May 2023 Leland Magazine

Carla Edstrom

Jan Morgan-Swegle

Joe Jancsurak

Lisa P. Stites

Jeffrey Stites

Spring Has Sprung!

Our cover this month features the exciting opening of the newest location of the Chicken Salad Chick restaurant. Folks lined up to get a shot at an opening day prize and enjoy, well, lots of chicken salad. Meet the owners in this month’s Biz Feature! We also introduce you to a dog trainer who has tips on safely socializing dogs at area dog parks or anywhere the pups get together. Have you ever competed in a Spelling Bee? Lisa shares her experiences and invites you to help cheer on the Live Oak Media Team at this year’s Brusnwick Literacy Council Bee. We also bring you a couple musical stories. Meet The Doorsmen, a local band with a great origin story and some advice for up-and-coming musicians. And we speak with some area residents who cross the bridge to share their musical talents with Wilmington’s Cape Fear Chorale.

Cheers and enjoy!

Chicken Salad Chick

Second Area Location Opens In Leland

STORY BY JOE JANCSURAK; PHOTOS BY BRITTANY CASTILLO PHOTOGRAPHY: WWW.BRITTANYCASTILLO.COM

Likerestaurant owners throughout North Carolina, Shane and Haley Pinder, co-owners of the newly-opened Chicken Salad Chick (CSC) on old Waterford Way, had to pivot hard when the COVID-19 pandemic brought dine-in business at its Wilmington location on Military Cutoff Road to a screeching halt just four months after opening in November 2019.

The Pinders met in 1997 while students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. and now live in Wilmington with their two children. They responded to the shut-down by taking their product on the road, making “quick chick drops” in Leland, Hampstead, Southport, Shallotte, Lake Waccamaw, Monkey Junction, Carolina Beach, Rocky Point, and Burgaw, where they met up with customers to deliver chicken salad (13 varieties!), pimento cheese scoops and creative sides, including a grape salad.

“When the shut-down happened in March of 2020, we turned the store’s lobby into a distribution center with what turned out to be 15 coolers, many of which were borrowed from neighbors and Facebook friends. We hustled like crazy,” said Shane, who together with Haley owned Maximum Performance Sports, a sports camp in Virginia, before becoming CSC franchise owners.

“Folks either phoned in their orders or placed them online and I was communicating regularly on Facebook about drop-off times and locations, where we created drive-through lines. We did that as many as 12 times a week for nine consecutive weeks,” said Haley, who also serves as an online psychology professor at Liberty.

So successful were the drops, Shane said the store managed to turn a profit while benefitting greatly from free market analysis. “With Leland getting two to three drops weekly versus single drops for many of the other communities, when it was all said and done, we determined that Leland would be our second location.’

Judging by the success of its grand opening in April, the Pinders nailed it, with daily customer counts of 450-600 during the restaurant’s first week. Prize giveaways included free chicken salad for a year, personalized cutting boards, commemorative cups and insulated grocery totes.

“Folks told us repeatedly how grateful they are that we came over the bridge,” Haley said. “We must’ve heard that a hundred times.”

With more than 225 Chicken Salad

Chick locations throughout the United States, Haley and Shane want readers to know that the Leland and Wilmington locations are locally owned and operated by people who truly care about the area. “We enjoy supporting our kids’ activities, serving at our church (Port City Community), and serving the community,” Haley said. “We’re here to spread joy, enrich lives and serve the community with great food and great service,” Shane added.

Community support has been overwhelming, Haley said. “What drew us to this area and the brand was our belief that the community would respond well based upon the convenience and their love for southern chicken salad. Made fresh daily with the highest quality ingre-

dients, our food provides healthy dine-in and on-thego options. Catering events such as graduations, bridal showers, parties, etc., have also done well. Our customers are great.”

Of course, the Pinders are big fans of the CSC menu items. “I eat it every day and have for three-and-a-half years now,” Haley said, noting that her favorite side item is the Grape Salad and as the weather heats up here, she enjoys the Fruity Fran. “I love the blend of pineapple, Fuji apples and grapes. Another refreshing favorite is Lauryn’s Lemon Basil.”

Meanwhile, Shane’s tastes lean spicy, with some of his favorites including the Buffalo Barclay and Kickin’ Kay Lynne, which brings the heat with its combination of buffalo sauce, jalapeños and Siracha.

Shane added that CSC soups such as the Loaded Potato Soup, Chicken and Dumplings and Tomato Bisque have a following. “It’s unbelievable how much soup we sell. Our desserts—pies, cakes and cookies—are also popular.”

The Pinders with Leland Store Managers Karen Hutcherson and John Robert Tew

Pinders with Chicken Salad Chick Leland’s first guest, Tisha Ruffin

Hungry? Then what are you waiting for?

The Chicken Salad Chick location at 503 Olde Waterford Way, open Mon. – Sat. from 10:30 am to 8 pm, looks forward to welcoming you and your friends and family. Phone: 910-228-5908.

Monthly Friday Market

Shuckin’ Shack Hosts Variety of Vendors

STORY BY LISA STITES

Anewmonthly open air market at Shuckin’ Shack is building on the success of a one-day event last spring. This summer season, residents and visitors in the North Brunswick area can shop for all kinds of local art, jewelry and more, once a month on the fourth Friday. We stopped by the market last April (I still love the leather bracelet I picked up), and spoke with event organizer Jenn Maksymiak, owner of JEMS of the Sea. She is again organizing the market, and gave us all the details. We see that the markets will be on the fourth Friday, May through September. What time will they be? And will they be in that same area adjacent to the restaurant?

The markets will be from 4-8 pm Yes, they will be in the same area as last April - the parking lot right next to Shuckin’ Shack. I may put a few vendors in the front yard area as well, but I know cus-

tomers enjoy using that area for dancing and playing cornhole and other outside lawn games.

How many vendors do you have lined up already? Is there room for more? If so, who would interested vendors reach out to?

I have about 15 vendors lined up per market so far, but would like to have a total of 30 per market. Potential ven-

dors can reach out to me via Facebook or email (jemsofthesea1979@gmail.com). There is an application I ask them to complete. I’m looking for established vendors who have an online presence and are practiced in doing markets.  What can shoppers expect to find at the market?

Shoppers can expect to find a variety of fine crafts and artwork. This is not a farmer’s market, flea market, or craft show. I’m curating the vendors carefully and looking for original work, handmade/ handcrafted products, unique ideas, and professional booth settings. All vendors will be local to the greater Wilmington area. There will not be any commercial vendors or multi-level marketing vendors.

I think it’s also important to note that the vendor lineup will not be the same at every market... so if a customer sees something they like, they might

want to snag it right then and there because there is no guarantee that particular vendor will be at the next market.

How has this grown into a monthly event during the season?

After the success of the April market last year, I had many vendors and customers ask if I was going to have another one this year. I figured, why just have one, when I can have many? However, most vendors already participate in weekly Saturday markets during the summer or are already booked with long, all weekend markets. I figured Friday evenings would work out well. Many customers already enjoy the food and live music at Shuckin’ Shack on Fridays, so why not add in some shopping?

I also opted for the 4th Friday to kind of piggy-back off the Wilmington Fourth Friday Gallery Nights. As amazing as the Wilmington Fourth Friday Gallery Nights are, the artwork is mostly limited to high-end, 2-dimensional artwork. Having another venue to display and sell more moderately priced work, functional artwork seems like a win-win. And an open-ended question — what else would you like our readers to know?

I’d like your readers to know how much we (the small business owners/vendors) appreciate their support. Shopping local/small is so very important to the support of your local economy. We’re happy to be able to provide our customers with well-made arts/crafts that we put our hearts into and take pride in. :)

In addition, I’m very happy to be working with Sarah Lookingbill/Shuckin’ Shack in this endeavor. They are a wonderful restaurant, offering local seafood, local musical talent, employing local people, and supporting local art. Can’t beat that!

Meet The Doorsmen

Origin Stories and Advice from Local Band

STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS BY KATIE D PHOTOGRAPHY

Weinherit many things from our parents. We look like them, we practice the values we learned from them and sometimes their passion becomes our passion — like music. Ask anyone in the band, “The Doorsmen,” and you will find that their love of music is rooted in their childhood and family memories.

“There was always music in my house,” said Mark Barca, drummer for the band. “My dad played upright bass in a small pop/jazz combo. My sister played piano. All my dad had to ask was, ‘Do you want to play an instrument?’, I said, Yes, DRUMS!”

Eric Schonher, bass player added, “I’ve been playing music since elementary school, first on drums, but then I switched to guitar in middle school. I realized that I wanted to be a music major in college, so I switched to bass. There are a lot of good guitar players, but good bass players are

Mom played piano and several others in my extended family bass, keyboards and percussion.”

“Both of my parents were musicians,” said guitarist David Condon. “My father was a ‘doo wop’ singer and my mom loved show tunes. I started to play piano at the age of four and switched to playing bass at age eight. I went to seminary and was a pastor for many years, but music is my main focus now. I lived in Nashville when I decided to pursue music. I ended up in Chapel Hill during the music renaissance that took

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to meet people on a very personal level without the formality of conversation. We continued to play and got along well and here we are.”

David Pope is the man who “brings all of the bells and whistles to the sound mix.” He said, “I started banging on some form of keyboards when I was about seven. At first it was the pop organ, eventually I moved to piano and in college, to synthesizers. Musically, I began playing in church, but felt called beyond those walls into blues, which led to jazz and R&B and then Pop

Banding Together but Still going Solo

The band has been together for about a year and a half, but all of the members still perform individually. Eric explained, “The band has been around since October, 2021. The ‘Doorsmen’ was a result of an open mic sponsored by ‘Up Your Arts,’ held at the American Fish Company. There was a group of us who were pretty much regulars at the open mic events and we wanted to perform with Arthur, who was the doorman for American Fish. When we were asked what name this impromptu band wanted to be introduced by, we all decided on ‘The Doorsmen.’ That’s one of the great things about music. It gives you the opportunity

The band plays “songs with a good solid rhythm. Songs with a nice groove.” Eric said. “We play what we call ‘Groove Music.’ Songs with a journey that you feel. As a musician, I describe it as songs with backbeat. As a bassist, I approach it as playing a little behind the beat which allows the song, like the energy of a wave, to build upon itself. I believe that people may hear or listen to the instruments, but they move and are moved by the rhythm (the groove.)”

All of ‘The Doorsmen’ agreed that they all have a say in what they play. “Each of us bring in songs, but we all decide. This is a democracy, and as we are friends, this is very important to us,” Eric said.

As is typical of many musical groups, “The Doorsmen” have been influenced by other artists. While David Condon likeS the mellow sounds of Paul Simon, Mark is more into Steely Dan and is inspired by Brian Dunn of “Hall and Oats.” Eric has more eclectic tastes like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, Garth Brooks, Stanley Clark, Thelonious Monk, one of the pioneers of modern jazz, and Dizzy Gillespie. David Pope leans more toward jazz and follows American Jazz pianist, Chick Corea.

Connecting with the Crowd

The Doorsmen members said it’s not about what they see from the stage, but what they feel. David Condon said, “Playing at a place as background music is boring. If everyone is into the music, I feed off of the crowd. I read the audience. I see what kind of music they are responding to and that’s what I play.”

Drummer Mark added, “Ha ha, the drummer is usually blocked from seeing the audience but I love performing and feel inspired when people are up dancing and grooving to our music.”

Eric said he feels the same way, “I feed off of the energy of the

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crowd. I’m inspired when people dance and have a good time because we helped them do that. Plus, I just like performing with these guys. Who doesn’t want to do stuff they like to do with their friends? We feed on the understanding, respect and friendship of each other whether we’re practicing or whether we’re in front of the audience.”

While this group of talented musicians play for the love of music, the band is also a business. Musical equipment can cost thousands of dollars, add to that cost of the sound system, mixing boards and travel and you’re talking about some hefty expenses. The band markets themselves on their website, Facebook, social media, ads, promos and the promotional information created by the event managers where they are playing. They play at local clubs and events in the Southport area and neighboring towns. Eric and Mark get most of the bookings for the band.

“If you know someone who needs a warmup band for a stadium gig, call us immediately!” said Eric.

I am a child of the 70s and like so many teenagers back then, I wanted to be in a band. I wanted to stand out front and sing. David Condon’s advice for new performers is “Understand, there is no such thing as an

overnight success. You work hard and sometimes play in places you don’t want to be in. Some people won’t like you or your music. You have to hone your craft; get comfortable on stage. Do open mic nights to get more comfortable. Meet people.”

Mark Barca added, “It’s so hard to truly ‘make it’ in the music business. I have recorded on CDs, played festivals and clubs. Once you realize that you’re not going to be a star, you have to be okay having a blast just playing music.”

Eric Schonher’s advice was, “First, there

are a number of ways to have a career in music performance. You don’t have to be a ‘star.’ I have friends who are making a good living playing festivals and bars around the country and actually, the world. It’s about setting the appropriate expectation and being clear on what you want out of your life— both emotional and financial. The greater your expectation, the greater is your need for knowledge in performance, production, marketing, accounting, and basic business management. My friends who are making a living as performers are critical thinkers who

practice and want to learn how to run their business. They are business managers and understand those principles as well as creative individuals who sing, compose and perform almost nightly.”

The band was adamant that young performers realize that music is like playing a sport. It takes time and dedication. You have to be patient and tolerant of others and yourself. Set expectations but realize that they change as your opportunities and experiences change. Find ways to ‘get out of yourself’ and touch others. It really isn’t all about you. Build relationships in music — stand on each other’s shoulders. Be open to helping and accepting help. And, as Eric said, “Look at what you want, most likely others have that, and be open to understand how they got there and learn from it. But you gotta get outside of yourself. Music does that for me.”

There’s an old saying that if you are doing something you love, you will never work a day in your life. The Doorsmen truly love what they do and I think you will, too. Get out and see them when they are performing. Let them know that “music does that” for you, too!

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Cape Fear Chorale

Brunswick County Residents Enjoy Song

STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTO BY JEFFREY STITES

Whetherit’s music students performing at a school concert, bands rocking it out for a crowd, or volunteer musicians playing and singing with local bands and choirs, one thing is clear — we love our music scene in southeastern North Carolina. Several Brunswick County residents take that love of music across the river to sing and perform with the Cape Fear Chorale, a vocal ensemble of between 60 and 80 singers. The group is in its 25th year and performs two concerts a year.

nd enriching our community through exceptional choral artistry and by creating meaningful, educational, and inclusive musical experiences,” according to the group’s website, https://capefearchorale.org/.

The Chorale’s next performance is May 19, called “Broadway Through the Ages.” The evening serves as a fundraiser, with sweets to sample, a silent auction and a raffle, and of course, plenty of show tunes.

So who are some of these singers who make the quick trek from Leland or drive a bit farther from Southport and St. James just to sing in the Chorale?

From the North Brunswick County/Leland area

•Jennifer Lewis moved to Leland from Michigan 13 years ago, and has been singing with the Chorale for 13 seasons. She studied voice in school and privately,

and though she has never worked full time as a singer, she has enjoyed side jobs as a soloist for wedding and funerals. The soprano started singing in a church choir at age 4, and said she has sung in every place she has lived, including Canada, Germany, and Belgium. “I enjoy singing all types of music from Classical, Gospel and Opera to Secular, Popular Music and Show tunes,” Jennifer said. “My favorite type is whatever I happen to be singing at the time! I just love to sing.”

•Leland resident Edwin Hoefer has lived here 10 years, and calls himself an “experienced amateur.” The baritone has been singing in church choirs for 60 years, and also sang in college choirs. “I find that singing is a good experience for the heart and voice. It makes me feel good.” He also said a recent concert featured songs in English, German, French and Russian, and noted that he never before considered music to be a course in languages.

•Alicia Powell lives in the Mallory Creek community, and says according to her Mom, she has been singing since she was 2 years old. She sings with the Altos, and this is her first full year with the

Chorale. Alicia sang throughout her school years, including time with the top choir at East Carolina University and seven years with a semi-professional group in Virginia. “I can find something to love about all music, but choral music with a beautiful harmony will get me any time,” she said.

•Linda Gallo has lived in Leland for three years, and she auditioned for the Chorale as soon as she could after seeing the group perform. She’s been singing since she was a small child, and can also accompany herself on piano. “I was impressed by the cohesiveness of the group, the caliber of the voices and music, and the direction,” she said. “It was impossible to resist such a group! These qualities are paramount to me and I have great respect for the musicianship of my fellow members, and am proud to call myself a peer.”

From the Southport/St. James area

•Southport resident Caren Laiosa has been singing her whole life with her musical family and has been singing with various groups for more than 30 years. The soprano joined the Chorale three years ago, saying she was impressed with the quality of the sound of the Chorale, the high standards for singers and the director’s style and ability.

•Diane Lusk lives in St. James, and has been singing with groups since first joining a school chorus. She plays and has taught piano, sings Alto with the Chorale, and also sings in two a cappella groups in Southport — the Cape Fear A’cappella Singers and a women’s quartet called The TrebleMakers.

Learning more about these dedicated singers made one thing absolutely clear. They have been singing for decades and music has always been a part of their lives. Their reasons for singing may vary as much as the music they perform, but they all enjoy gathering with like-minded musicians to make beautiful music together.

“It is a group of about 70 wonderful voices who come together weekly with one purpose….to make gorgeous music together and ready it for performance,” Diane said. “Another reason I love singing with this Chorale is the sense of collaboration with wonderful people and wonderful musicians. This sense has lead to a group that loves to be together and are now good friends in our common interest,” she added.

“There are many reasons I enjoy singing with the Chorale including the friendships I have made over the years but the most rewarding thing about singing with the Chorale definitely has to be the feeling of accomplishment when we have perfected the musical repertoire,” Jennifer said. “The enjoyment that we give to others through our gift of music to all the audiences who have come to our free concerts over the years is just the icing on the cake!”

And for Alicia, the chance to harmonize with neighbors is very rewarding, especially after the hiatus due to the pandemic. “I absolutely love singing. It’s one of my favorite things to do. It makes me feel relaxed and at home. The right chord gives me chills!”

It also seems that singers have their favorite types of music to sing, but that they enjoy learning new music in all genres.

“I truly love harmonies across all genres of music,” Caren said. “There is nothing like hearing a perfect chord. I love singing old jazz standards and, of course, choral music.”

Annual Spelling Bee

Brunswick Literacy Council Hosts Contest

STORY BY LISA STITES

Ican’t explain how nerve-racking it is to stand in front of a group of people and spell. I don’t like standing up in front of groups anyway, let alone spelling words out loud with people watching. I second-guess myself even in the first round with the easy words, and especially with the difficult words later on, some of which I never heard before. As a municipal clerk and a journalist, I am asked to proofread lots of things. I don’t mind. I am also expected to always know every grammar rule and how to spell everything, but I am only human you know.

Despite the mild anxiety it causes, I can’t help but say yes to the Brunswick County Literacy’s Council’s call for Spelling Bee participants. Words are near and dear to my heart, and I admire the work that volunteers do through the Literacy Council. If I can do this one small thing to help, I am glad to do it.

The 33rd Annual Adult Spelling Bee is

Tuesday, May 23, at Odell Williamson Auditorium, on the campus of Brunswick Community College (150 College Road NE, Bolivia). Doors open at 5:30 pm. Teams of two will compete in increasingly difficult rounds, vying for bragging rights in a very friendly competition.

My partner for these Bees is always former Oak Island Mayor Betty Wallace. She

roped me into it a few years ago, and now we’re a solid team. Jeffrey and I are glad to have the magazines sponsor a team this year, and while left unsupervised, Jeffrey named our team the Proofreading Princesses. I haven’t told Betty yet, but I think we need to wear tiaras.

Betty and I have done fairly well. We tied

for first one year, and have come in toward the top a few times. But really, there is no shame in getting cut, not even in the first round. There’s a lot of pressure, you have to come up with the correct spelling in your head, and it’s all for a really good cause anyway. The competition is also pretty stiff, as there are quite a few excellent spellers in this competition every year. I am amazed at some of the words they can spell correctly.

The Bee is a festive gathering, and it also features lots and lots of great silent auction items. So come on out and watch me squirm, bid on some items for gifts or for yourself, and cheer on all of our brave spellers.

Art Beat A Stand-Up Musician

Southport’s Favorite Bassist Ellen Dorsett

STORY BY CARLA EDSTROM

Upright bass, bass violin, double bass, standup bass, contrabass, bass fiddle...it may be called many different names, but it’s all the same instrument. The bass is a traditional orchestra’s largest and lowest-pitched string instrument, with the only exception being the octobass which is the size of a tiny house and very rare. The bass is usually played with a bow or plucked with the fingers depending on the type of music played. You are correct if you think that men are the predominant players of the bass. But many women have also mastered playing bass and hauling it around orchestra pits and theaters. One such woman is local bassist Ellen Dorsett. It was 63 years ago, when, as a sophomore in high school, Ellen started playing the upright double bass in Greensboro, NC.

“In Junior High, I was a majorette with the marching band and wanted to continue that in high school, but they had a rule that you had to play an instrument in the band in order to be a majorette,” she said. “Since I had been playing violin from age 10 and piano from age 8, I picked up the bass in the Concert Band, which qualified me to be a majorette. I fell in love with the bass but continued to play violin in the orchestra.”

Having the opportunity to study mu-

sic in Greensboro, where they have a lot of support from the colleges nearby and excellent music programs in the school system, was a blessing to Ellen.

“That afforded me opportunities for additional studies and to play violin with the Greensboro Orchestra, now Symphony,” she said. “After high school, I attended Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, where I first played violin and then bass. The music program there was one of the best and again afforded me the opportunity to play with the Chamber Orchestra and accompany the Opera Workshop. I didn’t finish school as I got married and moved to Southport. But I did get to play a Stradivarius violin while there.”

Growing up in a musical family, Ellen was surrounded by music from a young age. “My Dad was a major inspiration. He had an ‘Orchestra’ in the late 30s and early 40s, in the days of Big Bands. He could play most of the band instruments. His sister had her own ‘Orchestra’ and played violin and piano. Mom played piano and made sure we had musical opportunities to explore. The violin I played until a couple of years ago and still have was my great grandfather’s.”

With Ellen’s many years of experience playing, she offers excellent advice to all beginning bass players. She encourages all players to practice and learn every-

thing they can about their instrument to be complete players. “While being able to ‘play along’ is a great talent, it will take you only so far, but still learn to do it. Learn to read music, play with a bow, music theory…etc. Play electric bass. Play all genres of music. Do all of this, and you’ll be ‘the real deal’,” she said.

Playing in bands and attending festivals and music workshops is a fantastic way to learn new skills and meet others with the same musical enthusiasm. “One of the highlights of my year is attending the NC Jazz Festival in Wilmington every year for 40 years. As a patron, you can sit in and play a couple of tunes with the pros at a Saturday brunch. Therefore, I have had the pleasure of playing with some of the best musicians in the world…and I mean the world. Also, I get to play some fantastic basses as the bass players are generous and let me do so.”

And meeting those famous bass players creates lifetime memories and great stories. “One year, when bass player Milt Hinton was at the Jazz Festival, I told him I had a couple of measures of ‘slap bass’ coming up in a concert and could he give me any tips. So, he took me out in the hall and gave me a personal ‘slap

bass’ lesson. He is the best ‘slap bass’ player I have ever heard, and also a wonderful gentleman and photographer. He let me play his bass in the jam session. As I took hold of the bass, it said, ‘Tell me what we’re playing.’ I told it, and it said, ‘OK, I’ve got you.’ It literally played itself,” she said. “Another time, I had played in the pro-am jam and was talking with bass player Bobby Haggart. He commented that the chart I had played was pretty boring, and he asked if he could write me another one. So, of course, I said yes, if he would sign it. So, he did, and I still have it and play it at every gig we do — “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans.”

Ellen currently plays her bass in many groups around southeastern North Carolina. “Other groups I play with are numerous, including Wyckoff Orchestra at Trinity United Methodist Church, River Rascals Dixieland Band, Le Groupe Du Jour, pit bands, accompanying small and large groups, anywhere a double bass is needed,” she said. “The Brunswick Concert Band was formed in 1987. Many of us had been playing for years as pit bands for pageants, Sea Notes Choral Society, and little theater events being pulled together by the late Dr. C. Richard Conrad. We were having so much fun that we formed the Concert Band. Several years later, approximately in 2005, the Big Band came together. I was a charter member of both and still playing with both. There is only one string bass in each band. Occasionally an electric bass will join us when it is called for in the music.”

You can see Ellen perform with theBrunswick Concert Band at the group’s spring concert, ‘Out Of This World,’ on May 6, at 3 pm at Hatch Auditorium, Fort Caswell and May 7, 3 pm at Odell Williamson Auditorium, Brunswick Community College. http://www. brunswickbands.org/

It’s ALL Art Show

Art Show & Sale Features Local Talent

STORY CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER HARMAN

TheArt League of Leland (ALL) will host It’s ALL Art, its 4th annual art exhibition and sale, May 31 – June 3 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center (LCAC), 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland. The event kicks off with an Opening Reception for artists and their families on May 31. Show and sale hours are 10 am – 8 pm on June 1; 10 am – 3 pm on June 2; and 10 am – 2 pm on June 3. The event is free and open to the public.

ALL is excited to announce that Rick Conn will be our official juror for the 2023 exhibition! Rick is a resident of Wilmington, NC and is the Program Chair of Visual Arts at Cape Fear Community College. His responsibilities include course design, classroom instruction in sculpture and studio management. He has been with Cape Fear for almost 10 years and serves as one of the Gallery Coordinators for the on-campus Wilma W. Daniels Art Gallery, scheduling, curating, and exhibiting in the Gallery as well as coordinating activities with the visual arts curriculum. In addition to jurying artwork submitted for the exhibition, he will select artwork for cash awards and special recognition.

The exhibition and sale will include original artwork by more than 60 2D and 3D artists from the Lower Cape Fear region. More than 200 original pieces will be on display and for sale, as well as numerous items available for sale in art bins.

“As demonstrated by our local arts community, we are excited to emerge this year with greater creativity and passion,” said ALL President, Ricardo Perez. “Our annual exhibition and sale will feature some of the best work of artists living in Eastern North Carolina. Please join us to enjoy traditional and contemporary artwork at this community art event. This will also provide an opportunity to collect new works for your gallery, home or business collection.”

Artwork on display at It’s ALL Art will include photography, oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, glass, pastel, mixed-media, ceramics, fiber and much more!

About the Art League of Leland

The Art League of Leland is a 501(c)(3) organization and its mission is to encourage, guide, support, inform and provide learning opportunities for artist and art enthusiasts living in Southeastern North Carolina. For more information, visit artleagueofleland.org and follow us on social media at:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ArtLeague-of-Leland-6939464877000370/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ artleagueofleland

Twitter: www.twitter.com/art_leland

Impressment Laws

Brunswick Civil War Round Table Meets

STORY CONTRIBUTED

Wilmington’s

and North Carolina’s unique participation involving slavery will be the focus of the 13th anniversary meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table on Tuesday, May 2. The presentation is entitled, “Raising Corn, Embankments, and a Little Hell: Impressed Labor and the Wilmington Fortifications.” The guest speaker is Jaime Amanda Martinez, Professor and Chair in the Department of History at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Everyone is welcome. This will be the last monthly meeting before the summer break, so please join us. Registration begins at 6:15 and the program starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee is $10 and can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues.

The presentation begins with an overview of impressment laws enacted in North Carolina in the summer of 1862, lasting throughout the war. Impressment was the legislated policy of the Confederate government to seize food, fuel, slaves, and other commodities to meet the needs of the Confederate army. Slave impressment was officially enacted in the March 1863 Impressment Act, which allowed the government to force slave holders to sur-

render control of their slave populations in order to defend the Confederate states. Despite protests from slave owners, slave impressment proved critical in allowing the Confederate government to shore up fortifications and keep the war machine churning out arms and ammunition until the end of the war.

The summer of 1864 became a key point in time when North Carolina Governor Zebulon Vance was running for re-election. At question was his level of support for the war effort. This involved the Confederate government centralizing slave impressment, and Vance’s concern for the fate of enslaved men impressed to work at

Wilmington, while the grain planters needed their labor at home. As a result, American Indian men were impressed as laborers, leading to armed conflict between Lumbee men and the North Carolina Home Guard in Robeson County by the end of the war.

Martinez arrived at UNCP in 2008 shortly after completing her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. Her first book is entitled “Confederate Slave Impressment in the Upper South.” She is a frequent speaker at Fort Fisher events to talk about the role of enslaved, free black, and American Indian men in building the Wilmington fortifications, and she is a member of the North Car-

olina Historical Highway Marker Advisory Committee. For more information about the meeting, becoming a member, or volunteering for this non-profit organization of 1,000+ members, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail. com, or call him at 404-229-9425. You can also Brunswickcivilwarroundtable. com or the group’s Facebook page for additional information, news, and updates.

We work hard, so you don’t have to!

Dog Park Etiquette

Keep Your Dog Safe Around Other Dogs

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE

The Compass Pointe Amenities Committee recently sponsored a “Dog Park Etiquette Class,” hosted by Karen in an effort to teach Compass Pointe owners how to manage their dogs in the park when they are on and off leash.

Karen explained that just like us, dogs have stress and give off signals letting us know how they are feeling in a particular situation. The level of stress a dog is experiencing is a direct result of what is going on in its environment.

“We all have a level of stress we can deal with. Think of it has carrying your stress around in a bucket. Every bucket has a drain hole that helps to manage stress levels on

our own. Now think about going through our day and adding to that stress level — being late for an appointment, forgetting an important event even meeting new people. All of a sudden that okay level of stress we started out with is overflowing and our temperament and behaviors change,” Karen said. “It’s the same with dogs. They have green, yellow and red stress levels that you can see, especially when you are in a public place like a dog park.” This “traffic light” stress indicator is a concept that was developed by Robin Bennett and Susan Briggs, dog trainers who specialize in off leash dog play.

Dogs’ green level is when they are calm or at play. They are in a familiar setting and are comfortable in their environment. They know their boundaries. Their stress or behavior level may go to yellow when a new dog enters the park. All of a sudden, dogs become aware that they have to share the space with another animal. But, does your dog know the new one that just arrived? Are they friends? If they are or if the new dog comes quietly into the park on a leash, the yellow stress level of the initial dog will drop back to green. But what if a new dog runs right into the park and takes toys that may be on the ground and stands protectively over them? Is the new dog aggressive in approaching your dog? Does the new dog try to assert authority over yours? All of these triggers are going on as the two dogs become aware of each other, usually by sniffing and other forms of body language. In a group of dogs that are playing, the hierarchy, or alpha dog, has already been established. If a new dog comes in and tries to interfere with the hierarchy or threatens the alpha dog, the behaviors of both will escalate to the red level and they will both react

by barking or fighting.

Karen stressed that some dogs are more prone to aggression than others. “It’s not the dog’s fault,” she explained. “It could

be bad breeding, too much cross breeding, poor training, or maybe the dog suffered some trauma. Dogs have long memories.” She also cautioned, “Older dogs can sometimes get aggressive. Maybe with a previous owner, the dog was not trained to curb aggressive behavior. Older dogs have older habits that can take a long time to relearn. Remember, fear is where aggression is born, that’s why using positive training methods is so important. When your dog does something well, reward him or her immediately—even if it’s as simple as coming to you when you call their name. Show them that they did a positive thing. Give them positive attention. Don’t just address your dog when they do something wrong.”

Karen also reminded us that female dogs can be just as aggressive or even more so than male dogs. And, while smaller dogs have less bite strength, they, too, can exhibit aggressive behavior. The best way to have a positive dog park experience is to be aware at all time

Whenwe take our children out in public, we want them to “be good.” We know that their actions are a reflection of how we raised them and we want our reflection to be admired by those around us. We send our children to Kindergarten, where they learn life rules like; share, play nice, don’t take things that aren’t yours and be aware of strangers. Karen Breeden, ABCDT, or certified dog trainer, says we should apply these same “life rules” to our dogs.

of what is going on around your dog. “You have to be involved with your pet,” Karen said. “Stay off of your cell phone, have conversations with other dog owners but keep your eyes on your dog at all times. Think safety first—for you and your dog.”

Karen suggests that when you enter a dog park you keep your dog on a leash. Enter quietly and look around first. Walk your dog around the perimeter of the park or just for several feet near the fence line. Acknowledge and speak to your dog before you take off the leash. Initially, stay near your dog and be aware of other animals that may approach your pet. Confirm with the other pet owner that their dog is friendly or if there are concerns of which you should be aware.

Karen told the group that dogs have many different ways of communicating with us and with other dogs. “Dogs talk by watching the body language of other dogs and by listening,” she said. “Sniffing is a map of information and a ‘dog’s handshake’ and even ‘humping’ is a way for your dog to communicate with another dog; primarily saying, ‘I’m the alpha dog here’ but also as a way to measure the safety factor.”

A dog’s posture can help you identify his stress level and the green, yellow or red status they are experiencing. Green light behavior is when a dog’s ears are relaxed, the tail is loose and the posture is balanced. The same holds true when the dog is wagging his tail, the ears are up but in a relaxed position, the dog’s mouth is open in a natural pose and the dog’s eyes are soft. If a dog is fearful, he will drop to the ground with their ears back and tail hanging low.

Yellow light behavior includes the ears being up and the mouth is closed. The dog’s eyes are usually wide open and staring. He will be leaning forward in their stance. Some dogs show this stage with the hair on their back starting to “bristle.” You will sense that your dog has become tense and very focused. Sometimes one dog will put his head over the neck of another dog to show an increase level of stress.

Red light behavior are dogs going on the offense, being aggressive with others or in a guarding posture. Their lips will be pulled back and their teeth and gums will show. They will often bark in another dog’s face. As soon as a dog starts to exhibit red light behavior the owner should immediately

leave the area.

Dogs can move from good play to stress play in a split second, sometimes resulting in a dog fight. “Don’t ever put your hands by the dogs’ faces when they are fighting,” Karen said. “Instead, get behind your dog and lift them up to your body by their back legs. The dog will immediately stop fighting and turn its head. This gives you a short window of time to turn slightly and ‘pitch’ the dog to a safer area.”

The explanations and ideas that Karen shared made a lot of sense to dog owners and really stressed that safety of our dogs and others should be top of mind for all owners.

Teaching classes like these and being a dog trainer was a lifelong dream for Karen. When she was 14 years old, she met a woman who had a Border Collie that performed like a person—it wasn’t a service dog, but could do many things to aid the woman in her day to day activities. Karen was inspired but could not convince her father that dog training was a viable career. At 30, she decided to follow her dream and started studying and doing internships, helping families in their homes training their pets.

Her formal dog training certification included more about the science of dogs as well as training theory and teaching positive training methods. Karen recently accepted a job with Canines For Service as their Puppy Program Coordinator. Karen has always wanted to train service dogs, so she is excited about the future. She also said, “We will always need volunteers to work with dogs. If anyone in your readership is interested in

volunteering, please contact me at kbreeden@caninesforservice.org.”

We took our own dog, Dixie, to Karen’s class at Compass Pointe, and I understand what Karen meant about safety. Dixie was one of the smallest dogs in the group among many larger dogs like a Shepherd/ Husky mix and a beautiful English Sheepdog. She was in her green light zone for most of the class and seemed to enjoy the interaction with other dogs.

Our pets are so important to us. They are part of the family. Be aware of what’s going on around them— in the dog park or out in the world. Keep an eye out for dog etiquette classes, and keep your dogs safe so we can enjoy them for a very long, long time.

Friday, may 19 | 7 - 9 PM | $15

Leland Cultural Arts Center | 1212 Magnolia Village Way

Followed by a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to use taiko drums to create powerful harmonies. Noni Bocca wine will be for sale during the event.

Tickets for sale online or in person at the Leland Cultural Arts Center

Performance by Triangle Taiko

US Colored Troops

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table Meeting

Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table invites the public to attend a presentation entitled “The United States Colored Troops in the Civil War,” by retired U.S. Navy Captain Edward Gantt, on May 11 at the Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St. in Wilmington. Doors open at 6:30 and the meeting begins at 7 pm pm.

Capt. Gantt will address the contributions of African American soldiers in the USCT with special attention to their activities in southeastern North Carolina. USCT played an important role in the Battle of Ft. Fisher on Jan. 15, 1865, and led the advance up the peninsula from Ft. Fisher to Wilmington from mid-January to the fall of the city on Feb. 22.

First came the little-known fighting along the Sugar Loaf line in Carolina

Beach. The Sugar Loaf line was a Confederate defensive line that ran from the ocean near today’s J. Ryder Lewis Civil War Park on Myrtle Sound all the way to the Sugar Loaf dune in Carolina Beach State Park on the Cape Fear River. The Lewis Civil War Park preserves and interprets the earthwork trenches and other fortifications that can be found all the way across the island.

Today, by the way, we know the location as “Pleasure Island,” but it

wasn’t an island until the 1920s, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged Snow’s Cut to carry the Intracoastal Waterway from the sounds to the Cape Fear River, avoiding a dangerous voyage around or through

Frying Pan Shoals. Until Snow’s Cut was constructed, the narrow stretch of land from Wilmington to Federal Point, below Fort Fisher, was a peninsula unobstructed by water but full of marshes and dense maritime forest.

On February 11, 1865, five brigades of Union troops, about 12,000 men, including those held in reserve, attacked the Confederate line manned by General Robert Hoke’s 5-6,000 Confederates. On the Union center and left, the assault was led by nine regiments of USCT, including the battle tested 4th and 5th USCT regiments. These units had figured prominently in the fighting between Grant and Lee around Richmond in 1864 and their ranks included nine men who eventually received the Medal of Honor for their valor in the Richmond fighting.

The attack was pressed with fighting all along the line and support from Federal gunboats on both the ocean side and the river side. More than 100 casualties were incurred, notably 16

US Navy Capt. Edward Gantt

men killed in action and 76 wounded in the 4th USCT alone. Finally, Union commanders Major Generals Alfred Terry and John Schofield decided the Confederate defensive line was too strong and halted the attack. In overall command, General Schofield transferred troops across the river to overcome Ft. Anderson on the western bank and outflank the Confederates at Sugar Loaf. Ft. Anderson was abandoned on Feb. 18, and Hoke retreated toward Wilmington.

On Feb. 20 and 21, Union and Confederate forces clashed once again in the Battle of Forks Road around the intersection of modern-day 17th Street and Independence Boulevard. USCT brigades led the attack up the Federal Point Road where they encountered well-entrenched Confederates once again. There were about 50 Federal casualties before General Hoke, under orders, abandoned the defenses and marched out of Wilmington up today’s Castle Hayne Road.

Capt. Gantt will address the background of the USCT as well as their contributions in both Eastern and Western theaters of the war. It’s a complicated story, of course. Originally not allowed to join the Army, by the end of the war, some 180,000 to 200,000 African Americans served in the USCT and comprised 10 percent of the U. S. Army. There were at least 166 regiments of black soldiers, who

fought in approximately 450 battle actions and were instrumental in helping to win the Civil War and freedom for their people.

Gantt was born in Maryland and saw combat as a helicopter door gunner and crew chief during a 12-month tour in South Vietnam. His first stint in the service included graduation from the U.S. Army Airborne and Ranger schools.

After his Army service, and following graduation from Howard University, he re-entered the armed forces serving as a naval aviator, including a tour as commanding officer of Fighter Squadron 31 at Naval Air Station Miramar (at that time the home of Top Gun).

In July 2000, Gantt took command of the Navy boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. At Recruit Training Command (the Navy’s only boot camp), he was responsible for the development of nearly 50,000 sailors annually. He retired from the Navy in September 2003 after 30 years of active service and began a new career as a high school teacher in the Washington, D.C. area.

In the spring of 2014, Gantt began an association with the 23rd Infantry Regiment USCT Civil War re-enactors and living historians. He is currently a member of Company B, 54th Massachusetts Civil War re-enactors and president of the re-formed 23rd Regiment USCT in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Sugar Loaf line earthworks in Carolina Beach

CALENDAR

May

We’ve included events here that were scheduled at press time, but please remember that all events, dates and times are subject to change. For programs offered through the Town of Leland, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/ townofleland/ to register online or call 910-385-9891.

MAY 2

Brunswick Civil War Round Table

The last session before summer hiatus features Jaime Amanda Martinez, Professor and Chair in the Department of History at UNCPembroke with a discussion on “Raising Corn, Embankments, and a Little Hell: Impressed Labor and the Wilmington Fortifications.” The Round Table meets at Hatch Auditorium, 100 Caswell Beach Road. Registration starts at 6:15 pm, and the cost is $10, which can be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues.

MAY 4

Brunswick County Free Shred Event

9 am - Noon at the Brunswick County Government Complex, Bolivia

This shred event is free and open to all Brunswick County residents and property owners. No more than 5 boxes per resident will be allowed. Please have your items bagged/boxed and ready to be shredded. Staffwill be on-site to empty the bags/boxes into the shredder. All bags/boxes will be returned after they are emptied.

MAY 6

Founders Day — Town of Belville

Celebrate Founders Day with the Town of Belville at beautiful Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road SE. The celebrations features music and live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, inflatables, and food trucks, 10 am to 3 pm.

MAY 6

Spring Art Market

This juried art market features unique, handmade creations from local artists

and makers. Stop by to shop for pottery, home goods, fine art, and more. The market runs 10 am to 3 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

MAY 10

Artist Reception at LCAC

Celebrate the works of painter HueiChi Connally; through his works, he hopes to share appreciation of other cultures and inspire others to embrace creativity later in life, according to the LCAC website. The reception is 6-8 at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Connally’s works will be on display through the 25th.

MAY 10

Daughters of the American Revolution meeting

The Brunswick Town Chapter NSDAR will meet at 10 am in person and by Zoom. Catered lunch follows the meeting. The guest speaker is Judy Caison, District 7 Chair for North Carolina DAR. She will also install the chapter’s new officers for 2023-24. Guests are welcome to attend. For full details on the meeting, lunch and more information on the organization, contact Regent Martha Koletar, mkoletar@aol.com or Registrar Jane Johnson, jjatbhi@bellsouth.net.

MAY 11

Cape Fear Civil War Round Table

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Edward Gantt leads a discussion on “The United States Colored Troops in the Civil War” at the Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St., Wilmington. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. Gantt will address the contributions of African American soldiers in the USCT with special attention to their activities in southeastern North Carolina

MAY 13

Matinee Series at LCAC

Take the family, and chairs or a blanket, for this free viewing of “Minions: Rise of Gru.” Snacks are fine, but no pets or alcohol allowed. The movie starts at

2:30 pm at the LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way in Leland.

MAY 12-14

Let’s Go to the Movies: A Live Musical Revue at the Historic Amuzu Theatre

Talented musicians and singers bring all our favorites from moves, starting with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in 1939 and more recent classics from “Rent” and “Purple Rain.” You’ll hear selections from “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music,” and much more. Tickets are available at Color Me Carolina on Long Beach Road and Ricky Evans Gallery on Howe Street in Southport. Show times are 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, and 3 pm on Sunday; the theatre is at 111 N. Howe St.

MAY 19

Taiko Drummers & Japanese Drum

The Leland Cultural Arts Center presents Taiko Drummers & Japanese Drum for an hour of traditional and modern music. After the performance, members will lead participants through drumming of their own! Tickets are $15, available at the Center or online, and the show starts at 7 pm.

MAY 20

Brunswick River Sunset Kayak Tour — Belville

This easy paddle starts at Belville’s Riverwalk Park and ends at Cypress Grove Park in Leland. Paddle through the Cape Fear River, Sturgeon Creek and Mill Creek, 6-8 pm. The cost is $60; register

online at https://www.wilmingtonoutdooradventures.com/events-1.

MAY 20

Contra Dance

This communal-style folk dance is easy to learn, and no partner or experience is necessary. Beginners lessons start at 7 pm, and flat, closedtoe shoes are recommended.Tickets are $12, and the dance is 7-10 pm at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

MAY 20

Deep Dive Into History: Textiles and Dyeing

10 am - 3 pm at NC Maritime Museum at Southport, Free

History is most definitely not a black and white subject! From costly indigo from the tropics to humble madder roots from the Mediterranean, explore the dyestuffs that help fuel global economies and bring color to our lives.

MAY 23

Spelling Bee

The Brunswick County Literacy Council hosts its annual Spelling Bee Fundraiser at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the Brunswick Community College Campus, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia. Teams of two compete for bragging rights. Doors open at 5:30 pm, leaving plenty of time to get your bids in on loads of silent auction items.

MAY 23

Brunswick Partnership for Housing Fundraiser

The Salty Dawgs band performs 6-8 pm at the American Fish Co., 150 Yacht Basin Drive. Doors open at 5 pm, and tickets are $50. Food will be provided by The Frying Pan and there will be a raffle as well. Brunswick Partnership for Housing (BPH) is a nonprofit organization in Brunswick County addressing the needs of homeless families and individuals seeking housing and advocating for affordable housing. To buy tickets, please contact Steve Moore at 919-6012765, stevenam70@gmail.com or Susan Crabtree at 267-235-6132, susan-crabtree@hotmail.com.

MAY 25 - MAY 28

Fly on a fully restored 1928 Ford Tri-Motor Airliner, weather permitting. Call 877-952-5395 or visit flytheford.org for flight times and to purchase tickets. On Saturday, there will be a pancake breakfast from 8:30-11 am and there will be a car show and children’s activities that day, along with music from The Back Porch Rockers from 10 am to noon.

MAY 25

Leland Area Rotary Club Fundraiser

Proceeds from this wine tasting and silent auction fundraiser will benefit North Brunswick High School Scholarships and the Lincoln Elementary School weekend meal program. The event is 5-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way. Tickets are $50 and are available from Rotary Club member; visit https://lelandarearotary.org/.

MAY 26

Fourth Friday Art Market at Shuckin’ Shack

This monthly open-air market debuts in May and will run through September next to Shuckin Shack, 1175 Turlington Avenue. The market will feature regional artists with original works and handmade fine crafts. Stop by and shop 4-8

MAY 29

Memorial Day Ceremony — Town of Belville

Join the Town of Belville for a Memorial Day ceremony at Riverwalk Park, starting at 9 am.

MAY 31 - JUNE 2

Art League of Leland Annual Showcase

The Art League’s members showcase their work at the Leland Cultural Arts Center Gallery May 31 through June 2. Stop in and see what area artists have been working on; the Center is at 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

ONGOING EVENTS

Riverwalk Marketplace

Thursdays 2-5 pm, Fridays 11 am - 5 pm; Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm; and Sundays 10-4 pm; Produce and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River.

Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation

Check out http://bit.ly/lelandevents for more information on classes and programs, including painting, pottery, jewelry-making, acting, dance and more.

Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State

Historic Site

8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE, Winnabow

There is plenty to do and see, with historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

NC Maritime Museums - Southport, 204

E. Moore Street

Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. The Third Tuesday program, May 16, is “Competing Visions of the Post-War World: Military Reconstruction & Southern Resistance in North Carolina” with Dr. Angie Zombek (7-8 pm at the Southport Community Build-

ing; registration is required). Visit www. ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.

Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center

The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAIN-

MENT

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College

701 N. Third Street in Wilmington

May 6-7 — My Fair Lady by the Broadway touring company

May 13 — The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra presents Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony and a special performance by bassist Kebra-Seyoun Charles.

May 20 — The North Carolina Symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s romantic Romeo & Juliet, plus other classical favorites.

May 21 — The Wilmington Choral Society performs “America’s Favorite Songs: A Patriotic Concert for All”

May 24-25 — Birds of Paradise, part of the MOVE! Dance Series, from the Pioneer Winter Collective

May 27 — The Wilmington Ballet Company presents Sleeping Beauty

June 10-11 — Turning Pointe Dance Company and the Wilmington Conservatory of Fine Arts present “Americana,” a celebration of the USA through dance and music.

June 23 — Amy Grant

June 25 — Clint Black

Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington

May 5 — Citizen Cope: Spring 2023Solo Acoustic

May 16 — An Evening with Dark Star Orchestra

May 21 — Rival Sons: The Darkfighter Tour

May 25 — St. Paul & The Broken Bones

May 28 — Sierra Ferrell - Long Time Going Tour

June 3 — Futurebirds

Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington

May 5 — Citizen Cope: Spring 2023Solo Acoustic

May 16 — An Evening with Dark Star Orchestra

May 21 — Rival Sons: The Darkfighter Tour

May 25 — St. Paul & The Broken Bones

May 28 — Sierra Ferrell - Long Time Going Tour

June 3 — Futurebirds

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

10 Cowan St., Wilmington

May 10 — Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

May 23 — Incubus

May 26 Boyz II Men

May 30-31 — Dave Matthews Band

June 3 — Peter McCollum

June 14 — boygenius

June 16 — Rebelution: Good Vibes Summer Tour 2023

The Joyce

1174 Turlington Ave.

May 5 — Jeremy Matthews

May 6 — Astoria Bound

May 12 — Miles Atlas

May 13 — Adam Fenton

dining guide

FIVE GUYS

2028 Olde Regent Way, Leland (910) 833-1997

Burgers and More!

APPLEBEE’S

1113 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-371-6315

Full-service chain bar &grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting

BLOSSOMS RESTAURANT

Magnolia Greens Golf Course

1800 Tommy Jacobs Dr., Leland 910-383-0998

Breakfast- Saturday & Sunday | Lunch –Tuesday – Sunday | Dinner – Wednesday – Saturday

BRIDGEWATER WINES

1132 New Pointe Blvd, Leland (910) 408-1900

www.bridgewaterwines.com

Free Wine Tastings Thursdays and Fridays 3-6pm, Saturdays 1-5pm and Sundays 12-3pm

BRODEE’S DOGS BREW HOUSE

103A Village Rd NE, Leland (910) 523-5121

Hot dogs and specialty craft beers

Brunswick Beer and Cider

1313 S. Dickenson Dr., Leland Leland’s first brewery and cidery! Full menu also available

CAPE FEAR SEAFOOD CO

Waterford Leland, 910-399-6739

American seafood, signature dishes, hand cut fish, steaks and chicken, freshly made desserts all served in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

CHINGON TAQUERIA

1132 New Pointe Blvd, Leland (910) 3408-1221

Mexican Food & Drink

CHRISTOPHER’S STEAKHOUSE AND SEAFOOD

2013 New Regent Way Ste 200, Leland

Full hand

(910) 782-8498

Steakes, Seafood, Salads, Sandwiches

DUNKIN DONUTS

1132 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-383-8383

Hand crafted espresso drinks, fresh made all day breakfast sandwiches and delicious donuts.

MR. BAGELMEISTER

1105 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-383-8383

Gondolfo’s Pizza

1735 Reed Rd NE, Leland 910-833-5666

FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

1120 E. Cutler Crossing, Leland Southern Style, Breakfast & Brunch (910) 408-1676

FIVE GUYS

2028 Olde regent way, leland (910) 833-1997

Burgers, Shakes and more!

FALCONE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

2013 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-371-3442

Authentic Italian Fare

FIREHOUSE SUBS

3572 Leland Town Center Dr., Leland (910) 408-1007

THE FOREST RESTAURANT

Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest 1281 Cape Fear National Dr., Leland 910-383-3283

FUZZY PEACH

1109 New Pointe Blvd, Ste 4, Leland 910-371-1238

Frozen Yogurt

GAYLYN’S DINER

322 Village Rd, Leland (910) 371-3533

Breakfast and Lunch

HWY 55 BURGERS, SHAKES AND FRIES

1114 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-371-2707

Retro-themed chain with 1950’s sodafountain look

ISLAND FRESH-MEX GRILL

2013 Olde Regent Way, Ste 110, Leland Serving frshly made burritos, quesadillas and more

Mexican

JADE GARDEN

1735 Reed Rd, Leland 910-383-0880

Chinese

JERSEY MIKE’S

2029 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-523-5300

Sub sandwiches

JIMMY JOHN’S

503 Old Waterford Way 104-A, Leland 910-399-7007

Sub sandwiches

THE JOYCE IRISH PUB

1174 Turlington Ave, Ste 101, Leland 910-408-1400

Irish Pub, Burgers, Beverage

LELAND SMOKEHOUSE

503 Olde Waterford Way Ste 100, Leland (910)228-5008

BBQ, Wings, Ribs

LOCAL’S TAVERN

1107 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910- 769-1289

American Bar/Pub, Music

M + K’S KITCHEN

403 Village Rd NE, Leland 910-833-8030

MIYABI JR EXPRESS

1108 New Pointe Blvd #110, Leland (910) 769-2358

Hibachi, Sushi

NEW DAY CAFE

497 Olde Waterford Way Ste 100, Leland (910) 769-9036

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

PANARA BREAD

2024 Olde Regent Way, Leland Suite 110

(910) 274-0358

PAPI’S CAFE

1108 New Pointe Blvd #140, Leland (910) 408-1662

Peruvian Charcoal Rotisserie Chicken PIZZA HUT

112 K Village Rd NE, Leland 910-371-9547

PIZZETTA’S PIZZERIA

1144 E. Cutlar Crossing, Leland 910-371-6001

Pizza, Italian, Bar

PORT CITY JAVA

511 Olde Waterford Way

1112 E Cutlar Crossing 910-383-1238, Leland

Coffeehouse chain with house-roasted, organic, breakfast items, sandwiches.

P.T.’S OLDE FASHIONED GRILLE

1035 Grandiflora Dr, Leland 910-399-6808

Burgers, sandwiches and fresh-cut fries

SAN FELIPE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1114 New Point Blvd, #140, Leland 910-371-1188

Mexican Food and Drink

SHIRLEY’S DINER

112 Village Rd. NE, Leland 910-371-2890

SHUCKIN’ SHACK OYSTER BARLELAND

1175 Turlington Ave Suite 101 Leland, North Carolina (910) 221-5522

SIX HAPPINESS ASIAN RESTAURANT

1114 New Pointe Blvd, Leland 910-371-0021

Japanese, Sushi, Asian

SMITHFIELD’S CHICKEN ’N BAR-B-Q

2020 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-371-6900

Counter-serve chain offers fried chicken &Eastern NC BBQ vinegar-based sauce

SUBWAY

103 Village Rd NE & 1012 Grandiflora Dr 910-371-9933 910-383-0211 Subs & Salads

TAQUERIA SANTA CLARA

1389 Lanvale Rd, Leland (910) 769-5598

Take-out Mexican, Burgers, Hot Dogs

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE

143 Poole Rd, Leland 910- 765-1144

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner serving sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, quesadillas, bowls, and more

WAFFLE HOUSE

111 Village Rd NE, Leland 910-371-3600

Breakfast Restaurant

WOK AND ROLL

2013 Olde Regent Way, Leland 910-371-9025

Chinese

YUMMI YUMMI

112 Village Rd NE, Leland 910-371-0077

Chinese