
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday is a weekly roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more.
READ MORE: ‘Godspell’ opens on UNCW’s campus next month
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, July 25
Wilmington Big Band
Eagle’s Dare, 420 N. Third St. • Cover: $10
Looking for some swinging jazz sounds of big band music? Don’t miss Wilmington’s 17-piece orchestra at Eagle’s Dare. The group plays music reminiscent of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey from the ‘30s and ‘40s.
Wilmington Big Band will perform from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday night, plus there will be a free dance lesson at 6:30 p.m.
There is a $10 cover.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Community Backyard BBQ — The Northside Food Co-op is hosting its community dinner at DREAMS of Wilmington, 901 Fanning St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a backyard barbecue, including grilling and camaraderie. It’s free to attend.
A Toast to Prohibition — Prohibition, which stopped the sale, manufacturing and import of alcohol, is being commemorated at the Burgwin-Wright House. Director Hunter Ingram will be exploring rum runners and bootleggers embarking on infamous crimes in the Cape Fear, particularly on one that led to tragic events on July 24, 1924. Officer Leon George and Deputy Marshal Samuel Lilly, of the United States Marshals Service, were shot and killed while returning 15 miles from outside of Wilmington to a liquor still raid. A toast will be raised for their sacrifices. Tickets are $20 and include appetizers, trivia, giveaways and a recounting of the history of prohibition. Casual attire recommended but 1920s costumes welcome! Prohibition-era drinks will be available for purchase; RSVP, 910-762-0570.

Friday, July 26
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Opera House Theatre Company, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $39 – $44
From a teenage songwriter to a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame superstar, the music of Carole King has been hailed by musicians, singers, producers and audiences alike.
The music of her career comes to life in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” It follows the story of both the Tony- and Grammy Award-winning musician’s rise to stardom. From the days of writing songs with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, King has maintained success across many platforms of popular music.
“You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman” all are featured in the jukebox musical, with book by Douglas McGrath.
Opera House Theater Company will produce it at Thalian Hall through the July 28, Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Iration — The Hawaii-born, West Coast-bred reggae-roots act has played through Wilmington numerous times before, from way back in the Soapbox Laundro-Lounge days. They’re returning to Live Oak Bank Pavilion with special guests DENM, a twentysomething Southern Cali indie rocker, and South Florida reggae act Artikal Sound System. Tickets are $35.
Espresso Martini Weekend — Love the caffeinated, alcoholic concoction blending the creamy with the rich? A group of restaurants and bars are showcasing their best espresso martini this weekend: The Ibis, Kipos Hellenic Cuisine, King Neptune, Concorde Espresso Bar, The Blind Elephant, Ponysaurus Brewing Co. w/Hidden Grounds Coffee, Wine Knot Sky Bar and Lounge, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, The Eagle’s Dare and Cape Fear Spirits & Beer. The event takes place July 25 through the 28 and QR codes are at each establishment for customers to vote on their favorite. Drinks individually priced at each bar.
Out of the Pines — A new photography exhibit will open at Cape Fear Community College’s Wilma W. Daniels Gallery. “Out of the Pines” will feature a new photography exhibition showcasing the artistry of 18 photography instructors from community colleges and universities across the state. Locally, Jennifer Mace, from Cape Fear Community College, will have her work featured. It showcases varied subject matter symbolizing the rich landscape of North Carolina, while highlighting myriad approaches to the medium. The show opens as part of Fourth Friday Gallery Night, July 26, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and closes Friday, Sept. 6. A closing reception on Fourth Friday will take place Aug. 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Wilma W. Daniels Gallery is located at 200 Hanover Street, on the first floor of the Hanover Parking Deck in downtown Wilmington.
Maddie Weiner — A North Carolina-turned-NYC comedian known for her “irreverent humor” is heading back to her home state for four shows. Maddie Weiner is performing at Dead Crow this weekend. The comedian has performed often at Raleigh’s Goodnights Comedy Club and has been featured on Sirius XM’s “You Up with Nikki Glaser.” She was selected as a new face in 2021 Just For Laughs and has her own podcast, “We’re Having Gay Sex,” hosted with Ashley Gavin. She’s also been featured on Comedy Central StandUp. “I just graduated college a few months ago,” she said during the special. “It’s nice to be in an apartment and not a dorm; I can just bring someone home without having to check them into a building. My least favorite part of sex was clerical work.” Tickets are $20 to $30 and shows are Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The Midatlantic — A progressive Americana roots band performing a blend of bluegrass, Celtic and punk sounds, The Midatlantic are taking the stage of The Palm Room at 10 p.m. In its various iterations, the group — now consisting of Jasno Andre, Allan Upham, Billy Heathen, Ben Sciance and Annie Jewell — has opened for Steep Canyon Rangers and was a runner-up at Floydfest’s On-the-Rise competition. There is an admission charge for their show; Palm Room is located at 11 E. Salisbury St.

Saturday, July 27
The Real Inspector Hound
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $35
This Tom Stoppard play is a whodunnit, mashing up all things Agatha Christie into an entertaining night of theater. It’s also meta, with a plot that consists of a play within a play.
The one-act “Real Inspector Hound” centers on two theater critics — performed by Steve Vernon and Jon Wallin (pictured) — who become involved in the action of the play they’re watching for review. It was inspired by Stoppard’s time as a theater critic in the sixties before the playwright went on to write “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead.”
Taking place at Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater, from Big Dawg Productions, the classic farce opens this weekend and runs through July 28. Tickets are $35.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Slightly Stoopid — After touring through town with Sublime last summer, Slightly Stoopid is returning to Live Oak Bank Pavilion on Saturday. The California-based band plays an amalgamation of rock, folk, reggae, and blues with hip-hop, funk, metal and punk. The band has released 13 albums and was originally signed by Sublime’s Bradley Nowell in the early ’90s. Joining them at the July 27 show will be American reggae-rockers Dirty Heads, in support of their 2023 release “Better Noise Music.” The Common Kings and the Elevators also are on the bill. The show is sold out but verified resales are here.
Sunday, July 28
Tosca
UNCW Cultural Arts Building • Tickets: $22.50
Opera Wilmington is hosting Puccini’s “Tosca” July 26, 7 p.m., and July 28, 3 p.m.
Performed in Italian with English subtitles, “Tosca” tells the story of a beloved diva who gets in the crosshairs of Rome’s corrupt chief of police, Baron Scarpia, due to her love for an artist who has suspected revolutionary ties. Opera Wilmington has been working with rising fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders in New Hanover County who will sing in the chorus in the first act. The chorus members are current and former students of Codington’s music teacher Amanda Hoke, who has worked with them during and outside of Opera Camp for their debut.
The two-and-a-half hour show will be performed at the Mainstage Theatre in the Cultural Arts Building on UNCW’s campus. Tickets start at $22.50 here.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Rock ‘n’ Roll Flea Market and Record Swap — Sundays are for vinyl. The Eagle’s Dare welcomes shoppers to peruse multiple vendors selling rockin’ wares, including vinyl, in the Wanda Jackson Room. Gravity Records will be on hand, as will Fort Lowell Records, which represents numerous local acts, and bands selling merch. Free to attend, and the bar will be open. Eagle’s Dare is located at 420 N. Third St.
Petals and Pups Fest — The Bend, newly opened in Ogden is hosting an event from noon to 4 p.m., celebrating our furry friends and beautiful blooms. Petals and Pups will feature adoptable pets from the nonprofit Dauntless Dogs, a pop-up market, including flower and plant vendors from local farms, craft cocktails and beer. Food trucks will be parked onsite and there will be live music from local artists.
Beats and Brunch — A new event venue on Carolina Beach, Kindred Weddings, is hosting a Sunday Funday brunch backed by throwback ‘90s tunes. Brunch will be served by Salt + Charm, consisting of Nashville hot chicken and waffles, huevos rancheros, tots and sausage gravy and more. Plus, a DJ will be spinning tracks. Tickets are $35 and include gratuity.
Have events to add? Email info@portcitydaily.com
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