John StatonWilmington StarNews
Welcome to the first (official) weekend of Wilmington summer.
I know, it feels like it's been summer for a while, but now it's real. As you probably figured, Wilmington's lineup of events is predictably jam-packed, with Opera House Theatre Co. opening its summer season of musicals at Thalian Hall among several other theatrical options; a brand-new exhibit at Wilmington's top art museum; and a diverse and extensive array of concerts.
For even more options, including concerts on weeknights, many of them for free, check outour big ol' list of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area.
Live music: Full list of outdoor summer concerts in the Wilmington area for 2024
ALL WEEKEND
'5: Five Years of Acquisitions'
June 20-Oct. 6 at the Cameron Art Museum: Wilmington's premiere art museum opens its latest exhibit featuring works it has acquired over the past five years. The all-star lineup includes such big names as Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Judy Chicago, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Robert Motherwell, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, as well as Wilmington's own Karen Paden Crouch and Raleigh's Clarence Heyward, whose work"Proceed with Caution" is pictured above. Opening night party is 6-9 p.m. June 20, $15 (free for members). Exhibition opens to the public June 21 and hangs through Oct. 6.
'Annie'
June 20-July 7 at Thalian Hall: Wilmington's Opera House Theatre Co. is bringing in Broadway talent for this beloved musical about the title orphan and her hard-knock, rags-to-riches life. With new Wilmington resident and Broadway vet Jen Frankel ("Chicago," Spamalot" and others) playing the role of evil orphanage-keeper Miss Hannigan. 7:30 p.m. June 20-22, 27-29 and July 5-6; 2 p.m. June 23, 29-30 and July 6-7. 910-632-2285.
'Much Ado About Nothing'
June 21-28at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: It's the 31st year for Cape Fear Shakespeare, which did its first summer show at Greenfield Lake in 1993. Kendra Goehring, best-known as a leading lady in musicals at Thalian Hall, directs Shakespeare's love-besotted comedy "Much Ado About Nothing." It's one of the liveliest and most engaging productions Cape Fear Shakespeare has staged in years.8 p.m. 21-23 and 26-28. Free admission, donations accepted. Picnics welcome, with concessions available.
Theater review: Through various challenges, a Wilmington tradition continues with take on Shakespeare play
'Shrek: The Musical'
At June 21-23 at CFCC Wilson Center: Broadway tour of the musical based on the popular series of animated films about an oafish but affable ogre rolls into town for four performances. 7:30 p.m. June 21-22, 2 p.m. June 22-23. Tickets start at $32. 910-362-7999.
FRIDAY
Spafford
June 21 at Bowstring Burgers and Brewyard: Popular jam band that's played the Bonnaroo music festival will rock this Soda Pop District spot with its trademark improvised, extended jams. 7 p.m. June 21, $25 in advance, $28 days of show.
Issac Hadden Trio
June 21 at Waterline Brewing: Asheville jazz and funk trio plays a special ticketed show at this Surry Street destination, with Wilmington jazz icon Benny Hill sitting in on sax. 7 p.m. June 21, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Free Concert Friday
June 21 at The Eagle's Dare: Alice In Chains tribute band FreeAngry Chair plays this free concert series downtown. 4 p.m. doors, 6 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliner.
Friday Night Live
June 21 at The Pier at Port City Marina: Allman Brotherstribute act Idlewood South headlines this downtown Wilmington concert series held right on the Cape Fear River. 7 p.m. June 21, tickets are $10.
Hampstead Alive After Five Concert Series
June 21 at Kiwanis Park, 586 Sloop Point Loop Road in Hampstead: The British Invaders play a tribute to English rock and pop bands at for this Hampstead concert series. Bring blankets and chairs. Food trucks on site. Alcohol not allowed, but leashed dogs are permitted. 6:30 p.m. June 21, free.
SATURDAY
AŹUL
June 22 at Live at Ted's: The Raleigh singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist AŹUL has gained notice in the Triangle and beyond for her delicate yet powerful tunes infused with poppy melodies, pristine vocals and empowering themes. She's also very open with her story of being a self-described queer artist who is also an immigrant. With guitarist Emily Musolino, who will play with AŹUL and do a solo set. 8 p.m. June 22, tickets are $16.50. 910-769-6858.
AZUL: When self-described queer, immigrant singer plays Wilmington, pop hooks meet Latin roots
The Fontanelles
June 22 at Bourgie Nights: The Fontanelles opened up eventfully for Jakob Dylan at Greenfield Lake earlier this year, and the Wilmington family band, which includes twin brothers Carson and Jesse Jewell and Carson's wife, Tiff Reece Jewell, playing a range of rootsy styles filled with warmth and occasional humor.Opening act is The Turkey Buzzards. 8 p.m. June 22, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
SUNDAY
Summer Solstice Sustainability Style Show
June 23 at New Hanover County Arboretum: Fourth annual fashion show features original, eco-conscious creations from a variety of Wilmington shops and designers. Organized by Lily Nicole of Wilmington group the lowercase leaders, proceeds benefit youth programs at community hub Sokoto House. 6:15 p.m. June 23, tickets are $25-$100.
Juneteenth Gospel Fest
June 23 at Williston Middle School: Gospel music concert to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday will be held at Williston, which is a historic site in Wilmington. Until the late 1960s, it was an all-Black public high school. 3-5 p.m. June 23.
Drivin N' Cryin
June 23 at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard: Turn it up or turn it off. Veteran Georgia Southern rock act rolls into this Soda Pop District spot with its collection of rootsy rockers. Opening act is The Glenmont Popes. 7 p.m. June 23, tickets are $20-$50.
Holden Beach Concert Series
June 23 at the Pavilion under the Holden Beach Bridge: The Blackwater Band will play beach, rock, country and more for this Brunwick County concert series in Holden Beach.6:30-8 p.m. June 23. Free. Call 910-842-6488 for details.
