YES! Weekly - January 1, 2025 by YES! Weekly

a/perture Cinema

It looks to be a Happy New Year for a/perture Cinema in downtown Winston-Salem. Things are looking up from September, when its board announced that, without community donations, the Triad’s only dedicated arthouse cinema might be closing its doors on Dec. 31.

3 GIANNO’S opened in 2000. For about 14 years, it has been under the ownership of Dave Nicoletta. His formal training culminated in a degree from the New York Restaurant School and Adelphi University.

4 It seems like just yesterday we were in the January doldrums in terms of new movies, and we’ll be right back there imminently, but there were undoubtedly some TERRIFIC FILMS released — both theatrically and via online platforms and subscription services — that were released the last 12 months.

6 In short, 2024 was all about how we as a society FORGIVE AND FORGET CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR in general, as was evidenced by the success of two dog murderers: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem who Trump has picked to lead Homeland Security; and former NFL star and FOX Sports personality Michael Vick

Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com EDITORIAL Editor CHANEL R. DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com

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3 7 9

who was just hired to lead Norfolk State’s football program.

7 THE FIRE INSIDE has the bonus of being based on a true story, that of twotime Olympic gold medalist Claressa “TRex” Shields, played here with appropriate pluck and determination by Ryan Destiny.

9 Happy 2025, y’all! It’s a bright new year in the NORTH CAROLINA MUSIC WORLD; with the launch of the N.C. Music Office, the opening of new venues, spaces, programs, and fresh takes on returning favorites. Let’s shake off the “Auld Lang Syne” and get into what Triad music lovers can look forward to this year.

12 On Dec. 3, Greensboro City Council passed a REVISED ORDINANCE aimed at preventing homeless people from sitting, resting or sleeping on public sidewalks, and in alleys and entrances. The ordinance does not explicitly reference the unhoused.

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Chow Down with John Batchelor at Gianno’s

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

Gianno’s opened in 2000. For about 14 years, it has been under the ownership of Dave Nicoletta. His formal training culminated in a degree from the New York Restaurant School and Adelphi University. He started out on the front lines, as a dishwasher, over 30 years ago. As the president of G4 Hospitality Group, he provides consulting services to other restaurants, in addition to leading his own.

The restaurant’s website indicates that this is the first “Certified Autism Destination” on the East Coast. I am not sure what that certification entails, but as a former teacher and administrator with training in special education, I support any such e ort. Here, here!

On one visit, my wife and I were seated in the bar area, where on that occasion, the bartender was also handling food orders at surrounding tables, which I think created an undue burden. That bar generates a lot of activity and requires quite a bit of attention. Hence, we experienced some lags in pacing between courses, although he handled the situation well, under the circumstances.

Enjoyment of the bartender’s creations, however, provided just compensation. Ol’ Blue Eyes — a martini variation — is aptly named, its nomenclature reﬂected in Sinatra’s music in the background. The wine list ranges internationally, with Italy, of course, well-represented, most selections focused on value as well as quality. This is a place where selections are easy to enjoy without feeling uneasy about the price paid.

We ordered Fried Onion Rings on that evening. They are thinly sliced and handbreaded, ﬂash-fried, and served with

a sharpish Cajun rémoulade. Make no mistake. They are great, certainly among the best I have had.

The menu describes Spanakopita as “Mama’s recipe,” and our serving supported the claim of a personal, original preparation. It follows the traditional structure of spinach and feta cheese in layers of phyllo pastry, but the seasoning is just di erent enough to make it distinguished, in a large portion that easily served our party of four.

Entrées include a House Salad, with mixed lettuces, peeled cucumber, sliced red onion, or traditional Caesar Salad, based on Romaine lettuce, croutons, and shredded Parmesan cheese. For the former, the ranch dressing is pleasantly mellow. Soups are a welcome alternative accompaniment on these chilly evenings. Gianno’s Tomato-Basil is rich, creamy, and smooth, quite ﬂavorful, with low acidity.

According to the menu, most of the chicken entrées are grilled, but our server advised that the kitchen will cook chicken any way the customer wants it.

My wife ordered Chicken Ravioli, where sauteed breast meat is joined by cheese ravioli, tomatoes, and spinach bathed in an Italian cream sauce. It’s really tasty. An o -menu special, Chicken Rolatini, was more complex — an assembly of Parmesan and herb-crusted breast, plus a layer of fried eggplant, layered with Boursin cheese, plated over fettuccine, with a Roma tomato and vodka cream sauce with basil, and baby arugula, all topped with strips of fried prosciutto. That’s about 3-4 traditional Italian dishes all on one plate, any of which would have earned praise.

Eggplant Parmigiana covers lightly breaded fresh eggplant, fried, with house-made marinara sauce, all baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses,

scattered with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This is served over a choice of pasta. It’s a highly ﬂavorful alternative to meats that makes you feel like you are eating (and enjoying) meat.

If you want meat, veal is a good choice here, with several alternatives. I tried Veal Piccata, which provides three slices of veal, lightly browned, plus mushrooms, tomatoes, and capers, in classic white wine and lemon butter sauce. The piccata treatment is also available with salmon and chicken. This is served over linguine, which soaks up the sauce, extending ﬂavor.

Another lengthy section of the menu allows you to assemble your own pasta entrée from meats, seafoods, types of pasta, and various sauces.

From the menu pasta selections, my wife ordered Penne al Greco, a mix of shrimp and sausage in penne pasta bathed in cream sauce. The shrimp are large and tender, not overcooked (which is hard to do in a combination like this — kudos to the kitchen). Tasted separately, the shrimp ﬂavor comes through clearly. The sausage, however, is the champion, in combination with the cream sauce, one of the most enjoyable pasta dishes I have had in a long time.

We rounded out our entrée selections with a seafood, Pecan Crusted Trout. The kitchen cooks this in stages, ﬁrst sauteing, then baking. My serving came out very crisp — the pecans crusty-brown, but the ﬁsh itself was tender and moist, lightly enhanced with butter and lemon. A good rendition of a popular dish. This comes with asparagus, a classic pairing. The baking is done in a stone oven, which is especially e ective for pizza. I missed a pizza on these trips, but I will make that up in the future, when I return.

The chef is Alberto Alvarado. He has been cooking in Gianno’s kitchen since

the restaurant opened 24 years ago. Lynn Nguyen and Emily McDonald are the managers. Lynn started as a server at Gianno’s and worked her way up to manager. Emily was general manager of Giada’s in Kernersville (which I really liked!), also owned by Dave Nicoleta, before moving over to High Point to help lead Gianno’s. Casey Earnhardt is catering director; she has worked for Gianno’s for 12 years. She handles all osite events with assistance from Devon Murden, Mobile (Food Truck and Pizza Trailer) catering manager.

I am looking forward to a visit to one of those mobile units. Meanwhile, returning to Gianno’s is certainly on the horizon. !

JOHN BATCHELOR has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/ cookbooks: Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast, and Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina. Contact him at john.e.batchelor@gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot.com.

WANNA go?

Gianno’s 1124 Eastchester Drive High Point 27265 (336) 885-0762 giannoshp.com

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 3-10 p.m. Saturday.

Appetizers: $9-$18

Salads: $10-$16

Soups: $5-$6

Pizza: $12-18

Sandwiches: $17

Entrees: $12-$42

Desserts: $6.99

Most recent visit: December 18

Caesar Salad Chicken Ravioli

Spanakopita

Chicken Rolatini

Burger’s Best: The Top 10 Films of 2024

It seems like just yesterday we were in the January doldrums in terms of new movies, and we’ll be right back there imminently, but there were undoubtedly some terriﬁc ﬁlms released — both theatrically and via online platforms and subscription services — that were released the last 12 months. This critic can’t say he’s seen everything — which would be impossible — but I saw enough to compile a 10-best list, although I opted not to do a 10-worst list. Does anybody really want to spend so much as a second recalling Madame Web or Boy Kills World or Lisa Frankenstein? I didn’t think so.

[1. Heretic. The Quiet Place duo of writer/producer/co-director Scott Beck and Bryan Woods reach new heights of horror with this scintillating shocker in which Hugh Grant (in a knockout turn) invites Mormon missionaries Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East into his home for a discourse on faith that becomes an intricate — and lethal — game of catand-mouse. It’s this generation’s equivalent to the 1973 classic The Wicker Man. [2. Conclave. Director Edward Berger’s exceptional adaptation of the best-selling 2016 novel by Robert Harris details the inner workings of the Vatican during a papal conclave to select the next Pope in compelling fashion, featuring a peerless ensemble cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.

[3. Rebel Ridge. Aaron Pierre’s ﬁerce, proud turn as a former Marine who clashes with a corrupt police force (headed by a dynamic Don Johnson) dominates writer/producer/editor/director Jeremy Saulnier’s ﬁrst-rate thriller, which also

explores racial proﬁling within its action framework. It’s crackerjack entertainment with surprising resonance.

[4. Woman of the Hour. Actress Anna Kendrick makes an auspicious directorial debut with this fact-based true-crime thriller in which she portrays an aspiring actress who agrees to appear on TV’s The Dating Game, unaware that one of the eligible bachelors participating is serial killer Rodney Alcala (played unforgettably by Daniel Zovatto). Not only is it suspenseful, but it also takes a satirical look at sexism in the 1970s and how things haven’t necessarily changed in the interim.

[5. Civil War. Writer/director Alex Garland’s speculative action thriller depicts a nation — this one, as a matter of fact— in the throes of civil war, as seen through the eyes of intrepid journalists (including Kirsten Dunst and UNCSA School of Drama alumnus Stephen McKinley Henderson). Rarely has a ﬁlm captured the contemporary zeitgeist as this one does, and in such exciting fashion.

[6. The Order. Justin Kurzel produced

and directed this compelling adaptation of Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt’s bestselling 1989 non-fiction book “The Silent Brotherhood,” which follows FBI agent Jude Law’s pursuit of Nicholas Hoult, who heads the titular splinter group of the Aryan Nations in the late 1980s. As the hard-bitten opponents, Law and Hoult o er a fascinating study of contrasts, and Tye Sheridan (who seems to have been overlooked) lends first-rate support as a small-town cop who aids Law’s investigation. This is yet another film that remains relevant decades after the events it depicts, as the topic of domestic terrorism has only loomed larger in the intervening years.

[7. Lee. A labor of love for producer/ star Kate Winslet — in yet another superlative turn — this also marks the directorial debut of noted cinematographer Ellen Kuras, and follows Lee Miller, a fashion photographer for Vogue who took it upon herself to cover the horrors of World War II as a photo correspondent, thus proving her bravery and heroism but also exposing her to atrocities she would spend the rest of her life ruminating upon.

initial reluctance — by the great Richard Roundtree (in his ﬁnal feature) as the old friend whose scooter she (ahem) appropriates for her crosstown journey.

[9. Small Things Like These. Having won last year’s Oscar for Best Actor in Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy may well be in the running again for his quietly sensitive performance as a hard-working Irish coal merchant who comes to the realization that the local convent (overseen by the marvelously imperious Emily Watson) has some dark and dire secrets it keeps hidden from the townspeople. Adapted from Claire Keegan’s 2021 novel, it’s a quietly heartbreaking drama that eschews easy sentimentality or, for that matter, simple answers for the questions it raises.

[8. Thelma. Yet another ﬁrst-time director, Josh Margolin, scored in 2024 with this warm-hearted yet irreverent comedy that o ers venerable leading lady June Squibb the role of a lifetime, that of a plucky 93-year-old widow who is scammed by a bogus phone call and spends the rest of the ﬁlm in a singleminded quest to retrieve the money she lost, aided and abetted — albeit with

[10. Emilia Perez. Writer/producer/ director Jacques Audiard’s adaptation of his own libretto, loosely based on Boris Razon’s 2018 novel “Étoute,” stars Karla Soﬁa Gascon as the sadistic leader of a Mexican crime cartel with a (very) unique notion of how to erase his past and begin a new life, only to have second thoughts years later … which will have severe consequences for all concerned. A stylish meditation on gender and identity that sometimes lapses into self-indulgence, although it can be safely said that there’s never really been a movie like it before. By the way, it’s also a musical (!). !

Mark Burger

Contributor

The Yadkin Arts Council presents Dom Flemons at the 9th Annual Sounds of the Mountains Concert Series

Graphics Designer and Social Media Manager College of Visual and Performing Arts

For the Ninth year, the Yadkin Arts Council and Blue Ridge Music Center partner to present the Sounds of the Mountains Concert Series. This year’s series will kick off with Americana roots musician Dom Flemons on Saturday, Jan. 11 on the Willingham Theater stage at Yadkin Cultural Arts Center in Yadkinville.

Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music, but now with his recently released solo album, Traveling Wildfire, his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Grammy nominated and International Acoustic Music Award winning Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness.

lector, podcaster, and the creator, host, and producer of the “American Songster Radio Show” on WSM in Nashville, Tenn. He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones. He is the co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Founder of American Songster Productions.

2025 SERIES LINEUP:

Sounds of the Mountains is part of the Blue Ridge Music Center’s “On the Road” series of concerts and events hosted throughout the year in partnership with regional arts and cultural organizations at the partners locations or virtually.

MEET DR. DOM FLEMONS

Dr. Dom Flemons “The American Songster” received an Honorary Doctorate from Northern Arizona University and he’s a Grammy award winner with four Grammy nominations, two-time Emmy nominee, International Acoustic Music Award Grand Prize Winner, and was a United States Artists Fellow. He is a musician based in the Chicago area and he is famously known as “The American Songster ®” since his repertoire covers over one hundred years of American roots music; including country, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and the blues. Flemons is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, narrator, host, slam poet, record col-

Dom Flemons , Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ( www.theamericansongster.com )

Sister Sadie , Jan. 18 at 7:30 p.m. ( www.sistersadieband.com)

Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers (with The Wilder Flower), Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. (www.colbyhelms.com) !

THE YADKIN ARTS COUNCIL , a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, has a mission to transform the lives in our community through the arts by offering opportunities to encounter, create. We believe art is transformational. Arts open minds, frees imagination, and helps people see the world from different perspectives.

WANNA go?

Sounds of the Mountains Series in partnership with the Blue Ridge Music Center presents Dom Flemons, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Tickets can be purchased at www.yadkinarts.org or at the box o ce from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. This event will be held at the Willingham Theater, located in the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, 226 E. Main St., Yadkinville.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro seeks a Graphics Design and Social Media Manager. This position also assists the Director of External Relations with additional projects.

Responsibilities: Graphic design work for the University Concert and Lecture Series. Coordinate social media for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. And graphic design work for recruitment, Greensboro Project Space and Community Engagement materials and other items as needed.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in art, business, arts administration, hospitality, or related field, and two years’ experience in events management, or commensurate combination of experience and training to include graphic design. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps, and Adobe design programs such as Indesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Applicants are required to submit a resume/ CV, cover letter and a list of three references to include name, email address and telephone number. Application deadline is January 13, 2025.

To apply for this position, please visit our website at: https://spartantalent.uncg.edu/postings/30857

AA/EOE: UNCG is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please email us at askeeo@ uncg.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is

Dom Flemons

2024 will most be remembered for the political comeback of Donald Trump, facilitated by the votes of 77 million Americans who forgot that his insurrection killed several police officers and injured hundreds more. They also forgot about his 32 felony convictions. In short, 2024 was all about how we as a society forgive and forget criminal behavior in general, as was evidenced by the success of two dog murderers: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem who Trump has picked to lead Homeland Security; and former NFL star and FOX Sports personality Michael Vick who was just hired to lead Norfolk State’s football program.

The sad part is that instead of being rewarded with important new jobs, Vick should just now be getting out of prison and Noem should just now be going in . Let’s begin with Governor Noem.

52-year-old Kristi Noem was born in Watertown, South Dakota, and graduated from Northern State University with a degree in political science. She was elected to the South Dakota legislature in 2007, served in Congress for eight years, then was elected as the state’s first female governor in 2018, and reelected in 2022. Noem came to national prominence in 2024 as a potential running mate for Trump and looked like the front-runner for that post until the media latched onto some disturbing excerpts from her newly released memoir, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.”

In an effort to show her toughness under fire, Noem bragged about having shot her 14-month-old pet dog Cricket because the canine was “untrainable”

when it came to hunting pheasant. Cricket’s crime was that she chased the birds and went “out of her mind with excitement, having the time of her life.” Having raised dozens of dogs over the years, I can tell you that puppies get excited and distracted, but I’ve never once punished or killed a dog for being disobedient. Of course, Kristi’s abuse of animals didn’t end with the murder of Cricket. The governor also admitted to executing a goat for being “nasty and mean” and smelling bad.

Public reaction to Noem’s behavior was overwhelmingly negative, thus killing her chances of serving as vice president. Yet Noem remained fiercely loyal to Trump and stumped for him at every opportunity. That loyalty was rewarded late last year when the presidentelect tapped her to be his secretary of Homeland Security. With Republicans controlling both houses of Congress, her confirmation is a lock, meaning that a woman who brags about murdering innocent animals will soon be in charge of keeping us safe from folks who murder innocent people.

Noem was never charged with animal abuse, which in some states carries a 5-year prison sentence for each offense. The fact is that people who abuse, torture, and kill pets rarely get what’s coming to them, and that brings me to Michael Vick.

Vick was born in Newport News, Virginia and lived in a crime-infested area of the port city. Michael gravitated to football as an escape from the projects, and distinguished himself on the field, earning him a full scholarship to Virginia Tech in 1999. That year he led the NCAA in passing efficiency and the following season Michael was named MVP of the Gator Bowl. Not surprisingly the NFL came calling and Vick left Virginia Tech after his sophomore year to sign a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

As he was in college, Michael was an electrifying player in the NFL, earning millions of fans, millions of dollars, and collecting an entourage that engaged in all sorts of illegal behavior. In 2007, it was discovered that Vick owned and operated an illegal dog-fighting facility on land that he owned in Surry County, Virginia. That summer Michael was indicted on federal charges which included financing an interstate dog fighting operation and the gruesome execution of scores of dogs. Vick later

admitted to personally hanging and drowning eight of the dogs himself after torturing them with brutal beatings.

The Feds were prepared to send Vick to prison for five years, but, as many animal murderers do, Michael cut a plea deal in which he only had to serve 23 months. It was a slap on the wrist for a man who should have been slapped with substantial prison time for each murder. He began his sentence in 2007 and was released in 2009.

Rather than exit Leavenworth as a social pariah, Vick returned to the NFL where fans treated him like a conquering hero and bought his jersey in record numbers. He played out his pro career with the Eagles, Jets, and Steelers, then was picked up by FOX Sports as a football analyst. Late last month he left FOX to become the head coach at Norfolk State University, despite the fact that he has no coaching experience, is a college dropout and has a prison record to boot. Nevertheless, he was welcomed with open arms by NSU Athletic Director Dr. Melody Webb, who obviously thinks that a dog murderer is a good role model for young men.

And Webb isn’t alone. Following the NSU announcement, social media blew up with overwhelming support for dog killer Mike.

“ You rock !” wrote thanof1045.

“He rose from the ashes and became a man that I admire,” said swiftcurrent 326 . “He was shafted,” wrote kerrytodd3753.

“He’ll have the DAWGS fighting for their life,” said virginiabrinkman9106.

“Michael Vick did NOTHING wrong,” wrote iamthemanmiddleagednerd 1053. Obviously, there are those who believe that criminals can be rehabilitated, and some can. But an adult who tortures and murders animals doesn’t deserve to be an employee of the largest HBCU in Virginia, just as a Governor who executes her own pets doesn’t deserve to oversee our Homeland Security. But hey, we Americans love to forgive and forget all sorts of criminal behavior, so bring on the Norfolk State jerseys and the MAGA caps. !

JIM LONGWORTH is the host of Triad Today, airing on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on ABC45 (cable channel 7) and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WMYV (cable channel 15) and streaming on WFMY+.

Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry bring the heat in The Fire Inside

Mark Burger

Contributor

There have been movies about female boxers before, including Girlfight (2000), which launched Michelle Rodriguez’s career; The Opponent (also 2000), which features arguably Erika Eleniak’s best performance; and, of course, Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby (2004). But The Fire Inside has the bonus of being based on a true story, that of two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, played here with appropriate pluck and determination by Ryan Destiny.

Claressa, who is nicknamed “T-Rex” for her short reach and usually called “Ressa” by her friends and family, picked up her first gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London at the tender age of 17. Yet even that momentous feat, and the hard work leading up to it, led to some disappointments and soul-searching in the aftermath, as hoped-for endorsement deals didn’t materialize and she found herself back in her hometown of Flint, MI, an acknowledged celebrity but still scrambling to pay her bills.

The film, inspired by the 2015 documentary T-Rex: Her Fight for Good , marks the feature directorial debut of noted cinematographer Rachel Morrison, who became the first woman to earn an Oscar nomination for cinematography for 2017’s Mudbound , and was written by producer Barry Jenkins, who won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for Moonlight (2016). Shields herself is also one of the film’s executive producers, which undoubtedly lends it a bit more credibility.

The principal attributes are the location filming in Flint, which adds a layer of authenticity to the proceedings, and particularly the leading performances. Destiny, in only her third feature film,

doesn’t so much play Ressa as inhabit the character. It may not quite be a star-making role, but it’s undoubtedly a career-boosting one. Brian Tyree Henry, as her faithful coach (and surrogate father) Jason Crutchfield, is first-rate, which isn’t altogether surprising. In only a few short years, Henry has emerged as a reliable and versatile actor, both in leading and supporting roles. All by themselves, they make The Fire Inside worthwhile. Unfortunately, the other characters are only sketchily developed. Yes, The Fire Inside is a formula film, a quintessential underdog story replete with requisite training montages and hard-hitting fight sequences, but although it may follow a familiar trajectory, it sidesteps obvious melodrama and sappy sentiment. It’s well paced, well played, and engrossing throughout. Not a classic, perhaps, but certainly respectable and, at its best, inspiring. !

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National headlining comedians Karen Mills and Karen Morgan join together to bring you an evening of comedy ﬁlled with much needed laughter and zero toxic behavior. They are funny (not fractious), intelligent (not ignorant), and affable (not angry). They both bring a different hilarious point of view to this clever and clean comedy show. The Karens is a great date night or fun night out with friends!

Happy 2025, y’all! It’s a bright new year in the North Carolina music world; with the launch of the N.C. Music O ce, the opening of new venues, spaces, programs, and fresh takes on returning favorites. Let’s shake o the “Auld Lang Syne” and get into what Triad music lovers can look forward to this year.

First o , around the state, the new NCMO is shaping up, in tandem with the launch of a new N.C. music series, “Shaped By Sound,” premiering in 2025 on PBS North Carolina.

“With Shaped by Sound, PBS North Carolina puts a much-deserved spotlight on North Carolina’s thriving music scene,” said Laura Kieler, PBS North Carolina’s chief content and marketing o cer. “We’re thrilled to bring a spectacular musical lineup to audiences across the state.”

Each episode will feature a live performance from a particular musical group, pulling from a diverse roster of N.C. artists like Fancy Gap, Sluice, Mipso, Town Mountain, Reuben Vincent, Blue Footed Boobies, Shirlette Ammons, Superchunk, Alice Gerrard, Blue Cactus, Nnenna Freelon, Iron & Wine, and Sonny Miles.

“I can’t think of a better way to promote and amplify the unique sounds of North Carolina musicians than this exciting new series from PBS North Carolina,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “The N.C. Music O ce is dedicated to celebrating our state’s rich musical heritage, and we’re thrilled to be sponsoring this groundbreaking series.”

O cially established by Governor Roy Cooper in 2024, the NCMO is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is “dedicated to promoting and celebrating North Carolina’s music, musicians, and music industry.” And “will coordinate a wide range of music-based programming and investments across the state, enhance economic development driven by creative economies, and increase awareness of North Carolina’s vibrant music heritage, culture, and education.”

As something of an expansion of the Come Hear N.C. initiative (which now oversees the program), the NCMO is currently

Bright New Year

on a mission to collect as much information about North Carolina music as possible. “We would love to get to know you,” they said, announcing a survey geared toward the state’s music ecosystem. “As we work diligently to support music across North Carolina, from artists to fans, venues to agents, labels, and production, we want to begin by gathering information on those we serve.”

The survey can be found on the NCMO website, along with more information about the o ce; as well as beneﬁt programs and concerts for Hurricane Helene recovery and the “Music Friendly Communities” program which ”aims to help North Carolina communities leverage their musicrelated assets for continued economic expansion.”

In Greensboro live music news, two venues are slated to open on Elm Street in 2025: the Back Table (816 S. Elm) and the Pyrle Theater (in the former Triad Stage space at 232 S. Elm). The Back Table owners, Josh Tovey and Galen Foresman, are putting the ﬁnishing touches on the cafevenue-third space hybrid, located in the old North State Milling Company building adjacent to the Continental Club. The cafe will serve Joe Van Gogh co ee; the outdoor silos will serve as gazebos (with wild acoustics); and the space itself will serve the community across an array of performing and creative arts.

Closer to the city center, renovations are underway for the Pyrle Theatre; with Downtown Greensboro, Inc. recently sharing the goal for the space to become a “top-tier music venue in the heart of downtown Greensboro.” The group of investors, Pyrle Partners, LLC (which lists Arthur Samet and Will Stewart as agents), has been keeping most information close to the vest since purchasing the property in late-2023. DGI’s

latest statement sheds some light on their places, with the intended capacity being increased from 300 to 800.

Out in Summerﬁeld, Crimson Moon Records is gearing up to rise as a recording studio and rehearsal space. Headed by a husband-and-wife team of Ryan and Jayme Chabon, the couple has been renovating the former Calvary Baptist Church into an audio sanctuary “dedicated to bringing your music to life.” They’re currently open to bookings as a rehearsal space; with hourly appointments that include vocal mics, a headphone monitoring system, and a drum set with cymbals. They’ll soon launch the recording end of the operation — complete with a space for lesions and with an ear for more than music; including other elements of audio production for things like podcasts or audiobooks.

In Winston-Salem, the folks at Fair Witness Fancy Drinks have been doing some construction of their own — building out the adjacent rooms into an intimate venue space and a growing concert calendar. They rounded out 2024 with a Monday evening Sam Fribush residency that could be poised to continue. They’re also starting the year o with Cakes oV Light and Kill the Buddha on Jan. 3; and a hip-hop night hosted by Emceein’ Eye and OG Spli , with special guests G-$ANTANA and Katie.Blvd on Jan. 11.

Getting cinematic, a/perture will continue into 2025 with new executive director Leigh Dyer. And the Traid’s latest mystery-celebrity resident, Dee Snider, has announced his ﬁlm production company, Deﬁant Artists, will be located in N.C.; with plans to start projects in 2025. Snider is remaining otherwise mysterious with information, though reports from his appearance at the opening of Dark Horse Studios hinted Greensboro as the choice destination.

Meanwhile, in Asheboro, the Mightier Than the Sword Awards and ﬁlm festival returns for its second year to the Sunset Theatre, Jan. 8-11. With a spotlight on N.C. productions, the festival will also showcase “documentaries, music videos, shorts, and late-night horror content and urban comedy from all over the world.” Along with Q&A panels, receptions, and award presentations for ﬁlm, music, photography, journalism, and activism throughout the event.

GSOngfest is also making a fresh return, now in its third year, the songwriting festival and fundraiser for the Out of the Garden Project will feature more than 40 songwriters from around the state; all performing their original works at Oden Brewing on Jan. 25.

And in the something old, something new realm, best wishes to Ben Roberts (of BloodRitual and Acme Comics Downtown) and Hanna Maxey, who are gettin’ hitched this New Year’s Day.

A new year. A new day. Twenty-freakintwenty-ﬁve. Here’s to the best year, ever, dear Triad! !

KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.

Katei Cranford

Contributor

A Ray of Light for a/perture Cinema

Ian McDowell

Contributor

It looks to be a Happy New Year for a/perture Cinema in downtown WinstonSalem. Things are looking up from September, when its board announced that, without community donations, the Triad’s only dedicated arthouse cinema might be closing its doors on Dec. 31.

But those donations materialized, with supporters pitching in $15,000 the first day after the financial emergency was announced, and now the nonprofit has met the $100,000 goal necessary to continue operations in 2025.

“The community really stepped up,” said new Executive Director Leigh Dyer, whose previous experience with visual arts nonproﬁts includes serving as the executive director of the GreenHill Center for NC Arts in Greensboro and as the director of public relations and publications for the Mint Museum in Charlotte. This marks something of a homecoming for Dyer.

“My ﬁrst job after graduating from Duke (go Blue Devils!) was at the WinstonSalem Journal in the 1990s. I lived here for three and a half years, unfortunately well before the revitalization of downtown Winston-Salem, and I remember there was nowhere nearby to walk for lunch

from our newsroom! Times have changed quite a bit!”

After two years with Winston’s daily paper, Dyer spent 15 with the Charlotte Observer, as a reporter, newsroom editor, columnist, and blogger, as well as commenter for WCNC TV.

“After I left journalism, I switched to nonprofit arts institutions, first the Mint Museum and then GreenHill. My first love among the visual arts has always been film. I started attending the Sundance Film Festival in the early 2000s, doing freelance writing about the films to pay my way there. I wrote for publications ranging from The Charlotte Observer to People magazine to The Wall Street Journal. In particular, I always seemed to write about the filmmakers who came through UNC School of the Arts, such as David Gordon Green and Craig Zobel. So, when the opening at a/perture came along, it was a dream opportunity to stay in nonprofits and support my favorite art form!”

The cozy theater, with 4.5 screens and 252 seats, opened at 311 W. 4th St. in January 2010 and became a 501c3 nonproﬁt in 2017. Due to Governor Cooper’s COVID lockdown, it closed in March 2020, and did not reopen until May 2021. As with hundreds of cinemas across the country, whether multiplex or arthouse, ticket sales never rose to pre-pandemic levels.

According to annual reports, total earnings for 2023 were $826,232, with 61% of that coming from ticket sales, concessions, and other earned revenue, and 39% from charitable contributions. Its 2023

Cinemas are the places where ﬁlmmakers make their ﬁlms to be seen in a communal space. That experience is not one you’re going to get at home.”

The a/perture board announced it accepted Desai’s resignation “with a mixture of sadness and gratitude.”

expenses were $755,971, 82% of which were programming costs.

Lawren Desai, who founded the a/ perture in 2010, voluntarily resigned as curator and executive director on Sept. 16. As reported by WFDD, Desai said the cinema “hasn’t received the support that venues in other cities of similar size have enjoyed.”

“Though I’m, of course, very sad and heartbroken and all sorts of emotions about stepping away from a/perture, I’m doing so with a sense of optimism and hope,” she told the radio station in September. “I don’t really think you could call it the ‘City of Arts’ if you don’t have ﬁlm.

“Lawren has worked tirelessly for 17 years to establish and operate the only dedicated year-round art house cinema in the Piedmont Triad. Her dedication and e orts are truly astonishing. a/perture has been a cornerstone of our local arts scene, providing a vibrant space for artistic expression, community gatherings, and the appreciation of diverse cinematic experiences since opening in 2010. The decision to leave was Lawren’s, and we extend our utmost appreciation to her. She will remain in her role until the end of the year and help transition her responsibilities to current sta and interim leadership during that time.”

On Dec. 4, the board announced the hiring of Dyer, stating that she “brings over a decade of experience in nonproﬁt management roles, and will take over operational, ﬁnancial, and strategic planning to ensure the cinema’s growth and community impact.”

YES! Weekly asked Dyer about plans for 2025.

“Obviously we’ve shared with everyone the great news that after some uncertainty last fall, a/perture does not need to close its doors in 2025. The community stepped up and supported us in our time of critical need. The fundraising threshold of $100,000 was a minimum amount to

a/perture Executive Director

Leigh Dyer

ensure we could stay open. It does not ensure our ongoing operations. So, yes, we did meet that crisis threshold, but we did not yet meet our goal of long-term sustainability, and we are going to keep asking our community to support us until we feel closer to meeting that goal.”

Dyer said that the current fundraising campaign will continue through Dec. 31.

“When I looked at the calendar I realized that it would be perfect timing to calculate our results in time for our 15th anniversary, which is Jan. 8. There is a delay in some donations such as grant applications and mailed checks, so we needed to give it a few days into the New Year for final results. You can look for some news from us on Jan. 8 announcing some further plans around fundraising and ways to support us. I’ll go ahead and share that one of those forms of support will be through a major fundraising event in March 2025. You’ve seen a/perture conduct annual galas around the time of the Oscars each spring, so we’ll definitely want to keep up that tradition. Keep an eye on our website for an announcement of event details and ticket sales — I promise this will be a fun event for any film bu and we hope to incorporate some special and fun new touches to the event.”

One way that Dyer plans to celebrate a/ perture’s 15th anniversary is by screening some of the most popular ﬁlms that have played at the cinema over the past decade and a half.

“We plan to show 15 films over the next 12 months that hold a sentimental place in our fans’ hearts. Look for some more information from our curator on how those films will be selected. But we know for sure that the first one will be An Education, starring Carey Mulligan and Peter

Sarsgaard, screening on Jan. 8. It was one of the first films that screened in 2010 when we opened, so we’re really looking forward to bringing it back! We are still working on securing sponsorships for this and other film series in 2025, so we hope to announce more exciting details soon!”

These special retrospective screenings do not mean that a/perture has abandoned its core mission of showing new arthouse fare. Current o erings include Robert Eggers’ reimagining of the silent classic Nosferatu, with Bill Skarsgård as the voracious vampire and Lily-Rose Depp as the cadaverous fiend’s intended victim; James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, with Timothée Chalamet as the young Bob Dylan preparing to make the transition from folk music to rock; Rachel Morrison’s The Fire Inside, with Ryan Destiny as Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing; and Halina Reijn‘s Babygirl, an erotic thriller with Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas, that has been generating awards buzz at various international film festivals. And to celebrate the release of Pedro Almodóvar’s Venice film festival winner The Room Next Door (opening Jan. 17), a/perture will host retrospective screenings of two of the Spanish master’s most popular films, Volver and All About My Mother, both starring Penelope Cruz. !

IAN MCDOWELL is an award-winning author and journalist whose book I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions.

New ordinance bans sitting and sleeping on sidewalks and in alleys

On Dec. 3, Greensboro City Council passed a revised ordinance aimed at preventing homeless people from sitting, resting or sleeping on public sidewalks, and in alleys and entrances.

The ordinance does not explicitly reference the unhoused. The agenda described its purpose as “to allow City employees to deter the citizen behaviors that are causing the damage, debris, and waste to our public assets and public property,” but council members acknowledged that the citizens whose “behaviors” the ordinance is intended to “deter” are unsheltered, whose numbers have greatly increased during the ongoing nationwide housing crisis, and whom some business owners describe as impeding foot traffic and alarming customers.

Despite recent media reports and claims by city officials to the contrary, nothing in the revisions addresses public defecation or urination. Both were already listed as class 3 misdemeanors in Sec. 18-45, last revised 7-19-22, and are punishable by a $50 fine, as are the new prohibitions against sitting and sleeping. The new amendments to Chapter 18, Section 44 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances prohibit:

“Sitting or lying down upon a public street or highway, public sidewalk, public passageway, or entrance or exit to a building, or sitting or lying down upon a blanket, chair, stool or any other object placed upon a public street or highway, public sidewalk, public passageway, or entrance or exit to a building between the hours of 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday and between the hours of 7:00 am to 12:00 am Friday and Saturday.”

Other revisions include “It shall be unlawful to sleep on public street or highway, public sidewalks, public passageway, or entrance or exit to a building” and “It shall be unlawful to camp on any public street or highway, public sidewalk, public passageway, or entrance or exit to a building,” with the latter defining a camp as “any place where bedding, sleeping

essary,” said Hightower. “I think it’s all in either de-escalation or making sure how you communicate and doing it respectfully. These people are sometimes not in the best situation, but some things are concerning, because going to the bathroom on the sidewalk is absolutely disgusting.”

“We’re going to firm up some of the boundaries around the behaviors that we’re going to allow,” said Harrell. “But obviously at the same time, these folks are not in the greatest situation and that message needs to be delivered, along with here’s the resources that we have that can help you.”

bags, or other material used for bedding purposes, or any stove or fire is placed for the purpose of maintaining a temporary place to live.”

“The reason we are doing this,” said Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Andrea Harrell, is “increasing complaints from citizens about people sitting or lying across the sidewalk” and “sleeping in public places.” Harrell also cited “some of the things our last speaker mentioned about defecation.” She said there would be “a public education period,” after which anyone violating the ordinance will be charged with a class 3 misdemeanor.

The speaker Harrell referenced was Chris Waldeck, a former downtown resident and current member of the board of the city-funded private nonprofit Downtown Greensboro Inc. (DGI). Waldeck spoke of “the recent escalation in violence, harassing behavior, property destruction, public urination, and defecation” that he described as “threatening the quality of life for all of our citizens, our downtown businesses, and ultimately the reputation of our city.”

Developer Andy Zimmerman, a former DGI board chair and current board member, also spoke in favor of the ordinance, and asked which council member or city employee had proposed it.

“I did,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughan. “I thank you for this,” replied Zimmerman, who described City Manager Trey Davis as attending recent DGI board meetings on the subject.

At-Large Representative Marikay Abuzuaiter asked if the “public education” of homeless people by city employees “will be done with compassion and with making sure the person has someplace to go sleep or to at least be able to be offered some resources to find?”

“That’s correct,” said Harrell. “We’ve worked with our communications department, so we’ve created sort of a flyer for citizens, that if they’re looking to help people, they can say, hey, here’s where the winter emergency shelters are. We’re also creating more of a postcard that has a little less information, more around warming centers and immediate resources, that we can provide to those who are actually experiencing homelessness.”

“Who’s going to be doing this educating?” asked District 1’s Sharon Hightower.

“All of our downtown staff,” said Harrell, including “any law-enforcement, any allied security officer, any downtown ambassador, any park staff.”

“I don’t want to see it escalate into a situation that will probably not be nec-

At-Large Representative Hugh Holston asked Harrell “Is there any opportunity to provide additional facilities that can assist those persons who are unhoused and have to use the restroom?”

“Yes,” said Harrell. “Today, we installed a new accessible Porta-John under the bridge over here by Spring Garden. And another one is being delivered tomorrow that will be at South Elm and Gate City.” Holston asked if these would be regularly cleaned and serviced. Harrell said they would be.

Public records of city council emails show some of the behind-the-scenes discussions that led to the ordinance.

On Oct. 7, Vaughan emailed District 3 Representative Zack Matheny, City Attorney Chuck Watts, and Police Chief John Thompson “some sample Loitering Ordinances,” stating “I don’t think we have to reinvent the wheel, but we do have to address this growing problem.”

On Nov. 21, Matheny sent an email to Watts, Vaughan, Davis, Harrell, and Thompson, asking for a meeting “to discuss ordinances and enforcement.” Matheny cited the corner of Washington and Elm Streets as being “in really bad shape” and stated “lawlessness has reached unprecedented heights.”

“It would be good to have an understanding of what was passed a few years ago, what other ordinances are on the books. In addition, what support GPD needs and education the officers should enforce.”

Twelve days later, the ordinance passed unanimously. !

Ian McDowell

Contributor

Nancy Vaughan

Andrea Harrell

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PICKIN’ IN THE PARK GREENSBORO BALLET

[SALOME’S STARS]

Week of January 6, 2025

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The New Year brings challenges that can change many things in your life. You need to be prepared not only to confront them but also to deal with what happens afterward.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You have what it takes to set your goals quite a bit higher this year. Learn what you need to know and put what you learn into your e orts. A partner o ers loving support.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) In true Gemini Twin fashion, you’re conﬂicted about a decision you know you’ll have to make in this New Year. Best advice: Get the facts before you make any commitment.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A friend o ers you an exciting opportunity for this New Year. Although your positive aspects are strong in most respects, caution is advised. Investigate before you invest.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) You can make this New Year a roaring success! Start by readjusting your goals to reﬂect the changes in the economy. Your denmate o ers both wise and loving support.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The New Year brings new opportunities for change. But you need to be ready to move away from the comfortable status quo to the challenging unknown. It’s up to you!

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your most important New Year’s resolution should be to work out problems

with a family member in order to avoid continuing misunderstandings. Do it soon for both of your sakes.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) The New Year has much to o er the intensely determined Scorpian, who isn’t afraid to take on challenges and stay with them until they surrender their rewards.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You’ll have many ﬁne opportunities in this New Year. But be warned: Reject o ers of “help.” You work best when you’re free to be your own creative self.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The New Year o ers changes that you might feel you’re not quite ready for. Best advice: Deal with them one step at a time until you’ve built up your selfconﬁdence.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is a dominant aspect of the New Year. This could mean relocating to another city (or even another country) in connection with your education or career.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) This New Year brings news about a change you’ve been anticipating. You might have a problem persuading a loved one about your new plans, but they will soon go along with your ideas.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for making people feel safe and protected. You would make an excellent youth counselor.

[TRIVIA TEST]

by Fifi Rodriguez

[1. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of cake is named after a British queen?

[2. TELEVISION: What is the name of the family dog on The Simpsons?

[3. ANATOMY: How long does a human red blood cell exist?

[4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where is New Year’s celebrated ﬁrst each year?

[5. ADVERTISING: Which company sponsors a 13-foot-long Weinermobile?

[6. MEASUREMENTS: How many pints are in a quart?

[7. MOVIES: What is the name of the dance performed in the Rocky Horror Picture Show?

[8. BIOLOGY: What does the term ectothermic mean?

[9. GEOGRAPHY: Which country has the longest coastline in the world?

[10. LITERATURE: Who is the author of “The Canterbury Tales”?

answer

10. Geo rey Chaucer.

9. Canada.

8. Coldblooded, when body temperature is regulated by the environment.

7. The Time Warp.

6. Two.

5. Oscar Mayer.

4. The island of Kiritimati in the Oceanic nation of Kiribati.

3. About 120 days.

2. Santa’s Little Helper.

1. Victoria Sponge Cake.

Side by Side with Nido Qubein is a 30-minute, behind-the-curtain conversation with people whose influence and impact are felt throughout the state of North Carolina and beyond. High Point University President Nido Qubein, an internationally known author and business consultant, digs beneath the surface conversation to reveal insights and inspiration from each special guest. Featuring both timeless and topical themes, the weekly series runs yearlong on PBS North Carolina.