Port City Life Newsletter: We say 'so long' to 2023 as Wilmington prepares to rock in 2024
First things first: Happy New Year to you all, and thanks for being readers of this newsletter.
As we look back on the cultural events that happened in Wilmington in 2023, a few stand out to me: concerts big (boygenius at Live Oak Bank Pavilion) and small (Tercel at the Opera Room, Summer Set at The Sandspur), seeing "A Song for Imogene" at the 29th Cucalorus Film Festival, braving the "Chapel of Horrors" haunted house created by Wilmington film professionals, being blown away by the play "The Chinese Lady" in Thalian Hall's studio theater and by musical "The Color Purple" on the main stage.
And that's just for starters. If 2024 bears cultural fruits similar in quality to this year, we've got a lot to look forward to.
But first, we've got New Year's Eve to attend to.
Weekend weather outlook
Should be mostly sunny and cool, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Outlook for New Year's Eve is close to ideal, with clear skies, light winds and seasonably cold but not frigid.
Go | See | Do
If you've not yet, check out our list of nearly three dozen events going down in the Wilmington area on New Year's Eve.
From dinner and food to dancing and shows, there's plenty to choose from, including: A gala at Thalian Hall featuring musical comedy "The Producers"; the big annual Beach Ball Drop at Kure Beach, which is a delightful community event; and a rock show with Wilmington garage band The Girls at Bourgie Nights.
New Year's haps: From food to fun and dinner to dancing, 35 ways to ring in 2024 in the Wilmington area
The Dish with Port City Foodies
A hidden gem of sorts, Southport restaurant StrEAT Side Take Out is getting popular with locals for its stellar soups, sandwiches and lunch items. Food writer Allison Ballard has the story.
Plus, we've got a profile of contractor Chris Yermal, whose Old School Rebuilders have helped create the looks for some high-profile local restaurants.
Getting to know Denver Hollingsworth
Wallace native and Wilmington resident Denver Hollingsworth grew up making movies. Now, the young filmmaker's documentary "The Singing Senator," about country music singer and state senator Charlie Albertson, will air next spring on PBS. Cheryl Whitaker talks with Hollingsworth about how he's grown his filmmaking career.
News you can use
With the absolutely terrifying spectre of months-long lane closures on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, repair-driven closures that are scheduled to begin Jan. 3, we've a got a few alternative routes for you. It's not much, but it's something, especially if you've always wanted to take the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry.
Plus, we look at 14 Wilmington-area anniversaries worth celebrating, or at least noting, in 2024, and we've got a very brief history of the old Frying Pan lightship.
Let's get social
For more Port City Life news, including updates to food and entertainment stories, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MyPortCityLife.
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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Entertainment newsletter for Wilmington NC: arts, culture, food
