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ON THE COVER

encore Readers’ Choice Award WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS

MAY 11

Waterline Brewing Co. 11am-5pm encore’s inaugural Bestival will be an all-day outdoor festival, featuring an arts market, craft-beer fest, live music, comedy and theatre, plus food trucks and the announcements of winners for our annual 2019 Best Of! Open to the public, it’s free, but donations accepted to benefit DREAMS of Wilmington. Read all about it and check out the map of the lay of the land, pgs. 23-27.

M

MUSIC>> Keller Williams is bringing a different set of songs to Greenfield Lake on Saturday with Grateful Grass: Grateful Dead tunes played in the bluegrass genre.

Photo by Tom Dorgan

T

UNION DUKE Smokin’ hot Toronto band Union Duke is coming to Wilmington! Bridging soulful indie rock with bluegrass and country, the group belts out soaring harmonies with wild guitar and banjo solos. Don’t miss their explosive live show! Tickets are $28/$20/$15.

Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. www.thalianhall.org

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

Editor-in-Chief:

PG. 8

Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com

Assistant Editor:

Shannon Rae Gentry // music@encorepub.com

Art Director/Office Manager:

Susie Riddle // ads@encorepub.com

Cube Theatre’s “Othello” saw a few hardships before its opening, but it’s a payoff to see the Bard’s work onstage, transformed into a modern-day setting of love and jealousy.

Photo by James Bowling

Chief Contributors: Gwenyfar Rohler, Anghus,

Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd, Mark Basquill, Rosa Bianca, Rob Brezsny, Joan C. Wilkerson, John Wolfe, Fanny Slater

SALES>

General Manager:

D

DINING>> Rosa traverses downtown to Beer Bellies, a NOLA-inspired eatery, to get the 4-1-1 on their tasty beignets, burgers and wings, plus all the cold brews.

Photo by Shannon Rae Gentry

Friday, May 6 - 11 a.m.

May 10, 7:30 p.m.

EDITORIAL>

<<THEATRE

PG. 19

EVENT OF THE WEEK

John Hitt // john@encorepub.com

Advertising:

Megan Henry // megan@encorepub.com John Hitt // john@encorepub.com Shea Carver // shea@encorepub.com Published on Wednesday by HP Media. Opinions of contributing writers are not the opinions of encore.

PG. 35

INSIDE THIS WEEK: Live Local, pgs. 4-5 • News of the Weird, pg. 6 • Music, pgs. 8-15 •

Gallery Guide, pg. 17 • Comedy, pg. 18 • Theatre, pg. 19 • Film, pg. 21 • Bestival Cover Story, pgs. 2327 • Dining Guide, pgs. 28-32 • Dining Review, pg. 35 • Books, pg. 36 • Calendar, pgs. 38-47

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P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 www.encorepub.com

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NEWS>>FEATURE

LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL:

Black Mama Bail Out hopes to reunite black women with their families house? What collateral can you put up?”

If you have no significant assets, the conversation ends there.

BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

I find it very difficult to believe a single parent, working third shift, sees the value of a dollar the same way Michael Cohen does. Also, he or she likely couldn’t raise that kind of money when needed.

The inequities around the cash bail system in the United States are becoming part of our conversation about larger issues of using the penal system to exploit and rend the African-American community in the United States. In 2018 CNN reported New Jersey and Alaska were ending cash bail (with a few exceptions), and California was ending cash bail effective October 2019.

A few years ago, one of my friends mentioned our mutual friend, Tony, started every morning by looking at StarNews mugshots. When I asked why, the conversation turned toward how you never know who needs to get bailed out. Now, Tony is a man with a big heart and small pocketbook, and when I pointed it out, the answer was: “Yes, but he could get together the 10 people who could pool enough money to get someone out.”

SONG FOR CHANGE: Local efforts are underway to raise money to free black mothers and caretakers by Mother’s Day. Courtesy image

T

he Bill of Rights, or the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, enshrines people’s freedoms in an effort to protect the ideals for all U.S. citizens. At the time, it meant white, land-owning males, but the anti-Federalists then feared the power of an overly strong federal government. North Carolina held out on ratifying the U.S. Constitution because of the anti-Federalist voices in our state.

Over 200 years later, we continue to argue about the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution as we limp toward including every citizen in its protections.

We have, for example, admitted AfricanAmericans are indeed people instead of property. Women, too, have more rights,

though, technically we still are fighting for NC to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

The First Amendment (Freedom of Speech, Religion, the Press and Peaceable Assembly) and The Second Amendment (gun ownership and the militia) tend to attract a lot of attention. But others are important, too. For example, the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution addresses bail and cruel and unusual punishment, and often gets glossed over—but at the people’s peril. Re: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

“Cruel and unusual punishment” is a

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relative term, as “branding” and “maiming” don’t figure heavily into judicial sentences in the early 2000s. But many of the arguments around the death penalty focus on the Eighth Amendment.

Yet, how does one determine what excessive bail is? In the United States, many people are able to secure their release from jail prior to their trial by posting a bond (a financial deposit with the court) which ensures they will appear at the time of their trial. But does a dollar have the same value to all people?

To Michael Cohen, his $500,000 bond was money he raised to secure his pretrial release. For many the conversation would begin with: “Do you own your

In essence, it is what a grassroots effort is trying to do across the country right now: pool enough money to get out people accused of non-violent offenses, who are sitting in jail ahead of their trials because they can’t afford their bail.

In our area, there is a push to get women and caregivers out of jail and home for Mother’s Day: “The Black Mama Bail Out.” Several organizations are pooling resources and fundraising efforts are banding together and include: Southerners On New Ground, New Hanover County NAACP, LINC, Inc., the ACLU of NC, Working Films, UU Social Justice Committee, the SENC Central Labor Council, Wilmington Pride, Alliance for Economic Justice, Frank Harr Foundation, and Women Organizing Wilmington.

Two participants, Janyce Jones and Roberta Penn, took time to answer encore’s questions about their efforts. encore (e): How did you learn about The Black Mama Bail Out? Roberta Penn (RP): I have been involved with Southerners on New Ground

(SONG) for several years and joined in on some of their Zoom meetings during the past two years of Black Mama’s Bail Out actions.

and their dedication arises from love of community.

Janyce Jones (JJ): I first learned about the national bail-out campaign through social media and email lists. But through my friend Roberta Penn, I got more information particularly about the Wilmington bail out.

JJ: We are raising money through community-direct appeals, fundraising events, and via social media.

e: Why did you decide to get involved?

JJ: Once I learned poor people and people of color are sitting in cages just because they don’t have the bail money, I was first sad, then angry, and wanted to to help. Getting black mothers and caregivers out so they can spend Mother’s Day with their families is important to me.

RP: Contributions are either in cash to the Campaign to End Cash Bail or through the SONG website donation page (bit.ly/freeblackmamasfund-19), which collects funds for bail outs in all participating cities (Atlanta, Durham, Greensboro, Asheville, Nashville, Richmond, Birmingham, Knoxville, and Wilmington). To ensure donations, which are tax deductible, go to the Wilmington bail out, click the drop down menu on the SONG donation page and choose “Wilmington, NC.” e: How many women are you hoping to bail out? How do you identify which women to bail out?

RP: We don’t have a set number of black mamas and caretakers we hope to bail out. It depends on how much money we have; we plan to use cash bail rather than bail bondsmen because they are part of the exploitative bail-bond system.

We want to bail out women and caretakers whose needs can be met. We have

e: Why is this issue important to our community?

JJ: We want to reunite black mamas, who are members of our community, with their families and community so they can continue to do what sustains them, like being with family and children, keeping their jobs. The entire community benefits.

They are sitting in jails but have not been tried, and this does not benefit us as a community.

RP: The money bail system perpetuates racial bias within the criminal legal system and only benefits the for-profit bail bonds industry and insurance companies that underwrite it. It is a system that preys on marginalized communities, and only the U.S. and the Philippines have a money bail system.

In New Hanover County a black person is eight times more likely to wind up in jail than a white one. The population in our jail is about 50 percent black, even though 80 percent of the population is white.

On a larger scale the public should

consider the cost of putting people in cages. It costs $80 a day to keep someone in jail but only about $7 a day to support them in the community. e: Is this going to become a recurring event?

RP: The Campaign to End Cash Bail will continue because the goal is to end pretrial detention and it will take changes in hearts, minds and public policies. The Black Mama’s Bail Out is an action to focus attention on the money bail system’s inequalities and the waste of taxpayer money that could be used to support communities.

Bailing out people who are in jail not because they’ve been convicted of a crime but because they have no access to bond money will continue through SONG, but the Campaign to End Cash Bail has no concrete plan for a local follow-up bail-out action at this time.

JJ: SONG Has been doing this for the past three years, and I hope to take this action until we no longer need to.

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RP: I became involved because SONG is a multiracial LGBTQ organization centered on the liberation for all of us, rather than accommodation of some of us, to broken systems that only support the privileged. I feel at home in SONG because it is a regional Southern organization focused on transforming the South. It’s an uplifting experience to be part of SONG’s actions and initiatives because their organizing is visionary

e: How are you raising money? How can the community contribute?

a social service crew, led by Michelle Gunn of LINC, Inc, and they’re interviewing women in cages to assess needs. If we can give the women the support they need, we will try to bail them out.

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CREME DE LA WEIRD

In St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, Lucas Dawe, 20, appeared in court on April 11 to face charges of possessing stolen skeletal remains. According to court documents reported by The Chronicle Herald, Dawe is suspected of stealing a skeleton, estimated to be more than 100 years old, from the All Saints Parish cemetery. The skeleton was found along a walking trail on April 6, and police were led to Dawe after an anonymous witness reported seeing him licking the bones. He was also charged with interfering with human remains, after he was accused of boiling the bones and drinking the water. [Chronicle Herald, 4/12/2019]

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

subdivision: It didn’t appear on signs, but could be found in the fine print of real estate documents. Nonetheless, the Cherry Hills Village City Council voted unanimously on April 16 to change the neighborhood’s name from Swastika Acres to Old Cherry Hills. Councilman Dan Sheldon explained that the name came from the Denver Land Swastika Co., which divided the land into plots in the early 20th century, before the Nazis appropriated the symbol: “There was nothing wrong with (the name) at that time,” Sheldon told KDVR-TV. Only one resident opposed the name change, Sheldon said.

“She thought it was important to preserve that historical value of that symbol ... even though she herself lost family members in the Holocaust.” [KDVR, 4/16/2019]

Residents of a particular neighborhood FLORIDA. Some days everything goes right. So it in the Denver suburb of Cherry Hills Village was for the Polk County Sheriff’s officers may not have ever known the name of their

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who responded to a call on March 24 from Marta Diaz in Winter Haven, Florida. Diaz’s car, a tan Jeep Patriot, had been stolen earlier in the day. As the officers took Diaz’s statement, that same tan Jeep pulled up in front of the house, and Ronnie Dillon Willis, 25, emerged, telling deputies he was “looking for his cellular phone, which was pinging back to the residence,” reported the Miami Herald. Diaz told the officers she didn’t know Willis but had seen him earlier on her street. Willis told the officers he woke up that morning at that location, inside a vehicle, but he wasn’t sure if it was the Jeep or a minivan also parked there. He knocked on the door of the house, but when no one answered, he took the Jeep to look for his phone, which was missing. The deputies arrested Willis for grand theft of a motor vehicle; Willis also had a suspended license, for which he received a traffic citation. [Miami Herald, 4/5/2019]

WHAT GOES UP ...

Two years ago, 39-year-old Dion Callaway was attempting a high-speed landing after skydiving at the Cloverdale Municipal Airport in Sonoma County, California, when he shattered his left heel and eventually having to have his leg amputated below the knee. On April 21, the Santa Rosa resident was back at it, skydiving, when he lost his leg again — his $15,000 prosthetic leg “just flew off,” Callaway told the Press Democrat.

“I’ve jumped with the prosthetic before, but a rush of air got inside this time. I tried to watch where it was falling, but ... I could not keep track.” Early the next morning, workers at Redwood Empire lumberyard spotted something they first thought was a soda can. Yard production manager Micah Smith said his first reaction was, “Oh, that’s not a soda can, that’s a leg ... where’s the rest?” The story ended happily after Smith called the sheriff’s office, where Callaway picked up his leg later that day. “Skydiving is my everything,” Callaway said. “I always seem to come back to it.” [Press Democrat, 4/22/2019]

... MUST COME DOWN

Members of England’s Colchester United Football Club were confused by the cheese-

burger they found on the pitch at their training ground in March. “When we discovered the burger ... we weren’t quite sure what to think,” media manager Matt Hudson told Sky News. But Tom Stanniland, who was tracking the burger, knew exactly what had happened and called the club to explain. “I sent a burger into space using a weather balloon,” Stanniland said. “It had gone about 24 miles up and the weather balloon popped. It’s ... traveled over 100 miles and landed.” The burger was attached with a zip tie to a styrofoam box fitted with a GoPro camera and a tracking device. Stanniland took a bite out of the burger after retrieving it, but wasn’t impressed: “That’s not nice,” he said. [Sky News, 3/29/2019]

UPDATE

The news on Easter was full of videos of the man in a bunny costume involved in a brawl in Orlando, Florida, who claimed innocence by saying he was defending a woman who had been spit on. “I am the type of person who avoids fights by any means necessary, but in that situation, I would fight any day,” 20-year-old Antoine McDonald told the media. But the Tampa Bay Times reports McDonald has a rap sheet that belies this chivalrous image.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said McDonald is wanted in New Jersey in connection with a vehicle burglary and was a person of interest in a carjacking and two armed robberies in Florida. Police in Dover, Delaware, report arresting McDonald for two armed robberies there in 2017. No arrests were made in the Orlando incident.

[Tampa Bay Times, 4/23/2019]

NEWS THAT SOUNDS LIKE A JOKE

In College Station, Texas, the Peach Creek Vineyard is trying out a new concept for its wine-tasting events: wine with alpacas. Teaming up with the Bluebonnet Hills Alpaca Ranch, the vineyard offers customers the chance to pet and take selfies with alpacas while sipping wine and shopping for yarn, wool or clothing. “In 24 hours, we were sold out,” vineyard owner Kenneth Stolpman told KTRK-TV. One event sold out so quickly Stolpman had to turn away more than 1,000 people. [KTRK, 4/22/2019]

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ARTS>>MUSIC

BLUEGRASS BEND:

Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass heads to GLA with Love Canon Watchtower,” George Jones’ “The Race is On”). As a longtime fan, Williams gravitated to the Dead’s offshoot bands, too, such as Old & In the Way, featuring Jerry Garcia on banjo.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

L

ast time encore spoke with Keller Williams a couple of years ago, he was preparing for his one-man looping instrumental dance party at Brooklyn Arts Center. Williams has a way of bending notes to his will.

“Then, when other bluegrass bands started taking popular songs and making them bluegrass, I started putting it all together for my own tongue-and-cheek-style of bluegrass,” he offers. “I love bluegrass, and the Dead definitely had that kind of country-western mentality as far as lyrics goes. Robert Hunter, the lyricist, wrote a lot about card games, horses, mythical folklore, and things of that nature.”

Williams released an instrumental album in October, “SANS,” and has another solo record, “add” (lowercase, as to not be confused with Attention Deficit Disorder), of electronic beats dropping any day now. “Literally, it’s just going to appear and drop,” Williams quips over the phone.

“It’s like I’m adding back in the lyrics as a follow-up to the instrumental record.”

He’s also recording the next Keller Williams and the Keels record for an early fall release. It’s another set of originals, plus two covers and one older song that’s never seen the inside of a studio before now.

Despite time in the studio and releasing three separate records this year, Williams also found time to tour with Grateful Grass, to play his favorite Grateful Dead songs, arranged and reimagined as bluegrass. It’s been more than 10 years since the original Grateful Grass members came together, including Keller, mandolinist Jeff Austin and Grateful Dead bassist Keith Moseley.

“When I sent them my ideas for the arrangements of the Dead songs, they learned them that afternoon and played it that night,” Williams remembers. “When I put it together, it was all very easy to do because those songs lend themselves well to bluegrass.”

Grateful Grass recorded a live performance in 2008 at The Fillmore in Denver, Colorado, to benefit community arts nonprofit Rex Foundation, founded by the Grateful Dead. After releasing a second live benefit album, Grateful Grass iterations have since sprouted here and there over the years. The latest roundup of

There are obvious stylistic differences between Grateful Grass and Williams’ other Dead-inspired project Grateful Gospel. Grateful Gospel focuses on the spiritual side of the Dead and Jerry Garcia’s repertoire, whereas Grateful Grass has unlimited potential.

“Like ‘Friend of the Devil’ isn’t a great gospel song, but it makes a great bluegrass song,” Williams offers. “It’s really aimed at the material and that’s the biggest difference. . . . Grateful Grass is pretty much anything goes.”

FROM GOSPEL TO ‘GRASS: Keller Williams took us to church at 2017’s Lockn Festival with Grateful Gospel (above), now he’s coming to ILM with Grateful Grass this Saturday at GLA. Photo by Tom Dorgan

Grateful Grass players include Williams friends from The Love Canon, known for their ‘80s cover collection restructured through an acoustic-roots lens.

“The Love Canon is a fantastic group of guys that pay attention to detail,” Williams says. “Grateful Grass is very often extremely loose in the sense there are usually different players every gig because there’s a lot people who love music—because it’s easy and it’s fun and a lot of the pressure’s off of the musicians to play their own material. They’re all coming together to celebrate this music.”

None of the Dead’s songs are a far

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stretch, stylistically speaking, from American roots. The famed ‘60s act started as a jug band, after all. According to Williams, once he entered the bluegrass mentality, songs seemed to bend and shape easily. He picked with tracks like “One More Saturday Night,” Loose Lucy” and “Casey Jones” during the first go-round. Nowadays, he includes “Bertha,” “Shakedown Street” and “Alabama Getaway.”

“Believe it or not—for those really into the Grateful Dead—a song named ‘Wharf Rat,’” Williams adds. “They won’t believe how well it works as a bluegrass song. . . . To me, it never seemed like it would make it ... until it did. As far as songs that have come alive [in these sets], ‘Wharf Rat’ has.”

Williams’ own appreciation for the Dead isn’t just about songs but the extensive catalogue from which they played. The Grateful Dead were the biggest cover band in the world, making songs their own along the way (Dylan’s “All Along the

But that doesn’t mean Williams will cover just anything and everything. He says some are too sacred to ever touch. “For one thing they’re really hard to play,” Williams says, pointing to “Cats Down Under the Stars” and “Love in the Afternoon.” “A lot of Jerry’s songs are tricky in the sense it takes a while to learn them—and if I haven’t learned them by now, I don’t know if I could do it justice.”

Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass with Love Canon will play WIlmington’s Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on Saturday. He’ll play a solo set of his own originals, too, steeped in quippy songwriting (“Doobie in My Pocket”) and acoustic dance music created by way of looping.

DETAILS:

Keller Williams Grateful Grass

featuring Love Canon Saturday, May 11 Doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 1941 Amphitheatre Dr. Tickets: $25-$30 greenfieldlakeamphitheater.com

encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 9

10 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Waterline Brewing, 721 Surry St., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

New Anthem Beer Project • Front Street Brewery • Waterline • Ironclad • Edward Teach • Broomtail • Check Six Waterman’s Brewery • Flying Machine Brewing Co. • Wrightsville Beach Brewery • Skytown Brewery Makai Brewing • Wilmington Brewing Company • and more!

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CheeseSmith Food Truck • Bill’s Brew Food • T’Geaux Boys • The Donut Bus

Sets from our awards hosts, Pineapple-Shaped Lamps, and from Cape Fear Comedy Festival competitors Randy McQuay Rebekah Todd Striking Copper David Dixon Travis Shallow & Bob Russell encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 11

A PREVIEW OF EVENTS ACROSS TOWN THIS WEEK

THE SOUNDBOARD

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FRIDAY MONDAY DAILY SPECIALS, MUSIC & EVENTS Cosmopolitan $4.50 Select Appetizers 1/2 Off after MONDAY 5pm in bar and patio areas Watermelon Martini $6.50 DAYSeasonal Big Domestic22oz.

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

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

THURSDAY in bar and patio areas THURSDAY $ $ $3 Mimosa Appletinis 4, RJ’s Painkiller 5 Truly Lime Spiked and $ 50 Mary $4 Bloddy 2 Red Stripe Bottles Sparkling Water $3 Domestic $ 50 Pints $1.50 2 Fat Tire Bottles 22oz. Tropical Lightning 5564 Carolina Beach Road IPA $5.50 FRIDAY(910)-452-1212 $ 50our website Sinking Bahama Mama $7 $4, 007Visit Cosmos 3 www.RuckerJohns.com $ 1/2 Off All Premium Guinnessfor Cans daily3specials, music and Red Wine Glasses events $ 5 Island Sunsetsupcoming SATURDAY Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 Mon.-Thurs.: 22oz. Blue Moon Draft $3 4pM-12:30 aM Select Domestic Bottles $2 Fri.-saT.: 4pM - 1:30aM SUNDAY $ Bloody Marys 4, Domesticsun: 4pM-11pM Pints $150 2101 MarkeT sT uniT 7 Hurricanes $5

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Monday Mules $5

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Benny Hill’s Sunday Jazz Jam, 7-10pm

The Jared Show, May 8 & 22, 7-10pm

On Sale Now: Matisyahi, June 19

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

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

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

Railroad Earth (6pm; $25-$30; Bluegrass)

—Greenfield Lake Amp., 1941 Amphitheater Dr.

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

Music Bingo (7:30pm; Free) —The Harp, 143 S.3rd St.

Latin Night (8pm; Free; Reggae, Spanish)

—Gigi’s Coffeehouse, 413 S. College Rd., Unit 12

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

The Jared Show (8pm; Free; Alt Hip Hop)

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

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

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

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

Wine Time Karaoke (9pm; Free)

—Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

Open Mic Night (6pm; Free)

—Morning Glory Coffeehouse, 1415 Dawson St.

Randy McQuay (6pm; Free; Acoustic, Soul) —Elijah’s Restaurant, 2 Ann St.

All Tuned Up (6pm; Free)

—Salty Turtle Beer Company, 103 Triton Ln.

Adam Quinn (6pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr. Your neighborhood drafthouse with a menu full of lowcountry favorites.

Join us for a hot meal and a cold pint.

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

Outdoor Concert Series

THURSDAY, MAY 9 ACCESS 29 FRIDAY, MAY 10 MASONBORO SOUND 7324 Market Street • 910-821-8185 www.ogdentaproom.com OPEN 7 DAYS AWEEK

Maria Bamford (6pm; $35; Comedy)

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

Summer Music Series (6pm; Free)

—The Sailfish, 2570 Scotts Hill Loop Rd.

Jazz at the Mansion (6:30pm; $10-$18) —Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St.

Jim Quick & Coastline (6:30pm; Free)

—Leland Municipal Park, 113 Town Hall Dr.

Randy McQuay (7pm; Free; Acoustic, Soul) —Edward Teach Brewing, 604 N. 4th St.

L Shape Lot Duo (7pm; Free)

DEEP SOUL: Devon Gilfillian will play this Friday and Saturday at downtown’s Bourgie Nights.

Tivckets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Courtesy photo

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

12 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

—Cloud 9 Rooftop, 9 Estell Lee Pl.

—The SeaWitch, 227 Carolina Beach Ave. N.

Marc Siegel (7pm; Free; Guitar)

Devon Gilfillian (8pm; $15-$20; Soul, R&B)

Book Of Wyrms w/ Good Good Grief and Burn Pit (9pm; $5; Metal, Rock)

Jake Newman Duo (7pm; Free)

The Lucky Losers (8pm; Free)

Dos Eddies (9pm; Free)

Live Music in the Alley (7pm; Free)

Live Music (9pm; Free)

Jazz At The Nail (7pm; Free)

Jim Ferris Trio (9pm; Free)

Matt Fulchiron (7pm; Free; Comedy)

Danny Feedback, Slomo Dingo, D & D Slugger (9pm; $5)

—Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 S. Front St. —The SeaWitch, 227 Carolina Beach Ave. N. —Rebellion NC, 15 S. Front St.

—The Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Avenue; —Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

Revolutionary Poets Presents Remembering Sam Sharpe Open Mic (7:30pm; $5) —Jamaica House, 2206 Carolina Beach Rd.

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

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

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

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

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

‘90s Party Night (9pm; Free) —Pravda, 23 N. Front St.

Vintage Pistol (10pm; Free; Rock) —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

CAM Caf Music: Julie Rehder (6pm; Harp) —Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

Cape Fear Comedy Festival (8pm; Free) —Dead Crow Comedy, 265 N. Front St.

‘90s Party Night (9pm; Free) —Pravda, 23 N. Front St.

FRIDAY, MAY 10

—Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St. —The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave. —The Harp, 143 S. 3rd St. —Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St.

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

Dos Eddies (9pm; Free)

—Liberty Tavern, 7976 Market St.

Rocky Pleasant & Garrett Doughton (9pm; Free; Country, Classic Rock) —Pour Taproom, 201 N. Front St., Suite G101

JB Boxter (3pm; Free; Soul)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Nesta Fest (6pm; $20)

—The Rusty Nail, 1310 South 5th Ave.

Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music (6:30pm; $30)

—Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S Water St.

—Greenfield Lake Amp., 1941 Amphitheater Dr. —Cloud 9 Rooftop, 9 Estell Lee Pl.

From Dawn to Dusk (7pm; $10-$20)

Qwister (7pm; Free)

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

Mark Sinnis & 825 (8pm; Free)

Live Jazz with N.C. Musicians! (7pm; Free)

Party of 6ix (8pm; Free)

—Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St. —Mac’s Speed Shop, 4126 Oleander Dr.

—Frank H. Kenan Chapel, 510 Arboretum Dr.

FREE PARKING ON OUR LOT

—Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

Live Jazz (6pm; Free)

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

Cape Fear Comedy Festival: Maria Bamford (6pm, 9pm; $35) —Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

Reggae Sundays (7pm; Free)

—Jamaica House, 2206 Carolina Beach Rd.

Music Trivia (7pm; Free)

> > > Monday

> > > THURSDAY

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

$3.75 Hay Bale Ale

> > > Tuesday

—The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

$3.75 Sweet Water $4.00 Absolute Lemon Drop

MONDAY, MAY 13

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

> > > saturday $4.00 Green Tea

> > > WEDNESDAY

Music Bingo (7pm; Free)

$3.75 Wicked Weed $4.00 Margaritas

—The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

> > > SUNDAY $5.00 Bloody Marys & Mimosas

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

THURSDAY

—The SeaWitch Cafe, 227 Carolina Beach Ave. N.

Devon Gilfillian (8pm; $15-$20; Soul, R&B) —Bourgie Nights, 127 Princess St.

—The Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

From Dawn to Dusk with the Brierwood Ensemble (7pm; $10-$20; Violin)

Mystic River (8pm; Free)

—Buffalo Wild Wings, 5533 Carolina Beach Rd.

Union Duke (7:30pm; $15-$28; Bluegrass)

—Palate, 1007 N 4th St;

The Dew Drops (8pm; Free)

Truett (8pm; Free; Indie Blues)

Cape Fear Comedy Festival: Robert Dean (8pm, 9:30pm; $8)

Uncle Hairy (8pm; Free; Rock)

Jared Michael Cline (9pm; Free; Hip-hop, Soul)

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

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

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

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

—Fermental, 7250 Market St.

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

—Satellite Bar and Lounge, 120 Greenfield St.

SAMJAM:

SUN 5/12

D&A Music (5pm; Free)

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

Michael Eakins EP Release Party (7pm; $10)

—Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.

Machine Gun (4pm; Free)

THIS WEEK AT THE WITCH THUR 5/9 WED 5/8 WMAN MIKE & STEPHEN JAKEDNE UO GOSSIN SAT 5/11 FRI 5/10 PARTY OF 6IX UNCLE HARRY

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front St.

Shwifty Cat’s Spring Ball 2019 (8pm; $10)

—Ronald Sachs Violins, 616-B Castle St.;

Rush Morgan (4pm; Free; Folk, Soul)

Bluegrass Jam! (6pm; Free)

Cape Fear Comedy Festival (7pm; $13)

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 N. Front St.

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Music on the Patio (7pm; Free)

Cape Fear Comedy Fest: Robert Dean (7pm, 9:30pm; $8)

Reggae Sunday w/ Zion Rootz! (3pm; Free)

Tallis Chamber Orchestra (5pm; Free)

Rag Doll Rocks (7pm; Free)

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

—The SeaWitch Cafe, 227 Carolina Beach Ave. N.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

D&A Music (7pm; Free)

—Palate, 1007 N. 4th St.

Sam Jam (1pm; Free)

—The Sour Barn, 7211 Market St.

Music on the Patio (7pm; Free)

—Ronald Sachs Violins, 616 Castle St.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Vintage Pistol (10pm; Free; Rock)

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Jazz & Java (7pm; Free)

—Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St.

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

—Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St.

Tom Gossin (7pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

—Grow N.C., 225 Water St., Suite J

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

Jarett Raymond Band (9:30pm; Free)

—The Juggling Gypsy, 1612 Castle St.

Sunset Cruise with Live Acoustic Music (6:30pm; $30)

—Morning Glory Coffeehouse, 1415 Dawson St.

Flannel Rebellion (10pm; Free; ‘90’s Grunge)

—Salty Turtle Beer Company, 103 Triton Ln.

—Ironclad Brewery, 115 N. 2nd St.

—Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S. Water St.

—Rack’M Darts and Billards, 415 S. College Rd.

Origami Ghosts (9:30pm; Free)

Keller Williams Grateful Grass Feat: Love Canon (7pm; $25-$30)

Lip Sync For A Cure (6pm; Free)

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

100 S. FRONT ST. 910-251-1832

LIVE MUSIC in the courtyard on Friday & Saturday MONDAY

$2.75 Domestic $3.50 Select Drafts $4 Fireballs!

TUESDAY

$3.50 Local Draft Brew

(Foothills Hoppyum IPA, Red Oak)

$5 Jameson

WEDNESDAY

$3 Lagunitas $6 Knob Creek 1/2 price bottles of wine

FRIDAY

$3.00 Michelob Ultra $5.00 Lunazul Tequila All Floors open SATURDAY

$3 Miller Lite $3.50 Modelo $4 Smirnoff Lemon Drop shots $5 Raspberry Smirnoff w/mixer All Floors open SUNDAY

$3 Corona & Corona Light $4 Mimosa $4 Bloody Mary $5 Margarita

Tuesday __________________________________________

KARAOKE

w/DJ Damo, 9PM

2 KILLIANS • $400 MAGNERS

$ 50

Thursday ________________________________________

TRIVIA

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

Friday & Saturday __________________________

LIVE MUSIC 2 BUD & BUD LIGHTS

$ 00

Sunday ___________________________________________

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

encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 13

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.

Kyle Lindley (6:30pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Marc Siegel (7pm; Free; Guitar)

—Bill’s Front Porch, 4238 Market St.

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

The Struts (6:30pm; $22-$28)

Live Music in the Alley (7pm; Free)

—Greenfield Lake Amp. 1941 Amphitheater Dr.

—Rebellion NC, 15 S. Front St.

Karaoke w/ Party Gras (7pm; Free)

Jazz At The Nail (7pm; Free)

—Hoplite Pub, 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.

—The Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.

‘90s Night! (7pm; Free)

Christian Brinkley (7pm; Free)

—Coach’s, 29 Van Campen Blvd.

—Sweet N’ Savory, 1611 Pavilion Pl.

Jared M. Cline (7pm; Free)

Revolutionary Poets Presents Remembering Sam Sharpe (7:30pm; $5; Open Mic)

—The SeaWitch Cafe, 227 Carolina Beach Ave. N.

—Jamaica House, 2206 Carolina Beach Rd.

Trivia w/Sherri ‘So Very’ (7pm; Free)

Trivia from Hell’s (7:30pm; Free)

—Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

Drum & Dance Downtown and The Drum Circle (7:30pm; Free) —The Calico Room, 115 N. 2nd St.

Lucky Joe’s Open Mic Night (7:30pm; Free)

—Broomtail Craft Brewery, 6404 Amsterdam Way

Music Bingo (8pm; Free)

—The Brewer’s Kettle, 4718 Oleander Dr.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

—Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St. STRUT TO THE STAGE: The Struts are known for their outrageous live shows, so don’t miss their GLA debut on Tuesday, May 14. Courtesy photo.

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

Kyle Lindley (10pm; Free; Singer-songwriter)

Open Mic Comedy (8pm; Free)

Wine Down & Karaoke (8pm; Free)

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

Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC (8pm; $15)

—Gigi’s Coffeehouse, 413 S. College Rd., Unit 12 —Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

BrewGrass by End of the Line (6pm; Free)

Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats (8pm; Free)

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

Wine Time Karaoke (9pm; Free)

Music Bingo (7:30pm; Free)

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

—Local’s Tavern, 1107 New Pointe Blvd.

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

Latin Night (8pm; Free; Reggae, Spanish)

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

—Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St.

—Fox & Hound, 920 Town Center Dr.

—The Harp, 143 S. 3rd St.

Open Mic with Bob Sarnataro (5:30pm; Free)

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

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

—Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

—Varnish Ale & Spirits, 23 Market St.;

—Duck and Dive, 114 Dock St.

—The Calico Room, 107 S. Front St.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Jared Michael Cline (6pm; Free)

—Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.

Summer Music Series (6pm; Free)

—The Sailfish, 2570 Scotts Hill Loop Rd.

—Dead Crow Comedy, 265 N. Front St. —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.

‘90s Party Night (9pm; Free) —Pravda, 23 N. Front St.

Thirsty Thursday (10pm; Free)

—Ibiza Nightclub, 118 Market St.

Open Jam (10pm; Free)

—The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.

MAY 18 1pm - 11pm

ON THE WATER AT GALLANTS CHANNEL IN BEAUFORT, NC Hiss Golden Messenger, No BS! Brass, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Stop Light Observations, Lilly Hiatt, Kamara Thomas Plus Many Others!

beaufortmusicfestival.com 14 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

FREE

2019

MAY 17 5:30pm - 11pm

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

FOOD TRUCKS — VENDORS — KID'S AREA — RAIN OR SHINE VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE

CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF SOUTHEASTERN NC

SHOWSTOPPERS

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

Downtown Wilmington’s Riverfront Farmers Market

DOWNTOWN (Dock St., on the

NEW N O LOCATI SHAKE! SHAKE! SHAKE! See Shakey Graves at The Fillmore in CLT on May 10. Photo by Tom Dorgan

NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE N. DAVIDSON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 358-9298 5/8: Son Volt and Ian Noe 5/9: Lee Child and Naked Blue 5/10: Nashville Pussy and Guitar Wolf 5/13: Speedy Ortiz and Empath 5/17: Hush Kids with Jill Andrews & Peter Groenwald THE FILLMORE 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 5/8: Garbage 5/10: Shakey Graves and Illiterate Light 5/13: JohnnySwim 5/14: Tash Sultana 5/17: Christian Nodal - Ahora THE FILLMORE UNDERGROUND 820 HAMILTON ST., CHARLOTTE, NC (704) 916-8970 5/8: Chief Keef 5/9: lovelytheband 5/10: Johnny Orlando 5/11: Stankonia 5/13: The Struts 5/14: ARIZONA 5/17: Delta Rae MOTORCO MUSIC HALL 723 RIGSBEE AVE, DURHAM, NC (919) 901-0875 5/8: Xiu Xiu and M Is We 5/10: Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington 5/11: Bear’s Den and Vera Sola 5/14: Thank You Scientist, Kindo and more 5/16: Hush Kids with Jill Andrews & Peter Groenwald 5/17: Flotsam & Jetsam with special guests 5/19: Superorganism and Simpson 5/21: Hot Mulligan, Belmont and more

block between Front and 2nd Streets)

Each Saturday

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

CAT’S CRADLE 300 E. MAIN ST., CARRBORO, NC (919) 967-9053 5/9: Sound of Ceres, Ian Chang (back) 5/10: Yarn (back) 5/10: The Score, Lostboycrow and Overstreet 5/11: Jon Shain and FJ Ventre w/ Rod Abernethy (back) 5/12: Lauren Ruth Ward (back) 5/12: Aly & AJ, Armors 5/13: The Drums and Tanukichan LINCOLN THEATRE 126 E. CABARRUS ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 821-4111 5/9: Cris Jacobs Band with Laura Reed 5/10: The Shakedown 5/11: The Mantras & Travers Brothership and more 5/19: Afton Music Showcase RED HAT AMPHITHEATER 500 SOUTH MCDOWELL ST., RALEIGH, NC (919) 996-8800 5/10: Earth, Wind and Fire 5/12: Bryan Adams 5/16: Greta Van Fleet 5/17-18: PRIME Music Festival THE REEVES THEATER & CAFE 129 W. MAIN ST., ELKIN, NC (336) 258-8240 5/10: Reeves House Band plays The Grand Ole Opry 5/11: The Smelly Belly Buttons 5/16: The East Pointers 5/17: Scott Miller THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BILTMORE AVE., ASHEVILLE, NC (828) 398-1837 5/10: Son Volt and Ian Noe 5/11: Black Hole Sun 5/17: Hairball 5/21: Mura Masa

- FRUITS - VEGETABLES - PLANTS - HERBS

- FLOWERS - EGGS - CHEESES - WINE

- PICKLES - KOMBUCHA - ART & CRAFTS

- MEATS - SEAFOOD - HONEY - BAKED GOODS

For more information: www.riverfrontfarmersmarket.org

encore encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 15

Best Mom a ’ Round

We’re not just hot dogs!

$5 Meal Deals

Offering philly cheesesteaks, burgers, grilled cheeses, frank ’n’ beans and more!

Offering hot dog cart service for catering, 60 or more!

Drop-off catering offered!

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

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

16 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

ARTS>>VISUAL

GALLERYGUIDE ARTEXPOSURE!

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

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

Mary Ann Rozear will have her opening reception, “The Shapes of Memories, from North Carolina to Maine,” from 5-7 p.m. on the same day.

If you haven’t been to ArtExposure, please, take a drive to see us. You won’t regret it!

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY

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

Join us for the opening reception for “Go With the Flow: Contemporary Art with E. Francisca Dekker and Karen Paden Crouch,” Friday, May 10th, 6-9 pm. The new exhibit playfully pairs two contemporary artists with acrylic paintings by E. Francisca Dekker and welded-bronze sculpture

by Karen Paden Crouch. During the opening reception, visit with our artists and enjoy refreshments with live music by guitarist, Roger Davis.

The exhibit and opening reception are free and open to the public. The exhibit continues through June 9th at Art in Bloom Gallery, 210 Princess St. Art in Bloom Gallery is open until 9 pm on Fourth Friday Gallery Nights including May 24th.

ART OF FINE DINING www.aibgallery.com

In addition to our gallery at 210 Princess Street, Art in Bloom Gallery partners with local businesses to exhibit original art in other locations. Current art exhibits include: “The Joy of Plein Air: Pastels by Laurie Greenbaum Beitch” at PinPoint Restaurant, 114 Market Street. The art exhibit continues through May 20, 2019.

“Brayers, Brushes, and Color Pencils by David Norris” at Platypus & Gnome Restaurant, 9 South Front Street. The art exhibit continues through June 3, 2019.

CHARLES JONES AFRICAN ART 311 Judges Rd., Unit 6-E cjart@bizec.rr.com

(910) 794-3060 Mon. – Fri. 10am - 12:30 pm 1:30 pm - 4 pm Open other hours and weekends by appointment www.cjafricanart.com

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

Current Exhibition: Yoruba beadwork and Northern Nigerian sculpture. Appraisal services, curatorial services and educational exhibitions also available.

Over 30 years experience in Tribal Arts. Our clients include many major museums.

NEW ELEMENTS GALLERY

271 N. Front St. (919) 343-8997 Tues. - Sat.: 11am - 6pm (or by appt.) www.newelementsgallery.com

Introducing Timothy David Lang in his debut show at New Elements Gallery, “Drifting.” A surfer, Timothy is inspired by the landscape, be that in the water or the scenery of the open road. Photo realism in style and masterful in its technique, Lang’s work goes way further by capturing not just a scene in incredible detail, but more importantly a mood.

Come take a ride with Timothy David Lang and drift along with him. On display through May 18 at New Elements.

Join The n Rebellio Today

• American comfort food, with a Southern twist • Handpicked bourbons and whiskeys • House-made barrel-aged cocktails • Excellent wine selection • 30 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

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

“I was a sculptor. I was a museum designer. I was a TV illustrator. I was a carpenter. I was a furniture designer. I was a product designer, a photographer, a painter,” Irwin said over the phone from his home in Beaufort. “It was like I was running up and down a smorgasbord going, ‘Oh, let me try some of this.’”

In Irwin’s summer exhibition, he pays homage to all of the artists and mentors who have influenced him throughout his life, leaving their mark on his work. Nearly a decade ago, Irwin—not to be confused with the installation artist also named Robert Irwin—added another page to his lengthy resume: author. Published in 2004, “40 Years” is Irwin’s autobiography, a no-holds-barred account of every aspect of his creative life, embellished with page after page of photographs of his dynamic paintings.

Opening reception on May 17, 6-7:30 p.m. and closing reception on May 24, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

s ’ n o t g n i Wilm st salon! newe Bridal parties & special

occasions welcomed Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcomed Complimentary wine with services Book online today with Booksy!

encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 17

ARTS>>THEATRE

MEET DICK SEAMAN’S TOWEL BOY:

Laughter aplenty across three stages and four days, including Robert Dean, at Cape Fear Comedy Fest

C

BY: SHEA CARVER

ape Fear Comedy Festival is turning 10 years old in 2019. To celebrate, they’re bringing 48 comedians to Dead Crow Comedy Room, Waterline Brewing and Bombers Beverage Company from May 8 through 12.

Aimee Elfers and the Dead Crow Comedy Room review panel decided to book fewer comedians and scale down the event to only three venues. They had just under 400 submissions for 2019. “We feel it will lend to a more intimate experience, to allow each performer more time on stage,” Elfers says.

Yet, paring down the shows didn’t really come easy. The panel had to watch submission tapes multiple times to often decide who would make the cut. “We look for more than just funny jokes—we like to see a polished set, fresh ideas, and great stage presence,” Elfers tells.

The sets are 8 to 12 minutes each, with comedians bringing their unique style, energy and cadence to the stage. Returning as one of three headliners will be Maria Bamford performing two shows on May 12 at Dead Crow ($35). Bamford performed at the inaugural Cape Fear Comedy Fest and will bring back her self-deprecating humor and insight about living with a dysfunctional family.

beautiful.”

Matt Fulchiron (Ful-SHRON)—known as “The Full Charge,” based on his podcast “The Full Charge Power Hour” (and the mispronunciation of his name by a kid years ago)—focuses a lot on relationships, marijuana as medicine, and the joys of sleeping on a bed over an air mattress.

Fulchiron will perform at Waterline on May 9, and best of all it’s free!

Dean is constantly working to find new ideas relatable to an audience. His process is to write and rewrite, think on life experiences, and just test it. While it may seem daunting to the everyday person, Dean calls it one of the most exciting aspects of his job.

Though now traveling countrywide with his observational humor, Dean first tested his material to his teenage peers during a high-school open-mic. “I received a standing ovation,” he notes. “I don’t think it was sarcastic. It was my first time performing and I got a standing O. I have not gotten another since. Hoping for my second one maybe this weekend.”

On May 10 Robert Dean will take over Waterline for two shows as well ($8).

Dean’s delivery has been honed since the ripe age of 13, when he first fell in love with comedy.

WINE WEDNESDAYS $5 house red or white by the glass!

Try our local family-run business!

Roko features a menu crafted from family recipes ,passed down for generations!

#Onlyatroko

Dinner: Mon.-Sat. 5:00pm-10:00pm • Closed Sundays 6801 Parker Farm Dr Ste 105 | (910) 679-4783 • www.RokoItalian.com 18 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

DEAN ONSTAGE: Robert Dean is one of three headliners taking over Cape Fear Comedy Fest’s four-day event. Photo by Mindy Tucker

“After five years of saying I wanted to be a comedian, I first performed when I was 18 and have just been performing since,” he tells encore. “The only dream career I had before was to be a professional basketball player. I was neither good nor practiced.”

In fact, he credits one of his heroes as his 8th grade basketball coach. And Dean didn’t even make the team.

“He saw my potential—not as a basketball player but as a towel boy,” Dean quips.

“His name was Richard Seaman, but he went by Dick. I owe everything to Dick Seaman, for putting me on the right path. I will always be Dick Seaman’s towel boy.”

Dean oftentimes sees the askew in everyday situations and finds the funny in the mundane—like watching pigeons fuck in New York. It’s a bit Dean did in “Never Have I Ever Comedy Hour” back in April.

“The mating process is great to watch,” he reveals. “The male pigeon puffs out his chest and chases the female pigeon around. And nine times out of 10, the female pigeon flies away. And you get to watch the male pigeon deflate. It’s so

“I’ve recently written material about becoming an uncle because I recently became an uncle,” he explains. “I write what I think is funny, audiences tell me what they enjoy in those bits from laughing, then I edit and rewrite and try again—adding new jokes as I discover more elements to this new uncle persona I’m trying. . . . New material working is the greatest feeling.”

The Cape Fear Comedy Fest schedule will feature multiple showcases and locals. “Eight Wilmington-based comedians were invited to perform, along with a few that have moved far away (Charlie Dawson and Lydia Manning), for example, got their starts in Wilmington,” Elfers says.

More so, it’s great therapy, according to the general manager. “Comedy is a way to laugh off life’s stresses and challenges, and I love we are able to provide that.”

DETAILS:

Cape Fear Comedy Fest

May 9: Matt Fulchiron at Waterline, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. (free) May 9: Comedy showcases at Dead Crow, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (free May 10: Robert Dean at Waterline, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. ($8) May 10: Comedy showcases at Dead Crow, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($13) May 11: Comedy showcases at Dead Crow, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ($13) May 11: Robert Dean at Waterline, 8 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. ($8) May 12: Maria Bamford at Dead Crow, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. ($35) deadcrowcomedy.com

ARTS>>THEATRE

CONVINCING, SHINING MOMENTS: ‘Othello’ is set in Iago’s world, wherein he effectively stears the ship BY: GWENYFAR ROHLER

W

illiam Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice” is possibly one of the Bard’s most insightful plays, most sadly relevant and even more so controversial. As a study of human psychology, it rivals “Richard III” in its power and precision. Where “Richard III” follows the path of a megalomaniac who takes over a kingdom, “Othello,” by contrast, observes a sociopath, Iago (Zeb Mims), setting out to destroy the object of his obsession: the war hero General Othello (Ben Hart).

I have long thought one of the many misunderstandings about this show is to view it as Othello’s story. Really, it is Iago’s world, and everyone else is his plaything. Think of it like Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus”: Mozart is the title character because he is Salieri’s obsession, but it is not Mozart’s story, it is Salieri’s.

So welcome to the world of an embittered, vengeful young man who feels passed over for a promotion he should have received. Everything Othello wants comes with ease: success, accolades, respect, power, even a beautiful, adoring young wife. Iago is married to Emilia (Alissa Fetherolf), who he views as a tool or possession, but not as a partner by any stretch of imagination. Othello, on the other hand, has just eloped with Desdemona (Courtney Rickert), the stunningly beautiful and hopelessly besotted daughter of Brabantio (Quentin Proulx), a local senator.

Proulx’s Brabantio is justifiably not pleased with the turn of events and delivers a convincing performance of a parent at first scared for his child’s safety and well being, then angry to be treated thus. It is probably the most convincing performance I have seen him give to date. His brooding anger and necessary shifting gears to his role as senator in the face of an impending invasion are phenomenal to watch.

Joy James appears as The Duchess and gives ample evidence for the argument for women as heads of state. She has grace, poise, and there is no question she is in control of the room and situation. Let’s elect Joy James in 2020— she already knows how to perform the part.

Othello accepts his orders to secure a desert garrison against invasion and departs to his command post, bringing Desdemona and Emilia along with Iago and Cassio (Wesley McAdams), Othello’s right hand and another object of Iago’s jealousy. Cassio is so easily manipulated into going with the crowd, because he’s always been one of the boys, it is almost unnerving how little backbone he actually has. When Iago eggs him

into a drunken brawl with Montano (Julie Tyslan), Othello breaks up the ruckus.

Ben Hart stepped into this role a week ago.

Originally, Tré Cotten returned to Wilmington to play the part, but due to health issues stepped down shortly before opening night. It necessitated a week’s delay in opening the show. Hart picked up the baton and ran with it. So with a week’s preparation, we see Hart in what is appropriately a battlefield promotion. Othello is an incredibly nuanced and complex character many actors have spent years, If not decades, preparing to play. Hart is young, but he is very handsome. Those two pieces work in his favor: His Othello is not as experienced with women as he is with fighting. Rather than thinking of Othello as the seasoned warrior who has conquered hearts and minds in addition to countries (all Shakespearean puns intended), Hart’s Othello is more like the honor student who gets his first girlfriend and has no idea how to respond to such a strange, wonderful and potentially wounding anomaly in his life.

It is the strangulation scene where Hart’s Othello really soars. Director Mirla Criste’s staging for the scene is especially dynamic. Played perpendicularly to the audience, Hart straddles Desdemona, and the audience sees for the first time the power he has to wield as a solider and general. The ensuing actions—remorse, revelation and retribution—are his shining moments of conviction.

what makes him so interesting and captivating is Mims doesn’t play him as a caricature of evil.

When he breaks the fourth wall to explain to the audience what he is up to, it is neither a plea for forgiveness nor a proud declaration of power.

It is quite simply stating the obvious facts: He, Iago, is wronged. Now he, Iago, is setting the record straight. He, Iago, is making sure he gets what’s his and those around him, who are too dumb to be left in control of their own lives, get what is coming. Mims is effectively driving this bus and he leaves no doubt for the audience to understand as much is true. He makes sure to radiate self-interest and a dispassionate observation of those “lesser” than him.

I think of Criste as a dancer/choreographer first and foremost. That emphasis on the physical is perhaps the greatest tool in her arsenal with “Othello.” All the supporting cast are constantly involved in activities—especially Lily Zuckerman, who starts the show filming an encounter with her hand-held device (it takes place in a modern-day setting); and later she serves as another character who cleans up from the party. She is but one example of a supporting

cast that paints a picture of the busy life swirling about Othello and Iago, a real world where each person has something they need to be doing at all times. However, as far as physical staging goes, the fight scenes are not very believable.

Frankly, in an intimate space like the Cube, they need to be heightened so failure becomes a disruption in the suspension of disbelief.

“The Tragedy of Othello” remains a fascinating piece of dramatic literature that can illuminate our human experience from many different angles. It remains pertinent and any opportunity to be with the work and experience it especially live is an opportunity to grasp by the throat.

DETAILS: Othello

May 9-12, Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 3 p.m.

Ruth & Bucky Stein Theatre Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Tickets: $28 • thalianhall.org

Mims’ Iago isn’t just using his wife and Cassio to engineer Othello’s misery. One of Desdemona’s former suitors, Roderigo (Jeremy Weir), is being strung along by Iago with promises to secure Desdemona in the end.

“The costuming really makes the military environment clear,” my date commented. “I hadn’t realized but you really do get a sense of how much civilians are the outsiders.”

Yes. That’s a key piece to all of this. Outsiders: civilians, women, Othello; Iago sees himself as an ubermensch (albeit almost 300 years before Nietzsche, but still a sense of superiority didn’t start in 1883). He is clearly outside of and above all others. Dori Nason’s costuming creates the visual template for the audience to follow in this case, and she drives home the importance of belonging and the glaring faux pas for anyone who does not blend in. Roderigo in his businesscasual slacks just can’t compete with the magnificence of Othello, with his chest full of medals or the impressive, coiled potential power of soldiers in uniform with sidearms that surround his love interest.

Mims’ Iago is a nasty piece of work. There really is no nice way to describe him. Perhaps

Featuring over 1000 labels with beer and wine on tap • Free Weekly Wine Tastings • Educational Classes • 14 Wines by the Glass • Live Music • Beer Specials • Gift Certificates • Wine Tools 5226 S. COLLEGE RD., 9B (between Cape Fear Seafood and Felix Cafe) Check us out online at www.soifdevin.com, or catch us on Facebook and Instagram 910-338-4027 • Open Tues.-Thur. 11am-8pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 19

20 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

REEL TO REEL

ARTS>>FILM

LEARNING CURVE:

films this week CINEMATIQUE

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

‘The Professor and the Madman’ is exceptionally uneven

A

May 13-16, 7 p.m., with additional

BY: ANGHUS

showing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. “Cold

fter the largesse of “Avengers: Endgame” and the forthcoming tsunami of summer movies, I had the urge to see something smaller and a little more personal. Enduring several weeks of virtual assault to my eyes and ears made me want to see a movie that required little more than sitting back and having my senses blasted to oblivion. As luck would have it, the film adaptation of the 1998 novel “The Surgeon of Crowethorne” was being released on-demand under the books later titled, “The Professor and the Madman.”

Before delving into the plot, I need to express what a weird movie this is at the onset. From the true story it’s based on, to the obtuse academic plot that drives much of the story, while “The Professor and the Madman” is both small and personal, it’s also a challenging movie with some unbridled and bizarre aspects.

Though, it all works in the film’s favor. Allow me to elaborate...

It’s 1857 and Professor James Murray (Mel Gibson) is an affable Scotsman charged with putting together the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. It’s a challenge that feels daunting, given the limits of technology and the need to pretty much track the origins of every word in the English language by using book volumes for reference. No computers, no Ctrl+F—just the maddening need to source and cite everything by hand. The job will come to consume Doctor Murray’s life and keep him at arm’s length from his family, forcing him to deal with the elitist cutthroat politics of a stuffy British educational institution.

Meanwhile, in another splintered narrative, Doctor Minor (Sean Penn) is a mentally troubled man plagued by paranoia who accidentally shoots and kills an innocent man while in the throes of mania He’s sentenced to a psychiatric facility where he undergoes treatment and tries to find peace as the guilt of his actions continue to weigh heavily upon his soul. The man’s widow, Eliza (Natalie Dormer, “Game of Thrones”) becomes a focus for Doctor Minor, who attempts to try and help her by sending her money. At first she’s offended by the offer, but she struggles to find work and care for the half-dozen Dickensian moppets she calls children.

Professor Murray and his team begin to

War” is a passionate love story between

a man and woman, set against the background of the Cold War in 1950s

Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris,

it is the tale of a couple separated by

politics, character flaws and unfortunate twists of fate. With vastly different backgrounds and temperaments, they

are fatefully mismatched and yet condemned to each other. It’s an impossible love story in impossible times.

NOBLE FAILURE: Sean Penn and Mel Gibson star in a movie that sometimes intrigues but is mostly bizarre. Courtesy Icon Entertainment

crumple under the weight of their massive undertaking, turning to crowd-sourcing to help chronicle words that will one day appear in their collection. When the troubled Doctor Minor learns of Professor Murray and his work, he begins to pour every minute of his day into finding citations of words. The act of one mentally ravaged man gives hope to Professor Murray that his dictionary can be completed. Eventually, a friendship is forged as Doctor Minor begins to slip more and more into the grips of madness.

“The Professor and the Madman” is an exceptionally uneven movie, which seems to come from the product of weak direction. Mel Gibson is beautifully reserved as the cerebral and passionate Professor Murray, while Sean Penn growls and shouts his way through scenes like a third-year drama major who still believes the key to great acting involves shouting at the top of your lungs. There are fleeting moments where Penn’s performance is natural and understated, but most of the time, the pendulum swings so wildly between “appropriate” and “mental,” it’s hard to take him seriously. It’s unfortunate because there are really nice moments and attempts at telling a complicated story about love, forgiveness and an unusual but powerful friendship.

I think I like the idea of “The Professor and the Madman” better than the movie itself; though, I didn’t end up hating the movie. It’s a strange cinematic anomaly

and feels like a valiant effort suffering from a botched execution. In the hands of a more confident filmmaker, the story could have been more substantial. As is, it’s an interesting oddity but not a complete disaster—perhaps the cinematic definition of a “noble failure.”

DETAILS:

May 20 - 22, 7 p.m., with additional

showing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. “Glo-

The Professor and the Madman

ria Bell” is a free-spirited divorcée who

spends her days at a straight-laced office job and her nights on the dance

Rated PG-13 Directed by P.B. Shemran Starring Mel Gibson, Jeremy Irvine, Natalie Dormer, Sean Penn, Jennifer Ehle

floor, joyfully letting loose at clubs

around Los Angeles. After meeting Arnold (John Turturro) on a night out, she

finds herself thrust into an unexpected new romance, filled with both the joys of budding love and the complications of dating, identity, and family.

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22 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

ARTS>>ARTS

A CELEBRATION OF ALL-THINGS LOCAL:

encore’s Best Of 2019 turns into all-day Bestival, featuring beer, art, music, comedy, food, and awards pared down the Wild West vibe and streamlined the program with local comedy troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps (Changing Channels folks had families to raise and careers to pursue). We worked with Kids Making It, Carousel Center and Surfers Healing but primarily DREAMS has been our Best Of beneficiary.

BY: SHANNON RAE GENTRY

W

ith age comes gray hair ... wisdom … both?

encore is turning 35 in 2019 and we learn something new each passing year about our community, how we cover local arts, entertainment and news, and how we celebrate all the players—artists, businesses, nonprofits—who make up the best of our community. Enter encore’s Best Of Wilmington readers’ choice awards. It was the first of its kind, superseding her 20-year tenure, according to editor-in-chief Shea Carver.

With the move to BAC came a larger audience, so we opened it to all the nominees in every category. The ceremony lasted a little over three hours and included a house band, or even two or three, playing in between bits from PSL, and tons of food being passed around from the food and beverage nominees. It became a celebration of around 500 to 600 people, and we charged $10-$15 entry fee; the nonprofit benefitted from ticket sales, raffles and sponsorships.

“Best Of goes further back than most other magazines, publications and media that have started their own offshoots of a readers’, viewers’, listeners’ choice award,” she tells.

e: We’ve been talking about switching up Best Of celebrations for a while. Why now and why an all-day festival?

Before the process went completely digital in the mid-aughts, a printed ballot appeared in encore annually for folks to fill out and mail in.

Then staff and interns counted them by hand.

“It was quite a grueling process,” Carver remembers, “but we really kept our local mailmen and mailwomen busy. Thank goodness for the interwebz streamlining the process for us. Now the ballot runs for one month as open nominations, then another month for final contenders.”

While the Best Of voting process has come a long way in the last decade, so has encore’s annual awards ceremony. What started in the early aughts as one big freefor-all at City Stage (now Front Street Theatre) evolved into a fundraiser at Brooklyn Arts Center. Now in year 17, the celebration moves into an all-day festival, a.k.a. Bestival, at Waterline Brewing Company.

Bestival will feature local and regional craft-brew tastings, such as Gee Bee Racer Honey Pale Ale and Harley Pope Imperial Vanilla Porter from Check Six Brewing Company, or Pop Gose the Mole (a pomegranate gose) and Boston Mole Party IPA from Mad Mole. Ironclad will serve a Hoppy Wheat and a Guava Lager, and Skytown will unleash their latest IPA, Wolfdragon.

There will be an arts and crafts market featuring more than 40 vendors. Plus, there will be live music, comedy and theatrical entertainment. It all happens between Best Of winner announcements, crowning the crème de la crème of Wilmington for 2019.

The festival will feature a Bestival Bid auction for folks to donate $25 to be entered to win packages filled with restaurant gift cer-

MUSIC, ART, BEER, FOOD, COMEDY, BESTIE WINNERS! Join us on Saturday at Bestival for 40 arts and craft vendors, like Candy Pegram (bottom left), music from six acts like Striking Copper (top left), beer from 15 breweries, like Waterline and Bill’s Brewing, plus food from four local trucks, including Bills Brew Food. Courtesy photos

tificates, craft beer and wine, a bicycle, Dead Crow comedy passes, Wilmington Wine and Food Festival passes, local jewelry, crafts and more, valued at over $300 each. All money will go toward DREAMS of Wilmington, which works to ensure at-risk youth experience the benefits of dance, music, visual art, multimedia, ceramics, jewelrymaking, writing, etc., regardless of status or school district. The guidance they receive from inspiring working artists, like Fritzi Huber, Laura McClean, Ben Billingsley and Kevin Lee-y Green, is unmatched.

“We support the arts full force at encore,” Carver says, “and I personally find it a travesty to see it removed from schools so willy nilly, as if it’s secondary to a fully rounded education.

Arts enhance all parts of life and the brain and learning and empathy and overall happiness.

DREAMS is an inspiring nonprofit.”

Carver breaks down more history of Best Of and dishes the deets on the inaugural Bestival, set to take place Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. encore (e): Take readers back to early awards shows at City Stage. Tell us about the size, vibe, memorable moment(s)…

Shea Carver (SC): It wasn’t until the early 2000s we launched the official Best Of Awards Ceremony. At the time assistant editor Amanda Kraus came up with the idea and reached out to local comedy troupe Changing Channels to host the show, and our MCs were DJs Brian and Jim in the Morning from WSFM 107.5 at the time. It became one big fun fest every year at City Stage, where the booze flowed freely and the laughter moved from low-key to overdrive, sometimes getting raunchy and often included nudity at one point or another (Jef from Changing Channels always loved to dance in his undies). It truly was a night of debunking all fancy awards shows. It was free to attend but would usually cost you a pretty big hangover the next day. Back then we only invited the winners since City Stage’s capacity was smaller.

And it was a lot of work our small staff had to handle. e: Then there was the move to BAC...

SC: So around five or six years ago, we decided to evolve Best Of into a fundraiser for an area nonprofit and turn over the reins for someone else to plan and help us shed light on the greater good of our community. We

SC: Two years ago I felt like we were outgrowing the event. I wanted to take it back to being free but also open it to the community at large to celebrate all-things local—which is at the center of Best Of. Also, as a nighttime event, we often heard local culinary folks couldn’t make it out to celebrate since Saturday night was one of their busiest days of the week—and food and beverage is easily a third of our nominees. encore staff already wanted to host some outdoor event underneath the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge at Waterline; we had been in talks for more than a year but couldn’t figure out what we wanted to do. I felt restructuring Best Of would be the perfect opportunity: doing an outdoor arts and craft market, plus invite local breweries to host a craft beer fest, plus invite six bands (mostly Bestie nominees) to play throughout the day, and have comedy and entertainment from Pineapple-Shaped Lamps.

PSL has really done a spectacular job programming all entertainment and has included local theatre groups and DREAMS students, too. When I found out Cape Fear Comedy Fest was happening at Waterline the night of May 11, it seemed like a good idea to invite some of their comedians and others throughout the community to do standup bits fit in perfectly. The awards will be announced out throughout the day in 20-minute increments.

Voila! Here we are at our inaugural Bestival. e: In a perfect world, what would Bestival be for the ILM community?

SC: First and foremost, encore works to

encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 23

C I S U M 2:35-2:45: Dreams of e er ph os m At w Ne 0: 1:3 -1 11

Wilmington Performance 2:50-3:00: Cannibal!

The Musical Pineapple-Shaped Lamps 3:15-4:00: Striking Copper 4:00-4:45: Randy McQuay

1

New Anthem

2

Front Street Brewery

3

Waterline

4

Ironclad

6

Wilmington Brewing Company

5

Edward Teach

7

Broomtail

9

Wrightsville Beach Brewery

FOOD TRUCKS TRUCKS

8

Bill’s Front Porch

12 Flying Machine

13 Mad Mole

14 Skytown

DRAM TREE PARK

24 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

IN SI D

STAND U PSL-IMPR THE NER PSL-IMPR STAND

BE

(S I

10 Check Six

11 Waterman’s

Cheesesmith Co. Bill’s Brew Food T’Geaux Boys Donut Bus

COM

QUEEN STREET

TASTING S T N A P I C I T R A P

T E E R T S E L T S A C

MEDIA, ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT BLOCK 11:30-11:45 FOOD and DRINK BLOCK 12:50-1::05 GOODS and SERVICES BLOCK 3:00-3:15 ORGANIZATIONS and COMMUNITY 4:45-5:00

11:45 -12:25: David Dixon 12:30-12:40: Fun Home Panache Theatre 12:40-12:50: Dreams of Wilmington Performance 1:00-1:45: Rebekah Todd 1:50-2:30: Travis Shallow

VE ER ENT E HER

DE STAG E

BEER GARDEN

AWARDS TABLES

12:30-12-50 UP SHOWCASE -1:55 ROV SHOW 1:25 :55 RD GUIDE 2:25-2 -3:55 25 ROV SHOW 3: 25-4:55 4: UP SHOWCASE

ID E S T IVA L B N)

MAIN MUSIC S TA G E

STEP& R E P E AT

BEER TA S T IN G T IC K E T S

DAWSON STREET

MEDY

M U S IC S TA G E

B 1 2 E 3 4 E R 5 6 T 7 8 A 9 10 S T 11 12 I 13 14 N G

HOW TO GET HERE? PARKING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ON SITE UBER • LYFT • TROLLEY (FREE) PARK ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF CASTLE AND FRONT AND WALK DOWN TO SURRY STREET

T IO IL E N T A U C

ENDOR

ROW

T E E R T S Y R R SU

TROLLEY SCHEDULE

Benefitting

Benefitting encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 25

support locals in all efforts—from arts and music, to film and food, to theatre and businesses and beyond. So Bestival celebrates all of those areas. We will have local food trucks: Cheesesmith Co., Bill’s Brew Food, T’Geaux Boys and Donut Bus. Our music consists of all local bands—Travis Shallow, Rebekah Todd, Striking Copper, David Dixon, Randy McQuay, and New Atmosphere.

Our beer is locally crafted—Edward Teach Brewing, Flying Machine, Wrightsville Beach Brewery, Broomtail, New Anthem, and 10 others. Our comedy comes from PSL and 14 stand-up comedians, plus we will have The Nerd Guide comedy trivia event. Our awards celebrate all locals and will be announced in between entertainment programming.

Really, the best part of Bestival is it’s open to everyone to attend, not just nominees and for F-R-E-E! Though, we are welcoming donations to DREAMS and all beer sample tickets and silent auction items benefit DREAMS. More so, it’s family-friendly, so bring the kids. e: What’s the final head count for the arts market? Goals for next year?

SC: Our arts market is about 40 or more local artisans, artists and crafters, like Candy Pegram, Botanic Synergy, Half United, Decaying Doug Photos, Bradley Carter Art, Mossy Fox Studios, Earth & Stone, Spiritual Junkies, Guttersnipe Press, Solstice Woodworks, Port City Dispensary, to name but a few. We even have organizations involved,

SC: All nominees will head over to the awards booth, located near the main stage.

Just approach the PSL peeps, tell them the name of your business, organization, place, person, etc., and they’ll pull out your win(s).

Then head over to the Step and Repeat, next to the awards table, and have your picture made from Chris Brehmer Photography.

THE BESTIVAL BID: A $25 donation to DREAMS will have you entered into our Bestival Bid silent auction, wherein you can win packages valued at $300 or more, including fine jewelry from Perry’s Emporium and fine art from Art in Bloom Gallery, along with tickets to local comedy shows and the Wilmington Wine and Food Fest, gift certificates to local businesses and eateries, and even a two-night getaway to Hotel Ballast, downtown on the riverfront. Photos by Shannon Rae Gentry

like Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary and Habitat for Humanity. Let’s just say the creative spirit is alive and well in ILM, and it will be very apparent at Bestival!

As for next year, well, slow your roll ... [laughing] but, really, I’d like 100 vendors. e: What will we see from DREAMS at Bestival?

SC: DREAMS will have their students’ works for sale at a booth. Plus, PSL have them programmed to dance and sing on the main stage during the day. It’s great to finally have the kids involved in the event; in the past, the night ceremony has been more adult-oriented and thus it prevented the students’ inclusion.

26 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

e: What do people need to know about parking and navigating Bestival day of?

SC: Well, I always use Uber or Lyft for stuff like this because it’s safest if drinking is involved. I highly recommend folks partaking in the craft-beer festival aspect of Bestival to consider as much. Parking will not be available on site, so folks will need to park on the outskirts of Castle and Front and walk down to Surry Street.

Also, the free trolley runs downtown and has drop off locations at Castle and Front, so the walk to Surry is a breeze (see map for times and pickup locations). e: Anything else to add?

Oh, and we encourage everyone to have their picture made, not just winners! We will run photos on our website and in the paper throughout May and June, when announcing Best Of winners.

Also, if you’d like to volunteer at the event, give us a buzz (910-791-0688). We can always use a set of extra hands and you’ll get a snazzy volunteer shirt.

DETAILS:

Bestival 2019

Craft-beer fest, Best Of 2019 awards, arts and craft market, food trucks, live music, comedy and more, hosted by PineappleShaped Lamps

May 11, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Free to attend Beer sample tickets: $2 ea, 5 for $10 or 10 for $25 (comes with free Bestival tee while supplies last)

Waterline Brewing Company 721 Surry Street

encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 27

SOUTHEASTERN NC’S PREMIER DINING GUIDE

GRUB & GUZZLE

_

NIKKI’S FRESH GOURMET — Above photo by Tom Dorgan

DOWNTOWNNIKKIS.COM

AMERICAN BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of sailing ships and the Intracoastal Waterway while dining at this popular casual American restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Favorites include jumbo lump crab cakes, succulent seafood lasagna, crispy coconut shrimp and an incredible Caribbean fudge pie. Dine inside or at their award-winning outdoor patio and bar, which is the location for their lively Waterfront Music Series every Sunday April October. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC. (910) 256-8500.

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

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

CAM CAFÉ CAM Café, located within the CAM delivers delightful surprises using fresh, local ingredients. The café serves lunch with seasonal options Tuesday through Saturday, inspired “small plates” on Thursday nights, an elegant yet approachable dinner on Thursday and brunch every Sunday. Look for a combination of fresh, regular menu items along with daily specials. As part of dining in an inspiring setting, the galleries are open during CAM Café hours which makes it the perfect destination to enjoy art of the plate along with the art of the museum. 3201 S 17th St. (910) 777-2363.

■ SERVING LUNCH, BRUNCH & DINNER: Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 2 pm; Thursday evening, 5pm-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ WEBSITE: camcafe.org ELIJAH’S Since 1984, Elijah’s has been Wilmington, NC’s outdoor dining destination. We feature expan-

28 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

sive indoor and outdoor waterfront dining, with panoramic views of riverfront sunsets. As a Casual American Grill and Oyster Bar, Elijah’s offers everything from fresh local seafood and shellfish to pastas, sandwiches, and Certified Angus Beef selections. We offer half-priced oysters from 4-6 every Wednesday & live music with our Sunday Brunch from 11-3. Whether you are just looking for a great meal & incredible scenery, or a large event space for hundreds of people, Elijah’s is the place to be.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11:30-10:00; Friday and Saturday 11:30-11:00 ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ILM; kids menu HENRY’S A local favorite, Henry’s is the ‘place to be’ for great food, a lively bar and awesome patio dining.

Henry’s serves up American cuisine at its finest that include entrees with fresh, local ingredients.

Come early for lunch, because it’s going to be packed. Dinner too! Henry’s Pine Room is ideal for private functions up to 30 people. 2508 In-

dependence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. (910) 793.2929.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown ■ FEATURING: Daily blackboard specials.

■ WEBSITE: henrysrestaurant.com NICHE Niche Kitchen and Bar features an eclectic menu, a large wine list, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Close to Carolina Beach, Niche has a great selection of dishes from land to sea.

All dishes are cooked to order, and Sundays features a great brunch menu!

Niche’s heated covered patio is perfect for anytime of the year and great for large parties.

And their bar has a great assortment of wines, even offered half off by the glass on TuesdaysThursdays. Open Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 910-399-4701.

■ OPEN LUNCH AND DINNER: Tues.-Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ WEBSITE: nichewilmington.com PINE VALLEY MARKET Pine Valley Market has reigned supreme in servicing the Wilmington community for years, securing encore’s Best-Of awards in catering, gourmet shop and butcher. Now, Kathy Webb and Christi Ferretti are expanding their talents into serving lunch in-house, so folks can enjoy their hearty, homemade meals in the quaint and cozy ambience of the market. Using the freshest ingredients of highest quality, diners can enjoy the best Philly Cheesesteak in Wilmington, along with numerous other sandwich varieties, from their Angus burger to classic Reuben, Italian sub to a grown-up banana and peanut butter sandwich that will take all diners back to childhood. Served among a soup du jour and salads, there is something for all palates. Take advantage of their take-home frozen meals for nights that are too hectic to cook, and don’t forget to pick up a great bottle of wine to go with it. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD. ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Mon.-Fri.10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sun. ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Daily specials and take-home frozen meals ■ WEBSITE: pinevalleymarket.com THE TROLLY STOP Trolly Stop Grill and Catering is a four store franchise in North Carolina. Trolly Stop Hotdogs opened in Wrightsville Beach in 1976. That store name has never changed. Since the Wrightsville Beach store, the newer stores sell hotdogs, hamburgers, beef and chicken cheese steaks, fries, hand dipped ice cream, milk shakes, floats and more.

Our types of dogs are: Southern (Trolly Dog, beef and pork), Northern (all beef), Smoke Sausage (pork), Fat Free (turkey), Veggie (soy).

Voted Best Hot Dog in Wilmington for decades.

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

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

ASIAN CANDLE NUT RESTAURANT

Candle Nut Restaurant makes all of its food from scratch using recipes passed down generations following Indonesian-Asian traditions. We use fresh turmeric, galangal, ginger, candle nuts, lemon grass and lime leaves to provide your meal with rich flavor. Many of our famous signature dishes such as Beef Rendang, Sweet Soy Eggplant, Javanese Chicken Soup and Chili Sambals, are unique in flavor and found only at Candle Nut Restaurant. We also offer delicious Vegetarian and Vegan options. Check our website, Facebook and other social media sites. Located at 2101-1 Market Street, near Port City Java and Burnt Mill Creek Bar. For reservations, and take out: Phone: 910-399-2054 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Tues.-Thurs.

11am-3 pm, 5pm- 9 pm; Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm; Sun. 11am-9 pm. Closed Monday.

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

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

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

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

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

Spring Has Sprung!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT $6 martinis every Monday night!

OCEAN MIXED GRILL 2 for $49: Shared Bang Bang Shrimp, two salads, three sides, four wood-grilled seafood selections until April 30!

THROUGH APR. 30: $25 SELECT BOTTLES OF WINE Mon. - Thurs., 4–10 p.m.

Fri., 4–11 p.m. • Sat., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

4719 New Centre Dr. (910) 313-1885 • bonefishgrill.com encore | may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com 29

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

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

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: nikkissushibar.com 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 Japa-

nese 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,

SPECIALS: Voted Best Fine Dining 2018

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

socializing with friends, or any large dinner party.

Home to the never-disappointing Shanghai Firecracker Shrimp! In addition to sushi, we offer a full Pan Asian menu including curries, noodle dishes, and the ever-popular Crispy Salmon or mouthwatering Kobe Burger. Inspired features change weekly showcasing our commitment to local farms. Full bar including a comprehensive sake list, signature cocktails, and Asian Import Bottles.

33 S. Front St., 2nd Floor (910) 763-3172.

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

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

Gluten-Free Menu upon request. Complimentary Birthday Dessert.

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

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

BAGELS

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

ig: @rxrestaurantandbar fb: facebook.com/rxwilmington

WWW.RXWILMINGTON.COM 421 C astle s t . (910) 399 - 3080 30 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

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

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

DINNER THEATRE THEATRENOW TheatreNOW is a performing arts complex that

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

Hours vary.

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

FONDUE THE LITTLE DIPPER Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a 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 7 days/week seasonally, May-October ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ FEATURING: Tasting menu every Tues. with small plates from $1-$4; Ladies Night every Wed; $27 4-course prix fixe menu on Thurs.; “Date night menu,” $65/couple with beer and wine tasting every Fri. and half-price bottles of wine on Sun. ■ MUSIC: Tuesdays on the deck, 7 – 9p.m., May-Oct ■ WEBSITE: littledipperfondue.com

IRISH THE HARP Experience the finest traditional Irish family recipes and popular favorites served in a casual yet elegant traditional pub atmosphere. The Harp, 1423 S. 3rd St., proudly uses the freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, to bring you and yours the most delicious Irish fare!

We have a fully stocked bar featuring favorite Irish beers and whiskies. We are open every day for both American and Irish breakfast, served to noon weekdays and 2 p.m. weekends. Regular menu to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 p.m. weekends. Join us for trivia at 8:30 on Thursdays and live music on Fridays – call ahead for schedule (910) 763-1607. Located just beside Greenfield Lake and Park at the south end of downtown Wilmington, The Harp is a lovely Irish pub committed to bringing traditional Irish flavor, tradition and hospitality to the Cape Fear area.

■ SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenfield Lake/Downtown South

■ FEATURING: Homemade soups, desserts and breads, free open wifi, new enlarged patio area, and big screen TVs at the bar featuring major soccer matches worldwide.

■ WEBSITE: harpwilmington.com SLAINTE IRISH PUB Slainte Irish Pub in Monkey Junction has traditional pub fare with an Irish flair. We have a large selection of Irish whiskey, and over 23 different beers on draft, and 40 different craft beers in bottles. They have a large well lit outdoor patio with a full bar also. Come have some fun! They currently do not take reservations, but promise to take care of you when you get here! 5607 Carolina Beach Rd. #100, (910) 399-3980 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 11:30 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: South Wilmington, Monkey Junction ■ FEATURING: Irish grub, whiskeys, beer, wine, fun.

■ WEBSITE: facebook.com/slaintemj

ITALIAN ANTONIO’S Serving fresh, homemade Italian fare in midtown and south Wilmington, Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta is a family-owned restaurant which serves New York style pizza and pasta. From daily specials during lunch and dinner to a friendly waitstaff ensuring a 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, full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria located in Porters Neck. They offer a wide variety of N.Y. style thincrust 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 ■ 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) 2519444, in Wrightsville Beach at 1437 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 101, (910) 256-2229 and in Pine Valley on the corner of 17th and College Road, (910) 799-1399.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, Downtown and Wilmington South.

■ FEATURING: Largest tequila selection in town!

■ WEBSITE: grabslice.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEAFOOD CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD COMPANY Founded in 2008 by Evans and Nikki Trawick, Cape Fear Seafood Company has become a local hotspot for the freshest, tastiest seafood in the area. With it’s growing popularity, the restaurant has expanded from its flagship eatery in Monkey Junction to locations in Porters Neck and Waterford in Leland. “We are a dedicated group of individuals working together as a team to serve spectacular food, wine and spirits in a relaxed and casual setting,” restaurateur Evans Trawick says. “At CFSC every dish is prepared with attention to detail, quality ingredients and excellent flavors. Our staff strives to accommodate guests with a sense of urgency and an abundance of southern hospitality.” Cape Fear Seafood Company has been recognized by encore magazine for best seafood in 2015, as well as by Wilmington Magazine in 2015 and 2016, and Star News from 2013 through 2016. Monkey Junction: 5226 S. College Road Suite 5, 910-799-7077. Porter’s Neck: 140 Hays Lane #140, 910-681-1140. Waterford: 143 Poole Rd., Leland, NC 28451 ■ SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER: 11:30am4pm daily; Mon.-Thurs.., 4pm-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 4pm-10pm; Sun., 4pm-8:30pm.

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown, north Wilmington and Leland ■ WESBITE: capefearseafoodcompany.com CATCH Serving the Best Seafood in South Eastern North Carolina. Wilmington’s Native Son, 2011 James Beard Award Nominee, 2013 Best of Wilmington “Best Chef” winner, Chef Keith Rhodes explores the Cape Fear Coast for the best it has to offer. We feature Wild Caught & Sustainably raised Seafood. Organic and locally sourced produce & herbs provide the perfect compliment to our fresh Catch. Consecutively Voted Wilmington’s Best Chef 2008, 09 & 2010. Dubbed “Modern Seafood Cuisine” we offer an array Fresh Seafood & Steaks, including our Signature NC Sweet Potato Salad. Appetizers include our Mouth watering “Fire Cracker” Shrimp, Crispy Cajun Fried NC Oysters & Blue Crab Claw Scampi, & Seafood Ceviche to name a few. Larger Plates include, Charleston Crab Cakes, Flounder Escovitch & Miso Salmon. Custom Entree request gladly accommodated for our Guest. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergies) Hand-crafted seasonal desserts. Full ABC Permits. 6623 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-799-3847.

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

■ NEIGHBORHOOD: North Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Acclaimed Wine List

■ WEBSITE: catchwilmington.com DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR Voted Best Oysters for over 10 years by encore readers, you know what you can find at Dock Street Oyster Bar. But we have a lot more than oysters! Featuring a full menu of seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes from $4.95-$25.95, there’s something for everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfort able in flip flops as you would in a business suit.

Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington.

Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. (910) 762-2827.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days a week.

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

■ WEBSITE: dockstreetoysterbar.net MICHAEL’S SEAFOOD’S RESTAURANT Established in 1998, Michael’s Seafood Restaurant is locally owned and operated by Shelly McGowan and managed by her team of culinary professionals. Michael’s aspires to bring you the highest quality and freshest fin fish, shell fish, mollusks, beef, pork, poultry and produce. Our menu consists of mainly locally grown and made from scratch items. We count on our local fishermen and farmers to supply us with seasonal, North Carolina favorites on a daily basis. Adorned walls include awards such as 3 time gold medalist at the International Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, Entrepreneur of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Encores readers’ choice in Best Seafood to name a few. 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. (910) 4587761 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: 7 days 11 am – 9 pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Carolina Beach ■ FEATURING: Award-winning chowder, local seafood and more!

■ WEBSITE: MikesCfood.com OCEANIC Voted best seafood restaurant in Wilmington, Oceanic provides oceanfront dining at its best.

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

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

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

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

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

■ WEBSITE: OceanicRestaurant.com

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THE PILOT HOUSE The Pilot House Restaurant is Wilmington’s premier seafood and steak house with a touch of the South. We specialize in local seafood and produce. Featuring the only Downtown bar that faces the river and opening our doors in 1978, The Pilot House is the oldest restaurant in the Downtown area. We offer stunning riverfront views in a newly-renovated relaxed, casual setting inside or on one of our two outdoor decks. Join us for $5.00 select appetizers 7 days a week and live music every Friday and Saturday nigh on our umbrella deck. Large parties welcome. Private event space available. 910-343-0200 2 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 ■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Kids menu ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Riverfront Downtown Wilmington ■ FEATURING: Fresh local seafood specialties, Riverfront Dining, free on-site parking ■ MUSIC: Outside Every Friday and Saturday ■ WEBSITE: pilothouserest.com SHUCKIN’ SHACK Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar has two locations in the Port City area. The original Shack is located in Carolina Beach at 6A N. Lake Park Blvd. (910458-7380) and our second location is at 109 Market Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington (910-833-8622). The Shack is the place you want to be to catch your favorite sports team on 7 TV’s

carrying all major sports packages. A variety of fresh seafood is available daily including oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, and crab legs. Shuckin’ Shack has expanded its menu now offering fish tacos, crab cake sliders, fried oyster po-boys, fresh salads, and more. Come in and check out the Shack’s daily lunch, dinner, and drink specials.

It’s a Good Shuckin’ Time!

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

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

■ WEBSITE: TheShuckinShack.com

SOUTHERN CASEY’S BUFFET In Wilmington, everyone knows where to go for solid country cooking. That place is Casey’s Buffet, winner of encore’s Best Country Cookin’/ Soul Food and Buffet categories. “Every day we are open, somebody tells us it tastes just like their grandma’s or mama’s cooking,” co-owner Gena Casey says. Gena and her husband Larry run the show at the Oleander Drive restaurant where people are urged to enjoy all food indigenous to the South: fried chicken, barbecue, catfish, mac‘n’cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken‘n’dumplings, biscuits and home-

made banana puddin’ are among a few of many other delectable items. 5559 Oleander Drive.

(910) 798-2913.

■ SERVING LUNCH & DINNER: Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.

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

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

■ SERVING BRUNCH & DINNER: Tues-Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm; Sun., 10am-3pm and 5-9pm ■ NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown ■ WEBSITE: rxwilmington.com

SPORTS BAR CAROLINA ALE HOUSE Voted best new restaurant AND best sports bar

Tr ue N ew Yor k S ty le Sushi in Wilmingt on

• Classic sushi • Sashimi • Traditional rolls • Unique Yoshi creations • Poke bowls • Hibachi • True Japanese ramen bowls Happy Hour: Sunday-Thursday 4-6pm Featuring discounted appetizers and select sushi rolls!

Regularly priced menu items only

260 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 799-6799 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm • Sunday 12pm - 10pm 32 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

of 2010 in Wilmington, Carolina Ale House is the place to be for award-winning food, sports and fun. Located on College Rd. near UNC W, this lively sports-themed restaurant. Covered and open outdoor seating is available. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily, as well as the coldest $2 and $3 drafts in town. 317 S. College Rd. (910) 791.9393.

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

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

■ WEBSITE: CarolinaAleHouse.com

TAPAS/WINE BAR THE FORTUNATE GLASS WINE BAR Now under new ownership, Tom Noonan invites you to enjoy his remodeled space, featuring a new sound system and new bar, in a warm, relaxed environment. Taste 40 craft beers, over 400 wines by the bottle, a wide selection of cheese and charcuterie, with gourmet small plates and desserts to go! And don’t miss their weekly wine tastings, every Tuesday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

■ SERVING DINNER & LATE NIGHT: Mon., Closed; Tues.-Thurs., 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.; Fri., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 4 p.m.

- 10 p.m.

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

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Full Moon Cruise

Saturday, May 11 Boards @ 6:3pm, Departs 7pm • $30

This is a 90 min Full Moon cruise with Live Music Featuring Johanna Winkel

Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise

Sunday, May 12th • Adults $29, Kids $14.50 2 CRUISES: 1pm & 3pm • Seats are limited

Children — even when they’re adults need a way to express their love for their mothers. It was easy when we were young and could create a card out of construction paper and glue, but it gets harder when everyone’s lives become filled with new duties and obligations. I know out of experience that spending the day with Mom was all she ever wanted. Take time out for Mom, and take her out for Brunch & then dessert on a cruise on the Cape Fear River. 90 min cruise with an array of catered desserts.

Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Monday, May 13th • 6:30pm • $30

Visit us on the Riverwalk! 212 S. Water Street 910-338-3134 • email: info@wilmingtonwt.com

e

BEST OF 2 0 1 7

W I N N E R

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

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BAR ON BOARD WITH ALL ABC PERMITS

Complete Schedule: wilmingtonwatertours.net 34 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

Whether you are a wine newbie or an experienced taster, our wine tasting cruises are a fun way to learn about what you like and don’t like.

What better way to tantalize all your senses while cruising on Cape Fear River. Wines are paired with little nibbles.

Got Company?

Not sure what to do with all your company. Take them on a 50 min cruise on the river, showcasing the history, ecology & points of interest of the Cape Fear area for $12. Even hours go north & odd hours go south or do both for $23 ~ 1 hr 40 min

GRUB & GUZZLE>>REVIEW

BURGERS, BEIGNETS AND BREWS:

foodtastic events

BY: ROSA BIANCA

Sunday, May 12, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Beer Bellies slings Southern comfort food laced with Louisiana love

Y

NIP SIP

Palate • 1007 N. 4th St.

Treat Mom and yourself on Mother’s Day at Palate. While The Kitchen at Palate will start serving at 12, live music by singer-songwriter Delia Stanley will go from 1-4 p.m. Come as you are and come hungry!

ou don’t wander into a joint dubbed “Beer Bellies” and expect white tablecloths, overpriced charcuterie and stuffy service.

Beer Bellies doesn’t claim to be anything other than what it is, and I’ll give them some credit for that. Formerly located at the old Shuckin’ Shack downtown on Market near Front, the New Orleans-inspired dive is known for their boozy Sunday brunch, golden-fried seafood and proper beignets. The interior is practically untouched from the previous restaurant, but the coastal bar vibe works well in the space.

I visited Beer Bellies when they opened their doors last year and though I wasn’t completely blown away, I also wasn’t terribly disappointed. While skimming some of their recent reviews online, I discovered they had grown quite a following.

People seem to dig the food, so I thought I’d give it another go. Plus, I like cold beer and fried things on random weekdays.

I popped in on a fairly quiet Monday evening, and my husband and I practically had the bar to ourselves. The waitress raved about the Southern-fried wings and suggested ordering them naked with Buffalo and sweet chili sauce married together on the side. I typically trail wings back and forth between ranch and bleu cheese, so the recommendation of combining two sauces got my attention. I also liked how our server was diligent enough to converse, rather than just provide bare minimum chitchat and go text in the corner.

Each wing was covered in a thick, crunchy coating but remained really juicy on the inside. The sauce was spicy, tart and sweet. Next time I’ll opt for them tossed in the clever combo, for sure.

No big frills with this dish—just peppery, breaded bites that went nicely with a cold beer or four.

The burgers seemed to get the most praise out of the bunch, so we decided to go halfsies on the Double Barrel (sans BBQ sauce). The loaded handheld was stacked with sweet Applewood bacon, creamy slaw, tomato, pickles, onion, and aioli. There were enough saucy condiments so the house sweet BBQ sauce seemed a little redundant. The tart pickles and creamy slaw balanced the meaty

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH WITH DELIA STANLEY

GREEK FESTIVAL May 17-19 BEIGNETS FOR THE WIN: Rosa is all for Beer Bellies’ NOLA beignets, served hot, fluffy and doused in powdered sugar. Photo by Shannon Rae Gentry

patty, a touch overdone for medium-rare in my opinion. The burger was a solid portion of satisfaction, but had the Angus beef been taken off the flattop about a minute sooner, it may have blown my socks off. Well-seasoned crinkle fries are hard to beat. Well-played, BB. In an attempt to try something outside of the “bar food” category, the grilled catfish was next on deck. It is a seafood restaurant, after all. Nearly all the catfish in Wilmington is local, so while it was cooked well and the flavor was fresh, simple and clean, there wasn’t much happening to make the plate overly interesting. The biggest fail was cold mashed potatoes (not lukewarm). They were buttery and salty, so there wasn’t anything wrong on that end, but cold potatoes are a little bit of a turn-off.

For my other side, I opted for a Caesar—always my go-to. The lettuce was chilled and crunchy, but the overall salad was average. At this point, I realized Beer Bellies seems to put all of their effort into certain dishes and little into others. It is definitely not the first local eatery I’ve found to take advantage of their prime location by slacking off on parts of the menu. That being said, I had family

in town who stumbled into BB for brunch several weeks back when everywhere else was slammed, and they enjoyed every single bite.

Speaking of bites, anyone looking for a standout dish, welp, go no further than their beignets. Fried to order, the pillowy, golden-brown nuggets are showered in powdered sugar. The kitchen keeps it simple and they are melt-in-your-mouth good.

With such stellar online ratings, BB clearly has a handle on their crowd.

They’re putting out unfussy familiar food to the masses and that seems to please customers. I just think a little extra thoughtfulness here and there would up the ante.

Either way, beignets and cold brews FTW!

DETAILS:

Beer Bellies

109 Market St. (910) 833-5509 Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Fri., 9 - 2 a.m.; Sat., 8 - 2 a.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.- 11 p.m.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 608 S. College Rd. Prices vary

OPA! The 27th Annual Greek Festival is coming back to ILM and the Greek community of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is serving up a helping og culture, faith and heritage with delicious authentic food, music, dancing, a marketplace and more. For details, visit www.stnicholasgreekfest. com or stnicholaswilmington.org.

NOLA CRAWFISH BOIL

Saturday, May 18, 12-8 p.m.

Watermans Brewing •1610 Pavilion Place Price: $10-$45

It’s the second annual New Orleans Blues & Crawfish Boil at Watermans.

Purchase all you can eat or buy by the pound. Crawfish served will be flown in fresh from Louisiana to complete true NOLA gumbo and po boys—on special all day long. Enjoy live music from Cafe Nouveau, Rachet Brothers & Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos, too.

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EXTRA>>BOOKS

CARPE LIBRUM:

Rebecca and Joel Finsel finish long-awaited project, ‘Franz Kline in Coal Country’ 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, John F. Blair) and new smaller presses gaining traction (Eno, Bull City), it is timely to shine a light on discussions around literature, publishing and the importance of communicating a truthful story in our present world.

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

Franz Kline in Coal Country

ing the book was a struggle to separate fact from romance. How did memories cloud or change over the years? What agenda did each interview subject have and why?

Among the many offerings in the pages of the book are reproductions of early cartoons Kline drew for his friends’ autograph books in school. (It feels like the hunt for Minnie Evans’ early work: Who would still have pictures in their attic or in a drawer?)

Years and years of asking and following leads and interviewing led to the public finally seeing Kline’s very early work. He has such a witty sense of humor and already an ability to convey movement.

Rebecca and Joel Finsel

Arcadia Publishing, 2019, 224 pages

Where two writers are gathered together, inherently, the question turns to, “What are you working on?”

For almost a decade, when I have run into Joel Finsel and engaged in that ageold conversation, he would gush about the thing that had ignited his imagination most recently. Then he added, “I’m still working on that book with my mom.” Periodically it would progress (“We found a publisher!”)

Last month it hit a new milestone: Joel Finsel has a new book out.

“Franz Kline in Coal Country” is an exploration of the life of the abstract-expressionist painter. It is a project Rebecca Finsel, Joel’s mother and collaborator, began over three decades ago. “Labor of love” does not begin to express the depth of what has gone into the book. But it was worth waiting for.

Franz Kline (1910-1962) was an American painter, part of the “New York School,” and colleague of Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. He began life in a small town in Pennsylvania—Lehighton, PA, to be exact, a place he described as a “little Dutch settlement, wrapped up in a cloud of coal dirt.” It not only shaped his world but also happens to contain the family homestead of Rebecca and Joel.

From the book’s beginning, it blends reproductions of Kline’s work (especially early pieces), the narrative of his life, discussion of the research process of the book and the world of Lehighton. I honestly don’t know which is more gripping: Kline’s crazy life, or the process of trying to unravel it and make sense from it. He is born to wealth and privilege, his father commits suicide and his mother sends him to an all-boys orphanage/school that she almost immediately starts battling to get him released from. Then she makes a marriage of convenience to a man she barely knows, and he comes home to live with them as the “Big Man on Campus”: star athlete, cool kid and maybe even having an affair with his theatre teacher. That’s just up to age 19.

From the beginning of the book, Rebecca addresses an issue that plagues all biographers: What is the true story of a human life? Part of what she faced research-

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I admit, much that I enjoy visual art and have spent a lot of my adult life in museums, I have to take on the abstract-expressionists on a case-by-case basis. Some I really resonate with, others’ work eludes me completely. Somehow I missed Kline altogether. But the Finsels’ book makes his work approachable, and creates a beautiful context for the parallels with his orthodox work from his early training in drafting and illustrating. It creates a context for his work with experiences and influences that flow together, almost like cells of an animation film with Finsels’ narration as the script.

I seriously could not put the book down from the onset.We have such a stuffy and rigid idea of the mores and behaviors of bygone eras. In this family, at least one teenage pregnancy was absorbed into family life (Janny—several of Franz’s sketches of her are included in the book), and Franz himself seems to have been quite the ladies’ man. In so many ways, it is a portrait of a family coping with what was put before them, and that possibly is the best metaphor for Kline’s work.

The Finsels make Kline’s life accessible without making him a hero. They seem to revel in his humanness, his essential ability to captivate those around him and his inability to manage his own life—and how all those pieces distilled down to a vast, varied and breathtaking body of work. It is as much a portrait of one painter finding himself as it is a community coming to terms with their famous and difficult native son.

Mother’s Day is approaching, and this is a great gift for an art lover. It’s also a good gift to celebrate the bond between mother and son.

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HAPPENINGS & EVENTS ACROSS WILMINGTON

TO-DO CALENDAR

events

NC FILM FORUM May 8, 5:30pm: Come to Jengo’s for free beer, friendly cheer, and your favorite local film community. From high action sports films to hospital training vids, hear from one of ILM’s most talented visual stylemakers - Reel Visuals. Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess St. N. 4TH NEIGHBORHOOD SOUL PARTY May 10, 7pm: Curtis T Clydesdale takes you back to simpler days like ”Willie and Laura Mae Jones.”

Come on out to see “What’s Going On” and “Let’s

Get it On.” Palate, 1007 N 4th St.

MOTHERS’ DAY TEA AND BIG KID DAY May 11, 9am: This month we are honored to celebrate the moms who work so tirelessly to raise happy and healthy little humans! Dress to impress and bring your crew (big kids,too!) to enjoy some refreshments and a play date with mom. We’ll offer fun activities for all ages, snacks, and some iced tea from one of our favorite places, Chick-filA! Ages: 9 and under; $5 per child (included with general admission). No pre-registration required.

Fit For Fun, 302 S. 10th St. SPRING ART MARKET May 11, 10am-3pm: Juried Art Market will feature

the galleries to help visitors craft their own creations. unique, handmade creations from incredible local This project is supported in part by an award from craftsmen and artists. Stop by to shop clothing and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cameron Art accessories, home goods, fine art and more! More Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. information will be posted on how you can become a vendor in March. Check out our Artist Opportunity STONE SOUP ZINE FEST page for an application then. Free, no registration is May 11, 11am: Milk & Honey Comics presents Stone required.Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Soup Zine Fest at Bomber’s Beverage Company Village Way downtown on Grace street. An event showcasing indie comics, zines and small press from the region.

CAM COMMUNITY DAY Attendance is free and open to all ages. Come out May 11, 10am: Bring your family and friends to a free to meet our growing community of artists and fans. community day at the Cameron Art Museum and Bomber’s Beverage Company, 108 Grace St. view two exhibitions: A Time When Art is Everywhere: teamLab and Minnie, Clyde, Annie, Vollis. Admission ALICE’S TABLE: MOTHER’S DAY BLOOMS is free on this special day only. Local artists will be in May 11, noon: Join us to celebrate Mom with a be-

spoke floral experience at Porches Cafe. Spend the morning reveling in gorgeous fresh flowers creating a spring centerpiece. At the end of the workshop, take home a one-of-a-kind arrangement in a stylish vase, along with great floral tips and tricks. Guests will enjoy (1) glass of wine included with ticket purchase. Come early and shop the River Bluffs Farm Market or enjoy a bite before the class at Porches Cafe. In honor of Mom, a portion of each ticket sale will benefit Nourish NC, a 501-c(3) non-profit organization that provides hungry children with healthy food. Porches Cafe, 1030 Chair Rd.

IRON ANCHOR TATTOO MENTAL HEALTH DAY May 11, 1:30pm: In honor of Mental Health Month, Iron Anchor Tattoo Lelandwill be hosting a book signing for local author Tyler Wittkofsky’s new novel “Not Alone”. 25% of proceeds from the book signing will be donated to National Alliance of Mental Health in Wilmington (NAMI Wilmington). In addition to the book signing, Iron Anchor Tattoo Leland will be offering 10% off mental health, semicolon, and suicide awareness tattoos. They will also be offering 10% off breast cancer awareness tattoos in honor of Mother’s Day. Iron Anchor Tattoo, 1725 Reed Rd NE #7 SUCCULENT POTTING PARTY May 11, noon: Join us for a Mother’s Day Succulent Potting Party hosted by Eclipse Artisan Boutique!

Each RSVP includes one large succulent, 3 small succulents, container, soil, moss, rock, detailed care instructions, question and answer session, and refreshments! The guys of The Coastal Succulent will be giving you all their tips and tricks for creating the perfect succulent interiorscape! So grab Mom and come join us for an afternoon of fun and succulents! Eclipse Artisan Boutique, 203 Racine Dr. MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE May 12, 11am: Do something different for mom!

Wrightsville Beach Scenic Cruises is proud to announce their annual Mother’s Day Cruise where mother’s receive a free cruise and beverage with a paid passenger. On Sunday bring mom out for a relaxing cruise, show her the natural beauty of Wrightsville Beach from the water. What a great way to show mom you appreciate her and all of her hard work. Cruises depart hourly from the Blockade Runner Resort Dock beginning at 11am and topping off the evening with the sunset cruise at 6:30pm. Seats

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fill quickly. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

ILM DIGITAL MARKETING CONFERENCE June 5-6: Hear from some of the most audacious and thought provoking speakers in the digital marketing industry. Gain insight into emerging strategies, the latest innovative technologies, and best practices to move your business to the next level.

Online event being streamed live and also available on demand. It’s the one digital marketing event for marketing professionals in Wilmington you can’t afford to miss. Whatever your goal is; reinforcing customer loyalty, improving lead generation, increasing sales, or driving stronger consumer engagement, the Wilmington Digital Marketing Conference line up has been specifically designed to help you develop your audience. Secure your seat now and take advantage of our discounted super early bird registration rates. https://wilmington-digital-marketing-conference-2019.eventbrite.com.

charity/fundraisers

ST. MARK’S COLUMBIETTES QUARTER AUCTION May 10, 7am: Bring your family & friends! Have fun, win valuable prizes, help support local charities at St. Mark’s. Gift cards to local restaurants, local and national merchants and much more to be auctioned. Food and drinks available. For tickets or more information, please contact Colleen at cmarsil@gmail.com. $8 in advance $10 at the door. St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Rd. LIP SYNC FOR A CURE May 10, 6pm: We are taking the battle downtown!

Join us for the 4th Annual Lip Sync Battle for a

cure! Presale tickets will be available for $25 donations. Food from local downtown restaurant will be included. 100% of proceeds donated to American Cancer Society. Register to perform the day of the event, come with 2 songs ready to perform. Top performers will go onto second round. Send your song selections and questions to Ariana at realtor@arianajo.com 703-915-2493. Props are encouraged!

Don’t miss the photobooth and silent auction! $300 grand prize sponsored by The Regan Law Firm $100 Runner up. http://main.acsevents.org/site/ TR?fr_id=91467&pg=team&team_id=2419494.

Lip Sync performances judged by local celebrities Hannah Patrick of WWAY & Sean Ruttkay of EDA Surf. Ironclad Brewery, 115 North 2nd St PILGRIMAGE TO ST. PHILIPS CHURCH To raise awareness of the historic structure’s significance, The ladies of the NSCDA-NC organized annual pilgrimages attended by hundreds of Wilmington townsfolk, who traveled downriver to the site on a steamer ship. Our modern version of their 19th century program follows. It promises to be a joyous occasion filled with beloved songs shared in a beautiful setting. Featuring Rt. Rev. Henry Parsley— History of St. Philip’s, historian Jim McKee, from History of Brunswick Town, choir performances and singalongs, box lunch by Spoonfed. $30/person.

Register: 910-763-8100. 8884 St Phillips Rd SE, Winnabow.

music OPEN-MIC AT TIDAL CREEK Comedians, singers, songwriters, poets, yodelers!

Come out the co-op on Wednesday night & show us what you got! Free coffee

SUNSET MUSIC CRUISE Fri., 6:30pm: Looking for something different to do?

Look no further! Come aboard The Wilmington, our comfortable catamaran, for a fun cruise down the Cape Fear River as we cruise into the sunset. Grab a tasty cocktail or drink from our full bar and sit back and relax as you listen to live music from local musicians. This is a one-of-a-kind music venue in Wilmington and this cruise is one of our most popular excursions, so be sure to book early! Wilmington Water Tours, 212 Water St. KURE BEACH BOOGIE IN THE PARK Eery 1st & 3rd Sunday, May 5-October 20, from 5pm-7pm, skips Labor Day weekend. A free concert series at Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park. Bring your beach chair or blanket, friends, family, and neighbors and enjoy the music! May 5, 5pm-7pm, will be featuring the Wilmington Big Band bringing timeless standards and hip pop music! Purchase your Boogie in the Park gear at the link provided. https://shop.spreadshirt.com/tokb. Ocean Front Park, 105 Atlantic Ave. CAM CAFE MUSIC May 9, 6pm: Julie Rehder placed a harp on her shoulder for the first time eight years ago she knew her decades as a pianist and singer prepared her for that moment. “Now I can’t be in the same room with my harps without stopping to play them,” she says. Unlike digitized music, the vibrations of the long strings of the harp are felt by those in close proximity, including the musician playing it. The harp is known for creating a peaceful mood for intimate conversations and quiet reflection but can also get toes tapping when traditional Celtic tunes are played. Reservations are always suggested and appreciated at the Café phone: 910.777.2363.

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. JAZZ AT THE MANSION May 9, 6:30pm: Concert series hosted by the Bellamy Mansion Museum and the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Our featured performer that evening will be the Jerald Shynett Allstars. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy an evening out on the Bellamy Mansion lawn! Beer, wine and snacks will be available for sale. Concerts are rain or shine events. The concert will be moved into the mansion in case of bad weather, which will limit the number of attendees. Tickets only available at the doo—$18 GA, $15 members, $10 students/volunteers. Proceeds from ticket sales support the musicians, the Cape Fear Jazz Society, and the Bellamy Mansion Museum. www.bellamymansion.org/jazz-at-the-mansion. html. 503 Market St.

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LIVE AT THE PARK May 9, 6:30pm: Join us for our Live @ the Park concert series and be prepared to dance! Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, beverages and your friends and family! A Local food truck will be on site selling food!

Leland Municipal Park, 113 Town Hall Dr. FROM DAWN TO DUSK May 10, 7pm: Musical impressions of morning, noon, and night by composers from all around the world—from Ravi Shankar’s raga-based Enchanted Dawn and Gernot Wolfgang’s jazz-infused Rays of Light to Arthur Foote’s wistful At Dusk and Luigi Boccherini’s spirited Night Music from the Streets of Madrid. The Brierwood Ensemble performs with special guest Nancy King, soprano. $10 for students, $20 for adults. Ronald Sachs Violins, 616 Castle St. UNION DUKE (BLUEGRASS) May 10, 7:30pm: Smokin’ hot Toronto band Union Duke is coming to Wilmington!!!

Bridging soulful indie rock with bluegrass and country, the group belts out soaring harmonies with wild guitar and banjo solos. Don’t miss their explosive live show! Tickets are $28/$20/$15.Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. TALLIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA May 12, 5pm: It’s become a wonderful tradition for the Tallis Chamber Orchestra to perform for us on Mother’s Day. As many of you know the Tallis Orchestra is now celebrating 14 years of concerts in Wilmington and always exceeds our expectations.

The orchestra is made up of 12-14 string players and one keyboard player. Of note, all of these very talented members of the ensemble are from the Wilmington area and volunteer their time and talent to this marvelous group. Complimentary tickets are available beginning May 6th at the NE Branch of the NHC Library. Please consider a generous donation to help us continue this wonderful music program at Kenan Chapel. Note that there will not be a reception following the concert. See Kenanchapel.com and “Like” us on Facebook for up to date information

film WILMINGTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL May 8, “93 Queen,” 2018 (USA) documentary—An uplifting true story of Ruchie Freier, leader of a group of Hasidic women in the struggle to establish the first all-female volunteer ambulance corps in New York City. Set in the Hasidic enclave of Borough Park, Brooklyn, 93QUEENfollows a group of tenacious Hasidic women who are smashing the patriarchy in their community by creating the first all-female volunteer ambulance corps in New York City. With unprecedented -- and insider -- access, 93QUEEN offers up a unique portrayal of a group of empowered women who are taking matters into their own hands to change their own community from within. Dessert reception follows film. Thalian Hall, 301 Chestnut St. PLANETARIUM: HUBBLE VISION 2 May 11, 2pm: A fascinating tour of the cosmos – from Earth’s orbit to the limits of the observable universe. (30 min.) Free. Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. CRAZY RICH ASIANS May 11, 6:30pm: Get a babysitter and come have a date night at the park! Before the feature presentation, enjoy yard games and dinner from a local food truck. Then, once the sun sets, settle down in your chairs or on a blanket and enjoy the film Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13) under the stars.Leland Municipal Park, 113 Town Hall Dr.

theatre/auditions SHAKESPEARE BRUNCH TheatreNOW hosts monthly Shakespeare brunch, abridged readings of one of the Bard’s classic plays. Reserved seating. Doors open at 11:30am. $5 of every ticket sold will go to a local Shakespeare educational outreach program. Brunch & dessert with choice of entrée included in ticket. May 19: “All’s Well That Ends Well”; June 16: “Hamlet”; June 21: “Midsummer Night’s Dream”; Aug. 18: “Romeo & Juliet”; Sept. 22: “Two Gentleman of Verona”; Oct. 27: “Richard III”; Nov. 17: “Winter’s Tale.” TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. THE BOOK OF LIZ Through May 11, Fri. and Sat. Nights, 7pm, by Amy & David Sedaris, directed by Phill Antonino.

Sister Elizabeth lives a sheltered existence making famously delicious cheese balls until she leaves her Squeamish society to make her way the world.

Along the way she meets some colorful characters and has to make some important decisions that may effect the fate of the famous recipe. The answers to this and so many other questions can be found in this comedy from the Talent Family, David and Amy Sedaris. $20-$47 ($10 off opening weekend). TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St. THE EXPLORERS CLUB May 9-12, 8pm; Sun., 3pm: Making its first appearance in Wilmington, this Monty Pythonesque play is set in London, 1879 and written by Nell Benjamin.

The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship. Tickets are $18 Thursdays, $22 seniors/students/military, $25 general admission and can be purchased by calling 910367-5237 or visiting www.bigdawgproductions.org.

Cape Fear Playhouse, 613 Castle St. OTHELLO May 9, 7:30pm: In Thalian Hall’s rich, multimedia production of this beautiful play, a diverse cast of local Wilmington thespians present a nuanced exploration of resonant topics, set in today’s global environment. “Othello” is as pertinent today as it was in the Elizabethan era, paralleling the problems of xenophobia and racism that plague our modern world. Director Mirla Criste presents a multimedia production set in our own time, tackling head-on the themes of mistrust and misinformation, race and religion, honor and marriage, and the traumas of war, within a cultural geography that is undeniably all too familiar. Othello’s relevance and impact are eternal.

Limited seating (reserved) available at the Box Office. thalianhall.org. Thalian Hall,301 Chestnut St. SOMETHING ROTTEN May 11, 7:30pm; May 12, 2pm and 7:30pm: Welcome to the Renaissance, where the Black Plague has ceded power to the Puritans, farthingales and codpieces are the latest fashion trend, and the biggest celebrity in England is a playwright named William Shakespeare. In the midst of all this excitement, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are trying to keep their acting company afloat. In a desperate attempt to out-Bard the Bard, Nick consults with a soothsayer, who informs him that the future of theatre involves acting, singing, and dancing — sometimes

all at once! As the Bottom brothers strive to write the world’s very first “musical”, they find themselves caught in a bitter battle with the Bard and the play’s the thing. Something Rotten! is a hysterical, joyous celebration of everything you love about Broadway.

Wilson Center, 703 N. 3rd St. SUMMER APPRENTICE THEATRE AUDITIONS #2 May 12, 5:30pm: Summer Apprentice Theatre Audition #2: We’re looking for a few more motivated young performers, ages 14-24, who are interested in taking their skills to a new level. Apprentice Theatre shows will be cast & crewed by young performers only (rising high school freshman to college seniors). The apprenticeship program is for actors, singers, dancers, designers, & technicians who want to hone their skills. Professional performances will follow 2-3 week intensive rehearsals. In preparation for this audition, please plan to sing 16 bars (a small section) of a song that best showcases your voice. The dance/movement portion of the audition will include tap technique. We’re also accepting technical resumes (for crew positions) at this time!

Opera House Theatre Company, 2011 Carolina Beach Rd.

art MEET LOCAL ARTISTS Meet working artists, and see works in progress. Everything from sculptures to fine jewelry in this unique location. Free parking, fun for everyone. Over 45 artist’s works to enjoy. Free, and we participate in the 4th Friday Art Walks, 6-9pm, 4th Fri. ea. mo. theArtWorks, 200 Willard St. FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHT Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, Wilmington’s premier after-hours celebration of art and culture, 6-9pm, fourth Fri. ea. month. Art openings, artist demonstrations, entertainment and refreshments. Administered by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, numerous venues participate. Full list: artscouncilofwilmington.org NEW ELEMENTS “Drifting” with Timothy David Lang—his debut show!

Timothy has lived in Wilmington several times in his career. He is a surfer that is inspired by the landscape here, be that in the water or the scenery of the open road. Photo realism in style and masterful in its technique, Lang’s work goes way further by capturing not just a scene in incredible detail, but more importantly a mood. Exhibition on display through May 18. New Elements Gallery, 271 N. Front St. THE JOY OF PLEIN AIR “The Joy of Plein Air: Laurie Greenbaum Beitc” will be presented by Art in Bloom Gallery at Pinpoint Restaurant in partnership with Checker Cab Productions. For Wilmington based artist, Laurie Greenbaum Beitch, painting is about the process of capturing the atmosphere and colors of serene and magical places. In her work, Laurie tries to evoke a mood, to create a feeling of light and of atmosphere by experimenting with different materials and techniques. Each of her gorgeous, velvety pastels are painted en plein air (the act of painting outdoors) so that she stay true to the location’s beauty, tranquility, and fragility. On exhibit through May 20. 114 Market St.

surround these miniature dioramas. ChelseaLeaMetals.com. 721 Surry St. BRAYERS, BRUSHES & COLOR PENCILS New exhibit of printmaking and drawings by artist David Norris, presented by Art in Bloom in partnership with Checker Cab productions at Platypus and Gnome. David (BFA from ECUs’ School of Art) has begun a series of monoprints that combine printing techniques with color pencils and lithograph crayons. They build on and compliment a long-standing series of regional cityscapes and landscapes done in watercolor and color pencil. He also works in other media ranging from black and white pen drawings to silverpoint, scrimshaw, linoleum block prints, collage. 910-769-9300 for dinner reservations. Platypus & Gnome, 9 S. Front St. UNCW SENIOR ART EXHIBITION Twenty-five students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art present their final work at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s CAB Gallery. Admission and refreshments are free and open to the public. The student-named exhibition includes drawing, printmaking, photography, painting, sculpture, interactive, digital works and installation. Exhibition will be on view until May 10. CAB Gallery, Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm, and Friday 12-4pm. Both CAB and Mezzanine galleries are free and open to the public. Corinne Lefebvre, cabartgallery@uncw.edu. Cultural Arts Building, 5270 Randall Pkwy.

PAPER TRANSFORMATIONS “Paper Transformations” by Jo Ann Alford. The show will remain on display until May 10; portion of the proceeds from any sale of art benefits WHQR. Alford graduated from East Carolina University in 1971 with a degree in art education. Returning

to Wilmington, in 1978, Jo Ann immersed herself in the local arts community, participating in area shows and exhibitions, and teaching workshops to adults and children in a variety of settings. In 1983, Jo Ann began teaching elementary art classes in the Pender County school system and retired in 2010. MC Erny Gallery, 254 N. Front St., Third Floor EPHEMERIDES Heather Divoky’s work is at 24 South Coffeehouse through May 31. The show is titled ‘Ephemerides’ and will feature all new work in marker, ink, and wire. Divoky’s newest body of work is an exploration between the scientific and the fantastical.

Astrology and astronomy were once two sides of the same coin. Heather’s work tries to bring them back together. Ephemerides were books used to track celestial bodies in both disciplines. By focusing on the 12 Zodiacs, Heather offers a perspective on what the signs really mean—if they really mean anything at all. 24 South Coffee House, 24 S Front St. BIRDS OF A FEATHER Through June 9: Art exhibit at the Bellamy Mansion Museum featuring original photography by Jeffrey P Karnes. There will be an artist’s reception on Friday, May 24 from 6:00 to 8pm. Light refreshments will be available. Carolyn Gonzalez at 910-2513700 x306 or cgonzalez@bellamymansion.org.

Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St. IT’S ALL ART May 9, 6pm: First fine art exhibition which will feature over 45 ALL member artists. An opening reception featuring the artists, live music and refreshments. The public is invited to attend. The artwork will be on display at the Leland Cultural Art Center (LCAC) from May 4 through May 30, 2019. ALL, a

MOCHA FREEZE A handcrafted drink made with Ghirardelli chocolate, cream and fresh espresso shots.

Blended and topped with homemade whip cream.

TINY WORLDS Chelsea Lea’s “Tiny Worlds” on display at Waterline Brewery. Body of work explores imaginary places made inside cigar boxes. Larger than life sculptures

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growing 501(c)(3) organization, is currently made up of over 120 members that include professional artists, art hobbyists, novice artists, and art enthusiasts. The exhibition will consist of oil, watercolor, acrylic and pastel paintings, photography, and mixed-media, ceramic, fiber and glass artwork.

Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way ABBY SPANGEL PERY ART OPENING May 9, 6pm: Join us for the art opening of Abby Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Natural History of Carnivorous Plants & Other Oddities,â&#x20AC;? a series of surreal studies in painting and drawing of carnivorous plants and other odd critters. Meet the artist, and enjoy music by Kyle Lindley Songwriter and local bites by Catch the food truck. Abby Spangel Perry is an artist and educator living in Wilmington, NC. Perry imagines life forms in their vital intensity and desperate vulnerability with the goal of bringing attention to the smallest components of our ecosystems. Show hangs through June.Flytrap Brewing, 319 Walnut St. GO WITH THE FLOW May 10, 6pm: Join us for the opening reception for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go With the Flow: Contemporary Art with E. Francisca Dekker and Karen Paden Crouch.â&#x20AC;?

The new exhibit playfully pairs two contemporary artists with painting and sculpture. During the opening reception, visit with our artists and enjoy refreshments with live music by guitarist, Roger Davis. The exhibit continues through June 9 at Art in Bloom Gallery, 210 Princess St.

dance CAPE FEAR CONTRA DANCERS

Come on out for two hours of energetic, contemporary American country dancing with live music.

Dress cool & comfortable, soft-soled shoes. All ages. 2nd/4th Tues, 7:30pm. United Methodist, 409 S. 5th Ave. BABS MCDANCE Group classes for all levels are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced dancers! We will begin the class with the basics and instruct you through a few exciting dance moves! Mondays, 7pm: International Rumba Class â&#x20AC;˘ Mondays, 8pm: Argentine Tango â&#x20AC;˘ Tuesdays, 7pm, West Coast Swing; 8pm, East Coast Swing. â&#x20AC;˘ Wednesdays, 7pm, Bachata; 8pm, Hustle â&#x20AC;˘ Thursdays, 7pm: Shag Level 1; 8pm, Shag Levels 2 and 3. All classesa are $10 per person, $15 per couple, $5 for military/students with ID. $5. Babs McDance Social Dance Club & Ballroom, 6782 Market St.

danceclub.org. New Hanover Co. Senior Resource Center, 2222 S. College Rd.

comedy OPEN MIC Wildest open mic in town ... anything goes. (except cover songs). Stand-up comedy, slam poetry, video, live music, odd talentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;performances of all kinds.

Hosted by 6-beer Steve. Sign up, 8pm, and runs all night. Juggling Gypsy 1612 Castle St. ILM, (910) 763-2223 daily after 3pm for details. www.jugglinggypsy.com.

GRUFF GOAT COMEDY First Wed. ea. month, Gruff Goat Comedy features Three Guest Comics Under a Bridge. No Trolls. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Lane.

DANCINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; IN THE PARK May 11, 9:30am: Join us on Saturday mornings for an hour filled with fun + fitness! Come move with our dynamic instructors skilled in reggae, hip-hop, Zumba, and more! Free and open to the public.

We hope to see you there! Portia Hines Park, 400 N. 10th St.

PRIMETIME COMEDY See some of NCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best stand-up comedians in a world class venue! This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented performers: Brett Williams, Cordero Wilson, Grant Sheffield, Louis Bishop, and Tyler Wood. Hosted by: Wills Maxwell. N Front Theatre (formerly City Stage), 21 N Front St.

OVER 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DANCE May 14, 7:30pm: Buddy Langley will be choosing his best ballroom, social, and line dance music at the Tues., May 14th Over 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dance. The dance is being held at the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center, 2222 So. College Rd., Wilmington from 7:30-10:00pm. Couples and singles are welcome. A mixer and line dance segment are part of the evening and add to the fun. The cost is just $8.00 per person plus a finger food or 2 liter soft drink to share. For more information, contact Tim Gugan (910-620-8427) or visit www.overfifties-

LUCKY JOE COMEDY SHOW First Sat. ea. month is free show at Lucky Joe Craft Coffee on College Road presented by Regretful Villains. The show features a new style of stand-up called Speed Joking. Come enjoy a night of laughs and find your Comedic Soulmate!

1414 S College Rd. LIVE RIFFING AND VINTAGE TV Every Wed. join Dead Crow Comedy for improv night. Join local comedians for a TV party at Dead Crow! An interactive improvised comedy show. 265 N. Front St. DAREDEVIL IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE DareDevil Improv Classes teach you the fundamentals of the funny! Learn to be more spontaneous, trust your instincts, and create one-of-a-kind comedy with an ensemble! (And even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not a â&#x20AC;&#x153;performer,â&#x20AC;? our classes are a great way to meet people and have a hella good time!) Details and sign-ups: daredevilimprov.com. Hannah Block Community Arts Center, 120 S. 2nd St.

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Call us at 910.392.0078 www.Computer-Medics.biz help@Computer-Medics.biz

BOMBERS COMEDY OPEN MIC Sign up at 8:30; showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at 9. Bring your best to the mic. Bomberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beverage Company, 108 Grace St. DEAD CROW Open mic every Thursday, 8pm. â&#x20AC;˘ May 9, 7:30pm/9pm: Cape Fear Comedy Festival is celebrating its 10th year by hosting a special event with Maria Bamford! Maria was the headliner at the first festival. Bamford stars in the semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, lauded as â&#x20AC;&#x153;revelatoryâ&#x20AC;? by Entertainment Weekly and one of 2016â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must-see shows by Variety and Rolling Stone. The comedian also stars in Maria Bamford: the special special special and of the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, which screened at the Museum of Art and Design. She was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series The Comedians of Comedy and Netflixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. Tickets: deadcrowcomedy.com. 265 N. Front St. MATT FULCHIRON May 9. 7pm: Known to those in the know as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Full Charge,â&#x20AC;? Matt Fulchiron makes love to the mic with an elevated level of rhythm, vocabulary, and insight.

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Matt has performed on the television shows â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comedy Central Presents,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Live at Gotham,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Late Late Showâ&#x20AC;? on CBS, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last Comic Standing,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tosh.0,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last Call with Carson Daly,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comics Unleashed.â&#x20AC;? Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also appeared on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Joe Rogan Experienceâ&#x20AC;? podcast, and was the opening act on Daniel Toshâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great Norâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Easter Tour.â&#x20AC;? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing you can do about it. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the headliners for Cape Fear Comedy Fest.

Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry St. 10TH ANNUAL CF COMEDY FESTIVAL May 9-11, nightly: 10th year, the Cape Fear Comedy Festival is a non-profit locally operated organization in Wilmington, N.C., that is committed to enriching the performing arts community in the Cape Fear region. Each year we invite 50 of the best â&#x20AC;&#x153;up and comingâ&#x20AC;? comedians across the country to showcase their Stand Up Comedy during our 3 day event. This year comedians will be performing showcases at Dead Crow Comedy Room, Waterline Brewing Company, and Bombers Bev. Co. Some of the venues have FREE showcases. Ticketed shows at Dead Crow Comedy Room and Waterline will be hosted by Nationally touring Headliners, and showcase 8 comedians per show. Tickets for all events and venues can be purchased at www.DeadCrowComedy.com. Past performers invited to our festival, have gone on to perform on Late Night TV, Comedy Central, and Film and TV. For the full festival schedule and performing line-up info, visit www.CapeFearComedy.org ROBERT DEAN May 10, 7pm/9:30pm: Robert Dean was named a â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Faceâ&#x20AC;? at Just For Laughs Montreal, 2018 and was the subject of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inside Jokesâ&#x20AC;? a Documentary Series available now on Amazon Prime. In the past, he has been named one of Comedy Central â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comics to Watchâ&#x20AC;? at the 2014 New York Comedy Festival. He returned to the NYCF in 2017 to record his first stand-up album (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not Easy) Being Dean, which was released earlier this year on Sure Thing Records.Robert has been featured on AXS TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gotham Comedy Live, WNYCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2 Dope Queens podcast, and on Nick Vatterottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comedy Central Half Hour as Sexy Abraham Lincoln Lobster Man (a costume that was prominently displayed at The Robert Dean Museum, a comedy event he produced in 2017). Robert has performed at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, the Woodstock Comedy Festival and the Brooklyn Comedy Festival, and on the most renowned shows, venues, and clubs around the country. His work has been seen and written about in numerous media outlets, including Paste Magazine, Uproxx, News Channel 12, Time Out NY, and the Huffington Post. Headliner on Friday for CF Comedy Fest. Dead Crow Comedy, 265 North Front Street

museums CAMERON ART MUSEUM On exhibit: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Time When Art Is Everywhere: teamLab,â&#x20AC;? an art collective and interdisciplinary group of programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians artists and architects, creates digital artworks that bridge art, science, technology, design and the natural world. Designs are immersive interpretations deeply rooted in Japanese art, aesthetic and history. Through Sept. 8. â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday Exhibition Tours: Explore, discover and discuss the art work currently on view with these docentled tours. Admission: CAM members, free; others, museum admission. CAM CafĂŠ open and serving

CROSSWORD

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10am-4pm. Last tour, 3pm. 910-762-0570. www. delicious menu with full bar, 5pm-9pm. Tues.-Sun., burgwinwrighthouse.com.

11am-2pm; Thurs. nights, 5pm-9pm 910-395-5999. cameronartmuseum.org. 3201 S. 17th St. BELLAMY MANSION One of NC’s most spectacular examples of antebelCAPE FEAR MUSEUM lum architecture, built on the eve of the Civil War by Hundreds of toys and games are on view in Playfree and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Time!—classics, like Lincoln Logs, toy soldiers, an Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and busiErector set and a Mr. Potato Head, and even old ness leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss faves like wooden tops, blocks and dolls. Remem(1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of ber those toys that, for whatever reason, we just had Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered to have? Some of those fad favorites like the Rubik’s the house as their headquarters during the occupacube and 1960s Liddle Kiddle dolls are on exhibit tion of Wilmington. Now a museum, it focuses on hisalong with toy figures from fast food kids’ meals. Extory and the design arts and offers tours, changing plore toy history in custom label books. Play, create, exhibitions and an informative look at historic presand imagine in Cape Fear Museum’s newest exhibit, ervation in action. 910-251-3700. www.bellamymanPlayTime! Engage with museum educators in these sion.org. 503 Market St. short, drop-in programs. Activities change weekly and may include puzzles, games, blocks, and more. SHOWBOAT SYSTEMS AND DESIGNS Adult participation is required. Fun for all ages! Free May 11, 1pm: How did Navy architects adhere to for members or with general admission • Camera treaty restrictions, weave various systems together Collections! With today’s smart phones and digi- propulsion, navigation, gunnery, electrical, persontal cameras, photography is everywhere. Until the nel - and provide an efficient and elegant class of invention of the camera in 1839, there was no way ships: NC class battleships? Battleship North Caroto instantly capture the environment around you. In lina, 1 Battleship Rd. less than 200 years, cameras have progressed from complicated contraptions only used by professionals, to simple boxes with a roll of film anyone could operate, to handheld computers that create digital images shared with the world. 86 cameras and 145 SNAKE AND TURTLE FEEDING photographic accessories showcases changes in A brief presentation about the live animals on distechnology and styles, from late 1800s-early 2000s. play in the events center and then watch them feed. capefearmuseum.com. $8/adults, $7/seniors, colAt least one snake and turtle will be fed during the lege & military, $5/youth. CF Museum, 814 Market St. demonstration. Ages: 3 and up. First Wed. of every month. Cost: $1. Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th St. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH MUSEUM WB Museum of History, housed in the turn of the LITTLE EXPLORERS century Myers Cottage, exists to preserve and to Ages 2-5: Bring your kids to the park and discover share the history of Wrightsville Beach. Visitors to the nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, cottage will find a scale model of Wrightsville Beach hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the circa 1910, exhibits featuring the early days of the many nature themes we explore each month. Space beach including Lumina Pavilion, our hurricane hisis limited and pre-registration is required for these tory and information about the interaction between popular programs. $3/participant. Homey Habitats, the people and our natural environment which have 4/25-26, 10-11am. Halyburton Park, 4099. S. 17th St. shaped the 100 yr. history of WB. (910) 256-2569.

LITTLE EXPLORERS OUT AND ABOUT 303 W. Salisbury St. wbmuseum.com.

Thurs, 11am: Meet new friends in your community for WILMINGTON RR MUSEUM fun hands-on activities! Enjoy interactive circle time, Explore railroad history and heritage, especially of conduct exciting experiments and play games relatthe Atlantic Coast Line, headquartered in Wilmington ed to a weekly theme. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 for 125 years. Interests and activities for all ages, inand their adult helpers. At BRC-Hemenway Commucluding historical exhibits, full-size steam engine and nity Center, 507 McRae Street—May 2: Springtime; rolling stock, lively Children’s Hall, and spectacular May 16: Fruits & Veggies; May 30: Starry Night. At model layouts. House in an authentic 1883 freight MLK Center, 401 South 8th Street—May 9: Flowers, warehouse, facilities are fully accessible and on one May 23: Sun and Moon. level. By reservation, discounted group tours, caKIDS TENNIS CLINICS boose birthday parties, and after-hours meetings or May 7, 4pm: Little Aces Clinics, Ages: 5 - 7. $80/sesmixers. Story Time on 1st/3rd Mon. at 10:30am, only sion. Clinics will focus on the introduction of basic $5 per family and access to entire Museum. Admisstrokes such as forehands, backhands, volleys and sion only $9 adult, $8 senior/military, $5 child, ages overheads. Mondays & Wednesdays, Session: May 2-12, and free under age 2. 505 Nutt St. 910-7638, 13, 15, 20, 22, 29, 4 - 5 p.m. $80/session. Empie 2634. www.wrrm.org.

Park, 3405 Park Ave. Email: info@empiepark.com LATIMER HOUSE Victorian Italiante style home built in 1852, the restored home features period furnishings, artwork and family portraits. Tours offered Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm, and Sat, 12-5pm. Walking tours are Wed and Sat. CROW BOOK DISCUSSION at 10am. $4-$12. Latimer House of Lower Cape Fear May 7, 10am-11:30am: “Crow” book discussion with Historical Society is not handicapped accessible Barbara Wright. Bring your students to a discussion 126 S. Third St. with “Crow” author Barbara Wright. “Crow” is a fictionalized account of the 1898 coup d’état in WilmBURGWIN-WRIGHT HOUSE ington. The book follows an 11-year-old boy and his 18th century Burgwin-Wright House Museum in the family in the months leading up to the violent overheart of Wilmington’s Historic District, is the oldest throw of the city’s legally elected government. Dismuseum house in NC, restored with 18th and 19th cussion will be most appropriate for 6th-8th grade century decor and gardens. Colonial life is experistudents. Pre-registration is required. Pre-register by enced through historical interpretations in kitchenemailing CFMprograms@nhcgov.com. Cape Fear building and courtyard. 3rd/Market St. Tues-Sat,

kids stuff

lectures/literary

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Museum, 814 Market St. .

KAREN VAN SICKLE May 9, 4pm: Art League of Leland (ALL) invites artists and art enthusiasts to its May 9 meeting featuring artist Kirah Van Sickle as its guest speaker. Van Sickle will explain her past and current processes and share her formal and informal critique process.

A dynamic instructor and lecturer, leading custom studio courses for both beginner and seasoned artists through museum schools and local art associations, she is an award-winning illustrator, graphic designer and studio artist as well as a certified Golden Artist-Educator. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way REVOLUTIONARY POETS May 9, 7:30pm: A poetry reading and an open mic at the Jamaica House in Wilmington. Home of the Perform Slam Movement, the Sam Sharpe Poetry Reading is dedicated to revolutionary thinkers performing revolutionary poetry for the people and to lovers of freedom expressing themselves. An open mic, so anyone can attend and participate. Jamaica Bar & Grill, 2206 Carolina Beach Rd. ACLU HUMANISTS AND FREETHINKERS May 12, 6pm: The Humanists and Freethinkers of Cape Fear (HFCF) will host American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina (ACLU) community organizer Caroline Morin-Gage as she discusses the Wilmington NC campaign to end the use of cash bail for pretrial detention, a practice that discriminates against people who can’t afford bail. This program is free and open to the public. Art Factory Gallery, 721 Surry St.

recreational WALK WITH A DOC Join us the 3rd Saturday of every month at 9am for a fun and healthy walk—held at the Midtown YMCA. Each walk beings with a brief physician-led discussion of a current health topic, then he/she spends time walking, answering questions and talking with walkers. Choose your own pace and distance. Free and open to anyone. YMCA Midtown, George Anderson Dr. WB SCENIC TOURS Thurs., 10:30am: WB Scenic Tours birding boat cruise of Masonboro Island and Bradley Creek.

Guided eco-cruises are educational boat tours designed to increase conservation awareness about local wildlife and sensitive coastline habitats in New Hanover County. Topics explained during the boat ride will include: salt marsh function, wetland plants, and strong emphasis on shorebird/water bird ecology and identification. Birding tours are best when scheduled at low tide. • Sunset Tour of WB, Thurs., 5pm: Sunset with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours departs from the Blockade Runner Dock. Routes vary with season, weather, and whim on the Basic Sunset Cruise but may include Masonboro Island, Bradley Creek, Money Island or some other combination. Water, marsh, Shamrock, sunset—it’s a simple combination but very satisfying. Also, from experience, this is the best time to sight dolphins in the bay. RSVP: 910-200-4002 or wbst3000@gmail. com. WB Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

HIKES AND BIRDING First Friday bird hikes, ages 5/up; free. We’ll search for migrants, residents, and point out year-round species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome. Holly Shelter Gamelands, 4/11, 8am-3pm, 16 and up, $10. Halyburton Park, 4099.

S. 17th St. WALKING CLUB Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am through Apr. 24.

Free. Pre-registration required. Trained fitness staff will lead each walk. All ages are welcome. Weather permitting, we will walk outside. MLK Center, 401 South 8th St. WOMEN’S GOLF LEAGUE Wed., 9:30am, through May 29: 2 person teams.

Format: Best Ball. Tournament will be May 29 with prizes awarded to low gross and low net. Includes 6 weeks of greens fees & one practice round. Register at the clubhouse or online www.inlandgreensgolf.com. Call 910-765-7459. $50/player. Inland Greens Golf Course, 5945 Inland Greens Dr. CAPE FEAR ROLLER GRILS CF Roller Girls are seeking new recruits and referees! Come find out what roller derby and the Cape Fear Roller Girls are all about at our free registration night! We’ll cover the basics of roller derby, the ins and outs of CFRG Bootcamp, and even meet a few of our active skaters! We promise, we’re not as scary off the track! CFRG welcomes competitiveminded women from all walks of life who can dedicate the time and energy it takes to become a roller derby skater. You must be at least 18 years old to play roller derby. capefearrollergirls.com or /www. facebook.com/events/345835349388095. Scooters Family Skating Center, 341 Shipyard Blvd.

ULTIMATE TEEN TIME May 10, 6:30pm: Ages: Middle School Students.

Program is offered on the 2nd Friday of the month.

Free. Pre-registration is required. Space is very limited so please register early. Activities include sports, Xbox, karaoke, board games, refreshments, and more. Maides Park, 1101 Manly Ave. 910.341.7867.

Register online webreg.wilmingtonnc.gov FIRST FRIDAY BIRD HIKES 5/3, 6/7, 7/5, 8/2, 9am: Join parkstaff for a leisurely bird-watching stroll around Halyburton Park the first Friday of each month. We’ll search for migrants and point out year-round bird species too. These walks are for beginner birders and all are welcome. 5 and up, free. Halyburton Park, 4099 S 17th St. TEEN GAME NIGHT Ages: 13-17. Free. 6-9pm. Video games, board games, other activities and refreshments. Pre-registration required. MLK Center, 401 S. 8th St. 910-3417866. wilmingtonrecreation.com. MLK Community Center, 401 S. 8th St. BLACK HISTORY HIKE May 9, 10am: Meet at MLK. Urban Hike will be one and a half to two miles long. It will start at the MLK Center, on 8th and will meander around the area including 7th Steet - to cover the Gregory Congregational Church where he will discuss the Wilmington Ten and up to 10th Street where Williston “ Normal” School will be discussed before heading over to Castle and 11th Street Those on the hike will learn about historical sites such as Gregory High, Robert Strange Park. This hike will be full of history gems before heading back to MLK Center. Imam Abdul Rahman Shareef, is a noted historian and has traveled around the globe and was featured in the North Carolina Portraits of Faith highlighting the history of religions in the state of North Carolina. He is frequently requested to speak on Black History on many public forums. Registration is required. Register at tinyurl.com/y3lsnhps. MLK Center, 401 South 8th St. ART MOVES 6:30 pm: Minnie’s Mile; 7 pm: 5k starts. Register now

to walk, run or race either the Minnie’s Mile or 5k.

Art Moves Midtown is a unique race featuring the beautiful Cross City Trail, Halyburton Park, artistmade awards and full access to CAM’s exhibitions. At 5:30 pm take part in art activities going on near the start/finish line. Get some exercise, fresh air, and inspiration while you support your local art museum. To register and for more information: https://its-go-time.com/art-moves-midtown-5k/.

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St.

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

Librarian Annice Sevett: asevett@nhcgov.com or 910-798-6371. 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. CRAFTEEN MINI GARDENS Crafty teens are invited for snacks and miniature garden making at Northeast Library. Hands-on workshop is free but space is limited. To make sure there are enough seats and supplies, register on calendar, NHCLibrary.org. 910-798-6371.

NHC NE Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. DIY IPHONE FIX Sundays through May, 1pm: A short workshop, with all the parts, tools, and know-how provided to fix a broken screen to a working one! Our two hour Repair Cafe is a workshop that shows the basics of iPhone repair in a controlled environment, so you don’t have to worry about messing something up, or never putting it back together again. We’ll go over the 5 tools required for any iPhone repair, prepare instructions for your specific model iPhone, then show you how to properly open it, replace the necessary components, check for water damage or other potential problems. Finally, we’ll show you how to reassemble, and properly test for functionality! Seating is limited. Lead Tech Service, 225 S Water St, Ste D. eadtechservice.com POOLSIDE YOGA May 8-28: Longwave Yoga and The Reserve at Mayfaire present a 4-week series of “Poolside Yoga!” Join Justin on Wednesdays beginning May 8th through May 29th 6:00-7:00pm and enjoy the blissful surroundings as you practice poolside at The Reserve at Mayfaire. This class is sure to be fun for beginners and experienced yogis alike.

Bring your own yoga mat and be ready for some

ARIES (Mar. 21–April 19)

Time to shake things up! In the next three weeks, I invite you to try at least three of the following experiments. 1. See unusual sights in familiar situations. 2. Seek out new music that both calms you and excites you. 3. Get an inspiring statue or image of a favorite deity or hero. 4. Ask for a message from the person you will be three years from now. 5. Use your hands and tongue in ways you don’t usually use them.

6. Go in quest of a cathartic release that purges frustration and rouses holy passion. 7. Locate the sweet spot where deep feeling and deep thinking overlap.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

According to science writer Sarah Zielinski in “Smithsonian” magazine, fireflies produce the most efficient light on planet Earth. Nearly 100 percent of the energy produced by the chemical reaction inside the insect’s body is emitted as a brilliant glow. With that in mind, I propose you regard the firefly as your spirit creature in coming weeks. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you, too, will be a dynamic and proficient generator of luminosity. For best results, don’t tone down your brilliance, even if it illuminates shadows people are trying to hide.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Here’s a message from author Susan J. Elliott: “This is not your week to run the Universe. Next week is not looking so good either.” Now here’s a message: Elliott’s revelation is very good news! Since you won’t have to worry about trying to manage and fine-tune the universe, you can focus all efforts on your own self-care. And the coming weeks will be a favorable time to do just that. You’re due to dramatically upgrade your understanding of what you need to feel healthy and happy, and take the appropriate measures to put your new insights into action.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

The next three weeks will be an excellent time to serve as your own visionary prophet and dynamic fortune-teller. The predictions and conjectures you make about your future destiny will have an 85-percent likelihood of being accurate. Also, they will be relatively free of fear and worries. I urge you to give your imagination permission to engage in fun fantasies about what’s ahead for you. Be daringly optimistic and exuberantly hopeful and brazenly self-celebratory.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Leo poet Stanley Kunitz told his students, “You must be very careful not to deprive the poem of its wild origin.” That’s useful advice for anyone who spawns anything, not just poets. There’s something unruly and unpredictable about ev-

ery creative idea or fresh perspective that rises up in us. Do you remember when you first felt the urge to look for a new job or move to a new city or search for a new kind of relationship? Wildness was there at the inception. And you needed to stay in touch with the wildness so as to follow through with practical action. That’s what I encourage you to do now. Reconnect with the wild origins of the important changes you’re nurturing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

I have no complaints about the measures you’ve taken recently to push past unnecessary limits and to break outworn taboos. In fact, I celebrate them. Keep going! You’ll be better off without those decaying constraints. Soon you’ll begin using all the energy you have liberated and the spaciousness you have made available. But I do have one concern: I wonder if part of you is worried you have been too bold and have gone too far. To that part of you I say: No! You haven’t been too bold. You haven’t gone too far.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

“Dreamt of a past that frees its prisoners.” So wrote Meena Alexander in her poem “Question Time.” I’d love for you to have that experience in the coming weeks. I’d love for you be released from the karma of your history so that you no longer have to repeat old patterns or feel weighed down by what happened to you once upon a time. I’d love for you to no longer have to answer to decayed traditions and outmoded commitments and lost causes. I’d love for you to escape the pull of memories that tend to drag you back toward things that can’t be changed and don’t matter any more.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

“Desire is a profoundly upsetting force,” writes author Elspeth Probyn. “It may totally rearrange what we think we want. Desire skews plans and sets forth unthought-of possibilities.” In my opinion, Probyn’s statements are half-true. The other half of the truth is that desire can also be a profoundly healing and rejuvenating force, and for the same reasons: it rearranges what we think we want, alters plans, and unleashes unthoughtof possibilities. How does all this relate to you?

From what I can tell, you are now on the cusp of desire’s two overlapping powers. What happens next could be upsetting or healing, disorienting or rejuvenating. If you’d like to emphasize the healing and rejuvenating, I suggest you treat desire as a sacred gift and a blessing.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

“So much of what we learn about love is taught by people who never really loved us.” My Sagittarian friend Ellen made that sad observation. Is it true for you? Ellen added the following thoughts:

so much of what we learn about love is taught by people who were too narcissistic or wounded to be able to love very well; and by people who didn’t have many listening skills and therefore didn’t know enough about us to love us for who we really are; and by people who love themselves poorly and so of course find it hard to love anyone else. Is any of this applicable to what you have experienced, Sagittarius? If so, here’s an antidote I think you’ll find effective during the next seven weeks: identify the people who have loved you well and the people who might love you well in the future—and then vow to learn all you can from them.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Capricorn fantasy novelist Laini Taylor creates imaginary worlds where heroines use magic and wiles to follow their bliss while wrangling with gods and rascals. In describing her writing process, she says, “Like a magpie, I am a scavenger of shiny things: fairy tales, dead languages, weird folk beliefs, and fascinating religions.”

She adds, “I have plundered tidbits of history and lore to build something new, using only the parts that light my mind on fire.” I encourage you to adopt her strategies for your own use in the coming weeks. Be alert for gleaming goodies and tricky delicacies and alluring treats. Use them to create new experiences that thrill your imagination. I believe the coming weeks will be an excellent time to use your magic and wiles to follow your bliss while wrangling with gods and rascals.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

“I was always asking for the specific thing that wasn’t mine,” wrote poet Joanne Kyger. “I wanted a haven that wasn’t my own.” If there is any part of you that resonates with that defeatist perspective, Aquarius, now is an excellent time to begin outgrowing or transforming it. I guarantee you’ll have the potency you need to retrain yourself: so that you will more and more ask for specific things that can potentially be yours; so that you will more and more want a haven that can be your own.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

I’m not a fan of nagging. I don’t like to be nagged and I scrupulously avoid nagging others. Yet, now, I will break my own rules, so as to provide you with your most accurate and helpful horoscope. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you aren’t likely to get what you truly need and deserve in the coming days unless you engage in some polite, diplomatic nagging.

So see what you can do to employ nagging as a graceful, even charming art. For best results, infuse it with humor and playfulness.

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MAY 11 AT 7:30 PM & MAY 12 AT 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM WILSON CENTER 910.362.7999 • WILSONCENTERTICKETS.COM 46 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com

yoga fun! 203 Racine, #200 SPRING BIRD ID May 9, 8am: Coastal North Carolina is a major breeding spot for neo-tropical migratory birds.

These birds winter in Central and South America, and make their summer home in this area. Learn to identify these birds by sight and sound, as well as learn about the biology, habitat requirements and life cycles of these well-traveled birds. This workshop is led by educator Becky Skiba of the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission and park naturalist Andy Fairbanks. Ages: 16 and up. Cost: $10.

Halyburton Park Event Center, 4099 S 17th St. FOOD FOR THOUGHT May 9, 6pm: Attendees will explore how reducing inflammation in the body and stabilizing blood-sugar levels can contribute to improving their child’s attention and focus at school. Information presented will demonstrate a link between what children consume to its impact on their ability to concentrate and maintain energy throughout the day. This workshop is for parents of school-aged children to educate them on choosing certain foods in order to prepare their children for the most efficient day of learning. This workshop is free to the public. Registration is required.The Hill School of Wilmington, 3333 Jaeckle Dr., Suite 140 SUNRISE CHAKRA MEDITATION AND FLOW Join Jessica King, MSW, LCSW, E-RYT, for sunrise yoga practice series that will incorporate asana, pranayama, and meditation specific to the chakras.

These practices will leave you feeling grounded, balanced, and energized. May 17th: Seeing and Recognizing Personal Power – Turn up the fire in this solar plexus practice in order to create space for confidence and motivation while connecting to the intuition and wisdom of the third eye chakra. Terra Sol Sanctuary, 507 Castle St. MOTHER’S DAY FAMILY YOGA: PAINTING May 11, 2pm: Focus of this workshop will be on love and compassion. You will enjoy the wonders of family yoga through creative partner yoga (adult and child), playful yoga games (maybe a little “freeze dance yoga!”), mindfulness moments and delicious relaxation. No yoga experience necessary. The second portion of the class will be spent painting terra cotta pots and planting beautiful succulents to take home! You will be able to choose from a large array of succulents and whimsical adornments to add to your pots! $40 family fee includes admission for entire family and one succulent and terra cotta pot to paint and plant in. $15 fee to add additional pots/ plants. Longwave Yoga, 203 Racine #200 FAMILY YOGA May 12, 11am: For children ages 5-8 and their accompanying adult. No yoga experience necessary.

We do lots of fun yoga poses. Some on our own, some partnered child and adult, and some children do together. There’s a bit of breathing and meditation, and lots of laughing and bonding. We move in ways that feel good, self-soothe, and build confidence - and plant seeds for lifelong skills. $10/pair. https://m360.us/487d. Wilmington Yoga, 5329 Oleander Dr., STE200 THE BEAUTY YOU LOVE May 12, 1pm: Herbal infused water and essential oils enhance your experience through an all levels yoga class with Jackie DeConti of Terra Sol Sanctuary, followed by a brief guided meditation. After the meditation, Clean Juice will be delivering your Beauty Bowl for you to enjoy while Shelly Shi of Beauty and Bloom leads you through a Do-It-Yourself Flower Crown Workshop. DIY Flower Crown workshop, Beauty Bowl from Clean Juice Cape Fear. Tickets

for this event are non-refundable and non-transferable. Terra Sol Sanctuary, 507 Castle St.

starts at 7pm. Sweet n Savory Cafe, 1611 Pavilion Place

MOTHER’S DAY DESSERT CRUISE May 12, 1pm: Treat mom to a relaxing afternoon cruising the Cape Fear Rive on this hour and a half excursion! Our Mother’s Day Dessert Cruise offers two departure times on the holiday, making it easy to add this fun, family-friendly activity to your itinerary.

Give mom some R&R while we cruise the river and enjoy the beautiful views and light afternoon breeze.

Save room for dessert as you peruse the assorted dessert options and pair it with a frozen drink or craft cocktail from the full bar. Adults: $29 Children: $14.50. Wilmington Water Tours, 212 S Water St.

RIVERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET Sat., 8am-1pm: Local farmers, growers, producers and artisans to sell their goods directly to consumers, to encourage and promote the use of locallygrown farm products and artisan offerings. Vegetables, herbs, plants, annuals, perennials, native plants, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, NC wines, dog treats, eggs, honey, goat cheeses, seafood, kombucha, meats, marina & fra diavolo sauce, smoothies and more. Artisan works of handmade jewelry, woodwork, silkscreen t-shirts & totes, photography, bath & body products, pet accessories, pottery, drawings and more. North Water Street in historic downtown Wilmington, NC along the beautiful Cape Fear River. No market on April 6, due to the Azalea Festival or October 5th due to Riverfest. riverfrontfarmersmarket.org.

clubs/notices BIKE NIGHT Bike Night at Mac’s Speed Shop, beer, bikes, BBQ. Featuring in concert: South Starr band playing great classic-southern R&R music! Mac’s Speed Shop, 4126 Oleander Dr. N. BRUNSWICK NEWCOMERS CLUB May 10, 9:30am: Monthly meeting and social club open to all adults living in Brunswick County meeing on the second Friday of each month September through June. Meetings feature one or more speakers who focus on familiarizing members with the area’s culture, history, lifestyle and volunteer opportunities, as well as topics of general interest and special local programs and events. www.nbnewcomers.org. Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

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

PA and equipment provided. All genres and beer. • May 11, 5pm: Fermental proudly welcomes the importers from Huyghe Brewery of Melle, Belgium for an evening of tastings, giveaways, multiple drafts, bottles, cans, live music, food trucks, and more.

Food truck: NYO Taco Truck, 6pm; live music with Mark Sinnis & 825 8pm styles.www.fermental.net.

910-821-0362. 7250 Market St. FREE BREWERY TOURS AND TASTINGS 3pm, 3:45pm, 4:30pm everyday at Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St. Learn how we brew our beer, meet brewers and get two free samples.

ILM LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET Wed., 5pm: Join us for a wonderful, exciting night of fun. Port City Farmer’s Market at Waterline Brewing Co. 100% local, 100% handmade. Shop among some incredible local vendors, artists and farmers.

Support small businesses in your area. Fresh local produce, beef and pork products, sweets, pickled items, handcrafted jewelry and art. Waterline Brewing Company, 721 Surry Ln. FREE WINE TASTING Sample some of the most delicious wines at SnS for free, with an optional $25 food pairing. Food pairings are designed specifically to go with each wine to bring out the fullest flavor of both. If you ever wanted to learn more about how to bring out the flavor of wine -n- food now you can experience a wonderful trip to flavor town. Benny Hill Jazz always

CAM MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH May 12, 3 seatings: 10am, noon, 2pm. Music with Chiaki and Friends. Gallery admission included; five food stations. Adults: $34.95. Children: $12.95 (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations required: 910.777.2363. Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th Street

tours CAM WEEKLY EXHIBITION TOURS Cameron Art Museum allows participants to explore current exhibitions with Anne Brennan, CAM’s executive director, in a new series of public tours. Free for CAM members. Wed., 1:30pm. 3201 S. 17th St. LITERARY HISTORY WALKING TOUR Explore the rich culture of our talented Southern town with a 90 minute walking tour of the literary history of downtown Wilmington, NC. Visit “The Two Libraries.” Walk the streets of your favorite novels, and stand where Oscar Wilde did when he lectured here. Saturdays, 1:30pm, Old Books on Front.

249 N. Front St. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/1282390 INSIDER’S TOUR Explore the history of community at Cape Fear Museum. Take the Insider’s Tour offered the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10am. Tours are free with admission and include a “behind the scenes” sneak peek. Pre-reg. is required: 910-798-4362 or cfmprograms@nhcgov.com. Free w/GA or membership. CF Museum, 814 Market St. GHOST WALK 6:30 & 8:30pm. Costumed guides lead visitors through alleyways with tales of haunted Wilmington.

Nightly tours, 6:30pm/8:30pm. Admission. Water & Market sts. RSVP rqd: 910-794-1866. hauntedwilmington.com BELLAMY MANSION Guided tours start on the hour; self-guided tours start at any time. Mon. is only self-guided tours.

Follow curved oyster-shell paths through our lush Victorian garden shaded by 150-yr.-old magnolia trees. See the elegant main entrance surrounded by soaring columns and gleaming windows. Hear stories of Bellamies, as well as those of the free and enslaved black artisans who built the home and crafted intricate details throughout the house.

Adults $12; senior and military discount, $10; students, $6; children under 5, free. Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St.

of the Carolina coast. This tour option is ideal for families, birders, and nature enthusiasts. Masonboro Island is an 8.4-mile marine sanctuary island, renowned for its plant and wildlife diversity. Topics will include shell biology, native plant species, shorebirds, and barrier island ecology. Adult $45 Child $25 RSVP: 910-200-4002. Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, 275 Waynick Blvd.

support groups WILMINGTON PRIDE YOUTH GROUP Grades 7-12: Wilmington Pride Youth Group is a safe space for youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their straight allies. An adult supervised, safe space for kids to talk about orientation, gender, racial equality, political consequences, religion, self care. Also a great opportunity to meet and socialize with peers from the greater Wilmington area. Meets Thurs., 7pm. Needed: youth facilitators, especially those who are trained to work with kids, and speakers to talk about important topics. wpyg2016@gmail.com.

ANXIETY / OCD SUPPORT GROUP Group meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

Pine Valley United Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd. Building B. Christopher Savard, Ph.D., with Cape Fear Psychological Services, gives a presentation the 1st Thursday of each month. 3rd Thursday meeting is member led. Everyone 18+ welcome. 910-763-8134 LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP Meets third Saturday each month. Free; drop-ins are welcome. Group provides participants an opportunity to receive introductory info about lupus, encourage the expression of concerns, provide an opportunity to share experiences, encourage and support positive coping strategies, and emphasize the importance of medical treatment. Guest speakers, DVD presentations and open group discussion. info@lupusnc.org (877) 849-8271, x1. lupusnc.org. NE Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Rd. PFLAG First Mon/mo. at UNCW, in the Masonboro Island Room #2010, 7pm.

COPING WITH THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE/PARTNER Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a six-week, nocost grief program for those coping with the death of a spouse or partner in Wilmington on Wednesdays, May 15 through June 19. The group meetings will be held 10 a.m. to noon at the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. Pre-registration is required; call 910-796-7991 to register. lcfh.org.

Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, 1406 Physicians Dr. ADULTS COPING WITH GRIEF Lower Cape Fear Hospice will offer a no-cost, six-week series of growth and education groups for adults coping with grief on Mondays, May 13 through June 24. Meetings will be held 4-6 p.m. at the Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion Conference Room, 1406 Physicians Drive in Wilmington. There will be no group meeting on May 27 (Memorial Day). Pre-registration is required; call 910-796-7991 to register. lcfh.org. Dr. Robert M. Fales Hospice Pavilion, 1406 Physicians Dr.

MASONBORO SHELLING TOUR Explore Masonboro Island and discover the wonder

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48 encore |may 8 - may 14, 2019 | www.encorepub.com