Greensboro Daily Photo

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! 

Bonnie Raitt at Tanger Center

Last night, Bonnie Raitt gave a spectacular concert at Tanger Center. The concert started at 8:00 p.m. with the ever talented, singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams as the opening act. She sang for an hour and the performance was spectacular. After Lucinda, it took a while to get the stage ready for Bonnit Raitt's concert. The stage crew worked masterfully making the transition. Once the instruments were in place, Bonnie and her band sang without a break until about 11:00 p.m. She mentioned more than once how nice the Tanger Center is and that the acoustics are good. She also mentioned a few times how nice it is to be back performing in person. Her band is very talented, which she acknowledged. 

Tanger Center has transformed downtown Greensboro, especially in the north. Also, it is truly spectacular that we don't have to travel to Durham or Charlotte for concerts any more. She was in Durham last night and will be at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia tomorrow and Friday night. However, for one special night, she was right here with us in Greensboro, NC. She requested that no photos or video be taken and she wanted people to be "in the moment." She even scolded people who were filming. However at the end, she invited people to "take all the photos you want now," which was our cue to capture a photo from a very special evening.

There will be many concerts in Greensboro this summer. Some, like the MUSEP series on Sunday evenings, are free. Others, like the performances at Tanger Center do cost. As for music genres, Greensboro can boast that there is something for everybody. Happy Thursday!

Barnhill's Art at the H20 Exhibit at Green Hill

Yesterday, we featured Jim Barnhill, artist, on Greensboro Daily Photo. Today's we're featuring a glimpse of his three pieces currently on display at Green Hill in the Cultural Arts Center at 200 North Davie Street. Barnhill's two paintings are gigantic and when you stand in front of them, it is as if you are in the ocean yourself viewing the scene. The placement of the three pieces is masterful.  The paintings are both close to 8' by 12' (yes feet!). The Exxon Valdez painting is from 2012 and the BP Deep Water Horizon painting from 2013. The Cachalot Whale, carved from crabapple wood, was painted in 1993, early in Barnhill's career. The three pieces, spanning 20 years, hint at Barnhill's great love of water, the ocean, and the environmental impact of man's harvesting of fossil fuels. How appropriate that Barnhill is featured in Green Hill's  H20 exhibit! The cachalot whale is the largest toothed predator. As we were walking past the paintings, we began to wonder... who is the real predator, the whale or the oil companies? What you can't see in our photo is that the whale is swimming above a pool of tar.

If you attend First Friday tonight from 6:00 - 8:30 pm, you can see these pieces, and many others, for yourself. Barnhill's paintings, and Holsenbeck's "Where is Our Water Falling" (made from 10,000 water bottles and lots of plastic rope) are so large, you must see them in context. Regardless of what you have planned , have a great weekend!

James Barnhill: Artist Extraordinaire

Greensboro artist James Barnhill is known for his larger-than-life sculptures: The February One monument at NC A&T, the Nathanael Greene monument downtown at Holliday Circle, and the Minerva statue behind the student union at UNCG. Jim Barnhill taught art at NC A&T University for 25 years and has garnered an international following over the forty plus years he has been a professional artist. He came to Greensboro in the early 1980s to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree at UNCG. He tells the story of being in a drawing and painting class and seeing others sculpting and telling his professor that he wanted to sculpt. That was the start of his career in sculpting. Part of what makes Jim's pieces so special is his talent for sculpting in a way that tells a visual narrative. If you stand in front of Jim's sculptures, it is as if you are experiencing the lives of the subjects themselves.

However, as evidenced by the above painting from 2017, Jim is also a fine painter. This painting features Jim's longtime partner, Edie Carpenter. When we were interviewing Jim at his house and asked what piece of art he wanted to be photographed with, he thought about it for a minute, and then pointed to this painting. This large canvas was painted from a photo of Edie when she was in Queens, New York. We had just finished talking about the balance between selling artwork and having pieces you want to keep in your personal collection. It is a pretty sure bet this realistic likeness of Edie will stay put on Jim's wall for a very long time.

Jim, who is recovering from a stroke he suffered exactly a year ago, will be at First Friday tomorrow night at Green Hill in the Cultural Arts Center. While Jim struggles with speaking, his mind is as sharp as ever. First Friday is from 6:00- 8:30 and is free and open to the public. Put a trip to Green Hill on your calendar for tomorrow night, and head to 200 N. Davie Street to see not only Jim and Edie, but also three of his works which are part of a  multi-artist exhibit entitled H20.

First Presbyterian Church & Greensboro History Museum

Today's photo is of the Greensboro History Museum, located between Davie and Church Streets at Summit Avenue. The above view is a photo taken from the parking lot of Tanger Center. If you are ever walking around downtown as the sun is getting ready to set, notice how beautiful the buildings are- especially on a sunny day. We took several on the same day. The sky was blue, the clouds dramatic, and, as you can see from the flags furling and their shadows, the wind was blowing.

Formerly, this building was the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, built in 1892, on the site of what had been a Confederate hospital. The church cemetery is still located on site. The new First Presbyterian Church is about a block northwest, in the 600 block of North Elm Street. It has been open since 1929. Both buildings are so beautiful and hold so much of Greensboro's history. If you have time this summer, head downtown and tour both. The museum is always open to the public. The church regularly holds events in which the public is invited.

If you are looking for a Memorial Day event to attend, today at the Guilford County Veterans Memorial in Country Park, the Steve Millikin Black Cap Veterans Group will host a ceremony from 2:00- 4:00 pm. Former Mayor of Greensboro and U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Bill Knight will speak. There are several other events taking place today and tomorrow. The News & Record has published a list (HERE). (We hope you are able to access it. We subscribe and are able to see articles).

Happy Sunday!

H20 Exhibit at Cultural Arts Center

An H2O exhibit is currently being shown at Green Hill in the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street and will continue until June 25th. It is well worth a visit. The above photo features a tiny part of an art assemblage by North Carolina environmental artist Bryant Holsenbeck. This ambitious exhibit features environmental stewardship that extends almost the width of the building. Holsenbeck's piece is entitled "Where is Our Water Falling".  The cascading waterfall is made of 10,000 plastic water bottles, plastic rope and fishing line. We were really struck by Holsenbek's piece, it leaves quite an impact seeing all of those water bottles extending from the ceiling, down the wall, to the floor. But, the piece hits home about how wasteful we are and the impact plastic has on bodies of water. Holsenbeck lives in Durham and her contributions to the world of environmental art is far-reaching. As an example, she was one of the founders of the Scrap Exchange, a creative reuse store in Durham. Greensboro's Paige Cox completed an internship at the Scrap Exchange in preparation for opening Reconsidered Goods in Greensboro. 

The Green Hill show features a total of seven artists and the exhibit featuring photography, pieces made of coal ash, and three works by James Barnhill- professor of visual arts at NC A&T State University. Other artists include Caroline Rutledge Armco, Carolyn Henne, Kevin Palme, Barbara Tyroler, and Will Warasila.

Stop by and have a look! Happy Saturday!

Post Tanger & Walking Around Downtown

The above photo features an unidentified couple leaving the Tanger Center on the evening that Rita Moreno spoke as part of the Guilford College Bryan series. They are walking on the southeast corner of the Tanger complex headed toward LeBauer Park. You can see the blue and pink Echelman sculpture hovering above the park. And, on that particular evening, there were still lots of people out in the park. This part of north Greensboro, around Tanger and the center city parks,  has been transformed. We predict there will be even more changes; perhaps food trucks and more late evening food options, especially for after events at Tanger. 

As for tonight, it has been said Thursday is the new Friday. If you want to get a jumpstart on the weekend, head downtown tonight for a meal or a beverage with a special person in your life. Another option will be to go hear Kendra Adachi speak about her book "The Lazy Genius Kitchen" at Scuppernong Books from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. It is kind of special having a New York Times bestselling author right here in Greensboro. If you want to get ready for the event, listen to Adachi's Lazy Genius podcast or website. Her book is available at Scuppernong and Just Be, where you can also get earrings made by Kendra's mom! Maybe we'll wear a pair tonight and see if she notices. Maybe she'll wear a pair and we will notice. 

Happy Thursday! Happy almost holiday weekend!

Dog Meetup at LeBauer Park

This weekend proves to be a hot one, as hot as 90º, with the possibilities of showers- up to 40º. It will be a great weekend for visiting one of Greensboro's parks. The above photo was taken in LeBauer Park. As you can see, a couple of leashed dogs were meeting, for the first time. The encounter was brief and civil, a win/win for a random canine meet up. There is also an enclosed bark park at LeBauer where dogs can enter, unleashed. 

The Greensboro Bound Literary Festival starts today with venues from Scuppernong Books to the History Museum, the Greensboro Cultural Center,  and more.* You owe it to yourself to attend events at this festival. It started in 2017, and continues to grow, with a little interruption thanks to COVID. The folks putting on the festival have worked very hard to bring great authors and, as feasible, make the presentations walkable. The festival will be a lot of fun, even if you have to attend without your fur baby!

Happy Saturday!

 

* See HERE.

LeBauer at Night

LeBauer Park is so lovely any time of day, but night can be especially beautiful with the lighting and the "When We Met" net sculpture by Janet Echeleman. The piece, by the way, was replaced this spring. It has more blue in it than the first one, which is a nod to the denim industry that was once so big in Greensboro.* We were at LeBauer Park on Tuesday, after seeing Rita Moreno at Tanger Center. She was fabulous and the audience was full. It isn't every day you get to see an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), proof positive that Rita Moreno is a performer who can do it all.

If you walk out of the Tanger Center on the east or south side, this is the view of the park that you see. On Tuesday night, the park was very busy. The water sprinkler/fountain for children to play in is back open and many adults sit around the perimeter while their children play joyfully. Even after the performance, at 9:00 pm, several people were in the park. LeBauer is such a wonderful community resource. It is hard to imagine what we did until it opened in 2016. This Saturday, the 36th annual Carolina Blues Festival will be held downtown in LeBauer Park. We hope to see you there!

The park turns six on August 8th. Let's hope they serve cake! 

 

*see the original net sculpture, here.

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

Kontoor Brands is the company that now owns Lee and Wrangler Jeans. Their head office is in Greensboro and they employ about 15,000 people. Their iconic rounded building is just down the street from the one you see today. However, they own the above building at 444 North Elm Street and its surrounding 1.44 acre lot. This building was built in 1969 and it is some pretty interesting architecture. When we posted on this building in 2011, Preston Earle* shared that "the building was built to house a regional branch of the federal agency that oversaw savings and loan banks." Eventually First Home Federal S&L took over the building. When buildings, as unique as the one above, are built, it is hard to imagine them for anything beyond their original purpose. 

This building really takes on a different character when the sun is out. It always looks like an extraterrestrial structure; however, on a sunny day like we had recently, the building looks really inviting. We wonder what they are using it for. Do you know?

Happy Wednesday!

*Preston Earle died in Greensboro in 2012. We really miss Preston's comments, as we love it when the community gets involved in helping us learn about our city.

BC Clay Art, Available at Ambleside Gallery!

This sculpture was created by Brad and Bryan Caviness of BC Clay Art. It is currently for sale through Ambleside Gallery on South Elm Street. The piece is called, Babri Mosque Demolition. The Caviness brothers are known for their pieces inspired by the architecture and artifacts of great places in civilization throughout the centuries. The Babri Mosque piece is no exception. Babri Mosque was located in Ayodhya, India, built in the 1500s and destroyed in 1992 by a group of activists. Ambleside Gallery carries many pieces by the Caviness brothers.  It is our understanding the idea came about for these vignette pieces came about as a result of what Bob Ross would call "a happy accident". A piece of pottery broke and they started experimenting with what they could do to salvage the piece and the architectural sculptures began to take on a life of their own. The designs take you from room to room, with each room unique and detailed. The right lighting really enhances the pieces. These pieces are especially relevant today when it seems like the world can be so complacent about destruction of places that really belong to the world.

The talent the goes into these intricate pieces is better understood when you know that Bryan graduated from NC State with a BFA in architecture and environmental design. Brad has a BFA from UNC Greensboro where he studied painting, printmaking, ceramic and bronze casting. These artists are well worth following and Ambleside Gallery is a place you will love if you like fine art. The art world in Greensboro just keeps getting finer and finer.

Happy Sunday!

The Roads Less Traveled: At the Intersection of Greene & Paisley

Happy Friday the 13th. Today's photo was taken early Wednesday evening at the corner of Greene and Paisley Street. We were walking from near Joymongers to LeBauer Park. The sky was so dramatic and the buildings had the special glow they get when the sun is low to the horizon. The shadows were long and the lighting spectacular. Can you find the one person walking along in the photo? Walking this way, it is always refreshing to see that Greensboro Music Company is still open. Also, Mr. Tire, formerly Goodyear, and Perry's Exxon (to the right in the photo) are all still going strong. So much has changed downtown, it is comforting to see that some things have remained the same. Today won't be as bright an sunny as it was on Wednesday, but it is still fun to head downtown and see what is happening. Since it is Friday, there will be a lot going on!

Hurray for the weekend! Hurray for vibrant skies and long shadows.

People of Greensboro: Marena Miesse

It is so fun and easy to meet people when you walk around on a sunny day, especially downtown. Yesterday, we met Marena Miesse while she was out skating near Tanger Center and LeBauer Park. You can also see the Greensboro History Museum in the background. Marena is part of a skate group in Greensboro called "336 Skaters", and they regularly skate together. You may have seen a group of skaters with glow sticks riding around downtown recently. That was their group. It looks so much fun! If you are interested, you can find the group on social media.

Marena is a student at UNCG, majoring in sociology. She is a self-taught skater, and has been working hard to master the still while at college.  Last night, Marena was skating alone, as opposed to with her group. Skating is such a good way to get exercise, meet people, and get to know Greensboro better. She said she would likely skate for about two hours. This is such good, healthy, old-fashioned fun. Downtown, in the LeBauer Park area, was lively last night, but Marena was the only roller skater we saw. Look at that beautiful smile. Seeing someone with such a heartfelt smile reminds us to smile!

Happy Thursday!

Rooftops and a Bird's Eye View

This photo reminds us of a line from Mary Poppins: "Winds in the east, mist coming in". This photo was taken from a third floor window at Elsewhere Living Museum in the 600 block of south Elm Street. It seems that Greensboro is such a street-level city. There aren't many opportunities to be high off the ground viewing the skyline. The parking decks are about your best bet. As for our iconic Lincoln Financial Group building, still the tallest building in Greensboro, we're betting it has a lovely view, but very restricted access. It is our dream to someday get to have a look. As for today's view, these rooftops look like they've been recently refinished and not with the tar of yesteryear. A flat roof can be prone to leak, but these appear to be in good shape. Just like the roof of Elsewhere, these have had skylights added. Skylights make a tremendous difference to what can otherwise be a dark upper level. As you look across to the west,  you can see the faint outline of the bridge at Eugene Street. Do you have a place in town where you go for a bird's eye view?

Here is a list of the tallest buildings in Greensboro. It would make for some good trivia night fun! Have a happy Wednesday!