that the cast and directors are all-female. The obvious empathy will positively affect the production because if everyone onstage is having fun, the audience will, too.

Bass believes that the show is “timed perfectly. When I was coming up through the ranks, I was always told that theater [is] at its best when life [is] at its worst. People need a distraction, an escape. They need to laugh or cry at someone else’s story. Laughter is good for the soul.”

Missing “Nunsense” would be nonsense.

It became an international phenomenon because of its universal appeal. Thanks to Opera House Theater Company and all these wonderfully talented women, Wilmington is in for a big treat. Laughter is not only good for the soul, it’s priceless.

fulfilled lives.

“Fixing Up Mom” and “Not Since Baltimore” are written by local playwrights Kathryn Martin and Bert Sherman, respectively.

Both plays explore the awkward premise of mature dating, which embarrasses older people and disturbs youngsters who really want to believe that anyone over 40 is celibate. Awkwardness aside, the plays are cute. In “Fixing Up Mom,” also directed

by Seidman, Suzanne Nystrom (Madeline) and Ken Cressman (Larry) are introduced

by Madeline’s daughter. Larry has a list of requirements, which, though somewhat practical, are astonishingly insulting. Madeline, who is obviously not particularly desperate for a man, nonchalantly responds with a fabricated list of her own. Ultimately, this abstract and clinical exchange bizarrely ignites Larry’s intense ardor—go figure.

“Not Since Baltimore,” directed by Sherman, is a mature perspective on Internet dating, which is comical because of the

inherent innocence of the characters. Two friends, Max (Randall Lucas) and Sheldon (John Peterson) are fascinated with the Internet possibilities and promises. Max, who is slightly more high-tech and adventurous than Sheldon, actually drives to Baltimore for a—big surprise—disappointing date. Lucas and Peterson have great chemistry and expressive faces.

It is an amusing and entertaining evening at Big Dawg’s adorable theater on Castle Street. With four plays, it’s hard to miss. If one play doesn’t please, the next probably will. Sets and costumes are simple, and the emphasis is on the actors who are very good. The evening is a cathartic experience because it’s far better to laugh at love’s eccentricities than to cry about them. There’s also camaraderie in the understanding that the problems are far more ridiculous than unique. Married couples in Wilmington should see this production to refresh their love and leave holding hands.

Rocky Roads: Big Dawg Productions presents ‘Love on the Rocks’

V

alentine’s Day is absolutely won- by: MJ Pendelton derful for approximately five percent of the population. The other Love on the Rocks 95 percent experience dashed expectations, unreciprocated gifts or simply nothing at all. Big Dawg’s production of “Love Cape Fear Playhouse at Newcastle, on the Rocks” is the perfect antidote.

Misery loves company, after all, and the 613 Castle Street best way to cope with an injured heart is February18th-21st to laugh about it.

Tickets: (910) 341-7228 Subtitled “Four short plays about the difficult (and sometimes comical) search compete with Chekhov. “Ships,” by Jay for love,” the production evokes a smile D. Hanagan and directed by Michele Seidsimply on the premise. Anton Chekhov’s man, is more depressing than comical be“A Marriage Proposal” is the shining star of the theatrical quartet. Directed by Pam cause it is so realistic. Kevin Wilson and Grier, it is fast-paced and funny, funny. Jana Allen assume the roles of strangers The actors assume accents and attitudes who are waiting in a restaurant for their to melodramatize the farce. Kevin Wilson, spouses and, in the course of a converJana Allen and Randall Lucas are perfectly sation, realize that they have settled for relationships that are far less than percast and delightfully amusing.

The other three plays suffer somewhat fect. Wilson’s self-deprecation and Allen’s in comparison, but then it is difficult to needy smiles perfectly illustrated their un24 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

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encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 25

Black History in Cape Fear: Randall Library showcases a local heritage

F

ebruary is Black History Month, which always gives America a lot to think about—particularly in the South. Our own Cape Fear region has an especially poignant part in the past, with a rich heritage of struggle and strife for African-Americans. Of course, the history has remained largely unacknowledged in history books until recently.

“African-Americans, free and enslaved, were crucial to the development of southeastern North Carolina,” John Battle, director of the African-American Heritage Foundation of Wilmington, Inc. (AAHFW), says. “Besides providing the bulk of plantation labor, they dug the canals, labored on the railroads, worked in commerce and shipping, and help construct much of the built environment, some of which is still in existence today.”

Battle and his colleagues at the AAHFW have been busy studying the connection between the history of Wilmington and Sierra Leone. In fact, a former slave named

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by: Lauren Hodges

The Bunce Island Exhibit Randall Library Exhibit Center, UNCW campus on display through Feb. 27th Grand opening reception Feb. 21st, 3pm www.bunce-island.org (910) 262-8208 “Thomas Peters” joined the British Army in the Revolutionary War and later became a founder of Freetown, Sierra Leone. He was known as a “Black Pioneer.”

“Bunce Island was an 18th-century British fort in Sierra Leone,” Battle explains.

“It shipped thousands of African captives mainly from the Rice Coast of West Africa to the rice-growing regions of North America during the mid- and late-1700s.”

As the history points out, that knowledge of rice farming became an assett to the South and its economy.

As slave owners profited from the labor and knowledge of the African imports, a new culture had started to develop in the fields. In 2006 Congress established a Gullah/Geeche Cultural Heritage Corridor, making it the only one in existence to commemorate African-American history.

The 12,000 square miles spread along the Southern coast and include pieces of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Parts of New Hanover County are included in the stretch.

“Over time, enslaved Africans who lived and labored in relative isolation on rice plantations developed the distinct Gullah language, traditions, music, material culture and foodways,” Battle says. “Much

Events will be held April 12 - 30.

Registration packets are available at NHC Senior Center 2222 S. College Road in Wilmington.

Information is also available at www.wilmingtonrecreation.com (Click on Senior Programs)

Registration will continue through April 3, 2010.

For more information contact Tiffany Lesley at 341-7253.

26 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

HISTORY UNCOVERED: The rich past of the Gullah-Geeche people in our area is on display at the new Bunce Island Exhibit at UNCW.

of this culture is maintained to this day.”

Yet, many people are unaware or know very little of this rich cultural heritage in the Wilmington area, largely due to the lack of information available to the public.

“The historic presence of the Gullah people has largely escaped or been excluded from records, books and until recently, historian scrutiny,” Battle says. “But this might be because of an inability to distinguish among African-American origins. It is often viewed by others as a homogenous group of people.”

The AAHFW hopes that a new public exhibit will help to educate the local population on the Gullah/Geeche culture.

Working with the UNCW Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, the organization has been able to sponsor a display in the Randall Library. Called the “Bunce Island Exhibit,” the show features papers and pictures depicting the history of the understated people. The story of Sierra Leone, the Atlantic Slave Trade and the origins of the culture in North America is told vividly in illustrations along the library’s main corridor.

“It is our hope that the exhibit will stimulate new representations and historical narratives based on Western forms of evidence,” Battle informs. “We want to validate the Gullah people’s family and oral histories, memories, folklore and life experiences.”

The Bunce Island Exhibit is on display from February 1st to the 27th in the Randall Library Exhibit Center. On February 21st a grand opening reception will be held, featuring a lecture and video with Professor Joseph A. Opala, the show’s curator. The lecture will begin at 3pm with time for questions and discussions at 4pm. The video and reception will follow. Visit www.bunce-island.org for more information or call (910) 262-8208.

A Lasting Legacy: Bob Brown’s art is up for auction this week by: Lauren Hodges

Silent auction feat. the work of Robert Delford Brown Wabi Sabi Warehouse 19 N. 9th Street Saturday, February 20th • 11am-4pm Absentee bids: 910-599-0476, archibaldheptinstall@gmail.com

S

how up anywhere in Wilmington where art is loved and celebrated, and you will still feel the presence of Robert Delford Brown. The meteor of a man that hit the Port City died in March of 2009, and the creative community is still on his road to Nevada (Brown’s tongue-in-cheek version of “the road to Nirvana”). After almost a year, his friends and followers are keeping him alive on the walls. His energy still roams the halls of Cameron Art Museum, and his signature catch phrases (“Who? Knows!”, “What Great Art!”) decorate the theater in Jengo’s Playhouse.

“A lot of people think that artwork only becomes valuable when the artist is gone,” Jengo’s founder, Dan Brawley, says. “But the person is the most valuable part. I think Bob is the ultimate proof of that.”

Brawley, who was a close friend of Brown’s, has been taking inventory of the pieces left behind—and it hasn’t been easy on him. “It’s a painful process,” he admits.

“Bob was such a presence here, and he is missed every day. But these things all represent his message to the world and how he felt about things.”

In the spirit of keeping Bob’s presence moving around town, his First National Church of Exquisite Panic is liquidating a large amount of their great leader’s creations. A silent auction (as Brawley says, “Hush, hush... shut up!”) will be sponsored by the Independent Art Company and held at the Wabi-Sabi Warehouse. The sacred objects up for bid include Brown’s signature Mirror Mandelas, Ikonomobiles, gluings, Maps to Nevada, Epherma and other works of art.

Whoever is lucky enough to aqcuire one of

the masterpieces will have plenty of options.

“I am asking anyone who buys work by Bob to consider donating it back through Cameron Art Museum [CAM],” CAM’s director, Deborah Velders, says, “so that it could be up for possible placement in another art museum, for which they would ultimately receive a tax deduction.”

Though this seems unorthodox, many of Brown’s friends feel that he wouldn’t have it any other way. “This would help fulfill Bob’s desire that his work be represented in various museums,” Velders says. “That desire was actually the whole point of this sale of artwork: to help get Bob’s work into museums across the country. We couldn’t do that without legal ownership being settled. Elsewise, we would have simply allowed the court to reclaim the work and sell it.”

Ultimately, Brawley feels that the purpose of the auction is to keep Brown’s memory alive. “This is a chance for a lot of people to own a piece of Bob, a chance that they might not have had before. It’s a huge opportunity.”

The auction will take place on Saturday, February 20th, at the Wabi Sabi Warehouse, 19 North 9th Street, from 11am-4pm. Absentee bids will be accepted via telephone at 910-599-0476 or via e-mail at archibaldheptinstall@gmail.com. All absentee bids must be received by 2:37pm on Saturday, February 20th.

encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 27

Artfuel.inc

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.

Hampstead Art Gallery

332 Nutt St, The Cotton Exchange (910) 762-4207 Mon.-Sat., 10am-5:30pm; Sun., 12-4pm www.crescentmoonnc.com Eleven Wilmington glass artists as well as four regional NC artists are now showcased at Crescent Moon at the Cotton Exchange. There is always room for more in our little glass and metal art gallery. So if you are a glass blower or flame-worker, fused glass or stained glass artist, or metal sculptor contact us to be juried in.

Crescent Moon won a 2009 Top Retailer by Niche Magazine for supporting and promoting hand-made craft. It is what we stand for.

Hours: Monday- Saturday 10am-5:30pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. Crescent Moon is located in The Cotton Exchange where parking is FREE while shopping or dining. Call 910-762-4207 or visit HYPERLINK “http://www.crescentmoonnc. com”www.crescentmoonnc.com Follow us on twitter as CrescentMoonNC or become a fan on our Facebook page!

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.

FastFrame Gallery

New Elements Gallery

Crescent Moon

1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Landfall Center (910) 256-1105 Mon.-Fri.., 10am-6pm Sat., 10am-4pm www.fastframeofwilmington.com

Sunset River Marketplace

FA S T F R A M E G a l l e r y 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.

216 N. Front St. • (919) 343-8997 Tues-Sat: 11am-5:30pm or by appointment www.newelementsgallery.com

NEW ELEMENTS’ NEW SHOW: Color Stories opens February 26th, featuring ‘Down East Still Life,’

by Jack Ketner; oil, 30” x 30.”

New Elements Gallery presents Color Stories, a collection of recent works by the gallery’s artists, including Bruce Bowman, Nancy Carter, Richard Garrison, Jack Ketner and Sally Sutton. Exhibition Dates: February 26th - March 20th. Artist receiption will be held Friday, February 26th, from 6-9pm.

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.

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

28 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179).

(910) 575-5999 Tues- Sat. 10am-5pm Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com myspace.comsunsetrivermarketplace Sunset River Marketplace is featuring paintings by watercolor artist Richard Staat in Watercolors with a Transparent Touch, which opened Jan. 11 and runs through Feb. 20, 2010. The eclectic exhibition includes figural paintings as well as landscapes and coastal scenes.

Staat, who has recently completed a large mural in the Coast Guard Station on Oak Island, N.C., was a commercial artist for over 35 years, operating his own design studio for 14 years. After graduating from Ohio State with a BFA, he immediately went to work for an advertising agency in central Ohio, where he found himself constantly limited by what the client wanted. “Tight controls often inhibit creative expression,” he says. “That’s why watercolor painting is so much fun. It allows the artist complete freedom!”

Staat works with pure transparent watercolor paints and has become known throughout the area for projecting humor and emotion in his paintings.

Staat, who lives in Oak Island with his wife Jo Ann (also an artist), is a past president and current active member of the Oak Island Art Guild; the Central Ohio Watercolor Society and a signature member of the Watercolor Society of N.C. His work has received numerous awards including: fifth place from the Watercolor Society of N.C.; merit and honorable mention awards in the Associated Artists of Southport’s annual juried July National Exhibition; first place, second place and other honors in the Associated Artists of Southport annual Spring Show and numerous others.

According to gallery owner, Ginny Lassiter, “Dick Staat’s work makes the viewer feel the emotion in every painting. Whether it’s a landscape featuring our Sunset Beach Bridge or a locomotive or people on a pier ... we feel as though we’re right there with him.”

Wilmington Art Association Gallery

616B Castle St. (910) 343-4370 www.wilmington-art.org HEARTS FOR HAITI show will continue at the Wilmington Art Gallery until Feb. 24th. All works for sale under $50 and all proceeds donated for Haitian Relief. Save Thursday, Feb. 26th for the opening reception of Gordon Webb’s unique photography, 6-8pm, Wilmington Art Gallery - 616-B Castle S. Show continues till March 24th.

Gordon is a retired TV-radio production and scriptwriter now focusing on fine art photography.

A Subtle Touch:

reel to reel

An Education deserves Academy recognition

W

as it the noted philosopher Kierkegaard who said, “When you’re 15, somebody tells you they love you, you’re going to believe them”? Wait, I think it was Taylor Swift. Either way, it’s a pretty apt metaphor for the film, An Education.

Who doesn’t remember being a teenage girl? Sitting up all night with a copy of Tiger Beat magazine and dreaming about one day becoming Mrs. Luke Perry. Trying so hard to fit in at school while building up the courage to tell the captain of the football team, Steve Holt, that I had a crush on him. Those were beautiful times. Making a prom dress out of an old hand-me-down. Losing my virginity to Lane Meyer while Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” blared in the background.

Glorious times.

But I’m no longer a teenage girl. Nor was I ever one.

However, I feel as if I got a glimpse into that world with An Education, a very earnest movie about the peons and pleasures of young love. Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is a whip-smart teenager, attending prep school in suburban London. In many ways she’s wise beyond her years. She pines for an extraordinary life. Music, culture, art: This is what inspires her. Her life is fairly ordinary.

Going to an all-girls school, she daydreams of a life less common, dealing with her pleasant but emotionally detached parents.

To be fair, they’re British, so “emotionally detached” is kind of their default status.

Her life is greatly changed when she meets David (Peter Sarrsgard). He is everything she’s looking for: handsome, dashing and, most importantly, cultured. His life is the kind of nonstop party that Jenny craves.

This May through December romance seems a little tawdry at first. Underneath the debonair exterior lies a true man of mystery. He has money; though Jenny doesn’t know from where. She is too entranced to care. Her relationship moves at breakneck speed. David is taking her away for weekends, bringing her to art auctions, escorting her to society functions, all the while charming Jenny’s parents (including the wonderful Alfred Molina) into lowering their guard.

The relationship between David and Jenny makes up the backbone of the film, and it seems to work well despite their age difference. Though, there is a certain level of discomfort in it, as well. No matter how old her soul, she is still a girl—barely a woman.

Get ready for the most delicious week of Spring!

by: Anghus

An Education Starring Carey Mulligan, Olivia Williams, Alfred Molina

H HHH H

a few must-sees this week say everything with a look and has a range on par with actresses twice her age.

The fact that I liked An Education so much is a testament to the work. A female protagonist in repressed ‘60s-era London is hardly a movie I would put on my “must-see” list. But the material is handled with such

Carmike 16 111 Cinema Drive • 910-815-0266 The Wolfman Inspired by the classic Universal film that launched a legacy of horror, The Wolfman brings the myth of a cursed man back to its iconic origins. Oscar®-winner Benicio Del Toro stars as Lawrence Talbot, a haunted nobleman lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes. Reunited with his estranged father (Oscar®-winner Anthony Hopkins), Talbot sets out to find his brother—and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself. R

Mayfaire 16 900 Town Center Drive • 910-256-0556 Dear John Directed by Lasse Hallström and based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, Dear John tells the story of John Tyree (Channing Tatum), a young soldier home on leave, and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), the idealistic college student he falls in love with during her spring vacation.

Over the next seven tumultuous years, the

BLINDED BY LOVE: Young Jenny is swept away by romance in the new film An Education, playing in theaters this week.

Because of this, she is easily manipulated and chooses to ignore the obvious warning signs.

At first, audiences will like David; though, the seeds are planted very early on that something about the guy isn’t quite right. By the time the other shoe drops, Jenny has decided to throw away her goals in favor of a gilded life. Of course, nothing ever works out as planned.

On paper, this is a movie by which I could see myself being bored to death, but onscreen I loved it. The story itself is an interesting one, but the acting, directing and cinematography create a picture window into a beautiful world; 1960s London is magnificently realized. The wardrobe is stunning.

The music is soul-stirring. But all the glitter and gloss is worthless without characters to care about.

Carey Mulligan is a revelation—a fantastic actress with the kind of natural talent for which most performers would kill. She can

a subtle touch. The characters are crafted with such care. A movie of such refinement will have a hard time connecting with the attention-span-challenged popcorn munchers who believe Avatar is the greatest movie of all time. Yes, that’s right: I went highbrow on your asses. Seeing a movie like An Education should remind us of how good films can be when done right, and it makes me appreciate a good drama that doesn’t require bells and whistles. You can have Pandora; I’ll take Carnaby Street London in the ‘60s any day of the week.

An Education has been nominated for two Academy Awards in the Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress categories—each well-deserved nominations in my opinion. If there’s any justice, Carey Mulligan will walk away with the award. However, the Academy Awards are not known for justice, rather for awarding actresses that have a body of work worth rewarding. More than likely this year’s Best Actress award will go to Sandra Bullock. Still, I hope the nomination gets a good amount of looking balls on Carey Mulligan. With any luck she’s going to have one hell of a career.

www.WilmingtonRestaurantWeek.com

couple is separated by John’s increasingly dangerous deployments. While meeting only sporadically, they stay in touch by sending a continuous stream of love letters overseas— correspondence that eventually triggers fateful consequences. PG-13

Carmike 4 1018 N. Lake Park Blvd • 910-458-3444 The Book of Eli In a post-apocalyptic America, where the once-picturesque countryside has become a desolate and violent wasteland, one man (Denzel Washington) fights to protect that sacred tome that could hold the key to the survival of the human race in this futuristic thriller. R

All AreA movie listings And pArAgrAph synopses cAn be found At encorepub.com.

encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 29

A Taste of Honey:

Rhythm-and-blues outfit Big Joe Lewis and the Honeybears take over the Soapbox

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encore: I’ve read how you got hooked up with Joe after booking him for an event on campus at the University of Texas. What about him and his sound attracted you?

Zach Ernst: Well, before that I picked up his record—his first release—and really thought it was great. It was a lot rawer, a lot dirtier than the blues stuff that was going on in Austin at the time, and it was really a lot more in line with the stuff that I liked. So I probably sat on it for about a year and hadn’t met him or talked to him, and whenever the opportunity to meet him came up, we discovered that we had a lot in common in the artists we liked, like Hound Dog Taylor, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Bunker Hill. We just kind of hit it off from there. e: Was it that he had a sound that was different from other bands you played in, or was it something about him in particular?

ZE: Well, this is the first band that I’ve ever been in. I had taken lessons when I was young and stuff, but that was it. I met him more from the perspective of being involved with talent booking at the University of Texas, and I was a music journalist for The Texan, the student newspaper. So at the time, I was more into blues music as a writer or talent buyer. The thought of putting together a band wasn’t really my first idea. I just approached Joe as a fan or someone who wanted to put him on a show. e: Really? Was it what you expected?

ZE: It’s been great! You know, I literally knew one bass player and one drummer, and I

do come together quickly. e: What do you think it is about the sound that appeals to people?

ZE: I think it helps that we’ve been on the bill with a lot of different kinds of bands—it’s been a pretty widespread appeal, I guess.

I think we’re a pretty good opening act, so we’ve been able to get out in front of a lot of different kinds of bands and put out a pretty eye-opening show that a lot of people

energy to it. I don’t think anyone would go to one of our shows after hearing it and be surprised. It’s definitely a fair representation of what we do.

weren’t expecting to hear. That and the fact that Joe’s pretty approachable. We’ve found that people just like Joe—for his stage presence and who he is personally. He and his music appeal to a broad section of people.

came out. It’s definitely shaped us and made us into a better band. When you’re working all the time, like we’ve been, I think it’s the only way to get better.

e: Do you have a lot of opportunity to work on that sound on the road?

ZE: Well, we’ve definitely had a ton of shows. It seems like we’re playing shows all the time, especially since the record

pHoTo By camBRIa HaRkey

ith Austin, Texas, well known for by: Adrian Varnam being the “live-music capital of the world,” it’s rare that anyone Black Joe Lewis and the is surprised when an up-and-coming band Honeybears calls the city “home”. In fact, it may even help the acclaim since the competition to Also featuring Cedric Burnshide, Lightnin’ be heard is so fierce. Although blues, R&B Malcolm and Leslie and soul band Black Joe Lewis and The February 21st • 8pm • $10 Honeybears is one of hundreds, if not thousands, to come from Austin, they posses Soapbox Laundro Lounge, upstairs something that comes from a deeper part of America and from an earlier time in its musical history.

With a live show that is talked about long before they arrive, and a record that’s as alive and hoppin’ as seeing them in person, this band needs to be experienced to be believed. Recently, I caught up with Honeybears guitarist Zach Ernst and spoke with him about meeting Joe Lewis, his experience of being in the band, and what life is like both in the studio and on the road.

LUCK OF THE DRAW: Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears attribute their success to an energetic live show and a heaping dose of luck. Check them out this weekend at the Soapbox.

called them and said, “Hey, do you want to play with this guy, Joe?” So it all came together pretty quickly—well, right away. So we’ve caught some lucky breaks and been together for about three years now. Right out of the gate, we had some positive support that got us going really quickly. e: How does that now-distinctive sound of Black Joe Lewis come together?

ZE: Well, mostly, Joe and I will come up with something together first, or Joe will by himself. And then if it clicks, we’ll bring it to the band. Within 30 seconds of playing it with the band, we usually know if it’ll work or not.

There have been a lot of songs that didn’t work, but for whatever reason, the ones that

30 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

e: you’re known for having an exciting and energetic live show. as a band how difficult was that to capture in the studio with your first album?

ZE: We definitely recorded as much live as we could. We find that Joe definitely performs best with a live band behind him. And to capture the energy that we’re going for, recording live is the only thing that works for us. I think we captured it pretty well on the record, but a lot of those were first takes.

We rely on that off-the-cuff energy.

Joe sings songs differently every time, so we want to capture a song in a way that we think is good and move on. I think it turned out well; it’s got a great sound and

e: The band’s risen to a pretty nice level of recognition in a relatively short amount of time. What do you attribute the success to?

ZE: Honestly, I think we’ve gotten really lucky, and we’ve been at the right place at the right time. We got some good tours early, we got a label on board that was looking for new artists at the time, and just had a lot of lucky coincidences when we first started out. I think with us having a fully realized sound and an identity with a high-energy show that people respond to has helped, too. So with a good sound and a lot of luck, we are where we are, I think.

We’re still pretty shocked that we get to do this for a livin’—it’s been a trip.

Packin’ a Punch:

Bluegrass band The Punch Brothers perform Thursday night

A

t last! The Punch Brothers have made their rounds and found themselves in the Port City, ready to perform their hypnotic and addictive bluegrass harmonies to the Wilmingtonian masses. Led by prodigious mandolinist Chris Thile, the Punch Brothers pack a hit of haunting melodies that is sure to leave their listeners longing for more.

Comprising Chris Thile on the mandolin, who released his first of five solo albums at age 13 and is best-known for his involvement with bluegrass band Nickel Creek, he makes up only a fifth of the quintet. Gabe Witcher, a life-long friend of Thile’s, adds his talent as a coveted violinist, having worked on award-wining soundtracks for movies like Brokeback Mountain and Toy Story. Noam Pikelny is the band’s soughtafter banjoist, whose solo album In the Maze made a significant mark upon the world of three-finger-style five-string banjo playing. Chris Eldridge studied guitar at the Oberlin Conservatory and was a founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters, a critically acclaimed bluegrass band. Paul Kowert, the Punch Brothers’ bassist and most recent addition, joined the band in 2008 after having studied classical bass with renowned bassist Edgar Meyer.

The Punch Brothers, named after Mark Twain’s short story “Punch, Brothers, Punch!” is celebrated for its high-energy, diverse arrangements of bluegrass instrumentals, as well as jazz-like improvisation and flow. Their mesmerizing performances have earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Performance for their first album, How to Grow a Woman from the Ground.

Although the band wasn’t officially formed until 2006, the boys have an extensive web of relationships tying them all together, inevitably moving them to perform and record together.

“I think it’s safe to say we all admired

Hampstead Arts

by: Sarah Boggs

The Punch Brothers February 18th • 8pm • $6–$20 Kenan Auditorium • (910) 962–3500

each other,” Punch Brothers guitarist Chris Eldridge explained to encore last week. “[We] enjoy playing together and were waiting for the chance to actually do something serious as a group.”

Such a breakthrough came with mandolinist Chris Thile’s separation from his wife in 2005, which elicited a waterfall of creative energy—energy that eventually evolved into a long-form, through-composed piece that is now known as “The Blind Leaving the Blind,” a 40-minute, fourmovement bluegrass piece that recounts a man’s emotional turmoil through the ramblings of a group of friends at a bar. Originally Thile’s ambition, the song was written in part by each of the band members, leaving room for creative freedom within the performance so that it is new each time it’s played.

“I still discover new surprises within ‘The Blind Leaving the Blind,’ after having played it for over four years now,” Eldridge said. He also explained that although the song is lengthy and technically difficult, he was never intimidated by it.

“Having grown up with an aural tradition and approach to music-making, it was a fundamentally different kind of project than I had ever embarked upon. But once we started actually learning it and getting it to a place where we could play it, it became rewarding on a different level because it is such a rich and beautiful piece of music.”

Bluegrass music, as clichéd as it may have become in some circles, is one of the

PHOTO BY Cassandra Jenkins

www.uncw.edu/presents

punch pickin’: The Punch Brothers will play Kenan Auditorium this Thursday night, performing their own brand of bluegrass from their latest album, Punch. Tickets are on sale now.

most flavorful ingredients in the American musical stew. Its multifaceted and quickpaced melodies stir up undeniable emotions in listeners, whether pleasant or not, and The Punch Brothers’ repertoire is no different. Eldridge explained why the combination of instruments—banjo, fiddle, guitar, bass, mandolin—works so well together, and how The Punch Brothers use them to produce their signature hypnotic sound.

“There is a long tradition of these instruments fitting together in a musically complementary way,” he said. “Since we all grew up playing bluegrass, we all have an intuitive understanding of how that fit can work. However, as we’ve gotten older and broadened our tastes and scope, we’ve tried to understand the inner workings of

how other genres of music can work; it turns out all good music is basically the same. It all has strong melody, harmony and rhythm. So if we come up with parts that pass the test of being rhythmically, harmonically and melodically sound, then we will work with those parts to make them compelling and strong.”

The Punch Brothers will be performing tomorrow evening (Thursday the 18th) at 8pm in the Kenan Auditorium as part of the UNCW Arts in Action Performance Series.

The performance is part of the last leg of their most recent tour for the album Punch, wherein “The Blind Leaving the Blind” can be heard, as well as the energetic “Nothing, Then,” and the more classical “It’ll Happen.” Tickets for the performance are $20 to the public, $16 for senior citizens and UNCW employees, $8 for non-UNCW students, and $6 for UNCW students. The Punch Brothers will also be playing Bonnaroo in June.

s!

New Clas

Memberships • Classes

parent & child handbuilding & sculpture

Sat. mornings 11am-1pm

Kids on Wheels

studio tiMe Tue. Nights, 6-8p & Sat. Mornings, 10am-1pm

Visit cwilmington.com for Class Schedules!

After School Activity Wednesday 3:30-5pm

Watercolor With Jan

Wednesday Nights 6-8pm

potterY With anne

Wednesday Nights 6-8pm 14663 Hwy. 17 North (at the intersection of Hwy. 210 & Hwy.17) OPEN: Tues.-Fri., 10am-4pm,Sat. 10am-1pm 910-270-3003

encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 31

soundboard

a preview of tunes all over town this week

dJ Jeph CaulTer —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 KaraoKe wiTh bob ClayTon dJbe eXTreme KaraoKe —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 792-6880 256-3838 Classy KaraoKe wiTh mandy sean gerard and Friends ClayTon —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 upsTarTs and rouges KaraoKe wiTh dJ urban —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 763-3737 open miC nighT ryan maloney —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 763-2223 Jeremy norris and Tommy dJ broThers —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 open miC nighT wiTh gary allen eriC and Carey b. —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; KaraoKe wiTh dJ biKer rob 458-5255 —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 dJ p. FunK piano show —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846

CourTesy oF arTisT

WEDNESDAY, fEbruArY 17

IT’S A bIrD, IT’S A PLANE... It’s Doc Aquatic, playing this coming Saturday, February 20th, at the Soapbox Laundro Lounge.

Freshman 15, The sTaTus, The alumni Club, under The hudson, The Fear oF Falling —Lucky’s, 2505 S. College Rd.; 792-1812

THurS., fEbruArY 18

line danCing lessons wiTh dJ lee —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595

KaraoKe —Yosake, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 dJ Compose —Port City Pub, 121 Grace St.; 251-3791

GRAND UNION PUB 1125 Military Cutoff Road Wilmington, NC 28405-3652 - (910) 256-9133

117 Grace St. Downtown 910-763-3456

wed 2.17

dj be karaoke thurs 2.18

team trivia plus

dj richtermeister fri 2.19

painted man sat 2.20

live music with

sound dog

Photo...

Scott Sain of Plane jane

,ANDFALL #ENTER s 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

32 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.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 www.arabiannightshookahcafe.com

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

46/%": 25 oz. draft mugs $5 12.50 pitchers • $5 wings .0/%": $ domestic btls • fish & chip special 56&4%": $3 english beers shepherd’s pie, banger & mash special 8&%/&4%": $3 guinness, $4 irish car bombs turkey or corned beef reuben special 5)634%": $3 pints • $1.50 burger sliders '3*%": $2.50 mexican beers, $3 margaritas $5 nachos and quesadilla special 4"563%": $3 well drinks, $4 bombs, $15 domestic buckets -*7& .64*$ '3* 4"5 2/12 key lime pie 2/13 hot rod 2/19 on disc play 2/20 jeremy norris & friends 2/26 bibis & spare change 2/27 ten below

dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 dJ don’T sTop —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 dJ sTreTCh —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 KaraoKe wiTh bob ClayTon —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 guiTarisT perry smiTh —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 KaraoKe Kong —Orton Pool Room, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 Tom rhodes —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St.; 251-1935 dJ sCooTer Fresh —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206

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

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ivory —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 Family KaraoKe —Alfie’s, 2528 Castle Hayne Rd.; 251-5707 Fire and drum jam; dj miT, PsyTrance —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 casserole —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 oPen mic —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 lucero, Glossary, red collar, andy BilinsKi —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 HiP-HoP niGHT —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 oPen mic wiTH jeremy norris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 classy KaraoKe wiTH mandy clayTon —Remedies, Market Street; 392-8001 live acousTic —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 miKe FrusHa —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141

dj ricHTermeisTer —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 Two oF a Kind —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888

friDAY, februArY 19 Piano sHow —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 KaraoKe KonG —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 HiP-HoP dj —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 laTino niGHT wiTH dj —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 live music, dj —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080 roBBie Berry —Smileys Tavern, 723 N. 4th Street; 399-1669 GyPsy Fire —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 dj sTreTcH —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301

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

melvin and sayer —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 dj —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 KaraoKe wiTH BoB clayTon —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 dj scooTer FresH —Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 dj —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 dj miTcH —Odessa, 23 N. Front St.; 251-8814 Friday niGHT Follies —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 dj BiG KaHuna —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 dj Time —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 dj will clayTon —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

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

THe desiGn, THe GreaT Guinness ToasT —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 l sHaPe loT —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 Gloria sPillers —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 Travis sHallow —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839 mounTain sProuT —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 cHarlie THe Horse, onward soldier, miKe Blair and THe dirTy words, josH drye and THe sTalin sTaBBers —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Fred Flynn and wes sayer —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 emBracinG GoodBye, sirens For sleePinG, desPiTe my Failure —Lucky’s, 2505 S. College Rd.; 792-1812 sci Fi FeaT. dj P-TricK —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

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

overTyme —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 dj —Yosake, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 classy KaraoKe wiTH mandy clayTon —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 donna merriTT —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 sTeven Gossin —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 THe Groove camPaiGn —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St.; 251-1935 my wonderFul macHine —Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road; 256-3558

Piano sHow —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 dj Time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 Tim BlacK FeaTurinG carrie andrews —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666

wes sayer —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 ras lidG —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 dj —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 classy KaraoKe wiTH mandy clayTon —Remedies, Market Street; 392-8001 salsa wiTH dj lalo —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 dj will clayTon —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 dj Foxxy —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 dj edie —Odessa, 23 N. Front St.; 251-8814 dj —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 dj sTreTcH; live jam wiTH Benny Hill —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 live music —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080

A SAmpling of SpECiAlS noW AVAilABlE AT BoTH loCATionS!

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

SAturDAY, februArY 20

SundAy Any pitcher and a large pizza $20 mondAy All craft beer pints $3

tuesday Live Jazz in the Bar Half Price Bottles of Wine Absolut Dream $5 22oz Yendgling Draft $2 Pacifico $2.50

TuESdAy Two for Tuesday Two slices and any pint for $7.00.

wednesday Corona\Corona Light $250 Margarita\Peach Margaritas $4 10 oz domestic draft $1

WEdnESdAy pint of the week: $2.50 THurSdAy All-you-can-eat pizza buffet for only $6.

Two Wilmington locations near unCW 250 racine drive • 910-452-9000 downtown 131 n. front St • 910-343-8881

See all the specials at www.fatpub.com

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

encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 33

Hip-Hop DJ —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 Guitarist perry smitH —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 live music —Port City Pub, 121 Grace St.; 251-3791 DJ p. money —Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 iamHuman —Yosake, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 Doc aquatic, open WinDoWs —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 sounD DoG —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 luminosity —Holy Grounds Coffee House, 2841 Carolina Beach Rd.; 791-7366 mortal man, colossus, salvacion —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 nectar electric —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Will revo —Francesco’s, 839 S. Kerr Ave.; 793-5656

t.o.m.D. —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 possum creek —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury St.; 503-3040 amanDa kinG —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 karaoke WitH val —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 DJ —Ronnie’s Place, 6745-B Market St.; 228-8056 pseuDo Blue anD tHe maJestics —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St.; 251-1935 l sHape lot —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 BiBis ellison anD tHe spare cHanGe BanD —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 JoHn toppinGs —Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 milenia Funk-n —Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road; 256-3558

sunday, february 21 Galen on Guitar (BruncH) —Courtyard Marriott, 100 Charlotte Ave., Carolina Beach; (800) 321-2211 Dale “Fully automatic sounD macHine” DJs —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737 Flutist nikki Wisnioski —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 sunDay niGHt Fever —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 DJBe eXtreme karaoke —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 DJ p. money —Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 WHite suns —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Jam WitH Benny Hill —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 DJ BiG kaHuna —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080 DJ BiG kaHuna —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846

FRIDAY

Bibis and the Spare Change Band “HAPPY HOUR TRIVIA” 6-8

1 pints $ 5 jager bombs $

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

34 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

monday, february 22 open mic WitH Beau —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 open mic niGHt —Port City Pub, 121 Grace St.; 251-3791 karaoke —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 DJ p. Funk —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080 DJ ricHtermeister —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 colBy WaHl anD FrienDs —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 mystery live music —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 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

Black Joe leWis anD tHe HoneyBears, leslie, ceDric BurnsiDe anD liGHtnin’ malcolm —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

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 BiG kaHuna —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 open mic WitH viva —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 iron aGe, skeletonWitcH, HoWl, Gollum, mortal man —Lucky’s, 2505 S. College Rd.; 792-1812

tuesday, february 23 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 karaoke konG —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 travis sHalloW —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839 karaoke WitH DJ Biker roB —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 sHaG DJ —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595 karaoke —Yosake, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 DJ DouBleclick —The Sandbar, 417 S. College Rd.; 791-6080

karaoke WitH BoB clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 classy karaoke WitH manDy clayton —Ultra Classics Pool and Bar, North Hampstead live music —Henry’s, 2806 Independence Blvd.; 793-2929 inDie music niGHt —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 BiBis ellison anD tHe spare cHanGe BanD —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 cape Fear Blues Jam —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 live acoustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 raDio Hayes anD ecHopoint21 —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 DJ time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 marc sieGel —Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.; 452-1212

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 19

oVeRTyMe 8-11PM Sat., February 20

John ToppingS 8-11PM Fri., February 26

Big8-11PM FiSh

Sat., February 27

Mike o’Donnell 8-11PM 877-330-5050 910-256-2231 wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com

KaraoKe WitH BoB clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 claSSy KaraoKe WitH Mandy clayton —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 KaraoKe WitH dJ urBan —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 tyler McKaig —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 open Mic nigHt —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 eric and carey B. —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 dJ p. FunK —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 dJ JepH caulter —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.; 791-7595

dJBe eXtreMe KaraoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 Flute oF tHe condorS, tHe Happy Happy trance dance Band —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

JereMy norriS and toMMy BrotHerS —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 open Mic nigHt WitH gary allen —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.;251-1888 KaraoKe WitH dJ BiKer roB —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

piano SHoW —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front Street; 815-3846 roger daviS, ron WilSon —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 763-3737

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 2/20: Green 17 Tour: Flogging Molly, The Architects, Frank Turner; Blues-a-Palooza: Boogie Shoes Blues Band 2/21: Gospel Brunch THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BiltMore avenue, aSHeville 828-225-5851 2/17: A Concert for Haiti, feat.

The Vinyl Brothers Big Band, Sophistaphunk 2/18: Dark Star Orchestra 2/19: Cage The Elephant (above

right), As Tall As Lions, Morning Teleportation 2/20: North Mississippi Allstars, The City Champs 2/22: The Used, Atreyu AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 SoutH tryon St., cHarlotte • 704-377-6874 2/18: Nile, Immolation, Krisium, Rose Funeral, Dreaming Dead 2/19: Black Ritual, A Road Eternal, Tyrannis, Rex-84 2/20: Zoso, Black Illusion 2/21: Cage the Elephant, As Tall As Lions, Morning Teleportation LINCOLN THEATRE 126 e. caBarruS St., raleigH

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

Marcus Allen 2/23: Cage The Elephant, As Tall As Lions, Morning Teleportation 2/24: The Clientele, Vetiver

pHoto By aleX raucH

WEDNESDAy, FEBRUARy 24

919-821-4111 2/19: Perpetual Groove 2/20: The Design, Cool Kid Collective 2/21: Dark Star Orchestra CAT’S CRADLE 300 e. Main St., carrBoro 919-967-9053 2/17: The Urban Sophisticates,

Kaze (backed by Organix), Inflowential, The Beast 2/19: SWASO, Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, The Guns of El Borracho 2/20: NC Comedy Arts Festival, MC Frontalot, Death By Roo Roo 2/21: Heal Haiti Benefit Concert: Donna Hidalgo, Chris Bryant, Sparkles, Selah Dubb, Moonfisher,

Tuesdays 1/2 lb. cheese burger & fries $5.99 All pints $2.50

Join us for an afternoon of 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)

www.plungenhc.com For more information: Special Olympics New Hanover County

TWC ARENA 333 eaSt trade St. cHarlotte 704-522-6500 2/20: Black Eyed Peas, LMFAO, Ludacris

! n w o t n i Best

Come take a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean to support Special Olympics New Hanover County

Costume Contest judging begins at 1:00 Come and join the fun – our athletes need your support!

GREENSBORO COLISEUM COMPLEX 1921 WeSt lee Street, greenSBoro 336-373-7400 2/19-20: Triad Best of Broadway Series presents “The Rat Pack is Back”

OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER

Serving “Private Reserve” steaks starting at $1399 steaks

wings

ribs

salads

In the Cotton Exchange Downtown Wilmington

762-4354

302 Willard Street Wilmington, NC 28401

FREE PARKING

910.341.5876 or TTY Relay 711

www.paddyshollow.com encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 35

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.

36 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

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.

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. 762-2827 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 chef-owned 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

5 LIVE THEATRES 5 COOL MUSEUMS 20 GALLERIES THE RIVERWALK 100 SHOPS CARRIAGE RIDES FUN TOURS 50 RESTAURANTS 0 CHAIN STORES 38 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

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 re-

ceptions, 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

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.

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.

presents

The most delicious week of Spring!

"QSJM .BZ

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 XXX 8JMNJOHUPO3FTUBVSBOU8FFL DPN “Can’t wait! Just moved to the area and this will be the perfect opportunity to try some new places.�

-Christine Souter

“We love to eat out and experience the best in dining.

So you can imagine our delight when we found out that many fine-dining restaurants were offering massive savings on three- and four-course meals around town.

We loved East, South Beach, and Caprice Bistro, and we can not wait to try many more throughout Restaurant Week.�

-Jess and Lyle Woolcott

If you are a restaurant owner and would like to be part of this culinary event, call 910-791-0688 or sign up online. encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 39

below encore Book Club

28-35 Calendar / Toons / Corkboard

Risqué Read: encore Book Club goes deep into sexuality with latest read

“S

exually Deprived for Your Freedom” is the newest slogan framing my license plate.

Recently, I debuted my coping technique at my neighborhood coffee shop. Unsurprisingly, the heated body language delivered from passersby practically melted the snow on the sidewalk. Some, I admit, smiled at my forward and brazen bravado of being a military wife. Others, with their pierced lips, scanned their eyes over me as if I were classless, uneducated and undeserving to park at this swanky over-priced coffee house.

I wondered what was the big deal. What were these Puritans beholden to Victorianism afraid of? Whom was I corrupting?

Within this book-club preview, I can say that, for the first time, I didn‘t want to travel

by: Tiffanie Gabrielse

Hos, Hookers, Call Girls and Rent Boys By: David Henry Sterry Soft Skull Press $15.95 encore book club read available with 15% dicsount at Two Sisters Bookery and Pomegranate Books elsewhere. I did not want to escape. No, no; I wanted to stay put. I wanted to become an anchor. I wanted to slide our next club read out of my bag and flaunt it. So, I did—and I enjoyed the gawking.

David Henry Sterry’s latest epic work,

“

TREMENDOUS!” POWERFUL & RIVETING! ENTERTAINING!

“

MOVING IMPORTANT A FILM BASED ON AN TRUE STORY.” -MOVIEWEB

NO ONE CHANGES THE WORLD ALONE.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY.

STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

CARMIKE

CARMIKE 16 Wilmington 815-0212

40 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

AND AT ADDITIONAL THEATRES NO PASSES ACCEPTED

Hos, Hookers, Call Girls and Rent Boys, is perhaps the most daring work of literature yet presented for encore book-club members to read. As we turn the pages this month, Sterry will break society’s double standard regarding sex, and he will challenge our common misconception that all sex sells well. Composed of raw, to-thebone and uncensored first-hand positive (and negative) accounts of what it’s like to work in this billion-dollar industry, Hos, Hookers, Call Girls and Rent Boys is perhaps our most important anthology to submit to. It defiantly peels away the glamour, the myth, the sparkle, the prejudices and fear that capture our daily, sheltered lives.

“Let me start at the beginning: I was in the sex business when I was 17 years,” Sterry opened up immediately to me within our phone date. His voice echoed a man who has been there, done that and proves far better from it. “That exposed, I made the decision I was going to give these people a voice. So we can put a human face on this group of people who are so misunderstood. They are glorified and vilified by people who can only write and wonder about it.

Hardly anyone, basically none, have never

done yet. Rather than show the real humanity of these people, rather than listen to their voices, it’s cheaper and lazier to characterize these people pejoratively and sensationalistic. I am tired of it.”

The unique anthology has, over the course of its original release, acquired more attention than anyone expected or cared to admit. Sworn to be an original, down to its cover art, Hos, Hookers, Call Girls and Rent Boys provides an interior look into an otherwise unreachable and suspicious demographic. Showcasing writing from such sex-worker literati as art-porn priestess Dr. Annie Sprinkle; the infamous Happy Hooker, Xavier Hollander; author and LGBT activist Mattilda Berstein Sycamore; shining star of The Devil in Miss Jones, Georgina Spelvin; and our very own favorite dominatrix, Shawna Kenney, Hos, Hookers, Call Girls and Rent Boys will open our eyes and ears to an unprecedented inclusiveness.

“I think [placing this anthology in a book club] could be a great thing. It will humanize sex workers—who are often made fun of, if not completely degraded and discarded in our society,“ Kenney told me. I originally feared that this choice of work would be too alternative—even for encore. “Look at games like Grand Theft Auto where one gets points for killing hookers. Tiffanie, reading stories about the reality of that industry and it is big business has great potential to educate if not placate fears.

Of course, I’m speaking about people who are open to learning about it. People who already have sex workers condemned due to religious or philosophical beliefs, well, we’ll never reach them.”

Or will we? It is a goal. Take heed, this selection does come with a warning: The stories are not sexy. They are not anything like our beloved fantasy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

As Kenney points out, not much of the work is truly sexy. But, she promises, it is at its core honest.

“Keep an open mind,” Sterry asks readers daring enough to partake in the joy ride and submit their thoughts at the end of the month. “Keep a sense of humor and check your prejudices at the door. Remember, this book club is not your mother’s book club.”

voted best

burrito...again

Gracias!

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GOLD!!

go for the

Use what you have, to get what you want

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all you can eat.

Lunch or Dinner. Limited time only. {{£nÊ- «Þ>À`Ê Û`°ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ £ä Ç ÈÓÓÓ "«i ÊÇÊ >ÞÃÊ>ÊÜii Ê££Ê> ÊÕ Ì Ê£äÊ«

Flaming Amy’s is looking for Wilmington’s next Big star!

We need a song/jingle to use in radio and television advertisements, and we want YOU to write it!

Bands, Singers, Closet Music Makers…ANYBODY. Just put together a 30-60 second song or jingle, Burn it to a CD and drop it off at any Flaming Amy’s or Gravity Records.

SELL LOCAL, AND GET CASH FOR GOLD

Taking submissions through March 31st, 2010

Pick up entry forms and details at any Flaming Amy’s or Gravity Records.

Winning song will be used for Flaming Amy’s commercials and advertising.

Top 10 entries will be asked to perform their song/jingle live at Soap Box. Winner will be chosen by our Celebrity judges, musical experts form Gravity Records and some help from the live audience!

All Top 10 winners will receive a Flaming Amy’s Gift Bag

1st place: $200 CASH MONEY and $100 Flaming Amy’s Cash 2nd place: $150 CASH MONEY and $75 Flaming Amy’s Cash 3rd place: $100 CASH MONEY and $50 Flaming Amy’s Cash

Bring your gold in for A FREE EVALUATION No appointment necessary!

Precious Gems values our customers and pays cash for gold, at top-dollar prices!

Sell and consign with us, where quick, professional service is at your convenience—always! We have over 100 years of jewelry experience you can TRUST!

8F CVZ HPME BOE DPOTJHO FWFSZEBZ

3030 MARKET STREET • 815-3455 • MON-FRI 10-5 • SAT 10-6 encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 41

calendar

where to be, what to do in Wilmington and beyond

Events UNCW INTERCULTURAL WEEK Office of International Programs hosts UNCW’s 17th annual Intercultural Week and Festival, 2/17-20. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Schedule: Close to Home: 7pm, Lumina Theater. Wed., 2/17: Cultural Diversity in Harmony—Shanghai and the World Expo 2010, noon-1pm, Fisher Student Center, Wrightsville Beach Rm • Fulbright Scholarship Opportunities for Faculty: 3:30-4:30pm, CTE/CFL Conference Room • Who is a Battered Immigrant & What Immigration Remedies Exist in Our Community?

6-7pm, Fisher Student Center, Bald Head Island Rm • Israel: Land of Many Cultures: 7-8pm, Fisher Student Center, Sunset Beach Rm • Delwende: Get Up and Walk! 7pm, Lumina Theater. Thurs., 2/18: African American Read-In: Activist Authors, 11am-1pm, Java City, Randall Library • Friendship Bridge in Guatemala, 23pm, Fisher Student Center, Sunset Beach Rm • Afro-Latinos—The Untaught Story: 7-9pm, Computer & Information Systems Hall, 1008 • Music from Around the World, 3-5pm, Lumina Theater • Prisoner of the Mountains, 7pm, Randall Library Auditorium. Fri., 2/19: US Immigration: Know

Your Rights , noon-2pm, Fisher Student Center, Sunset Beach Rm • Social Justice and the Study Abroad Experience, noon-1pm, Fisher Student Center, Wrightsville Beach Rm • Ralph Bunche Awareness Presentation, 2-4pm, Fisher Student Center, Wrightsville Beach Rm • A Comprehensive

2/17-20: INTERCULTURAL WEEK

UNCW’s Intercultural Week is packed with programs that are free and open to the public, such as the Cultural Diversity in Harmony Expo, taking place today from noon-1pm at the Fisher Student Center. Or make plans to attend the African-American Read-In, taking place at Java City tomorrow from 11am-1pm, where activist authors will be at the forefront of discussion. See the full schedule for iWeek at www.uncw.edu/iweek Look at DHS Policy, Activism and Immigration on the

Arizona/Mexico Border, 6:30-8pm. Fisher Student Center, Wrightsville Beach Rm www.uncw.edu/iweek or 910-962-3685. Music, dance, traditional clothing, and cultural displays representing countries from around the world will be on display from 11am-3pm. in the Burney Center on the UNCW campus.Open to all ages; free. Food for sale.

TIDAL CREEK EVENTS Becoming a Food Citizen with Produce Manager, Ali Linthicum, Thurs, 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 UNCW/CFCC FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP Managing the College Maze Workshop topics include applying for student loans, federal grants and work study, along with information about N.C. state grants. Sat. 2/27 9am-12pm both events held on the first floor of UNCW’s Bear Hall. Judy Carter 910-962-3177, carterj@uncw.edu.

BLACK HISTORY QUIZ BOWL Black History Quiz Bowl at Lumina Theatre.

Sponsored by UNCW in honor of Black History Month, to highlight African American history and culture. Free. 2/28, 5pm.

ROCAME 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The ROCAME Board of Directors announces the 30th Anniversary Celebration of dedicated service to our community. ROCAME serves our community by encouraging minority students to excel in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Celebration held 2/20 at UNCW’s Burney Center, 7pm, with a banquet followed by a semi-formal dance. Keynote speaker, Mr. Brian Jackson. Tickets: $50/adult and $25/student. www.ROCAME.org, 910-471-1145.

HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL The Affordable Housing Coalition of Southeastern NC will hold 1st annual Housing Solutions for All Expo on Sat. 2/20 in the Belks Wing of Independence Mall, 10am-5pm. Open to the public and sponsored by the Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) and other community minded organizations and businesses. REALTORS®, builders, non-profits and anyone else interested in affordable housing are also encouraged to attend. www.AHCSENC.com; www.THEwilmingtonMLS.com. 910-431-6125.

CFCC ALUMNI HOMECOMING Cape Fear Community College Alumni Association presents second annual Alumni Homecoming Celebration, 2/26-27, highlighting a “Re-Connect with Cape Fear” theme. Festivities kick off with a Pre-Game Reception on Fri. 2/26, 6pm, CFCC Schwartz Center Lobby before the last men’s home basketball game of the season against Denmark Tech Community College. Family-friendly event includes free app buffet, giveaways and door prizes throughout evening. Admission to reception and game free to all alumni who bring membership cards. Alumni who are not yet members of the Alumni Association may also register at reception. Schwartz Center located at the corner of Front and Hanover streets on CFCC’s downtown campus. • Sat. 2/27, Alumni Association offers a “Re-Connect with Cape Fear” Presentation and Tour in the CFCC Board Room, Administration Building, room 101. Starting at 1pm, event features free picnic lunch with Eric McKeithan, CFCC’s president, a presentation about new initiatives and programs at the college, and a tour of the downtown campus. Family members are welcome. G building located on CFCC’s downtown campus at corner of Walnut and Front streets. RSVP: 910-362-7659 or rsvp@cfcc.edu.

DOWNTOWN WINE AND BEER WALK Downtown Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk. Sat 2/27, 1-6pm. Walk begins at two above mentioned venues.

You will receive your “official” Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk ID and a map of the participating establishments.

You will receive two 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. Tickets: $15/ea. or 2/$25. Etix.com or at Bottega Art & Wine Bar, 208 N. Front St. (910) 763-3737 or Wilmington Wine Shop, 29 S. Front St. (910) 251-6335.

GARDEN OF THE SPRING WIND OPEN HOUSE Garden of the Spring Wind Dojo Open House: Sat. 2/27, 1-3.30pm. Aikido and Iaido displays including live blade-cutting of bamboo mats, randori (free exercise) with drums, iaido katas and aikido demos.

Audience hands-on at end of program. Event is free and open to all. GGX Room, Gold’s Gym, Racine Dr. (910) 675-3757.

42 encore | february 17 - 23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com

NC QSO PARTY The Azalea Coast Amateur Radio Club will operate from the Battleship NC during the NC QSO Party on 2/28, 12-8pm. annual “Ham Radio” event, sponsored by the Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, allows amateur radio operators worldwide to contact as many of NC’s 100 counties as possible. Club communicates by voice through the Ship’s original cabling and antennas. Morse code communications will originate from the TBM-4 transmitter, placed in service aboard the Battleship in 1941, and restored to operating condition by Club members in 2002, after a 50+ year slumber. ke4bmy@hotmail.com, 910-431-3875.

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR HOMETOWN 15th Annual “Be a Tourist in Your Hometown” Appreciation Day to be held 3/7. Event Features 35 attractions and team mascots. Free admission.

Sponsored by encore and Wilmington Convention and Visitor Bureau. Riverfront activities held from 1-3pm, including appearances by Sharky and the Azalea Belles, and storytelling by John Golden from 2-3pm.

All free events and features: www.capefearcoast. com/hometown.

SATURDAY MORNING RETREAT Retreat will be based on Frances Murchison’s book Breathe. See. Nourish. Energize. A Pathway to Healing. Come and experience how practicing a few simple principles in our daily lives can liberate us into living the grace-filled lives God intends for us: by breathing, connecting to the moment; by looking deeply into who we are, as beloved children of God; in taking one step toward caring for our physical health.

In practicing these principles, we are re-energized, transformed, healed. Out of wholeness, we are free to offer compassion and healing to those suffering around us. Retreat will be led by Frances Murchison, board certified Holistic Health Counselor and retreat leader. Frances has a private practice, coaching clients in nutrition, self-care, and life-coaching at www.mindfullyfed.com. St. James Parish. $20 (scholarships available). gail@stjamesp.org, 910763-1628.

Charity/Fund-raisers WHERE’S MY MIDWIFE? Mardi Gras Masquerade and Silent Auction: Where’s My Midwife?, a grassroots organization seeks 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 free-standing birth center in Wilm.

Party on Sat, 2/20, Odessa, 23 N. Front St., 7-10pm. (910) 233-6695 CAPE FEAR RIVER WATCH Wake Up, Bundle Up, Clean Up. After cancelling the past two months’ cleanups due to inclement weather we’re warm, rested and raring to go.

The target of February’s cleanup will be a section of Burnt Mill Creek between Wallace Park and Rankin’s Ditch. CFRW will tackle this creek on Sat, 02/13, 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 will be 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 for all activities joe@cfrw.us (910) 2004002.

NHMC BLOOD DRIVES New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Cape Fear Hospital are hosting Community Blood Drives on Wed. 2/17 from 7am-5pm at the 17th Street campus and on 3/10 from 10:30am-3pm. This event is open to the public. 343-2545 or for Cape Fear Hospital, contact Nancy Kafina at 452-8110. www.membersforlife. org/cbsr/schedule.

AMERICAN RED CROSS American Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million dollars from its International Response Fund to assist communities impacted by the earthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation. It’s made available all of the relief supplies from its warehouse in Panama ,which would provide for basic needs for approximately 5,000 families, including tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets. You can help the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti and other countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Donations to the International Response Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or made by phone at 1-800REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or www. redcross.org. Mail or deliver monetary contributions to the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1102 South 16th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. At

this time, the American National Red Cross is not accepting volunteers to travel to Haiti. Red Cross is only deploying volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Volunteers always needed: www.arccapefear.org or 910-7622683.

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 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 Wilm. PD challenges members of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Dept. in a game of basketball as the Big and Little Buddies watch. Tickets on sale at local Papa Johns and Cape Fear Volunteer Center. Free door

2/17: DANGEROUS LIASIONS

After postponing its opening by a week, “Dangerous Liasions,” produced by Guerilla Theatre, at Brown Coat Pub and Theater, opens 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 about tickets. 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 mi. long, 5500 acre nature preserve and outdoor laboratory.

Proceeds help support educational outreach and equipment for summer intern program. Entry by donation at door. www.nccoastalreserve.net or 910962-2998.

HELPING HANDS TO HAITI YARD SALE Community Boys & Girls Club host a yard and plate sale, Sat. 2/27, 10am-2pm. Proceeds presented to the American Red Cross to support them in their efforts to assist the people of Haiti in earthquake recovery.

Donations without purchase also welcome. Patrons making $50 or more purchase/donation will receive a ticket for a complimentary meal by Club Chef Tony McKoy. 910-762-1252.

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) and will feat. teams from hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the Wilmington area including New Hanover, Pender & Brunswick counties. Proceeds fund scholarship to the Hospitality Program at the Cape Fear Community College. Open to public, free admission. Area businesses donating prizes to be raffled, w/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.

Theater/Auditions LOVE ON THE ROCKS See review page 24.

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: 2/17-20, 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. 910-3410001, guerillatheatre@gmail.com or www. browncoattheatre.com OPERA HOUSE SEASON 25th Anniversary Season. The 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 2/26-28. 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 nunpuns. ite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. The bouncy, joyous score is full of showstoppers like “Seventy-Six Trombones”, “Marian the Librarian” and “Pick a Little, Talk a Littl.” All performances at 8pm, except for Sun. matinees, 3pm.

ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: 19-21, 2628. 3/5-7.Music and Lyrics By: William Finn, Director: Mike O’Neil, Music Director: Chiaki Ito. Tickets: $20, $18 & $15, Students/Senior: $2 off. morganna.may@ gmail.com, 910-477-0048.

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... 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 See encore exchange cover story.

LION, WITCH AND WARDROBE AUDITIONS “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” AuditionsFull Shadow Show! Full body/shadow mask/shadow puppetsSat. 2/20 12-2pm for ages 9-12. Mon., 2/22 5:30pm-7:30pm for ages 13-Adult Hannah Block CAC (2nd & Orange) www.stageworksyouth.org 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, 2/25. Tickets available the day of the show, 1 hr. prior to show time. $5-12.

Kenan Auditorium Box Office, 910-962-3500.

ROBIN HOOD “THE LEGEND BEGINS” Journey Productions presents Robin Hood “the legend begins.” The cleverly scripted re-telling of the

medieval legend written for audiences young and old,

by Zach Hanner. There’s plenty of swashbuckling, romance, comedy, music and dance. The Upper Room 1871, in historic Tileston School, corner of 5th & Ann St., 8pm. 2/25-27 & 3/4-6. Matinees, 3pm 2/27, 28 & 3/6, 7. Student tickets, $6; Adults $8. Thurs. special admission $5. (910) 399-2878 or journeywilm@yahoo.com

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

Winner will get a night on the town (hotel for choice of 3 cities), $50 travel expense and 2 tickets to a comedy show. Drawing held 3/6, a 3 Diva’s and Nick Comedy Show. Takes place at Wilmington Sportsmen’s Club, 111 Castle St. Not needed to be present to win.

910-343-8977. www.etix.com. daddycabineers@ aol.com NUTT ST. COMEDY ROOM Tuesdays 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 SONGWRITING CONTEST Put together a 30-60 second song or jingle, on a CD and drop it off with an entry form; 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.

SOUP TO NUTS LIVE 2/17, 7:30pm, Rick Tobey and Tampa Blue play at our studios. We also invite you to come early at 6:30pm for a pre-concert reception: meet the musicians and staff and enjoy wine, beer and snacks. Tickets are complimentary, but as seating is limited and we record the show for later broadcast, reservations are required by calling (910) 343-1640 or e-mailing tventimiglia@whqr.org. Donation of $5 is suggested at the door.

PUNCH BROTHERS See page 31.

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 performaning at Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh’s Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2/19-20. 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: $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 five 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 200910 season of Met Opera: Live in HD performances. Other upcoming

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performances: Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra, 1pm, 2/6, feat. legendary tenor Placido Domingo in the title role, and an encore performance of Hamlet by Ambroise Thomas at 7pm, Tues., 3/30. www.uncw. edu/metopera or 910-962-3195.

CHOPIN200 UNCW’s Office of Cultural Arts continues Masters SerieswithChopin200,aperformancecommemorating the bicentennial of the birth of Frédéric Chopin. 8pm.

2/23, Kenan Auditorium. Performance feat. selection of Chopin masterworks performed by pianist Norman Bemelmans. http://uncw.edu/arts/chopin200.html SAM BUSH BAND Atlantic Rim Entertainment presents Sam bush Band in concert with Missy Raines at Greenfield Lake Ampitheatre 4/17. Tickets are $60 available at www.atlanticrimentertainment.com. 910-399-1820 or info@atlanticrimentertainment.com.

Dance SINGLE’S CLUB Wilmington Singes Club: 2/19: DJ Buddy Langley, Am. Legion (Members $8; Guests $10); 2/26: DJ Baby Boomer, Am. Legion, (Members $8; Guessts $10). Music 8-11pm. No shorts, miniskirts or denim jeans, please. Kathleen Abbott: 232-3315 or www. wilmingtonsingles.blogspot.com BABS MCDANCE Club DanceNew class forming for routine to be performed at Spring Showcase! Sat., 1pm • New Latin Fusion Class: Will encourage dancers to think outside of the standard practices and implement a variety of styles in their social and competitive dance environments. Mon., 8-9.30pm • Salsa: Lively and fast-paced dance that incorporates many different styles of latin dance. Focus is the On 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 tango socially is based on improvisational movement and respecting both your partner and the other dancers on the floor. The essence of Argentine tango is about life and, especially, about the relationship between a man and a woman. Thurs., 8-9.30pm • Basic Group Classes every evening Mon-Fri, 7pm.

Progressive Group Classes every evening Mon-Fri, 6pm (Night Club spot, Latin Street Dance, Rhythm & Latin Ballroom, Smooth Ballroom, Country Western) • Showcase 2/28: Be part of an adventure in learning and performing. • Progressive Hoop Fitness & Dance Workshop, Sun. 2/21, noon-2pm. Babs McDance Social Dance Studio: 6782 Market st. (910) 3955090 FIREHOUSE STUDIO BELLY DANCING Bellydance Classes at the Firehouse Pilates Studio, 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.

CAROLINA SHAG CLUB DJs play favorite beach music and shag tunes every Sat, 8pm to close. $4/members; $6/guests. Carolina Shag Club, 103 N. Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC 620-4025 76’ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB Modern Western Style Square Dance. Club meets Thurs. nights at 7pm at the Senior Center for a new workshop on square dancing. Info: 270-1639 WILMINGTON SALSA CLUB Salsa Lessons, 8:30pm, Wed., Garibaldi Night Club, 4418 Market St., Wilmington, NC • 8pm, Fridays, Sywanyk’s Night Club 222 Henderson Ave., Jacksonville, NC. Dawn: (910) 471-6809 DANCE LESSONS AT CAROLINA LOUNGE Tues, 7:30pm, shag lessons with Brad and DJ Lee Pearson. • Fri., 7:30pm, Tango workshop with Paula.

9:30pm, salsa lessons with DJ Lalo. • Line Dancing lessons with DJ Lee and instructor Barbara Braak 7:30pm. Cover charge $5, lesson free. • Sat., Latin ryhthm. Doors open 9pm. 5001-a Market St, (910) 790-8598

Art 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.

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 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 invited to tour free exhibit through 2/27.

Traveling exhibit tells 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. 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 Celebrate the work of exemplary local artists in Caffe Phoenix, featuring the works of Tien Chang, Elizabeth Darrow, Bonnie England, Mark Herbert, Mathew Peterson and more! 9 S. Front St. • (910) 343-1395 ART STUDIO FOR RENT Arty Studio for Rent, Wabi Sabi Warehouse. Make art in the heart of Wilmington’s Soda Pop District!. $150 rent includes all utilities, wireless internet, and other lively creative types nearby. Dan Brawley: dan@cucalorus.org JOHN GOLDEN ARTWORK The Golden Gallery, 311 North Front Street , in The Cotton Exchange, hosts John Golden’s artwork, featuring his Rovinato Series. 10 images from Rovinato Series have been picked up to be published by McGaw Graphics. They will be 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?pid=1663903&id=746821154 &op=1&view=all&subj=272737182512&aid=1&oid=272737182512 RANDALL JARRELL POETRY CONTEST The Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition accepts one-poem submissions and awards the winner in the Crucible literary journal and $200. Questions may be directed to Terry Kennedy at tlkenned@ uncg.edu. Guidelines: www.ncwriters.org/programsand-services/competitions/24-randall-jarrell-poetrycompetition.

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,

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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, currently residing in Austria.

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, interspecies 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 on 2/19 will feature food, drink, live musical performances from the future! 523 South 3rd St., Wed-Sat, 1-5pm. www.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, mixedmedia and painting. 208 N. 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

NOW: POETRY CONTEST

Have a knack for spoken word? Well, why not show off those chops by participating in the Randall Jarrell Poetry Competition! Currently, they’re accepting one-poem submissions, and the winner will receive publication in the Crucile Literary Journal, as well as $200 cash prize. For guidelines, check out the NC Writers Network site: www. ncwriters.org. Or e-mail Terry Kennedy at tkenned@uncg.edu. 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.

Museums KIDS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 2/27: 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 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.”

Adults, $10; children 5-12, $4; group tours, $8 (20+ requires reservations). 251-3700 ext. 104; www.

BellamyMansion.org. • 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 charge.

Bellamy Mansion, Wilmington. 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 Street at Front Street on historic downtown riverwalk. (910) 762-1669 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 and Sat. at 10am. 126 S. Third St. Adults $8, children $4. 762-0492. 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 • New Hanover County Residents’ Day: Residents are admitted free to the Museum the first Sunday of every month. • Volunteer Open House is held the first Wednesday of every month.

• Exhibits trace African-American history in the Cape Fear region from the 1700s to 20th century.

Explore the development and desegregation of New Hanover County schools through images, artifacts, personal recollections. These stories provide insight into our community’s history. Admission charge. Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, 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,

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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, 3/28 and 5/9, 3-4:30pm. $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, story-based 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-res 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!

Commemorates the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Forks Road. Confederate, Union and U.S. Colored 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 Str. and Independence Blvd. Regular museum hours: Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri.: 11am-2pm, Sat/Sun: 11am-5m. Members free; $8 non-members; $5 Students with valid student ID card; $3 Children age 2-12 www.cameronartmuseum.com or (910)3955999.

ition of toys NC AQUARIUM n 50 artists. EVENTS: Aquarist Apprentice: 2/20, 27, 2pm. Find ether several out what it is like to be responsible for the aquarium plush toys, critters. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, learn together in about our animals and their diets, and assist our staff e: Changing in the preparation of food and feeding of some of our eat. art from animals. For ages 10 and up. Ages 14 and under n: paintings, must be accompanied by an adult. $2/participant.

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 SECOND ANNUAL AQUATHON You are invited to join the YWCA Lower Cape Fear for the Second Annual Aquathon on Sun. 2/28. The pre-race meeting will begin at 7:40am at the YWCA located at 2815 S. College Rd. and the race will start promptly at 8am. The Aquathon will consist of a 300 yard pool swim, followed by a 5k run through local neighborhoods, and finally a 300 yard pool swim to complete the race. All participants will receive a free t-shirt and breakfast following the race. There will be prizes for the top three finishers in each age group, male and female. The event registration fee is $25 and is open to the public. All proceeds will benefit our local YWCA chapter. www.ywca-lowercapefear. org (910) 799-6820 Ext 112.

SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Registration for adult softball leagues for ages 18 and above will be held Mon. 3/1 at the Parks and Recreation office.. Leagues are offered for men, women, and coed. The registration is one day only from 8:30am-5pm. Womens Team or Coed Team: $350. Mens Team: $600.

Aquarium admission included. • Behind the Scenes Tour: 2/18 at 11:30; 2/21, 28 at 2pm; and 2/24 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 critter-creating program. For preschool 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 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. • 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: 1-3, $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. 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.

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/ Sun. through Mar., weather permitting, or by special app. The one-hour tours leave the dock at 10am, 11am, noon and 1pm w/special “roosting hour” tour leaving apprx 3:30pm. Group prices available; RSVP recommended. $15/person. 910-762-5606 or 910-200-4002.

WINTER BOWLING LEAGUE Pinned Down Winter Bowling League, Sponsored by OutWilmington Community Center.If you don’t have a team we can help to put teams together. You don’t need to be a good bowler to join in (it’s about having fun). Sun: Through 5/2 at 5pm. russ@russelmorgan. com 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

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.

ISAAC BEAR GOLF CLASSIC Isaac Bear Early College High School is sponsoring the First Annual Golf Classic on 4/17 at Magnolia Greens. Awards and prizes are available. Limited space and Sponsorships available. Fees are only $85 per player or $340 per team, which includes 2 carts, green fees, lunch, BBQ dinner, drinks and goody bags for all players. Silent Auction held on-site.

Proceeds benefit high school students attending Summer Camps and Leadership Programs. RSVP: Erik Bron: 350-1387 ext. 200.

GOOD SHEPHERD GOLF TOURNEY Local golfers will come together and play in the 7th annual Good Shepherd Center Golf Tournament to benefit the homeless, Mon., 4/19, at Nicklaus Course, Country Club of Landfall. All proceeds benefit Good Shepherd’s work with the hungry and homeless.

Serve as an Event Sponsor or a Team/Individual Champion. Independent golfers/teams needed: $225 for single entry or $800 for a foursome. Be a Team or Individual Champion and seek individual sponsors for your Team with the goal of raising $1600 per team, or $450 as an Individual Champion. Scott Litten: 763-4424, x113 or gscresources@bellsouth.net.

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. • 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

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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 3/19 or when the league becomes full. Games are played on SaT/Sun 3/27 & 3/28. • Wrightsville Beach Shag Lessons. Beginner shag lessons on Sun., Fran Russ Rec Ctr. 256-7925.

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. • 2/24-28: Oscar Shorts—On 2/2 the Oscar nominees for short live action and animated films will be announced. They will be available to theaters for a very short window of time and Cinematique will have them! Details to follow.

SUBVERSIVE FILM SERIES 2/21: “The Fort Fisher Hermit.” Robert E. Harrill spent 17 years under the stars and live oaks of Fort Fisher. This film examines the reasons that led him to become a hermit, his growing popularity, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. • 2/28: “The Wilmington Ten”; Local filmmaker Francine Decoursey brings her work-in-progress to The Gypsy. The Wilmington Ten were a group of civil rights activists that spent nearly a decade in jail after being convicted of arson and conspiracy in 1971.

The case became an international cause amidst widespread beliefs that the individuals in the case were only guilty of holding dissenting political beliefs. Amnesty International took up the case in 1976 and the convictions were finally overturned on a technicality in 1980. Panel discussion with 2 of the members of the Wilmington Ten will follow the film.

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 Dept. 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, named one of the Top 10 Film Festivals in the U.S. by 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. 9TH ANNUAL NC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL NC Black Film Festival is a 4-day juried and invitational competition & screening of independent films

by African-American filmmakers w/guest artists, panel discussions, workshops and more. Genres include feat., shorts, animation, and documentaries.

Sponsored by Black Arts Alliance. Admission charge.

910-612-7832. www.blackartsalliance.org; www. cameronartmuseum.com 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-reg rqd. 4099 S. 17th St. (910) 341-0075.

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 has over 200 different specialty venders. Lunch is own your own. Then head to the Tanger Outlets

2/21: FORT FISHER HERMIT

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.

RSVP by 2/6. Jason: bjasonfrye@gmail.com. Lauren: lafrye@gmail.com. explorecretivewriting.wordpress. com.

Juggling Gypsy has upped the ante with their Subversive Film Series, and February is churning out to be as impressive. On the 21st, enjoy the folk tales of Wilmington’s very own Fort Fisher Hermit, Robert E. Harrill, as the local film examines his life and the reasons why he became a hermit.

It also embarks on the mysterious circumstances following his Harrill’s death. The showing takes place on Sunday at the Gypsy, at 8pm—free. and over 100 different name-brand stores. Limited 14 participants. Deadline: 2/25. 341-7253. All trips meet and depart from 302 Willard St., near Greenfield Lake.

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 her mind. 4418 Park Ave. (910) 452-1107 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.

KAREN VOLKMAN READING Karen Volkman, acclaimed poet and visiting professor in the Department of Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, will read from her work at 7pm, 2/18, Kenan Hall 1111. Free; open to the public. Reception sponsored by the department and book signing sponsored by Pomegranate Books will follow the reading. 910-962-7063.

BOOKSIGNING BY JENIFER BUBENIK Join us at Pomegranate Books on Thurs. 2/18, 7pm, a reading and booksigning by Jenifer Bubenik, author of the travel memoir Thoughts From the Chicken Bus. A Central and South American back-packing adventure leads to a lifestyle change for former Washington, DC, government PR-worker. Jenifer Bubenik’s engaging and casual narrative of her 70+ days on the rutted roads of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, then Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador began as a three-week vacation, but transformed itself into a trek of inspiration and education. Travel memoir includes 20page section of B&W photos and descriptions of the breath-taking scenery, w/ amusing anecdotes about less-than-stellar sleeping and bathing conditions. pomegranatenc@gmail.com, 910-452-1107

Classes/Workshops CREATE YOUR LIFE FOR 2010 Explore the areas of your life that are the foundation of happiness. Create a road map 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

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BONSAI DEMONSTRATION Bonsai demonstration, free and open to the public, will be held in the New Hanover Co. Arboretum Auditorium, 6206 Oleander Dr., 2/19, 7-9pm. Arthur Joura, curator of the NC Bonsai Collection at The NC State Arboretum, Asheville, NC, will style and pot a Stewartia tree as a Bonsai specimen. The tree will be raffled at the end of the evening. 910-7985049, www.capefearbonsaisociety.org.

PET FIRST AID The pet first aid class is being offered on Sat., 2/20, 9am, Cape Fear Chapter. 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 ext.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 to 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 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. 9:30-11:30am (Beginner), 12:302:30pm. 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 ALPHA COURSE Windmere Presbyterian Church on Eastwood Rd. is holding an introduction to the “Alpha” course, a course designed to give newcomers a practical introduction into the Christian Faith. The introduction is a breif overview detailing the full 10-week course.

The course is free, and materials will be provided.

Tues. 3/2, 7-9pm. www.windmerepresbyterian.org, 910-791-5966.

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 11am-12pm & Mon. 2/22, 3/29, 4/26, 5/17, 6/21 6-7:30pm. $35 • Bracelet Making, first Wed. of each month 11am12pm & 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. 10am-12:30pm. $130. • One Stroke Painting, 4-week class 3/4-25, 4/1-22, 4/295/20 Thurs. 6-8pm. $60. • Genealogy, 4-week class 2/16-3/9 Tues. 10am-12pm. $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, 5:457pm. $40/4 classes. • 910-686-9518 ext. 26, www. poplargrove.com WEIGHT LOSS CLASSES

Series of 8 weight loss classes from a holistic standpointby Cortney Shallow, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Beready to feel completely energized and motivated, so that you can look great and feel great by summer! Classes will be held at NaturalTherapies Institute from 7-8pm on Wed. starting 3/10. Costis $150. Prizes awarded! cortney. shallow@gmail.com.

Clubs/Notices UNCW BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS Regular quarterly committee meetings of the Board of Trustees of UNCW; meetings take place on Thurs.

2/18, and the full board meeting will be at 8:30am, Fri., 2/19, in the Clocktower Lounge of the Fisher Student Center. • Thurs. 2/18: 9am-Audit Committee Saffo Room, Fisher Student Center • 10am, Educational Planning and Programs Committee Clocktower Lounge, Fisher Student Center • 1:30pm, Business Affairs Committee Masonboro Island Room, Fisher Student Center • 1:30pm, External Affairs Committee Azalea Coast Room, Fisher University Union • 3pm, Task Force on Incorporated Affiliated Entities Burney Center, Room 1002A • Fri. 2/19: 8:30am-Board of Trustees Meeting Clocktower Lounge, Fisher Student Center. 910-962-7259.

NC’s WWII REMEMBERED GROUP World War II B-24 Liberator bombers in Italy is the subject of the monthly meeting of Southeastern North Carolina’s World War II Remembered Group, 2/26, at the New Hanover County Senior Center, 2222 S. College Rd. The discussion will feature remembrances of B-24 nose gunner Justin Kornegay, who flew from Cerignola, Italy, over German targets in Central and Southern Europe. Program begins at 10am following refreshments and fellowship at 9:30am.The public is invited to attend. fjn39@ec.rr. com or 399-7020.

AZALEA FEST CAKE CHALLENGE NC Azalea Fest. proudly announces addition of the Azalea Cake Challenge to annual festival. Local bakers will be challenged to construct elaborate “centerpiece cakes” feat. 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 critiqued by a pro-judging team consisting of local baking experts and Azalea Festival celebrities. Event ticket-holders 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 TRIP TO ITALY WITH JAMES LEUTZE James Leutze, noted war historian and chancellor emeritus at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, will lead a unique 11-day trip to Sicily and Rome, Italy, 5/16-27. Sponsored by UNCW’s Division for Public Service and Continuing Studies, the trip begins with the ancient sites of Sicily, including Palermo, the Greek Theatre and the extinguished craters of Mount Etna. Leutze will offer his expertise on the historic sites of World War II and the Italian campaign led by General Patton in 1943.

Trip ends w/2days in Rome, including guided tours of the classic monuments. Cost: $3,599/person includes roundtrip airfare, all accommodations and most meals. 910-962-4034 or www.uncw. edu/pathways.

GAMBLER’S ANONYMOUS Wilmington Gambler’s Anonymous Meeting, 6:30pm, Cape Fear Presbyterian Church. 2606 Newkirk Ave. Casey F.: (910) 599-140 S-ANON Meets Tuesdays @ 8pm. A support group for family and friends of sexaholics. Universal Unitarian Fellowship 4313 Lake Ave. 910-520-5518 wilmingtonsanon@bellsouth.net or www.sanon. org WILMINGTON NEWCOMERS CLUB Open to new residents in Brunswick, New Hanover & Pender Counties. Meets 2nd Thursday of month at 9:30am at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center, 5001 Market Street, between Kerr Ave. and New Centre Drive. Nancy Brennan (910) 270-6062; nabrennan@charter.net

CORKBOARD Available for your next CD or Demo

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 33 year veteran Producer/Engineer

200 album credits

Dreaming Of A Career In The Music Industry?

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

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com want to get the word out about your business...

aDvertiSe on tHe

CORKBOARD

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

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?

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

(tHiS claSS iS not YoUr traDitional martial artS claSS)

- No Contracts - Drop In Rates Available

910-386-6846 www.dynamicmartialarts.webs.com want to get the word out about your business...

aDvertiSe on tHe

CORKBOARD

4weeKS - onlY $50

Pandora’s Box

FREE SEX

5745 Oleander Drive

(910) 791-8698

Specializing in lingerie, noveltieS, DvDS anD UniqUe giftS!

is not in the classifieds

• all discontinued ellie shoes: $9.99

but the brewery has

(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

free beer tastings wednesday 6-8 9 n. front st. 251-1935 FrontStreetBrewery.com

pirateS i anD ii now available!

Open Until Midnight Friday & Saturday

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

eXtreme partY proDUctionS

beaUtifY YoUr Home cUStom tile worK

Always selectively hiring

Call 395-5066 today and pamper your special someone!

Karen Vaughn, L.Ac • (910) 392-0870 Proceeds Benefit The Wounded Warriors

910-250-0133 eppwilm.com

Valentine’s Day Special 90 minutes for only $50 60 minutes for ony $38

for StreSS, aDDictionS & balance!

call 791-0688 for DetailS

Escorts & Exotic Dancers

1/2 price maSSage

Happy Hour acupuncture $10

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

want to get the word out about your business...

aDvertiSe on tHe

CORKBOARD

Bathrooms, Kitchens, Fireplaces, Foyers, Shower Bottom Repairs, Etc.

Call for Free Estimate 616-0470

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

COLLEGE OF WILMINGTON 4348 Market Street 910-763-4418 www.CollegeOfWilmington.com

DPTNFUPMPHZ Ofyu!Tubsu; March 1st

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Ofyu!Tubsu; April 5th

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encore | february 17-23, 2010 | www.encorepub.com 47