SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday is a weekly roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more.
All events featured were scheduled as of Thursday; however, it’s wise to check in ahead of attending any one. Inclement weather, changes in schedules and unforeseen circumstances may shift for organizers at the last minute.
Thursday, March 15
“More Curious Tales from Old Wilmington & The Truth Behind the Legends”
The Bellamy Mansion, 503 Market St. • Suggested donation: $10
Local historian and professor emeritus in UNCW’s Department of History, Chris E. Fonvielle is giving a presentation about local legends that impacted the area as written in his latest book.
“More Curious Tales From Old Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear: The Truth Behind the Legends” takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St. It will uncover his research into Revolutionary War heroine Polly Slocumb. The tale goes the 16-year-old had a dream in 1776 her “husband,” Ezekial, had been killed in battle. She supposedly rode horseback to the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, where he fought as a Patriot, to find him alive. She then spent the day treating the wounded.
Also discussed will be Nancy Adams Martin, buried at Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington. Martin died at age 24 during an around-the-world voyage she took with her father, Silas, and eldest brother, John. Nancy fell ill and passed away, and it’s suspected her family immersed her in casks of rum, whiskey and other alcohol to preserve her body until they could return home to bury her.
Fonvielle will unpack the legends and the myths and truths; a $10 suggested donation is suggested.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Books and Brews — The Roasted Bookery is setting up at Waterline Brewing Co. (721 Surry St.) at 6 p.m., selling $5 paperbacks and boardbooks for babies and hardcover books for $10. There is a curated selection for sale for all ages, as well as genres that showcase writing from indigenous, Black, people of color and queer authors. For sale will be copies of “Unraveling” by Karen Lord, the first read in the bookery’s book club scheduled for the first Thursday of April.
Many Everythings — Made up of Travis Henry and Amanda Grace, the duo performs pop covers with Grace’s soulful vocals and guitar playing and Henry’s masterminding of juggling multiple instruments including percussion and synth. Learn more about the band here. They’re performing at Blue Surf Arboretum West (414 Arboretum Drive) at 6 p.m.
Friday, March 16
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Wilson Center, 703 Third St. • Tickets: $20 and up
Paul Taylor Dance Company has been invigorating modern dance for almost seven decades. They’re coming to the Wilson Center to showcase their latest work under artistic director Michael Novak.
The program will include Taylor’s work from the early ‘80s, including “Arden Court.” It examines relationships in multiple forms, from supportive to competitive to flirtatious. Following will be “La Sacre du Printemps,” a whodunnit Hollywood “noir” piece that reimagines the work by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky.
Also performed will be “Rush Hour,” a 2016 piece that Taylor commissioned choreographer Larry Keigwin to oversee. It “depicts a wildly pulsating streetscape” and highlights the athleticism the company’s dancers have been apt to thrill audiences with.
The show takes place at 7:30 p.m.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
St. Patrick’s Day at The Joyce — The Irish restaurant in Leland is hosting celebrations for St. Paddy’s Day, including a traditional Kegs and Eggs breakfast served from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on both March 17 and 18. Featured will be corned beef hash and eggs, goat cheese and chive quiche, green pancakes with scrambled eggs and bacon, and more. Music will be played both days beginning at 6 p.m., featuring Austin on Friday and Miles Atlas on Saturday. The Joyce is located at 1174 Turlington Ave.
Celtic Monkey — Monkey Junction’s go-to Irish pub, The Celtic Monkey (5607 Carolina Beach Road), is planning a weekend party to celebrate the luck of the Irish. It opens on St. Paddy’s Day proper at 9 a.m. There will be drinks, food and music from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party continues Saturday, with a noon opening and music from 4 to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, opening at noon with music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Michael Palascak — The L.A. comedian has appeared on late shows aplenty with Stephen Colbert, Conan O’Brien, Craig Ferguson and James Corden, and has more than a million views on YouTube. He covers everyday topics, from romantic relationships to parenting: “They say it’s a full-time job, but it seems more like a horrible, unpaid internship, where the first five years you bring your boss lunch and he throws it on the group half the time.” Palascak was a top five finalist on “Last Comic Standing” and has released the album “The Internet Live” with a new standup special “1984” streaming for free on the Dry Bar app. He will perform four shows this weekend at Dead Crow Comedy Room, with tickets costing $18 to $28.
Flytrap Brewing St. Pat’s Celebration — Downtown’s brewery at Walnut and Fourth streets will have nitro Irish stout on tap for $5 and an Irish-inspired menu served from Chrome Gnome food truck from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Masonboro Sound will play live music beginning at 6 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day at The Harp — In the South Front District at 1423 Third St., The Harp Irish pub will open doors at 11 a.m. with live music beginning at 4 p.m. with Phil Singleton, followed by Nancy Sharp and Friends at 5 p.m., Chris Pearson at 6 p.m., Joey Allen at 8:30 p.m., and Perry Smith at 9 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl — For those who want to hit up multiple spots across downtown Wilmington, this bar crawl may be the ticket. It takes place from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and includes access to more than five bars. Check in between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Coglin’s at 206 Market St. Participants then trek by foot at their leisure to The Husk, Sauce’d, KGB, River Rat and Fox’s Hole in the Wall, among others. Tickets are $25 to $35 and include “welcome shots and treats” at each location, as well as drink specials and free covers. There will also be an Instagram costume contest.
Ogden Tap Room St. Paddy’s Weekend — In the northern part of the county, Ogden Tap Room is celebrating the Irish holiday all weekend, with Wilmington’s Irish band the Blarney Brogues performing at 3 p.m. Friday, followed by ‘90s cover band Flannel Rebellion at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the tap room is hosting a hangover party with Alternative Vision performing at 3:30 p.m., followed by Resoul at 7 p.m. Irish food and drink specials will be served all weekend, with March Madness screening on the TVs.
Carlos Rising and Holy Heat — Locals may recognize the singer from the recent season of “The Voice.” Now, Carlos Rising is performing his brand of pop and soul at End of Days Distillery with his band Holy Heat. The group does originals and well-known cover songs; they take the stage at 6:30 p.m. The show is free to attend.
Saturday, March 17
Paws on Parade
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive • Tickets: $10-$40
The Azalea Festival kicks off April 14, but this weekend one of its events gets underway early at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. And it’s going to the dogs.
The official Dog Garden Paw-ty, Paws on Parade, takes place, presented by paws4people. There will be a Canine Court Pageant and humans that register their furry friends will receive two admissions into the all-day event. There will be music, a puppy kissing booth, professional dog portraits, vendors and more.
It takes place rain or shine, and families are welcome to bring their friendly, leashed quadrupeds.
Tickets are $10 in advance (comes with a garden paw-ty sticker) or $15 the day of the event. A VIP ticket is available for $40 and includes a $10 food-and-beverage voucher, two stickers and a dog bowl.
Kids ages 10 and under are admitted free.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Cape Fear Corvette Show — Car enthusiasts will be enthralled by the horsepower on display at Mayfaire Town Center Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be more than 100 Corvettes parked behind Fuel Fitness. Registration ($20-$30) for the show takes place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with judging as registration closes. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. and given to stock and modified corvettes in classes C1 through C8. Also recognized will be best paint, engine and interior. Proceeds from the car show are donated to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC and the Brigade Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington. There will also be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Entry information can be found here.
Burgwin-Wright Spring Market — Downtown Wilmington’s historic Burgwin-Wright House at the corner of Third and Market streets is holding a vendor market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s free to attend and will feature more than 30 makers selling art, jewelry, candles, soaps and more.
Day After St. Paddy’s Day Tourney — What’s the best cure for a green beer hangover? How about a billiards tournament for a cause? Tavern 14 at 6309 Market St. is hosting one with all proceeds benefiting Brandon’s Battle Foundation, in support of pediatric cancer patients. It’s $20 per player with check-in at 11 a.m. and the tourney begins at noon. There is a cash prize for first and second places, with double elimination.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Continues — Hoplite in Carolina Beach is keeping the green party going strong. Live music starts at 1 p.m. with bagpipes from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., New River Irish Band from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Massive Grass will perform its brand of newgrass from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Irish dancers also will perform at 2 p.m. The pub is located at 720 N. Lake Park Blvd.
Spring Salad Planter Workshop — As spring inches ever closer — March 21 — Blue Coach Gardening is hosting a workshop this weekend to show upcoming gardeners how to grow their own spring salad planter. It’s $65 and includes a cedar planter and an intro into the basics of container gardening. The one-hour class is open to all experience levels and will cover planting herbs, greens and lettuces. Pre-registration is open here and the class takes place at Shelton Herb Farms at 340 Goodman Road NE in Leland.
Invasion of the Pirates — The Cotton Exchange will transform into a rogue hunt for hidden treasure as the Invasion of the Pirates takes place at the downtown shopping area at Front and Grace streets. Families are welcome to join the adventure with performances, storytelling, games and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All events are free.
Lucky Little’s Day — The kids can get into the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Children’s Museum at Orange and Dock streets from 9 a.m. to noon. Everyone is encouraged to wear green and there will be craft-making stations, activities, and celebrations of Irish culture. Admission is $5 for museum members and $10 otherwise.
Beginner Salsa Bootcamp — The Studio Collective (5629 Oleander Drive) is welcoming beginners to its salsa bootcamp from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to learn the basics of timing, footwork and partnerwork. It’s $25 for individuals and $40 per couple. No experience or partner is needed. Interested parties can register here.
Sunday, March 19
Azalea Children’s Tea
Cape Fear Country Club, 1518 Country Club Road • Tickets: $50
Another Azalea Festival event that gets underway this weekend comes with a children’s celebration, presented by Cape Fear Volunteer Center. The annual event has a theme “Once Upon a Tea” in 2023 and will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Cape Fear Country Club.
Teas will be paired with finger sandwiches, cookies and cakes. There will be arts and crafts for children, who are encouraged to dress up as princesses and princes. The 2022 Azalea Queen and princess court will be in attendance. There also will be performances by Thalian Associations’ cast of “Cinderella,” which opens April 7.
Children in attendance must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
St. Pawdy’s Day — A fundraiser for Wagon Tails Farm Rescue, the St. Pawdy’s Day event at Wilmington’s ax-throwing bar will have adoptable pets on site, a food truck, raffles and giveaways. It’s $15 for 30 minutes of throwing. Axes and Allies is located at 1122 Third St.
RuKus — A group of young musicians got together in September 2021 to create music and a demo of original songs. Today, RuKus is still performing on the local scene, playing its own brand of rock and covering classics from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, Stone Temple Pilots, Green Day, Weezer, Radiohead, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. The band will play in the Wrightsville Beach Brewery Beer Garden at 4 p.m. Sunday.
World Syndrome Day — Coastal Bringing Up Down Syndrome (BUDS) will host a family-friendly celebration at Waterline Brewing (721 Surry St.) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be bluegrass from the Smokey Dunes, lawn games, door prizes and activities for kids. Mayor Bill Saffo will be onsite to read a proclamation for World Down Syndrome Day. The Chrome Gnome and Chocolate and S’More food trucks will serve food;Waterline is donating $1 from each pint sold back to the organization, which has programs and services for families and kids with Down syndrome.
Lawrence Brownlee in Concert — American operatic tenor Lawrence Brownlee is performing at UNCW’s Beckwith Recital Hall with pianist Kevin Miller. Opera Wilmington presents the annual Caterina Jarboro Memorial Recital — Jarboro was the first African American operatic singer from Wilmington to perform with a white opera company in the 1930s. This year the recital welcomes Brownlee to introduce a new program, “Rising,” focusing on the Harlem Renaissance, which introduced numerous writers, poets and musicians to the scene. Brownlee commissioned music created by Black composers for the show. The concert takes place at 4 p.m. and tickets are $65. VIP ticketholders pay $100 and will also get a meet-and-greet after the show.
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