SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday has the cure: a roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more happening this weekend.
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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, Aug. 15
Blooming in Plain Sight
210 Princess St. • Free
The Black on Black Project is well-known for its thought-provoking art exhibits, highlighting the Black experience — whether throughout history, as seen in 2021’s “Continuum of Change,” an 1898 portrait project, or in education as exhibited during 2022’s “Lost in Transition.”
Through Oct. 11, the new art show “Blooming in Plain Sight” is highlighting works that tackle the existence of Black men in America.
Featuring collages by Marcus Dawson, the show explores the “search for their divine nature,” according to a release. Introspective, its goal is to break down barriers of men normally wearing masks to hold back trauma; this show aims to heal and welcome vulnerability.
“Dawson provides a safe place for those buried by life to begin blooming freely for the world to see,” writes Michael Williams of the Black on Black Project.
Williams curates the works and founded the initiative almost a decade ago. Black on Black produces exhibitions, short films and programs to inspire dialogue surrounding equity in Black communities.
Dawson is a North Carolina artist who teaches collage art at an arts center for youth. “Blooming in Plain Sight” showcases bright collages, highlighting colorful landscapes out of found images and black and white photos of Black men imposed into the environment.
An opening reception for “Blooming in Plain Sight” takes place at 6:30 p.m.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
John Cruz — Expect a Hawaiian celebration at Bourgie Nights as John Cruz will perform at 7 p.m. A multi-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winner, Cruz blends singer-songwriter storytelling, country and blues with traditional Hawaiian flare. He has released numerous albums, scoring a spot on Billboard’s World Music chart, and has more than 1 million streams. Cruz also contributed a composition to Grammy-winning album “Slack Key Guitar, Vol. 2.” Tickets to the show are $20 here.
Penguin’s 98.3’s 21st Birthday — Port City Daily’s sister media company, Penguin 98.3 is turning legal drinking age Thursday. And it’s throwing a party at Wilmington Brewing Company’s The Venue, with a beer released in its honor. Taking place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees will sip on “A Different Kind Of Bird” 5.3% session IPA. Their also will be concert ticket giveaways — to Charley Crockett, Steep Canyon Rangers, Steve Earle and more — and swag for sale.
A Brief History of Rum — If spirits are more your jam over craft beer, then Eagle’s Dare is welcoming sippers to a cocktail attesting and history lecture on rum. It’s the pirate’s libation of choice, perfectly apropos in relation to the area’s Cape Fear River and tales of Blackbeard trolling local waters. The talk will cover everything from pirates to revolutionaries. Tickets are $25 and it comes with one drink; there is limited seating.
Friday, Aug. 16
KC Shornima
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets:
Her work has been encountered already on Comedy Central’s “Tooning Out the News” and now KC Shornima is the latest “Saturday Night Live” writer for the popular “Weekend Update” segment.
Chosen as a new face for 2022’s Just for Laughs in Montreal, Shornima has performed alongside well-known comedians like Nate Bargatze, Dave Attell and Neal Brennan. During a bit for “Don’t Tell Comedy,” titled “F-Boy 101,” she talks about breaking up with her boyfriend and dealing with the aftermath.
“I’m dating women now,” she said. “I think the scariest thing a man can do to you on a first date is guys can follow you home and kill you. They’re just silly like that. But a woman on a first date will be like, so, what’s your relationship with your parents like. And I’m like, ‘I think you should kill me.’”
Shornima will perform four shows, at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., on both Friday and Saturday; tickets are $20-$30.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Vegan Chef Challenge — Multiple restaurants are participating in an event that puts clean eating front and center on diners’ palates. The Vegan Chef Challenge moves from city to city restaurants and chefs to put forward a vegan dish for diners to vote the best. The goal is to show the variety and creativity a vegan diet offers while also promoting local eateries. So far in Wilmington more than a dozen participants have signed on. For instance, Castle Street Kitchen is offering a curry noodle bowl or vegan grilled cheese, while Little Dipper fondue is doing a vegan “cheese” garlic-herb offering and orange “chocolate” dipping for dessert. See all menus here.
Bailey Zimmerman — Coming off tour with Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Ernest and Parker McCollum in 2023, Bailey Zimmerman will be at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. The 23-year-old released his first album, “Religiously,” in May and is touring in its support. It charted number one on the U.S. Country Airplay. Born in Louisville, Illinois, Zimmerman was discovered via his TikTok videos where he debuted the single “Never Comin’ Home” in 2021. He first charted the Billboard Country Airplay with 2022’s singles “Fall in Love” and “Rock and a Hard Place,” released on the EP, “Leave the Light On.” Zimmerman was signed to Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Records. Tickets are sold out but verified resales through Live Nation are listed here.
Fireflies — A show written by Matthew Barber and directed by Rick Roberts, “Fireflies” is the August production from Brunswick Little Theater. The heartwarming story takes place in a Texas town and centers on a retired school teacher. She finds love which has the town abuzz about her new flame. The show takes place at the Ricky Evans Gallery, 211 N. Howe St., for one final weekend, Aug. 16 through 18; tickets are $28.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Goth Night
Angie’s Hair Salon, 21 S. 16th St.
Tickets: $10
Goth Night is coming to a local business, whose owners also happen to be the Wilmington Princess and Prince of Dark Synth Pop, Angie and Johnny Yeagher.
Known for performing in numerous rock outfits, including their latest iteration, Dead Cool — which has traveled internationally to play goth shows from London to downtown Wilmington — the two musicians have transformed Angie’s Hair Salon for show this weekend. Saturday night, it will become a temporary music venue to host two bands and a DJ, playing pop to coldwave.
Shanghai Beach, from Brooklyn, is performing synthpop, while Chains of Desire will go electronic. DJ Dead Boy will also spin dark hits.
There won’t be strobes and everyone is welcome.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Margarita Bar Crawl — For folks looking to punch up the weekend with a little tequila, the Brooklyn Arts District and a few businesses on Grace Street welcomes you. The Margarita Bar Crawl will kick off at noon with more than a dozen participants: Flytrap Brewing, The Eagle’s Dare, Edward Teach Brewing, The Kitchen Sink, The Commodore , Brooklyn Cafe, Goat & Compass, Dalisay Salon & Bridal suite, Bottega Art & Wine, three10, Pizzeria Don Luca, Tacobaby, Brass Tacks and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Just head to any of them and ask for the margarita on special. The event lasts until 5 p.m. and locations have maps available to direct participants.
Fam Fest Community Day — Cameron Art Museum is opening its doors for free this Saturday for Fam Fest Community Day. There will be art stations, family-friendly activities, live music with Mr. Mark and more. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the exhibitions are open for free. Also on site will be vendors providing activities for kids, including portrait collages with HP Fangs, face painting with Au Pairs in America, and community quilts will be on view with Bobbi Fitzgibbons. Plus there will be food trucks with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and Well Fed Ed. In addition to music with Mr. Mark, the McLawhorn Family Band will perform and there will be a screening about “A Well Fed Education” at 12:30 p.m. in the reception hall, followed by a question-and-answer session with Jesse Bradley and Lucas McLawhorn.
Back to School Carnival — Brunswick Beer and Cider and Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop are hosting an all-day event at 1313 Dickinson Lane from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate back to school. It’s also a “stuff the bus” event to help garner school supplies for Communities in Schools in Brunswick County. Entry is $2 or a school supply to donate all proceeds to help kids prepare for a new school year. The event will have live music, balloons, popcorn, a blow-up slide, crafts, face-painting, vendors and more.
Hampstead Horsepower Cruise-In — Oval and Ale in Hampstead welcomes all vehicles pre-1992 to a cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s hosted by the Hampstead Horsepower Cruisers Club and is free to attend. Spectator parking will be available throughout the surrounding areas of Hampstead Village. Food and drinks will be available through Oval and Ale, and there will be prizes, merchandise and our 50/50 raffle.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Fiddler on the Roof
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $34 and up
The 59-year musical by Joseph Stein — with music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick — was the first in Broadway history to surpass 3,000 show runs on Broadway. “Fiddler on the Roof” has secured nine Tony Awards, spawned five revivals and was made into a popular 1971 film.
It’s being produced by Opera House Theatre Company Aug. 15 through the 25. The story is one of family and faith, taking place at the turn of the 20th century, when Tevye, a milkman, attempts to hold onto to his Jewish cultural traditions as modern-day influences threaten those mores. His three daughters wish to marry for love over matchmaking, as normally done in their Jewish family, yet their choices don’t pass muster for their father.
The show, consisting of popular songs like “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “Do You Love Me?”, will be directed by Suellen Yates, with music by Brian Whitted, and stars Jamey Stone, Holli Saperstein, Joseph Basquil, Emilia Torello, Jon Berry and others.
The show runs Wednesday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets are $34 and up.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Godspell — Thalian Association Community Theatre will feature Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell” at Kenan Auditorium mid-August. The musical tells the story of Jesus Christ, through parables, song and dance, comedy and more. Based on the Gospel of Matthew, the show is portrayed by everyday people, in a modern setting. It follows a close group of artists, led by Jesus, who learn through his teachings of love and forgiveness, kindness and empathy. The show’s soundtrack was made popular by songs like “Day, Day, Day,” “Prepare Ye,” “Save the People” and “By My Side.” They run the gamut from rock to pop to vaudeville. “Godspell” was nominated for a Tony in 1977. It was revived in 2011, with some of the song’s arrangements updated. TACT’s show is being directed by its former artistic director Chandler Davis and will be choreographed by Timothy Mills. It will run weekends, Aug. 16 through Aug. 25, with tickets costing between $22 and $34 here.
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers — For culinary fans, a grab-bag of fine-dining delights will be served up at downtown’s manna on Princess Street. The restaurant — to celebrate 14 years this November — used to host the event for bar patrons every Sunday night, but stopped five or so years ago. Popular among guests, the “choose your own adventure” dining experience relaunched for certain dates in August, including this week, and here is how it works: When seated at the bar, diners are handed a simple menu categorized as veggie, seafood, meat, mystery and sweets. Pricing is $10 to $13 for each course and diners choose which small plate they want — or all for a set price — but will not know what’s served from the tasting menu until the dish is plated and placed before them. Essentially, it’s the chef’s choice and gives manna kitchen crew carte blanche to get creative and wow diners in unexpected ways. Recent items included a “Redneck Croque Madame” — Brasstown bologna fried and served with an egg atop homemade bread and pimento cheese — or housemade sausage and butterbeans. There are also mystery drinks offered — beer, wine, cocktail — again staff’s choice. Modifications and substitutions are not allowed and reservations are required here.
Have events for consideration? Email info@portcitydaily.com
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