Author: Shannon Rae Gentry

I’m a writer, collaborator, and community-minded creative working to reimagine encore magazine, our region’s longest-running alt-weekly, not just as a newspaper, but as a shared space where culture, civic life, and local voices meet.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

TAKE THE MIC(TURN): MicTurn app wraps first original song contest

  Wilmington’s Jason Ashby and Kennon Young just closed entries for their first original song contest on Sunday via their MicTurn app. With 59 entries (and the nonprofit 100 Men Who Care in Wilmington matching each $5 entry donation with $10), they raised $590 for Meals For Heroes. “Nothing crazy but it feels great to give back in any way,” Ashby says. Submissions were open … Continue reading TAKE THE MIC(TURN): MicTurn app wraps first original song contest

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

AN OPTIMISTIC NOTE: Bradley Wik releases “music for depressed alcoholic autistic people” in support of Autism Awareness Month

  “I spent so many years trying to fight against being a ‘depressed alcoholic autistic person’ and that only made it worse,” muses Charlotte-based singer-songwriter Bradley Wik. “I convinced myself I was broken and I was the only person who felt this way. But I want people to know you’re not broken and you’re not alone.” In support of Autism Awareness Month, Wik and his … Continue reading AN OPTIMISTIC NOTE: Bradley Wik releases “music for depressed alcoholic autistic people” in support of Autism Awareness Month

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

LEARNING A NEW TUNE: Jeremy Mathews offers private online lessons in instruments, songwriting and more

  For the past few weeks, tribute videos for John Prine have flooded the internet. The folk singer-songwriter, who passed away from COVID-19 complications on April 7, was an influential figure for countless artists around the globe. Like many other musicians nationwide and here locally, multi-instrumentalist and music teacher Jeremy Mathews plans to pay tribute to Prine with covers of song such as “All the … Continue reading LEARNING A NEW TUNE: Jeremy Mathews offers private online lessons in instruments, songwriting and more

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

SING A (QUARAN)TUNE: Pianist Clay Whittington plays live for audiences every Thursday

  It’s been a while since I sat down with pianist Clay Whittington at Port City Java on Market Street in 2013. The Kinston-born North Carolinian had moved to Wilmington only a few months prior in order to fulfill his passion for performance in theatre, film and music. Leading up to his move, Whittington had been in shows like “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Clue,” “TEXAS,” “Disney’s … Continue reading SING A (QUARAN)TUNE: Pianist Clay Whittington plays live for audiences every Thursday

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EXTRA & FEATURES, Feature

SIMPLE BEAUTY: River Organics takes chemicals and plastics out of makeup

Originally published in encore magazine, April 7, 2020 We have a multi-layered, toxic relationship with the cosmetic industry. At its foundation, so to speak, is the deluge of products we inundate our skin with, as well as the waste of purchased items that are hardly used. A 2017 survey of 3,000 women (commissioned by SkinStore) found an average use of 16 products in the morning, … Continue reading SIMPLE BEAUTY: River Organics takes chemicals and plastics out of makeup

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

RAY OF LIGHT: Sean Thomas Gerard talks latest single and accompanying April 4 livestream

  For the last couple of weeks, encore (like everyone else in ILM) has gotten used to seeing the words “postponed” and “canceled” due to COVID-19. It’s a tough pill to swallow for the arts and entertainment community, especially for musicians who rely on shows and festivals for exposure and a paycheck. Among them is Sean Thomas Gerard of Onward, Soldiers, who books shows for … Continue reading RAY OF LIGHT: Sean Thomas Gerard talks latest single and accompanying April 4 livestream

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EXTRA & FEATURES, Feature

LOG ON: NHCS teachers talk new strategy as they navigate online learning

  Due to the governor’s current stay-at-home order, New Hanover County Schools announced on March 29 they will remain closed to the public through May 15. The closure includes all schools and facilities, except by appointment or at the discretion of a school’s principal. Learning continuity planning and training for teachers has been underway since March 24, and teachers are expected to launch their online … Continue reading LOG ON: NHCS teachers talk new strategy as they navigate online learning

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Film

THREE FOR THREE: Wilmington actor Carson Holmes talks about his role on ‘Ozark,’ season three premiere

  Folks who have been watching Netflix’s “Ozark” are familiar with the Langmores, especially Ruth (Julia Garner)—a smart, sassy and sometimes well-intentioned 20-something trying to do what’s right for her family. There’s also her teenage cousins, Wyatt (Charlie Tahan) and his younger brother Three, played by Wilmingtonian Carson Holmes. The Langmores are known in their community for low, petty theft crimes, but some of the … Continue reading THREE FOR THREE: Wilmington actor Carson Holmes talks about his role on ‘Ozark,’ season three premiere

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

VIRTUAL SUPPORT: Wilson Center Ghostlight Series livestreams March 23, 7 p.m.

  In an effort to keep Wilmington’s vibrant art scene strong in this time of uncertainty for local performers, CFCC’s Wilson Center, WHQR 91.3FM  and The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County are launching the Wilson Center Ghostlight Series.  In a release on March 17, Arts Council executive director Rhonda Bellamy noted the Cape Fear’s nonprofit arts sector has an economic impact of … Continue reading VIRTUAL SUPPORT: Wilson Center Ghostlight Series livestreams March 23, 7 p.m.

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EXTRA & FEATURES, Feature

WTF IN HISTORY: ‘She Rocks the Vote’ exhibit postponed, carries multiple themes relevant to today

Originally published in encore magazine, March 17, 2020 Like nearly everything else in March, next Thursday’s “She Rocks the Vote” exhibit at UNCW’s Randall Library has been postponed. Spearheaded by Randall’s humanities librarian Lisa Coats and Jennifer Le Zotte, assistant professor of U.S. history and material culture, the curated event to help celebrate Women’s History Month will have a new date as soon as possible. … Continue reading WTF IN HISTORY: ‘She Rocks the Vote’ exhibit postponed, carries multiple themes relevant to today

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