YES! Weekly - December 18, 2024 by YES! Weekly

3 THE SPOTTED COW Steakhouse opened in February of this year. It occupies a historic brick structure in the arts district. The interior is rather rustic, but genuine.

4 All good things come to an end, but for ROB DAVIS, whose retirement takes effect December 31, the eight years he spent as executive director of the RiverRun International Film Festival were all good.

6 As we celebrate this holiday season, let’s not forget that there are people beyond our immediate circle of family and friends who are suffering, and could benefit from OUR LOVE AND GENEROSITY.

7 Producer/director Luca Guadagnino’s screen adaptation of the 1985 William S. Burroughs novella “ QUEER” is, by turns,

evocative, sensual, provocative, stylish, and steeped in the distinctive milieu of Burroughs — but it’s also too long (a Guadagnino trademark) and, in this case, the length tends to diminish its overall impact.

9 We’re one week from Christmas, dear readers. With two weeks left in the year, the sands are tumbling, the clock hands are ticking and the TUNES ARE ROLLING to usher in 2025.

12 On November 19, the BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHOSE CURTAIN to replace Kristina Singleton, whose resignation was announced that day. Curtain is the IRC’s fourth (and first Black) executive director since the center was founded in 2008. YES! Weekly asked what her perspective brings to the job.

Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com

EDITORIAL

Editor CHANEL R. DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com

YES! Writers JOHN BATCHELOR MARK BURGER

KATEI CRANFORD

LYNN FELDER

JIM LONGWORTH

MAGGIE MARSHALL

IAN MCDOWELL

PRODUCTION

Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com

Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com

ADVERTISING

Marketing ANGELA COX angela@yesweekly.com

TRAVIS WAGEMAN travis@yesweekly.com

Promotion NATALIE GARCIA

DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK

Chow Down with John Batchelor at The Spotted Cow

BY JOHN BATCHELOR

The Spotted Cow Steakhouse opened in February of this year. It occupies a historic brick structure in the arts district. The interior is rather rustic, but genuine. The vibe is casual, with lots of easy camaraderie often emerging between fairly close tables. Covered patio seating is available, weather permitting. You have to park on the street, but there is a garage nearby, and valet assistance is provided on weekends. Exceptionally pleasant hostesses greet you as you enter.

As you would expect from a restaurant owned by the Lee brothers, the food is quite good and reasonably priced. The bar, which lines one side of the interior, earns particular commendation. The Spotted Cow Bourbon Boxcar is a good example — bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, brown sugar simple syrup, and orange bitters. The wine list o ers a wide range of international choices. I did not recognize a lot of the selections, but our server provided small tastes to help with decision-making. I got the impression this is routine, as it should be whenever less widely known selections predominate.

Food deliveries come out of the kitchen pretty quickly. If you prefer leisurely dining, you might consider ordering one course at a time.

A starter of Crab Cake Egg Rolls made a very good first impression. This is a creative variation on an old standard. The crust is crisp, the interior filled with a crab dressing, crab flavor predominant, sharpened with an herb remoulade sauce. Grilled Stu ed Mushrooms sustained the positive tone, the natural earthy flavor of the main ingredient enriched with pimiento cheese, crispy (real) bacon, and white cheddar cheese. These are baked, the cheeses blended and softened.

My wife was in a light dishes mood on two visits. One time, she ordered Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad, with pleasing results. The chicken itself bears moderate spice and heat from the blackening spices, presented over romaine lettuce, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all decorated with crisp croutons. The Bourbon Salmon Salad likewise proved enjoyable. Spring mix greens host cranberries, candied pecans, and sliced pears, scattered with blue cheese, all dressed in a mild balsamic vinaigrette

that did not overpower the ﬁsh ﬂavor.

The Bacon Angus Cheeseburger is constructed with two 4-ounce smash patties, joined in the bun by crisp bacon, sliced American cheese, caramelized onions, plus lettuce and tomato, ladled with a homemade barbecue sauce. The thin patty smashburger design has gained a popular following here and elsewhere.

Given that this is a steakhouse concept, the rest of our entrées followed meats.

The menu promises that Baby Back Ribs are falling o the bone tender, and that turned out to be the case, emitting excellent natural pork ﬂavor. They are glazed with a very tasty house-made barbecue sauce. You can customize the portion size — a half or full rack.

The Pork Porterhouse is one of the best renditions of this personal favorite cut I have encountered. The meat is a center cut, enhanced with a 7-pepper seasoning, char-grilled. It was cooked just right, moist and tender inside a great crisp crust beautifully marked by the grill.

I ordered a N.Y. Strip Steak with a side of shrimp, just to get another impression of a seafood. The shrimp were tender, exhibiting a simple natural ﬂavor, no chemical aftertaste, and a mild garlicbutter coating. The steak ranked in the upper echelon for area beef dishes, cooked just as ordered. Although not quite a match for the absolute best, it is also lower priced. I would not hesitate to come here for a steak.

Entrées include a house salad and one vegetable. The salad is OK, but I wish they would not cover it with grated cheese. (I’ll admit that a lot of people like lots of cheese on their salads, but I just don’t get making an otherwise healthy side into something that is high

in fat.) I got Roasted Mushrooms with my steak, and I would definitely order them again. They’re an excellent pairing for the steak flavor. Brussels Sprouts are halved and seared crisp, yielding very good flavor and texture. Green Beans are vibrant in color, cooked al dente, just the way I like them. Creamed corn is, well, creamy, with a pleasant, fresh corn flavor.

Given the festive season, I felt compelled to order a dessert. The Apple Tart is a real winner, not excessively sweet, with solid ﬂavor from the crust.

The chef is John Tharp. He leads a winning team that includes servers who know the food well. Based on the crowds I saw on weeknights as well as weekends, I would say they have established a popular following. As beﬁts the Spotted Cow experience. Deﬁnitely recommended! !

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?

The Spotted Cow Steakhouse 529 Trade St NW Winston-Salem 27101 336-999-8977

spottedcowsteakhouse.com

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4:30-9:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 4:30-10 p.m.

Appetizers: $10-$16, Salads: $6-$26, Soups: $8, Entrées: $21-$54, Desserts: $10 Most recent visit: December 4

Bourbon Salmon Salad

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad Baby Back Ribs

Executive decision: RiverRun’s Rob Davis retires

All good things come to an end, but for Rob Davis, whose retirement takes e ect December 31, the eight years he spent as executive director of the RiverRun International Film Festival were all good. Not always easy, of course, but rewarding and satisfying on both a personal and professional level.

“The last eight years seem to have gone by in the blink of an eye, and that’s a rare thing,” Davis said. “It was a lot of fun. It was hard work, of course — but I had fun. I felt welcome from day one, and I have never worked with a better sta . The audiences have been fantastic, I’ve made a lot of new friends since I’ve been here, including some ﬁlmmakers I’ve admired,

and I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with old friends — including you.”

(Davis worked at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival when yours truly covered it for the South Florida Newspaper Network in the 1990s. He had no idea I now worked here, and I had no idea it was the same Rob Davis!)

On January 1, RiverRun program manager Mary Dossinger and development director Ti any Jones will serve as the festival’s interim co-directors until a new executive director is hired. Given that both Dossinger and Jones have extensive experience with the festival, Davis is certain that RiverRun is in good hands.

“I have worked with Rob in a close capacity since day one when we worked to transition him in as our new executive director at the festival,” Dossinger said. “We continued on a great relationship path for many years, working closely with the overall ﬁlm program every year. He has moved RiverRun forward during his tenure in a strong and commanding way. I was particularly impressed with how he shep-

herded RiverRun through the very tough times of the [COVID] pandemic, when many ﬁlm festivals and other arts organizations were unable to make it. It meant a lot to the sta of the festival to be able to keep their jobs and move forward. We hope to continue that work long into the future and we thank him for all of his hard work over the past eight years.”

Jones concurred wholeheartedly. “Working with Rob for the past eight years has been a truly enjoyable experience,” she said. “From our past non-profit work, we coincidentally knew some of the same people and projects, so there was an immediate synergy that allowed us to collaborate well and accomplish our many fund-raising goals — keeping RiverRun financially secure. His leadership and commitment to always wanting the best for RiverRun will continue to shape the organization in the future. As Mary and I take the helm in our interim capacity, we are eager to build on that legacy and create a 2025 festival that fully celebrates independent film and our arts community.”

The decision to retire, said Davis, wasn’t an easy one, but he liked the idea of going out “on top,” as this year’s festival boasted what he felt was the best selection of ﬁlms the festival had showcased during his time as executive director, and was also the most successful since the pre-pandemic years. “It just seemed like the right time,” he said.

“Rob Davis is a consummate professional whose love for cinema and cinematic storytellers is infectious,” praised Deborah LaVine, dean of the UNCSA School of Filmmaking. “His respect for ﬁlm ranges from classic ﬁlms to the most provocative and daring new works. That, and an instinct for bringing audiences what they will enjoy, but also gently nudging them toward the unexpected, has left an indelible impression on the community that will long be appreciated.”

“I o er my sincere congratulations to Rob Davis on his upcoming retirement,” said Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines, recently reelected to an unprecedented seventh term. “Rob has been an extraordinary leader of the RiverRun festival and has grown it each year to an even more vibrant and exciting festival. I wish him the best in his retirement and express my sincere appreciation for the very positive impact he has had, not only on the festival but also the city of Winston-Salem in general.”

“To me, he has had an enormous

impact on the festival,” said Dale Pollock, two-time dean of the UNCSA School of Filmmaking and the chief architect of RiverRun’s move from Brevard and Asheville to Winston-Salem. “He developed the ‘RiverRun Retro’ program, which brought stars of Hollywood’s yesteryear to Winston-Salem and appealed to a surprising number of younger audiences as well as older ones. He steered the festival through its toughest period during the pandemic and managed to put on a festival using the virtual component while other, betterknown festivals were canceled. He’s been a great manager and leader of the sta , and we’ll miss him. Now it’s time for RiverRun to look in a new direction.”

Davis and Pollock aren’t sure if they’ll be involved in the selection process for a new executive director — Pollock said that a national search will commence shortly — but both are certainly willing to lend their expertise if asked.

The most recent RiverRun event Davis presided over was the third annual “Can Film Festival” earlier this month at Marketplace Cinemas in Winston-Salem, which showcases holiday-themed ﬁlms (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was this year’s special selection) that audiences can attend for free — so long as they bring cans of food to donate to Winston-Salem’s Samaritan Ministries, which aids those less fortunate and in need.

“Rob Davis has been wonderful to work with on the ‘Can Film Festival,’” said Jan Kelly, Samaritan Ministries executive director. “I’ve been so impressed by his

Mark Burger

Contributor

Rob Davis

creativity, movie-industry expertise, and compassion for others. We’re so grateful he brought moviegoers and Samaritan Ministries together to provide food for our guests in crisis. We wish him the very best in retirement after an extraordinary career!”

No one could have foreseen the COVID pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 festival, but Davis and company introduced a virtual component to RiverRun which allowed viewers the enjoy festival ﬁlms in the comfort (and safety) of their own homes. As an unexpected bonus, it expanded RiverRun’s reach, with people buying tickets from across the country and, indeed, around the world. That option has diminished in recent years, as distributors wanted audiences to view their ﬁlms on the big screen as they were meant to, but it was nonetheless a boon for RiverRun at the time.

“I can’t imagine anyone besides Rob Davis shepherding RiverRun through the COVID years,” said Zack Fox, Marketplace Cinemas general manager. “He did an incredible job navigating the sudden cancellation of the 2020 festival while keeping festival events happening safely year-round. When we hatched the idea for the Marketplace Cinemas Drive-In in 2020, Rob was a key component in us committing to the drive-in. He felt the drive-in would be a great way to ensure the 2021 festival would happen. During that festival, we hosted nightly outdoor screenings including both the openingand closing-night ﬁlms.”

Himself a ﬁlmmaker and ﬁlm devotee, Fox had long wanted to establish a partnership between the festival and the theater. Then came Davis.

“Under Rob’s leadership, he and the rest

of the RiverRun team hit it o instantly with our cinema,” Fox recalled. “We joined them for year-round events and ultimately the 10-day festival. During his time at RiverRun, Rob has brought many wonderful Hollywood talents to Winston-Salem — Karen Allen, Adrienne Barbeau, Gigi Perreau, Oscar winner Tom Schulman — and he’s given fascinating ﬁlm talks and lectures. He’s helped grow the Winston-Salem indie-ﬁlm community and audiences exponentially. Rob has become a wonderful friend of mine and everyone here at Marketplace Cinemas and we are so happy for him to retire, but truly said not to be working with him anymore. Plus, I’m going to miss reading his ‘Cinematically Yours’ opening in the RiverRun program!”

There are a few RiverRun events scheduled for the new year before Davis made his decision to retire, and he’s willing to participate in them “if they’ll let me,” he said with a smile.

The deadline for the 2025 festival passed last week, and thus far there have been over 1,500 submissions. Looking back, does Davis believe he accomplished everything he set out to do at RiverRun?

“I do believe I did,” he said. “I can’t think of anything I didn’t. I’ve been very lucky and I’m grateful. When I came to RiverRun, it was a solid and established festival, and as I leave, it’s a solid and established festival.”

The 27th annual RiverRun International Film Festival is scheduled for April 10-19, 2025. For more information, call 336-7241502 or visit the o cial RiverRun website: https://riverrunﬁlm.com/. !

[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP] MAKE REYNOLDA YOUR FESTIVE FAMILY TRADITION

BY BRITTANY NORTON | Director of Marketing & Communications for Reynolda House & Reynolda Gardens

It’s nearing that time of year when all the carols have been sung and you’ve enjoyed all the nog and hot cocoa one’s heart can contain. Family is still in town and possibly just on the brink of going stir-crazy so why not spend an afternoon exploring the place where art, history and nature come together?

For those anxious to squeeze in every drop of Christmas cheer, Reynolda House and Gardens remain decorated through Dec. 31 so there’s still time to see the historic bungalow all aglow just as it would have been when the Reynolds family celebrated their first Christmas here in 1917. Two towering trees, adorned with antique glass ornaments, flank either side of the Reception Hall fireplace and wreaths are hung throughout.

While touring the Museum, don’t miss the exhibitions on view in the historic bedrooms. In the East bedroom, “Still I Rise” examines and celebrates the lives and contributions of Black residents and workers of Reynolda as it evolved from a Jim Crow era working estate into an American art museum. Also chronicling a chapter of Reynolda’s complex history, “Smith & Libby: Two Rings Seven Months, One Bullet” examines the events that led to the fatal shooting of the youngest Reynolds son, Zachary “Smith” Reynolds. Located on the very site of the incident, the condensed exhibition reveals intimate details of the

lives of both Smith, and his wife and accused murderer, Broadway singer Libby Holman. The “gunshot heard around the world” sparked a case that never went to trial — leaving this mystery unsolved. Also on view, visitors can enjoy “Leigh Ann Hallberg: Phenoms,” featuring large scale abstract paintings inspired by Reynolda’s landscapes, and “Good Impressions: Portraits Across Three Centuries from Reynolda” and “Wake Forest” with works by artists including John Singleton Copley and Kwame Brathwaite.

Adjacent to the House, the Brown Family Conservatory is showcasing its ﬁrst seasonal plant display since its grand reopening last fall. A variety of poinsettias line the conservatory in a range of hues from warm ambers to vibrant pinks. Take time to shop the Reynolda Welcome Center where you’ll ﬁnd the perfect pot for your new poinsettia, shop blown glass ornaments depicting buildings across the estate, or give the gift of Reynolda and purchase a membership for yourself or loved one. There are all sorts of New Year’s resolutions you can set. Let one be to slow down and enjoy all that’s right here in your own backyard — and Reynolda is the perfect place to start.

Visit now through Dec. 31. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The museum closes for the month of January for annual improvements. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.reynolda.org. !

Rob Davis (center) with Cristina Gavin (left) and 2024 RiverRun Master of Cinema Constance Towers Gavin (right).

Plenty of Ways to Give this Holiday Season

As we celebrate this holiday season, let’s not forget that there are people beyond our immediate circle of family and friends who are su ering, and could benefit from our love and generosity. Over the past two decades, I’ve been able to showcase scores of community organizations on my Triad Today television show, and in the process, I’ve learned that there are several ways we can help these agencies help others. The first is to donate goods. Second is to donate money. Third is to donate our time. Of course, some nonprofit groups can benefit from all three types of giving. Here, in no particular order are just a few organizations to which you might lend your support.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF NORTHWEST NC

Even prior to the pandemic, the Piedmont Triad had one of the worst food insecurity problems in the nation, and

that included the problem of childhood hunger. Now, with thousands more of our neighbors in need, the problem has worsened, including for children. To help alleviate the hunger problem, Second Harvest Food Bank has stepped up its e orts to distribute food to nonproﬁt agencies that feed hungry people in an 18-county area. The Food Bank has also partnered with a number of area companies to provide meals for kids. You can write a check directly to the food bank, or you can drop o nonperishable food items at a number of locations in our area. For more information call 336- 7845770, or visit www.secondharvestnwnc. org

CANCER SERVICES, INC

Their stated mission is “to enhance quality of life for those living with cancer, and to provide the gift of life through education.” Their services include patient advocacy, ﬁnancial assistance, providing equipment and supplies, o ering peer support groups, and much more. Ninety percent of funds donated to Cancer Services, Inc. goes directly to providing client services. In addition to money, you can also donate used equipment and supplies. Call 336-760-9983, or visit www. cancerservicesonline.org

GREENSBORO URBAN MINISTRY

is on the front lines when it comes to providing emergency assistance. Greensboro Urban Ministry provides homeless families in Guilford County a safe, temporary environment. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve meals, manage shelters, tutor children, and perform a variety of other duties. Monetary donations are also much appreciated. Call 336-271-5959, or visit www.greensborourbanministry.org

money or inquire about volunteering, call 1-888 789-2922, or visit www.mtnvalleyhospice.org

PETTY FAMILY FOUNDATION

NASCAR legend Richard Petty and his family support a number of charitable organizations including Paralyzed Veterans of America and Victory Junction Camp, the latter of which provides an uplifting experience for children with severe disabilities and terminal illnesses. To make a donation or learn more, visit www.pettyfamilyfoundation.org

SHIFT_ED provides qualiﬁed students with college scholarships and much more. Shift_ed also provides students with support services that are designed to help them be successful in life. Their equity-based program begins in kindergarten and includes everything from tutoring to career counseling. Shift_ed relies in part upon donations from companies and individuals. To learn more about scholarships, or to make a donation, visit www.shift-ed.org.

CAROLINA DONOR SERVICES AND RED CROSS

There can be no greater gift this holiday season than the gift of life, and that’s why you might consider donating blood, and signing a donor card. Either gesture requires only a few minutes of your time, and will almost certainly result in saving someone’s life in the future. You can reach Carolina Donor Services at 1-800 200-2672, or at www.carolinadonorservices.org. You can call the Red Cross at (336) 333-2111, or reach them via the internet at www.redcross.org.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE

[LETTER TO THE EDITOR]

Dear Editor,

The Board of Directors of FaithAction stands with our immigrant and refugee community in the face of fear and hostility related to Trump’s recent announcement of a manufactured ‘national emergency.’ Regardless of where individuals and families are in their journey to citizenship, we are dedicated to providing a safe haven and a pathway to a brighter future for those seeking refuge and opportunity. Our incredible sta and volunteers are with those children and families daily, providing essential assistance and hope to those who need it most. We are dedicated to supporting their e orts.

FaithAction’s commitment to fostering a welcoming community fuels our work to bridge cultural divides and build understanding among all residents. Since beginning over 25 years ago in Guilford County, we have seen how strong communities like this one are built on inclusion and respect for all.

Join us in growing a Guilford County that continues to embody compassion and vitality. As we anticipate an unprecedented demand for our services, we call upon our community to stand with us to preserve and protect these values. Together, we can ensure that immigrants and refugees receive the support they need to thrive as our newest neighbors.

Sincerely,

is a nonproﬁt agency that serves an 18-county area in North Carolina and Virginia, and provides personalized care for patients at the end of life, as well as comfort to families. Mountain Valley Hospice has o ces throughout the region and operates two hospice homes. They also specialize in care for terminally ill children and veterans, and o er grief support for kids and adults. To give

Please remember that your donations of time, money, or goods to area community organizations are vitally important, not just now, but throughout the coming year. It is also a way for us to expand the circle of people we care about, and that’s something worth celebrating in this season of giving. !

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+.

The Board of Directors, FaithAction Lawrence Eisenberg, Stephanie Martinez-Ramirez, Adriana Galdo Adams, Rob Cassell, Hernan Sedda, Susan Fullam, Laura Godinez Acre, Karina A Vega, Hugh Holston, Aileen Vazquez, PauL Ringel, Jorge Zeballos. www.faithaction.org

Jim Longworth

Longworth at Large

Queer burrows into the Burroughs mindset

Producer/ director Luca Gua-

dagnino’s screen adaptation of the 1985 William S. Burroughs novella “Queer” is, by turns, evocative, sensual, provocative, stylish, and steeped in the distinctive milieu of Burroughs — but it’s also too long (a Guadagnino trademark) and, in this case, the length tends to diminish its overall impact.

An appealingly shabby Daniel Craig plays Burroughs’ alter-ego Bill Lee, a fedora-clad American expatriate who cynically fancies himself something of a bon vivant but is essentially a dissolute drunkard who spends much of his time cruising for easy pick-ups among the available young men in ‘50s-era Mexico City. Then he takes one look at clean-cut, smooth-skinned Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey) and is instantly smitten.

Bill and Eugene’s relationship is played out in extremely languid fashion, and there’s a vague but palpable detachment to the proceedings. Echoing Thomas Mann’s 1912 novella “Death in Venice” (which was adapted into a ﬁne 1971 ﬁlm by Luchino Visconti) almost as much as Burroughs’, it’s evident early on that this romance is not going to end well,

although how it precisely ends isn’t clearly spelled out here, which also dampens the film’s impact. Devotees of Burroughs will undoubtedly admire its fidelity to the author’s work, which was always informed by Burroughs’ own personal excesses, be they chemical or sexual or otherwise. There’s nothing wrong with a film that strays from the mainstream — indeed, it’s often refreshing — but Queer doesn’t satisfy itself, even on its own terms.

Yet it’s impossible to dismiss the film as an outright failure, because Guadagnino is such a talented filmmaker — even a visionary one. Queer is dotted with points of interest throughout, and although it’s occasionally a frustrating film it’s always an intriguing and controlled one. Its seamy ambiance and empathy for its lead character (well-played by Craig) rank high in its favor, although Starkey’s Eugene remains rather bland and opaque throughout. Perhaps that was intentional, but it doesn’t make the character very compelling.

Things perk up considerably in the ﬁlm’s third act (or chapter) when things take a metaphysical turn. Fascinated by telepathy, Bill and Eugene trek into the South American jungle to indulge in hallucinogens under the guidance of eccentric scientist Lesley Manville, who adds a welcome touch of levity and whose American accent is even better than Craig’s. If nothing else, Queer saved its best for last. !

Weekly Specials

MON: $3 Domestic Bottles & All Burgers $10.99 TUE: 1/2 Price Wine | WED: $4 Draft THU: $8 Bud Light Pitchers & $3 Fireball

Daily Happy Hour Specials

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 3-6PM MON: $9.99 Wings | TUE: $9.99 Nachos WED: $5.99 Snackables

Band Schedule

11AM-11PM

Mark Burger

[WEEKLY SUDOKU]

[KING CROSSWORD]

Ringing in 2025 with tunes

Katei Cranford Contributor

We’re one week from Christmas, dear readers. With two weeks left in the year, the sands are tumbling, the clock hands are ticking and the tunes are rolling to usher in 2025.

CLOSING OUT 2024

• New Year’s Bash at Reboot, December 27

• Cosmic Charlie at the Ramkat, December 27 and 28

• In the Beat of the Night presents: Old” year’s Eve at Westerwood Tavern on December 28

Getting out those last shakes of 2024, area venues and artists are itchin’ to close the year on a high note. In Winston-Salem, Reboot Arcade and Bar get the hard rock jump with a New Year’s Bash on December 27 presented by Crackasmyle Studios and Mix Tape events, with a lineup including Midnite Massacre, Fury 58, and The Mishaps. Down the road, Cosmic Charlie is bringing a double dose of their energetic Grateful Dead iterations to the Ramkat on December 27 and 28; o ering a “Dark Side of the Dead” Pink Floyd-Deadhead mashup experience on the ﬁrst night; and an acoustic and electric special New Years round of sets on the second. For “Dark Side of the Dead,” the Athensbased outﬁt will summon their “big band” persona: two drummers, four keyboards, a backing vocal group and a saxophone, performing Pink Floyd’s

quintessential “Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety. Dead-lovers fear not, “Cosmic Charlie will o er up two heaping helpings of its signature high-energy Grateful Dead,” to bookend the event.

Prez keeps the traditions alive and celebrates his solar return with a birthday soirée featuring deep grooves, special guests, and a special toast to cheers his “new rotation on the turntable of life.” Killmatic will join on the decks in salute to the dive DJ series that takes over certain Saturdays at Westerwood in Greensboro.

NYE IN GREENSBORO

• Old Heavy Hands, Bal and DJ Silent Mic at the Flat Iron

• No fuss, no frills NYE bash at Boxcar Bar+Arcade

• DJ Tantrum at Melrose Co ee Bar + Lounge

• Gypsy Danger at One-Thirteen Brewhouse

Getting to New Year’s Eve proper, the Flat Iron is hosting a heavy-hitter to close the year: Old Heavy Hands will be joined by Bal and DJ Silent Mic for a champagne toast-worthy show that’s likely to sell out before this article gets to print.

Down the road, Boxcar once again takes a more low-key approach to the holiday, keeping it simple with their annual “no fuss, no frills” New Year’s Eve party. Balloons will drop, bands will play: but it’s a “no reservations. No cover charges. No dress code,” straightforward start to the year. Meanwhile, those looking to dress and impress, can head to Melrose Lounge for what promises to be the “dopest, most stylish” New Year’s Eve party around. DJ Tantrum is on deck, coming straight from N.Y.C., to help enhance the “ultra sexy” dress code vibe. Gypsy Danger will toe the line between the two, bringing their

blends of pop, country, and indie rock to a New Year’s Eve party at One-Thirteen Brewhouse.

NYE AROUND HIGH POINT

• Charlie.Dog at the High Points Elks Lodge

• Poison’Us & Kings Of Noise at 1614 DrinksMusic - Billiards

• Brother Pearl at the Deck in Jamestown

• “Monsters and Mayhem Ball” at the Alibi in Thomasville Charlie.Dog will bring the rock’n’roll party to the High Point Elks lodge; along with DJ JACraven, a photobooth, heavy Hors d’Ouvres, and the classic champagne toast to cap both the evening and the year. It’s a “nothing but a good time” sort of New Year’s Eve over at 1614 Drinks - Music - Billiards as they present the premiere Poison tribute, Poison’Us & Kings Of Noise; and in Jamestown, Brother Pearl is scheduled to rock the Deck well into 2025. Meanwhile, the Alibi in Thomasville o ers a gothic goodbye to 2024 with the darkhearted “Monsters and Mayhem Ball,” an all-black formal a air featuring the Woods Of Terror Horror Band, Crypt Kicker.

NYE AROUND WINSTON-SALEM

• Bride of the Monsterprom at Monstercade

• Vaudeville Frolic and Rocky Horror at Camel City Playhouse

• DJ Hekyeh at the Millenium Center

• Y2K at Hoots with Codeseven, Blankface, The Bronzed Chorus and Idol Talk

• Spindle 45 at Old Nick’s Acadia

• Camel City Yacht Club at the Playground in Clemmons

The weirdos at Monstercade are putting the nail in 2024’s co n with an undead prom. “It’s the end of the world and we all know it, so let’s party like there’s no tomorrow!” they said. “Dress as your

favorite ghoul in their favorite prom attire and Let’s Burn 2024 Down!”

Unconventional conventionists will convene at Camel City Playhouse to set a “don’t dream it, be it” tone for 2025; with a special Vaudeville Frolic revue, followed by a shadowcast showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and a champagne toast to the ball drop. Folks seeking a more traditional a air can hit DJ Hekyeh at the Millennium Center. Meanwhile, those wanting to party in the millennium should head to Hoots for a Y2K throwback — JNCOS and all — with a special set from Codeseven, along with Blankface, The Bronzed Chorus, and Idol Talk…talk about a time warp.

Getting to traditional faire, annual “Triad’s Best” reader poll favorites, Spindle 45, will cap 2024 with a New Year’s Eve show at one of their favorite stomping grounds, Old Nick’s Pub Arcadia; and Camel City Yacht Club will return to the Playground in Clemmons for another New Year’s Eve Party for some smooth sailing into 2025. !

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

Maggie Marshall

Ways to Pay It Forward This Holiday Season

December is a joyous time of giving and paying it forward. There are several nonproﬁt organizations throughout the Triad that you can donate food and clothes to, volunteer for, or give money to that directly beneﬁt those in the community. If you’re hoping to pay it forward this holiday season here are several local organizations that you can donate to.

BACKPACK BEGINNINGS

BackPack Beginnings is a nonproﬁt organization in Greensboro founded by Parker White. BPB, for short, works as a 95 percent volunteer-based organization. Over the past 14 years, it has evolved into a multi-program organization that has helped over 23,000 children within the local community. “We don’t just provide services; we build relationships, strengthen networks, and ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most,” explained White. BPB hosts an array of programs ranging from Comfort BackPacks, Personal Care Program, Book Beginnings, and Baby Basics.

Recently, White opened a family market to provide a free shopping experience for local families. “Donating to BackPack Beginnings means making a direct, tangible di erence in the lives of children and families in our community. Your support helps us provide critical resources like food, clothing, diapers, and comfort items to those who need them most. By giving to BackPack Beginnings, you’re not just contributing to a cause — you’re helping to create opportunities, stability, and hope for our neighbors,” said White.

BPB is looking for donations of non-perishable food items, toys and games, children’s clothes, books, personal care items, baby items, and school supplies. You can donate small amounts of donations at Pigtail and Crewcuts or Bizi Kids or larger donations to the BackPack Beginnings o ce at 3711 Alliance Dr.

To volunteer at BPB, you can sign up for either a warehouse volunteer shift or family market volunteer shift via their website: backpackbeginnings.org

THE GREEN TEAM HELPING HANDS INC.

The Green Team Helping Hands, Inc. was established by Greensboro native, Ashley Benton in 2012, following the loss of her father in 2009. The Green Team accommodates families and homeless individuals with meals, proper clothing, and basic toiletries needed on a day-today basis. They provide “blessing bags” full of snacks and hygiene products to homeless individuals and hot meals. You can donate money to help keep the organization aﬂoat via their website: greenteamhelpinghands.org. The Green Team Helping Hands Inc. always seeks donations of products and services. You can email Benton at ashleybntn@yahoo.com for volunteer opportunities.

TOYS FOR TOTS

You might recognize this one by its iconic red train logo. The basic mission of Toys for Tots is to give new, unwrapped toys to children around the holiday season, and they have been doing so across the country for decades. In 1947 Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR founded Toys for Tots in Los Angeles, California. Then in 1948, The United States Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots and expanded it into a nationwide community action project as the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program. Volunteers are also welcome to help out. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation looks for volunteers to assist in the transportation and storage of toys, assist in local warehouses, assist with meals, and more. If you would like to assist the campaign as a volunteer, head to the Greensboro Toys for Tots branch website and ﬁll out a form: greensboro-nc.toysfortots.org/.

There are a few local drop-o spots in the Triad: Flow Honda Burlington Toy Drop, Rixster Grill Toy Drop in High Point, or Double D Saloon Toy Drop in Kernersville. Gunnery Sergeant Christopher McNeil is the coordinator for the Guilford, Alamance, Pearson, and Caldwell counties.

Marine soldiers were also seen fully uniformed outside of Natty Greene’s during the Festival of Lights collecting toys this past Saturday on Elm Street. Earlier that day a Toys for Tots 5k was held in downtown Greensboro which also worked as a toy drive.

GREENSBORO URBAN MINISTRY

Greensboro Urban Ministry was founded in 1967 and has since then helped provide opportunities for housing solutions, safe shelter, food, and support services for the Greensboro community. Their mission is to treat everyone like neighbors and welcome all through an open door.

You can always donate to Greensboro Urban Ministry this holiday season. Every penny goes directly to the people of Greensboro who struggle to meet their day-to-day needs. GUM also accepts food donations. GUM o ers free meals daily and gives out emergency groceries four days a week. You can help continue this mission by donating any non-perishable food items to The Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Food Pantry. The food pantry warehouse is located at the rear of GUM’s main o ce, behind Healthserve Ministry, 1002 S. Eugene St.

Contributor

Backpack Beginnings

The Green Team Helping Hands Inc.

Greensboro Urban Ministry

Habitat Greensboro

A variety of services are available to single adults or families experiencing a housing crisis. Weaver House provides emergency shelter to single men and women. While The Pathways Center provides temporary shelter to families. Donations help keep these shelters satisfactory.

“We believe our community is strongest when nonproﬁts, faith communities, government, and neighbors work together toward solutions. Supporting Greensboro Urban Ministry by donating your time, talent, or treasure not only helps our neighbors in need but makes our community a stronger place for all to thrive and succeed. That is why we value the resources entrusted to our care and steward them carefully,” said Chief Executive O cer Brian Hahne.

Another way to pay it forward is to volunteer. Volunteers are vital to Greensboro Urban Ministry. Whether for a day or long term, GUM welcomes all volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and support those in need. Find out more about how to volunteer on their website: greensborourbanministry.org.

HABITAT GREENSBORO

The goal of Habitat Greensboro is to provide safe and a ordable places to live for everyone. With Habitat, homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and can pay an a ordable mortgage. Habitat is made possible through ﬁnancial support and volunteering. Since 1987, Habitat Greensboro has served over 500 families in Greensboro. Since its founding, Habitat Greensboro has expanded to nearly 2,000 volunteers and more than 20 sta who build, renovate, and provide critical repairs to 30 to 35 homes each year.

There are several ways to get involved with Habitat Greensboro: you can become a hope builder by donating monthly to Habitat Greensboro; make

one-time donations; create a fundraising campaign; volunteer in the o ce, as a lunch ministry, or as a construction worker; or help out at future events. This past April and October, Habitat Greensboro hosted a Playhouse Project to build playhouses and create imaginary worlds for multiple children across Greensboro.

GUILFORD GREEN FOUNDATION

Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center is a donor-supported organization that aims to promote equality and inclusion through philanthropy, programming, and advocacy that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community.

It began in March 1996, when a group of friends held the first Green Party to benefit the Triad Health Project. Together they raised $10,000 to support people living with HIV and AIDS. Then in 1998, they founded Guilford Green Foundation, the first LGBTQ foundation in the southeastern U.S.

Triad residents can get involved with the Guilford Green Foundation by donating, fundraising, or volunteering at programs or events. To donate visit their website: guilfordgreenfoundation. org. There are a number of ways you can volunteer: you can help facilitate regular in-center programming, like Thursday’s Youth Nights, or work a table for Uniting Community Events, like Green Queen Bingo and Pride.

However, before you can volunteer you are required to participate in a volunteer training session. Sessions occur every second Monday of the month, from 5 to 6 p.m., in person at the GFG Center located at 121 N. Greene St. !

MAGGIE MARSHALL is a Greensboro based freelance writer and zine maker. She graduated from UNCG with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. Her writing interests include music, ﬁ lm, sustainability and counterculture.

Texas cattlemen

know bulls...but what about housing trends in the Triad?

Toys for Tots

Interim IRC director discusses triumphs and challenges

Ian McDowell

Contributor

“Representation matters,” said Bennita Curtain, recently appointed interim director of the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) at 407 E. Washington St. in downtown Greensboro, which after nearly a year as a 24hour drop-in shelter, has returned to its original mission as a campus for the city’s unhoused community.

On November 19, the Board of Directors chose Curtain to replace Kristina Singleton, whose resignation was announced that day. Curtain is the IRC’s fourth (and ﬁrst Black) executive director since the center was founded in 2008.

YES! Weekly asked what her perspective brings to the job.

“I do think there are unique needs for our community,” said Curtain, after expressing gratitude for the question.

“For our guests to see someone they feel understands them on a cultural level gives them hope. Everyone brings a unique perspective, and I want that to be shared at the table. It’s important for the majority of people you serve that you have representation in leadership.”

Before resigning, Singleton agreed to the city’s request for a perimeter fence. She told YES! Weekly this was also to keep clients from being arrested for camping on the property after hours.

“We did get a quote for our fence,” said Curtain. “However, it’s way too expensive. We’re looking into alternatives, such as an entrance gate. That may stop some vehicles from coming onto our property when we’re closed.”

Curtain called going back to closing on weekends and at 3 p.m. on weekdays “really hard, at least for the ﬁrst couple of weeks.”

“We knew some clients had a temporary place to go, but some didn’t. But we also saw the community pull together for solutions.”

On December 2, Curtain said sta was waiting to ﬁnd out if the IRC could still operate as a “white ﬂag” warming center when the temperature falls below 33 degrees. That evening, its doors opened. “The request came from the city at 4 p.m.,” wrote Curtain in an evening email. “We are thrilled that we were able to accommodate so quickly.”

Curtain grew up in High Point. “When I

was 10, my mom started having me volunteer at Open Door Ministries, handing out towels and other supplies in the family shelter they had then. When I moved back after college in 2009, I applied for a new Open Door program called Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing [HPRR]. It was pretty successful, because, the quicker you get people housed and surrounded with supportive services, the more likely they are to stay housed.”

Curtain ran HPRR until 2015. “Partners Ending Homelessness needed a continuum of care program manager to oversee other agencies. I stepped into that role until the IRC recruited me for FUSE [Frequent User Services Engagement], a program connecting unhoused hospital emergency patients with primary care doctors.”

Then COVID hit.

“We could no longer enter emergency rooms, so we used COVID funds to get people into Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn. I can’t thank those hotels enough for what they did. After lockdown ended, I transitioned to director of programs.”

This fall, the relationship between the IRC and the city that funds it became strained. Several council members, including District 1’s Sharon Hightower and District 3’s Zack Matheny, criticized IRC leadership for allegedly neglecting clients needing help with computer access and job applications.

“I wouldn’t know everything they were speaking about,” said Curtain, “but when I came here in 2020, partner agencies were already o ering less job support, so that did pause for a while. Now we have agencies coming back and doing on-site job training. Our basic services, such as helping people get ID cards, never stopped.”

Curtain acknowledged the IRC no longer has a computer lab. “However, sta can get people online if needed. During COVID, we provided laptops for Zoom calls with therapists and counselors. Now, anybody needing to get online can do that with a case manager.”

She also said the IRC “is getting back into rotation” with Goodwill, which will send a mobile computer lab for people who need resumes. “Not only do we have Family Services of The Piedmont for those who are uninsured, but Cone Health sends their mobile unit once a month.”

The IRC has also begun working closely with the Ambassadors contracted by Downtown Greensboro Inc.

“Our partnership is nothing o cial, but they’ve been great at reaching the unhoused whom they see every day. They ﬁnd people who are very transient and

make sure they can get up here for an appointment, so they can enter Doorway, the project providing temporary supportive housing in the pallet homes and RVs that have 82 beds.”

Curtain said that Sean Eisenbach, operations manager for the Downtown Ambassadors (aka Greensboro Hospitality and Safety Team), has provided crucial advice on rooming compatible people together in the pallet homes and RVs. “So far, we haven’t had anybody requesting a new roommate, and that’s always good.”

And because the city allowed the IRC to begin the Doorway Project in July, it’s had greater success connecting clients with housing resources. “Now, many of the people who entered into Doorway are on the housing list. Today, one’s getting housed and another has already gone to live with a friend, due to connections made this summer. A total of four have moved into di erent permanent housing units.”

She described one recent success.

“We have a gentleman who is legally blind and has been unhoused since 2020. In October, he applied for a place and we were able to get other partners to pay some of his deposits. Today, he’s moving into his apartment. I don’t think he’s ever had a place in his name before. We get chills thinking about it, because he deserves it and we know the pitfalls of being outside long-term. Your mental and physical health are impacted. All people deserve to be housed, but when someone is dealing with physical issues, we especially want to get them inside pretty quickly.”

Funding has diminished since tensions ended the IRC’s contract with the city.

“Our conversations have been very productive and they are really trying to be a great partner and ﬁgure some things out for us, because they know what we do here is crucial.”

Has she heard anything from the county?

“Not yet, but I’m still trying to bridge that.”

Then there’s the constant challenge of so many becoming homeless every day, as fueled by rising evictions, the growing housing crisis increases the ranks of those the IRC was created to serve.

“When our outreach teams talk each week to people in the camps and under the bridges, so many either haven’t heard of us or don’t know what services we provide.”

She described how outreach works.

“They visit encampments and respectfully try to ﬁnd a connection there. They tell them about the services we o er, and give them outreach bags with non-perishable goods and hygiene products. One unexpected thing unhoused people need is wallets. They get a lot of di erent cards from di erent places and need to carry money, and when you’re transient, your wallet may get lost or stolen. Along with those basics, the teams try to get them to come meet caseworkers, as well as getting them back on needed medication and connected with ACT.”

This is the Greensboro Assertive Community Treatment Team, administered by Psychotherapeutic Services Inc, operating out of the Hickory Building on 2 Centerview Drive.

“ACT is usually approved through Medicaid, with teams typically of ﬁve people, including doctors, nurses, and social workers. We can either connect clients with ACT, or to basic case management elsewhere. Currently, we have two full-time case managers, a data specialist, and another specialist who can help get disability expedited. It used to be six, but funding from the state has decreased.”

Curtain knows the IRC can’t solve everything, but she wants to make its clients and community feel safe.

“That’s something we’ve heard from unhoused people who may have been avoiding us. If they’re feeling threatened, I want to not only hear them but ask what we can do. One thing I am hearing, whether from our guests or the surrounding community, is that they want us here and really want to know how they can help. And I want the public aware there are life-changing things going on here. Just getting an ID wallet may seem simple, but it’s huge for some.” !

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.

Bennita Curtain

Natalie Garcia

Photos by Candise Zimmerman

[SALOME’S STARS]

Week of December 23, 2024

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) I know, dear Lamb, that you don’t like anyone trying to take charge of your projects, but try to be a bit more ﬂexible. A new idea could help hasten a positive result.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) I’m sure, being the time-thrifty Taurus you are, that you’ve done much of your holiday shopping. But don’t relax yet! Wrap those gifts now to save yourself lots of unwanted pressure.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be receptive when a family member or friend asks to conﬁde in you. Your positive reaction could ensure that they have a happy holiday experience.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t be rushed into wrapping up a workplace problem. Consider leaving it be until after the holidays. This way, you’ll have the facts you need to reach the right resolution.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) You’ll get news that will make you glow brighter than the lights of the holiday season! Be sure to use what you learn both carefully and kindly in order to avoid giving the wrong impression.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A frayed relationship could be mended in time for the holidays if you were more ﬂexible. Give a little, and you could get back a lot more than you imagined.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Things might not seem to be settling down as quickly as you would prefer, but it might just be a little “holiday time ﬂutter.” You’ll soon get news that will lead to more stability.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Stop getting so involved in everyone’s personal problems that you lose precious time with loved ones. Remember, even the Supreme Court closes for the holidays.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) All signs point to a bright holiday, with all of those pesky problems ﬁnally resolved in your favor. Share the good times with people you love and who, of course, love you.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your plans should not be set in stone and cemented over. Leave some openings in case you need to make changes. Meanwhile, spend the holidays with your nearest and dearest.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Surprise! This holiday ﬁnds you on the receiving end of generosity from those who are usually the recipients of what you give so freely and lovingly.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A piece of good news assures that you’ll be swimming in clearer, calmer waters this holiday season. There might be a storm or two ahead, but you’ll weather it all in ﬁne style.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You have a ﬂair for seeing things as you’d like them to be, as well as a gift for turning your perceptions into realities. Manifestation is your superpower.