encore JUNE 19 - JUNE 25, 2019

T H E C A P E F E A R ’ S A LT E R N AT I V E V O I C E F O R 3 5 Y E A R S !

VOL. 36 / PUB. 46 JUNE 19-25, 2019 ENCOREPUB.COM

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Photo by Logan Burke

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HODGEPODGE

Vol. 36/Pub. 36/Pub. 746 Vol.

19 - June 25, 2019 September 12June - September 18, 2018

WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Friday, May 6 -22, 11 a.m.

Saturday, June 8 a.m.

ON THE COVER

World Refugee Day

The 5th Annual World Refugee Day Celebration at The Nir Family YMCA (2710 Market St.) is celebrating with a free soccer tournament! Starting at 8 a.m., the tourney ends at noon and will be married with a festival from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Complete with family friendly activities and vendors, a potluck, art activities and more!

Visit globalrefugeeconnections.org for more details.

To enter events on encore’s new online calendar, generated by SpinGo, head to www.encorepub. com/welcome/events-2. Events must be entered by every Thursday at noon, for consideration in print and on our new app, encore Go. E-mail shea@ encorepub.com with questions.

FOCUS, CLICK, SIP, PG. 40 Local photographers can bond over brews at Aperture and Ales on June 27 at New Anthem Beer Project. Joan C.W. Hoffmann sits down with Brian Lantz and Andrew Sherman in this week’s cover story. Photo by Logan Burke.

B

BEST OF 2019>>

encore continues to celebrate and highlight winners from this year’s readers’ choice poll, as well as spotlight the good times, beer, art and entertainment shared at the inaugural Bestival at Waterline Brewing on May 11!

Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography

M

Editor-in-Chief:

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

Assistant Editor:

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

Art Director/Office Manager:

Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus, Tom

PGS. 4-10

Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, John Wolfe, Joan Hoffmann

<<MUSIC

PG. 18

EDITORIAL>

The trio of Team Player is among several bands making their mark on Wilmington’s thriving music scene. They will play off their latest EP this Sunday at Palate and start preparing to open for The Love Language anniversary tour.

Courtesy photo.

D

DINING>> Rosa Bianca raves over Wilmington’s latest restaurant, Dram Yard, in downtown Wilmington. From the freshly baked focaccia to market fish to cool cocktails—these dishes from Chef Kat are not to miss.

Photo by Tom Dorgan

Interns: Julia Romero, Karina Zelaya SALES>

General Manager:

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

Advertising:

Megan Henry // megan@encorepub.com John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

Published weekly on Wednesday by HP Media.

Opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.

PG. 41 INSIDE THIS WEEK: Best Of, pgs. 4-10 • Live Local, pgs. 14-15 • News of the Weird, pg. 17 Music, pgs. 18-23 • Gallery Guide, pgs. 24-25 • Theatre, pgs. 26-27 • Film, pg. 31 Dining, pgs. 34-41 • Extra, pgs. 46-49 • Calendar, pgs. 50-62 • Crossword, pg. 63

2 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

6700 Netherlands Drive, Ste. A, Wilmington, NC 28405 P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 Fax: (910) 791-9534

Neil Sedaka June 21, 2019 at 7:30â&#x20AC;&#x2030;pm Wilson Center Tic ke t C en tral â&#x20AC;˘ 91 0. 362.7999 WilsonCenterTickets.com

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 3

encore Readers’ Choice Awards

WINNERS & RUNNER-UPS MEDIA, ARTS & ENTERTINMENT BEST ACTRESS

KENDRA GOEHRING-GARRETT Holli Saperstein Susan Auten

BEST ACTOR

PATRICK BASQUILL JEFF PHILLIPS David Bollinger

BEST ARCADE / GAME ROOM

BLUE POST

Jungle Rapids Orton’s Billiards and Pool

BEST ARTIST — MALE

BRADLEY CARTER Nathan Verwey Allan Nance

BEST ARTIST — FEMALE

ADDIE JO BANNERMAN Carleigh Sion Candy Pegram

BEST ART GALLERY

BOTTEGA ART AND WINE Art in Bloom Eclipse Artisan Boutique

BEST BAND

L SHAPE LOT

Striking Copper Signal Fire

BEST BOWLING ALLEY

CARDINAL LANES Ten Pin Alley Beach Bowl

BEST COMEDY TROUPE

PINEAPPLE-SHAPED LAMPS Nutt House Improv Troupe

BEST CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

WILSON CENTER

WHQR UNCW Office of the Arts

BEST DANCE CLUB

IBIZA

Goodfellas Pravda

BEST DANCE SCHOOL

TECHNIQUES IN MOTION

Studio 1 Dance Conservatory Danzquest

BEST DJ

ACTIVE DJ ENTERTAINMENT (JAY TATUM)

DJ Battle The Beehive Blondes

BEST EVENT PLANNER

KNOT TOO SHABBY EVENTS Kickstand Events Shauna Loves Planning

BEST GAY CLUB

IBIZA

Tails Piano Bar Bottega Art and Wine

BEST INDOOR SPORTS/REC FACILITY

DEFY GRAVITY

YMCA Flip N Fly Off the Wall Sports LLC

BEST KARAOKE BAR

REEL CAFE

% OF BEST SMALL MUSIC VENUE (<600) VOTES BROOKLYN ARTS CENTER 36% 34% 30% 34% 34% 32% 45% 44% 11% 42% 29% 29% 40% 34% 26% 41% 38% 21% 43% 30% 27% 40% 38% 22% 54% 46%

Reggies 42nd St. Tavern Bourgie Nights

49% 28% 23%

BEST LARGE MUSIC VENUE (>600)

GREENFIELD LAKE AMPHITHEATRE 68% Wilson Center Pier 33

BEST FILMMAKER

HONEY HEAD FILMS Shannon Silva Billy Lewis

24% 8% 51% 29% 20%

BEST LOCAL INDIE FILM

CLASS DISMISSED (DEVIN DIMATTIA, TONY CHOUFANI) 44% Fragment (Joseph Day) Deserted (Chirstopher Short)

33% 23%

BEST MORNING RADIO SHOW

PENGUIN 98.3 THE MORNING CHILL 37% Z107.5 Foz in the Morning 102.7 Bob and Sheri in the Morning

34% 29%

BEST MOVIE THEATER

48% 46% Stone Theaters at The Pointe 14 AMC CLASSIC Wilmington 16 Cinemas 6% BEST MUSICIAN — FEMALE 44% REBEKAH TODD 33% Bibis Ellison 23% Jenny Pearson

REGAL CINEMAS MAYFAIRE

BEST MUSICIAN — MALE

TRAVIS SHALLOW Randy McQuay David Dixon Jason Jackson

BEST MUSEUM

CAMERON ART MUSUEM

Cape Fear Museum Children’s Museum of Wilmington

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

SUSIE LINQUIST PHOTOGRAPHY Matthew Ray Photography Chris Brehmer Photography

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY

FOZ (Z107.5)

Eric Miller (Penguin 98.3) Beau Gunn (Penguin 98.3)

BEST RADIO STATION

98.3 THE PENGUIN Z107.5 91.3 WHQR

BEST RECORD STORE

GRAVITY RECORDS

Yellow Dog Discs Angie’s Hair and Records

BEST TATTOO PARLOR

ARTFUEL INC.

Hardwire Glenn’s Tattoos

BEST THEATRE COMPANY

THALIAN ASSOCIATION

Opera House Theatre Company Panache Theatrical Productions

BEST KIDS THEATRE CO.

THALIAN ASSOCIATION CHILDREN’S THEATRE (TACT) TheatreNOW Snow Productions

32% 31% 20% 17%

BEST THEATRE VENUE

44% 33% 23%

BEST TOUR OF ILM

THALIAN HALL Wilson Center TheatreNOW

45% 33% 22% 49% 35% 16% 35% 34% 31% 48% 34% 18% 56% 33% 11% 35% 28% 27% 10% 49%

Bourbon St. 28% Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar & Grill at Katy’S 23%

Fun Home (Panache)

14%

BEST PRODUCTION — STRAIGHT PLAY

TWELFTH NIGHT (ALCHEMICAL THEATRE CO.) 35% In Sanity (Chase Harrison) The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Panache)

BEST NEWSCAST

WECT

WWAY Spectrum News

BEST NEWSCASTER

FRANCES WELLER (WECT) Randy Aldridge (WWAY) Jon Evans (WECT)

BEST OPEN MIC

DEAD CROW COMEDY CLUB Goat and Compass Bottega Art and Wine

BEST OUTDOOR SPORTS/REC FACILITY

CAPT’N BILLS BACKYARD GRILL Dig and Dive Ogden Skatepark

PLACE TO BUY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

FINKELSTEIN’S Music Loft Guitar Pickers

33% 32% 67% 29% 4% 40% 30% 30% 53% 33% 14% 50% 29% 21% 56% 30% 14%

BEST POOL HALL

BLUE POST BILLIARDS

Orton’s Billiards and Pool Room Breaktime Billiards

4 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

42% 31% 27%

44% 29% 27% 48% 32% 20% 59% 31% 10%

BEST WRITER

GWENYFAR ROHLER Wiley Cash John Wolfe

BEST WRITE-IN CATEGORY MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL — DYNAMIC MARTIAL ARTS

Waxing Salon — Carter Kayte Marketing Firm — KC Creative

56% 33% 11%

54% 33% 13% 39% 34% 27% 41% 33% 26%

Leon McKay — Leon McKay Healing Arts 34% Gretchen Rivas — Infinity Acupuncture 30%

BEST ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

THE HEMP FARMACY

Leon McKay Healing Arts Inifinity Acupuncture

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

THE IVY COTTAGE

Flea Body’s Cape Fear Antique Center

BEST BOOKSTORE

OLD BOOKS ON FRONT ST. Two Sisters Bookery Pomegranate Books

BEST CAR WASH

CRUISERS CAR WASH & DETAIL CENTER

Splash-n-Dash Car Wash Mr. Sudsy Car Wash & Detail

50% 28% 22% 53% 32% 15% 68% 19% 12%

48% 29% 23% 57% 22% 21% 54% 25% 21% 49% 32% 19%

BACK IN MOTION CHIROPRACTIC 46% Sito Chiropractic Graybar Chiropractic & Rehab

FAIRY CIRCLE

Plato’s Closet Clothes Mentor

THE IVY COTTAGE Home Again Uptown Market

BEST CONTRACTOR

PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION OF THE CAROLINA COAST LS Smith Jim Jacquot Construction

BEST DENTIST

BOZART FAMILY DENISTRY

Salling and Tate General Dentistry Edgerton and Glenn

28% 26% 45% 28% 27%

DR. PAMELA TAYLOR (WILMINGTON HEALTH)

Dr. Gregory Woodfill (Wilmington Health) Dr. Craig Scibal (Swell Vision Center)

BEST ESTHETICIAN

AMY WILLIAMS (GLO MED SPA) Jenny Walker (Head to Toe) Marcella Hardy (Tanglez)

BEST FARMERS MARKET

RIVERFRONT FARMERS MARKET

Poplar Grove Farmers Market Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market

46% 28% 26% 54% 17% 19% 45% 33% 22% 35% 34% 31% 54% 27% 19%

BEST FURNITURE COMPANY

CUSTOM HOME FURNITURE GALLERIES 45%

BEST FIRST-DATE SPOT

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Indochine Little Dipper

BEST FLORIST

JULIA’S FLORIST

Fiore Fine Flowers Sweet Nectar’s Florist

BEST GARDEN STORE

TRANSPLANTED GARDEN The Plant Place Farmers Supply Co.

BEST GIFT SHOP

BLUE MOON GIFT SHOPS Dragonflies Modern Legend

BEST GOLF COURSE

BEAU RIVAGE GOLF & RESORT

Wilmington Municipal Golf Course Magnolia Greens Golf Course

BEST GOURMET STORE

PINE VALLEY MARKET

Temptatons Gourmet Cafe Italian Gourmet Market

34% 21% 39% 31% 30% 68% 19% 13% 38% 36% 26% 61% 26% 13%

35% 34% 31% 59% 29% 20%

BEST GROCERY STORE

HARRIS TEETER Trader Joe’s Publix

44% 34% 22%

BEST GYM

02 FITNESS

Planet Fitness Anytime Fitness

BEST HAIR SALON

ROCKIN’ ROLLER SALON Bangz Tanglez

BEST HAIR STYLIST

BLYTHE LUNDY (ROCKIN’ ROLLER SALON)

45% 39% 16% 42% 30% 28% 63%

Kelly Woodell (Wisp Salon) 20% Amber Picciola (Hairlinz Design Group) 17%

BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE 53% 30% 17%

BEST DOCTOR

Ashley Furniture HomeStore Rooms to Go Furniture Store

TRICIA MILLLER — ORIENTAL THERAPIES 36%

Priscilla McCall’s Sweet Vibrations

JS & J Auto Honda Acura Services MobileTech

BEST CONSIGNMENT — HOME GOODS/DECOR

33% 20%

BEST ACUPUNCTURIST

ADAM AND EVE

BLACK’S TIRE AND AUTO

47%

GOODS AND SERVICES

BEST ADULT STORE

BEST AUTO MECHANIC

BEST CONSIGNMENT — CLOTHES

Jax 5th Ave Banks Channel

WhastOnWilmington.com WilmingtonToday.com

Belle Meade Apartment Homes Hawthorne Commons

64% 26% 10%

51% 28% 21%

PORTCITYDAILY.COM

SOUTH FRONT APARTMENTS

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

39% 34% 27%

BEST WEBSITE

BEST APARTMENT COMPLEX

45% 36% 19%

Ghost Tour of ILM Haunted Pub Crawl

WILMINGTON WATER TOURS

BEST PRODUCTION — MUSICAL BEST TRIVIA NIGHT MAMMA MIA! (OPERA HOUSE THEATRE CO.) 64% 50% HELL’S KITCHEN Cannibal! The Musical (Pineapple-Shaped Lamps)22% 32% 18%

41% 39% 20%

TIDAL CREEK CO-OP

Lovey’s Natural Foods and Cafe Whole Foods

BEST HOTEL

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON WILMINGTON RIVERFRONT

Blockade Runner Beach Resort Hotel Ballast

BEST JEWELER

PERRY’S EMPORIUM REEDS Jewelers Cape Fear Jewelers

BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE

ONCE UPON A CHILD

Peanut Butter & Jelly Baby Store Memories of a Child

40% 31% 29% 43% 35% 22% 51% 31% 18% 44% 30% 26%

BEST KIDS’ CAMP

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH SURF CAMP 57% No Sleeves Magic Camp Power Camp

BEST KIDS’ AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

POWER OF PLAY

Mustard Seed Youth Center Cape Fear Isshin — Ryu Karate and After-school

BEST LAW FIRM

DAVID AND ASSOCIATES Cape Fear Family Law Overholt Law Firm

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

MARY BETH REDMAN (WILLOW RETREAT SPA)

Cameron Martin (Shine On Massage Therapy) Stephanie Arnold (Relax!)

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING

BLOKE.

Men’s Warehouse Gentlemen’s Corner

BEST MOVING COMPANY

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Few Moves Moving Company Miracle Movers

25% 18% 45% 34% 21% 41% 38% 21% 42% 38% 20% 43% 35% 22% 58% 22% 20%

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

ALPHA MORTGAGE Guaranteed Rate Movement Mortgage

51% 25% 24%

BEST NAIL SALON

LUXE NAILS Posh Nails Wisp Salon

BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP

HENDRICK TOYOTA

Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Parkway Volvo

BEST NEW COMPANY

GROOMING BY JESS H2 Turbo Car Wash Sport City

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

RIVERLIGHTS

River Bluffs Anchors Bend

49% 37% 14% 43% 33% 24% 46% 36% 18% 54% 24% 22%

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

LAMAINE WILLIAMS (TRAIN WITH LAMAINE) 43% Amy McCauley (A Body Empowered) Josh Venegas (Wilmington Weightlifting Club)

BEST PILATES STUDIO

CLUB PILATES

A Body Empowered InJoy Movement

BEST PET BOARDING

PET PARADISE

College Road Animal Hospital Atlantic Animal Hospital and Pet Care Resort

37% 20% 45% 33% 22% 45% 34% 22%

BEST PET GROOMING

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING

ISLAND PASSAGE Edge of Urge Hallelu

BEST YOGA STUDIO

WILMINGTON YOGA Rebel Yoga Terra Sol Sanctuary

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE

AUNT KERRY’S PET STOP

Unleashed, the Dog and Cat Store PetSmart

BEST PRINT SHOP

DOCK ST. PRINTING Copycat Print Shop PrintWorks

35% 33% 32% 48% 27% 15%

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

54% Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage 30% 16% Regina Drury Real Estate Group BEST ROOFING COMPANY ATLANTIC ROOFING COMPANY 34% 33% Flores and Foley 23% D&A Roofing

INTRACOASTAL REALTY

BEST SHOE STORE

SOUL SHOETIQUE

Cape Fear Footwear Monkee’s of Wilmington

BEST SHOPPING PLAZA

MAYFAIRE TOWN CENTER Lumina Station Hanover Center

45% 30% 25% 78% 12% 10%

BEST SPA

HEAD TO TOE DAY SPA & SALON 46%

36% Ki Spa Relax! Massage Therapy and Skin Care 19% BEST SURF SHOP SWEETWATER SURF SHOP 43% Surf City Surf Shop 29% Hot Wax Surf Shop 28% BEST TANNING SALON 47% SUN TAN CITY 34% Tanglez Salon 19% Saule Tanning BEST TECH COMPANY COMPUTER WARRIORS 33% nCino 31% tekMountain 20% BEST USED CAR DEALERSHIP AUTO WHOLESALE 47% Jeff Gordon Chevrolet 35% Seasell Auto 18% BEST VETERINARIAN PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL 28% 26% College Road Animal Hospital 25% A Country Veterinary Clinic 21% Wilmington Animal Healthcare BEST WEDDING VENUE

AIRLIE GARDENS

Brooklyn Arts Center Wrightsville Manor

46% 29% 25%

40% 31% 29%

BEST APPETIZERS

FRONT ST. BREWERY Circa 1922 Dram + Morsel

BEST ATMOSPHERE

INDOCHINE RESTAURANT Smoke on the Water Dram + Morsel

BEST BAGEL

BEACH BAGELS

Empire Deli & Bagel Round Bagels and Donuts

BEST BAKERY

APPLE ANNIE’S BAKE SHOP Sweet n Savory Cafe One Belle Bakery

43% 33% 24% 53% 35% 12% 60% 28% 12% 48% 30% 22%

JACKSON’S BIG OAK BARBECUE 40%

Blue Post Cape Fear Wine and Beer

37% 23% 62% 20% 18%

BEST BARTENDER

TRISTA NICOSIA (GOAT AND COMPASS) 35% Brandy Tomcany (Slainte) Dianna Semansky (Axes and Allies)

BEST BEER LIST

CAPE FEAR WINE AND BEER Pour Taproom Hey Beer!

BEST LOCAL BEER

33% 32% 40% 38% 22%

TROPICAL LIGHTNING (WILMINGTON

54%

Kolsch (Waterline Brewing Co.) Maker of Wings (Flying Machine Brewing Co.)

32% 14%

BREWING COMPANY)

BEST BISCUIT

DIXIE GRILL

43% Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken 31% Rolled & Baked 26% BEST BOTTLE SHOP 44% FERMENTAL BEER & WINE 31% Hey! Beer Bottle Shop 25% Palate Bottle Shop and Reserve BEST BREAKFAST

DIXIE GRILL

Cast Iron Kitchen Jimbo’s Breakfast & Lunch

38% 36% 26%

BEST BREWERY

WILMINGTON BREWING COMPANY 37% 33% Waterline Brewing Company 30% Wrightsville Beach Brewery

BEST BRUNCH

THE BASICS

Boca Bay Restaurant Hops Supply Company

BEST BUFFET

CASEY’S BUFFET & BARBECUE Boca Bay Restaurant Golden Corral Buffet and Grill

BEST BURGER

PT’S OLDE FASHIONED GRILLE Winnie’s Tavern Fork ‘N’ Cork

BEST BURRITO

FLAMING AMY’S BURRITO BARN K-38 Baja Grill El Cerro Grande

BEST CATERING SERVICE

MIDDLE OF THE ISLAND Pine Valley Market Thyme Savor Milner’s Cafe & Catering

BEST CHAIN RESTAURANT

PANERA BREAD Bonefish Grill Olive Garden

J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI Port City Cheesesteak Green Line Pizza and Steaks

36% 33% 31% 52% 39% 9%

KEITH RHODES (CATCH MODERN SEAFOOD) 42% 34% Sam Cahoon (Savorez) Dean Neff (formerly of Pinpoint)

Szechuan 132 Uncle Lim’s Kitchen

BEST COFFEE SHOP

BITTY AND BEAU’S COFFEE Port City Java Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods

BEST DELI

A TASTE OF ITALY

S&L Deli NY Style Deli Detour Deli

BEST DESSERTS

APPLE ANNIE’S BAKE SHOP Sweet n Savory Cafe Circa 1922

BEST DINER

COPPER PENNY

Crust Kitchen and Cocktails Tropical Smoothie

BEST MEDITERRANEAN

PEÑO MEDITERRANEAN GRILL The Greeks Olympia Restaurant

53% 29% 18%

BEST MIXOLOGIST

50% 31% 19%

BEST NEW BAR

55% 26% 19%

BEST NEW BREWERY

47% 36% 18%

LUKE CARNEVALE (MANNA) Abbie Ovbey (Rumcow) Joel Finsel (Astral Cocktails)

Edward Teach Brewery Mad Mole Brewing

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

BENNY’S BIG TIME PIZZERIA Crust Kitchen and Cocktails Rumcow

BEST OUTSIDE DINING

BEST OYSTERS

56% 31% 13%

BEST PIZZA

58% 28% 14%

BEST RESTAURANT OVERALL

40% 33% 27%

BEST RIBS

Barbary Coast Lula’s Pub

BEST DONUT

BRITTS DONUT SHOP Wake N Bake Donuts Duck Donuts

BEST FAST FOOD

CHICK-FIL-A Co0k Out Taco Bell

BEST FINE DINING

CAPRICE BISTRO manna PinPoint

BEST FOOD TRUCK

CATCH THE FOOD TRUCK

WilmyWoodie Wood Fired Pizza CheeseSmith Food Truck

BEST FRENCH

CAPRICE BISTRO

Brasserie du Soleil Our Crepes and More

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

BILL’S FRONT PORCH

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q Casey’s Buffet and Barbecue

BEST FRIES

PT’S OLDE FASHIONED GRILLE Five Guys Grill CheeseSmith Food Truck

BEST HOT DOG

TROLLY STOP

Paul’s Place Charlie Graingers

BEST ICE CREAM

BOOMBALATTI’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Kilwins Cold Stone Creamery

BEST INDIAN

TANDOORI BITES Nawab

56% 29% 15%

BEST JAPANESE

OSTERIA CICCHETTI A Taste of Italy Roko Italian Cuisine

41% 32% 27% 39% 33% 28% 37% 34% 29%

K-38 BAJA GRILL

El Cerro Grande Taqueria Los Portales

Bluewater Waterfront Grill Dockside Restaurant and Bar

DOCK ST. OYSTER BAR

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Wrightsville Beach Brewery

Pizzetta’s Pizzeria Your Pie

INDOCHINE

Copper Penny PinPoint

MISSION BBQ

Bone & Bean BBQ Moe’s Original Bar B Que

BEST SALADS

CHOPT CREATIVE SALAD Brasserie du Soleil Rucker John’s

BEST SANDWICH /SUB SHOP

SOUTH COLLEGE ROAD DELI Crust Kitchen and Cocktails Detour Deli

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD Catch Modern Seafood Fish Bites

52% 30% 18%

BEST SERVER

74% 26% 41% 38% 21%

46% 30% 24%

34% 28% 48% 32% 20% 36% 33% 31% 40% 39% 21% 44% 35% 21%

SLICE OF LIFE

66% 24% 10%

43% HIRO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 29% Genki Sushi Okami Japanese Hibachi Steak House & Sushi 28% BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS 53% SLICE OF LIFE 27% Front Street Brewery 20% Jimbo’s Breakfast & Lunch BEST LATIN AMERICAN/MEXICAN

INDOCHINE

BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

50% 37% 13%

47% 34% 19%

FLYING MACHINE BREWING CO. 47%

48% 28% 24%

DUCK & DIVE

40% 34% 26%

35% 28%

Axes and Allies Tails Piano Bar

BEST DIVE BAR

Jimbo’s Breakfast & Lunch College Diner

72% 18% 10%

FLYING MACHINE BREWING CO. 37%

48% 38% 14%

41% 33% 26%

42% 34% 24%

24%

BEST LUNCH

DIXIE GRILL

BEST ITALIAN

45% 30% 14% 11%

62% 24% 14%

BEST CHEF

DOUBLE HAPPINESS

BEST BARBECUE

Mission BBQ Moe’s Original Bar B Que

BEST CHEESESTEAK

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

FOOD AND DRINK

VON BARKEE’S DOG SPA & BAKERY 46% BEST BAR OVERALL Grooming By Jess 35% SATELLITE BAR AND LOUNGE Hillary Spaziano (College Road and CB Animal Hospital) 19%

41% 33% 26%

MOTT’S CHANNEL SEAFOOD Cape Fear Coast Seafood Co. Seaview Crab Co.

BRANDON ANGELILLI (COPPER PENNY)

46% 38% 16% 40% 34% 26% 43% 29% 28% 53% 24% 23% 55% 23% 22% 38% 33% 29% 48% 31% 21%

Hunter Tiblier (Ceviches) Letitia Bass (Crust)

BEST SOUL FOOD

CASEY’S BUFFET AND BARBECUE Cast Iron Kitchen Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue

40% 39% 21%

BEST SOUP

SWEET N SAVORY CAFE Pine Valley Market Michael’s Seafood

BEST SPORTS BAR

HELL’S KITCHEN

Carolina Ale House Buffalo Wild Wings

BEST STEAK

PORT CITY CHOP HOUSE

Ruth’s Chris Steak House True Blue Butcher and Table

39% 36% 25% 39% 36% 25% 43% 30% 27%

BEST SUSHI

YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE 36% Nikki’s Gourmet & Sushi Bar Bento Box

BEST TACOS

K-38 BAJA GRILL

Islands Fresh Mex Grill Beer Barrio

BEST THAI

INDOCHINE

Southern Thai Big Thai

BEST VEGAN

SEALEVEL CITY GOURMET

Epic Food Co. Lovey’s Natural Foods & Cafe

BEST VEGETARIAN

EPIC FOOD CO.

Lovey’s Natural Foods & Cafe Sealevel City Gourmet

BEST WAITSTAFF

COPPER PENNY

PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille The Basics

BEST WINE LIST

THE FORTUNATE GLASS Fermental The Second Glass

BEST WINGS

COPPER PENNY

Buffalo Wild Wings Wild Wing Cafe

33% 31% 47% 27% 26% 71% 16% 13% 38% 33% 29% 36% 34% 30% 43% 38% 20% 43% 33% 24% 48% 26% 25%

ORGANIZATIONS & COMMUNITY BEST ACTIVIST GROUP

CAPE FEAR RIVER WATCH

Seeds of Healing Women Organizing for Wilmington

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

CAPE FEAR RIVER WATCH Surfrider Foundation NC Coastal Federation

BEST FESTIVAL

AZALEA FESTIVAL

Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival Riverfest

BEST HUMANITARIAN

JOCK BRANDIS

Le Shonda Wallace Sheila Lewis

BEST NONPROFIT

NOURISH NC

DREAMS of Wilmington Pleasure Island Turtle Project

53% 33% 14% 36% 33% 31% 54% 26% 20% 51% 26% 33% 40% 39% 21%

BEST TEACHERS

BRENT HOLLAND (LANEY HIGH SCHOOL) 38% Kelly Parker (Murrayville Elementary) 32% Mandy Humphrey (Roland Grise Middle School) 30%

FIND WINNER WRITE-UPS AND VIDEOS ONLINE AT ENCOREPUB.COM CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM BESTIVAL ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 5

BEST OF 2019

SNAPSHOTS FROM BESTIVAL 2019

encore’s inaugural event celebrated dance, comedy, music, arts, beer, 200 Best Of winners and community

Waterline Brewing Company was packed on May 11 for Bestival 2019, celebrating encore’s Best Of and the community at large!

Left to right, clockwise from the top: Rebekah Todd accepts the award for Best Female Musician; a man and his dog enjoy brews and tunes at Bestival; Trolley Stop owners make it a family affair when they accept their award for Best Hot Dog; the art vendor walk includes homemade bags from Mar’s Bag-Ettes; Club Pilates wins for the first time for Best Pilates Studio; DREAMS students perform as part of the entertainment for the day at Bestival.

Photos from Chris Brehmer Photography and Tom Dorgan

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WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS

“The North Carolina Azalea Festival is southeastern North Carolina at its best: in full bloom, in its finest, most vibrant colors, representing and showcasing all that makes Wilmington amazing,” Azalea Fest executive director Alison Baringer English says. “I think there is an energy in the air that time of year…with spring weather arriving and the colors of our town exploding. People want to be a part of that energy.”

Steeped in 72 years of tradition, with new events and programs each year, Baringer English says the combination of familiarity and contemporary entertainment gives everyone something to look forward to when Azalea Festival returns next April 1-5, 2020. Until then, here’s why she thinks they culled 54% of votes for Best Festival. encore (e): What are your favorite things to do at Azalea Fest and why?

How have you been a part of or enjoyed festivities over the years outside of your current role?

Alison Baringer English (ABE): Hon-

estly, everything festival week is my favorite! It is so amazing to see a year of hard work that SO MANY people put into it, to all come together and be live. Each event is special for its own reasons, and since we work to improve each event and program each year, there is always something new I am excited to see come together. Before I worked with the Azalea Festival, I actually danced in the Festival Parade as an employee of a dance studio I worked for in college. Our dancers also performed on the Street Fair Children’s Stage; so I got to see all of that in action, too. e: What are some new additions to the festival that we can expect in the coming year or two?

ABE: The Azalea Festival is about to celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2022; we have already created a 75th Advisory Council and are starting to make plans to make this a huge celebration with and for the city. As part of our strategic plan, we will also be working to expand community partnerships, expand our reach across the state, and create new events and programs to include different demographics and niche groups of our community. Some ways you may have seen this already in effect this past year was through our partnership with paws4people® in our first annual Paws on Parade, and our partnership with Thalian Association Community Theatre. e: Let’s talk music—how does Azalea Fest determine headlining acts? What factors in?

ABE: We have a national agent who helps us gain access to acts and relationships with their booking agents and man-

BEST GIFT SHOP BLUE MOON GIFT SHOPS

In 1999 Blue Moon Gift Shop owener Mary Ann Masucci decided Wilmington needed a retail space where local artisans and craftspeople could give their businesses a whirl before opening a brick and mortar. Fast forward to 2019, and Blue Moon has since scored the award for Best Gift Shop on encore’s readers’ poll for 11 years consecutively.

8,500 square feet of space welcomeshoppers on a daily basis for one-of-kind items not easily found in big-box stores or run-of-the-mill franchises. Unique jewelry, baby items, handmade art, Christmas ornaments, culinary goods and so much

BEST LOCAL FESTIVAL

AZALEA FESTIVAL agers. Of course, the main factors are cost and availability. Since we have to build out our own venue each year from a parking lot, we have a lot of infrastructure costs that go into these shows. Add to this the high costs of artists, along with sound and lights, production, catering, etc.; the Festival is lucky if we break even on the concert series. With all costs and availability of artists being equal – we look to have a wide range of musical genres so we can provide something for everyone Festival week.

This generally, but not always, results in a country, pop, and an urban show. e: Which have been your favorite performances over the years and why?

ABE: As an event organizer, my favorite thing to see is our venue full of happy, smiling people enjoying time with their friends and family out in our beautiful city.

Watching thousands of people celebrating the night, knowing I had a small part in making it happen, really is the best—regardless of who is on stage. For me personally, a few of my favorites have been Carrie Underwood, The Avett Brothers the first time they came to the festival, and Snoop Dogg. Carrie Underwood was my first festival concert as a team member, and it was her first concert post “American Idol.” It also was a sold-out show. It was really cool to feel that energy in the coliseum that night.

The Avett Brothers’ first time to the fes-

e: Are you always accepting new ven dors or are you full currently? How does

more is available for purchaseon Racine Drive, all sectioned off by individual artisan booths.

Blue Moon won 61% of the vote this year, and we interview Masucci about what’s happening at her store nowadays. encore (e): What’s new at Blue Moon?

Any new vendors?

Mary Ann Masucci (MAM): There is ALWAYS something new at Blue Moon! Recently we’ve added new sailcloth bags, expanded a handcrafted seaglass jewelry line, lots of new local foods, an extensive line of hats, and so much more.

one go about showing at Blue Moon?

MAM: We have over 100 local vendors within Blue Moon. We are currently full but we are always looking for new and exciting additions to Blue Moon. e: Any growing trends you’re seeing currently and how is Blue Moon adhering to them?

MAM: Our customers LOVE to support local. We are locally owned and aim to have and eclectic mix of local vendors to make Blue Moon a shopping destination for locals and tourists alike. e: What’s the busiest day of year at Blue Moon?

MAM: Our annual Holiday Open House is always our busiest day of the year! We

tival was also special because it was the first time we ventured into that genre of music. The Avett Brothers audience was made up of a wide range of ages, including a lot of young adults who were experiencing the festival for the first time. It is always special to expose new people to the festival. Snoop Dogg was also amazing as he was nearly sold-out as well, and we had just started bringing acts from the urban genre to the festival the year before. With this show, we were able to establish there was a desire in Wilmington for this music … and he is just so iconic of a musician and a brand—it was incredible to see him perform and meet him. e: Who would you personally LOVE to get out to Azalea Fest and why?

ABE: I would love to bring some of the great icons to the festival: Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks, etc. Maybe someday, if our budgets ever allow… e: Anything else you’d like to add about your win for Best Festival?

ABE: The Azalea Festival would like to thank all of the voters for this award and supporters of the festival. This truly is a community event; we would not have survived 72 years without your dedication and your desire to love and celebrate everything that makes Wilmington special during Azalea Festival week.

—Shannon Gentry hold our HOH on the second Saturday in November to kick off the holiday season. We offer free valet parking, food and drink samplings, loads of giveaways, artist demos and we always add something new every year. e: What else should we know about your business, whether it’s philanthropic work or outreach or even pop-ups?

MAM: Blue Moon loves to support local and many worthy causes with local roots.

Some of those include selling Good Shepherd Center products and their Empty Bowls tickets, Indo Jax Surf Schools products to support their non-profit charity, Ten Thousand Villages fair trade products and we will be partnering with one of our artists for a huge fundraiser later this year to support veterans.

— Shea Carver

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WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS

Thalian Hall is featured in encore every single week. Between countless theatre productions on its main stage and in Ruth & Bucky Stein’s theater, weekly film screenings via WHQR’s Cinematique, as well as various music and special events throughout the year, Thalian Hall continues its reign as Best Theater Venue on encore’s readers’ poll in 2019.

Most recently, Opera House Theatre Company has brought a toe-tapping ode to old Broadway in “42nd Street” that knocked off the socks of encore’s reviewrer, Chase Harrisonf. Director Suel-

len Yates leads an incredible cast in this fun musical packed with incredible numbers and dance choreography. People can still see “42nd Street” until it closes June 23.

BEST THEATER VENUE THALIAN HALL

Upstairs in the Ruth & Bucky Stein stage, Panache Theatrical Productions is showing “The Cake,” in time for Pride month. The a must-see comedy packs social relevance and moved encore reviewer Gwenyfar Rohler this week (see page 27); it also runs until June 23.

roughly 400 or more units other arts and community events throughout the year.

Executive director Tony Rivenbark said “it’s a very tricky exercise in logistics” after last year’s win.

Next on the summer’s docket is Opera House’s “Five Guys Named Moe” (July 4-21), wherein all wounds can heal with good music; young thespians can rejoice when Performance Club Studio Theater puts on “Frozen Jr.” in the Ruth & Bucky Stein Theatre (July 26-28); “Billy Elliot: The Musical” (August 1-18) features a score by the great Elton John; and “Shakespeare In Love” (August 29-September 8) brings a romantic comedy inspired by the Bard and filled with sword fights, mistaken identities, scheming and backstage drama to Thalian’s main stage.

Thalian brings more than 20 theatre productions annually to Wilmington, and

“This community has been so good to me—so welcoming and supportive,” singer-songwriter Rebekah Todd says of her last four years playing local stages. “Wilmington has helped me grow as a musician and as a business woman, and I will always be grateful.”

booking agents and going to open mics and just getting as involved as I possibly could.

People were very accepting and made me feel at home. To have all those people who supported me when I was just starting out, recognize me now with this award is an incredible feeling. It means the leap of faith I Todd grew up in Benson, NC, and made took in the first place has paid off.

ILM her homebase after graduating from e: You performed at our 2019 inugural East Carolina University in 2012. She re- Bestival, too. Tell us what you thought leased her debut EP, “Forget Me Not,” in of the event and how you found out you 2011, followed by “Roots Bury Deep” in won the “e.”

2014, and a full-length album, “Crooked RT: Bestival was an awesome event.

Lines,” in February 2017. Her full band There were a ton of people out supporting, Rebekah Todd & The Odyssey won the all the tasty food vendors, and the stages On The Rise series for FloydFest 2016 and sound systems were very well-manand opened for the likes of St. Paul & The aged. I actually found out about the award Broken Bones, Shovels and Rope, and in a funny way: On our way to Bestival, I Turkuaz. Now Rebekah Todd and drum- was telling my husband how nervous I was mer/husband Logan Tabor have a soulful about not knowing if I won, and he could and rockin’ connection on the stage, and see how it was affecting me. So he quietly encore readers’ hear and feel it, too. So texted another local musician who was acmuch so, 44% of voters selected Rebekah tually already at the event and asked him Todd as this year’s Best Female Musician. to check the results for us. It was a good encore (e): How does it feel to be rec- move—I felt super relieved and was able to ognized by Wilmingtonians as Best Fe- get my head in the game before we played! male Musician? e: What’s the latest happenings with Rebekah Todd (RT) When I moved to your music? Tell us about one or two Wilmington four years ago, I was basically songs you’ve been working on or playstarting from the bottom. It was scary to ing live... step into a new scene and try to make a RT: One song I’ve been more excited name for myself. But I started contacting about lately is a song called “Fog.” I’ve had 8 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Rivenbark literally wrote the book on Thalian’s historical significance in Images of America: Thalian Hall (2014), wherein he tells of its dual-purpose at the center of ILM cultural and political life since it first opened in 1858, when it became home to City Hall and local government offices.

The venue at the corner of 3rd and Chestnut has undergone numerous updates and renovations during its centuries-old timeframe.

The only theatre left designed by John Montague Trimble—and the only one with capaxwbilities to use a Thunder Roll, a popular sound-effects contraption used in 18th and 19th century theatre—folks can take a one-hour guided tour through the

historic 1858 building. Free for Thalian Hall members and children 5 years old and less, individual and group tours are available every Monday at 2 p.m. and private tours are offered Monday-Friday by appointment.

Folks looking for more ways to show support for Wilmington’s Best Theater Venue can belly up to a delicious benefit during their annual A Taste of the Town is set for September 24 and features downtown’s best restaurants sampling their signature dishes across town. For a $50 fee, everyone is handed a map and provided access to a trolley get around to participating restaurants. Each person judges categories in Best Appetizer, Best Entrée and Best Overall.

Folks can find more details and other events at thalianhall.org. Thalian Hall takes 56% of votes for Best Theatre Venue.

—Shannon Gentry

BEST FEMALE MUSICIAN

REBEKAH TODD this song for years now; for whatever rea- “roughing it” a bit. It’s very freeing, and it son, I never recorded it. Lately it has felt causes one to simplify their lives, which in more cathartic to play for people. I am re- itself is extremely therapeutic. ally starting to hear all the bits and pieces Our van is set up to carry everything we come together. need from clothes to food to music equipIt’s about a cross-country road trip I took ment—but only the essentials, no fluff. many years ago, and all the things I learned We have had a busy year and decided about myself and about the world along the we wanted to take a big trip. Our original way. Now, I’m toying with the idea of finally plan was to do a trip across Canada and recording it, and taking a very intimate and into Alaska, but it turns out we couldn’t get minimalist approach. started early enough in the year to avoid e: Any plans to enter the recording big, heavy snows. studio soon?

We decided to take a winter trip South to RT: Yes, roughly. I don’t have any dates follow the warm weather. It will include stopbooked, but so much has been changing ping in places like New Orleans, Galveston, in my life and it has brought so much in- Las Vegas, etc., but the ultimate goal is to spiration. Recently, I sat down with my drive all the way down to the Baja Peninphone (which is where I recorded all my re- sula to Cabo San Lucas. Wish us luck! ally rough ideas for songs) and realized I e: What are some upcoming shows had about 20 concepts that were fairly far people can attend? along. At this point the goal is to demo evRT: We are working on booking up the erything and pick the best 10 tracks to take back half of the summer in Wilmington right to the real studio. now, so stay tuned! e: Tell me a little about van life and Follow rebekhatodd.com to learn more these plans to go down to Mexico; what about upcoming releases and show dates. was the impetus for this trip?

—Shannon Gentry RT: Van life is fantastic, if you’re OK with

Waterline Brewing Company was packed on May 11 for Bestival 2019, celebrating encore’s Best Of and the community at large! Left to right, clockwise from the top: Wilmington Brewing Company scored both Best New Brewery and Best Locally Brewed Beer in 2019; Catherine Hawksworth, owner of Modern Legend chats it up with friends at Bestival; Stephanie Denning accepts the award for Best Consignment—Clothes; Travis Shallow and Bob Russell entertain at Bestival 2019; Candy Pegram’s folk art was for sell along Surry Street as part of the arts market for Bestival; comedy troupe Pineapple Shaped Lamps danced around and played onstage throughout the day as our hosts of Bestival. Photos from Chris Brehmer Photography and Tom Dorgan

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WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS WINNER WRITEUPS “The Philly Deli,” as it’s known to locals, has been in business since 1979, with its first store opening in Wilmington’s oldest shopping center, New Hanover Center.

The flagship store still serves folks daily, with Monkey Junction and Porter’s Neck locations being added throughout the years. “We take great pride in our products,” Huston promises.

The Philly cheesesteak is as quintessentially American as apple pie at this point in our short culinary history. Ask folks around town who has the best, and while some may snarkily remark, “We aren’t on ‘Cheesesteak Row’— where half of Philadelphia’s neighborhood goes to Geno’s and the other half to Pat’s—we do have eateries in town to rival them. Enter J. Michael’s Philly Deli.

They’re holding tight to their win and to their popularity. Next year they will celebrate the big 4-0 on Wilmington’s restaurant scene.

“We are an old Wilmington company,” owner J. Michael Huston says. They have around 125 employees under their belt. “I was checking on the longevity of some of them, and we have over 600 years of experience—some of our staff has been with us for over 37 years.

That’s pretty amazing!”

Since 2005—maybe longer (counting is hard)­—Slice of Life has nailed down the encore readers’ choice award for Best Pizza and Best Late-Night Eatery.

2019 is no exception as the trio of eateries—downtown, Wrightsville Beach and Pine Valley—welcome folks from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. And not only are they noshing on pie aplenty, the sips coming with it are top notch, too.

Owner Ray Worrell’s love of tequila ensures Slice of Life has a vast selection, whether to sip on neat, enjoy mixed with a cocktail or on the rocks.

“For a long time tequila has been my favorite,” Worrell tells. “It is almost like wine, with many different complexities. I guess one of the reasons why we have one of the largest tequila selections

In fact, Huston orders his restaurants’ bread directly from a 114-year-old business outside of Philadelphia—the Amoroso Baking Co. They’re well-known and respected for their bread that cuddles custom-sliced steaks—whether topped with homemade cheese sauce, onions and peppers, or mushrooms, lettuce and tomato, or just plain. J. Michael’s also subs out chicken or veggies for Philly meat if customers so desire. “Our meat is from the highest grades of beef,” Huston adds.

While folks up north may prefer the fermented Cheese Wiz on their steaks, in ILM, J. Michael’s custom blends and creates his own sauce. It’s white, gooey and super yummy.

“We use a special blend of block white cheeses shredded and melted to a creamy texture so that can be then poured over each sandwich,” he tells.

J. Michael’s has added to their menu over the years so folks of all appetites can

is half our menu serves Mexican items, such as quesadillas, nachos and tacos.”

They offer meat and veggie varieties to appease all palates on their lunch and dinner menu. Plus, folks can order nachos. Add to it a variety of salads, subs and wrapsand the Slice menu extends far beyond pizza pie.

However, for folks who wish to sip on wine or beer, Slice’s extended list of imports and craft flavors are appealing. And it will spread to the Porters Neck area soon enough, where the fourth Slice is slated to open.

“It will stand alone but will have four other businesses next to it,” Worrell tells.

“In between the two buildings will be a really cool covered outdoor area.”

Wanna learn about more Best Of winners? Be sure to follow our socials (@encorepub) and check us online at encorepub.com! Some winners have fun and educational videos about their business to share with readers.

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BEST PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY enjoy something. Hoagies and grinders come in all forms and styles, like meatball and italian grinders, plus homemade tuna and chicken salad, served as a sandwich or on a salad. Folks can even get their fave Philly on a salad!

“Hoagies are served cool and grinders are bake in the oven,” Huston explains.

“We also have wonderful salads—chef salad, chicken salad, tuna salad and egg salad, all made in house.”

The adventurous will even find a hot dog on the menu that’s unlike most in town. John’s Island (South Carolina) Hot Dog is all beef and topped with peanut butter, mayo and onions.

They do soups, like French onion, broccoli and cheese, potato and bacon, and chicken noodle. And, of course, they have a Philly chili. On top of weekly specials, J. Michael’s makes sure no one’s wallet is hit especially hard, either, so he offers lunch combos.

And don’t forget the lengthy appetizer list: fried mushrooms Frickles (fried pickles), fries, mozzarella sticks, jalapeño poppers, chicken wings and fingers, and more. It’s all available during lunch and

dinner seven days a week.

Overseeing three restaurants does not slow down Huston. He gives back to his community at large any chance he can by working closely with the New Hanover School system PTAs, even hosting promo nights to raise money for their activities.

“We also help at the public school level with the program called ‘occupational course of study,’” he explains, “where students from local schools come in and work in our restaurant to develop tools to help them when they graduate from school and go to the workplace. It has been very successful and we have actually hired several of these fine students.”

Huston has served on the board of the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services for almost 30 years and continues helping raise awareness. At Philly Deli they recognize veterans and first-responders, as well as Boomers and nonprofit organizations with discounts.

J. Michael’s took 62% of the vote.

— Shea Carver

BEST PIZZA & LATE-NIGHT EATERY SLICE OF LIFE 2019 also celebrates the restaurant’s 20-year anniversary. Thus Worrell’s eateries will surpass the 100,000 pounds of cheese they served in 2017. Toppings vary on every pie, whether spinach, feta and onion or pineapple and ham, or Italian sausage and pepperoni, or just plain cheese. “We use the best ingredients the best way we can,” Worrell says.

Slice of LIfe pays back its devoted customers with its loyalty card program. It tracks diners meals with a point system.

Folks can review their awards points at Slice’s website, grabaslice.com.

“It’s pretty simple,” Worrell tells, “for every $100 you spend with me, you get $10 back. It is built into our point-of-sale system to keep track of your purchases.”

A UNCW graduate who took over Slice in 2004, Worrell has grown and expanded his eateries while also giving back

to the community. Today he focuses a lot of energy on ensuring area students are fed beyond mere school lunches, by serving on the board of Nourish NC. The nonprofit stuffs backpacks with food for kids who live in food deserts or don’t have access to nutritious meals outside of school hours. The end goal is to help kids feel empowered and succeed in the classroom and community at large.

Currently, folks can sport Slice of Life gear, including T-shirts (long- and shortsleeved), hoodies and ball caps online.

Costs are $15-$30. However, through June 24 apply the code SF9611 in the shopping cart to save 25%.

Slice of Life took 44% of the Best Pizza vote and Late Night Eatery for 53% of the votes.

— Shea Carver

DEAL OF THE WEEK June 19 - June 25, 2019

2019 Best of Winner: Diner, Biscut and Breakfast

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NOW OPEN THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FOR DINNER AND LATE NIGHT!

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12 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

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NEWS>>FEATURE

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL:

In the pursuit of purpose and perfectly square foundation, Jock Brandis gets to work BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

A NEW DAY, A NEW DAWN: Jock Brandis is building a garage to continue his life’s passion of inventing and building now that he’s retired from Full Belly Project. Photo by Gwenyfar Rohler

“J

ock was cursing Pythagoras’ name,” Anthony said with a grin.

“I’ve never heard someone say ‘fuck’ and ‘Pythagoras’ so much in the same sentence.”

“Yeah, he realized he mislaid the form for the pad in the garage. I’m like, ‘Well, better to discover it now than in two months!’”

I shrugged and grinned.

In two months the concrete will (hopefully) be poured and we will be well on our way to framing the walls. In his enthusiasm for the project, when Jock started building the form for the concrete pad, he built a trapezoid instead of a perfect square. The human eye couldn’t see it, but the math caught it and now he was trying to correct

his mistake.

Many people would hire a contractor to build a garage and, certainly, to build a form for and to pour a concrete pad. But folks who realize Jock has been making machinery out of concrete for over 20 years understand there is no way he would “staff this out.” Instead, he’s hammering stakes in the ground in the backyard and moving boards to create the negative of the future pad.

For several years we have idly discussed the possibility of building a garage behind our residence. Because, of course, we can’t seem to survive without some sort of big project in our lives, right?

In reality, Jock wanted to build a garage/ workshop space for reasons that would

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seem monumentally self-evident to anyone who has ever met him. I frequently describe Jock as a hybrid of the Energizer bunny and Indiana Jones: There is just no stopping him. So even if he ever “retired” in the conventional sense (ha!), he would still need a garage to do work that is his purpose on this planet. Our plans began to take shape and move into the “active project” category a couple of months ago.

Partly, Hurricane Florence influenced this. We knew portions of the back fence would come down when we built the garage. In addition, trees would have to be removed, transplanted or trimmed to make way for the new structure. Florence took out the fence entirely and changed the tree canopy in the backyard. It seemed rather

pointless (and a lot of exhausting effort) to rebuild the fence, only to take it down again in a couple years. The urban forest in our backyard (read: the second unit set for “Apocalypse Now”) was thinned considerably by Florence. It seemed Mother Nature was giving us a prime opportunity to work on the project.

Then other events surprised us.

“Mmmm … looks like I’m going to need a place to weld … and sharpen chainsaw blades ... you know, work,” Jock lamented over dinner a few weeks ago.

Our lives had taken an abrupt shift with Jock’s departure from Full Belly Project, the nonprofit he cofounded and had dedicated most waking moments to in the last two de-

cades. In the first few brushes of shock, we were trying to figure out next steps. Jock saw himself utilizing his gift from Santa a few years ago, sharpening chainsaw blades.

“After all, we do have hurricanes here.”

He gestured with his hand. “Chainsaws are important.”

He paused and took a swig of beer.

I waited for the next logical leap to happen in that handsome head of his. “I guess I could do generator repair and maintenance, too. In the new garage, I mean.”

I nodded my head. “Yes dear, you could.”

Jock’s professional life centered around the movie business for years. That is how he wound up here, as part of the first film crew that came in with Dino De Laurentiis, founder of our local Screen Gems Studios, which operated as De Laurentiis Entertainment Group until the early ‘90s. After the mother of Jock’s children became ill, and he could no longer travel with the film business, he shifted his focus to generators— especially silent generators for film sets.

When it comes to diesel engines, well, Jock is fluent.

Also, like many of us, he sees a lot of his identity in the thing he gets up to do every morning. But Jock’s work, his purpose on this planet—inventing and innovating collaboratively to make life better for the billion poorest people on the planet—is more

than a job or an identity. It’s a life’s calling.

In a lot of ways, the skills he developed in the first 50 years of life are what has made it possible to pursue those goals in the last 23 years. A number of our close friends have asked with legitimate curiosity and concern, what Jock is going to do if he leaves Full Belly.To which my answer from the beginning has been: “Jock is going to do the work he was put on this planet to do, whether he is carrying Full Belly’s flag or not, is immaterial.”

Now, I know that.

It might take him a few weeks to figure that out.

In the meantime, he is fascinated by hemp processing and the possibilities it holds for farmers in North Carolina. Lignin, or the “goo” that holds hemp fibers together, has become a major topic of conversation between us. He keeps turning over possibilities for finding a way to break lignin down and separate the fibers as close to the hemp field as possible, making the processing of hemp fibers more profitable for small farmers and potentially opening up a larger market for a new crop in North Carolina.

We are figuring out what this next phase of our lives looks like. So far we know the garage will be painted gray (I lost the vote for a psychedelic day-glo mural). There are a lot of changes to the weekly and

annual rhythms of our lives; no more Saturday morning volunteer gatherings at the shop, which means no more frantic Friday afternoons getting ready for volunteers to arrive. Not having the Full Beally Feast to deal with this year was pretty disorienting.

We got together as a couple shortly after Jock invented the peanut sheller, the first technology invented for Full Belly. So for the entire time we have shared our lives, the nonprofit has been given Jock’s full attention in some form or fashion. The shift feels almost tectonic. It is accompanied by a certain amount of mourning because this, like many transitions, needs to be marked and grieved for. But I am celebrating the life that filled our nearly two-decade relationship with Full Belly. Though the ties are severed, we can appreciate the many amazing and wonderful people that came into our lives and supported this dream.

I choose to remember those first volunteer Saturdays when everything was still on the front porch of our house. Or the excitement of moving a workshop into Francine DeCoursey’s garage. I loved the early feasts in The Big Room at WHQR, and I remember the sense of “arrival” when the Feast grew to fill the Coastline Convention Center. The day Alan Toll helped make the shop of Chestnut Street a reality feels like yesterday, but, really, it was over a decade ago. I will never forget the look on Wes Perry’s face when he arrived to loan Jock

the Pratt and Whitney lathe that weighs more than my car, noting that Jock would need it to make shellers. Those memories of people coming together and sharing something much bigger than any of us really imagined are memories I will treasure.

Like any breakup, you go through a phase of anger, and it’s easy to choose to focus on the bad. But choosing to see the good is also worthwhile. For us, now is the time to look to the future.

“I have to finish this chain for Michael before I go to bed; I promised it for him tomorrow,” Jock noted at about 10 p.m. He was holding up a chainsaw chain and shaking his head.

Ah, I thought. Welcome to life as a small business person.

The number of times I have been up at 1 a.m. finishing things for the bookstore by morning is beyond my ability to remember or count. People who say, “The work will be there tomorrow,” clearly are not small business owners. It is not an option to put it off.

You deliver when you say you are going to.

But Jock has always delivered; it is more about focusing on things he can accomplish right now while he regroups ... while we both figure out this new rhythm ... while Jock’s brain solves the hemp lignin conundrum. Because, as Eleanor Roosevelt reminded, “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 15

August 3, 2019 at 7:30pm

TICKET CENTRAL • 910.362.7999 • WilsonCenterTickets.com 16 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

for men that looks like it’s cut from a pair of jeans, but is really made of polyester and Spandex, for comfort and quick drying. The retailer describes the faux-denim look: “It is like eating a bag of chips in church. Everyone looks over at you with disgust, but deep down they want some too.” United Press International reports that Jeados sell for $39.99 through shinesty.com. [UPI, 5/30/2019]

QUESTIONABLE JUDGMENT IT’S COME TO THIS

The Pokemon Co. has made Japanese brides’ dreams come true with its announcement that it is collaborating with a wedding planner to offer sanctioned ceremonies with its characters in attendance, dressed as a bride and groom. Yes, Pikachu will stand up with you and your betrothed (as long as you go to Japan to tie the knot), and the icing on the cake is Pokemon-themed food items and a Pikachu cake topper. Finally, United Press International reports, for your scrapbook, you’ll have a marriage certificate decorated with Pokemon imagery -- surely an item you’ll want to preserve in a licensed Pokemon photo frame. [UPI, 5/30/2019]

STAY WITH ME HERE

Around 1:40 a.m. on May 9, as an unnamed Cocoa, Florida, homeowner slept in her garage, a black Cadillac crashed into the structure, missing her by only inches, according to the 911 call. The Cadillac was stolen, it turns out, and was fleeing an Orange County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle -- which was also stolen and being driven by someone impersonating a police officer.

After the crash, WFTV reported, the imposter patrolman continued trying to pull over vehicles before speeding away. The patrol SUV was later abandoned behind a shopping plaza in Cocoa. [WFTV, 5/9/2019]

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL

Police in Lincoln, Nebraska, responded to a call on May 21 about a domestic assault. They didn’t find the suspect, identified as Markel Towner, 26, in the residence, but someone who matched his description was sitting outside in a car. When questioned, the man said his name was Deangelo Towns, but a fashion faux pas led officers to suspect he was lying -- a lanyard around the man’s neck clearly bore the name “Markel Towner.” After some resistance, KETV reported, Towner was finally subdued and arrested on a variety of charges. [KETV, 5/22/2019]

OOPS

An unidentified man in Tuscumbia, Alabama, did what so many of us do every day: He went online to Amazon to order some household items. But when his package arrived on May 23, he was alarmed to discover a urine sample from a private citizen, not the shower curtain and rings he’d ordered.

“When I reached in and pulled it out (it was) some kind of urine specimen or something like that,” he told WHNT. An Amazon representative said the company was “very sorry” about the mistake and would send his bathroom accessories right away, but declined

to have him return the sample. [WHNT, 5/23/2019]

BRIGHT IDEAS

May 17 wasn’t the first time Dan Smith of Seattle found a Car2Go vehicle left in the driveway of his rental property, so he erected a fence around it and posted NO TRESPASSING signs and other warnings.

He then informed Car2Go’s parent company, Share Now, that he wanted $65 per day for storage, $300 for the fence and $500 for harassment. Share Now responded to inquiries from KIRO saying seven different customers tried to rent the car a day after it was left in Smith’s driveway but couldn’t because of the barricade. Asad Rasheed, who lives in Smith’s building, said the errantly parked vehicles are a common problem: “People are not made aware of where to park, where not to park and how to use them,” Rasheed said. Share Now has agreed to work with Smith but told the TV station they wouldn’t be paying him. [KIRO, 5/30/2019] Damon Hudson, 25, of St. Ives, England, first noticed his missing milk delivery on May 17. “My milk delivery means the world to me. My little brother and sister can’t function without their cereal in the morning,” Hudson told Metro News. He could see the thief on his doorbell video footage, but he didn’t want to bother the police with such a trivial case, so after two weeks of going milk-less, he set up his own sting. Hudson introduced a couple of new ingredients in the milk bottle: fish oil and his own urine.

“Hopefully that’s the end. The weirdo deserves it.” No word on whether the thief has found a new target. [Metro News, 6/3/2019]

STAR TREATMENT

Gwen Lynch, the lone 2019 graduate of the eighth grade at Cuttyhunk Elementary School on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, will receive the accolades and advice of a celebrity graduation speaker, actress and comedian Jenny Slate, on June 17. The island, which has a year-round population of only about a dozen people, is familiar to Slate, whose parents live nearby, reported the Cape Cod Times. Gwen has also been working on her own speech. Graduation festivities will include a potluck dinner, and organizers expect a “packed house”: “Most of the town will be there,” predicted Michael Astrue, who secured Slate for the address.

[Cape Cod Times, 6/3/2019]

FASHION STATEMENT

Beachgoers looking to make a statement this summer will want to check out the Jeado, a Speedo-style swimsuit brief

While students at Holy Family Catholic School in Port Allen, Louisiana, took a field trip to Washington, D.C., to learn about our nation’s founding and visit historic sites, their principal, Michael Comeau, had another kind of sightseeing in mind. In the pre-dawn hours of May 31, police were called to Archibald’s Gentleman’s Club in D.C. after “an intoxicated man refused to pay his bill,” according to the arrest report.

The Advocate reports that officers found Comeau, 47, standing in a roadway, “refusing to move.” He was arrested for public intoxication and possession of an open container of alcohol. Comeau immediately resigned his position as principal, along with his role as a reserve police officer at the Brusly Police Department. [The Advocate, 5/31/2019]

31, where it became stuck in the mud. Officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources say the officer then used a City of Tybee pickup truck to try to free the ATV, but the truck also became stuck.

City workers next attempted to pull both vehicles out using two backhoes, which also succumbed to the marsh. An excavator was finally able to free one of the backhoes from the muck, but the Coastal Resources Division of the DNR reported to WSAV that it will likely take a barge and crane to extricate the other three vehicles. Tybee city officials are conducting an investigation.

[WSAV, 6/3/2019]

ANGER MANAGEMENT

Don’t mess with Texas ... or with 41-yearold Doris Vallejo-Godoy of Austin, Texas, who pulled a gun on a man at La Catedral del Marisco, a Mexican restaurant, according to an arrest affidavit. The June 2 scuffle began as a disagreement about who would be up next for karaoke, the Statesman reported. The man told police that as they argued, Vallejo-Godoy struck him, then pulled out her gun and pointed it at him. She also threatened a waitress who tried to intervene, the affidavit said. Police arrived as Vallejo-Godoy was arguing in the parking lot with her girlfriend; she was arrested for UNCLEAR ON THE CONCEPT For reasons that remain unclear, a local aggravated assault with a deadly weapon police officer drove a beach patrol ATV into and unlawful carrying of a concealed weapa marsh on Tybee Island, Georgia, on May on. [Statesman, 6/3/2019]

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Email: info@middleoftheisland.com • Phone: 910-256-4273 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 17

ARTS>>MUSIC

PLAY HARD:

Team Player hits Palate stage on Sunday with latest rockin’ riffs and rhythms sues, Tacocat, Car Seat Headrest, Rilo Kiley, Nirvana, and Chastity Belt—and it shows in their latest release. “EP 2” (Februcouple of weeks ago, Modern Leg- ary 2019) consists of four songs, including end owner Catherine Hawksworth “Something Wild,” which at the onset cuts gave encore the lowdown on rockin’ straight to rock-n-roll riffs and rhythms. music she’s booking across ILM. Among “‘Something Wild’ was originally a little bands in town “checking off all of the boxes” with catchy hooks and toe-tapping melodies Southern-rock/swamp-rock kind of riff I’d is the relatively new Team Player. The trio is play for fun that eventually transformed in made up of 20-somethings Marty Cunning- practice into the fast-paced tune it is now,” ham (vocals, guitar), Chandler Hicks (bass) Cunningham explains. “Lyrically, it’s all about uncertainty: where I am, where I’m and Chris Warren (drummer). headed, and just imagining the endless “I’m a sucker for catchy choruses—who places I could go and directions life might isn’t?” Cunningham asks. “So I always try to take. And how overwhelming that can all be find that first and build around it. Everything to think about!” else is just what happens when the three of “A lot of our songs either make you us put it all together.” wanna dance and jump around with your Cunningham and Warren have known friends or bang your head,” Hicks adds, each other since middle school, often play- “which I feel perfectly reflects my musical ing captive audiences at each other’s hous- interests as a whole.” es or backyards for friends and family. Their Whether it’s Slayer or Stevie Wonder, formative years were filled with the likes of The Beatles, Courtney Barnett, Daddy Is- Hicks says he digs anything with a groove to it. More so he finds it imperative to his craft and listens to an array of musicians, like Geddy Lee, Mike Watt, Jaco Pastorious and Thundercat.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

WED

A

6/19 LUNCH AT WATERLINE 12-2PM

WITH CHEESE SMITH

THURS

Let’s do lunch! We’re opening early for a special lunch with Cheese Smith! I know you’ve got the urge for a Buffalo Baby sandwich and some deliciously cold Waterline beer!

END OF THE LINE BLUEGRASS Poor Piggy’s BBQ, 6-8pm 6/20 INTO THE FOG

The Ride To Telluride documentary screening and performance!

6-9PM 6-9PM

ILM MAKERS AND 5-9PM GROWERS MARKET

SUN SAT FRI

Kono Pizza Truck, 6-8pm

6/21 MEDICATED SUNFISH 8-10PM A&M’s Red Food Truck, 6-9pm

6/22 DHIM RAGGAE BAND 8-10PM Pepe’s Tacos, 6-9pm

6/23 DOUG MCFARLAND 4-6PM

721 Surry Street Wilmington waterlinebrewing.com

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

Wine & cider are available.

“As a bassist it’s important to have that sense of rhythm and feeling with the music,” he tells. “Some of my favorite bass players all have physical connection with their instruments and the music they make. I try to bring that same sense of groove and movement to Team Player, especially when playing live.”

As they prepare to open for The Love Language’s 10th anniversary tour this year, Team Player will take to the Palate stage on Sunday with Billy Heathen. It will be the last show with all three together until August.

Cunningham and Hicks were kind enough to share more about their collective musical interests and latest songs. encore (e): What’s your perspective of Wilmington’s music scene?

Chandler Hicks (CH): I’ve only really been a part of the scene in Wilmington for a little under two years, but I think there’s a lot of exciting stuff going on. The diversity of it is really what gets me. You’ve got a lot of really great solo acts, like Kevin Earl and Pinky Verde, that help provide an indie singer-songwriter feel, and then you’ve got bands like Wax Imperials and Billy Heathen that just have a raw heavy energy that is so addicting to get into. It’s like a little bit of everything—and it’s only just getting started.

18 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Marty Cunningham (MC): I’m new to this whole scene, but it’s been awesome so far.

Seeing so many acts coming up with us with so much talent, and so much to say (Pinky Verde, Rosemary, Billy Heathen, the list goes on and on), it’s inspiring. And to see how many people come out to shows and continue to support the scene is great!

Catherine [Hawksworth] deserves a lot of credit for that; she and the Modern Legend crew do an incredible job of putting together great bills and promoting local artists they believe in. e: Tell us more about “EP 2.”

straight into recording demos at home, long before we’d even booked our first show. It wasn’t until “EP2” we had a real idea of who we were and what we sounded like together.

Now, I feel like we’re quickly having to learn how the whole business side of music works. We’re really just throwing ourselves in there and asking smarter people when we have no clue what we’re doing. It’s actually been fun. e: What is one quirk each of you has in practice, at a show or in the studio?

CH: I think as a whole, we all have a very similar sense of humor. We’re always trying to make each other laugh during practice with some joke or story. I feel Marty’s always making some silly noises during rehearsal. Chris won’t say much, but when he does it’s always hilarious; it makes for a really fun environment.

MC: “Washed Out” is one of my favorite guitar bits I’ve come up with, and I always like playing it live. Lyrically the song was written with a conscious effort to write something a little more accusatory, something with a little aggression to it to match the pulse of the riff. I have a lot of sad lyrics MC: Chris loves to sit silently, he’s great (whoops!), so I’m glad “Washed Out” has a at it. But he’s also one of the funniest people little anger behind it for a change. you’ll ever meet; I swear we need to mic him “How We Talk” is about the fallout after up just so he can talk to the crowd between a relationship or with someone you’d been songs instead of me. Also, you won’t find a close to—just that terrible feeling in your gut drummer who hits harder or breaks more when you run into each other and realize evsticks than Chris Warren. erything is weird and different. Strangely, it’s Chandler likes to move. I don’t know how one of our most upbeat tracks. he keeps it up. I’m spending half of my ener“Feel Light” is about failing to be the pergy just trying to not forget my own lyrics, but son you’ve wanted to be. It was written on a I can count on Chandler to be next to me, particular day where I failed to even leave out-dancing and out-singing anyone around. my house—I don’t think I even left my bed.

I’m not sure what my quirks are. SweatSo “Feel Light” is both the feeling of wanting to live more positively and finally doing ing? Really, I do have a habit at practice things you said you would, and also a little of making all kinds of sounds into the mic just for my own amusement and my bandbit of just wanting to literally feel sunlight. mates’ displeasure. Meaningless phrases, e: Who writes the lyrics? Does everylip-smacks, yells, etc. I’m not to be trusted one come to the table with music? with a microphone.

MC: So far I’ve been coming up with lyre: What will we hear at Palate? ics, guitar, melody and general structure, MC: We haven’t yet laid out the setlist, then we all play around in practice and find what works. I think we’re definitely but you can expect a good mix of things, prepared to bring forward new ideas when from both EPs to newer, unrecorded things we have them. I’m excited to see where we’ve been playing the last couple of shows. that takes our sound going forward. Also, I’ve always got an idea or two I’m kicking Chandler is probably a better guitarist than around—I’d like to have another new one me, so hopefully whatever he writes is ready by then. Hey, maybe we’ll just play everything! something I can play. e: What are the most significant differences between Team Player’s first EP from 2018 to now? In what ways have you evolved or changed?

MC: Our first EP was made up of songs written before Team Player ever formed— songs I’d just been working on months prior.

So once Chandler came aboard, we went

DETAILS:

Team Player with Billy Heathen

Sunday, June 23, 6p.m. - 8 p.m.

Palate, 1007 N. 4th St. • Free teamplayer.bandcamp.com

The number one reason you need a butcher in your life...

Indulgence

1125-A Military Cuttoff RD. WIlmington, NC 28405 l 910-679-4473 l wearetrueblue.com encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 19

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

THE SOUNDBOARD

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

THIS WEEK AT THE WITCH WED 6/19 THUR 6/20 CASSIOPEIA MEDICATED SUNFISH TRIO FRI 6/21 SAT 6/22 SOUTHERN THE FEEBS TROUBLE CA HOELSHER SUN 6/23 MONI & WES SAYER

Teen Improv (4pm; Free)

—New Hanover County Pine Valley Branch Library, 3802 S. College Rd.

Open Mic Night w/ Bob Sarnataro (5:30pm; Free)

—Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 Oleander Dr., #100;

Music Bingo w/DJ Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free) —Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Music Bingo (7:30pm; Free)

—The Harp, 143 South 3rd St.;

Matisyahu (6pm; Free; Hip-Hop; $25)

—Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St., Unit 7

Josh Solomon (8pm; Free; Singer-songwriter) —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

Wine Time Karaoke (9pm; Free)

—Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.

Your neighborhood drafthouse with a menu full of lowcountry favorites.

Join us for a hot meal and a cold pint.

Extreme Music Bingo w/Party Gras (10pm; Free) —Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

40 BEERS ON TAP

Wet Wednesdays w/ DJ Dubstep (10:30pm; Free)

#TAPTUESDAY...THE BEST DAY OF THE WEEK: $3 SELECT PINTS & TEAM TRIVIA

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

Outdoor Concert Series

Full Moon Shine (7pm; Free; Piano) —Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 JUSTIN FOX FRIDAY, JUNE 21 CROSS CREEK SATURDAY, JUNE 22 QUILTED SKY

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8pm; Free) —Ibiza, 118 Market St.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

7324 Market Street • 910-821-8185 www.ogdentaproom.com OPEN 7 DAYS AWEEK

Seahawk FAM: South Bossa Project (10:30am; $5) —Kenan Auditorium, 601 S College Rd.

Karaoke on the Patio (5:30pm; Free)

Mon.-Thurs.: 4pM-12:30 aM Fri.-saT.: 4pM - 1:30aM sun: 4pM-11pM

—Your Pie Pizza, 4403 H Oleander Dr.

Live On The Loop! Summer Music Series (6pm; Free) —The Sailfish, 2570 Scotts Hill Loop Rd.

2101 MarkeT sT uniT 7 (910) 599-4999

Jarrett Raymond (6pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Monday Mules $5

Art Inspires Teddy Burgh: Flute Along the Eastern Sea Rd. (6:30pm; $0-$10)

Tuesday 1/2-price wine bottles

—Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

Randy McQuay (7pm; Free; Acoustic, Soul)

serving over 22 craFT beers • all abc perMiTs

On Sale On Sale : Now: Matisyahi, Long Beach Dub Allstars, June 19 July 21, 3pm The Jared Show, June 19

L Shape Lot Duo, August 2, 8pm .com

! s l a de

and July 3, 7 pm

Benny Hill’s Sunday Jazz Jam, 7-10pm

—Edward Teach Brewing, 604 N. 4th St.

Marc Siegel (7pm; Free; Guitar) PICK THE GUITAR: Singer-songwriter Pistol Hill will play this Thursday, June 13, 6 p.m., at Wrightsville Beach Brewery. Photo by Mark Squires

—Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 S. Front St.

Sunset Cruise with Acoustic Music (7pm; $30)

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

20 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Live Music in the Alley (7pm; Free)

Jessy Esterline (9:30pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

lage People (4pm; $10)

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

Cape Fear Blues Festival (6pm; $10-$25)

—Palate, 1007 N 4th St.

Homegrown Trivia with Travis (7:30pm; Free)

The Beau Rikkis Live (9pm; Free)

—Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

MONDAY, JUNE 24

Trivia w/ Party Gras Ent. (8pm; Free)

Mac & Juice Quintet (9pm; Free)

—The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

—Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St. —Rebellion NC, 15 S. Front St.

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St. —Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

—The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

Throwback Thursday Karaoke w/ DJ Camo (8pm; Free)

Kendall Street Company (10pm; $5)

Open Mic Comedy (8pm; Free)

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

—Reggie’s 42nd St., Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St. —Dead Crow Comedy, 265 N. Front St.

Mike O’Donnell: Live Requests (8:30pm; Free) —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

Retro Dance Party with The Beehive Blondes (9pm; Free)

—Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

CAM Caf MUSIC: Bill Kerr (6pm; Guitar)

—Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

The Ride to Telluride Screening w/ Into the Fog (5pm; Bluegrass) —Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Wine Down Open Mic (6pm; Free)

—Wilmington Wine, 605 Castle St.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Joe Zimmerman (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy) Blind Justice (9pm; Free; Classic Rock) —Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Music on the Patio (12pm; Free)

—Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St.

Live Music with Boba Funk! (3pm; Free)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Cape Fear Blues Festival (3pm; $10-$25) —The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

All-White Rooftop Day Party (4pm; $15) —The Rooftop Bar, 21 N. Front St.

Sunset Cruise with Acoustic Music (7pm; $30)

—Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

Team Player and Billy Heathen (6pm; Free)

ON OUR LOT

Music Bingo (7pm; Free)

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Trivia w/Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.;

Contra Dance (7:30pm; $5)

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

Greenbeard and Ladykiller (8pm; Free)

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

Open Mic Night w/ Bob Sarnataro (5:30pm; Free)

—Tidal Creek Co-Op, 5329 Oleander Dr., #100

Music on the Patio (5pm; Free)

The Nuclears and Zodiac Panthers (8pm; Free; Rock)

Josh Solomon (8pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

Dung Beatles (6pm; $2-$9; The Beatles Tribute)

Burlesque Nights (8pm; $15-$20)

Wine Time Karaoke (9pm; Free)

The Wildflowers (6:30pm; Free; Tom Petty Tribute)

Jake Newman (9pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

Extreme Music Bingo w/Party Gras (10pm; Free)

—Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd.

—Downtown Wilmington, 208 N Front St.

—Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St. —Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St. —Pour Taproom, 201 N. Front St., Suite G101

Live Music with David Dixon (7pm; Free)

The Not So Secret, Secret Show (4pm; Free; Open Mic)

Mandolin Orange (7pm; $32-$40)

Just Yesterday (10pm; Free; ‘90s Grunge)

Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music (7pm; $30)

Joe Zimmerman (7pm, 9:30pm; $15; Comedy)

North 4th Neighborhood Soul Party (7pm; Free)

—The Dubliner Irish Pub, 1756 Carolina Beach Rd.

—Cloud 9 Rooftop, 9 Estell Lee Pl.

—Greenfield Lake Amph. 1941 Amphitheater Dr.

—Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S Water St; —Palate, 1007 N 4th St;

LCAC Event: Uncultured Comedy (7pm; $10)

—Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way

Neil Sedaka (7:30pm; $48; Pop, Piano) —Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

Randy McQuay (8pm; Free; Acoustic, Soul) —Burnt Mill Creek, 2101 Market St., Unit 7

North Fourth Funky Fridays (8pm; Free) —Palate, 1007 N. 4th St.

Jazz Night with James Jarvis (8pm; Free) —Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

New Atmosphere (8:30pm; $7; Electric, Pop, Funk) —Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

Emily Roth (9pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

—Pour Taproom, 201 N. Front St., Suite G101

Freedom Hawk, Wasted Theory, Bedowyn (9pm; Free; Heavy Metal, Rock) —Reggie’s 42nd St. Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.

—Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

—Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

—Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

Wet Wednesdays w/ DJ Dubstep (10:30pm; Free) —The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

Full Moon Shine (7pm; Free; Piano) —Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St.

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

Irish Trad Sessions (2pm; Free)

THURSDAY

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

John Hussmann (12pm; Free; Singer-songwriter) —Pilot House, 2 Ann St.

Cape Fear Blues Festival (12pm; $10-$25) —The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

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

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

Reggae Sunday w/ Pure Fiyah (3pm; Free)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Machine Gun (4pm; Free)

—Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St.

Sunset Cruise with Acoustic Music (7pm; $30) —Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

Music Trivia (7pm; Free)

—The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

Bottega Pride Festival with Randy from the Vil-

> > > THURSDAY $3.75 Hay Bale Ale

$3.75 Sweet Water $4.00 Absolute Lemon Drop

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

> > > saturday $4.00 Green Tea

> > > WEDNESDAY $3.75 Wicked Weed $4.00 Margaritas

> > > SUNDAY $5.00 Bloody Marys & Mimosas

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

Music Bingo w/DJ Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

—Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St.

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

> > > Tuesday

—Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S Water St.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

FREE PARKING

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)

$5 Jameson

WEDNESDAY

$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

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

1 Coronoa/

$ 50 $5.50 Wheat Domestic Pints $1.50Lite Bottles 2 Corona $ SUNDAY Corona/Corona Lt. $2.50 Margaritas/Peach Margaritas 4 Margaritas on the Rocks $4.50 All Flat Breads $6 after 5pm

THURSDAY in bar and patio areas

THURSDAY $ $ $3 Mimosa Appletinis 4, RJ’s Painkiller 5 Truly Lime Spiked and $ 50 Mary $4 Bloddy 2 Red Stripe Bottles Sparkling Water $3 Domestic $ 50 Pints $1.50 2 Fat Tire Bottles 22oz. Tropical Lightning 5564 Carolina Beach Road IPA $5.50 FRIDAY(910)-452-1212 $ 50our website Sinking Bahama Mama $7 $4, 007Visit Cosmos 3 www.RuckerJohns.com $ 1/2 Off All Premium Guinnessfor Cans daily3specials, music and Red Wine Glasses upcoming events $

Island Sunsets 5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 $ 3 S. 3rd St. 22oz. Blue Moon Draft1423 $ 2 Select Domestic Bottles DOWNTOWN SUNDAY WILMINGTON (910) 763-1607 Bloody Marys $4, Domestic Pints $150 Hurricanes $5 Tuesday __________________________________________ 5564 Carolinaw/DJ BeachDamo, Road, 9PM KARAOKE (910) 452-1212 2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

$ 50

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA

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

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday ___________________________________________

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

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 21

Wine Down Wednesday & Karaoke (8pm; Free)

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

Music on the Patio (5pm; Free)

—Ibiza, 118 Market St.

—Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St.

20 Ride (6:30pm; Free; Zac Brown Tribute)

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

—Downtown Wilmington, 208 N Front St.

Sunset Cruise with Acoustic Music (7pm; $30)

Karaoke on the Patio (5:30pm; Free)

—Your Pie Pizza, 4403 H Oleander Dr., Unit H

—Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

Live On The Loop! Summer Music Series (6pm; Free)

Spare Change (8pm; $3; Funk)

Live Music w/ Ian Hollingsworth (6pm; Free)

Jazz Night with James Jarvis (8pm; Free)

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

—The Sailfish, 2570 Scotts Hill Loop Rd.

—Bottega, 723 N. Fourth St.

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Cafe Negro (8pm; $10; Alt Pop, Rock)

Marc Siegel (7pm; Free; Guitar)

Mo Lowda & the Humble w/ Arson Daily (8:30pm; $10)

—The Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

—Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 S. Front St.

—Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

Sunset Cruise with Acoustic Music (7pm; $30)

Dos Eddies (9pm; Free; Classic Rock)

—Pour Taproom, 201 N. Front St., Suite G101

—Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

Live Music in the Alley (7pm; Free) —Rebellion NC, 15 S. Front St.

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Homegrown Trivia with Travis (7:30pm; Free) —Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.

Trivia w/ Party Gras Ent. (8pm; Free)

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

THE RIDE TO TELLURIDE: Into the Fog took a trip to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June 2018 with filmmaker Mason Godwin and this Thursday, June 20 will debut ‘The Ride to Telluride’ documentary at Waterline Brewing, followed by Q&A and live performance. Photo by Homesick Roots.

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Stardust to Ashes: A Tribute to David Bowie (10pm; $10) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

The Dust Parade (8pm; Roots, Rock)

Throwback Thursday Karaoke w/ DJ Camo (8pm; Free)

Wine Down Open Mic (6pm; Free)

—Wilmington Wine, 605 Castle St.

—Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Open Mic Comedy (8pm; Free)

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

—Reggie’s 42nd Street, Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St. —Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

THANK YOU WILMINGTON! Voted “Best Burger” and “Best Fries” Great burgers and hand-cut fries.

Sandwiches and salads.

Indoor and patio seating.

Established 1990

Band/ Blind Justice (9:30pm; Free)

6 Locations in the Cape Fear

WWW.PTSGRILLE.COM 22 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Live Requests: Mike O’Donnell (8:30pm; Free)

Dana Gould (7pm, 9:30pm; $20; Comedy)

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS SUNSET CRUISES ON TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

CATCH ‘EM IN RALEIGH: Miss The Record Company at GLA? See them at Lincoln Theatre on June 19 with Buffalo Gospel. Photo by Tom Dorgan at Lockn’ Fest 2017 THE REEVES THEATER & CAFE 129 W. MAIN ST., ELKIN, NC (336) 258-8240 6/20-22: Elkin Roots Music Fest 6/28: Jeff Little Trio 6/29: Amythyst Kiah NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE N. DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 6/19: Nathan-Paul & The Admirables 6/20: Todd Snider and Cash Cabin 6/21: Hipgnostic 6/22: Kim Richey and Josh Rouse 6/23: Bennett Wales & The Relief 6/25: The Stolen, States & Capitals and Mighty Mango 6/28: Damien Jurado and Corrina Repp THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 6/21: Hippo Campus 6/26: Rich The Kid 6/27: Thunder From Down Under 6/28: Chatki Yoga with Lauren McAbee 6/29: Biz Markie 7/5: Gov’t Mule THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 6/19: Chase Atlantic 6/20: Ghostemane 6/21: Ari Lennox 6/22: Denzel Curry 6/26: Parachute 6/29: Drake Party 6/30: Algebra MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE, DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 6/22: Young Bull, Kooley High and more 6/27: Damien Jurado and Corrina Repp

DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 6/19-20: American Dance Festival 6/21: Jen Hatmaker & Heather Land 6/23: Styx 6/26-27: Ali Wong 6/28: The Ultimate Queen Celebration with Marc Martel 7/9: Latin History for Morons starring John Leguizamo LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 6/19: The Record Company and Buffalo Gospel 6/21: The Stranger featuring Mike Santoro 6/28: Liquid Stranger 7/5: The Clarks CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 6/19: Abigail Dowd and Isabel Taylor (back) 6/20: Josh Rouse (back) 6/21: Night Moves and Computer Science (back) 6/22: Mark Lee of Third Day (back) 6/22: Speed Stick, Gardener, Dreamless (back) 6/26: Kristin Hersh Electric Trio and Fred Abong (back) 6/27: Parachute and Billy Raffoul 6/27 Atomic Buzz, Car Crash Star and more (back) RED HAT AMPHITHEATER 500 SOUTH MCDOWELL ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 996-8800 6/21: Vampire Weekend 6/22: Slightly Stoopid 6/26: Shinedown THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 6/22: Maria Bamford and Jackie Kashian 6/26: New Years Day, Rivals and Savage After Midnight 6/28: ABSFest Speakeasy Allstars 7/6: Appetite for Destruction 7/12: Trial by Fire (Tribute to Journey)

LIVE MUSIC ON SUNSET CRUISES

Light narration

Thursday thru Sunday

CELEBRATE AMERICA!

EARLY FLIGHT EXCURSION FRIDAY & SATURDAY'S

July 4th • 7:30pm

1hr 45 min • $20

This is one of our most popular cruises.

This excursion will take you approx. 7-8 miles up the NE Cape Fear river, giving you an up close adventure with nature & wildlife, with narration.

Watching fireworks light up the sky is an experience as American as they come, thanks largely to these displays being part of Independence Day traditions. Wilmington offers beautiful backdrops for these bursts of color in the skies above us. Join us for our Firecracker cruise. It is a cruise on the Cape fear River, catered apps & front row seats for fireworks display.

CRUISING DAILY FROM 9AM TO 7:30PM

Adults $8 • Children 3 - 12 years $4 All Day Passes $12 Adults

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 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 23

ARTS>>VISUAL

PAVING OCEAN AWARENESS: PrintFest’s 2019 images on display at CAB Art Gallery

T

BY: SHEA CARVER

hough torrential downpours took over Wilmington on April 13, 2019, it didn’t stop 200 people from coming out to support PrintFest on UNCW’s campus. The event began a decade ago and takes place every other year. 2019’s PrintFest will benefit the Plastic Ocean Project.

“Teams of students from schools across N.C. collaborated on developing designs that embraced the mission of the organization,” lecturer Shannon Bourne tells. Bourne organized the event.

“They then hand-engraved woodcuts for ‘steamroller’ printing [done on muslin] in the parking lot of UNCW’s Department of Art History. Local artists also carved individually designed blocks that were printed.”

With a two-ton construction paving roller, 18 blocks were printed three times each, plus a 4-foot-by-30-foot long image, which took up five blocks, was steamrolled twice.

In total around 60 total prints were created on 4-foot-by-6-foot blocks. “The multi-block piece took approximately 20 people to help get it printed,” Bourne explains of a piece done by local artist and UNCW faculty member Jeremy Millard created six months prior to the festival.

All imagery centers on ocean conservation, marine life preservation, or coastal cleanup. Millard’s work showcases members of a crew constructing a structure on the coastline.

“It reflects teamwork, love of craft and the ocean, which has been an integral part of Jeremy’s life,” according to Bourne.

“The imagery goes well with POP’s mission to clean up the ocean and how it will take teamwork from all us to do this.”

Millard’s work and prints made from other artists at PrintFest are on display currently at the CAB Art Gallery on UNCW’s campus through July 3. As well, folks will see photographs, video and tools used from the April 13 fest. encore interviewed Millard and Bourne to find out about the exhibit. encore (e): Shannon, give us a little background on construction paving on the woodcuts and this format’s history…

SB: Relief printing—an art process in which a carving is created in wood and then surface is inked and brought into contact with paper or other material—is one of the oldest

methods of printmaking. To take relief printing from a small size up to a much larger 4-foot-by-6-foot size, adds a spectacular, over-the-top, quality to this type of art-making. Plus, larger size prints mean you’ll need lots of people and unusual equipment to pull off being able to print the carved blocks.

conservation imagery and images that send messages about what will happen if we don’t take care of the ocean. The blocks are all very inspiring and incredibly different this year. e: Who decided upon the theme and why? What do you hope the show does for the nonprofit and the public at large?

Many groups across the country host events such as PrintFest; one of the longest running ones is held by the San Francisco Center for the Book. They’ve been doing it for at least 16 years now. I am not aware of other groups that combine with non-profits.

I was first introduced to this type of printmaking through the Atlanta Printmakers and then locally through artist Jennifer Page, who held the first steamroller printing event locally at Carolina Beach in 2009. After hosting the event there for three years, UNCW was asked to take it on.

Aaron Wilcox and Courtney Johnson (faculty members at UNCW) reached out in 2013 and asked me to helm the event, so UNCW has been hosting it ever since. PrintFest has now become a biennial event, held during the spring. UNCW and the faculty have been incredibly supportive.

When the event moved to UNCW, we felt it was important to tie it in with the work of a different local non-profit. Additionally, we wanted to not only involve our students, but reach out to colleges across NC involving the community, the students, and education about the amazing work our local non-profits do are integral to the event.

Printmaking is typically a medium done by an artist alone in a studio but working with such a large format requires the help of many other people to get the woodblock printed.

The format demands collaboration and it brings a large group of artists, students and community together. When people attend PrintFest, they are not there just to watch.

We pull them in and get them involved with the inking and printing. e: Jeremy, what were some of the challenges in creating your piece?

Jeremy Millard (JM): Making sure not to carve away too much of the wood surface at a time, as well as combining the multipleblock imagery as seamlessly as possible.

Also, it was difficult to keep the rhythm and carving style of the design maintained across the five blocks to create an overall image that was unified. Working with imagery this large is difficult to visualize and presents unex-

24 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

PRINTFEST: Jeremy Millard showcases the paverolling of his woodcut design, which measures 4-feet-by-30-feet. Photo courtesy of UNCW’s CAB Art Gallery

pected problems. The physical work of carving blocks this large demand a lot. e: What do you find most appealing about this art form?

JM: The way the design changes from when I first conceived the idea through the actual carving of the blocks. I’m never sure exactly how the actual print will look in the end and this element of surprise is very appealing. e: Shannon, tell me about the other participants...

SB: Even though we printed 18 blocks, many were carved collaboratively by multiple artists. I would estimate at least 35 artists participated in carving this year. Several of the blocks were created by students who came from different schools­—UNCW, CFCC, UNCG, and App State.

SB: A few of the faculty members at UNCW discuss which non-profit to reach out to during the fall before the event in the spring and the designs are always inspired by the specific non-profit chosen.

We feel it is very important to help give these non-profits more exposure and support all of the amazing work they do. The event also serves as an introduction to their work for our students. Many UNCW students are from other areas of the state and country and probably don’t know about the non-profits local to us. We hope through this introduction, it inspires some of them to get involved and volunteer.

Plus, many local Wilmingtonians also get introduced to these groups. The idea of using art/printmaking to create action and awareness is one of the driving ideas behind the event. e: How is the Plastic Ocean Project benefiting—from sales or just awareness?

SB: A percentage of the sales of the prints during the event and throughout the gallery exhibition goes directly to the non-profit. The day of event, the non-profits set up display tables for their organizations and hand out materials to educate attendees. Usually they also put out sign up sheets to solicit volunteers. We also give each non-profit one of the prints each year-they get to chooseand it usually hangs in their office, etc. Of course, through social media, the event is live-streamed and hundreds of photos are shared, which also gives the non-profit exposure. This year we have sold more of the prints than ever before, a percentage of which will go directly to POP. Because the exhibition continues for a few more weeks, we hope that sales will continue.

DETAILS: PrintFest

On display through July 3 Featuring more than 60 printed e: And what were other images?

SB: We have sea creatures, both real and works from multiple artist mythical, ecology-inspired imagery, ocean CAB Cultural Arts Building

ARTS>>VISUAL

GALLERYGUIDE ARTEXPOSURE!

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

ArtExposure is celebrating its 10th anniversary on May 11th from 11am-7pm. Please, mark your calendar and join us! We will host a food truck, a tent for artists, raffles and more!

Mary Ann Rozear will have her opening reception, “The Shapes of Memories, from North Carolina to Maine,” from 5-7pm on the same day. If you haven’t been to ArtExposure, please, take a drive to see us.

You won’t regret it!

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

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

Art in Bloom Gallery is in a renovated 19th-century horse stable and presents an eclectic mix of original art by emerging and established artists. View “Chasing Shadow and Light: New Art by Brian Evans, Dianne Evans and Mark Gansor” featuring three artists working in a variety of mediums. Brian and Dianne are ceramic artists who play with light and shadow on three dimensional surfaces in their functional and decorative pottery. Mark is a landscape painter using textured surfaces to capture fleeting moments caught in the light. The exhibit continues through July 21, 2019. Art in Bloom Gallery is open until 9 pm on Fourth Friday Gallery Nights including June 28.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. “TWENTYTWO by THIRT—From the flat files of Gayle Tustin” is a selection of mixed media work all in the size of 22″ x 30″ at PinPoint, 114 Market Street. The mixed media varies with acrylic and oil paint, graphite, collage, sgraffito, sewing, found objects, birch bark, India ink, sailing charts, and more. Meet the artist at a champagne toast and reception, Tues., July 30, 5:30-6:30pm—free and open to the public. Complimentary champagne and appetizers. Exhibit continues through Sept. 23.

“Asylum: Collages by Elizabeth Darrow” opens June 12 at Platypus & Gnome, 9 South Front Street.

Most of the imagery that comes to Elizabeth Darrow seems to hatch of its own accord, emerging from the

DISCOVER NEW MUSIC AT 98.3 THE PENGUIN

process. Darrow enjoys working with color, repeating patterns and embedding humor (and angst) into her work. Meet the artist at a champagne toast and reception, Thursday, June 20, 6-8 pm. The reception is free and open to the public with complimentary champagne and appetizers. The exhibit continues through Sept. 30.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART 311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E cjart@bizec.rr.com (910) 794-3060 Mon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm 1:30 pm - 4 pm Open other hours and weekends by appointment www.cjafricanart.com

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

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.) www.newelementsgallery.com

New Elements artists Steve Kelly and Katherine Wolf Webb team up for the first time to bring you terraferma. Both artists draw inspiration from nature in both their composition and material. Kelly says of his distinctive ceramic style, “The abstract etchings evoke typographical elements and create surface textures that exaggerate the curves.” terraferma opens with a Fourth Friday Reception on June 22, 6-9pm; on view through July 21.

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

In Irwin’s summer exhibition, he pays homage to all of the artists and mentors who have influenced him throughout his life, leaving their mark on his work.

Nearly a decade ago, Irwin—not to be confused with the installation artist also named Robert Irwin—added another page to his lengthy resume: author. Published in 2004, “40 Years” is Irwin’s autobiography, a noholds-barred account of every aspect of his creative life, embellished with page after page of photographs of his dynamic paintings. Closing reception on June 14, 6 p.m.

Thank you encore readers for voting for The Penguin!

BEST RADIO STATION BEST MORNING SHOW: THE MORNING CHILL BEST LARGE MUSIC VENUE: GREENFIELD LAKE AMPHITHEATER BEST WEBSITE: PORTCITYDAILY.COM

RUNNERS UP BEST RADIO PERSONALITY ERIC MILLER

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY BEAU GUNN

We couldn’t be more grateful and feel so lucky to get to be the different kind of bird we are.

Thanks for the love!

WWW.983THEPENGUIN.COM encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 25

ARTS>>THEATRE

TWO SHOWS, ONE HOPE:

Keepin’ Up Productions and Thalian Association open shows about the underdogs rising

T

BY: SHEA CARVER

wo shows opening this week in local theatre will have folks laughing, crying, empathizing and rooting for the underdogs, leaving audiences with messages of hope in its wake. Thalian Association will premiere “Little Miss Sunshine,” the musical based on the instantaneous cult-classic 2006 film. Keepin Up Productions will restage “Django Salvatori’s Awe Inspiring, Death Defying, Big Top Spectacuganza…

Featuring Ralph” by UNCW grad Justin Cioppa. encore interviewed the forces behind the show openings...

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Opening June 20-30, Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.

Cape Fear Academy, 3900 S. College Rd. Tickets: $17-$25 • thalian.org The story follows a family who travels in a VW van across the country to get their quirky

but lovable Olive into a beauty pageant. Automotive problems, family crises, and even tragedy strikes as they reach their final destination. Still, what arises is a story of familial bonds that can’t break and the fortitude to follow through on all dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.

After Thalian’s artistic director, Chandler Davis, saw the success of “Steel Magnolias” last summer, she thought premiering “Little Miss Sunshine” during this season also would be a good fit. While music plays a large part in the movie (hello, Rick James!), this iteration of the show comes full-force as a musical of 14 songs propelling the story. Lyrics and book are by the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (“Into the Woods”) and William Finn (“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”).

“This musical is about people who are really struggling emotionally but are also determined to keep moving forward,” tells Davis, who also is directing the show. “I think that is something most people can relate to.”

Audiences will meet the Hoover familiy, each of whom is facing hard realities of life.

Grandpa (JR Rodriguez) got kicked out of his retirement home because of his wily behavior. Uncle Frank (Beau Mumford) recently broke up with his boyfriend and is in the dumps. Mom and Pop, Richard (Michael Lauricella) and Sheryl (Emily Gorham), are facing a crack in their marriage. Their son Dwayne (Kellen Hanson) is taking a vow of silence, while their vivacious 10-year-old Olive (Chloe Moore) is, trying her best to convince her family to take a trip to the California coast in an effort for her to take the title in the Little Miss Sunshine Beauty Pageant.

“My favorite scene is definitely a number that the beauty pageant hosts, played by Jordan Hathaway and Samantha Mifsud, sing,” Davis reveals. “It’s hilarious. I’ve actually been distracting the actors because I’m laughing so hard.”

While the show may seem familial in nature, it’s actually very adult-oriented. Heavy themes of suicide and depression, plus adult language are apparent.

“But it does it in this genuinely hopeful way,” Davis assures. “We get to see these regular people in an extraordinary situation learning new things about themselves and their limitations or lack there of. It’s a really lovely snapshot of two days in the life of this crazy family.

There are really tender moments one second and then slap stick comedy the next.”

The musical is led by Cathy Street. And though they don’t have rights to James’ famed song from the movie, “Superfreak,” the song “Badonkadonk” will make up for it.

Jen Iapalucci is designing costumes, and Carolyn Colby is the properties designer.

Benedict Fancy—who oversees the theater department at Cape Fear Academy, where the show is being held—will design the set, lights and sound. “His design for the show is perfect,” Davis praises. Though the hardest scenes have been when the family has to push their VW bus, it’s also one of the most colorful moments of the musical.

“Think retro VW bus in every way,” Davis says.

DJANGO SALVATORI’S AWE-INSPIRING, DEATH DEFYING, BIG TOP SPECTACUGANZA ... FEATURING RALPH Opening June 20-July 7, Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.

Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St.

26 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Tickets: $20 • bigdawgproductions.org Circus life is tough for Django Salvatori (Steve Vernon) in 1942. With bankruptcy looming and audiences falling off in support, Django is looking for an awe-inspiring act to make sure the show continue on! Enter Ralph (Brett Young), whose act is so unbelievably grand, it once left an audience clapping for three days!

Written by UNCW graduate Justin Cioppa, Keepin’ Up Productions, founded by Susan Auten, is hosting the production at Cape Fear Playhouse. Auten’s familiarity with the story is deep, as she’s friends with the playwright, and has produced and acted in the show a few years ago at the nowdefunct Browncoat Pub and Theatre. Auten also worked on its original debut more than a decade ago at Guerilla Theatre.

“This is one of my favorite shows,” she tells. “It’s very funny, and a little outrageous, but it also has a darker, more serious side to it as well. Those are my favorite types of shows—ones that aren’t just comedy or drama.”

Auten worked with Cioppa while he was doing his film “Bummin’ It,” and again on a play called “Catatsropolis,” along with a few other plays, including “Django,” thereafter.

The two became roommates and working confidants.

“I love all the different layers to his writing,” Auten praises. “It’s smart, funny, dark, hopeful and it really allows you the opportunity to have fun, while still having enough meat on the characters to really make you think about their motivations.”

Auten loves the play’s hopeful message— that we all have the capability to change that within us. Directing the play is Robb Mann, who Auten has worked with since 2004.

“He’s smart, quick and very knowledgeable when it comes to history, which I thought was important because this is a period piece,” she says.

Auten is acting in the show as a vagrant named Barnes. Steve Vernon is Django; Anthony Corvino will take on the “relatively” strong man; Atwood Boyd is the knife thrower; Nick Smith and Shawn Sproatt are quarreling clowns; and Brett Young is Ralph himself.

Robin Robertson and Shane Bates are designing the set, with Donna Troy doing the scenic-painting to bring to life a desolate circus, and Jeff Loyon on lighting design.

Stephanie Aman is doing costumes.

ARTS>>THEATRE

POWERFUL THEATRE:

‘The Cake’ offers nuanced characters with whom we can all associate

P

become fissures that become cracks. It is all the sense of failures mounted up and wanting something to cling to for reassurance. It is wanting to be loved. It is wanting to be enough that someone would be proud of you.

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

anache Theatrical Productions serves up a wonderful and thoughtful night of theatre with Bekah Brunstetter’s “The Cake.” Inspired by the bakery in Colorado that refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding, the show, set in North Carolina, is a surprisingly human look at decisions in a changing world.

We open with Della Brady (Jane McNeill), expounding her vision of baking the perfect cake. Clearly, she knows what she is talking about. The audience has been sitting in the theater, waiting for the show to start, staring at a stage full of cakes ... they had to come from somewhere, right? (Disclaimer: There are people who can tell you at a glance where all the alcohol in the building is located; I can do that with desserts.) Well, Della is the baking guru—and she is getting ready to appear on “The Great American Baking Show” as a contestant.

Sitting in her bakery, taking copious notes, is a very attractive young woman, Macy (Lily Nicole). Macy is clearly not from around here. She’s aggressive in her latent nastiness and unbending refusal to accommodate anyone or anybody.

She can’t even find a polite way to make small talk. She is every retail or serviceindustry worker’s irritation: the customer who is incapable of achieving basic human interaction.

Hats off to Nicole! Within seconds I was silently thanking the gods for being born and raised here—because I deal with the likes of Macy on a regular basis. Nicole brings that person to life perfectly.

McNeill’s Della is caught: How can she be polite to a paying customer who insults her and everything she believes in—including gluten, butter and cakes­— while still not denying her own existence?

It is tough for anyone brought up with manners to endure. Seriously, I could see McNeill silently running through a list of responses in her head she wouldn’t allow herself to say, starting with, “Why are you in a bakery at all if you hate everything in this building? The door is behind you— you are more than welcome to use it.”

McNeill absolutely brings to life so many of the mothers of my friends growing up: sweet, kind, considerate, far too polite for

SOUTHERN COUPLE: Braxton Lathan Williams and Jane McNeill make up the Southern charm of a couple with simple outlooks in life, which often don’t mirror our evolving world. Photo courtesy of Panache

their own good. The tension between the two women is incredibly uncomfortable to watch; I was squirming constantly.

Part of me really wanted McNeill to just snap back verbally; though, I knew she wouldn’t. When Nicole kept refusing cake and cake samples ... I mean, damn. You can lead a Yankee to cake, but you can’t make her eat.

Sigh.

Just when Della hits the point she can no longer be polite to the constant, casual self-righteous nastiness, in walks Jen (Hannah Elizabeth Smith), the adult daughter of Della’s deceased best friend.

Smith’s Jen is all the excitement and joy of a bride at the beginning stages of wedding-planning. Obviously, she has come to the woman who is her second mother—who she considers part of her family—to make the cake for her most special and important day. All the excitement is infectious, and she and Della are literally bouncing up and down with shared delight. And then it is clear the person Jen is marrying is Macy. The shock almost knocks McNeill to the floor ... because Macy is a woman.

Personally, Della would have been justified at the shock of Jen marrying someone who behaves so rudely to family friends.

(Actually later on, both Jen and Della do call out Macy on her attitude and behavior.) But the thrust of the show is about gay marriage, not the possible misguided choice to marry someone whose behavior toward people who work for a living is insulting at best. We watch Smith slowly crumple with recognition.

As Macy and Jen try to process this journey they are on and the next steps, Della seeks solace with her husband, Tim (Braxton Lathan Williams), a plumber by trade. Williams reproduces, almost perfectly on stage, my favorite AC repair man. Now, I have no desire whatsoever to be married to Williams’ Tim. However, what he does beautifully is make Tim a decent, hard-working guy, who really believes the world he lives in is a codified, unchanging existence—and that he has the answers to how it is supposed to look.

Part of it does include telling his wife what to do and think. Della is starting to crack.

Maybe what Tim says isn’t always right.

Though she is prepared to challenge him in private, in public she still presents a united front.

Smith and Nicole give us another couple who are processing. What they and we discover is Smith’s Jen really hasn’t faced the ghosts that haunt her inner landscape. This homecoming, though she didn’t admit it to herself or Macy ahead of time, is really about that. These two actresses turn in spectacular performances—possibly the best I have seen either of them give. They engage in a delicate but passionate dance. Possibly part of what makes Nicole’s Macy so buttonpushing—and that is a huge compliment to her performance—is I unfortunately agree with so much of what comes out of her mouth. I just cringe and squirm at the way she goes through the world with a broad sword, so convinced of her own righteousness.

Smith, Nicole, Brady and Williams all give us fully realized and complicated people. Audiences walk in the door expecting and wanting each character to be simplified stereotypes, and for the battle they engage in to be loud and clearly defined. Brunstetter has written a script that dwells in far more ambiguity, which means the performers have the option to create real people full of contradictions— and this group fully embraces it. That is what they do. It makes for a much more powerful evening. I think I am not alone in saying I know all the people on stage in my real life, but I see parts of myself in each of them, too.

DETAILS: The Cake

Through June 23, Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m.

Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. Tickets: $22-$25 thalianhall.org

McNeill had me at every turn. It isn’t just this one cake. It’s owning a faltering small business and the strain it puts on marriage. It’s the fractures in your world that encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 27

Cruisers Car Wash and Detail Centers The Cruisers team humbly thanks you for voting us the #1 Car Wash in Wilmington! We promise to continue our daily commitment to excellence.

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Southport 799-6511 799-0070 Next to Arby’s 28 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

LITTLE MISS

SUNSHINE WINNER FOR 18 YEARS IN A ROW! “BEST ANTIQUE SHOP” AND “BEST CONSIGNMENT/RESALE -HOME DECOR”

a family on the verge of a breakdown

June 20-30, 2019 Thurs – Sat 7:30 pm | Sun Matinees 3:00 pm Erin E. McNeill Fine Arts Center at Cape Fear Academy 3900 South College Road Doors opens one hour before the show.

TICKETS $17 - $25 BOX OFFICE 910-251-1788

*Suggested for Mature Audiences

thalian org

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3030 MARKET STREET, WILMINGTON 28403 (910) 815-0907 THREECOTTAGES.COM

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 29

30 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

MORE LIKE A LAME DUCK:

films this week CINEMATIQUE

Marvel’s ‘Dark Phoenix’ does little to rise above the ashes

I

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut Dr. Tickets: $8 • thalianhall.org

BY: ANGHUS

June 19, 7 p.m. (additional screening on

the 19, 4 p.m.)—“Wild Nights With Emily” is about poet Emily Dickinson’s persona, pop-

had so many conflicting feelings while watching “Dark Phoenix,” the latest (and thankfully last) installment of 20th Century Fox’s woefully inconsistent adaptations of Marvel’s mutant superheroes. There were moments of frustration at watching this lowrent take on one of comic’s most tragic stories. And there are moments of pure hilarity at some of the ridiculous choices made throughout the movie.

First off, I want to apologize to Kevin Feige.

After enduring “Dark Phoenix,” it’s as if I need to travel back in time via the quantum realm and give every single Marvel Studios movie an extra star. The fact Marvel Studios continues to make average movies are an act of genius when compared to warm, wet garbage like “Dark Phoenix,” “Venom” and the recent “Hellboy” reboot.

This is less a piece of entertainment and more a contractual obligation to everyone involved. It’s lazy in a way few multi-million dollar blockbusters achieve. There is genuine A-list talent withering away in awful, formulaic, lowest-common-denominator blockbusters. I sat in the theater feeling sorry for Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Nicholas Hoult—actual sympathy for super-talented, privileged millionaires for having to waste their time and skills on something so bereft of quality.

We meet the mutant X-Men having some success cohabitating with mortals playing the roles of superheroes. For the first time, these outcasts are now in the spotlight and generally revered by the public. It pleases Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) who believes the key to mutant/human relations relies on strong public perception, which means at times putting his students in harm’s way. One such life-threatening mission involves flying into space to recover some wayward astronauts. During the rescue, Jean Grey (Sansa Stark ... I mean Sophie Turner) ends up absorbing a mysterious space energy and begins to transform into something more menacing.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the basic set up of “Dark Phoenix.” Writer and director Simon Kinberg takes the basic fundamentals of the comic-book story and finds some engaging potential. I like the basic conflict within the group. Some believe risking their lives to try and better integrate with humanity is a fool’s errand. Professor Xavier is so obsessed with the image and perception

ularized since her death, has been that of a reclusive spinster - a delicate wallflower, too sensitive for this world. In this humorous drama, Molly Shannon captures the vivacious, irreverent side of Emily Dickinson that was covered up for years - most notably Emily’s lifelong romantic relationship with another woman (Susan Ziegler). After Emily’s death, a rivalry emerges when her brother’s mistress (Amy Seimetz) along with editor T.W. Higginson (Brett Gelman) published a book of Emily’s poems. Unique and surreal, the film sheds new light on the life one of our most celebrated poets.

SUPERHUMAN CLICHÉ: ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ offers little to push forward the Marvel movie franchise into interesting territory. Courtesy photo.

of his school and superhuman heroes, he begins to see them as expendable allies in a public relations battle. Unfortunately, these lofty goals are lost in a blender of bland, as the story unfolds about an uninspired villain (Jessica Chastain), several pointless action set pieces, and a hackneyed third act that feels like a waste of the premise. For some reason, superhero movies have to always end up with some monster fight sequence, even though some of the best movies in the X-Men franchise have avoided such clichés.

This is one of the few movies that couldn’t be saved by an exceptional cast. Even the great Michael Fassbender struggles to elevate the material. There’s a great scene in the middle of the movie that beautifully illustrates how wasted the actors’ talents are.

Magneto (Fassbender) and Jean Grey are fighting to control a military helicopter with their powers, which involves a lot of gesturing and grunting. At one point Fassbender is trying to convey the difficulty he’s having by locking his neck and arms, and screaming loudly while bugging out his eyes. The moment is so intense and ludicrous, it ends up looking like he’s trying to force himself to climax, using only the power of his mind.

There are a half-dozen unintentionally hilarious moments in this movie that will make the viewing experience more enjoyable. It also will leave audiences questioning the creative choices of everyone involved.

happen to a lot of comic book movies that don’t have the words “Marvel Studios” before the title. There’s an added level of narrative incompetence and goofiness that makes the film more akin to a lame duck than a phoenix.

DETAILS:

X-Men: Dark Phoenix Rated PG-13 Directed by Simon Kinberg Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

June 24-26, “The White Crow” (additional screening on the 19, 4 p.m.) — Inspired by the book “Rudolf Nureyev: The Life

by Julie Kavanaugh,” “The White Crow” charts the iconic dancer’s famed defection from the Soviet Union to the West in 1961, despite KGB efforts to stop him.

“X-Men: Dark Phoenix” is ultimately just another wasted opportunity that seems to

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40

TH

ANNIVERSARY COMING SOON

d try the Come an SESTEAK E E H C T BES g to accordinaders e encore r

• Music entertainment • 2-79’ sandwiches, one Philly Cheese steak and one Philly Chicken cheese steak for the public to enjoy • Cheese steak eating contest

3 locations to serve you Hanover Center 3501 Oleander Drive 910-763-6466 Monkey Junction 609 Piner Rd 910-332-5555 Porters Neck 8232 Market Street 910-686-0070

THE CHILDREN’S EVERYDAY SUPPLY DRIVE a donation drive to support the children of domestic violence Supplies needed: baby wipes, bottles, formula, new cloths, unopened over-the-counter medications, and new toys and non-perishable food items J. Michael’s Philly Deli will give Philly Deli certificates for Cheesesteaks with donations to the Supply Drive

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

• Women's, men's and childrens clothing • Jewelry • Pocketbooks • Shoes • Linens • Household items • Books • And much more

Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Vintage Values Resale Shops Downtown 609 Castle Street Wilmington NC 28401 910.762.7720 Mon - Sat 10 - 5

32 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Midtown 413 S. College Road Wilmington NC 28403 910.793.4411 Mon - Sat 10 - 6

Recently voted best resale shop by S horepicks.

Monkey Junction 5226 S. College Road Wilmington NC 28409 910.350.8918 Mon - Sat 10 - 6

Thank you, Wilmington, For continuing to vote us best wine list!

small plates

large selection of specialty cheese & charcuterie

29 S. FRONT ST. (910) 399-4292 FREE WINE TASTING TUESDAYS, 6-8PM @THEFORTUNATEGLASS

OVER 400 WINES & over 40 CRAFT BEERs

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 33

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

_

SLICE OF LIFE

— Photo Lindsey A. Miller Photogrpahy WINNER BEST PIZZA AND BEST LATE-NIGHT

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) 2568500.

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

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

gant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363.

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 2 pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: camcafe.org ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 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

CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday through Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Thursday nights, an ele34 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

■ 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.

■ 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 910-3994701.

■ 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 ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 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 Hotdogs 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) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN CANDLE NUT RESTAURANT Candle Nut Restaurant makes all of its food from scratch using recipes passed down generations following Indonesian-Asian traditions. We use fresh turmeric, galangal, ginger, candle nuts, lemon grass and lime leaves to provide your meal with rich flavor.

Many of our famous signature dishes such as Beef Rendang, Sweet Soy Eggplant, Javanese Chicken Soup and Chili Sambals,

are unique in flavor and found only at Candle Nut Restaurant. We also offer delicious Vegetarian and Vegan options. Check our website, Facebook and other social media sites. Located at 2101-1 Market Street, near Port City Java and Burnt Mill Creek Bar. For reservations, and take out: Phone: 910-399-2054 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.Thurs. 11am-3 pm, 5pm- 9 pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm; Sun. 11am-9 pm. Closed Monday.

■ FEATURING: Try our lunch specials from 11am – 3 pm for $7.99. Tuesday & Wednesday unwind with our wine special for $4.00/glass.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: candlenutrestaurant.com INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds. Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.- Fri. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: 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., 12pm-10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: nikkissushibar.com OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi cuisine.”

Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs cook an incredible dinner while entertaining you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads

of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.”

We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-you-can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.Thurs., 11am-2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am-9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: okamisteakhouse.com SZECHUAN 132 Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination!

Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College

k n a Th , u o y ! n o t g n i m Wil

We look forward to stuffing you full with the BEST BURRITO in town as long as you’ll let us!

4002 Oleander Dr., Wilmington • 910-799-2919 1140-A N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach • 910-458-2563

flamingamysburritobarn.com

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 35

Fresh From the Farm The Riverfront Farmers Market is a curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists & crafters.

Downtown Wilmington’s Riverfront Farmers Market

DOWNTOWN (Dock St., on the

NEW N O LOCATI

block between Front and 2nd Streets)

Each Saturday

March 23rd - November 24th • 8:00am - 1:00pm (no market Apr. 6 & Oct. 5)

- FRUITS - VEGETABLES - PLANTS - HERBS

- FLOWERS - EGGS - CHEESES - WINE

- PICKLES - KOMBUCHA - ART & CRAFTS

For more information: www.riverfrontfarmersmarket.org

- MEATS - SEAFOOD - HONEY - BAKED GOODS

Road (in University Landing), (910) 7991426.

■ 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 mouthwatering 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 Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinner Entrees.

Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices. Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

YOSHI Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine offers something the greater Wilmington area has never seen before. We are seeking to bring true New York Style Sushi to Wilmington, with classic sushi and sashimi, as well as traditional rolls and some unique Yoshi Creations. We offer a variety of items, including Poke Bowls and Hibachi - and we also are introducing true Japanese Ramen Bowls! Come try it today! 260 Racine Dr, Wilmington 28403 (910)799-6799 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. 12pm11pm, Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.yoshisushibarandjapanesecuisine.com

BAGELS

encore 36 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

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

Round offers a wide variety of breakfast and

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, cream cheeses, donuts, sandwiches, coffee and more ■ WEBSITE: roundbagelsanddonuts.com

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Dinner shows, jazz brunches, ■ WEBSITE: theatrewilmington.com

FONDUE THE LITTLE DIPPER Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant!

The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a fourcourse meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish.

Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size. Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; open 7 days/week seasonally, May-October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half-price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Tuesdays on the deck, 7 – 9p.m., May-Oct ■ WEBSITE: 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/ Downtown South ■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: harpwilmington.com SLAINTE IRISH PUB Slainte Irish Pub in Monkey Junction has traditional pub fare with an Irish flair. We have a large selection of Irish whiskey, and over 23 different beers on draft, and 40 different craft beers in bottles. They have a large well lit outdoor patio with a full bar also. Come have some fun! They currently

do not take reservations, but promise to take care of you when you get here! 5607 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

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 topnotch 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) 686-7774 ■ 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) 2562229 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

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 37

and operated locally, locations are in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC. Take out and delivery available through most apps.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER AND BRUNCH: Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m - 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; closes 9 p.m.

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

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

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

We also have a great collection of salads to choose from, including the classic chef’s salad, chicken salad, and tuna salad, all made fresh every day in our three Wilmington, NC restaurants. 8232 Market St., 3501 Oleander Dr., 609 Piner Rd. ■ OPEN: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday.

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

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland.

“We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-6811140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

SPECIALS: Voted Best Fine Dining 2018

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

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

ig: @rxrestaurantandbar fb: facebook.com/rxwilmington

WWW.RXWILMINGTON.COM 421 C astle s t . (910) 399 - 3080 38 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilm- MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD’S RESTAURANT ington and Leland ■ WESBITE: capefearseafoodcompany.com Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by CATCH Shelly McGowan and managed by her team Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, to bring you the highest quality and fresh2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 est fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear mainly locally grown and made from scratch Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature items. We count on our local fishermen and Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned provide the perfect compliment to our fresh walls include awards such as 3 time gold Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s medalist at the International Seafood ChowBest Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Mod- der Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, ern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 458-7761 our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab am – 9 pm Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, loCustom Entree request gladly accommodat- cal seafood and more! ed for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Al- ■ WEBSITE: MikesCfood.com lergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilming- OCEANIC ton, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilming■ SERVING DINNER: Mon.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. ton, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oce■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington anic is one of the most visited restaurants on ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List the beach. Choose from a selection of sea■ WEBSITE: catchwilmington.com food platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by en- dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect locacore readers, you know what you can find tion for memorable events, such as wedding at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherlot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu ings, anniversary parties and more. Large of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from groups welcome. Private event space avail$4.95-$25.95, there’s something for every- able. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville one at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time Beach. (910) 256.5551. eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, ■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip BRUNCH: Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday flops as you would in a business suit. Locat10am – 10pm ed at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington.

Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach (910) 762-2827.

■ FEATURING: Dine on renovated Crystal Pier.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a ■ WEBSITE: OceanicRestaurant.com week.

THE PILOT HOUSE ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s ■ FEATURING: Fresh daily steamed oysters. premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local ■ WEBSITE: dockstreetoysterbar.net

seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks.

Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. 910-343-0200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 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 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 (910-8338622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

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

■ 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 Monday and Tuesdays.

■ 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

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR Now 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 p.m. - 10 p.m.

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

Open for breakfast & lunch Coffee • Espresso • Pastries • Biscuits Breakfast Sandwiches • Breakfast Tacos Soups • Sandwiches • Baked Goods

ON THE CORNER OF 3RD AND GREENFEILD ST.

(910) 769-9179 @lovelydiabakery

encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 39

GRUB & GUZZLE>>BEER FEATURE

FOCUS, CLICK, SIP:

Local photoggraphy club meets at craft-beer-centric businesses for meetups BY: JOAN C.W. HOFFMANN

L

ocal photography pros Brian Lantz and Andrew Sherman took a cue from the popular San Diego photography club, Beers & Cameras, and decided to spin it their own way. Wilmingtonians can join them once a month at different local breweries with their club, Aperture and Ales.

I was able to enjoy a beer with the guys as they set up for their May meetup. We chatted about two of their passions: local craft beer and taking pictures.

The group met at Waterman’s Brewing and focused (no pun intended) on food and beverage photography. Each month Lantz and Sherman figure out a topic they’d like to learn about or teach and go from there.

One of the previous topics was portrait photography, and the hosts brought in a model.

The group is inclusive and designed for photographers of all experience levels and desires. And, yes, that includes folks with only camera phones. We interviewed the fellas about their group, which can be followed on Facebook. encore (e): Why do you think beer and photography work together?

Brian Lantz (BL): For me beer has always been an interesting balance of creativity and science. Being a homebrewer allowed me to enjoy the technical side of brewing beer while opening up the artistic side of designing beers I liked. Photography is very much the same. Learning and understanding the technical side of photography can really open up a world that allows the artistic side to grow. Being a full time network engineer doesn’t allow me much of a creative outlet, so photography and beer feed that artistic side of my brain, while the technical side still allows me to geek out a bit.

Andrew Sherman (AS): Well, everything is better after a few beers, but truly,

photography can be a daunting thing to learn. A lot of people are uncomfortable behind the camera or directing a model, and being in a brewery or relaxed atmosphere really helps ease that stress and lets people enjoy the process a little more. For me beer and photography go hand in hand because it incorporates a few things I love photographing. I primarily photograph food, architecture and portraits, and typically you can find all of these things surrounding beer. e: What does an evening with you guys look like?

AS: A typical evening starts out by meeting up around 6 at a brewery or local watering hole and unwinding a bit from the day over conversation and good beer. Once it seems like the group for that evening has arrived, we usually move into a short talk about a specific photography topic—maybe dealing with lighting or portraiture and have a quick demonstration. From there it opens up and is more freeform where everyone can shoot, ask questions, and bounce ideas off each other. We don’t want it to feel too rigid, so we go with the flow and try to have fun with it, and help anyone with questions or issues. e: How do you choose your venue?

BL: We have been trying to stick with breweries, brew pubs and in general beercentric locations. We try and bounce from downtown to midtown to Ogden to CB. Our goal is to visit and support locally owned craft-beer-driven businesses. As we grow we hope to be able to expand meetups a little further out, to places like Salty Turtle, Makai, Red Hare, Crooked Lotus. We have so many amazing places to visit, so I think we won’t have a problem with venues anytime soon. We are always happy to hear from businesses that would be open to hosting us.

AS: This model works well because each venue has a different look and vibe.

This gives us a unique chance to talk

WANNA WIN COOL STUFF? FOLLOWING US ON IG AND FB! @ENCOREPUB 40 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB FOUNDERS: Brian Lantz and Andrew Sherman host Apertures and Ales, a photography club that meets at local breweries, pubs and bottle shops, to indulge both passions. Photo

by Logan Burke

about photographing under the specific conditions we are dealing with that evening.

Photography is about adapting to your environment and getting the best shot you can, so knowing how to work with what you are given is key. e: Sell this hesitant iPhone photographer...

BL: Whether you’re a seasoned professional with thousands of dollars of gear, or you’re just someone interested in photography and your primary camera is your phone, we want you to feel welcome. I get excited every time we meet to learn something new from the people around me. I personally shoot with a professional series camera as well as an iPhone. I’m not afraid to use either one and do quite often.

To me the joy of photography has very little to do with gear and everything to do with the passion to learn and grow. If you see a beautiful photo and your first question is what gear was used to make the photo, you might be missing the point. I’ll take a passionate person that wants to learn with an iPhone over a pro that believes they have nothing to learn with a Hasselblad in their hand any day.

AS: This club is based around a group of friends hanging out and enjoying each other’s company and photography. We are here to offer help and encourage everyone who wants to learn, improve and try to share techniques and tips that apply to anyone tak-

ing pictures, from professional to amateur.

Everyone that attends one of our meetups is bound to leave with a few tricks up their sleeves and a few new friends as well.

e: When’s the next one? Where is it and what’s the focus?

BL: Our next meetup will be on Thursday, June 27, at New Anthem Beer Project on Dock Street. We will meet at 6 p.m., have a beer and hangout for a few. At 6:30 we’ll then head out for a downtown photo walk, shooting and discussing whatever comes to mind. Want to shoot a portrait against a cool urban backdrop? Cool. Want to head to the river walk for some sunset landscape photos? Let’s do it. To finish the evening off, those that would like will head back to New Anthem for a beer. It’s also important to point out you do not have to be a craft-beer fan or partake in drinks to join us e: Any final comments?

AS: The more you drink, the better you shoot!

BL: (With a wink) That’s not true.

DETAILS:

Aperture and Ales

Photography club meetup June 27, 6 p.m.

New Anthem Beer Project 116 Dock Street facebook.com/apertureandales

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEW

WE HAVE ARRIVED!

foodtastic events

Dram Yard raises the bar with exquisite eats and clever cocktails

HONEST WINE FEST

June 29, noon-5PM • $15 Bombers Bev. Co., 108 Grace St. www.bombersbevco.com

BY: ROSA BIANCA

W

hen a new dining experience is so outstanding, the only thing possibly wrong is a too-skinny fork, well, it’s safe to assume it was a damn good meal. I can’t stress this enough: Dram Yard’s thoughtful, progressive fare has breathed new life into Wilmington’s culinary landscape. Rather than sticking to an overplayed concept of small shareables, the menu is a large-plate, family-style global expression of unsubtle masterpieces.

Bombers Beverage Company welcomes folks to enjoy wine, fun and food on June 29. They’ll focus on sustainable wines, produced without chemicals and with minimal intervention.Ticket includes tastes of 15-plus natural wines and fresh (including vegetarian friendly) snacks!

There also will be a pre-sale for featured during event. Tickets are limited and nonrefundable, available on Eventbrite. It will occur rain or shine.

Being in the Wilmington food scene, I’m familiar with the area’s most notable chefs. That being said, when I bit into my first airy tuft of za’atar-dusted focaccia, I looked at my server (face glistening from glee and fruity olive oil) and demanded, “Who the hell is this chef?”

Somehow, the name “Kat Myhand” didn’t ring any bells. In doing some digging, I learned she had a hand in a few local kitchens (Reel Café, Elijah’s and several grocery markets). As far as I know, this is Myhand’s first Wilmington venture where she’s leading the helm. Again, I could be completely off. I just can’t imagine Wilmington has truly experienced her food in this form before. Because it would be memorable.

On a Thursday evening, a table for four was a 30-minute wait. I was thrilled Dram Yard already had gotten some air under its wings. While we waited, we sat outside in the restaurant’s courtyard (near the soon-to-beopen gazebo bar, located near their soon-tobe-opened boutique hotel, ARRIVE). Swanky cocktails were sipped aplenty, including the Bourbon Smash—a sweet, slightly tart play on an Old Fashioned with a fresh sprig of mint. Then I made my way to the Lavender Paloma—a citrusy blend of fresh grapefruit, tequila and floral lavender. I adored the dried flower garnish, but could see how some folks might not be fond of getting the potent pieces on their tongue. A friend ordered a gorgeous violet little number served in a highball glass.

It was lovely, light and crisp. Other than being a tad on the sweet side, every drink was well-balanced and super sippable. While they could easily get away with charging $14 a drink, Dram Yard has each libation reasonably priced around $10 to $12.

I won’t go too deep into the décor because we’re here to talk about food, but between the painted palm fronds that line the ceiling, intricate wiry décor (ask your server for the tale of Topsy the Elephant), rustic exposed brick walls, and vintage tiling, no detail at Dram is

TOMAHAWK CHOP: Dram Yard’s Tomahawk Pork Schnitzel is a beautiful, fried work of art worthy to share with friends. Photo by Tom Dorgan.

left untouched. Every square inch is graciously designed.

Undoubtedly, the best bread I’ve ever eaten in my life is Dram Yard’s “Focaccia.” It’s an ambrosial work of art. Ironically, the components are fairly straightforward; they all just happen to be flawless. Let’s start from the bottom up: On the base of the plate is a gleaming pool of fruity olive oil scattered with za’atar (a supremely aromatic Middle Eastern blend of thyme, toasted sesame seeds and the like).

On top is an elongated brick of the most ethereal focaccia I’ve ever tasted. Each long side of the rectangular loaf was griddled on the plancha (a Spanish flat-top) to create a crisp, toasted texture to balance the fluffy interior.

Every element was an education on texture.

For the finale, flaky sea salt gave each bite a crunch. I will never look at bread the same.

Similarly, potatoes also now hold a special new place in my heart. When we asked our server Brandon (props to you, sir, for making our dinner even more of a memorable experience than it already was) for his other favorite “side,” he suggested the Pommes Fondant.

He was not wrong. He described the cooking technique to us, and even as someone who’s well-versed in the kitchen, I was in awe of every step. The dish consists of four potatoes (likely Yukon golds peeled and in their purest form) in an otherworldly broth. The savory sauce was a seductive medley of nutty roasted garlic, lemony thyme and clarified butter.

Every bite melts on the tongue.

The Market Fish of the evening was grouper, but I’m inclined to say it tasted more like sweet, silky lobster. I was convinced at this point in the meal everything Chef Kat touches turns to gold. By gold, I mean butter.

The presentation is three generous morsels of grouper, cloaked in a sweetly tart Meyer lemon coulis, with briny fried capers. Parsley oil brought a verdant freshness to the fish’s buttery consistency and the capers were bold little bursts of salt.

So far, everything I’ve described detailing Dram Yard has probably made you think this restaurant is as classy as it gets. While the restaurant is wildly tasteful, it’s not so chic you can’t exchange an enormous, fried pork handle with your friends. Seriously. The Tomahawk Pork Schnitzel is something of a marvel. The golden monstrosity comes with citrus and fresh parsley (which my dinner companions immediately flicked off to get straight to the source). The bright, acidic lemon breaks through the warm, crackly breading and every mouthful is a meaty taste full. Pick this behemoth up by hand and “chomp, chomp, pass” it with your pals, or it’s just not dinner done right.

I left feeling blown away by every single second at Dram Yard. I guarantee everyone else will, too. Chef Kat, where have you been all my life?

DETAILS:

TAKE ME TO THE TROPICS June 26, 6:30 – 9:3OPM Wrightsville Beach Brewery 6201 Oleander Drive • $55 www.wbbeer.com

Enjoy the five-course “take me to the tropics” beer and wine pairing dinner!

Courses will consist of: 1) Mango-avocado spring rolls; 2) tangy cucumber soup; 3) spinach and strawberry salad with lemon-mint vinaigrette; 4) macadamianut crusted fresh catch with mango-butter sauce; 5) island-dessert-style nachos.

Each course comes with beer and wine pairings.

Dram Yard

101 S 2nd Street (910) 782-2400 Thurs. - Sun., 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. www.dramyard.com encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 41

42 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

THANK YOU FOR ONCE AGAIN VOTING US "WILMINGTON'S BEST JEWELER"!

JOIN US FOR OUR

REMODELING SALES EVENT STORE WIDE SAVINGS OF UP TO

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EXTRA>>FEATURE

MAKING CONNECTIONS:

Wilmington Black Professional’s 2nd annual All-White Party creates connections and fun

F

“I have a 13-year-old daughter, and I’ve met people at our events that have kids that are around her age, and I’ve linked up with them and our kids have played,” AbdurRazzaaq explains.

BY: JULIA ROMERO

olks may recognize Amanda Fitzpatrick from her nightly news reporting on WWAY. Now, ILM is seeing her in a newer role. She and her husband, Yusef Abdur-Razzaaq—who works in federal law enforcement—saw a need in our community, so they decided to take a chance and attempt to give black professionals in Wilmington space where they could come together and support one another. Now two years since Fitzpatrick and Abdur-Razzaaq’s leap of faith, the Wilmington Black Professionals has become a staple in the community as an organization offering a fun environment for people to make new friends, network and grow their businesses.

Open to all races, creeds and sexualities, Fitzpatrick and Abdur-Razzaaq hope their organization allows aspiring entrepreneurs to link up with people who are interested in their products. As well the focus is to link black professionals with businesses interested in hiring minorities.

According to a 2017 census, Wilmington’s ethnic composition is composed of 92.1% white, 17.9% black or African American, and 6.31% Hispanic or Latino. With 119,045 people living in Wilmington, African Americans make up 20,700 of those residents.

“It’s safe to say we are the minority,” Fitzpatrick tells. “What that also means is when black professionals move here from larger cities, like Atlanta and Charlotte, where it’s nearly half of their population, they feel isolated. I’ve heard from employers they can’t retain black employees because they feel like there isn’t anywhere for them to go to meet other people who look like them, or share their similar experiences.”

When Fitzpatrick and Abdur-Razzaaq first moved to Wilmington three years ago, they shared those feelings. The couple spent much of their lives in major metropolises, where Fitzpatrick attended several African-American networking mixers. She wanted to bring the same connections to Wilmington. Fitzpatrick and Abdur-Razzaaq kick-started Wilmington Black Professionals’ Mix and Mingle in September 2017 to 75 people. “It was a free minority networking event to see if there was an interest for the group,” Fitzpatrick tells.

Turns out, there was.

The organization really began to take off

On June 22, the Wilmington Black Professionals will host their ninth event: The 2nd annual All-White Party. Already 100 tickets have sold. “People love an All-White Party!” Fitzpatrick says. “I think it started with Diddy. I remember thinking in college I wanted to go to [one.]”

DRESS TO IMPRESS: Wilmington Black Professionals’ All-White Party is back for another year for folks to mix, mingle and have a good time. Courtesy photo.

in December 2017 with the Fifty Shades of Black Party. The name encompassed the fact it was a black professionals event, held at Blackfinns Ameripub (currently Marina Grill), and everyone wore black. Almost 200 people were in attendance, including city stalwarts.

“Mayor Saffo made an appearance!”

Fitzpatrick tells. “We had educators from UNCW, heads of nursing programs, doctors, lawyers, business owners, parents, people that don’t usually come out because they assume it will be childish. When people came up to us afterward and asked when the next event was, it was an eye-opener.

That’s when we knew we had to keep it up.”

Since their first mixer they’ve hosted nine events, some of them have included a ‘90s vs. 2000s Day Party, Jamaica Nights Party and Spring Fling Mixer. They’ve also coordinated fundraisers. Their last fundraiser took place during the 2018 holiday season.

Fitzpatrick and Yusef saw the damage Florence caused to the community and decided to help with a Christmas toy and coat drive.

Through the help of Northside Bridge Builders, Sanctuary of Wilmington and donations from citizens, they collected more than 75 coats and dozens of toys to be gifted to families still recovering from the hurricane.

But that they’re empowering black professionals all over North Carolina is the real reward. One member, Dr. Felice Carlton, registered nurse and certified health coach, works out of Rocky Point, NC. In 2015 she started Felice Carlton Enterprise aiming to help women cultivate a positive mindset

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for life improvement through coaching, retreats and public speeches. Dr. Carlton has attended many Wilmington Black Professionals events and has become close with Fitzpatrick and Yusef.

“Prior to this group, I knew there were other black professionals and business owners, but I rarely had the opportunity to meet and connect with them,” Dr. Carlton explains. “This group enabled me to network in ways that have increased the visibility of my business brand and make connections with businesses I never knew existed.”

Fitzpatrick and Abdur-Razzaaq give attendees a chance to personally introduce themselves and their work at each event.

During their upcoming All-White Day Party, Dr. Felice Carlton will speak, as will Jermol Edward, a graphic designer who started 24 Media. Plus, Waymon Hyman will talk about his fraternity’s upcoming charity event. “[During one event] we had the head of the nursing program at UNCW speak,” Fitzpatrick offers. “After, I got an email from someone I didn’t know saying thank you for doing that because ‘I was able to connect with her, and I am looking at going into the nursing program.’”

Sometimes the connections move beyond the Rolodex, too. They go into everyday life. “If you’re new to the area, your kids may need other kids to play with, you may [say to yourself], My kid is the only kid at this school that is black. I’d love for him to have another friend who looks like him,” Fitzpatrick notes.

The party will take place at the Rooftop Bar at North Front Theatre (née Level 5), located at 21 N. Front Street, overlooking the Cape Fear River. After Florence, the bar was completely remodeled, with new floors and a roof.

“It is so nice to have someone backing us with a venue that loves the idea of diversity because no one is really doing this in Wilmington,” Fitzpatrick explains.

They will have complimentary food catered by Diamond Food Enterprises. DJ Scooter Flesh will spin oldies, modern pop, R&B, hip-hop; there will even be line dancing. Corey Young will take pictures, which will be posted on the group’s Facebook page. The dress code is important, so dress to impress.

Folks are encouraged to bring business cards. The support of businesses and sponsors is also greatly appreciated, as some of them will have tables at the event. Fitzpatrick and Abdur-Razzaaq have recently started offering $100- and $200-level sponsorships in order to help expand their organization.

Readers can buy tickets or become sponsors at Wilmington Black Professionals’ Facebook page, which also is frequently updated with monthly events.

DETAILS:

Wilmington Black Professionals’ All-White Party June 22, 4 p.m. -8 p.m.

The Rooftop Bar 21 N Front St. Tickets: $40 • eventbrite.com Wanna win tickets? Follow @encorepub on FB and IG for the giveaway

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EXTRA>>FEATURE

CARPE LIBRUM:

Talking Wilmington 1898 through author David Bryant Fulton’s book 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 (Eno, Bull City), it is timely to shine a light on discussions around literature, publishing and the importance of communicating a truthful story in our present world.

Welcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s biweekly book column, wherein I will dissect a current title and sometimes 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.

Hanover; Or Persecution of the Lowly David Bryant Fulton Published in 1900 Last year I got to chat with John Jeremiah Sullivan. Now, I don’t get to do this often enough. John is one of my favorite people ever, and he is a stunningly talented writer.

There are several books that have been written about the events of 1898 in Wilmington. “Cape Fear Rising” by Phillip Gerard just celebrated the 25th anniversary rerelease of the novel that uses real names and locations for the events. “The Marrow of Tradition” by Charles Chestnut also just had a new release, this time with a Forward by Wiley Cash. Chestnut’s book is one that has long captured my attention: He grew up in Fayetteville, NC, and after moving north attained considerable success as a writer. When he released “The Marrow of Tradition,” within a few years of the events of 1898, William Dena Howells reviewed it, noting it had more justice than mercy in it. Chestnut changed names and made composite characters, so Wilmington became Wellington.

But Fulton’s book is sort of a hybrid of real names and places and fictionalized characters. For example, he discusses Editor Manly, and has characters walking through We were talking about his collaboration the neighborhood of Dry Pond, or to the with Rhiannon Giddens, specifically the corner of Third and Orange. There are acresearch work for the much anticipated tually parts of it that read like Tom Wolfe; musical about the events of 1898. During you find yourself wondering how he could our chat, he started talking about “Hanover; be a fly on so many walls. Like Chestnut, Or the Persecution of the Lowly” by David he spent early years in Fayetteville. Then Bryant Fulton, a.k.a. Jack Thorne. Now, he moved to Wilmington for his school I spend a lot of time introducing people years at Willison and Gregory schools (the to the events of 1898. I am by no means precursors to the current incarnations). Afuninformed on the topic, but somehow this ter he moved north and got a job as a pullman car porter, Alex Manley, editor of the book had gotten past me.

Wilmington Record, hired him to chronicle I immediately obtained a copy and then what he encountered traveling the country. ... proceeded to not read it.

He published these observations as “Jack Thorne.” So if you write for the black-owned Well, that’s not entirely accurate. newspaper that is targeted in a situation like It’s not that I didn’t read it; it’s just hard the events of 1898, it is natural you would to pick up a book about 1898. It could be a chronicle what you see to get the story out perfectly ovely day, but I know when I read to a larger group of people. this, it will ruin any sense of belief I have in So I read this slowly. Every page packs basic human decency. a gut punch (or two). It is short, but very Just to refresh: In 1898 Wilmington, dense. He packs a tremendous amount NC, was the site of the only successful of information into a few short pages and government coup on American soil since sketches. Unlike Gerard’s book, which the American Revolution that included follows more traditionally the structure a massacre of the African-American that modern readers associate with a community here. It was premeditated. novel, “Hanover” reads like a collection

of newspaper dispatches mixed with incredibly intimate short scenes and tableaus. He seeks to show how each strata of society­— Aristocrat, servant, public servant, politician, shop keeper, immigrant—behaved in the days leading up to the massacre.

He portrays the confusion, the disbelief and the betrayal of the residents of our fair city as the events unfold and the deaths mount. Like Elie Wiesel’s “Night,” Fulton’s “Hanover” is all the more powerful because

of the brevity. However, unlike Chestnut, he provides more action in the aftermath: the city grinding to a halt, the bands of whites from Wilmington going out into the swamps and trying to find the refugees to bring them back, and the exodus in the coming weeks and months from those who had the means to depart northward.

Perhaps what makes both Chestnut’s and Fulton’s books so difficult for me to read comes from the emphatic way they describe the domination by whites. It isn’t just Jim Crow laws, they both paint such painful pictures of daily treachery and disregard, of double standards and piecemeal buying of others’ souls, that it makes me feel sick in my own skin reading it. Though we sit here in the comfort of 2019 looking backward, the fear of the deals we would have made and the rationalizations we would have believed are inescapable. Not only must we learn of the past, but we must apply those lessons to today.

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

KURE BEACH MARKET Thurs., 8am: Come shop the Kure Beach Market held every Tuesday through August 27 from 8am-1pm! Shop for local hand crafted goods while enjoying beautiful ocean views! Located at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park and Pavilion!

Ocean Front Park, 105 Atlantic Ave PCYP

N membership required. All ages and professions welcome; look for PCYP Ambassadors with silver name tags to get acquainted.Free food, networking, raffles, business-casula attire. Featured non-profit: Coastal Women’s Ventures. Other upcoming dates: June 27 at the Wilmington Sharks (Member’s Only); July 17 hosted

by TBD Sponsored by College Hunks Hauling & Moving- Leland; July 25 PCYP Private Event Rounds Golf & Lounge; August 21 hosted by TBD Sponsored by Live

Oak Dental; September 18 hosted by KBT Realty Group—associated with Keller Williams and Cavik Insurance Sponsored by TBD; October hosted by Hanover Lakes

by Bill Clark Homes; November 20 hosted

by Poe’s Taver—Wrightsville Beach; Dec 4 at Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington/Mayfaire; December 13 Members Only Christmas Party Sponsored by River Landing hosted by St Thomas Preservation Hall owned by City Club. Memberships costs: $25-$35. https://pcyp.thrive-

cart.com/annual-membership. RiverLights, 109 Pier Master Point #100 NORTH 4TH NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY June 21, 7pm: Curtis T Clydesdale takes you back to simpler days like ”Willie and Laura Mae Jones.” Come on out to see “What’s Going On” and “Let’s Get it On.” Palate,1007 N 4th St. 5TH ANNUAL WORLD REFUGEE DAY June, 22nd at The Nir Family YMCA (Market Street). We are looking for sponsors.

If you have a business or know someone who has a business that would like to sponsor. We are looking for soccer players for our soccer tournament! If interested: https://globalrefugeeconnections. org/…/2019-world-refugee-… Volunteers needed—sign up, www.signupgenius. com/go/20f054ba4aa29a4f58-world.Volunteer meeting June 11, 6pm, at the downtown library. Or come as you are and enjoy the festivities. Soccer tournament will take place from 8am-noon and the festival from 11am-2pm. We will have a lot of fun, family friendly activities during the festival including, vendors, a pot luck, art activities and more! Looking forward to seeing you all there. globalartisansilm@gmail.com. Nir Family YMCA, 2710 Market St. ALL-WHITE PARTY June 22, 4pm: The Wilmington Black Professionals are thrilled to bring you The Rooftop Experience: All White Day Party, Part II, featuring a DJ mixing of your favorite old school and new school music all while overlooking the Cape Fear River.

Dress up in your best all white attire and party with the movers and shakers of the Port City. Enjoy a full bar with specialty cocktails, plenty of parking on the street and nearby deck and we will have complimentary hors d’oeuvre the first hour.

Early bird special tickets for $10, and have limited pre-sale general admission tickets for $15 or pay $20 online for faster entry or cash at the door. More than 150 people to network, mingle and have fun! Open to everyone. Sponsors available for $125 (includes 4 tickets and a table in the ac room, on the dance floor or by the bar, along with skip line for entry, food and drinks): Wilmingtonbp@gmail.com. Dress code enforced. See FB page. The Rooftop Bar, 21 N. Front St.

50 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

ANATOMY CONFERENCES June 24, 8:30am: Pulsus Group invites you all to the 2nd International Conference on Anatomy and Physiology during June 2425, 2019 at Rome, Italy with the theme “An Insight into the Recent Advances in Anatomy and Physiology.” https://bit.ly/2ri35z4.

Holiday Inn Resort, 1706 North Lumina

YOUR WEEK ON PLEASURE ISLAND JUNE 19th-JUNE 26th, 2019 THURSDAY, JUNE 20th FIREWORKS AT 9:00 PM FEEBS Music from 6:30-9:30 Carolina Beach Boardwalk

SATURDAY, JUNE 22nd

CAROLINA BEACH FARMER’S MARKET AT THE CAROLINA BEACH LAKE PARK 8 am—1 pm

BINGO—WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19th AND JUNE 26th 6:30—9:00 PM

FAMILY NIGHT - CAROLINA BEACH GAZEBO STAGE 6:30—8:30 TUESDAY, JUNE 25th SUNDAY, JUNE 23rd MOVIES AT DUSK (ABOUT 8:45 PM) MOVIES AT CAROLINA BEACH LAKE PARK

June 11th– August 27th

JUNE 19th STORY TIME BY THE SEA JUNE 20th: UP AND ACTIVE!

FRIDAY, JUNE 28th HANDSOME AL & THE LOOKERS MUSIC FROM 6:30-8:30 FT. FISHER AIR FORCE RECREATION AREA

SUNDAY, JUNE 21st ARTISTRY IN JAZZ 5:00-7:00 pm KURE BEACH OCEANFRONT PARK 910.458.8434 www.PLEASUREISLANDNC.ORG

June 5th through August 28th

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Ave. OGDEN TOWN HALL WITH PETERSON Senator Peterson, North Carolina District 9, is hosting an Ogden Town Hall at the Sour Barn on Thursday, June 27, 6-8pm.

Harper will discuss long-term hurricane recovery and coastline realities. Hurricanes have wreaked havoc in 500-year floodplains twice within two years. The Ogden Town Hall Meeting is a great opportunity for constituents to express their concerns about the increased frequency of intense hurricanes in Eastern North Carolina. Free and open to the public.

Harper’s mission is to keep the values of Coastal Carolina “front and center” on the agenda in Raleigh. To RSVP to the Ogden Town Hall Meeting, please visit: bit.ly/ OgdenTownHallMeeting. The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

charity/fundraisers BUBBLES AND BLOOMS June 20, 6pm: Celebrate the summer by relaxing with family and friends surrounded by the sweet scent of flowers, listening to fantastic music by L Shape Lot and watching iridescent bubbles gently fill the sky. Enjoy our specialty food trucks Little Chef, Poor Piggy’s and Snowie of the Carolinas with beer wine and champagne by fermental. Free for ages 10 and under.

New Hanover County Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Dr.

WALK FOR MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH June 22, 9am: Join the sixth annual Climb Out of the Darkness, to raise awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders and to raise support for Postpartum Support International (PSI), a nonprofit organization and online community of support resources for women around the world. It is free to walk! Meet at 9am at Halyburton Park, Shelter 1. Come out to show support for new and expecting mothers! Halyburton Park, 4099 S 17th St. HARPER PETERSON DINNER June 24, 5-8pm: Your continued support is invaluable for Harper’s campaign.

We’ve built momentum to drive forward progress in New Hanover County and across NC. This last fundraising event of the quarter will push Harper’s campaign to the top and send a loud and clear message that we are ready to take the majority in 2020. Last year Harper only won by 231 votes. Every effort and every vote counts.

This fundraiser will consist of Harper discussing progress made and where we are headed in the upcoming months. Cocktail hour, 5pm, a six-course dinner designed by the acclaimed Dram + Morsel owner, Justin Smith; each course is paired with a 2 oz. wine pairing. Seats are limited; tickets $150: bit.ly/PetersonDramandMorsel.

33 S. Front St.

music OPEN-MIC AT TIDAL CREEK

VOTED BEST MEN’S CLOTHING IN THE PORT CITY

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

Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Al De Meola, John Scofield and Allan Holdsworth.Bill brings a wealth of experience with him and his passion for the guitar is evident in every performance. CAM Cafe reservations: 910777-2363. Dinner Thurs., 5-9pm. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

SUNSET MUSIC CRUISE Fri., 6:30pm: Looking for something different to do? Look no further! Come aboard The Wilmington, our comfortable catama- ART INSPIRES: TEDDY BURGH ON FLUTE June 20, 6:30pm: Taking inspiration from ran, for a fun cruise down the Cape Fear Cameron Art Museum’s current exhibiRiver as we cruise into the sunset. Grab a tion “Along the Eastern Sea Road: Hirotasty cocktail or drink from our full bar and shige’s Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō,” sit back and relax as you listen to live mu(on view through September 22), Teddy sic from local musicians. This is a one-ofBurgh, flute, has composed music for sea-kind music venue in Wilmington and this lect works that he will perform in the galcruise is one of our most popular excurlery and explain his inspiration. Dr. Teddy sions, so be sure to book early! Wilmington Burgh is a professor, teaching “Music of Water Tours, 212 Water St. Ancient Israel and Music in Religion in the KURE BEACH BOOGIE IN THE PARK Department of Philosophy and Religion at Every 1st & 3rd Sunday, through Oct 20, UNCW. He has lectured at CAM and per5pm-7pm, skips Labor Day weekend. A formed in the Jazz @ The CAM series as free concert series at Kure Beach’s Ocean part of the FROG Project. CAM Members: Front Park. Bring your beach chair or blanFree, Museum Admission all others. Brown ket, friends, family, and neighbors and Wing, 3201 S. 17th St. enjoy the music! May 5, 5pm-7pm, will be featuring the Wilmington Big Band bring- CAPE FEAR BLUES FESTIVAL June 21-23, 6pm: Cape Fear Blues Society ing timeless standards and hip pop music! and the Rusty Nail present 3 days of blues Purchase your Boogie in the Park gear at music with a variety of local, regional, and the link provided. https://shop.spreadshirt. national acts performing under the tent com/tokb. Ocean Front Park, 105 Atlantic and on the club’s stage. Acts include The Ave. Scott Ellison Band, Mike Hayes Band, Fat LIVE ON THE LOOP! Bastard Blues Band, The Rhythm Bones, Live On The Loop is back for our 2019 SeaCatesby Jones, Free Space Band, Coastal son! Every Thursday from 6-9pm at The Blues Band, Southport Johnny & The BizSailfish! Experience some of Wilmington’s ness. Tickets available NOW at The Rusty best local artists with drink specials and Nail (910-251-1888) or on day of show. delicious food options! 6/20: Exacta Duo; 1310 South 5th Ave. 6/27: Elliott Smith; 7/11: L-Shape Lot; 7/18:

Two Picky Guys; 7/25: Folkstone String- NEIL SEDAKA June 21, 7pm: Singer. Songwriter. Composband; 8/1: Selah Dubb; 8/8: Justin Cody er. Pianist. Author. Neil Sedaka’simpressive Foxx; 8/15: Dos Eddies; 8/22: Crystal Fus60-year career ranges from being one of sell; 8/29: Desperado Duo; 9/5: Access 29; the first teen pop sensations of the ‘50s, to 9/12: Cross Creek Band; 9/19: The Cassea tunesmith for himself and other artists in role; 9/26: Signal Fire Acoustic. The Sailthe ‘60s, to a superstar in the ‘70s, remainfish, 2570 Scotts Hill Loop Rd. ing a constant force in writing and performDOWNTOWN SUNDOWN ing presently. All thanks to the countless Downtown Sundown Concert Series presongs he has written, performed, and prosented by Outdoor Equipped run each duced that continue to inspire artists and Friday night through August 30, 2019. The audiences around the world. Introduced to free concerts are from 6:30pm to 10pm and Howard Greenfield by Greenfield’s mother feature both local performers and touring in 1952, he began one of the most probands. Ligon Flynn Parking Lot, 20 S. Seclific songwriting partnerships of the last ond Street half-century that sold 40 million records SEAHAWK FAM between 1959-1963, including chart topJune 20, 10:30am: Electrifying ensemble pers “The Diary,” “Oh! Carol,” ” Stairway directed by Rio de Janeiro native, Raphael to Heaven,” “Calendar Girl,” “Little Devil,” Namé (guitar, vocalist). The group will be “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Next performing a lively mix of contemporary Door To An Angel,” and “Breaking Up Is Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and Caribbean Hard To Do.” capefearstage.com. Wilson Jazz! Kenan Auditorium, 601 S College Rd. Center, 703 N 3rd St. MUSIC AT CAM CAFE June 20: Bill Kerr, 6-8pm, Bill learned to play the guitar at the age of 7 and began playing professionally at the age of twelve.

Over his career he has played with numer- PLANETARIUM AT DUSK June 20, 6pm: Planetarium at Dusk: Moons ous rock, country, funk and jazz bands in – Worlds of Mystery. Take a fascinating trip Denver and Wilmington with his ability to to the little worlds of our solar system! (35 cross between minutes). • Stargazig Summer, June 21genres with ease, and brings with him an 22, 2pm: Experience the Museum’s digital extensive background in the music indusplanetarium with a guided tour of tonight’s try. Bill also owned and operated Kerr/Macy sky. Discover new and familiar constellaMusic Group, one of Denver’s top recordtions, explore Greek myths and learn to ing studios, during the 90’s. His primary find Mercury and Mars in the early evening influences include Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck,

film

216 Princess Street | Downtown, Wilmington NC | www.BlokeApparel.com | (910) 679-4137 52 encore | june 19 - june 25, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

sky. (approx. 20 min.) • Extrasolar Planets – Discovering New Worlds: June 27, 6pm.

Museum admission. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market Street CAM FILMMAKER SERIES Screening “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992, 112 mins. Rated R), and doing a Q&A after with key grip Chunky Huse and makeup artist Jeff Goodwin. In addition to “The Last of the Mohicans,” Chunky Huse has worked on over 120 films including “Batman Begins,” “Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood,” “Push,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and “Total Recall”—20 of them filmed in North Carolina. Makeup artist Jeff Goodwin is known for his work on “Blue Velvet,” “Super Mario Bros.” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” among other film and television credits. Preregistration suggested: www.cameronartmuseum.org, by phone and CAM’s Visitor Services desk. CAM members and students with valid college ID: Free, non-members: S5. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

theatre/auditions SHAKESPEARE BRUNCH TheatreNOW hosts monthly Shakespeare brunch, abridged readings of one of the Bard’s classic plays. Reserved seating.

Doors open at 11:30am. $5 of every ticket sold will go to a local Shakespeare educational outreach program. Brunch & dessert with choice of entrée included in ticket.

June 21: “Midsummer Night’s Dream”; Aug. 18: “Romeo & Juliet.” TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. THIS HURRICANE BLOWS:

A CAT 5 COMEDY Through June 29, Fri &Sat at 7pm. Written by Celia Rivenbark and Kevin Parker and directed by James Bowling. Dinner and show, $48 ($10 off opening weekend); show only tickets, $22-$27. The South’s sassiest playwright and her hilarious muse are back with this original, timely show about a Southern couple with Northern neighbors that must endure an insanely long hurricane together. theatrewilmington.com. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. CF SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN Cape Fear Shakespeare, Ltd. in association with the City of Wilmington presents the 15th annual season of The Shake-

speare Youth Company performing “Shakespeare on a Midsummer Eve,” directed by Cherri McKay, June 19, 2527. Also performing the adult company’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” directed by Zeb Mims, June 20, 22-23, 28-30. Visitors can experience and enjoy free live productions of the Bard’s works at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Located in the heart of Wilmington on the lake’s edge, the stage is surrounded by stately mossdraped cypress trees and well-manicured gardens of Greenfield Park. Audience members are welcome to arrive early and bring-your-own picnic before the show or enjoy light refreshments from our concession. Shows are at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Gates open at 6:30pm and all performances begin at 8pm, rain or shine. www.capefearshakespeare.com or 910399-2878.

DJANGO SALVATORI’S AWE INSPIRING, DEATH DEFYING, BIG TOP SPECTACUGANZA...FEATURING RALPH June 20-23, 27-30, July 5-7, 8pm; Sundays, 3pm Keepin’ On Productions presents a locally written play by Justin Cioppa, at Cape Fear Playhouse. Directed by Robb Mann, the play stars Steve Vernon, Susan Auten, Erin Hunter, Anthony Corvino, Atwood Boyd, Nick Smith, Shawn Sproatt, and Brett Young. It’s 1942, and circus owner Django Salvatori has fallen on hard times, and is facing bankruptcy and dwindling audiences. A “relatively” strong man, a non-English speaking half blind knife thrower, two bickering clowns and no animals just aren’t enough to bring in the crowds. Django needs a miracle, so in one last ditch effort to save his circus, he enlists the help of the mysterious sideshow legend Ralph, whose act is so aweinspiring and jaw dropping that it can’t be described by words! It once left an audience member clapping for three days, but will it be enough to save Salvatori’s spectacuganza? bigdawgproductions.org or by calling 910-367-5237. Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St.

Doors at 8 and show at 9, 21+. $15 in advance online/$20 at door. $100 VIP tables available for the best seats in the house!

Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St. AUDITIONS FOR GODSPELL June 24-25, 5pm: For ages 13 & up. Be prepared to sing a song (accompanist provided or you may sing with a track) read a script, and dance. facebook.com/ events/190164635235809. bettsyc@welcometowesley.com/910-791-4092. Wesley Memorial United Methodist Activity Center, 204 Pine Grove Dr.

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS Meet working artists, and see works in progress. Everything from sculptures to fine jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, fun for everyone. Over 45 artist’s works to enjoy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday Art Walks, 6-9pm, 4th Fri. ea. mo. theArtWorks, 200 Willard St. FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmington’s premier after-hours celebration of art and culture, 6-9pm, fourth Fri. ea. month. Art openings, artist demonstrations, entertainment and refreshments. Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate. artscouncilofwilmington.org TINY WORLDS Chelsea Lea’s “Tiny Worlds” on display at

Waterline Brewery. Body of work explores imaginary places made inside cigar boxes. Larger than life sculptures surround these miniature dioramas. www.ChelseaLeaMetals.com. 721 Surry St. “ASYLUM: COLLAGES BY ELIZABETH DARROW” Thursday, June 20, 6-8pm: Meet the artist and enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers. Free and open to the public.

Elizabeth Darrow has made Wilmington her home since 1977. Born in Hartford, Conn. Darrow is a 1967 graduate of Oberlin College (Oberlin, Ohio), where she majored in painting. She has been working in oil and collage throughout her career, usually in the manner of Abstract Expressionism. Each piece takes her on a journey of discovery where she hopes to lose herself to the process. Exhibit continues through Sept. 30.

FLEUR ESSENCE Through June 17 and is available to view through the artists upon request. For information on artists and their works www. diverseworksilm.com. ACME Art Studios, 711 N. 5th St. UNCW 2019 PRINTFEST EXHIBITION Over the past several years, UNCW’s Art & Art History Department has hosted a biennial event called “Printfest.” Printfest is a daylong public printmaking showcase on the UNCW campus. Using a two-ton construction paving roller and an unlikely press bed – the parking lot of the Cultural Arts building – a team of artists and vol-

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unteers work collaboratively to print largescale woodcuts throughout the day. For each of the Printfest events held during 2014, 2015 & 2017, dozens of independent artists and multiple colleges from across North Carolina carved designs into 4’ x 6’ wood, which were then inked and printed on muslin before a live audience.

The theme of the woodcut designs each year is based on the work of local nonprofits. The 2019 edition of Printfest was based on the theme of Ocean Pollution in collaboration with Plastic Ocean Project. The exhibition will highlight the work produced during the UNCW 2019 Printfest held on April 13, as well as feature the woodblocks used during the event, photographs, video and tools used by the artists. On display through July 3. CAB Art Gallery, UNCW, 5270 Randall Dr. HISTORICAL WORKS Robert F. Irwin’s summer exhibition pays homage to all of the artists and mentors who have influenced him throughout his life, leaving their mark on his work. Nearly a decade ago, Irwin – not to be confused with the installation artist also named Robert Irwin – added another page to his lengthy resume: published author. Published in 2004, “40 Years” is Irwin’s autobiography, a no-holds-barred account of every aspect of his creative life, embellished with page after page of photographs of his dynamic paintings. Wilma W. Daniels Gallery at Cape Fear Community College, 200 Hanover Street CHASING SHADOW AND LIGHT Join us for the opening reception of “Chasing Shadow and Light: New Art

by Brian Evans, Dianne Evans and Mark Gansor.” Visit with our artists and enjoy refreshments with live music by Myron Harmon on piano keyboard. Exhibit continues through July 21. The Fourth Friday Gallery Night reception is June 28, 6-9 pm. Brian and Dianne are ceramic artists who play with light and shadow on three dimensional surfaces in their functional and decorative pottery. Mark is a landscape painter creating impasto surfaces to capture fleeting moments caught in the light. 210 Princess St. RANDY MCNAMARA June 24, noon: Resident of Hampstead, North Carolina, McNamara maintains a studio and teaches painting at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. Previously, he lived in LA,exhibiting his work at Gallery 825 and various other venues in the region. He has an M.F.A. from Indiana University in Bloomington, and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Kansas. While at KU, he discovered and named an isozyme of wild sunflowers and was also Outstanding Senior in Ceramics. His background in biology has influenced his work primarily through the use of biomorphic forms and the notion that everything functions within an interconnected matrix of infinite elements in flux. A puzzle being assembled, disassembled and reassembled for eternity. His work employs acrylics and paper applied to canvas in a painterly manner with an interest in color, rich surfaces and

the conundrum of the center. Opening reception June 28, 6pm. Wilma W. Daniels Gallery at CFCC, 200 Hanover St. TRIBUTE EXHIBITION AND SALE FOR ROBBIE KASS June 28, 11am: Fourth Friday and the following two weekends are a tribute for Robbie Kass, a well-known and extraordinarily talented tattoo and airbrush artist who tragically passed away in October 2018.

Robbie’s memory lives on through his art, which will be on display for purchase in our Gallery Verrazzano. This Tribute will allow his family, friends and collectors the opportunity to own pieces of Robbie’s artwork. In addition to Robbie’s exhibition, we’ll have live music from Roger Davis on guitar and Madafo on percussion. As always, our Art Village working studios will open for you to browse and shop. theArtWorks, 200 Willard St. WATER WAYS Through July 21: “Water Ways: Paintings and Drawings of Land and Sea” art exhibit at the Bellamy Mansion Museum featuring original art by James Horton. There will be an artist’s reception on Friday, June 28, 6-8pm. Light refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Carolyn Gonzalez at 910-251-3700 x306 or cgonzalez@bellamymansion.org. Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St. WHQR EXHIBIT CLOSING June 28, 6pm: Time’s Place: Photographs of Doug Dupuis, Jennifer Mace and Melissa Wilgis. The show explores the past and present in both technique and imagery. Photographic methods include digital, medium format film and cameraless photograms, while subjects include abandoned boats, moonlight shadows and antique lace. MC Erny Gallery, 254 N. Front Street, Third Floor SEA DREAMS Opening reception, June 28, 6-9pm: Be transported to another place, time, or vacation by this show featuring two artists that are gifted oil painters of two separate genres. Angie Sinclair creates sublime memories of figures in pools with water refracting bodies and light, while Janet Triplett sends us a postcard landscape from the past or future with the perfect sunset, sunrise, or afternoon spent in the sun. Come be a part of our “Sea Dreams.”

On exhibit through July 20. New Elements Gallery, 271 N. Front St.

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS Come on out for two hours of energetic, contemporary American country dancing with live music. Dress cool & comfortable, soft-soled shoes. All ages. 2nd/4th Tues, 7:30pm. United Methodist, 409 S. 5th Ave. BABS MCDANCE Group classes for all levels are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers! We will begin the class with the basics and instruct you through a few exciting dance moves! Mon., 7pm: Inter-

national Rumba Class • Mon., 8pm: Argentine Tango • Tues., 7pm, West Coast Swing; 8pm, East Coast Swing. • Wed., 7pm, Bachata; 8pm, Hustle • Thurs., 7pm: Shag Level 1; 8pm, Shag Levels 2 and 3.

All classes are $10 per person, $15 per couple, $5 for military/students with ID. $5.

Babs McDance Social Dance Club & Ballroom, 6782 Market St. CONTRA DANCE Join us for our Tuesday night dance. Community Social Dancing - all ages welcome for energetic, fun dancing to live music.

Come solo or with a friend - if you can smile, walk and know left from right, you can contra dance! Year round, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. 5th Ave United Methodist Church, 409 S 5th Ave. RETRO DANCE PARTY June 20, 9pm: The Beehive Blondes are headed back to Satellite for their signature Retro Dance Party: 1950’s rock n roll, 1960’s girl groups, Soul, Motown, Disco and non-stop dancing! Vintage shopping with Jess James + Co. and don’t worry, we’ll bring the hula hoops! Free event.

Beehives are optional but we love when folks dress retro! Invite your friends who love to dance and let’s boogie! Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

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. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www.jugglinggypsy.com.

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY First Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features Three Guest Comics Under a Bridge. No Trolls. Waterline Brewing Company, 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 show at Lucky Joe Craft Coffee on College Road presented by Regretful Villains. The show features a new style of stand-up called Speed Joking. Come 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! An interactive improvised comedy show. 265 N. Front St. DAREDEVIL IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE DareDevil Improv Classes teach you the fundamentals of the funny! Learn to be

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more spontaneous, trust your instincts, and create one-of-a-kind comedy with an ensemble! (And even if you’re not a “performer,” our classes are a great way to meet people and have a hella good time!)

Details/sign-ups: www.daredevilimprov. com. Hannah Block Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd 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. DEAD CROW Open mic every Thursday, 8pm. • deadcrowcomedy.com. 265 N. Front St. UNCULTURED COMEDY June 21, 7 - 9 pm, $10: Get your giggle on with this hilarious group of comedians!

We’re excited to have this huge hit back from last year with new talent. LCAC’s 2019 VIP Season Tickets are VALID for this event.

2019 VIP Season Tickets can be purchased online or at the LCAC office. All 2019 VIP Season Tickets and regular admission tickets are non-refundable. www.eventbrite. com/e/lcac-presents-uncultured-comedytickets-60931174784. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way

museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM On exhibit: “A Time When Art Is Everywhere: teamLab,” an art collective and interdisciplinary group of programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians artists and architects, creates digital artworks that bridge art, science, technology, design and the natural world. Designs are immersive interpretations deeply rooted in Japanese art, aesthetic and history. Through Sept. 8. • Sunday Exhibition Tours: Explore, discover and discuss the art work currently on view with these docent-led tours. Admission: CAM members, free; others, museum admission. 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.org. 3201 S. 17th St. CAPE FEAR MUSEUM • Camera Collections! With today’s smart phones and digital cameras, photography is everywhere. Until the invention of the camera in 1839, there was no way to instantly capture the environment around you. In less than 200 years, cameras have progressed from complicated contraptions only used by professionals, to simple boxes with a roll of film anyone could operate, to handheld computers that create digital images shared with the world. 86 cameras and 145 photographic accessories showcases changes in technology and styles, from late 1800s-early 2000s. • Museum Pop Up: Play a game, conduct an experiment and learn something new in these short, drop-in programs. Activities change weekly and will “pop-up” in Museum exhibits all summer long. Adult participation is required. Fun for all ages! June 19 & 20,

10am & 2pm: Build it Better (in PlayTime! exhibit); June 26 & 27: Giant Ground Sloth (in Museum Lobby) www.capefearmuseum.com. $8/adults, $7/seniors, college & military, $5/youth. • June 27, 4pm: Join us for a free Open House to celebrate the reopening of our upstairs gallery space and the addition of our newest exhibits: Dinosaur Discovery and the 20th Century Experience. Dinosaur Discovery showcases the world of modern paleontology and new discoveries revealing how dinosaurs lived, moved and behaved. The 20th Century Experience focuses on innovations in medicine, work, technology, education and more. Families may participate in interactive hands-on activities, engage with our Science Cycle and watch dinosaur themed planetarium films. Light refreshments and a food truck will be on-site for the celebration. CF Museum, 814 Market St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM WB Museum of History, housed in the turn of the century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to share the history of Wrightsville Beach. Visitors to the cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane history and information about the interaction between the people and our natural environment which have shaped the 100 yr. history of WB. (910) 256-2569. 303 W. Salisbury St. wbmuseum.com.

WILMINGTON RR MUSEUM Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of the Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington for 125 years.

Interests and activities for all ages, including historical exhibits, 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. 910-763-2634. www. wrrm.org.

LATIMER HOUSE Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, and Sat, 125pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4-$12. Latimer House of Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St. BURGWIN-WRIGHT HOUSE 18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest museum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experienced through historical interpretations in kitchen-building and courtyard. 3rd/ Market St. Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm. Last tour,

3pm. 910-762-0570. burgwinwrighthouse. com.

BELLAMY MANSION One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (18211907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington.

Now a museum, it focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action. • Battleship 101, June 27, 10am: Try on helmets, type on vintage typewriters, talk on original phones, use semaphore flags, create your own stencil, try Morse code, write V-Mail and more! Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors about shipboard life and technologies. Great for all ages! 910-251-3700. bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

kids stuff SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING A brief presentation about the live animals on display in the events center and then watch them feed. At least one snake and turtle will be fed during the demonstration.

Ages: 3 and up. First Wed. of every month.

Cost: $1. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St.

LITTLE EXPLORERS Meet your friends in Museum Park for fun hands-on activities! Enjoy interactive circle time, conduct exciting experiments, and play games related to a weekly theme. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. June 21 & 22: Deep Blue Sea; June 28 & 29: Summer Fun. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

STORYTIME BY THE SEA Wednesdays, through August 14, 10am11:30am—Come join the Princess and her fairytale friends from Fairytales and Dreams by the Sea at Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park for stories, crafts, and games! Fun activities for both boys and girls! Don’t forget your camera to get a picture with the Princess! Ocean Front Park, 105 Atlantic Ave.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CAMPS Through July 26: Adventure with The Children’s Museum of Wilmington this summer in our camps! There will be full and half day camps available full of fun and educational activities. There are five amazing camps to choose from. Learn all about your favorite super heroes in Super School, get inspired

by Monet and Salvador Dali in our Adventure in the Arts camp, explore the science behind foods in Cooking Concoctions, Nutrition Ninja is about tying together ‘eating, playing and learning’ for kids, and learn about various animal’s habit, diet and care and get some close up visits with those animals in Critter Crazy. 1/2-day: $150, mem-

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bers; $190, nonmembers. Full day camps: $230, members; $285, nonmembers. Full schedule: www.playwilimington.org. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of ILM, 116 Orange St. MAIDES PARK SUMMER CAMP Through Aug 16, 9am-1pm: Ages: 5 - 10 Cost: $15/week. (No camp the week of July 1). Activities include: arts and crafts, field trips, sports activities and more!

Must provide birth certificate & register in person. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Avenue BASKETBALL CAMP Through 20, 9am-noon. Ages 7-10; June 24-27, 4-7pm. Ages: 11-14. Cost: $30/ week. Fee assistance is available for this camp only. MLK Center, 401 South 8th St. SUMMER TENNIS CAMP Through June 21, 9am -noon. All skills levels welcome from beginner to tournament player. Activities include: Daily Drilling, Match Play, Games & more! There will be a low player to coach ratio so that you can receive high quality instruction. $150/ week. Ages: 5-15. Althea Gibson Tennis Complex, Empie Park, 3405 Park Ave. CREATIVE ARTS CAMP 2019 6 weeks full of creativity and fun for campers ages 4 and up. Throughout the summer we will cover all aspects of creative arts from performing arts, technical theatre, visual arts, ceramics, filmmaking, and more! Ages 7 and up there is a full day option from 9am-4pm with a 1 hour supervised lunch from Noon - 1pm. There is no extra charge for the lunch time su-

pervision. Full day campers must pack their own lunch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Show and Share Fridayâ&#x20AC;? will be a variety of music numbers, dance routines, rehearsed skits/scenes, art exhibit and more put on for friends and family. Final performance at end of each camp. Camps are $85 and up. Community Arts Center in the Hannah Block Historic USO Building, 120 South 2nd Street (on the Corner of Orange St and 2nd St.) (910) 341-7860.

BROADWAY BEGINNINGS June 19, 8am: Campers will have unique opportunities to work as an ensemble and as individuals while creating an end-ofweek showcase along side Jason Aycock, OHTC Creative Coordinator and Youth Theatre Director, and other leading Wilmington theatrical instructors. Campers will gain experience in all aspects of musical theatre including singing, dancing, and acting but also exposure to the technical aspects like lighting, costume design, set design/construction and stage management. Camp will conclude with an hourlong performance for family and friends at CFCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful Wilson Center on Thursday 6/20/19 at 6pm. 703 North Third St. PRESCHOOL POPUP SCIENCE June 20, 10am: Meet new friends in your community for fun hands-on activities!

New activities and circle time each week.

Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. MLK Center, 401 South 8th St. NATURE CAMPS

June 17-21, 8am-noon. Ages: 5-6. $100/ week. Explore different habitats in Halyburton Patk each day, learning about insects, spiders. snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, birds and other wildlife. Campers will learn about the many habitats through nature walks, arts and crafts, and hands on opportunities with the animals in the Nature Center at Halyburton Park.

Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St. 910341-0075.

COASTAL ATHLETICS CAMPS June 21, 8am: Learn the fundamentals from elite coaches who have collegiate or professional experience. $40 a day or $175 for the week. Coastal Athletics, 2049 Corporate Dr. MLK SUMMER CAMPS June 24-Aug. 16, Ages: 8 - 12 Cost: $25/ week. Time: 7:45 am - 5:30 pm ( No camp the week of July 1). Activities include: arts and crafts, field trips, sports activities and more! Must provide birth certificate & register in person. Space is limited. Please register early! MLK Community Center, 401 S. 8th St., 910-341-7866 BASKETBALL CAMPS June 17-20, 9am-noon, ages 7-10; June 24-27, 4-7pm, ages: 11-14. Fee assistance is available for this camp only. Cost: $30/week. MLK Center, 401 South 8th St. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL June 24-28, 6-8:30pm: Silver Lake Baptist Church, 4715 Carolina Beach Rd., (910)791-9171.

BATS June 26, 8-9pm: Learn about our nighttime, bug-eating friends and discover some awesome adaptations of these mammals.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll dispel some myths about bats and find out why we like to have them around at the park! Ages: 5 and up, $5. Halyburton Park Event Center, 4099 S 17th St. CASEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LAUGH AND LEARN June 27, 10:30am: Caseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laugh and Learn: The Insane Science of Fairylandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Come to a land where pumpkins are prisons, wolves sneeze down houses, dragons are ice cold and science tells the rest of the story! This fun, raucous and sometimes messy show is perfect for ages young and old! With flying toilet paper, fog vortexes, singing rods to name just a few of the elements in this show you can understand why children (and children at heart) literally go insane for science after seeing it! Kenan Auditorium, 601 S College Rd. DISCOVERY LAB: DINOS! June 28, 2pm: Ignite your curiosity! Discover history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear through hands-on exploration and fun science labs. Themes vary.

Ideal for ages 5 and up. Drop in between 2 PM and 3 PM for several self-guided discovery stations. Adult participation is required. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

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recreational WALK WITH A DOC Join us the 3rd Saturday of every month at 9am for a fun and healthy walk—held at the Midtown YMCA. Each walk beings with a brief physician-led discussion of a current health topic, then he/she spends time walking, answering questions and talking with walkers. Choose your own pace and distance. Free and open to anyone.

YMCA, George Anderson Dr. WB SCENIC TOURS Thurs., 10:30am: WB Scenic Tours birding boat cruise of Masonboro Island and Bradley Creek. Guided eco-cruises are educational boat tours designed to increase conservation awareness about local wildlife and sensitive coastline habitats in New Hanover County. Topics explained during the boat ride will include: salt marsh function, wetland plants, and strong emphasis on shorebird/water bird ecology and identification. Birding tours are best when scheduled at low tide. • Sunset Tour of WB, Thurs., 5pm: Sunset with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours departs from the Blockade Runner Dock.

Routes vary with season, weather, and whim on the Basic Sunset Cruise but may include Masonboro Island, Bradley Creek, Money Island or some other combination.

Water, marsh, Shamrock, sunset—it’s a simple combination but very satisfying.

Also, from experience, this is the best time to sight dolphins in the bay. RSVP: 910-

200-4002 or wbst3000@gmail.com. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

HIKES AND BIRDING First Friday bird hikes, ages 5/up; free.

We’ll search for migrants, residents, and point out year-round species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome. Halyburton, 4099. S. 17th St. WOMEN’S GOLF LEAGUE Wed., 9:30am, through May 29: 2 person teams. Format: Best Ball. Tournament will be May 29 with prizes awarded to low gross and low net. Includes 6 weeks of greens fees & one practice round. Register at the clubhouse or online www.inlandgreensgolf.com. Call 910-765-7459. $50/player. Inland Greens, 5945 Inland Greens Dr. FIRST FRIDAY BIRD HIKES 7/5, 8/2, 9am: Join parkstaff for a leisurely bird-watching stroll around Halyburton Park the first Friday of each month. We’ll search for migrants and point out yearround bird species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome.

5 and up, free. Halyburton Park, 4099 S 17th St. TEEN GAME NIGHT Ages: 13-17. Free, 6-9pm. Video games, board games, other activities and refreshments. Pre-registration required. MLK Center, 401 S. 8th St. 910-341-7866. wilmingtonrecreation.com. MLK Community Center, 401 S. 8th St. FREE RUNNING CLINICS

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

16 Cold Draft Beers

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Every Monday and Thursday: Free Running Clinics for 6 weeks. Venue locations will be updated periodically on Noexcusestc.com and are designed for all levels.

Clinics are limited to 25 runners to maintain that personal instruction level. Downtown Hills/Wade Park, Water St.

classes/seminars ADULT CRAFTERNOONS New monthly meet-up for adults who enjoy crafting. Drop in on the first Monday afternoon of every month at the Northeast Library. A different usable craft project will be featured each month. Free program, with all supplies provided by a Friends of NHC Library LEAD Award. Reserve spot on calendar at www.NHCLibrary.org or 910-798-6371. Librarian Annice Sevett: asevett@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371.

1241 Military Cutoff Rd. CRAFTEEN MINI GARDENS Crafty teens are invited for snacks and miniature garden making at Northeast Library.

Hands-on workshop is free but space is limited. To make sure there are enough seats and supplies, register on calendar, NHCLibrary.org. 910-798-6371. NHC NE Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. CARDIO WORKSHOP June 20, 5pm: Program is open to public, free. Space is limited; pre-req. Workshop will help you figure out which cardio exercise is right for you and your personal fitness goals as well as bust some long held cardio myths. Are you doing the best cardio for your goals? What are the most efficient cardiovascular workouts? How should you plan your workouts, long duration low intensity or short duration high intensity: Dress ready to participate as we will finish with a short sample workout? www.wilmingtonrecreation.com or (910) 341-7872. Sherridale Morgan Boxing & Fitness Center, 302 S. 10th St. KUNG FU SERIES Special Kung Fu Exploration Series! Each Sunday in this series will explore a different type of Kung Fu. All are welcome to learn and grow together, however, the movements taught for all weeks except for Tai Chi are for the intermediate+ fitness level.

Reservation NOT required, but helpful. No fee for YMCA members. $10 for community participants. June 9th - Shaolin Kungfu.

June 16th - WuDang Kungfu . June 23rd - Tai Chi. June 30th - BaGua Zheng. Free for YMCA members $10 a day fee for nonmembers. Nir Family YMCA, 2710 Market St. PRACTICING THE GIFT OF MINDFULNESS June 24, 1pm: Ever drive somewhere and wonder how you even got there? Ever get ready for bed without remembering one thing you enjoyed that day? Do you have current challenges in health, finances, parenting, empty nesting, or hurricane restoration? Make 2019 a summer to remember with joy. Workshop will begin with a 3-minute (optional) writing exercise.

A reading of an excerpt from the book,

Lookin’ Up in Down Times, will be followed by discussion, questions and answers on mindfulness in our everyday lives. Gleaning nuggets from the philosophies of Ram Dass, Kathryn Kuhlman, Jesus, and years of challenges and self-reflection, Mountainbird will share her adventures in hopes those present will leave with a glimpse of the treasures each day can bring. Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave. FROG WATCH WORKSHOP June 25, 5-9pm: FrogWatch USA is the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s citizen science program which provides individuals, groups, and families the opportunity to learn about wetlands in their communities by reporting on the calls of local frogs and toads.

Join Andy Gould from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for this free four hour training. The training will consist of learning about how to collect data, submit it to an online database and time outdoors at Halyburton Park. Ages: 16 and up; free. Halyburton Park Event Center, 4099 S 17th St. EMBROIDER A CONSTELLATION June 28, 2pm: Make your own piece of embroidered constellation art. Materials will be provided, but registration is required.

New Hanover County Northeast Branch Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

lectures/literary KURE BEACH TURTLE TALK Turtle Talk is held every Monday beginning June 10 through August 26 from 7pm-8pm.

The program is held at the Kure Beach Ocean Front Park and Pavilion. Learn about local nesting sea turtles with the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project! Ocean Front Park, 105 Atlantic Ave. BEHIND THE SCENES GALLERY TALK June 21, 11am: Master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō is among the most celebrated works of Japanese art and has figured heavily into popular Japanese art and culture. Join Holly Tripman Fitzgerald, Chief Curator, and gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on the installation of the 55 prints from this series and how the work of teamLab is influenced by Hiroshige’s and how influenced by Hiroshige’s and how teamLab influenced CAM’s installation. A Time When Art is Everywhere requires a special ticket. CAM Members: Free, NonMembers: Museum Admission. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. ARTCURIOUS June 23, 2pm: Jennifer Dasal, curator and host of ArtCurious Podcast (www.artcuriouspodcast.com), comes to CAM for an afternoon of the unexpected, the slightly odd, and the strangely wonderful in art history. Her independent audio show, ArtCurious, is art history for all, focusing on the offbeat and lesser-known stories in art and asking surprising questions: did Van Gogh commit suicide or was he murdered? Was a British painter actually Jack the Ripper?

And how did the CIA covertly support modern art? Join Dasal as she discusses why and how ArtCurious came to be and shares

one of her favorite strange stories. Jennifer Dasal is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the North Carolina Museum of Art, her research expertise includes contemporary art with a particular interest in women artists and Asian art. Purchase seats: www.cameronartmuseum.org, by phone and at CAM’s Visitor Services desk.

CAM members and students with valid ID: $10; non-members: 15. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

clubs/notices BIKE NIGHT Bike Night at Mac’s Speed Shop, beer, bikes, BBQ. Featuring in concert: South Starr band playing great classic-southern R&R music! Mac’s Speed Shop, 4126 Oleander Dr. NEW HANOVER NAACP June 27, 7pm: Monthly meeting is Thursday, June 27, 7 pm at the Temple of Truth & Light, 2166 Kent Avenue, Wilmington.

Information on the application process for citizens interested in serving on New Hanover County boards as well as other important state and community issues will be on the agenda. Opportunities to participate in upcoming New Hanover NAACP branch activities and events will also be provided. Members and friends are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 910-508-9414 or email nhcnaacp@gmail.com. Temple of Truth & Light, 2166 Kent Ave.

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

All genres and beer. • A Taste of Summer Wine: June 23, 3pm—Enjoy a bounty of hand selected varietals accompanied by live music from Max Lezy & The Hawaiian Shirts alongside the mobile menu from Arepa Street Food Truck. Heather Smith from Advintage Wines takes us on a tour of refreshing, approachable wines that pair well with a quiet summer afternoon, a backyard barbecue, or with the fine fare

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 19)

Orfield Laboratories is an architectural company that designs rooms for ultimate comfort. They sculpt the acoustic environment so that sounds are soft, clear, and pleasant to the human ear. They ensure that the temperature is just right and the air quality is always fresh. At night the artificial light is gentle on the eyes, and by day the sunlight is rejuvenating.

In the coming weeks, I’d love for you to be in places like this on a regular basis. According to my analysis of the astrological rhythms, it’s recharging time for you. You need and deserve an abundance of cozy relaxation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

I hope that during the next four weeks, you will make plans to expedite and deepen your education. You’ll be able to make dramatic progress in figuring out what will be most important for you to learn in the next three years. We all have pockets of ignorance about how we understand reality, and now is an excellent time for you to identify what your pockets are and to begin illuminating them. Every one of us lacks some key training or knowledge that could help us fulfill our noblest dreams, and now is a favorable time for you to address that issue.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

In the next four weeks, you’re not likely to win the biggest prize or tame the fiercest monster or wield the greatest power. However, you could very well earn a second- or third-best honor. I won’t be surprised if you claim a decent prize or outsmart a somewhat menacing dragon or gain an interesting new kind of clout. Oddly enough, this less-thansupreme accomplishment may be exactly right for you. The lower levels of pressure and responsibility will keep you sane and healthy. The stress of your moderate success will be very manageable. So give thanks for this just-right blessing!

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Some traditional astrologers believe solar eclipses are sour omens. They theorize when the Moon perfectly covers the Sun, as it will on July 2, a metaphorical shadow will pass across some part of our lives, perhaps triggering crises. I don’t agree with that gloomy assessment. I consider a solar eclipse to be a harbinger of grace, slack and freedom. In my view, the time before and after this cosmic event might resemble what the workplace is like when the boss is out of town. Or it may be a sign your inner critic is going to shut up and leave you alone for a while. Or you suddenly could find you can access the willpower and ingenuity you need, so as to change something about your life you’ve been wanting to change. I advise you to start planning now to take advantage of the upcoming blessings of the eclipse.

contraption to fly up off the ground for 59 seconds. No one ever had done such a thing. Sixty-six years later, American astronauts succeeded at an equally momentous feat. They piloted a craft that departed from the Earth and landed on the surface of the moon. The first motorcycle was another quantum leap in humans’ ability to travel. Two German inventors created the first one in 1885, but it took 120 years before any person did a back-flip while riding a motorcycle. If I had to compare your next potential breakthrough to one or the other marvelous inventions, I’d say it’ll be more metaphorically similar to a motorcycle flip than the moonlanding. It may not be crucial to the evolution of the human race, but it’ll be impressive—and a testament to your hard work.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

In the year 37 AD, Saul of Tarsus was traveling by foot from Jerusalem to Damascus, Syria. He was on a mission to find and arrest devotees of Jesus, then bring them back to Jerusalem to be punished. Saul’s plans got waylaid, however—or so the story goes. A “light from heaven” knocked him down, turned him blind, and spoke to him in the voice of Jesus.

Three days later, Saul’s blindness was healed, and he pledged himself to forevermore be a one of those devotees of Jesus he previously had persecuted. I don’t expect a transformation quite so spectacular for you in the coming weeks, Scorpio, but I do suspect you will change your mind about an important issue, and consider making a fundamental edit of your belief system.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You could be a disorienting or even disruptive influence to some people.

You may also have healing and inspirational effects—and, yes, both of those statements are true. You probably should warn your allies you might be almost unbearably interesting. Let them know you could change their minds and disprove their theories. Also tell them if they remain open to your rowdy grace and boisterous poise, you might provide them with curative stimulation they didn’t even know they needed.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Some children are repelled by the taste of broccoli. Food researchers at the McDonald’s restaurant chain decided to address the problem.

In an effort to render this ultra-healthy vegetable more palatable, they concocted a version that tasted like bubble gum. Kids didn’t like it, though.

It confused them. But you have to give credit to the food researchers for thinking inventively. I encourage you to get equally creative, even a bit wacky or odd, in your efforts to solve a knotty dilemma. Allow your brainstorms to be playful and experimental.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

What are you doing with the fertility and creativity that have been sweeping through your life during the first six months of 2019? Are you witheringly idealistic, caught up in perfectionistic details as you cautiously follow outmoded rules about how to make best use of that fertility and creativity? Or are you being expansively pragmatic, wielding your lively imagination to harness fertility and creativity to generate transformations that will improve your life forever?

Spank yourself for me, please. Ten sound swats ought to do it. According to my astrological assessments, that will be sufficient to rein in yourself from the possibility of committing excesses and extravagance. By enacting this humorous yet serious ritual, you will set in motion corrective forces that tweak your unconscious mind in just the right way so as to prevent you from getting too much of a good thing; you will avoid asking for too much or venturing too far. Instead, you will be content with and grateful for the exact bounty you have gathered in recent weeks.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Mythologist Joseph Campbell said heroes are those who give their lives to something bigger than themselves. That’s never an easy assignment for anyone, but right now it’s less difficult for you than ever. As you prepare for the joyous ordeal, I urge you to shed the expectation it will require you to make a burdensome sacrifice. Instead, picture the process as involving the loss of a small pleasure that paves the way for a greater pleasure. Imagine you will finally be able to give a giant gift you’ve been bursting to express.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

In 1903 the Wright Brothers put wings on a heavy machine and got the

Your inspiration for the coming weeks is a poem by Piscean poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It begins like this: “The holiest of all holidays are those / Kept by ourselves in silence and apart; / The secret anniversaries of the heart, / When the full river of feeling overflows.” In accordance with astrological omens, Pisces, I invite you to create your own secret holiday of the heart, which you will celebrate at this time of year for the rest of your long life. Be imaginative and full of deep feelings as you dream up the marvelous reasons why you will observe this sacred anniversary. Design special rituals you will perform to rouse your gratitude for the miracle of your destiny.

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from a local food truck. Free event, All ages, pet friendly. 21+ years old for tasting. Feat. Arepa Street and Maxy Levy & The Hawaiian Shirts. 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.

ILM LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET Wed., 5pm: Join us for a wonderful, exciting night of fun. Port City Farmer’s Market at Waterline Brewing Co. 100% local, 100% handmade. Shop among some incredible local vendors, artists and farmers. Support small businesses in your area. Fresh local produce, beef and pork products, sweets, pickled items, handcrafted jewelry and art. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln. FREE WINE TASTING Sample some of the most delicious wines at SnS for free, with an optional $25 food pairing. Food pairings are designed specifically to go with each wine to bring out the fullest flavor of both. If you ever wanted to learn more about how to bring out the flavor of wine -n- food now you can experience a wonderful trip to flavor town. Benny Hill Jazz always starts at 7pm. Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Place RIVERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET Sat., 8am-1pm: Local farmers, grow-

ers, producers and artisans to sell their goods directly to consumers, to encourage and promote the use of locally-grown farm products and artisan offerings.

Vegetables, herbs, plants, annuals, perennials, native plants, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, NC wines, dog treats, eggs, honey, goat cheeses, seafood, kombucha, meats, marina & fra diavolo sauce, smoothies and more. Artisan works of handmade jewelry, woodwork, silkscreen t-shirts & totes, photography, bath & body products, pet accessories, pottery, drawings and more. North Water Street in historic downtown Wilmington, NC along the beautiful Cape Fear River. No market on April 6, due to the Azalea Festival or October 5th due to Riverfest. www.riverfrontfarmersmarket.org.

BEER DINNER June 26, 6:30pm: Take Me To The Tropics beer dinner. Five courses paired with Wrightsville Beach Brewery beer and wines from Winebow! Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Drive

tours CAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS Cameron Art Museum allows participants to explore current exhibitions with Anne Brennan, CAM’s executive director, in a new series of public tours. Free for CAM members. Wed., 1:30pm. 3201 S. 17th St. LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

Walk the streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front. 249 N. Front St. www. brownpapertickets.com/event/1282390 INSIDER’S TOUR Explore the history of community at Cape Fear Museum. Take the Insider’s Tour offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am. Tours are free with admission and include a “behind the scenes” sneak peek.

Pre-reg. is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Free w/GA or membership. CF Museum, 814 Market St. GHOST WALK 6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington. Nightly tours, 6:30pm/8:30pm.

Admission. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910-794-1866. hauntedwilmington.com BELLAMY MANSION Guided tours start on the hour; self-guided tours start at any time. Mon. is only selfguided tours. Follow curved oyster-shell paths through our lush Victorian garden shaded by 150-yr.-old magnolia trees. See the elegant main entrance surrounded by soaring columns and gleaming windows.

Hear stories of Bellamies, as well as those of the free and enslaved black artisans who built the home and crafted intricate details throughout the house. Adults $12; senior and military discount, $10; students, $6; children under 5, free. Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St. 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.

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP Grades 7-12: Wilmington Pride Youth 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. Also 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 and 3rd Thursday of each month. Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. 3rd Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. 910-763-8134 LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP Meets third Saturday each month. Free; drop-ins 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 speakers, DVD presentations and open group discussion. info@ lupusnc.org (877) 849-8271, x1. lupusnc. org. NE Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. PFLAG First Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

COPING WITH THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE/ PARTNER Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a sixweek, no-cost grief program for those coping with the death of a spouse or partner in Wilmington on Wednesdays, May 15 through June 19. The group meetings will be held 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. Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, 1406 Physicians Dr. ADULTS COPING WITH GRIEF Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a nocost, six-week series of growth and education groups for adults coping with grief on Mondays, May 13 through June 24. Meetings will be held 4-6 p.m. at the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. There will be no group meeting on May 27 (Memorial Day). Pre-registration is required; call 910-796-7991 to register. lcfh.org. Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, 1406 Physicians Dr.

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