LET’S GET DIGITAL: Ashley Strand and Katherine Carr film ‘The Book of Mark’

When Wilmington’s Ashley Strand and Katherine Carr set out to film “The Book of Mark,” Strand says they didn’t have anything in mind for the project other than to simply make the best of a bad situation that is the unending black hole of COVID cancellations. “Like everyone else, we are doing our best to make lemonade out of lemons,” he says, “and when the … Continue reading LET’S GET DIGITAL: Ashley Strand and Katherine Carr film ‘The Book of Mark’

LIVESTREAM LAUGHS: Trae Crowder and his wellRED friends will cut up this Friday in ‘Cornteen Comedy’

  encore interviewed the “Liberal Redneck” comedian Trae Crowder back in 2018 before his wellRED comedy tour’s stopover at the Wilson Center. Dubbed the “Liberal Redneck” in his viral YouTube series, he uses his comedy, persona, platform and thick-as-molasses Tennessee accent to explain his progressive stance on social justice issues like Black Lives Matter. At the time, he told us he was tickled to visit … Continue reading LIVESTREAM LAUGHS: Trae Crowder and his wellRED friends will cut up this Friday in ‘Cornteen Comedy’

ROLLERCOASTER RIFFS: Zodiac Panthers release a new single ‘666 Feet Away From My Love’

  Before COVID-19 made haircuts a nonessential activity, Angela “Angie” Yeagher and her husband Johnny were often found together at her salon Angie’s Records & Hair attached to Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern. She could be found cutting hair or dying it fantastical colors—including my own aqua locks last summer—while Johnny would play the role of in-house DJ, spinning from the record store’s collection, and offering … Continue reading ROLLERCOASTER RIFFS: Zodiac Panthers release a new single ‘666 Feet Away From My Love’

STOKING THE FIRE: Local filmmaker raising money for ‘Wilmington on Fire: Chapter II’

  encore has followed local filmmaker Christopher Everett’s work since he debuted his documentary “Wilmington on Fire” at the Port City’s Cucalorus in November 2015. In his first installment, Everett’s film tackles the story of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre, which has educated thousands in Wilmington and across the country about this hidden piece of history—and sparked new conversations around racial justice and equity. Enter “Wilmington … Continue reading STOKING THE FIRE: Local filmmaker raising money for ‘Wilmington on Fire: Chapter II’

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON: Reggie’s 42nd Street livestreams fundraiser Friday

  In March no one really could have guessed how COVID-19 ultimately would continue to impact our daily lives throughout spring, summer and now at the very least through the end of 2020, but most likely beyond. Local businesses who continue to struggle to keep the lights on or unable to open fully, or in any capacity, are trying to get creative in producing income. … Continue reading KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON: Reggie’s 42nd Street livestreams fundraiser Friday

FROM THE ASHES: Stray Local release new single, “Faint Glow,” music video on July 15

  Stray Local’s folksy and indie elements have always threaded seamlessly with the now married Jamie and Hannah Rowen singing-songwriting duo. In these last few years, the couple has continued to float around stages as a trio and even full-band iterations with more electric indie-rock sounds. Stray Local’s upcoming song and music video release, “Faint Glow,” is dropping Wednesday, July 15, and continues on that … Continue reading FROM THE ASHES: Stray Local release new single, “Faint Glow,” music video on July 15

TRIVIA PALS: Music producer Mike Brown hosts livestream trivia nights for prizes

  “Before COVID hit I was working on a pilot at Screen Gems Studios as a utility for the construction department, as well as producing/mixing [music at Low Tide Studios],” Mike Brown reminisces of life pre-COVID. “I had to get creative like everyone else but find something that really appealed to my community of friends and family.” Enter virtual music trivia. Every Tuesday and Friday … Continue reading TRIVIA PALS: Music producer Mike Brown hosts livestream trivia nights for prizes

MUSIC FOR THE TIMES: Local artists share their playlists to help comfort you during COVID

Phase two is extended in North Carolina and that’s a pretty big bummer for a community like ours. We like our local eateries, bars and dives—most of which are still either closed or limited to opening at half capacity or only doing takeout. We love our local artists, galleries and myriad exhibitions that in normal times we get to attend in person; today we’re limited … Continue reading MUSIC FOR THE TIMES: Local artists share their playlists to help comfort you during COVID

LIVE FROM ‘SHALLOW CHATEAU’: Travis Shallow continues livestreaming series, releases new single Friday

  If we remember anything about music in 2020, it will be how livestream concerts helped musicians and music lovers come to terms with COVID life. Local singer-songwriter and guitarist Travis Shallow has kept occupied (and sane) with his own “Shallow Chateau” streaming series every Wednesday and Saturday at 6 p.m. He originally started the roughly two-hour shows because he needed some structure during quarantine. … Continue reading LIVE FROM ‘SHALLOW CHATEAU’: Travis Shallow continues livestreaming series, releases new single Friday

LOVE NOTES: David Dixon releases third single ahead of 2020 EP

  David Dixon’s forthcoming single, “Better With You By My Side,” isn’t subtle. He wrote the song as a love note for Lauren, his wife of almost three years. The single’s artwork even features a photo of the couple from their wedding day: Lauren rests her head on his shoulder. In Dixon’s own words, “She’s the best.” “Beautiful, funny, kind, supportive, loves music,” he adds. … Continue reading LOVE NOTES: David Dixon releases third single ahead of 2020 EP