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HODGE PODGE Vol. 36 / Pub. 44 May 6-May 12, 2020

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FILM pg. 17 • By Anghus Anghus fights through streaming fatigue to unearth a pair of winners in ‘The Assistant’ (above) and ‘Extraction.’ Courtesy photo

word of the week PUFFALOPE (N.) A padded, puffy envelope commonly found at the post office.

“During week eight of quarantine, David made all his friends mix CDs, which he mailed in puffalopes.”

COVER pgs. 12-13

Neighborhood music series have been popping up in the middle of the pandemic, giving musicians a way to stay in front of live audiences, make a little cash and more importantly uplift their neighbors’ spirits. Photo above courtesy of Tracy Conlon

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ART pg. 14 • By Shea Carver Lula’s Pub owner Bryan Jacobs has used quarantine to rekindle his love of art by making pen-and-ink drawings (like the one of The Dude from ‘The Big Lebowski’ above) for friends. Courtesy photo

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THEATRE pg. 18 • By Lauren Sears Lauren talks to members of Opera House Theatre Company, who have rallied to create a Monday night variety show on Facebook Live.

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Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • Op-ed, pg. 7 • Cranky Foreigner, pg. 8 • News of the Weird, pg. 9 • Music, pgs. 10-13 Art, pg. 14 • Gallery Guide, pg. 15 • Film, pgs. 16-17 • Theatre, pg. 18 • Dining, pgs. 20-25 • Extra, pg. 26 Carpe Librum, pg. 28 • Crossword, pg. 29 • Horoscopes/Tom Tomorrow, pg. 31

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LIVE

Gwenyfar chats with New Elements Gallery owner Miriam Oehrlein

LOCAL

T

here are staple businesses that pepper the streets of downtown Wilmington: Finkelstein’s, The Pilot House, The Cotton Exchange. They have been part of the landscape for over 30 years and are so integral to the city’s fabric, we sometimes take them for granted for just always being there.

New Elements Gallery is among the ilk.

The gallery has been providing a venue for artists for over 30 years and is an anchor of the visual arts scene. It is also, in an odd way, a microcosm of our little block of Front Street.

Previously located at 216 N. Front Street, the gallery moved to the corner of Princess and Second when its building was purchased and subsequently renovated.

In 2015, when Miriam Oehrlein purchased New Elements and moved back to the north end of Front Street—this time to 271 N. Front Street—it seemed to signal a regeneration for our block (full disclosure: it’s where my family’s bookstore is located). In the last few months, we have lost multiple businesses, though. Three have moved to other locations in town, and one has ceased operation. Construction projects surround us, and then there is the COVID-19 shutdown for us to navigate.

Part of what art galleries have always represented are experiences in beauty and the expressive parts of life. These make living desirable, not just something to be endured. New Elements’ window displays are beyond captivating, and its staff makes

me feel like the savviest art collector in the world.

Looking out the window of the bookstore, I realize I am so much in the center of my little storm that it can be hard to maintain perspective. So I turned to Miriam for an extra set of eyes to assess what is going on right now on Front Street, and where we are headed. She was kind enough to share her insights. encore (e): When and why did you buy the gallery?

Miriam Oehrlein (MO): We bought the gallery five years ago. I was a jewelry artist in New Elements Gallery, and I received a form letter explaining that [the owner] was retiring, and that she was looking for a buyer for the gallery—that she was ready to be an artist herself full-time. I had no idea that she was an artist, and I mentioned the letter to my husband while we were getting ready for bed. He said, “You should ask her how much she wants for it. That would be a great job for you. You know a lot of the artists, anyway. Why not get paid to hang out with them?” To which I responded, “That is a terrible idea.” He rolled over and went to sleep, and I stayed awake for three more hours. I called about the gallery the next day after I asked him “Were you serious?” And here we are… e: I’ve had a lot of framing done by New

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BY GWE NYFA

Elements Gallery over the years. It looks like that part of the business has transitioned. When did you stop framing?

What changes in the market signaled that change?

MO: I stopped the framing side of the business when I moved from Princess Street. All the frame samples took up valuable wall space where I could hang art. I analyzed the numbers and found framing brought in less than 3% of gross sales the year before I moved. It took up my time (which is so valuable as a business owner), and we were working with a framer offsite to do the work (which was what the former ownership was doing). I would rather send the business to my framer, and have the time to follow up with leads or be on the show floor.

At this time we also saw a drop in the purchase of framed work and an increase in demand for works on canvas. The change in floor plans and new construction had given way to fewer but larger walls and more windows, so clients didn’t want reflections. e: When and why did you move back to Front Street?

MO: The Princess Street property was

R ROHL ER PACKED HOUSE

Through ownership and location changes, New Elements Gallery has remained a fixture of the downtown arts and business scene.

Courtesy photo

harder to hang art, but we loved changing out our windows. My rent was increasing steadily each year, eating profits that were increasing at about the same rate. My lease was past its date, and we couldn’t negotiate what we wanted. The building had some issues as far as maintenance and water. I loved being across from Art in Bloom, Bloke, and Louis’, but I knew I had to close or move.

Lance had been looking for a space, and our friend Jeff Hovis was selling this property. I called him the next day and gave my OK just from photos. It had great storage and a straightforward layout. I loved the loft office where I could see clients walk in.

I love having a viewing room downstairs where we can take clients who are looking to make a purchase. . . . And I really felt like I captured more meaningful traffic, as far as

out-of-towners, which probably was the biggest reason [I moved].

es of the coast when no one was allowed at the beach.

e: What do you see happening for our block of Front Street in the coming season and year?

It was brilliant as we had folks at home, feeling locked in place and maybe hungry for content. I think we might be tied to [the virtual gallery tours] permanently; I would like to put them on my Google Business site, and I don’t know when we can safely orchestrate a Fourth Friday moving forward. [Virtual tours] provide a private way to experience the show if you are unable to go downtown. One of the draws of Fourth Friday is having an art-filled social experience; I know it is not the same. Our duty is to show the artists’ work in a respectful and thoughtful way, and this allows us to keep the conversation going.

MO: Front Street is a blessing and curse sometimes. At times I think I succeed in spite of the city. It hurts my business when they close the street for parades and festivals, as I have a high-end product. However, I love the art block; on Fourth Fridays, we are swollen. I love my neighbors, and without construction traffic, it is going to feel different. So many businesses have been hurt by the construction, but I think we were all so hopeful occupation of all the buildings might give us the injection we needed.

When I look at the construction, I have tried to tell myself, All those apartments [being built will] need at least one piece of art. I have had a conversation recently where a [business] owner said, “We can’t hold on any longer. With the recent shutdown and the poor past years performance, I have taken all the financial hits I can stand.

I have to move.”

The businesses immediately around us, I think, left for their own reasons. It doesn’t look good to see empty stores. My greatest fear is our downtown goes back to the downtown of the ‘80s. But I don’t think that is going to happen. The Ambassador program with WDI makes the streets safe for shopkeepers, residents and clients alike.

We might bounce back from this better than we think.

I can only control myself and my actions.

These other things are out of my control.

So I have plans to spruce up my back garden and commission street art for my back doors. If the city decides to close Front Street in 2021, we will be ready to take customers in the back of our property. We also want the residents of the new condos to have something lovely to look upon.

e: How many people do you have on staff?

How has everyone been handling the shutdown? (I am assuming Hammy, the gallery dog, is included as a staff member.)

MO: I should have put down more employees for all this aid. If I can count [my daughter] Annabel and Hammy, that would be a game changer. Hammy gets paid in biscuits; Annabel works for llama merchandise and her own business cards.

We have two employees, Daphne Cole and Heather Divoky. I had them apply for unemployment—completely and with reduced hours, respectively. Heather took home a laptop and has helped me by orchestrating the virtual shows, sending out more frequent and richer communications for our mailing list. (We have been sending out a biweekly newsletter where we pair current virtual show with a wine pairing from a local downtown bottle shop, recipes, art and videos from our artists.)

She also has been editing videos for “Art for Art’s Sake” that I have been shooting for our lonely YouTube channel, which must alternately be painful and hilarious. With the shutdown, we have an incredible gift of time, so we started working on that.

I really feel like businesses that are going to survive this have a good online presence, engaging social media and great relationships with clients. I have spent two years upping our social media presence and revamping a tired website. When I walk down Front Street, all I can think is, I am going to let my little light shine.

Daphne’s role is mostly visual merchandising, and she does a lot on the website.

Since there are only two laptops, I am taking care of those things, but I will need her to come back and help me get the gallery put back together.

e: Tell us a little about the virtual gallery tours. Is this something you will continue to do when you reopen?

MO: The overhead for any business (art gallery or otherwise) goes on whether you are open or not. When you get ready to make a purchase, think about how you could do that safely and locally. Most gallerists love their artists and their business, and they would bend over backward for both of them.

MO: Heather Divoky (may God eternally bless her) has been really generous with her knowledge of social media and is a tremendous problem-solver. Two weeks after the shutdown she said, “I am going to research virtual art programs; we need to show online.” BF Reed was scheduled for March Fourth Friday, but we didn’t have all the information we needed. This year we partnered with Century 21 downtown, and Janet Triplett had dropped off her work and had sent over all the particulars [for her show]. We decided to have a virtual show, “Wide Open,” with beautiful, peaceful imag-

e: What do you wish the public understood about owning an art gallery?

e: What would you ask of artists and art lovers?

MO: There is some great art coming out of this quiet and introspective time. Get ready to experience the motherlode.

Remember, no matter how bad things seem, we all crave beauty. encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 5

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FRIENDLY

BY MARK BASQUILL

I

FIRE

have the privilege of working with and Wisdom can prevent among veterans. One colleague and Vietnam veteran friend shared a few COVID-19 casualties of his frustrations with our current battle with COVID-19 around the day casualties from the virus exceeded those of He trashed the ego-driven, data-denying the Vietnam War. He reminded me that soUS politicians that prolonged the Vietnam called friendly fire caused over a quarter of War. The rant was as close to beautiful as a American deaths during the war, which lastrant can be: fact-based and not anchored ed nearly 20 years. That number seemed to partisan interests (in previous converhigh to me, but even a quick Wikipedia sations, my friend confessed he would love check showed 30-35 percent of Vietnam’s to still be a Republican, if reality would only American deaths came from friendly fire. let him).

From the way my friend gritted his teeth, He lambasted President Johnson, a pulled his gray hair and stared off into the Democrat. Johnson escalated what he distance, I knew he was upset. It’s sad knew to be an unwinnable war because COVID-19 numbers can parallel those in he didn’t want to let anyone beat him. You Vietnam. But I had no idea just how conknow, “winning.” He skewered President nected friendly fire and COVID-19 casualNixon, a Republican. Nixon lied for years ties are. about the war, warned Americans the press “This is a lousy time of year for me,” he was evil and out to get him, and promised said. “Saigon fell on April 30, 1975. 58,000 victory was always just around the corner. of our names on the wall. That doesn’t in“It’s not party, it’s power,” my friend said. clude most of the deaths caused by Agent “Most politicians are wheeling and dealing Orange,” he lamented. to protect their own power.”

Agent Orange: the potent herbicide whose “Maybe,” I shrugged. “Applying the prindestructive effects last for decades. I’ll stop ciples of ‘The Art of the Deal’ to the presithere. I don’t want someone in the admindency or to COVID-19 is definitely not goistration wondering if it might work against ing well.”

COVID-19. After all, it hasn’t been tried. It “Negotiating with a virus works out just might work. about as well as negotiating with a B-40 My veteran friend shook his head. “The rocket!” grunted the former grunt.

US has the most COVID-related deaths in A B-40 is shoulder-fired rocket used by the world—more than Third World countries.

There’s no telling how many will eventually the North Vietnamese. Once fired, its effects are non-negotiable. die because of today’s Agent Orange.”

“Today’s Agent Orange?” I blurted out.

“The damn President!” he grumbled.

“Ol’ 45?” I said.

My friend is generally well-balanced and smart, but he’s not a stable genius. I suspect he suffers residual heel spur resentment.

My friend looked at me as if I had two He continued: “A lot of the killing and heads and the brains dropped out of both most of the friendly fire deaths in Vietnam of them. were preventable. Not just looking back on it now. Even then we knew better.”

“Excuse me,” I corrected. “Ol’ Impeached 45.”

I’m no fan of Ol’ 45, but I refer to him as Ol’ 45 out of respect for the office he temporarily holds, and because I have compassion for anyone in positions of power. COVID-19 is not Ol’ Impeached 45’s fault. Nor is he completely to blame for taking a job he can’t handle. America hired him.

He drew his rant to sad conclusion.

“I hope in our rush to win, to reopen America, we don’t write some people off as ‘collateral damage’ or create more victims of ‘friendly fire.’ I hope the effects of today’s Agent Orange don’t last for decades.”

I concur. I hope wisdom guides our next My veteran friend is not nearly as forgiv- few steps in coping with COVID-19, and we ing to people in power. He unleashed a rant don’t unintentionally cause unnecessary laced with creative, military-grade profanity. deaths by “friendly fire.”

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SAME OLE

SCHTICK

Cranky Foreigner is worn out by the Trump administration’s politics of division

I

assume deep beneath the earth’s crust, below the Star Chamber and the break room for the cleaning staff for the Illuminati, is another hollowed-out space. It would be a bit warm there, being closer to the eternal fires of hell. It is where men toil to invent new ways to make one group of Americans hate other groups of Americans. There, quill pens are dipped in virgin blood; the instructions are written on bleached Bible paper and get sucked up in one of those

BY THE C suction tube thingies you see at banks.

They emerge in a secret drawer in Stephen Miller’s desk, where he sprinkles the documents with powdered bat hair and delivers them to the Oval Office.

It’s tough going these days. The easy hate themes are getting a bit tired. Race

RANKY FO

REIGNER

baiting, immigrant bashing, women denigrating, intellectual ridiculing, gun fetish and paranoia-stoking rallies are all feeling a bit “been there, done that.” Thank God for Bill O’Reilly and his gift that keeps on giving. He was the one on Fox News who took the war on Christmas myth for a touchdown—to paraphrase from the Harvard Business Review: The term “war on Christmas” arose in the writings of anti-immigration activist Peter Brimelow in 1999 but languished until October 2005, when John Gibson appeared on “The O’Reilly Factor” to discuss his new book, ‘The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday Is Worse Than You Thought.”

The outrage will live forever, fitting neatly with another self-serving, race-baiting myth created by Ronald Reagan. His was “Welfare Cadillac Queen”—a figure that never existed, but served him well in making Americans hate each other. For some reason, no one even needed to mention this mythical woman was black and lived in a big Northeastern city. Reagan’s voters already knew it. When the dust settled, as if by magic, the rich yet again were richer.

It’s hard to keep coming up with new ideas. Just ask the writers on “Happy Days.” After “jumping the shark,” they shut the show down altogether and went on to their own happier days. But, in the chamber below DC, quitting isn’t an option.

Fortunately there is no idea too stupid for Trump to try out at his rallies. Remember last fall? We witnessed the war on dishwashers. It went over big. I quote the holder of the highest office in the land who has clearly never seen a dishwasher: “Any-

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body have a new dishwasher? I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry for that. It’s worthless!

They give you so little water. You ever see it? Air comes out, so little water. So what happens? You end up using it 10 times, and the plates ... you take them out and do them the old-fashioned way, right?

But what do you do? You’re spending 10 times for the electricity, right? So I’m putting the water back. Most places have so much water they don’t know what the hell to do with it. A lot of people don’t realize that.”

Then Trump introduced his rallies to the libtard plot to ban the word “Thanksgiving.” As plots go, it’s been pretty successful. I think of my country friends who accidentally let the phrase “Turkey Day” slip from between their lips. Was it an accident, or were they brainwashed by Rachel Maddow?

This sort of thing is pretty basic to rightwing politics. A journalist once asked Benito Mussolini, the inventor of modern fascism, how it worked. Simple, said Il Duce: Find the political spot where you have the support of big business, big government and big religion. Once there, you will have incredible power. Immediately, use that power to attack the weakest in your community. That is the mortar that holds fascism together. Hitler was not the last person to take notes.

I remember the day of Trump’s inauguration. The first thing he did was to stop the weakest in the land: Syrian refugees arriving at the nation’s airports, their papers in order, ready to make new lives. He put them back on planes headed for hell. It was a clever segue to get us back into the slightly-too-warm chamber beneath our nation’s capital.

These days, when our own Mad King Lear, raging at the podium, passes for leadership, we should prepare—for, he is about to dish out. And I expect “Goodwill to All Mankind” is not on the menu. Hopefully, “Just Desserts” is.

d? e d o o l F r Ca

We Can Help!!!

LEAD STORY

Vallejo, California, planning commission got a little weird on April 20 when commissioner Chris Platzer announced, “I’d like to introduce my cat,” then was seen throwing the cat off-screen. Later Platzer was seen drinking a beer, and after the meeting ended, city staff could still hear him making derogatory remarks about the commission, the Vallejo Times-Herald reported. In an April 25 email to the newspaper, Platzer apologized for his actions and said he has resigned from the commission. “We are all living in uncertain times, and I certainly, like many of you, am adjusting to a new normalcy,” he wrote. Mayor Bob Sampayan said he was bothered by Platzer’s “whole demeanor during the entire meeting.” The commission had scheduled a vote to remove Platzer on April 28. [Times Herald, 4/27/2020]

On April 22, Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mayor Bruce Wilkerson was hard at work at a house he has been renovating when he smelled cigarette smoke and “heard a ruckus” outside, so he went to investigate. The former police officer found blood on the cellar door and a bag containing women’s clothing inside, but after determining there were no reports of missing women in the area, he told the Bowling Green Daily News, he went back to his work. Later, the electricity suddenly went out, so he returned to the cellar and this time found a young woman. “She said, ‘I’m hiding from someone,’” Wilkerson told police, then she ran away. Police haven’t identified her, but Wilkerson wanted — ABC News reporter Will Reeve made to set the record straight before “a story would come out that I had a lady locked up an internet meme come to life on April in my cellar.” [Bowling Green Daily News, 28 when he appeared on “Good Morning America” to report on pharmacies using 4/22/2020] drones to deliver prescriptions. Looking QUICK THINKING dapper in a sport coat and open-collared Eliza Ruth Watson, 37, raises chickens shirt, Reeve no doubt thought his home in Gray, Maine, so she’s used to seeing setup would camouflage the fact that foxes nosing around, but as she worked in he wasn’t wearing pants, CNN reported. her garden on April 23, the fox she spot- Twitter had a field day, and Reeve himself ted didn’t run when she tried to scare it off tweeted back, “I have ARRIVED ... in the by hollering and waving her arms. Instead, most hilariously mortifying way possible.” the animal lunged toward her, ready to at- [CNN, 4/28/2020] tack. “Thinking back on it now, the fox was IRONY a mangy, stanky fox,” Watson told the Sun The National Weather Service issued a Journal. She responded by kicking it, but “it kept coming back, and I kept kicking it.” dust advisory on April 27 in eastern WashFinally Watson grabbed the fox around the ington after wind gusts of more than 40 neck, and as it fought back, she shoved it mph kicked up a wall of sediment. “We into a large pot used for scalding chick- have had reports of blowing dust near ens, sealed the lid and called 911 and her Dusty (seriously, near the town of Dusty) husband. At the hospital, she received five on SR 26 and SR 127,” the NWS tweeted. rabies vaccine injections. “People kept According to Fox News, the Washington asking, ‘Are you the one who wrestled the State Patrol reported that SR 26 was “fulfox?’” she said. “It’s certainly not how I ly blocked” about 3 miles outside of Dusty expected to spend my day.” [Sun Journal, after a car and a semi-truck crashed. The highway remained closed for about six 4/24/2020] hours. [Fox News, 4/28/2020]

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SONGWRITING CONTEST MicTurn app is an original songwriting contest app for worldwide musicians to take advantage of.

Courtesy photo

TAKE MIC THE

BY SHANNON RAE GENTRY

W

ilmington’s Jason Ashby and Kennon Young just closed entries for their first original song contest on Sunday via their MicTurn app. With 59 entries (and the nonprofit 100 Men Who Care in Wilmington matching each $5 entry donation), they raised $590 for Meals For Heroes. “Nothing crazy but it feels great to give back in any way,” Ashby says.

Submissions were open from April 20 to May 3 for the pilot contest, with entries coming from Florida, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Michigan. The majority of artists who recorded and submitted videos through MicTurn are from Wilmington, including well-known local acts like Jesse Stockton, Stray Local, Kyle Lindley and Emily Eleton. A panel of judges will determine the winners, with first place receiving $300 (as well as the choice to become a judge in an upcoming contest), while second place receives $150, and third, $50.

In an effort to connect musicians with industry professionals and leaders, MicTurn’s first panel of judges comprised Trent Harrison, owner of Wilmington’s Hourglass Studios, and his wife/co-owner of Live At Ted’s, Whitney Lanier; local musician Matthew Magne of Stationwagon; L.A. songwriter Aja Hashian; and singer-songwriter Merris Grant from Blowing Rock’s Handlebar Betty band.

Judging ends on May 10 at midnight, and winners will be announced on May 11 on MicTurn’s socials and, more importantly, on the app. “There are two options to find out who the winners are,” Young explains. “Users of the app can click into the contest and look for a button that says ‘Round 1 Results.’ The results screen provides a comprehensive list of performances and their ranking amongst the pack, based on the ‘average judge vote.’”

Young and Ashby have plans already cooking for upcoming contests, too.

They’re working with Tim Litchfield of Piedmont One Mic Acoustic Convention

Fiddle Festival in North Carolina (canceled due to COVID-19) for a fiddle contest. encore caught up with music lovers Ashby and Young to learn more about what’s to come from MicTurn. encore (e): Who first came up with the concept for this app, and what kind of iterations were there before landing on the current version of MicTurn?

Kennon Young (KY): Jason originally had the idea of an online live open-mic app where musicians could gather in a digital “venue” together and take turns performing a song; hence the name MicTurn. We worked together as software developers at Tek Mountain, and because of our shared love of music and building software, we decided to create MicTurn.

Jason Ashby (JA): We wanted to address the massive gap in the music world where independent artists are struggling to get their music heard, make money and get connected to music-industry professionals. We ultimately decided to focus on song contests, where we could hand out prizes and bring in industry professional judges to help discover awesome talent and build fruitful connections, while still keeping a live feel to the music. e: Jason, you’re a musician, but are you both musically inclined. Tell us about each of your connections with music and Wilmington’s local music community.

JA: I’ve been playing music for about 20 years. I play guitar, banjo and keys, and have a few other instruments around the house I make noise with. When I lived in Maryland, I played and recorded with bands of various styles, ranging from Americana to funk to bluegrass.

When I attended ECU, I played guitar for the ECU jazz band and hooked up with some local cover bands. Music definitely got in the way of my computer science studies, but I eventually figured it all out.

As far as here in Wilmington, I play out solo, but having a full-time job and a family [means] I only get out to play a few gigs

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a year. I’ve played at Fermental, Live at Ted’s and Flytrap Brewing. The Penguin occasionally plays one of my songs called “Moonlight and Gin.”

(TURN)

MicTurn app wraps first

KY: I am a subpar musician at best. However, I have always had a passion for music, original song contest and an admiration for the people who create it. I attend shows all around Wilmingconnect with? If so, how? ton. Some of my favorite venues are GreenKY: In general, we do not make any field Lake Amphitheater and Pier 33.. promises on connections, but we encoure: Any favorite entries so far for the age our judges to connect privately with spring contest? anyone they’ve felt moved by. However, we KY: We’ve been absolutely blown away at will explicitly offer prizes in certain conthe raw talent, passion and honesty in the tests for studio time, performance slots at original songs the songwriters have en- festivals/venues, co-writing a song with a tered. You get chills watching some of the professional songwriter, etc. videos and they just move you. Videos are e: Are there performance parameters? open to the public to view via MicTurn.

KY: Only parameters for the current conJA: Unfortunately, we can’t say what our test: Entrant must be the author or co-aufavorites are, in order to keep the judges thor of the song and time limit is 5 minutes unbiased and fair for all entrants. Anyone JA: In the future, we may need to limit or can check out the leaderboard on the app to see what the judges have rated high- categorize by experience, in order to have est so far, including local Wilmington mu- a more level playing field, like assigning sicians Jesse Stockton, Stray Local, Kyle experience points . . . but we are still unLindley and Emily Eleton. You can also see derstanding what people want and figuring a list of the judges involved and their bios. out what will work. e: Will there be another nonprofit benefie: People can apply to be a judge—who are you looking for? Can judges return or ciary next go around? do you prefer a new batch for each contest?

JA: We would love to continue incorJA: We look for any sort of music industry porating a charity as a beneficiary to our professional, like songwriters, producers, contests, whether that’s through a sponrecord execs, etc.—anyone who can offer sor pledge or a cut of the proceeds. constructive criticism to make the musie: While this was launched during a cian better at what they do, and potentially pandemic, how do you anticipate the use help them get their foot in the door. It’s also of the app changing—or not—once we get very important the judges align with our vi- back to normal? sion of helping the indie music community.

KY: We were working on MicTurn before For contest winners, we also offer the opportunity to be a judge in a future contest. the pandemic hit, but with musicians and music lovers quarantined at home and KY: We plan to stay in touch with all pre- looking for a musical outlet it was (unforvious judges and will offer another judging tunately) a good time to launch. We don’t opportunity if the contest is a good fit. anticipate things changing, other than e: How do you envision the connections continuing to grow and help many more with industry professionals coming to fru- artists get rewarded for their hard work. ition—studio time being offered? Are curRead an extended interview at encorerent judges taking note of performers to pub.com.

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encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 11

TRAVELING SOUNDS Jordan Sutherland and Kevin Earl play around the Carolina Place/Ardmore neighborhood (photo by Lesley Gourley), while Kennedy Park (next page) entertians neighbors in the Glen Meade neighborhood (courtesy photo).

BY SHEA CARVER

A

s the concert industry begins to figure out what social distancing measures look like for live shows once the country begins to open, locally, musicians are getting a practice-run. Now into week six of the stay-at-home order, neighborhood concerts series have begun to pop up, as bars and music venues remain shuttered. Musicians are setting up outside of homes, on their front porches and even sidewalks, so neighbors can enjoy sounds from a chair in the front lawn, maintaining 6-feet from other “concert goers.” Here’s a look at a few taking place across town every weekend.

SUNSET PARK Friday and Sunday, 5 p.m.

“This whole series came about when we found out how many musicians live in the [Sunset Park] neighborhood,” says 25-year-old Wesley Ganey, who’s riding out the pandemic at his father’s house rather than his residence in Asheville.

“Various people mentioned how much they missed going to venues and seeing bands.

My father mentioned I should sit outside on the stoop with my guitar and see what happens. To my surprise, people came out and stuck around.”

That was the first week of April. Ever since, Ganey has played every Friday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to sundown, with various musicians in the neighborhood sitting in, too. Jared Michael Cline, Kenna Maude Rock, Ciara Rose, Taylor Salvetti, CB Johnson and Big Al Hall all have joined. Ganey has played guitar for 15 years and is in The Blue Ridge Pistols back in western NC. He posts on Sunset Park’s neighborhood’s Facebook page about his upcoming sets, which has included covers song, from Tom Petty to Ralph Stanley to Blink-182.n “The most popular have been fast bluegrass tunes,” according to Ganey. “People love to get up and dance.”

Originally, he and other musicians didn’t play for money. They just wanted to jam

and utilize all this extra pandemic time creatively. But folks started asking for their Venmo accounts. “Audience members implored us to make one,” Ganey says.

Anyone in the neighborhood is welcome to play, but they must bring their own equipment, however. Ganey makes announcements throughout the set to encourage people to maintain appropriate distance away from others.

GLEN MEADE Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

Behind New Hanover Regional Medical Center, at Parham and Granville in the Glen Meade neighborhood, folks are spreading out 6 to 10 feet, and some are even tailgating in their cars away from others to enjoy the “Park on Parham” series. Local band Kennedy Park began the series in their yard after the majority of all their gigs were canceled from the novel coronavirus.

Made up of John Michael (guitar), Jordan Hope (vocals), Brian Witted (piano, vocals) and Thomas “TK” Klinger (guitar, bass), the band decided to dedicate the music to all those making the heroic trek to work at the hospital during such stressful times.

“The medical professionals are on the front lines risking their lives,” says Tracy Conlon, fiancé to John Michael and manager of the band. “We celebrate their bravery, empathy and compassion.”

Since April 11, every Saturday at 4:30, weather permitting, the family band plays through rock, pop and American standards.

In fact, they can play upward of 300 songs, so curating a set each week has come rather easily. Michael even has encouraged neighborhood musicians to join them on “stage,” if they so incline.

“We have the room and equipment to safely accommodate an expanded band, each with their own space,” Michael assures. “We see anywhere from 50-75 people in person at our shows, and hundreds watch our Facebook live stream from around the country!”

12 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

NEIGHBORHOOD

They usually begin playing a few their fave tunes before letting the audience engage and lead them the rest of the way. The shows have become a nice respite while the stay-at-home order is in place.

“Music combats the challenge of fear and the harmful effects of isolation and loneliness,” Conlon says. Folks who have attended the shows have shown appreciation. “We have received two thank you notes in the mail, and many thank yous in person, hundreds of messages on our live stream, and even a visit from the Wilmington PD!” Conlon adds. “Apparently, there was a noise complaint, so John asked who it was and what kind of music they like.”

ARDMORE/CAROLINA PLACE Saturday, 6 p.m.

Rather than depend on the audience to safely distance themselves, Jordan Sutherland (bass, guitar, banjo, mandolin) of Tumbleweed brings music to his neighbors in downtown’s Ardmore/Carolina Place area.

Since mid-April, Sutherland has asked musicians nearby—Kevin Earl, Tres Altman and Jones Smith, so far—to join him in a traveling concert series, so to speak.

Sutherland puts out feelers on the neighborhood Facebook page for which streets to cover, and every Saturday, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., he stops at all houses on the chosen streets to serenade a few songs.

“The neighbors stay on their porch and we play from the sidewalk to maintain the social distance,” Sutherland explains. “I have been very impressed by neighbors’ ability and concerns to live up to quarantine expectations.”

Sutherland had a career in mental health/ social work for over 10 years before becoming a stay-at-home dad and full-time musician last year. He understands the struggles folks are going through currently in confinement. More so, he appreciates his neighborhood’s Facebook group as a great resource of support for him and his wife, and their 1-year-old daughter.

“Whether someone needs goods, emo-

SOUND-OFF

Pandemic inspires various music series to pop up in neighborhoods around ILM tional support or a tune or two, the community mobilizes to help others,” Sutherland says. “Playing music is my way to give back during this difficult time, by providing comfort and connection. [It’s also] important therapy for me.”

Sutherland surveys neighbors about some of their favorite sounds to curate a track list suited to their tastes before each Saturday-night soiree. He has done originals, covers and even takes requests.

“Recently, we lost a great musician and songwriter, John Prine,” he says. “Playing ‘Paradise’ and ‘Angel from Montgomery’ as a tribute to him, with neighbors singing along, has been a real treat.”

Sutherland also has been preparing material for a solo project and has put out new tracks with Tumbleweed. “I also started live streaming my original songs and covers from my studio,” he tells. “But I knew having direct human interactions and live music beyond the screens would be valuable for everyone right now.”

WINOCA TERRACE Sunday, 7 p.m.

Over in the Winoca Terrace neighborhood of downtown, Beth Crookham, Lisa Rankin and Galen Hunsucker have started “Seven Songs at Sundown” on Sundays beginning at 7 p.m. “Lisa came up with the idea, actually,” Crookham says. “She wanted to use her musical talents to send positive energy out into the world.”

Well-known most around town as Lisa and Galen, the wife-and-husband musical duo are tenants of Crookham. They set up on the upstairs deck, away from the main house, where Crookham sets up on her stairs or porch. “We all have small amplification so people all around can hear us,” Crookham tells. On April 5, they dedicated a set to the recently passed Bill Withers, while Lisa and Galen played their tunes the a few weeks later. Crookham joined them last week to sing her originals.

“My songs tend to tell stories of or paint images of people I have encountered,” she says. “My first songwriting was inspired by time spent in Rwanda and two of the songs on the set list were inspired by wonderful people I have met there, ‘Isabelle’ and ‘So Innocent.’ Another song in the set was written at No Boundaries International Art Colony and started as a funny song about a Macedonia moonshine made from yellow plums, but, as I was writing it, I started to realize the little plums were really the artists and how they inspire me and make me so happy when they come together.”

Neighbors have spread out over the sidewalk or popped up in their own yards to listen. Crookham is clear she doesn’t want the series to “grow” necessarily. “We don’t want to encourage gathering in any way that isn’t safe,” she says. “I think the most we’ve had actually in the yard is 10, and they were well over 10 feet from one another.”

course.

“I have a circular driveway, and everybody stays with their family/household unit,” Hinnant says. ”It’s been a real community-builder.”

Musicians take stage under the magnolia tree in Hinnant’s yard at 6 p.m. They publicize their Venmo accounts for tips, and there is a physical tip jar nearby for folks who wish to drop in cash.

“I’m really happy the musicians are able to make a little money,” Hinnant says.

“So many people are suffering financially, but when you have a beautiful, God-given talent like music, it is truly meant to be shared with others ... in person.”

Hinnant doesn’t publish his address, but says people have parked at nearby Snipes Academy and walked over with chairs to enjoy the concert at a safe distance from others. Next Saturday, May 9, the Justin Fox Duo will be playing.

CAROLINA HEIGHTS Saturday, 6 p.m.

later, one of my neighbors had a backporch show, and I later learned it was the Boone Brothers—and then my light was lit.”

Ten blocks east in Carolina Heights, John Hinnant started “Under the Magnolia Concert Series” by happenstance. His pastor, Eric Metts, came by to play a few tunes the Thursday before Easter.

Hinnant reached out to local musician Mike Blair to see if he would be interested in playing the first official Saturday evening series on April 26. It went off without a hitch, as neighbors posted up from their homes. Some who had moved in recently were able to get acquainted with their new neighborhood—at a safe distance, of

“He was going around to different church members’ homes and doing little pop-up concerts,” Hinnant says. “A week and half

How long all the neighborhood series last really depends on how long the stayat-home order and business closures continue. Some are guessing it may be summer before nightclubs and music venues get back to business. Hinnant is more eager. “I’m really hopeful the bars will be able to open by Memorial Day and start employing these musicians again,” he says. When they do, who knows what the new normal of concert-going may look like.

encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 13

REIGNITED PASSION

M

ost folks may recognize the hands of Bryan Jacobs from behind the pine at Lula’s Pub, where he pours whiskey on the rocks or pops open a PBR. In the middle of the current pandemic, with Lula’s shuttered until our corner of the world gets back up and running, his hands are drawing and shading movie figures, iconic musicians and even toys. A lifelong artist, Jacobs has been making ends meet since losing Lula’s income by leaning back in on his favorite pastime: art. He is taking personalized pen-andink commissions starting at $55.

“I made a good part of my living off of my artwork in my 20s and 30s,” Jacobs says. “I pretty regularly had commissions, plus my own originals sold well. I did work for StarNews and encore, designed some company logos (like for Wilmington bars, Wave Hog and Surly’s).

[I] even did the art for a silly little book that Kenyata Sullivan had published, called ‘How to Really Party: The Sure Cure for Boredom.’”

Jacobs’ love of drawing began as a kid; his grandparents always stocked the house with art supplies. Jacobs attempted to recreate the style of work he saw in Mad magazine and comic books.

“It led me to understanding things like shading and space,” he says.

He took drafting classes in high school, where he learned about perspective, and continued with a few courses in the local community college in Baytown, Texas.

After he moved to Wilmington, artists like

BY S HEA

CARV

ER

VICIOUS A commissioned piece Jacobs did of Lou Reed, from the ‘Transformer’ album.

Photo by Shea Carver

Donna Moore and Jane Baldridge taught him practical application.

Through the ‘90s and early aughts, Jacobs put together quite a few art shows while working at downtown bar Bessie’s, located where Orton’s Pool Hall is now.

The underground watering hole, owned

by John Butler and Lori Freshwater, was popular for having founded the theatre company BUMP (Bessie’s Underground Mole People), which hosted live shows weekly. Afterward, local thespians would head to Butler and Freshwater’s sister bar, Lula’s, a few blocks over.

“I was a regular since about the second or third day Lula’s opened in 1992,” Jacobs says. Though he never showed his art on the 180-year ballast stone walls, he had a preference for showing work in other bars around town. “I even [had a show] once at my apartment, with lots of booze and live music,” he tells. “I always tried to make it more of an informal, fun setting—not the stiff setting many people associate with an art show.”

14 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

drawing he posts. Social media has been the main way the artist has promoted his work recently. A quick scroll through his posts will show a following of people cheering on all of his finished pieces and making requests.

“I just did a Gimli from ‘Lord of the Rings’ I’m really happy with,” Jacobs admits. “The ‘Donnie Darko’ daunted me at first, but ended up being a favorite. Also, I ended up with two ‘Goonies’ commissions. I did a Sloth Lego for the first one, and was dreading trying to do something as good for the next one, but was really happy once I got rolling.”

Lula’s Pub owner rekindles love of art, as bar remains closed through COVID-19

Jacobs has churned out 16 smaller works in the last two weeks and also has scored larger commissions, including a faux comic-book cover depicting 1940’s Wonder Woman, in a scene from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” “I’ve even started my own series called ‘Toys,’” he says.

Jacobs wasn’t only doing pen-and-ink works, either. He worked in oils, acrylics and watercolors, and even painted furniture. “I once had a roommate who threatened he would kill me if he ever came home and found his stuff painted,” Jacobs says, “as if it was some willy-nilly impulse I couldn’t control.”

As a small business owner mired in the COVID-19 downturn, Jacobs has found solace and inspiration in his reignited passion for art. While he misses seeing his regulars and friends at Lula’s, he also has a new goal: “If anything, I’m hoping to continue doing this full-time and wean myself entirely off of bartending,” he says. “After 32 years, I’m a little burned out.”

Jacobs held down the bar at both Lula’s and Bessie’s, the latter of which closed in 2004. Six years later, the bar owners offered Jacobs the opportunity to take over Lula’s. Running the bar has mandated a great deal of Jacobs’ energy over the last decade. Thus his art dwindled.

“Part of it is all of the time and work required in running a small business, and part of it is a little more ephemeral than that,” he admits. “A lot of creating, at least from my perspective, has to do with confidence, and once you lose that, it’s really hard to create.”

Once COVID-19 shut down our business community, one of Lula’s regulars, Cole Marquis, was kind enough to pay forward an advance bar tab. As a thank you, Jacobs pulled out his pen and inks, and did a drawing from one of Marquis’ favorite movies, “The Warriors.”

“It felt really good working on it, and I figured if other people were interested in similar stuff, maybe I could make a little income while on hiatus from tending bar,” Jacobs says. “I also like themes, so I thought it would be cool to offer a deal for friends where they tell me a favorite movie and I’ll do my own take on it.”

Full disclosure: Once Jacobs put out the call, I responded, but strayed from the movie theme. Instead, I asked for a drawing of Lou Reed from the 1972 “Transformer” album. “It seems to be the most popular piece yet,” Jacobs says, based on Facebook likes he receives for every

In the meantime, he suspects Lula’s reopening is at least a month away. What that reopening looks like and how it will happen with implemented safety measures is still under review. “But what’s going on in the world is so much bigger than us,” Jacobs adds. “If just one person got sick and died because I jumped the gun and opened too early, I would be responsible and carry that weight for the rest of my life. We will be taking all precautions, and greatly look forward to seeing our friends and providing a safe haven as soon as possible. . . . There will be a deep clean before we open, and we’ve got plenty of sanitizer and soap on hand.

Obviously, crowd control will be an issue starting out, so chances are we’ll have extra staff to help with that scenario.”

For now, he is starting each day by having coffee, choosing a podcast and drawing until he can barely see. Getting back into a much-needed creative flow has Jacobs dreaming up a new future.

“I knew art was a big part of my life that was missing for a long time,” he says, “and a lot of people have been pushing me to get back to work. Once I began again, things really started to flow. Now, every day, I wake up looking forward to my day, and I go to bed thinking about what pieces I’m going to work on tomorrow. Pretty much, this is the way I want to live the rest of my life.”

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22527 Highway 17N Hampstead, NC (910) 803-0302 • (910) 330-4077 Tues. - Sat. 10am - 5pm (or by appt.) www.artexposure50.com ArtExposure will be hosting “Metal and Fiber, a show featuring the metal work of Vicki Thatcher and the Fiber work of Jan Lewis. The show will run until the end of August. Check outartexposure50.com for upcoming events and classes!

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

210 Princess St. • (484) 885-3037 Temporarily closed or call for appt. aibgallery.com Art in Bloom Gallery is temporarily closed except for appointments until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. View and purchase art via our website at https://aibgallery.com/product-category/group-exhibit/. Free delivery or shipping provided.

On view: “New Art by Helen Lewis, Debra Bucci & Naomi Jones with Photographer, Brian Peterson,” through April 19. The group art exhibit showcases original art in a variety of mediums. “Ancient Practice: Encaustic Art

by Helen Lewis” is a new body of work investigating new directions with an ancient practice fusing pigment and beeswax on wooden panels.

The group art exhibit showcases original art in a variety of media. “An-

cient Practice: Encaustic Art by Helen Lewis” is a new body of work investigating new directions with an ancient practice fusing pigment and beeswax on wooden panels.

ART IN BLOOM SATELLITE VENUES www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations.

However, due to COVID-19 “Ways of Wax” art exhibit at Platypus & Gnome is closed until further notice.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. • (919) 343-8997.

Tues. - Sat. 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) newelementsgallery.com New Elements is temporarily closed until further notice per the COVID-19 pandemic.

WILMA DANIELS GALLERY

200 Hanover St. (bottom level, parking deck) Mon.-Fri., noon-5pm http://cfcc.edu/danielsgallery At this time CFCC and the Wilma Daniels Gallery is closed and will reopen once the COVID-19 pandemic passes and we are clear to get business back to normal.

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encorepub.com encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 15

INDIGENOUS VOICES

Lumbee Film Festival deadline is May 8, with event pushed to November

BY DARIUS MELTON

O

ne endearing aspect of artistry is how anyone’s raw talent will shine through regardless of background.

Art is relatable and creates a larger space for empathy. It’s also an avenue to bring people together, and can draw attention to larger, necessary conversations, like the importance of inclusivity. Kim Pevia, director of the Lumbee Film Festival—held each July at UNC Pembroke near Lumberton—is acquainted with the issue.

DETAILS LUMBEE FILM FESTIVAL

Submission deadline: May 8, 2020 Streaming event: July 4th weekend Live festival: November (TBA) “I’ve always loved film, starting as a kid with ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” Pevia says. cucalorus.org/lumbee-film-festival “It was a challenge not seeing myself represented on the screen; it was highly problematic. As I got older, I came to [articulate] that and saw what the identity challenge has created for my people, [Native Americans]. I just really wanted to do things that could help us see ourselves reflected in ways that could be more identity-positive.”

The Lumbee Film Festival was created in 2018 to give Native Americans, particularly Lumbee and other southeastern NC

tribes, a chance to create an “identity-positive” environment for themselves. Though the 55,000 members of the Lumbee Tribe make up the largest state tribe in North Carolina, and the largest state tribe east of the Mississippi River, Pevia notes the Lumbees—along with the Tuscarora and other indigenous people in the region—are talked about much less than the Plains Indians and other Western tribes.

A partnership between the Lumbee Tribe of NC, the Cucalorus Film Foundation and the NC Arts Council, the Lumbee Film Festival is free to attend, thanks to generous fundraising and donations. This year the festival was granted $10,000 by prolific film director Ava DuVernay, whose notable works include “Selma” (2014), “When They See Us” (2019) and the television series “Queen Sugar” (2016-present).

DuVernay’s mission is to create a more stable platform for women and black and brown filmmakers to find success.

“She [donated the money] because, as a filmmaker, she really struggled to find festivals where she could promote her work,” Pevia explains. Pevia further points to the unbalanced nature of white male voices in

16 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

PANEL TALK Participants discuss a film at the 2018 Lumbee Film Festival.

Photo courtesy Lumbee Film Festival

film. “Now, she doesn’t have that problem, of course, but that’s what was so beautiful about this practice: reaching forward and also reaching back [to her community].”

The third annual festival—originally scheduled to be part of the recently canceled Lumbee Homecoming event in July—will now proceed in two parts. Organizers will stream films during the Fourth of July weekend, and then host the proper Lumbee Film Festival in November (date to be announced). Those who want to submit a film can do so at FilmFreeway.com/ LumbeeFilmFestival until May 8. There is a $5 submission fee, and folks can sign up using your Facebook or Google account.

The festival includes a block of short films, leading up to one big feature, with panels of filmmakers speaking after every movie. Having a community discussion was part of Pevia’s vision from day one, and it has proven to be one of the most popular aspects of the event.

“Indigenous people by nature are storytellers, and oral storytellers at that, so to see something visual and not be able to talk about it would almost be painful,” Pevia says. “[The discussions] have gone really well. I facilitate for a living, so I queue up the questions and connect with the filmmakers, then we open it up to the audience. By that point in time, they have had a moment to settle themselves, think about what they’ve just witnessed, and ask questions. The filmmakers have been so incredibly generous in sharing all of their stories, whether it be their financial

or emotional challenges.”

Accepted films will tell a variety of stories, from traditional narratives to tales of Native American wisdom to sci-fi think pieces. There have been live-action and animated films from directors young and old, new and experienced. The festival is about fostering new creators, just as much as it is about showcasing seasoned talents.

Headlining the 2018 festival was “Warrior Women,” directed by Christina D. King and Elizabeth A. Castle. The film has inspired young indigenous women to step up and face the community’s ecological problems, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline. Last year’s feature, “Sweetheart Dancers” by director Ben-Alex Dupris, starred a same-sex male couple who performed a traditional Native American dance originally intended for a man and a woman.

“For some [filmmakers], this was their first little thing that they did on their iPhone, and [others] are like, ‘We’ve been making videos and documentaries for 30 years!’” Pevia says. “I love the movies, but by the time we get to the film festival, I’ve seen them. My favorite part is the community conversation, and watching people’s faces and watching them engage with the filmmakers.”

Indigenous people make up just 1.6% of the national population, which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of visibility, according to Pevia. The festival still manages to draw in 30 to 50 submissions a year, with eight or nine being feature-length—totaling around 50 hours of content for curators to sift through. Narrowing submissions can be taxing, but it is encouraging for the Lumbee Film Festival advisory team to see passion ignited.

OLD - SCHOOL ACTION Streaming exhaustion is real, but ‘Extraction’ at least provides a much-needed jolt of adrenaline.

Courtesy photo

BY ANGHUS

I

don’t know if there’s a word for that feeling of paralysis when you’re sitting in bed, scrolling through tens of thousands of hours of offerings on over two dozen streaming services. If not, there needs to be. I have some suggestions. My first thought: “Netflix Numbness”; however, that fails to cover all the other streaming services out there. Then I considered some more generic phrases like “Streamer Chagrin,” “Video Vexation” and “Binge Bummer.” Finally, I settled on “Digital Discontent.” Feel free to hashtag this expression when posting online, so we can help this phrase enter the cultural lexicon.

The Assistant Rated R, 1 hr 27 mins Directed by Kitty Green Starring Julia Garner, Matthew Macfadyen, Makenzie Leigh After working at home for six weeks, I found myself drawn to this little workplace drama from writer/director Kitty Green.

Jane (Julia Garner) is a fresh-faced junior assistant to a big-time movie producer.

Her job is a gauntlet of menial tasks, as she soaks up a ridiculous amount of passive abuse from her boss, coworkers and ancillary figures who wander in an out of the office she spends every waking hour occupying. There is a crazy amount of time spent detailing the mediocrity of her routine and the drudgery of her role. I could almost feel Jane’s soul being crushed into pulp as she endures one iniquity after another.

After being tasked with escorting a new “assistant” to a hotel, she begins to struggle with the questionable behavior of a horrible Harvey Weinstein-inspired boss—someone who is verbally abusive to her and uses his position to seduce women, with inappropriate liaisons happening frequently in his office. When Jane approaches HR about his behavior, she is

#DIGITALDISCONTENT shut down and told she’s lucky to have her position. Her aspirations to one day be a producer are used against her. In order to succeed in show business, she has to learn how to keep her head down and toe the line.

“The Assistant” is an interesting cinematic experience. There is a strong effort made to put viewers in Jane’s shoes—to show her perspective of abuse and secondhand observation of shady behavior.

Green’s strong, stoic direction doesn’t allow for melodrama, and, yet, it’s easy to feel the peril of her precarious situation. She is painfully aware there is something wrong happening with her boss, and speaking up could be career suicide.

of an incarcerated crime lord. Rake and his team have to work their way through the grungy, mean streets of Jakarta, and deal with a number of critical obstacles to try and save an innocent young man from being murdered.

While the plot isn’t exactly crescent fresh, director Sam Hargrave kicks the volume up to 11 with some mind-blowing set pieces and action sequences that make “Extraction” a nail-biting thrill ride from start to finish. This movie delivers old-school action like a testosterone-fueled Bugatti

Anghus extracts a pair of winners amid his ‘digital discontent’ making its way down the Awesome Explosion Freeway. Hemsworth (“Thor”) is perfectly suited to don the action hero bandoleer; he feels very much cut from the same strap of leather as Sly Stallone or Bruce Willis.

“Extraction” is well worth a watch for action fans looking for a quick fix.

Garner (“Ozark”) gives a pitch-perfect performance and succeeds in making viewers feel Jane’s frustration with a broken system that penalizes honesty.

Extraction Now streaming on Netflix Rated R, 1 hr 56 mins Directed by Sam Hargrave Starring Chris Hemsworth, Bryon Lerum, Ryder Lerum I still love a good, old-fashioned, gritty action movie. The genre has really taken a beating in the 21st century, as gun-toting heroes brutally murdering villains have taken a back seat to superheroes and bloodless action scenes. Thankfully, the John Wick films have kickstarted the genre and made it interesting again.

“Extraction” is a movie heavily influenced by directors like Tony Scott (“Man on Fire”) and John Woo (“The Killers”). It’s a very simple, very well shot action movie that isn’t afraid to dive into the deep, dark end of the pool.

Chris Hemsworth plays Tyler Rake (a name that can only belong to an awesome action star and mercenary). He’s an extraction specialist hired to retrieve the son encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 17

GRACE

NOTES

Opera House Theatre Company lift spirits with Monday night variety show

BY LAUREN SEARS

O

pera House Theatre Company (OHTC) has been providing the community with entertainment for nearly 35 years. The local nonprofit has put on more than 200 shows since forming in 1985, entertaining audiences with classic musicals such as “Hairspray,” “Chicago,” “Rent,” “My Fair Lady” and others.

While much of their 2020 season has been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 lockdown measures, the creative team behind OHTC has begun hosting live shows on Facebook that mix performances by local talent and archived footage of previous OHTC productions so folks can still enjoy local theatre.

“The concept of ‘Musical Theatre Mondays’ was derived from [us] trying to navigate this new normal we’re living and find different ways to entertain people while maintaining social distancing,” says OHTC artistic director Justin Smith. “That fire burns deep for us, so we at Opera House hope to be at the forefront of this movement to keep pushing out performances and entertainment while people are stuck in isolation.”

Kaitlin Baden, marketing manager at and coordinator behind Musical Theatre Mondays, came up with the idea for a virtual platform after live performances came to a screeching halt. Baden has been with OHTC since being cast as Mimi in the 2013 summer production of “Rent.” With a background in vocal performance and acting, as well as her ties to the theatre company, she longed to provide a sense of comfort to theatre goers.

“I started organizing stand-alone community videos, like our Wilmington theatre ‘Imagine’ video and our ‘Annie’ orphans

DETAILS MUSICAL THEATER MONDAYS Mondays, 7 p.m. facebook.com/operahousetheatre singing ‘It’s a Lock-Down Life’ parody video, just to bring people some happiness,” Baden says. “Now, through Justin’s ideas, we’ve put together 30-40 minute segments with artists whom we’ve worked with over the past 35 years.”

A total of four live streams have been planned to keep viewers engaged through what organizers hope will be a short-lived quarantine. However, Smith says OHTC will continue to produce online content if lockdown measures remain in effect.

Shows are live streamed Mondays at 7 p.m. on the OHTC Facebook page. Each week, a different host will perform a couple songs and introduce a variety of other performers, including veterans from previous OHTC shows, special guests and newcomers from the company’s apprentice program—a training ground for teens and young adults between 14-24. Each guest will present a song or musical adaptation of their choosing, as well as engage in an informal chat about their experience with OHTC and how they’re doing amid social distancing.

18 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

A TRIP DOWN AVENUE QUARANTINE Jason Aycock, Kaitlin Baden and Chiaki Ito perform a quarantine-themed parody of the musical “Avenue Q” during the inaugural Musical Theatre Mondays livestream on April 27.

Screenshot by Jeff Oloizia

The tone was light and fun as local actress and musician Annie Tracy Marsh hosted the first live stream on April 27.

Marsh, who starred as country singer Patsy Cline in OHTC’s 2019 production of “Always… Patsy Cline,” started things off with soulful acoustic renditions of Cline’s “Crazy” and “On My Own” from “Les Misérables.”

She then welcomed JJ Niemann, who gave viewers a preview of OHTC’s upcoming production of “Newsies,” which he is choreographing and starring in. (While the show was originally scheduled to take place this summer, no concrete dates have been set in its rescheduling.)

Other highlights included an archival performance from OHTC’s 2019 production of “42nd Street,” and a pair of collaborative performances, prerecorded via Zoom: “At the Ballet” from “A Chorus Line,” performed by members of the apprentice theatre program; and a parody of the hit musical “Avenue Q” (called “Avenue Q[uarantine]”) by OHTC regulars Jason Aycock, Kaitlin Baden, Heather Setzler, Chiaki Ito, Bradley Barefoot and Tracy Byrd.

The second show on May 4 was hosted by OHTC associate producer Ray Kennedy, who has been with the company for 30 years. He just wrapped the direction of “The Sound of Music” before NC’s

stay-at-home order went into effect. The livestream included archival footage from “MacArthur Park” and “Hello Dolly!” as well as guest performances by Lauren Mazzola Maasch (“Till There Was You”) and Cannon Starnes (“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”), among others.

On May 11, OHTC board member Jeff Phillips will host. He’ll be joined by special guest Cullen Moss, who recently has made TV appearances in “Dear John,” “The Walking Dead” and “Outer Banks.” Moss also joined Phillips onstage in OHTC’s 2020 season kickoff, “Las Cage aux Folles.”

May 18’s show will be hosted by Smith, whose turn in the host chair should be a special one. The veteran actor and director has been a figure in the theatre community for decades, with previous experience running City Stage and Cape Fear Theatre Arts.

During these tenures, he produced around 100 shows over the course of 14 years. (He is also part of a business group that owns downtown restaurants Anne Bonny’s, Husk, Yosake and Dram + Morsel.) Smith joined OHTC over a year ago and was just finding his stride when the novel coronavirus hit.

Though OHTC’s 2020 summer productions of “Newsies,” “Funny Girl” and “Annie” have since been halted, with little word on when or how they’ll be staged. The September production of “The Wiz” has been moved to 2021 after OHTC’s annual New Year’s show.

“We’re still in talks with Tony Rivenbark at Thalian, constantly reassessing the situation, and we’re reluctant to give dates at the moment,” he clarifies. “We are working really hard to make sure they happen this summer, albeit with altered schedules.”

The loss of creative face-to-face collaboration has taken its toll on performers and audiences alike. Although actors and theatre folks admit the Monday night live streams are hardly a substitute for live theatre, they serve an important function of allowing for creative expression and continuing to foster unity among performers and staff.

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www.MckayHealingArts.com encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 19

DINING

GUIDE

Ocean ic Rest aurant 703 S. L umina

AMERICAN

Ave. • o ceanicre staurant .com • Courtes y photo

BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April - October. Large parties welcome.

Private event space available. BluewaterDining. com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

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

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

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

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

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

PINE VALLEY MARKET

Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for

ELIJAH’S

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

20 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambiance of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up ba-

nana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD.

PLEASE, CALL AHEAD TO MAKE SURE RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN DURING THE COVID-19 SHUTDOWN. SOME MAY BE DOING DELIVERY AND/OR TAKEOUT ONLY.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: pinevalleymarket.com

THE TROLLY STOP

Trolly Stop Grill and Catering is a four store franchise in North Carolina. Trolly Stop Hot Dogs opened in Wrightsville Beach in 1976.

That store name has never changed. Since the Wrightsville Beach store, the newer stores sell hotdogs, hamburgers, beef and chicken cheese steaks, fries, hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, floats and more.

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

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

Franchises available.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER ■ LOCATIONS: Wilmington, Fountain Dr. (910) 452-3952, Wrightsville Beach (910) 2563921, Southport (910) 457-7017, Boone, NC (828) 265-2658, Chapel Hill, NC (919) 240-4206 ■ WEBSITE: trollystophotdogs.com

ASIAN INDOCHINE RESTAURANT

If you’re ready to experience the wonders of the Orient without having to leave Wilmington, join us at Indochine for a truly unique experience. Indochine brings the flavors of the Far East to the Port City, combining the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in an atmosphere that will transport you and your taste buds.

Relax in our elegantly decorated dining room, complete with antique Asian decor as well as contemporary artwork and music. Our diverse, friendly and efficient staff will serve you beautifully presented dishes full of enticing aromas and flavors. Be sure to try such signature items as the spicy and savory Roasted Duck with Red Curry, or the beautifully presented and delicious Shrimp and Scallops in a Nest. Be sure to save room for our world famous desert, the banana egg roll! We take pride in using only the freshest ingredients, and our extensive menu suits any taste. After dinner, enjoy specialty drinks by the koi pond in our Asian garden. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), (910) 251-9229.

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: indochinewilmington.com

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET

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

and cheesesteaks, as well as falafal pitas and veggie wraps, as well as an extensive Japanese fare menu, such as bento boxes and tempura platters. Daily dessert and drink special are also on order. Check out their website and Facebook for more information. 16 S. Front St. (910) 7719151.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: nikkissushibar.com

OKAMI JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAK HOUSE

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

Our portions are large, our drinks are less expensive, and our staff is loads of fun. We are committed to using quality ingredients and seasoning with guaranteed freshness. Our goal is to utilize all resources, domestically and internationally, to ensure we serve only the finest food products. We believe good, healthy food aids vital functions for well-being, both physically and mentally. Our menu consists of a wide range of steak, seafood, and chicken for the specially designed “Teppan Grill.” We also serve tastebud-tingling Japanese sushi, hand rolls, sashimi, tempura dishes, and noodle entrees. This offers our guests a complete Japanese dining experience. Our all-you-can-eat sushie menu and daily specials can be found at okamisteakhouse.com! 614 S College Rd. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Thurs., 11am 2:30pm / 4-10pm; Fri., 11am-2:30pm / 4pm-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., 11am9:30pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: okamisteakhouse.com

SZECHUAN 132

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

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

YOSAKE DOWNTOWN SUSHI LOUNGE

Lively atmosphere in a modern setting, Yosake is the delicious Downtown spot for date night, socializing with friends, or any large dinner party. Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouth-watering Kobe Burger.

Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles. 33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

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

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

103 N Lake Park Blvd #B Carolina Beach, NC (910) 458-5226 elcazadormex.com encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 21

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

Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

BAGELS ROUND BAGELS

Round Bagels and Donuts features 17 varieties of New York-style bagels, baked fresh daily on site in a steam bagel oven. Round offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, grilled and fresh to order. Round also offers fresh-made donuts daily! Stop by Monday Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., and on Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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

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

FONDUE THE LITTLE DIPPER

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dish-

es with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a four-course meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish.

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

■ SERVING DINNER: 5pm Tue-Sun; open daily from Memorial Day through October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING Sunday half-price wine bottles; Monday beer and wine flights on special; Tuesday Local’s Night $11/person cheese and chocolate; Wednesday Ladies Night; Thursday $27 4-course prix fixe; Friday “Date Night” $85/ couple for 3 courses and a bottle of wine.

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

IRISH THE HARP

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

served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends.

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

■ WEBSITE: harpwilmington.com

SLAINTE IRISH PUB

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

5607 Carolina Beach Rd. #100, (910) 399-3980 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington, Monkey Junction ■ FEATURING: Irish grub, whiskeys, beer, wine, fun.

■ WEBSITE: facebook.com/slaintemj

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S

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

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

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

THE ITALIAN BISTRO

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

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

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

22 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck ■ WEBSITE: italianbistronc.com

SLICE OF LIFE

“Slice” has become a home away from home for tourists and locals alike. Our menu includes salads, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, homemade soups, subs and, of course, pizza.

We only serve the freshest and highest-quality ingredients in all of our food, and our dough is made daily with purified water. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.”All ABC permits.

Visit us downtown at 125 Market Street, (910) 251-9444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: grabslice.com

MEXICAN ZOCALO

Zocalo Street Food and Tequila brings a modern version of cooking traditional Mexican street food through perfected recipes, with excellent presentation. Zócalo was the main ceremonial center for the Aztecs, and presently, it is the main square in central Mexico City. It bridges old school tradition with a twist of innovative cooking. Zocalo also has weekly events, such as their margarita and food tasting every Monday, 5-8 p.m., and a live taco station every Tuesday , 5-8 p.m. Live Latin music Is showcased every other Saturday and Sunday brunch begins at 10 a.m. Be sure to try Zocalo’s wide selection of the best tequilas! Owned and operated locally, locations are in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC. Take out and delivery available through most apps.

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

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

SANDWICHES J. MICHAEL’S PHILLY DELI

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

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Porters Neck, North and

South Wilmington, ■ WEBSITE: https://phillydeli.com

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY

Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm 10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

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

CATCH

Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010.

Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest.

(Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-7993847.

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

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

DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

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

there’s something for everyone at Dock Street.

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

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: dockstreetoysterbar.net

dinner, and drink specials. It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

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

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

■ WEBSITE: TheShuckinShack.com

MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

SOUTHERN

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

■ WEBSITE: MikesCfood.com

THE PILOT HOUSE

The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers Sunday-Thursday and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck. Large parties welcome. Private event space available.

910-343-0200. 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch,. 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: pilothouserest.com

■ WEBSITE: caseysbuffet.com

RX RESTAURANT & BAR

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

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go ■ WEBSITE: rxwilmington.com 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 Under new ownership! Tom Noonan invites run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant you to enjoy his remodeled space, featuring where people are urged to enjoy all food indig- a new sound system and new bar, in a warm, enous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, relaxed environment. Taste 40 craft beers, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green over 400 wines by the bottle, a wide selection beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and home- of cheese and charcuterie, with gourmet small made banana puddin’ are among a few of many plates and desserts to go! And don’t miss their other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive. weekly wine tastings, every Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 (910) 798-2913. p.m.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednes- SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon., days through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed; Tues.-Thurs., 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Fri., 4 and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 4 - 10 Mon. & Tues. p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown, 29 S Front St. WEBSITE: fortunateglass.com ■ FEATURING: Pig’s feet and chitterlings.

CASEY’S BUFFET

TAPAS/WINE BAR

THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR

SHUCKIN’ SHACK

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

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

Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch,

encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 23

TREAT

YO

SELF

More food and drink pairings for the quarantine kitchen DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND MARGARITA 2 oz blanco tequila (I prefer Lunazul or Espolon) Fresh lemon juice Fresh lime juice Splash simple syrup 1 oz cranberry juice Soda water Sour Patch Kids (optional)

E

very time I open New York Times Cooking to find inspiration for dinner, I find myself on an endless scroll. It’s the same way my husband and I peruse Netflix these days: mindlessly skimming over things that would be completely new to us, they’ve offered in this weeks quarantine recbut somehow none of it is good enough. I ipes, don’t hesitate to jump on Venmo and made a cheese sandwich on a hot dog bun show your appreciation. the other day. The struggle is real.

I miss restaurants. I find myself getting wistful frequently. I miss banter with bartenders—heck, I miss being a bartender to banter with. I miss leaning over to the couple sitting next to us at a restaurant to ask about the plate in front of them. I miss after-dinner drinks that dance long into the evening, and the sorry brunch the morning after, with a mimosa to save me from myself. Hair of the dog is a lot less chic when you make it yourself.

But, as my dad would say, “Tough noogies, kiddo.” This is the way things are.

I’m still feeling grateful for all of the bartenders and chefs who are willing to share their secrets. As always, if you enjoy what

CAPE FEAR WINE & BEER + CASA BLANCA Just as Cape Fear Wine & Beer (CFWB) is known for its monumental beer list, Casa Blanca is known for its thoughtful lattes and locally roasted coffee. CFWB is open from 4-8 p.m. seven days a week to fill growlers or pick up wine and beer to-go. The full beer list is available on Untappd.

Casa Blanca is open from 12-4 p.m. daily for curbside service, with a full drink menu and limited food menu. (That includes half gallons of batched cold brew, iced lattes and more!) Order ahead at casa-blanca-coffee. square.site.

24 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

“I make these when I want a margarita but I don’t want all the sweetness from premade margarita mix,” Calvano says. “Combine tequila, lemon juice, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup and shake in a shaker tin with ice. You can add more simple syrup for more sweetness. Strain over ice in a rocks glass. Top with soda water and cranberry juice, then garnish with a couple of Sour Patch Kids for added cheekiness.”

CHORIZO AND EGG TACOS

BY JO

AN C.

W. HO

Perfect for a late-night dinner and a margarita. These can be made using classic pork chorizo or soy chorizo to keep it veg!

FFMA

NN

Chorizo Eggs Frozen tater tots

DEVIL IN THE CAPE FEAR Cape Fear Wine and Beer’s ‘Devil’s Playground’ is a fun take on a margarita.

Photo courtesy Cece Calvano

They’ve both decided to show off a little for us this week as well. CFWB bartender Cece Calvano and Casa Blanca Food & Spirits director Sunni Holley are here with two fresh recipes for the quarantine kitchen.

Cece’s Venmo: @cece-gonsalves Sunni’s Venmo: @sunni-holley

Avocado Cilantro Tortillas (flour or corn, whichever you like) White onion Limes Hot sauce Cook your tater tots according to package directions; you’ll need about three per taco.

Make sure they’re crispy for that textural difference!

While the tots cook, take care of the rest.

Warm up those tortillas by either wrapping ‘em in foil and tossing in the oven, or if you

have a gas range and want those charred edges, you can warm them over a low flame.

Slice avocado, set aside. Chop up onion and cilantro and place together in a small bowl.

Brown the chorizo in a sauté pan over medium heat, making sure to break it up as it cooks. Once cooked, set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain—or, since paper products are basically worth their weight in gold right now, use a slotted spoon. Dispose most of the leftover oil from the pan.

Beat your eggs together and add them to the same pan, add some salt, scramble to preferred level of firmness (we like softer to mimic a cheesy egg).

Now for the big finish: Grab a warm tortilla, fill it with three tots, a little chorizo, a little egg, and some of that avocado, top with cilantro and onion (again: optional but definitely encouraged), and finish with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce and squeeze of lime. Head back to the couch and don’t forget the margarita!

STALK & VINE + THE BASICS

make it a bit more tropical.

sired.

FLAT IRON STEAK WITH CREOLE SEASONING AND PINEAPPLE SALSA

BEER BARRIO + TRUE BLUE

¼ c paprika

After making simple syrup and allowing to cool, combine all margarita ingredients in a This next combo is a real palate treat from blender and add 2 handfuls of ice. Garnish Beer Barrio—now open for takeout (beerbar- with peach slice, lime, and jalapeño on the rionc.com) and True Blue, also open for take- rim. out (butcher shop is open, too).

Makes two cocktails. Enjoy!

Admittedly, of all the margs I’ve made, I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t even thought to pick up a peach or peach-related prod- TUNA POKE uct. Luckily, Sheena O’Reilly of Beer Barrio 1 lb fresh sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna (and Dock St. Oyster Bar) has my back. And (minced) chef-owner Bobby Zimmerman of Wrights2 tbsp Vidalia onion (minced) ville Beach’s own True Blue is coming in correct with tuna poke to balance out all of the 0.5 tsp grated fresh ginger red meat I’ve been eating this quarantine.

2 scallions, sliced thin Sheena’s Venmo: @Sheena-OReilly Pinch cinnamon

2 tbsp dried oregano

JALAPEÑO PEACH MARGRAITA

“I think the acidity and sweetness of the salsa in this dish will really complement the earthy flavors of the rye,” Long says. “Since you would already be picking up jalapeños at the store, this makes for a nice crossover!”

1 16-24 oz flatiron steak, or protein of choice (works well with grilled seafood) Pierce the steak on both sides with a fork.

Rub spice mixture (recipe below) generously on both sides and allow meat to rest for 30 minutes.

Creole Spice:

2 tsp black pepper 1.5 tsp dried thyme 1.5 tsp granulated garlic (not garlic salt) 1.5 tbsp dried basil 1.5 tbsp kosher salt

Remember what having cocktails on the Riverwalk felt like? What I wouldn’t give for a sip and a brunch situation at The Basics!

2 tsp granulated onion (not onion powder or salt)

The Basics is still offering to-go goods and is updating their specials daily on Facebook. Stalk & Vine (on the Riverwalk where Le Catalan used to be ) is waiting with bated breath to open and serve once again.

Combine together. Store leftover spice mixture in airtight container for future use.

However, owner Zac Brown of Stalk + Vine and owner Mary Long of The Basics have weighed in to ease our yearning woes for downtown yumminess once again.

Zac’s Venmo: @zacbrown7

NASCENT Definition: just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential 1.5 oz Bulleit Rye Bourbon (Rittenhouse Rye or Templeton Rye kick it up a notch) 4-5 lime wedges (quarter slices) 4-5 slices jalapeños Spice to taste: On average smaller jalapeños add more heat than larger jalapeños, so beware 0.5 tsp cane sugar (substitute: simple syrup) Club soda Muddle lime wedges, jalapeños and sugar until all juice is extracted out of the lime wedges and jalapeños, and sugar is a light paste. Add bourbon, one scoop of ice (6-8 cubes), and shake. Strain mixture over a rocks glass full of ice. Top with club soda.

Want to be fancy?

Rim the glass with sugar or salt. Sugar will cut the heat and salt will accentuate it.

Add pineapple/strawberry chunks/juice to

1/2 of a fresh jalapeño, sliced in half (do not remove seeds)

2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 fresh peaches, pitted and diced 2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (roll limes underneath palm if under ripe) 1/4 c jalapeño simple syrup (see recipe below)

Pinch Kashmiri chili powder (substitute: cayenne chili powder) 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds 1 tsp honey 1 tsp sherry vinegar 2 tbsp tamari 2 tsp sesame oil

3 oz Patron Silver

Combine all ingredients except tuna in a mixing bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Jalapeño Simple Syrup:

Then add tuna. With a wooden spoon, mix vigorously for 1-2 minutes.

0.5 c sugar 0.5 c water

Serve chilled.

Pineapple Salsa: 1 small red onion, diced small 1 small red bell pepper, diced small 1 small green bell pepper, diced small 1 jalapeño, deseeded, diced small

We’re not just hot dogs!

Combine these vegetables together in a mixing bowl. Set aside half of mixture for another use. (We call this “migas mix” at The Basics, and saute the vegetables and add eggs, scrambling them altogether with tomatoes for our popular breakfast dish!)

Add: Juice of 1 lime 1 tbsp minced cilantro 1.5 tsp kosher salt 0.5 tsp black pepper 1/4 fresh pineapple, peeled, core removed, and diced small 1 tsp sugar Toss together all ingredients and set aside. Preheat grill to 375 degrees.

Season grill with vegetable oil, and place meat on grill until internal temperature reaches 135 degrees for medium rare, approximately 6 minutes per side. Allow for 5-minute rest time, once meat is off the grill.

Slice the beef and arrange on a platter, topping with the pineapple salsa.

Note: The extra pineapple can be sliced and used to garnish the cocktail, if so de-

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encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 25

BUMPER CROP Vendors wearing masks and gloves will put their products directly into shoppers’ trunks as part of new safety measures at Riverfront Farmers Market.

Courtesy photo

KEEP IT

BY JEFF OLOIZIA

T

he Riverfront Farmers Market is back—sort of. The seasonal market, which usually opens near the Cape Fear River in late March, has been closed this spring out of concerns for public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, that hasn’t stopped event organizers from finding a safer way to proceed.

A slimmed-down version of the popular farmers market opened last Saturday at Waterline Brewing Co. and will operate each week as a drive-thru service. While the market is not open to walk-up traffic or bicycles, it’s a significant step toward bringing some semblance of normality back to the downtown community.

“I fully expect the energy to still be there,” says James Christopher of event management and production company Cool Wilmington, which runs the market.

“It’s going to be wonderful for our farmers to see regular customers return and say hello (from a safe social distance, of course), and it’s going to be an opportunity for new customers to get out on a Saturday morning and experience the farmers market. We are really excited to see this in action.”

Twenty-seven vendors participated in

DETAILS RIVERFRONT FARMERS MARKET Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Drive-thru shopping only Waterline Brewing Co., 721 Surry St. riverfrontfarmersmarket.org Saturday’s market—down from the 35 or so that frequently line the market’s usual location on Dock Street. The reduction in numbers was intended to allow for a minimum of 6 feet between each stall. Cool Wilmington also has limited vendors to only those selling “essential” goods (vegetables, meat and fish, baked goods, personal hygiene wares, etc.), leaving artisans who usually participate on the outside looking in. However, that may change as restrictions are loosened locally and statewide.

“We are considering ways to have them represented in some form at the market,” Christopher says. “We just need to find a way to do it safely.”

Among the vendors set up in the fenced lot next to Waterline are Alchemy Ranch, Davis Seafood, Ruth’s Elderberry Syrup, Noni Bacca Winery, Castle Hayne Farms, Longboard Coffee Roaster, Kritter Couture and others (for full list, see the market’s Facebook page). All vendors are required to wear masks and gloves, and to sanitize their hands and work stations after each transaction.

Says Christopher, “This is a very safe way to shop, probably the safest way you

26 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

can shop. The items you purchase will have literally been touched by one person.

Compare that with shopping at a local grocery chain.”

Jennifer Demary, who runs Kritter Couture & More, says she’s “cautiously relieved” things seem to be opening back up, and is happy to see Cool Wilmington is taking the appropriate steps to keep both shoppers and vendors safe. As a maker of customizable pet accessories, Demary relies on weekend markets for much of her business. She recently shifted production to begin making handmade face masks, which gives her “essential” designation while providing a sense of purpose and allowing her to stay afloat. Demary’s face masks are available at the market for $10 each and come in roughly 30 to 50 different patterns, though she has over 400 fabric prints in her workshop at home.

“I have medical prints, sports prints, beach, pet, movies … you name it, I have it,” she says.

Other vendors have kept their businesses afloat through sheer hustle. Gayle Straight (née Jackson) runs Alchemy Ranch with her husband David. Though the Straights were forced to move their ranching business from Pender County to Mount Airy after Hurricane Florence, Gayle still makes the 4-hour drive to Wilmington on a regular basis to sell their meats.

Farmers markets are especially vital to the Straights right now, as other forms of income have dried up. Alchemy Ranch regularly sells its soy-free, non-GMO products to downtown restaurants PinPoint and Tarantelli’s. Without their business, markets make up almost 80% of overall sales.

“My philosophy is: How do I keep my business open? What do I have to do?” says Gayle.

As a former restaurant-industry professional and health-department liaison (she was one of the original owners of Jackson’s Big Oak Barbecue), Gayle is no

MOVING

Riverfront Farmers Market opens as drive-thru service at Waterline Brewing Co. stranger to safe food handling. She got a jumpstart on social distancing while working the Wilmington Farmers Market at Tidal Creek, which has temporarily been relocated to Wrightsville Beach Brewery as a drive-thru market. Her process for helping customers includes wearing a mask, keeping ample amounts of hand sanitizer and a hand-washing station, and sanitizing credit cards both before and after use.

“People can either drive up or park near me, and then I put their product in the back seat or in the back of their vehicle, and they Venmo me or have the exact amount cash ready in a baggie or a paper bag for me to take,” she says.

She’s even gone so far as to wash all of her cash when she gets home. “There’s a new connotation to laundering money now,” she says.

Jokes aside, the attitude is one that should be familiar to most farmers: Do whatever is necessary.

“There’s that old saying, ‘Thank a farmer three times a day,’” Christopher says.

“It’s very true. Our members are your neighbors. . . . Family farming is a tough business and local farmers are amongst the most dedicated people I have ever met. It is truly a labor of love for them. I think you can literally taste that dedication in the products.”

Join The n Rebellio Today OFFERING TAKE OUT AND DELIVERY! CHECK OUR FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS FOR UPDATES ON MENU AND HOURS

• American comfort food, with a Southern twist • Handpicked bourbons and whiskeys • House-made barrel-aged cocktails • Excellent wine selection • 34 beers on draft Mon. 4pm-12am • Tues.-Thurs. 11:30am-12am Fri. & Sat. 11:30am-1am • Sun. 11:30am-12am

15 S. Front St. 910-399-1162 www.rebellionnc.com

encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com 27

CARPE

LIBRUM

BY GWENYFAR ROHLER

W

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

Welcome to Carpe Librum, encore’s biweekly book column, wherein I will dissect a current title and/or an old book—

build lives. Barnwell notes he sees a lot of similarities between the farmers and shrimpers he has photographed: namely, their hard work, optimism and wealth of skills not taught in schools.

Gwenyfar looks closer at a portrait of American coastal life because literature does not exist in a vacuum but emerges to participate in a larger, cultural conversation. I will feature many NC writers; however, the hope is to place the discussion in a larger context and therefore examine works around the world.

Tide Runners: Shrimping and Fishing on the Carolinas and Georgia Coast Tim Barnwell Numinous Editions, 2019, pgs. 160 First and foremost, Tim Barnwell is an incredibly gifted artist. He has an eye with the camera that seeks out subtlety, undercurrent and subtext in a way that illuminates each picture. His book, “Tide Runners: Shrimping and Fishing on the Carolinas and

Leland’s friendly neighborhood Irish Pub with the best pub fare in town.

We are missing all our customers and staff and can’t wait to see everyone on the other side of this!

Checkout our Facebook page for updates and some comedic relief.

Stay well and we will see you soon!

1174 Turlington Ave., Leland 910-408-1400 www.thejoyceirishpub.com 28 encore | may 6 - may 12, 2020 | www.encorepub.com

Georgia Coast,” is a work of fine art, fit to be sold in the Whitney or at the most exclusive art galleries. Barnwell also has chronicled something so vital to American daily life, it’s virtually invisible: the vanishing world of the coastal shrimping industry.

The idea of shrimp and shrimp boats probably never really entered the heads of most people in my generation until the film “Forrest Gump” (and who could forget the seemingly unending uses for shrimp and the creation of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.?) Reality that the world was shifting hit me about 15 years ago, when I was sent to cover the Sneed’s Ferry Shrimp Festival. During an interview, the organizers were adamant, while not all their shrimp came from Sneed’s Ferry, they had at least managed to serve shrimp caught exclusively in the U.S. (in other words, none of their product was coming from Vietnam.)

So the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival couldn’t serve local shrimp? It was probably the first time the magnitude of globalism hit me.

Barnwell’s book documents the shrimping industry on the Carolina and Georgia coasts, with oral histories alongside the people pictured. Each photograph is striking and reproduced beautifully; any could be framed for display. However, coupling them with the oral histories captivated me (I am a text-driven person.) Oddly, while reading Barnwell’s book, I was reminded of a moment from Tony Rivenbark’s virtual tour of his home for the Wilson Center’s Ghostlight Series. At one point, he gestures to a small model of a tobacco barn, and comments the reason he could be in Wilmington and enjoy all he has worked for is because of tobacco.

His family grew tobacco in Duplin County, and that essentially gave him his start in life.

Both the photographs and oral histories bear witness to similar truths: Shrimping is what has set up many families and enabled people to buy homes, get educations and

I know some people will be attracted to these images as a confirmation of their stereotypes—and one of my personal karmic goals in this lifetime is to find acceptance for them or at least tolerance. But, for people who understand that making a living on the water means more than having a perfect sandy beach on a private, exclusive island, these images are joyful. The water is a taxing mistress: Each time you go out, you might not come back. The effort and labor required to harvest, transport and process shrimp is immense. The work depicted is gargantuan—and, frankly, inspiring in a day and age when “Instagram influencer” is considered a real job.

I especially found poignant a portrait of Sally Granet, whose grandfather’s shrimp boat is tattooed on her back. It frames a moment that spans generations. What does that boat really represent? How many dreams were pinned to it? How many hot meals? How much was sacrificed to keep it seaworthy? As the world has changed, and the shrimping industry has shifted increasingly to cheaper farm-raised shrimp from the third world, the impact of those changes on our coastal landscape is unmistakable— though, sometimes you have to pause to feel it.

My favorite images are from the Blessing of the Fleet collections. Barnwell photographed the annual event, which traces back to the Mediterranean and asks divine blessings and protection for the fleet in the coming season, in both Georgia and South Carolina. A big parade, party, festival and flotilla are commonly part of the experience.

People dress up and decorate their vessels.

Visually, it is fascinating, but it also drives home just how important the fleet is to everyone’s survival.

Yes, Barnwell has beautiful pictures of boats in the water at sunrise that will, indeed, take the reader’s breath away. There are plenty of photographs one can imagine framed in a rich person’s beach house. But don’t be misled: This is a profound piece of photojournalism that captures an essential part of our coastal life. By focusing on both a specific moment in time and the events that brought him and his subjects to that moment, Barnwell has created a piece of art that will resonate for years.

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ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) According to Aries author and mythologist Joseph Campbell, “The quest for fire occurred not because anyone knew what the practical uses for fire would be, but because it was fascinating.” He was referring to our early human ancestors, and how they stumbled upon a valuable addition to their culture because they were curious about a powerful phenomenon, not because they knew it would ultimately be so valuable. I invite you to be guided by a similar principle in the coming weeks, Aries. Unforeseen benefits may emerge during your investigation into flows and bursts that captivate your imagination.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20) “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious,” says businessperson and entrepreneur John Sculley. You Tauruses aren’t renowned for such foresight. It’s more likely to belong to Aries and Sagittarius people. Your tribe is more likely to specialize in doing the good work that turns others’ bright visions into practical realities.

But this Year of the Coronavirus could be an exception to the general rule. In the past three months as well as in the next six months, many of you Bulls have been and will continue to be catching glimpses of interesting possibilities before they become obvious. Give yourself credit for this knack. Be alert for what it reveals.

Fortune also resists poorly formulated intentions, feeble vows, and sketchy plans—especially now, during an historical turning point when the world is undergoing massive transformations. Luckily, I don’t see those lapses being problems for you in the coming weeks, Leo. According to my analysis, you’re primed to be clear and precise. Your willpower should be working with lucid grace. You’ll have an enhanced ability to assess your assets and make smart plans for how to use them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Last year the Baltimore Museum of Art announced it would acquire works exclusively from women artists in 2020. A male art critic complained, “That’s unfair to male artists.” Here’s my reply: Among major permanent art collections in the U.S. and Europe, the work of women makes up five percent of the total. So what the Baltimore Museum did is a righteous attempt to rectify the existing excess. It’s a just and fair way to address an unhealthy imbalance. In accordance with current omens and necessities, Virgo, I encourage you to perform a comparable correction in your personal sphere.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

For 148 uninterrupted years, American militias and the American army waged a series of wars against the native peoples who lived on the continent before Europeans came. There were more than 70 conflicts that lasted from 1776 until 1924.

If there is any long-term struggle or strife that even mildly resembles that situation in your own personal life, our Global Healing Crisis is a favorable time to call a truce and cultivate peace. Start now!

It’s a ripe and propitious time to end hostilities that have gone on too long.

In the course of my life, I’ve met many sharp thinkers with advanced degrees from fine universities—who are nonetheless stunted in their emotional intelligence. They may quote Shakespeare and discourse on quantum physics and explain the difference between the philosophies of Kant and Hegel, and yet have less skill in understanding the inner workings of human beings or in creating vibrant intimate relationships. Yet most of these folks are not extreme outliers. I’ve found that virtually all of us are smarter in our heads than we are in our hearts.

The good news, Libra, is that our current Global Healing Crisis is an excellent time for you to play catch up. Do what poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti suggests: “Make your mind learn its way around the heart.”

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Novelist Marcel Proust was a sensitive, dreamy, emotional, self-protective, creative Cancerian. That may explain why he wasn’t a good soldier. During his service in the French army, he was ranked 73rd in a squad of 74. On the other hand, his majestically intricate seven-volume novel “In Search of Lost Time” is a masterpiece—one of the 20th century’s most influential literary works. In evaluating his success as a human being, should we emphasize his poor military performance and downplay his literary output?

Of course not! Likewise, Cancerian, in the coming weeks I’d like to see you devote vigorous energy to appreciating what you do best and no energy at all to worrying about your inadequacies.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) “Fortune resists half-hearted prayers,” wrote the poet Ovid more than 2,000 years ago. I will add that

into perspective, though. He preached “the power of positive thinking.” He was relentless in his insistence that we can and should transcend discouragement and disappointment. So we should consider the possibility that he was overly enthusiastic in his implication that we should never give up. What do you think, Sagittarius? I’m guessing this will be an important question for you to consider in the coming weeks. It may be time to re-evaluate your previous thoughts on the matter and come up with a fresh perspective. For example, maybe it’s right to give up on one project if it enables you to persevere in another.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) The 16-century mystic nun Saint Teresa of Avila was renowned for being overcome with rapture during her spiritual devotions. At times she experienced such profound bliss through her union with God that she levitated off the ground. “Any real ecstasy is a sign you are moving in the right direction,” she wrote. I hope that you will be periodically moving in that direction yourself during the coming weeks, Capricorn. Although it may seem odd advice to receive during our Global Healing Crisis, I really believe you should make appointments with euphoria,

delight, and enchantment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Grammy-winning musician and composer Pharrell Williams has expertise in the creative process. “If someone asks me what inspires me,” he testifies, “I always say, ‘That which is missing.’” According to my understanding of the astrological omens, you would benefit from making that your motto in the coming weeks. Our Global Healing Crisis is a favorable time to discover what’s absent or empty or blank about your life, and then learn all you can from exploring it. I think you’ll be glad to be shown what you didn’t consciously realize was lost, omitted, or lacking.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) “I am doing my best to not become a museum of myself,” declares poet Natalie Diaz. I think she means that she wants to avoid defining herself entirely by her past. She is exploring tricks that will help her keep from relying so much on her old accomplishments that she neglects to keep growing. Her goal is to be free of her history, not to be weighed down and limited by it.

These would be worthy goals for you to work on in the coming weeks, Pisces. What would your first step be?

Aphorist Aaron Haspel writes, “The less you are contradicted, the stupider you become. The more powerful you become, the less you are contradicted.” Let’s discuss how this counsel might be useful to you in the coming weeks.

First of all, I suspect you will be countered and challenged more than usual, which will offer you rich opportunities to become smarter. Secondly, I believe you will become more powerful as long as you don’t try to stop or discourage the influences that contradict you. In other words, you’ll grow your personal authority and influence to the degree that you welcome opinions and perspectives that are not identical to yours.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) “It’s always too early to quit,” wrote author Norman Vincent Peale. We should put his words

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