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Seconds The Peach Cobbler Factory opens in the Triad EARL’S LANDING

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DECEMBER 20-26, 2023 VOLUME 19, NUMBER 51

10 5500 Adams Farm Lane Suite 204 Greensboro, NC 27407 Office 336-316-1231 Fax 336-316-1930 Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com

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EDITORIAL Editor CHANEL DAVIS

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DECEMBER 20-26, 2023

For Bryan Faulk and his wife, Aquinetta, retirement has been pretty sweet. The pair has recently opened up The Peach Cobbler Factory, located at 1116 Eastchester Drive Suite 102 in High Point, realizing a long-time dream of Faulk’s to be an entrepreneur.

YES! Writers IAN MCDOWELL MARK BURGER KATEI CRANFORD JIM LONGWORTH NAIMA SAID DALIA RAZO

LYNN FELDER PRODUCTION Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com ADVERTISING Marketing ANGELA COX

This holiday season, GOLDEN TICKET CINEMAS has gifted area moviegoers with a new destination to see the latest releases: The Golden Ticket Ale House + ELITE, located at 2101 New Garden Road, Greensboro. The 10-screen theater opened its doors Friday just in time for Christmas. 4 EARL’S LANDING is named after Earl Congdon. The Congdon family started their business with one truck, eventually developing what became Old Dominion Freight Lines. 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 Bradley Cooper’s MAESTRO, which details the life and career of legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein (1918-’90), represents a career milestone for the producer, director, screenwriter (co-written by Josh Singer), and star — whose performance as Bernstein is surefire Oscar bait.

It’s only fitting that the WISH, the latest animated feature from Disney, opens with the words “Once upon a time …,” and ends with “And they lived happily ever after.” At heart, this is a fairy tale in the classic tradition, with a sweet and gentle nature, and a nice, warm, fuzzy message for all ages. In short, quintessential Disney. 12 “Does the Greensboro Police Department teach it is acceptable for undercover officers to COMMIT SEXUAL ACTS with subjects?” On October 25, News & Record reporter Connor McNeely emailed that question... 14 As the year winds down and shoppers rush ‘round, here’s a [mostly] jolly TRIAD HOLIDAY SOUNDTRACK for all you hustlers and bustlers out there.

angela@yesweekly.com TRAVIS WAGEMAN travis@yesweekly.com Promotion NATALIE GARCIA

DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2023 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

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Golden Ticket Cinemas opens new Greensboro location

his holiday season, Golden Ticket Cinemas has gifted area moviegoers with a new destination to see the latest releases: The Golden Ticket Mark Burger Ale House + ELITE, located at 2101 New Garden Road, GreensContributor boro. The 10-screen theater opened its doors Friday just in time for Christmas and is currently playing such hits as Godzilla Minus One, Napoleon, Wonka, The Boy and the Heron, and Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. “We have been looking at the Greensboro area for some time and we couldn’t be happier to bring a new movie experience to the market,” said John Bloemeke, president of Golden Ticket Cinemas, in an official statement. “We are excited to share the future progress of the renovations and amenities that we will be bringing to the market. Obviously, it has been a challenging couple of years for our industry, but the future is bright for movie exhibitions, and we are happy that the tradition of going to the movies will be kept alive and well in this amazing facility for years to come.” The site of the new theater previously housed Cinemark’s Brassfield 10 Cinemas, according to Joe Horton, director of Marketing and Creative for Golden Ticket Cinemas. “North Carolina is the home state of the president of our company, so we looked at several locations in Durham and Greensboro before deciding on this one,” he explained. “It was what we were looking for, so we reached out to the landlord

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and here we are.” Then he laughed. “It’s not a very exciting story.” But what is exciting, he said, are the new and improved amenities at the theater, which cost approximately $1 million and include state-of-the-art projection and sound, recliner seats, upgraded concession and ticket service, and more. It was a lengthy process, but Horton said the results were worth it. “What did we change? What didn’t we change?” he said. “We changed everything. The drapes, the carpets, the seats, the concession stand. You name it, we changed it. The [old] theater still had the original ceiling fans, which some people might have thought was ‘retro.’ Well, we didn’t want retro. We wanted to make the Ale House not just a place to see a movie, but to have a special experience. We’ve got 7.1 surround sound and laser projection. We’re offering hot food, which you can order on your app or at the counter, and it will be brought right to your seat. We’ll have beer and wine by the end of January, with 18 different drafts available. But even though it’s called the Ale House, it’s also family-friendly. We want everyone to have a great time.” To that end, there will be special chil-

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dren’s programs and shows (some at no charge), as well as special events designed to coincide with a screening. “We’re working on a retro series, so we’d do a bowling night in conjunction with a screening of The Big Lebowski, or ‘Pink Wednesday’ for Mean Girls. We’re part of the ‘Fathom family’ so we’ll be presenting those screening events as well.” Horton said that the theater will play both studio releases and independent features.

“We have a lot of other amenities that we are excited to announce over the coming months,” Bloemeke said. “Most importantly we are committed to making sure our facility is an amazing value for all moviegoers. We are confident our pricing will be very competitive, and we have some popular programs that will encourage many return visits.” Founded in 2017, the Durham-based Golden Ticket Cinemas has 19 locations in 12 states: North Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky, Georgia, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Ale House + ELITE joins the Greenville Grande, the Lenoir Twin, and Washington 7 (the first Golden Ticket theater) in the Tarheel State. Since 2020, Golden Ticket Cinemas has increased its location count by over 150% and its screen count by 215%. The official Golden Ticket Cinemas website is https://www.gtcinemas.com/. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2023, Mark Burger.

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Steep Canyon Rangers, Grammy winners and Billboard chart-toppers, join the GSO for an evening of Bluegrass! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 336-335-5456 x 224 | Greensborosymphony.org Ticketmaster.com DECEMBER 20-26, 2023

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Chow Down with John Batchelor at Earl’s Landing BY JOHN BATCHELOR

arl’s Landing is named after Earl Congdon. The Congdon family started their business with one truck, eventually developing what became Old Dominion Freight Lines. Along with David Congdon, the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation committed 40 million dollars to redevelop and repurpose the old Adams-Millis Hosiery Mill building, creating Congdon Yards. Additional support has come from other High Point entities, geared toward expanding downtown High Point as a rigorous, thriving center with multiple enterprises. The impact is dramatic. Congdon Yards is a link to the past as well as a vision of the future. The Mason Jar Group owns several properties, primarily in the Charlotte area. Earl’s Landing and Lil’s Coffee Bar (also in Congdon Yards) are their first initiatives in the Triad. Anthony Kearey,

operating partner, was born in Mauritius, moved with his family to South Africa as a child, then to North Carolina in 2000. He met Rachel Lindsay, MJG’s managing partner, in Charlotte. She grew up working in her family’s restaurant in Pittsburgh. The Mason Jar Group grew out of that partnership. Brendan Flory is Director of Operations for all properties, including High Point. His background includes restaurants and catering in Hilton Head as well as Sunset Terrace restaurant in Asheville. As you would expect from a signature property in the Furniture City, the interior design by Barbour Spangle is sleek and fresh. Hunter green walls frame upholstered banquettes. Seating not only looks good, it is comfortable. And I love the exposed planks in the ceiling, retained from the original structure. Inlaid wood tables were built next door at The Generator in Congdon Yards. The concept centers on an upscale steak house. The wine list contains a few

Stop by for a relaxing beverage and shop for last-minute gifts. We carry locally made unique gifts, cocktail supplies for the home, and gift cards for that "hard to buy for" person on your list. 307 STATE STREET, GREENSBORO, NC | WWW.BITTERSSOCIAL.COM Tuesday & Wednesday: 4PM-9PM | Thursday 4PM- 10PM Friday: 2PM- 11PM | Saturday: 12PM-11PM | Sunday: 1PM-7PM

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familiar selections, but I did not recognize most. Samples were provided on request, however, and we liked everything we tried. Cocktails show creativity. My wife especially liked the Blood and Sand — single malt whiskey, Antica vermouth, cherry liqueur, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Garlic butter rolls arrive promptly. They are really tasty. An off-menu special starter of Roasted Acorn Squash was redolent of winter. Slices rest in sweetened ricotta cheese, studded with crisp lardons, all structured over frisée lettuce. This is slated for insertion into a revised menu in January. Other first courses from the current menu were equally pleasing. King Prawns emit mild, clean shrimp flavor. These are usually presented whole, but the kitchen will remove the heads on request. They are plated over arugula pesto plus toasted pine nuts. Calabrian chili — an Italian pepper, lending a fairly hot impact — surrounds the plate. Roasted Cauliflower arrives in a whole head, lightly browned. The nutty flavor is augmented with crispy chickpeas and lemon herb yogurt. Leaves of roasted artichoke make appearances as well. This is easily shareable for a party of four. At first glance, Tuna Bruschetta looks a little sparse. Three crispy rice cakes are topped with marinated ahi tuna, a splash of spicy avocado crema up front. But the quantity seems adequate, the tuna pleasantly tender and flavorful; it marries well with the taste of avocado. Beef Tartare is raw, marinated in olive oil, salt, pepper, and chives, supplemented with capers and Dijon mustard. This is one of the best-tasting concoctions I have had recently. A bright egg yolk rests on top, earthy truffle chips alongside. Apple and Onion Bisque comes out of the kitchen partially plated, with small cubes of tart Granny Smith apples and a soft, sweetish baked apple in the bowl.

Then the server pours hot bisque, which completes the presentation. Sharp-sweet flavors emerge, perfect for a wintry night. The kitchen orders fresh mushrooms, lettuces, and hydroponic greens from nearby growers. Salads should be considered for sharing. In the Garden Tomato, abundant arugula is lightly dressed in a tasty, charred onion vinaigrette. Five blistered cherry tomatoes are placed up front, in mellowsweetish honey whipped ricotta cheese, also scattered with croutons. Romaine Wedge is plated in two halves, ladled with gorgonzola-peppercorn dressing. Red and gold cherry tomatoes and bits of crisp pancetta draw attention for color as well as flavor. I’ve had this on two occasions. On both, abundant gorgonzola cheese bits were richly enjoyable, but one time the dressing was creamier than the other. I liked the creamier version better. If your serving seems a little dry, the kitchen can fix it! Given that this is a steak house, we tried several beef items. New York Strip steak bore an excellent crust, giving way to solid depth of flavor. The Bone-in Ribeye is truly exceptional, for texture as well as flavor. The Filet Mignon is another solid winner, exemplary for tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. This kitchen achieves an exceptional sear — a dark, firm crust, that in each case gives way to an interior that is cooked precisely to the requested temperature. Beef is aged at least 21 days. Several “accouterments” (sauces or other enhancements) are offered. We ordered horseradish cream sauce with a filet mignon. It’s toe-curling good. Filet mignon is also available in more elaborate preparations — Oscar, with crabmeat, bearnaise sauce, and roasted asparagus; and au Poivre — with a peppercorn crust, bourbon cream sauce, and vanilla whipped potatoes. And there is

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[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

KWANZAA: 7 DAYS OR A LIFETIME FOR TRIAD CULTURAL ARTS, INC. King Prawns

Roasted Cauliflower

a killer Tomahawk Ribeye, 44 ounces, at $148. I have not tried it, but I might in the future if I can talk three other guests into sharing it. Seafoods also earned praise. Four Grilled Sea Scallops occupy one edge of a dinner plate. Most of the space is taken up by sweet potato puree, tasty in itself, a good match for scallop flavor. Crisp bits of prosciutto and microgreens top each scallop, dressed in fig vinaigrette. Sixty South Salmon is farm-raised in the Antarctic. The company’s website describes care and quality in the production process. Our serving arrived with a commendable crust, not dry inside. Our server recommended garlic butter, and it proved a good choice. Pan Roasted Chicken ranks among the premier fowl fare in our area. An airlinecut breast is split and inserted with spinach mousseline. The skin is delightfully crisp and tasty, the breast meat moist and flavorful, the spinach very well mated to the natural chicken flavor. Pan jus surrounds the presentation. Roasted orange, white, and purple carrots rest alongside. A steakhouse would not be complete without spaghetti. Earl’s Spaghetti fills the bill, prepared with basil, ricotta cheese, pomodoro sauce, and breadcrumbs. Unless specified in the menu, for most entrees, vegetables are priced a la carte. Asparagus is roasted al dente — just right for me, but the stalky ends were not trimmed off the way I think they should be for a restaurant of this caliber. Whipped potatoes are pleasantly creamy. Creamed Spinach on the occasion when I had it looked and tasted more like spinach soup — too much liquid. But this occurred on my first visit, and some changes have been made in the kitchen since then. I also had a problem with too much salt on almost everything that time, but this did not recur on two subsequent occasions. So if you had a less than satisfactory experience early at Earl’s, I would recommend a return now.

Matthew LaRose is the Executive Chef for the entire Mason Jar Group. He grew up in a large Italian family, eventually moving professionally into the helm of several large hotel restaurants in Boston and Charlotte. He is personally overseeing the kitchen at Earl’s Landing. Adam Penn is the Director of Bar Operations for MJG. He started out as a bouncer in one of their bars. Michael Holladay is the General Manager. He moved up from MJG’s 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails location in Charlotte, where he was Assistant General Manager. He previously managed restaurants in Savannah, Georgia. Alana Murphy, Assistant General Manager, moved back to High Point from Massachusetts after working in high-end country clubs. She was excited to come back to High Point; she was a student at High Point University. This is a large, well-versed team. Floor personnel at all levels showed solid knowledge of the menu, preparations, and effective procedures. Earl’s Landing is a fitting tribute to its namesake. !

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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? Earl’s Landing 400 W English Road (in Congdon Yards) High Point 27262 (336) 882-0044 earlslanding.com Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Appetizers: $14-$30 Salads: $12-$14 Soups: $11-$14 Entrees: $28-$148 Desserts: $8-$10 Most recent visit: December 6

BY ABREA ARMSTRONG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TRIAD CULTURAL ARTS Kwanzaa (Dec. 26-Jan. 1) celebrates a different Swahili principle each day. As I take a step back and reflect on how a townie millennial became executive director of Triad Cultural Arts, Inc., the preeminent Black cultural and historical organization in Winston-Salem, I see how each day played out over a lifetime as I lived out these values. As the proud seed and bloom of Winston-Salem, it took a village to raise this child which is Umoja, or unity. Like my time in the Winston Lake Yettes, my community marched in unison around me to ensure that by the time I graduated from Salem Academy in 2009, I was a full-fledged writer — embracing the principle of Kuumba, or creativity, to live out my dreams. But to fulfill them, I needed Kujichagulia (Self-Determination). Though I’m weary of the ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ sentiment, I am certain that we each have the agency and will to choose our goals for ourselves. So, how do we get there? I demonstrated Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) as President of Winston-Salem Urban League Professionals. We gave away hundreds of books to the Boys & Girls Club, donated hundreds of dollars worth of presents to DSS, mentored 10’s of students and more. But I didn’t do it alone — a gang of millennials were fighting for benevolence. Working at Body & Soul taught me Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) —

how to work with people, to understand that no one person stands alone. Friday Gallery Hops are emblematic of this. Even in my communications entrepreneurship, I proudly work with other PR & marketing firms in town because everything exists within an ecosystem. In fact, it was during my contract to work on social media for the Carolina Classic Fair that I got the call to serve my hometown via TCA. Due to time well-spent on Trade Street, I have a picasso camel tattooed on my right bicep. It serves as a constant reminder to always remember where I am from and what I do it for. I was put at a career crossroads: follow the money and return to corporate and become somebody’s VP in NYC or Charlotte — or stay in my community and allow it to use my gifts and talents meaningfully. The latter is what I deem as Nia, or purpose — using the lifetime of skills and experiences that all the previous principles instilled in me to move my community forward, like it did with me. But the question is: how? This is where creativity thrives. In 2024, TCA is inventing new ways to share the Black experience. We look to open a museum this summer, to expand our AfricanAmerican heritage tours, and to produce an unforgettable Juneteenth Festival. But all of this is void if you don’t have Imani (Faith) that your community wants the best for itself and that you have all the abilities you need to be the person your inner child always believed it was. For the full Kwanzaa itinerary, visit: www.triadculturalarts.org.

DECEMBER 20-26, 2023

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Plenty of Ways to Give this Holiday Season

s we celebrate this holiday season, let’s not forget that there are people beyond our immediate circle of family and friends who are suffering, Jim Longworth and could benefit from our love and generosity. Over Longworth the past decade, at Large 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. And, 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 efforts 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 off non-perishable food items at a number of locations in our area. For more information call (336) 784-5770, or visit www.secondharvestnwnc.org.

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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, offering 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 with 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.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY HOSPICE is a non-profit 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 offices throughout the region and operates two hospice homes. They also specialize in care for

Associate Engineer, Automation for GXO Logistics Corporate Services, Inc., at its facilities located in Greensboro, NC. Duties: Design electrical projects, including schematics capture, physical design, testing, debugging and troubleshooting the components, and migration of the design through the Verification and Validation effort and into full production. Apply at https://jobs.gxo.com/ job/ Req. 345997. Must have legal authority to work in the US. EOE.

terminally ill children and veterans, and offer grief support for kids and adults. To give 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. Formerly “Say YES Guilford,” 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 www. carolinadonorservices.org. You can call the Red Cross at (336) 333-2111, or reach them via the Internet at www.redcross. org. 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+.

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Magnificent, momentous Maestro a triumph for Bradley Cooper

radley Cooper’s Maestro, which details the life and career of legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein (1918-’90), represents a career milestone for the producer, director, screenwriter (co-written by Josh Singer), and star — whose performance as Bernstein is surefire Oscar Mark Burger bait. Equally superb is Carey Mulligan as Bernstein’s wife, the stage actress Contributor Felicia Montealegre, who matches Cooper’s towering turn. Maestro is surely one of the (very) best movies of the year. Bernstein couldn’t have asked for a better, more celebratory, more honest rendering of his talents and complexities. When Leonard and Felicia first meet, both are wellestablished in Broadway circles. They are dazzled by each other’s intelligence and talents, and Felicia is literally swept off her feet by Leonard’s sheer zest for love and love for what he does. He loves to create and to share what he creates with the world. Their relationship deepens as Leonard experiences triumph after triumph, culminating in marriage and three children. On the surface, theirs seems a perfect

marriage, easily balancing career and family. In a way, they were a perfect couple. Felicia was able to overlook Leonard’s extra-marital flings with women and men — the film makes no secret of his bisexuality — provided it was carried out discreetly and not at the expense of his creativity. She genuinely adored the man and was awestruck by his talents, but if she felt he was wasting them, that she could not overlook. For all his gifts, Leonard was only human and couldn’t always resist temptation. These intimate aspects of their relationship are conveyed in an entirely credible, heartfelt fashion, and marvelously played. Cooper channels Bernstein beautifully, capturing the almost maniacal ecstasy he displayed while conducting, and he carefully adopts the nasal, Bostonian cadence of Bernstein’s speech. There was some controversy, as it were, over Cooper’s prosthetic nose. It’s clearly not his real nose but does have the desired effect of enhancing his resemblance to Leonard Bernstein. Frankly, the makeup is excellent, particularly as the characters age. For all the grandeur and epic sweep captured by Matthew

Libatique’s stunning cinematography, the principal characters are never overwhelmed. Above all else, Maestro is a love story. That’s where its real power lies, and Cooper not only ceded top billing to Mulligan but gives her some of the best scenes. Title notwithstanding, Felicia is as much the main character as Leonard is. Their performances are dominant, but there’s fine work from Sarah Silverman (flexing her dramatic muscles) as Leonard’s sister Shirley, a staunch ally and confidante of Felicia’s without ever betraying her relationship with her brother, and Maya Hawke as daughter Jamie Berstein. The scene where Leonard discusses the innuendo she’s heard about him is one of the best scenes Cooper has ever played. For the film’s score, Cooper didn’t need to look far, as he utilizes Bernstein’s own recordings, and the effect — like much of Maestro — is staggering. The film is so enticing, and the presentation so spectacular, that it’s hard to find fault. Early on, there’s a dazzling dance number meant to symbolize Leonard and Felicia’s relationship, and it’s almost a shame that it’s the only sequence of its kind in the film. !

Disney grants a wondrous Wish this holiday season It’s only fitting that the Wish, the latest animated feature from Disney, opens with the words “Once upon a time …,” and ends with “And they lived happily ever after.” At heart, this is a fairy tale in the classic tradition, with a sweet and gentle nature, and a nice, warm, fuzzy message for all ages. In short, quintessential Disney. The film takes place, appropriately enough, in an island kingdom called Rosas, which is populated by people of all shapes, sizes, and colors, hailing from different cultures. Uh-oh, does this mean that certain pundits will take the studio to task for celebrating diversity and inclusiveness in one of its animated features? They’ve done it with Barbie and The Little Mermaid and Elemental… well, let ‘em kvetch. To enter Rosas, residents must make a wish, taken promptly by King Magnifico (voiced by a game Chris Prine), and then granted entry, but at the expense of forgetting what the wish was for. Only once in a while at Magnifico’s discretion is a wish granted. Our resident heroine, wide-eyed young Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), who had WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

applied to become Magnifico’s apprentice, questions the fairness of this practice and promptly makes her own wish — upon a star, naturally — and her wish is granted. Indeed, a floating character, appropriately named “Wish,” materializes at her side, fully prepared to grant further wishes. This doesn’t sit well with Magnifico, who

feels that he and he alone should possess the power of granting wishes. It soon becomes apparent that good King Magnifico isn’t so good after all. His arrogance soon turns into obsession. Co-directors Chris Buck (of Frozen fame) and Fawn Veerasunthorn (making her feature debut), both of whom worked on the story, keep things moving very nicely in Wish, all the better to keep both adults and children entertained throughout. The film may not be a classic, but it has some potentially classic characters, including the talking goat Valentino (voiced by Alan Tudyk) and the eponymous Wish (even if it does bear a marked resemblance to Pikachu). The animation is up to the studio’s highest standards and the musical numbers — which run the risk of interrupting the momentum — are elaborately executed. It certainly doesn’t hurt that DeBose (who won an Oscar for the 2021 West Side Story) is a superb singer. When she lets loose, it’s with everything she’s got, and Pine brings some zesty bravado to the two-faced Magnifico and carries a tune nicely himself. Wish celebrates both the individual and the community, the power of imagination,

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leisure [NEWS OF THE WEIRD] BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

BRIGHT IDEA

The Kyiv Post reported on Dec. 13 that Russia’s security service, the FSB, has released its 2024 propaganda fundraising calendar, and it’s a doozy! The front cover features “art” of an improbably ripped Vladimir Putin giving his best sultry stare while leaning on a big, black compensator vehicle. Meanwhile, the apocalyptic November image depicts an FSB special forces soldier standing before the U.S. Capitol while drones and helicopters attack it. Is this a popular holiday gift in Russia? Who knows. The bigger question: Why does the FSB need to fundraise?

An unnamed 22-year-old man from Taiwan was detained on Dec. 5 at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok after he was found to be transporting two Asian small-clawed otters and a prairie dog, Metro News reported. The man had the animals stuffed into three separate socks and taped into his boxer shorts; security officers became suspicious about the large bulge below the man’s waistband. They believe he purchased them at a market in the city. The animals were taken to the Wildlife Conservation Office; the smuggler was arrested. “We will catch anyone who tries to take animals on planes,” a Thai customs department spokesperson said.

WEIRD SCIENCE

AWESOME!

CREME DE LA WEIRD

— Gatorland in Orlando, Florida, can boast a fascinating new resident: a leucistic white alligator, born on Dec. 7, CNN reported. The female gator is believed to be one of only eight in the world and the only one born in human care. She was hatched along with a normal-colored brother of the same size (about 19 inches long). “Leucistic alligators are the rarest genetic variation in the American alligator,” the park said. They have bright blue eyes, as opposed to albino gators, which have pink eyes. The public is invited to vote on a name on the park’s social media sites. — Scientists at Northwestern University in Chicago have created teeny-tiny VR headsets for laboratory mice, Sky News reported on Dec. 8, so that they can experience the freedom they will never have. The Miniature Rodent Stereo Illumination VR has two lenses and two screens to give the little dudes a realistic 3D picture of ... aerial threats, like an owl coming in for a meal. The goggles help the mice “engage with the environment in a more natural way,” said lead scientist Daniel Dombeck.

CRIME REPORT

In Louisville, Kentucky, a bronze statue of President Abraham Lincoln has been seated on a rock, overlooking the Ohio River, since 2009, the Louisville Courier Journal reported. But Lincoln’s top hat, which rested at his side on the rock, disappeared sometime at the beginning of December. The sculptor, Ed Hamilton, suspects the hat was stolen: “It was anchored down into that monolith rock,” he said. “I don’t know what they could have used, maybe some more manpower or some crowbars. Bring the hat back, because you can’t wear it,” he warned potential thieves. Police and park officials are investigating.

The Burnside Shelter in Portland, Oregon, hit the jackpot earlier in the year when workers discovered a pair of gold sneakers at the bottom of a donation bin, United Press International reported. Turns out, the Air Jordan 3 kicks were commissioned by Spike Lee for him to wear at the 2019 Academy Awards — and they’re valued at more than $10,000, according to Sotheby’s. The auction house will donate 100% of the proceeds, expected to be as much as $20,000, to the Portland Rescue Mission, which operates the shelter. Bidding continues through Dec. 18.

WAIT, WHAT?

Sergey Vladimirovich Ochigava was arraigned on Dec. 5 in Los Angeles federal court after a bizarrely uninterrupted trip from Denmark to L.A., the Associated Press reported. The Russian flew in November without a ticket, passport, visa or seat assignment. Flight crew members told investigators that he wandered around the plane and switched seats while talking with other passengers. When U.S. Customs and Border Patrol searched his belongings, they found “Russian identification cards and an Israeli identification card,” court documents outlined. Ochigava gave a variety of explanations, including that he hadn’t slept in three days and wasn’t sure how he got through security in Copenhagen. A trial is scheduled for Dec. 26. !

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[king crossword]

[weekly sudoku]

MAKING 20 OUT OF 9

ACROSS 1 5 9

15 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 30 32 37 38 39 40 41 44 47 48 54 55 56 57 60 62 67 71

Pueblo dweller Sound of an “air kiss” Forensic facility in Quantico, for short Gig hookups Refined finds Civil rights leader Parks In an uncivil way Lawn mower brand Parts of wholes Key related to G major “Jurassic Park” dino “Billions” channel, in brief Some boxing blows Horn blowers Person whose name consists entirely of the letters in 23-Across Los Angeles neighborhood “I knew — along!” Old Nissan brand Stephen of “Angie” Humongous Foot, in verse Tattered Novel whose name consists entirely of the letters in 62-Across Others, in Oviedo Last letter, in Leeds Trig function Arab nation Titanic sinker Didn’t type or text, perhaps Relating to an eye layer Corn, to a Brit

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73 74 76 78 79 80 81 85

Neighbor of Latvia Relatives of terraces Silent performer Consumer Coup d’— Attain Exit Film whose name consists entirely of the letters in 74-Across 93 Verve 94 Words of woe 95 Desert haven 96 Sch. founded by Thomas Jefferson 97 December mall temps 100 Consumer 103 Very talented 105 Setups whose name consists entirely of the letters in 117-Across 110 Some legumes 111 Lindsay of “Liz & Dick” 112 Be in debt to 113 Imp Simpson 114 Throat tissue 117 Lawbreaker 121 — fixe 122 Menu offering 123 In — (stuck) 124 Lasting mark 125 Betting info 126 “Mad” Carroll character 127 Some votes in Congress 128 Those folks

DOWN 1

Great athletes are enshrined in it: Abbr. Bobby in the Hockey 1-Down

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 42 43 45 46 49 50 51 52 53 57 58 59 61 62 63

Leguminous side dish Low pelvic bones Hosp. test in a big tube “Mrs. Dalloway” novelist Ed of “Lou Grant” Is trustful Citrusy diet soft drink Idling type Cruel Amin Slower than andante Socially distant Side street Give proof of Novelist Toni Strong-arm Boston Red — This evening Building-blasting stuff Bag-screening org. Gotten sight of Attempter Fibber’s admission Cabbage side dish Little hotel Playtex item “Ugly Betty” actress Ortiz Crash-probing agcy. Little plateau Pickle liquid Bubbly mixer Blogging pundit Klein Prescribed diet, say Finishes up Swamp wriggler Round body “Call — taxi” Ocean east of Mass. Inits. on an ambulance Tailor’s edge City on the Seine

64 65 66 68 69 70 72 75 77 80 82 83 84 85 86

Put- — (jokey pranks) Knot up Part of a jug Yuletide song Opposer Climbing vine Rigatoni’s kin Ingrain Filmdom’s Kazan Shimmer Golfer Ernie Even up Out-of-towner “Shane” star Teased one another playfully 87 International alliances 88 Harbinger 89 Medieval Scandinavian 90 Group’s activity in the community 91 Crooner Burl 92 Frowny-faced 93 Suffix with Vietnam 98 Aesthetic interest 99 Sewing unit 101 Bank job 102 “Neroli” musician Brian 104 Least 106 Maui greeting 107 Contrarian’s retort 108 Nile capital 109 Come next 113 Short history 115 Park oneself 116 Cooler cubes 118 Divs. of dollars 119 Scot’s turndown 120 Give it a whirl

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feature

Sweet Seconds: The Peach Cobbler Factory opens in the Triad

or Bryan Faulk and his wife, Aquinetta, retirement has been pretty sweet. The pair has recently opened up The Peach Cobbler Factory, located Chanel Davis at 1116 Eastchester Drive Suite 102 in High Point, realizing Editor a long-time dream of Faulk’s to be an entrepreneur. Originally, he’d planned to go into real estate but the pandemic happened. Having already set up his limited-liability corporation, Faulk decided to focus on another enterprise instead. He knew he was getting ready to retire from the United States Postal Service after 30 years of service and was looking to solidify his second career on his own terms.

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“This was something that I always wanted to do for myself. I’ve thought about it for the last three or four years. Doing something for myself. If you work for yourself and work as hard as you want. Any job that you work on, if you are working for somebody else you are not going to get but so much, I don’t care how hard you work. At least if I’m putting all my energy here, I’m going to get that much more energy back. That’s the way I look at that. Last year, I was looking online at franchises and it was interesting to me,” he said. “I went to Carolina Beach to do the discovery and decided that it was something that I was going to do.” The Peach Cobbler Factory started in 2013 as a food truck before launching into a franchise-level type organization two years ago. At this time there are roughly 65 stores within the franchise with eight of those in North Carolina. “We have a variety of desserts. Anything from cookies to cinnamon rolls to brownies. Waffles, cobblers, banana pud-

dings. All of the cobblers come with ice cream,” said Faulk, explaining the vast menu. “You name it, we have it. Except we don’t have doughnuts.” Faulk said the store is a premium dessert shop that is bound to have something for everyone in the family. “The variety of desserts that we have you really won’t find as many elsewhere. We have a lot of goods that a lot of dessert shops don’t offer. Our cookies are big cookies, not the little tiny ones. Not to mention the shakes we offer. We have a variety to hit a lot of age groups. There’s so much on the menu.” He said that the peach cobblers and banana puddings are the most sold items on the menu but it depends on the customer. He said regardless of what you purchase, you are guaranteed quality. “We are offering great products and great service. We want to make sure customers are happy.” Faulk said that the response since the

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hot pour PRESENTS

[BARTENDER OF THE WEEK BY NATALIE GARCIA] Check out videos on our Facebook!

BAR: Campus Gas in Winston-Salem, N.C.

store’s opening the week of Thanksgiving has been outstanding. He said that he enjoys what he does and every day brings something new. “We’ve been busy but it’s been great. It’s great to have had that type of response in so short of a time. I enjoy what I do actually. You have to love what you’re doing,” he said. “Overall, the response has been great. It’s been something different, something new. Variety is the biggest thing. On a daily basis too and it’s just gonna just get better.” Faulk said he expected the store to be a hit. “I did just based on a couple of other Peach Cobblers I have visited.” It doesn’t hurt that his business is located near four other food locations. It’s in the same shopping center as Gianno’s, Chu’s Express, La Hacienda Mexican, and Thai Herb restaurants. He said that didn’t play into his decision to choose that location for his business. “I’m directly in between two resWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

taurants and there’s access to two other restaurants. I think out of the four restaurants, only one of them might sell some type of dessert. If they do, it’s very limited,” Faulk said. “I was actually looking at another spot but apparently it wasn’t meant for me because I came back to this spot. I don’t see any overall decline due to location.” Faulk was employed at the United States Postal Service Bulk Distribution Center in Greensboro for 30 years, at least 22 of those years in management. While he said being a business owner is a far cry from working at the distribution center, there are some skills he will still practice on a daily basis. “Even though we didn’t deal with customers at the distribution center, at any given hour I would have to deal with 20 to 30 employees depending on what area I’m in. Then I would also have to worry about the mail processing. It’s a big difference,” he said. “Overall, you use the same management skills, like timekeeping, dress codes, and dealing with employees. It’s an adjustment but not much.” As to the future, Faulk hopes to expand his franchise and carve out some time to enjoy his retirement. As of right now, he doesn’t know where he wants to house his second store, although he hopes his son in Virginia will make it a family affair. “My plans are to open up another one. To have multiple stores and, of course, to have people in place where I don’t have to be hands-on unless I necessarily want to, which of course, I probably will be to a degree but not on a daily basis,” he said. !

AGE: 29 WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Winston-Salem HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING? Since I was roughly 21, maybe 22-years-old, so seven to eight years! HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER? A bartender at that time resigned and I happened to be one of the few people who could take over as a bartender. I was approached by the owner on a Friday night while serving and ultimately thrown to the wolves behind the bar. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING? Definitely my regulars that I’ve made connections with around Winston who still come see me, no matter where I’m working! WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING? The public who haven’t worked in service industry and don’t know by now that bartenders and servers make $2.13 to maybe $5 an hour. We really do rely on the public’s tips. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE? Old fashions! I absolutely love the history in all classic cocktails and how they became the classics we know and love. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK? Gin fizz!

PHOTO CREDIT KAJE SIZEMORE

NAME: Brittany Mahaffey

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK? Espresso martini all day, everyday! WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD? A shot of Grey Goose in their Bud Light. WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING? I once had a couple and their child come into a restaurant bar I was working at in downtown Winston. They were waiting on a table so they sat at the bar and ordered drinks. Somehow their child got his head stuck in the high top bar seat and it took three staff members to get the child’s head out of the stool. I still don’t understand how that happened. WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM? Oh, the girls of the local college at Campus Gas love to put smashed White Claw cans in our toilets that we had to post a sign in the bathroom about it. WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? I’ve worked fine dining for most of my bartending career and I will say a couple hundred dollars, usually during [the] furniture market week that comes to High Point.

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. DECEMBER 20-26, 2023

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VOTED BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANT IN GUILFORD COUNTY

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Speakers allege unnecessary squeeze at council “Does the Greensboro Police Department teach it is acceptable for undercover officers to commit sexual acts with subjects?” On October 25, News & Record reporter Connor McIan McDowell Neely emailed that question to Police Public Information Contributor Manager Josie Cambareri, City Communications Manager Jake Keys, Assistant City Manager Trey Davis, and City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba. After quoting the warrant for a September 20 arrest at Amazing Spa at 620 Guilford College Road, which stated “the defendant willfully performed a sexual act on a GPD detective,” McNeely noted that “legal experts” have called police having sex with defendants “unnecessary and unethical,” as the arrestee “could be a victim of human trafficking.” McNeely asked for a response. Instead, a city official complained to his boss and the News & Record has not published an article about officers receiving sexual acts from massage parlor workers. Public records show, that hours after receiving McNeely’s email, Davis wrote to City Communications Director Carla Banks that “it is time to meet with the editor,” as reporter McNeely “has proven to be persistent.” On October 30, Banks was told by Jaiyeoba and GPD Chief John Thompson to arrange a meeting with McNeely’s editor Dimon Kendrick-Jones. On October 31, Banks emailed Kendrick-Jones about “Concerns Regarding Connor McNeely” and “the sensitivity of these type cases and his misinterpretation of the law.” “We are more than willing to work with and help hone his skills,” wrote Banks, “but only if he comes in the spirit of administering fair and balanced reporting.” Banks then quoted the email in which McNeely questioned the ethics and efficacy of procuring sexual acts from potential victims of human trafficking. She cited no evidence of McNeely’s questions being improper or his report-

Ben Holder

Margaret Moffett ing biased, nor did she indicate what his “misinterpretation of the law” might be. Later that day, Banks wrote Thompson that she would ask another News & Record Editor, Allen Johnson, “to intervene” if Kendrick-Jones “were to insist Connor is not in the wrong.” KendrickJones agreed to meet with Banks and Thompson in the city manager’s office on November 7. The next day, Kendrick-Jones thanked Banks, Davis, Jaiyeoba, and Thompson for the meeting and wrote that his staff was “eager” to “build a solid working relationship with the police department and the city.” In her reply, Banks thanked KendrickJones for agreeing to speak with McNeely about “the implication of sharing our responses with others.” These emails were released by the city in response to public record requests from Ben Holder, a regular speaker at Greensboro City Council meetings, who has repeatedly alleged that Greensboro

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detectives engage in sexual acts with victims of human trafficking before arresting them for prostitution. Responsive records included a September 6 email in which McNeely asked why the city had granted business licenses to two massage parlors that had never received state licenses and one that had its state license revoked in July. In another, dated October 13, McNeely asked about the September 20 arrests in which one defendant was charged with engaging in a sexual act with a detective. On October 25, he asked about the ethics of detectives engaging in sexual acts with possible victims of human trafficking. This was what Banks quoted when requesting a meeting between McNeely’s editor and the police chief. On November 6, Holder filed public information request #24102 for “all the emails GPD staff and City of Greensboro staff have written to any and all News & Record staff regarding massage businesses over the past two months.” At that evening’s council meeting, Holder said the woman arrested at Amazing Spa had been forced into sexual slavery. He described an officer having had “sexual contact” with her after the detective “got naked on a table.” Holder said that officers “don’t need to get naked and entrap these women,” but should instead shut the business down for operating without a state license. Holder then asked Davis to describe “the procedure for cops getting naked in a massage parlor.” Davis did not respond. On November 30, Public Records Administrator Kurt Brenneman sent 65 emails to Holder, then deleted Holder’s request and the city’s response from the portal where such responses are supposed to remain available to the public. Brenneman later restored that responsive record after telling YES! Weekly its deletion had been “my error when closing the request.” Speaking at the December 5 city council meeting, former News & Record reporter Margaret Moffett alleged that Banks had pressured Kendrick-Jones to kill McNeely’s article. Moffett later told YES! Weekly she made that accusation because “if no one speaks up, the city might be emboldened to block the public’s access to other pieces of information, until we’re at the mercy of elected officials to decide what we can know about the people’s business.” On December 7, Holder emailed Banks, Mayor Nancy Vaughan, and Thompson WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

WATCH ON ABC45 WXLV CHRISTMAS DAY | 12:00 PM

Amazing Spa and accused them of having “set up a meeting with the N&R editor to bury a story that would have included several things that highlighted the corruption and lack of integrity the city has habitually shown when dealing with illicit massage businesses.” He asked why no records of that meeting had been released. The only reply was from Vaughan: “No City Council members were in attendance, or directed that this meeting take place,” wrote the mayor. “Therefore, it was not an ‘official meeting’ of a ‘public body’ [and] there is no statutory requirement to take notes or minutes.” On December 8, former News & Record editor and retired UNC journalism professor John Robinson gave YES! Weekly the following statement in support of Moffett’s accusations. “There is certainly precedent for a media outlet to withhold publication of a story at the request of government officials. That is usually when national security is involved or life is endangered. Investigation into illegal massage parlors doesn’t seem to rise to that level. The reporter’s questions are legitimate and it’s unfortunate that the city seems to regard him as a pest. Offering to ‘work with him and help him hone his skills’ is certainly nice of them, although I suspect he doesn’t need their version of help.” That same day, in response to being asked if his article would ever appear, McNeely wrote “Thank you for reaching out to me, but I’m going to have to decline to comment.” Neither Kendrick-Jones nor Banks have responded to requests for comment. ! IAN MCDOWELL is the author of two published novels, numerous anthologized short stories, and a whole lot of nonfiction and journalism, some of which he’s proud of and none of which he’s ashamed of.

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REV. DR. PRESTON DAVIS Vice President and Minister to the University High Point University

REV. DR. FRANK K. THOMAS Pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church

REV. ANDRIA WILLIAMSON Manager of Chapel Programs High Point University

DECEMBER 20-26, 2023

YES! WEEKLY

tunes

HEAR IT!

s the year winds down and shoppers rush ‘round, here’s a [mostly] jolly Triad Holiday soundtrack for all you hustlers and bustlers out there.

Katei Cranford

Contributor

BIGDUMBHICK - “SANTA GOT BUSTED”

https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=D1NtH1Snaso Kicking things off for the cranks, “Santa Got Busted” muses events following an overindulgent elf and DUI charges over an old-time strum — with Santa forced to swap his sleigh for a scooter. “It’s a cynical yet humorous take on Christmas,” explained Jeff Wall (aka Bigdumbhick). The track is on brand for the “lovable curmudgeon,” known for his lighthearted cynicism that resonates across the “Songs and Stories Vol2” collection he released in April. An avowed holiday hater, Wall is currently collecting “new stories to tell and songs to sing,” while on the mend from quadruple bypass surgery. “Santa came early this year and gave me a gift I could really use,” he snickered. “I’m doing my best to keep my blood pressure down by avoiding all things Christmas-related, but will return to the stage soon.”

WILLIE BILL HICCUP - “ALL I GOT FOR XMAS ARE HICCUPS”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpRNxnW8uY Santa getting busted may have influenced Willie Bill Hiccup’s latest tune, “All I Got for Xmas are Hiccups,” which lives up to its name in lamenting a lack of gifts through a jangly-twanged rock-n-roll ditty. An alter-ego of Mikey Roohan, Hiccup is out west these days, slinging as a duo with his manager-drummer hybrid known

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Triad Holiday Tunes only as “Rooster.” Getting into character, “I broke into music in 1963,” Hiccup explained. “I got so much stage fright that the nerves gave permanent hiccups.” Eschewing any bummers, empty hands and all, “I enjoy love and positivity from holiday music,” he said, listing Wham!’s “Last Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad” among his favorite songs. Currently working on a new album, Hiccup will perform as part of the KPVM-TV Holiday Spectacular, broadcasting from Pahrump, NV (and streaming at http:// www.KPVM.tv), at select times on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

TAYLOR AP WILLIAMS - “NO ONE SHOULD BE ALONE ON CHRISTMAS”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW_ VNWm7JTI Greensboro’s Taylor AP Williams “No One Should Be Alone On Christmas” hopes no one goes empty-handed or lonely-hearted this holiday. Invoking the romance of heartstrings and sentiment, Williams conjures notes of old Hollywood classics, “I really wanted a Nat King Cole kind of feeling and they killed it,” Williams said, praising collaborators Chris Peebles and Matt Laird, along with co-producer, Daron Whitmore. “My favorite thing about it is getting all my friends and family together to be a part of it near the end.” Looking ahead, as a recipient of the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro’s Artist Support Grant, Williams is “mad excited to record new stuff in a studio instead of my bedroom,” he said, dropping hints at a new video and single in the works. “I’m back to some indie roots for that one,” he added, extending happy holiday wishes and hopes for an amazing new year.

ERIC SOMMER - “RAY GUN SERENADE/HOLIDAY ON MARS”

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Mq79eZHtnnA Getting a bit far out, Eric Sommer’s “Ray Gun Serenade/Holiday on Mars” features an out-of-this-world offering from a dude

who goes all over the world. Initially composed as an impromptu filler, the song muses dreams and love interests over spaced-out holiday settings and ray gun beams. “I was onstage in Knoxville, Tenn. when the afternoon crowd had thinned out and I needed another tune or two,” Sommer explained. “We’ve refined it since, and recorded it last year at a studio in Pittsboro.” “The point is,” he added, ”there’s many more things to give other than socks or sweaters, or hotdog-scented candles.” Expressing an attraction to old Christmas songs, “I love the Gregorian Chants, and just about everything by Sir Neville Mariner and The Academy of St. Martin in The Fields,” he explained, with a general preference for works with redemptive themes like “Good King Wenceslas” or Truman Capote’s “A Christmas Memory.” Sommer and his band, The Fabulous Piedmonts, are working on new material currently being mixed and mastered by Patch Boshell in London, with plans to hit the road in the U.S. and E.U. Reflecting on the holidays and upcoming year, Sommer expressed hopes for 2024 bringing “waves of support for live music, venues, and the arts in general,” he said.

THE HR DEPARTMENT - LIVE AT MELROSE COFFEE + WINE BAR IN GREENSBORO ON DEC. 21

Supporting the arts is also on the Christmas list of Henry Royal, pianist from The HR Department, a Holiday jazz quartet formed in the halls of Weaver Academy that has been performing selections from the Vince Guaraldi Trio at Christmas parties and functions around the Triad. “Supporting local musicians, especially music students, means more to us than you’ll ever know,” Royal said. “Having people there engaged and listening is really exciting and always encourages me to make each performance better than the last.” Joined by bassist Xul Rutty, guitarist Uno Dos Santo, and drummer Ethan Stein Mayon, all four are high school students and members of Weaver Academy’s jazz club. “We made it our goal before we graduated to get a group together,” Royal explained. “The whole process of learning the music, rehearsing, and booking gigs has been such an adventure.” “The most fun part has been seeing how much people love hearing this music,” Royal continued. “Almost everyone is

familiar with the Peanuts Christmas music and it has this warm, nostalgic quality.” Looking to continue the adventure into the new year, the HR Department is developing a routine beyond their holiday offerings; but will perform one last Christmas set, “a sort of pièce de résistance,” at Melrose Coffee + Wine Bar in Greensboro on December 21.

COULDN’T BE HAPPIERS “HERE’S TO THE NEW YEAR” EP

https://couldntbehappiers.bandcamp. com/album/heres-to-the-new-year Capping off the year, the couple in Couldn’t Be Happiers have released an EP to ring-in 2024 with “piano” and “porch” versions of “Auld Lang Syne” sandwiching an original tune: “The New Year Song.” Ten years in the works, “The New Year Song” was inspired by Jordan Crosby Lee’s vibe-killing submission to a songwriting circle in 2013. “It was most likely some introspective, sad-boy piece of folk-country emo,” Lee recalled. “The circle’s matriarch shook her head and was like, ‘nope. Too sad.’ So I went home and worked on a song that looked outward instead of inward and without a hint of melancholy.” “The result was ‘The New Year Song,’ an uplifting felicitation for anyone who has ever made a resolution on January 1,” Lee continued, praising the full-scale production brought to life thanks to the duetstyled harmonies from CBH cohort and lifemate, Jodi Hildebran Lee; along with accordion from Jack Gorham, double-bass from Randall Johnson, Doug Davis on highhat, and a horn-section featuring Mike Bennett, Kenny Butler, and Bernie Hall. CBH will celebrate with a New Year’s Eve set at Roar, with Doug Davis and Steve Williard rounding out for a full band. “It’s gonna be fun — we don’t normally do a lot of covers, but we’ve worked up some new ones because it’s NYE, so why not?” The pair is also working on a new album, and look forward to showcasing their new material during their show with Kyle Caudle at Gas Hill Drinking Room on February 10. As 2024 looms and Santa gears up for his big night, the soundtrack to the season is in the air. Happy Holidays, Triad music lovers. May cups of kindness flow into a bright new year for us all. Cheers. ! KATEI CRANFORD is a Triad music nerd who enjoys spotlighting artists and events.

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last call [SALOME’S STARS]

[TRIVIA TEST] by Fifi Rodriguez

Week of December 25, 2023

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Holiday galas give you many chances to do what you’re so good at — namely, being the life of the party. Indulge yourself in the good times. You earned it! [CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Get out and experience the holiday fun. And remember, while you’re a traditionalist with most things, open your mind to how others like to celebrate. [LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good time to fill the family den with the love and warmth that you lucky Leos and Leonas exude. Invite friends to share in your happy celebrations. [VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Indulge yourself in the holiday festivities with family and friends, and forget about those small details that often keep you from enjoying the moment to its maximum. [LIBRA (September 23 to October

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to

December 21) Aim for a happy, festive time with family and friends. Reach out to friends from the past and restore or reconnect those once-strong ties.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to

January 19) A family member pays you a surprise visit to help you celebrate the holidays. Meanwhile, that workplace problem is closer to getting resolved.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your holiday plans are working out as you had hoped they would. Congratulations! Also, expect news about a longneeded change in the workplace. [PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your holiday plans could suddenly change, but rest assured, it’s for the better. Be ready to go with the flow and accept the unexpected.

[1. FOOD & DRINK: What is ciabatta? [2. TELEVISION: What is the name of

[6. GEOGRAPHY: Monaco is bordered on

three sides by which European country?

the 1980s cop drama series starring actor William Shatner?

[7. U.S. STATES: Which state’s nick-

[3. HISTORY: In which year did the Gulf

[8. MOVIES: What is the name of the

[4. LITERATURE: Who wrote the classic

[9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What does

oil spill occur?

holiday novella “The Cricket on the Hearth”?

[5. INVENTIONS: Who invented penicillin?

name is “The Land of Enchantment”? police chief in the movie Jaws?

the J.D. stand for in a law degree?

[10. MUSIC: Which singer had a breakout hit with “I Kissed a Girl”?

answer 6. France. 7. New Mexico. 8. Martin Brody. 9. Juris Doctor. 10. Katy Perry.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Dress up in your party best and enjoy the compliments that come your way. You’ll have a great time reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

went a serious test of commitment. [SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Set aside those workaday woes, and enjoy the holidays with family and friends. You’ll learn soon enough the cause behind those workplace problems.

1. An Italian bread. 2. T.J. Hooker. 3. 2010. 4. Charles Dickens. 5. Alexander Fleming.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The holidays allow you to let your usually downplayed soft side really glow. Don’t be surprised to find a Scorpio looking to share the light.

22) The holiday season brings family and friends together to help you repair a very special relationship that recently under-

answers [CROSSWORD] crossword on page 9

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DECEMBER 20-26, 2023

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