SHARING SONGS: Jesse Stockton releases new album ‘Papoose’
While it’s not rare for me to sit and listen to an album from start to finish, it’s not often I get lost in the stories, sonnets and sonics of a record. Last week Jesse Stockton dropped his latest release, “Papoose,” an indie-folk-rock collection from the last 17 years. From its opening track “All Twisted Up,” which shakes (perhaps playfully kicks) you awake with … Continue reading SHARING SONGS: Jesse Stockton releases new album ‘Papoose’
REMEMBER HAIRCUTS? Lotus releases new album, music video
Remember that time, Wilmington, when Lotus came to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in 2016 and we danced and laughed and danced some more? Remember live music unfettered by screens or buffer times? Remember the good ol’ days? Well, Pepperidge Farm remembers … (You’re welcome, “Family Guy” fans.) Anyway, Lotus has released another fun instrumental number called “Bjorn Gets A Haircut” (haircuts, sigh…) with an official … Continue reading REMEMBER HAIRCUTS? Lotus releases new album, music video
RIDE THE WAHINE WAVE: The Wahine Classic returns August 15-16, moves to Carolina Beach
While the COVID wave has crashed and thrashed a lot of summer events, North Carolina’s Wahine Classic will resurface this weekend, August 15-16, with female surfers of all ages competing as amateurs, professionals and teenie-wahines. Event organizer Jo Pickett had to change the location of the competition this year because of pandemic. Normally hosted at Wrightsville Beach, town management couldn’t give the go-ahead for … Continue reading RIDE THE WAHINE WAVE: The Wahine Classic returns August 15-16, moves to Carolina Beach
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
Shannon Rae Gentry 