YES! Weekly - February 23, 2022

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Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com EDITORIAL

KRISTEN SOLIS is not a native of New Orleans but her love for the city and the culture runs deeper than many who were born and raised there. So much so that she’s vowed to share it wherever she goes. Although, she’s always hoping that all roads lead back to New Orleans. Especially in time for Mardi Gras.

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Losing a pet is a heartbreak like no other, especially when they have become an integral part of your life, and are the ones who gave you unconditional love. Longtime friends Stephanie Belcher and Julie Palm, both of Winston-Salem, have both felt that loss and teamed up to share their beloved pets and others’ journey ACROSS THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. 6 The RiverRun International Film Festival’s ongoing “Indie Lens Pop-Up” virtual-screening series continues Tuesday, March 1 with the acclaimed documentary feature WRITING WITH FIRE, which the festival is presenting in collaboration with UNC-TV PBS North Carolina. The screening is a free event, but registration is required...

8 I’m not much for modern technology so I don’t have a GPS in my car. Besides, I’m pretty adept at reading a map, or at least I thought I was until I tried to analyze the most recent CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAP drawn up and passed by our Republican-controlled General Assembly last Thursday.

9 Renate Reinsve’s incandescent performance is at the forefront of writer/director

Joachim Trier’s THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD (Verdens versle menneske), a film divided into 12 chapters, including prologue and epilogue, focusing on her character, Julie, a modern woman seeking a personal satisfaction that always seems just out of her grasp.

14 A prominent conservative advocacy group and Guilford County have settled a LAWSUIT over anti-choice “prayer walkers” arrested for violating the county’s Stay-at-Home order of March through April 2020. The suit brought by the Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom, or ADF, continues against the City of Greensboro.

18 Greensboro hip-hop artist, ANTION SCALES, weighs in with a heavy dose of upcoming releases; and a show at the Flat Iron on February 26. Empowered by his personal slogan: “I don’t rap, I sell advice,” Scales looks to rally the communities in his corner, using his upbringing and experiences as modes of inspiration and transition for his latest works that “bridge the gap between early 90’s hip-hop lyricism, with today’s melodic, ambient styles.”

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DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2022 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

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The Down Under

Stuffed Spud

Chicken Philly

[SPOTLIGHT]

CREATING ORDERS ON THE FRY: WINSTON-SALEM BASED DIRTY FRIES HITS GREENSBORO

BY HABIN HWANG

What originally began as a vision to serve loaded fries at local restaurants transformed into a business seeking to be an inter-state franchise — Michael Clark’s brainchild, Dirty Fries. Despite only recently opening its Greensboro location on December 13, Dirty Fries has been swarmed with orders from both the local college crowd and foodies across the state.

Through its unique goal to serve customizable fries and the rapid manner in which the audience took to the August 2021 launch of its Winston-Salem location, it was expected that the new West Gate City Boulevard location bring a new, unexpected twist. “[The two locations are] definitely different,” said co-owner Michael Clark. “Winston-Salem is to-go only, [while] Greensboro is dine-in and also has a bar.”

Clark opened the Winston-Salem branch of Dirty Fries, alongside co-owners Jeremiah Spooners and Demorreay Holloway. Clark had already tested his idea for customizable loaded fries at the Box Office, a business he had owned prior to Dirty Fries — an idea that was such a hit that he was inspired to launch a business entirely around the concept.

Located at the spot of the renovated Liberty Street Grill, the small free-standing kitchen was Clark’s first venture into this idea. Its inconspicuous size was deceiving, as the business frequently had a full parking lot with lines of people trailing out into the street for fries. With delivery options available on Doordash and GrubHub, the Winston-Salem branch was such a success that all three co-owners were enthusiastic to open another location.

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However, the sudden concept change from Winston-Salem’s take-out-based spot to Greensboro’s dine-in restaurant and bar wasn’t purely incidental. This evolution of the fry spot can be attributed to Clark’s roots in Greensboro.

“Greensboro is home [to me], so I felt a lot more comfortable with creating a hangout spot [here],” said Clark. “I’m not too familiar with Winston, so it made sense to make it more of a to-go gig.”

One of the major shortcomings of Winston-Salem’s location was the lack of dine-in seating as the demand for Dirty Fries’ products increased.

People frequently had to wait for their food in their cars; something Clark was reluctant to make his clientele do in the wintertime. To bring his project to another level at home, Clark elevated his idea so that those in his hometown no longer had to wait outside for their food, but could now come inside to enjoy their food in the warmth.

Despite the intended differences in concepts, fry lovers who enjoyed the concept of the Winston-Salem location are encouraged to keep the same high expectations when it comes to the quality of food. At both Liberty Street and Gate City Boulevard, concepts surrounding fry creation are nearly identical. To build their own custom fries, customers can choose between straight and curly fries, with an option to build on baked-potato style fries, or “baked spud.” A protein option can then be chosen, with options such as chicken, steak, crab, shrimp, bacon, and pulled pork. Based on preference, cheese, sauces, and five different kinds of add-ons can be loaded onto the fries, encouraging fry lovers to try any

combination in their dreams. In addition to fries, both locations serve Philly cheese steaks, as well as seafood-based dishes like GrubHub bestseller “Down Under,” a crab and shrimp dish with queso and house sauce.

“We’re trying to see what works and what doesn’t,” stated Clark on his first week of opening Dirty Fries on Gate City Boulevard. Sharing a deep love for con-

cepts in both currently open locations, his dream is to spread his idea along the East Coast.

Dirty Fries currently delivers on GrubHub from the Greensboro location, making it accessible to homebodies and college students who share Clark’s love for custom fries.

For more information or to place your order, visit www.dirtyfries.com. !

Jon reep

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022 DooRS opEn @ 6:30pm Show STARTS @ 7:30pm Known as the “Ginger Beard Man” and the fifth season winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Jon Reep tours nationally spreading hilarity from his contemporary country point of view.

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From the Rainbow: Greetings from pets that crossed the bridge

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Naima Said

Contributor

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osing a pet is a heartbreak like no other, especially when they have become an integral part of your life, and are the ones who gave you unconditional love.

Longtime friends Stephanie Belcher and Julie Palm, both of Winston-Salem, have both felt that loss and teamed up

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

to share their beloved pets and others’ journey across the Rainbow Bridge.

From the Rainbow tells the stories of pets from people across the United States and how they adjusted to their new home across the bridge, while reuniting with long-lost friends, meeting new companions, and going out to all the cool hangout spots.

“When a person dies, people bring casseroles, send flowers, go to the memorial service, but we don’t really have rituals to support people when a pet dies. We’ve had people order illustrated From the Rainbow letters and portraits for friends, neighbors, and family members who’ve

lost a pet,” Belcher said. “Because they are colorful and written from the perspective of a dog, they are great for kids trying to understand what happens when a pet dies but adults seem to really appreciate and find comfort from them, too.”

Palm and Belcher met in the ’90s when they both worked at a local publishing company. The years went by and the pair became established in their separate careers — Belcher as a graphic designer, and Palm as a writer and editor. Somehow they still managed to work together on various projects over the years, one being a dog blog. Around the same time, Belcher and her husband Todd started

a pet portrait business, which they have been doing for almost 20 years now.

The Belcher’s pet portrait business, JimmyDog, was named after their first dog together, Jimmy, who later crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2003. They later adopted two more dogs, Joey and Freddie, who became the inspiration for Palm’s dog blogs.

“I began writing specifically about Stephanie’s pups, exploring their day-today interactions and stories they share about their friends and family,” Palm said.

After Joey’s passing in 2015, Palm’s dog blog readers were saddened that it would be the end of his story, but it opened the

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Happy customers of Jimmy’s Top Dogs door for a new opportunity.

“I was talking to Julie one day about the Rainbow Bridge. When Joey crossed and Jimmy had been across the rainbow for many years, Julie came up with the idea to have an update from Jimmy about Joey’s arrival at the bridge,” Belcher said.

Belcher suggested the idea to Palm to start a continuation blog about Joey and Jimmy meeting on the other side, where Jimmy would send letters detailing Joey’s new life. “Julie is the conduit for Jimmy’s writing. The first letter was written a year after Joey died and we began getting regular letters from Jimmy. My first thought was this was the perfect opportunity to write a book, but then a friend who loved the letters said to me that it was so great that she wished she had a place where she could read them all together. The next step seemed evident, construct a website, and we did.”

Communicating between the two bridges can be challenging without the proper information and the right team.

“We call ourselves Jimmy’s Top Dogs since we retrieve the basic information about the pet who has crossed through a little form filled out by a loved one. Rainbow Bridge is a big place, so Jimmy has to make sure he finds the right pet to get the update. Once we get the information, we give it to Jimmy who checks on that animal and brings us back a full report,” Palm said. “It is a magical place where there are always new parks being built and new WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

adventures being had. Jimmy speaks to me and often when we are writing, Jimmy and I will discover new places we didn’t even know about that popped up because that’s the thing that a new arrival is going to need. We had a dog who was known to frequent a lot of bars with her people, so when she crossed, a whole new place called “The Watering Hole” opened, a dive bar where animals can sample different waters from all sorts of streams and lakes from around the world. They are a bit like great cartoons, relatable for kids but with touches that adults really appreciate.”

All updates and information are beautifully and colorfully illustrated in a letter mailed out to the families. In addition, Belcher partnered with her husband, and their portrait business to create customized portraits of the pets that crossed, a sentiment to the loved ones they left behind.

Jimmy’s Top Dogs refer to their work as a labor of love, and a way to make people feel better, especially pet lovers whose days are structured around their animals.

Each letter brings comfort, knowing they are in a happy world watching their loved ones from their TV screen, waiting to see them again one day.

For more information and customized letters, visit http://fromtherainbow.com/ index.php. !

NAIMA SAID is a 23-year-old UNCG theatre graduate and host of Heeere’sNeeNee Horror Movie Podcast.

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The RiverRun International Film Festival’s ongoing “Indie Lens Pop-Up” virtual-screening series continues Tuesday, March 1 with the acclaimed documentary feature Writing With Mark Burger Fire, which the festival is presenting in collaboration Contributor with UNC-TV PBS North Carolina. The screening is a free event, but registration is required and can be done so by signing up at https:// riverrunfilm.com/. The film is in Hindi with English subtitles.

The film marks the debut feature of producer/cinematographer/editor Sushmit Ghosh and editor/producer Rintu Thomas, who co-directed the film.

Its many accolades include both the Audience Award and the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award, plus a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize

PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVERRUN

at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, and the film is also nominated for the Academy Award as Best Documentary Feature.

Writing With Fire offers an in-depth profile of Khabar Lahariya, the only allfemale news network in India, and how they’ve made a considerable impact on a traditionally patriarchal news landscape. Armed with smartphones and unswerving determination, they expose and detail the country’s extremist hardline nationalist leadership, rape culture, and rampant political and social corruption that prey upon those without voice or power. They investigate the incompetence of the local authorities, listen to and support the victims of caste and gender violence, and tackle long-standing, harmful practices that

lead to injustice and intimidation.

Robert Abele of the Los Angeles Times hailed the film as “an invigorating and inspiring new documentary … a vital, stimulating dispatch from the frontlines of consequential citizen journalism,” and G. Allen Johnson of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote: “Even Woodward and Bernstein would be inspired by the women reporters of India’s Writing With Fire. It’s well worth seeking out.”

“The story of Khabar Lahariya is a truly fascinating one,” said Jane McKim, the festival’s community director. “What these remarkable women set out to accomplish in the most challenging of

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[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]

STORIES FROM BLACK ARTISTS, ADVOCATES & ADMINISTRATORS - AN ARTS COUNCIL SERIES

areas is truly amazing. RiverRun is looking forward to sharing their story with everyone, and we promise that Writing With Fire will stay with viewers long after the film concludes.”

“Writing With Fire is the second Indie Lens screening dealing with print journalism,” said Rob Davis, RiverRun executive director. “In the fall we showed Storm Lake, which chronicled a small-town paper in Iowa, confronting challenges to continue reporting the news. With Writing With Fire, we see women journalists in India confronting societal obstacles in their efforts to report the news. Thanks to Indie Lens, we have inspirational media stories a world apart that illustrate challenges confronting journalism today. RiverRun is honored to be an Indie Lens partner with PBS NC in presenting these important documentary films.”

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Following the screening, there will be a moderated panel discussion regarding human rights, diversity, equity, media, and journalism. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and engage in the conversation via virtual chat.

Regarding the ongoing series of screenings, “we have been a partner of the Indie Lens Pop-Up series for a number of years and are honored to be one of a select group of screening partners nationwide,” said Rob Davis, RiverRun executive director.

The 24th RiverRun International Film Festival will take place April 21–April 30, 2022, and Davis revealed that over 1,670 submissions have been received.

For more information, visit the official website: https://riverrunfilm.com. !

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

Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is committed to diversity, equity, access and inclusion of all members of our community. As a young, Black, arts administrator, that Joshua Ridley statement means a lot to me. It isn’t Marketing & Communications just a statement within our orgaManager nization, as I have seen this actively put into practice. With February being recognized as Black History Month, Arts Council is using our platform to uplift Black voices and perspectives.

There are many people doing the work of community building across Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.

To highlight some of our community’s efforts, we are launching a new video series with the first compilation titled Stories from Black Artists, Advocates & Administrators. Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I sat down with six community figures who all identify as artists, advocates, administrators, or all of the above. These individuals share their stories of what art means to them, how art can be used as a social change agent, and insight on the Black experience in their respective fields.

Stories from Black Artists, Advocates & Administrators will be released throughout the last weekend in February on Arts Council’s Facebook (Arts Council of WSFC), Instagram (@ artscouncilwsfc), and YouTube Channel (Arts Council Winston-Salem).

Jackie Alexander is Artistic Director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company and a producer of the National Black Theatre Festival. He shares with us the importance of Winston-Salem being the home of the largest Black theatre event in American history.

Owens Daniels is a Kenan Institute Fellow for Community Engagement at Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Owens is a photographer and

gives insight on the power of capturing emotion and sharing stories through his camera lens.

Nathan Ross Freeman is Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Authoring Action. Nathan talks about the power of storytelling as a playwright and how storytelling can used as a tool for change within our youth.

Lové Skylar Lemon is Community Outreach Coordinator of Authoring Action, a nonprofit in Winston-Salem that provides tools to youth for their personal success in any career, calling and life path through creative writing, speech, film and design. Lové shares how she uses her art of spoken word to bring awareness to issues facing the Black community.

Shannon Stokes is Director of Artist and Partner Services of Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County.

Shannon shares her experience of being selected as one of South Arts’ Emerging Leaders of Color program and her commitment to preserving space for the arts to be accessible to people of color.

Talitha Vickers is an anchor and reporter for WXII News 12 as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. She speaks about her book —Why My Hero Had to Go— and the importance of diverse representation in children’s books, commitment to mentorship, and experience navigating the media industry as a Black woman.

ARTS COUNCIL is the chief advocate of the arts and cultural sector in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Our goal is to serve as a leader in lifting up, creating awareness and providing support to grow and sustain artistic, cultural and creative offerings throughout our region. We acknowledge that it takes every voice, every talent, and every story to make our community a great place to live, work, and play.

Arts Council is committed to serving as a facilitator, organizer, and promoter of conversations that are authentic, inclusive, and forward-thinking.. There are over 800,000 art experiences taking place in WinstonSalem and Forsyth County annually. To learn more about upcoming arts and culture events happening in our community, visit cityofthearts.com.

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Gerrymandered map should come equipped with GPS

I

’m not much for modern technology so I don’t have a GPS in my car.

Besides, I’m pretty adept at reading a map, or at least I thought I was until I tried to analyze the Jim Longworth most recent congressional district Longworth map drawn up and passed by our Reat Large publican-controlled General Assembly last Thursday.

Earlier this year, the GOP’s previous attempt at re-districting had been rejected by a three-judge panel, which is now expected to rule on the revised version this week. If accepted by the Court, the new map will include a 14th District allocated to the State as a result of the 2020 Census. Still, even with the addition of a new district, the re-drawn map isn’t likely to change the overall political advantage that Republican candidates have enjoyed for years. Currently, North Carolina’s Congressional delegation includes eight Republicans and five Democrats, but the Associated Press predicts the new configuration is likely to include six, solid red districts, two as “slightly” favoring the GOP, four blue districts, and two as “likely toss-ups.” That means we could possibly end up with ten Republicans and four Democrats representing

our State in the halls of Congress.

To be fair, throughout our history, both major political parties have engaged in gerrymandering, a strategy designed to protect incumbents of whichever party was in power at the time. Lately, though, the GOP’s map-drawing activities have been particularly heavy-handed and ballsy, considering that Democrats far outnumber Republicans on the voter rolls, and that district boundaries are unlikely to favor candidates of color.

But while Democrats and Blacks may

find the new map hard to swallow, it’s also just hard to follow, even for us oldtime map readers, and especially when it comes to how the Piedmont was carved up. For example, the city of Greensboro will be represented by two different Congresspersons, one in the new 6th district, and the other in the 8th. Same thing for Thomasville. Meanwhile, residents of Reidsville will fall into the 5th and 6th districts, and Kernersville will be split between the 5th and 8th districts. And if you live in High Point, good luck figuring out who to vote for because the furniture city will fall into not one, not two, but THREE districts (the 5th, 6th, and 8th).

The new boundaries also combine geographically disparate populations.

For example, folks in Davie and Yadkin

counties will be thrown into the new 10th district with Burke and Lincoln, putting them near the ski slopes to the west, and close to Charlotte traffic to the south.

Meanwhile, some Davidson residents will try and figure out what they have in common with Hoke and Robeson in the 9th. I’m no cartographer, but even I could have drawn up Congressional districts that make more sense than this.

Nevertheless, by the time this column is published, it’s possible that the Court will have accepted the GOP map, and if that happens, a lot of folks may need a GPS before they go vote. !

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).

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Person of interest: A triumph for Trier

R

enate Reinsve’s incandescent performance is at the forefront of writer/director Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in Mark Burger the World (Verdens versle menneske), a film divided into Contributor 12 chapters, including prologue and epilogue, focusing on her character, Julie, a modern woman seeking a personal satisfaction that always seems just out of her grasp.

Initially a medical student, Julie switches to psychology and then photography attempting to find a vocation that truly reflects who she is.

The trouble is, she’s not entirely certain who she is. The film occasionally employs the use of an omniscient narrator (or biographer, if you will), as it conveys the rocky road of life that Julie has unwittingly built for herself.

Although the narrative covers only a few short years in Julie’s life, her experiences and relationships will have an indelible impact on her life. The first relationship is with Aksel (Anders Danielsen Lie), a graphic artist several years her senior. He’s happy and so is she

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— but not for long. That he wants children is a convenient excuse for her to leave him. Another is a burgeoning romance with Elvid (Herbert Nordrum), whom she encounters at a wedding she impetuously crashes one evening. Again, theirs is a happy union, but Julie is never complacent for very long. She’s not necessarily selfish, but she constantly perceives that there’s something better awaiting her.

The Worst Person in the World is the third — and purportedly last — in Trier’s self-described “Oslo Trilogy,” following his 2006 feature debut Reprise (in which Reinsve fleetingly appeared) and Oslo, August 31st (2011). Trier has also described the film as “a rom-com for people who hate rom-coms.” This is not inaccurate but a bit of an oversimplification. The film has its humorous and observant moments, as well as some imaginative fantasy sequences — but it’s also a sharp, perceptive drama with well-drawn characters and deeply affecting emotional moments. Per the genre, there are bittersweet moments, but in this case, the emphasis leans more toward the bitter. Seemingly out of nowhere, it sneaks up on you and delivers one emotional wallop after another.

In a difficult and not always sympathetic role, Reinsve is entirely believable as Julie. Note the subtle ways that Reinsve’s face matures, not necessarily reflecting age but in reflecting the wisdom she accumulates during the

story. This is particularly evident in her final scenes with Lie (also first-rate), which are charged with drama and emotion. It is here that Julie at long last realizes, if not the error of her ways then the consequences of her actions. Little wonder that Reinsve won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival, or that the film has earned Oscar nominations for Best International Feature Film and, perhaps due to the more inclusive international diversity of Academy voters, Best Original Screenplay (for Trier and Eskil Vogt).

Although it occasionally echoes various themes explored in films by Woody Allen (way back when), Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, and Damien Chazelle — to name a few — The Worst Person in the World feels fresh, shines bright, and never for a moment feels manufactured or synthetic. Its acclaim is justified. This is a triumph for its makers and cast.

(In Norwegian with English subtitles) !

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

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[NEWS OF THE WEIRD] THE NEIGHBORS

In the Bolivian city of El Alto, David Choque has alarmed his neighbors with his new decorating scheme, Reuters reported. Choque, a miner, hired an artist to create sculptures Chuck Shepherd of long-horned skeletal devils from cement and wood and mount them on the outside of his home. Choque told Reuters that the sculptures hearken to life in Bolivian mines centuries ago, when indigenous men were forced into digging for silver. Colonial masters would use devil images to scare the men into working. But some neighbors fear that his decor signals satanic worship. Maria Laurel said she has heard about naked rituals in Choque’s house: “The truth is, it frightens me.” Choque pooh-poohs this idea: “Closed-minded people will think it’s something supernatural, but people need to open their minds and see it as a tourist attraction, something that can improve the area.”

MORE THAN THEY BARGAINED FOR

Riders in the Bianchi Rock Cobbler, a California bike race known to be “stupidly hard,” expected the usual sore muscles after the 80-mile off-roader on Feb. 12.

They did not expect, however, neck and back injuries suffered after being attacked by a bull during the race. Tony Inderbitzin told KMPH-TV that he did see the animal, but he usually bikes right by cows with no problem: “As I got 10 to 15 yards from him, he turned ... squared up, and I had maybe a second to brace myself or do anything.

It’s a case of a mistaken identity from a cow to a bull.” The bull, after dislodging him from his bike, flipped Inderbitzin up in the air. Two other riders were also attacked but were able to finish the race and celebrate with beers.

INEXPLICABLE

— When police officers in Orem, Utah, pulled over Victor Chavez-Zuniga, 27, for a broken headlight on Feb. 9, they discovered that he had several outstanding warrants, The Smoking Gun reported.

As a result, they searched him and found something “extra” in his wallet: a severed finger in a cloth wrap, which had “what appeared to be pus and blood on it” and “was beginning to turn green and the fingernail appeared to be decayed.”

Well, gross. Officer Bryce Mondragon also noticed a “foul smell.” Unfortunately, the mystery lives on: The court filing does not

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FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

say who the finger belonged to or why Chavez-Zuniga had it, but he was held on a charge of desecration of a dead human body, among other charges.

— On Feb. 10, as a 38-year-old man walked with a friend and his two children in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, he felt an unexplained sharp pain in his lower body.

Later, at the emergency room, doctors discovered he had been shot, Oddity Central reported. But the man and his companions heard no gunshot and saw no one with a firearm: “An accident, a crime, a shot fired from afar — we’re not ruling anything out at the moment,” said Matthias Graf, a police spokesman.

Investigators are hoping the public can help; for now, they believe an air gun or a small-caliber weapon was used from a great distance, as a larger bullet would have caused more damage. The man is recovering.

UNRULY PASSENGER

Perhaps Michael Brandon Demarre, 32, has never heard of social media. On Feb. 12, Demarre was charged in federal court in Oregon for interfering with a flight crew in an incident that happened the day before on a Delta flight between Salt Lake City and Portland, Oregon. During that trip, KSL-TV reported, Demarre allegedly “removed the plastic covering of the emergency exit handle and pulled on the handle with his full body weight,” witnesses said. Demarre was moved to the back of the plane and restrained until the flight landed and police took him into custody. As he explained his actions, Demarre said he grabbed the handle “so other passengers would video him, thereby giving him the opportunity to share his thoughts on COVID-19 vaccines.” He will remain in custody until his next court hearing.

SIGN OF THE TIMES

Soho House, the parent company of private spas, hotels, lounges and bars around the world, is offering new members another perk: the opportunity to choose from 41 options for pronouns when they sign up on the club’s app, the New York Post reported. Choices go way beyond they/them, leaving one new member baffled: “It was hard for me to navigate 31 flavors of ice cream at BaskinRobbins when I was a kid. The idea I have to pick from 41 pronouns to be a Soho House member seems a bit excessive.”

But no worries; a new member can skip the process if it’s too overwhelming. !

© 2022 Chuck Shepherd. Universal Press Syndicate.

Send your weird news items with subject line WEIRD NEWS to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com.

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[KING Crossword]

[weeKly sudoKu]

PROGRAM FINALES

ACROSS 1 10

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Stuff applied to the wall of a room School org.

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62 63 64 65 67 68 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 79 80 81 82 83 85 86 90 93 94 96 97 98 99 102 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 115 116

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Strides for Ms. Steps: Dr. Groovy brings New Orleans-inspired shoe designs to the Triad

K

risten Solis is not a native of New Orleans but her love for the city and the culture runs deeper than many who were born and raised there. So Chanel Davis much so that she’s vowed to share it wherever she goes.

Editor Although, she’s always hoping that all roads lead back to New Orleans. Especially in time for Mardi Gras.

“I’m obsessed with New Orleans. The first time I ever went to New Orleans I just absolutely fell in love with it,” she said. “The culture, the really amazing food and traditions and the things that are really interesting about Mardi Gras like the Mardi Gras Indians and the Skull and Bones Gang, the second lines and the jazz funerals. It really, really spoke to me. It was the first time I was at a place and thought ‘This is where I belong’ to the point that I ugly cry every time I leave.”

Solis’ husband, Kevin, who is from New Orleans, calls her the “pied piper” because she has a tendency to lure visitors out of the French Quarter and away from traditional tourist sites to see “the real New Orleans.”

Her wide knowledge of New Orleans comes from working as an editor for Dirty Coast, where she created a City Shuffle card game for native New Orleans and after having done extensive research for

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FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

Kristen Solis a NOLA ABC Book she created for their son, Conner.

Solis said the Chris Rose quote “You can live in any city in America, but New Orleans is the only city that lives in you” (One Dead in Attic) has proven to be true when it comes to her.

“The people of New Orleans work to live, not live to work. They celebrate life, art, music and food, and all of these

amazing cultures that most people don’t know about when they go to New Orleans,” she said. “Most people go to the French Quarter and don’t leave and that’s the worst thing they could do.”

Her love for the city comes out in her craftwork. Whether it’s creating tutus, beaded corsets, king cakes, or guitar art.

“I actually started making tutus and corsets out of Mardi Gras beads, first.

I made a corset for Muses and for the parade that Steve Gleason was riding in,” she said. “That’s kind of what started it.”

She didn’t actually get to wear the Team Gleason beaded corset she made for the Bacchus parade that Steve Gleason was riding in because she broke her leg the day before, following the Endymion parade when she tripped over one of the family coolers and some Mardi Gras Beads. That was also the same year a drunk driver plowed in the crowd watching the parade, making national news.

“I turned my ankle when it hit the curb. We were on the parade route about ten blocks away and had no idea it had happened until people in North Carolina, having heard about the accident, started texting to ask us if we were OK. Traffic was crazy trying to get out of there so I ended up having to walk a mile and a half on a broken ankle to get out of the fray so we could get an Uber,” Solis said. “I did get to wear the corset at our next Mardi Gras party at home though, and I donated it to Team Gleason the next time I was back in New Orleans.”

Ms. Steps would also be born out of an experience at a Krewe of Muses parade in New Orleans, one of the first of many for Solis and also her favorite. Having just had reconstructive surgery on her ankle and having to use crutches to get around, Solis found herself being carried over puddles on the street to the parade known for their specialty throw of handmade shoes.

Her husband, Kevin, is 6’5 and “great at catching beads and things,” she said.

That year, she ended up taking off her cast and holding it up, along with a crutch, and yelled “Mama needs a new shoe!”

“I made eye contact with a Muse, she

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Solis began making corsets for the parade

pointed at me but Kevin was looking the other direction. She pointed at me and said ‘it’s yours’ and threw it but some guy tackled me for it and grabbed it,” she said.

“It’s a big deal to get a shoe. Everybody wants it so people are a bit crazy if they are trying to get it.”

The second year, Solis’s husband arranged for her to get a shoe from a friend riding on the float during the parade.

The Krewe of Muses is an all-female krewe and social organization rooted in year-long community engagement and philanthropic works. They are known for their signature satirical floats and glittered-shoe-themed throws.

“Ever since I wanted to learn how to do it,” Solis said.

After deciding she wanted to learn how to make the shoes herself, and conferring with a few friends who were Muses, she decided to show off her work.

“I started doing some stuff for friends and showing them what I could do and they loved it,” Solis said. “I’m not a shoe fanatic but I really love the art.”

From that point on she began focusing on Ms. Steps and creating custom shoes for a specific person and based on their interests “whether that be a book or movie

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or university... something to which they have an allegiance or about which they’re super passionate.”

After making surprise gifts for friends, posting on social media, and fielding requests from people to make customized shoes, Solis officially launched her website in January.

“Some shoes are all about that person—trinkets reflecting all of their interests and hobbies, like the shoes I did for quilters or other crafters,” she said.

“Some are university or sports-based, others are about favorite books, movies, plays. I’m even doing kids’ shoes, rather than bronzing them like parents used to do back in the day, I’m creating glittery art with them. I love the stories behind them

and I include those on my website.”

It typically takes Solis a couple of days to a week, depending on how many colors are used, the intricacy and detail of the shoe. Typically, shoes can range from $30 to $150, depending on what the customer is asking for and are for display only.

She starts by cleaning the shoe, doing some “shoe surgery” if needed to remove buckles and straps when necessary before going over the shoe once or twice with primer.

“I might cut some details out if I don’t want to work on them,” Solis said. “There are times that I have to prime them more than once depending on what type of fabric the shoe is made out of.”

Solis then begins painting with glue and

glitter, and creating whatever transfers she plains to apply to the shoe. She does this part of the process in her garage, calling glitter the STD of the craft world because when it’s loose it gets everywhere and can be hard to get rid of. She ends by spraying the shoes to prevent further glitter shedding.

“You have to be really committed to pouring glitter inside your house so I was very careful about not doing it in the house at first,” she said.

Future projects that Solis hopes to roll out of Ms. Steps include UNC and Wake Forest Shoes, Black Lives Matter shoes, and Pride Shoes.

One thing Solis will not do is create a Muses shoes. While her shoes are Musesinspired and she hopes to create shoes for the parade one day, she says she will never “duplicate” or make a “counterfeit” Muses shoe. Having been a small business owner and professional photographer/ hand coloring artist for 14 years, Solis said that she’s very sensitive to other people disrespecting other artists.

“There’s definitely a desire to ride in Muses,” she said. “There has been a time when people have gotten Muses shoes and sold them on eBay and that has been really tragic for Muses. It hurts their feelings. When I was learning how to do them I promised that I would never sell fake Muse shoes and as a small business owner and artist, I can relate to that. I’m very sensitive to that.”

This year’s Krewe of Muses parade will be held on Thursday, February 24 at 6:45 p.m. and Solis will be in attendance, with a few friends and family, to celebrate her birthday. Solis’ birthday is February 26.

To see the shoes that Solis has created or to have her commission a shoe, visit www.drgroovyart.com. !

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.

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

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Guilford County settles with anti-choice protesters, GSO does not A prominent conservative advocacy group and Guilford County have settled a lawsuit over antichoice “prayer walkers” arrested for violating the county’s Stay-at-Home order of March through Ian McDowell April 2020.

The suit brought by the ArizonaContributor based Alliance Defending Freedom, or ADF, continues against the City of Greensboro.

The Southern Poverty Law Center lists the ADF as a “hate group” because “it has supported the idea that being LGBTQ+ should be a crime in the U.S. and abroad and believes that is OK to put LGBTQ+ people in prison for engaging

in consensual sex. It has also supported laws that required the forced sterilization of transgender Europeans.”

Last week’s ADF press release stated that Guilford County “also agreed to pay $15,000 toward the pro-life members’ attorneys’ fees, and to uphold citizens’ First Amendment rights in any future proclamation order related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

On April 14, 2020, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina by attorney Scott Gaylord of Elon University School of Law and ADF counsels Denise Harle, Kevin Theriot, and Elissa Graves.

Named as defendants were the City of Greensboro and Guilford County. The listed plaintiffs are Global Impact Ministries, Inc; Justin Reeder; Carl Ubinas; Jason Oesterreich; Isaiah Burner; Andre Gonzalez; Leroy Stokes Jr.; Richard Whittier and Jon McAttee.

The complaint alleges plaintiffs were arrested “for engaging in peaceful prayer outside an abortion facility” and describes Global Impact Ministries as doing business as Love Life, “a charitable and religious entity” based in Charlotte.

Reeder founded Love Life in 2016.

Since then, it has targeted abortion clinics across North Carolina, and Greensboro’s only remaining one is in its crosshairs. In a video, posted by Love Life on May 31, 2017, and shared by the Huffington Post, Reeder said that abortion is “more a man’s issue than a woman’s issue.”

On Nov. 20, 2019, Love Life brought what Greensboro Police estimated as around 800 “prayer marchers” to A Woman’s Choice of Greensboro on Randleman Road.

On March 28, 2020, Reeder, Ubinas, Oesterreich, and Burner were arrested for defying Guilford County’s newly-enacted

stay-at-home order by assembling there.

On that day, there were no clinic volunteers to escort patients through the anti-abortion gauntlet, as they stayed at home in compliance with the order.

Prior to his arrest, Reeder livestreamed that the group had just talked to “a young man” whose girlfriend was inside the clinic. They alleged that the woman had been prescribed the abortion pill, and expressed satisfaction at having allegedly persuaded her boyfriend to “attempt to convince her to reverse it.”

Although the controversial procedure sometimes called “chemical abortion reversal” has been touted by conservative lawmakers, a clinical study by the peer-reviewed journal Obstetrics & Gynecology declared it ineffective and highly dangerous.

Shortly after Reeder described that conversation, Lt. Daniel Knott and Sgt. Eric Goodykoontz arrived and told the

LoveLife prayer walkers outside A Woman’s Choice on Saturday.

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Screenshot of 2020 livecast by Jason Reeder men to return to their vehicles. The four refused and were arrested for violating the Stay-at-Home order. All except Burner were also charged with attempting to Resist, Delay, and Obstruct a Public Officer.

On March 30, 2020, Reeder, Oesterreich, and Burner returned to the clinic and were arrested for the second time in 48 hours.

Arrested with them were Gonzalez, Whittier, McAttee, and Stokes.

The next day, Greensboro police chief Brian James released a video statement: “As you know, we are fighting a worldwide pandemic; and we’re fighting it right here in Guilford County. Our goal is to gain compliance and not to make arrests, so I ask you to please help everyone, and help your community, by staying at home to reduce the spread.”

Reeder also released a video, stating: “I want to make it clear that we are not protesting, we are prayer walking.”

In their complaint, ADF attorneys state: “Love Life has a strict code of conduct that limits each volunteer prayer walking participant to prayer only. Prayer walkers are not allowed to engage abortion-minded mothers or any individuals present advocating for abortion. Prayer walkers do not carry signs and are asked to engage in silent prayer as they walk.”

As previously reported, this writer has observed protesters wearing Love Life’s green t-shirts carrying signs and banners and exhorting arriving patients via amplified sound systems.

While the plaintiffs did not do any of that, their lawsuit may determine whether advocating “abortion reversal” was a lawful reason for defying the stayat-home order.

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Or it may not, as the city’s arguments have instead focused on the fact that most of those arrested traveled from outside Guilford County.

The complaint alleges that, in an April 1, 2020 phone call, City Attorney Chuck Watts told, Harle, ADF counsel, that under the order, individuals may travel by foot but not by car to engage in an “outdoor activity,” and doing so was a violation of the order to travel from outside Guilford County.”

In an April 2, 2020 email to Harle, Watts reiterated that “travel is the problem,” as plaintiffs could have instead chosen to “prey [sic] and speak at home.”

The complaint acknowledges that only Stokes, Pastor of Destiny Christian Center on Randleman Road, resides in Greensboro.

But Section 44-45 states that the

Love Life prayer walkers arriving on Saturday Stay-at-Home order exemption for “Essential Businesses and Operations” expressly permitted “Human Services Operations” to continue in Guilford County.

In addition, states the complaint, the order defined “Essential Travel” as including “travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.”

The complaint alleges that all seven plaintiffs suffered financial loss, reputational damage, and emotional distress from their arrests and that Reeder, a licensed foster parent, was forced to disclose his arrest to his caseworker.

It also states that on Nov. 30, 2020, and after the plaintiffs each completed 10 hours of community service, all charges were dismissed.

The complaint concludes by asking that the Court award “all appropriate damages, including compensatory and

Screenshot of Jason Reeder describing abortion reversal procedure minutes before his arrest

nominal, for the violation of Love Life’s and Plaintiff Individuals’ constitutional and statutory rights” and “award Love Life and Plaintiff Individuals costs and expenses of this action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.”

Interim Guilford County Attorney Matt Mason has stated that the county is satisfied with the settlement, but declined to comment further.

Attorneys for the City of Greensboro have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that ADF’s claim that the Stay-at-Home order violated the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights fails, due to the order being “a proper exercise of the government’s broad powers during an emergency situation.”

That motion is currently pending before U.S. District Judge William Osteen, Jr. Meanwhile, Love Life contains to bring its “prayer walkers” and “sidewalk advocates” to the clinic.

On February 12, 144 men, women, and children wearing the organization’s trademarked green t-shirts gathered in the back parking lot of the restaurant overlooking the clinic, where an amplified preacher spoke of adding “the abortionist” to “the trophy room of Christ.”

He then explained that by this he meant religious conversion, and asked those assembled to pray for the clinic’s doctors, staff, and volunteer escorts, as well as patients. !

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.

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

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photos

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VISIT YESWEEKLY.COM/GALLERIES TO SEE MORE PHOTOS!

[FACES & PLACES]

by Natalie Garcia

AROUND THE TRIAD YES! Weekly’s Photographer

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FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

Electric Tequila feat. the Dickens Band Greensboro | 2.18.22

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hot pour PRESENTS

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

BARTENDER: Corrie Davis BAR: Cille and Scoe AGE: 28

Sawmill II featuring Second Glance Greensboro | 2.18.22

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WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Indianapolis, Indiana HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING? 7 years HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER? Throwing myself to the wolves and stepping up in short staffed situations.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING? The social interaction. It’s so strange, but you get to know strangers and it doesn’t always suck as bad as it sounds. I also may differ from other bartenders because I love when people order vaguely — “I want something sweet.”

“I want something with tequila,” etc.

I love the challenge of creativity.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE? I get the most praise for my old fashions, but I just like making pretty drinks. I take garnishing pretty seriously.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK? I’m always down for margaritas!

I also strongly adhere to the 3 W’s... wine, White Claws, and water, in no particular order.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK? At Cille and Scoe we make the perfect desert drink. Its a coquito martini. Coquito mix made in house, most likely by me.

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING? I’ve been very fortunate to have not experienced anything to crazy.

I have had MANY uncomfortably awkward ones though mostly, having to tell people much older than me to settle down.

WHAT’S THE BEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? I’m sad to say that nothing comes to mind...other than a man tipping too much (in cash) because he had too much to drink. He tried to call and get the money back, but it had already been distributed between the staff.

Tip generously...and responsibly!

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANTION SCALES

tunes

HEAR IT!

Antion Scales weighs in

G

reensboro hip-hop artist, Antion Scales, weighs in with a heavy dose of upcoming releases; and a show at the Flat Iron on FebruKatei Cranford ary 26.

Empowered by his personal slogan: “I Contributor don’t rap, I sell advice,” Scales looks to rally the communities in his corner, using his upbringing and experiences as modes of inspiration and transition for his latest works that “bridge the gap between early 90’s hip-hop lyricism, with today’s melodic, ambient styles.”

With that, Scales, the self-proclaimed “pack leader” of the Entitled Militia creative collective, intends to push two releases a month, starting in March; and eyes a regional tour through the latter half of the year.

It’s all part of a conscious effort—his music, rooted in conscious storytelling.

His performances are rooted in conscious intention. “I think audiences walk out with a refreshed perspective of what quality music is,” Scales said of his goals for live sets that fuse musical elements beyond a rapper base. “I hold a special

place in my heart as an artist and as a fan of hip-hop,” he explained, turning to his musical background.

“Discovering music styles like jazz, pop, rock, and oldies really opened my mind to the stories and emotions that these genres provided,” he said, reflecting on the “unorthodox” mix that helped shape his catalog, while also fostering the versatility to help fuel his career.

Exuding ambition from a young age, Scales reflected the impact his first release, 2017’s “More Than Music,” held over his direction. “It really taught me that ambition isn’t the only component to becoming a great musician,” he explained. “Patience, determination and a willingness to learn hold just as much value as ambition. These projects, and their lessons, were pivotal to my development as a musician.”

Reinforced by both musical influences and his surroundings, Scales upholds ideals of realism and authenticity. “My songwriting is based on real-life experiences and situations,” he said. “Artists like Tupac, Lil’ Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Kid Cudi, and Smino inspire me to always narrate for my community and for my peers,” he noted.

“Most importantly for the culture of Black art.”

Scales sees his work as a catalyst, “relatability is always at the forefront of my creation,” he said. “As an artist, I hold

Antion Scales at Folkfest YES! WEEKLY

FEBRUARY 23 - MARCH 1, 2022

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LIVE AT

EVOLUTION, SPRING DANCE CONCERT March 17-19 w 7:30pm Hayworth Fine Arts Center Tickets will be available starting on February 24.

GALAXIES IN HER EYES April 1 w 7:30pm April 2-3 w 2pm & 7:30pm Culp Planetarium The first opera conceived for a planetarium.

PERIPHERY THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE April 10-13 w 7:30pm Hayworth Fine Arts Center Tickets will be available starting on March 20.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE CONCERT the cultural responsibility to speak for generations. With that in mind, I strive to write or speak on topics that will evoke change, empathy, and understanding.”

It’s a concept highlighted in the upcoming show, hosted by David Goolsby; and featuring Chris Meadows, Yea, and Gelato as supporting artists. “One of my initiatives as an artist is to curate a platform with the people I genuinely care about and believe in,” Scales said, turning to his work with videographer RJ Richardson (aka Visine Vision).

“Not only does our dynamic complement each other,” Scales said. “But working with Visine Vision most importantly is fun and drives me to be better with each body of work we produce.”

The pair has turned out a handful of videos—laden with Greensboro landmarks—for tracks off Scales’ latest record, “Ya Thought,” released during the summer of 2021. “Most of the songs off this album were created in the midst of quarantine and the national uncertainty we faced,” he explained. “With all these weighing heavy on my mind, I explored the idea of creating conscious lyricism that also fits a party style.”

Balancing levels of uncertainty against the power of fresh pursuits, “Ya Thought” sees Scales invoke new cadence as he wrestles with the disWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

advantages and disconnect folks have faced—and continue facing. “For me, the uncertainty is exciting and pushes me to experiment and try new steps to achieve personal success,” he said, referencing the ways the album celebrates “overcoming obstacles and turning nothing into something.”

The process paid off. Scales has started 2022 off strong, with a fresh perspective, after landing a spot at the 2021 NC Folk Festival, where he relished the chance to help elevate the presence of hip-hop to the unfamiliar. “The ability to spark change and understanding was amazing,” he said. “But the true gratification of this experience came from expressing the vulnerability of raw emotion and talent to a crowd who ordinarily wouldn’t listen to rap.”

Weighing methods and ideas around success, Scales is excited to push releases and carry that spirit across stages on a regional tour, currently in the works.

“I could have two cents in my pocket,” he noted, “but give me a mic and people to rap in front of and I’ll be fine.”

“Antion Scales n friends” will be at the Flat Iron on February 26. !

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

April 11 w 7:30pm Empty Space Theatre

DISNEY IN CONCERT: DISNEY IN CONCERT: A DREAM IS A WISH A DREAM IS A WISH

April 23 w 3pm April 23 w 3pm Nido and Mariana Qubein Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Arena and Conference Center Conference Center

BEETHOVEN 252! CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT April 25 w 7:30pm Hayworth Fine Arts Center

SUMMER WINDS — WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT April 27 w 7:30pm Hayworth Fine Arts Center

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION April 28 w 4pm Mahler Promenade Topiary Garden

FREE TICKETS! Claim your tickets by visiting www.highpoint.edu/live.

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2/18/22 2:27 PM YES! WEEKLY

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Submissions should be sent to artdirector@yesweekly.com by Friday at 5 p.m., prior to the week’s publication.

Visit yesweekly.com and click on calendar to list your event online. home grown muSic Scene | compiled by Austin Kindley

ASHEBORO

Four SaintS BrEwing

218 South Fayetteville St. | 336.610.3722 www.foursaintsbrewing.com thursdays: taproom trivia Fridays: Music Bingo Feb 26: Creatio Mar 5: william nesmith Mar 6: randolph Jazz Band Mar 12: Kelsey Hurley Mar 19: Brooke McBride Mar 20: Mark Dillon & Friends Mar 26: analog Crash

CHARlOttE

BoJanglES ColiSEuM

2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com Feb 26: 4th annual Queen City Blues Festival Mar 3: tracy lawrence & Clay walker w/ alexandra Kay Mar 10: Celtic woman Mar 11: iliza Mar 16: tyler, the Creator

CMCu aMpHitHEatrE former Uptown Amphitheatre 820 Hamilton St | 704.549.5555 www.livenation.com apr 20: Modest Mouse May 3: Khruangbin May 16: leon Bridges May 22: parway Drive Jun 5: Barenaked ladies Jun 8: russ

tHE FillMorE

1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com Feb 24: Hippie Sabotage Feb 26: amine Feb 28: Eric nam Mar 3: goose Mar 9: theory of a Deadman Mar 10: Dylan Scott Mar 11: Conan gray Mar 12: Badfish Mar 13: Jazmine Sullivan Mar 15: Jesse & Joy Mar 17: Chelsea Cutler Mar 18: oliver tree Mar 21: Slash

pnC MuSiC pavilion

707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292 www.livenation.com apr 30: Jimmy Buffet May 8: aJr - the oK orchestra tour May 12: tim Mcgraw May 24: Foo Fighters May 29: nick Cannon

SpECtruM CEntEr

333 E Trade St | 704.688.9000 www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com Feb 10: Jeff Dunham

duRHAm

Carolina tHEatrE

309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org Mar 1: Elle King Mar 4: ronny Chieng Mar 5: Beverly Botsford Mar 12: Mike Bigbiglia Mar 13: the Chamber orchestra of the triangle Mar 15: graham nash Mar 21: Sonia De los Santos, la golondrima Mar 29: welcome to night vale

DpaC

Three Bars, Two Floors, One Good Time February 25 @ 9pm

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February 26 @ 9pm

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123 Vivian St | 919.680.2787 www.dpacnc.com Feb 22-27: Hadestown Mar 4: the British invasion Mar 8: Christone “Kingfish” ingram Mar 9, 11: Bert Kreischer Mar 12: iliza Mar 16: Celtic woman Mar 19: Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators Mar 20: wow in the world Mar 22: Joe Bonamassa Mar 24: gregory alan isakov Mar 25: nate Bargatze

ElKIN

rEEvES tHEatEr

129 W Main St | 336.258.8240 www.reevestheater.com Fourth thursdays: old-time Jam Feb 25: Sideline Mar 3: the Martha Bassett Show Mar 4: Della Mae Mar 5: amanda anne platt & the Honeycutters Mar 11: amythyst Kiah Mar 12: Ben Sollee Mar 18: liam purcell and Cane Mill road

Mar 19: unspoken tradition Mar 25: Yachtical Mystery tour Mar 26: the revelers

gREENSBORO

arizona pEtE’S

2900 Patterson St #A | 336.632.9889 www.arizonapetes.com apr 9: Dragonforce w/ Battle Beast & Seven Spires apr 26: Escape the Fate w/ the red Jumpsuit apparatus, violent new Breed

Barn DinnEr tHEatrE 120 Stage Coach Tr. | 336.292.2211 www.barndinner.com Mar 12-apr 3: Smoke on the Mountain apr 9-May 7: Crowns Mar 14-Jun 25: groovin’

BaxtEr’S tavErn

536 Farragut St | 336.808.5837 www.baxterstavern.com Feb 26: Daniel love apr 1: whistler w/ pathway, Fowler, and Fox Season apr 24: Cory luetjen & the traveling Blues Band

tHE BlinD tigEr

1819 Spring Garden St | 336.272.9888 www.theblindtiger.com Feb 25: Shoot to thrill - girls rockin’ aC/DC Feb 26: this wild life w/ Broadside, the Home team Feb 26: los alegres Del Barranco Mar 3: until they Bleed w/ Box ghost, Haymaker, Duck Beat Mar 4: Dark tranquillity w/ Kataklysm & nailed to obscurity Mar 5: adelita’s way, gemini Syndrome Mar 5: Eslabon armado Mar 6: Defeated Sanity Mar 10: paralandra Mar 11: nile w/ incantation, Sanguisugabogg, i am

Carolina tHEatrE

310 S. Greene Street | 336.333.2605 www.carolinatheatre.com Feb 26: MoSoul Mar 4: royal Jelly Mar 6: last waking Moment Mar 13: Doug Baker Mar 15: Cane Mill road Mar 18: Carly Burruss and Casey noel apr 1: Beatles vs Stones

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ComEdY ZonE

1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com Feb 25-27: dL Hughley mar 4-5: Burpie mar 11-12: mutzie mar 18-20: nick Thune mar 25-27: Steven Trevino

ConE dEnim

117 S Elm St | 336.378.9646 www.cdecgreensboro.com mar 11: niko moon mar 19: Steel Panther Apr 7: Key Glock

FLAT iron

221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com Feb 26: Antion Scales mar 1: Jake La Botz mar 4: William Hinson & Kate Yeager mar 5: Starlight Speedway mar 10: Chasing Sunsets

GArAGE TAvErn

5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.garagetaverngso.com Feb 26: Cory Luetjen & The Traveling Blues Band mar 5: Second Glance Band

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GrEEnSBoro CoLiSEum

1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com Feb 26: Winterjam 22 mar 11: Korn, Chevelle, Code orange mar 12: no Cap Comedy Tour mar 19: The Avett Brothers mar 20: maxwell mar 31: rod Wave, daBaby, and Boosie Badazz Apr 1: Slipknot Apr 2: new Edition

LiTTLE BroTHEr BrEWinG

348 South Elm St | 336.510.9678 www.facebook.com/littlebrotherbrew Feb 25: The dave George Trio Feb 26: Big Bump and the Stun Gunz mar 18: Paleface

PiEdmonT HALL

2411 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com mar 26: Papa roach, Hollywood undead, Bad Wolves

SouTH End BrEWinG Co. 117B W Lewis St | 336.285.6406 www.southendbrewing.com Tuesdays: Trivia night Feb 26: Buddy ro & Glenn Bickel

STEvEn TAnGEr CEnTEr

300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com Feb 23-mar 6: The Lion King mar 8: Lyle Lovett mar 10: Bert Kreischer mar 12: 90’s Kickback Concert Part 2 mar 13: The Simon & Garfunkel Story mar 15: Anne Lamott mar 19: The Ten Tenors

THE idioT Box ComEdY CLuB

503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com Feb 26: Grant Lyon Feb 26: nick Ciacia mar 5: J Bliss mar 12: david Goolsby mar 18: Steve Lesser mar 19: Erik Terrell mar 26: Brian o’Sullivan mar 26: Juice Adkins

high point

AFTEr HourS TAvErn

1614 N Main St | 336.883.4113 www.facebook.com/AfterHoursTavernHighPoint Feb 26: Throwdown Jones Apr 2: Bad romeo

HAm’S PALLAdium 5840 Samet Dr | 336.887.2434 www.hamsrestaurants.com Feb 26: Jukebox revolver

HiGH PoinT THEATrE

220 E Commerce Ave | 336.883.3401 www.highpointtheatre.com Feb 26: Jon reep mar 4-6: ruthless mar 7: voctave mar 17: Sister Sledge feat. Sledgendary

SWEET oLd BiLL’S

1232 N Main St | 336.807.1476 www.sweetoldbills.com Feb 24: Eversole Brothers mar 3: davis Tucker and Zach Smith mar 10: decades Band mar 17: Johnny o’ and the Jump out Boys

jamestown

THE dECK

118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 www.thedeckatrivertwist.com Feb 25: Jill Goodson mar 10: Wesley Bryan

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kernersville

BrEathE CoCktail loungE

221 N Main St. | 336.497.4822 www.facebook.com/BreatheCocktailLounge Wednesdays: karaoke Fridays: DJ

kErnErSvillE BrEWing CompanY

221 N Main St. | 336.816.7283 kernersvillebrewing.com thursdays: trivia Feb 26: patrick rock & Ciera Dumas

lewisville

olD niCk’S puB

191 Lowes Foods Dr | 336.747.3059 www.OldNicksPubNC.com Fridays: karaoke

liberty

thE liBErtY ShoWCaSE thEatEr

101 S. Fayetteville St | 336.622.3844 www.TheLibertyShowcase.com Feb 26: lee greenwood

Oak ridge

BiStro 150

2205 Oak Ridge Rd | 336.643.6359 www.bistro150nc.com Feb 25: William nesmith Feb 26: limited Engagement

raleigh

CCu muSiC park at Walnut CrEEk

3801 Rock Quarry Rd | 919.821.4111 www.livenation.com apr 23: Jimmy Buffet may 20: Foo Fithers may 21: tim mcgraw

linColn thEatrE

126 E. Cabarrus St | 919.831.6400 www.lincolntheatre.com Feb 25: Big room EDm, Butterworth & Bennii Feb 26: mother’s Finest w/ Will mcBride group Feb 27: kCl mar 2: Sleigh Bells mar 4: moon Water & maj Deeka mar 5: Cosmic Charlie mar 9: Badfish: tribute to Sublime 20 Year anniversary tour

pnC arEna

1400 Edwards Mill Rd | 919.861.2300 www.thepncarena.com mar 2: Eagles mar 19: Winter Jam 2022

winstOn-salem

Bull’S tavErn

408 West 4th St | 336.331.3431 www.bullswsnc.com Wednesdays: karaoke Feb 26: Chaos Fm

Earl’S

121 West 9th Street | 336.448.0018 www.earlsws.com mar 11: the Comedowns

FiDDlin’ FiSh BrEWing CompanY

772 Trade St | 336.999.8945 www.fiddlinfish.com Feb 25: Souljam trio mar 4: hot Wax and the Splinters

FoothillS BrEWing 638 W 4th St | 336.777.3348 www.foothillsbrewing.com Feb 23: Discount rothko mar 16: Sam robinson

miDWaY muSiC hall

11141 Old US Hwy 52, Suite 10 | 336.793.4218 www.facebook.com/midwaymusichallandeventcenter mondays: line Dancing w/ Denise Feb 25: matt Dylan and the honkytonk outlaws Feb 26: Branded Classic Country mar 4: Brett tolley and Friends

thE ramkat

170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com Feb 24: Whistler, Daniel habib & instant on, pathway acoustic Feb 25: Superchunk, torres mar 3: Bad Dog, unknown nobodies, the Camel City Blackouts mar 4: a. lee Edwards, David Childers, Casey noel

WinSton-SalEm FairgrounD 421 W 27th St | 336.727.2236 www.wsfairgrounds.com may 20: Classic Country Concert Series

WiSE man BrEWing

826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008 www.wisemanbrewing.com thursdays: music Bingo

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last call

[THE ADVICE GODDESS] love • sex • dating • marriage • questions

SILENCE OF THE MA’AMS

My girlfriends and I were out for drinks.

One was talking about her bad day at work and how she found herself apologizing to her boss (though she Amy Alkon wasn’t at fault). The conversation turned Advice to how women are Goddess constantly saying “I’m sorry” to everyone: boyfriends, parents, strangers at the supermarket. I even apologized to the bartender at one point!

Why do women seem to sheepishly apologize, often for no reason? —Not Sorry The value of “I’m sorry” gets seriously watered down when it covers everything from plowing your SUV into somebody’s living room to yoohooing the waitress: “Sorry, but could I get a fork?”

Because an apology is an admission that we’ve wronged somebody, the “pre-crime” weenie-ism above seems to make no sense.

It’s not like the waitress was hired to read gripping crime novels, and how dare you tear her away from finding out who the real killer is when you could just eat your polenta with your hands?

However, “sorry” isn’t always an acknowledgment of “I did something awful to you.”

Sometimes it’s a preemptive measure: “Don’t do anything awful to me.” Psychologist Joyce Benenson explains that women, across cultures, are prone to take this precautionary approach — basically the verbal version of walking on eggshells — in hopes

of averting social and physical conflict and avoiding retaliation.

Girls and women use more tentative, hedgy-wedgy language, frontloading even the most innocuous requests with meekspeak like “I normally wouldn’t ask” and “I hate to bother you.” “Numerous studies have shown that girls and women use polite speech much more than boys and men,” notes Benenson. Women also use more speech “softeners”: weasel phrases like “In my opinion” and “To be honest” and apologies taken to absurd extremes: “I’m sorry, but would you mind not standing on my foot?”

Because boys and men tend to be direct, women’s mealymouthing is — unfairly — stigmatized as a defect. Benenson explains that men and women evolved to have different roles and motivations (in line with their differing physiologies) in order “to ensure the survival of their children to adulthood.” For example, males, from boyhood on, specialize in defense: fighting the enemy and protecting the babymakers of the species.

Now, maybe you’re thinking, “Hello? It’s 2022, and dudes are trotting off to Techbroland with an iPad, not a spear.” Well, yeah.

Unfortunately, they — and all of us — are stuck with an outdated psychological operating system. As evolutionary psychologists Leda Cosmides and John Tooby put it: “Our modern skulls house a Stone Age mind” with “Stone Age priorities” — meaning perfect, right now in 2022, for solving our hunter-gatherer ancestors’ mating and survival problems and often a mismatch with the realities of our lives today.

Accordingly, women’s duck-’n’-cower deferential politeness, including promiscuous apologizing, seems to be a survival tactic —

one that, from ancestral times on, shaped female emotions (which drive behavior).

“Politeness, as ... subordinate apes know well,” reduces interpersonal conflicts and “diminishes the chances” of being injured or killed, observes Benenson. “It is no accident ... that women have greater levels of nonverbal and verbal politeness than men.”

Benenson is alluding to psychologist Anne Campbell’s “staying alive” theory.

Campbell, researching sex differences in assertiveness, explains that ancestral women, vastly more than ancestral men, were critical to children’s survival. Women seem to have evolved to fear physical harm from “risky confrontations,” which could jeopardize their ability to have children or feed and care for the ones already dropping their Legos all over the floor of the cave.

Ancestral women who survived to pass on their genes (and the psychology built into them) to women living today were likely those who opted for low-risk ways of going for what they want: using hints, hedges, and manipulation instead of assertive direct “asks.” Whether a woman is a mother or plans to be is immaterial: “Even if a woman never has a child, she still sees the world through a different

lens than a man,” observes Benenson.

That said, a propensity to behave a certain way is not a mandate. Knowing you’ve got the female emotions software package, you might pre-plan to be more direct: Practice asking for what you want plainly, without apologetic airbags, and then do it: both in conversation and by pruning the “Excuse me for existing”-speak from your texts and emails before you send them. Be prepared to backslide, and by “be prepared,” I mean maybe choose to laugh. To be human is to be fallible, and habits — especially those going back bajillions of years in human evolution — have deep roots.

Eventually, however, asserting yourself should become more of a norm for you.

Chances are this will amp up your selfrespect as well as others’ respect for you — probably because being around you no longer feels like being beaten to death with an olive branch. !

GOT A PROBLEM? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave., #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com). Follow her on Twitter @amyalkon. Order her latest “science-help” book, Unf*ckology: A Field Guide to Living with Guts and Confidence. ©2022 Amy Alkon. Distributed by Creators.Com.

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