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FILM = JOBS
That was the mantra and message yesterday in downtown Wilmington as 1,000+ locals gathered to show support for the North Carolina film industry. Signs reading “Please Don’t Take My Job,” and “NC Film Supports My Family” could be seen amid the crowd – which was made up of enthusiastic and politically diverse members of the community. “Democrats and Republicans for Film,” a few signs read, standing as proof that keeping the film industry in NC is a nonpartisan issue.
Several elected officials spoke at yesterday’s rally, including Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, NC Senator Thom Goolsby (R) and local Representative Susi Hamilton (D).
Organized by the Wilmington Regional Film Commission, the rally was held in response to a recent threat to the state’s current film tax incentives – House bill 994 – which many see as a lethal blow to one of the state’s most economically stimulating industries.
John McDaniel as ‘Jimmy Page.’
My girlfriends and I planned to see Magic Mike on Friday. (Judge me, if you must). Much to my dismay, I discovered that Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience was scheduled to perform at the Downtown Sundown Concert Series the same evening. Ever since seeing them perform last summer, I’d been anxiously awaiting Zoso’s return to Wilmington. The thought of having to wait another year was disappointing, to say the least.
Rather than backing out on our girls’ night, I decided I would just have to suck it up and suffer through two hours of eye candy instead of getting the Led out. (Tough life, I know). As it turned out, the theatres in the area oversold tickets to Magic Mike, resulting in somewhat of a crisis, as women were literally fighting over seats. I even heard something about the cops being called after some women bought tickets to another show, sneaked into Magic Mike and started throwing punches.
Apparently, there are a lot of randy (and violent) women in Wilmington.
Anyway, my girlfriend called to inform me that Magic Mike was a no-go, and we agreed it would be best to reschedule. Although I was disappointed that I wouldn’t get to hang out with my friends, I must admit to feeling a little giddy at the opportunity to see Zoso again. Isn’t it nice when things just magically work out like that? Read more…
Free Comic Book Day at Memory Lane Comics
There are few things that bring such pure, unadulterated joy to a comic fan’s heart than the first Saturday in May. This day marks an annual event in which participating comic book shops give select issues to anyone who shows up – absolutely free. That’s right, free. Complimentary. Gratis. On the house.
Highly anticipated and nationally celebrated, Free Comic Book Day began in 2002. Since then, FCBD has grown into something much more than just a clever marketing event. It is a day in which fans of all ages can revel in their favorite fantasy and sci-fi worlds while discovering new ones. It’s also a great opportunity to show support for local comic book stores, most of which are independently owned.
My husband and I had the pleasure of visiting one such shop today.
Alleycat’s Vintage and Resale, Wilmington NC
Catherine Dale Halecki, aka “Cat,” owner of Alleycat’s Vintage and Resale
Just off Oleander Drive, tucked within a little alleyway, an unassuming garage houses some of the world’s most valuable treasures. I bet you didn’t know that, did you? Well, it’s true. These aren’t the diamond and ruby types of treasures, but they are treasures, nonetheless.
The items found in this place were saved for years, even decades. Throughout wars, social change, political unrest and cultural evolution, these coveted items stood the test of time. Many were once loved and cherished by someone, at some point. They ended up here because, for whatever reason, their owners couldn’t bring themselves to throw them away. Some of these items were marvels of the ‘modern age,’ some were indicative of their era, some were love tokens or hand-me-downs. Some of the items in this place were even made by hand, carefully crafted for some unknown treasure seeker yet to come.
At Alleycat’s Vintage and Resale in Wilmington, I make small talk with owner Catherine Dale Halecki as she creates a sign for her shop. While she carefully Modge-Podges paper letters to a salvaged headboard, we gab about the weather, her kids, family drama, etc. (Cat’s my friend, after all). Although I haven’t known her long, I’ve been delighted to get to know her and – truth be told – I think I’m as excited about her new shop as she is.
