A music icon and a star on the rise are among the performers at this year’s Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival.
The legendary fusion band Dr. John and the Nite Trippers and soulful singer Shemekia Copeland headline the upcoming two-day event, set for Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.
Now entering its 22nd year, the annual festival also features 13 other local, regional and national acts, including Crackerbones and Adrian Duke on the blues stage and jazz performances by Nina Repeta and the Benny Hill Trio.
With music in the air and the Cape Fear River in the background, attendees can sample wines and seafood from area restaurants. Arts and crafts vendors will be on hand and the free Kidz Zone features magicians, face painting, educational exhibits, inflatables and much more.
Two-day tickets are $50 in advance. If purchased at the gate, Saturday-only tickets are $60 and Sunday-only tickets are $25. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the music begins at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
In the mood for something more mellow? Or is drama what you crave? Either way, there’s plenty to pick from this weekend–from acoustic sets to sci-fi Shakespeare, and lots more in between–in this week’s arts and entertainment roundup.
You’ll find even more area happenings on our always-free, always-fast community calendar, The Scene.
Music
Flytrap Brewing presents a free live show from singer/songwriter Isaac Clowers at 8 p.m. tonight (Thursday). T’Geaux Boys Food Truck will serve up New Orleans-style street food from 7 to 10. On Friday, local folk musician Kyle Lindley goes on at 8 p.m. and Pepe’s Taco Truck will be onsite from 7 to 10. The Justin Fox Duo performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, with A & M’s Red Food Truck serving up sliders and tacos from 7 to 10.
The Dude presents Country Music Association-nominated duo Love and Theft at 8 p.m. tonight at Brooklyn Arts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22-$35.
The Juggling Gypsy hosts “Fire and Drums” at 8 p.m. each Thursday night. The event is a meet-up of fire dancers and area drummers, with deejays spinning tunes beginning at 10 p.m. Participants are welcome to bring their percussion instruments and fire and juggling toys. A Tarot card reader will be on hand between 6 and 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Singer/songwriter and guitarist Jim Ashley plays a free show Saturday at Bella’s Bar Local. The concert gets underway at 8 p.m.
Me and Mr. B perform acoustic blues at 9 p.m. at Burnt Mill Creek Wine and Billiards Bar. Admission is free.
TheatreNOW hosts a Sunday jazz brunch, featuring live music from local legend Grenoldo Frazier, from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $15-$20.
Theater/Comedy
Browncoat Pub and Theatre presents a post-apocalyptic spin on Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Titus Andronicus,” at 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday and at 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 Thursday and Sunday and $20 Friday and Saturday ($10 for students).
Thalian Association’s production of the iconic musical, “West Side Story,” is set for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at Hannah Block Community Arts Center. Tickets are $13.59.
“a zombie, a vampire, and a werewolf walk into a bar…” premieres at TheatreNOW dinner theater at 7 p.m. Friday. A second performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. The play, which tells the story of three ladies of the night venturing out for a night on the town, is for mature audiences only. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $34 for dinner and the show ($20 show only).
“Saturday Night Live” alum Laura Kightlinger brings her stand-up to Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend. Kightlinger, a writer and actor on “SNL,” has also written for “Will and Grace.” She will perform at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $21-$25.
Art
Spectrum Gallery hosts an opening reception for Anne Cunningham’s “Experi-Metal” exhibit at 6 p.m. tonight. Cunningham’s work, comprised of copper, steel and aluminum, represent the finished product of what can happen when chemistry and metals collide. There will be live music, and refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
Hilary Snow is a reporter at Port City Daily. Reach her at hilary.s@portcitydaily.com.
