YES! Weekly - August 9, 2023

FOR THE TOP CITY WORKERS IN THE TRIAD

AUGUST 9-15, 2023

VOLUME 19,

PAYDAY 2023

The summer months mean the beginning of the newest budget season for most cities in the Triad area, July 1st to be exact.

5 14 16

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Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com

EDITORIAL

Editor CHANEL DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com

YES! Writers IAN MCDOWELL MARK BURGER

KATEI CRANFORD JIM LONGWORTH NAIMA SAID DALIA RAZO LYNN FELDER

A

5 The RiverRun International Film Festival

partnered with Bookmarks’ “ BOOK WITH PURPOSE” program to present a special screening of the 2022 festival favorite Americanish at 8 p.m. Saturday, August 19 at Marketplace Cinemas...

6 Dozens of people showed up at Sedgefield Gardens Apartment Complex on Friday afternoon, on West Avenue in Greensboro, to support the family of two children who were ASSAULTED BY THE PROPERTY MANAGER.

7 Polarization in the ERA OF TRUMP manifests itself in many ways, from voter suppression to insurrection. Thanks to Trump’s fiery and canard-laden rhetoric,

people now scream at one another and call each other names instead of having a civil debate.

8 Christopher Nolan doesn’t make small movies. He makes big ones. His latest film, OPPENHEIMER, is not just a big movie but a Big movie — and an Important movie.

14 “Sometimes I feel like a therapist for other BLACK ENTREPRENEURS,” said Sheena White, owner of Fiber Space in downtown Greensboro. “People come in and ask about better ways to run their businesses, but I don’t mind, because I can spin ideas all day and have learned to channel that gift for other people.”

16 NO SCOPE is hitting the scene. The Winston-Salem scenesters have been building a lineup and are rounding the bases with a new single and a special pregame show, opening up in the outfield for the Winston-Salem Dash on August 18.

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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.

4 On August 2, District Judge Loretta Biggs denied two defense motions in the lawsuit against Matthew Hamilton, the first Greensboro police officer to be indicted for KILLING

SUSPECT while on duty.

has again

Ian McDowell Contributor

No immunity for GPD o cer who killed Lopez; civil trial won’t be delayed

n August 2, District Judge Loretta Biggs denied two defense motions in the lawsuit against Matthew Hamilton, the first Greensboro police o cer to be indicted for killing a suspect while on duty.

The civil suit is a separate proceeding from Hamilton’s criminal trial for manslaughter, which has not yet been scheduled.

One of the motions denied by Judge Biggs was to stay the civil suit until the criminal trial is completed. The other argued that “qualified immunity” and “public o cial immunity” shielded Hamilton from

Oliability. Biggs denied both the delay and the immunity claims.

Qualified immunity protects o cials from lawsuits unless the o cial violated clearlyestablished statutory or constitutional rights. Public o cial immunity bars claims against public o cials for actions taken within the scope of their duties unless those actions were malicious or corrupt.

Judge Biggs was not swayed by the arguments from defense attorney Amiel Rossabi.

While both Hamilton and the City of Greensboro are named as defendants in the lawsuit, Rossabi is only representing the former o cer. The City of Greensboro is represented by Sonny Haynes of Womble Bond Dickinson LLP and GPD attorney Polly Sizemore.

However, public records show the city is paying Rossabi’s fees. According to City Attorney Chuck Watts, this is because a resolution introduced in 1980 by thenmayor Jim Melvin (and approved by that year’s city council) established “the policy of the City of Greensboro to provide for the defense of its o cers and employees against civil claims and judgments.”

The resolution provides for the defense of “past o cers” as well as present ones, in any suit over actions performed in the line of duty. This means that, even if the court dismisses the claims against the city while upholding the ones against its fired and indicted o cer, the city would still have to pay for any settlement.

While media reported that Rossabi “filed to dismiss” the suit, the actual filing is a motion for judgment on the pleadings. Judgment on the pleadings is a motion asking the court to decide the case based on written statements already submitted, without proceeding to trial. “Judgment on the Pleadings: An Underutilized and Potentially Devastating Tool in the Litigator’s Pre-Trial Arsenal,” a May 15, 2020 JD Supra article by Matthew Kreiser, states that such a motion “can be used to attack the su ciency of an opponent’s pleadings and the viability of their underlying claims prior to trial,” and calls this strategy “potentially devastating if properly employed.”

The litigation slightly predates Hamilton’s indictment by Guilford County District Attorney Avery Crump and his firing by Acting Greensboro Police Chief Teresa Bi e, both of which occurred on June 6, 2022, hours after plainti attorneys Graham Holt

of Greensboro and Flint Taylor and Ben Elson of the People’s Law O ce of Chicago held a press conference announcing a wrongful death lawsuit over Hamilton’s November 2021 killing of 29-year-old Joseph Lopez Jr.

Lopez was killed after Hamilton and other o cers responded to a report someone was trying to enter a residence on Cloverdale Drive. When the o cers arrived, Lopez was inside a garage outside the residence.

As recorded on bodycam video, Hamilton, who was a K-9 handler, approached the garage with his dog, opened the door, and instructed Lopez to “make yourself known.”

Lopez replied, “Yes, I’m here.”

“Come on out with your hands up,” responded Hamilton, “or I’ll send my dog in there and he’ll bite you.”

Lopez responded that he would come out when it was “safe” to do so.

“Come on out,” ordered Hamilton. Thirty seconds later, he released the dog into the shed.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” shouted Lopez while attacked by the dog. Six seconds later, Hamilton entered the shed and fired a single round, which struck the unarmed Lopez in the face and killed him. “Oh shit, oh fuck,” shouted Hamilton.

Rossabi later asserted that Lopez was holding “a dark object” before Hamilton fired. This cannot be determined on the blurry dimly-lit video and no corresponding object was reported recovered from the scene.

The litigation filed on behalf of the Lopez Estate asserts excessive force and wrongful death claims against Hamilton and a Monell Claim against the city. A Monell

Claim is for monetary recovery against a local municipality in which o cials have acted unconstitutionally pursuant to local law, custom, or policy.

“O cer Hamilton shot Lopez immediately after ordering a police dog to attack him,” wrote Judge Biggs in her August 2 order denying the motion for judgement on the pleadings. “Even if O cer Hamilton had initially felt threatened by a man hiding in the back of a garage and refusing to come out, there was no reason to think that Lopez still posed a threat to o cers while being attacked by a police dog.”

This is not a ruling on the case, but instead, a statement that Defense did not demonstrate grounds for a pre-trial decision.

In her denial of the motion to stay the civil trial until after resolution of the criminal one, Biggs wrote that she “is very concerned that any stay imposed in this case that depends on the criminal case reaching some resolution will cause a substantial delay,” as “it has already been over a year since O cer Hamilton was indicted” and the criminal trial has not yet begun. She also cited plainti attorneys’ claim that “it could be years before it does.”

“Without some sign that the criminal proceeding is likely to conclude within a reasonable amount of time,” wrote Biggs, “this Court will not enter a stay that depends on developments in that case.” !

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.

Matthew Hamilton

Joseph Lopez Jr.

Free and here: RiverRun and Bookmarks host encore Americanish screening August 19th

The RiverRun International Film Festival has again partnered with Bookmarks’ “Book With Purpose” program to present a special screening of the 2022 festival favorite Americanish at 8 p.m. Saturday, August 19 at Marketplace Cinemas, 2095 Peters Creek Parkway, with the film’s writer/director Iman K. Zawahry and producer Roy Wol in attendance. Admission is free and audiences can register for tickets at https:// riverrunfilm.com/

Americanish focuses on two Pakistani sisters (Salena Qureshi and Purca Bedi) who live in Jackson Heights, and their cousin (Shenaz Treasury) — who has newly arrived in the United States — as they try to balance career and romance while remaining true to their cultural tradition. The film, which some have described as the very first Muslim romantic comedy, also stars George Wendt, David Rasche, Ajay Naidu, and Godfrey, and was filmed on location in New York City.

“We are always thrilled to partner with Bookmarks and Americanish, a 2022 festival favorite, is a nice fit for their ‘Book With Purpose’ program this year which focuses on identity and belonging,” said Rob Davis, RiverRun executive director. “Festival audiences were so enthusiastic about the film that it’s a pleasure to share it with the community once again. Iman is an incredibly talented filmmaker, and a most worthy recipient of our Spark Award, which recognizes filmmaking talent for individuals who are in the beginning of their careers.

“Iman is actually a two-time RiverRun alum as we showed her new short film, I Am from Palestine, at this year’s festival. We are delighted to welcome her back to Winston-Salem along with Israeli-Turkish producer Roy Wol, both of whom will be joining us for the Q&A after the screening.”

Zawahry is elated by her return engagement. “I absolutely love RiverRun — it was one of my favorite festivals,” she said. “The films they curate and how well they take care of their filmmakers is like no other. Not only do they support up-and-

coming filmmakers in such an elevated manner, but I particularly love how they support student filmmakers in the pitch competition as well. Being a Spark award recipient is such an incredible honor and means so much to me as it gives a spotlight to independent filmmakers and shows appreciation for the hurdles we as indie filmmakers must climb.”

Americanish, which won a slew of awards — from the Asian American International Film Festival, New York Asian Film Festival, and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, to name a few — was Zawahry’s first feature, and she admits she wasn’t certain of its reception. As it turned out, she needn’t have worried.

“My team and I were so surprised by the positive reception it received, and we learned it’s because there are no films like this — led by a brown woman about Muslim women — and there was such a need, and all generations and ethnicities can relate to the women’s journeys. Our goal is for people to watch the film and see that Muslim women are not a monolith and they have agency over their own lives.”

“With Americanish, she made a oneof-a-kind romantic comedy about two Pakistani sisters and their fresh-o -theboat — or jet, in this case — cousin, all with individual goals about careers and romance in New York City,” said Davis.

“I think the universal theme of juggling one’s identity and cultural traditions in a new environment is one of the reasons this film resonates with audiences. I applaud Iman’s ability to take an established film genre, the romantic comedy, into new territory with Americanish!” Zawahry, a professor of film produc-

tion at the University of Florida, is among the first hijabi American-Muslim filmmakers in the nation, and has a number of projects in the pipeline. “My second feature, entitled LadyBalls, is about me and my friends growing up brown in the

South where we skipped school to go to MTV’s spring-break show The Grind,” she said. “This is my passion project and (I’m) hoping to film soon as I’m looking for funding. I’m also working on a sci-fi project called Muslim Futures where many Muslim writers are tasked with what it looks like to have an aspirational Muslim future. I wrote the short story that has been translated into a graphic novel and will be adapted into a feature film. Lastly, I’m also working on directing television.”

The 26th annual RiverRun International Film Festival is scheduled for April 18th — 27th, 2024.

The o cial Americanish website is https://www.americanishfilm.com/

The o cial Marketplace Cinemas website is https://www.mpcws.com/.

The o cial RiverRun International Film Festival is https://riverrunfilm.com/. !

See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2023, Mark Burger.

Mark Burger

Contributor

Still image from Americanish

Local organizations call for firing after apartment manager assaults children

Dozens of people showed up at Sedgefield Gardens

Apartment Complex on Friday afternoon, on West Avenue in Greensboro, to support the family of two children who were assaulted by the property manager.

According to the Greensboro Police Department, officers responded to the apartments at 3854 West Avenue in reference to an assault on Thursday, August 3 at 2:36 p.m. They determined that an assault had occurred after talking to the parents of two juvenile victims. The property manager, 62-year-old Kimberly Jennings was arrested and charged with two counts of Assault on a Child under 12.

The video of the assault has gone viral on social media and shows what is allegedly Jennings pouring soda on a young child and hitting him repeatedly with the bottle, while two other adults look on.

Jae Eury, the mother of Jace, the 11-year-old boy in the viral video, would like Jennings to be fired and she had a whole community of people standing behind her. She said that the children were upset by Jennings actions, naturally.

“I’m pissed o . The kids were angry, especially my son. It started because she hit my daughter and her brother stood up for her,” Lee said.

When she saw the video, she knew she was pressing charges.

“I want her fired. I want her life destroyed. I want her to have nothing and be nothing like she made my kids feel.”

Organizer John Awolowo, Gate City Coalition supervisor for the west side corridor area, said he wanted to do something to show support for the family. The organization is also calling for Jennings to be fired.

“We try to keep the violence down in the area and mentor the kids, so this goes hand in hand. The children are the future and we are not standing for that,” he said. “You don’t harm a child. You don’t assault a child. If the shoe were on the other foot, how would she feel? Instead of reacting with violence, we want to do it a di erent way.”

Awolowo mentors the kids in the neighborhood and said he was shocked to see the young man that he’s worked with in

the video. He said that he is worried about how this incident will impact the young man and his future.

“It kind of hit home when I saw and heard about it. We want Justice for Jace. He may have to talk to someone. He may be traumatized from the situation and we don’t know how this is going to impact him in the long run if he sees that adults can do this to him and get away with it.”

He also questioned how many other residents have received some sort of “unfavorable reaction” from Jennings.

“How many other children have been through this? The residents feel the same way and some of them are saying this isn’t new. Maybe she needs some help or some therapy. But the property should fire her because if you’re doing this to children, it’s unacceptable. If this is ongoing she needs to be removed from her position.”

Kay Brown, president of the Greensboro chapter of the NAACP, said that the family has the organization’s full support.

“Racism will not be tolerated. Housing discrimination will not be tolerated and we stand behind the family. I have two young sons myself and I know that I would be very upset if somebody laid hands on my child,” Brown said.

YES! Weekly attempted to contact Jennings by visiting the property’s o ce and via phone with the number listed, however, no contact was made.

According to a spokesperson at the Guilford County Sheri ’s O ce, Jennings was released on a written promise to appear. According to the Greensboro Police Department, a criminal investigation is ongoing. !

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.

BY TONI TRONU

Step into the vibrant world of the City of Arts and Innovation, where creativity knows no bounds and the arts pulse with life! It’s an exhilarating new chapter unfolding in the heart of this city. The Arts District is where the imagination of the creative community is uniting in innovative ways. Prepare to be captivated by the synergy between the Arts District of Winston-Salem and the illustrious Winston-Salem Symphony on Friday, August 18.

The Arts District of Winston-Salem (ADWS) is a volunteer-led and dynamic non-profit organization driven by a powerful belief that art is a universal language that transcends barriers, forging connections that unite us all. Its ambitious mission revolves around amplifying diverse voices and visions as it gathers artistic minds from the city to weave a tapestry of creative wonder.

On August 18, ADWS presents its latest gem, ART CRUSH — Plenty of Art to Love, an awe-inspiring event that sets the Arts District ablaze! Each monthly edition of ART CRUSH promises a fresh and exhilarating experience, bringing guest curators to the forefront who dazzle audiences with diverse and electrifying collections of visual and performing artists. The purpose is clear - to elevate the local creative community of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, igniting sparks of inspiration that reverberate throughout the city.

Toni Tronu, the founder and chair of ADWS, beams with excitement about the upcoming event. “August will be our fifth event, and each has been completely di erent. It’s exciting to help our curators bring their ideas to fruition,” Toni exclaims. The previous ART CRUSH event drew over 2,500 attendees, all eagerly immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, with live music echoing through the streets on a festive trolley ride while 28 local creatives were set up to show o and sell their handiwork.

ART CRUSH joins forces with the Winston-Salem Symphony’s new Music

Director, Michelle Merrill, for the August extravaganza. “Michelle Merrill is a new name on the Winston-Salem scene who will soon be a fixture of the performing arts community. She won the role of Music Director for the Winston-Salem Symphony from a crowded field of world-class conductors in a search that lasted 18 months,” says Joey Burdette, Marketing Manager of the WinstonSalem Symphony.

Merrill eagerly anticipates the event as a chance to connect with people personally, inspiring them to explore the Symphony’s captivating performances inside a concert hall. Members of the orchestra will play works that Merrill curated specifically for the evening that highlights the energetic atmosphere that envelops the downtown Arts District. Some Youth Orchestra members will also be on hand to dazzle the crowd. Attendees of all ages can participate in the Symphony’s Instrument Petting Zoo, where folks can pick up and play various string, percussion, and wind instruments.

Arts District of Winston-Salem and the Winston-Salem Symphony warmly invite you to immerse yourselves in a festive night of arts and culture at the intersection of Trade Street and Sixth Streets on Friday, August 18, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. You won’t want to miss this night, so don’t forget to be there, front and center, to celebrate the magic of ART CRUSH!

Thanks to the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County sponsorship and generous funding through ARPA from the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, ART CRUSH emerges as a beacon of creative expression and collaboration.

[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

THE ARTS DISTRICT OF WINSTON-SALEM AND THE WINSTON-SALEM SYMPHONY’S MICHELLE MERRILL ENERGIZE DOWNTOWN’S ART CRUSH!

Chanel Davis

Editor

Kimberly Jennings

Trump and the Polarization of America

suppose I should have paid more attention in Bible class, but I grew up thinking that Abraham Lincoln originated the phrase, “ A house divided against itself cannot stand.” In fact, honest Abe stole that line from the Book of Matthew (12:22-28) during a campaign speech at the 1858 Illinois State Republican Convention where he won the nomination for United States Senate.

Lincoln, of course, was warning of the impending Civil War between North and South. Matthew, on the other hand, was recounting an incident in which Jesus (who was thought by the Pharisees to be a demon) cast out the devil from a demon-possessed man who was also blind and mute. By doing so, Jesus hoped to reunite the Pharisees with the Kingdom of God. Meaning no disrespect to Jesus, but Lincoln had the tougher row to hoe when, after becoming President, he had to heal an entire nation that was divided over the issue of slavery. Hundreds of thousands of young men lost their lives in that struggle, and Lincoln lost his because he was trying to bring us all back together.

These days, America is the most divided we’ve been since the Civil War, not by slavery, but by the lies of a maniacally messianic politician. Never in our history has a major political party been so completely hijacked by one man, so much so, that 70% of Republicans believe Joe Biden’s election was illegitimate, 30% say they would vote for Trump if he was convicted (20% were unsure how they’d vote), and 28% say they would vote for him even if he’s in prison. How scary is that?

Polarization in the era of Trump manifests itself in many ways, from voter suppression to insurrection. Thanks to Trump’s fiery and canard-laden rhetoric, people now scream at one another and call each other names instead of

Ihaving a civil debate. MAGA nuts carry guns with them to go vote, and they are wont to open fire on any Black man who walks through their neighborhood. “Karens” are springing up all over and feel emboldened to call the police if a Black woman tries to use the swimming pool at her own apartment complex. Country singer Jason Aldean dares people who protest injustices to, “Try that in a Small Town.” And though Trump disciples claim to support the police, they have no problem with the attack on our nation’s Capitol in which officers were injured and killed.

Donald Trump once joked that he could shoot someone in the middle of New York City and get away with it. Sadly, that’s pretty much what he’s doing to our democracy — shooting holes in it that are big enough for him to walk through, in order to suit his needs or escape prosecution.

In a recent expose published by the Associated Press, correspondent Nicholas Riccardi noted that people are increasingly moving from one State to another not for a better job, but because of politics. Conservatives are moving to red states and liberals are moving to blue states in accordance with their views on polarizing issues like abortion and gay rights. So, instead of just segregating by race, we’re now also segregating by political party, and that just isn’t healthy for a nation that is in desperate need of healing.

I don’t care whether you quote Matthew or Abe Lincoln. Either way, we should heed their warnings that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” Trump disciples who are in denial about his crimes may not be demonically possessed, but they are certainly blind to them. Sadly, I doubt any miracle will help them see. !

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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Lyrics by Tim Rice Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Oppenheimer: Before the bomb — and beyond

Christopher Nolan doesn’t make small movies. He makes big ones. His latest film, Oppenheimer, is not just a big movie but a Big movie — and an Important movie.

Like Dunkirk (2017), it’s a movie rooted in historical fact, adapted from Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s non-fiction best-seller American Prometheus. It’s an extremely wellmounted and well-acted chronicle of the famed physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904-’67), known to many as “the father of the atomic bomb.” It has been carefully crafted to be enlightening as well as entertaining.

There have been other films about Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb,

including the Emmy-winning 1989 TV movie Day One and the feature film Fat Man and Little Boy (1989) which, at the time, was heavily touted as Oscar bait. But Day One was broadcast first and stole most of Fat Man’s thunder. Both of these films, however, concentrated almost entirely on the development of the bomb in Los Alamos, NM.

Like the 1980 BBC mini-series Oppenheimer, in which Sam Waterston delivered a tremendous performance in the title role, Nolan’s Oppenheimer attempts to create a more comprehensive portrait of the brilliant, admittedly eccentric, scientist — and it too boasts a stellar lead turn by Cillian Murphy, one that successfully holds the narrative together whenever it threatens to come unglued, which it does on occasion.

Naturally, Los Alamos figures prominently here, but so too does Oppenheimer’s sometimes turbulent personal life, which included an ill-fated a air with Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh), a deeply troubled Communist whom Op-

penheimer could never truly possess, and his marriage to Kitty (Emily Blunt), who had deep-rooted troubles of her own, including alcoholism. Pugh and particularly Blunt are very e ective here, but neither emerges with the same clarity and depth as Oppenheimer does. (Then again, the name of the movie is Oppenheimer.)

Oppenheimer was a man of idealism and principle, but when he is recruited to oversee the Manhattan Project and construct the bomb, he puts his ideology aside. The U.S. military, personified by Gen. Leslie Groves (Matt Damon, providing brawn to Murphy’s brains), persuades Oppenheimer not so much by appealing to his patriotism but his ego. If he can beat the Third Reich to construct so massive a weapon of destruction, he’ll have accomplished something no one else has been able to, and it’s a challenge he is unable to resist.

That the outcome of World War II is known to one and all doesn’t impede the film’s nervy momentum. It’s genuinely tense and exciting, yet the moral implications are never far behind.

Nolan, who wrote the screenplay as well as producing and directing, plays fast and loose with the chronology of events depicted here. The Los Alamos sequences are interspersed — and sometimes interrupted — by those depicting the Senate confirmation hearings of Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.), the former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, who was previously a friend of Oppenheimer’s but now very much a

REVIEWS PRESENTED BY

foe, to the extent of stripping Oppenheimer of his security clearance over his previous left-wing activism.

As the film conveys so convincingly, splitting the atom was nothing compared to dealing with government bureaucracy. No sooner had the heat of World War II subsided than the frost of the Cold War descended, and Oppenheimer found himself caught in the chill.

Although fragmented at times, Oppenheimer is a true epic, and best seen on the big screen. It’s not a perfect film, but at three hours long it’s never boring. Nolan is so gifted a filmmaker — is “visionary” too strong a term? — that the sheer sweep of the piece just carries you along.

It doesn’t hurt having a star-studded cast on hand, including Kenneth Branagh, Rami Malek, Josh Hartnett, Jason Clarke, Matthew Modine, James Remar, David Krumholtz, Casey A eck, Benny Safdie, Olivia Thirlby, James D’Arcy, UNCSA School of Drama graduates Dane DeHaan and Dylan Arnold, Tom Conti (as Albert Einstein), and Gary Oldman (who rocks his one scene as Harry Truman). Some are seen only briefly, while others who occupy an initially pivotal role gradually — or quickly — fade into the background. !

See MARK BURGER ’s reviews of current movies. © 2023, Mark Burger.

Mark Burger

Contributor

ASSAULT ON HILL 400 (The Asylum/ Shout! Studios/Shout! Factory): Christopher Wray directed this fact-based World War II saga dramatizing the e orts of the 2nd Ranger Battalion’s e orts to conquer the German stronghold in Bergstein, with action veterans William Baldwin, Eric Roberts, and Michael Madsen providing military muscle, available on DVD ($19.98 retail) and Blu-ray ($22.98 retail), each boasting bonus features.

DEADSTREAM (Shudder/RLJE Films):

For their feature debut, the husband-andwife duo of Joseph and Virginia Winter produced, co-edited, co-wrote, and codirected this award-winning, low-budget chiller starring Joseph Winter (who also composed the score) as a disgraced internet personality who attempt to revive his once-popular “Wrath of Shawn” podcast by paying a visit to a supposedly haunted house … and guess what happens next? This begins as something of a “foundfootage” send-up before predictably turning gorier and grislier halfway through, with Melanie Stone as an obsessed fan who — not surprisingly — isn’t what she seems. Some good moments, and the Winters evince an a nity for the genre trappings, but the head-spinning camerawork and clunky storyline render this routine. Both the DVD ($27.97 retail) and Blu-ray Steelbook ($35.97 retail) boast audio commentary, deleted scenes and bloopers, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more.

END OF THE WORLD (Kino Classics):

The Blu-ray bow ($29.95 retail) of director/co-star Abel Gance’s 1931 sciencefiction saga (originally titled La fin du monde) in which scientist Victor Francen discovers that a comet is racing toward Earth, threatening untold destruction unless the nations of the world join forces — a notion that some label treasonous. This was both Gance’s first sound film and the first sound film made in France. In French with English subtitles, bonus features include retrospective discussion and trailer.

“ENTER THE VIDEO STORE: EMPIRE OF SCREAMS” (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment Group): A limited-edition Blu-ray selection ($99.95 retail) of five low-budget films produced by Charles Band’s Empire Pictures during its 1980s heyday: Je rey Byron and Richard Moll star in 1984’s PG-13-rated The Dungeonmaster (originally titled RageWar); Stuart Gordon’s award-winning, R-rated Dolls (1987) stars Stephen Lee, Guy Rolfe, and

BY MARK BURGER

DVD PICK OF THE WEEK: THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (Kino

Lorber Studio Classics)

For sheer escapist entertainment, this fact-based 1978 period caper is irresistible fun. Scripted and directed by Michael Crichton from his own 1975 best-seller (a rare triple feat), the film depicts the 1855 theft of gold earmarked for British soldiers serving in the Crimean War.

Sean Connery is the mastermind, the dashingly duplicitous Edward Pierce, whose daring plan is aided and abetted by nimble-fingered pickpocket Agar (Donald Sutherland) and comely courtesan Miriam (Lesley-Anne Down), who happens to be Pierce’s mistress — culminating in the theft of the gold from a moving train. Very much structured as a Victorian romp, The Great Train Robbery

is rife with humorous innuendos, seemingly impossible feats of derring-do, and an overall spirit of jolly good fun.

Connery, at his rakish, roguish best, sparks great chemistry with both Sutherland (who does his fair share of scene-stealing) and the dishy Down (in one of her best performances), and there’s a splendidly spirited score by Jerry Goldsmith. Yet for all that — and a rousing finale — the film wasn’t the box-o ce smash it should have been. Yet it’s constantly and deservedly being re-discovered in the years since.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has re-released several out-of-print Blu-rays (each $24.95 retail): Richard Lester’s PG-rated Juggernaut (1974) starring Richard Harris and Omar Sharif; the 1977 Dino De Laurentiis production The White Bu alo (rated PG) pitting Charles Bronson’s Wild Bill Hickok and Will Sampson’s Crazy Horse against the titular beast; Michael Apted’s R-rated 1984 adaptation of Gorky Park starring William Hurt, Lee Marvin, and Brian Dennehy; and the R-rated 1989 Gene Hackman vehicle The Package, co-starring Joanna Cassidy, Tommy Lee Jones, and John Heard. All contain bonus features.

The Great Train Robbery Blu-ray ($24.95 retail) includes Crichton’s audio commentary and theatrical trailer. Rated PG.

Gordon’s wife Carolyn Purdy-Gordon; 1988’s Cellar Dweller (rated R) with Pamela Bellwood, Vince Edwards, Yvonne De Carlo, and Je rey Combs; 1989’s Arena (rated PG-13) starring Claudia Christian, Hamilton Camp, and Paul Satterfield; and Gordon’s PG-rated Robot Jox (1990), Empire’s biggest-budgeted film, which wasn’t released until two years after its production and Empire’s bankruptcy. Many of these films have become cult classics … for better or worse. Bonus features include audio commentaries, alternate theatrical and television versions, retrospective and vintage featurettes and interviews, trailers, image galleries, and (much) more.

EVIL DEAD RISE (New Line Cinema/ Warner Bros. Home Entertainment): The latest in the venerable horror franchise sees the Book of Evil being uncovered and read in a rundown Los Angeles apartment building, after which all hell literally breaks loose. Atmospheric and gory but predictable, with a pre-credit sequences that renders what follows entirely anticlimactic. Original Evil Dead creators Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert, and Bruce Campbell

(who provides a brief audio cameo) earn executive-producer credit, while Morgan Davies and Nell Fisher (in her feature debut) are the resident “scream queens” this time around, available on DVD ($29.98 retail), DVD/Blu-ray combo ($34.98 retail), and 4K Ultra HD combo ($44.98 retail). Rated R.

THE FEAR (Mondo Macabro/CAV Distributing): The world-premiere home video release of writer/director Kostas Manoussakis’s third (and final) feature, a controversial 1966 psychological thriller (originally titled O Fovos) starring Elena Nathanail as a college student who begins to suspect her family of conspiring to cover up the disappearance of their mute servant (Elli Fotiou), whom the local villagers considered to have mystical powers. In Greek with English subtitles, the Blu-ray ($29.95 retail) includes a behind-the-scenes documentary, the documentary Kostas Manoussakis: The Exiled Filmmaker, and more.

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE (Distrib Films/Icarus Films Home Video): Writer/

director Martin Provost’s award-winning 2020 French confection (originally titled Le bonne épouse) stars Juliette Binoche as the harried headmistress of the Van Der Beek Institute Homemaker’s Institute, an exclusive but financially strapped girls’ school dedicated to teaching domestic skills, on the eve of the social upheaval that rocked Europe 1968. This light social satire benefits from the ever-luminous Binoche and Edouard Baer as the banker who pines for her, but Noemie Lvovsky and Anamaria Vartolomei provide rather strident comic relief. In French with English subtitles, available on DVD ($26.98 retail).

INVALUABLE: THE TRUE STORY OF AN EPIC ARTIST (Synapse Films/MVD Entertainment Group): The Blu-ray bow ($29.95 retail) of producer/director/editor Ryan Meade’s 2014 feature documentary debut, a feature-length profile of Detroit-born makeup artist Tom Sullivan, who befriended Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell in college and toiled with them on the ground-breaking horror classic The Evil Dead (1982), boasting interviews with Sam and Ted Raimi, Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker, producer Josh Becker, and others. Special features include the bonus documentary Other Men’s Careers (2023), extended interviews, short films, trailers, and more.

NIGHT OF THE ASSASSIN (Well Go USA Entertainment): Writer Kwak Jeongdeok makes his feature directorial debut with this period adventure (also released as The Assassin) stars Shin Hyun-joon as a retired assassin who takes up arms against a violent gang terrorizing local villagers in Joseon-era Korea. In Korean with English subtitles, available on DVD ($19.99 retail) and Blu-ray ($29.98 retail).

SCARLET (Kino Lorber): Screenwriter/ director Pietro Marcello’s award-winning adaptation of Alexander Grin’s novel (originally titled L’envol) follows a young woman (Juliette Jodan) as she comes of age and finds her place in the world in the era between world wars in rural Normandy, with Raphel Thiery as her widowed war-veteran father and Louis Garrel as the barnstorming pilot who captures her heart. In French with English subtitles, available on DVD ($19.95 retail) and Bluray ($29.95 retail), each replete with Q&A session, behind-the-scenes featurette, and theatrical trailer. !

© 2023, MARK BURGER

BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

HOW WAS YOUR SUMMER VACATION?

I bet it was better than this couple’s. Alan Stevens, 50, of Hull, England, booked a surprise 17-day trip for his wife’s birthday to the Dominican Republic for late June. When they arrived, however, it was clear the resort’s “five-star” rating was a mistake. Hull Live reported that while at the resort, Stevens and his wife observed a variety of alarming behaviors. “When we went out to the pool for the first time, we saw guests smoking weed in the pool, people having sex in the pool ... one woman being sick all over herself in the pool, and another guest actually defecate in the pool — it was disgusting,” Stevens said. “We were approached by people offering us drugs about 10 times in the 17 days we were there. A woman fell from a balcony while we were there, and we walked past and saw her body hidden under a sheet. ... We had no idea what was going on.” He continued: “When we were out one day, I saw a man knocked clean off his motorbike.

I just burst out crying because on top of everything else that had happened, it was such a shock.” The travel company Stevens worked with offered 200 pounds in vouchers and counseling credits, which Stevens called “a joke. This was 100% the worst holiday we’ve ever been on.”

THE ARISTOCRATS

Maryland’s Kimberly “Kimycola” Winter has eructed her way into history with a Guinness World Record, United Press International reported on Aug. 2. Winter broke the previous record for loudest burp (female) with a 107.3-decibel growler. That’s louder than a blender, an electric hand-held drill and even some motorcycles. She prepared for the event with breakfast, coffee and beer. Winter said to achieve the big belch, she takes a deep breath and tries to “manipulate that into something monstrous and magical.” She admitted she loves to shock strangers with her burps. “I love to be loud and proud!”

SUSPICIONS CONFIRMED

The Hangzhou Zoo in eastern China has gotten a big bump in visitor num-

bers this week — 30% more, to 20,000 a day! — since Angela the Malayan sun bear went viral. Reuters reported that Angela captured social media attention when she stood up on her hind legs and stretched her neck out to look at visitors. In fact, her behavior was so humanlike that people thought maybe the zoo had dressed a worker up in a bear suit. “After we saw the video on the internet, we specially took the highspeed train from Suzhou to come over to see the bear,” Qiang Ming said. “If this is fake it deserves an Oscar for special effects,” said one commenter. But no! Angela is “definitely not a human. Our zoo is government-run, so that kind of situation would not happen,” the zoo responded.

UNCONVENTIONAL WEAPON

Jennifer Colandrea, 42, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was charged with domestic battery after an incident on July 31, The Smoking Gun reported. As her ex-husband, Brian Drummond, 42, slept in the home they share, Colandrea allegedly violently ripped his CPAP machine o his face, causing a cut on his lower lip, and started arguing with him. The two

divorced in 2009 but have been sharing a home. Colandrea was released on her own recognizance and ordered to stay away from Drummond.

MOLEHILL, MEET MOUNTAIN

Cedar Point Shores Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio, was the scene of what might have been a routine dust-up between patrons on July 27. But, as The Smoking Gun reported, it developed into much more. Cops responded after a woman allegedly called a child a “brat” and “fat ass” and pushed him off a floating toy. She identified herself as Jennifer Lee Miller, 67, and said she was a “Christian woman, a grandmother, and she wouldn’t do such a thing,” police said. After officers gave her a warning and left the scene, they determined that the woman had given them a false name; she is really Janet Nale of Taylor, Michigan, and she was arrested for obstruction. “She lied about all her information and had no reason for doing so,” one officer said. !

©2023 Andrews McMeel Universal

ACROSS

1 Upside-down-sleepin mammal

8 Economizes to a fault

14 Untrustworthy sort

20 One way to serve apple pie

21 Very solitary sort

22 Monkey (with)

23 Frigid-weather readings

26 Military missions, in brief

27 Old Ford div.

28 Tennis great Chris

29 Classic Coca-Cola slogan

39 “Son of,” in Arabic names

40 Thurman of “Kill Bill” films

41 Volcanic flow

42 Watershed draining dozens of U.S. states

53 Busy crawler

54 Make sport of

55 Cocktail party spread

56 School in England’s East Midlands

61 The Emerald Isle

62 Play — in (contribute to)

63 Heap

64 Graduate student’s position that might include conducting experiments

74 “Give — ring”

75 Plantain lily, familiarly

76 Actress Ward of “Sisters”

77 Polite cut-in words

86 Drains of color

87 Heaps

88 Tulsa-to-Topeka dir.

89 Metropolises, e.g.

94 Climb

95 — pro nobis

96 Flight guess, in brief

97 “In time the reason shall be made clear”

109 Furnish with new weapons

110 Mean Roman emperor 111 Kung — chicken

112 “The Magic Flute” composer 121 Stylish filmmaker

122 Made giggle 123 Active, as a law

124 Out of sight

125 San Fran football team

126 Music scorer

DOWN

1 Explorer John or Sebastian

2 Letter before beth

3 Triple-time dance, in France

4 Broody rock subgenre

5 Bend at a curtain call

6 Woodworking tool

19 Hosp. triage sites

24 Riddle-me- —

25 KO counter

30 Some sorority letters

31 Grab — (eat quickly)

32 Al who won four Indy 500s

33 French buddy

34 Driveway-topping goo

35 Stinging hits

36 Lays into 37 Something to RSVP to online 38 More stable 42 Longtime Twins catcher Joe 43 Navel type

Swizzles 45 Airline to Oslo

46 Basketballer — Thomas

47 2014 Wimbledon winner Kvitova 48 Sickly 49 Compete (for)

50 “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” musical

51 Military mission, in brief

52 Spiner of “Star Trek” films

57 Neckline shape

58 Dinosaur in Nintendo games

59 Actress Kaitlin

60 Singer with the 2007 hit “1234”

65 Whac- — (reflex-testing game)

Of kidneys

CAPT. JACKS SEAFOOD SHACK

SOUP

Lobster Bisque 12 | New England-Style Clam Chowder 10 | Chilled Spicy Shrimp Gazpacho 9 Basket of Warm Old Bay & Pimento Cheese Biscuits 11 … while they last!

SMALL PLATES

Crab Rangoon Dip 15 (Wasabi Aioli | Sweet Chili Sauce | Hoisin Drizzle)

Char-Grilled Watermelon 8 (Farmer’s Cheese | Tijan Vinaigrette)

Jumbo Shrimp Tempura-Style 13 (Truffle Blue Cheese Slaw | BOOM! M-80 Sauce)

Sesame Tuna Tartare 18 (Ginger Soy Glaze | Scallion Pancake | Chipotle Aioli)

LOBSTER

Lobster Mac & Cheese Skillet 38 (Pimento | Cheddar | Parmesan | Panko)

Roll #1 Chilled 24 | ADD Hand-Cut Fries or Salad +8 (Duke’s Mayo | Lemon Herb Butter | Brioche Bun)

Roll #2 Warm 23 | ADD Hand-Cut Fries or Salad +8 (Lemon Herb Butter | Brioche Bun)

Timothy’s Creamy Lobster carbonara 42 (Peas | Pancetta | ’Shrooms | Parmesan | Herbs)

Lobster Quesadilla 26 (Mango Jalapeno Avocado Mash)

LARGE PLATES

Shrimp Scampi Linguine 31 (Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce)

Chicken Fried Chicken aka “The Colonel” 27 (atop Pineapple Fried Rice)

OUR FAMOUS

Jumbo Shrimp & Grits 32 (Jumbo Shrimp | Tasso Tomato Gravy | Pimento Grits)

PayDay 2023: A list of pay for the top city workers in the Triad

The summer months mean the beginning of the newest budget season for most cities in the Triad area, July 1st to be exact.

With the help of a couple of Freedom of Information Act requests, YES! Weekly has obtained all the salaries for the city employees of High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. The next few issues will include the results of those requests. In this issue, we are starting with some of the annual salaries for some of the Triad’s highest officials.

CITY COUNCIL

City of Greensboro

• Mayor Nancy B. Vaughan - $33,224

• Yvonne J. Johnson - Mayor Pro Tem - $26,409

• Sharon M. Hightower - District 1$25,657

• Dr. Goldie F. Wells - District 2$25,657

• Bryan Zack Matheny - District 3$25,306

• Nancy J. Hoffmann - District 4$25,657

• Tammi Z. Thurm - District 5$25,075

• Marikay S. Abuzuaiter - At Large$25,657

• Hugh A. Holston - At Large$25,422

City of High Point

• Mayor Jay Wagner - $26,649

• Britt W. Moore - At Large - $20,307

• Tyrone E. Johnson - At Large$20,307

• Cyril Jefferson - Ward 1 - $20,307

• Chris Williams - Ward 2 - $20,307

• Monica Peters - Ward 3 - $20,307

• Wesley Hudson - Ward 4 - $20,307

• Victor Jones - Ward 5 - $20,307

• Michael Holmes - Ward 6 - $20,307

City of Winston Salem

• Mayor Allen Joines - $8,400

Hop on…Hop o !

■ Fare free

■ Available every 7 minutes

■ Connecting downtown shops, restaurants, theaters and more

• Denise D. Adams - North Ward$32,340

• Annette Scippio - East Ward$32,340

• Barbara H. Burke - Northeast Ward - $32,340

• Jeff MacIntosh - Northwest Ward$32,340

• John C. Larson - South Ward$32,340

• James Taylor, Jr. - Southeast Ward$32,340

• Kevin Mundy - Southwest Ward$32,340

• Robert C. Clark - West Ward$32,340

CITY MANAGERS

• Taiwo A. Jaiyeoba - City Manager for Greensboro- $312,000

• Tasha Ford - City Manager for High Point - $234,886.08

• William Patrick “Pat” Pate- City Manager for Winston Salem$285,000

ASSISTANT CITY MANAGERS

• Chris Wilson - Greensboro$208,138

• Larry Davis - Greensboro - $184,961

• Trey Davis - Greensboro - $184,961

• Nasha McCray - Greensboro$180,941

• Greg Ferguson - High Point$192,976.16

• Eric Olemedo - High Point$175,999.20

• Damon Dequenne - High Point$164,380.32

• Ben Rowe - Winston Salem$175,903.52

• Johnnie Taylor - Winston Salem$192,686.52

• Patrice Toney - Winston Salem$163,331.22

• Aaron King - Winston Salem$163,328.36

■ Service hours Thursdays – Saturdays Noon to Midnight, Sundays Noon to 10 pm

■ Easily connects with the GTA system (Fare required)

■ On-board audio tour of early Greensboro

COMPILED BY YES! WEEKLY STAFF

White opened Greensboro’s “first Black woman veteran-owned coworking space” last year in a historic (and once segregated) property at 227 South Elm Street. “Sixty years ago, I wouldn’t have been allowed to come through that door.”

Now the space is welcoming and a shop has been added to the studio.

“We expanded in June by adding a boutique up front, selling things from our members. Some are folks whose home businesses grew really well, and they had all this inventory that they now display and sell here. We offer marketing for them, as well as workshops and classes that partner them with the Chamber of Commerce and business development networks.”

Behind the artfully-displayed mer-

chandise, the workspaces and podcasting studio on which Fiber Space was founded are still there, as cozy and inviting as ever. And the sense of community has only grown.

White knows leadership as well as running a business, experience she acquired in the military, the corporate sector, and from her family. “I’m a US Air Force veteran who then spent about 18 years as project manager for a pretty large telecommunications company. My

grandfather had a barbershop and both my grandmothers are cosmetologist nurses, and a host of other family members went into entrepreneurship.”

Her past experiences taught her not only skills but gave her insight into what Black and women business owners needed but often weren’t finding.

“As someone who was in military and corporate spaces, and being young and being Black, you find yourself alone in so many situations. As I continued

to grow, I was still the only person like myself at leadership conferences and trainings, and even as I got into entrepreneurship.”

So, she created a space more welcoming to people like herself.

“There are no micro-aggressions here. Nobody’s going to touch your hair or question your outfit. We can be productive in our own conversations so that we don’t have to translate or codeswitch for other people.”

“Sometimes I feel like a therapist for other Black entrepreneurs,” said Sheena White, owner of Fiber Space in downtown Greensboro. “People come in and ask about better ways to run their businesses, but I don’t mind, because I can spin ideas all day and have learned to channel that gift for other people.”

micro-aggressions here” at Fiber Space: Coworking space is also a boutique

Ian McDowell Contributor

Sheena White

Fiber Space display

With the pandemic receding and more spaces opening up, White sees more need than ever for alternative spaces.

“People love to work at home, but that gets boring, especially back when it was a necessity rather than a choice, and for me, it can be unproductive. Working downtown, particularly in a bigger and more urban city like this, immediately targets the people we find resources for.”

Unlike some downtown businesses, Fiber Space is very welcoming to the unsheltered.

“We are very close to the homeless community here and make sure that we provide things for them, and emphasize harm reduction. We not only give space for Black women to be themselves, but we consider our community around us and make sure they’re taken care of.”

This includes a proactive approach to harm reduction.

“We carry Narcan here, we are CPR certified, we have food, and we recognize glucose changes and the onset of mental health issues because these are the things that pass by us, and even though that’s not our target market, this is our community and these are the people we interact with on a regular basis and we have to make sure that they’re okay.”

White said that members of the houseless community have expressed appreciation.

“They know it’s a safe place, and we coordinate with some of the leaders of that community. One that comes to mind is George Achini of the Achini Institute. He is homeless and he focuses all his attention on providing music for homeless people. He was one of the

first people I ever met here.”

The conversation turned back to her target market.

“We offer a variety of drop-in options. Of course, we have our standard coworking. You can come in and work and we have coffee and Wi-Fi and even beer, just like the other coworking

spaces downtown, but people don’t come just for that. They come to take their shoes off and grab a blanket and work on their social media on one of the couches, or take a grueling conference call in the cozy corner. You can just come in and work on a painting or an illustration. Tons of research shows the amount of recovery and peace you get through doing things with your hands.”

White said that her business offers many things that more generic coworker spaces do not.

“To name just one example, we provide makeup for headshots. We’re also extremely deep into the resource community. We’re part of the Chamber of Commerce and take that very seriously, so we show up and make connections there. We’re very involved with the resources for the Guilford County Women & Minority Business Enterprises, the National military network, and much else. We take time to make sure we have the resources for people as they’re building their businesses here in Greensboro. We keep track of what grants are available and show them how to be accountable for where they’re using those grants, but we also keep track of city council. If they say they’re going to allocate a certain amount of money to Black and

minority businesses, we want to make sure they’re actually doing that, and that those businesses know that opportunity is there.”

Fiber Space hosts many networking events.

“Last night, we were full with Brown Girl Collective of the Triad. It was so much fun. And we started doing a game night playing CultureTags.” Created during the pandemic by Black entrepreneur Eunique Jones Gibson, CultureTags™ is a game based on acronyms and abbreviations used on social media platforms. “It’s so much fun because it’s based on very specific things that allow people to be themselves unapologetically and authentically.”

For more information, visit www. workatfiberspace.com. !

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.

No Scope is hitting the scene.

The Winston-Salem scenesters have been building a lineup and are rounding the bases with a new single and a special pre-game show, opening up in the outfield for the Winston-Salem Dash on August 18.

With a preference for pop-punk that doesn’t shy from the pop, No Scope is a quintet that blends the di erent colors of early-2000s music into their own–from N*Sync to New Found Glory–with harmonies and headbangers and hearty laughs along the way.

“We’re a fun-first band,” explained vocalist AJ Pyatt. “People have compared our band to a frat many times, I mean,

Scoping out No Scope

minus all the weird hazing stu . No Scope is absolutely a brotherhood.”

A brotherhood with somewhat lonesome beginnings, “No Scope started during the covid shutdown,” Pyatt explained. “I was in a folk cover band that played bars and wineries, but suddenly shows stopped and I needed a new creative outlet.”

Taking the solitude as a chance to write in his chosen style, Pyatt shared a few songs with guitarist Brad Pruette. “He loved them and that’s where the idea to start a band was born.” The pair had shared bills in their prior projects: Pyatt in ThreeFour Mountain and Pruette in the Comedowns. Their friendships sparked over love for the band State Champs. Together as No Scope, they weathered a few lineups and downs before lining up what Pyatt sees as a winning team–resonating vibes of Warped Tours later eras thanks to Cody Mills (Sepulcher and The Mortal Blade), drummer Thomas Drake (Water Culture), and Mykel Mason

on bass. Between the various metal and blues backgrounds, they share a fandom for bands like Senses Fail, Four Year Strong, and Paramore. “It’s those bands that inspired each of us to start performing and why we clique so well musically and on stage.”

Pulling a quote from “Josie and The Pussycats,” No Scope employs a “friends first” approach. “When Thomas and Cody auditioned to be in the band, the first step involved meeting up and hanging out,” Pyatt said. “We wanted to see if we vibed as friends before musicianship was even a question. It’s worked out well for us”

“Once we started putting friendship first things got a lot easier for us,” Pyatt continued. “Songwriting is more natural and shows are so much better.”

Altogether, their perspective builds into the “No Scope Way”: “Happy guys writing sad songs. Five friends. One goal. Wreck! Every! Stage!”. Speaking both figuratively and enthusiastically, it’s a notion grounded by their source material.

“The songs we sing are about the things I’ve gone through in my past,” Pyatt explained. “Those things aren’t always sunshine and rainbows, but we hold our heads high knowing that we have these friendships and these stages to share the stories and connect with people. That’s what makes us happy.”

For Pyatt, those connections are built

Katei Cranford Contributor

through original material woven through carefully chosen covers. “We’ve gotten into this habit of ending our shows with Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar We’re Going Down.” It’s just such a big anthem and after playing a set of originals it feels good to end with such a big sing-a-long,” he said, reflecting on their debut release: a cover of “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. “We wanted to put out a song that hadn’t been covered to death by bands in our genre, and that people would recognize within two seconds.”

“The testament to how good a song ‘Maps’ is revolves around the fact that it emerged during the TRL era of MTV,” he continued. “In the era of bright colors and clean harmonies, that song had so much heart that it couldn’t be denied–which is why we chose it.”

Songs from the heart echo into their latest release: “Good Doctor.” Falling in the sonic range between Sum 41 and Senses Fail’s “Songs to Shout” era, the track itself hits close to home–exploring struggles and isolation around mental health. “It’s lyrically the most personal song I’ve ever written,” Pyatt explained. “It’s about my first time going to therapy–my first time admitting that I needed help. When we play it live, I talk to the crowd about what the song means and it always feels so good to see how many people connect with it. It’s a great moment in our set.” “Good Doctor brings us into a new era and we’re excited for what’s next,” Pyatt continued. “With four brand-new songs in the works. We’re taking advantage of all this creative energy we have and writing for our debut EP,” he said, turning towards ways No Scope brings that energy to stages around the Triad.

No Scope has been featured as part of “The Lab” presented by DOSE Artist Collective and The Arts Council of WinstonSalem and Forsyth County, played their hearts out for the farewell of Bull’s Tavern, and performed as part of the 2023 Pride Winston-Salem; in addition to hitting the

clubs. “Performing at Pride was such an amazing experience, currently my favorite show to date,” Pyatt noted. “The Pride community welcomed us with wide open arms and we were honored to be on that stage.”

Looking ahead, they’re also honored to take the field (or rather, the stage) at Truist Stadium on August 18, for a Winston-Salem Dash pregame show, starting at 6 p.m., at the Outfield Stage (near the leftfield bar and firepit). “Let it be known that No Scope loves sports!” Pyatt declared. “We’re sooooo stoked. We know that they care about providing quality entertainment for their guests and it’s a privilege to perform inside the stadium before the game.”

Speaking of games, “more shows in more places is the name of the game,” Pyatt said, beaming at the future. “We’re playing what I consider to be my most important show ever–my very first hometown show–at the Dark Harvest Rock Festival in Hendersonville on September 2.”

“The band is from Winston-Salem and I love this city so much, but I was raised in Hendersonville,” Pyatt continued. “Dark Harvest will be its very first alternative rock festival, and it’ll be my first time performing there with No Scope. I’m really looking forward to playing for all the people I grew up with.”

With hometown love extended to those both old and new. “We just wanna thank the city of Winston-Salem for sticking with us and giving all these wonderful opportunities,” he added. “Big ups to the TreFo.”

“Good Doctor,” the new single from No Scope is out now. They’ll be at Truist stadium on August 18. !

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

ASHEBORO

Four SaintS BrEwing

218 South Fayetteville St. | 336.610.3722

www.foursaintsbrewing.com

thursdays: taproom trivia

Fridays: Music Bingo

aug 12: Lg Hoover

aug 19: william nesmith

Sep 2: 80s unplugged

CARBORRO

Cat’S CradLE

300 E Main St | 919.967.9053

www.catscradle.com

aug 10: alesana

aug 11: rod abernethy, rebekah todd

aug 12: Caique Vidal + tambien

aug 13: the Clientele

aug 15: the Baseball Project

aug 16: Molly Parden

aug 17: Hotel Fiction, trash Panda

aug 17: the Beths

aug 18: arcy drive

aug 18: Steep Canyon rangers

aug 19: ruen Brothers

aug 19: Slow teeth & Friends

aug 20: Jill andrews

aug 22: the anchor

aug 23: with Love

aug 23: aJJ

aug 25: Briscoe

aug 25: Ben nichols

aug 26: Little image

aug 30: the thing

Sep 2: taylor Swift Laser dance Party

Sep 3: Jaguar Sun

Sep 8: Colony House

CHARlOttE

BoJangLES CoLiSEuM

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600

www.boplex.com

aug 11: Phil wickham & Brandon Lake

aug 12: Marca MP

aug 20: Matute

aug 27: Bronco

Sep 2: intocable Evolucion 2023

Sep 8: ivan Cornejo

tHE FiLLMorE

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970

www.livenation.com

aug 10: Parliament Funkadelic ft. george Clinton

aug 11: toosii

aug 12: death grips

aug 13: ruger

aug 15: Baylen Levine

aug 17: tom Keifer

aug 18: ocean alley

aug 22: JVKE

aug 26: Becky robinson

aug 27: Clutch

Sep 1: Pour Minds

Sep 5: danna Paola

Sep 6: Coheed and Cambria

Sep 6: ayra Starr

Sep 7: Chloe

Sep 7: Soulja Boy

Sep 9: thursday

Sep 10: delain

Sep 10: Bishop Briggs & Misterwives

Sep 13: weyes Blood

Sep 13: iann dior

Sep 15: the wonder Years

Sep 15: durand Bernarr

Sep 16: noah Cyrus

PnC MuSiC PaViLion

707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292

www.livenation.com

aug 9: Foreigner & Loverboy

aug 10: Jason aldean, Mitchell tenpenny, Corey Kent & dee Jay Silver

aug 11: gov’t Mule

aug 12: rufus du Sol

aug 13: Pentatonix & Lauren alaina

aug 16: 50 Cent, Busta rhymes & Jeremih

aug 18: the offspring, Simple Plan & Sum 41

aug 22: Smashing Pumpkins, interpol & rival Sons

Sep 1: Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ top, & uncle Kracker

Sep 6: tenacious d

Sep 9: outlaw Music Fesitval: willie nelson & Family, tedeschi trucks Band, String Cheese incident & Los Lobos

Sep 12: nickelback, Brantley gilbert & Josh ross

SPECtruM CEntEr

333 E Trade St | 704.688.9000

www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com

aug 29: guns n’ roses

Sep 5: $uicideboy$

Sep 9: LL CooL J

Sep 12: Lil Baby

Sep 15: Bert Kreischer

Sep 22-23: drake

Sep 29: old dominion

Sep 30: Jonas Brothers

ClEmmOnS

ViLLagE SquarE

taP HouSE

6000 Meadowbrook Mall Ct | 336.448.5330

www.facebook.com/vstaphouse

aug 10: tatum Sheets

aug 11: throwdown Jones

aug 17: anna Mertson

duRHAm

CaroLina tHEatrE

309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030

www.carolinatheatre.org

Sep 5: the tallest Man on Earth

Sep 7: the Mavericks

Sep 15: Stayin’ alive: one night of the Bee gees

Sep 20: Corinne Bailey rae

Sep 21: Leela James

Sep 22: Chris Botti

Sep 26: the war and treaty

dPaC

123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787

www.dpacnc.com

aug 9: Lyle Lovett and his Large Band

aug 14: glen Hansard and Marketa irglova

aug 15: Brit Floyd

aug 17-18: Leanne Morgan

aug 19: arrival From Sweden

aug 23-Sep 17: wiCKEd

Sep 19: Squeeze and the Psychedelic Furs

Sep 20: Ben Folds

ElKIn

rEEVES tHEatEr

129 W Main St | 336.258.8240

www.reevestheater.com

wednesdays: reeves open Mic

Fourth thursdays: old-time Jam

aug 11: Clay Melton

aug 12: Blue dogs

aug 19: abigail dowd and Bill west

Sep 8: Liam Purcell and Cane Mill

road

Sep 9: Mary gauthier

gREEnSBORO

Barn dinnEr tHEatrE

120 Stage Coach Tr. | 336.292.2211

www.barndinner.com

Jul 29- Sep 9: Peace Like a river

Sep 22-nov 4: ain’t Misbehavin

CaroLina tHEatrE

310 S. Greene Street | 336.333.2605

www.carolinatheatre.com

aug 10: Mary Chapin Carpenter

aug 19: Elijah rosario

Sep 6: Songs of Hope and Justice

Sep 8: nC Comedy Fest

CHar Bar no. 7

3724 Lawndale Dr. | 336.545.5555

www.charbar7.com

aug 10: Megan doss

aug 17: david McLaughlin

aug 24: wishful thinking

aug 31: Kelsey Hurley

CoMEdY ZonE

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034

www.thecomedyzone.com

aug 11-12: Jess Hilarious

aug 18-20: gary owen

aug 25-26: dyon “Mojo” Brooks

aug 27: the Magic of Eric Eaton

Sep 8-10: Jason Banks

Sep 15-16: affion Crockett

Sep 19: Craig Conant

Sep 22-24: adele givens

upcoming Ev E nts

AUG 10: Palmyra w/ Dissimilar South

AUG 11: The Wright Ave w/ Eden Hill

AUG 12: John Howie Jr. & The Rosewood Bluff w/ The Waymores

AUG 15: Into The Fog: Fog Tuesday Series

AUG 16: Kenny Roby w/ TBA

AUG 17: Dance From Above

AUG 18: The Fritz

AUG 19: William Hinson

AUG 23: Marcus & The Mantras

AUG 24: Del Ward

HOURS: Tues-Fri: 3pm-unTil

saT & sun 12pm-unTil 221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967

www.flatirongso.com

GaraGE TavErn

5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020

www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreens-

boro

aug 11: Southside Saints

aug 12: radio revolver

aug 18: Huckleberry Shyne

aug 25: The Billy Creason Band

GranDOvEr rESOrT

2275 Vanstory Street Suite 200 | 336.294.1800

www.grandover.com

Wednesdays: Live Jazz w/ Steve Haines Trio

GrEEnSBOrO COLiSEum

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400

www.greensborocoliseum.com

aug 19: Gerardo Ortiz + El Yaki

Sep 1: Peso Pluma

Sep 2: nC Late night music Fest

Sep 3: rBD: Soy rebelde Tour

Sep 15: Koe Wetzel

Sep 22-24: Cowboy Days

HanGar 1819

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com

aug 12: Bear With me

aug 17: a Light Divided

aug 19: The Breakfast Club

aug 22: Distant & Left To Suffer

aug 23: Shallow Side & any Given

Sin

aug 26: The Word alive w/ Dark Divine, nerv

aug 31: Cro-mags

Sep 1: Spitalfield

Sep 3: Seven Kingdoms w/ a Sound of Thunder, Osyron

Sep 7: Overtime + Crucifix ft. Sean P, Gr1m, Big murph

Sep 9: Should’ve Been a Cowboy: Country Dance Party

Sep 11: Weedeater w/ King Parrot, ape vermin

Sep 12: Galactic Empire w/ Hanabie

Sep 16: holyroller w/ Lie Heavy, Cosmic reaper, Good Good Grief

PiEDmOnT HaLL

2411 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400

www.greensborocoliseum.com

aug 24: Chris Young w/ Thompson Square

Sep 8: Green Queen Bingo

STEvEn TanGEr CEnTEr

300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500

www.tangercenter.com

aug 12: Brit Foyd

aug 18: arrival from Sweden

Sep 16: Daniel Tosh

Sep 19-24: CHiCaGO the musical

Sep 29-30: Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

THE iDiOT BOx

COmEDY CLuB

503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699

www.idiotboxers.com

Thursdays: Open mic

aug 18: ali Clayton

WHiTE OaK

amPiTHEaTrE

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400

www.greensborocoliseum.com

Sep 7: The Doobie Brothers

high point

1614 DmB

1614 N Main St | 336.883.4113

https://www.1614drinksmusicbilliards.com/

aug 12: The Hurt Line w/ Parallel Lives

aug 26: novas Fade w/ Copper Wine

Sep 3: Taylor Swift Laser Dance Party

HiGH POinT THEaTrE

220 E Commerce Ave | 336.883.3401

www.highpointtheatre.com

Sep 3: napoleon Dynamite: Jon Heder, Efren ramirez, & Jon Gries

Sep 23: The Players

Sep 28: manhattan Short Film

Festival

Sep 30: unwind music Festival

jamestown

THE DECK

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999

aug 10: Ethan Smith

aug 11: unhinged

aug 12: Stereo Doll

aug 17: Bradley Steele

aug 18: Stephen Legree

aug 19: muddy Creek revival

aug 24: Dan miller

aug 25: The Plaids

aug 26: radio revolver

Sep 2: Brother Pearl

Sep 7: Kelsey Hurley

Sep 8: 7 roads

Sep 9: Stone Parker Band

Sep 15: TOYZ

Sep 16: South Bound 49

kernersville

BrEaTHE

COCKTaiL LOunGE

221 N Main St. | 336.497.4822

www.facebook.com/BreatheCocktail-

Lounge

Wednesdays: Karaoke

aug 18: Stereo Doll

Sep 23: Wild Wild Burlesk

liberty

THE LiBErTY SHOWCaSE THEaTEr

101 S. Fayetteville St | 336.622.3844

www.TheLibertyShowcase.com

aug 12: T.G. Sheppard

aug 18-19: Gene Watson

aug 26: The isaacs

oak ridge

BiSTrO 150

2205 Oak Ridge Rd | 336.643.6359

www.bistro150.com

aug 12: Barefoot modern acoustic

aug 19: Limited Engagement

raleigh

PnC arEna

1400 Edwards Mill Rd | 919.861.2300

www.thepncarena.com

aug 27: Pepe aquilar

winston-salem

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

aug 9: Jim mayberry

aug 11: megan Doss

aug 13: Carolina Clay

aug 18: Camel City Blues

aug 23: Grizzly Panda

aug 30: Jim mayberry

THE ramKaT

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714

aug 9: The Shootouts

aug 11: The Collection, aJ Smith

aug 17: The Watson Twins, Couldn’t Be Happiers

aug 18: ace Frehley

aug 20: The Heavy Heavy, Joelton mayfield

WiSE man BrEWinG

826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008

www.wisemanbrewing.com

Thursdays: music Bingo

aug 11: Scoby The Band

aug 12: Evan Blackerby Trio

PRESENTS

hot pour

NAME: Caleb Creed

BAR: Flat Iron and Neighbors

AGE: 39

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Greensboro

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING?

Going on 5 years

HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER?

I worked in the snowboard industry for over 15 years and was living in Boone at the time, being the retail director of a ski resort. Wanted to pick up a good paying second job because we were expecting our first child. Got into bartending at a restaurant in Blowing Rock that had a great cocktail program. Left the snowboard industry to pursue bartending full-time and create my own cocktail programs. I started doing some bar and cocktail consulting at a few restaurants and bars in the Boone area. I’ve been making elevated cocktail programs for about 3.5 years now. Moved back to Greensboro this past January.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING?

Working with my coworkers and creating innovative cocktails, and making new friends

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING?

Being a full-time stay-at-home dad and working full-time at night, I think the most challenging thing is finding time for yourself and getting enough sleep

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE?

Anything tropical.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK?

Island drinks or anything in the Negroni family.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK? Nice pour of any of the amazing Amaros out there. Try them all!

WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD? Vodka on the rocks. Like, why are you doing that to yourself?

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING?

I’ve seen some pretty wild things working college bars in Boone after App State home football games. Can’t pin down anything in particular, but Boone can go crazy over a football game.

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM? A big ole sex toy.

WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? Got a $1,000 tip during the App State vs UNC game.

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

PHOTO BY TODD TURNER

[SALOME’S STARS]

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Mars, your ruling planet, helps you deal with career challenges in a way that reflects some of your own hidden strengths. This impresses some important decisionmakers.

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your strong Bovine will, combined with your romantic nature (you are ruled by Venus), helps turn a romance with a potential for problems into one with more positive possibilities.

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Mercury’s influence creates some unsettling moments, but nothing that you can’t live with. You’ll soon learn more about a major change that is about to be revealed.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Opportunities for you are like the phases of the Moon — constantly appearing and reappearing. So, cheer up. The opportunity you thought slipped by will be replaced by another.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) An opportunity that you hoped would open up for you remains closed. Stop wasting time scratching at it. Something else you’ll like will soon make itself apparent and accessible.

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Congratulations. You’ll soon hear some positive feedback for all of the hard work you recently put into a project. Meanwhile, a Pisces could soon swim into your personal life.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Someone whose friendship you felt

you had to write o will try to revive it. What you do is up to you, but don’t do it without giving it considerable thought.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A job-related plan might need to be reworked to allow for changes. Lucky for you, there’s strong planetary influences that can help you focus on getting it done right.

[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) This is a good time to move into areas of self-discovery. You might be surprised about who you really are and how you really relate to those around you.

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Expect to confront someone who will make an unwelcome request. Stand by your resolve to do the right thing, no matter what “persuasion” might be o ered.

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A friendly competition could become more contentious than you expected. Take time out to discuss the reasons behind this unexpected change and act accordingly.

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You have a wonderful mind for solving mysteries, so you should feel confident about solving the one that develops very close to you. An unlikely source o ers help.

[BORN THIS WEEK: You’re a great host or hostess. You love being with people, and you’re very good about planning all sorts of social events that bring folks together.

© 2023 by King Features Syndicate

answers

by Fifi Rodriguez

[1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of kangaroos called?

[2. MOVIES: What kind of enchanted flower is featured in the animated film Beauty and the Beast?

[3. GEOGRAPHY: How many pyramids are in the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt?

[4. TELEVISION: What did the surgeons on the “M.A.S.H” TV drama call their tent home?

[5. FOOD & DRINK: When was the first restaurant franchise of Kentucky Fried Chicken founded?

[6. U.S. STATES: What is the capital of Vermont?

[7. CHEMISTRY: What is the only letter that doesn’t occur in the Periodic Table?

[8. MYTHOLOGY: What is the Roman god equivalent of the Greek god Hermes?

[9. LITERATURE: Which famous singersongwriter won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016?

[10. MUSIC: Which country is the pop band ABBA from?

answer

10. Sweden.

9. Bob Dylan.

8. Mercury.

7. J.

© 2023 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

6. Montpelier.

5. 1952.

4. The Swamp.

3. Three.

2. A rose.

1. A mob.