22 things to do in the Wilmington area during a weekend that's packed with concerts
If you're a fan of live music in Wilmington you are in luck this weekend. There are a ton of concerts, including several big-name touring acts as well as notable shows from Wilmington artists and a few fun, free outdoor gigs worth checking out.
Plus, there's a big new musical at Thalian Hall and an important new exhibition at the Cameron Art Museum.
We also have a big list highlighting outdoor concerts in the area if you want to see what's coming down the pike later this summer. See link below.
If you're looking for Brunswick County events, we do a separate list for that. And, it's LGBTQ+ Pride Month, so check below for our list of Pride-related events.
ALL WEEKEND
'Ragtime'
At Thalian Hall: Opera House Theatre Co. opens its summer season of musicals with this Tony-winning show based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow and set in turn-of-the-century New York. With a score that reflects the sounds of the era — from Tin Pan Alley-style ditties and klezmer to marches, parlor songs and, yes, ragtime — the powerful story blends the tales of a Harlem musician, a Jewish immigrant and discontent, upper-class white woman. Multi-time Wilmington Theater Awards winner Fracaswell Hyman directs. 7:30 p.m. June 22-24 and 28-July 1, 2 p.m. June 25 and July 1-2. 910-632-2285.
'Love' at The CAM
At the Cameron Art Museum: Wilmington's premier art museum presents this sprawling, multi-disciplinary show about what is, let's face it, the most important emotion. Adapted from the 2022 exhibition, "What Is Left Unspoken, Love" at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, "'Love' is an exhibition to bring us together and to remind us of our shared humanity," according to promotional material from The CAM.
Highlights include: an untitled work by the late conceptual artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres on loan from Art Bridges and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It consists of "candy spills" of colorful, cellophane-wrapped hard candies that are gradually depleted (by you, the viewer) and then replenished (by the museum staff), a kind of ongoing metaphor for life and love.
On loan from the High Museum of Art are video installations by Andrea Galvani and Rashid Johnson, and a beaded punching bag by Jeffrey Gibson titled "The Love You Give Is The Love You Get." Plus, Wilmington artist and paper-maker Fritzi Huber has created "Little Love Letters," which invites written contributions from viewers. "Love, which is easy to feel but oftentimes difficult to express, can find its way through writing," Huber writes in her artist's statement. "This space is an invitation to do just that."
The exhibition opens to museum members June 22, but the public can buy tickets to an artists' talk by Lien Truong and jina valentine at 6 p.m. that day. "Love" opens to the public Friday, June 23. A "Love Dance" is scheduled for 2-5 p.m. June 25 in the CAM Courtyard with a DJ set by Wilmington hip-hop artist Louis. "Love" remains on display during museum hours through Oct. 8. For museum hour and admission prices, go to CameronArtMuseum.com.
Cape Fear Shakespeare
At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: This week marks your last chance to catch this summer's free Shakespearean shows. Cape Fear Shakespeare's main company presents "The Two Noble Kinsmen," and it's a solid telling of a love-besotted story, with some standout performances, a couple of musical highlights and even a colorful dance sequence. Jason Corder and Finn Dalton play Arcite and Palamon, cousins and prisoners of war who fall in love with the same woman, the princess Emilia (Amber Heck). "Two Noble Kinsmen" runs 8 p.m. June 24-25. Final youth production of "The Comedy of Errors" is 8 p.m. June 22. Free, with donations accepted. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Picnics allowed, refreshments available.
Caitlin Peluffo
At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Self-deprecating New York comic often pokes fun at how her appearance ("I'm the Bass Pro Shop of women," she told an audience recently) can be at odds with her sexuality ("I'm straight!" she promised that same audience). Peluffo is extremely funny and she's got bona fides, including an appearance on "The Late Show with James Corden" and her status as a New Face of Comedy at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. June 23-24. Tickets are $18 and $28.
'Master Gardener'
At Thalian Hall (studio theater): The Cinematique film series from Thalian Hall and public radio WHQR presents this indie thriller from the director and screenwriter Paul Schrader ("The Card Counter"). Joel Edgerton plays a gardener with a dark past that threatens to surface when his wealthy employer (Sigourney Weaver) demands that he take on her troubled grandniece (Quintessa Swindell) as his apprentice. 7 p.m. June 22-23, tickets are $10. 910-632-2285.
THURSDAY
Trombone Shorty & Ziggy Marley
At Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Great double bill of disparate musical acts, with Troy Andrews, aka Trombone Shorty, and his band, Orleans Avenue, among the top practitioners of a jammy style that blends rock, soul, New Orleans jazz and other flavors. Ziggy Marley, of course, is one of the children of musical legend Bob Marley, and is perhaps the top reggae act in the world. 7 p.m. July 22, tickets start at $28.
FRIDAY
Fourth Friday Gallery Night
Downtown Wilmington: It's time for another installment of the monthly gallery crawl through downtown-area galleries and art spaces put on by the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County. New exhibits for June include, "Painting Light," recent works by Janette K. Hopper (pictured above) at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, and "Oscillating Energy" at New Elements Gallery on Front Street, featuring landscapes by Lindsay H. Jones' and abstracts from Kimberlee Maselli.
A holdover from last month is the retrospective by the late Dorothy Gillespie, one of Wilmington's most prominent and important artists, at CFCC's Wilma Daniels Gallery featuring her work in a variety of mediums, including painting, paper, sculpture, printmaking and more. There's a nationally juried fiber arts show, "Confluence: Connections in Fiber," at the ArtWorks in Wilmington's South Front district with the work of more than a dozen artists. And at WHQR's M.C. Erny Gallery there's a closing reception for "Saturated Sensations," a duo show by artists Bradley Carter and Kendall Fuqua. 6-9 p.m. June 25. For a full list of participating galleries, go to ArtsWilmington.org.
Amy Grant
At CFCC Wilson Center: Beloved gospel star is set to make her long-awaited Wilmington appearance, which was originally delayed by the pandemic and then rescheduled from August of last year. Grant, who some credit with pushing contemporary Christian music into the mainstream, is a true crossover artist, with both Grammy and Dove awards wins; hit songs on the gospel and pop charts; and even a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 7:30 p.m. June 23, tickets start at $43. 910-362-7999.
Rodrigo y Gabriela
At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Guitar duo starts at a place of unrivaled rhythmic virtuosity that ascends to heights of finger-picked wizardry. Their latest album, "In Between Thoughts … A New World" dropped in April. 7 p.m. June 23, tickets are $50.
Justin Cody Fox
At Waterline Brewing: Longtime Wilmington blues rock guitarist and songwriter Justin Cody Fox has been playing around town since he was a kid. On June 23, Fox releases his latest album, "New Southern," produced by Burgaw's Audley Freed (formerly of the Black Crowes) and Wilmington's own Tommy Brothers. Fox has long been known as purveyor of hot licks, but he's increasingly a standout songwriter, with grooves both explosive and restrained, anthemic choruses and hearty vocals. 7 p.m. June 23, free.
Duck
At Bourgie Nights: Raleigh band Duck plays a funky, soulful and jazzy brand of R&B as explored on their recent EP, "Move." Opening act is Wilmington's own Dead Fox No Groove. 9 p.m. June 23, $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Friday Night Live
At the Pier at Port City Marina: Free concert series just off the Wilmington Riverwalk features Zac Brown tribute band 20 Ride this week. Concert-goers must purchase a $1 wristband in order to be able to buy alcoholic beverages, with proceeds to going to a charity partner. Chairs are permitted but the area where they can be used is limited, so come early. 6-10 p.m. June 23, free.
Free Concert Friday
At The Eagle's Dare: Free concert series held in the parking lot of sprawling Third Street bar and event space The Eagle's Dare features headliner Silence & Light, a rock band with ties to the special operations and first responder communities. Opening act is Wilmington alt-rock band Shallow Signals. 6 p.m. opener, $8 headliner, free.
SATURDAY
Tom Mackell, Chris Wilcox, Haley Heath
At Bourgie Nights: A triple bill of songwriters at this downtown music venue. The songs of Charleston, S.C.'s, Tom Mackell have a rootsily poppy vibe, like on recent single "Dark Star Rising." Nashville's Chris Wilcox has country roots that have recently been bridging over into rock, while Wilmington's Haley Heath lays down a spooky, ethereal vibe on recent tunes, including "White Chalk." 8 p.m. June 24, $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Juneteenth in Burgaw
Downtown Burgaw: The 1865 Society of Pender County will host the Pender County town of Burgaw's first-ever Juneteenth celebration. Festivities will be held on the grounds of the historic Pender County Courthouse downtown. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 24.
Concerts on the Square
At Riverlights: Free summer tunes are back for 2023 at Riverlights Marina Village as part of the monthly Concerts on the Square series. Starting the series this weekend is Beatlesque, a Beatles tribute act. Chairs and blankets are welcome, and food trucks and nearby restaurants are available. 5-8 p.m. June 24. Free.
The Paper Stars duo
At Greenfield Lake Yacht Club: Wilmington indie folk combo The Paper Stars are led by Tres Altman, whose songs manage to sound at once cosmic and deeply rooted. The band's latest release is 2022 EP "Far Away." 7-9 p.m. June 24, free.
Adult Pride Prom
At The Eagle's Dare: A night of dancing, drinks and dressing to impress for ages 21-plus will culminate in the crowning of the Pride Majesty of a Genderless Prom Court. With a raffle, photo booth, pride swag and light appetizers, with food trucks on site for those with heavier appetites. 6-9 p.m. June 24, tickets are $30, with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast.
SUNDAY
Clint Black
At CFCC Wilson Center: Legendary country singer will no doubt pack the house for this concert at Wilmington's largest indoor venue. Black has a whole slew of hit songs, including "Walkin' Away," "Killin' Time" and "A Better Man." 7:30 p.m. June 25, tickets start at $36. 910-362-7999.
Born This Way Pride Celebration
June 25 at Coglin's: Second annual day-long pride party at this downtown nightclub will feature a pair of drag shows at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; comedy from Ellie Coleman; music from MB Love and DJ Brewtal; a photographer; body art/fairy hair/face-painting; and a live painting demo by local artists. Food trucks on site. 1 p.m. June 25.
Art in Bloom short films
At Thalian Hall (studio theater): Meet some of Wilmington best visual artists in these short documentary films commissioned by local gallery Art in Bloom. The films center on the lives and the processes of sculptor Karen Paden Crouch, painter and collagist Elizabeth Darrow and multi-disciplinary artist Gayle Tustin, all of whom have enriched Wilmington's arts scene for decades now. A reception with the artists and filmmakers will follow the screening. 2:30 p.m. June 25. Tickets are $26.75. 910-632-2285.
After Brunch with Louis T
At the Wilmington Distillery: Wilmington comic and impresario Louis T is back with this Sunday afternoon show, which features a mix of music and comedy for the after-brunch crowd. This week's installment features tunes from Rachel Darling, and jokes by Regina Righter, Al-Nisa Lawson, Lew Morgante and Louis T himself. 3 p.m. June 25.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do in the Wilmington NC area for the weekend of June 22-25
