March 22, 2017

T h e C a p e F e a r ’s A l t e r n a t i v e V o i c e f o r 3 0 Ye a r s !

VOL. 34 / PUB. 38

FREE MARCH 22 - MARCH 28, 2017 encorepub.com

e m e e h k t ta o t The Nile Project explores cultural and global issues on water quality and resources

r R e E irRIvV

HODGEPODGE Vol. 34/Pub. 38

March 22 - March 28, 2017

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event of the week

Sunday, Friday, May Mar. 626- 11 - 9a.m. a.m.

Clicks4Paws

ON THE COVER

This pet-portrait event is raising funds for paws4people, wherein folks can bring their pet(s) to Empie Park (3405 Park Ave.) for professional portraits by local photographers. Portrait sessions will be approximately 15 minutes for five digital images, and are completely donation based. All funds will go directly to paws4people via check, cash or credit card through Mack’s fundraising site. Walk-ins are welcome, or email clicks4paws@gmail.com. Folks can find more at the Facebook event page.

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.

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER, PG. 10 The Nile Project is spreading music and a message of unity when it comes to invaluable water resources.

They’ll perform on March 25 at Kenan Auditorium as part of a week-long series of events, panel discussions and lectures from March 24-29. Also read our other river-focused stories this week in Live Local, 4-5, and book reviews, 30. Photo by Laila Yasser

EDITORIAL>

MUSIC>> Local duo Entangled Dreams is celebrating their album release at The Sour Barn this Saturday. Everyone’s invited to this free show featuring merch giveaways, food truck and more.

Photo by M. Jaret Sears

A

Editor-in-Chief:

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

Editorial Assistant:

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

PG. 9

<<ART

PG. 14

STOMP brings offbeat percussion performance to CFCC’s Wilson Center for a two-night run this week. Their cast incorporates everyday objects like shopping carts (left) and animated action into each show.

Photo by Steve McNicholas

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

Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Linda Grattafiori, Bethany Turner, Chris Pendergast, Emily Truss

Intern: Kyle Maples SALES>

General Manager:

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

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John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com Tiffany Wagner // tiffany@encorepub.com

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DINING>> Hibachi To Go is fast, fresh and fantastically good grub to grab on the run. The homemade sauces and perfectly cooked meat and veggie hibachi (right) means this won’t be Rosa Bianca’s last visit.

Photo by Lindsey A. Miller Photography

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

Published weekly on Wednesday by HP Media.

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

PG. 29

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 • OpEd, pg. 7 Music, pgs. 9-13 • Art, pgs. 14-15 • Theatre, pg. 18 • Film, pg. 20 Dining, pgs. 22-29 • Extra, pgs. 30-47 • Calendar, pgs. 48-61

2 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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PORT CITY FOOD LOVERS,

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participating restaurants downtown wilmington The Basics Elijah’s Pilot House The George The Little Dipper YoSake Ruth’s Chris Steak House Circa 1922 The District Kitchen & Cocktails Caprice Bistro Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Grace on 2nd Food from Bone & Bean BBQ. Photo by Tom Dorgan

north wilmington The Melting Pot Osteria Cicchetti El Cerro Grande La Costa Mexican Restaurant The Italian Bistro

hampstead The Village Café

midtown Casey’s Buffet Okami Japanese Steakhouse El Cerro Grande Jax 5th Avenue Deli & Ale House Antonio's Pizza & Pasta Capt'n Bill's Backyard Grill Bill's Front Porch Pub and Brewery La Costa Mexican Restaurant Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar JohnnyLukes KitchenBar

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wrightsville beach Sweet-n-Savory Café The Pub Boca Bay South Beach G rill

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encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 3

NEWS>>LIVE LOCAL

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Gwenyfar Rohler talks river news with CFRW riverkeeper Kemp Burdette BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

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BEST OF THE RIVER: Riverkeeper Kemp Burdette talks about our area’s award-winning Cape Fear River Watch and its programs . Courtesy photo.

he Talmudic legend is in each generation there are 36 righteous people whose goodness and work are essential for the world to survive. The 36 are not believed to be world leaders or wealthy, and their powers are usually only revealed in times of great peril.

In our community we have a man who has dedicated his life to preserving our river. Kemp Burdette is our riverkeeper—

you may have seen him on the national news confronting coal-ash dumping into the waterway. Or you might have followed his work after Hurricane Matthew, monitoring hog waste lagoons, and pushing for testing of the flood waters running into our waterways. In short he is exerting tremendous effort and strength because our river is in peril. But he can’t do it alone—and he doesn’t.

Winner of encore’s Best Of award for Best Environmental Group, Cape Fear River

4 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

Watch flourishes because of an incredible group of dedicated citizens who make real and lasting impacts with daily endeavors to protect our drinking water.

encore (e): Can you explain in plain language what the roll back of the Clean Water Rule over the last few weeks actually means? How will that impact us?

As a regular consumer of drinking water, I am endlessly curious about what the river watch is up to—and I’m immeasurably grateful for all their hard work. Burdette was kind enough to give encore an update about the work of river watch, our waterways and how everyone can take action.

KB: The executive order begins the process of reducing the number of waterways and wetlands that will be protected under the definition of a “Water of the US.” That means a greater potential for more pollution in our Cape Fear River, the drinking water

supply for one in five North Carolinians.

ing the same thing.

e: You said you just got back from the Waterkeeper Alliance board meeting in Alabama. Could you tell us a little about the national structure for the Waterkeeper Alliance and the meeting?

e: What daily actions can we take in our personal lives?

KB: The Waterkeeper Alliance is an international environmental advocacy organization. As the Cape Fear Riverkeeper, I am a member of the Alliance, supported by Cape Fear River Watch. There are over 300 waterkeepers worldwide on six continents, protecting local waterways. The Waterkeeper Alliance strengthens and grows that network of global clean-water activists.

The council is made up of waterkeepers elected by our peers to help lead the organization. I represent the 30 waterkeepers in the South Atlantic region. In Alabama, we discussed how we wanted the organization to grow, how waterkeepers in the US can respond to an increasingly hostile political and regulatory landscape, and a number of other issues. e: What changes do you see coming on a state level to environmental policy and protections?

KB: At the state level, I am optimistic environmental protection will improve. It certainly could get no worse than it was under the McCrory administration. Leadership at the NC Department of Environmental Quality has changed—and, thankfully, protecting the environment seems to be a priority again.

I am less optimistic about the NC General Assembly. So far the veto-proof Republican majority seems to be quite willing to sacrifice the environment as part of their probusiness, antiregulation platform. We will all suffer for this short-sighted approach. e: How is this better or worse for us? How does it compare with federal changes?

KB: I’m not sure if it is better or worse; we will have to wait and see. State environmental regulation by NCDEQ should improve, but I expect to see some pretty terrible laws come out of the general assembly. The EPA, the federal backstop for environmental regulations, will be weakened by the new administration. It will be interesting to see if NCDEQ can blunt any of that expected weakening. e: What can North Carolinians do with regards to our state government to improve protections for our waterways and drinking water?

KB: Voting, of course, is a big one. Being careful not to waste water means more water left in the river to support the ecosystem.

Our water footprint is tied to our carbon footprint. Saving energy saves water, too. Using renewable energy prevents so many impacts fossil fuels have on water quality. One other big thing deals with the way we eat.

There are more factory farms in the Cape Fear River Basin than any place on Earth.

These facilities have enormous impacts on our water quality. Giving up factory-farmed meat in favor of locally and sustainably raised meat is an easy way to protect drinking water. Reducing the amount of meat in a diet altogether can have positive impacts on the planet, health and wallet.

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e: Can you tell us a little bit about what is coming up for river watch and how people can get involved?

KB: We have a ton of activities folks can get involved in. We host free education seminars and a pancake breakfast [at our headquarters] on the first Saturday of every month, clean-ups on the second Saturday (next one is at Sturgeon Creek, Mar. 25), and paddles on the third Saturday. We are starting a Creek Watcher program—folks can sign up to care for a waterway they feel connected to and do some simple monitoring to help us better understand water quality here. We have special events like LakeFest, coming up on April 15th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., which is a fun family environmental education day at Greenfield Lake.

[River watch also has a summer camp to give children an opportunity to build a conscious relationship with our waterways.] e: What do you wish the public knew and understood about CFRW? KB: We try to be the voice of the river. We use science to push for common-sense policies that protect the one thing we all need to survive: clean water. But we can’t do it alone. We need the community to stand with us. Remember it’s your river!!

Want to adopt a creek that feeds into the river?

Well, CFRW has a program for that, KB: People need to demand our leaders protect the environment, locally and at too. Email Kay-Lynn Hernandez at kaythe state and federal levels. There is so lynn@cfrw.us for more info. much special-interest money in politics that This year they are the beneficiaries of elected officials can easily forget who they Forward Motion Dance Company’s “Arts represent if people don’t remind them. Be in Sensation” fundraiser at Thalian Hall. Sattouch with elected officials. Go to meetings.

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(1) The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in January granted IBM’s 2010 application for a patent on “out-of-office” email message software (even though such messages have, of course, been ubiquitous for two decades) after the company finally convinced examiners that its patent had enough software tweaks on it to qualify. (Critics, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, laughed at the uselessness of the tweaks.) (2) Also in January, the office granted Daniel Dopps a patent for “adhesive vaginal lipstick,” which his Mensez Technologies claims can cause the labia minora to tighten so strongly as to retain menstrual fluid until the woman can deal with buildup in privacy.

NEWS OF THE PRETENTIOUS

Why live with a cat if one cannot take it out for some wine together? The Apollo Peak in Denver and the Pet Winery in Fort Myers, Florida, serve a variety of the real grape to humans and nonalcoholic proprietary drinks for the kitties to enjoy tableside (or underneath). “Pinot Meow” ($12) in Denver and “Meow and Chandon” ($15) in Fort Myers, are specialties -- basically watered catnip, according to a February New York Times report (so the felines can also get buzzed). The wine outing is the human’s preference, of course, with a loftier cachet than the “happy hour” most cats might prefer (say, a “sardine bar”).

“I tried the $5,000 hamburger, and it was absolutely worth it,” wrote the ap-

parently straight-faced CNBC reviewer Robert Frank in February, describing his meal at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay restaurant Fleur. (The burger included Waygu beef, foie gras and truffles, and was served with a similarly inexplicably priced wine.) Other recent consumer challenges: an $18 cup of coffee at Brooklyn’s Extraction Lab; a $100 bottle of Norwegian iceberg water (Svalbardi. com); a $2,000 pizza at New York City’s Industry Kitchen (caviar, truffles, gold flakes); and a $25,000 taco at the Grand Velas Los Cabos resort in Mexico (caviar, brie, Kobe beef, langoustine lobster, rare tequila -- and once again with the gold flakes).

WAIT, WHAT?

Anglers fighting to preserve choice spots on the fishing pier on Sebastian Inlet, north of Vero Beach, Florida, have taken to tossing lead weights and other items at “competitors,” especially those who approach the pier to fish directly from their boats. Such territory marking by the “piersters” includes, according to a February report in Florida Today, perhaps a version of classic mammal behavior, like strategic urination and hurling their feces at the waterborne invaders.

GOVERNMENT IN ACTION

Illinois has problems: a $130 billion unfunded pension crisis, 19 months without a budget, the lowest credit rating and highest property taxes in the country, and the murder rate in Chicago. However, at least the state house of representatives is not standing by idly. In February, it moved to designate October 2017 as Zombie Preparedness Month (basically, adding “zombie invasion” to the list of mobilizations for any natural disaster and urging residents to stockpile food and supplies for up to 72 hours).

BRIGHT IDEAS

A councilman in Overtornea, Sweden, introduced a bill (a “motion”) that workers be given paid “sex breaks” during the business day in order to improve wellbeing and, thus, job performance. The primary beneficiaries would be married, fertile couples, but all workers would receive the benefit. And employers, said Councillor Per-Erik Muskos, would have to “trust” their employees because some surely would “cheat” (by not having sex!).

NEWS>>FEATURE

PRESSING THE ISSUES:

Connecting newsrooms to their communities

I

BY: MARK BASQUILL

Spectacles, snapshots and simple fearbased “us vs. them” stories get printed.

Over. And over.

t’s probably a good thing I can’t run for a What’s stopping us from doing better? while. Instead of running last Saturday, I sat in on a Free Movement Social Justice Several participants noted the eliminaworkshop, discussing the role of the press tion of the Fairness Doctrine as an obstain developing a healthy local community. cle. The Fairness Doctrine was introduced The press seems to be everyone’s favor- in 1949 and killed in 1987. Per Wikipedia, it ite Opposition Party. Hollywood producer, required holders of a “broadcast license to Breitbart News founder and presidential ad- both present controversial issues of public visor-in-chief Steve Bannon actually called importance and to do so in a manner that the press “the Opposition Party.” Republi- was—in the Commission’s view—honest, can Congressman Lamar Smith of Texas, equitable and balanced.” member of the Freedom of the Press CauIn my view, another contributor is a lost cus, figures it’s better to bypass the Fourth boundary between “communications” and Estate entirely. He said getting our news di- “journalism.” There are far too many “comrectly from the president “might be the only munications experts,” able to develop marway to get the unvarnished truth.” keting and messaging strategies to turn But this regime isn’t the only entity bashing the press. Lesser-known candidates and causes routinely call out corporate media for not covering what’s important to them. Since November’s election, lifelong liberals lament failings of the press to adequately cover the demise of democracy and rise of this regime.

Fiona Morgan of Free Press ably facilitated a complex conversation about the local press. Several people with diverse backgrounds and common goals of understanding how our local press might serve the community a little better shared observations and concerns. It was no gathering of highly paid outside activists. Each of us contribute to the emotional and economic health of our community—so we would really like to see it flourish.

Ms. Morgan asked where we get information about local issues. The Star News and local TV were the usual suspects for fear-based “if it bleeds, it leads” stories.

Bad things happen, but snapshot reporting of last night’s shooting that disappears as soon as the mugshot fades advances fear, not flourishing communities. Participants rely on select social media sites for some news and relevant happenings. NPR, specifically WHQR’s weekly Coastline program, was mentioned as a good source of information. Happily, one participant (not me) cited encore as a place she received information about events and issues of local interest.

Thank you, Wilmington, for voting Pine Valley Market Best Catering Services and Best Gourmet Store.

We are grateful for your ongoing support and recognition.

a profit for a brand. As well, there are far fewer investigative journalists listening to conversations their communities have.

After the workshop, I spoke with another member of the healthcare sector. She was confused how to improve the ability of the press to develop healthy communities. She wisely pointed out the “press is failing” is a lot—like in how they’re saying “the healthcare system is broken.” Healthcare and the press are complex, multilayered systems.

In one medical office, a doc might prescribe highly addictive substances that do more harm than good. A provider in the same office might be trying to get a different patient off the same drugs. Simultaneously, drug companies and other business interests are lobbying heavily to prevent any possible restrictions on physician’s prescribing their profit-generating product. There are pressures inside and outside the office impacting the health of the system. Similarly, reporters, newsrooms, TV stations, and such have pressures from inside and outside their offices, too.

Who knew healthcare could be so complicated? Who knew maintaining a free press could be so complicated? I mean, who knew? (Most of us, I hope.)

Ms. Morgan and Free Press appear to know. In April, as one part of a complex strategy to strengthen the press, they will be launching “News Voices: North Carolina” and engaging in conversations to connect newsrooms a little more closely to the During our spirited conversation, one civic life of communities. participant said when she contacted a reAnd, seriously, Rep. Smith, trust the porter about an event, she was told, “Sure, president for the “unvarnished truth?” Any I’d like to write about it. But you have to president? I’d sooner trust the fox to guard make a spectacle—we’ll cover that.” the chickens.

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ARTS>>MUSIC

DREAMING BIG:

Michaela and Annabelle Sanchez celebrate another album, ‘Afterthought’ BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

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here’s an infectious air about the Sanchez sisters, who make up the duo Entangled Dreams. Twins Michaela and Annabelle aren’t bubbly, really, but rather radiate joy as we sit outside on a chilly March afternoon. They giggle and smile, look back at each other as they recount their passions for music and their latest record, “Afterthought,” which was released in late February.

“We definitely always feed off of each other’s energy,” Michaela says. “Playing music has just come naturally to us our whole lives, and we fully trust each other.”

“We’re best friends,” Annabelle adds.

“We’re playing music together, and it’s great.”

The title “Afterthought” was inspired by the final track on the album “Quicksand.” The first and last of its lyrics announce, “It’s the afterthought that counts.” The symbolism is quite important to the twins and almost allencompassing of what they’d like to accomplish with the album.

“It’s just like, ‘What did you take from all of it?’” Michaela asks, rhetorically. “We want our music to comfort people and bring them joy—to have an impact on people. A lot of these songs are personal to us.”

“Michaela, can I tell her?” Annabelle turns and asks. “It’s always a great memory for me when she wrote this. She always writes differently—whether typing on her iPad or on paper. And it’s always something creative. . . . ‘Quicksand’ is mostly rap—spoken word, whatever you want to call it—and the words were going off to the side of the paper. I was watching her write it, and that’s when I wrote the guitar melody. . . . That was probably our biggest collaboration.”

“It’s kind of an angry song,” Michaela says with a laugh. “It was just me getting everything out onto paper. I didn’t know [if] it was going to be a song or a rap.”

Entangled Dreams can often be found at Waterline Brewing, A Tasting Room, Fermental, The Sour Barn and other Port City locales. However, it can be tricky for the two talents to broaden their reach as much as they’d like— especially since they just turned 16. “It gets pretty complicated,” Michaela admits.

“We never want people to look at us differently because of our age,” Annabelle says.

They’ve come to understand the technical issues they face with youth—such as not being able to play venues that have an age minimum of 18. Their mother-turned-band-manager, Amy, has to be available to take them for gigs until they get their licenses. It poses an image issue as well. For example, microaggressions from wellmeaning fans can be more demoralizing than supportive.

chaela was getting better with rapping, so we were like ‘Let’s try this’ and it worked.”

Early on the twins were introduced to ‘90s pop-rock, like Blink182, but they were also listening to a lot of Christian bands and rappers, along with Christina Perry. “[‘Jar of Hearts’] was one of the first songs I remember singing with Annabelle,” Michaela says. “We recorded it, and it was awful—but it was fun.”

“Someone in the audience will tell me, ‘They are phenomenal,’ or ‘They are so good,’” Amy explains. “‘How old are they?’ . . . Then it’s ‘Aw, they’re so good for their age.’”

The girls recently relocated to Wilmington after a stopover during their “In Color” (released in 2016) tour. They fell in love with the city and decided to move here that summer from their hometown in New Mexico. Yet, Michaela and Annabelle have been writing, singing and recording for almost half their lives already. They’ve essentially focused on music as their careers since they were 8 years old.

“We started putting up a capella songs [on YouTube] we composed between 9 and 13 [years old],” Michaela tells.

“We decided to homeschool before high school started,” Annabelle says.

They wanted more time to focus on their careers. Amy got on board mainly because she was amazed by her twins’ genuine ambition. “They were just very driven and very certain,” she recalls. “They were sure of themselves, and it’s really what brought them joy.”

The sisters first learned to play acoustic guitar at summer camp. They had a few official lessons while still living in Albuquerque, but have mostly taught themselves how to play—all while writing and recording songs.

Annabelle is now perfecting her skills on electric guitar while Michaela has picked up bass. “Afterthought,” which was recorded and produced with Jim Fox at Low Tide Studio, is a good representation of what Entangled Dreams would sound like with a full band.

“Jim really put a lot of other instrumentation in this,” Annabelle explains. “He added electric guitar. He did the drums and bass lines himself. . . . What I was so happy about

“I think that’s what really helped us come into all these different genres and mix them,” she adds.

IN SYNC: Sisters Michaela and Annabelle Sanchez are set to perform their latest release this Saturday at The Sour Barn. Photo by M. Jaret Sears.

when we started working with Jim was he could really add more of an alternativerock element with the drums.”

Their work now has grown from folk, pop and indie sounds to alt-pop. “So Here I Write” opens the record. It centers on how writing often helps individuals express themselves, and the musicians reflect upon the idea of how music can be an outlet for anyone. They want the song and album to bring comfort, reflection and meaning to its listeners.

“Music gives us purpose,” Michaela says. “Writing and creating helps through everything. . . . Without the people, without the audience, to me, means a lot less.

Sharing [our music] is really important.”

“If I was born with any kind of talent, I want to use it for something good,” Annabelle states—“to reach people.”

Lately, the two find themselves working more and more together, giving critiques and making each song a collaborative effort. “[Annabelle] tends to write longer songs than I do,” Michaela tells. “So, for example, we shortened ‘Darling.’”

“I don’t write as often as Michaela,” Annabelle admits. “So when I write, I write a lot. . . . There was this part in a song that, if I took it out, the other parts wouldn’t make any sense. That was when Mi-

Inspired by the likes of another popular duo, 21 Pilots, Michaela and Annabelle also seek local and regional inspiration, as heard from Paleo Sun and Kyle Lindley. They agree they couldn’t have asked for a better community of musicians and bands to grow into—namely, Striking Copper and the David Dixon Trio, for whom they’ve opened.

“There’s a lot of talent here,” Michaela states.

“They’ve never treated us like their competition,” Annabelle continues, “more like their companions in the live music scene.”

While they gear up to celebrate the record release, they’ve already written a halfdozen songs for the next recording project.

They want to organize another tour and keep working to play bigger stages. It starts with finding reputable record labels and management.

“We’ve always thought big and dreamed big,” Annabelle says. “We encourage others to do the very same.”

Entangled Dreams will return to one of their most frequent haunts, The Sour Barn, to celebrate “Afterthought” with a free show on March 25. Kyle Lindley and Jim Fox will open starting at 6:30 p.m. Port City Que food truck will serve grub throughout the festivities and merch giveaways. The twins will be filming the show for their next music video, too.

DETAILS:

Entangled Dreams Release Party Saturday, March 25, 6:30 p.m.

The Sour Barn • 7211 Market St. Free www.entangleddreamsmusic.com

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 9

ARTS>>MUSIC

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER:

The Nile Project explores cultural and global issues about water quality and resources

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BY: KYLE MAPLES

he Nile Project was born in a bar in Oakland, California. Ethnomusicologist Mina Girgis sat with his friend, singer Meklit Hadero, to discuss the differences between music born in their two countries. Girgis grew up in Egypt, Hadero in Ethiopia. While both countries reside in the Nile Basin, cultural barriers restrict collaboration between the two.

The Nile River frequently divides rather than promotes cross-cultural interaction.

Long and thin, the river stretches 4,258 miles through 11 countries. Approximately 437 million people rely on the waterway for electricity, irrigation, drinking water, and transportation, among other resources.

Because of the Nile’s limited water supply, conflicts often arise between communities attempting to dictate its usage.

In 2013 Ethiopia began construction on the Grand Renaissance Dam, Africa’s biggest hydroelectric plant. The dam’s reservoir would be capable of holding the Blue Nile’s entire volume of water. Egypt—a desert country heavily dependent on the Nile for water—feared losing precious water supplies and threatened military action.

It took until March 2015 for the countries to sign a declaration allowing the construction.

Through the Nile conflicts, Girgis saw an opportunity for music to unite its citizens in search of cooperative solutions.

“I thought this music could really help give people from these countries a platform for dialogue,” Girgis say. “[We could] use the music to inspire building trust and having more conversation around water issues.”

Since its inception in 2011, The Nile Proj-

ect has toured the world, performed concerts and organized workshops about water issues. They released their first album, “Aswan,” to critical acclaim in 2013 and their second album, “Jinja,” in January.

The beginning of Girgis’ journey toward actualizing the project wasn’t easy. While many music experts understand parts of the Nile Basin, few have dedicated time to understanding the region as a whole. Girgis embarked on extensive research of its countries in order to grasp their unique musical traditions. He eventually traveled to each area to scout musicians. Though the process was arduous, it wasn’t hard to inspire them to join.

“There was a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm,” Girgis says, “and we realized from there the Nile is a really deep identity marker for a lot of people. You talk to an Egyptian, a Sudanese, a Ugandan, or anyone from other countries and feel they are equally connected to the river—it’s meaningful to all of them.”

Two Nile Project musicians—Kasiva Mutua, a Kenyan percussionist, and Steven Sogo, a Burundian multi-instrumentalist— say the experience of collaborating with other cultures has helped them grow. Mutua grew up in a culture dominated by male drummers.

Her grandmother first inspired her interest in sound and rhythm through storytelling.

When Mutua heard a female drummer perform at her school, she knew she wanted to play. She worked hard to overcome gender roles and skepticism from her male peers, and she is now considered one of Kenya’s top percussionists. She was insecure about how the other musicians would respond to a female percussionist in the Nile Project, but her fears quickly dissipated.

Please join us in honoring this year’s nominees! thursday may 4th

wilmington convention center

tickets: $65 per person

social hour begins at 5 pm, ceremony begins at 6 pm

presented by:

Tanzania, and Uganda to bring together students to tackle Nile sustainability problems. It will now host and sponsor events in Wilmington from March 24 through the 29: concerts, workshops, lectures, panel discussions, and more. It all starts at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium on Saturday, March 25.

Girgis and The Nile Project aim to spark discussion and contemplation about water issues, both in the Nile Basin and the Cape Fear area. They will feature musicians from multiple Nile Basin countries performing music sung in 10 different languages. The next day Cameron Art Museum will host The Nile Project Community Day so visitors can watch mini-concerts, participate in dance and music workshops with performers, and partake in discussions about water resource management locally and globally.

Tickets now available online at ywca-lowercapefear.org or call

910.799.6820 to reserve your seat!

CULTURALLY AND MORALLY ALIGNED: The Nile Project looks to connect disparate cultures and bring to light issues of water resources to communities across the world. Photo by Habi Girgis

“I was received with open arms,” Mutua says, “and that made me very comfortable The Nile Project has been an encouraging platform, rather than being beaten to the ground and told you cannot be a percussionist because you’re female.”

Sogo, too, found an inclusive and inspiring community. He started playing music at age 14—first on guitar, then on bass. Later as a teen, he explored traditional instruments through the music of Burundi. Sogo now plays ikembe, among other instruments. On ikembe he plucks tuned metal strips, or lamellas, to create sound. When collaborating with musicians of other cultures, he noted the difficulty of adjusting to foreign scales and rhythms, but he was grateful for the knowledge and opportunity to expand his musical and cultural understanding.

“It’s a great idea, and I think it inspires a lot of thinking,” Sogo affirms. “When you go deep, and you think about the future, in 50 or 60 years—when you open your mind in that way—you start understanding change needs to start now.”

Since last year, the project partnered with six universities in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya,

10 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

On Monday Girgis joins research professors and educators of UNCW’s Center for Marine Science to examine how science and community pertain to Cape Fear’s water-quality-related issues. On Wednesday they wrap up the week with a sunset river tour, in partnership with Wilmington Water Tours. It features discussions with local historians about the history and ecology of the Cape Fear, as well as live performances by the project’s musicians.

“We feel the Nile creates a lot of cultural imagination,” Girgis says, “and many people wouldn’t really think about their local watersheds if it wasn’t for something so ambitious that came to their doorstep. . . .What’s going on in their own backyard? How can they relate whatever conversation we’re having about East Africa to what’s happening in their own county or state?”

On Tuesday, March 28, in Kenan Auditorium, they will hold a discussion on traditional leadership roles females have played in the Nile. They also will explore different traditions of Zar, a female-centric trance ritual.

A full schedule and tickets to the main concert are available at UNCW’s website.

DETAILS:

The Nile Project

March 24-29 UNCW - various locations 601 S. College Rd. Tickets: $20-$50 www.nileproject.org uncw.edu/presents/nile_project.html

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

THE SOUNDBOARD

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

WEDNESDAY

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

Thursday www.RuckerJohns.com $ 50 2 Red Stripe for Bottles daily specials, music and 2 Fat Tire Bottles $ 50 2 Fat Tire Bottles upcoming events $ 00 3 22oz. Goose Island IPA $ 95 FRIDAY 4 Irish Coffee 5564 Carolina $ 50 Cosmos $4, 007 Beach 3 1/2 off ALL Premium Road $ Red Wine Glasses Guinness Cans 3 $ 50

(910)-452-1212

Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 Select Domestic Bottles $2 SUNDAY Wrightsville Beach, NC Bloody Marys $4, Domestic $ 50 Pints 1 Hurricanes $5

LIVE MUSIC

5564 Carolina Beach Road, (910) 452-1212

FRI MAR 24 L Shape Lot

Acoustic Mix 7pm - 10pm

SAT MAR 25 Mike O’Donnell

Dance & Classic 7pm - 10pm

FRI MAR 31 Ben & Heather Eclectic Mix 7pm - 10pm

1706 North Lumina Ave. • (910) 256-2231

WELCOME BACK: The Kennedys will return to Wilmington for an intimate performance at Ted’s Fun on the River this Saturday, March 25. Tockets are $15. Photo by Kim Nicholais

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

Ephemeral (9pm; Donations; Groove/Post-Rock)

Open Mic Comedy (7pm; Cover TBD)

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

Spring Fever 2017 (9pm; Cover TBD; Multiple Bands)

Lil Wyte (8pm; $15; Rapper)

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

Dirty Reggae Punx (8pm; $10)

—Reggies 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S.42nd St.

HOW TO SUBMIT A LISTING:

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Corey Hunt Band (6pm; Free, Southern Folk, Rock)

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St. —The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910 762-2091

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Entertainment (9:30pm; Free) —Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

—Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

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.

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS (as little as $29 a week!)

Call 791-0688 Deadline every Thurs., noon!

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 11

Firedrums Fire Dancers/Cirque Artists/Drum (7:30pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St; 910-763-2223

Nicole Thompson (7pm; $3; Classical, Jazz) —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.; 910-231-3379

The Ladies Room: Femme Force Five (8pm; $10$15. $10; Sketch Comedy) —DREAMS Center for the Arts - Garage, 901 Fanning St. $2.50 Budweiser Draft $4 Wells 65 Wings, 4-7pm

FEATURE FEATURE YOUR LIVE YOUR MUSIC LIVE& FOOD DRINK MUSIC, SPECIALS

FOOD & DRINK Call SPECIALS 791-

(as little as $29 a week!)

Call

noon!

791-0688

$5 Mimosas $5 Car Bombs

$2.75 Yuengling Draft $2.75 Domestic Bottles 65 Wings, 4-7pm

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

Piano Jazz with James Jarvis (7pm; Free)

Port City Trio (7pm; $3; Jazz)

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

The Kennedys (7:30pm; $20-$24; Folk)

—Brunswick Community College Odell Auditorium Building, 2050 Enterprise Dr. NE

9PM-2AM • $400 GUINNESS

TRIVIA WITH STEVE

Masonboro Sound (8pm; Free; Americana)

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

—Old Books on Front St., 249 N. Front St.; 910-76-BOOKS

Sunday Brunch with Live Music (10:30am; $18) —Blockade Runner Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd.

Girls Choir of Wilmington 20th Season Spring Gala (5pm; $40) —Watermark Marina, 4114 River Rd.

Sunday Dj Pop-up Electrolounge (7pm; Free)

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

The Ladies Room: Femme Force Five (8pm; $10$15. $10; Sketch Comedy)

KARAOKE w/Elite Entertainment

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

4 Piece Supreme (10pm; Cover TBD)

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

Wednesday _____________________________________

—Fermental, 7250 Market St.; 910-821-0362

Music At First (5pm; Free)

Lachlan Patterson (7pm, 9:30pm; $18; Comedy)

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

Soul-R Fusion (2pm; Free)

—Reggies 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.; 910-799-6465

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

—DREAMS Center for the Arts - Garage, 901 Fanning St. —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

—First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. 3rd St. —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

Open Mic (7pm; Free; All Genres) —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

Show Tune Sing-A-Long (9pm; Free)

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

Travis Shallow (10:30pm; Free; Americana) —Duck n Dive, 114 Dock St.

MONDAY, MARCH 27 Gypsy Open Mic (8pm; Free)

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

Ladies’ Night ft. All-Female Entertainment (9pm; Free) —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

Friday & Saturday __________________________

Liquid Culture, DJs, Circus Artists (8pm; Free)

Comedy Bingo (7pm; Cover TBD)

2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

A Bottle Volcanic, The Male Men, wolves & wolves & wolves & wolves (8pm; Cover TBD)

Tues Night Contra Dance/Cape Fear Contra Dancers (7:30 pm; $5)

LIVE MUSIC $ 00

Sunday

___________________________________________

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

WATCH YOUR FAVORITE TEAM HERE!

0688

every Thurs.,

$3.50 Pint of the Day $4 Fire Ball

$3.50 Sweetwaters $4.50 Absolute Lemonade 65 Wings, 4-7pm

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832

(as little as $29 a week!)

Deadline

$3.50 Sweet Josie $4 Margaritas

Slomo Dingo, Hail Action! and more (8pm; $5; Punk, Rock)

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard 7 days a week

MONDAY S.I.N. NIGHT $2 Domestics • $3 All Drafts • $4 Flavored Bombs NEW BELGIUM TUESDAY $3 Ranger IPA & Fat Tire WINE & WELL WEDNESDAY 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine • $2.75 Miller Lite $4 Well Drinks THIRSTY THURSDAY $2.50 PBR 16oz cans $3.50 Sam Adams Seasonal & Hoppyum Pints $5 Redbull & Vodka FRIDAY $2.75 Michelob Ultra • $3.25 Stella $4.50 Lunazul Tequila Shots SATURDAY $2.75 Carolina Blonde & Carolina Strawberry • Reel Cafe Rooftop Concert Series • Brunch from 11am - 2pm SUNDAY $3 Corona/Corona Light • $4 Bloody Mary or Mimosa $5 Lunazul Margaritas • Brunch from 11am - 2pm

—Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

—Reggies 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.; 910-799-6465

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Cuzfest IV (5:00pm; $6)

—Reggies 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 S. 42nd St.; 910-799-6465

After-Dinner Jazz Piano (6pm; Free)

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.; 910-762-2091

Entangled Dreams (6:30 pm; Free; Pop, Rock, Rap) —The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

Lachlan Patterson (7pm, 9:30pm; $18; Comedy) —Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

The Kennedys (7pm; $15; Folk)

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

Cape Fear Blues Jam (8pm; Free) —Rusty Nail, 1310 S 5th Ave.

College Night Karaoke (9pm; Free)

—Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess St.; 910-362-9666

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

Burlesque Show: Twirly Whirly Burly-Q (7pm; $10) —Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.; 910-763-2223

James Jarvis (7pm; Free; Jazz Piano)

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

The Singing Butcher (6pm; Free) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

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

Jason Isbell + Hiss Golden Messenger (6:30pm; $49.50; Americana, Rock)

The Ladies Room: Femme Force Five (8pm; $10$15. $10; Sketch Comedy)

Open Mic Comedy (7pm; Cover TBD)

—DREAMS Center for the Arts - Garage, 901 Fanning St.

Massive Grass (8pm; Free; Bluegrass, Americana) —Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

Shun The Raven and more (9pm; Cover TBD; Rock) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

12 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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

—Cape Fear Stage, 703 N. 3rd St.;

—Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front Street;

Trivia Night w/Party Gras Entertainment (9:30pm; Free) —Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.; 910-509-0805

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS

UPCOMING EVENTS HIP-HOP BEAT: See Blackalicious at Motorco Music Hall in Durham on March 25. Photo by Tom Dorgan.

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE NORTH DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 3/22: Reverend Horton Heat and more 3/24: Travers Brothership 3/29: Can’t Swim, Light Years and more 3/30: John 5 & The Creatures 3/31: Runaway Gin 4/1: The Travelin’ McCrourys and The Jeff Austin Band THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 3/22: Simple Plan and more 3/23: Blue October 3/24: The Lox 3/25: Grits and Bicuits 3/26: Matisyahu 3/30: The Flaming Lips 3/31: The Dan Band 4/1: Thursday MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE., DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 3/23: Leyla McCalla 3/24: Vacay Well$, Ace Henderson and more 3/25: Blackalicious 3/26: Loudon Wainwright 3/30: Los Redd and Acoustic Guys 4/6: Dr. Bacon, Freeway Revival and more DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 VIVIAN ST. DURHAM, NC (919) 688-3722 3/23: Celtic Woman 3/28: Steve Miller Band 4/1: Earth, Wind and Fire

PNC ARENA 1400 EDWARDS MILL RD. RALEIGH, NC (919) 861-2300 3/24: Mike Epps, Bruce Bruce and more 4/15: Red Hot Chili Peppers LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 3/22: Rising Appalachia 3/23: Hippie Sabotage, Kur and Mt. Crushmore 3/24: Rev Horton Heat, Unknown Hinson and more 3/25: Whiskey Myers and The Steel Woods 3/26: LOX and Uncle Murda 3/29: Blue October and Matthew Mayfield 3/30: The Travelin’ McCourys and The Jeff Austin Band 4/1: Runaway Gin CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 3/22: The Japanese House and Blaise Moore (Back) 3/23: Sohn and William Doyle 3/23: Saba, Sylvan Lacue and more (Back) 3/24: JOHNNYSWIM 3/24: The Faux Hawks and more (Back) 3/25: Hippo Campus and Magic City Hippies 3/25: Laura Reed, Rebekah Todd and more (Back) 3/28: The Menzingers, Jeff Rosenstock and Rozwell Kid 3/29: Cherry Glazerr and more (Back) 3/29: Corey Smith and Jacob Powell 3/30: The Suitcase Junket and Dupont Brothers (Back) 3/31: Transportation, Bat Fangs and Sunnyslopes (Back) THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 3/22: Local Natives and Little Scream 3/23: Jeff Santiago & Los Gatos,The Great American 3/24: Hippie Sabotage and Kur

MAR. 25 REVEREND HORTON HEAT MAR. 31 ASG APR. 8

SAT. MARCH 25 REVEREND HORTON HEAT

COREY SMITH

APR. 25 DOPAPOD APR. 26 JAMESTOWN REVIVAL APR. 29 PARMELE MAY 4

ANDERSON EAST

MAY 9

COIN

SAT. MARCH 31 ASG

MAY 27 HINDER NONPOINT JUN 1

DELTA RAE

JUN 4

CONOR OBERST

SAT. APRIL 8 COREY SMITH

208 Market Street • (910) 782-8939 www.thronetheater.com encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 13

ARTS>>ART

BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUM: STOMP heads to CFCC’s Wilson Center for US tour

N

BY: EMILY TRUSS

ot many people would consider a trash can, broom or matchbox to be anything more than mundane household objects, much less musical instruments. However, for unique performance group STOMP, that’s exactly what they are.

Created in England by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, the one-of-a-kind theatrical experience makes its way to the Port City for the first time on March 22 at Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center.

“STOMP is unlike any other theatrical show in the world,” says STOMP performer Jeremy Price. “It’s a little more punk rock than typical theatre.”

After it first premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland in 1991, STOMP continued to wow audiences for the next several years in Hong Kong, Barcelona, Dublin, Sydney, and London. The group

made their debut in the US in 1994 at the Orpheum Theatre in New York City after being featured on “Good Morning America.” STOMP still continues to perform in NYC daily. The Big Apple even commemorated the group’s 10th anniversary by renaming Second Avenue at 8th Street “STOMP Avenue.” One of its greatest achievements, however, is giving talented, offbeat artists an outlet for channeling their creativity.

member who’s performed with nearly all of STOMP’s casts, Price says all these qualities are necessary for a successful member.

“You have to be able to understand and embody rhythm, with a certain amount of charisma, personality, and definitely the ability to relate to other cast members on stage, which is where the theatrics come into play.” Price explains. “It’s some blend of those things, and their confidence in you that you can learn and be a productive member of the show.”

“I feel very fortunate I’ve gotten to experience STOMP,” Price says. “When I first auditioned, I was trying to find my way in the world of entertainment. It really opened my mind, and I’ve learned a whole lot about acting and relationships.”

Born and raised in Roanoke, VA, Price started out as a break dancer, through which he found his love for drumming. After immersing himself in the world of music, he began performing with local bands and taking private music lessons. His talKEEP THE BEAT: Offbeat percussion troupe, STOMP, heads to CFCC’s Wilson Center for a two-night run in downtown ILM. Photo by Steve McNicholas.

ent for drumming would be a great addition to the performance group dedicated to turning regular objects into full-on percussion instruments. When Price got the chance to witness STOMP for himself, he knew he had to be a part of it.

“I saw the show in 1999 or 2000,” Price says. “I kept my eye out for auditions. Once I found one in my area I went, and that’s how I got the job.”

STOMP has four casts in total. There are two casts performing daily: one in London and one in New York. They typically do about eight shows per week. There also are two touring casts on the road for about half of the year. One tours throughout Europe, while the other tours throughout the US. Contrary to many music auditions, prospective STOMP members don’t just have one shot onstage to prove their talents. Instead, everyone participates in a workshop.

“A lot of people don’t fully understand what STOMP is all about at first,” Price explains. “It’s not something that people just do naturally; it’s its own entity.”

Price notes a cast member must be “comedically inclined,” too, as they use their bodies to create the overall effect of the show, just as much as their unconventional instruments. This requires cast members to stay physically fit, and be able to adapt to any new elements of the show. The latest addition to their cache of props are shopping carts and giant innertube tires used for trucks. Luckily, with the amount of rehearsing and performing the group does, staying in shape really isn’t an issue.

“We’re onstage for at least a half-hour to an hour before we perform each time,” Price says. “We warm up, do our sound checks, and the crew prepares the stage for us. We actually rehearse every day.”

The overall layout of the show, about 25 percent, is improvised. Every cast member gets a solo moment at one point or another, to exercise full creative control. “It’s one of the most beautiful parts of this show,” Price states. “The way you bring yourself to the character is very much a part of you. It’s not scripted.”

To witness STOMP’s debut in the Port City, head to Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center on Wednesday, Mar. 22, or Thursday, Mar. 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets and more event details, visit www.cfcc.edu/capefearstage/stomp.

DETAILS: STOMP

March 22-23, 7:30 p.m.

CFCC Wilson Center 703 N. 3rd St. During the week-long workshop, per- Tickets: $39-$75 formers are evaluated on their charisma, rhythm, personality, and ability to learn. As a www.cfcc.edu/capefearstage/stomp 14 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

WHAT’S HANGING AROUND THE PORT CITY

GALLERYGUIDE ARTEXPOSURE!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 • (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com ArtExposure will be offering classes in watercolor, basics of acrylic, and beginning drawing. Classes in hand-building with clay can be scheduled at your convenience at ArtExposure as well as “Paint by Wine” classes for groups.

Call us at 910-803-0302 to schedule or if you have questions. Current classes are listed on our website.

We have a studio available for rent at this time. You can get more information about becoming a member and renting studio space on the website. Go to the Call for Entries page.

There is also an opportunity to enter our annual “Artist’s Choice” Invitational. It is open to all NC artists, 18 years and above. Download the entry form from that page for information.

ART IN BLOOM

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, 19thcentury horse stable and exhibits original art by a diverse group of global and local artists.

Events in March and April include gallery talks by featured artists. Carole Osman will speak about her pastels, oil, and acrylic paintings on Sunday, March 26th, 2-4PM. Mark Gansor will demonstrate his textured acrylic painting and speak about his art on Sunday, April 2nd, 2-4PM. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free and open to the public. “Catching the Spirit: Images by Mark Gansor and Carole Osman” continues through April 7th. Join us for an art opening and reception for “Sibs: New Art by Michael Van Hout and Brooks Koff” (brother and sister), Friday, April 21st, 6-9pm.

The exhibit continues through May 27th with tiewire sculpture, wood block carving, and mixed media by Michael and mosaic stained glass by Brooks.

CRESCENT MOON ART AND STYLE

24 N. Front St. • (910) 762-4207 Mon.-Wed., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thurs. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sun.., noon - 6 p.m. • Call for appointment!

As a longtime leader in local art curation, Crescent Moon strives to be an ambassador for their artists and to make their customers art collecting, decorating and gift-giving experience an easy one. With an unparalleled selection of individually chosen pieces and an expanded showroom with stunning collections from both new and returning artists, Crescent Moon has something for everyone.

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.

EXPO 216

216 N. Front St, Wilmington, NC (910) 769-3899 Wed. – Sun., Noon – 6 PM www.expo216.com A “gallerium,” Expo 216 is part gallery and part museum. Incorporating 5,000 square feet over two floors of a renovation in historic downtown, Expo 216 features thought-provoking art and fashions. Its one-year expositions are themedriven with the inaugural theme, Ocean Plastic, running until mid 2017. Visitors may experience CSI: Albatross (interactive crime solving), Fashion in Plastic ( nine stunning fashion creations crafted by local designers), The Plastic Age (an insightful history of plastic), What Goes Around, Comes Around (Kanagawa Waves by Bonnie Monteleone), and more. Expo 216 is a supporter of the Wilmington music scene and provides live music during the Fourth Friday Gallery Nights.

Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. The current show will enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry. “Morning Has Broken” features works

by Janet Parker. Come see Janet’s bold use of color and texture to reveal local marsh creeks and structures.

SUNSET RIVER MARKETPLACE

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 • Mon.- Sat. 10am - 5pm www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com Sunset River Marketplace showcases work by approximately 150 North and South Carolina artists, and houses some 10,000 square feet of oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, mixed media, art glass, fabric art, pottery, sculpture, turned and carved wood and artisan-created jewelry. There are two onsite kilns and four wheels used by students in the ongoing pottery classes offered by the gallery. A custom framing department is available. There are realistic and abstract art classes as well as workshops by nationally and regionally known artists. For more information, call 910.575.5999 or visit the

website at www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com.

Upcoming Coffee with the Authors: May 11, Curtis J. James’international thriller, “High Hand.”

CFCC WILMA W. DANIELS GALLERY

200 Hanover St. (bottom level, parking deck) Mon.-Fri., noon-5pm http://cfcc.edu/blogs/wilmagallery CFCC’s Wilma W. Daniels Gallery is pleased to present “Girls Thriving: The Homes of Hope Story in India,” a photo exhibit by Arrow Ros runs through Mar. 24, with receptions on Mar. 24, 6-9 p.m. Exhibit documents the struggle by girls in Northeast India to escape poverty through education and training. Originally from Denmark, Ross has documented social conditions around the world and is a pillar of the Wilmington arts community, best known for his fine art photography and documentation of the No Boundaries Art Colony on Bald Head Island.

Free and open to the public. More info? Contact Ashly Farley at adfarley125@mail.cfcc.edu.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) www.newelementsgallery.com Located in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, New Elements Gallery has been offering the best of regional and national fine art and craft since 1985. “Menagerie “opens on Fourth Friday, March 24, with a celebratory reception from 6-9 p.m. This exhibit features new work from well-known illustrator Mark Weber.

Weber creates curious worlds bursting with lively characters and droll wit.

We are excited to host our grand re-opening in conjunction with the opening reception for Menagerie. Rhonda Bellamy, Executive Director of The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, will preside over our ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 24.

Menagerie will remain on view until April 21.

RIVER TO SEA GALLERY

225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (free parking) • (910) 763-3380 Tues.- Sat. 11am - 5pm; Sun. 1- 4pm River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 15

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3030 MARKET STREET, WILMINGTON 28403 (910) 815-0907 THREECOTTAGES.COM encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 17

ARTS>>THEATRE

PUNCHY RELEVANCE:

‘Heathers the Musical’ takes serious material to heightened levels of hilarity

BY: SHEA CARVER

“T end.

his is excellent!” noted one of the fellas I was sitting beside at “Heathers the Musical” last week-

He was right.

“Have you ever seen the movie?” I asked.

“No,” he replied.

“Well, this is better. It has more camp. It’s like it evolved into a raunchy John Waters production—almost.”

Quite frankly, that conversation should be enough to get everyone off their tuchus and into Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre this weekend or next to catch Panache Theatrical Productions’ “Heathers the Musical.” Theatre-goers who are familiar with the edge and zeal of shows that City Stage used to produce (“Reefer Madness,” “Pot Mom,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Avenue Q”) will find something comparably cheeky to wet their whistle.

Based on the 1989 cult film—perhaps the first of the mean-girls flicks to gain a loyal following, despite its bust at the box office— “Heathers” is about three of the most popular girls at Ohio’s Westerburg High. They’re all named Heather, and they belittle yet somehow beguile in their perfectly put-together pomp and snark. They take outcast Veronica Sawyer under their wing, thanks to her righteous ability to forge handwriting on a hall pass. Problem is: Veronica’s actually a decent human, who doesn’t want to be a part of the social hierarchy that high school mandates. However, she is pressured by “fitting in” just as much as the next outlier. And so she goes along with some of the awful antics the Heathers play—including a cruel setup on Veronica’s childhood, overweight friend, Martha Dunnstock (who the Heathers nickname “Dumptruck”).

Then comes along the school’s bad boy in black, JD, with whom Veronica falls in love. A rebel who has a penchant for quoting Baudelaire, he tricks his girlfriend into a grandiose plan to eliminate the popular bullies in school who do nothing but weigh down society with mean mediocrity and stupidity. And so an underhanded killing spree begins, masked to look like an epidemic of suicides. It sends the community into a tailspin of horror—and also a touch of national notoriety, as the teachers and students sen-

sationalize the horrific happenings on news channels.

It’s hard to take a beloved movie about teen angst and do it justice on a small stage. More so, to do it as a musical seems an even greater challenge. But in the case of “Heathers,” it’s a perfect fit. The writers of the book, music and lyrics—Laurence O’Keefe (“Legally Blonde: The Musical”) and Kevin Murphy (“Reefer Madness”)—clearly understand how injecting camp into a story of this nature also impacts its message.

Somehow, bullying is a topic we’ve become desensitized to in this day and age, perhaps even more so with our current POTUS and his administration constantly marginalizing groups of minorities. To be able to tackle the message with an over-thetop, off-kilter approach, as heard in songs like “My Dead Gay Son,” lifts an attempt at proselytization with a substitution of humor.

Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, sure; yet, it’s so overblown, it’s impossible not to laugh.

We know cackling about suicide is no joke, nor is being rejected by your parents for being gay. However, extremes are at work in the musical that make it approachable in its irony—despite guiltmares it may induce.

Speaking of guiltmares, Hunter Wyatt as Veronica Sawyer carries hers like she’s wearing her heart on her book sleeve: It’s noticeable to anyone who attempts to read.

Or anyone who can see ghosts, including those who follow her around and haunt her conscience for homicide. Having to follow the movie’s famed Winona Ryder in the role would be intimidating for any actress. Wyatt owns it with her own quirk. She also comes across as more empathetic than the onscreen version—something needed of the role to make her plight believable between wanting to fit in and wanting to be kind.

Wyatt’s voice is powerful, as heard in “Prom or Hell” and “Seventeen.” Sometimes it overshadows those with whom she sings, except with Ty Myatt who plays her psychopathic love interest, JD. Myatt and Wyatt counter balance each other’s power in “Pain in My Path” and “Dead Girl Walking”—the latter of which is a standout salacious scene about losing one’s virginity. Myatt’s JD has less of an everyday chum vibe, as Christian Slater’s character elicited in the movie. I like Myatt’s version better. It’s one of the problems I had with the movie to begin with: I never believed Slater to be inherently corrupt. I believe Myatt completely. He has a rigidity to his stance and cold demeanor to

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his interpersonal connections that at closer inspection feel vacant—something pyschopaths need to go to the extreme. “Freeze Your Brain” is Myatt’s best song—a great metaphor between fighting change and accepting consistent letdowns, even if slurped through a frozen drink at the 7-11.

The Heathers are so exceptional, especially the leader of the pack, Heather Chandler, as played by Alexa Knippenberg. Every eyeroll and hair flip she gives comes packed with intent to intimidate.

“Candy Store” is the popular, privileged girl’s anthem. Its lyrics pang the gut’s visceral reaction to laugh: “Drinkin’ hard / Maxin’ Dad’s credit card / I like! Skippin’ gym / Scaring her / Screwing him.”

Marie Long as Heather Duke nails the resting bitch face to no avail; she’s second in command and doesn’t like it. Long punctuates the air with a rabid desire to take the lead, even in her “woman of few words” demeanor. I loved watching her reactions to everything going on around her onstage. It said as much as those talking in the spotlight.

Kire Stenson as Heather McNamara would be the “nicest” of all the Heathers.

Though she’ll trade in her date rape for another’s in a heartbeat, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t understand human decency on some level. Stenson brings a softness to the character to pillow the hard-nosed indifference swirling about.

Such apathy comes most heavily from my favorite duo of the show: the jocks, Kurt Kelly (Joe Basquill) and Mathis Turner (Ram Sweeney). I could watch these characters always. Every one of Basquill and Turners’ interactions left my cheeks in pain from laughter—the kind that had drool falling from my mouth because I could barely catch my breath or contain myself. They perfectly capture dopes in letter jackets. Every vulgar statement and grotesque suggestion or asinine comment is filled with an attempt to insult. But, honestly, they’re such dumbdumbs, it would feel even more insulting to allow their idiocy malice. Instead, laughing back at them is more appropriate. Anyone who doesn’t find a scream of a good time in, “Blue” seriously has no sense of humor.

While the lyrics are pretty basic in the song, the physical comedy from Basquill and Turner nail hormonal rage. By far, it’s the best performance of the night.

The music in the show is astounding. Panache put Adrian Varnam in charge of the

six-piece band, including Denice Hopper and Julia Ross on piano, Dan Gaudinier on guitar, Derek Lane on bass, Benjamin Baldwin on drums, and Varnam on violin. They carry multiple genres, though it’s primarily a rock musical. I especially love some of the clear ‘80s pop elements as heard in “Big Fun,” which seems eerily parallel to Peter Gabriel’s “Big Time.” Honestly, though, the opening lyrics—“freak, slut, burnout, poser, bug eyes, lard ass”—of the first song, “It’s Been Three Weeks,” will grasp the audience’s attention immediately. The funniest moments happen in the lyrics, with oneliners and zingers that really hit the mark.

The costuming of the show, from the monochromatic skirts, blazers and tops of the Heathers, to the puff paint shirt of Martha, solidify the era. The bare set, utilized by lit cubes easily maneuvered around the small space and punctuated by onscreen images, work to the advantage of the frantic energy often exposed from the characters.

It makes the audience focus on their interactions, their words and their inner voices.

It’s powerful, even poignant, despite being entrenched in amusement. Considering the original screenplay was written before Columbine, social media and cell phones, it feels even more relevant today rather than dated. But the reality of a show about teenage bullying is it resonates no matter time or place.

“I wonder if high-school students watching this now feel any discomfort,” I mused, noting various outlets of teasing they have to contend with—not just face-to-face in the school cafeteria.

“Well, I feel uncomfortable watching some of it,” he responded with a laugh. “As if I am reliving my own high-school years—and I’m 50 years out of high school. But this is excellent.”

DETAILS:

Heathers the Musical

Mar. 23-26, 30-Apr. 2, 8 p.m. or Sun., 3 p.m.

Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. Tickets: $20-$25 www.thalinhall.org

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 19

REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

ALL HAIL THE KING OF KONGS:

films this week CINEMATIQUE

2017 continues its streak of great flicks with ‘Kong: Skull Island’

Thalian Hall • 310 Chestnut St. $7, 7pm • www.thalianhall.org

March 22 (also playing March 22 at 4 p.m.): “The Salesman” is playing in Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre and is about a young Iranian couple forced to leave their apartment due to a dangerous construction project in a neighboring building. The couple moves to the center of Tehran where they become embroiled in a life-altering situation involving the previous tenant. Directed by Asghar Farhadi, “The Salesman” won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film. (Rated PG-13, runtime 125 minutes)

FILM SCREENING

Cape Fear Museum 814 Market St. • $5-$8 www.capefearmuseum.com

March 26 (1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m.): Cape Fear Museum presents a screening of “Moons: Worlds of Mystery.” Narrated by Ed Helms, the short film is an exploration of the little worlds of our solar system.

(Rated N/A, runtime: 35 minutes)

L

BY: ANGHUS

ast year was a particularly painful one for blockbuster cinema—painful for me, anyway. I spent countless hours being punched in the brain by some of the most tedious mass-market movies in recent memory.

Just when I was about to write off Hollywood wide-release movies as a contemptible waste of time, 2017 arrived and so far has delivered extremely engaging and, dare I say, damn good films. Add “Kong: Skull Island” to the list.

Surprisingly, my expectations for a movie featuring a 400-foot gorilla aren’t too high.

Monster movies are a guilty pleasure. I have many fond memories of late-night flicks featuring guys in rubber suits smashing through papier-mâché cities, while badly dubbed English dialogue plays out of sync with Asian actors. The joy of monster movies is the sheer, visceral thrill of watching something terrible tear through the world like tissue paper. Everything we’ve built is knocked down in an instant by something whose only purpose is to eviscerate life.

Sure, viewers get the occasional allegory to man’s contempt for the world and the price humanity will pay for constantly teabagging Mother Nature. But, for the most part, monster movies work because of their simplicity. Peter Jackson attempted his own take at “King Kong” back in 2005 with one of the most bloated, sanctimonious pieces of garbage ever released. It was nearly three hours and got just about everything wrong when it came to Kong.

I wanted to stand up in the theater and scream, “It’s a giant monkey, Pete! Not ‘Citizen Kane!’”

But I didn’t want to be escorted out of the theater by a handful of teenage ushers.

“Kong: Skull Island” is a back-to-basics approach to the monster movie and it (thankfully) knows exactly what people want to see

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GIANT HIT: ‘Kong: Skull Island’ delivers a true monster movie. Photo credit: Warner Bros.

in a movie about gigantic gorillas and lizards: We want to see gigantic gorillas and lizards frequently beating the hell out of each other.

There are human characters present, but they take a back seat to the super-sized animals and their bare-knuckled beat downs.

This particular take on “King Kong” is set in the early 1970s. A secret government organization wants to take an expedition to an unexplored piece of Earth known as Skull Island. There are those who believe the hellish patch could be home to some terrifying monstrosities from a forgotten age. Turns out, they’re right. Within minutes of reaching the island, Kong shows up and turns their “Apocalypse Now”-inspired army helicopter brigade into scrap metal. Survivors then have to trek across the island to get to a rendezvous point without being eaten, stepped on or mauled by any number of freakish beasts.

Our cast of thinly laid-out characters include a former British SAS agent (Tom Hiddleston), a war photographer (Brie Larson), a government stooge (John Goodman), and soon-to-be retired military veteran (Samuel Jackson)—who just finished a tour of duty in Vietnam and sees Skull Island as a perfect place to wage another unwinnable war. I say the characters are “thinly laid out” because so few are given any backstory. In most movies, this would be a detriment, but in a movie like “Kong: Skull Island,” it’s a blessing.

There is no fat on this film. It’s all about getting to the good stuff, and there’s a lot of good stuff.

Praise to the movie gods for filmmakers who understand the audience doesn’t need to know the circumstances that left a British SAS agent conveniently in Thailand to join the search party.

Or just because other “King Kong” movies focused on the relationship between the massive beast and a beautiful woman, it doesn’t mean any movie sharing the title must include the same element.

The film’s highlight is watching Kong battle enemies. Our explorers realize there might be deadlier things than a giant gorilla. Much like the recent “Godzilla,” the movie makes it evident creatures like Kong exist for a reason.

The circle of life applies at every level—even super-sized animals and old-world monsters have natural predators. The concept eludes military men who seek to exact revenge on Kong for killing fellow soldiers. It’s hardly the most original plot, but it’s executed at a speedy clip and doesn’t wallow in the minutiae.

“Kong: Skull Island” is almost the perfect monster movie. It understands entertainment value and never loses the fact Kong and his creature cronies are the central focus. Plus, the human elements are handled well. The cast has fun with the material, and none of it is ever taken too seriously.

2017 has been a good year for film thus far because they’ve been made by creative teams who understand the material they’re presenting. “Logan” succeeded because it developed a character and eliminated largerthan-life elements often plaguing comic-book adaptations. “Split” was a perfectly executed thriller with some interesting layers. “John Wick Chapter 2” delivered exceptional action.

“Get Out” was a smarter-than-average escapist thriller. “Kong: Skull Island” is a superior blockbuster because it isn’t saddled with unnecessary plot or weight. It’s rare to reward a film for economical choices, but a movie like this benefits greatly from what it does as much as what it doesn’t.

DETAILS:

Kong: Skull Island Rated PG-13 Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts Starring Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson |

Thank you encore readers for voting us best radio station, 98.3 The Penguin and best website, portcitydaily.com. encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 21

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

THEATRENOW •

www.theatrewilmington.com

AMERICAN

BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach.

Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ MUSIC: Music every Sunday in Summer ■ WEBSITE: www.bluewaterdining.com BLUE SURF CAFÉ Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until

photo courtesy of TheatreNow

noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich. Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive. We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast served until noon each day!

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily Specials, Gluten Free Menu, Gourmet Hot Chocolates, Outdoor Patio, New Artist event first Friday of every month and Kids Menu.

■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com

and unique breakfast sandwiches. Our lunch menu is packed with a wide variety of options, from house roasted pulled pork, to our mahi sandwich and customer favorite, meatloaf sandwich. Our dinner features a special each night along with our favorite house entrees: Braised Beef Brisket, Mojo Pork and Mahi. All of our entrees are as delicious as they are inventive. We also have a full beer and wine list. Come try the “hidden gem” of Wilmington today. 250 Racine Drive Ste. 1, Wilmington 910-523-5362.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast served until noon each day!

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily Specials, Gluten Free Menu, Gourmet Hot Chocolates, Outdoor Patio, New Artist event first Friday of every month and Kids Menu.

■ WEBSITE: www.bluesurfcafe.com

BLUE SURF CAFÉ

CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday thru Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Wednesday nights, an elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials. As part of dining in an in-

Sophisticated Food…Casual Style. We offer a menu that has a heavy California surf culture influence while still retaining our Carolina roots. We provide a delicate balance of flavors and freshness in a comfortable and inviting setting. We offer a unique breakfast menu until noon daily, including specialty waffles, skillet hashes

22 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

spiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363.

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11am-2pm; Thursday evening, 5pm9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.camcafe.org CAPT’N BILL’S BACKYARD GRILL Capt’n Bill’s is a great place to have fun, meet people and get some great exercise all at the same time. We have a lively, personable and tentative wait staff, not to mention a wide selection of food and two full service bars. Whether you love seafood, BBQ, sandwiches or veggies, Capt’n Bill’s has something for everyone.

Capt’n Bill’s has over a dozen televisions, including a big screen, so that you can watch a variety of sporting events. We even have NFL Sunday Ticket! Capt’n Bill’s is the perfect spot to come watch all the big games!

Whether you love football, basketball or just sports in general, you are guaranteed to have a great time! Come visit Wilmington’s best kept secret ... Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill and Outdoor Volleyball Facility. 4240 Market St. (910) 762-0173 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Thurs, 5-11pm; Fri., 4-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., noon-10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown/Market St.

■ WEBSITE: https://captnbills.com THE DISTRICT KITCHEN & COCKTAILS A new addition to the Brooklyn Arts and downtown area, The District Kitchen & Cocktails is serving fresh, seasonal menus in a polished casual atmosphere. We feature locally sourced ingredients when available. For lunch, we offer delicious burgers and sandwiches, while dinner features steaks, chops and seafood all handcrafted by executive chef Luke Poulos. Within blocks of CFCC and the Riverwalk, The District welcomes diners to enjoy inspired wines, craft cocktails and NC draught beers at their renovated bar and restaurant, located at 1001 N. 4th St. 910-(910) 769-6565 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.-Thurs.11am9pm, Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm. Lunch menu served ‘til 4pm.

■ SERVING BRUNCH: Sunday 11am-3pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Arts District ■ WEBSITE: www.districtnc.com ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expansive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to 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 11:3010:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown Wilmington Kids menu available ETERNAL SUNSHINE CAFÉ Wilmington’s new unique restaurant, Eternal Sunshine Café, is conveniently located between downtown and Wrightsville Beach, also close to UNCW. It is a great spot to savor a gourmet breakfast, like cinna-swirl pancakes with coffee cream cheese syrup or a southwest benedict with chipotle hollandaise on a made from scratch biscuit. The lunch menu is filled with fresh delectable salads, sandwiches on house baked breads, and pitas. Come experience the innovative twist on breakfast classics and a casual lunch guaranteed to make you a regular customer. May the tranquility of Eternal Sunshine Cafe’s atmosphere shine upon your face and reinvigorate your day. Serving breakfast all day.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: MondayWednesday 7-2, Thursday-Friday 6:30-2, Saturday 7-2, Sunday 8-2 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.eternalsunshinecafe.com THE FELIX CAFE The Felix Cafe is a restaurant experience like no other in Wilmington, N.C. Our eatery is a unique and relaxing gem situated near the port, and at the edge of Sunset Park on Burnett Blvd. We believe fine dining doesn’t have to come with all the fuss. From our homemade soups to the locally sourced produce, we let the ingredients speak for themselves in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Folks will enjoy the outdoor seating, our vibrant staff, the colorful interior, and our cabana style tiki bar. You will come here as a customer and leave as a friend. 2140 Burnett Blvd. (910) 399-1213.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.10 p.m.; Sun.-Wed..: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Sunset Park, Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, full bar,freejazz and wine tastings on Thursdays ■ WEBSITE: www.thefelixcafeonline.com HENRY’S A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great

food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining. Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients. Come early for lunch, because it’s going to be packed. Dinner too!

Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. - Mon. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tues.- Fri.: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com HOLIDAY INN RESORT Oceans Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. (910) 256-2231. 1706 N. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.Sat. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Waterfront dining ■ WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com HOPS SUPPLY CO. The combination of chef-inspired food and our craft bar makes Hops Supply Co. a comfortable and inviting gastropub that attracts guests of all types – especially a local crowd who can feel right at home whether ordering a classic favorite or trying a new culinary delight!

At HopsCo, we are dedicated to the craft of excellent cuisine and delivering hops in its most perfect form, exemplified by our selection of craft beers. As hops are the heart of flavor for beer, our local seasonal ingredients are the soul of our culinary inspired American fare.

5400 Oleander Dr. (910) 833-8867.

■ OPEN: Mon-Thurs 10:57 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat 10:57 am - 11 pm {Serving Brunch 10:57am – 3pm & bar open until midnight}; Brunch ALL DAY Sunday 9:57am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.hopssupplycompany.com JOHNNYLUKES KITCHENBAR Good eats, good drinks, and great times is what JohnnyLukes KitchenBar is all about. JohnnyLukes KitchenBar serves Wilmington, NC a variety of 19 rotating craft beers on tap, a hand selected eclectic American wine list, fun cocktails, and of course, exceptional food.

Our two-story layout brings the best of both worlds under one roof. Downstairs at JohnnyLukes KitchenBar pair your beer or wine with our Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop, Chicken Pot Pie, Ribeye, or one of our many main entrees and sharable plates. Or, join us upstairs at JL’s Loft and pair a beer with one of our multiple burgers, JL’s roast beef sandwich, meatball sandwich, or one of our many appetizers (we recommend both!). So next time you are looking for a new and exciting restaurant in Wilmington, NC where you can experience both great craft beer and amazing food, be sure to head over to JohnnyLukes KitchenBar and JL’s Loft! 5500 Market Street, Suite 130. (910)-769-1798 ■ OPEN: JohnnyLukes KitchenBar: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 10pm; JL’s Loft: Mon to Sun: 11:30am to 2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.johnnylukeskb.com THE LITTLE DIPPER Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish.

Reservations are appreciated for parties of any size.

Located at the corner of Front and Orange in Down-

2 locations to serve you 7220 Wrightsville Avenue 5906 Oleander Drive 910-256-1222 910-769-4232 Serving Breakfast and Lunch 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM every day.

www.beachbagels910.com encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 23

town Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 2510433.

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; Seasonal hours are open 7 days a week, Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Mondays and Memorial Day-October, 7-9pm ■ WEBSITE: www.littledipperfondue.com 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: www.pinevalleymarket.com

THE PUB A true public house. A gathering place. In house fresh ground burgers made with short rib, brisket and chuck on Sweet n Savory’s, made from scratch, bread along with 40 other sandwiches and meals under $12.

32 beers on tap, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere where you can hang out with friends and enjoy live music, your favorite NFL game or the BEST burger you’ll ever eat! 2012 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 679-8101, Hours: 11am-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Causeway ■ WEBSITE: www.sweetnsavory.pub RISE Serving up the best dang biscuits and donuts in Wilmington, Rise is not any typical breakfast spot. Our donut menu includes an assortment of ‘old school, new school, and our school’ flavors; and our buttery, flaky biscuits filled with country ham, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, and fried eggplant “bacon” are crave-worthy.

Lunch is on the Rise with our new chicken sandwiches on potato rolls and fresh salads. 1319 Military Cutoff Rd. (910) 239-9566 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.- Sun. 7 a.m.

– 2 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ WEBSITE: http://risebiscuitsdonuts.com SPICOLI “In crust we trust.” Spicoli specializes in classic NY style pizza with a totally unconventional (AND DELICIOUS) sourdough crust. We also feature one-of-akind burger creations, Jumbo wings complete with our perfect, house-made blue cheese or ranch. Or enjoy any of our unique vegan or gluten-free options. But Spicoli is not just amazing food. We keep it awesome with a killer juke box, classic arcade games, and great deals on everything at our full bar. Share some brews over PacMan or enjoy the area’s only 20in pie on our

outdoor patio. Just make sure you are having fun.

Don’t worry!! If you can’t come see us, we also have the largest delivery radius in town!! 1978 Eastwood Road, (910) 256-0339.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach SWEET ‘N’ SAVORY CAFÉ The Real Wizard Behind the Food. Anyone who has seen the Wizard of Oz knows that the wizard was just a scared old man hiding behind the curtain. Restaurants are no different. Making incredible food is not magical or mystical and instead just requires heart (Tin Man), brains (Scarecrow), courage (Lion) and love (Dorothy).

At Sweet n Savory we have pulled back the curtain because we don’t believe that we need smoke, mirrors, over inflated prices or pretentiousness to offer you the best and freshest food your money can buy. 1611 Pavillion Place, Wilmington, NC 28403, (910) 256-0115 Hours: 7am-10pm.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, BAKERY & CATERING ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Causeway ■ WEBSITE: www.sweetnsavorycafe.com THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a five-store franchise in Southeastern North Carolina. Since 1976 they have specialized in storemade chili, slaw and various sauces. As of more recently, select locations (Fountain Dr. and Southport) have started selling genuine burgers and cheese steaks (Beef & Chicken). Our types of hotdogs include beef & Pork (Trolly Dog), all-beef, pork smoked sausage (Carolina Packer), Fat Free (Turkey) & Veggie.

Recognized as having the Best Hot Dog in the Best of Wilmington Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Call Individual Stores for hours of operation or check out our website at www.trollystophotdogs.com.

Catering available, now a large portion of our business.

All prices include tax. Call Rick at 297-8416 for catering and franchise information.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952 Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-3921 Southport (910) 457-7017 Boone, NC (828) 265-2658 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN

GENKI SUSHI Welcome to Genki Sushi, an inviting and unique dining experience in the heart of Wilmington. We serve the freshest, most authentic sushi and traditional Japanese favorites. In the mood for sushi and authentic Japanese food? Look no further then Genki Sushi.

From fresh nigiri to custom rolls, everything is homemade, including all of our sauces. We look forward to meeting each and every one of you and can’t wait for you to try our delicious Japanese cuisine. You can make a reservation through OpenTable (you must have a reservation for Friday and Saturday nights), or just walk in during our open hours Sunday through Thursday. At Genki, everyone is welcome! 4724 New Centre Dr. #5, Wilmington. (910) 796-8687.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Closed Monday, Tues-Sat 11:30a.m. - 2:00p.m.

5:00p.m. - 9:30, Sunday 5p.m. - 9p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www. genkisushiwilmington.com INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Ori-

Be sure to visit us during restaurant week!

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner By utilizing the best ingredients available, time honored recipes and techniques, creativity and great service we provide an experience rather than just a meal.

47 S. Hampstead Village Dr., Hampstead, NC • (910) 821-1234 www.villagecafehampstead.com Open Daily 8:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.

24 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATES UNIQUE SPECIALS DAILY 250 Racine Drive • Wilmington, NC Racine Commons • 910.523.5362 www.BlueSurfCafe.com

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.com NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET For more than a decade, Nikki’s downtown has served diners the best in sushi. With freshly crafted ingredients making up their rolls, sushi and sashimi, a taste of innovation comes with every order. Daily they offer specialty rolls specific to the Front Street location, such as the My Yoshi, K-Town and Crunchy Eel rolls. But for less adventurous diners looking for options beyond sushi, Nikki’s serves an array of sandwiches, wraps and gyros, too. They also make it a point to host all dietary needs, omnivores, carnivores and herbivores alike. They have burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and veggie wraps, as well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front St. (910) 771-9151.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 12pm-10pm. Last call on food 15 minutes before closing.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.nikkissushibar.com/ OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE We have reinvented “Hibachi Cuisine”. Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse in Wilmington, NC is like no other. Our highly skilled chefs will not only cook an incredible dinner, but they will entertain you on the way. Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. At Okami Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse, we are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure that we serve only the finest food products. We believe that good healthy food aids the 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,” to the taste bud tingling Japanese Sushi, Hand Rolls, Sashimi, Tempura dishes and Japanese Noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Check out our all you can eat sushi menu and daily specials at www.okamisteakhouse.com!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday - Thursday 11am - 2:30pm / 4pm - 10pm; Friday 11am - 2:30pm / 4pm - 11pm; Saturday 11am - 11pm; Sunday 11am - 9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.okamisteakhouse.com SZECHUAN 132 Craving expertly prepared Chinese food in an elegant atmosphere? Szechuan 132 Chinese Restaurant is your destination! Szechuan 132 has earned the reputation as one of the finest contemporary Chinese

restaurants in the Port City. Tastefully decorated with an elegant atmosphere, with an exceptional ingenious menu has deemed Szechuan 132 the best Chinese restaurant for years, hands down. 419 South College Road (in University Landing), (910) 799-1426.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Lunch Specials ■ WEBSITE: www.szechuan132.com THAI SPICE From the flavorfully mild to the fiery spiced, Thai Spice customers are wooed by the dish that’s made to their specifications. Featuring a tasteful menu of traditional Thai standards to numerous delectable house specials, it’s quickly becoming the local favorite for Thai cuisine.

This family-run restaurant is sure to win you over. If you haven’t discovered this gem, come in and be charmed.

Whether it be a daytime delight, or an evening indulgence, your visit will make you look forward to your return. Located in Monkey Junction at 5552 Carolina Beach Rd., Ste. G. (910) 791-0044.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue.-Th.: 11:30 a.m.

– 9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat.: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sun.: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.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 neverdisappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

■ SERVING DINNER: 7 nights a week @ 5PM; Sun-Wed until 10pm, Thurs until 11pm, Fri & Sat until Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: 1/2 Price Sushi/Appetizer Menu nightly from 5-7, until 8 on Mondays, and also 10-Midnight on Fri/Sat. Tuesday LOCALS NIGHT - 20% Dinner Entrees. Wednesday 80S NIGHT - 80s music and menu prices. Sundays are the best deal downtown - Specialty Sushi and Entrees are Buy One, Get One $10 Off and 1/2 price Wine Bottles. Nightly Drink Specials. GlutenFree Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

sants, sandwiches, and more!

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/Beach-Bagels-301865953202309/

BREWPUB BILL’S FRONT PORCH Welcome to Bill’s Front Porch Brewery & Restaurant, where you’ll find fine handcrafted beers, creative yet informal cuisine, and friendly, attentive service in a casual, upscale atmosphere. We’re passionate about producing distinctive, full-flavored handcrafted beers, accompanied by fresh–from–scratch New American cuisine in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Our goal has always been to provide food and beer that is inspired, consistently crafted and presented by a knowledgeable and courteous service staff. Our commitment to support the communities in which we do business goes to the heart of what differentiates Bill’s Front Porch from other restaurants. But it is because of you, our guests, that we have been able to make this all happen. 4238 Market St. 4-10 Mon-Wed; 4-11 Thurs; 11-11 Fri-Sat; 12-10 Sun. 910-762-6333 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown/Market St. ■ FEATURING: Homemade craft beer, bar food and entrees.

■ WEBSITE: www.billsfrontporch.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

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: www.harpwilmington.com

Serving seasonally inspired, locally-sourced Southern Cuisine.

P embroke ’ s

Proudly purchasing all of our seafood, protein, and produce from local fishermen, vendors, and farmers.

SPECIALS:

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

■ SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Homemade bagels, biscuits, crois-

chef, Denise Gordon, and a fabulous service staff pair scrumptious multi-course themed meals and cocktails with our dinner shows in a theatre-themed venue. Dinner theater at its best! Reservations highly suggested.

19 S. 10th Street (910) 399.3NOW (3669). Hours vary.

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

SoCIAL Hour In tHE BAr tuESdAy - tHurSdAy 5Pm-7Pm wItH BAr mEnu & CoCktAIL SPECIALS

Dinner Daily: Tuesday - Saturday starting at 5pm Sunday Brunch: 10am-2pm

1125 A, m ILItAry C utoff r d . • (910) 239-9153 www . PEmBrokESCuISInE . Com

F acebook :

Facebook . com / pembrokeswilmington or Follow us on instagram @ pembrokecuisine

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 25

ITALIAN A TASTE OF ITALY Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Port City?

Look no further than A Taste of Italy Deli. Brothers, Tommy and Chris Guarino, and partner Craig Berner, have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to local and visiting diners for twenty years. The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and after one bite you feel like you’re in your mamas’ kitchen. Along with the hot and cold lunch menu, they also carry a large variety of deli sides and made-fromscratch desserts. Or, if you’re looking to get creative in your own kitchen, A Taste of Italy carries a wide selection of imported groceries, from pasta to olive oils, and everything in between. And last but certainly not least, allow them to help you make any occasion become a delicious Italian experience with their catering or call ahead ordering.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-7:00pm, Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: www.atasteofitalydeli.com ■ FEATURING: Sclafani goods, Polly-O cheese, Ferrara Torrone and much, much more!

ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a familyowned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a top-notch experience, whether dining in, taking out or getting delivery, to generous portions, the Antonio’s experience is an unforgettable one. Serving subs, salads, pizza by the slice or pie, pasta, and more, dine-in, take-out and delivery!

3501 Oleander Dr., #2, and 5120 S. College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.

- 9 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD DELIVERY OFFERED: Monkey Junction and near Independence Mall ■ WEBSITE: www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com FAT TONY’S ITALIAN PUB Fat Tony’s has the right combination of Italian and American influences to mold it into a unique familyfriendly restaurant with a “gastropub” feel. Boasting such menu items as Veal Saltimbocca, Eggplant Parmigiana, USDA Prime Sirloin, and award-winning NY style hand-tossed pizzas, Fat Tony’s is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their appetizers range from Blue Crab Dip to Grilled Pizzas to Lollipop Lamb Chops. Proudly supporting the craft beer movement, they have an everchanging selection of microbrews included in their 27tap lineup – 12 of which are from NC. They have a wide selection of bottled beers, a revamped wine list, and an arsenal of expertly mixed cocktails that are sure to wet any whistle. Fat Tony’s offers lunch specials until 3pm

Monday through Friday and a 10% discount to students and faculty at CFCC. They have two pet-friendly patios – one looking out onto Front Street and one with a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River. With friendly, excellent service and a fun, inviting atmosphere, expect to have your expectations exceeded at Fat Tony’s. Find The Flavor…..Craft Beer, Craft Pizza!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm; Fri.-Sat., 11 am-Midnight; Sun., noon10 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.fatpub.com ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials until 3pm and late night menu from 11pm until closing.

SLICE OF LIFE “Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits.

Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 2519444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com

LATIN AMERICAN

SAN JUAN CAFÉ Offering the most authentic, gourmet Latin American cuisine in Wilmington. With dishes from countries such as Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Cuba you’ll be able to savor a variety of flavors from all over Latin America. Located at 3314 Wrightsville Avenue. 910.790.8661 Follow us on Facebook/Twitter for live music updates!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon - Sat. 11 a.m.2:30 p.m. and from 5-10 p.m. Closed Sunday.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Nightly specials ■ WEBSITE: www.sanjuancafenc.com

MEXICAN

EL CERRO GRANDE In January, El Cerro Grande will celebrate 25 years serving authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine to the greater Wilmington area. With an ever-evolving menu, they have introduced eight new exclusive soft tacos as

part of Taco Fiesta! They churn out mouth-watering enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, chef specialties, and more, in a colorfully inviting dining room marked by a friendly staff and attention to detail. Check out El Cerro’s daily drink and food specials at their three different locations, including $3.50 margaritas on Tuesdays off Military Road, on Wednesdays at 341 S. College Road, and on Thursdays at 5120 S. College Road. Mondays feature fajita dinners for 10.99 at all locations, and they even have karaoke every Wednesday at 341 S. College Rd, starting at 6 p.m. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri., open at 11 a.m.; Sat-Sun., open at 11:30 a.m.

■ LOCATIONS: 341 S. College Rd., 910-793-0035; 5120 S. College Rd., 910-790-8727; 1051 Military Cutoff Rd., 910-679-4209 ■ WEBSITE: www.elcerrogranderestaurant.com

LA COSTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT With three locations to serve Wilmingtonians, La Costa is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m with lunch specials.

Their full dinner menu (from 3 p.m. on) offers the best in Mexican cuisine across the city. From top-sellers, like fajitas, quesadillas and burritos, to chef’s specialty items, like molcajete or borrego, a taste of familiar and exotic can be enjoyed. All of La Costa’s pico de gallo, guacamole, salsas, chile-chipotle, enchilada and burrito sauces are made in house daily. Add to it a 16-ounce margarita, which is only $4.25 on Mondays and Tuesdays at all locations, and every meal is complete. Serving the Port City since1996, folks can dine indoors at the Oleander and both Market Street locations, or dine alfresco at both Market Street locations.

3617 Market St.; 8024 Unit 1 Market St.; 5622 Oleander Dr. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs until 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. until 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown and Ogden ■ WEBSITE: lacostamexicanrestauranwilmington.com

ORGANIC

LOVEY’S NATURAL FOODS & CAFÉ Lovey’s Natural Foods & Café is a true blessing for shoppers looking for organic and natural groceries and supplements, or a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious and totally fresh meal or snack. Whether you are in the mood for a veggie burger, hamburger or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte Lovey’s Cafe’ menu. The Food Bar—which has cold, organic salads and hot selections—can be eaten in the newly expanded Lovey’s Cafe’ or boxed for take-out. The Juice Bar offers a wide variety of delicious juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables.

Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selec-

tion of local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries organic grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. wheat-free and gluten-free products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries. Lovey’s also carries Wholesome Pet Foods. Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 am to 6 p.m.. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Rd in the Landfall Shopping Center; (910) 509-0331. “You’ll Love it at Lovey’s!”

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Café open: Mon.Fri., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington in the Landfall Shopping Center ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com WHOLE FOODS MARKET Whole Foods Market offers one of the most expansive freshly prepared foods options in the city! With 4 bars featuring hot dishes & salads, a sandwich station, sushi station, and pizza station, you are apt to satisfy everyone in your group. All of the ingredients are free of any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives so food is fresh and flavorful from farm, ranch, or dock to your fork! Dine in the cafe or carry out. On any given day the selection offers an array of organic, local, vegan/ vegetarian, and healthy options. Voted Best Salads by encore readers.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week. Monday - Sunday. 8am - 9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Seasonal, healthy, organic, vegan/ vegetarian ■ WEBSITE: www.wholefoodsmarket.com

SEAFOOD

BUSTER’S CALABASH SEAFOOD AND DINER New to the NOMA corridor, Buster’s Calabash Seafood and Diner features a large menu of seafood that will sate all fishy palates. From fresh catfish and flounder to shrimp, and scallops, oysters and crab cakes, it’s all found in one spot. They also offer sandwiches, fajitas, and wraps, so there is something for everyone.

Their daily blue-plate specials help keep the belly full and the wallet light, while their daily breakfast buffet and special Sunday brunch buffet (6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.) keeps the early and midday risers just as full. 6309 Market St, North Wilmington. 910-769-2018 ■ SERVING BREAKFAST LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week, Mon-Sat, 6:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun., 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reservations available.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington

BUY ONE at regular price GET ONE

99¢

+ tax

Equal or lesser value • Limited Time Offer at the following Dairy Queen locations:

• 1517 Dawson St., Wilmington • 5901 Oleander Dr., Wilmington • 20 Naber Dr., Shallotte • 5701 East Oak Island Drive, Long Beach • 106 Southport-Supply Rd. SE, Supply

26 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

SEAFOOD • STEAK • SUSHI • CHINESE BUFFET

BAR & GRILL WITH OVER 100 ITEMS Ask about our special room for private parties!

2541 CAROLINA BEACH ROAD • 763-8808

Hibachi Grill Included W ith Th e buffet!

Open Daily Lunch and Dinner • Mon - Thurs. 11am-10pm • Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm • Sun. 11am-10pm

300 OFF

$

Any 3 Adult Lunch or 2 Dinner Buffets

ASIAN BUFFET DINE-IN ONLY One Coupon Per Purchase.

Not valid with any other.

Excludes Crab Legs Offer Expires 3/31/17

200 OFF

$

Any 2 Adult Lunch or Dinner Buffets

ASIAN BUFFET DINE-IN ONLY One Coupon Per Purchase.

Not valid with any other.

Excludes Crab Legs Offer Expires 3/31/17

■ FEATURING: Calabash-style seafood and more!

CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With its growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to a second location in Porter’s Neck, and coming soon in 2017, their third location in Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.”

Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as

by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am-4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: www.capefearseafoodcompany.com CATCH Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest.

(Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List ■ WEBSITE: www.catchwilmington.com DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: www.dockstreetoysterbar.net OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also

the perfect location for memorable events, such as wedding ceremonies & receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome.

Private event space available. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH: Mon – Sat 11am – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 10pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dine on renovated Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: www.OceanicRestaurant.com THE PILOT HOUSE The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South.

We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck.

Large parties welcome. Private event space available.

910-343-0200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: www.pilothouserest.com SHUCKIN’ SHACK Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910-458-7380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Carolina Beach Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-2am; Sun: Noon-2am, Historic Wilmington: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 11amMidnight ■ NEIGHBORHOODS: Carolina Beach and Downtown ■ FEATURING: Daily lunch specials. Like us on Facebook!

■ WEBSITE: www.TheShuckinShack.com

SPORTS BAR

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

■ WEBSITE: www.caseysbuffet.com RX RESTAURANT & BAR Located in downtown Wilmington, Rx Restaurant and Bar is here to feed your soul, serving up Southern cuisine made with ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. The Rx chef is committed to bringing fresh food to your table, so the menu changes daily based on what he finds locally. Rx drinks are as unique as the food—and just what the doctor ordered. Join us for a dining experience you will never forget! 421 Castle St.; 910 399-3080.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: www.rxwilmington.com PEMBROKE’S A seasonally inspired and locally sourced Southern cuisine dining experience, Pembroke’s was created by the owners of downtown’s Rx Restaurant. Pembroke’s focuses on the same values and excellent service as its sister restaurant, purveying local companies for the best in seafood, proteins and produce. They work with local fisherman and farmers to ensure your meal will be freshly grown and hand chosen. A new dinner menu is churned out daily to ensure the chefs are working with the freshest ingredients. Plus, the bartenders are creating new drink menus daily as to never bore your taste buds. 1125 A Military Cutoff Rd. 910-239-9153.

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Open for dinner Tues-Sun, 5pm-close, with live music Fri-Sat nights.

Sunday brunch, 10am-3pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.pembrokescuisine.com

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 South College Road. (910) 791.9393.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD projector TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: www.CarolinaAleHouse.com JAX 5TH AVE. DELI & ALE HOUSE Locally owned and operated, Jax offers a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming foodies, sports fans, and craft beer enthusiasts alike. We provide a full eclectic menu of quality Boar’s Head sliced meat and cheeses, and feature unique items like our smoked salmon deviled egg, a legendary Italian sandwich, and famous pita pizzas that bake up lite and crispy. 20 HDTVs feature premium sports packaging for all the games! Supporting local craft breweries with 24 drafts and over 100 different bottles and cans, enjoy it all inside the shiny silver building or outside on the dog-friendly patio at 5046 New Centre Dr. Carry out: 910-859-7374.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Full menu until 2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, near UNCW ■ FEATURING: Daily food and drink specials.

■ WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/ JaxFifthAveDeliAleHouse

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.

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

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

www . rxwilmington . com

421 c astle s t • (910) 399-3080 F acebook : Facebook . com / rxwilmington / or Follow us on instagram rxrestaurantandbar encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 27

28 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

NIP SIP

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEW

FAST AND FURIOUS:

foodtastic events

Hibachi To Go’s new location brings full-on flavor to fast Japanese were some of the most tender, well-cooked veggies I’ve had in a hibachi meal. Along with a choice of brown rice (often a rarity at fast-serve joints), I was pleased at what a nutritious entrée it turned out to be. Well, unless I count the cup of their homemade yumyum (white) sauce that I plunged every bite into.

BY: ROSA BIANCA

“W

ant fries with that?”

Readers may be accustomed to hearing this question while zipping through a drive-thru for dinner. But this isn’t the case at Hibachi To Go. It’s more like: “Want hand-wrapped crab wontons and homemade sweet-andsour sauce with that?”

Don’t let the fast-food-style ordering system throw you for a loop. The cuisine at Hibachi’s new midtown location is as freshly made as it gets. I’ll admit: When I spotted the quick-serve line of cars, I was hesitant. I don’t often request seafood through a window (unless it’s coming from a wellrespected food truck). I ordered my feast over the phone, but still had the option of going inside. If anyone else were faced with this decision, they’d probably have come to the same conclusion I did: Why interrupt a perfectly good bout of laziness when you can receive your noodles without even unbuckling your seatbelt?

Sold.

The first thing I noticed was the sanitation sign at a whopping 98 percent, which put me immediately at ease. The friendly employee inside was likely the same person who took my massive order over the phone. Even with a laundry list of items, he nailed it without a hitch and was personable as could be when I arrived at the window.

Since I was actually taking my meal to go (as the name implies) and not eating it hot out of the wok, I made sure to heat everything thoroughly as to guarantee the food’s quality wouldn’t decrease. Word to the wise: Always reheat fried things via oven, and they’ll crisp back up in no time.

Crunchy things first...

I started my meal by digging into the vegetable spring rolls and crab wontons. Both came with a sticky sweet-and-sour sauce for dipping, and it tasted far more authentic than the artificial orange stuff in packets.

The spring roll was a touch greasy, but had much more flavor inside than average frozen Chinese-delivery rolls. The wontons were so righteous, my fiancé pretended he didn’t realize he had already eaten three (when we were both only allotted two). (Note to self: a half order of anything stuffed with cream cheese will never be enough.) They boasted a fresh, thought-

If anyone has ever been to a Teppanyakistyle restaurant and bowed out on the rameCRUNCHY THINGS: Veggie spring rolls, crab kins of white and dark ginger sauce, they’ve wontons and other fresh-fried finds abound at Hibachi made a serious mistake.

As long as these To Go. Photo by Lindsey A. Miller Photography dunkers are done well, they make each bite twice as mouthwatering. Hibachi’s white fully made filling. sauce was luscious, without being overly The best way to define Hibachi’s fare decadent and mayo-packed, and the soyis by comparing it to that of average Chi- ginger sauce was sweet, salty and light. nese takeout. For folks used to the latter, For entrée number two, I chose the I’m pleased to report this food will blow it sweet and spicy shrimp over noodles. The all away. Although Hibachi does fall into the tempura-fried shrimp were generously category of fast Asian cuisine—and healthsized and expertly cooked. Already in a ier when sticking to Hibachi-style dishes, sea of sauces, I wasn’t sure if there was sans heavy sauces—the major difference is a condiment prearranged for this dish. The in the obvious high-quality ingredients. I dig shrimp were enormously flavorful on their gyoza, but it’s not easy to find them done own, but swirled in sweet and sour sauce— right. Hibachi’s thin, crispy half-moons were yum! I wasn’t a big fan of the pasta, as I felt loaded with meaty chicken. After realizing it was more comparable to thin fettucine as they partnered like a pro with Hibachi To opposed to rice noodles. My fiancé, howevGo’s soy-ginger sauce, I could have eaten er, said when everything melded together a dozen more. on his plate, he thought the strands tasted Let’s talk soup and salad. divinely homemade. To each his own.

Unfortunately, the restaurant was out of hot-and-sour soup, so I went with the wonton instead. The flavor of the soup’s homemade broth was far superior to anything I’d get with quick Chinese. The delicate porkloaded wontons and real scallion rounds put other spoonfuls of slurp to shame. As for my greens, I opted for the seaweed salad. My fiancé claimed it tasted like all others he’s had, but I tasted hint of fishiness that didn’t sit well on my palate.

The Hibachi steak selection featured ribeye (two very enthusiastic thumbs up), and I ordered mine medium rare. I couldn’t decide between steak or chicken, so it was combo platter to the rescue. The steak was juicy and perfectly cooked. All of the entrées came with zucchini and onions, and the additional option of broccoli and mushrooms. I said yes to all four, and they

Homemade cheesecake seemed like an odd specialty at a quaint Asian bistro with a drive-thru window. Color me wrong. After being informed the dessert (handmade by the owner’s wife) was one of the signature scratch-made items at Hibachi, I couldn’t turn down a blueberry slice. The cake was velvety and spotted with big chewy blueberries, and the graham-cracker crust was crumbly and delicious. I went gaga for its silky-smooth filling.

Overall, Hibachi hit a homerun.

DETAILS:

Hibachi To Go

Midtown Location 894-7 S. Kerr Ave. Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. www.hibachitogo.com

5TH PIZZA PUTT FUNDRAISER

March 25, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Wilmington 116 Orange St. www.playwilmington.org Admission: $25 - $30 On Saturday, March 25, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington will once again be transformed into an 18-hole mini-golf course, complete with pizza and beer!

Anyone 21 and older is invited to the fifth annual Pizza Putt fundraiser. Guests will be offered pizza, beer and wine from a variety of local restaurants and breweries, while completing the course. Come join the adventure and help raise funds for the place where kids play to learn and adults learn to play!

Advance tickets (after March 5) are $25 and $30 at the door.

TACO BOWL POP-UP Every Thurs. in March! noon - 2 p.m.

Whole Foods 3804 Oleander Drive $5 www.wholefoodsmarket.com Enjoy the $5 Taco Bowl Pop-Up from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. every Thursday in March! Choose from meat or veggie, beans and rice included. Add your favorite toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, hot sauce!

All proceeds benefit Whole Planet Foundation, whose mission is to alleviate global poverty by providing microcredit in communities that supply Whole Foods with products.

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 29

EXTRA>>BOOKS

CARPE LIBRUM:

MYRTLE BEACH

ON SALE NOW!

Taylor Brown double downs with two tales in one with ‘The River of Kings’ clearly loves this part of the world, and describes it with such painstaking and heartfelt awe. But Brown’s book is more than just an exploration of one river, or one confused and tangled family relationship. With Le Moyne’s narrative, Brown explores the painful and terrifying reality of a New World. Elements of James Michener’s “Chesapeake” and Inglis Fletcher’s “Roanoke Hundred” leap to mind. “Chesapeake” is a beautiful celebration of place, as only Michener can create. Though Michener is not a writer known for beauty of language or artful turn-of-phrase, he writes odes of devotion to place through the lens of his characters— and he loves showcasing people displaced by Eurocentric history.

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

W DON’T MISS! 3/25 Share the Magic with Justin Flom 3/31 Thunderstruck The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute Presented by WAVE 104.1 4/8 Cole Swindell 4/15 Big Sean - I Decided Tour with MadeinTYO 4/22 Dirty Heads Presented with Treehouse Presented by WKZQ 4/27 Hunter Hayes with Maggie Rose 4/28 George Geo Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic 5/5 21 Savage w/ Young M. A. 5/12 The Marshall Tucker Band 5/17 Strutter - A Tribute To KISS 5/18 Jackyl 5/19 Aaron Lewis 6/17 Decades Collide De 80's vs. 90's Biz Markie For more concerts and events, go online at HOB.COM/MYRTLE BEACH 4640 HWY 17 S. Barefoot Landing 843.272.3000

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

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

The River of Kings St. Martin’s Press, 2017, Pgs. 336

By Taylor Brown

Local literary luminary Taylor Brown’s eagerly anticipated new novel, “The River of Kings,” hit the shelves on March 21. Brown, a devoted writer and overachiever, seems to have decided that, instead of sliding into a sophomore slump with his second book, he would write two books in one. “The River of Kings” follows two separate story lines, set apart by 450 years, and takes place in and along the Altamaha River. It is an ambitious work that surprises and enthralls readers at every turn.

In present day we meet two brothers, Hunter and Lawton, out to paddle the river for a final journey with their father’s ashes. Through them, we follow their sojourn and slowly unravel the mysteries surrounding the tragic figure now reduced to ashes and stored in a box, strapped to one of their kayaks.

Concurrently, Brown introduces his audience to the first European explorers to settle and fortify the area in 1564. Using Jacques Le Moyne’s eyes as the artist attached to the expedition, the book blends black-and-white reproductions of Le Moyne’s work with Brown’s fictionalized retelling of the events.

It is a true testimony to Brown’s skill, how he weaves together seemingly unrelated threads to create such a lustrous literary tapestry. How

30 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

do these two narratives entwine? With captivating subtlety.

I frequently describe “Fallen Land,” Brown’s first book published in 2016, as if James Cooper’s “The Last of The Mohicans” meets Charles Frazier’s “Cold Mountain.” That is, of course, a simplification, but there are elements of both books which call to “Fallen Land” characters and struggles. However, “The River of Kings” is a rare book that seems to evoke conversation with authors across genre, discipline and time. Obvious comparisons arise with Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It” and Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness.”

Hunter and Lawton are locked in a relationship so deep and tangled, with a father neither of them understood, that words are not relevant for them. It defies language. The challenge for a writer is to illustrate this without a crutch of self-revelatory dialogue that sounds like something from a post-Freudian armchair psychologist. So Brown sends them on a journey, not of a lifetime but of three lifetimes.

What they find isn’t what they were looking for, and it changes them irrevocably. It’s terrifying even for the uber-macho Lawton, who is so proud of his work with Special Forces.

Like “A River Runs Through It” and “Heart of Darkness,” the real lead character in “The River of Kings” is the Altamaha River. Brown

Brown’s choice of a French expedition into the New World—a story we frequently hear from an English settler’s perspective—and their encounters are fascinating. He speaks of not a tribe of natives, rather whole nations of people, who form and break alliances with each other and the New French. We watch in horrified fascination as the sandy ground beneath the feet of the French shifts both geographically and politically.

Fletcher, the Carolina Chronicler, brought the fate of the 100 men from Cornwall who survived for a year on Roanoke into powerful focus with “Roanoke Hundred.” She illuminates desperation of people forced to ask questions and act upon circumstances they never thought possible. Brown’s graphic description of the starving French will stay with the reader for months. In an odd complement to Brown, the starvation scenes actually made me lose my appetite for a couple of days. Both Brown and Fletcher pit their characters against insurmountable odds.

However, while Brown has written a much grittier and probably realistic novel, Fletcher makes her characters heroic. Brown makes them frightening—even to themselves.

The inclusion of reproductions of art made during the French settlement elevates the experience of the older story line and the entire sense of apprehension surrounding the journeys depicted in “The River of Kings.” If I could pick one word to describe this book from beginning to end, it would be “intentional.”

Readers who pick it up will understand why.

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with Yoga Villa

• Saturday Beach Brew • Saturday

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• Sunday 3/ Porch ~ The

the first Sunda This bourbon o funday.

• Sunday 3/ Fermental ~

list, bottles, ca

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• Tuesday 3

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32 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

24/17, 6:30PM-10PM, Ultimate Brewing Championship @ The Fieldps Athletics ~ 10 local breweries brewed beer using NC ingredients you might find in beer. Tickets on Sale at http://capefearcraftbeerweek.com 3/25/17, 12PM, New Anthem Beer Project Grand Opening @ New

Project ~ Beginning at noon, New Anthem Beer Project will celebrate their opening nd new beer releases and live music throughout the day.

• Thursday 3/30/17, 11:30AM, Wort Shop @ Front Street Brewery ~ Wort Shop

Small Batch Experimental Beer Release: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Stout

• Thursday 3/30/17, Women in Beer Night @ Beer Barrio ~ Join us in celebrating

Beer made and/or sold by women! All featured beers will be $1 off! Females in the beer industry and female beer lovers, alike are welcome to come & mingle. What girl doesn’t love bonding over great beer?

3/25/17, 12PM, Port City Plunder @ Front Street Brewery ~ AHA omebrew competion judging in the morning and awards ceremony at Bombers e afternoon

• Thursday 3/30/17, Shmaltz Randall! @ Cape Fear Wine & Beer ~ Join us as we

age

Special Cape Fear Craft beer Week beer release is a dry hopped belgian blonde

3/25/17, 10am, Beer & Yoga @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery ~ Yoga

3/25/17, 3PM-6PM, Music in the beer garden @ Wrightsville wery ~ Sean Howard duo playing live in the beer garden 3/25/17, 6PM, An Evening with Cigar City Brewing @ Fermental ~

at Fermental as they welcome Cigar City Brewing to the Tar Heel State. With multiple ckage options, this evening is complete with live music and fare from a local food

/26/17, 12PM-5PM, Bottle Release and Pig Pickin’ @ Bill’s Front

fine folks at Bill’s Front Porch will be having their first bottle release, Judge’s Choice, ay during Cape Fear Craft Beer Week oak-aged smoked jalapeno chocolate porter, is sure to make for a great Sunday

infuse Hop Manna IPA with fresh grapefruit! Also on tap will be 518 Coffee Brown Ale and Klingon Imperial Porter.

• Thursday 3/30/17, 3PM-10PM, New Beer Release! @ Flytrap Brewing ~

• Thursday 3/30/17, 6PM, Highland Brewing IPA 4 Ways @ Fermental ~ Join your friends at Fermental for the Highland Brewing IPA – 4 Ways Tap takeover. There will be a food truck and live music.

• Friday 3/31/17, Beer Release @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery ~ End of Oyster Season party, Special Beer Release

• Friday 3/31/17, 4PM-9PM, Lumber Ladies Bar Crawl ILM @ Bomber Bev Co ~ Step 1: Dress up like lumberjack Step 2: Drink all of the beers Celebrate women in the craft beer industry during Cape Fear Craft Beer Week!

• Friday 3/31/17, 6:30PM-11PM, Bhramari Brewhouse Tap Takeover @ Fermental ~ An Evening With Bhramari Brewhouse is part of a continual series of brewery features

/26/17, 2PM, Sour Sunday: a celebration of sour & wild ales @

at Fermental presenting an opportunity to meet brewery staff

3/27/17, 6PM, Run Club @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery ~ Wrightsville

10am, limited availability. Raspberry Saison aged in French Oak Red Wine Barrels *Bottles are for to-go consumption only*

~ Enjoy an afternoon dedicated to the art of sour and wild ales featuring a full draft ans and more. Accompanied by live music, food truck and more.

y Run Club

3/28/17, 6PM-10PM, Beer Vs. Wine Dinner @ Beer Barrio ~ Join us

tasting menu from Chef Stephen Durley expertly paired with 4 beers and 4 wines! to 20 will start promptly at 8pm.

day 3/29/17, Beer Pairing Dinner @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery day 3/29/17, Kick the Keg @ Beer Barrio ~ Kick the Keg Night! Join us for

eer specials!

day 3/29/17, 6PM, Stogies & Stouts: cigar and beer pairing @

~ Stogies & Stouts: an evening of cigars and beer, pairing the taste and aromatics gside each other. Stouts, Imperial Stouts, Barrel Aged Stouts, Chocolate Stouts, Chili s, and more.

day 3/29/17, 5:30PM, Rare Beer Release @ Front Street Brewery ~

irl Scout Cookie Rare Beer Release

day 3/29/17, 6:30PM, Poker Run/ Walk @ Cape Fear Craft Beer

the Cape Fear Craft Beer Club for a mid week Poker “Run”. A fun run/walk around ting some of your favorite CFCBA locations in a test of skill, luck, determination zes to be announced for best poker hands. All the shapes welcome, in shape, out of shaped...etc.

3/30/17, 12PM-10PM, Wilmington Beer Ice Cream Flights @ tis ~ We’ll have four ice creams made with beer from four Wilmington Breweries

• Saturday 4/1/17, 10am, 1st Ever Bottle Release @ Wilmington Brewing Company ~ Wilmington Brewing Company’s 1st Bottle Release! Saturday April 1st starting at

• Saturday 4/1/17, 2PM, Birdsong Brewing Tap takeover @ Goat & Compass

~ No April fool’s! Please join your friends at Goat & Compass who will be featuring the fabulous and wonderful beers of Birdsong Brewing Co. from Charlotte in a tap takeover extravaganza!

• Saturday 4/1/17, 5PM-9PM, April Fool’s Anniversary Beer & Wine tasting @ Fire & Spice ~ “April Fool’s Anniversary” beer & wine tasting with Yeh Mon 51 food truck • Saturday 4/1/17, 6PM-9PM, Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine presented by Farmin’ on Front @ Airlie Gardens ~ This event will be held in Airlie Gardens along

the banks of Bradley Creek in Wilmington, NC on April 1, 2017. We will be featuring 20 local chefs with their best cuisine paired with 20 breweries and their best offering, showcasing the capabilities of food and beer together. Chef and brewer will be on site to talk about their pairing and provide insight into what made them put food and beer together.

• Saturday 4/1/17, 3PM-6PM, Music in the beer garden @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery ~ Folkstone Trio playing live in Beer Garden • Sunday 4/2/17, 12PM, Local Beer Church @ Cape Fear Wine & Beer ~ We’re

hosting an all-local Beer Church! 1st mass will feature Bill’s Front Porch and 2nd mass will be Wilmington Brewing Co. We’ll have a smattering of fine options on draft from them with free glassware

• Sunday 4/2/17, 3PM-6PM, Music in the beer garden @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery ~ Signal Fire plays from for Reggae Sunday

mers can get a 4 scoop sampler with all four ice creams for $4.75.

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 33

SPECIAL SECTION>>ENCORE BEST OF 2017

IT’S JAWESOME!

2017 Best Of hosts Pineapple-Shaped Lamps announce winners at annual awards party

A

BY: SHEA CARVER

nd here we are again: another year, another Best Of.

The planning that begins every fall to put on Wilmington’s official Best Of readers’ poll has evolved from hand-counting ballots in the ‘80s and ‘90s, to allowing computers to tally results via online voting.

Flimsy Best Of certificates given to 75 or so winners has blossomed into hand-built plaques awarded to 137 people, places, businesses, arts organizations, and more.

A small party that started in the early aughts has evolved into a full-blown fundraiser for a local nonprofit—all to honor winners and raise awareness for a great cause. encore’s Best Of is in constant flux of reinvention, and every year we feel like it’s shedding brighter lights on all the important parts of our community.

We appreciate every person who takes time to fill out the nomination and final-voting ballots, the businesses who campaign and

donate food, raffle items and even money to our fundraiser, and to all the folks who volunteer and help us host the benefit: local comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps; Rich and Artie of Brooklyn Arts Center; local band Da Howlies; Chris Brehmer Photography; Cape Fear Sound and Soundwave Audio; and Surfers Healing, our 2017 beneficiary, who oversaw a lot of the planning and organizing with so many helpful volunteers.

Surfers Healing Wrightsville Beach NC is a satellite camp of the national nonprofit, Surfers Healing—a foundation that enriches the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing.

Last year the local chapter served close to 400 families affected by autism during their annual summer surf camp. The nonprofit is all about the “ohana,” the love, the families coming together for one perfect day—maybe their only perfect day all year long. encore and Surfers Healing partnered to raise funds for the surf camp through various events over the last four months. We held a holiday 50/50 raffle that raised $3,050 in December, followed by the Wine Not Friday held

SURFERS VERSUS GREASERS Pineapple-Shaped Lamps do the opening skit at encore’s The Beach Ball best of fundraiser, a la “West Side Story” 1950’s beach party, as house band Da Howlies play in the background. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography.

at Whole Foods the night before the Best Of party, which raised an additional $495. Ticket sales to the Best Of totaled $6,685, with other funds raised through donations, raffles and sponsors, all totaling $2,569. With the community’s help, we were able to raise $12,799 for Surfers Healing Wrightsville Beach NC, and after costs for the party, they will have $9,276 to utilize for the 2017 June camp.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR VOTING US BEST WAIT STAFF & BEST SPORTS BAR!

• Serving Up The Best Pub Grub In Town • 20 Draft Selections Focused On Craft Local & NC Breweries • Seasonally Inspired Specialty Cocktail Creations • Come See Us On Tuesdays For Our Give Back To Charity Special!

109 Chestnut Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 762-1373 www.copperpennync.com 34 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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BEST OF 2 0 1 7

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The Best Of party was a smash thanks to The Beach Ball theme: Are you a surfer or a greaser? Folks donned their spiffiest floral beach wear, perfect for an unusual 80-degree day on Feb. 25. Others slicked back their pompadours and took a chance with black leather to showcase a too-cool-forschool vibe. But the winners of our costume contest were the Baywatchers from Slice of Life who scored local gift certificates to Fork n Cork, The District, The Fortunate Glass, and PT’s Olde Fashioned Grill.

With surf tunes blaring through the house, Da Howlies playing their brand of “da kine Hawaiian music” and Pineapple-Shaped Lamps zipping through many island themed and West Side Story skits—“Jaws” soundtrack included—the 450-deep crowd was entertained through the announcement of 137 award winners. They ate from nominees who were kind enough to donate lots of delicious grub throughout the night, with drinks in hand and smiles on point for all the pics Chris Brehmer captured. encore culled over 30,000 votes for its 2017 Best Of, between nominees and final votes. Anyone with a valid email address can vote as part of our annual Best Of contest, wherein winners are chosen by the public, not encore staff members. New this

year, throughout our Best Of reporting will be the reveal of percentages by which contestants won.

While we allow local businesses and groups to campaign so their patrons/fans will vote for them, we do lay a few ground rules in campaigning practices. No, we’re not the NC Board of Elections but we want to play fair, so we ask voters:

1.) No stuffing the ballot box! Don’t vote under multiple email addresses, or encourage customers and employees to do so. If you have a list of e-mail addresses that don’t belong to you, please, don’t fill out ballots in their names.

2.) Do not entice patrons/fans into voting by offering specials, discounts or prizes in exchange for votes.

Folks who missed voting will have to wait until fall 2017 when we start the process over again. And anyone who missed out on our fundraiser for Surfers Healing can still help: The nonprofit will hold their golf tournament on Mar. 31 at Castle Bay Country Club. For information, contact Rob Kelly at 910-352-6493 or e-mail him at robkelly06@ hotmail.com.

Nonprofits who are interested in partnering with encore for the 2018 Best Of will be able to apply at the end of April; it will be a yearlong partnership not only for Best Of but to help in other areas of promoting the nonprofit and their numerous events. Check www.encorepub.com for information on how to apply.

And, now, let us introduce the 2017 class of encore’s Best Of Wilmington...

Cheers!

ADULT STORE: ADAM AND EVE Sexual exploration via lingerie, toys, games, oils and flavored lubricants is becoming less and less taboo topic of conversation these days. What consenting adults do in their bedrooms—or any other room for that matter—is their business. Adam & Eve is in the business of making a couple’s night in fun and sexy—and they do a pretty good job of it, according to our readers’ poll. Adam & Eve is taking home encore’s award for Best Adult Store for the 10th time this year. “​We have been in Wilmington for 10 years now,” Adam & Eve CEO Jason Hoke says. “​We always put our customers first. Excellent customer service is key.​” Adam & Eve’s national franchise has been around for four decades, providing everything from lingerie to gifts for bachelor and bachelorette parties to instruction manuals and games for couples. There’s even a collection for couples seeking adventures in bondage, including cuff, collars, spankers, nipple clamps and more. Hoke says they’ve been able to offer more to a growing customer base who are no longer limited by misconceptions about the store and its offerings. “​The biggest change we’ve seen since opening our doors is the perception of the public,” Hoke explains. “It only takes one visit to see that Adam & Eve is a beauti-

51% votes ful, discreet, upscale, no-judgement establishment with a helpful and well-informed staff ready to assist our customers.”

Adam & Eve have informative staff and other resources to help guide customers in their shopping, too. “This year we will be hosting several in-store seminars and events for new and existing customers to enjoy and explore what we have to offer,” Hoke adds.

Folks will need to call or check in on their Facebook page for announcements.

Their shop on Market Street can also host private parties and events. However, for those who’d like to keep their shopping more discreet and private, they need only visit wilmington. adamevestores.com.

Other shops making it on encore’s 2017 poll for Best Adult Store are Priscilla McCall’s (27%) and Sweet Vibrations (22%).

41% votes

men’s clothing: bloke

Despite recent winter temps and ever-so brief snowfall, Bloke Apparel owner Michael Vinson says a lot of his customers are planning for the warmer weather ahead. Their “hot” items these days are literally for the forthcoming spring and summer days.

“Many of our new arrivals are inspiring a desire for a tropical getaway with the use of lightweight and breathable fabrics,” he explains. “Also, the floral print is very popular for this season, and we have some very wearable options in the store right now. Even our backpacks and accessories from Herschel Supply Co. are clad in resort inspired patterns.”

Staying ahead of changing weather, trends and styles has been Bloke’s recipe for success since opening their doors in 2010. They’ve since moved from their original Military Cutoff location to downtown’s Princess Street, where Bloke’s vision and store identity is a perfect fit.

“The culture-seeking community of downtown is undeniably energizing,” Vinson tells, “and we are excited to grow alongside of our expanding neighborhood. The new shop is full of character and allows for an optimized shopping experience that matches the style of our product selection.”

Bloke’s focus on unwavering and transparent dedication to providing high-quality goods, atmosphere and customer service, has garnered a handful of Best Of awards throughout their tenure. They’re taking home Best Men’s Clothing again for 2017.

Bloke has lots of top-notch styles and products coming into the casual men’s

DOCTOR: DR. CHRIS COSGROVE Dr. Chris Cosgrove is a North Carolinian born and bred, who was raised in the foothills of Hendersonville. He moved to the Piedmont region of Chapel Hill to attend UNC for his undergraduate in biology and to continue medical school. Since 1995, Dr. Cosgrove has been practicing internal medicine.

“I started as a hospital-based internist,” he tells. “I started the first hospitalist program in this region at Cape Fear Hospital in 1997. In 2000 our practice grew to include New Hanover Regional Medical Center when Cape Fear was purchased.”

He continued doing hospital work until 2006 when he met Dr. Andre Leonard. They decided to open their own outpatient practice at Intracoastal Internal Medicine (4114 Shipyard Blvd.).

“Our practice has tried to combine the old style of medicine with a strong patient-doctor relationship together with the latest technological advances in patient care, including electronic medical records and patient portals,” Dr. Cosgrove says.

“Additionally, we have been fortunate to acquire excellent staff that make the patients at ease and make the providers’ jobs so much easier.”

goods & services

THE BEST BLOKES: Bloke Apparel crew (L to R) Larkin Peoples, Michael Vinson and Matthew Angell take home another award for Best Men’s Clothing Shop, 2017. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography.

shop this year. “We are very excited to announce that we will be expanding the Bloke label with more branded and custom merchandise,” Vinson adds. “We look forward to sharing our new designs in the seasons ahead.”

Shoppers should also note Bloke’s sale room is always rotating with inventory and amazing deals. The best way to stay up to date on what’s new and exciting at Bloke is to follow them on Instagram @BlokeApparelAndSupply, or shop online at blokeapparel.com.

“We sustain a constant dialogue with our customer base on their wants/needs in order to be able to provide an optimal product assortment that holds relevancy to our community, Vinson adds. “We really love what we do at Bloke.”

Wilmington men also fill their closets with threads from Thomlinson Sales Company (30%) and Gentlemen’s Corner (29%).

43% votes Dr. Cosgrove thrives on making patients and their families a priority through sickness and in health. “I do my best to help them be the best that they can be,” he says. He treats well adults and those who may have troubles with chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, COPD, coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, peptic ulcer, diverticulitis, pneumonia, among others.

“One of my favorite sayings is, ‘If you listen hard enough, patients will eventually tell you what is wrong with them,’” he notes. Thus truly listening is the most important part of his job in order to identify proper diagnoses and appropriate treatments.

Hours to Internal Medicine are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-in lab hours available Moday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, and Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Other doctors scoping out the poll are Dr. Sandy Brannin (32%) and Dr. Jeremy Holdsworth (25%), both of Wilmington Health Associates

PINEAPPLE KIDS: Nick Ryder, Azaria Ross, Luis Gonzaga and Rebecca Edmonds of Pineapple-Shaped Lamps.

Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography.

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 35

CAR WASH: CRUISERS CAR WASH AND DETAIL CENTER

www.juliasflorist.com THANK YOU READERS! for voting us

A few week’s ago, Wilmington saw the strangest merge of seasons. On Feb. 25, we experienced 80-degree weather in what was supposed to be the dead of winter— and it lasted a good week or so. And then came Mar. 12, closer to the beginning of spring. Snowfall. As the flowers bloomed and spread their green pollen everywhere, white, icy flakes fell upon it, and made our cars a hot lime-green guiltmare for Mother Nature to reflect upon after her day of clear binge-drinking. And then all of Wilmington

53% votes self-serve wash on Shipyard—and one in Southport) to serve them.

“Wilmington is a friendly town and we create an atmosphere where customers can relax while we pamper their vehicle,” Gsell has told encore. “We have a great relationship with our customers and for that reason we want to exceed their expectations every day. It’s an environment of mutual respect and we work diligently to earn and keep it.”

BEST FLORIST 2017

Serving Wilmington for over 25 years with flowers and gifts for all occasions: get well, new baby, anniversary, sympathy, or just because!

IN FOR THE WIN: The Cruisers Car Wash and Detail Center crew clean up well when it comes to accepting their 18th win for Best Car Wash. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography.

bolted to Cruisers Car Wash and Detail Center for a good cleansing of their vehicles the very next day.

And so goes the rigamorale of automobile upkeep in a coastal town. If it’s not some wacky weather, it’s the salt air that makes our rides more dirty than we like and in constant need of washing. Owned by Clayton Gsell, Cruisers has been keeping cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and anything with wheels, spic and span with four locations (three in Wilmington—with one

e

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

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Gsell always keeps on top of the equipment to make sure it’s the best, and he has added biodegradable soaps and conditioners to all stores. Plus, the locations recycle 80 percent of water used, as to avoid waste. Whether going in for a wax, carpet shampooing, detailing or even headlight restoration, every vehicle will come out shiny, like new. And always the staff will greet with a smile and a halping hand.

Buff Masters (25%) and Splash n Dash (22%) round out the nominations.

We have issues....

get them every Wednesday

900 S Kerr Ave • Wilmington, NC 28403 36 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

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CONSIGNMENT/RESALE—CLOTHES: FAIRY CIRCLE When Fairy Circle opened its doors in 2002, it was in a humble shop off Wrighstville Avenue. Today, some 15 years later, it has grown into two stores: one in the Monkey Junction area off College Road, and the other near UNCW off College Road. The size of their inventory has essentially grown 10 times the amount of what it was.

“We adapt to the ever-changing fashion trends,” owner Stephanie Denning says, “and receive feedback from our customers and consignors, and listen to their suggestions for carrying the latest styles.”

With over 8,000 square feet to shop, they carry a slew of brands, from BCBG to Lucky Brand, Michael Kors to Calvin Klein, Lilly Pulitzer to H&M, Prada to Joe’s Jeans, French Connection to Theory, Kate Spade to Citizens of Humanity, and so much more.

“We’ve grown and adapted to meet the demands of our clientele,” Denning continues. “We also support the community by carrying local products and donate unsold items to a variety of charities.”

Aside from stocking treasured finds for everyone’s closet—teens, college students, young professionals—they sell soy

FLORIST: JULIA’S

43% votes candles, incense, The Naked Bee lotions and balms, locally crafted jewelry and more. Better yet, they haven’t stopped growing. Denning has plans to continue Fairy Circle’s growth by scouting an Ogden location this year.

Currently, the store is accepting spring items from consignors, so hold the jackets for the end of summer when they begin taking fall wear.

Consignors should make sure clothing is in tiptop condition, and folks can drop by anytime without an appointment.

“With warmer weather coming up, sundresses and our new swimsuit section have gotten a lot of attention,” Denning tells.

Following the store on Facebook means keeping up to date on their $1 days and huge clearance sale events. They also post new arrivals on the page—and they get hundreds daily— so if a top designer comes in, shoppers will find out on the fly.

Other consignment shops saving bucks for readers on our poll are Plato’s Closet (29%) and Clothes Mentor (28%).

RESALE GOLD: Stephanie Denning and Gina Wilkins accept their 2017 win for Fairy Circle, Best Consignment/Resale Shop—Clothes. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography.

64% votes

www.encorepub.com

New baby.

Thinking of you.

Weddings.

Birthdays.

Just because...

For whatever occasion, Julia’s Florist has been arranging the most beautiful bouquets for its customers since 1989. Essentially that means, for more than 25 years, folks have been smelling the sweet roses of a family-owned and -operated institution that keeps winning encore’s Best Florist category to no avail; 2017 marks win number 14 for the company.

Owner Dana Cook—who bought Julia’s from its original founder in 2008—takes pride in assuring customers have original, creative, and fresh flowers and plants to grace their special occasions. Julia’s delivers from Leland to Carolina Beach, Wilmington to Rocky Point and beyond, whether going to one’s home, a church, community center, office building, nursing home or college. “We love this award and want to win it every year!” Cook has told encore. “Whatever the occasion or moment, [our arrangements have] to be perfect. If there is anything special, imaginative, or personal that a customer wants created, we make it happen. We like turning wishes into reality.”

Julia’s has evolved over the years. With Cook utilizing her business expertise, which started on the West Coast in the ‘80s, Julia’s launched a business-to-business program last spring, and offers an enhanced wedding and event division. They also provide gifts beyond flowers, whether customers are in need of perfect cards, bath products, vintage ornaments, garden mugs and more.

But it’s the simplicity of working with beauty that most captivates the business owner.

The smells, sounds and touch of flowers is a glorious subject to be faced with daily— even when it means dealing 5,600 stems for Valentine’s Day alone.

“Let’s be frank, why wouldn’t someone love working with beautiful flowers?” Cook asked. “Every day we help people all over the country send an immediate dose of heart-felt emotion to friends and loved ones. Man, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Other florists blooming into the top are Fiore Fine Flowers (21%) and Verzaals’ Florist (15%).

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 37

food & beverage

SOUL FOOD, BUFFET, FRIED CHICKEN: CASEY’S BUFFET

44% votes

54% votes

35% votes

Casey’s Buffet, Barbecue and Home Cookin’ has been serving locals soul food “just like mom used to make” since opening in 2005. Southern comfort is their bread and butter, so to speak. According to our readers’ poll each year, Casey’s Buffet is the place to go for a lot of good food for a good deal—and perfectly fried chicken. Once again they’ve decidedly swept encore awards for Best Buffet, Best Fried Chicken and Best Soul Food.

Perhaps their popularity also stems from one key philosophy: The customer is always king at Casey’s. At least, that’s what owner Larry Casey tells encore after every win each year. “Every customer is treated equally,” he’s told encore time and again. “We are grateful for each and every [diner].”

Casey’s recipes date as far back as the 1800s, ranging from pulled-pork BBQ and chitlins, to chicken gizzards, pot roast, meatloaf and every other Southern staple one can think of. Casey’s is known statewide and nationally for its buffet—most recently ranked on Yahoo Travel’s list for best buffet in NC in 2016. Their goldenfried chicken, however, is what Wilmingtonians tend to load their plates with. And load them, they do.

SURFERS HEALING VOLUNTEERS: The 2017 Best Of beneficiary was Surfers Healing (SH) hosts a

Casey’s all-you-can-eat buffet is a tasty challenge surf camp for children with autism. The Best Of party and fundraiser—organized by SH vounteers at Brooklots of folks happily accept as they make second and lyn Arts Center on Feb. 25— raised over $12,000 for the nonprofit. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography. third trips for their favorite dish featured on the line that day. Anything from farm-raised catfish to traditional green beans, mac ‘n’ cheese, collards, black-eyed peas, and dozens of other sides are listed daily at Casey’s website. As well, Casey’s brings soul food right to diners’ doors with catering services. (Anyone who came out for the Best Of Awards party in February got a nice sampling!) Take-out specials and plates are available, too, for folks in a hurry to get home for dinner. Customers should note Casey’s is Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Diners can find more at www.caseysbuffet.com.

Wilmingtonians also pile their plates at Boca Bay (35 %) and Golden Corral (11%) buffets. While newcomer Bill’s Front Porch (33%) and Smithfield’s (32%) are cooking in Best Fried Chicken, The Basics (31%) and The Sawmill Restaurant (25%) are ranking again in the Best Soul Food category.

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Interested applicants should email their résumé and cover letter to john@encorepub.com 38 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

HOT DOG: TROLLY STOP Anyone who has spent summers at Wrightsville Beach knows a trip to the Trolly Stop is a must. Located in the exact spot where the first stop on the trolly line used to be on the island, Station 1, as it’s known, opened in 1976 by BC Hedgepath. Hedgepath only operated Trolly Stop Station 1 for a year before selling it to Ron and Winnie Krueger, who operated the eatery for 19 years before Rick and JoDeane Coombs took over in 1996.

The Coombs expanded the hot dog haven into downtown and Southport locations.

When JoDeane passed away, Rick continued running the business, and began franchising it out to others, which now includes the Fountain Drive location at UNCW. Today the menu has evolved from serving only hot dogs. It includes hamburgers, nachos and sides, like homemade baked beans, chili and cole slaw. However, the dog—whether original pork, smoked sausage, Sabrett beef, vegetarian, or fat-free

47% votes turkey—remains the top seller.

The variety of ways a Trolly dog comes cannot be topped (pun intended). Their Mexican flavor is packed with three strips of bacon, salsa, cheese, onions and jalapeños, while their well-known Surfer Dog gets filled with mustard, cheese and Baco bits. The North Carolina comes just how any bornand-bred Tar Heel native would expect: deli mustard, chili and slaw. The German (deli mustard and kraut) and Chicago (deli mustard, Chicago sauce, onions, tomatoes and cucumbers) will tantalize taste buds for other regional twists.

Of course, plain ol’ ketchup and mustard can be ordered, too. However, when going for the sauce, Trolly Stop bottles their own: chipotle hot sauce, which has adds a smoky kick to any dog, burger or fry.

Other doggone delicious dogs topping the poll include Charlie Graingers (34%) and Paul’s Place (19%).

DOGGONE DELISH: (Above) Trolly Stop owners at Fountain Drive, Kathy and Rich Walsh, accept the award for the Best Hot Dog, continuing their winning streak for more than a decade. • (Left) The PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille crew take home a duo of awards for Best Burgers and Best Fries in 2017.

Photos by Chris Brehmer Photography.

Thank you

for voting us Best Museum!

BURGERS AND FRIES: PT’S GRILLE

48% votes

48% votes

After more than 20 years of collecting encore awards, PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille once again took home Best Burger and Best Fries prizes in 2017. Joe Pate, owner of PT’s 17th Street location, said last year that each Best Of award meant a little more pressure to win the two categories.

Goldsboro. Not to mention a PT’s food truck ready to park their grub at any business event or cater any function. The French fries are fresh-cut and seasoned to perfection with a special blend of spices and pair nicely with their made-to-order, fresh-squeezed lemonade. No matter which PT’s folks find themPate began his career at Fountain Drive in selves in, each follow a simple award-winning 2000, where he bought into the business and recipe for success that remains as consistent opened his second restaurant on 17th Street as their menu. in 2003. “There are many challenges in the “The restaurant business is hard enough restaurant business accompanied by many without having to constantly change who/what rewards,” he told. “I’d have to say I love the you are doing,” Pate said last year. “We have people aspect of the business the most.” a certain identity that we won’t stray too far In addition to their niche in fast and casual from. . . . It’s hard to get much simpler than burgers, including turkey, veggie and black we already are, and we certainly don’t want to bean options, their chicken, turkey and roast make it complicated.” beef sandwiches can be dressed any way Hungry readers can find menus and more customers like. Each person picks up a menu information about PT’s various locations and slip, checks off a sandwich and toppings food truck at www.ptsgrille.com. they’d like before handing it to the cashier for Fork n’ Cork (27%) and Winnie’s Tavern quick service.

(25%) also made encore’s poll for flipping fabThere are five other PT’s in addition to ulous patties. Copper Penny (30%) and Five Pate’s two, including Military Cutoff Road, Guys (22%) also made it on the list again for Monkey Junction, Porter’s Neck, Leland and Best Fries.

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@capefearmuseum encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 39

NEW RESTAURANT: CAST IRON KITCHEN

40% votes

“Getting the honor of winning Best New Restaurant means all the hard work, long hours, the ups and downs of starting a restaurant paid off,” Cast Iron Kitchen’s owner, Chef Josh Petty, says of his debut on encore’s Best Of poll. “It puts [Cast Iron Kitchen (CIK)] on the growing culinary map in ILM and southeastern NC. It also, means that we (CIK) have wonderful, talented and loyal staff that was a very important reason we were able to get this honor.”

farmers and NC ingredients.”

Local and regional purveyors include Lorek Farms, who provides radishes, sweet corn, melons, cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes and assorted peppers; Cottle Farms sends fresh berries, sweet potatoes and greens; Heritage Farms is where Petty gets fresh pork; and Carolina Farmin’s local produce, breads and pastries are also stocked at CIK.

Focused on dominating breakfast and brunch, Petty is serving up tasty Southern fare like the Dirty South Biscuit: Southern-fried chicken tenderloin, bacon, runny egg, Muenster and pepper jack cheeses with sausage gravy. There’s also Not My Momma’s Meatloaf Sandwich, which calls for ground beef and pork in the loaf, topped with fried egg, caramelized sweet onion, lettuce, tomato, aged cheddar, herb aioli and Texas Pete Hollandaise.

While their award-winning menu isn’t going to see a lot of change this year, there are plans for more monthly wine dinners and “Picnic Pick-up” cold sides and salads for boat trips and beach days. Folks can find Cast Iron Kitchen’s full menu at www. castiron-kitchen.com.

Other hot items off CIK’s praised menu are classics like Biscuits and Gravy, Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Waffles, and Corned Beef Hash. Also, his housemade country, chorizo and turkey sausages have been a hit with diners. “[We’re] Southern cuisine with charm and a unique perspective,” Petty describes. “2017’s menu is going to stay the same, we are going to kick up our daily chalkboard specials, using more local

IRON WIN: Cast Iron Kitchen took top votes for the Best New Restaurant in Wilmington, NC. Chef Josh Petty (center, glasses) and wife, Drea, (behind him, glasses on head), and their staff cut up for photographer Chris Brehmer when receiving their award.

PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE: LITTLE DIPPER Like a fine wine or perfectly cooked steak, a good first date should be savored. Yes, while first dates can be full of uncertainty—or be the beginning of the end of one evening together—they can also mark the start of something beautiful. First dates are often the beginning of a couple’s story and many Wilmington sweethearts continuously vote The Little Dipper as the best place for people to start their story.

“I think our recipe for success has been providing a unique and memorable experience for our customers while dining with us,” Little Dipper owner Pete Gruodis says of their latest win for Best Place for a First Date.

“It’s not just a quick bite. Our restaurant is unique in the fact that the pace of the meal is slower than most and includes many courses, allowing our guests to enjoy uninterrupted time and quality conversation with friends and loved ones.”

Like the cheese and chocolate fondues, Gruodis and

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Also reserving spots on encore’s poll for Best New Restaurant are Bill’s Front Porch (37%) and The District (23%).

42% votes

his staff want diners’ concerns to melt away at the door.

They’re not only guiding folks through their menu but also a fun time, so people can focus on the person they’re with—whether it’s a first date or 50th anniversary.

“We are able to offer high-quality ingredients, unique dipping sauces,” Gruodis adds, “and the fact that the customer is doing the cooking at the table provides an experience that they can only have at The Little Dipper.”

While The Little Dipper fulfills a niche with fondue, Gruodis explains their biggest challenge is finding new ways to grow creatively. As well, with so many great options in downtown ILM, they must work extra hard to stay in diners’ rotations.

“We always want to continue to develop new ideas and sometimes that’s a challenge year after year,” he says.

“So we rely on the whole team to work together to brainstorm and take some leaps of faith from time to time.”

While their dinner and deck menus will remain full of favorite premium and classic cheeses for dipping fresh veggies, meats and seafood, The Little Dipper is planning to add additional à la carte items to their offerings in 2017 to give diners more opportunities to create their ideal meal with as many, or as little courses they would like.

“Our menu will always have our staples that our longtime customers come back for time and time again,” Gruodis promises, “but we are always evolving and looking to offer something for everyone.”

Of course, if the date is going well, couples who stay for dessert can get their fill of fresh fruits and treats to dip in various fine chocolates.

Runners up in encore’s poll for Best Place for a First Date are Airlie Gardens (38%) and The George (20%).

DELI, HOMEMADE SOUP, LUNCH, 54% votes SUB/SANDWICH SHOP: CHOPS Best Lunch. Best Deli. Best Sub/ Sandwich Shop. Best Homemade Soup.

It’s hard to keep count of all the Best Of awards Chops Deli is taking home in 2017, let alone how many they’ve collected since opening in 2009. Year after year, encore readers dub Chops their favorite collection of locales—now a total of five properties, including sandwich shops in downtown, near Wrightsville Beach, Monkey Junction and Barclay Commons, as well as a diner on Castle Hayne Road. Aside from rapid expansion in recent years, Chops Deli coowners Brad Corpening and Chris Graham also updated their downtown store in 2016, switching from counter service to table service.

“It took some getting used to for us and our customers,” Corpening admits. “The real challenge has been to work through the transition and maintain our standard of quality service that our customers have become used to at Chops.”

Corpening and company have always placed a priority on building relationships with their customers. Regulars know Corpening’s famed chops decorating his warm smile—often taking time to greet customers no matter how busy it is. It’s the personal and friendly service, partnered with quality products, that Corpening says have become hallmarks of many locally owned businesses in Wilmington.

“We all set ourselves apart from bigger, national chains by adding our own personal touch and exemplifying the charm of Wilmington!” he asserts. “We certainly

COFFEE SHOP: BITTY AND BEAU’S Another freshman on encore’s Best Of poll is Bitty & Beau’s Coffee shop. Voted Best Coffee Shop, they first started on Kerr Avenue in a 500-square-foot space in January 2016. However, a mere six months into business, they moved into their current 5,000-square-foot locale on New Centre Drive.

“Through the generosity of the Rippy family, we were able to grow into the old Hummer building on the Rippy Cadillac lot,” says founder and CEO Amy Wright. “From day one we were bursting at the seams in our 500-square-foot shop. It simply could not accommodate the crowds that showed up day after day. . . . We love our community and appreciate the support they have shown Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. This award means so much to us!”

45% votes

61% votes

58% votes

make sure to provide high-quality food for our customers and I think that (coupled with people’s personal investment in Chops) is what translates into people taking the time to cast their vote for Chops.”

Folks in need of a hearty and tasty lunch can find classic Chops staples, such as the Tripoli filled with pastrami, corned beef, rare roast beef, sharp picante provolone and fixin’s, or the Wilmington’s Carolina pulled pork BBQ with homemade BBQ sauce and slaw. Any of their signature sandwiches—or daily special—can come with a bag of kettle chips and pickle, or an original soup or mac n’ cheese of the day. Their wraps and salad options are just as filling and tasty, too, with more than a half-dozen dressings to choose from.

While there aren’t any plans for new permanent additions to the menu in the coming year, Corpening assures regulars and new customers alike can always find the “same great sandwiches that you know and love” at any Chops Delis. Folks can find full menus and daily specials for each Chops location on Facebook.

Serving up dishes for Best Lunch on encore’s readers poll are Charlie Graingers (22%) and Cousins Italian Deli (17%). Building Best Sub/Sandwiches are A Taste of Italy (25%) and Cousins Italian Deli (17%).

The Best Delis in ILM include A Taste of Italy (32%) and Temptations Everyday Gourmet (14%). Ladling Best Homemade Soups are Pine Valley Market (37%) and Cousins Italian Deli (18%).

Thank you, Wilmington!

For voting us Best Thai for 16 years, as well as Best Atmosphere, Restaurant Overall and Outdoor Dining for 11 years! We appreciate your continued patronage.

Love, Niki and staff

59% votes intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“Our shop puts people with Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy on the front of our business,” Wright explains, “giving customers an unparalleled experience—one that leaves them wondering how this population of people has been overlooked and marginalized for so long.”

While their business model is unprecedented locally, Bitty & Beau’s products are great, too.

Named the Official Coffee of the “Rachael Ray Show,” Wright says they’re already thinking of more expansion throughout this year.

“We plan to open at least one more Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in 2017,” Wright divulges. “We’re currently trying to decide where to open our next location. We’ve launched a social media campaign asking our followers to tell us where they “A human rights movement disguised as a cofthink we should open the next shop by tagging fee shop,” Wright and company were inspired to their posts with #bittyandbeausgrows.” open their shop by their two youngest children, Readers may find more on Bitty’s & Beau’s Bitty and Beau, who both have Down syndrome.

Through a simple business plan, they’re chal- Coffee at www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com. lenging and changing the way people see othBrewing up points for Best Coffee Shop on eners. From taking orders to making lattes, Bitty core’s 2017 Best Of poll are Port City Java (32%) & Beau’s is operated by roughly 40 people with and Java Dog (9%).

Lunch: Tues. - Fri., 11am-2pm and Sat. noon-3pm Dinner: Mon.-Sun., 5-10pm 7 Wayne Dr. • (910) 251-9229 indochinewilmington.com

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k n Tha , u yo

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Daily Cruises & Private Charters Picnic Cruise up the NE Cape Fear to the Bluffs

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Thursday April 6th - 9am: $35 per person If you are a birder, a history buff or just love being on the river, we have the cruise for you. Assorted sandwiches & salads catered by Bon Appetit.

Saturday April 8th - 7:30pm: $55 per person (limited seating) Take to the water for 1&1/2 hr cruise.

Heavy apps catered by Bon Appetit and a front row seat with an unobstructed view for the fireworks. As you look to the sky over the river it be come alive with a dazzling display of fireworks guaranteed to make you ooh & aah.

Full Moon Cruise April 11th - 7pm: $27 per person The sun will set at 7:40pm & the Moon will rise at 8:13pm. Join us for a 90min cruise on the Cape Fear River under the moonlight. You will get the best of the best, the sun kissing the day goodbye and the mysterious moon rising.

And to make the evening even better...

Jamie Michele will be on board howling at the moon. This is a night not to miss.

Located on the riverfront in historic downtown Wilmington, between Orange & Ann Streets For a complete list of scheduled Tours, Excursions, and Fees, visit

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212 S. Water Street

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42 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

“Best Chinese Restaurant!”

Celebrating 29 years in Wilmington!

Thank you, Wilmington & surrounding area friends, again, for adding another beautiful chapter in our history book.

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

419 South College Rd. • (910) 799-1426 www.szechuan132.com

FOOD TRUCK: CATCH THE FOOD TRUCK Wilmingtonians are quite aware of local chef extraordinaire Keith Rhodes, who got his start at downtown’s fine-dining establishment, Deluxe, more than a decade ago.

Rhodes went on to open his own restaurant, Catch Modern Seafood, in downtown Wilmington, before expanding the eatery to Ogden in its current home, 6623 Market St. As part of the chef’s and restaurateur’s evolution—including a stint on “Top Chef,” the Texas edition, and the opening and closing of downtown’s Phun noodle bar—Rhodes took Catch on the road a few years ago. Today Catch the Food Truck continues serving folks quick, fresh seafood in fun ways all over town.

“Being able to keep up with the demand, has been the biggest challenge,” Rhodes’ wife and marketing director, Angela, says.

The truck can be found every weekend at local breweries and pubs, as well as at special gigs, weddings and parties. “We work five days a week,” Rhodes tells. And that’s outside of running their full-dine-in restaurant, Catch, nightly, Tuesday through Saturday.

While Catch is known for elaborate dishes like the Angry Lobster—a full lobster over fried rice—its baby food truck serves lobster sliders. In fact, the food truck serves easy-to-

46% votes

eat items like tacos and smothered tator tots, or roasted Brussels sprouts with truffle and Parmesan, popcorn bay scallops or Cajun Carolina shrimp.

“We will be featuring new taco salad and quesadillas soon,” Rhodes tells. “We try hard to keep the menu consistent and exciting. But with the various venues we pride ourselves in great customer service.”

Rhodes focuses only on seasonal and local ingredients to ensure every bite is as spectacular as if diner’s caught the fish or plucked the veggies themselves. Rhodes has secured close relationships with local fishermen and farmers as such. And with the food truck, it all comes at an easy price.

“The hardest part of running the truck would be in unforeseen mechanical issues,” Rhodes admits, “but the best part is meeting new folks.”

Diners can see where Catch the Food Truck is parked by visiting www.catchthefoodtruck.com.

Other trucks parking on our poll are Poor Piggy’s BBQ and Catering (38%) and Steviemack’s International Food Company (16%).

WAITSTAFF, SPORTS BAR: COPPER PENNY Dining experiences can go downhill fast without good service. A friendly smile and knowledgeable menu suggestions can go a long way in this industry. Excellent service is what encore readers keep saying they get from Copper Penny, who’ve topped our readers’ poll again for Best Waitstaff. Located in historic downtown Wilmington on Chestnut Street, Copper Penny is also taking home the prize for Best Sport Bar. While March Madness is certainly a bustling time for Copper Penny, this Eagles bar is busy during almost any sports season. Its atmosphere and decor is “classic sports bar,” with various team’s memorabilia lining the walls of the historic space. Their beer list is expansive with roughly a dozen rotating taps of North Carolina brews from the likes of Wilmington Brewing Company, Wicked Weed, Southern Appalachian, Oskar Blues, Natty Greene’s, Lonerider and many more.

Copper Penny’s menu also offers a little something for everyone with appetizers, salads and sandwiches—just ask the waitstaff. While spicey wings are a given for most game-day diners, Copper Penny’s menu is loaded with handmade fare like cheese steak or Southwest black-bean

45% votes

50% votes

spring rolls, or an appetizer of sesame-encrusted Ahi tuna with ginger-cilantro sauce. Lunch and dinner menus share some of the same filling items as well, including a “grown-up” grilled cheese with mozzarella, provolone and grilled tomato on ciabatta bread. Hearty crab-cake sandwich, grilled salmon and shrimp po’boy are just a few of their seafood offerings. Then again, there’s always a half-pound short rib and Angus burger, topped any way you’d like.

With such an extensive selection of beers, mixed drinks and food, Copper Penny also has specials all week outlined at www.copperpennync.com, which is subject to change. However, folks who follow them on social media can be the first to know when a new special hits the menu or when purchases will go back to the community, such as last week’s donation of $1.09 for every pint of Wilmington Brewing Company sold going to Communities in Schools.

Making it onto encore’s list for Best Waitstaff are Indochine (31%) and Bluewater Waterfront Grill (24%). Readers also like to tune into the big game at Buffalo Wild Wings (30%) and Wild Wing Cafe (20%).

Nonprofits interested in applying for the Best Of partnership for 2018 should contact shea@encorepub.com for more information. encore will choose the nonprofit with whom it works by mid-June.

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INDEPENDENT FILM: FINDING HOME

42% votes

While Wilmywood is not where it once was was in hosting national filmmakers and highbudget productions—the Cape Fear community still houses independent-film organizations, festivals and advocates, a la Cucalorus Film Festival, Wilmington Jewish Film Festival, NC Black Film Festival and Working Films. Indeed, film is not dead in the hearts of Wilmingtonians and they have their favorites. This year’s Best Local Independent Film award goes to “Finding Home,” first screened locally at Cucalorus Film Festival in November 2016.

“This is a great honor,” writer and director Nick Westfall says. “I hope it influences people to make their own feature films.”

arts, media, entertainment

“It’s difficult to say we faced challenges because it all felt like a dream,” Westfall says of the process. “Which sounds like pop-psyche gooey-ness ... but I do remember production started at the beginning of the longest and hottest heat wave in eastern North Carolina history. The heat index one day was 135 degrees.”

SCREENED FOR EXCELLENCE: Actors Tamara Mercer, Abel Zuckerman and Cullen Moss happily accept the award for Best Film 2017 for “Finding Home.” Courtesy photo Like many others, Mercer was working full time at her day job in production while filming “Finding Home” on weekends. It also meant balancing and even intertwining everyday life with shooting. She remembers hosting about 40 family and friends who came to town for her son’s high-school graduation, then waking up at 4 a.m. the next day to film at her “[Oscar] is both inquisitive and cynical,” Tamara Mercer, who plays the role of producer farmhouse. “So I essentially had family leaving and a film crew moving in,” she continues. “I and Cortland’s long-time friend and a social worker, Sophie, in the film. “We catch lovely little know the film crew was happy to partake of the graduation party food and crew lunch under exchanges in this tender new relationship. . . . The writing, acting and onscreen chemistry the trees at the farm.” are lauded in reviews and Dock Street Productions just hopes it encourages filmmakers to While “Finding Home” will be screening twice at RiverRun International Film Festival in Wincontinue their craft in this state rather than moving elsewhere.” ston Salem from March 30-April 9, the film can be streamed live in libraries and universities Produced by Dock Street Productions in association with Lighthouse Films, their sched- worldwide. Dock Street Productions also will have more announcements regarding distribution ule was organized to the minute. With a handful of people, including co-producer Amber at www.kanopystreaming.com/product/finding-home.

Adams, Westfall and Ethan Sigmon’s crew at Lighthouse Films, Mercer says they essenencore readers are also rolling out the red carpet for independent films “Killer Bees” (38%) tially made a full-length film happen in 11 days. “I mean these young guys and gals were and “The Vamprentice” (20%). hustling,” she adds.

Starring local actors Cullen Moss, Tamara Mercer and Abel Zukerman, “Finding Home” is a small character-driven film about what makes a family and questions what family values can look like. Set in North Carolina, it also incorporates real-life issues in our state. Cortland (Moss) finds himself struggling professionally as fellow teachers protest legislation for education budget cuts. He’s fired from teaching, is divorced and now finds himself with a nephew, named Oscar (Zukerman), he barely knows.

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38% votes

INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER: JONATHAN LANDAU “I think it all began for me when I was 6 years old. It was 1977, and I had just watched ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ for the first time,” local filmmaker Jonathan Landau remembers. When he walked out of the dark movie theater into the bright sunny afternoon, it was like a disorienting reality set in. “I remember thinking how amazing it was I had forgotten what the world outside was like,” he continues. “That was when I realized the power of great filmmaking and first motivated to make films.”

However, it wasn’t enough to predict the path Landau would take into filmmaking. He was in a band, Potty Cow, when he left UNCG for Boston to chase the touring road of rock ‘n’ roll. Though he says the band “crashed hard onto the coral rocks of Northern Mass,” somehow or another it led him to Wilmington, NC, in 1991. He began helping a buddy, Jeff Geen, make a low-budget film, “Island of the She-Devils” by Craig Edwards. “I started as a production assistant with no experience,” Landau remembers, “and by the end of the shoot had worked up to camera operator.”

“The Vamprentice,” the latter of which was up for Best Film 2017 via encore and screened at 2016’s Cucalorus). With the help of his wife and producing partner, Marty Landau, he is preparing to see numerous releases attached to his name: David Ryder’s short “Cezanne,” Matt Malloy’s Webseries “Matthew,” Curtis Thieman’s pilot, “Dead Ringers,” and feature films like William Hoppins’ “Beyond the Living” and Billy Lewis’ “The Terrible Two.” In fact, “The Terrible Two”—a horror, paranormal film—will be screening this week, March 23, at Thalian Hall.

REELING IN THE WIN: Marty Landau, Jonathan Landau and Devin McGee celebrate

“The project I am most passionate about shooting right now is my next feature film,” Landau says. He spent over a decade writing “Brand Spanking New,” a story about a 30-something schizophrenic man, Lamar Philpott, who has spent 20 years in and out of state psychiatric institutions. “Upon his most recent release, he stops taking his medicine and slowly drifts back into a 1940’s styled musical,” Landau explains.

“It is a wildly emotional ride, fueled by new jazz, crime and romance, as Lamar attempts to ‘fix’ his perceived ‘curse’ and unwittingly casts himself center stage in his very own schizophrenic nightmare.”

Ever since, Landau has worn numerous hats Jon’s win for Best Independent Filmmaker 2017. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography in the film industry: writer, director, producer. He Very much in tuned with the world-at-large and curdoubled up on many duties when he wrote and dirent societal obstacles, paradigms and even stigmas, now in 2017.” (Readers can can watch it for $1.99 at vimeo. rected “The Last Summer,” a 35 mm, coming-of-age film, set com/ondemand/thelastsummer.)

Landau hopes to highlight issues that come with psychiatric in 1981. That was 2001, and by 2004, when it was complete, care in America today. “We really do need to work on it in our Landau has been staying busy over the last few years with country,” he says. it was on a festival run. “That production employed over 1,000 Wilmingtonians,” Landau proudly states. “A cool thing about multiple projects to complete. He has directed, produced and Other filmmakers rolling onto the poll are Rebecca Busch that experience is I feel it is even more of a relevant timepiece co-written short films (“Pushing Buttons,” “Positive Impact,” (35%) and Nakia Hamilton (27%).

ARCADE/GAME ROOM: JUNGLE RAPIDS Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park has been around for almost 50 years. Since the 1970s, they’ve served generations of Wilmington’s families, as well as visiting tourists. “We have seen mothers and fathers become grandparents,” Eric Williams, Jungle Rapid’s dry park general manager, says. “We have seen kids that once came here for birthday parties, now come through these doors to clock in and work at the place they loved so much as a child.”

Aside from being a waterpark, with outdoor go-karts, rock-climbing wall, laser tag and more—it’s the bright lights and games of their arcade which tend to land them on our readers’ poll year after year. However, as Williams explains, it isn’t always easy staying at the top of entertainment and games. Their ownership and staff have always tried to learn from their experiences (and mistakes) to come out even better on the other side.

“The biggest challenge in reference to running a successful arcade is constantly refreshing your games,” he explains. “Doug Bryant, who handles all the purchasing for our arcade, has a great eye for what our customers love and he makes sure we add new and exciting pieces every season.”

Their card system they added back in 2013 also made arcade gaming virtually effortless—taking out the “middlemen” of

46% votes

coins and tickets. Players just swipe a Jungle Fun Card on the game reader and hit start to play. “The tickets that you once had to wait for as they neatly filed out of your favorite game are now instantaneously delivered to your Jungle Fun Card,” Williams continues. “Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of our card system is the fact that its implementation literally keeps tons of old tickets from ending up in landfills or from even needing to be recycled.”

Since Wilmington is the city Jungle Rapids calls home, they not only strive to be a place that makes locals never want to leave but make tourists always want to stay. Their fundraising program has also helped raise thousands for local schools and nonprofit organizations each year. They’re continuously revamping their wet and dry parks, too, for visitors and private parties alike—which can be booked at www.junglerapids.com.

Their popular laser-tag arena was updated in 2016, and folks can expect new games in the arcade soon as well. “We also began enhancing the Kids Splash play structure as we plan for a May 20 opening of our water park,” Williams adds. “We are also already discussing another significant attraction for 2018. . . . We are going to continue to cram as much fun inside these walls as the space will allow.”

It’s also all fun and games at Blue Post (43%) and Ten Pin Alley (11%), who are placing for Best Arcade/Game Room. encore |march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 45

humanitarian & environmental HUMANITARIAN: ALEXANDRA LEVINER Alexandra “Alex” Leviner is taking home her third award for Best Local Humanitarian this year. For years, not only has she spent much of her free time immersed in the nonprofit world but up until January 2016, all of her fulltime jobs were also in the nonprofit industry.

From volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and teaching classes at the Cape Fear Museum, to working for the likes of Nourish NC and Junior League of Wilmington.

“Now that my career has shifted and I no longer work in that sector, the biggest challenge I face is staying in tune to what are the greatest obstacles facing our community, local nonprofits and what I contribute to,” she explains. “Wilmington is such a thriving community full of people that want to make a difference that it is easy to be inspired by the people you live, work and play with and when you can find inspiration in the small things you are bound to do great things.”

After losing a loved one in late 2015 and moving into the international freight forwarding and logistics field in 2016, Leviner explains she began channeling her stress back into what she loved: helping her community.

“I began volunteering on the weekends,” she

42% votes

tells of the many committees she chairs still to date, including Junior League of Wilmington and Communities in Schools. “Being able to be a part of something that I knew was helping my community—while gradually building friendships with people by volunteering alongside them—helped me through it.”

Leviner encourages folks to get involved in any number of countless volunteer opportunities throughout New Hanover County.

There is something for every schedule, interest or age, people need only to look. There shouldn’t be an obligation to jump right into a long-term volunteership or time-consuming committee at first, either. Leviner advises to set a goals for to serve “done-in-a-day” volunteer shifts a month at various organizations around the community.

“I promise you, no organization will turn you down,” she adds. “Once you identify the organization you want to volunteer for, simply call them and they will walk you through the process.”

Also ranking as Best Local Humanitarian on encore’s 2017 Best Of poll are Bo Dean (40%) and Jock Brandis (18%).

PITCHING IN: Alex Leviner takes home her third win for Best Humanitarian as part of the 2017 Best Of readers’ poll. Photo by Chris Brehmer Photography.

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SEAFOOD Cape Fear Seafood Co. ITALIAN FOOD A Taste of Italy LATIN/MEXICAN K38 Baja Grill THAI, RESTAURANT OVERALL, OUTDOOR DINING, ATMOSPHERE Indochine JAPANESE RESTAURANT, SUSHI YoSake Downtown Sushi Lounge CHINESE RESTAURANT Szechuan 132 INDIAN FOOD Tandoori Bites FRENCH FOOD Caprice Bistro FAST FOOD Chick-­fil-­a PIZZA, LATE-NIGHT EATERY A Slice of Life VEGETARIAN FOOD Epic Food Co. SOUL FOOD, BUFFET, FRIED CHICKEN, Casey’s Buffet BARBECUE Jackson’s Big Oak SUB/SANDWICH SHOP, DELI, LUNCH, SOUPS Chop’s Deli FRIES, BURGER PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille HOT DOG Trolly Stop BURRITO Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn

OYSTERS Dock Street Oyster Bar STEAK Port City Chop House APPETIZERS, BREWERY Front Street Brewery SALADS Rucker John’s DESSERTS, BAKERY Apple Annie’s Bake Shop WAITSTAFF, SPORTS BAR Copper Penny BREAKFAST, DINER Dixie Grill NEW RESTAURANT Cast Iron Kitchen CHAIN RESTAURANT Bonefish Grill FINE DINING RESTAURANT Rx Restaurant COFFEE SHOP Bitty & Beau’s CHEF James Doss (Rx/Pembroke’s) WINGS Hell’s Kitchen ICE CREAM/FROZEN DESSERT Boombalatti’s Ice Cream MEDITERRANEAN FOOD Baba Ghannouj GOURMET STORE, CATERING SERVICE Pine Valley Market HEALTH FOOD STORE Tidal Creek Co-Op BAR Satellite Bar and Lounge BARTENDER Ian Murray (manna) FOOD TRUCK Catch the Food Truck WINE LIST The Fortunate Glass TACOS Islands Fresh Mex Grill BRUNCH Boca Bay RIBS Mission BBQ BEER LIST Cape Fear Wine and Beer PLACE TO BOARD A PET

Paw Beach Pet Resort CHIROPRACTOR Back in Motion ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE McKay Healing Arts DENTIST Bozart Family Dentistry VETERINARIAN College Road Animal Hospital PLACE TO BUY A NEW CAR Stevenson Honda PLACE TO BUY A USED CAR Auto Wholesale AUTO MECHANIC Mobiletech LOCAL BOOK STORE Old Books on Front Street FLORIST Julia’s Florist HAIR SALON, TANNING SALON Tanglez Salon & Spa TATTOO PARLOR Artfuel Inc. PLACE TO BUY MUSIC Gravity Records JEWELER Perry’s Emporium SURF SHOP Sweetwater Surf Shop WOMEN’S CLOTHING Island Passage MEN’S CLOTHING Bloke Apparel KID’S CLOTHING Once Upon a Child SHOE STORE Journeys REAL ESTATE AGENCY I​ntracoastal Realty LOCAL GARDEN STORE The Transplanted Garden CONSIGNMENT/RESALE­ CLOTHES The Fairy Circle ONSIGNMENT/RESALE­ —DECOR, ANTIQUE SHOP The Ivy Cottage MORTGAGE COMPANY Alpha Mortgage FARMER’S MARKET Riverfront Farmers’ Market CAR WASH Cruisers Car Wash

GIFT SHOP Blue Moon Gift Shops PRINT SHOP Dock Street Printing HOTEL Hilton Wilmington Riverside ADULT STORE Adam and Eve MOVING COMPANY Two Men and a Truck NAIL SALON, SPA Head to Toe Day Spa DOG GROOMER Von Barkee’s Spa and Bakery PERSONAL TRAINER LaMaine Williams (The Fitness Squad)

GYM O2 Fitness WEDDING VENUE Airlie Gardens PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE The Little Dipper DOCTOR Dr. Chris Cosgrove (Intracoastal Internal Medicine)

SHOPPING PLAZA Mayfaire Town Center MASSAGE THERAPIST Mary Beth Redman BOWLING ALLEY Ten Pin Alley ARCADE/GAME ROOM Jungle Rapids POOL HALL Blue Post Billiards TOUR ATTRACTION NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher TOUR OF WILMINGTON Wilmington Water Tours LIVE MUSIC VENUE Greenfield Lake Amphitheater LOCAL BAND/PERFORMER L Shape Lot ­ LOCAL DJ DJ Battle DANCE CLUB Ibiza PLACE FOR KARAOKE Jerry Allen’s at Katy’s MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Finkelstein Music

ART GALLERY Port City Pottery and Fine Crafts LOCAL ARTIST Mary Ellen Golden MUSEUM Cape Fear Museum THEATRE PRODUCTION OF 2016 Rock of Ages THEATRE PRODUCTION COMPANY Thalian Association THEATRE VENUE Thalian Hall LOCAL THESPIAN Tony Rivenbark COMEDY TROUPE Nutt House Improv LOCAL NEWSCAST WECT NEWSCASTER Frances Weller LOCAL RADIO STATION The Penguin 98.3 LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY Foz (Z107.5) MORNING RADIO SHOW Foz in the Morning (Z107.5) LOCAL FILMMAKER Jonathan Landau LOCAL INDEPENDENT FILM Finding Home LOCAL WEBSITE www.portcitydaily.com LOCAL WRITER Clyde Edgerton DONUTS Britt’s Donuts WRITE IN CATEGORY Bagels: Beach Bagels NONPROFIT Adopt an Angel LOCAL HUMANITARIAN Alexandra Leviner ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP Cape Fear River Watch BOTTLE SHOP Palate LAW FIRM Shipman and Wright ESTHETICIAN Marcella Hardy (Tanglez Salon and Spa)

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events PATIO PARTY

Mar. 23, 5pm: Cape Fear Museum Associates celebrate the opening of the Smithsonian Institute’s traveling exhibit, “Pools, Patios and the Invention of the American Backyard.” Enjoy retro cocktails, thrill of the grill cuisine and mid-century era tunes in Cape Fear Museum Park. View the exhibit, filled with vintage photographs, historic drawings, and period advertisements, revealing how the suburban backyard became such an integral part of American pop culture. Pre-purchase: www.capefearmuseum.com/programs/patio-party. $15-$30.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS FASHION SHOW

Mar. 24, 12:15pm: Dress for Success Fashion is

a business-attire fashion show designed to teach students how to dress appropriately for interviews and workplace situations. Features an informative skit that ties into the event’s theme. Students learn differences between business casual and business professional attire, as well as how to prepare for an interview, and how to create their personal image through everything they communicate--from the clothes they wear, how they act, choices they make, and what they say. The show helps students consider these issues, which involve the development of freedom of thought, exchange of ideas, and personal growth. Held on COM Studies Day (and is open to the general public). UNCW’s Warwick Center Ballroom, 601 S. College Rd.

LADIES NIGHT

Mar. 24, 5pm: Celebrate Beauty Week with Whole

Foods! Purchase a beauty bag full of amazing improve the lives of women and children in the products for only $18! Value of $90. ComplimentaLower Cape Fear. Some of the money will also ry beauty and skin care consultations. Complimenbe used for scholarships at Cape Fear Commutary chair massage. All cosmetics & facial care nity College and UNCW. Wilmington Convention 25% off. Sample sparkling wine and tasty snacks.

Center, 515 Nutt St. Whole Foods Market, 3804 Oleander Dr. NILE PROJECT COASTAL LIVING SHOW Mar. 26, 1pm: Cameron Art Museum in partnerMar. 25, 10am: Coastal Living Show 2017, sponship with UNCW Presents and The Nile Project sored by the Wilmington Woman’s Club, will fea(http://uncw.edu/presents/nile_project.html) invite ture businesses showcasing a variety of gifts, you to participate in mini-concerts, discussion, products, and services for the home, garden, storytelling and more led by The Nile Project musioffice, and seaside living. In addition, some excians –17 musicians from the Nile region including hibitors will demonstrate the means to a healthier Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan create and perform lifestyle to enhance time spent at the coast or in new music as a collective, with buzzing timbres physical activities wherever one may live. Unlike and ingenious polyrhythms supporting vocals in many other trade shows, all proceeds from CLS more than ten languages. CAM Café will be open 2017 will be returned to community non-profits to extended hours until 4:00 pm, offering a special menu inspired by the Nile region in addition to their regular brunch menu for purchase throughout the afternoon. The events begin at 1:15 pm with Riverstories, conversations about the Nile and Cape Fear Rivers with Nile Project producer and CEO, Mina Girgis and storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson.

At 2:30 pm interactive music and dance workshop with the Nile Project musicians. For details about the Nile Project concert and other public programs visit UNCW Presents web page. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

charity/fundraisers WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT

The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is accepting nominations for the 32nd annual Women of Achievement Awards—a fundraiser to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women and young leaders in our community. The event also raises key support for the YWCA’s programs and services which promote racial justice and gender equity for thousands of women, children and their families in southeastern NC. Awards held on Thurs., May 4, Wilmington Convention Center. Awards provide recognition for outstanding contributions and achievements of women active in Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.

Women nominated in: Arts, Business, Education, Environmental, Health and Wellness, Public Service, Social Justice, Rachel Freeman Unsung Hero, Volunteer and Young Leader. Three young leader award recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship to continue their education after high school. www.ywca-lowercapefear.org.

CHILLY CHILI POKER RUN

Rolling Thunder NC3 annual event raises funds for American Veteran Affairs and POW / MIA issues.

Registration starts at 9am with first vehicle out at 11am. Last vehicle in 2pm. Starts and End at Tavern 14. Cost per poker hand: $15 driver, $10 rider, extra hand $5. Driver and rider Hands include chili and a beverage (soda or water). 1st Prize—Best Hand, $300; 2nd Prize—2nd Best Hand, $200; 3rd Prize—Worst Hand, $100. 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Jacqueline Braun 910-520-9269. Entry fee varies with entry choice. Tavern 14, 6320 Market St.

CANINES FOR SERVICE WALK

48 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

Upcoming Events: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 | 3:30 P.M. Baseball vs Maryland WEDNESDAY MARCH 22 | 6:00 P.M. Softball vs Campbell FRIDAY, MARCH 24 | 2:00 P.M. Women’s Tennis vs Winthrop FRIDAY, MARCH 24 | 6:00 P.M. Baseball vs William & Mary SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 11:00 A.M. Women’s Tennis vs Morgan State SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 2:00 P.M. Men’s Tennis vs Morgan State SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 2:00 P.M. Baseball vs William & Mary SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 2:00 P.M. Softball vs Drexel SATURDAY, MARCH 25 | 4:00 P.M. Softball vs Drexel SUNDAY, MARCH 26 | 11:00 A.M. Women’s Tennis vs Delaware SUNDAY, MARCH 26 | NOON Softball vs Drexel

@uncwathletics

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 | 2:00 P.M. Baseball vs William & Mary

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UNCWSPORTS.COM/BUYTICKETS encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 49

Two mile walk or fun run with vendors, activities, raffles, food and photography by Michael Cline Photography. Family/dog-friendly event which benefits Canines for Service, a local non-profit dedicated to changing the lives of veterans and civilians through highly and specifically trained service dogs. Hugh MacRae Park Shelter #5, 1799 South College Rd. YCC BEACH DASH

Mar. 25, 11am. YMCA’s Coastal Carolina Beach Das will take place on the beach and with over eight obstacles with various blast stations throughout! The first 300 to register will receive a cool tie dyed T-shirt, glittery participant medal, and a pair of sweet sunglasses! Sand and obstacles makes this dash a unique challenge for even the veteran mud-runner, but with a fun, no-pressure atmosphere including color blast stations, optional obstacles, and no chip timing - this event is great for the whole family! Teams registering at the same time receive discounted rates! Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Rd.

CLICKS FOR PAWS

Mar. 26, 9am: Pet portrait event raising funds for paws4people! Participants can bring their pet(s) to the park for professional portraits by a team of talented local photographers. Portrait sessions will be approximately 15 minutes and produce approximately 5 digital images. These sessions are completely donation based, and all funds will go directly to paws4people via check, cash, or credit card. Walk-ins welcome, or appointments, clicks4paws@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/ events/146142902556188. Empie Park, 3405 Park Ave.

GREAT DEAL GREAT CAUSE

Mar. 26, 11am: A Great Deal for a Great Cause! $5 beef burger, veggie burger, or hot dog with chips and a drink. All proceeds support Whole Planet Foundation, whose mission is to alleviate global poverty by providing microcredit in communities that supply Whole Foods with products. Whole Foods Market, 3804 Oleander Dr.

music/concerts THE KENNEDYS

Mar. 24, 7:30pm: Crowd favorite, Pete & Maura Kennedy return to the Listen Up Brunswick County stage for their 4th appearance. The Kennedys are an American folk-rock band. This year they celebrate their twentieth anniversary both as a band and a married couple. Pete plays the acoustic guitar, electric sitar, bass and ukelele, while Maura plays acoustic and electric guitars and uke. Tickets: listenupbrunswickcounty.com. BCC Event Center, Odell Auditorium Building, 2050 Enterprise Dr. NE

GIRLS CHOIR OF ILM SPRING GALA

The Property Shop presents the Girl’s Choir of Wilmington 20th Season Spring Gala. We would like to invite you to come celebrate with us for a night of live music featuring the talents of the GCW Parents and the Port City Trio, Tributes from Alumni, Silent Auction, Hors d’oeuvres, and Beer & Wine. Casual Coastal Attire. For more information, contact Amanda, 910-297-1815 or RevAmanda@ yahoo.com. Watermark Marina, 4114 River Rd.

MUSIC AT FIRST

Mar. 26, 5pm: The Stevenson/Stohl Suzuki Tour Group, founded in 2003 by Anne Stevenson Stohl and Shelly Stevenson DiLoreto, is comprised of

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local violin students who range in age from 9-18 years old. They play together regularly and perform a full concert annually. The group has traveled to Atlanta, Greensboro, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Myrtle Beach to perform and are planning another tour next year. Their repertoire ranges from 16th century works to present and is a mixture of classical, fiddle and contemporary. Program will include classical pieces by Thomas Tallis, J.S. Bach and Johann Pachelbel, as well as more contemporary ‘fiddle’ tunes such as “Ashokan Farewell,” “Calamari” and “Orange Blossom Special.” Open to the public; donations are appreciated. First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Third St.

film MOONS: WORLDS OF MYSTERY)

Mar. 26, showtimes, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3pm. Free for members or with GA. Take a fascinating trip to the little worlds of our solar system! Narrated by Ed Helms. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

theatre/auditions SHAMROCK HOLMES

Written & directed by Penny Kohut Fri./Sa. through Mar. 25, 7pm. Doors open 1 hour prior. Tickets $16$39. Come to Shenanigans Pub for the wake and reading of the will of William John Carter MacFee. Seems the family of the deceased has claims to the pub and wants to kick poor Maggie O’Shea out on her...asking questions. Join local historian, Shamrock Holmes, the MacFee lawyer, and a host of other local characters as they try to figure out this all Wilmington-Irish conundrum. Be sure to let

us know how much you want to participate in this hilarious mystery, too. Chef Denise “O’Gordon” is sure to please with her St. Patrick’s Day inspired Irish fare from the TheatreNOW kitchen. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

Through Mar. 26, Thurs.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sunday, 3pm. Classic romantic comedy about a conservative young lawyer Paul Bratter and his free-spirited newlywed bride Corie. The comedy follows the young couple as they move from the giddy joy of the honeymoon at The Plaza into the crazy reality of starting married life in a fifth-floor walkup in New York City. Red Barn Studio Theatre, 1122 South 3rd St. Tickets: $25. www.thalian.org.

HEATHERS

Panache Theatrical Productions presents “Heathers: The Musical.” Based on the 1988 cult hit movie of the same name, Heathers: The Musical is a fun, irreverent take on high school life and the struggles of balancing popularity with sanity. This sometimes hysterically raunchy musical is intended for mature audiences and runs through Apr. 2 at Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre in Historic Thalian Hall. Shows are 8pm, Thurs.-Sat.; 3pm on Sun. Tickets; www.thalianhall.org or by calling the box office at 910-632-2285. Mature audiences recommended. Ruth and Bucky Stein Studio Theatre, Thalian Hall, 301 Chestnut St.

THE LADIES ROOM

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is proud to present the 5th anniversary of their all-women sketch comedy show, “The Ladies Room: Femme Force Five!”

And this time you’ll have three chances to see it: Mar. 23-25, 8pm. Hosted by Wilmington Theater Award winner Holli Saperstein! PSL will be donating a portion of ticket sales to Operation Pretty

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by S.N. ACROSS 1 Small canyon 6 Mr. Pig 10 Need renewal 15 Young whale 19 Garnish 20 Underhanded plan 21 “That is . . .”

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38 Apportioned fairly 42 Navigator’s reference 43 Bombastic 45 Ben-__ (Heston film) 46 Debt documents 47 Theatre tier 48 Peas in __ 49 Deep red 50 Half of MCCC 51 German entrée 55 Benevolent spirit 56 Slalom garb 58 Portrayals 59 Less refined 60 People in general 61 Emphatic turndown 62 Northwestern capital 63 Land between hills 65 Bandleader’s cue 66 Cabinet department 69 GI truants

70 Internet avoider, quite possibly 72 One on the force 73 Statutes 74 Wife of Jacob 75 Road grooves 76 Solving aid 77 Jargon suffix 78 Paul Revere profession 82 County bordering Galway 83 Tissue descriptor 85 Skip, as a syllable 86 Commandeers 87 Corporate colleague of Budget 88 Thing in a ring 89 Showy neckwear 90 Popped up 93 Was concerned 94 Scolded 98 Where websites live 100 Bus ancestor 102 Bills, catalogs, etc.

103 The Metamorphosis author 104 82 Across’ land 105 Year in France 106 Heels of loaves 107 Explanation introducer 108 Canvas quarters 109 High-pitched DOWN 1 Rubberneck 2 Valhalla VIP 3 Stood up 4 Ceremonial hosts 5 Captivate 6 Talks big

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Tickets are available for only $10 by visiting http:// ladiesroom5.brownpapertickets.com/ Remaining tickets will be sold for $15 at the door the night of each performance. For more information, call 910632-0775 or email pineappleshapedlamps@gmail. com. DREAMS Garage, 901 Fanning St, between Anderson and N 10th sts. in Wilmington.

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For the productions of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus Christ Superstar,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Camelot,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;South Pacific,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peter and the Starcatcher.â&#x20AC;? Children: Fri., Mar. 24, 6pm, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tomâ&#x20AC;? in Camelot and the two children of Emile de Becque in â&#x20AC;&#x153;South Pacific.â&#x20AC;? All of these roles require acting and singing. Bring a prepared song and sheet music; accompanist provided. Auditions for everyone 13 and over: Sat., Mar. 25, 9am. Bring a prepared song and sheet music (an accompanist will be provided). Also come prepared to dance. Roles in all four shows are available for men and women in a wide range of ages, including teenagers.

Callbacks on Sun., Mar. 26. Lucile Shuffler Center, 2011 Carolina Beach Rd., (910) 762-4234.

KILLER DILLER

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Orginal story by Clyde Edgerton, adapted for stage

by Paul Ferguson directed by Zach Hanner, with musical direction by Jared Cline. March 31-April 29, Fri.-Sat., 7pm. Doors open 1 hour prior. â&#x20AC;&#x2039;Tickets $18-$42. Show-only ticket (no dinner): $18-$24. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Killer Dillerâ&#x20AC;? is the story of Wesley, a young man finishing up his time in a halfway house, who falls for a young woman, Phoebe, who is working her way through a weight loss program adjacent to his work release program. Meanwhile, Wesley and his college-sponsored gospel group try to figure out how they can make it as a blues band. TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St.

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Evening of contemporary American country dancingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;done to live music by Box of Chocolates bandâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;fiddle, percussion, guitar, dulcimer, bass, mandolin and more! Dress cool and comfortable, soft-soled shoes. 2nd/4th Tues. ea. mo. All ages welcome. United Methodist Church, 409 S. 5 Ave.

STOMP

Mar 22-23, 7:30pm: CFCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wilson Center is pleased to announce STOMP has added an additional performance at the Wilson Center. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP incorporates an additional two new pieces for 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201D;youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never again look at supermarket carts or plumbing fixtures the same way. Tickets for both performances: www. capefearstage.com and 910-362-7999. Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St.

BELLYDANCE SHOWCASE

Mar. 25: NCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ahmose and guests hosts a belly dance show case each month with a diverse mixture of belly dance styles and skill levels. This show case features NC artist Ahmose, and talented guest belly dancers, which includes students from area classes and visiting artists. Come and enjoy the belly dancing, Arabic rhythms and special menu items created by the Gypsy kitchen. The show starts at 9:30 pm and there is a $10.00 cover charge. Please reserve early as the show usually sells out. The Juggling Gypsy CafĂŠ, 1612 Castle St.

comedy OPEN MIC

The wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;performances of all kinds. Hosted by 6-beer Steve. Signup, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www. jugglinggypsy.com.

COMEDY BINGO

Brent Blakeney headlines comedy bingo at Dead Crow, Tuesday nights, 8pm. Free show featuring the best comics from all over the Southeast, all while playing bingo along with the words they say! Win prizes and enjoy discount tacos! Hosted

by Louis Bishop with in-booth side kick comedian Lew Morgante. Dead Crow Comedy Club, 265 N. Front St.

CAROLINA COMEDY CUP

Comedian Jenn Snyder Headlines â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carolina Comedy Cup.â&#x20AC;? Jenn Snyder tours with Neil Hamburger and Tim Heidecker. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s there to do at the beach in the winter? Laugh every week at the Lazy Pirate on Carolina Beach is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carolina Comedy Cup. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carolina Comedy Cupâ&#x20AC;? presented

by Wake Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bake Donuts!! See the best area comics compete against each other for your votes, followed by a nationally touring headliner comedian.

Enjoy the show, drink specials and more for just $5.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carolina Comedy Cup every Wed. 9pm, through Mar. 25th. 701 N Lake Pk Blvd. www.LazyPirateRestaurant.com.

DEAD CROW COMEDY CLUB

Comedy Open Mic every Thurs, 7pm. â&#x20AC;˘ Mar. 2425, 7pm/9:30pm: Lachlan Patterson is one of the best comics of his generation, just releasing his new special, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Live From Venice Beach.â&#x20AC;? He was also the runner-up on Last Comic Standing, and has performed on The Tonight Show, Tosh. O, and created the Kooks of Komedy Podcast.. www. deadcrowcomedy.com. Dead Crow Comedy Room, 265 N. Front St.

art FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier after-hours celebration of art and culture, 6-9pm, fourth Friday of ea. month. Features art openings, artist demonstrations, entertainment and refreshments. Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate. Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org

MEET LOCAL ARTISTS

Meet working local artists, and see their works in progress. Everything from sculptures to fine jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, fun for everyone. Over 45 artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works to enjoy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday Art Walks 6-9 pm on the 4th Friday ea. month! theArtWorks, 200 Willard St.

ORANGE ST. ARTSFEST ARTISTS NEEDED

Thalian Association Community Theatre is seeking artists for the 22nd Orange Street ArtsFest, Memorial Day weekend, May 27, 10am-6pm, and Sun., May 28, 10am-5pm. Celebrated street fair will return to Orange St. next to the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, with some artists inside the building. The popular juried festival is the largest springtime arts festival in downtown Wilmington and will feature over 80 artists from NC and surrounding states, with local entertainment and refreshments. Applicants must submit a color photo of original work in acrylic, oils, watercolor,

sculpture, drawing, graphics, wearable arts, leather jewelry, clay, glass, fiber, metal work or mixed media. Photographically or commercially reproduced work is also acceptable in limited editions, signed and numbered by the artist. An early bird entry fee of $135 will be offered until Apr. 28 and artists will be eligible for awards and $550 in prize money. www.wilmingtoncommunityarts.org. Samantha Herrick, slherrick@thalian.org.

CATCHING THE SPIRIT

Images by Mark Gansor and Carole Osman presents a playful and serene mix of global and local scenes including acrylic paintings of buildings, gardens, and fields in Wilmington and France by Mark Gansor and pastels and acrylic paintings of Japan and Germany by Carole Osman. Meet the artists; enjoy catering from Whole Foods; and listen to music by Cameron Tinklenberg, jazz pianist. Through Fri., April 7. Art in Bloom Gallery, 210 Princess St.

COLOR WORKS

Bellamy Mansion Museum features local artist Tom Conway’s original color photography exhibit, “Color Works.” Conway’s website is http://naturesportraits.org/gallery/. Free; donations appreciated. Exhibit on display through Apr. 2. Works are for sale by artist. www.bellamymansion.org. 503 Market St.

ACME MADE

Reception on Mar. 24, 6-9pm—Also on the program a screening of the revised doc film by Gary Breece, “Acme 2.0” ACME, 711 5th Ave.

GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING

Exhibition of art by Bob Bryden, at Flytrap Brewing. Working with a variety of drawing and printmaking processes Bob overlays simple elements and patterns to create complex visual structures and translucent color fields. His work contains hidden images, undulating surfaces, and conflicting perspectives. His luminous abstract images animate the surface inviting the viewer to perceive and enjoy basic visual relationships in unique ways. Kickoff Bryden’s solo exhibition on March 9th while instrumental jazz musician Sean Howard and 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine dish out tunes and local street food. Bryden’s work will be on display through April 30. Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St.

ARTIST CAROLE OSMAN

Meet artist, Carole Osman on Sun., Mar. 26, 2-4pm for a gallery talk about her art in the cur rent exhibit “Catching the Spirit: Images by Mark Gansor and Carole Osman.” Born in New York City, Carole Osman has been drawing and painting since she was able to hold a pencil and paintbrush in her hand. She lived and worked in various countries including Japan, South Korea, Turkey, and Germany. Carole will share insights into her pastels, paintings, and travels including landscapes and roofscapes. Refreshments will be served. Art in Bloom Gallery, 210 Princess St.

A SHOW OF HANDS

Mar. 29, 6pm: Hands say as much about a person as a face does, as a body type does, as a personality does. Do you agree? Come check out Anna Mann’s first photography show in Wilmington at the Wilmington Tasting Room at 19 S. 2nd Street from 6-9pm on March 29. The theme is, well, hands. These black and white portraits show a wide range of personalities from all around the Port City. Music provided by Vicki Burton, Callan Trippe with Patrick Carr, Margot Beberaggi, and more. And of course, beer and wine will be available. A Tasting Room, 19 S. 2nd St.

museums/education NC MUSEUMS ANNUAL MEETING

Mar. 26, opening reception, 5:30-8pm, cohosted

by Expo 216 and The Arts Council of Wilmington, North Carolina Museums Council (NCMC) conference attendees are invited to an opening reception. The 2017 annual meeting “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Relations With Communities” will convene in Wilmington on March 26-27th. Attendees will be able to view current exhibits, enjoy refreshments,and listen to live music while networking with colleagues from 5:30-8pm. Live music will feature instrumental arrangements by guitarist Justin Lacy and violinist Christa Faison.

Event is open to public. Expo 216, 216 N. Front St.

CAMERON ART MUSEUM

Exhibits: Beyond the Horizon: Exploring our evolving perceptions of the natural world, contemporary artists Maya Lin, Teresita Fernández, Jason Mitcham, and Colby Parsons employ unique mediums to unearth human interaction with the landscape. The four nationally and internationally renowned artists in Beyond the Horizon all aim to explore natural phenomena while challenging perception in the viewer. Lin’s artwork interprets the world through a modern lens, using technological methods to visualize and convey the natural environment; Fernández work delves into the psychology of looking and she is often inspired by rethinking the meaning of landscape and place; Mitcham’s work with animation began with his desire to incorporate time into a painting; Parsons’ work explores the distortion and textual qualities of video projection in intersection with clay. • New! “From the Fire” (on view through Aug. 27) feat. Rick Beck, John Littleton, Pablo Soto and Kate Vogel celebrates the 55th anniversary of the studio glass movement, the influence of Littleton and the current innovative processes in contemporary glass. • CAM Café open and serving delicious menu with full bar, 5pm-9pm.

Tuesday-Sunday 11am-2pm; Thursday nights, 5pm-9pm 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.org.

3201 S. 17th St.

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 afterhours 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, 10am4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. at 10am. $4-$12. The Latimer House of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society is not handicapped accessible 126 S. Third St. 762-0492. www.latimerhouse.org

CAPE FEAR SERPENTARIUM

World’s most fascinating and dangerous reptiles in beautiful natural habitats, feat. a 12-foot saltwater crocodile, “Bubble Boy” and “Sheena,” a 23ft long Reticulated Python that can swallow a human being whole! Giant Anaconda weighs 300 lbs, w/15 ft long King Cobras hood up and amaze you. See the Black Mamba, Spitting Cobras, Inland Taipans, Gaboon Vipers, Puff Adders, and more! Over 100 species, some so rare they are not exhibited anywhere else. One of the most famous reptile collections on earth. Open everyday in summer, 11am5pm (Sat. till 6 pm); winter schedule, Wed-Sun. 20 Orange St., across from the Historic Downtown Riverwalk, intersecting Front and Water Street.

(910) 762-1669. capefearserpentarium.com.

BELLAMY MANSION

One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War

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

503 Market St. BURGWIN WRIGHT HOUSE

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

910-762-0570. www.burgwinwrighthouse.com.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Mar. 25, 6 p.m.: An 18-hole mini-golf course with pizza and beer! This year we’re back and better than ever with double the beer and double the pizza! Fundraiser by getting a hole-in-one in the Teddy Bear Hospital while eating some delicious local pizza. There will be 18 holes of fun with an outdoor beer garden and live music in the courtyard. Must be 21 to participate. $25 before/$30 at door. • Admission: Ticket prices: Early bird (before March 5)-- $20 advance (after March 5)-- $25 At the door-- $30 Tues., Kids Cooking Club, 3:30pm • Wed., Preschool Science, 10am; Discover Science, 3:30pm; and Mini Math, 4pm.

• Thurs. StoryCOOKS, 10am; and StART with a Story, 3:30pm • Fri., Toddler Time, 10am; and Adventures in Art, 3:30pm • Drop off gently used

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM

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

STARRING CAPE FEAR

New Hanover County’s Cape Fear Museum is proud to showcase highlights of the region’s film history with the opening of its newest exhibit, Starring Cape Fear! Visitors can explore the history of the local film and television production industry from the 1980s to the present day. View artifacts from several productions including Firestarter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill and Tammy. See a cape and the ear from Blue Velvet, an Iron Man 3 mask, and the jet ski beloved by Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) in Eastbound & Down. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. Tues.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Sun.,1-5pm.

WILMINGTON RAILROAD 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

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BALKCUM AUTO INC. 7644 Market Street Hwy 17

(1 mile north of Ogden)

Since 1968

910-686-4755

www.balkcumauto.com

GREAT CARS AT GREAT PRICES! (many in like-new condition)

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2015 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT 4x4, Pwr. Everything, 20” Wheels, Leather, 21K Miles

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2014 GMC SEIRRA 2500 HD 4 Dr., Crew Cab, 4x4, Michelins, Loaded!

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2014 MERCEDES E350 2 Dr., Convertible, Only 2 Owners, Super Clean, Nice!

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2012 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SAHARA 4x4, 1 Owner, 6 Spd., All Power, Ready For The Beach

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2013 MERCEDES ML 350 2 Owners, Leather, Navigation, Sunroof

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2013 CHRYSLER 300 C 2 Owners, Leather,V8, Sunroof, Navigation

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2015 CHEVY CORVETTE Z51 Convertible, Chrome Wheels, All Power, Navigation

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2011 MERCEDES E63 AMG Hard To Find, Leather, Premium Pkg., Has It All!

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$34,90

2012 CADILLAC ESCALADE PREMIUM AWD, 2 Owners, New Tires, 20” Factory Wheels, Leather

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2012 GMC ACADIA DENALI AWD, 1 Owner, Leather, Navigation, 3rd Row, Has It All!

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2013 CHEVY SUBURBAN LT 1500 4x2, Leather, Heated Seats, All Power

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2014 HONDA CRV EX-L 1 Owner, Leather, Power Sunroof, New Tires, Only 28K Mi.

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4,900 $41

2014 CHEVY CORVETTE STINGRAY Z51 Heated Seats, 2 Owners, Super Clean, Only 11,787 Mi.

2016 JAGUAR XF 35t PREMIUM 1 Owner, Only 3,290 Mi., Tan Int., Sunroof, Pristine Cond.

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2016 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED SPORT 4x4, Lift Kit, 1 Owner, Only 12K Miles

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2012 GMC YUKON DENALI AWD, 2 Owners, Super Clean, Loaded!

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2011 AUDI TTS PRESTIGE COUPE Only 35K Miles, Super Clean, Michelins

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2013 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 4x2, Crew Cab, All Power, Alloys, Low Mi.

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2013 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT 4x4, All Power, Soft Top

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2004 PORSCHE 911 AWD CARRERA Convertible, Leather, Loaded, Only 39K Miles

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2015 CADILLAC SRX PERFORMANCE 1 Owner, Navigation, Heated Seats, Decked Out!

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2012 INFINITI FX35 AWD, Limited Edition, 2 Owners,Very Clean, Fully Loaded

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2011 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER SR5 4x4, 3rd Row, Sunroof, Super Clean!

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2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4x2, 1 Owner, Local Trade, Leather

All Local Inventory • 99% All Credit Approved • Military Welcome • Warranties Available 56 encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com

books at our museum to be used for a good cause.

Ooksbay Books uses book collection locations to help promote literacy, find a good use for used books, and benefit nonprofits. www.playwilmington.org. 116 Orange St. 910-254-3534.

kids stuff SUPER SATURDAY FUN TIME

Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme. In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Adult participation is required. Little Explorers is sponsored by the PNC Foundation. Free! Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. LEGO ROBOTS

Appropriate for ages 4-10, but all ages welcome.

Free for museum members/$10 adults and $8 chilDock the Dog and Dock Street Kids for 10 excitdren. Engage in science, technology, engineering ing episodes of Super Saturday Fun Time, 3pm, and math as you construct and program a LEGO TheatreNOW’s live theatrical show featuring local MINDSTORMS® robot! Create a programmable history and mystery and super guest stars, hosted robotic arm and bring its power under your control.

by Captain Coy T. Plunkett (Zach Hanner). Live Build your robot in the first workshop on Saturday, music, games, cartoons, short films, and his faMarch 18, and continue with exciting challenges vorite surf “nuggets.” Dock Street Kids and their in the second workshop on Saturday, March 25, always-hungry dog, Dock, solve adventures. Par2017. Appropriate for ages 8+. Space is limited. ents can even drop off kids ages 5+. Kid-friendly Sponsored by Corning Incorporated and Landfall snacks and drinks available for purchase. Custom foundations. Prereg. rqd: www.capefearmuseum. birthday packages with a chance to interact with com or (910) 798-4362. Cape Fear Museum, 814 characters and step onstage in the action. 2017: Market St. Spring Show, Mar. 25, Summer Show, Jun. 24; Back to School Show, Aug. 19; Halloween, Oct. DISCOVERY LAB Free for members or with general admission. In28; Christmas, Dec. 16. 19 S. 10th St. vestigate, experiment, and explore! In the DiscovSATURDAY STORY HOUR ery Lab, the whole family can drop-in for fun, quick Miss Shannon will lead interactive story hours for experiments and hands-on investigations. Themes kids ages 3 to 6 on the first and third Saturdays vary. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Adult participation is of March, April, and May at the Main Library in required. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. downtown Wilmington. Saturday Story Hour is free STEM ACTIVITY DAY and no pre-registration is needed.Opens with a Mar. 25, 11am: A free day of hands-on learning picture book and end with a project or activity at experiences for students of all ages. Activities will the end, and include time to play, learn, and laugh be based on the STEM content areas: science, in between. Each child should bring a participattechnology, engineering and math. CFCC-Union ing adult. Shannon Vaughn: 910-798-6303 or Station Building-Room U-508, 502 N. Front St. svaughn@nhcgov.com. 201 Chestnut St. STORY EXPLORERS

CAM, every Thurs., 10-10:30am: Admission by donation. Bring your infant, toddler or preschooler for story time, gallery exploration and an art project! georgia@cameronartmuseum.org for more info.

3201 S. 17th St.

STORY ART

KIDFEST

Mar. 25, noon-3pm: Belk, Independence Mall. Join us for a fashion show (ask a sales associate for details). Refreshments, entertainment, 50% off kids apparel, excludes designer collections, Belk models will receive 20% off regular and sale purchases. 910-392-1440, ext.. 258. 3500 Oleander Dr.

9:30 a.m. Admission: 910-256-7925. WB Park, 321 Causeway Dr.

classes

HEART HEALTHY NUTRITION SEMINAR

ART CLASSES

Draw Light and Shadow with Pencil, Mon., 10amnoon or 2-4pm. • Coastal Critters in Water Color Thurs, 10am-noon or 2-4pm. • Draw Upon Your Creative Self! Fri., 10am-noon or 2-4pm. • Just Kids Workshop, Sat., 10-11:30am. Workshops $15—all materials are provided. • Printing With Natural Materials, Mon., 10am-noon or 2pm-4pm.

• Impressionist Painting, Tues, 10am-noon or 2pm4pm. $80/4 weeks. Supply list available. loislight@ bellsouth.net or call 910 547-8115. Sun Room Studio, 6905 Southern Exposure.

BOOK NOOK

Hands-on computer workshop at Northeast Library is for avid readers! Librarian Carla Sarratt will walk you through a variety of online tools for the reading community. At this training session you’ll learn tricks and tips for discovering reading and readalike suggestions using the Library’s own online catalog and website, NoveList, and Goodreads.

Explore self-published books by Indie authors on Biblioboard! Seats limited—pre-reg. rqd., free. www.nhclibrary.org. 910-798-6371. Carla Sarratt, 910-798-6371; csarratt@nhcgov.com. Northeast Regional Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd.

FITNESS CLASSES

Boot Camp, Tues/Thurs, 6 a.m.-7 a.m. Barre Fit classes, Tues/Thurs, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Hatha (Gentle) Yoga, Tues, 10:45 a.m.-1:45 a.m. Kettlebell Training , Fri, 6 a.m.-7 a.m., starting in January.

Vinyasa Yoga, Mon/Wed, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Tues, 6:30.-7:30 p.m.; and Fri, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Low Impact Aerobics, Mon., Wed., and Fri., 8-9 a.m. Tone, strengthen and stretch classes, Tues/Thurs, 8:30-

Four-class nutrition seminar series is a part of the YMCA’s evidence-based Blood Pressure SelfMonitoring Program. Each 1-hour seminar covers important nutrition topics that impact heart health. These seminars are a part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program but are open to the public and free of charge. Seminar 4: (April 12th, 12pm-1pm): Heart Healthy Eating for Life. www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org. Express YMCA, 11 S. Kerr Ave.

INTERIOR DECORATING

24-hour course will show you how to unlock your own personal style. Course topics include: a history of various decorating styles, with special emphasis on local Southern architecture and furniture; how to define style—whether classic, modern, vintage, chic, coastal, urban or a mix.

CFCC North Campus, 4500 Blue Clay Rd. Prereg is required and the cost is $140. enrich@ cfcc.edu or (910) 362-7199

PAPERMAKING CLASSES

Wed., 6pm: Adults explore different papermaking techniques so you can make each sheet of paper unique. All materials included, but we encourage bringing in some of your own materials that you can include into your paper—such as flat mementos and plants. See samples on our Facebook and website. • Adult and children classes held on Sat., 2pm. Sign up: www.alunaworks.com. Aluna Works, 603 Castle St.

CAPE FEAR WINE AND PAINT

Fri., 6pm: River to Sea Gallery hosts a Cape Fear Paint & Wine class taught by exhibiting gallery artist Rebecca Duffy Bush. Classes are $40 per

Special program for kids in kindergarten through second grade. At each session they’ll hear a story that incorporates a different art concept, then have time to apply what they’ve seen and heard as they 10-WEEK EXERCISE PROGRAM make their own art! Free but space limited. RegisBeach Bound Boot Camp is a ten week high energy ter www.nhclibrary.org for the dates your child will exercise program that meets two times per week. attend, to be sure of having enough seats and art Kick start your 2017 training regimen with this 10materials. Julie: jcriser@nhcgov.com or 910-798week training session that strives to improve physi6303. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St. cal fitness and increase health awareness in a fun FRENCH PLAYGROUP but safe environment. The program will include a Thurs., 10am: Chantez! Jouez! Rencontrez des variety of feasible exercises including calisthennouveaux amis! Sing, play, and meet new friends ics, low impact cardio, resistance training. Beach at French Playgroup at the Main Library! Informal Bound Boot Camp seeks to provide a transformahour where young kids and parents/caregivers tional experience through effective training while can hear and try out some French words. Free and fostering relationships that will encourage success. no advance registration is needed. Main Library $200 WB residents/240 nonresidents. Pre-reg rqd.

Children’s Room at 910-798-6303 or sdemarco@ Mon/Wed, 9-10am. Session 1: Through Mar. 20. nhcgov.com. NHC Main Library, 201 Chestnut St. Session 2: Mar. 27-Jun. 5. Wrightsville Beach Municipal Park, Bob Sawyer Dr. LEGO CHALLENGE NHC Myrtle Grove Library, 5155 S. College Rd. CF ROLLER GIRLS SEASON OPENER Maureen Weinman, mweinman@nhcgov.com, Come cheer on your Cape Fear Roller Girls All 910-798-6393. Lego Challenge at Myrtle Grove Stars as they take on Beckley Area Derby Dames Library is a fun way for kids to practice problem and the Cape Fear Black Harrts as they take on solving, creativity, critical thinking, visualizing three Ring City Rollergirls in the first double header of dimensional structures, communication, and motor the season! Bring the whole family for a night of skills! Participating children may work alone or in action and excitement! Doors open at 4:30pm, first groups. Legos are scheduled on the third Tuesday whistle is at 5pm. A portion of proceeds will benof each month at New Hanover County’s Myrtle efit The Hope Center. Presale tickets $10, $12 at Grove Library. The sessions are free for kids ages the door; Kids 6-10 $5; Kids under 6, free. www.

5 to 10. Space limited, so prereg: www.nhclibrary. brownpapertickets.com/event/2856623. Schwartz org or 910-798-6393. 5155 S. College Rd. Center, 601 N. Front St.

outdoors/recreation

BUILD IT!

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person. Class will be held 6:00-8:00. Includes two glasses of wine or beer, a gorgeous view and a finished painting for you to take home. Space is limited and reservations are required. Message or call 910.763.3380 to reserve your seat today. www.capefearpaintandwine.weebly.com, $40 with 2 drinks, $35 without. River to Sea Gallery, 224 S Water St., Ste 1A WINE AND WATERCOLOR

Wine and watercolor with Nick Mijak. Every Tuesday evening starting at 7:30 class is led by local watercolor artist Nick Mijak, we always enjoy a nice glass of wine while we learn some fundamental techniques of the mysterious medium of watercolor. The idea is to take the fear out of watercolor and learn the fun. All the materials are provided, and each participant gets a completed painting they are proud of by the end of the evening. Come join the fun, at Bar Local! 19 Market St.

CAPE FEAR YOGA

River to Sea Gallery hosts a Cape Fear kids yoga class taught by certified yoga instructor Heidi Thompson. Classes are $10 per person and are Sundays from 10-11. Come try our Sunday Stretch Kids’ Yoga. Space is limited and reservations are required. Message or call 910-763-3380 to reserve your spot today. Donations through March. $10 class fee begins Mar. 26. River to Sea Gallery, 224 S Water Street, Suite 1A

METAL WORK AND JEWELRY CLASSES

Metal and wire work jewelry classes held every Tues., 10am-noon at the Hannah Block Community Arts Center at 2nd and Orange streets. $30/2 hour class (includes all supplies and tools for use in class). Pre-reg: Karen Keffer Pridemore, takeyourpickdesigns@yahoo.com.

BOATING CLASS

Beginner boating class will give the student the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certificate for the state of North Carolina.

It is required for anyone who operates a power boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC) of 10 or more horsepower in North Carolina waters that was born after 01 January, 1988. Topics taught include: A basic introduction to types of boats, boating law, required safety equipment, discussion of navigation aids, boating problems, trailering your boat, and enjoying water sports. It is an 8-hour class that begins at 9:00 am. Boating certificate/card will be issued at the end of the test. Text Included. $35. Session 2 Sat., July 22, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Advance reg. is strongly recommended due to limited seating availability. Jim Sinclair: captjim.sinclair7@ gmail.com. 202-746-5253. Fran Russ Rec. Center, 1 Bob Sawyer Dr.

NC COASTAL FEDERATION

Currently seeking volunteers to serve as Coastal Ambassadors of the federation. The southeast region of the North Carolina coast is an active place, and the federation is invited to participate in multiple events, often having to decline due to lack of resources. Coastal Ambassadors will represent the federation at events, educating the public on the federation’s mission and work. Wrightsville Beach office is hosting a two-hour training session on Mar. 15, 6-8 p.m. to help interested volunteers get started. Training will include a brief history of the federation and this year’s goals and benchmarks, an overview of the various outreach materials used at events and suggested talking points.

Participants will leave with the tools and resources to help the federation have a larger presence in the community and will give us more time to continue our work protecting and restoring water quality and coastal habitats. Dinner provided. Jessica Gray, coastal outreach associate, at 910-509-2838 ext.

204 or jessicag@nccoast.org. Fred and Alice Stan-

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back Coastal Ed. Center, 309 W. Salisbury St. OPEN YOUR HEART

This is a beautiful meditation for creating happiness through a smile, opening our hearts to unlimited happiness and peace. Only through the heart can we experience joy, happiness, peace and calm. Join us for this deeply moving meditation and smile for your heart. Pay what you can at the door. HARMONY: A Wellness Center & Yoga, 3504 N. Kerr Ave.

LIVING FREE WOMEN’S WORKSHOPS

Mar. 27, 7pm: A Gathering of Women focused on freedom—spiritual, emotional and physical freedom. Living Free will be held in January, February, and March at Lifepoint Church, with both large group and small group sessions throughout the workshops. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/living-free-the-secret-to-spiritual-healthtickets-30743799532. Lifepoint Church, 3534 S. College Rd.

WHO DO YOU LOVE? GOD OR YOUR PASTOR?

Mar. 28, 6pm: As millions of church-goers and truth seekers take their weekly trek to their place of worship, the Israelite Church of God In Jesus Christ has a question for them: who do you love, God? Or you Pastor? The Pastors of the sheep throughout the city of Wilmington continuously teach people to sin against God in their ignorance of the scriptures and now it’s time for a change. We are inviting the citizens of Wilmington to come out and support this seminar. New Hanover Downtown Library, 201 Chestnut St.

lectures/literary BEGIN THE CONVERSATION CLINICS

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

clubs/notices FRIDAY NIGHT MAGIC

Format of Magic: The Gathering tournaments, held on Friday nights in gaming stores and associations all across the world. They are designed to be a beginner-friendly introduction to organized play. Standard format. $6 fee paid towards prize support for event. Prizes are a pack per win and also if you complete all 4 rounds. Event begins at 7pm, reg. begins at 6pm. Arrive early for event reg.

Free play, $6 entry fee first FNM Free. Cape Fear Games, 4107 Oleander Dr., Ste D.

BIRTH CIRCLE

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

VENDORS NEEDED AT POPLAR GROVE

Poplar Grove Plantation is accepting vendor applications for the area’s largest and longest running Herb and Garden Fair, April 1, 9am-5pm, and April 2, 10am-4pm. Gardeners come from all over to kick off the spring planting season by purchasing garden items and attending our classes, activities

a high-flying, death-defying broadway musical!

Saturday, April 8 â&#x20AC;˘ 2pm

910.362.7999

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and exhibits. Help us fill the grounds with a selection of locally grown plants of all types—herbs, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, shrubs, native plants, vegetable starts and houseplants, plus garden art & accessories, herbal and all—natural products, artisan crafts & local foods. www.poplargrove.org ILM SISTER CITIES MEETING

Mar. 23: At City Council Chambers (Wilmington City Hall) beginning at 8:30am. 2017 program will focus on why people voted to leave the European Union and what the future implications are for relations both within and outside the region. Voters in the district including Wilmington’s sister city, Doncaster, voted two to one to leave the EU. Featured speakers will include Jim McLaughlin, Andrew Terrell, and Dr. Paul Townend. McLaughlin is a speaker on business topics in a variety of forums and regular contributor to the Business Connections Live online television channel. Terrell was recently appointed to the role of Consul for Government and Prosperity. Townend is Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Kerry Toone, PPD executive who is also a SCAW board member and native of Great Britain will be the moderator of the panel and will take questions from the audience. Free to the general public; light refreshments will be provided (donations accepted). Doors at 8:15am and program begins promptly at 8:30am. Program will be recorded and available for viewing from the City of Wilmington’s GTV8 site. RSVP: membership@ scawilmington.org. 102 N. Third St.

NEW HANOVER NAACP MEETING

Mar. 23, 7pm, St. Stephen AME church, 501 Red Cross St. Information on important upcoming community events and other vital community and state

issues will be on the agenda. Members and friends are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 910-765-0102 or email nhcnaacp@gmail.com.

LANDSCAPE PLANTS/RUMMAGE SALE.

Mar. 25, 8am: Kiwanis will sell beautiful landscape plants, household items, tools, sporting equipment, clothing, toys and much more. All reasonably priced. Proceeds support the numerous Kiwanis programs for children. Brigade Boys and Girls Club, 2759 Vance St.

ILM COOPERATIVE SCHOOL

Mar. 29, 5pm: Come visit us at Wilmington Cooperative School, your local spot for cooperative, alternative education experiences! Kid friendly event with light snacks provided. See our school, meet our teacher and board members, tour and play in the school yard. Wilmington Cooperative School, 4830 Randall Pkwy.

culinary FERMENTAL

Free tasting every Friday, 6pm. • Third Wednesday of each month feat. musical and brewing talents alongside an open mic night, as well as the opportunity for homebrewers to share, sample, and trade their creations: an evening of beer and an open stage. PA and equipment provided. All genres. All beer styles. 4pm, free. 910-821-0362 for details.

Fermental, 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 our brewers and get two free samples.

BEER BINGO

Every Thursday night for beer bingo. No charge

for cards. Great prizes. Food and drink specials.

Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St. AYCE OYSTER ROAST

Every Friday for All You Can Eat oysters, shell on shrimp, fried shrimp, hushpuppies and slaw. Only $34.95. Local oysters. Capt’n Bills Backyard and Grille, 4240 Market St.

NEMA LOUNGE AND EATERY

Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour every Thurs. $5, 9” pizza and $5 glass of select Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio. Traditional crust pizza, small 9” includes housemade roast balsamic tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan; other toppings extra. Dine in special only. • Martini Tastings, Fri. and Sat., 4-8pm. 5 tastings and an order of NeMa Fancy Fries, $20/person. • It’s Champagne & Salmon Burger Sunday! $5 glasses of champagne all day and Chef Mark’s famous wild caught Alaskan salmon burger only $7, 5-7pm. NeMa Lounge & Eatery, 225 S. Water St. Chandler’s Wharf.

TACO BOWL POP UP FUNDRAISER

$5 Taco Bowl Popup, noon-2pm, every Thursday In March! Choose from meat or veggie, beans and rice included. Add your favorite toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions, hot sauce. All proceeds benefit Whole Planet Foundation, whose mission is to alleviate global poverty by providing micro-credit in communities that supply Whole Foods with products. Whole Foods Market, 3804 Oleander Dr.

FISH FRY

The Knights in Hampstead will hold a series of Fish Fry Events for Lent 2017. We will be available every Friday through April 7 at the American Legion Post 167, 16660 U.S. 17, Hampstead, North Carolina 28443. Serving time is from 4:30pm to 7pm. The ticket prices are $8.50 each. The meals include fried cod, hush puppies, french fries, cole slaw and dessert. You can get the meal to go or eat it there. Tables will be set up and the Knights provide great conversation! All net proceeds donated to the Knights Charities! Tickets at door. American Legion Post 167, 16660 Highway 17

WCS ANNUAL OYSTER ROAST

Mar. 26, 1pm: Jesse Stockton on stage, $10 suggested door donation goes to Wilmington Cooperative School. We will also be serving grilled food and holding an Art Raffle with local artists! Suggested door donation. Palate, 1007 N 4th St.

support groups TRANGENDER SUPPORT GROUP

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Transgender Support groups facilitated by licensed therapists in a private and safe location.

Four free monthly support groups for parents and family, children and teens, young adults, and older adults. All are phone screened for safety. Group information is given at the time of the screening.

Please contact Nova Swanstrom MA, LPA for more information. (910) 343-6890 x3009

WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP

Middle school and high-school students: Wilmington Pride and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation have joined together to create and facilitate a youth group for children/youth (middle school and high school) who are LGBTQIA, plus straight allies. A safe space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political consequences, religion, self harm and self-care. Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk about important topics. Meet every Thurs. at 7:30pm at UU Congregation of Wilmington, 4313 Lake Ave, (across from Roland Grise Middle School). Sue Graffius: dre@ uufwilmington.org).

CHADD

Wilmington Area CHADD meets on the 2nd Monday of every month from 7-9pm at the Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd., Building B. This free support group is open to a growing group of parents, grandparents and individuals affected by AD/HD who understand what it takes to face its daily challenges. Free. Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd., bldg B. WilmingtonCHADD.org

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP

Meets 1st and 3rd Thurs. of each month Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd.

Bldg B, 7-8:30pm. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thurs. a. month. 3rd Thurs. meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. Alayne at 910-763-8134

GRIEF GROUP

Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a grief program for those coping with the death of a spouse or partner. The group will meet Wed., through Mar. 22, 10am-noon, Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, 1406 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. Preregistration is required; to register, call 796-7991.

Most of us have loved and lost special people in our lives and we understand that coping with grief is a challenging process. If you and/or your friends and family are having difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one, we are here to help. Throughout the year, we offer compassionate care, educational and enrichment opportunities that support many types of loss in safe and familiar environments.

Because of our generous donors, these caring, no cost groups, camps and workshops are available to all. Your donation is always appreciated.

Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Dr.

PFLAG

PFLAG Meeting is first Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Life Community Church, located inside Independence Mall, will have a Celebrate Recovery meeting every Monday evening at 6:30 pm starting with fellowship followed by a large group meeting at 7pm. Support groups for men and women follow at 8 pm. The meeting is in the Extension located across from Branches bookstore and the church auditorium. For more information. contact Jodie at 910-547-8973, 791-3859 or Lifecc.com. Life Community Church, 3500 Oleander Dr.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Thurs., 6pm: Meets in Classroom C, Ground Floor.

Men and spouses welcome from the entire Cape Fear area. Discussion/programs. www.wilmingtonprostatecancersupportgroup.com. 910-792-9953.

EXPECTING MAMA’S CIRCLE

Sat, noon: Come chat with other pregnant mamas who are going through the same thing as you!

Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Breastfeeding USA counselor, and Postpartum Doula, Jess Zeffiro will moderate a free Pregnancy Meetup Group. Expectant mothers are invited to pop into the group at any time to share their stories, ask questions, and connect with great area resources.

Share your stories with each other and have any pregnancy and birth related questions answered in a supportive and caring environment. The Bump & Beyond, 890-3 S. Kerr Ave.

MS SUPPORT GROUP

Those with MS, families and friends welcome.

Meets at New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital 1st floor conference room (behind Betty Cameron Women’s Hospital), 2131 S. 17th St. Second Thursday each month. Lisa, 399-7252; Burt, 383-1368.

tours LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR

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

CONFEDERATE WALKING TOURS

Experience Wilmington’s people, history and architecture in the late antebellum period and during the conflict, conducted by noted Wilmington historian Bernhard Thuersam Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, James Monroe, Daniel Webster, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and more. Indepth 90-minute tours are by appt, Sunday through Saturday, 910-619-4619 or bernhard1848@gmail. com. Personalized tours downtown and local forts available. Foot of Market St. www.cfhi.net.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOURS

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

INSIDER’S TOUR

Curious about the Cape Fear? Explore the history of your 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. Preregistration is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Free w/general admission or membership. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St.

GHOST WALK

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

JAMES F. POST ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR

Mar. 25, 2pm: Join the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society for a walking tour featuring the architecture of James F. Post, Wilmington’s premier 19th century architect who designed the Latimer House, Bellamy Mansion, McKoy House, and others. Tour departs and concludes from the Latimer House Museum. Free for LCFHS members, $12/person, or $10 for AAA/Military/Students. Space is limited, please call (910) 762-0492 to RSVP. Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, 126 S 3rd St.

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 20)

Of course you want to get the best of everything. But that doesn’t mean you should disdain cheap thrills that are more interesting and gratifying than the expensive kind. And of course you enjoy taking risks. But there’s a big difference between gambling that’s spurred by superstitious hunches and gambling rooted in smart research. And of course you’re galvanized by competition. But why fritter away your competitive fire on efforts to impress people? A better use of that fire is to use it to hone your talents and integrity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

If you own an untamable animal like a bull, the best way to manage it is to provide a fenced but spacious meadow where it can roam freely. So said famous Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki, using a metaphor to address how we might deal with the unruly beasts in our own psyches. This is excellent advice for you right now, Taurus. I’d hate to see you try to quash or punish your inner wild thing. You need its boisterous power! It will be a fine ally if you can both keep it happy and make it work for you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

If I were to provide a strict interpretation of the astrological omens, I’d advise you to party hardy and rowdy and strong and often I’d suggest that you attend a raging bash or convivial festivity once every day. And if that were logistically impossible, I’d advise you to stage your own daily celebrations, hopefully stocked with the most vivacious and stimulating people you can find. But I recognize that this counsel may be too extreme for you to honor.

So I will simply invite you to party hardy and rowdy and strong at least twice a week for the next four weeks. It’s the medicine you need.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

You are on the verge of achieving a sly victory over the part of you that is unduly meek and passive. I believe that in the coming weeks you will rise up like a resourceful hero and at least half-conquer a chronic fear. A rumbling streak of warrior luck will flow through you, enabling you to kill off any temptation you might have to take the easy way out. Congratulations in advance, my fellow Cancerian! I have rarely seen our tribe have so much power to triumph over our unconscious attraction to the victim role.

tors syndiCate

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Leo journal entry, Thursday: Am too settled and stale and entrenched. Feeling urges to get cheeky and tousled. Friday: So what if I slept a little longer and arrived late? Who cares if the dishes are piling up in the sink? I hereby *refuse* law and order. Saturday: I’m fantasizing about doing dirty deeds.

I’m thinking about breaking the taboos. Sunday: Found the strangest freshness in a place I didn’t expect to. Sometimes chaos is kind of cute and friendly. Monday: The nagging voice of the taskmaster in my head is gone.

Ding-dong. Let freedom ring!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

William Boyd writes novels, which require him to do copious research about the real-world milieus he wants his fictional characters to inhabit. For example, to ensure the authenticity of his book *Waiting for Sunrise,* he found out what it was like to live in Vienna in 1913. He compares his process of searching for juicy facts to the feeding habits of a blue whale: engorging huge amounts of seawater to strain out the plankton that are good to eat.

Ninety percent of the information he wades through is irrelevant, but the rest is tasty and nourishing. I suspect you’ll thrive on a similar approach in the coming weeks, Virgo. Be patient as you search for what’s useful.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Here’s a new word for you: enantiodromia. It’s what happens when something turns into its opposite. It’s nature’s attempt to create equilibrium where

The invention of SAUERBRATEN

there has been imbalance. Too much NO becomes YES, for example. A superabundance of yin mutates into yang, or an overemphasis on control generates chaos. Flip-flops like these tend to be messy if we resist them, but interesting if we cooperate. I figure that’s your choice right now. Which will it be? The latter, I hope.

P.S.: The reversals that you consciously co-create may not be perfect. But even if they are baffling, I bet they will also be amusing and magnificent.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

When I was 24, I lived in rural North Carolina and had a job washing dishes in a city four miles away. I was too poor to own a bicycle, let alone a car. To get to work I had to trudge down backroads where hostile dogs and drunk men in pick-up trucks roamed freely. Luckily, I discovered the art of psychic protection. At first I simply envisioned a golden force field surrounding me. Later I added visualizations of guardian animals to accompany me: two friendly lions and two sheltering wolves. Maybe it was just the placebo effect, but the experiment worked. My allies made me brave and kept me safe. You’re welcome to borrow them, Scorpio, or conjure up your own version of spirit protectors. You’re not in physical danger, but I suspect you need an extra layer of protection against other people’s bad moods, manipulative ploys, and unconscious agendas.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

I’m not suggesting you should listen to your heart with rapt attention every waking minute for the next four weeks. I don’t expect you to neglect the insights your mind has to offer. But I would love to see you boost your attunement to the intelligent organ at the center of your chest. You’re going to need its specific type of guidance more than ever in the coming months. And at this particular moment, it is beginning to overflow with wisdom that’s so rich and raw that it could unleash a series of spiritual orgasms.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The empty space at the end of this sentence has intentionally been left blank ... The serene hiatus you just glided through comes to you courtesy of Healing Silence, an ancient form of do-it-yourself therapy. Healing Silence is based on the underappreciated truth that now and then it’s restorative to just SHUT UP and abstain from activity for a while. (As you know, the world is crammed with so much noise and frenzy that it can be hard to hear yourself think—or even feel.)

With Healing Silence, you bask in a sanctuary of sweet nothingness for as long as you need to. Please try it sometime soon. Wrap yourself in the luxurious void of Healing Silence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

I hope you won’t feel the need to say any of these things: 1. “I’m sorry I gave you everything I had without making sure you wanted it.” 2. “Will you please just stop asking me to be so real.” 3. “I long for the part of you that you’ll never give me.”

Now here are things I hope you *will* say sometime soon: 1. “I thrived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me.” (This declaration is lifted from novelist Joshua Graham.) 2. “I’m having fun, even though it’s not the same kind of fun everyone else is having.” (Borrowed from author C.S. Lewis.)

3. “I’m not searching for who I am. I’m searching for the person I aspire to be.”

(Stolen from author Robert Brault.)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Are you fantasizing more about what you don’t have and can’t do than what you do have and can do? If so, please raise the “do have” and “can do” up to at least 51 percent. (Eighty percent would be better.) Have you been harshly critiquing yourself more than you have been gently taking care of yourself? If so, get your self-care level up to at least 51 percent. (Eight-five percent is better.)

Are you flirting with a backward type of courage that makes you nervous about what everyone thinks of you and expects from you? If so, I invite you to cultivate a different kind of courage at least 51 percent of the time: courage to do what’s right for you no matter what anyone thinks or expects. (Ninety percent is better.)

encore | march 22 - march 28, 2017 | www.encorepub.com 61

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This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.

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