SOUTHEASTERN NC — One quick probe of #LittleFriday on Google, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other search engines and social sites will pull up multiple selfies, videos, food pics, business profiles, and animal photos boasting the kickoff to the weekend — or midweek, depending on where you are in the world.
After all, Li’l Friday isn’t only relegated to this corner of southeastern N.C. The idiom is global.
In Denmark, it’s called “lille fredag.
In Poland, it actually means Wednesday.
In some European countries and South Africa, there’s even a “Little Saturday” — also meaning Wednesday, in essence giving folks permission to enjoy mid-week drinks.
Whatever you choose to call Thursday, we’re here for it — and all the fun in store as the weekend commences. On deck over the next four days: two theater productions, multiple concerts, Record Store Day, plus a PRIDE event, and so much more. Here’s the roundup!
Cheers to Li’l Friday!
Have an event you want considered for inclusion in Port City Daily’s Li’l Friday Roundup? Email shea@localdailymedia.com by every Wednesday, noon.
THURSDAY, JUNE 10
Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green Festival
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Dr.
Youth show: June 9-13, 15-17 and 24; adult show: June 18-22 and 25-27 • Free
It’s back!
After having to halt the 28-year tradition in 2020, Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green (CFSOTG) returns to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater with three free summertime shows, for both youth and adult Bard fans.
Now in its 16th year, the Shakespeare Youth Company will be performing “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” The romantic comedy follows “privileged youths with no real responsibility, living in a world where adults are on the parameter,” according to CFSOTG executive director Cherri McKay, who is also directing “Verona.” The show runs through the 13 this weekend and June 15-17, as well as on the 24.
On June 18, company members old and new will come together for a compilation run of Shakespearian comedies, tragedies, historic and Roman plays in “Shakespeare, a very Midsummer Madness.”
And if two shows celebrating the world’s most prominent playwright doesn’t suffice, on June 22, “Twelfth Night” character Malvolio will be hosting “Shakespeare, a very Midsummer Solstice.” The evening will consist of standup comedians, improv, visual artists, plus live music.
Gates open for the adult and youth productions at 6:30 p.m., with the show launching at 8 p.m. The June 22 show will have gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance beginning at 7 p.m.
MORE THURSDAY HAPPENINGS
Jared Michael Cline — Cline just hosted a party for his latest release, “Ted’s 1: Warts and All,” on Sunday. He will be playing a mix of his originals and covers in the alley at downtown’s Rebellion from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 11
Always … Patsy Cline
Wilson Center, 703 N. 4th St. • $23.75-$43.25
Opera House Theatre Company will launch the jukebox musical, “Always … Patsy Cline,” a two-woman show that goes through the Opry queen’s hits, including “Back in Baby’s Arms,” “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces.”
Starring Annie Marsh, who played Cline in 2019 for Opera House, the New York actress will reprise the role with Morganna Bridgers narrating the show as Louise Seger. A waitress and mega fan, Seger relives for the audience her one-night interaction with Cline, which blossomed into a friendship until the star’s untimely death.
“We still have costumes and wigs [from the last run,]” executive director Justin Smith told Port City Daily last month, “and of course Annie became available to do it in June. Not to mention, it was a big hit so we are hoping people will be excited to see it again.”
Tickets start at $23.75 and the show runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9, through Saturday, June 10, with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. on June 11.
MORE FRIDAY HAPPENINGS
Cinema Sisters International Film Festival — The local film festival takes place June 11-13, and features more than 50 films created by women. Included are features and shorts, plus many premieres. Tonight the festival kicks off with a live Zoom Q&A with Casey Wilson (“The Shrink Next Door,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Black Monday”). All access film passes are $50 and film block passes are $10, available here. There will be a festival afterparty on Saturday night with music, food and drinks ($25). Event takes place in Jengo’s Playhouse (815 Princess St.); a Covid questionnaire will be handed out upon entry.
SATURDAY, JUNE 12
Lagerfest 2021
Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr. • $20
Every year Wrightsville Beach Brewery celebrates lagers — and not just their own. Craft breweries from around the region band together to showcase the best. 2021 will welcome Edward Teach, Front Street, Good Hops, Hi-Wire, Mad Mole, R&D Brewing, Salty Turtle, and Wilmington Brewing. Each ticket includes a 5-ounce tasting glass to sip on the offerings, as well as a soft pretzel.
Music will be performed by local musicians, including Mike Blair and L Shape Lot Duo. Tickets can be purchased here, and the event takes place from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
MORE SATURDAY HAPPENINGS
Record Store Day — Your love for vinyl will be amplified on Saturday as Record Store Day (RSD) drops thousands of limited releases, from Beck to Col. Bruce Hampton, Al Green to the Notorious B.I.G., Warren Zevon to Amy Winehouse. Locally, participants include Yellow Dog Discs and Record Bar, both of which open at 8 a.m. on RSD.
SUNDAY, JUNE 13
Pleasure Island COVID Birthday Celebration with Donna the Buffalo & Friends
Fort Fisher Recreation Area, 118 Riverfront Rd. • Tickets: $39.99
Anyone who had their birthday celebrations impacted by Covid-19 are welcome to head to Pleasure Island on Sunday where Donna the Buffalo and local musicians will take over the stage at the Fort Fisher Recreation Area for an all-day music festival. The Buffaloes — featuring multi-instrumentalist Tara Nevins, guitarist Jeb Puryear, keyboardist Dave McCracken, bassist Kyle Spark and drummer Mark Raudabaugh — have been spreading their Cajun, country, Zydeco boogie and roots-rock jams for 30 years now.
Joining them will be local musician Rebekah Todd, backed her band The Odyssey (check back on Saturday at PortCityDaily.com to learn more about Todd and her latest works-in-progress). The group is known for its soulful, alternative folk-rock sounds.
The Justin Cody Fox Band also will take over the stage. Fox has been performing in Wilmington since the age of 15 and has released multiple albums of original music, as well as toured the East Coast and Virgin Islands with national touring acts.
Tickets are $39.99, and the concert lasts from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Concertgoers are welcome to bring chairs and blankets; though no outside food or beverages, pets or cameras are allowed. Beer, wine and food will be sold onsite.
Partial proceeds from the show will go to Ocean Cure (501.c.3) in Carolina Beach. As well, attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable goods to donate to the Help Center of Federal Point.
MORE SUNDAY HAPPENINGS
Second Sunday Brunch and Patio Party — In the South Front District, Second Glass makes sure Sundays remain fun days. Every second Sunday of the month, the wine bar and restaurant hosts a brunch party and market. Local vendors turn out to sell their wares, Gravity Records spins tunes, and, of course, brunch and cocktails, are served. The party lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and reservations are accepted.
2nd Annual PRIDE — At Husk (31 S. Front St.) and Duck & Dive (114 Dock St.) downtown, PRIDE month will be celebrated from noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. The 21-and-up event will feature DJ Brewtal from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a drag show at 4:30 p.m. with Tara Nicole Brooks, Ebony Addams, Rashmia Biosh, Emonii Valentino, and Tatiana Matthews. There will be drink and food specials, raffles and giveaways.
Have tips or comments? Email info@portcitydaily.com
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