13 fun things to do in Wilmington for a music-filled Groundhog Day weekend

As of this writing I don't yet know whether the groundhog saw his shadow or if we're destined for an early spring.

Either way, you can spend time this weekend watching the Bill Murray movie "Groundhog Day" yet again (never a bad option), and/or you can check out some of these non-repetitive events in the Wilmington area.

For starters, the N.C. Jazz Festival returns for the first time since before the pandemic, and the Wilmington Symphony plays its first concert of the year. Also, one of Wilmington's best bands, the dream-pop outfit Lauds, has a brilliant new album out, and it's worth celebrating at their album release show.

Check below for even more options in what's looking to be a music-heavy weekend.

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ALL WEEKEND

'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown'

At Community Arts Center/Hannah Block Historic USO: Wilmington comedy and theater troupe Pineapple-Shaped Lamps teams up with Techmoja Dance & Theatre Co. and its acclaimed director and choreographer Kevin Lee-y Green (up for Best Director of a Musical at March's Wilmington Theater Awards) to present the beloved musical based on the characters of the Peanuts comic strip. Cast includes current Wilmington Theater Awards nominees Amy Carter, Anna Gamel, Beau Mumford and more. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3-4 and 10-11, 3 p.m. Feb. 5 and 12. Details and tickets at PSLcomedy.com.

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N.C. Jazz Festival

At the Hotel Ballast: The 43rd annual Wilmington-based jazz festival returns for in-person shows for the first time since 2019. Thursday night features sets by vocalist Steve Washington; pianist Lenore Raphael and vibes player Steve Hobbs; Nate Najar's tribute to Charlie Byrd and Stan Getz; and an all-star jazz jam. Friday and Saturday night follow the festival's tradition of mixing and matching various top players over the course of a half-dozen sets. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2-4. Tickets and details at NCJazzFestival.org.

Allen Strickland Williams

At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Laid-back L.A. comic Williams comes to Wilmington with appearances on "Conan" and Comedy Central under his belt. Williams is a fan of off-kilter impressions (Jesus Christ at a wine bar is one), and his act includes bits about going on Google Maps' street view to "just drive." 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 3-4. $18 and $28.

Underfront grand opening

Underfront, 265 N. Front St.: If you're in downtown Wilmington this weekend, check out the latest form of this space that has housed such legendary establishments as Cowboy's, The Firebelly and the original home of the Dead Crow Comedy Room. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Friday, with live tunes at 9 p.m.

THURSDAY

'Groundhog Day'

At Regal Mayfaire Cinemas: Want to see "Groundhog Day" on Groundhog Day, and on the big screen no less? Bing! You can do just that to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1993 film's release at Mayfaire Cinemas in Wilmington. If you miss the 7 p.m. screening on the holiday itself, or just want to repeat the same experience over and over again, there are also 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. screenings on Sunday, Feb. 5.

La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet

At the Cameron Art Museum: North Carolina ensemble led by longtime reeds man and composer Gregg Gelb. La Fiesta plays the work of such Latin jazz icons Tito Puente and songs made famous by Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club, as well as the compositions of jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and original tunes by group members Gelb, Steve Anderson and Andy Kleindienst. 7 p.m. Feb. 2. Tickets are $55, $35 for members.

FRIDAY

Open Wire and Reason to Ignite

At Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern: Good, old-fashioned, four-band rock show will get the weekend started off right at midtown rock club Reggie's. Wilmington's Open Wire has a rugged, classic metal sheen, while fellow Port City act Reason to Ignite takes things in more of an edgy punk, hardcore direction. With Cool Jerk and Noisy By Design.

7:30 p.m. doors, 8:30 p.m. show Feb. 3, tickets are $8, $10 for under 21.

Chamber music, with flute

At Beckwith Recital Hall: As part of the the Beckwith Recital Series, faculty members and guests of the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Department of Music play a variety of solo and chamber music pieces. Friday's concert features Mary Jo White (flute), Christina Brier (harp), Elizabeth Loparits (piano) and Mitch Hebert (percussion). 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Tickets are $14.

SATURDAY

Lauds

At Waterline Brewing: On Jan. 20, the stellar Wilmington dream-pop outfit Lauds put out its first full-length album. Released on Wilmington-based indie label Fort Lowell Records, "Imitation Life" comes off like a lost classic from the early days of shoegaze, with driving beats, ethereal vocals, interlocking lead guitars and the occasional swirling synth.

Led by guitarists McKay Glasgow (who also sings) and J. Holt Evans, standout tracks include "24," "Don't Mind" and "Wasted Hours," all of which feature infectious melodies that beg for repeat listens. Opening act for Saturday night's release concert is longtime Triangle indie pop act Jenny Besetz. The album's initial vinyl release on Fort Lowell sold out, but I'm told some copies might be available at the show. 7 p.m. Feb. 4, free.

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Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

At CFCC Wilson Center: Wilmington's connection to the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor − Southeastern N.C. is the northernmost section of the corridor, dedicated to the descendants and the history of West and Central Africans brought to this country as slaves −will be celebrated Saturday night as part of the Wilmington Symphony's first concert of the year. Storyteller, singer and Gullah culture preservationist Ron Daise will make an appearance, and the symphony will play work by Florence Price, a Black composer of classical music in the early 20th century whose output has been revived by symphonies around the country in recent years. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, tickets start at $25. 910-362-7999.

Wilson Springs Hotel

At Bourgie Nights: Virginia outfit trafficks in their own signature blend of rockabilly, country, Southern rock, Americana and more. Opening act is rootsy Wilmington favorite Mike Blair. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show, Feb. 4. Tickets are $10.

SUNDAY

UNCW Bagpipe Festival

At Beckwith Recital Hall: Did you know UNCW had a bagpipe festival? Well, you do now, and Sunday marks the second annual, no less. 4 p.m. Feb. 5, tickets are $9.

Classical pianist Paolo Gualdi

At Beckwith Recital Hall: Italian-born, Wilmington-based concert pianist Paolo Gualdi will play a program of music for UNCW's Beckwith Recital Series. Gualdi also teaches piano in UNCW's music department. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, tickets are $14.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in Wilmington NC this weekend Feb. 2-5