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Friday, May - 1110a.m. Saturday, Jan.620, a.m. Little Explorers: Winter Wonderland Kids can meet and mingle with friends at Cape Fear Museum’s Museum Park (814 Market St). for fun hands-on activities at this week’s Little Explorers. The theme is “Winter Wonderland,” complete with related interactive circle time, exciting experiments, and games. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers—and it’s free! Folks can learn more about Little Explorers and other programs at www. capefearmuseum.com. To enter events on encore’s new online calendar, generated by SpinGo, head to www.encorepub. com/welcome/events-2. Events must be entered by every Thursday at noon, for consideration in print and on our new app, encore Go. E-mail shea@ encorepub.com with questions.

SPIRITUAL HOMECOMING, PG. 9 Martha Redbone Roots Projectis will take folks to “church” with lively and spiritual connections between music, culture, poetry, community, and global issues. See her live this weekend at UNCW. Courtesy photos

NEWS>> Women Organizing for Wilmington (WoW!) are planning an anniversary March on Wilmington event for January 20, complete with a pre-party this Thursday and postparty after the march on Saturday.

Art Director: Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus,

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Star Sosa of Spectrum Gallery will be honored at the 2nd annual Arts in Wilmington Awards, to take place at Expo 216 on Jan. 20. Courtesy photo.

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INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 News feature, pg. 7 • Music, pgs. 9-13 • Art, pg. 14-15 • Theatre, pgs. 16-19 Film, pgs. 21 • Dining, pgs. 22-29 • Extra Extra, pg. 30 • Calendar, pgs. 32-39 2 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori

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Gwenyfar Rohler praises Ken Vest’s “Inside Job,” which takes an intimate look at the opioid epidemic’s impact on people and their families. Photo courtesy of Ken Vest

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

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and m e sd u o end added! m e o tr ate t d e d u n D Seco

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I THE STORY IT DOESN’T.

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NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Gwenyfar talks resolutions

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

018 has started off differently for me. For years I have begun the year with the chorus of chipping away at a series of long-term goals: paying off debts and renovating various projects, like my beloved VW van or literary bed and breakfast. As a result of all this chipping I have made enough headway to actually cross projects off the list. The van is out of the garage—largely thanks to Jock and Darrell of Silverlake VW. The Loft above the book store is open, and debts are paid down to the point of having only one credit card. I almost don’t know what to do with myself. This year I have one resolution: to progress the renovation on the Market Street house to the point of getting it open as a B&B by early summer. “That’s not really a resolution,” a friend responded during conversation. “Oh, yes it is,” I answered. “My life is starting to feel like a country western song, and I need to finish this project.” Rather than an ethereal resolution of “work on completing long-term goals,” it is more of a concrete one: finish a specific goal. I think it is more life changing than losing 15 pounds or taking up jogging. There are a lot of subtexts to my resolution: financial stability is one goal, and with it, the ramifications of what that means for my loved ones and bookstore staff. It is really like misdirection in a magic act—a means to an end and using distraction to mask a true purpose. First, I am going to ask encore’s readers to forgive me because I know I talk about the project a lot. Partly, it is because it is so important to me and my lens for seeing the world. Partly, it is because the idea of a family home is one many people can understand and thus makes for a good metaphor to discuss weighty topics.

2018 GOALS: Gwenyfar Rohler’s New Year starts strong with less debt and drivable VW bus. Stock photo.

4 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Last year I had to get the slate roof repaired. The idea of a leaky roof and the trouble it causes is something most people can relate to (the price tag for slate roof repair, however, is not). For almost a year leading up to the decision I planned to do it myself, Jock and I consulted our friend Stephan at The Camelia Cottage Bed and Breakfast who did his own slate roof repair. We bought a book. We watched video tutorials, and after much

discussion, Jock convinced me to hire Francisco to fix the roof. As Jock is fond of saying, “If you don’t have a roof, you don’t have a house.” As a metaphor for life, it’s pretty powerful. The overarching protection is it creates safety and security. We don’t notice it on calm, sunny days, when life is fine and the winds aren’t blowing, but when we need it most—when we notice every leak, every fissure, every hole. We see all the things we needed to attend to before they were called upon to protect us. In other words, like the relationships we depend upon to get us through hard times, they need nurturing when everything is great to make them grow and develop. A leaking roof does seeping damage down walls. I spent a lot of time last year (and will this year) replacing rotting wood and fixing plaster that has born the brunt of the leaks. The stress, the fractures the damages, of the winds and rains of life are insidious and creep in when you aren’t looking. But, with time, effort and care, repairs can be made and walls can be strengthened. Though they might be as beautiful, they can be even stronger than when they were first built. Sometimes we have to learn to love the very wabi-sabiness of it all. “What about the drip?” Allison pointed

at an almost-finished wall in a B&B room. There is a large paint drip that, at this point, to undue would require a week of moving furniture, sanding and repainting. “Well, we are just going to have to hang a picture over it,” I responded. “At this point, I don’t have the time or resources to mess with it.” Behind the wallpaper in the adjoining bedroom is a crack in the wall that is discoloring the wallpaper. “What about that?” she pointed to the line. “We are just going to have to live with it,” I responded. “It is an over-100-yearold-house; there are imperfections.” “I guess we’ll hang a picture over it.” She smiled. These are small things that could become huge setbacks if we let them— which is really one of my failings. I dwell on small, inconsequential and don’t-matter things. If anything, the house renovation is really teaching me to focus on the big picture and keep moving forward. It’s only January but so far there have been a lot of lessons about setbacks and what I can’t control—like the weather and its impact on plans, cash flow and crisis management. The snow and ice were far more detrimental than I expected or budgeted for. Of the big picture, I’m still work-

ing, chipping away, trying to keep my head above water, and get a line of sight on the next bit of dry land. Somedays it’s all I can manage. On others, I can see a big picture and put the priorities front and center. The fun part is getting to finally do some landscaping and planting in our backyard gardens. We all like new growth, the hope of possibilities it brings. A big part of the year is going to be dedicated to planting and tending new growth in the yard (which will be “A NC Poet Laureate’s Garden” with décor themed around the work of NC poet laureates) and in my soul. Eating from the land is very important—letting it sustain and nourish us as we tend to it is a life-long relationship I aspire to attain. So here is the subtext of my resolution: I need to get to a stronger, safer place financially, so I can be there for Jock when he needs me. I am working toward actually having some sort of financial cushion when it is needed. Jock falling through the floor last month was scary. Six years ago it would have destroyed us monetarily, now, thanks largely to Medicare, we are going to be alright.

My gratitude knows no bounds—that he is back together in one very functional piece—but the whole experience also reminds me we need to go have adventures together sooner rather than later. My hope is getting the house functional and bringing in a little income (instead of just guzzling resources). It will allow a little breathing room to take off in the Volkswagen with Jock and see some of our beautiful state—maybe even some more distant parts of the country. Even if we only drive around the block, if we do it together, I will be thrilled.

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Most importantly Jock got medical care within an hour of his injury, and within days he had reconstructive surgery. The first morning he was home from the hospital, he walked to Folks Café with a walker.

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Tennis instructor Osmailer Torres, 30, of Miami, was arrested in July 2016 after hitting a 5-year-old with the child’s pint-sized tennis racket and causing a bruise on the boy’s arm and a lump on his eyebrow, reports the Miami Herald. But now Torres believes he has a grand-slam defense: Florida’s “stand your ground” self-defense law. Defense lawyer Eduardo Pereira told the Herald the child was the “initial aggressor” who had participated in “various violent altercations” against other children, and Torres had acted “reasonably in trying to prevent harm” to others. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Oscar Rodriguez-Fonts will consider the claim in an upcoming hearing.

ther-in-law, Yunes Doleh, 62, in September after Doleh repeatedly tormented him by waving his hairpiece at Dayem, provoking Dayem’s greatest phobia—the Tasmanian Devil of Looney Tunes fame. Not easily deterred, Doleh was arrested on Nov. 5 for violating the order after he “removed his wig (and) made hand gestures” at a funeral the two attended, Dayem explained to the New York Post. “It’s just a very large fear of mine, his damn wig. . . . I have nightmares.” Court papers say Doleh “proceeded to grimace, snarl, gurn and gesticulate.” He was charged with criminal mischief in Staten Island County court, and then sued his sonin-law for defamation after photos from the arrest appeared on social media.

FAMILY VALUES

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINALS

BUT HE STARTED IT!

Mazen Dayem, 36, of Staten Island, N.Y., obtained a restraining order against his fa-

Teller County (Colorado) Sheriff Jason Mikesell listed his SUV for sale on Craig-

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slist in November, and he was a little perplexed when he received a response from Shawn Langley, 39, of Vail, offering to trade the SUV for four pounds of marijuana. Langley even provided photos of his black market booty and boasted about its quality, reported The Colorado Springs Gazette. “I saw that text, and I started giggling,” Mikesell said. Detectives set up a meeting and arrested both Langley and Jane Cravens, 41, after finding the promised four pounds of marijuana in their car. Sheriff Mikesell has removed his SUV from Craigslist.

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

On Nov. 27, 27-year-old Corey Hughes, who was due to be released from prison in February after serving most of a weapons charge, walked away from a San Joaquin County sheriff’s work crew in Stockton, Calif., according to the Fresno Bee. It took police almost a month to track him to a home in Stockton, where they surrounded the dwelling and apprehended him without incident—which might not be so remarkable were it not for the distinctive, whole-face tattoo Hughes sports, which makes his face look like a human skull. He was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail.

GOOD DEED, PUNISHED

Malcolm Whitfield of Rochester, N.Y., was only trying to help when he ordered a Lyft car to deliver a drunk woman home from a bar in November. But when the woman vomited in the car, Whitfield was hit with a $150 fine to cover the damage. “For a second, I was like, ‘Never do anything nice again!’” Whitfield told 13WHAM. Lyft’s terms and conditions include damage fees, which most people don’t see in the fine print. Update: Lyft later refunded Whitfield’s fine and added $100 to his Lyft account for future rides. “Mr. Whitfield absolutely did the right thing by helping someone get home safely,” said Scott Coriell, a Lyft spokesperson.

OH, DEER

It was just another early December day at the Horsetooth Store, Gas and RV Park outside Fort Collins, Colo., as employee Lori Jones conducted inventory and restocked shelves. Suddenly, she looked up to see “Mama,” a doe deer, inside the store, “looking at the sunglasses. Then she looked at the ice cream and over at the chips,” Jones told CBS Denver. “I kind of did a double take.” When shooing the deer away didn’t work, she broke out a peanut bar and lured the doe into a nearby field. Jones then returned to work, but soon looked up to find Mama was back, this time with her three fawns in tow. It took another peanut bar to draw the family away from the store, and Jones said she has learned her lesson. “You should never feed the deer because they’re going to keep coming back.”

SWEET REVENGE

A mom in Hillsboro, Ore., came up with the perfect retaliation for a porch pirate who nabbed her baby son’s Christmas pajamas package off the front porch. Angie Boliek told KATU she wanted to get her own “passive-aggressive revenge,” so she taped up a box full of 10 to 15 dirty diapers with a note reading “Enjoy this you thief!” Boliek left the box on her porch on Dec. 3, and by the evening of Dec. 4 it was gone. Boliek alerted Hillsboro police, but they don’t have any leads in the investigation. “It was fun to come home and see that it was gone,” Boliek said.

NEW WORLD ORDER

Taisei Corp., a construction company based in Tokyo, announced in December that it will use autonomous drones, taking flight in April, to combat karoshi, or overwork death, reported The Independent. The drones will hover over desks of employees who have stayed at work too long and blast “Auld Lang Syne,” a tune commonly used in Japanese shops getting ready to close. A company statement said: “It will encourage employees who are present at the drone patrol time to leave, not only to promote employee health but also to conduct internal security management.” Experts are skeptical: Scott North, professor of sociology at Osaka University, told the BBC that “to cut overtime hours, it is necessary to reduce workloads.”

IRONIES

Paul Jacobs, 42, of South Hampshire, England, ordered a roll of bubble wrap from Amazon in November to protect his plants during a coming cold snap. Soon the box of bubble wrap arrived, protected by 100 feet of brown packing paper—enough to cover his whole backyard, he told the Daily Mail. “At first I thought they’d sent me the wrong order because the box was so heavy,” Jacobs said. He expects it will take two recycling collections to get rid of all the paper packaging.

GREAT ART!

At the courthouse in the Belgian port city of Ostend, performance artist Mikes Poppe, 34, was hoping to make a statement on the weight of history when he chained his leg to a 3-ton block of Carrara marble on Nov. 10 and began slowly chipping himself free. The Straits Times reports that for 19 days, Poppe ate, slept and worked on the marble until curator Joanna De Vos ordered the chain cut “for practical reasons.” “I don’t see the fact that I was freed as a failure,” Poppe told the Flemish-language Het Laatste Nieuws. “The act of getting free in itself was not the main goal,” he added, although he admitted that doing so had been more difficult than he thought. “I really underestimated that block of marble.”

NEWS>>FEATURE

A MOVEMENT, NOT A MOMENT: Women’s March on Wilmington returns with momentum for 2018 BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

ince last January’s Women’s March on Washington—and thousands of satellite marches across the United States and world—movements related to women’s issues, rights and equality continue to rise at the forefront of news and conversation. Women and feminists continue to stand in solidarity, a la #MeToo and #TimesUp, and communities seem more engaged than ever. In fact, StarNews reported last August that local protest and demonstration notices filed midway through 2017 nearly doubled from all of 2016. “It was no surprise the bulk of the permits filed in New Hanover County came from women [and] Women Organizing for Wilmington,” notes Lynn Shoemaker, founding member of WoW! Since the inaugural Women’s March on Wilmington, WoW! has demonstrated every Monday from noon to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the steps of City Hall for 45 consecutive weeks. “We have no intention of lulling or ending our demonstrations,” Shoemaker asserts. “We are committed to community outreach for justice, and we’re proving our commitment every week. . . . Several of our small-corps members have filed for public office and/or have applied to government boards. We are not going away.” The sentiment, “We are still here!” echoes with the 2018 march, scheduled for Sat., Jan. 20, at City Hall’s Innes Park. Hosted by WoW!, now at 1,900 members (tripling since last year), the weekend’s March on Wilmington indicates momentum is not slowing down. In many ways, according to WoW! organizer Stacey McPherson, the gathering is different and even more important. “Last year the motivation was anger and a feeling of betrayal,” McPherson says. “This year is much more hopeful. Look at the backlash to the new administration. I’ve made and bonded with more female friends in the last year than in the last 10 years! We are speaking out, sharing stories and our pain, demanding fair treatment and we are not backing down!” “[Women] are still paying attention,” Shoemaker adds, “and the incredibly vast number of women filing to run for office is evidence we are still engaged—and maybe even more so than before. This year it isn’t about anger; it’s about change. Women have bitten down on this movement, and we are not letting go.”

vary from week to week as we support our progressive sisters in their endeavors with current issues, so I encourage those interested in supporting us to please ‘Like’ our Facebook page (www. facebook.com/womenorganizingwilmington).”

Between myriad presenters from WoW! and Suit Up! Wilmington, to Stand Up Brunswick and League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear, to NHC Association of Educators and Cape Fear Equality, to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and Raise the Wage NC, to Centro Hispano and Jews for Justice Cape Fear Chapter, and on and on, there is no shortage of speakers. As well, Progressive Coalition will introduce their collective progressive radio program “Common Ground.”

WoW! is starting its second year of Women, Words, and Wine Book Club at Old Books on Front Street, which will meet every third Wednesday from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. It starts this month with “The Autobiography of Margaret Sanger.”

“Just looking at all the engaged entities, it is easy to hone what the issues are for us and to see how we have a diverse and intersectional community who share the same and similar concerns,” Shoemaker observes. “We are digging into a new era of collaboration, sharing resources and missions. We have definitely identified that there is power in unity!” Poet Delthea Simmons will read from her original works, while WoW! will recognize their Woman of the Year recipient Sarah Johnson. Folks can read about all of the weekend’s guest speakers on WoW!’s Facebook page and the Women’s March on Wilmington event page. The event has evolved into welcoming a larger amount of participants, complete with children’s activities with “Big Bird,” live music from all-female performers, and food trucks running throughout the afternoon as like-minded women, men and families mingle. “I just received confirmation local female musicians Johanna Winkel, Cheyenne Champion and Blake Barnette will be with us,” McPherson details. “And, of course, our rock-steady rock star, Laura McLean. Vittles Food Truck will be joining us and we just added Chef Pat Green of Soulful Twist to the food roster.There are hardly any food trucks run by women in Wilmington and I’m over the moon she’s going to be with us!” WoW! hopes to have a coffee vendor on site for the rain-or-shine event—so attendees should bring raincoats with their pink hats and chairs/blankets for sitting. Commemorative Women’s March 2018 and WoW! T-shirts will be sold on site, and as a member of the Pussyhat Project, members are busy sewing, knitting, and crocheting hats to give away, too. Nevertheless, Shoemaker admits they had not planned on hosting a satellite anniversary march but rather support any others happening in nearby cities. Until requests came pouring in—daily. “We had to accept

WoW! meets at noon every second and fourth Wednesday at Princess and Second streets (across from Bespoke) each month to ride WAVE buses to engage with regular bus riders about policy, voting and letting their voices be heard. The eat in women-owned restaurants for lunch, visit organizations like Planned Parenthood, and organize pop-up protests. the women in our community were demanding we have one at home,” she explains. “Our mission for the past year has been to focus on making change happen at home. So, here we are, and it was completely the right decision for us.” The one-year anniversary event was born of a collective objective of improving lives and protecting women and their families in and around the Cape Fear. Unlike typical rallies, all speakers identify as female. All guest artists are women. Most vendors are women, and all proceeds will go toward next year’s march. WoW! is currently compiling a directory of women-owned businesses of ILM to release soon, too. “Again, it’s a movement not a moment,” Shoemaker says. “We aren’t going anywhere. We’ve dug in our heels.” As for ways people can get involved or take action pre- or post- march, there will be a pre-party at Ted’s on the River on Thursday to make posters for the event, and there will be a post-party at Bottega (723 N. 4th St.) with meals available by The Foxes Boxes. WoW! protests will continue every Monday, noon-1 p.m., at 102 N. Third St. at the steps of City Hall. Men and women of all ages, backgrounds and creeds are welcome. “We have a lot of respect for our male advocates,” Shoemaker says. “We have as many men attend our demonstrations each week as we do women. . . . Our concerns

“Our biggest concerns right now is contaminated drinking water in Wilmington, the threat of offshore drilling, the lack of balanced representation on our public school board,” Shoemaker lists, “and, of course, helping to keep alive on the front burner the #MeToo conversation—and equality for all. Other concerns include funding DEQ, ending classroom size chaos, protecting fair courts and fair elections, and all the prevalent-isms. If it affects women and our families, then WoW! is interested in it.” Folks can contact WoW! via womenorganizingwilmington@gmail.com, Facebook or Twitter. Coming soon: WOWilmington.com.

DETAILS:

Women’s March Pre-Party

Thu., Jan. 18, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Ted’s on the River • 2 Castle St. Free

Women’s March on Wilmington

Sat., Jan. 20, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. City Hall, Innes Park • 102 N. 3rd St. Free

Women’s March Post-Party Sat., Jan. 20, 4 p.m. - until Bottega • 723 N. 4th St. Free

encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 7

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ARTS>>MUSIC

SPIRITUAL HOMECOMING:

Martha Redbone Roots Project heads to UNCW with Lakota John memories (good and bad) of home.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

“I find that there is still culture and diversity of those hills that people haven’t written about—certainly not in song,” she explains. “People tend to write about specific incidences—and those are great as well—but I wanted to talk about the land, and in general, people’s connections to their hometowns and the land, and how that defines the person you become. Even in situations where someone is from a particular area and they wanted to move as far away as possible.”

“W

e like to take you to church,” singer-songwriter Martha Redbone describes of her shows. “Like a revival service, we send you back home all warm and fuzzy. We have a lot of fun. It’s congregational music and that’s the basis of mountain and folk music; it’s for the people and community, and that audience is our community for the evening.” In addition to being “a collision of cultures,” Redbone shows are often described as energetically spiritual. It’s not a concert to passively or idly watch. It’s often about connecting, engaging with and feeling the music and stories behind it. The same can be said of her latest showcase, Martha Redbone Roots Project, which she’ll bring to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium on January 19. Redbone herself is biracial and comes from a bicultural family—part Cherokee, Choctaw, European, and African-American descent. As well, her contemporary music has garnered recognition from the Native-American Music Awards since releasing her first album, “Home of the Brave,” in 2001. As a result of her family and musical upbringing, now she describes her Roots Project as a “gumbo” of American-roots music. “We’ve been able to celebrate mountain music with gospel music and blues,” she describes, “and using the poetry of William Blake, which is really great fun because the language is just so beautiful.” Not only paying tribute to Americana, mountain and folk music, Redbone wishes to celebrate the people and cultures it all comes from. From Scottish and Irish, to Portuguese and African, to Native American, for hundreds of years the blended sounds and influences created Appalachian music. Threading William Blake’s poetry into song came about as happenstance.Her husband and long-term collaborator, pianist Aaron Whitby, rediscovered a book of Blake’s poems at home. “A Poison Tree,” specifically, stood out, and Whitby thought it fit well with what they were already working on. “So we read through a bunch of the poems,” Redbone tells. “We were inspired by the language and imagery. William Blake is a poet you either love or hate. . . . Once you really start reading it, it’s really just wonderful. He was ahead of his time. And we became fascinated by these 200-plus-year-

DETAILS:

Martha Redbone Roots Project SPIRIT, STORY, SONG: Martha Redbone will connect song, culture and stories in her Roots Project. Photo by Fabrice Trombert

old poems about topics that we’re still struggling with today. “There’s a poem called ‘Hear the Voice of the Bard,’” she continues. “That’s where William Blake writes the call, or an announcement for the healing of the earth. That particularly spoke to us because of climate change and all of the extremes of weather we’ve been having—the fires on the West Coast and hurricanes in the East Coast, flooding and things like that. And we thought about that poem, calling for the healing of the earth, a renewal and rebirth . . . human beings having compassion for each other and the earth.” Now more than ever—in times of social media, internet and information available at a swipe or click of a button—we are instantly connected with global issues (wars, famine, natural and man-made disasters) at a speed once unheard of. While we as a global community may not be able to physically help, Redbone says we can certainly help by spreading the word. “It seems like the world is a smaller place but we have to reach further than we ever have before,” she muses. “And there are so many issues and situations that come up where we just as human beings and citizens of our own lands cannot really sit idly by— we’re all global citizens. . . . I think from my interactions with university students, these are things we’re all interested in as well. So I hope we’re all speaking the same language there [at UNCW].”

Redbone and Whitby are close to celebrating 25 years of marriage, a lifetime’s partnership that continues to compliment each other. Moreover, as a unit, they write and produce for other artists as well. “We’re pretty good at collaborating,” she asserts. “We’re also good at bringing out the best in each others and learning, and one of the key things that we learn from others (as well as with each other) is that we listen. It takes a lot of listening to be able to collaborate. . . . When you’re working with your life partner it’s a lot about listening, taking turns and being open-minded.” It’s also fun and fulfilling. A part of being able to produce music for a living is genuinely enjoying the work. Redbone and Whitby continue to have fun creating music together by drawing from life experiences, interactions with people, and learning more about the world and music around them.

Featuring Lakota John Fri., Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium 601 S. College Rd. Tickets: $15-$40 uncw.edu/arts/presents/2017-2018/martha_redbone

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“It’s not about feeding one’s own ego,” Redbone adds. “It’s really about how we can help sing someone else’s song, and in sharing our story, we’re also singing someone else’s song.” This also is reflected in “Bone Hill,” a musical/theatrical concert/one-woman show telling a family story through song. While Redbone will likely perform some teasers from “Bone Hill” at UNCW this weekend, they’re also working on a new iteration wherein Redbone wants to further explore a sentimental Appalachian homecoming of sorts. In it, she may “push some buttons,” so to speak, when it comes to connections to home—or lack thereof—triggering all sorts of feelings and

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THURSDAY

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

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

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

SATURDAY

$2 Select Domestic • $3 Draft $4 Flavored Bombs 1/2 Price Apps Live Music from Tony and Adam $3 Fat Tire & Voo Doo $5 Jameson • $2 Tacos Pub Trivia on Tuesday Live music from Rebekah Todd

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

THE SOUNDBOARD

SUNDAY

FUNKY ROCK JAZZ: The Whiskey will host the funky rock and jazz sounds of Desmond Jones this Saturday, Jan. 20 in downtown Wilmington. Courtesy photo.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17

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

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

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

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

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

Singer-Songwriter Circle (9pm; Free)

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

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Karaoke & Open Mic Night (9pm; Free) —Sloppy Poppy’s, 4540 Fountain Dr.

Comedy Night/ Jamie Morgan (9pm; Free)

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

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

Thunderlip, Royal Thunder and more (9pm; $12)

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

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

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

Girls Choir of Wilmington New-member Auditions and Open Rehearsal (5:30pm; Free) —First Baptist Center, 1939 Independence Blvd.

Will Daube Live (6pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

The Fustics Duo & Vittles Food Truck (6pm; Free) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Acoustic Blues Jam (7pm; $3)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.; —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133

Perfect Tommy (10pm; Cover TBD; Rock) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19

Nelson and the Rock-a-fellas (7pm; $3) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

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

10 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

Ryan O’Flanagan (7pm, 9:30pm; $16; Comedy) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Piano Jazz with James Jarvis (8pm; Free)

—Bottega Art Bar and Gallery, 723 N. 4th St.

Adrian+Meredith (8pm; Free; Singer-Songwriters) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Chris Frisina (9:30pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

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

Jared Sales and The Port City Allstars (9:30pm; Free; Hip-Hop, Jazz) —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 910-399-2796

Formula 5 with Dubtown Cosmonauts (10pm; Cover TBD; Funk, Jam) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

910-231-3379

Singer-Songwriter Showcase hosted by Jake Newman (10pm; Cover TBD) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

MONDAY, JANUARY 22

Port City Trivia w/Dutch (7pm; Free)

—Buffalo Wild Wings, 140 Hays Lane #B15

Trivia from Hells (7:30pm; Free)

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

College Night (10pm; Free)

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23

Dead Rotten, Dear Mother War and More (11pm; Comedy Bingo (6pm; $2) Donations; Rock) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. —Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

1st Beerthday Celebration with Live Musice (11am; Free)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Lipbone Redding (7pm; $3; Singer-Songwriter) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

DJ Elementary (10pm; Cover TBD)

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

Brought to you by:

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24

encore magazine

Sean Thomas Gerard & TGeaux Boys (8pm; Free)

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

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

Karaoke Every Night (9pm; Free)

—Sloppy Poppy’s, 4540 Fountain Dr.

—Hoplite Pub, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

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

Improv Comedy (7pm; $3)

The Jillettes (7pm; $3; Rock, Pop, Country) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

Singer-Songwriter Circle (9pm; Free)

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

Jenny Pearson (9:30pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter)

Karaoke & Open Mic Night (9pm; Free)

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

—Sloppy Poppy’s, 4540 Fountain Dr.

David Russell & The Port City Blues (9:30pm; Free; Blues, Jazz)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25

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

Mac & Juice Quartet (10pm; Cover TBD)

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21

Sunday Brunch with Jenny Pearson (10:30am; $18; Singer-Songwriter) —Blockade Runner, 275 Waynick Blvd.

1st Beerthday Celebration with Live Music (11am; Free) —Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.; 910-76-BOOKS

Bluegrass Sunday (6pm; Free)

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

Sunday Jazz (7pm; Free)

—Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St.; 910-599-4999

Open Mic Night (7pm; $3)

—Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.;

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

WEDNESDAY

sunday Wednesday Miller Light Pints $150$ Coronoa/ 5 All$2Flat 50 Breads 1/2 off Nachos Corona Lite Bottles $ 50 $4 Bloody$ Marys 1 Domestic Pints Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Pints $ 50 $ 50 1 Domestic 2 Corona/Corona Lt. $ 5 White Russians $ 50 THURSDAY 4 Margaritas on the Rocks Visit our $website Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller 5

Thursday www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe for Bottles $ 50 daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottlesupcoming events $ 00 3 22oz. Goose Island IPA $ 95 4 Irish Coffee FRIDAY5564 Carolina $ 50 Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 Road 1/2 off ALL Premium Red Wine Glasses Guinness Cans $3

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

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

Subtle Fuzz (7pm; $3)

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

www.encoredeals.com Be the first to know about the best 50% OFF DEALS around town!

Deadline every Thurs., noon!

Brought to you by:

encore magazine

(910)-452-1212

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Sign up to receive sweet Trivia from Hells (7:30pm; Free) —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 910-763-4133 deals right in Emily Roth (10pm; Free; Singer-Songwriter) your inbox! —Duck n Dive, 114 Dock St.

Call 791-0688

Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 1423 S. 3rd St. Select Domestic Bottles $2 DOWNTOWN SUNDAY WILMINGTON Bloody Marys $4, Domestic (910) 763-1607 Pints $150 $ Hurricanes 5 _____________________________________

Adam Quinn Live (6pm; Free)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

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

(as little as $29 a week!)

—Sloppy Poppy’s, 4540 Fountain Dr.

Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

HR (of Bad Brains) & Human Rights (8pm; $15)

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

Port City Trivia w/Dutch (7pm; Free)

Desmond Jones (8pm; Cover TBD; Funk, Rock, Jazz) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

$3.50 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

$5 Mimosas $5 Car Bombs

—Rucker John’s, 5564 Carolina Beach Rd.

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

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

$3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball

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

Speakeasy (6pm; Free)

Ryan O’Flanagan (7pm, 9:30pm; $16; Comedy) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

Pie & Pint $12

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

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS

Wednesday

5564 Carolina Beach Road,

KARAOKE w/Elite Entertainment (910) 452-1212 9PM-2AM • $400 GUINNESS

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

8:30 P.M. • PRIZES! • $250 YUENGLING DRAFT $ 50 3 FIREBALL SHOTS

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday

___________________________________________

BREAKFAST BUFFET

Read us online at encorepub.com

9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. • $4 MIMOSA’S

WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAM HERE!

encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 11

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN PLAYLIST SAMPLE: BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - LIVELY UP YOURSELF WEEN - VOODOO LADY GRETA VAN FLEET - FLOWER POWER MUMFORD & SONS - LOVER OF THE LIGHT MARGO PRICE - A LITTLE PAIN TOM PETTY - FREE FALLIN' THE WAILIN' JENNYS - LIGHT OF A CLEAR BLUE MORNING LOTUS - SODIUM VAPOR DAVE MATTHEWS BAND - JIMI THING NORAH JONES - THE LONG WAY HOME

NEW MUSIC ADDED: BAND OF HEATHENS - TROUBLE CAME EARLY STEEP CANYON RANGERS - OUT IN THE OPEN JACOB BANKS - CHAINSMOKING THE WAR ON DRUGS - STRANGEST THING THE LONE BELLOW - MAY YOU BE WELL

UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS: DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS (GLA 3/24) DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (GLA 4/15) GRAMATIK (GLA 4/19) BRANDI CARLILE (GLA 5/11)

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

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM 12 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS

DOWN TO THE BEACH: See Jonny Lang at House of Blues Myrtle beach this week on January 20. Courtesy photo.

HOUSE OF BLUES MYRTLE BEACH 4640 HWY 17 S, NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (843) 272-3000 1/20: Jonny Lang NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 1/18: Mary Lambert and Mal Blum 1/19: David Rawlings 1/21: They Might Be Giants 1/22: Ruth B and Hailey Knox 1/27: Donna the Buffalo THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 1/19: On The Border 1/20: Rebelution 1/26: Drop !t and NGHTMRE THE UNDERGROUND-FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 1/19: Enrage Against The Machine 1/20: Jackyl 1/26: Fiftywatt Freight Train 1/27: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 1/18: Tim Barry and more 1/19: The Steel Wheels 1/20: Lee “Scratch” Perry, Subatomic Sound System 1/24: Felly, GYYPS and Trip Carter 1/27: Metal Pole Mayhem

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 1/20: Eddie B. 1/21: Gobsmacked! 1/26: John Mulaney 1/27: Joe Rogan LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 1/19: The Breakfast Club and Supersonic 1/20: Boulevards, Kooley High, Lonnie Walker, Zensofly 1/26-27: American Aquarium and John Fullbright CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 1/18: MKR, People of Earth, and Local Flora (Back) 1/18: They Might Be Giants 1/20: Charlie Mars (Back) 1/22-23: Say Anything, Aaron Gillespie and more 1/26: Enter Shikari, Milk Teeth and Single Mothers 1/27: Tennis and Overcoats THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 1/18: Colin Quinn 1/19: They Might Be Giants 1/20: Darrell Scott Bluegrass Band and more 1/21: Neko Case and Mt. Joy 1/26: David Rawlings 1/27-28: Trae Crowder, Drew Morgan & Corey Ryan Forrester

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

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

260 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 799-6799 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 10pm encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>ART

STAR RUNNER:

Arts in Wilmington Awards will recognize impact of local arts community and Star Sosa’s Spectrum Gallery

BY: SHEA CARVER

he second annual Arts in Wilmington Awards will take place January 20 at Expo 219 in downtown Wilmington. The awards will recognize the impact of local people, places and organizations who are strengthening the Port City as a place of vibrant color and artistic impact. Though it’s only year two for awards ceremony, the depth to which artists and businesses go to help promote and lift up Wilmington’s appeal has been ongoing for years. Star Sosa—owner of Spectrum Gallery, which is being recognized in the business category—can attest to as much is true. “I love arty communities,” she tells. “I’ve lived in Sausalito and Santa Fe, and I felt a similar energy when I first visited downtown Wilmington in 1997.” Sosa loved the cobblestone historic streets of our riverfront and the sandy beaches of our coastline so much she relocated here

the same year. She already had traveled the country and exhibited at craft shows and fine galleries, and even ran Sosa Designs, a jewelry company. She decided to open her own gallery and jewelry shop downtown in Chandler’s Wharf. “I reached out to local artists and brought in fine art, jewelry and art glass from artists I knew previously from selling on the American Craft circuit,” Sosa says. “Looking back at photos from my first year, I am amused by how artfully I spread out a relatively small inventory of items to fill the space.” Sosa hoped for Spectrum to be multifaceted across the arts spectrum, so to speak. They hosted CD release parties—like for flamenco guitarist Paco Strickland (who passed away in 2012)—did fundraisers for arts groups and charities, and naturally held receptions for artists, from glass blowers to sculptors to jewelers. “Spectrum and I have gone through significant evolution over the years,” Sosa admits. In 2000 she expanded her collection of jew-

BUSINESS BOOM: Star Sosa (above), owner of Spectrum Gallery, will be recognized in 2018’s Arts in Wilmington Awards. Photo by Mark Steelman

elry and art and moved to the Wrighstville Beach area in The Forum shopping center. She experienced an increase of interest in custom-jewelry services, and even hired a goldsmith to expand services into repairs and unique creations. She branched out in 2014 and ran two separate stores for Spectrum in the Forum, with one focusing on fine art and American Craft and one focused on fine jewelry. “In 2016 I opted to close the art gallery and focus primarily on the jewelry studio,” Sosa says. “I continue to carry some original local art and American Craft, but the primary emphasis is on handmade jewelry in gold, silver or platinum. . . . I’m afraid many art galleries have gone by the wayside in Wilmington. This is a challenging time for both artists and people who sell art. I think there is a distinct lack of venues for both established and emerging artists. So much of what the public buys now is massproduced graphic art and not many have an appreciation of the value of original art. How does this get resolved?”

Italian Sandwiches • Meatballs Spaghetti • Party Catering Breakfast All Day 1101 S College Rd. • (910) 392-7529 www.atasteofitalydeli.com 14 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

One way Sosa is focusing on such is to bring art to the public. Three years ago she began hosting an art event for the annual Azalea Fest called Plein Air Paint Out. The partnership with the Cape Fear Garden Club’s annual Azalea Garden Tour welcomed nine artists in its first year, 2015. They posted up in gardens on the tour and painted the environments around them live during the weekend-long tours. “It’s a great partnership because their established event already attracted thousands of visitors and the featured gardens provided lovely settings for the artists to capture in their

artworks,” Sosa notes. Sosa contributes a percentage from all art sales to the charitable programs of the Garden Club held at a Wet Paint Sale and art show during the last day of the garden tours. Last year the event more-than doubled artist participation, up to 22, while 2018 will have many returning artists and hopefully fresh faces. “This year the sale will be held at the Cape Fear Museum, which is a featured participant in the 2018 Garden Tour,” Sosa notes. “I hope to sell even more art given that the museum is a public venue with a highly visible location and tickets are not required to attend the art sale.” Sosa also enlisted the help of artist Todd Carignan to do custom oil portraits of Azalea Belles. A portion of the sales proceeds goes back to the Garden Club as well. Sosa will be recognized at the awards ceremony, among four other recipients (Ashley Barnes, individual artist; Opera House Theatre Company, organization; Leland Cultural Arts Center, government; and Tracey Varga, individual). “Star has a great attitude toward the role of the arts in our community,” Craig Stinson, founder of Arts in Wilmington, says. “She believes they are critical to quality of life, but also acts upon that belief by networking with businesses, artists, and community events in way that create new opportunities for the local community.”

DETAILS:

Arts in Wilmington Awards

Sat., Jan. 20, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Expo 219 • 216 N. Front St. Tickets: $25 (includes wine, beer, hors d’ouevre)

www.artsinwilmington.com

WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

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

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

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

“Dreaming of Peace: Oil Paintings by Tatyana Kulida and Mio Reynolds” continues through January 13th. Join us for an art opening for “Art Explosions by Jeffery Geller,” Friday, January 26th, 6-9 pm. View original art including shadow boxes, mobiles, collage, paintings and ceramics. Born in Wyoming, Jeffery has lived and worked in the US, England, France, Germany, and Singapore. The artist explores boundary crossings and the nature of time. Exhibit dates are January 19th - February 24th. Also, meet renowned jewelry artist, Roberto Vengoechea from Black Mountain, NC when he visits Art in Bloom Gallery on Friday, January 26th, 6-9 pm. “Synergy: Art by Catherine Porter Brown and Jeff Brown” opens on Friday, February 2 with a reception from 6-8 pm.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Join us for an art opening and wine tasting for Michael Van Hout, Wednesday, January 17, 6-8 pm at Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St. View tie-wire wall hangings and metal sculpted fish. Exhibits at other locations include: “Southern Embrace: New Art by Debra Bucci” with oil paintings at The District Kitchen and Cocktails,1001 N. 4th Street. “Empty Faces and Abstract Spaces by Joan McLoughlin” with paintings at Pinpoint Restaurant,114 Market Street. “Contemporary Art by Stephanie

Mobbs Deady” with mixed media at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART 311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E cjart@bizec.rr.com (910) 794-3060 Mon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm 1:30 pm - 4 pm Open other hours and weekends by appointment www.cjafricanart.com African art: Museum quality African Art from West and Central Africa. Traditional African art for the discerning collector. Cureent Exhibition: Yoruba beadwork and Northern Nigerian sculpture. Appraisal services, curatorial services and educational exhibitions also available. Over 30 years experience in Tribal Arts. Our clients include many major museums.

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

selections if you can’t drop into the gallery.

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

Adjacent to the River to Sea gallery, Features paintings by Wilmington based plein air painter Jim Bettendorf. Local scenes of Wilmington and surrounding areas cover the walls. Original oil paintings and a selection of giclée prints available for purchase. Open daily from noon to six.

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

River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. Current

show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry. “Morning Has Broken” features works by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures.

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

Wilma Daniels Gallery will host works from the No Boundaries International Art Colony, commemorating it’s 20th anniversary. Alumni artists include Sergej Adreevski, Fritzi Huber, Eric Lawing, Luc Marelli, Innocent Nkurunziza, Gonul Nughoglu, Gerlinde Pistner, Dick Robers, Arrow Ross, Lone Seeberg, Pamela Toll, Gayle Tustin, and Barbara Anne Thomas.

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

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATES UNIQUE SPECIALS DAILY

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

“Time & Place” features ceramic work from YiFenn Strickland and mixed media paintings by Shelia Keefe Ortiz. Both of these Wilmington artists masterfully create striking work from soft, organic forms. New Elements has been offering the best of regional and national fine art and craft since 1985. We invite you to learn more about the artists we represent, featured exhibitions, and gallery news. We regularly update the work available online, so return often to view our many different

WWW.BLUESURFCAFE.COM

250 Racine Drive Wilmington, NC Racine Commons 910.523.5362

SURF. EAT. REPEAT. encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 15

ARTS>>THEATRE

TRUE COLORS:

‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ packs sentimentality with entertainment

BY: SHEA CARVER

ast spring when “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” premiered on Thalian Hall’s stage, as produced by Opera House Theatre Company, with director Ray Kennedy at the helm, rave reviews poured in for its colorful, upbeat and down-right fun entertainment. But at its heart is a sentimentality that crosses time and is especially relevant today, in 2018, as the fight for equal rights among the LGBTQIA community still battles on worldwide. When encore interviewed one of its leads, Jeff Phillips, who plays transgender Bernadette Basinger, Phillips told encore, “We have to reach back and help others up the mountains and, because we are battletested, we have to be willing to pick up the sword again to fight for those who may not have the means to do so themselves.” The musical, based on the 1994 Aussie film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the

Desert,” shows audiences how, 24 years after its debut, its relevance has never been truer. Underneath all the bickering of values, morals, religion, etc., we all bleed red. Opera House has reprised the musical for its new year run before kicking off 2018’s full season. Audiences have one more weekend to put it at the top of their must-see list. At the onset of the show, we meet Tick, a.k.a. Mitzi Mitosis (Jason Aycock), a drag performer in Sydney, AU, who’s facing turmoil of living his truth. He needs to get out of town for a few weeks and head across the Outback to Alice Springs, where his exwife and son live, to reconcile a past life with his current one: living as a gay man who loves to lip-sing in drag with puppets. He reaches out to his old friend, Bernadette, who is experiencing the death of her husband, and a feisty and flamboyant younger performer, Adam, a.k.a. Felicia Jollygoodfellow (Blaine Mowrer), to make the trek. The end result will land them a show at Tick’s

ex-wife’s cabaret club. With a little convincing between the bickering odd couple—oldschool Les Girl Bernadette, who envies the young and sprightly athletic performing, if not very mouthy, Felicia—they score an old bus, Priscilla. They head out into the night on a journey that eventually enriches their souls, even through traumatic turmoil and downright bigotry. Though the storyline is shrouded in emotional nostalgia, it’s not without a heft of enlivenment from the impressive and uplifting choreography of Kennedy and Aycock, as well as music (scored by Stephen “Spud” Murphy with local music supervision by Lorene Walsh and her fantastic 9-piece orchestra). It takes audiences through the disco era into 80’s pop that will undoubtedly make every audience member tap a toe or bob a head. Immediately the colorful and splashy costuming presents buckets full of eye candy as Terrill Williams sashays in sequins, from his eyelashes to his toes, in Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Though the song didn’t really hit the highnotes as it should have, The Harvey women—Juli and Selina—truly did with every costume design. I found myself enthralled by elaborate feather headdresses, tulle for miles and even flip-flops. Delivering spunk and flamboyancy at every turn is the stunning Mowrer. His young, acerbic tongue as Felicia turns out so many quips it requires full attention, else a laugh will be missed. He is the foil to Bernadette’s regal composure: He kicks higher, talks louder, and stirs the pot to a boil when it only needs to simmer. Mowrer embodies the up-and-comer whose talent will intimidate any performer, young or old. Mowrer is raw talent, plain and simple, with every dance move, with every entrance and exit, with every song. He owns the stage but still plays it cool enough to remind folks youth has a lot to learn from their elders—like when to pick their battles and how showing respect goes a long way.

the night!). His ease of movement in every quippy battle with Mowrer is a hoot. Aycock brings the tears in the show when the mashup of two of my favorite songs, “Say a Little Prayer” and “Always on My Mind,” sets the context of a father trying to connect with his long-lost son. I wasn’t prepared to cry during “Priscilla,” so attention softies: Come armed with a tissue. Aycock’s soft anxiety emulates what so many in our world are going through in trying to be true to themselves but being afraid to live out their realities from repercussions. In the show, being bullied and beat up or heckled makes its way into many scenes as a stark reminder folks across the world still hold judgement and downright hate for folks unlike themselves. It’s tough to watch. But the show does tilt more toward humor, making the “message” sometimes feel like an afterthought. Though the three leads carry the story, it isn’t always without a few awkward pacing moments and sound problems, mainly with Aycock’s mic. The first few acts of the show seem a bit slow but pick up steam as the incredible ensemble and stunning vocalist divas, who act like a Greek chorus (Joy Ducree Gregory, Michelle Braxton and Elisa Eklof Smith), take the stage. They really carry the show into another realm of enjoyment—especially Sarah Holcombe’s scene as a mullet-sporting redneck Aussie, Shirley. Her country rendition of “Let’s Dance” remained one of the top moments of the night. Lauren Maasch’s operatic solo with Mowrer’s mimicry in Thalian’s box seats also will stay with audiences, as will Stephanie Tucker’s mind-blowing if not somewhat salacious performance in “Pop Musik.” (I’ll never look at ping-poing balls the same.)

The set design by Terry Collins and lighting by Dallas Lafon bring the whole shebang together with funky, bright designs and colors that moved fluidly. The latter especially impacts during Cyndi Lauper’s gay rights anthem “True Colors”—which really hits Phillips’ Bernadette is perfect as the pin- home the show’s intent: “So don’t be afraid ing old-school star who wishes for her to let them show/Your true colors/True colonce-perfect skin, a thinner physique and ors are beautiful/Like a rainbow.” the unabashed confidence of youth. Yet, her careful care toward her road warriors, despite their spats, paints her a nurturing Priscilla, Queen of the Desert mother hen who still has a lot of love and talent to give back to the world at large. Phil- Jan. 18-21, 8 p.m. or 3 p.m., Sundays lips’ amazing vocals reverberate Thalian Tickets: $32 • www.thalianhall.org during the powerful harmonizing of “I’m Ev- Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. ery Woman” (also the most fun costuming of

DETAILS:

16 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

ARTS>>THEATRE

NAUGHTY BITS:

Local playwright Don Fried opens his award-winning ‘Senior Moments’ at TheatreNOW

BY: SHEA CARVER

eing armed and ready to deal with ongoing challenges is a lifelong pursuit for most humans. And to our chagrin, sometimes it doesn’t get easier. Only difference: With age, we earn our right to be as flippant, wily and carefree as we please.

merely winning the big bucks. “The Ambassadors” showcases an older American tourist through her trip to Milan, wherein a run-in with a taxi driver turns into an almost violent exchange.

“There’s a lot of heated debate at a meeting of the Residents Action Committee of a senior residence in ‘On the RAC(K),’ too,” according to Fried, “but Such is the focus in TheatreNOW’s nothing ever seems to be accomplished.” latest dinner show, “Senior Moments,” “Senior Moments” already has been written by local playwright Don Fried. shown around the world, and even won Though the show focuses on elderly several playwright and festival awards. characters, their problems span the As well, it is published in “Art Age,” ages—specifically in regards to love— which showcases senior theatre, and and the naughty bits that come with it, continues to be a top-seller. which makes the show appropriately “I’ve been a full-time playwright for 11 timed for the upcoming Valentine’s Day years and screenwriter for six,” Fried holiday. notes. He has overseen 10 full-length The show is actually three in one: plays and has had over 60 of his proa one-hour one act, “The Code,” and ductions staged around the world. When three shorter vignettes, which run 10 approaching a script, he first starts with to 15 minutes, “The Gamblers,” “On research. the RAC(K)” and “The Ambassadors.” “While I did interview residents of a Directed by Ella Reischer, the shows senior residence [for ‘Senior Moments,’] feature multiple actors in multiple roles, most of the inspiration for the vignettes including Marie Chonko, Ken Campbell, came directly from my mother,” he tells. Charlotte Hackman, Michelle Reiff, Joe Loconomo, Juan Fernandez, and Carol “About 10 years ago, I was talking to my 83-year-old mother on the phone and Pendergrast. she said, ‘You know, I think I’m going to “The scenarios depicted connect with have a lesbian affair.’ When I stopped us all in every stage of life,” according giggling, I said, ‘Mom, you’re the coolest to Reischer. Audiences will meet a tough old lady I know.’ I wrote it down in my survivor who faced many adversities, a play idea file. And that was the birth of conniving if not lovable scam artist, a ‘Senior Moments.’” swinger, a tough-as-nails assisted living It took six months to research, but it director, a lonely speed dater, an obpractically wrote itself and was drafted sessed gambler, and a grouchy assisted in a couple weeks. Fried wrote it to be living board member, among many othperformed by as little as two actors, who ers. could present it as standup at nursing “The Code” follows 70-year-old Rose homes. After revising once, he had it who learns her senile hubby is cheating ready for its first production in Orange on her with someone else in their nurs- County, California. ing home. Instead of getting angry, she “[It] was so successful, the company takes to the internet to find sexual gratiasked me to write an expanded version fication that has been missing from her so they could present the play again two life for 50 years of marriage. years later,” he adds. Such a version will “It also has the lesbian theme,” Fried tells. “It’s not at all graphic, though—but it’s not for children.”

! s l a de

“One of the most satisfying (and frightening) things in seeing productions of my work is how different they are from what I had in mind when I wrote them,” he says. “This production is no exception, but I’m having a ball with it.” Reischer has had experience onstage (“Love Loss, and What I Wore,” “Love Happens”) and in the director’s chair most recently with TheatreNOW’s favorably reviewed “The Cemetery Club.” With the help of Marie Marrinan doing costuming, props, set design, and light-

DETAILS:

Senior Moments

Jan. 19-Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. TheatreNOW • 19 S. 10th St. Tickets: $18-$42 (latter includes three-course meal) theatrewilmington.com

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“The Gamblers” takes on an elderly Colonel William, who takes his time meandering among huge air-conditioned casinos until he is accosted by Mother Angie. As it turns out, she has something more naughty on her mind than

appear on TheatreNOW’s stage. (Just as ing, “Senior Moments” will open this well, he did a screen adaptation optioned weekend and run through Valentine’s by Eden Rock Media, a Hollywood-based Day. film production company, in 2013.) And it won’t be the last of Fried’s Fried met with Reischer to discuss the words for 2018 either. TheatreNOW will show before auditions. While he has sat showcase his historical comedy “Shakein on some rehearsals, he’s left major speare Inc.”—about the Shakespeare decisions of its delivery to the director authorship controversy—in the fall. Fried also will direct the production. and her cast.

encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 17

to the nominees for the

Allison Cummings Aneita Sinclair Angel Malott Ashanti Gibbs Becca Tagg Bonnie Monteleone Brianna Cunliffe Dana Sargent Emily Donovan Gabrielle Allen-Destroismaisons Griselda Garcia Heather Davis Jennifer Kraner

Jennifer Robbins Jennifer Turnage Julia Nasco Julie-Ann Scott-Pollock Kelly Marquis Merritt Kiara Robinson Kimberly Bankston Lauren Henderson Laurie Taylor Lydia Wood Marian Careatti Mary Grayson Koonce Mary Konicki

McKayla Howell Megan Schlude Michelle Fogle Olivia Herndon Pat Dagnon Rebecca Clark Rhonda Bullard-Dutton Robin Wicks Robinson Samantha Daniel Shirley Mikulas Sonali Batish Trinity Murray Wallace Robinson

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ARTS>>THEATRE

CATHARSIS THEATRE:

Ken Vest’s ‘Inside Job’ explores the personal toll of the opioid epidemic BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

ristotle experienced theatre as catharsis. Centuries later, it still seems an apt description. Some scripts approach it more directly than others. Kenneth Vest’s “Inside Job,” currently onstage at The Cape Fear Playhouse on Castle Street, comes at it head on. Inspired by events surrounding his son’s death from a heroin overdose, Vest explores the very personal toll of the opioid epidemic and the grief it has extracted from one family.

if he isn’t there, Will could find himself in greater trouble than either of them imagined possible. It is a valid concern. Stefl’s controlled spiral into obsessive madness is truly frightening, mostly because it isn’t overthe-top. He turns his pain and focus inward, and it is blinding him to everything else trying to permeate—including Abby. Abby’s lifetime of counseling training and work has run up against “doctor heal thyself.” She discovers she can because she wants to. What she can’t do is save her son or her husband—because neither of them want her help. It is torture of the most profound and personal nature. She cajoles Wyatt and fights for Will, but neither tactic works and she can’t make headway.

Abby (Gina Gambony) and Will (Woody Stefl) are struggling with a dilemma common to parents of young adults: It’s time to send their son back to college, to live away from home, away from the watchful eye. But Wyatt (R. J. Thomas) is strugGambony’s clenched frustration wells gling with an addiction to which they worry out of her. Will’s desperation to completely he will succumb. reconstruct the last day of Wyatt’s life is Is he keeping his word to them? Can more than she can take; she wants his atthey believe what he says? Should they tention to focus on her, on them, on workcome down hard on him and forbid him ing through grief. Partner in life—rememto return to school? Or does he need un- ber? derstanding and compassionate support? It’s an interesting and frustrating perforWhat is the right thing to do? If someone mance to watch because one alternately would just tell them, they will do it. But Wy- roots for Gambony and worries she might att can play them against each other so be the next victim. skillfully, they don’t stand a chance. Even Stafford’s Nadine is suitably concerned when Abby stumbles upon Wyatt’s heroin stash, he’s still going to maneuver them. for Abby’s safety, not just emotionally but physically, as the show progresses. Her Vest could easily have written a full- worry that Will might get violent is visible length script of one family actively battling and believable. addiction: group therapy, rehab programs, As director Steve Vernon reminds, and relapses with family patterns and se“Grief is a strange landscape, man.” The crets carefully aired and sifted for clues landscape involves the deceased, Wyatt, to Wyatt’s addiction. But he accepts a because his parents cannot let him go. As greater challenge as a writer: to explore Stefl’s Will wrestles and assigns blame the world of Abby and Will after the loss and pleads, Wyatt is physically just beyond of their son. They can’t fix this—they can’t his reach, much like he was in life, now change this. It is irrevocable. So who can he is suspended in death. Only now—now tell them what to do now? what? Does Will hear Wyatt more clearly Well, for Abby, it is her coworkers and than he did before? Could he? other counselors, especially Nadine (ElThomas’ Wyatt isn’t so sure. To both his eanor Stafford). But Will turns to Griff and Vest’s credit, there isn’t the great hur(Charles Calhoun), one of his oldest tling of accusations monologue (“You nevfriends and a newspaper reporter. Griff er understood me!”, “If only you had loved can drink with Will to assuage the pain, me for who I am!”, etc.) The recriminations but as far as trying to keep him in the land of the sane, he is not skilled or qualified. are largely Will’s lodged against himself. Time after time the good-hearted Griff Wyatt, if anything, is more drawn to and tries to warn Will and calm him down. interested in his parents than angry with Calhoun’s gentle blue eyes overflow with them. He plays Wyatt as actually a pretty concern and hurt for his friend. He clearly sweet and beautiful kid with incredible reisn’t sure how to help Will, he just worries gret for the pain he causes his parents. But

there is no hint he could have (or would have) reversed course. If only … if only. Instead, Wyatt owns his illness. Will’s journey is not dissimilar from Michael Douglas in Steven Soderbergh’s “Traffic”: an obsessed father consumed by the impact of his child’s addiction. It is a journey I personally would not wish on anyone. Set designer Scott Davis has eschewed a typical family living room, bar or office set for something more provocative. On gunpowder-grey walls, arteries trace lines that intersect, diverge and at times taper out. Visually, it’s a powerful metaphor for what Wyatt craves to take into his veins, as well as the connections and diversions of this family’s life. By taking the story out of a specific home, or office or bar, and setting it in another worldly limbo, Davis captures the vista of grief. Paired with the belt and syringe stage-right and the bottle of Scotch stage-left, he and director Steve Vernon underscore the vari-

ety of dependence the characters struggle with, and shows how they’re constant, with every moment of everyday, pulsing like a heartbeat. Sometimes it’s louder, sometimes softer, but always pulsing. Vernon, Davis and cast give Vest’s script their all. For a topic so pertinent now, “Inside Job” is a powerful look at how we each handle our demons and love the flawed but wonderful people who make up the world.

DETAILS: Inside Job

Jan. 18-21, 8 p.m. or 3 p.m. only on Sundays Cape Fear Playhouse • 613 Castle St. Tickets: $15 www.bigdawgproductions.org

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films this week CINEMATIQUE

Director Aaron Sorkin’s ‘Molly’s Game’ lacks depth

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

BY: ANGHUS

ood magicians never reveal their secrets. At the same time, folks notice most magicians change up their routine and don’t bankroll their entire career with a single act of illusion. If David Copperfield was headlining shows still by making the Statue of Liberty disappear, audiences would not only be bored but would probably have a lot of insight into how the trick was done. Aaron Sorkin has been working his magic for movies and television for decades. I realized with his new film “Molly’s Game,” his act hasn’t changed. Sorkin has a reputation for crafting sharp dialogue. Characters in an Aaron Sorkin joint tend to be verbose and have a healthy understanding of the English language. There’s a rhythm and cadence to the conversations in a Sorkin script. Readers might remember the endless “walk-and-talk” style of the “West Wing.” Everybody was perfectly in sync, practically starting and ending each other’s sentences. There was a novelty to Sorkin’s style because there was a time when it was fresh and interesting. That feels like ages ago. “Molly’s Game” sees the popular and prolific writer take a stab at directing. The end result is an entertaining but painfully overcooked piece of gristle. Meet Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), a typical well-educated, drop-dead gorgeous Olympic-class skier. After an accident which derails her athletic endeavors, she struggles to figure out what’s next. Eventually, she finds a natural skill for running card games. She’s able to attract a swarthy clientele made up of Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes and businessmen with deep pockets. It’s easy to see why guys would be charmed by Molly. She’s smart, gorgeous and doesn’t put up with their shit. Running illegal poker games comes with a certain degree of risk—especially if one has a well-defined moral compass and empathy for habitual gamblers who throw their entire lives away with the kind of reckless abandon usually reserved for obsessivecompulsive meth addicts. Molly is driven and wants to succeed, which sometimes means ignoring her God-given common sense and bringing in players from the Russian mob. Eventually, Molly’s luck runs out. The government ends up arresting her, taking her money and threatening to jail her. Like a lot of Sorkin scripts, the movie moves back and forth between present day

KEEPING UP: Jessica Chastain and Idris Elba have a hard time delivering on Aaron Sorkin’s script style. Photo courtesy of FSTX Films

and Molly’s more colorful past. We meet Molly as her life is spinning out of control. The government is coming after her and she needs legal help. Enter Charles Jaffey (Idris Elba), a high-priced attorney who thinks Molly is little more than a fame-seeking felon. Through the course of the film, he realizes she is willing to throw away her own life to protect all the players who frequented her nightly game. There’s a somewhat interesting true story buried in a whole lot of bullshit. Sorkin takes Molly Bloom’s tale and runs it through the Hollywood cliché filter. So much of the movie feels fabricated. Sorkin’s material isn’t really suited for every actor. There are performers who can take his dialogue and make it sing, like Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney or Jesse Eisenberg. Idris Elba and Jessica Chastain never achieve a level of believability while spewing out Sorkin’s operatic prose. There’s a few scenes where the writing is so heavy-handed I couldn’t help but chuckle or roll my eyes. I kept wanting to scream: “Real people don’t talk like this!” There’s a couple of lines that are so bad, I audibly groaned. I’m not sure if any actor or actress could have landed a clunker like, “I’m 12 hours away from a degree in astronomy—and I didn’t even know I was enrolled.” Epic-level cringe. There’s a moment near the end of the film where Molly is waiting to find out whether she’ll be sent to federal prison. The judge goes into some rant about how Molly’s crimes pale in comparison to the white-col-

lar crimes happening on Wall Street. It was like some strange ad-lib where the actor goes off-book to share his personal political views on the ills of greed. I think the goal was to make Chastain feel formidable, but a lot of her performance feels like something out of a daytime soap opera. The biggest problem with “Molly’s Game” is the monochromatic palette Sorkin paints with. His portrait of Molly Bloom is plain and lacks depth.

DETAILS:

Molly’s Game Rated R Directed by Aaron Sorkin Starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner

Jan. 17-18 (additional 4 p.m. screening on Jan. 18): Greta Gerwig reveals herself to be a bold new cinematic voice in the direction of the Golden Globe-winning “Lady Bird.” She excavates both humor and pathos in a turbulent bond between a mother and her teenage daughter. Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson fights against but is exactly like her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mom— a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird’s father loses his job. Set in Sacramento, California, in 2002, amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, Lady Bird is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home. (Rated R, 94 min.) Jan. 29-31 (additional 4 p.m. screening on Jan. 31): “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” will be shown in Thalian Hall’s Main Stage Theatre. After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter’s murder case, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), the town’s revered chief of police. When his second-in-command Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), an immature mother’s boy with a penchant for violence, gets involved, the battle between Mildred and Ebbing’s law enforcement is only exacerbated. (Rated R, 115 min.)

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SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

THE DISTRICT KITCHEN & COCKTAILS A new addition to the Brooklyn Arts and downtown area, The District Kitchen & Cocktails is serving fresh, seasonal menus in a polished casual atmosphere. We feature locally sourced ingredients when available. For lunch, we offer delicious burgers and sandwiches, while dinner features steaks, chops and seafood all handcrafted by executive chef Luke Poulos. Within blocks of CFCC and the Riverwalk, The District welcomes diners to enjoy inspired wines, craft cocktails and NC draught beers at their renovated bar and restaurant, located at 1001 N. 4th St. 910-(910) 769-6565 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Wed 5pm9pm, Thurs.-Sat 5pm-10pm ■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sunday 11am-3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Arts District ■ WEBSITE: www.districtnc.com

THEATRENOW • www.theatrewilmington.com

AMERICAN BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their awardwinning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 2568500. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sat & Sun 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ MUSIC: Music every Sunday in Summer ■ WEBSITE: www.bluewaterdining.com

BLUE SURF CAFÉ Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich. Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive. We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast served until noon each day! ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

22 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

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■ FEATURING: Daily Specials, Gluten Free Menu, Gourmet Hot Chocolates, Outdoor Patio, New Artist event first Friday of every month and Kids Menu. ■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Wednesday nights, an elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363. ■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11am-2pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org

ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 113. Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:3010:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available THE FELIX CAFE The Felix Cafe is a restaurant experience like no other in Wilmington, N.C. Our eatery is a unique and relaxing gem situated near the port, and at the edge of Sunset Park on Burnett Blvd. We believe fine dining doesn’t have to come with all the fuss. From our homemade soups to the locally sourced produce, we let the ingredients speak for themselves in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Folks will enjoy the outdoor seating, our vibrant staff, the colorful interior, and our cabana style tiki bar. You will come here as a customer and leave as a friend. 2140 Burnett Blvd. (910) 399-1213. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon closed. TuesFri 11am-9 pm. Sat and Sun breakfast 8-11:30, opened 8am to 9pm. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Sunset Park, Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, full bar, check out our facebook for wine tasting and live music schedule ■ WEBSITE: www.thefelixcafewilmington.com and facebook.com/thefelixcafewilmington

HENRY’S A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because it’s going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929. SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. - Mon. 11 a.m.10 p.m.; Tues.- Fri.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials. ■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com

■ WEBSITE: www.johnnylukeskb.com THE LITTLE DIPPER Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a fourcourse meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433. ■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; Seasonal hours are open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Mondays and Memorial Day-October, 7-9pm ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com

HOLIDAY INN RESORT Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. (910) 256-2231. 1706 N. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat. MUNCHIES ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach The most unique restaurant in Wilmington is Munch■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ies. Located adjacent to the UNCW campus, ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com Munchies provides a new take on classic AmeriHOPS SUPPLY CO. can fare. Selling items unavailable anywhere else The combination of chef-inspired food and our craft such as the famous “Fat Sandwiches”, decadent bar makes Hops Supply Co. a comfortable and inmilk shakes, and fried desserts set Munchies apart, viting gastropub that attracts guests of all types – especially a local crowd who can feel right at home while the incredible flavor of traditional items such whether ordering a classic favorite or trying a new as burgers and wings make Munchies stand out. culinary delight! At HopsCo, we are dedicated to Open until 3 am daily, and offering dine in, take out, the craft of excellent cuisine and delivering hops in and delivery options, as well the choice of orderits most perfect form, exemplified by our selection ing online, Munchies is a new American classic for of craft beers. As hops are the heart of flavor for todays modern world. Perfect for lunch, dinner or a beer, our local seasonal ingredients are the soul of late night snack, and totally customizable, Munchour culinary inspired American fare. 5400 Oleander ies makes sure you get your food, your way, all day. Dr. (910) 833-8867. 419 S. College Rd., Unit 35, 910-798-4999. Dine in ■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat • Delivery • Take out 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm ■ OPEN LUNCH AND DINNER: 12pm - 3 am daily & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown 9:57am – 10pm ■ WEBSITE: munchiesfoodco.com ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown PINE VALLEY MARKET ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicJOHNNYLUKES KITCHENBAR ing the Wilmington community for years, securing Good eats, good drinks, and great times is what encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop JohnnyLukes KitchenBar is all about. JohnnyLukes and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti KitchenBar serves Wilmington, NC a variety of 19 are expanding their talents into serving lunch inrotating craft beers on tap, a hand selected eclechouse, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade tic American wine list, fun cocktails, and of course, exceptional food. Our two-story layout brings the meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the marbest of both worlds under one roof. Downstairs ket. Using the freshest ingredients of highest qualat JohnnyLukes KitchenBar pair your beer or wine ity, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in with our Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop, Chicken Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich Pot Pie, Ribeye, or one of our many main entrees varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuand sharable plates. Or, join us upstairs at JL’s Loft ben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut and pair a beer with one of our multiple burgers, JL’s butter sandwich that will take all diners back to roast beef sandwich, meatball sandwich, or one of childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salour many appetizers (we recommend both!). So ads, there is something for all palates. Take advannext time you are looking for a new and exciting tage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that restaurant in Wilmington, NC where you can expe- are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up rience both great craft beer and amazing food, be a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College sure to head over to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar and Road, (910) 350-FOOD. JL’s Loft! 5500 Market Street, Suite 130. (910)- ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.769-1798 7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ OPEN: JohnnyLukes KitchenBar: Mon to Sun: ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington 11:30am to 10pm; JL’s Loft: Mon to Sun: 11:30am ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home froto 2am zen meals ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

RISE Serving up the best dang biscuits and donuts in Wilmington, Rise is not any typical breakfast spot. Our donut menu includes an assortment of ‘old school, new school, and our school’ flavors; and our buttery, flaky biscuits filled with country ham, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and fried eggplant “bacon” are crave-worthy. Lunch is on the Rise with our new chicken sandwiches on potato rolls and fresh salads. 1319 Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 239-9566 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.- Sun. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com SPOONFED KITCHEN & BAKE SHOP Newly opened Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop is bringing their love for great food and customer service to Wilmington! Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop specializes in creating wholesome, delightful foods to feed your lifestyle. Please join us in our cafe for breakfast, lunch & weekend brunch. We offer coffee & pastries, great foods to go from our deli & freezer cases (appetizers, salads, entrees & sides), bakery items (scones, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, pies & more), gluten-free bakery items, and specialty market, cheeses & beverage. Catering is also available for all budets from personal to corporate to events. #feedyourlifestyle. 1930 Eastwood Road, Suite 105, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8881. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach

■ WEBSITE: www.spoonfedkitchen.com THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken). Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), all-beef, pork smoked sausage (Carolina Packer), Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie. Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or check out our website at www.trollystophotdogs.com. Catering available, now a large portion of our business. All prices include tax. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952 Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921 Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN HIBACHI TO GO Hibachi To Go is a locally owned, family business serving only the freshest ingredients with three locations. We invite you to try our menu items at either our Hampstead drive-thru location, where you

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can walk-up, take-out, or call in and pick up your meal or our Ogden location with dine-in or take-out options. Our new Wilmington location (894 South Kerr Avenue) offers dine-in, take-out or drive-thru service. We’re convenient for lunch and dinner. Open 7 days 11 am - 9 pm. Our popular Daily Lunch Specials are featured Monday-Saturday for $4.99 with selections from our most popular menu items! We always have fresh seafood selections at Hibachi To Go, like delicious hand peeled shrimp, fresh local flounder and always a fresh catch fillet in-house. We scratch make every item on our menu daily. We offer your favorite hibachi meals and some of our originals like our pineapple won tons. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the most up to date information on Hibachi To Go. Always fresh, great food at a super good price. Hampstead Phone: 910.270.9200. • Ogden Phone: 910.791.7800 Wilmington Phone: 910-833-8841 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open 7 days 11am-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, North Wilmington, Hampstead ■ WEBSITE: www.hibachitogo.com INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the Front Street location, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and veggie wraps, as well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front St. (910) 771-9151. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.nikkissushibar.com/

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.” Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.” We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-you-can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at www.okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am-2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am-9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com SZECHUAN 132 Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch specials ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172. ■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week @ 5PM; Sun-Wed until 10pm, Thurs until 11pm, Fri & Sat until Midnight. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices. Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert. ■ WEBSITE: www.yosake.com. @yosakeilm on Twitter & Instagram. Like us on Facebook. YOSHI Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine offers

something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before. We are seeking to bring true New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations. We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today! 260 Racine Dr, Wilmington 28403 (910)799-6799 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. 12pm11pm, Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine.com

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

BAGELS

IRISH

BEACH BAGELS Beach Bagels is “the” favorite spot for breakfast and lunch in Wilmington. Get a taste of a New Yorkstyle bagel by the beach. We make our bagels the traditional way: kettle-boiled then baked and always made with love. Enjoy something simple like a traditional BLT, or spice it up and try our AnnieWB: turkey breast, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo, onions, and jalapeños. Not in the mood for a bagel? Don’t worry, we have ciabatta bread, croissants, kaiser rolls, biscuits, and wraps. Whatever you’re looking for, we have you covered. Don’t forget to make your lunch sandwich a combo for only $1.50,. and get a small drink, potato salad or chips and a pickle spear. Come see us at 5906 Oleander Drive or 7220 Wrightsville Avenue—right before the drawbridge on the way to beautiful Wrightsville Beach. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, biscuits, croissants, sandwiches, and more! ■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/Beach-Bagels-301865953202309/

CARIBBEAN JAMAICA’S COMFORT ZONE Tucked in the U-shape of University Landing, a block from UNCW is Wilmington’s fave Caribbean restaurant, serving diners for over nine years. Family-owned and -operated, Jamaica’s Comfort Zone provides a relaxing atmosphere along with a blend of Caribbean delights. Our guests have graced us with numerous compliments over the years: “explosive Caribbean culinary experience”; “every year we are here on vacation—you are our first stop”; “flavors just dance in my mouth.” From traditional Jamaican breakfast to mouth-watering classic dishes such as Brownstew chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and jerk pork, our selections also include many vegetarian and select seafood options. Student meal options are $6.99, and catering options are available. University Landing, 417 S. College Road, Wilmington SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Sat., 11:45am-9pm. Closed Sun. and Mon. NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown WEBSITE: www.jamaicascomfortzone.net, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter

DINNER THEATRE

THE HARP Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare! We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends. Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 763-1607. Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area. ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide. ■ WEBSITE: www.harpwilmington.com

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.) ■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall ■ WEBSITE: www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique family-friendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat

Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops. Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an ever-changing selection of microbrews included in their 27-tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm Monday through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor….. Craft Beer, Craft Pizza! ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm; Fri.-Sat., 11 am-Midnight; Sun., noon-10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing. SLICE OF LIFE “Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101,

(910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., 7 days/week, 365 days/year. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South. ■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town! ■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com A TASTE OF ITALY Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City? Look no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years. The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like you’re in your mamas’ kitchen. Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and made-from-scratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.atasteofitalydeli.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

BRUNCH ON THE BEACH Indoor and Outdoor Seating Oceanfront Carolina Beach

Serving 11 a.m. Sundays $5 Mimosa $5 Bloody Mary $5 Michelada

1211 S. Lake Park Blvd • 910-458-2000 www.oceangrilltiki.com encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 25

LATIN AMERICAN SAN JUAN CAFÉ Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue. 910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates! ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon - Sat. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and from 5-10 p.m. Closed Sunday. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Nightly specials ■ WEBSITE: www.sanjuancafenc.com

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

S. College Rd, starting at 6 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner daily. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri., open at 11 a.m.; Sat-Sun., open at 11:30 a.m. ■ LOCATIONS: 341 S. College Rd., 910-7930035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials. Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.95 on Mondays and Tuesdays at all locations, and every meal is complete. Serving the Port City since1996, folks can dine indoors at the Oleander and both Market Street locations, or dine alfresco at both Market Street locations. 3617 Market St.; 8024 Unit 1 Market St.; 5622 Oleander Dr. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs until 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. until 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Ogden ■ WEBSITE: www.lacostamexicanrestauranwilmington.com

ORGANIC LOVEY’S NATURAL FOODS & CAFÉ Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a true blessing for shoppers looking for organic and natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a veggie burger, hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar—which has cold, organic salads and hot selections—can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out. The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of delicious juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries organic grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. wheatfree and gluten-free products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also carries Wholesome Pet Foods. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m.. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331. “You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!” ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington in the Landfall Shopping Center ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. ■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com

SEAFOOD

Specials: TUES NIGHT: 1/2 Price wines by the glass WED NIGHT: 1/2 Price Draft beers

Dinner Daily: Tuesday - Saturday starting at 5pm Sunday Brunch: 10am-2pm featuring DIY Mimosa = 1 bottle of sparkling wine and a mason jar of hand squeezed OJ

www . rxwilmington . com

421 c astle s t • (910) 399-3080 F acebook : Facebook . com / rxwilmington / or Follow us on instagram rxrestaurantandbar 26 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With its growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to a second location in Porter’s Neck, and coming soon in 2017, their third location in Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: www.capefearseafoodcompany.com

CATCH Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847. ■ SERVING DINNER: Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: www.catchwilmington.com DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters. ■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH: Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dine on renovated Crystal Pier. ■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com THE PILOT HOUSE The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers

7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. 910-343-0200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: www.pilothouserest.com SHUCKIN’ SHACK Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910-4587380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-8338622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time! ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon-2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 11am-Midnight ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown

■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook! ■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” co-owner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive. (910) 798-2913. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesdays. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings. ■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com RX RESTAURANT & BAR Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up Southern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx

drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered. Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080. ■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.rxwilmington.com

SPORTS BAR CAROLINA ALE HOUSE Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNC W, this lively sportsthemed restaurant. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 South College Road. (910) 791.9393. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington. ■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com JAX 5TH AVE. DELI & ALE HOUSE Locally owned and operated, Jax offers a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming foodies, sports fans, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We provide a full eclectic menu of quality Boar’s Head sliced meat and cheeses, and feature unique items like our smoked salmon deviled egg, a legendary Italian sandwich, and famous pita pizzas that bake up lite and crispy. 20 HDTVs feature premium sports packaging for

all the games! Supporting local craft breweries with 24 drafts and over 100 different bottles and cans, enjoy it all inside the shiny silver building or outside on the dog-friendly patio at 5046 New Centre Dr. Carry out: 910-859-7374. ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Full menu until 2am daily. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Daily food and drink specials. ■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/ JaxFifthAveDeliAleHouse

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

“Purveyors of Superior Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars from around the world” Taste the Difference ~ Taste the Olive ~ Taste the World® Landfall Center

1319-BB Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 256-OILS (6457) www.tasteofolive.com encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 27

28 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>FEATURE

PUB-GRUB BLUES:

foodtastic events

Tavern on 17th needs some work

beef was rubbery. Three ballsy moves by Tavern: listing a menu item as “famed” despite being brand new and suggesting it was “the best in Wilmington” by another customer—and then recommending what was obviously a pre-packaged mac ‘n’ cheese side. If I’m way offbase and the mac was homemade, I apologize. But elbow noodles in flavorless, bright orange cheese sauce is not something to brag about.

BY: ROSA BIANCA

s a “restaurant critic,” it’s not just my job to talk about food. There’s a lot to be said for customer service— and lack thereof. Case in point: A friendly manager who acknowledges my existence and inquires about my dining experience would likely make up for an inedible sandwich and mac ‘n’ cheese that undoubtedly came from a blue and orange box. Here we go, Tavern. The Pointe at Barclay is getting on its feet still, so I told myself when it came to checking out the community’s new restaurants, I would be gentle. Currently a quieter time in Wilmington, now is a great opportunity for novel spots to hone their craft and train employees with precision. When two empty water glasses sit blatantly in sight of a waiter for an entire meal. without even a glance, I wouldn’t necessarily call that a bang-up job. But I don’t blame him per se; I blame the nearby manager who made more service-industry mistakes in one lunch sitting than I can count on one hand. But let’s talk food first. I had been holding off on visiting the beer-centric Tavern, as their uneven mixture of online reviews were less than intoxicating. While one customer vowed never to return after poorly cooked fish and a rude confrontation from the staff, another swore Tavern had the best grouper tacos in town. I went in with an open mind. The ahi tacos hit high notes more often than not online, so my dining companion and I grabbed a seat at the nearly-empty bar and took off with the tuna. We also went for the “Masters” burger, a recommendation of our server-slash-bartender. The tacos had several textures and layers of flavor: salty from a thick, soy glaze, sweet from mango slaw, and crispy-crunchy from the wonton shell. The cloying fruit salsa added an eruption of sugar that dominated the flavor of the bland ahi. I don’t question the freshness of the fish, but it was the least interesting item on the plate. Served alongside was a mound of Mexican rice and scoop of black beans. The rice was seasoned well, but as far as appearance goes, other than the bright yellow from the mango, the dish was missing vibrancy. As far as “bar food” goes, the burger got the job done. The meat was fresh, the inhouse pimiento cheese was gooey and the

caramelized onions were savory. Creativity-wise, the overall burger menu was elementary. The drunken collards stood out as one of the more unique sides, so we opted for those. What we got instead was a bowl of sad-looking Brussels sprouts. I flipped to the back of the menu hoping the accident was the “steamed” veg of the day. I don’t doubt Tavern is roasting its Brussels, but when a vegetable comes out looking and smelling like something grandma made— or served soggy and wet—consider your verbiage. The only reason the little green cabbages found their way back to modern kitchens is because chefs began roasting them at a super-high heat and caramelizing the sugars while crisping the outer leaves. Note to home-cooks and Tavern’s chef: If the execution intended were to be roasted Brussels that came out soggy, you overcrowded your baking sheet (resulting in steam)—or didn’t crank the heat enough. I motioned to the Brussels and asked the server if the kitchen was out of collards. He apologized and offered to put them in our to-go bag along with the “Famous” Reuben sandwich we ordered for a friend. Even when the full meal was placed in front of us (empty water glasses and all), our server didn’t come back to check on us until we were finished. And at that point, he simply asked if we needed anything else but didn’t acknowledge the vacant cups. On a positive note, the salad contained mixed greens (a step up from traditional iceberg lettuce) and their ranch was tasty and homemade. Yes, the small cup of dressing was the highlight of lunch. As soon as we left, I opened the Styrofoam box to find the bottom slices of marbled rye were soggy and the corned

Though he had a dozen times to greet us, ask about our meal, etc., the manager sitting nearby did none of the above.

FARMERS MARKET AT WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BREWERY Thursdays at 2 p.m.

Wrightsville Beach Brewery 6201 Oleander Dr. • Free wbbfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Folks have another year-round farmers market to shop and support local farmers and artisans. Wrightsville Beach Brewery now hosts a farmers market in their beer garden on Thursday afternoons. Shop for veggies, meat, eggs, honey, and handmade crafts while enjoying one of WB Brewery’s many delicious beers and stay afterwards for live music!

We had to flag him down for his attention. We had to ask if he was an owner or manager. We introduced ourselves, and after asking us if it’s our first time here, we didn’t receive a follow-up regarding the meal. Instead, he stood behind the bar and stared at his phone, annoyingly remarking on Wilmington’s off-season and the restaurant’s lack of capacity. Even if I wasn’t overly impressed with the fare, I was astonished at the absence of professionalism by management. I might have excused the bland tuna or given props to the draft lineup, had the experience been pleasant. First impressions are everything. To the hardworking folks who put in the many exhaustive hours it takes to open a restaurant, I want to be clear: I salute you. In fact, I’m rooting for you. I wouldn’t be doing you (or future patrons) justice if I wasn’t honest about my experience: It needs work. I hope you will turn it around to become the spot everyone wants to clamor to—it’s not too late.

DETAILS:

Tavern on 17th

The Pointe at Barclay 1611 Dusty Miller Lane #305 (910) 765-1157 Mon.-Sat.: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. bar until 2 a.m. Sun.: 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Bar until 12 a.m. www.tavernon17.com

WILMINGTON COFFEE CRAWL January 20, 10 a.m.

24 South Coffee House, Brooklyn Cafe, Folks Cafe, Java Dog, Luna Caffe Downtown • Free Facebook event page

Get a caffeine buzz while joining downtown Wilmington’s independent coffee shops for a day filled with fun activities and learn the ABC’s of coffee. Wilmington’s favorite coffee shops as a collective are taking a moment to honor their customers and highlight downtown’s coffee community. Every spot on the map will have their own twist on the event, so be sure to stop by more than one shop. Also, Artisan Locale will be hosting a variety of arts and crafts vendors throughout almost half-dozen participating coffee shops. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a warm stroll from one shop to the next.

encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 29

EXTRA>>BOOKS

CARPE LIBRUM

Philip Gerard’s new collection of short stories mesmerizes BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

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

young men especially. In “O Canada” we visit a family grappling with a draft notice. “From sixth grade on, the war had been a dark uncertainty brooding over my life, the big awful thing waiting for me just beyond the doorway.” It’s an entire generation of young men heard in the protagonist’s voice. Now the Sword of Damocles has dropped, so what is one to do and what are the longterm costs of a decision made just after turning 18?

Things We Do When No One is Watching Philip Gerard BkMk Press, 2017, pgs. 174

I discovered Philip Gerard’s work the same way the majority of his local readers did: through “Cape Fear Rising,” his novel about the 1898 coup and massacre that consumed Wilmington. The book served a greater purpose of putting those events squarely into conversation and focus, ahead of the coup’s centennial mark. But, for all the attention focused on “Cape Fear Rising,” Gerard has a host of accomplishments that include additional novels: three books on the process of researching and writing creative nonfiction. “Down The Wild Cape Fear” is possibly the most fascinating and comprehensive book on our river in print. He has an album of original music titled “American An-

Though the shadow of Vietnam is still firmly in the American mind, Gerard reminds of another shadow over his childhood: polio. Every adult in my life (of my parents’ generation) can recall the polio vaccination—sugar cubes, booster shots, lining up at public schools for both. What Gerard explores from different angles is not so much the collective memory of the vaccine, but rather the creeping terror of the long national nightmare attacking people, especially children, and maiming them for life. “Flexible Flyer” is told from the perspective of a child whose brother contracted polio. He watches the disintegrating impact it has on their family life. The full horror of its effect on their small town is revealed to him in an undeniable way.

them.” In some ways it feels phenomenally unfair how gifted Gerard is as a writer, musician and distiller of American life. His daily life reads like an adventure novel: kayaking, cycling, hiking, camping, and writing. Who Don’t be mistaken in thinking his collecwouldn’t want that? Somehow, he managtion is all lurking fears. Gerard is a romantic, es to pull it off with an amazing amount of and at the core of his work is a pervasive charm to neutralize envy at 50 feet. belief in love—love in a time of crisis, love as Last fall he added a short-story collec- regret, love as a sense of care and responsition to his list of accomplishments. Titled bility. “Stepping into Flight” is a gentle look at “Things We Do When No One is Watching,” the way we communicate and express love the collection mesmerizes. It is the ultimate in different forms. “Miracle Boy” is a story of compliment: When reading the title story, loss of belief and love, and the desperation Jock wanted my attention to discuss an is- to reclaim both. Paralleling the events of parsue related to domestic scheduling. Instead ents who have lost their children, it evades of putting the book down, I informed him he sentimentality while still tugging at your was going to have to wait three more pages heart. What is life? What is death? Who realbefore he could have my attention (which ly gets to decide which is which? Characters happens less than once a year). filled with certainty weigh in on the questions I went to bed one night fretting about the without having to bear the responsibility for characters in the title story—because they their ramifications. If anything, Gerard puts are so compelling and their struggles so such pain front and center in a completely vivid and gripping. Set in and around the concrete way in the real world. middle of the 20th century, it gives a connected sense of memory to the pieces. Gerard tackles topics more difficult than first meet the eye—and we expect to end in predetermined tropes. Then he veers off to pull our heart strings elsewhere. Each story is filled with surprise and power.

We have so very many talented writers in North Carolina, we can lose sight of just how lucky we are to have such a vibrant literary community. If readers only know Gerard’s long-form work, pick up his short-story collection. They’re jewels like Fabergé eggs: Taken as a whole they are remarkable, but It’s mid-century, so the Vietnam War the details will blow readers away and leave hangs in a shadow over the country, but them wondering, How did he do that?

30 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

CROSSWORD

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

1/14/18

THE NEWSDAy CROSSWORD

Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

FIVE IN A ROW: Making for some unusual clusters by Fred Piscop ACROSS 1 Place for prehistoric paintings 5 Florida Disney attraction 10 Padlock fastener 14 __-garde 19 Tons and tons 20 Raptor’s gripper 21 With 33 Across, 1820s engineering marvel 22 Barbecue spot 23 Sorcery 25 Beginning of many biographies 27 Poetic time of day 28 Sailor’s call 29 Historical spans 30 Passed over, as a syllable 31 Jeered at 33 See 21 Across 35 Corp. leader 36 To a high degree 37 German-based automaker 38 Sealed 42 Global extremes 45 Apt filmdom rhyme for “unseen” 47 __ shoestring (cheaply) 48 Mine extractions 49 Part of many a superhero’s costume 51 Henry Ford rival 52 Make fun of 53 Novelist Deighton 54 Epistolary afterthought 58 Initial extra inning 59 Pilots’ journals 61 Is optimistic 62 Goes after 63 Canvas coverings 64 Kid-lit elephant 65 A little wet

66 68 69 72 73 75 76 77 79 80 81 82 86 87 90 91 93 94 95 99 102 103 104 105 107 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117

Painter’s pigments Had a go at Collected, as praise Stares (at) Acrobatic maneuver Quarterback Manning San __ Obispo, CA Slalom gear Early pop-music idol Vallée Gravelly voice Half a figure eight Gig for a comic Seethes Pizza adjective Weather for 63 Across Leave quickly, so to speak Track circuits Photo’s dull finish Crime stats Drill sergeant’s order Food-truck fare Sale stipulation Source for beer or water Metaphor for thinness One way to swim Convex navel Natural emollient Concur Place for a roast Wall-frame timbers Compromise Bassoons and oboes Minister (to)

DOWN 1 Sounded like a raven 2 Still a possible winner 3 Electorate member 4 List shortcut 5 Acid artisan 6 Satirical imitation 7 Pottery material

8 Comics sound effect 9 Blaster’s supply 10 Of Israel’s language 11 Sans-serif computer font 12 Round Table figures 13 Adopt-a-thon adoptee 14 Sources of sauces 15 Hand luggage 16 Just __ (not much) 17 Well-mannered 18 __ the line (obeyed) 24 Greek underworld 26 Wetlands waders 29 Outer limits 32 Currier’s partner 33 Casual eateries 34 “__ Wiedersehen!” 35 Beseeched 38 Boston NBAers 39 With the current 40 Join forces 41 Maze options 42 Straw vote 43 Small, sweet sandwich 44 Moving across 45 Declines, with “out” 46 Rodeo contestant 49 Hens’ pens 50 Seeks clarification 52 Annoy playfully 54 Holes in a sponge 55 Many-store retail operation 56 Clad like a grad 57 Some Galaxy competitors 58 What a noun may be 60 Sounds from pounds 62 Cliché-ridden 64 Overly assertive

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 74 77 78 80 83

Hotel employee Stared at Give rise to Fryer serving Ranch fare Besides that Downturns Danish flavor Takes potshots Chocolate treat Preside over Followed closely

84 Julius Caesar opponent 85 English class, for short 86 Leading the pack 88 Tranquil 89 Hurries (off) 91 Soaked up sun 92 Crops up 94 Central Georgia city 96 113 Across adjunct, often

97 98 99 100 101 102 103 106 107

No longer vacant While away Israeli author Oz Fully stretched Julius Caesar rebuke Solar heating square Ranch measure Unpaid total Place to run a 106 Down 108 Historical span 109 Turn bad

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

737 3rd street

hermosa beach, ca 90254

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

tel. (310) 337-7003

FaX (310) 337-7625

RESERVE SPACE NOW FOR KIDZink. n

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR events

ILM POP UP MARKET

Jan. 12, 4-8pm: Pop-Up at Good Hops Brewery in Carolina Beach w/beautiful items for sale from our local vendors and artists—

music/concerts MUSIC CRUISES

A boat ride at sunset on the river! Join us for a 1.5 hour cruise on the Cape Fear River. Sip a drink from our full bar, enjoy the sights, while listening

to music by local musicians. $27. Book: 910-3383134. Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

GIRLS’ CHOIR OF WILMINGTON AUDITIONS

Jan. 18, 5:30-7pm: New-member auditions and open rehearsal for girls 5th - 12th. First Baptist Activities Center, 1939 Independence Blvd. No prepared musical selection is necessary. www. facebook.com/events/391284611320002/. Audition form and details here: http://girlschoirofwilmington.org/Membership.htm

theatre/auditions PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT

that will have you dancing in the aisles! $32 Jan. 19-21, 8pm or 3pm on Sundays (except thalianhall.org. Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. NYE). Book by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott, (See review page 17.) based on the Latent Image/Specific Films MoINSIDE JOB tion Picture. Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Big Dawg is pleased to be partnering with local Inc. Based on the 1994 film of the same name, actor and author Kenneth Vest for the premiere Priscilla, Queen of the Desert tells the story of of “Inside Job.” Will & Abby Mason’s lives are Tick, Bernadette, and Adam as they board a bus shattered when their son, Wyatt, dies of a heroin named Priscilla and take their outrageous drag overdose. It’s a story of love, loss, and charting show across the Australian Outback. A hit parade a new path after tragedy; familiar to thousands of dance floor favorites from the ‘70s and ‘80s: “It’s of Americans who have lost loved ones to the Raining Men,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “I heroin epidemic. Including Ken’s own son, JesSay a Little Prayer,” “I Will Survive,” “Shake Your se, who died of a heroin overdose. Showtimes: Groove Thing,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Hot Thurs-Sat, 8pm, and Sun, 3pm, through Jan. 21. Stuff”—but this funny and fabulous show also has $15. Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St. (See big joyous heart that beats with an energetic pulse review page 19.)

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS

Meet working artists, and see their works in progress. Everything from sculptures to fine jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, fun for everyone. Over 45 artist’s works to enjoy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday Art Walks, 6-9pm, 4th Fri. ea. mo. theArtWorks, 200 Willard St.

FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmington’s premier after-hours celebration of art and culture, 6-9pm, fourth Friday of ea. month. Features art openings, artist demonstrations, entertainment and refreshments. Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate. Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org

PED ART

Pedestrian Art public sculpture series, a program of The Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC, features the installation of 10-12 sculptures throughout downtown Wilmington. 2017 program is made possible through support from the City of Wilmington, The Artworks, Craige & Fox LLC, Art in Bloom Gallery, the Dreams Center for Arts Education, and the Downtown Business Alliance. Amy Grant: grantamyn@gmail.com, 484885-3037; or Rhonda Bellamy: info@artswilmington.org, 910-343-0998.

SHANNON BOURNE: AMERICAN STORIES

UNCW Department of Art’s newest faculty member is a versatile artist whose work spans film, graphic design, printmaking and ceramics. This exhibit features work in a variety of techniques, including innovative art that bridges the boundary between printmaking and ceramics. UNCW, Art Gallery, Cultural Arts Building, 601 S. College Rd.

ART EXPLOSIONS

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Join us for a new exhibit and opening reception of “Art Explosions” by Jeffery Geller during Wilmington’s Fourth Friday Art Walk in January. Jeffery Geller creates outside-of-the-box art, original art with paper, clay, paint, wood, and often found objects. Experience shadow boxes and art explosions outside of shadow boxes. View

clay and paper mobiles, mixed-media collages, paintings, and ceramics. Opening Jan. 26, 6-9pm. Meet the artist and enjoy refreshments and conversation. Exhibit runs from Jan. 19 until Feb. 24. Art in Bloom, 210 Princess St. MICHAEL VAN HOUT

Jan. 17, 6pm: Join us at Waterline Brewing Co. for an art opening and wine tasting for sculptor, Michael Van Hout. View tie-wire wall hangings and metal sculpted fish. The exhibit will run through Feb. 13. Wine at Waterline, w/free wine and cheese tasting! This month we will be sampling a wide variety of wines from NC’s very own Sanctuary Vineyards. Paired each sample with just the right cheese with live music and an art showcase presented by Art in Bloom Gallery. 721 Surry St.

Sign up, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www.jugglinggypsy.com. COMEDY BINGO

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

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

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

DEAD CROW COMEDY ROOM

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS

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

comedy OPEN MIC

The wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talents—performances of all kinds. Hosted by 6-beer Steve.

Jan. 19-20, 7pm/9:30pm: Ryan O’Flanagan is a comedian, actor, and writer who can be seen in the new Netflix Original Series “American Vandal” as well as in Comedy Central’s “Corporate.” In 2017, Ryan partnered with Funny Or Die to produce his ‘Overly Excited Tourist’ web series, which has accrued over 25 million views. His sketch group, Dead Kevin, has been featured on Tosh.0, Comedy Central Digital, and was an LA Weekly Top Comedy Act to Watch in 2013. He has appeared on New Girl, Adam Devine’s House Party, Last Call with Carson Daly, and voiced for American Dad.Dead Crow Comedy Room. 265 N. Front St. www.deadcrowcomedy. com

PRIMETIME COMEDY

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

Williams, Cordero Wilson, Grant Sheffield, Louis Bishop, and Tyler Wood. Hosted by: Wills Maxwell. N Front Theatre (formerly City Stage), 21 N Front St. HELL’S KITCHEN COMEDY NIGHT

Jan. 17, 9pm: Join us at Hell’s Kitchen for Comedy in Hell featuring the funny and hilarious Jamie Morgan. Show starts at 9pm. Free! Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

museums

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

CAMERON ART MUSEUM

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

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages 2-12, and free under age 2. 505 Nutt St. 910-7632634. www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE

Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4-$12. The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St.

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12-foot salt-

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

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

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

762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com. CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

See NC through the eyes of Wilmington-born photographer Hugh MacRae Morton (19212006). His captivating images will be featured in the traveling exhibit “Photographs by Hugh Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective,” is now open at Cape Fear Museum. The exhibit is on loan from the UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives and will be on view through September 2018. To create Photographs by Hugh Morton, Stephen Fletcher, photographic archivist at UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, selected images from the library’s collection of Morton’s estimated quarter-million negatives and transparencies. Shows experiences as a photojournalist; as a soldier in the Pacific Theater during World War II; and as owner and operator of Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction in Linville. Exhibits more than 50 images feature dozens of his lesser known or unpublished photographs, as well as some classics. Will feature brochures, postcards and prints. • Curiosity Carts, Jan. 7, 1:30pm: Free for members or with general admission. Get your hands on history and science! Examine artifacts and science specimens. Gain insight into topics featured in museum exhibits. Carts are stationed in Museum galleries and feature short hands-on, facilitated experiences for visitors. CF Museum, 814 Market St.

EXPO 216

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

St, expo216.com.

kids stuff STORY EXPLORERS

Cameron Art Museum, every Thurs., 10-10:30am: Admission by donation. Bring your infant, toddler or preschooler for story time, gallery exploration and an art project! georgia@cameronartmuseum.org for more info. 3201 S. 17th St.

LITTLE EXPLORERS

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

AERODYNAMICS FUN

Kids ages 6 to 13 are invited to build and test a variety of paper airplanes at this free library program. They’ll learn about the four forces of flight (lift, weight, thrust, and drag) as they observe the performance of different airplane designs. How far will it fly? How accurately will it land? Will it loop-the-loop? No registration is required for this free program for kids ages 6 to 13. Meaghan Weiner at mweiner@nhcgov.com or 910-7986385.

SATURDAY STORY HOUR

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

FRENCH PLAYGROUP

Thurs., 10am: Chantez! Jouez! Rencontrez des nouveaux amis! Sing, play, and meet new friends at French Playgroup at the main library! Informal hour where young kids and parents/caregivers can hear and try out some French words. Free and no advance registration is needed. Main Library Children’s Room at 910-798-6303 or sdemarco@nhcgov.com. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

NHCS TEACHER WORKDAY CAMP

Jan. 26, 8am: Coastal Athletics for all skills camp! Additional info, ages 7-12. Baseball and softball. Price is $40 for those staying from 8am-noon. Extend your stay from noon-4:30pm for $20. (910)-452-5838. www.coastalathletics.net. 2049 Corporate Dr., South.

outdoors/recreation NC BIRDING TRAIL

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

BLACKWATER ADVENTURE CRUISE

Two-hour cruise up the Northeast Cape Fear River, still largely unchanged and underpopulated as it was when Wilmington was colonized in the late 1600’s. Cruising through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the Bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation. A narrated cruise based of the history and ecology of the area. 910-338-3134. ILM Water

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Tours, 212 S. Water St. HARBOR CRUISE

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

MUSIC DISCOVERY PROGRAM

Jan. 17, 4pm: NC Symphony horn player Rachel Niketopoulos will share a book for young children and give an interactive demonstration of musical instruments at this free family program. You’ll learn how brass instruments make their sounds and hear examples of classical and popular music composed for single instruments and the full orchestra. After the demonstration, everyone will have the opportunity to try their favorite instrument in the instrument zoo! Music Discovery program is sponsored by PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative, promoting literacy and arts education for preschoolers and their families. No registration is required for this free event. Susan DeMarco at sdemarco@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6353. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St.

COLD STROKE CLASSIC

Jan. 20: Coastal Urge’s 10th Cold Stroke Classic will be held on January 20th, 2018. With 2 races and multiple divisions, paddlers can opt to do the 3.5 mile Short course or the 7 mile Long course. Cash purse for the Long Race will be $1,250.00 spread across the top finishers in each division except for 14 & under and “Run what you brung” divisions, provided there are at least three registered participants in the division. Course time limit of 2 hrs, 30 min. in 2018. At 2:30 we will pick up and bring all racers still on course back to the Blockade Runner. Stand Up Paddle Board start and finish at the Blockade Runner Soundside! 9:30am: Racer’s meeting; 10am race begins; 1pm, awards ceremony. 275 Waynick Blvd.

classes ART CLASSES

Lois DeWitt art classes, $100/4 (two-hour). Meditative Drawing: Wed., 10am and 2pm. • Thurs. and Fri, 5pm: Art it up—Nice and Easy! • Sat. 10am: Learn how to pour color shapes and define them with drawing. • Mon, 10am/2pm: Collage Magic • Tues, 10am and 2pm: Draw With Colored Pencils. All materials provided. www. free-online-art-classes.com (click on Wilmington Art Classes).• Fri., Jan. 19: Paint a wine glass with seasonally inspired motifs; relax with a complimentary wine. All materials provided. 910-5478115 or loislight@bellsouth.net

NEW BASIC YOGA CLASSES

At the Midtown YMCA are happening now! Join me on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm for a challenging and relaxing way to end your day. See the schedule for a full list of classes. Free with YMCA Membership or $10 drop-in. Temple Baptist Church Activity Center, 709 George Anderson Dr.

PAPERMAKING CLASSES

Wed., 6pm: Adults explore different papermaking techniques so you can make each sheet of paper unique. All materials included, but we encourage bringing in some of your own materials that you can include into your paper—such as flat mementos and plants. See samples on

our Facebook and website. Adult and children classes held on Sat., 2pm. Sign up: www.alunaworks.com. Aluna Works, 603 Castle St. POWER YOGA

Join us for power yoga on Sundays at Captâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Billâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 3pm. Drop in fee of $8. Bring your own mat. 4240 Market St.

NEW YEAR FUNDAMENTALS

Sunday morning yoga series, 11am-12:30pm through Feb. 4. Jan. 21: Forward Bending Postures; Jan. 28: Back Extending Postures; Feb. 4: Putting it All Together. $80/series or $22 drop-in. Longwave Yoga, 203 Racine Dr.

INTRO TO WORDPRESS

Jan. 17, 3pm: Learn the basics of creating webpages in Wordpress at this free workshop at Northeast Library. Space is limited so please register on the online calendar atwww.NHCLibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6371. Reference Librarian Annice Sevett atasevett@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371.Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

SIMPLE DIVORCE CLINIC

Legal Aid of North Carolina offers this free informational clinic for people filing divorce actions. The webinar will be shown at both Myrtle Grove and Northeast Libraries. Please preregister for your choice of site on the calendar atwww. nhclibrary.org or by calling 910-798-6301. Participants at the clinic will learn the requirements for filing a simple divorce action in North Carolina, and how to complete the paperwork necessary to represent themselves in court. They will receive an information packet. A brief question and answer session with a VIRTUAL attorney will conclude each clinic. 866-210-5262 or www.legalaidnc.org. Business and Law Librarian Natasha Francois at 910-798-6306/nfrancois@nhcgov. com. Northeast Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

MINDFULNESS FOUNDATIONS LAUNCH

Intro offer to Mindfulness foundations Course is structured over 8 weeks through Feb. and reduces stress, and promotes health and well-being. Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices gentle stretching and mindful yoga Inquiry exercises to enhance awareness in everyday life group discussions and dialogue aimed at enhancing awareness in everyday life discussion with partners and small groups on personal responses to stress and well-being goals and more! Mond, 6-8pm, YMCA Midtown @ Temple Activity Center 709 George Anderson Dr. tina@ purmindful.com

WINTER BIRD ID

Jan. 23, 9am-3pm, 16 and up. Coastal North Carolina is home to numerous species of birds, including many that migrate through this area. Join Becky Skiba with the NC Wildlife Resource Commission and Andy Fairbanks with Halyburton Park to explore the various habitats in the Wilmington area. We will meet at the park at 8:45am. Pre-reg: www.halyburtonpark.com. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St.

HEALTHCARE POWER OF ATTORNEY

Jan. 23, 2:30pm: Bring your questions about end of life health care planning to this free clinic, which will be presented as a Legal Aid of North Carolina webinar at Northeast and Pleasure Island Libraries. Participants will learn about Advanced Health Care Directives and pick up blank forms. Virtual attorney will be available for a live question and answer period. Admission is free; prereg. on the calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org, or 910-798-6301. www.legalaidnc.org. Natasha Francois at 910-798-6306. Northeast Regional Library, NHC, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BREWING IN SCIENCE: DE-EXTINCTION?

Jan. 24, 7pm: Would you reintroduce Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prehistoric Giant Ground Sloth? Should you? Scientists are developing tools that may soon give us the ability to save endangered species and bring back ancient animals. Join a lively conservation with local experts and other community members about the idea of â&#x20AC;&#x153;de-extinction.â&#x20AC;? Discuss recent scientific breakthroughs and explore the societal and ethical effects of de-extinction. Form an educated opinion on the future of this thought-provoking scientific field. Dr. Nathan Crowe, a UNCW historian of science, will offer an introduction. Crowe researches the history of 20th century biology and biological technology. Sponsored by Cape Fear Museum Associates. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln.

lectures/literary BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

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

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TALK BOOKS

Join a different kind of book club! Weekly meeting, Wed., 11am, offers book lovers a chance to meet and compare notes about favorite books and authors. Attendance is free and advance registration is not needed, just drop in! Teresa Bishop at tbishop@nhcgov.com or 910-7986385. NHC Pleasure Island Library, 1401 N. Lake Blvd.

nized play. Standard format. $6 fee paid towards prize support for event. Prizes are a pack per win and also if you complete all 4 rounds. Event begins at 7pm, reg. begins at 6pm. Arrive early for event reg. Free play, $6 entry fee first FNM Free. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D. POKEMON LEAGUE

On Sunday evening learn to play the Pokemon Trading Card game, battle and trade in the video games, or enjoy the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pokemon Go Pokestop. Ages are welcome to our family friendly environment. www.facebook.com/groups/CFGPokemon. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D

BIRTH CIRCLE

Every 3rd Sat. come for our Birth Circle, something always different every month. Check out website for more details of what we have in store this month & exact time of each event! www.thebumpandbeyond.com. Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM

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

WILMINGTON FENCING CLUB

Adults meet Tues/Thurs, 7:45-9pm, and Youth meet Wed, 6:45-7:45pm. Class is open to the community, beginners welcome, and all equip-

ment is provided! Sessions are 6 weeks long and the cost is just $5 per class! Fencing incorporates agility, strength, coordination, balance, and timing. In fencing, physical ability is just as important as having a strong mental edge. Competitors of a fencing match wear protective gear including a jacket, glove, and head gear. Sport of fencing features three different levels, which are categorized by the type of weapon used in each level. The weapons used include the epee, foil, and the saber. Fencing is an aerobically challenging sport. In order to condition oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body, initial fencing training consists of challenging conditioning exercises. Express YMCA, 11 S. Kerr Ave. GIRLS NIGHT OUT NETWORKING SOCIAL

Jan. 17, 6pm: Celebrate our One-Year Anniversary Girls Night Out + Networking Social at the NEW Pour Taproom! We are doing an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s theme so come dressed to impress! Networking, shopping, and mingling with Wilmington Housewives all while connecting with amazing ladies, enjoying awesome food and drinks, and shopping with local businesses. Free, but please register: Tabatha at tabatha@housewivesinthecity.com for information. We will only have 8-12 featured businesses and 1 business sponsor per event; email Tabatha for more info. No duplicate businesses/ vendors. Pour Taproom, 201 N. Front St..

HILL SCHOOL OF WILMINGTON

Hill School of ILM is hosting an open house for prospective families on Tue., Jan 23, 5:30-7pm. Families are invited to tour the school and meet the faculty. Hill School of Wilmington offers a unique half-day academic program for students in grades 1-8 with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorder. A five-week Summer Program is also offered to provide students an

clubs/notices LA LECHE LEAGUE

Sat., 10am, meetings are informal and open to pregnant women, mothers, babies and children. If you have questions or just would like to meet other breastfeeding mothers, this is the meeting for you. La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

NHC HAZWAGON

New Hanover County encourages residents to safely dispose of toxic materials with its new mobile collection unit, the HazWagon. stationed various days at three different locations in New Hanover County to collect household hazardous waste and electronics free of charge. Residents can bring items to the following locations each week: Mon., 10am-2pm, at Ogden Park ball fields; Wed., 10am-2pm at Wrightsville Beach Municipal Complex in the Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market field by the recycle center; Fridays at Carolina Beach Mike Chappell Park (in the south side of the park across from the tennis courts), 10am-2pm.

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Call us at 910.392.0078 www.Computer-Medics.biz help@Computer-Medics.biz

FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC

Format of Magic: The Gathering tournaments, held on Friday nights in gaming stores and associations all across the world. They are designed to be a beginner-friendly introduction to orga-

encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 35

opportunity to improve their skills as well as to help prevent regression in performance that occurs without daily practice. For more information on The Hill School, its mission and methodology, please visit our website at http://www.hillschoolofwilmington.org or info@hillschoolofwilmington.org. Financial Aid options will be presented from 5:30-6. 3240 Burnt Mill Dr., Ste 9A

culinary FERMENTAL

Free tasting every Friday, 6pm. Third Wed. of each month feat. musical and brewing talents alongside an open mic night, as well as the opportunity for homebrewers to share, sample, and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage. PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer styles. 4pm, free. • Jan. 19, 6pm: An Evening with Highland Brewing, featuring a variety of classic Highland beers alongside a few rarities and seasonal winter ales. Food truck with 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine, 6pm, and music from Sean Meade Jazz Trio, 8pm. www.fermental.net. 910-821-0362. 7250 Market St.

ILM COFFEE CRAWL

Jan. 20, 10am: Downtown ILM’s independent coffee shops presents a day filled with caffeine, fun activities and the ABCs of coffee. Every participants has something special planned, and Artisan Locale will be hosting a variety of arts and crafts vendors throughout the shops. Free! Participants include 24 South Coffee House, Brooklyn Cafe, Folks Cafe, Java Dog, Luna Caffe. 24southcoffeehouse@gmail.com

FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

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

BEER BINGO

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

NEMA LOUNGE AND EATERY

Hump Day Happy Hour: 5-7 pm every Wednesday at NeMa Burger & Pizza Lounge! $5 Angus beef burgers and $2.50 16 oz Buds/Bud Lights. Martini Tastings every Friday and Saturday, 4-8 pm. 5 tastings + one small order of NeMa Fancy Fries, $20/person. NeMa Lounge & Eatery, 225 S. Water St. Chandler’s Wharf

FARMERS MARKET

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

SWEET N SAVORY CAFE

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letter will keep you updated. • Tues. Couples ity. Nova Swanstrom first at (910) 442-8480 x3009 Night: Purchase any dinner entrees & any bottle with Delta Behavioral Clinic. of wine to enjoy a free shared appetizer and a CELEBRATE RECOVERY free shared dessert. • Fri.: $10 off all bottles of Life Community Church, located inside Indepenwine over $35 from 650+ wine selection. Epicudence Mall, will have a recovery meeting every rean Dinner Menu changes monthly—amazing Monday evening at 6:30 pm starting with fellowdishes at affordable prices; full menu at sweetnship followed by a large group meeting at 7pm. savory.cafe/epicurean-wilmington-nc. $2 pints Support groups for men and women follow at 8 daily. www.sweetnsavory.cafe/winetasting-wilmpm. The meeting is in the Extension located across ington-nc. Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavillion Pl. from Branches bookstore and the church auditoriBLOCKADE SUNDAY BRUNCH um. Jodie: 910-547-8973, 791-3859 or Lifecc.com. Jan. 21, 10:30am: Interlacing cuisine of Chef Jes3500 Oleander Dr. sica Cabo pairs with live music by Jenny Pearson EXPECTING MAMA’S CIRCLE for our weekly Sunday Brunch. Our culinary team Sat, noon: Chat with other pregnant mamas who boldly takes on the down-home classics. Fare are going through the same thing as you! Lamaze such as shrimp and grits with on-the-fly inspired Certified Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding USA sauces, pimento cheese benedict, duck hash, counselor, and Postpartum Doula, Jess Zeffiro will and Southern style Rockefeller Oysters are just a moderate a free Pregnancy Meetup Group. Exfew examples from the ever evolving menu. Our pectant mothers are invited to pop into the group waffle and omelet station is a permanent fixture, at any time to share their stories, ask questions, and vegetarian options like green curry noodles and connect with great area resources. Share are always hot ticket menu items. Blockade Runstories and have any pregnancy and birth related ner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd. questions answered in a supportive environment. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave. Shakespeare Brunch, Sundays, 12-2pm. $20. CHADD ($8 Reading Only). Reserved seating. Monthly Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd MonSunday Brunch featuring a greatly abridged day of every month from 7-9pm at the Pine Valley reading of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays. United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Brunch and dessert with choice of entrée includBuilding B. This free support group is open to a ed in your ticket. Drinks and gratuity not included. growing group of parents, grandparents and indiPortion of proceeds donated to Shakespearean viduals affected by AD/HD who understand what educational outreach programs. Jan. 21, Twelfth it takes to face its daily challenges. Free. Pine ValNight; Feb. 18, Othello; Mar.18: Taming of the ley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Shrew; Apr. 22: Hamlet; May 20: Two Gentleman bldg B. WilmingtonCHADD.org of Verona; June 17: The Tempest. TheatreNOW, ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP 19 S. 10th St. Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Pine Valley United Methodist Church , 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. 3rd WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ Middle school and high-school students: Wilmwelcome. 910-763-8134 ington Pride and the Unitarian Universalist ConWILMINGTON MS SUPPORT GROUP gregation have joined together to create and Wilmington MS Support Group will resume regular facilitate a youth group for children/youth (middle monthly meetings on Thurs., Jan. 11. New Hanover school and high school) who are LGBTQIA, plus Regional Medical Center Campus, 2131 S. 17th St. straight allies. A safe space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political con- PFLAG sequences, religion, self harm and self-care. First Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who Room #2010, 7pm. are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP about important topics. Meets Thurs., 7:30pm, Meets third Saturday each month. Free; drop-ins UU Congregation of Wilmington, 4313 Lake Ave, are welcome. Group provides participants an op(across from Roland Grise Middle School). Sue portunity to receive introductory info about lupus, Graffius: dre@uufwilmington.org). encourage the expression of concerns, provide an SHAKESPEARE BRUNCH

support groups

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

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

TEEN TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP

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36 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

opportunity to share experiences, encourage and support positive coping strategies, and emphasize the importance of medical treatment. Guest speakers, DVD presentations and open group discussion. info@lupusnc.org or at 877-849-8271, x1. lupusnc.org. Northeast Regional Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

tours

Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Support Group, free, facilitated by TR Nunley and SKYQUEST: FALL CONSTELLATIONS Show Times: 2pm, 4pm; free for members or with Jamie Alper. This group will focus on the mental general admission. Experience the Museum’s digihealth needs unique to transgender and gender tal planetarium with a guided tour of tonight’s sky. non-conforming adolescents (13 years old -18 Discover new and familiar constellations, explore years old). Topics covered will include but are Greek myths, and find the five planets visible in not limited to: understanding one’s own gender, Nov. 2017. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. bullying, discrimination, and violence, family dyCAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS namics, coming out, being misgendered, hanCameron Art Museum allows participants to exdling invasive personal questions from others, plore current exhibitions with Anne Brennan, safety and safe spaces, anxiety and mood stabilCAM’s executive director, in a new series of pub-

lic tours. Free for CAM members. Wed., 1:30pm. 3201 S. 17th St. LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

INSIDER’S TOUR

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

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS

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

GHOST WALK

6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Admission charge. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910794-1866. hauntedwilmington.com

HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

BELLAMY MANSION

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

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

Anders Haugen competed for the U.S. as a ski jumper in the 1924 Winter Olympics. Although he was an accomplished athlete who had previously set a world record for distance, he won no medals at the games. But wait! Fifty years later, a sports historian discovered that there had a been a scoring mistake back in 1924. In fact, Haugen had done well enough to win the bronze medal. The mistake was rectified, and he finally got his long-postponed award. I foresee a comparable development happening in your life, Aries. Recognition or appreciation you deserved to have received some time ago will finally come your way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

commercials. The dog, who became mega-famous, was presented as a rich macho party animal named Spuds MacKenzie. The ad campaign was successful, boosting sales 20 percent. But the truth was that the actor playing Spuds was a female dog whose owners called her Evie. To earn money, the poor creature, who was born under the sign of Libra, was forced to assume a false identity. To honor Evie’s memory, and in alignment with current astrological omens, I urge you human Libras to strip away any layers of false identity you’ve been pressured to acquire. Be your Real Self—to the max.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In 1899, Sobhuza II became King of Swaziland even though he was less than five months old. He kept his job for the next 82 years, and along the way managed to play an important role when his nation gained independence from the colonial rule of the United Kingdom. These days you may feel a bit like Sobhuza did when he was still in diapers, Taurus: not sufficiently prepared or mature for the greater responsibilities that are coming your way. But just as he received competent help in his early years from his uncle and grandmother, I suspect you’ll receive the support you’ll need to ripen.

The giant panda is a bear native to China. In the wild, its diet is 99 percent bamboo. But bamboo is not an energy-rich food, which means the creature has to compensate by consuming 20 to 30 pounds of the stuff every day. Because it’s so busy gathering its sustenance, the panda doesn’t have time to do much socializing. I mention this, Scorpio, because I want to offer up the panda as your *anti*-power animal for the coming weeks. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you should have a diversified approach to getting your needs met—not just in regards to food, but in every other way as well. Variety is not just the spice of life; it’s the essence.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

In my ideal world, dancing and singing wouldn’t be luxuries practiced primarily by professionals. They would be regular occurrences in our daily routines. We’d dance and sing whenever we needed a break from the numbing trance. We’d whirl and hum to pass the time. We would greet each other with an interpretative movement and a little tune. In schools, dance and song would be a standard part of the curriculum—as important as math and history. That’s my utopian dream, Gemini. What’s yours? In accordance with the astrological omens, I urge you to identify the soul medicine you’d love to incorporate into your everyday regimen. Then go ahead and incorporate it! It’s time for you to get more aggressive about creating the world you want to live in.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Psychology pioneer Carl Jung believed that most of our big problems can never be fully solved. And that’s actually a good thing. Working on them keeps us lively, in a state of constant transformation. It ensures we don’t stagnate. I generally agree with Jung’s high opinion of our problems. We should indeed be grateful for the way they impel us to grow. However, I think that’s irrelevant for you right now. Why? Because you have an unprecedented opportunity to solve and graduate from a major long-running problem. So no, don’t be grateful for it. Get rid of it. Say goodbye to it forever.

tors syndiCate

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Between now and March 21, you will be invited, encouraged, and pushed to deepen your understanding of intimate relationships. You will have the chance to learn much, much more about how to create the kind of togetherness that both comforts and inspires you. Will you take advantage of this eight-week opportunity? I hope so. You may imagine that you have more pressing matters to attend to. But the fact is that cultivating your relationship skills would transform you in ways that would best serve those other pressing matters.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

In December, mass protests broke out in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city. Why? The economy had been gradually worsening. Inflation was slowly but surely exacting a toll. Unemployment was increasing. But one of the immediate triggers for the uprising was a 40-percent hike in the price of eggs. It focused the Iranian people’s collective angst and galvanized a dramatic response. I’m predicting a comparable sequence in your personal future, Virgo. A specific irritant will emerge, motivating you to stop putting up with trends that have been subtly bothering you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In the late 1980s, Budweiser used a Bull Terrier to promote its Bud Light beer in

You’re the star of the “movie” that endlessly unfolds in your imagination. There may be a number of other lead actors and actresses, but few if any have your luster and stature. You also have a supporting cast, as well as a full complement of extras. To generate all the adventure you need, your story needs a lot of dramatis personae. In the coming weeks, I suggest that you be alert for certain minor characters who are primed to start playing a bigger role in your narrative. Consider the possibility of inviting them to say and do more to advance the plot.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Thirty-five miles per hour is typically the highest speed attained by the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. That’s not very fast. On the other hand, each ship’s engine generates 190 megawatts, enough to provide the energy needs of 140,000 houses, and can go more than 20 years without refueling. If you don’t mind, I’m going to compare you to one of those aircraft carriers during the next four weeks. You may not be moving fast, but you will have maximum stamina and power.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

The pawpaw is a tasty fruit that blends the flavors of mango, banana, and melon. But you rarely find it in grocery stores. One reason is the fruit ripens very fast after being picked. Another is that the pollination process is complicated. In response to these issues, a plant scientist named Neal Peterson has been trying to breed the pawpaw to be more commercially viable. Because of his work, cultivated crops have finally begun showing up at some farmers’ markets. I’d like to see you undertake metaphorically similar labors in 2018, Aquarius. I think you’ll have good luck at developing rough potentials into more mature forms of expression. You’ll have skill at turning unruly raw materials into more useful resources. Now is a great time to begin.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

An iceberg is a huge chunk of ice that has cracked away from a glacier and drifted off into the open sea. Only nine percent of it is visible above the waterline. The underwater part, which is most of the iceberg, is basically invisible. You can’t know much about it just by looking at the top. This is an apt metaphor for life itself. Most everyone and everything we encounter is 91 percent mysterious or hidden or inaccessible to our conscious understanding. That’s the weird news, Pisces. The good news is that during the next three weeks you will have an unprecedented ability to get better acquainted with the other 91 percent of anything or anyone you choose to explore.

encore | january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com 37

UPCOMING EVENTS: FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 | 7:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs Delaware SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 | 1:00 P.M. Men’s Tennis hosts Appalachian State SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 | 7:00 P.M. Men’s Basketball vs Towson

Game sponsor: Kickback Jack’s • Halftime: Snipes Dribblers

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 | 2:00 P.M. Women’s Basketball vs JMU

Pink Game • Game sponsors: Reeds Jewelers and Pawn USA Pink T-shirts for sale to benefit Beyond the Pink

38 encore |january 17, 2018 - january 23, 2018 | www.encorepub.com

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