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, Nov. 7
Black Violin
703 N. Third St. • Tickets start at $36
It’s a celebration of 20 years with Black Violin — consisting of hip-hop duo Kev Marcus and Will Baptiste.
The two have been turning up classical music to booming heights and will bring their blend of it with funk, R&B and hip-hop to CFCC’s Wilson Center.
Marcus plays violin and Baptiste is on viola, the two having worked with Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Lil Wayne.
Marcus and Baptiste first took the stage, along with Nat Stokes on drums, DJ SPS on the turntable, and Liston Gregory on the keys to redefine the ways audiences perceive genres of music. They got their start in the high school orchestra as classmates and won Showtime at the Apollo.
Tickets start at $36 and can be found here.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
WHQR Soup to Nuts Live — Eduardo de Rosamaria will perform Spanish guitar at a Flamenco concert at 7:30 p.m. (doors open 6:30 pm) at WHQR’s studios in the MC Erny Gallery, 254 N. Front St. There will be raw emotion and energy, with traditional “flamenco palos” (Alegrias, Tangos, Guajiras), and classical Spanish and flamenco compositions (Paco de Lucia, Isaac Albeniz, Joaquin Rodrigo, The Gipsy Kings). Plus, Venezuelan flamenco dancer Wendy Araujo will be on hand. The show will be aired at a later date on WHQR 91.3 FM. It’s a $10 suggested donation at the door, to be reserved by emailing soup@whqr.org or calling 910-343-1640.
“The Thanksgiving Play” — In celebration of Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month, a local production company is preparing for the debut of a satirical production, penned by an Indigenous American playwright. “The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa FastHorse opens Nov. 7 and runs weekends through Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m. except for 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday, at Thalian Hall’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater. It’s produced by Big Dawg Productions. FastHorse is of the Sicangu Lakota Nation and is an award-winning writer and 2020-2025 MacArthur Fellow. Her play revels in absurdity and takes aim at the hypocrisies of woke America, tackling second-grade Thanksgiving pageants, colonialism, Native American representation, gender relations, history, turkey bowling, and more. Tickets are $35 here.
Fall 2024 Senior Exhibition — UNCW is opening its fall senior exhibition, “Last Call,” featuring works by 21 of its studio arts majors. Works on display include oil paintings, colored pencil works, photography, sculpture, printmaking, etc., covering themes of family, loss, identity, mental health, and environment. A public reception with meet-and-greets with the artists will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The show is on display through Dec. 13.
“Hir” — Sihr Theater is producing its second show, directed by Tony Elias Choufoni, Sihr’s founder who wanted to bring to life under-the-radar productions, also inclusive of underrepresented voices and stories. “Hir” by Taylor Mac is a comedy that explores gender fluidity and queer theory. Set in the suburbs, the show centers on a household in disarray. Isaac, a Marine fresh from the war, returns home to caretake his ailing father and sees his newly out transgender sibling and her mom are taking on the patriarchy. The show runs through Nov. 17, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., at the Historic North Front Theater. Tickets are $15 and up here; the play is recommended for ages 18 and up due to strong language.
Friday, Nov. 8
Battleship NC Light the Legacy
Battleship NC, 1 Battleship Rd. • Free
The USS North Carolina Battleship Commission will showcase new and advanced illumination to debut this weekend ahead of Nov. 11 Veterans Day.
“Light the Legacy” will begin at 5:30 p.m., illuminating the Battleship with a light cycle that will repeat and allow audiences from the Riverwalk and on the grounds to see the entire sequence. Engineered by IlluminFX, the installation showcases subtle gleams.
According to Jay Martin, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial, the display will honor “North Carolina’s veterans while enhancing the ship’s ability to serve as a beacon of hope in America’s first World War II Heritage City.”
More than a year in the making, the lights can be seen from anywhere the Battleship is visible. For people who buy two admission tickets to the Battleship this Thursday or Friday, they will receive custom travel binoculars and will be available as giveaways through the Battleship and local partners.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Hope Recovery Concert — A day-long music event celebrating sobriety will take place in its second year at 3403 Winston Blvd. Local concert promoter Anna Mann wanted to host a more inclusive live music experience in Wilmington that didn’t center around alcohol. The event includes more than just music this year, though six performances will take place including Sou-R-Fusion, Nate Gerry, RTHBNDR, Three Chord Cory, HIghly Motivated and Azul. In between sets, there will be speakers throughout the day from Al-Anon and AA. Tickets are $20 and there will be vendors set up from Recovery Yoga — who will host an 11 a.m. session — Hope House, 12-step groups, plus artists and more. Drinks will be available for Mocksie and food from T’Geaux Boys.
Steep Canyon Rangers — Rescheduled from September due to Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina, Asheville-based bluegrass outfit Steep Canyon Rangers released their live album recorded at Wilmington’s Greenfield Lake Amphitheater at the end of August and will return to the stage to perform its tracks along with other tunes from its 16-deep discography on Saturday. They have received a Grammy and been nominated for many more, including from their last live album, 2019’s “North Carolina Songbook” recorded at MerleFest. It featured songs by multiple artists born in the Tar Heel State (James Taylor, Doc Watson, Thelonious Monk). The group also has recorded with banjo-playing actor Steve Martin, a longtime fan and collaborator, including on 2014’s “Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickell LIVE.” The goal for the Greenfield Lake release was to showcase their energy at live concerts; check out the trailer for the latest release here. Catch them at the intimate venue that inspired the release, with tickets available for $40 here.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Southeastern N.C. Veterans Day Parade
Downtown Wilmington • Free
Veterans, active duty military members and reservists will be honored in the 11 a.m. parade in downtown Wilmington on Saturday. The East Carolina University Pirates marching band will headline the event, performing military songs, with a mixture “student schtick,” drums cadencing and students dancing.
A pre-show will take place at 10 a.m., including performances by Beaches and Boots Dancers, the Veterans Parade Brass Quintet and UNCW Seabelles acapella group. Also performing during the 11 a.m. parade will be Jamestown Pipes and Drums, Cross Creek Pipes and Drums, N.C. State Pipes and Drums, Wilmington Police Pipes, Tryon Palace Fifes and Drums, North Brunswick High School Band, Lejeune High School Band, Ashley High School Band, Hoggard High School Band and Army 4-40th Band.
A veterans information fair is also planned at Eagles Dare at the corner of Third and Red Cross streets, also owned by veterans. The Clams will play, along with other bands, and there will be materials for veterans and their families set up at various tables. It also starts at 10 a.m.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Curated on Castle — It’s the last vintage market of the year on Castle Street, to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 600 block. Visitors will shop through wares from Gravity Records, Second Skin Vintage, Jess James + Co., Threads By Sydney, The Vintage Cellar, Dots & Doodle, Holly’s Typewriter Poetry, and more.
Pumpkin Soup Pottery Bowls — For those who want to bring an artistic flair to their life, Bookworm Pottery is hosting people for a soup-lovin’ ceramics class. Plus, a portion of proceeds will help the nonprofit NourishNC, which works to feed hungry school children through numerous programs. The workshop includes creating clay soup bowls from scratch, perfect for a fall-inspired stew. The price is $55 a person and includes clay, tools, supplies, glaze, and firings; tickets are available here. It will be taught by Savanna Merklinger of Banaro Design Co. and is open to ages 10 and older; (under 13 must have adult supervision). The class takes place at 2 p.m. at 707 S. 16th St.
Festival Latino — At Ogden Park, Amigos Internacional will host a free celebration all weekend long, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Nov. 10, noon to 6 p.m., centered on Latin culture. The 24th annual festival will have food from Mexico, El Salvador, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. There also will be live bands, singers, and Latin Folklore Dance groups from across North Carolina. A Kids Fiesta area will have piñatas at every hour, giant inflatable rides, carnival games, petting zoo, prizes and the Great Mexican Hat Race every hour — a pass-the-Sombrero relay. There also will be a health and human service fair, arts and crafts for sale from regional artists and craftsmen, including silversmiths and pottery from Latin America. The vendors will not be onsite Sunday, only music, food, entertainment and dancing.
Walker World Music Festival — Located along the Northeast Cape Fear River in Castle Hayne, Walker World is a retreat into nature and good vibes. Owned by Allen Walker, the space has hosted many weddings, community events, parties and plenty of pontoon boat rides. Now it’s bringing forth a music festival this weekend, featuring six bands. The music will run Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring all local artists. Music will include Anna Kareiva kicking off the day, followed by Forrest Rising, Jen and Tonic, Laura McLean and New Riders of Calamity, Karmas Reflection, and Righteous Roots. Local vendors will also be on hand selling wares, and there will be food and drinks available. Tickets are $20 for 18 and up, $10 for 13-17 and kids 12 and under are free. The show is also a fundraiser with all proceeds going to Cape Fear Equine Rescue, a local nonprofit who rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes horses.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Whose Live is it Anyway?
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $67 and up
A song-and-improv comedy tour based on the Emmy-nominated show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” is coming through town.
Audiences will be treated to 90 minutes of comedy in a fast-paced environment, as delivered by cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray. However, audience participation is key in the evening’s raucous fun, so attendees should come armed with suggestions and some will be chosen to join the team onstage.
The live game show includes activities made famous on the TV show, plus new games. It’s all-ages and PG-13. Tickets start at $67 and the show gets underway at 7:30 p.m.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Pup Pawlooza — Mannkind Brewing is hosting an adoption event and pet-friendly event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Long Home Rescue will have dogs looking for fur-ever homes and there will be a food and supply drive taking place for the nonprofit. The rescue is also looking for foster families. There will be $20 pitchers of beer and $5 mimosas, plus Johnny Cheesehead food truck from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m..
Euclid Quartet — Chamber Music Wilmington is hosting a concert Sunday at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium. The Euclid Quartet and clarinet performer Oskar Espina Ruiz will take to the stage to perform Hugo Kauder’s String Quartet #4, William Bolcom’s Graceful Ghost Rag, Anna Weesner The Eight Lost Songs of Orlando Underground and Franz Schubert’s String Quartet in D Minor, D. 810, “Death and the Maiden.” The award-winning Chamber Music was formed 26 years ago, while the Euclid Quartet, consisting of violinists Jameson Cooper and Aviva Hakanoglu, violist Luis Enrique Vargas, and cellist Justin Goldsmith. From Cleveland, it also started more than two decades ago and has received global recognition. The quartet will be joined by the Chamber’s Ruiz for a clarinet quintet by Anna Wessner. Tickets are $19 to $39.
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