by: Adrian Varnam

Drive-By Truckers
Also featuring David Barbie
& the Quick Hooks
March 5th • Gates: 5:30
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, $25-$30

It’s been a long time since the Clinton administration ruled the office. The world seemed simpler and safer then. The internet was new and exciting. MTV actually played music, and new bands did it the old-fashioned way through incessant touring, sleeping on couches, and begging anyone and everyone to listen. Today, there seem to be few bands left from that era who continue to evolve, persevere and carve their own path in such a relentless manner. Then again, there are few bands like the Drive-By Truckers.

Formed in the mid-to-late ‘90s in Athens, Georgia, while Bill was still president, the Truckers are an entity unlike any other. With a distinct Southern- and classic-rock sound, supported by a collective singing and songwriting core, the band has forged their way through an unforgiving industry by never giving up, never compromising and doing it themselves every step of the way. Founding member Mike Cooley says it was what he and fellow Trucker Patterson Hood wanted from the very beginning; although, no one ever said it was going to be easy.

“From the time we started this band, and started touring, there were plenty of times when it sucked,” Cooley reveals. “But I don’t think there was ever any time when everybody was throwing up their hands, because as tough as it got, there was always belief. And it wasn’t just a blind faith, pipe-dream either; it was there. We could see it happening, little by little. We just believed that it would come together, and turning back wasn’t really an option. We really wanted to see it through.”

And they have—through thousands of shows, significant line-up changes and several record labels. Although a lot has happened throughout the years, the one constant has been the music. It’s what Cooley and company do best, and it’s most certainly the common thread that has kept them striving and moving forward all this time, especially when it comes to the creative process itself.

“It’s kind of a happy place for us: going in to record a new record,” he says. “The shows and touring are a lot of fun in their own way, but we get to the studio, and there’s nobody there but us. It feels good. We don’t have to pack up and move somewhere to the next place. We can do what we do for a while and work.”

The latest result is The Big To-Do. Slated for release on March 16th, it’s the band’s eighth studio album and first release with their new label, ATO Records. As always the prodigious Truckers approached this project like most of their previous: with plenty of material to choose from, providing the option of creating the best and most coherent album that they could at the time. With longtime producer David Barbe at the helm once again, Cooley says it was a comfortable and familiar place for the band to bring as much as they could to the project.

“We actually went in and recorded somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 tracks over the course of all the sessions,” he says. “It started looking very obvious that there was this group of songs that was one album, and then we had all these others that all kind of fit together, too, in their own way. So we put those 13 tracks together and put it out first. They’re more rock ‘n’ roll, [from] start to finish, than the last record, but they fit.”

Cooley reveals that, although he didn’t initially bring as much original material to the table as in previous records, the end product does showcase what has become a staple of recent Drive-By Truckers’ records: a fairly balanced contribution from several different songwriters within the band, including bassist and singer Shonna Tucker. Although Hood is seen by many to be the band’s leading songwriter in a lot of ways, Cooley has come into his own as an equal contributor and cohort. As the two founding and original members of the band, it’s a relationship that’s been allowed to evolve many times throughout the years to get to that point.

“We just kind of figured out that there was this thing we could do together,” he says. “I mean, we had some rocky roads here and there, trying to figure out how to allow each other to be who we are individually and do what we do together, and let that be what it is. But you come through that or you figure it out. We just got older, really, and we don’t hang out together and drive each other crazy. We pretty much reserve it to doing what we do and being friends on a level where we can do all those things. And we are, at the end of the day, great friends.”

It’s that friendship, combined with hard work, determination and dedication, is what has kept Cooley, Hood and the Drive-By Truckers together after all these years. Long after most bands have packed it up and gone home, the Truckers continue to make great records, playing sold out shows to a rabid fanbase, attracting more listeners with every effort, and making a living for themselves and their families, all on their own terms. Cooley says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“For me, I don’t know how else you can do it and survive,” he says. “When you’re in your 20s and trying to get this thing going, and you have all this pressure to have something to show for yourself, and you get frustrated, and you’re wanting to make it, make it, make it—whatever that means—and all the frustrations and setbacks come along, and people just aren’t ‘gettin’ it’, you kind of take out your frustrations on each other. And then you get older and realize, ‘What the hell is ‘makin’ it,’ anyway?’ Let’s just do what we do. And we have, our own way. I mean, if I were a pretty face and a good dancer, I guess I would let somebody make a few more decisions for me. . . . But I’m neither.”

The Drive-By Truckers perform this Friday, March 5th, at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Gates open at 5:30 and the show begins at 6pm, with opening act David Barbe and the Quick Hooks. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show, and can be purchased from Gravity Records, Revolution 9,1067thepenguin.com, or from drivebytruckers.com.

editorial by: Shea Carver and Emily Rea

We’re into week two of announcing our Best-Of winners for 2010! It only took counting over 3,000 ballots, making 130 awards by hand, and throwing a party for 300-plus people at City Stage/Level 5. But we’ve made it—and with a lot of laughter along the way, thanks to our comedian hosts of the Best-Of Party: Jef Pollock, Sandy Vaughn, Anthony Lawson, Val Watkins, Jonathan Guggenheim, Cullen Moss, Madison Weidberg and Janna Murray. They made the awards ceremony so much more than boring speeches and prim-and-proper decorum (the opening number, “We Are Encore,” to the tune of “We Are the World,” had us hooked from the get-go!) In fact, the words “prim” and “proper” exist not one iota at encore during Best-Of time. Face it, Wilmington, we like to have a good time; and we like to see our winners do the same. And good times were most definitely had by all—we even have the pictures to prove it!

Make no mistake about it, readers: Best-Of is not tabulated according to encore-staff picks; nor are its winners relegated only to encore advertisers. We award the folks who get the most votes between November and January, according to ballots the community fills out at www.encorepub.com. And to set the record straight: We don’t mind when people campaign for it either. (Hey, isn’t it the American way?) Although, not everyone does so.

Without further ado, the people have spoken, and here are the results for the Best-Of 2010. Congrats to everyone who won and thanks to the community for voting. Until next year: Stay classy, Wilmington!

catering and gourmet store

“I believe it is the passion that ultimately brings the success,” Christi Ferretti, chef and one-half owner and operator of Pine Valley Market on College Road, told encore last week. Her passion emits through the ether when folks get within a few steps of the Market. Here, she and her dedicated staff, along with her partner, Kathy Webb, churn out some of Wilmington’s best homemade food.

“You have to be passionate about what you do,” she iterated. “That doesn’t mean that every day we all jump up and down to make a sandwich or chicken salad. But we love it when a bride raves about how the food ‘made’ her wedding; a doctor’s office requests our food week after week; or new customer comes back after their first visit, telling us how good something was.”

The compliments are easily accessible here, too. Really, it only takes one bite of their Chocolate Obsession to hook someone for life—but their cheeses, hand-cut meats and varied lunch menu titillate the taste buds, too. “We like the challenge of making new things and playing with flavors,” Ferretti admitted.

And their take-home meals can’t be matched locally. “Our foods are just as you would cook at home (if you had the time), and we simply freeze or portion out for convenience. Our prepared meals are a much healthier choice than any processed frozen dinner or fast food,” she promised.

Aside from serving great products with an attentive staff, treating customers with the utmost respect has become the rule of thumb at Pine Valley Market. Actually, “customer” may be the wrong word choice here, as Christi and crew embraces their clientele like extended family.

“I think the best compliment we get is when customers bring in their friends and family who are visiting and introduce us,” she said. “How often do you visit someone, and they take you from the airport to the local market to meet the staff? It shows that we have succeeded in making them feel important enough [to be a] part of our family, and we are part of theirs.”

Whether catering a 200-deep private sit-down dinner or a more intimate gathering, the care to detail and quality of customer service continues to strengthen. The same can be said for their retail side of business.

“The change I am most excited about right now is the evolution of our retail department,” Christi said. “I have been scouring the state and region for small producers of gourmet products. We have new merchandise coming in weekly that is all locally and regionally produced, which means when a customer supports us as a local business, the impact that their dollar will make on the local economy is even greater. Right now, it’s all about supporting anything local—no matter what it is.”

That being said, the Market will continue to host their Farm Fresh Saturdays, beginning April 24th, featuring a variety of local and regional produce and flowers, homemade goods and more. The dates will continue on May 22, and every Saturday in June, July and August.

A huge proponent for the 3/50 Project and the National Independent Retailers Association, Christi simply asks for consumers to “think before they go to Google or Amazon” to purchase any product. As it turns out, double the money stays within our immediate economy when we stick to buying from local businesses. It’s that simple.

“That translates into jobs and fewer businesses closing,” she noted. “It’s sort of a no-brainer to me, but it does require a little extra effort to make the drive or find the time—but I believe it is worth it. After all, it’s our city, our friends, our family. We need each other for all of us to succeed.”

Other caterers to place in encore’s Best-Of poll include Bon Appetit and Middle of the Island; and other gourmet stores worth noting are Temptations and Lovey’s Market.

art gallery and best thing to happen to wilmington in 2009

A month ago my lovely beau called me up and asked me to meet him downtown at one of our favorite spots: Bottega Art and Wine Bar. He wanted to share some wine and make out a little on their outdoor patio—where our first real date took place (when he swept me up to dance right in the middle of the street). And so I went with memories flushing my cheeks.

Knowing how much I adore local artist Candy Pegram, Matthew pulled out a surprise-any-ol’-Wednesday gift for me, called “Alpha Cow.” It was typical Pegram-esque, adorn on worn wood, showcasing the kid-like drawing of a cow in muted colors. “It’s unlike your other Pegrams,” he said, “so I thought it would add nicely to your collection.”

To say I was elated would be a vast understatement. “Art is a wonderful gift,” I responded, throwing my arms around his neck. “It’s the best surprise ever!”
And then we made out.

The moral of the story? Oh, yeah: Buy more art. Make out more with your special someone. And do both at Wilmington’s Best Art Gallery, Bottega.

Owner Sandy Perotto has carried over Bottega’s original concept from previous owners Steven Gibbs (encore contributor) and Bonnie England (encore Best Artist 2010). They appreciate every style of art!

“Uncoventional and contemporary has kept Bottega a favorite for many artists and customers who feel the don’t really fit anywhere else,” Perotto said.

Avoiding the “too cool” attitude and pretension that sometimes becomes associated with galleries, Perotto maintains a laid-back atmosphere at Bottega, where “people can express who they are, and be appreciated and admired for it.”

Aside from showcasing a fascinating catalogue of visual artists (Abi Blackerby, Dixon Stetler, Emily Jones, Addie Wuensch and so many more!) with every new exhibit, the gallery has also opened its artistic doors to musicians, live painters and poets. In fact, encore voters chose Bottega’s Poetry Readings as the Best Thing to Happen to Wilmington in 2010. Each first and third Thursday of the month, Bottega hosts an open-mic, featuring music, poetry, comedy and what-have-you. They also host UNCW’s Atlantis Journal open-mic poetry and music the first Tuesday each month.

“We are committed to appreciating a wide diversity of arts,” Perotto said. “Looking beyond the norm is important here.”

Since she took over the gallery last June, Perotto has instituted $2 wine nights on Tuesdays, to keep up with the current frugal economic habits of consumers. “Likewise, I have been more conscious of curating exhibitions with predominantly more affordable art,” she said. “Small, less-expensive pieces sell like crazy these days.”

With art having always been a major part of Perotto’s life—after all, she did major in it—it seemed a rather natural fit to take over Bottega as the time approached. “I always knew I would fall into the perfect business someday,” she explained. “That somehow I would find my way back to art. It’s so true that if you just know and believe something will happen, it usually does.”

Scratching the canvas in second place is New Elements and third, Artfuel Inc. Votes for Best Thing to Happen to Wilmington in 2009 also go to No Hurricanes, the Azalea Festival and the Cucalorus Film Festival.

shoe store

Oh, this category may just be one of my favorites. I mean, what would one expect of a 30-something female, with, uh-hum, some extra ... uh-hum ... expendable cash to ... uh-hum ... spend? OK, OK—at least some extra debt to get into.

I thank places like Wilmington’s Best Shoe Store, Shoe Diva, for helping keep my MasterCard and American Express in the red. Without wonderful, extravagant, beautifully adorned shopping establishments as this, my feet just wouldn’t look as pretty.

For real, though, one of the best aspects to Shoe Diva is: Nequan Bell, owner and operator, who runs a tight, chic ship that houses creative wares at really, really great prices! That’s right: I, myself, purchased one fantastic pair of bright yellow, open-toe heels for a mere $20. I also found one of my favorite clutches for less than $30—a pink, snake print that beckons compliments with each carry, nonetheless.

“We are a trendy but affordable shoe and accessory store,” Bell, who has made her first appearance on encore’s Best-Of poll, told us. “We carry design replica shoes and handbags at a fraction of the designer cost. We don’t overstock our shoes and accessories, and this helps our customers keep their style unique and individual to them.”

Located on Princess Street, right next to Groove Jet Salon and Spa, Shoe Diva carries tons of shapes and colors of shoes: boots, booties, stilettos, flats, sandals, ballerina shoes, in every shade imaginable. They carry aforementioned purses and clutches, as well as an array of really fun jewelry. It’s a pleasure visiting because the end-result always equals unadulterated happiness.

“I am happy when my customers are happy,” Bell said. “If I know I am able to provide the perfect shoe you are looking for, that brings me satisfaction.”

Any shopper here can become the hip, young professional she’s always dreamed of—with more bank for her buck and trend for her style. Anyone wearing these shoes automatically reaches “Diva” status.

Other shoe stores to make an appearance include Shoe Shak and Monkees.

veterinarian

“You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do.” At least so the motto goes for Dr. Sharon Harris, co-owner of Porter’s Neck Veterinary Hospital—Wilmington’s favorite veterinarian for 2010! “We understood from very early on that our chosen career was going to encompass our lives—not just [be] a 9-to-5.”

And so Harris went the extra mile to make sure her love for career would be nurtured alongside love for family. In the business of dealing with family pets, they seemed to go hand-in-hand.

“We opened our own mom-and-pop veterinary medicine practice and built our own hospital five years [later] . . . [with] an apartment built over top just in case we lost our shirts and had to sell our house,” she said.

Such dedication enhanced their career freedom and their family-rearing opportunities, as the babies remained close by in the apartment while the doctors finished working at night. To say, Harris’ clientele appreciates Porter’s Neck Veterinary’s dedication could be clearly understated. The gratitude comes in waves, even years after their services are no longer rendered.

“When people move away and still come back to have us take care of their pet . . . we feel honored and thankful,” Harris claimed. “Sometimes we’ll see someone four or five years, or get a phone call from far away from an old client who just wants a second opinion. That’s a great feeling.”

Having entered the digital age of everything-convenient, Porter’s Neck Veterinary Hospital has updated their online services to better equip their customers’ needs. “We have an online store that ships presecriptions to our clients at no charge,” Harris informed. “We also have an online appointment request process and an interactive Web site. People like the convenience of 24-hour access, and they have more control over their pets’ medical records that way.”

Also appeasing the pet-friendly voters of Wilmington are College Road Animal Hospital and Dineen Animal Hospital.

mexican restaurant

El Cerro Grande has been a part of Wilmington’s Mexican foodscape since I arrived in 1995. In fact, it was the old location above the old Harris Teeter in the Galleria shopping plaza, near Wrightsville Beach, that used to welcome me and my gal-pals for margaritas on Tuesday nights. We met weekly at our favorite hotspot for drinks and to chow down on burritos, guacamole and chips. Though the Galleria location has since closed, a new restaurant has opened on that side of town on Military Cutoff Road, adding to its sister stores in Monkey Junction and on College Road, near UNCW.

Like so many who have come to love El Cerro, encore readers’ patronage still runs strong. And it shows, as votes ranked them yet again Best Mexican Restaurant in our poll. And, really, what’s not to love, here? El Cerro has drink specials practically every night of the week—Wednesday nights are ‘Rita Nights, for $2.99, at the College Road location near UNCW. While the salty rocks of tequila and sweet-and-sour always prove refreshing, a bite from one of their many specialties (try the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo) or their standards in enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas, will make the palate do a little Mexican hat dance in delight.

The atmosphere is always welcoming, whether bringing family, friends or a special someone, and the service remains attentive and friendly. Just leave room for a flavorful bite or two of their churros or fried ice cream. It ends the meal decadently and quite perfectly.

Cheers to another 15 years of celebratory business ventures, El Cerro. See ya Wednesday!

Other Mexican restaurants to fare well in our poll include La Costa and K-38.

book store

The face of gratitude has blue eyes and porcelain-like skin. Her smile is large and her long blonde locks flow with happiness. In fact, her well-wishes to anyone who visits her shop, Old Books on Front Street, go like this: “Think happy thoughts.”

Gwenyfar Rohler is one of the most gracious merchants Wilmingtonians have serving them. “Wow!” she exclaimed last week, summing up her thoughts on “the outpouring of support [she has] received”—especially after losing her mother last year. Today, the love keeps coming, too, since Rohler found out the home of Old Books would be condemned.

“I feel like George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life,” she said. “We have gotten so many offers to help move. Thank you to all of Wilmington for making such an incredible community. We are grateful for all the support and cherish it more than you know.”

Just because shop has closed for now, it doesn’t mean it’s over. No. No. No. Rohler’s love for her job—selling books, encouraging literacy, promoting education on so many topics—is too strong. And, the fact of the matter is: This job chose her, so there is no turning back.

“Mr. Daughtery, [Old Books’ original owner], called my dad and said, ‘I want your daughter to buy my store. I think you need to come talk to me.’ This came years after patronage. I have been shopping at the store since I was 2.”

When they reopen, they’ll continue serving Wilmington “two miles of books with thousands of books priced at $1.” This continues to include more local history books, along with William Freidrich’s picturesque post cards, handmade buttons, featuring photos of famous authors, and even delivery of books. It’s a reasonable assumption, too, that she’ll continue scouting downtown Wilmington for her new shop; though, wherever she moves she’s still serving a community she loves.

“I love the Do It Downtown campaign,” Rohler noted, “[and] the Buy Local ILM campaign. I would love to see people realize the power of their purse and invest in their community through buying locally and not at the [big box] stores. Keep your money here, create jobs here!”

Other book stores flipping through our polls: Pomegranate Books and Barnes & Noble.

nonprofit and humanitarian

Speaking of It’s a Wonderful Life, if Wilmington had a Clarence Odbody—ya know, the angel who visits George Bailey in the famed Capra film?—it would be Jock Brandis. In fact, so much is this statement true that UNCW honored Brandis with their annual Clarence Award back in December for his constant dedication to saving the world from hunger, one nation at a time.

Brandis is the founder of one of Wilmington’s most impressive nonprofit organizations, Full Belly Project. Full Belly has one mission: to ensure that “residents of rural communities in developing countries live lives of abundance—that they awake each morning to days of economic possibility and go to sleep each night with bellies that are full.” Full Belly sees this happening thanks to the invention of Brandis’ Universal Nut Sheller, along with other income-generating agricultural devices that aid in improving life in developing countries. For instance, the nut sheller alone shells 125 pounds in an hour—a vast difference from anyone trying to do so by hand. In the end, the peanut helps nourish bodies with a better source of protein, and with the appropriate technologies to shell it quickly, underdeveloped nations will be able to grow crops upon crops to sell at market, too.

Other impressive technologies that Brandis and his Full-Belly crew continue working on include: the Pedal-Powered Agricultural Center, which is connected to the Universal Nut Sheller and can process 200 pounds of peanuts an hour; and the Electric Powered Agricultural Center, which helps shell large amounts of nuts daily and is used by Meds and Food for Kids in Haiti. The manually operated peanut thresher can be towed behind most bicycles, so farmers can thresh their peanuts in the field where they can be easily bagged and transported to the market or home.

Brandis has visited numerous countries over the last decade—from Malawi to Ghana, Phillipines to Guyana, Kenya to Uganda, and the trips keep coming. His angel wings keep spreading around the world, making him Wilmington’s finest Clarence Odbody if there ever was one.

Other nonprofits that continue serving the community, locally and globally, beyond massive applause, include Cape Fear Hospice and Habitat for Humanity. Other Best Humanitarian votes also go to Louise Loggins and Sheila Lewis.

artist

She was the priestess behind Bottega Art Gallery before she sold it last summer. Having placed on the encore polls for years under the “Best Art Gallery” category, today she makes her first appearance with a more personal connection to Wilmington’s art community. Meet Bonnie England, encore readers’ Best Artist for 2010.

England’s colorful interpretations and muses on canvas continue attracting collectors and art-lovers in general, as she hangs her work all over town. Currently, she exhibits at ACME Art Studios, Caffe Phoenix and Wilmington Wine Shop.

“ . . . To win Best Artist [is] supercool,” England wrote encore last week. “[It’s] a direct recognition of my own art work and is an appreciation for what I alone create.”

England’s work has drawn in many types of people who have found an alliance in her textural finger-paintings. “I’ve had collectors tell me they were attracted to certain pieces for extremely personal reasons,” she explained. “A recent masectomy, the birth of a long-awaited child, sisterhood. . . . It’s quite fulfilling to be able to bring joy, comfort and exhilaration into people’s lives.”

Her own work has traveled far and wide, too, as just last summer she visited Rully, France, for the Paint-a-Future organization. “[It] helps realize the dreams of underprivileged children around the world,” she explained. Thus, she has been able to take her entrepreneurship and evolve it into philanthropic endeavors that still ground her life ambition in the arts.

With the motto, “Always stay true to yourself,” England avoids comparisons to another’s worth when it comes to judging her own work. She simply follows what’s true in her heart, her imagination and her mind. ”Strive to be the best ‘you,’” she sought to follow. “This is where you’ll find contentment, pleasure and success—your integrity speaks volumes.”

Other artists making an appearance in our polls include Ivey Hayes and James Davis.

theater production 2009

When “Rent” came to Wilmington last year, I can’t begin to explain how stoked I was. First of all, it was the first time the show had ever graced our theater scene. And when new shows make it on any local theater company’s bill, well, it makes for happy patrons of the arts.

Thanks to the outstanding performances of William Day, Sam Robison, Amy Tipton, Katherine Vernon and so many other talented thespians, the June 2009 City Stage-produced premiere at Thalian Hall was nothing shy of a hit! encore readers couldn’t agree more, according to the 2010 Best-Of, honoring the show the best of last year.

Directed by Justin Smith, whose love for “Rent” has manifested throughout years of being involved in local theater, the show provided everything needed to impress: terrific set design, immaculate acting, dancing and singing, music direction by Chiaki Ito, and a timeless tale of love and friendship. Yet, the play isn’t without heady moments of darkness, as the plot tackles the hardships of life, including death, suffering, disease and addiction.

“Rent,” with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, is based on the opera “La Bohéme,” and has won 10 Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards, three Obies and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Known as the “Hair” of the ‘90s, it ran for 12 years on Broadway, and toured nationally and internationally for years thereafter. Our own local talent’s interpretation of the hit play shows how City Stage’s keen eye for bringing relevant, edgy and good theater to town pays off almost always.

City Stage’s “Hair” and Red Barn Studio’s “Driving Miss Daisy” ranked second and third in most entertaining of the 2009 year.

live music venue and
laundry mat

Here’s the thing: Years and years ago, when encore offices were located downtown at 255 N. Front Street, we heard about a little venture known as the “Soapbox Laundro Lounge” going in below our office space.

“It’s gonna be a laundromat and a bar all in one!” then-partner Sandy Summers (now Sandy Vaughn) told us.

“What?” we asked, perplexed at such an odd combination. “That’s so ... West Coast-like!”

“Right!? It’s gonna be great,” Sandy promised.

She was right.

Soapbox Laundro Lounge is great. Then came the live music, and, well, the venue now has turned into a staple on Wilmington’s nightlife scene—suds and all. With owner and operator Brent Watkins still steering the helm, along with the help of Joe Jones’ booking and music knowledge, the venue churns out live shows that makes the town flock through its doors. Last year alone, we saw acts worthy of a second go-round (hint-hint, Joe and Brent—bring ‘em back!): Benji Hughes, Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs, David Dondero, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, and we could go on and on, really.

Not to be matched, we know Soapbox will be making strides to bring even greater sounds to the forefront of our music scene this year. In the next three months alone, the schedule consists of a few must-sees: Hammer No More the Fingers on March 5th, The Love Language on March 13th, Bellafea on April 12th, and two festivals music lovers must attend: Rad Fest on May 14th and 15th, and WE Fest two weekends later, May 27th through 31st.

Just in case someone needs clean clothes with their live music, don’t forget to partake in the Soapbox’s facilities. They make laundry so-not-a-chore. I mean, who doesn’t want a PBR and a little punch-one-two (that’s keeping rhythm to the beat, yo!) with their Tide and Downy Soft?

Other laundry mats to place in encore’s reader’s poll include King’s Laundrymat and Sunrise Express Super Laundry. Other music venues ranking are Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre and The Whiskey.

arcade/game room

It’s the place the family wants to visit for good old-fashioned game time any day of the week, any time of year. Jungle Rapids tantalizes kids—and all of us big kids alike—with their many attractions, including Grand Prix go-cart racing (my personal favorite!), Alien Invader laser tag (OK, yet another winner), “The Rock” climbing wall, Jungle Golf and, perhaps their most beloved summertime appeal, the water park. Fun will be had by all here, without a doubt.

“We are customer-friendly and respond to customer suggestions,” Connie Branch, Jungle Rapids sales manager, explained of the park’s popularity. “We operate in a safe and clean atmosphere . . . [and] we are dedicated to customer satisfaction at a reasonable cost.”

Perhaps the most appealing aspect to the theme park is their promise to continue having fun in what they do—and making sure the customers follow suit, too. In fact, Branch’s main philosophy revolves around such notions. “Be happy and enjoy what you do,” she said, “and you will see your customers do the same.”

Jungle Rapids—making their first appearnace in encore’s Best-Of poll—continues to add new rides to their water park, as well as update their arcade with the latest games. Hours of operation are: Sunday through Thursday, 10am-11pm, and Friday and Saturday, 10am-midnight. Their water park hours are from 11am-6pm in season (May-August).

Stop by and unleash the kid hidden deep inside; the fun will be never-ending!

Other arcades to place in our poll include Bluepost and Ten Pin Alley.

billiards

I have three favorite sounds in the world: 1) breaking glass, 2) champagne being corked and 3) pool balls being sunk into their pockets. Call me odd (my mother does), but there is just something winning about that dunk—that hard-hitting cue ball sinking in, say, an eight ball for the game. Majestic, I say—just majestic!

The pros go to Break Time Billiards to sink their eight balls, time and time again, as Break Time has more regulation pool tables than one can shake a pool stick at. It’s true: They are the leading sports bar for hosting eight- and nine-ball leagues, as well as monthly tournaments. Per their equipment, well, it’s cared for with the greatest attention to detail. In fact, Break Time Billiards has their tables recovered twice a year, using the finest Simoinis cloth.

As noted by their staff on their Web site, breaktimetenpin.com, “Whether you’re interested in a little friendly competition, just catching the game or relaxing with a few friends over some cold drinks, Break Time is the place in Wilmington to be!”

Other pool halls to break into the poll are Bluepost and Orton’s Pool Hall.

—Shea Carver

chiropractor

Snap, crackle, pop—hey, it’s normal to feel like a breakfast cereal when we’re at the chiropractor! And who can resist that relieved feeling we have when we leave? But don’t be mistaken: Not any ol’ doc can do the trick. As Wilmington residents with physical burdens can attest, Sito Chiropratic in town is the best of the best.

“Patients love the excellent doctors and friendliness of our staff,” Dana Sito of Sito Chiropractic asserts. “[They] continue to get great results from the care they receive here—hence the Best-Of vote!”

That customer love is what grants Sito and staff their ultimate compliment: customer referrals. And with all the hard work and dedication they put into their services, what’s not to like?

“We set ourselves apart from other medical facilities by offering top-quality care to each of our patients, coupled with a very friendly, loving attitude.” As for the way they have evolved in recent years, Sito continues, “The economic downturn has affected everyone. We do all we can to ease the financial burden that unfortunately comes with healthcare.”

This kind of attention and concern is most likely why Sito has taken over this year’s category for Best Chiropractor—and we wish them well in the years to come!

Second and third place went to Eric McGraw and Coastal Chiropractic.

attraction

If anything can be said of our fair Port City, it’s that we sure are attractive—errr, I mean, we’re full of attractions! Tourist attractions, that is. It’s true that we’ve become a destination city in our own right (not to toot our own horns or anything). From the beach to downtown, history, cuisine and fun are all intermingled to make for one great melting pot of desirability.

And what do locals deem their favorite attraction but a symbol of the city itself? The U.S.S. Battleship North Carolina! With a vibrant history of protecting our coastline in World War I, the Battleship is now a powerful reminder of the past standing as a looming presence across the river from downtown. Now a tourist attraction, what makes a trip to see the Battleship so great these days is the history preserved for visitors to experience, literally firsthand!

Explore the deck of the ship where sailors once walked, or huddle down below to sit inside their living quarters. The museum onboard contains a wide array of artifacts, collections, photographs and even oral histories that will delight everyone’s imaginations, young and old. There are field-trip opportunities, re-enactments and even movies shown on the deck every Friday in May!

Upcoming events include Battleship 101 and New Hanover County Free Day on March 7th, and a four-hour, behind-the-scenes exploration called “Hidden Battleship” on March 13th. The ship’s store is full of unique items to buy and carry home. A guided tour will offer treasured memories for years to come. Visit www.battleshipnc.com for a complete list of events and hours!

Runners up in the attraction category were the beach and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

real estate agency

The local and national housing markets may have taken a hit due to the recession as of late, but Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is soaring high above the rest with their win for Best Real Estate Agency. Serving the cities of Wilmington and Jacksonville; the coastal communities of Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach, Surf City, Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, North Topsail Beach, Kure Beach, Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach and Holden Beach; and coastal communities, including Porters Neck, Southport, Sneads Ferry, Leland, Scotts Hill, Hampstead, Holly Ridge, Camp Lejeune, New River, Bolivia, Shallotte, Boiling Spring Lakes and St. James, Sea Coast is without a doubt a leader in its industry. In fact, it is the number-one real estate company in southeastern North Carolina, selling more properties than any area firm for the past eight years.

With 300-plus agents and seven convenient locations (two in Wilmington, on Military Cutoff Road and at Porters Neck) Sea Coast is more than equipped to satisfy anything their customers desire. They can handle relocation needs, from start to finish, and even offer a 100-percent Satisfaction Guarantee. In an ever-changing real-estate climate, Sea Coast has remained true to its roots and continues to offer first-class service with a reputation clients have learned they can trust. Their easy-to-navigate Web site, www.seacoastrealty.com, only adds to what Wilmington recognizes as dependable, up-to-date and quality service.

Rounding out the top-three names for best real-estate agencies were Intracoastal Realty and Century 21.

chef

It’s a name that anyone who loves great food in Wilmington will recognize. A name attached to a reputation of stellar cooking, two of the finest dining establishments in town, and a passion for serving up the kinds of meals that people do not just devour but adore. It’s a name that frequents our Best-Of awards each and every season, and with good reason. The name is “Keith Rhodes.”

This is a man who grew up with cooking so enriched in his family and home environment that he couldn’t help but love what grew to be both a passion and a talent. A Porters-Neck native, Rhodes caught the desire to cook from both his father and grandfather, and he has since become the name behind Catch, where diners go for “modern seafood cuisine.” His location downtown has served many seafood lovers for a few years now, and on March 1st, his second location will open on North Market, before Gordon Road. With two restaurants keeping him more than busy, Rhodes remains dedicated to his customers and what they want. Most importantly, he also remains a fierce supporter of North Carolina’s organic farmers, local fisheries and sustainable fishing practices. He is highly favorable of his clientele, helping stimulate our local economy and utilizing only the freshest ingredients from farmers to help stock his restaurants.

Not only has Rhodes graced our Best-Of polls time and again, but he has also won the award for the Best Dish in North Carolina competition, sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in not just one but two categories: Fine Dining and Casual Dining. Where most folks know him is simply by experiencing his food. His name and culinary skills ring loud and proud in foodie circles around the greater Wilmington area—and we expect it will for years to come.

Serving up second and third place are Smokey Masters of Pine Valley Market and Nick at Nicola’s.

adult store

Readers may have long noticed the enticing displays in the second-floor window of 5500 Market Street. With the franchise logo of Adam and Eve beckoning all folks adventurous enough to come satisfy their curiosities, this adult store is ready to show patrons why it was voted best of the best in town.

“Adam and Eve provides a safe, friendly environment for women, men and couples to explore romance and erotica,” the official Web site, www.adamandevestores.com, assures. Products offered include everything from lingerie, to bachelor and bachelorette gifts, to instructional manuals, to games designed specifically to “re-ignite the spark.”

As a leader in its industry, Adam and Eve has 32 successful retail stores in North America, and the shopping experience itself is said to be a draw in itself. “Our stores invoke the quality, class and comfort associated with the Adam and Eve brand,” the site claims. “The floor plans have been carefully designed to optimize our customers’ shopping experience, while the interior finishes and lighting cast a warm, inviting welcome.”

No matter what the occasion or products desired, Adam and Eve is the place to go in town for all-things erotic. Swing by to see what the buzz is all about.

Second place in the adult-store category was Thee View, while taking third-pace honors was Pandora’s Box.

tour

Few people realize the savagery that took place in Old Wilmington in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city found itself under constant assault by the ravages of disease, war, slavery, piracy, murder, suicide and the everyday inflictions of such a violent life. As Colonel William Lamb said in 1864, “...I’d much rather be in battle than Wilmington, for at least in battle I have a chance of not being killed.”

Tapping into those lost long ago and “the poor lost souls that still linger in the Port City,” the Ghost Walk of Wilmington takes anyone brave enough along an active route of downtown’s most spook-filled digs. Journey with locally renowned actors and ghost hunters into the depths of haunted Wilmington, once North Carolina’s largest city, with the largest historic district in the state and a city that many consider to be amongst the most actively haunted in the world, to this day. The Ghost Walk will thrill and chill, as participants are led through 275-year-old alleyways beneath centuries-old live oaks, stopping among 29 active sites that vary nightly. Organizers have been researching the ghosts of downtown Wilmington since 1978, and are delighted to fright one and all with dismal tales of yore.

Tour times are 6:30pm and 8:30pm nightly, from April 1st-October 31st; 6:30pm nightly in November and March; and Thursday-Saturday at 6:30pm in December, January and February. For more information, please visit www.hauntedwilmington.com.

Second place in the tour category went to the Springbrook Farms Carriage Tours, and third was the Haunted Pub Crawl.

new restaurant and
sports bar

In Wilmington the LM Restaurants franchise is known for some of the most premier and beloved eateries in all of the Port City: Oceanic, Bluewater, Eddie Romanelli’s, the new Flat Eddies and Henry’s. Any time LM is involved, patrons can expect quality food, an impressive atmosphere and great service. From the beach to midtown to Leland, their upscale establishments are go-to dining destinations for treating guests, celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a nice meal out for two.

Newest to the LM lineup is Carolina Ale House. Located on College Road not too far from the university, this sports-themed restaurant and bar certainly differs in style from its sisters, but it offers the same customer-oriented care and attention to detail that we have all come to expect.

“Wilmington was ‘hungry’ for a sports-themed restaurant with a diverse menu and TVs everywhere,” marketing coordinator Mindy Amerson says.

Offering over 40 HD TVs, a full menu served from 11am-2am daily, a lively atmosphere and $2 drafts every Wednesday (just to name a few of its awesome features), the restaurant adds another gleaming accomplishment to the Moshakos family’s 30-year run in the restaurant industry. “We want to bring value and a memorable experience to our guests,” Amerson continues.

With menu items such as Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Sweet Mountain BBQ Baby Back Ribs, the Carolina Ale House Pub Burger, the Buffalo Zinger Wrap, and the Carolina Dipper (tender smoked beef brisket on a toasted hoagie roll with melted pepper-jack cheese, carmelized onions, lettuce and tomato with Au Jus—yum!), it’s no wonder hungry Wilmington voters put Carolina Ale House at the top of our Best-Of polls.

Runners up for Best New Restaurant include Grand Union Pub and Aubriana’s, while runners up for Best Sports Bar include Buffalo Wild Wings and Wild Wing Café.

seafood

Sitting directly on the sand overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, a sea breeze in the air and panoramic views to behold, the historic Oceanic Restaurant at Wrightsville Beach is as much an experience as it is a destination. Coastal residents and visitors alike love to spend a meal as this beachy, yet upscale facility where time slows down, and the charm of the Carolina coast floods the atmosphere no matter the time of year. The attached Crystal Pier allows for spectacular outdoor seating and live music (weather permitting), and the spacious third-floor private room is a highly desired special-event venue.

While the location and ambiance, as well as the reputation of the LM-Restaurants franchise, are all enough to send folks flocking to the oceanfront establishment. The “fresh seafood options” at Oceanic are what marketing director Mindy Amerson claims to be the reason behind its Best-Of win, while she attributes the “unique location at Wrightsville Beach, friendly staff and delicious food” to what keeps guests coming back. Seafood items at Oceanic include Oysters Rockafeller, Cajun Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, Seafood Gumbo, Stuffed Flounder and King Crab Legs, just to name a few.

Whether it’s Sunday brunch or a Friday evening dinner with friends, it is always a good time to eat at Oceanic—where the seafood is always fresh and the service is as sweet as dessert.

Second place in the seafood category this year went to Hieronymus, and third place went to Bluewater Grill.

tanning salon

In a coastal town like Wilmington, where the weather is typically mild year round, and the beaches are flooded with loungers and strutters in the warmest months (readers know who they are), the expectation to have a tan bod can be as high as the tide. While nobody likes an orange-y fake bake (or that too-tanned leathery skin!), a nice, even glow is a complement to any skin tone or shape—especially when the weather demands our ultimate exposure.

The folks at Tropical Tans obviously know what our local residents want and need in a tanning salon. When we simply don’t have the time (or energy!) to fight for a parking spot at Wrightsville, a quick trip to Tropical Tans will do the trick. Whether we need a little color for that upcoming formal event or a base tan for the months of bikini weather, Tropical offers a range of options to suit all needs.

Located at 5003 Wrightsville Avenue and 402-101 Carl Street, these premier salons offer 30-minute beds, 15-minute beds, stand-up booths and Mystic Tan Booths. Patronage is rewarded, including a referral program called the “SunShine Club” and unlimited packages with the ability to freeze at any time for whatever circumstance.

Owned and operated by Fred Knoff, Tropical Tans has been up and running in the Port City since 1988, making it the first and longest-owned tanning salon in town. Customers past and present know they can trust the equipment and service.

Runners up in the tanning category this year were Timeless Tans and Ultimate Tanning, respectively.

burger

Every tourist town has one: that local joint, typically tucked away in an obscure location, where the food is so outstanding and the local operators are so friendly, that it eventually becomes a tourist destination in its own right—once the secret leaks, that is. For Wilmington that place is P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille, serving the community for 17 years and counting.

Based on the simple philosophy to sell really good burgers, sandwiches, dogs and fries, the first location opened on Fountain Drive across from the UNCW campus and has done so well that P.T.’s can now be seen not only all across town but across the state, too! With a total of seven locations (five in Wilmington, one in Leland and one in Chapel Hill), P.T.’s is synonymous for a really great burger.

Grilled to perfection and served in four or eight ounces, a P.T.’s burger is cooked with the highest-quality ingredients, made to order in about 10 minutes and priced low. As their Web site, www.ptsgrille.com, claims, it’s “fast food that doesn’t taste like fast food.” For that quintessential P.T.’s experience, try one all the way with their excellent (and highly addictive!) seasoned French fries. For readers trying to watch calories in honor of the beach season ahead, P.T.’s also offers an alternative to beef with a lower-calorie, low-fat Gardenburger, as well as salads to substitute for the fries. There is something for everyone, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, at P.T.’s, where the quality is high, the atmosphere cozy and casual, and the burgers reign as best.

The second- and third-place spots for this year’s burger category go to Red Robin and Five Guys, respectively.

japanese restaurant

I can remember some of my favorite dining-out experiences as a kid: going to the Japanese steakhouse. My family and I enjoyed watching the sizzling fire of the grill right in front us, the skillful techniques of our cooks with knives a flippin’ and food sailing through the air. It was a fun atmosphere of guests, participating and enjoying the preparation together, family-style. These days the Japanese-steakhouse experience is as much fun, if not more, when spent at Hiro Japanese Steak and Seafood House on Eastwood Road.

This exciting dining destination features hibachi-style dining, an authentic sushi bar with a la carte dining, sashimi, specialty cocktails, a martini bar and the dazzling display of meals cooked right in front of patrons’ eyes. Try the Hibachi filet mignon, a nice spicy salmon roll or perhaps the Teryaki chicken and rice. Just don’t skip out on the aforementioned specialty martinis—like a Bermuda Triangle or Key Lime Quencher! The experience here is every bit as worth a visit as the food, both of which are far beyond excellent.

The space inside is customer-friendly, too, with a very open, expansive layout, including a large foyer/waiting room with aquariums to enjoy and explore. Customers will leave full, happy, entertained—and looking forward to their next trip to Hiro.

Rounding out our Japanese restaurant category this year were Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet and Bento Box, respectively.

dentist

For some people (many, in fact), a trip to the dentist would be more welcoming than a swim in open water with a few dozen jelly fish. Born from either a natural fear or perhaps a bad past experience, the experience of lying back in that chair under those bright lights, while a masked figure scrapes and tweaks away at our incisors and bicuspids, might as well be a scene from a horror movie. Not for me! I actually love a good trip to the dentist—especially because of the super-clean, minty-fresh feeling I have afterward.

According to this year’s Best Dentist category, the clients at Dr. Charles R. Biggerstaff of Biggerstaff Family Dentistry in Wilmington would say they have quite good experiences as well! Located at 1133 Medical Center Drive near the hospital, Biggerstaff and crew are dedicated to providing “the highest-quality dental care in a relaxing and professional environment,” according to www.biggerstafffamilydentistry.com. The practice is the Wilmington area’s leading comprehensive family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

Serving all ages, they have been in business for over 30 years, specializing in general dentistry, preventative maintenance, crowns, bridges, implant restoration, teeth whitening, root canals and gentle dentistry. “We create beautiful smiles and provide quality dentistry with a gentle touch,” their site claims. Oh, and “new patients are always welcome and emergencies are handled in a timely manner.”

Caring for the Port City’s pearly whites in the number-two and -three spots this year are Edgerton and Fisher, and Dr. Brian P. Ford.

morning show and
radio personality

One of my absolute least favorite sounds in the whole world is without a doubt the sound of my alarm clock. With its blaring call to step out from under warm covers, and the minutes between each Snooze seemingly shorter and shorter all the time, it’s a wonder that small, unassuming machine isn’t damaged into a million pieces by now. But for those early birds (and non-morning people, too!), one of the best ways to get rolling in the a.m. hours, especially if they live here in Wilmington, is to turn the dial to Z 107.5 FM, “Wilmington’s number-one hit-music station.” Why? It’s where listeners can find the infamous Foz in the Morning radio show.

His unmistakable voice, irreverent humor, and perpetually perky attitude (even at 6am—wow!) placed Foz at the top of readers’ Best Morning Radio Show and Radio Personality lists this year. He’s obviously made an impression here on the Port City for the last several years. If there’s one thing that can be said of Foz, it’s that he keeps the airwaves alive and fun, while always involving his listeners and proving everyone with the need-to-know (just plain entertaining to hear). On air until 10am each day with his partner-in-crime, Jocelyn, Wilmington’s top-40 music-lovers who wish for a side of fun with their tunes can’t help but turn the dial to Z 107.5, all for the man of the morning: Foz.

Others dials turn to Bryan and Jim: The Morning Disaster (103.7 The Bone) and Craig and Shiela (104.5 Sunny FM) in the morning, while other favorite local radio personalities include Beau Gunn and Kim Czornij, both of 106.7 The Penguin.

karaoke

There’s just something about an amateur open-mic night. Perhaps it’s because we non-professionals will never really get to experience the thrill and adrenaline of performing onstage in front of thousands of people. Perhaps it’s the fact that our favorite songs to sing in the shower or car simply deserve a better platform from which to be sung out. Or, perhaps, it’s the fault of the tequila we drank. However we choose to look at it, karaoke is just plain f-u-n! When encore readers are out and about for a night on the town, the first place they head for some good-time karaoke singin’ is none other than Katy’s Great Eats.

Katy’s has been a local Wilmington fixture for years and years, best known for its seafood dinners and wings. It’s a family-friendly establishment with superior specials, friendly service and a great atmosphere for watching the game or just hanging out, with its six flat-panel large screens, pool table, ping-pong tournaments and a patio for smokers. But what our night owls crave the most is Katy’s stellar karaoke lounge.

This midtown local-yokel joint has all the right ingredients for any debut performance of “I Will Survive”—come on, readers, we know you’ve thought about it. And, hey, if Gloria’s not your cup of tea, try “Me and Bobby McGee.” No? Well, perhaps “American Pie” or “Bohemian Rhapsody”? Just show off those pipes (or hysterical lack thereof) at Katy’s.

Other venues across town where readers like to take the mic are Fat Boy’s on Market Street and the Brown Coat Pub downtown.

dance club

When the long, hard school or work weeks have just been too long and hard, when we need a release from the stress and the monotony of it all, one of the best ways to let go: Dance it out! Wilmington is full of places to shake one’s tail feather, so to speak, and this year encore voters have ranked City Limits Saloon high above the rest. Want proof of its no-holds-barred, super-fun atmosphere? Its Web site, www.hellyeahwilmington.com, boasts “bars for dancing, a bull for riding, pool tables, Wii game system, Sexual Satisfaction karaoke and the best bar staff on the coast.” How’s that for a good time?

City Limits first came to Wilmington a few years back, with a sister club in Raleigh and a rip-roarin’ spirit that took downtown by storm. Its Western-stlye, cowboy/girl vibe calls for country and top-40 dance hits, with a large open dance floor for guests to show their stuff until the wee hours of the morning. Thursday nights are reserved for Bikini Bull-riding (ladies get in free!), or try a hand at free line-dancing on Fridays. There are drink specials and special events galore for those who just can’t get enough of the party!

Dubbed “North Carolina’s Original Country Party Bar,” City Limits has practically no limits on the amount of fun—especially dancing!—that can be done ‘round these parts. Check them out at 28 South Front Street.

Other booty-shaking clubs that ranked high on encore voters’ lists are downtown’s Level 5 and Pravda.

Next week’s edition will feature the third installment of encore winners. Out March 3rd!

by: Adrian Varnam

It would seem as if the call for more support of arts education in our nation’s public schools is as old as the schools themselves. Regardless of economic environment or even presidential administrations, the need for more arts funding is always a concern raised by those who understand its importance. But, unfortunately, in a time of near economic crisis, the allocation of more funding at a larger level just isn’t a reality. So one local organization decided to take measures into their own hands and make a real difference in the lives of their community this holiday season.

“I wanted to find a music program that was involved with children that was not only needy—they needed instruments and they needed money for their direction—but had kids who were skilled and actively trying to improve themselves,” Wilmington Unplugged organizer Billy Mellon says. This Saturday, December 19th, his monthly music series will host its second “Super Unplugged” concert at the WHQR gallery in downtown Wilmington. Proceeds from tickets sold will benefit the Williston Middle School music program.

“Originally, we wanted this Super Unplugged to be an opportunity to support the traditional causes this holiday season, like Toys for Tots or buying some needy family some clothes or shoes,” he says. “But then I thought that that was going to leave some kids out. So I thought to help a music program, and I just put it out there as a goal to provide instruments or money to be used within the program. That way we figured more children could use what we help provide for them.”

This kind of altruistic thinking is not new to those involved with Wilmington Unplugged. In fact, it’s becoming an important component of its Super Unplugged concerts, quarterly performances featuring some of the artists who have participated in the monthly showcases. Its first concert helped raise money for WHQR during their fall fund-raising drive, while future productions promise to do the same for other causes, says Jeff Reid, owner and publisher of the The Beat magazine. His local monthly arts publication co-sponsors each Unplugged event.

“The idea to tie in supporting a cause with each performance was kind of based upon the public radio program, etown, which has that same sort of approach,” he says. “It’s a live-music program and they take a cause every week and showcase it. And we really liked that, that grassroots approach. We just felt like it was a good way to mix music and community by showcasing both and we decided that we would try to do the same with Super Unplugged.”

So far, it has been a rousing success. So much so that the number of sponsors, benefactors and supporters of both the monthly series and the quarterly showcase continue to grow with each performance. In fact, this month’s Super Unplugged has already sold out of tickets. Mellon attributes it to not just the quality of the performers but the fact that proceeds are going to such an important cause for young local musicians this holiday season.

“The first Super Unplugged was such a success that I just called up people who went to the first one, told them what we were doing this month with the Williston music program, and they said ‘I’m there,’” he reveals. “We sold 60 tickets in less than three days.”

And the interest in supporting Super Unplugged comes from not just music lovers in Wilmington, but sponsors and donors from all around Southeastern North Carolina. Two in particular, Pam Graham-Wilson from Wilson Family Pharmacy in Wallace, NC, and Varno Musical Instrument Repair in Leland, are contributing by donating directly to the Williston Music Program. The latter is giving a brand-new trumpet to the school while Ms. Graham-Wilson is making a financial contribution. Her support, she says, comes not from a business perspective but from a personal one.

“We are very empathetic to the limited resources for music and the arts in the public schools,” she says. “We have two sons, one of whom is an athlete and the oldest is a musician-songwriter in Austin. The public schools our children attended never seemed to have the resources or commitment to music and the arts. [Our hope in supporting this is] for people to come and enjoy the great local talent we have here in the Wilmington area, and to encourage more individuals and businesses to support music and the arts.”

While those involved with producing Super Unplugged could have chosen any charitable cause to support this December, it was their love and support of music that made this connection a good fit. In fact, Reid draws a direct parallel between the success of Wilmington Unplugged today and the younger generation of musicians he and his partners are hoping to inspire.

“As most of us know, the arts get the least amount of any attention in terms of money, verses sports and things like that, and we just wanted people to realize that even though we’re out there banging on a guitar and singing that it is connected to these band programs,” he says. “A lot of professional musicians, me included, started in school music programs, and so we realize that it’s a nurturing environment, and we wanted to promote that and bring attention to that.”

Hopefully, through the efforts of Super Unplugged and its sponsors and supporters, that attention will make a difference in the lives of our young people.

“I think Billy [Mellon] said it best,” Ms. Graham-Wilson says. “There might be a Miles Davis out there who just needs the opportunity to learn and have access to an instrument. Imagine being the person who provided that opportunity.”

Although tickets are no longer available for the Super Unplugged concert on December 19th, readers can still make a contribution to the Williston music program this holiday season.

“If people want to contribute financially, they can make a check to Williston Middle School Band and mail it to the school [401 S. 10th Street, 28401] with attention to Gwen Wilson,” Williston music director Gwen Wilson says. “If people have instruments collecting dust, they can donate them to the school as well.”

For more information, please contact wilmington.unplugged@gmail.com or The Beat magazine at 910-793-3668.

by: Emily Rea

The Wilmington Fur Ball
December 5th, 6:30-10:30pm
Hilton Wilmington Riverside,
Cape Fear Ballroom
to benefit Adopt an Angel and the
Pender County Humane Society
910-279-5530; $75
www.wilmingtonfurball.com

The howls that may be heard echoing off the glassy top of the Cape Fear River downtown this weekend won’t be the voices of lonely canines. Man’s best friend may be the beneficiary of this once-a-year party, but the men and women who attend the fourth annual Wilmington Fur Ball this Saturday night will have their own reasons for gleeful guffaws.

A beloved event as much for the fun and entertaining gathering as for the charitable donations to its recipients—Adopt an Angel and the Pender County Humane Society—the Wilmington Fur Ball has grown every year since its inception and shows no signs of slowing down.

“Because of the difficult economic times, we feel that we are doubly committed to raising money for the selected rescues/shelters this year,” Kim Fisher of the Fur Ball says. “We continue to have the support of our past sponsors and, to our delight, have some new companies on board this year. That is saying volumes.”

The snazzy event is a black-tie, red-carpet gala that has become somewhat of an unofficial kickoff to the holiday-party season in the Port City. Guests will notice a change in venues this year (from the cherished Thalian Hall to the Hilton Riverside) but certainly not any deficit in the ambience or proceedings.

“Every year we strive to be more glamorous, more entertaining, while continuing to be ‘one of the 10 must-attend charity events in North Carolina,’” Fisher asserts, giving a nod to a quote from Signature magazine. “We will sorely miss being at Thalian Hall this year. ... [But] for our patrons it will be a treat to ‘take the elevator home’ by taking advantage of the unbelievably special room rate that the Hilton has offered Fur Ball attendees,” she adds.

As always, participants can expect full-on red-carpet glamour, including a stop in front of the Hollywood-style step and repeat banner for photographs, as well as being greeted by a butler serving wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvre—but the reason behind the celebration must not be forgotten.

“This is the first and only posh, swanky event that raises money for abused and neglected animals,” Fisher reminds. “Pender County Humane Society and Adopt an Angel are volunteer-based operations that are specifically no-kill shelters/rescues. It breaks my heart when I think of the thousands of animals that are euthanized simply because their time is up after a week in a kill shelter. People need to be aware and help rescues such as these so that eventually we don’t have any kill shelters at all.”

Wilmington’s Adopt an Angel (www.adoptanangel.cwahi.net) works specifically with municipal shelters to help make animal adoption placements by providing satellite adoption sites. The organization also works tirelessly to educate the public about the extreme importance of spaying and neutering, as well as about the devastating misfortune of homeless animals in our local community.

The Pender County Humane Society (www.penderhumane.org), located in Burgaw, is a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue organization that provides shelter and medical care to homeless and unwanted animals. While searching for loving and responsible permanent homes for its animals, the organization also works to prevent cruelty and overpopulation among dogs and cats in the area, as well as to assist and educate the public about responsible pet care.

The advocacy of these two organizations alone is worth a ticket to the annual Fur Ball; however, attendees will certainly receive some icing on the cake—which brings us back to the party.

The 2009 Wilmington Fur Ball will include dancing to the live musical stylings of Duke Ladd; lavish hors d’oeuvre and spirits; coffee served by Port City Java; psychic readings by Lisa Gerd-Rankin and Katherine Turner; Netop, the painting pooch; and silent and live auction items, ranging from a Carolina-blue Vespa scooter, to Super Bowl tickets, to original art work. Local photographer Satu Harris, for example, has donated several signed, framed photographs of Bill “Paco” Strickland, a stand-out local flamenco musician.

“Paco has been a beloved friend to Fur Ball from the very beginning, and we are proud that Satu’s beautifully styled images of him will be a part of the evening,” Fisher says. All of the funds raised this year through ticket sales, as well as auction items, will benefit the aforementioned nonprofits.

“Most major cities have their version of a Fur Ball because, to coin a phrase, it says a lot about a community how their animals are treated,” Fisher observes. “We really feel that the [Wilmington] community has answered the call.”

More information about the Wilmington Fur Ball can be found online at www.wilmingtonfurball.com or by calling Kim Fisher at 910-279-5530. Tickets are $75; however, there are discounted tickets available on the Web site through Paypal. Tickets are also available at Petsupermarket, a Fur Ball sponsor, located at 3908 Oleander Drive.

by: Tess Majenovsky

Dance-a-lorus
Nov. 11th, 7:30pm, and 14th, 10:15am
Level 5/City Stage
$15 or $12 for students

Cucalorus Kickoff Party
Nov. 11th, 9pm
Soapbox Laundro Lounge
Free for pass-holders or $10 GA

For bohemians of art, dance and film, it’s Christmas time again in November—the Cucalorus Film Festival arrives in one short week, beginning November 11th. Aside from the abundant screenings of film from all genres (see entire schedule on pages 21-24), there will be an incredible collaboration of art genius known as the Dance-a-lorus followed by the Cucalorus kickoff party at the Soapbox to start the five-day festival off on the right foot.

Up first, Cucalorus and The Dance Cooperative will join forces in an experimental collaboration of film, dance and music, continuing a tradition that has always wowed its audience. All three medias blend together into the sensory combustion known as “Dance-a-lorus.” The performance is a festival tradition, five years and counting, which takes place this year at City Stage. Viewers can catch the sunset and the onset of the dance on this the roof-level theater of the Level 5 club.

How did this edgy matrimony catch wind? Production coordinator for Dance-a-lorus, Suzanne Palmer, explains. “Within the modern dance world, film and video is really being explored as a component of dance.” The Dance Cooperative approached Cucalorus about the idea, and Suzanne says, “They were all about it.”

As far as what’s to be expected of this unique performance, well, actually, nothing can compare to this show, as it’s truly one-of-a-kind. Just expect nine consecutive pieces that should last just shy of two hours. Most importantly, leave all reservations at home.

“It’s really a broad range of subject matter,” Suzanne describes. From domestic abuse to baseball, the Full Belly Project to the evolution of punk, each piece is abstract and experimental. Choreographers worked with the concepts of the filmmakers, and the filmmakers with the design of the dance (Linda Larson and Bo Webb, Kate Neely and Harris Muhlstein, Sue Meier and Alexandra Lefkowitz with Adam Schiffer, Anne Firmender and Dylan Patterson, Kim McGee and Austin Miller, Jennifer Raine Kostel and Brandon Smith with Duncan Hill, Melanie Haulman and Tom Valentine, Tracey Varga and Joe Cordaro with Don Perkins, and PJ Barnes and Mathew and PJ Barnes Barnes).

After the show, the arts celebration continues as the Cucalorus kickoff party at the Soapbox will climax in an orgy of the senses beginning at 10pm. Cucalorus pass-holders can attend this event, but tickets will also be sold to non-pass-holders for $10. The party will host a selection of innovative music videos, called the “Buxton Blues Shorts,” and a collection of local bands.

“The lineup is still being considered, but Lands of Wonder, Jesse Stockton, and Big Al and the Stimulus Package have signed on,” Courtney Bridgers, special events coordinator and head of screenings, revealed. “One more band might join, but that’s a secret.”

Also, local filmmakers John Gray and Joel Fernando will each show a film. “My big thing is that we get filmmakers from all over the world, and I think showing them local talent helps them see a little piece of Wilmington that they can’t get anywhere else,” Bridgers shared.

For Cucalorus Film Festival virgins, she warned, “Anything could happen during Cucalorus.” It’s only one more reason not to miss these two kickoff events. To make plans, here’s the nitty-gritty: Dance-a-lorus tickets are $15, students can be admitted for only $12. The show begins at 7:30pm on Nov. 11th, and 10:15am on Nov. 14th Palmer says the Saturday show may include a few extra acts). Tickets are available at www.cucalorus.org, and the show takes place at the City Stage theatre.

The kickoff party at the Soapbox is $10 for non-pass-holders—but why not go ahead and splurge on the pass and enjoy limitless tickets to films, party, fun and a dose of the arts like Wilmington hasn’t seen all year long? Doors open at 9pm to the Soapbox; films begin at 10pm.