SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozens 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, Feb. 5
CFCC International Film Festival
Cape Fear Community College Union Station Aud. U-170, 502 N. Front St. • Free
Welcoming upward of 250 people annually, the CFCC International Film Festival turns 12 this year. It concludes Thursday and includes six French, two Spanish and an American Sign Language flick. All screenings are free and open to the public, without tickets required.
At 6 p.m. “The Taste of Things,” a French period romance, will be shown at CFCC’s Union Station Auditorium. Starring Juliet Binoche and Benoît Magimel, renowned gourmet chef, Dodin, and his cook and long-time partner, Eugénie, have a shared love for food and have worked together for 20 years. Dodin wants more but Eugénie resists his proposal.
To see the full lineup, click here.
Friday, Feb. 6
‘Murder on the Orient Express’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $28-$32
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, the Agatha Christie classic features glamour, suspense and humor in this quick-paced show produced by Thalian Association Community Theater.
The show takes place when a snowdrift stops the Orient Express, which is at capacity for the first time of the year. However, by morning an American tycoon is dead, stabbed eight times, and the door to his cabin locked from the inside. The passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – and prevent a second strike.
Chase Harrison will perform as Poirot, with Josh Hodge as Monsieur Bouc, Megan Golden as Mary Debenham, Nathan Forbes as Hector MacQueen, and Maria-Luisa Winslow as Helen Hubbard.
Tickets are $28 to $42 here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
A Mighty Marley Celebration — Signal Fire, Mighty Joshua and Double Tiger are playing a triple bill celebrating the birthday and music of reggae legend Bob Marley. Signal Fire is Wilmington’s premier rock-reggae band for a decade and has released four full-length albums of modern reggae roots, with their sophomore album, “Lift Up” reaching the top spot on the iTunes Reggae Charts and their followup “Wake Up” reaching number eight on the Billboard reggae charts. The group has toured with Stephen Marley, UB40, SOJA, Morgan Heritage, Tribal Seeds and more. Double Tiger is a Brooklyn-based artist and producer, half of Tour De Force and co-founder of Dub Stuy Records, and has collaborated with Luciano, Johnny Osbourne, Sly & Robbie, and Scientist. Mighty Joshua has a soulful exploration into reggae, bringing high energy live performances with support of his back-up band. He has performed at top tier music festivals Lockn’, MOJA, Austin Reggae Fest, Camp Barefoot, and Capital Fringe Fest. All three bands perform at Bowstring Brewyard, 1002 Princess St. Tickets are $26.
Pizza Putt — The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is holding their annual fundraiser that brings together pizza, beer and mini golf — and endless amounts of it. Tickets are $50 and include locally craft beer from Wilmington breweries, Dominoes Pizza and putting. There also will be a Team Spirit Award and iconic Mug Master Challenge taking place, with raffle baskets up for grabs. The event is set up in the museum courtyard which will become a beer garden for the evening.
Saturday. Feb. 7
District Day
Varied downtown districts • Free
The overall landscape of downtown Wilmington is changing with districts popping up in its heart and on its outskirts. And Downtown Business Alliance is celebrating them all come Saturday with District Day.
The downtown trolley is offering continuous free service among the seven districts — Cargo District, Castle Street District, South Front District, Brooklyn Arts Districts, North Waterfront District, Soda Pop District, and Central Business District.
The day also coincides with a social district in the BAD, which means people will be able to walk freely with the alcohol purchased from participating businesses. Other businesses and restaurants will be open in all districts, offering specials, live music, art vendors and more throughout the day.
For example, Station No. 2 on Castle Street will have live music from Roger Davis, a fire pit in the courtyard, hot chocolate bar for kids and hot toddies for adults, and a Mommiez Food Truck.
Parking is available at the Skyline Parking Deck at 155 Brunswick Street for folks to hop on the trolley to traverse its varied routes, viewable here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
NC Jazz Festival — Taking place at Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water St., with tickets $65 and up, the North Carolina Jazz Festival brings world-renowned musicians to the greater Wilmington area over three days. This year’s event kicks off Thursday with Noel Freidline, a pianist and vocalist, and Maria Howell, a vocalist, at 7:30 p.m. Local musicians the Benny Hill Quartet will open. Then on Friday and Saturday, there will be the all-star musicians jam — featuring seven sets, each with six or seven players. See the full lineup here, with concerts taking place in the hotel ballroom. Tickets start at $65 but escalate as package buys.
Vivaldi’s ‘The Four Seasons’ — Violinist Aisslinn Nosky and cellist Guy Fishman will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra’s as part of its classics series concert. Both artists are from Boston’s renowned Handel and Haydn Society. The program celebrates baroque elegance and vibrant textures. Tickets are $31 and the show takes place at downtown’s Wilson Center, 7:30 p.m.
The Rush Experience — One of Canada’s premier progressive rock trios is being hailed at Bowstring Brewyard this weekend. The Rush Experience features the catalogue created by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart over four decades and a 40-million record-selling career. Best known for songs like “Tom Sawyer,” “Fly By Night,” and “Limelight.” The tribute act is from the Baltimore/D.C. area and consists of David Kidd (bass, vocals, keyboards, pedals), Vince Tricarico (drums, percussion), and Burke Hunn (guitars, synthesizer pedals). The group is even known to play on period-accurate gear, including a 1:1 replica of Neil Peart’s drum kit. Tickets are $24.
heArt and Sould Maker’s Market — As a celebration of creativity and local art, Tap Yard is getting into the loving spirit ahead of the big V-Day. Its Saturday market showcases the work of local artists, working in a variety of mediums to put forth handmade pieces and thoughtfully created goods. There will be a food truck and live music as well. It’s free to attend and Tap Yard is located in the Cargo District at 503 S. 16th St.
Sunday, Feb. 8
Super Bowl Watch Parties
Varied locations
It’s the big game day! New England Patriots are facing off against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL’s biggest show down of the year.
Whether you’re pulling for the Pats or flying with the birds — or just routing for a sick Big Bunny halftime show — plenty of places are hosting the watch parties.
Whiskey Trail Midtown on Lancelot Lane is hosting the group Wilmington New England Patriots Fans.
Jimmy’s at Wrightsville Beach will have prizes to give away at every commercial break.
Resto Bar and Lounge on Carolina Beach Road is giving away free wings, barbecue and oysters starting at 5:30 p.m. while supplies last. Also, DJ Marc Buie will spin tunes.
Veterans group Nabvets are meeting up at 1308 S. 16th St. to watch the game. Tickets are $10 and there will be burgers, hot dogs, chips, fries and sodas.
Rooted Kava Lounge will have a potluck so bring a dish or snack to share. The bar doesn’t serve alcohol, but is located at 415 S College Rd. at University Landing Plaza.
Rally Point Arcade in downtown Wilmington will have the game on all the big screens and offer 50¢ games from noon to midnight. Plus they’re pairing up with Pizzeria Don Luca on North Fourth Street for pizza and wings specials.
Wilmington Distillery is getting into the pregame shenanigans and has Paul Decirce of the Dirty Dead — an all Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band — playing at 2 p.m. Plus there will be live painting by Kim Bar and a vendor market. By 5 p.m. the party turns to game-time, with hot dogs, cold beer, and tasty cocktails as 12 Dock St.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Garden Party — Though the temps say freezing, Barzarre is getting into the spring spirit and hosting a Sunday Garden Party — but that’s the band, not an event. Garden Party is a jazz, folk, pop fusion outfit, new to the Wilmington scene. The show is $5 and doors open at 5:30 p.m. Barzarre is in the Cargo District at 1612 Castle St.
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