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contents

vol. 25 / pub 60 / September 9-15, 2009

What’s inside this week

www.encorepub.com

news & views............... 4-8 4 city council profile: Tess Malijenovsy interviews Earl Sheridan, one of Wilmington’s citycouncil candidates.

PAGES 30-31: COVER STORY Autumn is almost here, which means activities abound in Wilmington.

8 news of the weird: Chuck Shepherd finds

tain our community members to no avail. We’re previewing some of

the oddities of crime.

Southern Bluegrass Festival to Art for the Masses. Check out our suggestions on what not to miss, and stay tuned to reading encore

Want to see the best in music at Myrtle Beach’s House of Blues? Or UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium? Visit, www.encorepub.com, to enter one of our many concert contests, and try for a chance to score tickets to area shows! Currently online: Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Sounds, Chevelle and many more!

creative writing and ‘toons contest

It’s here: Our third annual creative writing and ‘toons contest is now underway, giving readers a chance to work for encore for one year as a freelancer. Yep, those who have always wanted a chance to see their work in print can enter.

Comics entries: ‘Toonists must submit several installments of their black-and-white comics, which can be single-paneled or multi-paneled strips (color acceptable). The winner will receive a one-year weekly run

directions!

13 movies: Anghus rips Rob Zombie to shreds in

EDITORIAL:

production and advertising: Art Director Sue Cothran

Watson, Bethany Turner and Lisa Huynh Chief Contributors: Adrian Varnam, Nicki Leone, Anghus Houvouras, Carolyna Shelton, Rosa Bianca, MJ Pendleton, Ashley Cunningham, Robert Blanton, Lauren Hodges, Tiffanie Gabrielse, Tom Tomorrow, Chuck Shepherd encore is published weekly, on Wednesday, by Wilmington Media.

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

Advertising Sales: John Hitt: Downtown, Carolina Beach Kris Beasley: Wrightsville Beach, N. Wilmington Shea Carver: Midtown, Monkey Junction Promotions Manager: John Hitt Distribution: Reggie Brew, John Hitt

10-11 theater: Lisa Hunyh reviews Opera House Theater Company’s ‘Grey Gardens’; MJ Pendleton reviews Big Dawg’s ‘Stop Kiss.’

Editor-in-Chief: Shea Carver Interns: Zach McKeown, Tess Malijenovsky, Jill

artsy smartsy............... 10-23

throughout the season, too, where we’ll keep you pointed in all right

as part of encore’s comic line-up, with pay.

The ‘toon must have a name and clear concept—the edgier, the better. We prefer ones that are current with the times, especially when delving into local topics. ‘Toonists will also be required to draw a piece bi-weekly to print alongside the Creative Writing winner’s ongoing series.

Creative Writing entries: Choose your subject, fiction or nonfiction, that would interest you most as a continual story in encore.

Make sure your voice is clear and creative, and grammar is in chcek! The story can be no more than 1000 words, please. The winner will be our fact-or-fiction writer for a year, with pay, wherein encore will print the series every other week in the paper.

We will choose winning and non-winning entries to feature in our first edition of the 2010 year, so many folks will be published!

Send us your entries: shea@encorepub.

We accept entries via e-mail only through October 1st.

Winners will be notified by the first of

Assistant Editor: Emily Rea

Kennedy’s legacy.

Art, music, film and festivals out the wazoo are preparing to enterthe best events taking place all over the area, from Beer Fest to the

concert tickets

6 citizen journalist: Readers discuss Ted-

CorrespondEnce: P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington, N.C. 28405 email@encorepub.com • www.encorepub.com Phone: (910) 791-0688 • Fax: (910) 791-9177

his latest flop of a remake, Halloween II.

November and will begin working for us in January, 2010.

restaurant week

Sinclair’s latest show, Expose.

15 gallery guide: See what local galleries are hanging.

So every major city has a restaurant week, where a host of eateries come together and offer one super deal for one week only to diners. Now Wilmington has one, too, as encore is hosting the debut event October 21st-28th, sponsored by DineWilmingtonOnline, Country Vintner and Carolina Craft Distributors.

Our goal: to drive traffic to local restaurants and give diners a chance to taste the best of Wilmington at a super price. Check out www.

WilmingtonRestaurantWeek.com to print out passes from over 25 restaurants to use during one week only! All of their special menus are listed on the site, too. Eat. Drink. Indulge

late-night funnies

14 art preview: Lauren Hodges previews Kate

16-18 music previews: Adrian Varnam has a sit-down with local musicians James Reardon, Bibis Ellison and Andy Bilinski to preview their upcoming acoustic gig; Bethany Turner goes to the End of the Line for an upcoming Kefi show; Jill finds regal soundscapes in US Royalty, playing Soapbox.

20-23 soundboard: See what bands and solo musicians are playing in venues all over town.

grub & guzzle............... 24-28 24 dining review: Rosa adores the flavors of the new Cape Fear Seafood Company in Monkey Junction.

26-28 dining guide: Need a few suggestions

“But this article is quite an expose. The article claims that Sarah Palin really couldn’t see Russia from her house. The article also says that Sarah Palin was not much of a hunter. And I was thinking, I don’t know, she killed John McCain’s chances.”—David Letterman “Remember the two Asian-American journalists who were held captive in North Korea and rescued by President Clinton. Well, they have finally written about their ordeal. The two of them said they were frightened, mistreated, and violated, and then someone told Clinton to leave them alone.”—Conan O’Brien “In preparation for the swine flu outbreak, colleges all over the country are warning students to avoid kissing, drinking games, and using drugs. College students have reacted to the news by immediately getting the swine flu.”—Jimmy Fallon “Do you know that some politicians are seriously suggesting Dick Cheney should run for president. These politicians are called ‘Democrats.’”—Craig Ferguson

on where to eat? Flip through encore’s dining guide, and read about our featured restaurant of the week.

extra! extra!................. 30-43 30-31 fall preview: Find out where to be this season in music, art, film and Wilmington culture!

32 Wilmington’s ArtWalk is back ... with a Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets, taking place this Friday.

Zach McKeown gets the 4-1-1 on the festivities.

34 Tiffanie Gabrielse finds out where Celia Rivenbark’s gonna be about town this weekend, signing her latest read, You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start in the Morning.

36 Ashley Cunningham reveals another chapter of Ashed, an ongoing creative writing series.

38-42 calendar/’toons/corkboard: Find out where to go and what to do about town with encore’s calendar; check out Tom Tommorow and encore’s annual ‘toons winner, R. Blanton; read the latest saucy corkboard ads.

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

below City Council Candidate Profile 6 Citizen Journalist 8 News of the Weird

A Local with Experience: UNCW professor Dr. Earl Sheridan for city council

I

t’s not every day a student runs into one by: Tess Malijenovsky of Wilmington’s city-council members on campus. Unless they’re taking a poli-sci course, that is. Last week after dropping by Leutze Hall, I realized that Dr. Earl Sheridan isn’t just “professor” to his students; he’s also their councilman. For the last four years, Sheridan has served our fair city, and now his seat is up for re-election. And if there are two things this candidate knows best, it’s Wilmington and political science.

Dr. Earl Sheridan was born and raised along our southeastern shores, and, after acquiring his Ph.D., he began digging his local roots deeper by teaching political science at UNCW, something in which he’s well schooled considering his 29-year reign, teaching his trade at the university.

“I think I bring some knowledge, and now I have a little bit of experience to go with UNFINISHED TASK: Dr. Earl Sheridan served on that,” he told encore during our interview the Wilmington city council for four years and feels last week. “It’s kind of like an unfinished there is more he has left to do, thus he is campaigning task—four years hadn’t been enough to for another term. do the things I wanted to do, so I would like to have another four years,” the coun- plan to extend Internet access throughout cilman revealed. the community. “Working with the mayor For citizens who may be unfamiliar with and UNCW, [we] were able to bring toSheridan’s previous term, he took the ini- gether some people to put together a Blue tiative to rewrite more transparent poli- Ribbon Commission on youth violence,” cies for the city government. “There were he explained. many people in the community who were This commission is supposedly pulling upset at the way we fill council vacan- resources from the city, county, state and cies,” he shared. “Council came in, and, United Way to strategize ways of dealing you know, there wasn’t a lot of discussion with gang violence in our community. “In about who was going to fill the vacancy. I fact, they’ll probably come before council in think people felt that for such an important the next month or so and just give us ideas position, there needed to be more discus- about what they’re doing,” Sheridan said. sion, and more of a look or view at who Breaking the “digital divide” is another might be interested.” of the missions Sheridan hopes to impleSheridan rewrote the policy to incor- ment this coming term with the grant his porate more of an application process so E-committee received from the North Carothat applicants had an opportunity to come lina E-Authority. Many community members before the council and say why they ought can’t access computers, which he views as to be on the council, rather than having the necessary in the 21st century, considering council handpick their new member in a few the number of job applications found strictminutes from a handful of nominees, as ly online, as well as e-mail being the main was the case in the past. method of communication between council Issues Sheridan plans on addressing members and citizens. “I think it’s important first if re-elected are projects he’d like to as an educational tool, as an economic-decontinue from his previous term, including velopment tool, and certainly as a civic-enhis concern over youth violence and his gagement tool,” he asserted. encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

Sheridan would also like to increase communication between citizens and the city by reinstituting a Neighborhood Community Outreach Coordinator—a position previously cut by the city council for budget reasons—that would ultimately funnel the concerns of citizens back to city council.

A new idea for this term Sheridan sees as a single solution to solve many problems would be to expand bike paths and sidewalks throughout Wilmington. “I think it’s important to help alleviate traffic problems. I think it’s important for environmental reasons. I think it’s important for health reasons,” he enthused. More bike paths and sidewalks would encourage more healthful and environmentally friendly lifestyles for citizens of Wilmington, especially for those reasonably raising concern over their lack of safety on the open roads.

Another stride the candidate plans to take toward preserving the city’s environmental wellbeing is to support economic development of clean industries that don’t add to our pollution problem. However, when addressing the Titan Cement Plant—an industry that would not only threatens our region’s wetlands, fisheries and coastal resources but purge mercury emissions into the air—Sheridan said, “I’m not going to say I’m for or against.” How politically correct.

He rationalizes this incongruity with the importance of providing more jobs and with more stringent regulations released by the EPA: “It might be that these regulations may be sufficient to make it not as much of a problem as it might have been initially.”

In either case, Sheridan is open to community discussion, having stated, “We need to make a decision, have a vision as a community as to whether we want to have the old-style smoke stack industries here,

or do we want newer, more high-tech type of industries.”

Park bonds, historic preservation and an expansion of the arts in the Wilmington community are other means of economic development Sheridan eminently supports.

“One of the things that a lot of people like are the arts, and so I think it’s important to have a strong arts community,” Sheridan explained. He is a supporter of park bonds—which would not only improve the parks we have but acquire land to build more—and of potentially building a performing arts center.

“Again the difficulty in all these kinds of enterprises is the economic situation,” Sheridan fairly recognized. Economic stimulus, and where it will be focused, is an important issue for this year’s election in respect to the nationwide economic beating. Sheridan offered a few examples of his ideas for creating funding: “Grant money or maybe public-private partnerships, or private entities.” And local independent businesses? “I don’t know [about] going out of my way as far as that’s concerned, but I think small businesses are important, and you know we come up with incentives for big businesses; maybe there could be incentives for smaller businesses as well,” Sheridan assented.

Then there’s the issue troubling many citizens in recent news—annexation.

Here’s what Sheridan had to say: “I don’t think I’d be doing a good job as someone who’s representing the citizens of the city of Wilmington if I didn’t support annexation.” He explained that it was an issue of fairness because people living just outside the city are using city amenities, like parks and roads, but aren’t paying their fair share.

Sheridan refuted the case of taxation without representation, claiming that citizens have representation in the state legislature, whom ultimately passes annexation laws.

So there we have him: a Wilmington citizen, an involved community member, an experienced councilman and a poli-sci professor all in one: Dr. Earl Sheridan. Let our voices be heard on November 3rd in the 2009 elections.

3-and 4-course prix fixe meals at Wilmington’s best restaurants: The Melting Pot Siena Trattoria Henry’s Eddie Romanelli’s East inside Blockade Runner South Beach Grill Wrightsville Grille Buoy 32 Bistro Islands Fresh Mex Grille

The Oceanic Bluewater Grill Caprice Bistro Yo Sake Little Dipper Aubriana’s Fat Tony’s Italian Pub Ruth’s Chris Steak House Hell’s Kitchen

Caffe Phoenix Riverboat Landing Restaurant Deluxe Cafe Hieronymus Seafood Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi Bar Nikki’s Hibachi Steak House Sticky Fingers Priddy Boys Cape Fear Seafood Company

Here’s how it works:

Each individual pass—required during the visit unless otherwise noted—allows diners to take advantage of Log on to www.WilmingtonRestaurantWeek.com and lunch and/or dinner options from participating restauperuse all restaurants listed. Then choose and print out rants. Reservations may be required for some restauall of the passes you would like to redeem (or cut out rants, which will be noted online (and left up to you to one below)—for free. (Passes are good for one week make). Otherwise, simply show up and ... voila! only, October 21-28 and may exclude Friday and/or Saturday.)

Eat. Drink. Indulge.

MUST REDEEM PASS AT PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

The Reader’s Forum: Facebook discussion revolves around Teddy Kennedy

Q:

What do you think is the greatest legacy Teddy Kennedy left behind, and how will it carry on into future generations? —encore’s Facebook Fan Page

Bambi Weavil wrote on Sept. 1, 2009, at 11:32pm The greatest legacy from Senator Kennedy is his living by example, daily public service, both in private and public. He was a tireless advocate of the everyday person. I think if people look at all that he accomplished, all the bills he helped influence, it will inspire the future to strive to achieve goals and keep sailing to a future that puts everyone on more equal and fair footing in all walks of life.

she an everyday person that deserved equal and unbiased justice?

Yes, even the most flawed people can be an advocate for change, but don’t cry for justice for all when you have hidden from it.

I don’t think he was an evil man, I just think years of political power misconstrued his perception of his own accountability. Just one more reason for term limits for all government officials. Just my opinion, folks. We all have them.

Thanks for letting me express mine.

Anghus Houvouras wrote on Sept. 1, 2009, at 11:36am That even the most flawed people can be an advocate for change.

Deborah Goodman wrote on Sept. 1, 2009, at 12:21pm I agree with Anghus. As long as we have breath we have the hope for redemption—and for good works. Maybe his penance was to live long enough to appreciate his past horrible, indefensible actions and then try to make his legacy something other than that.

Jason Berg wrote on Sept. 1, 2009, at 12:11pm What about Mary Jo Kopechne? Wasn’t

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

Annie Anthony wrote on Sept. 1, 2009, at 3:58pm For me, Ted Kennedy gave me health insurance. If it weren’t for him signing into law Cobra, I would not have health insurance right now. Having recently had double knee replacement, and divorced, I had no other options than keeping my husband’s insurance, and I am grateful to have it! Thank you, Mr. Kennedy!

Ryan Wendel wrote on Sept. 3, 2009, at 12:21pm Murderous moonlit drives/swims after hitting the sauce a little too hard. Also, his reinforcement of the fact that America’s rich and powerful are not bound by the same set of standards as the common man.

Morgan McGuire wrote on Sept. 3, 2009, at 12:33pm Senator Kennedy’s legacy is so multifaceted. His family’s political history alone is unparalleled. But that can’t overshadow his achievements as one of the greatest legislators we’ve ever seen. His willingness to work with “the other side” is something we could use a lot more of. Almost every bipartisan bill in the last seven years has had Kennedy’s ... Read More signature on it, from No Child Left Behind and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, to pension reform and a collective bargaining bill for first responders. As VP Biden said, “the legacy of Senator Kennedy can be measured by how we look at one another”—a nod to

Kennedy’s work with Civil Rights causes and legislation. But perhaps what I will remember him for most is his endorsement of Obama for president, which may have shaped the outcome of the election. Kennedy’s absence will surely be felt.

Arthur Shuey wrote on Sept. 3, 2009, at 1:21pm He backed minimum wage, which causes inflation and takes jobs from minority skewed unskilled labor. He backed emigration law laxities that have led to the Hispanic concerns and frictions the nation clearly has, while his personal concerns for Hispanics were best reflected in his being expelled from Harvard for paying someone to take a Spanish exam ... Read More for him.

He torpedoed Nixon’s healthcare program, which he later admitted was a whoopsie. He disrespected women, cheated on his wife, only stopped being a flagrant bullying drunk when age and health forced him to do so... Hard to choose just one.

Mike Rokoski wrote on Sept. 3, 2009, at 2:58pm Here’s what I think: 1. He was expelled from Harvard.

2. He never made it beyond the rank of PRIVATE in the military, after his dad, the bootlegger, got his enlistment term shortened from four years to two.

3. Chappaquiddick Island, 1969—no more needs to be said.

His legacy for future generations is how can second and third generation privileged and entitled generations not abuse the system; he was an example of what we don’t need in government!

See link: www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/ k/ted-kennedy-legacy.htm

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION: What news source(s) do you trust most and why—locally or nationally? How do you feel media has changed within the past decade, and is it for better or worse?

Answer on encore’s Facebook fan page, under discussion tab, or blog about it at encore café, www.encorepub.com.

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d r i e w e h t f o s w e n Chuck Shepherd digs up the strangest of the strange in world news

LEAD STORY Breakthroughs in Eye Hair: The pharmaceutical company Allergan has introduced eyelash-thickener Latisse, a $120 per month prescription “medication” to help a woman overcome feelings of inadequacy if she suffers from scrawny lashes. Alternatively, eyelash transplants are now available in the U.S. and Britain, originally developed to restore lashes for burn victims, but, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, now to market to women dissatisfied with their own (at about $6,000). And in May, Washington, D.C., resident Brian Peterkin-Vertanesian petitioned the Guinness Book to recognize “Wally,” his 6 3/8-inch eyebrow hair as the world’s longest, beating the current record by almost an inch.

The Continuing Crisis Juvenile disruptions by “Girls Gone Wild” video producer Joe Francis in two recent federal lawsuit depositions have apparently backfired on him. Under questioning by plaintiffs’ lawyers, Francis had persistently and solemnly claimed not to understand

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common words and, during one session, repeatedly passed gas. At another deposition, he appeared indignant when asked if he had paid two teenage girls to fondle him (“disgusting allegations (against) a man of my integrity”). One judge summarily ruled against him on a $3 million Las Vegas gambling debt, and the other judge was considering a similar course in a class-action lawsuit by some of Francis’ allegedly underage “models.”

With no help from Verizon Wireless, law enforcement agencies managed to hunt down a disturbed, 62-year-old man sought in an 11-hour manhunt following a domestic violence call in Carrollton, Ohio, in May. Deputies had wanted to use the man’s cell phone signal to locate him, but the company had shut off his service over an unpaid $20 bill and refused to turn it on, even for a few minutes, unless deputies paid the $20. The sheriff was reluctantly about to pay when deputies found the man.

Union Rules: (1) One subway line in Boston is still forced to employ two drivers per train when the other Boston lines, and most all subway systems worldwide, use only one. A June Boston Globe analysis estimated that the second driver, doing virtually nothing useful, costs the government $30 million annually. (2) At any one time, the New York City school system is forced to keep about 1,600 teachers on full salary and benefits (costing about $100 million per year) even though they cannot be required to work. Six hundred are in a multiyear arbitration process for terminable misconduct or incompetence, and 1,000 are long-term layoffs from shuttered schools but whom principals continually pass over for transfer.

Yikes!

The New Torture: (1) In August, Glasgow hosted the sixth annual World Pipe Band Championship, with 200 bagpipe bands competing. (Professional piping often hits a sound level of 100 decibels and can go to 120, which is louder than a pneumatic drill.)

(2) Two musician-beggars in the village of Moseley, England, were banned from performing in the area in August after a magistrate court heard complaints by desperate residents that the pair played only two songs (Oasis’ “Wonderwall” and George Michael’s “Faith”) over and over and over.

Animals Gone Wild: (1) In July, scuba divers around San Diego were forced out of the water by the estimated 1 million human-sized Humboldt squid that infested the area. Usually deepwater dwellers, they swarmed near the shore for several weeks, flashing their “razor-sharp beaks and toothy tentacles,” according to a KABC-TV report.

(2) In June, in Ana Lee Spray’s garage in Riverside County, Calif., a full-grown moun-

tain lion was cornered and held at bay for 45 minutes by Spray’s three Chihuahuas, yapping at it relentlessly. Eventually, animal control officers arrived and removed the grateful lion.

Oops!

Agile Athletes: (1) Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Ryan Dempster missed a month with a broken toe suffered in July when he tripped on a railing while leaving the dugout to celebrate a victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. (2) Kansas City Royals’ Jose Guillen missed over a month after tearing a ligament in his knee while leaning over to put on a shin guard before his turn to bat in a July game. (3) Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards, a three-time All-American, was to miss the first month of the season after injuring his foot in August while mowing his lawn.

- In August, Democrat Michael Heagerty failed by one name to meet the ballot requirements to run for re-election to the city council in Syracuse, N.Y. He was credited with 334 of the 335 necessary signatures, but realized too late that he had forgotten to list his own name. (He said he would run for re-election, anyway, as an independent.)

People With Worse Sex Lives Than You Danny Brawner, 46, was indicted in Albuquerque, N.M., in August for aggravated indecent exposure. A police officer and his 10-year-old son had seen Brawner with his pants down around his ankles, performing simulated sexual intercourse against the trunk of his car. The officer also said Brawner was shouting and swinging his arms, as if enjoying the real thing.

Recurring Themes For at least the third time in eight years, geography-challenged vacationers bought airline tickets for an Australian holiday but failed to notice (until they landed in “Sydney”) that their tickets took them to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Dutch man Joannes Rutten and his grandson appeared shocked when they de-planed in Canada, even though they had boarded an earlier connecting flight in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In December 2008, an Argentine woman made a similar mistake, and in August 2002, a young British couple, after realizing their error, decided to spend their holiday in Nova Scotia, after all.

Read News of the Weird daily at www.WeirdUniverse.net. Send your Weird News to WeirdNews@earthlink.net or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa Florida, 33679.

it's game time...

E T T O H GE T

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G N WI here's the game plan.

Tackle our New Menu filled with so many fresh goodies you’ll want to do a touchdown dance & then wash it all down with an Ice Cold Bucket of Beer! There's TV's everywhere you look, ALL the games are on, and of course, our Famous Wings are always hot & delicious!

2009 football specials: Featuring Drew's Devilishly Delicious Fried Chicken Sandwich.

4HURSDAYS 3ATURDAYS s $3.00 24oz. Stadium Cups Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite & Coors Light.

3UNDAYS s $2.25 Coors Light Bottles

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encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

below-10-11 Theater 13 Movies 14-15 Art

16-23 Music

A Shade of Grey:

‘Grey Gardens’ satisfies in a melancholy performance

T

he moving performance of the cast, matched with the heavy, doleful music in Opera House Theatre Company’s “Grey Gardens” tugs audience’s heartstrings until they, too, turn into a shade of grey. It’s a story that has seen a resurgence in fame thanks to Drew Barrymore’s and Jessica Lange’s HBO movie, released last spring, and based on the notorious 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens.

Both movie and play showcase the complex lives of the Bouvier women, Big Edie and Little Edie, who were the kinship to America’s favorite idol, Jackie Kennedy. Yet, they were the yin to Jackie’s yang, quite never reaching legacy status and losing their fame, fortune and even sanity along the way.

Viewers become immersed into Opera House’s version of the twisted, solemn story most successfully thanks to actress Heather

by: Lisa Huynh

Grey Gardens

HHHHH Opera House Theater Company Performed at City Stage 21 N Front St. September 11th-13th, 18th-20th, 8pm Sun. matinees, 3pm $18-$27 • (910) 343-3664 Dahlberg, who plays Big Edie. She proves to be the driving force behind this latest musical.

Her easy transformation between Big Edie and Little Edie in Acts I and II, her effortless movements and relentless, powerhouse voice

10 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

BAND OF BOUVIERS Alexandra Henderson AS Jackie Bouvier; Madelaine Hasson as Little Edie Bouvier; Heather Dahlberg as Edith Bouvier Beale; and Lily Zukerman as Lee Bouvier in ‘Grey Gardens..”

makes her an instant crowd favorite.

Director and choreographer Ray Kennedy creates the distinction between each act as two completely different universes: one magnificently designed set in July 1941, the days of Elizabeth Taylor and high-class aristocracy for the Bouviers; the other, more than 30 years later, in a dingy, rodent-infested, pig-sty apartment, in which the mother and daughter have now been reduced to living. In fact, the apartment is in such ruin that Edith could make corn on a stove while never even moving from the bed. The only thing that remains from the rich house that they once lived, is the looming, full-size portrait of Big Edie’s late husband, whom she most commonly screams at, for lack of the real Mr. Bouvier.

The relationship between mother and daughter is quickly revealed to be nothing short of unique: though both are similar yet opposed, they are loving of one another all the same, as shown by the delightful number, “Two Peas in a Pod,” which brought a smile to many an audience member face.

In Act I, the pristine Pleasantville appearance

of the two Edies plummet to an unrecognizable conversion into women constrained in a madhouse. Dahlberg’s rough, New-York accent, is on point, and alongside the ridiculous outfits that she conceives makes her even more eccentric than Cindy Colucci, who played the elder Edith Bouvier in Act II. Combined, the two talents created a fog of guilt, bitterness and despair, all of which lingered in every ounce of dialogue throughout the play. As if one could nail an emotion into another’s soul, Dahlberg and Colucci drilled hopelessness deeper and deeper until there was nothing else to be felt.

Colucci’s vehement, repetitive cry, “Edie!

Edie!” managed to stay with me long after the play’s final curtain, as did the haunting singing of “The Girl Who Has Everything.”

The lyrics are full with meaning and passion; one memorable scene where Dahlberg reenacts “Around the World—Reprise,” seemed to leave most breathless, as she alternated between the sweet, lullaby of her youth, to the dark, angry misery that was her present.

Other instant favorites of the cast were Robin Dale Robertson as Gould, who played the “pouf’s” role of comic relief, and Edith’s pitiless father, Dan Morris, as the Major in

(‘Grey Gardens’ cont. next page)

‘Stop Kiss’ isn’t Big Dawg’s best

I

f “Stop Kiss” were a TV special or a short story, it might work, but as a play it doesn’t. The story is good—even powerful. Two young women, who are very different, become friends ... and then something more. Like any good relationship, they are better together than apart. They admire and inspire each other until a violent act changes both of their lives forever.

Playwright Diana Son’s out-of-order chronology is a clever and creative technique until it is staged. Half of the play takes place before the violence, half of it takes place after, and it ends in the middle with the kiss.

Unfortunately, the multiple short scenes, which require set and prop rearrangement, and too many costume changes, invariably interrupt the theme and emotional impact of the story. It is difficult to empathize with the characters because of all the distractions.

Erin Capps (Callie) is a brilliant actor in a very challenging role, but the staging problem seems insurmountable. It was exhausting watching her costume changes, which, for the most part, she did with the speed of Superman. Obviously, the different clothes were intended to help the audience understand the back-and-forth chronology, but it was simply annoying, particularly with Capps’ character who is onstage almost the whole time.

Jana Allen (Sara) also does very well with the slightly schizophrenic role of a sweet Midwesterner who is tough enough to teach in the Bronx. The two actors seem to have chemistry, but communicating it is simply impossible with all the interruptions. Adam Poole (George) contributed much-needed comic relief.

Thursday was opening night, so maybe Ken Cressman, director, has edited or combined scenes to produce the fluidity and rhythm so essential to this love story. He should also credit the audience with enough intelligence to understand the irregular chro-

(‘Grey Gardens’ cont.)

Act I. Young Madelaine Hasson as Little Edie Beale, though she has the face of beauty, lacked the confidence to convince. Her vocals were shaky at times, consequently breaking the equilibrium of the mother/daughter battle by being the weaker link. Paul Teal, as Joseph Kennedy, also delivered lines with only half the energy required of in a drama such as “Grey Gardens,” making the young couple of Act I fail expectations—something apropos to the real couple’s failure to resolve a

by: MJ Pendleton

Stop Kiss

HHHHH Big Dawg Productions Cape Fear Playhouse at New Castle 613 Castle Street September 10th-13th, 17th-20th 8pm; Sunday matinees, 3pm Tickets: $15-$18 • (910) 341-7228 nology, which isn’t really all that complicated.

The play lasted an hour and fifty minutes with no intermission, and minimal action aside from set and costume changes. I found myself longing for the play’s imaginary cat to make an appearance.

Maybe “Stop Kiss” would be improved with a little gratuitous nudity. The movie, The Age of Innocence, was spoofed on “Family Guy” recently, nicely summing up such a sentiment: Daniel Day-Lewis: [in character] It is settled, May. Our parents have consented, and you and I are to be married on the first warm, sunny day of spring.

Winona Ryder: [flat accent] That would be MOST good, Newland. MOST good.

Daniel Day-Lewis: [sighs, drops accent] I’m sorry, but (this) is just awful! Is there any way ... I mean, can we add, like, a topless scene or something?

Martin Scorsese: [off-screen] Uh, yeah.

Daniel Day-Lewis: Really?

Martin Scorsese: [off-screen] Yeah.

Daniel Day-Lewis: We can? Oh great. All right, we got a movie.

While Wilmington has always been known to offer quality theater, this Big-Dawg production is an anomaly—just as this review is only one person’s opinion. Yet, the problems are almost entirely the fault of the play itself and the difficulty staging it.

relationship with one another.

Smiles are few and far between in the musical “Grey Gardens”; however, once the viewer realizes that this is not a happy-go-lucky musical, they will be able to appreciate the intensity of feeling that it beholds. There are plenty of arguments: Characters do not change for the miraculous good, and conditions do not improve, which is what makes “Grey Gardens” so individual. It is a true-life story, not a fairy tale, where even against all odds, mother and daughter accept each other for who they are, and in turn, forgive themselves.

Summer Music Series

Play Interrupted:

Join us for live music every Sunday September 6 Big Fish September 13 Devil’s Doves Bud Light Boat Giveaway!

September 20 Heart & Soul Benefit for the Liver Foundation $7 donation requested September 27 Big Fish October 4 OVERTYME

4 Marina Street Wrightsville Bch (910) 256-8500

Now pouring at

Duck and Dive, Roy’s Riverboat Landing & Lighthouse Beer and Wine!

Featuring:

Mojo IPA and Hazed & Infused Dry Hop Ale John Burke, Carolina Craft Distributors (sponsors of Restaurant Week 2009) : (910) 232-5201 or john@carolinacraftdist.com

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 11

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12 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

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Creatively Anemic Horror:

reel to reel

Rob Zombie makes another festering pile of garbage with Halloween II by: Anghus Houvouras

Halloween II

starring Sheri Moon Zombie and Chase Wright Vanek

courtesy of DIMENSION EXTREME

W

hy do we go to the movies? Such a simple question. The most obvious answer is “to be entertained.”

There are variations on this basic premise.

We go to laugh. We go to feel. We go to experience a range of emotions we may not experience in our day-to-day lives. Sometimes we go to get a good scare. Ninetynine percent of the time I go to a movie with the hopes of seeing something that will keep me entertained for a couple of hours.

But every once in a while, I buy a ticket out of morbid curiosity. How could I not go see the sequel to the movie I consider to be one of the worst films ever made?

Yes, dear friends, I bought my ticket to Halloween II knowing that this would be a cruel and tortuous experience. This is selfinflicted punishment—ocular torture brought to us by one of the worst filmmakers working in the business today: Rob Zombie.

His first attempt at reinvigorating the series was a pathetic stab at dragging the iconic killing machine Michael Myers through his trailer-park-colored prism. For some bizarre reason, he fills the cast with the kind of rejects we’d expect to find drunk in a parking lot after a wrestling match, arguing over who would win a match between Mike Tyson and the Brawny paper-towel guy. The men are all rednecks, and the women are white trash, with a vocabulary that would make a sailor blush.

If there is anyone out there with the fleeting hope that Zombie had anything else to offer with Halloween II, let me quickly squash that expectation with the heel of my shoe.

Rob-Zombie films can easily be reduced to the most basic of basics: The characters always have a disarming lack of personality.

The violence he displays onscreen is brutal and relentless to the point of desensitization. The writing is practically nonexistent.

There are scenes composed entirely of the word “fuck” being said over and over and over again. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a fan of the F-bomb. But if we were downing a shot of Kentucky bourbon every time someone said the F-word, we’d be buggered at the eight-minute mark.

Zombie is like a chef without a recipe.

Scratch that; calling him a “chef” is to imply a level of discernible skill. He’s more like

ENDURANCE TEST: Rob Zombie’s remake of Michael Myers in the Halloween series continues to be nothing more than ocular torture.

a line cook at a greasy spoon with a health score well under code. He has all the ingredients: violence, mayhem, screaming girls and dimly lit locations. But he has no idea how to combine them into something cinematically edible. Halloween II is like taking a fine strip steak, marinating it with all the right spices, then throwing it into a blender and serving it in a waffle bowl.

What I find most maddening about Rob Zombie’s re-imagining of the classic horror movie is his complete lack of imagination.

John Carpenter’s original is a masterpiece of tension and fear. The remakes have been comically unpleasant snuff films. Halloween II brings us more onscreen murders than the combined sum of the Faces of Death films. The body count isn’t the problem— nor is the gruesome ways he displays them.

It’s the genuine lack of imagination and the complete abandonment of a cohesive narra-

a few must-sees this week

tive. Simply put, this is a dumb movie—and not the good kind, where we can kick up our feet on the empty seats in front of us and guffaw like blathering morons. Rather, it’s a stupid movie that weaves together brutal murders and passes it off as a scary movie. There is nothing about this movie that isn’t immediately interchangeable with any other so-called “iconic” horror series. Slap a hockey mask on Michael Myers, and this is any poorly written Friday the 13th.

In case I haven’t made myself clear: Halloween II is such a failure—an unapologetic tribute to just how much modern filmmakers don’t get it. Horror films have always been about something more than killing.

To use a porn analogy: Modern horror films are all about the money shot. Hollywood seems to have forgotten that the payoff is necessary but only after an appropriate build-up. I can almost see the gears turning in that tweaked-out, dread-locked head of Rob Zombie, someone who believes the best part of horror films are the gruesome kills.

The characters in this film are so completely useless. None of them have anything interesting to do or say. They merely occupy screen time long enough to be annoying before being reduced to a bloody pulp. I didn’t care enough to remember their names. It didn’t matter. We might as well just call them “Meatbag” for all the purpose they have.

Meet the Meatbags. Watch them weave a sentence from obscenities. Then watch them get reduced to ground chuck.

This is not a movie. This is an endurance test. It exists only to separate the wheat from the chaff. Anyone who is able to endure and deem it to be anything other than a festering pile of garbage may be another part of the problem. Seeing as Halloween II is a metric for taste, I question those who think Rob Zombie has any.

October 21-28, 2009

Cinematique 310 Chestnut Street • 910-343-1640 Shows at 7:30pm, $7 •Sept. 9-13, 2009 (3pm, Sunday)

In the Loop, 106 min.

The U.S. president and U.K. prime minister fancy a war. But not everyone agrees that war is a good thing.

U.S. General Miller (James Gandolfini) doesn’t think so and neither does the British Secretary of State for International Development, Simon Foster (Tom Hollander). But after Simon accidentally backs military action on TV, he suddenly has a lot of friends in Washington, D.C. If Simon can get in with the right D.C. people, if his entourage of one (Chris Addison) can sleep with the right intern (Anna Chlumsky,) and if they can both stop the prime minister’s chief spin-doctor, Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi), from rigging the vote at the UN, they can halt the war. If they don’t—well, they can always sack their director of communications Judy (Gina McKee), whom they never liked anyway, and who’s back home dealing with voters with blocked drains and a man who’s angry about a collapsing wall (Steve Coogan). Not rated, but not suitable for children.

Lumina Theater UNCW Campus 910-962-2900 Showtimes and costs vary •Sept. 9th, 7pm; free Charlie Wilson’s War, Rated R Academy Award®-winners Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman star in this compelling and witty film from Oscar®-winning director Mike Nichols and Primetime Emmy®-winning writer Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”). Based on an outrageous true story, Charlie Wilson’s War shows how one congressman who loved a good time, one Houston socialite who loved a good cause and one renegade CIA agent who loved a good fight conspired to bring about the largest covert operation in history. This film is based on the true story of Charlie Wilson, the Texas congressman who persuaded the CIA to train and arm resistance fighters in Afghanistan to fend off the Soviet Union.

This effort was a success, but the unintended result was an emboldened and empowered Taliban that still impacts the world to this day. Runtime 102 min.

All area movie listings and paragraph synopses can be found at

www.WilmingtonRestaurantWeek.com

www.encorepub.com

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 13

NOW OPEN Market Hours: 8am-1pm

Fresh from the Farm

Full Exposure:

Kate Sinclair’s first solo art show debuts at Caprice by: Lauren Hodges

Exposé Artwork by Kate Sinclair Caprice Bistro, 10 Market Street Sunday, September 13th

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

• Fresh Fruits • Honey • Vegetables • Baked goods • Legumes • Plants • Pickled Items • Herbs • Jams • Flowers • Jellies • Eggs • Art • Cheeses • Crafts • Meats And more!

• Seafood

www.myspace.com/sinclairart

E

xpose (verb): to make known, bring to light or to exhibit for public veneration.

Kate Sinclair is ready for her closeup. Her unique portraits and paintings have been making a splash on the Wilmington art scene for a few years, but the pieces have always had companions, works of fellow exhibiting artists to help absorb the spotlight. Now, they are ready for some individual exposure.

“I wanted to share all of the work that I have been creating over the years,” Sinclair says of her upcoming gig at Carpice Bistro on September 13th. “Obviously, as the first show I’m doing by myself, I felt it was important for it to show my collection as a whole.”

The Farmers Market takes place downtown every Saturday Between April 11December 19

LIVE MUSIC Sept. 12 Daniel Parish For more information, call 341-0079

or visit www.wilmingtonfarmers.com

Downtown on Water Street between Market and Princess Streets 14 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

photo courtesy of artist

(910) 815-0810

HONEST ART: Kate Sinclair paints from her own, unique perspective in hopes to bring a pleasurable experience to viewers.

Locals won’t have a hard time recognizing several of Sinclair’s pieces. Glimpses of her already-famous portrait of Albert Einstein,

among many others, have been featured in Exhibit C and ArtSync Magazine. When the art-conscious printshop Image Monster held a contest for local artists in the summer of 2008, Sinclair was chosen as the first-place winner. She was exhibited along with Gaeten Lowrie in a month-long art show in September at the New-CentreDrive location. A wall-sized poster even hung on the side of the building, featuring Mr. Einstein as Sinclair painted him: with moving, Salvador Dali-style skin that seems to spin and drip like water. This image is displayed on several of her subjects, turning the look into a signature for the young artist. Yet, Sinclair personally feels there’s something brewing underneath her signature style. “I hope that what sets me apart is that my paintings are honest,” she says. “There are so many great artists that it is hard to declare yourself one way or another. But I do think a lot, absorb a lot, and I just try to manifest it in the way that is singular to me in the only way I know how.

I am sure that is not different from any other artist, but it is my own given perspective that makes me unique.”

Several unique perspectives can be seen in Sinclair’s work, now that she has had time to expand her vision. “Looking at my work as a whole, I think that different styles and moods have definitely emerged,” she states. “I want to celebrate those quarks of time and place. Collectively, I hope my paintings speak of variety and growth as an individual and an artist.”

Despite the attention her work garners, Sinclair remains humble, managing to keep a high standard of work with one simple goal. “I just hope the public enjoys seeing the work of another human being, another view point,” she says. “My wildest expectation would perhaps be that someone would sit a bit longer than usual because the mood or atmosphere that the artwork creates is pleasurable one.”

Sure to keep the public sitting for more than just a bit longer, Sinclair’s work will hang at Caprice Bistro. “Exposé” (the French version of the word) will feature work from 2005 to present. “A mix of the old and the new,” Sinclair says.

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Artfuel.inc

1701 Wrightsville Ave #910 343 5233 Mon-Sat, 12-9pm; Sunday, 1-6pm www.artfuelinc.com www.myspace.com/artfuel_inc Artfuel.inc is located at the corner of Wrightsville Ave and 17th st. Housed in an old gas station, we offer resident artists working in studios alongside a gallery space used to exhibit other artists work. We hope to connect artists with each other and offer many styles of work to fuel the public’s interest. Currently, Artfuel, Inc. showcases Volume 21, featuring Eli Thompson, Todd Carignan, Jake Shelton, Kelly Neville and El Ralphy.

Crescent Moon

FastFrame Gallery features more than twenty local artists, whose artwork includes a wide variety of media such as oils, watercolors, ceramics, sculpture, and jewelry.

Summer Art at Fast Frame features photogrpaher Conrad Pope, creator of media pastiche originals M. Matteson Smith, realist perfectionist painter Terry Rosenfelder, multicultural painter Harry Davis, watercolor painter Deborah Cavenaugh, creator of Slobot’s Robots, sculptures and paintings Mike Slobot, jewelry designer Sara Westermark, and Majolica and textural pottery and Raku by Caroline Aweeky and Carla Edstrom.

Hampstead Art Gallery

332 Nutt St, The Cotton Exchange (910) 762-4207 Mon.-Sat., 10am-5:30pm; Sun., 12-4pm www.crescentmoonnc.com Come see why we were awarded a Top Retailer for 2009 by NICHE magazine. We support the North American craft community.

We specialize in hand-crafted glass and metal art with over 70 artists on display at any one time. It’s a sight to behold in a 465 square foot space. Brilliance, sparkle and whimsy. Find a fan pull or splurge on a wall platter, buy a gift or treat yourself. We gift wrap for free and offer free gift delivery in Wilmington. Create your own art registry and start collecting what you want today. We are here to help.

Crescent Moon is located in the Cotton Exchange where parking is free, while shopping or dining. Follow us on Twitter as CrescentMoonNC or become a fan on our Facebook page!

14712 Hwy. 17 N. • (910) 270-5180 Mon.-Sat. 11am-5pm, or by appt.

Hampstead, NC “Beautiful; lots of variety.” “Love the place.” “Beautiful art work.” “Very nice.”

“Art rocks your socks, and you know that.”

These are just what a few customers had to say about Hampstead Art Gallery. Come and tell us what you think.

Affordable prices on prints and originals.

Local artists with various styles and taste are just excited about having the opportunity to share their work with all art lovers. Our artists offer different sizes from what we have on display and low rates on commissioned work.

Christmas is very close, and a family portrait would be a great gift.

Owner Charles Turner invites all artists and art lovers to just hang out in our new Artist Lounge any time. Look for our upcoming Expos and Open House. Hampstead Art Gallery is located in Hampstead on the corner of Factory Road next to CVS Pharmacy.

FastFrame Gallery

Montage Art & Design

1319 Military Cutoff Rd. Landfall Center (910) 256-1105 Mon.-Fri.., 10am-6pm • Sat., 10am-4pm www.fastframeofwilmington.com FastFrame Local Artists Gallery, one of the few exclusively Local Artists Galleries in Wilmington, is located at Landfall Center within minutes of Wrightsville Beach and Mayfaire.

310 N. Front Street, Suite 3 • (910) 7638011 T-F, 12-6pm; Sat, 12-4pm www.montageartanddesign.com www.montagefineartpublishing.com Montage Art & Design features fine original art and exquisite prints from over 50 talented artists. You can also find unique art wear, pottery and metalwork created by artisans from

Wanna be on the gallery listings page?

Call Shea at (910) 791-0688 by noon, Thursdays.

around the region. Montage is highlighted during each and every Fourth Friday Gallery Night in 2009! Derick Crenshaw is our featured artist.

In addition, Montage Fine Art Publishing has established an online presence as a highquality printing company, and provides our artists with unique licensing and publishing opportunities to a variety of U.S. & international commercial clients. All photographic, proofing, printing and shipping services are provided by Mark & Ian Akin of Wilmington NC. Montage also provides design & consulting services to discerning businesses and individuals, no matter the size, scope or style of the project.

New Elements Gallery

216 N. Front St. • (919) 343-8997 Tues-Sat: 11am-5:30pm or by appointment www.newelementsgallery.com Transitions features the works of Robert Irwin and Margie Worthington and remains on display through September 19th. A resident of Beaufort, NC, Irwin is noted for his straightforward yet powerful imagery of the coast. He has revisited some of his earlier paintings and used these “reinterpretations” as a basis for his new series. Irwin has introduced a freshness and vitality in these newer works which seems only enhanced by the passage of time.

Wilmington artist Margie Worthington creates intimate and very personal vignettes with her mixed media pieces using imagery of architectural details, photographs and painting.

“I work in collage and seek to create visual poetry which references the role of memory, a sense of family, the power of place and the passage of time. Throughout my work, it is the process of trying to establish visual relationships among unrelated elements which I find so intriguing.” In her larger scale works, Worthington creates actual three-dimensional space with boxes and compartments which become part of the composition in her “collage constructions.”

Among NC’s premier art destinations for 24 years, New Elements Gallery features both regional and nationally acclaimed artists.

Collectors will enjoy a variety of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, jewelry and wood, with changing exhibitions each month. The gallery also offers custom framing and art consultation services.

works by Bob Bryden, Michelle Connolly, Karen Paden Crouch, Virginia Wright-Frierson and Pam Toll. The gallery offers a large selection of works on paper in numerous media.

In addition there are many different gift ideas, such as hand-gilded table-top frames and oneof-a-kind keepsake boxes. The gallery offers something for everybody.

Sunset River Marketplace

10283 Beach Dr., SW (NC 179).

(910) 575-5999 • Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm (Winter hours: closed Monday) www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com myspace.comsunsetrivermarketplace This eclectic, spacious gallery, located in the historic fishing village of Calabash, N.C., features fine arts and crafts by some of North and South Carolina’s most creative, successful artists. Almost every genre is represented here—oil, pastel and watercolor, clay and glass art, fiber art, turned wood, metal works, artisan-crafted jewelry and more. Classes, workshops, pottery studio, custom framing, Creative Exchange lecture series and Coffee With the Author series are also offered on-site.

Wilmington Art Association Gallery

616B Castle St. • (910) 343-4370 www.wilmington-art.org Don’t miss the workshop with Miriam Pinkerton in October! Miriam is a nationally known collage artist and watercolorist, who will teach a collage workshop October 2nd.

In this class, you will learn to dye your own papers, make coffee papers, use newspapers to make intriguing designer papers, how to preserve these papers, several transfer methods, what glues to use, how to use and dye Japanese rice papers, etc. and basic design.

Tuition for the class is $50 per student. Call the gallery for information and to register.

Terry Rosenfelder is our Featured Artist from through Sept 24. The theme of his show is “Coastal Towns and Harbors.” Terry has been winning awards at state-wide shows right and left for the past several years and has been a lifelong art educator and painter. His work is photorealist, amazing and thoughtfully composed. Each painting creates a compelling story. Our Special Event is Ben Billingsley’s show “Urban and Rural Landscapes” Ben pares down the landscape to reveal and explore our relationship to the world around us. He limits details and prefers to emphasize the essential elements of shape and color which leave the viewer with pattersonbehn art gallery the energy and color impact of having been 511 1/2 Castle Street physically in the landscape. Ben is a painter (910) 251-8886 • Tues.-Sat. 11am-5pm and art educator and teaches at Cape Fear (Winter hours: closed Monday) Community College. www.pattersonbehn.com Look for the 2009 Calendar of the Wilmpattersonbehn picture framing & design has added an art gallery to their space, featuring ington Art Association coming out in Sepseveral local artists. Currently on display are tember! encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 15

There is No Devil, Just Six Strings: Singer/songwriters share the stage for a one-night show

Bibis Ellison: I’m really excited about this opportunity [to play the Soapbox showcase together] because I don’t get a chance to do my own stuff a lot, and that’s what I want to do—that’s who I am, you know? I love [performing covers with my band] at The Whiskey on Tuesdays. I’m really dedicated to it, and I’m very fortunate to be able to make ends meet that way, but it’s a completely different experience to do your own music. I’ve been really lucky in that a lot of these people that listen to me perform at The Whiskey have allowed me to branch out, and [they] have been supportive of that, so I’m really just trying to show everybody this other side of me—they’re the ones who have given me the confidence to do it.

Your favorite places to eat, shop and play in the Port CIty www.HalfOffDepot.com/wilmington

by: Adrian Varnam

There is No Devil, Just Six Strings

Featuring Wilmington’s best acoustic acts (see final paragraph for all listings)

Soapbox Laundro Lounge September 12th, 8pm; $5 Andy Bilinksi: Having that support around is so important. I did two showcases in NYC off the cuff recently, and it wasn’t just acoustic people performing; it was people who did spoken-word stuff, who were amazing.

And a couple people sang a cappella—these R&B-sounding songs—and the crowd was so diverse, but they supported everybody.

It’s awesome when a room comes together like that and really supports each other.

BE: It’s one thing to create your own songs, and solve your own problems and struggles through music, but, obviously, musicians are musicians for some performance aspect in some way. It might be because they love to put on a show or because there’s something really unique and magical about writing a song, or about how you feel being in a room of other people who, in some way, understand your songs because they need something a little cathartic themselves. When it transcends you and affects other people in a room, you can feel it. It’s almost tangible, if you ask me. You can reach up and touch it, and I think that’s why we play music. You know, we have something to say, and when someone hears it and understands it, that’s a good day.

AB: You can sit at home, and you can write these songs, but when you’re playing a show live and bouncing it off people, the energy’s completely different, at least for me. I can write songs at home and go, ‘OK, I dig this,’ but until you get up there and play it in front of people, it’s a little different. I think when you can do that, you can zone in on the full potential of the song.

It becomes a little more clear.

BE: Art in any capacity is vital to life—in any capacity. Creation of something tangible and how people are affected by that is such an amazing relationship. I think of us as being the wind and the audience being the wind chimes. How you affect people and how we affect each other in a creative way is such a positive thing, and it really is an essential part of life. You see a flower on the side of the street or a picture that really moves you for a second, and you don’t even know why because it’s not something

16 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

photo by jeff reardon

S

ometimes the greatest moments happen around the kitchen table. Earlier this summer when singer/songwriter Andy Bilinski was working with The Soapbox to book a show of his own, they suggested that he put together a showcase of other singer/songwriters to perform together. He agreed but wasn’t sure of the best line-up or how he wanted to present the concept.

Enter the kitchen table.

As Andy gathered later with his friends and fellow musicians James Reardon and Bibis Ellison for a pot-luck dinner party, it became clear that the three of them could feel as comfortable onstage, sharing a bill, as they could sharing a meal. For these three friends, and the other four that would soon agree to join them for the showcase, the act of sharing is what it really is all about.

Recently, I sat down with Bibis, Andy and James—three amazingly talented singer/ songwriters—and eavesdropped into their discussion about the pure joy they all receive in sharing the creative process with others and the mystical power of living a life in music. Here’s a part of their roundtable conversation.

IT HAPPENS IN THREES: Andy Bilinski, Bibis Ellison and James Reardon will be among the seven acoustic musicians playing the singer/songwriter showcase at Soapbox this weekend.

that you normally pay attention to ... that is of the upmost importance. And as cliché and as hippy as it sounds, it’s love personified in so many ways.

James Reardon: I get moved five or six times a day through music. And there’s 99 percent of other people who don’t play it but get moved, too. Everything in life has a soundtrack—nothing happens without music playing in the background. And there’s a reason for that—and it’s not just the background aspect of it.

I think it goes back to being a baby, inside your mom’s belly, and the first thing you really hear is that heartbeat. ... heartbeat ... heartbeat. And then you come out—there’s something to that; it’s ancient. And it’s always been there.

One thing that really grabbed me when I started writing songs and playing music were the times—and I can say this has happened to me about 10 times—was when I sat down, just started playing, and it was like I just threw up the song; it all came out.

I didn’t sit and scratch words out, it just came out, and it came from some other place. And when I read it back—and I don’t know where it comes from—it was so powerful and so special.

AB: I think we all drink from the same river, so to say, but the water just affects us all differently.

JR: Yeah, you know, it’s like everyone jumps in at different points. Some people jump in at the mountains, some jump in at the coast, some people got caught up in an eddy and just spun and spun and spun, some people just floated down, some people have white water around them all the time, but it’s the same water.

BE: I really hope that as inspired as we were when we came up with this idea [to play a showcase together] and as inspired as we are right now during this conversation, I really hope someone will walk away with that after our show. I think that if we’ve done that then we’ve done something really great, and I think I can easily say that’s one of the reasons we do what we do.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience some of Wilmington’s most inspirational talent onstage together. The Soapbox presents “There Is No Devil, Just Six Strings,” an acoustic showcase featuring, Andy Bilinski, Bibis Ellison (Bibis & The Spare Change Band), James Reardon (Rodeo Boy/Owl Laws), Lincoln Morris (Lamont Skylark/Low Victor Echo), Fred Champion (Glow in the Dark Scars), Lynn Casper (Doly Toro/Scranton) and Mat Malloy (Blarney Broughs). Admission is only $5, and doors open at 8pm.

Heel, Toe, Dosey Doe: End of the Line is down-home and acoustic friendly by: Bethany Turner

End of the Line

Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road September 11th, 10pm; $5 www.myspace.com/endofthelinebluegrass

“I

have to say, for five guys, we get along extremely well. We each kind of have a role, but no one person is the ‘leader,’” John Fonvielle, guitarist for Wilmington bluegrass string band, End of the Line, reflects.

Fonvielle remembers how this very magazine helped to build the band. “End of the Line started with George Priess and Paul Slovik, who are neighbors. I answered an ad in encore for a bluegrass player.”

Priess (banjo), Slovik (mandolin) and Fonvielle were the foundation for the group, who then brought on Mike Adams, an old friend, to play bass. Fonvielle hadn’t seen Perry Hewlett in years, but knew him in high school—and so he joined End of the Line to play dobro and banjo.

Part of what makes End of the Line uncommon—that is, compared to most bands—is that during a performance the audience can hear any one of them singing. “We all sing lead and harmonies,” Fonvielle reports.

“Each person brings a song they want to play, and the rest give it a thumbs-up or down. We’re a very democratic group, but we try to maintain a somewhat consistent sound, so the songs we pick have a lot to do with that. We vote on decisions—and if that doesn’t work, we arm wrestle!”

Claiming lyrical influences like Bob Dylan and Grateful Dead, but sounding more like Doc Watson and banjo-pickin’ Earl Scruggs, End of the Line understands how to deliver fun, upbeat music to country-lovin’ Wilmingtonians, having frequented The Beach House, Mellow Mushroom and Kefi. They also do a fair share of charity events, including one for autism that will take place in November at Poplar Grove. These men may appear to all have deep roots in the genre, as their songs channel early, authentic bluegrass, but truthfully, they all bring something different to the table.

Fonvielle calls Hewlett the “well-seasoned” one of the group. “He was in a local band, High Cotton, for years and has played with just about everybody in the area that plays bluegrass,” the guitarist remarks.

Slovik has played the mandolin for a few years and offers up a lot of energetic sound to the band. “Paul played guitar in bands in New Jersey, his home state. Rock stuff, I think. He’s a big music fan, and he brings

A SWEET SOUTHERN SECRET: End of the Line brings their unique bluegrass style to Kefi on Friday, September 11th.

all of our ‘hot’ songs, up-tempo, fun songs,” Fonvielle says.

Even though George was a founder of the group, he is still new to the music world. “He bought a banjo with some Christmas money a few years ago, so he pretty much started at zero,” Fonvielle says. “Mike Adams is relatively new to the bass. I had actually left my bass at his house after a party, and he called me a couple of days later and said he hadn’t been to work ‘cause he fell in love with the upright bass. He took to it very fast, but he’s a long-time musician—and what a voice!”

If Hewlett is well-seasoned, Fonvielle is well-rounded. “I’ve been playing for longer than I care to admit—years. I played bluegrass in college. I’ve played in funk bands, rock bands, punk bands, folk, you name it. It’s a wide range of experience that blends well.”

Each of the members of End of the Line blend well together, so much so that it is almost impossible to tell from their music that they have only been playing in this line-up for a year and a half. “You always know which songs your bandmates like by the enthusiasm they show when playing a song, but the hot song this month may be the stale song next month. That’s why we’re always bringing in new songs.”

End of the Line performs “Feast Here Tonite,” a song with a strong foot-tappin’ beat. They also pay homage to the good ol’ days with “Whoa, Mule,” a song featured on “The Andy Griffith Show,” originally titled

“Flop-Eared Mule.” It is the classic hoedown song, and listening to it puts the image of a dosey doe in one’s mind, maybe even complete with a caller hollerin’ out the next dance move.

“Bluegrass is fun, usually upbeat music, so we get a lot of dancers; we love it when they dance, lots of ‘whoo-hoos’ and such,” Fonvielle says. “The audience is as important to the energy as the band is. We feed off the energy and the dancing. No one has thrown eggs so far, so that’s a good sign!”

End of the Line has never played an outof-town venue—“most of the guys have jobs and families, a couple have kids, so it’s difficult”—but that’s not to say it won’t be so in the near future. For now, Wilmington can hold its bluegrass band dear. End of the Line’s hootenannies may be this town’s own sweet Southern secret.

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 17

A preview of must-have music

Kings of Americana:

By: Fred Champion, CD Alley

Rock outfit U.S. Royalty arrives in Wilmington to play The Soapbox

Fall Sounds: The Avett Brothers : I and Love and You (September 29th). I am excited about this release

by: Jill Watson

because I plan on selling a buttload of copies and catch my rent up to date.

U.S. Royalty

Soapbox Landro Lounge, 255 N. Front St. September 15th, 8pm, $7 www.thesoapboxlive.com

Jeff Mangum: Negative Acid Trailers (November 24th). Solo outing from the man behind Neutral Milk Hotel. Rumor has it that he scrapped all of the stuff he recorded with Nick Diamonds of The Unicorns/Islands, and this release will be a straightforward acoustic guitar and vocal album.

The Dutchess and the Duke: Sunset/Sunrise (October 6th). One of the best bands you never heard—kinda of like the early Stones locking lips with The Moldy Peaches.

READY TO ROCK: U.S. Royalty makes their Wilmington debut on Tuesday, September 15th, at The Soapbox.

T

Daniel Johnston: Is and Always Was (October 6th). Just curious about this one; his last record, FearLess, recorded with SparkleHorse, is his best record ever in my opinion—I love it.

Built to Spill: There Is No Enemy (October 6th). Oh, yes, there is—every day between now and October 6th is the enemy.

and they were celebrating Midsommar, and the more I found out about the festival and celebration, I thought it would fit with what we wanted for this release. encore: Why did you choose to release your record only on iTunes and on vinyl?

Why not a CD? JT: I think we don’t really see the point anymore. People will use the CD to load it up on their computers then put it on their mp3 player of choice and be done with it.

So, we decided to just have it available digitally, and for those people who really enjoy having something physical, the vinyl is there for that. Plus, it’s more of a collector’s item, I guess. encore: Do you think that by having limited options, you have cut off any of your fans?

JH: I don’t think so. I think things are moving away from CD format eventually anyway. If we were to do an album release in the next year, we would probably have a CD option, but for now we feel this is best.

photo by brad walsh

Yo La Tengo: Popular Songs (September 8th).

I have been a long-time fan. They are playing in Durham in a few weeks. I want to listen and get psyched for [it].

an interview. They met Adams in school at Grace College and later met Michael; finally the band was complete, and U.S. Royalty came to be. John credits the influence of their soulful rock sound to listening to a lot of Motown, as well as being obsessed with Oasis since the sixth grade.

he music world has always become euphoric over giving musicians titles that seem to fit a royal status they have incurred with fans. There’s the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the King of Pop, the Prince of Darkness and too many “pop princesses” to count. U.S. Royalty didn’t wait for their fans to bestow such; instead they owned the name from the getgo.

Taking in the history that encompassed them while living in Washington, D.C., U.S. Royalty has come bearing soul-wrenching songs composed from brothers John and Paul Thronley (vocals/piano and guitar, respectively), along with Luke Adams (drums) and Jacob Michael (bass), recently released their three-song record, Midsommar, on iTunes as well as on vinyl.

Coming from a musical family, the Thronley brothers were introduced to music early and often. “It definitely played a part, but we have gone on and branched out as fast as [the] music that our parents listened to growing up,” John told encore last week during

18 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

Between shows Thornley made time to answer some questions for encore to preview their upcoming show at the Soapbox this weekend. Here’s how the conversation unfolded. encore: Did it take some time to create a collaborative sound among the four of you, or was it pretty natural?

John Thornley: A lot of the songs started out with Paul and me as acoustic sketches.

The crafting came in as we decided how to play the songs with the rest of the instruments. encore: What kind of names did you come up with before deciding on U.S. Royalty?

JT: [He laughs] They aren’t important, and I don’t think any of them were memorable enough to repeat. encore: How did you decide on the name Midsommar?

JT: None. We didn’t have anything really, and then after week of nothing, this name came up. I have a friend who is Swedish,

encore: What do you enjoy the most about your concerts other than the fans?

Do you ad lib from night to night, or stick to a tight schedule?

JH: When we are traveling, we usually stick to a certain set list, but there can be a lot of ad libbing as far as performance. If we have been to a certain city before, we will also throw in new songs depending on how we feel at the moment. encore: Do you play covers as well as your own music?

JH: We don’t really play covers, but we do once in a while if we are playing a house party. So far we’ve covered some Rolling Stones, Smashing Pumpkins and Temple of the Dog. encore: How was the process of taking your own songs and transforming it into a music video?

JH: It was a great time. For the “Every Summer” video, it was nice having a director that had a vision for the song and could communicate it well. Sometimes on video shoots, there can be too many ideas floating around and people talking, which canx cloud the end product.

www.encorepub.com

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encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 19

soundboard WeDNeSDAY, SepT. 9 dJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 KaRaoKe wiTh dJ BiKeR RoB —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 Piano show —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 ‘80s Ladies nighT —Boogies, 6745 Market St.; 367-3409 ‘80s, CaRTeR Lee —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 oPen miC nighT —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 dJ Big Kahuna —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 eRiC and CaRey B. —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 KaRaoKe wiTh dJ uRBan —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301

Live Jam feaTuRing memBeRs of The wooLwine ComPLex, Coon PhaT gRavy, and wiLLie and me —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 KaRaoKe wiTh BoB CLayTon —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 The eLeCTed offiCiaLs —The Grind, 308 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Bch; 458-6033 JeRemy noRRis and Tommy BRoTheRs —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 dJ JePh CauLTeR —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St. dJBe exTReme KaRaoKe —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 oPen miC nighT wiTh gaRy aLLen —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 Live musiC —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

CouRTesy of ToRi sPaRKs

a preview of tunes all over town this week

THe STORY OF TORI: Singer/songwriter Tori Sparks makes two stops in Wilmington this week: on the 10th at the Soapbox and the 11th at the Juggling Gypsy—don’t miss out!

THURSDAY, SepT. 10 Tom Rhodes —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St.; 251-1935

Live aCousTiC —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219

5001 Market Street (attached to the Ramada Inn)

Weekly Specials

Monday $2.50 Budweiser Draft $4.00 Well Liquor FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $.50 Wings Buffalo, BBQ, or Teriyaki Tuesday $2.50 Miller Lite Draft, $4.00 Hurricanes FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $6 Buffalo Shrimp or Chicken Tenders Wednesday $2.50 Yuengling Draft, $2.50 Domestic Bottles FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $2 Sliders Thursday $3.00 Coronas, $4.00 Margaritas FROM 4 UNTIL CLOSE $5 Cajun Shrimp or Fish Tacos Friday $3.00 Select Pint Saturday $5.50 Cosmos, Dirty Martinis or Apple Martinis Sunday $5 Bloody Marys Half Priced Appetizers After 9:00 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

20 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

serving full food menu 6am-10pm 7 DAYS A WEEK upcoming events

(910) 791-7595

TUESDAYS

SHAG LESSONS

@7:30 with Brad & Dancing with DJ

Lee Pearson

WEDNESDAYS

Monday-Friday

College Night Ladies in Free $1 DOMESTICS, $3 JAGER BOMBS

Working Men’s Lunch

DJ JEPH CAULTER

BAR OPEN ‘TIL 2am

under $6 bucks THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Green Drinks 6-8pm FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

UNCLE JUNK

THURSDAY LADIES NIGHT 1/2 price wine & $5 martini list

FRIDAYS Argentine Tango Lessons WITH INSTRUCTION at 7:30 and Salsa lessons at 9:30 with live DJ $2 Tequilla - $3 Corona $4 Margarita’s

SEPTEMBER 5 LIVE MUSIC Private Parties are available for booking

791-7595

famiLy KaRaoKe —Alfie’s, 2528 Castle Hayne Rd.; 251-5707 dJ Time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206

dJ LaLo —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 CLassy KaRaoKe wiTh mandy CLayTon —The Toolbox, 2325 Burnette Blvd.; 343-6988 dJ ComPose —Port City Pub, 121 Grace St.; 251-3791 dJBe exTReme KaRaoKe —Café Basil, 6309 Market Street; 791-9335 shag Lessons —Boogies, 6745 Market St.; 367-3409 dJ don’T sToP —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 KaRaoKe wiTh BoB CLayTon —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 oPen miC wiTh JeRemy noRRis —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 KaRaoKe wiTh Jason JaCKson —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839

100 S. Front St. Downtown 251-1832 MONDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM $2 Budweiser $2.25 Heineken $3 Gin & Tonic LIVE MUSIC WITH JEREMY NORRIS AND FRIENDS TUESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM $2 White Wolf $2.50 Redstripe $3.50 Wells 35¢ Wings at 8pm LIVE MUSIC W/ ROB RONNER WEDNESDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM LIVE MUSIC: JEREMY NORRIS tommy brothers $2.50 Blue Moons $2.50 Corona/Corona Light 1/2 Priced Wine Bottles THURSDAY 1/2 PRICE APPS. 4-6PM LIVE MUSIC: MIKE O’DONNELL $2 Domestic Bottles $2.75 Import Bottles $3 Rum and Coke FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD $3 Landshark • $3 Kamikaze $5 Bombs SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC IN THE COURTYARD Rooftop open by 6pm Dance floor open by 10pm SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC: L SHAPE LOT 3-7 MEDUSA STONE 8-12 $5 Tommy Bahama Mojitos $2.75 Corona $3.50 Bloody Mary’s $3 Mimosas ROOFTOP KARAOKE

wed 9.9

dj be karaoke thurs 9.10

the fustics fri 9.11

the will sat 9.12

painted man

Photo...

Scott Sain of Plane jane

,ANDFALL #ENTER s 1331 Military Cutoff Rd

910-256-3838 wildwingcafe.com

mike o’donnell —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 fire and drum jam; dj miT —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Sea PanS —Holiday Inn Sunspree, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 Selah dubb —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 joSh moore Trio —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 The fuSTicS —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 Tori SParkS —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 Tom rhodeS —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 hiP-hoP nighT —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 dj ScooTer freSh —Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 dj —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 guiTariST Perry SmiTh —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395

karaoke kong —Orton Pool Room, 133 North Front St.; 343-8878 changing channelS SkeTch comedy —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 ThirSTy ThurSday wiTh Surf 98.3 —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133

friDAY, september 11 Piano Show —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 karaoke kong —Slick and Reds, 2501 S. College Rd.; 798-5355 dj Time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 dj rico —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 dj ScooTer freSh —Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 robbie berry —Mexican Viejo Bar and Grill, 2013 Olde Regent Way, Leland; 371-1731 friday nighT follieS —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301

melvin and Sayer —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 rob ronner —Henry’s, 2806 Independence Blvd.; 793-2929 big fiSh —Holiday Inn Sunspree, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 claSSy karaoke wiTh mandy clayTon —Katy’s, 1054 S. College Rd.; 395-6204 band nighT —Boogies, 6745 Market St.; 367-3409 dj —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 live muSic —Port City Pub, 121 Grace St.; 251-3791 ScoTT SmiTh on Piano (raT Pack TribuTe) —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 laTino nighT wiTh dj —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St. karaoke wiTh bob clayTon —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 dj —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872

dj —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 mike o’donnell —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 bibiS and black —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 dj —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172 live muSic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 charlie and roSe lucaS —Ocean Grill, 1211 S. Lake Blvd; 458-2000 TraviS Shallow —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839 erica lane, gyPSy fire —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 don ThomPSon band —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 The frooSh Trio —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 SPring break 1931, audaciTy —Lucky’s, 2505 S. College Rd.; 792-1812

mako band —Mayfaire Music on the Town, Mayfaire Town Center bullS on Parade, enemy of mine —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 Tori SParkS —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 Sai collinS —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 dj will clayTon —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 dj miTch —Odessa, 23 N. Front St.; 251-8814 dane briTT —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St.; 251-1935 STudio 1515 —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 duTch —Buffalo Wild Wings, Monkey Junction; 392-7224 The elecTed officialS —Black Horn Bar, 15 Carolina Beach Ave. N.; 458-5255 huckleberry —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400

JUNCTION PUB AND BILLIARDS 1/2 priced select apppetizers m-f 4-7pm MONDAY $10 Bud/Light Buckets $5 Jack Daniels • $4 Capt. Morgan TUESDAY $1 Tacos 4-7pm $3 Mexican Beers $5 Top Shelf Tequila • $7 Patron WEDNESDAY $3 Pints (10 Drafts) $5 Jager Bombs THURSDAY Mug Night $2 Domestic Drafts w/HK MUG $5 Bombers • $4 Jim Beam FRIDAY $3 Select Draft $4 Fire Fly Shooters $5 Red Bull Vodka SATURDAY $2.50 Miller Lt or Yuengling Draft $7.50 Pitcher • $3 Kamikaze $4 Well Drinks SUNDAY $2.50 Bud/Light Draft $7.50 Pitcher • $5 Crown Royal $4 Bloody Mary

CATCH ALL THE ACTION WITH NFL SUNDAY TICKET ON 10 HDTVs and HD big screen Your Team - Every Game, Every Week 118 Princess St • (910)763-4133

5216 Carolina Beach Road MONDAY MADNESS: Domestic Pints: $225 Well Vodka Drinks: $350 FREE POOL AFTER MIDNIGHT TASTY TUESDAYS: CALL NIGHT All call liquors: $400 Drinks or Shots WET WEDNESDAYS: Smirnoff Flavor Liquors $400 Drinks or Shots LATE NIGHT!!!

Domestic Light Beer $225

(Bud Light, Miller Light, Natural, Coors Light)

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: 22 Oz. Domestic Beers $400 FINALLY FRIDAYS: Cream Drinks $450 Blue Moon Draft $325 SATURDAYS: Corona & Corona Lts $250 Cuervo Silver Shots $300 Dox Equix Draft $300 POOL HAPPY HOURS 3pm-6pm $5 per player SUNDAYS: Service Employees Night Jager Shots $325 Jager Bombs $425 Coors Light Bottles $225 FREE POOL AFTER 10pm Every Mon-Wed-Fri Happy Hour Pool!

FREE POOL from 3-5pm!

LIVE MUSIC Sunday afternoons on the waterfront patio bar

September 6 Big Fish

September 13 Devil’s Doves Bud Light Boat Giveaway!

BRAND NAME DRINK SPECIALS EVERYDAY!

1 Southpaw Light

$ 50

$3 Red Bull Bombs

DRINK LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY

Buzztime Trivia!

Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm

6 Sandwiches & $ 4 Appetizers

sAturDAY, september 12 dj —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 john mielcarSki —Holiday Inn Sunspree, 1706 N. Lumina Ave.; 256-2231 dj Shaw —Rox, 208 Market St.; 343-0402 benjy TemPleTon —Costello’s Piano Bar, 211 Princess Street; 362-9666 dj lalo —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 necTar —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 dj foxxy —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 ScoTT SmiTh on Piano (raT Pack TribuTe) —Trebenzio’s, 141 N. Front St.; 815-3301 guiTariST Perry SmiTh —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 Piano Show —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 dj Time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206

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Monday-Thursday, 5pm-8pm

September 27

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123 Princess Street Downtown Wilmington

Call

September 20 Heart & Soul

Big Fish

October 4 OVERTYME 4 Marina St. Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-8500

$

4 Appetizers

$

910-338-1886

791-0688

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 21

DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 live music —Port City Pub, 121 Grace St.; 251-3791 DJ —Red Dogs, 5 N. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach; 256-2776 DJBe eXTReme KARAOKe —Café Basil, 6309 Market Street; 791-9335 live music —Oceanic, Oceanfront Wrightsville Beach; 256-5551 DJ eDie —Odessa, 23 N. Front St.; 251-8814 KARAOKe wiTh BOB clAyTOn —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 DJ will clAyTOn —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 DJ milTOn whiTe (BeAch/shAg) —Boogies, 6745 Market St.; 367-3409 PAinTeD mAn —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 Jesse sTOcKTOn, BenJi AnD fRienDs —Palm Room, 11 East Salisbury St.; 503-3040

nOTORiOus gRingOs —Ocean Grill, 1211 S. Lake Blvd; 458-2000 AnDy BilinsKi, BiBis ellisOn, JAmes ReARDOn, lincOln mORRis, fReD chAmPiOn, lynn cAsPeR, mATT mAllOy, JOe Kelley, Ben BROwn —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 silveR JuDAs, hellBROTh, Dim The DARKliT —Lucky’s, 2505 S. College Rd.; 792-1812 uncle JunK —Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road; 256-3558 ORgAniX —Hell’s Kitchen, 118 Princess St.; 763-4133 live music —Wrightsville Grille, 6766 Wrightsville Ave.; 509-9839 AcTuAl PROOf —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 fReD flynn BAnD —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 PseuDO Blue AnD The mAJesTics —Front Street Brewery, 9 N. Front St.; 251-1935 DJ —Yosake Sushi Lounge, 31 S. Front St.; 763-3172

insTAnT JOnes —Banks Channel Bar & Grille, 530 Causeway Drive; 256-2269 selAh DuBB —High Tide Lounge, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave., Carolina Bch; 458-0807 Asylum —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 mADOnnA nAsh —Firebelly Lounge, 265 N. Front St.; 763-0141 JAm sAnDwich —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888

sunday, september 13 clAssy KARAOKe wiTh mAnDy clAyTOn —The Toolbox, 2325 Burnette Blvd.; 343-6988 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 gAlen On guiTAR (BRunch) —Courtyard Marriott, 100 Charlotte Ave., Carolina Beach; (800) 321-2211 DJBe eXTReme KARAOKe —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 DJ Big KAhunA —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846

sunDAy nighT feveR —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 Devil’s DOve —Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St.; 256-8500 PuRe fiyAh —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 ReggAeTOn sunDAys —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 l shAPe lOT, meDusA sTOne —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 fluTisT niKKi wisniOwsKi —Caffe Phoenix, 9 S Front St.; 343-1395 JAm wiTh Benny hill —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 nO DOllAR shOes —Ocean Grill, 1211 S. Lake Blvd; 458-2000

monday, september 14 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 OPen mic nighT —Port City Pub, 121 Grace St.; 251-3791 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366

DJ RichTeRmeisTeR —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 KARAOKe —Level 5/City Stage, 21 N. Front St.; 342-0872 OPen mic wiTh vivA —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255 JAKe melnyK —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 OPen mic nighT —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616 DJ Big KAhunA —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 DJ Time —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 OPen mic nighT —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

tuesday, september 15 ROn eThRiDge —Goat and Compass, 710 N. 4th St.; 772-1400 DJ Time, DJ BATTle —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 KARAOKe KOng —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616

clAssy KARAOKe wiTh mAnDy clAyTOn —Ultra Classics Pool and Bar, North Hampstead KARAOKe wiTh BOB clAyTOn —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880 live music —Oceanic, Oceanfront Wrightsville Beach; 256-5551 ROB ROnneR —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 DJ Big KAhunA —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 inDie music nighT —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 BiBis ellisOn AnD The sPARe chAnge BAnD —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088 u.s. ROyAlTy, RiO BRAvO —Soapbox Lounge, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500 shAg DJ —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St.

RACK ‘EM PUB WE ARE A 100% SMOKE FREE RESTAURANT AND BAR

121 Grace Street

MONDAY

JOIN THE FUN

Big Domestic Beers, 2 Newcastle Bottles, $250 Kona Longboard Island lager, $250 10oz Domestic Draft Beers, $1 Winter Warmer Coffee Drink, $495 $

Tuesday

1/2 Price Bottles of Wine Pacifico, $250 • Absolut Dream, $395 ***LIVE JAZZ***

Wednesday

Corona/Corona Lt., $250 Margaritas/Peach Margaritas, $4

Thursday

Gran Martinis, $7 • Red Stripe, $250

Friday

Mondays OPEN MIC NIGHT

Wednesday TRIVIA

Thursday COLLEGE NIGHT WITH DJ COMPOSE

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 9/12

Cosmos, $4 • 007, $350

BIKINI CONTEST

Saturday

AND PUDDING WRESTLING

Baybreeze/Seabreeze $4 Blue Moon, $250 LIVE MUSIC IN THE PATIO

Sunday

Well Drinks $3 Domestic Bottles $2 Domestic 16oz Draft $150 Mojitos & Appletinis $300 5564 Carolina Beach Rd 452-1212

9/19 WARRIORS OF THE ATLANTIC Open Mon.-Fri., 2pm-2am Sat. 12pm-2am • Sun. 12pm2am

22 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

LIVE MUSIC

Sea Pans Steel Drum every Thursday Night on the terrace Friday, September 11

BIG FISH 7-10PM

Saturday, September 12

JOHN Mielcarski 7-10PM

Friday, September 18

OVERTYME 7-10PM

Saturday, September 19

FORTCH 7-10PM

877-330-5050

910-256-2231 wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com

LIVE MUSIC

FRIDAY SEPT 4

lyndsey bennett

SATURDAY SEPT 5

dave meyer

FRIDAY & SAT

acoustic live music on the outdoor back deck SUNDAY 1/2 price wine list TUESDAY Twosome Tuesday - 10% off entrees for two WEDNESDAY Ladies Night - cheese and chocolate, $8/lady THURSDAY $6 martinis 138 South Front Street Downtown Wilmington

Open Tuesday - Sunday

serving dinner at 5 910.251.0433 pm

415 South College Road MONDAY MADNESS: Domestic Pints: $225 Miller Light, Yuengling: $350 Well Vodka Drinks: $350 FREE POOL AFTER MIDNIGHT TASTY TUESDAYS: CALL NIGHT All call liquors: $400 WET WEDNESDAYS: Smirnoff Flavor Liquors $400 Drinks LATE NIGHT!!!

Domestic Light Beer $225 (Bud Light, Miller Light, Natural, Coors Light)

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: Import Beers $300 (Red Stripe, Heineken, New Castle)

FINALLY FRIDAYS: Cream Drinks $450 Blue Moon Draft $325 SATURDAYS: Corona $250 Cuervo Silver Shots $300 POOL HAPPY HOURS 3pm-6pm $5 per player SUNDAYS: Service Employees Night Bloody Marys $300 Jager Shots $325 Jager Bombs $425 Coors Light Bottles $225 FREE POOL AFTER 10pm

WEDNESDAy, SEPTEMBER 16

DJ —Shanty’s Beach and Blues Club, 103 North Lake Park Blvd.; 599-3366 karaoke WitH DJ Biker roB —Beach House Bar ‘n’ Grill, 7219 Market St.; 689-7219 piano SHoW —Rum Runners, 21 N. Front St.; 815-3846 ‘80S laDieS nigHt —Boogies, 6745 Market St.; 367-3409 ‘80S, carter lee —The Rhino Club, 125 Market St.; 762-2206 open Mic nigHt —Juggling Gypsy Cafe, 1612 Castle St.; 763-2223 DJ Big kaHuna —Club Vida, 105 Wetsig Road; 791-9955 eric anD carey B. —El Zarrape Cantina, 103 Lake Park Blvd.; 458-5255

$

1 TACOS EVERY DAY! 5pm-Close $ 99 3 Entrees

DAILY BAR SPECIALS: $3 Margaritas-All Day, Every Day $5 Double Frozen Daiquiris MONDAY: $2 Domestics, $2 Premium Drafts, $3 Shooters TUESDAY: $1.50 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Coronas and corona light WEDNESDAY: $2.50 Wells, $5 Absolute Martinis, $2.50 Premium Draft THURSDAY: $2 Domestic Bottles, $3 Wells, $6 Patrone Margaritas FRIDAY: $2 Domestic Drafts, $4 Bombs SATURDAY: $2 Domestics, $2.50 Premium Drafts, $3 Shooters SUNDAY: $2 All Drafts, $3 Bloody Mary’s, $6 Island Martinis

karaoke WitH DJ urBan —Ibiza, 118 Market St.; 251-1301 live JaM Featuring MeMBerS oF tHe WoolWine coMplex, coon pHat gravy, anD Willie anD Me —16 Taps, 127 Princess St.; 251-1616

karaoke WitH BoB clayton —Midtown Seafood, 4106 Oleander Dr.; 792-6880

live MuSic —The Whiskey, 1 S. Front St.; 763-3088

Show Stoppers: Concerts around the region HOUSE OF BLUES 4640 HWy 17 S., Myrtle BeacH, Sc 843-272-3000 9/12: Toad the Wet Sprocket 9/13: Gospel Brunch CAT’S CRADLE 300 e. Main St., carrBoro 919-967-9053 9/9: Bike MS benefit: Last of the Great Side Show Freaks, Tomahawks, Lafcadio, Zach Terry 9/11: Owl City, Kate Havnevik, Unicorn Kid 9/12: Billy Sugarfix CD release party with Schooner, Birds and Arrows 9/13: Son Volt, Sera Cahoone

EVERYDAY $1.50 Fibbers Golden Lager $2 Bud Light Pints- $2 Miller Lite Pints $3 Guiness Pints MONDAY POOL TOURNAMENT- $1.50 Coors and Coors Lite Bottles - $3 Wells and Import Beers $4 Call Drinks $1 Tacos 35¢ wings.

GIVEAWAYS: Panthers Tickets or a Round of Golf TUESDAY Poker Tournament / Free Pool $3 shots of Kilbeggan Irish wiskey $4.99 Chicken Club PitasC WEDNESDAY Fibbers 1¢ Wednesdays / $5 Cover Penny Fibbers Golden Lager pints, $3 Royal Flush Shots $3 SOCO and lime shots $4.99 all burgers, DJ P FUNK THURSDAY LIVE MUSIC $6 Domestic pitchers, $8 import pitchers, $3 Washington Apple shots ,$4.99 all pitas FRIDAY $5 martinis, $2 Mich Ultras 1/2 price apps SATURDAY $4 bombsB SUNDAY 1/2 price bottles of wine, 2 Coors Light, Karaoke in the pub, DJ BATTLE in the lounge MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 14 FLAT SCREENS AND A PROJECTOR SHOWING ALL NFL GAMES

9/15: ...And You Will Know Us

By The Trail Of Dead, Secret Machines 9/16: James McMurtry, Jonny Burke ALABAMA THEATRE 4750 HWy 17 S., n. Myrtle BcH, Sc 843-272-1111 9/12: Loretta Lynn (right) LINCOLN THEATRE 126 e. caBarruS St., raleigH 919-821-4111 9/11: The Last Waltz Ensemble, The Milagro Saints 9/12: Realign, Untold, Downcycle, Angle of Incidence

JereMy norriS anD toMMy BrotHerS —Reel Cafe, 100 S. Front St.; 251-1832 DJ JepH caulter —Carolina Lounge, 5001A Market St. DJBe extreMe karaoke —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.;

256-3838 open Mic nigHt WitH gary allen —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 MiSSing catS, JoHn HerMann, SHerMan eWing —Soapbox Upstairs, 255 N. Front St.; 251-8500

9/14: Mike Gordon, Rubblebucket Orchestra 9/16: Cowboy Mouth, Simplified

9/17: Indigo Girls

AMOS’ SOUTHEND 1423 SoutH tryon St., cHarlotte • 704-377-6874 9/9: D12, Potluck 9/10: Brit Price 9/11: S.O. Stereo 9/12: Strange County; Kamden, Manic 9/13: Pagan’s Mind, Merzah, Zero System THE ORANGE PEEL 101 BiltMore avenue, aSHeville 828-225-5851 9/9: Trinumeral Launch Party feat. The Egg, Lipp Service, Eskmo 9/15: Mike Gordon, Rubblebucket Orchestra 9/16: Margaret Cho, John Roberts

GREENSBORO COLISEUM COMPLEX 1921 WeSt lee Street, greenSBoro 336-373-7400 9/18: Journey N. CHARLESTON COLESIUM 5001 coliSeuM Dr., cHarleSton, Sc 843-529-5000 9/12: Kenny Chesney 9/17: The Avett Brothers TWC PAVILION AT WALNUT CREEK 3801 rock Quarry rD., raleigH • 919-831-640 9/12: Gretchen Wilson TWC ARENA 333 eaSt traDe Street,

All entertainment must be turned in to encore by noon every Thursday for consideration in the weekly entertainment calendar.

Venues are responsible for notifying encore of any changes, removals or additions to their weekly schedules.

courteSy oF loretta lynn

live acouStic —Wild Wing Cafe, 1331 Military Cutoff Rd.; 256-3838 cape Fear BlueS JaM —Rusty Nail, 1310 S. 5th Ave.; 251-1888 JaSon MarkS —Henry’s, 2806 Independence Blvd.; 793-2929

cHarlotte 704-522-6500 9/11: Joel Osteen CAROLINA THEATRE 309 W. Morgan St., DurHaM 919-560-3030 9/13: Durham Children’s Choir presents Concert for Peace

$2 Yuengling Bottles and $4 Infused shots everyday

Monday DJ Time

$

Bomb Specials:

4 Jagermeister, $5 Jager Bombs

Tuesday Drink Specials:

$ 2 Commiekazi shots $3 Draught Beer specials

Wednesday Drink Specials:

3 All House Infused Vodas $5 Stoli Vodka

$

Thursday

ILM Electroclash Sessions with Predator and DJ Dustin Cook Drink Specials:

5 Martinis/$4 16oz. Russian Beers

$

Friday & Saturday

ILM Dance Sessions with DJ Dustin Cook Drink Specials:

$ 3 Lemon Drops 3 Draught Specials $ 4 Function Cocktails $

Sunday Wii Bowling

Drink Specials:

8 Pitchers of Magic Hat #9 $ 4 Bloody Marys

$

23 N. Front St. Downtown Wilmington

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 23

below Dining Review 24-26 Dining Guide

Take Notice:

Wilmington always makes room for good seafood restaurants

T

he Cape Fear Seafood Company is literally tucked away in a little spot in the ever-expanding retail-wilderness of Monkey Junction. Seriously. If I hadn’t happened to notice the words “next to Blockbuster Video” in small print at the very end of the description on the flier, I never would have found it.

Google was no help, and my dashboard diva gave up the moment I turned (wrongly) into the Lowes’ parking lot, announcing that I “had arrived at my destination.” Since I wanted to eat lunch, not build a tool shed, I was not amused.

Eventually, using the time-honored tracker’s tradition of circling until I spotted some sign of my quarry, I finally caught a glimpse several lots south. At least, I found the Blockbuster, so it was just a question of driving past it to get where I wanted to go.

There is always room for one more seafood restaurant in the world, especially if it’s a good seafood restaurant, and Cape Fear Seafood Company is way, way past that. What at first glance seems like an unassuming little casual seafood restaurant, offering the usual combinations of flounder, oysters and shrimp, turns out to be something a little more unusual after taking a closer look and a careful bite.

The discovery is that of crab cakes, which have been cooked in a lemon beurre blanc or a beef tenderloin doused in a shiny cabernet demi glace—even the fried green tomatoes have been dressed for Sunday church in a balsamic reduction.

Even the more familiar dishes—the flounder baskets, oyster po’ boys and shrimp burgers (and, yes, the combo platters)—are done with care and attention to detail. The fried fish always proves uniformly golden, the shrimp still piping hot and juicy. Not one item on the plate remains over-cooked, dry and wilted, or cooling from the lukewarm temperature emitting from a heat lamp.

I am used to beach-town seafood restaurants being crowded, careless affairs, housing an army of line cooks, among the staff’s constant clatter of heavy china, and a bevy of tired waitresses who smile and call diners “sugar” but are really just counting the minutes to their next cigarette break.

If that is a “seafood joint,” then Cape Fear Seafood Company isn’t one. There are no fried clams on the premises, for one thing.

The atmosphere is casual and soothing. The

by: Rosa Bianca

Cape Fear Seafood Company 5226 S. College Rd., Ste 5 910-799-7077

HHH

1/2

HH

SEAFOOD EXCELLENCE: Cape Fear Seafood Company makes the standard fried flounder entreé sommething captivating along with more fanciful items like the seared “Benne Seed” tuna.

wait staff here is fast, quiet and actually helpful (and, when they finally place the order on the table, there’s no question that it has never been near a heat lamp). Somebody in the kitchen has taken the trouble to make the meal just the way it was requested, and somebody else has been keeping an eye on it.

As a result, even though Fay and I were only there for lunch—and even though we both ordered fairly standard dishes—we found ourselves ambushed by how good our meal actually was.

“What’s so special about it?” Fay wondered as she poked at her coleslaw. “Why is it so good?” I had no real answer except that the slaw was very light on the mayo, and the shredded cabbage was extremely fresh and sweet.

It was minimalist slaw.

Minimalist flounder stacked my plate as well: Two good-sized, perfectly cooked filets of fish that had a light golden brown crust that was more flour than cornmeal and seemed to be only slightly seasoned with a little black pepper.

There were absolutely no bones, no dry parts, nothing burnt. All it needed was a little bit of lemon (provided) and some onion rings (pro-

24 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

vided on request). Fay had ordered scallops and oysters, with basically the same results: very light breading that only emphasized how large, fresh and succulent the seafood was.

The accompanying fresh-cut French fries were piping hot and in need of some salt. We both cleaned our plates—even the slaw.

It’s clear that there is a reason this small, locally owned restaurant has been winning awards and making the foodie people sit up and take notice. The dinner menu shows evidence of a confidently creative person in the kitchen: “Chicken Jarrett” topped with roasted tomatoes, goat cheese and basil lemon sauce; “Salmon Oscar” blackened, with crab béarnaise sauce and asparagus; “Grouper Saltimbocca,” wrapped in prosciutto over sautéed spinach and tomato; and what seems to be a mean “Delmonico Steak,” with every artery-hardening addition usually included with it. But while it’s clear the chef can do almost anything with a little lemon beurre blanc, it was somehow even more impressive that we were served such excellent meals where no fancy sauces were needed or asked for.

I did order two things that looked like house specialties, which seemed a little more out of the ordinary: a cup of crab bisque—which

was delicious, slightly spicier than I’m used to, and must have been made with about a quart of heavy cream—and an appetizer of “Bloody Mary Fried Oysters,” which Fay and I split. And then fought over. The oysters used for the dish were a little “heavily” seasoned, breaded in a mix of what I’m assuming was pepper, paprika, celery salt and maybe a little cayenne and flash-fried. They came with a tomato horseradish puree which was good, but not really necessary, seeing as the oysters themselves were absolutely fine on their own. Since I am of the lessis-more school when it comes to gussying up an oyster, it should say something that when I got home from lunch, I immediately ransacked my spice cabinet to see if I could duplicate the seasonings.

By the end of lunch, Fay and I were both well aware we had eaten far too much food, but I couldn’t regret it. Although, I must say my pocket book was regretting it a bit. Even the lunch menu sported dinner-menu prices, and when we were done with our scallops and fish, our crab soup and our Bloody Mary special oysters, the bill for lunch topped $50.

I thought this was funny since there was a chalkboard easel on the sidewalk outside advertising $5.99 lunch specials, but the truth is, there’s not a chance of spending only $6 after looking at the full menu. Heck, those absolutely delicious Bloody Mary oysters were $10.99 by themselves.

Still, it was hard to begrudge even a dime of the cost, given how good the food was. In a town where fried-seafood combo platters are a dime a dozen (and worth just about that), it was such a pleasure to be served a meal that treated the dish with the respect, even the love, it deserves.

[Editor’s note: Cape Fear Seafood Company is one of 25 restaurants participating in encore’s first annual Restaurant Week. Although, their particiaption plays no bearing on Rosa’s review. Check out their specially-priced menu, along with the other participants, available only from October 21-28 at www.WilmingtonRestaurantWeek.com.]

encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 25

u itodeateand drink in the port city d i n i n g gwhere american Black Horn bar & kitchen

Enjoy an extensive selection of gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches and specialty Americana in this rustic chic setting. From the dry-rubbed and slowroasted Better Buffalo Wings to the hardwood smoked Duck Quesadilla, Black Horn offers unique twists on traditional foods. Always family friendly with smoke-free dining, a large arcade gaming area, 23 Hi-Def TV’s and Nintendo Wii. Live music every weekend. 7 days a week, 11am–2am. 15 Carolina Beach Avenue North, “the boardwalk,” Carolina Beach. www.blackhornbarandkitchen. com. (910) 458-5255.

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza A short drive from the beach, Brixx Wood Fired Pizza in Mayfaire Town Center is a fun, friendly neighborhood restaurant. Serving the best brick-oven pizzas around, Brixx also offers a fine selection of signature focaccia sandwiches, pastas, fresh salads and desserts. Stop in for a quick lunch, or kick back on the patio with one of 24 beers on tap or 14 wines by the glass.

Brixx is also a late-night destination, serving 2for-1 pizzas and appetizers after 10 p.m. Open until 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 p.m. on Sunday.6801 Main Street, Wilmington, NC 28405. 910-256-9677. www.brixxpizza.com

BLUEWATER

A sprawling two-story restaurant located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Bluewater offers spectacular panoramic views. Watch all types of boats cruise past your table, and relax to the sound of sail masts lightly touching at the nearby marina, all while enjoying the casual American menu.

Dinner mainstays include baby back ribs, chargrilled steaks, fresh fish, and delicious homemade desserts. BluewaterDining.com. 4 Marina Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC . 910.256.8500

C.G. Dawgs For great traditional New York style eats with Southern charm look no further than C.G. Dawgs. You will be drawn in by the aroma of fine beef franks served with witty banter and good natured delivery from the cleanest hot dog carts in Wilmington. Sabrett famous hot dogs and Italian sausages are the primary fare offered, with a myriad of condiments for all of your mid-day or late night cravings. You may find them daily at their new location on the boardwalk of Market and Water St. from 11am to 5pm. Saturdays at the farmers market. Thursday-Saturday nights they are on Market St. between Front and 2nd St. from 10pm to 3:00am. Then they finish the week off at Fibbers on Sunday nights until 3am. To busy to leave the office? Ask about their lunch time delivery service for downtown!!

THE GEORGE ON THE RIVERWALK Drop your anchor at The George on the RiverWalk, your destination for complete sense indulgence.

Watch the historic Cape Fear River unfold before you while you enjoy the best in Southern Coastal

Cuisine. The menu combines elegance, creativity and diverse selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh seafood, including the best Shrimp n’ Grits in town. Warm in the sun on the expansive outdoor deck sipping an exotic, colorful martini, or unwind at the spacious bar inside boasting extensive wine and martini lists along with weekday appetizer specials from 4:00pm-6:30pm. Don’t forget to try downtown’s best kept secret for Sunday Brunch from 11am-3pm. You are welcome to dock your boat at the only dock’n’dine restaurant downtown, grab a trolley, or enjoy our free, front door parking (ask for pass!) Lunch and Dinner Tues-Sunday. Why satisfy when you can indulge? Find the George on the RiverWalk at 128 South Water Street. 910-763-2052 or online at www.thegeorgeontheriverwalk.com

HELLS KITCHEN

This former Dawson’s Creek stage set has been turned into a lively pub in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Their extensive menu ranges from classics like a thick Angus burger or NY style reuben to lighter fare such as homemade soups, fresh salads, and vegetarian options. Whether meeting for a business lunch, lingering over dinner and drinks, or watching the game on the big screen, the atmosphere and friendly service will turn you into a regular. Open late 7 days a week, with a pool table, darts, weekly trivia, and live music on the weekends. Offers limited lunchtime delivery during the week and can accommodate large parties. M-Sat 11am until late, opens Sundays at noon. 118 Princess St, (910) 763-4133

HENRY’S

A local favorite and must-see for visitors, Henry’s award-winning decor features beautifully hued stacked sandstone, a hand painted ceiling and a gorgeous 100-year-old Brunswick-style tiger oak bar. At dinner, modern American offerings include slow roasted prime rib, rotisserie chicken, signature crab cakes, and delectable seafood dishes. Lunch features include deli sandwiches made with fresh Boars Head cold-cuts, delicious salads, and fresh bread. Save room for the homemade strawberry shortcake! HenrysRestaurant.com. 2508 Independence Boulevard, Wilmington, NC. 910.793.2929.

Holiday Inn Resort

The Verandah Café Restaurant located in this oceanfront resort is a wonderful find. This is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh Seafood & Steak dinner while dinning outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Chef Eric invites you to experience his daily specials in this magnificent setting. Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. 256-2231 Wrightsville Beach

KEFI

Kefi, founded in 1981 by a group of friends, has a long-standing tradition as a favorite local watering hole. This Wrightsville-Beach eatery is open at 6am for breakfast, offering everything from omelets and pancakes, to shrimp and grits. Take a break from the beach and visit Kefi’s, where their menu features a variety of salads and sand-

26 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

wiches. There is even a “working man’s lunch,” served Monday through Friday, all for under $6.

At night Kefi comes alive by serving dinner with a Southern flare. From the fried pickles appetizer to their the shrimp or oyster Po’boy to their nightly dinner specials, there is something that will make your taste buds sing. Then stick around for live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; nightly drink specials are offered. Go online at www.kefilive.com for more info and full music schedule. Open 6am-2am, seven days a week, with full ABC permits. Lunch deliveries available in the Wrightsville Beach area. Located at 2012 Eastwood Road, 910-256-3558.

THE LITTLE DIPPER

Wilmington’s favorite fondue restaurant! The Little Dipper specializes in unique fondue dishes with a global variety of cheeses, meats, seafood, vegetables, chocolates and fine wines. The warm and intimate dining room is a great place to enjoy a fourcourse meal, or indulge in appetizers and desserts outside on the back deck or in the bar while watching luminescent jellyfish. Open Tuesday-Sunday, serving dinner at 5pm. 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

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. Mon.-Fri. 10am-7pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; closed Sunday. 3520 S. College Road, (910) 350-FOOD.

MELLOW MUSHROOM

Now a smoke-free restaurant, mellow out and relax in the comfortable atmosphere that Mellow Mushroom offers. From the giant psychadelic ‘shroom located in the bar area to the Cadillac hanging on the wall, this restaurant is far from ordinary. The open kitchen brings live entertainment as pizza dough flies in the air. Their hand-tossed, spring-water dough brings new meaning to pizzas and calzones—healthy!! With 20 drafts and an array of microbrews, domestic and import bottles, Mellow Mushroom has an extensive beer list and full bar. Also, check out their lunch specials and variety of sandwiches. Their menu also caters to everyone and offers many vegetarian dishes. Live jazz on Wednesdays. Hours: Mon-Sat,

11am-10pm; Sun., 12pm-9pm. 4311 Oleander Drive, 452-3773.

STICKY FINGERS RIB HOUSE

Sticky Fingers is known for the best authentic Memphis-style ribs, wings and barbecue in town. It’s no secret that slow, low-temperature smoking produces mouth-watering, tender ribs, chicken and pork. Sticky Fingers smokes everything right here in the restaurant and has received national praise for award-winning ribs. The restaurant was recently featured in Bon Appetit, Southern Living and Food and Wine, and had fantastic television exposure on CNBC’s “The Today Show,” and the Food Network. Locals voted Sticky Fingers “Best Ribs” in Wilmington. Sticky Fingers Catering has become an obvious choice for company picnics, office meetings or social gatherings for parties of 15 to 5,000 people. They offer both full service and simple drop-off options to meet anyone’s catering needs. 5044 Market Street, (910) 452-7427.

TROLLY STOP

Trolly Stop Hot Dogs is family owned and operated with six locations throughout North Carolina. A family tradition for over 30 years specializing in homemade chili, slaw, burritos, tea and sauces. Smithfield all meat, Sabrett all beef, Oscar Mayer fat-free and Litelife veggie hot dogs. Try their unique “burger slab dog,” which is a burger in a unique shape. 94 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach, 256-3421; Cape Fear Blvd. in Carolina Beach, 458-7557; 111A South Howe St., Southport, 457-7017; 121 N. Front St., downtown Wilmington, 343-2999; 784 King St., Boone, NC, 828-265-2658; 4502 Fountain Dr., 910-452-3952. Call individual stores for hours of operation.

THE UNDERGROUND

Appropriately located “underground” on the corner of Market and Front streets in downtown Wilmington, this lively restaurant and bar serves a variety of choices that includes everything from a Southwestern Chicken Caesar Wrap or a Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla to a Reuben with Potato Salad.

In addition to a full bar with an interesting martini and shooters menu, Underground also offers a selection of draft and bottled beers. The atmosphere is friendly and casual yet elegant, and it’s a great place to bring the family or join friends for a cocktail at night. Open Monday, 11am-5pm; Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2am; and Saturday, noon-2am, with a full menu served till midnight. Live music every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and karaoke every Wednesday!

Check our Web site for a current events list www. myspace.com/undergroundwilmington! 103 Market Street, Corner of Front and Market, downtown Wilmington, 763-9686.

asian Double Happiness

Double Happiness offers the Port City fine Asian dining at reasonable prices. We prepare flavorful dishes inspired by the cultural richness of Ma-

laysia, Thailand and authentic China. We’re now serving traditional dim sum, and good health special vegetarian dishes, such as Soy Peking Ribs, homemade tofu and homemade Malaysian sponge cake.

We are dedicated to branding the exotic flavors of fresh ingredients and a romantic spice in all of our cooking techniques. Our friendly staff is always willing to help customers, and we serve beer and wine for lunch and dinner. Banquet and tatami rooms are available for large parties. Open Monday through Saturday, 11am-10pm; and Sunday 3pm-10pm.

4403 Wrightsville Avenue; 910-313-1088. www. doublehappinessrestaurant.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), 799-1426.

Hiro japanese steakhouse What better way to celebrate a special occasion or liven up a dinner out than to dine in a place where every meal is an exciting presentation. Knowing that a meal should be more than just great food, Hiro adds a taste of theatre and a amazing atmosphere to everyone’s dinning experience. Also serving sushi, Hiro surprises its guests with a new special roll every week and nightly drink specials to complement it. From 4-7pm enjoy half-priced nigiri and half-priced regular makimono. Nigiri makimono combos are only $7.50, while early-bird specials last from 4-6pm, where diners can choose two: shrimp, chicken or steak. Open Monday thru Thursday 4pm10pm; Friday and Saturday 4pm-10:30pm; and Sunday 11am-10pm. Located at 222 Old Eastwood Road (910) 794-1570. Please visit the Web site at hirojapanesesteakhouse.com.

Indochine restaurant and 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, or be entertained every Friday night with a Balinese dancer. Located at 7 Wayne Drive (beside the Ivy Cottage), 251-9229.

Yo sake

Located on the second floor of the historic Roudabush building in downtown Wilmington, Yo Sake features the best sushi along with a full

pan-Asian menu served amid fabulous Tokyo vogue décor. Entrees include Sake Bombed Duck, Tea Rubbed Salmon and Grilled Beef Tenderloin. The bar boasts an extensive wine list including 16 sakes and fantastic specialty drinks like the Wilmington-famous Pomegranate Ginger Mojito. Don’t forget to try the Fresh Mango Cheesecake or the scrumptious Coconut Banana Ice Cream, and, if you ask nicely, they just might drop a scoop of the Lychee Sorbet into a glass of champagne for you. Open everyday 5pm-2am. Dinner served 5-11pm. Ask about our late night menu. Live entertainment nightly Tuesday -Saturday beginning at 10:30pm. 33 South Front Street, downtown Wilmington. (910) 763-3172. Visit us at www.yosake.com.

caribbean JAMAICA’S

COMFORT

ZONE

Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is Wilmington’s Authentic Caribbean Restaurant conveniently located at 417 S. College Road in University Landing. We offer exquisite Caribbean cuisine to satisfy your taste buds, whether they are for spicy Jamaican jerk chicken, mellow flavors of our curry chicken, curry goat or our ox tail skillfully flavored by our Jamaican chefs.

Come in and enjoy our many menu selections, our warm décor, smoke-free atmosphere, excellent service and our smooth reggae music. Operating hours are: Sunday 3:00pm – 8:00pm; Wednesday – Saturday 11:45am – 9:00pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday).

Jamaica’s Comfort Zone is family owned and operated. Check us out at www.jamaicascomfortzone.com or call us 910-399-2867.

french CAPRICE BISTRO

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

italian ANTONIOS PIZZA AND PASTA

Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta, simply known as Antonio’s, is anything but simple. From scrumptious appetizers to signature pizza to some of the best traditional Italian pasta dishes in town, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cozy dinner for two or bring the whole family in for pizza and fun.

Offering beer and wine at their Monkey Junction and Porter’s Neck location and live music Friday and Saturday nights with all ABC permits at their Leland location, Antonio’s has thought of everything for you to enjoy your dining experience with them. Monkey Junction across from Super Wal-Mart off South College Road (910) 792-0000, Porter’s Neck Shopping Center next to Kiva Grill off Market Street (910) 686-7774, Cross Creek Commons across from Magnolia Greens (910) 383-0033. www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com

CAFE BASIL ITALIAN GRILL

Cafe’ Basil Italian grill the only authentic New York style Italian cuisine in south east North Carolina.

Owners Nick and Vincent DiNapoli are the real deal, two brothers from New York who brought all their family cooking secrets with them. The menu is filled with all your favorite traditional Italian entrees like home made Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Veal and Chicken Marsala to raviolis, stuffed shells and the best bowl of pasta you ever had. Plus they have grilled entrees including steaks and chops. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with dark woods and red brick through out, right down to the newly opened full service bar. There are nightly drink specials and live music every weekend in the piano bar. They’re also able to cater your next party or business function in the private banquette room. With nightly blackboard specials, drink specials, scrumptious deserts and an early bird special every day from 4 to 6. Cafe Basil will soon become your second home. One mile north of the College road over pass 10 minutes from downtown and Porters Neck. Open Mon-Sat, 4 pm-closing. Closed Sunday. For information and reservations call 910-791-9335.

edDie romanelli’s

A marvel of architecture with an open display kitchen that adds to the stunning ambiance of the dining room. Eddie Romanelli’s offers lunch (Oleander Dr), dinner and late night menu (Oleaner Dr). The diverse menu is casual American with Italian influences, featuring favorites such as 16oz.

Marinated Rib Eye Steak, Stuffed Pork Chop, Mama Romanelli’s Lasagna, Shrimp and Crabmeat Cannelloni, unique California-style pizza and more. RomanellisRestaurant.com. 5400 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. 910.799.7000 and 503 Olde Waterford Way, Leland. 910.383.1885

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. We have the largest tequila selection in Wilmington. Voted “Best Pizza” and “Best Late Night Eatery.” Stop by for lunch dinner, or a late-night treat, open from 11:30am until 3am, seven days a week, 365 days a year, all ABC permits. 122 Market Street between Second and Front, downtown Wilmington. 251-9444. Visit our 2nd location at 1437 Military Cutoff rd., next to PT’s! 256-2229 www.grabslice.com.

Mediterranean NAGILA: THE KOSHER MOROCCAN CAFE

recognized Chef Shai Shalit brings the finest dining experience and superb eclectic tastes rarely experienced even in those larger metropolitan cities. Stop by for lunch and try his homemade pita bread, prepared fresh daily, stuffed with any filling of your choice. With lunch specials starting at just $5.95 and dinner specials starting at $9.95, Nagila is affordable and authentic, serving the most fantastic tahini and hummus, as well as chicken Moroccan soup that will warm your stomach. For the less adventurous guests, Shai can prepare an unbelievable steak or a pita hamburger—one not easily forgotten. Finish your dinner with a delicious piece of Baklava and a wonderful Turkish coffee or tea. Come on in and try out Wilmington’s newest, relaxing surroundings—that of a Moroccan oasis. Reservations: 233-1251 or 798-9940. Open Sunday-Thursday; Lunch 11am4pm; Dinner 4pm-until. Open for lunch on Friday at 11am - call for closing time. Closed Friday evening to Saturday evening for shabbos. Open Saturday night - call for times.

organic LOVEY’S MARKET

Lovey’s Market is a true blessing for shoppers looking for natural and organic groceries, or just a great place to meet friends for a quick, delicious, and totally fresh snack. Whether they are in the mood for a veggie burger, a bean burrito or a chicken Caesar wrap, shoppers will find a large selection of nutritious meals on the a la carte café menu at Lovey’s. The food bar—which has cold salads and hot selections that can be eaten in the café seating or boxed for take-out—can be enjoyed all day long, while the juice bar offers a wide variety of juices and smoothies made with organic fruits and vegetables.

Specializing in bulk sales of produce, grains, flours, beans and spices at affordable prices, Lovey‘s also carries grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry.

Wheat-free, gluten-free, products are in stock regularly, as are vegan and vegetarian groceries and wholesome pet foods. For anything shoppers want that is not in stock, Lovey‘s will be happy to find it.

Stop by Lovey’s Market Monday through Friday, 9am to 7pm; Saturday, 9am to 6pm; and on Sundays, 10am to 6pm. Café hours: Monday-Friday, 11am– 6pm; Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm. Located at 1319 Military Cutoff Road; 910-509-0331. Online at www.loveysmarket.com.

tidal creek co-op

Tidal Creek Deli offers a wide array of exceptional and unusual organic foods, all of which taste as good as they are for you. The salad bar and hot bar incorporate flavors from around the world; each item is prepared by hand using only fresh and local ingredients. The chefs are constantly experimenting to create new and exciting dishes.

Choose from made to order smoothies with almond butter and hemp milk, salads with locally grown greens or, special order a wedding cake made from scratch to your specifications.

Whatever your tastes, Tidal Creek Deli is a place to rejuvenate the mind and body while enjoying the company of a friendly and relaxed organic community.

seafood DOCK STREET OYSTER BAR

Nagila, The Moroccan Café, is a quaint, neighborhood dining place, located on Wrightsville Avenue, near Canady’s Sporting Goods. Internationally

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

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everyone at Dock Street. You’ll have a great time eating in our “Bohemian-Chic” atmosphere, where you’ll feel just as comfortable in flip flops as you would in a business suit. Smoke Free! Located at 12 Dock St in downtown Wilmington. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. 762-2827 www. dockstreetoysterbar.net.

EAST AT THE BLOCkaDE RUNNER HOTEL

The Blockade Runner offers an array of seasonal seafood specials, certified Angus beef, lobster menu on Friday evening plus a spectacular Sunday brunch. Romantic al fresco dining is available on our dinner deck located in the center of a lush garden overlooking the ocean far away from the traffic and noise. We offer live entertainment on Saturday evening and Sunday brunch. Our smoke free lounge is eco-friendly and offers light fare nightly. 275 Waynick Blvd.

Wrightsville Beach. 910-256-2251.

HIERONYMUS

Proving that excellent seafood isn’t just for the eateries at Wrightsville Beach, Hieronymus Seafood is the stop for midtown Wilmington seafood lovers. In business for 27 years strong, Hieronymus has made a name for itself by consistently providing excellent service and the freshest of the fresh in oceanic cuisine. Complete with a full-service bar and a fireside oyster bar, it’s the place to be if you are seeking top-quality attributes in atmosphere, presentation, flavor and ingenuity.

Signature dishes include Oysters Hieronymus and the Scallops Fra Diavlo. Hieronymus has all ABC permits and also provides catering. Voted “Best Seafood” in 2007. 5035 Market Street; 392-6313.

Catch Modern Seafood

When Wilmingtonians think of fresh, flavorful seafood, they flock to Catch. Couples enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at the bar, professionals meet for business meetings and locals come for their favorites. The understated décor and friendly service create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. In this quaint bistro, Catch serves New American seafood with Asian influences.

Customers enjoy unique flavors and modern creations, matched with the best local seafood and organic produce in the Cape Fear. Some seasonal offerings include soft-shell crabs, grouper nuggets, summer flounder, N.C. shrimp and Carolina catfish. House specialties range from broiled miso-glazed wild salmon to crispy fried oyster platters. No reservations accepted. Open Mon-Fri., 11am – 2pm for lunch and now open for dinner Wed-Fri. only from 5:30pm – 9pm (BYOB). 215 Princess Street, downtown Wilmington. Catch is chefowned and -operated. (910) 762-2841 or www. catchwilmingtonnc.com.

OCEAN grill

Located next to the Golden Sands hotel in Carolina Beach, the Ocean Grill offers three distinct dining experiences: a spacious dining room with wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean, a patio bar in the covered patio area, and a open-air Tiki Bar on the pier. You will find a full menu inside, and appetizers, sandwiches and a full selection of beverages on the Tiki Bar menu. Serving lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and brunch on Sundays from 10am-2pm. Lunch 7 days a week beginning May 22nd. Live music calendar: www.

oceangrill.us. Tiki Bar open at 11am 7 days a week. 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach; (910) 458-2000.

OCEANIC

Breathtaking panoramic views. Oceanic’s third floor private banquet room provides a spectacular lookout over the Atlantic Ocean, Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. With its own restroom & bar facilities, it is perfect for wedding receptions, birthdays and corporate functions.

Oceanic is a classic seafood house specializing in local seafood. Choose from a selection of seafood platters, combination plates and daily fresh fish. For land lovers, try steaks, chicken or pasta.

OceanicRestaurant.com. 703 S. Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach. 910.256.5551

REEL CAFE

For eight years, the Reel Café has been Wilmington’s premier restaurant and nightlife location, because it has something for everyone.

Enjoy dining in our restaurant, live music in our courtyard Oyster Bar, dancing in the secondfloor danceclub or cocktails on the Rooftop Bar overlooking the Cape Fear River. We offer lunch, dinner and a late-night menu. Lunch has a variety of salads, sandwiches and steamers.

Our dinner menu has a wonderful variety of burgers, sandwiches, pastas and steaks. We also have delicious seafood entrées and salads, or try the specials prepared daily by our chef.

Whether it’s a delightful meal, live music or the downtown nightlife, The Reel Café is the place to be. Located at 100 S. Front Street, the Reel is also available for banquets and private parties.

Call for details: 251-1832.

southern Hall’s Tropicana restauranT Hall’s is a Wilmington tradition! Originally opened in 1901 as a drug store, Hall’s has been serving the Downtown community for over 100 years. We serve traditional Southern fare, including a classic breakfast with the accompaniments you’ve grown to love. Lunch includes a Southern buffet Monday-Friday with pork, chicken, all the fixin’s, and a special addition every day!

Don’t forget our unique menu, which includes everything from specialty sandwiches to fried seafood. Most importantly, at Hall’s everything is fresh! Open Monday-Friday, 7am-2pm (buffet 11-2), and Saturday from 7am-12:30pm with breakfast and menu items only. 421 Castle St. 910-762-2210.

PINK PIG CAFE

Downtown Wilmington’s newest dining option has arrived! Serving breakfast and lunch all day, the Pink Pig offers a full menu featuring good ol’ fashioned cookin’ along with a few of our own innovations. For breakfast, try one of our tasty country plates or a sandwich stacked high with your favorite items. For lunch, try our already-famous Redneck Reuben, and you can’t go wrong with our real pit-smoked barbecue sandwiches. C’mon in try for yourself! Open Tues-Sat, 8am-8pm, and Sun., 10am-6pm. 124 Princess St, Downtown. 910-399-6096 other sporting events. We have plenty of seating and a fun atmosphere for the whole family. In Racine Commons, 910-409-9860.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Moved!

Our new location is 3828 Oleander Drive (Next to Schlotzkyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deli)

910-762-1449

New Classes beginning Sept 14.

Intro to Pilates on the equipment This 4 week series teaches you the fundamentals of Pilates on the equipment and prepares you for any class on our current schedule: Sign up for 2 classes per week and receive 2 FREE mat classes. Call to sign-up as space is limited!

Mondays @ 9am & 6pm Wednesdays @ 4:30pm & 5:30pm Friday @ 11am Saturday @ 10am Gentle Pilates This 4 week series begins Sept. 10 is designed for those who want ease slowly into a Pilates program.

This class focuses on body alignment and control while also improving coordination and balance.

Pink Pilates Pink Pilates is a physical therapy and Pilates based fitness program designed to improve the physical strength, mobility, endurance and confidence of those undergoing treatment associated with breast cancer.

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below Fall Preview 32 Feature Story 34 Book Review 36 Fact or Fiction 38-42 Calendar 43 Corkboard

Fall Preview:

A bevy of fun can be had in the arts and elsewhere this season!

W

ith fall’s descent rapidly approaching—our streets soon to be lined with crisp, autumn leaves and folks everywhere in jackets carrying hot tea and printed football pools—there is as much excitement and anticipation in the air as there are blissfully cooler temperatures.

As always this time of year proves to behold an abundance of activities and events for locals, poised and ready to bustle about the Port City now that the tourists have headed back home.

Especially alive and awake in this season of the year are creative types of all kinds, representing the many local festivals, events and shows scattered throughout the fall months.

We at encore have collected a must-attend list of sorts for readers’ information—so clip it, post it, and don’t miss these treasures we have hand-picked not to miss.

by: Lisa Hunyh and Shea Carver

sOUTHERN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL September 19th-20th http://coastalbluegrassfestival.org Put on those clogging shoes and hike up that dress! The seventh annual Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival is taking place at the Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area on Kure Beach, NC, next weekend. Enjoy the good ‘ole country atmosphere, featuring quality food, arts and crafts, storytelling, clogging, and square dancing.

Bands at the 2009 festival include local pickers L Shape Lot, as well as a host of bluegrass veterans from The Wells Family, to R.C.

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HOT MOMMAS: The Wells Family are one among many playing the 7th annual Southern Bluegrass Festival at Kure Beach Sept. 19-20.

Harris and Blue Denim, to The Hagar’s Mountain Boys, to Carolina Junction. Headlining is Ken Scoggins and Miller’s Creek.

The hoe-down takes place on Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 10am to 7pm, and adults and children alike will discover the joys of bluegrass and even gospel. It is recommended that attendees bring blankets and chairs. Tickets range from $10 a day to $25 for weekend passes.

CYPRESS FESTIVAL September 26th aftm@creativewilmington.com The second annual Cypress Festival will be held September 26th at Greenfield Amphitheater to benefit the Cape Fear River Watch, an environmental group who work tirelessly to make sure our natural land is cared for properly and cleanly. The festival boasts environmental

education while showcasing eight plus hours of live music, a juried art exhibition, poetry readings, vendors and exhibitors of all type, lake tours and food and beverages.

On the bill: The Clams, Low Victor Echo, Give Thanks, Dragons Musical, Tom Rhodes and Wax Lips. Lasting from 11am-5pm, tickets are only $10 a person, or for a family deal: $25 gets the whole lot in! And volunteers are still needed for those who wish to get involved and provide a helping hand. Call Joe Abbate at 910-762-5606

RiverfesT October 3rd-4th www.wilmingtonriverfest.com When Riverfest arrives, it means fall has officially blanketed our historic downtown with a host of color. On October 3rd and 4th, the 30th annual event will welcome the community to the historic streets of Wilmington, where activities of all sorts will take place.

The Invasion of the Pirates return as they sail down the river and walk along Front Street to enjoy the arts, interact with the kids and even eat street food at one of many vendors.

Also returning in 2009: the shag com-

petition, fireworks display, car shows, the Rail Jam, Great Waiter’s Wine Race and the 8K Run the River race. Sponsors are also needed for the charitable organization, which helps benefit the Cape Fear River environment every year. Donations will go towards the Riverfest Endowment fund, which awards academic scholarships to the local community. Bring friends and family for a day of tradition and fun that is “changing with the tides.”

LIVE AT THE LAKE CONCERT SERIES

BEER FEST October 17th www.lighthousebeerandwine.com Ears sore for some good local music?

Throat dry from thirst? The 2009 International Beer Festival is coming to Wilmington’s Hugh MacRae Park, 1pm-5pm, featuring more than 50 different international breweries! Courtesy shuttle rides are available, so drinking and driving will not be an issue. Also, proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Carousel Center, a nonprofit committed to assisting victims of child abuse, providing critical care services to children from 15 counties throughout southeastern North Carolina.

The festival will host live performances from Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses, with special guests Gabriel Kelly and the Reins. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $40 the day of the event.

Cucalorus film festival November 11th-15th www.cucalorus.org The 15th annual Cucalorus Film Festival takes off starting November 11th all over Wilmington, at Jengo’s Playhouse, Lumina Theater, Thalian Rainbow Room and City Stage. Screening over 145 features, shorts, and documentaries, the Film Festival covers and draws in audiences interested in every art form and age. Hailed by MovieMaker magazine as one of the “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals” around, Cucalorus will span four

MOVE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE: Urban Bush Women bring their skillful routines to UNCW November 14th.

days of films, workshops, meet-and-greets, as well as music and parties.

The Kickoff Party will take place at the Soapbox at 10pm-2am, so go ahead and get those tickets early! And be sure to stay tuned to encore to score a few for various screenings, which will be given away weeks leading up to the event. Check out their Web site for announcements of screenings, to be fully listed in early October: www.cucalorus.org.

URBAN BUSH WOMEN November 14th www.urbanbushwomen.org Based out of Brooklyn, NY, and ounded by choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar in 1984, Urban Bush Women takes on a “woman-centered perspective, as members of the African Diaspora community, in order to create a more equitable balance of power in the dance world and beyond,” as noted at urbanbushwomen.org. Their shows present inspiring messages to en-

courage social responsibility and civic engagement.

Celebrating 25 years, the show continues to hail the arts and culture as a major component to successful communities. Tickets to the performance are $20 to the general public; contact 962-3500 or (800) 732-3643 for more information.

ART FOR THE MASSES November 21st aftm@creativewilmington.com And it will return: the one time of year that Wilmington art-lovers can gather for a huge fine art sale, where nothing goes for more than $250! Mark the calendar for NOvember 21st, 10am-5pm, to see 200-plus regional artists who will be showcasing everything from pottery, painting, jewelry, photography, watercolor, sculpture, glass, clothing and so much more!

The registration fee is $50—which includes a membership to Creative Wilmington—for artists who wish to sign up, and the deadline will be October 1st at 5pm. The location of the event has yet to be determined, but stay tuned to encore, as we’ll announce it as soon as we know!

Wrightsboro Tire & Auto Honored with Community Service Award Bassam Safi of “Our Town”The Welcoming Organization for our community- congratulates Edward D’ Josey -owner of “Wrightsboro Tire & Auto”- for community spirit and for demonstrating hospitality and warmth towards their new neighbors.

Recipients of this award go the extra mile to make new members of New Hanover County feel welcome to Our Town. To learn more about how you can become a sponsor, email Bassam at bsafi@ourtown.net

October 4th and 23rd, November 14th www.greatergoodwilmington.com One of the best hidden treasures in Wilmington is undoubtedly Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre, an intimate outdoor venue located at 2035 W. Lake Shore Drive next to Greenfield Lake. Complete with killer acoustics, stadium seating and a view of the stars above, it has everything any music fan loves about a live show: great ambiance and close proximity to the performers. This autumn local production company Greater Good Productions presents its fall concert series “Live at the Lake,” hosting three shows at the amphitheatre in October and November.

The purpose of the series is to bring quality entertainment to the Cape Fear region while raising funds for downtown-focused nonprofit organizations, this year’s recipient being the Downtown Business Alliance. Greater Good is a full-service production company helping local organizations and businesses increase revenue and heighten exposure.

First up on Ocotber 4th, bluegrass outfit/ folk-rockers Railroad Earth takes the stage at 5pm. On October 23rd, soulful rockers Grace Potter and the Nocturnals come on at 6pm, then on November 14th it’s singer/ songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, also at 6pm.

All shows are rain or shine. Food, drinks and Front Street Brewery beer will be available for purchase; tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

MATT BAI LECTURE October 26th www.uncw.edu/presents One of the most respected and widely read political journalists in America, Matt Bai is coming to the campus of UNCW this fall to present a lecture entitled “The Generational Change in American Politics and Society: Obama and Beyond.” For anyone with any interest in a brilliant, nonpartisan perspective on politics, be at Kenan Auditorium at 7pm.

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www.bertsurfshop.com encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 31

Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets: A new addition to the 8th annual Wilmington ArtWalk, held this weekend!

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by: Zach McKeown

Wilmington ArtWalk’s Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets Downtown Wilmington, along Front St. September 12, 10am-5pm Parade begins at 1pm; free www.dbawilmington.com kly snail) Laurel Herbert brought her daughters, Cammy (a most fearsome cheetah) and Karma (a most fearsome duck), to participate. “I [wanted] the kids today to have fun dressing up and getting that creative experience,” Herbert explained. Laurel and her husband are participating in the upcoming ArtWalk this weekend on September 12th, 10am-5pm, as pottery vendors and musical performers.

Being able to attend and participate in the parade itself was just icing on the cake for the Herbert family, who will be marching along at a snail’s, duck’s and cheetah’s respective paces.

Another enthusiastic participant of the party is one Sandi Adams. Adams brought her dog, Abby, along for the festivities, and left with a bounty of exotic materials for both herself and her beloved pet. “We’re always looking forward to a dress-up opportunity,” she explained. Abby, a bit reticent amidst all the glitter, declined to comment.

While the creative-types who participated in the costume-making will most assuredly be in attendance, to all other locals with any ol’ dog, cat, pig and goat are encouraged to attend as well—costumed or otherwise.

Even pet-less folks—who most likely suffer from some bizarre omni-animal-allergy—are still absolutely welcome to participate in the parade free of cost (as well as inhibition and any sense of self-consciousness).

“We hope people will participate in any way,” Stetler expressed. “We have people walking on stilts, people can come in rollerskates, wear whatever they want—juggle, whatever.”

Deborah Velders, event attendee and director of the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum, was excited to see such a generous creative outlet for children and adults alike.

“It’s what makes life worth living,” Velders commented. “Creative things that are unexpected and that you’d never have imagined up—and these little ones, they will remember this always.”

32 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

PHOTO BY BONNIE ROBINSON

A

s Dorothy once so famously said, “Dragons and cheetahs and snails, and ducks and humans with furry tiger leggings, and elephant creatures made of leftover ducting, and body painting and fish hats; oh, my!” I’m paraphrasing, of course, but I’m confident that if Dorothy had attended the first official Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets pet-making costume party, then those would have been her exact words.

On Saturday, August 30th, the first of three costume-making events took place downtown at Bailey Theater Park. The purpose: to provide a creative outlet for children and adults alike to make wild costumes of all shapes and sizes to be worn for the first Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets (GPPP) parade at the upcoming Downtown Wilmington ArtWalk.

The brains behind such zoologically themed events are Chris Andrews of the Downtown Business Association and Dixon Stetler, co-founder of the Independent Art Company and Wabi-Sabi Warehouse (as well as proud owner of the aforementioned furry tiger-striped leggings). The Downtown Business Association organizes the annual ArtWalk, but this year Chris Andrews decided it was time to add a little something extra. Thus, the foundations for the parade were laid, and with Stetler’s idea for the peculiar animal theme, the Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets was born.

“We really wanted people to get creative and get involved,” Andrews said when asked about the inspiration behind the costume-making parties. “What we’re really trying to do is push people to be creative.

From children to adults, [we want everyone to] come out and be a part of it without any inhibitions.”

To be sure, creativity was not lacking at last Saturday’s event. An extreme variety of assorted knickknacks, chotchkies, decorations, paints, accessories, fabrics, glitters and other bits and pieces were ripe for use in designing a personal animal costume. The costume supplies were generously donated by many artists and individuals in the community and, on top of providing ample inspiration for truly weird and wild costumes, were completely free to use and keep.

Participant (and part-time pink spar-

COLORFUL, FURRY: Local artist Dixon Stetler and DBA member Chris Andrews will be helping all costumed furry-friends sashay around downtown as part of the 2009 Wilmington ArtWalk’s Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets.

Velders went on to explain, “Most artists have to make art. They just have to. And they don’t always have to share the experience, so when they do, it’s something really special.”

The Pender County Humane Society, headed by President Gloria Johnson and Shelter Manager Deb Rye, will also be in attendance for the GPPP, escorting a number of saved dogs. They’ll also have a booth set up with details regarding their brand-new, nokill shelter and adoption papers if any of the parading peculiar attendants catch a pup that suits his or her fancy (though, there will be no adoptions immediately taking place at the time of the parade).

For anyone who missed the previous costume-making parties, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington will be holding a series of workshops through September 11th at 11:30am. Individuals are also more than welcome to create their own costumes at home for the pet parade and need only show up to participate. And for the chronic procrastinator, Chris Andrews and Dixon Stetler have

a number of interesting costume pieces available on the day of the parade—though there is no guarantee those ferociously pink bunny ears will be up for grabs!

The Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets promises to be a one-of-a-kind event, best summarized by one of the favorite phrases of the late, beloved and inspirational Wilmington artist, Robert Delford Brown, as divinely channeled by artist, furry-tigerlegging enthusiast and part-time medium Dixon Stetler: “Like, WOW, man.”

To participate in the upcoming Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets, show up at Orange and Front Street on September 12th before 1pm, which is when the parade officially begins. Participation is free and requires no registration. For more information on the GPPP, visit their Facebook event listing, “The Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets,” or visit www.dbawilmington.com.

Contact the Children’s Museum for more information regarding their costume workshops by calling (910)254-3534.

The Wilmington ArtWalk, featuring a host of local and regional art vendors, as well as musical performers, takes place this Saturday, along six blocks of Front Street. Be sure to mosey downtown and make a fine-art purchase before sauntering Fido and Lucy around in their dungeons and dragons garb.

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encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 33

A Side of Sarcasm, Please: Celia RIvenbark delivers another classic by: Tiffanie Gabrielse

You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start in the Morning By: Celia Rivenbark Thomas Dunne Books $24.99

Celia Rivenbark Book-Sigining

T

Two Sisters Bookery, downtown in the Cotton Exchange Saturday, September 12th, 12-2pm www.celiarivenbark.com

his Saturday, Wilmington, we’ll have to cover our ears if easily offended by sarcastic tones and a silver tongue!

Two Sisters Bookery in the Cotton Exchange downtown welcomes nationally known humorist and beloved author, Celia Rivenbark.

Like an F-4 tornado tearing through Kansas, Rivenbark is currently bending the entertainment world around her pinky finger by being everyone’s favorite unconventional author.

Lucky for all of us, the winds of her creativity will pause long enough for her to greet fans and sign copies of her newest book, You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start in the Morning, from 12-2pm at the bookery on September 12th at the Bookery.

Born and raised in Duplin County—which had the distinction of being the nation’s

number-one producer of hogs and turkeys during the early 1980s—Rivenbark began her writing career at her hometown paper, the Wallace, NC, Enterprise. After journeying to fulfill her “lifelong dream to be a smart ass” within weekly humor columns, in 2000 the Coastal Carolina Press published a collection of Rivenbark’s columns.

With more than two decades of daily journalism behind her, We’re Just Like You, Only Prettier and Bless Your Heart, Tramp are Southeast Book Sellers Association best-sell-

34 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com

ers and our favorite classics. Now, she shares with her dedicated readers a collection of hysterically funny and Southern-based slap-stick original essays in You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start in the Morning.

Unforgettable jewels sprinkled inside include: why Miss North Carolina is too nice to hate, how Gwyneth Paltrow wants to improve our pathetic lives action-figure Jesus, and why Clay Aiken ain’t marrying any glandular daughter. And these are just the icing on the cake! You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start in the Morning covers topics ranging from religion to recipes, car-pooling to cat-whispering. Rivenbark

delivers originality and hilarity in one helping. “[The stories] all spring from a real event. I’m, as Southerners say, bad to embellish,” Rivenbark is told Chickspeak. com, as her availability last week for an encore interview was limited. “Usually, they say this in the context of bad to drink or bad to run around, but I’m bad to embellish. ... It was a fun book to write, and, for the first time, I’m including recipes—mostly Southern stuff, like pecan pie, chicken salad and a kid-pleasing ice-cream sandwich pie.”

Most popular among the critically acclaimed favorites is the salute to small-town, armoryscale professional wrestling. It’s one of Rivenbark’s best, and since its debut a couple years ago in an anthology, it’s hard to find anywhere else today.

Does Rivenbark’s work offer readers much more than a stylish new version of a heated-up cookbook? Definitely! It’s not aimed only for the good-ol’ boys and Bubbas of the world. Anyone who combs through the pages a bit further will suddenly notice Rivenbark can turn up the dialing range of her satiric writing. With ease she hits us with a tribute to her late father that will undeniably leave us in tears.

You Can’t Drink All Day If You Don’t Start in the Morning is promised by the Star-News to be Rivenbark’s funniest collection since Bless Your Heart, Tramp.

Whether readers are from the south side of the Baw-ston or living just south of the Mississippi, Rivenbark’s genuine Southern recipes and true Southern charm are sure to appeal to everyone.

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encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com 35

Ashed Part 18: Voices from the inside

“I

want you to write a letter to her,” Doc says to me. He tells me if I won’t talk to him about her, then I need to talk to her about her. And me.

“What if I can’t think of anything to write?” I ask, half-heartedly hoping this excuse will pardon me from the chair.

“I’m fairly certain you’ve already got the words lined up inside you,” he answers.

Fuck.

So I march back to my cell, cry-baby stomps and all, to argue with the air for a minute while I get a pencil. A pencil is good. Ink is too permanent.

I miss you. Erase. Stay away from me.

Erase. I’m writing to say that I’m sorry.

Erase.

I don’t think I would ever do this on my own. You know, I really don’t want to talk to you at all, but as it is, I have no choice.

Just know that: I have no choice but to acknowledge you. And I’m not planning on

by: Ashley Cunningham winner of encore’s annual Creative Writing Contest

saying sorry at all because it’s just as much your fault.

I thought I saw you the other day, but I turned the corner because I didn’t want to have to make any contact. That mirror in the main hall split us in two, and I kept walking, even it wasn’t you. I had to make absolutely sure. You have to understand why I want nothing to do with you. It’s always going to be a battle between us for the claims to all the rights and wrongs, and you know I am not one to say I’m wrong.

For what it’s worth, I can’t get away from you. Sometimes I wonder if I can’t, or I won’t. Whether or not I love or hate you, you’re the only one who never leaves.

Maybe somewhere along the lines, it’s all your lies I came to trust the most. Still, sometimes I feel like I am just make-be-

Oh yes, IT’S

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lieve. What if my whole life is just the sideline character in somebody’s imagination?

You’re the only person I ever knew who knows what I mean.

Do you remember the last thing you said to me? “You stopped making me smile.”

Why the fuck did I have to make you smile all the time? Maybe I couldn’t even make myself smile; did you ever consider that it might not be all about you? You were always such a bitch like that. Always telling me what to do and who to be. The fact that I don’t know who to be without you makes me want to puke at all times of the day.

Well, it’s either that or these pills. Do you know how many fillers I’ve got in my system every day because of you? My whole body is only filled with false impressions.

My bones think they are standing when they are really just propped up with every filler known to man. If I’m ever empty, I’ll float away.

I know you blame me for what happened, but I waited and waited on you. You never came to save me. I sunk like a cigarette in a rain puddle that swallowed me whole.

I waited until I was only ashes drifting on the wreckage of waves, and you were nowhere to be found. I couldn’t even find the towels we laid down, or the car, or even really remember how I got out so far without you. So, you see, you have to understand why I can’t say I’m sorry. I was only trying to make it to Catalina; I had no clue I would lose you along the way. You have to believe me when I tell you this: While we were flying from the bridge, for those couple seconds, I really thought we could make it over the rainbow to somewhere else. Maybe somewhere the outside couldn’t mess everything up anymore. Maybe some place we could both just kind of breathe.

My head is against the wall, and I’m panting, almost a sort of half-cry. If Doc Hall knew what he was asking of me, he would at least show some kind of compassion in asking me to do it. He sits there, rubber-faced and concrete-eyed, to collect my letter like it’s any business of his at all.

Actually, I suppose that is exactly what this is; I am his business. This thought stirs up around me and over my hands, extending the letter out to him like I wrote it for any benefit of his. I don’t even know that it’s of any benefit to me. It did feel good though.

That’s enough. I’m out and off to my room again—this time will be easier. This time I am walking with no purpose and no intention of addressing the ghosts to my left and right. I walk through the main hall and the mirror splits me into half of myself; one eye on the other as I look back, wondering if I can catch myself smiling from behind.

Instead, I fall over a pair of feet in front of me, blocking the simple steps into the jail cell where I am free from everybody else’s bullshit. This pair of feet is attached to a pair of knees, is attached to arms that reach down to pick me up. These arms belong to someone I recognize, but I have to feel out his face with my memory before I can come up with a greeting.

“You called me,” the face says. I watch lips part and wrinkles crack. “I’m sorry I didn’t hear.” Still, I’m trying to track down the familiarity in his tone or the way his syllables drug out against the sentence.

As he picks me up, I can sense the strong soft bones under his aging skin. I can smell the certainty in his grasp. He lets go of me and props me down on the stillness of the tile floor; this I remember clearly.

“Daddy,” I say like a dumb child.

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44 encore | september 9-15, 2009 | www.encorepub.com