March 28, 2012

VOL. 28 / PUB 38 / FREE

WWW.ENCOREPUB.COM

MARCH 28 - APRIL 3, 2012

Renowned dance troupe performs at Kenan Auditorium, Saturday, March 31st encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 1

hodgepodge| thE CIRCUs IDEAL pg. 38

Renowned dance troupe brings its progressive energy to Kenan As an entire dance company contorts, stacks and slides together, Pilobolus transforms itself from multiple human bodies to one complete shape—be it a talking head, the swinging pendulum of a grandfather clock, or an avant-garde development all their own. The work of Pilobolus is not strictly limited to one style of dance.

Instead, their shows are a melting pot of themes and effects which unite to create powerfully emotive masterpieces. They employ theatrical aspects of witty comedic timing and even the dramatic interpretation of music. Yet Pilobolus is not just a dance troupe but an entire ‘arts organism,’ with ancillary projects and programs for all sorts of participants, as described by artistic director Robby Barnett. Bethany Turner speaks with Barnett prior to Pilobolus’ performance at Kenan Auditorium, which will take place on Saturday, March 31st. Photos by John Kane

WIn tICkEts!

Laundro-Lounge, Thalian Hall, Brooklyn Arts Center and more! We made it easy for you to see our upcoming contests, too. Just scan the QR code you see on this page! It’ll take you to our ticket information site, giving you a list of available tickets—and the dates when we’ll be running contests.

news & views ..................4-9 her gardening days ahead.

7-8 op-ed: The Cranky Foreigner and

LATE-NIGHT FUNNIES “Yesterday the prime minister of Ireland made President Obama an honorary Irishman.

As a result, President Obama awoke this morning with a hangover and a job at the fire department.” —Conan O’Brien “Rick Santorum wants to ban pornography. That’s one of the few thriving industries America has left.” —David Letterman “This weekend President Obama will visit the border that separates North and South Korea. Not to be outdone, Newt Gingrich will visit the border that separates the KFC from the Taco Bell.”—–Jimmy Fallon “This Wednesday Mitt Romney goes oneon-one in a debate against the one man who stands in the way of his nomination: Mitt Romney.” —Jimmy Kimmel “According to a new book, President Obama blames Fox News for his political problems and losing voters. How could Fox News lose voters? If you’re watching Fox News, you’re probably not voting for him in the first place.” —Jay Leno “That’s right—Rick Santorum was seen lying on the beach without his shirt on. He would have worn sunscreen, but he’s not really into protection.” —Jimmy Fallon “Yesterday Vice President Joe Biden said the killing of Osama bin Laden was the most audacious plan in the last 500 years. Biden then unveiled his new line of steak knives and said, ‘Until now!’” —Conan O’Brien

WORD OF THE WEEK tutelage: too-tuhll-ij, noun; 1. The act of guarding or protecting; guardianship; protection.

2. The state of being under a guardian or tutor.

3. Instruction, especially individual instruction accompanied by close attention and guidance.

Mark Basquill mouth off on women’s rights, just in time for the New Hanover County Commissioners’ meeting on April 2nd.

9 news of the weird: Chuck Shepherd shares the latest odd stories.

artsy smartsy ............... 10-26 10 theatre: Thalian Association’s ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ opens at Thalian Hall; Shea Carver discovers City Stage’s best 2012 production thus far in ‘Next to Normal’; Gwenyfar nearly dies laughing at ‘A Pineapple-Shaped Show.’

14-17 film: Judy Royal shares her ‘Diary of an Extra’ from the set of ‘Eastbound & Down’; Alex Pompliano offers details on the student-run Visions Film Festival; Kaitlin Willow despises ‘This Means War’; Anghus delights in ‘21 Jump Street.’

19 music: Bethany Turner chats with University of North Texas “chambergrass” musicians from Backwater Opera.

20-23 soundboard: See what bands and performers are playing in venues from Wilmington to Jacksonville.

24 art: Kaitlin has the scoop on Projekte’s new ownership and latest art exhibit; CFCC will open an art gallery in ... a parking deck!

25 gallery listings: Check out what’s hanging in area art galleries.

grub & guzzle ..............28-32 28-32 dining guide: Need a few suggestions on where to eat? Flip through our dining guide!

35-36 grub: Rosa Bianca finds Nick’s Diner so-so; Pine Valley Market owners welcome their newest endeavor, CafeJohnnie, located inside Cameron Art Museum.

extra! extra! ................38-55 38 dance: Internationally recognized dance

Editor-in-Chief:

General Manager:

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

Auditorium this weekend.

Editorial Assistant: Bethany Turner // music@encorepub.com

Art Director: Sue Cothran // ads@encorepub.com

40 fact or fiction: The sixth installment of

Interns: Brooke Kavit, Kaitlin Willow

Advertising sales: John Hitt // Downtown // john@encorepub.com

Career Suicide Note.’

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus Houvouras, Jay Schiller, Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Christina Dore, Justin Emery, Alex Pompliano, Rob Brezsny, Kim Henry P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, n.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9177

www.encorepub.com

grapevine with deep roots and looks forward to

on the cover

is published weekly, on Wednesday, by Wilmington Media. Opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of encore.

vol. 28 / pub. 39 / March 28-April 3, 2012

4-6 live local: Gwenyfar Rohler cares for a

WhAt’s InsIDE thIs WEEk

If you’re not already an encore fan on Facebook, you should be! We have ongoing contests on encore’s Facebook page, as well as on our home page, www.encorepub.com. You can win a pair of tickets to music concerts, comedy sketches and theatre presentations all over the area, such as from House of Blues, Soapbox

contents

Anghus’ own creative piece of fiction, ‘My

41 crossword: Brain game by Stanley Newman.

Kris Beasley // Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington // kris@encorepub.com

42-55 calendar/‘toons/horoscopes/

Shea Carver // Midtown, Monkey Junction //shea@encorepub.com

our calendar; check out Tom Tomorrow and the

Office Manager: Susie Riddle // susie@adpakweekly.com

Jennifer Barnett // Jacksonville

Distribution Manager: Boykin Wright

// jennifer@encorepub.com

2 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

company Pilobolus will perform at Kenan

corkboard: Find out what to do in town with annual ‘toons winner, Jay Schiller; read Free Will Astrology; and check out the latest saucy corkboard ads.

The Deal of the Week

This W e e k Only!

Limited Quantit y!

$13 for a $33 THURSDAY ACOUSTIC SPOTLIGHT TOUR The perfect way to end a day!

We will featuring some amazing local musicians on board. Join us, relax, sip a delicious drink. Enjoy the music and the sunset

Only at

HalfOffDepot.com/Wilmington Sign up to be notified about future Deals of the Week! encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 3

4-6 LIVE LOCAL 7-8 OP-EDS 9 NEWS OF THE WEIRD

live local. live small.

Heirlooms and renewal through the grapevine

hler

news&views|

by Gwenyfar Ro

ds

’ with procee ise of Peanuts, om Pr he ‘T of Author ect Fully Belly Proj benefiting The

Stock photo

M

y seeds are starting to sprout—

both literally and metaphorically. The containers of seed I planted outside the front door are starting to look like carrots, cilantro and onions. They represent much more than just spring; though, obviously, that is a lovely aspect.

Renewal, fresh opportunities, growth, fertility— and they reflect a lot of what I have been working on over the last few years with Live Local.

It has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Basically, Live Local is the material-goods version of the local food movement.

Like many busy, career-focused people, I had not spent a lot of time actively thinking about viable alternatives to the existent food situation. I already didn’t eat meat, so my participation in the factoryfarming world was limited to dairy products of their associated creations (quiche, for example). When I lived on an organic farm, it was easy to be surrounded by nutritious, sustainable, thoughtful food with a low carbon footprint. Since leaving, my life has drifted farther from such easy practices.

For several years I traveled with Jock, and we ate in truck stops, diners and restaurants for most meals. Then, during the first few years of the bookstore’s opening, I was working insane hours, and the idea of cooking was laughable at best. We have tried a couple of gardening projects in the past, but our busy lives and Jock’s hectic travel schedule have undermined any potential success.

I have been desperately trying to bring order to

4 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

my life lately. One of the realizations from my Live Local journey has been the connections formed through human interaction, which comes when small local business deepens and improves my quality of life. It also makes me slow down and appreciate what’s important. Part of that gratitude includes time for reflection about where we are as a world, a community, and our places in it.

I read a book a day, on average—yes, that sounds surprising to some people, but my response is that it is just like any other muscle. The more it’s strengthened, the better it works. I cannot, for example, fathom the idea of running a mile.

Anyhow, as a result of the Live Local journey, a significant amount of my reading has focused on issues surrounding the concept, especially in relation to farming—food security and local food production vs. genetically modified-patented “food.”

They are topics which have cross-over interest to Jock’s current work with NC farmers, so we spend a lot of time reading and talking together. Not surprisingly, this has led to a strong interest in heirloom varieties of plants.

Heirlooms are older cultivars which have not been genetically modified or bred as a hybrid.

In the Carolinas the traditional rice grown on local plantations was known as Carolina Gold Rice.

There has been a concerted effort made to reintroduce this grain to our area by the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation (www.carolinagoldricefoundation. org). There are many reasons why there would be

an interest in preserving it. Its important link to the agricultural and economic history of this area is significant, and it would be a shame to lose it entirely. I also think that witnessing the labor-intensive world of grain production could be an eye-opener for people. We really take food for granted. It is also timely; Orton Plantation is trying to restore their rice fields from the 1700s.

Juan of Folks Café gifted us with a cutting from his grapevine last year. Juan’s family is from Italy, but he grew up in Argentina. They brought a cutting of their grape from Italy to Argentina, and when Juan moved to Ecuador, he took a cutting with him and planted it there. Years later, he and Tammy immigrated to Los Angeles; again, he brought a cutting and planted it. When they came to Wilmington, he continued the tradition. Jock teared up.

“Wow,” he whispered. “Thank you.” I looked at Juan and Jock with the grapevine, and realized we were really going to have to make an effort to take care of this gift. Given our track record, I didn’t hold high hopes. “Benign neglect” would be a kind description of Jock’s relationship with the yard.

(He would describe it as encouraging nature “to freely express itself.”)

The story behind the grapevine became the catalyst for much of the theory I had been reading about over the last couple years. Planted in front (Live Local continued next page)

My cooking style is: A balanced, seasonal contemporary, wine-friendly style.

My cooking style is: Southern contemporary.

I utilize locally available and complimentary ingredients to showcase natural flavors.

My competitive advantage is: I am a local chef that was trained in Wilmington. I also spent a year and a half working with James Beard-award winning Chef, Sean Brock, who competed in “Iron Chef America.”

Round 3 Tue April 3

Rx (opening soon) Chef James Doss

My competitive advantage is: That I am still an undefeated champion in other local area chef competitions. Our restaurant is continuously ranked as one of Southeast NC’s finest, and we even won third place in the 2011 North Carolina Best Dish Competition.

Marc’s on Market Chef Marc Copenhaver

who's the best chef?

You be the judge!

Wilmington

Swim with the Fish (opening soon)

Chef Kyle McKnight

Round 4 Wed April 4

My cooking style is: Learned French with strong Southern and Germanic influences.

My competitive advantage is: My desire and ability to incorporate local ingredients into all sorts of dining experiences, from highpressure, high-volume dinners and events to small, intimate fine dining experiences. $49 plus beverage, tax, and tip lands you a seat at the dinner table battlefield, as two chefs try to outcook each other using the secret ingredient. At the end of your six-course meal, you decide who wins and who goes home. Visit www.competitiondining.com for more details and to buy your tickets now!

Battles start at 6:30 pm at Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach

The Pilot House Chef Zackery Grant My cooking style is: Classic Southern with a French and Asian twist.

The NC ingredients I use are: Locally-raised pork, potatoes, collard greens, and figs to name a few. By supporting local farms we give back to our community and also have the privilege of working with superior products.

Stay up to date with all the action! Follow us on Twitter to see pictures of each course as it’s being served. Get an evening recap after every battle on our Facebook page. See the full menu and voting results the next day on our website.

www.competitiondining.com

MEAT and SEAFOOD SOLUTIONS LLC

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 5

T haWniklmisngton

(Live Local continued)

for voting us

best tattoo shop Don't miss our next art show March 31st, 7:00 TUKI LUCERO I Jonas Mcluggage Brian Mergenthaler I Stephen Bode I NICOLE nicole Live music by the barnraisers

ARTFUEL tattoo shop & art gallery

of our front porch was an heirloom grapevine that came with generations of devotion and generosity. The change in my relationship with food since the farmers’ market became my staple for local, fresh and frequently unusual produce has included a curiosity about trying new and different things, and discovering that not all tomatoes taste the same—nor do all apples.

I wrote upon the new year about one of my resolutions: to try to better utilize the one real asset that both our house and my father’s house has—land for food production. One of the things I loved about my mother was her fascination with squash.

Having grown up in the desert, her concept of agriculture was, shall we say, limited.

When she moved east, she fell in love with the variety of squash that became available in the fall. Much of her late-summer and early-fall reading revolved around new squash recipes. For some reason, we nev-

er grew squash at home—until now. We are putting in several varieties of heirloom squash, and if they turn out as the seed packets show, they will not resemble anything I’ve seen in this life.

I have fallen in love with the idea of eating carrots that are the same variety of carrots my great-grandparents grew in Holland. The possibility of onions that look like something from a Cezanne painting is almost too much to wait for. It’s odd, but I feel a huge connection to life before and around me that I never had prior to this.

It’s not just lowering my carbon footprint, or refusing to give money to a Monsantocontrolled food system, or wanting an alternative to massive monocropping; it’s not just real nutrition and improved taste.

It’s about getting out from behind the computer screen and away from the stress of daily life to reconnect with generations of people who have valued each other. It is a joyful and deep renewal.

www.encorepub.com

2165 wrightsville ave. wilmington, nc 28403

910.343.5233 ARTFUEL www.artfuelinc.com tattoo shop & art gallery

! n w o t n i t Bes

Your local Health Food Grocery and Cafe

ARTFUEL tattoo shop & art gallery

15% OFF

“You’ll love it at Lovey’s!”

Alaffia Products In April

encore

BE20ST12OF

WILMINGTON

Open for Lunch and Dinner steaks

wings

ribs

salads

In the Cotton Exchange Downtown Wilmington

762-4354 FREE PARKING www.paddyshollow.com 6 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Voted “Best Vegetarian Food”

LANDFALL CENTER

1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Suite H (910) 509-0331

Now serving Sunday Brunch! www.LoveysMarket.com

fight for your (woman’s) rights

//VIEWS

Commissioners’ meeting to offer public hearing on family-planning funds

T

he cranky foreigner, encore’s

previous op-ed writer, is dead. But if he were alive, he would have quite a few things to say about the New Hanover County Commissioners’ decision to turn down almost $9,000 to help our health department fund their family planning program. For instance...

Since when was family planning—or whatever you want to call it—a woman’s issue? As interpreted by many from Chairman Ted Davis’ words: “If these young women were responsible people and didn’t have the sex to begin with, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

As my good friend Steve Fox said to me: Dinner for two: $50 Bottle of wine: $15 18 years of child support: $210,453,17 Gov’t-sponsored family planning: priceless All you 48-year-old dads in Forest Hills, I’m talking to you! After two years into Duke Med, would you want your son to drop out and work at Costco ‘cause he got his girlfriend pregnant? Suddenly, you would discover what it was like to live in 1952!

And what’s with all this “slut” talk?

Where were all our sons when the girls were engaged in all this immoral behavior?

Were our boys at choir practice or helping little old ladies cross the street? Perhaps they were curled up in their own beds reading “The Hardy Boys.” As the French would say, “Je pense que non.”

All this crap that’s coming down from the Republican Party, federal, state and county leaders isn’t just abut mothers and daughters; it’s about fathers and sons.

I’m old enough to have known a very smart young woman with a very deformed face thanks to an attempted coat-hanger

reigner

by The Cranky Fo Hanover County 4/2, 6 p.m. New Hearing eeting & Public M s’ er on si is m Com t Center unty Governmen New Hanover Co nf. Rm. t Dr. • Harrell Co en m rn ve Go 0 23 abortion from which she survived. It was from before Roe v. Wade. She had a mother who loved and raised her. Every day, she looked at her daughter’s face as a stark reminder of what was. So, if you think some balding GOP bagman in Congress has all the answers ‘cause some shriveled old preacher told him it was so simple, think again. When the Supreme Court, all of them men, decided on Griswold and Roe, contraception and abortion, they did it because any kind of prohibition is never a pretty sight—and it’s never a slam dunk.

Men, you don’t want your sons to go out into a world where gorgeous, young women are almost sure if they’ve counted the days right—wonderful girls who think that if you just keep the stork away...

No, you want your son’s girlfriend to be able to write a book on where babies come from.

In Yemen, one of the most male-dominated, conservative religious countries in the world, women are having 5.3 fewer children than 30 years ago. People there, in mud houses, have proven that family plannning is a great option in planning for the future. In Yemen, as it was here, it was always an option. Now, all of a sudden, in the “Land of the Free,” we aren’t smart enough or moral to make that decision.

So, men, why are we letting women fight this one alone? If your daughter was being mugged in a back alley, you’d turn into Rambo in a New-York second, and

SPRING ARRIVALS!

SANDALS

SANUK, REEF, RAINBOW QUICKSILVER & MORE

your grandkids would tell the tale for decades. But when some politician wants to do it, you become Walter Mitty. For God’s sake, guys, be the man your wife, daughter or girlfriend want you to be. This isn’t just their battle. At least get a little upset.

This is about telling politicians to fix the goddamn potholes. It’s not about looking into your soul and asking yourself, “What would Peter Griffin do?”

Attend the New Hanover County Commissioners meeting, where they’ll re-open discussions of funding for family planning on April 2nd at 6 p.m. with a public hearing and 15 minutes allowed for each side to voice their opinions. The health department will also be giving a presentation on what all the money funds.

EDITOR’S NOTE Only two commissioners responded over a week ago after encore e-mailed all five men a set of questions regarding their initial decision to decline a grant which the

health department was going to use for intrauterine devices as part of their family planning program: Ted Davis Jr.: “Thank you for your e-mail.

I will not be responding to your questions.

If you would like to address the Board of Commissioners about this issue, I would suggest that you attend a Commissioner’s meeting and address the Board during the non-agenda portion of that meeting. At that time, I would be more than happy to listen to whatever you may have to say.”

Jason Thompson: “I went with the recommendation of our rep, Mr. [Rick] Catlin, [who serves] on the health board. Mr. Catlin was there for all the discussions related to this topic. Bottom line, according to him, this money was to be used for patients that were already receiving taxpayerfunded contraception and failed to use it as prescribed. At some point, individuals must live with their choices. This was that point on this issue with me. Those funds will still be used by the poor and needy in our state that have demonstrated they will use them as directed.”

NOW OPEN FOR DINNER Wednesday thru Saturday 5-9 p.m.

Proudly serving Noni Bacca wines

Friday nights offering prime rib special with a baked potato and one side for $14.95 Great appetizers: crab dip, wings, crabcakes BREAKFAST & LUNCH SPECIALS EVER CHANGING SUNDAY BRUNCH 420 Eastwood Rd., #109 (formerly Chris’ Cosmic Kitchen)

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

910-791-6995 • www.ks-cafe.net 6921 MARKET ST., WILMINGTON • 1-910-799-1277 FULL SERVICE MARINE STORE CERTIFIED MASTER TECH & RIGGER ON DUTY Largest Selection Of Trailer Parts In Southeastern NC!

Best Prices

Amphibious Board Shorts are in

IN STOCK LONGBOARDS & PENNY’S Hwy 421 & Winner Ave., Carolina Beach

5740 Oleander Dr. (910) 392-4501

Hwy. 210 Surf City

10% OFF UNCW Students (with valid ID) Excludes surfboards www.bertsurfshop.com

Boat trailerS • PartS & rePair • marine SuPPlieS

www.marinewarehousecenter.com • sales@marinewarehousecenter.com

FINANCING AVAILABLE

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 7

s s e n d a the m ! n o s l l ro

//VIEWS

honor thy mother: Thoughts on the political hubbub of women v. men

I

3 Point platters $3.50 SAM ADAMS stadium cups

YOUR HOME FOR NCAA HOOPS. Available through April 2nd.

POINT

★★

PLAT TERS CHOO SE 3 D IF F E R IT E M S FOR $1 ENT 2 .9 9

★

★ 221 Differ ent Comb os.

One Lo w Pric e!

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd. • 910-256-3838 w w w. w i l d w i n g c a f e . c o m 8 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

dIdn’t

see

commIssIoner

jason

Thompson spit on at the Riverfront Park rally on Thursday, March 15th, held to protest the county commissioners’ March 12th vote to reject contraceptive funding. I heard a woman offer facts about women’s health care. Mr. Thompson’s response was abrupt, condescending, dismissive. The articulate gray-haired woman could have been Jason’s mother.

Commissioner Thompson’s verbal smackdown distracted me. Not just that: It’s politicians bringing women’s health care issues from the doctor’s office, through the pulpit, by way of the 11th century, to today’s public forum. (Education, energy, economy, employment, all solved?) It’s the theocracy-driven effort against Roe v. Wade. It’s opposition to universal health care that would clearly be a boon to women. Women on average earn less than men and carry the burden of primary parent and part-time employee—with associated part-time health and retirement benefits. It’s a panel of Congress“men” silencing a woman. Should we listen to generals when fighting wars, but turn a deaf ear to women when fighting unplanned pregnancies? It’s years of Rush Limbaugh’s blatant misogyny.

I’m no radical feminist—whatever that is. If women held 90 percent of the world’s corporate, religious, political and military leadership spots, our hells might smell better, but they would still be hot. Imbalance fuels their fires.

Still, I figure I better ask my questions before next week’s re-vote, and before the county commissioners approve a witchburning statute.

Why do women vote GOP? Beneath family-values’ rhetoric are policies that systemically hurt 99 percent of families, send children to war, and enslave women. Does the GOP have a form of VD? (A debilitating phobia rooted in the old myth of “Vagina Dentata”—vagina with teeth; the more power women have the more Viagra men need to keep up. They fear women.)

Members of this party frequently prove they can’t govern their own penises. (In this sense, many men have at one time been members of this GOP and may even have slight or untreated cases of VD.) Why do women vote for any man?

We don’t typically have your interests in mind when we work, play or lie next to

ll

by Mark Basqui r to bu ri encore cont you. Few of us know whether you’re going or coming. Most of us don’t care. Good for us is good enough. Although I believe Commissioner Barfield, the last true “abstinence guy” I saw was laid out at Andrews Mortuary. He was still stiff. It’s mostly true that bad boys really are bad and good ol’ boys are worse.

Should women resurrect the old goddesses? Maybe this Easter it’s time to resurrect Demeter and Athena, and pray their fertility and wisdom balance Zeus and Ares’ capriciousness and aggression.

Women fare poorly in monotheistic myths.

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are male. The ever-obedient Virgin Mary carries a teenpregnancy to term so she can watch her son crucified. Mary Magdalene is fit to wash Jesus’ feet with oil and tears, but not be his equal “partner.” Lot’s wife is turned into a pillar of salt. Eve is blamed for the fall of man. The Koran is worse. Need we ask why so many men have “God complexes” and so few women have true hero roles in literature and Hollywood?

Many of our male politicians advance “Will of God” arguments to explain their ambition. Suppose, when they were 15 years old, Gabriel asked these sons of Narcissus to carry this coitus-free teen pregnancy to term, raise the son of God on a carpenter’s wages, and watch him crucified? “Thy will be done?”

Yeah, right.

It’s really “honor thy father and abandon thy mother,” isn’t it? Maybe it’s or. Maybe we get to choose which parent to honor, to glorify. It can’t be honor thy father and mother. Otherwise, Mr. Thompson wouldn’t have verbally smacked down a wizened elder woman of the tribe. Otherwise, these questions wouldn’t burn my soul.

I’m going to visit my mom at her nursing rehab. She’s no wizened elder. She’s a high priestess of chaos, goddess of confusion.

Sometimes she remembers me; her flawed faithless son, an oarsman on Charon’s ferry. A son who will help row her to the other shore, like he helped row his father. A son who will honor her when others abandon her. And I remember her. Honor thy mother.

NewsoftheWeird with Chuck Shepherd

LEAD STORY Who Knew Restrooms Were So Complicated?

Back to the Fundamentals: The multicultural Macquarie University, in suburban Sydney, Australia, said its restroom posters, installed last year, have been successful in instilling toilet etiquette. The lined-through figure of a user squatting on top of a toilet seat was especially helpful, apparently. Complaints of unsanitariness ou’re go-were such that some students were timing are. Goodtheir classes to use restrooms in a nearI believeby mall instead. (Lest anyone believe the ue “absti-problem is confined to multicultural instituAndrewstions, a recent memo by the 785-member ostly trueLewis Brisbois law firm in San Francisco good ol’instructed employees to clean urine from toilet seats, to always take the farthest old god-stalls or urinals available, to mask sounds time toby toilet-flushing (if desired), and to not and praymake eye contact in the restroom. [Daily nce ZeusTelegraph (Sydney), 1-12-2012] [Above gression.The Law blog, 2-1-2012]

ic myths.Can’t Possibly Be True male. The Louis Helmburg III filed a lawsuit in Huns a teen-tington, W.Va., in February against the watch herAlpha Tau Omega fraternity and its memis fit tober Travis Hughes for injuries Helmburg s, but notsuffered in May 2011 when he fell off a is turneddeck at the fraternity house. He had been or the fallstartled and fallen backward off the raild we askless deck after Hughes attempted to fire mplexes”a bottle rocket “out of his anus” and the o roles inrocket, instead, exploded in place. (The lawsuit does not refer to Hughes’ injuries.) advance U.S. Immigration agents in a $160,000 plain theirChevy Suburban that had been customwere 15designed and -armored specifically to sons ofprotect agents from roadside kidnappings ree teenbecame sitting ducks last year when kidof God onnappers forced the vehicle off the road him cruci-near San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and got the door open briefly, enabling them to fire 100 rounds and kill one of the two agents abandoninside. According to a February Washingor. Maybeton Post report, the Department of Hometo honor,land Security had failed to modify the veather andhicle’s factory setting that popped open n wouldn’tthe door locks automatically whenever the zened el-driver shifts into “Park.” se, these When Rose Marks and her extended family of Romanian-Gypsy “psychics” er nursingwere indicted last year for a 20-year-run e’s a highof duping South Floridians out of as much onfusion.as $40 million, victims of the clan were er flawedelated that justice might be at hand. (A aron’s fer-typical scam, according to prosecutors, the otherwas to take a client’s cash, “to pray over er. A sonit,” promising its return but somehow figabandonuring out how to keep it.) However, in Dey mother.cember, the Markses’ attorneys reported

that “several” of the so-called victims had begun to work with them to help clear the family, including one who reportedly paid Rose over time $150,000. According to the lawyers, these “victims” call the Markses “friends,” “life coaches” and “confidants,” rather than swindlers.

Inexplicable David Myrland, an anti-government “sovereign” now serving three years in federal prison for threatening the mayor of Kirkland, Wash., filed a federal lawsuit in February accusing various officials of conspiracy by the manipulation of bad grammar, i.e., “backwards-correctsyntaxing-modification fraud.” Each word of the original complaint, coded by Myrland as to part of speech, “proves” to him that the complaint was “fraudulent” and “handicapping.” (Random sentence from Myrland’s filing: “For the WORDS OF an ADVERB-SYNTAX-GRAMMARMODIFICATIONS ARE with an USE of the SYNTAX-GRAMMAR with the VOID of the POSITIONAL-LODIAL-FACTPHRASE with the SINGLE-WORD-MODIFIER AS THE: A, AS, AT, AM, BECAUSE (many words omitted) FACT by the VASSALEES.”) (“Sovereigns” generally reject the federal government, and Myrland did not explain why he expected a federal judge would have authority to help him.)

[Seattle Weekly, 2-14-2012] [Scribd.com, 1-23-2012] Unclear on the Concept Jason Bacon, 41, was arrested in Eureka, Calif., in March after responding to a classified ad for a used motorcycle by offering to trade about $8,000 worth of his home-grown marijuana for it. According to an officer on the scene, Bacon told a deputy, “I know you can’t sell it, but I thought it was OK to trade it.”

Kathleen Mathews was outraged that the local community could turn on her 26-year-old son, Jesse, who had been charged with capital murder for killing a Chattanooga, Tenn., police officer. She told the judge in a letter that Jesse is a “good man,” and lamented, “You do one little thing that pisses people off, and they want to hold it against you forever.” [Chattanooga Times Free Press, 2-12-2012]

was a problem and that he had been reading up on it on the Internet.

Kyle Bower, 19, was elected in November to a seat on the Alburtis (Pa.) Borough Council. Before being sworn in, however, he was sentenced to probation for stalking an ex-girlfriend and tossing a brick through her window. Now that he is seated, he still must answer to 2010 charges in Kutztown, Pa., of resisting arrest for public drunkenness. In both incidents, he also displayed an uncanny ability to slip out of handcuffs and wander away from arresting officers.

things they’ve recently stolen. For example, Steven Mulhall, 21, will be easily prosecuted for stealing the nameplate off the door of Broward County (Fla.) judge Michael Orlando since he posted in March a photograph of himself holding it following a courtroom visit. (In other Facebook news, in Tacoma, Wash., in March, corrections officer Alan O’Neill, 41, was charged with bigamy after his long-estranged first wife found out about the second one when Facebook suggested the two be “friends.”)

Creme de la Weird Madeleine Martin, the chief animal protection official for the state government of Hesse, Germany, told a newspaper in Frankfurt in February that among the reasons why the country needed an antibestiality law was that she knew of “animal brothels” in Germany (presumably, not animal-animal mating services but humananimal facilities). (Without an anti-bestiality law, authorities usually must prove that the animal has been physically harmed in order to obtain a conviction.)

Recurring Themes In February, a 41-year-old man in a pond in Gosport, England, apparently suffered an epileptic seizure while feeding swans in water about three feet deep. Firefighters were called, but the first one to arrive remained on shore, explaining that he had been trained only for “ankle deep” water and would have to await a colleague trained in “chest high” water. In July 2011, a man committed suicide in San Francisco Bay by wading into neck-deep water and remaining until he died of hypothermia. Firefighters from the city of Alameda watched from the shore because they lacked water-rescue “training.” (In neither situation was it proved that the victim would have survived if rescued sooner.)

Least Competent Criminals Law enforcement officers turn to Facebook nowadays to help solve crimes, knowing that some perpetrators cannot resist bragging about or even showing off

BRUNCH ON THE BEACH

Indoor and Outdoor Seating Oceanfront Carolina Beach Serving 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays $3 Mimosa $3 Bloody Mary $3 Michelada 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd 910-458-2000 www.oceangrilltiki.com

Our Dynamic Democracy Oklahoma state Sen. Ralph Shortey, a staunch abortion opponent, introduced a bill in January to ban the use of human fetuses in processed food. Although the principal anti-abortion advocacy official in the state said he had never heard of such a practice, Sen. Shortey asserted that it encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 9

artsysmartsy|

10-13 THEATRE 14-17 FILM 19-23 MUSIC 24-26 ART

a musical within a comedy:

‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ ushers in Thalian Association’s latest romp!

by Shea Carver erone The Drowsy Chap 0 Chestnut St. Thalian Hall • 31 2 8 • Tickets: $2 3/29-4/1, 4/5l.com www.thalianhal

Photo by Chris

W

hen We daydream of being trans-

ported to another life or reality, it’s often wishful thinking. The magic of a colorful alter-existence keeps us wistfully hopeful that life can be fantastical through whatever we imagine.

But what if our visions came true? Such is the case for the narrator in “The Drowsy Chaperone,” Thalian Association’s latest production opening at Thalian Hall this weekend.

An overzealous theatre fan, who’s in love with a 1920’s musical, watches eagerly as it comes to life before his very eyes. Wilmington’s own Tony Rivenbark takes on the lead role as the show’s narrator; the executive director of Thalian Hall and veteran showman engages the audience to no avail.

“You’re home free if you’re able to do that,” Tom Briggs, Thalian Association’s executive director and producer of the show, says, “whether it’s a drama, a comedy, a musical or a monologue.”

One of the most whimsical characteristics of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” aside from its boisterous characters, is in the plot’s twists and exciting romps. Essentially, it’s a play within a play.

“It’s far and away the most original Broadway musical of the past decade,” Briggs continues. “The ingenious narrative framework of a musical within a comedy has absolutely nothing to offer other than sheer entertainment—no profound messages, no morals to impart, just a rollicking good time. I think during rough economic times, and amidst this snarky socio-political atmosphere we’re caught up in, audiences are craving feel-good escapism.”

Essentially, the play takes place in the narrator’s apartment as he’s listening to his favorite musical.

Then, like magic, he’s wisped away to an opulent estate in the midst of a wedding.

10 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Ochs

“I would never have attempted to mount this production if I didn’t have Terry Collins to design the set,” Briggs admits. “It’s extremely complicated.

The set has to do lots of tricks, and Terry is truly a magician—some of it is pretty jaw-dropping.”

Characters suddenly come out of the woodwork, and the cast has their work cut out for them, as each take on two roles. One is the Latin lothario, Adolpho, played by Tony Rudeseal. “We’re told the role was played by the former silent film star and world-class alcoholic Roman Bartelli,” Briggs says.

“So Troy is really playing Bartelli playing Adolpho.

It’s hilarious.” As well, Lynn O’Connell masterminds the title role of the chaperone—who has happened to have one too many cocktails. “‘Drowsy’ is a euphemism for drunk,” Briggs explains. “O’Connell is just hysterical in the part.”

Caitlin Becka also returns to the stage as the bride. At the center of the plot, her showcase of “Bride’s Lament” has kept tears running down Briggs’ face upon first peek.

“It’s just a scream,” he says. “‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ really is a spoof of those silly jazz-age musicals from the ‘20s,” he notes. “So, while the score is certainly jazz influenced, it’s filtered through a musical comedy sensibility. There’s tremendous variety in the songs, from hilariously over-the-top ballads to big, brassy dance numbers and novelty songs.”

In fact, Briggs promises one thing for certain: The audience will not forget this show, simply from the laughter ensuring its place during every performance. When he first saw the producution in 2006 on Broadway, the feedback was incredible. “ I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen an audience go for a show that way,” he explains.“They just ate it up, howling and cheering. It was an as-

tounding experience. My stomach actually ached from laughing when I left the theater.”

Directing the show is Michael Walton-Jones, with whom many may remember from the association’s showing of “Ragtime” last spring. Walton-Jones’ fanatical love for “The Drowsy Chaperone” wasn’t lost on Briggs, to say the least.

“The moment we announced we were dong it, he practically tackled me on the street to tell me he had to direct it,” Briggs says.”Of course, I was delighted.“ Carson Capps, a newcomer to Wilmington who already has made quite the impression in her performance in “The Full Monty” and her directorial debut locally for “Spring Awakening,” is in charge of choreography. “She’s such a pro,” Briggs states.

Her work on Boadway and throughout the region solidifies her dedication to greatness.

“Our fearless music director, Jonathan Barber, is doing his customary amazing job,” Briggs adds. “And Susanna Douthit has outdone herself on the costumes—gorgeous and witty and simply sensational!”

“The Drowsy Chaperone” opens this week at Thalian Hall’s main stage, and runs Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. through April 8th. Tickets are $25 with discounts offered to seniors, students and military. “‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ is really all about what musicals do best,” Briggs says—“romantic fantasy, falling in love at the drop of a hat, a spontaneous tango, suddenly finding yourself in an insanely romantic setting. The narrator says, ‘It does what a musical is supposed to do: It takes you to another world.’ And that’s really why we go to the theater, isn’t it?”

2012 VENUE SPONSORS Soapbox Barbary Coast Duck & Dive Reel Cafe Front Street Brewery Hell’s Kitchen New Union Tattoo The Dixie Grill

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 11

suburban psychology:

//THEATRE

‘Next to Normal’ is City Stage’s best production so far

“N

ot a very exact scieNce,

is it?” Diana asks her doctor.

Her ongoing battle with a mental illness dictates an overwhelming dedication to staying on top of her meds and the changes that often come along with it. A cocktail of drugs—Valium, Xanax, Prozac and insert one or more pharmaceuticals here—come and go as frequently as Diana’s manic phases in City Stage’s latest outstanding production, “Next to Normal.”

The audience is introduced to Diana and her family at the onset of the show, as the bustle of a morning determines their daily routines: Dan gets dressed for work, Natalie prepares for school and Diana makes sandwiches. On this morning, however, the mother is sitting on the floor with bread and meat sprawled about—lots and lots of it. When addressed, she responds quite simply, “I wanted to get ahead on lunches.”

The pace is set immediately and continues balancing in perfect synchronicity throughout the two-hour show—a juggling act that must go on in order for the family to maintain a modicum of sanity in dealing with a loved one who suffers from bipolar disorder. And isn’t it true to life? Humor often comes in the face of horror. “Next to Normal” delivers both in spades, and thank goodness, as the audience doesn’t feel bogged down by the heavy undercurrent carrying the play. They laugh at the scenarios which come of it—i.e. Diana’s hallucination of seeing her doctor as a rock star—and they cry when the bottom drops, such as the overshadowing of Diana’s daughter by a son who hadn’t a real chance at existence.

Diana is played by the wonderful Katherine Vernon. Without a doubt this is one of her most gripping performances. Vernon carries the emotional plot line in its twists and turns, and fleshes out Diana with every emotion necessary in riding the many waves of this illness. She plays despondent at all the right times and acts out in impetuous highs during manic episodes, fervently cleaning house top to bottom and talking a hundred words a minute. She brings unabashed verve in every interaction—even in non-action. Watching her attempt to make sense of her ticking mind is as frustrating for viewers to understand, yet not without a sympathetic—or for some empathetic—open heart. Her forlorn expressions get punctuated by vacant eyes during silence, but are frantic in dismay when she showcases her powerhouse vocals (“I Miss the Mountains,” “You Don’t Know”). She brings a different approach to her normal style of singing, too. Rather than carrying through many notes with elongated syllables and measures, often she works the song in staccatic scream-sing

by Shea Carver Next to Normal

★★★★★

City Stage 21 N. Front St. m. and 13-15. 8 p.

3/30-4/1, 4/6-8 2 Tickets: $18-$2 .com nc ge ta www.citys

fashion. It’s perfect. She holds back appropriately and equally lets loose as the script beckons.

Haunted by her dead son, Gabe, Max Korn is a dream, quite literally, in this role. Coming out of a powerful performance last month in City Stage’s “Spring Awakening,” he has proven masterful in owning tumultuous material. As Gabe he remains out of reach and distant for everyone except Diana. Though dying to connect with a family who lost him, after having passed when just a baby, Diana’s soul is the only to acknowledge this unmistakable void. Her “hallucination” of Gabe showcases a mother unable, unwilling to move on with her current family, and Korn appeals to that by giving Gabe a punch of desperation. He mandates securing all of her attention, and he’s lovely in convincing Diana of his existence (“I’m Alive”)—never is it in malice, only harrowing sorrow. A handsome, perfect son, Korn is compelling in the child act, “convincing” Diana she doesn’t need her meds and pitting himself against his alive sister who gets the brunt end of the parental stick. He’s forceful in his maneuvers across the stage, too, often jumping in Spideman-like agility to appear in Diana’s view.

Taylor Hamlet as daughter Natalie is a knock-out in the show; in fact, she steals it with ease. Hamlet is brilliant, from her looks— glasses, skinny jeans tucked in ankle boots, an oxford and vest—down to life choices, which include lots of Red Bull to maintain dedication to her school work. She’s typical in an over-achieving fashion, as she pushes herself in hopes of getting noticed by her parents, often whom are too consumed by the effects of Diana’s illness.

Hamlet has an amazing voice for such a youngster, mature and clean in its procurement. She takes the blow of her mother’s condition with misplaced affection. The audience feels for this child who is beclouded so completely, having piano recitals and school dances ruined because Mom had a mental breakdown. The family dynamic is predictable, here: Mom numbs away the pain with pharmaceuticals, why shouldn’t Natalie? As Hamlet bumbles into party child and lashes out as

12 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

only a teen sometimes knows how to do, it’s symbolic of a very real concern in society today. When we push drugs to fix everything, won’t our children also think it can “fix” them?

The ensemble performance of “Who’s Crazy”/“My Psychopharmacologist and I” is the show-stopper of the evening. It deals with every single emotion and outcome for a patient undergoing treatment and the impact it can have. Diana’s husband, Dan, sings: “And she was wicked and wired/The sex was simply inspired/Now there’s no sex, she’s depressed/And me, I’m just tired, tired, tired, tired/Who’s crazy/The one who’s uncured.”

Bryan Putnam as the stand-up partner tries so hard to do right by his wife. His adoration and care is there still, even 20 years after they fell in love—a time when Diana was alive. “Now, I just wish she could drive,” he states. It’s amazing to watch Putnam naturally fall into this role. Every motion he endures is with fragile care. He walks the fine line of someone numbed by pain and trying to keep the house (an impressive skeletal set, zig-zag in structure, befitting the show’s content) he built with love and care functioning on some level.

His eyes are heart-breaking in agony and his voice carries with it layers of discouragement and nostalgia for the woman Diana once was.

He’s holding on by a thread; everyone knows it will shred at some point.

Patrick Basquill as Henry, Natalie’s boyfriend, is so perfect as the foil to her family’s

hard-knocks. He’s upbeat, supportive, unconditionally loving and her only shot at normalcy. Their dynamic really helps set up many scenes of importance in order to see the family’s woes. Likewise, Basquill and Hamlet’s love is full of butterflies at the get-go; it’s a shining ray of light, which glows even with Diana, as a snippet of her memory flashes back to her first encounter with Dan. George Domby does a fine job as Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine, the one man in Diana’s life of resounding dependency. He plays a doctor just going through the motions for yet another patient. His altruistic sense of care is arm’s length away, and his “giveit-a-shot” suggestions of treatment are indicative of how boggling mental illness actually is. The brain’s effusive complexities cannot be mastered.

“I don’t feel like myself; I mean, I don’t feel anything,” Diana says.

“Patient stable,” Dr. Fine responds.

The music in “Next to Normal” is so unbelievably dreamy; its score very much includes a fantastical mien, like that often heard from Badly Drawn Boy. And what a show for Chiaki Ito to direct upon this gorgeously talented band, who are appear in ghostly fashion behind a white drop sheet. They play a cascade of sensational rock opera, song flowing into song, one right after the other. That the cast has to pull of this marathon musical, with very little snippets of dialogue, is by far impressive. Tears streamed down my cheek during the music-box number, “I Dreamed a Dance”—a French-sounding coercion of devastating loss. Just stunning!

The only qualm I can find in “Next to Normal” is its ending. A sudden decision made

by Diana has no grounding or link to previous thought processes. It seems rather sudden and even unbelievable that she’d choose to deal with her illness the way she does. If the show peppered in this option somewhere before, the build-up of believability would be better suited. Still, it doesn’t harm the tone.

This is the best show City Stage has done in 2012 yet. It has drama, humor and panache.

It’s brilliantly written and quite true to its content. I know because my theatre companion had many similar experiences during her own childhood; she was blown away by its trueto-life richness. Its relevant and deserving of its 2009 Tony Awards and especially the Pulitzer Prize for Drama—only one of eight musicals to ever secure such recognition. “Next to Normal” ground-breaking theatre which I hope we see more of from this edgy, daring theatre company.

perfecting original comedy:

//THEATRE

‘A Pineapple-Shaped Show’ is brilliantly written

“A

pineApple-shAped show” is the aptly titled current offering

by Pineapple-Shaped Lamps (PSL), in conjunction with Guerilla Theatre, at Browncoat. Just the name is funny, and that comes as no surprise from the group that brought us “Cannibal! The Musical” and the weekly sketch comedy, “TNL.” These kids— err, I mean young adults—are really hilarious.

As it should be with originally penned scripts, the real star of this show is the writing. There are subplots, twists and turns, reoccurring jokes and well-developed characters—and, might I add, this is not an easy task to accomplish. Alex Marden, Devin DiMatita, Ben Henson, Jordan Mullaney, Zach Pappas, Zach Torres and Ryan P.C. Trimble are really to be admired: Not only is it a well-written script, the humor is brilliant. It is obviously the product of people who have spent a lot of time with audience participation shows; strong elements of “Rocky Horror” permeate the script—not direct steals of plot or dialogue, but more successful methods for incorporating the audience’s interaction. Such makes sense, too, considering PSL does shadow-casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Both their forays into “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” and “Cannibal!” have required fine-tuning. Thus, many of the elements of both shows end up here, including the staging of big musical numbers on a very small stage and an armory of incredibly strange props.

“A Pineapple-Shaped Show” turns on the premise that Pineapple-Shaped Lamps launches a telethon to buy a television studio where they can perform their work. (Since Wilmington is currently in the throes of WHQR’s spring pledge drive, the comparisons between the two onair beg-a-thons were hard to miss.) The host of the telethon, and manager of the studio, is a gentleman named “T.V. Executive” (like Major Major Major Major from “Catch-22”), played by David Lorek. Something has happened to Mr. Executive, which is not entirely clear to the PSL crew at the beginning of the show. In spite of a lifetime in the business, Mr. Executive seems very naïve about actors, writers and the world they inhabit. During one exchange with the cast, in a scene he refers to as “The Wiffle Bat Incident,” he moans that all they do is gossip and assault each other.

To which the cast replies: “That’s what theatre companies do—but we’re like a family!”

It can be tough for people who have never had the strange experience of joining community theatre to understand that dichotomy, but it’s there and this is a nice nod to it.

To add complication to the situation, an evil Apple-esque corporation, intent on creating human-implanted technologies for cell

hler

by Gwenyfar Ro ed Show A Pineapple-Shap

★★★★★

and Theatre Browncoat Pub 111 Grace St. .; Sun., 3 p.m.

3/30-4/1, 8 p.m Tickets: $8-$15 tre.com www.guerillathea

phone and music called “Grape,” is planning to buy the TV studio for a factory if PSL fails their telethon. Led by Daphne Hollis (Jordan Mullaney) a frightening mix of Joan Crawford, Steve Jobs and Max Headroom, Hollis and Grape will stop at nothing to bring down PSL and secure their dream of world domination.

Through sketch comedy, bad fund-raising and an ever unfolding drama of interpersonal and epic proportions, all culminates in one of the best finales I have seen in years—a fabulous re-writing of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” which brilliantly ties the show together. I haven’t laughed this hard since “The Producers.” In spite of the humor, the re-writing of the lyrics, singing and dancing are all really good.

I think sometimes with humor, the skill that goes into producing really good work is lost on the audience because if it is done well, it looks easy.

Lorek, the naïve outsider, plays it so straight it is almost painful to watch. It’s a stark contrast to the antics of the PSL crew. But it makes his struggle during the aforementioned “Bohemian Rhapsody” scene all the more believable. He has a beautiful singing voice—not Freddy Mercury, but, really, who could replicate such a powerhouse vocalist anyway?

Brett J. Young plays The Show Coordinator who has taken a vow of silence until they raise the money. He outdoes himself with charades, in an effort to communicate, and turns in a sound-effects performance worthy of “A Prairie Home Companion.”

Jordan Mullaney as Daphne Hollis has a more difficult role than many may think. Playing a cyborg requires very specific physicality and speech patterns, something many young actors will begin by overly accenting both attributes and then dropping them. Mullaney really carries it throughout the production. Her tall, thin body, with long, tapered fingers, further serve to accent the jerky mechanical movements she affects. The cast has great comedic timing and play off each other with the easy give-and-take of the Python crew.

Director Wesley Brown has a keen sense for moving bodies through space. He really utilizes the entire stage exceptionally well, includ-

ARMED WITH HUMOR: The funny cast of Pineapple-Shaped Lamps brings a refreshing look into comedy with their latest show at Browncoat Theatre. Photo by Matt Zeher

ing the lighting booth and the bar. I was equally impressed by the commercials that aired during the telethon breaks—especially a parody of the Humane Society, pointing out that each day theatre troupes all across the country fail to raise the money to buy a TV studio.

There are a lot of elements to “A PineappleShaped Show” which could get dropped or lost. Yet, Brown beautifully pulls it altogether to present a finished piece. Given how young he is, hopefully, we can all look forward to enjoying his work for several years to come. It will be interesting to see how the refining fire of life sharpens his skill set and deepens his work.

There are also surprises of interaction in the fund-raising aspect of the show; donations are actually accepted. They will help the comedy troupe fund their upcoming tour up and down the East Coast this year. It’s like a Kickstarter campaign, only live, and the “gift” is a night of hilarious laughter. It plays a pivotal role in the show, so audiences should come expecting to be more than spectators and with a few extra bucks in tow.

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a wonderful asset to our theater community. To have a consistently high level of original comedic writing in production is wonderful. Our community has a long history of original comedy, from Shelf Life to Changing Channels, Sides to Nutt House Improv and many more. Pineapple-

Shaped Lamps has picked up the torch and is playing laser tag with it. If you need a really good, side-splitting belly laugh, go see “A Pineapple-Shaped Show.”

GET WITH YOUR FARMER ENJOY YOUR LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET! It’s About…..

Building Community Supporting Local Farmers Fresh Healthy Food Investing in Our Local Economy Enjoying the Unique Experience Each Market Has to Offer!!

For more information on where to find a Farmers’ Market near you, visit

www.FeastDownEast.org

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 13

//FILM

diary of an extra: My two days in show business

L

ast month i decided to do some-

thing I’ve never done before. I signed up to work as a background actor, otherwise known as an extra. Local casting agent Vanessa Neimeyer was looking for a slew of people to populate the stands at BB&T Coastal Field in Myrtle Beach from February 20th through 21st, for baseballgame scenes in the raunchy HBO comedy “Eastbound & Down.” I figured it would be a fun, easy way to make a few extra bucks.

Turns out I was half right. Fun? Yes. But easy? Not so fast. If you think background acting is a breeze, I’m here to give you a crash course in reality.

Day 1, 5:30 a.m.

Extras begin to gather under a large white tent, its loose sides flapping as a brisk wind makes the 39-degree temperature feel like 31. Oh, did I mention it was supposed to be August in the world of “Eastbound & Down,” and we were instructed to wear summer clothes? Of all the times during this mild winter to pretend it’s summer, they just had to pick a day when we actually had winter weather.

The first order of business is to line up and fill out tax paperwork to get paid. By 6 a.m. the tent is bustling with activity as the extras wait at fold-out seats around unfinished wooden tables. People clutch clothing on hangers and swap stories about other productions they’ve worked on. “What’s ‘The Hunger Games’?” an older man asks a young woman.

Day 1, 7:15 a.m.

The crew begins to herd extras to the stadium. Everyone gets excited when handed snacks—hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn—

by Judy Royal n Eastbound & Dow 8 • HBO Series finale, 4/ an extra in Royal appears as on 4/1 and 8. episodes airing

because there was no food upon arrival, but alas: “These are not snacks. They’re props,” a crew member warns.

Creep, inflatable dressed torsos are seated throughout the stands to make 250 people appear as 1,250 on camera. About 20 minutes later, star Danny McBride enters to begin a scene between rival baseball teams.

A production assistant gets everyone fired up: “There is hatred. There is venom. The darkest part of your soul should be on display.” This is all some people need to hear. I have never seen so many middle fingers and heard so many “F” words flying. As my right hand starts to go numb, I think this may be what is keeping some people warm.

Day 1, 12:30 p.m.

Under the tent, lunch is an odd combination of meatless baked ziti, peas or lima beans, a roll and three kinds of cake.

Plates coming out of the “other tent” offer a glimpse of the class system at work, as the cast and crew dine on hunks of meat atop greens. It’s one of many reminders to come that extras are the lowest form of society on a film set.

Day 1, 1:30 p.m.

It’s time to return to the stadium for more cheering and jeering. Some people get to throw trash at Danny McBride. A group of us move to the outfield bleachers for a while.

The elements start to get to some people as they begin talking to and putting their arms around the inflatables. One woman even leans her head on one as if it’s her boyfriend.

Young men entertain themselves by making rapid-fire “that’s what she said” comments.

Day 1, 3:30 p.m.

Fight scenes with stunt men wake up the weary crowd. A guy gets “punched out” right in front of where I’m sitting, so I actually get to act a little. A cheese and veggie tray is passed around for the “real actors,” but the extras are told hands-off. “If it looks good, it’s not for you,” one of the other extras advises. Later we get what’s left of the cheese.

Day 1, 6:30 p.m.

Fading daylight means it’s a wrap. Later I discover it is indeed possible to get sunburned in February.

Day 2, noon It’s a later call time, but there’s a night baseball game scene, so no chance of getting finished by sundown this time. Vanessa tells everyone that for dinner there will be a “really fantastic” meal for the cast and crew, but not for us. In retaliation, on our way into the stadium, we all stuff our pockets full of snacks.

But we can only have the snacks on one side of the stadium. The really good ones on the other side, of course, are not for us.

Day 2, 4 p.m.

An older woman behind me is really getting comfortable using the “F” word when the cameras are rolling. Today we pantomime a lot—or act without making noise. It feels weird for the first couple of hours, but then it seems normal.

Day 2, 6 p.m.

Dinner is barbeque, baked beans, slaw, a roll and more cake slices. I don’t even want to know what culinary wonders are in the “other tent,” so I don’t look. I change shirts in the car as nightfall indicates the start of a new game and different wardrobe.

Day 2, 7 p.m.

Everyone is back in the stadium. Annoying 20-somethings behind me are playing “I Spy” for way too long. I wonder if I was that maddening when I was 20-something; I decide I probably was. Later it all makes sense when I hear one say she drank a 5-hour Energy shot.

Day 2, 9 p.m.

Over the next several hours I become somewhat delirious, but this is what I remember: lots of envy as lattes were delivered to actors on the field and temperatures dropped, a brief appearance by Val Kilmer, going in and out of the stadium, the crew’s indecision about whether we should see what is happening on the field, more stern warnings about venturing over to the good snacks, surprise when extras are actually treated to late-night pizza and sheer exhaustion.

Day 2, 3 a.m.

Yes, 15 hours later we are still there; up until the very end we are asked to cheer enthusiastically. I begin to develop an irrational theory that I have been transported to hell, otherwise known as being stuck outside in Myrtle Beach amid an “Eastbound & Down” episode, with mediocre snacks and secondclass citizenship for eternity. And just when I start to resign myself to that fact, music to my ears: “It’s a wrap!”

Still the best view on Wrightsville Beach.

Located in the Holiday Inn Resort with outdoor dining and ocean views Wrightsville Beach, NC 910-256-2231

wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com 14 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

//FILM

student film: Burgeoning visionary filmmakers get their own fest at UNCW

J

ust as one film festival wraps, another is there to pick up the slack.

Welcome to Wilmington!

Back for its second year as a stand-alone event, the Visions Film Festival and Conference at UNCW continues the tradition it established in 2011 of producing the finest student filmmakers and film studies research to North Carolina. Planned, organized and run by undergraduate students, Visions brings scholarly talks and films from up-and-coming filmmakers from around the globe together in one forum at Lumina Theater in UNCW’s Fisher Student Center.

“It’s the only international film festival of exclusive undergraduate work that we know of, [which] combines conference blocks [and] film scholarship presentations on top of it,” Jonathan Gedney, public relations director of Visions, says. “We think [these aspects] are just as important as the films.”

For festival organizers, it’s a six-month process: gathering all the films and doing the academic research for the spring event. At the start of UNCW’s fall semester, the team puts out an open call for submissions; Visions accepts all films as long they are or were produced while the filmmaker was an undergraduate. The film must also be 30 minutes in length.

In its very beginning, Visions started as a directed independent study course at UNCW, spearheaded by Shannon Silva, assistant professor of film studies. Silva originally intended to design a course that allowed students to plan their own annual festival, but the idea grew into a full-fledged event in itself. Once the course was approved by UNCW, Visions was born and went on to premiere as a program during the opening day of the Cucalorus Film Festival held in November. As of last year, the event has gained enough of a following to become its own film fest.

The 2012 lineup includes a broad selection of narrative, animation, documentary and experimental undergraduate films from around the world. The one-day festival features two separate screening blocks: the first from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the second (suited for mature audiences) from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Most of the film scholars and filmmakers whose work is featured will be in attendance at the festival, participating in discussions, panels and workshops throughout the day.

The two screening blocks will be punctuated by two conferences, a keynote address, a “film-race” and an after party. This year’s keynote address will be given by filmmaker Javi Zubizarreta, writer and director of “Zuretzako.” The 2010 recipient of the

no

by Alex Pomplia stival Visions Film Fe Theater UNCW’s Lumina . - 1 a..m.

3/30: 8:30 a.m ster online Free; must regi .org Rd. • visionsfilm 301 S. College Princess Grace Foundation’s Undergraduate Scholarship Cary Grant Award, a screening of “Zuretzako” will take place after Zubizarreta’s talk. The film tells the story of Zubizarreta’s grandfather, a Basque immigrant working as a sheepherder in Idaho and the sacrifices he had to experience throughout his life.

After the second block of conferences, the “film race” will begin. This is the first year Visions will present its “1 Hour/1 Take” race, in which registered crews have exactly one hour to create a minute-long video using only one continuous shot. In this contest, four-to-five-person groups have the opportunity to collaborate with other filmmakers, and are allowed as many takes as they can fit into the allotted hour.

“We supply the cameras and everything, but they’re not allowed to edit anything,” Gedney says. “It’s our way to involve the community with Visions, and get everyone in the festival talking with one another.”

After the hour is up, the one-minute films will be screened and an Audience’s Choice Award will be announced during the after party at the Calico Room (107 S. Front St.).

In addition to creating a spontaneous and instantaneous mini-film festival, the primary goal of the race is to get aspiring filmmakers to mix, mingle and connect. Gedney teases about another motivator. “The winners get a really cool prize this year,” he adds. “But I don’t think I’m allowed to say what it is.”

The after party will be catered and open exclusively to those who attend the festival.

VISIONS FILM FESTIVAL 2012 SCHEDULE (For a full list of films and conferences, visit: www.visionsfilm.org) 8:30-9 a.m.:

Registration and Welcome Breakfast.

9-10:30 a.m.:

Keynote Address (with Javi Zubizarreta)

10:30 a.m.-noon.: Conference Block One 1-3 p.m.:

Film Block One

3-4:30 p.m.:

Conference Block Two

4:30-6:45 p.m.:

1 Hour/1 Take Video Race

8-8:30 p.m.:

Coffee & Dessert Reception

“The Repressed Tension in Haute Tension”

by Zulma Y. Terrones (University of Chicago) “Robert Siodmak—His Career and Contributions to Film Noir” by Gregory Baker (North Carolina School of the Arts)

8:30-10:30 p.m.: Film Block Two 10:30 p.m.

-1:30 a.m.:

“War and Poetry: The Use of Genre Violence and Poetic Digression in The Thin Red Line” by Jacob Mertens (UNCW)

After Party The Calico Room, 107 S. Front Street

CONFERENCE SELECTIONS “My Name is Khan, and I am Not a Hindu: How My Name is Khan Defies Muslim Stereotypes in Popular Hindi Cinema” by Olivia Simmons (UNCW) “Touki Bouki: Djibril Diop Mambety and the Postcolonial Aesthetic” by Michael Daye (University College Falmouth, United Kingdom)

“Bruce Conner Knows That Girls Just Want to Have Fun: Humanist Sexual Liberation in Avant Garde Film” by William Frasca (UNCW) “Action Stars Who Don’t Get Any Action: Hong Kong Actors in U.S. Roles” by Javi Zubizarreta (University of Notre Dame) “A Sadomasochistic Circus: Critique of Society in Lars von Trier’s Breaking the Waves (1996) and Dancer in the Dark (2000)” by Sonya Mladenova (Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, Concordia University, Montreal)

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 15

//FILM

cliché to the bone: ‘This Means War’ could be worse than Gitmo

r

umor hAs it thAt physicAlly

attractive people commonly have it easier than the general public— or that they can make just about anything look good. Well, McG’s “This Means War” proves the stereotype completely inaccurate. Not even the gorgeous Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, or the always-adorable Reese Witherspoon, could save this disaster. The previews promised a hybrid of a sexy romcom and action film, complete with explosions and car chases. It looked like a movie that could appeal to females and their boyfriends alike. It achieved the opposite.

The opening scene places the two male leads, Tuck (Hardy) and FDR (Pine), on a helicopter launch pad, before they walk into a ritzy party in a foreign country. It’s unclear whether they are actually on business or simply there to pick up women. The action quickly begins—cued by a change in music, of course—when “bad guy” Heinrich (Til Schweiger) and his men appear.

Tuck and FDR, who are partners in the CIA, make a spectacle of the situation, and return to Los Angeles, where they are as-

★ 1/2 ★ ★ ★ ★ herspoon, Chris Wit Starring Reese ardy Pine and Tom H

COLLEGE BASKETBALL HEADQUARTERS Big Screens & HDTV’s • Award Winning Wings • 14 Signature Sauces FREE Buzztime Trivia • Free Wi-Fi • Daily Lunch Specials 50¢ Wing Tuesdays • 60¢ Boneless Thursdays Huge Selection of Craft Beers • Daily Drink Specials Late Night Food Specials

WINGS. BEER. SPORTS.

Thank You Wilmington!

The p

by Kaitlin Willow This Means War

signed to their desks as punishment. As it turns out, Tuck is an absentee father of a little boy, and FDR is—for lack of a better term—a slut.

They each meet Lauren (Witherspoon), whose job seems farfetched (it has something to do with marketing or testing products, but it’s never clearly stated), by means of a Match.com-type and a chance encounter.

I had the entire movie predicted at this point. Just ask my roommate. What follows is a battle of the two agents, who agree to date Lauren simultaneously. Like any good romantic comedy, the next hour or so gets filled with cliché after cliché. For instance, we find out FDR is emotionally damaged because his parents died when he

Wilmington

206 Old Eastwood Rd 910.798.9464

16 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Monkey Junction

5533 Carolina Beach Rd 910.392.7224

an

Chelsea Handler in a nutshell. So it’s hard to even consider her performance acting. Even some of Trish’s lines are disappointing, however. “Don’t go with the better guy,” she says. “Go with the guy who makes you better.”

Enough with the clichés, already!

We’re told through music how to feel at any given moment during the movie, rather than relying on the characters’ emotions to understand their f situations. The cherry on top is when f FDR is home alone, watching “Titans ic.” Cue Celine Dion and emotionalJump Stre epiphany. said, “I th Unfortunately, the trailer to “Thismedic sen Means War” reveals the most amus- “And ju ing parts of the movie, such as Laurenbilities be? accidentally setting off a paintball gun “Obsce on one of the men’s crotches. It’s like Turns ou trying to enjoy a joke after hearing the Many o punch line. material w “This Means War” has an iden-buddy-cop tity crisis at one point. Aside from on-Street” re the-counter sex, (which was shown in theat teenage previews, too), there is no action until thesent unde last 10 minutes or so. And I use the termsolve soci “action” very liberally. Heinrich manages to“Johnny D track down the agents, leading to a car chaselot, and p onto an unfinished section of freeway. Theprospects car chase has been so overdone, it’s almost Cut to comical. There is no blood or violence, and,world’s big in tune with the rest of the movie, the fast-transforme paced song supposedly creates suspense.dia empire It just falls flat instead. Plus, Tuck and FDRdusted of have perfect aim and somehow manage tocourtesy o make it through until the end unscathed.

I don’t At no point will audiences feel worried for“perfect r the safety of these characters, because, firstStreet” m and foremost, this is a romantic comedy. Itdamental i just wouldn’t be right to kill off the main play-and has fu ers. Although, their personalities are so un-ously but derdeveloped that it wouldn’t have fazed mematerial. M otherwise. team reali There are a few one-liners (most of whichimportant are Handler’s) that redeem the film occasion- Schmid ally and even a couple endearing momentswho neve not seen in previews. However, the best(Channing quality about “This Means War” is the at-enough to tractiveness of the cast—another cliché, ofthe police course. I lived in California for most of myfriends. Je life, and contrary to popular belief, not every-shape, and one is that beautiful. his academ My advice: If you want to watch a bunchate, they h of blue-eyed beauties complain about havingcop isn’t e too much of a good thing, then by all means,were expe go see this movie. Otherwise, wait until itthey’re rea comes out on Redbox and save yourself theto try and feeling of, “I can’t believe I just wasted $10 They d on that.” changed:

A

THREE-RING PREDICTABILITY: Pretty people don’t save the monstrosity of this rom-com-meetsaction flick. Courtesy photo

was younger, so he copes with the loss by sleeping around. Pine makes a pretty convincing self-assured playboy. However, the scenes in which he’s supposed to be vulnerable and sincere just don’t work. It’s hard to take his character seriously at any point because of his dangerous smirk and brow furrowing. Hardy’s Tuck seems more genuine and sweet, and he does the best he can with what he’s been given.

Lauren uses FDR to make her ex-boyfriend (who is engaged to a doctor, of all things) jealous by making out with him on the sidewalk. Of course, she hasn’t dated much until this point because she is an empowered female, married to her job.

Where has that been done before?

Rather than rooting for Lauren’s happiness, I just wanted to slap her in the face.

She may as well have multiple personality disorder because her character is so inconsistent. Though played with intermittent charming moments—dancing around her house, sipping on red wine and singing—the rest of her scenes fall flat. While it’s not entirely the actress’ fault (she didn’t write the script, after all), it is difficult to enjoy her portrayal of Lauren. She’s sweet and down-toearth with Tuck, naive and confused with her best friend, Trish, and a cocky flirt with FDR. Who knows which side of her is real!

Chelsea Handler’s Trish is the only one managing an iota of believability. She’s raunchy, sarcastic and opinionated—but that’s

path to po

//FILM

an exercise in excess: The profane rapid-fire of ‘Jump Street’ works

reel reel this week in film Thin Ice, Chico and Rita

by Anghus 21 Jump Street

Cinematique • Thalian Hall 310 Chestnut Street • 7:30pm, $7 4/2-4: “Thin Ice” (pictured)— An insurance

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ , Channing arring Jonah Hill St Tatum, Ice Cube

A

few weeks bAck A critic friend

from Austin got out of a press screening for the new comedy “21 Jump Street.” I asked him his thoughts and he said, “I think you’ll like. It appeals to your comedic sensibilities.”

“And just what might those comedic sensibilities be?” I asked.

“Obscenities and dick jokes.”

Turns out he was right.

Many of you won’t remember the source material which inspired this ridiculously funny buddy-cop film. I do; I used to watch “21 Jump Street” religiously. It was a cop show aimed at teenagers about fresh-faced police officers sent undercover into high schools to try and solve societal ills. It was a time when the words “Johnny Depp” didn’t mean a whole hell of a lot, and people were laughing at the future prospects for the fledgling Fox cable network.

Cut to 20 years later: Johnny Depp is the world’s biggest star and Rupert Murdoch has transformed Fox into a North American media empire. Now “21 Jump Street” has been dusted off and given the remake treatment, courtesy of a slimmed-down Jonah Hill.

I don’t know if there is such a thing as a “perfect remake,” but if there is, “21 Jump Street” may very well be it. It takes the fundamental idea of undercover high-school cops and has fun with it. It’s never taken too seriously but never disrespectful to the source material. Mainly, it works because the creative team realized the characters are always more important than the concept.

Schmidt (Jonah Hill) is a high-school loser who never made it with the ladies. Jenko (Channing Tatum) is a dumb jock barely smart enough to graduate. When they cross paths at the police academy, they become convenient friends. Jenko helps the nerdy Schmidt get in shape, and in return Schmidt helps Jenko with his academic shortcomings. After they graduate, they have some transition issues. Being a cop isn’t exactly the high-octane thrill ride they were expecting. After a drug bust goes bad, they’re reassigned to the undercover division to try and infiltrate a synthetic drug operation.

They don’t exactly blend in. Times have changed: Jenkos’ dumb jock routine isn’t the path to popularity it used to be. It turns out

UNDERCOVER PROM DATES: Channing Tatutm and Jonah Hill play undercover cops at a high school in the remake of “21 Jump Street.” Courtesy photo

Schmidt’s geeky tendencies are more in line with a student body who is environmentally and socially conscious. It’s exciting for Schmidt who gets a second chance to relive the glories of high school, which he never experienced.

For Jenko it’s a sobering experience as he becomes the unpopular, out-of-touch social pariah. Twist!

“21 Jump Street” works because of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, not in spite of them.

This is no surprise for Jonah Hill who manages to look even more bizarre after shaving a metric ton. It’s like watching a hyperactive, super young Rodney Dangerfield. It’s a complete surprise for Channing Tatum, who pulls off the most shocking turnaround ever. In the past I’ve compared Tatum’s acting skills to plywood, potting soil and a sack full of doorknobs. I’ve been so ambivalent about him that for the last five years I’ve called him “Tanning Chatum” without notice. He’s a monotone slab of meat with the visage of a male porn star, a real-life version of Dirk Diggler. Yet, it turns out he’s some kind of freaky comedic savant.

There’s a lot of familiar faces in the supporting cast. Ice Cube plays the world’s angriest police captain. Ellie Kemper (“Bridesmaids”) has a funny turn as a teacher at constant battle with her libido whenever Tatum is around.

The first 45 minutes may contain more laughs per minute than any other comedy in recent memory; I literally laughed until I cried.

The jokes come so fast the audience almost doesn’t have time to compose themselves be-

fore the next gag. Yet, it can’t keep up its pace and loses steam about halfway through. From that point forward, it goes from hysterical to amusing. Once the film transitions from a fishout-of-water to a more traditional buddy-cop movie, it begins to seem less novel.

For an idiotic comedy, “21 Jump Street” has some fine character moments. They even manage to work a romance into the highschool subplot without seeming statutory.

The success of the movie rests squarely on the shoulders of Hill and Tatum, whom abandon any sense of dignity in order to get a laugh. And it works. Comedy often hinges on the actors’ abilities to control their broader impulses or completely unleash them onto an unsuspecting audience. There is no control in “21 Jump Street.” It’s rapid fire and relentless, a foul-mouthed exercise in excess, and it may damn well be the best comedy I’ll see this year.

agent looking for a way out of frigid Wisconsin is blackmailed by an unstable locksmith in the theft of a rare violin that belongs to a retired farmer.

Starring Greg Kinnear, Billy Crudup, Alan Arkin.

1 hr. 54 min.

4/9-13: Chico is a young piano player with big dreams; Rita is a beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unites them, but their journey—in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero—brings heartache and torment. Oscar-nominated animation, starring Eman Xor Oña, Limara Meneses and Mario Guerra. 94 min. Spanish and English

Cape Fear Independent Film Network Festival Starts April 22nd; passes on sale for $60 www.cfifn.org

Planned Parenthood of Wilmington

Health Care That Respects & Protects Your Personal Choices!

Family Planning...Birth Control...Pregnancy Testing...

GYN Exams...Testing and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections...Emergency Contraception Present this coupon on your first visit to:

Planned Parenthood

10 off

$

New Patients Only 1925 Tradd Court • (910) 762-5566 Expires 1/31/11

CFIFN will present the 12th annual independent film fest, downtown Wilmington, 4/26-29, screening films from around the globe, with many shot in NC. Additional activities will include seminars, panel discussions, social and networking events. Venues include Browncoat Pub and Theatre, Nutt St. Comedy Room and City Stage.

Celebrity hosts include Julianna Guill (“One Tree Hill,” “Crazy. Stupid. Love”). Regional showcase will feature short films by local and regional filmmakers and Wilmington Film Awards, with trophies, prizes and cash in 10 different categories, including Best Local Film.

All AreA movie listings And pArAgrAph synopses cAn be found At encorepub.com.

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 17

Wilmington’s World-Class Concert Venue L I V E @ B AC

aRts & CRafts faIR Saturday, April 7th

50 of the finest handmade arts and crafts vendors in the region, great food & cash bar.

1pm - 8pm Tickets $5 at the door

For Tickets and more information

BrooklynArtsNC.com 910-538-2939 There is abundant FREE PARKING on North 4th St., or you can park in Historic Downtown Wilmington, two minutes away, and take the free trolley.

516 North 4th Street | Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC 18 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Lunafest

Short films by, for, about women Friday, April 20th, 7pm Tickets $20, $25 day of show Available online at www.brooklynartsnc.com and lunafest.org

family values:

//MUSIC

Backwater Opera infuses classical roots with bluegrass jams

sound bites shows of the week

er

by Bethany Turn ra pe Backwater O .

• 1612 Castle St Juggling Gypsy p.m.

Sat., 3/31 • 9:30 opera n.com/backwater www.reverbnatio

Nappy Roots

Soapbox Laundro-Lounge 255 N. Front St. 3/30, 10 p.m., $10-17

T

he universiTy of norTh Texas

seems a natural birth place for a “chambergrass” band. “The Lonestar State” is the ideal home for all music that boasts a Southern twang (though I won’t deny Australia’s Keith Urban or New Jersey’s Clint Black—wait, he was raised in Texas!).

Aside from the fitting geographical location, UNT harbors a music school of high regard.

So, what else should three classically trained double-bass majors do when they meet a skilled violinist? Start a band, of course!

Enter Robert Sherwood (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Marisa Sherwood (guitar, vocals) and August Dennis (bass), who met violinist Carlo Canlas at a coffee-shop performance.

For the three bass students, being trained on the same instrument placed them all on an identical musical wavelength—but adding Canlas was the finishing touch. Together, they form Backwater Opera.

From the coffee shop to taking first place at festival competitions—including just finishing 35 Denton earlier in the month—Backwater Opera’s covered a lot of ground since founding in 2009. Their instrumentation can only be described as Johann Bach meets Nickel Creek; bass and violin offer a sophisticated alternative as the boys juxtapose their sound with the plunkings of the mandolin and guitar. Robert and Marisa’s playful duets and powerful solos are enrapturing on originals like “Kathleen’s Farewell,” and fun on covers of The Beatles and The Strokes.

Marisa provided some insight to the group’s unique sound before they hit Juggling Gypsy on Saturday, March 31st. encore (e): How do you incorporate a modern appeal into chamber music and bluegrass— or chambergrass?

Marisa Sherwood (MS): Because of our classical roots and bluegrass instrumentation, chambergrass seemed like the perfect description. I wish we could say that we coined it, but after a year of use, we learned that there are actually a few bands who already call themselves chambergrass. We’re just happy that the idea is spreading!

New music is constantly emerging, and we’re always finding something new and different to inspire us. I think the easiest way to bring a modern twist to “older” genres is by simply throwing the idea of genres out the window and

TREE OF LIFE: Backwater Opera plays free monthly shows at the town square in their hometown of Denton, Texas, underneath a lit tree. Courtesy photo.

just playing what we feel the song needs. e: The band is just over two years old, but you seem to have accomplished so much in the short time together.

MS: Two years doesn’t sound like a long time, but when you put the amount of work required to succeed as a modern DIY band, sometimes the two years seems much longer. We are endlessly proud of what we have accomplished so far, and hope that it sends a message to all new bands that if you put enough time and hard work into your craft, you can accomplish just about anything. That’s not to say that it’s been an easy road, though.

The biggest tools that a band has at their disposal today are social networking (both online and in person), the magic of open-mic nights which give a group an outlet to practice their performance and meet other musicians, and websites like SonicBids or Reverb Nation, which have numerous free festivals and gigs that you can submit to. You just have to take the time to sift through the huge list to find ones that are relevant to you. e: Is your new EP still expected this month?

And why release an EP rather than make another full-length album?

MS: We’re actually in the process of recording the EP now, so you can still expect to see it really soon. The primary reason we decided to record it is because the songs from our first album have all been rewritten since losing a former fifth member (Larry Vanderpool on cello).

Although we are so proud of our original LP, we are recording this in order to give our audience an accurate representation of what our current live sound is. Since we’ll be touring and thus introducing ourselves to brand-new audiences, we wanted to have this in the meantime

until we record our official LP this coming May. e: What’s the deal with Tree Shows?

MS: The downtown Denton square lawn is easily our favorite stage. We started to do Tree Shows to serve the purpose of getting our music out into the Denton scene while providing performance practice for ourselves, which we believe is just as important as private practice.

Every time we do a Tree Show, it reminds us where we come from, and seeing what we have developed into is quite remarkable. Our last few Tree Shows have each pulled out an audience of almost 100 people, all of whom are just there to have fun and listen to some music. They’re also our most interactive audience, and therefore our most personal. e: I’ve heard Denton is a good town for budding bands.

MS: Denton is an incredibly musically receptive and supportive town, especially to new music.

It’s also the friendliest music community I’ve ever known. There is always someone, musician or not, looking to help you move forward.

The support of your community is just as important as the music you’re putting out there, and Denton is a beautiful place in that regard.

From Bowling Green, Kentucky, the platinum-selling Southern rap group Nappy Roots is known for hits like “Good Day,” “Awnaw” and “Po’ Folks.” Nominated for multiple Grammys, an American Music Award and an MTV Video Music Award, the quintet first came on the scene in 1995. They continue to create new tracks and tour to this day, garnering another generation of fans. Catch Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Fish Scales, Ron Clutch and Big V at the Soapbox LaundroLounge this weekend.

Gypsy Fire

Goat and Compass 710 N. Fourth St. 3/31, 9:30 p.m.

e: How have you guys grown since the beginning, and what do you think you’ll accomplish by the end of this year?

Local act Gypsy Fire is composed of brothMS: Since the beginning, I’d say the way we’ve ers Zach and Quinn Tooman (guitar/vocals and grown the most is within the band, through our bass/vocals respectively) and drummer/vocalist Andrew Stark. Though the band mates are musical communication and connection to young, the sound recalls a decade when rock each other. It’s because of our personal growth ‘n’ roll ruled the airwaves and soulful blues filled that we’ve been able to have public growth. It’s nightclubs. Audiences will revel in remakes of also helped us become completely comfort‘Black Magic Woman’ as Quinn’s guitar channels able on a stage of any size.

Santana, and Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well” is a We’ve already got a pretty busy year ahead raucous good time. of us, and we can’t wait. We’ll be touring, recording, releasing a new album, playing festivals, and just seeing where all of this takes us next. Our band is our family, and we hope that All weekly music is listed on the soundboArd pAges. is conveyed onstage. encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 19

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS LIVE MUSIC What’s Thursdays this spring up at on the patio of Fat Fat Tony’s on Racine Tony’s?

Saturday, March 24 MARCH 29 LIVE MUSIC and more!

JESSE STOCKTON

Natty Greene's Draft Expo at downtown location.

Largest tap takeover ever in NC! 24 drafts from 7-10 p.m.

Natty Greene's!

LIVE MUSIC

soundboard

a preview of tunes all over town this week

Gabby’s Lounge 7-10pm

Friday, March 30

OVERTYME Saturday, March 31

MIKE O’DONNELL Gabby’s Lounge 7-10pm

Friday, April 6

POTATO HEADS It’s all good.

131 North Front St. • (910) 343-8881 • 250 Racine Dr. (910) 452-9000 www.fatpub.com

MONDAY $3 Sweetwater 420, $10 Bud/ Bud lt Buckets, $4 Jack, Captain, and Even Williams Trivia From Hell at 7:30 TUESDAY $1 Tacos (4pm-close), $3 Dos XX Amber, $4 Cuervo, Lunazul, Bacardi, Jack and Jim Beam WEDNESDAY 1/2 price wine, $3 Pints, $4 Bombs, $5 Martinis THURSDAY Live Music (10pm-1am) 1/2 Price Wings (4pm-close), $2 Domestic Pints, $4 Jack, Jager, Fireball, Sailor Jerry, $5 Bombs FRIDAY & SATURDAY $4 Shooters, $5 Hell’s Cocktails $10 Party Pitchers SUNDAY Service Industry Night $2.50 Domestic Pints, $4 Jack, Jameson, Jager, and Crown $5 Bombs DUELING PIANOS Every Friday and Saturday Night @ 9:30 1/2 Price apps M-Th (4pm-7pm) Sunday (9pm-close)

Saturday, April 7

MIKE O’DONNELL 1706 North Lumina Ave. (910) 256-2231 877-330-5050• •910-256-2231 910-256-2231 877-330-5050

Nightly Food Specials starting at 5:00pm

$5 appetizers

EVERY WEEKDAY 5:00-7:00!

NIGHTLY SPECIALS MONDAY Pulled Pork Nachos $5 $2 Draft - $3 Well Drinks TUESDAY Eat Spot Burger $7 Bottle Beer $2 Domestic - $3 Imports & Micros WEDNESDAY Tacos $5 $4 Margaritas THURSDAY Ribeye Special $12 1/2 price bottle of wine FRIDAY Draft Day- $2- $3-$4-$5 SATURDAY Carolina Brews $3 SUNDAY Steak & Eggs $8 (all day) Bloody Mary – Mimosa $4

TheEatSpot.com 34 North Front Street (corner of Front and Princess)

910-763-5366

20 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

MAJOR VOICE: NC native Emily Minor made it into the top 50 of ‘American Idol’ in 2007. She and her band will play for the crowd at The Whiskey on Wednesday, March 28th. Courtesy photo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28 KaraoKe with hellz Belle —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 acoustic Jazz Piano |with James Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 DuB steP —Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086

wilmington icon singing contest with cash granD Prize —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 Benny hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115 gary allen’s acoustic oPen mic —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 the emily minor BanD —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 oPen mic with Justin lacy —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 roger Davis anD ron wilson —Bottega Gallery, 208 North Front St.; 7633737 liz uhlman —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

Jeremy norris —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 Benny hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115

tHuRSDAY, MARCH 29 ranDy canaDy, the atomic rooster, aDam lassiter —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-850 DJ sweat —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 DJ lorD walrus —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776

Josh solomon & cary BenJamin —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056

DJBe extreme KaraoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

KaraoKe —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001

DJ sir nicK BlanD —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776

KaraoKe with DJ Brewtal —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341

live acoustic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

KaraoKe with DJ rich Delux —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878

DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 live acoustic —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133

college night with DJ Battle —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833

oPen mic night with tommy hutchinson —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621 team trivia with Dutch hawK —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 trivia with DJ —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 trivia with Party gras DJ —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 fireDance & Drums at DarK, secret DJ at 11 —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 KaraoKe with DJ Damon —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 oPen mic/comeDy hosteD By to the trees —Barista Cafe, 225 S. Water St.; 399-3108 toP 40 DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 Dueling Pianos —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 KaraoKe —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269

Open Mic with JereMy nOrris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204

MarcO vivaLDi —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141

DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499

super reggae Man —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832

FrieD LOt —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc. ,256-0115

Beach BiLLy BrOthers; DJ Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

friday, march 30 hOuse/technO DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 DJ Dr. JOnes —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 DueLing pianOs —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 DJ p Funk —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872

wes sayer (acOustic) —Barista Cafe, 225 S. Water St.; 399-3108

Brent & Mike —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832

the BiBis eLLisOn BanD —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

Jah creatiOn —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141

BaLD Fury —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

B-waLk, DJ Dane Britt —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

the MOrning aFter, kickin grass —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

Backwater Opera —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

nappy rOOts with B-1nz, aMir, J-saLes, neva DeDD, Music By cOast 97.32s Bigg B —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

Megan Jean anD the kFB —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 Jazz with Benny hiLL —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395

Big aL haLL —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.

DJ BattLe —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109

OvertyMe —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231

Dutch treet —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 Larry Frick —NC Tarheel Opry House, 145 Blue Creek School Road, Jacksonville; (910) 347-4731 the FaMiLy —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 singer/sOngwriter night with aL DiMarcO —Ted’s Fun on the River, 2 Castle St.

Saturday, march 31

Fuzz Jaxx, Big hOp, Big reeg, sMaLL tOwn herOz, DJ BattLe —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

Jazz JaM sessiOn —S.W.A.C. Lounge, 723 N. 4th St.; (843) 276-8164

DJ sir nick BLanD —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776

Mike O’DOnneLL —Holiday Inn Resort (Gabby’s Lounge), 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231

karaOke with Mike nOrris —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204

DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499

Sunday, aPriL 1

DJ MiLk —Pravda; 23 N. Front St., Wilmington

DJ —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872

susan savia —Elijah’s, 2 Ann St.; 343-1448

DJBe extreMe karaOke —Locals Tavern, 6213 -D Market Street; 523-5621

hOuse/technO DJ —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301

travis shaLLOw —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091

acOustic Jazz pianO with JaMes Jarvis —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 karaOke —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677

venger (MetaL), shit Out OF Luck, swaMp raptOr —Reggie’s, 1415 S. 42nd St. DueLing pianOs —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 DJ BattLe —Dirty Martini, 1904 Eastwood Rd, Suite 109

Larry Frick —NC Tarheel Opry House, 145 Blue Creek School Road, Jacksonville; (910) 347-4731

guitarist Mark Lynch (10:30 a.M.-1:30 p.M.) —Saltworks II, 4001 Wrightsville Ave.; 392-1241

FraMing hanLey, the chuck shaFFer picture shOw —Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086

FiLthy saturDays with DJ FiLthy —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833

Open wire, eight Feet unDer —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833 cLay crOtts —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607 Brent stiMMeL (acOustic) —Barista Cafe, 225 S. Water St.; 399-3108 pwM, aMBer unDerwOOD —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 80s night with Music FrOM the cOuntry Line (Legree, zac, seth, steve) —Carolina Ale House; 317-c College Rd., 791-9393

DJ sweat —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 karaOke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 haMMer nO MOre the Fingers —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS 100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832

gypsy Fire —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

Justin FOx —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

gypsy art shOw with caLLan trippe anD the cLaMs —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223

karaOke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001

the carvers surF & stOMp cOMBO —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878

cLay crOtts, insiDe 9 p.M. —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 karaOke kOng —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 reggae sunDays with DJ Dr. JOnes —Brikhouse, 208 Market St.; 523-5833 DJ Jay —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 karaOke with heLLz BeLLe —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 DJ BattLe —Fibber McGee’s, 1610 Pavilion Pl; 509-1551 sateLLite BLuegrass BanD —Satellite Bar & Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.; 399-2796 perry sMith (Brunch 12-2) —Aubriana’s; 115 S. Front St., 763-7773

DJBe extreMe karaOke —The Harp; 1423 South 3rd St.,763-1607

Benny hiLL anD FrienDs —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888

the Fustics —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091

karaOke —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001

MONDAY 2.50 Budweiser Draft $ 4 Wells 65¢ wings, 4-7 p. m.

TUESDAY Sky Blue $3.00 $ 4.50 Absolute lemonade 65¢ wings, 4-7 p. m.

WEDNESDAY $ 2.50 Yuengling Draft $ 2.50 Domestic Bottles 65¢ wings, 4-7 p. m.

THURSDAY $ 3.00 Samuel Adams $ 4.00 Margaritas FRIDAY $ 3 Pint of the Day SATURDAY $ 5 Sangria & Mimosa’s SUNDAY $ 5 Bloody Mary’s & Mimosa’s *Drink specials run all day $

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

MONDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm $2 Budweiser • $225 Heineken $3 Gin & Tonic TUESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm $2 White Wolf $250 Redstripe $350 Wells 35¢ Wings at 8pm WEDNESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6pm, 1/2 Priced Wine Bottle $250 Blue Moons $250 Corona/Corona Light THURSDAY $250 Domestic Bottles, $3 Import Bottles, $3 Rum and Coke 50¢ Steamed oysters and shrimp after 6pm FRIDAY DJ Sir Charles 2nd floor $3 Snow Day • $3 Kamikaze $5 Bombs SATURDAY DJ Sir Charles on 2nd floor 10pm $2 Coors Light • $3 Fruit Punch shots SUNDAY $250 Corona / Corona Light $350 Bloody Marys and Mimosas $4 Margaritas Clay Crotts inside at 9 p.m.

3.28 WEDNESDAY

karaoke night with dj be!

3.29 THURSDAY

trivia night 3.30 FRIDAY

bald fury

3.31 SATURDAY

live music with the

dutch treet

Landfall Center • 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

VISIT WWW.RUCKERJOHNS.COM FOR DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS

MONDAYS

Poker Night 7pm & 9:30pm

TUESDAYS LIVE

TEAM TRIVIA

8pm

WEDNESDAYS

MONDAYS

POKER NIGHT 7pm & 9pm WEDNESDAYS

LIVE TEAM TRIVIA 8PM - 10PM followed by

PINT NIGHT

Live Music on the Patio

2.75

10PM-12AM

ALL PINTS

JEREMY NORRIS

Monkey Junction 910.392.7224

206 Old Eastwood Rd.

$

(by Home Depot)

910.798.9464

MONDAY 22oz. Domestic Draft ALL DAY $5 Pizzas TUESDAY LIVE JAzz IN THE BAR Half Price Bottles of Wine Absolut Dream $5 • Pacifico $250 WEDNESDAY Miller Light Pints $150 Coronoa/ Corona Lite Bottles $250 Margaritas/Peach Margaritas $4 THURSDAY Appletinis $4, RJ’s Painkiller $5 Red Stripe Bottles $250 Fat Tire Bottles $250 FRIDAY Cosmos $4, 007 $350 Guinness Cans $3 Island Sunsets $5 SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 Select Domestic Bottles $2 SUNDAY Bloody Marys $4, Domestic Pints $150 Hurricanes $5 5564 Carolina Beach Road, (910) 452-1212

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 21

BLACKBOARD SPECIALS

HUNTED DOWN, NO TOMORROW, DEAD END SONS —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

monday, aPRIL 2 Pub & Grille

Moxology Sun. & Mon. $5 Specialty Cocktails TueSday $2.00 Blue Point Draft 13 - $5 Wines per glass / $20.00 per bottle WedneSday & THuRSday $3.00 Seasonal Draft 13 - $5.00 Wines per glass / $20.00 per bottle Sunday $5.00 Mimosas $5.00 Bloody Mary Monday - THuRSday ½ price Apps from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Served at the bar only 35 n. FRonT ST. doWnToWn WilMingTon

(910) 343-1395

Wrightsville Beach Pool ° Darts ° Foos ° Pong

Wednesdays

$3 Microbrews ∙ $10 WIne Btls $3.50 Moonshines ∙ $4 CCP Shot

Thursdays KARAOKE

$2 Red Stripe ∙ $4 Margaritas $4 Jose Cuervo ∙ $4 Captain

Fridays

$2 Coors Light • $2.50 Shock Top $5 Martinis • $4 Flavored Bombs

Saturdays

$2 Miller Lite • $2 Budweiser $4 Rum & Coke • $3 Surfer on Acid

Sundays

$2 Yuenglings • $2 Bud Lights $5 Jager Bomb • $3 Mimosas Free Pool & Shuffleboard after 9 pm 1/2 Off Late Night Menu @ 11 pm

BanksChannelPub.Com

NFL SuNday TickeT $3 Domestic Schooners $2 Domestic Drafts $9.99 All You Can Eat Wings at the Bar 1/2 Priced Select Appetizers at the Bar

MoNday NighT FooTbaLL $3 Domestic Schooners $3.50 Margaritas TueSday-kidS eaT Free NighT $3.50 LIT’s • $2.00 Domestic Drafts WedNeSday $3 Domestic Schooners $3.50 Margaritas ThurSday $3.50 LIT’s • $2.00 Domestic Drafts Friday-TgiF $3.50 Cosmos $2.00 Domestic Drafts SaTurday-coLLege FooTbaLL $3 Domestic Schooners MoNday- Friday 1/2 Priced Appetizers from 4-7 pm & 9 pm -close at the bar Free Appetizer of the Day with purchase of a non-refillable beverage from 5-7 at the bar.

4126 Oleander Dr. (910) 792-9700

Bar & Comedy Room

WedNeSdAY Nutt House Improv 9pm

ThurSdAY Open Mic Stand-up 9pm

Fri. & SAT. NATIONAL HEADLINERS 8 p.m.

March 30-31

BARRY SOBEL

The 3 Minute Talk Show with Barry Sobel, MTV’s Lip Service

April 6-7

MARSHALL CHILES

Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, Last Comic Standing

Every Wednesday Bottomless Cheese and Chocolate

$20

per person

W h at e cou ld br ? bett e 885 Town Center Drive MAYFAIRE TOWN CENTER (910) 256-1187

22 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Join us on Tuesdays!

Karaoke

at 9 p.m.

All 36 drafts only $2.50 all day long!

Wednesdays

FOX ICON Karaoke Contest

$1000 Cash Grand Prize!

Music on Fridays and Saturdays

APRIL 13 Fortch APRIL 14 dave Meyer APRIL 20 ian hollingsworth APRIL 27 Tba APRIL 28 Tba MAY 4 daniel Parrish MAY 5 Jesse Stockton MAY 11 cosmic groove Lizard duo MAY 12 Jessica coppla MAY 18 Tba MAY 19 2 cents Worth MAY 25 Jessica coppola MAY 26 dave Meyer MAY 27 Fortch

Happy dogs me! nyti welcomed a Join us on the deck for cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, and grilled items from our a la’ carte menu.

138 South Front Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 251-0433

FEATURE YOUR LIVE MUSIC FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS!

STEvEN COMpTON —Barbary Coast; 116 S. Front St., 762-8996 KARAOKE —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 ACOUSTiC JAzz piANO WiTH JAMES JARviS —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091 KARAOKE —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 KARAOKE WiTH DJ @-HOlE —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 pENgO WiTH BEAU gUNN —Mellow Mushroom, 4311 Oleander Drive; 452-3773 BRETT JOHNSON’S JAM —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 OpEN MiC WiTH JOSH SOlOMON —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 DJ RiCHTERMEiSTER —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838

tuesday, aPRIL 3 KARAOKE —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 KARAOKE WiTH DJ pARTy gRAS —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 “iT TAKES TUESDAyS TO TANgO” lESSONS 7-9 p.M. —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 CApE FEAR BlUES JAM —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 KARAOKE WiTH MiKE NORRiS —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 livE ACOUSTiC —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 COllEgE NigHT KARAOKE —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 TRiviA WiTH DUTCH FROM 94.5 THE HAWK —The Coastal Roaster, 5954 Carolina Beach Rd.; 399-4701 JEFFREy lEWiS, TiK TOK —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

Wednesday, aPRIL 4

920 Town Center Dr. Mayfaire Town Center (910) 509-0805

CALL 791-0688

DJ JAy —Sharp Shooters, 2109 N. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 346-2677 KARAOKE WiTH HEllz BEllE —Marina Cafe, 110 S. Marine Blvd., Jacksonville; (910) 938-2002 ACOUSTiC JAzz piANO WiTH JAMES JARviS —Calico Room, 107 S. Front St. Wilmington, 762-2091

JOSH SOlOMON & CARy BENJAMiN —Black Sheep Tavern, 21 N. Front St. (basement); 399-3056 WilMiNgTON iCON SiNgiNg CONTEST WiTH CASH gRAND pRizE —Fox and Hound Pub & Grille, 920 Town Center Dr.; 509-0805 DJ SiR NiCK BlAND —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 KARAOKE WiTH DJ RiCH DElUx —Orton’s Underground, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 DUB STEp —Hooligans Pub & Music Hall; 2620 Onslow Dr., Jacksonville, (910) 346-2086 KARAOKE —Browncoat Pub and Theatre, 111 Grace St.; 341-0001 JEREMy NORRiS —Buffalo Wild Wings, 206 Old Eastwood Rd.; 798-9464 DJBE ExTREME KARAOKE —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff; 256-3838 KiMyA DAWSON, pAlEFACE, yOUR HEART BREAKS —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 livE ACOUSTiC —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 DJ —Charley Brownz, 21 S Front St.; 254-9499 BENNy Hill —Sweet & Savory Cafe; 1611 Pavilion Plc.,2560115 gARy AllEN’S ACOUSTiC OpEN MiC —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 KARAOKE WiTH DJ BREWTAl —Liquid Room, 23 Market St.;910-343-3341 RAT BABiES, FEMA REgiON iv, AND AKRiS —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 All entertainment must be sent to music@encorepub.com by Wednesday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar. Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

win tickets to area events visit

www.encorepub.com

ShowStoppers:

255 N. FRONT STREET DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON WWW.THESOAPBOXLIVE.COM

Concerts outside of Southeastern NC

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE & AT THE SOAPBOX OFFICE Open Monday-Thursday 3 p.m.-2 a.m. & Friday-Sunday 2 p.m.-2 a.m.

910.251.8500 FOR MORE INFO

THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BiltmorE avEnuE, aShEvillE, nC (828) 225-5851 3/28: SBTKRT, Machinedrum 3/30: Zeds Dead, araabMUZIK, XI 3/31: Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Kings of Prussia, RBTS win CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. main StrEEt, CarrBoro, nC (919) 967-9053 3/30: Toubab Krewe, Marco Benevento 3/31: Orquesta Gardel 4/1: The Naked and Famous; Vacationer; Now, Now 4/3: Delta Spirit, Waters 4/4: Breathe Carolina, The Ready Set, Ashland High, Matt Toka, Romance on a Rocketship HOUSE OF BLUES 4640 hwy. 17 South, n. myrtlE BEaCh, SC (843) 272-3000 3/31: Blue October, Girl in a Coma, Justin Furstenfeld

LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CaBarruS StrEEt, ralEigh, nC (919) 821-4111 3/30: DJ BL3ND, Audiorush 3/31: Perpetual Groove, Matt McDonald, KinGator 4/1: Hellblinki, The Go Devils DURHAM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 123 vivian St., Durham, nC (919) 680-2727 3/30: Pink Martini NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE 511 E. 36th StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 358-9298 3/28: Cramatik, Break Science, Paul Basik 3/29: Bubonik Funk, John Linker Band, One Big Love, Carlos Valencia 3/30: Acoustic Syndicate, Sons of Bill

DOORS: 8:00 / $7 SUNDAY APRIL 1 HUNTED DOWN / NO TOMORROW / DEAD END SONS DOORS: 3:00 / DONATIONS

DOORS: 8:00 / $7

JEFFERY LEWIS TIK TOK

TUESDAY MARCH 27 ANDY DAVIS FRIDAY MARCH 30 NAPPY ROOTS THE MORNING AFTER / KICKIN GRASS (LOUNGE) SATURDAY MARCH 31 MAJA LEAGUE PRESENTS “PROJECT X: THE ULTIMATE HOUSE PARTY” LEE HUSTLE PRESENTS (LOUNGE) SUNDAY APRIL 1 HUNTED DOWN / NO TOMORROW / DEAD END SONS TUESDAY APRIL 3 JEFFREY LEWIS / TIK TOK WEDNESDAY APRIL 4 KIMYA DAWSON / PALEFACE / YOUR HEART BREAKS THURSDAY APRIL 5 RIO BRAVO / HEYROCCO / VILLA VERDE FRIDAY APRIL 6 CANNIBAL CORPSE / EXHUMED / ABYSMAL DAWN / ARKAIK SATURDAY APRIL 7 AS IS ENSEMBLE

LOUNGE

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 South tryon StrEEt, CharlottE, nC (704) 377-6874 3/29: With Dangerous Daze, 42, Emmanuel Jal 3/30: Falling Through April, Sunday Night Scene, Absolute Convixtion, Something Clever 3/31: Kashmir, Hard to Handle

TUESDAY APRIL 3

LOUNGE

BLUE IN MARCH, TOO: Blue October, known for ‘Hate Me,’ ‘Into the Ocean’ and ‘Calling You’—plus many more charting songs—will play Myrtle Beach’s House of Blues on Saturday, March 31st. Courtesy photo

FRIDAY MARCH 30 THE MORNING AFTER KICKIN’ GRASS

THURSDAY APRIL 5 RIO BRAVO / HEYROCCO / VILLA VERDE DOORS: 7:00 / $5 TUESDAY APRIL 10 THE ROCKET SUMMER THURSDAY APRIL 12 KOOLEY HIGH / T JONES / THE SPEAKEASY GROOVE PROJECT FRIDAY APRIL 13 YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND /BUBONIK FUNK TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS BENEFIT (LOUNGE) SATURDAY APRIL 14 SONGS OF WATER / MIKE BLAIR & THE STONEWALLS SIMPLIFIED (LOUNGE) SUNDAY APRIL 15 THE WONDER YEARS / THE POLAR BEAR CLUB / TRANSIT / THE STORY SO FAR TUESDAY APRIL 17 CONSPIRITOR THURSDAY APRIL 19 DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS / RAYLAND BAXTER ATLANTIS MAGAZINE RELEASE PARTY (LOUNGE) FRIDAY APRIL 20 L SHAPE LOT CD RELEASE PARTY LOWTECH ARMY / BIG WAKE (LOUNGE) SATURDAY APRIL 21 MY WONDERFUL MACHINE (LOUNGE)

ALABAMA THEATRE 4750 hwy. 17 S., n. myrtlE BEaCh, SC (843) 272-1111 3/31: Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis PNC ARENA 1400 EDwarDS mill rD., ralEigh, nC (919) 861-2300 4/4: Red Hot Chili Peppers

WWW.THESOAPBOXLIVE.COM

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 23

//ART

beginning again: Projekte Gallery opens under new ownership on March 31st

D

owntown wilmington ’ s pro -

jekte Gallery has gotten an innovative and exciting makeover!

New owner Kraig Bienias has been transforming the art studio since he took over on January 15th. In just over two months, he has done a lot more than apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls and ceiling.

Where a lot of empty floor space used to lie is now home to colorful, vintage and cozy furniture—couches, chairs, tables, funky lamps, and more. It’s not all there for decoration, however. Just like all the art on display, the furniture is for sale. Gay Adair (of Gay Adair at Home in the 9th House) and Bienias have turned the gallery into a consignment shop as well.

But that’s not even all of it.

Projekte is now part-gallery, part-consignment shop and part-café. It serves Wilmingtonians organic fair trade coffee and tea, alongside craft beers and fine wines, baked goods and even offers free WI-FI. Bienias wanted to create a space

by Kaitlin Willow Satisfaction Uncomfortable Grand Opening New Ownership Projekte Gallery 523 S. Third St. m.

• 7 p.m. to 11 p.

Sat., March 31st te.com www.theprojek with “more of a lounge-y and at-home feel, where you can bring your dog, laptop, just chill and listen to music.”

They will have live music and community events on various occasions, including a Brazilian music night every second and fourth Friday, which is likely to expand to more of an internationally themed night in the near future, Bienias says. Monday nights are open mic, for example; and Tuesdays are for film and theatre. Bienias had a large movie screen and a projector

WHIMSY OF IRONWORKS: Jeff Bridgers’ delicately designed metalwork is just one of the featured displays during Projekte’s grand opening art show. Courtesy photo

installed for this purpose.

“Eventually, what we want to do is get involved with UNCW and Cape Fear’s film programs,” he says, adding to it all the addition of contests and juried student work.

“My goal is to connect my business with the art/antique district, which most people think ends at 5th Street,” he says. Currently, quite an array of local art hangs on the walls and from the ceilings. One wall is even dedicated to Laney High School students, showcasing the work of many talented teenagers. “Almost all of it is local art,” Bienias affirms, as a way of “giving back to the community.”

By the middle of next week, though, the space will be filled with art by regional talent Jeff Bridgers and Sullivan Anlyan Dunn, in preparation for the first grand opening

24 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

under new ownership. On Saturday, March 31st, “Uncomfortable Satisfaction” showcases pieces of art which depict “living with ourselves and others.”

Bridgers, who has been creating art since he was a teenager, began working with metal at the age of 18 and stuck with it. A collection of his ironworks, including bed frames and abstract floral sculptures will be displayed at Projekte. “Metalwork is such a functional material,” he says. “I find it extremely satisfying to see furniture or hardware I made that also incorporates an art form. Making my own tools is a bonus as well.”

In addition to this show, Bridgers has been creating art for Wilmington for years.

Folks may recognize his work from displays at other galleries, such Bottega or Jonkheer Jewelry Art Studio. He even created the forged ironwork at Crow Hill about two years ago.

“Recently my ironwork has taken on new techniques and direction,” he adds.

“The new smithy has opened many doors and hopefully the flow of the workspace will be pronounced in the gallery.”

Dunn will be contrasting the three-dimensional pieces with her oil-on-canvas artwork. “This particular series is an investigation of my life under my own microscope,” she details. “It is about the veils put over emotions and our tendency to disguise our feelings in order to protect ourselves. Putting these ideas and beliefs into a visual format helps me to evaluate, and either embrace them or move on.”

The opening reception for “Uncomfortable Satisfaction” will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with a wine tasting, live music, and light hors d’oeuvre. The artwork will be shown through May 5th. Projekte Gallery is located at 523 South Third Street.

//ART

breaking the norm: CFCC opens gallery in a parking deck

T

he response has been The same

from everyone when I mention Cape Fear Community College’s new art space, Hanover Gallery: “In a parking deck?

That could actually work!”

It’s true. Our very own community college, ranked sixth largest in the state with enrollment of 9,500 students, is upping the ante when it comes to their Humanities and Fine Arts Department. “Almost 5,000 people are constantly enrolled in an arts, theatre, humanities-type course at our college,” Frank Carter, chair of the department, says. “We have about 40 sections of art every semester.”

Even for students fulfilling requirement classes, the work that comes out must have a place to show. While CFCC has worked with community gallery spaces, such as Projekte, they often had to relegate their works to free spaces on campus, like the library, bulletin boards or cafeteria walls. Theatre students once made due in a small building in a parking lot off Hanover Street, as well as at the Schwartz Center. With the impending construction of the Humanities and Fine Arts Center—which is undergoing a revamp in design right now from over-budgeting—a 1,500-seat performance space will be included among many new arts classrooms.

Conveniently, Hanover Art Gallery is located across from it all—at the bottom level of the new CFCC parking deck.

“As part of the city ordinance, in a nutshell, if you’re building a parking deck in the central business district, a portion of the first-floor street level can’t be parking,” David Hardin, CFCC’s public information officer, relays. “It has to include retail- or office-like area.”

Once inside Hanover Art Gallery, it certainly doesn’t feel like a parking deck rests above. Actually, it closely resembles a city, wherein bottom floors of office buildings and hotels often contain retail spaces or restaurants.

The deck itself, located between Hanover and Walnut streets, takes up over 400,000 square feet, with each level measuring larger than a football field. With 2,000 parking spaces available, three elevators and four stairways, along with a hi-tech digital parking-space counter—displayed upon entrance so folks will know whether spaces are open (which will be updated on a Twitter feed, too)—it will certainly alleviate the congestion of downtown traffic during weekdays. During weekends and when the community college is closed, it will be open for public use as well.

The real gem, however, is the 2,470 square-foot pristine gallery space. Awash with white walls and metal, four lighting bays

by Shea Carver t Gallery New Hanover Ar opening and Parking Deck 3/30, 3 p.m. ‘til at Cape Fear Hanover Street ge, downtown Community Colle feature state-of-the-art illumination, with fixtures that use photocells to help conserve energy during daylight hours. CFCC’s president, Eric McKeithan, actually came up with the concept.

“He called [the whole department together] one day and invited us to a meeting about the parking deck,” Carter recalls. “Honestly, I couldn’t figure out why. When he said he’d like to present it to the community as a gallery for people to see the work that goes on here—student work—and also to invite traveling organizations through, I couldn’t believe it. It’s rather novel—in the world of art and the world of parking.”

The faculty took to the suggestion immediately. In fact, Carter says calling them excited would be a bit of an understatement.

“They were ecstatic to see a president of a college [do this.] In a world where art and music and theatre seem to be put on the back burner—in a world where that is commonplace—to have a president say let’s put it out there where everyone can see it ... a man who thinks like that [means] good things for us.”

Hanover Art Gallery will feature all genres of work and a multitude of exhibits, including a faculty show in the fall, a traveling exhibit and a juried student show every spring. Their opening gala, to take place this Friday, will have at least 70 pieces showcased, consisting of 2D and 3D art.

Paintings and drawings, metal and sculpture, ceramics and digital art and more will be featured. Eventually, the gallery will hang TVs to showcase video installations.

“When you hear about K-through-3rdgrade kids deprived of art or P.E. or music or whatever, you have to ask, ‘What’s happening?’” Carter says. “If you take the beauty out of the world, then the things that are not currently beautiful will probably become beautiful. That’s a sad thought: when you have to settle for art, rather than to make it a primary focus of what you do in the education business.”

Carter is planning outside events for the new space, calling it a welcomed step in an unusual direction. He is in talks with exhibitors and contributors, including the RJ Reynolds traveling exhibition, folks from UNC

FUELED BY PASSION: Chair of Cape Fear Community College’s Humanities and Fine Arts Department, Frank Carter, stands in the new Hanover Art Gallery, located on the bottom of the Hanover Street parking deck, which are both set to open on the 30th. Photo by David Hardin

Greensboro, as well as the NC School of the Arts. Also, he is wanting to do an exclusive show featuring artist Minnie Evans, based on connections with a local collector who is willing to donate pieces to the exhibit.

Eventually, Carter would like to add a permanent collection of some sort.

“I will never, ever fill it to the point where students can’t get in,” Carter advises. “It’s a student facility first. “He’s even having students run the gallery as part of a gallery assistant program or to help fulfill a work-

study course.

“We currently have some students who go to work in galleries across town,” Carter notes, “but now they will be able to work in our own gallery, and learn the proper methods of hanging and lighting.”

Hanover Art Gallery and CFCC’s newest parking deck will open March 30th, with a ribbon cutting taking place at 3 p.m. The exhibit, juried by CFCC faculty and staff, will feature student work throughout the evening. First-through-third-place prizes, along with Best in Show, will be awarded. The gallery plans to be included with future Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, which takes place across downtown Wilmington and is open to the public for free every fourth Friday of the month. “Nobody’s going home until the last person sees the art,” Carter promises.

Southeastern Camera

new and used digital and film cameras

camera bags & accessories | memory cards UDENT film tripods | digital printing supplies | traditional ST AND CTOR darkroom supplies | lighting equipment INSTRUUNTS reflectors | used equipment DISCO 1351 S. Kerr Ave. • (910) 313-2999 • OPEN: 10-6 M-F 10-4 Sat. • Closed Sunday encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 25

galleryguide| Artfuel.inc 2165 Wrightsville Ave. • (910) 343 5233 Monday-Saturday, 12-7 p.m. www.artfuelinc.com Artfuel.inc is a multimedia studio and art gallery, now located at the intersection of Wrightsville Avenue and Dawson Street.

Our 30th art show opens March 31st, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring Tuki Lucero, Jonas Mcluggage, Brian Mergenthaler, Stephen Bode, Nicole Nicole. Live music by the Barnraisers.

Artexposure!

22527 Highway 17N, Hampstead, NC 910-803-0302/ 910-330-4077 Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment www.artexposure50.com From Wilmington, drive north on Highway 17 and you will encounter an art center unique to our area. Look for the big red barn! A large open space hosts 2nd Friday Opening Receptions each month at

6 p.m. We represent over 40 local and regional artists in our member’s gallery and offer local arts and crafts in our gift shop.

ArtExposure presently has studio space rented to five working artists. In addition, there is a frame shop and art supply store.

All work completed at the Paint Out will be exhibited at ArtExposure on April 13th at our regular 2nd Friday Opening Reception. No entry fee is required, but please call or e-mail to register your name if you want to participate.

Along with our regular art classes and studio time, yoga classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. in the loft. Walk-ins are welcome to this gentle yoga class.

cAffe phoenix

35 N. Front Street • (910) 343-1395 Monday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday Brunch: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Gabriel Lovejoy unveils his newest series of “visual poems.” The theme for this body of work is carried throughout using

Have You Loaned Your Ladder Yet? There’s Still Time!

symbolic and nostalgic images woven together with an illustrative style. Industrial, domestic, and natural elements are all present, interacting with each other to create a visual dialogue. The show will run through 2/29. www.gabriellovejoy.com

new elements GAllery 201 Princess St. (919) 343-8997 Tues.-Sat.: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or by appointment www.newelementsgallery.com

“New Beginnings” now hangs at New Elements Gallery in their new location at 201 Princess Street. Featured will be the paintings of local artists Janet Triplett and Owen Wexler. Janet Triplett’s work is reminiscent of the masters, evoking an old world elegance to everyday objects with which we are all familiar. Painting mostly still life, Janet enjoys the challenge of arranging everyday objects into a composition that is both pleasing to the eye and a study in color, composition, light and texture. Owen Wexler creates works that are simultaneously simple and complex, subtle and bold. Interpreting life, nature and mood, Owen’s pieces range from a calm day on the beach, to the intricate structure of a nineteenth century facade.

One is reminded of times past and present, memories old and new. The exhibition will remain on display through April 21st.

orton’s underGround Art GAlleries 133 N. Front • (910) 859-8441 Everyday after 5 p.m. www.ortonsuderground.com

America’s oldest pool hall and Wilmington’s finest bar are also the home of Wilmington’s newest art galleries: Gallery North and Gallery South, both hanging local artists year-round, and 10% of all art sales goes to the Full Belly Project.

sunset river mArketplAce Don’t be left out. Participate in Wilmington’s borrowed ladder, public art installation with artist Charlie Brouwer. Drop off your ladder at Cameron Art Museum through Friday, March 30, 11 am-5 pm. Installation Opening Saturday, March 31 at 11 am along with a unique, live Iron Pour.

3201 South 17th St. | Wilmington, NC 28412 | 910-395-5999 26 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179) (910) 575-5999 Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Closed Mon. in winter sunsetrivermarketplace.com

This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, N.C., features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South Carolina’s most creative, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisan-crafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops,

pottery studio, custom fra.m.ing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee With the Author series are also offered on-site.

The next featured show opens Monday, April 2 and runs through Thursday, May 31.

It’s titled Feed Your Eclectic Soul: A showing of custom design, fine crafts and gently loved pieces from the past. Sunset River will feature a beautiful collection of unusual pillows, textural table runners and other fabric pieces by Beth Pethtal combined with gallery owner Ginny Lassiter’s eclectic eye for incorporating antiques, pottery and contemporary pieces into a warm and cohesive design.

river to seA GAllery

225 S. Water St., Chandler’s Wharf (FREE parking) • (910)-763-3380 Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 1p.m. - 4 p.m.

River to Sea Gallery showcases the work of husband and wife Tim and Rebecca Duffy Bush. In addition, the gallery represents several local artists. The current show is sure to enthrall visitors with its eclectic collection of original paintings, photography, sculpture, glass, pottery and jewelry.

Our current exhibit “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. Experience Wilmington through the eyes of a local!

wicked GAllery

205 Princess St. • (910) 960-7306 Tues. 12-5 p.m. • Wed.-Sat. 6:30-11:30 p.m. www.onewickedgallery.com If you saw or heard about our Shibari exhibition, “Fit to Be Tied,” and want to know more about Japanese-style bondage, please join us on Fri., March 30th for rope practice with bondage artist Bodhi.

Starting at 6:30 p.m., he will teach the two-rope box tie. This is the basic form that starts most Japanese-style ties. You will need two 25″ to 30″ lengths of rope to practice. As well, we will go over some important safety and anatomy concerning this tie. The cost is $5; complete info available on our website.

Saturday, April 7th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. is the opening artist reception for “The Whimsy,” defining the magical, clever and fantastical whimsy in art. Featuring works from Allison Weeks Thomas, Brittny Roller, Shannon Stamey, Gabriel Lehman and Wendy L. Barber. Show will run through June 18th.

THE

ECLECTIC 617 Castle Street Downtown Wilmington (910) 399-4551 theeclectic@mail.com

Photography by Natasha Leigh Model: Natalyn Wallin encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 27

grub&guzzle|

28-32 DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN BLUEWATER

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 Sun. during the summer months. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256.8500.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11am - 11pm; Sat & Sun 11am – 11pm.

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

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee 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 & Conch Fritters to name a few. Larger Plates include Plancha grilled Painted Hills Steaks, Blackend Red Drum Filet, Charleston Crab Cakes, Tempura OBX Scallops, Flounder Escovitch & Pan roasted Queen Trigger fish. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies)

28 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Hand Crafted seasonal desserts from Alan DeLovely. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm and Mon. Sat. 5pm-9pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

If you’re looking for good food and an atmosphere that’s fun for the whole family, Buffalo Wild Wings is the place! Award winning wings and 20 signature sauces and seasonings.

Plus…salads, wraps, flatbreads, burgers, and more. Tons of Big screen TVs and all your favorite sports. We have daily drink specials, a HUGE draft selection, and Free Trivia all day every day. Come in for our Weekday Lunch Specials, only $5.99 from 11am-2pm. Visit us for Wing Tuesdays with 50 cent wings all day long, or Boneless Thursdays with 60 cent boneless wings all day long. Buffalo Wild Wings is a great place to dine in or take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon-Sat 11am-2am and Sun 11am-2am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 locations-Midtown (910-798-9464) and Monkey Junction (910-392-7224) ■ MUSIC: Live music every Friday and Saturday in the Sum-

mer

■ WEBSITE: www.buffalowildwings.com

THE GEORGE ON THE RIVERWALK

Drop your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, your destination for dock ‘n’ dine. Watch the historic Cape Fear River unfold before you while you enjoy the best in Southern Coastal Cuisine.

The menu combines elegance, creativity and diverse selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh seafood, including the best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. Warm in the sun on the expansive outdoor deck sipping an exotic, colorful martini, or unwind at the spacious bar inside boasting extensive wine and martini lists along with weekday appetizer specials from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Don’t forget to try downtown’s most expansive menu for Saturday and Sunday

Brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You are welcome to dock your boat at the only dock’n’dine restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or enjoy our free, front door parking (ask for pass!) Why satisfy when you can indulge? Find the George on the Riverwalk at 128 South Water Street, 910-763-2052.

■ SERVING: Lunch: Tues. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Dinner: Tues. - Thurs. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. 9 p.m.; Brunch: Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Saturday and Sunday Brunch / Wilmington’s only dock’n’dine restaurant.

■ WEBSITE: www.thegeorgerestaurant.com

HALLIGAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE

“Failte,” is the Gaelic word for “Welcome,” and at Halligan’s Public House it’s our “Motto.” Step into Halligan’s and enter a world of Irish hospitality where delicious food warms the heart and generous drink lift the spirit. Be sure to try Halligan’s house specialty, “The Reuben,” number one with critics and of course our customers. One bite and you’ll understand why. Of course, we also serve a full selection of other delicious entrees including seafood, steak and pasta, as well as a wide assortment of burgers, sandwiches(Halligan’s Cheese Steak), and salads. And if you are looking for a friendly watering hole where you can raise a glass or two with friends, new and old, Halligan’s Public House boasts a comfortable bar where fun-loving bartenders hold court daily and blarney fills the air. Stop by Halligan’s Public House today, “When you’re at Halligan’s....you’re at home.” With 12 beers on tap and 16 flat screen TVs, you can watch your favorite game and enjoy your favorite drink.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

7 Days a Week Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 2:00 am Thurs-Sun 11:30 am - 2:00 am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Masonboro Loop ■ FEATURING: THE Best Rueben in Town!, $5.99 lunch specials, Outdoor Patio ■ WEBSITE: www.halligansnc.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 its going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. Henry’s is home to live music, wine & beer dinners and other special events. Check out their calendar of events at HenrysRestaurant.com for details. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929. ■SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun. –Mon.11am-10pm; Tues.- Fri.: 11am – 11pm; Sat.: 10am – 11pm. ■NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials. ■MUSIC: Live Music beginning at 5:30pm ■WEBSITE: www.henrysrestaurant.com.

HolidaY iNN RESoRt

YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear

May 10, 2012 • 5:30 PM Hilton Wilmington Riverside

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. â– BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.-Sat.. â– NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach â– FEATURING: Waterfront dining â– WEBSITE: www.holidayinn.com

K’S CafE

Visit us in our new location on the corner of Eastwood and Racine - 420 Eastwood Rd, Unit 109. “Where the people make the place� If you’re looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere with awesome home-cooked, freshly prepared meals, you can’t beat K’s Cafe. Serving Breakfast (from $3.50) and Lunch (including daily entree-and-two side specials for $6.95), and dinner.

K’s Cafe is the best deal in Wilmington. They offer chargrilled burgers, including their most popular Hot Hamburger Platter smothered in gravy! They also offer great choices such as fresh chicken salad, crabcake sandwich, soups, and even a delicious Monte Cristo served on French toast bread. K’s also offers soup, sandwich and salad combos and a great variety of homemade desserts. On Sundays they offer a great brunch menu which changes every week. A variety of choices will be on the menu such as Shrimp and Grits and Eggs Benedict. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Give K’s Cafe a try... you won’t be sorry. 420 Eastwood Rd., Unit 109, 791-6995. Find us on Facebook or on our website, www.ks-cafe.net. ■SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH: 7 DAYS A WEEK. Open for dinner Wed. thru Sat. evenings ■NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■FEATURING: Ever-changing brunch

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 Downtown Wilmington. 138 South Front Street. (910) 251-0433. ■SERVING DINNER: Tues.- Sun. 5pm ■NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■FEATURING: 70s menu every Friday ■MUSIC: Fri. & Sat. in summer ■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.

Raggedy Ann Says Hello

Women of Achievement YWCA Lower Cape Fear’s signature event celebrating outstanding women and young leaders.

For more information regarding the event, visit: www.ywca-lowercapefear.org or call 799.6820.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

April 5-7, 13-14 & 20-21 at 8pm April 8 & 15 at 5pm General Admin $15 Students $8 111 Grace St. Wilmington

The 2nd Thursday of every month at 10pm • tickets $5

910-341-0001

Wilmington’s Premiere

HISTORIC WILMINGTON FOUNDATION PRESENTS:

Azalea Festival

2012

Home Tour

Sketch Comedy Show Mendelssohn’s ‘’Elijah’’

March 29 April 5, May 3

May 19, 2012 • 7:30PM

Saturday, April 14 from 1pm-6pm and Sunday, April 15 from 1pm-5pm Featuring houses in downtown Wilmington, NC that are full of individual appeal and architectural or historical significance.

Tickets: $25 www.historicwilmington.org

mccoll-associates.com/wib

April 26, 2012 11:30am - 1:00pm Press 102 S. Second Street

Social Media: Become The Pied Piper of Your Market

Doors Open 8:30pm Shows a 9pm

Temple Baptist Church 1801 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28403

Tickets: $5

111 Grace St. Wilmington

910-341-0001

Wilmington Hammerheads vs Harrisburg City Islanders

Presents:

Saturday, April 21st Kickoff 7:30 pm • Legion Stadium Gates Open at 6:00 pm

Livvie Matthews

BARRY SOBEL AND FRIENDS

Friday, March 30th & Saturday, March 31st

Owner and Social Media Coach and Mentor, Simple Social Media

8pm Show | Doors 7pm | Admission: $10/$12

www.womeninbusiness.com

255 North Front Street

Tickets ickets $40 • Includes Lunch 910.350.1211

Wilmington, NC 28401 • 910-251-7881

Pineapple Shaped Show This merry band of misfit pineapples stage a telethon to save an historic theater.

March 30-31 at 8pm April 1 at 5pm

Featuring  10  Authors  from  Across  the  State

General Admin $15 Students $8

April 5, 2012 2012 ATTENDING AUTHORS

Hannah Abrams, The Man Who Danced With Dolls Joel Finsel, Cocktails & Conversations "Skipper" Funderburg, Surfing the Cape Fear Coast Sandra Moulin, Laughterwards Tim Owens, The Search Committee Katerina Whitley, Around a Greek Table John Woestendiek, Dog Inc.

11:30am - 1:00pm McKeithan Center CFCC North Campus 4500 Blue Clay Road

11:30am - 1:00pm Lunch with an Author

McKeithan Center CFCC North Campus Souvenir Bag Autographed Book Sale

Lunch with an Author Souvenir Bag www.lunchwithanauthor.com Autographed Book Sale s INFO MCCOLL ASSOCIATES COM

111 Grace St. Wilmington

910-341-0001

Covering the Arts, Theater, Music, Festivals, Dance & more in Southeastern N.C. StarNewsOnline.com/theWAE

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 29

The Wilmington MPO, in partnership with the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County, has begun preparation of a Comprehensive Greenway Plan for the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County.

Public Meetings • 4 PM - 7 PM:

April 16th Wilmington City Council Chambers April 18th Carolina Beach Town Hall April 19th Ogden Elementary School Information about the development of the plan can be found at

www.wilmingtongreenway.com

including an overview, schedule, and other information.

The website also includes opportunities for you to be involved:

Take Survey - The Greenway Plan Comment Form: surveymonkey.com/s/wilmingtongreenway

1.

Interactive Public Input Map - This interactive map is provided gather comments from the public about existing and proposed 2. togreenways in the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County. www.wilmingtongreenway.com/input-map.html

To be updated about the development of the plan including future meetings and events, visit www.facebook.com/greenwayplan and then Click LIKE

College Road ■ SERVING

Mon.-Fri.10a

■ NEIGHBO ■ FEATURIN

meals

■ WEBSITE:

TROLLY

Trolly Stop H six locations made chili, s – a variety of ticipating loc Beef & Pork Turkey (at p sages includ Polish Kielba open Monda CLOSED SU Ave, Wrights 11 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m. CLOSE 256-1421. 4 open 11 a.m St. in South Sat. 11 ‘til 4 (910) 457-70 $350. Call S

■ SERVING ■ NEIGHBO ■ FEATURIN

at Wrightsvil Wilmington. an extra for y ■ WEBSITE:

ASIAN

SZECHU

Craving expe atmosphere? your destinat tation as one taurants in th elegant atmo menu has de restaurant fo Road (in Uni

■ SERVING ■ NEIGHBO ■ FEATURIN

ONE HOUR EARLIER NEWS, WEATHER, SPORTS & MORE... foxwilmington.com 30 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

HIRO JA

What better liven up a di every meal is a meal shou adds a taste to everyone’s Hiro surprise ery week an it. From 4-7p regular makim $7.50, while where diners steak. Locat 794-1570.

■ SERVING

MICHELLE LI

JON EVANS

NEWS AT TEN ANCHORS

4pm-10pm; F 11am-10pm.

■ NEIGHBO ■ FEATURIN ■ WEBSITE:

College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Mon.-Fri.10am-7pm; Sat. 9am-6pm. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: www.pinevalleymarket.com

TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is a family owned franchise with six locations. Since 1976 they specialize in storemade chili, slaw and sauces, and as of more recent – a variety of gourmet sausages and burgers (at participating locations). The types of hot dogs include Beef & Pork, All Beef, Smoked Sausage, Fat-free Turkey (at participating locations), and Soy. Sausages include Bratwurst, Mild Italian, Spicy Beef and Polish Kielbasi. Locations are: 121 N. Front Street open Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. ‘til 4:30 p.m.

CLOSED SUNDAYS; (910).251.7799. 94 S. Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach open Wednesday thru Friday 11 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. ‘til 4 p.m. CLOSED MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS. (910) 256-1421. 4502 Fountain Drive, (910) 452-3952. open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday; South Howe St. in Southport, open Tuesday thru Fri. 11 ‘til 3, Sat. 11 ‘til 4 CLOSED SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS (910) 457-7017. Catering cart available all year from $350. Call Steve at (910) 520-5994.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Throughout the Port City ■ FEATURING: Dog friendly locations

at Wrightsville Beach and Downtown Wilmington. Buy a hot dog, we’ll throw in an extra for your pooch. (Without bun.)

■ WEBSITE: www.trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN 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

HIRO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

What better way to celebrate a special occasion or liven up a dinner out than to dine in a place where every meal is an exciting presentation. Knowing that a meal should be more than just great food, Hiro adds a taste of theatre and a amazing atmosphere to everyone’s dinning experience. Also serving sushi, Hiro surprises its guests with a new special roll every week and nightly drink specials to complement it. From 4-7pm enjoy half-priced nigiri and half-priced regular makimono. Nigiri makimono combos are only $7.50, while early-bird specials last from 4-6pm, where diners can choose two: shrimp, chicken or steak. Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570.

■ SERVING DINNER: Open Mon. thru Thurs.

4pm-10pm; Fri. and Sat. 4pm-10:30pm and Sun. 11am-10pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Hibachi style dining.

■ WEBSITE: hirojapanesesteakhouse.com/hibachi

INDOCHINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

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

Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Tues.- Fri. 11am- 2pm; Sat. 12pm – 3pm for lunch. Mon.- Sun. 5pm – 10pm for dinner.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Balinese dancer every Fri. night.

■ WEBSITE: www.indochinewilmington.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.: 11:30am – 9:30pm; Fri.-Sat.: 11:30am – 10:00pm; Sun.: 11:30am – 9:00pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ WEBSITE: www.ThaiSpiceWilmington.com

FRENCH CAPRICE BISTRO

Wilmington’s finest French cuisine can be found at Caprice Bistro, a small informal neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty food in generous portions at affordable prices. Simple is the atmosphere in the bistro, as plain white plates and tables dressed in white paper make up the decor. However, the food is far from simple, as a combination of fresh ingredients and innovative preparation delight the taste buds with a plethora of unique appetizers, entrées and desserts. The service is fast, efficient and non-intrusive, and the ambience is friendly and unpretentious. After dinner, be sure to venture upstairs into their cozy and relaxing sofa bar for an after-dinner martini, or enjoy your meal there, as a light-fare and full menus are served. Art is always on display in the sofa bar, so be sure to inquire frequently about their artist show receptions. Voted “Best French Restaurant”seven years in a row! 10 Market Street, downtown Wilmington, (910) 815-0810.

■ SERVING DINNER: Sun.- Thurs.

5:00 – 10pm.; Fri. and Sat., 5pm – Midnight.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Upstairs sofa bar serving cocktails and lighter fare.

■ WEBSITE: www.capricebistro.com

OUR CRÊPES & MORE

The Crêperie of Wilmington !Our Crêpes & More a family owned and operated French Crêperie, is serving authentic, homemade French cuisine to dine in or to go. Everything on their menu is under $10, and is a healthy alternative, while eating a savory meal or sweet treat. Open at 7 am Tuesday through Friday, and 8 am Saturday & Sunday, Our Crêpes & More offers a delicious variety of breakfast combos, quickly served or to take out. A must try: the Nutella Croissant! On the Savory side, the St-Malo, Quebec, Forestiere Royale or Tahiti are among the most popular.

Their homemade Ratatouille, South France type Sub like the Pain Bagnat are worth the detour too! On the sweet side, The Versailles, Mt-Blanc or Crazy Nutella (with homemade Nutella ice cream) will make you come back for more! They also serve Fresh Salads or Soups depending on the seasons, amazing all natural Homemade Sorbet & Ice Cream, Croissants & Chocolate Croissants. With free WiFi and live French radio, Our Crepes & More is a pleasant and casual place to unwind. Our Crepes & More can accommodate large parties!

■ OPEN: TUESDAY – FRIDAY 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

SATURDAY & SUNDAYS 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Monday Closed.)

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, 3810 Oleander Drive (at the corner of 39th Street) ■ FEATURING: Vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Free Wi-Fi. ■ WEBSITE: www.ourcrepesandmore.com

INDIAN TANDOORI BITES

Located on College Road, just opposite Hugh MacRae Park, Tandoori Bites offers fine Indian cuisine at affordable prices. Try one of 74 dishes on their lengthy menu, featuring a large range of side dishes and breads. They have specialties, such as lamb korma with nuts, spices and herbs in a mild creamy sauce, as well as seafood, like shrimp biryani with saffron-flavored rice, topped with the shellfish and nuts. They also have many vegetarian dishes, including mutter paneer, with garden peas and homemade paneer, or baingan bharta with baked eggplant, flamed and sautéed with onions, garlic and ginger. Join their cozy eatery, where a far east escape awaits all diners, among a staff of friendly and helpful servers, as well as chefs who bring full-flavored tastes straight from their homeland. Located at 1620 South College Road, (910) 794-4540.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tue-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 11:30am2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sun 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown.

■ FEATURING: Lunch buffet, which now serves South Indian cuisine ($7.95 daily) ■ WEBSITE: www.tandooribites.net.

ITALIAN A TASTE OF ITALY

The authentic Italian cuisine served at Taste of Italy has scored them Best Deli in the Port City for years running now. The Guarino family recipes have been passed down from generation to generation to brothers Tommy and Chris, who serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry diners. They also cater all events, from holiday parties to corporate lunches, including hot meals, cold trays, handmade desserts and an array of platters, from antipasto to cold cuts. In addition, Taste of Italy sells Scalfani products, Sabrett hot dogs and Polly-O cheeses in their market, all the while serving

top-notch hot and cold items from their delicatessen.

Located at 1101 South College Rd., P. 910-392-7529, F. 910-392-9745 www.ncatasteofitaly.com Open M-F 8:00am – 8:00pm, Sat. 8:30am-7:00pm, Sun. 11:00am – 6:00pm.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER: M-F 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Ponatone, Pandora, Torrone and gift baskets of all sizes!

■ WEBSITE: www.ncatasteofitaly.com

EDDIE ROMANELLI’S

is a family-friendly, casual Italian American restaurant that’s been a favorite of Wilmington locals for over 16 years. Its diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Rigatoni a la Vodka and, of course, made-from-scratch pizzas.

Its American influences include tasty burgers, the U.S.A. Salad and a 16oz. Marinated Rib Eye Steak.

Romanelli’s offers patio dining and flat screen TVs in its bar area. Dine in or take out, Romanelli’s is always a crowd favorite. Large parties welcome. 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. (910) 383.1885.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun.- Thurs. 11am – 10pm.; Fri. & Sat. 11am – 11pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Weekly Specials ■ WEBSITE: RomanellisRestaurant.com.

ELIZABETH’S PIZZA

A Wilmington favorite since 1987! At Elizabeth’s you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine, as well as some of your American favorites. Offering delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, beer, and wine. Elizabeth’s is known for their fresh ingredients, where even the bread is baked fresh daily. A great place for lunch, dinner, a late night meal, or take out.

Elizabeth’s can also cater your event and now has a party room available. Visit us 4304 ½ Market St or call 910-251-1005 for take out.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER:

Open 10am-Midnight every day ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown (Corner of Market St and Kerr Avenue).

■ WEBSITE: www.epwilmington.com ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wilmington South ■ FEATURING: Daily specials, kids menu and online coupons.

■ WEBSITE: www.giorgios-restaurant.com.

SLICE OF LIFE

“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza. We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits. Visit us downtown at 122 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 2562229 and our newest location in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT:

11:30am-3am, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: The largest tequila selection in Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: www.grabslice.com

LATIN AMERICAN

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 31

Daily Lunch Combo’s for $7.00

$

$

Includes full meal & soft drink.

MONDAY 1.00 Bud Light Draft • $1.00 Tacos • $5.25 Grilled Shrimp Faddi

TUESDAY 1/2 Price Tequila with over 50 choices $ 2.00 Import Bottles • $5.00 Nachos • $6.00 Chicken Tender Faddi WEDNESDAY 2.00 Sweetwater Pints - 420 & Blue • $2.00 Bud & Bud Light Bottle 35¢ Wings • $4.00 Grilled Vegetable Faddi $

THURSDAY 2.00 Lions Head Pilsner 16oz. cns • $3.00 Flying Dog Bottles $ 2.00 PBR 16oz. cns • $5.00 Quesadillas $ 6.00 Taco Salads • 75¢ Frog Legs FRIDAY 3.50 Tall Boys 23oz. all Draft beer with 12 plus choices $ 5.25 Beer Man Tacos • $6.50 Philly Cheese Steak Faddi $

SATURDAY 2.50 Natty Greene Buckshot Amber Pints $ 6.25 Original Faddi’s w/ Fries • $10.00 Fajitas $

EASTWOOD OFFICE MAINTENANCE

Live Music on weekends NO COVER! Fri., March 30 MaRCO ViVaLdi

Specializing • Panel Installations • Workstation Installations In...

• Office Upsizing, Downsizing, Redesigns

We Deliver

Sat., March 31 JaH CREatiON

SUNDAY 10.00 Buckets - Bud & Bud Light $ 2.00 Stegmaier Amber with $6.00 Pitchers 20 Wings for $7.00 • $6.50 Burger Faddi’s with Fries $

100 OFF

VOTED “BEST GYM”

$

WILMINGTON

SEE CLUB FOR DETAILS!

See staff for specific details about membership and package savings.

32 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Receive & Store Office Furniture

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1985

TO COMMIT!

BE20ST12OF

Commercial Applications Only

Office Furniture Storage Available In Our 17,000 sq. ft.

Warehouse

IT’S YOUR TIME

encore

• Office Relocations We

7-DAY BUDDY PASS See staff for specific details about membership and package savings.

FREE CHILDCARE FREE ZUMBA FREE TANNING

WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS PURMOTION SUSPENSION FITNESS BOOT CAMP KETTLEBELLS PERSONAL TRAINING ASSESSMENT SMOOTHEES SUPPLEMENTS PROFESSIONAL STAFF

PORTER’S NECK - 7979 Market St. • 910-686-1766 LONGLEAF MALL - 4310 Shipyard Blvd. • 910-350-8289 RACINE (NEXT TO HOME DEPOT) - 200 Racine Dr. • 910-392-3999

SAN JUAN CAFE

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. 11am2:30pm and from 5-10pm. Closed Sunday.

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

ORGANIC LOVEY’S MARKET

Lovey’s Market 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 Barwhich has cold 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 juices and smoothies made with Organic fruits and vegetables. Specializing in bulk sales of grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices. Lovey’s has a great selection of Local produce and receives several weekly deliveries to ensure freshness. Lovey’s also carries Organic Grass-Fed and Free-Range meats and poultry.

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 9am to 7pm; Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 6pm. 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., 11am–6pm; Sat. & Sun., 11am-6pm(salad bar open all the time). Market hours: Mon.-Fri., 9am7pm; Sat., 9am-6pm; Sun., 10am-6pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Organic Salad Bar/Hot Bar, New Bakery with fresh, organic pies and cakes. Newly expanded.

■ WEBSITE: www.loveysmarket.com.

TIDAL CREEK CO-OP KITCHEN

Come dine-in or take-out from the newly renovated Co-op Kitchen at Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market. You can fill your plate or box with hot bar and salad bar items that are prepared fresh daily in our kitchen. Made-to-order sandwiches, like the Tempeh Reuben, are served hot off the Panini grill. The Co-op Café offers organic smoothies and fresh juices; local wheatgrass shots; fair trade organic coffee, lattes, and chai tea; and our newest addition of Lenny Boy kombucha tea on tap. Don’t forget our baked-fromscratch baked goods! The Co-op Kitchen provides menu items that appeal to everyone, regardless of dietary demands.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

■ WEEKEND BRUNCH: Sat and Sun, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

■ SALAD BAR: Mon - Sun, 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

■ SANDWICHES: Mon - Sun, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

■ BAKERY AND CAFE: Mon - Sun, 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: indoor/outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi ■ WEBSITE: tidalcreek.coop

SMALL PLATES

SEAFOOD

The Fortunate Glass Wine Bar is the perfect place to explore the beauty of wine while tasting a variety of tapas in an intimate environment. The wine menu focuses on wines from all regions, with 50 wines by the glass and approximately 350 wines available by the bottle, including some of the best boutique and cult wines, to everyday values that work with any budget. There are over 30 beers available featuring some of the best craft selections. The serene ambiance of The Fortunate Glass, created by the beautiful wall murals, the elegant copper and glass tile bar, castle-rocked walls and intimate booths enhances the experience of any selection you choose. The Fortunate Glass Wine Bar also presents a small menu of creative tapas, global cheeses, cured meats and decadent desserts to accompany and compliment any wine selection.

■ SERVING EVENINGS: Tues.-Thurs. 4pm-12am Fri. 4pm-2am; Sat. 2pm-2am; Sun. 2pm-12am ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Free Wine Tasting: Tues. 6-8pm.

Sparkling wine specials and half-price select bottles: Wed. & Thurs. Monthly food & wine pairing events.

■ WEBSITE www.fortunateglasswinebar.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

EAST

The Blockade Runner offers an array of seasonal seafood specials, certified Angus beef, lobster menu on Fri. evening plus a spectacular Sun. brunch. Romantic al fresco dining is available on our dinner deck located in the center of a lush garden overlooking the ocean far away from the traffic and noise. Our lounge is ecofriendly and offers light fare nightly. 275 Waynick Blvd.

Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256-2251.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach.

■ FEATURING: Lobster menu on Fri. ■ MUSIC: Live music on Sat. evening and Sun.

brunch.

■ WEBSITE: www.blockade-runner.com

HIERONYMUS

Hieronymus Seafood is the midtown stop for seafood lovers. In business for over 30 years, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by constantly providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in local seafood. It’s the place to be if you are seeking top quality attibutes in atmosphere, presentations, flavor and ingenuity. Sugnature dishes include Oysteronymus and daily fresh catch specials. Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering services.

Voted “Best Seafood” in 2011. 5035 Market Street; 910-392-6313; hieronymusseafood.com ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Fireside oyster bar.

■ WEBSITE: www.hieronymusseafood.net

THE FORTUNATE GLASS

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 11am to 9pm and on Sundays from 11am to 8pm.Closed Mon. and Tuesdays.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING:For adventurous palates, pig’s feet and chitterlings.

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, Wilmington, NC. (910) 791.9393.

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: 40 HD TVs and the biggest HD

projector TVs in Wilmington.

■ WEBSITE: CarolinaAleHouse.com

FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE

Serving up the best bar food for any local sports fan, Fox & Hound has appetites covered. Located next to Mayfaire Cinema 16, it’s no question that Fox is a great place to go on date night, or to watch the big game on one of the restaurant’s six large projection screens and 19 plasma televisions. Guests can also play pool, darts or video games in this casual-theme restaurant. For starters, Fox offers delicious appetizers like ultimate nachos, giant Bavarian pretzels and spinach artichoke dip. In the mood for something more? Try the hand-battered Newcastle fish ‘n’ chips or chicken tenders, or the grilled Mahi-Mahi served atop a bed of spicy rice. From cheeseburgers and sirloins to salads and wood oven-inspired pizzas, Fox has plenty to choose from for lunch or dinner. Finish the meal with a 6-inch Great Cookie Blitz, a chocolate chip cookie baked fresh to order and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s syrup. 920 Town Center Drive, (910) 509-0805.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11am– 2am, daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: $5.99 lunch specials and free pool until 2p.m. and $5 cheese pizzas after 10 p.m., both Mon.-Fri. ■ MUSIC: Trivia with Party Gras Entertainment DJ every Thursday at 9pm ■ WEBSITE: foxandhound.com

Spring Special

HELL’S KITCHEN

This is downtown Wilmington’s Sports Pub! With every major sporting package on ten HDTVs and our huge HD projection screen, there is no better place to catch every game in every sport. Our extensive menu ranges from classics, like thick Angus burgers or NYstyle reubens, to lighter fare, such as homemade soups, fresh salads and vegetarian options. Whether meeting for a business lunch, lingering over dinner and drinks, or watching the game, the atmosphere and friendly service will turn you into a regular. Open late 7 days a week, with free WiFi, darts, and did we mention sports? Free 5905#4 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington lunchtime delivery on weekdays; we can accommodate One mile south of Monkey Junction across fromlarge Walgreens parties. (910) 763-4133.

Excludes any other offer.

A Grade "A" Salon • 100% Sanitation Score

SPORTS BAR

910-794-9440 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 UNCW, this lively sports-

■ SERVING LUNCH, DINNER & May 1, 2012 Expires LATE NIGHT: 11am-2am daily ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Dueling pianos Thurs., Fri., and Sat.

nights. and 1/2 priced select appetizers M-TH 4-7pm ■ WEBSITE: www.hellskitchenbar.com

OCEANIC

Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best. Located in Wrightsville Beach, Oceanic is one of the most visited restaurants on the beach. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try their steaks, chicken or pasta dishes. Relax on the pier or dine inside. Oceanic is also the perfect location for memorable wedding receptions, birthday gatherings, anniversary parties and more. Large groups welcome. Private event space available. Family-style to go menu available.

703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. (910) 256.5551.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Wrightsville Beach ■ FEATURING: Dining on the Crystal Pier.

■ WEBSITE: OceanicRestaurant.com

$25 Pedicures (reg $35)

Wacky

Wednesdays!

Color or Partial Highlights A Grade "A" Salon • 100% Sanitation Score and Haircut Only $50!

5905#4 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington One mile south of Monkey Junction across from Walgreens

910-794-9440

Excludes any other offer.

Expires May 1, 2012

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 33

34 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

//GRUB

the diner experience: Downtown’s Nick’s serves expected fare

R

evieweRs RaRely staRe at blank

pages with apprehension. We typically know how to fill those pages with adjectives and verbs so effusive as to border on the hyperbolic. High-quality restaurants make us wax rhapsodic about elegant flavors and impeccable service. Conversely, low-quality restaurants anger us into a similar state of verbosity. We can write for hours about sloppy service and unimpressive menu selections.

But what do we do about the merely adequate? Restaurants which leave minimal impressions either way are the most difficult to evaluate. Neither happy nor unhappy, when we leave the premises, reviewers must find a way to make apathy seem interesting to the reader.

And this brings us to Nick’s Diner.

A relatively new addition to downtown Wilmington’s restaurant scene, Nick’s offers throwback diner fare, including an allday breakfast menu consisting of old standards: pancakes (with both blueberry and chocolate chip variations), bacon, eggs, and hash browns. Put simply, the place ain’t great—but it ain’t bad either. Nick’s Diner is a perfectly fine little stop to get mediocre food at a fair price.

We chose Nick’s one Friday night before attending a City Stage production.

The diner seemed a wise choice for speed of service. As someone with a modicum of theatre experience, being late to a show infuriates me like few things do. Choosing wisely when selecting a pre-theatre meal goes a long way toward making sure that doesn’t happen. And Nick’s Diner was satisfactory for that task.

Service was speedy and friendly. In fact, our only delays were caused by our own indecisiveness. Our waiter made three trips to the table to take our order, and to his credit his smile never faded with each request for a few more minutes. As I’ve mentioned before this kind of patience is rare in inexpensive restaurants.

Two in our party of four opted for the corned beef on rye. One of them was reasonably impressed, the other disappointed. To be fair, he was expecting a Reuben (his mistake, not the restaurant’s). Though my disdain for rye bread kept me from sampling the sandwich, I will say it looked a little thin. However, the corned beef appeared appetizing, even if there might not have been quite enough of it.

The grilled ham and cheese left little impression. Again, a bit thinner than I would

by Rosa Bianca Nick’ s Diner 55 . • 910-341-76 127 N. Front St Price: $-$$ t bacon. Lots Bottom line: Ge n. and lots of baco recommend, it seemed a rather unremarkable dish. The ham was more salty than necessary and the American cheese a bit bland. The heavily buttered white bread improved the sandwich some, but even butter has its limitations.

My burger, helpfully named the “Pig Out,” proved a brighter spot. A pretty runof-the-mill cheeseburger was made much more impressive by the ridiculous pile of bacon placed atop it. Though the meat was overcooked—and I suspect frozen — the fatty, salty slab of swine covered the burger’s inadequacies quite nicely. Unlike the heavy butter on the grilled cheese, the bacon did manage to push this sandwich over the top. Copious servings of bacon can mask a lot of culinary sins.

Family-style side dishes proved equally adequate if uninspired. The homemade onion rings garnered the most praise and to be fair they were cooked to a flawless golden brown. The French fries were forgettable. While the hash browns were heavily peppered much to my satisfaction, I can’t help but shake the belief that the extra pepper was meant to cover the taste of freezer burn.

We had to forego dessert—not for a lack of time or because we were stuffed, but because there was not a single dessert to be found in the building. We were told this was an anomaly, and we did see an empty display case with labels suggesting desserts belonged there. However, from my limited experience, I can only say dessert was not available during our visit.

Still, I like Nick’s Diner. I didn’t find it all that satisfying, but I did find it satisfactory.

The eclectic art on the walls and colorful décor make the place fun for the eyes. I could have done without the stampede of little girls who ran by my table every few minutes, but that’s bad parenting, not poor policy by a restaurateur. Though I won’t rush to return, I surely won’t be disappointed to find myself at Nick’s once again.

If you find yourself dining at Nick’s, get bacon. Lots and lots of bacon.

PIG OUT: Can’t go wrong with a burger from Nick’s Diner. With loads of bacon! Maybe even an egg on top. Photo by Brooke Kavit

JUST ANNOUNCED

AWOLNATION & NEON TREES MARCH 31

BLUE OCTOBER w/ Girl In A Coma

APRIL 7

Monday after the masters opening jam

APRIL 14 APRIL 19 MAY 14 JULY 20

SISTER HAZEL & JAVIER COLON CANDLEBOX with IAMDYNAMITE STEEL PULSE with SOJA & TREEHOUSE UNCLE KRACKER B-52’S

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 35

Fresh from the Farm

artful food: Pine Valley Market expands into CafeJohnnie at CAM

W

hen

The Riverfront Farmers’ Market is a curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists & crafters.

• Fruits • Vegetables • Plants • Herbs • Flowers • Eggs • Cheeses • Meats

christi

ferretti

and

Kathy Webb took over Pine Valley Market a decade ago, their goal was to keep its foundations solid, as built from previous owner Lauren “Lolo” Shannon. Inside, they expanded their finewine selections, gourmet grocery items, butcher shop and grill, while also embarking on a popular catering business. A few short

by Shea Carver 01 S 17th St. CafeJohnnie • 32 CAM Located inside m.

Mar. 29th, 10 a.

Grand Opening: ceremony Ribbon-cutting

• Seafood • Honey • Baked goods • Pickles • Jams & Jelly • Candy • Art & Crafts • Entertainment

March 31 - Dec. 22 8am - 1pm

N. Water St. between Market & Princess Sts.

Live Music Sponsored by Tidal Creek Co-op

MARCH 31

Al’S PlACe BluegrASS BAnd For more information call

538-6223 or visit

www.wilmingtonfarmers.com

encore Customer convenience in a

SNAP

WE NOW ACCEPT THESE PAYMENTS

//GRUB

years ago, they added Saturday farmers’ markets when in season, as well as a dinein lunch area a few feet from their delicious cases of homemade pasta, tuna and chicken salads, mounds of twice-baked potatoes and pans of homemade mac ‘n’ cheese. The evolution hasn’t stopped there either. In January Ferretti and Webb updated the space, now enlivened by turquoise walls, upside-down metal-pail light fixtures, and cozy wood and silver accents to give it a Boho-chic vibe.

Though they attempted a PVM satellite location called CK Gourmet (now the Duck and Dive) on downtown’s streets in the mid-2000s, after slow reception, they went back to focusing on their baby, PVM, first and foremost. Still, they never gave up on coddling their hopes to one day own a fullscale eatery. “[Our partner and chef], Smokey [Masters], and Christi have long time been dreaming of opening an actual restaurant,” Webb says. “They love the pace of the market and the catering, but so much of their culinary talent is not able to shine as it will in a traditional restaurant.”

As Pine Valley Market once again extends

36 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

PROMISING FUTURE: (l. to r.) Pine Valley Market owners Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti welcome their new restaurant CafeJohnnie to Cameron Art Museum. Courtesy photo

itself, this time the dream is fully realized.

CafeJohnnie will open in the Cameron Art Museum on Thursday, March 29th at 10 a.m. Timing is everything, according to the crew. Now that PVM runs off a solid, dependable staff, it has allowed flexibility for the two moms and entrepreneurs to take on this latest venture, and really give it their all.

It’s rather serendipitous, too.

“On one of Christi’s first trips to Wilmington in November 2002, while taking care of our up-and-coming opening of PVM, she attended an event at the museum and has since been enamored by the cafe area,” Webb says. “As caterers we have always loved working at the CAM. It is such a beautiful and open space, and the kitchen is fantastic.”

Devising the menu has been a dream for the foodies as well. In fact, Masters’ lowcountry knowledge and flair for Southern cuisine—having attended culinary school

in Charleston, SC—along with Ferretti’s love of local ingredients has guided them.

They’re most excited to offer items usually only relegated to their caterings, such as shrimp and grits.

“The café will be different than Pine Valley Market in that there will be more entrée-style lunches, as well as a wide variety of starters and a design-your-own salad option, which we call ‘You’re the Artist,’” Webb says.

They’re also keeping it modern and sleek in décor—minimally appealing, like the design of CAM itself. Mismatched color tables will juxtapose simple white plates, which will be allowed to highlight the food served.

“The Cameron has been nothing but accommodating with our requests,” Webb says. “Other than not working ‘til 2 a.m., they have not put any restrictions on us.”

Likewise, the PVM team has kept within the mien of the art museum, as suggested by their name, CafeJohnnie: an homage to CAM’s former self, St. John’s Museum of Art. The logo is actually a piece of artwork, titled “Lil Johnnie Warhol,” designed by local artist Xris Kessler as inspired by his partner, Dr. Johnnie Sexton, who heads The C.A.R.E. Project. A nonprofit which helps families and professionals deal with a child who has hearing loss, Sexton’s second annual C.A.R.E. Project gala will take place at CAM in September.

“Johnnie and Xris have been long time supporters of PVM, and also have a bit of a history in the community,” Webb says.

“We have partnered with Johnnie on a variety of projects, like C.A.R.E., so it was just a nice match between the name, the art and the history.”

Though not pretentious or overblown, CafeJohnnie will be refined and approachable, offering “a level of elegance not found at PVM,” according to Webb. Naturally, this also will spill over into the numerous happenings going on at the museum. Already, events are in the planning stages and likely will be announced soon.

Essentially, though, “CafeJohnnie will be a place to ‘do lunch,’” Webb fancies, “perhaps enjoy a glass of wine or one of our signature mini ‘tinis. Along with our remodel at PVM, we have made adjustments to allow customers to get their food faster, and while we do have a dine in space at PVM, we do get a lot of people out on their lunch break that need to get in and out quickly. At CafeJohnnie, customers can do both.”

CafeJohnnie will be open Tuesday through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plans for dinner service will commence in May.

Ferretti’s ed them. ms usually such as

ine Valley trée-style of starters on, which says. and sleek e the deolor tables which will rved. g but ac,” Webb il 2 a.m., on us.” ept within uggested omage to useum of f artwork, signed by ed by his heads The ich helps th a child econd ane place at

long time e a bit of ebb says. on a varit was just he art and

verblown, approachnot found urally, this rous hap. Already, and likely

nie will be ies, “perof our sigemodel at s to allow and while M, we do nch break . At Cafe-

y through Plans for ay.

Jammin 99.9

2nd Chance Prom Presented By

Parkway Hyundai 70’s Flashback

Featuring Motown, R&B, and 70’s hit music

and an enticing Tapas Menu with a cash bar

Coastline Convention Center March 31, 2012

7pm until 11pm

Tickets: Presale through March 23 at 5pm $42.50 per person or $85 per couple

After presale $50 per person or $100 per couple Stay at Hilton Wilmington Riverside Ask for the 2nd chance Prom rate

Vintage Tux available at Cape Fear Formal Wear

For Ticket information: Call 910-791-3088 or visit Jammin999fm.com encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 37

the circus ideal:

extraextra|

38 PILOBOLUS 40 CAREER SUICIDE 41 CROSSWORD 42-55 CALENDAR, TOONS, ETC

Renowned dance troupe brings its progressive energy to Kenan er

by Bethany Turn Pilobolus • 8 p.m.

Saturday, 3/31 Kenan Auditorium Rd. 601 S. College ts w/ ID free en ud $35-45 • st com www.pilobolus.

T

he dancers of pilobolus are noT

merely ballerinas. They are not strictly purveyors of jazz or modern dance. Rather, they are sculptural artists, gymnasts, contortionists, thespians and athletes. Like a traveling carnival, their stunning acts elicit joy and wonder as they balance, leap, curl and cavort together—each cooperating to turn singular, separate bodies into one whole form.

In 2012 Pilobolus—now an entire creative nonprofit organization, with branches of projects and programs—celebrates its 41st anniversary. When the founders of Pilobolus joined in 1971 at Dartmouth College, they could not fathom the success they would endure.

“We were college students looking for an alternative to going to graduate school,” Robby Barnett , artistic director, explains. “We started our own circus and then ran away and joined it. The fact that people liked it, and we’re still doing it today, continues to amaze us.”

Over 100 performances later, they have traveled across 64 countries and recorded commercials for the likes of Ford, Hyundai and Bidvest. They’ve taken to television on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “60 Minutes” and even “Sesame Street.” Their accolades go on and on, honors including the Berlin Critic’s Prize, the Scotsman Award, the Brandeis Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding achievement in cultural programming.

Recognized for their timeless contributions to the field of dance, Pilobolus was the first collective group to ever garner the Dance Magazine Award.

Yet, the ensemble never set out to challenge or change the art of dance.

“That we were slightly outside the traditional

38 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

approach was coincidental,” Barnett details. “We didn’t really know anything about dance, so we certainly weren’t making any effort to do something differently—we sort of did what seemed cool and it turned out to be different. I would say our approach is the same today.”

On Saturday, March 31st, Pilobolus will perform at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. The show’s five selections are highlights from the troupe’s 40-year career, three of which Barnett had a hand in creating.Opening the show will be “Rushes,” a piece with detailed, small-scale, insect-like movement peppered with larger motions—such as when three men stack upon each other to build the pendulum of a clock, swaying with momentum and force. Incorporating Peter Sluszka’s animation with a screen projection, “Rushes” develops into a dream. Literally, the audience witnesses the madness behind the mind of a character.

“We began a project in 2007, [called] the International Collaborators Project, in which we invite people to join us in the studio,” Barnett says. “Our first foray at that was to ask the Israeli choreographers Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollak to work with us. ‘Rushes’ is the result of that collaboration.”

Collaboration is key in Pilobolus’ work, which works from the foundation that groups of people can share ideas and mold something to both reflect their individual and collective interests. “Our collaborations have taken us farther afield but are still founded on the same principle,” Barnett describes.

“We did a video with a band, OK Go, this [past] year, which was nominated for a Grammy. So our Collaborators Project has continued to evolve in much the way we hoped.”

Following “Rushes” will be “The Transformation,” an excerpt from the Pilobolus show, “Shadowland,” currently running in Paris with their second dance company. The 2009 idea blossomed from their work in a car commercial. The members decided it was time to use what they learned for

their own artful purposes. In “Shadowland,” the dancers perform behind a screen, folding into different shapes and creatures. The result is whimsical and delightful as a young girl’s coming-of-age tale is spun.

“Between ‘Shadowland’ and our various business-related uses of shadow, a lot of stuff has shown up on YouTube and a lot of people—those who didn’t know us as a performing arts organization—have come to think of us as a shadow company,” Barnett tells. “We thought we should represent that aspect of our explorations in our show. ‘Transformation’ is a very concise but bubbly and magical excerpt which gives the audience a taste of how wonderful and simple the effects of shadows can be.”

Following the intermission will be “Duet,” a piece from 1992. With only two female dancers, the characters hypnotize the audience as they fluidly leap and turn in a graceful adagio. It was especially designed for Becky Jung and Jude Woodcock, who were then in the company.

“Becky died this last year very tragically and early, but ‘Duet’ was the outcome of the effort to find a vehicle for these two women,” Barnett shares. “We happen to have two extraordinarily talented women in our company today, and we revived ‘Duet’ specifically so that they could give this their own interpretation.” On this tour, the dance is being performed in Jung’s honor.

Ultimately, Pilobolus pushes the threshold of all cutural arts, whether intently or not. From the company’s dance theatre comes witty avant-garde productions. From the division of creative services comes invention for a variety of fields: film, advertising, publishing and even corporate events. In the Pilobolus Institute, dancers and non-athletics alike take part in educational programs with a groupbased creative process.

“Pilobolus is not just a dance company—we’re really an arts organism,” Barnett suggests. “Our belief that people can gather together, and find a meeting of mind to make things well seems to be enormously adaptable and broadly applicable.”

This mindset is the brainchild of the Pilobolus founders. Though they did not endeavor to change dance, they do have a desire to change the world. “This is the thing we feel about our company: We are advocating a way to live and work in some sort of integrated fashion. It stands for a kind of utopian ideal. It really ends up being a model for a harmonious, civil society.”

UNCW SPORTS

Wednesday, March 28

saturday, March 31

WoMen’s Tennis vs CoasTal Carolina 2:30 p.m.

baseball vs oDU 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 28

sofTball vs easT Carolina (DH) 4:00 p.m. friday, March 30

baseball vs oDU 6:30 p.m. saturday, March 31

Military appreciation Day – all active and retired Military get in free

sunday, april 1

Men’s Tennis vs oDU – noon baseball vs oDU – 2pm Tuesday, april 3

baseball vs eCU – 6:30pm

TraCk & fielD HosTs beaCHes vs MoUnTains MeeT all Day

w w w. u n c w s p o r t s . c o m encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 39

my career suicide note

//EXTRA

Chapter 7: Celebrity Encounters

M

ost celebrity encounters are

utterly forgettable. Everybody has one of these stories: You’re wandering into a grocery store or restaurant, and before you know it, you’re within spitting distance of a recognizable face. You muster up the courage to say hello. Perhaps the other person is kind enough to allow you take a picture with him. Then, it’s over. He goes on with the rest of his day, not giving you a second thought, and you have a mildly interesting icebreaker about the time you met Klinger from M*A*S*H at the Circle K. You will continue to bore people with this story at office and Christmas parties until the day you die.

I never cared for celebrities. I always looked at famous people like zoo animals or a mannequin in an anthropological display: interesting, perhaps educational. You certainly don’t see one every day. The truth is celebrities don’t like you. It’s far more likely that they hate you—even when they smile at you and pleasantly say hello. Sure, they pose for awkward cell phone photos or scribble an autograph onto a dry cleaning receipt, as they try to exit a restaurant with some dignity. They are smiling and wishing you well, but inside they are cursing your very existence. You are a necessary evil in their world. They will tolerate you while you purchase tickets to their mediocre movies and shell out hard-earned money for their overpriced fragrances.

Likewise, society will tolerate celebrities as long as they keep their demons in check, keep the drug use out of view and avoid embarrassing indiscretions in public restrooms.

Reining in anti-Semitic leanings doesn’t hurt either. The minute this pact is broken, the public turns and eagerly awaits the inevitable fall. They will cheer as people crash and

BOBCAT & DUMP TRUCK SERVICE

910-742-5003 RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

by Anghus

ntributor, Fact or Fiction co thly in encore published bi-mon burn. They will offer no salvation as they sink. They will watch the train wreck with sick satisfaction.

Jim Stahl was one of the few celebrities I admired. He was a fantastic actor, practically effortless in his delivery. He had the kind of natural talent that makes educated people angry.

He spent a long time miring in the low paycheck world of independent cinema, delivering amazing performances while sleeping on friends’ couches. A few supporting roles in some more mainstream films gave him recognition. Momentum plus credibility was the formula for his success.

When I first met Jim Stahl, he was in his paycheck phase, cashing in on years of quality work in big-budget monstrosities. It’s tough to blame him. His daily per diem on this film was higher than his weekly salary on the low-rent films that launched his career. Now, he was making six to seven figures per movie and occasionally being flown to Japan to shoot commercials for Udon.

I was still taking up nightly residence in a rail-yard bar, working on my pool game, trying to achieve some state of billiard Zen in a town bereft of women. Stahl walked in one night with the largest man I had ever seen in tow: 10 miles tall, five miles wide, and a pair of oversized sunglasses tinted so dark I couldn’t see his eyes.

It was either his security or his dealer; it was a sucker’s bet either way. For some reason he was approaching me.

“Excuse me,” he said, revealing a mouth full of gold teeth. “Mr. Stahl wants to play some pool.”

No one had ever expressed any interest in playing, much less had spoken to me. This was not a place for words. This is where words went to die, drowned in one watered-down drink at a time. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was supposed to do. So I handed his giant the pool cue and took a few steps away.

“He doesn’t play pool,” Stahl said as he approached the table. “He’s more of a dominoes guy.”

He took the cue from my hand and sized up the table running his thumb along the felt.

“When’s the last time you guys had this table serviced?” he said, immediately laughing at his own joke. He wasn’t expecting an

40 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

answer.

“You mind if I play?” he asked while lining up a shot.

We started playing some nonchalant games, not even keeping track of who was solids or stripes. Occasionally, one of us would utter the kind of phrases expected to hear around a pool table. Full conversations of nothing more than “nice shot” and “almost.” I tried not to stare, but it was impossible. The more I tried not to stare, the more awkward I appeared. He was shorter than I thought, at least by six inches. Having only seen him on a screen, I had assumed he was at least 18 feet tall.

“So what do you do?” he asked while sizing up the table.

“I’m a writer,” I replied without so much as a second thought.

“So, what do you write?”

That was a great question. What did I write? Up to this point, all my writing had been contained in spiral binders and read by no one.

“Screenplays,” I replied. “I write screenplays.”

“You know the key to good storytelling is embellishment,” he said with a smile. “What kind of screenplays?”

“Scary stories. Horror. Psychological thrillers. That kind of stuff.”

“How long you been working on the film?” he asked, referring to the movie I was starring in as an extra.

“About two months.”

“You liking it?”

Without thinking, I blurted out: “I’m getting the shit kicked out of me 12 hours a day in a town with five women, and at the end of the day, I get to come here. What’s not to like?”

He stopped for a moment and just stared at me—the kind of blank stare you give someone when you can’t figure out the intention of the previous sentence. Then, he laughed—belly laughed. Apparently, he was a fan of bluntness. He returned it in kind.

“An aspiring screenwriter.

So, why are you even here?”

“Trying to learn about making movies,” I replied.

“This isn’t a movie. It’s a goddamned three-ring circus. You’re not going to learn anything here.

There’s no path that leads from movie extra to screenwriter. You got a finished script?”

“Sure.”

“Then get your ass out there and get it made. Every asshole has a screenplay. You want to separate yourself from the herd; get it produced.”

It sounded so easy coming from someone who would make as much that week as I would make all year. It was the kind of simplistic logic a person with unlimited options can entertain.

“People like us, we’re crazy. If I wasn’t an actor, they’d have locked me up years ago. You gotta be the same way. If you didn’t write, if you didn’t have that outlet, God help us what you would become. So, get out of this shithole town, and go make something.”

I hadn’t gotten past the “us.” I was still the guy on the other side of the glass staring in at the exhibit. Not once had I ever considered that someone like Jim Stahl would talk to me, much less group me into an “us.” It was a gin-soaked motivational moment. If I was going to ever make it as a screenwriter, I’d have to have one of my screenplays actually produced. At that moment, it seemed very possible. Tangible. Realistic, even. Throughout my entire life, I had been convincing myself there was no way to make it happen. In the time it takes to down two vodka gimlets, Jim Stahl had made me believe it was possible.

“Who knows?” he said as he headed to the exit. “Maybe one day I’ll be working for you.”

Creators syndiCate CREATORS SyNDICATE © 2012 STANLEy NEWMAN

WWW.STANXWORDS.COM

4/1/12

THE NEWSDAy CROSSWORD Edited by Stanley Newman (www.StanXwords.com)

AFTER AND BEFORE: A symmetric switcheroo

by S.N. ACROSS 1 Aerobic exercise routine 6 Assist in criminality 10 Scandinavian capital 14 Windshield add-ons 19 Citified 20 Source of a shot 21 Hog food 22 Mighty impressed 23 Go free after a trial 25 Be just right 27 For example 28 Pathway 29 Oliver Twist felon 31 Unconfident comment 32 Touch down 33 Contributor 34 Not quite shut 35 Begin with gusto 38 Marat/Sade playwright 39 Like some cast-iron cookware 43 Small stream 44 Take a risk 46 Fury 47 Roll-call count 48 Swell of the sea 49 Skin diver’s gear 50 Small fly 51 Distress call 52 Keep oneself occupied 56 Reagan attorney general 57 Tournament charge 59 Skating leaps 60 More prosperous 61 Long-eared hoppers 62 Country singer Patsy 63 Fergie’s first name 64 Witty 66 The Planets composer

67 Window treatments 70 Movado alternative 71 Get ahead carefully on a highway 73 Select, so to speak 74 Dyed-in-the-wool 75 Welles role 76 NBAer, in headlines 77 Sharpen 78 Branch of Buddhism 79 Make croutons, perhaps 83 Prolonged attack 84 Blots on the cityscape 86 In any way 87 High school class, for short 88 Prefix for while 89 Western elevation 90 Georgetown athlete 91 Monopoly avenue 94 Article of faith 95 Blessing 96 Letters on British battleships 99 Do a music talent agent’s job 101 Emulate Ice-T or Jay-Z 104 __ Park, NJ 105 Baseball practice structure 106 Spiny houseplant 107 Take by force 108 Joyce Kilmer poem 109 Was indebted to 110 Banana throwaway 111 Scatter about DOWN 1 Margarine holders 2 Neck of the woods 3 Web auctioneeer 4 Die Fledermaus costume

5 Proceeding as planned 6 In the future 7 Antarctic explorer 8 Federal ecology agency 9 Earth for farming 10 City on Lake Winnebago 11 More cagey 12 Auction units 13 Select, with “for” 14 Reason for overtime 15 Guarantee 16 Back of the neck 17 “Terrible” age stage 18 Hardens 24 Horn sound 26 Take by force 30 Part of MIT 32 Thailand neighbor 33 Dutch pottery center 34 Ouzo flavoring 35 Belittle 36 Test for fit 37 Behaves properly 38 In decline 39 Wax-coated cheeses 40 Add steel to work shoes 41 Wipe clean 42 Discourage 44 Underhanded schemes 45 Author Zola 48 Less risky 50 Suggest subtly 52 Glass teapot material 53 Actress Berry 54 Live and breathe 55 Agent’s cut, at times 56 Emporia 58 Carried on 60 Goethe play

62 One of Santa’s reindeer 63 Will surely 64 Fad 65 __-dovey 66 Duncan of cake mixes 67 Be in a bee 68 Distance from a target 69 Cockpit reading 71 Be silent, in music 72 French school 75 German brandy

77 Informal welcome 79 Tostitos competitor 80 Like some Halloween houses 81 Diminutive ending 82 Dilapidated place 83 Diffidence 85 Come to terms 87 Best seller in bear markets 89 Bandage color 90 Place to stay

91 Often-finished rm.

92 Skilled impressionist 93 Solitary 94 Spring thing 95 Lodge letters 96 Inheritor 97 Paper puzzle 98 Stove-top creation 100 “Green” prefix 102 Drink on draught 103 Lay on the line

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

5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700 n loS AngeleS, CAlif. 90045

n

tel. (310) 337-7003

n

fAX (310) 337-7625

Still the best view on Wrightsville Beach.

Located in the Holiday Inn Resort with outdoor dining and ocean views Wrightsville Beach, NC 910-256-2231

wrightsville.holidayinnresorts.com encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 41

encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 43

NEED EXTRA CASH? SELL YOUR STUFF TODAY!!

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS *

*Items selling for less than $1000. 15 words or less.

Excludes Real Estate, Any Services, Pets & Firewood Ads.

Your Local Source For Buying and Selling For 35 Years

www.adpakweekly.com

Antique Soda Fountain, Breweriana, Dairy, Toy, and Advertising Show

Friday & Saturday, April 20th-21st

Elks Lodge, 5102 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403

Over 400 Dealer Tables • Antique Bottles • Signs • Clocks • Toys • Mugs • Glassware • Jugs • And So Much More!

Dealers Social Friday Night (4/20/12)

FREE

For Dealer Information Contact: PARKING Steve Ruedlinger @ 910-742-7585 or nomad92mya@gmail.com encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 45

Wilmington Water Tours

Photo by: Alan Craddick

THE OSPREY ARE BACK! Join us on our morning Black Water Adventure and go spotting for our winged friends. Due to Hurricane Irene, their nests were gone but they have been building since their return.

NARRATED CRUISE IS AVAILABLE TUESDAY -SATURDAY 10 a.m. -12 p.m.

Acoustic Spotlight on Our Sunset Cruise

April Fools Day Cruise

April 1, 2012, 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. & Fri. nights, 5:30 p.m.

Yes ... it’s a 3 hour tour!

We will featuring some Come aboard and relish in amazing local musicians on the odd & funny behavior of board. Join us, relax, sip a Wilmington’s 1st Improv delicious drink. Enjoy the group.

You will laugh your music and the sunset butts off - so join us and March 29th -Clay Crotts help us welcome March 30th - Daniel Parrish “The Comically Impaired Forget a boring, fixed venue for your next party .enjoy a cruise on the Cape Fear River with all the trimmings.from your favorite libations, heavy hors d’ouvers and even Live Music. All Customized specially for you !

Complimentary Shuttle Now available for parties of 10 or more for our Black Water Adventure & Sunset Cruise & our Sunday Captains Lazy Day ... pick up & drop off @ 1 location. Call for details!

A Relaxing Recipe MORE I NF O 9 1 0 -3 3 8 -3 1 3 4

JUST ADD WATER! Visit us on the Riverwalk!

212 S. Water Street

For a complete list of scheduled Tours, Excursions, and Fees, visit

wilmingtonwatertours.com handicap accESSiblE

BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 49

MARCH 21-28, 2012

t s o m e h t s It’ k e e w s u o i c i del ! g n i r p of s

EncoreRestaurantWeek.com PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS North Wilmington/ Wrightsville Beach> Nikki’s Japanese Steak House Fox and Hound The Melting Pot South Beach Grill Catch

Hiro Japanese Steak House El Cerro Grande Halligan’s Public House

Downtown>

Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar Yo Sake Mixto Little Dipper Ruth’s Chris Steak House Basics Pilot House The George Caffe Phoenix Elijah’s Eat Spot Riverboat Landing

Midtown>

Hieronymous Seafood Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar Tandoori Bites Siena Trattoria Taste of Italy Cameo 1900

Caprice Bistro Aubriana’s The Fortunate Glass Reel Café

South Wilmington> Pine Valley Market C-Street Mexican Grill Fish Bites Henry’s El Cerro Grande Thai Spice Eddie Romanelli’s

SPONSORED BY:

www.EncoreRestaurantWeek.com

LastMenu DayGuide Wednesday, on stands March 7th!

March 28th S P R IN

G 2 0 12

URANT

RE RESTA

m | ENCO

tweek.co

estauran

orer www.enc

WEEK

GUIDE

|

1

54 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com

Competition Dining Series

®

CORKBOARD

FINKELSTEIN MUSIC 10 BUCKS GETS YOU 2 Sets Martin Regular Strings or 3 Pair CB DrumSticks Check out new TAKAMINE GUITARS!!

ESCORT

Lucky’s Sweepstakes

your date

New Players Receive $10 in FREE Play with 1st $20

6 S. Front St., Downtown 910-762-5662

to the brewery

Available for your next CD or Demo

want to Get the word out about your business...

dinner for 2 just 14.99

33 year veteran Producer/Engineer

CORKBOARD

KAREN KANE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS

ADVERTISE ON THE

200 album credits

4WEEKS - ONLY $50

Dreaming Of A Career In The Music Industry?

AUDIO ENGINEERING CLASSES Music Recording, Mixing, Pro Tools, Studio Production Classes offered in Jan., Apr. and Sept.

(910) 681-0220 or mixmama.com

CERAMIC TILE Installation & Repairs

•Kitchens •Bathrooms •Entryways •Fireplaces •And More Free Estimates

910-616-0470

CALL 791-0688 FOR DETAILS

Front Street Brewery 910.251.1935 9 North Front Street, Downtown Wilmington FrontStreetBrewery.com

SPACe AvAiLABLe

FaBulous Located at Market & North Kerr Ave. entertaInment Exotic Dancers 24/7 Suitable for Massage or Wellness Business.

CALL 910-508-0041 Are YOU reAdY tO tAke it tO the Next LeveL? • adult martIal arts • graPPlIng

- No Contracts - Drop In Rates Available

910-386-6846 www.dynamicmartialarts.webs.com

Casual Events, In & Out Calls, 2 Girl Shows

15200 Hwy 17, Units E & F

Hampstead, NC 28443 910-270-8836

SANDPIPER LIMO VAN SERVICE FIts uP to 14 PeoPle!

910-726-5323

910-224-8118 www.sandpiperlimo.com

NEED SOME EXTRA CASH?

A Sweeter View

AlwAys Hiring

Sell your unwanted items in the AdPak

Personal Items For sale $1000 or less are Free For 4 weeks! In PrInt & onlIne www.adpakweekly.com • Call AdPak @ 791-0688

FeaturIng a huge selectIon oF dVds, magazInes, and toys, along wIth a Full VIdeo arcade.

adult

6213-C Market Street 910-399-7369

NEED EXTRA CASH? SELL YOUR STUFF TODAY!!

The Wilmington Hammerheads Season...

Has arrived!

UPCOMING HOME GAMES:

FOR INDIVIDUAL,

APRIL 2012

SEASON OR

April 21 vs.

HArrisburg City islAnders

GROUP TICKETS

April 28 vs.

PittsburgH riverHounds

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS *

*Items selling for less than $1000. 15 words or less.

Excludes Real Estate, Any Services, Pets & Firewood Ads.

Your Local Source For Buying and Selling For 35 Years

CALL

910-777-2111 www.WilmingtonHammerheads.com

www.adpakweekly.com encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com 55

56 encore | march 28 - april 3, 2012 | www.encorepub.com