ARTS

10 things to do, and hear, in a music-packed Wilmington weekend

Saturday: Aretha, a tribute
The Wilmington Symphony presents its annual "pops" concert this weekend, with the Broadway diva Capathia Jenkins delivering the songs of R&B legend Aretha Franklin. Expect to hear such hits from the Queen of Soul as "Respect," "A Natural Woman," "Think" and more. A Brooklyn native, Jenkins has a half-dozen Broadway credits, most recently in "Newsies: The Musical." Joining Jenkins on vocals will be the singer Ryan Shaw, who's been seen on "America's Got Talent." The concert will also feature a local celebrity: Ray Kennedy, director of musicals for Opera House Theatre Co. and the man tickling the ivories during last summer's hit "Five Guys Named Moe," will play piano with the Symphony. Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the CFCC Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. $25-$85 plus taxes and fees. 910-362-7999 or CapeFearStage.com
Saturday: Aretha, a tribute The Wilmington Symphony presents its annual "pops" concert this weekend, with the Broadway diva Capathia Jenkins delivering the songs of R&B legend Aretha Franklin. Expect to hear such hits from the Queen of Soul as "Respect," "A Natural Woman," "Think" and more. A Brooklyn native, Jenkins has a half-dozen Broadway credits, most recently in "Newsies: The Musical." Joining Jenkins on vocals will be the singer Ryan Shaw, who's been seen on "America's Got Talent." The concert will also feature a local celebrity: Ray Kennedy, director of musicals for Opera House Theatre Co. and the man tickling the ivories during last summer's hit "Five Guys Named Moe," will play piano with the Symphony. Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the CFCC Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. $25-$85 plus taxes and fees. 910-362-7999 or CapeFearStage.com
Wilmington StarNews
Friday: The Wood Brothers
Grammy-nominated Americana act The Wood Brothers hold court at Wilmington's beloved Greenfield Lake Amphitheater this weekend. Along with multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix, the trio includes two brothers: guitarist Oliver Wood and bassist Chris Wood, formerly of avant-jazz outfit Medeski Martin & Wood. The Wood Brothers' 2018 album "One Drop of Truth" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. Blues musician Todd Albright opens the show. Details: 6 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. show, Oct. 18 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington. $30-$35, plus taxes and fees. GreenfieldLakeAmphitheater.com
Friday: The Wood Brothers Grammy-nominated Americana act The Wood Brothers hold court at Wilmington's beloved Greenfield Lake Amphitheater this weekend. Along with multi-instrumentalist Jano Rix, the trio includes two brothers: guitarist Oliver Wood and bassist Chris Wood, formerly of avant-jazz outfit Medeski Martin & Wood. The Wood Brothers' 2018 album "One Drop of Truth" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album. Blues musician Todd Albright opens the show. Details: 6 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. show, Oct. 18 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington. $30-$35, plus taxes and fees. GreenfieldLakeAmphitheater.com
Wilmington StarNews
Saturday: Rhodywood Wilmington grand opening
Wilmington's newest venue has its grand opening this weekend, featuring tunes from acclaimed country and Americana singer Grant Maloy Smith. Rhodywood Wilmington, the brainchild of Anthony Demings, will host film screenings and small concerts as well as meetings, parties and other events. Details: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Rhodywood Wilmington, 1919 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington. 401-359-0192 or RhodyWood.com
Saturday: Rhodywood Wilmington grand opening Wilmington's newest venue has its grand opening this weekend, featuring tunes from acclaimed country and Americana singer Grant Maloy Smith. Rhodywood Wilmington, the brainchild of Anthony Demings, will host film screenings and small concerts as well as meetings, parties and other events. Details: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Rhodywood Wilmington, 1919 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington. 401-359-0192 or RhodyWood.com
Wilmington StarNews
Saturday: Susan Werner & Vance Gilbert
Not many singers are blessed with a voice like Susan Werner's. At once powerful and soothing, it wraps you up in its warm, golden tones. In addition to her original songs, Werner is known for reinterpreting pop standards, and this weekend she'll play a concert with fellow singer-songwriter Vance Gilbert as part of the Listen Up Brunswick County concert series. Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Odell Williamson Auditorium events center on the campus of Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 910-754 or ListenUpBrunswickCounty.com
Saturday: Susan Werner & Vance Gilbert Not many singers are blessed with a voice like Susan Werner's. At once powerful and soothing, it wraps you up in its warm, golden tones. In addition to her original songs, Werner is known for reinterpreting pop standards, and this weekend she'll play a concert with fellow singer-songwriter Vance Gilbert as part of the Listen Up Brunswick County concert series. Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Odell Williamson Auditorium events center on the campus of Brunswick Community College, 150 College Road NE, Bolivia. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 910-754 or ListenUpBrunswickCounty.com
Wilmington StarNews
Saturday: The Lords of 52nd Street
Say goodbye to Hollywood, and say hello to The Lords of 52nd Street. The longtime bandmates of Billy Joel will play the piano man's hits this weekend at Thalian Hall, pop standards like "Only the Good Die Young," "Just the Way You Are," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," "Moving Out" and, of course, "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." The band, which includes Liberty DeVitto (drums), Richie Cannata (saxophone, keyboards, vocals) and Russell Javors (guitar, vocals) played with Joel for three decades, including on such album as "Turnstiles" and "The Stranger." Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. Tickets are $15-$75, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.
Saturday: The Lords of 52nd Street Say goodbye to Hollywood, and say hello to The Lords of 52nd Street. The longtime bandmates of Billy Joel will play the piano man's hits this weekend at Thalian Hall, pop standards like "Only the Good Die Young," "Just the Way You Are," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," "Moving Out" and, of course, "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." The band, which includes Liberty DeVitto (drums), Richie Cannata (saxophone, keyboards, vocals) and Russell Javors (guitar, vocals) played with Joel for three decades, including on such album as "Turnstiles" and "The Stranger." Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. Tickets are $15-$75, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.
Wilmington StarNews
Saturday & Sunday: Autumn with Topsail
This 31st annual Topsail Beach festival starts with a Kiwanis pancake breakfast each day before giving way to arts and crafts booths, a food court/beer garden, children’s activities and lots and lots of beach music. The Carolina Band and North Tower play Saturday, and longtime beach favorites The Band of Oz wrap things up Sunday. Details: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Topsail Beach. $6, $10 for both days, free for children 12 and under and active military. AutumnWithTopsail.com. [GATEHOUSE MEDIA]
Saturday & Sunday: Autumn with Topsail This 31st annual Topsail Beach festival starts with a Kiwanis pancake breakfast each day before giving way to arts and crafts booths, a food court/beer garden, children’s activities and lots and lots of beach music. The Carolina Band and North Tower play Saturday, and longtime beach favorites The Band of Oz wrap things up Sunday. Details: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Topsail Beach. $6, $10 for both days, free for children 12 and under and active military. AutumnWithTopsail.com. [GATEHOUSE MEDIA]
Wilmington StarNews
Sunday: 'Showstoppers'
Says Jason Aycock, one of the directors of this showcase for performers age 50 and up, "It’s not like people stop being talented at a certain age." Ain't that the truth? Presented by Opera House Theatre Co. and its newly formed Third Act Players, the "Showstoppers" revue will feature musical numbers, dance and more. Highlights are sure to include "Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago" and a fashion-show-style presentation of Madonna's hit "Vogue." Details: 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. $15, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org. [PHOTO COURTESY OF OPERA HOUSE]
Sunday: 'Showstoppers' Says Jason Aycock, one of the directors of this showcase for performers age 50 and up, "It’s not like people stop being talented at a certain age." Ain't that the truth? Presented by Opera House Theatre Co. and its newly formed Third Act Players, the "Showstoppers" revue will feature musical numbers, dance and more. Highlights are sure to include "Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago" and a fashion-show-style presentation of Madonna's hit "Vogue." Details: 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. $15, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org. [PHOTO COURTESY OF OPERA HOUSE]
Wilmington StarNews
Sunday: MST3 Live
If there's anything more fun than mocking bad movies with friends in the privacy of your own home, it might be listening to the professionals mock them live in front of hundreds of bad-movie fans. The live tour of cult TV show "Mystery Science Theater 3000" comes to Wilmington this weekend, with MST3 creator Joel Hodgson, recent host Jonah Ray, and robo-critics Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot serving up potshots at the unintentionally hilarious '80s martial arts flick "No Retreat, No Surrender." Starring the always-ridiculous Belgian Jean-Claude Van Damme as a Russian villain, it's about a hapless karate student (Kurt McKinney) who learns enough to defeat a man twice his size. Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the CFCC Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. $39-$69 plus taxes and fees. 910-362-7999 or CapeFearStage.com
Sunday: MST3 Live If there's anything more fun than mocking bad movies with friends in the privacy of your own home, it might be listening to the professionals mock them live in front of hundreds of bad-movie fans. The live tour of cult TV show "Mystery Science Theater 3000" comes to Wilmington this weekend, with MST3 creator Joel Hodgson, recent host Jonah Ray, and robo-critics Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot serving up potshots at the unintentionally hilarious '80s martial arts flick "No Retreat, No Surrender." Starring the always-ridiculous Belgian Jean-Claude Van Damme as a Russian villain, it's about a hapless karate student (Kurt McKinney) who learns enough to defeat a man twice his size. Details: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the CFCC Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. $39-$69 plus taxes and fees. 910-362-7999 or CapeFearStage.com
Wilmington StarNews
Saturday: Wilmington Oktoberfest
German food, big ol' mugs of beer and live music from the blaskapelle-loving Harbour Town Fest Band will be the order of the day at 18th annual Wilmington Oktoberfest features. More highly anticipated than any of those, however, might be the wiener dog races, which start at 4 p.m. Got a fast wiener dog? Registration starts at noon. Details: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Ogden Tap Room, 7324 Market St., Wilmington. Facebook.com/ILMOktoberfest. [STARNEWS FILE]
Saturday: Wilmington Oktoberfest German food, big ol' mugs of beer and live music from the blaskapelle-loving Harbour Town Fest Band will be the order of the day at 18th annual Wilmington Oktoberfest features. More highly anticipated than any of those, however, might be the wiener dog races, which start at 4 p.m. Got a fast wiener dog? Registration starts at noon. Details: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Ogden Tap Room, 7324 Market St., Wilmington. Facebook.com/ILMOktoberfest. [STARNEWS FILE]
Wilmington StarNews
Saturday & Sunday: N.C. Oyster Festival
It's Southeastern North Carolina's annual tribute to the beloved, delicious bivalve. Featured will be oyster-eating and -shucking contests; an oyster stew cook-off; arts and crafts vendors; and, of course, all the oysters you can eat. With a top-notch music lineup that includes beach bands Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot (2:30 p.m. Sunday), The Embers featuring Craig Woolard (11:30 a.m. Sunday), country singer Darrell Harwood (12:30 p.m. Saturday), R&B act Chocolate Chip & Company (3:30 p.m. Saturday) and Brunsco Battle of the Bands winner The Terry Douglas Band (9:30 a.m. Saturday). Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20, 3 W. Third St., Ocean Isle Beach. $5, free for ages 12 and under. 910-754-6644 or NCOysterFestival.com. [STARNEWS FILE]
Saturday & Sunday: N.C. Oyster Festival It's Southeastern North Carolina's annual tribute to the beloved, delicious bivalve. Featured will be oyster-eating and -shucking contests; an oyster stew cook-off; arts and crafts vendors; and, of course, all the oysters you can eat. With a top-notch music lineup that includes beach bands Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot (2:30 p.m. Sunday), The Embers featuring Craig Woolard (11:30 a.m. Sunday), country singer Darrell Harwood (12:30 p.m. Saturday), R&B act Chocolate Chip & Company (3:30 p.m. Saturday) and Brunsco Battle of the Bands winner The Terry Douglas Band (9:30 a.m. Saturday). Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 19 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20, 3 W. Third St., Ocean Isle Beach. $5, free for ages 12 and under. 910-754-6644 or NCOysterFestival.com. [STARNEWS FILE]
Wilmington StarNews