WILMINGTON — Li’l Friday features dozens of ways for people to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings and more.
All events below 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. 27
Night of 1,000 Andys
Cameron Art Museum, 3201 South 17th St.
It’s College Night at the Cameron Art Museum in celebration of its current Andy Warhol exhibit, “Silver Clouds.”
The museum encourages participants to dress up like Warhol, his muses or his artwork, in celebration of “Silver Clouds.”
Other activities are on the roster too. Attendees will be able to partake in a scavenger hunt, enter the costume contest and capture moments digitally to upload into CAM’s live gallery. There will be free food and drinks and DJ Louis spins the tunes — Velvet Underground included — giving the space Studio 54 and Silver Factory vibes.
Also, bring an item — tote or tee — to customize with a one-of-a-kind Andy Warhol-inspired linocut. It’s free for college students and educators with ID, and takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
To read more about the “Silver Clouds” exhibit and inflatables exhibition on display, see Port City Daily’s coverage here.
OTHER THURSDAY SHOWS
Sonic Blooms and Glow in the Dark Scars — Dubbed “psychedelic porch music,” Sonic Blooms is a two-drummer rock band from Greensboro performing at Ocean Grill Tiki Bar’s summer music series. Also performing will be Wilmington’s indie-rock outfit, Glow in the Dark Scars, who made a resurgence last year with a new 13-track self-title album under its belt — available on Bandcamp. Fred Champion, Jarrod Drobot, Sam Goodman, Jamie Tomosunas and Cameron Champney blend quippy, fun lyrics with sentimental ethos, including droning guitars, poppy melodies, some infused with punk overtones, and Champion’s wispy vocals. Don’t miss the free show at the tiki bar’s pier.
Boardwalk Blast — It’s the last two weeks of Carolina Beach’s Boardwalk Blast and summer fireworks’ show. The free event takes place at the gazebo on the boardwalk, featuring music by The Boilin’ Brothers, who perform country tunes. The music begins at 6 p.m. with the fireworks show lighting off at 9 p.m. The event is weather-dependent, so be sure to check ahead.
Paula Poundstone — Known for her observational humor and crowd work, as well as holding a seat on the long-standing NPR news quiz show, “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me!”, Paula Poundstone is returning to a Wilmington stage. This go round she will be at Brooklyn Arts Center Thursday evening. She’s known for her observational humor and razor-sharp wit, not shying away from politics. She was the first female comic to host the White House Correspondent’s dinner and in the early ‘90s providing hosting duties for both the Democratic and Republican national conventions. She has written five books, has appeared on dozens of television programs and recently voiced the character of Forgetter Paula in the feature films “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” Tickets to her show are $33 here. PCD interviewed the comedian when she toured through town last, in 2017; here is the coverage.
Friday, Aug. 28
Vic DiBitetto
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N 3rd St. • Tickets: $30-$42
Check out this old-school Brooklyn comedian, who had been on the scene for 30 years before gaining stardom after a YouTube video titled “Bread and Milk” went viral during a 2013 nor’easter.
Vic DiBitetto will be at Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend. He’s created more viral recordings, but also is appearing on Amazon’s “Gravesend” as a regular cast member.
DiBitetto released a comedy album, “Working Class Zero,” in 2020 and on it notes: “Born and raised in Brooklyn, I then moved overseas — to Staten Island. Which is Brooklyn with a cover charge. … I’ll show you what it’s like living on Staten Island: See this chair? Here’s what you get for $800,000.”
DiBitetto is performing four shows on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets are $30 to $42.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
CatVideoFest — Yes, it’s returning! A festival of videos featuring cats at Thalian Hall first debuted last year when its cinema series launched. And it’s back this year with 1 hour and 15 minutes of worldwide kit-cats doing funny stuff: pawing at a tea cup for a drink, attempting to play with a squirrel at a sliding glass door, hiding among ornaments in a Christmas tree, wearing fur-lined capes, and the like. Screenings have taken place worldwide, each raising funds for local cat rescues and charities. A portion of proceeds from the Thalian screenings will help cats in need. “CatVideoFest” will screen at the hall on Friday at 4:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.; and on Sunday, 12:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $12.
Fourth Friday Gallery Night — Every month on the fourth Friday, the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County hosts a gallery crawl among downtown venues from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It offers the public a chance to visit 20 participating galleries or businesses to see new artworks in varied media created by local artists. This week participant By Syd Studio is opening the show “X By Syd,” featuring abstracts full of bright colors, music, food and drinks. Bob Ostrom’s latest work “Wooden That Be Fun?” featuring mermaids and sea creatures rendered in acrylic gouache on plywood will be on display at DREAMS Center for Arts Education gallery. Bellamy Mansion will feature the still-life works of Ricardo Perez and “Summer Blues and Greens” will be on exhibit at ArtWorks. Click through all the gallery participants here.
“Rockin’ in the USA” — In the sleepy, coastal town of Southport, the historic Amuzu Theater is reopening after being closed since December to celebrate America’s 250 years. “Rockin’ in the USA” takes place the next two weekends, Aug. 28-30 and Sept. 4-6. Rockin’ in the USA features different views on what it means to travel through the history of our country in numerous musical genres. Featured will be patriotic tunes, like “The Star Spangled Banner,” followed by everything from “Party in the USA” to “If I Can Dream” to “Proud Mary,” and songs by musicians like Don McLean, Billy Joel, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond and others. Tickets are on sale for $25 each at Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport, 910-457-1129, and Crossroads Gathering Place in Oak Island, 910-250-1037.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Fortune Feimster
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $69
Fortune Feimster, born and raised in Belmont, North Carolina, is performing Aug. 29 as part of her Takin’ Care of Biscuits tour.
Feimster’s comedy centers on observational and autobiographical humor, including her dating life and, before being separated, her marriage to Jax Smith, and their dog, Biggie. Plus, she speaks at length about her Southern upbringing and family, including mom Ginger, who has become a staple figure among audiences. Ginger has been heralded for her open and welcoming allyship particularly to the LGBTQ+ community.
Having last toured through Wilmington as part of her “Live Laugh Love” standup in 2024, Feimster’s comedy has been featured on numerous Netflix specials, including “Sweet & Salty,” “Good Fortune,” and “Crushing It.” In between touring, Feimster appears in various series, such as “Fubar,” “The Mindy Project” and “Chelsea Lately,” and movies including “Zooptopia 2.”
She also appeared in the recent Netflix series “The Hawk,” starring Will Ferrell and Amazon MGM’s comedy feature film “Judgment Day” (Zac Efron, Will Ferrell). Feimster hosts a weekly podcast, “Handsome,” with comedians Mae Martin and Tig Notaro.
Tickets to her show are $69 here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Tell Me Lies — A Fleetwood Mac tribute act is coming through town again to perform its four-part harmonies and meticulous musical details of the group’s famed catalog of music — ”Landslide,” “Songbird,” “Rhiannon,” and “Don’t Stop,” included. The band also brings the same style and essence of the famed ‘70s and ‘80s rockers and are performing at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater; tickets are sold out but verified resales are available here.
Last Chance for White Pants Gala — Brooklyn Arts Center is hosting a final summer soiree to say au revoir to white — in some fashion circles, a no-no to wear after Labor Day. The Last Chance for White Pants Gala is a fundraiser for the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, with more than 400 guests welcome to enjoy live music from the Emerald Empire Band, food from Middle of the Island Catering, a photo booth, silent auction and premium tequila raffle. Tickets are $200 here.
Temp Agency — Bringing its brand of rock and punk to Reggie’s 42nd St. on Saturday is Wilmington’s Temp Agency. The four-piece rock outfit has its roots in Wilmington’s rock history, with bandmembers having been in The Needles and Illbilly Boys. Check out their music here; tickets to the Reggie’s show are available at the door.
Sunday, Aug. 30
King Django
Avenue B, 723 N. Fourth St. • Tickets: $10
Brooklyn, NY’s ska and reggae legend King Django — also known as Jeffrey Baker — will be coming through Wilmington to the BAD’s Avenue B on Sunday, 6 p.m.
The artist, known for his engineering and production skills, as well as multi-instrumental capabilities, crossing reggae, ska, rocksteady, dub, R&B and soul, is headlining a show with varied North Carolina artists including Brian Hill and Albert Dustin Ash.
Django has led Stubborn All-Stars, Skinnerbox and King Django Band but also toured with artists like Rancid and Murphy’s Law.
Tickets to the show are $12 at the door — it begins at 6 p.m.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Dark History: Wilmington Coup, Massacre, and Insurrection Historical Tour — Organized by Triangle Walking Tours, “Dark History” is hosted Sunday at 3 p.m., a one-hour tour focusing on the events of the 1898 Wilmington Coup and Massacre. Attendees meet at Slice of Life to walk to various sites downtown where the white supremacist insurrection happened and led to overthrowing a biracial government, and the murder and ousting of African-Americans in the city. Tickets are available here for $17.85.
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