SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozen of ways for people to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings 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, May 22
Cathy Ladman
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $37-$56
With a focus on family, relationships and youth, Cathay Ladman is bringing her standup to Thalian Hall’s stage.
Ladman has made appearances on “The Tonight Show,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Modern Family,” “Mad Men,” “King of Queens,” and “Politically Incorrect.” Her comedy has been described as an exposition on personal neurosis. In one bit, she talks about traveling:
“The first time I went to Canada I went to Winnipeg … I went north of Minnesota in February. That’s like going south of hell in August.”
Opening for Ladman will be Ann Stengel, who has toured throughout the East Coast since the mid-’80s. Tickets to the show start at $37.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ — Heidi Schreck’s comedy, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” is being produced by Big Dawg Productions just in time for Memorial Day, and gives a new take on the Constitution and how it will shape the next generation of Americans. The show follows 15-year-oldn Heidi, a nationwide Constitutional debate winner who earns her college tuition through competitions. She recounts four generations of women through the founding document that shaped their lives. The shows run May 22-June 1, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $35.
Friday, May 23
Boardwalk Blast: Port City Shakedown
Carolina Beach Boardwalk, • Free
The Boardwalk at Carolina Beach is amping up for the summer season with its free concert and fireworks kickoff planned for Memorial Day weekend.
Every week Boardwalk BLast hosts a concert, altering bands and genres of music, followed by sparks and booms flying over the Atlantic. Normally, the event takes place on Thursday; however, this week’s kickoff is Friday.
Dance and party band Port City Shakedown will take to the Boardwalk Gazebo Stage at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks display begins at roughly 9 p.m. Boardwalk restaurants and shops are also open.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Free Jazz Friday — Bottega Art and Wine Bar at Fourth and Brunswick streets has undergone renovations and hosts free jazz every Friday evening. The May 23 event will feature the Aaron Van Nynatten Trio; music starts at 7 p.m.
Hey, Johnny Park: Tribute to Foo Fighters — Named after the iconic track from rock band Foo Fighters’ “The Colour and the Shape,” a Columbia, SC, tribute act will deliver its high-energy performance at The Eagle’s Dare. Made up of Jeremy Polley, Morgan Johnson, Lucas Johnson, and Jason Summers, Hey, Johnny Park locks in to honor the legacy of the rock band and performs popular anthems including “My Hero,” “Walk,” and “Everlong.” The show is free and part of the Friday Night Music Series hosted weekly at the Dare through July.
Old School ‘80s New Wave Party — Hosted at Barzarre (1612 Castle St.), DJ Stranftanz welcomes dancers to the floor to enjoy grooves to A-ha, The B-52’s, The Cars, The Clash, The Cure, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Joy Division, Men At Work, New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Siouxie & The Banshees and Talking Heads. The New Wave Party is free and all ages are welcome; flashing and visual effects can be expected.
Dance with Me: Fourth Friday Reception — The artwork of Elizabeth Darrow will open at WHQR MC Erny Gallery on Friday. “Dance with Me” showcases the artist’s figurative and abstract works, with a reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Darrow will be on site for a meet-and-greet and refreshments will be served. There will be a closing reception on June 27.
Saturday, May 24
‘Legally Blonde the Musical’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $28 and up
Thalian Association Community Theater presents the pink-packed fun of Elle Woods taking on Harvard Law School and breaking stereotypes along the way.
“Legally Blonde the Musical” continues for one final weekend on Thalian Hall’s main stage, featuring songs like “Bend and Snap,” “Omigod You Guys,” and “So Much Better.” The story follows the unexpected pupil, Elle, arriving at Harvard to impress — and attempt to win back — her ex, Warner. In the process, she brings an unconventional approach to law and finds a new love as well.
The show runs Friday through Saturday, May 23-24, 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday at 2 p.m.; tickets are $28 and up.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Tribute to Phish and Dave Matthews Band — If you can’t see the real deal, may as well go for the close second. This weekend at Bowstring Brewyard will be two tribute acts celebrating jam-band culture. Runaway Gin is a tribute to Phish, having performed more than 500 shows and winning Charleston’s 2022 Jam Band of the Year. Also performing will be Dave Matthews Tribute Band, which has been playing for more than two decades, equaling around 2,000 concerts. Tickets are $20.
Umphrey’s McGee — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater welcomes back Umphrey’s McGee at 7 p.m. The Indiana jam band — comprising Brendan Bayliss, Joel Cummins, Ryan Stasik, Andy Farag, Jake Cinninger and Kris Myers — is returning to Wilmington with their electrifying blend of funk-pop grooves, metal-rock riffs, blues-bending notes and reggae-bouncing percussion. They have recorded over a dozen studio albums and released over a dozen live albums to date and bring a mix of originals and covers (David Bowie, Pink Floyd) to every show. Tickets are $47.
Carolina Beach Market — Every Saturday through Oct. 4 the Carolina Beach Market will set up around Carolina Beach Lake. People will be able to peruse farmers’ goods — produce, flowers, herbs, etc. — as well as homemade food purveyors and artisans and crafters. It’s free to attend, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dog-friendly (leashed).
Leah Lamarr — She’s been dubbed “the queen of clubhouse” by Joe Rogan on the JRE Podcast and was awarded Entertainer of the Year by TIME. Standup Leah Lamarr, co-host of iHeartMedia podcast “Real-Time Crime,” has played international and national festivals and opened for Dane Cook, Bill Burr and Nick Kroll. She observes everyday life, engages in crowd work and tackles culture, as seen on one video clip posted to her social media: “Everything is trap. The other day I said ‘homeless’ by accident, I meant to say ‘unhoused.’ And my friend was like, ‘Leah, you can’t use that word anymore.’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m sorry — I live in a f***ing apartment so I’m also ‘unhoused.’” Lamarr will be at Dead Crow Comedy Room at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets are $25 to $36.
Sunday, May 25
Orange Street Arts Festival
120 S. 2nd St. • Free
The 29th annual Orange Street Arts Fest is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend and features almost 100 artisans and creators selling their unique works.
The festival, presented by The Thalian Association Community Theater, is the biggest springtime event in downtown Wilmington, featuring artists from North Carolina and surrounding areas. It will be held May 24-25 on Orange Street, next to Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, and on 2nd to Dock.
Artists and WWII exhibits will be in the historic USO lobby as well and there will be a special ceramic exhibit featuring the work of Laney High School students. Hours are Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
mike. — American platinum hip-hop and rap artist mike. is bringing his Upside Down Tour Pt. 2 to Wilmington, after playing a handful of festivals this spring. He’s stopping by on May 25 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Tickets start at $32.
Patriotic Pop-up — Taking place at the Marina Grill (18 Harnett St.), a vendor market will be hosted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music, 20 vendors, plus food and drinks.
Annual Memorial Day Ride Out — Calling all ski riders: An Annual Memorial Day Ride Out to Masonboro Island is planned for 10 a.m. Hosted by the Wilmington Ski Riders, everyone will meet up at Rally Point, engage in meet-and-greets, enjoy music, and then ride around Masonboro Island. Nearby boat ramps include Wrightsville Public Ramp and Snows Cut; see map here.
Soul-R-Fusion — Live at Ted’s is welcoming the blues folk of Wilmington’s own Soul-R-Fusion. Consisting of Tim Koehler (acoustic guitar / vocals) and Alex Goodell (fretless bass) the duo began playing together in 2015 and have become known for their diverse musical influences. They modernize blues-folk rock with singer-songwriter sensibility. Tickets to their 4 p.m. show are $10 here.
Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Observances
Various locations
The annual Memorial Day Observance on the Battleship North Carolina is planned for 4 p.m. There will be a military guest speaker and the military band performing, as well as a 21-gun salute and a memorial wreath laid in the water. The observance is open on the fantail. It’s free and open to the public at 3 p.m., though the Battleship is open all day for regular admission.
The Wilmington National Cemetery hosts a Memorial Day commemoration at 11 a.m. on May 26 at 2011 Market St.
Area municipalities are also planning observances, including Sunset Beach’s honoring fallen American veterans at a 10 a.m. ceremony in its town park, including a keynote address. Surf City is also hosting a 9 a.m. event in Soundside Park. The Leland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196 and Auxiliary and the Town of Belville will be hosting a Memorial Day Service at the Belville Riverwalk starting at 4 p.m.
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