WALTER Magazine - January 2024

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53 Found Magic by Joan Barasovska illustration by Lidia Churakova

54 Where to Eat & Drink in 2024 100-plus recs from hospitality folks by Catherine Currin photography by Bryan Regan

62 Deep Gap Fixer Upper A modern mountain house by Hampton Williams Hofer photography by Trey Thomas

72 Up in Line

Chatham County Line’s

sound by Addie Ladner photography by Eamon Queeney 80 Clay Inspirations

Marina Bosetti works in

Eamon Queeney

(CHATHAM COUNTY LINE); Trey Thomas (HOME); Joshua Steadman (POTTERY)

EDITOR’S LETTER

2023/24 SEASON

MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, WOOLNER STAGE, RALEIGH

A New Era

CARLOS MIGUEL PRIETO MUSIC DIRECTOR

Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown Meets the Philly Sound

FRI, FEB 9 | 8PM

SAT, FEB 10 | 3PM & 8PM

MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH

Concert Sponsor: Galloway Ridge at Fearrington

Our staff at WALTER’s Celebrate the Season event at CAM. Bottom row, left to right: Cristina, Julie and me; Toprow, left to right: Events manager Karlie Marlowe, David, Addie and Laura.

TFRI/SAT, FEB 1617 | 8PM

MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH

Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

his issue marks my five-year anniversary as editor of WALTER! That means I’ve got 56 issues of the magazine under my belt, if I’m counting correctly. I tried to calculate the number of words I’ve read and my rough estimate gets me over the 2 million mark.

A much better metric would be to figure out how many incredible people I’ve had the opportunity to talk to during this time. I’m not sure how to go about measuring that. Working at WALTER has given me the excuse to reach out to all sorts of people who make up our community, from scientists to artists to politicians, business leaders, athletes — you name it. And what continues to strike me is how open my fellow Raleighites are, and how enthusiastic they are about sharing stories about their friends. Some of the best stories in this magazine come from subjects or readers suggesting other people, or from chance encounters around town. Case in point: I got to know Dr. Jason Miller, whose work is highlighted in our history column, after he (an avid birder) met our photographer Bob Karp while he was shooting sunflowers for a summer issue.

Over the last five years, four of our staffers have moved on to new jobs, but three of the remaining four full-timers have all been here longer than me: Julie Nickens, Cristina Hurley and Laura Wall. Our newest staffer, Addie Ladner, has already been here almost four years! She started the week after we closed the office for the pandemic. I remember meeting her to hand her a computer and building pass in our entirely empty office, full of nerves about whether it was safe to talk to each other. Speaking of offices: We’ve moved three times within this same building, but we still share an office manager (hi, Betsy!), cafeteria and candy bowl with the folks at The News & Observer, even though our businesses are no longer connected. Our “new” publisher, David Woronoff, has been leading the charge for more than three years.

Longtime readers may notice that we gave the magazine a little refresh this month. The goal was to give ourselves a few more pages each issue to celebrate the people and projects that are contributing to our cultural fabric today. (If you can’t tell, that was sort of the point.) And you’ll notice we continued two new-ish traditions: of having a local artist create a custom Sir Walter Raleigh cover for us, and surveying hospitality folks for our “Where to Eat & Drink” list.

I’m grateful to be ringing in 2024 with coworkers who have become dear friends, at a place where “work” means connecting with my community and finding new ways to share beautiful stories with you, our readers. Happy New Year!

Ayn-Monique Klahre Editor

JANUARY 2024

EDITORIAL

Editor

AYN-MONIQUE KLAHRE ayn-monique@waltermagazine.com

Creative Director LAURA PETRIDES WALL laura@waltermagazine.com

Associate Editor ADDIE LADNER addie@waltermagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Joan Barasovska, Jenn Bianchi, AJ Carr, Wiley Cash, Catherine Currin, Jim Dodson, Mike Dunn, Jason Frye, Hampton Williams Hofer, Colony Little, David Menconi, Lori D.R. Wiggins

Contributing Poetry Editor Jaki Shelton Green

Contributing Copy Editor Finn Cohen

Contributing Photographers

Mallory Cash, Liz Condo, Rob Hammer, John Hansen, Bob Karp, Eamon Queeney, Bryan Regan, Joshua Steadman, Trey Thomas, Sally Van Gorder

Contributing Illustrators

Lidia Churakova, Jillian Ohl, Gerry O’Neill

PUBLISHING

Publisher DAVID WORONOFF

Advertising Sales Manager JULIE NICKENS julie@waltermagazine.com

Senior Account Executive & Operations CRISTINA HURLEY cristina@waltermagazine.com

Events Coordinator KARLIE MARLOWE events@waltermagazine.com

Finance STEVE ANDERSON 910-693-2497

Distribution JACK BURTON

Inquiries? WALTER OFFICE 984-286-0928

Address all correspondence to: WALTER magazine, 421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 104 Raleigh, N.C. 27601

WALTER is available by paid subscriptions for $36 a year in the United States, as well as select rack and advertiser locations throughout the Triangle. Subscribe online at waltermagazine.com/subscribe

For customer service inquiries, please email us at customerservice@waltermagazine.com or call 984-286-0928.

WALTER does not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

Please contact Ayn-Monique Klahre at ayn-monique@waltermagazine.com for freelance guidelines.

Owners

JACK ANDREWS, FRANK DANIELS III, LEE DIRKS, DAVID WORONOFF In memoriam FRANK DANIELS JR.

© WALTER magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the copyright owner. Published 12 times a year by The Pilot LLC.

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CONTRIBUTORS

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Colony Little is an arts writer and critic based in Raleigh. Her work is featured in print and digital publications including Art Basel, ARTnews, Hyperallergic, The Art Newspaper and WMagazine. “It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Marina Bosetti and Tonya Solley Thornton. They each draw from craft traditions that have strong ties to the South, using their distinct creative voices to infuse joy, whimsy and emotion into their work. I’m honored to celebrate the art of craft through their stories.”

Joshua Steadman grew up absorbing stories told by aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and, of course, his parents. His father’s Nikkormat and a 28mm lens captured his childhood with great love and attention. “I think listening and being a photographer go hand in hand. That’s what I try to do when I’m working, capture these stories. Rialto has a lot of history and culture all mixed up together in those walls, including props from The Rocky Horror Picture Show which peered at me from the corners at the shoot.”

BRYAN REGAN / PHOTOGRAPHER

Bryan Regan is a Raleigh-based commercial and editorial photographer. Specializing in environmental, lifestyle and studio portraits, as well as product photography, he honed his craft after leaving NC State. Regan’s journey led him to crisscross the country during the film era, learning on the job and assisting renowned photographers. With a career spanning six years in Las Vegas working for iconic establishments, his advertising work has graced billboards and magazines worldwide. Regan also boasts an impressive list of editorial clients, including National Geographic, The Washington Post, Wired and TIME, while balancing personal projects between bookings. “This month, I got to eat some really great food and meet some great people.”

JASON FRYE / WRITER

Jason Frye is a travel writer and guidebook author from Wilmington. Raised in the mountains of West Virginia, he fell for North Carolina and made it his home as soon as he could. In 2005, Frye earned his MFA in Creative Writing from UNC Wilmington and began a career in travel. He’s written 20+ guidebooks to North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along with contributing stories to Our State and AAA magazine. Frye loves exploring the second cities and unsung towns across the state — but also loves an easy road trip. “Whether you want to head to the mountains, the beach or one of the South’s exciting towns, you can find your a favorite escape that’s just a tank of gas away.”

“Love this article! Wilmington is my hometown, but most of these spots are new to me, excited to check them out!”

— Danielle Teed

Many people had kind words for Ken Howard, who retired from the North Carolina Museum of History:

“I’m so proud of the work you have done for Raleigh, our state and growing the interest in all things history! Well done! We will all miss your leadership but know you will always be present!”

— Julie Ricciardi

“Special thanks Ken, for your outstanding leadership!”

— Elizabeth Mitchener Daniel

“So proud of the job you have done with the museum. Here’s to the best in your next chapter!”

—Beth Crouch Blackwell

The Angus Barn decorating team celebrates their designs on the cover.

OUR TOWN

Hello, January! Get to know the new director of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to NC State, celebrate the return of The Rialto and more!

PUCK-ER UP! In a city divided by basketball allegiances, can all agree to be Carolina Hurricanes fans? This month brings eight home games to PNC Arena (from $28 per ticket, nhl.com/hurricanes for more info). If you’ve never been to a game, know that ‘Canes fans like to tailgate, footballstyle, before the puck drops. And those folks in the Whalers jerseys? That’s a hockey-fan nod to the team’s previous incarnation (they moved here from Hartford, Connecticut, in 1997). If all that skating’s got you inspired, try your hand at THE RINK downtown (more info on page 19) or Polar Ice Raleigh, which has daily skating sessions as well as weekly pick-up hockey games (learn more at polariceraleigh.com).

DATEBOOK

WALTER’s list of things to see, do and experience this month.

by ADDIE LADNER

ILLUMINATE ARTWALK

Jan. 1 - 5 | Evening

Downtown will be aglow for one last week of the Illuminate Artwalk. Now in its third year, the event showcases more than 10 locally created and nationally recognized works of art best viewed in the evening. A big draw this year is at Fayetteville Street’s

One City Plaza: Talking Heads is an interactive 3D light show by artist Viktor Vicsek of Limelight, a media company in Budapest, made up of two giant black busts. Also on Fayetteville Street is All We Need by local glass artist Nate Sheaffer, which shows the outline of a human head filled with the word “love” in neon letters. Use the interactive map on Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s website to learn more about each installation and map out your self-guided stroll. Free; downtown; downtownraleigh.org

THE RINK

Jan. 1 - 15 | Various times

Don’t miss the annual chance to ice skate downtown at THE RINK, a winter tradition in the Red Hat Amphitheatre. Rent skates or bring your own to glide along in two-hour increments. In addition to fun features like fire pits, themed days and giant igloos for rent (new this year!), THE RINK will offer a chance to give back, says Kerry Painter, director of Raleigh’s Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “Our focus when launching three years ago was to bring our community together after a time of being apart for so long, and now we are excited to work with these nonprofits to help share their missions,” says Painter.

WHAT THE DAY OWES TO THE NIGHT

Jan. 27 | 7:30 p.m.

For one night only at North Carolina State University’s Steward Theatre, Compagnie Hervé KOUBI — a worldrenowned French dance company — will perform What The Day Owes To The Night. This fluid, powerful piece has choreography combining martial arts, capoeira, urban and acrobatic contemporary dance, set to Sufi sounds recorded by The Kronos Quartet, traditional music by Hamza El Din from Egypt and excerpts from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Passions. The troupe was formed by French-Algerian choreographer Hervé Koubi in 2010 and is composed of 14 street performers and contemporary dancers from Algeria, Morocco and the Mediterranean basin. It began this latest North American tour in Denver, Colorado, with stops in New York, Texas and Washington, among others. “I saw Compagnie Hervé KOUBI perform in New York City several years ago and was completely captivated by their ability to marry strength with vulnerability,” says Liza Wade Green, NC State LIVE associate director. “Since then, I’ve been eager to bring them to Raleigh, and I’m thrilled we’ll offer the company’s debut appearance in North Carolina.” Audience members can make reservations for a three-course prix fixe Mediterranean-themed dinner at the campus restaurant 1887 Bistro before the performance for an additional price. From $35; Stewart Theatre, 2610 Cates Avenue; live.arts.ncsu.edu

Among the recipients: On Jan. 7, bring new and gently used coats for Helping Hand Mission, donate nonperishable food to Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC on Jan. 13, and bring along book donations for Wake Up and Read on Jan. 14. From $15; 500 S. McDowell Street; redhatampitheatre.com

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

Jan. 2 - 6 | Various times

Bob Dylan fans will love Girl From the North Country, a Broadway show that weaves his songs into the plot. Set in the early 1930s in Duluth, Minnesota, during the Great Depression, this musical follows a group of travelers and

All information is accurate as of press time, but please check waltermagazine.com and the event websites for the latest updates

DATEBOOK

FIRST DAY HIKE

Jan. 1 | 2 p.m

Start the year off on the right foot, literally, with a hike along the banks of the Eno River for the official First Day Hike hosted by the Eno River Association, an annual tradition since 1970. Choose from two guided hikes, one about 2 miles, the other roughly 4.5 miles. Both begin at the Fews Ford Access/Cox Mountain Trailhead at 2:15 p.m., but get there a few minutes early to check in — and stay after for a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. Don’t feel like venturing to Durham?

Take advantage of one of the many Raleigh trails — our go-tos include Umstead State Park, Wilkerson Nature Preserve and Lake Crabtree County Park — on your own time, or search “hikes” on waltermagazine.com for more ideas. Free; 6095 State Road 1569, Durham; enoriver.org

family members that stay in a struggling boarding house. “Forever Young” “Lay Lady Lay” and “Slow Train Coming” are just a handful of Dylan hits that illustrate this story of hope, family and perseverance. From $25; 123 Vivian Street, Durham, dpacnc.com

LET’S PLAY TRIVIA

Wednesdays | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Start the new year by flexing those brain muscles with weekly trivia at quirky gift shop and bar Green Monkey, which recently moved to S. Wilmington Street. Categories range from current events to general knowledge to off-the-wall topics. “We take our trivia seriously but don’t take ourselves seriously. I’m here to make sure everyone has a good time,” says Green Monkey founder and CEO Rusty Sutton. Sutton says the event attracts ages and personalities: “It’s a good mix of a crowd from late 20s to 50s with lots of regulars and visitors.” Take advantage of the night’s bar special, a $6 Jack & Coke. Free to play; 215 S. Wilmington Street; greenmonkeyraleigh.com

RUMORS

Jan. 5 | 7:30 p.m.

Grab your top hat and boots and head to The Ritz to hear Fleetwood Mac’s best hits. Tribute band Rumors (named after the band’s popular 1977 album) will cover all the best singalongs, from “Dreams” to “Landslide.” From $35; 2820 Industrial Drive; ritzraleigh.com

DAN TYMINSKI

Jan. 12 | 7:30 p.m.

Hey Brother, come hear the man behind that beloved tune — awardwinning bluegrass musician Dan Tyminski — at Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts. North Carolina roots organization PineCone is hosting Tyminski for its Down Home music series. Tyminski played for years with Allison Krauss’ band, Union Station, and has collaborated with musical greats including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. Expect to hear tracks from God Fearing Heathen, a record Tyminski released last year, along with tunes from Gospel Jubilators,

the Durham-based band that will open the evening. “Dan Tyminski has that iconic voice that sounds both familiar and cutting-edge at the same time,” says David Brower, PineCone’s executive director. “Every time he comes to Raleigh he packs the house. This time we’re thrilled to be able to get him into such an intimate space.” From $18; 2 E. South Street; pinecone.org

BASS AND FISHING EXPO

Jan. 12 - 24 | Various times

Passionate fishermen and fisherwomen will enjoy this massive exposition at the fairgrounds hosted by Southeast Productions Co. Shop goods from more than 100 national and local companies from rods to reels, boats, apparel and all sorts of gear. Hear from experts in the field (or, on the water) such as Bryan Thrift, a decorated sport fisherman from Shelby famous for his prized bass catches, and TV host and fellow angler Tim Horton. From $10; 4285 Trinity Road; bassandsaltwaterfishingexpo.com

WELCOMING ALL PARTS OF YOURSELF

Jan. 13 | 1 - 5:30 p.m.

Local health and wellness expert Brit Guerin is leading this half-day retreat oriented towards starting the year mindfully and gently, knowing who you are and accepting your whole self. Participate in journaling, gentle yoga and self reflection while nursing your body with warm herbal tea and wholesome snacks. From $120; 219 S. East Street; currentwellnessraleigh.com

OPEN MIC AT GOODNIGHTS

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Jan. 15 | Various times

The United Way of the Greater Triangle has been organizing volunteers on MLK Day for 19 years. This year, the organization is mobilizing youth to assemble a variety of kits for those in need, including individuals experiencing homelessness, new parents and children. “We invite the Triangle community to honor Dr. King by making a difference through volunteerism, embodying his vision of unity and empowerment for a brighter future. We embrace his legacy of service by turning a day off into a day on,” says Allyson Cobb, director of community engagement and learning. This volunteer activity is for young people specifically, but adults are needed to help manage the event and pre-registration is required. Free; 721 N. Raleigh Boulevard; unitedwaytriangle.org

Jan. 16, 23, 30 | 8 p.m.

If you believe laughter is good for the soul, consider a new year’s resolution to add humor to your life. One place to start is Open Mic nights on select Wednesdays each month at Village District joint Goodnights Comedy Club. Seasoned comedians and newcomers alike are encouraged to come, sign up at the bar inside of The Factory between 5:30 and 7 p.m., and wait to see if their name is drawn to perform their bit. Free; 401 Woodburn Road; goodnightscomedy.com

THE MAGIC OF RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN

Jan. 19 & 20 | 8 p.m.

Oh what a beautiful… evening! Musical theater buffs will enjoy The Magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein, with vocals and instrumentation highlighting scores

Make a Statement

from favorites like Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, and more. From $32; 2 E. South Street; ncsymphony.org

ART INSIDE THE BOTTLE

Jan. 19 | 7 - 9 p.m.

The North Carolina Museum of Art, wine school Vitis House and Catering Works have teamed up for a series centered around visual art and vino to satisfy the senses. Ángel González López, research curator of the Ancient American collection at the NCMA, will select six pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, then Vitis House owner Doreen Colondres and Catering Works executive chef Rick Sloan will curate wine and food pairings to go with each piece. Colondres has enjoyed the process of selecting wine for this experience and says that wine, like art, is another expression of creativity and passion. “A portrait may reflect elegance and power and I find a wine that matches these descriptors,” she says. “A painting with water or an ocean-blue color inspires me to pair a wine with salinity that was made on the Mediterranean coast.” $150; 2110 Blue Ridge Road; ncartmuseum.org

HYMN

Jan. 25 - 28 | Various times

A play based on a book by Lolita Chakrabarti, Hymn follows a deep and unexpected bond between two men who meet and discover that they’re brothers at their father’s funeral. Realizing they have similar professional

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aspirations and a shared love of music, they foster a long-overdue connection. “I saw the original production of Hymn in London two years ago. It was a delight, but somehow also managed to deal with issues of sorrow and loss,” says Jerome Davis, Burning Coal’s artistic director. The two-person play examines what it looks like to be a sibling, son, spouse and father. As the two grow closer, they learn to support one another, highlighting the value of male friendship. “In this world, there will always be loss. The question is, how do we deal with it?” says Davis. “In this beautiful play, we see how two middle-aged men find comfort, humor and ultimately home in the face of a stranger.” From $20; 224 Polk Street; burningcoal.org

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION

Jan. 27 | 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Kick off the statewide celebration

of Black History Month at the North Carolina Museum of History’s African American Cultural Celebration. “North Carolina has a rich African-American heritage and history, and it is an honor to play even a small role in ensuring that these traditions are not lost,” says Michelle Carr, curator of special programs at the museum. Carr says the museum is especially excited about this year’s theme, Our North Carolina Expressed through the Arts. The theme

will be interpreted with a lineup of performances and presentations that highlight North Carolina’s artistic legacy and showcase contemporary and emerging talent. “From the spiritual sounds of a gospel choir to a discussion of the use of AI in online gaming design to an upbeat performance in honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, there is truly something for everyone,” says Carr. There are a number of events to look forward to: The North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers will share African folktales and NC stories, chef and entrepreneur Julius West will be serving shrimp and grits, Elizabeth City State University music professor Douglas Jackson will give a presentation on legendary jazz drummer Max Roach, and families can enjoy hands-on crafts and demonstrations. Free; 5 E. Edenton Street; ncmuseumofhistory.org

Connecting with NATURE

In June, Dr. Denise Young became the executive director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, including its flagship location downtown and four regional sites. She guides more than 250 staff to teach guests about our connection to nature and science. “All the questions aren’t answered yet, and people are working to better understand the natural world,” Young says.

Before taking over the helm, Young served since 2016 as executive director of the Bell Museum, Minnesota’s natural history museum; prior to that, she served as director of education and planning at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in Chapel Hill. In 2010, she cofounded the annual North Carolina Science Festival, an event that celebrates the cultural, educational and economic benefits of science. Young also has taught at the UNC School of Education and as a classroom teacher in Durham Public Schools.

Originally from Charlotte, Young moved to the area to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and American Studies, a masters in School Administration/ Educational Leadership, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN EDUCATION?

by LORI D. R. WIGGINS

I grew up in a solid, middle-class family where I wanted to be active and do all the things, where my parents supported anything I wanted to do in my life. That shaped who I am and how I think about education and what’s important. When I went to college as an N.C. Teaching Fellow, it was a real eye-opener for me, too — towards social justice issues, volunteer opportunities, and education, equity and access. Because of that, I consider myself a lifelong educator who’s deeply committed to public service.

The new director of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences approaches the experience with an educator’s mind

photography by ROB HAMMER

WHAT KINDS OF CONVERSATIONS SHOULD WE BE HAVING ABOUT NATURAL SCIENCES?

People are not separate from nature. We are part of nature. We are both affecting and affected by nature. For all of us to experience and acknowledge that and think about it as we go about our daily lives is really important; how it impacts the environment, our economy, our health. Science is a process. It’s not just a set of facts. And it’s done by human beings. If we as a society understand what science is and isn’t, we can make more informed decisions about our individual and collective future.

HOW DOES THE MUSEUM INSPIRE THOSE CONVERSATIONS?

Our mission is to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation. We help people experience the awe and wonder of the world; we share the cool facts, cool places, cool processes that form the earth. We celebrate the majesty and beauty of the planet and beyond. Having a visceral connection to those things is a precursor to people caring about the future of life on earth. Your head and your heart have to meet when you talk about the natural world. Everywhere in this museum there are opportunities to learn, but also to feel.

mystery of these fossils. What’s different is that she and her team are doing it in the public eye, with the public able to walk in and see paleontology happen, ask questions and follow the story in real time along with the researchers. We’ll have a dedicated website and programming for YouTube so the research and science can be followed from anywhere in the world.

HOW DID YOU GO FROM EDUCATION TO MUSEUMS?

There are very few direct pathways. Over my life, I have had important experiences in museums. An opportunity for a summer job at Morehead Planetarium between my master’s programs in education leadership to create a K-12 curriculum launched me into a completely different trajectory for the rest of my career.

WHAT DO YOU BRING WITH YOU FROM PREVIOUS ROLES?

I bring 20 years of experience and observations of the power of museums to change lives. I bring the perspective of an educator and I think about education in everything I do. My teaching certificate hangs on my office wall as a reminder every day of why I do what I do. I am partnership and collaborative driven, with a perspective of service to the state. Both Morehead and Bell are state institutions, places to meet the needs of the people and meet the people where they are. It’s not just about the museum, but about the community.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD NORTH CAROLINA’S MOST-VISITED MUSEUM?

TELL US ABOUT THE DUELING DINOSAURS, THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED EXHIBIT COMING THIS YEAR.

It is an exhibit, but it’s also an experience. Two fossils — massive dinosaur fossils, a tyrannosaur and a triceratops — were found intertwined in a way that leads to a lot of questions, so there’s a lot of juicy science for the discovery. Over the next several years, paleontologist Lindsay Zanno will try to unravel the

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR VISITORS?

It’s showing science as an active process. Over the years, people will get to know the scientists on the paleontology team and strip away any stereotypes. Our paleontology lab is led by a woman who is a bad-ass — you can quote me on that — with an incredibly diverse lab team. It really is an embodiment of what this museum is all about.

I have a personal connection to this museum — it helped me become a great science teacher through its professional development programs for teachers, it’s an incredibly respected museum, and it’s in the state that I love. The opportunity to come back was like a magnet. I wanted to be a part of it!

WHAT DO MUSEUMS GET RIGHT?

In American physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer’s words that revolutionized science museums around the world, “No one ever flunked a museum!” Whether you’re old or young, there’s something here for you. We meet people where they are.

GARDEN THE 3 P’S

Growing up as the daughter of a horticulturist, I inherited all sorts of knowledge: the Latin names for plants, the importance of compost, how to identify plant pests. It also means that this year — when I’m inclined to hibernate inside — I know there’s still important work to be done in the garden. I chatted with Greg Paige, the director of horticulture at the JC Raulston Arboretum, about what should be on my list.

PLAN: “It’s a great time to start rethinking your needs and wants in your yard, like perusing plant catalogs for seeds and mapping out any redesigning you want to do,” says Paige. It’s also a good time to prep beds by adding compost, mulch and topsoil, he says: “This will get it ready for spring.”

PRUNE: Prune trees for shape and appearance by removing cross branches, scraggly stems or appendages that have outgrown their planned size. Remove any trees and shrubs you don’t love. “Go Marie Kondo and rip out the things that don’t bring you joy,” says Paige.

PAUSE: This time of year, perhaps what’s most important is allowing yourself time to rest. My mother always reminds me to appreciate the beauty of bare trees: the patterns and textures of their bark, the sculptural shapes of their branches and the way birds and winter berries pop against the wood.

— Addie Ladner

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During his varied career, Marques Ogden has ascended to lofty heights, plummeted to the deepest valley, and risen again.

After a distinguished athletic career at Howard University and five-plus seasons in the National Football League, he founded a construction company in Baltimore, Maryland. The business boomed, then busted five years later and sent him spiraling into bankruptcy. But with assistance from an NFL trust and a different vision, he eventually regained financial footing and overcame his demons, remaking himself into a trusted speaker and business coach here in the Triangle.

Ogden’s circuitous path began in Washington, D.C., where he grew into a gargantuan 6-6, 342-pound behemoth nicknamed “Little O.” He was built for football, to be an offensive lineman, to battle in the trenches. He played at St. John’s College High School in Washington, then at Howard University, the

POWER in words

Marques Ogden rose to fame in football — then reimagined himself after a plummet from glory

by AJ CARR

only school to offer him a scholarship, and earned selection to the Hula Bowl coached by then University of Texas and current University of North Carolina at

“My motivating factors were money, notoriety, glory. I became pompous. I didn’t know the business. I became my worst nightmare.”

— MARQUES OGDEN

Chapel Hill coach Mack Brown. Ogden flourished at Howard, became a bruising Bison, three-time All-Conference lineman and two-time Black College All-American, which validated his election to the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame. This honor was doubly gratify-

ing because it made him and his dad, the late Shirrel Ogden, a former two-sport Howard athlete, the only father-son duo among the first 146 inductees.

Picked in the sixth round of the NFL draft by Jacksonville, he embarked on a nomadic journey, playing for four different teams. A highlight came when he joined his brother, pro Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden, on the Baltimore Ravens’ roster.

“I had no plans to play in the NFL,” says Ogden, who earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at Howard. “I wanted to be an investment banker like my dad.”

Instead, Ogden started a construction company in Baltimore in 2008. It quickly prospered, then collapsed. “As the company grew, my ego grew,” Ogden says. “My motivating factors were money, notoriety, glory. I became pompous. I didn’t know the business. I became my worst nightmare.” He ignored the advice of his colleagues and made poor business decisions. He struggled with addictions

courtesy Marques

Ogden

to alcohol and painkillers. It all came to a head when a client failed to pay him — he lost $2.5 million in 90 days.

While the company went bust, he managed to stay afloat, just barely.

“The NFL saved me through the Gene Upshaw (Players Assistance Fund). They paid my bills for four months,” he says. He moved to Raleigh in 2013 with $400 in his bank account, no credit card, no 401K, no job, no car. He began the work of recovering from addiction.

The path out was not smooth. He got fired twice during the same week in Raleigh — first from Merrill Lynch after a short stay and five days later from a construction job. He wound up working as a custodian on Glenwood Avenue, making $8.25 an hour, a far cry from the seven-figure salary he was earning in the NFL. He was able to pay a few bills, but it was another short-lived job. “It was an honorable job,’’ Ogden says, but not his dream job. “I hit rock bottom.”

“I said, What the heck have I done with my life? ’’ Ogden laments. “There were days when I didn’t want to keep on liv-

How-

offensive

ing. I prayed to God to keep me going. I am a big believer. I remembered my grandmother used to say WWJD — What would Jesus do? He pulled me out of this.”

So Ogden took a course at Penn State’s National Athletic Professional Success Academy. He learned the art of communicating, and started sharing his story with others. Soon, he found that he had a gift for speaking, and that people would pay to hear him. He started Ogden Ventures LLC, a speaking platform that has evolved into a business coaching brand, to fulfill his desire to help people discover their niche and prosper with integrity. Today, Ogden is thriving. He’s a nationally and internationally known inspirational speaker whose message is designed to help people avoid mistakes he made, find their purpose and experience success. Since launching his myriad career he has spoken to more than 50 Fortune 500 Brands and over 20 Fortune 100 Brands in the U.S. and Mexico.

Ogden’s subjects range from sobriety

to financial accountability to following his “5-V” methodology for staying positive and motivated (among the tips: “Visualize — What you want and go for it with hard work and determination.”) Individuals and small groups, as well as big company audiences, have benefited from his business coaching. “He’s a conversationalist. From the stage he’s not talking at you, he’s having a conversation with you,” says Albert Hardin, Ogden Ventures’ chief marketing officer.

Ogden has written four best-selling books, two as author, two as a coauthor. Sleepless Nights and The Success Cycle are among his works. In 2022, he launched a podcast, “Get Authentic with Marques Ogden.” Renowned chef Robert Irvine; Hilary Phelps, sister of Olympic icon Michael Phelps; Ultimate Fighting Champion and Hall of Famer Rashad “Sugar” Evans; and former New England Patriots tight end and Super Bowl champion Tim Wright are among those who have appeared on the show. He has reached about 50,000 followers on his podcasts.

Left to right: A rookie Image after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars (April 2003); celebrating being inducted into

ard University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2022; playing

line for the Tennessee Titans in 2007.

rhapsody in blue

Determined and focused, Ogden created this brand for himself it despite doubters telling him he wouldn’t succeed. “So many people were against me,” Ogden says, but he remained undaunted. “I knew I could do it. I know when things are hard — when people are in despair — how they are feeling.”

“Marques is very genuine and authentic,” says Doug Stout, owner of Stout Franchise Advisors and Freecoat Nails in Greenville, South Carolina. “I’m glad to call him a friend and a coach. He takes time to understand where you want to go, is good at making plans and holding you accountable. He’s a very top-notch, quality person.”

Brian Head is another client who has leaned on Ogden’s expertise. They connected when Head wanted to start his own business after 25 years manning a corporate position in San Antonio, Texas, but was reluctant to make the transition.

“Marques got me over the fear of taking that step,” says Head, who now has a successful private equity company. “He gives you tips on how to handle things and keeps you positive. He’s very sincere, genuinely cares about his clients, and tries to build a relationship with you.” Hardin agrees: “Being inside his circle has helped me grow as a person, he’s always a positive person.”

Ogden has collected honors — making CORE Magazine ’s top 100 most influential Black leaders list, induction in the Howard University Athletics Hall of Fame and recognition for his contribution to Hall of Fame Health, which provides wellness services for retired NFL players. And while Ogden travels around the country speaking, coaching and consulting, he is settled in the area, having built his “dream home” in Fuquay-Varina.

“I love it here and never plan to leave,’’ he says. “I know every day is a gift. That’s why I try to help others succeed where I have failed. I want them to understand they have another chance, they can bounce back with hard work, perseverance and never giving up.”

The Story in ICE

The unique properties of water make it lifesustaining — and, if you look closely, artful

words and photography by

MIKE DUNN

January is generally a quiet time in our woods. The buzzing of insects ceases with the first cold spell and the birds seem to save their voices for the breeding season ahead. When a cold wind blows, there are few leaves to rustle. And it seems most of the people I know spend more time inside.

But I find the cold weather inviting and invigorating. The winter woods have a different beauty to them. The muted colors help me focus on the details of my surroundings — the shapes of trees, a track in the mud, the textures of a seed. Winter is also the time when our wet-weather stream tends to flow a bit more due to increased rainfall and the now-dormant trees lining its route being less thirsty.

Even a trickle of water flowing in our little creek changes the landscape. Flowing water creates a soundscape as it caresses the rocks and exposed tree roots. Living things, both plant and animal, are drawn to water for its life-sustaining qualities. In a 1957 essay, “The Flow of the River,” American anthropologist and author Loren Eiseley once wrote, “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”

One of the most magical aspects is what happens when water is transformed and sculpted by the hand of Old Man Winter into ice.

A unique quality of water is that its solid form, ice, is less dense than the liquid form. That is not the case with most liquids, whose solid form is more dense. This is why ice floats on water. You may consider that important for your summertime tea or cocktails, but, in fact, this allows life as we know it to exist in our lakes and streams in cold-weather environments. Since lakes and rivers freeze from top to bottom, it allows fish and other aquatic organisms to survive even when the surface of a lake has frozen over. If ice sank, the open water

would be pushed to the top where it too would freeze, eventually causing the water bodies to fill with ice and freeze solid, killing all the life within them. Ice not only sustains life, but also adds beauty to our world. When it gets really cold, our little creek is transformed into a natural art gallery of intricate patterns and forms.

Last winter, we had a heavy rain that created a surge of water in the creek bed. Temperatures plummeted over the next few days as the water levels receded. The result was an array of suspended panes of ice decorated with swirls and geometric shapes. I spent a couple of hours observing the artwork, using my phone’s camera to take the accompa-

nying photos. I occasionally held the camera below a suspended sheet of ice and photographed upwards through the frozen lens to see its interpretation of the world above.

These collaborative artists, cold and water, work together to create a variety of pieces — some bold, some delicate, all ephemeral. In Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman, Japanese writer Haruki Murakami wrote: “Ice contains no future, just the past, sealed away.”

So, in the next bout of frigid weather, bundle up and take a walk along a local stream or pond. Gaze upon winter’s art gallery and see if you can decipher the story in the ice before the show melts away.

Clockwise from top left: Curves in ice; ice columns on plant roots at the edge of small waterfall; an ice shelf suspended about a foot above a dry stream bed.

STEPPING ON THE BLENDER

Raleigh native Katherine Snow Smith — the daughter of beloved The News & Observer reporter A.C. Snow — has written a second book. Stepping on the Blender & Other Times Life Gets Messy (Lystra Books, 2023) is a collection of first-person essays about her experiences moving back to North Carolina after over two decades out of the state.

Smith, a longtime journalist, grew up in Raleigh and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She moved to the Tampa, Florida, area in the 1990s for a job, where she married a fellow reporter and raised three children. But once the marriage ended and the kids were out of the house, she moved back to the area to care for her aging parents.

Now in her 50s, Smith shares a collection of relatable essays that follow her as she works to navigate this both familiar and unfamiliar place, as a person who’s both the same and very different than when she left. “My father would say it’s too much navel-gazing, but I found myself with these questions: Have I grown enough, have I changed enough, have I changed too much, who am I now?” Smith says.

The forward, a story that inspires the title of the book, sets the tone. In a crunch to get out the door for a book signing in Georgia, Smith knocks over her Ninja and lands on the blade. Friends come to the rescue, and despite her injury (and an alarming puddle of blood), soon she’s driving up I-95 with her bandaged foot propped up on the dashboard, arriving just in time to deliver her talk. It’s just another of life’s curveballs that she handles with pluck and humor — and turns into a good story.

Visit katherinesnowsmith.com to find the book and learn about local book signings. — Ayn-Monique Klahre

DStay Dry at UMBRELLA

An

upscale, alcohol-free experience

by CATHERINE CURRIN

LIZ CONDO

on’t expect to get carded at Umbrella Dry Bar. All ages can enjoy this new gathering space on W. Martin Street (in Garland’s old space), which offers a comfortable place to enjoy festive drinks and connect with friends… just not alcohol. “We have really delicious, nonalcoholic sparkling wine that feels celebrator y and is very familiar,” says Umbrella founder Meg Paradise, “but we also have things that are not reminiscent of alcohol but are based on a complex and mature adult palette.”

Paradise drank socially until her first pregnancy six years ago: “I obviously wasn’t drinking, but I still went to the same activities that I normally would.” For Paradise, who’d “always been pretty conscious about what I consume,” it became a personal experiment of what it felt like to enjoy events like a concert, pool day or book club without alcohol. “I realized it wasn’t the alcohol that made it fun — I really enjoyed my friends and the experiences and going out,” she says. “It wasn’t as challenging as I thought it would be.”

After she’d had her child, she still loved the way she felt the next day after not drinking. But she still liked the idea of some of the other things that come with a bar — getting out of the house, gathering together, consuming something interesting. “People like the ritual, the environment, all of those things,” she says.

photography by

Left: Mixing the Gold Buzz; Right: Meg Paradise.

So in fall of 2021 Umbrella was born. Paradise says that the name originated from a dream she had of a welcoming space that felt fancy and special, but that kept you dry. Paradise launched the brand as a pop-up, making nonalcoholic recipes at special events and local markets in Raleigh, before quitting her corporate job at Whole Foods last April to work on the permanent location, which opens this month.

Today, the space is stylish and inviting, a place to enjoy a nonalcoholic beverage — like the Daang, Look at Surely’s Temple, a complex, fizzy drink with hints of lavender and ginger; or the Gold Buzz, a woody, honey-infused drink made with spirit-free bourbon and bee pollen — and even take one home, too, from its market. “You can have the full bar experience, and we’ll have lots of products for purchase,” says Paradise. She hopes that her guests will learn about the wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages available, and understand that a mocktail doesn’t always have to be a super sweet, sugary drink. Umbrella also offers a small food menu, to enjoy between pre- or post-dinner.

Paradise envisions Umbrella as a place where patrons indulge guilt-free. “It’s still a bar, it has the same vibes, it feels fancy,” she says. “You’re hitting all of those notes, doing the same thing you normally would on a night out — except you feel really good the next day.”

Daang, Look at Surely’s Temple!

INGREDIENTS

2 ¼ ounces Surely Non-Alcoholic Red Blend

¾ ounce Tenneyson Black Ginger

¾ ounce Citrus Oleo

½ ounce Roots Divine Apertif Bianco

1 ½ ounces soda water

5 drops All the Bitter Lavender bitters Edible flower

DIRECTIONS

Combine and top with soda & bitters. Serve in a Collins glass with ice. Garnish with an edible flower.

King’s Speech

In summer of 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King spoke at Reynolds Coliseum — recently discovered footage brings the event into focus

by AYN-MONIQUE KLAHRE

On July 31, 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of North Carolina State University. A crowd of 4,000 — described by The News & Observer as “3,000 Negroes and 1,000 white persons” — gathered to hear him speak. King’s visit was sponsored by the Martin Luther King Forum, described by the paper as “a local ad hoc committee served by Romallus O. Murphy and the Rev. W. B. Lewis, as co-chairmen.”

Ira Harris, who was 13 at the time, attended the speech with his grandfather. They drove in from Franklin County, but it was a harrowing trip. “Some of the usual roads to get us to US-1 were blocked off, so we had to take some

detours,” he says. “When we finally got to Raleigh, we slowed down even more — the National Guard was there, and the KKK was there, and regular citizens were there, too.” He remembers parking and walking a “long way” to the coliseum, arriving toward the end of King’s speech.

“We only heard a few words, but hearing his voice was an inspiration. His voice sort of echoed through the arena, just like you hear on TV,” says Harris. “It still resonates with me. We saw him as our savior at the time, especially those of us that were nonviolent, and looked to him as our leader.”

According to the N&O, in his speech, King reiterated his philosophy of nonviolence, condemning more militant

groups and Black supremacy doctrine. He pushed for Black Americans to “continue to work for first-class citizenship” warning to “never use second-class methods in gain.” He said that integration would require “a change in the hearts of men,” but argued that legislation was necessary to bring about this change: “It may be true that morality can’t be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. You can’t force him (the segregationist) to love me, but you can restrain him from lynching me.”

King also noted that North Carolina, a state he called “one of the most liberal in the South,” also had one of its most active Ku Klux Klan memberships. That was evidenced on the day of his speech:

Film stills by Edgar Wyatt, courtesy Marshall Wyatt; Getty Images

(FILM STRIP)

in the hours before King was set to talk, 1,800 Klan members marched in downtown Raleigh. Sharing the front page of the N&O article about King’s visit, “King Asks Peaceful Struggle,” is a headline in larger print: “Raleigh Klan Rally Pushes White Power.” A photo shows Grand Dragon Robert Jones addressing Klansmen in Nash Square. The article describes the group as including women and children; members were in full regalia and the Klan’s gold-helmeted security squad was there as well. They marched from Memorial Auditorium to the Capitol Building and back, harassing groups of Black people who were nearby, and at times getting into fights with spectators. Until recently, only one photo and no known footage of King’s speech existed. The photo, which was taken by an Associated Press photographer, shows King at the end of his speech receiving a standing ovation. (The N&O sent photographers to the rally, but not to King’s speech.)

A few years ago, Dr. Jason Miller, a professor at NC State who is an authority on King’s speeches, was asked what he knew about this visit. “The truth was, very little — and I only knew two people on campus who knew it had even happened,” says Miller. So he dug into King’s FBI files and the state archives, unearthing 150 negatives of the Klan rally and the newspaper coverage. “I realized that no one wanted to talk about Dr. King’s speech because it meant they would have to talk about the Klan,” Miller says.

He put his research together for a 2020 exhibit at NC State, “When MLK and the KKK Met in Raleigh.”

Shortly after the exhibit, he got a call from Raleigh native Marshall Wyatt. His late father, Edgar Wyatt, had been an avid amateur videographer who kept meticulous records of his footage, which included both family milestones

and goings-on around town. Marshall remembered that his father had gone downtown to film a counterprotest to the Klan rally on his Kodak Super 8. And when Edgar returned home, he’d caught the tail end of King’s speech, which was broadcast on television. Marshall found the film, digitized it, and sent it to Miller.

The video has no sound, but it’s in full color. “He took 50 feet of film just to get three minutes, but you see it all — the Klan members in their white and red robes, their faces showing. The children are the most startling, they’re holding hands and all dressed up,” says Miller. Then it cuts to the television footage of the speech: “It’s black and white, and fickle and slow rolling, but you can still see Dr. King, with all his energy.”

“We only heard a few words, but hearing his voice was an inspiration. His voice sort of echoed through the arena, just like you hear on TV.”

Marshall was 15 at the time and a student at Broughton High School, but he was away at Governor’s School during the event. “I remember my dad showing me the film footage, and I know he felt it was important to put the Klan footage into the wider context of Dr. King’s visit,” he says. “We both felt that he’d captured events that were historically significant. It bolstered my belief in racial equality.”

— IRA HARRIS

On Jan. 17, Miller and his team will air the footage in an immersive exhibit at NC State that includes still photographs and recordings of other speeches by King (for details visit calendar.ncsu.edu). Margaret Baker,

a Ph.D. candidate at NC State, has been working on the exhibit. “The goal of the project is somewhere between short film and art installation — we have a film with interviews with folks in the project and the community, but there’s also time to just sit with the work,” she says. “You can tell it’s downtown Raleigh, and it’s difficult to reconcile this tension in our community.” On Jan. 18, Miller will be at the North Carolina Museum of Art discussing the event (free but registration required; ncartmuseum.org) and screening the footage as well.

“We’re using technology to recover a history, an event that has been lost to time,” says Baker. “It’s valuable because it also shapes us in the present.”

“Hearing Dr. King, even though it was just for a little bit, made me think about the possibilities for myself and our families, for our classmates and friends,” says Harris. “It made my whole year — in fact, my life.”

Getting on the Bandwagon

Oby DAVID MENCONI photography by JOSHUA STEADMAN

ne of the all-time great rockband movies was made in the Triangle nearly 30 years ago. Titled Bandwagon, it was released in 1996 and directed by original The Connells drummer John Schultz — featuring that band’s singer Doug MacMillan as a Zenlike road manager tending to a struggling young band.

Following a series of spectacular misadventures on the road, the protagonist band rolls back into town for a homecoming show where they have to confront the temptations of selling their souls for success. And the setting for the climactic confrontation is one

of Raleigh’s grandest venues: The Rialto Theater, a classy home court to multiple generations of local bands.

“The scene where the band is pushing their broken-down van up to the front of The Rialto after driving a million miles, that just rings so true,” says Deep South Entertainment owner and artist manager Dave Rose. “It was the perfect place for them to come back to.”

Through the 1980s and well into the ’90s, the 432-seat Rialto served as a frequent concert venue, primarily for acts drawing more of a sit-down crowd. Its programming shifted to mostly movies later in the 1990s and stayed that way

The latest incarnation of The Rialto brings it back to its musical roots

up until August 2022, when longtime owner Bill Peebles retired.

The Rialto shut down, staying dark and quiet for almost a year. The hiatus was long enough for fans of the theater to fear the worst, given how many local landmarks have disappeared in recent years.

But The Rialto began stirring to life this past summer, when Raleigh native Hayes Permar bought it. A multimedia gadfly — sports reporter, podcaster, and P.A. announcer for the Carolina Mudcats baseball team — Permar has never run a theater before. But he has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, plus an informal circle of friendly advisors like Rose to coach him on the finer points of concert promotion.

“It feels like I’ve jumped out of a plane, the chute hasn’t opened yet and I’m free-falling,” Permar says. “We’ve got some good things planned, a lot of cool stuff. But I’ve never done this before and it’s scary. There are moments when it continues to feel like the right move. But it’s still scary as hell. Terrifying, even.”

The reopened Rialto’s first live-music event was a daytime jazz show during last September’s Hopscotch Music Festival, which also served as a shakedown cruise to check the sound system (verdict: pretty good!). Other shows during the initial fall run were singer/guitarist Sonny Miles, twisted folk-rock group Mountain Goats and Christmas concerts by the Durham Symphony Orchestra, singer-songwriter Jeanne Jolly and beach-music legends The Embers.

has been a Rialto staple for decades, so bringing it back was a no-brainer.

“People asked me, Are you bringing Rocky Horror back?” says Permar. “Hey, I’d be a fool not to!”

The Rialto has been a theater since 1936, when it opened in a converted grocery store at 1620 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh’s Five Points neighborhood. Along with serving as the city’s primary art-house cinema, it’s always had an iconic stature among Raleigh’s musical population. Many local musicians and fans have a favorite memory set there.

“We’ve got some good things planned, a lot of cool stuff. But I’ve never done this before and it’s scary. ”

— HAYES PERMAR

Music has also figured prominently in the reopened Rialto’s film programming, most notably showings of the 1984 Talking Heads concert movie Stop Making Sense and longtime cult favorite The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The latter

“My freshman year of high school, my first-ever acid trip was at a Johnny Quest show at The Rialto,” says Chatham County Line mandolinist John Teer with a laugh. “And it was amazing for it to be there. The Rialto was always such a great venue and theater. Best popcorn in town, too.”

Chatham County Line will be playing an album-release show in February at The Rialto. The upcoming schedule also includes country singer Rissi Palmer and

the musical King Mackerel & The Blues Are Running. This past fall, the theater also hosted live comedy, screenings of FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer games and a video shoot for the NC State gymnastics team — all part of Permar’s idea of recreating The Rialto as a community center for a broad range of activities.

“Any area of interest you can think of,” he says, “I’ve probably had a club involved in it reach out to me about an event. Photo groups, sci-fi groups into cult shows, everything.”

For now, the most eye-catching aspect of the new Rialto is the marquee’s bright blue paint job. Permar has some plans for the inside, too, to improve the sound system for live music and freshen up the lobby “so it looks a little more modern and sleek, and less like a popcorn stand.” Admittedly, finding the right niche alongside other local venues will be a challenge.

“I’m not trying to compete with Goodnights [Comedy Club] or Lincoln Theatre or Cat’s Cradle or any other club or promoter,” says Permar. “I’d rather work with them, as collaborator and co-presenter. We want The Rialto to be a big collaborative thing for all kinds of different audiences.”

One-Tank GETAWAYS

Three road trips for a change of scenery words and photographs by JASON FRYE

There’s nothing like a road trip. But when gas prices are high, it’s ideal to find a transporting experience that doesn’t involve too much… transportation. So we did the math: Here are three excellent getaways you can reach (there and back!) on one tank of gas or full charge of an electric vehicle. From a wine-filled mountain escape to an artsy urban oasis to a beach getaway, rev up and peel out to one of these areas.

Sunset at Bald Head Island

FOR A WINE-FILLED WEEKEND:

YADKIN VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA

130 miles

Head west where the Yadkin Valley offers up a weekend of wine tasting that rivals anything you can find in Napa or Sonoma. The Yadkin Valley is North Carolina’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA) — a distinction given to regions ideal for growing wine grapes — and it’s packed with wineries to visit; between the Yadkin Valley and abutting Swan Creek AVA you’ll find dozens specializing in French and Italian varietals. Between tastings, head to the top of Pilot Mountain (by road or hiking path) for huge Piedmont views or experience the small-town charm of Mount Airy, Andy Griffith’s hometown and the inspiration for Mayberry.

Eat & Drink: Book an Estate Tasting ($55) at Dynamis Estate Wines (dynamisestatewines.com) to sip five current releases as your personal wine ambassador provides tasting notes. Alpha and The Mountain — two bold red blends — and the delicate Fumé Blanc are standouts. At JOLO Winery & Vineyards ( jolovineyards.com), work your

way through the Tasting Flight ($25) or Reserve Flight ($40) and try to decide if you prefer the Golden Hallows Reserve or the Carolus XII. Can’t decide? Discuss over dinner at End Posts Restaurant while you admire the view of vineyard vines and Pilot Mountain. Shelton Vineyards (sheltonvineyards. com) offers standard ($15), reserve ($38) and grand tastings ($50). Once you’ve decided between a bottle of the Petit Verdot and Estate Chardonnay (who are we kidding, get them both), head next door to Harvest Grill for a spectacular lunch or dinner (we’re fans of starting with the cornmeal-crusted oysters and finishing with the seasonal sonker, a regional dessert with a fruity base and cobbler-like topping). Finally, visit Raffaldini Vineyards (raffaldini. com) where you’ll feel transported to Italy by both the wine and the views. Tastings ($30) inevitably lead to a bottle or two going home with you, and you can’t go wrong with the Vermentino Superiore, the Montepulciano Riserva or the rosy Girasole.

Stay: Pilot Knob Inn ( pilotknobinn.com) has a collection of cabins, cottages and suites in the heart of the Yadkin Valley.

In Dobson, Hampton Inn and Suites at Shelton Vineyards offers up reliable rooms (and a shuttle to the vineyards) not far from the center of the wine action. Or opt for a VRBO or Airbnb near Mount Airy. The E.Q. Benbow House (vrbo.com) is walkable to downtown and has room for two couples.

FOR A RELAXING WATERSIDE

EXCURSION: BALD HEAD ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA

162 miles, plus a ferry ride

Bald Head Island is a sparsely inhabited (only around 220 call it home yearround) beach haven on the Atlantic coast. The pace is slow here, so it’s easy to unplug, relax and reconnect with nature by exploring the island’s winding roads, 10,000-acre maritime forest nature preserve and 14 miles of beaches (dog-friendly, with some precautions during sea turtle nesting season). The island is also totally car-free. Yes, you need a car to get there — it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Raleigh to Deep Point Marina in Southport, before you take a 20-minute ferry ride — but once you’ve arrived, the only way to get around is by golf cart. “The golf carts slow you down and give you

Left to right: JOLO Vineyards and Shelton Vineyards in Yadkin Valley; kayaking near Bald Head Island.

EXPLORE

the time to experience the island your way,” says Kathy Dzubak, a frequent Bald Head visitor and longtime resident of Southport. “You can take it all in as you drive through the forest or along the beach, or you can get out for a closer look at the lighthouse or some wildlife nearby. On one drive, we saw alligator tracks in the sand and dozens of ibis roosting for the evening.” While you’re there, consider renting kayaks to explore the marsh creeks (Riverside Adventure Company rents kayaks; riversideadventure.com), climbing to the top of Old Baldy, the state’s oldest lighthouse (oldbaldy.org), or taking a bike ride across the island.

Eat & Drink: In the harbor check out Jules’ Salty Grub & Island Pub ( julessaltygrubbhi.com) for a seafood feast (including Low Country-style steam pots) and a taste of island nightlife. Pizza from Copper’s Wood-Fired Kitchen (maritimemarketbhi.com/coppers) is excellent. Java from Midway Coffee (midwaycoffeebhi.com) is a must. You can shop for groceries on the island, but things can get a little pricey, so consider bringing some staples — knowing you can pick up anything else you need from the Maritime Market (maritimemarketbhi.com).

Stay: Rental options range from beachfront estates to marsh-side bungalows to the Marsh Harbour Inn, a chic collection of a dozen rooms and suites (themarshharbourinn.com), and The Inn on Bald Head Island, a cottage-like 10-suite hotel with views of Old Baldy (theinnatbaldheadisland.com). You’ll also find getaway homes to rent from Bald Head Island Services (baldheadislandservices.com) and Tiffany’s Beach Properties (tiffanysbeachproperties.com) where you’ll find pet-friendly, perfectfor-a-group or ideal-for-the-family stays across the island.

FOR AN ARTSY GOOD TIME: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

170 miles

Like Raleigh, Richmond has a complex history, beautiful architecture, greenway trails, museums galore and plenty of boutiques to visit — but with all the novelty of a new-to-you city. Richmond is also home to a vibrant community of artists, including painter and muralist Emily Baker and her glass-artist husband, Steven. “I draw inspiration from the James River and the natural landscapes surrounding Richmond,” Baker says. The blooms at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail, which connects Richmond to Jamestown, can give you a dose of that inspiring nature, as can a stroll or bike ride along the Riverfront Canal Walk. Thanks to city initiatives, the Canal Walk is full of public art responding to the city’s history, and nearly 200 murals adorn the walls of downtown buildings. Baker recommends visiting the Richmond Arts District on a First Friday, where the gallery crawl and gathering of artists and musicians will give you a broad look at the artsy vibe. While you’re in town, stop by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

for a look at historic and contemporary Richmond, or visit the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, where exhibitions tell the story of Black Virginians and their contributions.

Eat & drink: Explore the tasty side of town with a food tour (focused on booze and bites, pizza and ice cream, or a particular neighborhood) from Discover Richmond (discoverrichmondtours. com/richmond-food-tours). If you’re into beer, there are loads of local breweries, including The Answer Brewpub, dog-friendly Triple Crossing and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (among others on the Richmond Beer Trail). Dine at Cobraburger (cobraburger.com), the seafood-centric Alewife (alewiferva. com) or Brenner Pass (brennerpassrva. com), where Chef Brittanny Anderson shows off her Top Chef chops.

Stay: Get a room at Graduate Richmond ( graduatehotels.com) or Quirk Hotel Richmond (quirkhotels.com) to stick close to the youthful energy of Virginia Commonwealth University, where you’ll find a growing collection of coffee shops and restaurants that serve the students — and their parents.

Left to right: A view in downtown Richmond; the lobby of The Quirk Hotel.

Laura Wall

GIVE BACK better

by AYN-MONIQUE KLAHRE

For many of us, January is a month of cleaning out. Often, that means passing along unneeded items from our own homes and trying to get them to folks who can use them — which is great! “The recent economy has only increased the need,” says Susan Meador, volunteer services director for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.

To make that goodwill spirit work harder, we asked local nonprofits for tips for how to make in-kind donations as useful as possible. “We are so grateful for all the help we receive through donations and volunteers,” says Dallas Bonavita, executive director of Note in the Pocket, “and with a little knowledge, your donations can go even further.”

Here are five tips they shared.

CHECK THE NEEDS LIST

Not every organization can use every item you want to donate. The best way to make sure you’re meeting their needs is to check its website ahead of time, as that information is often readily available. “We have a ‘high needs’ list and regularly update it,” says Bonavita. “There are some items, like baby clothes, that people love to donate, but often it’s the less popular items — like adult-size underpants for our middle- and high school-age children — that are overlooked.”

If there’s an organization you know you want to support, take a look at its needs list before your next shopping trip. It’s easy enough to toss in, say, a 12-pack of new socks or some toiletries while you’re already at the store.

NOTE DONATION TIMES AND ACCEPTED ITEMS

While you’re on the website, make sure you pay attention to donation sites and hours, as sometimes they are limited. Leaving a box outside a donation site may seem harmless enough, but inclement weather or critters can ruin perfectly usable goods, even overnight. “We want to respect and honor the resources people are willing to give us, and make sure we can use them to meet community needs,” says Meador.

And be aware that not every dropoff site takes all items. At Note in the Pocket, for example, “we provide clothing, but we don’t provide dishes,” says Bonavita, noting that the Missions Thrift Store next door collects house-

GIVERS

hold items. “You may have to make two trips, but it’s so much better for both of our organizations, so we hope you make the extra effort.”

To cut down on trips, consider divvying up your trips by category or pooling donations with neighbors. (As a bonus, the accountability of committing to dropping off someone else’s stuff can motivate you to do it sooner.)

LABEL YOUR ITEMS

Remember that someone has to go through every bag you drop off, so a little organization on the front end can be a big help. “We are happy to get all the clothes, for any age or adults, but if you sort your bags by season and label them, that is a huge help,” Bonavita says.

For example, if bags are labeled “summer” versus “winter” clothes, the team at Note in the Pocket will prioritize the items families can use right now and set aside other bags for a less busy time.

BE REALISTIC

Just because you’re ready to move along something that’s been well-loved, like outdated kids’ toys or an old sweater, doesn’t mean a stranger wants it. “Our standard is: If you would be happy to receive it as a

“Our standard is: If you would be happy to receive it as a gift or proud to give it as a gift, we want that donation.”

DALLAS BONAVITA

gift or proud to give it as a gift, we want that donation,” Bonavita says.

For clothing items that are stained, torn, ripped or overworked, place them

in a bag marked “recycle” and the volunteers at Note in the Pocket will send them to the textile recycling truck.

For items that have seen heavy use but have sentimental value, offer them to friends or neighbors who would appreciate them. If they’re not sentimental, post them on Freecycle or your neighborhood listserv, or just leave them on a curb with a “free” sign — it’s amazing what gets scooped up!

TURN GOODS INTO DOLLARS

The one thing that all organizations can put to good use is… a check. But you can still put your secondhand goods to work! If you have designer-brand clothing to pass along, consider consigning it and donating the proceeds. For kids’ items, have your children run a sidewalk sale, with the proceeds going to charity. It’s a great way to pass along items they’ve outgrown and instill the spirit of giving to the next generation at the same time.

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Fantastical FORMS

by COLONY LITTLE

by SALLY VAN GORDER

Stepping into a world created by Tonya Solley Thornton’s sculptures and collages feels a little like stumbling into a fantastical forest. The crowns of colorful, tilting trees bow gently to the earth, their trunks and branches cobbled together from scraps of fabrics, afghan squares and pom-poms. Their shapes conjure a variety of peculiar yet familiar associations: Dr. Seuss’ Whoville comes to mind, or perhaps Gaudi’s parabolic arches.

A particular curvilinear shape is repeated in each piece. “I see this form everywhere,” says Thornton as we walk through her solo show at Anchorlight Studios, aptly titled Strangebeautiful. “We moved to South Florida when I was little, and I remember being fascinated with flamingos. I see this form in nature; even if I’m driving down the road, it’s a shape that I see and am drawn to.”

If one doubts the ubiquity of this shape in nature, the walk through the gallery makes it clear. In her work, one is reminded of bananas, rainbows, the articulated antenna of an anglerfish — it truly is everywhere. While Thornton’s work has a supernatural appeal, it remains grounded in the familiar.

Arriving at this particular place in her creative journey was 17 years in the making. After receiving her MFA at Mills College at Northeastern University in Oakland, California, Thornton and her husband moved to Asheville for a year, then lived in Brooklyn for five years. There, the couple started a family and her studio practice was placed on hold. But she kindled her love for creating using the space and the materials available to her at home. “I found that the closest thing that I could work on, that resembled the process of sculpture, was collage,” says Thornton.

She began experimenting with shapes by cutting out images from old craft magazines and rearranging them into

The strange, beautiful world of Tonya Solley Thornton

photography

“They just kind of grow. They end up having a lot of different emotions to me personally. Sometimes I think they’re a little melancholy, or a little tired, or curious.”

— TONYA SOLLEY THORNTON

two-dimensional forms that reimagined some of the 3D sculptures she created during her MFA years. “The fun part is playing around with a big mess of collage pieces — it goes through many different stages before I finally get to where I want it to be,” she says.

Thornton continued her collage process here in Raleigh before securing a small studio space at Anchorlight a year and a half ago. She started using a communal project space available for Anchorlight tenants to workshop ideas, scaling her collages into small sculptures. The work caught the eye of Anchorlight director Shelley Smith, who offered the main gallery to Thornton to create larger works.

In Strangebeautiful, a wall of 10 of her collages accompany six large, site-specific compositions. Each piece is named after a grandmother that she knows — Ethel, Flossie and Esther among them — as a nod to the craft traditions that are honored in Thornton’s work. While most of the works are static, one beguiling piece, called Agnes, is animated: at the end of a pink lure, an inverted crocheted petunia moves up and down, playfully kissing the spikes of a cactus-style flower.

“Tonya has the gift of being able to create fully realized work in both two and three dimensions and at scale. These are different

skill sets and it’s easy to underestimate how challenging it can be to move between them,” says Smith. “For Tonya it’s intuitive, and that’s rare.”

As with collage, Thornton’s sculptures are created by arranging and rearranging thrifted items, like fabrics sourced from the Scrap Exchange in Durham. “Experimenting with materials is my favorite thing,” she says. Thornton creates armatures from household items like chairs, poles and wire, then will wrap them in yarn threaded with large beads, pom-poms and feathers, or layer an old afghan over the frame. For the Strangebeautiful exhibit, she worked on multiple pieces at a time for two months, incrementally adding final touches until they were just right.

Working with found materials adds an emotive quality to the work that reflects their original beauty. “Somebody spent so much time on it, and they have so much feeling. When I’m working on them, I feel like they just kind of grow,” Thornton says. “They end up having a lot of different emotions to me personally. Sometimes I think they’re a little melancholy, or a little tired, or curious.”

Raleigh artist Jane Cheek is a close friend of Thornton’s. “Tonya’s work resonates with me on numerous levels. She produces works that invite exploration, resembling a strangely familiar home. Her work exudes warmth and nostalgia while blurring the lines between art and craft,” says Cheek. “These elements harmonize to create a space where the viewer slows down and revels in curiosity and thoughtfulness.”

Thornton’s work embodies a spirit of resourcefulness, ingenuity, whimsy and wonder that’s evoked in the craft traditions she incorporates into her work, creating new worlds and breathing new life into old, familiar treasures.

Strangebeautiful is on view by appointment at Anchorlight through Jan. 6. The exhibition will culminate in an artist talk at 2 p.m. on its final day. Two other pieces of Thornton’s work are part of the Neo-Psychedelia show at CAM Raleigh, on view through March 24, 2024.

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Restless Energy

Ben Mabry, lead singer of the Wilmington-based, two-man band Beta Radio, was 8 years old the first time he was moved by music.

by WILEY CASH

“My mom gave me this old tape from my aunt’s church,” he says. “And it was some kind of gospel. I don’t even remember the name of it, but I remember feeling the movements of the music, and just knowing something was happening inside me.”

That something kept happening to Mabry, whether it was in response to Christian music, Pearl Jam or the classic rock he listened to with his dad. As a teenager, while attending summer camp in the mountains, he met someone who responded to music the same way. It was Brent Holloman, a fellow Wilmingtonian

Mabry had never met before.

“I remember Ben being this funny prankster,” Holloman says, cracking a smile while recalling their time at camp. “He would carry around a spray bottle and walk up behind people, fake a sneeze, and then spray their necks.”

“I just thought you were cool because you could play ‘Stairway to Heaven,’” Mabry says. “Brent was the first person I knew who was really good at guitar.”

We’re standing in their studio high up in the Art Deco Murchison Building in downtown Wilmington. The room’s windows peer out on a gray day during a fall holiday weekend. Guitars and banjos rest in their racks along one wall; a drum kit is set up nearby. Everywhere you look are scribbled scratches of songs, mementos

The moving sound of Beta Radio

photography by MALLORY CASH

Ben Mabry (left) and Brent Holloman of Beta Radio.

fans have sent, boxes of tea and snacks: the detritus of two old friends who’ve spent long hours making music.

When they returned home to Wilmington, they began playing music together with Holloman joining Mabry’s band on bass. The band was all electric guitars and drums, but after practice Mabry and Holloman would get together to play acoustic, realizing their shared love for artists like Simon and Garfunkel. Nearly two decades later, Beta Radio is still primarily an acoustic guitar band, and with nine albums to its name and hundreds of millions of streams across various music platforms under its belt, it’s safe to say they are now the ones moving others with their music.

Many of the band’s albums are dominated by a gorgeous, yet restless energy and lyrics that never quite settle on answers. That sense of struggle reflects the years of spiritual yearning Mabry experienced as a younger man searching for answers during time in college and the military, and later during travels through Peru, Hawaii, Costa Rica and the desert Southwest. He was writing lyrics the whole time.

“In 2009, he went to Hawaii and ended up getting inspired by something there,” Holloman says. “He’d send me these voice memos of songs, and I would write the guitar parts. And then I went to Ireland and picked up the banjo, and when I came back we started adding banjo to a few of the songs. Soon we had five or six songs, and we thought, Hey, these are pretty good. Maybe we should record them. By the time we got into a studio we had seven or eight.”

Then the real work began. The newly minted Beta Radio had official letterhead made, and they spent hours packaging CDs of their debut album, Seven Sisters, and sending them off to music blogs and magazines, hoping for reviews. They also submitted songs to the new streaming services.

“Friends were telling us, Hey, I heard your song the other day on some coffeehouse playlist,” Holloman says. And people weren’t just listening to Beta Radio on

streaming services; they were hearing the band and downloading its album.

Over the next 10 years, Beta Radio released follow-up albums at a steady clip, all of them bolstered by the millions and millions of times their songs were listened to on streaming services. Most bands have to tour voraciously in support of their records, but Beta Radio was able to stay home, working on new music.

As the pandemic emerged in 2020, the band began writing and recording the songs that would end up on 2021’s Year of Love. Once the world went into lockdown, Mabry’s geographic searching came to a standstill and forced him to investigate exactly what it was that he’d been looking for. The songs on that album are mystical explorations of various forms of love, the music often swelling into walls of strings and guitars, marked by lines like, “In my soul, there’s something I want to say.”

If Year of Love is about searching for something — language, answers, love — 2024’s Waiting for the End to Come is about finding it. The songs feel urgent, tactile, narrative-driven and grounded in a physical space. This album marks the first time Mabry and Holloman have co-written songs with others, and the

experience of spending time in Nashville and sharing ideas with fellow songwriters brought them closer while elevating what they could do musically.

“There’s just no other way to say it: I began to vibrate,” Mabry says of those days writing songs with Holloman and others in Nashville. “Just like that guitar would if I were to strum it; I was vibrating because I was the energy.”

“That whole week flew by,” Holloman adds, “and it was like we were living on a high. It was the first time we co-wrote with other people, and it was the first time we were writing songs this quickly.”

One song from the co-writing experience is “This One’s Going to Hurt,” which will be released as the album’s first single this month. The line itself was written by a co-writer named Henry Brill, and its honesty and directness struck Mabry.

“I would never write that line,” he says, “but I love it because it’s an admission, it’s an acknowledgement. And in all the prior stuff — Year of Love, for example — so much of the music up to now was me knowing that I had something to say but being afraid to fully say it.”

The two kids from Wilmington who’d been moved by music found themselves moved once again.

a WELCOME loss

Sometimes less really is more

by JIM DODSON illustration by GERRY O’NEILL

At the end of 2022, I decided I was going to give myself either a new left knee or lose 30 pounds before the end of 2023.

Well, miraculously, I sort of managed to do both: I actually dropped 50 pounds and discovered that my formerly dodgy knee works just fine, almost good as new. No replacement needed.

The first 25 pounds came off quickly. I did it the old-fashioned way: I simply ate less of everything I thought I couldn’t live without — ice cream, real ale, double cheeseburgers, crusty French bread, pizza, jelly beans, diet soda and my wife’s insanely delicious pies, cakes and cookies. (To my surprise, once I cut back, my craving for them diminished.) I also walked more and drank enough water each day to fill a small bathtub.

Then, in early summer, my family doctor suggested I go on a new wonder drug intended for those with borderline and Type

2 diabetes, a disease I inherited a few years back from my dad and sweet Southern grandma.

The new drug is a weekly injection you take via an EpiPen-like device by poking yourself in the thigh or abdomen. By helping your pancreas produce more insulin, it lowers your blood sugar.

This drug, however, has some side effects that experts have been exploring. One report suggests that it may have positive outcomes for treating alcoholism and depression — that would be a real wonder.

But what has really caught the public’s attention, diet-obsessed culture that we are, is that this drug can cause significant weight loss.

While visiting my daughter in Los Angeles recently, I learned that it’s in such high demand for this side effect that it’s being bought up by the caseload and administered for sky-high pric-

es. Health authorities have expressed concern that this practice could result in people who really need it for diabetes not being able to get it.

But I can attest to the drug’s effects on weight. To date, I’ve lost another 25 pounds on it, principally because it reduces your appetite for anything, which means you eat less and enjoy what you do eat more — or at least I do.

Could it be a new wonder drug?

At a time when the FDA and makers of modern drugs and vaccines are often under attack, it’s worth remembering that sometimes, these wonder drugs do, actually, exist. And we’ve seen them before.

Those of us who are old enough to remember the scourge of polio know how it terrorized domestic American life. When I was a kid, it was the most feared disease in America.

To this day, I still think about a sweet girl named Laurie Jones who sat behind me in Miss Brown’s fifth grade class. She wore a crisp Girl Scout uniform every Wednesday for her afterschool scout meetings. Laurie’s thin legs needed braces as a result of battling polio since the third grade, but she had the sunniest personality of any kid I knew. I sometimes walked with Laurie to her school bus to help her get safely onboard. She told me she planned to become a nurse someday.

One day, Laurie Jones didn’t come to school. Miss Brown tearfully informed us that she had passed away. The entire classroom sat in stunned silence.

A short time later, the entire school uncomplainingly lined up in the auditorium to take a sugar cube dosed with the latest Salk vaccine. It was the week before school let out for Christmas. They played music and gave us cupcakes and little hand-clickers — perhaps the original fidgets — labeled “K-O Polio.”

(Funnily enough, my dad was on the advertising team that came up with the plan to promote the new vaccine in public schools across North Carolina. Those hand-clickers drove parents and teachers across the state nuts for months.)

But, according to the CDC, just since 1988, more than 1.5 million childhood deaths have been prevented with the vaccine.

So maybe that’s why I’m so ready to believe in this new wonder drug.

Thanks to modern science and my own desire to have less of me to love, I’m off blood pressure medicine and my sugar count is perfectly normal. I haven’t physically felt this good since I was driving my own mother nuts with the K-O Polio clickers.

I really have only one silly problem now: none of my old clothes fit. Losing four pant sizes makes me look like Charlie Chaplin minus the top hat and cane.

Until several pairs of new jeans and khaki trousers arrive, I shall uncomplainingly do as T.S. Eliot’s J. Alfred Prufrock did as he walked through the evening dusk of a town filled with memories: I grow old . . . I grow old . . . I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.

We hope you are enjoying this issue of WALTER. We’d love to hear what you like best — and what you hope to see more of. Please take this 5-minute survey and share your thoughts.

Found Magic for Ryan, age three

by JOAN BARASOVSKA

illustration by LIDIA CHURAKOVA

Gray fox and I lock eyes across the path, February snow melts into daffodils, and summer greens blaze yellow in October.

Listen to the tap tap tap, secret message in the trees, woodpecker’s hurried telegram.

Flakes of mica glint on ancient rocks, and the glowing moon rises every night but vanishes by early morning when we wake.

How does a newborn baby know his brother loves him? Magic, my friend, magic is everywhere.

Joan Barasovska is the author of Birthing Age, Carrying Clare and Orange Tulips. She has twice been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She serves on the board of the North Carolina Poetry Society and hosts a poetry series at McIntyre’s Books in Pittsboro.

From quick bites to date nights, this is where the hospitality pros like to go

WHERE to EAT&DRINK 2024

by CATHERINE CURRIN photography by BRYAN REGAN

When debating where to get dinner, it’s easy to default to your normal rotation, but there are so many great spots in Raleigh and the Triangle. Someone else’s usual restaurant, bar or coffee shop might be a new discovery for you, whether it’s a neighborhood gem or a bucket-list adventure across town.

That’s why we surveyed 10 experts in the hospitality business — chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs — to find out where they go for everything from a quick bite to a cocktail to an extravagant meal.

One thing we learned about these folks: they love talking up their foodie friends and neighbors just as much as they love good food and drink. “Not only do we have a ton of new restaurants to be excited about, there is so much support throughout the industry,” says Liz Grandchamp, owner of Grandchamp Hospitality. “I’m lucky to be a part of this community in Raleigh.”

Read on for more than 100 recommendations for great culinary experiences in the Triangle.

So Hot Hotpot

MATT FERN OWNER, (ISH) DELICATESSEN

Matt Fern opened (ish) delicatessen in July of 2021, but he’s been in the Triangle culinary world since 2003. Fern helped open Raleigh favorites like the former Nana’s Chophouse, Vivace, The Longleaf Hotel Lounge and served as the beverage director of AC Restaurants.

HAPPY HOUR: Person Street Bar

WORTH THE DRIVE: Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, Fonda

Lupita in Sanford, Lantern in Chapel Hill, Pizzeria Toro in Durham

LUNCH: Chido Taco, State of Beer

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Poole’s Diner

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: Ajja

COFFEE SHOP: Jubala

BITE TO GO: Gym Tacos

OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: Players Retreat at some point.

Death & Taxes to show off the cool wine cellar!

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Char-Grill

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR: Nana’s, Fiction Kitchen 2.0, Natural Sciences

DOREEN COLONDRES

OWNER, VITIS HOUSE WINE SCHOOL

Doreen Colondres moved to Raleigh five years ago to open Vitis House. Colondres also launched the blog The Kitchen Doesn’t Bite almost two decades ago and has appeared on numerous cooking shows in multiple countries.

Prior to Vitis, she worked around the world as a celebrity chef and wine educator for more than 15 years.

HAPPY HOUR: Barcelona Wine Bar

GUILTY PLEASURE: Chargrilled oysters at Hummingbird

WORTH THE DRIVE: Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro or Seabird in Wilmington

LUNCH: Raleigh Raw or Herons at The Umstead Hotel

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Sushi Mon with a great bottle of sake!

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: Ajja

COFFEE SHOP: BREW Coffee

BITE TO GO: Pana’s Flavors

OUT-OF-TOWNGUEST: Hummingbird, always good and consistent

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Char-Grill

Chido Taco

All head shots courtesy people shown.

Raleigh Raw

LINDSAY WREGE OWNER AND FOUNDER, 321 COFFEE

Lindsay Wrege founded 321 Coffee in 2017 as a college student at NC State and has grown the company to three locations and a recently opened roasting facility. “I have the best job and team in the world,” she says, “and we get to contribute to a kickass restaurant scene with incredible entrepreneurial talent.”

HAPPY HOUR: The Parlor at Heights House

WORTH THE DRIVE: Italian sub from Ideal’s in Durham-

LUNCH: Sono Sushi

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Anything prepared by Kevin Ruiz, so currently ORO

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: Madre

COFFEE SHOP: 321 Coffee! Although I don’t drink the coffee, so let’s hear it for the Mango Iced Tea

BITE TO GO: Long live Char-Grill

OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: 321 Coffee and A Place at the Table — good for the soul!

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Char-Grill

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR: Umbrella Dry Bar

ADÉ CARRENA OWNER, DOUNOU CUISINE

Adé Carrena specializes in neo-West African cuisine, hosting farm-to-table dinners in addition to serving food from her Beninese food truck. Voted the 2023 North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Chef of the Year, Carrena moved to the Triangle in 2016 and left a career in finance to pursue her passion of bringing people together through food.

HAPPY HOUR: Crafty Beer Shop

GUILTY PLEASURE: The spicy Tonkotsu Ramen from Masa Sushi & Ramen

WORTH THE DRIVE: Catch in Wilmington

LUNCH: Saltbox Seafood Joint

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Curry Chicken Bao at Brewery Bhavana

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: Cheeni Indian Food Emporium

COFFEE SHOP: Rofhiwa Book Café

BITE TO GO: Taipei 101 for takeout, get the toothpick lamb! WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR: I’m super excited for chef Preeti Waas’ new space in Durham!

Cheeni

Ideal’s

ANDIA XOURIS CEO / CO-FOUNDER, ANDIA’S ICE CREAM

Andia Xouris and her husband

George opened their first ice cream store in 2010 — the same year they moved here from New Jersey. “We always knew we would someday own our own business,” says Xouris. “When we moved here, that’s when George said, Let’s go for it!” Today, they have three retail stores, offer catering and ship nationwide.

HAPPY HOUR: RBF in downtown Cary

GUILTY PLEASURE: The Scratch Fries at Scratch Kitchen & Taproom in Apex

WORTH THE DRIVE: Kipos Greek Taverna in Chapel Hill

LUNCH: Eastcut Sandwich Bar is insanely good!

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: MC Restaurant in Cary

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: The Walk Up in downtown Cary

COFFEE SHOP: Esteamed Coffee in downtown Cary is a very special place

BITE TO GO: It’s always been Gussy’s! I get so excited when we are nearby and can grab their amazing food

OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: O-ku or Oak Steakhouse

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Char-Grill

CHRIS “COCO” LOPEZ FORMER OWNER & OPERATOR, FINE FOLK

Chris Lopez has been in the Raleigh hospitality industry for years — from helping Sunny Gerhart open St. Roch to working as executive chef at Cary’s Postmaster Restaurant and Bar. In 2022, Lopez opened Fine Folk in Gateway Plaza. It closed its doors in October 2023, but stay tuned for what he’s up to next.

HAPPY HOUR: The Longleaf Lounge

GUILTY PLEASURE: Chili spaghetti at Players Retreat

WORTH THE DRIVE: Donut Daily in Garner

LUNCH: Mami’s Latin Style Rotisserie Chicken

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Any sandwich from Ideal’s Sandwich and Grocery

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: The Hippo

COFFEE SHOP: The Optimist Raleigh

BITE TO GO: Chido Taco

OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: Kingfisher

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Snoopy’s

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR: Natural Sciences

Eastcut Sandwich Bar

The Optimist Raleigh

The Hippo

All head shots courtesy people shown.

Standard Beer + Food

LIZ GRANDCHAMP

OWNER, GRANDCHAMP HOSPITALITY

Liz Grandchamp worked in Raleigh restaurants for almost a decade before launching Grandchamp Hospitality, her namesake catering and consulting business. Her most recent venture is a supper club collaboration with Heights House Hotel. Grandchamp has also worked with Crawford & Son, Locals Seafood and Oakwood Pizza Box.

HAPPY HOUR: William & Company

GUILTY PLEASURE: Orchid Japanese Restaurant

LUNCH: Sushi Mon, Seoul Garden or Longleaf Swine BBQ

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: How about a last day of meals? A Boulted everything croissant, take the train to Durham and snag Pizzeria Toro for lunch, then grab drinks at Queeney’s and small plates at Mateo. Back to Raleigh for small plates, sides and salads from Poole’s Diner

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: Ajja

COFFEE SHOP: Pine State Coffee

BITE TO GO: Gym Tacos

OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: Stanbury, William & Company

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR? Figulina

LIN PETERSON OWNER, LOCALS SEAFOOD

Lin Peterson moved to Raleigh in the late 1990s to attend NC State, where he aptly majored in Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences. In 2010, while working at Great Outdoor Provision Co., Peterson and partner Ryan Speckman dreamed up Locals Seafood, a brand that connects coastal fishermen to North Carolina restaurants.

HAPPY HOUR: There’s great outdoor space at Standard Beer + Food

GUILTY PLEASURE: The ribeye at Stanbury

WORTH THE DRIVE: Locals Seafood in Durham

LUNCH: (ish) delicatessen. I love the Smoked F(ish) Melt LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Bernie burger with onion rings at the Players Retreat

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: Ajja

COFFEE SHOP: Boulted Bread, I love their new space and expanded coffee program

BITE TO GO: Oakwood Pizza Box

OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: Poole’s Diner is classic Raleigh

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Char-Grill

The Optimist Raleigh

Sushi Mon

LON BOUNSANGA CHEF AND OWNER, SAAP

Lon Bounsanga was born and raised in Vientiane, Laos, and moved with his family to North Carolina in 2007. In 2012, he was hired to open critically acclaimed Laotian restaurant Bida Manda, and later Brewery Bhavana. He opened his own Laotian restaurant, SAAP, in downtown Cary in November of 2023.

HAPPY HOUR: Woody’s at City Market

GUILTY PLEASURE: The steak fajitas at El Rodeo in downtown Raleigh

WORTH THE DRIVE: Futo Buta Ramen House in Charlotte

LUNCH: Beasley’s Chicken + Honey for the hot chicken sandwich

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Pho Far East

COFFEE SHOP: Sir Walter Coffee

BITE TO GO: Our family loves takeout from Vic’s Ristorante & Pizzeria. We order a white pie with no sauce: only olive oil, garlic, parmesan and sliced tomatoes and onions

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Char-Grill

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR: Doc B’s Restaurant opening at Fenton

LUIS ZOUAIN

EXECUTIVE CHEF, MADRE RALEIGH

Born in the Dominican Republic, Luis Zouain moved to the Triangle two years ago and “fell in love with the town immediately,” he says. Before joining Madre, Zouain worked on the team at Bloomsbury Bistro.

HAPPY HOUR: Madre’s patio

GUILTY PLEASURE: Burgers and desserts will always be my guilty pleasure; I love every dessert from Asali in Cary

WORTH THE DRIVE: Cheeni Indian Food Emporium, I’ll drive without any trouble for Preeti’s food

LUNCH: Midtown Pho is the best by far! Or So Hot Hotpot in Cary

LAST MEAL IN THE TRIANGLE: Couple of hot dogs from The Cardinal

FAVORITE NEW SPOT: Madre

COFFEE SHOP: Asali Desserts & Cafe in Cary

BITE TO GO: Berto’s Chimis

OUT-OF-TOWN GUEST: ORO. Chef Kevin Ruiz always takes care of me, been best friends since day one here

CHAR-GRILL OR SNOOPY’S? Char-Grill

Sir Walter Coffee

The Optimist Raleigh

So Hot Hotpot

Eastcut Sandwich Bar

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Lauren Branch of Raleigh design

firm Kéfi Home Interiors bought this long-unoccupied home in Deep Gap, North Carolina, to share with her family. She and her husband gutted it, salvaging what they could, and modernized it for their young family.

Raleigh interior designer Lauren Branch salvaged a mountain home for her family

Deep Gap FIXER UPPER

by HAMPTON WILLIAMS HOFER photography by TREY THOMAS

Lauren Branch is a fixer, a creative with an eye for style and function. She and her husband, Justin, had been looking for a mountain project, an escape where their school-aged children — Wells, Shepard and Hampton — could splash in a river. They found the spot in a rustic house on Powder Horn Mountain in Deep Gap, home of legendary musician Doc Watson. The house included more than its share of vinyl wallpaper and faux wreaths, but had a charming cabin exterior and views to match Powder Horn Mountain’s tagline: “It’s like living in the middle of a national park.”

Branch, a Raleigh interior designer who holds a BFA in Textile Design from Eastern Carolina University, saw beneath the layers of mold and dust, rodents and brown shag carpet. “I immediately knew I wanted it,” she says. “I saw potential everywhere. All I could think about was getting started.” They got the house for a steal, and Branch set on what became a three-year journey to bring her modern-mountain escape to life in Deep Gap.

The house had long been unoccupied, and was full of leftover items, from broken tools to cabinets of old china. A bottle of Canadian whiskey from 1971 still sat in the kitchen. “No one had even stepped in there for a decade when we bought it, and it had remained basically untouched for way longer,” says Branch. They began with a serious clean-out — salvaging what they could, donating the rest — and then gutted the kitchen and bathrooms, eventually getting to the good part for Branch: the decorating.

MODERN AMENITIES

The completely renovated kitchen is now one of the most popular spots in the Deep Gap house, where they whip up old family classics like Greek potatoes and spanakopita. Here, Branch mixed Mid-century inspired lighting with farmhouse touches.

There were plenty of surprises, some unfortunate (an electrical disaster, a plumbing crisis) and some welcome (scrubbing off years of mold revealed stunning pine ceilings). Saloon doors that led to the bedroom hallway were cool in theory, but in reality they would have gotten swung off their hinges by the children. Stairs leading to the basement had to be completely demolished and rebuilt. Ultimately, they kept some art and a few unique pieces of furniture, including a dining room table made by the original owner, who had been a woodworker.

The plumber had to break through solid rock to get the plumbing finalized. The roof needed to be completely replaced. There were failed inspections. When the long-awaited countertops finally arrived, every single piece was cut incorrectly, and two pieces were missing. “It was a trend for the house,” says Branch. “From the compli-

cated things to the simple ones, there was always an issue.” Undeterred, the couple made frequent day trips to Deep Gap over the course of nearly three years.

Eventually, the disintegrating cork board gave way to new subfloors. New windows and a good pressure washing, along with some structural repairs, revealed an exterior that was just as Branch had envisioned. She and her husband ripped down some of the old wood paneling and painted the rest. In one of the guest bathrooms, they swapped the location of the toilet (and ditched its pink carpeted seat) with a floor vent to improve the flow, then added a custom-made floating vanity to create the illusion of more space. Subtle elements like vertical tiles and a clear shower curtain support the more spacious feel.

Three hours from Raleigh, the home now features double decks — 12 feet

deep and spanning the length of the house — three full baths and three bedrooms. One of the bedrooms is a bunk room created from the crawl space, a cheery place with IKEA bunk beds topped with colorful bedspreads and a geometric rug where the children toss their things before heading outside to fish for trout in Laurel Creek.

Throughout, Branch mixed price points, styles and provenances in her signature style. “I like to mix high and low. It always starts as Mid-century, and then come the layers,” she says. Soft gray chenille chairs in the living room contrast with the rustic wood paneling and black leather section. A jute runner from India cascades the staircase to the basement. Warm pine panels and vintage watercolor paintings contrast with luxe contemporary light fixtures and cleanlined cabinetry.

HIGH LIGHTS

Stunning pine ceilings, preserved from the original house, enhance the main living spaces and highlight the mountain feel. Contemporary ceiling fixtures and seating pair with vintage and antique furnishings and accents.

SPORTS MODE

Branch creatively maximized space in the home, creating storage and staging areas for gear for an active family — indicative of the fact that when on Powder Horn Mountain, they aim to spend most of their time outside.

COMFORTABLE SPACES

An abstract Jackie Anderson piece hangs in the primary bedroom, one of many pops of color that complements the rustic vibe of the house. Throughout, pine-paneled walls nod to the surrounding landscape.

ROOM FOR ALL

“We had been looking for a house, and I knew I wanted a fixer, a place where I could get creative, and where the kids could splash in the river,” Branch says. Now, the home has plenty of space for their family.

MIX & MATCH

In a narrow hallway, Branch paired a contemporary lamp and chest with vintage artwork and books for an eclectic effect. The light wash on the walls makes the space feel more bright and open.

PLAY SPACES

The Branches added double decks, 12 feet deep, spanning the length of the house and creating nearly as much outdoor living space as indoor, with spectacular views. They turned the garden level into a recreation area for kids and adults alike.

Branch has an eye for potential in overlooked items. The couch in the home’s added game room, for example, was one she spotted on Facebook Marketplace in Raleigh, a roadside lump in the rain to anyone else, back in 2021. She asked Justin to go pick it up on his way home from the kids’ soccer practice. It smelled like wet dogs and cigarettes, but he heaved it onto the roof of his Tahoe and strapped it with bungee cords. (This happens fairly often, Branch says: “He will usually ask, are you sure about this? at least once, but if I insist, he’ll trust me.”) The next day, she took it to the upholsterer to be gutted and recovered. It now boasts striped designer fabric, trimmed with black leather, over a solid oak base. “I look for things that already have good bones and shapes, and then I take it from there,” she says.

Branch comes by her design inclinations honestly. Her great-aunt, Pota

Vallas, founded National Art Interiors, a high-end furniture store at the corner of Hillsborough Street and Glenwood Avenue, in 1962 and owned it until its closing in the mid-1990s. Vallas, who immigrated from Greece in 1924, realized her dream of opening an interior design and furniture shop, naming it for the National brand sewing machines she had loved as a child, and built it into a Raleigh institution. Branch’s grandmother worked there for years alongside her sisters.

Branch’s grandmother also bought a spec house in an old Raleigh neighborhood near Glenwood Avenue in 1954, which now serves as the young family’s full-time residence. This home provided her first interior design project and was a launching pad for her eventual profession. When Branch started her own interior decorating firm in September of 2020, she named it Kéfi Home Interi-

PHOTO FINISH

The home has been a labor of love: “I learned on the job,” says Branch, of renovating a house while starting her own design business. “There were dead ends and paths that turned in unexpected directions, but we ended up in a good place!”

ors, which harnesses kéfi, a Greek word loosely translated to mean joyfulness, fun and cheer, to represent her aims to create spaces with a positive vibe.

Just as her brand nods to both her heritage and her hopes for the future, the Deep Gap home follows suit. “It’s an extension of our house, with a subtle mountain twist,” Branch says.

A painting now in the home’s entry shows Sycamore Falls, part of Laurel Creek, which runs through the backyard. The Branches found the painting, artist unknown, in the house after they closed. “Someone had done this painting that is essentially of our backyard, and it’s cool to think that it looks virtually the same after all this time,” she says. And this winter, they will gather by the stone fireplace in the living room of an old mountain house that will at last be warmed by a fire again.

UP in LINE

With its latest album, longtime Raleigh band Chatham County Line evolves its sound

by ADDIE LADNER

photography by EAMON QUEENEY

This month, Americana band Chatham County Line will release its milestone 10th studio album. Made up of chief songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Dave Wilson; John Teer on mandolin; and Greg Readling on bass and pedal steel, Chatham County Line is known for its fun, modern folk sounds and rambling live shows. On its new album, Hiyo, which was released through Yep Roc Records, the band delivers a portfolio of soft and punchy melodies — everlasting tunes that feel fresh, with a slight departure from its bluegrass roots.

Chatham County Line got its start in what the trio remembers fondly as “the Blue House” — an older two-story rental in Boylan Heights — in the late 1990s. Readling and Wilson lived there as students at NC State and had a band called Stillhouse. “It was a crash pad for musicians in Raleigh, mostly college students,” recalls Teer. With commercial buildings on all sides of the house, noise wasn’t an issue, so they could mess around with instruments and songwriting until the wee hours of the night.

Members of the metal group Corrosion of Conformity lived there; singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, with whom Readling and Wilson played, would also mosey over. Teer was in a country-rock jam band called Burgeon with Chandler Holt (an original member of Chatham County Line who retired a few years ago; they’re still close friends). “It was pretty legendary. We’d throw these parties with so much music, people in and out. Of course, it was a bunch of college guys who couldn’t even afford heat, but it was such a magic time,” says Teer. “That was our big learning curve, was all the time we spent playing music there,” says Readling.

Wilson, Teer and Readling shared a love of music, especially playing acoustic, so eventually they decided to join forces. “Dave had all these great songs he wanted us to try out together and that’s where all the tunes started to be crafted and began,” says Teer.

Though not a single member planned

on playing music for a living, it was omnipresent for each of them. Teer, the ham of the group and a wizard on mandolin, started playing violin at the age of 3 under the Suzuki method. He was a natural performer, says his mom, Angel Teer: “He took to it right away, but never did I ever think it would lead to him being a professional musician. I just wanted him to love music.” Readling, calm and soft-spoken, took music lessons as a child and played an array of instruments for fun through college, mostly piano, saxophone and electric bass.

Wilson, a history and film buff, English major and the lyricist of the group, grew up in an intellectual home that nurtured writing and music. He can remember his mom, a poet, singing songs in the evening. “I found out years later she had actually written these songs. Our house

was full of fabulous books and great language,” he says. While he, too, played music from childhood, it was the writing he gravitated to. “In songwriting, you get to take all these different elements and put them together and then the sound echoes the story, the delivery,” he says. “As life goes on I record little snippets of ideas and lyrics.”

Soon they started playing at joints like Hillsborough Street’s former Sadlacks and The Brewery. “I feel like Sadlacks is where I and a lot of other locals got to know them back in the day,” says Alex Little, the co-owner of music venue Berkeley Cafe. “They were really honing their sound then. It was more bluegrass. Over time, it’s gotten more modern but the roots are still there.”

In 2003, the band released its first album, Chatham County Line, a harmoni-

Dave Wilson. Previous page: Chatham County Line at the Berkeley Cafe.

“We wanted something new and different. This album shows we aren’t afraid of trying new things. We are proud of every single song.”

— John Teer

ous bluegrass record. Since then, songs of theirs like “Living in Raleigh Now,” “Wildwood” and “The Carolinian” have become local anthems. They’ve played all over the country and overseas, including in The Oslo Opera House in Norway. “That was one of the most extraordinary moments,” says Teer. “Probably the greatest place I’ve ever played.” Over the years they’ve shared the stage with many musical greats, including The Avett Brothers, Lyle Lovett and Norwegian musician Jonas Fjeld. The group recorded a live album with Fjeld back in 2005 called Amerikabesøk, which reached #2 on Norwegian pop charts, right behind Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black Brother of Song, also produced with Fjeld, went gold in Norway, topping 15,000 records sold, and in 2009 it was nominated for a Norwegian Grammy.

Angel remembers seeing them with Steve Martin & Martin Short in Hammond, Indiana, in 2019 and being surprised at the end of the bit when her son stayed on stage for a solo. “When he finished, everyone in that auditorium stood up and shouted rave comments. And after the show was over, I said to John, I’ve never heard you play that song. What’s the name of it?” she says. Turns out, he had just made it up. “It just comes to me. I play in the moment,” says Teer. Their latest album took shape in a serendipitous way. In 2022, the group was cast in the Showtime miniseries George & Tammy. Filmed in Wilmington, the show needed real musicians. Teer played renowned guitarist Harold Bradley, Wilson was legendary pianist Pig Robbins and Readling was a member of one of George Jones’ live bands, The Jones Boys. On the set, they got to know Rachael Moore, the show’s music producer, an experienced industry professional who has worked with Alison Krauss, T Bone Burnett and Kacey Musgraves. They convinced her to produce their next record. “I always preface with bluegrass acts that I don’t approach in a typical way. I like it a little rough around the edges, not pristine,” says Moore. That modern approach is what they were looking for, to be pushed out of their comfort zone.

Greg Readling

“We wanted something new and different. This album shows we aren’t afraid of trying new things. We are proud of every single song,” says Teer.

In late summer 2022, they convened in Asheville recording studio Echo Mountain. They turned it into a sound laboratory, using synthesizers, amps and mellotrons. Moore brought in an ensemble of seasoned musicians from Nashville to contribute both vocally and instrumentally: John Mailander on fiddle on mandolin, Jamie Dick on drums and percussion, Al Weatherhead on optigan, Matt Douglas on saxophone and Maya de Vitry on vocals. Over the course of a week Hiyo was born, an album that somehow blends country, jazz, rock and, of course, bluegrass.

Teer says the studio turned into a canvas for the group of creatives: “You’re making this giant picture to which you’re able to add touches and colors and vibes that you can’t do when playing live.” On past albums they’ve had contributing musicians here and there, but this time they dove deeper, including drums on every track, and more electricity to prop up the foundation of strings.

“Summerline,” the record’s closing track, is an homage to the season and its romance — a jazzy, vintage-feel piece that’s one example of the band bending its norm. They ran the piano through a Leslie speaker to create a sort of ghostly sound; Wilson’s vocals were filtered through a guitar amp. The result is a song with a “New York City subway vibe,” Moore says. “It felt really neat to incorporate some of those elements into a string band song,” says Readling.

“Magic,” the second single, sounds like a love letter to an evening of live music. “John plays mandolin and just for fun we put it through this mellotron pedal,” says Moore. This gives the sounds more color and padding as opposed to just the sound of the mandolin acoustically. “The result is these glittering rakes in the background,” Moore says.

Some tracks carry more weight. In “Way Down Yonder,” Wilson challenges an old adage with the lyrics, It ain’t just sticks and stones, some words cut right to the

bone. “I’m doing my part to correct the narrative,” he says. “This song could ring true today or 100 years ago.” Wilson says the song was inspired by racial epithets and the weight that words carry. “Under the Willow Tree” is an all-acoustic, instrumental track that brings the band back to its roots in picking. Wilson said he challenged himself to write it: “I learned open tuning, which is a different way of tuning guitars, and then writing this instrumental tune came to me naturally.” The song “BSR” is inspired by the natural wonder of the Mississippi River; it’s an example of Wilson’s imaginative lyrics. “I’m continually inspired that people can create new original music. That’s what our job is in the world, to create music that doesn’t sound like other music,” says Wilson.

Gold records and Showtime appearanc-

es aside, at the end of the day for this troupe, it’s just about their musical brotherhood. Each is quick to prop up the others: Wilson’s the creative; Readling, the backbone; Teer, the energy. Wilson’s always churning out words and Teer is focused on the sound. “People are often surprised, but I am always listening closely to the music, the lyrics come last to me,” says Teer. Readling is dubbed the “dad” of the group. “My DNA makeup is more actualized as a support person, that’s more my comfort zone with two great front people,” he says.

“I’ve always thought that the lifestyle associated with music, the freedom and the adventure that it creates, ought to be counted as part of your compensation,” says Readling. “The fact that we’ve been able to stay together — that’s what I’m most proud of.”

John Teer

Marina Bosetti finds

joy in creating intricate, colorful tilework

INSPIRATION

by COLONY LITTLE

photography by JOSHUA STEADMAN

Marina Bosetti creates custom tile designs that are used for interior spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. With a focus on elements of nature, she creates Art Nouveau-style tiles that evoke sunflower fields, tree groves, poppies and more — static pieces that capture a sense of movement, like leaves or petals blowing in the wind. “I have two favorite flowers: sunflowers and poppies. They always look like they’re in conversation with one another. Poppies look like they’re dancing — they’re having a blast,” she says.

Bosetti was drawn to clay at an early age. Her five siblings all studied music, but Bosetti marched to the beat of her own drum, inspired more by the art classes she took. “I have a brother who’s a concert violinist, and a sister who’s a singer. Everyone in my family played an instrument but me,” she says. “I played a sewing machine.”

By adulthood, clay had found its way into her heart; she was drawn to the meditative qualities of the practice. “It just engages all of you. It’s a whole-body experience from wedging and throwing to hand building,” she says. In glazing clay, the process of affixing gloss that helps define colors and protects pottery from wear, she found a whole new challenge that she wanted to explore more deeply. “Glazing is the hardest thing. How you glaze it is everything,” she says. “The pot rises or fails on the glazing.”

Bosetti has called Raleigh home for over 20 years. But before she moved here, she was known within pottery circles as Asheville’s “Dancing Lady,” a nod to the subjects of much of her work. From the late 1980s to early 2000s she made a name for herself selling vases under the brand name Life Forms Pottery. During this time, Bosetti practiced Raku, a Japanese technique that involves carefully removing pottery from a kiln as it is being fired at an extremely high temperature and then submerging it into flammable organic material, like leaves or sawdust. The result creates unique patterns and textures onto the ceramic glaze.

Many of her vases of this era featured whimsical, frolicking nymphs. For her, they became symbols of joy and liberation that embodied Asheville at the time. “I was newly divorced, and Asheville had this whole celebration of feminism going on then,” she says. “The spirituality stores were selling geodes, stones, gems and incense — the dancing naked ladies fit in really well.”

After creating and selling thousands of these works, the heat-sensitive nature of Raku pottery began to take a physical toll on Bosetti in the form of cataracts (something that develops in people who work with flames). Plus, she was ready for a change both in medium and subject. “Raku is fun, but the color fades over time and it chips easily,” she says. “I wanted to do something more permanent.”

Bosetti started working with new types of clay, which presented new challenges. “Raku is a white clay body. Because there’s so much iron in red clay bodies, whites become yellow, greens become black. The amount of iron changes how they look,” she says. “It took a couple years to get it right, but I love complicated.”

Bosetti moved to Raleigh in 2001 and began working in a studio in Boylan Heights. She continued to experiment with glazing techniques on tile, investing years honing a technique loosely based on a Spanish technique called cuerda seca. The process involves creating small wax indentations in clay that act as grout lines; these lines enable her to pour various colored glazes into small spaces without them bleeding into one another. The end result mimics

the look of mosaics after the tile is fired.

With this new technique Bosetti also focused on new shapes. “When you say pottery I think mugs, casseroles, plates… I think home goods. What I do now is more like home decor,” she says, a way to help customers create personal and meaningful spaces.

With this merging of mission and technique, Bosetti created the type of work that she was looking for when she first left Asheville. And as she narrowed her focus, she earned a new nickname within the pottery community: “The Tile Lady.” She receives regular referrals by colleagues to customers who are looking to create something special and unique for their home, like a tile mural, backsplash or a fireplace mantle.

Now the complexities of clay experimentation have been replaced by the complexities of the design dialogue with her clients.

The process involves an initial consultation, where Bosetti talks to her clients about the people, places, and experiences they hold dear, like a favorite flower, cherished family memory or passion project. From there Bosetti will create scaled drawings of the tile or object.

“With custom work I usually do commissions one at a time if I want to stay in the head of the customer,” she says. “I send them pictures, and they have opportunities to say, I want more of this. I want less of that, so that they can talk to me, and I’m texting with them.” It’s a process that Bosetti prefers over the pressures of larger-scale production.

Today she is in a much better position to lean into the custom work, and she credits this creative freedom to two other successful Raleigh potters, Gretchen Quinn and Liz Kelly. The two rented out space inside Bosetti’s studio for seven years, up until the pandemic. For Bosetti, their presence not only defrayed operational costs, but brought renewed energy and activity into her practice. “I’m halfway between retirement and being the best artist I’ve ever been,” she says. “The freedom from not having to continually make things to sell allows me to be the artist I really want to be.”

Quinn now has her own pottery storefront in Five Points. “I will always be so thankful to Marina for welcoming us into that space because it was pivotal in

the growth of my business,” she says. “It was like having a mentor.”

After the pandemic, Bosetti found herself alone in the studio, looking for additional ways to engage consumers and pottery enthusiasts. While she’d been teaching pottery classes in her studio for the “clay curious” for years, Bosetti found that since the pandemic, the demand for smaller, more personal classes increased. Couples celebrating their nine-year anniversary (pottery is the traditional gift), families or groups of friends have taken advantage of quiet rainy days to book classes with Bosetti. Students receive a slab of clay that they can mold and shape into plates, bowls and trays that can be embellished with custom stamping tools.

Bosetti hopes that her students tap into

the joy and wonder that she feels making her commissioned works. “All my work is intentionally happy,” she says. “It’s always been centered around celebration.”

Within Bosetti’s studio, sunflowers abound — the summer field at Dix Park is a particular source of inspiration, she says: “The way the sunflowers jut out, they’re just like, HEY! How are you? It’s perfectly Raleigh — it’s so happy.” And it’s no surprise that the joyous sunflower plays such a prominent role in her craft, as the flower embodies the ethos of her business. “Sunflowers create awe in people, which is what I want to create in my work,” says Bosetti. “When people see their purchase in their home, I want them to smile, I want them to breathe, I want to bring them back to now.”

Opposite page: Examples of Bosetti’s cuerda seca style tiles, which is used to create designs and keep different colors of glaze from running. This page: A few more examples of her work.

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THE WHIRL

WALTER’s roundup of gatherings, celebrations, fundraisers and more around Raleigh.

ART BASH

On Nov. 18, Artspace hosted a night to celebrate Nort Carolina artists. The event included private and live collecting opportunities, culinary delights and a show highlighting rural artsts selected by Jeff Bell, executive director of the NC Arts Council. Linda Shropshire Eudy and Liza Roberts were honorary co-chairs of the event and curated the auction.

To have your event considered for The Whirl, submit images and information at waltermagazine.com/submit-photos

Nate Spilker, Jennifer Dominguez, Adam Cohen

JP Jermaine Powell

Sanjé James Lamar Whidbee, Jalen Jackson

Patrons checking out the art upstairs

Patrons arriving at Art Bash

Celebrate the Season

On Dec. 6, WALTER hosted Celebrate the Season at CAM Raleigh to gather local makers and retailers for a festive evening of shopping.

This year’s Celebrate the Season was sponsored by WILDERS with supporting sponsors Opulence of Southern Pines and Green Front Furniture. The RDU Jazz Band played lively tunes and guests relaxed in the Green Front Lounge. Catering Works provided food that featured pasture-raised pork and Wagyu beef from WILDERS, and the beverages were provided by Liberty & Pleny, Blackbird Brewery and Westgate Wine.

The vendors for the evening included 700 Rivers, Addis Jemari, Benevolence Farm, Christina Dickson Home, Cornelia Home, Custom Ink, Designed for Joy, Ella’s Popcorn, Flourish Market, Frills Atelier, Gather Goods Co., Hunky Dory Records, If It’s Paper, Kid Lab, Nazz Ares, NCMA, Nons Salts, Nothing Finer, Oak City Hot Sauce, One and Only Paper, Opulence of Southern Pines, Peppertrain, Pet Wants, Rising Jewelry, Seton McGlennon, Spring & Mulberry, Susan Woodard Watercolors, Sweetgrass Home, The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Unlikely Professionals, Usu Company Candles, WILDERS and Yellow Canoe Studio.

John Hansen

John Hansen

Food by Catering WorksRDU Jazz Band

Jaclyn Smith and Danielle Lantz at WILDERS

Guests enjoying the Green Front Lounge

Custom InkLiberty & Plenty Distillery

Guests at the event

If It’s Paper

Westgate Wine

Opulence of Southern Pines

THE WHIRL

UNITED ARTS COUNCIL BREAKFAST

United Arts Council hosted a breakfast to celebrate Wake County’s cultural community, acknowledge grant recipients, and honor sponsors and elected officials who champion the arts.

Music Lounge | Event Space

A versatile warehouse space 5 minutes from downtown Raleigh. Follow us @whitakerandatlantic to stay connected and visit our website for rental inquiries as well as our in-house event calendar.

of professionals has you covered! Follow us @poshnoshraleigh to stay connected and visit our website to inquire about how we can make your next event spectacular.

Heather Allen Zucchino, Adrienne Kelly Lumpkin, Cherrelyn Napue, Michele Weathers

Melanie Doerner, Debbie Harrison

Wille Horton, April Schweitze

A cappella group Crescenloe from Enloe High School

PoshNosh

THE WHIRL

HAYES BARTON UMC SALE

The Hayes Barton UMC Humble Heart Bazaar has been around for over 70 years, where women come together to raise money through a market, bake sale, luncheon and greenery sale to benefit local nonprofits.

Lynn McLeod, Kara Manooch, Donna Seligson, Carol Hagy, Mary Ellen Jordan, Dawn Cummings, Lisa Coster, Carolyn Beam, Sarah Meredith, Susan Duckworth

Tina Funke, Marsha Smitley, Amy Allen

Kimberly Powers, Autney Nelms, Ashley Seamster, Allison Thompson, Betsy Vance

Lynda Covington, Karen Gupton

THE WHIRL

CELEBRATION

FOR ANNA VALDEZ

In late fall, Marjorie Hodges and Carlton Midyette hosted a dinner party celebrating Los Angeles artist Anna Valdez. Her exhibition The Nature of Things, is now on view at CAM Raleigh, through March 2024. Guests from Los Angeles and the Triangle enjoyed fireside conversations and dinner by John Upsal of SPREAD NC.

YMCA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS FALL FUNDRAISER

The YMCA of the Triangle’s Young Professionals Board hosted its annual Fall Fundraiser Oct. 26. The event was held at R&D Brewing and supported the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. More than 100 guests were in attendance and dinner was served by Gym Tacos and Grandchamp Hospitality. The event raised more than $12,000 for the YMCA of the Triangle.

Skull Collection by Anna Valdez

Marjorie Hodges, Billy Warden, Dane Barnes, Janine Zane, Peder Zane

courtesy Marjorie Hodges

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New Year’s Disillusions

Now here’s something I can really stick to

by JENN BIANCHI illustration by JILLIAN OHL

We all know the drill: “New Year, New Me.” Everyone has been guilty of promising themselves that this year will be different. We’ll work out, we’ll read nonfiction, we’ll finally take that pottery class.

Not me, not this year. I’m 43 and tired of faking excitement for a new year full of undiscovered opportunities. Instead, I’ve decided to welcome the New Year by resolving not to do things, but to not do things.

First and foremost, I’ll start by NOT supporting the arts. Especially local art. Specifically, my son’s band. He’s 12 years old and not that good. Yeah, I said it. His clarinet skills are lacking. How am I expected to sit through another rendition of “When through another rendition of “When the Saints go Marching in” that

sounds like wind passing through a garden hose? I’ll go to his shows, but only to save on future therapy bills. I just need to bring ear plugs because that kid blows.

Secondly, I will NOT be celebrating spring this year. I am so tired of embracing warm weather as the pine pollen brigade rules over the Carolinas. Every year it seems to get worse, which leads me to believe the trees are against us. No amount of eye drops or antihistamines match this blight on the sinuses. So this year, I’m bowing out. No throwing open the windows, no sunny lunches outside, no hikes to see the damn trees leaf out. If you need me, I’ll be in my fortress of aloe Kleenex.

Thirdly, I will NOT be participating in the downtown Sip n’ Stroll.

I just don’t get it. Figuring that out is like trying to interpret the hieroglyphics of an ancient cocktail menu: I know there’s booze involved, but decoding the rules requires a Ph.D. in cryptology. The map juts at odd angles — have I wandered off the grid? And good luck figuring out the bureaucracy of to-go cups and stickers, because every bar is just a little different. (That is, if they decide to participate at all.) And don’t even try to walk that cup across a gate when there’s a festival in town. It’s less of a Sip n’ Stroll and more of a Sip n’ Suck it Up, Buttercup.

So here’s to welcoming the new year as the same old me — I can resolve to do that!

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Your heart. Your choice.