encore January 8 - 14, 2020

VOL. 36 / PUB. 26 • THE CAPE FEAR’S ALTERNATIVE VOICE FOR 35 YEARS • DECEMBER 25-January 7, 2020 FREE

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HODGE PODGE Vol. 36/Pub. 27 January 8-January 14, 2020

ENCOREPUB.COM encoredeals.com

MUSIC pg. 16 • By Jeff Oloizia Jeff chats with Soul-R Fusion duo Alex Goodell and Tim Koehler about their latest album and release party this Saturday at Beale Street Barber Shop. Courtesy photo

word of the week WARGASM (N) Physical and emotional excitment at the idea of going to war, caused by the promise of war.

By S

hea

“Donny is having a wargasm over Iran, despite having never served a day in the military.”

Car

ver

COVER STORY • pg. 18

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief:

Shea Carver >> shea@encorepub.com

Another year of ‘Illumination’ wraps at the Cameron Art Museum, and Shea discusses its closing with a community-based floating-lantern ceremony that celebrates life, love and memories. Plus, folks will see featured artists’ lanterns on display until Sunday.

Above: “My Michelle” by Leatha Benvie Koefler

Staff Editors:

THEATRE pg. 22 • By Shannon Rae Gentry Ashley Strand and Alchemical Theatre Company are bringing ‘King James Live’ to the round at Ronald Sachs on Castle. Courtesy photo

win of the week

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

Art Director/Office Manager: Susie Riddle >> ads@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler,

Anghus, Tom Tomorrow, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, John Wolfe, Joan C.W. Hoffmann

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 necessarily the opinions of encore.

We will give away a deal of the week to Pour Taproom! 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

DINING REVIEW pg. 30 • By Rosa Bianca Los Portales #2 is open on Van Campen Boulevard with more space and all the favorites: tacos, tortas and more. Photo by Tom Dorgan

Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 • Op Ed, pg. 7 • Music, pgs. 12-16 • Art, pg. 18 • Gallery Guide, pg. 19 Film, pg. 21 • Theatre, pgs. 22-23 • Dining, pgs. 24-30 • Books, pg. 32 • Calendar, pgs.34-45 • Crossword, pg. 47

2 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

January 13 & 14

at

7:30 pm

Wilson Center

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GREENSBORO FOUR The statue at NC A&T University features (from left) David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair and Joseph McNeil. Gwenyfar resolves to get a statue of McNeil erected in his hometown of Wilmington.

Photo courtesy of Cewatkin, Wikipedia free license

VISIONARY

YEAR

T

he American Optometric Association defines 20/20 vision as “a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance.”

As we enter 2020, clarity of vision has been tumbling around my mind: What is vision? What is clarity? We live in a confusing world at best. In recent years, it has gotten harder to sort through the peasoup fog of information and daily life to find sense of reality. If anything, I am dedicating 2020 to finding clarity of vision.

It promises to be a big year! Our local and state elections are already fraught.

As of press time, nine people have filed for New Hanover County Commission. Since two of the incumbents have announced they will not run again, it should be an interesting contest. Current NC Senator Harper Peterson is set up for a rematch with the man he unseated: Michael Lee. Both filed for election the same day. We have a new electoral map for the state,

BY GWE

NYFAR

Gwenyfar looks ahead with hopes of clarity of vision

ROHLER

clarity:

The quality or state of being clear : lucidity

vision:

1 a : the act or power of seeing : sight b : the special sense by which the qualities of an object (such as color, luminosity, shape, and size) constituting its appearance are perceived through a process in which light rays entering the eye are transformed by the retina into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve which has shifted many of our elected seats in the general assembly. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out.

It is also the 100th anniversary of welcoming half the country’s population to full citizenship, with the legalization of wom-

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en’s right to vote. Yep, we ratified the Bill of Rights in 1791, but it took almost 130 years to decide the rights outlined included more than one third of the population (white men). It would take nearly another 50 years with the passage of the voting rights act to include people of color—even though

amendments to the Constitution following the end of the Civil War should have protected the rights of African Americans and Native Americans to vote. As our NC State legislature has demonstrated repeatedly in the last few years, the terrified old white men are realizing this isn’t actually a closed club, and there are other people in the world with differing experiences and perspectives to bring to the table. That terror knows no bounds or limits. A federal judge has blocked the latest North Carolina voter ID law; this one sadly passed as an amendment to the NC Constitution, at least in the spring primary election. Judge Biggs cited racial discrimination behind the intent of the law in her ruling.

Sigh. What can I say? Democracy does

not move quickly. But it only works when people participate. Some great ways to celebrate the anniversary of women’s suffrage include registering people to vote, finally ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment so it’s an official part of the U.S. Constitution, and maybe electing the first woman as chief executive of the land. On a more local scale, vigilance about proposed legislation regarding women’s right to health care and privacy is a necessary and incredibly important action.

To switch gears to a more literal interpretation of vision, this year I hope to work on a project very close to my heart: a public statue for Joseph McNeil. One of the Greensboro Four, who began the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in movement in Greensboro, NC, Mr. McNeil is from Wilmington. As arguments about public art swirl around us and the country, the more I have thought about it, the more I find it important to focus on who we would like to honor and the values they embody. For me, growing up in the 1980s, the idea of the Civil Rights era felt very long ago and far away. To children of this decade, it must feel even more theoretical. I was startled to learn the lunch counter sit-ins started in North Carolina— and blown away that one of the initiators was from Wilmington!

Mr. McNeil is still alive and his efforts are just as important today as they were in 1960. When I envision a future, it includes

recognition of him and those ideals. As we move forward with this project, I hope you will join us.

Winter tends to be a time of introspection. Where others reach for people for reassurance, I try to root and ground myself toward more of what I need to be doing.

Last year I put together a list of 50 places (primarily historic sites) I wanted to visit in North Carolina. I planned to immerse myself in our history to try to get some perspective about how we got here and maybe how to move us forward. I utterly failed. I got to four locations: Poplar Grove Plantation, The Battle of Forks Road, Tryon Palace and the Birthplace of Pepsi. A combination of events overtook my time and money, but I still firmly believe, in order to understand where we are headed, we have to understand how we got to where we are in the first place.

So I am going to try again: I would like to take Hilda on some day trips in my VW van that we have worked so hard to restore.

I have realized, though I am good at hard work, I am terrible at enjoying the fruits of my labors. So my 2020 resolution: to enjoy more of what I have worked for.

Back to historic locations: We have a tremendous amount of history here—and not just from the Civil War. Even though I grew up here, I am constantly amazed at how much more there is to learn about North

Carolina and the “whys” behind life here.

When I look into my heart, one thing that calls to me over and over again about our fair city is the surprising and painful depletion of our urban forest. A lot of the tree canopy was lost during Hurricane Florence, and more trees were taken down in the succeeding months. In addition, the development of our city has led to a reduction of trees within the city core. As I move through 2020, I resolve to keep a focus on trees and their role in our community. Personally, I am going to begin the year with planting two trees that were gifts at the winter solstice, but I resolve for it not to end there. Please, join me in reforesting our city. We are currently involved in a climate crises, and one step we all take that will reap rewards is to plant and tend trees.

Speaking of Hurricane Florence, like many people I am still paying off expenses from the storm and aftermath. I was very excited a few years ago because I had finally “gotten to zero”—as in paid off all my debt. Hurricane Florence put an end to that short-lived joy. So I am back to trying to figure out a plan for paying that down while keeping everything afloat. Specifically, I have to prepare for the next phase of the Front Street Enhancement Project when our block of Front Street will get ripped up for several months, while the plumbing, sewer and

electrical infrastructure is updated. Surviving that financially will be a challenge.

Things are changing at the book store and our lives, as a result of both the debts and looming Front Street Enhancement Project. The most visible example at this time last year is we had eight people on staff (including me) at the book store. As of the end of February, we will have four (including me). That’s a pretty significant change, but right now we are headed into hunker-down mode. Maybe having fewer people to provide for will allow me to focus on providing for Jock and the dogs a little better.

Let’s hope so.

But no one is an island, and the concerns of this community are still “forefronts before my eyes.” The county commission already has put us on notice; the fate of the museum will be decided this year, along with the sale of the hospital and the actual outcome of the changes to WAVE Transit.

We here at encore resolve to try and find clarity in these issues, to wade through the obfuscation and try to find out what is really going on in our community. The challenge is real, but perhaps if we support and remind each other of our goals along the way, we really can find clarity of vision as a community this year. I know it is tough, but I really do believe in us.

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260 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 799-6799 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm • Sunday 12pm - 10pm encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 5

suffered damage to her udders when she produced a high volume of milk during her pregnancy with triplets. “When this happens,” Dr. Sarah Clews told Stuff, “the udder can hang so low that it can be traumatized on the ground.” The condition can sometimes be a cause for euthanasia, but Dr. Clews thought a bra might help lift the udders and allow them to heal. Rose’s owners eventually located a 24J maternity bra big enough to do the job, and it worked — after two or three weeks of wearing the bra, Rose’s udders recovered enough that surgery was no longer needed. [Stuff, 12/27/2019]

TRUE LOVE Kelly McGraw, 37, of Portsmouth, England, and her husband, James, 40, have enjoyed playing pranks on each other throughout their 24-year marriage. But before Christmas, as James was plotting a way to get back at Kelly for a “dodgy” haircut she’d given him, he came up with a gloriously permanent idea: He had his thigh tattooed with a less-than-flattering photo of Kelly, asleep on a plane with her mouth gaping open, as James mocked her

behind her head. “I’m one up at the moment,” James told the Sun, “but I’m also scared because I don’t know what she’s now planning.” Kelly was unforgiving: “I was horrified. I couldn’t believe it. ... We do mess about anyway, but this is on another level. ... He needs to watch his back.” [The Sun, 12/25/2019]

BRIGHT IDEAS A romney ewe living on a farm near Auckland, New Zealand, is getting some relief from an unusual problem, thanks to a clever veterinarian and a brassiere meant for humans. Rose the sheep had

Justin and Nissa-Lynn Parson of McKinney, Texas, were all in when their son Cayden, 12, asked for a magnifying glass for Christmas. “We thought, ‘Oh, he wants to magnify something’” to read, Nissa-Lynn told KDFW. Instead, Cayden and his brother, Ashton, used the glass to light a newspaper on fire on the family’s front porch, which soon spread to the yard, eventually destroying the lawn and some of the family’s Christmas lights.

“We ran inside and started screaming,” Cayden said. The family doused the fire with “pitchers of water, blankets smothering it, sprinklers turned on, hose turned on,” Nissa-Lynn recounted, adding that now Cayden “will definitely have yard work to do once spring comes.” [KDFW, 12/29/2019]

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL In Jefferson County, Colorado, wouldbe car thief Todd Sheldon, 36, has finally admitted it’s just not the vocation for him, according to police. Fox News reported Sheldon had tried over recent weeks to steal multiple vehicles, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, but each time he was caught in the act — first by a homeowner, then by sheriff’s deputies minutes later “just down the street,” shocking the deputies by telling them, “I’m trying to steal this truck.” He was taken into custody and bonded out, but a week later, deputies responding to a report of someone trying to break into a car again found Sheldon. “I really suck at this,” Sheldon allegedly told an officer. Sheldon remained in jail as of Dec. 27. [Fox News, 12/30/2019]

BAH, HUMBUG! Poppy Leigh, 13, of Manchester, England, hoped wrapping her waist-length hair around an empty plastic water bottle and decorating it with lights like a Christmas tree atop her head would bring good cheer to her mates and teachers at Manchester Health Academy on Dec. 20.

Instead, school authorities told her she had to either take the decorations off or go home. Her mom, Christie, wasn’t happy about it: “It’s just a bit of fun and Christmas cheer,” she told Metro News.

But Principal Kevin Green huffed: “The Academy has the highest of expectations around uniform and teaching and learning, and ... whilst it was a remarkably creative hairstyle, it was, unfortunately, inappropri6 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

ate for school.” [Metro News, 12/20/2019]

OOPS! As she enjoyed an Aldi mince pie in early December, caterer Angela McGill, 52, of Glasgow, Scotland, thought one bite seemed particularly “rough and really hard — I thought it was a tough piece of pastry!” she told Metro News. Instead, McGill soon realized she had swallowed her partial dentures with two false teeth. Hospital X-rays confirmed the dentures were caught halfway down her throat, but the staff advised her pulling them out would only cause more harm. It took 72 hours for the plate to pass. “It was ever so funny!” she said. “And I was really enjoying the mince pie, too.” [Metro News, 12/8/2019]

ANIMAL SHENANIGANS Police in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, were called December 27 to the parking lot of a CVS pharmacy over a “public menace,” according to WKYT. The culprit was a “hostile chicken” that “pecked viciously” at the officers and “made some adept use of vehicles for cover” before they were able to corral it in a plastic milk crate, according to the police department’s Facebook page. Officers transferred the foul fowl to “someone who can give him more suitable accommodations,” then attended to their wounds with “some doughnut therapy.”

[WKYT, 12/28/2019]

SOUR GRAPES Japanese YouTuber Marina Fujiwara has harnessed the pain she feels when she sees couples basking in their love at the holidays and developed a sort of schadenfreudean device: a light that turns on whenever anyone breaks up on social media. Oddity Central reported on Dec. 27 that Fujiwara’s device is connected to the internet through a “bridge” and is set to light up whenever a breakup status is posted on Twitter. “I want to celebrate Christmas,” she said. “But when you see a couple in the world going on a Christmas date and doing something like that, I am attacked by a huge sense of loneliness.”

While her machine is not available commercially, Fujiwara says it’s easy enough to set one up for yourself. (Check her YouTube channel for directions.) [Oddity Central, 12/27/2019]

PRECOCIOUS The newest tattoo artist in the Haji Lane area of Singapore is Lilith Siow, 12. She learned the art from her father, Joseph, who has operated a tattoo business for 20 years, reported Asia One on Dec. 30. In the past year, Lilith has tattooed at least a dozen customers, although she admitted that she was nervous at first, taking 90 minutes to complete her first. “I was afraid at the beginning. ... Once a tattoo sets, it is forever,” she said. As her confidence grows, so does her advocacy for the art: She disagrees that people with tattoos are “bad people.” [Asia One, 12/30/2019]

END TIMES OF

BY MARK BASQUILL

D

ear Shea,

Thanks for asking me to write an end-of-year commentary. I apologize for missing the deadline (again). The night I should have been writing, Congress impeached our POTUS, and I went to Cinematique with my wife, son and his fiancée.

We saw “Jojo Rabbit,” a film about a brainwashed boy set in Nazi Germany at the end of World War II; quite ironic given the events of the day.

Three of four presidential impeachments happened in my lifetime. Maybe that means we’re in the “end of times.” Maybe it means impeachment is underused, that we have too much respect for the person and too little respect for the Constitution. I expect this impeachment will be minimized as partisan, but it is important the rest of the world sees we are not united behind a person. If we are united at all, it is under a piece of paper: the Constitution.

Every president in my lifetime could have been impeached for “abuse of power.” Most probably should have been. Most presidents aren’t impeached because they abuse power in the service of gaining more power for the nation (and themselves).

This POTUS abuses power in the service of fame. That’s the real danger. People eventually may acquire enough money in the bank, influence or power, but there is no limit to what people will do for fame.

Like most of us who supported impeachment, I harbor little animosity toward our POTUS, especially during the Christmas season. His relentless search for the spotlight generates compassion. To him, there is no difference between the ballot box and the box office. I can’t decide if he’s more like Jim Carrey’s Grinch or a lonely young Ebenezer Trump, who can never take the place of his deceased older brother in his father’s heart. Maybe if someone gives him a hug—a real hug—he’ll find a way to turn around the remainder of his tenure, or resign and develop affordable housing for a rainbow coalition of families in Brooklyn.

JOIN THE YMCA

Whatever your goals are, the Y can help you get there.

Mark vows to use more kind words (and dance) in 2020 al thinking. In areas of disagreement, they believe my left-leaning brain is clearly held hostage by propaganda, emotion and tribal thinking. Exactly zero GOP representatives broke ranks—rugged individualism at work.

My son’s fiancée expressed amazement a GOP representative compared POTUS to Jesus crucified, especially at Christmas.

That kind of rhetoric could be viewed as blatant blasphemy; idolatry. Maybe he’s able to see a little Jesus in the eyes of everyone, even our impeached POTUS. I hope as we enter a new decade, Congressman Loudermilk learns to see little Jesuses in border detention facilities, and little Jesuses needing drug rehabilitation and affordable housing, health care and education.

No Annual Contracts Unlimited Fitness Classes Sports, Recreation & Family Programs Free Drop-In Child Care Year-Round Swimming Access to YMCAs Across the Nation

As “Jojo Rabbit” ended, the Fuhrer died, and I wondered whether wiser future generations may view positions like chancellor or president as punishments, not prizes.

If you can’t find decent work helping others, you are sentenced to the presidency.

An elected temporary president may have been a step up from king back in the colonial era, but it might be too much responsibility and temptation for any one person today. Maybe it’s time to reconsider a fuller implementation of the Iroquois model?

The Iroquois were governed by consensus, a Council of Elders with no great father. The women traditionally held real power. According to Wikipedia, “If any leader failed to comply with the wishes of the women of his tribe and the Great Law of Peace, the mother of his clan could demote him, a process called ‘knocking off the horns.’” (That does sound a little like what House Speaker Pelosi just did.)

New Year’s Special

The looseness of language and chronically hostile tone of the current administration and impeachment proceedings has inspired me to value words and kindness even more—to value kind words most of all.

I’m proud of Democrats that voted I thank you for letting me express my against impeachment and of Tulsi Gabbard views and encore fans for reading them. As for abstaining. Many GOP friends believe 2020 begins, I intend to do what I can and they are rugged individualists, radical ratio- dance to Bowie at the end of every scene. nalists. They have always been post-racial, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, utilize Spock-like pure logic to solve real-world problems, and are immune to tribMark

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IN BLOOM Durham’s Hiss Golden Messenger visits Brooklyn Arts Center on Friday, January 9.

Courtesy photo

SOUND

BOARD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 Tidal Creek Open Mic (6pm; free) Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 Oleander Drive. #100

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8PM; FREE) Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

Karaoke with Michael Norris (9pm; free)

Benny hill [7PM] Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Pl.

Delfeayo Marsalis [7:30pm; $20]

Bourbon St., 35 N. Front St.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9

Karaoke [8PM]

LGBTQ Karaoke + Gaming Night (7pm; free)

The Palm Room, 11 E. Salisbury St.

ON OUR LOT

Tuesday __________________________________________ > > > Monday

> > > THURSDAY $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

> > > saturday $4.00 Green Tea

> > > SUNDAY $5.00 Bloody Marys & Mimosas

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

KARAOKE

w/DJ Damo, 9PM

2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

$ 50

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA

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

Friday & Saturday __________________________

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832

LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard on Friday & Saturday MONDAY

$2.75 Domestic $3.50 Select Drafts $4 Fireballs!

TUESDAY

$3.50 Local Draft Brew

(Foothills Hoppyum IPA, Red Oak)

Sunday ___________________________________________

WEDNESDAY

2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

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

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Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

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

LIVE MUSIC $ 00

Circus Industry Night [3PM]

THURSDAY

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

FREE PARKING

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

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

$5 Jameson

$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

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

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

Jeremy Mathews Live! [9pm; free]

Old Books on Front Street, 249 N. Front St.

Tarantelli’s, 102 So. 2nd St.

Time Out Sports Bar II, 6745 Market St.

Jeremy Mathews [1pm; free]

JAZZ at CAM Series: Stanley Baird Group [6pm; $25]

Billy Heathen and Kevin Earl [9pm; $8]

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

Smoke on the Water, 3704 Watercraft Ferry Ave.

Jeremy Mathews Live! [6pm; free]

Jimmy Mowery [9:30pm; free]

Uncommon Ground Trio [4pm; $7]

Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Live at Ted’s, 2 Castle St.

Hiss Golden Messenger [7pm; $25]

Band On Fire [10pm; free]

Basilica and Ozone Jones [7pm; $5]

Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N. 4th Str.

Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.

Gravity Records, 612 Castle St.

NC Symphony: The Planets [7:30pm; $22–$85] The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

Trivia from Hell’s [7:30PM; FREE]

Starlight Speedway [4pm]

Benny Hill Sunday Jazz Jam (7pm; free) Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market Street Unit 7

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

The Planets [7:30pm; $22]

Mike Blair [7pm]

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

Flying Machine Brewing Company, 3130 Randall Pkwy.

Goat & Compass, 710 N Fourth St.

Justin Fox and David Morse [7pm; $7]

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Drive

Live at Ted’s, 2 Castle St.

The Spongebob Musical [7:30pm; $38]

Thirsty thursday (10pm; free)

Drone, not Drones: Solstice Iteration [8pm; $5]

The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

Gravity Records, 612 Castle St.

Anything Goes Open Stage (8pm; free)

Southern Trouble [8pm]

The Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

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

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 Bill Kerr [6pm] River Bluffs, 1100 Chair Road, Castle Hayne

Down South Thunder [7pm] Stoked Restaurant, 313 Canal Dr., Carolina Beach

Sylvia Johns Ritchie Duo [7pm; $7] Live at Ted’s, 2 Castle St.

Jim Ferris Trio [8pm] Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St.

Mike Blair [8pm] Fermental, 7250 Market St.

Bad Habit [8pm] Locals Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd #9

Massive Grass [8pm; bluegrass] SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar, 227 Carolina Beach Ave N.

Slark Moan [8pm; free] Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Big Jim Kohler [8pm]

Serving Over 22 Craft BeerS • all aBC PermitS

Monica Hoelscher [7pm]

The Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Avenue

Sayer McShane [8:30pm]

The Drum Circle [7:30PM; FREE]

Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

Disco Never Died [9pm; $7]

Contra Dance [7:30pm; $5]

Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

John Hussman [10pm]

5th Ave United Methodist Church, 409 S 5th Ave.

The Palm Room, 11 E. Salisbury St.

The Spongebob Musical [7:30pm; $38]

City Lights [10pm; free]

The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.

Anything Goes Open Stage (8pm; free) The Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle Street

Books, Beer, and Jazz Piano with James Jarvis (3pm; free)

Karaoke w/ DJ Damo (9pm; free) The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St.

DJ Snowah [10pm]

List your live music, trivia and open mic nights

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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

NEW OWNER TAKES OVER JANUARY 14th.

MORE MUSIC MORE EVENTS MORE GREAT TIMES! mOn.-thurS.: 4Pm-12:30am, fri.-Sat.: 4Pm-1:30am, Sun. 4Pm-11Pm • 2101 market St., unit 7

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

LIVE MUSIC WITH MIKE BLAIR 7-10PM

Trivia from hell’s (7:30pm; free)

The RockNRoll HiFives / Street Clones / Sean and Her Trivia & Taco Tues. w/ Sherri ‘So Very!’ (7pm; free) Dilemma [8pm] Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

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

Come celebrate Hunter’s last night as founder and owner

Monday, January 13th

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St. The Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St.

Set the Stage and Step away!

Thanks for the memories!

Time to pass the torch!

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

THIS WEEK AT THE WITCH WED 1/15 JV & JEFF 1/2 PRICE BAR

THUR 1/16

FRI 1/17 THE CUT

SAT 1/18 LEES CUT

JENNY PEARSON

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 Half Price Bottles 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

www.encorepub.com

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 2019 www.encorepub.com 13 13 encore || november january 8 -6-12, 14, 2020 || www.encorepub.com $

BENEATH THE REEF ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ hits the Wilson Center Stage January 13-14.

Courtesy photo

The Palm Room, 11 E. Salisbury St.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

Benny hill [7PM] Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Pl.

JV Flanagan and Jeff Gover [7pm]

Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 Oleander Drive. #100

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

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8PM; FREE)

Maximum Overdrive: 70’s Hard Rock Party [8pm; free]

Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 111 Grace St.

Tidal Creek Open Mic (6pm; free)

14 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16

Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Circus Industry Night [3PM]

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

Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

Chris Luther (6pm; free; Solo Jazz Guitar) Tarantelli’s, 102 So. 2nd St.

Trivia from Hell’s [7:30PM; FREE]

Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Drive

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

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN

NOCTURNAL ANIMAL Singer-songwriter Grace Potter plays the Fillmore Charlotte Friday, January 17.

Photo by Tom Dorgan

REGIONAL

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

1/8: DirtyBoys, 10 Cellphones, Kill Marqo, Lil Connie 1/9: Slide of Life Comedy Open Mic! 1/10: Enrage Against the Machine (A Tribute to Rage Against the Machine) 1/11: Abbey Road LIVE! 1/14: Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime 1/15: Donnie Baker 1/16: The Dead South 1/17: Hiss Golden Messenger

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

1/10: Travis Meadows 1/11: Wayne Henderson + Presley Barker 1/17: Ward Davis

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

1/10: Sticks N’ Thorns featuring Jon Stickley of Jon Stickley Trio and Andy Thorn of Leftover Salmon 1/16: Molly Hatchet 1/17: Citizen Cope 1/18: Hiss Golden Messenger

THE FILLMORE

820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 1/11: Grits and Biscuits 1/16: The Disco Biscuits 1/17: Grace Potter 1/18: Badfish

THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND

820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 1/10: Shoot to Thrill - All female AC/DC Tribute 1/11: Sugar 1/14: GUAC: My Son, My Hero 1/17: Case 1/18: The Dead South

CONCERTS

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722

1/8: The Simon & Garfunkel Story 1/12: The Winter Inning Variety Show 1/14-19: Come From Away

Happy New Year

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

1/10: Who’s Bad 2020 (The Evolution of Pop) 1/11: The Shakedown performs Yacht Rock 1/12: David Bromberg Quintet 1/16: Badfish 1/17: TURKUAZ w/ Neal Francis 1/18: Citizen Cope

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

1/8: Art Alexakis 1/10: Shred for Music Ed 1/11: Magic City Hippies 1/15: The Monti Storyslam - Resolutions 1/16: Michal Menert, Late Night Radio 1/17: Carbon Leaf 1/18: Beth Stelling

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

HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER 1/9/20 BAC

1/10-11: Hiss Golden Messenger 1/17: Cosmic Charlie 1/18: American Authors, Magic Giant

SPECIALTY SHOWS:

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

THE EVENING EXPERIMENT WITH ERIC MILLER, WEDNESDAYS 7-9PM

1/9: Song Traveler’s Writer’s Night 1/10: Heat Preacher & The Gone Ghosts 1/11: Maj Deeka 1/16: Quetico 1/17: Mo Lowda & The Humble 1/18: Django Fest Day 1

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 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 15

GOOD

BY JEFF OLOIZIA

S

oul-R Fusion sees its mission as more than just making tuneful music. “It might sound corny, but I feel like we are actually putting out positive vibrations into the universe,” says Alex Goodell, who plays bass alongside vocalist and guitarist Tim Koehler. “Part of why we like playing music is it makes other people feel good.”

The acoustic duo sought to tap into that wellspring of positivity for their second album, “Like a Circle ‘Round the Sun.” Recorded with local producer (and The Clams frontman) Jeff Sanchez, the double

VIBRATIONS Soul-R Fusion to celebrate sunny new album at Beale Street Barber Shop album captures a band growing in both comfort and confidence. Soul-R Fusion will celebrate its release with a special concert at Beale Street Barber Shop on

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Drop-off catering offered!

We ha Impos ve the s Burgeible r

WILMINGTON 4502 Fountain Dr Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 452-3952

11am to 6:30pm, 7 days a week

16 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

Saturday night.

Goodell and Koehler met in 2014, while playing a benefit concert at the Crab Pot in Surf City. Soon after, they joined the band The Lyndes with keyboardist Dylan Lee, but the project was short lived. “I think we played twice and broke up,” Koehler recalls, laughing. They took refuge in Lee’s other band, The Clams. Goodell joined the group as its bass player, with Koehler following behind on harmonica. Later, when Koehler amassed a collection of his own songs, he turned to Goodell to record them.

Soul-R Fusion’s first, self-titled album was released in 2016. The album featured Roger Manning on drums, and comprised 10 songs mostly in the style of Cat Stevens and Van Morrison. “Like a Circle ‘Round the Sun” continues in the same vein, with a few added wrinkles. Standout track “Diving Duck Blues” features a driving, staccato bass line and a bluesy harmonica solo. “Crazy Heart” adds distorted electric guitar, courtesy of the band’s friend, John P. Rogers.

POWERED BY POSITIVITY Tim Koehler and Alex Goodell channel positive vibes into soulful music on their forthcoming second album.

Courtesy photo

[Alex] plays fretless and she plays very melodically, and I play very rhythmically for a guitar player, so it’s a really a yin and yang kind of thing,” Koehler explains.

Sanchez agrees. “The songs blew me away.” He cites Koehler’s prolificacy as a songwriter and Goodell’s dexterity on bass. The wealth of material necessitated a double album, and the band still has new songs ready to go. Not that they’re rushing things.

Soul-R Fusion chose Beale Street Barber Shop for its album release in part for its funky vibe. The venue, which operates as a full-service barber shop during the day, is filled nearly floor to ceiling with Elvis memorabilia. Owner Mark Sinnis’ commitment to The new, 18-track album was recorded at original music also gels with Soul-R Fusion.

Sanchez’s home in Hanover Heights—a con- They see it as an opportunity to continue to venience since the house doubles as The spread their message of positivity.

Clams’ rehearsal space. Sanchez recorded “I think positivity is good to throw out with Soul-R Fusion every Sunday from Jan- there as much as possible, whether we do uary to April of 2019, working around the that vibrationally or with our words,” Koehler duo’s schedules (Goodell teaches biology says. “We try to throw a bit of good karma at James Sprunt Community College, and out there and hopefully it comes back.”

Koehler works as a donations truck driver for Habitat for Humanity). Despite the time constraints, the band insists recording was a breeze. Goodell and Koehler intended to flesh out the songs, but quickly found the intimacy of their live performances worked in their favor. Many were captured in one take, and Sanchez shrewdly recorded Goodell’s fretless bass in the front of the mix, creating a dynamic of equal billing among acoustic guitar and bass. “Basically, what you hear on the CD is the exact same thing you hear us playing live,” Koehler says.

DETAILS

Goodell and Koehler still play in The Clams. “It’s probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing music,” Koehler says. Still, both musicians admit a unique je ne sais quoi exists among them. “There’s something that happens when we play together because

SOUL-R FUSION ALBUM RELEASE PARTY Saturday, January 11, 7 p.m.

Beale Street Barber Shop, 710 S. 17th St. Free • soulrfusion.com

Be mine.

1437 Military Cutoff Rd • 910 679 8797 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 17

HONOR AND REFLECTION The public will have a chance to make their own lanterns as part of the closing for ‘Illumination.’

Courtesy photo, Cameron Art Museum

MEDITATIVE

BY SHEA CARVER

L

antern festivals abound worldwide throughout the calendar year. Every November India’s Diwali Festival of Lights praises the gods through lighting diyas (clay lamps). Thailand’s fall Loi Krathong festival includes the release of lanterns into the sky to symbolize new beginnings and good luck.

The Chinese New Year (February 8) celebrates with bright lanterns of all shapes and sizes peppering temples, homes, schools and shopping malls to mark the beginning of spring and family reunions. Even Hawaii gets in on the celebration on Memorial Day at O`ahu’s south shore, where 50,000 people gather to float lanterns in remembrance of loved ones.

Cameron Art Museum began celebrating the art of remembrance, reflection and gratitude the lantern embodies five years ago with the exhibit, “Illumination.”

Featuring handmade lanterns from local, regional and national artists, the 20192020 exhibit will close this weekend. Beforehand, on Sunday, January 12, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., the museum will host a floating lantern ceremony and the public will be able to create their own lanterns.

“Our mission is to give everyone an opportunity to express themselves, to create an atmosphere of love, community and support,” says museum shop manager and special events coordinator Nan Pope. “Many will choose to honor a loved one by writing their name or offering messages to them . . .

For some, it is a chance to contemplate their place in life or the year ahead, and show appreciation for people who are dear to them.

The lanterns will be filled with names, images, messages and decorations.”

While the experience can be emotional, it’s also meant to be restorative. In the case of artist Leatha Benvie Koefler’s mixed-media, found-object sculpture, “My Michelle,” it embodies conjuring memories of family and friends. She made her lantern from 40 years worth of her father’s slides. Koefler sewed together, in the same vein of her grandmother’s quiltmaking, various images of her life. The outcome is a lantern shaped like a

DETAILS FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY Sunday, January 12, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Free • Lanterns, $12-$15 each Closing of ‘Illumination’ exhibit Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org dress that represents the impact of her college roommate, Michelle.

“Each scrap of cloth and each slide represents a person and a memory,” Koefler explains. “I felt like I was sewing my family back together. I then realized how my experiences made me who I have become, and how each person in my life influences me. So I started making garments to represent the people in my life.”

Buttons, 35-millimeter film, crochet thread, zippers, plastic clasps, trim, fabric lining, boning, wire, Plexiglas, and slide carousels were used in “My Michelle.” Koefler pays careful attention to the delicacy of the materials.

“It takes about 20 minutes per button because I am not just sewing on a button,” she details. “I am creating a net-like structure to which I attach the film.”

Though the engineering proved tricky— specifically the bodice, which couldn’t be weighed down by the film, else it would tear— Koefler’s lantern took a year to complete. She hopes folks view the piece as a lens through which they can see their own lives.

“We as individuals are a reflection of our experiences, as depicted in my dad’s slides,

18 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

and all of us value the same things,” she explains. “I hope they will see how much we are alike and that we are not alone but part of a common family.”

Pate Conaway’s “The Winter Clef” consists of a junior guitar encapsulated by 400 feet of hand-crocheted laundry cord.

Conaway’s background in performance and visual art (Chicago’s Second City Training Center; MFA in interdisciplinary arts from Columbia College, Chicago) coalesces to represent hibernation.

“I hope my lantern makes people pause,” the Illinois artist tells. “The poet Phillip Whalen described poetry as ‘a graph or picture of the mind moving.’ Perhaps my lantern is my mind moving, endeavoring to convey winter and what this season does. Conceptually, I like the idea of winter cocooning. With my lantern I have taken a common object and insulated it. The guitar is there, but suspended, hibernating, waiting.”

His concept evolved from scouring second-hand shops for a month to find familiar pieces that could resonate with many. He considered geography globes and even a mid-century coffee percolator before landing on the guitar for his lantern’s prototype.

“My first attempt went well, but I did not like how the electrical cord clashed with clothesline, so I spent more time and energy to find the right matching cord,” he describes.

Construction took the longest since he crocheted everything by hand. “Then I went on a mad search for more laundry cord,” he remembers. “In creating this piece, I had to really trust my instincts. . . . what draws me to this process is how a shape can be manipulated and become something else.”

The lanterns on display in “Illumination” total 21, from upward of 40 entries. Each artist received a light kit from CAM, which included safe and energy-saving LED bulb(s) with a socket and cord.

“The most challenging component was figuring out how to get the light source into the guitar,” Conaway admits. “I had to drill through the base of the guitar and pull the plug and socket through the sound hole. The

JOURNEY Floating lantern ceremony closes ‘Illumination’ exhibit at CAM LED light had to be wedged between the guitar strings and screwed into the socket while inside the body of the guitar. The process was frustrating and gave a new meaning to: ‘How many artists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?’”

Sunday’s lantern-floating ceremony will offer participants a chance to decorate their own lanterns ($12 through Jan. 11 or $15 day of); supplies will be provided and candles will be handed out for illumination. The event will feature live music from Zach Hanner, Julie Rehder, The Casserole, as well Perry Smith, Diana Zaccaria and David Key. Mitzi Ito will create origami cranes from Japanese washi paper. It’s free to attend and the exhibits are open to wander through, including “Unfolding Noguchi,” featuring the 20th-century American modernist’s work and Akari lanterns.

When five loud gongs permeate the museum around 5 p.m., folks will head to the outdoor pond to begin the floating lantern ceremony. “There is an opportunity for people to take photos of their lantern, so everyone should bring their camera or smartphone,” Pope tells. A luminary path will guide the way (weather permitting) around the pond; fire pits will be aflame, with marshmallows for roasting.

“The outside area is quieter and has a more contemplative mood, with darkness allowing the lanterns to become a larger focus,” Pope says. “This is a more personal time if people are looking for a private moment. If weather allows, we will have a lighted labyrinth path in our courtyard—another opportunity for a meditative journey.”

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 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 6pm (or by appt., Sun. and Mon.) • aibgallery.com

View “New Path: New Art by Debra Bucci” with original oil paintings continuing through January 19, 2020. In addition, view original paintings, ceramics, sculpture, blown-glass art, jewelry, copper mobiles and more by a variety of artists.

ART IN BLOOM POPUP EXHIBITS www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Current exhibits include: “Homegrown: New Paintings by Angela Rowe continues through January 13, 2020 at PinPoint Restaurant, 114 Market Street. These stunning oil paintings explore the movement of food from farms and waters to markets and to table.

“Works of Art by Kirah Van Sickle” continues through February 3, 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.

A pop-up art exhibit at the MC Erny Gallery with original art by Georgeann Haas (acrylic and mixed media on paper) and H.M. Saffer, II (oil on canvas and panel) through January 17, 2020. Art in Bloom Gallery is delighted to host the exhibit in the MC Erny Gallery on the third floor of WHQR Public Radio at 254 N. Front Street.

Regular hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

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

Set the Stage and Step away!

Thanks for the memories!

Time to pass the torch!

Come celebrate Hunter’s last night as founder and owner

Monday, January 13th

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

Wilma D Daniels Gallery presents: The No Boundaries International Art Colony exhibition opens, featuring the works of national and international artists. This year’s exhibition features artists from Japan, Spain, Turkey and the United States.

encorepub.com

LIVE MUSIC WITH MIKE BLAIR 7-10PM NEW OWNER TAKES OVER JANUARY 14th.

MORE MUSIC MORE EVENTS MORE GREAT TIMES! Serving Over 22 Craft BeerS • all aBC PermitS

mOn.-thurS.: 4Pm-12:30am, fri.-Sat.: 4Pm-1:30am, Sun. 4Pm-11Pm • 2101 market St., unit 7 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 19

-Salt Therapy Sessions -Massage Therapy -Reiki & Spiritual Services -Main Cave fits 12 -Treatment/Children’s Cave 1540 S 2nd St Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 399-3638

www.nativesaltcaveandwellness.com

20 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

SHINY GRIT Adam Sandler can be difficult to watch for his fascinating portrayal of Howard Ratner, a hopelessly self-destructive gambler.

Photo courtesy A24

IN-DEPTH

BY ANGHUS

H

as anyone ever watched a movie and managed to both love and hate it simultaneously? Some films possess absolutely mesmerizing moments that defy expectation, but make us cringe and wince from anger. I felt that way about Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit,” which featured some beautifully staged moments of comedy and tragedy, but eventually devolved into something so ludicrously adorable, I left the theater angrily griping about the final scene. The same kind of crazy bipolar pendulum swing can be found in the new, insane character study “Uncut Gems.”

The film ultimately will be remembered for Adam Sandler’s hypnotic portrayal of Howard Ratner, an upscale jewelry store owner with a crippling gambling addiction that fuels his entire existence. Unfortunately, that fuel is constantly set ablaze by Howard’s lack of impulse control and penchant for self-destructive behavior.

We meet Howard as he hangs over the ledge of an epic downward spiral. He owes large sums of money to a number of unsavory characters and is days away from announcing to his children his marriage is over. His life is a boiling pot of water, seconds away from pouring over and scalding everything and everyone he holds dear.

Directors Benny and Josh Safdie do a marvelous job of creating a full-tilt pressure cooker as soon as the movie begins.

We see the frantic pace Howard works under while trying to peddle high-priced jewelry to willing buyers, including high-profile basketball players like Kevin Garnett.

Every scene with Howard is like a bump of cinematic cocaine: It starts with manic energy and eventually wears off so audiences feel empty and hopeless. Most of the story exists on a razor’s edge used to cut fresh rails and the powder-covered mirror Howard refuses to stare too deeply into.

We follow Howard as he weasels his way from one interaction to the next, convinced his next big bet is going to help him claw his way out of this epic crater that continues to deepen with every thought-

DETAILS UNCUT GEMS

Rated R, 2 hrs 7 mins Directed by Josh and Benny Safdie Starring Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Eric Bogosian less, explosive action. The audience and characters who inhabit the malevolent maelstrom that is Howard’s life recognize he’s hopelessly self-destructive. Howard is wired differently, a guy who always believes he’s one bump away from achieving bliss—even when it’s so apparent the floor is disintegrating beneath his Amadeo Testoni shoes.

We’ve seen Adam Sandler give performances that defy the comedic mediocrity to which he’s become accustomed. Every so often he delivers a transformative character, like in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch Drunk Love” and Noah Baumbach’s “The Meyerowitz Stories.” I propose Sandler’s most iconic performance will come in “Uncut Gems.” He’s pitch-perfect and brings such a wonderful sense of sadness and tragedy to a grinning idiot.

I think there are people who will find “Uncut Gems” difficult to endure. It really is an almost joyless tour of Howard’s troubled existence. The man is dragged through a metaphorical acre of broken glass, committed to scheming his way into bloody oblivion. There will be those who find Howard grating and struggle to endure his trials. There is little attention paid here to making viewers comfortable.

The goal is to make the audience squirm

along with Howard and marvel at the depths he is willing to plumb. In this way, the film is a massive success.

“Uncut Gems” is an experience that might leave audiences a little winded by its conclusion. Whether or not they find the movie to be worth their time is how comfortable they are spending two hours with some really unlikable, difficult people.

I was mesmerized by “Uncut Gems.”

Adam Sandler deserves any and every acting award for which he is eligible. He makes the cast of “The Irishman” look like a bunch of drunken hobos. Yet, there’s a part of me that wonders if I’ll ever watch “Uncut Gems”

MARVEL Adam Sandler pulls no punches in ‘Uncut Gems’

again. It’s a singular story that feels like it will lose a little bit of luster driving subsequent viewings. This isn’t a film that’s going to put a smile on anyone’s face, but is more likely to leave them slack-jawed.

GIVE BACK TUESDAYS! For every order of The Copper Penny’s109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich or Ft . Fisher Fish & Chips and Wilmington Brewing Company’s Penny Pale Ale sold on Tuesdays through January, $1.09 will be donated to Health Possible Inc. This partnership is made possible from The Copper Penny, Apple Annie’s Bakeshop and Wilmington Brewing Company.

Health Possible Inc. provides wellness financial aid to give the working class independent health and unite healthcare and wellness through care coordination. encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 21

IN THE ROUND Ashley Strand talks strategy in prepping for Alchemical Theatre Company’s King ‘James Live,’ opening January 9.

Courtesy photo

REPETITION

BY SHANNON RAE GENTRY

AND

R

epetition and imagination.

That’s how Ashley Strand says he was able to memorize the massive Biblical text for his two-hour, one-man performance of “King James Live.” Specifically, he’s referring to a technique for leveraging visual memory: “the memory palace.”

“What’s interesting is there’s feedback between rote techniques, like the memory palace, and deeper imagination work,” Strand explains. “So when I had to remember the [13] sins from Chapter 7 . . . my first question was, ‘Why those?’ It hardly seemed like an exhaustive list of sins, despite its length, and in fact, there seemed to be a good bit of repetition.”

Strand is reprising his role, so to speak, from 2018’s reading of The Gospel of Mark from King James Bible in “King James Live.” The show opens January 9 at Ronald Sachs Violins on Castle Street and is produced by Alchemical Theatre Company. Strand says the show avoids the trappings of the proscenium by playing it in the round. encore spoke with the actor about his performance. Readers can find the extended interview at encorepub.com. encore (e): What about last year’s reading is informing your performance now?

Ashley Strand (AS): Last year was about, “Can I make this engaging?” This year is about, “This is so engaging, can I do it justice?” The larger narrative structure is a perfect dramatic arc, and so a first-gloss presentation can be carried off by hitting the major plot points. This time around I’m teasing out finer details.

The short answer: I will be delivering something much more specific, rich and alive than I did [in 2018]. e: Tell us more about those former “trap-

DETAILS KING JAMES LIVE Produced by Alchemical Theatre Company Jan. 9-11, 16-18 at 7 p.m. • $10-$20 Ronald Sachs Violins, 616-B Castle St. kingjameslive.brownpapertickets.com pings” Alchemical is able to avoid with this version.

AS: Playing it in the round takes it out of the presentational and puts it into the interactive. I am not opposite the audience. I am not above them. I am among them, and we are part of the same story. Of course, the physicality I am allowed in the theatre gives me a much greater range of expressiveness, particularly, I hope, in the comic moments.

The challenge is to take all phrases that have become dry, rhetorical jingles in people’s minds and make a playable story out of them. Just rehearsing it in the round, I discover a lot of that. As soon as I sit down and become one of the synagogue members in Galilee, who is offended by Jesus, I get to look around, and see his sisters behind me, when I say, “Are not his sisters here with us?” and shoot ‘em a judgy look. Now, when Jesus says, “A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin,” his sisters are established in the room, and you get to “witness” him getting heckled in the synagogue, and his own family doesn’t even back him up. Now “kin” has become something more than an archaic word so-

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norously intoned.

There’s a reason I call the show “King James Live”—doing it this way brings the text to life. e: So this sounds like you’re able to build more character and presence around this performance—can you tell us more about this new character, so to speak?

AS: Well, there’s a lot of characters in the Gospel According to Mark, from Herod to Pilate, Blind Bartimaeus to the Syro-Phoenician Woman, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, John the Baptist, and the man possessed of the Legion, and not a one is bland. Many get only a few lines, if that, to portray. Bold choices are needed, and nothing helps a bold choice like physicality. When I was doing it as a reading, behind a podium, the physical palette was pretty limited. Also, there’s a lot of movement in the story, and having free range on a stage helps portray that.

One of the most fun things, though, about getting my head out of the book, is the ability to connect to the audience.

There are even opportunities to “endow” the audience; that is, to put them in the role of people in the story, and speak to them as though they’re a part of the action. (Don’t worry, no one but me has to say anything!) e: As the company clown how far of a stretch is this role, or can we expect chuckles in some form?

AS: Oh, man, that was one of my great fears/discoveries in this process! There are laughs in the Gospel According to Mark, big ones! When I first read it, I didn’t see them at all, but then I saw Alec McCowen’s reading of it, and he found some laughs. I realized I was allowed to have fun with the piece and started finding opportunities for fun all over the place. It is a profoundly human text, and though it paints its characters sparely, it paints

IMAGINATION Ashley Strand dives deep once again into ‘King James Live’

them truthfully. With all the colors of the emotional rainbow, of course humor is a big part of it.

I think it’s a part best suited to someone who can “people the stage,” which is something standup comics have to do as well. One of my favorite roles ever was “Adult Male” in “Spring Awakening.” I had to play all nine of the adult male characters. So in that sense, it’s in my wheelhouse.

In the larger sense, it’s the biggest stretch of my life. Like Shakespeare, what draws me to it is the puzzle one can never solve, only the biggest puzzle I’ve ever seen! I feel like an archaeologist uncovering a vast, lost city: I could dig for the rest of my life, and never stop making discoveries. I am equal parts excited and daunted: It is a great opportunity, and a tremendous responsibility. e: Is this a trajectory you want to remain on as an actor? Do you prefer to find more serious roles versus comedic?

AS: I’ve played almost exclusively clowns and villains. These are essentially shallow characters, though of course, there are exceptions—anti-heroes like Salieri, etc. It’s nice to dig into something with more substance; though, of course the more substance you bring to your clown, the more valuable and funnier he’ll be. I’d love to do more serious work, I’d love to do more comic work. Like most actors, I’d just love to do more work!

CRÈME DE LA CRÈME The cast of ‘La Cage aux Folles’ bring their A-game in Opera House’s season-opener of 2020.

Photo by Erik Maasch Photogrpahy

BY GWENYFAR ROHLER

O

pera House Theatre Company is throwing a party for 2020. To welcome the new year in style, they have brought to the main stage of Thalian Hall a fabulous and sequin-studded production of Harvey Firestein and Jerry Herman’s “La Cage aux Folles.”

Directed and choreographed by Ray Kennedy, with co-choreography by Tina Leak, the stage spectacular is a delight from the first note the band plays (overseen by Brian Whitted), until the moment the curtain comes down at the end. In short, it’s a wonderful, fun-filled, exciting night of theatrical exuberance.

Set in the 1970s on the French Riviera, the story revolves around the La Cage aux Folles nightclub and the lives of the performers who work there. Master of Ceremonies and owner of the nightclub, Georges (Richard White) welcomes the audience. He is elegance personified and has a voice so seductive it is hard not to get lost in his velvety words (just imagine if Pierce Brosnan opened a night club after he retired from life as James Bond).

So the audience is on notice: Buckle up— it’s going to be a magical evening.

Georges (Richard White) introduces us to Les Cagelles, his ensemble of dancers—in drag, of course, as this is a drag club: Blaine Mower, Cannon Starnes, Jason Aycock, Andy Edelman, Mattson Williams, Philip McGee, and Asa Jordan.

They are as dangerous as they are beautiful—and even more entertaining (“We Are What We Are”). Les Cagelles are a group of incredibly talented dancers and singers, but they are the warm-up act for the show’s star attraction, currently upstairs in her apartment.

Running behind is Zaza (Jeff Phillips), the star of La Cage aux Folles—though, in day-to-day life, with her husband Georges, she goes by Albin. Her maid, Jacob (Cullen Moss), would be happy to go on in Zaza’s place, but she’d hate to let down her audience (“A Little More Mascara”). Phillips delivers one of the most convincing and nuanced journeys I have

ever witnessed with him onstage. He’s always fun to watch, and sings wonderfully and dances beautifully. There is something about the relationship between Georges and Albin that speaks to Phillips deeply because he gives layers and intensity to Albin/Zaza that belie the sequins and catty quibbling. Though I enjoy his singing tremendously, what sells his performance are moments in between. Bravo!

While Zaza is busy onstage, Georges has a private meeting in the apartment with their son, Jean-Michel (Mathis Turner). Jean-Michel is 24, handsome, charming, and as self-involved and certain as everything that age implies. He has also decided to marry a young lady he met on vacation named Anne (Sydney Jones). Announcing an engagement to a parent is always a little weird and emotional, but this one is like “Romeo and Juliet” with a twist: Georges owns one of the most successful drag clubs on the Riviera. Anne’s father (Tony Rivenbark) is a right-wing politician, making a name for himself by trying to close down the drag clubs in the Riviera.

Instead of running off to elope, the young couple are planning to introduce the two families prior to the wedding. Jean-Michel wants to present an entirely fictitious version of his home life. He hopes to banish Albin in favor of his birth mother to stay with Georges for a few days.

All the exuberance, glamour, camp and sequins (did I mention sequins?) aside, this show, at its heart, is about what every family with a step parent goes through: What defines the parent/child relationship? Who is a “real” parent? At what point does the self-centered resentment of adolescence have an opportunity to give way to a little humility and gratitude? It is a story beautifully told by a talented cast.

As Georges points out to Jean-Michel, he has never wanted for anything: private schools, cars, cash, and, frankly, two loving parents who sacrificed for his happiness. Wasn’t that enough? All this in order to impress strangers? The palpable pain on White’s face as the story unfolds is heartbreaking. His beautiful

voice aside, watching him wrestle with his love for his son and devotion to Albin is deeply affecting.

While Jean-Michel is busy rewriting and rearranging every detail of their lives to fit an impossible story, the show must go on at La Cage aux Folles. Backstage life is still filled with drama and excitement, and not just for the stage manager, Francis (Jordan Wolfe). Georges and Albin’s butler/maid is desperate to be in the show and has a host of schemes to make his star-struck aspirations come true. Now, it would seem pretty impossible for any one performer to upstage Zaza or Les Cagelles, but somehow Cullen Moss manages to do exactly that. There are so many remarkable and memorable performances throughout the night, but the sheer volume—physically and verbally—of Moss and his genuine love for dramatic flair will keep the audience giggling quietly for days after the show’s end.

In addition, Georges and Albin’s neighbor, Jaqueline (Susan Powell)—owner of the swankiest and most exclusive restaurant in St. Tropez—bobs in and out of their lives, sending them patrons (and vice-versa). The Renauds (Jay Zadeh and Lauren Maasch), who own the café down the street, try to help Albin and Georges through tough decisions they are facing as a couple (“Masculinity”). And nobody is quite prepared for the Dindons when the arrive. Madame (Suellen Yates) is a more compliant version of Nancy Regan and Rivenbark’s Dindon reminds me of a slightly kinder and possibly misguided version of Mike Pence (not so much in voice but in body language). When things come to head for them, it is hard not to laugh at just the lengths they will go.

Juli Harvey must have had fun costuming the show. If she didn’t, it would be a real shame because, visually, it is stunning and covered in sequins—lots of sequins. The floor-length gold coat Zaza wears in Act 1 almost deserves its own program credit. Just the bird costumes for Les Cagelles are mesmerizing, and they have multiple changes in the same number! Plus, the

FLASHY WITH

HEART

‘La Cage aux Folles’ tells a story of love and family finale costumes are a jigsaw puzzle of visual delight and intricacy.

Terry Collins’ set is fabulous—and I don’t just mean the one for the nightclub.

The Renaud’s café is detailed and charming. But the transformation the apartment goes through, from gay art collectors to what the show calls “Monastic,” yet tends toward “cathedral lite,” must be seen to be understood.

Aaron Willings paints the details on with a lighting design that embraces all the glamour of the show—starting with the use of two follow spots to catch the raising of the chandelier during the prelude. The resulting silhouettes are the first clue we are on an elegant journey that will surprise and thrill us. At every turn, he continues to reiterate that message.

These are difficult times we are in, but as Georges and Albin’s story reminds: Love is love, no matter what packaging it comes in. Theirs happens to be wrapped in sparkles and mascara. They enjoy this life they have built for each other and their friends, and perhaps that is one of most generous gifts they can share with us. This entire cast pulls out all the stops in this magnificent show. It’s a fabulous night—the crème de la crème of community theatre!

“La Cage aux Folles” will continue the next two weekends through January 18, at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday matinees, 3 p.m., and a Saturday matinee, 3 p.m., on January 18. Tickets are $25-$32 at thalianhall.org.

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DINING

GUIDE

Bluew ater G rill 4 M arina St . • blue waterd ining.co m

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 shellfish to

• Photo

by Holl and Do tts

Photog raphy

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.

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■ 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 veggie wraps, as well

as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information.

16 S. Front St. (910) 771-9151.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: nikkissushibar.com

Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT20% 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.

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE

YOSHI

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

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. 11am11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine.com

BAGELS ROUND BAGELS

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

BITES 2020 SHUCK ON THE SOUND OYSTER ROAST January 25, 6:30 p.m.

St. Andrews On-the-Sound Episcopal Church, 101 Airlie Rd. Fresh local oysters roasted over a hardwood fire and live entertainment.

Admission includes all you can eat oysters, BBQ, and beer/wine. All funds raised will be used to support our children’s ministry at St. Andrews Onthe-Sound Tickets: $35 at Eventbrite.com

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

SZECHUAN 132

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

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

YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE

Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

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

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

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■ 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; 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 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

KIDS EAT FREE

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S

Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery! 3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

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

THE ITALIAN BISTRO

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

WITH PURCHASE OF ADULT ENTREE

PIZZA • CALZONES PASTA • SAMMIES ORDER ONLINE: antoniospizzaandpasta.com

14-inch one topping $7.99

promise to take care of you when you get here!

5607 Carolina 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

25% off online orders Code: MJ25

5120 S. College Rd. • 910-792-0000 Monkey Junction, Carolina Beach

3501 Oleander Dr. #2 • (910)228-5999

UNCW, Downtown and Market Street

Mon.-Thurs. 11am- 9pm • Fri. & Sat. 11am - 10pm • Sun. 11:30 am - 9 pm

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■ 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

Taste of Italy 110 1 S College

Rd. • ataste ofitalydeli .com • Pho to

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 locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon.

Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: 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

by Hollan d

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

Dotts Pho tography

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) 7622827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: dockstreetoysterbar.net

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

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

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

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OCEANIC

Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best.

Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach.

Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes.

Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available.

703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910)

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packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more.

Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon-2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat:11am-Midnight.

■ 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: TuesThurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ 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; Din-

ner, 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

REAL. GOOD. BBQ. And the best fried chicken in town!

920 S KERR AVE. • (910) 799-1581 • JACKSONSBIGOAK.COM

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Family Meal Deals: $25.99 BBQ Special: $13.99 Early Bird Specials, M-F, 3:30-5:30pm: $5.99

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DOS PORTALES Los Portales #2 has more tasty treats in a larger space, icnluding tons of tacos, burritos and tostadas.

Photo by Tom Dorgan

MORE TACOS

BY ROSA BIANCA

I

f your new year’s resolution isn’t to eat more tacos, what even is it? Go to the gym? Read more books? Call your mom? Me, too. But also eat more tacos. Naturally, on January 2 (National Start Living Your Resolutions Day), my husband and I moseyed over to Los Portales #2 on Van Campen Boulevard near Walmart.

The institution that is Los Portales opened in 2006, with a taqueria and a supermarket on Kerr Avenue by the four Villaseñor siblings, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1994. The supermarket offers fresh produce and meats, plus myriad products from Hispanic countries. They also have a bakery that features fresh Mexican bread, churros, and customizable cakes that can be ordered online. Last year they branched out and opened a full eatery in Monkey Junction, Tequila Comida, to much success. Now they’re welcoming a larger Los Portales #2 to midtown near Market Street.

While I’ve been to the supermarket and experienced its glory, the talk of the town since I moved to Wilmington seven years ago has been the taqueria. I’m ashamed to say I’ve somehow missed it.

My long-standing resolution (does that just make it a life goal?) has been to experience as many new things as possible whenever possible, so the new Los Portales seemed like an obvious choice for the new year.

Walking in the door to the latest Villaseñor venture, instantly we were greeted by a friendly server. As we gazed up at the bilingual menu, he picked up it was our first time and handed us paper menus, which were a little easier to read. After giving us a quick rundown of the menu, he made sure to note, “Everything’s really good.”

I believed him.

We met our server at the counter, but after a quick glance around, I realized we were in a really big restaurant. The dining room is massive, and at the back is a big bar. We asked if we could move to the bar

DETAILS TAQUERIA LOS PORTALES #2 29 Van Campen Blvd., Ste. 109 Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. taquerialosportales.com (910) 769 6067 (we’re exclusively bar sitters if we can be) and were obliged. told how they only serve beer currently, so we each ordered a Pacifico draft with lime. There are four beers on draft and a couple more in bottles, but there were 10 or 12 more draft lines open, so the potential is there. It used to be a sports bar and they kept most TVs. I asked if liquor was in the plan for the future, and was met with a resounding yes. Hello, margs!

Micheladas are already on the menu (kind of like a Bloody Mary with beer in lieu of vodka) and for booze-less options, there’s a soda fountain, plus a cooler full of Jarritos and Mexican Cokes, and aguas frescas (fruit-infused waters).

The menu combined lots of offerings with rice, refried beans, various meats, and pico de gallo. I went with what first tempted my palate: the 5. Cinco, in the combination plates section. It included a hard-shell taco with choice of filling, lettuce and cheese; a burrito with pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and beans with choice of filling; and a side of rice and beans. Best part: it was only $6.99. I went with asada (steak) for

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the taco and pollo (chicken) for the burrito.

Ya girl also loves a tostada, and for only $3.25 each, I ordered one topped with cachete (beef cheek) for my husband and I to share.

The taco was exactly what I wanted it to be. The steak was salty and chewy, the lettuce was cold and crunchy, and the cheese gave it a little richness. I opted for Valentina hot sauce for some extra oomph, but I could have indulged in the salsa bar like my husband did. A smattering of salsas, plus lots of taco garnishes (radish, cucumber, onion, cabbage, cilantro) tempted diners to dress their orders accordingly.

Sadly, my burrito fell a little short. It came out with asada, despite the fact I ordered pollo. While the sour cream and guac were scant, the beans didn’t make it in the burrito at all. For $6.99 I can’t say I was terribly upset, but I just might not order it again. The rice and beans were fairly standard issue, though the rice was a little crunchy. It was neither a home run nor a miss, just a little unappetizing.

The tostada was delicious. The beef cheek was perfectly seasoned and very tender. The combination of crisp lettuce, tangy sour cream, salty refried beans, and crumbly queso fresco, all on top of a crunchy fried tortilla, was absolute perfection. I could have eaten several. The menu mentioned tomatoes, though they were missing. I wasn’t too upset; the menu is designed for food to come out fast, so, occasionally, things will fall by the wayside.

IN

2020

Los Portales opens taqueria number two on Van Campen Boulveard My husband opted for the torta Cubana—a hulking beast of a sandwich large enough for two. My dude has the appetite, and even he was only able to finish half ... plus three tacos. It was a mix of both Mexican and Cuban cuisines. The tortas came on classic bolillo bread—a shorter, chubbier baguette—with lettuce, onion, tomato, avocado, sour cream, and jalapeño. The Cubana also packed in chorizo, asada, pastor (marinated pork), ham, and cheese. I have neither seen a bigger sandwich nor tasted something full of so much flavor. It was salty and creamy, plus crunchy, citrusy and tangy. It checked every box. (As I write this, I’m considering stealing the other half out of the fridge while my husband is at work.)

His three tacos were pollo, cachete and chicharron (pork belly). They arrived very simply, each with a doubled up corn tortilla and a lime in the middle for an acidic punch. But that’s the beauty of the salsa bar: Tacos at Los Portales can be anything diners want them to be.

“Los portales” translates to “the portals” in English, which I think is perfect. Los Portales is a great gateway, or portal, for folks unfamiliar with authentic Mexican cuisin. Both the staff and menu are very approachable. There’s the option to go full gringo or get as far over the border as possible—and without leaving Wilmington.

A taste of Southern hospitality...

AVOCADO TOAST

HELL IN A HAND-BASKET BURGER

SHRIMP ‘N’ GRITS

WEEKEND BRUNCH

SERVING AWARD-WINNING CHICKEN AND WAFFLES • Locally prepared, fresh-fromscratch breakfast & lunch • Heart-healthy items available • Traditional Southern dishes

3704 Carolina Beach Rd. • (910) 769-8112 • savorsouthernkitchen.com Tues.-Fri., 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Sat. - Sun., 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 31

CARPE

LIBRUM

Gwenyfar contemplates her reading list for 2020

BY GWENYFAR ROHLER

W

ilmington’s literary community keeps gaining accolades (two National Book Awards nominees in 2015) and attention in the press. With multiple established publishers in the state (Algonquin, Blair) and new smaller presses gaining traction (Lookout, Eno, Bull City), and a pair of well-regarded literary magazines out of UNCW, it is timely to shine a light on discussions around literary publishing. More so, it shows the importance of communicating a truthful story in our present world.

Welcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s

biweekly book column, wherein I will dissect a current title or an old book— because literature does not exist in a vacuum but emerges to participate in a larger, cultural conversation. I will feature many NC writers; however, the hope is to place the discussion in a larger context and therefore examine works around the world.

Looking at the year ahead...

“So how many books do you think you read this year? 40? 50?” a friend asked in early December.

“No, that number is way too low—probably closer to 400,” I answered.

His jaw dropped in disbelief and he

asked me how that was possible.

I realize the number sounds terribly inflated and like an incredible case of bragging. But it is neither.

I cannot run a mile. When I tell people as much, they argue that of course I could. Somehow, the idea I can (and do) read a book in a day seems impossible to them. As I explain time and again, it is just a different set of muscles. Genuinely, I cannot run a mile. I know this; I am wellaware. But I really do finish a book most days, sometimes two. The next thing that happens is people start to quibble about it: “Well, how long is the book? Like a kids’ book? Like a play? Like a short book?”

It’s not about numbers, nor racking up the accomplishments. While it might be surprising to people who know me best— at heart, I’m a very driven and goal-oriented person—reading has never been about numbers. I know a lot of people who set goals every new year about how many books they are going to read—and that is awesome! Anything that dedicates more time to reading is a worthy endeavor. For me reading is like breathing: I have a nearly constant need for narrative. I used to have incredible powers of retention and could summon really arcane passages from novels or poems or even more irritating trivia from nonfiction. Now, unfortunately, not as much anymore (though, my friends are probably grateful it is waning).

Reading for me is therapy. I learned a long time ago I have to read and write everyday, or it gets real bad and real dark, real fast.

It is cheaper than Prozac and incredibly necessary for me.

So it’s one of the few things in my life that is not about checking off the list and racking up the gold stars. It doesn’t matter if it is a short book or long book. There are very short books that have taken me years to read. For instance, I have been coming back to, and not finishing “A Rap on Race”

by James Baldwin and Margaret Mead for over 15 years. It’s the kind of book I can read about a page at a time, and then I have to just sit with it for a few months.

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What they address is so involved, I can’t digest it quickly.

I flew through the Bruno books by S.J. Parris, and I know I missed a lot I need to go back and reread when I can pay attention. But I had to know what happened!

I had to know—I couldn’t slow down!

In 2020, it is not so much about setting a quantitative goal, but more about a qualitative one. If this is a year of vision and clarity, what does that mean about the things we put into our brains? I really do believe you get out of your brain what you put into it. So if you fill your head with nonsense and trash, that is all that will be available for you to draw upon within yourself.

There is a trend that has been developing for many years to encourage people to read outside their comfort zones—books by people of other cultures, perspectives, ages and experiences. A good example comes from local author Wiley Cash’s book club, dedicated to reading writers outside of the traditional literary canon of white male. The invention of the novel has been credited with a rise in humans’ capacity to have empathy for others. Perhaps that’s a tool we are not using as effectively as we could.

I plan to actually revisit a lot of books and writers I haven’t seen in many years.

What the reader, the audience, brings to the table is half the experience with a book. Who we are and where we are in life changes over time; therefore, our experiences change.

Currently, I am drawn to revisit stories that shaped me—books I thought I knew— to be present with them as a middle-aged adult. When I was little, my mother was adamant we were not just going to read Grimm’s Fairy Tales; we would read folklore from China, Mexico, Russia, West Africa and Persia. We would read Greek Mythology, Celtic, Norse and Egyptian. I feel curious about how those core stories will resonate now.

There are nonfiction books that were instrumental in shaping my world view, and that in my adulthood I have found flawed and then reconciled with, if only to ambivalence. In the last 10 years I have become increasingly drawn to first-person accounts of historic events and also extended interviews with some of the great (and frequently unappreciated) thinkers of our times. So in Carpe Librum, folks can expect as much in 2020. Yes, I also will start making headway with my stack of new writers, but I think it will be a year of seeking depth. I hope, together, we all find as much on our reading journeys.

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DJs, florists, photographers, bakeries and much more. Door prizes, tour of The Chapel in Duplin’s Vineyard, relax with Duplin wine and more. $5-$8. duplinwinery.com. The Chapel at Duplin’s Vineyards, 918 W. Charity Rd.

OPERA WILMINGTON’S HANSEL AND GRETEL

Jan. 12, 2pm: Opera Wilmington presents a shortened version of Humperdinck’s classic opera, “Hansel and Gretel,” based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Sung in English, it is perfect for children of all ages. Featuring Sarah Wells as Gretel, Shauntè Jordan as Hansel, and Sophie Amelkin as the Witch, and students from the Forest Hills Global Elementary School and Snipes Academy of Arts & Design. Church of the Servant Episcopal, 4925 Oriole Dr. operawilmington.org

events FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY

Jan. 12, 4pm: Lantern messaging and decorating begins at 4pm; floating begins 5-7pm; museum, CAM Café and exhibitions open until 7pm. See hundreds of paper lanterns floating on water and glowing warmly from their individual source of flickering light—a candle’s flame. Together, they become a soulful display of community spiri, for remembrance, reflection and gratitude, and to express your hopes and dreams for the New Year. Participants are encouraged to personalize a paper lantern sleeve to float on Cameron Art Museum’s reflecting pond. Lantern sleeves available for purchase: $12 through Jan. 11, $15 on Jan. 12. Live music and demonstrations inside the museum. All exhibitions including “Illumination” are open at no charge, donations are appreciated. Free and open to the public, donations are appreciated. 3201 S. 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org

MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE: 70’S HARD ROCK PARTY

Jan. 15, 8pm: All vinyl till 8pm-Midnight.

Like listing to records in your parent’s basement, but with better beer. For fans of Zeppelin, Sabbath, Grand Funk, and Creem Magazine. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 111 Grace St. facebook.com/whiskeytangofoxtrotwilmington.

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

SUNSET MUSIC CRUISE

Fri., 6:30pm: Looking for something different to do? Look no further! Come aboard The Wilmington, our comfortable catamaran, for a fun cruise down the Cape Fear River as we cruise into the sunset. Grab a tasty cocktail or drink from our full bar and sit back and relax as you listen to live music from local

CHANTICLEER

musicians. One-of-a-kind music venue in Wilmington and this cruise is one of our most popular excursions, so be sure to book early! Wilmington Water Tours, 212 Water St.

THE DRUM CIRCLE

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). Jan. 9, Stanley Baird Group; Feb. 6, Andrew Ber-

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inson Trio; Mar. 5, Lenora Zenzalai Helm; Apr. 2, John Brown Quintet. CAM, 3201 S. 17th St. cameronartmuseum.org.

NC SYMPHONY: THE PLANETS

Jan. 9, 7:30pm: Gemma New, conductor; Women of the NC Master Chorale; Salina Fisher: Rainphase; Debussy: Nocturnes; Holst: The Planets. Holst’s astrological depiction of the planets is magical, awe-inspiring, and timeless music. Experience the ultimate trip through the galaxy. Debussy’s evocative Nocturnes paint colorful, atmospheric dreamscapes, and Salina Fisher’s prize-winning work, Rainphase, captures the sounds of rainfall. Tickets may be purchased at ncsymphony.org, 877.627.6724, or in person at the Wilson Center, 703 North Third St. capefearstage.com

BRIDAL EXPO

Jan. 11, 11:30am: We invite you and your family and friends to join us in Rose Hillfor the seventh annual Bridal Expo. Kick start your wedding planning by meeting with event coordinators and many amazing vendors who will showcase specialty products and services—

Jan. 17, 7:30pm: Grammy Award®-winning ensemble Chanticleer celebrated its 40th anniversary in the 2018-19 season. During that season Chanticleer performed 52 concerts in 23 of the United States, 27 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and on two European tours, including Dublin, Wexford, Paris, Luxembourg, Budapest, Prague, Hannover, Leipzig, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. Praised by the San Francisco Chronicle for its “tonal luxuriance and crisply etched clarity,” Chanticleer is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for its seamless blend of twelve male voices ranging from soprano to bass and its original interpretations of vocal literature—from Renaissance to jazz and popular genres, as well as contemporary composition. $28-$52.

The Wilson Center, 703 North Third St. capefearstage.com

NC JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jan. 23-25, 7:30pm: 40th anniversary, 3-day event, held in the ballroom of the Hotel Ballast (formerly The Wilmington Hilton Riverside), features internationally known jazz musicians from across the U.S., Australia, and Italy. Thursday is Special Event Night featuring different styles of jazz. Opening the event will be Wilmington’s Jon Hill Ensemble. The second set will showcase song stylist Veronica Swift accompanied by the Emmet Cohen Trio. The Thursday Evening All-stars, led

by Adrian Cunningham, will close out the evening with a bit of Traditional Jazz. On Friday and Saturday nights we will have thirteen jazz all-stars playing 7 sets of traditional and classic jazz each night, with a different leader on each set. Musicians will include “rising young stars” Champian Fulton, Chris Gelb, and Ben Polcer playing with all-stars including as Houston Person, Chuck Redd, Rossano Sportiello, and Nicki Parrott. All concerts begin at 7:30pm, Thursday is a 3 hour concert, while Friday & Sataturday

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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 • email: info@wilmingtonwt.com

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

Follow us

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

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 boats… bring your camera along, there are photo ops in every direction!

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concerts go until midnight. Tickets $15$200 at AudioLab at 5732 Oleander Dr. or www.ncjazzfestival.org. 301 N. Water St.

theatre/auditions

KING JAMES LIVE

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.

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

meet them. $25-$33 (senior, student, military & first-responder discounts).

Thalian Hall, 301 Chestnut St. thalianhall.org.

Through Jan. 18, weekends, 7:30pm, $33: Opera House Theatre Company presents “La Cage aux Folles,” a musical based on the book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman.

Based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, it focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction, and the farcical adventures that ensue when Georges’s son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents to

Jan. 9, 7:30pm: Ashley Strand brings to life the gorgeous language and many of the characters of the King James Bible in this solo performance of the unabridged text of the Gospel According to Mark. A masterpiece of English literature, the KJV was nevertheless written to be spoken aloud, for a largely illiterate audience, in a style as vivid as its stories, proverbs, and prophecies. Mark was first performed as a solo play by Alec McCowen of the RSC, earning a him Tony nomination in 1979.

Alchemical Theatre of Wilmington frees the piece from its traditional trappings by presenting it in the round, giving it the immediacy that has become Alchemical’s signature. $20. Ronald Sachs Violins, 616 Castle St. (910) 833-5751, ronaldsachs.com.

TEN-MINUTE MISCELLANY

Jan. 13, 7pm: Auditions! Script-in-hand performances to be presented at the Stein Theatre in Thalian Hall. This diverse evening of theatre showcases a wide range of theatrical styles with short plays that run the gamut of human emotion and experience. In ten minutes or less, these performances will take au-

diences to vastly different worlds—from the inner workings of a paranoid mind to a fictional farcical White House, from a Nazi concentration camp to a safe haven for black musicians in the Jim Crow era, and more. Directed and produced by local playwrights. Performance dates: February 18-19, 2020. Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S 2nd St. portcityplaywrightsproject.wordpress.com

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

Jan. 13, 7:30pm: A legendary roster of Grammy Award® winners. Along with a visionary director and a Tony Award®-winning design team. Also, one of the world’s most beloved characters.

Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The musical reimagines and brings to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart, and pure theatricality. Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, where the power of optimism really can save the world. The Wilson Center, 703 North Third St. capefearstage.com

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. www.artscouncilofwilmington.org

MONTAGE: A CUCALORUS VOLUNTEER ART EXHIBIT

encore and Coworx in The Cargo District present “Montage: A Cucalorus Volunteer Art Exhibit,” featuring art work made by volunteers of Wilmington’s annual festival. The exhibit features multimedia works by Penney Vasquez, Francisco ‘Cisco’ Amieva, Anya Ekaterina and Brighid Greene. Over 20 works available

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 36 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

for purchase. Plus, a silent auction of one piece from each artist will benefit Cucalorus. On display through Jan. 20. 1608 Queen St.

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. aibgallery.com

NEW PATH: NEW ART BY DEB BUCCI

“New Path: New Art by Debra Bucci,” phenomenal oil paintings so vivid you feel as if you are inside them. Debra Bucci is known for her vibrant and engaging floral paintings. Dynamic color palettes, moving compositions and translucency from layering oils all work together to enhance the depth and bring Debra’s art to life. Her style is rooted in realism and woven with abstract elements. Art in Bloom Gallery, 210 Princess St. On view until January 19, 2020. aibgallery.com.

NEW ELEMENTS HOLIDAY SHOW

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

Work by 40+ of the best artists in southeastern North Carolina. Exhibit runs through January 18, 2020! 271 N. Front St. newelementsgallery.com

ART BY CAMMERON: CHILDHOOD ART

ArtByCammeron will have her childhood art on display for the first time. Collectors will have the opportunity to see her style forming as young as preschool-

throughout 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.

ART IN BLOOM POP-UP EXHIBIT

Through Jan. 17: Art in Bloom Gallery is delighted to host a pop-up art exhibit at the MC Erny Gallery with original art by Georgeann Haas (acrylic and mixed media on paper) and H.M. Saffer, II (oil on canvas and panel) from Monday Dec. 2nd through January 17th, 2020. The MC Erny Gallery is on the third floor of WHQR Public Radio at 254 N. Front Street. Regular hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Mon.-Fri. except Dec. 24-26.

WOOL REINVENTED ART OPENING

Jan. 9, 6pm: 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. Food Truck Get N Rolled will join us from 5-9pm. Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

ART AND THE BLOOM

Jan. 9-12: Art & The Bloom exhibition and

competition includes expert demonstrations and workshops in floral design and “flower pounding,” botanical illustration and art, millinery fashion shows, gallery art sales by the Wilmington Art Association, and a presentation-book signing for “Gardening with Confidence: 50 Ways to Add Style for Personal Creativity” by Helen Yoest, renowned author and founder of Bee Better. This year’s artwork will come from private collections, the Wilmington Art Association, and students of UNCW and CFCC. Floral designers receive their art assignment from a blind draw weeks before the event. blockade-runner. com/packages/art-and-the-bloom and eventbrite.com/e/art-the-bloom-tickets-36802041898. BarbBittler@gmail. com or 910-616-0476. $15. Blockade Runner Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

dance 76ERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB

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 Manly 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.

LEARN TO BELLY DANCE

Get strong! Have fun! Meet friends! Belly dance classes for women 18+, no dance experience necessary. Introvert friendly, all body sizes and shapes welcomed.

6-week series. No class Nov 26. No drop-ins. Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St. DivineDanceGoddess.com

CONTRA DANCE

Jan. 14, 7:30pm: An evening of energetic, contemporary American country dancing. It’s exercise that’s actually fun, done to live music by the band Box of Chocolates. 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. Beginner lessons start at 7:30 p.m. GA for Tuesday dances: $5. • Jan. 17-18, 7pm/9:30pm: Blair Socci—a Los Angeles-based comedian who

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recently moved back to her native state after 5 years in New York City. Her standup has been featured on Comedy Central, Last Call with Carson Daly, and Kevin Hart’s Lol Network. She is the co-host of The Blair and Greta Show every Tuesday in West Hollywood and the creator and host of the monthly talkshow, Dear Owen Wilson. She also wants you to know that she has a masters in creative writing from The New School because she accidentally thought she wanted to be a novelist and also that she played volleyball at UCLA. 5th Ave United Methodist Church, 409 S 5th Ave. wilmingtoncontradance.info

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. 1011, 7pm/9:30pm: Gavin Matts—Originally from Vancouver BC, Gavin Matts was a 2018 TBS Comic To Watch and was the winner of the 2017 SiriusXM Top Comic Competition, the biggest stand up competition in Canada. He made his late night debut on CONAN in September

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2019 and featured on Comedy Central the same year. He was handpicked by Bill Burr, who called Gavin “one of the most unique acts I’ve seen coming up”, to be a part of his new stand up showcase Bill Burr Presents The Ringers coming to Comedy Central on February 14 2020. • 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 Thursday, 8pm! LOL, a brandnew weekly show from Wilmington’s finest improvisers, comedians, and storytellers! Using your suggestions, DareDevil Improv will create a one-of-akind comedy experience to kick off your weekend right! (Followed by karaoke!).

Plus, special guests, music, and cocktails! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 111 Grace St.

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., 11am-2pm; Thurs. 5-9pm. Museum, 10am-5pm; Thurs., 10am-9pm. cameronartmuseum.

UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 | 12:00 PM | Swimming & Diving vs Davidson THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 | 7:00PM | Men’s Basketball vs Hofstra White Out-All fans encouraged to wear white; Halftime – Snipes Dribbles GAME SPONSOR: CAMPUS EVOLUTION VILLAGES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 | 7:00PM | Women’s Basketball vs JMU

GAME SPONSOR: CAMDEN FOREST, WILSHIRE LANDING, PLATO’S LOFTS ON RANDALL

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18 | 7:00PM | Men’s Basketball vs Northeastern 2000 CAA Men’s Basketball Championship Team Reunion GAME SPONSOR: REEDS JEWELERS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 | 2:00PM

Women’s Basketball vs Towson GAME SPONSOR: BOJANGLES

FREE Sweet biscuit coupon to all attendees encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 39

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

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: Handson 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

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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 Oct. 6, 2019: Play Time!, an exhibit that explores how we play, create, and use our imagination as children and adults. The display includes items from the museum’s historic toy collection and handson activities ranging from creating art to playing dress-up. • 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

Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular model layouts.

House in an authentic 1883 freight warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one level.

By reservation, discounted group tours, caboose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or mixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only $5 per family and access to entire Museum.

Admission only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages 2-12, and free under age 2. 505 Nutt St. 910-7632634. www.wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE

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

Tours offered Mon-Fri, 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. burgwinwrighthouse.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 comman-

deered 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 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. Adults $12; Senior, Military, College $10; Students $6; children under 5 are free. 503 Market St. 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org

BATTLESHIP 101

Jan. 18, 10am: Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers throughout the ship engage visitors in areas including gunnery, radar, sick bay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. Try on helmets, raise signal flags, â&#x20AC;&#x153;textâ&#x20AC;? using semaphore flags, tap out your name using Morse code, type on vintage typewriters and more! A great event for all ages. Bring your questions and cameras! Free with Battleship admission. Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd. battleshipnc.com.

kids stuff SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING

Brief presentation about live animals on

display in the events center and watch 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. cameronartmuseum.org

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

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.

LITTLE EXPLORERS

Bring your â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little Explorersâ&#x20AC;? out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month, Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. Ages: 2-5. $3/person.. 12/12-13, 10-11am: When is winter? Halyburton Park, 4099 S 17th St.

THE GILLS CLUB

Jan. 18, 8:30am: Are you a girl age 1014? Do you like sharks or want to learn more about them? Sign up for our new chapter of Gills Club! The Gills Club is Atlantic White Shark Conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STEMbased education initiative dedicated to connecting girls with female scientists from around the world, sharing knowledge, and inspiring shark and ocean conservation. The Gills Club will meet on January 18, April 18 and July 18, 8:30amnoon. gail.lemiec@ncaquariums.com.

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Rd.

recreational EARLY FLIGHT EXCURSION

Start your day on the water in search of wildlife and many of our feathered friends, while listening to interesting commentary about the rich history of this area. 2 hour cruise; full bar, serving coffee and the best Bloody Mary on the river. Photographers, birders, and nature buffs love the variety of wildlife and native plants that adorn the river banks.

We may see osprey, alligators, sea turtles, and river otters, just to name a few.

Bring your camera so you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the untouched beauty of this early morning adventure. Cruise through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation. $10-$20.

ILM Water Tours, 212 S Water St.

FIRST FRIDAY BIRD HIKES

Join park staff for a leisurely bird-watching stroll around Halyburton Park the first Friday of each month.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. wilm-

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

16 Cold Draft Beers

42 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

ingtonnc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/halyburton-park

CORNHOLE CLASSIC

Jan. 11, 4pm, $60: Sport City Rec presents Cornhole Classic, sponsored by Edward Teach Brewing. Early bird registration visit: Sportcityrec.com; In-person registration day of starts at 4:00 PM. Check in and warm-ups from 4:00-5:00 PM. Early Birds: $50 per two-man team; At the door if not sold out: $60 per twoman team; Free agent players: $30; General admission: $5. Cash & prizes awarded to winning teams. 21 and over event.

BAC bar open. Trolly Stop hot dogs serving. A percentage of the tournament proceeds goes to benefit Sport City Youth Foundation. Sportcityrec@gmail.com.

Brooklyn Arts Center, 516 N 4th St.

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. terrasolsanctuary.com.

ELEMENTS OF SONGWRITING CLASS

In Elements of Songwriting we will examine the major elements of what goes into writing original music. We will study lyrics, melody, harmony, form, rhythm, and survey techniques used to enhance your songwriting. We will look at examples of music and lyrics, and discuss creative strategies for finding ideas and completing songs. Class will meet Mondays, 12-2 p.m., Southport. 704 N. Lord Street, Southport. mcfallb@brunswickcc.edu or 910-755-7300.

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, Jan. 7 - Mar. 31, 5:30-6:30pm • Zumba, Thursdays, Jan. 9 - Mar. 26, 5:30 – 6:30pm. Children 5-17 can participate in fitness classes when accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required. maidespark.com.

Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.

FLUID ART FREESTYLE

Discover the most addicting, fascinat-

ingly beautiful act of acrylic pouring. You choose the colors and control the movement of the paint to create truly delightful happy accidents. The playing field is even and the results are delicious! We will cover the principles, materials, mediums and several basic techniques of acrylic pouring. Feel free to bring your favorite wine or beer (no hard liquor please), some snacks and a few friends for a truly fun and relaxing experience.

You will complete a 16×20 canvas. Once registration is completed, all sales are final. $40. Menagerie Design Studio, 805 North 4th St.

BACKYARD COTTAGE

Jan. 8, 7pm: Learn how to get built a Backyard Cottage, Granny Flat, Garage Apartment, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Presented by the Non-for-Profit Backyard Housing Group. Nir Family YMCA, 2710 Market Street

BEGINNING FENCE CLASSES

Jan. 9, 6:30pm: Cape Fear Fencing Association 6 week beginning fencing class starts January 7th at 6:30 pm in the basement of the Tileston gym. Class will meet for approximately 1 hour, Tues. & Thurs. All fencing equipment provided, students should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Appropriate for ages 8 – 80. Cost is $50, plus a $10 membership to USA Fencing good until July 31, 2020. Taught by internationally accredited instructor. Tileston Gym, 412 Ann St. gregoryspahr@yahoo.com, (910) 799-8642.

UNCW Department of Public and International Affairs along with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute present a panel discussion on “Impeachment 101: What Can We Learn From Political Science?”

Admission is free and open to the public, so don’t miss out! Panelists include political scientists Drs. Nadine Gibson, Jennifer Horan, Aaron King (moderator), Julie Lane, and Stephen Meinhold as well as political historian Dr. David Houpt.

UNCW Lumina Theater, 615 Hamilton Dr. uncw.edu.

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

Tuesdays, 10:30am-no. Join us for arts &

crafts, speakers, movies, trips and more.

Free. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave.

ART LEAGUE OF LELAND

Jan. 9, 4pm: Featuring self-taught guest artist Barton Hatcher. Hatcher describes his distinctive paintings as contemporary abstracts. His sculptures, created from found objects, may include wood, metal, and glass. An avid gardener and fly fisherman, Hatcher draws inspiration for many of his eclectic artistic designs from nature itself. His work has been showcased in several North Carolina galleries and may be found in private art collections. Hatcher also owns and operates Gardens by Barton, a landscape design business in Wilmington, NC, where he uses his artistic talents to create customized garden designs. bartonhatcherfineart.com. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way

NORTH BRUNSWICK NEWCOMERS CLUB

Fri., Jan, 10: A meet-and-greet gathering will begin at 9:30 am with snacks and refreshments. The meeting will follow at 10 am. Newly relocated residents to Northern Brunswick County are welcome as guests. Our speakers will be Dorothy (Dot) Hoerr, director Brunswick County Literacy Council, and Gary Vidmar, director, Leland Economic and Community Development. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

AIDS QUILT PANEL-MAKING WORKSHOP

Jan. 11, 1:15pm: Panels might be created using paint, needlework, iron-on transfers, quilted, handmade appliqués, etc. Any remembrance is appropriate.

However, the only way to have a name added to The Quilt is to make a panel.

Free panel-making workshop to assist friends and family realize their desire to memorialize a loved one. You may choose to create a panel privately and just wish to get some ideas or discuss your thoughts. Or, you may wish to make the panel with others in the tradition of an old-fashioned quilting bee, possibly including friends, family, and co-workers. The choice, like virtually everything else involved in making a panel, is completely up to you. Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St. frankharrfoundation.org

IMPEACHMENT 101

Jan. 15, 6pm: Are you interested in the current impeachment process in the U.S.? Would you like to know more about what impeachment is, what roles politics and the public have to play, what history might predict for the outcome, or how it will impact the 2020 election? Do you have your own questions? Join the encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 43

FENCING TOURNAMENT

Jan. 11, 9:30am: Fencing tournament held at the Tileston Gym of St. Mary Catholic School on January 11th. Open foil at 9:30 am, Open epee at 12:30 pm, and Veterans (over 40) epee at 3:30 pm. Spectators free and welcome. capefearfencing.com. Tileston Gym, 412 Ann St.

CAPE FEAR ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE

Jan. 12, 1pm: PK3-12th grade college preparatory school is committed to discovering and developing individual potential, preparing each student for success in college and life. Open house will show the academic and extracurricular opportunities available to the students at Cape Fear Academy. Cape Fear Academy, 3900 S College Rd. capefearacademy.org.

HILL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

Jan. 21, 5:30pm: Annual Hill School of Wilmington Open House. Teachers and staff will be on hand to answer questions about our programs, curriculum, admissions, and much more. Registration is not required. hillschoolofwilmington.org.

The Hill School of Wilmington, 3333 Jaeckle Drive, Suite 140

culinary FERMENTAL

Free tasting every Friday, 6pm. Third Wednesday of each month feat. musical and brewing talents alongside an open mic night, as well as the opportunity for homebrewers to share, sample, and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage. PA and equipment provided.

All genres and beer. www.fermental.net 910-821-0362. 7250 Market St.

FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS

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

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.

WALTON’S DISTILLERY

Jan. 11, noon: Help us celebrate the new year! Russ Varnell and the Too Country Band are headlining for us this event.

There will be homestyle lunch for everyone, samples of our products, and lots of fun for the whole family. Free. Details: www.waltonsdistillery.com. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNfooXF8Al0. facebook.com/events/824839061303326.

261 Ben Williams Rd., Jacksonville.

tours LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

Walk the streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front. 249 N. Front St. 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: 910-7941866. www.hauntedwilmington.com

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. 910251-3700. 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 I’m really thirsty before the tour? Join

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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

Wxalking 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 “birth of the Shag” take place?

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

How long has Britt’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) 8498271, x1. lupusnc.org. NE Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

PFLAG

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

MS SUPPORT GROUP

Those with Multiple Sclerosis, families and friends welcome. Meets 2nd Thursday each month, 7 p.m., at the New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital, 1st floor conference room, 2131 S. 17th St. (behind the Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital). Sponsored by Greater Carolinas Chapter, National MS Society. Details: Anne (910) 232-2033 or Burt (910) 3831368. New Hanover Regional Medical Hospital, 2131 S. 17th St.

COPING WITH DEATH OF SPOUSE/PARTNER

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a six-week, no-cost grief program for those coping with the death of a spouse or partner in Brunswick County on Tuesdays, Jan. 7 through Feb. 11. The group will meet 2-4 p.m. at the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane SE in Bolivia. Pre-registration is required; call 910-796-8056 to register.

• In Wilmington the group will meet on Wednesdays, Jan. 8 through Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Drive in Wilmington.

Pre-registration is required; call 910796-7991 to register. lcfh.org

COPING WITH DEATH OF A CHILD

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a sixweek, no-cost grief program for those coping with the death of a child in Bolivia on Thursdays, Jan. 9 through Feb. 13.

The group will meet 10 a.m. to noon at the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane SE in Bolivia. Pre-registration is required; call 910-796-8056 to register.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 19) “We are all hostages of the joy of which we de-

worked as a fruit-picker, tennis racquet-stringer and bookkeeper. At age 34, he began a clerical job at the

ly 1800s, many observers panned it. They said its rhythms were eccentric, that it was too long. One

prive ourselves,” poet Odysseus Elytis wrote. Isn’t that an astounding idea? That we refuse to allow

Dabney Oil Syndicate, and eventually rose in the ranks to become a well-paid executive. The cushy

critic said it was “glaring and bizarre,” while another condemned its “undesirable originality.” This

ourselves to experience some of the bliss and pleasure we could easily have; and we are immured inside that suppressed bliss and pleasure? I call on

role lasted until he was 44, when he was fired. He mourned for a while, then decided to become an author of detective fiction. It took a while, but at age

same critic concluded, “Genius proclaims itself not in the unusual and fantastic but in the beautiful and sublime.” Today, of course, “Eroica” has a dif-

you, Aries, to rebel against this human tendency.

As I see it, one of your main tasks in 2020 is to per-

50, he published his first novel. During the next 20 years, he wrote six additional novels, as well as nu-

ferent reputation. It’s regarded as a breakthrough event in musical history. I’ll go on record here, Sag-

mit yourself to welcome more bliss, to aggressively seize more pleasure, and thereby free yourself from

merous short stories and screenplays—and in the process became popular and influential. I present this synopsis as an inspirational story to fuel your

ittarius, to say I suspect you created your own personal version of “Eroica” in 2019. 2020 is the year it will get the full appreciation it deserves; although,

destiny in 2020.

it may take a while. Be patient.

the rot of its nullification.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) At age 22 Taurus-born Dutch citizen Willem de Kooning sneaked into the United States. He was a stowaway on an Argentina-bound freighter, and stealthily disembarked when the ship made a stop in Virginia. As he lived in America during subsequent decades, he became a renowned painter who helped pioneer the movement known as abstract expressionism. His status as an illegal immigrant rarely presented any obstacles to his growing success and stature. Not until age 57 did he finally became an American citizen. I propose we make him one of your role models in 2020. May he inspire you to capitalize on being a maverick, outsider, or stranger. May he encourage you to find opportunities beyond your safety zone.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) When British novelist E. M. Forster was in his late 30s, he had sex with another person for the first time. Before that, he had published five novels. After that, he produced just one more novel, though he lived till age 91. Why? Was he having too much fun? Looking back from his old, age, he remarked he would “have been a more famous writer if I had published more, but sex prevented the latter.” I suspect that sensual pleasure and intimacy will have the exact opposite effect on you in 2020, Gemini. In sometimes mysterious ways, they will make you more productive in your chosen sphere.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) The fame of Virgo-born Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto (1474–1533) has persisted through the ages because of “Orlando Furioso,” an epic poem he authored. It tells the story of the Christian knight Orlando and his adoration for a pagan princess. His great work did not come easily. It wasn’t until he had written 56 versions that he was finally satisfied.

I suspect you may harbor an equally perfectionist streak about the good works and labors of love you’ll craft in 2020. May I suggest you confine your experiments to no more than 10 versions?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Leonardo da Vinci worked on his painting “The Last Supper” from 1495-98. It’s a big piece, about 15 by 29 feet. That’s one reason why he took so long to finish. But there was another explanation, too. He told his patron, the Duke of Milan, that he sometimes positioned himself in front of his painting-in-progress and simply gazed at and thought about it, not lifting a brush. Those were times he did some of his hardest work, he said. I trust you will have regular experiences like that in 2020, Libra. Some of your best efforts will arise out of your willingness and ability to incubate your good ideas with concentrated silence and patience.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) By 1895 Henry James had published 94 books.

He was renowned in the U.S. and England, and had

“Every part of our personality that we do not love will regress and become hostile to us,” poet Robert Bly wrote. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t

written works that would later lead to his consideration for a Nobel Prize. At age 52, although he was not physically fit, he decided to learn how to ride

suffer from this problem at least a little. That’s the bad news. The good news for us Cancerians (yes,

a bicycle. He paid for lessons at a bicycle academy, and cheerfully tolerated bruises and cuts from his

I’m a crab!) is 2020 will be a favorable time to engage in a holy crusade to fix this glitch: to feel and

frequent falls as an acceptable price to pay for his new ability. I admire James’ determination to keep transforming. Let’s make him a role model for you

express more love for parts of our personality that we have dismissed or marginalized. The result?

Any self-sabotage we have suffered from in the

in 2020. May he inspire you to keep adding new aptitudes as you outgrow your previous successes.

past could dramatically diminish.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

When Sagittarian composer Ludwig van Beethoven created the “Eroica” symphony in the ear-

As a young adult, Leo-born Raymond Chandler

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) I’m going to speculate sometime, in the next six months, you will experience events that years from now you’ll look back on as having been the beginning of a fresh universe. What should you call this launch? I suggest you consider elegant terms like “Destiny Rebirth” or “Fate Renewal” rather than a cliché like the “Big Bang.” How should you celebrate? As if it were the grand opening of the rest of your long life.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) In 2020, I believe you will be able to summon the insight and kismet necessary to resolve at least one long-running problem, probably more. You’ll have an enhanced ability to kick bad habits and escape dead-ends and uncover liberating truths about mysteries that have flustered you. Frustrations and irritations you’ve grudgingly tolerated for far too much time will finally begin to wane. Congratulations in advance, Aquarius! The hard work you do to score these triumphs won’t always be delightful, but it could provide you with a curiously robust and muscular kind of fun.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Let’s say you wanted to dress completely in silk: shirt, pants, vest, scarf, socks, shoes, hat, underwear all made of silk. And let’s say your dream was to grow and process and weave the silk from scratch. You’d start with half an ounce of silkworm eggs. They’d hatch into 10,000 silkworms. Eventually, those hard-working insects would generate five pounds of silk—enough to create your entire outfit. So, in other words, you’d be able to generate an array of functional beauty from a small but concentrated amount of raw material. By the way, that last sentence is a good description of what I think your general approach should be in 2020. Also by the way, dressing in silk wouldn’t be too crazy an idea in the coming months. I hope you’ll have fun cultivating your allure, style and flair.

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“ The world’s reigning male chorus ” —The new Yorker

CHANTICLEER

An Orchestra of Voices Friday, January 17 at 7:30pm TickeT cenTral • 910.362.7999 • WilsoncenTerTickeTs.com

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48 encore | january 8 - 14, 2020 | www.encorepub.com