Entertainment

NC SciFest: Seed Balls and Wildflowers — It's Grow Time

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Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Written by Lena Simmons

“I love wildflowers and I am excited to help spread them in every neighborhood.”
— Regan Scott, Cape Fear Botanical Garden Instructor
Just imagine the Cumberland County community garden spaces with tangerine, periwinkle, mustard, crimson, and lavender wildflower blooms from April to September. The North Carolina Science Festival presents Family Program: Seed Balls and Wildflowers on April 27, at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd. The workshop times are 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The topics are Life Sciences and the Environment. The event is a hands-on, indoor, and outdoor event.
“Blooming wildflowers provide a burst of color attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies which are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat. Wildflowers provide a lot of benefits,” says Clay Bolt, World Wildlife photographer. ”The root systems along with other grassland plants extend deep into the soil, sharing water and nutrients while holding carbon that would otherwise be released in the air.”
According to the sites of North Carolina Wildflowers and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina wildflowers include the Coneflower, Swamp Milkweed, Bur Marigold, Black-Eye-Susan, Fire Pink, Aster, Golden Rod, Bird Foot Violet, Butterfly Weed, and American Bell Flower.
Nakita Gill shares a poetic perspective of wildflowers, “Strong enough to rise again after being trampled upon. Tough enough to weather the worst summer storms and able to flourish in even the most broken places. This is the heart of the Wildflower.”
Seed Balls are the second activity at the North Carolina Science Festival, at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
“Seed Balls are small clusters of seeds in a protective coating. The coating usually consists of compost, clay, and sometimes organic fertilizers,” according to GrowthRainbow.com. Seed Balls are an ancient and natural farming method for riverbed restoration, and enhancing biodiversity in urban and rural areas, according to Seed Bombs.
The Seed Ball and Wildflowers workshop is a Spring celebration.
“This workshop is a celebration of Spring with a guided tour of the garden’s wildflowers and a chance to get your hands dirty making Seed Balls two diverse ways. The workshop is a great fit for the celebration of native North Carolina Wildflowers and an opportunity for all ages and experience levels to explore the science of gardening. Persons of all ages can experience the science of nature,” shares Barbara Goldentyer, Environmental Education Manager, Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
Let's go wild for wildflowers at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden on April 27.
The $15 admission fee is required online at https://ncsciencefestival.org/events/family-program-seedballs-and-wildflowers and www.capefearbg.org/event/family-program-seed-balls-and-wildflowers. For more information call Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 910-486-0221, Extension 43.

"Ivories" ends spectacular season for Gilbert Theater

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Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Written by Amber Little

It wouldn’t be the Gilbert Theater if it didn’t end the season with a bang. After a revival season, full of patron favorites and ghosts of Christmas past, Ivories, a Queer tale of horror with a splash of humor, is taking the stage as the final show of the season from April 26 to May 12, with shows Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.. Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green Street, Downtown Fayetteville, above the Children’s Museum, where they plan to stay.
Ivories “True Horror Begins at Home” was written by the extraordinarily talented, internationally produced playwright, Riley Elton McCarthy, a Fayetteville childhood resident. The synopsis on the Gilbert’s website on Ivories reads, “Brought back to their childhood home to care for the grandmother who is riddled with severe dementia, young prodigal playwright Sloane and their botanist husband Gwyn are struggling to settle into a new routine after having their lives uprooted by tragedy. The longer Sloane stays in their grandmother’s home, the more secrets and childhood trauma begin to resurface, and the couple soon suspects something deeply sinister is afoot in this small, suburban New England estate. Good thing their best friend Beckham’s there to help sort out the estate… right?”
Described as a comedy-horror, Ivories is sure to take you on an emotional rollercoaster of fear, maybe some loathing, and some comedy to blend it all out.
“I find horror to be circumstantially funny,” McCarthy said of their choice to write Ivories as a horror-comedy.
This production has a full cast of seasoned Gilbert Theater regulars: Daniel Adams, Justin Gore Pike, and Michelle Rutherford. Kay Trojan is the stage manager and rounding out the group is Victoria Lloyd, co-director and technical director.
“I felt like we needed some Queer voices, even more so than we usually do at the Gilbert and I’m just really excited to be a part of this,” Lloyd shared of her choice to step in and up as Co-Director.
Ivories had been destined for greatness since its inception.
“I’ve been working on Ivories since 2021, I was a senior in college, getting my BFA in playwriting and acting and I had to write a thesis play, that was a full-length play. I pitched this idea of writing a play about a couple struggling with their sexuality while tending for a dying loved one…
"A friend of mine had really liked the pitch that I had done for that class and asked me to write a 30-page version of that play. 24 hours later, I wrote a 180-page draft instead of 30 and I said ‘hey, it’s not 30 pages, I wrote an entire play, could we do a midnight reading instead?’ So we scheduled the reading, we thought nobody would come, we cast 3 of my dearest friends in the world and we had 300 people come. It was online, in the middle of the night, all of us bored on Zoom watching a reading with elaborate artwork we created for every single room in the house and really embraced the horror of this piece. That was only in its first draft. It was largely successful,” McCarthy said.
Ivories was the first production to be performed in New York without masks at the Tank Theatre, a small off-broadway theater that has given the start to many careers, post-lockdown.
“We sold out within 24 hours of opening ticket sales,” McCarthy humbly stated about the first production success of their play.
While Ivories is a story of identity and loss, it is also a horror, a genre not commonly found on the stage, but one that when done well, provides the audience with a good time in the theater.
“People were really ecstatic to see horror on stage,” McCarthy said of the production at the Tank.
While some critics have not found the humor amongst the horror, Ivories continues to make waves worldwide. McCarthy recently signed a production contract to take Ivories to Dublin, Copenhagen, and Berlin. McCarthy, a military kid, grew up in Fayetteville and got their start in theater at the Gilbert. The production at the Gilbert Theater is truly a full-circle moment for the playwright.
For those patrons looking for an early bird scoop on next season, make sure opening night is on the calendar, as the Gilbert will be revealing next season’s lineup.

(Photo: The poster for the Gilbert Theater's production of Ivories. The show will close out the Gilbert's season. Courtesy of the Gilbert Theater and their Facebook page.)

Celebrate Piano Day at Fayetteville State University

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Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Written by Lisa Stevens

Mark your calendars to attend the musical, Piano Day, at Fayetteville State University’s Rosenthal Building on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., organized by Dr. Amanda Virelles, a passionate pianist and educator. Dive into a world of melody and technique with artist recitals, enlightening master classes, engaging group sessions and inspiring student performances.
“Each year, we have seen an increase in the number of students attending the event. The day kicks off with a captivating artist/faculty recital, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. The day continues with exclusive master classes where you have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with expert instructors, gaining invaluable insights and honing your skills throughout the day. The day caps off this musical extravaganza with a mesmerizing student recital, showcasing the talent and dedication of our piano community. In addition, there are also group classes and lectures where topics like concert etiquette, performance protocols, competitions, and other topics related to the world of piano performance and pedagogy are discussed,” Dr. Virelles shares.
Dr. Virelles adds, “As we commemorate a decade since the inception of FSU Piano Day, a distinct milestone that holds a dear place in my heart, I have extended an exclusive invitation to students who participated in our 1st Piano Day and our esteemed FSU community. In honor of this significant anniversary, I am delighted to welcome back one of the pioneers who played a pivotal role in shaping the first FSU Piano Day, Valerica Muller. A former FSU student turned accomplished professional, Valerica was instrumental in co-creating and orchestrating the inaugural event in the year 2014. She has a prominent piano studio in Apex, and many of her students are expected to attend this year’s event.
Dr. Virelles has been at FSU since 2013. Her dedication to musical education shines through in her diverse course offerings, ranging from Music Theory and World Music to Piano Literature and Pedagogy. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Virelles collaborates with instrumentalists' students and faculty, lending her exceptional piano skills to elevate their performances to new heights.
A testament to her commitment to nurturing young talent, Piano Day has become a cherished tradition under Dr. Virelles' guidance. This event draws aspiring musicians from Fayetteville and neighboring cities like Raleigh, Apex, Southern Pines, and Raeford, and even budding pianists as young as five years old.
Dr. Virelles, FSU Associate Professor of Piano, Dr. Kristina Henckel, FSU Piano faculty and accompanist, and Valerica Muller, FSU alum and owner of Val's Piano Forte, will teach the Master Classes.
Whether you're an aspiring virtuoso or simply love the enchanting sound of piano music, FSU Piano Day offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and immerse yourself in the art of piano performance. It promises an enriching experience for all participants, offering insights, guidance, and inspiration that transcend mere notes on a score.
Are you looking to pursue a music career? Dr. Virelles invites you to connect with like-minded students who share your passion and engage with teachers who can provide invaluable insights to nurture your musical aspirations. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of this vibrant musical community.
Registration is required, go to https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/71706830/fsu-piano-day-registration-required-fayetteville-fayetteville-state-university-affiliated and click on the link provided to register. Lunch will be provided.

(Photo: FSU will be celebrating their 10th annual Piano Day April 27. Photo courtesy of Dr. Amanda Virelles)

Comic Con comes back to Fayetteville, April 27, 28

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Tuesday, 09 April 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Fayetteville Comic Con is an event that takes place biannually to honor the culture of comic books, anime, horror, wrestling, movies, and other fandoms that are connected.
The Spring 2024 Fayetteville Comic Con will be held at the Crown Expo Center on April 27 and 28.
History and background of Fayetteville Comic Con
Fayetteville Comic Con was established in 2015 as a one-day event by Michael and Pam Chaudhuri, in response to the community's desire for a convention of this nature. The initial success of that event led to its expansion into a full weekend show in October 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Keith D. Gibbs, who is the present president and CEO, started as a volunteer in 2016. As fans began requesting two shows per year, an expansion was planned for 2020, but unfortunately, it was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, Gibbs assumed ownership of the show. Although there were not any in-person events in 2020, Fayetteville Comic Con successfully organized a live virtual show in June of that year. As soon as restrictions on social gatherings were lifted in 2021, the convention returned to a live show format.
Since then, Fayetteville Comic Con has been offering two shows per year. This year’s Spring 2024 show in April will be their seventh convention since the pandemic and the twelfth live convention overall.
Nod to the Military for Spring 2024
As we are all aware, Fort Liberty holds the distinction of being one of the largest military installations. Numerous soldiers and support personnel from this base have regularly attended Fayetteville Comic Con in the past. However, during the Fayetteville Comic Con Fall 2023, tensions in the Middle East escalated, leading to many soldiers being unable to attend. To express Comic Con’s gratitude for their service, they have decided to center the Spring 2024 show around the beloved franchise of GI Joe: A Real American Hero.
As a token of appreciation, they have reduced ticket prices for military personnel and first responders, and are also hosting various “Send a Soldier to the Show” fundraisers.
Friday Night Film Night on Friday, April 26
During the 2023 Autumn Show, a brand-new addition was unveiled to the lineup of attractions - the Friday Night Film Festival. This exciting festival will be returning this spring with a specially curated screening of the film "Black Hawk Down", followed by a Q&A session featuring the talented actor, Richard Tyson. Furthermore, there will be a showcase of a selection of short films created by aspiring local directors.
It's important to note that this event is separate from the ticketed Saturday/Sunday Fayetteville Comic Con, and all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Cosplay Your Favorite Character
Another new feature that started at the 2023 Fall Show was "CosPlays Got Talent!" competition. This exciting event allows CosPlayers to showcase their talents by performing dance, musical or theatrical acts in character. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes, which will be awarded by a distinguished panel of celebrity judges.
Alongside this competition, they are also hosting the Character Creator Master Class competition. In this challenge, they have invited fans to design, create, and embody a unique character that seamlessly fits into the GI Joe universe. The event will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Crown Expo Center. Please note that tickets to Fayetteville Comic Con are required for attendance.
Additionally, there will be other exciting cosplay events lined up, including a youth cosplay parade on Saturday, April 27, and an adult cosplay competition on Sunday, April 28.
Special Guests and Celebrity Appearances
The lineup of comic creators for the Spring 2024 Fayetteville Comic Con includes the legendary patriarch of GI Joe, Larry Hama, the esteemed artist Brian Shearer, who has had a long tenure with GI Joe, and the unmatched master of comics, Jim Shooter. In addition, they will showcase the talents of Michael Watkins, Jeremy Whitley, Rob "Potsy" Potchak and Wolly McNair, who is a native of Lumberton. Also highlighted is Brandon Ballard, a rising star in the world of comic book creation.
Fayetteville Comic Con has emerged as a top-notch occasion to interact with actors and creators from the Power Rangers series.
The upcoming Spring 2024 Con presents an exclusive opportunity to meet Phillip Jeanmarie, Alyson Sullivan, and Jessica Rey, who are renowned for their roles in Power Rangers: Wild Force. It is worth noting that Alyson will be making a special appearance all the way from Ireland, marking a rare occurrence in the United States.
Anime and animation play a significant role in conventions, and this particular convention boasts an impressive lineup of voice actors. Among them is Scot Innes, known for his roles as the voices of Scooby Doo, Scrappy Doo, and Shaggy.
Additionally, there are talented voice actors Michelle Knotz, Tony Salerno, Jason Griffith, Brian Beacock and Michael Sinterniklass. These skilled individuals have lent their voices to various projects ranging from Pokémon to Naruto, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Sonic the Hedgehog, and even One Piece to Dragon Ball.
The Complete Line Up Is As Follows:

Comic Creators
• Larry Hama
• Jim Shooter
• Michael Watkins
• Brian Shearer
• Jeremy Whitley
• Rob “Potsy Potchak”
• Brandon Ballard
• Wally McNair

Voice Actors
• Scott Innes
• Michelle Knotz
• Tony Salerno
• Jason Griffith
• Brian Beacock
• Michael Sinterniklass

Power Rangers
• Alyson Sullivan
• Phillip Jeanmarie
• Jessica Rey
• Screen Actors
• Richard Tyson
• John Anderson
• Felissa Rose

Wrestling
• Seargent Slaughter

Special Guests
• Ron Rudat
• Carson Mataxis

Fayetteville Comic Con Spring 2024 will be held Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 starting at 10 a.m. Tickets range in price depending on day passes or weekend passes. Tickets can be purchased at crowncomplexnc.com.