Hot and ready: A baker's dozen of Wilmington things to do this weekend
Summer weather seems to have driven most outdoor concerts further along the calendar to September. A notable exception, however, is Sunday’s 6 p.m. concert at Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre headlined by Drive-By Truckers.
You know the band by its pan-Southern blend of Muscle Shoals honky-tonk and blues-punk-rock-gangstabilly fusion. Opening for the Truckers is Asheville-based nouveau-grunge band Wednesday with vocalist Karly Hartzman. Seats are $30 and available through livenation.com.
Other music and theatre events, as well as art galleries and museums, are offered in air-conditioned comfort – entertainment for kids as well as adults. Here are a few more ideas:
ALL WEEKEND
“The Magic Flute”
At UNCW's Cultural Arts Building: Opera Wilmington resumes its performances of Mozart's most popular opera. “The Magic Flute” is full of beguiling music – beautiful arias and ensembles – magnifying its themes of love and good versus evil.
The opera’s fairytale story begins with the abduction of Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, and ends with her rescue by a clueless bird catcher and a very sincere prince. 7 p.m. July 29, 3 p.m. July 31; $60 and $25, $5 for children and students.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”
At Thalian Hall: The Ruth and Bucky Stein Studio Theatre provides the stage for Big Dawg Productions’ latest show, the 2015 Tony Award-winner for Best Play. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is about a 15-year-old boy on the autism spectrum who sets out to find the killer of his neighbor’s dog — a crime he's been accused of committing.
Wilmington actor, writer, and radio personality Gina Gambony directs. The cast includes some of Wilmington’s finest actors, including Eleanor Stafford and Lee Lowrimore. 7:30 p.m. July 28-30, 3 p.m. July 31. $28.
THURSDAY
Steve-O
At the Wilson Center: Outback Presents brings one of the stars of the “Jackass” movie franchise, stand-up comedian, and New York Times best-selling author, Steve-O to Wilmington in “The Bucket List Tour.” Witness Steve-O’s ill-advised stunts performed live, starting at 7 p.m. *Warning: This show is NOT for children. No one under 18 admitted. Tickets start at $45.
Cypress Duo & Friends
At University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Cultural Arts Building: The Cypress Duo – guitarist Justin Hoke and flutist Amanda Hoke – join guitarist Rob Nathanson and saxophonist Laurent Estoppey – at 7:30 p.m. in Beckwith Recital Hall as part of the inaugural Beckwith Summer Music Festival. Music by George Gershwin, Tom Waits, Andrew York, and more. Admission is free.
FRIDAY
Port City Trio
At Live at Ted’s: Music returns to the sweet listening room at the foot of Dock Street after a month-long hiatus. The beloved Port City Trio brings the good vibes with its mix of original tunes, jazz, blues, and standards from the Great American Songbook. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 o’clock. $5.
Of Good Nature
At The Reel Café: A pair of bands that gleefully blend musical styles will show up for the Reel Cafe Rooftop Concert Series at 100 S. Front Street. Of Good Nature and Lua Flora show how it’s done with World Music, funk, pop, soul and reggae tinged originals and covers – joined by Wilmington singer-songwriter Michael Eakins. $12 in advance, $17 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Five Bands
At The Barzarre: A night of five bands kicks off at 6 p.m. with Groove Skeletons, Nara, The Great Indoors, Two Dolla Holla, and Brother/Husband will set The Barzarre’s Castle Street headquarters a rockin'. More information at (910) 763-2223.
Cosmic Charlie
At Port City Marina: Friday Night Live presents Cosmic Charlie – a Grateful Dead tribute band that makes the Dead catalog come alive with its singular approach to the music. The 8 p.m. concert is on the Pier at Port City Marina, 10 Harnett Street next to the Marina Grill and Live Oak Pavilion. The concert is free. *Use downtown parking garages, side streets and local lots. There is no parking at the venue.
SATURDAY
Port City Improv
At the Aloft Hotel Coastline Convention Center: Orlando Jones prescribes humor and other amusements to beat the heat. The actor-comedian’s Port City Improv at Aloft presents “Rock the River,” a family-friendly fun day from noon to 4 p.m. Face painting, balloon art, and more fill the spaces between standup, spoken-word, and music performances. Tickets $10 for children, $20 for adults.
James Jarvis
At The Art Works: Live jazz from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring James Jarvis on the grand piano in the gallery. Free.
Rebekah Todd & the Odyssey
At Bourgie Nights: An award-winning North Carolina singer-songwriter, the dynamic and dazzling Rebekah Todd returns to downtown Wilmington to cast a spell with her “cosmic soul rock,” joined by the The Snozzberries and their peculiar brand of psychedelic deep-fried funk. $12.
Young Artist Classical Piano Showcase
At UNCW: The Beckwith Summer Music Festival continues with its Young Artists Piano Showcase from 4 to 5 p.m. – a celebration of young artists – performed by middle and high school piano students Robbie Thames, Logan Tamadon and Douglas Han. Music by Domenico Scarlatti, Robert Schumann (arranged by Franz Liszt), Francis Poulenc, Dave Brubeck, Mozart, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. Free.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Check out a baker's dozen of Wilmington things to do this weekend
