January 29 - February 4, 2020

VOL. 36 / PUB. 30 • THE CAPE FEAR’S ALTERNATIVE VOICE FOR 35 YEARS • JANUARY 29 - FEBRARY 4, 2020 FREE

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 1

HODGE PODGE Vol. 36/Pub. 30 January 29-February 4, 2020

ENCOREPUB.COM encoredeals.com

word of the week PISSTRACTION (N)

ART pg. 20 • By Shea Carver

By e ncor e sta ff

An ongoing exhibit at CAM asks local musicians to pair songs with works of modernist art, including David Hockney’s ‘The Wave’ (1990, above). Photo courtesy Cameron Art Museum

The act of being caught in conversation at a party when trying to go pee.

“Bouncing on one’s toes and quick, desperate glances toward the bathroom are both telltale signs of pisstraction.”

Courtesy of the Every Little Thing podcast

COVER STORY • pgs. 32-34 Wilmington Restaurant Week returns for its 12th year, with over 35 participants offering prix-fixe menus and specials from January 29-February 9.

12 days to eat, drink and indulge!

Photo courtesy Bourbon Street

THEATRE pg. 29 • By Jeff Oloizia

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief:

Shea Carver >> shea@encorepub.com

Staff Editors:

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

Art Director/Office Manager:

win of the week

Bailey McCall plays a diner employee finding her voice in ‘Waitress,’ coming to the Wilson Center Feb. 4-6. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Susie Riddle >> ads@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus, Tom Tomorrow, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, John Wolfe, Joan C.W. Hoffmann Interns: Lauren Sears, Darius Melton, Brooke Suddeth

SALES General Manager/Owner: John Hitt >> john@encorepub.com

Ad Representatives

Megan Henry >> megan@encorepub.com John Hitt >> john@encorepub.com Shea Carver >> shea@encorepub.com Brian Venegas >> brian@encorepub.com Published weekly on Wednesday by HP Media; opinions of contributing writers are not the opinions of encore.

We will give away a deal of the week to Noonie Doodle! Follow us on our IG, FB and Twitter (@encorepub) to find out how to win!

ALSO INSIDE THIS WEEK P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 encorepub.com • (910) 791-0688

EXTRA pg. 46 • By Lauren Sears A seminar, held at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science, explores the effects of sea-level rise on our coastal town. Photo via Unsplash

Live Local, pgs. 6-7 • News of the Weird, pg. 8 • Music, pgs. 12-16 • Art, pg. 20 • Gallery Guide, pg. 21 • Film, pg. 23 Comedy, pg. 28 • Theatre, pg. 29 • Dining, pgs. 32-43 • Extra, pgs. 44-47 • Calendar, pgs.48-62 • Crossword, pg. 63

2 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

Change is on the menu - all it takes is a perfectly personal recipe for happiness and the courage to make it happen!

Feb. 4, 5 & 6 at 7:30 pm

Wilson Center TickeT cenTral • 910.362.7999 • WilsoncenTerTickeTs.com encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 3

4 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

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LIFE

TAKING A STAND Citizens gather to hear folks speak in favor of Save Our Hospital.

SUPPORT

Courtesy Gene Merritt

Gwenyfar continues to follow the citizen organization Save Our Hospital about keeping NHRMC a public health-care facility

S

ave Our Hospital: It is a simple, straight-forward title for an organization. It reminds me of the moment toward the end of “Steal This Movie,” where Abbie Hoffman is trying to teach political organizing. He starts with renaming the campaign for the St. Lawrence River “Save the River.” When people ask what river, he would have their attention to talk about it.

That’s what we need to do: talk about New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

In July 2019, our county commissioners informed the public they would explore the sale of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)—a community-owned hospital serving New Hanover and six surrounding counties.

The driver of health care in our region, NHRMC also is the largest employer in the area; over 7,000 people earn their daily bread with jobs there. Plus, it’s a teaching hospital.

Many residents were dismayed by the news, and in spite of a public outcry, on September 16, 2019, three of our five commissioners voted to proceed with the sale’s exploration.

A Partnership Advisory Group (PAG) composed of five hospital trustees, five doctors and nine people from the com-

munity was created by New Hanover County to review the options for the future of the hospital and craft the Request for Proposals (RFP) to be sent to possible future buyers. At present the PAG has RFPs out to potential buyers.

On November 21, 2019, Gene Merritt, Senator Harper Peterson, Bruce Shell, Alex Hall and other supporters gathered on the steps of the New Hanover County Courthouse to announce the formation of Save

County Public Library Northeast Branch, which included North Carolina treasurer Dale Folwell and president and CEO of Renaissance Wilmington Foundation Bill Graham. Dr. Barak Richman of Duke University joined the discussion via Skype from Stanford.

BY GWE NYFAR

“You have a community hospital, the likes of which I don’t think exists in many other places— not just in North Carolina but the United States.

It is high quality, it is low cost, it’s accessible, and it’s profitable. Preserve it for the next generation.” —Dale Folwell, NC treasurer Our Hospital. On January 21, 2020, the group hosted a forum at the New Hanover

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People leaned against the walls at the event, which welcomed a standing-room only reception. Though the speakers gave

ROHLER

presentations, it was the Q&A period that started to feel electric—mainly because the wrong people were on the speaker’s panel. Many of the questions fielded have been asked since July—and we the public still do not have answers: Whose idea was it to sell the hospital?

Who will benefit from the sale? Why now?

Why can’t we have this as a ballot referendum item? Why can’t we have a year-long study to see what’s the best option for everyone the hospital serves?

As Merritt pointed out, we haven’t received an answer to the first question, despite it being asked. As to who will benefit from the sale?

“The buyer is the beneficiary,” Folwell pointed out. “I’m from another city that starts with a ‘W’—it’s not Wilmington, it’s Winston-Salem. But I think I know enough about Wilmington to know what transpired

when I was 10 years old; that’s when the hospital started. The community came together to build something that would provide high-quality, accessible, lowcost health care.”

As to the ballot referendum possibility, he acknowledged that it is not an uncommon experience to discover, though the will of the people might create something (like a hospital) through a ballot initiative, there is no path for recourse by future generations to undo the creation through another referendum. “Unless the General Assembly changes that.”

Local attorney and Save Our Hospital member Alex Hall concurred it isn’t legal to put it on the ballot. According to Hall, there has been an attempt to bring the issue before the North Carolina General Assembly.

Dale Smith, a member of Save Our Hospital and the emcee of the evening, shook his head at questions regarding the timeline: What’s the rush? Why can’t

“I don’t think it does any good to ask anybody because nobody knows the answer to that question,” he responded.

“We’ve been trying to figure that out for some time; we’ve asked and haven’t received an answer.”

Though he was not on the panel or an invited speaker, New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple attended the presentation. He was ready to get involved in, what he called, “a healthy conversation.” Observing the size and engagement of the crowd, he commented, “It is clear a large part of our community has not been convinced since July 23, the sale of the hospital or a major change to the ownership of the hospital, is the right thing for this community.”

Zapple pointed to the projected growth of our area; another 100,000 people are expected to move here by 2040. Thus, outside help will be needed. “So we should look throughout our region and across the county to bring the best experts we can to sit on the board of directors,” he said, “and that’s an immediate fix that can happen whether we do anything or not—and take it out of the political whims of the county commissioners.”

In the meantime, he makes it clear that

public discussions are vital to the future.

“Trying to stop discussions, trying to stop questions, trying to distort questions that are being asked or trying to distort answers—there’s no place for that,” Zapple said. “We need good transparent dialogue about what is best for our health care today and going into the future.”

he stated, “I know of no hindrance, referenced by that question that would prevent that from occurring, so long as those criteria were met.”

Zapple acknowledged though changes to the operating structure are important, we must maintain at least 51% local control. Merritt promised more work and In the Q&A Period one of the questions events by Save Our Hospital to increase brought up asked why the discussion was the public information campaign. focused on the sale of the hospital, and Dr. Barak Richman seemingly wrapped not on expanding and improving the hos- up the meeting best: “If you guys don’t pital with additional capital. New Hanover stand up and stop this consolidation, then County Commissioner Barfield asked the it is likely nobody will.” same question last fall, and stated on the record there was plan prepared for the hospital to seek outside capital. He wanted to know why it was ignored in favor of a rush-to-sell strategy. Folwell explained part of his responsibilities include chairing the Local Government Commission (LGC).

GIVE US A TRY...

“The LGC was set up after the bankruptcy of Asheville in the Depression,” he noted. “We were the only state that had something called the LGC, and there’s 1,310 entities that have to come before the LGC in order to borrow money.”

Folwell explained how the LGC’s role is to ensure entities borrowing money from water and sewer districts to cities and counties meet criteria are necessary and expedient. Regarding the possibility of NHRMC borrowing outside capital to grow

! s l a e d .com

“From what I understand, our senator from Brunswick County, who is in charge of the rules committee, would deep six that proposal, as soon as it hit the legislation that it produced,” Hall tells. “That is a political issue—I think nonpartisan, but we need to get enough pressure presented to the NC General Assembly and our local politicians to where they listen.”

we have a year long study to see what’s the best option for New Hanover County and surrounding counties?

Buyers save, businesses soar!

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 7

tersburg man apparently became so desperate for warmth on January 21 he set fire to a stack of paperwork in his apartment around 3 a.m.

WEIRD SCIENCE WFLA reported that the flames Mark Okrent, On January 22, the National Weather Ser66, ignited were significant enough to trigger vice expanded its cold-weather warnings in smoke detectors, which summoned the fire South Florida to include falling iguanas along department, but no one in the 30-unit building with falling temperatures. According to the was hurt in the incident. Except Okrent, who Associated Press, the NWS alerted folks that was charged with first-degree arson. [WFLA, the reptiles can become stunned by the cold 1/23/2020] and fall from their perches in trees. As temperatures rise during the day, they wake up, NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE unharmed. Males can grow to 5 feet long and If you’ve always thought those nail clipweigh 20 pounds. They aren’t considered to be dangerous to humans (unless they land on pers in your kitchen drawer were a harmless tool, think again. Kathleen Ayala, 30, has been your head). [Associated Press, 1/22/2020] charged with murder in Cumberland County, ANIMAL FARM New Jersey, following an altercation with her A Polish pig farmer in his 70s who had been husband on January 12, the Associated Press missing since December 31 is believed to reported. Authorities said Ayala, of Millville, and have been eaten by his livestock, Fox News 35-year-old Axel Torres got into an argument reported. Lubin District Prosecutor Magdalena in their home that became physical, and TorSerafin told local media the farmer’s remains, res left the premises. Ayala chased after him consisting of bones and skull fragments, were and stabbed him numerous times with the nail found by a neighbor, who called police after file tool on the clippers, causing wounds to his spotting the bones while fetching water from feet, hands, shoulders and left leg. When police a nearby well on January 8. The farmer’s an- arrived, they found Torres unresponsive and imals were roaming freely in the yard, and of- transported him to the hospital, where he died ficials indicated it was clear that the pigs had the next morning. [AP via WABC, 1/14/2020] euros. [Associated Press, 1/17/2020]

airborne, from possibly a bird of prey, with the rear of the group not pulling up in time and Officers of the North Wales (England) Po- striking the ground.” [Sky News, 1/16/2020] lice believe they have solved, with help In the western German city of Kleve, a refrom the government Animal and Plant Health Agency, the mys- gional court in mid-January overruled a lowtery of why more than 200 star- er court and awarded the owner of a chicken lings were found dead in a road mauled by a dog higher restitution because in Bodedern on December 10. the chicken had TV experience. Sieglinde the Rob Taylor of the police force’s chicken, who died in the attack, had completed rural crime team revealed that 10 hours of acting training and had appeared the birds suffered severe internal in at least one German movie, for which she trauma, “support(ing) the case that received a three-figure daily fee. The court orthe birds died from impact with the dered the dog’s owner to pay 615 euros (about road,” he told Sky News. “It’s highly likely $680) in damages, the Associated Press rethe murmuration took avoiding action whilst ported. A regular chicken is worth about 15

LEAD STORY

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feasted on him. They suspect he died of a fall or heart attack. [Fox News, 1/17/2020]

AWESOME!

Downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a little safer these days, thanks to the efforts An unnamed 55-year-old man from the of Night Watch, a helpful vigilante dressed in town of Pitalito, Colombia, got cold feet be- all black, with his face partially covered and fore his scheduled marriage over the weekend wearing reflective goggles, WGHP reported on of January 18, but lacked the courage to tell January 22. “I’m not looking to be a Batman his fiancee. Instead, with the help of his best and go around beating up criminals,” he told a friends, he faked his own kidnapping, reported reporter. Instead, he’s an anonymous superheOddity Central. The groom’s pals told author- ro who’s been patrolling the nighttime streets ities they had seen a group of armed men on for about a month, hauling around a bag filled motorcycles abduct their friend, and because with food, clothing and toiletries for those kidnappings for extortion are not unknown in in need. “There is no prerequisite for being a Colombia, the local police responded in force. good person,” Night Watch said. On that night, Police Commander Nestor Vargas ordered he helped out about a dozen homeless people roads closed, sealing off the town, and began in the community. “It’s just nice that people a search. That’s when the friends got nervous aren’t totally freaked out,” he said. “Now they and admitted they’d made the whole thing up. know who I am and that I’m trying to help.”

Authorities kept the groom’s identity a secret [Fox8, 1/22/2020] to protect him from other townspeople, who’ve THE LAST STRAW been down this road before: This is the second After numerous complaints going back time the groom has left a bride waiting at the altar. He and his cohorts will likely face jail time six months, according to a neighbor, Robert of up to six years. [Oddity Central, 1/21/2020] Wayne Miller, 57, was arrested at his home Zephyrhills, Florida, home on December 22 OOPS! for disturbing the peace with his lawn mowIn Toronto, the streetcar tunnel into Queen er. Body-camera footage obtained by WFLA Quay Station is protected by an automatic shows Pasco County Deputy Michael O’Dongate, rumble strips, flashing lights and signs nell arriving at Miller’s property and calling out warning automobile drivers not to enter. But to him, followed by a revving of the mower’s at 2 a.m. on January 22, one driver managed engine. “I’ve had four people come out and tell to ignore or overlook all the warnings, driving me that they can’t take it anymore,” O’Donnell his car about 600 meters through the tunnel told Miller, who responded, “Whatever,” before before arriving at Union Station and becoming turning on the mower again. Dwaine White, stuck on a concrete block, the CBC reported. who lives across the street, told The Washing“We’re sort of hard-pressed to think of any oth- ton Post the mower isn’t even capable of cuter measures we can take at this point” to deter ting grass. “He’ll run that tractor all night, and it drivers, a spokesman for the Toronto Transit echoes all over the neighborhood,” White said.

Commission said, “short of closing the tunnel, Miller was ultimately arrested for disturbing the peace and not complying with a law enand that’s not an option.” [CBC, 1/22/2020] forcement officer’s command. If convicted, he It’s been unseasonably cold in Florida (see could spend 18 months in jail and pay a $1,500 Falling Iguanas item above), and one St. Pe- fine. [The Washington Post, 12/27/2019]

EXTREME MEASURES

The Roaring ‘20s The CARE Project 10th Anniversary Gala

February 8, 2020 • 7 p.m.

Tickets: $125 Champagne welcome Heavy hors d’oeuvres Broadway-style show by Ray Kennedy DJ for dancing Tin-type portraits Vintage cars Live auction—Catch the Food Truck dinner for 20,

Bald Head Island week vacation, jewelry by Star Sosa and more!

Dress in your best Zoot Suit and Flapper Dress!

Cape Fear Country Club 1518 Country Club Road

21 and over event! tcpgala2020.eventbrite.com

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 9

Be mine.

1437 Military Cutoff Rd • 910 679 8797 10 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 | 1:00PM | Men’s Tennis vs Wofford SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 | 1:00PM | Men’s Tennis vs Radford THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 | 7:00PM | Men’s Basketball vs Elon FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 | 7:00PM | Women’s Basketball vs Elon

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 11

THEATRICAL POET Nashville singer-songwriter and Southern Pines native Annelle Staal plays a free show at Flytrap on January 30.

Courtesy photo

SOUND

BOARD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Tidal Creek Open Mic (6pm; free) Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 OleanderDr.. #100

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8PM; FREE)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 LGBTQ Karaoke + Gaming Night (7pm; free)

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Benny hill [7PM]

Circus Industry Night [3PM]

Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Pl.

Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

Annelle Staal [6pm; free]

Trivia with Party Gras Entertainment [7pm; free]

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

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

Tarantelli’s, 102 So. 2nd St.

Music Bingo with DJ Sherri [7pm; free]

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

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

toby levin [6pm; piano] Mike Blair [6pm; free]

Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Trivia from Hell’s [7:30PM; FREE] Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

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

FREE] Fox & Hound, 920 Town CenterDr.

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

Emily Roth [10pm] Lagerheads Tavern, 35 N. Lumina Ave.

List your live music, trivia and open mic nights

FREE

online and in print!

It’s super easy!

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

12 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Barry David Salwen and Domonique Launey [7:30pm; $6; piano]

Wes Sayer [9pm]

Beckwith Recital Hall, 5270 Randall Dr.

The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St.

Phantom Playboys [8pm]

Slick Mahoneys [9pm] Banks Channel, 530 Causeway Dr.

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

Medicated Sunfish [9pm; free]

Goth Industrial Night [9pm]

Drag Me to Ibiza [9pm; $6]

Mike Blair [6pm; free] Moe’s Original BBQ, 5818 Oleander Dr.

Stray Local [7pm] The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

The Dude Ranch [7pm; $10] The Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

Gravity Records, 612 Castle St.

Two Of A Kind Plays The Beatles! [7pm; $7] Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

Hot On Da Block Winter Concert [7:30pm; $24] Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Studio 54 ‘70s Dance Party! [8pm; $35-50] Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.

Josh Lewis [8pm; free] Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Hyperloops / SomeAreTravelers / Rocket77 / OrphanRiot & Solar Animals [8pm; $5] Barzarre, 1612 Castle St. Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

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

Mardi Gras Masquerade [8pm; $35] Warehouse 1856, 15 S. Water St.

Starkey [8pm] The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

Thursday ________________________________________

The Palm Room, 11 E. Salisbury St.

TRIVIA

Ryan Trotti [9:30pm; $10]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Friday & Saturday __________________________

The Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

Sirsy [9:30pm; free] Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St. The Palm Room, 11 E. Salisbury St.

Easy Honey [10pm]

Books, Beer, and Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (3pm; free) Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Chamber Music Wilmington: Volante Winds [4pm; $30]

UNCW Lumina Theater, 601 S. College Rd. Waterline Brewing Compnay, 721 Surry St.

Johanna Winkel [4pm; $7] Deliah Stanley [9pm]

THIS WEEK AT THE WITCH

The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St.

Trivia Night at The Goat and Compass (6pm; free)

Live at Ted’s, 2 Castle St.

Goat & Compass, 710 N Fourth St.

Greg Greenway [7:30pm; $20]

Trivia from hell’s (7:30pm; free)

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Wilmington, 4313 Lake Ave.

Anything Goes Open Stage (8pm; free)

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

THURSDAY

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

> > > Monday

> > > THURSDAY

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

$3.75 Hay Bale Ale

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

> > > WEDNESDAY $3.75 Wicked Weed $4.00 Margaritas

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

LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard on Friday & Saturday MONDAY

$2.75 Domestic $3.50 Select Drafts $4 Fireballs!

> > > saturday

TUESDAY

$4.00 Green Tea

(Foothills Hoppyum IPA, Red Oak)

$3.50 Local Draft Brew

> > > SUNDAY

$5 Jameson

$5.00 Bloody Marys & Mimosas

WEDNESDAY

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

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

FRIDAY

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

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

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

BREAKFAST BUFFET

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

Live at Ted’s, 2 Castle St.

End Of The Line [7pm; $7]

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832

Sunday ___________________________________________

Beckwith Recital Hall, 5270 Randall Dr.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

ON OUR LOT

2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Salty Turtle Beer Company, 103 Triton Ln.

Bill’s Front Porch Pub & Brewery, 4328 Market St.

FREE PARKING

LIVE MUSIC

Dockside Restaurant and Bar, 1308 Airlie Rd.

Mike Blair [4pm; free]

The Metropolitan Opera: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess [1pm; $20-24]

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

9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. • $4 MIMOSA’S

Emily Roth [3pm]

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

Soul-R Fusion [6:30pm]

Bacon Grease [8pm]

w/DJ Damo, 9PM

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Beats & Coffee [1pm]

Southern Trouble [8pm; free]

KARAOKE

2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

Dubtown Cosmonauts [10pm]

Deliah Stanley [10pm]

Mac & Juice Quintet [8pm]

Tuesday __________________________________________ $ 50

Barzarre; 1612 Castle St.

Bourbon St., 35 N. Front St.

Julian Lynch (Real Estate), Kevin Earl, Rosemary, Blind Justice [9:30pm; free] and Jody Martin [7pm; $10]

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

Your neighborhood drafthouse with a menu full of lowcountry favorites.

Join us for a hot meal and a cold pint.

40 BEERS ON TAP

#TAPTUESDAY...

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

WED 1/29 LEES CUT ACOUSTRIC 1/2 PRICE BA

THUR 1/30

FRI 1/31 BACON GREASE

SAT 2/1 PHANTOM PLAYBOYS

MONICA HOELSCHER

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

Draft Domestic Beers $2 Draft SamALL Adams Blue Pool Martini $6$5 Pizzas Bottles $3 TUESDAY TUESDAYSATURDAY Jack Be Chill $7.50 1/2 Off SelectLIVE Bottles of Wine IN THE JAzz BAR 22oz Deschutes Black Butte Absolute Dream $5 Bottles Half Price ofPorter Wine $5.50 $ 50 NC CraftAbsolut Bottles $3 5 • Pacifico 2 Willow Wit Dream $22oz Weeping WEDNESDAY Beer $5.50 WEDNESDAY 1/2 Off Nachos after 5pm 22oz $ 50 Edward Teach Peach in bar andMiller patio Light areas Pints

1 Coronoa/

$ 50 $5.50 Wheat Domestic Pints $1.50Lite Bottles 2 Corona SUNDAY Corona/Corona Lt. $2.50 Margaritas/Peach Margaritas $4 Margaritas on the Rocks $4.50 All Flat Breads $6 after 5pm THURSDAY in bar and patio areas THURSDAY $ $ $3 Mimosa Appletinis 4, RJ’s Painkiller 5 Truly Lime Spiked and $ 50 Mary $4 Bloddy 2 Red Stripe Bottles Sparkling Water $3 Domestic $ 50 Pints $1.50 2 Fat Tire Bottles 22oz. Tropical Lightning 5564 Carolina Beach Road IPA $5.50 FRIDAY(910)-452-1212 $ 50our website Sinking Bahama Mama $7 $4, 007Visit Cosmos 3 www.RuckerJohns.com $ 1/2 Off All Premium Guinnessfor Cans daily3specials, music and Red Wine Glasses upcoming events $

Island Sunsets 5 SATURDAY encore | january 29 - february 4,Baybreeze/Seabreeze 2020 | www.encorepub.com 13 $ 4

NATURAL SPOTLIGHT Wilmington’s own Johanna Winkel celrates the release of her new album at Live at Ted’s on February 2.

Courtesy photo

Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Trivia Tuesdays At Fat Tony’s [7pm] Fat Tony’s Italian Pub, 131 N. Front St.

3rd Annual Writers’ Night [6:30pm; $50]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Tidal Creek Open Mic (6pm; free)

Trivia with Party Gras Entertainment [7pm; free]

Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 OleanderDr.. #100

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

Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Anything Goes Open Stage (8pm; free)

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8PM; FREE)

The Drum Circle [7:30PM; FREE]

Barzarre, 1612 Castle St.

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

14 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

Music Bingo with DJ Sherri [7pm; free]

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

Kyle Lindley [10pm] Duck and Dive, 114 Dock St.

SOUL MAN

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN

R&B singer Raphael Saadiq visits The Orange Peel on February 3 and The Fillmore on February 5.

Courtsy photo

PLAYLIST SAMPLE

REGIONAL THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837

1/29: Art Wavey 1/30: Space Jesus 1/31: Yonder Mountain String Band 2/1: 80s vs 90s Dance Party 2/3: Raphael Saadiq 2/5: ZOSO - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience 2/6: Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic! 2/7: Perpetual Groove 2/8: Calexico and Iron & Wine

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

1/31: Thomas Rhyant’s Sam Cooke Revue 2/1: The Martha Bassett Show 2/7: An Evening with Seth Walker & Cruz Contreras

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE N. DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298

1/31: Australian Wildlife Relief Benefit 2/1: Donna the Buffalo 2/6: Tinsley Ellis 2/7: Davy Knowles 2/8: Big Something + Andy Frasco & The U.N.

THE FILLMORE

820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 1/31: Space Jesus 2/1: Who’s Bad 2/5: Raphael Saadiq 2/6: Greensky Bluegrass 2/7: Saint Motel

THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND

820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 1/30: Mt. Joy 1/31: Thouxanbanfauni 2/1: Road to Grungefest presents: Enrage ATM & Pretty Hate Machine 2/4: The Adicts 2/5: Peekaboo 2/7: SAINTED: A Trap Choir DJ Party

CONCERTS

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 1/28-2/2: RENT 2/7: Nashville Songwriters 2/8: Jo Koy

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

1/29: Half Pint with Yellow Wall Dub Squad 1/31: The Breakfast Club w/ 8-Track Minds 2/1: Jupiter Coyote w/ Old Habits 2/6: Grass Is Dead & Songs from The Road Band w/ South Hill Banks 2/7-8: ZOSO - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience w/ The Petty Thieves

MARCUS KING - THE WELL JANIS JOPLIN - PIECE OF MY HEART BROKEN BELLS - GOOD LUCK BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS - NO WOMAN NO CRY ERIC CLAPTON - LAY DOWN SALLY RAILROAD EARTH - MIGHTY RIVER THE ALLMAN BROTHERS - ONE WAY OUT BRANDI CARLILE - THE STORY

3/28 & 3/29 GLA

KT TUNSTALL

4/26 GLA

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053

1/30: Who Runs the Hill Artist Showcase 1/31: Damn Tall Buildings 2/1: Local Flora 2/4: Chris Farren 2/7: Mega Colossus 15th Anniversary Show

NATHANIEL RATELIFF - AND IT'S STILL ALRIGHT CAROLINE ROSE - FEEL THE WAY I WANT TAME IMPALA - LOST IN YESTERDAY LOLA MARSH - ONLY FOR A MOMENT TRAMPLED BY TURTLES - OH LA LA YOLA - I DON'T WANNA LIE

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA

1/30: Over the Rhine 2/1: Lost Dog Street Band 2/4: 2020 Great Durham Pun Championship [SOLD OUT] 2/5: AJJ 2/7: Jason Ringenberg

CAT’S CRADLE BACK ROOM 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053

NEW MUSIC ADDED

UPCOMING PENGUIN SHOWS

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

1/29: Anamanaguchi 1/30: Yonder Mountain String Band / The Travelin’ McCourys 1/31: Beach Fossils 2/1: Jawbox 2/7: Bob Marley Birthday Bash

GARY CLARK , JR. - BRIGHT LIGHTS THIEVERY CORPORATION - LEBANESE BLONDE

PAUL CAUTHEN (BOURGIE NIGHTS 2/21) SOLD OUT!

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA (GLA 3/28 & 3/29) KT TUNSTALL (GLA 4/26)

SPECIALTY SHOWS:

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

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 15

LOVE OF MUSIC Melanie Krahmer and Rick Libutti make up the upstate NY duo Sirsy.

Photo by Jack Foley

BY SHANNON RAE GENTRY

“C

ancer changes everything,” Melanie Krahmer muses, “even when you try not to let it. But those changes have made me who I am today—as an artist and a person. I’ve learned a lot from it and gotten stronger because of it.”

The impassioned singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has defeated cancer … twice. Her last diagnosis meant more than a three-month hiatus from her rock-pop-soul duo Sirsy with husband Rick Libutti. When her doctor gave her the OK to make music again in 2018, she wrote the title track to their 2019 album “Like a Drum.” “[It’s] about celebrating life,” she offers, “feeling the joy that comes from doing that thing that makes you feel alive and sharing it with other people. The most powerful thing in the world to me is to be able to play a song we’ve written and look out at the joy on other people’s faces. It’s the best feeling in the world: to bring joy to someone’s life, even if it’s just for a short time (like the length of a live show).”

Krahmer (drums, bass pads, flute, vocals) and Libutti (guitar, pedal bass) always have been productive in the studio, with more than a half dozen projects since 2002. In fact they recorded the five songs for “Like a Drum” in a week. However, their robust touring schedule likely will keep them out of the studio in 2020.

Nevertheless, Wilmington will hear several songs off of “Like a Drum” for the first time this Saturday night at Satellite.

DETAILS SIRSY Friday, January 31, 9:30 p.m.

Satellite Bar and Lounge 120 Greenfield St. Free www.sirsy.com Folks will hear a collection of Sirsy’s older songs, too; though, Libutti hopes they have transformed for the better after so many years.

“We’ve been doing a longer jammedout version of a song from our first CD called ‘Wishless’ at our shows and I’m loving that,” he notes. “The studio version sounds flat now when I listen to it. We’ve also been doing a stripped-down version of our song ‘Brave and Kind,’ which gives me the feels every time we play it.”

Fans of Showtime’s “Shameless” always look for Sirsy’s “Cannonball,” which was featured on the show. Other songs are standouts live because of Krahmer’s energy on drums (“Crazy”) or her flute solo as heard on “Revolution.” Though sometimes it’s hard for her to sing, Krahmer says they’ll definitely include the track “Satellite” off the same record. “‘Satellite’ is about the loss we both

16 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

JOYS OF

felt during the process of dealing with the cancer,” she explains. “It’s an incredibly honest, bare and emotional song for us.”

For almost 20 years, the couple have navigated marriage and music, which folks almost always assume is a disastrous combination.

LIFE

Husband-wife duo Sirsy share love in music, play Satellite

Most people can’t believe two people could work, live and tour together without straining the relationship. “They typically think being married makes it harder to be together all the time,” Krahmer explains. is seeing other bands live. . . . There’s “I think it makes it easier! Rich is honest- nothing like the visceral impact of seely my best friend, and everything in life is ing music live. It’s one of the joys of life.” better when I get to do it with him.”

While they both chose this life because music makes them happy, playing The two rely heavily on their trust in it with each other brings out their best, each other, especially when it comes to writing and recording songs. They’re both on- and offstage. They gush, even, brutally honest with each other, making praising each other’s talents, thoughtcompromises along the way but never to fulness, quirks and fandoms… (Libutti’s spare the other’s feelings. “We tell it like a big “Star Wars” fan and started his it is and we get a better song out of it be- wedding vows with “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away … I met a girl and cause of that,” Krahmer says. fell in love.”)

“We’ve worked with so many music in“Rich is amazing,” Krahmer adds. “He dustry professionals over the years that makes me laugh every day; through the had so much advice,” Libutti adds. “Not hard stuff, the scary stuff and the fun that I didn’t learn anything from them, but in the end I realized they didn’t know any stuff. He’s romantic and kind and talented and generous—and so many things. more than we did.”

He also has the best smile.”

The two spend 99% of their lives to“Melanie made me a better person,” gether, so they’re drawn to a lot of the Libutti inserts. “I feel she brings out the same styles, sounds and energy in music, best qualities in me as a person, husband too. Think Band of Skulls, Motown, Lizzo, Gary Clark Jr., Muse, Black Keys, Bowie and musician. She’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, although she and the Beatles. doesn’t see that in herself. Plus, she’s “Not that we sound like any of those one badass singer/drummer/bassist/ bands,” Libutti quips, “but listening to flutist. . . . And she’s the one who has the them inspires me to want to write songs. best smile!”

I’d say the biggest inspiration for me

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PAST AND PRESENT See Alexander Calder’s ‘Ballons et cerft Volants, c. 1968’ at CAM’s ‘The Eye Learns and Hears Music.’

Courtesy photo

CALLING

BY SHEA CARVER

A

rt isn’t singular—it’s not created in a vacuum. Much of the time, an artist’s influence emerges from other art forms. Take the modernists prints in “The Eye Learns,” currently on exhibit at Cameron Art Museum (CAM). 134 prints by 54 artists, from postwar modernism to post-modernism, will be on display through April 26, 2020, as gifted by San Francisco art collector Louis Belden. When CAM staff were planning the roster of events surrounding the exhibit, public programs curator Daphne Holmes looked no further than Luc Travers, who helps with museum interpretation. Travers suggested combining art history with art appreciation to heighten the viewer experience.

“The development of modernist art has been strongly influenced by music,” he says. “Many artists tried to recreate the instantaneous emotional impact of music in their artworks. They had an interest in the theory of synesthesia—the idea that the senses are connected, e.g. images are associated with sounds, colors with tones, lines with rhythm, etc.”

Artwork on display in “The Eye Learns” come from the likes of Georges Braque, Alexander Calder, Sonia Delaunay and Josef Albers and others. To connect with the audience, CAM has utilized sound during the exhibit’s visual journey to help curtail intimidation. “Often, abstract-modernist works can be challenging to experience,” Travers admits. With the help of Holmes, the museum reached out to 17 local music professionals and asked them to choose five works to pair with their own musical suggestions.

DETAILS THE EYE LEARNS AND HEARS MUSIC Thursday, Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.

Cameron Art Museum 3201 S. 17th St. CAM Members: Free, GA: $8 cameronartmuseum.org allow visitors a chance to talk with and ask questions of the music contributors from the Wilmington area.

“Some are musicians, some teach music, some are lifelong music aficionados, which also makes them neighbors, co-workers and friends,” Holmes tells. “It will hopefully inspire visitors to think of what music they would choose for works of art, not only in ‘The Eye Learns’ but as they look at all the exhibitions on view.”

Primus Robinson, president of the Cape Fear Jazz Society—which hosts concerts at CAM every first Thursday evening of the month—chose Gerhard Richter’s “ABSTRAKTESBILD” to pair with Miles Davis’ “Miles Runs the Voodoo Down” from the famed album “Bitches Brew.” Its warmth, complexity and subtlety of color drew in Robinson, first and foremost.

“By using phones and the music icon in ‘The Eye Leans,’ CAM visitors can hear a sampling of the music selected, providing an added dimension and way to experience the art on view,” Holmes explains.

“It can evoke thoughts of several dimensions,” he describes, “be they the microcosm or the macrocosm. It moves me emotionally, more than some of his other abstract ‘bild’ works.”

As one of three gallery talks scheduled during the exhibit, the January 30 event, “‘The Eye Learns’ and Hears Music,” will

Robinson equates the same depth and elaboration in the jazz music of Davis. “[It starts] with a rhythm that builds into a

20 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

complex polyrhythmic weave—the gifting of ‘little surprises,’” he continues.

Another local known for her mark on jazz since the ‘90s, Nina Repeta—singer of the Nina Repeta Trio—chose two pieces: “Mother and Little Boy” by Karl Appel and “Flashback” by Judy Chicago. A parent to an 11-year-old-boy, Repeta was drawn to “Mother and Little Boy” because of its bright colors and faces. She chose John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” to talk about the piece.

“As a mother, you are joined with your child but not always connected,” Repeta says. “They share the same blood, but they see differently, with different eyes. The boy in the painting is free to go. He is beautiful.”

She also chose Donovan’s “Love is Hot” to talk about “Flashback,” as its geometric movement impacted her. “It hit me like a strobe light,” she says. “This piece invokes warning but draws me in like a dangerous lover that I must succumb to.”

The simplicity of Wayne Thiebaud’s 1970 painting “The Sandwich” drew in local performer and therapeutic musician Susan Savia, who teaches early childhood music through Happy Little Singers. Done in a gouache style (like watercolor), the piece consists of stacked, white square sandwiches. Colors pop from blue crusts and toothpicked olives, with a square blue shadow cast around the white plate.

“It is stark, yet animated and inviting,” Savia details. “Every sandwich is a work of art. This one is waiting, the olives enticing you to focus on the mouthwatering meal to be eaten and enjoyed. It immediately reminded me of Warren Zevon, who advised us to ‘enjoy every sandwich’ [on ‘Late Show with David Letterman,’ which also inspired the 2004 tribute album ‘Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon’]. It made the piece even more poignant.”

From pop-folk to pop-art, the 1960s famed comic artist Roy Lichtenstein’s “Sunrise” will be discussed by performing

ALL

SENSES

CAM marries music and modernist art in “‘The Eye Learns’ and Hears Music” artist Luis Adorno. “[I’m also a] curator, working with a wide variety of visual and musical artists locally and throughout the country,” Adorno says. “My work tries to break barriers between ‘high art’ and DIY spaces, with no regard to genre or convention.” “Sunrise” appealed to him because of how Lichtenstein deconstructs clichéd topics.

“His iconic pop-art style, paired with the upbeat funk/soul track, ‘We Are The Sun’

by SAULT, presents a feeling of new days, hopefulness, growth, social and spiritual consciousness, and overcoming adversity,” Adorno explains.

“The Eye Learns” will become part of CAM’s permanent collection after the exhibition closes this spring. The prints are displayed in the order in which Belden attained them over the course of his lifetime (he passed in 2017). It begins with the 1971 acquisition of “Art Beat” by silk-screen artist Nobu Fukui and ends with works by Richard Diebenkorn, Jasper Johns, and Ellsworth Kelly.

“Seeing the evolution and growth of styles and tones throughout time and during artists’ careers is fascinating,” Savia tells.

“All art is important,” Repeta adds. “Art transports us. It is crucial expression for humanity; even though we find art in nature, we as humans have the ability to intentionally create art of all kinds: visual, musical, theatrical.”

GALLERY art exposure!

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

ArtExposure will be hosting “Metal and Fiber, a show featuring the metal work of Vicki Thatcher and the Fiber work of Jan Lewis. The show will run until the end of August. Check out our new website at www.artexposure50.com to see upcoming events and classes!

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

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

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

View “2020: New Year, New Art” January 24 - March 8 with a variety of brand new art. Feast your eyes on new work directly out of the artists’ studios. Join us on Friday, January 24, 6-9pm, for an Opening Reception & Fourth Friday Gallery Night.

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

Join us on Friday, January 24, 6-9pm, for an Opening Reception & Fourth Friday Gallery Night. .

ART IN BLOOM SATELLITE VENUES www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Current Art Exhibits include: “Works of Art by Kirah Van Sickle” continues through February 3rd, 2020 at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street. The artist’s acrylic and mixed media works combine found objects and papers with paint glazes.

GUIDE

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART

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

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

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

Over 30 years experience in Tribal Arts.

Our clients include many major museums.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. • (919) 343-8997.

Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) newelementsgallery.com

New Elements Gallery is excited to announce our 34th Annual Holiday Show!

Start your Holiday shopping with perusing work by 40-plus of the best artists in southeastern North Carolina. Find oneof-a-kind gifts, wearable art, and home décor to make anyone happy on your list—including you! Show runs through January 18, 2020! This event is free.

WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY

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

“Foundations: An Alumni Invitational” exhibit begins on February 5! Mark your calendars for the opening reception on Friday, February 7 from 6-8 p.m. Artists include Nathan Ryan Verwey, Zak Duff, Jacob Parker and Angela Rowe.

ENCOREPUB.COM encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 21

Nominations have opened for encoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Of 2020

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MURDERERS’ ROW ‘The Gentlemen’ offers viewers the rare chance to watch Hollywood A-listers letting loose.

Courtesy photo

RAUCOUS GOOD

BY ANGHUS

T

here’s nothing better than a filmmaker finding his or her cinematic sweet spot—that fertile crescent of creativity where every cylinder fires perfectly and the entire affair has an air of effortlessness.

Some directors are tailor-made for certain stories—like Martin Scorsese’s gangster movies, Wes Anderson’s eccentric character ensemble dramedies, or Michael Bay’s insane, cocaine-fueled nightmares.

Guy Ritchie’s cinematic sweet spot is the comedic crime caper. Ever since he unleashed the amazing “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” onto cinemas, Ritchie has excelled in creating Gonzo stories of low-rent gangsters and the endless parade of wild circumstances that unfold when they’re placed within proximity of one another. “Snatch” and “RocknRolla” are both superior, highly re-watchable stories of underworld criminal enterprises composed of equal parts brutal violence and slapstick comedy. “The Gentlemen” is a fine addition to Ritchie’s criminal cinematic arsenal. It’s a bloody good time and features the same ingredients that have made his previous gangster comedies so tasty.

Michael (Matthew McConaughey) is the mastermind behind the UK’s most profitable and well-run marijuana operation. He is connected, with his criminal enterprise ready to be sold to a group of business-savvy billionaires, headed by smart and smarmy Matthew (Jeremy Strong, “Succession”).

For the sum of $400 million, Matthew and his associates will get the entire operation, which is primed to be worth even more once legalization finally makes its way across the pond.

Like any business deal between less-than reputable individuals, there are catches and caveats. A group of Chinese gangsters want to take control of Matthew’s operation and begins making moves against him. The charming, short-tempered “Dry Eye” (Henry Golding) starts flexing on Michael and his associates, most notably the blunt arm of his operation, Ray (Charlie Hunnam). Ray has his own set of problems, including trying to recover the drug-addicted daughter of a wealthy benefactor and tracking down a group of Go-Pro-wearing acrobatic fighters who rob, steal and post their “fight porn”

DETAILS THE GENTLEMEN

Rated R, 1 hr 53 mins Directed by Guy Ritchie Starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery on YouTube. Will Matthew live long enough to sell his criminal enterprise and make a fortune? In other words: Will he be dining on caviar or eating a bullet?

preciation for highly successful actors willing to have fun with a big, dumb live-action cartoon. I’m a huge fan of artists who can shed some seriousness to make something unapologetic and silly. There’s inherent entertainment value in seeing top-tier talent shedding the black-tie and tux for a track suit and automatic weapons. Matthew McConaughey never has been one to avoid peculiar projects, but in the last year he delivered two really watchable performances in quality “B” movies (the other was 2019’s wonderfully weird “Beach Bum”). These cinematic oddities seem natural to Ritchie—where he cuts loose and lets his freak flag fly.

TIME

‘The Gentlemen’ is the perfect chaser for heavy awards fare

been watching lately. It’s a raucous, reckless “The Gentlemen” is a lovely palette cleans- and ridiculous good time. er after all the heavy award-caliber films I’ve

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Like Ritchie’s other crime capers, “The Gentlemen” is filled to the brim with oddballs and ne’er-do-wells. McConaughey is pitch-perfect as a polished gangster dealing with a series of rapidly escalating problems that could turn his golden parachute into a noose around his neck. Colin Farrell gets a lion’s share of the laughs as a local gym coach, trying to rein in some of his more ambitious fighters who have a penchant for getting in trouble. Hugh Grant deliciously chews scenery as a private detective, playing every angle as he tries to blackmail people out of money while channeling his experiences into a highly marketable screenplay.

What I loved about “The Gentlemen” is how perfectly Ritchie and his ensemble weave together something raw and ridiculous.

Ritchie is second only to Quentin Tarantino when it comes to producing movies that can turn heinous acts of inhumane violence into side-splitting laughter. I’m guessing there are people who won’t be as amused by some of the more excessive bits of brutality, but I was chuckling the entire time. There’s a scene in a Chinese restaurant that will serve as a great litmus test for tolerance and/or appreciation of gross-out humor.

“The Gentlemen” also reinforced my ap-

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EAGLE ISLAND CRUISES

Saturday and Sundays thru January

Join us on a scenic 50-minute narrated eco-history cruise featuring views of unspoiled nature and a variety of wildlife daily.

Enjoy a relaxing ride on the river on our comfortable catamaran as you learn more about Wilmington, NC from our friendly captain and crew. Gain a new perspective on our history and our ecology as we share fun facts and historical anecdotes as we cruise along the Cape Fear River.

On the even hours, we cruise north along the Historic Downtown and Eagles Island where you see the past come alive. Capture unique views of the Battleship, learn about rice plantations, and view shipwrecks, flora, and fauna on this 50-minute adventure.

Visit us on the Riverwalk! 212 S. Water Street 910-338-313 4 â&#x20AC;˘ email: info@wilmingtonwt.com

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Complete Schedule: wilmingtonwatertours.net

On the odd hours, we head south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to the State Ports, learn the history of a WWII Wilmington Ship Yard along with current facts while watching tug boats, container ships, and pleasure boatsâ&#x20AC;Ś bring your camera along, there are photo ops in every direction!

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Local Realtors® sharing the whole Wilmington EXPerience.

Leslie Smith

910-233-8772 • leslie.smith@exprealty.com

William Corbett

910-409-7818 • william.corbett@exprealty.com

Remember to take care of yourself during the new year.

J Daniel Pierce PHOTOGRAPHY

Massage Therapy and Private yoga instruction available blueberrysagemassageyoga.com encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 27

TRIPLE THREAT Sam Jay is seeing success as both a stand-up comedian and writer for ‘Saturday Night Live’. She will perform at Dead Crow Comedy on January 31 and February 1.

Photo by Robyn Von Swank

PRIDE AND

BY DARIUS MELTON

A

person’s identity is a peculiar thing. To some, Sam Jay is an Emmy-nominated writer from “Saturday Night Live” (2017– present). To others, she is a noteworthy stand-up comedian. For many, she is an icon because of her triple-threat status as an openly gay black woman.

Jay’s identity is strewn throughout her shows. She covers topics like syncing up periods with her wife, wanting to adopt the best Asian baby, and how advancements in technology create new ways to feel broke. She also talks about her recent divorce and the idea that marriage was designed for straight people. The punchline: Marriage is just an

DETAILS SAM JAY Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

Dead Crow Comedy, 265 N. Front St. GA: $15 deadcrowcomedy.com

SPECIALS: Voted Best Fine Dining 2018

TUES. NIGHT: 1/2 P rice W ines by the G lass WED. NIGHT: 1/2 P rice D raft b eers sUn. brUnch: M iMosa s Pecial

excuse to have sex without protection.

Though she’s found success talking about her life onstage, the same self-deprecating traits she makes fun of often make life most difficult. “I mean, I’ve always been black and a woman,” she says, “so, I don’t have another metric to say, ‘My life could’ve been this way or that way and because of this my life is difficult.’ My life has been my life. I’ve always been these things. I think I noticed when I came out that sometimes people act different to you. Sometimes I’ve been called a ‘dyke,’ but I don’t know if it’s a thing where I wake up every day feeling like my life is harder.”

Jay does not look at her attributes based on how harshly the world judges her. Rather, she looks at how much these traits benefit her identity.

“My identity constantly influences my comedy,” she reveals. “So I feel like life experience is a huge part of comedy and these things happen to be a part of my life experience—so, yeah, they influence it, but I don’t see any ‘negative’ in it.”

Today, she headlines more high-profile gigs than she did seven years ago when she began her career in Boston. 2018 was a good year for Jay; she made an appearance on the first season of Netflix’s “The Comedy Lineup” and released “Donna’s Daughter.” The album is cut with interviews from Jay. During one clip, she vents about how hard it is to move forward in life when people from her past won’t let her. She points to her friend Marcus, who, from the front row, not even a full halfhour into her set, was heckling and throwing her off of her game. Though Jay seems heated when talking about the incident, two years removed she makes it clear she harbors no ill will toward her rowdy friends.

HOURS: TUES. - SAT., 5 P.M. SUN. BRUNCH, 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.

ig: @rxrestaurantandbar fb: facebook.com/rxwilmington

WWW.RXWILMINGTON.COM 421 C astle s t . (910) 399 - 3080 28 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

“My friends are always going to be my friends, man,” Jay says. “I’ve known Marcus since I was about 15 years old. He’s one of my closest friends, and my friends are always just going to see me as Samaria [not a wellknown standup comedian]—you know what I mean? I like that. It doesn’t bother me at all.”

PERSONA

Sam Jay talks SNL, friendship and being a gay, black woman Despite growing up in Boston, Jay lived in the South for eight years and performed in the Laugh Your Asheville Off comedy festival in 2013. Since then, she has traveled nationwide, taking her stand-up to well-known clubs like the Comedy Cellar in NYC, and in 2017 she was in the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. However, her content is relative, no matter geographic location.

“When you’re on the road and you’re a traveling comic, it’s like you’re just used to doing comedy wherever,” Jay says. “It doesn’t feel like doing it in the South; it’s just like doing it in the North.”

With almost a decade in the biz, Jay has developed a knack for rolling with the punches. She switches gears from writing jokes for routines to jokes for SNL; it’s an exercise in creativity and time management.

“I would say there was definitely a learning curve,” she describes. “It was hard because it’s easy to write my voice for me, but then it’s hard to figure out how to write my ideas for another person. It took some time to pick up, for sure.”

As a writer for SNL, she has gained skills and experiences that make her stronger in multiple areas of her profession. Still, she doesn’t believe it makes her any more legitimate than before.

“I think I’ve become a better stand-up because today I’m a better writer, so it makes me a better writer in both parts: writing scripts and also just my own material,” Jay says. “I think it’s made me sharper. I don’t think it’s made me more credible or non-credible, though.”

ORDER UP! Bailey McCall plays a downon-her-luck pie-maker in the national tour of ‘Waitress.’

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

SWEET

BY JEFF OLOIZIA

S

ore feet, long hours, demanding customers: Anyone who’s ever been a server in a restaurant can attest that it’s arduous work. Playing one onstage, it turns out, is even harder.

Actress Bailey McCall found this out firsthand last November when she took over as the lead in the North American tour of the musical “Waitress”—a role previously held by the likes of Jessie Mueller, Katharine McPhee, Jordin Sparks, and pop singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, who wrote the show.

McCall goes deep into the emotional well as Jenna, a newly-pregnant waitress trapped in an abusive marriage.

When opportunity comes knocking—first through the crafting of pies, which she gives quirky names such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed

By My Eggs Pie,” and later via an unexpected encounter with her male OB/ GYN—Jenna must find her inner voice and lift herself out of her dire circumstances. Based on the 2007 indie film of the same name, and set in the American South, “Waitress” opened on Broadway in 2016 and earned over $168 million before closing earlier this year. It comes to the Wilson Center February 4-6.

A native of Knoxville, TN, McCall has just the right mixture of Southern charm and wide-eyed vulnerability to play Jenna. She also has the requisite experience: before landing the role of Sally Bowles on the national tour of “Cabaret”—a gig that saw her following in the footsteps of Liza Minnelli, Judi Dench, Natasha Richardson and Brooke Shields—McCall worked as a waitress in a busy New York City restaurant.

“Oh my gosh, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” she says. “You had to take a personality and math test just to get hired, and then there were a couple seven-day weeks of training. It was just so intense.”

DETAILS WAITRESS February 4-6, 7:30 p.m.

Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. $46-96 • wilsoncentertickets.com 910-362-7999 Acting in “Waitress,” she says, is a different if equally grueling kind of work— owing partly to the fact that Jenna rarely leaves the stage. “Other than going off and coming right back on, it’s pretty much constant.”

McCall worked extensively with a vocal coach to prepare for the role, which demands she use the full range of her voice.

Bareilles is a dynamic pop singer who grew up performing in musical theatre, and it shows in the songs. “What Baking Can Do” is a jaunty, midtempo piano number that wouldn’t be out of place on one of Bareilles’ albums. “Bad Idea” is a rollicking, comic song, in which Jenna spars playfully with her aforementioned gynecologist Dr. Pomatter (David Socolar).

But the real showstopper is “She Used to Be Mine,” a second-act ballad that transcends Broadway melodrama into something wrenching and raw (the song was a brief radio hit for Bareilles in 2015). It comes just as Jenna is breaking down, and serves as a lament for the life she left behind.

“It’s helped me through a lot of dark days,” states McCall, who listened to the ballad on repeat long before landing the role of Jenna. The actress says the song’s subject matter and message of empow-

erment should resonate with many audience members. “Especially in these types of abusive and manipulative relationships, the person is often so broken down and so made to feel so small, [they] truly lose sight of [they] are.” It’s a poignant moment, and one that takes a physical and emotional toll. “In that moment, it’s like I’m naked in front of the audience,” McCall says.

Of course, a touring production comes with its own set of challenges. The stop in Wilmington comes in the midst of a run of 231 shows in 8 months. When encore spoke with McCall, she had just finished a particularly grueling stretch of performances that included back-to-back twoshow days in Ottawa, followed by a onenight stop in Kitchener, some 300 miles away. The company often travels with up to 30 people on a single bus, an arrangement that can make getting a good night’s sleep a challenge.

“It’s a wild life!” McCall says. “People have dog beds on the floor they sleep on, or are curled up on their little bus row, or have their legs propped up on the window.

We’re just trying to get rest as much as possible, but you can only do so much on a coach bus.”

Still, she says, it’s worth it to partake in such a groundbreaking show. “Waitress” made history when it opened by becoming the first Broadway show to have its top four creative positions filled by women. In addition to Bareilles, who wrote the music and lyrics, Jessie Nelson wrote the book, Diane Paulus directed, and Lorin Lattaro served as choreographer. This ethos extends to the touring version, as McCall is joined on the road by director Susanna Wolk, choreographer Abbey O’Brien and music supervisor Nadia DiGiallonardo.

“Waitress” is, at its heart, a story made by and about women—a fact that isn’t lost on its star.

“It’s something we do not take lightly,” McCall says. “Gabby [Marzetta] and Ken-

GIG

Bailey McCall stars in female-fronted ‘Waitress’ musical nedy [Salters], who play Dawn and Becky, we talk a lot about that, and to have a show with three women in the lead is super rare.

Also, to have a woman [character] who isn’t just some guy’s counterpart—this is her story, and this is her fighting and getting her life back.”

Since the show has closed on Broadway, that responsibility is felt even more deeply. McCall and her castmates had returned from a Christmas break and were just getting their footing when the Broadway version took its final bow—leaving them the only North American production still running. It’s something McCall thinks about each night when she takes the stage.

“There are people all over the United States who maybe didn’t get to go to New York and see it, and we have the incredible opportunity to take the show to them,” she says. “It definitely is a big responsibility but it’s really exciting, and is [a chance] to tell the whole ‘Waitress’ community that, you know, this is not the end.”

As with “Cabaret,” McCall is focused on creating her own legacy while recognizing the privilege of carrying on the show. ”I think it’s important to remember I’m not here to be Jessie Mueller or to replicate Sara [Bareilles’] version of Jenna. It’s my job to find who Jenna is for me.”

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 29

T A E ts !

R G ea ble S ila a Av

Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 pm TickeT cenTral • 910.362.7999 • WilsoncenTerTickeTs.com 30 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 31

DOWNTOWN MIDTOWN NORTH ILM SOUTH ILM WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH LELAND BOURBON STREET

8 N. Front St. (910) 762-1922 www.circa1922.com

CRUST KITCHEN & COCKTAILS

DRAM + MORSEL

124 Princess St. • (910) 399-1263 www.crustilm.com

33 S. Front St. (910) 833-5999 www.dramandmorsel.com

NOLA STYLE

GLOBAL/TAPAS

SANDWICHES

AMERICAN TAPAS

3-COURSE MEAL: $18 PER PERSON

3-COURSE DINNER: $26.50 PER PERSON

2-COURSE MEAL: $12 PER PERSON

4-COURSE MEAL: $30 PER PERSON

THE GEORGE ON THE RIVERWALK

THE LITTLE DIPPER

MARINA GRILL

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET & SUSHI DOWNTOWN

35 N. Front St. (910) 762-4050 www.bourbonstreetilm.com

128 S. Water St. • (910) 763-2052 www.thegeorgerestaurant.com

SEAFOOD & SOUTHERN 2-COURSE LUNCH: $18 PER PERSON 3-COURSE DINNER: $32 PER PERSON POUR TAPROOM

CIRCA 1922

138 S. Front St. • (910) 251-0433 www.littledipperfondue.com

FONDUE 4-COURSE DINNER FOR TWO: $50 PER COUPLE FOR ONE: $26 PER PERSON DRINKS FEATURES: $5-$8

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

18 Harnett St. (910) 769-7974 www.marinagrillwilmington.com

16 S. Front St. • (910) 772-9151 www.nikkissushibar.com

SEAFOOD

SUSHI/JAPANESE

3-COURSE DINNER: $28 PER PERSON

4-COURSE DINNER: $25 PER PERSON

STALK + VINE

SUPERIOR GRILL

301 N. Water St. • (910) 343-1818 www.ruthschris-wilmington.com

224 S. Water St. (910) 769-0567 www.facebook.com/stalkandvinenc

109 Market St. (910) 833-5509 www.facebook.com/SuperiorGrill109

AMERICAN

STEAK HOUSE

AMERICAN TAPAS

AMERICAN

2-COURSE MEAL: $12 PER PERSON

3-COURSE DINNER: $35 PER PERSON

2-COURSE LUNCH: $15 PER PERSON 3-COURSE DINNER: $30 PER PERSON

3-COURSE DINNER OPTIONS: $17-$25

201 N. Front St. (910) 833-5999 www.wilmington.pourtaproom.com

632 • AdPak Classifieds • September 6 -| September 12, 2017 • www.adpakweekly.com encoreFree | january 29 - february 4, 2020 www.encorepub.com

STEAM RESTAURANT AND BAR

YOSAKÉ

9 Estell Lee Pl. • (910) 726-9226 www.steamrestaurantilm.com

33 S. Front St. (910) 763-3172 www.yosake.com

SEAFOOD

SUSHI/JAPANESE

2-COURSE LUNCH: $14 PER PERSON 3-COURSE DINNER: $32 PER PERSON ADD A BOTTLE OF WINE TO ANY COURSED OPTIONS FOR $18

4-COURSE MEAL: $28 PER PERSON

BONEFISH GRILL

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE

4719 New Centre Dr. • (910) 313-1885 www.bonefishgrill.com/locations/nc/wilmington

SEAFOOD/AMERICAN

317-C College Rd. (910) 791-9393 www.carolinaalehouse.com/our-restaurants/wilmington-nc/

AMERICAN

2-COURSE LUNCH: $15 PER PERSON 3-COURSE DINNER: $30 PER PERSON 2-COURSE LUNCH: $10 PER PERSON 3-COURSE DINNER: $35 PER PERSON 4-COURSE DINNER: $35 PER PERSON 3-COURSE DINNER: $20 PER PERSON

CASEY’S BUFFET

HOPS SUPPLY CO.

5559 Oleander Dr. (910) 798-2913 www.caseysbuffet.com

5400 Oleander Dr. • (910) 833-8867 www.hopssupplyco.com

SOUTHERN

AMERICAN

ADULT DINNER BUFFET $13.99 PER PERSON

3-COURSE MEAL: $22.99 PER PERSON

J MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI

3501 Oleander Drive, Wilmington • (910) 763-6466 8232 Market Street, Wilmington • (910) 686-0070 609 Piner Rd., Wilmington • (910) 332-5555 www.phillydeli.com

JACKSON’S BIG OAK BARBECUE

920 So. Kerr Ave. • (910) 799-1581 www.jacksonsbigoak.com

TROLLY STOP GRILL & CATERING 4502 Fountain Dr.. • (910) 452-3952 www.trollystophotdogs.com

260 Racine Dr. # 8 • (910) 799-6799 www.yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine.com

SANDWICHES

SOUTHERN

AMERICAN

ASIAN

2-COURSE LUNCH: $10 PER PERSON

RESTAURANT WEEK SPECIALS: $5.99 EACH

RESTAURANT WEEK SPECIALS: $8.25-$10.25

4-COURSE DINNER: $25 PER PERSON

YOSHI SUSHI BAR AND JAPANESE CUISINE

www.adpakweekly.com • September 6 - September 12, 2017 Free Classifieds •337 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020• AdPak | www.encorepub.com

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE

ITALIAN BISTRO

614 S. College Rd. • (910) 399-3366 www.okamisteakhouse.com

GREEN LINE PIZZA & STEAK

7134 Market St. • (910) 821-8191 www.greenlinepizza.com

8211 Market St. (910) 686-7774 www.ItalianBistroNC.com

AMERICAN

JAPANESE

ITALIAN

ITALIAN

3-COURSE DINNER FOR TWO: $22

3-COURSE DINNER: $24 PER PERSON

LUNCH SPECIAL: $8.99 DINNER SPECIAL FOR TWO: $32.99

3 COURSE DINNER FOR TWO: $50

OSTERIA CICCHETTI

SI! SEÑOR MODERN MEX

ROKO ITALIAN CUISINE

140 Hays Ln. #190 • (910) 821-9062 www.sisenormodernmex.com

6801 Parker Farm Dr., Suite 105 In Mayfaire Community Center (910) 679-4783 • www.rokoitalian.com

HENRY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

2508 Independence Blvd. • (910) 793-2929 www.HenrysRestaurant.com

ITALIAN

MEXICAN

ITALIAN

AMERICAN & SOUTHERN

3-COURSE MEAL: $30 PER PERSON

2-COURSE DINNER: $35 PER COUPLE

3-COURSE DINNER: $25.95 PER PERSON

3-COURSE DINNER: $25.99 PER PERSON

SAVOR SOUTHERN KITCHEN

SEASIDE BAGELS

3704 Carolina Beach Rd. • (910) 769-8112 www.savorsouthernkitchen.com

6400 Carolina Beach Rd. (910) 769-1827 www.bagelmeisternc.com

ZÓCALO STREET FOOD & TEQUILA

1474 Barclay Pointe Blvd. • (910) 833-5142 www.zocalostreetfood.com

BOCA BAY SEAFOOD AND OYSTER BAR

SOUTHERN

BAGELS

MEXICAN

SEAFOOD

2-COURSE LUNCH: $10 PER PERSON

RESTAURANT WEEK SPECIALS: $7.48-$9.35

RESTAURANT WEEK SPECIALS: $7-$14

3-COURSE MEAL: $30 PER PERSON

SWEET N SAVORY

CHINGON TAQUERIA

MIGHT AS WELL

250 Racine Dr. (910) 228-5365 mightaswellbarandgrill.com

1125-K Military Cutoff Rd. - In The Forum (910) 256-7476 www.osteria-cicchetti.com

BRASSERIE DU SOLEIL 1908 Eastwood Rd #118 (910) 256-2226 www.brasseriedusoleil.com

FRENCH

3-COURSE MEAL: $30 PER PERSON

ADD 2 COCKTAILS FOR $12

1611 Pavilion Pl. • (910) 256-0115 www.sweetnsavory.cafe

1132 New Pointe Blvd.

(910) 408-1221 www.facebook.com/chingontaquerianc

AMERICAN MEXICAN RESTAURANT WEEK WINE PAIRING DINNER: RESTAURANT WEEK SPECIALS: $4.99-$39.99 $25 PER PERSON

34 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

2025 Eastwood Rd. (910) 256-1887 www.bocabayrestaurant.com

PAPI’S CHICKEN

1108 New Pointe Blvd. (910) 408-1662 www.papischicken.com

PERUVIAN

RESTAURANT WEEK SPECIALS: $6.99-$8.99

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 35

DINING

GUIDE

PINE V ALLEY MARKE T 3520 S Colleg e Rd. •

AMERICAN BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie.

Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

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

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

ELIJAH’S

Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and

pinevall eymark et.com • Cou

rtesy P hoto

shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3.

Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

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

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.

36 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

■ WEBSITE: henrysrestaurant.com

NICHE

Niche Kitchen and Bar features an eclectic menu, a large wine list, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Close to Carolina Beach, Niche has a great selection of dishes from land to sea. All dishes are cooked to order, and Sundays features a great brunch menu!

Niche’s heated covered patio is perfect for anytime of the year and great for large parties.

And their bar has a great assortment of wines, even offered half off by the glass on Tuesdays-Thursdays. Open Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 910-399-4701.

■ OPEN LUNCH AND DINNER: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: nichewilmington.com

PINE VALLEY MARKET

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering,

gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambiance of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood.

Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home

frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: pinevalleymarket.com

THE TROLLY STOP

Trolly Stop Grill and Catering is a four store franchise in North Carolina. Trolly Stop Hot Dogs opened in Wrightsville Beach in 1976. That store name has never changed. Since the Wrightsville Beach store, the newer stores sell hotdogs, hamburgers, beef and chicken cheese steaks, fries, hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, floats and more.

Our types of dogs are: Southern (Trolly Dog, beef and pork), Northern (all beef), Smoke Sausage (pork), Fat Free (turkey), Veggie (soy). Voted Best Hot Dog in Wilmington for decades.

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

Franchises available.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952, Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921, Southport (910) 457-7017, Boone, NC (828) 2652658, Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN INDOCHINE RESTAURANT

If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors.

Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch.

Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: indochinewilmington.com

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET

For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the Front Street location, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and veg-

gie 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) 7719151.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am 10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: nikkissushibar.com

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE

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

Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the 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 okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am 2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: okamisteakhouse.com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer

Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT- 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80smusic and menu prices. Sundays are the best dealdowntown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are BuyOne, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles.Nightly Drink Specials.

Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

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

BAGELS ROUND BAGELS

SZECHUAN 132

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, cream

cheeses, donuts, sandwiches, coffee and more ■ WEBSITE: roundbagelsanddonuts.com

FONDUE

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant!

The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; open daily from Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING Sunday half-price wine bottles; Monday beer and wine flights on special;

Sushi Happy Hour

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

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

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

Half off classic rolls HIBACHI • SUSHI TEMPURA •DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE

Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 7633172.

■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week, 5pm; Sun-Wed. ‘til 10pm, Thurs ‘til 11pm, Fri-Sat, ‘til Midnight.

Round Bagels and Donuts features 17 varieties of New York-style bagels, baked fresh daily on site in a steam bagel oven.

Round offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, grilled and fresh to order. Round also offers fresh-made donuts daily! Stop by Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., and on Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Check With Our Staff About Our ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI MENU RUNNER-UP BEST JAPANESE

Japenese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi

614 South College Road • 910.399.3366 • www.okamirestaurant.com encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 37

Tuesday Local’s Night $11/person cheese and chocolate; Wednesday Ladies Night; Thursday $27 4-course prix fixe; Friday “Date Night” $85/ couple for 3 courses and a bottle of wine.

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

IRISH THE HARP

Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare! We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends.

Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 763-1607. Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area ■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/DowntownSouth ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring

Antonio’s Pizza & Pasta • w ww.antonio spizzapasta nc.com • C ou

rtesy Photo

major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: harpwilmington.com

SLAINTE IRISH PUB

Slainte Irish Pub in Monkey Junction has traditional pub fare with an Irish flair. We have a large selection of Irish whiskey, and over 23 different beers on draft, and 40 different craft beers in bottles. They have a large well lit outdoor patio with a full bar also. Come have some fun! They currently do not take reservations, but promise to take care of you when you get here! 5607 Car-

olina Beach Rd. #100, (910) 399-3980 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington, Monkey Junction ■ FEATURING: Irish grub, whiskeys, beer, wine, fun.

■ WEBSITE: facebook.com/slaintemj

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S

Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a 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, takeout and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.)

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

THE ITALIAN BISTRO

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

16 Cold Draft Beers

38 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

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

The Italian Bistro strives to bring customers a variety of homemade items made with the freshest, local ingredients. Every pizza and entrée is made to order and served with a smile from our amazing staff.

Their warm, inviting, atmosphere is perfect for “date night” or “family night.” Let them show you why “fresh, homemade and local” is part of everything they do. 8211 Market St. (910) 6867774

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun brunch, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck ■ WEBSITE: italianbistronc.com

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: grabslice.com

MEXICAN ZOCALO

Zocalo Street Food and Tequila brings a modern version of cooking traditional Mexican street food through perfected recipes, with excellent presentation. Zócalo was the main ceremonial center for the Aztecs, and presently, it is the main square in central Mexico City. It bridges old school tradition with a twist of innovative cooking. Zocalo also has weekly events, such as their margarita and food tasting every Monday, 5-8 p.m., and a live taco station every Tuesday , 5-8 p.m. Live Latin music Is showcased every other Saturday and Sunday brunch begins at 10 a.m.

Be sure to try Zocalo’s wide selection of the best tequilas! Owned and operated locally, locations are in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC. Take out and delivery available through most apps.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND BRUNCH:

Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m - 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; closes 9 p.m.

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

SANDWICHES J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI

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

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

We also have a great collection of salads to choose from, including the classic chef’s salad, chicken salad, and tuna salad, all made fresh every day in our three Wilmington, NC restaurants. 8232 Market St., 3501 Oleander Dr., 609 Piner Rd.

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

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

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY

Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm 10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

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

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and local-

ly 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, 910-7993847.

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

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

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

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

You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters.

■ WEBSITE: dockstreetoysterbar.net

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: 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 Sunday-Thursday 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 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch,. 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington

BITES 2020 WINTER RESTAURANT WEEK Jan. 29-Feb. 9 Encore Restaurant Week gives local food aficionados and visitors an opportunity to enjoy prix-fixe meals at participating eateries throughout the port city. Twelve days of culinary bliss for both diners and the restaurant community, giving our local economy not only a great boost but a chance to experience the expansive talent our culinary scene offers. There are no passes to buy, no coupons to carry, and no cards to punch! Simply attend the participating restaurant of your choice, request the Encore Restaurant Week menu, and eat, drink, indulge! wilmingtonrestaurantweek.com

MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local se food and more!

■ WEBSITE: MikesCfood.com

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

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 39

■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: pilothouserest.com

SHUCKIN’ SHACK

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd.

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am10pm; Fri-Sat:11am-Midnight.

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

■ WEBSITE: TheShuckinShack.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET

In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/ Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” co-owner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and homemade banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive.

(910) 798-2913.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mon. & Tues.

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

■ WEBSITE: caseysbuffet.com

RX RESTAURANT & BAR

Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx 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

40 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

■ WEBSITE: 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 sports-themed 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 S. College Rd. (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: CarolinaAleHouse.com

STEAKS TRUE BLUE BUTCHER & TABLE

True Blue Butcher & Table opened in the Forum Shopping Center in January 2018 at the point, 1125-AA Military Cutoff Rd. as Wilmington’s finest neighborhood butcher shop and restaurant. A menu of globally-inspired, local ingredients is served during lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. But the real experience is visiting the butcher counter to take home the best cuts of meat in Wilmington (and the world), while also given expert cooking and food advice from the chef/owner himself, Bobby Zimmerman. True Blue has a magnificent bar, handcrafted cocktail menu and bar menu and offers weekday specials. (910) 679-4473 ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & WEEKEND BRUNCH: Lunch Tues.-Fri., 11am-2pm; Dinner, Tues.-Sun., 5-10pm; Brunch, Sat.-Sun., 10:30am-2:30pm; Butcher counter Tues.-Sat., 10am-6pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: The Forum off of Military Cutoff Road ■ FEATURES: Wed. Burger Night, Thurs.

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

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

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR

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

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

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

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LEVEL UP Lector Bennett pours a cocktail for a customer at Cape Fear Wine & Beer, which now offers a liquor program.

Courtesy photo

SPIRITED

UPGRADE

BY JOAN C.W. HOFFMANN

C

ape Fear Wine & Beer has been a Wilmington institution for over 16 years. The bar started out in a small storefront on Water Street before moving to its current 139 N. Front Street location in 2009. Its beer selection is legendary—I would know, as I slung suds there for two and a half years. When I learned that the boutique wine and craft beer bar would be adding liquor, I was surprised, but not skeptical. Owners Lector Bennett and Maaike Brender à Brandis are masters of their craft, so I knew they wouldn’t attempt something they weren’t fully prepared for.

When they rolled out the program late last year, I was proven correct. The liquor selection is humble but thoughtful, providing mid-shelf libations for consumers who are beered-out or carb-conscious.

I sat down with the owners to talk about the changes to the bar. encore (e): The decision to add liquor to your repertoire is a big one. What led you guys there?

Maaike Brender à Brandis (MB): We were Wilmington’s first craft beer bar.

Now a vast majority of spots in town— between the breweries, bottle shops and restaurants—have good beer. When we first started out, that wasn’t the case. We wanted to stick to our roots, but we felt like we needed a face-lift after 16 years.

If you don’t try to stay relevant, you could go the way of the buffalo.

DETAILS CAPE FEAR WINE & BEER 139 N. Front St. Thursday-Sunday, 1 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Monday - Wednesday, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. capefearwineandbeer.com e: How difficult was the process? Not to throw the ABC under the bus, but as I understand it, the permitting process isn’t easy.

MB: Fortunately, it wasn’t so difficult this time. Having existing permits, a good reputation and relationship with other downtown businesses and law enforcement for 16 years certainly helped. Also, we had help from an NC ABC consultant who walked us through the whole process and expedited various other permits (fire, zoning, building, etc.) e: The build-out is gorgeous. How did you go about conceptualizing it?

LB: Thank you! I spent a lot of time studying efficient designs. The last thing I wanted to do was double the staff because of mixing drinks. I needed the most ergonomic Lector Bennett (LB): Statistically, peodesign to reduce the time spent with my ple are drinking liquor over beer and wine back to the bar. I spent way too much time more than ever in our lifetime. Although dwelling on this. I started with the guts, ice we are part of a great beer-centric comwell, soda gun, carbonator, C02 and mixmunity, we are aware of that fact and ers—stuff nobody thinks of. Then we built embrace it. I like to keep the wind to my everything around that. I wanted three mirback. rors instead of one big one so I could see 42 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

different angles when I’m making a drink.

Our pal Jordan Bearss took the vision and did the build-out. e: Do you feel you’re seeing new faces in the door?

MB: Absolutely! I recall seeing so many people who weren’t in the mood for beer or wine just turn around and walk out. Now that we’re a full-service bar, we’re excited to welcome many more guests.

LB: I can definitely say we sell more beer because we have liquor. I didn’t expect that, but it makes sense. We have more to offer, and folks stick around longer because of it. e: I noticed on top of the addition of liquor, you have a new jukebox and four new pinball machines. That’s a lot of change all at once. How do you feel about it?

MB: The new jukebox is another facet of our face-lift. We had the classic punk jukebox for so long, but technology has evolved over the years and so has our music selection. The classics that were available still are—along with so much more. This is another way we’re opening our space to more people.

Pinball has always been a huge part of our bar and we’re happy to be teaming up with The Stern Army and Flippin Balls Amusement. We have never had this amount and variety of pinball games, so it’s really huge for us.

LB: The new pinball games have been great! Downtown has never had tournament-caliber pins. When someone drives from out of town to compete in a tournament, they expect nothing short of perfection when it comes down to gameplay.

We had our Elvira tournament launch party and it was fascinating to watch. People

Cape Fear Wine & Beer adds liquor to their lineup came out of the woodwork for it. League night is Thursday, 7-10 p.m. Guests are welcome. e: The U-boat is a fun concoction. Can you explain how it came about? How do you make it?

LB: Speaking of Jordan Bearss, he came up with that. I really have no idea how or why. It’s a naval reference to a submarine hidden under a boat. I make it by putting the shot on top of an upside-down pint glass and then putting another pint on top of it to seal the shot to the bottom of the glass. Then I flipped it right side up quickly and I filled it with beer.

By far the most popular one is called the “Irish Crocodile.” The name is a cool cryptid reference. It’s made with Murphy’s stout and a Skrewball (peanut-butter whiskey) shot. The end of the pint finishes like a coffee shot. e: You made it 16 years! What’s in store for the next 16? Are you planning on expanding the liquor program into a craft cocktail direction? Can loyal customers still go to Beer Church every Sunday?

MB: Honestly, I cannot recall how many years we’ve been doing Beer Church, so it is definitely here to stay. As far as our cocktail program, we’re sticking with the basics with the exception of a handful of specialty drinks (Scorpion Bloody Mary, Hot Toddies, Blue Banshee, U-Boats, etc.) but as we evolve, we expect to see our cocktail program expand.

EDIBLE ART (Top) Pan seared local grouper with sauce piquante, shoepeg corn grits, cotton fried shallots, and chive oil was created last year by Hotel Ballast’s former executive chef, William ‘Kelly’ Robey; (bottom) the five-course meal will be paired with wine.

Courtesy photo

A

BY BROOKE SUDDETH

S

easoned Wilmingtonians are familiar with the Azalea Festival, held the first weekend every April for the last 72 years. The festival hosts concerts with recognizable names, fair-style food vendors on downtown streets, free-to-thepublic events—like an art show, boxing competition and parade—and an energetic atmosphere celebrating springtime on the southeastern coast. But how does our town manage to pull off the five-day festival year after year? Where do the funds come from to accommodate all of the free fun?

According to Azalea Festival’s event coordinator, Meghan Tadlock, funding primarily comes from sponsorship and ticketed events. The 73rd fundraising year will include a Scholarship Pageant presented

by BB&T on March 7, Paws On Parade on March 14, and a juried art show and sale, March 28-April 5. First, on February 1, the Azalea Festival will kick off its third annual Chef’s Showcase.

An epicurean affair, the luncheon consists of a welcome cocktail, silent auction, and an elegant sit-down, five-course meal. “The showcase is unlike other festival events primarily because it is more formalized,” Tadlock says. Five chefs will participate in 2020’s showcase: Don Drake of Magnolias and Blossom in Charleston, SC; Andres Kaifer of Vidrio in Raleigh, NC; Matthew Register of Southern Smoke in Garland, NC; Jamie Turner of The Asbury in Charlotte, NC; and Nathan C. Sims of the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, NC. Working as an executive chef for 16 years, Sims is no stranger to creating unique, delicious and aesthetically pleasing dishes. Actually, he has been in the kitchen since childhood. His culinary journey began by helping with family meals and has evolved into graduating with honors from the School of Culinary

DETAILS AZALEA FESTIVAL CHEF’S SHOWCASE February 1, 1 - 4 p.m.

Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St. Tickets: $75 - $1,000 910-794-4650 ncazaleafestival.org Arts in Houston, Texas. Sims has worked across different regions of the East Coast and ended up at Bald Head Island Club’s executive chef in 2013 before landing at St. James Plantation in Southport. Six months ago he was hired at downtown Wilmington’s Hotel Ballast, which specializes in Southern cuisine.

“It’s not fine dining, but everything is great quality and flavor,” Sims says. He has chosen to create a halibut dish for the Chef’s Showcase because of its rich flavor. “I figure this being a springtime event with the Azalea Festival, I’m going to bring in spring colors—add a pop to the plate.”

Saffron will give the dish bright hues of yellow, while the pea flower will give the plate a dash of purple. The complementary colors amplify the senses—sight and taste.

“Your palate won’t get bored,”

Sims assures. “The parsnip has a nice, crisp flavor to it, which will bring out some of the halibut. The halibut’s going to be more of a neutral, so it will have a buttery flavor to it, and the kataifi’s [long, slender pasta] going to be there for texture.”

Tadlock and her team had fun scouting for great culinary talent to participate in the showcase. They utilize local connections as well. For instance, the first showcase featured Vivian Howard, local restaurateur of Benny’s Big Time and TV personality of PBS’s “A Chef’s Life.” The second showcase included the work of pastry chef Claire Ptak, who baked the cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding. This year they will feature pastry chef Jamie Turner, who won the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Chef’s Showdown in Raleigh, NC. The recruited talent will forge one memorable meal. Don Drake’s down-South egg rolls will be filled with red pepper sauce, spicy mustard and peach chutney. The second course will feature a scallop tartare with butternut squash espuma, puffed

GOOD

THYME Azalea Fest fundraiser features five-course lunch, prepared by five regional chefs sorghum and preserved chili oil from Andres Kaifer. Matthew Register will prepare smoked pork belly with stir-fried collards and tomato chow-chow, followed by Sims halibut. Jamie Turner’s final course will consist of a ginger-pickled apple panna cotta, with a hibiscus mirror, passion-fruit coulis and molasses shortbread with white chocolate crumb. Each course will be paired with a glass of fine wine from Prestige Beverage, and the dessert is harmonized with a select tea from Tama Tea.

When attendees arrive at Hotel Ballast, where the event will be held, mixologist Alex Bridges, from Vidrio in Raleigh, NC, will greet guests with a cocktail made especially from Blue Shark Vodka out of Wrightsville Beach, NC. Folks can then head over to the curated silent auction items, which include a luxury vacation to St. Thomas, stainless steel grill, golf trip for four, a cosmetic package from Wilmington Dermatology Center, various art prints and jewelry. Lunch will begin at 1 p.m. A regular entry ticket is $75, while sponsors can purchase a table of eight for $1,000, which, in addition to cocktails and dinner will include a private-meetand-greet with all chefs, beginning at noon. encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 43

cal examiner Sir Arthur Glosten gave the most colorful estimate of the events. “It was as if Mr. Click’s entire body had been wired with explosives from within—a controlled demolition starting somewhere near his bowels. The violent expulsion worked its way through the body, with force of a peasized hydrogen bomb detonating from his rectum.”

BURNING SENSATION

An Eddie Inferno Rock ‘n’ Roll Adventure

The entire incident would have gone unresolved if not for several more mysterious explosions—most notably a Serbian flight attendant. He exploded mid-flight after informing Eddie they could not accommodate his request for a low-sodium in-flight meal. Christos Myrgugan’s remains ended up covering the inside of the private plane. His team of handlers attempted to mitigate the horrible happenings, but it became evident to the media and his legion of fans that Eddie Inferno possessed superpowers.

“You want to know what I’m thinking / I’m thinking you should die.”

BY ANGHUS CHAPTER 2A

O

ne line from The Absent-Minded Gentlemen’s fourth single off their third album “Cadaviar” strangely predicted Eddie’s journey into the supernatural and superunknown.

“Cerebral Hemorrhoids” tells the fictional story of a man who is overcome by the weight of his own knowledge.

“I know too much/me brain’s too heavy “It feels like ragin’ water / bursting through the levy “You want the truth / but the truth is a lie

The origin of Eddie Inferno’s powers—dubbed “pyrokinesis” by scientists—was a matter of broad speculation. Some believed him to be the next step in human evolution—an advanced being, free from the encumbrances of the common man. He freed his mind with over 800 doses of psychosilbin and DMT. Others believed his abilities were a byproduct of his lineage that directly linked him to the bloodlines of a number of messianic figures. To some, Eddie Inferno was God. The fact he possessed such power felt like a natural progression.

His early abilities manifested themselves in unrefined and uncontrollable ways. Eddie explained his power as “exploding thoughts.” With a great deal of

We’re not just hot dogs!

concentration, he could think about a person so hard their bodies exploded into little more than a bloody smear of torn tissue and broken bones.

Eddie’s first victim was a prickly, persistent member of the paparazzi: Keith Click. He followed the worldwide star to a heroin den in London’s Southend. After finding Eddie stumbling from the premises, unable to stay upright as he walked down a barely lit, seedy alley, Keith began to ask him a series of pressing questions that he was in no condition to answer.

“Go away, cunt!” Eddie whispered, barely able to move his mouth to form the words.

Keith persisted and fired off his flash like a strobe light, which sent Eddie into a furious stupor. Dehydrated and stoned beyond reason, his body was in no condition to take out his anger on the intrusive cameraman. Eddie’s thoughts became all-consuming. His mind became a swirl of irrationality, and wanted Keith Click to no longer exist.

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44 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

The initial explosion surprised Eddie.

At first he even wrote off the event as the product of a particularly thorny trip. However, a number of witnesses (including less obtrusive journalists) recorded it. Keith Click had been transformed from a morally grey tabloid photographer into an unrecognizable pile of crimson detritus, with an explosion powerful enough to paint the buildings on both sides of the alley blood red. Cobblestones filled with a pulpy mass of purified paparazzi.

Initially, Click’s death was unclassified with multiple medical professionals unable to determine its cause. Noted medi-

The civilized world initial reacted in shock and dismay that the world’s most notable celebrity could indiscriminately murder people with his mind. Foreign nations restricted his travel. Scared citizens called on the government to hold him accountable. The media struggled with how to frame Eddie Inferno’s extraordinary story. The crazed attention made Eddie and the Absent-Minded Gentleman more popular than ever. Fans clamored for a new album and tour, but producers were reluctant to work with the star when an audio engineer was decimated after accidentally eating Eddie’s lunch order.

Eddie finally addressed it at a press conference and told fans: “Really fucking sorry.” His entourage, bandmates and peers highly encouraged him to seek out medical or scientific help. Eddie was reluctant to become a guinea pig for the world governments that consistently denounced his messages and personal ideologies. Instead, he sought the help of spiritual leaders, which led him on a weekend-long, personal pilgrimage.

After emerging from a “spiritual congress” at a five-star day spa in Bangladesh, Eddie and his team of gurus told the media he discovered a path to enlightenment that allowed him to control his newfound abilities. Eddie assured fans, “I promise to try and not blow anything up with my mind anymore.” Everyone seemed sufficiently satisfied with his treatment, so the Absent-Minded Gentlemen embarked on their largest international tour to date.

It would be their last.

Anghus is encore’s 2020 fact or fiction writer, featuring the serialized piece, “Burning Sensation.” Read the prologue and previous chapters at encorepub.com.

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A SHORE THING Climate experts will discuss the perils facing Wilmington residents during seminar at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science.

Courtesy photo

THE

BY LAUREN SEARS

H

ow often do we actually think about where we live?

As a Wilmington resident, it should be all the time. Our town is intrinsically tied to the coast, with multi-million-dollar beach-front homes, infrastructure and businesses that reside near floodplains and, therefore, are prone to be affected when disaster strikes. But what exactly are we doing to combat this? The short answer: not much.

Most of us have heard of sea-level rise threatening Wilmington and surrounding areas. With over 232,000 residents in New Hanover County, and a population still rapidly growing due to the influx of college students and retirees, Wilmington—like many other coastal towns— faces a dilemma. How does a community constantly threatened by the sea continue to flourish? While we may be aware of the problem, there isn’t much in play to deal with it.

To help educate the public, UNCW faculty and staff have teamed up across many departments to put together a diverse panel of experts on the subject.

Department chairs and professors from physics, creative writing, film studies, environmental sciences and other subject areas have united in recruiting coastal science scholars who can help bring potential relief to this growing quandary.

The upcoming Coastal Resiliency Seminar—the fourth in a series—is scheduled to take place on January 30 at 6:30 p.m. in the Center for Marine Science Auditorium. Marine biologist and UNCW professor Dr. Christopher M. Finelli, one of the event’s coordinators, says the main goal of the seminars is to “[bring] the people of Wilmington together.”

Topics for previous seminars have ranged from adapting to storms, to educational leadership to hurricane-resistant construction. The fourth seminar will focus on how rising sea levels directly affect property along the coast and put essential infrastructure in the path of de-

DETAILS COASTAL COMMUNITY RESILIENCY SEMINAR Thursday, January 30, 6:30 PM UNCW Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Ln. free and open to the public www.uncw.edu/research/coastalresiliency struction. Guest speakers will be Gilbert M. Gaul, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner (as well as four-time finalist) for his investigative journalism, and Dr. Orrin Pilkey, a retired Duke University professor, author and local legend among the coastal science community. Both claim it is not a question of if but when we will need to retreat from the shorelines.

At the Center for Marine Science, Gaul will focus on Wilmington’s development and growth. In other words, how Wilmington can grow smartly.

“Wilmington is growing like a bad weed,” Gaul states. With many homes built near floodplains, residents of Wilmington witnessed firsthand the resulting damage during Hurricane Florence.

Gaul claims that the rebuilding process is only buying time without considering a long-term plan. “What’s happening at the coast is probably the most dramatic example of what the future risks are of climate change.”

His most recent book, “The Geography of Risk,” focuses on the risk of construction along the shoreline and explores the issue in greater detail. A longtime resident of the East Coast, Gaul says he has

watched the coast fill with no developmental plan. His goal is to stimulate the conversation of risk in coastal communities, as he addresses why real estate is built directly in harm’s way without consideration for potential property damage, even as it seems storms are only worsening with time. “Seventeen of the 20 most destructive hurricanes in history have all occurred within the last two decades.”

Pilkey knows firsthand how climate change affects coastal development. He witnessed the destruction of his parents’ home after Hurricane Camille in Waveland, Mississippi in 1969. “Global climate change will do two major things: raise the sea levels and intensify storms,” he states. “Those two things mean that homes built right next to the beach are in some trouble.”

Pilkey plans to discuss the recent announcement of a $237 million Beach Nourishment Project for Topsail Island and Surf City, a direct example of an effort to restore the beaches after the intense storms Pilkey warns of. The project is scheduled to take place in the spring and will be one of the largest nourishment projects, stretching over 10 miles along the East Coast. While the plan is a positive step forward, it is essentially a BandAid for a much bigger problem that is not being addressed—the need to retreat from the shoreline. Pilkey emphasizes the need for a plan. “The storm line erosion rate and storm damage rate are definitely going to go up.”

Public awareness of the matter is just starting to become more prevalent in our everyday lives. With our community still healing from Hurricane Florence, public knowledge of coastal resiliency has grown exponentially. With many educators, community leaders and citizens speaking out, it has become difficult to turn a blind eye.

He wants these seminars to keep a hopeful tone, despite the pressing feeling of impending doom. “If we can support people and provide basic necessities, then

FUTURE

IS

HERE UNCW hosts Coastal Resiliency Seminar at Center for Marine Science

I think the rest of it can be worked out,” he states. He also wants UNCW to be a pillar of leadership for the region, especially in times of uncertainty.

In the meantime, Finelli suggests several ways to be mindful citizens of Wilmington and consider our own impact on climate change. That could range from weaning off of single-use plastics, to recycling, to creating a more sustainable lifestyle, to holding elected government officials accountable for how they protect—or fail to protect—the coast. In the words of Pilkey, “The future is here.”

UPCOMING SEMINARS: February 18, 6:30 p.m. - Coastal Community Demography, at the Hannah Block USO/Community Center, 120 S. 2nd St. Guests: Dr. James Johnson, William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Director, Urban Investment Strategies Center.

Co-sponsored by the Cape Fear Council of Governments March 19 — Paving a Path to Resiliency: What Every Community Member Needs to Know. Location, time and guests TBA April 23 —Coastal Sustainability. Location and time TBA. Guests Carl Safina, ecologist, author and MacArthur fellow

encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 47

STUDIO 54 ‘70S DANCE PARTY

Jan. 31, 8pm: Studio 54 ’70s Dance Party presented by Edward Teach Brewery at the Brooklyn Arts Center (516 N. 4th St.). Be ready to dance, dressed like you were stepping into Studio 54. Three DJs, center bar, VIP lounge, prizes for Best Dressed and Best Dancers. $35 advanced tickets, $45 at the door & $50 VIP tickets. Proceeds benefit Miracle League of Wilmington. Must be 21. Doors: 7:00 PM. Show: 8:00 PM. Stop by Edward Teach Brewery at 6:00 PM for a Pre-party. $35$50. BrooklynArtsNC.com. Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th St.

events

MARDI GRAS MASQUERADE

Jan. 31, 8pm: The Junior League of Wilmington presents a Mardi Gras Masquerade at Warehouse 1856. The event features a cocktail party including Mardi Gras themed food, drinks, live jazz music, raffle prizes, tarot card readings, and more. VIP tickets ($80) include an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 7:30pm $37.50. www.jlwnc.org.

Warehouse 1856, 15 Water St.

THE MISPLACED CACTUS

Jan. 30, 5-9pm: Celebrate The Misplaced Cactus turning 3 at Flytrap Brewing. She will present her spring collection, as well as past macrame favorites. CheeseSmith Food Truck will serve from 6-9pm and there will be live music by Annelle Staal from 6-9pm. 319 Walnut St.

WILMINGTON COFFEE FEST

Feb. 1, 10am: The Wilmington Coffee Fest will be held at Hannah Block USO (120 S 2nd St.) and Waterline Brewing Company (721 Surry St.). In addition to highlighting the artisan coffee culture in the region, Wilmington Coffee Fest will educate participants on coffee and related topics and also give back to the community. There will be something for everyone, non-coffee-drinkers included. With 70-80 vendors participating, anyone who likes fine tea, sweet treats, baked goods, local art, craft beer, or great music will find something to enjoy. Events will include demonstrations, lectures, kid-friendly activities, and tastings! wilmingtoncoffeefest.com

AZALEA FEST CHEF’S SHOWCASE

Feb. 1, 1pm: The Chefs’ Showcase is an afternoon culinary adventure of a seated, 5-course meal with wine pairings, light entertainment, high-end silent auction items, and a luxury vacation raffle. The afternoon will be kicked off with a special signature Blue Shark Vodka cocktail

by Alex Bridges, mixologist for Vidrio in Raleigh. The 5th course, dessert, will be paired with a special tea from Tama Tea. Chefs include Don Drake of Magnolias and Blossom in Charleston, SC, Andres Kaifer of Vidrio, Raleigh, NC, Matthew Register of Southern Smoke in Garland, NC, Nathan C. Sims of the Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, NC, and Jamie Turner of The Asbury in Charlotte, NC as well as winner of the 2019 NCRLA Chef Showdown. Tickets are $75 per seat or you can purchase a table sponsorship at $1,000 for 8 tickets. ncazaleafestival.org/event/chefsshowcase-kick-off-event. Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St.

music OPEN-MIC AT TIDAL CREEK

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

THE DRUM CIRCLE WELLNESS HEALTH FAIR

Feb. 1, 3pm: Health Fair featuring local holistic practitioners and alternative medicine. Snacks, vegan offerings, local elderberry syrup and coffee tastings. Raffles. Good music playing thru the speakers and a canned food drive to benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.

Check out Wilmington’s new wellness business serving individuals and businesses, Wellness Provisions! Free but space is limited so reserve your spot now! Port City Krav Maga, 2307 N College Rd. www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-provisions-health-fair-launchparty-tickets-87317030589

STOKED SUPER BOWL PARTY

Feb. 2, 6pm: Game starts at 6:30pm.

Tons of giveaways! Awesome drink specials! Freebies! Blake Shelton’s new vodka giveaways! 313 Canal Dr., Carolina Beach. stokedrestaurant.com

MLK SUPER BOWL PARTY

Feb. 2, 6pm: Free. Ages: 13-18. Kids 12/ under must be accompanied by an adult.

Free. Watch the game, enjoy refreshments and other fun activities. Pre-registration is not required. MLK Community

48 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

Center, 401 S. 8th St.

WATERLINE SUPER BOWL PARTY

Feb. 2, 6pm: Join Cape Fear Rugby Club for their annual Super Bowl Party at Waterline Brewery! It’s a potluck/cook out, so bring side dishes to share. Support the local Marty Lyons Foundation by buying a burger or hot dog. Drink specials and good times! Don’t forget to buy Super Bowl squares: $20 per square and enter as many times as you wish to win cash prizes. Venmo: @fear-rugby/Paypal: Admin@fearrugby.com. Drawing of numbers will take place on either February 2nd, 6pm or when the board fills up. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

charity/fundraisers PINTS FOR A PURPOSE

Jan. 29, 6-9pm: Pint’s for a Purpose will raise money for Smart Start, a local nonprofit that benefits children ages 0-5 is all areas of health, family support, and early care and education. $1 of every pint sold will be donated. Plus WilmyWoodie Food Truck will serve delicious wood-fired pizza! Flytrap, 319 Walnut St.

Every Tues., 8-11pm, longest continuous Drum Circle for over 6 year provides an open forum, featuring djembe, dounbek, conga, bongo, cajon, yosika and other hand drums and percussive instruments.

Friendly environment for the enjoyment of rhythm and dance. All levels, rhythms welcome! Loaner drums available. Free.

Hosted by Ron at Bottega Art & Wine Bar, Brooklyn Arts District. 723 N. Fourth St.

JAZZ AT CAM

Tickets to the eight-concert series, playing a range of jazz genres in an intimate listening room performance. All concerts are 6:30-8pm, 1st Thurs., through April 2020 at Cameron Art Museum. Presented by CAM and Cape Fear Jazz Society: CAM/CFJS Members: $17; non-members: $25; students with valid college ID $12 (tax and fees not included). Feb. 6, Andrew Berinson Trio; Mar. 5, Lenora Zenzalai Helm; Apr. 2, John Brown Quintet.

CAM, 3201 S. 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org.

PORGY AND BESS

Feb. 1, 1pm: The Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess” returns to the Met for the first time since 1990, in a new production directed

by James Robinson in his company debut. America’s “folk opera,” as the 1935

creators described it, tells the story of disabled beggar Porgy, sung by Eric Owens, and his love for the drug-addicted Bess, portrayed by Angel Blue.

David Robertson conducts a stellar cast, who sing much-loved classics “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “Bess, You Is My Woman Now,” “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin,” and “My Man’s Gone Now.” $20-$24, uncw.edu/olli/ metopera.html. UNCW Lumina Theater, 615 Hamilton Dr.

DOMONIQUE LAUNEY AND BARRY SALWEN

Feb. 1, 7:30pm: Pianists Domonique Launey and Barry Salwen return to Beckwith Recital Hall, performing compositions for solo and four hands. $6. uncw.edu/arts. Beckwith Recital Hall, UNCW 5270 Randall Dr.

CHAMBER WILMINGTON: VOLANTE WINDS

Feb. 2, 4pm: With their captivating stage presence and joyful music making, this vivacious ensemble from Indiana University’s famous Jacobs School of Music has already secured international residencies in South Korea, Japan, and Spain and won national awards for their delightful. $30.

Beckwith Recital Hall, UNCW, 5270 Randall Dr. uncw.edu/arts.

theatre/auditions CIRCUS INDUSTRY NIGHT

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

WAITTRESS

Feb. 4, 7:30pm: Meet Jenna. A waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life. Such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county and a satisfying encounter with someone new, show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Tony Award®-nominated hit features original music and lyrics by 7-time GRAMMY nominee Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”). Book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (“Pippin,” “Finding Neverland”). Recom-

mended for ages 13+. The Wilson Center, 703 North Third St. Tickets: $46-$96. capefearstage.com

film CINEMATIQUE

Jan. 29, 7pm (additional 4pm screening): “Funtastic Fungi,” directed by Louie Schwartzberg and narrated by Brie Larson, is a consciousness-shifting film that takes us on an immersive journey through time and scale into the magical earth beneath our feet, an underground network that can heal and save our planet. Through the eyes of renowned scientists and mycologists like Paul Stamets, best-selling authors Michael Pollan, Eugenia Bone, Andrew Weil and others, we become aware of the beauty, intelligence and solutions the fungi kingdom offer us in response to some of our most pressing medical, therapeutic, and environmental challenges. Tickets: $8, thalianhall.org.

Thalian Hall, 301 Chesnut St.

FIRST IN FILM FESTIVAL

Feb. 4, 6pm: A film festival for everybody!

First time filmmakers, student filmmakers, independent filmmakers and anybody with a camera. This festival will feature all genres. Submit your films to firstinflightfilmfestival@gmail.com. Barzarre formally known as the Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

art FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

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

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

HOMEGROWN BY ANGELA ROWE

New art exhibit, hosted by Art in Bloom and Checker Cab Productions, at Pinpoint. “Homegrown” is about local food and the local places that offer it. Angela Rowe’s paintings explore the movement of food from farms and waters to markets and to table. Woven through these paintings are my food memories and stories, a sort of autobiography in food. Rowe is a native of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina who grew up drawing, doodling, and creating imaginary houses from shoeboxes and paper. Angela began taking classes at The Museum School of Cameron Art Museum and in October of 2014, she leased studio space at ACME Art Studios. She works in acrylic, mixed media, collage and print making. 114 Market St. www.aibgallery.com

ART BY CAMMERON: CHILDHOOD ART

ArtByCammeron will have her childhood art on display for the first time. Collecencore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 49

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

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

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

wordpress.com

2020: NEW YEAR, NEW ART

2020 is a new year which brings a variety of brand new art by Art in Bloom Gallery’s core artists to the gallery. Feast your eyes on new work directly out of the artist’s studios with “2020: New Year, New Art.” Bradley Carter (painting), Debra Bucci (painting), Richard Bunting (blown glass), Elizabeth Darrow (painting), Brian Evans (ceramics), Joanne Geisel (painting), Dave Klinger (photography), Joan McLoughlin (painting), Gale Smith (painter), Traudi Thornton (ceramics), among others! Continues through March 8, with a special reception during Fourth Friday Gallery Night Reception on Feb. 8, 6-9pm.

Art in Bloom, 210 Princess St. aibgallery. com/events/fourth-friday-opening-reception-2020-new-year-new-art.

WOOL REINVENTED

Flytrap welcomes featured artist Rachel Frey’s collection “Wool Reinvented.” Fiber artist Rachel Frey trained at SCAD, and creates felted pieces of all sizes through an ancient method using water and friction. Her art is fully composed of natural resources.

The collection will consist of immensely detailed prints, which start out as watercolor paintings that are then transferred to Adobe Photoshop to manipulate the imagery into a repeat pattern. Rachel is drawn toward colors and textures that occur in nature. Her art reveals an essence of softness as well as rigidity. Flytrap, 319 Walnut St.

EYE CANDY BY MARLOWE

“Eye Candy,” featuring local pop artist Mar-

dance 76ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB

lowe is at New Elements Gallery. Inspiration comes to the artist from watching 1930s and 1940s movies. Captivating images from the world of pulp fiction mix with exotic handmade papers creating incredible compositions that are a nod to another time, and a fantasy to be explored. Join us as we dive into the charismatic, colorful world of Mar-

50 encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

lowe, the first official show at NEG for 2020!

271 N. Front St. newelementsgallery.com

SKIN

An exhibition of human body prints from work done in Jena, Germany and at Acme Art Studios. Fourth Friday Reception, free. ACME Art Studios, 711 N 5th Ave. acmeartstudios.

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

SENIOR LINE DANCING

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

Free! Pre-reg. is not required. 1101 Man-

ly Avenue

OVER 50’S DANCE

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

DRAG ME TO IBIZA

Every Friday at Ibiza Nightclub—home to some of the areas most talented female impersonators. Our exclusive drag shows take place at 10:30pm and midnight. Afterward our dance floors is yours as our resident DJ spins a variety of House, Hip hop, Top 40 & EDM until 2:30am. 18+ with Valid ID. Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

CONTRA DANCE

Evening of energetic, contemporary American country dancing, Tuesdays.

A caller will lead the dancers through a sequence of moves. People are friendly and beginners are always welcome, no experience necessary! It’s fun for all ages, teenagers through seniors. You don’t need a partner; we promise you’ll get to dance. In fact, you’ll dance with everybody there! Recommended dress is

cool and casual, with soft-soled shoes.

General admission: $5. 5th Ave United Methodist Church, 409 S 5th Ave.

comedy OPEN MIC

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

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

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY

First Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features Three Guest Comics Under a Bridge. No trolls. Waterline Brewing, 721 Surry Lane.

PRIMETIME COMEDY

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

LUCKY JOE COMEDY SHOW

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

by Regretful Villains. The show features

a new style of stand-up called Speed Joking. Enjoy a night of laughs! 1414 S College Rd.

LIVE RIFFING AND VINTAGE TV

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

DEAD CROW

Open mic every Thursday, 8pm. Sign up is in person, 7pm. There’s no cost to participate, and each comedian is allotted three minutes of stage time. •Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 7:30pm/9pm: Originally from Boston, Sam Jay was a standout of the 2017 Just For Laughs New Faces. Sam is currently writing for SNL, and the host of Ricking Morty, the Rick and Morty post show on Adult Swim. She has performed at the New York Comedy Festival, Portland’s Bridgetown Festival, The Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival and Boston’s Women In Comedy Festival. Her credits also include Comedy Central’s “White Flight,” MTV’s “Safeword,” and Viceland’s “Party Legends.” Tickets: $15 at deadcrowcomedy.com. 265 N. Front St.

BOMBERS COMEDY OPEN MIC

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

LOL SHOW AT WTF!

Free! Every Thurs., 8pm! LOL, a brandnew weekly show from Wilmington’s finest improvisers, comedians, and storytellers! Using your suggestions, DareDevil Improv will create a one-ofa-kind comedy experience to kick off your weekend right! (Followed by karaoke!). Plus, special guests, music, and cocktails! WTF, 111 Grace St.

YIDLIFE CRISIS

Feb. 3, 5pm: What Exactly is a YidLife Crisis? Jamie Elman & Eli Batalion are entertainers (and closeted Jewish educators) hailing from Montreal who hatched YidLife Crisis—the world’s first Yiddish sitcom, exploring religious, spiritual and cultural identity in their decidedly modern multicultural world.

Its popularity has led to a variety of video and written projects, international press, multiple awards and nominations and some 3 million online views.

Their ‘comedy peacekeeping’ keeps them working with celebrities and academics alike as they bring their live show to cities around the globe. Free and open to the public. Vistor Parking will be in Lot M. uncw.edu/parking/visitorparking.html. Morton Hall, UNCW, Bryan Auditorium. Free and open to the public.

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museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Through Apr. 26, 2020: The Eye Learns— Modernist prints from the Louis Belden Collection—In 2017 CAM was given an unprecedented bequest of works of art from San Francisco art collector Louis Belden. The collection of 135 prints offers an endless range of expression, experimentation and expansion of the terrain of postwar modernism and includes original artworks from the leading artists, the change-makers, the radicals, the early modernist European expats, seeking asylum in this country. Among others, artists in the exhibition will include Josef Albers, Helen Frankenthaler, Wayne Thiebaud, Richard Diebenkorn, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Rauschenberg. • Through April 26, 2020: Structure in Space and Time— Photography by Phil Freelon—Throughout his prodigious career, award-winning architect Freelon (American, 1953-2019) found photography essential to his design vision and creative process: Photography is one of the vehicles that I use to share my view of the world. As an architect, the expression of structure is central to my design process, bringing a sense of order to the final composition.

Photographs examine the structure that

exists all around us—both in the natural and built environment. Everyone at CAM is deeply saddened by the passing of Phil Freelon on July 9, 2019. If you would like to honor his legacy you may make contributions to the North Star Church of the Arts. • CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar. Brunch, Sat. and Sun., 10am-2pm; Tues.-Fri., 11am2pm; Thurs. 5-9pm. Museum, 10am-5pm; Thurs., 10am-9pm. cameronartmuseum. org. 3201 S. 17th St.

CAPE FEAR MUSEUM

Ongoing: Explore the history of the 20th century in this new gallery designed, curated and fabricated by the Cape Fear Museum team. The revamped 20th century gallery is the final chapter of the Museum’s core exhibit, Cape Fear Stories. The new exhibit paints a picture of New Hanover County and the dramatic social, cultural and economic transformations that shaped life in the 20th century and beyond. • Ongoing: Michael Jordan, known worldwide for his spectacular basketball skills, grew up in Wilmington. He achieved phenomenal success in basketball, and he worked hard to achieve his goals at every level. “Michael Jordan: Achieving Success” showcases his early years and Wilmington roots. Several artifacts are on display including an unworn pair of 1987

Air Jordan 1 shoes. • Ongoing: Space Place: Hands-on STEM interactives include a robotic arm, microscopic experiments and a glove box challenge. Visual elements offer real-time information about the International Space Station’s location and daily operations. • Ongoing: Williston Auditorium: Education in Wilmington has a long, rich tradition, and the name “Williston” has been associated with schooling here since the 1860s.

What began as an American Missionary Association school became—between 1923 and the day it closed its doors in 1968—the only high school for African Americans in New Hanover County. • Through Feb. 2, 2020: Once considered an essential part of a wardrobe, the fashion hat has experienced a steady decline in popularity since the 1960s.

Today, many people associate stylish hats only with a Sunday church service or a special event. This selection of hats reflects a number of the popular styles worn in the Cape Fear area from the 1940s through the 1960s. • Through April 12, 2020: To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA examines the history of Apollo 10 and the Peanuts characters’ role in that flight and in the NASA Manned Flight Awareness safety program. • Through Feb. 23, 2020: Dinosaur Discovery explores the world of modern paleontology and the discoveries that

reveal how dinosaurs lived, moved and behaved. Everything we know about these prehistoric animals comes from fossils unearthed by paleontologists.

These scientists study ancient life by examining their finds and piecing together clues from the past. This exhibit was developed by the Virginia Museum of Natural History. CF Museum, 814 Market St. capefearmuseum.com

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

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

WILMINGTON RR MUSEUM

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, fullsize steam engine and rolling stock,

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lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages 2-12, and free under age 2. 505 Nutt St. 910-763-2634. www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE

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

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

BURGWIN-WRIGHT HOUSE

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

910-762-0570. www.burgwinwright-

house.com.

BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action. Tour hours are MonSat. 10 am-4 pm and Sundays 1-4 pm.

Self-guided tours (paper or audio) can begin at any time in the day and guided tours begin at the top of the hour when available. Adults $12; Senior, Military, College $10; Students $6; children under 5 are free. 503 Market St. 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org

kids stuff SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING

Brief presentation about live animals on display in the events center and watch

also help reinforce the bond between you and your child. Classes held every Tues, 9:45-11:30am, Hannah Block Community Arts Center. Cost is $10 per family.

910-777-8889 to register. susansavia. com/happy-little-singers. Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Ctr., 120 S. 2nd St.

them feed. At least one snake and turtle will be fed during the demonstration.

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

ART EXPLORER THURSDAYS

Bring your little ones to CAM for story reading and art making! Enjoy open studio time with your family. Such as reading stories, creating art with a variety of supplies, and having fun with friends! No pre-registration necessary. Parental Supervision required at all times. Suggested donation: $5/family. 3201 S. 17th St. www.cameronartmuseum.org

recreational FIRST FRIDAY BIRD HIKES

Join park staff for a leisurely bird-watching stroll around Halyburton Park the first Friday of each month. We’ll search for migrants and point out year-round bird species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome. Free. Ages: 5 and up. Halyburton Park, 4099 S 17th St. www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/ parks-recreation/halyburton-park

HAPPY LITTLE SINGERS

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

classes/seminars MEDITATE AND CHILL

Join Jesse Stockton + Jenny Yarborough every Tues., 7:30-8:30pm, Terra Sol Sanctuary. 20-30 minute meditation to help you take a deep breath. Relax. Let go. $10; no need to register in advance.

507 Castle St. www.terrasolsanctuary.

UPCOMING EVENTS IRISH MUSIC NIGHT FEBRUARY 15 • 4PM

ARSON DAILY WTIH 87 NIGHTS FEBRUARY 22 • 9PM

WATERLINE BREWING CO.

BOURGIE NIGHTS

BURLESQUE NIGHTS

COURTNEY LYNN & QUINN W/ THE PINKERTON RAID AND THE CAROLINERS DUO

FEBRUARY 15 • 8PM

FEBRUARY 28 • 8:30PM

BOURGIE NIGHTS

BOURGIE NIGHTS

$5-$20

$15-$100

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$10-$15

$7

Sell tickets to your event today at

com.

WILMINGTON OM BREW FALL SERIES

Tuesdays from 6-7pm join us and Yoga Village at the brewery for donation-based yoga. Suggested donation is $15 but you may pay-what-you-can, if needed. Donations support Yoga Village community programming. Wilmington Brewing Company, 824 South Kerr Ave. facebook.com/ events/2538362336408659.

SENIOR CLASSES

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

Free. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.

FREE FITNESS CLASSES

Boot Camp, Tuesdays, through Mar. 31, 5:30-6:30pm • Zumba, Thursdays, through Mar. 26, 5:30-6:30pm. Children 5-17 can participate in fitness classes when accompanied by an adult. Pre-reg. rqd. maidespark.com. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.

CAPE FEAR FENCING CLASSES

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

YOGA AT THE AQUARIUM

Jan. 30, 5:30pm: Find your bliss during the Aquarium’s yoga hour. Engage and rejuvenate as we move through meditation, breathing exercises and foundational postures in a tranquil “underwater” setting. The class is suitable for all levels and modifications will be offered. Preregistration required: $18 for members or $20 for non-members. ncaquariums. com/fort-fisher-special-events. $20.

N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Road

FOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN

Jan. 30, 6pm: Explore how reducing inflammation in the body and stabilizing blood-sugar levels can contribute to improving attention and focus at school.

Information in this workshop will demonstrate a link between what children consume to its impact on their ability to concentrate and maintain energy throughout the day. This workshop is for parents of school-aged children. Registration is required. Free. Register: hillschoolofwilmington.org/event-details/foodfor-thought-nutrition-and-your-brain.

Hill School of Wilmington, 3333 Jaeckle Drive, Suite 140

COASTAL COMMUNITY RESILIENCY SERIES

Jan. 30, 6:30pm: The fourth installment of the Coastal Community Resiliency Series brings two titans to UNCW’s Center for Marine Science. Dr. Orrin Pilkey, James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of Geology in the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University and co-author of Sea Level Rise: A Slow Tsunami On America’s Shores will be joined in conversation

by Gilbert M. Gaul a former reporter for The Washington Post, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, and author of Geography of Risk. The two renowned scholars will discuss the threat of sea-level rise for coastal North Carolina. Calling their stop in Wilmington The Coming Storm: Rising Water, Reckless Development, and The Future of The Coasts, Pilkey and Gaul are certain to stimulate discussion and raise awareness of our precarious position by the sea. Register: uncw.edu/research/ coastalresiliency/index.html. Center for Marine Science Auditorium, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Ln.

SERVSAFE PROGRAM

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

YOGA FOUNDATION 4-WEEK SERIES

Feb. 2, 4pm: If you are looking to begin a yoga practice or you have been practicing for some time but you would like some clarity in the details of common postures, join Genevera Miller for a fourweek beginner series. Expect to learn common foundational yoga postures and suggestions for making modifications for your body. Each week will build upon the previous week to allow for repetition and familiarity as well as for time to practice the poses in recommended yoga classes or at home so that self inquiry and questions can arise. Breath techniques and guided beginner mediation will be offered. $40 in advance $50 day of series.

Salty Dog Yoga & Surf, 915 A North Lake Park Blvd.

literary/readings CREATIVE WRITING AT CAM

Instructor is Dina Greenberg. Register, www.cameronartmuseum.org. A creative writing workshop in fiction and memoir for adult writers open to community participants with varying degrees of writing expertise. The workshop follows a traditional format where group members critique one another’s work with the instructor’s guidance. Literature is presented for discussion and writing assignments may be assigned to complete in class. The goal is to instill respect and compassion encore | january 29 - february 4, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 57

in the critique process while helping participants improve their writing and literary analysis. Adult: All levels through Feb. 19, Wed. 6:30-8:30pm (6-wk class). CAM member: $132; non-member: $165. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

CONVERSING WITH GHOSTS

Jan. 29, 7pm: Free! An evening of powerful readings from Gwenyfar Rohler, John Wolfe, Steven Ritenour II, Toni Sunseri, Melissa Newcity, Joanna Stotts, Diana Clark, J. Tully Beatty, Jared Sales, Alicia Inshiradu, Christof Maupin, and Jen Ingulli. Piano works performed by James Jarvis. Old Books on Front Street, 249 N. Front St.

3RD ANNUAL WRITERS’ NIGHT

Feb. 4, 6:30pm, $50: Writers’ Night provides an opportunity to hear agents of social change in an intimate venue at an event unlike any other in the region. Jaki Shelton Green is a poet, teacher, community arts advocate, and the author of eight collections of poetry, published in over eighty national and international anthologies and magazines. She is the first African American and the third woman to serve in this position, appointed in June 2018. Proceeds from the evening will help Friends School of Wilmington continue to lift its mission, cultivating relationships to foster a collective voice for change re-

lating to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. $50. Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

“THE EYE LEARNS” AND HEARS MUSIC

Jan. 30, 6:30pm: Join in this informal conversation with Wilmington area contributors to the music selections heard in CAM’s current exhibition “The Eye Learns: Modernist Prints from the Louis Belden Collection.” Speakers will include Luis Adorno, experimental electronic musician and performance artist, Nina Repeta, singer and actress, Primus Robinson, Cape Fear Jazz Society president and Susan Savia, musician, singer and songwriter discussing what inspired their selection and connection to works in the exhibition and the music they paired with the art, led by Luc Travers, Museum Interpretation, CAM. Members: Free.

Non-Members: Museum admission. Brown Wing, Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

clubs/notices BIKE NIGHT

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

UNRAVELED

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

SENIOR SOCIAL TIME

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

FENCING TOURNAMENT

Feb. 1, 8am: Fencing tournament held at the Tileston Gym of St. Mary Catholic School on February 1st. Open foil at 9:30 am, Open epee at 2:30 pm, and E and under foil at 11:30 am. Spectators free and welcome. Tileston Gym, 412 Ann St.

LOCAL’S TAVERN ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Feb. 2, 3pm: We are celebrating our 2nd anniversary by having a shrimp boil to kick off the Super Bowl! 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

culinary FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

SWEET N SAVORY WINE TASTING

Wed, 5-8pm: Sample some of the most delicious wines you can try for free with optional $25 food pairing, designed specifically to go with each wine. Benny Hill Jazz always starts at 7 pm with his cool jazz styles. Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Pl.

PORT CITY GREAT BURGER CHALLENGE

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

FERMENTAL

Free tasting every Friday, 6pm. Third Wed. of ea. month feat. musical and brewing talents alongside open-mic night, and an opportunity for homebrewers to share, sample and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage. PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer. www.fermental.net 910-821-0362. 7250 Market St.

ROBERT BURNS SUPPER AND CELEBRATION

Feb. 1, 5pm: The Scottish Society of Wilmington presents the 27th Annual Robert Burns Supper & Celebration at Landfall Country Club. The formal af-

WILMINGTON WINE & BEER WALK

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

SATURDAY FEB.29

1pm-6 pm check in ends @ 3pm

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

PRESENTED BY COOL WILMINGTON

Celebrate Responsibly:

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SUPER BOWL PARTY!

fair includes dinner, cash bar, bagpiping, a silent auction, music by Lisa & Galen, haggis, many kilts, and much ado over the life & lore of the legendary bard of Scotland. SSOW members, guests, and the general public are welcome to attend this event. www.wilmingtonscots.org or scott@scottcromartie.com or Nel Nichols at celticnel20@gmail.com. 910-5127009. Country Club of Landfall, 800 Sun Runner Pl.

tours LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have the game on the big screen, cooking hotdogs and hamburgers for a charity fundraiser, and all day beer specials!

721 Surry Street Wilmington waterlinebrewing.com

Located Under The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Free parking & brewery tours.

Wine & cider are available.

Explore the rich culture of our talented Southern town with a 90-minute walking tour of the literary history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Two Libraries.â&#x20AC;?

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

GHOST WALK

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

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

RE SPON SIBLE IT SOLUTIONS

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

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BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM

Follow curved shell paths through gardens shaded by 150-year old magnolias. See the original, restored slave quarters building along with the 22-room antebellum mansion. Learn about the Bellamy family as well as the free black and enslaved artisans who built the home and the enslaved workers who lived on site after its completion. Adults $12; Senior, military, college $10; Students $6; children under 5 are free. 503 Market St. 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org. Tours Mon-Sat. 10 am-4 pm and Sundays 1-4 pm.

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

MASONBORO SHELLING TOUR

Explore Masonboro Island and discover the wonder of the Carolina coast.

This tour option is ideal for families, birders, and nature enthusiasts. Masonboro Island is an 8.4-mile marine sanctuary island, renowned for its plant and wildlife diversity. Topics will include shell biology, native plant species, shorebirds, and barrier island ecology. Adult $45, child $25 RSVP:

910-200-4002. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd

OFF THE RECORD TOURS

Thurs., 6:30pm: CAM Gallery tours, led by museum staff, are sometimes irreverent and silly, but always provide a charming and engaging behind-the-scenes perspective on current exhibitions. But what if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really thirsty before the tour? Join us for happy hour beforehand to loosen up your brain and chat about art. Brown Wing. CAM Members: Free, non-members. Museum admission. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

WALKING TOUR OF CAROLINA BEACH

Walking Tour of the Historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk meets at the Visitors Bureau Kiosk just south of the new Hampton Inn and features members of the Federal Point Historic Preservation Society leading a 50-minute tour into the past, answering questions like: Where did the â&#x20AC;&#x153;birth of the Shagâ&#x20AC;? take place?

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

How long has Brittâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Donuts been on the Boardwalk, and has it always been in the same place? Why was the Red Apple so popular? Where was the largest dance floor south of Washington DC located?

Society asks for a $10 donation. Children under 12 tour free. Carolina Beach Board

Walk, Cape Fear Blvd.

WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS

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

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

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

Grades 7-12: Wilmington Pride Yxqouth Group is a safe space for youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their straight allies. An adult supervised, safe space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political consequences, religion, self care. A great opportunity to meet and socialize with peers from the greater Wilmington area. Meets Thurs., 7pm. Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk about important topics. wpyg2016@gmail.com.

ANXIETY/OCD SUPPORT GROUP

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

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

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

NE Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 19) My favorite ancient Greek philosopher was the rascal Diogenes. As a joke, he carried around a lantern during the daytime, proclaiming, “I am just looking for an honest man.” When Alexander the Great, the most powerful man in the world, came to meet Diogenes while he was relaxing outside and asked him if he needed any favors done, he replied, “Yeah, stop blocking my sunlight.” As for Plato, Diogenes complained that the famous philosopher talked too damn much and misinterpreted the teachings of Socrates. I encourage you to borrow some of Diogenes’ attitude in the coming weeks. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, it’ll be healing for you to experiment with being brassy, saucy and sassy.

Emphasize what makes you most unique, independent, and self-expressive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Taurus author Anthony Trollope (1815–1882) published his first novel at age 30. During the next 37 years, he completed 48 additional novels and 18 works of nonfiction. Critics liked his work well enough, but were suspicious of his prodigious productivity. When they discovered one of Trollope’s motivations for writing was to make money, they disapproved. Then they found out Trollope kept a watch nearby as he worked, determined to generate 250 words every 15 minutes. The critics hated that even worse. Creative artists are supposed to court inspiration, not adhere to a schedule—at least according to the critics. I approve of and recommend Trollope-like behavior for you in the coming weeks, Taurus. Cosmic forces will be on your side if you do.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) I love living in the material world. Its crazy-making demands and exhilarating rewards are endlessly entertaining. Despite having been born as a fantasy-prone, overly sensitive Cancerian, I’ve become fairly earthy and well-grounded. I have a good job, a nice house, a smart wife, and an interesting daughter. On the other hand, I also love living in the soul’s realm. I have remembered and recorded an average of three dreams per night for many years. Although, I don’t take drugs, I cultivate alternate states of consciousness through meditation, prayer, and ritual. I’ve long been a student of depth psychology, which has trained me to be as focused on my soul as my ego. In accordance with current astrological omens, my fellow Cancerian, I urge you to hang out more than usual in the soul’s realm during the coming weeks.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) I love living in the material world. Its crazy-making demands and exhilarating rewards are endlessly entertaining. Despite having been born as a fantasy-prone, overly sensitive Cancerian, I’ve become fair-

ly earthy and well-grounded. I have a good job, a nice house, a smart wife, and an interesting daughter. On the other hand, I also love living in the soul’s realm. I have remembered and recorded an average of three dreams per night for many years. Although I don’t take drugs, I cultivate alternate states of consciousness through meditation, prayer, and ritual. I’ve long been a student of depth psychology, which has trained me to be as focused on my soul as my ego. In accordance with current astrological omens, my fellow Cancerian, I urge you to hang out more than usual in the soul’s realm during the coming weeks.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Can I talk you into being more tender and open-hearted toward the people who care for you? I don’t mean to imply that you are currently too hard and closed. But all of us can benefit from enhancing our receptivity, and the coming weeks will be prime time for you Leos to do just that. I think you’ll find it easier than usual to deepen your listening skills and intensify your sensitivity.

You’ll have an acute intuitive grasp of the fact that you can earn yourself huge blessings by expressing love and compassion in very practical ways.

from connections that no longer benefit you. On the other hand, you sometimes burn bridges prematurely.

You decide that they are in such disrepair that they’re of no use to you, even though it might serve your ultimate interests to fix them. I offer these thoughts as a preface for my advice: 1. Refurbish rather than burn a certain bridge you’re a bit disenchanted with. 2. Build at least one new bridge that will be valuable in the future.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) You Sagittarians have a talent for burning bridges that really do need to be burned. Your intuition often guides you to assess when the time is ripe to withdraw from connections that no longer benefit you. On the other hand, you sometimes burn bridges prematurely. You decide that they are in such disrepair that they’re of no use to you, even though it might serve your ultimate interests to fix them. I offer these thoughts as a preface for my advice: 1. Refurbish rather than burn a certain bridge you’re a bit disenchanted with. 2. Build at least one new bridge that will be valuable in the future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

All of us are in service to someone or something—to certain people or ideas or situations. We provide them with help or energy or mirroring or love. We are dutiful in attending to their needs and wants. For some of us, our service feels like a burden. It’s grating or humbling or inconvenient, or all of the above. For others of us, being of service is fulfilling, even joyful. We find a rich sense of purpose in our devotion to a higher cause or deeper calling beyond our selfish concerns. Among the 12 signs of the zodiac, you Virgos are more likely than most to carry out the latter kind of service. I bring these thoughts to your attention because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to re-evaluate, reconfigure, and reinvigorate your own service.

The shape of the planets’ orbits around the sun is elliptical, not circular. Capricorn astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) was the first person to figure this out. He didn’t like it. He really wanted the orbits to be circular. That would have been more satisfying to his aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities.

Explaining the arduous labor he did to arrive at his conclusion, he wrote, “Take pity on me, for I have repeated these calculations seventy times.” In the big picture of our understanding of the universe, of course, his discovery was felicitous. It’s not a problem the orbits are elliptical, merely the truth. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, I foresee you engaging in a process that’s metaphorically comparable to Kepler’s.

Hard work will yield useful, if unexpected results.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Author David Markson imagined what it would be like to write a novel that lacked conflicts or confrontations—in other words, a novel unlike any ever created.

Libran author Ursula Le Guin also fantasized about stories with plots that weren’t driven by strife and struggle.

Since many of us are addicted to entertainment that depends on discord to be interesting, we might find it hard to believe Markson’s and Le Guin’s dream would ever happen. But I’m pleased to inform you, Libra, that your life in the coming weeks may be exactly like that: a fascinating adventure with few hassles and wrangles.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You Sagittarians have a talent for burning bridges that really do need to be burned. Your intuition often guides you to assess when the time is ripe to withdraw

Please don’t imitate or repeat yourself in the coming weeks. Refrain from relying on formulas that have worked for you before. Resolve to either ignore or rebel against your past as you dream up fresh gambits and adventures. Treat your whole life like an improvisatory game that has just one purpose: to attract and stir up useful novelty. If you do these things, Aquarius, I can practically guarantee that you will win the game.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Poet Robert Bly believes that each of us has a special genius, and the key to understanding and fully activating that genius is in our core wound. In other words, the part of us that got hurt the worst is potentially the generative source of the best gifts we have to give. Do you know where that is in yourself: the wound that could be the source of your blessing? Now is a great

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