YES! Weekly- November 23, 2022

YES! Weekly sta and contributors were asked to share what they are thankful for this year. The following is their response.

4 This is an UNUSUALLY GOODLOOKING RESTAURANT, populated by an unusually pleasant, even entertaining, albeit well-informed staff.

6 Presidents are only human, so they make mistakes. I’m talking about JOHN KENNEDY, AND HOW HE MISREAD HISTORY, unintentionally insulted the State of Virginia, and was compelled to make amends.

7 After the Turkey and dressing are put away and the Black Friday deals are secured, the spotlight turns to the local small businesses with SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

8 Alex Brown, SECCA’s Director of Programs & Audience Engagement, received the North Carolina Art Education Association’s “ART EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR” AWARD (Museum Division) at the asso-

ciation’s annual conference in Wilmington last month.

9 TICKET TO PARADISE marks the fifth screen teaming of George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and although their star wattage burns bright, this is a particularly flimsy, utterly predictable affair that does them no favors aside from granting a gorgeous filming location.

14 Not submitting to intimidation, loss, hardship, or pandemics: FEMFEST NC returns to the stage with a double-barrel bill, live and in-person at the Ramkat on December 3.

16 Area venues and artists are serving up tunes and extending their “thanks” with shows and songs — including a couple helpings of the Grateful Dead at Ziggy’s Space — to highlight how grateful we all are for MUSIC IN THE TRIAD this Thanksgiving.

THE NUTCRACK ER

Welcoming the Holiday Spirit

UNCSA Stevens Center Winston-Salem, NC

December 9, 7:30 p.m. | December 10, Noon & 5:30 p.m. | December 11, 2 p.m.

December 14, 7:30 p.m. | December 15, 10 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

December 16, 7:30 p.m. | December 17, Noon & 5:30 p.m. | December 18, 2 p.m.

uncsa.edu/nutcracker (336) 721-1945

Enjoy the magic and energy of live performance in a world where snowflakes dance, angels appear and toys pirouette. Join us for the beloved holiday tradition of “The Nutcracker.”

presented by

Chow Down with John Batchelor at Je rey Adams on Fourth

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

This is an unusually good-looking restaurant, populated by an unusually pleasant, even entertaining, albeit wellinformed staff. The look is sleek and urbane, a function of vibrant red walls and contemporary lighting. No industrial sterility here. It’s kind of like you wish your den would look if you had a really good decorator and weren’t afraid of color. A sofa bar in the front creates a welcome adjunct to the bar.

Sound levels are moderate. You can actually carry on a conversation here, and I really saw people doing that, without shouting- rather a novelty in restaurants these days.

The visual impact of the food lives up to the décor’s promise, and it tastes as good as it looks.

My wife and I kicked off one evening

with a Wedge Salad, usually a routine if pleasant enough accompaniment. Here, the basics are in place — crisp, chilled iceberg lettuce and mellow blue cheese dressing, elevated with additional chunks of quality blue cheese, plus crisp pork belly and fried onion straws, with sliced grape tomatoes for additional color and flavor.

Smoked Bacon Crab Dip struck us as a bit of a novelty, and we were pleased to find that the addition of bacon pays off. (It usually does.) Fresh-tasting crabmeat, cream cheese, and clipped chives are blended and melted together, presented still steaming in a ramekin, with toasted baguette slices alongside for spreading. It’s an original variation on a perennial favorite.

I like fried chicken, but I don’t think it gets the respect from chefs that it deserves. It is gratifying, therefore, to see it on the menu in a fine dining

restaurant. This kitchen’s interpretation uses a large breast coated with panko breadcrumbs to yield a strikingly crisp crust, which gives way to a steamyhot, yet tender interior. Mushroom and bacon gravy coats one side, oozing over to mashed potatoes, skin on. The vegetable on the night I had this was sliced and shredded Brussels sprouts, al dente, streaked with red bell pepper strips, also hosting two crunchy asparagus spears. Classic southern, elevated to professional standards.

The menu fish offering is Grouper, a large portion (7 ounces, according to the menu), pan-seared, presented over cheese risotto with fire-roasted tomatoes, artichokes, and capers, accented with lemon. The flavor result is akin to piccata. Al dente asparagus is the green vegetable.

An off-menu special Salmon had been stuffed with crabmeat and Boursin

cheese, the assembly resting in hollandaise sauce. This proved another winning combination, joined on the plate by asparagus and a potato pancake. The salmon itself displayed a noteworthy dark crust, but the interior was still soft and tender, as it should have been. And the potato pancake is a great food match!

Land and Sea provides an opportunity to sample several proteins. The core element is a four-ounce beef tenderloin, tender in texture, emitting solid beef flavor, cooked precisely as ordered.

Flanking the steak were several pieces of butter-poached lobster, including one intact portion of claw meat, plus four medium-sized scallops, tender and deeply flavorful. These are enhanced with béarnaise sauce. Mashed potatoes blend beautifully with that sauce. This dish repeated the sliced and shredded Brussels sprouts streaked with red bell

Smoked Bacon Crab Dip

pepper strips. Another serious winner!

Another observation, evidenced by every dish: this kitchen knows how to get hot food to the table without overcooking. Amazing how often that is just not the case! And the use of classic sauces is particularly welcome. They became classics for good reasons.

The restaurant’s nomenclature is an amalgamation of the owners’ names: Jeff Bassett and Adam Andrews. They also own Young Cardinal Café (424 Fourth Street NW, (336) 448-5188) and The Trophy Room (517 North Liberty Street, (336) 955-1463).

Will Hoffman, the Executive Chef, received his culinary training at Johnson and Wales. John Danziger is Sous Chef. He trained on the front lines. Matthew Saseen is General Manager. Helen Markovic, Director of Operations, has a bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. Although I seldom mention floor personnel, I have to pay tribute to Ashley Sclager, bartender, who also serves some tables. I hereby designate her entertainer-in-chief.

Check the website for weeknight special pricing in the bar. I will return here for recreational, non-professional

eating, and these deals make the restaurant even more attractive. !

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.

Salmon

Grouper

JFK and the First Thanksgiving voices

Presidents are only human, so they make mistakes. No, I’m not talking about Bill Clinton hooking up with Monica Lewinski, or Joe Biden introducing Kamala Harris as “the President.” I’m talking about John Kennedy, and how he misread history, unintentionally insulted the State of Virginia, and was compelled to make amends.

The story begins on Wednesday, December 4, 1619. That’s the day 38 English settlers from the London Company, navigated their ship down the James River and onto Berkeley Hundred (Harrison’s Landing), in what is now Charles City, Virginia, just 20 miles upstream from Jamestown, which had been settled 12 years prior. The landing party was led by Captain John Woodlief, who, as prescribed in the company charter, ordered a day of Thanksgiving to be observed upon their arrival, and every December 4th thereafter.

Over time, Berkeley became known for its historic firsts. The first bourbon whiskey was made there in 1621 (by a preacher no less). “Taps” was played for the first time while the Union army was encamped at Berkeley in 1862. And, of course, it was the site of America’s first Thanksgiving. More on that in a moment.

In 1907, Berkeley was purchased by John Jamieson who had served as a Union drummer boy during the army’s encampment at the plantation. Ownership later fell to his son (and my friend)

Malcolm, who passed away in 1997. Mac loved Berkeley and was aggressive in marketing the historic site, including through the use of promotional videos and commercials, which I helped to produce. He invited the public to tour the house and grounds, sold Berkeley boxwoods and bourbon, and held an annual Thanksgiving pageant that attracted tourists from across the country. But the celebration wasn’t always widely recognized.

One hundred years after his father beat the Yankee drums at Berkeley,

Mac was upset by something another Yankee did. In the Fall of 1962, President Kennedy issued his yearly Thanksgiving Proclamation in which he recognized his home state of Massachusetts as the site of America’s first Thanksgiving. And so, on November 9th of that year, Virginia State Senator John Wicker was prompted by Mac to write to the President, and point out Kennedy’s faux pas. In his telegram, Wicker referenced historical records about Berkeley’s celebration, which took place one full year before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth in 1620.

Later that year, Kennedy’s confidant and noted historian Arthur Schlesinger sent a reply to Wicker with a tongue-incheek apology from the President. According to Berkeley records, Schlesinger “attributed the error to unconquerable New England bias on the part of the White House staff.”

The following year, on November 5, 1963, President Kennedy had to eat crow during his annual Thanksgiving proclamation, saying, “Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia AND Massachusetts, far from home, in a lonely wilderness, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” Kennedy’s New England

bias wouldn’t allow him to disavow Plymouth entirely, but Mac was happy that Berkeley finally gained official recognition for holding the first Thanksgiving, even if it was a shared honor. Sadly, it was to be Kennedy’s last proclamation. He was assassinated 17 days later in Dallas.

The holiday season is now upon us, and, after having canceled in-person gatherings during the Pandemic, most families will re-unite around the same table this year. And, despite the personal and financial losses we might have endured over the past few years, we will find a way to give thanks for what we have and who we’re with. Perhaps we would also do well to emulate those weary English settlers, and just be thankful for surviving another day of our long journey. So, here’s a Berkeley bourbon toast to Captain Woodlief, a little drummer boy, old Mac, and to that Yankee President who finally set the record straight. God bless, and Happy Thanksgiving. !

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).

Jim Longworth

Longworth at Large

PHOTO BY ABBIE ROWE, WHITE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHS, JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM, BOSTON

President John F. Kennedy receives a turkey presented to him for Thanksgiving by the National Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board.

Small and Mighty: Small Business Saturday is coming

BY CHANEL DAVIS

After the Turkey and dressing are put away and the Black Friday deals are secured, the spotlight turns to the local small businesses with Small Business Saturday.

On Saturday, November 26 consumers are encouraged to celebrate and support small businesses in their communities and nationwide.

While many of these businesses suffered the most from a national pandemic, there are many whose doors are still open and serving their respective communities. The U.S. Small Business Administration states that the day has become “an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.”

According to the 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, commissioned by SBA cosponsor American Express, “reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $23.3 billion.”

Chisa Pennix-Brown, as known as Lady Bizness and founder and curator of Give It To The People, said that small businesses have earned their time in the spotlight.

“America’s biggest brands already have our attention. We want to support what makes our communities thrive — our small business owners! These small businesses deserve a day of recognition and appreciation just like any corporate giant,” said Pennix-Brown.

She said, “seven out of 10 people prefer to shop with a small business versus a national chain,” despite the fact that many larger stores invest big dollars in advertising. A price that some small businesses can’t always a ord.

“They do not have big budgets nor do they have the amount of time that can be devoted to huge marketing campaigns. What our small businesses lack in financial capital, they more than make up for in human capital,” said PennixBrown. “There are hundreds of local businesses in our area and we should take time to spend money with those that provide excellent customer service and keep our local economy flowing.”

It seems that consumers will continue with the love as Cyber Monday rounds out the shopping season. A recent High Point University Poll found that more North Carolinians plan to shop on Cyber Monday than on Black Friday.

The HPU Survey Research Center asked people in North Carolina about shopping on the Monday after Thanksgiving, known as Cyber Monday, one of the biggest online shopping days of the year. About two in five (44%) said they plan on shopping online the Monday after Thanksgiving. About one-third (30%) said they do not and nearly one-quarter (26%) said they were unsure.

The poll shows 28% of North Carolinians plan to shop on the Friday after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday. Just over half (52%) polled said they would not shop on Black Friday this year, while 19% are unsure.

This finding is similar to the November 2021 HPU Poll when 28% of people in North Carolina said they would shop on Black Friday, compared to the 58% who said they were not going to shop. Only 14% said they weren’t sure if they were shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving that year. !

CHANEL DAVIS is the current editor of YES! Weekly and graduated from N.C. A&T S.U. in 2011 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She’s worked at daily and weekly newspapers in the Triad region.

[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

2022 SALEM SATURDAYS AT CHRISTMAS

BY WEI YING | Old Salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts invite you to join us this holiday season for our popular Salem Saturdays at Christmas (November 26, and December 3, 10, & 31). Learn how the historical town of Salem created an environment of celebration and reflection in the solitude of this rural landscape.

A Moravian Christmas in North Carolina has a distinctive southern quality. A slight nip in the air, an abundance of greenery, the intricate putz, decorated pyramid trees, and of course baked treats from Winkler Bakery make for a unique learning experience.

WHAT TO EXPECT

When you arrive at the Visitor Center, enjoy the new exhibits and shop for a souvenir at Stockberger Supply. Take a walk under the stars on one of Old Salem’s most photographed features, the Heritage Bridge. See objects made and used by the diverse craftspeople of the early American South at Frank L. Horton Museum Center.

Learn about Salem’s pottery history while seeing our talented potters making chocolate cups at the Potter’s Workshop. At the Blum House Joinery, see how historical woodworking was done in the town of Salem and the craftsmanship that made the Moravian trades shops famous. Observe how a family would have celebrated Christmas in the early days of Salem at the Miksch House. Learn about education in Salem, as well as Christmas traditions such as the pyramid, the putz, and the beloved Moravian Star, at the Boys’ School.

Visit Single Brothers’ House, the Doctor’s House, and the Seed Saving Lab while they o er unique and dynamic programs every day. In addition, Moravian Book & Gift Shop will be humming with the sights and sounds of Christmas, musical performances will be featured in the historic district, and yes, St. Nick will be back at the Butner Hat Shop!

Muddy Creek Café will be a perfect spot for lunch, and Salem Stitches will be open for you to shop for unique Christmas gifts for quilters, sewists, and stitchers.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased on site at the Old Salem Visitor Center, Frank L. Horton Museum Center, and Moravian Book & Gift Shop. You can also purchase tickets in advance on Old Salem’s website. Follow Old Salem on social media @oldsaleminc, and visit oldsalem.org/ holidays for more information.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the historic district during the most wonderful time of the year!

ARTS COUNCIL is the chief advocate of the arts and cultural sector in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Our goal is to serve as a leader in lifting up, creating awareness and providing support to grow and sustain artistic, cultural and creative o erings throughout our region We acknowledge that it takes every voice, every talent, and every story to make our community a great place to live, work, and play. Arts Council is committed to serving as a facilitator, organizer, and promoter of conversations that are authentic, inclusive, and forward-thinking. There are over 800,000 art experiences taking place in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County annually. To learn more about upcoming arts and culture events happening in our community please visit www.cityofthearts.com .

SECCA and UNCSA give thanks for accolades

This Thanksgiving, both the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) have very good reasons to be thankful.

Alex Brown, SECCA’s Director of Programs & Audience Engagement, received the North Carolina Art Education Association’s “Art Educator of the Year” Award (Museum Division) at the association’s annual conference in Wilmington last month. Having joined SECCA in 2004, Brown hosts a variety of educational programs including field trips, workshops, summer camps, and more. In addition to planning SECCA’s exhibitions and programs, he hosts a free “Second Saturdays” program each month, which provides free art activities for all ages inspired by exhibitions currently on display at SECCA.

“The arts are fundamental to the human experience,” Brown said. “They challenge us with di erent perspectives, changing our points of view so we can see and experience the world in new ways, nurturing values like empathy and tolerance. Organizations like the NCAEA and initiatives like SECCA’s Portable Gallery are determined to make access to the arts and art education more equitable, so we can all learn to express ourselves and better understand the ways in which others choose to express themselves.”

Sammy, without Strings, a student film from the UNCSA School of Filmmaking co-written and directed by alumnus Ralph Parker III (BFA Film ’22), won the best narrative student short award and enjoyed its world premiere in competition at the Austin Film Festival, which was held Oct. 27th — Nov. 3rd. This marks the first UNCSA film to have won this award at the festival, and the film also competed at the EnergaCAMERIMAGE International Film Festival, held earlier this month in Torun, Poland. It was also the first East coast film school project to be represented at the Moebius Film Festival, held by

The film, which Parker co-wrote with fourth-year School of Filmmaking student Will Henderson III, is a romantic fantasy about a black puppet called Sammy who, despite being controlled by the malevolent Puppeteer, falls in love with a woman in the audience and is determined to break free from his strings to live a life of happiness and humanity with the woman. Sammy, without Strings, made its debut at the UNCSA School of Filmmaking’s year-end screenings in May.

“I wanted to make something strange and surreal that explored the dynamics of oppression, objectification, and commodification of the black artist throughout time in America and even now,” explained Parker. “The school was always very supportive of the project and the team was sensitive to the subject matter. When writing the piece, Will and I did our due diligence to hone in on the turn of the century time period in America, vaudeville and minstrelsy to respectfully portray our characters.”

“We are extremely proud of the creative team behind this exceptional film representing the university internationally,” said Deborah LaVine, dean of UNCSA’s School of Filmmaking.

improves his process. That’s why he cultivates tangible results and continues to grow as a performer.”

Gyves is an old hand in the UNCSA’s annual production of The Nutcracker, having performed in it since 2017. This year, he will portray the Prince and several other roles, including Fritz, Mouse, Marzipan, and Trepak.

“To be accepted into a globally recognized competition is a huge accomplishment for Will,” said Endalyn T. Outlaw, UNCSA’s School of Dance dean. “We have watched him grace our stages and grow into a dynamic dancer from his beginnings at our preparatory program. I am confident he will bring a strong presence and great representation of UNCSA to the Prix de Lausanne stage that highlights the quality of training our program o ers young dancers.”

The Sportscenter Athletic Club is a private membership club dedicated to providing the ultimate athletic and recreational facilities for our members of all ages. Conveniently located in High Point, we provide a wide variety of activities for our members. We’re designed to incorporate the total fitness concept for maximum benefits and total enjoyment. We cordially invite all of you to be a part of our athletic facility, while enjoying the membership savings we offer our established corporate accounts.

Winston-Salem native Will Gyves, a 10thgrade ballet student in UNCSA’s School of Dance due to portray the Nutcracker Prince next month, has been selected for the prestigious 2023 Prix de Lausanne international ballet competition. Of the 87 dancers from around the world scheduled to compete, Gyves is only one of 12 American students selected for the competition, which will be held from Jan. 29th — Feb. 5th, 2023 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“Will deserves to be recognized,” said Misha Tchoupakov, associate professor of ballet, who has worked with Gyves since 2017. “He is a very hard-working, intelligent dancer who strategically and consistently

The UNCSA School of Filmmaking hasn’t gone empty-handed either, having (again) been recognized by two of the entertainment industry’s leading publications. TheWrap ranked the school 10th on its annual list of the top 50 film schools in the nation, and The Hollywood Reporter (THR) selected the graduate-level film music composition at the School of Filmmaking 14th on its list of the top 20 programs in the world.

“Once again our excellent school has been the recognition it deserves with these industry accolades,” said LaVine. “From accomplished faculty with industry connections to international partnerships with film schools throughout the world, alongside the embrace of a wide range of storytelling platforms including immersive, episodic, animation, and more. I’m excited by the evolution we are undertaking at the school. All the while, UNCSA remains an unparalleled value for students.” !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies on Burgervideo.com. © 2022, Mark Burger.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

Mark Burger

Contributor

Ralph Parker III, at right

Will Gyves

Ticket to Para-

dise marks the fifth screen teaming of George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and although their star wattage burns bright, this is a particularly flimsy, utterly predictable affair that does them no favors aside from granting a gorgeous filming location (Queensland, Australia — doubling for Bali).

David (Clooney) and Georgia Cotton (Roberts) were married for five years before parting with considerable acrimony. In the ensuing 20 years, they’ve competed for the affection of their daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) while maintaining their ongoing animosity. One of the film’s biggest problems is that Clooney and Roberts’ insults and putdowns never feel genuine. It’s simply too obvious they like each other, and no points for guessing how it turns out.

A graduation trip to Bali sees Lily meeting Gede (Maxime Bouttier), a handsome, down-to-earth seaweed farmer who’s too good to be true. After a whirlwind courtship, they decide to marry, prompting David and Georgia to immediately fly to Bali in the hopes of preventing the nuptials, fearful that she’s making the same impetuous mistake to marry that they did.

After a crash course in Balinese culture, David and Georgia repeatedly attempt to sabotage the wedding when they’re not swimming with dolphins, playing beer pong, or trading increas-

ingly lame barbs. The trajectory of the narrative holds no surprises — at all — and the screenplay by director Ol Parker and first-timer Daniel Pipski plays like second-tier Neil Simon, replete with soggy sentimentality. It’s almost remarkable how few laughs are generated. The story heaves with clichés, and nothing is ever really at stake. Ticket to Paradise is so laid-back it might as well be horizontal.

What is left is Clooney and Roberts (doubling as executive producers), coasting on good will and comfortable chemistry, because they’re not given much to work with here. Nor do Dever and Bouttier, who are attractive but bland. As Lily’s roommate, Billie Lourd plays the typical man-hungry, wisecracking sidekick and appears perfectly game, but the film has no idea what to do with her, so she’s shuttled to the background like most of the film’s characters. No one rises above the rudimentary requirements of their roles.

In Ticket to Paradise , George Clooney and Julia Roberts got a nice trip, but the audience gets a pretty lousy movie. !

movies

Burgervideo.com. © 2022, Mark Burger.

Mark Burger

THE TECH REVOLUTION

Talk about taking your gaming seriously. Palmer Luckey, a defense contractor and, according to Vice, the father of modern virtual reality, has invented a VR headset that literally presents a life-or-death outcome. Inspired by the NerveGear VR headsets in the anime “Sword Art Online,” Luckey’s headset features three explosive charge modules that detonate and instantly destroy the user’s head if the user dies during gameplay. “Pumped-up graphics might make a game look more real, but only the threat of serious consequences can make a game feel real to you and every other person in the game,” Luckey said. He admits, though, that he needs to keep tinkering: “There are a huge variety of failures that could occur and kill the user at the wrong time. This is why I have not worked up the (nerve) to actually use it myself. At this point, it is just ... a thought-provoking reminder of unexplored avenues in game design.”

MONEY TO BURN

A pair of “well used” Birkenstock

sandals once worn by Steve Jobs has sold at auction for almost $220,000, the Associated Press reported. The brown suede sandals, which date to the mid-1970s, retain “the imprint of Steve Jobs’ feet,” the auction said in describing the listing. The buyer was not named. Jobs’ home in Los Altos, California, where he and Steve Wozniak co-founded Apple, is now a historic landmark.

IRONIES

— The Buckingham and Villages Community Board in England admitted that the irony was running thick when, on Nov. 15, it had to cancel a program about protecting your home from flood damage due to heavy rains in the area. The board hoped to provide residents with demonstrations of flood resilience equipment and what to do in case of a deluge, according to the BBC. “However, it was due to take place outside in pouring rain and high winds, so there was concern ... that people would not turn out for this important event,” the BVCB said. “A new date will be arranged as soon as possible.”

— In Norway, energy firm Equinor produced its first energy from floating

wind turbines on Nov. 13, CNBC reported. The installation, called Hywind Tampen, lies about 87 miles o the coast of Norway, with 11 total turbines, four of which will come online in 2023. Ironically, the turbines will be used to produce energy for Equinor’s oil and gas fields in the North Sea. “This is a unique project, the first wind farm in the world powering producing oil and gas installations,” said Geir Tungesvik, the company’s executive vice president for projects, drilling and procurement.

THE CONTINUING CRISIS

Marine biologists in the Cayman Islands are desperately searching for a nurse shark that is sporting a mesh bag around its middle, the Daily Star reported. The “skirt” is blocking the shark’s gills, effectively choking it. The Department of Environment said they are “doing our best to locate and assist him but so far, we’ve been unsuccessful.” A scuba diver initially spotted the animal, but he didn’t have the tools he needed to cut the bag away.

LEAST COMPETENT CRIMINAL Police in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, were able to easily identify a carjacker

who followed a woman o a bus at a park-and-ride on Nov. 1, WTAE reported. When they located her stolen car a couple of hours later, the people inside hopped out and ran away — but one of the thieves left their identity behind via the Bluetooth iPhone connection in the car. “Darrells iPhone” turned up on the car’s list of devices, and a security guard at Westinghouse High School identified Darrell Cammon Jr., 19, from a surveillance video on the bus. Cammon and another suspect are still at large.

SHADE

Byron and Christie Je eries started dating in 2007 while attending Clemson University, WYFF reported. Through the ensuing 15 years, they stayed together as they lost parents, attended grad school and moved for jobs. So when they married on Oct. 15 in South Carolina, Christie couldn’t help but throw a little shade: As she opened a piece of paper with her vows on it, she blew o a layer of dust. Christie calls her marriage to Byron a “home run.” !

©2022 Andrews McMeel Universal

As the year winds down, I think it’s safe to say that we are all grateful for something this year.

At a time that is ripe with moments of reflection, I would have to say that I’m most grateful for opportunity. Working in this industry is not an easy task and takes more discipline and control than in other careers. However, it gives us the opportunity to inform, educate, reveal and analyze our basic human needs. I’m thankful to be in a position to help do that for all of our readers.

Of course, I’m thankful for my family, friends, colleagues, and this incredible sta at YES! Weekly. But, I’m also thankful for the readers that keep us on our toes, continue to ask us questions, and ensure that we distribute quality, accurate and essential information.

YES! Weekly sta and contributors were asked to share what they are thankful for this year. The following is their response.

Happy Gobble Day!

MARK BURGER

“I am thankful for my friends and family, thankful to be working with a group of dedicated professionals, and I’m thankful that the Philadelphia Phillies

YES! WE'RE GRATEFUL

made it to the World Series. They didn’t win, but you can’t have everything!”

ANGELA COX

“What I am truly thankful for is my unfailing relationship with Christ.

I am beyond blessed with a wonderful husband and two grown children, who I adore to the end of the earth.

I am grateful for my great health and ability to still be an athletic thrill seeker, even as I get a bit of age on these bones.

I am surrounded by an extended family of friends and church family that give life the true meaning of being thankful!

I’m so happy to be back at YES! Weekly after being away during the pandemic and returning to my work family and doing what I love with some of the best coworkers and incredible advertisers and readers!

But every day I give thanks for God’s grace….

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!”

KATEI CRANFORD

“First off: a huge ‘Thank You’ to the crew at YES! Weekly for being awesome and offering an outlet for spreading the good word of what’s going down around the Triad.

2022 was a mixed bag of nuts, y’all. Another year older and

wiser, so the saying goes. With only the former for certain, I’m incredibly grateful for the days spent lovin’ and laughin’. Memories made. Watching friends get married. Make records. Tour the world. Have babies.

I care less for new wrinkles. But, in light of the 2022 rulings, I’m grateful for being another year closer to not worrying about my body under legislature. ...I’m also livid. And fearful for women growing into themselves — and the sort of world those babies I’ve celebrated will grow into.

A mixed bag is bound to have bad nuts.

I’ve spent the year mourning my sweet Ickus Bart: a real monster, rotten soldier, and best boy in the whole wide world, who passed away in December. Despite the heartache, I remain so, so, SO thankful for the 12 years we shared — gratitude extended in adoration for the past eight enjoyed with Brad, who I’m beyond thankful to continue calling my partnerin-crime.

For sharing hands in hard times. For the opportunity to foster our gangly little weirdo, Zazu. For our family. For our home. For our friends and their music. For poetry in tragedy and the gravity we feel from loved ones lost. For the impact left by Rob Paquette, John Rivera, and my sweet aunt Mae. I’m forever grateful for their memories and the time we spent.

I’m thankful for the sweet nuts I know in the world — and for those going into the pecan pie I’ll ravish come turkey day. For the good to balance the bad.

But above all, I’m thankful for you, dear readers. Happy Thanksgiving.”

ALEX FARMER

“Thankful, grateful, blessed. Three simple words, a cliché that can be found printed on canvas at your local Hobby Lobby. Even though I’m one of those women who’s guilty of buying such decor items, how often do we stop to think about what it truly means? I try to count my blessings daily, but sometimes that’s difficult, because, hey, life is hard. But it’s always easy for me to be thankful, grateful, and feel blessed when I look at how much my life has changed and how much I’ve grown in the last 10 to 15 years.

I’ve been married for four years now. My husband challenges me and loves me unconditionally. We’ve faced many obstacles over the last year but have stuck together through it all. He knows me better than I know myself sometimes. He’s that person that I can truly be my goofy self with. I’m so thankful for that.

I’m blessed to have such a loving family. I’m basically a copy of my dad. I have his attitude and his looks, despite the fact that he tells the joke ‘she got her looks from her mama because her dad’s still got his.’ I’m so proud to be his daughter. My mom is my rock. She’s always a phone call away when something is wrong or I just need to get something off my chest. At this point in my life, she’s my best friend. I thank God that He chose her to be my mom.

COMPILED AND INTRO BY CHANEL DAVIS

My sisters are both naturally beautiful and goofy. Even with 18 years between the youngest sister and I, we’re close. I don’t see either of them as much as I wish I did, but such is life. I miss you both (meow).

My circle of close friends is tight. I’m so thankful to have friends that I can depend on when I need peace, reassurance, and guidance. A simple text to check on me or send me some motivation means more than they will ever know. They have truly saved me from insanity, my ride or dies. Even though I may go months without reaching out to some of them, we always pick up right where we left off. Friendships like that are hard to find, so cherish them. But I think my growing faith is the biggest blessing. Listening to the Bible app and Christian podcasts during my commute has strengthened my relationship with God. I’m learning to let things go and try to be the better version of myself. I’ve learned that you have to get up and keep going, no matter what, giving up isn’t an option, you have to praise your way through the storm. It’s so empowering knowing you’re never alone in your struggles. I’ve leaned heavily on this over the last year. And for that gift, I am truly thankful.”

JANICE GANTT

“I am thankful that my parents gave me life and all the years that I had them, and for my kids and grandkids. I’m also thankful for all of my good friends and my dear sweetheart. I’m very thankful for my job, the best boss ever at YES! Weekly , all of my friends at work, and the people that I meet along the way while doing my route. I’m thankful for the freedom and independence that my job has to offer. Most importantly, I’m thankful for the unconditional love of my family and friends, good health, food, and a home.”

NATALIE GARCIA

“First will always be my family. I’m surrounded by love and guidance every day. I never have to feel alone. I thank The Lord Jesus Christ each morning I wake up and each night I close my eyes to sleep. Thankful for my job and all the people I get to meet along the way. I am blessed!”

IAN MCDOWELL

“Four days before Christmas, 2012, I almost died. It wasn’t the leukemia I was diagnosed with nine months later, but a mysterious and fortunately temporary kidney failure that turned me the color of a Simpson, and may have been a reaction to the antibiotic azithromycin, which can cause kidney and liver problems.

I was in Wesley Long hospital until January 15, and for the first few weeks after my release, could barely walk around the block.

But by May, I was back full-time at FedEx O ce, where I’d worked since it was Kinko’s. Then in August, sores appeared on my tongue and I felt increasing fatigue. My doctor was so concerned that, when he examined me in the late afternoon on the Thursday before Labor Day, he personally took my bloodwork to an oncologist he knew for a second opinion that night.

At 4 p.m. the Friday before Labor Day, an hour left on my shift, my doctor called to say my blood work indicated acute myeloid leukemia, the disease that killed my mother when I was seven. He’d booked me at Wake Forrest Baptist Cancer Center (the oncologist he consulted worked for Cone, said I’d get better treatment at Wake), but told me not to check in until Tuesday, as my cancer team wouldn’t be ready until then.

Go home and rest, he said. Try to relax, he said.

The store on Tate Street was slammed, with three people out with the flu and a line of customers at the counter. “Get o the phone!”, snarled one, “I need some damn help here!”

A beatific calm descended as I realized I didn’t have to be nice. “My doctor just told me I have leukemia. Want to see what happens if you keep being an asshole?”

After a shocked silence, somebody behind him applauded and he slunk out in shamed silence. Checked into the Wake Baptist Cancer Center the Tuesday after Labor Day. Was discharged the week before Halloween, but scheduled for three shorter treatments with a di erent chemo ‘cocktail’ after Christmas. Weighed 132 pounds and my hair was gone, but at least my skin was deathly pale rather than Simpsons yellow.

Only needed fangs, claws, and pointed ears to turn chemo lemons into Halloween lemonade by becoming the iconic vampire from the classic silent film Nosferatu. A now-defunct venue where the patrons knew me had a sweet Best Costume prize. This time, I couldn’t lose to a

pretty young woman in a skimpy costume. Nobody votes against Cancer Guy. But only had the strength to make it to College Hill Sundries down the street, where there was no contest. When I squeezed in beside a Dolly Parton and tapped on the bar with heavy glued-on claws, she screamed loud enough to dislodge boob padding.

My treatment ended in August 2013. Three months before Thanksgiving of 2023, I will have been 10 years cancerfree. I’d been writing occasional essays for YES! Weekly since 2008, but in late 2016 was o ered a weekly gig, becoming a professional journalist at 58. My days in corporate customer service were over. So, I know a bit about being thankful.”

SHANE HART

“I am thankful for the people who have shown me support and have given me guidance in my journey and transition from college student to adult life. This includes my family as well as my close friends who have all been there for me every step of the way. Without these people, I don’t know how I would have handled such an obstacle and I appreciate their helpful words and shoulders to lean on. There aren’t many people you can consider your ‘extended’ family, but once you find that core group of friends, that’s something to stay thankful for each year.

I’m grateful for things around me that make life and being able to express my creativity much easier, such as music and how it has become so accessible to many. I am also thankful for the many individuals who work hard to make everyday life around us possible, such as healthcare workers, firefighters, as well as retail and food industry workers. Without everyone working together, the ability to form a sense of community that is safe and of-

fers resources for one another would not be possible.”

DALIA RAZO

“The current year brought me new opportunities including the privilege of writing on occasion for YES! Weekly , but it also brought me unexpected life challenges that I would have not been able to navigate alone. I am tremendously fortunate to still have my mother and father, and I am thankful for both of them and my beautiful rescue dog who has clearly rescued me in what will go down as one of the most di cult years of my life. Additionally, I am thankful for our editor Chanel Davis, who granted me the opportunity to continue practicing the art of writing through the Triad community’s stories.”

CHARLES WOMACK

“Thankfulness and gratitude are things that I don’t take enough time to think about and enjoy in my life. It is so easy to get caught up in the daily grind and the feelings of always being behind that you can lose yourself and lose track of the things that truly matter. Taking the time to write this and making sure that I plan to spend time away from screens and work thoughts over Thanksgiving will help me reflect on things I am so very thankful for including family, friends, and my many blessings in life.”

From everyone at YES! Weekly , we are thankful for the opportunity to be a news source for the Triad. !

Mighty Fine FemFest IX

Not submitting to intimidation, loss, hardship, or pandemics: FemFest NC returns to the stage with a double-barrel bill, live and in-person at the Ramkat on December 3. With gratitude for the impact of their mission, the audience, and supporters — and the ability to enjoy it all in person — FemFest NC organizers continue carrying on the work and vision of founder, the late Bryn Hermansen: raising funds for Family Services through music and empowerment, while advocating against domestic violence and sexual assault.

“All I ever wanted was a day where women felt safe and inspired by seeing other women play music,” reads a quote from Hermansen on the FemFest website. “This is for the women that have nowhere else to turn other than the safe space of the shelter that Family Services built and I’m giving you an opportunity to support that.”

FemFest IX marks its second round following her passing; and after two years of virtual performances, the fest returns to its roots: on-stage with a full audience, split over two shows at one big venue. “Two shows, one day, lots of great bands and ticketing options to see one or both!” organizers explained.

An early-bird special starting things o with Through the Tallwoods, True Lilith, Dissimilar South, Red Lipstick Society, and Reese McHenry, running from 3-6:30 p.m. Night owls soar from 7:30-11 p.m., with Teens in Trouble, Bangzz, The P-90’s, Fortezza, and Thelma and The Sleaze.

“As with every year, all proceeds go to the Family Services Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter to help women and families a ected by domestic violence and sexual abuse,” organizers added — reflecting on the outpouring of support that has grown over the years.

“Femfest has come a long way since 2013 when I donated an envelope of $800 cash like a ransom on demand,” Hermansen said in a 2021 Facebook post praising the $5,127 raised during FemFest VII. “But that was just the (very cool and fun) first step towards many years filled with love, support, and growth.”

Through the pandemic shift and Hermansen’s passing, family and cohorts kept up the charge to produce FemFest VIII, raising $12,302.57 in 2021. “Our focus has been to support the victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse through fundraising e orts in support of the Emergency Shelter operated by Family Services of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County,” explained FemFest NC’s Director of Marketing, Erin McCulley. “In 2022, FemFest NC became a 501c3, nonprofit with a five-person board of directors — which includes Bryn’s brother, Chris, to ensure the family’s direct involvement regarding her legacy is always guiding us.”

“The FemFest NC family has grown exponentially each year since,” McCulley continued. “That community includes a multitude of local businesses, artists, performers, and sponsors. Ultimately, the greatest, collective impact comes from individuals who donate, attend our popups and the festival; and even the simple act of sharing a social media post.”

With a sense of family and community, organizers have expanded the FemFest NC footprint throughout the year — hitting the streets with pop-ups and partnerships beyond the traditional festival and auction format.

“We’ve been honored that a diverse group of businesses have reached out to us in the spirit of collaboration to create unique experiences, campaigns, and to raise awareness for our mission,” McCulley noted. “These partnerships enabled FemFest-themed events to take place like Music Bingo at Joymongers Barrel Hall, Women-themed Trivia Night at Silver Moon Saloon, and FemFest editions of the Beer and Banjos series at Gas Hill Drinking Room. In particular, our Drag Brunch at Joymongers provided a platform for the performers to share their own experiences with domestic violence and sexual assault in an empowering yet safe space.”

FemFest’s connection to the community is interwoven between artists, organizers, performers, and attendees. Or folks like Billie Feather, who toes the line of roles across the board: from playing nearly every year with her band, the P-90’s, to now being a member of the organizing team, to curating the Beers and Banjos series; and ultimately relishing the work and festivities.

And it’s work that’s picked up yearround. In the spring, FemFest NC hosted the “WSProm Shop,” collecting around 200 pieces of formal wear and distributing them in a free-shop format in the Burke Street Pub for teens in need during prom season. As for their merchandise, they’ve expanded their line into new styles of shirts, mugs, koozies, and various swag — with all profits directed to the Family Services Emergency Shelter. Organizers implore notions to “Shop for Good” as the holiday season approaches.

It’s a notion they carry into the annual art auction and ra e that accompanies each festival. “While we consider our annual festival the primary event for Femfest NC, we understand that there are those who wish to support us in a virtual way,” McCulley explained. “Covid prompted us to seek online platforms that we found to be successful and plan to utilize in our fundraising e orts to attain greater visibility and financial support going forward. It’s one way to achieve our goal of being as inclusive to as many folks as possible.”

The auction and ra e began in early November, with bids accepted until closing on December 4. Links are available online and a donation coordinator will be on-site during the festival itself to facilitate any interested bidders.

Sculptures, prints, paintings, photos,

and more are on the art auction block, which features work from area artists like: Mike Duggins, Dalia Pica, 64 Harvard, Jody Erickson, Home State Alien, Rebecca Dresser, Liz Simmons, Ian Bredice, Laura Lashley, Joy Ritenour, Cindy Taplin, Kimberly Varnadoe, and Cheryl Ann Lipstreu.

As for the ra e, there’s prizes up for grabs like a Danby 95-Can Capacity Beverage Center from Wagner Appliance, a disc golf prize pack by Bangin’ Chainz, a charcuterie board and woven wall hanging from Pencil+Pines, a pig in a jar from Major Tomms, cyanotype printed goods from Lady Fern Creations, and a pair of glasses from Eyes on Trade.

Experience packages and services in the ra e include: a house cleaning session from Bless Your Mess; car washes from Classic Touch Car Wash; an empowerment photo session with The Goddess Experience; “An Afternoon with The Girls” Service at the Powder Room (a 2-hour tab for four, plus an UBER ride home) a Chef’s Table reservation and tab for four at Spring House Restaurant; Reynolda House admission for two; and a private whiskey tasting for four at Broad Branch Distillery.

Gift certificates for shops and bars are on the table from Foothills Brewing, Wise Man Brewing, Joymongers Barrel Hall, Hel’s, Roar, Happy Hour Vintage, O The Rack, Underdog Records, McKay’s, Tattoo Revival, the Snob Shop, the Humble Bee Shoppe, Gaia, Van Davis Aveda, Trader Joe’s, and 64 Harvard. Plus certificates and services from wellness studios and salons: EgoHR, the tiny spa, Claws Nail Studio, Sacred Harmony Center, and the Myocare Neuromuscular Pain Relief Clinic.

In the spirit of giving: ra es, auctions, and the whole of FemFest NC o er gifts that reverberate throughout the com-

Katei Cranford

Contributor

PHOTO

Reese McHenry

Teens in Trouble

munity. “The financial support of FemFest and other donors help make our work happen,” said Family Service of Forsyth County Vice President, Philanthropy and Public Relations, Michelle Speas. “In 2021, these gifts supported 1,507 victims in-person for crisis intervention, safety planning, and support groups, managed the Domestic Violence Shelter resulting in 4,893 nights of care, handled 4,893 crisis line calls, and provided safe shelter to 172 women and children, supported 1,319 victims in-person for crisis intervention, safety planning, and support groups, and helped 66 children who stayed in our shelter.”

O ering more than immediate assistance, “the majority of those children are eyewitnesses to violence,” Speas noted. “Through Family Services’ traumafocused behavioral services, children are o ered the opportunity to start their healing journey.”

“FemFest and its volunteers are a hardworking bunch and we are so grateful for their support of our work,” she continued. “Those volunteers who carry Bryn’s torch of FemFest have done so much to expand the fundraising and awareness to not only one concert, but an online auction and various events throughout the year. The more than $25,000 in donations that FemFest has given to Family Services to date has had a huge impact in making sure those who seek our services are able to do so at no cost.”

But it’s about more than money. “As an agency whose workforce is mostly women, led by an all-female management team, and serving so many women in the work we do, it’s wonderful to be supported by an event that celebrates and empowers women in the arts,” Speas said. “For many years, FemFest has been

making music and shining a light on a topic that isn’t easy to talk about. Bryn Hermansen, founder of FemFest had a passion for those who seek our services for domestic violence and sexual assault, and her vision for a concert fundraiser has blossomed into a female force of nature!”

It’s a force graciously reinforced by the artists involved. “Femfest is a force that punches the patriarchy in the gut year after year,” said Bangzz’s Erika Libero. “It’s direct community action as well as a yearly reminder for all of us involved to hold our power and to not submit to intimidation.”

A Triangle-based punk duo, Bangzz has performed in several FemFests over the years, including the virtual sessions held during the height of the pandemic. “It’s a network of women helping women,” Libero explained. “Building networks to lift each other up is in direct defiance to the patriarchy. Bryn built this bridge so we can be there for each other when we need it most. It’s an honor to play FemFest this year and every year. We’ll see you there!”

There’s a noted excitement for the return of audiences during FemFest — which followed an online format in 2020, followed by a hybrid live-streamed version in 2021. “Last year, when we were unable to sell tickets to the live performances of our annual concert due to Covid-19 precautions, we filmed and recorded all the amazing artists who made the trip to The Ramkat,” organizers said. “While watching all of those women, female, femme empowering performances, we knew that our event had found its new home.”

And with that, FemFest NC decided on a double-barrel homecoming for the audience: 10 bands split over two shows. “Because the impact of Covid has subsided and we had the opportunity to curate our first live performance since 2019, our board unanimously agreed that we needed to do something big,” McCulley said. “Our goal was to extend an invitation to both veteran FemFest artists and talented performers that we know would be Bryn-approved. We were overwhelmed by the positive responses of support, and the vulnerability many of the performers showed while sharing the impact of domestic or sexual violence in their lives. As FemFest NC provides a platform of empowerment and hopes to help in the healing process, we created an all-day festival with both afternoon and evening performances; the most inclusive way to showcase all of their talents and voices.”

The showcase itself highlights various FemFest eras and regions across North Carolina. Charlotte’s True Lilith considers their first appearance (at Monstercade in 2019) a “special moment” in their timeline as a band. “It felt truly incredible

to be able to be a part of something so pure and to support such a great cause,” they said. “Music is a big outlet for people, and connecting with everyone at the festival and intermingling our energy was otherworldly.”

Energies on the bill intermingle from the west with Asheville’s avant-garagers, Fortezza; and Nashville rippers, Thelma and the Sleaze. From the east FemFest NC welcomes back rock-n-roll songbird Reese McHenry, along with newcomers: Chapel Hill folksters Dissimilar South, Raleigh post-punkers Through the Tallwoods, and the brisk punk rock of Teens in Trouble. And while Through the Tallwoods describes themselves as “very sad all the time,” they’re pretty stoked to be included. “We’re honored to be a part of the important work that FemFest is doing in the community,” they said. “Every member of this band has been a ected by domestic and sexual violence in our lives. A lot of the music we make is a commentary on our experiences, and a way for us and hopefully others to start to heal from them. To be able to help FemFest bring awareness and relief to something that’s been so important to us since we started this band is just incredible and we feel so lucky to be involved.”

The awareness and impact of FemFest NC extends well beyond Winston-Salem — catching the attention of Lizzie Killian (from Teens in Trouble) when she moved to North Carolina a few years ago. “I think it’s really important that this festival — that both features women artists and raises awareness on domestic violence and abuse — exists,” Killian said. “Having known many survivors and being one myself, these are issues that a ect women every day in obvious and less obvious forms. And not everybody is able to speak up and stand up for themselves in these situations. For those who are able to get out, it can still take years and years to heal and recover from the trauma. For me, music is an outlet that can be used to express yourself where it may otherwise be di cult with close friends and family or therapy sessions. Music is healing.”

As FemFest o cially returns to the stage, The Red Lipstick Society — the fully female Winston-Salem murder ballad dark country queens — make a special resurrection of their own, just for the occasion. “I went to my first FemFest last year and was so inspired that I knew — even though the band hadn’t played in almost 10 years — I wanted to be a part of it,” said Amanda Dunn Moore of RLS. “The women that run FemFest are so hard working and dedicated to this cause that you can’t help but want to be involved.”

Fellow Society member, Alanna Meltzer-Holderfield, agreed. “I became

acquainted with Bryn and FemFest when she invited my old band Jews and Catholics to play the first couple years,” she explained, with emphasis on the fun involved. “Bryn created something special when she founded FemFest,” she added. “Her legacy lives on and we are excited to celebrate and honor her as well as raise money for the important work of Family Services to help women and children a ected by domestic violence. Bryn was such a strong supporter of the local music scene and we really miss her. I’m so proud of what she created and the amazing way the FemFest team is carrying on the work today. The lineup is stacked with awesome bands and we’re glad to be among them.”

Gratitude for FemFest NC is shared amongst the Red Lipstick Society as a whole. “I’ve been a supporter and a part of FemFest for many years and watched this grassroots e ort evolve into a community-driven cause,” said RLS’s Jill Martin-Byers. “After Bryn’s passing, seeing the women in music in this music community take up the torch and keep it alive and growing every year, has been so amazing and inspiring to witness.”

“Several years ago she asked me to play and was so welcoming when I suggested I have my mother — who has always wanted to perform live — join me,” MartinByers continued, musing memories of FemFests past. “The setting was Test Pattern and the biggest thing I remember from that experience was how kind and welcoming everyone was to play and work with. I’m honored to ‘ride again’ with the wonderful crew of Red Lipstick Society for this worthy cause!”

From making memories to honoring memories. Reunions and returns. FemFest continues rocking out and helping out. “Thanks for being part of the ride,” Hermansen posted in a 2021 reflection on FemFest VII. “Be good to each other.”

FemFest IX rides into the Ramkat on Dec 3 with Through the Tallwoods, True Lilith, Dissimilar South, Red Lipstick Society, Reese McHenry, Teens in Trouble, Bangzz, The P-90’s, Fortezza, and Thelma and The Sleaze. !

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

WANNA know?

Tickets for the show, auction, and ra e can be found at https://linktr.ee/femfestnc. FemFest NC and Family Services encourage those in abusive relationships to seek help. Resources are available on the Family Services website (https://familyservicesforsyth.org/) and through their 24-hour crisis phone line at (336) 723-8125.

PHOTO BY JOSH MASSIE

Serving up tunes and thanks across the Triad

Area venues and artists are serving up tunes and extending their “thanks” with shows and songs — including a couple helpings of the Grateful Dead at Ziggy’s Space — to highlight how grateful we all are for music in the Triad this Thanksgiving.

Deadheads, metalheads, and more unite at Ziggy’s Space for a grateful holiday of Grateful Dead cover bands, a potluck contest, and a Black Friday metal show in the middle.

As the holidays usher the time for traditions, Ziggy’s Space captain, Jay Stephens, is happy to continue the “Thanksgathering” tradition in the concert hall’s latest era. “We’ve traditionally done shows from Wednesday through

Saturday of Thanksgiving week, capping it o with the ‘Thanksgathering’ main event on Saturday,” Stephens said. “Typically the holiday brings home a bunch of di erent eras of Ziggy’s fans. Young and old come out to celebrate.”

Kids and dogs are invited — those under the age of 10 are free. The Saturday “Thanksgathering” party itself takes gratitude to new levels — capping o with “Big Deady Reckoning,” a special Grateful Dead cover band featuring members of Big Daddy Love joining the ranks amongst members of Dead Reckoning (a Roanoke-based Grateful Dead tribute band). Together, they’ll celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the ‘Dead’s “Europe ’72” album with a fulllength performance. Bands warming up the stage include Marvelous Funkshun, Rusty Dusty String Band, and Alicia B and the Now.

As a “thank you” for patrons of its first season in High Point, Ziggy’s will host a “Thanksgathering” covered dish cook-o contest during the event. “We encourage

Katei Cranford

Contributor

all fans to bring their favorite covered dish or any food — be it an appetizer or whatever — and join our traditional buffet,” Stephens explained. “We’ll pick the best dish and award the winner a 2023 Locals Pass which entitles them to get in all our Season 2 concerts for free.”

Initially planned as the season closer for the Ziggy’s Space in High Point, old man winter’s chilly forecast has moved the Thanksgathering to the Millennium Center in Winston-Salem, starting at 2 p.m. on November 26.

“We’ve enjoyed our first season in High Point,” Stephens said, reflecting on the year. “There have been a bunch of new local High Point fans supporting us as well as the veterans of Ziggy’s past. We’re so thankful to all the artists — that’s what drives Ziggy’s. Without the bands, we would not see the loyal fan base.”

With that, they’ll bestow gratitude for that fan base by kicking o their tradition with the “Drinksgiving” show with Brother Pearl free with an RSVP on November 23. The thanks roll into turkey day proper on November 24, with a nocover “Eternally Grateful” Grateful Dead cover band experience that evening.

A little rock-n-roll metal show with Pageant and Shakey Deville gets things back to business on “Black Friday.” And of course, the Thanksgathering (now at the Millenium Center) on Saturday.

Ziggy’s Space in High Point will close for the winter, but Stephens and his crew are staying busy — posting up in the Millenium Center with a handful of shows through the holiday season and into the New Year.

There’s the Country Christmas Concert with Red Dirt Revival on December 22, followed by a “Purple Madness” Christmas experience, paying tribute to the artist Prince, on December 23. Fleetwood Mac cover band, The Chain, rounds out 2022 on December 30.

And while Ziggy’s may have the Grateful Dead market cornered this Thanksgiving, a handful of Triad venues are also serving up thanks with shows and spreads.

In Greensboro, Prez will be on decks at the Flat Iron to host a special DJ session and “dinner with friends” featuring food from Kingston Vibes on November 23. Meanwhile, on the other end of downtown, DJ MikeWawa will be spinning a “Thanksgiving Eve Party,” at Boxcar Bar + Arcade.

Over in the Forsyth Country region, the Brewer’s Kettle Kernersville is hosting a “Thanksgiving Eve Beer Garden Throw Down” and jam season — a Thanksgiving Gathering the following night welcomes those with leftovers to share. And at Monstercade, the annual “Thanksgayving

Dance” goes down November 23.

The Ziggy’s Space Thanksgathering may have moved to Winston, but the High Point area is still hopping. Craig Baldwin will perform as part of a “Friendsgiving Potluck” at the Alibi in Thomasville on Thanksgiving night. In downtown Furniture Capital, the Blooming Board, H.P. Trousers, and Plank Street Tavern are gearing up for a “Black Friday Block Party” with Charlie Dog, Benji Morris (from Turpentine Shine), and Evan Blackerby rockin’ the block.

Meanwhile, Greensboro native Shelby J. is excited to share her new song, “Bout 2 Be Smellin’ Like Thanksgiving!,” a holiday bop filled with familial connections and Carolina references, the track is her latest release through Jonre Music Group.

A former member of The New Power Generation who spent a decade as a vocalist for Prince, Shelby J. hopes to share the warmth of good food and loving family — the likes of which her beloved mother “Mama J” was known to prepare.

Extending thanks to her fans, Shelby J. has cooked up a helping of nationwide contests, with entries due by midnight on November 24. The first #B2BSLTChallenge o ers an instrumental version for fans and families to make their own videos while making their Thanksgiving meals. A gift card, autographed CD, and Shelby J. merch are up for grabs for three lucky winners. “We wanna see you...with your family, your friends, your pets,” she said in a post, “dancing, singing, or cooking to my new Thanksgiving anthem!”

Shelby J.’s suggestions are simple: “just have fun and be creative.” Steps to enter include downloading the track, creating the video, and sharing over social media — tagging Shelby J. and Jonre Music Group; and using the #B2BSLTChallenge hashtag.

For the dancers out there, there’s the o cial “B2BSLT Line Dance,” choreographed by Marcus B. Smooth and Tosha F. from the Smooth Urban Ballroom & Line Dance Co. “Watch it, learn it and teach it to errrr’body!!,” she said over Facebook, “then film yourself with your friends doing it and share!” For dessert, Shelby J.’s #b2bsltBAKINGchallenge invites fans to snap photos of their sweet potato or apple pies; and share their favorite (along with the appropriate tags). If song lyrics give any hints, Shelby J. is on team apple. But with pie, everyone’s a winner, really.

As kitchens across America start heating up, there’s bounties to share, songs to sing, and shows to see. Happy Thanksgiving Triad music lovers. Dig in. !

KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who spotlights area artists and events.

ASHEBORO

FOUR SAINTS BREWING

218 South Fayetteville St. | 336.610.3722 www.foursaintsbrewing.com

Thursdays: Taproom Trivia

Fridays: Music Bingo

Nov 23: Corey Hunt and the Wise

Dec 4: Randolph Jazz Band

CARBORRO

CAT’S CRADLE

300 E Main St | 919.967.9053 www.catscradle.com

Nov 23: aldn

Nov 25: Crazy Chester

Nov 26: Philstock ‘22

Nov 27: The Menzingers

Nov 28: Black Lips

Dec 1: Less Than Jake

Dec 2: JULIA., By George

Dec 2: Violet Bell

Dec 3: Mike Doughty

Dec 4: Covet

Dec 5: Lynn Blakey Christmas Show

Dec 7: Lightning Bolt

CHARLOTTE

BOJANGLES COLISEUM

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com

Nov 30: Rod Wave

Dec 1: A Day To Remember - Reassembled: Acoustic Theater Tour

Dec 6: Allman Family Revival

Dec 10: Southern Soul Music Festival

THE FILLMORE

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com

Nov 27: W.A.S.P

Nov 29: MAX w/ VINCINT

Nov 30: Rina Sawayama

Dec 2: Blue October

Dec 2: Soen + Special Guests

Dec 3: State Champs

Dec 7: Jinjer

Dec 8: Machine Head

SPECTRUM CENTER

333 E Trade St | 704.688.9000 www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com

Dec 6: Daddy Yankee Dec 10: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

CLEMMONS

VILLAGE SQUARE TAP

HOUSE

6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct | 336.448.5330 www.facebook.com/vstaphouse

Nov 23: The Plaids

Nov 24: Joey Whitaker

Nov 25: Lasater Union

Nov 26: Zack Brock & The Good

Intentions

Dec 1: James Vincent Carroll

Dec 8: Anna Mertson

Dec 9: Big Cityl

DURHAM

CAROLINA THEATRE

309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org

Dec 3: That Motown Band

Dec 7: Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

DPAC

123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787 www.dpacnc.com

Dec 7: Allman Family Revival

ELKIN

REEVES THEATER

129 W Main St | 336.258.8240 www.reevestheater.com

Wednesdays: Reeves Open Mic

Fourth Thursdays: Old-Time Jam

Nov 25: Time Sawyer w/ Damon Atkins Trio

Dec 2: The Elkin Big Band w/ Teresa Jasper

GREENSBORO

BARN DINNER THEATRE

120 Stage Coach Tr. | 336.292.2211 www.barndinner.com

Nov 26 - Dec 18: Black Nativity

CAROLINA THEATRE

310 S. Greene Street | 336.333.2605 www.carolinatheatre.com

Nov 28: Motown Christmas

Dec 1: Frosty

CHAR BAR NO. 7

3724 Lawndale Dr. | 336.545.5555 www.charbar7.com

Nov 25: Dustin Curlee

COMEDY ZONE

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com

Nov 25-26: Mario Tory Dec 2-3: Michael Yo

Dec 8: Maddy Smith

Dec 9-10: Gianmarco Soresi

Dec 14: Charleston White

CONE DENIM

117 S Elm St | 336.378.9646 www.cdecgreensboro.com

GARAGE TAVERN

5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro

Nov 23: Alek Ottaway

Dec 9: Borther Pearl

GREENSBORO COLISEUM

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com

Nov 23: Los Angeles Azules

Dec 11: For King & Country

LITTLE BROTHER

BREWING

348 South Elm St | 336.510.9678 www.facebook.com/littlebrotherbrew

Wednesdays: Trivia

Fridays & Saturdays: Free Live Music

Nov 25: Sam Robinson Trio

Nov 26: David Childers

PIEDMONT HALL

2411 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com

Dec 8: Jinjer

RODY’S TAVERN

5105 Michaux Rd | 336.282.0950 www.facebook.com/rodystavern

Nov 23: Tony Andrews

Nov 25: Jim Mayberry

Nov 30: Megan Doss

STEEL HANDS BREWING

1918 W Gate City Blvd | 336.907.8294 www.facebook.com/steelhandsgreensboro

Nov 25: Tre Smith

STEVEN TANGER CENTER

300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com

Nov 23: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Nov 26: Martina McBride

Nov 27: Dirty Dancing in Concert

THE IDIOT BOX

COMEDY CLUB

503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com

Thursdays: Open Mic

Dec 9: David Goolsby

WINESTYLES

3326 W Friendly Ave Suite 141 | 336.299.4505 www.facebook.com/winestylesgreensboro277

Dec 3: Susana Macfarlane

HIGH POINT

1614 DMB

1614 N Main St | 336.883.4113 https://www.1614drinksmusicbilliards.com/

Nov 26: Fair Warning

GOOFY FOOT TAPROOM

2762 NC-68 #109 | 336.307.2567 www.goofyfoottaproom.com

Nov 26: Michael Chaney

HIGH POINT THEATRE

220 E Commerce Ave | 336.883.3401 www.highpointtheatre.com

Nov 26: John Berry Christmas Tour Dec 3-4: The Nutcracker Ballet

JAMESTOWN

THE DECK

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 www.thedeckatrivertwist.com

Friday & Saturday: Live Bands

Nov 23:

Dec 7: Delta Rae

Dec 9: The Connells w/ The Whom

Dec 10: The Dune Dogs

PNC ARENA

1400 Edwards Mill Rd | 919.861.2300 www.thepncarena.com

Dec 1: Chris Tomlin X MercyMe

Dec 3: Reba McEntire

WINSTON-SALEM

EARL’S

121 West 9th Street | 336.448.0018 www.earlsws.com

Mondays: Open Mic Thursdays: Will Jones

Nov 25: Decades Band

Nov 26: Russ Varnell and his Too Country Band

Dec 2: Zack Brock and the Good Intentions

Dec 3: Jesse Ray Carter

Dec 9: Billy Creason Band

Dec 10: Jason Moss and the Hosses

FIDDLIN’ FISH

BREWING COMPANY

772 Trade St | 336.999.8945 www.fiddlinfish.com

Tuesdays: Trivia

Dec 2: Stray Local

Dec 9: Red Umber

FOOTHILLS BREWING

638 W 4th St | 336.777.3348 www.foothillsbrewing.com

Sundays: Sunday Jazz Thursdays: Trivia

Nov 23: Banjo Earth

Nov 25: Eddie Clayton

Nov 27: The Sun Dried Tomatoes

Nov 30: Terra String

Dec 2: Colin Allured

Dec 4: Michael Chaney

Dec 7: Colin Cutler

MIDWAY MUSIC HALL

11141 Old US Hwy 52, Suite 10 | 336.793.4218 www.facebook.com/midwaymusichallandeventcenter

Mondays: Line Dancing

Dec 3: SideKix

Dec 10: JS, And the Footlights

MUDDY CREEK CAFE & MUSIC HALL

137 West St | 336.201.5182 www.facebook.com/MuddyCreekCafe

Nov 26: Nirvani: A Nirvana Tribute

Dec 3: Kyle Petty

Dec 9: Dropkick Mullet

Dec 10: Big Daddy Love

THE RAMKAT

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com

Nov 23: Sam Fribush Organ Trio w/ Sonny Miles

Nov 23: Camel City Yacht Club

Nov 26: Todd Snider

Dec 1: Caleb Caudle

Dec 2: Trampled By Turtles w/ Spring Summer

Dec 3: FemFest IX

Dec 8: Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio w/ Victoria Victoria

Dec 9: Southern Culture on the Skids

WISE MAN BREWING

826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008 www.wisemanbrewing.com

Thursdays: Music Bingo

Nov 25: Gipsy Danger

Natalie Garcia

[TRIVIA TEST]

by Fifi Rodriguez

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your honesty continues to impress everyone who needs reassurance about a project. But be careful you don’t lose patience with those who are still not ready to act.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Pushing others too hard to do things your way could cause resentment and raise more doubts. Instead, take more time to explain why your methods will work.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be more considerate of those close to you before making a decision that could have a serious e ect on their lives. Explain your intentions and ask for their advice.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might have to defend a workplace decision you plan to make. Colleagues might back you up on this, but it’s the facts that will ultimately win the day for you. Good luck!

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big Cat’s co-workers might not be doing enough to help get that project finished. Your roars might stir things up, but gentle purrr-suasion will prove to be more e ective.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Someone you care for needs help with a problem. Give it lovingly and without judging the situation. Whatever you feel you should know will be revealed later.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) While you’re to be admired for how you handled recent workplace problems, be careful not to react the same way to a new situation until all the facts are in.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Rely on your keen instincts, as well as the facts at hand, when dealing with a troubling situation. Be patient. Take things one step at a time as you work through it.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your curiosity leads you to ask questions. However, the answers might not be what you hoped to hear. Don’t reject them without checking them out.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Be careful not to tackle a problem without su cient facts. Even sure-footed Goats need to know where they’ll land before leaping o a mountain path.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Appearances can be deceiving. You need to do more investigating before investing your time, let alone your money, in something that might have some hidden flaws.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your recent stand on an issue could make you the focus of more attention than you would like. But you’ll regain your privacy, as well as more time with loved ones, by week’s end.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You’re a good friend and a trusted confidante. You would be a wonderful teacher or a respected member of the clergy.

© 2022 by King Features Syndicate

[

1. TELEVISION: At which popular restaurant does Penny work in “The Big Bang Theory”?

[2. ASTRONOMY: Which one of Jupiter’s moons has active volcanos?

[3. GEOGRAPHY: The Tiber River flows through which famous capital city?

[4. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “The Martian Chronicles”?

[5. U.S. STATES: Which river forms the eastern border of Iowa?

[6. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first president to give a televised address from the White House?

[7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What image on Canada’s flag is a recognizable symbol of the country?

[8. MEASUREMENTS: Which ancient civilization used palms, digits and cubits to measure length?

[9. MOVIES: Who voices the character Princess Anna in “Frozen”?

[10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: An elephant has the most muscles in which part of its body?

1. Cheesecake Factory. 2. Io. 3. Rome. 4. Ray Bradbury. 5. Mississippi. 6. Harry Truman. 7. A maple leaf. 8. Egyptians. 9. Kristen Bell. 10. Trunk.

© 2022 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.