SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features plenty of ways 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, Nov. 20
Dance-a-lorus
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $20
The 31st Cucalorus Film Festival kicked off Wednesday, featuring 95 films — 26 features and 69 shorts. In addition to short performances that open every film block, there are nine standalone performances this year. One is the perennial favorite Dance-a-lorus, taking place Thursday on the main stage of Thalian Hall.
The annual event pairs choreographers and dancers — modern, tap, jazz, ballet and more — with filmmakers and musicians. The multimedia event blends artistic genres, with this year showcasing nine performances.
One is “From the Roots the Heart Blooms” by local performer Shea-Ra Nichi and filmmaker Will Fell. The solo dance delves into African diasporic heritage, set to soulful Afrobeat music and visuals. It represents joyful gatherings and warm textiles, but above all centers on love transcending boundaries.
Local dance group Theatre for All, which showcases artists of all abilities, will put on “Ugly Bugs” — about a group of misfits who have something to say. The show represents marginalized communities with humor and panache.
Choreographer Tracey Varga will present “Come Join” with filmmaker Patrick Ogelvie. The piece is an exploration on how the world can be wrong yet still inspire hope, solace and unity.
See all the dances here; tickets to the event are $20, with performances beginning at 6:45 p.m. at Thalian Hall’s main stage.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Oyster Party — There are also freebies to enjoy during Cucalorus. One is the Oyster Party at Hi-Wire Brewing (1020 Princess St.), starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be a special performance from Strange Raven, an anonymous duo, known for theatrics both on and off stage. The enigmatic pair VOX and VULTUS play a mix of dark pop, rock, americana, and synthetic dance music that they have coined “electromericanica.”
Club Silencio: Tribute to David Lynch — Annually, Cucalorus does a tribute to the biggest cult classic filmed in Wilmington: “Blue Velvet.” The Bus to Lumberton offshoot has included art installations, remixes of the film, a 5K, and more. This year local musician Justin Lacy — whose stop-motion animation has been featured at previous festivals — is taking on an homage to the weird and wild Lynchian world in “Club Silencio.” It’s a cabaret show, bringing to life dreamlike performances that “live between the velvet-draped stage and subconscious.” Lacy’s performance takes place at Cucalorus headquarters, Jengo’s Playhouse (815 Princess St.), at 10:15 p.m. It’s sold out, but a rush line will open 30 minutes prior to the show to fill last-minute open seats. The event is open to Cucalorus passholders as well.
Mannheim Steamroller — The popular Christmastime rock act Mannheim Steamroller returns to Wilson Center for two shows this week. Founded by Chip Davis more than 35 years ago, Mannheim Steamroller is scheduled for a 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday performance. The longest-running concert tour in entertainment, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas presents classic carols amped up and performed by 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects. The group has sold 31.5 million Christmas albums to date and tickets to the shows at Wilson Center start at $53 here, until sold out.
Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas — One of America’s most well-known singalong artists, John Denver, will have his music posthumously celebrated at UNCW just in time for the holidays. Rick Schuler is America’s top John Denver tribute act that takes a look back at the ’70s when Denver’s music was all over the radio airways. Songs performed include “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine On My Shoulders,” “Take Me Home Country Roads,” “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” and more. The show also will celebrate the carols and holiday classics from Denver’s TV specials and Christmas albums — “Aspenglow,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” and others. The two-hour show starts at 7:30 p.m. with tickets going for $64 here.
CAM After Dark: The Art of Glass and Light — Two new exhibits will open at the local art museum at 3201 South 17th St.: “Magic, Light, and Sacred Geometry: Glassworks” by Frederick G. Kahl and the debut of an outdoor installation, “Nested: Where Light Gathers and Nature Holds” by Meredith Connelly. Connelly, who graduated from UNCW and now lives in Charlotte, has become well-known for her large-scale, site-specific light installations that take inspiration from nature, science, and technology. Kahl’s work in “Magic, Light, and Sacred Geometry” showcase glassworks and drawings focused on light, sacred geometries, and meditative experiences. CAM’s After Dark, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., will feature a DJ, complimentary bourbon tastings, and access to all of the galleries. It’s free for members, students and educators and $15 for nonmembers.
Friday, Nov. 21
Alec Flynn
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St. • Tickets: $24-$36
An L.A.-based comedian will be doing four shows this weekend in downtown Wilmington. Flynn has coheadlined the New York Comedy Festival and was crowned a “Comic to Watch.” His “Don’t Tell Comedy” appearance reached 4 million views on social media.
He also has a viral podcast, “Big Al’s Grill ASMR,” hosted Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event and has been involved in Netflix is a Joke Fest. On it he quipped: “I have been substitute teaching lately. I told my friends and found out how they felt about me: ‘Oh you’re teaching? They must really need people, huh?’”
Tickets are available to all four shows, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, $24 to $36.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘Elf Jr. the Musical’ — Thalian Association Community Theatre for Youth will take audience members along the adventurous journey of Buddy the Elf as he leaves the North Pole to find his biological father in New York City. Along the way, he convinces his curmudgeon dad — who’s on Santa’s naughty list — and other family and friends to believe in the magic of Christmas. Based on the 2003 holiday film — with book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin — “Elf Jr. the Musical” spreads holiday cheer by “singing loud for all to hear.” The production features youth performances and takes place at the Community Arts Center (120 S. Second St.) on Nov. 21-23. Tickets are $17 here.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ — Written by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer, “The Play That Goes Wrong” is the final show of soon-to-be-retired UNCW professor Ed Wagenseller, who is directing the production on the university’s campus. As written in PCD’s coverage last week: “The show is a play within a play, following a theater troupe as they perform the production ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor.’ The play begins with a missing dog and last-minute scene dressings by the stage manager, who will eventually be recruited into the action after a mishap takes out the main actress. That’s not all — the cast undergoes a number of accidents and calamities throughout the run, all while trying to adhere to thespian doctrine — the show must go on.” The production takes place one final weekend, Nov. 20-23, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., at the Main Stage Theater. Tickets are $5 to $14.
Campana sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico — The traditions and cultural celebrations of a Mexican holiday will be celebrated in Campana sobre Campana. The show includes world-class talents of Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, and includes dance and storytelling. It takes place at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $25 to $45.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Larry Keel Experience
Live at Ted’s, 2 Castle St. • Tickets: $42
Award-winning flatpicker Larry Keel will be performing an intimate show at Live at Ted’s on Castle Street at 8 p.m. From Virginia, Keel’s influence in music came from the mountain culture, with bluegrass and classic country fusing rock and improvisational jazz.
Keel, also a singer-songwriter, has created 100 original compositions, appeared on more than 20 albums, 12 of which he produced, and has written songs recorded and performed by Grammy-award winners Del McCoury and The Infamous Stringdusters.
Having performed and inspired artists like Tyler Childers, Billy Strings, Greensky Bluegrass, Keller Williams and Sam Bush, Keel will perform with his band the Larry Keel Experience. Concertgoers can expect new songs from Keel released in 2025, including the single “Pioneers” featured on an EP, recorded with Jon Stickely.
Tickets are here, if still available — Keel’s shows always sell out.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Foodie Fest Groove Market — The Groove Market at Riverlights will have a festival featuring lots of food vendors, including coffee, desserts and more, from Hidden Grounds Coffee Cart, Island Squeeze lemonades, Eastside sandwiches, Fusion Fries, Coastal Lumpia, Gustu Peruano, Chef Driven and Donut Bus. In addition to the food truck lineup, there will be 30 local vendors selling food stuff, including bakeries, hot sauce creators, olive oil connoisseurs and more. It takes place at 109 Pier Master Point at Riverlights starting at 11 a.m. and there will be live music.
‘Humble in the Jungle’ — Another Cucalorus highlight will take place featuring Mike “Mike G” Smalls, a rapper and founding member of Jungle Brothers and plumber. Smalls always desired to be a hip-hop star; however, after a waning music career, he moved his family to North Carolina and became a tradesman. “Humble in the Jungle,” directed by Ricky Kelly, is a works-in-progress documentary that will showcase Smalls’ journey, with a live performance also taking place at Bowstring Brewyard, 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $25.
Kure Beach Holiday Market — A holiday market welcoming artisan and craft vendors will take place alongside ocean views Saturday. Plus, there will be music with a DJ and plenty of food trucks. It’s free to attend and it will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Beach Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, 105 Atlantic Ave.
A Night Out with the Seabelles! — A free show featuring the a cappella, all-women’s UNCW group Seabelles will take place at 7 p.m. A Night Out with the Seabelles! is happening at Kenan Auditorium. The songlist will be a mix of favorite hits and vocal performances. Though free, tickets can be reserved here.
Christkindlmarkt — Also taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 612 College Road, is a German Christmas market. There will be music and dancing from Harbour Towne Fest Band, a silent auction, authentic food and beverages (beer and gluhwein), baked goods and candies, plus Christmas themed organ music. More than 55 vendors will be on site selling handmade crafts, specialty items and gifts. Kids activities will also be available, including face-painting, a petting zoo and 18-foot slide. It’s free admission.
‘Men of Courage’ — A keynote address will be given by American activist Byron Hurt, director of “Men of Courage,” a documentary following five Black and Latino men in New Jersey, who engage in conversations with other boys and men about their role in ending violence against women. Hurt is behind documentaries like “Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes,” “Soul Food Junkies,” and “Hazing.” The film screens at Thalian Hall and Byron will give his keynote after the screening. Tickets are $15 here and it screens at 4 p.m.
Ukrainian Festival — Waterline Brewing is hosting a Ukrainian Festival all day, with music, dance, cuisine, and a showcase of local talent. The event happens from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and $1 from every pint will be donated to Ukrainians in North Carolina. There are $15 tickets for an all-you-can-eat pierogi contest and a Polka-dancing contest for $5.
‘Let the Right One In’ — Cape Fear Community College Department of Fine and Performing Arts is putting on a production of “Let the Right One In,” an adaptation of the 2008 vampire film
The show follows Oskar, a teen who is depressed and trying to navigate life with a detached single mother and relentless school bullies. Upon meeting Eli, who he thinks is a young teenage girl, the two grow close — though Oskar soon learns not everything is as it seems. The show runs Nov. 20-22, 7 p.m., with entry from $5 to $15.
Sunday, Nov. 23
Reggie Watts
Wilson Center, 703 S. Third St. • Tickets: $48
Best known for leading the band on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Reggie Watts, an internationally acclaimed musician, who will be closing out Cucalorus Film Festival’s 31st year.
53-year-old Watts blends comedy, music, beatboxing and more in his improvised show. His voice is also in one of the films screening at Cucalorus, “Cosmic Cinnamon Roll” — a short by Michael Langen.
Watts had his own Netflix special “Spatial,” and has toured other festivals including Bonnaroo, SXSW, Bumbershoot, and Just for Laughs. He also appeared on IFC’s “Comedy Bang! Bang!”
Tickets to the show are $48.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Dinner and Comedy with Don Frigolette — Engage in laughter and nosh on pizza at Pie’s On Pizzeria and Grill at 6 p.m. A dinner and comedy show will take place for $45 a person. A three-course meal (app, pizza, dessert and two drink tickets from Pie’s On) will accompany a standup set from Don Frigolette, who has appeared on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Wendy Williams Show,” and “The Bob and Tom Show. He will be joined by Charlotte’s Funniest Blake Connelly and rising newcomer Kyle Martinez. Pie’s On is located at 4107 Oleander Dr. and tickets are available here.
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