SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozen of ways for people to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more.
READ MORE: Wilmington highlighted in ‘The Runarounds’ trailer, debut date announced
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. 7
10,000 Maniacs
Bowstring Brewyard, 1002 Princess St. • Tickets: $45
You may remember this popular ‘80s and ‘90s group from when Natalie Merchant fronted the band, hitting the charts with songs like “These are the Days,” “Candy Everybody Wants,” and the Patti Smith remake of “Because the Night.”
Though Merchant exited the group in 1993, and has since gone on to have a prominent solo career, the band marches forward. And it’s stopping at Bowstring Brewyard on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Today, founding members Dennis Drew (keyboards), John Lombardo (guitar, bass) and Steve Gustafson (guitar, bass) remain with the Maniacs, as does drummer Jerry Augustyniak who joined two years later in 1893. Mary Ramsey became part of the band in 1993 and Ben Medina took up as lead guitarist last year.
The New York-band has become known for producing real-life storytelling in its music. 1989’s “Blind Man’s Zoo” and 1993’s “MTV Unplugged” were the top charting albums for the group in the U.S., both coming in at 13 and going platinum. To date, they have produced nine albums, the last in 2015, “Twice Told Tales.”
Crying Out Loud Productions and the band has released a four-part doc, “Can’t Ignore The Train,” which tracks their first foray recording 1985’s “The Wishing Chair.” They’re touring in support of the band’s 40th anniversary and plan to release a new album soon.
Tickets to their show are $45.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Swing Dance Series — If you’re interested in learning how to East Coast Swing, then sign up at Hannah Block USO and Community Arts Center on Thursday. The three-part series will teach the six-count tuck turn and cuddle variations, as hosted by Cape Fear Swing Dance Society. No partner is needed and it’s $20 for all three classes or $10 per class. Cash and Venmo accepted at the door. The dance lesson starts at 7 p.m. and the social dancing takes place until 9 p.m.
Beginner Paint Class — For those who want to strut their creative skills visually, then a beginner painting class is being offered at Carolina Beach’s most eclectic bar, The Fat Pelican (8 Lake Park Blvd.). Taught by Kaylea, it will be held every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and includes a glass of wine or beer. All materials — canvas, paints, stencils — are provided. It’s $40 per person; learn more here.
Friday, Aug. 8
Chris Bennett
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets: $22-$33
The highly energetic and performative standup comedian Chris Bennett is coming to Dead Crow this weekend.
Bennett has entertained audiences for years at Hollywood Improv, The Laugh Factory, and The World Famous Comedy Store, as well as shared stages with David Spade and Norm Macdonald. He also happens to be a country DJ on QCountry 92.5 on Morning Brew with Chris Bennett & Best Friends.
Last year he released “Small Town Famous,” a one-hour special on YouTube, where Bennett performs in front of a drop-down background featuring a single-wide trailer. In it, he addresses his DJ gig.
“It’s a pretty easy job,” he said. “The hardest part is when people call in to request songs and they don’t know the title or who sings it. They just describe it to me: ‘Yea, it’s about America and beer and whiskey and girls and friends and mama.’ Well that’s all of them.”
Tickets to his show, which is being performed on Friday and Saturday, take place at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
SARUS Festival — A site-specific experimental art festival is taking place Friday through Sunday with multiple artistic engagements popping up at area venues and unconventional spots. SARUS is organized by the Alban Elved Dance Company, with this year’s event featuring local, national, and international artists, showcasing visual art, dance, sculpture, performance art, photography, concert music, and film. Not only are there workshops, but also a symposium, exhibits, and social events at five venues in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. The goal is for audiences to feel a part of the immersive and multidisciplinary experience, while feeling inspired by creativity, connection, and collaboration. For instance, “Sound Bodies — Coil” is a mix of experimental sound art from Carl Kruger and Phil Zampino, dance, poetry and film from artists like Karola Luettringhaus, eight Kresge and Matthew Williams. As well on Saturday, improv dance can be enjoyed in “Flow and Drift,” at 11:15 a.m. at Hope Recovery or The full schedule of events can be found here and weekend passes start at $165.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Chris Isaak
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets: $22-$33
Chris Isaak will return to the Wilson Center Saturday for a concert seven years after making his debut there.
The reverb-laden, rockabilly-lovin’ performer is best known for his Grammy-nominated “Wicked Game,” which debuted in 1989. Issak’s 40-year career has brought with it 13 critically acclaimed studio albums, 12 chart-topping singles, and plenty of awards and nominations. He was recently honored with the Americana Honors Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance.
Isaak has also done soundtracks, including for “Eyes Wide Shut,” “True Romance” and the Wilmington-filmed “Blue Velvet.” He’s also made his way to the big screen in motion pictures such as “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Twin Peaks” and “That Thing You Do” and even hosted a music talk show at one point, “The Chris Isaak Hour.”
Last year marked the 35th anniversary of “Heart-Shaped World” which included “Wicked Game.”
His show comes with numerous costume changes and a lot of audience interaction. Tickets to the show start at $42.
OTHER SATURDAY NIGHT
Golf Barn Movie Night — A facility in Brunswick County that hosts a toptracer range, classic driving range, pitch and putt and beer garden is hosting a free family movie night. Golf Barn will screen the locally filmed 1993 “Super Mario Bros.” The screening takes place at 7 p.m. and chairs and blankets are welcome, with popcorn available from Roldan’s Entertainment.
Curated on Castle — The vintage market on Castle Street takes 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. It’s free to attend but all items are individually priced.
Outlander of the Cape Fear — Love the series “Outlander”? Find out how Wilmington played a role in its creation as part of a river cruise, hosted by Hunter Ingram, assistant director of the Burgwin-Wright Museum. Attendees will board the 49-passenger catamaran to cruise the Cape Fear River and learn about the series. It’s $40 for the 10 a.m. and noon through Wilmington Water Tours, and can be reserved here.
Wahine Classic Surf Competition — At Wrightsville Beach’s Crystal Pier — next to the Oceanic — expect to see females riding the waves all weekend long as part of the 15th annual Wahine Classic Surfing Competition. All ages and levels, from pro-short to longboard, amateur and professional, are welcome and there’s even a “Teenie Wahine” division. The event also raises money to give to local nonprofit organizations that promote wellness for women and girls. It’s free for spectators but interested surfers can learn more here.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Cypress Hill
Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan St. • Tickets: $47 and up
One of the ‘90s most popular hip-hop acts is returning to Live Oak Bank Pavilion’s stage on Sunday.
Infused with Latin-American culture, B Real, Sen Dog, and DJ Muggs formed Cypress Hill in Los Angeles in 1988. But by 1994, the band hit the Billboard No. 1 and earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Insane in the Membrane.”
The group is known for other singles like “How I Could Just Kill a Man” and “The Phuncky Feel One,” which became underground hits. They have released 10 albums to date, including 2022’s “Back in Black.”
They played Azalea Festival a few years ago and will return to Live Oak Bank Pavilion Sunday as part of their Dank Daze Summer Tour. Joining them are American hip-hop group Atmosphere, which has released 13 studio albums since its founding in 1996.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Bubble Fest — Families gather the kids and pups and bring them out to The Bend in Ogden for a day of fun at Bubble Fest. From noon to 4 p.m. there will be lots of bubbles, plus area business vendors will be set up and there will be food available from Middle Sound Grille, ice cream from Grumpy’s, treats from Half Cup Confections, and live music. It’s free to attend.
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