YES! Weekly - June 12, 2024

TRIAD’s BEST 2024

Welcome to our favorite issue of the year, The Triad’s Best! As many of you may know, this is our biggest issue all year, and something we spend several months working on

4 There was no mention in this publication of the “OUT at the Movies” 12th annual “ KEY WEST IN WINSTONSALEM” fundraising party on June 1st for one simple reason: The event was sold out weeks before the event.

6 Every bit as generic as its title, SUMMER CAMP is a big-screen sitcom with a major-league cast and a bush-league script, courtesy of writer/director Castille Landon.

8 On May 23, the University of North Carolina System Board of Trustees voted to repeal its Diversity & Inclusion Policy in favor of “ INSTITUTIONAL NEUTRALITY.”

Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com

Editor CHANEL DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com

YES! Writers

Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com

Marketing ANGELA COX angela@yesweekly.com

WAGEMAN travis@yesweekly.com

53 On June 4, the City of Greensboro shut down THE LOST DIAMOND Social Hookah Lounge at 848 Walker Ave. after determining the venue was a nightclub rather than a restaurant.

54 This month, and again in September, thousands will freely, proudly, and joyfully proclaim their LGBT IDENTITY in the Triad’s two largest cities.

56 Triad’s Best Awards season is the sweetest time in YES! Weekly land — and FOR MUSICIANS, it’s when audiences really give back.

Key West fundraiser a rousing success for “OUT at the Movies”

There was no mention in this publication of the “OUT at the Movies” 12th annual “Key West in WinstonSalem” fundraising party on June 1st for one simple reason: The event was sold out weeks before the event. It was just the latest success for the LGBTQ+ screening series and film festival, which presented its 10th annual festival last year and has scheduled this year’s festival for Oct. 3-6.

According to Executive Director Rex Welton, “This year’s fundraiser tied with a couple of years ago for the fastest sellout. Wristband tickets were gone two months in advance. The first year we had an advance sellout. I was surprised then but not anymore! It has become one of the best parties of the year in North Carolina.”

This was the 12th annual “Key West” bash, which served up a combination of tasty drinks, delicious food, talented female impersonators, live singers, and male dancers followed by the afterparty at Ramkat’s Gas Hill Drinking Room in downtown Winston-Salem. It was a spirited evening of fun, friendship, and frivolity with a distinctly Key West ambiance, and the ideal way to kick off Pride Month.

“On every level, it was the most suc-

cessful ‘Key West in Winston-Salem’ we have ever hosted,” Welton said. “We had beautiful weather, our amazing and talented performers, our hard-working volunteers, and the 262 guests who bought wristbands. In addition, our emcees C.C. Labrie and Alyson Williams were outstanding!”

In addition, Welton said, the event

“is a critical fundraiser for ‘OUT at the Movies,’ our UNCSA School of Filmmaking scholarship, and our Emerging Artist Filmmaker grant. I truly believe it offers a most diverse party with national quality entertainment!”

The next “OUT at the Movies” screening will be producer/director Jennie Livingston’s 1990 debut feature Paris is Burning (rated R), taking place 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 28th at Camel City Playhouse, 110 W. Seventh St., WinstonSalem, followed by an after-party at Hels, 545 N. Trade St., with no cover charge, a disc jockey, and specialty cocktails. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.outatthemovies.org or, if available, at the door.

Filmed over a period of several years in the late 1980s, Paris is Burning offered a comprehensive and affectionate portrait of New York City at the height of the drag balls, those wild and colorful parties that celebrated gay, minority, and transgender communities long before the LGBTQ+ appellation was even created — even as that community was being threatened not only by homophobia, poverty, and racism, but also the AIDS crisis.

The production and release of the film were not without controversy, as it had

been partially funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at a time when that organization was under fire for the artists and filmmakers its grants were supporting (including Robert Mapplethorpe), and although critically acclaimed and a boxoffice success on the arthouse circuit, it did not receive an Oscar nomination for Best Feature Documentary, leading to complaints of homophobia directed at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

Nevertheless, Paris is Burning earned awards from the International Documentary Association, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the Sundance Film Festival, the Boston Society of Film Critics, the San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, the National Society of Film Critics, and was added to the National Film Registry in 2016 — thereby ensuring its status as a classic.

Although the LGBTQ+ community has weathered its (un)fair share of criticism from certain conservative outlets and mini-minded individuals, Welton stated

that the “OUT at the Movies” mission of showcasing the LGBTQ+ filmmaking spectrum and its celebration of community and cultural diversity has been received only with positivity and support. “We are embraced by the entire community and likely have the most diverse audience of any fundraiser in Winston-Salem.” !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2024, Mark Burger.

WANNA know?

For more information, call 336-918-0902 or e-mail rex@outatthemovies.org. The o cial “OUT at the Moves” website is https://outatthemovies. org/.

Mark Burger

Contributor

Executive Director Rex Welton

PHOTO BY MARK PASHAYAN

[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

ARTS DISTRICT OF WINSTON-SALEM CELEBRATES PRIDE

BY TONI TRONU

The Arts District of Winston-Salem is excited to bring an LGBTQIA+ focus to their June ART CRUSH event on Trade Street. Held monthly on the third Friday from April to December, each ART CRUSH features twenty visual artists and a variety of performances that are curated by a rotating pair of creative members of our community.

Emily

Anna Yacht

For the June 21st event, ADWS is delighted to have Anna Yacht, the wellknown and widely loved drag queen, as the performance curator. Anna is often seen at local drag brunches, drag bingo nights, and charity events. The performances planned will sizzle and dazzle Winston-Salem!

Visual art is always on display at ART CRUSH, and the June curator for visual artists is Emily Ortiz-Badalamente. Emily is a fiber artist as well as a mental health therapist specializing in art therapy. Emily has selected an impressive list of artists encompassing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC diversity while also focusing on emerging artists.

June ART CRUSH is a celebratory evening of acceptance and togetherness. We’re excited to partner with the City of Winston-Salem to do an annual refresh of the pride crosswalk where our com-

Ortiz-Badalamente

munity is encouraged to participate. As always, the galleries, businesses, restaurants, and bars stay open late, and some will even have special programming. It’s going to be a great evening filled with art and culture! Our fingers are crossed for good weather! !

ARTS DISTRICT of Winston-Salem is a 501 (c) 6 organization was founded in 2023. Our mission is to connect with and amplify diverse voices and visions and bring them together at the heart of Winston-Salem, NC. Through arts-centric events, local partnerships, and passionate community building, we hope to make the Arts District a destination for the city and beyond.

WANNA go?

ART CRUSH is held on the third Friday of every month from April to December, from 7PM to 10PM. It is a free event with artists along Trade Street from 5th to 7th Street in downtown Winston-Salem as well as various performances.

A star-studded cast stranded in Summer Camp

Every bit as generic as its title, Summer Camp is a big-screen sitcom with a majorleague cast and a bush-league script, courtesy of writer/ director Castille Landon. It’s an unappetizing combination of strained comedy and saccharine sentiment that deserves to be forgotten as quickly as possible, and likely will be by the time the summer movie season ends, if not earlier.

The principal star trio consists of Diane Keaton (also a producer), Kathy Bates, and Alfre Woodard — all of whom boast impeccable credentials. Bates, who provides suitably acerbic narration, plays Ginny, a self-made self-help guru

whose motto, emblazoned on the side of her Winnebago, can’t be reprinted here, and it is she who convinces old friends Nora (Keaton) and Mary (Woodard) to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of Camp Pinnacle, where they first met as children and have been bosom buddies ever since.

Once they arrive, they encounter old (and potentially future) flames Eugene Levy and Dennis Haysbert, as well as old nemesis Beverly D’Angelo. The wisecracking banter they engage in is forced throughout, exemplifying the film’s one-dimensional nature. It’s certainly nice that Summer Camp showcases actors “of a certain age,” but it’s extremely disappointing that they’re given next to nothing to work with and are forced to coast on good will alone. It’s not enough.

Josh Peck, Victoria Rowell, Nicole Richie, and Tom Wright also turn up, to little effect, while Betsy Sodaro’s militant counselor plays like a pale imitation of Bill Murray’s deranged grounds-

keeper in Caddyshack (1980) and yields no laughs at all.

As summer camp comedies go, Summer Camp is less like Ivan Reitman’s Meatballs (1979) than Mike Binder’s summer camp reunion Indian Summer (1993), but it can’t hold a candle to either film. Watching these actors act like awkward, goofy teenagers is a lot less enjoyable than it might seem. Indeed, it’s often cringe-worthy.

With actors this good, Summer Camp manages to hold things together – if just barely — until a Heimlich maneuver turns into a food fight, at which point the film collapses into a heap. It’s a foregone conclusion that the characters’ various neuroses and problems will be summarily addressed and rectified by the fade-out, and frequently in the hokiest fashion imaginable. Summer Camp is a summer bummer of the first and worst order. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2024, Mark Burger.

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Mark Burger Contributor

THE EICHMANN TRIAL (Virgil Films/ Kino Lorber): Emmy-winning editor Elliot Levitt makes an auspicious debut as producer/director of this persuasive, self-explanatory documentary feature chronicling the 1961 trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, the architect of Hitler’s “Final Solution,” in Jerusalem after his capture in Argentina. Bolstered by Cieri Torjussen’s propulsive (and judiciously employed) score and enhanced by Levitt’s editing of the vintage black-and-white news footage, this succeeds not unlike the trial itself — by reminding people, even years after the fact, that such atrocities did take place and justice was ultimately served. Indeed, this was labeled “the trial of the century” at the time. In English, German, and Hebrew with English subtitles, available on DVD ($19.95 retail), replete with Q&A session and vintage newsreels.

LUCY AND WHITNEY (Indican Pictures): Producer Parker Gehring’s feature debut as writer/director/editor is a heartfelt and picturesque but meandering drama detailing the relationship between the titular siblings — Naomi Winders as Lucy and Sadie Veach (in her feature debut) as Whitney — after the latter gets married. Gehring goes to great lengths not to stereotype the Mormon characters and coaxes fine performances from his actors (especially the wondrous Winders) but allows the narrative to drag on endlessly and unnecessarily, which hampers both its intent and impact. As Lucy’s potential beau, McKay Fritz’s halting, tentative delivery makes the character less appealing than irritating. This is one case where less would have been so much more. The DVD ($24.99 retail) includes deleted scenes and trailers.

MONOLITH (Well Go USA Entertainment): Lily Sullivan toplines director Matt Vesely’s R-rated science-fiction thriller as an unnamed journalist who attempts to restore her tarnished career by hosting an independent podcast and investigating what she believes is an alien conspiracy that ultimately turns her world upsidedown, available on Blu-ray ($29.98 retail), replete with audio commentary and behind-the-scenes featurette.

NARC (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment Group): Based on his student short film, writer/director Joe Carnahan’s award-winning 2002 police thriller pairs Jason Patric and producer Ray Liotta as uneasy partners — each with a past — investigating the unsolved murder of

BY MARK BURGER

DVD PICK OF THE WEEK: CEMETERY MAN (Severin Films)

With cult status already assured, producer/director Michele Soavi’s award-winning 1994 screen adaptation of Tiziano Sclavi’s best-selling novel Dellamorte Dellamore was the culmination, an instant cult classic that scored with audiences and critics alike.

The fabulous Rupert Everett is the absolute personification of our hero, Francesco Dellamorte, the brooding, overworked cartetaker of the Bu alora Cemetery, where the recently deceased have a tendency to return seven days later as voracious zombies. Aided and abetted by his faithful, misshapen sidekick Gnaghi (French rock star Francois Hadji-Lazaro), Dellamorte dutifully

(re-)dispatches them at regular intervals.

Love looms in the alluring, ethereal form of a gorgeous young woman (Anna Falchi), billed simply as “She.” Dellamorte is instantly smitten, even after she is decapitated in a nearby motorcycle accident and promptly revives after her burial. Yet “She” continues to reappear, as various characters and in various forms, which drives him to the brink of insanity and forces him into an existential quandary from which there be no escape.

Soavi is remarkably faithful to the source material, which pleased devotees of the novel no end, and his deftly juggles the disparate elements of the story — which encompass romance, satire, black comedy, and action — as he fashions a ghastly, sometimes erotic, frequently surreal, and even endearing narrative. Cemetery Man isn’t for all tastes (obviously!) but it’s a true one of a kind and a real treat for horror fans.

In addition to Cemetery Man, Severin Films has also reissued a slew of cult classics including Soavi’s R-rated 1989 chiller The Church (La chiesa) on Blu-ray ($29.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95) and his R-rated 1991 shocker The Sect (La Setta and also released as The Devil’s Daughter) starring Kelly Curtis (Jamie Lee’s sister) and the inimitable Herbert Lom, on Blu-ray ($29.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95 retail); Sergio Martino’s 1979 Jaws knock-o The Great Alligator (Il fiume del grande caimano and also released as Big Alligator River) starring Barbara Bach, Claudio Cassinelli, Mel Ferrer, and a very funny giant crocodile model, available on DVD ($29.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($49.95 retail); and producer/director/screenwriter Eddy Matalon’s R-rated low-budget 1977 chiller Cathy’s Curse, available on 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95 retail). Each film boasts a bevy of bonus features.

The o cial Severin Films website is https://severinfilms.com/.

Both the Cemetery Man Blu-ray ($29.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.95 retail) include audio commentary, retrospective interviews, vintage behind-thescenes featurette, and trailers.

an undercover narcotics cop in Detroit (although much of the film was shot in Toronto). The gritty atmosphere recalls the heyday of ‘70s cop films, even if the twisty narrative has its familiar elements. The two leads are in top form, with good support from Chi McBride and Busta Rhymes. Both the limited-edition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($49.95 retail) include audio commentary, collectible booklet and poster, retrospective and vintage featurettes and interviews, theatrical trailer, image gallery, and more. Rated R.

ORPHAN (Scream Factory/Shout!

Factory): A “collector’s-edition” Blu-ray ($34.98 retail) of director Jaume ColletSerra’s award-winning 2009 thriller starring Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard as a couple grieving the loss of a child who impetuously adopt a precocious girl (Isabelle Fuhrman), unaware that she’s not what she appears to be. The performances, especially Fuhrman’s slyly creepy turn, are solid but lumbering pacing stalls the momentum despite an outrageous (but not entirely surprising) reveal. CCH Pounder, Margo Martindale, Karel Roden, and Jimmy Bennett round out a capable cast in this cult favorite. Bonus features include multiple audio commentaries, de-

leted scenes/alternate ending, theatrical trailer, and more. Rated R.

REMEMBERING GENE WILDER

(Kino Lorber): Director/editor Ron Frank’s award-winning, self-explanatory documentary feature explores the life and career of Gene Wilder (1933-2016), featuring interviews with friends and fellow luminaries Alan Alda, Mel Brooks, Harry Connick Jr., Carol Kane, Ben Mankiewicz, Eric McCormack, film executive Mike Medavoy, and Wilder’s widow Karen Wilder, available on DVD ($19.95 retail) and Blu-ray ($29.95 retail), each boasting additional interviews and theatrical trailer.

“REPUBLIC PICTURES HORROR COLLECTION” (Kino Lorber Studio Classics): The title tells all in this fourfilm Blu-ray ($59.95 retail) of vintage low-budget chillers produced by Republic Pictures: Erich Von Stroheim, Richard Arlen, and Vera Hruba Ralston star in 1944’s The Lady and the Monster, based on Curt Siodmak’s novel Donovan’s Brain; The Phantom Speaks (1945) stars Arlen and Stanley Ridges; The Catman of Paris (1946) stars Douglass Dumbrille, Carl Esmond, and Lenore Aubert; and Valley of the Zombies (also ’46) stars Ian Keith and Robert Livingston. Bonus features include audio commentaries for each film.

THE SCARFACE MOB (Arrow Video/ MVD Entertainment Group): A limitededition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) of director Phil Karlson’s (very) loosely fact-based 1959 gangster melodrama, culled from the first two episodes of the ABC series “The Untouchables,” which sees the harddriving federal agent Eliot Ness (Robert Stack) assembling a crack team to battle Chicago crime boss Al Capone (Neville Brand). It was a smart move by Desi Arnaz, whose Desilu company produced the series, to release this film to theaters, thereby attracting audiences who might not yet own TV sets and perhaps persuading them to do so! Stack is appropriately stoic while Brand (who doesn’t resemble Capone in the least) gleefully chews the scenery. Bruce Gordon (a dead ringer for Capone) plays Capone’s right-hand man Frank Nitti, which became his signature role, with Keenan Wynn, Barbara Nichols, Patricia Crowley, and Joe Mantell on hand. Bonus features include collectible booklet, lobby cards and poster, video essays, theatrical trailer, and more. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2024, Mark Burger.

Removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is Not Neutral

BY CHANTÉ RUSSELL Communications Manager | Public School Forum of NC

On May 23, the University of North Carolina System Board of Trustees voted to repeal its Diversity & Inclusion Policy in favor of “institutional neutrality.” This new policy, which was introduced in April, will remove funding for DEI o ces and eliminate various diversity-related positions across the 17 UNC System schools. Chancellors will be required to report cuts to existing jobs and DEI spending by September 1.

Since the announcement of e orts to remove diversity and inclusion regulations, students from various UNC System schools have expressed disappointment, frustration, and anxiety about the move. The Public School Forum of North Carolina conducted an anonymous survey to hear from students and other community members about their stance on diversity and inclusion, or diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

“[Inclusive] environments promote diversity awareness and acceptance, as students learn to understand, respect, and value their di erences. This exposure is vital in reducing prejudices and promoting social harmony,” wrote one survey respondent. “Inclusion also encourages personalized learning, which benefits all students by catering to individual learning styles and needs, thus improving academic performance and engagement.”

“Inclusive practices are not only a matter of educational benefit but also align with international human rights laws, advocating for the rights of all individuals to receive education without discrimination,” wrote another respondent.

Several of those who completed the survey shared concerns that this policy change will have a tremendous negative e ect on e orts to make UNC System schools welcoming environments for students from marginalized communities.

“With programs like DEI being removed, we will take many steps backward in terms of progress in the area of ensuring that

everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and grow without being overly conscientious about their race, gender, or sexual orientation,” wrote one respondent.

“The shift from well-defined roles and responsibilities for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) o cers to a vaguer, broader commitment to equality raises ethical concerns about how these changes might a ect the inclusivity and welcoming nature of campus environments — a goal that these revisions ostensibly seek to advance,” wrote another respondent.

One respondent emphasized that diversity, equity, and inclusion policies don’t only benefit students from certain backgrounds, but all students. “Ultimately, prioritizing DEI in education fosters a more equitable and enriching learning experience for every student, promoting the collective growth and success of every school community, every day,” wrote the respondent.

Sharing the sentiment, another wrote, “DEI principles not only support the holistic development of each student but also em-

power educators to recognize and address barriers that may impede learning.”

Many also expressed specific concern for how this will impact their and other students’ experiences at UNC System schools.

“If D&I initiatives aimed at supporting student wellbeing and performance are perceived as being reduced or limited, it could significantly a ect the sense of belonging and participation of minority groups within the university community — something I can personally attest to,” wrote one respondent.

Another respondent expressed a similar sentiment, writing “This puts more of a target on the backs of our (Black and Brown) young people in academic and STEM settings.”

“I am deeply concerned about the substantial risks that potential failures in this new approach could pose to the wellbeing of minority students like myself,” wrote another.

With this move, North Carolina’s public universities join schools including the University of Florida and the University of Texas at Austin who have been forced to roll back DEI e orts. Nationwide at least 20 states have seen proposals seeking to limit diversity and inclusion programs in public institutions, including universities. The reality is, “institutional neutrality” is not neutral at all. Rather than allowing for an even playing field, removing DEI e orts expresses that a history of exclusion is not an issue and that it may be allowed to continue. Furthermore, it signifies that previous e orts to foster schools where all feel welcome were insincere. Remaining “neutral” to the very real obstacles many students and faculty members face is taking a stance. !

Chanté Russell

TRIADS BEST 2024

Welcome to our favorite issue of the year, The Triad’s Best! As many of you may know, this is our biggest issue all year, and something we spend several months working on.

People from all over North America, Europe, Asia, and even as far as Australia made their voices heard by choosing all of their Triad favorites. We are excited to see how the economy has bounced back and the growth that has surrounded local events, festivals, and businesses.

your business’s success. We look forward to growing with you as things improve throughout the Triad region.

- To our readers and advertising supporters, we cannot say “Thank You” enough for picking up our awesome paper, taking the time to vote, and o ering your suggestions and ideas.

-To the winners and runners-up, congratulations to you and know that we are all so glad to have you and your business in the Triad. We could not do this without you, and we appreciate being a part of your growth and success!

– To Alex and Shane, the best design sta in the Triad! Thank you so much for your diligence, creativity, patience, and hard work on this enormous issue.

- To the sales team, simple and sweet: you crushed it!

– To our writers and photographers, thank you so much for making it happen. Your dedication and commitment is unmatched.

With a renewed sense of community and pride, sit back and celebrate the winners and runnersup of the Triad’s Best readers’ poll. While you’ll see familiar winners, we hope this issue will be an opportunity for you to discover many newcomers who have won some of the top awards. The way we listed everyone this year is pretty simple: There are “first-place winners,” “second-place winners,” and “runners-up.” As voting was fierce and highly competitive, you will see additional runners-up listed. This was done due to the closeness of the vote counts, and in some cases, ties in the runner-up categories.

There are many people to thank for making the 2024 issue possible:

- To our advertising partners, we are so very proud that you have chosen us to be a part of

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND SHARE PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING THE HASHTAG, #THETRIADSBEST2024.

THE BEST PARK IN FORSYTH COUNTY TANGLEWOOD PARK

Tanglewood Park is a recreation center and park found in Clemmons. Most notably known for its annual “Tanglewood Festival of Lights,” with more than a million lights on display during the end of the year, celebrating the holidays the park has much more to o er and Forsyth County recognizes that. That is one reason it’s first place in the Triad’s Best for Best Park in Forsyth County.

Owned in 1951, the property was willed to Forsyth County “to share as a public recreation park.”

The park boasts attractions like the Tanglewood Park Arboretum and Rose Garden, a public pool, a dog park, and the Tanglewood Stables, which o er trail rides, hayrides, and carriage rides. Tanglewood o ers two golf courses and Mallard Lake o ers fishing and paddleboat renting.

The Manor House, a Bed and Breakfast centered in the middle of the property, has 10 guest rooms, a sweeping staircase, a Rock Fireplace Room, a 20’s Room, and the Trophy Room. The facilities are used for weddings, meetings, and overnight accommodations.

The park also won first place for Best Gold Course in Forsyth County, and second place for the Best Tennis Courts. Tanglewood Park is a gem in Forsyth County that o ers a chance for recreation and play for those of all generations.

THE BEST COFFEE IN GUILFORD & FORSYTH COUNTY

DEBEEN ESPRESSO

DeBeen Espresso is a locally, woman-owned and operated co ee shop, located at 709 W. Lexington Ave., and is truly unique. With local art gracing the walls, a relaxing atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, and a yoga studio — Pure Light Studio — nestled inside, there’s no question as to how this shop withstood the powers of big-box businesses since its conception in 1997. It’s also no wonder how it was voted Best Co ee in Guilford and Forsyth County, with its newer location on East Fifth Street in downtown Winston-Salem.

O ering everything from a plain cup of joe, gelato, and baked goods to smoothies and frozen treats, the cafe has everything one could imagine when stopping to either start their day or to refuel at their halfway mark.

Despite the 17-foot high ceilings, cold brew and kombucha on tap, and other apparent di erences in the locations, the owners have incorporated the same wall color, water features, cabinets, local art on the walls, and menu to keep the same feel as the High Point location.

DeBeen Espresso also won Best Free Wi-Fi in Guilford County.

THE TRIAD’S BEST NEW SMALL/ AFFORDABLE RESTAURANT

JOEY’S BURGER BAR

Joey’s Burger Bar may be new to the Triad’s Best list but they are smashing the competition with their mouthwatering smash burgers, creamy milkshakes, crispy fries, and satisfying salads.

Voted Best Burgers in Guilford County, the Oak Ridge burger shack opened in October 2023 and promises top-notch flavors and an unforgettable dining experiences.

Located at 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Joey’s Burger Bar o ers a range of smash burgers, including vegan options, and classic milkshakes.

They also won Best New Small/A ordable Restaurant in the Triad.

The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and FridaySaturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

THE BEST LIVE THEATRE VENUE IN GUILFORD COUNTY THE STEVEN TANGER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

A $94 million, state-of-the-art facility that has transformed downtown Greensboro, the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts venue is home to touring Broadway productions, concerts, Guilford College’s Bryan Series, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra performances, comedy shows, and all types of family entertainment. It’s no wonder that it’s been voted Best Live Theatre Venue in Guilford County.

In its first couple of years, the 3,000-seat venue has hosted nearly 1.1 million guests since its grand opening in 2021. Presented with partners Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM), the First Bank Broadway Series is one of the nation’s top-selling one-week Broadway series with over 17,300 Season Seat Members. The upcoming season features seven shows:

“Mamma Mia!”: Sept. 17-22, 2024; “& Juliet”: Oct. 8-13, 2024; “Hamilton”: Dec. 26, 2024 — Jan. 5, 2025; “MJ” The Musical: Feb. 18-23, 2025; “A Beautiful Noise — The Neil Diamond Musical”: Mar. 4-9, 2025; “Back To The Future: The Musical”: May 6-11, 2025; an “Some Like It Hot”: June 24-29, 2025. There will be two Broadway season ‘add-ons’: “Elf the Musical”: Dec. 10-15, 2024, and “The Book of Mormon”: Apr. 18-20, 2025. Visit TangerCenter.com for more information.

THE BEST TACOS IN FORSYTH COUNTY TACO MAMA

Taco Mama in Forsyth County is bringing the heat in this year’s YES! Weekly’s Triad’s Best.

Located on Lawndale Drive in Greensboro and Burke Mill Road in Winston-Salem, the casual Mexican-style restaurant chain debuted in Greensboro in 2017. The specialty taco bar originated in Alabama, and the Lawndale location was their flagship franchise here in North Carolina. Since the doors opened, people have been filling the tables and chairs, ordering tacos and tipping back margaritas, long before the North Carolina summer weather came back around.

The interior style of the restaurant is eccentric yet classy. Filled with old-school artwork, accompanied by large-scale paintings and an extensive, colorful menu, a brightly lit bicycle, and Edison light bulbs draped from the exposed wooden ceiling create a hipster vibe for authentic Mexican. A vibe that Triad residents have come to expect along with the array of great, a ordable food.

This year, both locations racked up eight awards in the Triad’s Best.

The chain, known for its handcrafted tacos, build-your-own burritos, free toppings and marvelous margaritas, also takes first place in the Best Margaritas in Forsyth and Guilford County. They take second place in the Best Cheap Eats category. They came in as runner-up in the Best Mexican Restaurant in Guilford County, Best Mexican Restaurant in Forsyth County, Best Tacos in Guilford County, and Best Patio in Forsyth County.

THE TRIAD’S BEST GENTLEMAN’S CLUB TREASURE CLUB

The Treasure Club is an “award-winning gentlemen’s club and sports bar” located at 7806 Boeing Dr. in Greensboro. They are also voted the Triad’s Best Gentlemen’s Club.

The Treasure Club chain began in Asheville in 2008 and continued to grow to locations in Greensboro, Hickory and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“With the first Treasure Club being a success, a demand was being sought for hospitality-driven entertainment. Because of the hospitality model, Treasure Club has been nominated and won numerous awards and still holds the best reviews by the people,” Lexi, the club’s manager, wrote.

Treasure Club is known for the various styles of lap dances o ered and its “Exotic Limo Ride.” The Treasure Club o ers singles and couples “the ultimate night out,” with “the most beautiful entertainers and jaw-dropping pole performances.”

It has sports, WTP poker, features, UFC, and holiday-themed events. A new addition to the club is the Treasure Club Game Room, a private room for those interested in anything from Fortnite to Madden and other popular Xbox and PlayStation 4 games.

The Treasure Club is open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 a.m., on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m., and on the weekend from 6:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The club also won Best Guys Night Out For Fun.

THE BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH IN GUILFORD COUNTY

CAROLINA RED CAFE

You can get a great cup of Joe with your people watching at Carolina Red Cafe in High Point. This year, the boutique cafe has been voted the Best Place to People Watch in Guilford County.

Rodney Byerly owns Carolina Red Cafe, located in High Point’s old Westchester Mall at 1701 Westchester Dr., Suite 250, and started the business in honor of his mom, Carol. “I started this business in honor of my mom, Carol. She passed in 2015,” he said. “Her favorite color was red and she loved co ee and tea. She always had a co ee in her hand. I can recall being in the car with her as a child and her having an open cup of co ee and it never spilled. I was able to fit her name in the café. I have her birthday in the phone number for the business, a lot of the music that I listen to there is because of her.”

Carolina Red Café o ers organic and fair trade co ee that is locally roasted in small batches and o ers fresh-baked pastries and bread. There are a wide variety of teas and juices, including loose-leaf tea, which can be customized and handcrafted for individual or bulk orders. Byerly highlights several local woman-owned businesses in the café, showcasing their baked treats, sauces, personalized goods, and unique greeting cards. Byerly holds vendor events at least once a quarter to highlight local businesses throughout the Triad.

Carolina Red Cafe also came in second place for the Best Co ee in Guilford County.

City shuts down new club from former Blind Tiger owner

On June 4, the City of Greensboro shut down The Lost Diamond Social Hookah Lounge at 948 Walker Ave. after determining the venue was a nightclub rather than a restaurant. The Lost Diamond opened on March 30 in the former location of Old San Juan restaurant at the intersection of Tate Street and Walker Avenue in the College Hill neighborhood near UNCG. Since then, multiple residents of the area have complained to the city about Walker Avenue being blocked by loud gatherings and have alleged that gunshots were fired from the parking lot and adjoining streets on several recent occasions.

One complaint alleged that the club, which is located next to a church, UNCG campus buildings and multiple residences, “has manipulated city zoning ordinance by filing as a restaurant in what would otherwise be unacceptable proximity.”

The email also alleged that, on Thursday through Sunday evenings, “the disruption begins at 11 p.m. and runs until 3:30 a.m.,” as patrons “emerge from the club intoxicated, engage in screaming up and down the street at each other,” and that “street fights have resulted in gunfire.” The complainant describes this as happening on Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, when “gunfire occurred directly in front of my house.”

The Lost Diamond is owned by Bradford McCauley, the former owner of the Blind Tiger on Spring Garden Street, where bouncer Jason Leonard fatally shot 19-year-old Pedro Alegria on July 31, 2022. In subsequent statements, McCauley alleged that he and his club had been “demonized” by Mayor Nancy Vaughan, the police, the ALE, and the media.

As previously reported, McCauley surrendered the venue’s ABC licenses in October 2022 and sold the venue to Kris Sunico, who reopened it as Hangar 1819. In publicly released correspondence with ALE and the GPD, Sunico made multiple assurances that “Brad McCauley will have no direct or indirect interest” in the rebranded venue. In February 2023, two misdemeanor counts against McCauley related to the fatal shooting, a firearms charge and Failure to Superintend, were dismissed.

McCauley’s name came up in official city correspondence again on June 5, when Assistant City Manager for Public Safety Trey Davis sent the following email to Vaughan and city council:

“Council members and CMO [City Manager’s Office] received complaints of a possible ‘new business/club’ at 948 Walker Avenue, operating as a nightclub. The complaint included multiple concerns to include gunshots, loud noise, disturbances, and increased traffic. Based on the nature of the complaint and additional information received, the Safety Team initiated a review of the location.”

On June 4, wrote Davis, the Safety Team visited the venue.

“Upon arrival, team members could hear music and observed the business operating as a nightclub. Note, the ap-

plicant was approved as a ‘restaurant’ with ‘no hookah.’ Team members engaged the on-site promoter, Damn Right Entertainment. The business owner, Brad McCauley was engaged by phone.” Davis concluded by stating that “Zoning will be issuing a Notice of Violation for illegal use (proximity to residential) and new use without proper permitting,” and that the Lost Diamond “will be permanently closed [boldface in original email] until the operators return to the original use as a ‘restaurant,’ or a change of use is granted.”

Righteous Stafford, whom Davis’s email identified as The Lost Diamond’s “on-site promoter Damn Fine Entertainment,” gave YES! Weekly the following statement:

“The letter from the city is correct. Brad McCauley has given me a great opportunity to run The Lost Diamond. And our partnership has been amazing and a new wonderful atmosphere for Greensboro. He and I are fully committed to run this business as a restaurant and not a club. Different from the typical restaurant scene in Greensboro, of course, and we are both new to the restaurant business and of course are bound to make mistakes. Our establishment has been nothing but safe and we are committed to learning the full process.”

Acknowledging a need for “more seating and less free-roaming space,” Stafford offered the following reassurances to the city and the College Hill neighborhood, but made no reference to the allegation of fights and gunfire outside the venue.

“We are correcting that now and adding more seating for patrons. The other violation had to do with the hood vent we have in the kitchen. An inspection

was due in December, although we did not open till April, it was an oversight on our side and will be fixed first thing Thursday, June 6. We are committed to having a safe and enjoyable diverse and taste restaurant scene in Greensboro, and just would like Greensboro to continue to work with us and not against us in this process.”

The venue’s Instagram account, @thelostdiamond336, displays multiple posts about “Trim Tuesdays” and “Seductive Sundays,” and a post from June 4, made prior to the Safety Team’s visit, shows a tightly-packed house with a crowded dance floor. A post made a day later states:

“Last night upon inspection at 1 a.m., the fire marshals found fire alarm system updates were needed and informed us that our hood systems need servicing. Due to these violations, we will be closed tonight!”

As previously reported, Vaughan has been critical of what she has called “frequent flyer” clubs, meaning ones where violence has occurred, and has stated the city is working on an ordinance that will make it easier to shut them down.

“I hope this sends a message that we are not playing,” said Vaughan about the closing of The Lost Diamond. “There’s been some new clubs opening up and maybe this will make them be more cautious.”

Public records show the property owner as MAS Investment Properties LLC in Winston-Salem, with the executive manager listed as Bita Sereshki. !

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.

Ian McDowell

Contributor

The Lost Diamond, located at 948 Walker Ave.

Pride thrives in Triad, despite history

In 1957, dozens in Greensboro’s gay community were arrested, convicted, chained, and forced into hard labor for consensual acts committed in their own homes with other adults. This month, and again in September, thousands will freely, proudly, and joyfully proclaim their LGBT identity in the Triad’s two largest cities.

Winston-Salem’s annual Pride Festival and Parade will be held Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., kicking o a weeklong celebration of love, unity, and equal rights. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on 4th Street, followed by the Festival and Food Truck Rodeo in the Downtown Arts District centered around the intersection of Sixth and Trade Streets.

“I think it’s great that we have two separate events because it gives us something else to look forward to later in the year,” said Morgan Masencup Roland, co-owner of Hel’s, a popular woman-owned and LGBTwelcoming bar at 545 N. Trade St. in Winston-Salem. “It makes it less of a competition for which city will have a bigger event.”

Hel’s is one of many downtown Winston venues having Pride-themed events this month. “We’re opening at 10 a.m. on the day of the parade and festival. Then we have a drag show starting at 3 p.m., and immediately following that we have a DJ who will do an outdoor dance party, then move it inside at 10 p.m.”

The next day, Sunday, June 23, the Katharine Brasserie & Bar at 401 N. Main has partnered with Pride WinstonSalem to host the Ultimate Drag Brunch at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. Doors for the two shows open at 10:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, with 100% of ticket proceeds going to Pride Winston-Salem.

One of the sponsors of the city’s Pride parade, the Winston-Salem Human Relations Commission (HRC),

is inviting residents to help refresh the Pride crosswalk mural at Sixth and Trade Streets on Friday, June 21 from 7 to 10 p.m. during the Art Crush event. In addition, the HRC will display the Pride banner on the front lawn of City Hall at 101 N. Main St. The city also plans to have City Hall and the Green Street pedestrian bridge over Salem Parkway lit in rainbow colors from Friday, June 14 through Friday, June 28.

Also on June 28th, Greensboro Pride whose festival will be held September 22, will commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Uprising.

“Our 3rd annual March to Remember starts directly in front of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum right here in downtown Greensboro at 6 p.m.,” said Spencer Jewell, executive director of Greensboro Pride. “We will march to the Melvin Municipal O ce Building, where we will hold speeches from prominent figures in the community. At the end of the event, we will hold a vigil for those that we lost during these 55 years of fighting for equality for everyone. This event is open to the public. Those who would like to speak at our March to Remember, should please email our secretary at Info@GreensboroPride.org.”

The rebellion happened on June 28, 1969, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village fought back against police after that year’s mayoral election precipitated a series of raids on New York’s then-illegal gay bars. Activists Stormé DeLarverie, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera have been credited for leading the resistance, although Johnson later disputed her involvement.

The U.S.’s longtime criminalization of same-sex relations reached a peak in the 1950s, leading to a so-called “Pink Scare,” and the medical establishment treated homosexuality as a mental illness. In the U.K., computer scientist Alan Turing, who helped defeat the Nazis by cracking their Enigma Code, was sentenced to chemical castration after a 1952 conviction of “gross indecency” for having a male lover; he died two years later after eating an apple laced with cyanide.

In 1957, there occurred what is now known as the

Greensboro Purge. Unlike raids in other cities, which were aimed at sexual acts in bars and parks, police chief Paul Calhoun ordered gay men arrested for having sex in their own homes. The purpose of the “purge” was, in Calhoun’s words, to “remove these individuals from society.” Thirty-two Greensboro men were jailed and convicted, with 24 receiving prison terms of up to 20 years, and some assigned to heavy labor in highway chain gangs.

“I am familiar with this city’s unfortunate history,” said Jewell. “We remember the hate against our community and we call on city leaders to never allow this to happen ever again.”

What happened in Greensboro in 1957 was a perhaps uniquely brutal example of the repression that would be actively resisted 12 years later, first in Greenwich Village, but gradually across the nation.

After Stonewall patrons fought back, resistance spread throughout the neighborhood and became, over the next several days, a series of sometimes violent demonstrations. On the 1970 anniversary of Stonewall, the first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These and later Pride traditions were adapted from the July 4th “Reminder Day Pickets” held in Philadelphia by the Eastern Regional Conference

Ian McDowell

Contributor

Winston-Salem Pride 2023

Winston-Salem Pride 2022

of Homophile Organizations (ERCHO), formed in 1962 from such groups as the New York Chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis, the Janus Society in Philadelphia, and the Mattachine Society of Washington and New York.

Although Stonewall had been led by transgender women and people of color, some early Pride marches discouraged or excluded them, but as the number of LGBT groups rapidly increased and the Pride movement spread across the United States, it gradually became more inclusive.

In 1999, President Bill Clinton declared “the anniversary of Stonewall every June in America as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.” In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the o cially recognized Pride Month to include the whole of the LGBT community. Donald Trump initially declined to continue the federal recognition of Pride Month, but in 2019 recognized it in a Tweet later used as a Presidential Proclamation. In 2021, Joe Biden recognized Pride Month, despite previously voting against same-sex marriage and school education on LGBT topics as a senator.

Pride Month is not the only o cially recognized celebration of LGBT rights in the United States. Founded in 1994 by Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson, LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history. It is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day (October 11) and commemorate the 1979 and 1987 marches on Washington for LGBT rights. It is also observed in Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy and the United Kingdom. In the U.K., it occurs in February to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28, Margaret Thatcher’s

1988-2000 prohibition against “promoting homosexuality.”

Jewell gave the following explanation of why Greensboro Pride’s street festival is scheduled closer to LGBT History Month than Pride Month.

“Greensboro Pride is held in the fall to give time for our college students, who call this place home for the winter, a place to attend. Some of these kids live in towns where being gay is frowned upon. They may not have a Pride festival in the town they live. By moving our event we can follow our mission to provide a safe space for the 30,000 students that call this city home each school year. Another reason we focus on September (or October during Jewish holidays) is that we believe in heat-related illnesses. High temperatures discourage us from holding this in the summer. We will be at Winston Pride cheering them on, and providing support.”

Jewell also said that “we hear from vendors, sponsors, and even the college students on their appreciation for our event being in September.” He stressed that Greensboro Pride is eagerly seeking volunteers and board members, and those interested should check out greensboropride.org/committeeapplication/. !

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.

WANNA know?

For more information on the upcoming week of events in Winston-Salem that begin on June 22 with a parade, festival, and food truck rodeo, contact pridews.org,

Pride banner in front of Winston-Salem City Hall.

Sweet Songs: The Triad’s Best Music Scene

Triad’s Best Awards season is the sweetest time in YES! Weekly land — and for musicians, it’s when audiences really give back. For 2024, the music category saw some sweet little upsets — don’t worry Spindle 45 fans, they still cracked the top five in most categories — but Bandemic is the reigning champ (snagging eight first-place awards among its members). In original bands, GoryanGo was the big runner-up winner, also with eight awards — albeit second place.

But between the fresh new faces and feel-good music, Penny Candy (third place “Best Tribute/Cover Band”) are real sweethearts of this year’s winners: “Our primary focus is playing 50s, 60s, 70s Rock’n’Roll music for senior living and retirement communities as well as public and private events,” explained guitarist and vocalist Kelley Ryan.

“That’s right: we play music from a time when candy cost a penny!,” Ryan continued. “We want to thank YES! Weekly for providing this great event and we want to sincerely thank all the folks who voted for us this year. It is a true honor. We look forward to continuing our mission of playing music that sparks great memories and brings smiles to the faces of those who hear our music.”

For Penny Candy pianist (and secondplace “Best Piano Player”) Michael

Chapel, it’s icing on the cake. “I love being part of the Penny Candy Band. After moving from N.J. to North Carolina and answering a classified ad for musicians forming a new band specifically to play for residential senior living campuses, I met the friendliest people around. They were welcoming and fun to be with. We laugh together and share our ills as well.”

Penny Candy exudes enough positivity and passion that even their practice space, “The Candy Shack,” landed third place for “Most Unique Place to Hear Live Music.”

Chapel calls the Shack, “the best place to play,” though it’s the connection with particular audiences he cherishes most.

“The best time we have is playing for people in memory care and assisted living facilities,” he explained. “A lot of the people are in wheelchairs and/or their own world. Watching them respond to the music by tapping their toes or moving to the music of their earlier years gives us a feeling that is better than I describe.”

Good feeling and posi-vibes are also the MO for Bandemic, aka the 2024 Triad’s Best big winners in music. The “elite professional goodtime cover band,” racked eight related awards — toeing the line between o cially being the “Best Tribute/Cover Band” and the headliner for “Best Live Music Show in 2023”; meanwhile Flash Jackman, the rock band from members Marshall Johnson (“Best Overall Musician”) and Bill Davidson (“Best Songwriter” and “Best Guitarist”), landed “Best Local Original Band.”

In fact, every member swept first place in their categories: Ken Free got “Best Vocalist,” Michael Kinchen “Best Bassist,” and Katie Allegro drummed up “Best

Percussionist.” “I’m humbled, honored, and thankful for the people that come out and show us the love!,” Free said. “That’s why I sing and it’s great to know people are enjoying our shows and having a good time.”

Allegro agreed: “This is a great honor and I still am in shock, especially given the many talented musicians in the Triad,” she said. “Thank you very much to the community and our venues for your constant support for Bandemic and for live music!”

Folks looking to o er that support have ample opportunities with Bandemic regularly scheduled to appear at One Thirteen Brewhouse (which won “Best Music Venue in Guilford County,” Bandemic will be there June 22), at Joymongers (next on June 28) and The Deck (third place “Best Music Venue in Guilford County”) on July 27.

For Johnson, the honor goes double. “We’re particularly grateful to our fans who are simply the BEST IN THE TRIAD!!!,” he said. “If you haven’t rocked out with Bandemic yet, what are you waiting for?! Shout out to all our fellow nominees” the Triad has no shortage of great live bands! Special thanks to YES! Weekly for featuring local talent and giving fans a voice.”

As the o cial “Best Musician in the Triad” for 2024, Johnson is a GRAMMYnominated artist with a few feathers in his cap — and music degrees from both UNC-Greensboro and Ohio State University. Beyond his bands, he’s the current director for Grimsley High School’s Madrigal Singers and at the West Market Street United Methodist Church where he leads Rising West (alongside Ken and Katie from Bandemic).

Bill Davidson also expressed gratitude for fans across the aisles — both for the Bandemic covers and the Flash Jackman original rock outfit. Currently writing for their sophomore album, “the honor of being dubbed the ‘Triad’s Best’ is not lost on us, and we relish the prospect of building their fan base and reaching a wider audience here in the Triad. Come catch a show and sing along!”

That honor is seconded by second-place champs, the Winston alt-rockers GOryanGO. “Being on the list for the first time, and placing high in so many categories is astonishing,” bassist Christian Ryan said of snagging second place for “Best Bassist” and as part of the second place “Best Original Local Band.”

“We’re proud to represent WinstonSalem, from performing at the Dash and Thunderbirds games to being played on WTOB, and selling out the Gas Hill Drinking Room. We’re thankful to everyone who has supported us since our first show at the Garage in 2007.”

Second place “Best Guitarist,” John Richardson, echoed the gratitude. “To be recognized for something I truly love to do is very cool — and more inspiration to keep creating some fun, engaging music. Congrats to the winners!! Hope we can make some music together soon.” As did second place “Best Percussionist” Brett Ryan: “Thank you to everybody who took time to vote. I appreciate every vote and am grateful to be a part of the music scene in our great city!”

Hopping on the fan-love bandwagon, Matt Weiser leads the charge as second place “Best Vocalist,” second place “Best Songwriter,” and second place “Best Musician.” “We were thrilled to have

Katei Cranford

Contributor

Bandemic

Penny Candy

DOUBLE-HEADER FOR PRICE OF ONE GAME!

Scottish Highlands Cows for family photo opp. Bagpiper will be on site. Highland Games contests in intermission of double-header. Tickets are $10, free for youth baseball or softball players in team jersey. Parking is free!

Game held at Wake Forest University’s Couch Ballpark

been nominated and would like to thank everyone who voted for us!,” Weiser said. “There’s a wealth of great talent in this area and to have a place in it is really incredible.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to get to write and share music with people,” he continued. “That it resonates with people and they’d nominate and vote me in this category is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to getting to share new music with everyone and continuing to create and tell more stories. I’ve always sung from my heart and love getting to share that part of myself with people and am humbled and ecstatic that it has connected with people.”

With that spirit, Weiser is also honored that his “(sh)Abbey Road Studios” also snagged second place for “Best Recording Studio.”

“I’ve been in and around music studios for the better part of two decades and it just made sense to put together a home

studio,” he explained. “As it started coming together and turned from a box of cables that could lug around to a respectable setup I realized my home studio had become not too shabby, and then the play on words began. Being a big Beatles guy I jokingly dubbed it (sh)Abbey Road and it stuck. When GOryanGO was recording our ‘One Step Closer’ EP, it was really fun to get to send our mixes out from (sh)Abbey Road Studios to Simon Gibson at Abbey Road Studios in London; it was a real full circle moment.”

GOryanGo is currently recording but is scheduled for September 14 at (second place ”Best Music Venue in Forsyth County” and second-place “Best Intimate Music Venue”) Old Nick’s Pub Arcadia. It’s the sweetest time of year, y’all. Happy Triad’s Best Awards to all you winners out there! !

Trillium Tailored Plan Starts July 1, 2024.

Trillium will still manage serious mental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disability, and traumatic brain injury services, just as we do today for those receiving Medicaid or who are uninsured. We will be adding physical health and pharmacy services as well for those placed on the Tailored Plan. While many things will remain the same, there are some new programs and changes you will see. Please call us with any questions or visit our website for more information. 1-877-685-2415 Member & Recipient Services

Transforming Lives. Building Community Well-Being.

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

GOryanGO

Marshall Johnson (Bandemic and Flash Jackman)

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE WEISER

PHOTO BY JOEY KIRKMAN

CARBORRO

CAT’S CRADLE

300 E Main St | 919.967.9053 www.catscradle.com

Jun 12: Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road

Jun 13: The Yardarm Album Release Show

Jun 14: Setting

Jun 15: Bird and Byron

Jun 15: Nation of Language

Jun 18: WIlco

Jun 18: Camera Obscura

Jun 20: Alesana

Jun 21: Kim Gordon

Jun 22: Rose City Band

Jun 23: Elliott Fullam

Jun 24: Future Islands

Jun 25: All Under Heaven

CHARLOTTE

BOJANGLES COLISEUM

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com

Jun 21: Jay Wheeler

Jun 27: That Girl Lay Lay

THE FILLMORE

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

Jun 12: Faye Webster

Jun 13: Neil Frances

Jun 14: Drive-By Truckers

Jun 14: BossMan Dlow

Jun 16: Sean Paul

Jun 18: Ocean Alley

Jun 19: The Menzingers

Jun 19: Silversun Pickups

Jun 20: Wilderado

Jun 21: Yoi Toki

Jun 22: Bingo Loco!

PNC MUSIC PAVILION

707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292 www.livenation.com

Jun 14: Hardy, Kip Moore, Travis Denning & Ella Langley

Jun 22: Outlaw Music Festival: Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Jun 26: Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts & Morgan Wade

Jun 27: Maroon 5 & Maren Morris

Take PRIDE in Your Health

Trillium Health SUMMIT

TUES. June 18 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Register for free today!

bit.ly/4aYrTAL

Lunch will be provided. Check-in at 9:30 a.m.

Koury Convention Center Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons 3121 West Gate City Boulevard Greensboro, NC 27407

Special Guest: Kody Kinsley

Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

A healthy, fulfilled life means feeling good inside and OUT. Building an inclusive, accepting world lays the path for full happiness and health for LGBTQ+ people. Join Trillium as we work towards that world and strengthen health for all. Topics include Youth, Mental Health and HIV/AIDS. Celebrate and boost LGBTQ+ health at the Take PRIDE in Your Health Summit event! For more information visit TrilliumHealthResources.org

CLEMMONS

VILLAGE SQUARE

TAP HOUSE

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

Jun 13: Radford Almond & Ian Groat

Jun 14: Audio Assault

Jun 15: Vinyl Tap

Jun 20: Pushin’ Georgia

Jun 21: Tracen Hollow

Jun 22: Muddy Creek Revival

Jun 27: Anna Mertson

Jun 28: Sons of Bootleg

Jun 29: The Real Goodsong Ft. Ben Robinson

ELKIN

REEVES THEATER

129 W Main St | 336.258.8240 www.reevestheater.com

Wednesdays: Reeves Open Mic

Fourth Thursdays: Old-Time Jam

Jun 22: Maggie Rose

GREENSBORO

FLAT IRON

221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com

Jun 12: bedrumor, Moving Boxes, + Scoby

Jun 13: Mono Means One w/ Council Ring

Jun 14: Holler Choir + Spencer Thomas

Jun 15: Saphron + Ins Kino

Jun 16: Electric Kif

Jun 18: Abigail Dowd

Jun 19: Hannah Kaminer & The Wistfuls

Jun 20: WIld Roots & Lua Flora

Jun 21: R.A.P. Ferreira

Jun 22: The Shoaldiggers + Folkknot

Jun 29: Donnie Doolittle + Blood Ritual + Instant Regrets

GARAGE TAVERN

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

Jun 14: Hwy 42 Band

Jun 16: Steel Jammin Trio

Jun 21: Southern Hustle Band

Jun 22: Stereo Doll

Jun 23: Kelsey Hurley

Jun 28: Ragtop Betty

Jun 29: Dear Sister

Jun 30: Doug & Deland

GREENSBORO COLISEUM

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400

www.greensborocoliseum.com

Jun 12: Peso Pluma

Jun 21: FEID

Jun 22: Jhene Aiko

HANGAR 1819

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com

Jun 14: Emo Island

Jun 18: Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows w/ Savage Hands, Downsizing, The Requiem, VRSTY, Wind Walkers

Jun 19: Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties w/ Future Teens, Maura Weaver

Jun 28: Dead Reckoning w/ To Be King, Until They Bleed, Sacrificial Betrayal, Violent End PIEDMONT

Jun 20: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls STEVEN TANGER CENTER

300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com

Jun 14: Ali Siddiq

Jun 15: Chiquis

Jun 16: Steve Miller Band

Jun 19: The Beach Boys

Jun 20: Josh Gates Live! Jun 22: Shane Gillis

Jun 27: David Spade

Jun 29: Sonic Symphony

Jun 28: Shotguns & Roses Jun 29: Astrocat

jamestown

ThE DEck

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999

www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestown/

Jun 14: Retro Vinyl

Jun 15: Megan Doss Band

Jun 20: Seth Evans

Jun 21: carolina Ambusha

Jun 22: Jokebox Revolver

Jun 27: The Aquarius

Jun 28: No Strings Attached

Jun 29: Radio Revolver

kernersville

kERNERSVillE

BREwiNg coMpANY

221 N Main St. | 336.816.7283 www.facebook.com/kernersvillebrewing Thursdays: Trivia

liberty

ThE liBERTY

ShowcASE ThEATER

101 S. Fayetteville St | 336.622.3844 www.TheLibertyShowcase.com

oak ridge

BiSTRo 150

2205 Oak Ridge Rd | 336.643.6359

www.bistro150.com

Jun 22: limited Engagement

Jun 29: Two for the Road

raleigh

ccU MUSic pARk

AT wAlNUT cREEk 3801 Rock Quarry Rd | 919.821.4111 www.livenation.com

Jun 14: Dave Matthews Band

Jun 15: hARDY

Jun 19: Maggie Rogers

Jun 23: willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert plant & Alison krauss: outlaw Fest

Jun 26: Red hot chili peppers

Jun 27: Alanis Morissette

liNcolN ThEATRE

126 E. Cabarrus St | 919.831.6400 www.lincolntheatre.com

Jun 12: Bossman Dlow

Jun 14: Bring out Yer Dead

Jun 20: Josh & Joe play The Dead.

Josh Daniel & Joe May

Jun 21: Undertow

Jun 28: The convalescence w/ Monochromatic Black, gorepig, The coursing, Dreadnight

RED hAT AMphiThEATER

500 S McDowell St | 919.996.8800

www.redhatamphitheater.com

Jun 12: chappell Roan

Jun 13: gary clark Jr.

Jun 14: Dwight Yoakam

Jun 18: An Evening with goose

Jun 21: cody Jinks

Jun 28: Bailey Zimmerman

pNc ARENA

1400 Edwards Mill Rd | 919.861.2300

www.thepncarena.com

Jun 12: Justin Timberlake

Jun 22: Tim Mcgraw

winston-salem

EARl’S

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

Mondays: open Mic

FiDDliN’ FiSh

BREwiNg coMpANY

772 Trade St | 336.999.8945

www.fiddlinfish.com

Tuesdays: Trivia

FooThillS BREwiNg

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

Sundays: Sunday Jazz

Thursdays: Trivia

Jun 12: Terra String

Jun 14: chuck Dale Smith Band

MiDwAY MUSic hAll

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

Mondays: line Dancing

Jun 1: Silver hawk

Jun 8: R.c And company

MUDDY cREEk cAFE & MUSic hAll

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

ThE RAMkAT

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714

www.theramkat.com

Jun 12: Martha Bassett

Jun 13: hardwired – Matallica Tribute

Jun 14: Jeffrey Dean Foster & The Arrows, Spring Summer

Jun 19: Steve Earle, caleb caudle

Jun 20: Del Mccoury Band

Jun 21: Sneakers

Jun 23: Spafford

Jun 26: Flower in Bloom

Jun 28-29: 1love Festival

10am-6pm (336) 643-5249 | www.stokesdalebirite.com

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Natalie Garcia

[TRIVIA TEST]

by Fifi Rodriguez

[1. HISTORY: Who was the first female chancellor of Germany?

[2. GEOGRAPHY: Which European capital used to be called Christiania?

[3. MOVIES: What are the names of the elderly couple in the animated movie Up?

[4. ANATOMY: How much blood is in the average human body?

[5. SCIENCE: What do ohms measure?

[6. TELEVISION: Al Borland is a sidekick in which 1990s TV sitcom?

[7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What does an hCG test determine?

[8. U.S. STATES: Which state is named after a French king?

[9. LITERATURE: Who are Nancy Drew’s best friends in the children’s mystery novel series?

[10. FOOD & DRINK: What fruit is used to make Worcestershire sauce?

answer

10. Tamarind.

9. Bess and George.

7. Pregnancy. 8. Louisiana (Louis).

6. Home Improvement

© 2024 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

1. Angela Merkel. 2. Oslo, Norway. 3. Carl and Ellie Fredricksen. 4. 1.2 to 1.5 gallons. 5. Electrical resistance.

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

[SALOME’S STARS]

Week of June 17, 2024

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Be careful about doing someone a favor when you don’t know the full story behind the request. Don’t rely on someone’s unsubstantiated assurances. Insist on all the facts before you act.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) That workplace problem still needs your attention before you can finally close the book on it. Meanwhile, a long-anticipated reunion gets closer to becoming a happy reality.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might be demanding more from others than they can give. Best advice: Have a long and frank talk to determine what the facts are. Tensions should abate as the week winds down.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Aspects are favorable throughout this week for making contacts that could be important to your career plans. Meanwhile, an old friend o ers the advice you’re seeking.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s time to stop licking your wounds from past mistakes. Get up and get going toward your future. Loyal friends will be there to help the Lion get back into rip-roaring shape.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Take time out to go over what’s expected of you before you begin your new project. Otherwise, you run the risk of pushing yourself harder than you need to.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) An unusual request could put you in an awkward position. Best advice: Deal

with it immediately. The longer you delay, the more di cult it will be to get out of it.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You should feel recharged and ready for whatever your workaday world holds for you. The same positive energy spills over into your personal relationships.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A prospect might be less than it appears to be. Like the Archer in your sign, you always aim for the truth. And this is no time to settle for less than full disclosure.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Start doing some serious thinking about a career move that could entail more than just changing job sites. Some lifestyle changes might also be involved.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) With tensions easing at the workplace, a more positive environment once again encourages the free flow of ideas that are so typical of the alwaysinnovative Aquarian.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Show some of that usually hidden steelstrong Piscean backbone and stand up for yourself if you hope to make a case for that promotion you know you deserve.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You enjoy doing new things and staying ahead of the crowd. You would make a fine military leader or a sports coach.

2024 by King Features Syndicate