North Carolina’s acoustic ambassadors are gearing up to go electric.
The bluegrass innovators behind Chatham County Line are on the road again with their annual Electric Holiday Tour.
That tour makes a stop here in Wilmington on Friday at the Brooklyn Arts Center.
As in years past, the concert includes a full acoustic set in the band’s gather-round-the-mic fashion.
But after a brief intermission, Chatham County Line will be joined on stage by a few friends–Jay Brown on bass, Zeke Hutchins on drums and Johnny Irion on guitar and piano for a rocking take on some of the band’s songs, as well as a few covers of influential tunes.
Since forming in 1999 in Raleigh, Chatham County Line has released five albums, four of which are on the heavy-hitting Yep Roc label. The group got its start opening up for The Carbines, North Carolina singer and songwriter Tift Merritt’s band.
Tickets to the holiday show are $17 in advance and $19 the day of the show. Balcony tickets are $25. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
If bluegrass isn’t your bag, there’s plenty more to do in the Port City this weekend, as listed below in our weekly arts and entertainment roundup.
Most of the items can be found on The Scene, where it always free to post and peruse the latest happenings.
Music
The N.C. Symphony brings some seasonal tunes to Kenan Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday) during its annual Holiday Pops concert. Led by resident conductor William Henry Curry, the symphony will perform such traditions as “Silver Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Fantasia On Greensleeves.” The concert includes an audience sing-a-long. Tickets are $24 to $56. More information is available here. https://www.uncw.edu/arts/kenancalendar.html
Local musicians can take the stage during Open Mic night at 8 tonight with Dennis Brinson at Local’s Tavern. There is no cover charge. A P.A. system and equipment is provided.
Hip hop-jazz outfit Temple5 performs every Thursday in December at The Calico Room. Shows get underway at 10 p.m. each week, and there is no cover charge.
It’s time again for The Possums’ third annual Whiskey Christmas Benefit and Jam, held this year from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Whiskey. The local rockers invite other area musicians join them on stage. Those interested should contact The Possums on Facebook. Proceeds from the jam will benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a local non-profit food pantry. Admission to the event is $5 plus a donation of a non-perishable food item.
Beloved Wilmington cover band Heart and Soul hosts a Rocking Christmas Party at Brookyln Arts Center Saturday. Stewart Shaw of Polar Bear also performs. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show gets underway at 8. There is a $5 cover charge at the door.
Surf music outfit Meteor IV performs live at The Calico Room Saturday. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10. Admission is $3.
Area musicians are invited to join the stage at Locals Tavern for its Open Jam and Hot Dog Extravaganza Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. The event is hosted by Randy O & The Mango Band. A P.A. system, lights, drums, keys and backline are provided.
Theater
Thalian Association presents “Willy Wonka,” a musical adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book, at 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday at Thalian Hall. A matinee performance is set for 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 to $30 and can be purchased here.
A dinner theater version of the classic, “A Christmas Carol,” is set for Saturday and Sunday at TheatreNOW. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7. A British taxi service will be available. Tickets are $30 to $48. More information and a menu are available here.
Super Saturday Fun Time Kids’ Variety Show continues this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at TheatreNOW. The ongoing series features Captain Plunkett, Dock the Dog and the Dock Street Kids as they unravel mysteries tied to Wilmington’s history and local attractions in Scooby Doo-style. A new “episode” happens each week. Tickets are $8.
Art
The No Boundaries 2013 exhibition continues from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at Cape Fear Community College’s Wilma W. Daniels Gallery on the downtown campus. The exhibit features the work of artists from this year’s international art colony on Bald Head Island.
Wilmington native Doug Walker‘s mixed media creations are on display from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through January at Luna Caffe and Gallery. Walker’s work mixes photography, music and dance into a unique award-winning style.
Some of Wilmington’s local artisans, chefs and stylists join together from 6 to 9 tonight and Friday for a downtown “pop-up holiday shop” during the Second Street Holiday Market at The Atrium. The event includes Christmas centerpiece classes, bluegrass music, desserts and libations. Businesses involved include Pressed Cotton, Freaker USA, Wilmington Wine Shoppe, The NoshRoom, Salt Harbor Designs, Big Al Hall and Front Street Brewery. Admission is free.
Dance
The third Saturday of the month means it is time again for Bab’s Ballroom Blitz. The ballroom dancing event, open to all skill levels, runs from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at 6782 Market St. The cost is $10 per person. Those attending should bring a dish to share.
