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

Shannon Rae GentryMarch 31, 2020Leave a comment

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

ADDED DIMENSION: Instrumentalist Andrew Kasab returns to Fermental

“Big stages are fun,”says string instrumentalist Andrew Kasab, “but I love the intimate, right-next-to-your-audience shows. There’s nothing quite like making jokes with folks while entertaining the pants off them.” True to form, the Raleigh-based musician is returning to play Wilmington’s Fermental on January 4. He describes Fermental as a home away from home, where he can share belly laughs and good times. While Kasab … Continue reading ADDED DIMENSION: Instrumentalist Andrew Kasab returns to Fermental

Shannon Rae GentryDecember 27, 2019Leave a comment

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

DECADE IN MUSIC: Shannon looks back on memorable people, moments and music in ILM

Just like the beginning of the decade, the idea of writing a reflection on roughly 10 years of conversations in music started off as an exciting endeavor. Just like actually living through the decade, I’m exhausted. Once I started shuffling through my mind’s filing system and scribbling down names of musicians, I quickly realized: “I’ve talked to a lot of fucking people.” Don’t get … Continue reading DECADE IN MUSIC: Shannon looks back on memorable people, moments and music in ILM

Shannon Rae GentryDecember 27, 2019Leave a comment

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

TOP GOAT: Folk and friendship are at the center of Capricious

Here’s something to really get your goat … in a good way. Vanessa Lynch (vocals, guitar) and Cole Mancini (vocals, violin) officially call their duo Capricious, but their motto (and website) is “two goats and a dream.” Both Capricorns, they have long used their astrology sign (a goat) in their literal and figurative branding. “When we were just starting out we used to tell … Continue reading TOP GOAT: Folk and friendship are at the center of Capricious

Shannon Rae GentryAugust 27, 2019Leave a comment

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Concerts, Music

EMBRACING THE WEIRD: Eyeball brings psychedelic neo-space rock to ILM

“A band like ours doesn’t have too many choices of places to play because we are so weird,” says drummer Trey McLamb of his band Eyeball. Since he and Myriam Martian (guitar, art-noise) founded the Raleigh-based psychedelic project in 2015, they’ve mostly played near or west of the Triangle in venues catering to artsy, outside-of-the-box music. Wilmington’s Juggling Gypsy fits the mold and will … Continue reading EMBRACING THE WEIRD: Eyeball brings psychedelic neo-space rock to ILM

Shannon Rae GentryAugust 20, 20191 Comment

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Music

LAST CALL: Steve Forbert helps play out TheatreNOW

Wilmington bids farewell to its first and only dinner theatre, TheatreNOW, this month. The theater opened its doors in July 2012. Its final theatrical production, “Clue: The Musical,” premiered in July and was a hit with audiences and encore’s Gwenyfar Rohler alike. Folks can catch the show’s final curtain call August 23-24. TheatreNOW’s Super Saturday Fun Time Finale is also set for August 24 … Continue reading LAST CALL: Steve Forbert helps play out TheatreNOW

Shannon Rae GentryAugust 20, 2019Leave a comment