Durham Magazine August/September 2026

Behind the Music

Imight be the least musically inclined person you’ll ever meet. I know next to nothing about notes and couldn’t carry a tune to save my life. Aside from a brief fourth grade stint with a viola and learning the opening riffs to Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Today” by The Smashing Pumpkins on the guitar in high school, instruments confound me. But I appreciate music – I love the emotions it stirs, the memories it unlocks and the way a single song can drop you into another time and place. Most of all, I admire the stories – the ones tucked inside the lyrics and the ones we write for ourselves every time we hear them.

It’s that kind of visceral feeling that arises when I hear Sylvan Esso’s “Coffee.” I’m instantly transported back to summer 2014: my mid-20s, late nights with best friends and slow Saturday mornings wandering the farmers market, grabbing sunflowers, pastries and – what else? – coffee. The nostalgia rolls over in waves of both blissful reminiscing and bittersweet longing for those simpler times. It was captivating to read our own Renee Ambroso’s conversation with Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn (page 24) and get an update on their latest album and October’s Good Moon Festival. The pair’s immense talent, their constant evolution as artists and their consistent commitment to uplifting Durham’s artistic community continue to inspire awe more than a dozen years after their debut.

That’s the magic of music. It feels deeply personal, yet it’s also a universal connector, binding us in ways that are felt on levels

THE COVER

by John Michael Simpson

far deeper than our surface differences. I experienced it standing shoulder to shoulder inside BOOM Club as everyone listened to “Inferno,” the first album released by Boards of Canada in 13 years, before its official release. No chatter. No phones. Just a room full of people quietly absorbing every sound together. BOOM Club was one of only four venues in the state to host a listening party – and the only one that wasn’t a record store – another reminder that Durham’s music scene thrives because people here keep creating spaces where art comes first. Turn to page 28 to learn more about how community-centered orgs like BOOM Club are nurturing the city’s next generation of artists –and giving the city a sound all its own.

That spirit of growth echoes throughout the issue, where you’ll find other progressions of artful endeavors. Take Durm Studio, the new venture from Runaway’s Gabe Eng-Goetz and Michael Brannon that returns to the homegrown foundation of the brand while simultaneously taking a more mature and refined approach, or Skin and Bones Theater, an independent art house cinema coming to Parrish Street – the latest vision from the minds of Jim Haverkamp and Alex Maness, the duo behind Shadowbox Studio who’ve been friends and collaborators for nearly 30 years (page 34). Time has a way of sharpening good ideas, and these stories prove that the most innovative work often comes from those willing to hone their craft.

Durham’s always had its own rhythm; this issue is just one more way to hear it. Consider it your cue to press play.

amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com

The Triangle Weekender, our newest guide to all there is to do, see, eat and explore in the Triangle. OUR FULL FALL ARTS GUIDE ’Tis the season for new exhibits, plays, live music and more

Do your endof-summer plans include savoring every poolside moment or hosting a picnic in your beautiful garden? Reach out!

Summer Patchwork Market

AUG. 16

Browse handcrafted items, vintage finds, art, apparel, home goods, jewelry, ceramics and more from more than 60 diverse makers, artists, curators and small businesses from across North Carolina and the Southeast at the Durham Armory Be one of the first 100 shoppers there, and snag a free tote bag!

Bright Leaf Harvest Day & BBQ Fundraiser

AUG. 22

Experience North Carolina’s agricultural heritage at Duke Homestead, where hands-on activities bring tobacco season to life. Watch and join tobacco looping demonstrations using plants harvested from the site’s fields, chat with interpreters throughout the historic buildings and savor a barbecue picnic with all the fixin’s. Proceeds support the state historic site’s special events, maintenance and staff development.

see go

Fall Film Series in the Park

SEPT. 5, OCT. 3 & NOV. 7

Cooler evenings set the stage for movies under the stars as Durham Parks and Recreation transforms Durham Central Park into a cozy open-air theater in the heart of downtown. Spread out your blankets, unfold your lawn chair, grab dinner from local food trucks and settle in for a family-friendly lineup featuring “Zootopia 2” Sept. 5, “Beetlejuice” Oct. 3 and “Best in Show” Nov. 7. Arrive early to grab tasty bites from local food trucks, then kick back and relax as the opening credits roll.

doBRIDGE THE SEASONS WITH THESE CAN’T-MISS EVENTS

Compiled by Sophia Abbott

Eno River Association’s 60th Anniversary Celebration

SEPT. 12

Six decades of conservation, advocacy and community stewardship take center stage as the Eno River Association marks this milestone with a benefit concert inside the Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher Hall. Kick off the celebration with a free afternoon at the DPlex Plaza featuring live music, performance art, community partner booths and commemorative ERA merchandise, then head inside for an evening of music and poetry. Indigenous artists Pura Fé and Cary Morin, folk singer-songwriter Jake Xerxes Fussell and alternative indie soul musician Tre. Charles join other special guests inspired by the region’s landscapes, history and people, honoring the organization’s legacy of environmental protection while supporting its future.

SEPT. 20

Oktoberfest

SEPT. 12 & 26

Break out your lederhosen – The Glass Jug Beer Lab serves up two chances to celebrate Oktoberfest with cold brews, festive bites and polka dances during its 12th annual event. The fete kicks off at its south Durham taproom Sept. 12 with a daylong party in the beer garden featuring live performances by the Oak City Polka Kings, giant soft pretzels, stein-hoisting competitions and more. Festivities continue Sept. 26 at Durham Central Park with more polka music, Bavarian fare and games alongside a craft market. Raise a stein in the beer tent, explore local vendors and soak in the end-of-summer vibes.

This acclaimed ensemble brings four centuries of music to life through violin, cello and piano in a program that spans from Mozart’s refined elegance to the lithe impressionism of contemporary composer Jennifer Higdon. The trio, praised by The Washington Post for its “probing, fiercely intelligent playing,” explores the chemistry and emotional range of this timeless instrument combination at Duke University’s Baldwin Auditorium as part of Duke Arts Presents’ Chamber Arts Series.

Buena Vista Social Club

SEPT. 22-27

Experience the spirit of Havana at the Durham Performing Arts Center as this Tony Award-winning production brings the iconic titular album’s story to life on stage through captivating rhythms and dance. Follow legendary singer Omara Portuondo as she grapples with a tempting opportunity to step back into the spotlight after suddenly vanishing from it years earlier, forcing her to reckon with her past. Themes of grand ambitions, second chances and memory intertwine in this dynamic celebration of Cuban culture.

Pride: Durham, NC

SEPT. 27-OCT. 3

Join the LGBTQ Center of Durham for a full week of festivities celebrating love, community and activism. This year’s theme, “Always Forward, Never Straight: Preserving History, Coming Home” emphasizes the collective commitment to advancing social justice with dignity, love and perseverance. The fun kicks off Sunday with the Vendor & Food Truck Rodeo spotlighting 60-plus LGBTQ+ creators and businesses at Durham Central Park and continues with several more events throughout the week. The celebration culminates on Saturday with the annual Community Protest & Parade at Duke University’s East Campus, where around 100 groups march along a 2-mile route on foot and aboard colorful floats.

Pumpkin Patch Express

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER

Create fall memories at the Museum of Life and Science! Hop aboard this annual festive fall train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway to visit its pumpkin patch. Pick out the perfect pumpkin to decorate, munch on fresh popcorn as you walk through a hay maze, and enjoy duck races and other fun games before climbing on the train for a ride back to the station.

Vintage Base Ball Day

OCT. 3

Take a trip back to baseball’s beginnings at the Historic Durham Athletic Park, where Duke Homestead invites guests to enjoy America’s pastime – old-school style. Players take the field in period uniforms, use historic equipment and follow original 1860s rules to recreate the sights and rhythms of the sport’s earliest era. Cheer on the Duke Homestead team as they take on the Rockingham, Virginia, Shiners – plus a special team from the Durham Fire Department Spectators are encouraged to don their favorite vintage fashion and munch on old-fashioned concessions and treats. Batter up! (Photo credits, clockwise from top left)

EAGLE EYE VIEW N

North Carolina Central University fans flock together for food and fellowship on home football weekends

BY BECKETT BRANTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NC CENTRAL DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

orth Carolina Central University football isn’t just a sport – it’s a lifestyle.

You don’t have to be an alumnus to rep the maroon and gray, just a willingness to embrace strong Eagle pride and join in supporting the historically Black university as its team competes for victory.

Fans typically begin arriving up to four hours before kickoff –some even the night before – on home game days. Parking lots and lawns, from the Miller-Morgan Lot to the Latham Surface Lot aka The Pit, transform into lively tailgates where folks gather around TVs for early kickoffs, challenge one another to cornhole and other lawn games, feast on overflowing tables of homemade food and enjoy music, laughter and camaraderie. And for homecoming, the Vendor Village marketplace on Nelson and Lincoln streets near O’KellyRiddick Stadium features a wide variety of food, apparel and merchandise vendors to browse before crowds head into the game. Each group of fans has a different setup, but they all share one goal: celebrating the program that won a HBCU national championship as recently as 2022.

FLOCK PARTY

Growing up just blocks from campus, Venita Quick always knew when football season had arrived – she could hear the Sound Machine Marching Band practicing during the week. By Saturday game day, she knew exactly what songs they were going to play.

Nestled between Fayetteville Street and Alston Avenue in the historic Hayti District, NCCU’s O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium has served as the football program’s home base since 1975. Neighbors and students pass by on their daily routines, but on fall Saturdays, the stadium acts as a beacon for generations of Eagle fans to reunite.

The festivities start at least three hours before kickoff for Venita. She and her family have tailgated for more than 40 years.

Their location has changed over time – currently they set up in the Walker Complex Lot – but one thing never has: Every home game, several generations of Quicks don their NCCU gear, pitch tents decked out with maroon-and-gray tables, chairs, games and flags, and welcome friends old and new. Hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages fuel most Saturdays, while homecoming and North Carolina A&T rivalry weekends inspire a full menu of brisket, corn on the cob, collard greens, crab legs and countless more homemade specialties. 

BULL CITY DENTAL

o you live or work downtown? This is your opportunity to “walk” to the dentist. Come early, on your lunch hour or an afternoon to get full service dental care. Dr. Audrey Kemp offers a full scope of cosmetic and family dentistry including Veneers, Crowns, Implant Restorations, Partials, Dentures and Invisalign.

Employers in the RTP region are looking for employees skilled in biotechnology. Durham Tech’s RTP-Bio program, in partnership with Wake Tech, is your fast track to a career in the industry. Get hands-on experience, get certified, and get hired by enrolling today in Durham Tech’s RTP-Bio program at durhamtech.edu/rtpbio

let’s dish

Jean’s

‘By

BY RENEE AMBROSO PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON at

the Sea’

A4-foot flounder mural eyes hungry guests as they step inside Jean’s “By the Sea, ” the West Durham seafood restaurant that opened this past spring in the longtime home of Wimpy’s Grill. The beloved burger institution closed in mid-2019 after 32 years in business, followed by the short-lived Blake’s Grill, which opened in early 2020 before rebranding as The Durham Filling Station just a few months later.

The Filling Station closed a couple years ago, leaving the modest brick building at the corner of Hillsborough Road and Hicks Street vacant until it caught the attention of Kate Elia

“I loved it [immediately],” Kate says. “[Wimpy’s] meant a lot to the community. A lot of people in Durham, myself included,  are sad when old places go away and get bulldozed.”

She partnered with Alliance Architecture, Jergensen Construction, Sundholm Studio and designer Paul Tuorto to breathe new life into the space, meticulously reshaping its tiny footprint into a fresh concept that honors the property’s neighborhood roots while charting a new course. The result is a relaxed

Don’t Miss

seafood eatery equally suited for family meals, casual lunches and romantic evenings over oysters and cocktails.

The renovation expanded the dining room from 660 to 920 square feet, creating space for six indoor booths and a handful of counter seats. The team also nearly doubled the property’s footprint by incorporating the neighboring vacant lot, which now serves as a spacious patio with room for more than 100 guests under a pergola and shady trees. Inside, vintage signs, fishing poles and coastal artwork evoke the charm of a favorite aunt’s beach house. Kate says she recognizes that locals have plenty of upscale restaurants to pick from for a dressed-up date night, so she chose to create a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere at Jean’s where families and friends can, as she puts it, “eat food and not have to get fancy.”

TOAST TO THE COAST

The thoughtfully curated beverage program reflects Kate’s 20 years of experience in the wine industry, including four years as

general manager of Wine Authorities and, most recently, director of operations at Piedmont Wine Imports. The well-rounded wine list features intriguing sparkling, orange, Champagne, white and red selections chosen to complement seafood while appealing to savvy and adventurous drinkers.

There’s also beer on tap, micheladas and a lineup of creative, beachy cocktails like the Fish House Punch, which blends Jamaican rum, peach brandy and cognac into a rich, fruit-forward sipper. Keep an eye out for rotating seasonal drink specials, too.

REEL GOOD EATS

A handful of daily catch specials, handwritten on white butcher paper next to the service window, and permanent menu items highlight East Coast seafood sourced primarily from North Carolina purveyors such as Locals Seafood. Kitchen manager Scott Perry butchers whole fish in-house each day.

Calabash baskets remain a crowd pleaser, offering the familiar pairing of crispy fried, grilled or blackened seafood with golden hush puppies, french fries and slaw. Raw oysters, daily crudo, citrusy

ceviche and chilled peel-and-eat shrimp provide refreshing, lighter counterparts to the familiar comfort of fried fish stalwarts often associated with a classic counter-service seafood shack.

SHORE THING

Jean’s opened its backyard bar, The Barj, in mid-July. Guests can expect buckets of beer, frozen slushies and specialty cocktails with equally fun names – like the Gin & Jorts and Sea Hag – served outdoors on Friday and Saturday evenings, adding another reason to linger long after dinner.

“We went with two types of pine siding, a really muted color palette of creamy white and light green to make it feel very coastal … and tied everything together in a way that feels like you’re being swept away to the sea instead of walking into a seafood restaurant in Durham,” says Shaun Sundholm, principal designer at Sundholm Studio.

JOIN US FOR

Now Serving: THE LATEST

• Mr. Lincoln, a new cocktail lounge from Houston’s Bar and Lounge and Let’s Eat Soul Food owner Gerald Allen, is expected to open mid-July at 310 E. Main St. The upscale concept pairs stylish, inviting interiors with carefully crafted cocktails and elevated hospitality. The lounge will also offer small plates, a late-night menu and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Montwood Café opened its brickand-mortar location May 15, bringing its nature-oriented coffee concept to 123 Market St., Ste. A. Spouses Bryan Montozzi-Wood and Johann MontozziWood launched the business as a mobile espresso bar before landing the permanent home. The storefront, open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., serves coffee from a rotating selection of local roasters alongside seasonal specialty drinks and pastries.

• Little Bull, the Michelin Guiderecommended restaurant from “Top Chef” alum and two-time James Beard Award semifinalist Oscar Diaz, will relocate to 301 E. Chapel Hill St. The new space, set to open Aug. 3, occupies a historic 1910s building carefully restored during a yearlong renovation, featuring a staircase – crafted from reclaimed wood beams salvaged from the original interior walls – that connects the main dining room to an upstairs bar. Diners can expect the same pocho cuisine that has defined Little Bull since 2023 along with new dishes prepared on a wood-fired grill. Dinner service begins nightly at 5 p.m., with weekend brunch and weekday lunch coming this fall.

• Uwa Sushi & Grill opened June 26 at 620 Foster St., Ste. E. Restaurateur Don Yoo, who began developing restaurant concepts in Durham more than two decades ago, returns to the city with a menu built around fresh ingredients and the belief that “sushi should be for everyone.” The restaurant, open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, offers cooked beginner rolls, a full sushi bar and robust Asian grill menu, along with signature cocktails and a curated sake selection.

• Torero’s Mexican Restaurant closed its location at 640 Fernway Ave. after serving Durham for 30 years.

BULL CITY RESTAURANT NEWS COMPILED BY OLIVIA JARMAN

• M Hansik, a modern Korean restaurant from chef Michael Lee and his wife, Yeon Ju Lee, opened June 24 at 501 Washington St. The menu blends traditional Korean dishes and creative, modern interpretations of the cuisine. M Hansik is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

• Devine’s Restaurant & Sports Bar celebrated its 48th anniversary May 28 with a party at its longtime home, 904 W. Main St. The family-owned joint has served Durham diners since 1978, dishing up classic bar fare, 12 draft beers and wall-to-wall entertainment on 17 large-screen TVs – perfect for catching a Duke game.

• Kingfisher, the craft cocktail bar from UV Hospitality co-owners Michelle Vanderwalker and Sean Umstead, recently launched a special menu from chef Saca Monk, available nightly from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The lineup complements the bar’s existing dinner plates and shareable snacks with dishes including steak frites with au poivre, “The World’s Most Famous Burger” – a riff on a quarterpound cheeseburger – a seasonal vegetable meal, and a spring salad featuring local greens, edible flowers and a green garlic goddess dressing.

• National travel publication 5 Reasons to Visit named Bull City Burger and Brewery’s burger the best in North Carolina. The restaurant, opened by owner Seth Gross in 2011, earned the recognition for its farm-to-table philosophy that features grass-fed, pasture-raised North Carolina beef ground in-house daily, scratch-made toppings and buns, and small-batch beer brewed on-site.

• James Beard Award-winning chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint traveled to Washington, D.C., June 4 to 6 as one of four chefs chosen to cook at the National Archives Foundation’s “Taste of America” celebration honoring the country’s 250th anniversary. Ricky represented the South with a menu rooted in his coastal North Carolina upbringing. Fans can also look for the second edition of Ricky’s “Saltbox Seafood Joint Cookbook,” due out in September.

• Emmy Squared Pizza in Brightleaf Square introduced new “Shorty” cocktails in June, allowing guests to order halfsized versions of select drinks, like the pineapple-basil-mezcal Tropic Like It’s Hot, the Espresso Yourself espresso martini and the Skinny Margarita. The pizza spot also recently debuted the Skinny Square, a lighter take on its signature hybrid New York-Detroit-style pies with less dough and the same crispy frico cheese crust.

• M Restaurant Group’s Asian fusion tapas eatery M Pocha closed for renovations in June as it transforms into M Nikkei. The reimagined concept will spotlight robatayaki fireside cooking and sushi hand rolls while keeping several customer favorites on the menu.

• Killer Queen Wine Bar – known for its eclectic atmosphere, attentive hospitality and unique wine program – closed its doors at 117 E. Main St., Ste. B, June 28 to make way for a new concept from UV Hospitality co-owners Michelle Vanderwalker and Sean Umstead.

• Lutra Cafe & Bakery, the popular sticky-bun pop-up from chef-owner Chris McLaurin, opened June 26 at 312 Blackwell St., Ste. 102, inside the American Tobacco Campus. The casual counter-service cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily, including its signature sweet buns, breads and soft pretzels alongside dishes like biscuits and gravy, a signature breakfast sandwich and 100-layer hash browns as well as deli and ice-box sandwiches, from house-made egg and chicken salad to smoked fish offerings. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends.

• Woody’s Bar-B-Q, a Florida-based chain founded in 1980, opened its first North Carolina location June 22 at 3500 N. Roxboro St., Ste. 2, in the Oxford Commons shopping center. The restaurant serves slow-cooked beef brisket, spare ribs, smoked pork, chicken and other barbecue favorites Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday until 9 p.m.

• Dosirak Outpost, a Korean convenience store concept from Kristine Suh, opened July 9 at 307 W. Main St. in Downtown Durham Inc.’s incubator space. Kristine, who built a loyal local following through pop-ups focused on Korean cuisine, brings that passion to this storefront stocked with Korean prepared foods, to-go meals, desserts, snacks and a wall dedicated to cup ramyun.

• Little Barb’s Bakery closed its Durham Food Hall location as owner Barbara Nigro searches for a stand-alone brickand-mortar space; as of press time, the team is eyeing the Lakewood area. The expanded concept would add coffee and cafe fare alongside its baked goods, with a goal of reopening before the holiday season.

• Andia’s Ice Cream landed on USA Today’s 2026 10BEST list of the nation’s top independent ice cream shops for the fourth consecutive year, ranking No. 6. The downtown scoop shop at 620 Foster St., Ste. G, inside Nanny Goat Market, is known for its small-batch flavors, freshly made waffle cones and showstopping specialties like cracking shakes and icecream brulees.

• Durham Central Park’s final Food Truck Rodeo of the year takes place Sept. 27 from noon to 4 p.m. with 40plus food trucks, local breweries and beverage vendors; a DJ; and familyfriendly activities. New this year, the Beer Garden will host the Durham Club Fair for Adults, offering a chance to discover running clubs, book clubs, volunteer opportunities and more.

• Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club’s Fairview

Dining Room earned a 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award, a distinction that recognizes excellence among luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and ocean cruise ships.

The AAA

Four Diamond restaurant also recently expanded its outdoor terraces with louvered pergolas and retractable walls framing views of Duke Forest Brunch, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, features dishes like chicken and waffles with a blueberry-jalapeno jam, benne seedseared tuna (pictured above) and acai smoothie bowls.

• Haven Hot Chicken, the Connecticutborn fast-casual chain known for its crispy, customizable hot chicken, is expected to open in early fall at 706 Ninth St., Ste. 102. Partners John Enterline and Tim Loebach of the Enterline Group bring the franchise to Durham, serving spicy chicken tenders and sandwiches including its signature “THE Sandwich” – named Food Network’s “Best Bite in Town” Grand Champion.

• Fullsteam Brewery named Phoebe Lawless, a James Beard Award semifinalist known for Durham ventures including Scratch, Baby Scratch, The Lakewood and Snack Service, as its new director of hospitality. Phoebe will help build and execute the food program for Fullsteam’s American Tobacco Campus taproom and Stoker Club event space, where the team plans to debut an “American South Public House” menu featuring tavern classics, Southern sides and plenty of vegan options with a target opening date around Labor Day.

• It’s a Southern Thing closed its downtown location at 605 W. Main St. after nearly a decade in business. Guests can still enjoy the restaurant’s Southern comfort food at its second location at 1051 Yunis Rd., Ste. 110, where the team continues serving the same menu with many familiar faces.

• Durty Bull Brewing Co. will close its Durham taproom at the end of September after a decade in business. Founder Matt Pennisi announced the decision in a social media post, citing rising operating costs, higher ingredient prices and declining taproom traffic. Since opening in 2016, the brewery has become known for its wild sour ales and lagers while supporting local charities and community events. The team plans to share additional details about its final weeks in the coming months.

the big picture

Culture, Curated

Exotique celebrates 20 years of bringing global style and artistry to downtown Durham, offering a multifaceted collection of handcrafted clothing, jewelry, housewares and decor while celebrating the makers and intention behind each piece. Owners Yemi Olufolabi and Lola Olufolabi strive to connect shoppers with authentic, fair-trade treasures, solidifying the boutique as a go-to destination for one-of-akind gifts and goods. Stop in to browse next time you’re walking down West Main Street! – by John Michael Simpson

ON THE RISE

Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn reflect on Durham’s artistic spirit, October’s Good Moon Festival and the cathartic, chaotic energy of their forthcoming album

Your creative partnership has grown far beyond Sylvan Esso over the past decade. You’ve launched Psychic Hotline, built Betty’s as a recording space, produced Good Moon and collaborated with a wide range of artists. How has your partnership evolved from simply making music together to creating an ecosystem that supports other musicians?*

Nick Sanborn I think it’s the healthy, natural progression of any creative relationship as it gets older. [When] it started, it was just the two of us and about what we both wanted. As the band and the community around us got bigger and [became] part of the scene in North Carolina, we felt like it was this natural response to the umbrella getting bigger. Those were all responses to necessity. We needed a recording studio, so we made one. We needed a place to put our first

*Responses have been edited for length and clarity

record that we got the rights back to and Mountain Man’s first record that we got rights back to. Looking around for labels, [we] realized, well, maybe we should just start this label. Good Moon started [by thinking about] how [do] we play a local show that anybody can come to, and that’s been this progression for a long time. We’re lucky enough to have that be a problem we have to solve.

In 2017, we did a one-day thing at Shakori Hills [Community Arts Center] and learned a lot. Then … we were working with a huge company to [produce a festival]. We had sites picked out, and then the pandemic happened, and that whole thing went away. So I [thought], “We have to go back to the drawing board,” and [we played] three nights at the [Historic Durham Athletic Park] in 2021. That felt really good. Did it at the new [Durham Bulls Athletic Park in 2024] and we learned a lot from both of those. This time we wanted to change it again [and focus on] making this feel like it’s really in the city. We wanted to activate as many spaces as we could so that everyone can walk from one place to another, but it will still be in the downtown area so that a lot more people have access to it.

Amelia Meath Yeah, all of those things – the label and the studio and the festival – feel like we were trying to respond to what was happening, to what we needed and trying to do cool stuff in the city we live in.

Many artists leave smaller cities once their careers take off, but you’ve intentionally continued investing in Durham. What made you believe this city could support not only your own careers but a broader creative community?

AM Durham has always been supporting and cultivating a broader creative community in that it has historically been a cheap and interesting place to live, so it naturally attracts artists and cool, wild, innovative people of all kinds.

NS We decided to stay for so many different reasons. One is that we like it here. Also, it’s a really wonderful place to rest when you come home from a tour. One of the first moments I felt like we could stay here was the first or second show we played at The Pinhook. We had a release party [there] for “Hey Mami” and “Play It Right,” which we put out in 2013. We had not lived in town for very long – less than a year – and we sold that show out. And we only sold it out, I think, because Ross Grady said on NPR that it sounded like it was going to be a cool show. That idea that people will take a chance on things here, that’s so empowering for an artistic community. That is one of the very specific litmus tests of whether or not a scene can emerge from a place. I remember being blown away by that and feeling like that was very unique.

Have you noticed Durham’s music community changing over the past decade? What excites you most about where it’s headed?

AM Merge [Records’] presence has meant that there has been a thriving, fascinating music community. Right now, it’s super exciting. Verity Den, Fust, Wednesday, MJ [Lenderman], Anjimile – all of these incredible people are coming out of the woodwork making incredible stuff.

NS Merge and [N.C.] Central – having those two large institutions in very different worlds has provided this constant draw, and both also produce artists. Because of that, it always feels like it’s moving. Maybe it’s more electronic one year, more bluegrassy or more jazzy, but it doesn’t feel like there’s a unified sound because of the diverse set of people and institutions

that are here. It’s always moving, and that’s the most exciting part about being here. It feels like anything could come out of [this area], especially as smaller venues [continue] opening up and more bands emerge and start to ascend – like Verity Den is doing now – it energizes everything that’s happening and [reaches] new people who think, “Oh, I could do that, too.”

You’ve said that you don’t want to do anything “rote” here in your hometown – you want to keep things fresh. In what ways have you reimagined the festival this time around, and how does this format better reflect your vision?

AM We wanted to try having [the Durham Performing Arts Center] be the big show base of operations this year, and then engaging with all of the venues downtown to see how that feels. No. 1, you can walk from show to show, which I think will be lovely. I hope people bring their bicycles or their Rollerblades. No. 2, there’s a lot of delicious food available. It’ll feel like everybody will be included, even though not everyone will necessarily be able to go to every show. I want to see how this feels.

NS It’s like the scene itself – it’s always going to be changing because the people involved are going to be different. We’re always going to be trying something new, and some of those things will work, and some of them will not. We’re going to do something wrong this year, and we’re going to want to correct it in two years. There’ll be unexpected wins and losses that we don’t see coming that inspire the next generation to

think. I’m excited for all the ways it’s going to work and all the ways it’s not going to work. I think that really reflects what’s happening within the music scene, this constant turning of the Rubik’s Cube.

What qualities are you looking for when deciding who belongs on a Good Moon bill and how did you ultimately make your selections for this year’s lineup? Are there artists this year that you think people absolutely shouldn’t miss?

AM I think people shouldn’t miss anything!

NS Which is, schedule-wise, impossible.

AM I would also like to say that our partner in Good Moon, Psychic Hotline and Betty’s is Martin Anderson, who was born and raised in this part of the world. His ability to get things done, his sense of A&R [and] his exploratory, wizardly knowledge of music really deeply informs everything we do, and usually makes it a lot cooler than it would be without his input.

NS Same with Rusty Sutton.

AM And Libby Webster. It’s all people who work at our management company, [The Glow], and Psychic Hotline. People who are constantly lifting us up and coming to us with great ideas, and then we [say], “Yes, do that,” and we get credit for it. So I would like to highlight those incredible people.

NS I’m excited about Leenalchi. [It will be their] first time in the States from South Korea. 

AM Tyler Childers is a dear friend of ours, he’s the absolute best. The idea that 3,000 people are gonna get to see Tyler Childers in the smallest show he’s played since the pandemic is so exciting.

NS I’m really excited about the late-night shows and to do my stuff with James [Mapley-Brittle of] GRRL for our after-party.

AM Also, we’re so lucky to have Alec Lomami and No Visa in town, they’re going to be coordinating DJ sets. They’re so good. That whole crew of people is doing excellent, incredible, innovative work all the time, and people in Durham are really used to it, but they don’t understand that the caliber of music and the spirit of the party that that group of people brings is unmatched.

NS Rodrigo Amarante, I can’t believe he’s playing. I can’t believe Meshell Ndegeocello is playing. Here’s the problem – you ask us this question, and we’re going to literally sit here and list every single [artist]. We’re so hyped.

AM We could never have dreamed of a Good Moon with a bill this stacked, and that is also a deep testament to a city that keeps on working with us to figure out how to put this festival on. We’re so grateful. Everybody, keep on coming. Thank you so much to the City of Durham for supporting it. It’s gonna continue to get weirder and weirder. So let’s f---ing go.

Also, my dream is to curate and create a festival where someone who doesn’t know anyone on the bill can show up and feel like the quality of the curation means that they’re gonna see things that are going to blow their mind. Every festival lineup is a gift and an offering, saying, “Here is all of this wild music for you,” and I hope that people keep on coming back every two years ad infinitum.

What can folks expect from the after-parties?

NS I’m extremely excited about Jacques Greene in particular. We are both huge fans of his. We really wanted to activate what’s now BOOM Club, formerly PS37. It’s one of those spaces that feels the way Durham felt when I moved here a billion years ago, and it feels uniquely suited to highlighting what’s special about clubs and nightlife [here]. That’s why I think Alec and No Visa had to be a part of it. Their assistance with curation, me playing a set with [GRRL’s]

James, Jacques Greene being here, it all feels like that is the place to go post show to dance until very late. It’s the warehouse party that you always wanted to exist, and they do it all the time. They’re not only doing it during Good Moon, but I’m grateful. It had to be [part of] the festival in order to actually reflect what’s happening here.

You’ve said that all you’ve done – from starting a band to forming your own record label – comes from your “DIY” mindset. How do you decide where to channel your energy and effort? What kinds of projects are you excited about taking on?

AM At this moment, we keep saying “yes” to everything we think is cool, which means that we are spread pretty thin, but also, YOLO.

NS Everything that we’re doing right now feels like the accumulation of all of the decisions we have made up to this point. As we get older, that sense of curation extending into our lives and our practice is feeling more and more prescient. How will the things I say yes or no to today change what happens tomorrow, and how is that going to shape who comes into my life and who leaves my life? These are things I’m thinking about a lot, so we curate every decision very thoughtfully. I love where we’re at with the band, the studio, the label, everything, where we’re at in town, even, and I have no idea where any of that is going. If you asked me 10 years ago where it was going, I would never have said this.

You recently shared a new single, “Hot Slob,” from the forthcoming album, “Ow ∞,” set to release in September. What does the album encapsulate; what themes does it explore?

AM Every album is the summation of all of the struggles that I’ve had usually around the time I was making it. This one is about a lot of things: feeling isolated, getting older, the cycle of pain and destruction.

NS There’s nothing like starting working on a record right as [Hurricane] Helene hits, and then going to Los Angeles and having a fire hit, and feeling like those are metaphors for your entire life.

AM Yeah. We tried to begin twice, and catastrophic events canceled production, and then shaped what we made.

After more than a decade as Sylvan Esso, does releasing new music feel different than it did early on? What still keeps the process exciting?

AM Before we did this record, I was really bored, and we designed the making of this album and the way that we built our live show to be sort of a boredom buster. We didn’t want to do anything the same way that we’ve done it before, and that’s keeping us really engaged. I hope so many people listen to it.

NS I love it so much that I genuinely don’t care what people think. It was so cathartic to make that that is its own source of new energy. Weirdly, practicing with the band has re-energized my attachment to music we wrote when I was a completely different person. That’s another huge struggle – how do you get on stage and play a song that was written by a person who you have very little in common with anymore? That’s really the thing: Burning it down, finding yourself in the ashes and finding that it’s all always been there. I will never tire of that work. – as told to Renee Ambroso

September 22 - 27

October 13 - 18

November 10 - 15 November 25 - December 6

October 30 - November 1

December 8 - 13

SO UN

I N V E S T M E N T

A networkgrowing of creative spaces, andprofessionalsindustry organizationscommunityhelp artists find their footing, from the studio to the stage

BY BRIAN JOHNPHOTOGRAPHYHOWEBY MICHAEL SIMPSON

The Bull City’s musical landscape is a magnet for touring artists – thanks in large part to its celebrated venues, from the Durham Performing Arts Center to the Carolina Theatre – and an incubator for those here at home. But seeing so much opportunity doesn’t always make it easy to grasp.

“The music industry is really difficult to break into today,” says Rachelle Sickerott. “You can access any sort of music you want, but to wade through it all … it’s hard. We’re lucky to have so many talented people in Durham, so it felt important to me to be a part of providing access.”

ABOVE Artist Zac Bender’s mural marks the entrance to BOOM Club, a hybrid creative space designed to support experimental music and the artists behind it.

BELOW Synthesizers, drum machines and other electronic instruments fill BOOM Club’s shared gear library, where musicians of all experience levels can explore new sounds, build skills and collaborate through hands-on access to professional equipment.

Rachelle, Nick Williams and Sean Thegen run BOOM Club, a community-focused “synthesizer clubhouse” where anyone can lay hands on oodles of tasty gear. BOOM stands for “Building Our Own Music” and first opened as a pop-up inside the American Tobacco Campus Rail Car in May 2025, following Nick’s realization of just how many synths he and his friend Alex Maiolo had amassed.

“I wanted to have a space where they could be used by younger artists and curious people who otherwise would not have access to them,” Nick says. “The learning curve can be high, especially if you don’t have somebody to show you how.”

BOOM Club found a new, much larger home in the former PS37

space on Foster Street in March. Its dozens of synths date from 1970 to today, and some can even be checked out like library books. For experienced musicians, it’s a place to add rare flavors to their blend; for newcomers, a place to start with guidance and community. So far, the founders have seen an encouraging response from members with a wide range of tastes and experience levels, from teens to seniors.

“I don’t think any of us were really sure who was going to utilize this,” Rachelle says. “The greatest thing to witness has been that this is for everybody. This is not exclusive.”

The club naturally brews a lot of electronic dance music, but that’s not all. Synthesizers are widespread, and artists in many genres might hone their craft at BOOM Club – then capture it at Tunes Recording Studio

Hidden below the Domino’s Pizza on North Roxboro Street since 2021, it’s snug, modern and full of personality.

“There’s no windows, but I’ve decked it out with a ton of really cool lights,” says Mack Geary, the chief engineer and sole proprietor. “I wanted to bring a ‘Miami Vice’-slash-LA vibe to Durham and make it futuristic.”

Born and raised in Durham, Mack spent two decades making and selling his own beats and apprenticing at studios. “I knew one day I wanted to open up my own studio back here in Durham because the demographics pertain to the majority of my skill set, which is hip-hop, pop and R&B,” he says. Tunes was founded in the digital-first era of streamlined, rapid content creation. This may make it more accessible to the next generation of creators in different ways than something like Sound Pure Studios, where jazz greats gather.

Tunes also offers dedicated spaces for podcasts and audiovisual content in addition to the music studio. “We can do livestreams, green screen, music videos and commercials, all kinds of stuff,” Mack says. You can’t record drums there – it takes too much space – but you can commission custom beats.

“When I was coming up, it was very hard to get into a studio,” Mack says. “But I allow people to book any time they want to, and I work with anyone. Probably the most famous would be André 3000 last year, when he came to DPAC. But then I’ll work with someone who’s been recording on their phone. I like working with all different levels and helping people create what they’ve got in their head.”

When a local project is ready for the stage, Durham has great nightclubs like The Pinhook, Motorco Music Hall, Rubies on Five

Points and recent music bar addition Stanczyks. But two of its most unique, eclectic venues lie a little off the beaten path. There’s Shadowbox Studio, an intimate bastion of experimentation in a North Durham storage unit.

And there’s The Fruit, a 22,200-square-foot warehouse on the eastern edge of downtown. A century ago, it was a place to refrigerate produce. But for the past decade, it’s been cooking up all kinds of independent culture: dance and theater, opera and hip-hop, fashion shows and art exhibits, DJ nights, burner festivals and plenty of events that defy easy labels.

“There is the same diversity of interests here that one could find in Brooklyn or Berlin,” says owner Tim Walter, “and we make room for it at The Fruit.” With the drag queenowned Club ERA in its basement, a black box theater and an open warehouse space, it’s flexible enough to attract the likes of Duke Arts Presents performances and Rhiannon Giddens as well as plucky DIY artists.

The Fruit’s post-industrial vibe and adventurous programming have earned it a reputation as one of the Southeast’s premier destinations for underground dance music. Earlier this year, Billboard recognized the venue in its second annual Femmy Awards, naming it as one of the top five venues in the U.S. for promoting diversity, cultivating safe spaces and booking inclusive lineups that help shape the electronic music scene.

“I don’t like VIP sections – so let us be our kind of crunchy, gritty place,” Tim says. “This is a very authentic venue; we just happen to have some pretty banging sound systems and really good promoters behind us.”

One of those promoters is Johan Yardan. While San Francisco’s Sugar Society and Durham’s Morning Choir collaborate to fill The Fruit with international house and techno talent, Johan holds it down for locals with Kinetic Audio

“We have headliners occasionally, like as a treat, but I believe that local artists and community are what builds culture,” Johan says. Kinetic Audio’s itinerant techno party, Abyss, has found a home at The Fruit, with other parties spinning house at Neptunes Parlour in Raleigh.

Asked to contrast the cities, Johan says, “Raleigh likes a bit more production value. Durham really likes it gritty. If the music isn’t good and the people aren’t good, Durham’s not going to show up.”

Like many electronic promoters in the Triangle, Johan moved here from a larger market with a longer nightlife culture – New York, in

his case. His sound system can pump out 40,000 watts and get down to 20 hertz, “where you’re just feeling it in your eyeballs.”

Yet he also says he doesn’t like bright lights and loud noises. So the idea is not to blow you away, but “to create a safe space for people to enjoy and experience techno,” Johan says. “We want our events to be as educational as they are fun, because you’re not going to get the ‘why’ behind techno until you hear it through a system that can replicate all the information.” Soft, ambient lighting design gently reinforces the focus on the music.

Places like BOOM Club, Tunes Recording Studio and The Fruit reveal a scene built less around gatekeepers than guides. Instruments are shared; seasoned artists pave the way for newcomers. Johan points to organizers like Treee City, of Party Illegal at The Pinhook fame, whose open-deck series Blends with Friends helps young DJs find their footing.

“It’s not enough that you’re just DJing and playing music,” Johan says. “If you don’t have respect for the culture and the community, then you’re doing more harm than good.” That sense of stewardship may be Durham’s greatest musical asset – raising the next wave of artists, ensuring they have somewhere to belong.

DOUBLE

DURM STUDIO

Walk past 704 Rigsbee Ave. this fall and you won’t just see an apparel store – you’ll see the products taking shape, and that’s the whole point.

Gabriel Eng-Goetz and Michael Brannon, part of the team behind Runaway, the streetwear brand and shop that helped define Durham’s creative scene in the 2010s, join forces again to launch Durm Studio, a new concept that combines a merch production studio with a retail storefront. Inside, the screen-printing press sits in plain view of the register.

“For me, [there are a bunch of reasons for] getting back into selling clothing again, but a big one was [that] I just like having a physical space to show the product,” says Gabe, Durm Studio’s co-owner and chief creative officer. “It’s going to be experiential. You walk in, there’s going to be murals, there’s going to be artwork ... and then, on top of that, you can look past our retail displays and see the whole shop, see

This is really a celebration of the city for those who've been here and helped build [it].

– Gabe Eng-Goetz

people actually making the product. It’s gonna be like nothing else you’ve seen in the area.”

The reunion has been a long time coming. Gabe built Runaway with a former business partner while Mike – now Durm Studio’s co-owner and CEO who oversees production and operations – quietly ran production behind the scenes. The two had talked for years about bringing retail and manufacturing together under one roof.

But life pulled them in different directions. Gabe pursued a career as a traveling public sculpture and mural artist while Mike developed a client list that includes several local breweries and restaurants. When the timing aligned, though, the idea resurfaced and now has finally materialized. “It just made sense again for us to revisit the concept,” Mike says, “and it just worked out.”

Where Runaway stuck to retail, Durm Studio is set up to do it all. The in-house screen-printing operation can handle everything from tricky, multilayered color separations to photorealistic prints, which the studio will put to work on custom client jobs once

DOUBLE FEATURE

Two Durham duos debut new creative ventures this fall, one showcasing the art of screen printing and one built for the communal experience of the silver screen

BY SHARON KINSELLA

its doors open. Mike already brings a longstanding roster of hospitality connections, and the pair is in early talks with Downtown Durham Inc. and Durham Central Park about future collaborations.

“We can produce any type of merchandise you can imagine,” Gabe says. “One thing we’re focusing on is we want to up the quality of merch – we’re really setting ourselves apart [in that way]. Our store will be a showroom, basically – ‘This is what we can do for you, this is the quality we can achieve.’”

Shoppers can expect fun, edgy T-shirts, socks, hats, accessories and home goods bearing the familiar “Durm” trademark the pair has owned since the 2010s – now reimagined with a fresh 2026 attitude. The culture surrounding the brand has evolved and matured, too.

“We’re not gonna throw as many late-night parties, unfortunately,” Mike laments.

He and Gabe are also planning design collaborations with local creatives and organizations, though they’re keeping those details under wraps for now.

Another key differentiator will be a standing civic commitment: Durm Studio will donate 5% of its annual profits to the Durham Public Schools Foundation every year – no exceptions. It’s a cause that carries personal meaning for Gabe, a Jordan High School graduate. “As we get older, [we think] about mortality and stuff,” he says. “We grew up here, and we’re not kids anymore. How do you ensure the future of Durham? ... Durham Public Schools raised me and put me in the position I am today.” Gabe adds that he and Mike eventually want to expand that commitment by offering screenprinting workshops for students, giving the studio’s DPS partnership an educational component, too. For Gabe and Mike, success extends beyond sales. They hope Durm Studio rekindles the same sense of community that defined

PICTURE

Runaway and made it a hometown institution.

Mike says he still spots Runaway gear around Durham seven years after the last shirt rolled off the press. One favorite story came from a friend who struck up a conversation with a person on a flight to China after clocking his Runaway T-shirt.

“That’s kind of what it’s all about,” Gabe says, “bringing these two random strangers together [through] the love of a city.”

For now, Mike is running the press solo while the team gears up to hire three to four additional employees before opening this fall.

“We’ll definitely be selling stuff in time for the holidays,” Gabe laughs.

“Runaway was kind of like Durham’s brand for a little while,” he says. “I hope Durm Studio becomes that.” 

BY

SKIN AND BONES THEATER

Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp have been building toward this moment since they struck up a conversation while waiting in line at Raleigh’s Rialto Theatre in 1997.

That chance meeting sparked a friendship, which then turned into a professional partnership, and now, nearly three decades later, it’s produced a second theater.

The longtime collaborators already run Shadowbox Studio, a 35-seat venue-slashproduction studio-slash-arts garage near East Club Boulevard that preserves what Jim describes as the spirit of Durham 20 years ago – a time when it felt like “you could walk into a space and anything could happen.”

This fall, they’ll open its larger downtown sibling: Skin and Bones Theater, a 70seat independent art house cinema and performance space at 118 W. Parrish St. Shadowbox isn’t going anywhere, they’re quick to clarify. It pays its own rent as a photo and video shoot location, while public events serve as “icing on the cake,” says Jim, a video editor, filmmaker and Duke University film instructor.

But after AMC Classic Durham 15 closed in 2023 and left a city of more than 300,000 people with just two movie theaters, Alex and Jim started to sense an opening.

“That was a real wake-up call,” Jim says. Soon after, they stumbled on this space downtown: a former department store, more

The name Skin and Bones nods to the less-is-more philosophy Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp embraced through running Shadowbox Studio. It also traces back to a literal skeleton sculpture in Shadowbox's office: “Alex looked at the sculpture and said, ‘So we’ve got this skin-and-bones theater ...’ and the name stuck,” Jim says.

PHOTO BY LINDSAY METIVIER

than a century old, that fit the bill for their vision of a dedicated – yet flexible – community theater.

Think of the building as a storyboard, with each space setting the stage for the next act. What was once the store’s front display window will become a glass-walled “fishbowl” lounge; an old freight elevator shaft, car removed, opens onto a small, tree-shaded back courtyard Jim calls “a weird little oasis”; and 14-foot ceilings provide room for raked seating and a retractable movie screen suspended above a 10-by-20-foot stage, ready for films, theater productions or whatever unique event comes their way. The cinema will run digital projection, but will also be able to accommodate 16 mm and 35 mm film projectors. Upstairs, office and apartment units owned by landlord and board member Arthur Rogers of Eno Ventures may eventually host visiting artists for short stays.

The lounge and patio areas – and tasty concessions you’ll be able to enjoy there – are

THE PREVIEW

• EARLY FALL opening

• 70 seats

• ~1,500 square feet (public facing)

• NEARLY $58,000 raised via crowdfunding

• PENELOPE BARTLETT, CHRISTOPHER EVERETT, IKE NTUBE, SANDRA NTUBE, & TOM WHITESIDE curatorial council

more than just amenities; they reflect the team’s “civic cinema” philosophy.

“The more interesting parts of any event are the hangouts and conversations that you have before [or after] the thing happens,” says Alex, a photographer, filmmaker and theater technician who’s handling the “nuts and bolts” of the remodel. He says that’s the kind of environment they want to foster – one that treats moviegoing as a communal act rather than a commercial one.

Programming is where Jim’s touch is most evident. He’s assembled an all-star lineup of voices who will bring diverse films to Skin and Bones’ screen: Film Durham artistic director Penelope Bartlett, BLK Docs co-founder Christopher Everett, Sandra Ntube and Ike Ntube of Two Beer Cinema Club, and Durham Cinematheque founder and director Tom Whiteside. Together, they make up a council who will curate everything from new indie

releases and local documentaries to cult classics and kung fu flicks. Confirmed programming so far includes RedBird Theater Company’s production of Eric Coble’s “The Velocity of Autumn” Sept. 26-27 and Oct. 3-4 as well as performances during the inaugural Durham Fringe Festival

A crowdfunding campaign to complete the renovation wrapped in early June after raising $57,968.

“[It showed us that] this isn’t just a crazy idea that we had,” Alex says. “People really, really like the idea and want this to happen.”

“It takes it to another level,” Jim adds. “We’re used to being sort of the garage-level artists, which is easy and comfortable. Now we’re like, in the mother-inlaw apartment above the garage.”

Alex is thinking a little bigger: “I’d love for it to survive and thrive ... and become part of the fabric of the community,” he says. “That people really count on it as a place where they can come and see things that they haven’t seen before and have an experience that might be unusual – but that’s exactly why it’s interesting and fun.”

Written by McKayla Walker

This year’s festival also highlights Durham Arts Council’s “Culture Lives Here” initiative as part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Through a partnership with Duke Arts and its We the People initiative, CenterFest will explore the history, culture, and people who have shaped Durham while inviting visitors to engage with themes of civic participation, identity, belonging, and community voice.

At the center of this story is the Durham Arts Council building, a landmark that has served the community for more than a century. Originally built in 1906 as Durham High School and later serving as Durham City Hall, the building was renovated and opened in 1986 as the hub for the Durham Arts Council, where generations of artists, students, performers, and audiences gather to this day.

CULTURE LIVES HERE

This fall, downtown Durham will once again come alive with creativity as CenterFest returns September 19–20, 2026. As North Carolina’s longest-running outdoor juried arts festival, CenterFest welcomes thousands of visitors each year for a weekend of visual art, live performances, local food, and community celebration.

To help celebrate that legacy, Durham Arts Council invited local artist L Jámal Walton to create a limited-edition commemorative design inspired by the building and Durham’s rich cultural heritage. The artwork will be featured on a special-edition T-shirt, with proceeds supporting Durham Arts Council’s mission to inspire creativity, foster community, and create opportunities for artists and arts education throughout Durham. The shirts will be available online and through CenterFest, with updates posted on the CenterFest webpage as they become available.

For Walton, the project is deeply personal. “I was born an artist,” he says. His love of drawing and storytelling began at an early age and grew through a fascination with comic books, superheroes, and creating his own characters. After arriving in Durham in the early 1990s to attend the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, L Jámal found the freedom and encouragement to develop his artistic voice. The school’s open studio environment allowed him to experiment with new techniques and approaches while learning from a diverse community of students and educators.

As he began developing the commemorative design, Walton researched the history of the Durham Arts Council building and found inspiration in its architecture. The five vertical sections of windows on the building’s front façade

sparked the idea of telling multiple stories at once: stories about the building’s evolution, CenterFest, and the diverse artists and communities that continue to shape Durham today. The concept reflects Walton’s lifelong love of visual storytelling while celebrating a building that has played an important role in Durham’s cultural life for generations.

A CenterFest exhibitor since 2017, L Jámal sees the festival as more than an arts event. “CenterFest is about family and community,” he says. Before becoming an exhibitor, he attended the festival with his family for years, creating memories that have become part of his own Durham story. That spirit of connection continues to inspire his work and reflects what has made CenterFest a beloved Durham tradition for more than 50 years.

Join us September 19–20, 2026, and celebrate the artists, stories, and creative energy that make Durham unique. Be sure to visit the CenterFest webpage for updates on Walton’s commemorative design and specialedition T-shirt, and experience firsthand why culture lives here. Festivalgoers can also explore special We the People experiences throughout the weekend, including Sidney Brodie’s Durham Homicide and Victims of Violent Death Memorial Quilt at the Durham Arts Council and the exhibition of the Declaration of Independence at Durham County Library.

For the full lineup, behindthe-scenes stories, and exclusive merch featuring L Jámal Walton’s specialedition design, subscribe to DAC’s Art Vibes and visit www.durhamarts.org.

Join over 20,000 attendees in downtown Durham on September 19–20 for CenterFest and to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary! A suggested $5 donation at the gate helps keep the festival thriving for years to come.

PAINT THE TOWN

Downtown’s Third Friday offers an energized, walkable showcase of the city’s arts and culture

BY SHARON KINSELLA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TASHA THOMAS

Head to CCB Plaza between 6 and 9 p.m. on the third Friday of any month, and you might stumble into a dance party, a drum circle, artists live-painting side by side on canvases – or even on the massive concrete planters scattered throughout downtown. These seemingly spontaneous creative pop-ups all belong to Downtown Durham Inc.’s Third Friday Durham Art Walk & Gallery Crawl, when dozens of galleries, studios and businesses from Golden Belt Campus to Brightleaf Square to Durham Central Park – most concentrated within easy walking distance of the City Center District – open their doors for free receptions, exhibitions and live performances.

Chris Reid inherited Third Friday when she joined DDI as director of marketing and communication in April 2025, and she’s since led the effort to expand its reach. CCB Plaza now serves as the event’s central gathering place – “a spoke that bike-wheels out to all of our gallery spaces,” Chris says – a spark meant to get feet on the street, then send them wandering toward stops on a gallery passport she commissioned from Hyperlocal Durham’s Kelsey Graywill DDI partners with organizations and artists to activate the public space, with a focus on highlighting groups that lack a dedicated venue for Third Friday programming. Chris gives each collaborator creative freedom. “I like to let artists do their thing,” she says. “Usually it works out, and it’s magic.”

That magic filled the plaza in May, when 10 artists picked up their brushes for Weird Productions’ “Weird Pot Party,” while drummers drew spectators during The Artisan Market at 305’s 10th anniversary bash. Just blocks away, Durham Arts Council and the Museum of Durham History hosted receptions for their Durham Public Schools Art Instructor Showcase and LGBTQ+ exhibit, “To Love and Live Free,” respectively. June brought more celebration as Spectacular Magazine joined city leaders for a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony, and kids danced in front of a stage as Pierce Freelon dropped his debut children’s album, “Black Boy Glow,” with additional performances from Rissi Palmer, Watty Tha Shepherd, Maestra and Jeghetto Entertainment’s Tarin Pipkins, followed by a beat-making lab.

For Weird Productions founder and executive director Lindsay Hebert, the real magic happens when art leaves gallery walls behind and becomes an

ABOVE Visual artist and muralist Jerome Chesson begins design on his Parrish Street planter in response to May’s Weird Pot Party plein air prompt. “We told the artists to try to be inspired by what’s happening around [them],” Weird Productions’ Lindsay Hebert says, “the energy of what’s around you, the city as it is at this moment in time.”

Weird Productions’

around 20

Clash

August

for

experience – a live, spontaneous exchange between artist and spectator. “When you bring [art] into the community and let unexpected things happen, that’s part of the art,” she says. “Having art performances that truly everyone from the community can be a part of is a dream goal for us.”

Turns out that enthusiasm can not only be felt but also counted. Approximately 7,855 people showed up on May 15 alone – the largest May Third Friday turnout on record. Attendance has averaged around 6,000 visitors a month in 2026, an increase over the same period in 2025.

Arts consultant and Words That Work owner Wendy Page Hower, who’s organizing a 35th birthday bash for The Scrap Exchange in the plaza for August’s event, sees Third Friday as a kind of friendly competition to dream up the most delightfully unexpected idea. In April 2025, she organized Major the Bull’s 21st birthday party in CCB Plaza. This year, planning for her second birthday party began with an

image she couldn’t shake. “I just kept envisioning a giant Mongo puppet bumbling around Major,” Wendy says. The puppet –representing The Scrap Exchange’s beloved trasheating, do-gooder mascot – will tower nearly the height of a doorway, thanks to a collaboration between Scrap Exchange’s design and events coordinator, Daniel Bagnell, and local puppeteer Tarish Pipkins, aka Jeghetto. Sets by singer-songwriter Emma Jane and DJ Marrs – Maury Smith – and Mongo-themed birthday sweets will accompany the revelry. “Third Friday rewards a big, fun idea,” Wendy says, “and that’s good for everybody.”

The creative momentum continues this fall. September’s event lands during CenterFest, bringing more live planter paintings downtown. October features a spooky collab with Fate & Folklore, while November marks the reprise of “Weird Windows,” where Weird Productions commissions artists to design holiday

PAPER TRAILS

Kelsey Graywill uses print media to share her reflections on the systems and histories that shape daily life. She started making zines to connect with neighbors and strengthen community ties.

“I didn’t have a car, so I learned how to ride a bike, and it was transformative to my life,” Kelsey says. “It helped me rediscover Durham. I started making zines to share things I discovered with others.”

Since then, she’s partnered with organizations like Preservation Durham and Downtown Durham Inc. to create free, self-guided “passports” that encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the city through holiday shopping, Third Friday, the city’s queer history and more. She also publishes a monthly zine through Hyperlocal Dispatch – recent topics include a deep dive on urban gardening in partnership with Durham Urban Garden

Kelsey expanded the concept even further with a retrofitted snack vending machine stationed at the Durham Food Hall (pictured above), where passersby can pick up pocket-sized zines, art and guides by local creators. One featured artist, Marina Fela-Castillo of Pintamar, designed a Bull City-themed bingo board packed with local activities and a coloring page guide highlighting her favorite Durham restaurants.

Pintamar also offers handmade jewelry, tote bags, home decor and coloring pages, and hosts in-person craft meetups around the city.

window displays in downtown storefronts. Lindsay hopes to grow the program from six installations last year to around 20 this season.

ATTENTION: ARTS AHEAD

The creative energy doesn’t end with Third Friday. October brings two new additions to downtown’s fall arts calendar:

• Durham Fringe Festival runs Oct. 30–Nov. 8 as a part of the Carolina Theatre’s centennial celebration, transforming storefronts, alleyways and green spaces with experimental performances and immersive installations.

• The same weekend, All Onyx World takes over venues across downtown for a free one-night festival Oct. 30. Curated by Jooselord in honor of his son, Onyx, who passed away earlier this year, the festival will showcase 25-plus North Carolina artists spanning rap, metal, punk, soul and R&B, alongside local vendors and family-friendly outdoor activations.

For Chris and Lindsay, though, Third Friday’s greatest successes aren’t just what happens on stage or in the galleries – it’s who shows up. Chris points to the regulars: families who return month after month and the kids captivated by the creative spectacles. “We’re all looking for those third places these days,” she says. “Spaces where you don’t have to buy anything, you can just interact with your community – you’re sharing an experience.” Lindsay also feels it in the small moments: someone stopping to ask a question, marvel at an artwork – “This is so cool!” – or grab a sticker. “That’s when I know we’re reaching out and making people feel welcome and part of the creative scene,” she says. She believes those moments ultimately build something bigger.

“The fact that we celebrate creative people, that they’re put on display in our square to be honored and interacted with, is the most exciting part,” Lindsay adds. “I think it all comes back to pride in the city – saying, ‘I choose to live here, and I’m so proud of that.’”

FA LL ARTS GU I DE

Must-attend art and music events for the fall season

COMPILED BY SOPHIA HERNDON

• Retro Film Series Through December – The Carolina Theatre presents Friday night double features – as well as Wednesday night features, Sunday matinees and weekend series – filled with retro nostalgia. Highlights include “Mean Girls” and “Legally Blonde” Aug. 21, “Body Double” and “Raising Cain” Sept. 25, and “Casper” and “Beetlejuice” Oct. 23. This blast-from-the-past event includes door prize giveaways and classic movie trailers before every film.

• ‘Contemporary British Art’ Through July 4, 2027 – Explore the vitality and range of contemporary art in England through works by emerging and established artists at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University The exhibition – which features works by artists including Michael Armitage, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Michaela Yearwood-Dan and Thomas Houseago – explores themes of identity, intimacy, politics and current events through painting, sculpture and mixed media.

• Jenny Blazing Aug. 20–Sept. 12 – Discover new mixed-media paintings by the Durham artist in this featured exhibition at 5 Points Gallery

Inspired by the landscapes and changing light of North Carolina, Jenny combines layered imagery, collage and painterly abstraction to create evocative works that explore place, memory and connection. Third Friday opening reception takes place from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 21.

• Where Cultures Meet: Chamber Music by American Women Aug. 30, 3 p.m. – Celebrate the rich cultural influences shaping contemporary classical music with Mallarmé Music. This program features works by acclaimed contemporary composers Jessie Montgomery, Gabriela Lena Frank and Reena Esmail, whose works blend diverse musical traditions in performances for strings and flute.

• Fall Film Series Sept. 5, Oct. 3 & Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. – Durham Parks and Recreation presents this free, family-friendly outdoor series at Durham Central Park. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and favorite people to enjoy classic movies under the stars in the heart of downtown. This year’s lineup includes “Zootopia 2,” “Beetlejuice” and “Best in Show.” Local food trucks will be on-site serving up tasty bites, and we also heard there will be free popcorn! 

• OutSouth Queer Film Festival Aug. 13-16

The Carolina Theatre hosts the secondlargest LGBTQ+ film festival in the Southeast, showcasing 145 films. Now in its 31st year, the annual cultural arts event aims to bring Durham together and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with screenings of documentaries, shorts and feature-length movies.

• Alison Brown Quintet Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m. – Grammy Award-winning banjo virtuoso Alison Brown brings her quintet to The Blue Note Grill for a fully seated show that blends bluegrass, jazz and folk. A member of the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame, she recently teamed up with fellow banjoist Steve Martin on the album “Safe, Sensible and Sane.”

• Shirlette Ammons: ‘Language Barrier’ at 10 Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. – Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Durham poet, musician and producer’s groundbreaking album at Duke University’s Page Auditorium The kickoff of Duke Arts Presents’ season, the evening reunites Shirlette with collaborators and special guests, including vocalist Lizz Wright, singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer, folk artist H.C. McEntire and multiinstrumentalist Phil Cook, for a one-night-only performance of the full album.

• The Monti: A Century of Stories from the Carolina Theatre (1926-2026) Sept. 17, 8 p.m. –Celebrate the Carolina Theatre’s centennial through unforgettable true stories inspired by the historic venue. Hosted by live storytelling nonprofit The Monti in Fletcher Hall, this special evening reflects on 100 years of performances, films, milestones and memories that helped shape Durham’s cultural landscape.

• Jim McKeon Sept. 17–Oct. 10 –Experience the distinctive vision of this painter during his featured artist exhibition at 5 Points Gallery. Drawing inspiration from his travels, observations and lifelong engagement with the visual world, Jim’s work balances technical skill with creative exploration, inviting viewers to look more closely at the beauty and complexity of everyday experience. Third Friday opening reception takes place from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 18.

• Oakwood Sept. 19, 8 p.m. – Catch the emo revival favorites at Motorco Music Hall as the band tours behind its 2026 album, “Blurred Away.” Camping in Alaska and Empty Parking Lot join the lineup.

• CenterFest Sept. 19-20 –Durham Arts Council’s premier arts festival is back for its 51st year in the heart of downtown. Juried artists from across the Triangle and beyond exhibit their work in mediums including ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass and more. Watch unique street performers, musicians and dancers, visit the kids zone, grab a snack from food vendors, and learn more about Durham’s nonprofit and government services.

Catch Durham’s own Emma Jane Livingston, Richmond-based Brian K & The Parkway and Juliana Finch as they bring fresh original music to one of the Bull City’s favorite intimate venues.

• Major Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. – Experience the power and precision of HBCU-inspired majorette dance in this new dance-theater work by interdisciplinary artist Ogemdi Ude that features six Black femmes exploring memory, movement and the enduring legacy of majorette culture in a co-presentation by the American Dance Festival and Duke Arts Presents at Reynolds Industries Theater

• ‘The Velocity of Autumn’ Sept. 26-27 & Oct. 3-4 – RedBird Theater Company opens its season with Eric Coble’s heartfelt comedy about family, aging and reconciliation. When an outspoken 80-year-old artist barricades herself inside her Brooklyn home, a long-awaited reunion with her estranged son sparks laughter, conflict and unexpected tenderness. Catch it at the new Skin and Bones Theater

• Emma Jane Livingston/Brian K & The Parkway/Juliana Finch Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.

– Three rising indie acts share the bill at The Pinhook for an evening that spans dreamy indie-pop, heartland rock and introspective singer-songwriter sounds.

• 14th Annual Give the Drummer Some Oct. 4, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. –North Carolina Central University celebrates rhythm and jazz with educational workshops and performances featuring lauded drummer Lewis Nash alongside NCCU jazz percussion alumni at Sharp 9 Gallery

• Robert Lester Folsom Oct. 7, 8 p.m.

– The cult favorite singer-songwriter and guitarist brings his psychedelic folk and rock catalog to Motorco Music Hall, joined by Nashville indie rocker Liz Cooper.

• Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Oct. 7, 8 p.m. – The blues-rock virtuoso stops by Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher Hall as part of his “Ledbetter Heights” 30th anniversary tour. Hear songs from the landmark album that launched his career alongside fan favorites and newer material performed by one of modern blues’ most celebrated guitarists.

• On Company Time Oct. 9, 8 p.m. –Music and comedy collide when the OCT trio takes the stage at Motorco Music Hall to deliver quick-witted songs, sharp improvisation and plenty of laughs during a stop on its 2026 tour.

• ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Oct. 13-18

– Fall in love with this six-time Tony Award-winning production – including for Best Musical – at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Set in a near-future Seoul, the heartfelt musical adventure follows two retired helper robots whose chance meeting blossoms into an unexpectedly moving journey through friendship, love and what it means to be human.

• Yuko Nogami Taylor Oct. 15–Nov. 14

PHOTO BY BETH

– 5 Points Gallery presents this art exhibition featuring the distinctive beauty of Japanese mineral painting. Using centuries-old materials in a contemporary context, Yuko creates luminous paintings that balance technical mastery with a quiet, contemplative presence. Third Friday opening reception takes place from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 16.

• Atsuko Okatsuka Oct. 16, 8 p.m. – The award-winning comedian and actress brings her signature offbeat storytelling, infectious energy and razor-sharp observations to Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher Hall. Fresh off her acclaimed Hulu special “Father,” the viral comic stops in Durham as part of her nationwide Big Bowl Tour for an evening of nonstop laughs.

• SOJI/Survival Tactics/Mean Habit/Speedbag Oct. 17, 8 p.m. – Fans of hardcore punk can expect pounding riffs, mosh-worthy breakdowns and an electrifying atmosphere when these four high-octane acts take over The Pinhook for one unforgettable night. 

Martha Ann Keels, DDS, PhD

Erica A. Brecher, DMD, MS

M. Gentry Byrd, DDS, MPH

• ‘Explosion! Bay Area Punk’ Aug. 8, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 – Experience the raw energy of the late 1970s and early ’80s punk movement at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. This exhibit examines how San Francisco’s underground music scene fueled a wave of rebellious visual art, featuring prints, photographs, drawings and publications that capture punk’s anti-establishment spirit and anarchical

• The Roxelanne Effekt Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m. – The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle opens its season at the Carolina Theatre with a program celebrating Classical-era masterworks. The afternoon concert features Mozart’s spirited Posthorn Serenade alongside selections from Haydn’s symphonies, blending elegance, wit and rich orchestral sound.

• Beck Oct. 27, 8 p.m. – Experience the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter in a more intimate setting as he strips back his genre-defying catalog on his Ride Lonesome Tour. Expect acoustic arrangements, heartfelt performances and fresh takes on fan favorites at DPAC

• Ian Sweet Oct. 28, 8 p.m. – New York-based songwriter Jilian Medford, who performs as Ian Sweet, brings her acclaimed indie rock project to The Pinhook Catch one of indie music’s most compelling songwriters as she previews the next chapter of her ever-evolving decade-long career.

• ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Oct. 30–Nov. 1 – “Help is on the way, dear!” The beloved hit film springs to life in this laugh-out-loud Broadway musical at DPAC. Follow struggling actor Daniel Hillard as he transforms into the unforgettable Mrs. Doubtfire in a touching story about family, resilience and second chances, complete with big laughs, memorable songs and plenty of heart.

• ‘Awadagin Pratt’ Nov. 1, 2 p.m. – The renowned pianist brings his America 250 program to Duke University’s Baldwin Auditorium for an afternoon celebrating the depth and diversity of American classical music as part of new season. His program explores the many voices that have shaped American music, featuring works by Florence Price, George Walker, Nathaniel Dett, Judd Greenstein and Fred Hersch, as well as his own arrangement of the spiritual “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” and Brahms’ monumental Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Handel.

• Little Big Town Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. – The Grammy- and Emmy-winning country quartet brings its For the Art of It Tour to DPAC. Known for soaring four-part harmonies and chart-topping hits like “Girl Crush,” “Pontoon” and “Boondocks,” the group promises an evening of powerhouse vocals and contemporary country favorites.

• The North Carolina Latin American Film Festival Nov. 13-15 the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Duke University festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, returning to showcase works by Latin filmmakers in Spanish, Portuguese and indigenous languages. Enjoy a free discussion about the past and future of Latin American cinema alongside screenings of documentary and feature films as well as other special events that explore themes such as music and dance, migration, dramas and globalization at various Durham and Chapel Hill locations.

• Durham County Pottery Tour Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Nov. 15, noon-5 p.m. – This annual open studio tour, now in its 13th year, welcomes visitors to explore 30 studios across the county. Meet the artists, ask questions and see the wide range of work that can be created from clay. Pottery will be available for purchase at all tour locations.

• Opera FM Nov. 15, 3:30 p.m. – Travel through the drama, romance and grandeur of opera with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle at the Carolina Theatre. This showcase pairs the orchestra’s musicians with selections from celebrated composers including Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, Enrique Granados and Jules Massenet for an afternoon of sweeping melodies and unforgettable moments from the stage.

• Fall 2026 Jazz Week Nov. 16-21 – North Carolina Central University Jazz Studies program celebrates the sounds and history of jazz with a week of performances, conversations and community events. The lineup features student combos and ensembles, a documentary screening with a Q&A, a jazz faculty ensemble performance and more, highlighting the next generation of musicians from one of the nation’s premier historically Black university jazz programs.

• King Nobuyoshi Godwin Nov. 19–Dec. 22 –Celebrate the imaginative world of this bold artist in a featured exhibition at 5 Points Gallery. Through vibrant color, inventive compositions and a uniquely personal artistic voice, King shares a perspective shaped in part by autism and synesthesia. His joyful paintings invite viewers to see the world through a lens of creativity, wonder and possibility. Third Friday opening reception takes place from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 20.

• Durham Art Walk Holiday Market Nov. 21-22 – Kick-start the holiday season as the Durham Arts Council hosts this annual tour featuring local artists, live music, food and fun at a number of different sites around the city.

• ‘’Twas the Night Before …’ Nov. 25–Dec. 6 – Bring the whole family to DPAC for Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday production, a dazzling reimagining of Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” Filled with acrobatics, whimsical characters and a festive soundtrack, “’Twas the Night Before …” follows a young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holiday season in a spectacular celebration for all ages.

• ‘The Night Before Christmas Carol’ Dec. 5 & Dec. 20 – Back by popular demand, RedBird Theater Company invites you to join Charles Dickens as he invents the characters and storyline for his now-famous “A Christmas Carol” in this enchanting one-man show by North Carolina playwright Elliot Engel, directed by Jeffery West and performed by Adam Sampieri – perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

• ‘A Christmas Carol’ December, dates TBD – Theatre in the Park brings its beloved musical comedy adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale to the Durham Performing Arts Center, celebrating more than 50 years as a cherished North Carolina holiday tradition. Filled with festive cheer, memorable carols and the timeless story of Scrooge’s transformation, this heartwarming performance is perfect for the whole family.

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Get to Know Some of Durham's Health care and wellness Providers

Health care is vitally important to a community, and ours is no exception. Durham's well-earned moniker is the City of Medicine, as it is home to a vast number of providers and wellness organizations who stand out for multiple reasons. Meet some of the caregivers close to home from our local health care and wellness world, including dentists, surgeons, specialists and beyond.

Dr. Martha Ann Keels has practiced in Durham for more than 30 years. She delivers evidencebased care and partners with families to support their children’s long-term oral health. Dr. Erica Brecher is passionate about the connection between oral and overall health and dedicated to building lasting patient relationships. Dr. Gentry Byrd brings exceptional clinical skills and a research background in nutrition to the practice. Together, they are committed to helping every child achieve a healthy smile.

At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, a beautiful smile has the power to change your life. Each initial visit at one of our state-of-the-art offices is informative and comfortable; using the latest technology to build a detailed, custom treatment plan tailored to your needs. As Invisalign Sapphire providers, Smith & Heymann ranks among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the nation, offering the expertise to help you achieve your dream smile without metal braces or wires. Call today for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Dempsey Smith, Dr. Gavin Heymann, or Dr. Katya Skillestad.

For more than 45 years, Croasdaile Dental Arts has been a trusted partner in helping the Durham community achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles. Led by Drs. William Turner, Jason Butler, and Eric T. Cole, the practice combines decades of clinical expertise with a commitment to continuing education, advanced technology, and patient-centered care.Their team is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, valued, and informed throughout every stage of treatment. From preventive and restorative services to cosmetic dentistry, Croasdaile Dental Arts focuses on personalized care, open communication, and lasting relationships that support lifelong oral health and exceptional patient experiences.

Board-certified prosthodontists Dr. Geoffrey R. Cunningham and Dr. R. Kyle Gazdeck bring a passion for clinical excellence to every patient they serve. Dr. Cunningham purchased Durham Prosthodontics in 2015, the same year he achieved board certification. In 2018, he received the prestigious Private Practice Prosthodontist Award from the American College of Prosthodontics. Dr. Gazdeck joined the practice in 2018 after completing advanced training in maxillofacial prosthetics, a subspecialty focusing on head and neck cancer, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Their combined skill, experience and commitment allow them to redesign smiles using a combination of science, artistry and advanced techniques.

Triangle Vascular Associates proudly announces the opening of Triangle Vascular Surgery Center, an ambulatory surgery center specializing in all aspects of dialysis access placement and maintenance procedures. Building on 17 years of regional service, their team includes Dr. Ellen Dillavou, a vascular surgeon with more than 20 years of dialysis access experience; Dr. Stephen Loehr, medical director and interventional radiologist; and Dr. William H. Pechter, specializing in vascular access care. Patients can now receive care from the Triangle Vascular Associates team in this convenient outpatient setting, focused on supporting people in the community with minimally invasive procedures, and sameday or next-day appointments. As Durham’s only center of its kind, it proudly serves the entire surrounding area.

Finding a dentist worth trusting takes time. For those who have put off finding a new practice, Duke Forest Dental is built on earning that trust. Dr. Jason Slomovitz and his team offer thorough, unhurried exams, honest conversations, and personalized treatment backed by decades of collective experience. Patients who arrive nervous leave feeling heard, supported, and confident in their care, thanks to a team that brings genuine hospitality, careful craftsmanship, and modern technology to every visit.

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ABOVE RIGHT Green and purple veining in the quartzite countertops inspired the room’s eye-catching color palette.

ABOVE The kitchen’s open shelving continues the colorful aesthetic, while a framed photograph by Allie adds a personal touch.

Every detail in this eclectic kitchen reflects a story of family, artistry and the community that helped make it possible

BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

The first thing visitors notice about Allie Balling’s kitchen isn’t the cabinetry or the layout. It’s the pair of oversized green chandeliers sparkling above the island and the colorful artwork created by her late sister, Kat McCall. Bold, multifaceted and deeply personal, the room embodies Allie’s belief that a home should tell a story. It’s an ideology that has guided her career in creative marketing for years. When Allie and her husband, Mark Balling, moved from Buffalo, New York, to Durham in 2015, she brought with her an established

business, Allieway Marketing, but no guarantees; she wasn’t sure the relationships and reputation she’d cultivated would translate to a new city.

“I never thought I’d own my own business to begin with,” Allie says. “We were successful in Buffalo, but I didn’t know if it would transition well with the move.” The Bull City quickly proved her doubts wrong.

Allieway carved out a niche working with architects, engineers, builders and other businesses, creating strategic marketing plans, public relations campaigns and branded experiences. As the company grew, so did Allie’s appreciation for the community that embraced her and gave her the opportunity to start again.

She has since partnered with clients including the City of Durham, SECU Caring House, Moss + Ross and more. “People took a chance on me,” she says. “I get emotional thinking about it. I don’t know how to thank everyone.”

That gratitude influences how Allie approaches each project. Rather than trying to keep all of Allieway’s services in-house, she purposefully contracts with local photographers, writers, web developers, printers and other creative professionals whenever possible.

“The more I give back, the more I receive,” she says. “I want to help other people grow their businesses, so we can all collaborate and thrive.”

While Allieway continued to flourish, a devastating loss reshaped Allie’s visionary outlook.

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene claimed the life of her sister, Kat.

“Kat was a true artist,” Allie says. “Being creative has always made me feel close to her.”

The loss inspired Allie to pursue an idea she had imagined for years: expanding Allieway beyond marketing and into interior design.

“I’ve always pictured my company as an alley with different doors leading to different creative services,” she says. 

ABOVE An ornate mirror that once belonged to Allie’s parents hangs above the kitchen sink, while brass bar hardware and a cabinet screen add thoughtful finishing touches and a sense of intentionality throughout the room.

LEFT A secret entrance conceals the laundry room and pantry; Benjamin Moore’s “Onyx” covers the walls, door and frame, while Ronald Redding’s “Bridgewater” wallpaper in Black completes the dramatic look.

After years of working alongside those in the homebuilding industry – combined with a lifelong appreciation for art and thoughtfully designed environments – the transition felt like a natural next step. For Allie, branding and interiors share the same foundation: understanding people and helping them express who they are.

“My mindset moving forward is to continue enhancing people’s lives, businesses and homes through quality service, good design and getting to know them and their needs,” she says.

Her own kitchen became the first expression of that concept. With the assistance of several local partners, Allie transformed the room into a one-of-a-kind gathering place filled with bright colors, layered textures and unexpected touches – a kitchen that feels whimsical, welcoming and, most importantly, distinctly her own.

“I really wanted it to be a statement, something no one else had ever seen,” Allie says.

She intentionally kept the existing footprint to control costs but found thoughtful ways to make the space feel custom. One example is the laundry room door, which she painted black so it disappears into the surrounding gallery wall.

“It has an eclectic and cozy feeling,” she says. “And if we ever get tired of it, we can change it easily.”

Mark also added a personal touch, building the dining table by hand and designing it to adjust to bar height for entertaining. “I work from home and want a sense of welcome and community to be felt here, always,” Allie says. “My home is my sanctuary. A thoughtfully designed home can enhance your life, from how it’s organized to how colors work together.” 

Marketing and interior design aren’t separate disciplines to Allie – they’re two sides of the same creative process.

“My marketing background really prepared me for this,” she says. “Building a brand and designing a room require the same careful attention to patterns, shapes, typography and, most importantly, how you want people to feel.”

More than a decade after arriving in Durham knowing almost no one, Allie says she’s still humbled by the support she has received from customers, collaborators,

family and friends. Whether she’s developing a brand strategy, creating a nonprofit campaign or designing an interior that reflects a client’s personality, her purpose remains unchanged: producing meaningful experiences while giving back to the people who first invested in her.

“My sister always admired what I had built and told me it was amazing,” Allie says. “It’s hard to express how much gratitude I have –for her, for my family and for this community. I just want to keep paying that forward.”

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A second-floor space gets a stylish makeover, transforming into a charming home office suite fit for an executive

BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN HOLT PHOTOGRAPHY

The room above Jacqueline Olich’s garage took on an entirely new meaning after her youngest son, Duncan Kennedy, left for college. The upstairs suite served many purposes over the years. Beyond the room that was Jackie’s office sat what she and her family affectionately called the “antechamber”

– a space that had transformed from the gaming room of Duncan and his older brother, Jackson Kennedy, into a virtual classroom during the pandemic, and then, eventually, an empty reminder that another chapter of life had come to an end.

“One day I realized this was my space again,” Jackie says. “A lot of people downsize when their kids leave the nest, but this became the global headquarters for my business.”

She had launched her advisory firm, Veza Alliance Management, two years earlier and knew she needed more than a makeshift workspace. Jackie envisioned a home office that projected professionalism without sacrificing

comfort – somewhere she could welcome clients, spread out research, conduct video meetings and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee with her dog, Frankie, curled up nearby.

She enlisted interior designer Callie Collins Rhyne, founder of Collins Create, to make that vision a reality. “I work with a lot of business owners,” Callie says. “Working from home at the CEO level is very different from simply having a desk in a spare bedroom. The space has to work hard.”

Rather than selecting paint colors or furniture first, Callie began by learning about Jackie. “I really like to

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understand how someone functions – or sometimes dysfunctions –in their home,” Callie says with a laugh. “I also believe spaces should be collected, not decorated. Everything should have intention.”

That philosophy shaped each design decision the pair made.

Instead of replacing Jackie’s treasured belongings, Callie carefully edited and reimagined them. A pair of 19th-century English glass cabinets, a gift from Jackie’s husband, Andrew Kennedy, became

“It’s a reflection of where I am in life, of everyone and everywhere I’ve been,” Jackie says. “I’m not just a professor, a corporate executive or a mom. I’m all of those things.”

Still, some of the hardest choices involved letting go. Jackie loved an antique china cabinet she had owned for years, but Callie gently pointed out that it no longer supported the way Jackie worked.

“She told me, ‘One of your children can inherit it someday – but right now you need file storage,’” Jackie recalls. “Callie gave me the confidence to make those tough decisions.”

elegant bookcases. The chandelier that once hung in the family’s original dining room found a new home overhead. A Persian rug Jackie purchased years earlier continued to anchor the design, while artwork collected during travels to Bora Bora, Russia, Italy and Croatia layered the room with personal history.

The finished office balances warm sophistication with productivity. Historic antiques mingle with contemporary pieces like an acrylic bench and a glass coffee table, preventing the room from feeling overly formal. “We didn’t want it to feel like a museum,” Callie says. “Jackie has so much personality. The room needed to feel comfortable, colorful and collected.”

Distinct zones support every part of Jackie’s workday: a primary desk for daily operations, a sitting area for reading or casual in-person meetings, and a multipurpose table positioned in natural light where Jackie can spread out projects or utilize her display storage as a Zoom backdrop. Just outside, the former “antechamber” now serves as the office’s hidden workhorse.

Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry conceals supplies, tea, beverages and other entertaining essentials, allowing the area to function equally well as a coffee bar for clients or a cocktail station for gatherings.

“It still amazes me how much storage Callie fit in here,” Jackie says. “Her spatial intelligence is incredible.” 

TWINLEAF TOWNES

The project also reflected both women’s commitment to supporting local businesses. Whenever possible, they sourced furnishings from North Carolina manufacturers and hired women-owned companies, including the cabinetmaker, Joco Custom Cabinets; electrician, Dynamic Electrical Solutions; and paint crew, Zarazua Painting.

“We live in an incredible state for interiors,” Callie says. “It’s important to me to support local makers while blending them with meaningful heirlooms that tell a family’s story.”

Perhaps the room’s most meaningful piece is “Protests Erupt,” a 48-by-40-inch mixed-media canvas by Zsudayka Nzinga, created in July 2020 and exhibited at The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. in 2021. Jackie fell in love with it while visiting after museums reopened following the pandemic. The artwork juxtaposes a child’s carefree play while news of social unrest unfolds in the background – a reminder of an extraordinary period in all of our lives. For Jackie, it makes perfect sense in an office that is so much more than a workspace; it reflects every season of life that led her here.

“If we’re lucky enough to live a long and happy life,” Jackie says, “each stage deserves to be embraced. We should take with us what we need and let go of what no longer serves us.”

Today, what once served as a transitional family room and modest home office has become something entirely new: a welcoming and sophisticated second-floor suite that honors the past while creating room for everything still to come.

Creative Vision. Engineered Precision.

heila O’Rourke is the founder and creative force behind Little Mangum Studio, an award-winning interior design and renovation firm serving the Triangle since 2016. With a background that bridges the technical and the artistic, Sheila holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Fine Arts. After two decades in software development, she pivoted to design, working on HGTV for four seasons before launching her own studio.

Sheila’s work is powered by a rare blend of right-brain intuition and left-brain logic. Her strengths in spatial geometry, visual sensitivity, and system design allow her to guide clients with both creative ingenuity and expert project management, skills that are equally vital in delivering transformative spaces.

At the heart of Sheila’s process is a deep commitment to uncovering each client’s unique needs. She listens closely, then designs spaces that truly reflect who her clients are. Her graduate thesis explored how physical environments shape well-being, and she believes that beautiful, functional design can nurture mental, physical, and spiritual health. Her aesthetic is shaped by years spent living abroad—in Paris, New York, Vietnam, and San Francisco—and by global travels sourcing textiles and decor. While internationally informed, her design approach is always centered on telling each client’s personal story.

Named Best of Durham three years in a row, Little Mangum Studio has earned a reputation for gently guiding clients just beyond their comfort zones to create the dream home they hadn’t yet imagined.

Your Trusted Partner in Home Renovation

n 2017, Liz Templeton Scisco, LEED AP, founded True Design as a client-focused interior design team, guiding homeowners through the often complex renovation process. With more than 10 years of experience in the Chapel Hill-Durham area, Scisco brings together her interior architecture degree with extensive custom home building and renovation expertise. She serves as a trusted homeowner advocate throughout the design and construction process.

True Design’s mission centers on creating spaces uniquely tailored to each client’s aesthetic, budget, and functional needs. The team excels at translating client visions into buildable realities while preserving the character and integrity of existing homes. Scisco’s proven tracking system and deep construction knowledge help streamline the renovation process, reducing stress for homeowners.

True Design listens to the client first, emphasizing collaboration in their approach. The team works as clients’ dedicated team throughout projects of varying complexity, building trust through honest communication and ensuring homeowners’ best interests drive every decision.

s a custom builder, Jason believes every family and project is unique. That’s why he takes the time to listen, understand their goals, and learn what matters most. From there, he and his team guide them through a proven process built on thoughtful planning, clear communication, and exceptional craftsmanship. His goal is simple: help every family feel confident, informed, and cared for, from the first conversation through long after their project is complete.

If you’re considering a new home build or remodel, Jason would welcome the opportunity to learn about your goals, answer your questions, and see if Radford Building Company is the right fit.

“I love construction. I love walking a job site and watching the building process take shape: the smell of fresh dirt, sawdust in the air, and a family’s vision come to life. But what I enjoy most is building homes for the families who will live in them.” – Jason Radford, Founder

We Don’t Just Build, We CoCreate

ince 2013, CoCreations Construction & Design has been redefining the residential remodeling experience across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the greater Triangle region. Led by founder Nick Syros and wife Ana Cristina Tavares, this award-winning, full-service design-build firm specializes in custom homes, large-scale renovations, additions, ADUs, and comprehensive, high-end kitchen and bath transformations.

What sets CoCreations apart is their fully integrated designbuild approach. By bringing architecture, interior design, budgeting, material selections, and construction under one roof, they eliminate the friction of traditional remodeling. This streamlined process gives homeowners a single point of accountability, which maximizes efficiency, reduces delays, and prevents costly budget surprises.

To empower clients to make informed decisions with absolute confidence, CoCreations leverages cutting-edge design technology. Long before construction starts, homeowners can step inside their future spaces using 3D renderings and elevations. This method of visual planning, combined with consistent, proactive communication, ensures that the client’s voice remains central to the process. It bridges the gap between imagination and execution, ensuring the finished space aligns perfectly with the family’s day-to-day needs.

With decades of combined expertise, CoCreations has guided hundreds of Triangle families through the construction journey, earning multiple industry awards for excellence. Ultimately, the firm believes a home should reflect the unique lifestyle and aspirations of its owners. Through innovative design, clear communication, and meticulous craftsmanship, CoCreations transforms ideas into beautifully tailored spaces built to serve families for generations to come.

CQC Home: Custom Renovations That Deliver Exceptional Results

QC Home is an award-winning design-build remodeling firm serving homeowners across the Triangle, specializing in custom renovations, ADUs, home additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home transformations. Since its founding in 2007, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality craftsmanship paired with an exceptional client experience.

By bringing design, architecture, project management, and construction together under one roof, CQC Home simplifies the remodeling process while ensuring every project is executed with precision and transparency. Its collaborative approach allows clients to work with a single, integrated team from initial concept through final completion, creating homes that are both beautiful and highly functional.

Known for tackling complex renovations and preserving the character of existing homes, CQC Home helps families reimagine their spaces without leaving the neighborhoods they love. The company has earned numerous industry accolades and has been recognized as one of the Triangle’s leading residential remodeling firms.

Driven by a commitment to integrity, innovation, and personalized service, CQC Home believes remodeling goes beyond construction to fundamentally improve how people live. Every project reflects the company’s dedication to thoughtful design, meticulous craftsmanship, and creating lasting relationships with the homeowners it serves.

Built on Trust, Led with Care

reen Hill Contracting is a woman-owned general contracting firm that proudly serves the Raleigh-Durham area with a refined approach to residential remodeling. From kitchen and bath updates to whole-home renovations, Green Hill specializes in transforming homes through superior craftsmanship, unwavering integrity, and a transparent process built on trust.

Their team approaches each project with a focus on thoughtful design and lasting value. They have extensive experience working on historic homes throughout the Triangle, where attention to detail, precision, and respect for each home’s character are paramount.

As a woman-owned business, Green Hill brings a distinctive perspective that balances strategic problem-solving with a relationship-centered approach. They prioritize active listening, collaboration, and trustbuilding with every client. This commitment to meaningful connections has led to strong word-of-mouth referrals and cultivated a loyal base of repeat clients.

At its core, Green Hill Contracting is more than a renovations company–they’re a team of passionate professionals who understand that home is deeply personal. They believe that renovating your home should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

BRANCHING OUT

Discover

what’s taking

root across South Durham and Research Triangle Park

COMPILED BY OLIVIA JARMAN

Durham’s newest entertainment destination packs plenty under one roof. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games opened its 90,000-squarefoot complex this spring at 4857 Topgolf Way, offering fun and play for all ages, including multilevel high-speed electric Superkarts racing, a state-of-the-art arcade, professional racing simulators, two VR experiences, a two-story laser tag arena, duckpin bowling and a 7D motion theater. The venue also accommodates events for groups ranging from 10 to 2,000 guests across eight private spaces. Visitors can support the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation, which raises awareness and funding for colorectal cancer screening in memory of the late racing legend, John Andretti.

Turn It Up

SOUTH DURHAM SHOWS WORTH ADDING TO YOUR CALENDAR

Rescue Brew Launch Party

AUG. 15 | 4-7 P.M.

Raise a glass for a good cause at Boxyard RTP as Fullsteam Brewery debuts its special-edition, limited release Rescue Brew. Enjoy live music, fresh pours, six-packs available for purchase and adoptable pets.

Sufi Roots & Rhythms:

Diali Cissokho Trio

AUG. 29 | 6-8 P.M.

Experience an evening of groovebased Sufi, Hindustani and West African music performed by three internationally acclaimed musicians at Boxyard RTP’s BeatBox Stage.

Beer Garden Concert Series

AUG. 29 | 6-9 P.M. & OCT. 3 | 5-8 P.M.

The Glass Jug Beer Lab continues its beer garden concerts with classic rock and blues from Your Mama’s New Boyfriend Aug. 29 before Peak City Band returns for an encore performance Oct. 3.

Concerts on the Creek: Rissi Palmer

SEPT. 12 | 3-5:30 P.M.

The Grammy-nominated, Durhambased singer-songwriter brings her signature blend of country and Americana to Hub RTP’s Burdens Creek outdoor concert series.

Peter Lamb Presents SEPT. 19 | 5-8 P.M.

Settle in for an unforgettable evening of original jazz, dynamic improvisation and high-energy performances from Peter Lamb and the Wolves at Boxyard RTP’s BeatBox Stage.

Raleigh-based restaurateur Anthony Rapillo and “Top Chef” alum Katsuji Tanabe are teaming up once again to open KatSushi – a fast-casual concept dedicated to Japanese hand rolls, rice bowls and cocktails – later this summer at Boxyard RTP. The menu pays homage to chef Katsuji’s Japanese lineage; expect warm seasoned rice, crisp toasted nori and ultra-fresh fish, all madeto-order and meant to be enjoyed right away. The second-floor eatery will feature a walkup outdoor bar and plenty of patio seating nearby, making it an easy stop for grabbing a quick bite with friends. KatSushi marks the duo’s third collaboration, and their highly anticipated revival of Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant High Horse is set to debut later this year at Horseshoe at Hub RTP.

Research Triangle Park’s story comes to life this fall with the release of “Miracle Road: The Story of Research Triangle Park,” the first comprehensive history of RTP. Co-authored by Triangle land-use attorney Mack Paul and his late father, journalist Allen Paul, the narrative nonfiction draws on more than 160 interviews conducted over four years to chronicle RTP’s evolution from a long-shot 1959 gamble on a stretch of pine woods to its emergence as the nation’s largest science and research park, home to more than 350 companies and 65,000 workers. Duke University Press releases the book, which retails for $34.95, Oct. 6.

Nanny Goat Market and Cheeni Indian Food Emporium. Additional businesses are expected to join as they open, including Di Fara Pizza Tavern, High Horse and Prime STQ

JetSet Pilates opened its fourth Triangle-area location at Horseshoe at Hub RTP this spring, bringing its instructor-led, music-driven reformer classes to the Park’s 100-acre downtown destination. Raleigh native and franchise owner Dewayne Washington II, a former University of Miami football player, plans to expand his local footprint with a downtown Durham location at 555 Mangum this summer and a Chapel Hill studio in 2027. Each of Jetset’s 50-minute classes combine strength, endurance and low-impact movement set to DJ-curated playlists. The Hub RTP studio is located at 3150 Elion Dr. with easy access to Horseshoe parking, the Burdens Creek boardwalk and RTP’s trail network. 

The Hub RTP Social District launched at Horseshoe at Hub RTP June 1, allowing visitors to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them outdoors within a designated area from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The district spans the Horseshoe development, Hub RTP stage and Burdens Creek boardwalk, and current participating vendors include

Speaking of RTP’s trails, the Elizabeth Rooks Trail System makes it easy to escape into nature without leaving the Park. It winds more than 20 miles through 7,000 wooded acres, connecting campuses with surrounding destinations for walkers, runners and cyclists. Established in the 1980s, the network was named in 2015 for Elizabeth “Liz” Rooks, who led the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina for more than 25 years and championed the master planning and environmental stewardship behind many of RTP’s green spaces.

ROOM TO GROW

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ONE OF THE TRIANGLE’S FASTEST-GROWING AREAS.

Research Triangle Park has entered a new chapter with the approval of RTP 3.0, a landmark development framework that paves the way for mixed-use and residential projects for the first time in the Park’s nearly 70-year history. The unanimous vote taken June 25 by the RTP Owners and Tenants Association and later approved by the Research Triangle Foundation’s board caps a five-year planning effort to position the Park for its next 50 years of growth while strengthening its role as a global hub for research, innovation and economic development. The plan introduces three new development options alongside the traditional corporate campus model – Enhanced Corporate Campus, Residential Neighborhood Development and Mixed-Use Node – giving landowners greater flexibility to create walkable destinations that blend workplaces, housing and amenities. It also outlines a proposed

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10-mile RTP Greenway connecting campuses and natural areas, building on the Park’s existing 20-mile trail network. Landowners were able to begin submitting applications under the new standards July 16.

Global pharmaceutical company AbbVie will invest $1.4 billion to build a manufacturing campus in Durham, marking the largest private investment in the city’s history. Construction on the 185-acre facility, AbbVie’s first major investment in North Carolina, is expected to begin this year, with completion slated for late 2028. The site was selected for the strength of the region’s local workforce and its ability to support future expansion; this facility will focus on producing immunology, neuroscience and oncology medicines while also serving as AbbVie’s U.S. Center of Excellence for small-volume parenteral drug manufacturing. The project will create 734 permanent engineering, science and manufacturing jobs over the next four years, plus more than 2,000 construction jobs during the build-out.

Vexyls Crafts Inc., the U.S. division of Canadian brand Pixyls Crafts, launched its American operations in May at Frontier RTP, the coworking and office campus located in Research Triangle Park’s Hub RTP. The company, which produces artistdesigned sticker-by-number kits, now ships nearly 1,000 orders each week from its Durham office, which serves as its primary shipping operations hub for customers nationwide. The move is expected to improve delivery times and reduce shipping costs as the company expands its U.S. presence.

Research Triangle Park welcomed its first residents with the opening of MAA Nixie, a 406-unit apartment community at Hub RTP and the first residential development in RTP’s more than 65-year history. Located in RTP’s emerging mixed-use downtown district, the community features amenities including a resort-style pool, fitness center, pet spa, coworking spaces, podcast studios and EV charging, all within walking distance of Horseshoe at Hub RTP, Boxyard RTP and the Park’s extensive trail system.

German pharmaceutical company Coriolis Pharma has opened its U.S. headquarters and laboratory at the Alexandria Center for Advanced Technologies, establishing its first RTP site. The approximately 13,000-square-foot facility represents a $10 million investment and will provide fast-track analytics and drug product development services ranging from particle identification and formulation to packaging selection and filling process characterization. Coriolis expects to bring the lab’s full capabilities online by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Global cloud software company Genesys has become the first office tenant to move into Horseshoe at Hub RTP, relocating its Durham workforce to 26,393 square feet on the building’s fifth floor. The business, which specializes in AI-powered experience orchestration, cited Horseshoe’s sustainability features and amenity-rich,

mixed-use environment as key factors in its decision. The new space includes a mix of private offices and open desks, team and focus rooms, a cafe, lounge areas and a video production suite to support flexibility and innovation for Genesys’ teams.

GoTriangle is moving forward with plans for the Triangle Mobility Hub, a new regional transit center proposed for Research Triangle Park. The facility would consolidate bus, paratransit, microtransit and rideshare services under one roof, with future capacity for Bus Rapid Transit, passenger rail and bikeway access. Amenities would include covered boarding bays, real-time arrival information, climate-controlled waiting areas with Wi-Fi and phone charging, plus parkand-ride spaces. GoTriangle has secured $27 million in federal funding for the project, and its board of trustees approved a preferred site in April. Final design begins this fall.

Brian A. Vandersea,

Andrew T. Ruvo, DMD, MD

Adam D. Serlo, DMD, MD

people &places

Game Changers

BY BECKETT BRANTLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC ATKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

The Emily Krzyzewski Center welcomed more than 450 community members to the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club May 2 for its 15th annual Mother’s Day Ball, celebrating 20 years of empowering students through its youth development programs. Duke Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jon Scheyer delivered the keynote address, while Emily K Center CEO Valerie Anderson gave remarks about the organization’s lasting impact and students shared inspiring stories about their love of learning and the support they’ve received from elementary school through college. Leland Little Auctions President Leland Little led an exciting live auction and fund-a-need, which helped raise a record-breaking total of more than $675,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission of preparing students for lifelong success. Mark your calendars: Next year’s ball will take place May 1, 2027, at 6 p.m. at the Washington Duke Inn.

A Toast to Trailblazers

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON

Durham Magazine, Chapel Hill Magazine and Chatham Magazine hosted Triangle Media Partners’ annual Women of Achievement celebration at The Carolina Inn on May 14, honoring the inspiring community leaders featured in our publications. TMP President Rory Gillis welcomed guests, while editors Amanda MacLaren, Jessica Stringer and Morgan Cartier Weston recognized the 2026 honorees. Attendees networked over light bites and drinks, entered raffles courtesy of Pinnacle Financial Partners and Hamilton Point Investment Advisors, and explored sponsor booths from Empowerly College Counseling, Durham Craft Company, Hamilton Hill Jewelry, Onelife Fitness, Gonzalez Painters & Contractors, Aesthetic Solutions, Cat French Design, NC Courage and Spark Photo Booth.

Garden Variety

BY SOPHIA ABBOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KEEP DURHAM BEAUTIFUL

An estimated 550 people explored 11 inspiring gardens during Keep Durham Beautiful’s third annual Durham Garden Tour on May 2 and 3. The self-guided event highlighted sustainable landscaping and creative design, from the Far Away Micro Farm and Bull City Commons Garden to the Extension Demonstration Garden, Plaza Futuro, Lakewood Elementary Garden and more. Guided by the efforts of 110 volunteers and supported by 48 sponsors, the tour raised $28,500 to support Keep Durham Beautiful’s mission of creating environmentally just and healthy outdoor spaces in cooperation with Durham communities.

Paws to Celebrate

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

SOPHIA ABBOTT

The Animal Protection Society of Durham hosted its 26th annual Walk for the Animals on May 30, welcoming 400-plus attendees and their furry friends to Duke University’s East Campus to meet more than 30 animal-focused vendors and several adoptable dogs; enjoy music, pet contests and activities like a canine agility course, refreshing puppy pools and ball pits; and participate in raffle drawings and a 1.5-mile charity walk. Durham Magazine was a proud sponsor of the event, which raised nearly $120,225 once all donations were counted – surpassing the nonprofit’s goal – to support the thousands of animals that APS cares for each year.

Pet Project

BY BECKETT BRANTLEY

Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital celebrated the grand opening of its new Bahama Veterinary Medical Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 10, inviting attendees to tour the 15,000-square-foot facility located at 105 Snow Hill Rd. in Bahama, just a couple miles from its previous practice. Set on 28 acres with more than 2 miles of public walking trails, the state-of-the-art center follows Fear Free Certified principles designed to maximize comfort for pets and their owners. The veterinarian-owned, independently operated practice continues its 43-year legacy with expanded emergency and urgent care hours, specialized surgery suites and advanced in-house imaging provided by Synergy Mobile Veterinary Surgery. “Every detail of this space was intentionally designed and built to put pets first and provide our community with a facility that will meet all of its veterinary needs in one place,” says Bahama Road vet and partner Dr. Rachel Cocchiaro

Game On

BY KATRINA MCLEAN

The Carolina Blaze hosted the defending Athletes Unlimited Softball League champion Utah Talons at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park June 25-27 for an AUSL Signature Series showdown. Thursday’s opener had fans on the edge of their seats as the teams remained tied through six innings before the Talons bested the Blaze with a 3-2 victory. The evening also featured special appearances by North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Molly Pritchard and Champ, the Durham Bulls’ beloved bat dog, followed by a postgame fireworks display. AUSL staff joined the festivities as the series continued Friday, when Utah clinched the matchup with a second straight victory. The Blaze closed the weekend on a high note Saturday, earning their first win of the series with a commanding 6-1 triumph over the Talons.

Building Connections

BY MAYA KEATING PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL PAN, ANOMALY CREATIVE

Capital Discount Furniture and Renew Staging & Design welcomed Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties members for an inviteonly brunch on June 25 that brought together local Realtors, builders, designers and other home industry professionals. The gathering paired a hearty brunch and Champagne with opportunities to network, explore the showroom, find design inspiration and win giveaways.

Fueling the Future

BY SOPHIA HERNDON

The Couch Oil Company celebrated the opening of its newly remodeled facility and yard with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Durham Chamber of Commerce on June 25. Community members

toured the modernized space, enjoyed refreshments, entered raffles and giveaways, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s operations. President and owner Steve Couch gave remarks during the gathering that reflected on the family business’s legacy, which dates to 1949, and shared its vision for continued growth and investment in the community. The renovated facility marks a new chapter for the longtime local company as it continues serving area residents and businesses.

Here’s to the Best

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TSC VISUAL SOLUTIONS

The Durham Magazine team partnered with Primrose Bar & Lounge to toast the winners featured in our Best of Durham issue during an evening that celebrated the people, businesses and organizations that make the Bull City shine. The party was packed with local flavor thanks to delicious bites by White Clover Catering and sweet treats from Ashleigh Bakes Daily, plus lots of familiar faces – many of whom captured the memorable evening at TSC Visual Solutions’ photo booth – and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. The event was made possible thanks to the City of Durham’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Congratulations again to every one of this year’s honorees for making Durham such an exceptional place to live, work, dine, shop and explore.

Badr Ibrahim & Brittany Russell

BY BECKETT BRANTLEY, PHOTO BY J.R. REESE OF J2 PORTRAITS

Wedding Date Oct. 3, 2026

Occupations Brittany and Badr relocated from Gainesville, Florida, to Durham so Badr could launch his cell biology company, CellSpan Bio. Brittany works as an optician at Chapel Hill Eyecare while also supporting CellSpan’s operations. Crossed Paths The couple met through a weekly running club in Gainesville. Although Brittany wasn’t very interested in dating at the time, when Badr helped coach her to her goal of running the full 4-mile route, something clicked. His encouragement showed her he genuinely supported her ambitions. Their first date set the tone for the relationship when Badr spontaneously taught Brittany to salsa dance in a downtown Gainesville park. From there, their connection only deepened.

The Proposal After two years together, Badr took Brittany to one of their favorite parks in Gainesville. Beneath a sprawling oak tree, he knelt down and asked her to marry him, and Brittany gave an enthusiastic “yes.” About a year later, the couple celebrated their engagement with a golden-hour photo session at Stoudtburg Village in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Now, “I Do” The couple will exchange vows at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church before a reception at a local art gallery. Do

Karen Brett & David Brizel

BY MAYA KEATING PHOTOGRAPHY BY VESIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Date Dec. 31, 2025

Occupations David is a retired radiation oncologist who practiced at Duke University Medical Center; Karen built her career in pharmaceuticals before retiring as director of business alliances at the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Crossed Paths The two first met in 2008 when David served on a marketing advisory board for Bristol Myers Squibb, where Karen worked as a product manager. She lived in New York City at the time, while David called Durham home. They reconnected during one of Karen’s business trips to the Bull City in 2013, sparking a friendship that gradually blossomed into romance. Having both been married before, they built their relationship on the mutual trust and respect that come from a strong sense of self. After four years of long-distance dating, Karen made the move to join David in North Carolina.

The Proposal Karen and David purchased an engagement ring together, but David still managed to surprise her in June 2016 with a proposal in his office – affectionately dubbed “The Room Where It Happened,” a nod to Karen’s love of “Hamilton” – the same place where they had reconnected years earlier.

The Big Day Festivities began with a rehearsal dinner at Convivio before family and friends gathered for a black-and-white wedding and reception at American Tobacco Campus’ Bay 7. David’s daughter, Lauren Brizel, escorted him down the aisle, while Karen made her entrance to “Edelweiss” from her favorite film, “The Sound of Music.”

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and seated dinner with in-house catering by The Angus Barn, followed by desserts from Two Roosters Ice Cream and Sweet Inspirations Cookies, dancing and a countdown to 2026. Along with speeches from Lauren and Karen’s six

nieces and nephews, guests watched a prerecorded toast from David’s daughter Marla Zeschin, her husband, Jay Zeschin, and their daughter, Naomi Zeschin, who couldn’t attend because Marla was expecting. She gave birth to David’s second granddaughter on Jan. 17, 2026. Favorite Moments The first look remains one of Karen’s most treasured memories. “I got very emotional seeing David in the context of almost being my husband after 12 years [together],” she says. She also cherishes the heartfelt ceremony; close friends Ian Hainline and Peggy Carroll officiated, honoring David and Karen’s Jewish and Christian faiths, respectively, while weaving the couple’s story into the service. Karen’s brother, Mike Brett, and David’s sister, Florie Brizel, also shared meaningful readings. The moment David says he’ll never forget came after they were pronounced husband and wife, when they shared their first kiss as newlyweds.

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