Raleigh funk artist, Jamil Rashad (aka Boulevards) finds a more mature voice on his second album, but never forgets where he came from.
Love for music came at an early age for Jamil Rashad, aka Boulevards. Growing up, his father served as a DJ for WSHA, the Shaw University radio station, and would bring Jamil countless records from artists both classic and cutting edge. It wasn’t until he was a teenager that Boulevards seriously considered entering the music industry himself.
“I always knew I wanted to express myself, I just wasn’t sure what form that would take,” Rashad says. Drawing and visual art were his first loves, and he continued pursuing both throughout his education. A graduate of Ligon Middle School and Southeast Raleigh High School, Rashad graduated from UNC-
Charlotte with an arts degree.
“When I was around 16 I started really thinking about music as my craft. I would lock myself in my room for eight to nine hours a day writing poetry and spoken word that led into a little rapping and producing my own beats,” he says.
He fell in love with every aspect of music and found inspiration in artists from Rick James to AKON and from Christopher Cross to Miles Davis.
His first album, “Groove!” was released in 2016. It’s a fun dance album that received wide praise, including a review from AllMusic for “bringing back fun, funky music with a soulful vibe.” He is currently recording his second album, which will be released later this year. He describes it as more ‘personal’—“It still makes you move, still makes you dance, but I guess there’s some maturation in the song writing process.”
His early success has him traveling the country, but staying in touch with the streets where he comes from is of utmost importance to the man called Boulevards. “You should never lose sight of where you come from. Raleigh is my safe place, my sanctuary. I come here to focus and be at peace.”
Though his love for his hometown comes first and foremost because of his personal connection (and Bojangles,) he says adamantly that no matter who you are, “Raleigh is the place to be!”
“The Raleigh Music scene is growing. I would say it has its own music scene,” he says. “You hear about the LA scene, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville all the time, but Raleigh has a lot of creativity and so many interesting acts coming out of here. It’s booming right now. I think there is a big opportunity for artists from Raleigh to be game-changers.”
One such artist that Boulevards points to is BJ Barham from American Aquarium. “The way he takes the bulls by the horns and does things himself, I think that’s inspiring,” he adds.
And though the city is growing and the opportunities for local acts to make a name for themselves is increasing, Rashad insists that the way to follow your dream hasn’t changed from when he was a middle schooler at Ligon.
“You just need to keep focus,” Rashad says. He credits much of his focus to his father. “I don’t want to say my dad was hard on me, but he taught me about perfection. He said, ‘No matter what you want to do, if you want to succeed and be good at anything, you need to study your craft and own your craft!”
Reflecting on those who encouraged him on his path, Rashad mentions his coaches. He ran track and cross-country from middle school to college and though his coaches obviously helped him compete, their impact was so much greater. “They encouraged me to be better,” he says. “Whether it was in music, in arts, going to college and graduating, they encouraged me to be great and to keep my focus.”
It is that kind of mentality that has allowed Boulevards to stay grounded, approachable and humble even as his dreams are coming true.
“The music isn’t everything,” he says. “Obviously, it’s a big part of my life, but to me, what’s really important is growing as a man and learning. We’re all a work in progress and that’s something I always work on remembering, that I want to grow as a man and continue being a student of life.”
The idea of packing up your car and hitting the road is infused with romantic wanderlust. Countless songs, books and films have immortalized journeys that take you across highways and back roads, through big cities and small towns. And in today’s age of immediate gratification, there’s something nostalgic about the slow ramblings of a scenic drive and the acknowledgement of the diverse scenery and vast vistas that make up our country.
With gas prices at a historic low, the call of the road also makes sense financially. According to AAA, about 69 percent of Americans are likely to road trip this summer. And, in Raleigh, we’re poised to take advantage of a central location with several different routes offering myriad of adventures that culminate in vibrant and exciting cities: Nashville to the west, Charleston to the south, Washington, D.C. to the north and Atlanta to the southwest.
We’ve created a travel guide to take you to each one of these destinations, but instead of concentrating on the end result, we focus on the journey itself, calling out all great, must-see pit stops along the way. Grab your keys, get your motor runnin’, and head out on the highway. You’re bound to enjoy this adventure.
NASHVILLE
It’s about the journey…
Nashville is simply one of the country’s coolest towns and if you’re lucky enough to be heading to Music City, USA, you may be tempted to get there as quickly as possible. But, life is a highway, and there are some incredible spots from here to the Grand Ole Opry so build in a couple of extra days, and enjoy this road trip that’s all about the journey.
Andy Griffith is one of North Carolina’s favorite sons and his popularity shined national attention on our gift for hospitality and charm. Most poignantly, fame came to Mt. Airy, Griffith’s hometown, on which he based Mayberry for the Andy Griffith Show. You can find statues and landmarks celebrating the show’s success and though there are “tourist traps” thatcash in on the show’s success, the Snappy Lunch is the real deal. It is the only real Mount Airy business that Andy Griffith mentions by name on the show. Order the pork chop sandwich and plenty of napkins! 125 N. Main Street, Mt. Airy, NC.
Let your food settle on a 90-minute Southwest drive into the mountains and get ready to fly. What better way to stretch your legs than zipping across 1600 feet of line 300 feet above the gorgeous valley below? Just in case the incredible soar across the Big Mama line (or the other nine lines) isn’t enough, Sky Valley offers a cliff jump, a rope bridge and instructors who will not only make you feel knowledgable and courageous but entertain you with their ready jokes and open personalities. Maybe Sky Valley finds and trains the greatest personalities in North Carolina, or maybe there’s just something about flying around the mountain skyline for your job that makes you really cool and affable. 634 Sky Ranch Rd. Blowing Rock, NC.
Old Crow Medicine Show immortalized this destination with these words:
“Walkin’ to the south out of Roanoke
Caught a trucker out of Philly
had a nice long toke
But he’s a heading west from the
Cumberland gap
To Johnson City, Tennessee”
Despite the lyric being geographically inaccurate, when “Wagon Wheel,” comes on, this is sure to be sung by everyone in the room. Thanks to this road trip, now you can say you’ve been there. So whether you simply stop long enough for a photo-op at the train station, a hub so famous that Johnson City became known as “Little Chicago,” one of Al Capone’s favorite hiding spots during prohibition, or whether you want to experience the city and grab a key lime pie at Cootie Brown’s (2715 N. Roan St.), you’ll feel the history of this little town and know why it made it into the song in the first place. If you happen to be driving through Aug 11-12, the city comes alive during the Little Chicago Downtown Music and Arts Festival.
You know you’ve always been curious. What better way to
warm yourself up for Nashville than taking a stop by Dollywood? The mother of all of our favorite southern quotes,
including “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap,” has created a country music lover’s dream in the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether music, rides, entertainment or good eats are your pleasure, Dollywood has something for everyone. And even if it doesn’t have something for you? Seriously, you can tell your friends in the north you went to Dollywood. Isn’t that enough? 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN.
Whether you love, hate or are ambivalent to the Big Orange, Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville is one of the top ten largest football stadiums in the country. Situated on the UT campus, you can’t miss it. Bonus points if you go in a nearby bar or restaurant and request Good Ole Rocky Top! 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way, Knoxville, TN.
Not for the faint of heart, but undeniably worth the hike, this 8-mile, well-traveled trail will lead you to a gorgeous encounter with nature that you do not want to miss. Grab a water and your phone (make sure you have plenty of memory), and the sight at the end of the hike will have you singing like Gavin DeGraw: “Waterfall, Waterfall, Waterfall, Waterfall, you’re beautiful.” Sparta, TN
Nashville
Nashville has launched the careers of pretty much every single country artist that matters. A tour of the Ryman Auditorium and trying to catch a Grand Ole Opry show should be on any Nashville bucket list. But what makes Nashville truly the coolest town to visit is the fact that it is still launching the careers of some of the most talented acts in the country. Forget what you think you know about karaoke or ‘open-mic nights.’ Nashville’s bars and restaurants are packed with incredibly talented hopefuls who are working every note to turn the head of a record executive that might be nearby. You can walk down Broadway any time of day and hear crooning that’d make Blake Shelton turn his red chair. While on Broadway check out WannaB’s Karaoke Bar and stop by Merchants Restaurant for some Cheetos mac ’n’ cheese and duck fat tator tots.
ATLANTA
Go Big or Go Home
Sure, you can get to Atlanta in a few hours, but then you’d be missing out on these countless wonders and fascinating pit stops along the way!
High Point is the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” and a don’t-miss stop for anyone who loves furniture shopping. Whether or not furniture is your passion, every road trip should start with a “world’s largest…” roadside attraction and photo opportunity—High Point doesn’t disappoint. The 38-foot-tall chest even has two giant socks dangling from one of its drawers as a nod to the city’s hosiery industry. 508 N. Hamilton St., High Point, NC.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Carolina Bar-B-Q has earned the reputation as one of the best barbecue stops in the state. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the large green roof with the name spelled right out in big white letters along with the image of a pig. A toy train trundles above the dining room and a balloon man creating balloon animals will keep kids entertained. 213 Salisbury Road, Statesville, NC.
One of the state’s most popular attractions, the Biltmore House is the largest privately owned house in the U.S. Built as a mountain retreat in the 1890s for George Vanderbilt (and still owned by his descendants), today, the estate is open year round for tourists to visit, as well as the grounds that include 8,000 acres. Stop for a tour of the home, take a stroll over two miles of manicured paths and gardens, or add a visit to the wineries and stay overnight at one of the luxurious inns or cottages to truly feel like a Vanderbilt for a night.1 Lodge St., Asheville, NC.
Siri and Waze will both tell you to start heading South for Atlanta from your stop in Biltmore, but if you stay on 40 just a little while longer, you won’t be disappointed. Just 45 miles west of Asheville is a town called Sylva, NC. If you are a cat lover, it is likely that ‘Sylva’ is ringing some small bell in your brain; it’s because a month ago you were tagged in a social media post about the newest museum made just for you. The American Museum of the House Cat opened this year by cat lover Harold Sims and devoted to the history of the house cat, including over 10,000 artifacts. 4704 US Hwy. 441.
5. The Biggest Train/Bus Wreck from a Movie
Just around the corner from Sylva, in Dillsboro, remains both the train and bus from one of the most famous crashes in movie history. Much of The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford, was filmed in the mountains of North Carolina and the wreck, which freed Ford from bondage, still sits on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad property. You can see the wreckage from a distance, or stop at the property office for a permit to take a closer look. Dillsboro, NC
Lucille’s is a Bed and Breakfast that was purposefully built to accommodate smaller groups in the hope that each and every guest could enjoy a customized relaxing and luxurious stay. Choose from three types of rooms with breathtaking views of the mountains you just drove through and ease all your tensions away with a trip to a local winery or a massage at the on-site spa. With impeccable reviews from every site imaginable, Atlanta can wait one more day as you take in the big sights and big relaxation at this little Inn. 964 Rabun Rd., Sautee Nacoochie, GA.
Atlanta
Whether you love history, nature, art, music or food, there is something for everyone in Atlanta. If you haven’t been to the Georgia Aquarium , set aside a day for this incredible experience. This largest aquarium in the western hemisphere is 13 acres of breathtaking wonder. Enjoy a dolphin celebration that rivals shows at Sea World and wade through a 100-foot underwater tunnel where you can see a whale shark glide by. For outdoor nature, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Piedmont Park is a feast for all senses. Don’t leave without an inspirational visit to the original Ebenezer Baptist Church. History will come alive as you take a self-guided audio tour, which includes excerpts of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Jr.’s sermons that helped change the course of history.
CHARLESTON
Coastal Detour
Undoubtedly, I-95 is the quickest way to Charleston but fast isn’t always best. The route lacks charm, and the only attraction along the way is the kitschy South of the Border that seems simultaneously abandoned and intriguing. Instead, cut across to Elizabethtown and head along the coast. Believe it or not, it’s only 20 miles longer!
Less than an hour southeast of Raleigh, stop at the legendary actress’s museum located in downtown Smithfield. You’ll be able to peruse film memorabilia, costumes and even a collection of the star’s never-before-seen personal clothing. True fans might want to also visit the Ava Gardner Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour to see the actress’s birthplace, the former Brogden Teacherage where she grew up, The Howell Theatre where Gardner first saw a movie and vowed to act, and her gravesite. 325 East Market Street, Smithfield, NC.
Halfway down the Cape Fear River and nestled amongst grapevines is this newly opened resort and winery. Stop by for a wine tasting, grab lunch or dinner at the restaurant or stay overnight in one of the lakeview cottages if you want to enjoy a more languorous journey. The charm of the resort extends to the grounds where you’ll find miniature horses, llamas and donkeys and a swan-filled pond. If you’re not staying the night, you’ll enjoy stretching your legs before getting back into the car. 325 East Market Street, Smithfield, NC.
Once you hit the coast, head south to Sunset Beach and rent a bike at Julie’s Rentals. Make your way to the beach and cycle across the broad expanse of hard sand to the Bird Island Reserve. The beach offers the only public access point to the barrier island reserve where you might spot nesting loggerhead sea turtles and countless rare bird species. If you see a black mailbox in the sand dunes, make sure to stop. It’s the Kindred Spirit Mailbox where thousands of visitors have written their thoughts, hopes and struggles down in spiral notebooks. You can read through the notes or share your own message. Intersection of 40th and Main Streets, Sunset Beach, NC.
If you happen to be driving through Myrtle Beach between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., stop for dinner at this family-owned restaurant that’s been serving superlative German cuisine for 25 years. But it isn’t just the food that draws a crowd: The walls are covered with pictures and notes from all the visitors who have dined there. You are welcome to write your own message—or simply sign your name. Maybe write a note to your older self and return again in 10 years to see if it still rings true! 407 8th Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC.
Even if you’re not a biker bar regular, this one is worth visiting, especially if you’re up for an adventure. Just south of Myrtle Beach, SBB (as it’s affectionately known by its patrons) is 40,000 square feet of beer, music, good food and motorcycles. In fact, you can ride your bike through the front door and straight to the bar. No bike? The place will offer hours of fascinating people watching and entertainment. 3393 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC.
A historical forest? You heard that right. This particular one is named after Revolutionary War hero Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, who tramped through the area with his soldiers protected only by the British Army’s fear of snakes and alligators. Marion and his crew were able to ambush the Brit’s supply line through surprise attacks. Today, the pristine beauty of the marsh and forest offers visitors a unique glimpse of the South’s wild landscapes. 2967 Steed Creek Rd, Huger, SC.
Just before reaching Charleston, embrace Low Country culture at this more than 300-year-old plantation on the banks of the Wampacheone Creek. One of America’s oldest working farms, the plantation once harvested cotton and pecans but now grows peaches, strawberries and tomatoes, which you can pick seasonally. Several tours of the house, the historic living quarters of the slaves, gardens and butterfly pavilion offer plenty to keep you engaged.1235 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Charleston
Charleston is known for its extraordinary cuisine, and there’s a long list of delicious options to choose from. However, do not leave town without a visit to167 Raw for some of the best seafood on the eastern seaboard. The tiny oyster bar doesn’t take reservations and there’s usually a wait, but we promise you it’s worth it. While you’re in town, establish your home base at the modern Grand Bohemian Hotel. The central location makes it the perfect springboard for taking advantage of all of Charleston’s attractions; while you’re there, explore the fine art gallery and take a wine blending class. Currently, it’s the only hotel in the world that offers this unique opportunity and you get to bring home a personally custom blended bottle as a souvenir.
WASHINGTON D.C.
From N.C. to Shining D.C.
The country’s capital is just over four hours away so you can afford to meander on the route and enjoy some off highway attractions. You’ll be spending most of your time in Virginia, appreciating the history and beauty of the state. Make your way to the coast for a more scenic drive where seafood lovers can enjoy part of the oyster trail
After lying dormant for more than 50 years, the former Imperial Tobacco Company has been transformed into an expansive cultural complex. Catering to kids, the science center has a living marsh exhibit featuring a 2,800-gallon saltwater aquarium and planetarium. The arts center is focused on supporting visual and performing arts locally, and the gallery showcases rotating exhibits including “Backstage Pass,” a compilation of Rolling Stone photographer Baron Wolman’s images of legendary musicians. 270 Gay St., Rocky Mount, NC.
Grab breakfast, lunch or simply coffee (for less than $1) at this quaint diner that has been serving home cooking since 1953. Before heading back into the car, walk off your meal on the Roanoake Canal Trail, a seven-mile path that runs alongside the Roanoke River and pays tribute to the town’s historical canals. 123 W 10th St, Roanoke Rapids, NC.
Nostalgic travelers will appreciate this lakeside campground that harks back to a more wholesome time. You don’t have to cart your camping equipment in order to enjoy the water activities since the resort area also offers reasonably priced cabins for rent. Overnight guests can fish and swim on the 18-acre Lake Helen, play on water trampolines and slide down the AquaGlide. 200 Byrd Street, Suffolk, VA.
Take a landmark tour of this maritime city with one of the most historic seaports in America, where Captain John Smith first explored more than 400 years ago. Check out the Fresnel Lens (1 High Street), one of the largest and brightest lighthouse lenses in the U.S., valued at $1 million. Stroll by the statue of Colonel William Crawford, the founder of Portsmouth, on the corner of High and Crawford Streets, then visit the Lightship Portsmouth (at the foot of Water and London Streets), a decommissioned ship turned museum that will be celebrating its 101st birthday. Portsmouth, VA.
It may seem a bit off the beaten track, but it’s worth the diversion to learn more about Virginia’s oyster trail. Captain Chris Ludford will take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the oyster farms along the Lynnhaven River. Whether it’s your first slurp or you’re a connoisseur, you’ll eat the freshest oysters available on a makeshift table set up directly in the water —don’t forget wine (pick up a bottle at the Mermaid Winery on your way)! For those wanting a more hands-on experience, you’re welcome to wade knee deep and pick up the oysters yourself. 3211 Lynnhaven Dr., Virginia Beach, VA.
Virginia is dotted with colonial towns and historic haunts, so you’d be remiss to skip one of the best ghost tours around. The fun, informative and entertaining Ghosts of Williamsburg candlelight tour takes you to the Peyton Randolph House, often declared the most haunted house in the U.S., where you might find two of the upper story windows glowing with an inexplicable light. Before communing with the dead, stop in for another kind of spirit at the Copper Fox Distillery. Named the best whiskey in Virginia by Esquire magazine, distiller Rick Wasmund drew upon his experience working at Bowmore Distillery on Islay, Scotland to craft a smooth blend. 345 W Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg, VA.
You don’t have to travel all the way to San Diego for a visit. In the anticipation of the upcoming East coast brewery and Stone World Bistro & Gardens, you can drop into the Company Store, a bottle shop and tap room featuring year-round beers, one-time releases and periodic-archived vintages in bottles, kegs and growlers. Grab a couple souvenirs for the brew head back home; soap, candles and jewelry are also available. 4300 Williamsburg Ave., Richmond, VA.
Virginia is rich in history—from the first settlers in Jamestown to the Civil War battlefields that have scarred its land. Any trip to Washington, D.C. should include a visit to one of these historic battlegrounds that remind us of the high price paid when a country stands divided. More than 85,000 were wounded and 15,000 killed on these hallowed grounds. Begin at the visitor’s center where you can view open-air exhibits and watch a 22-minute orientation film. Participate in a guided walking tour or hike one of the numerous trails. 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA.
Washington, D.C.
As our country’s capital, the city is packed with important landmarks, extraordinary museums, delicious restaurants and enjoyable attractions. However, if you have the time, delve into the more unusual sites the city has to offer. At the Washington National Cathedral (the sixth largest in the world), try to spot Darth Vader’s helmet on the northwest tower. Once inside, check out the tiny piece of lunar matter ensconced in one of the stained glass windows. James Bond fans should pay a visit to the International Spy Museum, featuring both cinematic treasures (including a new exhibit on 50 years of Bond Villains) to historic artifacts and interactive spy experiences. Before leaving town, grab a pint at the Brewmaster’s Castle, also known as Christian Heurich’s house. The Guilded Age-mansion built by the German immigrant and brewer in 1892 was outfitted with the most modern technology of its time. Today, you can enjoy an hour-long tour of the house culminating in a beer tasting event.
No longer a word of derision be proud and own your nerd and geek moniker.
Welcome to Elvegast!
Anachronism:(noun) a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned.
You likely didn’t know it, but if you reside in Raleigh, thou livest in the oldest and largest barony in the Kingdom of Atlantia. At least you do within the bounds of The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA,) a 50-year-old international organization that is dedicated to researching and re-creating the lives of pre-17th century Europeans.
There are over 30,000 members of the SCA worldwide and each abides by the goal and promise to—as authentically as possible—recreate the Middle Ages.
The Kingdom of Atlantia covers Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Augusta County, Georgia. Within each kingdom are baronies, which are made up of Cantons. Central North Carolina is in the Barony of Windmasters’ Hill. Raleigh is the Canton of Elvegast.
With weekly Canton meetings, monthly Barony meetings and larger events throughout the year, the SCA appeals to lovers of history, those passionate about recreating the best virtues of the past including honor, respect and chivalry and, in their own words, nerds and geeks.
“Most of us have the ‘geek’ or ‘nerd’ label attached to us in the real world and we happily own it but we leave that behind here,” says Tankred Bras-de-Fer (SCA name,) a Herald for Elvegast Canton. “But within the SCA we also happily ‘geek’ out on things that happened in the Middle Ages. I ‘geek’ out on heraldry.”
Within the community, members adopt a persona, which includes a name, a time period and a place of origin. Also, many create a set of skills or jobs that align with that persona. The rules in adopting a particular name is that it must be authentic, in that it did or could have existed in that time frame and it must be unique within SCA. Heralds, like Bras-de-Fer are in charge of researching and registering personas.
If time travel were to suddenly be possible, SCA members would want personas they have created to blend with the period and location they have chosen. The name, skills, dress and job all follow accordingly.
The amount of history that is known within the group is intimidating, but it is all part of the passion of this group. They believe in involvement, not entertainment. This involvement leads them to a deeper understanding of the feudal society period they re-create. Members have become proficient in glassblowing, leather working and fighting. Throughout the year, you can find any number of tournaments or educational workshops on many types of combat including armored with swords, rapier combat and archery.
“The armor in fighting over the years has actually gotten more and more authentic for no other reason than we’re finding out that what they used is what works best,” says Elvegast Seneshal [President] Maelgwn Morgant.
Battles are not only fought as part of training and re-creating realities of Middle Age life, they are how rulers are determined, in accordance with period customs.
Every six months, SCA members may submit a letter of intent to fight in the Crown Tournament to become King or Queen of their Kingdom. Once the letter is approved, they are put in the Crown Tournament bracket.
The fight is to the death.
And by “death” I mean to the blow where the recipient whom has been educated in battle wounds and strikes would understand that such a blow would lead to one’s death had they been using real swords.
Once a victor is hailed, there is a small period for the sitting king until the victor and their consort become the new King and Queen. From there, the society continues to stay true to the feudal ideology with local barons, baronesses, knights and award recipients being chosen and appointed by the royalty.
Members of the SCA invite anyone and everyone wanting to make history alive today to join them at their monthly meetings or at any event on their calendar.
The Sound of Fandom
“Strong enough to pull the ears off a gundark!” – Captain Han Solo
“Dad, just stop…” – Our Kids
“Also, I can kill you with my brain.”– River Tam
These are just some of the reviews provided on the website of the Wizard Rock group, the Blibbering Humdingers, a band inspired by the Harry Potter book series.
Wait, What? You’re certain you haven’t heard of wizard rock, or songs inspired by a ‘nerd and geek’ fandom?
Well, have you heard of Led Zeppelin? Consider the lyrics of the popular “Ramble On.”
“Years ago in days of old when magic filled the air
‘Twas in the darkest depths of Mordor, mm-I met a girl so fair
But Gollum and the evil one crept up and slipped away with her…”
Just as Robert Plant was greatly inspired by Lord of the Rings, inspiration for music can come from anywhere. For many local bands, that inspiration includes Harry Potter, comic books, Star Trek and video games.
NC State graduates, Scott and Kirsten Vaughan make up the Blibbering Humdingers, a band inspired by the 2007 release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows and other wizard rock groups like Draco & the Malfoys and the Moaning Myrtles. They met while playing medieval music together in the Society for Creative Anachronism where they are known as Master Efenwealt Wystle and Maîtresse Aénor d’Anjou, but found their niche in wizard rock, blending the inside jokes of Hogwarts with catchy tunes.
The name, Blibbering Humdingers, comes from a creature only visible to the quirky character in the series named Luna Lovegood. The Vaughans said they stayed up all night reading Deathly Hollows, the night it hit shelves. The moment that Lovegood used blibbering humdingers as a distraction method, they paused their reading for just a moment. “That’d be a great name for a band,” they said.
Playing mostly at wizard fan events, like the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Quail Ridge Books and at conventions like Charlotte’s June ConCarolinas, the Blibbering Humdingers hope to expand their reach and look forward to playing parties, bars and events of all kinds.
With wizarding fandom winding down a touch, the Vaughans have branched into other areas of ‘nerd rock’ as well. Their recent song, “Raised by Nerds,” is an empowering anthem to all kids who define themselves as nerds or are raised by nerds.
“It’s so much more acceptable to be a nerd now than it was when we were kids,” Ms. Vaughan says. She points to the success that ‘nerds’ and computer savvy people enjoy as well as the fact that the Internet can help you find people who share your interests.
A generation ago, a child may have felt like they were the only one whose biggest crush was Uhura from Star Trek. Now, there are (likely) communities dedicated to any kind of nerd or geek fandom and it is easier for people to find their ‘tribe.’
Raleigh Supercon Director of Music and lead singer for War in the Pocket, Leonard Flounoy, agrees that it is much easier to connect with a community these days, but that doesn’t mean that this is necessarily ‘new.’
“When we sit down to write a song, we’re not trying to make it ‘nerdy.’ I know what I grew up with, what I was shown, what I experienced and a lot of important lessons for me just happened to come from those media: comics, anime and video games,” he says.
This year will be the first that Raleigh Supercon has dedicated time and space to spotlight local ‘nerd and geek fandom’ bands. The musical acts vary from single performers that use Gameboys as musical instruments to full progressive pop bands like, War in the Pocket.
“Being a part of this community and making music that we can relate to, it brings us all closer together,” Flounoy says. One of their songs, “Hey Listen,” is inspired by the Legend of Zelda and is told from the perspective of Link’s fairy companion, Navi. The lyrics relate to popular complaints about the fairy so are especially meaningful to fans. However, in all their music, Flounoy says their goal is to make the song relatable even if you’ve never played the game.
So if you read this headline thinking that wizard or nerd rock wasn’t your genre, you may be surprised. After all, it was cool enough for Led Zeppelin.
Deyna Hardison did her best to stay above the fray as feuds erupted online. She did her best to ignore disagreements until a close friend posted about Philadelphia Eagles players kneeling during the National Anthem: “Come on Eagles, don’t be stupid like Kaepernick.”
“I don’t know why it struck me that day, but I asked, ‘Hey, what’s going on? Why are you calling them stupid?’” says Hardison. What started as a question for her friend, turned into a nasty back and forth argument thread with comments, name-calling and vitriol involving several people.
“We can disagree, but when it got nasty, I found myself just really upset with people,” she says. Hardison utilized the ‘unfollow’ feature and isn’t even sure if they are still Facebook friends.
She’s not alone. Though Facebook does not keep official statistics of ‘unfriending’ or ‘hiding,’ there is allegorical evidence to suggest that there was a swath of online friendships ‘lost’ because of the election.
Now that the election has passed, the question becomes, how did we let things get so out of control, and how do we begin healing those wounds?
According to UNC Professor of Media and Technology Studies, Michael Palm, part of the solution comes in simply acknowledging the unique nuances of online communication, and Facebook specifically.
Accountability and anonymity are both factors that can make people behave more boldly online. But even an increased emboldening doesn’t seem to account for the polarity that many feel even beyond their screens. “There have always been deal-breakers and irreconcilable differences; what makes being online seem to increase their prevalence?” Palm asks.
The answer could be as simple as this: knowledge. “We are more privy to people’s politics. I might have a drinking buddy or someone I play soccer with whose politics I disagree with, but I’d never know. When we become friends on Facebook, more opinions are exposed,” he says.
Meredith College Department Head of Psychology Cynthia Edwards adds that our natural human tendencies further the problem. “There is good evidence that we’re born with a preference for people that we perceive to be like us,” she says.
With Facebook, the data and information that we have access to is heightened. Between confirmation bias and a natural preference for people we perceive to be like us, it is natural to filter our feeds to agree with our perspective.
However, Edwards argues that our innate tendencies have become corrupted: “When it comes to belief systems, politics and critical thinking, we’re going to gravitate toward information that is confirmatory; then it becomes maladaptive, and that is what social media has done for us.”
Edwards notes that allowing ourselves to give in too much to this instinct could lead to a distorted sense of reality, allowing us to believe a disproportionate number of people believe as we do. Creating these echo chambers make people who disagree seem almost ‘fringe.’
Understanding this complexity and seeing our place in it is half the battle in repairing online friendships. “Acknowledge it and say, ‘We were both angry in this election’ or ‘We both struggled, but there was a relationship here that we valued; can we find a way to reclaim that,’” says Edwards, adding that you should have this conversation in person.
Palm agrees: “If there’s a geographically distant friendship that needs maintenance, I’d recommend Skype, or email or even a letter, something that can be done private as opposed to a Facebook thread where people are egging you on or watching.”
“If I lived near her, I would’ve invited her out for coffee,” Hardison says of her now ‘blocked’ friend. In person, Hardison could’ve asked the questions that her friend’s post raised in her heart—“Do you think that my life doesn’t matter? Is it OK for police to shoot someone that looks like my husband?”—and talk through their differences.
In the online world of character counting and name-calling, those are the questions, the ones that account for people’s feelings that are often left unheard. “If I had one piece of advice to repair online friendships moving forward, we have to start listening to each other,” Edwards says.
Legendary former head men’s golf coach Richard Sykes sadly passed away in his Wendell home on Sunday, Sept. 25. A Celebration of Life for Sykes will be held at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 4pm. Here, we take a look back on his life.
When a golfer sinks his final putt on the 18th green, the only thing left to do is sign his scorecard. Officially, it is a way to ensure the scores are correct. Metaphorically, it is a signature of completion. Moments and shots from the round will surely stay with the golfer, but when that round is complete, that job is done.
This spring, coach Richard Sykes walks away from the offices of Lonnie Poole Golf Course after 46 years of being head golf coach for NC State. He says in his characteristic jovial manner that he knew it was time to leave because he is 72, and he wanted to leave at even par—a significant number to golfers since 72 is par score at most championship courses.
As he shares the memories of his legacy and looks forward to the future, it is as though he is taking those iconic steps from the green to the clubhouse, with the afternoon sun blazing behind the trees, knowing he’s leaving behind the round of his life, a legacy that will be honored forever.
Really, I Was a Football Player…
Sykes came to NC State determined to play football and run track. After one spring practice and a knee injury, both dreams fizzled. “After that, I was not a very good student; I was in and out. I’d do a semester and take one off. I had played golf all my life, but finally, about my junior year, I joined the golf team,” he says.
Sykes honed his game and took a position with the Raleigh Golf Association, dreaming of being a golf pro. At the time, Al Michaels was both the golf coach and the defensive coordinator for Wolfpack football. Needing a little help with the golf team, Michaels reached out to Sykes.
Paid with season tickets to football and basketball, it was supposed to be a short gig, just until he became a golf pro. That all changed in the midst of interviewing for a golf pro position in Eastern NC. It was exactly what he thought he wanted until he thought, “I’d have to give up the golf team if I do this.” He turned down the job to stay in Raleigh, and his legacy began.
A Mentor and a Friend
Starting in his mid-20s, Sykes wasn’t much older than his athletes when he began coaching. That molded his coaching style as a mentor and friend, a style he’d carry with him through the years.
“The guys, when I get them, are pretty good already so my job is helping them manage the course and manage emotions,” says Sykes.
“For me, coming from overseas, he really took me and made me feel comfortable,” says professional golfer and NC State golf star Tim Clark. “When it came to golf, he was always very encouraging.”
This style and mastery of the game earned Sykes an impressive list of accolades over the span of his career, including four ACC Coach of the Year honors (1982, 1988, 1990, 2000) and a 2001 induction into the Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. He led NC State to 23 appearances in NCAA Regionals,12 appearances in NCAA Championships and the ACC title in 1990.
Even more impressive is the success of the players he has coached, including 47 All-ACC selections, 34 All-Americans, six ACC Champions, two ACC Players of the Year, and 2009 NCAA Champion Matt Hill.
“Coach Sykes has an incredible passion for the game of golf and NC State athletics,” says Hill.“He was always making people laugh and smile at his jokes and one-liners. There are so many great memories that we had with coach Sykes during my time at NC State. The State golf program is lucky to have had him for all of these years. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to play for him and improve my game under his guidance.”
Despite all these accolades, the most poignant memory for Sykes involves a runner-up trophy. “It was my second year coaching, and we were in a close race for second place for the ACC Championship. I remember [NC State golfer] Marshall Stewart running out on the fairway shouting, “We Won! We Won!” Because, that’s all we could win,” he says. “Wake Forest was going to win the national championship. We walked away feeling like we won the tournament because we beat everyone we could beat. Nobody knows how much that second-place trophy means to me; I hugged that thing for a couple days before I finally took it to [Athletic Director Willis] Casey’s office and gave it to him. I was so excited about it. I can close my eyes now and see it clear as day.”
Recruiting and Inspiring the Lonnie Poole Golf Course
Through the 1980s and 1990s, recruiting was difficult. With UNC, Duke and Wake Forest all recruiting the same kids, NC State would often be checked off the list due to one simple fact—no golf course.
With his creativity and incredible charisma, Sykes continued to strengthen the program despite this hurdle. “I had a daily routine of coming in early and calling golf courses and finding out where we could play,” he remembers. “I’d update the board outside my office to tell everyone where to go. We were like nomads. It was fun though.”
His success with overseas recruits started with a player recommended by PGA professional Nick Price. Sykes says: “When Nick Price calls up your house in Wendell, you listen.”
Later, the father of a former overseas player called Sykes and said, “I’ve got a guy over here that’s better than your best players, I’ll have him call you.” That player was three-time All-American Tim Clark.
“I remember the day he picked me up,” says Clark. “I landed in Raleigh on a plane from New York [from South Africa] and there was snow the whole way down. I’d never been in snow before, and I’d just been on flights for 20 hours, but we went straight to the range to see how I could play.”
“It was cold! It was freezing,” laughs Sykes. “I took him straight to Wildwood Green. I knew he had a great record and had a good recommendation, but it was a gamble and I saw covers on his irons. People don’t put covers on their irons; that means they don’t play! As soon as I saw those covers I thought, ‘Lord what have I done?’ But then he just starts hitting balls and they’re landing on top of each other.”
The gamble paid off and led to continued success and more championship-level golfers. Sykes had the momentum he needed to make good on the promise he’d been making for decades.
“I’ve been promising people a golf course for 40 years, and now I tell everyone… I just got mixed up on the timeline,” he says. The 200-acre Lonnie Poole Golf Course was opened in 2009 thanks to the dedication of Sykes and the generosity of the Poole family.
It All Started In Raleigh, With Richard
Dozens of athletes Sykes has coached continue to live their golfing dreams as coaches, club professionals or players on the PGA Tour. The fact is one of Sykes’ greatest joys: “To ride down the road with five golfers and have them talk about their dreams and then to see some of those dreams come true. … That’s really special. How many people get to do that?”
When Tim Clark won The Players Championship in 2010, Sykes says, “Tim couldn’t have been happier than me. I jumped out of my chair.”
Clark quickly credits Sykes. “The Monday of that tournament I was in Raleigh playing in the golf team fundraiser. I was on the range and called Richard over to have a look. He watched me hit a few balls and said, ‘That looks perfect to me, looks the way you’ve always done it,’ which meant a lot because I was trying to get back to a place where I knew I played well,” he says. “That whole week at the Players Championship, I was relaxed and played some of the best golf of my life, and it all started that Monday in Raleigh with Richard.”
Clark adds something that likely resonates with the whole Wolfpack Golf Community: “I’ll forever be indebted to Richard for the opportunity he gave me. He’s always going to be a big part of my life. I love him very much; I love NC State, and I wish him all the best for the future.”
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