Tag: Shannon Rae Gentry

EXTRA & FEATURES, Feature

#healthyILM: Mayor Saffo and NHRMC exec create campaign for healthy and safe reopening

Originally published in encore magazine, June 3, 2020 At national and state levels, politics and science have continuously been at odds throughout this global pandemic. It’s a disconcerting fact as North Carolina enters phase two of reopening businesses, and Wilmingtonians look to leaders to lead them out of this mess in a safe and informed way. “[City of Wilmington] decisions are always based on facts … Continue reading #healthyILM: Mayor Saffo and NHRMC exec create campaign for healthy and safe reopening

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

ARTISTIC TIME CAPSULE: Kathryn O’Shea opens up about ‘January 9th,’ available now

  Like most people, singer-songwriter Katheryn O’Shea describes the last couple months as an unexpected whirlwind of adjustments. We first met the Asheville-based artist when she played 2019’s Carolina Pines Fest last November. She has since recorded her debut album, “January 9th” (on the date in 2020), with the intention of touring behind a spring release. The finished tracks came to her on March 14—her … Continue reading ARTISTIC TIME CAPSULE: Kathryn O’Shea opens up about ‘January 9th,’ available now

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

KEEPING LIVE MUSIC ALIVE: Virtual festival ‘Don’t Leave Your Stoop’ gets under way Saturday

  Despite postponed and canceled events plaguing our social calendar right now, Wilmington’s music community continues to find ways to get artists and their music to listeners. Stoop Records, a local independent label founded and managed by Kevin Earl, is just one of countless recording companies that have had to think creatively to overcome the effects of COVID-19. “The main setback of COVID-19 so far … Continue reading KEEPING LIVE MUSIC ALIVE: Virtual festival ‘Don’t Leave Your Stoop’ gets under way Saturday

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

SILVER LINING: Mike Blair and the Stonewalls release a series of singles leading up to ‘Almanac County’

  “Somebody asked me the other day, ‘What are you doing for fun?’” singer-songwriter Mike Blair tells me over our Zoom sesh—not quite the same as grabbing a beer at Burnt Mill Creek, but we’re both getting used to it. We’re discussing the “COVID cloud” we’re all living under these days as we wait patiently (mostly?) for the return of normalcy in commerce, arts and … Continue reading SILVER LINING: Mike Blair and the Stonewalls release a series of singles leading up to ‘Almanac County’

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

BE PROUD: Former Seahawk Christy McDonald releases debut EP ‘PROUD’

  Last weekend was supposed to be commencement for 2020 UNCW grads. Of course, COVID-19 put the kibosh on those plans. While it’s disappointing for so many who have worked hard for years, UNCW alumni, faculty and staff have been sharing words of encouragement and congratulating graduates in an effort to remind there’s so much to celebrate. “I know this is a weird time, but … Continue reading BE PROUD: Former Seahawk Christy McDonald releases debut EP ‘PROUD’

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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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