Greensboro Daily Photo

Downtown at Holliday Circle

This Friday is  First Friday and the Festival of Lights. Are you ready? Downtown is ready for us. The above photo is the General Nathanael Greene Statue at Holliday Circle- 405 South Greene Street. General Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and the person for whom Greensboro is named. The 22' tall bronze statue is on an 10' granite base.  Greensboro artist James Barnhill is the sculptor. It was dedicated on March 28, 2008. It was placed there as part of the Greensboro Bicentennial in that same year. *  Sculptor James Barnhill's work is featured prominently throughout Greensboro. He is a retired faculty member at NCA&T State University.  The round-about, Holliday Circle, is named for Keith A. Holliday who served our mayor from 1999 to 2007. So, this circle holds so much history for our city.

The photo was taken from the west, looking east, towards Hamburger Square. This historic area will be busy this Friday. Here is a list of holiday happenings in Downtown Greensboro. You won't want to miss these events. During COVID,  Downtown Greensboro (#DGSO) a local non-profit did a fabulous job of finding things to engage the community. Some of these events- like Tinsel Town- remain. Friday is on target to be beautiful weather. It is only Tuesday and we can hardly wait!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

Strolling Along Elm Street

Happy day before Thanksgiving. Downtown is starting to feel festive. Shoppers are visiting stores and galleries to find those special gifts. Warm cups of coffee taste so good on these cooler days. The above photo was taken in front of the Green Bean Coffee Shop on the 300 block of South Elm Street. This is such a dynamic part of Elm Street.

In seven days, it will be December. In nine, it will be time for the Festival of Lights. Just like the two identified guys in the photo who were walking at a very brisk pace, it seems like November has flown by. Those of us at Greensboro Daily Photo wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. The public school students of Greensboro have five days home with family. May you savor every moment of your time together.

Happy Wednesday!

Cornerstones, A Painting by Isaac Payne, Hanging at Tanger Center

This lovely painting, entitled Cornerstones, hangs on the 3rd floor of Tanger Center. It is a work by Isaac Payne, commissioned by Lauren and David Worth. It is a mixed media piece consisting of oil paint, ink, pastel, conte, charcoal, cotton rag paper, glue, acrylic polymer, rock and brick fragments, broken thumb tack, and varnish on birch plywood. This is only a part of the piece which is at least 5' x 10' (best guess). The colors are so vibrant and the more you look at it, the more you notice. It is a  panoramic view from the 500 block of South Elm Street, looking north. In the foreground, you see Hamburger Square, in the background, the Lincoln Financial building.

While Isaac Payne grew up in Tacoma, Washington, he lives and works in Charlotte, NC. He has such a talent for capturing the feeling of the places he paints. We are lucky to have this one. Thank you to the Worths for commissioning the piece and for having it on display at the Tanger Center. It would be so fabulous to sit and watch Mr. Payne work his magic with all of those different art supplies and colors.

View from Hamburger Square

This is the view of West McGee Street from the middle of Hamburger Square- the intersection of McGee with South Elm Street. Just Be Gifts  is to the left, Little Brother Brewing to the right, and Natty Greene's Restaurant just behind us. At the Festival of Lights on Friday, December 2nd, there will be standing-room-only in this square. In the background, center of the photo, you can see Nathanael Greene statue- local artist Jim Barnhill was commissioned to sculpt it. To the right in the background is the newly opened Hampton Inn. We're betting it will sell out for the Festival of Lights/First Friday. Look at how convenient it is to downtown! Although the scene looks empty and gray in today's post, it will be crowded and full of color when everyone is downtown on December 2nd. 

If you have a teen learning to drive, McGee is a good place to practice. As you can see, the lanes are clearly marked, AND, if you look at the diamond-shaped, yellow warning sign on the right, there is a round about. Round-abouts are becoming more popular in Greensboro. It is a good idea to practice navigating them- with or without a novice driver!

Happy Tuesday! A big thank you Katja Brown who alerted us to the fact that today's post hadn't published!

Joe Troop Larry Bellorín

Last night, Larry Bellorín (left) and Joe Troop performed at The Crown Theatre, the intimate venue on the third floor of the Carolina Theatre on Greene Street. The duo's performance was part of the Triad's Folk Music Society, Fiddle and Bow. Joe Troop is a multi-instrumentalist from Winston-Salem North Carolina. Larry Bellorín, who hails form Venezuela, now lives in Raleigh, but continues to share his Venezuelan llanura music. Larry is extremely talented with great expertise on the harp.Together Larry and Joe perform seamlessly, Joe is bilingual in Spanish and English and translates as needed. They started playing together when Joe got a grant in Durham and was looking for someone to perform with him. He me Larry, and there has been no looking back.

If you get a chance to attend a performance by Larry and Joe, do not hesitate to do so. If you can find a performance you like at The Crown, please make an effort to go. You won't regret it. The Crown is such a versatile space and can hold up to 140 seated guests. They are open to all types of performances, from spoken word to dance recitals, to intimate concerts like the one put on by Larry and Joe!

Happy Saturday!

Day of the Dead

For those who celebrate Day of the Dead, you know that it is today and yesterday. The above photo was taken last night at the Center for Visual Artists in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Casa Azul has put up altars, remembrances for deceased relatives. There are 12 altars in all; at least that's what we think. There was a high school student there counting them for an assignment for Spanish class. Many of the altars, also known as ofrendas, were created by middle and high school students. Casa Azul is a group that supports Latino arts and culture. Every November, they install altars to help celebrate latino cultures and also to educate people about the purpose of the holiday. The movies "Coco" and "The Book of Life" are a great place to start if you want to understand the cultures. Of course, you could also ask someone who celebrates the holiday or your favorite Spanish teacher.

If you are interested in seeing the ofrendas and learning more about them, the display will be up, free, and open to the public now through November 12th. Remember, this Friday is First Friday, a perfect opportunity to see the display. On Friday and Saturday, there will be music in the Van Dyke Performance Space in the Cultural Arts Center. Hope to see you there!

Happy Wednesday!

 

NCA&T Homecoming

(Working with typepad to get photos to post. Sorry for the glitch. I'm hoping 5,000 photos aren't gone). This is homecoming week for North Carolina A&T State University. It has been dubbed the Greatest Homecoming on Earth and it is easy to see why. People come from all over the United States to celebrate their university with other graduates. Greensboro is crowded, in a good way. Hotels are booked, restaurants are full, many establishments have parking-lot, standing-room-only space; indeed, the festivities have begun.

The above event was taking place on Friday night at 816 South Elm Street, at the old flour mill downtown, either at the Continental Club or Vault 816, or both! People were waiting patiently in line, talking to friends who were already inside, taking selfies, and talking to people around them. When you graduate from the same university, especially one that you love, there is a camaraderie and a bond that lasts a lifetime. We didn't stick around long, as we were just passing by, but we bet if we were there long enough, we would heard a wave of "Aggie Pride" chants. Here's to good fun and a great day of football and fellowship.

Happy Saturday!

FLAT IRON

The FLAT IRON at 221 Summit Avenue downtown Greensboro is located in a building that was constructed for A.W. Kaplan in 1922. It is located at the convergence of Summit Avenue and Lindsay Street. Originally, it was a four-unit apartment building. Charles Hartman was the architect. He had recently arrived in Greensboro from New York City, which explains the NYC vibe.* It was built 100 years after its NYC counterpart.** The FLAT IRON is known for creative shows and original music. 

This photo was taken on Thursday night when the Tanger Center was filled with people waiting to hear Venus Williams speak. Also, the LeBauer Park food stations were going open. However, just a block away, the FLAT IRON was open, a little island of music and tradition. Dusty Keene refurbished and reopened what formerly had a reputation of being a "dive bar." Stop by, listen to some great music, and play a round of pool. It is part of downtown north Greensboro (NOGSOO) fun! We're wondering if that sporty red car was headed there!

Happy Saturday!

*reference = pocketsights.com

** see another article here.

Fall Stroll Along Elm Street

What do you do to relax? We love to stroll along Elm Street. We love to check in on a few businesses, see what conversations we can engage in, and engage in some serendipitous fun. Yesterday afternoon was an especially great time to be walking around. The air was crisp; sweater weather. Just Be has a fresh shipment of fair trade mittens and headbands. Design Archives has vintage sweaters and flannel out; Scuppernong has great books suggested. Jerusalem Market on Elm has great middle eastern food. These are only a few of the great stops downtown. Most of all, we love walking out of a store and, the very second before the eyes adjust, holding up the camera and snapping a photo. This is the shot we got yesterday in the south 300 block at Hamburger Square.

Downtown has some nice trees that are still holding on to their leaves. Have a stoll and see what you can uncover. Take a few photos for a memory. Have a great Thursday.

Brad Caviness

Last night during First Friday in downtown Greensboro Brad Caviness was working diligently on one of the jars he and his brother, Bryan, create together. The two have been working on this specific sculpture for three month. Brad made the jar, Bryan carved the temple and pillars, Brad is working on the details of filing down the columns. Just look at his focus and the placement of his hands. The piece is backlit, making the inside of the jar glow and the temple stand out. The Caviness brothers are inspired by archaeology, especially historic structures from great civilizations. Part of the jar is chipped away because this structure has suffered destruction. It was a temple in Palmyra, Syria, destroyed by the Islamic State in 2015. How wonderful these structures live on in the work of Brad and Bryan.

This dynamic sibling duo is represented in Greensboro by Ambleside Gallery.  Gallery owner, Jackson Mayshark, saw the talent of these two sculptors and knew their sculptures would be a good fit for the art and artists he represents at the gallery. Ambleside is located at 528 South Elm Street. This is the first time we noticed Brad working on a piece in the window of Ambleside. How wonderful to have had the opportunity to watch him work. This is an example of the serendipity of what you will see when walking the length of Elm Street- especially on First Friday. If you want to get lost in the ancient ruins of Brad & Bryan online, head to bcclayart.com and have a look; in person, to Ambleside. We're betting you'll be wowed!

Happy Monday, dear readers.

Downtown Decorations

It is beginning to look a lot like Halloween in downtown Greensboro. Especially from the 500 block of South Elm Street  to Bain Street, downtown is very colorful. The above window is the decoration of Terra Blue, a store that sells spiritual gifts, beads and findings, bath salts, coffee, and more. Allen and Sarah McDavid opened a shop in 1999 in a neighborhood and then moved to the above location downtown. Their shop, over 20 years old, is in a building that used to be shared with the Browsery, in the building owned by Ben Matthews.* Terra Blue was very creative during the Pandemic, setting up shop outside in the entranceway of the store. Now, they have in inventory in both sides of the building and their window displays just keep getting better and better.

Last night was First Friday, the weather was nice and there were plenty of galleries, shops, bars, and restaurants open for everyone's enjoyment. The cultural arts center featured an art exhibit. The downtown parks had people in them; in Center City Park for the Drum Circle and LeBauer Park for Salsa dancing. The moon was not quite full, but it was bright, illuminating everything in its path. The serendipity of strolling on Elm Street on a night with so many places open is delightful. As we were taking this picture, a boy about 4 years walked by and started talking to us. His mom reminded him that he just can't talk to even?ryone. Persistend, he asked "Who are you?" What would you say if a four year old stranger asked you that question. Then, we stopped to watch Brian Caviness sculpting at Ambleside Gallery and then headed back up the other side of the street. The evening was very relaxing!

Happy Saturday! Head out and make some memories.

 

* read Yes Weekly article about Ben and the Browsery, here.

Ernest Thompson, Singer-songwriter

Ernest Thompson is a singer songwriter with long ties to the Greensboro Community. He attended school at Jones Elementary, Aycock (now Swann) Middle, and graduated from the Early College at Guilford. During his childhood in Greensboro, he had many local music mentors, including Jane Vanmiddlesworth (trumpet), José Melitón (piano), and Scott Manring (banjo). Though he's been playing music since elementary school, Ernest has only been writing songs the last few years. 

He performs frequently in Charleston, SC, but had his first homecoming performing on Tuesday, as part of his southeast tour. He played at Matty Sheets' open mike at the Green Bean Coffee Shop. Ernest's debut album of original songs is finished and will be released to the public soon.  Ernest is most active on Instagram. Follow him at Instagram.com/ErnestThompson91. Ernest was so happy to see many friends come out to support him- some of whom he has known since elementary school. Let's hope we can get Ernest back to town to play again soon! 

Matty Sheets & Open Mic at the Green Bean

Matty Sheets has been hosting open mic sessions in Greensboro for nearly twenty years. Since June of 2021, he has held the sessions at the Green Bean Coffee Shop downtown on Elm Street. The above photo was taken at the session held there last night. Poets, singer songwriters, a percussionist, a ventriloquist, and more shared their talent. Matty doesn't have a lot of rules, other than demanding people be ready when it is their turn, and that they are nice to each other. The Tuesday night open mics are from 7-10 pm and about 25 people performed and there was a nice little crowd of spectators.

Here is Matty Sheet's personal website, where he explains that he is an artist, musician, songwriter, and a storyteller. He also explains that he is living with multiple sclerosis and that he is dizzy most of the time. He is so personable and generous with his time to host everyone's favorite open mic, which is free to musicians. Matty opened the night last night a performance on his ukulele and introduced everyone; most of the performers seem to know him on a personal basis. Matty looks so elegant and in his element in the front part of the Green Bean, in front of the rows of filled chairs. Thank you, Matty for all you do for the local performance artists. Let's hope those new advances in MS research come your way. You deserve the best!

Happy Wednesday!

 

*Great Yes Weekly article on Matty Sheets HERE.

201 North Eugene Street

Today's photo features the lot at 201 North Eugene Street downtown. It formerly housed Guilford Center/ Guilford County Health Department. D.H. Griffin won the demolition bid and demolition began in March 2022, and appears to be complete. According to Fox 8 News, this land was part of a City Council-approved land swap with Carroll Corporation. It was done  to facilitate Greensboro's development of the Eugene Street Parking Deck downtown. The swap and financial transaction with developer Roy Carroll were explained in a 2018 News and Record article by John Newsome. It will be interesting to see what this corner looks like when construction is completed.

We took this photo on Saturday morning, and as you can see, the strong winds blew some of the safety fencing down. Hopefully, it has been secured as this would not be a fun place to land. We're always curious if anything of interest was found once the building was gone. We're wondering where all of the sand came from. While this is not the most attractive view of our beautiful city, it is always fun to see change in progress, especially when the JP/LFG building is in plain view.

Happy Monday!

Jeansboro Sculpture at LeBauer Park

It is hard to believe this photo was taken less than a month ago, back before this cold snap brought in by Hurricane Ian dropped the temperature to the 50s. The photo shows you the vibrancy of downtown, especially on Davie Street between the two city parks. The artwork is a fiberglass pair of jeans, celebrating Greensboro's rich heritage of making denim and jeans. There was a time when Greensboro made more blue jeans than anywhere else in the world. While that empire has moved overseas, the memories remain. In 2015, the name "Jeansboro" was coined as a nod to that history. We even have a Jeansboro Day.*  

The artist of the above piece is Sage Hanna Betts. There are several of these blue jean sculptures around town, one at PTI airport and another at the Greensboro Science Center.  The 4' tall sculptures were painted by local students and artists. Here is a GPS City map. We haven't tried it, because we have a pretty good idea of what is where in Greensboro; however, if you want to map out a tour, try here. We hope you have a great weekend and your are safe and your home is dry! If we took this photo today, people would be in long sleeves, rain jackets, and jeans. It is time to put the shorts away.

Happy Saturday!

* read more here.

Boxcar Bar + Arcade Downtown on W. Lewis Street

The Boxcar Bar + Arcade was on the front end of making the  Elm/Lewis Street area a destination for in Downtown Greensboro fun and game entertainment. It opened on January 26, 2017, making it their 5th year of operation. The above photo features an interior view, located at 120 West Lewis Street. Since Boxcar is a bar, one must be 21 to enter. Even though it is for adults, it is a place where adults don't have to grow up. Look at how much fun those men are riding the virtual road on their motorcycles. It is quite a gaming experience with lots of visual stimulation. 

Boxcar has a boxcar off of the front, where you can order food. Also, there are times when live entertainment takes place on the front porch. When you've had enough arcading, you can walk around the corner to hang out at Elsewhere. They always have something engaging to do, see, and learn; or, you can head to Bourbon Bowl to bowl.  As for us, we're waiting for a turn on those motorcycles! Happy Thursday!

LOVE Gso

We love Downtown Greensboro and all of the great events that have been happening lately. We love to urban walk downtown and often off the beaten path. The above photo was taken on Eugene Street, as evidenced by the sign, as we were walking Washington Street east to South Elm. The artwork of the intertwined hands is by Frances P. from the Greensboro Day School. Many of the signal boxes for the traffic lights have these wrap with featuring artwork. They add so much visual interest. This public display of art gives the artist recognition. It also gives the pedestrians and people in cars a chance to notice and wonder what exactly the boxes contain. An internet search reveals that each box costs between $500-$1,000 for printing and installation. In some cities, the artist receives money. We aren't sure about Greensboro. 

Next time you are downtown, check out the art on these boxes. They are happy bursts of color waiting patiently at the street colors. That in addition to the fiberglass jeans, and the murals, add quite a bit of public art to the community. If you know Frances P., or her art teacher, tell her we love it and that it is featured on Greensboro Daily Photo. We'd love to feature the two of them next to the box. If you notice the "JP" building, now Lincoln Financial Group building is peeking out, just below the Eugene St. sign. When you see that building, you know you are Downtown Greensboro.

Happy Monday, Happy last week of September and first full week of fall.

Let Her Entertain You: Jessica Mashburn

Last Sunday, we were downtown and, as we walked past Lewis and Elm, we saw the ever-talented Jessica Mashburn inside, getting ready to perform. Lewis and Elm, at the southwest corner of Lewis and Elm,  is a place to get small plates, lite fare food, something to drink, and is a place to socialize. Jessica is a performer who has been entertaining audiences in Greensboro and beyond for most of her adult life. Nobody works harder than Jessica to make music a full time job. Jessica stays current on every music opportunity in town. Over the past few months, she opened for Rita Moreno at Tanger Center, performed at furniture market, private events, at Live Jazz at O. Henry Hotel, and she sang the national anthem at the Grasshoppers baseball game. These are just a few of her gigs. When nor performing, she is attending music events herself and, most recently, was seen working as a musician's buddy for Sam Bush at the North Carolina Folk Festival. 

When performing, Jessica not only goes all out with her sultry, singing voice, she dresses to match the theme or feel of the event. Seeing her perform is a many-layered experience. Jessica can perform covers with the best of them. This brief pose, above, was a quick hello to us through a the side window of Lewis and Elm. Her fascinator, red hair, and big smile make her readily identifiable. How wonderful that Jessica has been able to turn music into a full time profession. If we are lucky, we'll see her at another event soon. Have a great weekend Jessica. Have a great weekend dear readers!

Greensboro Pride Festival 2022

Yesterday afternoon, Greensboro was brimming with pride. The streets felt like Times Square on New Year's Eve. People of all ages and from all walks of life came downtown to show their pride on Elm Street from Washington Street to Gate City Boulevard. You know you are in Greensboro because you can barely see the Lincoln Financial Group building peeking out between the trees. On the left, is the "Free Mom Hugs" booth. It was a busy booth, and when the moms gave a hug, they held on tight for a sustained, heartfelt ten-second hug. While the festival was yesterday, the Greensboro Pride community has been hosting events all week. The festival is organized and hosted by Alternative Resources of the Triad; an organization in its 16th year of supporting the LBGTQ+ community. The celebration started last Sunday with a (sold out) Drag Brunch. See other events below*

Yesterday's event had so many community resources available ranging from merchandise purchasing to to resource centers to healthcare resources. Several churches with congregations that welcome the LBGTQ+ community were on hand. There was even a booth hosted by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Policies have changed a lot over the last decade and resources have grown. The Pride Festival is an opportunity to learn more about resources in the Piedmont area and beyond. Above is just one view of the diversity of the Greensboro Community. The weather was lovely and, while there was no rain, rainbows were everywhere.

The next festival will not happen until mid-September 2023; however, you can bet there are ongoing events in the area all throughout the year.

Happy Monday!

*Here is the list of events. While they are over, it gives you an idea of the organizations in the community supporting the LBGTQ+ community.

West Market Street UMC

Please allow us to post one more photo of the North Carolina Folk Festival from last weekend. The above photo features the West Market Street UMC, located at the corner of West Market Street and John Wesley Way. This church is over 175 years old and has about 2,000 members. When many congregants of various church are opting for suburban mega-sites, West Market Street is holding steady as a dynamic, well-attended church downtown. The Old Courthouse Stage is placed in front of the church and the Lawn Stage is just down the street. We're wondering if the church has considered doing something like a Sunday sing on the stage outside their front door. They do sell parking spaces for the day at the festival, as a fundraiser. However, it seems like they would be ripe to be involved in other ways. The building is just so beautiful and the congregation is so inviting. Maybe we'll try to attend next year during the festival. It looks so beautiful at night. This would be a perfect opportunity to turn on some of the lights to let those stained glass windows glow with all of their glory. 

If you are interested in West Market UMC, HERE is a link to their website. They offer something for everybody from young to old and for those who like traditional services to those who like something more contemporary. Have a great Sunday and please stop back by tomorrow... and every day!

CTG

Have you ever been to the little alley at 520 South Elm Street to the side entrance to the Community Theatre of Greensboro? The wall of donors looks like the Yellow Brick Road in the Wizard of Oz, the play CTG produces annually and is actually casting for at the moment. Who will be the next Dorothy? Wicked Witch? Glinda? We'll soon find out. Slowly, some of the alleys of Greensboro are being revived and this is one such example. Ever since they purchased the 160 seat Broach Theatre in 2013, this has been home to one of the performing arts treasures of Greensboro. Mitchell Sommers had been at the helm of CTG for more than 27 years and oversaw this transition from the Cultural Arts Center to the above location. In 2017, he stepped down and earlier this summer retired - only to take on the interim executive directorship of Triad Stage (but that is another post for another GDP day). Rosalyn Fulton, whom many know from her many years at the Children's Theatre program in Greensboro, is the current director. Indeed, Greensboro is lucky to have these dedicated professionals to help keep the performing arts thriving in our community. 

We hope you have a chance to get out and downtown this weekend. Our town, any town, does best with community support. We get a smile on our face every time we walk down this alley, not only for the goodness we know is happening inside the theatre, but because of the scent of incense that is floating down from Terra Blue just around the corner. We always try to figure out what is burning (lavender, patchouli, Egyptian sage?).  Standing here, we just noticed "CONE" in the stars above. We're betting it is in honor of the late Robert (Bob) Cone who was a lifelong supporter of Community Theatre of Greensboro.

Have a great weekend, dear readers!

Elon University School of Law

(Sorry for the delay in this post and for the initial publication without text. It was totally the fault of Ms. GDP, not technology).  The above photo features the lobby of the Elon University School of Law, right downtown at 201 North Greene Street. It was founded in 2006 and, in 2011, it earned full accreditation by the American Bar Association. One of their signature experiences is a Residency-in-Practice Program. From the beginning of law school, Elon law students gain hands-on experience. They work to fill community needs like elder law. The school has a 10:1 student faculty ratio. While Elon University is located in Alamance County, Guilford County and Greensboro also gets to reap the benefit of this nationally recognized law school and their community-based initiatives.

If you are a person who frequents the libraries of Greensboro, you may remember this entrance hallway as the former Central Public Library*. The building was completed in 1960 and is an Edward Lowenstein/Gregory Ivy building. We hope to get inside to showcase more of the architecture, and will definitely return to photograph the exterior of the building. In preparing this post, we were reminded of the zero-lot-line placement of the building (extending right up to the sidewalk) and the corner orientation that is fairly symmetrical on the Friendly Avenue and Greene Street sides. For now, we're admiring the peaceful entranceway with the small rotunda ceiling. On the night we took this photo,  all was calm on the inside as people were reveling on the streets outside during the North Carolina Folk Festival. Communities can look very different at night and we notice things that might not get noticed by day.

Happy Friday!

*Please read this very informative page about this  library-now-law-school building.

Rainy Days

The above photo was taken downtown on Saturday around 2pm as the NC Folk Festival was gearing up for the day. While the rain was a bit convenient, most of the venues were covered, making it possible to enjoy good music without getting too wet. Also, a light rain can really add mood to the music. It can also make it hard to keep the instruments in tune. The above photo features people walking along the part of the festival where the vendors were set up. The bright colors of the pedestrians with umbrellas really contrasts with the grayness of the sky and the buildings.  We love the fact that the street sign anchors the photo on the 100 block of South Elm Street, as does the sign on the building to the right. Something about the mood evokes one of the paintings you might see in one of the street stalls in Paris. Currently, there is no rain in the forecast for the next week or more. Let's hope this last round was enough to keep our end of summer gardens watered.

If you subscribe to Greensboro Daily Photo through email. We apologize that your service has been interrupted. Mr. GDP spent most of the day yesterday addressing the problem and finding a subscription service we're hoping we can depend on. As he explains, we are a mom and pop organization with limited tech skills. A lot has changed since we started this daily photo site 13 years ago. Here's to happy readers. May this virtual endeavor continue to bring you joy. Happy Thursday!

Great Folk Enjoying Great Music at the NC Folk Festival

Carol Thompson (right) loves Old-Time music. She has been featured in the News & Record at least twice for her flat-foot dancing at the North Carolina Folk Festival. Carol not only dances, she also calls square dances and probably contra dances, too. Her energy and footwork on her portable, wooden dance board are impressive. She preps the board with a little corn meal to create just the right balance between glide and traction. On Saturday, Carol was dancing to the Zinc Kings and the young person on the left, a fiddler from Charleston, SC, came up to dance, but didn't have a board. Without missing a beat, Carol turned her board from portrait to landscape orientation, and the two danced away. The North Carolina Folk Festival is like that: Two complete strangers, united by music and dance, arm in arm, smiling and dancing. 

Other people eventually joined them and Carol even gave an impromptu dance lesson to a child- perhaps about ten years old- explaining that the movements are akin to skipping. He worked at the steps, left with a smile on his face, and then returned to thank Carol. Dancing, music, fellowship, and smiles are the hallmark of a great festival. Thank you to everyone involved in the North Carolina Folk Festival 2022, including Lynn Donovan who was checking her photos before stepping back into action , capturing more photos of a very great day. Not even rain dampened the attendees' spirits!

CTG Wizard of Oz

It is that time of year again, audition time for the Wizard of Oz. This year will be the 27th annual production. It is getting close to three generations of children having been raised acting and attending the play. As you can see from the above poster, on the South Elm Street side of the CTG building,  today is the day for 12 year olds and younger to audition. There are so many roles and always opportunities to learn to be crew and to help with the production. It is always fun to see which adults in our community will be cast. Who will be the Wicked Witch? Audiitons are actually held at the Carolina Theatre at 310 South Greene Street. You have to come prepared with a song and bring your music for the accompanist (see here for more details). Also, you must register in advance. Hopefully, if interested, you have already done so. 

Please see the video (HERE) to view the amazing transformation of Miss Gulch into the Wicked Witch. This play is such a fun tradition for the Greensboro community. Happy Monday!

Remembering September 11, 2001, 21 Years Later

Today is September 11th. May we all stop for a moment of silence in remembrance of all the lives lost on 9/11/2001. This is the site where, yesterday, fire fighters were going to lead a stair climb to replicate the equivalent of 73 flights of stairs, what the firefighters of New York City had to climb to get to the top of the World Trade Center. This photo was taken on Friday evening, before we learned that yesterday's event was cancelled due to inclement weather. It is not safe to climb cement stairs quickly in the rain. While firefighters do it all the time, it was not safe to have when open to community members. This car ramp, at the 220 North Greene Street side looks soul-stirring, in its emptiness with the green reflection. Perhaps, the solitude of this garage, this is the structure's equivalent of a moment of silence.

On September 07, Spectrum News published a very nice article on the anticipated stair climbing event which takes place annually (see HERE, article by Courtney Wallen). In the article, Lt. Holt Alcorn, who has been a local firefighter since 2001, reflects on the last two decades and the changes that have come about as a result of the 911 attacks. He also reminds us that young adults today either weren't born or were two young to recall the event first hand. Alcorn, was prepared to do the climb yesterday with a 26 pound airpack, full gear and hose to replicate the experience of the NYC firefighters who went into the World Trade Center that day. The article inspires us to want to participate next year. And to Lt. Alcorn, who is a lieutenant at the Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire Department, thank you for your to decades of service in Guilford County. May you and the nation ever experience anything so horrific again.

NC Folk Festival 2022: Greensboro Proud

Greensboro can be so proud of the job we are doing hosting the 2022 NC Folk Festival. And, it is so wonderful that we get to host the event. Last night, as the sun set and the full-to-the-eye moon rose over the City Stage tent at the festival, Greensboro came alive. By 9:00 pm, when Sam Bush came on stage, City Stage was standing room only. People congregated to hear this American mandolinist play his instrument at breakneck speed, without missing a beat. Even if progressive bluegrass music isn't your genre, the energy of the Sam Bush Band would have captivated you. To the right of the stage, the ASL professionals signing the concert brought the event alive for the deaf and hard of hearing. How was it possible for them to be so accurate with their interpreting?! Surrounded by good music, food trucks, the merchandise tent, the bar tent, and port-a-potties galore, the festival-going crowd had all of their needs met. That was just one of FIVE places you could go to hear great music. Today and tonight at the festival will be equally engaging. And, even if it is raining, there are plenty of places at the stages to listen under the comfort of a tent. 

You may remember in April, we featured Lynn Witherspoon. She is working operations behind the scene to make sure that the festival is running smoothly; and it is. We have been so impressed with the footprint of the festival this year. Getting from one venue to the next is very manageable and the.food trucks and craft vendors are conveniently located all along the way. And there is such variety in the food trucks. Well worth the wait in line. The Jamaican-jerk salmon was getting rave reviews. We're not sure how many people are attending the festival from out of town and out of state. But, we're hoping the NC Folk Festival is here to stay in Greensboro and we can all do our share to promote it, attend it, and to help those around us have a good time. We have seen so many old friends and made some new ones. For the rest of today and tomorrow, great memories are only a ride-to-town away!

Happy Saturday!

 

Songs of Hope & Justice

Last night, from 8:00- 11:00 pm was the pre-festival concert for the North Carolina Folk Festival. Songs of Hope and Justice was presented in the Van Dyke Performance Space at 200 Davie Street in the Cultural Arts Center. The venue was just right big enough to feel like a good gathering, yet small enough to feel intimate. This concert has been performed since 2015, the first year of folk festival, back when it was the National Folk Festival. A special thank you goes out to Laurelyn Dossett for hosting the event. The concert was such a nice blend of performers, genres, and, songs with the unifying theme that they focused on themes of freedom and social justice. It was a special treat to hear Alice Gerrard (right, in red)  perform again at the festival. Her career spans about seven decades. We hadn't heard fiddler Faye Petree play before, so that was a real treat. 

If you get a chance, sit down and plan out your weekend at the North Carolina Folk Festival. It will be well worth your while. HERE is the schedule.

Folk Festival 2022

The North Carolina State Folk Festival is upon us. How wonderful that Greensboro has earned the honor of having the festival here. Let's all head downtown and support these musicians. So many different genres of music and ethnicities of people will be represented. There is something for everybody. Tonight is the 7th annual pre-festival concert,  Songs of Hope and Justice, in the Van Dyke Performances Space at 200 North Davie Street. HERE is a link to learn more about the concert and to purchase tickets. You can also access the festival lineup, performance schedule, and festival map from that same link.

Much consideration has gone into ensure the pedestrian footprint is safe and walkable. The northernmost street is Bellemeade, extending south to Market and Washington Streets. Church and Eugene Streets are the east/west boundaries. You might want to bring a water bottle and a lightweight folding chair. The North Carolina makers marketplace will be at the crossroads of Elm Street and Friendly Avenue. The above photo was taken last year at the Old Courthouse Stage on Market Street and it will be in about the same position this year.

We sure hope to see you downtown. Donate and make purchases if you are able. And remember, clapping and other signs of appreciation bring performers and volunteers so much joy. 

Happy Thursday! Happy weekend of music!

 

Carolina Theatre

The Carolina Theatre, at 310 South Greene Street downtown, is once again active with booking events lately. This theatre has been Greensboro's crowned jewel since 1927, almost 100 years since it opened. Thanks to restoration, repairs, and maintenance over the years, this theatre is as beautiful on the inside is as it is on the outside. As you see on the marquee, donors are an important part of sustaining the theatre. In the 2018-2019 season, just before the pandemic, they had over 100,000 people attend events. With other performing arts venues in Greensboro, especially the Tanger Center, The Carolina Theatre has a lot of competition. The management knows its audience and the type of events that will be popular here. We enjoy the old movies they feature on the big screen!

The Carolina Theatre has seen a lot of growth in the neighborhood around it. The new Hampton Inn is just down the street. And then, there is the bodega across the street where you grab a quick snack before heading in to see a performance. We took this photo from the entrance to The Bodega as the afternoon sun was backlighting the theatre. Tonight is Jokez and Jam at 8:00 pm. If you need a good laugh, this might be the event for you! Regardless, you will find something great to do downtown.

Happy Saturday!

Here is a link to the Carolina Theatre's upcoming events.

Downtown Greensboro on Hamburger Square

It is the last Friday of August and the last weekend before traditional public school starts in Guilford County. Tonight, there will be many high school football games. And, before we know it, it will be fall. 

The above photo features a sunny day, earlier in the week at Hamburger Square in downtown Greensboro. This is the last block north of the railroad tracks. Natty Greene's Downtown is featured in the above photo. The photo captures a lazy day of summer. There is a lone person crossing the street. The parked scooters are dormant. If you look closer, you can see that there are some people on the patio of Natty's. The street sign shows that we are at the corner at McGee and Elm.

If you are downtown this weekend, remember that Downtown Greensboro is still giving people,  who make purchases of at least $25 downtown, an opportunity to win $500 by uploading the receipt.  The establishment you made the purchase from also wins money. Let us savor this weekend and all of its possibilities!  Happy Friday!

Sunday Afternoon at Double Oaks

The Double Oaks B&B at 204 North Mendenhall Street dates to 1909. It was built for Harden Thomas Martin who was a native of Rockingham County,  the next county north of Guilford. The home was first opened as a bead and breakfast in 1998 by Win and Ann Milan. In 2016, James and Amanda Keith purchased the property and they have been working very hard to not only have it be a bed and breakfast, but to also be a venue for activities that bring in the community. The Keiths host events and also make it possible for community members to host events. The above photo features the Sunday afternoon old-time music group during String Band Sunday (from 4-7 pm). On Wednesday evenings they have jazz- Wine Wednesday.

If you know old-time music, you know that the fiddler calls the tunes and pretty much sets the pace for the jam. The above fiddler, Christen Blanton Mack is part of the Zinc Kings. They will be one of the featured bands at the North Carolina Folk Festival in Greensboro (September 9-11). Head to the folk festival to hear Christen fiddle. Or, stop by Double Oaks on Sunday afternoons to hear her fiddling and, maybe even play a tune with her. Savory tacos with homemade tortilla shells are available on Sunday afternoons. We are so lucky that in Greensboro, so many of these local venues offer special events- music, arts and crafts events, food trucks, and more. They say Thursday is the new Friday. Head out and find some fun! A new adventure is only a google search away!

Greensboro's Downtown Greenway

Today's photo features the Downtown Greenway. The runner in the above photo is on the section at the corner of Market Street and Murrow Boulevard, heading south on Murrow. Edward R. Murrow was a broadcast journalist and war correspondent. Mr. Murrow was born in Guilford County in 1908 and made an international name for himself; he is indeed deserving of a street named after him. Now that the greenway parallels Murrow Boulevard, his name may has more prominence in the community. He died in 1965 so it has been 57 years since we have heard his voice. It would be special to have a stop along Murrow Boulevard with the option to see and hear him broadcasting, like the exhibit that is installed in the Greensboro History Museum.

As shared on the website of the City of Greensboro, most of the greenway is 12 feet wide, with landscaping, benches, bike racks, trash and recycling receptacles, and public art*. The downtown portion of the greenway is four miles long, connecting businesses, universities, and neighborhoods. If you follow the link below, you can see a map of the loop, showing the completed parts (East Greensboro) and the parts still in process (from Spring Garden Street to West Smith Street). If you get a chance this weekend, head down and have a look!

Note: We are having some technical issues with photos loading on Typepad. Hopefully, they will get them resolved soon)

 

*reference and read more HERE.

First Friday: August 2022

While parts of Greensboro threatened rain last night, downtown in the city parks, First Friday was going strong. The above photo features the crowd in front of LeBauer Park. Casa Azul was there teaching salsa dancing. For several hours, partners were dancing the night away while children were playing in the grass. The lighting really adds to the atmosphere. Great fun was had by all!

At night, the new sculpture by Janet Echelman "Where We Met" looks so beautiful. It hovers over the park really capturing attention. To the left is the new restaurant, Parkside Pull-Up. Parkside that opened in April. People are thrilled to have hot dogs, hamburgers, and great French fries- it is perfect food for eating at the park, especially on a Friday night. The Cultural Arts Center also had a lot of activities last night. Your next option for a First Friday will be September 2nd. Mark your calendar and polish your dancing shoes! Happy Saturday!

304 North Greene Street on a Chiaroscuro Sort of Day

Today's photo features the alley between the downtown Marriott Hotel at 304 North Greene Street and the parking lot beside it. Straight ahead in the photo is a view of 348 North Elm Street, a single-story, flat-roofed building near Tanger Center. We don't tend to think of Greensboro as an angular city full of bold, geometric shapes. However, this photo, in black and white, really emphasizes the angles in the scene. The stripes on the pavement, the squares near the top of the N. Elm Street building, and the sunny/shaded (chiaroscuro) section on the pavement all come together to add drama to the view. Sometimes the negative space, between buildings, can be as interesting as the buildings themselves.

We want to get back downtown and photograph the inside of the Marriott. It was built in 1985, underwent a big renovation in 2008, and then, a multi-million dollar renovation in 2020. We haven't stayed there since the 2020 renovation and, given that it was happening during COVID times, we're not even sure that it is completely finished. With the Tanger Center and all of the new construction in the north end of town, the Marriott is certainly in a prime location. The last time we ate breakfast at the Sage Mule, on Battleground Avenue, we sat next to a woman who had walked from the Marriott.

The sun can be so harsh when taking photos; however, it you don't fight it, but play around with the lighting, the results can be interesting. Consider heading downtown and getting a few photos yourself- in black and white, or color! Happy Monday! 

Chess in Center City Park

This is one of our favorite photos from Fun Fourth. These two guys were playing chess on the Elm Street side of Center City Park. There were festivities going on all around them, but their concentration was on their chess fame. If you are looking for a place to play chess, Greensboro Chess Club meets every Wednesday from 6:30-9:00 pm at the Lewis Recreation Club at 3110 Forest Lawn Drive (near the intersection of Battleground Avenue and Pisgah Church Road). Instructors and resources are available. The club is open to all enthusiasts. However, nothing beats playing outdoors on a warm summer day, surrounded by people enjoying the day. They say chess is a metaphor for life. There are endless opportunities; we need to anticipate others' moves; losing isn't always failing and challenges can trigger growth. But, on a sunny day, with a friend, it can just be a way to learn a little and enjoy spending time together. 

Have a great Thursday. 

Uncle Sams at Fun Fourth Downtown Greensboro

Fun Fourth was such a joyful event for Greensboro, especially since, due to COVID,  this is the first "normal" Fun Fourth since 2019. Walking the length of Elm Street, we quickly noticed that there were two Uncle Sams. The top photo features Robby Hassell, who is a lawyer and judge. Uncle Sam in the bottom photo is Keith A. Holliday, former mayor of Greensboro. Both men have had accomplished careers, both are dedicated to serving the public, and are involved in many civic activities. Mr. Holliday covered Elm Street, south of Hamburger Square and Mr. Hassell, north. Both took their duties seriously, interacting with the public, posing for photos, shaking hands, answering logistical questions, and distributing little American flags to all who were interested. It was extremely hot on the 4th and neither Uncle Sam complained a bit about being in the hot, patriotic attire. To be sure, neither got sunburned since their bodies were covered from head to toe.

Friend and local performer extraordinaire, Jessica Mashburn, reminded us that Sam Hummel was Uncle Sam for decades. To each and every person who volunteered at the Fun Fourth, whether it was a highly visible position like dressing as Uncle Sam, or one of the behind-the-scene positions (the worker bees who go unnoticed), thank you for your service to the community. Truly, giving back to the community, is a special act of patriotism. We thank you! 

Mapping Out Fun Fourth... Beginning at the Biltmore Greensboro Hotel

Last night, all was quiet in downtown Greensboro, on the eve of the Fourth of July. We were walking along Washington Street, in front of the Biltmore Greensboro Hotel. Today, the Biltmore Hotel will be in the middle of all of the Fun Fourth Activities. As of 5:00 am this morning, Elm Street will be blocked off and all cars must be off the street or they will be towed. The Fun Fourth will be fabulous this year. HERE is a list of all the activities for today. It will start with the Freedom Run, the Triad's longest running race tradition. The 10K starts at 7:30 am and the rest of the races at 8:00 am at 211 North Davie Street. If you are not running, you are encouraged to stand along the route and cheer people on (even if you don't know then). Freedom Fest this year is broken off into 4 zones, with activities going from 12noon- 6:00 pm. The zones are primarily from Tanger Center & LeBauer Park in the north to Lewis Street in the south &  between Greene and Davie Streets. The Fun Fourth committee made a real effort to see that each zone has vendors, music, attractions, food, and plenty to do. We are hoping to roller skate in Zone 2.

The Biltmore is between Zone 2 and 3. The simple bunting looks so elegant; it is the kind of decoration that you might have found when the building was constructed in 1895. Looking at the facade of the Biltmore, it is as if one has stepped back in time over 100 years ago. Yet, step into the hotel and everything you need for the 21st century is at your fingertips.*  This is the reason Greensboro is such a great city. We honor the past, especially in architecture; value traditions; and come together to to enjoy each other, on events like Fun Fourth. None of this could be done without a strong business community, good leadership, and a passel of great volunteers. As a grand finale, tonight, there is a Greensboro Grasshoppers game at 6:30 pm and fireworks at First National Bank Field after the game. Regardless of how you spend your time today, have a great day!

* If you follow Greensboro Daily Photo, you already know that we featured the Biltmore 13 years ago, the first year of Greensboro Daily Photo. As you can see from this photo, the awning has changed and the word "Greensboro" has been added to the name, likely to avoid confusion with the Vanderbilt's Biltmore in Asheville. 

Cadillac Service Garage

The Cadillac Service Garage is an event venue at 304 East Market Street in downtown Greensboro. The building was built as a Cadillac dealership in 1921. From high ceilings to checkered floors and everything in between, so much detail remains from the design 100 years ago. There were a lot of years this building sat empty. Then there were the years it housed Design Archives, between the time Kit had her store on Tate Street and now in the 300 block of South Elm Street. How wonderful that the vintage feel of the building rings true loud and clear. Instead ov covering the brick walls, they are celebrated.

The event space accommodates up to 225 guests and there is outdoor space as well as indoor. The day we walked by last week, some of the signage was still visible for Meredith Murray and Dylan Cunningham's wedding on June 18th. How fun to see the place tidied up, but with some remnants of a super special event. We love the Cadillac Service Garage because it expands the footprint to downtown Greensboro east of Church Street. If you get a chance, drive by and have a peek inside. You will see echoes of 1921 blended with conveniences of 2022!

Happy Monday! Happy exploring east Greensboro! The changes are many.

Greensboro Children's Museum

Have you been to the Greensboro Children's Museum lately? It is such a special community resource and a perfect option for planning activities for children on these sweltering, summer days. The educational museum boasts twenty, permanent, hands-on exhibits and a 1/2 acre, outdoor learning garden. At the museum, children learn through fun play. There is so much to do and learn here. They are offering eight summer camps and, when we checked yesterday, one still had spots available.

The Children's Museum opened in 1999, twenty four years ago and just keeps getting better and better. See HERE if you want to learn more about the museum. If you want to visit, go to church street, across from the Central Branch of the Greensboro City Library, look east and just to the right of the "LOVE makes a family" banner.

Happy Wednesday! Happy finding great ways to help the children if your life spend their summer!